WWE: The Battle of the Brands

[Chosen One]

3 matches to go then Raw will be up! 

[Chosen One]

I would just like to add that Raw is done! But I'm whipping up some of Smackdown before posting it!

[Chosen One]

Monday Night Raw

Raw begins with it's explosive opening pyro and a new theme, "Stronger," by Through Fire! The WWE Universe is on it's feet as they are stoked for the first Raw of the new era! Michael Cole, Byron Saxton, and Corey Graves are on commentary. Cole welcomes everyone to the show. Raw Commissioner, Stephanie McMahon and Raw General Manager, Mick Foley appear on the titantron. Stephanie says that Raw is ready to take off to new heights with her and Foley leading it. Foley speaks up and says that he couldn't be more excited. Stephanie says that Raw is however missing something. Foley says he agrees and that something needs done. Stephanie brings up how the WWE Championship is exclusive to Smackdown after what happened at last night's Battleground ppv. But she tells the fans of Raw not to fear, because Raw will have a face and a champion that it deserves! Foley announces that an 8 man tournament will begin tonight, with the final match in the tournament taking place at SummerSlam. The winner of that tournament will be crowned the new WWE Universal Champion! The crowd pops at the announcement of a new world title. The tournament's participants will be Seth Rollins, Rusev, Cesaro, Chris Jericho, Sami Zayn, Big Show, Roman Reigns, and Finn Balor! And the first match in the tournament will begin right now with Cesaro taking on Chris Jericho!

Universal Championship Tournament RD1
Cesaro vs. Chris Jericho

Cesaro makes his way out first to a massive reaction ans he looks fired up to be apart of the tournament. Chris Jericho is out next to a ton of heat. He has a cocky but still look on his face as he hits the ring. The bell sounds and we're underway! Cesaro goes right after Jericho but Jericho quickly ducks down and exits the ring under the bottom rope. The fans boo as Jericho walks around the outside. It doesn't take long for Cesaro to give chase! He chases Jericho around the outside. Jericho quickly slides back into the ring and Cesaro is right behind him! Jericho tries to get the jump on him but Cesaro is too quick to his feet and he takes Y2J down with a big clothesline! Jericho gets to his feet and Cesaro dips his shoulder and catches Jericho with a back body drop. Jericho crawls and pulls himself up in the corner. Cesaro charges at him and nails a big running uppercut! He throws Jericho to the opposite corner and he runs at him again! Another huge uppercut from Cesaro! Jericho stumbles out of the corner and Cesaro grabs hold of him. Power slam! Cesaro covers! 1, 2, kick out! Cesaro quickly goes to lock in the Sharpshooter! But Jericho is able to kick himself away. Jericho gets to his feet and Cesaro runs at him. Jericho goes for a back body drop to the outside but Cesaro lands on the apron! But Jericho is quick to react and he pulls Cesaro's head down across the top rope. Cesaro crashes to the outside. Jericho takes a moment to himself before going back after Cesaro. Jericho heads to the outside and he yells in Cesaro's face that he's a stupid idiot! Jericho then hits a chop across the chest! Cesaro comes back with a right hand! But Jericho drop kicks Cesaro and he hits shoulder first into the steel steps! Jericho wastes no time and he gets Cesaro back into the ring. Jericho covers! 1, 2, kick out! Jericho calls for the end and he stalks Cesaro as he tries to get up. Cesaro turns and Jericho goes for the Codebreaker! But Cesaro manages to catch Jericho in mid air! Cesaro throws Jericho up into an uppercut! Jericho looks to be out as Cesaro hooks the leg! 1, 2, kick out! Cesaro can't believe it. Cesaro calls for the Neutralizer! But as he picks Jericho up, he gets a surprise as Jericho manages to drop him by the legs! Jericho tries to turn Cesaro over for the Walls of Jericho but Cesaro kicks him away! Both men run at each other and this time Jericho from out of nowhere hits the Codebreaker! Jericho covers! 1, 2, kick out! Cesaro kicked out! Jericho is irate that he managed to get a shoulder up. Jericho goes for the Walls of Jericho and this time he locks it in! Cesaro yells in pain as he desperately reaches for the ropes. Cesaro drags himself and Jericho to the ropes and he grabs the bottom rope! But Jericho doesn't release the hold until the referee's 5 count hits 4. Jericho taunts Cesaro and he yells at him to just stay down. Jericho goes to pick Cesaro up and Cesaro quickly pulls him into a small package! 1, 2, 3!

