Post by WWE PLE on May 26, 2024 19:40:36 GMT -5
Unforgiven
May 26, 2024
Resch Center
Green Bay, Wisconsin
As the opening video package ends, pyro explodes on the stage as the crowd in Green Bay, Wisconsin is erupting in cheers. The cameras pan through the crowd, showing off various signs reading things like “Bring back Punk!”, “I Came to See Swerve Eat a Big Boot!”, “Hayters Gonna Hayte!” and more. After doing a pan of the Resch Center, the cameras settle in on the commentary table where we see the team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett.
MICHAEL COLE: Ladies and gentlemen, we are LIVE from the Resch Center for our third Premium Live Event of the new era! Welcome to Unforgiven!
WADE BARRETT: And there’s plenty of male and female superstars that won’t be forgiven tonight for the things they do both inside and outside of the ring I’m sure, Cole.
MICHAEL COLE: It’s certain to be a tumultuous event with a lot of rivals coming head to head to compete for the biggest prizes the business has to offer!
WADE BARRETT: There’s also quite a few battling tonight just to prove they are the better competitor here tonight. Maxwell Jacob Friedman and Jay White don’t have anything on the line except for their pride at being able to be called the better man after they are done tonight.
MICHAEL COLE: Jay has gotten on the wrong side of both Co-Owners and tonight he’s paying the price for it. I’m not sure I would want to be in the situation he’s put himself into tonight, Wade.
WADE BARRETT: Me either, Cole, and that’s because even if he does manage to win he’s still got two people running things that still aren’t going to be very happy with him.
MICHAEL COLE: I’ll tell you who really isn’t happy right now and that’s Alexa Bliss. The Unholy Union has been playing these mind games with Liv 4 Brutality and Alexa Bliss has gotten caught somewhere in the middle. This triple threat match might not even be enough to solve the issues between the ladies involved in it.
WADE BARRETT: I certainly wouldn’t want to be on the bad side of any of the ladies in that match. Alexa is only one manic episode away from going psychotic, Rhea is a force to be reckoned with, and quite frankly Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn are never without one another. They could very easily be scheming something for this triple threat that they’re opponents won’t be expecting.
MICHAEL COLE: I’ll tell you where the scheming comes in, and that’s during our main event with Diesel and Strickland. Mogul Embassy aren’t just going to sit back and let their leader deal with this by himself. Diesel however has the back-up of longtime friend Shawn Michaels.
WADE BARRETT: The real question is; will one man be enough back-up to stop what happened last time from happening again? Backlash didn’t go Diesel’s way and I’m thinking Unforgiven isn’t going to be any better.
MICHAEL COLE: I think you’re wrong, just like your opinion on Christian Cage is wrong. The man snaked his way into a WWE Intercontinental Championship match but is he ready for Zayn?
WADE BARRETT: Christian is more than ready for this opportunity, all he’s talked about since coming back to the WWE is an opportunity just like this one. If you think he’s going to let the gold get away from him you are obviously jaded by your hatred of him.
MICHAEL COLE: Sami isn’t going to be easy to get one over on, he’s been through the ringer and he still hasn’t quit. The man isn’t easy to put down and Christian is going to find that out.
WADE BARRETT: Our WWE Women’s Champion isn’t easy to put down either, but Dakota has done a hell of a job weakening her leading up to Unforgiven. Do you think Dakota doesn’t stand a chance either?
MICHAEL COLE: Anything could happen, Wade, you know that just as well as I do. Dakota has been determined to prove she has what it takes, but Deeb is just as ready to cement herself as the one to beat in the division. She didn’t win the WWE Women’s Championship just by showing up, she fought and clawed her way to earning it. I think it’s going to be a hell of a battle, but I’m not sure I could say either way between those two.
WADE BARRETT: So I suppose you don’t know who is going to walk out as the Intercontinental Champion between Becky Lynch and Jamie Hayter either?
MICHAEL COLE: Well, no, both women have been fired up lately. Becky is as tough as they come and Jamie is prepared to show Becky she’s not as tough as she thinks. Both women don’t want to give an inch to the other, so I’d imagine it’s going to be too close as well.
WADE BARRETT: Well, I for one can confidently say that at the very least we’ll have some hard-hitting action that promises all of the WWE Universe a great time. Let’s not wait any longer, I think it’s about time we got this show rolling!
MICHAEL COLE: Sounds like a plan to me, Wade! The past few weeks have seen a lot of mind games going on in the women’s locker room. The Unholy Union has been trying to get in everyone’s heads, and doing a pretty good job of it.
WADE BARRETT: It seems like they’ve gotten what they wanted, Cole, if not quite how they wanted it!
MICHAEL COLE: Well it’s all going to come to a head now as we kick off Unforgiven with a grudge match to end all grudge matches, Alba Fyre is going up against not just Alexa Bliss, but Rhea Ripley in a triple threat match!
The opening line to “Demon in Your Dreams” screams through the speakers, and the crowd cheers as Rhea Ripley emerges from the backstage. Her eyes are hard as stone as she scans the crowd, her focus set firmly on the match in front of here.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following triple threat match is scheduled for one fall! Making her way to the ring, The Eradicator, Rhea Ripley!
MICHAEL COLE: I don’t envy Rhea’s two opponents here tonight, Wade. That’s the look of a woman who wants to hurt somebody!
WADE BARRETT: I’ll never fault Rhea for her toughness, but you have to remember that this is a triple threat match. There’s no disqualifications, and if you let yourself get too focused on the person in front of you, the other’s going to take you out!
Rhea begins her saunter down towards the ring, but there’s less swagger in her step, and her body language is more tense. She climbs the stairs and steps into the ring, pacing about like a caged animal that’s ready to strike. She stops as “Fight Me” by Def Rebel begins to play, and the crowd erupts once more. Alexa Bliss strides out, flashing her skeleton gloves to the camera and wearing her usual cocky grin. But there’s a hint of unease about her, a discomfort to her stance.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her first opponent, Five Feet of Fury, Alexa Bliss!
MICHAEL COLE: Alexa Bliss might have some experience with spooky opponents in the past, but I wonder if that’s a path she’s wanting to go down here tonight!
