The War is On

[blackHEART]

January 26, 2018

Friday Night Impact starts with Chris Jericho coming to the ring and Jericho filing a complaint after how last week's title match ended. Jericho says Bullet Club was barred from ringside and Karl Jacobs got involved. Shawn Michaels heads out and says there's nothing he can do to change it, but Jericho demands Michaels do something. At this time, Sting heads out. Shawn Michaels dismisses Chris Jericho but Sting insists Jericho has a legitimate complaint. Michaels gets Jericho out of the ring as he turns his focus to Sting about settling differences. Sting said it wasn't about settling differences. Sting says it's about giving talent a showcase. Sting says Impact has grown into a huge roster and each week the top talent in the world aren't getting in the ring. Sting was brought in to lead a show, and he doesn't go for second-best. Sting promises to make Wednesday Night Dynamite the best show in TNA and the best show in the world. Michaels tries to call for a truce, but Sting says he's not backing down. Stu Alexander then comes and says he agrees with Sting, that he isn't being put in the ring, and he needs to be booked by someone who values him. Shawn says he values him, and he can be in a match right now! Michaels invites anyone to the ring to face Stu Alexander and out comes Drago.

Stu Alexander def. Drago
Alexander hit a Bull Hammer Elbow on Drago's leap from the top rope to win the opening contest.

Ranallo and Storm advertise a match added to the show earlier today, reDRAGON against Dirty Standards. They also display a tweet out by Chris Jericho that says he will call out the Bullet Club tonight.

McKenzie Mitchell catches up with Drew Galloway and Brooke. She asks about last week when Patriot 2000 ran to the ring and snapped Johnny Gargano's ankle. Galloway said he has no connection to Patriot 2000, and couldn't care less about them, but cares about finding his way in the world title picture. Galloway warns Chris Jericho to rest his case before he's kicked in the face.

Allysin Kay w/Taylor Made def. Angelina Love w/Beautiful People
Allysin Kay gets a big win over Love with the AK-47.

Before Allysin Kay could get up, she's assaulted by Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky. Taylor Made steps in and evens the odds. Rayne and Sky decide to retreat as Made in Sin stand tall.

Sting is backstage and Davey Richards walks up. Richards thanks Sting for trying to give talent a chance, as he's been wanting to be showcased since Eddie Edwards has been on the shelf but hasn't gotten a fair shake. Sting says he'll keep it in mind and hopefully they work together in the future.

reDRAGON def. Dirty Standards w/Chris Sabin
Chasing the Dragon on Aiden O'Shea secures a 2-0 record for the new tag team in TNA.

reDRAGON were celebrating when The Briscoes headed out a second time. This time, The Briscoes got inside the ring. Bobby Fish asks for a mic and he asks The Briscoes why they're here for a second week, and if they have something to say, spit it out. Fish hands the mic over and Jay takes it. Jay Briscoe says they're familiar with reDRAGON and they see the last couple weeks, Fish and O'Reilly have evolved into one of the best tag teams in the world... but they're still not the best. Mark Briscoe takes the mic and says he believes he's better individually than either of them. Kyle O'Reilly then challenges Mark Briscoe to a one-on-one match for next week to prove it and Mark accepts.

After a commercial, X-Division Champion Andrew Everett heads to the ring with Trevor Lee, a man who helped him last week retain the title. Everett says he is taking over the X-Division with Lee's help. Ricochet comes out and when Everett brings up he can't challenge for the X-Division Championship, Ricochet shrugged his shoulders and said he can still make sure Everett loses it. Ricochet says he's putting his trust in a childhood hero of his to take the title. Rey Mysterio's music hits! Mysterio and Ricochet then rush the ring and battle Everett and Lee for moment before they decide to exit as Everett clutches at his title.

John Skyler and Eric Young are in the back and Skyler is apologizing for letting Young down last week. EY says he's alright and needs to learn not to play to someone else's game. Young says he's secured a match against Tigre Uno next week to show how to beat a lucha libre star.

Two Cool Bucks def. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma
The Bucks take care of business with the Meltzer Driver on Honma.

Jeremy Borash is standing outside the Bullet Club locker room when Kenny Omega exits. Borash asks about Chris Jericho calling the Bullet Club out tonight and Omega responds with laughter. Omega says Jericho has grown a set this week by calling out the Bullet Club and if he wants to leave the arena in an ambulance, he'll call 9-1-1 for him.

Ethan Carter III def. Jimmy Havoc
EC3 nails the One-Percenter on Havoc to win the match as he continues to hold the Bound for Glory Briefcase, guaranteeing a future world title opportunity.

McKenzie Mitchell is standing by and introduces Candy Gargano. McKenzie asks for an update on Johnny Gargano. McKenzie Mitchell says Gargano has underwent surgery on his ankle and will be out for some time. Patriot 2000 then comes into frame and towers over Candy Gargano and leaves her after intimidating the wife of Johnny Gargano.

Ivelisse(c) def. Su Yung in Falls Count Anywhere to retain the TNA Knockouts Championship
Ivelisse puts Su Yung away after hitting Desert Eagle on a stack of chairs. Ivelisse then puts more chairs on top of Su Yung before taking a kendo stick and beating away before covering her buried body.

