Post by WWE RAW on Jul 1, 2024 17:11:38 GMT -5
Monday Night RAW
July 1, 2024
Moda Center
Portland, Oregon
As the opening video package ends, pyro explodes on the stage as the crowd in Portland, Oregon is erupting in cheers. The cameras pan through the crowd, showing off various signs reading things like “Lita Is My Hero!”, “Jay White For World Champ!”, “I Came For CM Punk!” and more. After doing a pan of the Moda Center, the cameras settle in on the commentary table where we see the team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett.
MICHAEL COLE: Welcome everybody to Monday Night RAW! I’m Michael Cole and sitting alongside me, as always, is my broadcast partner, Wade Barrett. Tonight, we’ve got a hell of a show in store and some more matches to qualify for both the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches!
WADE BARRETT: And let me tell you what, Cole, I’m super excited to see these final few matches. Last week we had a few surprises, but this week we’re in store for what could prove to be our best surprises yet as far as competitors in the match go.
MICHAEL COLE: Those extra few slots really opened up the potential for some interesting additions for sure, Wade. From veterans to rookies, old superstars to new arrivals, it's really going to be something to behold at Money in the Bank!
WADE BARRETT: I’ll tell you this much Cole, Money in the Bank is shaping up to be one of the biggest moments of the WWE since our return. There is still no telling what to expect!
MICHAEL COLE: But let’s not forget that we’ve also got some serious implications in other matches tonight as well. Chelsea will be taking on Lita and if she can manage to get a victory over the Queen of Xtreme, she can earn herself a spot in the WWE Women’s Championship match!
WADE BARRETT: I’m kind of hoping that Chelsea wins, because can you imagine a triple threat featuring Chelsea Green at Money in the Bank? She’s already scored a win over Serena and if she beats Lita tonight, you’d have to imagine the momentum would make her practically unstoppable!
MICHAEL COLE: I’ll tell you who looks like they’ll turn out unstoppable is the Guerillas of Destiny! For weeks they have been beating up whoever they wanted! Manhandling each and every superstar that stood in their path, and this week we finally get to see if that can equate to them getting a tag team victory over the also debuting Breezango.
WADE BARRETT: I’m very excited to see which of these teams can shake up the division a bit. Right now, we’ve had the division building and it’s great to see Cole. We might see who the next challenger for the WWE Tag Team Championship will be right in front of our very eyes!
MICHAEL COLE: Let’s not forget that our main event is guaranteed to be a blockbuster match. We’ve got a battle royal to determine who is going to walk out the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion. Will Becky be able to prove strong enough to defeat these four women or do we see a brand new champion tonight?
WADE BARRETT: Becky is most certainly The Man, but having all eyes determined to get her out of there to secure a new champion is crowned has got to be the goal for each of these ladies. You have to imagine that the odds will not be in her favor for this one, Cole!
MICHAEL COLE: You said it, Wade! We’re finally starting to get some clarity on Money in the Bank and inching ever so closer to finding out the participants.
WADE BARRETT: It’s anyone’s game at this point, but I - -
“Hey yo.”
The MODA Center crowd in Portland, Oregon knows what this means and they roar in approval as the TitanTron clicks on, showing WWE Champion “Big Daddy Cool” Diesel from the chest up.
WADE BARRETT: Every week, Cole! This guy interrupts me every week!
MICHAEL COLE: What can I say, Wade? Last week Diesel promised to announce his next challenger for the WWE Championship, and it sounds like we’re about to find out who that is!
WADE BARRETT: Great, but does he have to interrupt ME?
The WWE Championship is draped across the big man’s shoulder as the camera shot stays from his chest up.
DIESEL: You know, ever since the WWE returned, it seems like everyone is trying to find their place. It seems like everyone is fighting for attention in the new era. Now, I’ve made it clear that I view myself as the face of the new era of the WWE, and I think this belt here on my shoulder backs up that claim. But, as nice as that is, there is always going to be a NEXT generation. The business of professional wrestling doesn’t rest, and there is always someone younger, someone who feels they’re ready to take the next step. Isn’t that right, Shawn?
The camera shot finally fades out, and standing next to “Big Daddy Cool”, in front of the RAW backdrop, is Old Man Michaels.
OLD MAN MICHAELS: You’ve got to keep your head on a swivel in this business, big man. You know that as well as I do.
DIESEL: Exactly what I’m saying. And as champion, I’ve especially got to keep my head on a swivel, the entire locker room is making plans to be the one who dethrones Big Daddy Cool. But, it’s not always about who’s behind you or who’s next to you. Sometimes, it’s about who’s waiting in the shadows. It’s about the guy that has plans on being the next big thing in the business of professional wrestling.
OLD MAN MICHAELS: Sounds like a guy you ought to give the next shot at the WWE Championship to if you’re asking me.
“Big Daddy Cool” smirks and nods his head.
DIESEL: Right you are. And, as much as I enjoy a good rest, you can’t rest in this business for long. There is always someone in the shadows, making big plans to take you down. So, last week I promised that tonight I’d announce the next person who is going to be challenging me for the WWE Championship. I thought about it, and I’ll admit, I gave a lot of thought to a lot of people, but one guy stood out above the rest. He’s exactly the guy that I’m picturing waiting in the wings, making big plans to be the guy that takes me down. Some even say he’s the next big thing in the business, that he’s a can’t miss prospect.
WADE BARRETT: I think I’ve got an idea who he’s talking about, Cole.
MICHAEL COLE: You and me both, Wade, and if it’s who I think it is, this is about to be a monumental announcement!
DIESEL: So, before this guy gets a chance to pounce, before this next big thing, this can’t miss prospect, gets a chance to take Big Daddy Cool out from behind, I’m calling him out right here, right now. The next WWE superstar to challenge Big Daddy Cool for the WWE Championship is…Bron Breakker!
