The WWE Draft begins this Friday on SmackDown, is it time for a change of scenery for the Monday Night Messiah?
If there is anyone that needs to change brands this week – it is Seth Rollins. Since Monday Night Raw and SmackDown were split, in 2016, he has been burning it down on Monday nights – having great feuds with the likes of Dolph Ziggler, Braun Strowman, Brock Lesnar, Kevin Owens, and Rey Mysterio. When he called himself “Monday Night Rollins” – it was more than a catchphrase, he was the staple of the show, but all good things come to an end.
WWE shaking things up has come at the perfect time for Seth Rollins – he is in desperate need of something different. He has done everything he can do on Raw – over the past four years. From passionate babyface to patronizing heel – the former four-time world champion has excelled in every situation he's been in however he feels stale on the red brand.
So far this year – Seth Rollins has challenged for the WWE Championship, he lost to Drew McIntrye at WWE Money in the Bank, recently he's been embroiled in a bitter feud with Rey Mysterio.
Their issues began in April, Seth Rollins has terrorized the Mysterio family ever since. The Monday Night Messiah 'removed' Rey's eye, attacked his son Dominick and 'exposed' the relationship between Aalyah (Rey's daughter) and Murphy. After recent events – it looks like Seth Rollins and Murphy have imploded, as Murphy finally grew tired of his Messiah's behavior and snapped at him on the latest edition of Monday Night Raw. Seth Rollins is eligible for night one of the draft, so WWE should book him to lost to Murphy on this weeks SmackDown. Due to Murphy's relationship with Aalyah – he could 'represent' the Mysterio family, Rey is injured at the moment so he can't face Seth Rollins himself. The Mysterio's deserve a happy ending and sending Seth Rollins away to Friday night with a defeat would be just that. This conflict has gone on for too long – everyone involved needs to move on to something different, especially Seth Rollins.
On SmackDown – there are so many new dynamics for Seth Rollins. He could re-align with Roman Reigns, feud with new superstars, or start a new faction. The new feuds depend on who is drafted over the two nights – but Jeff Hardy, Big E, Matt Riddle, and Jey Uso would be fresh rivals for the 2019 Royal Rumble winner. Matches with any of those three would be brilliant, the possibilities of who he faces next are exciting – something that hasn't be said for the majority of his six-month program with Rey Mysterio.
While his brand needs to change – Seth Rollins gimmick must remain, he should not turn face. The future 'Friday Night Messiah' would improve SmackDown, imagine him verbally running Jeff Hardy down – for his previous lifestyle choices. Other than his former Shield partner, SmackDown lacks top-level heels, Seth Rollins is the man to fill that void.
The draft can be unpredictable at times, one obvious thing is the need to move Seth Rollins to the blue brand.
After a three year absents, Payback returns to the WWE Network on Sunday. This will be the sixth event in Payback chronology and it will take place inside the ThunderDome - at the Amway Center, in Orlando Florida. The pay-per-view was only announced two weeks ago and takes place a week after SummerSlam.
Despite the show being hastily announced the card looks good and features the in-ring return of Roman Reigns, The Big Dog's first match February 28th.
Payback will be the fifth event inside the ThunderDome, the virtual fan viewing experience, and the shows have become more of a spectacle since the WWE moved out of the Performance Centre - nine day ago. The pyro, fan screen and entrances have given the shows a freshness - the rating for Raw and SmackDown have increased since WWE switched venues.
The event is on the award winning WWE Network and the pre-show will begin at 23:00, British Summer Time, with the main card starting a hour later.
Apollo Crews (c) Vs. Bobby Lashley (United States Championship Match).
The issues between The Hurt Business and Apollo Crews have gone on since July - when the United States champion declined MVP's offer to join his faction.
Since then - Crews has beaten Shelton Benjamin and MVP, on several occasion, with his most recent win over the latter occurring on the SummerSlam pre-show. The one man who Crews hasn't beaten is Bobby Lashley and it seems The All Mighty has Crews' number, he's put him in the Full Lashley submission and left him laying on several occasions. Lashley once again got the better of the United States champion, on the August 17th edition of Raw, when he pinned Crews to end a Six Man Tag Team Elimination match.
Both of these men are powerhouses and on the last Raw before Payback - they wanted to see who the stronger of the two is. They met in an Arm Wrestling contest, hosted by WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, and Crews outsmarted his foe to win. After getting his hand raised, Lashley attempted a sneak attack on Crews but the United States Champion was alert and managed to fight him off. As the other members of The Hurt Business made their way to the ring, to ambush Crews, he took them out with a dive over the top rope.
At SummerSlam, The Hurt Business was banned from ringside, but that is not the case this Sunday and they will come into play at the finish of this match.
MVP has been trying to get Cedric Alexander to join his stable for weeks and he will finally be convinced at Payback - Alexander will turn heel and cost Crews the title.
Winner: Bobby Lashley.
Dominik & Rey Mysterio Vs. Seth Rollins & Murphy.
After having his first match, in the WWE at SummerSlam, Dominik Mysterio will have a third contest in a week this Sunday.
Dominik was brilliant on his debut and his match with his dad, against the same opponents on Raw last week, was interrupted by the group know as RETRIBUTION - hence this rematch.
This history between these four men is well documented - Seth Rollins removed Rey's eye, at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, while The Monday Night Messiah and his Disciple brutally beat Dominik with a kendo stick on the August 10th episode of Raw. The Mysterio's got some revenge on Rollins and Murphy, seven days later, when they used a kendo stick to fend off their rivals.
Rollins and Murphy have had the better of this feud - Rollins has beaten father and son in singles matches and left them laying on occasions. The Mysterio's are due, excuse the pun, some 'Payback' and that should come at this event. I expect Murphy to be pinned by Dominik and maybe a blow off match between Rollins and Rey as this feud has been going on since May and all involved could do with fresh opponents.
Winners: Dominik & Rey Mysterio.
King Corbin Vs. Matt Riddle.
The issues between King Corbin and Matt Riddle began after Riddle was on of the WWE Superstars who attacked The King - after he made disparaging comments about The Undertaker on The Deadman's appreciation night, on the 26th June episode of SmackDown.
A week later - Corbin interrupted Riddle, while he was cutting a promo, and told The Original Bro that his actions were "disrespectful" and he should "bow down to the king". Corbin let Riddle know "he didn't like him" and "nobody wanted" on the blue brand. No one to be patronized, Riddle offered to fight Corbin there and then but the former United States champion wasn't fond of the idea and left the ring.
On the July 17th episode of SmackDown, Riddle lost to AJ Styles, and after the match - Corbin attacked him from behind and left him laying with a End of Days. This rivalry was heating up and Corbin had the upper hand.
After that beatdown, Riddle was irate, and called Corbin out a week after being blindsided. Corbin came out to the entrance way, while Riddle was in the ring, and told him "he doesn't know how things work in his kingdom" and he "needs to be sent back to NXT for more seasoning". Riddle said "he wasn't one of Corbin's subjects in his made up kingdom" and wanted to fight right now. Corbin was hesitant and offered a "king's ransom" to anyone who took Riddle out. Tony Nese, who had just lost to The Bro Who Runs The Show, tried to collect but was taken out with a roundhouse kick.
Shorty G was the next wrestler to try and get the King's Ransom, him and Corbin set a trap for the former NXT Tag Team Champion and Corbin assaulted Riddle from behind with his scepter.
On the last stop before Payback, Riddle beat Shorty G and fought off a sneak attack from Corbin to stand tall before their match this Sunday.
This feud has been booked well but I'm ready for this match to be a one and done. This is Riddle's main roster singles pay-per-view debut, he should go over.
Winner: Matt Riddle.
Big E Vs. Sheamus.
Both of these men consider themselves 'leaders' of the SmackDown lockeroom and have different ways of countering the threat of the group know as RETRIBUTION. Big E wants to go toe-to-toe with them while Sheamus wants to play the long game.
After the renegades attacked Big E and John Morrison, on the August 14th episode of SmackDown, the powerhouse of The New Day and Sheamus had words backstage with the latter telling the former Intercontinental Champion that he was "nothing" with Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston and he was "vulnerable" without them. Big E said he "wasn't alone" as he had the backing of the SmackDown superstars.
The two went one-on-one, a week after their verbal confrontation, and Big E won a back and forth match after surprising his rival with a roll up.
WWE likes 50/50 booking but Big E is in the middle of a singles push - while Sheamus has no real direction at the moment. Big E should win here and go onto a new feud.
Winner: Big E
Sasha Banks and Bayley (c) Vs. Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler (WWE Women's Tag Team Championship).
The cracks in the partnership between The Golden Role Models have appeared more and more since Sasha Banks lost the Raw Women's Championship to Asuka - at SummerSlam. When Bayley faced The Empress of Tomorrow, on that show, she won due to Banks "taking a bullet" for her best friend however when it was time to return the favour - the SmackDown Women's Champion did not.