WADE BARRETT: When you’re fighting off the witches, Cole, maybe a bit of help from a Goddess is all you need!
Alexa begins her walk down the ramp and up the stairs. She seems to relax a little as she gets to the stairs, and by the time she’s inside the ring and climbing the ringpost, she seems a little more like her old self. Finally as she climbs down, the lights go low, and “Unholy Union” begins to play. Alexa and Rhea stare daggers up at the stage as Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn emerge. Smoke pours from across the stage, reflecting some of the lights like a deathly fog. Alba looks out to the crowd, the bat resting over her shoulder, before her eyes focus on the arena, and a half-smile curls her lips.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And finally, accompanied to the ring by Isla Dawn. She is one-half of The Unholy Union…Alba Fyre!
MICHAEL COLE: It looks like Alba brought some backup!
WADE BARRETT: I’m not surprised at all. Both women are itching to get their hands on her, it makes sense she’d try and even up the playing field.
The two women stroll down the ramp towards the stairs. Alba goes to climb, but the official directs her to leave the bat. For a moment, it looks like she’s going to argue, but finally she shrugs and hands the bat off to Dawn, along with her coat, before stepping into the ring.
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
The past few weeks have seen the Unholy Union embroiled in trouble with Rhea Ripley and Alexa Bliss, and for the first time they’re able to actually repay her in kind. The bell rings and both women surge forward and knock the Scottish witch down with a double high-low shoulder check. Fyre lands hard, but Bliss and Ripley pull her up to the feet, and Irish whip her into the corner. The two share a look and a comment, and Alexa gives Rhea a “no, you first, I insist!” gesture towards her stunned opponent. Rhea nods and takes off running - - and clubs Fyre across her back and shoulders with her forearm! Fyre arches in pain and half-falls, half-turns into a seating position, but here comes Bliss with a flying hip attack!
WADE BARRETT: Alba Fyre is getting beaten down here tonight!
MICHAEL COLE: That’s the problem when you target everyone in the locker room! They all want a shot at you, even if they have to take turns!
Alba Fyre lays on the mat clutching her face and rolling in agony, and Alexa sees her moment. She places a foot on the turnbuckle and begins to climb up to the top rope. She turns carefully and braces herself, looking for Twisted Bliss! But just as she leaps from the turnbuckle, Fyre rolls from the ring - - Rhea catches her! Rhea catches Alexa! The Nightmare carries the little woman into the center of the ring, only to fall back and fallaway slam Alexa across to the other side! Bliss looks stunned! Rhea grabs her arm and throws her into an Irish whip off the opposite rope, only to pick up the Five Feet of Fury - - over-the-shoulder facebuster!
Rhea’s on her feet and she’s playing to the crowd over the fallen Alexa - - here comes Fyre! She goes for the Stunner - - no! Rhea shoves her off, but Fyre manages to grab the hand and…superkick! The crowd jeers as the Nightmare gets staggered. It’s only for a minute, but that’s all that the Hardcore Daredevil needs as she grabs Rhea and pulls her into an underhook facebuster of her own. Fyre goes for the cover, 1…2…No! Alexa breaks it up!
MICHAEL COLE: Alexa saved it right there!
WADE BARRETT: That’s the hard part about a triple threat. Right when you have someone right where you want them, the other person comes to knock your head off!
Alexa drags Fyre to her feet and goes for the haymaker she calls the Goddess Right, but Fyre manages to catch the shot, and the two women trade blows back and forth! Alexa staggers for a second, and Fyre grabs her hand for an Irish Whip into the corner. Alexa hits the corner, and Fyre is charging in behind her - - Alexa jumps to the middle ropes and leapfrogs over Fyre! She clubs the Glasgow native with a forearm, then another, before grabbing her and throwing her sprawling across the ring. The official checks on her while Alexa begins to climb the ropes once more - - only to stop as Isla Dawn shouts to her! The two women exchange words, until Dawn sweeps Alexa’s foot from under her! Alexa smashes her face on the top turnbuckle!
Little Miss Bliss rolls on the ground, clutching her nose while the crowd boos the Unholy Union, and they seem to be loving it. Fyre grabs Bliss from behind and heaves her up with a German suplex, driving her into the mat. Alexa now clutches at her back and goes to roll out of the ring, but Fyre grabs her arm and holds it in place! With her right hand on Bliss’s wrist, Fyre drives her elbow into the fallen woman’s shoulder, again and again. Bliss cries out in pain, but Alba’s grip is like iron.
MICHAEL COLE: Nasty elbows from Fyre! Those might have fractured a bone, or dislocated her shoulder!
WADE BARRETT: Take it from someone who’s been on the receiving end of those, Cole; Alexa’s going to have trouble using that arm for the rest of the night, and the only thing that shoulder’s feeling is pure fire!
After two more blows, she finally releases the arm. Bliss writhes in pain and rolls towards the ropes as Fyre rises to her feet, only to arch her back as the Glasgow native plants her foot directly into her spine. The witchy woman shoves Bliss through the ropes, who collapses into a heap beside the ring clutching her arm. Fyre turns - - straight into a big boot from Rhea Ripley! The Nightmare unleashes a combo on her opponent’s midsection, finishing with an elbow that catches her in the shoulder. Fyre staggers out into the middle of the ring and collapses, but Rhea’s hot on her heels with the cover! 1…2…kick Out at 2!
Rhea can’t believe it, what is she going to have to do to put Fyre away?! She grabs the Scot and drags her to her feet, only to turn her around and hook her arms and legs together for a full-nelson facebuster! She goes for another pin! 1..2..3?! NO! Alexa breaks the cover at 2.99 with an ax-handle slam! The Columbus native grabs Rhea and whips her into the ropes. The Nightmare catches herself on the ropes, only to get dropkicked over the top!
Alexa looks between the fallen Rhea, and Fyre who still hasn’t managed to get to her feet, and slips out of the ring. She digs under the apron, and pulls out a folding table!
MICHAEL COLE: As a reminder to everyone, triple threat matches are no disqualification, but I’m not sure this is a good idea. Alexa only just got medically cleared!
