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| photo courtesy: wwe.com |
The RAW video plays, and we’re brought into the arena. Michael Cole, Booker T, and JBL welcome us to the show. In the ring is a small table with a red cloth on it.
The Authority gloats about their success at WWE Payback
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are introduced. They make their way to the ring to jeers from the crowd. Stephanie takes a bow in the ring. She hasn’t been seen on television since the night after WrestleMania. Stephanie welcomes the crowd to Monday Night RAW before asking if they missed her. They shout that they haven’t, but she says she knows they missed the sweet sound of her voice. It’s great to be back after such a successful night for the WWE and The Authority. Life is so much sweeter when you’re a winner, which none of the fans can relate to. The WWE World Heavyweight Champion can relate to that after defeating three other opponents at WWE Payback in a Fatal 4-Way. The future has never been brighter in Seth Rollins. Triple H says those that questioned their choice of Rollins as the future of WWE can stop because he proved that he’s everything they say he is. They are very good at their jobs. Triple H hates to be the guy who says, “I told you so,” but he told us so. Triple H says, “Seth Rollins is the future of the WWE.” Stephanie says that’s why they’ll pay tribute to their investment tonight when they present, “Seth Rollins: Architect of a Dream.” As Rollins basks in the victory of last night, he three opponents (Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, and Dean Ambrose) will have the honor of acknowledging their inferiority as they go to the back of the line. Triple H says, “Sorry guys. You just couldn’t get the job done. Championships are reserved for those that can rise to the occasion.”
Speaking of championships, he asks for a drum roll. Stephanie unveils the vacant WWE Intercontinental Championship, which was under a black sheet on the table. Daniel Bryan eloquently surrendered it last week on RAW. The crowd chants, “YES.” Stephanie says, “Yes, it’s true. Daniel Bryan had to surrender the title.” She knows he’s home watching on television – wait, he doesn’t own a television. He’s probably picking berries or chopping wood. It took courage to stand in the ring and admit she was right. In just two years, he had two injuries that caused him to relinquish two championships just because his body couldn’t hold up. Stephanie says, “Unlike Daniel Bryan’s career, the show must go on.” Triple H says in two weeks, we will crown a new Intercontinental Champion. Not just any champion, no. The most resilient and durable champion in history will be crowned because it will be decided in the Elimination Chamber. A short video is shown of the Elimination Chamber, and the commentators talk about it.
Triple H says it’s ten tons of steel and two miles of chain. Triple H can say from first hand experience that it is brutal. Bones will be broken and careers will be shortened. Six men will enter, but only one will leave as the Intercontinental Champion. Stephanie says it will be an historic night in less than two weeks on the WWE Network. They can find out what a million subscribers already know…
Sheamus’ music hits, and the Celtic Warrior makes his way to the ring. Sheamus apologizes for interrupting, and the crowd chants, “You look stupid.” Sheamus says the crowd has no taste before saying he’s a big fan of the two of them. Stephanie says she likes his look. Sheamus says we don’t need an Elimination Chamber match for the Intercontinental Championship because he’s the one who put an end to the silly “YES Movement.” Sheamus says he ended Daniel Bryan’s career. Highlights are shown from the Smackdown after WrestleMania when Sheamus had a very physical match against Daniel Bryan. The crowd boos Sheamus, and he sarcastically thanks them. Sheamus says he put Bryan down and should be rewarded. Stephanie can do what’s best for business and make him the Intercontinental Champion.
Ryback’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring. Ryback’s ribs are taped up following his match against Bray Wyatt last night. The crowd chants, “Feed Me More!” Ryback goes to speak before saying he’s got to agree with Richmond. Ryback says, “Has anybody told you that you look stupid?” Ryback says Daniel Bryan has more heart, passion, and determination than Sheamus could ever have. A “YES” chant breaks out. Stephanie says the crowd is so predictable. Ryback shoots back by saying, “Big Guy has the microphone. Big Guy’s talking, Steph.” Bryan may not be 6-feet tall, but he’s more of a man than Sheamus. Bryan damn near ruined his body doing what he loves and becoming the Intercontinental Champion. Sheamus loves picking on little guys, so how about he picks on a Big Guy in Richmond? Ryback says he doesn’t like bullies, and he certainly doesn’t like Sheamus.
Stephanie says they’ll both have the opportunity to prove how much they want to be Intercontinental Champion when they compete in less than two weeks in the Elimination Chamber. Triple H says he’s kind of digging this weird thing they have going on tonight. Triple H says they’ll leave the ring, and the Big Guy can go one-on-one with Sheamus right now.