Advertised for next week by Mauro Ranallo and James Storm is Eric Young against Tigre Uno and Kyle O'Reilly wrestles for the first time in singles action against Mark Briscoe. They also announce huge news that Donald Trump, the owner of TNA Wrestling, will join via satellite to answer questions about Sting, Wednesday Night Dynamite, and the future of Impact.

Chris Jericho comes to the ring with a steel chair and microphone. Jericho calls the Bullet Club out and says if he has to take them all out to get to John Hennigan and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, that is what he'll do. Bullet Club heads out and surround the ring, as Jericho waits with a steel chair. John Hennigan then heads out separately and tries to talk sense into Chris Jericho. While he's doing this, Jericho is nearly ambushed by the Bucks but Jericho catches them with steel chairs and he's swinging for the fences until he's chopped from behind by Karl Jacobs. The beatdown begins and the Bullet Club lays Jericho out once again to end Friday Night Impact.

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THIS WEEK IN REVIEW
What should I know about this week in wrestling?

The following superstars from Raw have joined Dean Ambrose and Finn Balor as participants in the Royal Rumble match: Bobby Lashley, Braun Strowman, Carlito, Chad Gable, Jason Jordan, Rusev, Samoa Joe, and Tyler Breeze. These are the 10 confirmed participants on Raw's side.

Chris Masters is ineligible to compete in the 30-Man Royal Rumble match. 

Mickie James won her first match back in WWE while also securing herself a Divas Championship match against Asuka on Sunday.

The Usos defeated The Hardy Boyz to secure a title match against The Revival at the Royal Rumble.

---

Triple H broke the news that Randy Orton suffered an injury that makes him ineligible to compete at Sunday's Royal Rumble. Triple H named Batista as his replacement to wrestle Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Universal Championship. It is uncertain if Ric Flair joins Batista in his corner, as Flair hasn't been seen in a number of weeks.

In prior weeks, Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, Kurt Angle, and Seth Rollins all declared for the 30-Man Royal Rumble match. Joining them are Bray Wyatt, Dolph Ziggler, Elias Samson, Erick Rowan, and Luke Harper. These are the 9 confirmed participants on SmackDown's side.

Nia Jax returned on SmackDown to interrupt the WWE Matrons Championship match between Becky Lynch and Emma. Nia Jax then made another appearance later in the night to attack Alexa Bliss, Naomi, and Paige.

After Nia Jax's involvement in the title match, Emma has another chance at Becky Lynch's Matrons Championship at Sunday's Royal Rumble inside a Steel Cage!

Christian no-showed his match against The Miz on SmackDown, so Triple H has confirmed the match will take place at the Royal Rumble or Christian will not only not compete in the 30-Man Royal Rumble match later in the evening, but he won't be eligible to compete at WrestleMania.

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Angelo Dawkins was beaten down 3-on-1 by The Tolutasi after his win over Marshe Rockett. Later in the evening, William Regal spoke to Dawkins and Rockett and put them in a 6-man tag on Saturday if they can find a partner.

Rich Swann called out Levi Payne after last week and secured a match at NXT Takeover.

William Regal announced next week's NXT will feature all new signings to the show as a showcase debut.

Bubba Stone and Pete Dunne took each other to the limits but it was a sitout powerbomb from the second rope that gave Stone a victory and an opportunity at Adam Cole's NXT Championship on Saturday.

Next week on Wednesday's NXT:
All debuts for the newest NXT superstars

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Andrew Everett formally introduced Trevor Lee to the TNA fans, but it appears Ricochet and Rey Mysterio have joined forces for Ricochet to help the Master of the 619 win the X-Division Championship for the first time in his career.

The rivalry between Made in Sin and The Beautiful People appear to be far from over. Allysin Kay defeated Angelina Love, but Made in Sin were recipients of an unsportsmanlike attack after the match.

Ivelisse has finally buried Su Yung in a pile of chairs and retained her TNA Knockouts Championship, as the chapter for that feud appears to be closed.

reDRAGON won their match against Dirty Standards and have caught the attention of the Briscoes. Now next week, Kyle O'Reilly has his first singles match in TNA against Mark Briscoe.

Candy Gargano stated Johnny Gargano will be out for "some time" after suffering an ankle injury at the hands of Patriot 2000.

Chris Jericho called out Bullet Club and was outsmarted and beaten down at the end of the show as he still has his sights set on John Hennigan and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

After the differences between Shawn Michaels and Sting weren't resolved, Donald Trump has promised to join via satellite to clear the air about the future of TNA, Wednesday Night Dynamite and Friday Night Impact, and the state of the rosters.

