Post by WWE RAW on Apr 15, 2024 12:19:03 GMT -5
Monday Night RAW
April 15, 2024
Spectrum Center
Charlotte, North Carolina
As the opening video package ends, pyro explodes on the stage as the crowd in Charlotte, North Carolina is erupting in cheers. The cameras pan through the crowd, showing off various signs reading things like “Charlotte isn’t Swerve’s House!”, “Welcome to Flair Country!”, “Assassinate Me, Serena!” and more. After doing a pan of the Spectrum Center, 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: We’ve got plenty of roadblocks left to smash through on the way as we get closer though, Cole. A few of those are being settled tonight when we get match-ups like Jon Moxley versus Charlie Dempsey. A match which I’m particularly interested in because it’s going to be the fight of a lifetime between those two men.
MICHAEL COLE: Not to mention Jay White will be seeing action tonight, everyone has been dying to get their eyes on him again. He’s one of those people you hear murmurs about backstage as being at the top of their game. Dolph Ziggler better hope he’s on top of his game, because Jay White is coming to represent the Bullet Club Red.
WADE BARRETT: From the rumblings I’ve heard, Jay White is coming back in full force and ready to get back into contention for the WWE Championship. Diesel and Strickland had better watch out because once the dust settles after Backlash, they’ll be easy pickings for whoever is ready to step up. Christian Cage appears to be a man-on-a-mission as well hoping to secure himself a victory over Ethan Page tonight.
MICHAEL COLE: And you have to wonder how much more can All Ego Ethan Page take? It’s been quite the losing streak he’s on, a hard journey to get back into the mix for him. That support system around him crumbled and now that he’s on his own, this may be his last chance to prove himself.
WADE BARRETT: And in women’s action, Fallon Henley is also hoping to get a little taste of victory for herself, but going up against the freshly signed Jamie Hayter is going to be a challenge. We haven’t seen her yet in the WWE environment and she’s a potential threat for all the ladies in the division.
MICHAEL COLE: A real threat for anybody is Adam Page, he’s come in like a ball of fire and set the WWE Universe ablaze with his abilities. His challenge this week will be overcoming the efforts of Matt Sydal.
WADE BARRETT: Let’s not forget about our main event tag team action tonight either, the Young Bucks have been dying to get their hands on another shot at the WWE Tag Team Championships. Week after week they’ve been bothering Stephanie McMahon to give them the opportunity and now they’ve got a shot to impress her.
MICHAEL COLE: Undisputed Era is no joke though, Cole. Their run in NXT was nothing short of dominant as they took every championship in the men’s division. You have to imagine they will be looking to add those WWE Tag Team Championship to their own list of accolades. Well let’s not just talk about it, Wade, let’s see some action here tonight and this show on the road!
"Take Flight" hits the PA system, and instantly the audience changes their mood, erupting into boos as Logan Paul walks out onto the stage. The Intercontinental champion is wearing black jeans, a black crewneck t-shirt, and sunglasses. Of course, he has his championship belt around his waist, and he's grinning from ear to ear!
MICHAEL COLE:Oh, here we go, Wade. It looks like we're set to have another viral moment here tonight.
WADE BARRETT: Who knows what the champ has in store for us tonight?
SAMANTHA IRVIN:Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the WWE Intercontinental Champion, The Maverick, Looogaaan Paaauuul!
Logan has both arms out wide, and he scans the crowd while on his way to the ring. Some of the younger fans in the audience are reaching out to touch Paul; some of them are even holding out bottles of Prime.
MICHAEL COLE: It's no secret that this young man is incredibly talented and has proven to be a true WWE superstar.
WADE BARRETT: You never know what you're going to get with this superstar. One moment he's trash talking the audience, and they hate him, and then he's flying off of the top rope, and the crowd loves him.
Logan walks up the steel steps to the ringside apron, pausing as he laughs at the crowd that's booing him and enters the room as if unharmed. He enters the ring and slowly walks over to the other end of the ring and is handed a microphone by a ringside attendant. Logan slowly walks back to the middle of the ring, smiling and laughing. As his music fades out, he looks at the crowd with a stare, and then laughs and shakes his head while looking down at the ground.
