WWE: Way It Should've Gone 6.0 (lol)

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NXT Updates (Wednesday):

Dave Finley scores a win over Jorge Castro in the opener.

Andrade "Cien" Almas finds Zelina Vega backstage and accepts her offer to go into business together.

Tommaso Ciampa topples Dan Matha in a singles match but is immediately attacked by Nick Aldis afterward.

Josh "The Goods" Woods and "Filthy" Tom Lawlor put the Street Profits in their place with an impressive win over Marshe Rockett and Montez Ford.

Shayna Baszler and Kairi Sane go the distance for the NXT Women's Championship but Kairi Sane counters the Kirifuda Clutch into a pinning predicament and Baszler is caught with her shoulders down for 3. After the match, Shayna accepts defeat and walks away.

Austin Aries and Pete Dunne have a contract signing for their NXT Championship match next week when it turns into chaos with Dunne hitting a diving foot stomp on Aries through the table as the NXT Champion stands tall headed into next week.


CWC Updates:

The Round of 32 concludes this week with two nights of action.

THURSDAY:
Jack Gallagher vs. Kip Sabian
Darius Lockhart vs. Dragon Azteca Jr.
Sonjay Dutt vs. El Hijo del Fantasma
Sammy Guevara vs. Kushida

FRIDAY:
Tony Nese vs. Trey Miguel
Tyson Dux vs. Drew Gulak
Marty Scurll vs. Rockstar Spud
TJ Perkins vs. Jordan Devlin

The Sweet 16 will commence next week, as the CWC will again be on Thursday and Friday night at 7 pm ET with the following matchups:

ACH vs. Dragon Azteca Jr.
TJ Perkins vs. Will Ospreay
Sammy Guevara vs. Laredo Kid
El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Ace Austin
Marty Scurll vs. The Brian Kendrick
Lio Rush vs. Kip Sabian
Kota Ibushi vs. Drew Gulak
Akira Tozawa vs. Trey Miguel

This is the final back-to-back Cruiserweight Classics as it will be trimmed down to Thursdays beginning with the Elite 8.

[blackHEART]

WWE is currently in their inaugural Cruiserweight Classic to determine a Cruiserweight Champion, hosting 64 of the hottest cruiserweight talents in the world. And the rumor is to build an entire division for WWE to use moving forward. It's unclear whether it will be on Raw, SmackDown, or NXT. With that said, WWE are already securing contracts with talents in hopes to use them either for their cruiserweight division or their developmental program.

Via social media and various sources, we confirmed Mustafa Ali and Shane Strickland signed deals a couple weeks ago.

Now, we know several more names have signed with WWE. Angel Garza, Jordan Devlin, Kushida, Raul Mendoza, Roderick Strong, Tony Nese, and Zema Ion have all signed contracts to stay with the company.

More is expected to come as the tournament concludes, as we couldn't imagine the Final Four not being signed. It appears the company is waiting to sign, or at least announce, deals until they are finished in the Cruiserweight Classic.

[blackHEART]

MAY 21 2018 ~ MONDAY NIGHT RAW presents...



NIGHT ONE of the 2018 WWE DRAFT

Raw kicks off with the rules for the 2018 WWE Draft:

• Every active superstar under a Raw or SmackDown contract is eligible to be drafted Nights 1 and 2
• Women have specific rounds to be selected
• Tag teams count as 1, but Trios count as 2 picks
• Anyone not selected Nights 1 or 2 will join an undrafted free agent pool and will be eligible to sign anywhere

To determine who receives the first overall pick, JBL and Kurt Angle have representatives selected at random. For Raw, it was Emperor Roman Reigns. And for SmackDown, it was Sheamus.

Emperor Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus
For the rights to the #1 pick, Reigns and Sheamus gave it their all. Reigns got rocked by an Irish Curse backbreaker and after he was slow to get up, Sheamus went to town with the 10 smacks and the Celtic Cross. Sheamus gets ready for a Brogue Kick when WWE Universal Champion Christian hops the barricade and holds the foot of the Celtic Warrior, as Sheamus shakes Christian off, he stares at the champion before he's hit with an Emperor Punch, followed by a Spear, and Raw gets the #1 pick!

JBL emerges from the curtain smiling from ear-to-ear as he takes one side of the podium, and Kurt Angle takes the other as he is visibly upset over Christian costing SmackDown the opportunity at the #1 pick.

---

Monday Night Raw selects... Emperor Roman Reigns with the 1st overall pick.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Dean Ambrose with the 2nd overall pick.

---

After the selections, Dean Ambrose stands by with Renee Young who asks about his departure from Raw. Ambrose says he will miss Raw, but he's going back home to SmackDown where he won the first ever WWE Universal Championship. Ambrose makes it clear he has full intentions of climbing back to the top, and issues the challenge to Triple H for the WWE Championship at No Mercy.

Announced for tonight are the two title matches: Depths of Despair challenging The Revival for the tag titles and Finn Balor receiving his rematch against Intercontinental Champion Neville. Plus some cool dream matches include Bobby Lashley versus Cody Rhodes and Baron Corbin versus Bray Wyatt. But up next, The New Day face The Hardy Boyz.

The New Day w/Kofi Kingston vs. The Hardy Boyz
In perhaps the final match for both of these teams, pending the Draft, the two teams went to war and it ended with a Midnight Hour on Jeff Hardy for The New Day to emerge victorious.

As The New Day celebrate, Matt and Jeff Hardy get to their feet and shake the hands of The New Day after a dream match as the General Managers come to the ramp to announce their next picks.

