Post by Danny on Aug 25, 2018 0:28:01 GMT -6
Pyro goes off all throughout the arena and the camera zooms around, showing numerous fans all showing their support for the return of NXT, We then go ringside where Corey Graves and Tom Phillips are standing by.
Tom Phillips: Hello ladies and gentlemen and welcome to NXT! I'm Tom Phillips and with me is my broadcast partner, former International Champion, Corey Graves.
Corey Graves: The Royal Rumble is just around and the corner and if you ask me, NXT is a lock to win!
Tom Phillips: Well before we get there we've got some exciting matchups tonight. Your favorite Jimmy Uso is in action.
Corey Graves: You forgot the best part though. It's against Goldberg! He's going to rip him in half! I can't wait!
Tom Phillips: The tag team division continues to thrive as TM61 and Batista and Chris Jericho look to push themselves into the title picture. Speaking of title pictures though, Baron Corbin looks to get a huge win over Bray Wyatt to build some momentum for his Intercontinental Championship match at the Royal Rumble.
Corey Graves: Plus Kurt Angle goes one on one with the Rock and Mr. Dead Prez squares off against the International Champion for the first time ever!
Tom Phillips: All of that and more but first we take out backstage where Jeremy Borash is standing by.
Jeremy Borash: Ladies and gentlemen... "The Intercontinental Champion" Bobby Roode!
The Intercontinental Champion comes near Borash.
Jeremy Borash: Bobby, at Takeover you come up short against three other man. Do you have anything to say?
Bobby Roode: Come up short? The only reason that I got pinned, that Kevin Steen won that match was because Kurt Angle. We all know how much Kurt cares about his honor and ego. He loves the spotlights on him. Spotlights should always be on him. That's why he put CM Punk in an Ankle Lock and he thought Punk would give up just like that, in a matter of seconds. But seems like your stupid lock is not that much effective anymore, huh Kurt? You believed in yourself so much that you did not break up the pin. I may have been pinned but I did not lose! That is Kurt Angle's fault. If he did broke up the pin, just like he broke up my pin attempts, that match would have continued and guess who would be standing here as the International Champion? Me! That four way match was a travesty of injustice, just like the other injustices EC3 put me through! That match had to be between me and Steen as I beat him before but EC3 had to give Angle and Punk a shot. Why? Because they lost to me! It all makes sense right? No. Nothing in this place makes sense but I would beat the sense in them and I would get my rematch against Kevin Steen, one on one. How? That is another story for another day. But you probably do know how. What is around the corner? That is your answer.
Jeremy Borash: Royal Rumble?
Bobby Roode: Another story for another day as I said Jeremy. Instead, I would like to talk about something else. Someone... else. Give me the microphone please.
Roode takes the microphone. He waves Borash to go away, who goes away.
Bobby Roode: I have left Takeover behind me. I have Royal Rumble ahead of me, which is very important. But if you Baron Corbin and these people think for a second that I don't care this title, MY Intercontinental Title because all I talk is the International Champion, you are goddamn wrong. This title means so much to me. The reason I aim for International Title is not because this title is not prestigious or worthless, yes guys like Ziggler and Angle hurt this shiny belts prestige a lot but I will make sure that this title reaches on the top again. I only want the International Title so that I can take Kevin Steen's toy and become a dual champ. To do that, I also have to defend my title successfully and to do so, I have to beat you. No problem. Don't get me wrong. I take nothing away from you. You are a big, tough guy. You have made an impact on a very short time. But that was it. Your impact ends when you face me. The days you have ended will come to an end and your end of days will come. Do you wanna know why? Because I can tear the world down, set the world on fire for this title. I will not only end your miserable life, I will end anyone's life who tries to get MY Intercontinental title.
I have a goal to become a dual champion but that's not the only goal I have. Actually, that is not the number one goal. The number one goal is making this title, Intercontinental Title, the most important title in this industry EVER. How will I do that? There is another big title on Raw and there is International Title I hear you ask. The answer is simple, by beating everyone. I have beaten CM Punk, I have beaten your International Champion Kevin Steen! Hell, I put his fat body through a table making both his bones and table crack at the exact same second! Then they have given me this guy, Goldberg. The old man who seeks a new future just like another legend I have ended, Hulk Hogan. I told Goldberg that I will beat him but he did not listen. He underestimated me and look what has happened. He was the next in the line. How does it feel Golderg? You see Corbin, I do whatever it takes to make this title better. People did not believe in me but I don't need them to believe in me. When I see them fail as I become victorious, I get happy, I get motivated. And when I have this title on my shoulder, around my waist, in my hand it motivates me as well. So think whatever you want to think, say whatever you want to say because in the end none of them matters. In the end I take your words, put them in your mouth and send you away, back of the line! I have done this to everyone who questioned, doubted my Glorious being and there is no reason why I shouldn't do the same to you as well. I take superstar's style and make my own style. I made Goldberg the next and I will make your days end. So Corbin, have fun, run your mouth because when you step in the ring to try to take away my title, I'll take away your days, your career and all your hopes. And that Lone Wolf, will be a Dead Wolf!
Roode drops the microphone and goes away.
The scene then opens up Kurt in the backstage area.
Kurt Angle: Tonight, in one of the biggest matches of the night, Ill be taking on the Brahma Bull. The Peoples Champion and the self-proclaimed most electrifying man in sports entertainment will be lacing up his boots to do combat with me: the future winner of the Royal Rumble. I dont watch any of your movies Rock, because honestly I just dont have time for that. But I dont have any problem with starring in the real life role in the beat down of The Rock.
You can talk in circles and riddles all that you want, but it wont change any of the facts. Rock you arent up to par to me when it comes to wrestling and winning. Im on a different level, Im on a higher echelon. Its going to take a lot more than fancy catch riddles and riddles for children to throw me off my game. All your loud mouth antics and the jibberish that flows throughout your lips non stop doesnt translate into wrestling skills or any kind of tenacious mindset that it needed to climb up the wrestling ranks. That will ultimately be your downfall Rock, you spend a bit too much time trying to turn this arena into a karaoke concert. While I on the other hand, am focused solely on becoming the greatest wrestler and the most accomplished on that ever lived. So have all of your Oscars Rock, all of your sing alongs and movie roles, because none of it is going to matter when I kick your Samoan ass all over the ring.
At that moment, Kurt pauses as someone has walked around the corner and grabbed his attention. The person walks right up to Kurt and its none other than Y2J Chris Jericho.
Chris Jericho: Kurt Welcome, its nice to meet you again.
Kurt Angle: Whats up man, what bring you over to my neck of the woods?
Chris Jericho: Listen, for one I came to congratulate you on your performance at Takeover. You came up short, but you almost defeated Steen and won the International title. I know all about outwrestling, outlasting, and outclassing other men. Look no further, I was the man who won the Royal Rumble just last year and headlined WrestleMania. I was the one who toppled a monster who seemed like they were unstoppable and were going to take over the entire company with a never ending reign. So here I am, alive and well in the flesh more than willing to give over any and all the good luck that I can to you. So go out there, and kill it. Make you sure you win the Rumble and cement a place in history for yourself.
The two engage in a long and firm handshake.
Kurt Angle: Thank you I appreciate the words and the endorsement. I dont plan on letting myself down in that match and I will come out with that win, I guarantee it.
The two then walk off in opposite directions. The camera then begins to drift down the hallway where none other than The animal himself is standing with his back to wall. He was clearly eaves dropping and looks quite upset
Goldberg's music hits and the chants almost immediately start. As the man him self comes out, he takes a moment to let the sparks engulf his body, before yelling and kicking as he approaches the ring.