-Commercial Break-
Sheamus vs. Ryback
The bell rings as soon as we come back from the break. Sheamus quickly punches Ryback in the ribs, but Ryback punches his chest in triumph. Sheamus quickly gets out of the ring and runs around ringside before getting back in the ring. Ryback blocks a kick, but he misses a clothesline. Sheamus punches him in the ribs and hits the ropes, but Ryback catches him with a Thesz Press before slamming his head off the mat. Ryback puts him in the corner and hits a shoulder thrust. Sheamus quickly knees him in the ribs, but Ryback comes back by reversing a whip. Ryback lowers his head, and Sheamus knees him in the ribs. Sheamus puts him in the corner, but Ryback fights back and slams him off the turnbuckle a few times. Ryback chops the chest and sends him into the ropes for a powerslam. Ryback picks up a two count for that. Ryback stomps him a few times before the referee backs him up. Sheamus quickly punches him in the ribs and hits the Irish Curse Backbreaker. Ryback rolls out of the ring to recover. Sheamus follows him out and sends him ribs first into the barricade. Sheamus kicks him in the ribs before getting in the ring for a count-out. Ryback gets on the apron, and Sheamus knocks him off to the floor. Sheamus poses for the crowd as we go to commercial.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see both men down on the canvas. They start throwing punches from their knees before getting to their feet. Sheamus kicks him in the ribs before shouldering him there. Sheamus goes to the apron and connects with the 10 Beats of the Bodhrán. Ryback blocks one of the clubs and powers him back into the ring. Ryback then counters a Brogue Kick into a powerbomb. Ryback clutches his ribs in pain as both men are down once again. Ryback runs into Sheamus’ boots, but he soon comes back with a spinebuster for a two count. Ryback props himself up in the corner and waits for Sheamus to get up. Ryback goes for the Meat Hook Clothesline, but Sheamus gets out of the ring. Ryback follows him out, and Sheamus shoulder blocks him in the ribs. Sheamus misses a clothesline, and Ryback press slams him onto the commentary table! Ryback shouts, “Feed Me More!” Ryback throws Sheamus into the ring, and Sheamus rolls out on the other side. Ryback follows him, and Sheamus punches him in the ribs before trying to send him into the ring post. Ryback blocks it and sends him into the ring post instead. Ryback puts him in the ring, and Sheamus elbows him in the head. Ryback quickly comes back with a Shell Shocked attempt, but Sheamus punches him in the ribs.
Sheamus is holding his eye in pain. The referee backs Ryback up from him. Ryback tries to force his way toward him, but the referee backs him up again. Sheamus then explodes out of the corner with a Brogue Kick for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Sheamus
Match Rating: * 1/2
Sheamus is still holding his eye in pain before letting it go and pretending that it miraculously started feeling better. Sheamus and Ryback will participate in the Elimination Chamber match for the vacant WWE Intercontinental Championship in two weeks. The other four competitors will be revealed later tonight.
Coming up later tonight will be “Seth Rollins: Architect of a Dream.”
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are talking about the Seth Rollins celebration. Stephanie says it’s a strong celebration and should be led by a strong man. That strong man is Kane. Kane walks in and says he saw a new side of Rollins. Kane thinks Rollins has grown up. Rollins comes in gloating with J&J Security and a bottle of champagne. Rollins pours two glasses for Triple H and Stephanie before saying no one deserves it more than Kane. After last night, he saved Kane’s job, so he finally has something to celebrate. Rollins laughs heartily before stopping when Dean Ambrose walks in. Ambrose congratulates Rollins on the win and says it only took four guys to help him this time. That’s got to be a record. Now it’s time to reassess the scorecards. Last time they fought one-on-one, he beat Rollins. Last night, try as he might, Rollins couldn’t beat him. Ambrose says he’s going to grant Rollins a rematch at WWE Elimination Chamber, but on one condition. Rollins has to put the title on the line. Triple H and Stephanie say they’ll let Kane handle this before walking out.
Rollins says he doesn’t understand what Ambrose doesn’t get about going to the back of the line. Kane says he’ll let the champion decide his future because Rollins IS the future. Rollins says when Ambrose finds the back of the line, he can say hello to Roman and Randy for him. Rollins walks out. Ambrose says he always knew Kane was Rollins neutered little lab dog. Seeing it up close and personal breaks his heart. Kane used to be a monster. Ambrose wonders what Paul Bearer and The Undertaker would think of him. The Devil’s Favorite Demon is a glorified little butler. Kane says, “Don’t you EVER mention my family. You want action tonight? You get it against Bray Wyatt!” Ambrose calmly says, “OK,” before drinking Kane’s champagne. Ambrose says Kane really shouldn’t drink on the clock.
-Commercial Break-
Renee Young interviews Neville in the ring
Renee Young is standing in the ring, and she introduces Neville to the ring. She refers to him as “The New Sensation.” She says he has his rematch against King Barrett coming up next, but she has some questions. Neville made his debut the night after WrestleMania. How is it being a new WWE Superstar? Neville says he’s competed all over the world, but nothing compares to competing here in the WWE. Neville says he’ll never be the biggest guy, and he has his fair share of doubters, but he loves proving his doubters wrong. When he’s flying through the air, he’s 10-feet tall and invincible. Renee asks about the transition from being the longest reigning NXT Champion in history to being on the WWE roster.
