Post by WWE RAW on Jun 24, 2024 17:07:46 GMT -5
Monday Night RAW
June 24, 2024
Climate Pledge Arena
Seattle, Washington
As the opening video package ends, pyro explodes on the stage as the crowd in Seattle, Washington is erupting in cheers. The cameras pan through the crowd, showing off various signs reading things like “A Storm Is Coming!”, “Welcome To The Ball Pit!”, “Have A Nice Day!” and more. After doing a pan of the Climate Pledge Arena, 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 Money in the Bank!
WADE BARRETT: Not to mention some heavy implications in our main event for just how prepared both Nick Wayne and Mankind are for what lies ahead in their careers! Both of these men clearly have something to prove tonight in regards to their futures.
MICHAEL COLE: Let’s not forget that KAIRI and Velvet are hoping to change their luck as well. KAIRI very nearly qualified for an opportunity and I have to imagine that she’s wanting to really kick herself into high gear to earn herself a future opportunity!
WADE BARRETT: Lola Vice and Shotzi Blackheart are looking to make some waves themselves. Both of these ladies have looked very impressive since they came in, and this week we’ll find out just which one wants it that much more.
MICHAEL COLE: Adam Cole is returning as well, this time he may not have his Undisputed Era buddies with him but he’s a force all on his own. We’ll have to see how well he can keep up with Matt Syda,l though!
WADE BARRETT: And if that isn’t exciting enough we also get to see four more people qualify for a Money in the Bank opportunity! With names like Toni Storm, Jade Cargill, Adam Page, Goldust, Austin Theory, Bron Breakker, Corey Graves and Edge. How can anyone possibly be disappointed regardless of the outcomes of those matches?
MICHAEL COLE: It’s certainly going to be an action-packed Monday Night RAW for us Wade! I can’t wait to see how it all turns out and the action is going to start right now!
Suddenly, “King of Kings” by Motörhead begins to play and the crowd begins to boo as the Co-Owners of the WWE, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H, make their way out to the top of the ramp. As the pair stop at the top of the ramp, Triple H grins and Stephanie gets a smirk on her face at the crowd's reaction to them.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the WWE Co-Owners, Stephaniiieee McMaaahon and Triiiple H!
MICHAEL COLE: Looks like our Co-Owners are coming out to start the show, but it’s nothing like previous times where these two have been cheered by the crowd. It seems as though week by week they’ve been implementing a new agenda and it’s been alienating them from the praise they used to get.
WADE BARRETT: Well, Cole, these two have merely been doing what’s best for business. Shaping the future of the WWE is a hard job and they’re bound to upset at least a few people along the way. I, for one, think they’ve been doing a fantastic job molding the WWE into a place that truly has even more potential than it’s ever had before!
MICHAEL COLE: They aren’t listening right now, Wade, you can feel free to give your actual opinion, you know. They don’t pay us to be sheep, they want us to report on things as they happen and make observations that can help both the WWE Universe and themselves shape the WWE.
As they make their way down to the ring, Triple H leans down to quietly discuss something with Stephanie before their arrival to the ring. Stephanie merely chuckles for a moment before they turn towards the ring steps and he holds her hand to help guide her to the apron before ascending the stairs himself. As they walk along the apron, he opens the ropes for her and keeps a close eye on her as she steps between the ropes into the ring. Triple H enters himself and motions for a ringside attendant to hand him a microphone, handing it off to his wife and then getting one for himself as he stands alongside her in the center of the ring. As the music fades out, the two of them look out at the Seattle crowd that continues to boo them, the smirks on their faces growing wider. As the fans finally quiet down, Stephanie raises her microphone up to her mouth and begins to speak.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Seattle, Washington, welcome to Monday Night RAW!
The crowd actually pops for this, causing both Stephanie and Triple H to laugh and shake their heads. After the audience quiets back down, Stephanie continues.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Oh, you people are so predictable. You’ll change your tune at the drop of a hat just because we name dropped your city, how pathetic!
The crowd now once again begins to boo the couple as they laugh, and now it’s Triple H who raises his microphone as the boos quiet back down.
TRIPLE H: I’d call you all fickle, but quite frankly it’s probably stupidity that causes you to hate us so much but cheer at any cheap mention of your home state or city of Seattle!
The crowd pops again but quickly realizes they’re affirming his comments and begin to boo instantly once again.
TRIPLE H: What can you expect from a city full of people that thinks art is more important than business? The only company worth a damn that came out of Seattle clearly didn’t even think enough of it to keep themselves only in its home state of Washington. They wanted to get out of here and reach markets that actually made an impact, and quite frankly you might not like what we do, but we’re also making an impact week after week!
As Triple H lowers his microphone, Stephanie raises hers and continues on.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: That’s right, this new era of the WWE has been the most successful in company history and it’s because of what my husband and I do week in and week out. You may not always agree with our methods, but you can’t deny that we’re getting results. This year’s Money in the Bank event is set to be the most anticipated Money in the Bank of all time, and each and every one of you in this arena tonight can be guaranteed that we’re going to deliver an event of epic proportions.
Triple H grins as he raises the microphone up again, it’s clear he’s amused by the praise his wife has given the two of them.
TRIPLE H: Because let’s face it, nothing we do is anything less than exceptional. Just take a look at the men and women that comprise our superstar roster. We have handpicked the best of the best, made sure to secure the highest level of competition available, and gotten rid of the weaker links so that we can elevate WWE to whole new levels of success. We’re not afraid to make the necessary calls that other companies might be loath to make. It’s what has made our WWE the greatest version it’s ever been, and this new era the greatest era any WWE fan has ever seen!