LOGAN PAUL: WOOOO!
Logan mocks the crowd, and the audience floods the arena with boos. Logan laughs at the audience for being easily manipulated. It's clear Logan is mocking another superstar. Logan tries to imitate Ric Flair by slowly doing his signature strut in the middle of the ring.
LOGAN PAUL: I just want everyone to know, I have a lot of respect for your hometown hero, Ric Flair.
Just hearing the name "Ric Flair" is enough to get them to pop!
LOGAN PAUL: I just never knew what he saw in this dump.
WWE fans are on a rollercoaster at the moment. One minute, they’re excited because the Intercontinental Champion is talking about WWE legend Ric Flair, and now they’re upset to hear him talking trash about their city.
LOGAN PAUL: If I were him, I would have gotten into my limousine, and I would have driven far, far away, a long time ago. I think I understand how it goes, though. If I spent all my time here, then I would eventually go brain dead too, just like all of you!
Logan lowers the microphone from his lips and looks around, and we can tell that his uncontrollable smile and laughter has changed to a much more serious tone as he scans the crowd. The audience pours on boos and chants "Logan Sucks"
LOGAN PAUL: Shut up! Shut up! It's still my turn. Don't wait for a guy like Ric Flair to turn from statue to human being again, just to limp his way over to this ring, so you can have something to be happy about. Instead, appreciate a real superstar while you have one. Trust me, Charlotte...I'll make you viral!
The Charlotte crowd does not like Logan's taunting and boasting one bit and they show that by continuing to rain down boos on the champion.
LOGAN PAUL: You know, you're just like everyone in the locker room backstage. Thinking you know better, and that you're greater than you are. Ever since I put this belt on my waist, I've had a target on my back. Everyone looks at me like an opportunity to be in the spotlight. Yet, time and time again...I've proved everyone wrong. Every time I step in the ring with someone, I crush their dreams. Maybe it's time you start believing in Logan Paul after all! And another thing - -
We never get to find out what Logan Paul has to say next as the distinctive sound of "Worlds Apart" rips through the area, stopping Logan Paul in his tracks. Sami Zayn stomps on stage, but he isn't playing to the crowd. Instead, he's halfway down the ramp before the intro to his song is even finished, making a beeline for Paul!
The IC champ sees him coming and tries to take a swing at Sami as he comes into the ring, but Sami ducks the shot, rebounds off the ropes and Lou Thesz presses the social media star and starts raining down shots down on him! The crowd roars their approval as Sami does his Stone Cold Steve Austin impression, before Logan kicks Sami off, creating distance between them. Instead of fighting back, Logan elects to roll out of the ring, reeling in his title belt, and clutching it tightly to his chest as he backs up the ramp. The crowd boos at Paul's cowardness as Sami picks up Paul's mic from the mat.
SAMI ZAYN: Where ya going, Logan, huh?! I thought you wanted to fight!? I thought you were a Maverick?! I didn't see you running when you hit me from behind with brass knuckles last week. Last week, you came looking for a fight, and believe me, you’ve found it! You and me, Logan Paul, one-on-one at Backlash for the Intercontinental title. Let's see how tough you are when you're not taking cheap shots!
The crowd roars excitedly at this challenge as “World Apart” begins to play over the speakers again. Logan is still on the ramp with wide eyes, shaking his head “no” as Sami motions for him to get back in the ring with him. With a final shake of his head, Logan turns and bolts up the rest of the ramp to the backstage area.
MICHAEL COLE: What a way to kick off Monday Night RAW! Sami Zayn interrupted Logan Paul’s speech and has challenged him to a match at Backlash!
WADE BARRETT: It’s clear that he wants retribution for what Logan did to him last week, it doesn’t look like the champ was too eager to accept that challenge, though!
MICHAEL COLE: We’ll keep an eye on that to see how things develop, but it’s time for our first match of the night! Charlie Dempsey made an impressive debut last week against Ethan Page, and he’s looking to keep his momentum going when he goes up against the sadistic Jon Moxley!
"Wild Thing" by X begins and the crowd is going wild for Jon Moxley as he makes his way through the masses. Cracking his neck to both sides as he throws a few punches in the air, he makes his way down to the barricade and hops over it.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Making his way to the ring, The Death Rider, Jooon Moooxleeey!