WADE BARRETT: Sometimes when you want glory, you’ve got to put everything on the line!
Alexa shoves the table into the ring and rolls back in. She gives Fyre a stomp before she drags the table into position and begins to set it up. She takes a moment to admire her handiwork before turning around - - and into a rollup! Fyre has her shoulders down as she makes the pin! 1…2…broken up by Rhea! Rhea grabs Fyre and lifts her up into a gorilla press position - - and throws her over the top rope! The Eradicator turns and grabs Bliss and delivers an elbow to that injured shoulder! Another! Bliss tries to break from her grasp, but eats a knee to the midsection! Bliss half-falls, only to eat another clubbing blow to the back of her shoulders! Alexa is half-limp as Rhea hefts her up and onto the table, before making her way to the turnbuckle.
MICHAEL COLE: Rhea’s going high-risk!
WADE BARRETT: Big risks could mean big rewards!
Rhea bends her knees to jump - - suddenly, the lights go out! There’s pandemonium in the arena, and nobody can see anything for several seconds until they come back on. Rhea looks around in confusion, searching for Fyre and Isla, until her eyes settle on Alexa, and Lilly the doll sitting on her stomach! She’s caught off guard as Alexa starts to stir, feeling her surroundings, until her hand lands on the doll. She sits up slowly, her eyes wide as they land on Lilly’s, looking directly into those eyes. She lets out a shattering scream, and falls sideways off the table, sending Lilly cascading to the floor. She watches Rhea hop down from the top ropes and look down at the fallen doll. She’s begging Rhea not to touch it, even flinches when Rhea puts her hand on it. Rhea looks at her and says “This?! You’re scared of this?” before taking a few steps back…and kicking it out of the ring! The crowd roars their approval, and Alexa just blinks for a moment, shocked. As Rhea approaches her, though, her eyes harden.
Rhea gets close and leans down to grab her - - and eats a right hand from the Goddess! Rhea’s caught off guard and she stumbles, but Bliss pursues, launching into a combination of blows that leave Rhea on her knees and stunned. Bliss backs up to give herself some space, only to roll forward into a cartwheel neckbreaker! Rhea’s flat on her back as Alexa delivers several crushing forearm chest strikes to the fallen Nightmare!
Bliss rises to her feet, her hair wild and her eyes a little manic as she scans the ring. She notices the table and drags it closer to the corner. Alexa then drags Rhea to her feet, dragging her over onto the table. She looks at the turnbuckle and the crowd goes wild!
MICHAEL COLE: Alexa’s ready to end it here!
Bliss climbs to the top rope and braces herself for the jump - - Isla Dawn is on the apron! Bliss notices and jumps down to avoid the interference. She rolls with the long distance jump and comes to her feet - - into a Superkick from Fyre! Alexa’s out cold on her feet! Fyre knees her in the stomach and draws her into a powerbomb position, before turning and lifting her onto her shoulders… Gory Bomb through the table! She drops onto Alexa for the cover. 1…2…3!
WINNER
ALBA FYRE
08:03 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, The Hardcore Daredevil, ALBAAA FYYYRE!
WADE BARRETT: What incredible offense from Alexa, but in the end she was too laser-focused on Rhea to scrape up the win!
The WWE Universe is out in full force at the Resch Center in Green Bay Wisconsin, enjoying the Unforgiven Premium Live Event. The camera pans the crowd from right to left and after a moment or two going left, it immediately goes back right and settles on the front row of the arena.
WADE BARRETT: Wait just a minute, is that...
MICHAEL COLE: CM Punk and Stevie Richards!
WADE BARRETT: What are those two ingrates doing here?
MICHAEL COLE: Folks, The Best Tag Team in the World is here live, amongst the WWE Universe, taking in the Premium Live Event from the front row!
WADE BARRETT: These two numbskulls were banned last week, they have no right to be here!
MICHAEL COLE: Hey Wade, you can’t stop them from buying a ticket to the event!
WADE BARRETT: This is a travesty, they shouldn’t have been allowed in the arena!
The fans sitting around TBTTITW are all over Punk and Richards, shaking their hands and asking for autographs. The duo signs a few autographs, and they look like they’re enjoying every minute of crashing the Premium Live Event.
WADE BARRETT: This is a mess! These fans aren’t even paying attention to the show, they’re too busy hamming it up with Punk and Richards.
MICHAEL COLE: What can I say, Wade, the people love The Best Tag Team in the World!
WADE BARRETT: I thought the WWE Universe was smarter than this.
CM Punk stands up from his seat in the front row and takes a bow towards the ring, then turns around and takes a bow to the crowd and the fans absolutely love it. Punk points towards Stevie, who gets up and turns to the crowd, waving his hand. Half the arena breaks out in a “C-M-PUNK” chant, while the other half breaks out in a “STE-VIE RICH-ARDS” chant.
MICHAEL COLE: Hah! Green Bay is The Best Tag Team in the World territory!
WADE BARRETT: I’ve never been more disgusted in the WWE Universe. These two should be ejected immediately!
MICHAEL COLE: Good luck getting through these people, Wade!
The cameras now go to a dimly lit backstage area of the arena. The hum of activity is distant, almost drowned out by Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” playing softly in the background. Vampiro stands alone, his face painted but worn, his eyes reflecting a lifetime of battles and regrets. He opens his mouth to speak, his voice low, gravelly, and filled with emotion.
VAMPIRO: I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel. The pain reminds me...I’m alive. Barely.
He looks around the sterile, cold surroundings of the backstage area, memories of past glories and failures weighing heavily on him.
Vampiro: Every scar, every drop of blood, every tear shed in that ring...they say they want more from me. More violence, more chaos. Be careful what you wish for.
He steps closer to the camera, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity.
VAMPIRO: That loss to Graves, it didn’t break me. It freed me. It unleashed the darkness I tried so hard to cage. You wanted more, WWE? Now you’re going to get it.
The music swells, and he takes a moment, almost lost in thought, before his face hardens with resolve.
VAMPIRO: I'm officially announcing my intentions of entering Money in the Bank. Not for glory, not for fame. But to show the world that the darkness isn’t a weakness, it’s my strength.
