[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

(Really shooting to have the show done by Friday at the latest, but fingers crossed on Thursday)

 

 

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

 

A recap from last week’s show is played in which Asuka ruined the number one contender match between Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair.  The last thing we see is Asuka smiling with the black juice running down her chin and two pissed off women staring back at her.

 

 

 

 

OCTOBER WEEK 1

GOLDEN 1 CENTER

SACRAMENTO, CA

 

 

The show begins with Bobby Lashley and Karrion Kross already being held apart by officials, referees, producers, and a few wrestlers.  Kross breaks loose and tackles Lashley over a cargo trunk.  As officials crowd around, Kross picks up a metal pipe and swings down several times, hitting Lashley though the camera can’t directly see it.  Kross backs off with a sadistic smile as they immediately attend to Lashley and call for the medical team.

 

We then go to the announcer’s table.

 

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Friday Night Smackdown.  If this is what tonight is gonna be like I don’t know what the hell we’re gonna see, Wade.”

 

“Neither do I but I know that Karrion Kross is on a mission to destroy Bobby Lashley and he may have just completed that mission!”
 

“We go now to our first contest of the night.”

 

 

STREET PROFITS VS SHEAMUS AND RIDGE HOLLAND

 

*Brutes’ power works early in keeping Ford in their corner and pummeling him.  He comes close to making a tag a few times but always stopped short.

 

*He finally makes the hot tag and Dawkins is on fire, taking the fight to both Sheamus and Holland,  This gives Ford a chance to regroup and he makes the blind tag as Dawkins drops Holland with a spinebuster.  Ford goes to the top and soars with a frog splash for the win.

 

RESULT:  THE STREET PROFITS WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

“My guest at this time, L.A.Knight.  Tomorrow you have Austin Theory at Fastlane.  You’ve had ongoing issues with The Brand…”

 

“Ongoing issues, Kayla?  I’d say its more like ongoing explosive diarrhea because every time Pat McAfee opens his stupid mouth that’s all that comes out. Tomorrow night I get that whiny little bitch from A-Town and after I deliver some Blunt Force Trauma, everyone in The Brand will know who’s coming for them.  Say it with me, Sacramento. L….A…..Knight!  YEAH!’

 

 

GRAYSON WALLER W/PAT MCAFEE VS CEDRIC ALEXANDER

 

*With McAfee’s help, Waller dominates the match with extreme arrogance before ending it with the Down Under.

 

RESULT: GRAYSON WALLER WINS BY PINFALL  

 

 

 

A vignette is shown coming from the Snake Pit.

 

“So I hear little Charlotte and little Bianca are upset at Asuka.  Well what did you expect her to do?  Just accept her fate? Oh no, she is the Empress of Darkness.  She shapes her destiny and she will choose where, when, and to whom she will defend this title.

 

But I’d like to give everyone a little peek into the future.  This woman has not come close to reaching her potential. She has so much more pain to cause, so much more suffering to inflict and the scary part is, she loves every minute of it.”

 

 

THE GOOD BROTHERS VS PRETTY DEADLY

 

*Open tag match which goes back and forth.  The Good Brothers look headed to a victory until Wilson clips Gallows behind his knee, taking him out of the match.

 

*This allows them to concentrate on Anderson who eventually falls victim to Spilt Milk.

 

RESULT:  PRETTY DEADLY WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

A replay of the earlier fight between Bobby Lashley and Karrion Kross is shown.  It’s noted that Lashley is in the medical room currently.

 

 

 

“My guest, Paul Heyman.  Mr. Heyman tonight we’ll see the Bloodline’s enforcer Solo Sikoa go up against the LWO’s Emperor of Lucha Libre Santos Escobar.  Are you concerned this clash of styles won’t work to Solo’s advantage?”

 

“Miss Braxton, to answer your question, no I do not have one iota of concern.  Solo will do what he was trained for.  He will demolish the person standing across the ring from him, just as the Tribal Chief will demolish whomever it is standing across from him at Crown Jewel next month.”

 

“Speaking of Roman Reigns, is he here tonight?”

 

“The travel schedule of the Head of the Table is none of your concern.”

 

Heyman gives her a smirk and walks off.

 

 

 

Adam Pearce is in his office with Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair.

 

“Ladies, I have spent all week thinking about this situation. I know Asuka ruined your moment last week and it’s still not settled between you.”

 

Charlotte holds up a hand.  “Adam, with all due respect, I think it is settled.” Bianca begins to grumble but Charlotte holds up a hand again.  “Bianca, you deserve to get the next title shot against Asuka.”

 

Bianca is surprised.  “Well, I certainly didn’t expect that from you.”

 

“But…what I want is Asuka tomorrow night at Fastlane in a non-title match. As a matter of fact, I want her inside of a steel cage and when I am done paying her back for interrupting my moment, she’s all yours.”

 

Peace looks between them.  “If you’re both in agreement, then consider it official.”

 

Charlotte and Bianca shake hands.

 

 

TAMINA W/NAOMI VS MICHIN

 

*Michin wants revenge for Tamina’s interference last week but it’s not to be thanks to Naomi at ringside.  

 

*Whenever Michin gets a little momentum, Naomi is there to distract her.  This leads to Tamina dropping her with a Samoan Drop.  From there it’s all Tamina’s power and she ends it with a Superfly Splash.

 

RESULT:  TAMINA WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Sheamus and Holland, still angry over their earlier loss, are backstage when they spot Ilja Dragunov.  They nod to one another and begin to approach him, wanting to take their frustrations out on him when Butch appears and stops them.

 

 

“No, I don’t want him to have any excuses when I win tomorrow.”

 

Sheamus and Holland don’t look happy about it but they agree with their man.

 

Butch turns and Dragunov is nose to nose with him.  The staredown remains peaceful and intense.

 

 

 

“Tomorrow night will be a night of action at Fastlane, coming to you from Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse.  Wade, tonight we got the huge news.  Charlotte Flair and Asuka in a non-title steel cage match.  This one will be nothing but a grudge match.”