As Triple H finishes, Stephanie picks up right where he left off.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: And tonight is going to be no exception, when you see another thrilling round of Money in the Bank qualifying matches take place. Which superstars will earn their spots in the career changing ladder match and have a chance to make history?
Triple H begins to practically growl now as he speaks.
TRIPLE H: And which ones will fail, and have to pick themselves back up again? Sometimes, how you handle your failures can speak volumes more than how you deal with success. It’s the ability to pick yourself back up that makes you a truly great superstar, and there are plenty of opportunities to really get back on your feet in this new era.
Stephanie raises her microphone up to speak once again.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: And make no mistake about it, we’ll be keeping a very close eye on what happens tonight, just as we’ve been keeping a close eye on the entire Money in the Bank journey as a whole. As my husband just said, how you handle your failures can speak volumes and we’re looking forward to seeing who pushes through to prove themselves despite not qualifying for Money in the Bank. And, for the lucky individuals who do qualify, we’re very excited to see who is willing to do whatever it takes to make the most of this opportunity laid out before you. We may even be more excited than our current champions, who will have to have eyes in the backs of their heads after those briefcases have been obtained!
Triple H looks at Stephanie for a moment before turning back to face the crowd.
TRIPLE H: I can tell you right now that from here on out, the road ahead is only going to get harder and harder for every single superstar in the WWE. Nothing will come easy, and if you want to stand out you’re going to have to do more than you’ve ever done before. The only real question for those hoping to qualify, for the champions in the WWE, and for our WWE Universe is….ARE YOU READY?
The WWE Co-Owners hand off the microphones as they exit the ring, while “King of Kings” his the P/A system again. Triple H extends his arm as they stand at the top of the stairs and helps his wife down before they exit backstage.
MICHAEL COLE: There are indeed plenty of qualifiers ahead tonight, and it will certainly be interesting to find out just who moves ahead to the Money in the Bank ladder matches!
WADE BARRETT: It’ll be even more interesting to find out who tries to make themselves stand out in the coming weeks after they fail to win their qualifiers. The WWE Co-Owners have made it clear that opportunities are aplenty in the WWE!
MICHAEL COLE: And men like Edge and Corey Graves will be more than happy to know that! The Ultimate Opportunist is making his presence known once again after coming back from an injury that he sustained a couple months back in the WWE Championship tournament while Corey Graves has been on a roll since coming back to in-ring action after a decade behind the commentary desk. So you have to imagine these two will be looking to stand out and qualify, but the one who doesn’t might take an opportunity to make a statement after it’s all said and done!
The crowd is on their feet as “Christcontrol” begins to play through the sound system, and their boos very nearly drown out the music as Corey Graves emerges from backstage with Carmella at his side. Graves has one arm around Carmella’s waist, and the other he raises in a defiant fist to the crowd. After a moment, the pair start walking down to the ringside, buoyed by the audience’s displeasure.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is a Money in the Bank qualifying match! Making his way to the ring, accompanied by Carmella…Coreeeyyy Graaaves!
MICHAEL COLE: I never thought I’d say this a year ago, but Corey Graves has been on a hot streak since stepping back into the ring the past few months.
WADE BARRETT: You’re right there, Cole. After an impressive debut in the four-way eliminator match, he’d go on to beat industry legends in both The Rock and Vampiro, and he’s looking to add another legend to that list!
Graves shrugs out of the denim jacket as he gets to the stairs. He lets Carmella take it before climbing up and into the ring. He mounts the corner turnbuckle and raises his arms up, shouting taunts at the Seattle crowd. After a moment, the lights go dark. The crowd goes quiet.
”You think you know me?!”
The crowd roars as “Metalingus” by Alter Bridge begins to play, and Edge emerges from backstage looking fired up. He stomps his feet, his hands clenched into fist as he soaks in the audience’s energy. His eyes focus on the ring and he takes off, high-fiving the audience members at the edge of the ramp as he goes.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, the Rated R Superstar…Edge!
MICHAEL COLE: Edge is looking fired up tonight!
WADE BARRETT: Well of course he is! Edge was the first-ever Money in the Bank winner, and is one of the few men in WWE history to have cashed in a money in the bank contract twice, and done so successfully.
Edge looks manic as he takes the ring steps two at a time and climbs through the ropes. He steps into the corner and shakes the ring ropes wildly before turning to look at Corey Graves in the opposite corner. Graves gives him a cocky smirk, and Edge returns it. The ref checks both men before giving the signal for the bell to ring.
SINGLES MATCH
Edge and Graves look each other over as they take a couple of steps forward, each man scoping out his opponent. After a moment, Edge offers a hand out for a test of strength. Graves looks at Edge’s outstretched hand for a moment, before reaching out with his own and locking up. For a moment the two men struggle against each other, taking hold of both hands as each looks for a bit of leverage over the other. Edge gets the upper hand, and Graves gets driven back towards the corner. He tries to push back but Edge has the experience and the size advantage to keep Graves pressed back completely into the corner. The ref begins to count, and Edge releases the hold, his hands raised – keeping him from blocking a knife-edge chop from Graves that echoes through the arena. Edge clutches his chest for a moment before pressing Graves back into the corner, and hitting a chop of his own across the Pittsburgh native’s chest.
MICHAEL COLE: I don’t think Edge is going to be happy letting himself be another tally in Graves’ book!
WADE BARRETT: The Rock didn’t want to be, either, Cole, and you saw where that got him.