He pauses, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air.
VAMPIRO: You wanted more from Vampiro? Well, now you’ll see what true darkness looks like. Welcome to the nightmare.
As Johnny Cash’s voice echoes through the backstage area, Vampiro steps back, the flickering light casting long shadows as the cameras go back to ringside.
MICHAEL COLE: Vampiro will be taking part in the qualification matches for the Men's Money in the Bank match. What do you think of that, Wade?
WADE BARRETT: I think it got a whole lot more violent, for one thing. Vampiro is a man who clearly has nothing but ill intentions on his mind for anybody in the ring with him.
MICHAEL COLE: Graves may have lit a fire under him, but I don't know if that bodes well for Graves if those two cross paths again.
WADE BARRETT: Well, if both of those men manage to qualify, they could very well cross paths when it comes to trying to get that grand prize of a briefcase at our next Premium Live Event!
MICHAEL COLE: Let's hope, for Graves’ sake, that he's ready for it!
"Teenage Nosferatu Pussy" by Rob Zombie blares over the P/A system of the arena, as strutting and shimmying her way out is none other than Jamie Hayter. She holds out the flaps of her fur jacket as she reveals the shining silver ring gear underneath to tease the crowd.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship, making her way to the ring first, she is the challenger, Jaaamiiie Haaayyyterrr!
As she makes her way down the ramp with a strut and shimmy to her step, she closes up her fur jacket as she waves a finger at the fans as if to say no close-up show for them. Skipping her way almost for the last few steps to the ring stairs, she ascends them and practically glides to the center of the apron before teasing the fans with the edge of the fur jacket again before waving her finger back and forth again as she laughs and enters the ring. Hayter pulls off her coat as she blindly tosses it out of the ring, and a ringside attendant rushes to catch it for her.
WADE BARRETT: You know, Cole, I think a lot of people might Hayter, but I certainly don't.
MICHAEL COLE: Wade, never again.
WADE BARRETT: What? I thought it was pretty clever if I do say so myself.
"Celtic Invasion" by CFO$ plays loudly for the WWE Universe in attendance as they practically erupt out of their seats in support of "The Man." Becky Lynch marches her way to the top of the stage as she waits for a moment before her pyro kicks off, and she raises her Intercontinental Championship proudly for the fans, smoke lingering around her as she lets it all soak in.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her opponent, now making her way to the ring, she is the WWE Women's Intercontinental Champion, The Man; Beckyyy Lyyynch!
MICHAEL COLE: Becky isn’t afraid of a challenge, even if Jamie Hayter has been a step or two ahead for most of their encounters.
WADE BARRETT: Hayter’s job tonight is to stay ahead by capturing the Intercontinental Championship from Becky. The only question is will she be able to step up and do it?
A look of determination comes over her face as she begins her trek down to the ring with purpose. She slaps a few of the fans on the hand in attendance along the way before she points at Jamie Hayter in the ring. The two begin a verbal back and forth as the referee forces himself between the two as Becky enters the ring. Becky makes her way to the turnbuckle corner, and as she steps up, she pats the title on her shoulder. Hyping the fans up even more after she hops down, she immediately gets nose-to-nose with Jamie Hayter as she lifts up the Women’s Intercontinental Championship for her to see up close.
MICHAEL COLE: I’m not sure that Becky is going to allow her to do it, Wade. She hasn’t wasted any time in getting up close and personal right off the bat!
WADE BARRETT: Well, we both know that Hayter isn’t going to be so easily shaken. It looks as though we might have a slobberknocker on our hands here, Cole!
SINGLES MATCH
Lynch and Hayter are both pressing their foreheads into one another, as they are practically spitting their words out at this point to one another. Becky tosses her Intercontinental Championship to the referee as she reels back and delivers a forearm shot to the chest of Hayter. Not to be outdone, Hayter immediately delivers a forearm shot of her own to The Man before immediately following it up with a headbutt that knocks Lynch back a step. Lynch checks her lip for blood but doesn’t see any, as she seems to chuckle for a moment. Hayter, however, isn’t amused at all as she delivers another forearm shot to Becky and follows it up with a running lariat that knocks Lynch down to the canvas hard.
MICHAEL COLE: Ouch! That couldn’t have felt good!
WADE BARRETT: It certainly ain’t ballet out here, Cole! Hayter’s going to have to bring out every bit of her arsenal to put Becky down and she knows it!
Hayter berates Lynch now as she’s down on the canvas, Hayter begins to stomp away at the legs of Lynch before moving around with stomps to her elbows and then finally slams her foot down on the right hand of Becky Lynch, pinning it to the canvas before she slaps a screaming Lynch across the face hard as the sound echoes throughout the arena. Hayter now grabs her by the hair as she pulls her to the ropes and rests her throat first over the second rope before tangling her leg around her and using the ropes to help choke Lynch. 1…2….3….4…Hayter untangles herself from Lynch now as she shoves the referee back, emphasizing she has until the count of five, and the referee admonishes her for the contact with him. Hayter doesn’t seem fazed at all as she grabs Becky around the neck with her right arm before she scoops Becky under the leg with her left and nails an exploder suplex into the turnbuckle corner! She tells the referee that whatever happens to Becky now is his fault! Hayter yanks Becky by leg further to the center of the ring as she makes the cover, 1…2…NO! Becky gets the shoulder up right before the third count!
MICHAEL COLE: She dumped Becky on her head with that exploder suplex!
WADE BARRETT: But she still kicked out, Cole! The Man is as tough as nails!
MICHAEL COLE: But how much more punishment like this can she take?
Hayter has a fistful of Becky’s red locks in her hand as she pulls her up to her feet by it. Lynch isn’t going to just take it, though, as she delivers an elbow to the gut of Hayter, followed by another hard elbow to the gut, and then a third that finally has Hayter releasing her grip on Lynch’s hair. Lynch runs for the ropes and comes back with a shotgun dropkick that pushes Hayter back into the turnbuckle corner. Lynch now runs up and springboards off the ropes with a push kick that nails Hayter back hard into the turnbuckle corner! Lynch now lifts Hayter up to the top rope as she steps up to the second rope. Lynch braces herself for balance on the top rope slowly, and then wraps an arm around the neck of Hayter. Lynch now lifts Hayter up and both women come crashing down hard onto the canvas with a superplex! Both women bounce over onto their stomachs as they lay flat in the ring now!