---

Monday Night Raw selects... Baron Corbin with the 3rd overall pick.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Christian, WWE Universal Champion, with the 4th overall pick.

Monday Night Raw selects... Cody Rhodes with the 5th overall pick.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... John Cena with the 6th overall pick.

---

Cody Rhodes is backstage with Charly Caruso for his initial reaction being taken by Raw with the 5th overall pick. Cody begins tearing up as he thanks his father for putting him in this position and he understands being drafted to Raw with a pick as high as #5 overall is a big responsibility. Bobby Lashley interrupts and tells Cody there's no crying in wrestling. Lashley tells Cody to get ready for their match, because he's ready to prove that Bobby Lashley was supposed to be picked before Cody Rhodes was ever thought about.

Baron Corbin vs. Bray Wyatt w/Wyatt Family
Erick Rowan and Luke Harper lurk on as they're making it more difficult for Corbin to focus. Towards the end Corbin is reeling when the lights go out. You hear the motorcycle and the lights come back on to see Rowan on Corbin's bike. Corbin gets out of the ring to chase Rowan, but the lights go out. When they come back on, Corbin is in Wyatt's arms and hit with a Sister Abigail as Wyatt pins Baron Corbin, the 3rd overall pick.

As Bray celebrates a big win, the General Managers come out for the next selections.

---

Monday Night Raw selects... Randy Orton with the 7th overall pick.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Daniel Bryan with the 8th overall pick.

Monday Night Raw selects... Shinsuke Nakamura with the 9th overall pick.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Bray Wyatt with the 10th overall pick.

---

After the announcement of his selection to SmackDown, Bray Wyatt gets the microphone and laughs maniacally. Wyatt says he understands some familiar faces are joining him on Tuesdays, such as Daniel Bryan and John Cena. Wyatt drops a hint that they might have to catch up. Wyatt laughs before the lights go out and he's gone.

WWE Universal Champion Christian is upset he has been drafted by Kurt Angle and SmackDown, as he voices to Renee Young that Angle is trying to make his life a living hell. But instead, Christian says it'll be the exact opposite.

Prior to the first round of women draft picks, Charlotte and Becky Lynch are set to due battle.

Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte
Both women went hard trying to prove their worth tonight, but it's Becky trapping Charlotte with a Dis-arm-her that forces The Queen to tap.

Kurt Angle and JBL come back out to announce the women picks.

---

Monday Night Raw selects... Paige, WWE Women's Champion.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Tessa Blanchard, WWE Matrons Champion.

Monday Night Raw selects... Becky Lynch.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Sasha Banks.

Monday Night Raw selects... Asuka.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Charlotte.

---

Backstage, we get Paige's reaction to staying on Raw. Paige says she's built Raw's women's division and continues to do so and Rubi Riot comes in the picture. Rubi apologizes for her actions last week and asks for forgiveness. Paige looks at Rubi and wishes she gets drafted to SmackDown, because that will be the only way she gets anywhere close to being a champion.

After a commercial break, we have more picks to announce!

---

Monday Night Raw selects... The New Day, the WWE Trios Champions. Due to this selection, SmackDown will have back-to-back selections.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... The Revival, the WWE Tag Team Champions.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Neville, the reigning Intercontinental Champion.

Monday Night Raw selects... Finn Balor.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Depths of Despair.

---

The instant reaction to these picks is how this shakes up the title matches for tonight. Raw gets the WWE Trios Championships, but SmackDown will have the WWE Tag Team Championships no matter the tag team match result. However, Neville and Finn Balor's match will determine whether the Intercontinental Championship lands with Raw or SmackDown.

The Revival head out for their title defense, and make it clear that even if they were drafted to the same show, this will be the FINAL time the Depths of Despair challenge The Revival for their titles.

The Revival(c) vs. Depths of Despair for the WWE Tag Team Championships
The Revival tried playing their game of half-mat wrestling, but DoD were too powerful and took over. At one point, Dawson and Wilder try leaving, but the Depths of Despair chased them down and brought them back inside before finishing them with the Super Collider and winning the titles from The Revival.

Akam and Rezar get a standing ovation from the crowd winning the WWE Tag Team Titles as JBL and Kurt Angle come to the podium to announce the next picks for a women's round.

---

Monday Night Raw selects... Brie and Nikki Bella, the Bella Twins.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Carmella.

Monday Night Raw selects... Rubi Riot.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Nikki Cross.

Monday Night Raw selects... Alexa Bliss.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Bayley.

---

Charly Caruso stands by with the Bella Twins after hearing they're drafted to Raw, in which they disagree not being the top picks for the women's division. For that reason, the Bella Twins are having an open challenge issued to anyone on the Raw roster next week to a tag team match.

Joining via satellite now is WWE Champion Triple H at his home with wife Stephanie McMahon. When asked by Michael Cole how closely he's keeping up with the Draft, Triple H shrugged. Triple H says he isn't eligible to be drafted, so he can appear on Raw, he can appear on SmackDown, because he's the COO of the company and he makes the rules. Tyson Kidd refutes it, saying Triple H doesn't have power and it's been given primarily to Kurt Angle and JBL. Triple H quickly told Kidd to hush his mouth, Corey Graves joining in, and Triple H says he's the King of Kings and nobody beneath him will tell him what to do. Graves apologizes for Kidd and asks about Dean Ambrose's recent challenge for the WWE Championship. Triple H laughs and says he doesn't plan on coming to a WWE show for a while, so if Ambrose wants it, he'll have to wait.