Tony Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one-fall! Introducing first from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 285 pounds Goldberg!
He goes up the steps and enters the ring looking as fierce as ever. He bounces around to warm himself up as he waits for his opponent.
The ever-popular duo emerge from the back to a large pop and perform their signature war dance on the stage, which only gets the fans more hyped for the contest. As their music begins, the Usos high-five and then head down the ramp, clapping hands with eager fans the entire way down. Jimmy seems pumped for the contest and eagerly heads to the ring.
Tony Chimel: And his opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Jey Uso, from San Francisco California, weighing in at 251 pounds, Jimmy Uso!
Jimmy enters the ring and doesn't back down from Goldberg. He actually sizes him up as the ref starts the match.
DING DING DING
Goldberg immediately strikes Jimmy down with a punch to the face. Jimmy scoots away as Goldberg laughs at him on the ground. Da Man turns and looks to the crowd, asking if they really think Jimmy could beat him. Jimmy picks himself up and runs at Goldberg who turns just in time to get a face full of a running forearm. Goldberg stumbles back into the ropes and Jimmy starts to unload on him with shots to the face. He whips him off the ropes but Goldberg reverses and sends him instead. Jimmy comes back with another jumping forearm to the face that actually takes Goldberg down. Bill rolls out of the ring to regroup as the crowd cheers Jimmy who tries to hype up the crowd.
Tom Phillips: When people seem to take Jimmy Uso lightly, they always tend to get what's coming to them.
Corey Graves: Please Tom, Jimmy may surprise people every now and again but let's not pretend like it means anything. At the end of the day, it's always Jimmy lying on his back for the 3 count.
The crowd is still clapping, hyping up Jimmy who runs to the ropes and vies to the outside with a plancha, taking out Goldberg! Jimmy picks him up and tosses him back into the ring but Goldberg immediately gets to a knee to get up. Jimmy enters the ring and tries to catch Goldberg with a superkick but Bill ends up catching his foot, bringing him in for an exploder suplex! Goldberg stands up and beats his chest yelling as the crowd now starts to boo him.
Jimmy tries to get up using the ropes but Goldberg stands over him and offers him a hand. Jimmy looks at him and reluctantly takes it. Goldberg helps him up and pats him on the back smiling. Still grabbing the hand, he brings him in for a massive short arm clothesline that turns him inside out! Goldberg is laughing his ass off that Jimmy fell for that as Jey tries to offer some words of encouragement to the fallen Jimmy. Goldberg kicks the bottom rope to get Jey to back off before picking up Jimmy with his hand on his throat. He then lifts Jimmy into the air and spikes him down with a spinebuster, following up with a pin.
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And Jimmy kicks out! Goldberg only smiles as he knows he gets to deal out even more punishment. He grabs a fistful of hair and brings Jimmy up to his feet. He proceeds to whip Jimmy into the corner, throwing him with so much force that he falls down and Jimmy hits the corner hard, falling down face first as well. Goldberg stays on the mat, just laughing. Jimmy is trying to pick himself up but Goldberg hops to his feet and lifts him up high in a military press. He walks over to where Jey is on the outside and dumps Jimmy on top of him.
Corey Graves: It's so great to see people who love their work.
Tom Phillips: Are you serious? He's being an absolute jerk to Jimmy Uso.
Corey Graves: Good, that's what that idiot deserves for making me have to watch him every week. Goldberg is doing us all a favor.
The ref starts to count Jimmy out as Goldberg walks around the ring to the heat of the crowd. Jey helps Jimmy get up to his feet and asks him if he still wants to fight. Jimmy of course doesn't give up and slides back into the ring. Goldberg just points at him as if to say "Really?". He walks over to put even more hurt on Jimmy but Jimmy headbutts him in the stomach, briefly taking the air out of Goldberg's lungs. Jimmy then hits a big uppercut to send Goldberg stumbling to the corner. Seeing that he has an opportunity. Jimmy runs to the corner and hits a stinger splash on Goldberg, Da Man stumbling out of the corner and into Jimmy's waiting arms to throw him up for a Samoan drop! Jimmy quickly turns over and hooks the leg for the cover.
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And Goldberg powers out, throwing Jimmy over his head. Jimmy looks surprised to see Goldberg get right up but he still manages to throw a superkick right to the skull of Goldberg's that sends him back into the corner. Jimmy runs at him with a flying forearm, this time knocking Goldberg on his ass and into a seated position. The crowd starts to rally behind the Uso as he walks to the opposite corner. They all know what's coming next as Jimmy yells out to the crowd.
Jimmy: OOHHH
Crowd: SOS!
Jimmy: OOHHH
Crowd: SOS!
Jimmy: OOHHH
Crowd: SOS!
Jimmy takes off full sprint out of the corner for the running hip attack but Goldberg has it scouted, pulling himself up and running full speed as well, taking out Jimmy with a Spear!
Tom Phillips: My god what a spear!
Corey Graves: I think Jimmy may have just shit his pants!
Jimmy is laid out in the middle of the ring but to make matters worse, Goldberg stands over his head and kicks his arm. The crowd boos as Goldberg slowly takes off his right elbow pad. He rubs it on his crotch first before throwing it at the crowd and running towards the ropes. He bounces off them and comes back making a lot of exaggerated motions before dropping a People's Elbow to the heart of Jimmy! Jimmy slowly starts to stir as Goldberg grabs Jimmy and lifts him up high in a vertical suplex before dropping him with the Jackhammer! He hooks Jimmy's leg for the cover.
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Tony Chimel: Here is your winner, Goldberg!
Jey comes into the ring to check in on his brother while Goldberg goes up top and poses. Goldberg gets down and runs over to kick Jey in the head, attacking him from behind and railing on him. The crowd pops though as The Rock comes running down the ramp. Goldberg turns back and high tails through the crowd. The Rock stares him down as the crowd chants his name and the scene fades out.
Fading in from the black, we're taken backstage where we see the duo of Shane Thorne and Nick Miller backstage. Whilst they pace about backstage, Nick Miller turns to face the camera, whilst Shane Thorne continues his walkabout-
Nick Miller: "Me and Shane, we don't have a lot to say. You can only weave words together for so long, until you run out of fabric, until it's time to act. Right now, it's about time. We've been away for abit, but we're ready, more than ever - right now. Mistakes were made at DDT4, Wyatts will be Wyatts, and we should've been more prepared they'd try for the low-road - that changes. That's all changing."
Shane Thorne: "For now on, as it stands - nobody gets the benefit of the doubt. Nobody gets to just walk in, and bullshit themselves a victory. So if that's how this division wants to play it, if that's the name of the game - then so be it. We'll be stand-outs, we'll be the exceptions. But, that doesn't mean we won't see the cheap shot coming, and better yet, that doesn't mean we won't do something about it in the foresight."
Nick Miller: "Perhaps it's a touch cliche to call professional wrestling a game of human chess these days. The term gets tossed around a lot, it's the status quo with every commentator, manager, and promoter. But, lets just say TM-61 is the embodiment of human chess. Where there's a status quo, where there's a norm - TM-61 is always several steps ahead of it. For us, the end of a match can be as easily determined by the first series of moves an opponent makes. Every detail is crucial. Every ounce of foresight and integrity is vital."
Shane Thorne: "It's why Jericho and Batista won't be a match for us. In the grand scheme of things, Jericho and Batista are like a blender, you put two top-tier talents in the ring with one another, and you get the team of Chris Jericho and Dave Batista. But, all the while, TM-61 isn't simply a blender; TM-61 is a well-oiled machine - you see? We're not some wall you can just knockdown. We're not that simple; we're quite flexible. Dave, Chris - prepare for war."