Edge pulls Corey out of the corner, towards the middle of the ring, before grabbing him in a front facelock. Graves tries to wiggle out, but he can’t stop it as Edge drops, dragging Graves with him into a facebreaker DDT. Graves looks stunned as Edge rolls him over and hooks the leg, 1…kickout! Carmella shouts encouragement to Corey who rolls over and tries to pull himself to his knees. He shakes his head, trying to get the stars out of his eyes and Edge moves over him, wrapping his hands around the fallen Graves’ face in a front facelock! Edge cranks back, and the crowd cheers as Graves tries to get loose but can’t! Edge is locked in!
Carmella slaps the canvas and shouts at Graves to go for the ropes, but he’s just out of reach. The Pittsburgh native reaches out and starts trying to crawl forward, but Edge overpowers him and turns him away from the ropes, into the center of the ring.
MICHAEL COLE: Edge might just have it here! Graves’ streak might be over!
WADE BARRETT: He’s further away from the ropes than when he started!
It looks like Graves is getting close to giving in, and the ref is checking on him, when suddenly Edge is pulled back out of the hold! Carmella has hold of Edge’s leg and he’s shaking, trying to get her loose. Finally she falls backwards to the floor, and Edge shouts at her, telling her to stay out of this. He grabs the ring ropes and pulls himself upright, only to turn and walk into a spear from Graves! The fans boo the stolen move as Graves goes for the cover. 1…2…kick out! Edge looks as surprised that he got speared as he was by the actual impact.
The Iron City Superstar grabs Edge’s head and slams it back against the mat two times before delivering a couple of stiff right hands. The Toronto native looks stunned as Graves drags him to his feet and wraps his arm around Edge’s shoulders. He pulls him into the center of the ring and drives him down with a neckbreaker.
WADE BARRETT: Clever move by Graves there, Edge has always had issues with his neck.
MICHAEL COLE: He’s certainly pressing the advantage that his wife bought him!
WADE BARRETT: This is a cut-throat industry, Cole, Edge needs to remember that!
The crowd boos Graves, and he holds a hand up to his ear to taunt them, like he’s telling them “I can’t hear you!” And the crowd only grows louder. He grins and rises to his feet, delivering a sharp boot to Edge’s back. Edge writhes in pain, but Graves doesn’t give him a moment to recover, instead pulling back to his feet and whipping him off the ropes. Edge hits the ropes and comes back, and Graves lifts him up into a tilt-a-whirl sit-out powerbomb! Graves gets his legs over Edge’s shoulders for another cover. 1..2…3?! NO! Kick out at 2.9! Graves demands to know how that wasn’t 3, but the official is firm that Edge kicked out in time.
Graves keeps arguing with the official, and it looks like this has gone from a wrestling match to a shouting match. Edge is off to one side, using the ropes to pull himself up while Graves is distracted. He’s holding his back as he sets his eyes on the target. Finally, Graves turns away from the ref, Edge goes in for the Spear! He catches Graves – NO! Graves counters into DDT that spikes Edge on the top of the head! Graves sees his opportunity and pulls Edge into position for the belly-to-back piledriver he calls MK Ultra! Edge lands hard, and Graves goes for the cover: 1…2…3!
WINNER
COREY GRAVES
05:33 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner…COREEEYYY GRAAAVES!
MICHAEL COLE: Graves was in a bad position, but he somehow managed to steal this one!
WADE BARRETT: Steal?! He caught Edge off-guard and pinned him one, two, three! He stole this match the same way Muhammed Ali ‘stole’ the match with George Foreman. Come on, be serious!
Graves stands in the center of the ring, the official raising his hand in triumph. Carmella slides in with him to raise the second, and he pulls her into a celebratory hug. The pair climb out of the ring and walk up the ramp together, arm and arm, leaving the official to check on the prone Edge.
The cameras now go to the backstage area, to where Cathy Kelley stands by with her microphone in hand. She smiles into the camera as she begins to speak.
CATHY KELLEY: Ladies and gentlemen, the past few weeks have been a flutter of activity and matches as sixteen men and twelve women have battled it out to determine who would have a shot at the opportunity of a lifetime. While the finalists for the Money in the Bank matches have not yet been, well…finalized, every one of them is thinking about just how and when to cash in…if they win. I’m joined by one of those finalists now, please welcome Dr. Britt Baker.
There’s some rumbles of applause from the crowd as Britt steps into frame and gives Cathy a smile.
CATHY KELLEY: First things first, Doctor, I’d like to congratulate you on your win. I hope you won’t take this the wrong way, but I think you were a long shot when it came to your match.
BRITT BAKER: Thank you, Cathy, and no offense taken! I know I’m the underdog around here. I’m not the youngest, but the people around me have been doing this for years. And I may not win every time, but I promise you that any time I step into the ring with someone, I’m going to fight with everything I’ve got.
CATHY KELLEY: You did certainly seem to surprise Lola Vice!
Britt lets out a chuckle and shrugs her shoulders.
BRITT BAKER: I might’ve got the win, but I can’t let her go without any credit. She put up a heck of a fight, and there were a few moments when she could have walked away with the win there. I just came out on top.
CATHY KELLEY: Still, I think you made everyone pay attention to you. Now, we have Serena Deeb facing a WWE Hall of Famer in Lita, do you have a preference for who you’d like to face?
BRITT BAKER: That’s a tough one, there’s just so many…variables. Serena Deeb’s been a dominant champion so far; she’s really holding her position at the top of the women’s division, and she’ll be a tough one to beat. On the other hand, Lita’s a Hall of Famer. Sure, she’s not the same woman she was back in the day, but you’d have to be a fool not to give her her flowers. Or I could go for a left field option and go after Becky Lynch. I can see the marquee now: The Doctor vs. The Man. I think that I need to worry about pulling down the briefcase, though, before I start making any final decisions on who I’m going to fight with it.
