Pipers Pit

AUGUST WEEK 4 KFC YUM! CENTER LOUISVILLE, KY “The Brand comes to the ring, with Logan Paul wearing the United States Championship over his shoulder. McAfee gathers a mic as the boos rain down. “Louisville….Kentucky….I know you don’t have much class around here, not like those fine folks up the road in Lexington who root for a REAL school, but if you will, shut your traps and show some respect for the four men who put the Rated-R Superstar out to pasture! And while you’re at it, show some respect for the NEWWWWW United States Champion, Logan Paul!” Theory and Waller applaud their faction-mate as Paul raises the belt up to even more boos. But those boos turn to excited cheers a moment later. LA Knight jumps the barrier and slides into the ring behind The Brand. None of them see him until it’s too late as he blasts Theory and Waller from behind with a clothesline before he tackles Paul and begins throwing right hands down. McAfee pulls Paul out of the ring and The Brand regroups as Knight says he’ll fight any or all of them right now…YEAH! “On the heels of that exciting opening, we have a referee in the ring and an impromptu opening match, Wade.” “LA Knight is many things but tonight he’s proving himself to be quite foolish, interrupting The Brand’s celebration and forcing himself into their spotlight.” “McAfree and his cohorts had to expect Knight’s return after he was kicked out of the building last week.” “I think they expect to end this charade once and for all in just a few moments.” GRAYSON WALLER VS LA KNIGHT *A good back and forth match. Waller cheats his way to the early advantage with McAfee, Paul, and Theory all taking cheap shots when the referee isn’t looking. *Paul goes as far as to hit Knight with the US belt, but Knight kicks out at 2. Knight has had enough and rolls out of the ring, gathering a chair from ringside. *He gets back in the ring and the referee attempts to take the chair but he gets it in a way he doesn’t want when Knight smacks the ref with the chair, knocking him down. He then charges a stunned Waller, smacking him across the back. Theory pulls Waller out of the ring and the Brand takes off up the aisle with Knight, chair in hand, following on their heels. RESULT: GRAYSON WALLER WINS BY DISQUALIFICATION “My guests at this time, WWE Hall of Famer Jake the Snake Roberts and the WWE Women’s Champion, Asuka. Mr. Roberts, it’s without question that since you began influencing Asuka she’s really become an entirely different person and much more dangerous.” “That is where you’re wrong, little girl. She’s the same person she always was, deep down. She covered it up with smiles and dances but deep down….there was a black heart beating in that chest. She has reclaimed herself and risen as the Empress of Darkness and next week right here on Smackdown, we’re going to give a demonstration live and in living color.” “Do you know who the opponent will be?” “No idea, and frankly we don't care. Because an immortal truth will always apply.” Asuka leans in to Kayla. “Nobody is ready for Asuka.” TAMINA VS MICHIN *Tamina’s power is always a problem for her opponents but Michin mitigates it with some striking and limited use of second rope offense. *Tamina takes a big chance going for a Superfly Splash but it doesn’t pay off as Michin rolls out of the way. *Michin takes advantage and hits an inverted facebreaker called Seoul Food for the win. RESULT: MICHIN WINS BY PINFALL Michin gets her hand raised and turns to see Scarlett staring her down in the ring while Kross stands behind Scarlett with his arms crossed. Slowly they begin advancing on Michin who holds her ground but she’s not alone for long. AJ Styles, who hasn’t been seen since Kross hanged him at Summerslam runs down to the ring and evens the odds. Kross and Scarlett slowly exit the ring, both smiling, as if they’ve gotten exactly what they wanted. Pretty Deadly are in the ring following the commercial break awaiting Cameron Grimes and his partner. Grimes comes down to ringside alone and Wilson and Prince begin having a good laugh until….. Cowboy James Storm comes down to ringside and stands next to Grimes. “Take a good look at the men who are gonna kick your ass tonight. You can call us the Rough Riders, and on behalf of my partner….sorry, for your damn luck!” ROUGH RIDERS VS PRETTY DEADLY *Pretty Deadly is on their heels as Grimes and Storm brawl to an early advantage. *Prince stops the attack, and Pretty Deadly has Grimes close being pinned but he won’t stay down. Pretty Deadly set him up for Spilt Milk but Storm pulls the rope down and Prince tumbles out. Grimes nails Wilson with a right hand and makes the hot tag. *Storm cleans house before he and Grimes hit a double superkick on Wilson that Cole refers to as the Last Call. RESULT: ROUGH RIDERS WIN BY PINFALL Backstage, we see Pat McAfee and Adam Pearce. “Did you see that psychopath out there? He’s unstable and he’s creating a hostile work environment. You know I have more money than God and I’ll sue the hell out of this company unless you do something!” Pearce puts his hands up. “I know what LA Knight did was over the line. It’s never okay to touch an official like that, so Knight is suspended indefinitely, good enough?” “For now.” UNHOLY ALLIANCE VS IYO SKY AND BIANCA BELAIR *Standard tag action with Dawn and Fyre beating up Sky until she makes the hot tag to Belair. *Bianca delivers matching military press slams, then flattens Dawn with a standing clothesline, and finally a KOD. But she doesn’t go for the pin, she tags Sky back in who hits a moonsault for the 123. RESULT: IYO SKY AND BIANCA BELAIR WIN BY PINFALL Bianca and Iyo celebrate their win as Cole questions if they might pose a threat for the Women’s Tag Team Championship. The Brawling Brutes are psyching Sheamus up for his match with Ilja Dragunov. The main event is next! ILJA DRAGUNOV VS SHEAMUS *This match is a war that makes you wince as you watch them kick, chop, punch, and pummel one another. *Sheamus and Dragunov get in their normal offense but they can’t put their opponent down for a three count. *Sheamus begins to feel it, and he runs in for a Brogue Kick but Ilja ducks it, bounds off the ropes and hits a Torpedo Moscow. He makes the cover and gets the three count. RESULT: ILJA DRAGUNOV WINS BY PINFALL As Holland attends to Sheamus, Butch is in the ring and nose to nose with Dragunov. They begin jawwing at each other before they part and Dragunov walks up the aisle victorious. The door to the Bloodline’s Lounge opens and out walks Roman Reigns followed by Heyman and his family. The Universal Champion and the Bloodline will be in the ring….next! “Ladies and Gentlemen…my name is…..” Roman holds out his hand for the mic, which Heyman hands over immediately. “Louisville ... .acknowledge me!” He soaks in both the adoration and the boos. “It seems like the Tribal Chief can’t take a well deserved break after I put Bobby Lashley down at Summerslam without drama happening around here. Last week my wiseman was out here to report on important Bloodline business and then what happens? Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits think they can roll up and intimidate my wise man? How insulting is that? I mean its a slap in the face. He’s a special counsel, he’s not a fighter. He’s also not the Tribal Chief.” Heyman’s smile fades and worry grows on his face. “But you know, he made the right decision. At Payback, my cousins are gonna smash Bobby and the Profits and uphold our family’s honor, isn’t that right Wiseman?” “Absolutely my Tribal Chief!” “Cause if they don’t……you’re fired.” Heyman’s jaw drops as Reigns tosses the mic to the outside and he and his family leave the ring. Heyman, alone in the ring, is sweating bullets as the show ends.