The scene fades to black-
The camera shot is taken to an unknown, dark area. Rain is lightly falling, and you can hear the faint sound a motorcycle engine. Baron Corbin steps into the shot and looks right into the camera with his cold, emotionless eyes.
Baron Corbin
They say that fear is the quickest and easiest way to control someone. That any normal man will crack under fear. Bray Wyatt tries to use this to his advantage. He uses the idea of fear to control his lackeys in his "Family" and he uses it to try to get an upper hand on his opponents. But unfortunately for Bray Wyatt, I do not succumb to fear. I am not driven by fear. Bray's tactics will not work on me. So what happens when Bray steps into the ring with someone who knows all his tricks? What happens when Brays "magic" doesn't work for him? Well then, Bray is exposed for the phony that he is.
Baron now cracks a small smile to the camera.
Baron Corbin
Bray likes to think of himself as some sort of God. He likes to think of himself as some leader. But tonight, I will show that Bray is a false God. Bray Wyatt is no leader. He wants to talk about how he is the alpha here on NXT but that is wrong. I am the Alpha! I am at the top of this food chain and I am the top predator in NXT. Bray is going into this match with all the confidence in the world because until now all of his tricks have worked. But not tonight. Tonight he will stand in the ring, across from the the true Face of Fear. I don't need special effects to strike fear into the hearts of my victims.
Baron Corbin takes a quick second to change his train of thought.
Baron Corbin
And Bray says that his family will not be there to help him tonight. Bray says that he is man enough to take this match all by himself. I don't believe him for one damn minute. Bray... you would be nothing without your family! NOTHING! Your family holds the tag team titles, NOT YOU. You are a puppet master pulling the strings because you can't get it down. But tonight... I will cut the strings, and go straight for the master. Bray... Tonight... Is your End of Days.
Corbin snarls at the camera, and walks off.
Like a meteor hurled from space, the seductive, slithering riffs of the opening of Wolfmother's hit track, "Joker and The Thief", begin to resonate throughout the NXT arena like a panic attack. In usual fashion, the audience rises and begins to cheer loudly, for their favorite team from The Land Down Under
Just then, both members of TM-61 shoot out from behind the curtain, taking both sides of the stage to pander to the audience, before they take it back in, shaking each other's hand, as they make there way down to ringside with a wide strut. Once the arrive at ringside, Nick Miller takes to the steel staircase in order to get up on the apron. Being the more methodical of the two, Nick Miller briefly wipes away any dust on the ring with his feet, before entering it. Shane Thorne takes to the ringpost, standing tall on the steel rungs, as the two make for their signature pose-
Chris Jerichos theme blares out across the PA as the fans stand on their feet and give the Canadian star a standing ovation.
Batistas theme hits and the fans give a lukewarm reaction, still unsure how they feel about him. Batista comes out hit his signature pyro before making his way down to the ring with Jericho.
Batista and Shane Thorne decide to start things off in this nicely heated contest. Batista and Shane lock up in a collar elbow neck tie up in the center of the ring. Batista gets the better off him and just throws Shane backwards on his back. Shane quickly gets up and charges at Batista only to eat a shoulder thrust. Shane does this three times quickly each time eating the following moves from Batista: another shoulder thrust, a clothesline, followed by a big boot. Clutching his jaw, Shane tags in Nick.
Corey Graves: Batistas strength advantage is on full display right now.
Nick runs in and tries to knock Batista down, but it doesnt faze him. The two begin to trade punches and body blows until Batista gets the upper hand. Batista kicks Nick in the mid-section and then gives him an irish whip into the corner followed by a splash. When Nick staggers out of the corner Batista lifts him and delivers a monsterous sidewalk slam and a pin.
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Kick out by Nick. Batista then begins to choke Nick as the ref tries to get him to let go. The ref begins to count, but before he can get far in the count, Shane jumps off of the top rope and delivers a drop kick to Batista which forces him to let go of Nicks throat. Batista quickly stumbles back and Shane goes after Jericho and knocks him off of the apron. As Batista tries to get back to his feet, Shane charges at him and begins an all-out assault on him. The two begin to trade body blows and as Batista begins to get the better of him, Nick comes from behind and drops him with a chop block. Nick begins to stomp on Batistas head as he lies on the ground grabbing his knee. Jericho gets on the apron and tries to get in the ring, but Shane catches him in between the ropes with some knees to the skull and throws him back out of the ring. Shane and Nick then stomp at the head and knees of Batista as he is grounded as the ref desperately tries to stop the double team. Shane then goes back to the apron.
Nick lifts Tista up, and drills him with a DDT. He goes to the corner and tags in Shane. The two go to Batista and lift him up and signal to the crowd that this shit is going to be over early. The two grab Batista by his arms and torso and lift him up in the air for Thunder Valley. As soon as they bench Batista up in the air, he counters in by coming down and spearing Nick! Shane quickly grabs Batista in a head lock, but Batista rams him into the turnbuckle and begins to shoulder thrust him repeatedly. When Shane finally wobbles out of the corner, Batista hits him with a spine buster. Nick rolls out of the ring and the two wrestlers are down. Batista crawls over and then goes to tag in Jericho, but he doesnt. he starts to smile and mouth the words I got this. But Jericho is having none of it. He reaches over and tags himself in and Batista cant believe it. He eventually goes to the corner but hes damn sure not pleased.
Jericho runs and knocks down Shane with a clothes line followed by a drop kick. Jericho lifts Shane up and delivers a few night fights chops to the chest before hitting him with a suplex and a cover.
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Shane quickly kicks out.
Tom Phillips: Going to take more than that to win this match, he should know that.
Corey Graves: Oh Shut up, this is a tactic to wear his opponent out.
Jericho then begins to stalk Shane, and as soon as he gets up, Jericho runs from his back side and hits him with a bull dog. Jericho then goes for the lion sault, but he picked the wrong side to do it. Nick is able to catch his feet on the ropes causing Jericho to fly backwards with his momentum and hit the back of his head on the mat instead of flipping over. With both stars down, the ref begins a count.
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The two begin to crawl to their respective corners. Shane is able to tag in Nick! Jericho is reaching for Batistas arm .. and no! Batista pulled his arm away from Jericho at the last second! Shane storms in and begins to stop a mudhole in Jericho who is still reeling from having his head slam into the mat. Shane lifts Jericho up, and delivers a back suplex to Jericho with a pin.
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Jericho kicks out. Shane looks at Batista before picking up Jericho and delivering a DDT. Shane stares at Batista, as the animal just simple smiles back without a care in the world. Shane drags Jericho to the corner and tags in Nick. The two taunt Tista from across the ring as the lift Jericho up in the sky above their heads together, and deliver the Thunder Valley! Nick then covers Jericho as Shane stares at Batista who doesnt even bother to go in the ring.
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Here are your winners: TM-61!!!
The winners continue to stare at Batista until they eventually get bored and leave the ring. Batista stands on the apron for a little while longer before walking into the ring. He stands over Jericho and just looks at him motionless body. Batista then grabs Jericho by his hair and lifts him up.
Corey Graves: Oh my God, what the hell!!
Batista then kicks Jericho in his gut, and delivers an unexpected and very powerful Batista bomb to his tag team partner. Batista then just smirks at Jericho, disgusted at the sight of him. The scene then fades to black as the fans boo Batista.
As there's a break in the action, things head backstage where Bray Wyatt is standing.