 

“You’re too right.  And speaking of grudges, Bobby Lashley and Karrion Kross were set for a number one contender’s match but do we even know if Lashley is medically cleared?  Last I heard he’s in the medical room as we speak.”

 

“On top of that L.A. Knight and Austin Theory will continue this war between Knight and The Brand.  No doubt Pat McAfee will be there in Theory’s corner.”

 

“As well he should be, he put this group together and L.A. Knight better remember that he’s up against a former United States Champion.”

 

“And finally, it’s the rubber match between Ilja Dragunov and Butch.  We saw tonight that Butch told his fellow Brawling Brutes that he wants Dragunov at 100% with no excuses.”

 

“I think that’s a mistake Michael, when you have the chance to gain an advantage you take it.  Butch will have no one to blame but hiumself!”

 

“Make sure you tune in tomorrow night at 8 pm on Peacock for all of this and more.  And don’t forget the kickoff show at 7.”

 

 

 

Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman are walking backstage.  The main event is next!

 

 

SANTOS ESCOBAR VS SOLO SIKOA W/PAUL HEYMAN

 

*Solo tries to corner Santos in a corner but he keeps escaping and using a hit and run strategy to frustrate Sikoa.

 

*Escobar lives up to his nickname with a high energy and non-stop flurries of offense, keeping Solo at bay.

 

 

*The Usos hit the ring at the same time and tackle Escobar from behind causing an obvious disqualification.  Cole remarks that this looks like a setup by the Bloodline and Barrett says there is absolutely no proof of such an allegation.

 

RESULT: SANTOS ESCOBAR WINS BY DISQUALIFICATION

 

 

 

The Bloodline continues their three on one attack when Escobar’s LWO brothers Cruz del Toro and Joaquin Wilde hit the ring, but they’re overwhelmed as well.  

 

 

With their opposition down, Solo and the Usos raise a finger in the air.

 

 

 

 

 

The Tribal Chief has arrived.  Roman comes down to the ring, surveying the destruction his cousins have caused and he gives them a smile before joining them in the gesture.

 

 

 

We cut from the ring to backstage outside the medical room where Bobby Lashley bursts out of the room.  He walks up to the camera, grabbing it and putting it in his own face.  He’s nearly frothing from the mouth.

 

“Kross, tomorrow night, I’m gonna HURT you!” 

 

The show ends with Lashley tossing the camera and we see a sideways view of him storming away.

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

Live from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Smackdown is just twenty-four hours away from Fastlane.  For weeks, the Almighty Bobby Lashley and Karrion Kross have been at war and tomorrow they’ll meet to determine the number one contender for Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel.  But tonight they’ll be in the same building and one must wonder if either of them will even make it to Fastlane.

Last week, the Empress of Darkness Asuka interrupted her own number one contender’s match between Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair causing a no contest.  Both Charlotte and Bianca have appealed to Adam Pearce to make things right and he’ll have his decision this week.

 

Also in Action: 

The Street Profits vs Sheamus and Ridge Holland

Santos Escobar vs Solo Sikoa

Tamina vs Michin

 

Don’t miss all the action LIVE this Friday night* on FOX!

 

*Show likely to drop tomorrow (Saturday)

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

 

 

 

 

 

OCTOBER WEEK 1

GALEN CENTER

LOS ANGELES, CA

 

 

 

Lacey Evans begins the show in the ring.  She looks annoyed.  She says she’d been asked (finger quotes) to apologize for her actions last week.  Well she’s sorry.  She’s sorry that this nation has gone woke.  She’s sorry that people are soft. She’s sorry that she has to share a locker room with trash.  Finally she’s not sorry one bit for whatever she has to do to run Zelina Vega right back where she came from.

 

 

 

A replay of Smackdown is shown in which Asuka caused a no contest in the number one contender’s match between Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair.

 

 

SHOTZI VS GIGI DOLIN

 

*Shotzi does not have her guard up early and pays for it when Gigi feigns a handshake and instead punches Shotzi in the mouth.  Stunned, Shotzi is unable to stop Gigi’s offense which gets wild and unpredictable as she attacks from various angles.  When Shotzi is in position, Gigi hooks in an STF for the submission win.

 

RESULT:  GIGI DOLIN WINS BY SUBMISSION

 

 

 

Natalya is walking backstage when she’s blindsided by Valhalla with a pounce from the side.  Valhalla is like a wild animal banging Natalya’s head into the cement floor, before grabbing a nearby chair and spiking it on her.  Officials clear the scene but Natalya is down and looks to be hurt. 

 

 

RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ VS XIA LI

 

*Xia keeps Raquel at bay with her martial arts but once the bigger woman finally breaks through, Rodriguez uses her power game to her advantage, showing off her skills before ending it with a Tejana Bomb.

 

RESULT:  RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Kelly Kincaid catches Sonya DeVille backstage.  She asks the Managing Director if she has an update on Natalya. Sonya says Natalya is lucky she wasn’t more banged up in the attack by Valhalla but she’ll get her shot at revenge next week because the main event will be Natalya and Valhalla in a no disqualification match!

 

BAYLEY VS MICHIN

 

*They show great chemistry in this match, going move for move.  Bayley is in trouble early and Michin keeps pushing her advantage but Bayley slings her face first into the turnbuckles.

 

*Bayley takes over, berating her opponent in the process.  After working over Michin’s left knee for several minutes, Bayley gets her in position for a Rose Plant for the win.

 

RESULT:  BAYLEY WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Following the match we go to a pre-taped video of Becky Lynch, Lita, and Trish Stratus following Raw’s brawl.  Becky says that Monday was just a taste of Fastlane and she wants more.  She wants to put her fist into the faces of all three of them.  Lita remarks that if Rhea, Ronda, and Shayna want to get extreme she’s all for it.  Trish nods in agreement, and says on Saturday they’re going to deliver some Stratusfaction and show who really runs the Raw Women’s division!

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

On 12/12/2023 at 10:13 PM, FellaLibby said:

I've just discovered this and I've got to say, you are an artist. This is very well done and keep it going!

