Monday Night RAW 7-8-2024

As we come back from commercial break, “Time To Rock & Roll” begins to play on the speakers, and the crowd erupts into loud boos as the lights dim and the silhouette of Trish Stratus is seen stepping out to the top of the ramp. As the lights come back up, Trish looks out at the crowd with a smirk as she begins making her way down the ramp towards the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN:Ladies and gentlemen please welcome, Trrrish Straaatuuus!

MICHAEL COLE: Not sure what Trish has planned here, but knowing her, it’s going to be something we won’t forget!

WADE BARRETT: Do we really need to know why she’s here? She’s a legend, Cole, Trish can do whatever she wants as far as I’m concerned!

Trish gets to the bottom of the ramp and makes her way over to the steel steps, walking up to the apron and entering the ring. She makes her way over to Samantha Irvin and reaches out her hand, asking for the microphone. Samantha hands it to her before exiting the ring, and Trish begins pacing around. As her music dies down, Trish walks to the center of the ring and smirks cockily before she raises the microphone to her mouth and begins to speak.



TRISH STRATUS: People, people, people, please! Hold your applause! Hold your applause! I know it’s been a while since I’ve graced the WWE Universe with my presence, and while I’m not exactly thrilled to have to do this in a dump like Las Vegas - -

The crowd boos at this, cutting Trish off as she just smirks and shakes her head some more. As the boos die down, Trish continues on.

TRISH STRATUS: Anyway, as I was saying…I’m not exactly thrilled to be here tonight, but there’s business that needs to be tended to. So, with that being said, Tiffany Stratton can you please join me in this ring?

The crowd boos even more as “Tiffy Time” by def rebel begins to play on the speakers now. Tiffany Stratton walks out to the top of the stage and strikes a pose, before making her way down the ramp, tapping on her left wrist as she tells the Las Vegas crowd that it’s Tiffy Time.





MICHAEL COLE: Folks, I apologize for the technical difficulties we've had a couple of times tonight, hopefully our production team can get that under control and it won't happen again! But I wonder what Trish is up to, Wade? Another endorsement for Tiffany Stratton maybe?

WADE BARRETT: From what I’ve heard, Trish may not be so inclined to keep endorsing Miss Stratton.

MICHAEL COLE: Oh?

WADE BARRETT: Word around the water cooler is - -

MICHAEL COLE: Pay attention, Wade, we don’t have time for rumors, these superstars are obviously going to speak about something important!

Tiffany gets to the bottom of the ramp and walks around to the side of the ring, hopping up onto the apron and striking a pose before entering the ring. As her mus begins to fade, she asks the ringside attendant for a microphone who quickly obliges her, and she turns around to face Trish. Before Tiffany can say anything, though, Trish raises her microphone up once again.

TRISH STRATUS: Tiffany, thanks for joining me out here, I - -

TIFFANY STRATTON: Oh it’s no problem at all, Trish! I’m always happy to share the ring with you, it’s such an honor! Of course, I wish it wasn’t in a dump like Las Vegas, but - -

Once again, the crowd boos at the insults regarding their city, and Trish chuckles before she continues on.

TRISH STRATUS: First of all, don’t interrupt me again. Second of all, you’re right, Tiffany. It is an honor to be sharing this ring with me. I broke barriers and blazed trails. I walked so you could run. In the old regime of the WWE, you were looked at as a hot prospect, as someone who could be the future of the women’s division in this company. And I’ll be the first to admit, I thought the exact same thing. I saw so much promise and potential in you, I had no doubts that you could take women’s wrestling to new heights and I wanted to be the one to help lead you down that path. Combine my expertise with your abilities, and we would be an unstoppable force. At least, that’s what I thought was going to happen. So, imagine my surprise when I go through all the trouble of having Stephanie and Triple H sign you to a contract with the expectations that you’ll be a star in this new era and you turn out to be nothing but an absolute disappointment.

WADE BARRETT: Disappointment? I don’t know if I would go that far.

MICHAEL COLE: Trish certainly looks like she’s disappointed, but what is she getting at here?

The crowd is buzzing with confusion, as Tiffany drops her mouth open in shock. Before she can say anything, though, Trish continues.

TRISH STRATUS: Yeah, you heard me correctly. I thought I could guide you, share my years of expertise and wisdom with you, and lead you to the top and become the Women’s Champion and be a champion this company could be proud of. But you’ve shown me nothing but failure after failure after failure. I mean my God, you couldn’t even beat Fallon Henley! That woman can’t win a match to save her life, and yet somehow she was able to get the win over you. Does that really scream “championship material” to you?

As her eyes dart back and forth in obvious panic, Tiffany raises her microphone to her mouth and tries to speak.

TIFFANY STRATTON: Trish, I - -

Trish puts up a hand, cutting her off.

TRISH STRATUS: Don’t worry, I can answer this one: the answer is NO. It’s very clear to me now that you are the furthest thing from championship material, and it’s really a shame because I thought you had what it takes to make this division mean something. But, you know how the old saying goes, if you want something done right…

WHACK! Out of nowhere, Trish nails Tiffany in the head with a Chick Kick knocking The Buff Barbie down to the mat in a heap. As the crowd starts showering her with boos, Trish laughs before bending down over Tiffany’s fallen body and raising the microphone back to her mouth.

TRISH STRATUS: …then do it yourself. So, my dear Tiffany, this is where we part ways. I’m going to go and dominate the women’s division, and you…well let’s just say your services are no longer needed.

With a cruel laugh, Trish drops the microphone on Tiffany’s body and stands up, raising her arms in the air as “Time To Rock & Roll” begins playing once again. Walking over to the ropes, Trish exits the ring and hops down to the floor, making her way up the ramp as she soaks in the boos from the crowd, clearly loving their reaction. As she gets to the top of the ramp she stops and turns to look at Tiffany who is still knocked out in the ring. Laughing once again, Trish shakes her head and mouths the word “pathetic” before turning and heading to the back.

WADE BARRETT: Well I certainly didn’t have a space for that on my Monday Night RAW bingo card, Cole!

MICHAEL COLE: Trish just laid out her protege, now former protege just like that and what a way to continue this show, huh?

The cameras go backstage where Paul Heyman stands alone. The atmosphere is tense, with shadows dancing across the walls and a sense of anticipation thick in the air. Heyman is dressed in a sharp suit, exuding confidence and authority. He looks directly into the camera, his eyes filled with intensity.



PAUL HEYMAN: Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman, and I am the advocate for the most dominant force to ever set foot in a WWE ring, Solo Sikoa

Heyman pauses, letting the weight of his words sink in. The camera zooms in slightly, emphasizing the seriousness of his message.

PAUL HEYMAN: You see, Solo Sikoa is not just another competitor. He is a living, breathing, manifestation of destiny. From the moment he took his first breath, it was predestined that Solo would hold the Money in the Bank briefcase and the WWE World Championship. These are not just titles to him; they are his birthright!

The camera shifts to show a brief montage of Solo training intensely in a private gym, sweat pouring down his face as he pushes his body to the limit. His focus is unwavering, every movement precise and powerful.

PAUL HEYMAN: While the other competitors are busy posing for cameras and seeking validation from the WWE Universe, Solo is in seclusion, sharpening his skills and preparing for the inevitable. Unlike anyone else in this industry, Solo is driven by a force much greater than mere ambition. It is his ancestral blood, a lineage of warriors and champions, that fuels his quest for greatness.

The scene cuts back to Heyman, his expression fierce and resolute. The lighting casts dramatic shadows on his face, highlighting his determination.

PAUL HEYMAN: When Solo steps into that ring for the Money in the Bank match, he is not just competing; he is claiming what is rightfully his. Each rung represents the sacrifices, the pain, and the relentless drive that have brought him to this very moment.

The camera pans to a shot of the Money in the Bank briefcase hanging high above the ring, illuminated by a spotlight, symbolizing the ultimate prize. The arena is empty, silent, yet charged with the promise of the upcoming battle.

PAUL HEYMAN: So, let me make this crystal clear to every single competitor in the Money in the Bank match: You are not stepping into the ring with an ordinary man. You are stepping into the ring with a force of nature, an unstoppable entity whose very existence is a testament to greatness. Solo will rise above the chaos, he will scale the heights, and he will seize the briefcase that signifies his rightful place at the top of this industry.

Cut to a slow-motion shot of Solo's intense training, his muscles straining as he lifts weights and practices his moves in the ring. His face is set in a mask of concentration, his eyes burning with determination.

PAUL HEYMAN: To the WWE Universe, I say this: Prepare yourselves to witness history in the making. Solo is not here to entertain you; he is here to dominate, to conquer, and to etch his name in the annals of WWE history. And when he emerges victorious, holding that Money in the Bank briefcase high above his head, you will all bear witness to the dawn of a new era.

The camera returns to Heyman, who steps closer to the lens, his voice lowering but growing more intense.