Bray Wyatt: Last edition of NXT was an interesting one, man, with so many flocking to get a piece of us and getting their wish, all in the interest of sending a message to us, TM-61's message being they want another go at the Unified Tag Team Championships and Decay's message being a simple flaunting of the fact that they've grown in number. Well, friends, there's a message I want to return, a verbal one for now. Come, come all that are weary from wanting, and The Wyatt Family will give you rest. Until then, my focus is on the man that calls himself a wolf, Baron Corbin.
Baron claims to feel no fear, as many before him have claimed, and also boasts that he's the one that should be feared. Well, if words were weapons he'd be in good shape but since they're just words, I deem him unprepared for the action I will take on him for his sins. You don't take Bray Wyatt's name in vain and go unpunished. Tonight he learns that valuable lesson.
The titantron switches from the UWF NXT graphic to a live feed from backstage, where Renee Young is standing by.
We see Blackman walking down the hallway and the cameras follow him as he walks into a dressing room. Behind the door he encounters Decay, who turn to face him as he addresses them.
Blackman: Who ever kidnapped me, needs to get their asses kicked. What was the meaning of that, I've lately become more and more absurd by the minute. Did you have something to do with it? I need answers godamn it!
Blackman, noticing a television, gives it a shove and it falls to the floor, the screen shattering. His new associates stare him down as Rosemary sidles up to him.
Rosemary: Oh, Steven... so much anger... but so much potential! You just need to keep your eyes on the prize, my dear. And that's why we're here to help you. We're here to silence all those voices in your head and help you focus.
The last word is spoken harshly, and it seems to shake Blackman out of his confusion, at least momentarily.
Blackman: Am I going crazy? Am I....
The other Steve in the room moves in and places a hand on Blackman's shoulder.
Crazzy Steve: Haha! Crazy? What kind of... CRAZY... question is that?!? There's no such thing as Crazy, Steve... there's just people who are ahead of and behind the curve. You... you're most definitely one of the former. Just like us! We're better than other people, see? Can you see it?!?
Blackman seems to be feeling it as he starts to nod, then -- to the surprise of Decay -- he falls to his knees before them.
Blackman: Team Decay, I am at your service and will take out anyone in your name. Please, bless me with your strength to break down Steen and show his true inner beast within doubt.
Rosemary laughs and Crazzy Steve cackles as Abyss now comes in to close up the circle. He looks down on Blackman and grins widely, his fangs quite literally bared.
Abyss: Oh, we will empower you... but whether our help is seen as a blessing or a curse is a matter of perspective, Steven. Still, we will make sure to assist you in finding victory tonight against that... egotistical maniac... Kevin Steen. He is ugly. But you? US? WE... ARE... BEAUTIFUL!
Abyss laughs in a malevolent way as Rosemary pulls Blackman to his feet and starts to cackle. Even Crazzy Steve joins in on the unhinged laughter as the cameraman rather smartly backs out of the room and the feed moves along...
The sound a motorcycle revving, followed by a guitar riff plays over the arena's loudspeakers to single to arrival of the Long Wolf, Baron Corbin. Before too long, Corbin walks out from the back and slowly walks down the stage. He pauses at the start of the ramp and takes a moment to outstretch his arms. The fans take this chance to boo the man they hate.
Tony Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Kansas City, weighing in at 275 pounds, Baron Corbin!
Corbin continues his slow walk to the ring, followed by the jeers of the live audience. He enters the ring and stretches out his arms once again to even more boos. Suddenly the lights go out.
Bray Wyatt's music hits and the crowd boos as the patriarch or the Wyatt Family makes his way down the ramp with his family in tow.
Tony Chimel: And his opponent, weighing in at 285 pounds, Bray Wyatt!
The family all stop at the bottom of the ramp and Wyatt hands them his gear. He slowly walks up the steps and gets into the ring where the ref calls for the bell.
DING DING DING
Corbin walks to the center of the ring and outstretches his arms to intimidate Wyatt. Bray just laughs and drops to his knees, doing the same. Corbin ends up easily kicking him in the face and going on the offensive. He whips Wyatt off the ropes and tries to hit him with a clothesline but Wyatt ducks under, hitting the ropes again and coming in fast with a body block to take Corbin off his feet. Baron rolls over to get back up but Wyatt catches him with a headbutt as he's trying to stand which makes his stumble back into the ropes. From there, Wyatt runs at him and clotheslines him over the ropes, Baron landing at the feet of the Wyatt Family.
Tom Phillips: Uh oh, that's the last place Baron Corbin wants to be right now.
Corey Graves: I don't think anyone would love to be in that position.
Corbin looks up to see them all and quickly gets back to his feet. Bray can be heard laughing in the ring as Corbin slowly backs away from the Family and gets onto the ring apron. Bray Wyatt comes running over to knock him off the apron but Corbin sees it coming and stops him with a forearm to the face. Bray stumbles back giving Corbin a chance to enter the ring. He walks over to Bray but Wyatt catches him with an uppercut to the jaw. Wyatt then tries to whip Corbin to the ropes but the Lone Wolf reverses, sending him instead. Wyatt comes back with a jumping crossbody but Corbin catches him in mid air. He then throws him back with a fallaway slam, turning over for the first pinfall attempt of the match.
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And Wyatt kicks out! Corbin gets up to his feet right away and brings Wyatt up with him. He gets him in a front headlock and looks like he's going to go for a vertical suplex but Wyatt punches him in the gut a few times and shoves him off. Corbin comes right back to him but Wyatt knees him in the gut this time. Now Bray grabs Corbin and lifts him into the air, slamming him down with a uranage! Corbin grabs at his back and tries to get away but Wyatt pulls him to the center of the ring, jumping up and squashing him with a senton, staying on top of him for the pin.
1 . . .
2 . . .
And Corbin kicks out! Wyatt doesn't look at all worried, knowing it's just a matter of time. He goes over to pick up Corbin and lift him high up above for a suplex. Wyatt then just drops him and shoves him away and Corbin comes crash down on the mat. Bray just smiles as Corbin came down hard on his upper back. Corbin turns over to try and get up but Wyatt stands over him and puts him in a camel clutch. Corbin is forced to look forward at the rest of the Wyatt Family who just laugh at him. Wyatt can be heard yelling "Are you scared now boy?" as he continues to pull back on his head.
Corey Graves: This may be the most fun I've seen Bray Wyatt have during a match.
Tom Phillips: Fun? It looks like he's trying to take his head off.
Corey Graves: For someone like Bray Wyatt, that's probably the definition of fun.
Corbin is able to get his arms pasts Wyatt's knees and ends up going behind him. Wyatt turns around and gets hit with a straight punch to the jaw. Wyatt stagger from the hit but composes himself and runs after Corbin. The Lone Wolf ducks the clothesline attempt and Bray comes back into a big boot! Corbin gives the Wyatt Family on the outside a look as if to say watch this. He picks up Wyatt and tosses him to the ropes. Bray ends up coming back into the Deep Six! Corbin goes down to pin him but the Family moves closer to the ring and Corbin stops to watch them. The lights then go off...
Tom Phillips: Of course, we all know Bray Wyatt can't do anything without a little trickery.
Corey Graves: I bet you wouldn't say that his face Phillips. Besides maybe the power just happened to go out.
The lights come back on the the Decay is actually standing face to face with the Wyatt's at ringside. The 6 men all begin brawling as Corbin looks on amused. He turns around but gets hit with a crossbody by Bray. Wyatt goes to pick up his body and bend him over the knee but he notices the Decay starting to win the fight. He gets temporarily distracted but it's enough for Corbin to punch himself free. Wyatt stumbles around the ring but Corbin turns him around and plants him with the End of Days! The Lone Wolf makes the cover as the Decay looks on.