 

Thank you! She and I are having a lot of fun and I'm glad it's showing through.

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

The Era of the Queendom has returned to Monday Night Raw.  Last week’s shocking ending saw the end of Eric Bischoff and the return of Stephanie McMahon as the Managing Director of Raw.  This week Ms. McMahon will have an announcement she promises will shape the future of Raw.

One week from Fastlane and some say Shinsuke Nakamura is on a suicide mission.  Last week he spit mist in the face of Gunther.  This week Nakamura has requested a handicap match against Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser.  Is the King of Strong Style out of his mind, or is there a method to his madness?

Ahead of their match this Saturday, Randy Orton promises that he will introduce Cody Rhodes to the three most devastating letters in sports entertainment:  R-K-O.  The Viper has tipped his hand but what else can the American Nightmare expect?

Announced Matches:

Sami Zayn vs Tomasso Ciapmpa vs Xavier Woods vs Sanga

Shinsuke Nakamura vs Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser

Trish Stratus and Lita vs Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler

 

LIVE this Monday* night on USA!

 *Show will drop tomorrow (Tues)

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

FREE AGENTS 

OCTOBER 2023 ROSTER

 

AKIRA TOZAWA

ALEXA BLISS

BAD BUNNY

BRON BREAKKER

CARMELLA

CARMELO HAYES

CORA JADE

DEXTER LUMIS

DOLPH ZIGGLER

DREW GULAK

JOE GACY

LYRA VALKYRIA

MUSTAPHA ALI

OMOS W/MVP

R-TRUTH

ROXANNE PEREZ

SHOTZI

TEGAN NOX

WES LEE

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

OCTOBER 2023 ROSTER

 

UNIVERSAL WWE CHAMPION

ROMAN REIGNS

 

WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPION

ASUKA

 

UNITED STATES CHAMPION

LOGAN PAUL

 

UNIFIED WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS

KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN

 

ADAM PEARCE

AJ STYLES

ALBA FYRE

ANGELO DAWKINS

ASUKA

AUSTIN THEORY

BAYLEY

BIANCA BELAIR

BOBBY LASHLEY

BUTCH

CAMERON GRIMES

CEDRIC ALEXANDER

CHARLOTTE FLAIR

CRUZ DEL TORO

DAKOTA KAI

ELTON PRINCE

GIGI DOLIN

GRAYSON WALLER

ILJA DRAGUNOV

ISLA DAWN

IYO SKY

JAKE ROBERTS

JAMES STORM

JEY USO

JIMMY USO

JOAQUIN WILDE

KARL ANDERSON

KARRION KROSS

KAYLA BRAXTON

.

KEVIN OWENS

KIT WILSON

LA KNIGHT

LACEY EVANS

LOGAN PAUL

LUKE GALLOWS

MEGAN MORANT

MICHAEL COLE

MICHIN

MONTEZ FORD

NAOMI

PAT MCAFEE

PAUL HEYMAN

REY MYSTERIO

RIDGE HOLLAND

ROMAN REIGNS

SAMI ZAYN

SANTOS ESCOBAR

SCARLETT

SHEAMUS

SHELTON BENJAMIN

SOLO SIKOA

TAMINA

WADE BARRETT

ZELINA VEGA

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

OCTOBER  2023 ROSTER

 

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

FINN BALOR

 

WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION

BECKY LYNCH

 

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION

GUNTHER

 

UNIFIED WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS

KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN

 

ANGEL

APOLLO CREWS

BECKY LYNCH

BRANDI RHODES

BRAUN STROWMAN

BROCK LESNAR

BRONSON REED

BYRON SAXTON

CANDICE LARAE

CARLITO

CATHY KELLEY

CHAD GABLE

CHELSEA GREEN

CODY RHODES

COREY GRAVES

DAMIAN PRIEST

DOMINIK MYSTERIO

DREW MCINTYRE

EMMA

ERIK

FINN BALOR

GIOVANNI VINCI

GUNTHER

HUMBERTO

INDI HARTWELL

IVAR

JD MCDONAGH

JINDER MAHAL

JOHN CENA

JOHNNY GARGANO

KATANA CHANCE

KAYDEN CARTER

KEVIN OWENS

KOFI KINGSTON

LITA

LIV MORGAN

LUDWIG KAISER

MARYSE

MATT RIDDLE

MAXXINE DUPRI

NATALYA

NIKKI CROSS

OTIS

PIPER NIVEN

RANDY ORTON

RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ

RHEA RIPLEY

RICOCHET

RONDA ROUSEY

SAMI ZAYN

SANGA

SETH ROLLINS

SHAYNA BASZLER

SHINSUKE NAKAMURA

SONYA DEVILLE

STEPHANIE MCMAHON

THE MIZ

TOMMOSO CIAMPA

TRISH STRATUS

VALHALLA

VEER

VIC JOSEPH

XAVIER WOODS

XIA LI

ZOEY STARK

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

 

We see side by side videos labeled ‘earlier today’ as Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair arrive at the building ahead of their huge main event match tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER WEEK 4

DESERT DIAMOND ARENA

GLENSDALE, AZ

 

 

 

 

 

The Bloodline and Tamina come down to the ring.  Heyman gives the mic right to Roman Reigns.

 

“Glendale….Acknowledge me!”

 

Once the crowd calms down he continues.

 

“Tonight is a special night on the Island of Relevancy. This is a night in which we grow stronger through family. Tonight, our sister takes her place in this Bloodline.  Tamina…”

 

Reigns motions her to approach and when she does, she holds up one finger.  Roman embraces her as the rest of the Bloodline in the ring mimic her gesture.

 

 

 

“Good evening everyone and welcome to Friday Night Smackdown. I’m Michael Cole joined by Wade Barrett and Wade, the Bloodline just keeps getting stronger.”

 

“You’re absolutely right.  There’s a reason we say, ain;’t nobody meaner than Tamina. She is arguably the strongest woman in WWE and now she brings an entirely new level of danger.”