Winner by pin fall, Cesaro

Chris Jericho looks stunned as he can't believe what just happened. Jericho turns his attentions back to Cesaro and he begins attacking him before he even had a chance to get up. Jericho throws right hand after right hand! He then puts Cesaro back in the Walls! Additional referees hit the ring to help get Jericho off of Cesaro. As Jericho leaves he yells back at Cesaro that Cesaro will forever regret tonight! Jericho's theme hits and he exits as officials check on Cesaro. Raw takes a commercial.

~Commercial Break~

Raw returns from break and we see replays of how the match between Chris Jericho and Cesaro just ended. Tom Phillips is shown backstage outside the trainer's room and he hopes to get a word with Cesaro soon. Cameras go backstage and Paige is shown sitting on top of an equipment crate. She has her head down. Paige says that she has no one else to blame but herself that she was drafted so late, and that eats at her that she has fallen down in the Women's Division. She looks up at the camera and says that tonight everything changes, and that her quest to be the best gets back on course. She says that she seeks self redemption and to earn in, it has to begin with a victory tonight. Paige looks determined as cameras fade away.

Bo Dallas vs. Neville

Neville is out first to a huge pop! It's his in ring return since suffering an ankle injury almost 5 months ago and he looks more ready than he's ever been. Bo Dallas is out next and he has a mic in hand. Bo welcomes Neville back to action and says that he's excited to share the ring once more with his long time NXT rival. Bo promises things will be different this time, and he will make everyone Bo-lieve that not having Neville around for the past months was a good thing. Bo gets into the ring and the bell sounds. Neville instantly drops him with an enziguri! Bo crawls to the corner and he struggles to pull himself up. He begs Neville not to hurt him but Neville runs and hits a big drop kick in the corner! Bo falls in the corner. Neville picks him up and hits a German suplex! Neville is just having his way with Bo Dallas. Bo pulls himself up into the corner again. Neville runs at him but Bo flips Neville to the outside! But Neville lands on the apron. Bo turns right into a swift kick to the head! Bo falls to the mat and Neville climbs to the top rope! Red Arrow! Neville covers! 1, 2, 3!

Winner by pin fall, Neville!

Welcome back Neville! Neville was absolutely dominate! Corey Graves says that it's always a treat to watch Neville perform. Neville celebrates his victory as we get a run down of the tournament brackets. Cesaro has already advanced and next week on Raw he will face the winner of our next tournament match, Finn Balor and Rusev, and that match is next!

~Commercial~

Universal Championship Tournament RD1
Finn Balor vs. WWE United States Champion, Rusev w/ Lana

Finn Balor's theme hits and the fans go absolutely nuts as Balor makes his way out. Rusev is out next and he is accompanied by the Ravishing Russian, Lana! Rusev hands his title to Lana and gets into the ring. The bell rings and here we go! Rusev tries to grab hold of Balor bur Balor slips away and gets behind Rusev. Balor with a drop kick to the back! Rusev stumbles forward but he doesn't go down. Balor runs to the ropes and as Rusev turns around, Balor hits another drop kick! And this time Rusev flies back and hits the corner hard! Balor pulls Rusev from the corner and hits a swinging neck breaker. Balor with the cover! 1, 2, kick out! As Balor gets to his feet, Lana starts screaming at him from the outside. She even climbs the apron! Balor glares at her but he doesn't approach her. But that turns out to be enough. Rusev takes advantage of the distraction and Balor turns right into a super kick! Rusev covers! 1, 2, kick out! Rusev quickly locks in a choke hold, but Balor battles to his feet. Rusev is forced to release the hold. Balor hits the ropes and he leaps for a cross body! But Rusev catches him in mid air and he hits a back breaker across the knee! Rusev gets Balor up and he throws him into the corner. Rusev runs at him, and he delivers a running shoulder to the gut! Rusev throws Balor to the opposite corner. Rusev charges at him again! But this time Balor leaps over the ropes and onto the apron! Finn Balor with a kick to the head. Rusev stumbles back and Balor spring boards! Flying clothesline on Rusev! Rusev gets to his feet but he's groggy. Balor with a pele kick! Rusev falls to the mat. Balor sees his opprotunity and he heads to the top rope! Coup de Grace! Balor hooks the leg! 1, 2, 3!

Winner by pin fall, Finn Balor!

Balor wins his Raw debut and moves on to the second round of the Universal Championship! He will face Cesaro next week on Raw. Finn Balor celebrates in the ring as cameras cut away.