1 . . .
2 . . .
3 . . .
Tony Chimel: Here is your winner, Baron Corbin!
The Decay laugh on the outside but instead of following up, they simply retreat and head back up the ramp. Corbin stares at them to make sure they don't try and go after him next but once they disappear, He raises his arms once again to signify his win as the scenes fades out.
The titantron switches from the UWF NXT graphic to a live feed from backstage, where Renee Young is standing by.
Young: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, The UWF International Champion, Kevin Steen.
"Mr. Wrestling" walks into the shot, his title slung over his shoulder.
Young: Kevin, thanks for joining me. Last week two major announcements were made - the first was that you and The Young Bucks were officially forming a union, and the second is that you would defend your title against Spike Dudley at the Royal Rumble. How -
Before Renee can finish her question, Kevin cuts her off.
Steen: And let me tell you Renee, one of those things is a whole lot more important than the other. Can you guess which one it is? Don't bother.
Look, it's not "a union", it's "The Union", and more officially, it's the First Wrestler's Union, or the FWU, for short. Now I don't know how much you know about union law or the whole process you have to go through to get something like this officially recognized by the U.S. government, but it's pretty complicated. The Bucks have been busy filing the proper paperwork and going to meetings, ya know, moving and shaking. We figure there's not much point in them trying to get their tag team titles back if they're just going to keep getting screwed out of fair matches, so that won't be our focus until we have The Union up and running.
Oh, and uh, once it is, that'll be the end of all the garbage Ethan Carter has been getting away with for so long. He's a rich brat, spoiled rotten since he the day he was born, and he's not used to people telling him what to do. But once The FWU is made official, he'll have to recognize our rights. No more gimmick matches, no more fake contenders, no more screwjobs. NXT will finally be the place we want it to be.
Young: ... and what about your match with Spike?
Steen: It's no different from my match against Steve Blackman tonight - it's just me going to work. The Royal Rumble may be the biggest night of Spike Dudley's miserable career, but it's just another title defense as far as I'm concerned. I've had a lot of 'em, so they're nothing special. Am I looking forward to finally shutting that little runt up? Sure. But as far as contenders go, he's nothing to write home about.
I mean, forget that I've spent the last year clearing out the main event picture, defending my title against the guys that won Aztec Warfare and G1 - just look at what I've done the past couple months. Three consecutive weeks of title defenses, all in matches hand-picked by the guys I was facing. And then at Takeover in Brooklyn, not only did I shut down the two fastest rising guys on the show, but I beat CM Punk - the moron who keeps telling me that I always get off lucky against him - for like what, the third or fourth time? All in one match, too.
Spike's a cake walk. I'm not underestimating him - I know that he's a sneaky, desperate coward who'll take any shortcut to make his pathetic dream come true. But take an honest look at our careers side by side and you'll see that one of us knows how win championship fights and the other is really just lucky to be here at all.
Renee: Are you at all worried that with The Union getting started and the Royal Rumble coming up, you might be distracted in your match against Blackman tonight?
Kevin looks deeply offended by the suggestion.
Steen: Even if me being distracted was a problem, there's no version of me that isn't better than Steve Blackman. The guy's a joke -"Dead Prez" is a joke, Decay is a joke, everything he represents is a joke and you can bet that once we take over the hardcore division will be one of the first things to go. There's no room for freaks like Steve Blackman on NXT, and I'm going to make it perfectly why. Just watch.
The Champ walks away from the interview, and NXT continues elsewhere.
The live feed goes outside where Maxine is walking around. An interviewer is quick to run up and ask a question.
Interviewer: Excuse me Maxine? EC3 hasn't been here tonight, do you have any idea why?
Maxine: I do actually. He decided to step away for some personal reasons but be assured that I am more than capable of handling the duties of this show. As a matter of fact, I'm glad you're here because I have an announcement to make. We've come to a decision that at the Royal Rumble, The Wyatt Family will in fact be defending their NXT Tag Team Championships against the Decay. Steve Blackman and Rosemary as well as Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman will however be banned from ringside. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a show to run.
Maxine walks off as the live feed heads back down to the ring.
Tony Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first
Tony Chimel: From Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, he is the only Olympic Gold Medalist in UWF history. Kurt Angle!
Tony Chimel: And his opponent from Miami Florida, weighing in at 275 pounds, the Rock!
Phillips: And would you look at this partner, I think we are going to get some company for this next match. Bill Goldberg is coming down to join us welcome Bill.
Graves: Da Man is here presumably to get a first hand look at the thorn in his side the past few weeks the Brahma Bull the Rock. Got anything to say Mr. Berg!
Goldberg says nothing, not even bothering to put on the headset, just sitting there looking up at the ring as the bell is rung.
Ding Ding Ding
The bell rings as the Rock is staring bullet holes at Goldberg at ringside who is on commentary but has yet to say a single word. Instead he just looks at the Rock with rage in his eyes. Angle attempts to take a cheap shot and nail the Rock with a right hand, but the Brahma Bull sees it coming and blocks it before turning his attention back to the Olympic Gold Medalist. The fans explode as the Rock unloads on Angle, 1, 2, 3, 4. Right hands have Angle now staggered up against the ropes and the Rock spits into his hand before unloading for the fifth time and sending Angle over the top rope and to the floor below. The fans love it as the Rock steps outside with Angle and takes Kurts cue ball and slams it head first into the steel steps. The fans roar as the Rock isnt done there oh no, he takes Kurt Angles head again and slams it into the steps. The official tries to tell the Rock something, but the Rock just has to throw up his arm and the official steps back. The Rock takes Kurt Angle and brings him to the otherside of the ring just so that way the Rock can toss his monkey ass face first into the ringpost. The fans love it, until the Rock begins staring down and mouthing off to Goldberg.
Phillips: Well Goldberg, the Rock seems to be extra motivated against Kurt Angle here tonight as if to send a message to you.
Graves: Stop trying to get Goldberg to speak Tom, if the man just wants to sit out here and watch the match he is more than welcome too without you bothering him.
The Rock comes back towards Kurt, who was playing possum, and Angle lifts up the Brahma Bull and sends him chest first down on the ring barricade. The Rock holds the Peoples chest in agony, as Angle unloads on the Rock with hard right hands of his own. How quickly the tables have turned as Angle throws the Rock now headfirst into the steel ring post. The official yells at Kurt to get it back into the ring and Angle does just that. He picks up the Rock by his ring attire and tosses him in under the bottom rope. Angle quickly follows as the Rock staggers to his feet. The Rock gets to his feet and Angle in on him just like that, throwing the Rock back down to the mat with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Angle stands up smiling as he takes out his mouth guard to spit on the Peoples Champion.
Graves: Kurt Angles attitude heading into the Royal Rumble when I talked to him about it earlier was one of utter confidence. He truly believes he is going to be the man to outlast 29 other superstars at the event.
Phillips: Kurt Angle has never been one to shy away from saying whats on his mind. But with the chip on his shoulder from unsuccessfully winning the International still hanging, I wouldnt be surprised if he made that prophecy come true.
Angle disrespectfully kicks and stomps away at the Rock, keeping his opponent off balanced. The Rock pulls himself to his feet in the corner and Angle is on him with big hard right hands wearing down the fan favorite. Angle takes the Rock and throws him towards the other corner, but suddenly the Rock springs to life and counters sending Angle into the corner instead. Angle hits hard and bounces right back into the waiting arms of the Rock who throws him down hard with an overhead belly to belly suplex of his own! The fans explode at the Rock as Angle gets to his feet and the Rock kicks Angle in the gut before dropping him with a DDT in the middle of the ring. The Rock goes for the cover.