MICHAEL COLE: After last week, you have to imagine that Mox is looking for some redemption. It was a tough loss to Matt Cardona but when I saw him earlier, he spoke like he was ready to win this fight.
WADE BARRETT: Not surprising, Moxley has always been a fighter and he won't stop until somebody puts him down. Charlie Dempsey is going to be as tough as they come though, he's young and hungry enough to want this for his own reasons.
MICHAEL COLE: I'm sure he would like to prove himself to his father as well. Regal was fired just last week, and you have to imagine Dempsey can't be happy about that.
"Crawl" by Def Rebel blares out over the P/A system of the arena as Charlie Dempsey comes to the top of the entrance ramp and pauses for a moment due to the mixed reaction of the crowd. Half a smirk appears on his face as he looks down the rampway at Jon Moxley in the center of the ring, and he puts his fists up as he taunts him as if ready for a fight.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, Charrrlieee Demmmpseeey!
WADE BARRETT: This is going to be an interesting bout between these two, Cole. Charlie Dempsey has been under the tutelage of his father for years, Moxley idolizes Regal and also sat down under that same learning tree to further his career with the brutality he brings to the ring.
MICHAEL COLE: William Regal is one of the toughest men I've ever met, these two aren't going to be gentle with one another. If one of these men are even left with an ounce of strength, the other will beat it out of him to win this match.
WADE BARRETT: It's going to be hard hitting for bloody sure, Cole.
SINGLES MATCH
Charlie Dempsey rushes down to the ring as Moxley comes out to meet him, but Mox is pulled off by his legs and lands hard on his back on the floor outside the ring. Dempsey kneels over him and leans down to lay in some hard elbow strikes but is quickly put on his back as Mox throws a few elbows of his own. Both men have smiles on their faces; Mox, however, slaps Dempsey hard across the face before headbutting him. Dempsey looks as though he's been sent for a loop but quickly shakes it off, headbutts back, and sends Moxley on his back again. Dempsey gives him one more elbow strike, but this time he puts all the force he can muster into it. He picks Moxley up by the hairs as he shoves him into the ring and slides in after him. Dempsey once again drives an elbow into the back of Moxley's head and neck before he traps the legs of Moxley between his own and locks in the Arm-Trap STF! Moxley screams in pain as Dempsey twists the hold violently, and immediately Moxley's hand comes down to tap out! Charlie Dempsey has made Jon Moxley tap!
WINNER
CHARLIE DEMPSEY
01:39 via SUBMISSSION
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, CHARRRLIEEE DEMMMPSEEEY!
Dempsey doesn't release the hold, and the referee tries to break it himself. He pries at the arms of Dempsey, but it just doesn't work. The referee begins to wave towards the back as a few referees have come down to help, but it's still to no avail. Moxley is knocked out in the hold, and as Dempsey feels it, he grins and finally releases the STF. Dempsey now commands the referee to raise his arm in victory as the crowd is deathly quiet at the brutality that just occurred.
WADE BARRETT: That is how you beat an opponent, Cole. Dempsey has no mercy; he's a fighter and he's proved that tonight in this match against Moxley!
MICHAEL COLE: We need some medics down here to check on Moxley. Dempsey isn't fazed by what he just did at all, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: William Regal didn't teach his son to be a pushover, Cole. He told Moxley he needed to watch out for his son, and now he knows why.
MICHAEL COLE: Let's just hope that Moxley is okay, that arm-trap STF looked brutal on his neck when Dempsey started twisting it.
As the officials check on Moxley, Dempsey looks down at the scene with a smirk, before going to the ropes and exiting the ring. He turns around and makes his way up the ramp backwards, continuing to smirk proudly at the scene he’s left behind him in the ring.
The cameras go backstage and the sound of high heels can be heard tapping along the floor of the hallway as the person in question is walking. The camera shows the shoes in question as it then pans up to show a woman, who is twirling the pink portion of her hair around her index finger. Halting in her tracks and lightly tilting her head to one side, she greets the camera with a smirk.
