The Sammartino Cup

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Monday Night Raw - 5/7/18

 

The show opens with Triple H in the ring, along with a large object covered with a cloth.

 

Triple H: As you all know, several weeks ago we were all saddened to learn of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer, Bruno Sammartino. Bruno’s legacy goes well beyond what he did in this industry; the record title reigns, the Madison Square Garden sell-outs, and the way he carried himself as a hero to generations of fans. Bruno was also a champion in life. An inspiration to all who met him, a wonderfully giving man who always had time to help others, and a beloved member of our WWE family, as well as a close personal friend of mine. For everything that I have done in this business, nothing makes me prouder than the fact that I had a small part of bringing Bruno back home to the WWE, where he always belonged. Naturally, the news of Bruno’s passing was a great shock to us all, but, after a period of mourning, our minds turned to ways in which we could honour the man’s legacy. It is on that note that I announce to you a new yearly event, the first of which you can see in 4 weeks time, exclusively on the WWE network. I bring to you, the Sammartino Cup.

 

Triple H lifts the cloth to unveil a large silver cup.

 

Triple H: This event will pay homage both to Bruno’s immigrant roots, as well as to his standing as a shining example of the American dream. 2 teams of superstars will compete for this prize, one team representing the USA, and the other representing the rest of the world. Each team will consist of 10 superstars, 7 male, and 3 female, and the special one night only event will feature 11 matches. The first team to gain 6 victories will be declared the inaugural Sammartino Cup champions. Without further ado, allow me to introduce the two men who have been selected to captain these two teams. First, the captain of Team Rest of the World, William Regal.

 

William Regal comes out, and shakes Triple H’s hand.

 

William Regal: It is indeed an honour to be named captain of the rest of the world team, and I’m very much looking forward to being a part of this wonderful event to pay tribute to Bruno Sammartino, as well as working with some of the great international superstars we have here in the WWE. Thank you very much.

 

Triple H: And now, the man who will captain team USA; Kurt Angle.

 

Kurt Angle comes out. He frostily shakes Triple H’s hand, and then shakes hands with Regal.

 

Kurt Angle: Let me first say thank you to Triple H, for looking past his defeat to me at WrestleMania and naming me the captain of Team USA. It is an honour for me as someone who represented this country in the Olympic Games, to captain Team USA, and furthermore, as a native of Pittsburgh, it is my great honour to pay tribute to the great Bruno Sammartino. If you will allow me now, I would like to introduce the first member of Team USA; my good friend and WrestleMania tag team partner, Ronda Rousey!

 

Ronda Rousey comes out. Triple H shows initial displeasure, but quickly reverts to corporate Triple H mode, politely applauding Ronda and exiting the ring. We cut to commercial.

 

After commercial, Charlie is in the back hoping to catch a word with Regal.

 

Charlie: William, congratulations on being named captain of Team Rest of the World. What is your reaction to Kurt Angle’s announcement that Ronda Rousey will be a member of Team USA.

 

William Regal: That was certainly a surprise. Very impressive, Kurt. Very impressive. But I have a very impressive pool of talent at my disposal also. I think what I’m going to do is take a week to talk to some superstars, watch some matches, and then next week on Raw, I expect to name my full roster of Superstars.

 

Charlie: Thank you, William.

 

Throughout the night we see Kurt in the back talking to various superstars; Rollins, Reigns, Lashley, Nia etc. We also see him talking on the phone, and hear him say “see you tomorrow night”. Michael Cole later confirms that Kurt Angle will be on Smackdown Live tomorrow night, and will name the next member of Team USA.

 

Michael Cole also details how the Sammartino Cup will work. There will be 11 matches, as mentioned by Triple H; 5 will be 1v1 men’s matches, 2 will be men’s tag team matches, there will be 1 mixed tag match, 1 1v1 women’s match, 1 women’s tag team match, and the final match will be a 10-man tag match. All the men on each team must compete in at least two matches.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Smackdown Live - 5/8/18

 

Kurt Angle is seen entering the building about half-way through the show. He is greeted by Paige. They shake hands.

 

Paige: Welcome to Smackdown Live, Kurt.

 

Kurt Angle: Thank you for allowing me to be here.

 

Paige: You’re very welcome. I’m not surprised you are interested in recruiting Smackdown Live superstars for your Sammartino Cup team. And maybe while you’re here you can pick up some tips on how to run a brand.

 

Kurt smiles and continues on his way.

 

Later in the show, Angles music hits and he hits the arena, as Tom Phillips recaps the Sammartino Cup announcement rom Raw.

 

Kurt Angle: Wow, it’s good to be back on Smackdown. Once upon a time, I made this my show, so it kinda feels a bit like coming back home. But I’m not here to talk about myself. I’m here to talk about the Sammartino Cup. When Triple H asked me to be the captain of Team USA, I immediately started thinking about all the great superstars who I would get a chance to work with. Some from Monday Night Raw, and some from Smackdown Live. Paige and Shane McMahon have been gracious enough to let me come here tonight and have some time to talk to the superstars. They also allowed me this time to come out here and announce the next three members of Team USA, joining Ronda Rousey.

 

AJ Styles’s music hits, and the world champion makes his way out, shaking hands with Kurt.

 

AJ Styles: Kurt, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of Team USA, and to let you know that you know from experience, that I won’t let you down.

 

Kurt Angle: Glad to have you aboard, AJ. And the next member of the team…

 

“I hear voices in my head…” Randy Orton walks out. He shakes hands with Angle and Styles.

 

Randy Orton: I had the pleasure of knowing Bruno Sammartino since I was a child, and I can honestly say that he was one of the greatest men I’ve ever met, and it is my pleasure, no, my honour, to be a part of Team USA, and to win this cup for Bruno.

 

Kurt Angle: And finally…

 

“Awesome!” The Miz comes out, but Angle looks taken by surprise. The Miz climbs into the ring.

 

The Miz: Kurt Angle, welcome to Smackdown Live. You know how you said this used to be your show? Well, now it’s my show. Yes, it’s true. Now, I was watching Raw when Triple H made the announcement about the Sammartino Cup, and when you were named captain of Team USA. I also watched as you were talking to some of the Raw superstars. People like Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. People that I am clearly a bigger star then. So, when I heard you were coming to Smackdown, I assumed the reason was obvious. That reason being me. But I waited for your phone-call, and it never came. I waited for you to come seek me out in the back, but you never came. Well, eventually I thought I’d save you the trouble of coming to me, and I came to you. So we can forget that little bit of disrespect, and you can go ahead and name me to Team USA.

 

Kurt Angle: There’s a reason I didn’t call you, or didn’t talk to you in the back, Miz. And that’s because I’m not going to be naming you to Team USA tonight. Now, don’t get me wrong, I haven’t decided on my full team yet, and there might still be a chance for you…

 

The Miz: Seriously, Kurt? Don’t you realise that I’m the most must see superstar in all of the WWE. Don’t you realise all I’ve accomplished in this business, the headlines I’ve created, the superstars I’ve defeated. Like when I defeated you, Randy Orton, to become WWE champion. I could take Team USA to another level. You know, I shouldn’t even just be a member of the team, I should be like the player/coach. I should be the captain of the team. You know, team Rest of the World would be glad to have me. My wife is Canadian. I could switch allegiances.

 

Kurt Angle: That would be your decision Miz, and this is my decision. And my decision is you will not be a part of Team USA.

 

The Miz: Oh, this is so typical. So typical of another bitter wrestler who had his career destroyed by injuries. Another guy who is too frail to compete in this ring on my level, so he takes it out on the most successful guy on the roster.

 

Kurt Angle: It’s funny you should bring that up, Miz. Yes, I did have a lot of injuries in my career, but that never stopped me from achieving my dreams. And the same could be said of the third man I’m naming to Team USA.

 

Daniel Bryan’s music hits. Miz throws a fit, but is caught by an RKO from Orton. Miz rolls out of the ring as Bryan enters and leads the crowd and his teammates in a Yes chant. The commentary team bigs up Team USA. We cut to the back where Shinsuke Nakamura has been watching this play out on a monitor. We see a hand tap him on the shoulder, and pan out to see that it is William Regal. Regal and Nakamura shake hands.

 

Paige makes a main event match of Randy Orton Vs The Miz. Kurt Angle provides guest commentary for the match. He says he did have The Miz on his shortlist, but there’s no way he will consider him now. He does say he will make more announcements on Raw, and talks about the possibility of Nakamura being on Team Rest of the World. The Miz tries to get in Angle’s face during the match, but in the end Angle causes a distraction that leads to an RKO victory for Orton.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Monday Night Raw - 5/14/18

 

The show opens with William Regal in the ring, as a graphic shows the superstars selected to Team USA thus far; Ronda Rousey, Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton and AJ Styles. Michael Cole talks about what a great team this is shaping up to be, and wonders if there will be more announcements from Kurt Angle tonight.

 

William Regal: Yes, indeed, Kurt Angle is putting together a wonderful array of talent for Team USA. But, in typical American fashion, he’s making a big song and dance about it, whereas I’ve taken a different approach. You see, where I’m from, we don’t pussyfoot around. We don’t put on a big show. We simply go about our business in a professional manner. And we do quite well for ourselves, thank you very much. Now, I’ve spent the last week thinking about my team. I’ve watched matches. I’ve studied form. I’ve spoken to experts. And that’s why I’m ready right now to announce the members of Team Rest of the World. And that’s why we’ll be more than prepared to defeat Team USA in three weeks time and win the inaugural Sammartino Cup. So, without further delay…

 

The lights go out and a spotlight appears at the top of the stage. We hear Aiden English clear his throat.

 

Aiden English: Fans of Monday Night Raw, it’s time to rejoice; For Mr Regal has made the perfect choice; a man faster than AJ, more skilled than Bryan; his Machka Kick will leave the Viper crying; yes, there’s trouble in store for Team USA; because the Sammartino Cup falls on what day? RUSEV DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!

 

 

Rusev makes his way out to the ring, and then each of the other members of Team Rest of the World make their own individual entrances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The team all embrace each other, patting each other on the back, except for Nakamura, who grabs the microphone from Regal.

 

Shinsuke Nakamura: I want AJ Styles.

 

William Regal: The challenge is there, Kurt. Put AJ Styles against Shinsuke Nakamura. If AJ has the…. well, you know. So, get a look at the winners of the Sammartino Cup- Team Rest of the World!

 

Later in the show, we see Angle in his office talking on the phone. “Okay, AJ, we’ll make it official.” Ronda Rousey walks in. Angle hangs up the phone.

