WWE 2k23: Playing the Game

[Pipers Pit]

 

NOVEMBER WEEK 4

WINTRUST ARENA

CHIGAGO, IL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rhea Ripley and her team come down to the ring. She says that she has to give credit where it’s due. She really didn’t think Becky Lynch would find four people stupid enough to want to go into War Games against her and this team but amazingly she did. Now comes the bad part for them.  They have to step into those cages with the most dangerous assortment of women this sport has ever known. They’re not going to be satisfied with just winning War Games, no, this time they’re going to tear and rip and maul and break everyone in their way. Becky and her team won’t be fighting to win, they’ll be fighting to survive!

 

 

 

A vignette is shown highlighting Bianca Belair and her short but incredible career.

 

 

NATALYA VS NIKKI CROSS

 

*A hard hitting and physical match in which both women give as good as they get.  Nikki’s crazy nature gets her an early advantage, but she’s not happy with it and sets up a table at ringside.  After battering Natalya at ringside she puts her on the table and goes to the top.  But Natalya moves and Nikki crashes through the table.  Natalya gets in just before the referee’s ten count.  The camera catches a glimpse of Cross smiling as she lays in the remnants of the table. 

 

RESULT: NATALYA WINS BY COUNTOUT

 

 

 

Kelly Kinkaid is with Cora Jade. She says this Saturday the Queen will be dethroned. She’s the future, she’s the next generation, and she’s tired of people like Charlotte Flair thinking their time isn’t over. You’re looking at the next WWE Women’s Champion. It’s the Generation of Jade.

 

 

ZELINA VEGA VS GIGI DOLIN

 

*Zelina and Gigi trade the momentum back and forth, but half way through Dolin’s expression changes into something more stern and she lays into Zelina for several minutes before slapping on the STF for the win.

 

RESULT: GIGI DOLIN WINS BY SUBMISSION

 

 

 

 

KATANA CHANCE AND KAYDEN CARTER VS EMMA AND CHELSEA GREEN

 

*Chance and Carter show how good of a team they are, controlling the match. Green’s comedic and crowd interactions give the match a small boost of entertainment.  That doesn’t save her from Total Elimination and the loss.

 

RESULT:  KATANA CHANCE AND KAYDEN CARTER WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Becky Lynch and her team come down to the ring and none of them are smiling, even Liv. Becky says Rhea Ripley and her team are certainly confident.  They think they’ve won before the cage door has even slammed shut. Survivor Series, War Games, is not the time to count chickens before they hatch because a lot of bad things can happen in that cage. Moonsaults off the top. Tejada Bombs into the steel. Arms can get ripped out of their socket and Stratusfaction can strike anywhere. She looks at Liv with a hint of a smirk. And the people who are so confident can find themselves in ObLIVion. Becky won’t promise victory, but she will promise pain and suffering.

 

The five women put their fists together, SHIELD-style to close the show.

[Pipers Pit]

 

[Pipers Pit]

Who is the fourth man?

We’re 24 hours from Survivor Series and Team Lashley still is officially one man short. Smackdown Managing Director Adam Pearce has ordered Lashley and the Street Profits to name their last partner. Meanwhile the Bloodline prepares for war and the Wiseman Paul Heyman promises they’ll call out Lashley and the Profits to find out once and for all.

As we head towards Survivor Series we now know we’re in store for an old school elimination match between The Brand and LA Knight and his team. This week, the Brand will be the special guests on an episode of The Grayson Waller Effect. What else could Pat McAfee possibly say about Knight and his teammates? Tune in and find out.

 

Also in Action: 

Ridge Holland vs Cameron Grimes

Tamina vs Zelina Vega

The AOP will be in action

 

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

*Show will be posted Tuesday

[Pipers Pit]

 

 

 

The show opens with a video recap of Roman Reigns accepting the War Games challenge on behalf of the Bloodline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOVEMBER WEEK 4

ALL STATE ARENA

CHICAGO, IL

 

The show begins with Adam Pearce walking into the locker room of Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits. He tells them by the end of the night he needs to know their fourth man or the match is off. They say they understand and he leaves but they look nervous.

 

 

 

Charlotte Flair is walking backstage when she comes face to face with her opponent tomorrow night, Cora Jade. They silently stare each other down for a moment before Charlotte leans in and begins to WOOOO, but Cora slaps her right across the face and leaves.  

 

Charlotte stands there, her hand on her cheek, and fire in her eyes.

 

 

RIDGE HOLLAND VS CAMERON GRIMES

 

*Holland’s power works for him early on, but Grimes digs down and makes a comeback.  He uses Holland’s aggression against him, and when Ridge misses a charge into the corner, Grimes rolls him up for a flash pin.

 

RESULT: CAMERON GRIMES WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

The OC is backstage and Michin finally gets their attention and says she wants to know what’s going on. Why did they attack the LWO? Why did they act that way with Rey? This isn’t what they do or what they stand for.

 

AJ gets in her face and tells her she has two options.  Shut up and do what she’s told or get the hell out.

 

Styles and the Good Brothers walk off and leave her to make her decision.

 

 

 

 

Grayson Waller invites us to the Grayson Waller Effect and his guests are his fellow members of The Brand. They spend the next few minutes mocking LA Knight and his team, promising to eliminate and embarrass all of them tomorrow night. They then hype tonight’s main event, a non-title match between Knight and Logan Paul.  Paul is extra douchey promising that he’ll knock Knight right out of Survivor Series before it even begins.

 

 

TAMINA W/NAOMI VS ZELINA VEGA

 

*Tamina overpowers Zelina early on and Naomi at ringside doesn’t help much either for Zelina to get back into the match. But Zelina keeps fighting.  Naomi gets on the apron to distract her but Zelina sees Tamina charging from behind and moves.  Tamina slams on the brakes and barely avoids Naomi, until Zelina dropkicks her in the back and she bangs heads with Naomi, knocking her off the apron. Tamina falls back and Zelina hits the springboard moonsault for the win.

 

RESULT: ZELINA VEGA WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Kayla is backstage with LA Knight and his team. She asks them how they can unite against a group like The Brand who already has so much cohesion. Knight says the only cohesion The Brand has is because they’re all asses. His team, however, are fighters. They’re united in a single cause, to eliminate The Brand one by one until they survive. And tonight we’ll see a preview of that. Yeah!

 

 

COLBY CORINO AND NOAM DAR VS AOP W/WILLIAM REGAL

 

*The AOP make quick work of Corino and Dar, punishing their smaller opponents before they win with the Final Chapter.

 

RESULT: AOP WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

In their locker room, Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits are all on their cellphones, apparently trying to find a fourth partner.

 

BAYLEY VS IYO SKY

 

*A very good match between these two former friends. They both get in equal offense and Iyo is building momentum when Bayley stops her with a knee to the gut and hits a quick Rose Plant.

 

1

 

2

 

Kickout!

 

* Bayley backs off Iyo and begins arguing with the referee.  Behind the ref’s back, Lacey Evans slides into the ring.

 

 

*She cocks her fist back and when Iyo gets to her feet, she spins her around and delivers a Woman’s Right.  Lacey slides out of the ring and Bayley drops her argument and makes the cover.

 

RESULT: BAYLEY WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Kayla Braxton is backstage with Rey Mysterio. Rey says he doesn’t know what’s gotten into AJ and his guys. He thought they were cool. But he needs to learn a lesson.  You do not disrespect a man’s familia. Tomorrow night, Rey is going to teach AJ a hall of fame level lesson and that’s a promise.

 

 

NON TITLE MATCH

LA KNIGHT VS LOGAN PAUL

 

*Knight lights up Paul from the opening bell and the United States Champion needs to take several powders to the outside.