PAUL HEYMAN: So, to all who dare stand in his way, remember this: Solo’s destiny is not just a possibility; it is an inevitability. The Money in the Bank briefcase and the WWE World Championship will be his, not because he wants them, but because they are his birthright. Solo will reign supreme, and there is nothing, and no one, who can stop him.

The camera zooms in on Heyman's face, capturing every nuance of his expression as he delivers his final words with unwavering conviction.

PAUL HEYMAN: Ladies and gentlemen, behold the future - - behold Solo Sikoa, the inevitable Money in the Bank winner and your future WWE World Champion.

The scene fades to black, leaving an impression of impending dominance and the undeniable force that is Solo as the camera fades out.

The cameras now go to a different area backstage where we see Dakota Kai standing in a hallway. She seems almost apprehensive of being there; the expression on her face suggests this is far from ideal but after pursing her lips together briefly, Dakota speaks up to break the silence.

DAKOTA KAI: I guess I'd be wise to give you the benefit of the doubt...

Her voice trails off into silence and she narrows her eyes a fraction.

DAKOTA KAI: The only problem is, you'll have to do the same for me, and I don't know if I can trust you to do so. You're going to have to tell me something I want to hear if we're going to make this work.

From the corner of the camera Isla Dawn steps into the frame with an unsettling grin on her face. Her wild presence immediately intensifies the tension in the arena. She tilts her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

ISLA DAWN: Oh, Dakota… trust. It’s such a fragile thing, isn’t it?

Isla takes a step closer, her grin widening.

ISLA DAWN: It’s like a spider’s web. So delicate, so intricate. One wrong move, and snap! But oh, the fun we’ll have balancing on that web tonight! Alba once decided to let me in. She decided to dance with the chaos of Isla Dawn. Now look at us. Simply unstoppable. If you can find it in yourself to trust me tonight, maybe we can create the same kind of spectacular show. A violent dance all over Toni Storm and Britt Baker’s futures! Let’s tear them limb for limb! Let’s make sure they’re out of the Money in the Bank match for good! Then one of us can go on to win that oh so precious briefcase…

She extends her hand, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous promise. Dakota, ever the skeptic, merely glares at Isla's awaiting hand before ultimately deciding to shake it, albeit hesitantly.

DAKOTA KAI: Trust certainly isn't anything to take lightly and it's damn sure hard to obtain... but I am willing to do what is necessary tonight. For the greater good, as they say. I at least have faith that we are fighting towards the same goal. While I struggle to embrace the teamwork concept these days, tearing apart the competition alongside you is such a tempting prospect...

Tilting her head to one side, she smirks.

DAKOTA KAI: And I suppose a woman of your...

Dakota looks Isla up and down briefly.

DAKOTA KAI: ... temperament... is someone I'd rather have on my side.

Noticing Dakota softening up, Isla's eyes glint with a sinister amusement as she frantically laughs, she gets closer to Dakota and takes her hand in a reassuring way, hoping to unnerve her before their tag match.

ISLA DAWN: My temperament is what makes us so formidable! I know every little thing that makes a team. We all know that Alba and I know no limits. But every team needs one of us, Dakota. We are the ones who truly know how to embrace the chaos, the unpredictability and the violence in every corner of that ring and tonight it will be us! Isla Dawn and Dakota Kai. The Unstoppable Ones.

DAKOTA KAI: Strangely, I like the sound of that...

She states with a nod of approval before she wanders off of the scene.

MICHAEL COLE: In an interesting turn of events, it appears as though Isla Dawn and Dakota Kai may be quite thrilled about this upcoming match!

WADE BARRETT: It sure looks like it. The question is, will they be able to capitalize?

MICHAEL COLE: I don’t know if they will, but I do know that Goldust is looking to capitalize on this match against Adam Cole to propel his momentum even further as he heads into the Money in the Bank ladder match!

WADE BARRETT: Are you kidding me? Do you really think he can beat a wunderkind like Adam Cole? He’s The Star of the Show, Cole, not some reject like Danhausen, The Blue Meanie, or worst of all Goldust!

MICHAEL COLE: Well I guess we’ll find out if he’s as great as you think he is!

”Undisputed” by CFO$ begins to play over the arena’s P/A system as the crowd gives a slight pop for the arrival of “The Star of the Show”, Adam Cole. He’s got the swagger of a star for sure as he makes his way to the top of the stage with a confident grin on his face as he strikes a pose before quickly making his way to the ring as he scans the WWE Universe in attendance tonight.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Making his way to the ring, The Star of the Show Adaaam Cooole!

MICHAEL COLE: He’s made his triumphant return to the WWE and has been nothing less than impressive so far. Tonight if he can defeat Goldust it’ll show us just how far his star can soar!

WADE BARRETT: Didn’t know you were a fan of Adam Cole as well, Cole. He is seriously making waves in these few short weeks he’s been back though. A win tonight could put him in a very favorable view for our Co-Owners.

As Adam Cole steps onto the apron for his usual moment waiting for the boom moment in his theme to drop his music cuts out and instead “Golden” by Jim Johnston hits the P/A system as as The Bizarre One strides his way onto the stage and his opponent looks absolutely livid. Golden sparks shower down on the stage as Goldust extends his arms out to present himself to the audience and the pop is absolutely wild for him.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, The Bizarre One, Gooolduuust!

MICHAEL COLE: A lot of people overlook just how serious a competitor that Goldust can be. His antics might not speak to how serious a competitor he is, but he has a way of working mind games that can throw off even the biggest of potential threats!

WADE BARRETT: He’s weird, Cole, you might be right about him being one of the best at mental games, but he gives me the heebie-jeebies regardless.

The Blue Meanie follows behind his mommy as the duo make their way to the ring. Goldust pays him no mind until The Blue Meanie clutches him around the waist and nuzzles in. Goldust pries him off and gently instructs him for a moment before Goldust makes his way up the stairs and tells The Blue Meanie to watch closely as he takes care of business. Goldust takes off his robes as he enters the ring, a clearly still frustrated Cole making him realize he might not have time for all the usual fanfare as he takes off his robe and drops it to the blue boy at ringside to take care of.

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As the official gets Meanie out of the ring, Goldust checks on The Meanie, allowing Adam Cole to attack him from behind, something Goldust very well may like if it wasn’t for the right hands to the back of his skull knocking him senseless. Cole begins using some quick jabs on Goldust to keep him off his game before whipping him into the ropes and hitting a back body drop. Cole presses the advantage as he scoops Goldust back up off the mat and whips him into the corner, Cole scoring a tremendous squash in the corner with a splash, before he tries to finish Goldust off with a bridging fisherman’s suplex. The bridge makes the maneuver a pin attempt, 1…2…KICK OUT BY GOLDUST!

MICHAEL COLE: Cole clearly doesn’t care if this one’s fair or not as he tries to take Goldust out from behind and quickly get the pinfall here!

WADE BARRETT: Fair has no place in a wrestling match, Cole. All it will do is handicap the superstar who decides to play fairly!

Goldust tries to seize the moment, working the Cole over with hard right handed uppercuts to the throat, doing a real number on him. The Bizarre One gets Cole staggering about the ring, and eventually uses all of his might to whip him into the corner, sending Cole chest first into the turnbuckles. Goldust, after getting back up to his feet, charges right at Cole, leaping off his feet and squishing him into the corner with his butt thump! Cole eventually staggers out of said corner, and falls victim to a bulldog! Goldie covers, and this might be it: 1…2…SHOULDER UP AT THE LAST MILLISECOND!

MICHAEL COLE: Goldust nearly getting the pin!

WADE BARRETT: Come on, Cole! Don’t let him manhandle you like that!

The crowd cheers the kick out, and on the outside of the ring, a recovered Blue Meanie is not very happy with the “slow” count. The Gold One grinds Cole down with right hands, and as he goes for an open handed uppercut to the throat, Cole catches his right hand, spins him around, and plants him with a clothesline! Goldie gets back up to his feet, only to take a hip toss from Cole. The Star of the Show is on a hot streak, taking Goldust by the arm, locking in an arm wrench, and knocking Goldust down to the canvas with his side hook kick. To finish the sequence off, Cole hoists the staggering Goldust up on his shoulders… and hits a Tombstone Piledriver and he makes the pin: 1…2…NO! The Blue Meanie pulls the official out of the ring!

MICHAEL COLE: What is Meanie doing?

WADE BARRETT: He’s cheating Cole! That’s what he’s doing, Goldust knows he can’t beat Cole fairly!

MICHAEL COLE: Well, I don’t know if that’s true! Goldust has been handling himself quite nicely so far.