Bo Dallas’ music interrupts him before he can speak. Dallas shaved off the goatee. Dallas says there’s nothing more inspirational than hearing a good children’s story like “The Little Engine That Could.” So much heart and optimism, but in Neville’s case, it’s “The Little Engine That Couldn’t.” Dallas says it takes a big man to keep his chin up amidst so much adversity. Dallas would say Neville’s career is looking up, but that would be a lie. Dallas says he never says things that he doesn’t Bolieve. Neville asks Renee if she knows who he beat to start his record breaking NXT Championship reign. Neville says, “I Bolieve it was you.” Dallas attacks him and punches away at that injured knee from last night. Dallas quickly escapes the ring.
King Barrett’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring. Dallas joins the commentators.
Neville vs. King Barrett
The bell rings, and they circle the ring. Barrett goes for the knee, but Neville takes him down with a front face-lock. Barrett quickly gets up, and Neville sidesteps him. Barrett smiles and goes for the knee. Neville schoolboys him for a one count. Neville applies a side headlock, but Barrett powers him to the corner and chops him. Barrett kicks away at the knee before twisting it around the middle rope. Neville hobbles around before Barrett kicks him down in the corner. Neville fights back, but Barrett knees him in the face for a two count. Barrett pulls him to the apron and snaps his leg off it.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Barrett holding Neville’s leg before being kicked away. Neville punches him, but Barrett sends him to the corner. Neville slingshots over him and goes for the two quick flips to the corner, but Neville’s injured knee buckles. Barrett quickly chop blocks him and covers for a two count. Barrett kicks away at Neville’s leg before applying a leg lock. During the commercial, Barrett slammed Neville on his knee. Neville fights out of the hold and gets out of a body slam attempt. Neville then sidesteps a big boot, and Barrett crotches himself on the top rope.
Neville hits a jawbreaker and kicks away at him. Neville goes for a deadlift German Suplex, but his knee buckles. Barrett then runs into Neville’s boot. Neville goes for a springboard, but his knee gives out again. Barrett turns his elbow pad inside out and connects with the Royal Bull Hammer for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: King Barrett
Match Rating: *
Bo Dallas is seen smiling on commentary as Michael Cole insinuates that the result was because of Dallas’ attack before the match. Barrett puts on his crown and cape and grabs his scepter before posing for the crowd. Dallas gets in the ring, and Barrett leaves him to it. Dallas kicks away at Neville’s injured knee before connecting with a leg DDT. Dallas drags him to the corner and goes outside to snap Neville’s knee off the ring post. Dallas snaps it off the post a second time for good measure before posing for the crowd.
Highlights of the “I Quit” Match between Rusev and John Cena are shown. Lana quit on Rusev’s behalf. Rusev will be out next to react to the loss.
-Commercial Break-
The commentators talk about how Titus O’Neil won the 2015 Celebrity Mega Dad of the Year Award from EverythingForDads.com.
Rusev reacts to his loss to John Cena at WWE Payback
Rusev’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring waving the flag of the Russian Federation. Rusev says there will be no Lana tonight, and the crowd loudly boos. Rusev says there is no Lana. Lana needs to learn her place. Lana does not speak for him. Only he speaks for himself. Rusev says he speaks the stupid American language perfectly. He knows how to say, “I quit.” The crowd chants, “We want Lana,” and Rusev screams that she is not there. Rusev says he never said that he quits. John Cena did not beat him last night. He crushed John Cena and beat him so bad that he passed out in the middle of the ring. Then Lana quit because she’s weak. Rusev demands that Cena and The Authority come out to restart the match.
Lana makes her way to the ring to a huge reaction. Lana says, “Rusev, please, I know you asked…” Rusev screams that he told her not to come out here. Rusev says, “How dare you defy me!” Lana says she wants to explain herself to everyone. Rusev isn’t who he seems to be. Rusev isn’t just the Bulgarian Brute. He’s misunderstood. Rusev is screaming in the ring, and she speaks in their native tongue. Lana says she believes in Rusev. She’s believed in him from the very beginning. She’s been with him from the very beginning and walking with him every step of the way. She was positive that he would be the first man to make John Cena say the words “I quit.” That didn’t happen. It’s disappointing, but that’s life. Lana says she was just trying to protect him. Rusev cannot believe that. Lana says she cares for him. Rusev says her and her feeling are pathetic and disgusting. Lana yells, “Enough! What is it you wanted me to do? Stand there as you scream and your body is bent backwards? I did the right thing for you, and I did the right thing for us.” Lana says he was screaming in Bulgarian that he quits. The crowd chants, “You quit!” Rusev is pacing angrily in the ring. Rusev screams that she’s a liar. Rusev says, “There is no us! There is only me! Me! I don’t need you! I need no one! Rusev needs no one! You’re weak, and you make me weak! So go on and get out of this ring!” Rusev tells her to go back to wherever she came from. Lana looks sad and leaves the ring as the crowd chants, “NO!” Rusev continues to scream at her as she walks up the ramp. Rusev then poses for the crowd as they boo him.