WADE BARRETT: High risk move with that superplex there! Both ladies are out on the canvas right now!
MICHAEL COLE: Pin her Becky! Get up and pin her!
Lynch begins to stir as “Hot Mess” by def rebel hits the P/A system of the arena and Chelsea Green comes rushing down the rampway. Lynch mouths something to herself before Green pulls herself up onto the apron and argues with Lynch. It’s not long, however, before she gets a hard right hand to the side of the head that Green immediately stiffens up when hit and Lynch knocks her off the apron as she goes stiff as a board for the whole fall down to the floor. Lynch now turns her attention back to Hayter, but an arm is wrapped around her neck as she gets side slammed down onto Hayter's knee of Hayter, HAYTEBREAKER! Hayter now lifts the leg of Lynch as the referee slides into position and begins the count, 1…2….3! NO! Becky throws her shoulder up as if on instinct now. Hayter checks on the outside for Green, but she’s out like a light on the floor. Waving off her friend, Hayter makes a move to Lynch but gets turned over onto her shoulders with an inside cradle, 1…2! Hayter kicks out of the pin attempt, rolling herself behind Lynch as she attempts a victory roll, 1…2….NO! Lynch kicks out, and both ladies are back on their feet now with their fists raised. Hayter is the first to act as she throws a kick that gets caught by Lynch. Hayter tries to talk reason, but Lynch is having none of it as she pulls her in, scoops her up under the leg and around the neck, and nails a Bex-Plex! Lynch is fired up now as she kips up to her feet and pounds her chest as the fans cheer for her!
WADE BARRETT: It appears as though Becky has found her second wind! Hayter is in a whole heap of trouble now!
MICHAEL COLE: I think they’re both in trouble if they don’t finish this one soon! They’re obviously feeling the effects of every suplex and strike, and the pace of the match has certainly not done them any favors!
Lynch grabs the arm of Hayter as she steps on her side and locks in on it, wrapping her legs over Hayter as she pulls back hard with an arm bar. Hayter’s eyes immediately shoot open as she grasps for the ropes, but they’re just out of reach. Lynch adjusts herself to get a better grip, which allows Hayter to begin to pull herself by the free arm towards the ropes. Chelsea Green now pokes her head up over the apron as Hayter reaches out, and Green reciprocates by reaching out her own right arm to Hayter. The two barely touch fingertips together as Hayter motions for Green to reach further, and she does, which allows her to pull Hayter closer to the ropes as she grabs them, and Green screams for the referee’s attention. Lynch isn’t relenting, however, as the referee forces her to break the hold. Hayter is nursing the right arm as she rolls out of the ring and Green attempts to help out however she can. Lynch has other plans in mind and runs, launching herself through the ropes with a suicide dive that Hayter pulls Green in front of as she dodges out of the way!
WADE BARRETT: Poor Chelsea Green can’t catch a break! She’s come out here to support her friend, and she’s been harpooned by our Women’s Intercontinental Champion!
MICHAEL COLE: If she didn’t interject herself out here in the first place, she would’ve been safe in the back!
Hayter slides into the ring as Lynch goes to follow but stops short as she tries to move again but can’t seem to budge from the spot she’s standing in. The referee begins the count as we spot the reason she can’t move, it’s Chelsea Green wrapping herself around the right leg of Lynch as she tries desperately to get her off. 1….2….3! Lynch pulls Green along the floor as she tries to use the ropes to get up on the apron, but Green is shaking her head no as she grips on even harder. 4…5…6! Lynch can’t believe this, but she suddenly has a smile on her faces as she looks down at Green whose eyes suddenly shoot wide open as the stomps begin to rain down on her by Lynch. With each consecutive stomp by Lynch, Green practically flops from the impact before finally releasing her leg. 7…8….9! Lynch now turns back to the ring, but Hayter slides under the ropes and nails a lariat to the outside on the floor! The count has been stopped and Hayter now grabs Becky by the hair as she whips her shoulder first into the turnbuckle post! DONK!
WADE BARRETT: Looks like Green and Hayter are trying to take away that arm of Lynch’s!
MICHAEL COLE: If they do it’ll seriously hinder her offense! This is just despicable!
Hayter stomps a few times on the back of Lynch before rolling her into the ring. As she follows in behind, she grabs her arm and drapes it over the bottom rope. The fans are booing like crazy as she jumps up and drops a knee on Lynch's elbow. Lynch rolls over and screams in pain as she grabs her arm. Hayter grabs her by the back of the neck and lifts her up to her knees. Hayter delivers a stiff kick to the chest of Lynch before stepping back, and she delivers a second kick! Hayter piefaces the champ before she rears back for a third kick but gets a headbutt to the gut for her trouble by Lynch, who looks incensed now! The fans are cheering now as Lynch gets to her feet and wraps her arm around Hayter’s neck and lifts, but she releases it from the pain it causes her. Lynch quickly opts to roll her over and pin her to the canvas with a schoolboy attempt holding onto the tights, 1…2…3!
WINNER
BECKY LYNCH
12:38 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner and STIIILL the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, The Man BECKYYY LYYYNCH!
MICHAEL COLE: She couldn’t get the Manhandle Slam like she was hoping, but she did act quickly enough to secure a victory here!
WADE BARRETT: Was I seeing things or did Becky Lynch just have a handful of tights?!
MICHAEL COLE: Wait a second! Chelsea Green is back in the ring!
Lynch hasn’t noticed it yet, but Chelsea Green is poised behind her ready to pounce, and as she turns around she’s nailed with Hot Mess Express! Hayter and Green immediately begin to stomp away at Lynch on the canvas as she tries to cover up to protect herself but it’s to no avail. Hayter rips the Women’s Intercontinental Championship out of the referee’s hands as she commands Green to pull Lynch up now. Green struggles with her a bit but manages to get Lynch to her feet as she holds her steady and Hayter NAILS her with a shot from the championship belt!