 

Ronda Rousey: So…Asuka…

 

Kurt Angle: Yeah… Asuka. Look about that… I have a plan for you as far as the Sammartino Cup goes. I know you want to get in there and compete with the best, but I want to protect you. You’re my ace in the hole.

 

Ronda Rousey: What are you getting at, Kurt? You don’t think I can beat Asuka?

 

Kurt Angle: It’s not that at all. I know the damage you can do. But you’re new to this business, and I don’t know if putting you in there with someone as experienced as Asuka this early into your career would be good captaincy on my part.

 

Ronda Rousey: So what then?

 

Kurt Angle: Well, after the success we had at WrestleMania, I’ve decided to put you in the mixed tag team match. And I have a partner for you that I think you’re going to do very well with. Now, it may seem like an odd choice at first, but I assure you, this is someone that I’ve faced many times in my career, this is someone who is almost as deadly as you when it comes to submission wrestling, and this is someone more than capable of taking down anybody on Team Rest of the World.

 

Ronda Rousey: So, who is it?

 

Samoa Joe walks into the office.

 

Samoa Joe: It’s me.

 

Ronda and Joe have a little stare down. Kurt offers Joe his hand, and Joe shakes it.

 

Samoa Joe: You can guarantee that whoever Regal wants to put up against me is going to be in for a long night of pain, and it’s going to end with them tapping out, or passing out. You show up, and bring that armbar with you, and we’ll be just fine.

 

Angle gives a satisfied smile as Joe walks out.

 

Later in the show, Cole tells us that AJ Styles Vs Shinsuke Nakamura will happen at the Sammartino Cup, and talks about the Ronda Rousey/Samoa Joe team for the mixed tag match.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Smackdown Live - 5/15/18

 

The commentators open the show by talking about how Kurt Angle announced via social media that Roman Reigns will be a member of Team USA. Tom Phillips tells us that there is a rumour going around that Angle will be back on Smackdown tonight to scout more talent. Becky Lynch makes her way out to the ring, and asks for a microphone.

 

Becky Lynch: If I may, I’d like to ask William Regal to come out here to the ring. William, I know you’re here tonight. Would you mind?

 

William Regal comes out. Becky greets him with a handshake and a hug.

 

Becky Lynch: William, thanks for coming out here. Now, we go back a ways, wouldn’t you say? Before NXT even, we used to talk, and you’d offer me advice on my career. And then, when I got to the WWE, you were a big supporter of mine.

 

William Regal: Yes, that’s tue.

 

Becky Lynch: Well then, what gives, William? How come you didn’t ask me to be a part of Team Rest of the World? I mean, I can understand you picking Asuka and all, but how could you overlook me in favour of those cheating low-lifes The Iconics?

 

William Regal: I’ve been called a cheating low-life one or two times myself, you know. And justifiably so. But no, I understand you feeling slighted, Becky, but I do have good reason.

 

Becky Lynch: I’d love to hear it, William. Because the way I see it, they haven’t achieved anything here in the WWE, whereas I’m out here leaving my heart and soul in this ring night after night. And you know you can always rely on me to give my all.

 

William Regal: I do know that, but it isn’t that simple. The fact is, Kurt Angle just has a larger pool of talent to draw upon than I do, so I’ve had to take a slightly different approach. The one advantage we have over Team USA is teamwork and camaraderie. That’s why I selected the best tag team in the world, The Bar. Team USA don’t have that. That’s why I selected Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, two best friends who grew up in this business together. Team USA don’t have that. And I applied the same logic when selecting The Iconics. There’s going to be a women’s tag team match at the Sammartino Cup, and I needed two women who not only team together, but travel together, that know each other inside and out. And that’s why I picked the Iconics.

 

Natalya’s music hits, and she joins Becky and William in the ring.

 

Natalya: It’s funny. I actually came here tonight to talk to you about the exact same thing, Mr Regal. Now, Becky and I may not be the best tag team in the world like the Bar. And we may not be best friends like Kevin and Sami. In fact, we’re not friends at all. But I guarantee that the two of us can kick the Iconics backsides any day of the week, and would do a better job for your team than any other two women in this company.

 

William Regal: This has given me food for thought. I’ll tell you what; how about we have a match. The Iconics Vs Natalya and Becky Lynch. The winning team will join Team Rest of the World at the Sammartino Cup. I’ll talk to Paige and we’ll see if we can’t get that match set up for tonight.

 

After a commercial break, Tom Phillips tells us that the match has been made official and will happen later in the night.

 

The Iconics cut a backstage promo.

 

Peyton Royce: Did I hear this right? Little Becky wecky was out there crying because Mr Regal picked us for his team instead of her? I thought you’d be used to getting overlooked Becky, since that pretty much sums up your life.

 

Billie Kay: Speaking of losers, was that Natalya out there too? It was so nice of you to come all the way over from Raw back to Smackdown just to get your heart broken one more time.

 

Peyton Royce: Mr Regal was right. There are no two women in this company who can beat the Iconics. But don’t worry Becky wecky, when we beat you tonight, you can still be a part of Team Rest of the World. You can be, like, our mascot or something. A little Irish leprechaun to cheer us on.

 

Billie Kay: Or you can be the official team refreshments girl. You can bring us water and orange slices, while we do the real work.

 

Peyton Royce: Either way, Becky, give up on your dreams of competing for Team Rest of the World, because you’re just not good enough.

 

The Iconics Vs Becky Lynch and Natalya (winning team joins Team Rest of the World)

 

William Regal is sitting ringside to view the match. Becky and Natalya dominate the opening exchanges, causing the Iconics to take to the outside and regroup. They get the advantage by double-teaming Natalya, and keep her isolated for several minutes, before she finally makes the tag to Becky. Becky comes in a house on fire, teeing off on the Iconics at will. The match breaks down and Natalya rejoins the fray. Natalya applies the sharpshooter on Kay, who quickly taps out. However, neither Natalya or Kay are legal so the ref waves it off. In the confusion, Royce shoves Becky into Natalya, and rolls her up with a handful of tights to get the win. The Iconics celebrate wildly, as Regal nods in approval. Becky looks on devastated.

 

Later in the night, we see Regal walking through the backstage area. He is stopped by Daniel Bryan. Bryan warmly shakes his hand.

 

Daniel Bryan: William, it’s good to see you.

 

William Regal: And it’s always good to see you, Daniel.

 

Daniel Bryan: I hope you still feel that way after I help Team USA win the Sammartino Cup.

 

William Regal: I’m at the stage in my life where my friendships mean more than competition. Besides, you forget, I helped train you. I know all your strengths, and all your weaknesses. Will I take advantage of that knowledge to help my team win? How would you say it? Yes! Yes! Yes!

 

They both smile and Regal walks on. Now he is approached by Asuka. She shakes his hand.

 

Asuka: Mr Regal. Thank you again for picking me for your team. I saw Raw, and it seems that Ronda Rousey is not ready for Asuka. Do you think anyone on Team USA is ready for Asuka?

 

William Regal: Well, Asuka…

 

He is interrupted by a ‘WOO’, and Kurt Angle and Charlotte Flair enter the scene.

 

Kurt Angle: Hi, William. I want you to meet the newest member of Team USA; Charlotte Flair. And she is definitely ready for Asuka. You remember WrestleMania, right?

 

Asuka squares up to Charlotte. Charlotte woos in her face, and her and Kurt walk away.

[SirEdger]

Just a little nitpicky here but perhaps if you'd put the match headlines in bold or something to separate from the promo parts, it'd be easier to catch at first and easier to read. But that's just me.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Monday Night Raw - 5/21/18

 

Announced for the show with Sammartino Cup implications; the Kurt Angle Invitational Battle Royal to decide the final female member of Team USA, and the announcement of the 6th male member of Team USA. The announcers also confirm that Charlotte Flair Vs Asuka has been made official for the Sammartino Cup.

 

The Kurt Angle Invitational Battle Royal - winner joins Team USA (entrants: Raw women’s champion Nia Jax; Smackdown women’s champion Carmella; Bayley; Sasha Banks; Alexa Bliss; Mickie James; Naomi; Ember Moon; Ruby Riott)

 

Carmella cuts a promo on her way to the ring.

 

Carmella: First of all, let me just say that this is so unfair that I have to compete in this battle royal to get a spot on Team USA, while Charlotte is invited straight onto the team. Let me remind you all, that I beat Charlotte to become Smackdown women’s champion, and I beat her again to retain my title. It’s like I’ve been telling everyone all along, Mella is money. So I’m going to win this match, just like I won the first ever women’s money in the bank ladder match, just like I won the second ever women’s money in the bank ladder match, and just like I won the Smackdown women’s championship. And then, I’m going to win the Sammartino Cup for Team USA.

 

The bell rings, and all the women immediately go after Carmella, resulting in Jax casually throwing her over the top rope. All the other entrants then back off Jax and start to circle her. Jax invites them on, and they rush her. Jax manages to fight them all off, and the women start to fight amongst themselves, with only Bliss and James focusing on Jax. Mickie tries to do her patented headscissors on Jax, but Jax tosses her out the ring. Bliss runs out the ring to escape Jax, and Riott steps up to the champ. Sasha is paired up with Ember and Naomi and Bayley are going at it. Jax has Riott teetering, but Bliss comes back in to try to get the jump on her. However, Jax senses her coming and sends Bliss into Riott, eliminating the latter. Bliss again high tails it to the outside to rethink her strategy. Moon and Jax now have a little face-off, and this time the other women join forces to go after Jax. They have her close to elimination, but she fights back. However, Alexa grabs a hold of Nia from the outside and tries to pull her out. Jax blocks it and instead throws Alexa back into the ring. Bliss throws a temper tantrum. Banks, Bayley and Naomi rock Jax with a triple dropkick. Naomi hits a rear view, and Banks follows it up with double knees, and then Bayley waistlocks her for the Bayley to Belly, and, with the help of Banks and Naomi, gets her up and over the ropes to the outside. Bayley then quickly throws Naomi over the top, followed by Sasha doing likewise to Bayley. Sasha turns around to see Moon waiting for her. The two have a back and forth, with Moon coming out on top. It looks like she has Banks eliminated, but Bliss reenters the fray and tosses Moon. Bliss zeroes in on Banks, but Banks fights back, and finally hits a backstabber and sends Bliss over the top rope to win the match after 12 minutes of action. Charlotte Flair’s music hits, and Charlotte comes out. She gets in the ring and after a tense few seconds, lifts Banks’ arm in the air in victory.

 

Ronda Rousey is interviewed in the back by Charlie.

 

Charlie: Ronda, you were the first person named to Team USA by Kurt Angle for the Sammartino Cup. But last week Kurt informed you that you would not be competing in singles competition, but rather teaming with Samoa Joe in the mixed tag team match. Then on Smackdown Live last week, Asuka seemed to imply that maybe you weren’t ready to go one on one with her. How does all this make you feel?