The commentators talk about what just happened between Rusev and Lana. They then transition it to the Fatal 4-Way for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship last night at WWE Payback. Still photos showcase the highlights of that match.
The New Day will defend their WWE Tag Team Championships against Tyson Kidd and Cesaro later tonight. Xavier Woods will be banned from ringside stemming from his actions last night at WWE Payback.
Dean Ambrose’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a great pop. Ambrose will be in action against Bray Wyatt, next.
-Commercial Break-
Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt
The bell rings, and they just stare at each other from opposite corners. They lock up, and Wyatt powers him to the corner. Wyatt slaps away at him before connecting with a body slam. Wyatt goes for a senton splash, but Ambrose moves. Ambrose hits a low clothesline before dropping an elbow. Ambrose stomps the midsection before tying up his legs and ripping at his face. Ambrose applies a hammerlock and brings him down to his knees. Ambrose pulls at the arm and bends it at an awkward angle. Ambrose kicks away at him and kicks him in the back of the neck. A replay is shown of Wyatt hitting Ryback with a senton splash from the apron last night! Ambrose stomps him on the back of the head. Ambrose wrenches the arm, but Wyatt punches him in the face. Wyatt rakes his face on the ropes, and Ambrose begins punching back. Ambrose goes for a running cross-body block, but Wyatt clotheslines him out of mid-air. Wyatt kicks him in the spine before hitting a running boot to the face. Wyatt punches him in the face before slapping him quickly and punching him in the ribs. Wyatt connects with a snapmare before applying a chin lock. Ambrose soon fights up and punches out. Wyatt quickly sends him to the corner and connects with a clothesline. Wyatt runs to the opposite corner, and Ambrose chases him there with a clothesline of his own. Wyatt rolls out of the ring to recover. Ambrose goes for a suicide dive, but Wyatt punches him in the face. Wyatt then grabs him and has his legs hanging off the second rope. Wyatt then gives a modified superplex to the floor!
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Ambrose trapped in a neck vice. During the commercial break, Wyatt annihilated Ambrose with that running body block. Wyatt kicks Ambrose down and takes his time before hitting a release suplex. The momentum takes Ambrose out of the ring, and Wyatt poses for the crowd. Wyatt gets out of the ring to retrieve him, and Ambrose charges him. They then take each other out with a double clothesline on the floor! They both beat the count at nine. They then meet eyes, and the intensity is palpable. The crowd chants, “We want tables,” as they trade punches. Ambrose comes out on top with the exchange before Wyatt reverses a whip. Ambrose ducks a clothesline and connects with a running cross-body block followed by some punches to the head. Ambrose connects with a running forearm in the corner followed by a bulldog. Ambrose ties him up in the ropes and hits a dropkick to the sternum. Wyatt is hanging over the middle rope, and Ambrose connects with a second rope leg drop. Ambrose covers for a two count.
Ambrose goes for a neckbreaker, but Wyatt counters into a one-armed slam attempt. Ambrose gets out and pulls the top rope down to get Wyatt out of the ring. Ambrose then connects with the suicide dive! Ambrose rolls him into the ring and gets in. Wyatt quickly pops up and goes for Sister Abigail, but Ambrose counters out. Ambrose goes for Dirty Deeds, but Wyatt gets out. Ambrose applies a waistlock, but Wyatt elbows out. Ambrose goes for a rebound clothesline, but Wyatt rips his head off with a clothesline for a near fall! The crowd chants, “This is awesome!” Wyatt gets up in the corner and arcs his back to look at him. Wyatt approaches him, and Ambrose slaps him in the face. Wyatt is furious about that. Wyatt jacks him in the jaw, but Ambrose rebounds off the ropes with a vicious clothesline for a near fall! Ambrose punches the mat to get the crowd going. Ambrose props Wyatt up on the top rope and goes for a superplex, but Wyatt fights him off. Wyatt looks at the crowd and goes for the senton splash from the second rope, but Ambrose moves! Ambrose goes to the top rope. Joey Mercury runs down and distracts the referee. Jamie Noble then pushes Ambrose off the top rope into Sister Abigail! Wyatt picks up the pinfall with help from J&J Security!
Winner by Pinfall: Bray Wyatt
Match Rating: ** 1/2
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are seen smiling at the result of this match. Replays are shown from the final moments of the match. Seth Rollins joins J&J Security at the top of the ramp and raises a champagne glass to Ambrose.