Stephanie and Mick are shown watching backstage as Finn Balor celebrates his win. There's a knock at their door and Mick announces that it's open. Seth Rollins walks in and Stephanie greets him with a big smile. Rollins says that he'd like to say that Stephanie and Mick are doing a fantastic job with Monday Night Raw. He says that he loves the idea of crowning the Universal Champion, but there is one little thing bugging him. He says that because he was the #1 overall pick in the draft, then he should have been given the WWE Universal Championship by default! He says that he is the very best that Raw has to offer and if it wasn't for Roman Reigns screwing up, then he'd be WWE Champion right now! Stephanie tells Seth right and that he has a point. She says that as much as she'd love to crown Seth the new Universal Champion, she can't. But she will give Seth something else. She tells him that in tonight's main event, Seth will have his tournament match against Roman Reigns, and Reigns' Spear will be banned from use. Seth smirks and tells Stephanie he likes that idea. He thanks her and walks off. Mick Foley doesn't look too pleased that Reigns' finisher is banned. Cameras cut away.

Paige's theme hits and she makes her way out to a big pop. Paige has a look of determination on her face as she makes her way to the ring. Cole, Graves, and Saxton talk about how Paige stated she wanted to find self redemption. As Paige nears the ring, she is blind sided from behind! Paige flies forward and hits the floor. Nia Jax stands behind her! One of the draft picks from NXT! Jax grabs Paige by her hair and she yanks her to her feet. Jax picks Paige up into a bear hug and she runs her back first into the corner! Jax drops Paige like she's nothing. Paige writhes on the floor holding her back. Nia Jax grabs Paige and rips her jacket off and slams it out of the way. She rolls Paige into the ring. Referees run down to stop the attack but they back off as Jax threatens them. Paige pulls herself up and she staggers at Jax and throws a jab! But it has no effect! Jax comes back at Paige with a head butt and Paige collapses to the mat. The fans boo as Jax stands over Paige. She then hits the rope and comes back with a leg drop! Jax gets up and puts a foot onto Paige's chest. Her theme hits and the fans let Jax hear it as she stands tall. Raw takes a commercial.

~Commercial Break~

Back live, we get a replay of what just transpired with Nia Jax and Paige. Cameras head backstage back to the trainer's room and Cesaro finally exits. Tom Phillips approaches him and he asks Cesaro that even though he picked up the win to move on in the Universal Championship tournament, he can't be happy what happened post match with Chris Jericho. Before Cesaro even gets a chance to answer, he's smacked with a steel chair! It's Chris Jericho! Jericho begins an all out assault as he bashes Cesaro with shoft after shot! With Cesaro out cold, Jericho throws the chair away and asks Tom Phillips to ask how Cesaro feels now. Jericho adds insult to injury with one more stomp at Cesaro before leaving.

Cameras go to the commentary team. Michael Cole says that he hopes Cesaro will be able to continue to compete in the Universal Championship tournament after that hellacious attack by Chris Jericho. Corey Graves says that it's a shame what happened to Cesaro, but he then adds that one should not try to top Chris Jericho.

Universal Championship Tournament RD1
Sami Zayn vs. Big Show

Fresh off of his massive victory against Kevin Owens at Battleground, Sami Zayn makes his way out to a huge reaction. The Big Show makes his way out next to a pop. The bell sounds! Big Show goes right after Sami, but Sami uses his quickness and ring awareness to avoid Show's grasp. Sami throws a couple of kicks at Big Show's leg as he continues to side step Show's every move. He eventually gets behind him and Zayn jumps on the giant's back and locks in a choke hold. But Big Show runs backwards with Sami on his back and straight into the corner! Sami falls off of Show's back and looks a bit dazed. Big Show throws his hips into Sami's gut as he has him trapped in the corner. Big Show then turns around to face him and he hits a loud hand chop across Sami Zayn's chest! Sami runs out of the corner as his chest feels lke a cinder block was just dropped on it. Big Show then turns and hits him with a big boot! Big Show covers! 1, 2, kick out! Big Show reaches down to pick Sami up, but Sami throws his leg up and kicks Show right in the head. Sami stuns him and connects with a couple of more kicks. He gets to his feet and hits the ropes. Sami dives to chop down Big Show at the knee, but he doesn't go down. Show staggers around and Sami hits the ropes again. He dives at the knee and this time he takes Big Show down to a knee! Sami gets up and runs to the ropes a third time! But Big Show catches him around the throat off the rebound! Sami Zayn with a kick to the head and Big Show loses his grip. Sami hits the ropes and comes back at Big Show, whom is still on a knee with a shining wizard! Big Show is down! Sami Zayn covers! 1, 2, kick out! Sami scrambles to his feet and he heads to the top rope. Big Show begins pulling himself up. Sami launches himself and hits a huge missile drop kick! Big Show flies back stumbling and all the way through the ropes! Big Show crashes on the outside, and as he starts getting up, Sami Zayn runs and connects with a baseball slide! Big Show is reeling! Sami heads to the outside. He has to reach up to hit him, but Sami connects with right hand after right hand! But it's the Big Show who hits his WMD out of nowhere! Sami Zayn falls to the ground. Big Show tries to shake off the cobwebs and he reaches down to get Sami up. He rolls him into the ring and as Big Show climbs back into the ring, a new theme hits! It's the Black Sheep, Braun Strowman! Strowman gets into the ring and he goes right after Sami Zayn! Reverse Chokeslam! Zayn is out cold and the referee calls it!