1
2
No! Angle kicks out!
Phillips: Great back and forth action weve got going here on NXT. and watching this match very closely is Goldberg. Having successfully defeated the legendary Jimmy Uso earlier tonight.
Graves: Look beating Jimmy Uso is not as easy as people make it out to be. Goldberg did it, last week the Rock did it. In this war between these two men you have to wonder just who is going to be the man.
Goldberg remains mum on the subject, as the Rock picks up Angle and nails him with two right hands before sending the Olympic Athlete off of the ropes. The Rock looks to capitalize with a clothesline but Angle ducks it, Angle comes back and nails the Rock with a hard shoulder block that knocks the Brahma Bull down. Angle points to his head laughing at how he outsmarted the Rock not realizing that the Rock has kipped up behind him. Angle turns and finds the Rocks palm smacking him in the face before the Rock sends Angle into the ropes again. Angle comes back this time and the Rock catches him and slams him to the mat with the Samoan Drop. The crowd roar in approval as the Rock goes for the cover again!
1
2
3.. No!
Angle again gets the shoulder up!
The Rock pulls his opponent up and grabs him, looking to take him to the woodshed here by slamming his skull into the turnbuckle. This time however, Angle comes to and puts his boot up to block it. The Rock then proceeds to get nailed with two sharp elbows into his gut forcing him to break the hold. Angle takes his massive rights and nails the Rock again before throwing the Rock shoulder first into the turnbuckle. The Rock comes out holding his shoulder in pain, his eyes are closed and doesnt see Kurt come up from behind him and send him crashing to the mat with a German suplex. The fans boo loudly as Kurt doesnt go for the pin, but instead grabs the Rocks leg and immediately goes to lock in the Ankle Lock. The Rock however has the wherewithal to turn onto his stomach quickly and kick Angle away. Angle falls into the corner and the Rock gets to his feet only to be met by Kurts foot. Kurts boot connects right into the Rocks gut before Angle fights his way out of the corner with right hands. With the Rock back in the center of the ring Angle changes it up and goes for another kick to the gut, but the Rock somehow manages to catch it before performing a single leg takedown on the olympic amauter wrestler! The fans explode as the Rock immediately tries to put Kurt into the Sharpshooter, but this time Kurt manages to reach out and grab the bottom rope with both hands avoiding the hold. The Rock lets go and turns his attention once again to Goldberg, allowing Angle the perfect opportunity once again to attack him from behind with another cheap shot.
Graves: The Rock, taking his eyes off the ball once again as he turns to Goldberg. You think its because the Rock has a guilty conscious when it comes to what he did last week to him?
Phillips: Only the Rock can answer that Corey, but if Kurt takes advantage like this in the Rumble match he could be the winner!
The camera pans over to Goldberg who continues to just watch a smirk across his face as Angle pounds away at the Brahma Bull. Angle takes his opponent and sends him shooting off the ropes and the Rock comes back only for Angle to drop him with a clothesline that nearly clocks the Rocks head off of his shoulders. Angle falls on top of him for the cover.
1
2
The Rock kicks out!
Angle doesnt seem the least bit worried as he pulls the Rock back up to his feet and shoots him off of the ropes. The Rock however comes to life once again thanks to the crowd at his back and he pulls Angle into him, before the Rock performs the float-over DDT to perfection on Angle. The crowd roar in approval as the Rock sits up with a look that says this one is over! The Rock gets to his feet and begins stalking the Olympic Gold Medalist. The crowd roars in approval as the Rock inches closer and closer to victory, all he needs is for Kurt to get to his feet. Angle does and the Rock looks for the Rock Bottom, but Angle lashes out with his elbow breaking the hold saving the match up for himself. The Rock bounces away for a second allowing Angle to get position for the Angle slam, but the Rock athletically rolls with it and lands on his feet out of the hold. Desperation time now as the Rock throws Kurt into the ropes and the former Number One Contender to the International Title comes back and eats a Spinebuster from the Peoples Champion. The fans explode into cheers as they know what is coming next.
Phillips: And these fans are on their feet for...Hey wait a second!
Goldberg has left the broadcast table without a word and now climbs up onto the apron as the Rock grabs his elbow pad. The Rock sees Goldberg coming and immediately stops everything he is doing to get right into the face of Da Man! Goldberg stays stoic faced on the apron as the Rock just looks at him, as if begging him to get into the ring with him. The crowd seem to want it as well as a huge pop at the idea of these two behemoths going at here would be awesome to witness first hand. Goldberg steps into the ring and the two jocks prepare to go to war. However before the Rock can go to war, Angle comes out of nowhere from behind he picks up the Rock and slams him to the mat with the Angle slam. Angle looks up at Goldberg, but when the Man doesnt move Angle makes the cover.
1
2
3
HERE IS YOUR WINNER OF THE MATCH:KURT ANGLE!
Angle gets off the Rock and rolls out of the ring not wanting to get inbetween these two men anymore than he already has. He needs to focus on the Rumble and getting back to the UWF International Championship. Angle celebrates his win up the ramp.
Phillips: And with a big assist from Goldberg, Kurt Angle gets the victory tonight and continues his impressive streak heading into the Rumble.
Graves:Kurt Angle took care of business tonight, and that is all you can ask of him. Im putting money on him to be a favorite at the Royal Rumble.
Goldberg just stares down at the Rock with a little smirk on his face. The crowd want Goldberg to do damage to the Rock, but instead Goldberg merely spits on the Brahma Bull before walking out of the ring. Goldberg takes one last look back at the fallen Rock as UWF NXT goes elsewhere.
The camera then goes backstage as we see CM Punk preparing in what looks like an interview.
CM Punk:
Before we go on with accusations and what-not; I'm struggling, I truly am. I've came to the conclusion where I've tried to ignite the flame inside of me, I refused to tap out last week. In the end, I succumbed in a loss because I passed out. Do you truly place that thought in your head that you lost or do you place in your mind that you're a fighter that refuses to give up? There isn't a right mind-set in me at this time; but I know if I am focused for what's next I'll be able to gain something for myself. All this greediness that I've allocated for myself got me nowhere, everything I've wanted to do has failed on me every single time. With the Royal Rumble just around the corner I begin to focus on Main Eve-
Suddenly Punk is taken out from behind by none other than Owen Hart! There is a lead pipe in his hand and Punk is knocked out cold. Owen walks over to his head and leans down, grabbing a fistful of hair, picking up a clearly unconscious Punk.
Owen Hart: Not so fun when it's you at the mercy of this beautiful weapon now is it? You know, I really thought the "Best in the World" would have a lot more fight in him. Don't worry though little Punk, you'll have an opportunity to retaliate. This is far from over.
And with that, Owen throws Punk's head back on the floor and walks away as the image fades out.
The feed takes us backstage where veteran backstage interviewer and frequent bullying victim Josh Matthews is standing by with the UWF's most talented, most awesome, and most gloriously beautiful professional wrestler.
JOSH MATTHEWS
Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is the UWF's resident Show-Off and former Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler. Now, Dolph, you don't have a match tonight
Ziggler, already impatient with Matthews, grabs the microphone straight out of his hand and brings it up to his own mouth.
DOLPH ZIGGLER
Why don't you just get lost, Josh, and let the real man do the talking. Go on... shoo.
Ziggy waves off Matthews, who walks out of frame. Then he turns to the camera.