Nikki Bella will defend the WWE Divas Championship against Naomi later tonight. We’ll also see John Cena defend the WWE United States Championship in an open challenge. Coming up next, we’ll see The New Day defend the WWE Tag Team Championships against Tyson Kidd and Cesaro with Xavier Woods banned from ringside.
-Commercial Break-
WWE Tough Enough premieres June 23. They show some video submissions.
WWE Tag Team Championships Match
Cesaro and Tyson Kidd w/ Natalya vs. The New Day (c’s)
Before the match begins, The New Day cuts a promo. Kofi Kingston says they have a situation right now. Xavier Woods has been banned from ringside as a result of this trumped up controversy concerning their victory at WWE Payback. Big E says the only controversy is the injustice committed against the WWE Tag Team Champions. After they’re victorious here tonight, they’re being meant to defend their titles in the Elimination Chamber against five (Kingston cannot believe the number) tag teams. Big E says this has never been done before. Everyone can see the odds are being stacked against them, even the simple, illiterate people of Richmond. The crowd chants, “New Day Sucks!” Kingston says they’ll persevere through positivity. Big E wants everyone to stand up and clap. They try to start a “New Day Rocks” chant, but it turns into “New Day Sucks!”
Cesaro will start the match against Big E. They lock up, and Cesaro applies a side headlock. Big E whips him off, so Cesaro goes for a shoulder block, but Big E doesn’t go down. Big E kicks him and press slams him down. Big E chokes him on the middle rope before the referee backs him up. Cesaro clotheslines Kingston off the apron as he tries to interfere. Cesaro then blocks a clothesline from Big E and connects with a delayed vertical suplex. Tyson Kidd is tagged in, and he slingshots to the apron. Cesaro clotheslines Kingston at ringside as Kidd connects with a flying hurricanrana from the apron on Big E!
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Cesaro trapped in an abdominal stretch applied by Big E. Cesaro elbows out and knees him in the midsection. Big E quickly takes him back down with a belly-to-belly side suplex. Replays are shown of Xavier Woods sneaking in to get the pinfall last night at WWE Payback. Cesaro connects with a powerslam on Big E before tagging in Kidd. Kidd springboards off the top rope with an elbow drop for a two count. Big E punches him in the ribs before tagging Kingston in. Big E leapfrogs Kingston into Kidd, but Kidd ducks it. Kidd dropkicks Big E out of the ring and boots Kingston in the face before kicking him. Kidd slingshots into the ring and turns him inside out with a clothesline. Kidd applies the Sharpshooter, and the crowd is loudly applauding him. Big E clotheslines him in the back of the head, but Cesaro soon runs in to make the save. Big E throws him out of the ring, and they double-team Kidd in the corner. The referee calls for the bell.
Winners by Disqualification: Cesaro and Tyson Kidd
The New Day retains the WWE Tag Team Championships
Match Rating: * 1/2
Cesaro runs in and gives Big E a German Suplex. Cesaro pushes Kingston away and gives him a spinebuster. Cesaro goes for a Cesaro Swing, but Xavier Woods runs down and attacks him. The New Day soon overpowers Cesaro and Kidd. Sin Cara and Kalisto run down to help even the odds. They take The New Day out before attacking Kidd and Cesaro. Los Matadores run down and take Big E out with stereo suicide dives. The Ascension runs down and joins the melee. The Prime Time Players run down and clear the ring. Titus O’Neil overpowers Kingston and tosses him aside. The Lucha Dragons then take all the men on the outside out with stereo summersault planchas. The Prime Time Players stand tall in the ring. O’Neil grabs Woods by his hair and brings him into the ring the hard way. Darren Young then gives him a fireman’s carry gut-buster. The Prime Time Players celebrate in the ring. The Prime Time Players, The Lucha Dragons, The Ascension, Los Matadores, Cesaro and Tyson Kidd, and The New Day will participate in the first ever tag team Elimination Chamber for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Later tonight, we’ll see The Authority’s presentation of “Seth Rollins: Architect of a Dream.” Coming up next, we’ll see John Cena defend the WWE United States Championship in an open challenge.
-Commercial Break-
Roman Reigns will return this Thursday on WWE Smackdown.
John Cena makes his way to the ring as the crowd sings “John Cena sucks” to his song. Cena holds up the WWE United States Championship and says it is their title. The crowd chants “USA.” Cena holds up a “Never Give Up” towel. Cena says those three words helped him keep it exactly where it belongs. In case we missed WWE Payback on the award winning WWE Network, he can sum it up in three letters: U-S-A! Another “USA” chant breaks out. Cena says that’s what he truly loves about this. They all come from different walks of life. He hears them every Monday and knows they have differences, but at the end of the day, they are all proud Americans. They can understand the pride, passion, and admiration he has to carry the red, white, and blue into battle every single night. It’s for men like that (there are four soldiers in the crowd that Cena points to) that makes this championship different from all others. It is a symbol of excellence, sportsmanship, and opportunity. Each week, he gives an opportunity for someone to make history. All they have to do is accept it. Neville, Dean Ambrose, and an injured Sami Zayn have a shot. We all know the WWE Championship is THE championship, but the WWE United States Championship is their championship, and The Champ is here!