MICHAEL COLE: As I suspected, a monumental announcement!
WADE BARRETT: AND an announcement that shows Diesel is just as dumb as I thought he was! Bron could very well be the one to take him down!
DIESEL: Now, I realize that Bron lost his Money in the Bank qualifier, but he showed me something in that match. He showed me that when people call him the next big thing, a can’t miss prospect, that they may very well be onto something, and I want to test myself against the guy everyone is calling a can’t miss prospect!
WADE BARRETT: Famous last words!
DIESEL: The ball is in your court, Bron. The challenge is laid out. You’ve caught Big Daddy Cool’s eye, and this is your chance to step up.
“Big Daddy Cool” holds the WWE Championship up into the air.
MICHAEL COLE: Last week, Diesel told us that tonight he’d announce his next challenger and it’s Bron Breakker! That’s going to be one hell of a match, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: As much as I can’t stand our champion, you’re not wrong. A colossal showdown!
MICHAEL COLE: Wade, I don’t know about you but Bron Breakker sounds like a true test of the old guard versus the new guard of superstars.
WADE BARRETT: If it were me, I’d pick the guy on the roster who would be least likely to cause me any problems. Breaker seems like he would be the opposite of that, but maybe Diesel sees his experience as the determining factor to his victory.
MICHAEL COLE: Diesel doesn’t seem like the type to find anybody as much of a challenge in my opinion. The man towers over every other superstar in the WWE!
WADE BARRETT: But some challenges are easier to overcome than others, Cole. For instance, you wouldn’t want to take on a man like Brody King because he would tear you apart limb by limb, but Sydal might just leave you nursing some bruised ribs.
MICHAEL COLE: Daniels might take some offense for not being added to that equation since he’s the third factor in this upcoming triple threat match.
WADE BARRETT: Daniels would probably just leave you wondering what the heck happened after he stole the victory from under your nose before you could process what happened.
”30/30-150” by Stone Sour plays over the sound system of the arena as Daniels makes his way to the top of the stage and holds up his hand in his signature taunt. The crowd boos him as that overconfident grin is etched on his face.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following triple threat match is scheduled for one fall! Making her way to the ring, The Fallen Angel Chriiistopher Daaanieeels!
MICHAEL COLE: Well he certainly seems to be ready for the challenge, but these fans aren’t too happy to see him.
WADE BARRETT: Daniels is an acquired taste, Cole, but no matter what, these fans will learn to appreciate his skills in the ring. He’s quite possibly one of the most polished men I’ve ever seen in a wrestling ring.
Daniels is laser focused as he walks down the rampway and gets himself set for the coming challenge. He makes the sign of the cross before taking the steps up to the apron and posing for the fans on the side of the ring before he enters. As he gets to the center of the ring, he throws his arms out to the side and then walks to the ropes to test them after removing his robe and tossing it ringside. “Divine Injustice” by God's Hate blasts over the P/A system in the MODA Center as Brody wastes no time making his way to the ring.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Now making his way to the ring; Big, Bad Brodyyy Kiiing!
MICHAEL COLE: Brody is a man on a mission, and he’s clearly not going to waste any time as he’s already halfway down to the ring!
WADE BARRETT: He’s violent, he’s huge, and some even call him a monster because of the way he decimates his opponents!
MICHAEL COLE: I know that the Co-Owners have been excited to see what he can bring to the table and putting him against two men in his debut is a good way to find out what he can handle.
His steps are quick, and his glare is as cold as ice as he looks towards Daniels in the ring and pulls himself onto the apron before stepping over the top rope and going for a discus lariat that Daniels rolls under. Matt Sydal is already rushing down to the ring in order to get in on the action. He barely has time to point towards his third eye as he watches King toss Daniels across the ring into the turnbuckle corner with ease!
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And their opponent, Maaatt Syyydal!
MICHAEL COLE: Sydal doesn’t even have time for fanfare, as these fans are usually excited to see him but are being distracted by the mayhem already happening in the ring!
WADE BARRETT: Matt doesn’t have a choice but to rush his way down before King ends this without him!
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Once the bell rings, Sydal goes right after Brody King, clearly fired up to get another victory on Monday Night Raw. However, it nearly costs him in the early stages as Brody looks for the All-Seeing Eye early, but Daniels makes the save when he dropkicks King, which in turn makes him drop Sydal to the canvas. Sydal rolls to the outside as he looks to regroup. As the match goes on, Daniels tries to keep up the offense but is obliterated by a discus lariat by King!
MICHAEL COLE: Good lord! King just turned Daniels inside out!
WADE BARRETT: Sydal isn’t looking too good on the outside either! Who ordered the monster off the menu?
MICHAEL COLE: Oh no, Sydal, that might not be a wise decision!
Sydal climbs his way up to the rope, and as he jumps off and is caught by the throat, King lifts him up and slams him down with a chokebomb! He now manhandles Daniels back to his feet and tosses him over the top ropes, but he catches himself before crashing to the floor and teeters on the apron. King notices and busts out his sleeper-hold stunning Daniels, who desperately tries to pry off the arms of the big man but to no avail. King lifts him up so he’s dangling by his feet until all the life drains from Daniels before he tosses him down in a crumpled heap to the ring floor.
WADE BARRETT: These men are being tossed around like ragdolls by Brody King!
MICHAEL COLE: Daniels might be knocked out completely after that sleeper hold! I’ve never seen somebody go limp like that so quickly!