The crowd boos as The Blue Meanie potentially costs Adam Cole the match, and Cole is pissed off inside the ring, he runs and catapults over the ropes sending Meanie staggering back into the guardrail with a connection on his suicide dive! The official doesn’t bother to scold Meanie or Cole, letting Adam rough the annoying fatty up for breaking up the pin. Cole does just that, knocking into the Meanie with right hands before he whips him into the steel steps shoulder first! Back in the ring, Goldust looks worried for his protege, knowing just how sensitive a boy he is and he leans over the ropes to check on him. However, he’s not paying any attention to his opponent, instead just cursing to himself, allowing Cole who has gotten back into the ring to roll him up with a school boy pin from behind! The official slides back into the ring just in time to count the pin: 1…2…3 - - NO! KICK OUT!

WADE BARRETT: COME ON, REF!

MICHAEL COLE: NOT THIS TIME, WADE!

Cole kips up right back on his feet, fists raised as he almost stole the match right there. Goldust slowly gets up to his feet, still feeling some lingering dizzy effects from the whirlwind of the near fall. The Bizarre One pulls himself up to his feet, and we have a stare down, the crowd cheering the competitors on. Neither man dares to make a move initially, eyeing the other up, both hesitating, waiting for the other to strike first. When no one does, it appears the impatience has gotten to Cole, who is young and hungry, who strikes first, decking Goldust with a hard right. Goldust staggers, but returns fire with a chop across Cole’s chest, before knocking Cole back into the ropes with a wicked uppercut. Throwing his whole body into the shot, Cole leaves himself open for a strike, and Goldust catches him just under the chin with a right handed thrust. Cole staggers, and Goldust strikes quickly, kicking him in the abdomen, and applying a reverse front face lock. Goldust tries to score with his finisher, the Curtain Call, but a gymnast-like kick from Cole comes up to strike Goldust for the save, before Cole backs up and clocks Goldie in the face with a superkick!

WADE BARRETT: That superkick nearly took Goldust’s head off his shoulders! Now that’s gotta hurt, Cole!

MICHAEL COLE: Can’t disagree with you there, he might have broken Goldust’s nose with that one!

Goldust staggers into the ropes, while Cole still tries to get his bearings. No time for that, though, as Goldust hits him with a hard slap, and maneuvers behind Cole, lifts him up but Cole reverses the momentum and rolls him up for another pin! The official slides down into position, but Goldust sees his opportunity and reverses into a pin of his own as he grabs the tights! 1…2…the official notices the grab and gets up to kick Goldust’s hand off! The official now argues with Goldust as Cole hops up to his feet and makes a beeline for Goldie, but the Bizarre One ducks a superkick attempt. Cole turns around quickly, and surprisingly blocks a right hook! Cole scores with three hard rights before booting Goldust in the stomach, and connects with a straight-jacket suplex! Bridge into the pinfall: 1! 2! - And again, The Blue Meanie pulls the official out of the ring!

WADE BARRETT: The official needs to toss him out already, Cole! He should’ve done it the last time!

MICHAEL COLE: His leniency certainly cost Cole a potential victory right there!

The crowd cannot believe it, but no one is more infuriated than Cole! The Star of the Show releases his bridging pin on Goldust, and sees the official in the face of Meanie, shouting at him. That’s not enough for Cole though, who exits the ring, sliding under the bottom rope to crush Meanie in the jaw with a right hand! Meanie staggers backwards, and Cole lunges in, tackling him to the entrance ramp with a spear! Cole starts wailing away on Meanie with hard, closed-fist right hands, the official is trying to break it up. Back in the ring, Goldust slowly pulls himself up to his feet, and sees the perfect opportunity, and strikes as he climbs to the top rope and jumps off with a crossbody that takes out both Cole and the official as he tries to warn him! Goldust gets up as he picks Cole up and leads him back to the ring, as Cole staggers he’s tossed under the bottom rope as he rolls in and gets up slowly. Cole, now trying to gather himself as he goes for Goldust who is on the apron now but gets a throat thrust for his effort that staggers him back. Goldust waits for Cole to try and strike again, and drops Cole's throat first across the top rope with a guillotine! Cole gasps for air as he clutches his throat, staggering back into the center of the ring and then towards Goldust again, Curtain Call! Goldust moves as quick as he can to make the cover, hooking both legs, and the official looking over sees the pin, and sprints back into the ring. As they slide into position, Goldust ushers the official to hurry it up; 1…2…3!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, The Bizarre One, GOOOLDUUUST!

MICHAEL COLE: The Bizarre One has captured another victory but this time with a lot of help from The Blue Meanie!

WADE BARRETT: I hate them! I hate both of them! They stole a victory from Adam Cole here tonight, Cole!

Goldust slowly rolls out of the ring and walks over to the entrance ramp, helping his “son” up to his feet before walking up the ramp, Meanie in tow. The Blue Meanie excitedly jumps in place, proclaiming he helped his Mommy as Goldust embraces him and cradles his head tightly to his bosom while stroking the back of Meanie’s neck. Goldust now places a small kiss on his forehead before he wipes his mouth off, walks in front of Meanie, and heads to the back, Meanie still hurries behind in tow.

The camera shifts backstage, to where we see Cathy Kelley standing before the camera, beaming a smile behind the microphone in her hand.

CATHY KELLEY: Ladies and gentlemen, the past few weeks have seen a scramble to see exactly who would qualify for the Women’s Money in the Bank match next week in Las Vegas. Tonight, we will see four of our final six competitors in what is sure to be a hotly contested tag match. Joining me to talk about that match…Britt Baker.

Polite applause and a few cheers from the crowd as Britt steps into frame. She gives Cathy a smile.

BRITT BAKER: Thanks for having me, Cathy.

CATHY KELLEY: Of course. Now, you’ve talked about how it feels, being in the final six of the Money in the Bank match, but I want to ask you about tonight. Dakota Kai and Isla Dawn both have fairly extensive histories, both in the WWE and in the wrestling business as a whole. How do you feel knowing you’re going up against them?

BRITT BAKER: Honestly, I’d be a fool to be too confident. I know I’ve been on a bit of a hot streak, but Isla Dawn and Dakota Kai are fierce women who shouldn’t be underestimated. But at the same time, I’m feeling good. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and doing what I’ve been doing since I came here.

Cathy nods attentively.

CATHY KELLEY: Now, I know you’ve been asked about this a lot, and I hate to continue pressing the point, but you’re the long-shot to win - -

TONI STORM: Long shot?! How dare you!

The camera pulls to get everyone as Toni Storm steps into frame, with Luther Just behind her. In a marvel of cinematography, the camera’s color tone shifts, splitting one side into color and the other into Toni’s black-and-white motif.

TONI STORM: How dare you call us long-shots to win tonight? That’s just, well quite frankly, it’s offensive! Brittany Ann Baker is on top of the world, I’m on top of the world! As a matter of fact, I’m the only woman on this roster who managed to woman-handle that juggernaut of a woman, Jade Cargill and take victory from her grasp! To call us a long shot is like calling the Mona Lisa just a painting! The Venus de Milo just a statue! Citizen Kane just a movie!

Toni grabs Britt’s hand and holds it firmly between her own before she clutches it to her breast.

TONI STORM: So Catholomew Kelley, if that is your real name. You had better keep those eyes open, because the two of us shall prove we’re the bee’s knees, the cat’s pajamas, we know one’s onions so to speak! And after tonight you will never doubt the team of Doctor Brittany Ann Baker and “Timeless” Toni Storm! So, chin up!

Toni uses two fingers to bat up Cathy Kelley’s chin.

TONI STORM: Tits out!

She presses her own chest forward as Cathy follows suit and she nods approval.

TONI STORM: And watch for the shoe!

Britt is dragged off set by Toni as Cathy looks confused.

CATHY KELLEY: The shoe?



A high-heeled shoe comes flying towards her as she ducks out of frame and the cameras go back to ringside.

Shhh! It's Chelsea!

“Hot Mess” by def rebel begins to play on the speakers and the fans begin to boo as Chelsea Green sashays her way out to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the fans with a smirk, Chelsea does her trademark “shh” pose before she makes her way down the ramp towards the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome, The Hot Mess Chelseeea Greeen!

MICHAEL COLE: Chelsea Green has really been getting herself out there on Monday Night RAW lately, Wade.She either has a fire inside her, or just needs to make sure that the audience doesn’t forget her.

WADE BARRETT: I think she’s just excellent at making herself known, and a great in-ring competitor. After all, it was only two weeks ago she beat our WWE Women’s Champion and last week she practically humiliated Lita.

Chelsea reaches the bottom of the ramp and walks around to the side of the ring, hopping up onto the apron before stopping to look out at the crowd again and talk trash to fans in the front row. Stepping into the ring, Chelsea takes off her bedazzled hat and hands it off to a ringside attendant before turning her attention to Samantha Irvin and asking for the microphone. Samantha hands it to her before exiting the ring and as her music fades out, Chelsea goes to the center of the ring and holds the microphone up to her mouth and begins to speak.



CHELSEA GREEN: Hellooo, Las Vegas, the star of the women’s division is here! Get your phones out and take all the pictures you can, because it’s not gonna get any better than this for the rest of the night!

Chelsea pauses for a moment and strikes a pose as the fans boo her. Not letting that deter her, Chelsea smiles and continues on.