Live from Louisville Kentucky, Smackdown will feature the return of the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns as he shares his reaction to the decision made by his Wiseman, pitting the Bloodline up against Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits at Payback. Also in attendance will be the Brand, including new United States Champion Logal Paul. Following his shocking upset last week what will the megamouths have to say and is there anyone who can shut them up? Also in Action: Tamina vs Michin Pretty Deadly vs Cameron Grimes and a mystery partner Ilja Dragunov vs Sheamus Tune in LIVE this Friday* night for Friday Night Smackdown on FOX! *The Show will be dropping tomorrow (Monday)

A live shot of Edge arriving at the building with his wife, WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix. Holding hands, they enter the arena. AUGUST WEEK 3 SCOTIABANK ARENA TORONTO, ON Good evening and welcome to Friday Night Smackdow. I’m Michael Cole and with me as always is my broadcast partner Wade Barrett. Wade, tonight we’ll see Ridge Holland of the Brawling Brutes take on Ilja Dragunov. In addition Hit Row will be in tag action against the lWo’s Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar.” “And do not forget, Toronto’s hometown son Edge will defend his United States Championship against a member of The Brand. But we don’t know which member it will be.” “All that and more but first we go to the ring…and Paul Heyman.” “Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman and I am the Special Counsel to the Head of the Table, the Tribal Chief, the Reignsing, Defending, Undisput……..” Lashley and the Street Profits make their way down to the ring, all three dressed to the nines in very nice suits. Heyman watches them carefully, holding up a hand as they approach him. “I’m…I’m just a Special Counsel…..” Lashley reassures him with a heavy hand on his shoulder. “Paul, Paul, don’t worry. You’re not the ones we want to fight. We know you’re just the mouthpiece of the Bloodline. So what we want is the Usos, and Solo Sikoa at Payback. You can do that, right Paul?” Heyman begins to make non verbal excuses but nearly drops to his knees when Lashley applies a little more pressure. “Uh..yea, yea, we can do that. No problem.” “It’s been nice doing business with you.” Lashley and the Street Profits leave Heyman in the ring. The Wiseman’s face is a mix of anger and uncertainty. After the commercial, a replay of Heyman agreeing to a six man tag for Payback is shown. RIDGE HOLLAND W/SHEAMUS AND BUTCH VS ILJA DRAGUNOV *Hard hitting and brutal, *Sheamus and Butch at ringside stay out of the action in the beginning but when Holland looks to be in trouble they both get in shots on Dragunov. *Holland scoops up Dragunov for a running powerslam but Ilja slips out and when Ridge turns around, he catches a short Torpedo Moscow in the face. Dragunov makes the cover before the Brutes can get in the ring. RESULT: ILJA DRAGUNOV WINS BY PINFALL Dragunov gets to the outside as Sheamus and Butch hit the ring. Sheamus is incensed and gets a mic. “You think that’s funny, fella? Next week we’ll see if you’re smiling when I kick your bleedin’ head off your shoulders!” Dragunov just nods, accepting the challenge. GIGI DOLIN VS NAOMI *A back and forth match and for a few moments it looks like Dolin is going to close it out for a victory but when she goes to the top, Naomi meets her with a right hand before snapmaring her down to the mat. *Dolin looks dazed and when she gets to her knees she’s hit with the Rear View. Naomi picks up the three count. RESULT: NAOMI WINS BY PINFALL Pat McAfee is walking carefree,backstage when LA Knight jumps him from behind. Knight is raining down rights and lefts as officials rush in and separate the two. McAfee doesn’t wait around and makes a quick exit as Knight isn’t done yet. Cameron Grimes is talking to a staff member when Pretty Deadly walks up. “Look Elton, a hillbilly in his natural habitat. Flapping his lips and not working.” “You’re too right Kit. I wonder if he could even find his way to the ring, it’s been awhile.” Grimes steps up, tired of their insults. “Yea, it has been too long since I got to get in the ring with two idiots like you and punch you right in the mouth. So how about next week we make that happen?” Pretty Deadly share a laugh. “As if anyone would want to team with you.” They walk off and leave Grimes seething, but then he stops and pulls out his phone. HIT ROW VS SANTOS ESCOBAR AND REY MYSTERIO *This is a drubbing. The lWo make Hit Row look silly at times with their offense and teamwork. *Mysterio tags Santos and then hits a 619 on Top Dolla, who stumbles back into a superkick from Escobar in the back of the head. Escobar makes the cover and gets the 123. RESULT: SANTOS ESCOBAR WINS BY PINFALL Backstage we see WWE Official Adam Pearce with LA Knight standing by the area back door. “LA, I know you’re pissed off, but you can’t be doing that. There is a big title match tonight and I can’t have you messing it up so….you gotta go tonight.” “You’re throwing me out? You think LA Knight cares about your little title match? Let me make it clear that even you can understand. McAfee. Theory, Waller, I don’t care where, I don’t care how, but I guaran-damn-tee you, LA Knight is going to kick all their asses….YEAH!” Knight begrudgingly exits the building as Pearce just shakes his head. Kayla Braxton finds an agitated Paul Heyman backstage. “Mr Heyman…” “Oh God….” “I just wanted to ask you about the agreement you made tonight concerning Payback. Did you have the approval of Roman Reigns to agree to that match for the Usos and Solo Sikoa or….will you be held accountable?” Heyman sneers but then his phone rings and when he sees the screen he turns pale. “I,,,I have to take this…Yes, my Tribal Chief….” He walks off in the hopes of more privacy. Lacey Evans has a mic as she walks down the aisle. “I am disgusted that I have to get into the ring with…her. This is the best you can do, Canada? This is your national representative against the best America has to offer? No wonder you’re democracy’s useless cousin. You should be ashamed of yourselves but before you hit the Molson too hard, Lady Liberty, Lacey Evans will make quick work so I can get the hell out of here!” ARIANA GRACE VS LACEY EVANS *Evans toys with her opponent, flowing between cruelty and boredom before she slaps on the Cobra Clutch for the win. RESULT: LACEY EVANS WINS BY SUBMISSION McAfee, Theory, and Waller come out, all of them in their ring gear. McAfee has a mic. “I know everyone has been wondering for a week which of us is going to become the new United States Champion in a matter of minutes. It could be me, it could be Austin, it could be Grayson and any of us would make a million times better champion than Edge.” He waits for the boos. “But truth be told, the answer is none of the above. Put your canuck hands together and welcome the newest member of The Brand……” Paul comes out and daps all three of his friends. They all head to the ring looking supremely confident. LOGAN PAUL W/PAT MCAFEE, AUSTIN THEORY, AND GRAYSON WALLER VS EDGE © *The match is great and goes back and forth. Paul is a ball of constant energy but Edge keeps up with him, scoring a near pin early on with a spear that Paul barely kicks out of. *Paul begins to fall victim to Edge’s veteran savvy and the champ begins picking him apart, one body part at a time. * At ringside, The Brand cheers on their man and stays out of it until Waller nails Edge in the back when the referee is busy with McAfee. Edge turns around and nails Waller, then Theory with right hands but when he turns around he walks into a spinning heel kick. *With Edge down, Paul goes to the top but as he balances, he jumps and does a 180 before springboarding high and nailing a moonsault. But he isn’t done. He picks up Edge, delivers a Michinoku Driver, and then bounds off the ropes with a springboard moonsault. 1 2 KICKOUT! *The crowd is back into it, and Edge has life. He begins fighting his way back, and Paul can’t stop him. Edge hits a running clothesline, then another. He picks Paul up for the Edgecution DDT….when Paul pulls him into a small package and scores the three count. RESULT: LOGAN PAUL WINS BY PINFALL TO WIN THE WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP The Brand leaves the ring in celebration and the focus is on Edge. He rises to his feet as the crowd heaps cheers on their hometown star. He looks choked up, as he reaches down and unlaces his boots. Slowly he steps out of them and places them side by side in the middle of the ring. With a wave to the crowd, he exits the ring. The last thing we see before the show ends is a shot of the boots.