CATHY KELLEY: True enough; Money in the Bank has normally been about surprising the champion. The Miz, Sheamus, Seth Rollins, all of them picked their moments and all of them came out with the championship. But thank you for joining me, Britt, and good luck. Back to you guys!
There’s a very brief glimpse of Britt’s face, looking briefly somewhat troubled before the shot fades into a wide view of the crowd, before settling finally on the announce table where Michael Cole and Wade Barrett sit.
MICHAEL COLE: Some interesting first words from the second woman to qualify for the Money in the Bank match in three weeks!
WADE BARRETT: Interesting! She didn’t say anything we didn’t already know, Cole! She was asked who she wanted to face, and she named off every single possible opponent. I think she’s just a bit of a spotlight thief, myself!
MICHAEL COLE: Well regardless, for someone so new to the wrestling business, she is certainly making herself comfortable now, having thwarted whatever plan Dawn Marie had for Money in the Bank. Speaking of which, Lola Vice, who seems to have some sort of affiliation with Dawn Marie, is looking to rebound from her loss to Britt Baker as she takes on Shotzi Blackheart in our next matchup!
“Ball Pit” by def rebel blasts over the speakers as Shotzi Blackheart appears on the stage in her signature tank. The crowd is on their feet as Shotzi drives the tank down to the ring, soon stopping it at ringside and climbing out of it.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Making her way to the ring, she is the Ballsy Badass, Shotziiii Blackheeaarrrttt!
Suddenly, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn come rushing out from the back to follow. They straight up ambush Shotzi, ripping off her helmet and throwing fists one after the other, repeatedly to the back of The Ballsy Badass' skull. The crowd gasps in shock as Shotzi is taken by surprise. The assault continues as the music cuts.
MICHAEL COLE: What the hell is this?! This isn’t - - it’s Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn!!
WADE BARRETT: It looks like The Unholy Union have picked their moment! They finally have their hands on Shotzi! I don’t think she’s getting away tonight!
Reaching the ring, Alba and Isla continue their assault, throwing Shotzi unforgivingly into the steel steps before picking her up and rolling her limp body into the ring. Alba shouts orders as Isla rips Shotzi’s body around, driving her edged knees to Shotzi’s spine before she drops down with a devastating backstabber! The crowd stands to watch in horror as Isla executes the move with precision, slamming Shotzi's back onto her knees. As Shotzi writhes in pain, Isla keeps her held in position by her neck, almost in a submission-like state as Alba is on the top rope. She stands tall, glaring down at the trapped Shotzi before launching herself into the air, performing a vicious swanton bomb that lands perfectly on Shotzi's torso.
MICHAEL COLE: A brutal team attack keeping Shotzi floored! Someone needs to put a stop to this!
WADE BARRETT: They've completely decimated Shotzi. This is a statement if I've ever seen one.
Alba exits the ring and grabs a table, much to the crowd’s excitement. She unstraps the legs and begins to set it up outside, while Isla continues to pound and pin Shotzi down, almost in a catfight of strength, struggling to keep her under control. Now struggling to maintain Shotzi, in a burst of energy, Shotzi lands a quick forearm to Isla's jaw, knocking her slightly off. Seizing the moment, Shotzi scrambles, hauling her body with all her strength under the bottom rope. Shotzi makes a run for it, again, heading through the crowd.
WADE BARRETT: The match is over before it even started, but Shotzi escaped again, she can’t be too angry at that!
MICHAEL COLE: This can’t be Shotzi Blackheart’s life from now on, Barrett. What is Shotzi going to have to do to keep The Unholy Union off her case?
WADE BARRETT: I don’t think there’s anything she can do!
Shotzi looks visibly affected by the brutal attack from The Unholy Union, clutching her ribs and glancing back in a mixture of confusion and anger, she can only wonder what she has to do now to stop these attacks.
The cameras go to the backstage area, just outside the locker room. In the background we can hear the live Seattle crowd continuing to react to the preceding contest. A few people can be seen moving through the hallway just outside the slightly ajar door as the night gets into full swing. As the camera pans left, we see KAIRI shrugging on her elaborate white Captain’s coat, which draws a round of loud cheers from the WWE Universe.
Her normally pleasant expression is cold, and laser focused ahead of her match against Velvet Sky, and it seems like the rest of the world has melted away for her. She fiddles with the ties that secure the coat in place as Cathy Kelley steps into view with a mic in hand. Though Cathy waits there patiently, KAIRI doesn’t even seem to notice her. It’s only when Kyona Yano, wearing a pink shirt with a gasmask design and the words ‘Cyber Commando’, appears and nudges KAIRI that the Pirate Princess turns and notices her company.
Cathy nods to KAIRI, silently requesting an interview. KAIRI flashes her winning smile and nods her assent.
CATHY KELLEY: KAIRI, last week you had a phone call from your former Damage CTRL teammate IYO SKY. Has talking to her changed your approach as you prepare for your match with Velvet Sky tonight?
KAIRI: Like I said last week, IYO is a lot. Isn’t she Kyona?
Kyona nods emphatically with every fiber of her being.
KYONA YANO: That’s putting it nicely, KAIRI. She’s a menace! An aggro perfectionist! But - - she’s helped, hasn’t she?
KAIRI chuckles and shakes her head as she recalls their training sessions of the past week.
KAIRI: She has. She has! And because of that, I feel more ready than ever to go out there tonight and prove to everyone why I’m the best in the world.
KYONA YANO: Sorry Phil.
KAIRI shoots Kyona a dirty look in response to her partner name dropping half of the tag team champions. Kyona just offers a playful smirk and redirects KAIRI’s attention to the camera.