CHELSEA GREEN: Oh stop it, you’re going to make me blush! Now I know you’ve all been dying to hear from me after the exciting few weeks I’ve had, and that’s why I’ve decided to grace you all with my presence. Now, I know you were all looking forward to seeing me be added to the Women’s Championship match at Money in the Bank - -

The fans once again begin to boo, as Chelsea nods solemnly.

CHELSEA GREEN: I know, I know, you’ve all heard the news. I will not be added to the Women’s Championship match at Money in the Bank, and all because I technically lost my match against Lita. Although, if you ask me, I’m not the one who was looking like the loser by the end of it!

WADE BARRETT: You see, it’s exactly like I told you, Cole! Chelsea knows that she was clearly the one with the advantage in the match last week until Serena stuck her nose into things!

MICHAEL COLE: I don’t think you are remembering that quite right, Wade. Serena only intervened to help Lita from getting potentially injured by Chelsea.

WADE BARRETT: You say po-tay-toe, I say potato. All I know is she clearly deserves the opportunity to be added to that match. She took both of those women to their limits.

The boos get even louder as Chelsea laughs, and as they die back down she continues.

CHELSEA GREEN: I know, it’s so true, right? Lita is nothing but a gigantic loser, I really don’t get why she decided to try and have another shot at glory! And while I may not be the biggest fan of Serena Deeb, I can only hope that she’s going to do us all a favor at Money in the Bank and put that delusional old hag out of her misery for good, because - -

The arena suddenly darkens as the pulsating beat of “Lovefurypassionenergy” by Boy Hits Car echoes through the speakers, electrifying the crowd. The fans erupt into cheers and applause as Lita emerges onto the stage, bathed in a spotlight that follows her every move. Her hair gleams under the arena lights as she confidently strides down the ramp, locking eyes with Chelsea Green, who visibly tenses up and retreats to a corner of the ring, her cocky demeanor evaporating into fear. Lita’s handed a microphone as before she hits the ropes. She takes a second, nodding her head and looking around the arena. She basks in the crowd's excitement for her appearance before her music fades and she raises the microphone to her lips.

LITA: What’s up Nevada?!

MICHAEL COLE: Finally, Lita’s here! Someone who knows how to shut Chelsea up!

Lita’s voice carries over the arena, commanding attention as she climbs onto the apron and steps through the ropes, never breaking eye contact with Chelsea.

LITA: What’s up, Chelsea? All shook up because the delusional old hag isn’t back there withering away in pain with my frail shoulders after that chair shot last week? Or did you think I’d be scared to come face to face with you, or your pathetic husband again?

Chelsea shifts uncomfortably in the corner, momentarily rattled by Lita’s words and the overwhelming support from the crowd.

LITA: Come on, if you know anything about this business, you should know that I’m made of more than that. You should know that I’ve earned my spot and right to be in the Women's Championship match at Money in the Bank through my constant hard work and determination throughout my career, and the same can’t be said for some.

Chelsea rolls her eyes, clearly growing impatient with Lita stealing her spotlight now. The fans continue to cheer for Lita who laughs to herself for a second before raising the microphone again.

LITA: Just face the facts, Chelsea. You’re the loser. You’re the loser who doesn’t deserve to be in our match. Plain and simple. Not just because you technically couldn't get the job done against me. And not just because you technically couldn’t get the job done against Serena without you and your little bitch of a husband's dirty, low down gang handed tactics.

MICHAEL COLE: Chelsea is not happy!? Well, there’s a taste of your own, sweet, nasty medicine, woman!

WADE BARRETT: Lita has no idea who she’s talking to, Cole! Drop her, Chelsea!

The crowd pops with approval as Lita looks on at Chelsea, who now wears a scowl after Lita technically mocked her. Chelsea starts to object, but Lita raises a hand to silence her.

LITA: But because we’ve all figured you out, Chelsea Green. When it comes down to it, you're just a coward who’s using every single person around them. And I’m not afraid to - -

Whack! Chelsea has had enough and she steps forward, slapping Lita across the face. The crowd boos as the legendary Queen of Xtreme holds her cheek and then slowly turns to look back at Chelsea who lets out a scream and then takes Lita down with a spear! Chelsea is now mounted on top of Lita, delivering forearm shots to the face but then Lita turns the tide and rolls around on top of Chelsea! Lita nails a couple of forearm shots of her own but Chelsea manages to shove Lita off of her and rolls out of the ring down to the floor. Lifting up the ring skirt, Chelsea rummages around under the ring until she pulls out yet another steel chair!

MICHAEL COLE: Oh no, what is Chelsea Green doing!?

WADE BARRETT: She’s had enough of Lita running her mouth!

MICHAEL COLE: She cowardly attacked Lita from behind!

WADE BARRETT: Well, it looks like she’s going to finish what she started with that steel chair!

With a sadistic smile, Chelsea slides the chair into the ring and then slides back in herself, picking up the chair and getting to her feet. She approaches Lita slowly, lifting the chair over her head and she’s ready to bring it down onto Lita just as she did last week, when suddenly “Switchblade” by NJPW begins to play on the speakers!

WADE BARRETT: What is she doing?!

MICHAEL COLE: The Women’s Champion has seen enough and is coming down here to help out Lita!

Deeb is down the ramp quickly and slides into the ring. She stands up and is met immediately by Green. Chelsea swings the steel chair but Serena ducks under it and drives her foot into Chelsea’s midsection with a big kick! Chelsea drops the chair and is doubled over. Serena hooks her arms around Green’s arms, looking for a butterfly suplex or an interlocked arm hold of some kind but Deeb is grabbed from behind by Matt Cardona! Matt restrains Deeb by holding her arms behind her back.

MICHAEL COLE: Cardona just grabbed Deeb from behind! How despicable are these two!?

WADE BARRETT: Just evening the odds up, Cole!

Cardona has Deeb restrained and Green picks the chair up off the mat. Chelsea slowly saunters towards Deeb, who is fighting to try and break free from Cardona. Green hoists the chair up over her head and looks to bring it down onto Deeb but Serena moves out of the way and Chelsea drills Matt Cardona with the chair! Cardona is knocked back while Serena’s punch drills Green in the face, making her drop the chair. Lita is back up to her feet and rushes towards Cardona, who didn’t see it coming and is clotheslined over the top rope to the floor! On the other side of the ring, Deeb clotheslines Chelsea Green and she has a similar fate, over the top rope and to the floor! The crowd erupts in cheers as Lita and Deeb back towards the middle of the ring. They bump into each other back to back and both turn with their fists raised back, looking to hit whoever just bumped into them. They both stop momentarily before hitting one another. Lita shakes her head at the situation while Deeb’s eyes narrow a bit at what just went down. Cardona and Green are backing up the ramp while Lita and Deeb go face to face in the ring.

MICHAEL COLE: Serena came out here to help Lita but they almost came to blows there!

WADE BARRETT: These two might pretend to have a mutual respect for one another but we know how they feel deep down inside!

MICHAEL COLE: Oh come on, Wade. These two do have respect for one another!

WADE BARRETT: They almost punched one another!

MICHAEL COLE: It was confusion put into play by Green and Cardona! They got what was coming to them!

WADE BARRETT: Well next week mutual respect goes out the window when these two go one on one!

MICHAEL COLE: Speaking of “mutual respect”, our next match is an interesting tag team match where both teams have to forge a temporary alliance in the hopes of getting some momentum before Money in the Bank! Toni Storm and Britt Baker are taking on the team of Isla Dawn and Dakota Kai, and I can’t help but wonder how all of these women are going to get along just six days before the biggest match of their careers!

WADE BARRETT: If you ask me, this could be a recipe for disaster!

”Somewhere in a Dream” by Mikey Rukus begins to play, and the crowd gives off a mixed reaction that’s mostly cheers as Toni Storm makes her way to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a faint smile on her face, Toni dramatically clutches at her chest as she begins to make her way down the ramp, clearly touched by the reception from the fans.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, Timeless Toooniii Storrrm!

MICHAEL COLE: Toni Storm sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe two weeks ago on RAW when she turned the tables on Jade Cargill and defeated her in one minute flat!

WADE BARRETT: I was blown away by that, Cole, I thought for sure that Jade was going to take the entire thing home! But Toni proved that anything can indeed happen in the WWE!

As she reaches the bottom of the ramp, Toni makes her way to the steel steps and glides up to the apron, entering the ring and going to the center as she throws her arms out to the side in a dramatic flourish as the crowd continues to cheer for her. Slipping out of her robe, Toni walks over to the ropes and hands it over to the ringside attendant, reminding them as usual to be careful with her precious silks. As her music begins to fade, Toni grabs the top rope and starts pulling on it to stretch, as “Turn Up the Radio” by Autograph now begins to play and the crowd continues to cheer as Britt Baker makes her way to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a look of pure confidence, Britt extends her arms to the side as she soaks in the crowd’s cheers before she makes her way down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her tag team partner, making her way to the ring, Brrriiitt Baaakerrr!