 

*Finally Knight follows and he’s suckered into a trap.  Paul peppers him with punches to the body, softening him up but when he goes for a knockout punch, Knight ducks it.  Paul turns around, right into a BFT. but Paul rolls out of the ring.

 

 

*Pat McAfee runs down to ringside, and picks up Logan, who’s on spaghetti legs and helps him back down the aisle.  Knight isn’t happy about a count out, but he’ll take it tonight.

 

RESULT: LA KNIGHT WINS BY COUNTOUT

 

 

 

Cole and Barrett run down the Smackdown matches for this Saturday’s Survivor Series.

 

 

When we return from the break. the Bloodline will be here to settle the question of who is the fourth man?

 

 

We don’t have long to wait because the Bloodline team comes down to the ring.  Heyman gets on the mic and demands that Lashley and the Profits come out and tell them who their last teammate is, but instead…..

 

Adam Pearce comes out to the beginning of the aisle and tells Heyman that he is in charge here, not the Wiseman. He asks Lashley to come out.

 

 

 

 

 

The trio comes out and Pearce asks them if they have a fourth man. Lashley says they do. Pearce asks him who it is. Lashley and the Profits share a glance and Lashley then leans over to Pearce, putting his hand over the mic as he tells him.  

 

Pearce begins to smile and announces that at Survivor Series tomorrow night it will be four on four inside War Games!

 

Roman and his cousins look concerned as Heyman is screaming “WHO IS IT?!” as the show goes off the air.

Edited February 13 by Pipers Pit

[Kimberly]

Alright, everyone.....here is the final card (with Team Lashley's final member in the SmackDown Men's War Games Match to be announced) for the Survivor Series: 

 

The fourth member of Team Lashley to be revealed at Survivor Series - any guesses?

 

Predict away!

 

[Pipers Pit]

[Dawn]

Team Lashley
Team Rhea
John Cena
Cora Jade
Team LA Knight
Gunther
AJ Styles
Cody Rhodes

[Pipers Pit]

 

 

 

 

 

NOVEMBER WEEK 4

ALLSTATE ARENA

CHICAGO, IL

 

 

 

 

 

The Bloodline comes out and has a quick strategy discussion.  Michael Cole mentions that earlier today that a coin-toss was held and the Bloodline gained the advantage in the match. After a moment, Reigns and the Usos get into their holding area as Solo Sikoa heads to the ring to begin the match.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Team Lashley comes out and shares a staredown with the Bloodline but all three of them get into their holding cell.  Roman is concerned and begins looking to the backstage area for their last man.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keith Lee has returned to WWE and he makes his way down the aisle towards the cage. We have our first pairing.

 

 

 

Lee and Solo immediately go at each other but as strong as Solo is, Lee has the definite power advantage. He throws Sikoa into one side of the cage, then runs him into the other side. They brawl into the 2nd cage as the timer runs down.

 

Jimmy Uso gets released and for a few minutes Lee pays the price but soon Angelo Dawkins makes it even again.

 

Jey is next and the three brothers dominate, tying Lee’s arms up in the ropes and hitting multiple double superkicks. Montez is next to be released and at first the Bloodline still holds an active advantage but they lose track of Lee who goes to the top rope, and walks the ropes holding the cage before hitting a cross body block, flattening all three Bloodline members.

 

Now it’s time for the Tribal Chief but he waits outside the cage door as all three members of Team Lashley await him.  But all he’s doing is buying time for his cousins who attack from behind.  Roman suddenly grabs the referee at the door and slams him into the cage. Heyman goes through the ref’s pockets and locks the door once Roman enters.  Now the full Bloodline go on a rampage, beating down the Profits and then grouping up on Lee, who tries to fight them off but he’s swamped.

 

Lashley is released and sprints down to the cage but he can’t get in.  He looks around frantically and then spots Heyman on the other side of the ring. They lock eyes and Heyman loses all color.  Lashley begins chasing him and it doesn’t take long for him to catch the Wiseman.  Soon Heyman is begging for mercy as Roman shouts at him not to give him the key, but Heyman doesn’t have a choice, as Lashley rips his expensive suit jacket off him and finds it himself.  Lashley walks up the steps and unlocks the door.

 

WAR GAMES HAS BEGUN!

 

For the next several minutes the two teams ferociously battle with a few high spots thanks to the Usos and Ford.  Lee and Lashley brawl with Roman and Solo and things are looking good for Lashley as he hooks Roman into the Hurt Lock.  Reigns can’t escape but just before he’s going to tap, Solo hits a Samoan Spike to break it up. This frees up Reigns and as Ford goes for a double axe handle from the top on Jimmy, Jey connects with a superkick which stands Ford up and lets Roman hit the spear.  The rest of Team Lashley is held at bay long enough for a three count.

 

RESULT:  THE BLOODLINE WIN WARGAMES BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Following a physical and oftentimes dangerous battle, the Bloodline stand tall and salute their fans with their index fingers in the air.

 

 

 

A video recap is shown of the history leading to tonight’s rubber match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.

 

 

The two circle each other for a moment before they go to war. The rope and the bell come into play several times, and early in the match Cody is busted open with the bell.  The referee tells Orton to step back while he checks on him but at the same time, Orton recognizes there’s no DQ and he runs in, clotheslining Cody into the corner and begins stomping him when he sinks to the mat.

 

Orton keeps up the attack, further opening up the cut in the top of Cody’s head but Cody keeps fighting, kicking out of each pin attempt. Orton puts him on the top rope and moves up for a superplex but Rhodes fires right hands and shoves Orton back to the mat.  He gathers the rope and jumps off, clotheslining Randy with the bull rope but it only gets a two count.

 

They continue to pull out all the stops until they’re standing face to face in the ring just punching each other in the face. Orton hits a punch and immediately goes for an RKO but Cody shoves him away. Orton whips Rhodes into the ropes with the aid of the rope but Cody jumps up and springboards off with a Cody Cutter.  The crowd is on their feet as their blood runs down his face. He wraps the rope around Orton’s throat and rains down right hands before muscling Orton onto his feet and hits a CrossRhodes onto the Cowbell for the win.

 

RESULT:  CODY RHODES WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

The referee removes the rope from Cody’s wrist and he climbs the ropes, holding the rope and the bloody bell high in the air to the fans’ cheers. The American Nightmare has finally dispatched himself of The Viper!

 

 

 

We see a split screen of both Women’s War Games teams preparing for their match later tonight.

 

 

 

These two ring veterans put on a move for move performance where little is settled in the first half of the match. 

 

Half way through the match both the OC and the LWO come down to the ring.

 

 

Gallows and Anderson pick a fight with Escobar, Cruz, and Del Toro, getting the referee’s attention.  It’s at this point Styles, who has Mysterio down, calls Michin into the ring and holds out his hand.  She hesitates, before she begins to hand over what looks like brass knuckles.

 

Zelina Vega slides in and stands between AJ and Styles. He turns and threatens to hit her and that’s when Michin makes her decision, as she drops to as knee and low blows AJ from behind.  He falls to his knees, holding himself as Mysterio gets to his feet and takes the match over.  Rey hits his usual offense, ending the match with the 619.

 

RESULT:  REY MYSTERIO WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Following the match, the OC are furious and confront Michin but she’s in no mood for any of them and stands up for herself.  All three men aren’t sure what to do, but she then kicks Gallows low and as the big man falls she storms away. Neither Styles nor Anderson are in a hurry to follow her. 

 

 

Byron Saxton has John Cena in Gorilla. Cena reemphasizes an apology to his good friend Rey for what he’s going to do to his boy because he’s going to give him the ass whooping he’s had coming for a long time. Dominik may be Mami’s Dom Dom, but in a few moment’s, he is going to be Cena’s bitch. No more games, son…it’s time to man up. The Champ - Is - Here!!!

