WWE in 2013

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Friday Night SmackDown
June 21, 2013
"Going Live "

SmackDown's first episode going live on Friday nights start out with Stephanie McMahon boasting of her own capabilities of drafting the best roster in WWE. Stephanie says it was flawless and began with the number one overall pick, WWE Champion Dolph Ziggler! Ziggler came to the ring with AJ Lee and Big E Langston, and Stephanie let Ziggler know that he is now the face of SmackDown and the face of the entire WWE. Ziggler said he expected to be treated as such, and Stephanie said that is why she traded for AJ Lee to be on SmackDown. AJ snuggles up to Ziggler before Stephanie announces that he will be defending his championship at the Great American Bash on July 7th, the exclusive SmackDown pay-per-view. When asked against who, Stephanie said it will be determined in a triple threat tonight between CM Punk, Randy Orton, and John Cena. Ziggler wasn't happy and asked what happened to being treated like a star, but Stephanie shrugs her shoulders long enough for Kane to come to the ring. Stephanie then informs Big E Langston that he was put in a match against Kane, and she doesn't know if he received word. The three complain, but it's not helping the situation.

Singles Match
Big E. Langston (with AJ Lee and Dolph Ziggler) versus Kane
Big E. Langston struggled with the veteranship of Kane and tried using his strength that was never before seen by the Big Red Monster. Yet, Kane turned the tide and had the grip of Big E. Langston's throat, but this was when AJ Lee jumped on the apron and distracted the official. Ziggler slid in and clocked Kane in the back of the head with the WWE Championship belt. Ziggler quickly slid outside the ring for Langston to hit the Big Ending finish to rob the match from Kane.

Advertised card for tonight's show:
Ted DiBiase Jr vs. Mark Henry
Cryme Tyme Returns
CM Punk vs. John Cena vs. Randy Orton (#1 Contender Match)

Singles Match
Fandango (with Summer Rae) versus William Regal
William Regal would use his technical prowess to ground the rookie and get inside the young Fandango's head. Fandango found an opening and avoided the Regal Stretch and put together some offense that ended in a beautiful leg drop from the top rope, pinning Regal.

WWE Champion Dolph Ziggler is with AJ Lee and Big E. Langston when they are approached by the SmackDown Commissioner. Stephanie McMahon congratulates Big E. Langston of his victory over Kane tonight, and that's a big deal. But noticing what a force they are together as an unit, she needs to make sure that is not an issue moving forward. Stephanie makes it clear if she continues to see it, she will make the necessary moves.

Prior to the next match, JTG comes to the ring and gets the crowd excited for the return of his partner, Shad Gaspard, and the reunion of Cryme Tyme! Shad Gaspard then comes out to a big ovation before their opponents, Camacho and Hunico, follow their opponents to the ring.

Tag Team Match
Cryme Tyme versus Camacho & Hunico
Shad Gaspard displays a little ring rust early on, so JTG carries the team for much of the match, but once Shad and JTG execute a few double moves, they get into a rhythm. Camacho and Hunico try stealing the victory by throwing some brass knuckles in the ring while Hunico distracts. Camacho tried using some brass knuckles, but JTG rolls him up and hangs onto the tights to secure the win for Cryme Tyme.

A vignette plays for the return of former WWE Champion Rob Van Dam to SmackDown.

CM Punk receives an interview spot with Josh Mathews prior to tonight's main event. When asked what would competing for the WWE Championship would mean to him, Punk recalls taking The Undertaker to the limit and that earning him a title opportunity against Alberto Del Rio. Punk admits falling short, but he came back and beat Chris Jericho at Payback. Punk believes that two high-profile matches against Undertaker and Alberto Del Rio made him into a better wrestler and is going to allow him to become the next WWE Champion. Punk claims he is the one and only man capable of being the face of SmackDown.

Singles Match
Mark Henry versus Ted DiBiase Jr.
Ted DiBiase Jr. was more cognizant of positioning in the match, facing the much larger and powerful Mark Henry. However, it did him no good, because a World's Strongest Slam put to rest any chance for DiBiase in the match.

John Cena gets an interview with Josh Mathews before he wrestles in the #1 contender match. Cena says he's familiar with Dolph Ziggler and is on the quest to reclaim his WWE Championship. Orton interrupts this interview and recalls that on Raw, he was the final one standing, much like he will be tonight. The two face off before CM Punk steps into the shot. Punk laughs and says it's time to go to sleep, before walking off, with their match up next after the commercial.