Sydal makes the mistake of hammering a strike from behind on Brody’s back and instantly regrets it as Brody pie faces him hard down to the canvas! King doesn’t even take a second to jump up and hit a senton on Sydal, flattening him against the canvas! Sydal slowly gets to his feet as he tries to fight Brody off and goes for a superkick, but King catches his foot, and he goes for an enziguri, but Brody practically takes his head off with a massive lariat. King then drags Sydal up off the mat and plants him with the Gonzo Bomb before stacking himself on top of the folded Sydal for the cover, 1…2…3!
WINNER
BRODY KING
02:41 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner; Big, Bad BROOODYYY KIIING!
MICHAEL COLE: This definitely was not a good night for all involved in this match. Daniels and Sydal might have to rewatch the footage to even remember this match!
WADE BARRETT: Brody King had a goal in mind, and it was to eliminate all competition he had tonight. He’s not here to do anything but absolutely demolish all who step in his way!
The referee goes to raise Brody King's arm, but he shoots a glare his way, and he instead opts to rush out of the ring for fear of his own life. King now raises his own arms up in the air as the fans are absolutely gobsmacked by how quick and violent this was.
The cameras go to the backstage area, and the crowd roars in approval as TBTTITW is shown on the TitanTron, walking through the backstage area of the Moda Center.
CM PUNK: I don’t know Stevie, changing his dog food is risky.
STEVIE RICHARDS: Aw c’mon man, I just know the little guy is itching for a change. I could sense it.
CM PUNK: I’ll admit, you two bonded during that intense game of fetch.
STEVIE RICHARDS: I’m still exhausted after chasing that tennis ball.
CM PUNK: Larry can be picky, Stevie. You can’t just go changing a dog’s food.
STEVIE RICHARDS: Suit yourself, I’m just trying to improve Larry’s menu options.
CM PUNK: Yeah, but - -
Punk’s response is cut off as he’s suddenly knocked down from behind!
MICHAEL COLE: MJF! MJF just leveled CM Punk!
Stevie goes to jump in, but he too is knocked off his feet!
WADE BARRETT: And Matt Cardona! Cardona just laid out Stevie Richards!
Just as the voices of Monday Night RAW indicated, the duo of MJF and Matt Cardona are laying in the shots to the fallen CM Punk and Stevie Richards. MJF is bent over CM Punk laying in shots to his head, while Cardona is kicking the fallen Richards.
MICHAEL COLE: What is this about?! This is absolutely uncalled for!
WADE BARRETT: It might have to do with the fact that last week on RAW, CM Punk said he wasn’t impressed with MJF and Cardona. Sounds like they took that to heart!
MICHAEL COLE: Sure, but this isn’t the way to answer those comments. This is appalling!
MJF finally stands up and as CM Punk tries to get to his feet, MJF kicks him right in the face, sending Punk back down to the floor. Richards isn’t having much more success getting to his feet, thanks to a few more kicks from Cardona.
MAXWELL JACOB FRIEDMAN: How’s that for impressive, you washed up prick?
Standing over CM Punk, MJF delivers a final kick.
MATT CARDONA: Yeah, are you jabronis impressed now?
Cardona does the same with Richards. The duo of MJF and Matt Cardona stand over the fallen Tag Team Champions, smirks on their faces as they look incredibly pleased with their actions.
WADE BARRETT: Looks like MJF and Matt Cardona have decided to make SURE The Best Tag Team in the World leave Portland impressed!
MICHAEL COLE: Absolutely uncalled for, Wade! Despicable!
WADE BARRETT: They’re just doing what they have to do to make a statement, Cole!
MICHAEL COLE: Give me a break, there’s better ways they could have gone about that and you know it, Wade! We have to move on, though, because up next we have one of our two final qualifying matches for the women’s Money in the Bank match as Tiffany Stratton goes one-on-one with Fallon Henley!
WADE BARRETT: I have a feeling that the women’s Money in the Bank match is about to find out what time it is - - Tiffy Time!
MICHAEL COLE: They very well might, Wade! Tiffany Stratton is a heck of an athlete and eager to make her mark in this new era, but don’t count out Fallon Henley just yet! I know she’s eager to prove herself as well, and a win here tonight could go a long way in building up some positive momentum!
”Saddle Up” by def rebel begins to play on the speakers and the crowd cheers as Fallon Henley makes her way to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a big smile on her face, Fallon points out to the cheering fans before she starts to make 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, Fallooonnn Heeenleeey!
MICHAEL COLE: Well the fans certainly seem to be ready for Henley to make the most of this! She looks ready and rarin’ to throw down as well!
WADE BARRETT: Please, Cole, don’t embarrass yourself or me by trying to sound country. Let the professional cowgirl do that job, she’s clearly equipped for it and you quite frankly are not!
Fallon climbs the ringside steps and between the ropes, before stepping onto the corner post. She raises her hands high as the crowd continues to cheer. After a moment the music changes and “Tiffy Time” by def rebel begins to play over the loudspeakers. The crowd boos the Buff Barbie as she emerges from backstage. She stands at the top of the ramp, flipping her hair back and waving her hand dismissively at the crowd around her.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her opponent, The Buff Barbie Tiffanyyy Straaattooon!
MICHAEL COLE: Portland doesn't seem very happy about Tiffy Time!
WADE BARRETT: Well they’re just going to have to get used to it, because when she wins Money in the Bank, it’s going to be Tiffy Time all the time.
Tiffany saunters down to the ring, looking left and right at the fans lining the aisle. She shakes her head and tilts her head away from them, her nose wrinkled like there’s a bad smell. She climbs the turnbuckle and steps through the ropes, where she faces down with Henley. The official checks both of them, and the match begins.
SINGLES MATCH
Fallon and Tiffany face off. They stand the same height, but Stratton looks a bit cocky with the weight advantage she has over her opponent. She offers a hand out for a test of strength, and for a moment Fallon looks suspicious. But Momma didn’t raise no cowards, and she takes Tiffany’s hand, only to eat a sharp knee to the gut that doubles her over!