 

 

 

Cena’s strength plays a big role starting out as he throws Mysterio around in the opening minutes, frustrating his younger challenger. When Mysterio gets back into the ring following a regrouping moment on the outside, he uses his quickness to attack the champ with success.  

 

Dominik stuns Cena with a standing Enziguri before hitting a running kneelift which catches Cena under the chin. Cena battles back, hitting a few body punches, then a few clotheslines, then his running shoulder blocks before planting Dom on his back and signaling it’s time for the Five Knuckle Shuffle.

 

 

Finn Balor and Damian Priest come down the aisle and stand at ringside that cause an instant distraction for Cena and Dom takes advantage, blindsiding the champion with a forearm to the back of the head, knocking him to the floor.

 

  As Dominik keeps the referee busy, Balor and Priest put a beating on Cena, with Balor hitting the Slingblade before rolling the champ back into the ring.  Dom hits the three amigos suplexes and climbs to the top and gives an Eddie wiggle before flying off for his frog splash but at the last minute Cena rolls out of the way and Dominik bellyflops off the mat.  Cena kips up just as Balor and Damian get on the apron. The champ nails both men who fall to the floor and when Mysterio turns, Cena scoops him up and delivers an Attitude Adjustment for a three count.

 

RESULT:  JOHN CENA RETAINS THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL

 

 

 

John Cena is almost instantly swarmed by Finn Balor and Damian Priest.  They get some shots in, along with Dom but then the crowd pops.

 

 

Seth Freakin Rollins is back too, and he has a chair in hand.  He slides in, cracking all three members of the Judgment Day before helping Cena to his feet.  The two shake hands as Judgment Day heads up the aisle vowing revenge.

 

 

 

Kayla Braxton is backstage in Gorilla with Charlotte Flair. She begins to repeat what Cora Jade said on the Bump but Charlotte stops her and says she knows what she said.  She also can still feel that slap from Smackdown. Tonight, the Queen shows the world what happens to pretenders to the throne.

 

 

 

Charlotte is taking off her robe when Cora jumps her from behind and the first several minutes of the match has the champion on her heels as Jade hits her with offense from every possible angle, getting a close two count following a bulldog off the second rope.  

 

Flair tries to clear the cobwebs and stops Jade with a kick to the stomach, then sends her into the corner post shoulder-first. Flair then brings her out into the middle of the ring and kicks her knee out to force her into a kneeling position and hits Natural Selection but Jade kicks out. 

 

Charlotte’s demeanor changes and he gets more aggressive, chopping Jade nearly a dozen times in the corner before whipping her to the opposite corner and then hitting a boot to the face. She goes for the pin but Jade kicks out. 

 

Charlotte begins working over Jade’s left leg, and locks in the Figure Eight.  Cora fights to get out of it and barely drags them both to the ropes where she grabs the bottom rope. Now Charlotte seems incensed.  She drags Cora to the corner before leaving the ring and applies the figure four around the ring post. She breaks just before the referee’s five count.  Cora is definitely hurt and she tries to scurry away, but the left leg is too damaged.  Charlotte slides in and chop blocks her behind that knee before re-applying the Figure Eight again and this time Cora has to submit.

 

RESULT:  CHARLOTTE FLAIR RETAINS THE WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP BY SUBMISSION

 

 

 

The Bloodline is walking backstage and they’re in a good mood, even Heyman who still looks disheveled and slightly traumatized after his run in with Bobby Lashley. The smiles fade as they come to a stop.  The camera pans over.

 

 

Cody Rhodes stands his ground, even if outnumbered. He looks at the title on Roman’s shoulder, shows Roman his Money in the Bank briefcase. Nobody says a word before officials arrive on the scene but no fight breaks out. Cody walks away and it’s Roman who is left looking uncomfortable.

 

 

 

Imperium is in the ring awaiting Gunther’s open challenge opponent.

 

 

Stephanie McMahon comes out and says she’d like to introduce his opponent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods come out and do a little dance with Stephanie before both face the ring, then take a few steps apart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In what can only be called a shocking moment, the crowd is on their feet as Big E makes his way to the ring. The crowd is uniformly doing the Daniel Bryan ‘Yes!’ chants. There are those in the crowd who are legit crying tears of joy as the powerhouse of the New Day enters the ring that everyone thought he would never step foot in again.

 

Corey Graves says he cannot believe what he’s seeing but ‘E’ looks in tremendous shape and it does appear that miracles do happen, as Big E has been cleared for action!

 

 

 

It’s obvious that this is the last opponent Gunther expected or trained for. And while the champion is strong, Big E is on another level and looks to be in fantastic shape. He muscles Gunther into the corner and wears him out with shoulder blocks before delivering a big scoop slam.

 

Gunther takes Big E’s legs out and begins a ground and pound with heavy forearms, but Big E rolls him over and gives him the same treatment. E whips Gunther into the corner and charges but eats a big boot followed by a lariat.

 

For the next few minutes, Gunther looks as dominant as ever, laying into his challenger with thundering chops. Big E looks like he’s hitting a wall.  Gunther backs up and runs into the corner but Big E dodges out of the way and Gunther crashes into the corner.  He backs up, holding his abdomen where he hit the turnbuckles and walks into Big E who scoops him up and delivers the Big Ending.  He makes the cover….

 

1

 

2

 

Kickout!

 

Big E begins to look deflated but then his expression changes into one of determination. He gets up, arms shaking. He brings Gunther back up to his feet and presses the champion over his head.  Big E walks around the ring with Gunther in that position before slamming him to the mat.  Now Big E is feeling it and he pulls down his straps and begins the clap with the crowd chiming in.

 

‘New…Day Rocks!’

 

‘New…Day Rocks!’

 

Gunther, his face etched with pain and exhaustion, gets to his feet before he’s scooped up again for a second Big Ending.

 

1

 

2

 

3!

 

RESULT:  BIG E WINS THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL

 

 

 

BIG E HAS DONE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Kofi and Xavier are instantly in the ring and the three best friends all hug as Big E is handed the Intercontinental Championship. Big E has tears in his eyes when he is lifted into the air on the shoulders of his best friend. Cole stresses that Gunther’s record breaking reign is over and perhaps the biggest comeback story in WWE history has happened before our eyes. We have a NEW Intercontinental Champion!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Brand is very confident, some might say too confident, as Waller begins against Knight. Waller hits a stabbing dropkick on Knight then immediately turns to his brethren to show off, but Knight is up and as soon as Waller turns back, he’s nailed with BFT for a very quick and early elimination.

 

Theory comes in and doesn’t make the same mistake as Waller. He gets Knight in their corner and The Brand is able to take advantage of quick tags.  Logan Paul shows off his incredible athleticism, but he goes for a springboard moonsault and Knight gets the knees up. He makes the tag to Hayes and Carmelo turns the tables, isolating Paul in their corner and letting Ilja and Butch to take turns punishing the US Champion.  Paul is eventually whipped into the ropes by Dragunov but he reverses it.  Ilja ducks a clothesline and then rebounds off the ropes, nailing Paul with Torpedo Moscow for another elimination.

 

Theory and McAfee seem to be arguing about who’s going next with Theory reentering the ring. He shows off what he can do in the ring, getting several close falls on Ilja, who keeps kicking out. Theory hoists him for A-Town Down but he doesn’t notice Hayes has tagged in. Carmelo yanks Ilja down off Theory’s shoulders, kicks him in the gut and hits the HIMplex.  Pat McAfee is all alone!

 

McAfee knows he’s in trouble and he’s in there with Butch. McAfee plays a hit and run game, making Butch chase him outside where he suckers Butch in with a kick to the gut before slinging him into the barricade. 