Banks and Bayley defending their titles, was the first match announced for Payback, but their opponents were revealed on the go-home Raw before the pay-per-view. On that show, Baszler went one on one with Bayley and Jax interfered to cost The Queen of Spades the match. When The Irresistible Force was about to put a beating on Baszler, Banks and Bayley egged her on, but the former Raw Women's Champion doesn't take directions from anyone and she turned her attentions to the tag team champions. Baszler joined her and they stared Banks and Bayley down - the champions did not want to get physical and retreated to the backstage area. Later in the night, Jax admitted she wanted the titles and told Baszler to "follow her lead" and pushed the former NXT Women's Champion. Baszler responded with a hard slap to the face.
If you look for the word 'random' in the dictionary, you would find a picture of Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. The two women have been engaged in a physical feud lately and suddenly find themselves as the number one contenders for the Women's Tag Team Championships. Baszler tapped out Bayley, when she teamed with Asuka, two weeks ago but this match has come from left field.
Despite clear distention between Sasha Banks and Bayley - they will find a way to retain their titles at Payback as Jax and Baszler will imploded from within. The Golden Role Models will face off soon but the more immediate rivalry is between their opponents.
Winners: Sasha Banks and Bayley.
Keith Lee Vs. Randy Orton.
Less than seven days after making his Raw debut, Keith Lee will go one-on-one with Randy Orton - on his main roster pay-per-view debut.
These two paths first crossed when Lee confronted Orton on last week's Raw, due to the punt kick's The Viper hit on Lee's friend Drew McIntyre, earlier on that show. Lee stuck up for the WWE Champion and challenged the former 13-time world champion for a match - there and then. Orton did not respond immediately but they did face each other later that night, with Lee making a good impression until McIntyre interference caused a disqualification.
After the Lee Vs. Orton match, The Scottish Psychopathy was being interviewed backstage, and Orton struck again with a third punt kick. An incensed Lee vowed to get 'Payback' on his friends behalf and the rematch was made official.
This match is intriguing as The Limitless One has just been called up to the main roster and Orton is in the middle of a fierce rivalry with McIntyre - it's a contest that could go either way. Lee could lose and look strong in defeat, a defeat to a star like Orton won't be damaging in the long run. Other than his loss to McIntyre, at SummerSlam, Orton has been stacking up wins - another one will follow this Sunday, with an inevitable rematch with McIntyre on the horizon.
Winner: Randy Orton.
'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt (c) Vs. Roman Reigns Vs. Braun Strowman (No Holds Barred Triple Threat Match for the Universal Championship).
When Roman Reigns returned to the WWE, for the first time since March at SummerSlam, nobody saw it coming. Reigns destroyed 'The Fiend' and Braun Strowman, after the former had recaptured the Universal Championship and held the title above his head as the show went off the air. The Big Dog made his intentions clear - he wanted the title he was forced to relinquish, in October 2018, back.
On the go home SmackDown before Payback, Mr. McMahon told Adam Pearce his job for the night was to get all three men to sign the contract for this match.
'Postman Pearce' managed to locate Bray Wyatt's Firefly Funhouse and got his signature. After Strowman made quick work of Drew Gulak, he also signed on the dotted line. Pearce knocked on Reigns' lockeroom several times but he didn't answer until the last five minutes of the show. When he finally did - Reigns looked at the document and said he would sign it "after a few changes were fixed" and declared he would "be at Payback and wreck everyone and leave as the new Universal Champion". Reigns added "that is not a prediction, that's a spoiler" and the camera panned to Paul Heyman - The Big Dog is now a Paul Heyman guy.
These three man are no strangers to each other - Reigns and Wyatt had a long feud in 2015 ("anyone but you Roman"), Reigns and Strowman beat the hell out of each other throughout 2017 and Wyatt and Strowman have been embroiled in a bitter battle since May this year. This match will be brilliant, it will be non stop action from bell to bell, the No Holds Barred stipulation makes the contest exciting.
'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt won the Universal Championship, five days ago, I can't see him losing the title so soon after re-capturing it. Strowman was a good champion but it's clear Reigns and Wyatt is the long term plan, it was the scheduled feud before The Big Dog went on hiatus, so I expect Wyatt to pin The Monster Among men and him and Reigns face off for the title.
Saturday will be the 30th NXT TakeOver in history!
A lot has changed since Adrian Neville and Tyson Kidd headlined the first TakeOver event, on May 29th 2014.
The black and gold brand has gone from being WWE's 'developmental' territory to the company's third show and many fans consider it better than flagship programs - Raw and SmackDown.
While NXT has been losing the 'Wednesday Night Wars' to All Elite Wrestling's Dynamite, 36 weeks out of 45, the build up to this historic show has been good.
The feuds have been booked well and TakeOver's always bring out the best in the NXT roster. It has the potential to be a great night of action.
Five matches have been announced so far and the event will take place from Full Sail University, the action starts at midnight (British Summer Time), on the WWE Network.
Io Shirai (c) Vs Dakota Kai (NXT Woman's Championship).
The issues between these women began when the challenger attacked the champion after she had successfully defended the NXT Women's Championship against Tegan Nox - on the July 15th episode of NXT.
A week after that ambush - Dakota Kai called out Io Shirai saying it felt good to "knock her off her pedestal" and that she was coming for her title. Kai had made her intentions very clear, the time for talking was over.
Shirai and Kai were set to face each other in a tag team match, on the July 29th episode of NXT. Shirai's tag team partner was Nox and Kai allay was Candice LeRae but Kai attacked Shirai during her entrance and later abandoned her partner.
Kai claimed she was "owed" a title shot but that's not how NXT General Manager, William Regal, runs things and the Leader of Team Kick had to earn her match against The Genius of the Sky by beating Rhea Ripley in a number one contenders match. Kai did win, after assistants from Mercedes Martinez, and the title match was set for TakeOver XXX.
On the last stop before Saturday's show - Kai cut a promo claiming she was "in the head" of Shirai and was going to be the next women's champion. Shirai interrupted and a brawl ensued. The champion was getting the better of her rival until Raquel Gonzalez appeared out of nowhere and helped her partner lay Shirai out.
Since turning heel last November, Kai's career has been on an upwards trajectory, she's no longer a vanilla face. She hasn't lost a one-on-one singles match since March and has been positioned as a credible threat to Shirai's title.
On the other hand, Shirai has had a good run with the title so far and impresses every time she steps in a NXT ring. It took her two years to win the title and is only two months into her first reign as champion - I don't envision her losing the belt so soon.
Winner: Io Shirai.
Adam Cole Vs Pat McAfee.
The problems between Adam Cole and Pat McAfee go far back as March 2018 - when the latter cost the former a match against Aleister Black at a NXT live event.
Nothing much happened in between until July 2020 when McAfee invited Cole onto his podcast and continuously took shots at the leader of the Undisputed Era, calling him "small" and claiming his 403 day run as NXT Champion was due to Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly and Roderick Strong. Cole unloaded several expletives on the former National Football League placekicker, pushed one of the show's producers and stormed off the set.
The segment has been viewed 1.1 million times, on YouTube, and the footage set social media a blaze with people questioning if it was a work or a shoot.
It became clear it was a story line when Triple H, NXT's Executive Producer, went onto McAfee's podcast and called the host a "professional button pusher" while claiming Cole was "overly-sensitive". The Game also invited the two time Pro Bowl winner to a future NXT show to sort out his issues with The Panama City Playboy, an invite he took up on the August 6th episode of NXT.
On that show - McAfee was on commentary, while Cole was at ringside, during Fish and O'Reilly's NXT Tag Team Title Match against Imperium. McAfee, knowing Cole was in ear shot, sent jabs at him and Cole eventually confronted the podcaster. Words were exchanged and a host of NXT officials made their way to the ring to keep things calm however McAfee added fuel to the fire when he told Cole "nothing is ever going to change, for the rest of your life, you are going to be a tiny itty bitty b****". Clearly incensed by the disrespectful comments, Cole attempted to swing for his foe but missed and as he was laying across the announcers table - McAfee struck with a punt kick to the head. Cole was out cold.
The next day - Triple H, on the behalf of Adam Cole, challenged McAfee to a match at TakeOver XXX. McAfee accepted and said he was going to "beat Cole's a**" on the night.
A week after being punted in the skull - Cole told McAfee that he was in "way over his head" and that he was going to get his "a** whooped" at TakeOver XXX. He demanded McAfee meet him in the ring in seven days time.
On that show - McAfee and Cole came face to face. McAfee claimed he was on "another level as a human being" to Cole and he was going to punt kick him again this Saturday. Cole promised to make McAfee his "b****".
Cole has been the cornerstone of NXT, in the past year, and it would be disappointing if he loses to McAfee - a non wrestler on such a huge night.
McAfee has wrestled before, against WarPig in 2009, and three years ago claimed it was his "dream" to become a professional wrestler. Footage has emerged of McAfee training for this match but he has no business being in the ring with a star like Cole.
Cole should win convincingly but in the back of my mind, I have a feeling the Undisputed Era could turn on him and cost him the match. I hope I'm wrong though.
Winner: Adam Cole.