WADE BARRETT: Payback is a bitch, Cole!
MICHAEL COLE: Both of these ladies have tried and failed to dethrone the champ, and now they’re going to take her out altogether!
“Welcome to the Queendom” by Jim Johnston now plays over the P/A system as both Green and Hayter stop what they’re doing and immediately focus on the stage. Stephanie McMahon is marching her way down to the ring as she shouts at them, she can clearly be heard saying that this isn’t how we do things in the WWE. A ringside attendant meets her with a microphone as she ascends the stairs and makes her way into the ring.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Jamie! Chelsea! I don’t know who the hell you think you ladies are, but this isn’t how we do things! If you want to take out your opponents in an officially sanctioned match, that’s one thing!
As she continues to speak she gets right in the face of Green and then spins in the direction of Hayter as she continues.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: The two of you both had an opportunity to get this done! Clearly, I underestimated the abilities of Becky Lynch!
Lynch is still in a daze as she slowly gets to her feet now, Stephanie turns around as she helps Lynch to steady herself.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: BUT I WON’T DO THAT EVER AGAIN!
Stephanie McMahon rears back with her hand and with lightning quickness, absolutely slaps the taste out of Lynch’s mouth with knocks her back into the turnbuckle corner.
WADE BARRETT: Just when you think she’s going left, she goes right, Cole! I was certain she was going to suspend Chelsea Green and Jamie Hayter just now!
MICHAEL COLE: Instead she slapped the taste out of Becky Lynch’s mouth! I don’t know if that was a good idea on Stephanie’s part though!
WADE BARRETT: She’s the Co-Owner, she doesn’t have to worry about consequences! Becky might want to start worrying though because Stephanie has ill intentions on her mind. She seems determined to take that Intercontinental Championship away from her even more!
”Queendom” hits again and Stephanie and Jamie Hayter both exit the ring, Chelsea Green follows behind but quickly turns around to stick her tongue out at Becky Lynch. Lynch moves forward and Green quickly rushes past Stephanie and Hayter up the rampway as she hides behind them. Becky grips the top rope tightly as she watches the trio go, her face a hardened mask of rage.
The cameras cut back to a backstage corridor where we see two security guards dressed in all black polo shirts, discussing something.
SECURITY GUARD #1: Look, last week - we almost lost our damn jobs because of that imbecile. If I see him, it's on sight, ya know?
SECURITY GUARD #2: Yeah, I get you, man. We got chewed out pretty damn bad, but I mean - - what were we supposed to do? We heard that crash and we investigated. We did our job.
SECURITY GUARD #1: A jar of teeth? I might need therapy, man...
The two men shake their heads after recounting the events of last week. Just then…
SECURITY GUARD #1: Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
The cameras turn to reveal none other than…MERCEDES MONEHAUSEN! Danhausen…damn, I mean…"Mercedes" walks down the corridor, wearing every piece of Mercedes Mone merchandise that has ever been made. "Mercedes" flashes a huge grin and stops in front of the security guard, before raising up all of their jewelry.
MERCEDES MONEHAUSEN: Hello, fellow huma - - I mean, gentlemen! My name is "The CEO" Mercedes Monehausen and I have lots of money, as I am the CEO, of course. Anyhoo, I am here to sign a contract with the World Wrestling Federation, yes that's it. And in order to sign said contract, Mercedeshausen needs to enter through those doors behind you. So, if you two wouldn't mind, excuse the CEOhausen...
Danhausen does Mercedes Mone' "CEO" pose poorly, before trying to push through the two security guards, but to no avail. The guards stand tall and shake their heads "no".
MERCEDES MONEHAUSEN: Allow Danha - - I mean, Mercedeshausen to bypass!
SECURITY GUARD #2: Hey, man - - just get out of here. You know you're not allowed here. Talent only.
MERCEDES MONEHAUSEN: Are you saying that Danhausen isn't talented?
SECURITY GUARD #1: Who the hell is Danhausen?
MERCEDES MONEHAUSEN: No swearing. I said "Mercedeshausen".
SECURITY GUARD #2: What? No, you didn't. Look, just beat it freak. You're lucky we don't kick your ass right now after that stunt you pulled last week.
"Mone" shakes their head in disagreement and tries to speak but the security guards are having none of it.
SECURITY GUARD #1: The way I see it, you've got about 3 seconds to get out of here before I beat the living shit out of you - -
MERCEDES MONEHAUSEN: NO SWEARING!
SECURITY GUARD #2: Screw this, let's get his ass!
The two guards lunge at Danhausen, who immediately drops down to the ground and delivers a swift punch to the first security guard's groin! He topples in over pain as Danhausen rises back up to his feet and adjusts his wig and glasses. The second security guard sees what happened to his friend and again lunges towards Danhausen…who delivers a quick punt to the nuts of the guard! He topples over in pain and both security guards have been laid out with low blows!
MERCEDES MONEHAUSEN: RIGHT IN THE GROIN!
Danhausen removes his wig, glasses, and fake jewelry and tosses them all on the ground. Now completely out of his disguise and in his normal Danhausen attire, Danhausen slowly shuffles away and enters the Resch Center, presumably to be a big pain in someone's ass.
WADE BARRETT: What did we just watch, Cole?
MICHAEL COLE: I don't know who that is, but we'd better get better security!
WADE BARRETT: I couldn't even tell if it was a man or a woman.
MICHAEL COLE: Well let's not get distracted from the action here, because we've got the Intercontinental Championship match up next!
A countdown starts on the Titantron, which counts down from 10 before "Take Over" eventually hits and Christian Cage emerges onto the stage. As he reaches the top of the stage, he gets a disappointed look on his face as he hears the audience loudly disapproving of his arrival.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the WWE Intercontinental Championship! Introducing the challenger, he is the leader of The Patriarchy, Christiiiaaan Caaage!
MICHAEL COLE: Here we go again, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: I don't know what your problem is with Christian Cage, Cole. The man is simply out here competing, trying to do The Patriarchy proud and show what a leader is capable of!