Next week on Friday's Impact:
Kyle O'Reilly debuts in singles action against Mark Briscoe
Eric Young battles Tigre Uno to coach protege John Skyler
TNA Wrestling owner Donald J. Trump joins Ranallo and Storm via satellite

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WWE's next pay-per-view event: Royal Rumble on January 28th

Current Match Card:
30-Man Royal Rumble Match
25-Woman Royal Rumble Match
WWE World Heavyweight Championship - John Cena(c) vs. Brock Lesnar w/Paul Heyman
WWE Universal Championship - Shinsuke Nakamura(c) vs. Batista
Intercontinental Championship - Finn Balor(c) vs. Baron Corbin
WWE Matrons Championship Steel Cage Match - Becky Lynch(c) vs. Emma
WWE Divas Championship - Asuka(c) vs. Mickie James
WWE Tag Team Championships - The Revival(c) vs. The Usos

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NXT's next pay-per-view event: NXT Takeover on January 27th

Current Match Card:
NXT Championship - Adam Cole(c) vs. Bubba Stone
NXT Women's Championship - Tessa Blanchard(c) vs. Ember Moon
NXT Tag Team Championships TLC Match - Depths of Despair(c) vs. Strange Bedfellows
Levi Payne vs. Rich Swann
The Tolutasi vs. Angelo Dawkins, Marshe Rockett, and a Mystery Partner

[Chosen One]

The Rumble:
Not gonna pick a winner of the 2 rumble matches. Too many choices lol
Lesnar
Shinsuke
Finn
Becky
Asuka
Revival

NXT:
Cole
Tessa
DoD
Swann
Team Dawkins

[blackHEART]

January 27, 2018

The event begins with a rundown of the card and the show kicks off with a TLC Match!

Strange Bedfellows def. Depths of Despair(c) in a TLC Match to win the NXT Tag Team Championships
After Akam and Abyss dropped off the top rope into two stacked tables on the outside, Steve Marx had climbed the ladder and retrieved the titles before Rezar could catch him on the other side.

The news breaks that the WWE will be holding a Cruiserweight Classic in 2018 featuring 64 cruiserweights! Vic Joseph and Byron Saxton get excited for the possibilities as this will be the biggest tournament of sorts in WWE history.

Rich Swann def. Levi Payne
Rich Swann hits the Swann Splash (the Phoenix Splash) to put Levi Payne away.

A recap was shown of last week's attack by The Tolutasi. After they make their way to the ring, Angelo Dawkins and Marshe Rockett head out. Angelo Dawkins reminds the NXT Universe of this Wednesday's episode will feature all new superstars, but he pulled some strings to let a homeboy of his debut tonight! Angelo introduces him as Montez Ford!

The Tolutasi def. Angelo Dawkins, Marshe Rockett, and Montez Ford
The Tolutasi's Tama Tonga hit Ghost Face on Rockett to give his trio the win.

Massive news as Tommaso Ciampa is in attendance at NXT Takeover and Vic Joseph confirms he has signed a contract to NXT!

Tessa Blanchard(c) def. Ember Moon to retain the NXT Women's Championship
Blanchard retains her title against Ember Moon with Magnum.

William Regal confirms the signing of Tommaso Ciampa, and advertises it as one of the two major signings NXT was able to pull off. Regal reminds the fans that plenty of superstars from the Performance Center will debut on Wednesday's NXT.

Adam Cole(c) def. Bubba Stone to retain the NXT Championship
Cole controversially retains after sneaking a low-blow in before Panama Sunrise.

As Adam Cole is celebrating his title victory, a music hits and out comes AUSTIN ARIES! Aries is in NXT! Aries heads to the ring and stares face-to-face with Adam Cole before the NXT Champion backs down and leaves.

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Match Card for NXT:

Dave Finlay vs. Desmond Xavier
Andrade Almas vs. Kona Reeves
Cedric Alexander & Moose vs. Jaxon Thielen & Lance Brigman
Chelsea Green vs. Kairi Sane vs. Nikki Cross vs. Shayna Baszler


Also:
Austin Aries & Tommaso Ciampa will be in attendance.


* La Sombra is now being referred to as "Andrade 'Cien' Almas"
* Ethan Page is now being referred to as "Jaxon Thielen"
* Josh Alexander is now being referred to as "Lance Brigman"

[Chosen One]

I love how different your NXT is. But at the same time, it has the epic feeling of the real life NXT. Biggest shocker of the night for me was the Strange Bedfellows winning the gold. I like that though!

Also glad to see you bring Ciampa into the mix as well as Austin Aries. Aries and Cole should be a fantastic feud!

[blackHEART]

The Miz def. Christian on the Kickoff
Tomko was sent to the back before the match began and Christian later succumbs to a Figure Four.

The Revival(c) def. The Usos to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships on the Kickoff
The Revival landed a Shattered Machine on Jey Uso to retain their titles.

January 28, 2018

The event begins with Stephanie McMahon's groundbreaking announcement of a 25-Woman Royal Rumble Match! This first-time-ever match is what is kicking off tonight's show! WWE EVP Stephanie McMahon decides to join SmackDown's Mauro Ranallo and Raw's Corey Graves as the third commentator to the match.

25-Woman Royal Rumble Match

SPOILER: Click to show

Entering at 1) Peyton Royce
Entering at 2) Molly Holly

Molly Holly has returned for tonight's historic Women's Royal Rumble match! Her and Royce are pretty even throughout. Stephanie leaks she had to contact "a few" divas because all of the women in WWE's history has made tonight possible.

Entering at 3) Dana Brooke
Entering at 4) Carmella

Carmella from NXT makes a surprise appearance in the Royal Rumble!