Johnny Gargano Vs. Damian Priest Vs. Bronson Reed Vs. Cameron Grimes Vs. The Velveteen Dream (North American Championship Ladder Match).
After Keith Lee relinquished the North American Championship, when he became a double champion on night two of NXT: The Great American Bash, NXT General Manager William Regal announced a series of triple threat matches - with the winners going onto TakeOver XXX to battle for the title in a 5-Way Ladder Match.
Bronson Reed was the first man to qualify for the match, he defeated Roderick Strong and Johnny Gargano on the July 14th episode of NXT.
Damian Priest was the next man to gain entry into the match, he beat Oney Lorcan and the debuting Ridge Holland on the July 29th episode of NXT.
Two weeks later - Cameron Grimes beat KUSHIDA and the returning Velveteen Dream to put his name in the hat for TakeOver XXX.
After Gargano complained about not being pinned in his triple threat match, Regal announced several "second chance" qualification matches would take place over few weeks and the winners would advance to TakeOver XXX. Gargano took out Holland to secure his spot, it will be his 18th TakeOver, a record for the event.
Dream won a overbooked match against Finn Bálor, on the go-home episode of NXT before TakeOver XXX, to secure the last spot in the Ladder Match.
EVERYBODY has their sights set on the NXT #NATitle!!
All of the wrestlers in this match have a chance of becoming the new North American Champion.
Thicc Boi Reed has been on the hottest streak, he pinned Priest two weeks ago, in a singles match. It's unlikely he will win but they have done a good job of making him a credible threat.
Priest is a veteran - who is yet to win any gold during his two year stint in NXT. He's a dangerous competitor and will thrive in this environment, he could be a dark-horse for this match.
Gargano is the self-proclaimed "Mr. TakeOver", if he wins, he will become the first man to hold the North American Title twice.
The master of the Cave In, like Reed, is a underdog going into this contest but Grimes could be involved in a big spot during the contest but will fall short.
Dream is one of the biggest stars in NXT and winning the North American Championship again - would be the perfect way for him to begin his heel run.
Winner: Damian Priest.
Finn Bálor Vs. Timothy Thatcher.
This match was announced two days before TakeOver XXX, less than 24 hours after Timothy Thatcher cost Finn Bálor his match against The Velveteen Dream, a loss that meant The Prince would not be in the North American Championship Ladder Match at the event.
When Bálor returned to NXT, last October, he was propelled into a main event programs with Johnny Gargano and Adam Cole. So far this year - he has had underwhelming feuds with Damian Priest and Cameron Grimes. A man of Bálor's stature should be in the main event of any show that he's on, not in a hastily arranged match on one of the biggest show's of the year.
Thatcher is a solid hand, his rivalry with Matt Riddle was brilliant, one of the best of 2020 to date. He doesn't have bad matches and his 'Thatch-as-Thatch-can' segments have been a highlight of NXT lately.
Both of these men hit hard, this should be a very physical encounter. Bálor is the favorite, Thatcher will put up a hell of a fight but it won't be enough to beat the man who has won more TakeOver matches than anyone else.
Winner: Finn Balor.
Keith Lee (c) Vs. Karrion Kross (NXT Championship).
When Keith Lee became the first man to hold the North American and NXT titles, simultaneously, on night two of NXT: The Great American Bash - all eyes were on him, including Karrion Kross. Kross watched Lee's moment of glory, from a sky box, and it was clear he wanted the first shot at his newly won title.
The mind games, from Kross and Lady Scarlett, began the following week. After Lee defeated his good friend Dominik Dijakovic, Lady Scarlett made her way down to the ring - with remnants of the hour-glass Lee smashed a few weeks earlier. A smiling Scarlett poured the contents of the bag onto the mat and made her way back up the ramp. Her message was obvious, Lee's title reign was on borrowed time, tick tock. Later that night, Dijakovic and Kross had a brawl backstage - that ended when the latter slammed the former on the concrete floor.
The two met on the next show and Kross destroyed Dijakovic so badly that Lee made his way to ringside to help his friend. After Kross put Dijakovic out of his misery - Lee went to check on his fallen comrade and shared an intense stare down with the man desperate for a title shot.
A week later - The Limitless One said Kross had his attention. Lee said Kross had did "extra bull****" to get his title shot and that he was calling him out for a fight. Cameron Grimes interrupted and was disposed of in shot order by the NXT Champion. After getting rid of Grimes - Kross appeared on the big screen and questioned why Lee didn't help Dijakovic last week. Kross told Lee that he could do things the "easy way", by giving him a title shot, or the "hard way" - an option the champion doesn't want to explore. Lee responded by telling Kross to pick the time and place so that he could "whoop that a**".
On the August 12th edition of NXT - Lee said be "begged" William Regal for a match with Kross, at TakeOver XXX, and both of their names were on the contract, only Kross' name was missing. Scarlett collected the contract from Lee, and Kross signed it. Before returning the paperwork to the Texan - Scarlett kissed the clipboard and when Lee opened it, to confirm it had been signed, a fireball exploded in his face. Lee rived around in pain and was taken to a local medical facility, as Scarlett and Kross admired their handwork.
This feud is only six weeks old but it has been tremendous. Lee is usually a gentle giant but Kross has awoken the beast inside him. Kross is undefeated since joining NXT, in April, and has been booked perfectly so far - it's been a while since WWE made a wrestler look this legit from the off. Lee has only been NXT Champion for a month but I can't see his run going any further than Saturday. This match will be excellent, I'm intrigued to see how it plays out, it will be brutal. I'm picking Kross to will win a back and forth contest - doomsday has arrived in NXT.
On Sunday WWE mixes Michael Myers and Sports Entertainment when they present The Horror Show at Extreme Rules.
This will be twelfth under the Extreme Rules chronology however it will be the first with 'The Horror Show' tagline. The pay-per-view title began as the traditional Extreme Rules, it was changed to Extreme Rules: The Horror Show then WWE settled for the current name.
The card will feature a Cinematic presentation - the Swamp Fight between Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman and rumors have indicated the Eye for an Eye match, between Rey Mysterio and Seth Rollins, could use Computer Generated Imagery.
Those battles will be taped in advance and the rest of the event will be broadcast live from the Performance Center in Orlando Florida. A further five matches have been announced - the pre-show will start at 23:00 in the United Kingdom, 7pm Easten and 4pm Pacific. It will be broadcast on the award winning WWE Network.
From the bright colours on the official poster to the scream in the preview captions on television, WWE have done a good job promoting the event - it should be a fun night.
Bayley (c) Vs. Nikki Cross (SmackDown Women's Championship Match).
When Bayley and Sasha Banks retained their Women's Tag Team Titles, at Backlash, against The IIconic and Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross - The Golden Role Models expected to put both teams in the rear view mirror but Cross had other ideas.
On the SmackDown after Backlash - a crazed Cross attacked the tag team champions and made it abundantly clear she wasn't done with them yet.
The following week - the former Sanity member pinned Lacey Evans in a Number One Contender Fatal 4-Way Match and has been a thorn in Bayley's side ever since.
During Bayley Dos Straps Champion Vs Champion match with Asuka, on July 6th edition of Raw, Cross' distraction lead to the SmackDown Woman's Champion losing - this was her first one-on-one pinfall defeat since February.
Four days later, Bayley got her revenge on Cross by pinning her (using the middle rope as leverage) in a non-title tag team match, that included Banks and Bliss.
Bayley pinned Cross again, on the last SmackDown before The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, using the same method. On this occasion Cross' tag team partner was Asuka, who was on the show as a guest of Alexa Bliss. After another defeat, to her foe, Cross saw Bayley backstage and attacked her - Banks managed to get the crazed Scot off her partner.
Bayley is on the hottest run of her career right now, she's the longest reigning Women's Champion in blue brand history, and is on a collision course with Sasha Banks. Cross is a worthy challenger, she will push Bayley to the limit but will fall short in her quest to win her first single's title in the WWE.
Winner: Bayley. Apollo Crews (c) Vs. Montel Vontavious Porter (United States Championship Match).
The United States Champion has resisted several advances from his challenger to join The Hurt Business and will look to finally get rid of his adversary this Sunday.
In a VIP Lounge segment, on June 22nd, after becoming frustrated at his overtures being rejected - MVP reminded Apollo Crews that he held the United States title for a "historic 343 days" and warned him he was going to regain the title "weather he liked it or not". Crews said he wasn't going to let MVP "change who he is" and would do things his way.
Despite not being the official US Champion, MVP has been calling himself the "uncrowned champion" and even had the audacity to unveil a newly designed title - on Raw a fortnight ago.
Crews has been absent from Raw, since June 29th, on that show he lost to MVP in a non title match. He did defeat the his rival on April 20th - so they are 1-1 against each other this year. This match will decide who the better man is and while MVP is a veteran, Crews first title reign is in it's infancy and will do everything in his power to keep hold of it.
The two previous matches between these two have been good, their styles suit each other, Crews will retain in a back and forth battle.
Winner: Apollo Crews. The New Day (c) Vs Cesaro & Nakamura (Smackdown Tag Team Championship Table's Match).