 

 

Sheamus and Ridge Holland come down to the ring, yelling at Butch to get up and fight.  He responds, pulling himself up as McAfee gets in the ring.  When the ref turns to admonish Pat, Ridge turns Butch around and Sheamus nails him with a Brogue Kick.  They roll Butch back in and McAfee makes a cover for a cheap elimination.

 

McAfee doesn’t have much time to celebrate as Knight is back in the ring and finally gets his hands on the man who betrayed him at Summerslam. Knight relishes every ounce of the beating he gives Mcafee who is bumping around like crazy to the crowd’s delight. McAfee is worn out and falls victim to a Nothing But Net from Hayes, another Torpedo Moscow from Dragunov and finally Knight gives him some Blunt Force Trauma.

 

RESULT:  LA Knight, Ilja Dragunov and Carmello Hayes survive

 

 

 

As Knight, Dragunov, and Hayes celebrate, two officials help McAfee walk back down the aisle.  McAfee flips off the victors just before he disappears backstage.

 

 

 

A video recap is shown hyping tonight’s main event, the Women’s War Games match.

 

 

 

In an unusual move, Lynch and Ripley both start the match and as soon as the cage door is locked, they go tooth and nail at each other.  Showing no regard for their own safety, let alone their opponent’s, both women employ the cage and some high flying, Becky hitting a cross body off the top and Rhea a powerbomb. As the timer ticks down, Graves tells us that team Mami has the advantage.

 

Zoey Stark is the first woman released and she and Ripley beat the hell out of Lynch for a few minutes until Liv Morgan enters and the match settles down.  Liv ends up pairing with Rhea and holding her own, while Becky finds a second wind against Zoey.

 

Piper Niven gets released and immediately makes an impact, hitting an avalanche on Morgan and allowing Rhea to move back towards Becky.  Raquel Rodriguez is next and she immediately protects her friend Liv and goes toe to toe with Niven.  Liv moves to Zoey as Rhea and Becky continue to brawl.  Rhea goes to the top but Becky catches her and delivers a Becksploder from the top rope! 

 

Shayna Baszler is next and the Submission Magician strikes all of her opponents but finally settles on Rodriguez. Liv is pummeled by Niven in the corner as Becky contends again with Rhea and Zoey. Lita enters the match and goes right to the top.  When Rhea and Zoey turn, she flies off with a cross body block.

 

Ronda Rousey is the last member of Team Mami to enter the match and she makes an immediate impact by downing Rodriguez, Lita, and Morgan with powerful judo suplexes.  Team Mami is united and begin picking the bones of their fallen enemies until Trish Stratus runs down and gets in the cage.

 

WAR GAMES HAS BEGUN!

 

The Hall of Famer stuns all of them with old fashioned right hands followed by a series of Chick Kicks. Team Man and Team Mami all get to their feet looking at each other from about ten feet away.  Everyone’s ready for battle and all ten women charge at each other, beating the hell out of one another. 

 

Lita and Trish work in tandem taking Piper and Zoey out of it. Becky and Ronda tangle in the corner while Shayna and Raquel are standing on the top rope, exchanging punches as they hang onto the cage. Shayna tries for a jumping knee, but Raquel catches her and delivers a Tejana Bomb to the mat but Rhea breaks up the pinfall. Liv jumps on Rhea’s back with a sleeper but Rhea runs backwards, crushing her in the corner. 

 

Lita grabs Zoey from behind, and Trish lets loose with a Chick Kick, but Zoey moves and she connects with Lita.  Before Trish can react, Piper bowls her over from behind.  Lita is stunned and stagers back right into Rhea who scoops her up and delivers Riptide before stacking Lita for the pin.

 

RESULT:  TEAM MAMI WINS WAR GAMES BY PINFALL

 

 

 

 

Team Mami celebrates in the ring as the show goes off the air but from the look on Becky Lynch’s face, a battle may have been won tonight, but this is not the end of the war. 

Goodnight from Survivor Series War Games!

[Pipers Pit]

Following John Cena, Big E and the New Day, and Charlotte Flair fielding questions, Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque sat down to address the assembled media.

 

 

“Chicago never disappoints, does it? Okay so quick housekeeping notes. First off some great matches on the pre-show with Shin and McIntyre and then how good is Dolph and how much of a future does Wes Lee have? I think that kid is gonna be a big deal for a long time to come.

 

As for the main show, what can I say? You go from seeing Cora Jade hang with Charlotte Flair, you have a brutal personal grudge match with Cody and Randy, you have Big E come back and if you thought that crowd popped, you shoulda seen the boys and girls backstage. We managed to keep that one under our hat. Two great War Games matches. Dom hanging with John, another guy who’s gonna be a top star for the next couple decades. I know I’m leaving some guys out here but everyone busted their ass and I’m proud as hell of them.

 

We’re fortunate not to have any major injuries. Cody needed some stitches but he’s gonna be okay. Business wise, we had a full house with 18,211. I don’t have much else to go over so we’ll turn it over to you all for questions.”

 

(48 HOURS FOR ANY OF YOU TO ASK THE CCO WHATEVER YOU WANT!  )

[Pipers Pit]

DECEMBER 2023 ROSTER

 

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

JOHN CENA

 

WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION

BECKY LYNCH

 

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION

BIG E

 

UNIFIED WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS

KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN

 

APOLLO CREWS

BECKY LYNCH

BIG E

BRONSON REED

BYRON SAXTON

CANDICE LARAE

CARLITO

CHAD GABLE

CHELSEA GREEN

CODY RHODES

COREY GRAVES

DAMIAN PRIEST

DOMINIK MYSTERIO

DREW MCINTYRE

EMMA

ERIK

FINN BALOR

GIOVANNI VINCI

GUNTHER

IVAR

JD MCDONAGH

JINDER MAHAL

JOHN CENA

JOHNNY GARGANO

KATANA CHANCE

KAYDEN CARTER

KEVIN OWENS

KOFI KINGSTON

LITA

LIV MORGAN

LUDWIG KAISER

MARIA KANELLIS

MARYSE

MATT RIDDLE

NATALYA

NIKKI CROSS

OTIS

PIPER NIVEN

RANDY ORTON

RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ

REX STEINER

RHEA RIPLEY

RICOCHET

RONDA ROUSEY

SAMI ZAYN

SANGA

SETH ROLLINS

SHAYNA BASZLER

SHINSUKE NAKAMURA

STEPHANIE MCMAHON

THE MIZ

TOMMOSO CIAMPA

TRISH STRATUS

VALHALLA

VEER

VIC JOSEPH

XAVIER WOODS

ZOEY STARK

[Pipers Pit]

DECEMEBER 2023 ROSTER

 

UNIVERSAL WWE CHAMPION

ROMAN REIGNS

 

WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPION

CHARLOTTE FLAIR

 

UNITED STATES CHAMPION

LOGAN PAUL

 

UNIFIED WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS

KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN

 

ADAM PEARCE

AJ STYLES

AKAM

ALBA FYRE

ANGELO DAWKINS

ASUKA

AUSTIN THEORY

BAYLEY

BIANCA BELAIR

BOBBY LASHLEY

BUTCH

CAMERON GRIMES

CARMELLO HAYES

CHARLOTTE FLAIR

CORA JADE

CRUZ DEL TORO

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

KEITH LEE

KEVIN OWENS

KIT WILSON

LA KNIGHT

LACEY EVANS

LOGAN PAUL

LUKE GALLOWS

MICHAEL COLE

MICHIN

MONTEZ FORD

NAOMI

PAT MCAFEE

PAUL HEYMAN

REZAR

REY MYSTERIO

RIDGE HOLLAND

ROMAN REIGNS

SAMI ZAYN

SANTOS ESCOBAR

SCARLETT

SHEAMUS

SOLO SIKOA

TAMINA

WADE BARRETT

WILLIAM REGAL

ZELINA VEGA

[Pipers Pit]

FREE AGENTS 

DECEMBER 2023 ROSTER

 

ALEXA BLISS

BAD BUNNY

BRAUN STROWMAN

CARMELLA

CEDRIC ALEXANDER

DAKOTA KAI

DOLPH ZIGGLER

DREW GULAK

INDI HARTWELL

LYRA VALKYRIA

OMOS W/MVP

R-TRUTH

ROXANNE PEREZ

SHELTON BENJAMIN

SHOTZI

TEGAN NOX

WES LEE

[Kimberly]

 

An Early Christmas Miracle!!!