Bobby Lashley vs. Cody Rhodes
Lashley tries punishing Cody throughout the match for being a top draft pick to Raw, while Lashley remains undrafted. Lashley continues bullying Cody and tries putting him away with a Dominator, but Cody kicks out. Lashley then connects with a Spear, but Cody gets his foot on the rope lifelessly. Lashley gets frustrated and begins pounding Cody by the ropes before the official has to pull him away, and Lashley goes outside to get a steel chair and argues with the official before Lashley tosses it aside. Lashley pulls Cody up and into the center for a second Dominator, but Cody counters and hits a Cross-Rhodes and counts 3 before Lashley can get an instinctive shoulder off the mat.

Lashley can't believe it as Cody Rhodes gets out of dodge quick before Lashley can react and here comes the next picks, the final ones of the evening.

---

Monday Night Raw selects... Kevin Owens, Mr. Money in the Bank.

Kurt Angle takes a moment to mention that he double checked, and this next selection is eligible to be drafted as he is under contract as an active member of the main roster.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Triple H, WWE Champion.

Monday Night Raw selects... The Usos.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Cesaro.

---

Everyone is stunned by the breaking news of WWE Champion Triple H being drafted to SmackDown. JBL did not take kindly to the news and labeled it unfair, but Angle just shrugged his shoulders.

Advertised for next week's Monday Night Raw is Brie and Nikki's tag team match challenge to anyone on the Raw roster. Plus, the top two picks for Raw will square off with Baron Corbin and Emperor Roman Reigns. But the big focus is Night 2 of the WWE Draft tomorrow night. A 20-man Battle Royal for Shelton Benjamin's United States Championship will happen, as Benjamin and the championship has yet to be drafted. Meanwhile, Matrons Champion Tessa Blanchard and Women's Champion Paige will kick off the evening to determine who has the #1 pick of Night Two. But up next, we see which brand gets the Intercontinental Championship. Is it staying on Raw as Finn Balor looks to regain the title, or will it be SmackDown property with Neville retaining?

Neville(c) vs. Finn Balor for the Intercontinental Championship
Neville and Balor give it their all for the rights to become Intercontinental Champion. Neville tries putting Balor away with a Black Arrow, but he misses and Balor uses this opportunity to hit a corner dropkick and hit a Coup de Grace and makes the cover. Balor hooks the leg deep and similar to Neville's WWE Championship opportunity several years back against Seth Rollins, roles are reversed as Balor nearly won the Intercontinental Title. Balor gets Neville up for the 1916 and Neville counters with the Rings of Saturn. Balor refuses to give up but he begins to fade, then he has a last moment of resurgence, before he collapses to the pressure and the bell is tolled.

Neville's music hits with the Intercontinental Championship remaining on SmackDown, giving the blue brand the WWE Championship, WWE Universal Championship, WWE Tag Team Championships, and now the Intercontinental Championship as Night 1 of the WWE Draft concludes.

[blackHEART]

Following Night 1 of the WWE Draft, many experts believe SmackDown won the opening night of the Draft. Of course pending what's to come the next couple nights will determine who won it overall. But many are beginning to think WWE plans on making SmackDown comparable to Raw and no longer seen as "The B-Show."

Here are the rosters as of Night 1:

MONDAY NIGHT RAW drafted by JBL	Pick	TUESDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN drafted by Kurt Angle
Emperor Roman Reigns	1	Dean Ambrose
Baron Corbin	2	Christian
Cody Rhodes	3	John Cena
Randy Orton	4	Daniel Bryan
Shinsuke Nakamura	5	Bray Wyatt
Paige	6	Tessa Blanchard
Becky Lynch	7	Sasha Banks
Asuka	8	Charlotte
The New Day	9	The Revival
-	10	Neville
Finn Balor	11	Depths of Despair
Bella Twins	12	Carmella
Rubi Riot	13	Nikki Cross
Alexa Bliss	14	Bayley
Kevin Owens	15	Triple H
The Usos	16	Cesaro

Who do you think won the first night of the WWE Draft?

[blackHEART]

MAY 22 2018 ~ TUESDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN!



NIGHT TWO of the 2018 WWE DRAFT

After recapping last night's opening of the WWE Draft, Dean Ambrose comes out as the top pick for the blue brand. Ambrose welcomes everyone to the show and before getting to business, makes a joke of Triple H's tweet about his outrage for being drafted last night. Ambrose reminds everyone of his challenge to Triple H, and asks him to tweet his answer 'yes' or 'no' as Ambrose pulls his phone out and waits. Kurt Angle's music hits and welcomes Ambrose to SmackDown. Angle informs Ambrose that he needs a main event for No Mercy in two weeks and can think of no better match than Dean Ambrose challenging Triple H for the WWE Championship. JBL then comes and says he's outraged by Kurt Angle, saying he can't claim two world champions like he has. Angle responds with saying he drafted them, thus has the titles and their services. Knowing Angle won't budge, JBL turns his attention to Ambrose and tells the Lunatic Fringe he would put the #1 contendership on the line against one of his guys if he had the guts. Ambrose immediately accepted, without Angle's approval, and asked who it would be. JBL announces it's Randy Orton! The main event is set, Ambrose versus Orton in a #1 contender's match. Now the Matrons Champion's music hits as Tessa Blanchard heads to the ring to face Paige in a Champion versus Champion match for rights to the first pick of the evening.