Confirmed for next week is Kane receiving a rematch against Big E. Langston and Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel in action. But for this next match, Dolph Ziggler comes to ringside to watch along with Big E. Langston and AJ Lee. An up close view of this match is provided for the WWE Champion to determine who he will defend the title against on the SmackDown exclusive PPV event, The Great American Bash, on July 7th.

#1 Contender Match
CM Punk versus John Cena versus Randy Orton
One of the highest profile matches WWE can offer today is on SmackDown's first live episode in this new era. This PPV-quality match brought that same atmosphere as it was a bunch of nearfalls and finishing moves, yet either the third man would prevent the match from ending, or the damaged opponent would survive the submission or raise the shoulder. It was Cena avoiding an RKO, pushing Orton into the ropes and hitting a few shoulder blocks, followed by a Five Knuckle Shuffle, and then put Orton up for an Attitude Adjustment. Orton got off, tried an RKO, but Cena got him up for the AA and finally hit it. CM Punk immediately flew in with a diving forearm. CM Punk then measured Cena for a Go To Sleep, but was the victim of a Codebreaker by Chris Jericho who slid in at the final moment. Ziggler did not know what to think as Jericho slipped back out and left CM Punk on the mat, and Punk slowly rolled to the ropes. Cena rose to his feet next, not knowing what happened, picked CM Punk up for an Attitude Adjustment and hit it! Cena was then immediately grabbed and thrown outside the ring by Orton, who jumped on Punk for the pinfall.

Randy Orton celebrated the ultimate opportunity seized, and now secures himself a match with WWE Champion Dolph Ziggler, in search of his seventh WWE Championship. Also in the background, Chris Jericho is seen lurking from the top of the stage at the damage done to CM Punk, who had defeated him at Payback.

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Monday Night Raw
June 24, 2013
"The Money Era "

Tonight's show began with Edge making his way to the ring. Edge expressed to the fans his gratitude for being a part of this new era in WWE, when he didn't believe he would ever wrestle again. Wade Barrett interrupted and brought up Edge's sensitive neck issue, and that he is no doctor, but it will only take one bad landing to put him in a wheelchair. Barrett asked if he is still working on his legacy, before he is known as the paraplegic. Edge then says Barrett's legacy is being the least talented and most vocal in an 8-man group that was taken over by a straight edge guy, before forming a much weaker group with half the followers. This incited Barrett stepping up to Edge and looking down at the height difference, before an official ran down to the ring and informed them of a match next.

Singles Match
Edge versus Wade Barrett
Both competitors put up a fight and it was very even, except when Barrett went to attack the neck and spinal area of Edge. Barrett gained much control after that, but it was when Barrett hoisted him up for Wasteland that Edge slid off the back for a crucifix pin attempt, which Barrett barely kicked out. Barrett then swung and missed a lariat, only for Edge to run across the ropes and Barrett turned into a Spear! Edge made the cover and came away with a victory.

Advertised card for tonight's show:
MNM's Red Carpet Return
Brie Bella vs. Natalya
Alberto Del Rio vs. Ryback

To the ring comes Raw Commissioner Shane McMahon. Shane talks about a new era on Raw and the WWE, called The Money Era. Shane realizes that the WWE has the best roster in the world that money can buy, but when he looks at the ROI, he sees so much wasted potential. Shane believes it is time to get that return on investment that the fans need, so that is why he took this job. Shane O'Mac said the expectations are being raised, the stakes are being raised, and he expects there not to be a real "main event" realm, a "mid-card" realm, a "low-card" realm, but for everyone to be even and capable of competing for the World Heavyweight Championship. The reigning champion came to the ring and responded that not anyone and everyone is capable of holding this title, that is why he is the champion, because nobody else can compare. Shane says he's sure that his opponent tonight would disagree with that statement and makes the main event for the title. Del Rio isn't pleased at all by this before Alex Riley comes to the ring and pleads to Shane O'Mac that he is perfect for the Money Era, making it known he is ready to revamp his career and knows that Raw is his place to do it. Shane McMahon nods and asks if he wants a match, he says yes, and Shane calls for any other hungry competitor from the back to accept this challenge. Del Rio leaves, Shane leaves, and as Shane is walking up the ramp, out comes Big Show! Shane laughs as he heads to the back.

Singles Match
Alex Riley versus Big Show
Alex Riley tried to muscle up to the Big Show, not trying to display fear, but it was written all over his shaky bones. Riley put up a fight but the Big Show knocked Riley out with the WMD punch and casually made the cover.

Backstage is Alberto Del Rio talking to Ricardo Rodriguez, expressing outrage towards Shane McMahon for unfairly putting his title on the line tonight against Ryback. Del Rio orders Ricardo to find Ryback and "take care of it." Ricardo immediately says yes sir, but when Del Rio walks away, Ricardo then understands he needs to now confront Ryback.