Cena says it’s time to give someone an opportunity. Richmond is the place to be, and John Cena is still the man to beat. The John Cena US Open Challenge starts right now! Kevin Owens, the NXT Champion, accepts the challenge! Owens slowly makes his way to the ring looking ready for a fight. Owens says, “Hello, John. First of all, congratulations on your victory last night at WWE Payback. It was very impressive. Now, I would introduce myself, but you know exactly who I am, don’t you? And if anybody out there doesn’t know who I am, well quite frankly, those people are simply not worth my time in the first place.” Cena introduces him as the NXT Champion. Owens sarcastically thanks him. Owens says he must feel guilty for the injury Sami Zayn suffered, but he’s here to ease his mind. Zayn was injured before he ever accepted the challenge. He knows that because he’s the one who injured him. This Wednesday night at NXT Takeover on the WWE Network, he’s going to finish what he started.
Cena says, “Fine speech, Mr. Owens, but it seems you have a lot to learn.” Cena says many might not know him, but not a single person here is to be called a waste of time. Cena gets the crowd fired up. Cena says without all of them, there is no Owens, RAW, or WWE. Cena says, “This is why we are here! So, young man, from one champion to another, allow me to bestow on you some veteran advice.” Owens says he may not have been in WWE for as long as Cena, but he’s been doing this for fifteen years. He’s been doing this for longer than Cena has, but he didn’t get his break until now. Cena doesn’t get to give him advice EVER. Cena says he’ll give him a warning. He’s been in the ring with Sami Zayn. He blew his shoulder out, but he still fought. Cena is looking into Owens’ eyes and sees fear. Owens is crapping his pants after realizing he bit off more than he could chew. Cena says if he takes Zayn lightly, Zayn will embarrass him. Cena says if he has a problem with what he’s saying, then this is RAW and the United States Open is still open. If Owens wants some, he can come get some.
Owens says, “Yeah? I am a prizefighter, I am. But guess what, John? I already have a prize, and it’s the NXT Championship. So, uh, when it comes to your little US Open Challenge, my answer is, uh, no, but trust me, you and I, we are going to fight someday, but it’s going to be on my terms, not yours. Yeah. And if you think you have me all figured out, you’re going to realize…” Owens attacks him with a kick to the midsection. Owens sends him into the ropes and shoots him up in the air for a pop-up powerbomb! Some in the crowd chant, “Fight, Owens, fight!” Owens stomps his foot down on the WWE United States Championship and raises the NXT Championship up in the air! Replays are shown of what just happened. The commentators then put over the NXT: Unstoppable show this Wednesday.
A replay is shown of Daniel Bryan relinquishing the WWE Intercontinental Championship last Monday on RAW following another injury setback. Sheamus, Ryback, King Barrett, R-Truth, and Rusev are announced as being in the WWE Intercontinental Championship Elimination Chamber match. One more superstar is yet to be announced.
Dolph Ziggler makes his way to the ring with ten stitches in his head. He’ll be in action, next.
-Commercial Break-
Still photos are shown of Dolph Ziggler getting stitched up last night after WWE Payback.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Stardust
Charles Robinson, my favorite referee literally ever, is the official for this match. They circle the ring, and Ziggler applies a waistlock. Stardust goes to the ropes and elbows him in the eye. Stardust rakes the eyes and punches away at him. Stardust then takes him out with a Side Effect. Stardust stomps the midsection before punching him in the face. Stardust poses for the crowd and clotheslines him down for a one count. The crowd chants, “Cody” at Stardust. Stardust peppers him with some punches before dropping down and kicking him in the head. Stardust goes for Cross Rhodes, but Ziggler kicks him in the face and hits the Zig-Zag for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Dolph Ziggler
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Michael Cole gets in the ring and asks Ziggler how he’s feeling after that brutal match against Sheamus. Ziggler jokes that he’s hideous. Ziggler says the cut hurts, but not nearly as bad as losing to Sheamus. Ziggler is a hockey fan and it’s hockey time. Chicks like scars. Cole talks about the WWE Intercontinental Championship Elimination Chamber match and how there is one more spot open. Cole announces that Ziggler will fill that slot. Ziggler says he’ll take a lot more scars to win that back. Lana makes her way to the ring smiling. Lane gets in the ring and stands next to Ziggler. The fans chant, “We want Lana.” Ziggler looks curious. Lana puts her hands on his face and pulls him in for a kiss! The crowd likes it, and she suppresses a smirk. The crowd chants, “One more time!” Lana then pulls him in for a bigger kiss!