Entering at 5) Alexa Bliss
Entering at 6) Naomi

Molly Holly is eliminated by Alexa Bliss (Bliss - 1)

Entering at 7) Lita

Dana Brooke is eliminated by Lita (Lita - 1)
Lita is eliminated by Alexa Bliss (Bliss - 2)

Entering at 8) Maria
Entering at 9) Billie Kay

Naomi is eliminated by Billie Kay & Peyton Royce (Kay - 1; Royce - 1)

Entering at 10) Tessa Blanchard

The NXT Women's Champion is entering the Women's Royal Rumble Match!

REMAINING SUPERSTARS: Peyton Royce (1), Carmella (4), Alexa Bliss (5), Maria (8), Billie Kay (9), Tessa Blanchard (10)

Maria is eliminated by Tessa Blanchard (Blanchard - 1)

Entering at 11) Lana

Carmella is eliminated by Billie Kay (Kay - 2)

Entering at 12) Bayley
Entering at 13) Layla

Layla is a surprise entrant to this year's Royal Rumble!

Entering at 14) Brie Bella

Lana is eliminated by Bayley (Bayley - 1)

Entering at 15) Kelly Kelly
Entering at 16) Michelle McCool

LayCool is reunited as McCool joins Layla in the Royal Rumble match!

Alexa Bliss is eliminated by Michelle McCool (McCool - 1)
Kelly Kelly is eliminated by Michelle McCool and Layla (McCool - 2; Layla 1)

A cool stand-off happened between Scarstruck and LayCool.

Entering at 17) Beth Phoenix

Phoenix is the fourth diva from the past to enter the first ever Women's Royal Rumble match!

Brie Bella is eliminated by Beth Phoenix (Phoenix - 1)
Peyton Royce is eliminated by Beth Phoenix (Phoenix - 2)

Entering at 18) Ember Moon

Ember Moon is the third entrant from NXT to come!

Michelle McCool is eliminated by Ember Moon (Moon - 1)
Billie Kay is eliminated by Beth Phoenix (Phoenix - 3)

Entering at 19) Nikki Bella

Layla is eliminated by Tessa Blanchard (Blanchard - 2)

Entering at 20) Nia Jax

REMAINING SUPERSTARS: Tessa Blanchard (10), Bayley (12), Beth Phoenix (17), Ember Moon (18), Nikki Bella (19), Nia Jax (20)

Ember Moon is eliminated by Nia Jax (Jax - 1)
Nikki Bella is eliminated by Nia Jax (Jax - 2)
Beth Phoenix is eliminated by Nia Jax (Jax - 3)

Just like that, three women are tossed out by Nia Jax!

Entering at 21) Melina

Melina is eliminated by Nia Jax (Jax - 4)

After Melina's split, she slid under the rope and was decked as soon as she got up and clotheslined to the floor for the quickest elimination of the night.

Entering at 22) Charlotte

Charlotte took it to Nia Jax, as she wasn't backing down, but Nia Jax would crush Charlotte before the next entrant as Jax is the only one standing tall at the moment.

Entering at 23) Stephanie McMahon

Stephanie is in the match! To the dismay of Ranallo and Graves, Stephanie takes her headset off and heads to the ring. She quickly makes an alliance with Nia Jax and officially enters the match.

Stephanie McMahon is eliminated by Bayley (Bayley - 2)

Stephanie directed Nia Jax to take care of things, and Stephanie went over to Bayley as she picked her up and tried toppling her over the rope, but Bayley reversed momentum and sent Stephanie flying over the top for an elimination!

Bayley is eliminated by Nia Jax (Jax - 5)

As soon as Bayley eliminated Stephanie, Nia Jax would take care of Bayley.

Entering at 24) Paige

Tessa Blanchard is eliminated by Nia Jax (Jax - 6)

Entering at 25) Sasha Banks

REMAINING SUPERSTARS: Nia Jax (20), Charlotte (22), Paige (24), Sasha Banks (25)

Sasha Banks is the 25th and final entrant to this year's 25-Woman Royal Rumble match!

The final 4 were set and the three were trying to take out Nia Jax from the equation. However, Nia Jax just fought back. After a few moments, Nia Jax would fight off the 3-on-1 to eliminate Sasha Banks from a title match at WrestleMania.

Sasha Banks is eliminated by Nia Jax (Jax - 7)

Nia Jax appeared to have things in control and nearly eliminated Paige, but Charlotte came and stopped her and went in an all-out assault on Nia Jax. Jax tried clotheslining Charlotte to the floor, but Charlotte moved out of the way and hit a Big Boot that draped Nia over the top rope, and Charlotte pried Nia's boot off the mat and Jax fell to the floor.

Nia Jax is eliminated by Charlotte (Charlotte - 1)

The final two are Paige and Charlotte and the two went toe-to-toe. The two were on the verge of being eliminated, but Paige pulled Charlotte over the top rope and Paige stayed on the apron for a huge win.

Charlotte is eliminated by Paige (Paige - 1)

Paige's music hits as she is the first winner of the 25-Woman Royal Rumble match! Paige stands up ecstatic as she's earned a shot at WrestleMania for the Divas or Matrons Championship.

Highlights are shown for the 25-Woman Royal Rumble match, a first in WWE history. Gears are switched quickly for the Intercontinental Championship match next.

Finn Balor(c) def. Baron Corbin w/Paul Heyman to retain the Intercontinental Championship
Balor ends his rivalry with Corbin after a Coup de Grace gives him a win.