Raw's Paige vs. SmackDown's Tessa Blanchard in a Champion vs. Champion Match
For their show to pick first tonight, Paige and Blanchard are going hard for the stakes to be high, including bragging rights. However, it is Blanchard going for Magnum which is countered into a Paige Turner. Paige makes the cover and Blanchard kicks out. Paige tries locking in the PTO, but Blanchard rolls Paige up and nearly gets the 3 before the Women's Champion escapes. Blanchard tries for Magnum one more time when it's Paige countering into a PTO. Paige has Blanchard locked in when Rubi Riot appears. Blanchard is about to tap when Paige lets go to clothesline Rubi, but Rubi ducks and hits the Riot Kick causing the DQ.

After the bell, Rubi Riot kicks Paige to the floor and signals she wants the Women's Championship now and Eden makes it known Paige won by disqualification, therefore, Raw receives the first pick of the night. JBL walks out thrilled as Kurt Angle walks out a little upset.

---

Monday Night Raw selects... Shelton Benjamin, United States Champion.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... The Miz.

Monday Night Raw selects... Murphy.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Sami Zayn.

---

Charly Caruso is backstage with Murphy for his instant reaction of being drafted to Raw. Murphy says he'll miss SmackDown, but he's super excited, and he notes Raw also drafted Shelton Benjamin. But he vows that Benjamin won't be bringing the United States Title to Mondays, he will be, as Murphy heads out for the Battle Royal next.

Right before the match, JBL stops Shelton Benjamin in the hallway. JBL tells Shelton he selected him because he needs the United States Championship on Raw. JBL orders Benjamin to bring the title home to Mondays, or he might be out of a job by the end of the week.

20-Man Battle Royal for Shelton Benjamin's United States Championship
Shelton Benjamin has to defend his United States Championship in a 20-Man Battle Royal right now. The likes of Cesaro, Aiden, Simon, Bobby Lashley, Carlito, Chris Masters, Colin Cassady, Enzo Amore, Jason Jordan, The Hardy Boyz, Joe Hennig, Kane, The Miz, Tyler Breeze, Elias Samson, Kalisto, Sami Zayn, and Tye Dillinger all vying for the United States Title. One by one they all left, but the final four was Benjamin, Lashley, Cesaro, and Zayn. Lashley and Benjamin worked together to take Cesaro out, but as soon as they did, Lashley turned on Benjamin and eliminated the United States Champion! This leaves Lashley and SmackDown's Sami Zayn. Zayn fought to bring the United States Championship to Tuesdays, but keeps getting manhandled by Lashley. Zayn gets momentum on his side and decides to go for a Helluva Kick, but as he charges, Lashley uses the momentum to lift Zayn over the top rope. Zayn grabs onto the rope and holds onto the apron but one forearm smash drops Zayn to the floor for the bell.

As Bobby Lashley's music hits and he is handed the United States Championship, he appears to have a chip on his shoulder as JBL and Kurt Angle come to their respective podiums. Lashley grabs the mic and demands his music be cut. Lashley holds his new hardware up and tells them to pick him. Lashley calls out JBL and demands he be picked next.

---

Monday Night Raw selects... Bobby Lashley, the new United States Champion.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... American Alpha.

Monday Night Raw selects... Dolph Ziggler.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Sheamus.

---

Sheamus has a moment with Renee Young for his reaction to being picked by Kurt Angle to remain on SmackDown. The Celtic Warrior nods and says he took Emperor Roman Reigns to his limits last night on Raw, and so he feels confident he can go toe-to-toe with anyone on the roster. Sheamus lays a challenge for No Mercy to anyone who dares to accept.

Charly Caruso catches up with Randy Orton about his main event match with Dean Ambrose tonight with the right to wrestle Triple H for the WWE Championship. Orton says JBL is off to a good start as Raw General Manager, and he's grateful to be drafted by such an intelligent businessman. Orton trashes Angle for just being an amateur wrestling knucklehead, not knowing how to run a successful show. Orton reminds everyone that Triple H handpicked JBL, and it just is ironic that JBL has handpicked the man to dethrone Triple H as WWE Champion.

Alberto Del Rio, Ortiz, and Santana vs. Wyatt Family
Two trios teams going head-to-head for leverage on the chase of The New Day's titles, they go at it hard. Despite both being heels, the crowd's leaning towards the Wyatt Family. As the match draws to a close, Bray tries getting Rowan and Harper in position to do better, but Del Rio's crew has their number and this match ends with a Street Sweeper on Rowan executed impressively for the win.

---

Monday Night Raw selects... Luke Harper.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Jeff Hardy.

Monday Night Raw selects... Alberto Del Rio, Ortiz, and Santana.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... The Vaudevillians.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Erick Rowan.

---

Along with their win just moments ago, Del Rio, Ortiz, and Santana celebrate their pick to Raw, remaining together as a trio. However, it's heartbreak in the ring as The Wyatt Family appear to be going their separate ways with Harper drafted to Raw with Wyatt and Rowan on SmackDown. The lights go out with a spotlight on the Wyatt Family, as Harper drops to his knees in submission to the Eater of Worlds. Without a mic, but the attention of the arena, you can hear Bray Wyatt let Harper free. Rowan and Harper share a moment saying goodbye as we hit a commercial break.

After a commercial break, Renee Young stands by with Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy. Renee mentions the breakup of the Wyatt Family, and with Jeff Hardy drafted to SmackDown, it might be possible that the Hardy Boyz might be split as well. Jeff pleads with Kurt Angle to draft Matt, promising they'll be capable of an 8th run as tag team champions. Matt tells Jeff that no matter what happens, they'll be brothers and last night won't be the last time.

Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks
In now a Raw versus SmackDown contest, these two lock up for the last time of the foreseeable future. Alexa misses Twisted Bliss, as Sasha gets her knees up and then locks in the Bank Statement to force Alexa to tap. JBL and Kurt Angle come out to announce the final round of women's picks.

---

Monday Night Raw selects... Mickie James.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Naomi.

Monday Night Raw selects... Emma.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Dana Brooke.

Monday Night Raw selects... Nia Jax.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Peyton Royce.

---

Renee Young catches Peyton Royce for a word and Royce says she's felt held back her career, but now is her breakout moment as a singles wrestler. Royce puts Tessa Blanchard and the entire SmackDown women's division on notice. WWE Universal Champion Christian interrupts the interview, pushing Royce away. Christian says he's upset to have not only been picked by Kurt Angle in the Draft, but for Tomko to be suspended last week, and for Nakamura to have a title opportunity at No Mercy... and on top of all that, Tomko not be drafted with him to SmackDown. Christian wants the record shown that he gives Kurt Angle two months tops as General Manager before the ship crashes.

Rusev w/Lana vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
In Nakamura's final match on SmackDown, we see another brand-versus-brand match as the WWE Universal Championship #1 contender Nakamura battles the Bulgarian Brute. Nakamura put on an impressive performance, despite injuring his back this match that was targeted by Rusev, and the King of Strong Style wins with a Kinshasa.

After the match, Christian attacks his challenger and finishes him with a Killswitch before Kurt Angle sends security down to hold Christian back from doing anything else. JBL comes out and laughs at Kurt, calling him to the podium to make the final picks of the night.

---

Monday Night Raw selects... Matt Hardy.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Tye Dillinger.

Monday Night Raw selects... Rusev.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Tyler Breeze.

Monday Night Raw selects... Carlito.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... Michael Bennett.

---

Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy hear the news of their split due to the Draft, and didn't take kindly to JBL laughing while he picked Matt out of spite, but this hug is ruined by Tye Dillinger. Dillinger attacks both Hardy Boyz, and as Matt is on the ground, Jeff fights back but it's Tyler Breeze who emerges and Superkicks the Charismatic Enigma. Breeze and Dillinger look at each other and acknowledge the other's presence before walking away from the 7-time tag team champions.

Joining via satellite with Tom Phillips and Raw's Corey Graves and Tyson Kidd, is WWE Champion Triple H, 24 hours after being drafted to SmackDown. Triple H says this wasn't supposed to happen. When asked when they could expect him to show up on the blue brand, Triple H says he won't be showing up. Kurt Angle then heads down from the podium and gets a headset on, ordering Triple H to appear next week on SmackDown. Angle says if he doesn't, he'll be stripping the WWE Championship from The Game. Triple H gets riled up into a shouting match with Angle before agreeing to show up next week and to watch his back.

After the big announcement that Triple H will be there, it's also understood that Daniel Bryan will be live for the first time since he was cost the WWE Championship at Vengeance. Plus, a 6-Pack Challenge to determine a #1 contender for Tessa Blanchard's Matrons Championship between Charlotte, Sasha Banks, Nikki Cross, Bayley, Naomi, and Peyton Royce with the winner challenging Blanchard at No Mercy. But up next, we find out the #1 contender for Triple H's WWE Championship.

Dean Ambrose w/Kurt Angle vs. Randy Orton w/JBL
The General Managers decide to stick around ringside for this match, and with no world champion on Raw, the pressure is on for The Apex Predator, and equal amounts for Ambrose who was SmackDown's first pick. Orton picks Ambrose apart limb by limb and is closing in on a title opportunity against Triple H as he seeks an RKO, but Ambrose pushes him into the ropes and hits a series of clotheslines before flying in with an elbow. Ambrose tries for Dirty Deeds, but Orton counters into an RKO attempt but Ambrose blocks it once more, in which Orton counters with a dropkick where Ambrose gets the final say with a rebounding clothesline! The crowd gets on their feet as JBL and Kurt Angle lean in. Ambrose and Orton get up and trade several blows before Orton gets the upperhand with a few uppercuts, and then swings Ambrose around with a rope-hung DDT. Orton begins hearing voices and goes for the RKO when Ambrose blocks it for a third time and slams Orton to the mat. Orton gets up right into a Dirty Deeds that connects and Ambrose hooks in a deep pin... one, two, three!

The crowd goes wild as Dean Ambrose makes it to his feet as the new #1 contender for the WWE Championship! Tom Phillips points out the world titles are staying on SmackDown, but Corey Graves refutes with the idea Shinsuke Nakamura brings the WWE Universal Championship home to Raw at the No Mercy PPV. Ambrose standing tall, ready for war against The Game, as Angle raises his hand in victory... this is the image we leave the fans with from Night 2 of the WWE Draft, with the third and final night tomorrow, geared towards free agents and NXT talent.

[blackHEART]

MAY 23 2018 ~ WEDNESDAY NIGHT NXT



NIGHT THREE of the 2018 WWE DRAFT

A recap is shown of the previous two nights of the 2018 WWE Draft, culminating in tonight's final event. For the first time ever, the Draft takes place over three nights and with this night, anything can be expected. Here are the rules:

• Anyone of the wrestling world is eligible to be drafted tonight, with prior consent
• Superstars drafted aren't immediately sent to Raw or SmackDown
• Their rights are owned by the brand up to 1 year
• When drafted, they can only appear for that brand during that time
• If the year passes without a debut, the brand loses their rights
• Reigning NXT champions are ineligible

To determine who gets first pick, it's former NXT Champions in Finn Balor and Sami Zayn doing battle.