MICHAEL COLE: My problem is that Christian comes out here and every time he's got some kind of scheme he's brewing. He's going to do whatever it takes to try and steal that Intercontinental Championship from Sami Zayn.
WADE BARRETT: That is the goal of the match, it's clearly exactly that, to be the man that walks out with the championship. It's not his fault if he just so happens to manage to sneak out a victory.
As Christian makes his way down the ramp, he grabs a fan's sign from the front row. "SPOILER: SAMI ZAYN WINS!" is written on it, and he points out the sign to the camera before his face sours, and he rips it in pieces before he tosses it back in the fan's face. A smug, satisfied grin forms on his face as he makes his way to the steel stairs and walks up to the apron before pausing and looking out to the fans for a moment. A drink is thrown his way, but he ducks it before entering the ring and ascending the turnbuckles as he slaps his own chest and points out at the fans with an even bigger smirk on his face now as his music begins to fade out.
MICHAEL COLE: I'd like to think if he was actually a great leader, he could win a match without having to resort to dirty tactics tonight.
WADE BARRETT: Well you certainly didn't always feel that way during your career here.
"Worlds Apart" by CFO$ now plays as Sami Zayn comes out all fired up for the fans, as the cheers they give for his appearance are practically deafening. Sami holds his WWE Intercontinental Championship high in the air for a moment before he spots Christian in the center of the ring and puts it over his shoulder, holding it close. A more serious expression of almost stoicism is on his face as he wipes down his face with his right hand and pulls at his beard for a moment.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, he is the Intercontinental Champion, The Underdog from the Underground, Samiii Zaaayyyn!
MICHAEL COLE: There he is, Wade, our WWE Intercontinental Champion!
WADE BARRETT: He looks a little nervous if you ask me, Cole. Sami might be realizing right now that he's bitten off a bit more than he can chew. Christian has The Patriarchy behind him, but who does Sami have to back him up?
MICHAEL COLE: Are you kidding, Wade? He's got the entire WWE Universe behind him, not to mention the thousands of fans in attendance tonight!
WADE BARRETT: Yes, but if security is doing their job right, they can't interfere in any physical aspects of this match. Christian has got Nick Wayne, Killswitch, and even Mama Wayne to be able to interfere on his behalf. Those are very real threats that could make all the difference.
As Sami makes his way down the ramp, he gives a couple high fives to a few fans along the way and even takes off his cap to put on the head of one in the front row. He grabs a marker really quick and signs the bill of the cap before Christian yells at him from the ring. Sami rushes towards the ring now, and Christian bails out of it as Sami gets to his feet. Sami is now going up on the turnbuckle corner himself as he rips off his jacket and tosses it down onto Christian as he holds the Intercontinental Championship on display for him and motions towards himself to say he's not leaving without it.
SINGLES MATCH
Christian forces the referee to make Zayn step back so he can enter the ring again, as both men continue to deride each other with comments. As the bell rings, Christian rushes forward after a particular comment made by Zayn and manages to block the referee from seeing the thumb to the eye that he gives Zayn. Christian shoves Sami into the corner and begins to unload with a few strikes with his fists to Sami's head before he whips him across the ring and Sami slams chest first hard into the turnbuckle corner on the other side and he stumbles back. Christian quickly wraps his arm around his neck from behind and drops him with a reverse DDT, slapping Zayn on the back of the head a few times before he lifts him up and spins him around to drop him with a neckbreaker and hooks the leg. 1...2...NO! Zayn gets the shoulder up and gets to a knee almost immediately as he slaps his own face as the fans begin to chant "SAMI! SAMI! SAMI!" Christian can't believe it as he goes for a clothesline attempt but Zayn ducks it and nails a neckbreaker of his own before Christian can even react.
MICHAEL COLE: There you go, Sami!
WADE BARRETT: He blindsided him, Cole! How is that fair?
Zayn now reaches between Christian's legs with his right arm and reaches around the neck from the same side with his left arm. Zayn then lifts the Christian up and turns him around so he's being held upside down, and then drops down into a sitout position, driving Christian down to the mat neck and shoulder first. Zayn now hooks the leg as he pulls back hard to hopefully keep the leverage on his side, 1...2...3! NO! Christian just manages to get the shoulder up as Zayn desperately pulls at his own hair in disbelief. As he gets to a knee, Christian begins to pull himself up, now aware of the fact that he's using Zayn for leverage in getting himself up. Zayn throws a few rights, and Christian begins backing up into the ropes with each shot. Zayn pushes him back into the ropes as he whips him to the other side, and as he comes back, he lifts him up and nails the Blue Thunder Bomb. As Zayn reaches down, though, Christian grabs him around the back of the neck and he rolls him up into a schoolboy pin, 1...2....NO!
MICHAEL COLE: Christian nearly stole this one!
WADE BARRETT: That's not stealing a victory, he made a smart move in the moment, and it almost paid off!
Both men rush to their feet, and as Zayn goes for a clothesline, he misses Christian, who ducks below it. Christian now goes for a clothesline from behind, but Zayn spins around just in time to duck it and instead grips him around the waist and drops him with a back suplex. Christian holds onto his back as he gets to his feet and slumps back into the corner as he attempts to gather himself. Zayn notices the opportunity and rushes across the ring, but Christian dodges out of the way and causes Zayn to get his leg stuck over the top rope after he misses the Helluva Kick attempt. Christian now nails him with a forearm shot to the back of the head that sends Zayn stumbling out of the ring. As Christian rolls out of the ring, he grabs Zayn by the leg, but Zayn rears back and shoves him back first into the turnbuckle post and the stairs, which break apart with a loud CLANG! Christian crumples into a heap on the ground as Zayn attempts to go over to him, but Christian is waving him off.
MICHAEL COLE: It looks like Christian may be injured here as he's waving Zayn off.
WADE BARRETT: The referee may want to check and make sure the match can continue here. Zayn went ballistic there and you think he's the good guy, Cole?
MICHAEL COLE: He didn't do it intentionally; he's just fighting to stay alive in this match!