Singles Match
Brie Bella (with Nikki Bella) versus Natalya
Natalya was putting on a wrestling clinic on Brie, yet it was when Nikki would stick her nose into the match, that Brie would gain the upper-hand on her opponent. The official warned Nikki twice when he would catch her, but it was the third time that Natalya had Brie pinned, but Nikki placed the foot on the bottom rope that the official had enough. The official went to throw Nikki out, but instead Nikki stormed inside the ring to argue with the official. Natalya came over and Nikki leveled her with a forearm, causing the disqualification.

After the bell, Nikki and Brie double teamed Natalya like there was no tomorrow. The Bella Twins displayed a very vicious side as they laid in on this attack, and left Natalya out in the center of the ring.

Curt Hawkins is backstage when Zack Ryder approaches him. Ryder suggests they resume their old bond, team up, and to claim the WWE Tag Team Championships. Hawkins laughs if Ryder thinks they can top The Shield, but Ryder believes they can. Hawkins says he would rather be the face of the Money Era, because if Shane McMahon is serious about providing return on investment, then he can be invested in as the next World Heavyweight Champion.

Singles Match
Damien Sandow versus Daniel Bryan
Starting a new singles career after his partner was drafted to SmackDown, Bryan was looking fresh against Sandow. It ended fairly quickly after about seven minutes, with Bryan capturing Sandow in the No Lock and forcing Sandow to submit.

Ricardo Rodriguez found Ryback in the backstage area and he went up to Ryback, and when they locked eyes, Ryback asked what he wanted. Ricardo asked Ryback not to come to the ring tonight, or it would end very badly. Ryback laughed, and Ricardo wound up and punched Ryback in the face. Ryback's laugh ceased and he grabbed Ricardo by the collar and tossed him behind him. Ryback then picked Ricardo up and threw him into the wall, and as Ricardo stumbled from the wall, he got a Meat Hook Clothesline. Ryback stood up and said he's still hungry, so he's coming for Alberto Del Rio and that World Heavyweight Championship.

The Shield came to the ring through the crowd with their gold in possession. The Shield mentioned Shane McMahon's comments last week with the WWE Draft, calling them the future. They took offense to that, correcting the Commissioner by calling themselves the present. The Shield, according to them, has been laying waste to the WWE and hold three-fourths of the titles on Monday Night Raw, and it won't be long until one of them is World Heavyweight Champion. Reigns made the bold claim that nobody that Shane drafted can threaten their dominance, neither could anyone on SmackDown. We then hear some old music, and out rolls the red carpet for Melina to come out to a huge ovation, followed by John Morrison and Joey Mercury! The three come to the ring and we hear the loudest crowd reaction. Melina introduces themselves as MNM, but Morrison stops her. Morrison restructures the name to be Triple M. Melina continues by saying that they weren't drafted, they were signed, so anything The Shield says is void. Mercury capped it off by telling Ambrose he doesn't have to worry about the United States Championship, but Triple M is here for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Morrison and Mercury then joke about Melina being able to take Dean Ambrose. Seth Rollins stops the nonsense and tells Triple M to name the place and time, and they'll be ready to defend. Triple M thinks, before Melina suggests Capitol Punishment on July 21st. The Shield agree, and the tag title match is official!

Michael Cole and the broadcast team react to a huge title match made for Capitol Punishment, for the first time ever, John Morrison and Joey Mercury will wrestle Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns! Then, mention a match set for next week being a WrestleMania 28 rematch between Daniel Bryan and Sheamus. In addition, Beth Phoenix returns to the WWE! But we get set for the World Heavyweight Championship match next, after a replay of how this came to be from earlier. Alberto Del Rio is introduced by Lilian Garcia after Ricardo Rodriguez was taken out by Ryback earlier.

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Alberto Del Rio versus Ryback
Del Rio's title was in jeopardy because Ryback was hungry. Ryback was throwing the champion around like a rag doll and at specific moments, it appeared we would have a new champion. Ryback would hit a Meat Hook Clothesline, but Del Rio instinctively rolled outside the ring. Ryback wasn't having it and threw Del Rio back in and as momentum looked as if he was setting up for Shell Shocked, Del Rio quickly hit a low-blow to intentionally disqualify himself.

As the match ended, Del Rio rolled out quickly as Ryback dropped to the mat holding his crotch. Del Rio got a massive amount of boos and snatched his World Heavyweight Championship from ringside and staggered up the ramp. Del Rio took pride in retaining his title as Raw goes off the air.