Saturday night at Survivor Series, the WWE Universe was given an early Christmas present in what was truly an unforgettable moment for all those who witnessed it. 

As promised, Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER held his open challenge with the intent of continuing his epic reign as the greatest Intercontinental Champion ever. What the Ring General did not count on was Stephanie McMahon coming out to introduce his opponent......

BIG E! 

Completely unprepared for what was about to happen, GUNTHER went to battle with the former WWE Champion, but Saturday night was Big E's night as he marked his once impossible comeback with a Big Ending and captured the Intercontiential Championship. 

Be there on Raw when the NEW Intercontinental Champion makes his return to Monday night's in what is sure to be an emotional moment!

 Don't miss Raw LIVE this Monday on USA!

[Kimberly]

 

A video recap of Survivor Series is shown with still photos of Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, Team Mami versus Team Man in War Games, John Cena retaining the World Heavyweight Championship against Dom Mysterio.

 

There is a pause in the video,before we're shown a video of the return of Big E, with focus on the crowd reaction (including real tears in the audience)" and then him ending the record-setting Intercontinental Championship reign of Gunther. The video ends with Big E raising the Intercontinental Title high in the air.

Welcome to Monday Night Raw

 

 

DECEMBER WEEK 1

MVP ARENA

ALBANY, NY

 

 

AWWWWWWWW Albany!!!! Don’t you dare be sour! Clap…for your new Intercontinental Champion….and feeeeeeel the POWWAAAAA!

 

The crowd is on its feet as the reunited New Day dance their way down to the ring.  Once they’re in it however, the emotion of the moment hits them all, especially Big E.  As the crowd chants welcome back, he wipes tears away and all three share a hug.

 

Big E says that he’d like to say this was always the plan, but the truth is he never thought he’d be standing in this ring again but to steal a phrase, he kept hope alive. He worked hard and with the support of his brothers standing with him, he was finally medically cleared. 

 

He says he’d be remiss if he did not give a shoutout to Gunther. He was a great, great champion and it will be the ultimate challenge to maintain the prestige and honor he brought back to this title.

 

Before he can continue, we hear another voice and we see who it belongs to.

 

Dolph Ziggler walks out, faux clapping as he gets in the ring. Ziggler says he has good news and bad news. The good news is he’s out here to congratulate his old friend on the biggest comeback in Sports Entertainment history but now the bad news. That championship won’t be on his shoulder for very long.

 

The crowd boos but Big E holds up a hand and comes face to face with Ziggler. Big E says he’s ready to defend this title anytime anyplace and he thinks Albany is a great place and later tonight is a great time.

Ziggler smiles and tells Big E to remember one thing. He stood in the ring when Ziggler won his world title and tonight he’ll be in the ring when Dolph ends this farce.

 

Ziggler leaves the ring, leaving the New Day simmering.

~~~~COMMERCIAL BREAK~~~~

We come back from break with a highlight of what happened to open the show, and then a replay from last week that saw Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn get a little testy with DIY leading to a Unified Tag Team Championship match which is next!

 

 

DIY VS KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN ©

 

The match is a showcase between two great teams in which both share in the offense and control of the match.  Zayn matches up with Gargano in a technical match but it gets very physical when Owens and Ciampa make tags at the same time.

 

They fight to the outside, both risking a countout to get one more shot in on the other guy. They finally get back inside, standing toe to toe in the middle of the ring exchanging slow right hands.  When Ciampa is whipped to the corner, Gargano makes the tag and uses his quickness against a worn down Owens, who makes a hot tag to Zayn.

 

The match continues as such until Gargano has his superkick caught by Zayn, who spins him around in a blue tiger bomb.  Owens cuts off Ciampa and the ref counts to three.

 

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

 

 

Following the match, both teams come face to face and shake hands. DIY raises the arms of the champions showing their respect.

~~~~COMMERCIAL BREAK~~~~

 

Stephanie McMahon is in her office when Rhea Ripley barges in.  She says that after Team Mami’s impressive victory at War Games she wants her due respect and that means hertitle rematch against Becky Lynch.

 

 

Before McMahon can answer, Becky Lynch comes in commenting that her ears were burning. She and Ripley go nose to nose, and Becky wants the fight as much as Rhea.  Stephanie stands and shouts them down. 

 

She says this is also as good a time as any to announce that on the first Raw of January they’ll again be holding Day 1 so on that day it will be Becky Lynch defending the Women’s World Championship against well that’s unknown.

 

Because….

 

There will be a Fatal Fourway on the final Raw of 2023 and the winner of that Fatal Fourway will face Becky Lynch for the Women’s World Championship at Day 1. And the winner of that match will go to the Royal Rumble to face……Rhea Ripley.

And the tournament to find our four women in the Fatal Fourway begins…tonight. 

 

Lynch and Rhea eye each other warily as the segment ends.

~~~~COMMERCIAL BREAK~~~~

 

Byron Saxton is with Drew McIntyre and Rex Steiner. He questions them about what we saw after their loss and both men say it was the heat of the moment.  They’re both competitive but that doesn’t change the respect between them.  They shake hands but if you look closely, it seems to be a contest of who can squeeze the hardest as the segment ends.

 

 

LITA VS EMMA

 

In our first qualifier, Emma has Lita on the ropes, pushing the Hall of Famer to the limit. Lita doesn’t give up however and bides her time, and when Emma gives her an opening, she hits a Twist of Fate.  Emma is laid out and in perfect position for a moonsault that gets the win.

 

RESULT: LITA WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

Randy Orton is backstage sitting on a cargo trunk. He says that Survivor Series didn’t go his way but that’s in the past. Now it’s time to look to the future and become a fifteen-time world champion. That begins with the Royal Rumble where he will introduce twenty-nine other men to the three most dangerous words in sports entertainment….R…K…O.

~~~~COMMERCIAL BREAK~~~~

 

 

John Cena comes out to a big reaction. He talks about his match with Dominik Mysterio and says that he may not be standing here if it wasn’t for one person.  So Seth Rollins, get on out here.

 

 

Rollins makes his way to the ring with the crowd singing his song. He gets in and Cena offers a hand. They shake and Cena says he wants to say man to man, thank you for your help after my match. 

 

Rollins says that any time he gets to ruin a moment for the Judgment Day he’s more than happy but it’s interesting how Cena phrased things a moment ago. That Cena may not be standing here because if we’re being honest, John Cena may not be the seventeen-time world champion without Seth Freakin Rollins and that means, Rollins thinks Cena owes him one.

 

Cena says it seems he owes him two so name it.  Rollins says he wants a title match at the Royal Rumble and the crowd pops.  Cena asks if they want to see him and Rollins for the title and there’s more cheers.

 

 

Balor and Mysterio come out and say what these morons want doesn’t matter because the Judgment Day have some scores to settle.  Dom tries to talk but he gets boo’d out of the building.