 

“And as if that wasn’t enough don’t forget we have a huge main event.  Charlotte Flair versus Bianca Belair for the right to be named the number one contender to Auska.”

 

“I expect whoever comes out of this match will be so battered and bruised that the threat they pose to the Empress of Darkness may be undone before their title opportunity arises.”

 

 

KARRION KROSS W/SCARLETT VS DREW GULAK

 

*Karrion Kross shows how vicious he can be in dominating Gulak.  He does whatever he wants before hitting his Saito slam and then locking in the KrossJacket.

 

RESULT: KARRION KROSS WINS BY SUBMISSION

 

 

Kross doesn’t have long to celebrate as Bobby Lashley runs down to the ring and as Kross turns around, Lashley spears him.

 

Kross rolls out of the ring looking like he was hit by a truck.  Lashley stands on the second rope looming over Kross with his arms up.  He’s gotten a bit of payback tonight.

 

 

 

In Adam Pearce’s office an irate Pat McAfee and Austin Theory are in the middle of a rant about LA Knight.  Finally Peace holds up his hands.

 

“Enough! You’re sick of LA Knight.  I get it.  So I’m going to give you a chance to do something about it.  At Fastlane, it’ll be LA Knight versus Austin Theory.  How about that?”

 

McAfee suddenly is all smiles.  “Mr. Pearce, this is why you’re the best authority in WWE.”

 

The Brand leaves and its clear Pearce isn’t buying what McAfee is selling.

 

 

IYO SKY VS LYRA VALKYRIA

 

*An even match throughout the first half.  They show some good chemistry in the ring.  Iyo begins building momentum and hits a spinning heel kick before going to the top for her moonsault.

 

 

*Behind the referee’s back, Bayley runs down to the ring and shoves Iyo off the top and she crashes and burns when she hits the mat.  Bayley ducks down so she isn’t seen as Lyra nails a scissor kick to the back of Iyo’s head for the win.

 

RESULT: LYRA VALKYRIA WINS BY PINFALL  

 

 

 

Bayley jumps up celebrating as if she won the match.  Iyo has her eyes locked on her former friend with a silent vow of revenge,

 

 

 

A video is shown from a recent live event in Phoenix, AZ.  In their fourth encounter, Ilja Dragunov pulls out a win over Butch to tie their series at 2-2.  The fifth and final match will be held at Fastlane.

 

 

KYLE FLETCHER AND ORO MENSAH VS THE ROUGH RIDERS

 

*Storm and Grimes show off in this one and win it easily with their double super kick.

 

RESULT: THE ROUGH RIDERS WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

The Rough Riders get their hands raised and head to the back.  They turn at the aisle to give their fans a wave and are instantly jumped by Pretty Deadly.  Prince and Wilson take advantage of the surprise, throwing both Storm and Grimes into the tron LED display before putting each of them through a table with matching spinebusters.

 

 

 

A replay from Superstars is shown of Lacey Evans' attack on Zelina Vega,  Michael Cole apologizes for the ‘highly inappropriate’ actions by Evans and tells us she was fined $10.000 by WWE.  He further says WWE neither condones nor supports the things she has said or done.

 

 

SANTOS ESCOBAR AND JOAQUIN WILDE VS THE USOS

 

*Great fast paced action that sees the advantage go back and forth.  The LwO makes a hell of a statement going move for move with one of the best teams on the planet.

 

*The Usos have things going their way but Santos gets the hot tag and begins lighting both of them up with a frenzy of lucha offense.  Joaquin makes the blind tag as Santos flies with a cross body over the top and wipes out both Usos.

 

*Santos throws Jey back into the ring and when the ref turns to watch the offense…

 

 

*Solo Sikoa appears behind Santos, spins him around and lands the Samoan Spike.  Meanwhile Jey makes the tag to Jimmy and the brothers quickly overwhelm a partner-less Wilde for the win with a 1D.

 

RESULT: THE USOS WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

The Usos and Solo leave the ring, but Santos returns to check on Wilde, then grabs a mic. 

 

“Solo!  Next week, the Emperor of Lucha Libre will take care of you.  Mano e mano if you have the cojones.”

 

Solo looks like he wants to charge the ring but his brothers hold him back and they go to the back.

 

 

 

 

#1 CONTENDER MATCH

CHARLOTTE FLAIR VS BIANCA BELAIR

 

*They are both wary of the other as the match begins but eventually tie up and they go at it with everything they have.  Both get in their offensive sets including Charlotte hitting a moonsault from the top to the outside, and later Bianca blocking a second moonsault, and then picking up Charlotte off the top for a KOD but Charlotte gets her foot on the bottom rope at the last second.

 

*Bianca is ready to put this away, sizing up Charlotte for another KOD when….

 

 

*Asuka slides into the ring.  Everyone is confused until the Champion sprays black mist in the face of the referee.  He flails on the mat before motioning for the bell.  

 

RESULT: NO CONTEST

 

 

 

*Both Charlotte and Bianca are incensed as Asuka leaves the ring, backing up while giving an evil smile with the black juice running down her chin.

 

“Wade, we still don’t have a number one contender.”

 

“You’re right Michael but what we do have are two very angry women and I don’t think Asuka cares one bit!”

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

 

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER WEEK 4

STOCKTON ARENA

STOCKTON, CA

 

 

 

The show opens with Rhea Ripley, Ronda Rousey, and Shayna Baszler in the ring.  Rhea asks if Becky, Trish, and Lita got their message. If not, they’ll send it again in two weeks at Fastlane. The difference between her group and their group is that her group doesn’t need to read social media or get likes.  They just show up to deliver pain.  That’s what they enjoy and at Fastlane, there’s enough pain to go around!

 

 

 

The announcers hype a huge match this coming Friday on Smackdown.  The Queen Charlotte Flair goes one on one vs the EST Bianca Belair and the winner will be the number one contender for Asuka’s WWE Women’s Championship.