 

Ronda Rousey: Let me put it this way, Charlie; Kurt Angle may not think I’m ready for Asuka. And Asuka may not think I’m ready for Asuka. But I know I’m ready for Asuka. Listen, I respect her as a competitor, what she’s done here has been amazing. But to suggest I’m not on her level…? That rubs me the wrong way. Why don’t we put this to the test, Asuka? You know where I’m going to be at the Sammartino Cup. I’m going to be standing in the ring with Samoa Joe, waiting for some competition. If you think you’re ready for me, get yourself a partner, and meet me out there.

 

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn Vs The Fashion Police

 

Owens and Zayn pick up the win in a competitive squash. Afterwards, Owens grabs a mic.

 

Kevin Owens: I know who Kurt Angle is announcing as the newest member of Team USA tonight, and I’m going to come out here and confront that person, and make him wish he never showed up tonight.

 

Kurt Angle is in the back watching this on a monitor. A voice calls his name, and he turns around to see Randy Orton. They shake hands.

 

Kurt Angle: Randy, what are you doing here?

 

Randy Orton: I came to talk to you about something, Kurt. Something that’s been playing on my mind for the past week.

Kurt Angle: What is it?

 

Randy Orton: It’s Samoa Joe. Are you sure he’s the kind of person you want on Team USA?

 

Kurt Angle: Of course. The guy’s a beast. I’ve been in the ring with him many times, and nobody brings it like Samoa Joe. He shows no intimidation, and that’s just the kind of man we need on our team.

 

Randy Orton: That all may be true, but the guy is also a loose cannon, and only out for himself. How can we trust him to do the right thing for the team?

 

Kurt Angle: Winning is the right thing for the team, and I trust him to do that. Besides, are you really the person to call someone out for being a loose cannon and only out for himself?

 

Randy Orton: Okay, that’s a fair point. But you know how much of an honour it is for me to represent Team USA. I mean, Joe, let’s face it, his name is Samoa Joe, not America Joe.

 

Roman Reigns enters the scene.

 

Roman Reigns: You got a problem with a Samoan being on Team USA, Randy? Because if you have, maybe you have a problem with me too.

 

Randy Orton: I just want to know where Joe’s allegiances lie.

 

Roman Reigns: Why don’t we look at your allegiances, Randy. You don’t exactly have a stellar record of playing with others, do you? Look, you ask me if I like Samoa Joe, and the answer is no. The two of us have just about ripped each other apart these past few months. But if I’m walking into battle with someone, he’d be one of the first names on my list. And as for his Samoan heritage, I don’t speak for Joe, but if he’s anything like me, he’s incredibly proud of both his Samoan and American heritage.

 

Kurt Angle: Okay, guys, settle down. Listen, we all want the same thing here, and that’s to bring the Sammartino Cup to Team USA. Let’s not give Team Rest of the World the advantage before the contest has even begun. Now, why don’t you guys hang out back here, and watch me introduce the next member of the team. Okay?

 

Reigns and Orton are staring each other down uncomfortably.

 

Kurt Angle: Okay.

 

Angle leaves the room.

 

Kurt Angle comes out into the arena.

 

Kurt Angle: William Regal is crowing about the teamwork and unity of his team. We may need a little work in that department, but we’ll get there. And maybe the next member of Team USA can help in that department. You see, every great team needs great leaders. Men who command the respect of everyone who knows them. I think the man I’m about to announce is that kind of person, because he’s all about respect. Hustle, loyalty and respect. John Cena!

 

Cena makes his way out, as the announce team sell this as a huge deal (Michael Cole: “Oh my!”). Cena takes the mic but before he can speak, Kevin Owens’ music hits and KO saunters out.

 

Kevin Owens: John Cena everybody. You all remember John Cena, right? He doesn’t really show up much anymore. I guess he’s too busy having drinks with Hoda and Kathie Lee and airing his dirty laundry all over the place. But I remember you, Cena. I remember my first ever match in the WWE, when I beat you, 1-2-3, in the middle of that ring. It’s funny how once I arrived here in the WWE, your appearances here became more and more infrequent. Actually, it’s not funny at all, because this is the Kevin Owens show now, and the Cena era is a thing of the distant past. What is funny is Kurt Angle thinking that you’re somehow going to make a difference for Team USA at the Sammartino Cup. That maybe you’re going to bring the team together, when in actuality you’ve made your career out of causing rifts, screwing people over, and doing whatever it took to make sure you were always the centre of attention. Well, John, I’ll play along with this little game. I’m challenging you to face me one-on-one at the Sammartino Cup. If you truly are the leader of Team USA, then I’m going to rip the heart right out of the team by beating you again.

 

John Cena: Kevin, you’ve got a big mouth, and I’d be more than happy to shut it up. Since you know me so well, you’ll know that I have a little saying I like to use. You want some, come get some.

 

Kevin Owens: That’s so typical of you, Cena. You bring catchphrases, whereas me, I brought a friend.

 

Sami Zayn hops the barrier and attacks Cena from behind. Angle exits the ring. Cena fights back against Zayn, but Andrade Almas runs in from the crowd making it a 2-on-1. Again Cena fights back, but he doesn’t see Shinsuke Nakamura enter the ring and deliver a low blow. Now the beatdown begins in earnest. Angle motions to the back for someone to come out. We cut to the back and see Reigns and Orton are being laid out by Rusev and The Bar. Back in the ring, and Owens joins the fray. Almas and Nakamura hold Cena in the corner for Zayn to deliver a Helluva kick, then Almas takes his turn with the double knee strike. Nakamura hits a Kinshasa, and finally Owens puts the exclamation point on the beatdown with a pop-up powerbomb. The show ends with the four members of Team Rest of the World standing over Cena’s beaten body.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Smackdown Live - 5/22/18

 

Matches announced for the show with Sammartino Cup implications; Charlotte Flair Vs The Iconics in a handicap match and Randy Orton Vs Samoa Joe in a no disqualification Money in the Bank qualifying match.

 

Randy Orton is interviewed in the back by Dasha.

 

Dasha: Joining me now… Randy Orton. Randy, what is your response to the attack you suffered last night at the hands of Rusev and The Bar, and being put in a no disqualification match with Samoa Joe tonight.

 

Randy Orton: Well, Dasha, obviously I’m a little sore today, but make no mistake about it, Rusev and The Bar will get what’s coming to them. But let’s talk about Samoa Joe. You notice that when Roman Reigns and myself were being ambushed last night, Joe was nowhere to be seen.

 

Samoa Joe enters the scene.

 

Samoa Joe: That’s because I don’t work on Monday Night Raw, genius. The bigger question is, why were you on Monday Night Raw? Oh yeah, you were crying to Kurt Angle about me instead of having the guts to say it to my face. Well, let me make it simple it for you, Randy. You don’t wanna be on the same team as me? Tonight I’m gonna give you a dishonourable discharge from Team USA.

 

Orton gets in Joe’s face, and referees and general dogsbodies get between them.

 

The Bar come out to the ring.

 

Sheamus: Last night on Raw, we took the fight to Team USA. We de-venomised the Viper, and we put the Big Dog to sleep. Tonight we want to keep the party going.

 

Cesaro: There must be two Americans in the back who are man enough to fight us.

 

The Usos music hits and Jimmy and Jey come out to answer the challenge.

 

The Bar Vs The Usos

 

In a fast-paced back-and-forth match, it’s The Bar who pick up the victory when Cesaro pins Jimmy after Sheamus had hit a Brogue Kick on him.

 

The Iconics are in the back.

 

Billie Kay: I can’t wait to get my hands on Charlotte Flair again tonight. It’s so fun putting her in her place.

 

Peyton Royce: Almost as much fun as putting Becky Lynch in her place.

 

Billie Kay: Oh yeah, that’s the best. What is it with these Four Horsewomen? Do they really think they’re on the same level as the Iconics?

 

Peyton Royce: And the good thing is, we’re gonna get to get our hands on another one of them at the Sammartino Cup.

 

Billie Kay: (mockingly) It’s Boss Time!

 

Peyton Royce: Wait a minute. Look who it is. It’s our little mascot.

 

Becky Lynch has entered the scene.

 

Billie Kay: What do you want, Becky? Come to cry about how you lost to us last week. Like you always lose.

 

Peyton Royce: No, she’s come to ask us what refreshments we’d like. So you are going to take us up on our offer to be the official Team Rest of the World refreshments girl.

 

Becky Lynch: No, I’m not going to be your mascot, and I’m not going to be your refreshment girl. But I did actually come to help you. I came to give you some advice.

 

Billie Kay: How could you possibly help us?

 

Becky Lynch: By giving you a heads up. You talked about it youself; me, Charlotte and Sasha have been running together for years, since before you came to the WWE. We may not always get along, but we always have each other’s backs. Always.

 

Billie Kay: I see what this is. This is a threat.

 

Peyton Royce: Well, let me give you some advice, Becky. Remember where you came from. Because if you try to get in the way of our team winning, how do you think that’s going to make William Regal feel? A man who has done so much for you. Don’t let your ego get in the way, Becky. Don’t be blinded by friendships, because friendships don’t last.

 

Billie Kay: Unless you’re Iconic of course.

 

Peyton Royce: Of course. Now if you don’t mind, we have a match to prepare for.

 

The Iconics leave. We linger on Becky looking conflicted.

 

Shinsuke Nakamura Vs Tye Dillinger

 

A replay shows Nakamura’s involvement in the Cena beatdown on Raw, and then the announcers hype up Nakamura Vs Styles for the Sammartino Cup. Nakamura dominates and beats Dillinger with the Kinshasa.

 

Renee Young is in the back.

 

Renee Young: Ladies and gentlemen, the Smackdown Live general manager, Paige.

 

Paige: Hi Renee.

 

Renee Young: Paige, many people have been saying that some of the matches you’ve put together tonight may have been done so to favour Team Rest of the World less than two weeks before the Sammartino Cup. I’m talking specifically about the handicap match pitting Charlotte Flair aginst the Iconics, and the money in the bank qualifying match between Samoa Joe and Randy Orton. How do you respond to this?