 

 

Before he can try again RAW Managing Director Stephanie McMahon comes out and says this crowd in Albany didn’t buy a ticket to hear talking, they paid to see some fighting. Get a referee out here, we have a tag team match…next!

~~~~COMMERCIAL BREAK~~~~

FINN BALOR AND DOMINIK MYSTERIO VS JOHN CENA AND SETH ROLLINS

 

Rollins and Balor begin the match and go right at each other.  A cheap shot by Dom allows Judgment Day to control the match.  Cena is dying to get the tag and right before he does, Balor runs around the ring and pulls him down, ramming him into the post.  Left without a partner, Rollins falls victim to Dominik’s stomp the small of his back.

 

This continues for several more minutes before Rollins can make a tag again but this time Dominik distracts the referee and he doesn’t see it.  When Cena comes in, he’s forced back to the outside while Balor and Mysterio rough up Rollins.

 

Rollins keeps kicking out of pin attempts and finally has a third opening when Dom goes to the top for a frog splash but Rollins dives at the ropes and crotches him. Rollins crawls to the corner and Cena is leaning in as far as he can.until the tag is made!  Cena flies into the ring, unloading on both members of Judgment Day before clotheslining Balor over the top and then focusing on Dom.  He hits his usual offensive set, including the Five Knuckle Shuffle. 

 

He’s setting up for the Attitude Adjustment when Balor gets back in, but this time Rollins meets him with a flurry of punches before both tumble through the ropes. Cena turns his attention back to Dom, who manages to escape the AA. Dom runs to the ropes and goes for a springboard crossbody block, but Cena catches him, hoists him up again and hits the AA and makes the cover. 123.

RESULT:  JOHN CENA AND SETH ROLLINS WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Cena and Rollins exchange a handshake and thanks for getting the victory but the glance they exchange shows the tension between them. 

~~~~COMMERCIAL BREAK~~~~

PIPER NIVEN VS LIV MORGAN

 

Morgan flies around trying to use her quickness to her advantage and earn a spot in the fatal fourway at Day 1. It works for a bit, but when Niven swats her out of the air with an open hand chop. Morgan is in trouble from that point on as Niven shows off her power and athleticism.  She finally whips Liv into the corner and hits a running avalanche.  Liv collapses and Piper makes the pin with her foot on her chest.

 

RESULT: PIPER NIVEN WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

 