Raw's Finn Balor vs. SmackDown's Sami Zayn
Returning to their home turf where it all started, Balor and Zayn put on a show for the people that culminates in Sami Zayn hitting a Helluva Kick to pin Balor at Full Sail University.

After the match, Sami Zayn got on the mic to thank NXT and its fans for helping him to where he is today, and Finn Balor joined in on the sentiments as well. JBL and Kurt Angle then popped up on the screen, via satellite from WWE Headquarters in Connecticut, to announce their picks.

---

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... free agent Fenix.

Monday Night Raw selects... NXT superstar Adam Cole.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... free agent Boogeyman.

Monday Night Raw selects... NXT trio Street Profits.

---

Adam Cole is backstage with McKenzie Mitchell who asks about his rights being picked by Monday Night Raw. Cole says within the next year, he'll be on Monday Night Raw where he belongs. Cole wishes it's sooner than later so he can get out of this dump. Cole says he should've been #1, and asks who the blue hell is Fenix, but SmackDown will regret that decision.

Sophia is with the Street Profits whose rights were claimed by Raw as well, and the Street Profits are ecstatic about their chance to go to Raw. However, they know there's unfinished business in NXT, wanting to fight Lawlor and Woods next week on NXT.

Cedric Alexander & Moose(c) vs. Jaxon Thielen & Logan Brigman for the NXT Tag Team Championships
Thielen and Brigman gave it their all but Cedric hits Brigman with a Lumbar Check and retains their titles.

---

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... NXT superstar Andrade "Cien" Almas.

Monday Night Raw selects... free agent Walter.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... free agent Angel Garza.

Monday Night Raw selects... NXT superstar Tama Tonga and free agent Tonga Loa.

---

Tama Tonga is standing by with McKenzie Mitchell who asks about his selection to Raw with Tonga Loa? Tama Tonga says The Tolutasi is a thing of the past. He says he wouldn't classify them as a failure, but only the first step. Tama Tonga says his lifelong dream was to be in the WWE with his brother, and now it's a reality, but for Raw, it'll be their nightmare.

Zelina Vega celebrates with Andrade Almas, as she reminds Andrade of the promise she made to him about taking him to the next level and now his rights have been claimed by SmackDown.

Dijak vs. Kona Reeves
Dijak and Kona, two blue chip prospects, went to war and Dijak emerged victorious after Feast your Eyes.

---

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... free agent Jinder Mahal.

Monday Night Raw selects... free agent Jordan Devlin.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... NXT superstar Ember Moon.

Monday Night Raw selects... free agent Wardlow.

---

Finn Balor hears the news and is in shock that Jordan Devlin will finally be joining him on Raw. Sophia comes up to ask Balor about his friend, and he says the sky is the limit for Devlin and he knows the road he's traveled and it's so great that he'll be on Monday Night Raw. Balor has a tap on the shoulder and it's Jordan Devlin! The two embrace with a long hug as tears are shed that Devlin's dream will be realized within the next year.

Ember Moon vs. Savanna Gibson
After being selected in Night 3 of the Draft with rights secured by SmackDown, Ember Moon proves SmackDown to be wise after she wins the match with an Eclipse on Gibson.

Before Ember Moon has a chance to catch her breath, she's attacked from behind. It's three new girls. They continue assaulting Ember Moon and not sure what's up. One then takes the mic and introduces herself as Britt Baker alongside Bianca Belair and Sonya Deville. Baker calls themselves The Clink and says the NXT women's division is now on notice.

Noam Dar is walking backstage when Rich Swann bumps into him. They exchange some words before Dinastia turns the corner and bumps into them, and then all three are at it with Dinastia speaking strictly Spanish. Noam Dar shoves Swann for starting it, and then Swann retaliates, and then Dar slaps Dinastia and it's a three-way brawl backstage. Meanwhile, JBL and Kurt Angle appear one more time for their final picks of the 2018 WWE Draft.

---

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... NXT superstar Chelsea Green.

Monday Night Raw selects... NXT superstar Shayna Baszler.

Tuesday Night SmackDown selects... NXT superstar Nick Aldis.

Monday Night Raw selects... free agent Hangman Page.

---

McKenzie Mitchell interviews Nick Aldis about his rights being taken by SmackDown. Aldis says he's thankful that he'll notch another accolade in his career, but for now, he's focused on finishing up business on Wednedsays. Aldis calls out Tommaso Ciampa, pointing out the fact he went undrafted tonight because nobody wants him. Aldis challenges Ciampa to a match next week in the main event.

Speaking of main events, up next is the NXT Championship match between champion Pete Dunne and challenger Austin Aries.

Pete Dunne(c) vs. Austin Aries for the NXT Championship
Dunne and Aries go the distance. Dunne was locked in the Last Chancery for the longest time before he got to the bottom rope and Aries was forced to let go. Aries went for the Brainbuster to claim the NXT Championship, and as he lifted Dunne up, the champion countered with a knee strike. Dunne then lifted Aries up and hit the Bitter End to score the pinfall!

Pete Dunne puts an L in Double A's column and retains his title! Dunne gets to his feet after a grueling match but he's smacked in the back with a steel chair.. it's Andrade "Cien" Almas! Andrade picks Dunne up and hits the Hammerlock DDT on the chair and Zelina Vega is trailing by laughing. Andrade picks the NXT Championship up, signaling his rights drafted to SmackDown weren't good enough, as he wants the NXT Championship next.

[blackHEART]

CWC Updates:

The Sweet 16 takes place over the course of two nights.