DAKOTA KAI: I'm Dakota Kai. I suppose this is the expected introduction. A new face shows up and talks about how great they are and they make all these big promises about what the fans can expect from them.
She states with a slight scoff at the end of that sentence.
DAKOTA KAI: Sure, this may not be the biggest possible impact I could have made but take a look at me. What you see is a legitimate threat to absolutely any other woman on this roster. At this point, none of you are safe and this...
She runs a hand partially down her body.
DAKOTA KAI: ...is the next big star of the WWE. I've had plenty of people look down on me and underestimate me in the past. I know what it's like to just be 'another name'. That's not going to be me this time. No. I've learned from the past and there is no way I'm going to be overlooked again. I've worked hard and I've paid my dues and I'll be damned if I don't stand out this time around. I am a star and that's about to become very clear to you all. I came here tonight to scope out the so-called 'competition' and even I'll admit, I'm impressed by what I've seen. Yeah, I can give credit where credit is due and all that.
Dakota rolls her eyes but in a somewhat playful manner as she opens her mouth slightly, pressing her tongue to her top front teeth briefly.
DAKOTA KAI: But prepare to have things well and truly shaken up...
With that, Dakota stares into the camera for a few moments before laughing and walking off.
We cut to another area of the backstage area where Cathy Kelley is waiting for her cue. She gets it and starts.
CATHY KELLEY: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, the WWE Women’s Champion and member of Bullet Club Red, Serena Deeb!
The in-arena crowd cheers as Deeb comes into frame. She’s got a serious and determined look on her face.
CATHY KELLEY: Serena, last week on RAW, we saw you get interrupted by Tiffany Stratton. Seems as though she’s made her intentions clear and had some choice words for you.
SERENA DEEB: She did. It’s nice to see a fire lit under her. Her words are just that though, Cathy. Words.
CATHY KELLEY: That is true, she seemed to be attacking your character and personality more than your in-ring skill it would seem.
Deeb chuckles.
SERENA DEEB: That’s because she knows she doesn’t have what it takes to hang with me in that ring so she attacks the one thing she has the advantage in when it comes to us. She definitely runs her mouth a lot more than I do. I let my actions do the speaking for me.
CATHY KELLEY: That being said, it was announced that you and Tiffany Stratton will go one on one at Backlash!
SERENA DEEB: I’m not gonna lie, I can’t wait for this match, Cathy. The women have really been put on a pedestal since the great reset. I know the kind of challenger Tiffany Stratton is and what she’s capable of doing in that ring. If she can focus, we can put on a hell of a match. That being said though, if she thinks she’s going to go toe to toe with the Assassin in that ring, then she can - -
She’s interrupted by a figure flying into the frame and taking her down from behind right at her knee. Cathy runs out of frame and it’s revealed that Tiffany Stratton is responsible for the attack! Stratton stands over Deeb who is holding and grabbing at her knee. Without the aid of a microphone, you can hear Stratton yelling at the downed champion.
TIFFANY STRATTON: You’re an assassin, champ? You’re the assassin?
Stratton starts kicking at Deeb’s leg again and Serena cries out in pain. Stratton steps out of frame and comes back in quickly with a steel chair in her hands!
MICHAEL COLE: What is Tiffany Stratton doing!?
WADE BARRETT: She’s got bad intentions in her eyes and her hands right now, Cole!
MICHAEL COLE: Someone get back there and help Deeb out! This is cruel!
Stratton holds the chair over her head and screams something inaudible at Deeb. She brings the steel chair down - THWACK - right across Serena Deeb’s knee! Then another big chair shot! That’s two huge chair shots right to Serena’s knee! She’s crying out in pain. Stratton holds the chair up over her head for a third strike with the chair when the backstage personnel and crew are there and grab Stratton and the chair and attempt to stop her.
WADE BARRETT: There we go, someone finally back there to help.
MICHAEL COLE: The damage is done though, Wade. Stratton did some massive damage to Deeb’s knee with that chair!
WADE BARRETT: She’s going to need some medical attention.
MICHAEL COLE: And there’s Jay White now to check in on his Bullet Club Red partner.
Jay White is in the backstage interview area now as Stratton has finally been restrained and the chair taken from her. She’s yelling at Cathy Kelley now.