On a recent episode of SmackDown - Cesaro and Nakamura cut a passionate promo saying they were "sick and tired" of being overlooked and The New Day were an "embarrassment" to the SmackDown Tag Tiles. The duo demanded a shot at Kofi Kingston and Big E titles and were granted their wish by the fighting champions
Before they got to the title match - Nakamura beat Kofi Kingston one-on-one. After the match - The Artist and The Swiss Cyborg attempted to put the former WWE Champion through a table but Big E made the save.
A week later, the teams met for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles, but the match ended in a draw as both teams ignored the referee's five count. After the bell rang, the carnage continued, when Cesaro and Nakamura smashed the champions through a table - foreshadowing what was to come.
On the blue brands last stop before The Horror Show at Extreme Rules - Cesaro faced Big E with the winner choosing the stipulation for the title match at the pay-per-view. Cesaro won, after hitting an impressive Neutralizer on his opponent, and he revealed the match this Sunday would be a Table's Match.
Cesaro and Nakamura have dominated this feud and that usually indicates they will lose at the pay-per-view but the trend maybe reversed on this occasion and The New Day's three month title reign will come to and end.
Winners: Cesaro and Nakamura.
Rey Mysterio Vs. Seth Rollins (Eye for an Eye Match).
The most intense feud in the WWE began the night after Money In The Bank when a despondent Seth Rollins, who had lost to Drew McIntyre on that show, attempted extract Rey Mysterio's eye by pushing it against steel steps. It was a brutal assault - the likes of which the WWE Universe had never seen before.
Two weeks later, convinced he had ended Mysterio's career, Rollins held a "retirement ceremony" for the veteran and claimed the"greatest luchador to ever step inside a ring" had sacrificed himself for the "greater good". Later that night - Mysterio and his son Dominick responded to Rollins, via video link, and the former told Rollins that he is a man of "forgiveness" but he will "never forget" what The Monday Night Messiah did to him and the pain he put his family through. When Mysterio left the screen, a seething Dominick said "Seth Rollins, you're a man of scripture... an eye for a eye".
On the next edition of Raw, Mysterio told Rollins he was not retiring and vowed to "kick his ass". Rollins invited Mysterio and his son to appear on the show the following week, a invitation Mysterio accepted. On that show, Mysterio said that Dominick made his way to the Performance Center by himself. That was music to Rollins ears, who reassured Mysterio that he had Murphy and Austin Theory looking for Dominick and they will bring him to Raw as his next sacrifice. A panicked Mysterio warned Rollins that if he or any of his "goons" put their hands on his son - he would "end them". As Rollins attention was on the screen, Dominick jumped him from behind and unloaded a barrage of punches on the former WWE Champion. The attack continued until Murphy and Theory ran to ringside but Dominick managed to escape their grasp.
When Mysterio and Dominick returned to the PC, Mysterio was in no mood to talk and called Rollins out for a fight. Rollins made his way to the ring and said as father and son were in the same place at the same time, "two eyes were better than one". Rollins, Murphy and Theory made their way to the ring but before they could put their plan into action - Aleister Black and Humberto Carrillo made the save and a brawl ensued. Once his disciples had the upper hand, Rollins attempted the same ocular assault on Dominick that he inflicted on his father. Lucky, Carrillo and Black recovered to fight off the dangerous trio.
It was clear Rollins and Mysterio had to settle this fierce rivalry and they decided to do it at Extreme Rules. After teaming up with Kevin Owens to defeat Rollins and Murphy, Mysterio picked the stipulation for the match, he choose the first ever Eye for an Eye Match. "You damaged my eye and then went after my son's eye - I'm willing to take it a step further and pull your eye out with my bear hands," Mysterio declared.
Leading up to their grudge match, Rollins asked Mysterio for "forgiveness" for what he is going to him and Mysterio told his son to "forgive" him for the violence he is going to inflict on his adversary. He explained that he has to do something just as "remorseless" as what Rollins did to him.
This storyline has been great - sometimes WWE can hotshot feuds but this has been built brilliantly since starting in May. Rollins, in his role as The Monday Night Messiah, has taken his performances to another level while Mysterio has garnered sympathy from the WWE Universe with his portrayal a concerned father.
According to reports, Mysterio is working without a contract so he's unlikely to go over if his long term future is not secure.
Rollins has lost big matches this year, against Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 36 and Drew McInytre at Money In The Bank, his Monday Night Messiah gimmick won't be believable if he keeps on tasting defeat - this is a must win match for him.
Winner: Seth Rollins. Asuka (c) Vs. Sasha Banks (Raw Women's Championship Match).
After her and Bayley defeated the IIconics, on the 22nd June episode of Raw, Sasha Banks turned to her tag team partner and said "look Bayley, you are my best friend and I love seeing you happy but I can't help but want to experience that as well - I want a title match. So at Extreme Rules, I am officially challenging..... Asuka for the Raw Woman's Championship".
The Women's Tag Team Champions burst out laughing however seconds after the challenged was made, Asuka made her way down to the ring and told Banks "you are not the boss of me" and accepted her challenge. The Golden Role Model's put the boots to The Empress of Tomorrow, leaving her laying in the middle of the ring.
Seven days later, Raw was supposed to begin with Banks and Asuka signing the contract for their match, but the two women were brawling instead. Once Samoa Joe, who was moderating the segment, gained control of proceedings - Asuka indicated that she was going to keep her title but Banks claimed she "wasn't the same person" Asuka faced in 2018 and she will be "Two Belts Banks" after The Horror Show at Extreme Rules. Another fight broke out but they were quickly separated by WWE officials. In the main event of the show - Banks the teamed with Dolph Ziggler against Asuka and Drew McIntyre and The Boss secured a win for her team by pinning the Raw Women's Champion.
On the penultimate Raw before The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, Banks beat Asuka's tag team partner Kairi Sane in a closely fought match. Later that night, Asuka pinned Banks' best friend Bayley - following a distraction from Nikki Cross.
The Go-Home show, before the pay-per-view, saw The Golden Role Models defeat The Kabuki Warriors - when Banks made Sane tap-out with the Bank Statement.
These two women are at the top of their game right now, you could flip a coin and whatever side it lands on could be the winner. Asuka has only been champion since April and should be rewarded for her brilliant work lately - with a long run with the title. Banks, on the other hand, has not held a single's title since 2017 and is long overdue a reign. Banks will get her hands on a single's title this year but it won't be Asuka's it will be Bayley's. Asuka will retain here and it could be the beginning of the end for The Golden Role Model's, Bayley could inadvertently cost her partner the match.
After defeating Bray Wyatt, at Money In The Bank, Braun Strowman thought his issues with his former mentor were over but he was wrong. Wyatt returned to SmackDown on June 19th, in a Firefly Fun House segment, and claimed while he was away - he had "resurrected the dead". A angry Strowman made has way to the ring and said Wyatt had his title opportunity but "failed" and that the story between them was "over". Wyatt laughed and told Strowman that their story was "just getting started" as he said that, clips of the duo in The Wyatt Family played on the screen, and Wyatt had transformed into his Eater of World's character. "What's wrong brother? You look like you've seen a ghost. Now in order for us to move forward, we must take a step back to where it all began. I created you Braun so it is my duty to destroy you", Wyatt added ominously.
The following week, Strowman told a story about watching Wyatt allow a snake to bite him several times and that's when he knew Wyatt was the "devil himself". Strowman admitted he was "enamored" with what he had witnessed and was pleased to do the "devil's work" and "loved" every second of it. The Universal Champion said he had done "everything in his power" to block the "devil" out and the only way to end it was to return to where it began, the swamp, and fight it out with Wyatt.
These two had a good match at Money In The Bank but that was traditional one-on-one contest, a Swamp Fight is a step into the unknown, nobody knows what to expect - only the strong will survive. Despite what he says, Strowman looks like he has been effected by Wyatt's mind games and that could play a part in this contest.
As the Universal Title is not on the line, everything points to Wyatt winning this Sunday, and the two having a third and final match at SummerSlam. If that is the case - expect 'The Fiend' to face Strowman, at The Biggest Party of the Summer, meaning The Monster Among Men would have faced all three of Wyatt's personas.
Winner: Bray Wyatt.
Drew McInytre (c) Vs. Dolph Ziggler (WWE Championship Match).
Following his trade to Raw, Dolph Ziggler immediately set his eyes Drew McIntyre, and demanded a shot at the WWE Title. Ziggler called out his former tag team partner and claimed he made McIntyre who he is today and The Scottish Psychopath wouldn't be champion if it wasn't for him. "When you got fired, you should have been done and would have been, if it wasn't for Dolph Ziggler", The Showoff bragged and added McIntyre "owed" him a title shot for "saving his career." McIntyre reminded Ziggler that without "Big Daddy Claymore" he was "losing a lot" and accepted his challenge for a title match at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules.
During the contract signing for their match, Ziggler told McIntrye that he "created" him and he will "destroy" him, McIntyre let Ziggler know he was going to "hurt and slaughter" him. As usual with contract signings - things broke down in a hurry and Ziggler escaped a Claymore Kick by scurrying out of the ring in the nick of time.