KAIRI: Right. So tonight, Velvet, you’re going to understand why I’m the Captain of the Ring. After what happened against Dakota, I need to drive an elbow into you so hard you have a permanent indentation there. I can’t hold back. Not with the kind of opportunity that’s on the horizon!
Kyona nods along with everything KAIRI has to say, smiling confidently as her friend speaks her mind. KAIRI finishes her statement by pumping a fist for emphasis.
CATHY KELLEY: What opportunity would that be?
KAIRI looks around to see if a specific someone is present; with no sign of her, the Pirate Princess’ expression grows focused and serious.
KAIRI: I may not get a shot at Money in the Bank, but I’ve heard something really interesting. Last week Stephanie McMahon announced that Becky Lynch is going to defend her Women’s Intercontinental Championship in a battle royal. Very interesting! As much as I respect Becky for everything she’s accomplished in WWE, as much as I like her... I think this is my chance to make a mark. A battle royal is a chaotic sea that creates chances you don’t find anywhere else. And I look down at my waist and realize it’s been six years since the last time I wore a WWE singles title around it.
She glances down at her waist to emphasize her point, then stares down the camera as if facing an ocean storm.
KAIRI: While the WWE Women’s Championship is my ultimate goal, the Intercontinental Championship is brand new. And I think it’s time for me to end my drought in front of the entire WWE Universe. Becky, prepare yourself for the fight of your life - - Captain KAIRI is officially declaring herself for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Battle Royal!
This draws a massive pop from the crowd, which in turn draws a big smile from KAIRI. Behind her Kyona is smiling too, which seems to catch Cathy’s attention.
CATHY KELLEY: That’s big news! Stephaine McMahon also mentioned that any newly signed members of the women’s division can compete in that match. Kyona, any truth to the rumors that you might be signing a WWE contract? And will you be taking your shot at the Women’s Intercontinental Championship too?
KAIRI looks to Kyona expectantly, but Kyona holds her hands up with playful defensiveness.
KYONA YANO: Sorry, Cathy. Right now, I’m just here to watch KAIRI’s back. I haven’t been officially medically cleared to compete, so I’m just going to train with her so she’s ready for every opportunity that comes her way.
She gives KAIRI a pat on the shoulder, and the Pirate Princess nods back.
KYONA YANO: Whether I do get cleared or not, if anyone tries to mess with my friend they’re going to feel the power of our combined strength. The strength of the Cyber Pirates!
KAIRI’s unable to keep a straight face at her friend’s enthusiastic outburst. When she turns to face Kyona, the Cyber Commando just shrugs at her.
KAIRI: Cyber Pirates?
KYONA YANO: We’re workshopping it.
KAIRI: Actually, I kind of like it.
KAIRI then turns to the camera and motions to the WWE Universe with her hand.
KAIRI: It’s time to set sail! I promise you’ll be on the edge of your seats tonight.
She nods, then turns to Kyona and sees her friend offering a jaunty salute. KAIRI’s smile widens and she returns the salute before heading out the door to prepare for her match. Kyona’s just a couple steps behind her, ready for action as the cameras fade out.
The cameras now go to the office of WWE Co-Owner Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie is looking over some documents inside of a folder when suddenly, there’s a knock at the door.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Come in!
The door opens and Stephanie looks up, and a smile forms on her face as none other than Chelsea Green steps into the frame in front of her desk.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Chelsea, it’s good to see you!
Chelsea returns the smile with a sickeningly sweet smile of her own.
CHELSEA GREEN: It’s so good to see you, too, Steph. It feels like it’s been forever!
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: It certainly does. So, how can I help you this evening?
Chelsea’s smile widens as she sits down in a chair positioned in front of Stephanie’s desk.
CHELSEA GREEN: I’m so glad you asked. Now, you know me, I’m not one to complain - -
Stephanie arches an eyebrow as she’s clearly trying to hold back laughter.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Uh huh…
CHELSEA GREEN: I’m just wondering why Lita gets to waltz in here and skip the line and go straight to challenging Serena Deeb for the Women’s Championship? I mean, if anyone should be challenging Serena at Money in the Bank, it’s me. After all, I did pin her last week, giving her her first loss in the new era! Surely that must mean something.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Well, I mean - -
CHELSEA GREEN: So, I was thinking… why not give me the shot that I’ve earned and make this match at Money in the Bank a triple threat match?
Stephanie nods her head as she considers this.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: That’s not an entirely terrible idea, actually…
Chelsea’s smile somehow grows even wider until her expression suddenly changes, her smile fading as her eyes narrow at the sight of Lita who’s revealed herself walking into the scene. Chelsea's previous confidence now appears to waver, her posture stiffening.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Oh, Lita, what a surprise.
LITA: Sorry to interrupt guys but I couldn't help overhearing. Chelsea, you think you deserve a shot at the title just because you got lucky last week?
CHELSEA GREEN: Lucky? That wasn’t luck. That was pure skill.
LITA: Real cute. But hey, if you think you're ready to hang with the big girls, how about you prove it? Next week, let’s see if you can pin me.
Chelsea's confident demeanor falters significantly. She shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting between Lita and Stephanie as she processes the unexpected challenge in her head.
STEPHANIE MCMAHON: You know what, Lita? That doesn’t sound like a bad idea either. So, how about next week on RAW, we have Chelsea Green versus Lita. And Chelsea, if you pin Lita, maybe then we can talk about adding you to the WWE Women’s Championship match at Money in the Bank.
Chelsea opens her mouth to protest, her face flushing with frustration, but finds herself speechless as Stephanie makes the final decision with a nod. Her mind races, and she clenches her fists at her sides, struggling to keep her composure. Her words stammer as she tries to regain control of the situation.