THURSDAY:
Lio Rush vs. Kip Sabian
Akira Tozawa vs. Trey Miguel
El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Ace Austin
Kota Ibushi vs. Drew Gulak

FRIDAY:
Sammy Guevara vs. Laredo Kid
ACH vs. Dragon Azteca Jr.
Marty Scurll vs. The Brian Kendrick
TJ Perkins vs. Will Ospreay

The Elite 8 begins next week, as the CWC will be on Thursday at 7 pm ET with the following matchups having 30-minute time limits:
Sammy Guevara vs. Ace Austin
Kota Ibushi vs. Trey Miguel

[blackHEART]

WWE is currently in their inaugural Cruiserweight Classic to determine a Cruiserweight Champion, hosting 64 of the hottest cruiserweight talents in the world. And the rumor is to build an entire division for WWE to use moving forward. It's unclear whether it will be on Raw, SmackDown, or NXT. With that said, WWE are already securing contracts with talents in hopes to use them either for their cruiserweight division or their developmental program.

Via social media and various sources, we have confirmed 9 different names from the tournament have signed on with WWE.

Now, we know several more names have signed with WWE. El Hijo del Fantasma, Kip Sabian, and TJ Perkins have signed contracts as of this week.

More is expected to come as the tournament concludes, as we couldn't imagine the Final Four not being signed. It appears the company is waiting to sign, or at least announce, deals until they are finished in the Cruiserweight Classic.


In addition to the Cruiserweight Classic names, Night 3 of the 2018 WWE Draft saw 7 of the 16 names be free agents who were drafted. Their "rights" have been assigned to Raw or SmackDown and they can debut anytime within the next year. It's being reported all 7 of those people have signed with WWE officially. Angel Garza and Jordan Devlin were already announced after their departures in the Cruiserweight Classic tournament, but it appears they will have a different direction. As for now, they're listed with the Performance Center, but the 7 new signings are as follows: Boogeyman, Fenix, Hangman Page, Jinder Mahal, Tonga Loa, Walter, and Wardlow.

[blackHEART]

In regards to the on-screen personnel for all three brands, here are the moves that were made:

Charly Caruso will remain on Raw as the backstage interviewer.
Michael Cole remains on Raw as the play-by-play commentator, with his counterpart to be announced on Monday.
Eden is the new ring announcer for Raw.

Renee Young remains as SmackDown's backstage interviewer.
SmackDown's commentary duo will be Tom Phillips and, coming from Raw, Corey Graves.
Greg Hamilton will be the new ring announcer for SmackDown, making his WWE debut.

Joining Sophia, McKenzie Mitchell is an additional backstage interviewer for NXT.
Doing commentary for NXT will be Vic Joseph and Byron Saxton still.
Jojo Offerman continues to be NXT's ring announcer.


To address the rumors bound to spill, Tyson Kidd is still contracted with the company but will be overseeing a new role.

[blackHEART]

MAY 28 2018 ~ MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Randy Orton kicks off Monday Night Raw and claims himself as the new face of Raw, thanks to defeating John Cena inside Hell in a Cell and following that up with Cena getting drafted after him and to SmackDown. Baron Corbin interrupts and laughs at Orton, saying he was picked before Orton so the Viper has no claim. Corbin also says they're looking for someone not about to kick the bucket. United States Champion Bobby Lashley heads out and vengefully holds his newly won title up, saying he is THE champion of Raw and no matter where he was drafted, he could still plow anyone in this ring to the ground. An intense staredown between Lashley and Corbin follows Shinsuke Nakamura's music. Nakamura's broken English points out Lashley isn't the champion of Raw, because he'll win the WWE Universal Title at No Mercy against Christian. JBL shows up on the screen and says he understands they want to prove they're the best, which is exactly why he drafted each of them. JBL makes a Fatal 4-Way match for tonight to determine just that.

Michael Cole awaits his new commentary partner, not told who it was, and we hear "Ladies and gentlemen..." as Paul Heyman grabs everyone's attention. Heyman waddles to the commentary booth, joining Cole and telling Cole he is here to save the WWE commentary booth.

Carlito vs. Finn Balor
Two former Intercontinental Champions kick off the new era of Raw and it's Balor with the Coup de Grace that makes the difference and Balor takes the win.

Emperor Roman Reigns stands by with Charly Caruso who asks the #1 overall pick why he didn't go to the ring earlier and defend his status as the Face of Raw. Reigns can't help but smile and says Charly answered her own question. He was picked #1 overall, so that's the facts and he doesn't need to defend it. He reminds everyone he won King of the Ring last year and is the Emperor, and he's a future world champion. Reigns says this is still the Roman Empire and everyone falls in place. At that moment, Murphy's presence is shown by the camera zooming out. Murphy says Reigns might not feel the need to defend his spot at the top, but both are without championships. Murphy challenges Reigns to a match tonight, and as Reigns declines, Murphy slaps the taste out of Roman's mouth and Roman measures up to Murphy. Reigns accepts and Murphy smirks before backing away.

As Matt Hardy awaits his opponent to make his way to the ring, Del Rio uses the time to talk trash about the Hardy Boyz their legacy, laughing that they lost to The New Day their final match together.

Alberto Del Rio w/Ortiz & Santana vs. Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy took a lot of frustrations out on Del Rio, showing he can go as a singles competitor, but Ortiz and Santana were a difference maker. Ortiz distracts the ref as Hardy goes for a moonsault, and Santana gets up on the apron and kicks Matt Hardy in the head, dropping Matt into a tree-of-woe position as Del Rio goes for the double foot stomp and he pulls Matt away from the ropes to make the pin.