Things took an expect turn as we got closer to The Horror Show at Extreme Rules - when Ziggler came to Raw with McIntyre's former 3MB team-mate Heath Slater. Ziggler told McIntyle that he "stabbed people in the back" and "forgotten" about the people who had helped him become WWE Champion. Slater agreed with Ziggler's comments and slapped McIntyre then asked for a title shot, a shot that he was given but lost in 26 seconds.
On the last stop before the pay-per-view, Ziggler was a guest on the VIP Lounge. During the segment, the Kent State graduate said he "was in McInyre's head" and without him bringing him back to the company, McIntyre would be an "unemployed loser begging for a handout". Tired of hearing his name being dragged threw the mud - an incensed McIntyre made his way to the ring and told his opponent that he "uses people" to make up for his own short comings and vowed to "hurt" and "maim" him. While McIntyre was being interviewed in the backstage area, later that night, Ziggler ambushed him and a fight ensued until they were pulled apart by road agents.
McIntyre has been confident during this feud, so much so, he allowed Ziggler to pick the stipulation for their match. Ziggler said he will reveal all on the night but unless it's a 3-on-1 Handicap Match - he has no chance. McIntyre has been a dominate champion so far while Ziggler was in this same position last year, during his rivalry with Kofi Kingston, he's a good filler. This will be a great match, a classic power vs speed encounter, but the outcome is predictable.
After a two year absents, Backlash returns to the WWE Network this Sunday. It will be fifteenth event in Backlash chronology and will emanate from the WWE Performance Center, in Orlando Florida.
The show will feature Randy Orton against Edge - a showdown the WWE are calling "The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever", Drew McIntyre defending his WWE Title against Bobby Lashley and The Miz & John Morrison challenging Braun Strowman for his Universal Title.
To ensure their match was the best it could be, The Viper and The Rated R Superstar filmed their contest earlier this week - the rest of the card will be broadcast live as it happens.
The WWE Network will show the event and it is also available on BT Sport Box Office for £14.95 - the pre-show begins at 23:00 (British Summer Time), 7pm Eastern and 4pm Pacific.
Not much is expected from the show, it feels like a filler event, hopefully the superstars pull out all the stops to make it a night to remember. Asuka (c) Vs. Nia Jax (Raw Women's Championship Match).
When Asuka won the Money In The Bank Ladder Match, everyone wondered when she would cash in her title shot on Becky Lynch - little did we know that The Man was about to become a mum and Asuka had won the Raw Women's Championship instead of the opportunity to challenge for the title.
A week after becoming champion, Asuka held a title celebration but she was interrupted by Nia Jax - who claimed The Empress of Tomorrow "lucked her way into the greatest temp job ever", because of Lynch's pregnancy, and she "didn't deserve the title." Asuka is a woman of few words and hit Jax with a barrage of kicks that sent the Irresistible Force out of the ring. That wasn't the last time things got physical between the two as later that night, Asuka attacked Jax backstage in retaliation for Jax ambushing Kairi Sane earlier that evening.
Seven days later, Jax won a triple threat number one contenders match to become the first challenger for Asuka's title.
While cutting a promo on the June 1st edition of Raw, Jax reiterated her belief that Asuka "didn't earn" the Raw Women's Championship and claimed she was the "victim" of multiple attacks from Asuka and her tag team partner Kairi Sane. Jax beat Sane in a match later that night and looked like she was going to attack The Pirate Princess afterwards but Asuka made the save and Jax backed off however that wasn't the last time we would see her during the show. In the middle of Asuka's match with Charlotte Flair, Asuka's music was played and Jax came down to the ring in the Raw Women's Champion's mask and face paint. Jax, clearly angered by Asuka getting involved in her business earlier, left her laying after a vicious attack.
On the last Raw before their encounter at Backlash, Jax once again got the better of Asuka, when she hit her with a Samoan Drop - after costing her a match against Flair.
Since returning from injury, WWE have done a great job of building Jax up as a the dominate woman she is and she has got the better of Asuka the last two weeks however the two time women's champion has only been had the title for 32 days and has been one of the red brands most valuable players during the 'Empty Arena' era. After being without a singles title for a year, Asuka deserves a long reign and will retain her championship this Sunday.
Winner: Asuka. Sasha Banks & Bayley (c) Vs. The IIconics Vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross (Women's Tag Team Championship Match).
Four teams have captured the women's titles since they were introduced at Elimination Chamber last year and three of those team are in this match.
Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross were in the middle of their second reign until the June 5th edition of Smackdown, where they lost the titles to Sasha Banks and Bayley in the main event of that show. They held the titles since WrestleMania and will want to become the first ever three time women's champions as soon as possible.
After being off television for six months, The IIconics made their long awaited return to the WWE on May 11th, and immediately positioned themselves in the title picture with a win over Bliss and Cross who were champions at the time. Peyton Royce and Billie Kay want to be taken seriously, now they have comeback, and there is no bigger way to make a statement than becoming women's tag champions again.
Despite Bayley's overzealous nature, that usually results in Sasha Banks being booked into matches she has no desire to be in, The Boss has had her partners back and has helped The Role Model retain the Smackdown Women's Championship on several occasions. Banks pinned Cross to win these title and will not want to lose them so soon after gaining her first piece of gold since last year's WrestleMania. The women's division needs long term tag champions, so it makes sense for Banks and Bayley to retain on Sunday.
Winners: Sasha Banks & Bayley.
Apollo Crews (c) Vs. Andrade w/Zelina Vega (United States Championship Match).
It seems like Apollo Crews and Andrade have been feuding forever, this will be their sixth match (including tags), in the last two months.
Crews defeated Andrade for the United States title, on the May 25th edition of Raw, and the Tranquilo one gained this opportunity after winning a triple threat match - that included Kevin Owens and Angel Garza.
Even before he won the US title, Crews was gaining momentum, he qualified for the Money in The Bank Ladder Match only to miss out due to a 'injury' caused by Andrade and he hasn't loss a match since returning. Crews has been on the main roster since 2015 and this is the first time he's been pushed like the tremendous athlete that he is.
Andrande has been in limbo recently, his issues with stable mates Garza and Zelina Vega seems to have distracted him from what really matters and that's the US Title.
These two have good chemistry together, this will be another fine match between them. Crews will keep hold of his title with a feud with Owens on the horizon. Winner: Apollo Crews.
Braun Strowman (c) Vs. The Miz & John Morrison (Universal Championship Match).
When Braun Strowman decided to team with Otis, against The Miz & John Morrison on the post Money In The Bank episode of Smackdown, he upset the duo - who vowed to make The Monster Among Men life "hell" for getting involved in their business.
The following week, The Miz & John Morrison "roasted" Strowman in a edition of 'The Dirt Sheet' and Strowman defeated The Miz in a one-on-one match later in the show. After that match, Morrison challenged the big man to a Handicap Match at Backlash, a challenge he promptly accepted.
Once and a while, WWE like to try their hand at comedy and this was evident on the 5th June edition of Smackdown.
Throughout the show, The Miz & John Morrison played several 'pranks' on the Universal Champion including tampering with his protein shake, attempting to slime him and destroying his car. However, as the saying goes, he who laughs last, last best, and Strowman got his revenge on the self-proclaimed "Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century" by flipping over the van they were in.
All three men have made the best out of this situation but it's not ideal. Strowman shouldn't be feuding with a tag team when Smackdown have heels like Cesaro, Nakamura, King Corbin and Dolph Ziggler on the brand - but that goes to show WWE have done a poor job in building credible opponents for the champion.
Strowman will win this match and hopefully have a rematch with 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt when the latter returns to television.
Winner: Braun Strowman. Jeff Hardy Vs. Sheamus.
While WWE were showing Jeff Hardy 'redemption' videos, ahead of his comeback, Sheamus was irate at the fact the company were showcasing a "junky" rather than the Irishman himself. When Hardy did return, on May 8th, he called Sheamus out and the two brawled - with Hardy getting the better of his foe by hitting him with a Twist of Fate and a Swanton Bomb.
More verbal back and forth occurred between the two until they finally met in the ring on 22nd May, where Hardy beat Sheamus in the first round of the Intercontinental Title tournament.
Things took a spectacular turn the following week when Smackdown began with the Performence Center car park resembling a scene from the television show Cops as The Charismatic Enigma was taken away in handcuffs after his rental car was involved in apparent hit and run. The officers accused Hardy of being "drunk" and he was arrested however while in custody - Hardy passed several sobriety tests and was released. He returned during the main event of the show - costing The Celtic Warrior his match against Daniel Bryan. A groggy Hardy briefly attacked Sheamus but he managed to escape before any severe damage was done.
When given the chance to explain what had happened the week prior, Hardy said he didn't "slip" into his "old ways" and claimed he was "framed". Hardy said eyewitness accounts stated that the person who caused the crash got out of his car and ran - the man had "red hair and a red beard". Sheamus interrupted and said Hardy was "doing what he always did", blaming others, and Hardy's wife and daughters were used to him "disappointing them". The two came blows and Sheamus hit Hardy with a Brogue Kick then proceeded to throw him into the plexiglass that surrounds ringside - Sheamus stood over his rival as the show went into the commercial break.