 

 

TEAGAN NOX AND SHOTZI VS ZOEY STARK AND PIPER NIVEN

 

*Zoey and Piper dominate the match through their fury and brutality.

 

*Shotzi attempts a small comeback to light a fire but its snuffed out when Piper hits a running avalanche in the corner which earns the victory.

 

RESULT:  ZOEY STARK AND PIPER NIVEN WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

We see a shot of Nikki Cross sitting cross legged on the floor, rocking back and forth.  She hops up with a crazed smile and takes off running.  She’s in action..next!

 

COURTNEY RUSH VS NIKKI CROSS

 

*Nikki is in control from before the opening bell.   She attacks Rush early and takes the fight to the outside.  Cross runs her into the post, then gets on the apron and hits a running ‘cactus’ elbow with a big smile.  She brings Rush back to the ring and after literally toying with her opponent for a few minutes, Nikki ends it with a running neckbreaker which Graves calls the Breakdown.

 

RESULT:  NIKKI CROSS WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Sonya DeVille is in her office when the door opens.  She slowly stands as the camera pans to show Stephanie McMahon.

 

The new Raw Managing Director says she just wanted to touch base with Sonya and ensure that her Raw Superstars were being presented in the correct light here on Superstars.  Sonya agrees, saying that is her job.

 

Stephanie turns to leave but stops to remind Sonya, there is only room for one HBIC in the WWE.

 

When she’s gone Sonya’s scowl replaces her smile.

 

 

ZELINA VEGA VS ASUKA W/JAKE ROBERTS

 

*Zelina shows fire but Asuka absorbs all she can throw at her and then begins a beatdown of her own, chopping Zelina down with chops and strikes.

 

*With Roberts outside guiding the champion, Asuka hits a series of elbow strikes on the back of Vega’s neck before dropping her with the DDT.

 

RESULT:  ASUKA RETAINS THE WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP BY SUBMISSION

 

 

 

Zelina is down, holding her neck when Lacey Evans makes her way down to the ring.  She waits for Zelina to slowly make her way to her feet before attacking her.  Zelina is in no condition to fight back when Lacey decks her with a Woman’s Right.  

 

Zelina rolls out of the ring and Lacey follows, grabbing a bottle of water from the announcer’s table and pouring it on a face-down Vega.

 

As the show ends, Evans remarks that she just wanted to make Zelina feel at home.

 

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER WEEK 3

BALL ARENA

DENVER, CO

 

“Welcome to Friday Night Smackdown.  I’m Michael Cole and alongside me is Wade Barrett.  Wade, tonight we have a huge main event.  The Unified Tag Team Championship will be on the line as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn come to Smackdown to defend against the Street Profits.”

 

“This is certainly one of the biggest matches in Smackdown history and if I may be so bold I think we have new champions crowned tonight!”

 

 

 

Bobby Lashley suddenly tumbles out from backstage and is followed by an enraged Karrion Kross.  Lashley looks like he’s been taking a beating for awhile, his dress closed ripped and torn.  When he tries to get up Kross kicks him in the head and then applies the KrossJacket.  Officials run out and eventually force Kross to break the hold but Lashley is down, holding his throat.

 

 

 

Coming back from the commercial, we’re shown a replay of Kross’ attack on Lashleyt.  Michael Cole tells us Lashley was taken to the medical room during the break.

 

 

BEST OF 5 (BUTCH UP 2-0)

 

BUTCH VS ILJA DRAGUNOV

 

*With his back against the wall Dragunov comes out hot and tries to put Butch away early with a series of submissions but Butch is always able to get to the rope.

 

*The match settles down into a brutal and physical match with both men lighting the other up with strikes, kicks, and chops.

 

*Butch builds momentum and goes to whip Dragunov into the ropes but it’s reversed and Dragunov hits Torpedo Moscow on the rebound.  He hooks the leg and gets the win to stay alive in the best of five series.

 

RESULT:  ILJA DRAGUNOV WINS BY ;PINFALL

 

 

 

In the chaos backstage, Kayla Braxton catches GM Adam Pearce outside the medical room.

 

“Adam, what’s going on?”

 

“Kayla, I wish I knew but if Karrion Kross wants a piece of Bobby Lashley so bad he can have it.  At Fastlane, it’ll be one on one and the winner will get a shot at Roman Reigns and the WWE Undisputed Championship at Crown Jewel.” 

 

 

 

A commercial for Superstars airs, promoting the next episode, available this Wednesday night at 8 pm est on Peacock.  It promises a title defense by Asuka who will step into the ring with Zelina Vega

 

 

 

AUSTIN THEORY AND GRAYSON WALLER W/PAY MCAFEE VS SANTOS ESCOBAR AND JOAQUIN WILDE

 

*With McAfee’s help The Brand holds control of the match in the early going.  Escobar gets hot however and begins taking care of business.  He goes to the top for a missile dropkick but Theory pulls the referee intp the way and he’s taken out.  

 

*With no official it turns into a three on two handicap until……

 

 

LA Knight hits the ring and is hitting anyone from The Brand who moves, eventually hitting Blunt Force Trauma on Theory and clotheslining McAfee over the top and exiting the ring.

 

*Santos gets the ref up and tags Wilde who hits an incredible 450 splash to get the win.

 

RESULT:  SANTOS ESCOBAR AND JOAQUIN WILDE WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

LA Knight walks back up the ramp to his music as The Brand regroups at ringside and looks besides themselves. 

 

 

 

The Good brothers are backstage playing cards in their locker room when the door is suddenly kicked in.

 

 

The Bloodline floods the room and swamps Anderson and Gallows before they can even get out of their chairs.  Just like last week, the numbers play a huge advantage and as we go to break, the trio of brothers walk out, happy with themselves.

 

 

 

Following the commercial break, we see Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair nose to nose backstage.

 

“Well, Bianca, you wanted to talk, so talk.”

 

“Oh, so it’s gonna be like that.  Okay.  Like I said last week, you’ve had your chance, so now give someone else a chance to do what you can’t.”