MICHAEL COLE: Fallon’s got her work cut out for her, there’s not a shortcut that Tiffany won’t take to win a match.
WADE BARRETT: Shortcut?! Henley needs to learn to watch out, that’s old-school wrestling 101!
Henley stays on her feet and tries to pull away, but Stratton keeps her grip and pulls back. There’s a brief tug of war, but Stratton gets the upper hand and drags her back, Irish whipping her across the ring. Henley rebounds and ducks the clothesline. She hits the other side and when she comes back she delivers a devastating chop-block to Tiffany’s knee! The Minnesota native cries out in pain and stumbles to the affected knee, grabbing at it in the process. Henley gets back on her feet and moves behind Stratton and locks her hands behind her. She struggles to lift Tiffany as the Buff Barbie gets her leg wound around Henley’s. Henley releases with one arm, but before Stratton can capitalize, Henley delivers several sharp blows to Stratton’s knee once again! Stratton’s face twists in pain and she pulls her foot back, only to go head over heels with a German suplex!
MICHAEL COLE: Fallon Henley is really taking it to Tiffany Stratton here!
WADE BARRETT: She’s playing dirty! She’s targeting Tiffany’s knee, she’s trying to take her out of action!
The official moves to check on Tiffany, who clutches her head and her neck. She nods that she’s okay, only for Henley to kip back up! The Chelsea, Michigan native grabs Stratton’s injured leg and hooks it behind her own. Tiffany’s shaking her head and telling her not to do it, but Henley isn’t listening! She grabs the other leg and falls back, into the figure-four leg lock, and Tiffany writhes in pain!
MICHAEL COLE: Fallon’s got the figure-four locked in! This one might be over!
WADE BARRETT: Come on, Tiffany, fight through this!
Tiffany is screaming in pain and desperately crawling for the ropes, anxious to get Fallon to release the hold and bring some relief. After a moment, she’s finally able to touch the bottom rope and she grabs onto it, but Fallon won’t release the hold! The referee tells her to let go and when she again refuses, he begins his count, 1…2…3…4…Fallon reluctantly releases the hold and gets to her feet, apologizing to the referee as he admonishes her for her actions. Tiffany is still on the mat, clutching at her knee as she rolls around in pain.
WADE BARRETT: I told you Fallon was playing dirty, Cole! She wouldn’t listen to the referee and release the hold!
MICHAEL COLE: I say good for her! It’s about time Fallon stands up to bullies like Tiffany Stratton!
The crowd is cheering Fallon on as she makes her way over to the corner and turns around, watching intently as Tiffany starts to stir. Using the ropes for support, Tiffany slowly starts to get up, and as she gets up to her knees, she turns around to see Fallon rushing in as she delivers the devastating kick that she calls the Hoedown! Tiffany crumples back down to the mat after taking that shot to the head, and Fallon moves quickly, dragging Tiffany to the middle of the ring and then dropping down for the pin, hooking the leg, 1…2…3! Fallon Henley is going to Money in the Bank!
WINNER
FALLON HENLEY
05:14 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, FALLOOONNN HEEENLEEEY!
MICHAEL COLE: Fallon Henley has done it! She’s beaten Tiffany Stratton and qualified for Money in the Bank!
WADE BARRETT: I can’t believe this, Cole, this is an absolute travesty! This was supposed to be Tiffy Time!
”Saddle Up” begins to play again and the crowd is cheering as Fallon Henley stumbles to her feet, her face a mixture of shock and excitement. As the referee raises her hand in the air, she raises her other arm triumphantly, emotion washed over her face as the reality of the situation starts to set in. As the referee goes to check on Tiffany Stratton, Fallon goes to the turnbuckles and climbs up to the second one, raising her arms in the air in celebration as the crowd continues to cheer her on. Hopping down to the mat, Fallon goes to the ropes and exits the ring, jumping down to the arena floor. Slapping a few hands of the fans in the front row, she begins to make her way up the ramp, raising her arms again triumphantly and as she reaches the top of the ramp, she turns around and looks out at the crowd with a big, excited smile on her face before turning and heading to the back, leaving us with the image of the referee tending to Tiffany Stratton and her knee.
We go from our shot of a referee checking on the fallen Tiffany Stratton to the backstage area. Byron Saxton stands by with a microphone, looking into the camera.
BYRON SAXTON: As we’ve just seen, folks, the women’s Money in the Bank match is heating up. With Fallon Henley’s upset win, we only have one last qualifier to decide the six women who will be battling for the opportunity of a lifetime. With me tonight is one of those six women, Doctor Britt Baker.
The crowd applauds as Britt steps into the frame, giving Byron a smile and a nod of the head.
BRITT BAKER: Thanks for having me, Byron.
BYRON SAXTON: No problem at all, Doctor. Now that you’ve seen the match’s card start to fill up, what are your thoughts going into Money in the Bank? Are you feeling confident, seeing who you’re going up against?
Britt shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly.
BRITT BAKER: Well, I was the second woman to qualify, after Dakota, of course. I think I’ve been in a pretty good position. I’ve been able to watch everyone’s matches and take notes, see exactly what I’m up against and make some game plans. I know I’m not exactly the front runner here, Byron. I’ve got some long odds from the moment the bell rings. But I think I’ll do well enough to at least surprise some of those women. And if I walk away with the jackpot? All the better.
BYRON SAXTON: So you’re hoping to do well, even if you don’t win?
BRITT BAKER: I mean, obviously I want to win. I want nothing more than to carry that suitcase down the ramp and challenge Serena Deeb, or Lita, or whoever happens to be holding the championship. And I’m going to fight like hell to make that happen. I just know the odds aren’t exactly in my favor.