On the last stop before Backlash, Hardy and Sheamus were scheduled to sign the contract to make their match official. Sheamus, who still doesn't think his adversary has conquered his demons, claimed he would only face Hardy if he had "assurances" that the former three time world champion was "clean" of all substances and demanded he provide a urine sample immediately. Hardy obliged with Sheamus' request but threw the sample in his foes face. Later in the night, the two had a pull a part brawl backstage.
This has been a well drawn out feud, with WWE bringing Hardy's real life issues into it, to give the rivalry extra spark. Both men have recently returned to television and could do with a win, as Hardy beat Sheamus in their last encounter, it would be just like the WWE's 50/50 booking to have the latter win this time and end the feud at the next pay-per-view - which is Extreme Rules. Winner: Sheamus.
Randy Orton Vs. Edge.
After their brutal Falls Count Anywhere match at WrestleMania 36, you would think Edge and Randy Orton would be done with each other but that is not the case.
On May 11th episode of Raw, Edge made his first appearances since defeating Orton on the Grandest Stage of Them All, and was going to up date the WWE Universe on what his future plans were until he was interrupt by the master of the RKO. The Viper gave Edge credit for his win but questioned if had the "guts" to face him again and challenged the 11 time world champion to a "straight up wrestling match" at Backlash. Carly Courso, who was conducting the interview with Edge, asked him if he accepted the challenge but he did not respond. Courso than claimed if Edge did agree to the match, it could possibly "The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever" - a tag line we would hear constantly over the next four weeks.
A week later, Orton cut a promo saying that he didn't need weapons to defeat Edge because he is the "superior athlete" and his former tag team partner's "grit" and "passion" has faded away and been replaced with "doubt". Orton explained that "wrestling" in the essence of everything he does and he will "prove he is the better man" at Backlash. Edge made his way to the ring and responded to Orton's verbiage - saying Orton was "resting on his laurels" and "collecting a paycheck". After further baiting from Orton, Edge accepted the challenge and Orton left the ring with a smug look on his face - he got what he wanted.
As Backlash drew closer, the war of words continued between the two, with Orton vowing to "embarrass" Edge and send him home to his wife and children a "broken man". On Christian's 'Peep Show', Captain Charisma questioned if Edge was ready for this Sunday and claimed The Rated R-Superstar couldn't have The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever "in his prime". Edge reassured his best friend that he was ready and would defeat Orton at Backlash.
This will be a great match between two of the best ever but expectations are so high, due to "The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever" tagline, that Edge and Orton are in a no win situation. This match has been filmed already, so it should be a flawless encounter that everyone can sit back and enjoy. Edge will win and hopefully move on to feud with fresh opponents like Seth Rollins or AJ Styles (Brand to Brand Invitational).
Winner: Edge. Drew McIntyre (c) Vs Bobby Lashley (WWE Championship Match).
Since aligning himself with Montel Vontavious Porter, Bobby Lashley has been on a rampage on Raw. MVP has got inside the head of The Almighty and reminded him how dominate he could be with a little focus and let him know that it had been 13 years since he last competed for the WWE Championship.
While the current champion, Drew McIntyre defeated King Corbin, Lashley and MVP were scouting the Mayor of Claymore Country from the entrance way. While celebrating his win, McIntyre spotted Lashley and told him he's been waiting for him to become a "killer" and to "step up" if he wants a shot at the title.
On May 25th, MVP invited McIntyre into his VIP Lounge and promised the Scotsman that he would be personal responsible for him losing the WWE title. Sick of all the talking, McIntrye hit MVP with a Claymore Kick as Lashley made his way towards the ring. McIntrye begged Lashley to get inside the squared circle but the former Intercontinental Champion was more concerned with getting his advisor backstage. Later that night, after Lashley and MVP lost to The Street Profits, McIntyre and the number one contender for his title engaged in a wild brawl that was eventually halted by Performance Center trainees - who were acting as member of the WWE Universe.
The following week, McIntyre beat MVP in short order but was ambushed by Lashley after the match. Lashley applied a Full Nelson on the WWE Champion - who could not break the hold as Raw went off the air.
On the go home Raw before Backlash, McIntyre was once again a guest on MVP's VIP Lounge and put over the Full Nelson, saying he was "still feeling the effects" of the move seven days later. He told MVP that the only way Lashley was going to get his title was to "pry it from his cold dead hands".
Later that night, Lashley would use the aforementioned Full Nelson to gain victory for him and MVP against The Viking Raiders, but he refused to release the hold after the bell had rung. McIntyre, who was at ringside for that match, jumped into the ring and hit Lashley with a Claymore Kick - that sent him sprawling towards the entrance way but didn't not knock him off his feet.
Lashley has been impressive recently but McIntyre has won his last 25 singles matches and that run will continue this Sunday. Lana may play a role in this match, her distraction could cost her husband and that could prompt him to finally get rid of her.
This Sunday, NXT will 'Takeover' your house when they present the 28th In Your House event in World Wrestling Entertainment history and the first under that banner in 21 years. The event marks the 25th anniversary of the first ever In Your House pay-per-view.
Despite losing the Wednesday Night Wars, on a frequent basis, NXT has been very good lately and the matches on this card have been built well - this, like the majority of the Takeover's, will be a great show.
With the exception of Adam Cole defending his NXT Championship against Velveteen Dream, that match will be cinematic and was recorded last week, the other five matches will be broadcast live from Full Sail University in Orlando Florida.
Sunday will be the first TakeOver event to be held at Full Sail since The End in 2016.
This will be the first live WWE Network event since the company introduced Performance Center trainees in the audience, playing the role as members of the WWE Universe, so that should add to the atmosphere on the night.
The pre-show starts at 23:30, British Summer Time, 7 pm Eastern and 4 pm Pacific.
Finn Bàlor Vs. Damian Priest.
On the April 22nd episode of NXT, Finn Bàlor was set to face The Velveteen Dream in the main event, but was attacked backstage by a mystery assailant before the match could take place.
As Bàlor was engaged in a feud with Imperium, all fingers pointed to them being the culprits of the ambush, and when he returned to television - the former NXT Champion said it was straight out of the wrestling playbook to "attack the guy and get the push" but in this instant, the perpetrator wouldn't be "pushed", they would be "squashed".
During a match with Cameron Grimes, Bàlor was hit from behind by Damian Priest and as a result lost that contest. In the aftermath, Priest hit Bàlor with a Reckoning, on a steel chair, then placed the weapon on Bàlor's neck and said "if I want my name to live forever, why not take on a Prince. The only thing I didn't know is that I would enjoy it so much, just like I enjoyed it three weeks ago". It was Priest all along.
A week after beating Bàlor down, Priest claimed he was going to "turn the name of Finn Bàlor to ash" and the reason he putting a hurting on him was because he wants his name to "live forever".
Bàlor responded by stating he was going to "bury" Priest at TakeOver and Priest "has been treading water for the last year" while he is "20 years towards eternity" and refuses be The Archer of Infamy's "lifeline".
This rivalry has been well executed from the beginning and these two will have a great match together. The lack of physical interaction, they haven't had contact since May 13th, has built suspense to the showdown and both men are brilliant inside the squared circle. The Prince has only lost two matches since returning to the black and gold brand, while Priest needs a win after losing his last high profile match to Keith Lee. Before this feud began, Bàlor had his eyes on the NXT Championship and a win here will put him back in contention for the title.
Prediction: Finn Bàlor.
Keith Lee (c) Vs. Johnny Gargano (NXT North American Championship).
The issues between Keith Lee and Johnny Gargano began when the latter called the NXT North American Champion the latest "flavor of the month" and claimed he was "nothing", during a 'Dinner with The Garganos' segment on May 13th. Gargano's wife, Candice LeRae, also called out Mia Yim for being "undeserving" of stepping in the ring with NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair and accused Yim of "pandering" to the NXT Universe.
A week later, after Mia Yim defeated Santana Garrett, the Garganos made their way to the ring and while Johnny distracted Yim - Candice LeRae attacked her from behind until Lee made the save. Later that night, The Limitless one said he had a problem with the "new Gargano way" and challenged him to a match at TakeOver: In Your House.
This rivalry took a hilarious turn when Lee and Yim staged their own 'Dinner with The Garganos' and the former used lines like "my name is Johnny Gargano, I have something in common with my action figures as we are the same size" to mock his adversary. Towards the end of the segment, Lee got serious and told Gargano that his attempts to harm Yim had "consequences".
On the go-home show to this pay-per-view, LeRae (with Gargano in her corner) and Yim (with Lee accompanying her to ring side), were set to settle their issues but the match ended in a double count out.
A brawl broke out after the match, that included Dakota Kai, Raquel Gonzàlez, Tegan Nox and Shotzi Blackheart. In an attempt to regain some order, NXT General Manager William Regal, made a mixed tag team match with Gargano and Lee joining up with their respective partners. The Garganos picked up the win, after LeRae pinned Yim, but not before Mr All Heart, No Soul stuck the North American Champion in the eye with his car key.