CHELSEA GREEN: But, I…I…UGH!
Lita smirks at Chelsea one last time before turning and walking out of the office. Chelsea is left standing there, speechless and fuming, her mind already racing with plans for the upcoming match as the cameras go back to ringside.
WADE BARRETT: Well these ladies tonight certainly seem to be quite spunky Cole, and I’m here for it!
MICHAEL COLE: Chelsea Green versus Lita, that sounds like a great match. Also, just think about the added challenge for Money in the Bank should Chelsea win, that’s like stepping the match up to even more epic proportions!
WADE BARRETT: Chelsea did pin the WWE Women’s Champion last week, and whether Lita wants to be impressed by that or not, it certainly is impressive for everybody else who was watching last week!
MICHAEL COLE: And speaking of impressive, Adam Cole looks to impress coming up next when he takes on Matt Sydal. These two are still finding their place in the WWE but tonight could go a long way for either of them establishing a foothold!
"Eye in The Sky" by The Alan Parsons Project begins to play as Matt Sydal comes out to the top of the ramp. He raises his arms in the air as he lays his palms flat against each other and smiles. As he drops his arms, he lifts his right pointer finger up to point at his forehead. As he listens to the roar of the crowd the sparklers shoot up from the sides of the stage as he gets a focused look on his face before he begins to make his way down the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN:The following contest is scheduled for one fall, entering first he is the Zen Jaguar Shaman, Matt Syyydaaal!
MICHAEL COLE: Sydal has been a presence on RAW shows since the changing of the guards in WWE ownership. Though I’m not sure he’s really found his place yet.
WADE BARRETT: Sometimes it can take some time to really find your place in the WWE, although Cole seems to have had no problem. He’s taken command since he stepped through the doors!
”Undisputed” hits the arena as Adam Cole comes out with a swagger to the stage and the crowd go wild for his first appearance on Monday Night RAW. Cole has that confident smirk he’s known for on his face as he points to himself and throws up the “Undisputed Era” trademark taunt. Walking his way down the rampway as he motions for a few fans to back up as they get too close to touching him on his journey to the ring.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, The Star of the Show, Adaaam Coooleee!
MICHAEL COLE: Cole may not have his friends with him this time, but it’s made him no less confident in his abilities!
WADE BARRETT: Why should he be? The man is one of the best to ever lace up a pair of boots, Cole! Have you seen the accomplishments he’s racked up even though he’s been beset by injuries and roadblocks in his career that most men may never see?
As Adam Cole reaches the end of the rampway, he looks at Sydal in the ring and just shakes his head, almost as if finding it hilarious that this is who the powers that be expect will be a challenge for him. Walking around to the side of the ring, he leaps up to the apron and points a thumb at himself as “BOOM” hits on the lyrics and enters the ring quickly. Adam raises his arms in the air as he walks in a circle to display himself to the crowd before he leans down, tucking his necklace in before shooting up and pointing two fingers on each hand straight into the air, and the crowd shouts, “ADAM COLE BAY BAY!”
SINGLES MATCH
As soon as the match begins, Sydal tries to chop down Cole with repeated kicks to the legs. Once he has Cole down to a knee, he looks to springboard off the middle rope with an attack, but he's caught out of the air with a massive superkick by Cole. The legs of Sydal are hooked; 1...2...NO! A very close nearfall despite it being Cole's first offense of the match, The Star of the Show takes over from here, keeping Sydal down by using his size advantage to weigh down Sydal as Cole leans over him, wraps his legs around Sydal’s arm, and locks in the Crossface! Sydal tries to pry his hands off but can’t get a grip on Cole, so he flips him around so Cole’s shoulders are on the canvas; 1…2…NO! Cole is forced to break the hold as he gets himself out of the pinning predicament!
MICHAEL COLE: Quick thinking by Sydal, something he’s been very good at!
WADE BARRETT: Cole nearly had it there himself twice!
Cole grabs onto his opponent and whips Sydal into the corner, and then follows up with a running pump kick that crumbles Sydal. As Cole continues to decimate his opponent, he slows the pace down and locks in a headlock on Sydal, taunting the crowd the whole time he has Sydal trapped. Remarkably, Sydal manages to find his way to the ropes and grab the top rope, breaking the hold. Cole releases the hold but rakes the eye first, and the referee admonishes him for the action. Cole pulls Sydal up, presumably for a slam, but he's caught with a headscissors takedown!
MICHAEL COLE: A little too lax in keeping on top of things for Cole!
WADE BARRETT: That was nothing but desperation by Sydal! Just you wait, Adam Cole will turn this around before you know it!
Cole now scrambles to his feet, where he gets blindsided by a jumping knee strike from Sydal! With Cole down, Sydal ascends to the top rope and takes Cole down once again with a Meteora off the top rope! Sydal now ascends the ropes again, measuring Cole for the Shooting Star Press, but Cole rolls out of the way and Sydal rolls through to avoid face planting on the canvas. With both men back on their feet, Sydal charges Cole, but is launched high in the air and gets caught by Cole before being obliterated by an Ushigoroshi that takes him down. Cole now slaps the side of his leg before sliding the kneepad down to hype up the crowd, quickly rushing forward to nail The Boom! to try and put the match away as he hooks the leg of Sydal; 1…2…3!
WINNER
ADAM COLE
05:21 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, ADAAAM COOOLE!
MICHAEL COLE: Wow! What a match, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: And you didn’t think he was going to win! Adam Cole is going to make some moves in these coming weeks! It’s only a matter of time before we see him really shine!