Live from Toronto, Ontario Canada, hometown son Edge will face Pat McAfee of The Brand following the loud mouth's challenge to the Rated R Superstar. The Brand has already shown themselves capable of shooting off their mouths, but have they bitten off more than they can chew with the Hall of Famer? Also in Action: Ridge Holland vs Ilja Dragunov Hit Row vs Santos Escobar and Rey Mysterio Tune in LIVE this Friday* night for Friday Night Smackdown on FOX! *The Show will be dropping tomorrow (Thurs)

Wow. That's all I can say. Thank you very very much for this honor and I don't use the word lightly. This board and its writers have entertained and inspired me to do these projects over the years. The biggest thank you is to my partner in crime, @Kimberly. She's my muse, my sounding board and often the person who keeps me sane when I come up with a crazy idea. Thank you all.

"The greatest Manager, Advocate, Special Counsel, Wiseman, Extreme Cult Leader, and Mad Scientist in the history of Professional Wrestling/Sports Entertainment has graced you with his presence for 48 hours. Ladies and Gentlemen, the floor is yours!" (48 hours to ask a question)

Hey, glad you enjoyed it

We see video from earlier where the Bloodline, minus the WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns, arrived at the building. Heyman leads the way with a very serious look on his face. AUGUST WEEK 2 SCOTIABANK SADDLEDOME CALGARY, AL Welcome to Friday Night Smackdown! I’m Michael Cole along with Wade Barrett and as we just saw Roman Reigns is not here.” “Michael Cole, the Tribal Chief went through a war this past Saturday at Summerslam and he has earned a night off.” “Funny you mention that Wade, because yet again we saw the Bloodline help Roman Reigns retain his title against Bobby Lashley.” “You must not have one member of your family who likes you. What you saw was the love between Roman Reigns and his cousins the Usos and Solo Sikoa. Of course they’ll support him.” “Someday, Wade, Roman Reigns will have to stand on his own two feet.” “Well you may choose to be disrespectful, but I opt to acknowledge our champion!” ALBA FYRE W/ISLA DAWN VS IYO SKY *Fyre starts off hot, with an assist or two from Dawn and Sky is on her heels. *The tide turns when Iyo begins a comeback, drawing Dawn to the apron. Sky dodges an attack from behind and Fyre collides with Dawn, knocking her to the floor. *Sky hits a standing enzuigiri, then goes to the top and nails a moonsault for the win. RESULT: IYO SKY WINS BY PINFALL Iyo fights valiantly but the Unholy Alliance has the numbers and things are looking bleak when…. Bianca Belair sprints down to the ring and quickly evens the odds. Together, Belair and Sky fight back until Fyre and Dawn exit the ring but there is evil intent in their eyes. In a darkened locker room Asuka is hunched in the corner, petting a snake as Jake Roberts looks on. “Don’t say we didn’t give fair warning. I told Charlotte Flair that she should forget all about Asuka and the WWE Women’s Championship. But she doesn’t listen, just like her old man. She’s arrogant, she’s entitled. That’s okay, because now she’s learned the lesson. She’s tasted her own blood because of her pride. The Empress of Darkness is ready to make someone else learn the lesson. And that lesson is….” The camera zooms in on Asuka who smiles with a blood-like substance running down her chin. “Nobody is ready for Asuka,” the Champion says in a gutteral whisper. Kayla Braxton is waiting outside the Bloodline Lounge and stops Paul Heyman when he exits the room. “Mr. Heyman, you said on X this week that Roman Reigns is on vacation but my sources say he’s still recuperating after such a physical match against Bobby Lashley. “Your sources? Kayla, your sources are garbage. Right now the Reignsing, Defending, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is on a beach sipping a drink and enjoying the show.” Heyman waves to the camera. “And tonight he will watch as his cousins, the Usos, begin their march back to the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship when they dismiss the Street Profits. That’s not a rumor, that's not from a source, that’s not a prediction. That…is a spoiler.” A vignette of Scarlett slowly laying out her tarot cards as Kross stands behind her, arms folded. “The cards never lie. Tonight, Karrion will focus his anger into his opponent. I foresee destruction….for the Fool.” She holds up the card. Karrion Kross is in action…NEXT! R-TRUTH VS KARRION KROSS W/SCARLETT *Kross completely and utterly dominates the match leading to the Krossjacket. RESULT: KARRION KROSS WINS BY SUBMISSION We see Edge walking with determination backstage. The United States Champion will join us right after the break. Edge comes to the ring, and once the cheers of the crowd die down he takes a deep breath and begins. “Alberta, thank you for that warm welcome. It’s always so great to be back in Canada. I’m out here to announce that next week in my home town of Toronto, I’ll be holding an open challenge for my United States Championship. So whoever wants to step up, I’m more than……” Pat McAfee comes out from the back, mic in hand. “Edge, man, it’s like you read my mind. I was sitting back there talking to Austin and Grayson and I said, please God, give us a chance to show the WWE Universe what The Brand is all about. And then, here you are, opening the door for me. So thank you for that and on behalf of The Brand, we accept.” McAfee smiles big and walks out as Edge shakes his head and Michael Cole questions if McAfee is accepting the challenge or if it’ll be Theory or Waller. Barrett says not to worry, next week we’ll have our answer. A replay is shown of Edge being interrupted by Pat McAfee who after trashing Canada eventually challenges Edge on behalf of “The Brand” for next week in the champion’s home town of Toronto, which Edge accepts. JOAQUIN WILDE AND CRUZ DEL TORO VS PRETTY DEADLY *The LWO controls the early going, sending Pretty Deadly to the outside to regroup. *When they do talk it over, Wilson and Prince use quick tags and dirty tricks to take the momentum. *Cruz makes a small comeback and tries to come off the top but Prince shoves him off behind the ref’s back. This brings Wilde into the ring but the ref cuts him off letting Pretty Deadly to hit Spilt Milk for the win. RESULT: PRETTY DEADLY WINS BY PINFALL The Brawling Brutes are walking backstage when they come to a stop. The camera pans and we see who stands in their way. Sheamus smirks and walks up to Dragunov. “Well fella, you look like you’re lost because you’re standing in our way and if you haven’t noticed, that doesn’t end well for people.” Holland and Butch step up beside Sheamus. “So if you’re looking to challenge one of us, just say the word.” Dragunov looks them over, before slapping Holland right across the face. “Next week, fella.” Dragunov walks off as Holland rubs his cheek but is smiling through it. ASHANTE ADONIS W/B-FAB VS REY MYSTERIO W/ZELINA VEGA *An even match throughout which sees both men control the advantage. *B-Fab gets on the apron but Zelina yanks her down and the women begin brawling. *Adonis tries to take advantage, but Mysterio overcomes him and hits the 619 for the win. RESULT: REY MYSTERIO WINS BY PINFALL THE STREET PROFITS VS THE USOS W/PAUL HEYMAN *A great tag match that goes back and forth with a lot of close false finishes. *Finally the Street Profits gain the advantage and after dismissing Jey from the ring with a double clothesline over the top, they turn their attention to Jimmy. *Dawkins hits a spinebuster and tags in Ford who soars with a frog splash for the 1….2…. *Solo Sikoa hits the ring and breaks up the pin, causing the disqualification. The three brothers then begin to triple team the Street Profits as the bell rings. RESULT: THE STREET PROFITS WIN BY DISQUALIFICATION The Bloodline continues their attack on the Street Profits until the Almighty Bobby Lashley runs down to the ring and clears them out of it. As Lashley helps Ford and Dawkins to their feet, the Bloodline retreats up the aisle, but it looks like this is not end of the story.