The announcers announce that Stephanie McMahon just announced that next week our main event will be the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes take on the A-lister, the Miz!

~~~~COMMERCIAL BREAK~~~~

DOLPH ZIGGLER VS BIG E © W/KOFI KINGSTON AND XAVIER WOODS

 

Ziggler knows Big E very well and uses that to his advantage. He frustrates the champion who is showing signs of pressure being his second match and first title defense. Kofi and Xavier at ringside try to encourage Big E but he makes several unforced mistakes almost leading to a pinfall.

 

Big E backs off to get his head straight and that’s when Ziggler makes his mistake, walking up and slapping Big E across the face. You can virtually see a switch flip in the champion’s head as he launches out of the corner, flattening Ziggler with a heavy clothesline. Big E begins to manhandle Ziggler, showing off his power. 

 

Ziggler tries to escape the ring but Big E pulls him back in by the trunks before hitting a huge belly to belly, and then picks him up, walking around with Ziggler on his shoulder and delivers the Big Ending for the win.

RESULT: BIG E RETAINS THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL

 

 

 

The New Day is celebrating but that’s cut short when Gunther and Imperium walk out from the back. Gunther tells them to enjoy it tonight, because next week, Imperium will end the party.

 

A staredown commences as the show comes to an end.

 

Good Night from Albany!

 

[Pipers Pit]

 

 

 

 

DECEMBER WEEK 1

ALASKA AIRLINES ARENA

SEATTLE, WA

 

A recap of Stephanie McMahon’s dual announcements on Raw concerning the women’s division is shown.

 

 

 

Backstage, Ronda Rousey is in the middle of beating the tar out of Indi Hartwell.  Indi is down and Ronda continues to throw punches until four officials separate her and force her away.

 

 

CORA JADE VS MICHIN

 

This is a fight from the opening bell. Michin and Jade both have some lingering personal frustrations and take it out on one another, spotlighted by a cannonball by Jade off the apron. They continue to fight until the referee reaches a ten count.

 

RESULT: DOUBLE COUNTOUT

 

 

Kelly Kinkaid is standing by with Piper Niven. Piper says that her entire career people have never given her the respect she deserves so now she’s going to take it. She has qualified for the fatal fourway and she will be the one to take the Women’s World Championship from Becky Lynch. Then she’ll beat Rhea Ripley and everyone will know who to fear. 

 

TEGAN NOX VS JORDYNNE GRACE

 

Grace shines in this, using an incredible power game and athleticism to overwhelm Nox. After she spends several minutes punishing Tegan’s back, she ends the match with a sit down powerbomb.

 

RESULT: JORDYNNE GRACE WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

A spotlight video of WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair is shown.

 

 

CHELSEA GREEN VS SHOTZI

 

Shotzi as always puts up a valiant fight, but Chelsea is too much in this contest, using a couple underhanded tactics to keep the advantage and ending it with an Unprettier which Graves calls the “I’m Prettier.” 

 

RESULT: CHELSEA GREEN WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Before the show ends, the final two Raw fatal four way qualifiers are hyped.  Trish Stratus will take on Nikki Cross and Shayna Baszler will go up against Natalya, this Monday on Raw!

[Pipers Pit]

‘Don’t say I didn’t tell you.’

 

The Bloodline has survived yet another challenge to their dominance, coming out on top at War Games. This week their Wiseman will open the show with more spoilers about what lays ahead for the Tribal Chief.

War Games saw the return of the Limitless Keith Lee who began the match across from the Bloodline’s enforcer Solo Sikoa. In this week’s main event these two powerhouses will meet a continuation of what they started Saturday night.

Survivor Series also saw Michin walk away from the OC after weeks of being fed up with their actions. We’ll see her in action this week versus Isla Dawn, while the OC’s leader AJ Styles meets Carmelo Hayes in a generational first-time matchup.

Finally, Bianca Belair has been wanting to get her hands on Asuka since Crown Jewel. Last week the devious Jake the Snake Roberts told Bianca Asuka will be present this week. What will happen when the EST and the Empress of Darkness finally go face to face?

 

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

*Show will be posted Monday

[Pipers Pit]

 

 

 

A recap video is shown of the Smackdown matches at Survivor Series.

 

 

 

 

 

DECEMBER WEEK 1

BARCLAYS CENTER

BROOKLYN, NY

 

 

The show begins with Paul Heyman already in the ring. He says he’s never been one to say he told you so, but…oh, who is he kidding, of course he is. So…he told us so! The Bloodline walked into War Games, not even knowing who their fourth opponent was and they walked out with their arms raised and their finger in the air.

 

Once again, the Bloodline has remained at the top of the mountain. It doesn’t matter if it’s Bobby Lashley or Rey Mysterio or Edge or Kevin Owens or Sami Zayn or John Cena or….Cody Rhodes… or take your pick. Roman Reigns, the undefeated, undisputed, WWE Universal Champion and his Bloodline will always rise to the top.

 

So that begs the question what’s next, or with respect to Bill Goldberg, who’s next. The short answer is we don’t know and ladies and gentlemen, we don’t care. Put whoever you want in that ring and the result is the same to the point I believe WWE Management must be insane because the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

 

Bloodline enters, Bloodline handles its business, Bloodline leaves triumphant.  And that, is not a prediction, it’s a spoiler!

 

 

 

Bianca Belair is backstage looking everywhere for Asuka and asking people if they’ve seen her. When nobody gives her any help she continues her search.

 

 

MICHIN VS ISLA DAWN

 

Michin, fresh off that double countout with Cora Jade on Superstars is still in an aggressive mood and quickly overcomes Isla with both technical and brawling prowess. She ends it with Seoul Food.

 

RESULT:  MICHIN WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Backstage, Kayla Braxton is standing by with WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair. She asks Charlotte about the aggression she showed at Survivor Series and Charlotte says that was just rising to the challenge. Cora Jade is a fantastic talent with a long career ahead of her but she thought this was her time. She was wrong. It is the Queen’s time until the Queen says otherwise. And everyone around here, whether they’re new or old, better learn to love it!

 

 

 

Adam Pearce is in his office when the Usos enter. They want to know why they haven’t gotten the Unified Tag Team Championship match they earned weeks ago. Pearce says he shares their frustrations, he’s tried to schedule Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn for weeks but there have been…complications.  He’ll hopefully have an answer for them next week.

 

 

AJ STYLES W/THE GOOD BROTHERS VS CARMELO HAYES

 

As advertised, this is a generational matchup and does not fail to deliver. Styles and Hayes go move for move, hold for hold.Just when one gains control, the other flips the match around with their athleticism. Styles uses his friends on the outside to build momentum and lines up for a Phenomenal Forearm but when he soars, Hayes dropkicks him out of the air.

 

Hayes sees opportunity and goes to the top, signaling it’s time for Nothing But Net. The Good Brothers have seen enough and Gallows gets on the apron and shoves Hayes off the top causing a disqualification. 

 

RESULT:  CARMELO HAYES WINS BY DISQUALIFICATION

 

 

 

The OC all converge on Hayes and begin a beatdown. The Good Brothers rough him up before hitting the Magic Killer. Then they hold him up on his feet for Styles to hit a Phenomenal Forearm. With Hayes sprawled out on the mat, they exchange a ‘too sweet’ over his body.

 

 

 

Backstage an angry Butch finds his former compatriots. He wants to know why they betrayed him at Survivor Series. They laugh it off and Sheamus says he’ll get answers in the ring. They walk off through the curtain and Butch is ready to explode. Michael Cole says we have an impromptu match right after the break!

 

 

BUTCH VS RIDGE HOLLAND W/SHEAMUS

 

Though former friends, there is no love lost in this match as Butch and Holland lay into each other from the opening bell. Butch is a wild man, taking out his anger and frustrations from the betrayal a week before. Holland fires back with brute force and at ringside, Sheamus gets in a few shots as well.  

 

As Holland builds momentum, Butch stops him cold with a series of forearms to the face, then gets a two count on a crucifix.  Butch it up quick and knees Holland under the jaw before hitting the Bitter End for the win.

 

RESULT:  BUTCH WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Butch is in trouble as both his former friends are beating the hell out of him.  That is until…..

 

 

Ilja Dragunov, the man who went to war with Butch, runs down the aisle and breaks up the beatdown. After a few moments it’s the Brawling Brutes who are sent from the ring. Dragunov and Butch have a moment together and it’s Butch who offers his hand of thanks which is shaken. It appears he has a new friend.

 

 

 

Kayla Braxton is with LA Knight. He says finally getting the pack of jackals known as The Brand off his back feels a thousand pounds lighter. But now it’s time to look ahead. We have the Royal Rumble, we have WrestleMania, and there is a lack of gold around his waist.

 

Before he can continue….

 

 

Scarlett walks up to them, and focuses on Knight. She hands him an envelope and tells him that a man who makes himself an island, is surrounded by sharks.

 

She walks away and he opens the envelope showing what was inside it.

 

 

He and Kayla both look unnerved.

 

 

LACEY EVANS VS IYO SKY

 

Lacey has been a thorn in the side of Iyo for weeks now and it finally comes back to bite her. While holding an early advantage, Evans loses control of the match and then Sky shows why she’s one of the best with a constant flow of offense which ends with a huge moonsault for the win.

 

RESULT:  IYO SKY WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

A pre-taped vignette of The Brand is shown, with Pat McAfee in a neck brace. He says that the elite never let a fluke get them down and now it’s about focusing on The Brand and what’s ahead in 2024. They have the United States title, and it’s time for more gold so everyone is on notice!

 

 

KEITH LEE VS SOLO SIKOA W/PAUL HEYMAN

 

These two go right at each other and don’t hold back. Lee shows off in his first televised match in years and does what few have been able to do with Solo, which is anything he wants. But that doesn’t mean Sikoa is a victim, he’s far from it. He gives as good as he gets and has Lee looking down and out following a running splash followed by a running knee.

 

Solo muscles Lee up on his shoulders for a Samoan Drop but Lee escapes and hits a standing drop kick which knocks Solo out of the ring. Sikoa is enraged but Heyman stops him from getting back in, whispering something in his ear.  Solo takes a moment to nod and follows Heyman back up the aisle, leaving Lee the winner once the referee reaches ten.

 

RESULT:  KEITH LEE WINS BY COUNTOUT

 

 

 

Bianca explodes out of the arena, looking around the parking lot and spots Jake Roberts smiling at her as he leans against a wall.  Bianca makes a beeline for him, demanding to know where Asuka is. He keeps smiling, telling her that darkness is never hard to find.

 

 