BYRON SAXTON: Fair enough, Doctor, but –
Britt raises her hand to interrupt him.
BRITT BAKER: You don’t have to call me that. Just Britt’s fine - -
? ? ?: That’s right, Saxton, she’s savin’ that so she can be Doctor Money in the bank. Hah-haaaaa!
Britt looks past Byron and her eyes widen, and the color seems to drain from her face. She blinks, looking entirely taken off-guard by whatever it is that she sees off camera. The crowd roars as the speaker steps into frame, revealing none other than Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins.
BRITT BAKER: Wh-what are you doing here?
SETH 'FREAKIN' ROLLINS: I work here, remember? Or at least, I think I do. I’d stay and chat, but I’ve gotta go talk to the new Big Boss Man and see how that’s going. It’s good to see you though, you look great.
Seth holds his hand out, and Britt still looks a little stunned when she accepts it, and he draws her into a ‘bro-hug.’ He slaps her on the back and walks out of the frame and down the hallway. Byron’s eyes follow him, then he looks back to Britt.
BYRON SAXTON: I didn’t know you knew Seth - - hey, are you okay?
Britt is quiet for a moment, before starting suddenly, like she’s surprised.
BRITT BAKER: Huh? Oh! Yeah, I’m fine. I’m sorry to cut this short but I need to go…make a phone call. Thanks Byron.
Byron watches Britt step out-of-shot in the opposite direction Seth went, looking confused, before the camera shot returns to the announce table.
WADE BARRETT: The Monday Night Messiah has returned! The new era just continues to deliver!
MICHAEL COLE: It will be nice to have him back. Is it me, though, or did Britt Baker seem a little surprised to see him?
WADE BARRETT: Well of course she did, Cole. We were all surprised! I nearly choked on my nachos!
MICHAEL COLE: This is why you shouldn’t eat while you commentate on wrestling events, folks!
WADE BARRETT: Beth and I love a good snack; it helps us perform better at our jobs! What I really want to know is, what we can expect from the Monday Night Messiah?
MICHAEL COLE: I think Britt would like to know that as well, it seems like she was calling somebody to give them a heads up about the whole situation.
WADE BARRETT: Well I can tell you where our heads should be focused, and that’s on the next match! Lance Storm is going to be taking on Vampiro and one more slot at Money in the Bank is going to be filled making our next Premium Live Event that much more solid in its line-up!
"Thunderstruck" by AC/DC hits the PA system of the arena as the fans erupt for the extreme legend, Lance Storm. He makes his way out onto the stage and raises his arms in the air before making his way down the ramp. As he makes his way down to the ring, he stares up at the briefcases hanging above the ring to advertise for the Money in the Bank match coming in the following weeks.
Storm focuses his attention on the briefcase as he climbs up the stairs at ringside and keeps his eyes locked even as he gets into the ring and uses the ropes to limber up a bit. Rolling his neck around on his shoulders before he raises his arms in the air and the fans pop for “The Thrillseeker”.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following match is a Money in the Bank qualifying match, making his way to the ring, The Thrillseeker, Laaance Stooorm!
MICHAEL COLE: Storm is a man desperate to prove himself, he’s got all the tools to make it to the top, but he just hasn’t quite gotten there yet.
WADE BARRETT: Winning that Money in the Bank briefcase is a great way for him to take a quick detour to that opportunity!
MICHAEL COLE: And you have to imagine that he isn’t going to give up easily in this qualifying match!
There’s a brief moment of silence, and then the lights in the stadium go dark. The slow, haunting guitar opening to “To the Bone” by Mirel Wagner begins to play. After a moment, two red spotlights focus on the man emerging from backstage: Vampiro, his face painted bone white. The red light gives him a demonic appearance as he looks at the crowd, who is assailing him with boos.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, The Dark Guide Vaaampiiiro!
MICHAEL COLE: Vampiro’s career has been plagued with doubters.
WADE BARRETT: And it’s not wise to underestimate Vampiro, he’s already proven that he’s not the same man from long ago. Taking out a man in his prime like Jacob Fatu is no small feat!
The camera follows Vampiro as he stalks down the ramp, his gaze focuses on Lance Storm who is clearly ready to start this match. He mounts the stairs and steps through the ropes, walking a slow semi-circle around Storm to the opposite corner. He shrugs out of his leather jacket and nudges it out of the ring with his foot. The official looks between the two men as they nod their readiness to him, before he gives the signal to ring the bell.
SINGLES MATCH
Vampiro and Storm circle one another before they lock-up. Storm gets an arm ringer, but Vampiro counters and then gets a forearm smash to the arm. Storm grabs the wrist and turns it into an armlock, but as Storm tries to press him down to the canvas, he gets an elbow to the face. Storm lets go of the arm for a moment but grabs Vampiro into a headlock, Vampiro pushes him back into the ropes and sends him bouncing off the other side, only for Storm to come back and shoulderblock him down. Vampiro goes for a monkey flip, but Storm lands on his feet!
MICHAEL COLE: Storm stated how desperate he is heading into this match. He’s been dying to make his mark, and I have to imagine him landing on his feet is a reflection of the good old days when he was at his peak!
WADE BARRETT: Definitely impressive to see, however, these two are pretty evenly matched so it might just be that it’s easier with someone in that same age range.
Vampiro comes off the ropes and gets a flying head scissors, which sends Storm rolling across the ring. Storm rolls to the outside to catch a breather. Storm gets back on the apron and gets a shoulder thrust. He goes for a sunset flip back into the ring, but Vampiro just walks away and Storm crashes onto the canvas. Vampiro comes off the ropes but Storm ducks the clothesline, then catches Vampiro with a superkick, but it knocks Vampiro out of the ring and he crashes onto the floor.
MICHAEL COLE: He nearly took Vampiro’s head off!