MICHAEL COLE: Britt Baker has been incredibly impressive since coming to the WWE and tonight she looks to continue that wave of momentum and keep up her undefeated streak with a win before Money in the Bank!

WADE BARRETT: Britt Baker has both determination and potential and she has them in spades, I definitely think she’s going to be one to watch this Sunday night!

Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Britt goes to the steel steps and bounds up to the apron, entering the ring and going to the center as she raises her arms in the air, smiling at the fans as they cheer her on. Taking off her jacket, she hands it off to the ringside attendant before going over to Toni and they begin to discuss strategy for how to handle this match. As they do that, “The Depths” by def rebel begins to play on the speakers and the crowd now begins to boo as Isla Dawn makes her way to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a maniacal smile, Isla holds her arms out to the side as she begins to make her way down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And their opponents, first making her way to the ring, The White Witch, IIIslaaa Daaawwwn!

MICHAEL COLE: Isla Dawn is a dark horse here, Wade, she’s been blaming herself for the losses that Alba Fyre has suffered in recent weeks, and she’s looking to get the Unholy Union back on track with another check in the win column!

WADE BARRETT: Yeah, well, I just hope she stays far away from me on her quest for a win. I’ve got a salt shaker right here and I’m not afraid to use it!

Getting down to the bottom of the ramp, Isla pauses and she looks at Britt and Toni, the maniacal smile on her face growing wider as she lifts up her hand and waves playfully to them. As her music fades out, “Kombat (remix)” by def rebel begins to play and the crowd continues booing as Dakota Kai makes her way out to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a sneer, Dakota turns her attention to her opponents waiting for her in the ring, and a bored expression comes over her face as she lifts her hand up to wave them off dismissively as she makes her way down to the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her tag team partner, making her way to the ring, Dakoootaaa Kaiii!

MICHAEL COLE: Dakota Kai returned for the new era of WWE and was immediately on a hot streak, but it all came crashing down when she lost to Women’s Champion Serena Deeb at Unforgiven. Since then, Dakota has been on a mission to get back to the top of the mountain, and Money in the Bank is certainly a fast track to the top.

WADE BARRETT: Dakota has a lot of determination and confidence, plus the skills to back it all up. If you ask me, Dakota Kai is the odds on favorite to walk out with the briefcase this Sunday! I just wonder how she feels about having to team up with Isla Dawn, given Isla’s issues with her friend Shotzi Blackheart.

Getting down to the bottom of the ramp, Dakota pauses and looks over at Isla Dawn, a look of hesitancy briefly flashing across her face. As the two ladies give each other a quick nod, they turn their attention back to the ring and they both quickly slide in under the bottom rope, running at Britt and Toni and taking them both down with a Lou Thesz Press!

---

---

It’s pure chaos right from the start and the referee is fighting to gain control, yelling at the women to break it up.The referee is able to get Isla Dawn off of Britt Baker and Dakota Kai off of Toni Storm, and sends Dakota and Britt out to their respective corners, leaving Isla and Toni alone in the ring together. The referee allows Toni to get to her feet and catch her breath before ringing the bell, and the match is now officially underway. Isla Dawn laughs before charging in at Toni Storm, but Toni stops Isla in her tracks with a stiff elbow to the jaw! Isla stumbles back, holding her face and Toni runs up behind her, bringing her down to the mat with a bulldog! Toni gets to her feet and grabs Isla by the hair, pulling The White Witch up to her feet as well, before throwing Isla’s head under her arm and then drives her head down into the mat with a hard DDT! Toni goes for the cover on Isla Dawn and hooks the leg, 1…2…kick out by Isla Dawn!

MICHAEL COLE: Dakota Kai and Isla Dawn were able to put their differences aside to get the jump on Storm and Baker, but Toni Storm was able to shift the momentum over to her team’s favor but that wasn’t enough to keep Isla Dawn down!

WADE BARRETT: Nothing short of a necklace made of garlic might be able to do that!

Gritting her teeth, Toni gets to her feet and picks Isla up by the hair before whipping her into the ropes. When Isla comes back, she looks for a clothesline but Toni ducks the attempt and quickly goes behind Isla, hooking her arms around her waist and bringing her up and over, slamming her into the mat with a German suplex! The crowd is cheering Toni for her efforts and she clutches her hand to her chest as she looks touched by the outpouring of support from the Las Vegas crowd. She blows a kiss to them and gives a dainty, pageant-like wave as she thanks them for their support but suddenly, Isla Dawn comes from behind and rolls Toni up with a schoolgirl pin! 1…2…THRNOOO! Toni is able to kick out! Both women are on their feet, Toni goes for a clothesline but Isla ducks and when she turns around she blasts Toni with a roundhouse kick! The Timeless one falls to the mat and Isla goes over to her corner where Dakota Kai is waiting with an outstretched hand. Isla slaps her hand, tagging Dakota in and the two women walk over to the downed Toni Storm and pick her up, throwing her head under both of their arms before lifting her up into the air and driving her into the mat with a double team suplex! The referee tells Isla to leave the ring, and she laughs wickedly as she skips back over to her corner, while Dakota covers Toni and hooks the leg, 1…2…THRENOOO! Once again, Toni just barely kicks out!

MICHAEL COLE: Another close call! I’m not sure how much more Toni Storm has left in the tank!

WADE BARRETT: She’s gonna want to get Britt Baker in there so she can have a minute to gather herself!

It seems Toni knows this, as she begins to crawl towards her corner, where Britt Baker is leaning over the top rope with her hand outstretched in an attempt to make it easier for Toni to tag her in. However, Dakota grabs Toni by the foot and drags her away from Britt and all the way back over to her corner by Isla Dawn! Dakota grabs Toni by the hair and roughly pulls her up, and Isla Dawn reaches out and grabs Toni by the arms, holding her in place! The crowd boos loudly as Dakota reaches out and strikes Toni across the chest with a reverse knife edge chop! Then another! And another! She goes for a fourth, but Toni finds the strength to kick Dakota in the midsection, causing her to double over and turn away. Toni then manages to wriggle an arm away from Isla and delivers a sharp elbow to the head, causing Isla to let go of the other arm as she clutches her head, and Toni falls down to the mat, trying to catch her breath!

MICHAEL COLE: Come on, Toni, get to Britt! You can do it!

WADE BARRETT: If she doesn’t, this may be over rather quickly!

Toni begins crawling towards her corner again as the crowd is cheering her on. Britt is leaning over as far as she can as she calls out to Toni, trying to give her partner that extra bit of “oomph” needed to get over to the corner. Toni is almost there when suddenly, Dakota is grabbing Toni’s foot again to drag her away! This time, however, Toni turns her body over and uses her strength to shove Dakota off of her and land hard on the mat in a seated position. Toni quickly turns her attention back to Britt and with a final burst of strength she leaps forward and tags Britt in! The crowd is cheering like mad as Baker enters the ring and she comes charging at Dakota Kai who is now on her feet and sends her back down to the mat with a clothesline! She turns around to see Dakota back on her feet and takes her down with another clothesline! Britt turns around once again to see Dakota up on her knees and she immediately strikes, nailing Dakota with a series of stiff Britt kicks! The crowd chants “Yes!” after each kick and after about eight kicks, Dakota falls to the mat and Britt goes for the cover, 1…2…Isla Dawn is in the ring and pulls Britt off of Dakota as the crowd goes wild with boos!

MICHAEL COLE: Get her out of the ring, ref!

WADE BARRETT: Hey, Cole, don’t say that too loud or she may turn you into a frog!

Britt gets to her feet and she looks at Isla and asks her what she thinks she’s doing. Isla just laughs and gives a taunting wave to Britt before slapping her across the face! Britt grits her teeth at the disrespect and she turns her attention back to Isla who continues to laugh and she delivers a slap of her own to the face of The White Witch! Isla looks stunned by the slap, and Britt grabs her by the back of the head and brings her over to the corner before smashing her face into the top turnbuckle! And again! And again! She goes for a fourth attempt, but Isla elbows her in the ribs, causing her to lose her grip, before Isla then nails her in the face with a forearm shot that makes her stumble back. Before Isla can strike, the referee warns her she needs to get back out onto the ring apron or risk disqualifying her team. With a sneer, Isla listens to the referee’s request and goes back out to the apron. Britt, meanwhile, turns around and as she does she’s nailed by a bicycle kick from Dakota Kai! Dakota hurriedly goes for the pin, 1…2…kick out by Britt Baker!

MICHAEL COLE: I thought Dakota might have had it there!

WADE BARRETT: This has been a hell of a match, I’m on the edge of my seat!