Ziggler looks around for a Rusev attack, and he finally charges down to the ring. Ziggler waits for him, but Rusev immediately overpowers him. Rusev lays him out and stares at Lana with daggers in his eyes. Rusev screams at her, and Lana responds with a slap! She crosses her arms in anger, as Rusev looks furious! Rusev growls in fury before Ziggler takes him out with a Zig-Zag! Ziggler and Lana then walk to the back. Rusev flips out in the ring.
Backstage, Kane is walking around and ordering stagehands to vacuum the carpet. Kane walks by Adam Rose and Rose Mendes, who are making out. Kane just keeps walking.
-Commercial Break-
Fandango and Zack Ryder vs. Luke Harper and Erick Rowan
Luke Harper will start against Fandango. Harper powers him to the corner, but Fandango pops out and chops the chest. Harper knees him in the midsection and applies a side headlock. Fandango whips him off, but Harper shoulder blocks him down. Harper hits the ropes, and Fandango dropkicks him down. Harper rolls out of the ring to recover. Harper sidesteps a plancha, throws him into the barricade, and big boots him down. Harper throws him into the ring and steps on him before tagging in Erick Rowan. Rowan hits a big splash before punching away at him. Rowan drops a knee before throwing him to the corner. Harper tags in, and he chops Fandango’s chest. The crowd chants, “We want Ryder.” Harper does the gator roll before applying a side headlock. Fandango fights out and connects with a tornado DDT. Fandango picks up a one count. Zack Ryder is tagged in, and he forearms Harper to the corner before having a whip reversed on him. Ryder knees him in the face and hits a missile dropkick. Harper then takes him down with a spinning side slam. Harper tags in Rowan and knocks Fandango off the apron. Rowan holds Ryder up in a full nelson. Harper superkicks Ryder before Rowan hits a Full Nelson Slam for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Luke Harper and Erick Rowan
Match Rating: 1/2 *
The Bella Twins are walking backstage when Stephanie McMahon stops them. She wants to wish Nikki Bella luck. She then says she might have come off wrong earlier, but she does sincerely feel bad for her husband, Daniel Bryan. She’s the wife of a superstar, too. In WWE, the health, both physical and mental, of the superstars is so important. She scheduled Brie for some counseling sessions. Due to that, she doesn’t think Brie should accompany her sister to the ring. Stephanie wishes her luck. Nikki defends the Divas Championship, next.
-Commercial Break-
Still photos are shown of Naomi and Tamina Snuka defeating The Bella Twins at WWE Payback last night.
WWE Divas Championship Match
Nikki Bella (c) vs. Naomi w/ Tamina Snuka
A pre-taped promo is shown with Naomi and Tamina. Naomi doesn’t get why everyone is so behind The Bella Twins. She’s better than both of them combined. Tonight, she’ll get what she worked six years for. Tamina says the Divas Division belongs to them now.
Nikki goes for a lockup, but Naomi sidesteps her. Naomi runs to the apron, and Nikki backs up. Naomi slingshots into the ring and poses. Naomi fakes her out a few times before running in between the ropes. The referee backs Nikki up, and she brings Naomi in the ring the hard way. Nikki sends her into the ropes, but she lowers her head and eats a kick. Nikki slaps her in the face and clotheslines her over the top rope. Nikki then takes out Naomi and Tamina with a suicide dive!
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Naomi drag Nikki to the center of the ring by her hair and apply a chin lock. During the commercial, Naomi ripped Nikki off the second rope. A ringside doctor is checking on Tamina. Nikki fights up, but Naomi fights back. Nikki quickly connects with a face-buster, and they’re both down. Nikki gets up and boots Naomi away. Nikki hits a pair of clotheslines and a dropkick. Nikki connects with a back body drop and connects with a bizarre spinebuster for a two count. Nikki goes for the Rack Attack, but Tamina runs in and superkicks her. The referee throws the match out.
Winner by Disqualification: Nikki Bella
Nikki Bella retains the WWE Divas Championship
Match Rating: *
Naomi and Tamina double-team Nikki until Paige makes her return to make the save. Paige ducks a clothesline from Tamina and forearms Naomi down. Paige clotheslines Tamina and superkicks Naomi. Tamina pulls Naomi out of the ring, and the crowd gives Paige a nice hand. Paige holds up the Divas Championship and wants Naomi back in the ring. Nikki gets to her feet, and Paige takes her down with the Ram-Paige! Paige holds up the Divas Championship and screams that this is her house.
Replays are shown of Kevin Owens viciously assaulting John Cena with a pop-up powerbomb.
Triple H is seen shaking hands with Kevin Owens before walking off. Renee Young stops Owens and asks what he was talking about with Triple H. Owens said he’d fight John Cena on his own terms, and The Authority agrees. In two weeks at Elimination Chamber, he’s going one-on-one with John Cena. Owens tells Cena to watch the NXT show closely because what he does to Sami Zayn will be done to Cena. The Champ isn’t Cena. The Champ is here, and he looks at the NXT Championship.