Lee has had a long run with the North American title, he's held it since January, but with Garnano's only turning heel a few months ago - he needs a win to solidly him as one of the top villains in NXT. The eye injury, Lee sustained on the latest edition of NXT, could play a part in the finish to the match - Gargano will exploit that area and become the first man to win the North American title twice. Winner: Johnny Gargano.
Shotzi Blackheart, Mia Yim & Tegan Nox Vs. Raquel Gonzàlez, Candice LeRae & Dakota Kai.
These six women have had plenty off issues with each other this year and way before that in the case of Tegan Nox and Dakota Kai.
It was at NXT TakeOver: WarGames last November when Kai shocked the world by turning on Nox and the two have been trading wins ever since. Kai has used Raquel Gonzàlez to try and finally get rid of Nox but the Welsh native hasn't forgiven Kai for betraying her and their issues are far from over. Nox has found an ally in Shotzi Blackheart and those two have gone after Kai and Gonzàlez at every opportunity.
Mia Yim and Candice LeRae have found themselves in the middle of their partners feud, covered in the article above, and whatever the result here - they will have a one-on-one match in the near future to find out who the better woman is.
Both teams need a win here as none of the six women have any real momentum at the moment, due to 50/50 booking. LaRae pinned Yim on the this weeks episode of NXT, I can see the latter getting her win back this Sunday.
Winners: Mia Yim, Teagan Nox & Shotzi Blackheart. Tommaso Ciampa Vs. Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett.
When it comes to making a statement on your first appearance on NXT, attacking one of the cornerstones of the black and gold brand is the right way to do it. That's exactly what Karrion Kross did on April 15th when he assaulted Tommaso Ciampa backstage.
In the weeks after taking Ciampa out, Kross warned that "doomsday" was coming to NXT and that Ciampa was his first "victim". In the following weeks, Kross kept his word - hammering opponent after opponent in short order.
After a month away, Ciampa returned to NXT to confront Kross and told him NXT was "his home" and that he wasn't going to allow Kross to make a name for himself at his expense. He called Kross a "special talent" and made the challenge for NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
After Ciampa defeated Leon Ruff, on May 27th, Kross appeared on the TitanTron and said their match would be "special" and that he was going to make the former NXT Champion "feel something he has never felt before in his life".
The war of words continued this week when Ciampa stated that some wrestlers are "special" and then there is Tommaso Ciampa and this would be his thirteenth TakeOver and was unsure if Kross could handle the "pressure" of the bright lights being on him at the event.
This has potential to be match of the year as both styles suit each other, it will be a very physical encounter. Kross is making his TakeOver debut and needs to continue his unblemished run in NXT - while another loss for The Blackheart won't hurt him as he is already solidified himself as one of the greatest wrestlers in NXT history.
Winner: Karrion Kross. Rhea Ripley Vs. Charlotte Flair (c) Vs. Io Shiari (NXT Women's Championship).
After Charlotte Flair defeated Rhea Ripley, on Day 2 of WrestleMania 36, she declared herself the "greatest women's champion in NXT history" and vowed to take the black and gold brand to "another level" as the leader of the woman's division.
Io Shiari won a number one contenders Ladder Match, on April 7th, to earn at title shot and her match with Flair ended with a disqualification after The Queen grew frustrated at her inability to put the Evil Genius of the Sky away and hit her with a kendo stick. The attack continued, post match, until Ripley made her first appearance since WrestleMania and went after Flair - who ran away from The Nightmare. As Ripley was being interviewed backstage, Shiari approached her and a fight broke out between the two - they were eventually separated by officials.
Two weeks later, Ripley and Shiari went one-on-one but Flair interrupted and beat-down both of her rivals thus leading to this Triple Threat Match.
Seven days later - Flair, using the ropes for leverage, pinned Shiari in a tag team match that included Chelsea Green and Ripley.
The great thing about this match is all thing women have a chance of winning, making the contest unpredictable and exciting.
Shiari has had a number of brilliant matches in the past year, her match with Candice LeRae at TakeOver: Toronto, was one of the best matches of 2019 and she deserves to finally get her hands on the title that has alluded her she since made her NXT debut in 2018.
Ripley had a great 2019 - winning at WarGames, Survivor Series and pinning Flair on Smackdown. She represented NXT well and has looked strong since she returned to television two months ago.
Flair has brought prestige and star power to NXT and won't drop the title this soon. As a Raw superstar, the red brand's current champion is already engaged in a feud, so Flair would have very little room to maneuver on Monday night's. Whoever isn't involved in the fall, should be Flair's next contender for the title.
Winner: Charlotte Flair.
Adam Cole (c) Vs. The Velveteen Dream (Backlot Brawl for The NXT Championship).
After chasing Adam Cole and the NXT Championship for months, The Velveteen Dream will get his
last shot at the leader of The Undisputed ERA this Sunday. In a summit with NXT General Manager William Regal, Cole only agreed to this match on the condition of Dream not receiving another title opportunity while he is the champion.
Cole's issues with Dream can be traced back to last October when him and the rest of The Undisputed Era threw The Dream off a truck, in the parking lot, and took him out of action for several months.
Upon his return from injury, 16 weeks later, Dream immediately targeted the his foes - mainly Roderick Strong and the psychological warfare begun, with Dream wearing ring attire with the faces of Strong's wife and child on them. Strong and Dream faced off in a Steel Cage Match, in which the latter lost on purpose but locked himself in side the structure with Cole and put a beating on The Panama City Playboy.
Dream revealed that his plan all along was to get his hands on Cole and more importantly - the NXT Title and was only using Strong as a "pawn". Dream got his wish on the May 6th edition of NXT but lost due to distractions from the other member of the Undisputed ERA.
The two have had plenty of verbal back and forth, with Cole saying Velveteen's dream of winning the title will "be over" at TakeOver and Dream does not "deserve" this final chance at the title.
The Dream reminded Cole that he has beaten him in the past, a tag match on April 22nd, and he will be "the greatest NXT Champion of them all" when he beats Cole.
This will be the first Backlot Brawl in NXT history and with the match having no disqualification the rest of the Undisputed ERA can interfere. Dream has found an unlikely allay in Dexter Lumis but how much can he truly trust him?
This match is intriguing as Dream won't be able to challenge Cole again and Cole has beaten most of the roster during his historic 369 day run as NXT Champion.
A story broke this week that Cole's contract is up in two months and he may be looking to join his girlfriend, Dr. Britt Baker, in All Elite Wrestling. If this report is true - the WWE are unlikely to want a key member of their roster, who has not committed his long term future to them, to be in possession of an important title.
It's not quite now or never for The Velveteen Dream but he has lost high profile matches in the past and another defeat may damage him in the eyes of the WWE Universe. All good things come to an end, Cole's run with the NXT Title is the latest thing to fall into the category.
World Wrestling Entertainment will hold it's eleventh Money In The Bank event this Sunday.
The pay-per-view will be historic as it marks the first time matches have been filmed at WWE headquarters, Titan Towers in Stamford Connecticut, and both the men's and women's MITB contest will begin simultaneously.
These matches will begin in the lobby of WWE HQ, the combatants will fight their way on to the roof, climb the corporate ladder and attempt to retrieve the briefcases.
The matches, for the MITB contracts, were filmed a few weeks ago and the rest of the event will broadcast live from the Performance Center in Florida.
Due to unique nature of the MITB matches, this has the potential to be an unforgettable night, six matches have been announced so far.
The Kick-Off show begins at 23:00, British Summer Time, and the main card starts an hour later. It will be broadcast on award winning WWE Network.
Bayley (c) Vs. Tamina (Smackdown Women's Championship Match).
WWE have done a brilliant job in rebuilding Tamina and have made her look like a serious threat to Bayley's 208 day reign as Smackdowm Women's Champion.
Since March - Tamina has left the champion laying in the middle of the ring and on the Smackdown ramp, has pinned Sasha Banks one-on-one match, beaten Naomi in a triple threat match and it took four women's finish maneuvers to eliminate her from the WrestleMania 36 five way title match.
For the majority of her ten year run in the company, Tamina has been used in a bodyguard role but has shone recently - this could be the night she finally steps out of the shadows and wins her first Women's Championship.
However Bayley has proven time and time again that she will do whatever it takes to keep hold the title she has held since last October and will pull out all the stops to retain it. At WrestleMania 36, it seemed Lacey Evans had her beat but Sasha Banks came to her rescue and The Boss will pay at part in this match.
Bayley is unbeaten, in pay-per-view singles matches, since Hell In A Cell last year and has defeated all the women on the blue brand since - with the exception of Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss.
With Bliss being one half of the Women's Tag Team Champions, Bayley's next challenger should be Banks, after Smackdown's resident role model retains her title this Sunday.
Nobody is meaner than Tamina but Bayley is craftier, she always finds a way to win and will do so after a close encounter - with the challenger looking strong in defeat. Winner: Bayley. Drew McIntyre (c) Vs. Seth Rollins (WWE Championship Match).