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Friday Night SmackDown
June 28, 2013
"Straight Edge Scorn "

To begin tonight's show, CM Punk comes to the ring following a replay of what transpired last week. CM Punk sat down Indian-style in the center of the ring and said he would not leave the ring until he got what he wanted, and that is Chris Jericho. Punk expressed frustration at Jericho for costing him an opportunity to regain the WWE Championship and while he waits, Stephanie McMahon comes. Stephanie informs Punk that Jericho had matters at home, so he is not in the arena tonight. Punk was upset, but Stephanie makes the match for the Great American Bash in two weeks, a match that Punk can get his hands on Chris Jericho. Punk vows to make Jericho's life a living hell. Stephanie saw he wanted to take a lot of his frustration out, so the SmackDown Commissioner booked a match for right now, pitting CM Punk against Ted DiBiase Jr.

Singles Match
CM Punk versus Ted DiBiase Jr.
It was not fair for Ted DiBiase Jr. to wrestle CM Punk in the mood that Punk was in tonight. Punk let out his frustration against DiBiase and would make a statement with the Go To Sleep executed with extra force on the rising knee.

After the match, Punk asked for a microphone and told Chris Jericho that this one was for him. Then, CM Punk picked DiBiase up once more and hit a second Go To Sleep to send a message to Jericho prior to their match at The Great American Bash.

Advertised card for tonight's show:
Cryme Tyme vs. Camacho & Hunico
Chavo Guerrero's in-ring return
Big E. Langston vs. Kane

A vignette airs for the return of Rob Van Dam to the WWE.

Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel comes to the ring with Paul Heyman alongside him. Heyman says that Axel was the best pick Stephanie McMahon could have made. Heyman says that Brock Lesnar is a Beast, but Axel is everything people are looking for in the next guy. Heyman boosts Axel up prior to his match with Evan Bourne.

Singles Match
Curtis Axel (with Paul Heyman) versus Evan Bourne
Axel struggled early with Bourne's athletic ability and high-flying capabilities, and Heyman had to reel in his Intercontinental Champion to settle him down, but Evan Bourne flipped over the top rope taking both Heyman and Axel down. Bourne threw Axel into the ring and hit a springboard hurricanrana, followed by a beautiful Shooting Star Press to upset the Intercontinental Champion!

Dolph Ziggler and AJ Lee are hyping up Big E. Langston prior to his match with Kane. However, this hype turns down with Randy Orton coming by. Orton says he and Kane have been around for a really long time, and they're not ready to give up their territory to young hipsters. Ziggler bites back by reminding Orton that Evolution doesn't stop with him, but it just keeps evolving, and he is the next one. Ziggler calls him and Langston the next Orton and Batista. Orton laughs and wishes Langston luck tonight against Kane.

Tag Team Match
Cryme Tyme versus Camacho & Hunico
In a rematch of last week, Camacho and Hunico came out with much more aggression, keeping Shad Gaspard on the apron. However, when JTG found an opening, he tagged Shad in and he went off. Shad Gaspard nearly brought the match home, yet Hunico cut Shad's knee out and Camacho lifted up a big boot on Shad to cover him, while Hunico prevents JTG from breaking up the pin to get redemption after last week.

Stephanie McMahon is in her office when Eve Torres comes in, after her signing was announced at Draft Night. Stephanie asks what she can do for Eve, and Eve asks about Kaitlyn and the Divas Championship. Stephanie lets Eve Torres know she likes her, but doesn't hand title opportunities out like her brother Shane did with Triple M on Monday. Stephanie lets Eve Torres know that she can compete next week against AJ Lee with an opportunity to challenge Kaitlyn at The Great American Bash.

Chavo Guerrero comes to the ring for the first time in a while. Chavo mentions he came back to the WWE to honor Eddie Guerrero in the best way he knew how. Chavo said Eddie loved SmackDown with a passion and this is where he broke through the glass ceiling and won the WWE Championship. Chavo said that is his goal and will begin that path now.

Singles Match
Chavo Guerrero versus Tyson Kidd
Chavo Guerrero had the fans behind him in his return to the WWE, but Kidd was wanting to play spoiler tonight. Chavo was caught in a Sharpshooter, but battled to the bottom rope to break the hold. Chavo would then find an opening and end up hitting the Three Amigos on Kidd. Chavo went up to the top for a Frog Splash, yet Kidd jumped up and battled Chavo on the ropes. Chavo was able to push him off and hit a Frog Splash for the win.

Evan Bourne was resting backstage after his match earlier and was informed by Jamie Noble, a worker backstage, that he would be competing for the Intercontinental Championship in two weeks at The Great American Bash. Bourne was excited, but Curtis Axel came over frustrated at him and the two engaged in a brawl, one that Axel came on top of by laying out his new #1 contender, throwing him into a crate nearby.