 

Paige: Frankly Renee, I’m shocked and a little bit offended. There are no sinister intentions behind any of the decisions I make as Smackdown Live GM. Charlotte has been waiting to get her hands on the Iconics ever since they cost her the Smackdown women’s championship the night after WrestleMania, and this is just the sort of challenge I would expect one of the leading lights of the Smackdown Live roster to rise to. And as for Randy and Joe, well, we saw earlier that these two guys are desperate to get a piece of each other. Sure, if you were to push me on the matter, I would like to see Team Rest of the World win the Sammartino Cup, as I’m sure you would, eh? But every decision I make is made with the best interests of Smackdown Live, its fans, and its superstars, at the forefront of my mind. And with that said, I’m happy to announce a huge main event for next week’s show. It will be WWE Champion AJ Styles in a none-title match against… Daniel Bryan. And, should Bryan win that match, he will get an opportunity for the title at Money in the Bank.

 

Further speculation from the announcers that Paige is in William Regal’s pocket.

 

The Iconics Vs Charlotte Flair (handicap match)

 

Charlotte dominates the early stages of the match, but the numbers game soon catches up to her. We see Becky watching on a monitor in the back, seemingly rooting for Charlotte. Charlotte makes a comeback, and gets Peyton in the figure-eight, but Billie reaches in and rakes her eyes. Billie tags in and hits the Shades of Kay on Charlotte to pick up the win. The Iconics then continue to beat down Charlotte, which brings out Becky. The Iconics take their leave as Becky tends to Charlotte.

 

Daniel Bryan Vs Shelton Benjamin

 

Bryan taps Benjamin out with the Yes Lock after 8 minutes. After the match he grabs a mic.

 

Daniel Bryan: So, there’s a lot going on right now. I have the Sammartino Cup in two weeks, for which I’m really excited to be representing Team USA. And now I just found out that next week I get to face AJ Styles, and if I win that match, I get a WWE title match at Money in the Bank. Now, I don’t know what Paige’s true motivations are for making this match, but I do know that getting the WWE title back means more to me than just about anything in the world, and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen.

 

AJ Styles comes out. He shakes Bryan’s hand.

 

AJ Styles: Daniel, you know how much I respect you, and I like to think I have your respect to. I have no problem facing you next week. In fact, I’m looking forward to it. But let’s not forget that in two weeks we’re going to be teammates, and we’re going to be relying on each other. We’ll leave it all in the ring next week, but we’re not going to go down the same road as Joe and Randy, okay?

 

Daniel Bryan: I agree. You’re going to get the best of me in the ring next week, AJ, but when the final bell rings, win or lose, I’ll shake your hand and we’ll move on.

 

The shake hands again. Samoa Joe’s music hits and it’s main event time.

 

We cut to the back and seeing Becky Lynch walking down the hallway. She is met by William Regal, who ushers her into a room.

 

Samoa Joe Vs Randy Orton (no disqualification match/Money in the Bank qualifying match)

 

The two go at it all around the ringside area, utilizing the steel steps, a steel chair, and a kendo stick that was under the ring. Joe controls most of the action, but Orton uses his wiles to get a foothold in the match. The big spot sees Orton RKO Joe through the announce table. He manages to get Joe back in the ring, but too much time has passed and Joe is able to kick out of the subsequent pin attempt. Orton signals for another RKO, but Joe counters it by locking on the Kokina Clutch. Orton passes out in the hold and Joe is declared the winner after 15 minutes of hard-hitting action. Joe leaves the ring. Orton comes to, and drags himself to the corner, trying to shake off the cobwebs. Andrade Almas appears out of nowhere and delivers the double knee strike to Orton, and the show ends with Almas and Zelina standing tall.

[kevinmcfl]

I must admit that I did not think I was a big fan of wrestling today but maybe because this angle is not being used. This was one of the most enjoyable reads I have had in this strange world of fantasy bookings! Can't wait to see the next posting.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Monday Night Raw - 5/28/18

 

The last Raw before the Sammartino Cup. We are shown a reply of how last week’s show ended with the beatdown of Cena.

 

Michael Cole reads us a tweet from William Regal:

 

The attack on John Cena on Raw was carried out without my knowledge. I don’t condone that behaviour from my team, and will be on Raw next week to personally apologise to Kurt Angle.

 

And a tweet from Paige:

 

Smackdown superstars invading Raw, and jeopardising my working relationship with Kurt Angle. Unacceptable. All SDL superstars are prohibited from appearing on Raw. None-compliance will result in severe punishment.

 

The show opens with William Regal making his way out to the ring.

 

William Regal: This coming Saturday, my Team Rest of the World will compete with Team USA for the inaugural Sammartino Cup. I am very honoured to be a part of this event, as are all of my team. However, it seems that emotions are running high, and a few of my team may have got a little bit carried away last week. I can assure everyone that I had no involvement in last week’s attack on John Cena. However, as the captain of the team, I take full responsibility, and would like to take this opportunity to personally apologise to Kurt Angle. If you wouldn’t mind coming out here, Kurt.

 

Angle’s music hits and Kurt joins Regal in the ring. He and Regal shake hands.

 

William Regal: Kurt, I know this competition means a lot to both of us, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about things. And unfortunately, last week, some members of my team took it upon themselves to do things the wrong way. For that, Kurt, I want to sincerely apologise.

 

Kurt Angle: Thank you, William. I truly appreciate that. I truly appreciate that you think enough of me to commit fully to this façade.

 

William Regal: What do you mean?

 

Kurt Angle: Come on, William. The attack on Cena last week has your fingerprints all over it. Just like last week on Smackdown Live when Paige made Orton face Samoa Joe in a no disqualification match. And Charlotte Flair face The Iconics in a handicap match. I see what you’re doing. And I really don’t blame you. If I was in your position, I’d probably be looking for any advantage I could get too. But you were right about something. There is a right way to go about things. Now, I could do things your way. I could make Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn face each other in a no disqualification match. Or I could put them in a handicap match against the entire Raw roster. But I’m not going to do that. I want your team to be at their absolute best when Team USA beats them for the Sammartino Cup.

 

William Regal: I suppose I can understand you doubting me. But nonetheless, I did have nothing to do with what happened last week, nor did I have anything to do with the matches Paige made on Smackdown Live. If I’m guilty of anything, it’s that I’ve instilled too much pride and togetherness in my team.

 

Kurt Angle: Okay, okay. Well, if you’re truly sorry, and you truly want to apologise, you can apologise later on tonight, to John Cena.

 

William Regal: I’d be happy too.

 

Kevin Owens’ music hits, and we go to commercial. When we come back, we’re ready for in-ring action, with Angle and Regal joining the commentary team.

 

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn Vs Titus O’Neill and Apollo Crews

 

A routine win for Owens and Zayn. On commentary, it is confirmed that Owens will face Cena in the Sammartino Cup. Regal tries to find out who the last member of Team USA will be, but Angle is tight-lipped. Angle asks Regal to respond to Ronda Rousey’s challenge to Asuka for the mixed tag match, but Regal says he hasn’t decided who will compete for Team Rest of the World in the mixed tag match, but he’s leaning towards a member of the Iconics teaming with a member of The Bar. After the match, Owens and Zayn shake hands with Regal, and scowl at Angle. Owens reiterates that he’s going to ri[ the heart out of Team USA by beating Cena.

 

Charlie is in the back with Sasha Banks.

 

Charlie: I’m here with Team USA member, Sasha Banks. Sasha, you earned your way onto Team USA last week by winning the Kurt Angle Invitational Battle Royal. How do you feel to be a part of the Sammartino Cup?

 

Sasha Banks: Well, Charlie, it feels really, really great, not just to be a part of the team, but to have earned my way on the team, to prove that I belong on the team, because, come on, every team needs a boss, and now Team USA has one.

 

Charlie: You also get to be a part of the team with your fellow Horsewoman, Charlotte Flair from Smackdown Live. That must be exciting.

 

Sasha Banks: It is. But, you know, I’ve been watching Smackdown Live the last few weeks, and I’ve seen what’s been going on with Charlotte and the Iconics, and the way the Iconics have been talking about me and the Horsewomen. Let me tell you something, Iconics, what you did in NXT, you only did because I laid down the foundation. And the only reason you’re having any success on Smackdown, is because I’m not there to put you in your place. You may be able to play your games with Charlotte and Becky, but the Boss doesn’t play games. On Saturday night at the Sammartino Cup, you’ll find that out, and I’m going to show you that the only thing that’s truly iconic around here is the Legit Boss.

 

Michael Cole reads us a tweet from Paige:

 

Tomorrow night on SDL, Becky Lynch goes one on one with Charlotte Flair. The winner will face Carmella for the SDL women’s title at Money in the Bank.

 

Drew McIntyre cuts a promo in the back.

 

Drew McIntyre: It’s a disgrace that I wasn’t picked to be on Team Rest of the World for the Sammartino Cup. Everyone can see I’m the most dominant superstar in the WWE. But because I’m such a giving man, I’m going to give something to William Regal tonight; I’m going to take out the Big Dog.

 

Roman Reigns Vs Drew McIntyre

 

A hard-hitting match, with McIntyre getting lots of offense. Reigns makes his comeback, but McIntyre counters the spear with a big boot for a big nearfall. The action spills to the outside, where Reigns finally connects with the spear. He rolls him back into the ring, but McIntyre is able to roll all the way out to the other side. Reigns goes out after him, but McIntyre has grabbed a steel chair, and jabs Reigns in the gut with it, drawing the DQ after a near 20 minute battle. McIntyre gives Reigns another shot to the midsection, but misses with a wild swing, and Reigns spears him again. However, Reigns is grabbing at his midsection, and is clearly in some discomfort.

 

William Regal is watching this in the back. He is muttering to himself “maybe he should have been on the team”. Ronda Rousey enters the scene.

 

Ronda Rousey: William.

 

William Regal: Ronda Rousey. It’s an honour to finally meet you properly.

 

They shake hands.

 

Ronda Rousey: Likewise, but that’s not why I’m here. I’m here for an answer. Last week I challenged Asuka to face me in the mixed tag team match at the Sammartino Cup. It’s been a week, and I haven’t heard a word from Asuka, and now I hear you on commentary saying you’re leaning towards putting one of the Iconics on the match. What gives, William? Is Asuka not ready for Ronda?

 

William Regal: I’m sure Asuka would be more than happy to face you on Saturday. But Asuka isn’t the team captain. I am. Asuka has a big match against Charlotte Flair, and I want her fully focused on that match. The Iconics are in my team because of their tag team prowess, so I would be a fool not to capitalize on that. Now, I’m many things, but a fool I’m not.

 

Ronda Rousey: No, you’re no fool. But do me a favour. You tell Asuka that Ronda Rousey was born ready, and at some point we’re going to cross paths, and when we do, it will be my pleasure to make her tap out. Oh, and tell the Iconics to pick an arm, and if I’m in a good mood, I might let them keep it.

 

Ronda leaves.

 

It’s ‘main event’ time, which means Regal is back out to issue an apology to John Cena.