As Alberto Del Rio celebrates with Santana and Ortiz, The Usos' music hits. The Usos take offense to Del Rio's comments about their favorite tag team growing up. Therefore, The Usos challenge Santana and Ortiz to a first time ever match next week on Raw! Del Rio smiles and accepts as a huge match is set.

Mickie James finds Asuka backstage and convinces Asuka to accept the challenge laid out by Brie and Nikki Bella as Mickie promises this is their chance to get their names back in the title picture.

Cody Rhodes vs. Luke Harper
Rhodes looks impressive, but Harper looks a little sluggish his first time away from the Wyatt Family, and it's Cody winning with a Disaster Kick on Harper.

United States Champion Bobby Lashley and Randy Orton confront each other in the back and they come to blows that have to be separated by security ahead of the Fatal 4-Way later tonight.

Asuka & Mickie James vs. Bella Twins
As Nikki looks to finish Asuka off with a Rack Attack, she counters and gets the Asuka Lock in. With nowhere to go, Brie comes in for the save and is tackled by Mickie James and Nikki has to tap in an upset.

JBL is in his office and appears to be on the phone with a free agent as he's throwing around numbers when Shelton Benjamin heads in. Benjamin asks why he isn't on the card, and JBL says he didn't retain the United States Title last week. Benjamin makes the excuse of a battle royal and the title ended up on Raw anyways. JBL says he had to draft Lashley because he won the title, and it messed his draft board up because of Shelton's mistake. Benjamin tries apologizing, but JBL dismisses Benjamin and says he can have the night off and to leave the arena. Benjamin pauses and JBL reiterates, sending the former United States Champion away.

Big E w/The New Day vs. Rusev w/Lana
Mr. Money in the Bank Kevin Owens joins Heyman and Cole on commentary, and when Cole asked why he was there, Owens said he wants to be the first guest of the Paul Heyman Commentary Team. Owens and Heyman continue to gang up on Cole and when asked about his reaction to no world title on Raw, Owens says Nakamura better bring the WWE Universal Championship home to Raw or there will be hell to pay. In the match, Big E catches Rusev in a slip up and puts him away with a Big Ending.

The Usos have an interview spot with Charly Caruso about their challenge for next week. The Usos call what Del Rio said about The Hardy Boyz disrespectful to one of the greatest tag teams of their childhood and it won't go unnoticed. The Usos get attacked by that trio and Del Rio is calling out orders before Matt Hardy runs them off with a steel chair in hand before checking on the condition of Jimmy and Jey Uso.

Women's Champion Paige heads to the ring and addresses Rubi Riot after her actions as of late, trying to get in the title match last week on Raw and then attacking her on SmackDown. Paige says this is supposed to be where she challenges Rubi Riot, puts her title on the line, and fights for her pride. Paige laughs and says she isn't petty, she's just smart. Paige tells Rubi she won't be handing out a title opportunity, but Rubi can forget her. Paige says it's lonely in WWE without some pals, but she's learned she doesn't need them because she can handle things on her own, but Rubi won't survive without The Anti-Diva. Paige drops the mic after telling Rubi Riot off and saying she's done with her. Paige gets to the top of the ramp before she's smacked in the back with a steel chair by none other than! Rubi Riot slams the chair down a few more times before throwing it down, picking the champion up, and hitting a Riot Kick at the curtain. Rubi Riot picks up the title and shouts at a lifeless Paige that she'll give her the opportunity before laying it across Paige's chest as Raw goes to commercial.

Emperor Roman Reigns vs. Murphy
Murphy gives it his all but the Emperor is just more of a "physical speciman" and "more of a man" than Murphy, according to Heyman, as Reigns finishes Murphy with a Spear.

"The Anti-Diva" Paige is staggering a tiny bit with her WWE Women's Championship on her shoulder and Becky Lynch comes to her. Lynch asks if Paige is giving Rubi Riot that title match in which the champion responds there's no chance in hell. Becky smirks and says that frees her up for next week then, for the title. Paige is immediately against it, but after fumbling over her words, she composes herself and accepts because Becky is more deserving than Ruby Riot will be in a long time.

Paul Heyman predicts Paige easily retains against Becky Lynch after hearing the news, as Cole and Heyman advertise that match, along with The Usos versus Santana and Ortiz for the first time ever. But up next is a Fatal 4-Way match to determine the "Face of Raw."

Baron Corbin vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Randy Orton vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Fatal 4-Way Match
Baron Corbin is targeted throughout this match, mainly double-teamed by Lashley and Orton who found common ground for a few moments this match. Bobby Lashley fought with a chip on his shoulder for his draft pick last week, being the most aggressive one, but also the first one to make mistakes. Randy Orton was the most calculated with all his attacks, but Shinsuke Nakamura was the quieter one while hitting strikes when he needed. All hell broke loose towards the end with Corbin looking like he'd win it with an End of Days on Lashley, countering the Dominator attempt. Corbin gets up into an RKO and after Orton bounces up taunting Corbin, he's caught with a Kinshasa by Nakamura, who just recovered from being Speared through the barricade by Lashley moments ago... and Nakamura makes the cover! 

After pinning Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura's music hit and the King of Strong Style celebrates the big win headed into Sunday's No Mercy event where he looks to claim the WWE Universal Championship for Raw by beating Christian. And just as Raw begins to fade, Nakamura is attacked from behind by SmackDown's Christian. The fans boo as Christian stomps away before security rushes the ring and throws Christian out. Christian smiles as the message is sent with his brand invasion.