A video package shows Mickie James in her earlier WWE days, followed up with her return to WWE and challenging Asuka for the Divas Championship tonight.

Asuka(c) def. Mickie James to retain the Divas Championship
Mickie James proves she still has it, but she fell victim to the Asuka Lock.

The next video package shows how we got to the WWE Universal Championship match tonight, which includes Randy Orton's injury that prevented him from wrestling tonight.

Batista def. Shinsuke Nakamura(c) to win the WWE Universal Championship
In shocking events, Batista hit a spinebuster on the corner of the steps that messed Nakamura's back up and Batista would roll him inside the ring for another spinebuster followed by a Batista Bomb to win the title.

As Mauro Ranallo and JBL are stunned at Batista's title victory tonight, but they send it backstage to Renee Young.

Charly Caruso interviews Paul Heyman about Baron Corbin's defeat earlier tonight, but Heyman changes the subject to Brock Lesnar conquering the 16-time world champion John Cena and walking out with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Becky Lynch(c) def. Emma in a Steel Cage to retain the WWE Matrons Championship
With no disqualifications, Emma grabbed onto the rope in the Dis-arm-her but Lynch didn't have to let go and Emma was forced to submit.

Renee Young has an interview opportunity with the Women's Royal Rumble winner Paige. Renee Young asks for comments from Paige, as Paige is only able to express a small taste of her excitement of being the first ever until Nia Jax attacks her. Nia Jax lays the winner on the floor after a Samoan Drop as a finale before Jax is restrained.

John Cena(c) def. Brock Lesnar w/Paul Heyman to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
It appeared as though Lesnar was going to win as Baron Corbin came down to help. Cena had Lesnar up for an AA but Lesnar slid off and pushed Cena into the official before knocking Cena down himself. Corbin got inside and laid Cena out with a clothesline as it was 2-on-1, until Corbin turned on Lesnar and decked him before hitting End of Days. Heyman was appalled and was chewing Corbin out for Cena to get up and hit two AAs on Lesnar to finish the deal.

Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Tyson Kidd are all wondering what transpired as Baron Corbin turned on Brock Lesnar, the ultimate Paul Heyman Guy, and subsequently on Heyman too. They then switch gears for the 30-Man Royal Rumble match up next!

30-Man Royal Rumble Match

SPOILER: Click to show

Entering at 1) Joe Hennig

Hennig comes to the ring and says he will turn his fortune around and win this year's Royal Rumble match, defying all the odds... yet his attitude changes when he sees his opponent.

Entering at 2) Big Show
Entering at 3) Kane

Joe Hennig is eliminated by Big Show (Show - 1)

After Show eliminated Hennig, he and Kane had a staredown and went toe-to-toe.

Entering at 4) Alberto Del Rio
Entering at 5) Elias Samson
Entering at 6) Chad Gable

Elias Samson is eliminated by Kane (Kane - 1)

Entering at 7) Erick Rowan
Entering at 8) Kalisto

Big Show is eliminated by Erick Rowan (Rowan - 1)

Entering at 9) Finn Balor

Kalisto is eliminated by Alberto Del Rio (Del Rio - 1)
Alberto Del Rio is eliminated by Kane (Kane - 2)

Entering at 10) Rusev

REMAINING SUPERSTARS: Kane (3), Chad Gable (6), Erick Rowan (7), Finn Balor (9), Rusev (10)

Entering at 11) Carlito

Chad Gable is eliminated by Rusev (Rusev - 1)

Entering at 12) Daniel Bryan

Kane is eliminated by Erick Rowan (Rowan - 2)

Entering at 13) Bray Wyatt

With Wyatt entering the fray, he went toe-to-toe with Finn Balor, whom he wrestled at last year's WrestleMania. Also the reigning United States and Intercontinental Champions.

Entering at 14) Sami Zayn

Zayn jumps in and immediately helps Balor by pushing Wyatt aside and getting rid of the big man.

Erick Rowan is eliminated by Sami Zayn & Finn Balor (Zayn - 1; Balor - 1)

Entering at 15) Jason Jordan

Carlito is eliminated by Rusev (Rusev - 2)
Bray Wyatt is eliminated by Sami Zayn (Zayn - 2)

Entering at 16) Kurt Angle
Entering at 17) Bobby Lashley

Jason Jordan is eliminated by Rusev (Rusev - 3)

Entering at 18) Luke Harper
Entering at 19) Dolph Ziggler

Finn Balor is eliminated by Bobby Lashley (Lashley - 1)

Entering at 20) Matt Hardy

REMAINING SUPERSTARS: Rusev (10), Daniel Bryan (12), Sami Zayn (14), Kurt Angle (16), Bobby Lashley (17), Luke Harper (18), Dolph Ziggler (19), Matt Hardy (20)

Entering at 21) Samoa Joe

Kurt Angle is eliminated by Samoa Joe (Joe - 1)
Sami Zayn is eliminated by Samoa Joe (Joe - 2)
Daniel Bryan is eliminated by Samoa Joe (Joe - 3)

All of a sudden, Joe has eliminated three people and is in full control.