Dakota wails in frustration that Britt kicked out and gets to her feet, picking Britt up with her. She whips Britt into the ropes and bends down, looking to launch Britt with a back body drop, but Britt halts her momentum and kicks Dakota in the face! Dakota is now upright, clutching at her face and Britt delivers a superkick that sends her back down to the mat! Britt goes for the cover and hooks the leg, 1…2…kick out by Dakota Kai! Britt gets to her feet and goes to pick up Dakota, but Dakota sweeps Britt’s feet out from under her, causing her to fall to the mat as well! Dakota begins crawling over to her corner, looking to tag in Isla Dawn who is gleefully jumping up and down as she outstretches her hand. Dakota crawls closer to Isla, but Britt grabs Dakota’s foot, trying to keep her from getting to her partner! However, Dakota kicks her foot back, nailing Britt in the face and then leaping forward and tagging in Isla Dawn!

MICHAEL COLE: Isla Dawn is back in the mix!

WADE BARRETT: And since she’s had a chance to refresh herself, Britt Baker might be in a whole world of trouble!

Isla gets into the ring, laughing maniacally as she tends to do, skipping around Britt’s downed body. She bends down to pick Britt up but Britt slaps her in the face, sending The White Witch staggering back! Britt gets to her feet, and she charges at Isla looking for a clothesline but Isla ducks the attempt. However, when Britt turns around, she blocks the right hand shot that Isla is attempting and delivers a kick to her midsection, which causes her to double over. Britt hits the ropes and jumps up in the air, bringing her foot down on Isla’s head and driving it down into the mat with The Stomp! The crowd is going wild as Britt goes for the cover, hooking the leg, 1…2…THRENOOO!!!! Isla Dawn gets the shoulder up!

MICHAEL COLE: How did Isla Dawn kick out of that?!

WADE BARRETT: I’m telling you, Cole it’s the witchcraft!

Britt sits up, a look of disappointment and disbelief on her face as she looks over to the referee who assures her it was indeed just a two count. Nodding her head, Britt gets to her feet and looks over at Toni Storm who offers to tag in, but Britt shakes her head and says “I have to do this”. She turns her attention back to Isla, who is starting to get to her feet, and once The White Witch is standing, Britt charges in, looking to nail her with a superkick but Isla sidesteps the move, causing Britt to lose her balance and stumble. As she does this, Isla comes in from behind and rolls Britt up with a schoolgirl pin grabbing the tights for extra leverage 1…2…3! Isla Dawn steals it for her team!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here are your winners, DAKOTA KAI AND IIISLAAA DAWWWN!

MICHAEL COLE: I can’t believe this, Isla Dawn used the tights to get the win!

WADE BARRETT: It’s only cheating if you’re caught, Cole, and Isla wasn’t caught! I for one, won’t hold it against her. I don’t need to be worried about whether or not she’ll cast a spell on me!

”The Depths” begins to play again as Dakota Kai joins Isla Dawn in the ring and the referee raises both of their hands in the air. Britt Baker rolls out of the ring, dropping down to the floor by the announce table, and Toni Storm hops off the apron to go and check on her. Back in the ring, Dakota and Isla both laugh in celebration as the referee lets go of their hands and they taunt the booing crowd. After a moment, the two ladies share a high five, but Isla grabs onto Dakota’s hand and holds onto it, staring at her intently as she tilts her head. The music fades out and the crowd’s noise dulls down to a low buzz of anticipation as they watch these two women stare one another down. Dakota narrows her eyes as she looks at Isla, gritting her teeth and as she prepares for a fight. Just as she does this, though, Isla puts her head back upright and begins to laugh as she releases Dakota’s hand. “The Depths” resumes playing again as Isla goes over to the ropes, slinking out of the ring and hopping down to the arena floor, turning to look at Dakota again, the wicked laughing continuing as she walks backwards up the ramp. Dakota, meanwhile, holds her hand close to her chest as she wearily watches Isla retreat to the back.

MICHAEL COLE: That was certainly an interesting moment between those two!

WADE BARRETT: They were able to come together for a greater good and get the win here tonight, Cole, but this right here just put out the reminder that come this Sunday, it’s every woman for herself as they all battle for that briefcase and the guaranteed title shot!

Shaking her head, Dakota goes to the ropes and exits the ring now, hopping down to the floor and quickly walking up the ramp, eager to get to the back and move forward to Money in the Bank.

We now find Samantha Irvin standing in the ring, mic in hand and smiling for the camera. The crowd simultaneously starts buzzing a bit in anticipation at whatever she’s about to announce. A moment later she raises the mic and gets down to business.

SAMANTHA IRVIN: At this time please welcome... The NEW WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, the Pirate Princess... Captain KAAIRIIII!



The fans in T-Mobile Arena rise to their feet and cheer as ‘Next Voyage’ by CFO$ hits unexpectedly and the new champion’s video begins playing on the Titantron. They come unglued as KAIRI steps out onto the stage in fashionable street clothes and nods to the camera. On her shoulder rests the Women’s Intercontinental Championship belt, complete with brand new side plates installed. As the melody begins to soar, she bows down and then snaps back up with her arms thrown out to either side. She holds the pose for a moment, and we see Kyona Yano emerging behind her wearing a metallic silver trench coat with pink trim.

With the crew assembled, both women scan the horizon and then fire off a piratical salute. As the house really starts to rock, the Cyber Pirates march their way down to the ring and slap a few outstretched hands. KAIRI even stops to chat with a couple of younger fans wearing her t-shirt in the front row.

MICHAEL COLE: This atmosphere is positively electric here as the Captain arrives in port! What a journey it’s been for KAIRI to arrive at this moment. She’s broken free of the shadows she felt were cast on her by allies like IYO SKY and Asuka and can finally call herself a singles champion in WWE again.

WADE BARRETT: She’s undoubtedly proven herself to be at the top of her game since her return in June. A lot of people will just be happy for her winning the title, but as any champion knows that’s not the end of the story. The real work starts now and there’s a whole locker room full of women staring at the bright red target on KAIRI’s back.

Kyona’s climbed up to the apron and holds the middle rope open for her friend. KAIRI jogs up the nearby steel steps and once again throws her arms out to the sides to a wall of cheers. With a look to Kyona and mirrored nods, KAIRI shoots through the ropes and hops into the ring. As the crowd can be heard singing along with her iconic theme the champion basks in the moment. Kyona takes a moment to fetch a mic from ringside and quickly returns to KAIRI’s side with one in hand. As KAIRI takes it and her music fades out, the WWE Universe continues to sing it acapella!

Clearly taken aback by this sign of appreciation, KAIRI’s serious mask cracks and she laughs out loud. Kyona snickers behind her and claps in amusement. It doesn’t take the champion long to get back into the swing of things, though, as she starts conducting the singalong. After one round of it she raises the mic at last.

KAIRI: You really know how to make a girl feel welcome. No! You really know how to make a champion feel welcome. I walked through the curtain with a list of things I wanted to say, but you’ve got me shaken. So let me start with this... I DID IT!

She raises the Women’s Intercontinental Championship up for everyone to behold, getting a pop from the Las Vegas crowd. KAIRI beams with the pride of a woman who’s traveled the globe and finally found the treasure X was marking the spot for. As she begins to lower the belt she gets a mix of two chants: ‘YOU DE-SERVE IT!’ and ‘CAP-TAIN KAI-RI!’. This clearly makes KAIRI’s chest swell with pride, and she lets the dueling chants go on for a few moments before speaking up again.

KAIRI: Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! As I was getting ready for the biggest match of my WWE career last week, as all the nerves hit me like Jamie Hayter lariat, I realized something. I’ve been a professional wrestler for 12 years and half of that time has been spent in this ring. It’s no joke to call the WWE ring my home now. From the first time I set foot in it, every last one of you was always here with me. From my highest ups to my lowest downs, from the Mae Young Classic to Damage CTRL, I knew that the WWE Universe would always have my back. No matter where my voyage took me, you would always be here ready and eager to welcome your Captain home. That means more to me than you could ever know.

KAIRI pats a closed fist over her heart as the fans roar with approval.

KAIRI: It’s taken six years in WWE for me to fight my way to this gold. Six years where I stepped up to the best athletes in the world and threw down with all I had. A lot of the time they knocked me down so hard it took time to get back up. At some point I think I just decided to have fun and not worry about the results. Hanging out with Dakota, Asuka and even IYO seemed like enough. If you asked me last fall if that being the height of my career here was enough, I probably would have said ‘sure’. After all, the journey to get to that point was full of endless hours of back breaking training, throwing my whole body and soul into every fight and risking my future health for glory. Why wouldn’t I just be happy to chill with my friends after working that hard for diminishing returns? It was easier to rely on others and take shortcuts. But you always knew that I could be more. You never stopped believing in me, and deep down I never stopped believing in you. That moment when I found a way to knock Shotzi off the apron and finally end a six-year drought? That doesn’t happen without the support of the WWE Universe. And I’m proud to be YOUR champion. No matter what I will never stop being the woman you know I can be. YOU are Captain KAIRI’s Crew, and together we’ll continue to sail the seas looking for treasure and glory. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Captain’s smile brightens as she speaks from her heart to the fans.