 

“Well, I have an idea that will make us both happy.  Next week, me and you, the winner gets Asuka, and the loser…you….shuts up.”

 

“Oh Queenie, I’ll do all my talking in the ring.”

 

The two shake hands but the disdain is showing.

 

 

SHELTON BENJAMIN VS OMOS W/MVP

 

*Benjamin is still showing the effects of the Bloodline beatdown he suffered last week and it doesn’t get any easier this week with the giant Omos.  Omos making a rare appearance on Smackdown completely dominates and finishes it with a sky-high chokeslam.

 

RESULT:  OMOS WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

 

 

Kayla Braxton is backstage with Gigi Dolin.

 

“Gigi, you’ve had a rough couple of weeks….”

 

“Weeks, Kayla?  Ever since I came to Smackdown from NXT it’s been rough.  I came here to swim with the sharks and instead I’ve fallen victim time after time.  But here’s the thing about me.  I keep getting back up and now I know what I have to do.”

 

“What’s that?”

 

“I need to get toxic.”

 

Dolin walks away as Kayla throws it back to Cole and Barrett.

 

 

MICHIN VS NAOMI

 

*Michin is all business and Naomi looks to be in trouble.  Michin is definitely fighting for her fallen comrades and wears Naomi out with a series of snap suplexes.  There isn’t much glow going on.  

 

*Naomi takes a powder to the outside and Michin follows.  Naomi quickly gets back into the ring and turns the referee towards her.  Behind the ref’s back…..

 

 

Tamina enters ringside and blasts Michin with a forceful kick in the back, sending her face first into the pole and rolls her into the ring.  

 

*Naomi picks the bones before hitting the Rear View.

 

RESULT:  NAOMI WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Tamina isn’t done as she slides into the ring and drops a running elbow onto Michin.  Naomi joins in with some stomps as Tamina climbs to the top and soars with a Superfly Splash.  Naomi and Tamina share a hug and leave the ring together.

 

 

THE STREET PROFITS VS KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN ©

 

*A fantastic back and forth match between two teams who have deep respect.

 

*The advantage goes back and forth with both teams getting some near falls.

 

*The match turns when Dawkins misses a running splash, allowing Zayn to make the hot tag.

 

*Owens gets in and is a wildman, going through a lot of his usual offense. Rested, Zayn comes back in and hits a Blue Tiger Bomb followed by an Owens senton.  Before Ford can react, Zayn hits a Heluva Kick, sending him off the apron.  Owens picks up Dawkins, stunner, and the 123.

 

RESULT:   KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN RETAIN THE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Following the bell, the two teams meet in the middle of the ring and after a moment, shake hands.  Both teams gave it all they had but for tonight the champions retain.

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

Live from Ball Arena in Denver, Smackdown will play host to the Undisputed Tag Team Champions.  Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will be on hand to put their titles on the line against the Street Profits.

In addition to that, Butch and Ilja Dragunov will meet in the third of five matches.  Butch is up 2-0, will he close it out this week?

Last week Roman Reigns put out the directive to his Bloodline.  Put fear into everyone on Smackdown and the Usos and Solo Sikoa acted quickly.  Who’s on their hit list this week?

Also last week a heated conversation between Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair was interrupted.  Belair has already announced she’ll finish that talk this week.  But how will the Queen react to the EST?

Also in Action:

Austin Theory and Grayson Waller vs Santos Escobar and Joaquin Wilde

Naomi vs Michin

 

Don’t miss all the action LIVE this Friday night* on FOX!

 

*Show likely to drop tomorrow (thurs)

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER WEEK 3

MAVERIK CENTER

WEST VALLEY CITY, UT

 

The announcers recap last week’s huge announcement with the retirement of the Women’s Tag Team Championship and the huge main event that saw Trish Stratus defeat Rhea Ripley with some help from Lita…

.

 

 

Speak of the devil, the Eradicator storms up to the announcers at ringside and she’s angry.  She tells them in no uncertain terms that she accepts the challenge thrown at her on RAW.  She will form a team and they will destroy those who think it’s a good idea to humiliate Rhea Ripley.  They will only have themselves to blame!

 

 

NAOMI VS SHOTZI

 

*Naomi attacks Shotzi before the bell and never gives her a chance to get her bearings.  Naomi hits a stun gun drop on the top rope and with Shotzi on her knees, Naomi hits the Rear View.

 

RESULT:  NAOMI WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Kelly Kincaid is standing by with Bianca Belair.  Bianca says that she and Charlotte have some things left to discuss and this Friday those conversations are going to happen because the EST is going to be the next WWE Women’s Champion no matter who gets in her way!

 

 

BLAIR DAVENPORT VS LYRA VALKYRIA

 

*An even match which goes back and forth but neither woman can get a clear advantage until Davenport rams Valkyria’s shoulder into the post.  Blair then works that shoulder before hitting a belly to back suplex with the arm trapped, then keeps her feel on the ropes for good measure.

 

RESULT:  BLAIR DAVENPORT WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

 

XIA LI VS BECKY LYNCH ©

 

*Xia puts Becky on the defensive with a flurry of martial arts and strikes, but the champ fights back.

 

*Becky floors Xia with a cross body off the second rope and then begins working on her arm.  After several minutes she locks in the DisarmHER and Xia submits.

 

RESULT:  BECKY LYNCH RETAINS THE WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BY SUBMISSION

 

 

 

As the show goes off the air, Becky is up on the ropes holding her title high in the air.

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

 

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

 

 

Highlights are shown from the 6 Man Tag at Payback which saw Roman Reigns get involved and help his cousins win…and save Paul Heyman’s job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER WEEK 2

TD GARDEN

BOSTON, MA

 

 

 

 

LA Knight comes down to the ring.

 

“Lemme talk to ya!”

 

When the crowd dies down he walks over, and takes a seat on the top turnbuckle.

 

“Tonight I have two big announcements.  First, the suspension is lifted!  (More cheers).  That means it’s time to settle some business like only LA Knight can. So Brand…McAfee, Waller, Paul, Theory, one of you, all of you, I don’t much give a damn.  Come down here and let’s just do this the fun way and the fun way is me kicking all your asses, YEAH!”