TIFFANY STRATTON: Get over here Cathy! Get over here and interview me!
Cathy comes over with a disgusted look on her face and a microphone in hand.
CATHY KELLEY: Tiffany Stratton, what are you doing? This is a heinous and unneeded attack on our champion.
Stratton laughs.
TIFFANY STRATTON: Heinous and unneeded? Cathy, you would think an assassin would see an attack like this coming, right? It would seem like after that attack though, there’s a new assassin! An Assassin Barbie in the WWE and it’s me, Tiffany Stratton!
She holds her hands out to her side as Cathy shakes her head. The camera cuts over to Jay White checking on Deeb. Medical personnel has arrived and are checking on her as well. White and the medical team help Deeb up to her feet but she can’t put any weight on her leg. White ducks and puts his head under Deeb’s arm, helping the medical team take her to the exit where an ambulance waits.
MICHAEL COLE: It looks like Deeb is gonna be taken to a local medical facility after that attack.
WADE BARRETT: You can say hospital, that’s where she’s going.
MICHAEL COLE: Kudos to Jay White for being there to help Deeb.
WADE BARRETT: They say when you’re Bullet Club Red, you’re red til’ you’re dead.
MICHAEL COLE: Well that attack from Stratton may have done some serious damage to Deeb’s knee.
Jay White helps the medical team load Deeb into the ambulance and he takes a step back. He has his hands on his hips as Deeb stares out at him. Tears in her eyes and heavy breathing, the ambulance door closes and Jay White watches it pull off. He looks down at the ground and shakes his head before turning his attention back towards the arena. Right as he turns around, standing in front of him is Stephanie McMahon!
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Jay, that was very nice of you to help your friend get loaded into the ambulance.
Jay almost isn’t sure how to respond to that. Her tone seems serious but her words seem sarcastic. He chooses to just not reply at all, staring at Stephanie.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: As concerned as you are for your friend though, I think you need to be a little more concerned about your WWE career and especially your night tonight.
JAY WHITE: What are you going on about?
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: You’ve got a match coming up with Dolph Ziggler next. To say I’ve been less than impressed by both of you would be an understatement. The world talked about how great Jay White is and what a great ‘get’ he would be for WWE. I’ve yet to see any kind of return on that investment we put into you though.
Jay hangs his head in embarrassment and shame.
JAY WHITE: Is this about my inactivity?
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: And so much more, Jay. You and Dolph have both been disappointing. That’s why in your match up next, whoever loses is going to be fired.
Jay seems shocked by this revelation as Stephanie walks off, leaving him there.
MICHAEL COLE: Did you just hear that? The loser of our next match is fired, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: It seems as though Stephanie is putting her foot down with those she sees as a disappointment.
MICHAEL COLE: No way Jay White has been a disappointment, but he could be done! Either him or Dolph Ziggler is going to be fired after this and it’s coming up next!
Dolph Ziggler is already in the ring for this now high stakes matchup, bouncing up and down on his feet as he waits for Jay White to come out. He doesn’t have to wait long as “Switchblade” by NJPW begins to play and the crowd goes insane with cheers as “Switchblade” Jay White comes out to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a solemn expression, White lets out a heavy sigh before making his way down the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and per orders of Stephanie McMahon, the loser will leave the WWE! Already in the ring, The Showoff, Dooolph Ziiiglerrr! And his opponent, making his way to the ring, representing Bullet Club Red, Switchblade Jaaay Whiiite!
MICHAEL COLE: Jay White has to have a lot on his mind right now, Wade. First his best friend gets assaulted by Tiffany Stratton and now his career is on the line in this match!
WADE BARRETT: Well he better get present and focused on this challenge against Ziggler, otherwise he’ll be the one packing his bags!
White gets to the bottom of the ramp, looks at Ziggler and lets out another heavy sigh. Shaking his head, he walks over to the steel steps and walks up to the apron, entering the ring and taking off his jacket as he hands it off to the ringside attendant. As his music fades out, he looks at Dolph Ziggler who is bouncing on his feet impatiently, looking like a cobra ready to strike.