Six days after Summerslam and the titanic war between Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley, Smackdown is LIVE from Calgary Alberta and packed with action. Paul Heyman has already announced Reigns will not be present as he enjoys a well-deserved vacation, but the Bloodline will be there as the Usos take on the Street Profits in the main event. Smackdown was also introduced to the newest faction in WWE, who calls themselves The Brand, when Pat McAfee betrayed LA Knight and joined forces with Austin Theory and Grayson Waller. What do they have in store for the rest of the roster? Also appearing: The United States Champion Edge Rey Mysterio vs Ashante Adonis Iyo Sky vs Alba Fyre Tune in LIVE this Friday night for Friday Night Smackdown on FOX!

Well as I said when we created the World Heavyweight Championship, Roman Reigns managed to get his schedule included in a new contract. I get it, I wish he was defending it more, especially on Smackdown, but I can't do much about what he's doing. Seth was a very proud fighting champion and I know Finn will be as well. We'll have him looked at and we'll have to make a determination on the severity of what happened to him tonight.

Following Paul Heyman, Rhea Ripley, and Gunther fielding questions, Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque sat down to address the assembled media. “Let’s get the good news for the night out of the way. We’re all very proud of the entire WWE team from talent to production and marketing and all of it because this is without a doubt the most successful Summerslam in history. Thank you also to Detroit and the folks at Ford Field, it was an awesome experience for us and our fans. Early estimates for buy rate point to over 650,000 buys tonight. We expect 1.25 million in revenue from that alone. All of those numbers will shake out over the next day or so. Now the bad news. As you saw, new World Heavyweight Champion Finn Balor, congrats to him by the way, but he’s being examined for some kind of a shoulder injury. I don’t have more than that but he’s a tough SOB to have powered through that injury and have the kind of match he and Seth put on. We’ll get him looked over tomorrow morning and we’ll move forward after we get that information. So that said, I’ll open it up for questions.” (48 HOURS FOR ANY OF YOU TO ASK US WHATEVER YOU WANT!)