WADE BARRETT: Clear out of the ring goes Vampiro! Doesn’t help Storm’s chance to make the pin after his superkick!
MICHAEL COLE: But it does keep him at a clear advantage by leaving a lasting impression on Vampiro!
After Vampiro recovers and gets up on the apron, Storm brings him back in the hard way with a suplex. Storm follows up with a back suplex, and makes the first cover attempt of the match, 1…2…Vampiro kicks out! Vampiro crawls back onto the apron, and Storm jumps off the second rope and dropkicks Vampiro off the apron which causes Vampiro to crash into the barricade. Storm gets onto the apron and jumps off and nails a spinning heel kick off the apron that takes Vampiro out!
MICHAEL COLE: Now that’s a move you don’t see often!
WADE BARRETT: Off the apron with the spinning heel kick and Storm is looking like a new man with each passing minute!
As Vampiro slowly gets back to his feet, he leans against the barricade to catch his breath but Storm clotheslines Vampiro over the barricade, then gets a full head of steam and dives over the barricade and takes Vampiro out again with a dropkick! Storm runs back into the ring and tells the referee to stop counting as he wants to beat Vampiro in the ring. The referee still counts however, but the distraction is enough for Vampiro to crawl back to ringside and roll back into the ring. Storm props Vampiro on the second rope after a few hard shots to wear him down and goes for a guillotine leg drop, but Vampiro moves, and Storm leg drops the apron! Storm tries to get back into the ring and Vampiro gets him with his own guillotine leg drop! 1…2…Storm kicks out! Vampiro pulls Storm to his feet as he’s groggy and bounces off the ropes coming back with a Big Boot! 1…2….Storm kicks out again!
MICHAEL COLE: Vampiro with the advantage right now, and he’s feeling the same way Storm is about needing this victory. Both of these men never quite got to that big shot they could really solidify their careers with.
WADE BARRETT: And Money in the Bank is an opportunity that almost guarantees you the best chance of not only getting that shot but having a decisive advantage when you do!
The pace picks up as Vampiro sends Storm face first into the corner, then rebounds off the ropes and nails a clothesline. Inverted suplex from Vampiro! 1…2…Storm kicks out again! Storm stops Vampiro by hitting a dropkick, and goes for a suplex, but Vampiro counters by landing on his feet, only for Storm to hit him with a neckbreaker! Storm heads to the top rope, but Vampiro recovers to meet him up there. Vampiro sets Storm up and nails a top rope superplex! Vampiro can’t take advantage though as both men are motionless on the mat.
MICHAEL COLE: Both of these men have been through hell at this point, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: And it’s unfortunate for Vampiro, because that superplex would’ve been a great opportunity to go for a pinfall but it took just as much out of him as it did his opponent!
Both men slowly get to their feet, and surprisingly Storm has the advantage with a boot to the midsection. Storm goes for a powerbomb, but Vampiro turns it into a facebuster! Now Vampiro heads to the top rope, but Storm pushes the referee into the ropes and Vampiro gets crotched! Storm heads up to Vampiro and nails a frankensteiner off the top rope to Vampiro! 1…2...Vampiro just kicks out! Storm says that’s it and as Vampiro gets to his feet he nails another superkick, but Vampiro grabs Storm’s legs and turns it into a Chokeslam! 1…2…Storm kicks out! Vampiro dropkicks Storm which sends him to the outside, and then as he gets a full head of steam he dives through the ropes and hits a suicide dive onto Storm! Vampiro rolls Storm back in and heads up top, but as he reaches to grab Storm, he gets a chop to the chest from Storm! Vampiro jumps off the top and gets decked with a SUPERKICK! Storm rolls him up and desperately slaps the canvas as the referee drops down to count; 1…2…3! LANCE STORM ADVANCES TO MONEY IN THE BANK!
WINNER
LANCE STORM
06:51 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, LAAANCE STOOORM!
MICHAEL COLE: A decisive victory here tonight for Storm!
WADE BARRETT: And things just got a little more serious for the competition at Money in the Bank!
MICHAEL COLE: Vampiro did excellent in keeping up with Storm, but in the end, it just wasn’t enough to take this opportunity away from him.
Storm’s arm is raised by the referee as the crowd are going absolutely wild for his victory. Vampiro, having rolled his way out of the ring, begins his trek to the back as he holds onto his chin. A ringside medical technician offers assistance, but he tosses the man into the barricade and stomps him a few times for good measure before he throws a glare back towards Storm.
The cameras go to the backstage area where we see Chelsea Green stretching and warming up for her match against Lita. The crowd in attendance boos at the sight of The Hot Mess, and as she stretches, she’s suddenly approached by Byron Saxton, who has a microphone in his hand as per usual.
BYRON SAXTON: Hey there, Chelsea, could I get a word with you?
Chelsea, who has bent down to grab her ankles for her latest stretch, looks up and gives Byron a big smile as she stands up straight.
CHELSEA GREEN: Well sure, Brian, what’s up?
BYRON SAXTON: Actually - -
Byron is clearly ready to correct Chelsea on his name but instead, he stops himself, shakes his head, and just continues on.
BYRON SAXTON: With your match against Lita just moments away, I was just wondering how you’re feeling about it?
CHELSEA GREEN: I’m feeling fine, Brian, why would I be feeling anything else? I’ve already proven how great I am when I became the first woman to pin Serena Deeb a couple of weeks ago, so I’m certainly not worried about a washed-up old has-been like Lita!
BYRON SAXTON: I mean, to be fair, you did have some help from Maxwell Jacob Friedman to keep Serena down, so - -
Chelsea scoffs as she looks at Byron incredulously.
CHELSEA GREEN: Are you serious right now, Brian? Max was not helping me. I don’t need his help, I don’t need anyone’s help! I’m the star of this women’s division, Brian, and I’m going to go out there right now and prove that to you and everyone else who wants to doubt me.