Asuka, who had been crouched beside a dumpster, springs into action, blindsiding Belair and ramming her into the dumpster.  As Asuka kicks and stomps, Roberts opens the lid on the dumpster and Asuka puts Bianca in it.  They slam the lid and padlock it closed. 

 

A camera inside the pitch black dumpster catches Bianca groaning in pain, demanding to be let out and then we hear it.

 

A hiss….then another…and another. 

 

We can’t see the snakes but we can hear them. The show ends with a shot of the dumpster, Asuka and Roberts long gone, and a frantic Belair screaming to be let out and pounding on the inside.

[Pipers Pit]

 

Edited February 27 by Pipers Pit

[Dawn]

8 minutes ago, Pipers Pit said:

Images are dead, giving the heads up in case you didn't notice

[Pipers Pit]

Thank you! Gonna try and fix it.

 

edit:  let me know if that's better

 

Edited February 27 by Pipers Pit

[Kimberly]

 

Steph's Announcement

Monday's Raw is shrouded in mystery as WWE.com has learned that Raw's Managing Director Stephanie McMahon, has prepared an announcement for Monday that will be of "significant importance to the WWE Universe"

Speculation is running rampant among the Raw locker room at Live Events this weekend. Is it a new championship? A new premium live event? A fourth hour? Is someone being fired? The only person who knows what this announcement will be is the Raw Managing Director and Stephanie is not telling. 

Be there on Monday when the WWE Universe learns what this announcement is!

 Don't miss Raw LIVE this Monday on USA!

[Kimberly]

 

 

A video is shown recapping last week, especially the interactions between John Cena, Seth Rollins, and the Judgment Day.

 

 

DECEMBER WEEK 2

WELLS FARGO ARENA

DES MOINES, IA

 

THE NEW DAY VS IMPERIUM

The show begins with the match already in progress. The New Day is having a rough time, with Xavier trapped in the Imperium corner. Gunther watches his men revolve in the ring, punishing their opponent. Woods fight back and makes the tag to Big E who flips the match on it’s head, using his power to demolish Kaiser and Vinci. 

Kaiser gets a moment’s respite and goes to Gunther but at the last minute Gunther drops off the apron and storms to the back. Kaiser and Vinci don’t understand what’s happening but that doesn’t stop the New Day from taking advantage of this new handicap match and after a few minutes, it ends with Trouble in Paradise from Kofi to Vinci.

 

RESULT:  THE NEW DAY WIN BY PINFALL

 

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

After the break, Gunther is backstage when Kaiser and Vinci rush up to him, demanding to know why he left them. Gunther smugly tells them that he had to leave because if he stayed he would have thrown up! He has done all he can to elevate both of them but sometimes you must admit when even the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time cannot polish garbage. 

 

He tells them they are not useful, and have not been useful in some time. The Ring General no longer has the time or the inclination to carry two charity cases on his back. Therefore they are fired.

 

Kaiser looks like he wants to fight but Vinci pulls him away allowing Gunther to smirk.

 

 

Seth Rollins is in his locker room and makes sure to say hello to the folks of Des Moines. He talks about how he wants the World Heavyweight Championship back and although he offered a challenge last week, he didn’t get an answer thanks to the jerks in the Judgment Day so he’s putting it out there.  John Cena, do you accept the challenge?  Rollins says he can’t wait for the answer.

 

JD MCDONAGH VS RICOCHET

 

Ricochet shines as he always does with incredible athleticism and McDonagh keeps up, eventually grounding his opponent and grinding him down. Ricochet makes a small comeback which is stopped with a spinning back elbow. Ricochet is stunned, allowing JD to hit the Devil Inside for the win.

 

RESULT:  JD MCDONAGH WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Byron Saxton is standing by with World Heavyweight Champion John Cena. He asks him about Seth Rollins’ renewed challenge and Cena says it will be his honor to defend the title against Seth at the Royal Rumble, but that said, it’s not going to be the ending Rollins wants because this ride isn’t coming to an end anytime soon!

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

Becky Lynch is backstage when Rhea Ripley walks up. She says that she wants to wish Becky good luck at Day 1. Because if there is anyone she wants to beat for that title at the Royal Rumble, it’s her.  Rhea smirks and walks off, while Becky is steaming.

 

 

SHAYNA BASZLER VS NATALYA

 

Two submission machines tangle in this one and they both aim to attack each other’s weak points to set up their own finishers. While Natalya is more technical, Baszler is brutal and without remorse.

 

Baszler’s attacks are more effective in the long run and she plays the long game, waiting for Natalya to be in position for the Kirifuda Clutch which gets the win.

 

RESULT:  SHAYNA BASZLER WINS BY SUBMISSION

 

 

 

Backstage, Stephanie McMahon is on her way to the ring. Ronda Rousey stops her and asks if the big announcement is adding her to the Day 1 Women’s World Championship match because it’s a joke that she wasn’t in the qualifiers.

 

Stephanie tells Ronda that she can find out what the announcement is with everyone else.

 

She walks past Rousey who eyes her coldly.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

 

The Managing Director comes to the ring and says she has an announcement which will change the WWE as we know it. But she needs some help so she would like to invite the Unified Tag Team Champions to come to the ring.

 

 

 

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn come down to the ring. Stephanie says they have spent many months showing what true champions they are in defending those titles and it has not gone unnoticed.  That’s why she wants to offer them both long term exclusive Raw contracts with a significant raise.

 

Both of them clearly weren’t expecting that but don’t mind making more money and quickly sign. Stephanie shakes their hands and holds up the contract, declaring that both of them are exclusive to Raw!

 

Owens and Zayn look to each other, just now realizing that they will only be able to defend their titles on Raw, which by the look on her face, was exactly Stephanie’s intent.

 

 

 

Becky Lynch is angrily pacing, still upset from her earlier encounter with Rhea Ripley.  Lita is trying her best to calm her down when Trish Stratus comes along. She says she knows this isn’t the best time but she owes both of them an apology for War Games. It’s her fault they lost.Trish is really beating herself up which causes Lita and Becky both tell her not to take it so hard and that accidents happen. They both wish Trish good luck in her qualifier tonight.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

Backstage, Rex Steiner and Drew McIntyre are having a friendly arm wrestling challenge while they’re surrounded by others cheering them on.

 

In the distance….

 

 

Maria watches the group and she looks like she likes what she sees.  But who is it that has her attention?

 

 

TRISH STRATUS VS NIKKI CROSS

 

Nikki’s unorthodox attacks keep Trish on the defense in the early going, but that changes when Nikki tries a running elbow drop off the apron and Trish moves, causing Nikki to crash onto the floor.  

 

Trish gets her back in the ring and takes over, going through her normal offense before she ends it with a Chick Kick for the pinfall.

 

RESULT:  TRISH STRATUS WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Baszler and Niven hit the ring and jump Trish from behind.  They’re looking to injure her before the fatal four way in two weeks but…..

 

 

Lita comes running down to save her friend and helps Trish turn the tide.  The two Hall of Famers clear the ring and stand side by side.

 

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

 

CODY RHODES VS THE MIZ

 

Miz tries some mind games and stalling to get Cody off his game, who eventually gives chase around the ring and falls victim to an ambush. Miz takes control and tries to get a quick win but Cody keeps kicking out.

 

Miz complains to the ref, allowing Cody a moment to regroup and make a comeback. Stunned by a few punches, Miz get a bionic elbow for his trouble, followed by a hooked clothesline.  Cody is feeling it, and hits his usual offense. The Miz is whipped hard into the corner and when he comes out, Cody gives him a high backdrop. Cody signals that it’s time and he hits CrossRhodes for the win.

 

RESULT: CODY RHODES WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Cody celebrates on the ropes but when he turns around, he’s smashed in the corner by a charging Bronson Reed.  Reed hits several massive elbow drops.

 

 

The Miz joins in stomping Cody as Reed goes to the top and he jumps off with his Tsunami!

 

Cody is hurt, holding his ribs, and the Miz tells Reed to do it again.  Officials hit the ring, ordering Reed to get down and he does….jumping through them to hit another Tsunami on Cody.

 

Reed stares down at what he’s done as Cody is apparently hurt badly.

 

Good Night from Des Moines!

 

[Pipers Pit]

[Pipers Pit]

[Pipers Pit]

 

 

 

 

DECEMBER WEEK 2

DENNY SANFORD PREMIER CENTER

SIOUX FALLS, SD

 

 

The show begins with Zoey Stark and Liv Morgan in the midst of a backstage fight.  Officials pull them apart as Sonya DeVille enters the scene. She tells them if they want to fight they can do it later tonight in the ring. They both seem to like that idea.

 

 

 

Kelly Kinkaid is standing by with Trish Stratus and Lita. She congratulates them on making the fatal four way but they say that’s two weeks away. They’re both free this Monday night so since Shayna and Piper want to get frisky, how about we have a little tag team match this Monday on Raw?  They end it by telling their two would-be opponents they’ll see them there.

 

 

CHARLIER EVANS AND STEVIE TURNER VS NAOMI AND TAMINA

 

The Bloodline Sisters, as Graves calls them, dominate the match, with Naomi supplying the quick action, and Tamina the power. Naomi hits the Rear View on Evans which sets up Tamina for a Superfly Splash.

 

RESULT:  NAOMI AND TAMINA WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

A video highlighting The Man Becky Lynch is shown, ending with her holding up her title.

 

 

LIV MORGAN VS ZOEY STARK

 

The earlier fight has not cooled down and these two really go eat each other without any fear or hesitation. As much punishment as Zoey dishes out, Liv keeps getting up, to the point that Zoey gets angry, screaming at her to stay down when she keeps kicking out. Liv staggers to her feet, and slaps Zoey in the face. Irate, Zoey kicks Liv in the stomach, then scoops her up and delivers the Z-360.

 

RESULT:  ZOEY STARK WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

A replay of what happened on Smackdown between Bianca Belair and Asuka is shown.

 

 

LYRA VALKYRIA VS ASUKA W/JAKE ROBERTS

 

Valkyria puts up a good fight but Asuka cuts her down with a stiff looking spinning kick to the head. She toys with her opponent in between strikes, allowed momentary grins when she causes pain. When Roberts gets the signal, Asuka hits the DDT, then immediately moves to the Asuka Lock for which there is no escape for Lyra.

 

RESULT: ASUKA WINS BY SUBMISSION

 

 

 

Asuka gets her hand raised and gives a bow to Roberts, who points at Valkyria who’s trying to get up. Asuka runs over and puts her back in the Asuka Lock. As the referee tries to get her to break it, and Roberts laughs outside the ring, the show goes off the air with a closeup of Asuka.

 

Edited March 4 by Pipers Pit