AUGUST WEEK 1 FORD FIELD DETROIT, MI “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Biggest Party of the Summer, Summerslam! Wade tonight is going to be a night that may change everything on both Raw and Smackdown.” Michael Cole, you’re completely correct and we will go straight to the Head of the Table because coming up right now is the Tribal Chief versus the Almighty, and if I were a betting man, I can’t pick against Roman Reigns. “Wade, his streak has to end at some point.” “It won’t be tonight.” BOBBY LASHLEY VS ROMAN REIGNS © *Lashley shows no fear of Reigns and muscles him around the ring, eventually throwing him over the top at Heyman’s feet. Reigns looks shook. *The champion regroups and the match resumes into more of an equal affair. Neither man can put the other down, even when Reigns hits a spear he only gets a two count. *Reigns sets up for a Superman Punch but when he jumps, Lashley catches him in mid air and runs him across the ring into the corner, launching no less than six shoulder blocks in the corner and Reigns looks hurt, favoring his ribs. *Lashley can feel the energy from the crowd as he punishes Reigns with a series of power suplexes but when he hits a fall away slam, Reigns’ boot hits the ref and knocks him out. Heyman is growing frantic and waves at the aisle. Here comes the cavalry. *The members of the Bloodline get on the apron on three sides of the ring but they don't stay there for long. Lashley runs at Jimmy and knocks him off the apron with a forearm, then bounds off the ropes and takes out Jey on the opposite side. He stops and locks eyes with Solo who steps onto the ring. *Solo and Lashley begin trading right hands but Solo hits a hand thrust to the throat. He reels back for the Samoan Spike but Lashley ducks it and secures the Hurt Lock! Solo is helpless until his brothers get back in the ring and hit a double superkick to the back of Lashley’s head. *Lashley releases Solo just in time for Reigns to hit a spear, but he’s took exhausted and hurt to take advantage. Solo drags Reigns and put him on top of Lashley before the Bloodline all ditch from the ring. The referee crawls over and makes the count. 1 2 3! RESULT: ROMAN REIGNS RETAINS THE WWE UNDISPUTED WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL. Reigns, with the aid of Solo Sikoa heads back up the aisle followed by the Usos and Heyman carrying the title belt. The champion looks exhausted and appears to understand how close he came to losing tonight. In the back, we see all four members of The Judgment Day. Both Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley are warming up for their respective matches tonight while Damian and Dominik cheer them on. By night's end, The Judgment Day could rule Monday Night Raw or they could lose it all. We’ll find out which later tonight. CARLITO VS BRONSON REED *Carlito starts the match by psyching out Bronson and making Reed charge him before slamming the powerhouse for a near fall *The Miz distracts Carlito by getting on the apron and this allows Bronson the opportunity to attack Carlito from behind *From there, the match becomes a showcase of the monster that is Bronson Reed and Carlito really doesn’t get much offense again *The Miz smirks after Bronson does a Belly to Belly Slam and then tells Bronson to end it. Bronson goes up top and nails the Tsunami for the 1…2…3 RESULT: BRONSON REED WINS BY PINFALL A video package is shown reminding us of Iyo Sky and Bayley’s friendship going back to last year’s Summerslam, Bayley’s betrayal of Iyo at Money in the Bank, and how Adam Pearce made tonight a two out of three falls match. 2 OUT OF 3 FALLS BAYLEY VS IYO SKY *A great even first fall with both women spotlighting what they can do in the ring. *Iyo goes for her moonsault early but Bayley rolls out of the way. *Bayley quickly picks Iyo up and hits a Rose Plant for the first fall. BAYLEY WINS HER FIRST FALL BY PINFALL *Bayley quickly presses her advantage and goes for the pin as soon as the second fall begins but Iyo kicks out. *Bayley leaves Iyo in the ring and goes to the outside to complain to Cole at the announcers desk. When she turns around she’s hit in the face by Iyo doing a suicide dive. *Iyo takes the fight to Bayley, beating her around the ring. Bayley digs for something under the ring and when Iyo approaches, Bayley hits her in the head with a fire extinguisher and the referee calls for the bell. IYO SKY WINS HER FIRST FALL BY DISQUALIFICATION *Bayley doesn’t seem to care, telling Iyo how smart she is instead and trash talking her, calling her ungrateful. Bayley rolls her back in the ring but Iyo kicks out at two. *Bayley hits a snap suplex, then a second, before picking Iyo up for a Bayley to Belly but Iyo headbutts her in the face, staggering Bayley to the corner. Iyo hits a running knee then a bulldog but Bayley kicks at 2 ½. *Iyo attacks Bayley while shouting in Japanese and Bayley tries to leave the ring but Iyo grabs her hair and won’t let her out. Bayley punches her in the stomach and goes for another Rose Plant but Iyo blocks it and hits Sliced Bread. *Iyo climbs to the top and this time hits the moonsault for the three count. RESULT: IYO SKY WINS HER SECOND FALL BY PINFALL. Byron Saxton is backstage with The Man Becky Lynch. Byron asks Becky about her thoughts that it is Trish Stratus having the opportunity to be Women’s World Champion tonight? Becky reiterates that she does not believe for a second this supposed change of heart in Trish Stratus, but she wishes Trish well. In fact, The Man hopes Trish wins tonight because the time is coming when Becky and Trish will dance again and if it's for the Women’s World Championship? All the better. As for Becky? Detroit, The Man has come around and tonight The Man makes Zoey Stark her bitch. Vic Joseph and Corey Graves are at the announce table. They speculate about the fact that we could possibly see Trish Stratus vs Becky Lynch for the Women’s title, but if that is going to happen, Trish needs to make history tonight. Trish Stratus has had a change of heart and it’s thanks to the friendship of Lita and the opportunity of a lifetime is now before the WWE Hall of Famer. It has been almost 17 years since Trish won her last World Title, will she become champion again? It’s time to find out. Trish Stratus versus “Mami” Rhea Ripley is up next and it’s for the Women’s World Champion. Let’s go to the ring. TRISH STRATUS VS RHEA RIPLEY © *This is an epic match that sees Trish play to her old school babyface strengths as she comes out a house of fire on Rhea and Dom even looks scared *When Dom tries to interfere, Lita comes over, climbs the apron, and does a Litacaranna on Dom!!! The distraction allows Rhea the chance to nail Trish from behind and then “Mami” dominates *Rhea slams Trish on the announce table, into steps, into a barrier, holds Trish by the hair and tells her to beg for Lita’s help, but Stratus will not end it. Rhea delivers a punishing big boot, a painful neck nerve hold, and some vicious power moves, but she cannot put Trish down. The crowd, once uncertain of Stratus, begins to rally and a “let’s go Trish” chant rings out. *Rhea starts to become confident that she has this in hand, but when she grabs Trish for the RipTide, Trish reverses it and shoves Rhea off…..CHICK KICK!!! Trish is gonna do it!! She covers…. 1…. 2…. Rhea is out at the last second. As soon as this happens, the crowd boos Piper Niven and Zoey Stark come down and attack Lita from behind. After a few moments, Trish sees this and bails to the floor to ask them what they’re doing. Zoey gets in Trish’s face and the two shove each other before *Becky Lynch runs down and goes after Zoey. Trish steps back and lets Lynch do so. After a few moments, Piper tries to attack The Man and Trish begins to go to defend Lynch, but Lita is up and is fighting Niven. Becky & Lita brawl up the aisle to the back with Stark and Niven and while this happens, Dom sneaks behind Trish and rolls her into the ring… *Right into Rhea who nails the RIPTIDE!! Rhea covers….1…..2…..at the last moment, Trish gets her shoulder up! With the crowd cheering, Trish tries to get up but when she does, Rhea is right there. RIPTIDE AGAIN!!! 1… 2…. 3 RESULT: RHEA RIPLEY WINS BY PINFALL TO REMAIN WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Dominik hugs Rhea and hands her the championship. Trish comes to and realizes that she lost her chance at being champion here tonight.The crowd cheers Trish though as she gets to her feet. Rhea and Dom smirk as they head up the aisle in victory. “Now it’s time to go to a dark place we haven’t seen in a very long time. Wade, I don’t even know what to expect.” Barrett shakes his head. “Michael Cole, the only person who does is one of the most evil men in WWE history, Jake the Snake Roberts.” “In any event, welcome back…to the Snake Pit.” We go to a cinematic video where the first thing we see are dozens of snakes writhing on the stone ground. They crawl around the feet of Jake Roberts who is sitting on a large rock in the middle of the room. There is a fog hugging the ground around him. Charlotte Flair enters the pit through a door cut into the stone, carrying the Women’s Money in the Bank briefcase. She steps carefully around the snakes and we see a few closeups of their tongues flicking. She approaches Roberts. Well, I’m here. So what do you have to say?” Roberts slyly smiles. “I remember when you were born, your father was so happy. And I know how proud he is of you and your career. And as a father, and his friend, I don’t want to see it end the way it will.” “And how’s that?” “You have no idea who you’re dealing with. You think this is the Asuka you beat at WrestleMania. You think this is the same woman who laughed and danced. No no, I have taught her how to reach into the darkness and feed off of it. You think you and that briefcase are going to take her title?” “I’m The Queen and I take whatever the hell I want.” “See, you’re blinded like your old man. He had the same attitude, the same arrogance. I'm sorry Ashley, I really am.” Charlotte seems to sense what’s coming and turns to meet Asuka who attacks her from behind but she’s not fast enough. Asuka backhands Charlotte and slams her face-first into the large rock Roberts sits on. Flair falls out of sight behind the rock and we see Asuka pick up the briefcase. She locks eyes with her mentor and he gives her a slow nod. Asuka walks around and begins hammering Charlotte with the briefcase over and over. We can’t see the hits but we hear Charlotte’s groans and cries. On the last hit, Asuka raises the briefcase