SINGLES MATCH
The bell rings and Ziggler charges at White, looking to hit a clothesline, but Switchblade immediately ducks the attempt, and takes Ziggler down with a slingblade! The crowd is going crazy as White gets back up to his feet, reaches down and grabs Ziggler by the hair and lifts him up before bending him back and then driving him to the mat with the BLADERUNNER!
MICHAEL COLE: Oh my God, Jay White has already hit the Bladerunner! This could be it, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: This might be one of the quickest matches in the history of Monday Night RAW!
With Ziggler out on the canvas, White goes for the cover and hooks the leg, 1…2…3! Jay White wins!
WINNER
JAY WHITE
00:35 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, Switchblade JAAAY WHIIITE!
MICHAEL COLE: I’m in shock, Wade! Jay White made quick work out of Dolph Ziggler, and now Ziggler is fired!
WADE BARRETT: It just goes to show that when the stakes are high, Jay White is able to remind everyone of just why he was signed to WWE in the first place! Hopefully this motivates him to keep showing the WWE Universe what he’s capable of!
”Switchblade” begins to play again and the crowd is going crazy for Jay White’s victory as he stands up and the referee raises his hand in the air. As the referee lets go to check on Dolph Ziggler, White points to the crowd and mouths “thank you” to them, obviously grateful for their support. Quickly, he turns and exits the ring, taking a moment to slap a few outstretched hands of the fans before heading up the ramp to the back, eager to get to the medical facility to check on Serena Deeb.
Backstage at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, we find Lance Storm pacing in front of his locker room door. As he notices the cameras, he stops pacing and turns to face the camera directly.
LANCE STORM: Things didn’t go The Thrillseeker’s way last week, and I can’t count the number of times people have come up to me questioning my career on two hands. Logan Paul proved that this era of WWE superstars are fast, exciting and a tough challenge - - but I’m here to tell you that I’m not giving up anytime soon. You see, careers aren’t often made in a night and despite what everyone is saying, my career isn’t going to be broken in a night either.
Storm pauses, letting that sink in for a moment.
LANCE STORM: Do you honestly believe I’m going to give Logan Paul the privilege of being the one to send Lance Storm back to retirement? I don’t think so. There isn’t a man on this roster capable of deterring me from my goal of getting back to the top of the sport of professional wrestling. Not Logan Paul, not any of these other up and coming superstars of the new era and not any of the veterans who have returned to the roster.
He begins pacing again but after a few moments he stops again, continuing to address the camera.
LANCE STORM: My skills in a wrestling ring transfer to any era of this sport, and I'm going to prove that. Stay tuned.
The cameras now go to a different area where we see the ever-familiar sight of Becky Lynch walking backstage, her flaming red hair bouncing behind her and her glittering title belt wrapped proudly around her shoulder; a pop can be heard echoing from the live crowd as Becky nods at a few of the backstage workers, as she makes her way into the catering area and walks over to the cooler that’s set up on a table and she grabs the one last remaining bottle of water, bouncing it up and down in her hand, before feeling a finger touch her shoulder, she turns on her heel and raises an eyebrow at what she sees in front of her. It’s none other than Chelsea Green, who looks at her with an irritated expression.
CHELSEA GREEN: Um, excuse me, what do you think you’re doing?
Becky's eyebrow only rises further up her pale features at the rhetorical question. She’s clearly already annoyed by Chelsea Green's mere presence, even though she has not said anything yet. Calmly, she adjusts the title on her shoulder and rocks back on her heels.
BECKY LYNCH: Like...Right now? Right this second? Well, right now, I'm wondering if I should cut to the chase, save us both the hassle, and slap the taste out of your mouth for whatever you're about to tell me.
Chelsea scoffs and rolls her eyes.
CHELSEA GREEN: Puhleaze. You won’t lay a finger on me. Because if you do, my best friend will end your career faster than you can say “boo”.
BECKY LYNCH: Oh wow, you got a friend huh? Y'know that actually does scare me, because anyone that actively enjoys hanging out with you must be a real sadist, unless you're talking about your....what's the word....Hoeski?
CHELSEA GREEN: You are so lame. For your information, my bestie just so happens to be Stephanie McMahon. You know…our boss? It’s even on my shirt, see?