 

He waits but the Brand does not come out.

 

“Okay, so I guess that’s gonna lead me to announcement number two because I kinda had a feeling you wouldn’t have the balls to come out.  You think you’re just gonna walk away from me?  You think you’re just gonna move on?  It don’t work that way. YEAH!.  I am going to make your lives a living hell until I get what I want.  How long that lasts is up to you but either way it don’t make a difference because we all know who’s game it is, right?

 

(Crowd chants “L..A….Knight….”)

 

“Yeah!”

 

 

\

 

In the Bloodline’s Lounge, we find the entire group and Paul Heyman is front and center, standing next to Roman Reigns.  Reigns addresses his family.

 

“We are strong and we are united, but we’re not feared.  People disrespect us.  They disrespect our family’s history.  They think they can step up? Time to send a message.  I don’t care who, I don’t care how.  Make it happen.”

 

Solo and the Usos walk out on their mission but Naomi approaches Roman.

 

“Tribal Chief, can I have a moment?”

 

“Of course.”

 

 

PRETTY DEADLY VS THE ROUGH RIDERS

 

*In a blink and you miss it moment, Pretty Deadly are too busy preening to the crowd, not paying attention that the bell has rung and they turn around into matching super kicks.  Storm and Grimes make double covers and get an ultra quick victory.

 

RESULT:  THE ROUGH RIDERS WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Pretty Deadly can’t believe it’s happened again!  As the Rough Riders celebrate Prince and Wilson claim they weren’t ready but the referee says his decision is final.

 

 

 

We go to a vignette with Karrion Kross and Scarlett.  She’s dealing her Tarot cards.

 

“Death will come for the Emperor….but Strength stands in the way.”

 

 

She looks up at Kross.  “You know what you have to do.”

 

He nods with a smile.

 

 

GIGI DOLIN VS CORA JADE

 

*A passable match between these two young ladies.  Dolin grows frustrated with herself as she tries in vain to lay a glove on Jade. 

 

*Jade taunts her into making mistakes before she ends it with a Jaded DDT.

 

RESULT:  CORA JADE WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

We’re shown video highlights from a recent WWE Live Event in Sarasota, Florida. It focuses it on the second match between Butch and Ilja Dragunov.  Dragunov missing a diving headbutt from the top rope and Butch hits a sitdown powerbomb for the win putting him up 2-0 in their series.

 

 

IKEMAN JIRO VS SHEAMUS

 

*It’s FIGHT NIGHT!!! and the fight lasts about 90 seconds.  Sheamus dominates this squash ending it with Brogue Kick.

 

RESULT:  SHEAMUS WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Charlotte Flair comes down to the ring.

 

“Asuka, last week I answered the challenge and from the moment the bell rang you knew you were in trouble.  I could see it in your eyes.  So what did you do?  You made sure you got out with your title. That’s not good enough.  It’s not good enough for the WWE Universe and it sure as hell isn’t good enough for me.  So come on down here, bring your little garter snake, and let’s do this again!”

 

Charlotte doesn’t have to wait long for a response but it’s not who she wants to see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Charlotte…Queeny…please, girl, give it up.”

 

Bianca gets in the ring and Charlotte doesn’t look pleased to see her.

 

“You got your chance.  You’ve gotten multiple chances.  I know you think you’re the only woman in this division but I’m here to remind you that others would like a shot at Asuka too.  So maybe you oughta just sit one of these out.”

 

“I don’t sit anything out.  And if I need to remind you of who I am, anytime anyplace.”

 

Before Bianca can answer…..

 

 

“Look at these two losers!”

 

Bayley screeches as she and the Unholy Alliance walk down to the ring.

 

“I want Asuka!  No, I want Asuka!  This is pathetic.  Charlotte you’re so stuck up you can’t see you’re the past and Bianca is so full of her EST that she can’t tell that she’s the weakEST…hahahahaa!”

 

They surround the ring and begin crawling up on the apron when…..

 

 

Iyo Sky runs down to the ring and slides in and now it’s three on three.  Bayley, Dawn, and Fyre back off a bit.  Iyo takes the mic from Bianca.

 

“Where you go? You want to fight, let’s fight!”

 

The heels head back up the aisle but someone else comes out.

 

 

“Iyo, with all due credit, that is one hell of an idea.  Tonight in the main event it will be Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair and Iyo Sky against Bayley and the Unholy Alliance.  And that, is official!”

 

Bayley and company instantly follow Pearce backstage arguing his decision.

 

 

 

Backstage we see Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin just hanging out when they’re suddenly swamped by the Bloodline.  They don’t stand a chance and are quickly left down and seemingly hurt.  

 

S0lo Sikoa and the Usos look down at what they’ve done, and nod to one another.

 

 

CRUZ DEL TORO VS GRAYSON WALLER W/PAT MCAFEE

 

*Cruz is on fire to start the match, out maneuvering Waller at every turn.  McAfee gets on the apron but takes a dropkick to the floor.

 

*Waller uses this distraction to his a running knee into del Toro’s back and then takes over,  He hammers his opponent and when he backs off to jaw at the official, McAfee gets some cheap shots in.  Waller ends the match with a new finisher.  He picks del Toro and delivers an inverted DDT which Barrett calls this the Down Under.

 

RESULT:  GRAYSON WALLER WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Backstage we see Adam Pearce with one of the hottest free agents in WWE, Bron Breakker.

 

“Bron, here is Smackdown’s official offer.  We would love to have you on Friday nights.”

 

“Thank you, I’ll definitely look it over and I have to tell you, given the alternative, I think your offer is in pretty good shape.  I’ll make a decision soon.”

 

When Breakker walks away Pearce silently celebrates.

 

 

 

Following Grayson Waller’s win, he and Pat McAfee exit the building but stop short with their mouths open.  The camera pans and sees McAfee’s sports car vandalized.  The tires are slashed, the windows and mirror are busted….