Entering at 22) Cody Rhodes

Matt Hardy is eliminated by Samoa Joe (Joe - 4)

Entering at 23) Kevin Owens

Luke Harper is eliminated by Cody Rhodes (Rhodes - 1)

Entering at 24) Jeff Hardy
Entering at 25) Braun Strowman

Dolph Ziggler is eliminated by Braun Strowman (Strowman - 1)
Rusev is eliminated by Braun Strowman (Strowman - 2)

After Strowman came in and eliminated two right off the bat, he and Samoa Joe went at it for a battle of supremacy in the Royal Rumble Match.

Entering at 26) Kofi Kingston

Kevin Owens is eliminated by Braun Strowman (Strowman - 3)
Jeff Hardy is eliminated by Samoa Joe (Joe - 5)

Entering at 27) Dean Ambrose
Entering at 28) Tyler Breeze

Breeze comes in and hits a Superkick on Kofi Kingston, who lands on his back with his feet in the air. Kingston then rolls over onto the barricade and hops back up on the apron, only to be knocked over by Samoa Joe.

Kofi Kingston is eliminated by Samoa Joe (Joe - 6)

Entering at 29) Seth Rollins

Tyler Breeze is eliminated by Seth Rollins (Rollins - 1)
Bobby Lashley is eliminated by Dean Ambrose (Ambrose - 1)

Entering at 30) Sheamus

Sheamus has returned as the 30th entrant! Sheamus has been out of action since last May, and the Celtic Warrior is back!

REMAINING SUPERSTARS: Samoa Joe (21), Cody Rhodes (22), Braun Strowman (25), Dean Ambrose (27), Seth Rollins (29), Sheamus (30)

Cody Rhodes is eliminated by Samoa Joe (Joe - 7)
Braun Strowman is eliminated by Dean Ambrose & Sheamus (Amborse - 2; Sheamus - 1)

The final four turns out to be Samoa Joe and Dean Ambrose from Raw and Seth Rollins and Sheamus from SmackDown. Ambrose and Rollins team up to reenact The Shield before Rollins turns on Ambrose for his own benefit. Yet this showboating by Rollins allows Joe to eliminate him.

Dean Ambrose is eliminated by Seth Rollins (Rollins - 2)
Seth Rollins is eliminated by Samoa Joe (Joe - 8)

Ambrose laughed in Seth's face, which made Seth Rollins shove him and the two began to brawl. Once the brawl ended with security pushing them back, we go back inside the ring where it's Samoa Joe and Sheamus as the final two.

Samoa Joe and Sheamus go at it and it appears Sheamus has it won as he sets up for the Brogue Kick, but Samoe Joe sidesteps and goes at Sheamus relentlessly in the corner. Joe then throws Sheamus over the top rope, but Sheamus holds on! Joe then hammers in some elbows before going to run the ropes and Sheamus hits a shoulder block on Joe! Sheamus gets Joe to his feet but Joe pushes Sheamus off and clotheslines him over the top rope and to the floor!

Sheamus is eliminated by Samoa Joe (Joe - 9)

The bell rings and Samoa Joe's music hits! Joe gets up and raises his fist high in the air, as Samoa Joe punches a ticket to the main event at WrestleMania this year, while Sheamus shakes his head to what could have been a sweet return tonight to the ring.

[blackHEART]

Leaked to sources is the 2018 WWE Network and pay-per-view schedule:

February 18: No Way Out (SmackDown)
March 4: Fastlane (Raw)
April 7: NXT Takeover New Orleans
April 8: WrestleMania 34
April 29: Backlash (SmackDown)
May 13: Vengeance (Raw)
June 3: No Mercy (SmackDown)
June 24: Extreme Rules (Raw)
July 8: The Great American Bash (SmackDown)
July 29: Stomping Grounds (Raw)
August 18: NXT Takeover Brooklyn IV
August 19: SummerSlam
September 23: Payback (SmackDown)
October 21: Rage in the Cage (Raw)
November 17: NXT Takeover
November 18: Survivor Series
December 16: Demolition Derby (SmackDown)


While this can't be confirmed, this means both Raw and SmackDown will have 6 individual events in the calendar year, alongside the four major Pay-Per-views. NXT is also slated to have four Takeovers in 2018.

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January 29, 2018

Raw starts with Triple H introducing a man who eliminated 9 people last night, the Men's Royal Rumble winner Samoa Joe! Joe admits he will need to scout the WWE World Heavyweight and Universal Champions in order to decide which he will fight for, but is ready to usher in a new era at WrestleMania 34. John Cena comes to the ring and congratulates Samoa Joe on his accomplishment last night, but warns Joe he is not giving his title away that easily. Triple H then makes a match for tonight's main event that could be the main event in April: Samoa Joe versus John Cena.

American Alpha def. New York's Finest
The two teams go back and forth before Grand Amplitude on Amore ends the match.

Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are advertised to be in attendance after last night's defeat to John Cena. Also, Charlotte fights Nikki Bella.

Joe Hennig is with Charly Caruso and mentions his disappointment in his open challenges being accepted by Kane and Big Show, two future Hall of Famers. Hennig now addresses the open challenge tonight to anyone who has never been a world champion.

Dean Ambrose def. Daniel Bryan
Ambrose and Bryan fought in a match that sets the Road to WrestleMania vibe and it is Ambrose hitting Dirty Deeds to win.