KAIRI: I’ve been Women’s Intercontinental Champion for a week and sometimes I still can’t believe that’s the case. When I look down at that belt with my side plates attached it feels like a dream. Sometimes I think about all the people who’ve touched my life in some way. Too many people to name and properly thank for helping me become the best in the world. But tonight, if my Crew will allow it, I’d like to talk about one of them for a moment. Someone who I knew from the time she first broke into the business as a high school student. A woman who loved this sport more than anyone and never let anyone else define her. When I saw the woman that girl became, I saw someone who always put her best foot forward and welcomed everyone as who they were. She carved a path for herself that was unmistakably hers and hers alone, just like I’m determined to do. As she would say-

KAIRI glances over to Kyona, who’s hit by a sudden melancholy at the change in topic. The Captain nods to her, Kyona nods back and both speak in unison.

CYBER PIRATES: Everyone is different. Everyone is good.

Kyona almost does another salute out of instinct but stops herself just short of doing so. KAIRI smiles knowingly to her before looking back to the camera.

KAIRI: I’ve taken that to heart. It’s why I couldn’t accept being a side character in Damage CTRL. It’s why I put on my Captain’s coat again and seized the ship’s wheel for myself again and I’ll never let go of it again. It’s why everyone, no matter who they are, is welcome in Captain KAIRI’s Crew as long as they treat their crewmates with that same respect. So as much as my biggest win was for myself and for you, it was also for that woman who’s not here with us. I know that wherever she’s watching from, she’s smiling. And I need to say this: Thank you, Hana.

We can see tears in Kyona’s eyes and a sadness to KAIRI’s expression. She lets her dedication rest for a long moment as the WWE Universe offers cheers for her departed friend. After what feels like about the right space, KAIRI smiles again.

KAIRI: But Hana wouldn’t want us to be sad. She’d want us to paint the town neon and celebrate the fact that after everything that happened, I’m FINALLY a champion again! So let’s do that. Let’s look away from the past and to the golden future that’s waiting just over the horizon. We never know what’s waiting at the next port, but I’m so excited to find out together with my Crew. And no matter how much it hurts, no matter who steps up to stake their claim to this title, I will fight like hell to remain YOUR champion! The seas ahead might be stormy and full of chaos, but I thrive on unpredictability. I’ll turn every surprise into an opportunity and turn the tables against whoever believes they can be the one to dethrone the Pirate Queen!

Another round of cheers rises as KAIRI renews the promises she’s made since returning to WWE.



KAIRI: You know I learned something very, very interesting recently. The men’s Intercontinental Championship has always been seen as the workhorse championship in WWE. The very best wrestlers, the ones who embrace the grind and push themselves to keep learning and keep improving, are the ones whose names become inseparable from its legacy. I think it’s only appropriate that as the second women’s Intercontinental Champion, I give my title that same reputation. That’s a promise from Captain KAIRI to her crew and all of the women in the back who might have their eyes on the prize. I’ll keep grinding away, keep pushing myself as hard as a dojo trainee eager to debut, to put on the best and most thrilling matches you’ve ever seen. I will put on a show anytime I’m in the ring and make this the title that every woman wants to claim for herself. Becky Lynch set the bar high with a big match feel whenever she defended this belt. I’m going to raise it even higher to prove without a shadow of a doubt that what I’ve been saying since my return is true:

KAIRI shifts the belt up a bit as she pauses to gather her final thoughts.

KAIRI: That I’m the very best in the world at what I do. It doesn’t matter if the next woman to step up thinks she’s the rightful champion or is hungry to prove herself after some setbacks, or even if she’s just debuted and is out to make an immediate impact. Whoever challenges me for this championship is going to find out what happens when you try to separate a captain from the treasure she’s spent her whole life hunting. I’ll give you the very best that the very best can offer, try you by combat and find you wanting. Whatever it takes. No matter what.

With that literal mic drop moment, ‘Next Voyage’ hits again to thunderous cheers from KAIRI’s loyal crew. She raises the belt overhead again to show all of WWE that she’s become the workhorse champion they all believed she’d be from day one. As the fans start to sing along with her music, KAIRI and Kyona share a brief hug in the middle of the ring. They then climb out of the ring and make their way up the ramp with joy and confidence in every step. KAIRI can’t resist the urge to start dancing a little to her music, stopping only to make a heart with her hands right at the camera. Having sent her love to the whole WWE Universe the Women’s Intercontinental Champion marches up to the top of the ramp. She and Kyona stop there for a moment to snap off one more salute before heading to the back.

The cameras go backstage to show Alex Shelley walking down the hallway. He holds an arm across his ribs; it’s evident that he is still feeling the effects of last week's battle but he continues until he stumbles across someone that seems to pique his interest.

ALEX SHELLEY: Y'know, I was wondering when our paths may cross again. I'm surprised it took so long, but here we are.

The camera pans around to show that the person in question is Jay White.

ALEX SHELLEY: It's good to finally catch up. I see you've been getting yourself into trouble, like usual.

He says with a slight laugh.

JAY WHITE: I learned from the best.

ALEX SHELLEY: Come on now, we never got into too much trouble. Nothing we couldn’t get ourselves out of, anyway.

JAY WHITE: Well, it looks like we’ve both got ourselves into a bit of a mess next week at Money in the Bank.

Shelley tilts his head slightly, agreeing with the statement.

ALEX SHELLEY: You know, there’s a chance our paths might cross in that match.

JAY WHITE: You scared of that?

Shelley scoffs.

ALEX SHELLEY: No, but maybe you should be. There’s a reason why I was the trainer, and you were the trainee. This isn’t the Ring of Honor Alex Shelley that you remember.

White takes a small step towards Shelley and tilts his head back.

JAY WHITE: Well, maybe I’m not the Jay White from Ring of Honor that you remember.

Shelley chuckles, looking away and then back at White.

ALEX SHELLEY: Well, I’d hope not. That guy needed a ton of training. Thank goodness he got some.

Now it’s Jay White that chuckles. He extends his hand for a handshake.

JAY WHITE: Alex, it should be a hell of a match. If I can’t pull that briefcase down next week, I hope you wind up with it.

Alex grabs Jay’s hand and shakes it.

ALEX SHELLEY: And if I can’t win it, then I hope Nick Wayne wins.

White’s eyes widen in surprise. Shelley starts laughing.

ALEX SHELLEY: Just kidding, my man! Of course, I’ll be pulling for you if I can’t win. Let me say this though. I plan on winning and going on to cash in and win the World Championship.

They shake their hands with one last shake and break the handshake.

JAY WHITE: I wouldn’t expect any less from you.

PAT MCAFEE: Yo!

They both turn their attention to Pat McAfee walking up towards them. Jay lets out a small sigh.

CHRIS SABIN: What’s going on here, guys?

Coming from the other direction is Chris Sabin as they all turn to see him approaching.

PAT MCAFEE: No need to come to any kind of fisticuffs before next week boys. Save it for the match.

JAY WHITE: It’s not like that, Pat. We’re just… catching up.

CHRIS SABIN: You all good here, man?

ALEX SHELLEY: Yeah, of course. Nothing happening here. Just talking.

PAT MCAFEE: Come on, Jay. The catering just arrived, and this pizza isn’t gonna last long and it’s dope as hell.

The Machine Guns snicker at Pat’s news.

JAY WHITE: Sounds good. Alex, see ya next week, I guess.

ALEX SHELLEY: Yeah man, for sure. Have fun with your new… trainee.

Jay’s eyes narrow as he turns and walks off with Pat.

CHRIS SABIN: Enjoy the pizza, boys!

As Alex and Chris watch Jay and Pat walk off towards catering, the cameras go back to ringside.

MICHAEL COLE: A little bit of levity there between two Money in the Bank competitors, some respect shown between Jay White and Alex Shelley.

WADE BARRETT: You know, they say that they hope the other wins if they don’t but we both know they aren’t going to allow that to happen. Both of those men are going to be at each other's backs as soon as one turns.

MICHAEL COLE: Who knows, Wade? The two of them might work together to make sure they are the only ones left to possibly grab that briefcase. We’ve seen plenty of times where competitors have teamed up to eliminate the rest of the competition to give themselves better chances.

WADE BARRETT: And we’ve also seen it backfire when they have to face each other and everybody else has the opportunity to recover and snag the victory! Much like I’m sure Christian is going to snag the victory tonight by using whatever tactics he can to stay one step ahead of Mankind!

"Take Over" begins to play as The Patriarchy makes their way out to the top of the stage, all the members clapping Christian Cage on the back for encouragement, but he merely shrugs them off. As they head back through the curtain to the back, he heads down the ramp, rolling his neck around to loosen up as he talks trash to the fans in the front row along the ramp. He has a confident grin across his face as he strides down the rampway, and he slaps the front of his WWE Intercontinental Championship around his waist as he yells at a few more folks along the barricade to tell them his belt isn’t going anywhere.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the WWE Intercontinental Championship! Making his way to the ring, he is the current WWE Intercontinental Champion, Chriiistiiian!