Christian looks to be on a knee now as the referee has come out of the ring to speak with him about his status. Zayn nervously looks around as he tries to get a view of or even hear what's happening right now with Christian. As he tries to approach, the referee begins to push him back as he instructs him to give Christian room before he returns to Christian's side. Zayn slaps the ring canvas in frustration before he approaches again, but Christian shoves the referee out of the way and drop toeholds Zayn face first into the steel steps behind him, now taking his chance to grab him and pick him up to ram him back first into the barricade as the fans boo even louder now at his actions. Christian shoves a ringside attendant off his chair as he folds the steel chair up and returns to Zayn with a grin on his face. As he lifts the chair up, though, the referee pulls the chair back down and out of Christian's hands, telling him to return Zayn to the ring.
WADE BARRETT: Christian almost had this one right there, Cole. If he could've done some damage with that chair, we'd be crowning a new Intercontinental Champion tonight!
MICHAEL COLE: Thankfully the referee recovered in time to not have the wool pulled over his eyes by Christian for a second time. Feigning injury, how low of Christian to do that!
Christian leads Zayn to the ring as he rolls him onto the apron and slams a few hard shots down on his chest, rolling him further into the ring as he slaps his chest and grins at the fans for a moment as if to soak in their hatred of him proudly. Christian pulls himself up onto the apron and gets a foot in the ring, but Zayn grabs him and spins him around with Christian's feet now dangling over the second rope for a moment. With quick thinking and a little ingenuity, he leans back and nails a pendulum kick that staggers Zayn! Now stepping into the ring of his own accord, he drops a few hammering shots down on Zayn's spine hard. Christian now makes his way to the second rope in the turnbuckle corner as he taunts at Zayn to turn around, jumps off the second rope and rolls over Zayn's back, pulling him down in a twisting sunset flip powerbomb before he pins the legs back, 1...2....NO! Christian now goes springing off with a monkey flip from Zayn that lands him hard on his back before he gets to his feet.
WADE BARRETT: I thought he had that for sure!
MICHAEL COLE: So did, Christian!
Both men rush forward and dropkick at the same time, narrowly missing each other with their attempts. As they get back to their feet, Christian goes for a clothesline, but Zayn ducks. Zayn goes for a clothesline attempt of his own his own, but Christian ducks as well. As both men turn to face each other, Christian does a baseball slide between Zayn's legs, and as he gets up, he hooks his arms from behind and leans forward for the backslide pin, 1...2…kick out by Sami Zayn! Zayn now powers himself up and attempts the backslide pin on Christian, 1....2! Christian kicks out of it as Zayn releases the hold, though he's made a critical error as Christian gets in the double underhook again, but this time spins Zayn over and nails the KILLSWITCH! Christian uses all the effort he can to push Sami over as he hooks both legs and leans over top for added pressure on the pin. 1....2.... Christian now puts his feet up on the ropes for extra leverage…3! Christian Cage has stolen this one!
WINNER
Christian Cage
11:02 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, and the NEEEWWW Intercontinental Champion, CHRIIISTIIIAAAN CAAAGE!
Just as quick as the count is made, Christian lets his feet drop back down to the canvas and raises his own arm in victory. Zayn can't believe he's lost. Christian, however, is all too happy to roll out of the ring and grab his prize for himself. As he grabs the WWE Intercontinental Championship, he raises it high in the air as the fans shower him with boos. Christian points to Zayn, laughing and talking trash as he adjusts the Intercontinental Championship on his shoulder. Zayn still doesn't understand what is happening as he speaks with the referee.
MICHAEL COLE: He used the damn ropes! It was clear as day!
WADE BARRETT: Obviously it wasn't, Cole! We've got ourselves a new WWE Intercontinental Champion and his name is Christian Cage!
MICHAEL COLE: Unbelievable, Zayn truly got screwed over this time!
WADE BARRETT: What are you blabbering about, Cole? These two men just went to battle, and the better man won!
Christian Cage makes his way to the back as he's met by the members of The Patriarchy, who help him for the last bit by offering their support as they hold him under each shoulder as he grabs his back, still in pain. Zayn is still speaking with the referee as the two make their way up the ramp. Zayn looks visibly upset at the decision that's just happened, and the two continue to speak as the cameras fade out to commercial.
The break can wait - - this is the moment everyone has been eagerly anticipating. The TitanTron flickers to life, revealing a bustling Metrorail packed with passengers. As it stops, more people squeeze on, their voices and laughter spilling over into the audience.
Uno!
Dos!
Tres!
Cuatro!
Suddenly, vibrant splashes of pink and blue fill the scene and the arena, immersing the crowd in a colorful, electric atmosphere. “Te Lo Rompo” by def rebel erupts from the speakers, provoking a mix of uncertain sighs and some whistles from the audience. The screen transitions to a series of sultry shots of Lola Vice, each frame dripping with allure and mystery. From the sun-soaked streets of Cuba to the romantic corners of Paris, and candid moments backstage at recent Raw shows, Lola’s sexiness is undeniable. These captivating images blend together, creating a dynamic, tantalizing collage that showcases her irresistible allure. The montage builds up to a fever pitch before teasing her imminent debut with a promise of more to come. The final words echo through the arena; she is still leaving everyone waiting with anticipation before the real commercial break begins.
Dos!
Tres!
Cuatro!
Suddenly, vibrant splashes of pink and blue fill the scene and the arena, immersing the crowd in a colorful, electric atmosphere. “Te Lo Rompo” by def rebel erupts from the speakers, provoking a mix of uncertain sighs and some whistles from the audience. The screen transitions to a series of sultry shots of Lola Vice, each frame dripping with allure and mystery. From the sun-soaked streets of Cuba to the romantic corners of Paris, and candid moments backstage at recent Raw shows, Lola’s sexiness is undeniable. These captivating images blend together, creating a dynamic, tantalizing collage that showcases her irresistible allure. The montage builds up to a fever pitch before teasing her imminent debut with a promise of more to come. The final words echo through the arena; she is still leaving everyone waiting with anticipation before the real commercial break begins.
“This is the 305 for Vice City. We’ll be arriving shortly.”
Join us next week as we experience the fallout from Unforgiven!