Charlotte with Charly Caruso is asked about her match tonight against Nikki Bella. Charlotte reminisces on winning the Divas Championship last year at WrestleMania and wants that experience again. With Paige on SmackDown, she sees the perfect opportunity to challenge Asuka and tonight begins her path back to being the #1 contender and eventual four-time Divas Champion.

The Revival def. The Hardy Boyz in a non-title match
After defending their titles against The Usos last night, The Revival use Shattered Machine on Matt Hardy to win tonight.

After their victory, The Revival take the mics and claim to be the best tag team in all of WWE, proven last night against The Usos and tonight against The Hardy Boyz. The Revival say they have beaten every team on the roster and are tired of the same ole. Then pyro erupts! Kane comes out... and then the Big Show! Kane and Big Show head to the ring and their presence forces The Revival out of the ring, as Kane lights the corners, as the former duo seems to be reunited once again.

Bobby Lashley heads into Triple H's office and mentions he eliminated Finn Balor from last night's Royal Rumble, the winner of last year's event, and the reigning Intercontinental Champion. Triple H wanted clarification and Lashley responds he wants a shot at the Intercontinental Champion. Triple H nods and says if he can win his match tonight, he can be the #1 contender for the title. Lashley's ordered to go to the ring now.

Bobby Lashley heads out to the ring, awaiting his opponent to determine the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship. Jeff Hardy, a former champion, responds to the call!

Bobby Lashley def. Jeff Hardy
Lashley had a couple of close calls but hit a Spear to beat Hardy.

Finn Balor has a word with Charly Caruso backstage about Bobby Lashley's win tonight and eliminating him last night in the Royal Rumble match. Balor says he was disappointed not winning last night, but he is set to defend his title against anyone, including Lashley.

Back from a commercial, Paul Heyman comes with Brock Lesnar. Heyman is furious with Baron Corbin's actions last night at the Royal Rumble, but has convinced Lesnar into forgiveness. Heyman tells Corbin he has seven days to apologize to Brock Lesnar at ruining his chances at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Heyman turns his focus to Triple H, demanding that Lesnar gets a fair one-on-one shot at John Cena's title in five weeks at Raw's next pay-per-view Fastlane.

Scarstruck are backstage boasting of their win against Bayley and Sasha Banks last night, but the two are confronted by their rivals. Sasha Banks says she went toe-to-toe with Billie Kay and challenges her to a one-on-one match next week, in which she accepts.

Charlotte def. Nikki Bella
Two bitter rivals of the past square off and Charlotte hits Natural Selection to get a big win under her belt.

The WWE Tag Team Champions The Revival are stopped backstage about the emergence of Kane and Big Show. Dawson gives off the narrative that they aren't scared of Kane and the Big Show, two has-beens trying to live in today's generation. Wilder says they haven't earned anything, so they're not even considering them contenders.

Joe Hennig comes to the ring for his open challenge to anyone who has not been a world champion... yet it just gets worse for him as Braun Strowman heads to the ring.

Braun Strowman def. Joe Hennig
As one can imagine, Hennig's open challenge didn't go as planned for the third consecutive week while he loses with a Running Powerslam.

The commentary trio of Cole, Graves, and Kidd look forward to what happens next week on Raw. This includes Sasha Banks in one-on-one action with Billie Kay. In addition, Baron Corbin has seven days to apologize to Brock Lesnar for his actions at the Royal Rumble. But now is a sneak preview as what may be the main event of WrestleMania 34.

John Cena vs. Samoa Joe in a non-title match
Joe gave Cena a fight, but Cena was on the SuperCena comeback until Brock Lesnar's music hit and took the champion's attention. As Lesnar headed down with Paul Heyman, Cena was caught in a Coquina Clutch grasp that he rolled over to pinning Joe's shoulders, but only got 2. Cena popped up and got leveled by Lesnar, calling the match.

John Cena gets a beating from Brock Lesnar as Lesnar unleashes all his frustrations from last night's controversial ending with Baron Corbin. Heyman coaches on while Lesnar hits several German Suplexes and then sees Samoa Joe, who is frustrated that Lesnar interrupted his match. Lesnar scoffed at Joe and left the ring to him as he and Heyman retreated. As Cena was nearly to his feet, Joe went over and locked the Coquina Clutch in until the WWE World Heavyweight Champion passed out, letting the Men's Royal Rumble winner have the last word as Raw comes to a close.

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January 30, 2018

Advertised for tonight is the championship celebration for the new WWE Universal Champion Batista, put together by Triple H himself. Also, an old rivalry is renewed as Kevin Owens battles Sami Zayn. But first comes Sheamus! Sheamus returned Sunday at the Royal Rumble as number 30, being eliminated last by Samoa Joe. Sheamus speaks of how great it is to be back and while he didn't win the match on Sunday, he still has his sights set on WrestleMania. Dolph Ziggler comes out and says it should've been him as the number 30 entrant and he would've won as the freshest man in. Once Sheamus and Ziggler get physical, this sets up the opening contest, the first singles match for Sheamus since May.

Sheamus def. Dolph Ziggler
In his first match back, Sheamus hit a devastating Brogue Kick to put Ziggler in his place.