and it is covered in blood. She tosses it aside and pulls Flair up by her hair while shouting a string of angry sounding Japanese. Flair is wearing the quintessential crimson mask. Asuka loses all emotion in her face and hits a DDT on the stone floor. Roberts turns so that he’s chest-down on the flat rock and he slithers over to Charlotte’s still body. “This was your last warning.” He and Asuka leave the pit as the snakes begin to crawl over Flair and the video ends. A video highlighting the issues that both Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle have had with Imperium is shown. The video chronicles the road to the Intercontinental Title match and it concludes with the closing moments of Raw where Randy Orton returned to Raw. The Triple Threat Match for the Intercontinental Championship is next! DREW MCINTYRE VS MATT RIDDLE VS GUNTHER © *To begin the match, both challengers gang up on the Ring General, who is initially able to handle it, but eventually is removed from action by a double Buckle Bomb delivered by both challengers *From there, Drew and Riddle take each other and engage in a physical contest that sees both men delivering stiff shots and close near falls. When it looks like GUNTHER will be out of the match entirely, Imperium come down but Randy Orton stands in the aisle and the champ’s men retreat *The Ring General is eventually able to save the match when Drew nails a Claymore on Riddle and goes for a cover….GUNTHER flies off the top rope and land’s on Drew’s back taking McIntyre out *GUNTHER smacks the hell out of Riddle and they go to the floor and both men bruise each other’s chests with violent chops and smacks and hits and eventually Riddle is able to sidestep the champ, whose knee crashes into steps *In the ring, Matt goes for Bro-Derek and nails it, but McIntyre is back in and throws Riddle to the floor with Randy checking on his friend. GUNTHER and Drew trade some blows and after a few moments, the champ goes for a Powerbomb, but Drew backdrops him, runs to a corner and charges out…..CLAYMORE!!! *Imperium runs down to the ring again, but Drew sees it and bails to the floor to confront Imperium with the ref trying to break it up. This allows GUNTHER to attack Drew on the floor and deliver a powerbomb. Riddle sees this and knows its his moment and gets in the ring preparing to take the champ out when he gets back into the ring, when suddenly……RKO!!!!!!!!!!!! *RANDY ORTON SLID IN AND BETRAYED RIDDLE!!! What the hell?!? Orton stares down at his friend with no expression and leaves the ring *GUNTHER slides in and delivers a powerbomb on Riddle and covers….1….2…..3. RESULT: GUNTHER WINS BY PINFALL TO RETAIN THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP GUNTHER leaves in celebration having retained the Intercontinental Championship. The announcers replay the closing moments of the match where Randy Orton betrayed Matt Riddle and delivered an RKO just as Riddle was about to become champion. The announcers are shocked at the actions of the Viper. RKBro has apparently died here at SummerSlam. The announcers walk us through the history of Becky Lynch & Zoey Stark. They then take us to earlier tonight where Piper Niven & Zoey Stark came down during the Women’s Title match only for Becky Lynch and Lita to run them off. There is no more running though…The Man vs Zoey Stark starts right now. ZOEY STARK VS BECKY LYNCH * Becky beats the crap out of Zoey to start the match and Stark is forced to bail to the floor where Becky gives chase * This continues several times and eventually Becky chases Zoey up toward the set where Piper Niven suddenly comes out and Becky stops and goes to the ring and challenges both women for a fight *Eventually the match fully begins and Becky dominates early until Piper trips Lynch and Zoey drops Becky on her head with a Brainbuster and takes control *Zoey scores near fall after near fall for quite a long time and even locks Becky in her own Dis-Arm-Her but Becky makes it to the ropes in time. Eventually Zoey dumps Becky to the floor and distracts the ref while Piper goes for a splash, but Becky moves out of the way. This wipes Piper out *Becky gets back into the ring and immediately ducks a charge and locks Zoey in the Dis-Arm-Her, but Zoey gets a foot on the ropes. Zoey does a poke to the eye and goes for her rotating knee strike finish, but Becky backs out and does a Becks-Sploder. After that, Becky and Zoey do a roll up reversal and eventually Becky wins the battle of that and rolls Zoey up for the pinfall RESULT: BECKY LYNCH WINS BY PINFALL A commercial for Payback is shown. LA Knight comes down to the ring. “Detroit….lemme talk to ya! They call this the biggest party of the summer but you know as well as I do, you can’t have a party without, lemme hear it….,” the crowd on cue chants L…A….Knight….yeah, “Yeah!” Now the powers that be have not given me a match tonight but that’s okay because when you’re LA Knight you don’t wait for moments to be handed to you, you make moments. So right here tonight, let’s….. The crowd, and Michael Cole, pops when Pat McAfee comes down to the ring. Knight is apprehensive but McAfee disarms him with a hand shake. “Detroit Michigan, we back! I was here just visiting some friends but when I heard this man it was like hearing a symphony. You remind me of everything I loved about WWE growing up and you are going to be at the top of the list in a very short time, my friend.” Before Knight can reply we hear another set of voices. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller come down to the ring already holding mics. Theory begins, waving his hand. “If you don’t shut up, I think I’m gonna puke. These people don’t want to hear you kiss each other’s asses they want to see the real future of the WWE and that is, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller.” “How right you are Austin. All I see here is a washed up former so-called footballer and an Attitude Era wannabe.” Knight steps up to both of them. “Well it looks like I got my wish for a match if you two have the balls, isn’t that right Pat?” McAfee looks to the crowd who’s doing the Daniel Bryan ‘YES!’ chant. “I think you’re right….but it’s not their balls you should be worried about.” Suddenly McAfee who had slid directly behind Knight steps up and punts him between the legs from behind. Knight drops to his knees in pain as Theory and Waller attack like jackals. It only takes a minute or two for Knight to be beaten down and then Theory hits A-Town Down. Waller and Theory drag Knight into position as McAfee climbs to the top rope, and imitating the Macho Man, McAfee flies off with a picture perfect elbow drop. The crowd boos heavily as McAfee raises Theory and Waller’s arms and they leave the ring with Knight still laid out. A replay is shown of Knight, McAfee, Theory, and Waller from the previous segment which saw McAfee betray Knight and align himself with the two young stars. PRETTY DEADLY VS KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN © *Pretty Deadly use quick tags and double teams to keep the advantage in the match through the early going. *Owens finally gets tired of the illegal double teams and enters the ring but the ref stops him and Zayn is punished even more. *Zayn almost makes it to the corner but Prince runs into the ring and knocks Owens off the apron, which brings KO into the ring and the ref stops him again, allowing Wilson to drag Zayn back to their corner but Zayn ducks one of their double teams and hits a double clothesline. He crawls to his corner and makes the hot tag at long last. *Owens unleashes on both Wilson and Prince, hitting everything in front of him. He bounds around the ring hitting his trademark spots like running senton and cannonball. When Prince tries to intervene, Zayn hits a Cactus Clothesline, taking them both over the top. *Wilson tries a last ditch offense by whipping Owens into the ropes but Owens ducks a clothesline and spins around, hitting the stunned for the win. RESULT: KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN RETAIN THE UNDISPUTED WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL. The champs climb up opposite corners and hold their belts up in the air in celebration. A video package is shown of the recent history between Bianca Belair and Lacey Evans, specifically Evans’ attack on Belair which was thought to have blinded her, and the reveal that she was in fact able to see….and fight! BLINDFOLD MATCH LACEY EVANS VS BIANCA BELAIR *Evans still protests the stipulation but eventually complies. *Both women wander around the ring trying to feel out for their opponent. They both make some lunges but hit nothing but air. *Bianca finally stops and ‘looks’ around at the crowd. She points in one corner and the crowd boos. She points to another and they boo. Now she points to a corner where Evans is and they loudly cheer. *Bianca runs blindly at the corner and throws a dropkick which connects. Evans is stunned, and trying to scurry away but Bianca grabs her boot and goes to town with a ground and pound to the crowd’s delight. *Lacey rolls it over and gets in some attacks before she applies a Cobra Clutch. Bianca is close to passing out but she shakes her head and powers to her feet with Lacey on her back. She rams her backwards into the corner a few times and when Evans’ grip loosens, Bianca manhandles her up on her shoulders and hits a KOD. She makes the cover and gets the win. RESULT: BIANCA BELAIR WINS BY PINFALL The referee raises her arm and Bianca takes off the blindfold, climbing to the second rope and whips her braid around to celebrate with her fans as her music plays. Kayla Braxton is standing by with her guest, Paul Heyman. “Paul, first of all congratulations on Roman Reigns defending his title tonight against the Almighty Bobby Lashley. After the match, he looked a little worse for wear.” “Ms. Braxton, see, I’m a professional so I’ll address you professionally…the Tribal Chief showed the world yet again why he has one of the longest title reigns in not only recent history but all of WWE history. He took the best that Bobby Lashley had to offer and he gave it back to him as only the Head of the Table can do.” “Isn’t it also fair to say that yet again the Bloodline got involved and helped in that cheap victory?” “Where the Tribal Chief goes, the Bloodline follows, as a show of respect. What you call cheap, I call strategy. And you know what else, Kayla? Nobody can do anything about it.” Heyman smirks and walks away leaving her annoyed. A preview video for Finn Balor vs Seth “Freakin” Rollins airs. It