 

and someone has spray painted “YEAH!” all over the car.

 

 

CHARLOTTE FLAIR, IYO SKY, AND BIANCA BELAIR VS BAYLEY AND THE UNHOLY ALLIANCE

 

*The heels keep Iyo isolated but she ends up making a tag to Bianca who cleans house.

 

*Her rally ends though when Bayley hits a chop block behind the referee’s back.  This brings in Charlotte who argues with the official as all three heels stomp Bianca over and over. Flair seems not to care about that.

 

*Bianca fights back and is about to tag Iyo when Flair tags herself in and then chops the hell out of all three opponents.  A big boot sends Bayley out of the ring, a fall away slam sends Fyre out as well and then Natural Selection puts Dawn down for three.

 

RESULT:  CHARLOTTE FLAIR, IYO SKY, AND BIANCA BELAIR WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Following the win Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair begin to have words but Iyo Sky moves in between them and convinces them now is not the time, but it’s clear they’re not done with their conversation.

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

Live from Boston’s TD Garden, Smackdown comes at us this week with a very angry Queen.  Last week Charlotte Flair answered Asuka’s open challenge and did not have to cash in her Money in the Bank briefcase for the opportunity, but the match turned into a brawl and Charlotte left empty handed.  This week, Charlotte has promised to call out Asuka but what will the Empress of Darkness’ answer be?

Payback saw Roman Reigns ensure that the Bloodline won their six man tag match versus Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits and he also secured Paul Heyman’s job following his ultimatum. With that behind them, what is the next course set by the Tribal Chief?

 

Also in Action:

Pretty Deadly vs The Rough Riders

Gigi Dolin vs Cora Jade

Cruz del Toro vs Grayson Waller

 

Don’t miss all the action LIVE this Friday night* on FOX!

 

*Show likely to drop tonight (Sunday)

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER WEEK 2

BOJANGLES COLISEUM

CHARLOTTE, NC

 

 

 

The show begins with Superstars General Manager Sonya Deville in the ring on crutches with the Women’s Tag Team Champions Ronda Rousey, in an arm sling, and Shayna Baszler.  Sonya says that they are without a doubt the most dominant women’s tag team in history…but…the elephant in the ring is that Ronda is obviously injured and the prognosis for return is indefinite.  That means, she has to make a hard decision.  Both Ronda and Shayna know she respects them for everything they’ve done in WWE and MMA.

 

Ronda cuts her off and says Sonya is right, they are the most dominant team ever and frankly that’s because the competition in WWE sucks.  There are no threats, there are no real challengers.  So after they talked it over, she and Shayna have made a hard decision of their own.  As of this moment, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship….are retired!

 

Sonya looks surprised but she’s not about to argue with them.  She simply thanks them for their time as Ronda and Shayna leave the ring with their belts for the last time.

 

 

 

Michael Cole questions the legality of what Rousey and Baszler just did, in announcing their titles are retired.  Corey Graves suggests he go tell them they can’t, which gets Cole to say he now supports it..

 

They go onto hype tonight’s huge main event.  Rhea Ripley and Hall of Famer Trish Stratus in a steel cage.  Graves points out that if Becky Lynch shows her face, she’ll lose the Women’s World Championship.  Trish is on her own and the Eradicator wants her pound of flesh!

 

 

LACEY EVANS VS THEA HAIL

 

*Hail has a bright future ahead of her but Lacey’s mean streak won’t be overcome tonight. She grinds Hail down, punishing her and eventually locks in the Cobra Clutch which brings a quick tap out.

 

RESULT:  LACEY EVANS WINS BY SUBMISSION

 

 

 

Evans gets a mic and talks about how the youth of America, like the little girl she just defeated is weak and lazy.  And where do they get that from?  ‘All the people sneaking into our great county.’ She continues to rant about immigration until….

 

 

Zelina Vega runs down to the ring and when Lacey turns around, Zelina hits a Thesz Press and begins raining down right hands.  Lacey quickly dislodges herself and rolls out of the ring, promising revenge..as she backs up and Zelina isn’t going anywhere.

 

NATALYA VS CORA JADE

 

*Natalya controls the match using her veteran skills until Jade “accidentally” pokes her eye.  From there we see an aggressive Jade target Natalya’s neck, at one point bashing her head and neck backwards into the turnbuckle.  Jade ends the match and scores an upset with a Jaded DDT.

 

RESULT:  CORA JADE WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

 

STEEL CAGE MATCH

RHEA RIPLEY VS TRISH STRATUS

 

*Rhea reminds Trish that Becky can’t protect her now and lives up to her name of the Eradicator.  Trish fights back as best she can but Rhea is just overwhelming.

 

*Trish has a small opening to escape when Ripley is run into the cage, then the other side, then the original side.  Ripley hits the mat and Trish begins to climb but just as she gets to the top, Rhea is up and quickly meets her.  They exchange punches but Rhea bangs Trish’s head off the cage causing the HOF’er to fall and Rhea hits an elbow drop off the ropes.

 

*Rhea is headed out of the cage with a big smile but as she begins to lean through the frame…..

 

 

Lita is here!  She jumps the barrier and runs to meet Ripley, slamming the door in her face.  Rhea is stunned and staggers back into the ring, barely able to keep her feet.  When she turns around, Trish connects with a Chick Kick and makes the cover.

 

1

 

2

 

3!

 

RESULT: TRISH STRATUS WINS BY PINFALL 

 

 

 

Trish escapes through the door and hugs Lita.  They’re in full celebration mode as Rhea begins to recover and see what’s going on.  She seethes as the Hall of Famers have outsmarted her.  Graves closes the show reminding us that this is just going to make Mami mad.

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

[WWE 2k23: Playing the Game]

 

Yes, specifically Elimination Chamber in February will be down under at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia.  We're always looking to increase that footprint in overseas markets.  Our fans around the world are so great and the excitement when we do shows overseas is incredible.  I loved it when I was in the ring, and I know our current talent do too.