Winner by DQ, Sami Zayn!

Sami Zayn advances but probably in the manner he wouldn't have liked. Big Show looks furious and he shoves Strowman. Strowman has a twisted look on his face. Strowman lets out a roar and he wraps both hands around Big Show's throat! Strowman with a massive 2 handed Chokeslam! Big Show is laid out flat! Braun Strowman lets out another roar and his theme hits. He stands over Big Show and Sami Zayn as cameras fade away.

Mick and Stephanie are backstage talking about everything that has happened tonight on Raw, especially about the blind siding attacks by Chris Jericho, Nia Jax, and Braun Strowman. Mick says that he's worried Cesaro won't be able to compete next week in the second round of the Universal Title tournament. Stephanie says she talked to the trainer about Paige and she won't be able to compete next week also. She then asks if there's any word on Big Show after what Braun Strowman just did to him. Foley says that Big Show will be fine. Stephanie then books Strowman vs. Big Show for next week on Raw. She says that they need to get better control if their working relationship is to last. She then asks Mick if the main event for next week is officially made. He tells her that it is. Stephanie leaves the office and Foley has an annoyed look on his face as cameras fade.

Charlotte's theme hits and the WWE Women's Champion makes her way out with Dana Brooke to a massive amount of heat. As Charlotte makes her entrance, we get a replay of what happened at Battleground as Sasha Banks made Charlotte tap out in a tag match! Dana gets Charlotte a mic and her theme cuts. Charlotte says that she can admit, last night is a night she'd like to forget, but tonight is a new night, and it's a night that she can kick Sasha's teeth down her throat! The fans boo as Charlotte gloats in the ring. Sasha Banks' theme hits! The fans erupt as Sasha walks out onto the stage. Sasha has a confident smile on her face as she speaks into the mic. She says that she can't stand the way Charlotte has been running her mouth, especially after tapping out last night at Battleground. The fans cheer and start up a "You tapped out!" chant directed at the Women's Champion. Charlotte telle Sasha that she can talk all she wants because she is the WWE Women's Champion and there's nothing that Sasha can do about it. Sasha smiles and waves her finger at Charlotte. She tells Charlotte that's where she is wrong. She asks the crowd if they heard what Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon were talking about just a few minutes ago. The crowd pops. Sasha says that in next week's main event, it will be her and Charlotte for the WWE Women's Championship! The fans go nuts as Charlotte and Dana look stunned. Sasha tells Charlotte that she'll see her next week in the main event! Sasha's theme hits and she gets another massive reaction as Raw goes to break. Coming up next, the final match of Round 1 in the Universal Championship Tournament! Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns!

~Commercial~

Universal Championship Tournament RD1
Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns
(Roman's Spear is banned)