Shooting Byron one last death glare, Chelsea turns and picks up her bedazzled hat, placing it on her head as she storms off for her match, leaving Byron standing there with a dumbfounded expression on his face as the cameras go back to ringside.
MICHAEL COLE: Regardless of what she says, it was rather apparent that Chelsea Green did have some help beating Serena Deeb.
WADE BARRETT: Watch what you say, Cole! Libel and slander are serious crimes!
MICHAEL COLE: Green should have her hands full with Lita here tonight. Going to be exciting to see Lita back in action for the first time in a long time here!
The camera cuts to the crowd in the arena with the camera turning towards the entrance ramp. “Lovefurypassionenergy” plays on the P.A. system as Lita appears at the top of the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Making her way to the ring, Liiitaaa!
MICHAEL COLE: You know I said it’s been a few years since we’ve seen Lita in the ring, but I forgot she was a tag champion as recently as last year.
WADE BARRETT: She showed she’s still got it and she’s got a huge match coming up against the women’s champ.
MICHAEL COLE: First things first, she has Chelsea Green in her way tonight.
”Hot Mess” by Def Rebel starts playing over the P.A. system and the camera turns its attention towards the entrance ramp once again. Chelsea Green appears at the top of the ramp, Matt Cardona following her out after a few seconds.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her opponent, from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The Hot Mess,Chelseaaaaaaa Greeeeeeeeeeen!
MICHAEL COLE: Chelsea Green has a chance here tonight to get wins over both Serena Deeb and Lita in just a few weeks’ time, regardless of how she got the wins.
WADE BARRETT: A huge opportunity! What if she does it!?
MICHAEL COLE: You’d think management would have to give her a look.
As Chelsea gets to the bottom of the ramp, suddenly “Switchblade” by NJPW hits and the crowd comes to their collective feet once more. They see the WWE Women’s Champion coming out, a smile on her face.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And the special guest commentary for this match, she is the WWE Women’s Champion, The Assassin, Sereeeeena Deeeeeeb!
MICHAEL COLE: Finally, a commentary partner that isn’t a handful.
WADE BARRETT: Let’s not act like you’re easy to work with either, Cole.
The camera focuses on the commentary table, showing Deeb putting her headset on to join the commentary team.
SERENA DEEB: Pleasure to be alongside both of you guys.
WADE BARRETT: One of us more than the other though, right?
MICHAEL COLE: Knock it off, Wade.
SERENA DEEB: Nah, you’re both pretty good at what you do. Just like Lita and Chelsea. This should be a fun one.
SINGLES MATCH
Chelsea Green gets a good luck kiss on the cheek from her husband as he stands on the apron, both his hands up on the ropes. He hops off and starts clapping his hands in support of his wife and trying to rile up the crowd a bit. Chelsea starts warming up by leaning back and forth and moving her feet a bit. Standing across the ring from her is Lita. This will be the first time she’s been in the ring for a match in well over a year. One of the greatest WWE women wrestlers of all time, she’s back to make a huge impact like she did over twenty years ago. Her mutual respect with the women’s champion, Serena Deeb was played out last week when Lita made the save from Chelsea Green beating Deeb down after the six-person tag team match. Lita is in line for a WWE Women’s Championship match, but one has to wonder what might happen if Chelsea Green were to get a victory here tonight. That would give her wins over the women’s champion and the challenger at Money in the Bank. A lot of what if scenarios could play out over the course of this match. The referee checks both women and they’re both ready to go. The ref calls for the bell and this match is officially underway.
SERENA DEEB: Lita looks focused here tonight. I would expect no less from her.
MICHAEL COLE: We saw Chelsea Green pick up the pinfall win in the six-person tag team match.
SERENA DEEB: Don’t remind me.
WADE BARRETT: That’s what he does, Serena. He’s a human salt shaker, just pouring it into open wounds.
MICHAEL COLE: Just pointing out what happened. I think Serena would agree that the how Chelsea went about her win was a little questionable.
SERENA DEEB: More than questionable.
The two women go and lock up with Chelsea getting the early advantage, pushing Lita into the corner and starting a five count. Chelsea releases the grip she had on her opponent and holds her hands up in the air triumphantly. Lita nods her head, and they lock up once again. This time, again, Chelsea gets the advantage and pushes Lita back into a corner and is issued a warning to break the hold once again. This time when Green releases her hold, she slaps Lita across the face. The crowd audibly gasps, and Lita moves the referee aside, rushing towards Green. She jumps up and presses Green down to the mat. Lita is in the mounted position and is delivering some stiff right punches to Chelsea. The two roll over and try to get the advantage over one another again. Both women scramble to their feet and Chelsea takes a swing at Lita who ducks under the swing and rushes towards the ropes behind Green. Lita bounces off the ropes, jumps up and wraps her legs around Chelsea’s head, spinning back and down, taking Green over onto her back with a headscissor takedown. Green slides over back up to her knees but Lita tries to stay on the attack. She bounces off the ropes again and rushing towards Green, Chelsea grabs the middle rope and pulls it down. Lita dives at her just before that and goes flying through the ropes and to the floor!
WADE BARRETT: What a smart move there from Chelsea Green!
MICHAEL COLE: Lita trying to use her speed to her advantage there and got ahead of herself.
SERENA DEEB: Wade is right, Chelsea has this unique cunning to her at times.
WADE BARRETT: You hear that, Cole!? Wade is right!