Cole wastes no time in tossing Sydal out of the ring after he’s finished him off. Demanding the referee raise his arm as he gets a huge shit-eating grin on his face. He makes his way to the turnbuckle and stands on the second ropes as he taunts the crowd one last time and they boo his actions. With a smirk, Adam Cole waves them off as he exits the ring and makes his way to the back.
The crowd roars with excitement inside the Climate Pledge Arena, the smell of sweat and excitement in the air as lights begin to flash and the voice of Samantha Irvin comes over the loudspeaker.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the WWE Tag Team Champions… CM PUNK and STEVIE RICHARDS!
LOOK IN MY EYES!
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
THE CULT OF PERSONALITY!
The Best Tag Team Champions in the World, CM Punk and Stevie Richards emerge from behind the curtain. The nearly sold-out crowd in Seattle, Washington goes crazy. In typical fashion, both men are arm-in-arm, grinning from ear to ear. As “Cult of Personality” continues to blare over the sound system, the champions make their way down the ramp. WADE BARRETT: Ugh. Just what I was hoping to avoid tonight… having to listen to these two morons.
MICHAEL COLE: There they are, Wade! THE WWE WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! And from the sounds of it, Seattle, Washington couldn’t be happier!
WADE BARRETT: Maybe I overestimated the intelligence of the WWE Universe after all.
Once inside the ring, Punk and Stevie are both handed microphones. But before Punk can speak the crowd begins to chant… “C-M-PUNK, C-M-PUNK, C-M-PUNK!” Punk waits another twenty seconds before he attempts to speak.
CM PUNK: You know…
But the crowd is relentless with their chants… “C-M-PUNK, C-M-PUNK, C-M-PUNK!”
CM PUNK: You know, Stevie… I’ve been thinking…
Stevie pauses from pacing around the ring and glances at his partner with a mischievous grin.
STEVIE RICHARDS: Oh, yeah? Whatcha been thinking about, Punkster?
”C-M-PUNK, C-M-PUNK, C-M-PUNK!”
CM PUNK: Well, I'll tell ya, Stevie…
The crowd’s roar dies down, and everyone is waiting with bated breath to hear what the tag team champions have to say. CM Punk leans into the top rope, his head tilted, cocked to the side, his eyes never leaving Stevie’s.
CM PUNK: I was thinking that we should do something big tonight.
The crowd pops appropriately following Punk’s statement.
CM PUNK: I was thinking that we should do something HUGE. Something that WWE Universe and the fans here tonight in Seattle Washington will be talking about for years to come.
Stevie’s grin widens even larger.
STEVIE RICHARDS: Oh, yeah? Like what?
Punk smiles as he considers his words.
CM PUNK: I was thinking that we should do something special for the fans. Something they’ll never forget.
STEVIE RICHARDS: Go on. I’m listening…
CM PUNK: I was thinking that we should let the fans here in Seattle Washington help us decide who our next opponents are going to be…
And with that, almost as though it was on cue…
MATT CARDONA: Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait just a minute there, bro!
The crowd erupts into loud boos as the duo of Matt Cardona and Maxwell Jacob Friedman walk out onto the stage. There’s no music or any other pomp and circumstance, just the two of them walking out, each carrying a microphone and each sporting an agitated expression on their face. As the crowd’s boos die down, Cardona continues on.
MATT CARDONA: Just what kind of crap are you trying to pull here, huh? You really expected these idiots to make a decision about who your next challengers should be? Let alone a good one?
CM PUNK: Matt… Maxwell… I’d like to say we are surprised to see the two of you, but I’d rather not lie to the people of Seattle, Washington.
”C-M-PUNK, C-M-PUNK, C-M-PUNK!”
CM PUNK: In fact, I gotta be honest… it doesn’t surprise me one bit to see you two. And I mean, it’s gotta be tough. Trust me. Stevie and I know what it is like to wake up and feel like we have nothing. To wake up feeling unwanted. To wake up feeling like if we never stepped foot inside a wrestling ring ever again, that nobody would ever miss us. You see, Matt… Maxwell… just like the two of you… I used to wake up each and every morning, splash water in my face, and look at myself in the mirror. And do you know what I’d ask myself? I’ll tell you… I would ask myself if I was a bad guy for wanting the world when I was deserving of nothing. Go ahead and stop me, if you must. Tell me if this sounds familiar. Tell me when I am tellin’ lies. You see, much like my partner, Stevie… I never really did have an answer. I never really got an answer from my reflection in the mirror. The thing I decided was this… at some point or another everybody goes through this phase where they believe they’re the bad guy in their own story. This period of time where they feel like they’ve worked long enough or hard enough… and now should suddenly be handed the world… but I am here tonight to tell you that that line of thinking is flawed. When you start thinking that you’re deserving of the world… the world, or in this case, CM Punk is there to remind you that just when you think you’ve put in enough time and effort… just when you think the work is done… That's when the work truly begins…
His brow furrowed in obvious confusion; Cardona raises his microphone to his mouth once again.
MATT CARDONA: Punk, I gotta tell ya, I don’t know what you’re trying to tell us.
CM PUNK: Then shut up and listen. The two of you come out here tonight and for what? Because something in your pathetic brains is telling you that you’re deserving… that you’re entitled… that you belong sharing airtime with The Best Tag Team in the World…
His brow furrowing deeper, Cardona turns to look at Friedman, who’s also looking at him with an equally furrowed brow. They then turn their attention back to the WWE Tag Team Champions and Cardona speaks first.
MATT CARDONA: Bro…what the hell are you talking about?
He lowers his mic and now it’s Friedman who speaks up.