WADE BARRETT: Look at how confident he is, Cole! This is what a champion should look like!

MICHAEL COLE: If he spent a little more time facing opponents on RAW and less time tossing around uncontracted superstars on HEAT, I might be more impressed with him, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: A win is a win, Cole, he just chooses his fights carefully. It’s not his fault that everybody on Monday Night RAW is too afraid to fight the current WWE Intercontinental Champion.

"Schizophrenic" by Jim Johnston begins to play as the lights in the arena dim down except for one spotlight that shines dimly on the entering Mankind. As he makes his way out onto the stage, he cradles his left arm with his right and almost manically checks in different directions. Fog pours out over the stage as he begins to walk down the ramp and reflexively looks in the direction of camera flashes. Mankind seems a bit overwhelmed by the fans as they cheer his arrival, a smile forms on his face but disappears soon after as the doubts creep into this mind about if the fans genuinely appreciate him.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Making his way to the ring, the challenger; The Deranged One, Maaankiiind!

MICHAEL COLE: Mankind has been determined since his arrival to make a name for himself once again and prove he still has what it takes to do this. The only problem is he crossed paths with The Patriarchy and that’s what led us to this point, Wade.

WADE BARRETT: Not a wise group to rile up either, Cole, they have been determined to put Mankind down once and for all. Christian may have to put his WWE Intercontinental Championship on the line to finally get it done but he seems to believe it’s worth the risk to be able to finally finish Mankind off.

A smile creeps across half of his face again but he shakes his head violently before he pulls out his hair and a fresh clump comes out; he finds some sort of sick comfort in knowing he punished himself. As he climbs the ring stairs, he mumbles to himself as he brushes at the clump of hair in his hand before blowing it out of it as if to set it free from the rest of his body's torment and entering through the ring ropes.

---

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Both men waste no time, and both go for a grapple, they lock up with one another and fight for a dominant position, but neither man can get the upper hand. Christian pushes Mankind, Mankind shoves him back but neither man can get the upper hand so they both let go of the grapple. They circle each in the center of the ring, and Christian goes for a spinning heel kick, but it misses when Mankind dodges out of the way. Mankind moves in for a grapple but Christian side steps it and is able to hit a DDT, driving Mankind’s face into the mat!

MICHAEL COLE: Quick exchanges there, and Christian finally the one to steal the advantage with that DDT!

WADE BARRETT: Both men are desperate in this one, Cole. I’m not sure that Christian is quite as convinced as he claims to be that he’s going to remain champion by the time this one is done.

Christian gets back up and waits for Mankind to get up; Mankind gets halfway up and sits on both knees, catching his breath; and Christian wastes no time before running towards him and driving his knee right into the face of Mankind! The crowd starts booing for Christian as he delivers a stiff kick to the side of Mankind! Christian now nails another kick into the ribs. He picks Mankind up and steadies him before he delivers a fierce uppercut that nails the chin of Mankind! Mankind is wobbly on his legs, and Christian sees it and wants to take advantage. He goes behind Mankind now, who's in the center of the ring.

MICHAEL COLE: Things are not looking good for Mankind right now!

WADE BARRETT: Christian is gaining his confidence here, stalking his opponent!

Christian scouts him from behind before running up behind and kicking the back of his leg to take him down to the mat on his stomach. Christian goes down to two knees and rolls Mankind over, looking to set something up from off the top rope. Christian does his signature taunt, looks out to the fans with a shit-eating grin on his face, puts his hand above his eyes like a salute, and the fans loudly boo his mocking of them. Christian climbs up the turnbuckle corner, gets ready, and jumps off, hitting a perfect frog splash!

MICHAEL COLE: They might not like it, but that was a picture-perfect Frog Splash from Christian Cage!

WADE BARRETT: High risk move though; it could be argued it wasn’t the wisest decision for him. He said that tonight he wanted to play with his opponent a bit though, so this could be some of what he was talking about.

Mankind rolls around on the mat in pain, and Christian lays on his back, catching his breath. When Christian finally gets up, so does Mankind, and the two take notice of each other. Christian kicks Mankind in the gut and then goes for an enziguri, trying to kick him in the back of the head, but Mankind ducks! Christian lands back on both, but Mankind nails a kick to the gut now and hits a Double Arm DDT before Christian sees it coming, and it drives him right down to the canvas! Mankind goes for the pin; 1... 2…kick out! Mankind tries another one now: 1...kick out!

MICHAEL COLE: Mankind going for the extra cover to try and make Christian use up as much energy as possible!

WADE BARRETT: It’s a smart move by him, and that’s a crazy thing to say because Mankind isn’t exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer if you catch my meaning, Cole!

Mankind gets back up, but so does Christian, both men pretty quickly, and they both trade punches before Christian whips Mankind into the corner! Christian hits him with a punch in the gut and then lifts Mankind up to the top of the turnbuckle. He joins him at the top and hooks Mankind up, then hits a huge SUPERPLEX off the top rope, sending them both to the mat in the middle of the ring. The stiffness of their landing is heard, WHAM!!!

MICHAEL COLE: HUMONGOUS SUPERPLEX! All that weight came crashing down hard, Wade! You have to imagine that both of these men are wiped out after that!

WADE BARRETT: And don’t let the surface of the ring fool you, it might not look like it would hurt much but it definitely leaves a mark on you each time you hit it!

The ref checks on them, but neither man is completely out of it, just exhausted from a grueling match. Christian starts moving towards the ropes for assistance, but Mankind gets up and stalks his prey. Christian is slow to get up, trying to pull himself up by the ropes. As Christian gets up, Mankind gets behind him and lifts him up around the waist, and then drops Christian down with a swinging neckbreaker! Christian rolls around on the mat, and Mankind wastes no time with the attack. First Mankind stomps down, right on Christian’s back, and then on his ribs, which have taken a lot of abuse in this match! Mankind finally jumps up and grumbles some incoherent nonsense as he delivers a pointed elbow straight to the heart of his opponent!

MICHAEL COLE: Mankind is fighting out of desperation here; he wants to make sure all the pain that The Patriarchy has put him through will be worth it by the end of this one!

WADE BARRETT: Come on, Christian, you’ve still got this one! Fight back for your sons!

Mankind pulls Christian back up to his feet now, goes behind him, and then hits a running bulldog! He picks Christian back up again and hooks him up for a suplex, but as he gets him in the air and goes to drop him, Christian gets a thumb into the eye of Mankind and lands on his feet! When Mankind gets back up, Christian hits a nice standing dropkick, knocking Mankind down to the mat! The action is moving fast now, and as Mankind gets back up to his feet, Christian grabs his arm and flips him over with an arm drag. Christian gets back up, and Mankind hits an arm drag this time, which now sends Christian across the ring! Christian is up a split second later and goes for a huge clothesline, but Mankind ducks, and Christian goes right past him! Christian turns around, and Mankind kicks him in the gut and then pulls him in with the double arm trap again. Mankind pauses as he hears the crowd cheer for him, and with Christian bent, Mankind drops Christian down with the Double Arm DDT and it drives Christian’s face into the mat! The crowd cheers as Mankind desperately flips Christian over and goes for the cover: 1... 2... 3! Mrs. Foley’s baby boy has done it!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner and the NEEEWWW WWE Intercontinental Champion, MAAANKIIIND!

MICHAEL COLE: We have ourselves a new Intercontinental Champion, Wade, and his name is Mankind!

WADE BARRETT: That maneuver he did at the end should be illegal, he dropped Christian right on his face and probably gave him a concussion! This isn’t how this was supposed to go!

MICHAEL COLE: Like it or not, Wade, Mrs. Foley’s baby boy has just won the WWE Intercontinental Championship for the first time ever adding a new accolade to his already impressive record!

The referee hands Mankind the WWE Intercontinental Championship as he rocks back and forth in place and cradles it in his arms like one would a small baby. Tears can be seen forming in the corners of his eyes as he is overwhelmed by the emotion hitting him right now. As he reaches up with one hand to pull out his hair, he stops himself as he hears the roar of approval from the crowd and slowly stands up to raise the WWE Intercontinental Championship above his head as he truly smiles for what feels like the first time since his return to the WWE.

MICHAEL COLE: It certainly feels like the weight has shifted so to speak and there might be plenty of surprises coming! I for one wouldn’t mind seeing things shaken up a bit more, it’s what makes the WWE as entertaining as it is!

WADE BARRETT: And I’m certain that Mankind is fully enjoying that shift! Look at him holding that WWE Intercontinental Championship over his head, it’s ridiculous, Cole!

MICHAEL COLE: Well that’s all the time we have tonight folks but be sure to tune in live this Sunday for our Money in the Bank event, where the landscape of the WWE will undoubtedly shift once again! Goodnight, everybody!