Lita is using the ringside barricade to try and pull herself up to her feet. Green slides under the bottom rope and stands up to her feet on the apron. As Lita gets to her feet and turns around, Green rushes towards her, taking flight off the apron and hits Lita with a meteora and takes her down to the floor! The crowd cheers at the move and the impact! Cardona is bouncing around near Green, telling her to get up to her feet and get back into the ring. Lita is grabbing at her neck as Green is the first up, rolling into the ring. The referee’s count gets to eight and Lita is scrambling to her feet. The ref yells out nine and Lita rolls into the ring, getting back in there just in time. Chelsea looks annoyed and picks Lita up, but Lita shoves her away. Green is grabbed by her arm and whipped into the corner. Lita comes rushing in, smashing Chelsea with a clothesline right as her back smacks into the corner. Chelsea stumbles out of the corner as Lita hops up to the second rope. Lita waits for Chelsea to stumble around and face her before taking flight, grabbing Green around the head, spinning and taking her down to the mat with a tornado DDT. Lita goes for the cover. 1….2…3! No! Chelsea gets her shoulder up!
MICHAEL COLE: I thought that was it. Somehow Chelsea got her shoulder up.
SERENA DEEB: What a move from Lita there though.
WADE BARRETT: Chelsea Green won’t quit though. Lita is gonna have to do a little bit more than that.
Lita motions to the crowd that she is going to try and end this one. She pulls Chelsea up to her feet and looks to lock in a Twist of Fate, but before doing so, Chelsea pokes Lita in the eyes, raking her hand across her face as well. Lita grabs at her face blindly as Green pulls Lita towards her, hoisting her up and spinning her around and slamming her with a belly-to-belly suplex. Lita is still grabbing at her face as she tries to rise back up to her feet. Chelsea Green is waiting on her, stalking her at this point. Lita uses the ropes to pull herself up, turning back towards the ring but Green is ready for her and drills her with a huge bicycle kick right in the midsection! Lita goes down in a heap and Chelsea scrambles over to go for the pin. Green has her down now. The referee makes the count! 1….2….3! No! Lita gets her foot on the ropes! Lita has her foot on the ropes! Chelsea Green can’t believe it and is beside herself. She picks Lita up to her feet by her hair, not wasting any time. She spins Lita around and pulls her back, smacking it into her knees with a backstabber! Green goes for another pin. 1…2…3! No! Again! Lita’s foot is on the ropes! Chelsea is livid now, grabbing Lita by the feet and pulling her towards the middle of the ring and going for the pin again. 1…2…2.999! Shoulder up from Lita! The crowd is absolutely losing it at Lita’s resiliency.
SERENA DEEB: What is it going to take to keep her down?
WADE BARRETT: A question that you yourself may have to answer, Serena!
MICHAEL COLE: Lita is showing a ton of poise here tonight!
Green is in the seated position and wondering what she’s going to have to do. Cardona is yelling at her from the outside and she turns her attention to him. He points to the top rope and does a flippy motion with his hands. Chelsea nods in agreement and goes over to the corner, pulling herself up and standing on the top rope. Lita is still down as Chelsea turns her back to her, looking for a Litasault over her own! Chelsea takes flight, flipping back but Lita moves out of the way. Lita and Chelsea are both scrambling back to their feet. Chelsea comes running towards Lita with a clothesline, but Lita ducks and Chelsea Green almost hits the referee! She stops within inches of drilling the ref. Green and the ref share a look as Lita rolls her up from behind with a school girl pin! 1…2…No! Green thrusts and gets out of the pin. Both women rush to get back to their feet once again. Now it’s Lita rushing at Chelsea for a clothesline but Green jumps up and Lita ducks under her, rushing towards the ropes behind her. Lita comes off the ropes and jumps up, looking for another headscissor takedown but Chelsea grabs her and holds her up on her shoulders, looking for a powerbomb! Green stumbles back towards the ropes and she bounces Lita back off of the ropes, turning back towards the middle of the ring but in doing so, Lita rolls back hitting Green with a Litacanranna! Lita goes up to the top rope and looks to finish this one off. Matt Cardona jumps up on the apron next to Lita. The referee tries to get Cardona away from Lita. While this is happening, Green stumbles out of the ring and grabs a steel chair from the timekeeper’s area. She rolls back into the ring right as Cardona finally hops off the apron. The referee turns to see Chelsea Green rear back and drive the chair into the top rope perched Lita! THWACK, the cold hard steel right across Lita’s head and shoulder area, toppling off the top rope and to the mat. The referee calls for the bell!
WINNER
LITA
8:48 via DISQUALIFICATION
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Your winner by disqualification, LIIITAAA!
MICHAEL COLE: Well, Lita wins the match, but Green is keeping the attack on with that steel chair!
WADE BARRETT: This is getting ugly, Cole. Hey, what the - -
You hear the rustling of the headset microphone as Serena Deeb has stood up from the commentary area and rushes towards the ring. Chelsea Green has the chair lifted up overhead, looking to drop it down onto Lita again but the chair is grabbed from behind. Green turns and her eyes widen to see Serena Deeb there. Deeb kicks Green in the gut, doubling her over. She locks arms with Green and hoists her up and over with a butterfly suplex! Green’s back smacks into the mat and Cardona immediately grabs her from the outside and pulls her out.
WADE BARRETT: Deeb just returned the favor there, Cole!
MICHAEL COLE: Chelsea Green is becoming quite the nuisance in the women’s division.
WADE BARRETT: Lost her composure there a bit.
MICHAEL COLE: Thankfully, Serena Deeb was in the right place at the right time tonight.
WADE BARRETT: I’m gonna miss her on commentary. Now I’m stuck with you again.
Lita is still in the ring, holding her head from the vicious attack from Green. Deeb bends down to check on her and Lita nods her head, saying she’s mostly all right. Lita’s music hits the P.A. as Deeb stays down on one knee in the ring with her as the cameras fade out to commercial.
Join us next week on the final stop before Money in the Bank!