covers a lot of their history (including 2016) as well as the personal attacks that have happened. For Finn Balor, this is a chance at redemption? Will he take it? The World Heavyweight Championship match starts right now! FINN BALOR VS SETH “FRAEAKIN” ROLLINS © *This epic match begins with both men circling one another and Finn almost scores a pin when Seth charges with a kick, but Finn reverses it into a cradle for a near fall - both men then trade several near falls *The match quickly turns Balor’s way when he is able to do a back Mule kick into Seth’s groin and the ref doesn’t see it. Balor controls a lot of this period and shows a vicious side as he brutalizes the champ in the ring and on the floor *When Balor goes for the Coup de Gras on the floor, this is the moment things change as the champ rolls out of the way and into the ring. Balor lands on his feet and charges into the ring and is met with a Superkick immediately. Seth delivers some stiff shots and then drops Balor back on the floor and charges and delivers a Taupe! *On the floor, Seth looks down at Balor and back up at the SummerSlam sign and inspiration strikes…Seth picks up Balor and looks at the barricade and goes for a running throwing Powerbomb, like in 2016. Only this time, Seth slips a little and Balor lands shoulder first into the barrier *The ref immediately bails from the ring and checks on Balor and more refs and medical come down with the match just stopping *All three members of The Judgment Day race to the ring to check on their friend and, for his part, Seth looks legitimately concerned. After a few minutes, Finn says he can continue and the match is ordered to resume *In the ring, Finn tries to fight back, but the injured arm becomes part of the story and Seth works it hard. The crowd actually starts cheering for Balor who will not surrender this match….the champ goes for the Pedigree and Balor reverses that into a backdrop and then does the launching double Drop Kick, but his arm is hurt *The Judgment Day cheer on their friend, but soon Seth is nearing the end of this and goes for the Curbstomp, however Damian grabs him by the leg and this distraction allows Finn the chance to do a Slingblade with one arm! Finn goes up top….COUP DE GRAS!!!!!!! With one arm he covers…. 1…. 2…. SETH JUST KICKS OUT! Finn does a Crotch Chop as Seth stands and the two trade blows back and forth, soon Finn misses the Drop Kick again and is spun around…SUPERKICK! Seth covers…1….2…FINN KICKS OUT! Damian tries to get into the ring and the second he does, Seth superkicks Priest who falls to the floor *Rhea throws her belt to Dom and then gets on the apron - Dom slides the belt into Balor and when Seth turns around, Balor is able to charge with the Women’s World Title and knock Rollins out! Balor goes up top and nails the Coup de Gras!!! 1…. 2….. 3!!! WE HAVE A NEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RESULT: FINN BALOR WINS BY PINFALL TO BECOME THE NEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION After the match, Seth Rollins rolls to the floor while Finn is given his moment. The ref gives Balor the title belt and pyro shoots off. Damian Priest is the first of The Judgment Day to rush into the ring to hug the new champ who is favoring his left arm, but before long every member of TJD is in the ring hugging Finn. Finn has tears in his eyes as he is lifted onto the shoulders of Priest and the belt is thrust high into the air with the new champ using only his right arm. Redemption has been reached and The Judgment Day truly does now run Monday Night Raw because Finn Balor is the new Heavyweight Champion of the World!!! We see a live shot backstage where McAfee, Theory, and Waller are all smiles and climb into a waiting limo before it drives away. AJ STYLES VS KARRION KROSS *This long simmering feud is nothing short of physical. Even though it fits his opponent’s style, AJ has no qualms about giving as good as he’s getting. *Kross’ power game is a definite advantage and he takes pleasure in torturing Styles without going for a pinfall. *Kross makes a mistake going to the top rope when Styles crotches him, then hits a superplex but Kross kicks out. *Styles works over Kross’ leg, and locks in the Calf Crusher. The referee is closely checking to see if Kross is going to submit and doesn’t see Scarlett throw a handful of red dust into AJ’s face. *Styles releases the hold, rubbing at his eyes. This allows Kross to regroup and blast AJ in the back of the head with a forearm before hitting a Doomsday Saito and locks on the Krossjacket. AJ fights but he can’t escape and passes out. RESULT: KARRION KROSS WINS BY STOPPAGE Kross isn’t done. He rolls to the outside and pulls up an extension cord which had been taped down to the floor and brings it into the ring, wrapping it around AJ’s neck. Barrett comments that AJ’s Good Brothers aren’t here because of the attack by Kross. Kross slings AJ over the top and begins hanging him as the fortune card foretold. AJ awakens and begins to struggle in a panic. Michin runs down to the ring and attempts to help lift AJ to take pressure off his neck but Scarlett comes from behind and throws her over the announcer’s table. Adam Pearce and officials run down and are finally able to stop Kross but the damage has been done and AJ looks unresponsive. Another commercial for Payback is shown. The Hell in a Cell Cage is shown coming down. The time for talking is over. The time for Hell is here. A music video plays highlighting the story between Cody Rhodes & Brock Lesnar. Included is Cody losing to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, Brock’s turn on Cody the next night, their Puerto Rico match, their Saudi Match, Cody being sent home, Brock losing to Seth Rollins in London, Cody winning MITB and the road since then (including the near attack on Brandi Rhodes). One way or the other, what began the night after Wrestlemania will conclude at the second biggest stage of the year. Two men are about to walk into Hell itself?, will either walk out? It is time to find out….. This is the main event of SummerSlam! HELL IN A CELL - WINNER BECOMES MR. MONEY IN THE BANK BROCK LESNAR VS CODY RHODES *Before Brock gets into the ring, Cody goes to the floor and gets under the ring and grabs a handful of weapons and leaves them on the floor. Cody keeps a Tire Iron in his hand and as soon as the cage is lowered, Rhodes charges Brock who immediately lifts Cody up and into an F5!!!!! Brock covers….1…..2….Cody is out of the pin and Brock laughs *When Cody attacks Brock, Lesar backs into a corner and eventually reverses Cody into the corner and then delivers an elbow shot right to the brow of Cody’s eye busting him open immediately *Brock is like an animal once he sees the blood of his prey and brutalizes Cody with vicious hits and elbow shots and even tries to bite Cody by the head. Cody nails Brock with blatant low-blow and drops Brock to the floor but when Cody gets out there, The Beast is up and grabs Rhodes and does a German Suplex right into the cage! *On the floor, Brock finds the Tire Iron from earlier and nails Cody right in his once broken arm with the weapon! Brock launches Rhodes into the cage again and then ties Cody’s arm up in the cage and tries to pull it off of Rhodes’ body! When Brock charges, Cody is able to get his arm out and side step Brock who runs face first into the cage and then Cody does a Cross-Rhodes on the floor! *Rhodes gets some weapons and, with the crowd egging him on, it is time for some payback as Rhodes beats the hell out of nearly every part of Lesnar’s body with a chair and (after breaking the chair on Brock’s back), a Kendo Stick. Brock is able to shove Cody away and get into the ring for escape. Cody slides in……. F5 AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!! But now, the animal is pissed. Instead of going for the pin, he takes Cody to Suplex City again and again and again for a total of 13 different Suplexes, the last one sees Cody dropped right on his arm *Cody tries a comeback, but is locked in the Kimura Lock!!! With blood pouring from his face, The American Nightmare tries to stay in this match and eventually is able to get to the ropes, but the ref can’t break it. Cody has to pull at the ropes and eventually Lesnar lets go and Rhodes falls to the floor. Brock goes over to a turnbuckle and not only removes the padding, but removes the buckle completely loosening the top rope from the ring *Brock leans out of the ring to grab Cody who sprays a Fire Extinguisher in Brock’s face. In the ring, with Brock blinded, Cody is able to nail the Cross-Rhodes. He covers 1…. 2….. Brock kicks out. Cody sees the rope down on the ground and wraps it around the throat of Brock and tries to choke Lesnar with it!! Cody has snapped but its the opening Lesnar needs as he grabs Cody’s arm and locks in the Kimura again! *Cody screams but is able to grab the turnbuckle itself and nail Lesnar right in the head with it. When Lesnar gets up once more, Cody runs and charges Brock with the metal turnbuckle and blasts Lesnar right in the face with the weapon. This busts Lesnar open. *Rhodes goes down to the floor and throws chair after chair after chair into the ring and comes in and charges Brock with a chair, Lesnar scoops up Cody for another F5, but this time Rhodes slides down and does a German on Lesnar! *Cody stacks a bunch of chairs around the ring and grabs Lesnar - CROSS RHODES!!!!!!!! Cody isn’t satisfied as he does it one more time. And Rhodes is still not satisfied, Cody takes a chair and wraps Brock’s neck in it and holds the chair and then does one more Cross-Rhodes!!! Cody covers… 1… 2….. 3! RESULT: CODY RHODES WINS BY PINFALL After the match, the cage is lifted as refs and medical personnel flood the ring checking on both men. Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes went through Hell and both men are now down. Cody hasn’t moved after pinning Lesnar. Brock is helped out of the ring and half way up the ramp, he shoves the help off. The Beast goes to the back, stumbling along the way, defeated, but on his own. Not to be outdone, The American Nightmare shrugs off the help being offered to him. Using the remaining 2 ropes, Cody Rhodes is able to stand on his own two feet. The ref raises his hand in the air and Cody raises the Money in the Bank briefcase in the air in celebration. The page has been turned as Cody’s story continues. The American Nightmare has dispatched of the Beast Incarnate and can now move forward along his journey. Cody Rhodes has won in Detroit! Goodnight from SummerSlam!!!!!!