 

William Regal: Well, once again…

 

He is cut off by Kurt Angle’s music, and Angle joins him in the ring.

 

Kurt Angle: Save your spiel, William. I want you to apologise face-to-face to the man whose beatdown you orchestrated last week. John Cena.

 

Cena comes out.

 

John Cena: Well, William…

 

William Regal: John, you know how much respect I have for you. I’ve known you a long time, and I’ve always been a big supporter of yours. What happened last week…

 

John Cena: You know what? Save it, William. I get how this plays out. You respect me, you had nothing to do with what happened to me last week, you’re sorry for what your team did, yada yada. Okay, I accept your apology. It’s cool, it’s cool. What I want to know is if Kevin Owens has the guts to come out here and face me without his Smackdown goons to back him up.

 

Owens and Zayn make their way out.

 

Kevin Owens: Cena, Cena, once again talking a big game. Last week we made an example out of you. Just because we could. But there’s nothing we did last week as a group, that I won’t do to you on my own on Saturday night.

 

John Cena: Well, why don’t we give the fans a little preview right now? Why don’t you send Scrappy Doo there to the back, and come and face me one on one?

 

Kevin Owens: Scrappy Doo, that’s cute. Okay. Sami, I got this.

 

Sami starts to walk back up the ramp as Owens climbs up to the ring apron. Owens jumps back down.

 

Kevin Owens: On second thoughts, we’re gonna do the whole making an example thing again.

 

Andrade Almas, Shinsuke Nakamura, Rusev and The Bar hop the barrier and beeline to the ring. Regal tries to get them to stop, but he and Angle bail from the ring. Cole is apoplectic. Cena tries to fight off the onslaught. Roman Reigns comes out and spears Zayn on the ramp and starts brawling with Owens. Rusev goes out to help Owens, while Cena is doing his best to hold off the four men in the ring. Suddenly… “BRAUN!!!”. An ear-to-ear grin breaks out on Angle’s face, as the colour leaves Regal’s. Strowman charges out, running right through Owens and Rusev on the ramp. The Bar, Nakamura and Almas are ready for him in the ring. Strowman climbs right in and starts fighting them off, sending them all sprawling. Cena is back in the fray, clotheslining Nakamura over the top rope. Strowman press slams Almas onto him. The Bar regroup and attack Cena and Strowman from behind. They lay into them with punches and kicks, but their advantage is short lived, and they soon find themselves on the receiving end of a stereo powerslam/AA. Reigns is back in the ring, still selling his midsection, and Angle joins them as Team USA stand tall. Regal is chastising his troops as they exit.

 

Michael Cole goes over the card as we know it for the Sammartino Cup:

 

Charlotte Flair Vs Asuka
Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks Vs The Iconics
Kevin Owens Vs John Cena
Shinsuke Nakamura Vs AJ Styles
Ronda Rousey and Samoa Joe in mixed tag team action

 

And then reads a tweet from Paige:

 

It looks like some people want to test my authority. Serious repercussions on SDL tomorrow night.

 

The show ends with Angle, Cena, Strowman and Reigns standing tall.

[kevinmcfl]

Just perfect! Finally something from today that is so fun to read. Hope you find another project as this one might be coming to an end soon

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Smackdown Live - 5/29/18

 

The show starts with Shinsuke Nakamura, The Bar, Rusev and Andrade Almas lined up in the ring. Paige’s music hits, and the GM makes her way out.

 

Paige: You all know why I asked you out here to open the show. Each one of you directly disobeyed me by showing up on Monday Night Raw last night. You showed a total disregard for my authority, and disrespected me on a personal level. It felt like a slap in the face, to be honest. Well, I warned you all that anyone showing up on Raw would be punished, and that’s exactly what’s going to happen. I’m going to fine each one of you $10,000. Maybe next time you’ll think twice about crossing me.

 

The five men start to leave.

 

Paige: Woah, woah, woah. I’m not finished yet. No, I’ve got a punishment for you that truly fits the crime. Rusev, Sheamus, Cesaro; you three love to attack people from behind. Like last week on Raw when you attacked Randy Orton in Kurt Angle’s office. Well, tonight, we’ll see if you can be as effective going face to face. The three of you will team up to take on Randy Orton, and his tag team partner, Samoa Joe.

 

Rusev and The Bar act upset by this decision. Tom Philips- “What? How is that a punishment? We know Orton and Joe can’t stand each other.”

 

Paige: And Andrade Almas, you seem to like appearing out of nowhere, striking people when they least expect it. Well, you’re not going to have that opportunity tonight, because I’m going to keep you exactly where I can see you. I’m making you my assistant GM for the night. And that brings me to you, Shinsuke. The King of Strong Style. It seems that you, in particular, think that you’re above the law around here. Well, tonight, you’re going to get a chance to see how it feels to be on the receiving end of that, because you’re going to be the special guest referee for the Daniel Bryan/AJ Styles match. Now, all five of you, get out of my ring.

 

Tom Phillips- “This is a joke. There can be no doubt now that Paige is well and truly doing William Regal’s bidding”.

 

We see William Regal arriving at the arena.

 

Corey Graves- “Speaking of Regal, looks like the captain of Team Rest of the World is here at Smackdown Live tonight”.

 

The announce team hype the show, talking about the Bryan/Styles main event, where if Bryan wins he gets a WWE title shot at Money in the Bank, and the match between Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair where the winner will face Carmella for the women’s title at the same show.

 

The Iconics cut a promo in the back.

 

Billie Kay: Hey, Peyton. I have a question for you.

 

Peyton Royce: What is it, Billie?

 

Billie Kay: What on earth is a Ronda Rousey?

 

Peyton Royce: Ew, I don’t know. But I think it was talking about us on Raw last night.

 

Billie Kay: (looking on her phone) Hang on. I’m looking it up on wikipedia. It says here she won an Olympic bronze medal.

 

Peyton Royce: So… she lost?

 

Billie Kay: And she’s a former UFC champion.

 

Peyton Royce: Former? So… she lost. I’m seeing a pattern emerging here, Billie.

 

Billie Kay: She did win her match at WrestleMania.

 

Peyton Royce: WrestleMania? You mean, two nights before we debuted? If it happened before we debuted, it doesn’t count.

 

Billie Kay: Didn’t she ask us to pick an arm?

 

Peyton Royce: Yeah, I think so.

 

Billie Kay: Well, I pick…

 

Both: …this one.

 

They hold their arms up and are holding hands.

 

Billie Kay: Aww, look at that. You see, you’re going to have a hard time taking one of our arms, when we always have each other’s back.

 

They laugh.

 

Peyton Royce: Ooh, what does it say about us on wikipedia?

 

Billie Kay: There’s probably not enough room to list all our accomplishments.

 

We fade out as they continue to search for themselves on the phone.

 

Asuka Vs Sonya Deville

 

The commentators talk about Deville’s MMA background, comparing her stylistically to Ronda Rousey. Asuka taps her out to the Asuka Lock in 5 minutes. As she celebrates the win, Charlotte Flair’s music hits, and Flair makes her way out. They have a stare down in the ring, and we cut to commercial.

 

Charlotte Flair Vs Becky Lynch

 

We come back and William Regal is joining the announce team. Dasha grabs a pre-match interview with Becky in the back.

 

Dasha: Becky, last week we saw you talking with William Regal. What did he say to you?

 

Becky Lynch: William told me something the great Dusty Rhodes once said about Arn Anderson. Dusty called Arn a walk-behinder. Do you know what that means, Dasha? It means that, as great as Arn was, he could have been so much greater had he not dedicated his career to walking behind Ric Flair. William wanted to know if I was going to be content to spend my career being the Arn Anderson to Charlotte’s Ric Flair.

 

Dasha: And what did you say?

 

Becky Lynch: You know, if I have half the career Arn Anderson had, I reckon I’ll have done alright for myself. But I don’t walk behind anyone, Charlotte Flair included.

 

Becky’s music cranks up, and she takes her leave of Dasha and makes her way into the arena. She and Charlotte square up and exchange some words, and Becky slaps Charlotte in the face, signaling the start of the match. It’s a very aggressive performance from Becky, staying within the rules, but showing no mercy to her friend. Regal talks up Becky, and reiterates that he had nothing to do with what happened on Raw, nor with any of Paige’s decisions. Charlotte makes her comeback in the match, and looks ready to apply the figure-8. However, the Iconics’ music hits, and the momentary distraction allows Becky to small package Charlotte and pick up the win, making her the number one contender to the Smackdown women’s title. The Iconics hit the ring and go to work on Charlotte. Becky is walking back up the ramp. She stops to look at the beatdown going on on the TitanTron, and is clearly conflicted. Before she can act, Asuka comes back out, passing Becky on the ramp and jumping in the ring. She pulls the Iconics off Charlotte. It looks like it might get heated, but Regal jumps in the ring and calms things down. The Iconics leave.

 

Randy Orton is in the back, warming up for his match. The door busts open and Samoa Joe walks in. The two stare each other down.

 

Samoa Joe: Maybe after the beating I put on you last week, you’re feeling a little differently about me being on Team USA.

 

Randy Orton: The beating you put on me? What about the beating I put on you? How did that RKO through the announce table feel, Joe?

 

Samoa Joe: Maybe I would have told you after the match, but you were unconscious after I put you to sleep. Just like I’ll put Rusev and the Bar to sleep tonight. Or anyone else who gets in my way for that matter. Including you.

 

Randy Orton: The good thing about me is, I’ve got an RKO for everybody. I don’t care if you’re Irish, Bulgarian, Swiss. Or Samoan.

 

Now they’re right in each other’s faces and you can tell it’s only a matter of time before it gets physical. That’s when Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles enter and get between them.

 

Daniel Bryan: Guys, guys. Don’t you see this is exactly what William Regal wants. This is exactly why Paige put you in this handicap match tonight. They want to see the two of you self-destruct. Just like they want to see AJ and I destroy each other tonight. And you to are playing right into it.

 

AJ Styles: You guys might not be able to stand each other. Hey, all four of us have had issues with each other in the past. But on Saturday night we have a job to do. And no matter how you want to look at it, if we can’t see past our own differences, we’re going to be easy pickings for Team Rest of the World. Now we saw what happened on Raw last night. Strowman, Reigns, Cena, all on the same page. Now it’s up to us. We crumble, and we could blow this whole thing.

 

Daniel Bryan: Now you two have got a handicap match. You’re already at a disadvantage. But if you get on the same page, I know you can win this match.

 

Randy Orton: What do you say, Joe? We work as a team, and turn the odds back in our favour?

 

Samoa Joe: Any team with Samoa Joe on it, has the odds in their favour.