WWE Trios Champions The New Day are having a good time backstage when Christian and Tomko come to ruin the fun. Christian calls them out for not being serious champions, and Kofi Kingston says he will show him how serious he can be, and challenges Christian to a match later tonight. Christian nods and walks off with Tomko.

Elias Samson is in the ring and while he admits he didn't win the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match, he did defeat Cody Rhodes last week and he's proud of that. Elias says Cody Rhodes has challenged him to a rematch this week and says he won't be shocked to see Cody Rhodes fall off once again. Elias starts to strum away at the guitar when Cody's music hits, interrupting him just like last week.

Cody Rhodes def. Elias Samson via count-out
When things turned south for Elias, he bailed and wasn't going to let Cody Rhodes hit a Disaster Kick, as Samson retreated and let Cody have a victory by way of a ten count.

Alberto Del Rio is backstage talking with Blake and Murphy as the trio of Cultural Revolt are discussing matters not picked up by the cameras.

As Sami Zayn makes his way to the ring for his match versus Kevin Owens, the lights go out and the Wyatt Family appear and obliterate Sami Zayn. They throw him around ringside and then throw him inside the ring where Bray finishes him off with Sister Abigail.

After a commercial break, Paige comes to the ring to celebrate winning the first ever Women's Royal Rumble Match! Paige says she has the same decision to make as Samoa Joe, whether to stay on SmackDown and challenge for the Matrons Championship or go challenge for the Divas Championship on Raw. Nia Jax then comes to advise Paige to pick the Divas Championship, because she will be winning the Matrons Championship in due time. Naomi comes to put Nia Jax in her place, saying she isn't close to sniffing the Matrons Championship, causing a match up now.

Nia Jax def. Naomi
After Paige exited, a match began, and Nia Jax put Naomi away with ease after a Samoan Drop.

It is made known now that due to Bray Wyatt and the Wyatt Family attacking Sami Zayn earlier in the night, Bray Wyatt will have a match tonight against Kalisto.

Maria and Michael Bennett are standing by with Renee Young and Maria admits great offense was taken for Bennett not being in the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match. Michael Bennett chimes in, saying he's heard locker room talk of him wrestling nobody, and he's tired of wrestling local talent and blames that hole on the booking. Bennett challenges anyone on the SmackDown roster to a match next week!

Kofi Kingston w/The New Day def. Christian w/Tomko
Kingston eluded the Killswitch to hit SOS and win the match.

As soon as the match is over, Cultural Revolt step out from the back. Alberto Del Rio claims they are far from over with The New Day and the WWE Trios Championships.

The Miz is seen exiting the office of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. The Miz walks out and Renee Young stops him, curious as to why he was visiting Triple H and Stephanie. The Miz excitingly mentions that next week he will host MizTV with the news of a huge acquisition for the SmackDown brand.

Alexa Bliss def. Emma
Emma could not battle back from Sunday's Steel Cage match as she falls to Twisted Bliss.

Matrons Champion Becky Lynch heads into the office to speak with Stephanie McMahon. Becky says she will gladly fight Nia Jax at No Way Out in three weeks and defend her championship, if it means Nia Jax will finally settle down. Stephanie acknowledged the champion's fighting spirit and made the match official for No Way Out on February 18th.

Bray Wyatt w/Wyatt Family def. Kalisto in a non-title match
The United States Champion had no issues putting away Kalisto with a Sister Abigail.

After the match, Bray Wyatt hits another Sister Abigail on Kalisto before kneeling by his side, being surrounded by Harper and Rowan, then asking for the microphone. Bray Wyatt provides a reason for targeting Sami Zayn earlier tonight, being Zayn was the one to eliminate both Erick Rowan and Bray Wyatt from the 30-Man Royal Rumble match. For that, Bray Wyatt vows to stand in Sami Zayn's way of getting to WrestleMania.

Advertised for next week is Michael Bennett in action, along with MizTV featuring a "huge acquisition" for SmackDown. Also, just in, Seth Rollins will do battle with Kurt Angle!

After the final commercial, the ring is set up for a celebration. Triple H heads to the ring and produces a great speech about bringing Batista into Evolution, him becoming a world champion, and then to convince Batista to return and his efforts have been rewarded again with the WWE Universal Championship headed into WrestleMania 34. Triple H welcomes Batista, which Batista comes and tells Triple H he didn't have to do this. Triple H continues to shower praise and then introduces another who wanted to celebrate, as Ric Flair shows up! Flair comes and congratulates Batista, knowing he still had a world title run in him, and could even go as far to beat Cena and himself for 16 times. Batista responds with skepticism towards Triple H and Ric Flair. Batista said he is only here because of Randy Orton's injury, not because Triple H kept his promises. Batista looked at Flair and asked where he was Sunday, or the past few weeks. Batista then questioned Triple H for putting him in a Steel Cage match with Shinsuke Nakamura at No Way Out, knowing full and well that Orton wouldn't have the same title defense. Triple H and Flair try to reason with Batista, but this is when Shinsuke Nakamura's music hits. The former champion rushes down, spoiling the party, introducing some strong style. Triple H then jumps Nakamura and puts him through a table holding champagne bottles and glasses via a spinebuster. Triple H and Ric Flair leave Batista looking at his No Way Out opponent as SmackDown finishes on the air.