Chelsea gestures to her shirt, which shows a clearly photoshopped image of Chelsea and Stephanie McMahon together, with a heart framing around them. Underneath the heart, “BFFs” is written in fancy font. With a proud smile, Chelsea now crosses her arms in front of her.
CHELSEA GREEN: So as I was saying, you may want to think twice before laying a hand on me. Just like you may want to think twice about taking that water. I was just coming in here to get water for Steph, and since it’s the last one you should really just hand it over so I can give it to her.
It's almost like Becky is just noticing the shirt now. She seems to almost ignore Chelsea's words, as she’s’ caught in some mesmerized horror-fueled trance by how ridiculous the shirt Chelsea is currently wearing is. Despite herself, Becky sighs and creeks her neck side to side as she speaks again.
BECKY LYNCH: Y'know Chelsea, I got to give it to you. I'm over here, poking fun at you, being a smart alec...but you know what I think? I think you know exactly what you're doing, playing the political game. Throwing your lot in with Steph. It's smart, I'll give you that. And hey, you got a title shot out of it, and all you had to do was suck up to the most ego-driven woman ever to work in this business...but you got a shot....but come Backlash? You're not going to like where sucking up got you...but hey, if you want water - -
In one fluid motion, Becky unscrews the bottle of water, and a jet of water shoots out of the bottle, hitting Chelsea in the face and, to her horror, in the middle of her shirt as well, which doesn’t go unnoticed by The Man.
BECKY LYNCH: You know something? I think I improved it.
As Chelsea shrieks and gasps in shock, Becky smirks.
BECKY LYNCH:Tell Steph I said hi…
With that, Becky turns and leaves the soaked Chelsea standing there as the cameras go back to ringside.
MICHAEL COLE: That was quite the exchange between Becky Lynch and Chelsea Green. I have a feeling that what Becky just did is not going to go over too well, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: As it shouldn’t! That was a barbaric display from the Women’s intercontinental Champion, Becky Lynch should be ashamed of herself!
MICHAEL COLE: Something tells me she’s not ashamed in the slightest, Wade, but it’ll be interesting to see what happens when these two go at it in just thirteen days at Backlash! But now we need to move on to our next match, which will see Ethan Page take on The Patriarch Christian Cage! Ethan Page hasn’t had the best of luck lately, but we’ll see if he can turn things around tonight!
"Take Over" plays over the arena's P/A system as Christian Cage walks onto the stage with an aggravated expression on his face. As he looks to the right and left at the fans in attendance, he just shakes his head as they boo loudly for his appearance.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, making his way to the ring, he is the leader of The Patriarchy, Chriiistian Caaage!
WADE BARRETT: These people are so disrespectful, Cole. Christian Cage tries to give them a male figure they can look up to for once in their life, a man that has been as successful in life as him and they still boo him.
MICHAEL COLE: It could have to do with the fact that he's despicable, he's been nothing but rude since he stepped back through the doors into the WWE.
WADE BARRETT: Rude? He's just doing his job, educating these people and superstars what it takes to be a proper role model for the younger generation.
As Christian rounds the corner from the ramp and ascends the steel steps, he waves off a fan who shouts obscenities at him, steps through the ropes, and ascends the turnbuckle corner as he puts a hand over his eyes to scan the crowd before he smirks and hops off to prepare himself for the match.
MICHAEL COLE: I wouldn't call him a role model, Wade, he's clearly delusional if he believes indoctrinating people is going to better them in any way.
WADE BARRETT: What are you talking about? Haven't you watched Heat? The man has been taking the two men in his charge and making names for them every week on that show, he's clearly building them up to be a dominant force of their own. Sounds like a better option to me than what they had before him, which was not doing much of anything at all.
"All Ego" by Hot Tag Media Works blasts over the P/A system as Ethan Page makes his way onto the stage and throws his arms out, and he unzips his jacket as the crowd shows their disdain for him.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, All Ego, Ethaaan Paaage!
MICHAEL COLE: The crowd certainly doesn't seem to like either of these men. I have to say, I agree with their assessments of both men.