 

Joe walks out.

 

Randy Orton and Samoa Joe Vs The Bar and Rusev

 

Orton and Joe manage to control the early going, reluctantly tagging in and out and playing a game of one-upsmanship. The numbers eventually start to tell, and Orton finds himself getting worked over in the Bar/Rusev corner. Cesaro goes for a springboard uppercut, but is caught by an RKO. Orton goes to tag Joe, but Joe is pulled off the apron by Rusev. Joe chases Rusev around the ring, and walks right into a Brogue kick. With Joe out of the equation, the beatdown recommences on Orton, with all three men teeing off on him in the ring. Finally, the ref decides that he’s had enough and calls for the disqualification. That’s when Andrade Almas’s music hits, and he and Zelina Vega come out.

 

Zelina Vega: Paige has asked that her assistant, Andrade Almas, come out here to announce that this match is now no disqualification.

 

The Bar and Rusev continue to hammer Orton, and Sheamus and Rusev launch Orton into a Cesaro forearm uppercut. However, Joe has grabbed a chair at ringside, and gets into the ring, swinging at everyone in sight. Almas jumps onto the apron and avoids a chair shot from Joe. Joe turns back into the ring and takes another swing at Rusev, who ducks, causing Joe to hit Orton instead. Sheamus gives Joe another Brogue Kick, and Rusev locks the Accolade on Orton, who has no choice but to tap out. Almas gets in the ring and hits the hammerlock DDT on Orton.

 

Renee Young is with Paige in the back.

 

Renee Young: Paige, it would seem with what has happened tonight with Samoa Joe and Randy Orton, as well as what happened to Charlotte Flair, that you got your wish tonight, by significantly weakening Team USA.

 

Paige: Once again, Renee, I’m just trying to give the Smackdown Live fans the best show possible. Did you watch the handicap match? Didn’t you see Joe and Randy working as a cohesive unit for most of that match? I did that. I inspired that to happen. It’s not my fault Joe hit Randy with a chair. And Charlotte and Becky were both given an opportunity tonight. They had a hard fought match and Becky came out on top. I’m not really seeing a problem here.

 

Renee Young: And making Shinsuke Nakamura the guest referee in the main event between Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles?

 

Paige: Yeah, that one doesn’t look good, does it? But this is my show, and I can do what I want.

 

Paige walks off.

 

AJ Styles Vs Daniel Bryan (with special guest referee: Shinsuke Nakamura)

 

Nakamura calls for the bell, but Andrade Almas’s music plays again, and he and Vega come back out.

 

Zelina Vega: Paige has asked that her assistant, Andrade Almas, come out here to announce that this match is now a lumberjack match.

 

The Bar and Rusev walk out, and they, along with Almas, surround the ring. Bryan and Styles lock up, and do their best to keep the action in the ring, trading holds and counters. Nakamura makes a show of calling it down the middle. Bryan gets near the apron and is pulled to the outside by Rusev, but he quickly rolls back in before the lumberjacks can attack. The same thing happens to Styles. The match is getting increasingly competitive, and Bryan goes to the top rope, but Styles dropkicks him, causing Bryan to tumble to the outside. Now the lumberjacks attack, beating down Bryan. Styles hits a dive over the top rope onto all the lumberjacks, and rolls Bryan back into the ring. He is priming up for the phenomenal forearm, but is pulled down to the outside, and now has to take his licks. Bryan leaps from the apron onto all the lumberjacks, and now they are all brawling on the floor. Suddenly, Orton and Joe march down the aisle, and the odds are evened up. Orton immediately drops Almas with an RKO. Bryan and Styles find their way back into the ring, and Bryan gets Styles in the Yes Lock. Styles fights to the ropes, but Nakamura positions himself between Styles and the ropes. Bryan breaks the hold and confronts Nakamura. He goes back to AJ, who catches him with a Pele kick, and goes for a Styles Clash. Bryan counters into a heel hook, but this time Nakamura pulls Styles towards the ropes and forces Bryan to break the hold. Bryan gets right in Nakamura’s face. Nakamura shows him his ref’s shirt, then takes a step back and gives him the “come on” taunt. Styles comes up behind him and drops him with a low blow. Nak crumples to his knees, and Bryan lays into him with the Yes Kicks. The fight is still going on at ringside, but now Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens from Raw jump the barrier and attack Bryan and Styles in the ring. Kurt Angle’s music hits, and Reigns, Strowman and Cena come out with Angle, and now there’s a full-on brawl. The show ends with all the male Sammartino Cup competitors brawling in and around the ring.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

WWE Presents The Sammartino Cup
Saturday June 2nd
Full Sail University

 

Announce team: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Nigel McGuinness

Backstage interviewer: Renee Young

 

The show opens with a video tribute to Bruno Sammartino, followed by a recap video showing all the events that have led to this night. In the arena, Triple H, Kurt Angle and William Regal are all in the ring with the trophy for photo opportunities. The camera flashes over some notable faces in the crowd: Paige, Aiden English, Arn Anderson amongst others. Then John Cena’s music hits, and we are ready for the contest to begin.

 

John Cena Vs Kevin Owens

 

Announcer talking points: Which team will get off to the perfect start, and the pressure this puts on both men. The history between Owens and Cena. Cena’s potential ring rust.

 

Owens gets a fast start, taking the fight to Cena from the get-go. He wears him down, and jaws with the crowd in typical KO fashion. Cena makes his standard comeback but gets cut-off, as the commentators harp on Cena’s recent lack of in-ring action. Owens looks a step ahead of Cena, but can’t put him away, and when he misses a frog splash, the tables turn. Cena goes on the offensive, hitting an AA, but Owens kicks out at 2. Cena gets him up again, but Owens fights his way out and hits a superkick. Cena fires right back with a stiff clothesline. Cena hits the ropes looking for the 5-knuckle shuffle, but Owens is back up and downs Cena with the pop-up powerbomb. 2 count. Owens is letting his frustration show. He puts Cena on the top rope and climbs up after him, looking for a superplex. Cena fights back and hits a top rope AA, and then pins Owens to pick up the win for Team USA.

Time of fall: 14:52

 

Team USA 1-0 Team Rest of the World

 

Team USA are shown celebrating in the locker room. Team Rest of the World are shown reacting to the loss.

 

The announce team introduces a video package of the Charlotte/Asuka WrestleMania match.

 

Charlotte Flair Vs Asuka

 

Announcer talking points: Charlotte ended Asuka’s streak, and Asuka wants revenge. Team ROTW doesn’t want to go 2 down, which puts added pressure on Asuka.

 

A tweet from Asuka earlier in the week is shown, explaining why she helped Charlotte against the Iconics on Smackdown: I want Charlotte 100% and ready for Asuka.

 

Ric Flair is shown in the front row as Charlotte makes her entrance. The two face each other down, building the moment. The opening minutes are wrestled even, some chain wrestling, some teases of big moves, all done in a respectful manner. Asuka gains the upper hand, and starts getting more aggressive, but the tables turn when she misses a kick on the outside, and connects with the ringpost. Flair now goes to work on the leg, showing no mercy. Asuka fights back, but the leg is a big hindrance, and she soon finds herself in the figure-8 in the middle of the ring. She manages to fight to the ropes, and then rolls to the outside. Charlotte goes up top and connects with a moonsault, and they move back into the ring. Charlotte goes to the top rope for another moonsault, but this time Asuka kicks the top rope, causing Charlotte to fall across the top turnbuckle. Asuka locks on the Asuka Lock and drags her off the top and to the mat, cinching the hold on tight. Charlotte struggles for the ropes, but can’t make it and has no choice but to tap out.
Time of fall: 12:17

 

Team USA 1-1 Team Rest of the World

 

More locker room reaction shots. Renee Young is at ringside to catch a word with Ric Flair.

 

Renee Young: Ric, a heartbreaking loss for Charlotte there. How do you think this will impact the rest of the night?

 

Ric Flair: That was a hell of a match, and my girl put up a hell of a fight, didn’t she? But you know, the night is early, and if there’s one thing Flairs are good at, it’s going the distance. So she’ll be back. No doubt.

 

We cut to the Team ROTW locker room. Regal is talking to The Bar.

 

William Regal: Okay, are you two ready? You know why you’re on this team. You’re the best tag team in the world. It doesn’t matter who Team USA puts against you. There are no two men in the world that can defeat you.

 

Sheamus: I don’t care if it’s Braun Strowman, John Cena, Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, or anyone else. We will be victorious.

 

Cesaro: Because we don’t set the bar.

 

William Regal: You are the Bar.

 

The whole squad starts chanting “Bar, Bar, Bar” as The Bar start to make their way out.

 

The Bar make their entrance into the arena and await their opponents. AJ Styles’ music hits, and the Phenomenal one makes his way out. Ride of the Valkyries hits, and Daniel Bryan comes out.

 

The Bar Vs AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan

 

Announcer talking points: The team continuity of the Bar versus the ‘dream team’ of Bryan and Styles.

 

This is wrestled as a dream match, with both teams throwing everything they’ve got at each other. The Bar use their experience to take control, double teaming Styles and cutting the ring in half. AJ gets the tag, and Bryan comes in a house of fire. He eventually gets cut off too, and now he takes a turn as face in peril. Finally the match breaks down, and all four men are in, leading to lots of near falls. Cesaro has Bryan for the swing, but Styles flies in with a Phenomenal forearm. Sheamus breaks up the pin attempt. Sheamus hits a Brogue Kick on Styles, but Bryan breaks up the pin attempt. Now the Bar double teams Bryan. Sheamus has him up for White Noise as Cesaro goes up top, but Bryan counters into a Yes Lock, and Cesaro jumps into a dropkick from Styles. Cesaro and Styles go to the outside, as Sheamus fights to get to the ropes. Cesaro sends Styles into the ring post and climbs onto the apron. Bryan sees him coming and dropkicks him to the floor. Sheamus Brogue Kicks Bryan, but Styles is back in to break the pin. Styles hits a strike combo on Sheamus, but Sheamus catches him with a knee to the gut. He sets him for a powerbomb, but Styles whips him into the calf crusher. Bryan takes a leap off the apron onto Cesaro but is met with a forearm uppercut, and Cesaro breaks up the calf crusher. Cesaro takes a Pele kick from Styles, and Styles goes for the Styles Clash, but Sheamus Brogue kicks him in the side of the head. He falls into the cover, and as Cesaro blocks Bryan’s lunge, Sheamus finally gets the pinfall on Styles.
Time of fall: 18:30

 

Team USA 1-2 Team Rest of the World

 

The Bar celebrate, and Rusev comes out to join them. As the Bar leave, Rusev gets a microphone.