Ladies and gentlemen of the UWF Universe, my name is Dolph Ziggler, and I am the next Royal Rumble Winner and perhaps more importantly the next UWF International Champion. And, yes, you can put that all in the books because, whether you love me or hate me, you can't deny that I have more talent in my pinky finger than most of the NXT roster combined and NXT is the show with the deep roster. Look, I've been around here since this show got started here on the UWF Network, I'm one of the very few guys who have been, and unlike all the rest I stand out. I'm a cut above. Kevin Steen likes to run his mouth about how he's the man on top, and how he and his boys Matt and Nick Jackson have been running this show since they showed up, the simple fact is the only reason they've been there is that there has been a systemic campaign to hold me back. That campaign led to my being screwed, time and time again.
Ziggler pauses, letting his point sink in, then continues.
I placed higher than Kevin Steen in the Royal Rumble last year, and yet he was the one given the shot at Roman Reigns first. I beat all of the same guys that he beat, from Rey Mysterio to Daniel Bryan definitive UWF legends, guys whose faces are on this company's Mount Rushmore and yet he was the one handed the opportunities. Kevin Steen likes to run his mouth about how Ethan Carter III has been screwing him for the past month or so, but that's just because he's an entitled man child who is upset because the guy who handed him his UWF International Championship on a silver platter and then softballed him with easy competition for months has finally come to his senses and started forcing Kevin to compete in a real match or two. Steen loves running his mouth about how many matches he's won, how many times he's defended his title, but how many times has he done it against true competition? The answer is twice. Once was Daniel Bryan, and the other was me. The other guys? Reigns? Rhino? Jimmy freakin' Uso? They were all jokes, and that's punctuated by the fact that most of them aren't on this show anymore and the one who is has been a perennial loser for years at this point.
Ziggler smirks, shakes his head, and then continues, the frustration mounting in his tone.
Face the facts: Kevin Steen has had soft competition and even then, for the past few months, he's relied on ridiculous turns of fortune or dirty deeds to keep that belt. Rhino would have ended him if not for Punk. He would have lost the Scramble if not for some technological fuckery. And the only reason he survived my two of three falls stipulation was because I had a greater desire to hit him with a steel chair than I did to take a title I easily could have taken that night, and that I will happily take from him at Wrestlemania. Because Kevin Steen? He's what we in the business call a paper champion. Just like Roman was. The only difference is that his boss actually likes him. Or liked him enough to rule in his favor, to put him on the path, to give him every opportunity in the world to excel. And how has that worked out for you now, Ethan, huh? Now he's forming a Union. Now he's gotten too big for his britches and he's out of your control. The horse has left the barn. What do you do when that happens?
Ziggler pulls Josh Matthews back into the frame, keeping an arm around his shoulder. Then, suddenly, he pulls Matthews in and applies a sleeper hold on the backstage interviewer. He keeps the hold cinched in until Matthews blacks out, and then he looks closely at the camera.
You call in the cowboy.
Ziggler drops the mic on the comatose Josh Matthews and steps out of the frame as the feed moves on.
Tony Chimel: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is a non-title match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Annville, Pennsylvania, and weighing 242 pounds, accompanied by Rosemary: The Dead Prez, Steve BLACKMAN!
The Dead Prez emerges from the back and there's a decidedly mixed reaction from the fans -- both for him, and for the woman who follows close in his footsteps. Rosemary wraps him in an embrace that might be mistaken for tender if it weren't so damn... creepy... and then urges him to make his way down to the ring. Blackman nods and the pair walk down the ramp, Rosemary circling the ring to stand in Blackman's corner on the outside while the Dead Prez slides into the bring and heads to the corner to perform some pre-match stretches and await his foe for the evening.
Tony Chimel: And his opponent, he is the UWF International Champion. From Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and weighing 280 pounds... Kevin STEEN!
And there he is. As the band kicks in following the opening sirens of Rage's Maggie's Farm, Steen trots out on to the ramp with his championship in hand and the fans hit him with an almost unprecedented volume of heat. The International Champion looks over the rabid crowd and then hoists his title high, drawing another wave of heat from them before he laughs at them, throws the title over his shoulder and heads down the ramp. Steen circles the ring and hands his belt off to the timekeeper before eyeing Rosemary, who stares right back, and shaking his head. He then rolls into the ring and heads to his corner, jogging on the spot while the official finishes his pre-match checks and calls for the starting bell.
DING DING DING!
That bell rings and both men go right to work, the Dead Prez charging in to assault Steen head-on and Mr. Wrestling doing nothing to get out of the way. The two men meet each other dead center in the ring and begin trading in a flurry of lefts and rights before Steen finally gets the edge, driving Blackman back to the ropes where he holds the Dead Prez by the chin while the official counts to three and orders the men apart. Steen paces as he steps away from Blackman, breathing heavily and looking furiously on at his opponent, just daring Blackman to come back in for more. The Dead Prez obliges, lurching back in and again the pair are back at it trading blows until, this time, Blackman goes low with a spin and sweeps Steen's legs right out from under him. Kevin lands on his back and Blackman mounts, going immediately to a ferocious ground-and-pound of the International Champion.
Tom Phillips: There's no love lost between these two men here tonight, Corey!
Corey Graves: Of course there isn't. Kevin Steen is the epitome of professional wrestling, while Blackman is the embodiment of everything he hates. There's a world of bad blood between these guys, but they're from different worlds, and you can't deny that fact.
Tom Phillips: Do you have a favourite?
Corey Graves: The International Champion. He's the longest-reigning world champion in this company for good reason, Tom.
Blackman continues wailing away on Steen even as the official tells him to back off and give the International Champion some breathing room. The ref starts a count, but Blackman disregards that and keeps going until Rosemary, from ringside, urges him to back off. The Dead Prez dismounts Steen and heads to his corner to receive a talking to from Rosemary as Steen rolls onto his chest and gets on hands and knees, then pushes up to his feet. Mr. Wrestling spits as he gets vertical, a glob of saliva and some blood flying from his lips to land on the canvas.
He turns to face Blackman, who has by now turned to face him once again, and shouts, "C'mon then! Is that the best you've got, Steve?" The Dead Prez snarls even as Rosemary cautions him not to take the bait and charges in, and this time he's met only with a stiff lariat from his opponent as Steen gets down to work, dropping to one knee and slugging Blackman hard on the nose with closed fists. The official lets this go for three seconds, then tells the International Champion to stop. Steen gets to his feet and gets in the ref's face, yelling at him now. "What are you gonna do about it, huh?" He shoves the ref, who then gives him a stern warning. Kevin laughs at him, then turns and hauls Blackman to his feet before Irish whipping him into the corner.
Corey Graves: The Dead Prez is in trouble here.
Tom Phillips: But how much trouble can a member of Decay truly be in? We've seen what these goons do when they're down. They're never truly out.
Steen charges in and splashes his full body weight against the smaller frame of the Dead Prez, knocking the wind clear out of Blackman. He then pulls Blackman from the corner and executes a brutal exploder suplex! The Dead Prez rolls to the ropes, under them, and spills to the outside where he tries to collect himself with some goading from Rosemary while Steen gets back to his feet and paces with a sadistic grin on his face.
Rosemary looks up at him, and then down at her fallen teammate, and helps the Dead Prez get to his feet before grabbing his face, coaching him to get back in the fight, and slapping him. This seems to wake Blackman up as he slides right back in the ring, but as he does, he re-enters to be met by clubbing blows as he tries to get to his feet by Steen. Blackman eats most of those but seems inurred to the pain as he shoves Steen away, and then when Steen comes looking, Blackman spins and connects with a high kick to the side of his head! Steen is staggered, so Blackman kicks him in the gut and connects with a quick DDT, planting the International Champion skull-first on the canvas.