WADE BARRETT: Not their fault the crowd clearly has no taste, both of these men are capable athletes in their own right.
MICHAEL COLE: I didn't say they were bad athletes; I just think they rub people the wrong way.
A grin spreads across Ethan Page’s face as he makes his walk down to the ring. A couple fans are holding their hands out, but he purposely avoids them as if they've got the plague. As he makes his way up the stairs, he takes off his jacket and puts it down on the corner of the ring.
SINGLES MATCH
Christian isn't waiting, however, as he nails a forearm strike that knocks Ethan Page off the apron to the floor. Stepping between the ropes as he taps the side of his head to say that's lesson number one for tonight. Grabbing the back of Ethan Page's neck, he drags him to the stairs and bounces his head off them, before rolling him under the ropes and into the ring. As he slides into the ring, he can't help but grin as he stands up, turns around, and wipes his feet towards Page's direction.
MICHAEL COLE: That's just disrespectful!
WADE BARRETT: Christian is not out here to play, Cole. He wants to put his name on the map, and into a position where he can get his hands on some gold.
MICHAEL COLE: I certainly hope somebody can stop him from doing that, he's a little too high on himself if you ask me.
Christian taunts the crowd for a moment and gets rolled up for his efforts as the referee makes the count, 1…2...! NO! Christian scrambles to his feet as Ethan Page jumps onto the second rope and spins around to come off with a diving shoulder tackle that floors Christian. Running off the ropes, Ethan comes back and nails a pump kick that floors Christian Cage. The crowd is actually behind Page as he picks Christian up from the mat and whips him into the ropes and nails a sitout spinebuster before making another pinfall, 1...2...THRE-! NO! Christian just gets the shoulder up at the last moment as Ethan Page pokes the referee in the chest when he gets up and complains about the slow count.
WADE BARRETT: Ethan Page clearly doesn't like the disrespect either, Cole!
MICHAEL COLE: He’s beating the absolute snot out of Christian here, and I couldn't be happier!
Christian is slow to get up as Ethan grabs him in a rage and lifts him up in the crucifix position. Christian, however, is wiggling intensely before managing to drop down and hook the arms. He flips Page over and around to nail a KILLSWITCH! Both men are down on the canvas as the referee checks both men to see if they can continue. Christian crawls towards the corner and he hoists himself up as Ethan finally stirs on the canvas himself. Christian crouches in the corner as he motions for Ethan to get up to his feet, Page stumbles as he finally does and turns around to get nailed by a SPEAR! Christian now picks him up again as he hooks the arms, spins him around and nails a second KILLSWITCH! The legs are hooked as Christian pulls back harder to gain even more leverage to keep him down this time, 1...2...3! Christian Cage with an impressive victory!
WINNER
CHRISTIAN CAGE
4:35 via PINFALL
WADE BARRETT: CHRISTIAN CAGE HAS DONE IT!
MICHAEL COLE: That was a quick turnaround, but Christian needed that sort of speedy reaction to take this one home!
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, CHRIIISTIIIAN CAAAGEEE!
Christian Cage has his arm raised by the referee, but he pulls his arm away as he rears back and the referee flinches for an attack that doesn't come. Christian just grins as he gets out of the ring and slaps his chest in celebration before kissing the tips of his fingers and pointing out to the crowd who boo him even louder on his exit than they did on his entrance.
WADE BARRETT: Well he may not have made any friends tonight, Cole, but he did put another tally in the win section.
MICHAEL COLE: As despicable as he is, it was an impressive showing from Christian Cage tonight.
WADE BARRETT: One could say they could learn something from such a professional, couldn't they, Cole?
MICHAEL COLE: I really don't like you sometimes, Wade.
As Christian goes to the back, Ethan Page is finally stirring after being knocked out by that second Killswitch. As he realizes what’s happened yet again, he lets out an enraged yell. Grabbing the referee by his shirt, All Ego yells that he’s sick of the shoddy officiating around here and throws the referee to the mat in a rage. Looking out at the crowd who’s now booing him relentlessly, Page let’s out another roar of anger before leaping out of the ring and charging up the ramp to the back as the cameras fade out to commercial.
Tune in next week to see what happens on the final stop on the road to Backlash!