 

Rusev: Once again, we have shown our dominance against Team USA. We will continue to crush our opposition, and make this the best Rusev Day ever. Now bring out my competition.

 

Braun Strowman comes out. Renee is ringside with Aiden English.

 

Renee: Aiden, you might have mixed feelings here tonight, of course being that you are American, but also very close to Rusev.

 

Aiden English: There are no mixed feelings, Renee. Yes, I am American, but my loyalties lie with my best friend, Rusev. And I’m looking forward to watching him dominate Braun Strowman right now.

 

Strowman grabs English and tosses him over the barricade to the ringside area, then runs over him with a big shoulderblock.

 

Rusev takes his chance to attack Strowman from behind, clubbing away at him and then hitting a Matchka kick. He climbs into the ring, and waits for Strowman to join him.

 

Braun Strowman Vs Rusev

 

Announcer talking points: Can Rusev slay the monster?

 

Strowman rolls into the ring and the bell rings. Rusev hits another Matchka kick which puts Strowman down, but only for a 1 count. Rusev continues to stomp and club away at the big man. He goes to the second rope, but is caught by Strowman. Strowman goes for the powerslam, but Rusev wriggles out the back and hits a spinning kick. He then locks on the Accolade. Strowman struggles for a couple of seconds, but then muscles up to his feet, and drops back, crushing Rusev. One running powerslam later, and Team USA have evened the score. English attacks Strowman, but eats a running powerslam too.
Time of fall: 4:47

 

Team USA 2-2 Team Rest of the World

 

Renee Young is in the back with Roman Reigns.

 

Renee Young: Roman, there’s been a lot of speculation over the last week surrounding the extent of the injury you suffered on Monday Night Raw during your match with Drew McIntyre. The question people are asking is what kind of shape are you in for tonight?

 

Roman Reigns: You know, I ain’t gonna lie. I’m beat up. But that isn’t different from any other day of the year. Drew McIntyre put a beatdown on me, but I’m still standing. I’m still here. It doesn’t matter how many times you put me down. It’s whether you can keep me down that matters. And I guess we’ll find out tonight if anyone on Team Rest of the World is man enough to keep me down.

 

A video package highlights Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas’s impact as part of Team Rest of the World.

 

The announcers talk about Almas being the ‘designated hitter’ of his team, and talk about the next match being announced earlier in the week on social media.

 

Randy Orton Vs Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas w/ Zelina Vega

 

Announcer talking points: Almas facing his first real test on the main roster. The rivalry that has built up between the two over the past weeks.

 

These two go at each other with intensity, exchanging punches, with Orton coming out on top. Vega provides a distraction which allows Almas to take over, but the match continues to go back and forth. Orton attempts the RKO several times, but each time, Almas avoids is. He finally hits it but Almas rolls to the outside, assisted by Vega. Orton throws Almas back in the ring, but another momentary distraction from Vega allows Almas to recover, and he catches Orton with a spinning elbow that sends him sprawling into the corner. Almas follows up with the double knee strike, and then finishes Orton off with the hammerlock DDT for the 1-2-3.
Time of fall: 9:45

 

Team USA 2-3 Team Rest of the World

 

Renee Young is ringside with Paige.

 

Renee Young: Paige, you’ve been a controversial figure the last few weeks, with some of your decision making on Smackdown Live seeming to favour Team Rest of the World. You must be reasonably happy with how things are shaping up right now, with Team Rest of the World leading the contest 3-2.

 

Paige: It’s been a fantastic night of action so far, and I’m definitely here to support Team Rest of the World. Maybe I got a little carried away the last few weeks, but at the very least, I think it made for some pretty interesting TV.

 

Renee Young: So do you think Team Rest of the World is going to close this out?

 

Paige: Absolutely. Sorry everybody, but this is in the bag.

 

Renee Young: Okay, back to ringside.

 

Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman Vs Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn

 

Announcer talking points: Can Reigns and Strowman co-exist given their past history? How will Reigns hold up physically after injuring his midsection against Drew McIntyre just days ago?

 

It’s Reigns and Strowman dominating at will at the start of the match, with Owens and Sami bumping all over the place. Finally Owens digs a knee into Reigns’s gut, turning the tables. Owens and Zayn have some success making quick tags against Reigns and working over the midsection, but Reigns counters a pop-up powerbomb attempt into a Superman Punch, and tags in Strowman. Strowman dominates both opponents. He hits the running powerslam on Zayn, but Owens breaks up pinfall. Strowman chases Owens to the outside, and as he does so, Reigns tags himself back in. Strowman charges at Owens but Owens side-steps him, sending Strowman crashing through the barricade. Owens is setting up for a spear on Zayn, but Owens jumps onto the apron. Reigns gives him another Superman Punch, but Zayn catches him with a Helluva kick. He covers and gets the surprise victory to put his team two up. Zayn and Owens celebrate wildly. The announcers question Reigns’s decision to tag himself in.
Time of fall: 10:12

 

Team USA 2-4 Team Rest of the World

 

Kurt Angle is in the back talking to someone off-camera.

 

Kurt Angle: Everyone thought I was crazy putting you two together. Even you guys thought I was crazy. But I knew you could produce something special tonight. Well, we really need something special now. We’re down by 2, and I need you to step up the plate and get us back into this thing.

 

The camera pans out to show Ronda Rousey and Samoa Joe.

 

Ronda Rousey: Kurt, I promise you, I’m not going to let you down. We’ve been spending a lot of time together, training together, and I see why you paired us together now. Because Joe is a machine in that ring, and I’m going to prove that I am too.

 

Samoa Joe: You don’t need to worry, Kurt. Regal wants to play mind games with us by not telling us who our opponents are going to be. That’s fine. Because it really doesn’t matter who they put out there. What matters is that someone is going to sleep. And someone is leaving minus an arm.

 

Joe and Ronda leave, as Kurt looks nervous.

 

Samoa Joe and Ronda Rousey make their entrances and then await their opponents. Cesaro’s music hits, and the Swiss Superman walks out. He gestures for his partner. The Iconics theme hits, and we close in on Rousey’s face. Then the music stops and the lights go out, and Asuka’s music hits. A smile breaks out on Rousey’s face, as the Empress of Tomorrow makes her entrance.

 

Samoa Joe and Ronda Rousey Vs Cesaro and Asuka

 

Announcer talking points: The main focus is on a potential Rousey/Asuka showdown. This is a must win match for Team USA.

 

Joe and Cesaro start off, trading power moves and strikes. A stalemate ensues and Cesaro tags Asuka. Joe milks it for a moment, and then makes the tag to Ronda. When I fantasy book, I don’t talk about crowd reactions, because obviously you can’t book what the crowd is going to do. But I have to assume here that the crowd is losing their shit as Ronda and Asuka square up. They lock up and struggle to the outside in a stalemate. Back in the ring they lock up again and do some grappling, again to a stalemate. Asuka fires some kicks at Ronda, backing her into the corner, but Ronda fights back out with a barrage of strikes. They give each other a little nod of respect and then tag the men back in. More hard-hitting action, with Cesaro finally gaining control and working over Joe, including a giant swing. He goes for a running forearm in the corner, but Joe counters with a urinage, and then makes the tag to Ronda. Cesaro tags Asuka, and this time Ronda is quickest to the punch, taking Asuka down with strikes, and then a judo takedown. She looks for the armbar, but Asuka bails out of the ring. Asuka grabs Ronda’s leg and pulls her to the outside, throwing her into the announce table. She rolls her back into the ring and goes up top, connecting with a missile dropkick that earns her a two count. A hip attack earns her another nearfall, and then she goes for the Asuka Lock. Ronda elbows her way out of it, and then they both down each other with forearm strikes. They crawl to their corners to make tags, and Joe and Cesaro go at it again. Joe is a house of fire, but Cesaro cuts him off with a kick to the gut and a big forearm uppercut. However, when he tries for a springboard forearm uppercut, Joe takes a step back and locks on the Kokina Clutch. Asuka comes in, but Ronda tackles her and the women struggle to the floor. Cesaro fades away in the hold, giving Team USA the win.
Time of fall: 12:39

 

Team USA 3-4 Team Rest of the World

 

We cut to the back where Team USA are celebrating the win.

 

A video package shows the history between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura.

 

AJ Styles Vs Shinsuke Nakamura

 

Announcer talking points: The title isn’t on the line, but this is about more than the championship.

 

These two go at each other hard, brawling around the ringside area, with Styles dominating proceedings. He connects early with the Phenomenal Forearm, but Nakamura rolls out the ring, and starts retreating up the aisle. Styles goes after him, but Nakamura turns the tables, sending him into the barricade. A prolonged period of control for Nakamura follows, but he can’t put AJ away. AJ makes his comeback, winning a strike exchange, and the two move into the big moves portion of the match. AJ counters a Kinshasa into a calf crusher, but Nakamura makes it to the ropes. They go back to the outside, and Styles goes for a Styles Clash on the announce table, but Nakamura back body drops him. He hits the Kinshasa on the table, and sends him back into the ring. 2 count. He goes for the Kinshasa again, but again Styles ducks and goes for the calf crusher. Nakamura counters this with an enziguri. He goes up top, but Styles catches him with a boot to the gut, and then hits the Styles Clash. 2 count. He goes for another Phenomenal Forearm, but Nakamura hits the ropes, causing Styles to crotch himself on the top rope. He falls to the mat in a heap, and Nakamura hits another Kinshasa to finally pick up the win.
Time of fall: 17:05

 

Team USA 3-5 Team Rest of the World

 

Renee Young is in the back with Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks.

 

Renee Young: Ladies, in just a few moments you take on the Iconics. Now, you’re in a tough spot, because if the Iconics win, Team Rest of the World will have an insurmountable lead over Team USA. Not only that, but the Iconics have been teaming up regularly on Smackdown Live, whereas the last time you two were together, you were battling over the Raw Women’s championship.

 

Sasha Banks: That’s all in the past, Renee. Yes, Charlotte and I have a checkered history, but we also have a deep bond.

 

They both hold up four fingers.

 

Sasha Banks: And yes, I’ve been watching what the Iconics have been doing on Smackdown Live, and they’ve been very impressive. When it’s been 2-on-1. Well, tonight it isn’t going to be 2-on-1, because Charlotte Flair has back-up, and that back-up is the Boss.

 

Charlotte Flair: You see, you can play the numbers game all you like, Peyton and Billie, but eventually, it’s going to come back and bite you. Tonight, you find out why I am the Queen, why Sasha is the Boss, and just what the Horsewomen are all about.

 

They react to something off screen, and the camera pans across to see Becky Lynch standing there. She stares them down and walks off.