MAXWELL JACOB FRIEDMAN: It seems to me like you’re talking in circles to avoid the issue at hand here - - that Matt and I are the ones who should be getting a shot at those tag team titles. I mean, did you see how we handled Bullet Club Red last week? That performance was a pure work of art! There’s no way that anyone, not even a couple of washed-up has-beens like you, can deny that we’re worthy of getting our shot.
CM PUNK: Listen, you’re going to have to do a whole lot more than beat the Bullet Club Red to impress us.
MAXWELL JACOB FRIEDMAN: Well, then keep your eyes peeled next week, Punk.
Punk holds the microphone down from his face and mouths to Stevie, “What the hell does that mean?” Meanwhile, Cardona and Friedman both smirk and give mocking waves to the Tag Team Champions before turning and heading to the back.
MICHAEL COLE: Ominous words from Matt Cardona and Maxwell Jacob Friedman, what do you think they mean, Wade?
WADE BARRETT: I don’t know, but if I were Punk and Richards, I’d sleep with one eye open. They should have just accepted the challenge, Cardona and Friedman have proven themselves to be a worthy team!
MICHAEL COLE: Chelsea Green is the one who got the pin for their team! But regardless of the semantics there, it’s time for us to move on to the next match of the evening, another Money in the Bank qualifying match! Jade Cargill looks to continue her dominant streak as she goes one-on-one with Toni Storm!
”Somewhere in a Dream” by Mikey Rukus begins to play on the speakers and the crowd comes to life with a mix of cheers and boos as “Timeless” Toni Storm makes her way out to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd, she wrinkles her nose slightly at the mixed reaction from the crowd before dramatically sniffing and making her way down the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is a Money in the Bank qualifying match! Making her way to the ring, “Timeless” Toooniii Stooorrrm!
MICHAEL COLE: Toni Storm is making her return after being injured in a triple threat match involving Nia Jax and Fallon Henley earlier this year, and she’s looking to make her mark by qualifying for Money in the Bank!
WADE BARRETT: She’s got a hell of a task in front of her though, Cole! Jade Cargill has been a dominant force since first appearing at Backlash and she’s had a tendency to make short work of her opponents!
Toni gets to the bottom of the ramp and makes her way to the steel steps, gliding up to the apron and daintily entering the ring. Slipping out of her robe, she walks over to the ropes and gingerly hands it over to the ringside attendant, reminding them to be careful with her “precious silks”. Toni flips her hair and huffs dramatically as her music begins to fade and suddenly…
A Storm…Is Coming
“Epic” by Nick Goldstein begins to play on the speakers and the crowd now erupts into boos as the lights in the arena dim except for a single spotlight on the stage and Jade Cargill steps into said spotlight. Looking out at the crowd with an intense expression, Jade throws her arms out to the side and strikes a pose before making her way down the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her opponent, making her way to the ring, That Bitch, Jaaade Carrrgiiill!
MICHAEL COLE: I’ll be honest, Wade, Jade Cargill is my pick to go all the way in this year’s Money in the Bank!
WADE BARRETT: She should be everyone’s pick, Cole, the woman is an absolute machine!
Jade makes her way to the bottom of the ramp and pauses, her eyes lingering on Toni Storm who is standing in the ring, looking at her with an unimpressed expression. With a smirk, Jade walks over to the steel steps and slowly walks up to the apron, entering the ring and going to the center before striking another pose as the lights come up. As her music fades out, Jade turns her attention to Toni who is still looking rather unimpressed by Jade’s presence.
SINGLES MATCH
The bell rings and Jade immediately pounces, running at Toni and taking her down with a big boot! Looking to make this her fastest match yet, Jade goes for the pin but does so by just cockily placing a foot on Toni’s chest. 1…2…kick out by Toni Storm!
MICHAEL COLE: I can’t believe Toni Storm kicked out! I thought this one was over!
WADE BARRETT: I have a feeling Toni Storm is going to wish this was over in about five seconds!
Jade looks stunned that Toni actually kicked out, but doesn’t let this deter her. Bending down, she grabs Toni by the hair and roughly brings the Timeless one to her feet before whipping her into the corner. With Toni dazed, Jade runs at her before jumping up and crashing into her with a stinger splash! As Toni stumbles out of the corner, Jade gets behind her and grabs her arms, pulling them behind her and lifting her up in the air as she looks to hit her devastating Jaded finisher. However, as Jade lets go of Toni’s arms and looks to slam her down into the mat, Toni uses her strength to roll through and get Jade into a surprise rollup pin! 1…2…3!! Toni Storm has defeated Jade Cargill!
WINNER
TONI STORM
01:00 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, “Timeless” TOOONIII STOOORRRM!
MICHAEL COLE: Oh my God, I can’t believe it! Toni Storm has defeated Jade Cargill and has qualified for Money in the Bank!
WADE BARRETT: I am absolutely stunned, Cole, this might be the upset of the year!
”Somewhere in a Dream” begins to play again and this time the reaction from the crowd is all cheers as Toni Storm stumbles to her feet, clearly in shock over what happened. The referee raises her arm in the air to signal her victory, but she quickly runs for the ropes and exits the ring as Jade Cargill scrambles to her feet and attempts to run after her, stopping short at the ropes and gripping the top rope tightly with both hands as she glares at Toni with a burning gaze. Toni, meanwhile, is backing up the ramp, a mixture of excitement and disbelief on her face. As she reaches the top of the ramp, she finally raises her arms triumphantly in the air, overcome with emotion as it finally sets in that she’s going to Money in the Bank. As the crowd continues to cheer her on, Toni clutches her hands to her chest, showing that she’s clearly touched by their reaction before she turns around and heads to the back as the camera fades out to commercial.
Tune in next week as the final Money in the Bank qualifying matches take place, and Chelsea Green takes on the legendary Lita!