On the heels of that, it's no surprise that I've been teasing his return for a while. As far as I'm concerned none of that happened (or just chalk it up to one of those things that WWE starts and never carries through with). Either way, he is going to be edited to reflect his RL death and he won't be used moving forward.

A video is shown of last week beginning with Bianca Belair’s surprise for Lacey Evans and ending with Bobby Lashley saving Mysterio and Escobar from the Bloodline. AUGUST WEEK 1 NUTTER CENTER DAYTON, OH The Bloodline arrive at the arena and all of them look extremely serious as they enter. KARL ANDERSON VS EDGE © *These two veterans go move for move in the first half of the match. *Anderson presses every advantage but Edge seems one step ahead which frustrates him. *Anderson takes a risk by going to the top but Edge crotches him, then hits an huge Edgecution DDT off the middle rope for the win. RESULT: EDGE RETAINS THE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL Edge heads down the aisle after checking on Anderson. Gallows kneels down next to his partner, when suddenly Karrion Kross slides into the ring and blasts Gallows with a forearm to the back to the head. He picks up the big man and delivers a Saito suplex before turning his attention to Anderson who is just beginning to get up. Kross slaps on the Krossjacket and Anderson can’t fight him off. Kross stands over both of the Good Brothers, with a sinister sneer in a clear message to AJ Styles. “Ladies and gentlemen, my guest, LA Knight! You’re tagging with Cameron Grimes tonight to face Austin Theory and the man you defeated last week Grayson Waller. You often have something to say so what’s on your mind?” “My mind. Kayla what’s on LA Knight’s mind is…LA Knight! Tomorrow night in Detroit is Summerslam and as it stands right now, I don’t have a match. But that’s okay because the people will get what the people want. Tomorrow night, Detroit Michigan, LA Knight is gonna talk to ya!” Pretty Deadly are backstage with a camera. Prince gives a big smile. “You’re looking at the next Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. Elton Prince, Kit Wilson. Tomorrow we’re going to…..” Prince stops walking as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn walk into frame. The two teams regard each other in silence for a few moments before a four man brawl breaks out which officials attempt to separate. Kayla Braxton is standing by in Gorilla with Charlotte Flair. Before she can even ask a question, Charlotte holds up a hand. “Kayla, I know you’re going to ask me about the Snake Pit. It’s a great opportunity to stand in the devil’s den with a WWE Hall of Famer. But as I always say, I AM opportunity. See you in Detroit.” YOKO HAMADA VS CHARLOTTE FLAIR *Hamada puts up a good fight and even seems to impress Flair at moments. *Flair is never really in trouble and always finds her way back into control. *The match suffers a “technical difficulty in the middle *Flair puts Hamada in the Figure Eight for the win. RESULT: CHARLOTTE FLAIR WINS BY SUBMISSION Backstage, the Bloodline is walking in unison. They’ll be in the ring….next! “Ladies and Gentleman, my name is Paul Heyman, and I serve as Special Counsel to the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns. In a little over twenty-four hours, the Tribal Chief will step into this ring versus Bobby Lashley, or as a former client of mine once asked…Bobby Who? Two weeks ago, YOUR Head of the Table looked his challenger in the face and accepted. That should have been it. But no, last week we saw Bobby Lashley stick his nose in Bloodline business. But we also know Roman Reigns was not here, and if he had been, we know there’s no way in hell that Bobby…..” Lashley comes from the back and begins marching to the ring as Heyman picks his jaw up off the mat. Jimmy, then Jey leave the ring and try to intercept but Lashley demolishes both. Solo then joins in and though he gets in a few strikes, Lashley scoops him up and delivers an over the head belly to belly in the aisle. Lashley locks eyes on Roman as Heyman and Naomi exit the ring. Lashley climbs onto the apron but before he can enter the Usos catch up and each grab a leg. Lashley tries to shake them off, but Roman runs in and delivers a Superman Punch, knocking Lashley down off the apron. Solo joins his brothers as the three kick and stomp Lashley before picking him up and throwing him into the steps as Roman watches from the ring. With Lashley down, the Bloodline leave as a unit but the camera catches sight of Lashley forcing him up to a knee with a determined grimace. A replay of the brawl we just witnessed is shown after the commercial break. We then get a vignette of the most vicious moments of Asuka’s recent history. THE UNHOLY UNION VS TAMINA AND GIGI DOLIN *Gigi Dolin and Tamina are game but the Unholy Union are more focused and more of a team as they never release the momentum once they gain it. *The finish sees Isla Dawn hit a bridge German suplex after Alba superkicks Gigi in a double team maneuver. RESULT: THE UNHOLY UNION WINS BY PINFALL CAMERON GRIMES AND LA KNIGHT VS AUSTIN THEORY AND GRAYSON WALLER *The heels control the beginning and keep Grimes in their corner. Waller especially is taunting Knight. *Grimes makes the hot tag and Knight can’t get his hands on Waller fast enough, throwing Theory over the top rope even though he’s the legal man. Knight slingshots Waller into the ring over the top rope from the apron and tees off on him *Theory gets back in and Grimes cuts him off leading to a four man fight. *They exchange dancing partners, and Grimes hits a cross body block on Waller to send them both to the outside allowing Knight to duck a big punch and nail Theory with BFT. RESULT: CAMERON GRIMES AND LA KNIGHT WIN BY PINFALL Backstage we see Bianca Belair emerge from Adam Pearce’s office and she is walking with a purpose but also a big smile. She’ll be in the ring….next! Bianca Belair comes down to the ring and the crowd loves her. “Dayton, I don’t know if anyone’s mentioned it tonight but tomorrow is the biggest part of the summer, Summerslam! And I’m out here because I’ve spent my evening negotiating with WWE Official Adam Pearce and he and I agree that Summerslam is missing something so he’s decided to add a last minute match to the card.” Lacey Evans emerges from the back wagging her finger. “Oh no no no, you don’t get to make decisions for me, nasty.” “Girl, you didn’t even let me finish. You see, as Adam says, it’s official. Me and you tomorrow night and there’s also one other thing.” Belair reaches into her pocket and holds up a blindfold. “Since you like to fight people who can’t see, our match, is a blindfold match. And you may not see it coming, but when I hit that KOD….I promise, you’re gonna feel it!” Bianca’s music hits as she dances and twirls her hair to the crowd’s delight as Lacey seethes in the aisle. Cole and Barrett hype that Summerslam is tomorrow as the show goes off the air.

Twenty-four hours from Summerslam, and Smackdown is ready to boil over. The battle for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship between Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley is quickly becoming deeply personal and both men will be in Dayton. WWE Officials are said to be highly nervous about the entire situation exploding before we get to Detroit! In action: Edge defends the United States Championship against Karl Anderson Grayson Waller and Austin Theory vs Cameron Grimes and LA Knight Bianca Belair will be on hand with a special message for Lacey Evans Tune in LIVE this Friday night for Friday Night Smackdown on FOX! (Special note: Smackdown will be posted tomorrow as we try and speed up the schedule to get caught up.)

We're not back-back but here's some extra content.

So good news and bad news. Bad news first. Due to a medical issue we're on pause. Should not be long term. Good news, the weather is beautiful today where I live.

No, nxt is just dev for us.