Next week is hyped as WWE Champion Dolph Ziggler is scheduled to compete against John Cena in the main event. In addition to that, The Usos will be in action.

Singles Match
Big E. Langston (with AJ Lee & Dolph Ziggler) versus Kane
Kane was upset after how last week's match went down. The official spoke with Lee and Ziggler prior to the match, perhaps informing them of consequences for them getting involved. This kept Big E's allies at sea, but when things began to turn around and Kane hit a big boot and followed it up with a chokeslam. However, Ziggler slid in and broke up the pin attempt, also calling for disqualification.

Ziggler would beat Kane up and this was met with #1 contender Randy Orton running in and making the save. Orton got a few punches in, but Ziggler was able to get enough space to leave the ring. Ziggler, Langston, and Lee huddled on the outside looking in as Orton helped Kane to his feet. Stephanie McMahon then scheduled a tag team match NOW! Ziggler looked upset, now noticing what he had gotten himself into.

Tag Team Match
Big E. Langston & Dolph Ziggler (with AJ Lee) versus Kane & Randy Orton
Ziggler really had Langston doing much of the work, even after receiving one chokeslam already. Ziggler wanted nothing to do with Orton, but once Langston got the upperhand on Kane, Ziggler got in and toyed with Kane and mocked Orton from the apron. This heel tactic worked until Ziggler was talking trash to Kane and the Big Red Monster reached up for Ziggler's throat, held on and threw him into the corner and held him back for Orton to tag. Randy Orton came and unleashed on Ziggler. Big E. Langston came in but Kane hit him with a right hook. Orton took care of Ziggler, not letting up, and once Big E. was taken care of, Orton would finish Ziggler off with an RKO.

Randy Orton got his fist raised along with Kane, and Matt Striker mentioned that if Orton was to hit the RKO at The Great American Bash in two weeks, it will all be over and we would have a new WWE Champion.

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WWE has signed the following to developmental contracts:
Adam Page
Austin Aries
Corey Hollis
El Hijo del Fantasma
Facade
Judas Mesias
Kenny Omega
Kevin Steen
Nick Aldis
Pentagon Jr.
Rey Fenix


The talents listed above will be reporting to the new WWE Performance Center for further development into the WWE style. They will receive exposure on the NXT brand, that only airs via WWE's official website.

This is being regarded as one of the most star-studded groups to come in to WWE, with comparisons to 2002.

Here are some comments about the talents from various sources after they were announced:


Austin Aries
"Aries has been a mainstay in the indies and TNA for years. Expect for him not to eat much developmental time and shoot up to Monday nights."

"With rumors of NXT being a premiered program on the WWE Network in early January, Aries is just the guy to give the brand credibility."


Adam Page and Corey Hollis
"Two young guys with experience coming into WWE as a tag team. If they remain together, they could add a boost to tag team wrestling."

"Page, and particularly Hollis, are well undersized for WWE's liking, perhaps even too green. They are the two projects with the most bust potential and will spend a lot of time in development."

Fantasma, Mesias, Pentagon, Fenix
"With Rey Mysterio aging and Sin Cara's prices not as effective, WWE needs to find a lucha libre star they can build around. These signings have made names for themselves in Mexico and one has to hit."

"With the rumors of a lucha libre promotion opening in California within the next couple of years, Vince went ahead and secured four of Mexico's youngest stars to prevent competition. Typical Vince move."

Kenny Omega
"Previously under a developmental deal in 2006, Omega spent some time teaming with Kota Ibushi as The Golden Lovers in Japan. WWE had Omega in for a tryout and decided he was worth the second chance."

"Omega has obviously grown in his time in Japan. Omega wasn't the main event star in Japan, but had all the makings to be. He definitely has the potential to be one of the best out of these signings."

Kevin Steen
"Steen does not fit the typical WWE guy, but can get it done in the ring. Steen adds value on the microphone, if Vince can ever get past his figure."

"Kevin Steen has the potential in-ring ability to be in the main events at WrestleMania one day. However, he'll likely add value to the mid-card scene once done in developmental."

Nick Aldis
"Famous for his stint in TNA as Magnus, Aldis is coming in at age 26 and could be the next generation of WWE."

"With WWE signing talent from America, Canada, and Mexico; what would it be without some UK love?"



It is unclear if this will be it in terms of WWE signing for the developmental. As mentioned, WWE is working on launching the WWE Network streaming service in January and plans to put their developmental NXT brand on display for avid fans. If this is the case, expect WWE to continue adding to the roster.