Tom Phillips: Not much has been made about the Dead Prez's seeming conversion, but if nothing else it looks to have elevated him from Lethal Weapon to something even more dangerous, Corey.
Corey Graves: Make no mistake about it, Tom, Steve Blackman has always been a threat to any man on this roster. But he's a threat because he's unpredictable. He has so many tricks in his arsenal that you never know what he's going to do. And now that he's with these deviants from Decay... well, that's never been a truer statement.
Rather than wait around, Blackman goes on the offensive as he pulls Steen to his feet and sends him off the ropes, then grounds him again with a dropkick. He then sits Steen up and locks in a sleeper hold, looking to drain the International Champion of any remaining momentum. The fans, not quite behind either man but more in support of Blackman than Steen, cheer as it appears the International Champion's lights are fading. Still, Kevin throws some wild punches, but they amount to little more than glancing blows. It isn't until his fist catches a handful of Blackman's hair that the International Champion appears to find some momentum, and he uses Blackman's body as leverage to get to his feet even as the Dead Prez keeps the hold locked on tight.
When Steen is vertical, he brings his other hand up, grabs hold of Blackman's head and drops down in a sort of impromptu cutter! Blackman shoots upward, releasing the hold immediately, and falls into the ropes. He stays on those ropes, stunned, as Steen rolls for the ropes opposite and uses them to get to his feet. On the outside, Rosemary is shouting encouragement all the while; Steen shoots her a look and she stares right back, licking her lips. This seems to unsettle the International Champion as he visibly shudders, then turns toward Blackman who is charging in at him! Steen ducks, then throws the surging Blackman over a shoulder to crash and burn on the floor outside the ring! The fans shower him in heat, but Kevin doesn't care as he stumbles to a corner and leans on the turnbuckle, giving his head a shake while he attempts to regain the air he lost in the earlier hold.
Corey Graves: Kevin Steen is back on top but it's evident that he's feeling the effects of that hold Blackman had him in a moment ago, Tom.
Tom Phillips: The International Champion was moments away from blacking out in that ring, Corey. He's not going to be feeling 100 per cent for a little while at least.
Rosemary is again back to goading on the Dead Prez, helping him to his feet and then giving him what passes for motivation in Decay: a hard shove. Blackman looks back at her, unsure what to make of this situation until she grabs his face and plants a little kiss on his forehead, then shoves him toward the ring. The Dead Prez climbs up on the apron, but as he does Steen charges him, looking to knock him back off! Blackman has this scouted and goes between the ropes with a shoulder thrust that winds Steen, then enters the ring while the International Champion is doubled over and runs for the ropes perpendicular to him.
Steen gets back to a full vertical stance just as Blackman rebounds, and he turns into a hard bicycle kick! The fans pop massively as the International Champion's legs give and he collapses on the canvas. The Dead Prez pulls him from the ropes not an easy feat and hooks the leg.
Tom Phillips: Could this be it?!?
1...
2...
...NO!
At quite literally the last eighth of a second, Mr. Wrestling kicks out. The fans erupt in a chorus of boos as Blackman rolls off Steen to a seated position, blinking in seeming disbelief. Rosemary shouts words of encouragement to her, these amount to "KILL HIM! KILL HIM!" but Blackman can't hear her for the crowd. Steen starts stirring beside him, and that snaps the Dead Prez out of his shock as he gets to his feet and hauls Kevin back up to a vertical, then drives a knee into his gut and tosses him into the corner where he collides with the ring post shoulder-first. He then pulls Steen from the corner to roll the International Champion up!
Corey Graves: It's hard to imagine Kevin Steen has much left in the tank, Tom.
1...
2...
...NO!
ANOTHER close kick-out and the fans once again renew their fervent booing. Blackman is visibly pissed off now as he gets to his feet and immediately heads to his corner where Rosemary hands him something the cameras and fans can't quite see!
Tom Phillips: Rosemary just gave the Dead Prez something! What was it?
Corey Graves: I have no idea, Tom, but if it's coming from a member of Decay it can't be good.
Steen has dragged himself to the ropes and used them to get to his feet, but as he does, he pushes away from them and stumbles around to find the Dead Prez waiting. Blackman takes the object that was handed to him by Rosemary and brings it to his lips, a gesture that quite literally stuns Steen, who looks on in utter confusing. Steve then leans back and springs forward, spitting a crimson fluid right in the International Champion's face! Steen howls as he paws at his face and falls over!
Corey Graves: What in the Hell?!?
Tom Phillips: I don't know what was in that spit, but Steen's in agony Corey!
The official has no idea what to make of what's going on so he drops down to check on Steen and then, having clearly seen the introduction of some foreign substance, calls for the bell.
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner, by disqualification,
KEVIN STEEN!
Tom Phillips: That's it, this one's over... wait!
The Dead Prez, irate, grabs the official by the hair and pulls him to his feet, then LEVELS him with a huge discus clothesline! The fans turn on Blackman as Rosemary slides into the ring, but then things get even worse...
Corey Graves: Oh Christ... this is getting bad for our International Champion, Tom.
Tom Phillips: I don't like Kevin Steen, but I wouldn't wish what I'm starting to imagine is coming his way on anyone.
The remaining members of Decay -- Crazzy Steve and Abyss -- come surging from the back, the former faster than the latter. In seconds Steve is on Steen, pounding on his face with flailing blows before Rosemary hauls him off and tackles him to the ground, pinning him. Abyss then hauls himself up onto the apron and enters the ring. Just when things look their darkest for the International Champion...
Tom Phillips: Here come the Young Bucks!
Corey Graves: And now we've got a party.
The Bucks surge down the ramp, but as they do the two Steves -- the Dead Prez and the lunatic -- look at each other and exchange a nod before charging the ropes! Just as the Bucks hit the foot of the ramp they leap over the top and crash down on the Jacksons with suicide planchas! The fans explode in a massive mixed reaction as pandemonium unfolds, Blackman and Crazzy Steve getting to their feet and pulling the Bucks up before the foursome begin trading savage blows on the outside while Rosemary and Abyss pull the International Champion to his feet and Rosemary feeds him to Abyss, who grabs him by the throat!
Corey Graves: It looks like Abyss is about to make a decisive statement here tonight, Tom.
AND THEN, the lights cut out.
Tom Phillips: Oh for Christ's sake, what now?
The arena remains in darkness as a calamity can be heard, and the fans buzz. When the house lights come back on, the four on the outside have been laid out and in the ring, Rosemary and Abyss quickly find themselves outnumbered as standing in each of the four corners is a member of the Wyatt family!
Corey Graves: Not these greasers...
Tom Phillips: It's the Wyatts, Corey! They must be here looking for some retribution for last week!
Rosemary immediately charges the closest enemy Rowan and leaps at him, clawing and slapping at his face until he lifts her up and powerbombs her hard on the canvas! She rolls out of the ring and Abyss releases Steen, letting him fall to the mat before he rolls out. The Monster, alone, accepts his fate as the four charge him and throws punches for the first second or two before the numbers take full control and Braun Strowman lifts him overhead in a gorilla press and throws him clear over the ropes. With the ring cleared of all but the four of them, the Wyatt Family stand tall and NXT comes to its conclusion.
-END OF SHOW-
Confirmed for Royal Rumble
NXT Tag Team Championships
Wyatt Family(c) Vs Decay
Credits
Promos- Respective TTers
The Rock vs Kurt Angle - SBS
Batista/Jericho vs TM61 - Destruction
Steen vs Blackman - Crann
Everything else - Danny