Seth Rollins comes out first to a enormous amount of heat. He plays to the crowd with cocky gestures as he makes his entrance. Roman Reigns is out next to a huge mixed reaction. Despite being pinned in the WWE World Championship match last night at Battleground, Roman looks focused. The bell sounds and the main event is underway! Reigns and Rollins explode at each other with rights and lefts! Neither man is budging. But it's Reigns who gets the upper hand with a big uppercut! Rollins hits the mat but he's right back up, and Reigns is waiting for him! Samoan drop! Rollins rolls away and pulls himself up slowly in the corner. Reigns charges and hits a big clothesline in the corner! He backs away and Rollins staggers out. Reigns with a flap jack! Cover! 1, 2, kick out! Reigns doesn't let up. He gets Rollins to his feet and throws him to the ropes. Reigns dips his shoulder, but Rollins flips over Reigns and lands on his feet! Reigns turns right into a enziguri! Rollins covers! 1, 2, kick out! Rollins jumps over Reigns and he delivers punch after punch to the head. The referee starts a 5 count and Rollins breaks at 4. He gets Reigns to his feet and goes for a suplex, but Reigns uses his power to counter into a suplex of his own. Reigns and Rollins both pull themselves up. Rollins with a right! Reigns returns with one of his own. Back and forth they go. But Reigns hits the Superman punch from out of nowhere! Reigns hooks a leg! 1, 2, kick out! Reigns lets out a war cry, and as Rollins begins to pull himself up, Reigns realizes he can't use the Spear. So he instead decks Rollins with a clothesline! Reigns picks Rollins up for a powerbomb, but as he hoists him up, Rollins leaps off of Reign's and lands behind him. Reigns turns to a kick to the gut. Rollins goes for the Pedigree but Reigns counters into a back body drop! Rollins scrambles to his feet and Reigns runs at him. Rollins pulls down the top rope and Reigns flies over to the outside! As Reigns gets up on the outside, Rollins throws himself over the ropes and splashes onto Reigns! Seth Rollins gets to his feet and has a big smile on his face as he believes he has things in the bag. He gets Reigns back into the ring and covers! 1, 2, kick out! Rollins pounds the mat and shoots the ref a frustrated look. Rollins taunts Reigns to get up. As he does, Rollins pulls him in for the Pedigree! But again Reigns counters and back body drops Rollins! Reigns hits the ropes and as Rollins starts getting up, Reigns nails him with the Superman punch! Cover! 1, 2, kick out! Neither of these men can put the other away! Reigns calls for another Superman. He sets up in the corner. Rollins uses the ropes to get up. Reigns charges at him and this time Rollins side steps! Rollins with a kick and Pedigree! Both legs hooked! 1, 2, kick out! How did Roman Reigns kick out!? Seth Rollins can't believe it. He and the referee begin having choice words with each other. Rollins calls for a second Pedigree and he pulls Reigns to his feet. Reigns explodes up and he nails Rollins with yet another Superman punch! Rollins hits the corner. Reigns runs at him and Rollins moves! Roman Reigns hits shoulder first! Rollins rolls him up and pulls the pants! The referee doesn't see it! 1, 2, kick out! Roman Reigns still kicks out! Rollins looks frustrated and he throws Reigns again shoulder first into the turnbuckle! He does it again a third time! Rollins grabs Reigns and takes him to the center of the ring. Pedigree! 1, 2, 3!

Winner by pin fall, Seth Rollins!

Seth Rollins puts away Roman Reigns and advances to round 2! Seth begins celebrating like crazy as if he already won the Universal Championship. Rollins leaves as Roman begins to stir. The referee aids Roman and helps him to his feet. As the ref turns to leave, Reigns grabs him. Samoan drop on the referee! Reigns begins stomping away at the ref! Another official runs to the ring to stop Reigns, but Reigns hits him with a Spear! Security and other officials make their way out to stop Reigns, but he willingly leaves on his own. Roman Reigns looks back at the ring as Raw ends.

~End of Show~

[blackHEART]

Big Show in the tournament rather than Kevin Owens??? That's odd!! But a tourney is the way to go. Kudos!

Cesaro winning was the obvious choice. Yet I wonder if we'll see Jericho/Cesaro again down the road.

Quick match of an old rivalry between Neville and Bo it seemed... At least it was a better choice than Curtis Axel hahaha

Again, obvious choice with Balor advancing.

A face Paige against a heel Nia Jax... That'll be interesting, and Jax beating Paige will give her a huge rivalry to begin with.

And Jericho attacks Cesaro.... Man, I have a feeling Jericho is going to somehow cost Cesaro from advancing any further. Book that match for SummerSlam for sure.

Zayn advances while we get Show versus Strowman... No complaints here!! Now I see your purpose of putting Show in.

Charlotte and Sasha Banks next week for the title IN THE MAIN EVENT?!?!?!?! Ohhhhh yeeeeaahhh!!!!

Did Reigns just turn heel?!?!?!?! Oh wow!!!!!!! Love Rollins advancing, and also if that was a heel turn, awesome. Should note it could have been more obvious, as it was unclear to me, but excited for the next Raw.


I don't know if I'm more anticipating Smackdown or next week's Raw!! hahaha

[Chosen One]

Gotta get this show back on the road! Working on episode 1 of Smackdown!