 

Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair Vs The Iconics

 

Announcer talking points: It’s a sudden death situation for Sasha and Charlotte. Can the Iconics make their superior team work pay off? Why was Becky in the back?

 

As Sasha makes her entrance, she is attacked from behind by the Iconics. They send her into the barricade. Charlotte, who was in the ring, runs down to make the save. The Iconics back off and head to the ring as Charlotte tends to Sasha. Charlotte heads to the ring to fight the Iconics alone, and holds her own until the numbers game again proves too much. The match changes complexion when Charlotte ducks a Shades of Kay big boot, but then Billie ducks a Charlotte big boot attempt, causing Charlotte to connect with the ref, knocking him out. Charlotte and Kay then hit duel big boots sending them both down. Peyton rolls Billie to the outside, and then grabs a steel chair. She nails Charlotte in the back with the chair and makes the cover. The ref, still groggy, counts 1…2…. and is then pulled out of the ring by…Becky Lynch. Peyton starts yelling at Becky as the ref is still trying to shake off the cobwebs. Becky is yelling that she is her own woman, and is doing the right thing. She turns around and gets wiped out by a Shades of Kay, but then Billie in turn is taken out by a pair of knees courtesy of Sasha Banks, who has launched herself off the barricade, having recovered from her beatdown. Sasha hops onto the apron as Peyton sets about going back on the attack on Charlotte. She hooks her for a fisherman’s suplex, but Charlotte counters with a DDT, and then crawls over to make the hot tag to Sasha. Banks comes in and goes to town on Peyton, finally locking her in the Banks Statement, as Charlotte fends off Billie on the outside. Peyton taps to give Team USA the win.
Time of fall: 8:13

 

Team USA 4-5 Team Rest of the World

 

The announce team tell us that they have just heard that Daniel Bryan will be the final singles competitor for Team USA.

 

In the back, we see Shinsuke Nakamura leaving the arena. William Regal catches up with him.

 

William Regal: Shinsuke, Shinsuke. What are you doing?

 

Shinsuke Nakamura: I win my match. Now I leave.

 

William Regal: But the contest isn’t over yet. I need you for the 10-man tag team match. That could decide the whole thing.

 

Shinsuke Nakamura: I win my match. Now I leave.

 

He starts to walk off.

 

William Regal: You can’t just bloody leave. We still need to win one more match.

 

Shinsuke Nakamura: I’m sorry, Mr Regal. You talk funny, and I don’t understand.

 

He walks away, leaving Regal shaking his head.

 

Renee Young is with Sami Zayn.

 

Renee Young: Sami, William Regal has selected you for the final singles match of the evening. Your oppoent, Daniel Bryan. Are you feeling any pressure, having seen Team USA pull to within one victory of you?

Sami Zayn: Let me ask you something, Renee; did you see earlier tonight when I pinned Roman Reigns, 1-2-3, in the middle of that ring? When I neutralized the so-called Big Dog. When I humbled “the guy”? Did you see that? So, I think it’s apparent that no, I’m not feeling any pressure. On the contrary, I’m riding a wave of euphoria right now that Daniel Bryan is not going to be able to quell. Let me tell you something now about Daniel Bryan. You see, the last time I stepped into a ring with Daniel Bryan was WrestleMania. And do you remember what happened, Renee?

 

Renee Young: He made you tap out.

 

Sami Zayn: He made me tap out. Yes, he did. He humiliated me. He embarrassed me. He took my dignity. But do you know what the worst thing about it was? The worst thing about it was that after WrestleMania, Bryan dodged me and ducked me and made sure that he never had to face me again. Because he knew that if I got my hands on him there was only going to be one outcome, and that was Daniel Bryan being put back on the injured list, Daniel Bryan being humiliated, and embarrassed and being made to pay for the indignity that he made me suffer at WrestleMania. Well, now it seems that fate has decided to smile on me once again, because tonight I get my match with Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan can’t dodge and duck me anymore. And not only do I get to beat Daniel Bryan, but I also get to win the Sammartino Cup for Team Rest of the World. That would make me something of a hero, wouldn’t it, Renee? Yeah, a hero.

 

He walks off.

 

Daniel Bryan Vs Sami Zayn

 

Announcer talking points: The history between Bryan and Zayn. Bryan has to win to force a deciding match.

 

They start with some chain wrestling, with Bryan coming out on top in every situation. This frustrates Zayn and he tries to turn the match into a striking contest, but again comes out on the wrong end. He finally gets the advantage with a thumb to the eye, and then proceeds to take it to Bryan. The Blue Thunder Bomb gets a near fall, but Bryan is able to avoid the Helluva Kick and begin his comeback. He tries to lock on the Yes Lock, but Zayn swiftly gets to the ropes. Zayn hotshots Bryan on the top rope and goes to the top rope. Bryan crotches him and climbs up, delivering a big superplex. He then transitions into the Yes Lock and, after a brief struggle, Sami is forced to tap out.
Time of fall: 10:00

 

Team USA 5-5 Team Rest of the World

 

William Regal is in the back with his team, sans Nakamura. There is an air of dejection in the room.

 

William Regal: Okay, team. It all comes down to this. We know what we have to do. You’ve all fought hard all night, and whether you won or lost, every blow you struck has inched us closer to victory. I’m proud of you. Shinsuke Nakamura may have walked out on us, but that is only going to bring us closer. I said all along that Team USA is a team of individuals, while we are truly a team, and now it’s time to prove that, and bring home that trophy. Rusev, Owens, Almas, Cesaro, Sheamus; it falls on your shoulders now. Go out there, and do what you do best. Go out there and win.

 

The mood is much different in the Team USA lockerroom.

 

Kurt Angle: Settle down, settle down. We still have a job to do. You know, when I went to the Olympics back in ’96, I went with one goal, one objective, and that was to win the gold medal. And even though I had a broken neck, I didn’t stop until I had achieved my goal. When Bruno Sammartino came to this country, he had one dream, and that was to make a better life for himself. And he didn’t stop until not only had he done that, but he had become an inspiration to others to this very day. Did we come here tonight to compete, or did we come here tonight to win?

 

All: To win.

 

Kurt Angle: Exactly, we came here to win, and we’re not going to stop until we have our hands on that trophy. Now, it’s been hard to decide who is going to compete in the 10-man tag, but I’ve made my decision. Daniel Bryan. Randy Orton. Samoa Joe. John Cena. Roman Reigns. You are the men tasked with making history, and making Team USA the first winners of the Sammartino Cup. Are you ready?

 

All: Yes!

 

Kurt Angle: I said are you ready?

 

All: YES!

 

Kurt Angle: Then let’s go do this!

 

The team files out of the lockerroom, chanting ‘USA’. AJ Styles pulls Angle aside.

 

AJ Styles: Kurt, you’ve gotta put me in this match.

 

Kurt Angle: I’m sorry, AJ. I’ve made my choice.

 

AJ Styles: Come on, Kurt. I’m the WWE champion. I need to be in this match. I’m 0 and 2 tonight, and I have to redeem myself. Roman is hurt. Daniel just competed. Replace one of them with me.

 

Kurt Angle: And you’ve already had two grueling matches tonight. AJ, I know you think you let the team down, but you didn’t. You gave your best, and that’s all I ever asked out of any of you. And anyway, this isn’t about you. It’s about the team. Now come on. We need your support right now.

 

Angle follows the team out the lockerroom, and Styles trudges after him disappointedly.

 

John Cena, Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Samoa Joe and Randy Orton w/Kurt Angle Vs Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas, Rusev, Kevin Owens and The Bar w/William Regal, Lana and Zelina Vega

 

Announcer talking points: Winner takes all.

 

The other members of the two teams are standing at the top of the entranceway watching the match. We start with Orton and Almas renewing their rivalry, and then run through various different combinations, with Team USA using quick tags to control the early portions. Team ROTW eventually get Bryan isolated in their corner, and go to work on him. Bryan fights his way out and makes the hot tag to Cena, who starts clearing house. Rusev pulls him to the outside and delivers a Matchka Kick. Orton comes around and clotheslines Rusev. Sheamus comes over and starts punching Orton. Bryan comes off the apron with a knee on Sheamus. Almas comes over the top with a flipping senton on Bryan. Joe takes Almas out with a suicide dive. Owens bowling balls off the apron onto Joe. As they all stagger to their feet, Reigns comes over the top with a suicide dive to take them all down. Cena rolls back into the ring where Cesaro, the legal man, is waiting for him. Cesaro hits him with a forearm uppercut, and then springboards off the ropes for another. But Cena catches him on his shoulders and goes for an AA. Cesaro lands on his feet and the two knock each other down with a double clothesline. Reigns and Rusev tag in, and Reigns is in control until Rusev counters a spear with a big kick, and now Reigns is being worked over, with the focus on his midsection. After some near misses, Reigns is able to make the hot tag to Bryan, who goes to work. He has Almas, Rusev and the Bar in separate corners, and delivers running dropkicks to them all, before giving Owens the Yes Kicks. He puts Almas in the Yes Lock, but Owens breaks it up, and that signals the start of a big brawl. With the referee distracted by the brawl, Sami Zayn runs down to the ring and hits Bryan with a Helluva Kick. Styles runs down and starts rocking Zayn with punches. Almas hits the double knee strike on a downed Bryan and goes for the cover, but Styles puts Bryan’s foot on the rope. Regal confronts Styles, and that gives Zayn the opportunity to shove Styles into the ring post. Zayn skanks away happy with himself, but turns right into Strowman, who starts destroying him. Angle drops Regal with a punch. Vega and Lana are trying to get involved, and that brings Charlotte and Sasha marching down to the ring, soon followed by The Iconics, Asuka and Ronda. Ronda whips Billie Kay into the armbar and has her tapping out on the floor. Almas tags Sheamus, who sets up for the Brogue Kick on Bryan. He goes to deliver the kick, but Reigns pushes Bryan out of the way, taking the kick himself. Bryan takes Sheamus down into the Yes Lock, and, with Team USA playing blocker around ringside, Sheamus has no choice but to tap out.
Time of fall: 26:16

 

Final score: Team USA 6-5 Team Rest of the World

 

Team USA flood into the ring to celebrate with Bryan, as Team Rest of the World skulk away. Regal climbs into the ring and offers his hand to Angle. They shake hands, Regal gives a little clap to Team USA, and then follows his team out. Triple H’s music hits, and he comes out to present the trophy.

 

Triple H: The winners of the inaugural Sammartino Cup; Team USA!

 

He hands over the trophy to Angle and they all celebrate as the show goes off the air.

[kevinmcfl]

Great show! You truly have a knack for this sort of thing. I hope you have another project in mind.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.