The Authority’s presentation of “Seth Rollins: Architect of a Dream” is next.
-Commercial Break-
The Authority presents “Seth Rollins: Architect of a Dream”
Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Kane are in the ring. The ring is decorated with a red carpet. Stephanie says one of the greatest things about growing up in the WWE is watching incredible athletes chase and accomplish their dreams. These incredible superstars reach up and grab the brass ring and never let it go. The man they’re honoring here tonight did just that. It’s her honor to present the Architect of a Dream, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins.
Seth Rollins makes his way to the ring with J&J Security. Kane doesn’t look too pleased about clapping in the ring for Rollins. Rollins gets in the ring and shakes Kane’s hand before hugging Triple H and Stephanie. Triple H says they believed in Rollins from the moment they first saw him in NXT. Rollins became the NXT Championship and went on to make history when he won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. Since then, he’s beaten six men in three matches. Triple threats and Fatal 4-Ways. Rollins has lived up to every claim he’s made. Triple H sees the reflection of another WWE Superstar in him. When he looks at The Architect, he sees the reflection of the Cerebral Assassin. Watching him Pedigree Randy Orton on Sunday gave him goosebumps. What he wants to say is they’re all here for Rollins. The Authority is here for Rollins. The WWE Universe is here to celebrate Rollins. Triple H says, “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear it for Seth Rollins!”
Rollins says this is too much. Triple H says members of The Authority want to tell him how they feel. They’ll start with Kane. Kane chuckles before wondering where he could possibly begin. There are so many things he’d like to say to Rollins right now. Kane says everyone knows they haven’t seen things eye to eye, but what do they expect? He’s over a foot taller than Rollins. They wouldn’t be out here without each other. Tonight, in front of millions of people, he can finally say he’s glad Rollins is still champion, and he’s best for business. Rollins wonders if that’s all Kane has to say. Kane reluctantly thanks him for saving his job. To show his thanks, he had a video put together for him. A highlight package of Seth Rollins is shown. All of his big moments involve the Curb Stomp, but that can’t be shown.
Jamie Noble says it’s been a privilege being back in the ring by Rollins’ side. Where he’s from, a much more cultured West Virginia, there’s a saying: Cream rises to the top. Triple H and Stephanie made the right decision putting their faith in him. It’s been his honor protecting him and the most important title one can hold in the WWE. His associate Joey Mercury has something to say. He gets choked up, but he’ll shock the world. Mercury loosens his tie and looks like he’s going to cry.
Dean Ambrose’s music hits before Mercury can say anything. Ambrose slowly makes his way to the ring and gets in. Stephanie says he has a hell of a lot of nerve coming out here. Ambrose apologizes for being late, but he was trying to find the perfect Justin Bieber album for Rollins. The crowd chants, “Justin Bieber.” Ambrose is going to give him another opportunity for a match with him so long as the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is on the line. Rollins says this is his moment. Rollins says Ambrose must be the one dreaming if he thinks he’ll get another shot at his title. Ambrose is at the back of the line with Roman Reigns and Randy Orton. Ambrose says he’s a notorious line jumper. Ambrose says, “I want my championship match or else.” Stephanie wonders who he thinks he is coming into this ring and making demands. Stephanie reminds him that he lost last night. Rollins is a fighting champion and won’t be intimidated by his threats. Stephanie then says, “Seth, get him!”
Triple H, Stephanie, and Kane back up. Rollins takes off his jacket and goes for a quick attack, but Ambrose punches away at him. J&J Security runs in, but Ambrose fights them off. Ambrose and Rollins fight to the floor. Ambrose gives him a suplex on the floor before throwing Mercury into the timekeeper’s area. Ambrose then drives Noble into the barricade. Rollins attacks Ambrose and goes to throw him into the ring, but he rebounds off the ropes. Rollins ducks a clothesline, and Ambrose gives him a back body drop on the commentary table. Ambrose then unveils a bunch of cinderblocks at ringside. A blanket covered them. Ambrose holds him down on the cinderblocks and holds a chair up. Stephanie pleads with him to stop before giving him the match at Elimination Chamber for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Ambrose smiles and still goes to hit Rollins with the chair, but Mercury intercepts it. Ambrose throws J&J into Kane before diving off the barricade into all three men. Ambrose then chases Rollins into the ring and grabs his ankle, but Triple H pulls him out of the ring. Ambrose clears the ring of J&J Security before eating a big boot from Kane. Kane then goes for a Chokeslam, but Ambrose gets out and connects with a rebound clothesline. Ambrose goes for Dirty Deeds, but Rollins takes him down. Rollins then delivers a Pedigree before holding up the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins music plays as The Authority claps for him.