This feud be began on the April 13th edition of Raw when Seth Rollins attacked Drew McIntyre after the WWE Champion defeated Andrade in the main event of the show.
The follow week, McIntyre addressed Rollins' actions and challenged him to a match at Money In The Bank. The Scottish Psychopath admitted he had a target on his back, as the WWE Champion, and vowed to make Rollins pay for his actions.
Rollins accepted McIntyre's challenge and a contract signing was made a week later to confirm the bout. During the signing, The Monday Night Messiah claimed he "had to" win the title and that the WWE "needed a leader" that they could be proud of. McIntyre responded by saying "he would not let" Rollins win the title and the former two time WWE Champion was "full of shit". As with the majority of contract signings, violence erupted as McIntyre hit Rollins with a Glasgow Kiss and went for a Claymore Kick but was attacked by Rollins disciple Murphy.
Murphy was the sacrificial lamb, on the go-home edition of Raw, as McIntyre defeated him in the main event.
As soon the match was over, Rollins hit the WWE Champion with a super kick. Rollins picked up the title for a few seconds, put it down, and went for a Stomp on McIntyre - who countered with a Glasgow Kiss and went for a Claymore Kick but Rollins managed to escape before the damage could be done.
Rollins is coming off a loss to Kevin Owens at WrestleMania and needs to rebound here but McIntyre is at the beginning of his title reign and is on a hell of a run - he's won 17 matches in a row including the 2020 Royal Rumble.
Ratings are not the best at the moment, last weeks show only had 1.68million viewers, and that could prompt Vince McMahon to make a change however the boss has always had faith in his "chosen one" and should keep the title on him.
These two are the at top of their game at the moment, this should be a great match, with McIntyre winning and continuing his run with the most prestigious prize in the company.
Winner: Drew McIntyre. The New Day (c) Vs. The Forgotten Sons Vs. The Miz & John Morrison Vs The Lucha House Party (Smackdown Tag Team Championship Fatal 4-Way Match).
Over the past month, these four teams have traded wins over each other - The Lucha House Party beat The Miz & John Morrison (Smackdown 24th April), The Forgotten Sons defeated The New Day in a non title match (Smackdown May 1st) and The New Day won the titles from The Miz and John Morrison in a singles triple threat match (Smackdown April 17th).
The only team that has been booked consistently during the last four weeks is The Forgotten Sons, who are undefeated since making their Smackdown debut on April 10th and could be considered favorites for this match.
Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler have replaced The Revival as that old fashioned ground and pound tag team, they have hammered any team that have stepped in the ring with them, they could walk out of this match with the gold.
The Lucha House Party were 205 Live regulars until they re-emerged on the April 10th edition of Smackdown and have only won once match since returning, they will probably take the pin fall or be submitted in this contest.
The Miz and John Morrison lost the tag team titles three weeks ago so I doubt they will regain them so soon, they are a great team but it might be time for them to part ways and have a singles run.
Kofi Kingston and Big E should have a long run with the titles as it makes little sense if they lose them so soon after becoming eight time champions. Since November 2019, the titles have been swapped between The New Day and The Miz & John Morrison, the division needs long-term champions so the titles can regain some credibility it has lost lately. Winners: The New Day. Braun Strowman (c) Vs. 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt (Universal Championship Match).
The Monster Among Men's first title defense is against somebody who he is familiar with, the man who brought him into the WWE, 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt.
In 2015, Braun Strowman was introduced to the WWE Universe as "the black sheep" of The Wyatt Family and went on to fight plenty for battles for his leader.
Half a decade later, things have changed and Strowman is standing on his own two feet as the Universal Champion but Wyatt feels like was "abandoned" by his former team-mate and wants to take back the title he lost at WWE Crown Jewel.
Wyatt has been keen to remind Strowman of their past together. He gifted the Universal Champion the sheep mask he used to wear when they were in The Wyatt Family and in a Firefly Funhouse segment, told the story of 'shepherd' "looking after" a 'black sheep' - detailing how Wyatt helped Strowman in the beginning of his career.
Try as he might, Strowman has refused to play Wyatt's mind games and claims to know his former leader "better than anyone else" - he also stated The Wyatt family was "apart of his past that he's trying to forget" and that he "no longer needs Bray".
Storylines like this often make good matches as the history between these two is self explanatory, we know why they are wrestling each other. This should be a physical encounter, both men hit hard, and Strowman will have to hit his opponent with everything as Wyatt has proven it takes a lot to keep him down.
Strowman's reign is in it's infancy but Wyatt should never have lost the title, to Bill Goldberg, in the first place and will right that wrong at Money In The Bank.
Wyatt claimed "he brought Strowman into this world and will take him out of it", he needs to back up those words or his character is in danger of being permanently damaged. Winner: 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt. Daniel Bryan Vs. Otis Vs. King Corbin Vs. AJ Styles Vs. Rey Mysterio Vs Aleister Black (Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match).
The MITB Ladder Match is one of the most lucrative matches in the WWE, as the winner get's a 12 month contract to face any champion, at any time they want.
Only Baron Corbin (now King Corbin), Damien Sandow, John Cena and Braun Strowman have failed to beat the champions they cashed in on - the last two announced ahead of time when they would be handing in their briefcase.
Heels have won the briefcase 11 times, at this event, and this year will follow that pattern.
King Corbin does not have the best win/loss record this year but the Money In The Bank winner usually has a poor run before capturing the briefcase, so the win comes as a surprise. Corbin will look strong and could possible be involved in a high spot but will not win his second MITB Ladder Match.
Otis has been on a roll lately and will be WWE or Universal Champion some day but his issues with Dolph Ziggler, who he beat to get into this match, are far from over. Otis may come close to winning but The Show Off will stop him from doing so. A "stunt", that will see a wrestler fall of the roof of Titan Towers, is reportedly being planned for Sunday - I would not be surprised if Otis is that person.
Rey Mysterio is in the twilight of his career and has never won this match before. He is injury prone and rumors have indicated that contact is expiring soon, it's unlikely WWE will have him win this match if his future is uncertain.
Aleister Black is a dark horse in this match - he has been on a roll since debuting on the main roster and has only lost once during that period. Black would be a very dangerous contract holder, striking a champion out of nowhere with a Black Mass and winning the title of his choice but tonight won't be his night. Like Otis, he will win either Universal or WWE Title one day however it won't be on Sunday.
Daniel Bryan won this match in 2011 but won't repeat the trick nine years later. The leader of the 'Yes Movement' had title matches, against 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt, at Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble and came up short on both occasions - the WWE are going in a different direction now and Bryan has unsettled issues with King Corbin, Cesaro and Nakamura that will occupy his time for the moment.
That leaves the man that will win this match, AJ Styles. As I mentioned earlier, heels do better in this environment and after his resounding loss to The Undertaker, at WrestleMania, Styles needs to rebound strongly - a victory here will be the perfect way to do that. He will hold the briefcase for a while, Drew McIntyre will have a long title reign, but when the time is right - the Phenomenal One will successfully cash in and become a three time WWE Champion. Winner: AJ Styles.
Nia Jax Vs. Asuka Vs. Shayna Baszler Vs. Dana Brooke Vs. Lacey Evans Vs. Carmella (Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match).
Carmella is the only woman in this match that has won the briefcase before, successful cashing in on Charlotte Flair in 2018. She has the experience of winning two Money In The Bank matches and that gives her an advantage over all the other women in this match but I don't think she will get the job done here. WWE need to add more depth to the women's tag team division and I can see Carmella and Dana Brooke going after those titles soon.
Speaking of Brooke, she has been on the main roster since 2016 and has never been booked as a threat to any title, despite being a great athlete. She deserves a breakout moment and could be involved in a crazy bump in this match but she won't win, a run in the tag team division could be the next step in her career.
Lacey Evans has had a few title matches recently, at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, but was not able to topple Bayley. She's been a solid face since turning and will become Women's Champion this year but not under these circumstances.
Asuka has been must see television lately, it doesn't matter if she's on commentary or in the ring, everything she is doing is very entertaining. She is a former Smackdown Women's Champion but should have more than the one title reign under her. The Empress of Tomorrow is a candidate to capture the contract - her issues with Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch are well documented and she would love to cash in on her old adversary or move back to Smackdown and take on whoever their champion is at the time.
Other than her impressive display at WWE Elimination Chamber and the destruction of Sarah Logan, Shayna Baszler has had a lukewarm start to life on the red brand. She came up short, in her title match against Becky Lynch at WrestleMania, and on-line reports indicated that Vince McMahon had "given up" on the Queen of Spades. Only time will tell if that is true, a win here will be a indication that McMahon hasn't lost faith in the former two time NXT Women's Champion.
Nia Jax has dominated every woman she has stepped in the ring with, since returning to Raw on March 24th, and will win this match. The Irresistible Force and the current Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch have history together and Jax is one of the few women in the WWE that Lynch has not faced - the feud writes itself. Winner: Nia Jax.
