XWL Breakdown : 4/18/2014- 4/25/2014

Normal Match




Breakdown returns from a commercial break and we’re thrust right into the thick of the action…

Orton has wrestled Red down to a mat with a tight headlock and the whole crowd begins chanting Red’s name in an effort to will him back into the match. For a couple of seconds it seems to work as Red is able to fight back onto his feet while Orton still has the wear-down hold locked in tight.

After several, consecutive sharp elbows to the gut, Red is finally able to escape Orton’s grasp and now that he’s free he races over to the roped and comes charging back with a ton of momentum only to get snatched up by Orton who brings him down hard with a snap powerslam!

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Red just gets his shoulder off the mat before the count of three extending the match for the time being. On the outside of the ring, West can be heard giving his client words of promotion as Orton pulls the smaller man up to his feet and drags him over to the ropes. Orton tosses Red through the middle and top rope in preparation for his devastating elevated DDT, but Red manages to get his leg free and he lifts Orton into the air and drops him throat first across the top rope!

Red throws out a wild roundhouse kick that Orton easily ducks under but the second attempt quickly follows with a little more momentum and this time Orton is caught flush on the side of the face and he falls in such a way that he ends up draped on top of the middle rope. Red races over to the other side of the ring to gather some momentum then he jumps through the ropes and hits Orton with the 718!

Orton staggers backwards while Red finds his footing on the apron. When Orton turns around, Red leaps into the air with a springboard but is caught in midair with a beautifully devastating dropkick courtesy of Orton! Orton rolls out of the ring, and pulls Red out under the middle rope and as he grabs his opponent in a front facelock, Orton makes sure that he makes eye contact with West before planting Red’s head into the thin padding outside the ring with a brutal DDT!

Orton rolls Red into the ring and takes his time getting back inside himself drawing the ire of the people who don’t hesitate to make their disgust heard loud and clear. Orton rolls Red onto his back and goes for a rather lackadaisical cover:

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Red manages to use what energy he has left to escape the pinning predicament and Orton doesn’t seem bothered by that at all. Instead he backs slowly into the corner, stalking his prey from a distance and many eyes in the audience go wide because they know what Orton is setting up for. As Red works his way up to his hands and knees, Orton cracks the slightest of smiles before charging at his opponent but the punt misses!

Orton goes running over to the other corner and before he can think of a plan B, Amazing Red steps off his back and does his signature kick to the back of Orton’s head before rolling back into the ring. Red backs up as Orton staggers out of the corner, then comes dashing at his foe but Orton sees him coming and turns him inside out with a clothesline! Orton drops to his knees and begins pounding the mat while Red slowly forces himself up to his feet only to get taken back down with a huge RKO!

Orton shoots the half and the whole arena boos once more as he goes for the pin:

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3!

We're midway through Ted DiBiase's theme as we return from a commercial break, though there are some boos fans are still packing back into the arena after taking advantage of the short intermission.

[Lillian Garcia]
The following match is scheduled for one fall, currently in the ring, from Madison Mississippi, Ted DiBiase!

The boos get louder, Ted's shown in the middle of the ring, his eyes on the stage.



Last week he came close to defeating the unstoppable Sheamus, but much like his Final Stand championship match, close was not close enough. He isn't phased by the crowd reaction, he's not looking at any member of the audience, his sole focus is his match.


[Michael Cole]
How about that, Tony's tried to find Ted for an interview the past two weeks, yet here he is out here right now! Where's Tony Dawson when you need him? There's a question nobody's ever asked.

[King]
DiBiase being especially silent these past few weeks, Tony tried to catch him for an interview earlier, and last week, but no such luck there.

[JR]
He lost the biggest match of his life, and then the week after he was added to the very long list of men to be put through tables by the seemingly unstoppable Sheamus.

[Michael Cole]
Now tonight Ted's up against Triple H, and...not to add salt the wounds or anything, but I don't like his chances.

[King]
By the way he's looking at that stage, I'd say he doesn't either. He thought he could be his own man, that he was better than everyone else, but my how the mighty have fallen.





Normal Match














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[JR]
I don't believe it.


[King]
Oh brother, we'll never hear the end of this!


The unexpected sound of Ted's theme at the end of this contest prompts the crowd to get over the initial shock quite quickly and begin an out pour of boos. Ted gets off the mat throwing his arms in the air, you have to believe even he didn't expect to win, his spirit has almost been broken by his last two matches, but this could be what he needed. The referee raises his hand, and the boos continue, obviously the fans wanted his bad luck to continue, especially considering he was against D-Generation X's own Triple H.




[Lillian Garcia]
Your winner of this match, Ted DiBiase!


[Michael Cole]
What an incredible victory for Ted tonight, I knew he could do it all along!


[King]
Oh, bull!

[JR]
You even said his chances weren't great earlier, Cole.

[Michael Cole]
I said...oh who knows what I said it was an hour or two ago, shut up, JR!



Shawn enters the ring to check on his buddy, while the referee lowers Ted's arm leaving him to stand there for a few seconds. Ted looks around at the less than happy for him audience, and after hanging his head for a moment, he drops down to the canvas, rolling under the rope approaching Lillian Garcia. She seems a bit confused by his presence near her, but his intentions become clear when he holds his hand out. She looks down at it for a moment, until she realizes he wants her microphone. Complying she places it in his hand, and he turns around, tightly gripping it.


[JR]
It looks like with that victory, he's found his voice.


[Michael Cole]
What do you think he's going to say?


[King]
Lemme guess, he's going to brag about beating Triple H?


[JR]
Perhaps address his defeat at Final Stand?


[Michael Cole]
Maybe give us a status update on his shoulder injury?



DiBiase stands there, taking a deep breath, a little spent after that match with The Game. But after a few silent seconds, the fans have even quietened down. Ted raises his arm up, the microphone at his lips, and the sound of him sighing into it can be heard. His mouth opens, his eyes close for a momentary second, then as the sound his breath hits the microphone, not a single word yet said, the audience starts back booing. Getting louder and louder, all before he even utters an actual thing. He stands there, mouth ready to speak, but the boos...they stop him. Ted's hand wrapped around the microphone begins to shake. We're not sure why, if it's anger or something else, but the shaking becomes more rapid until all of a sudden a loud thud follows as the microphone hits the floor.



[JR]
The microphone just dropped, but why?


[Michael Cole]
Ted's never been silent a day in his career, why isn't he talking?



Nobody knows why Ted just dropped the microphone, but he's now leaving. Walking around the ring, he doesn't stare back at Triple H or Shawn, or anything, he's just heading on his way up the ramp, still having said nothing.


[King]
I'm not going to complain, leading up to Final Stand all he did was talk about himself and how great he was, and how he was going to lead and all other kind of nonsense. So I doubt I wanna hear anything he has to say anyways.

[Michael Cole]
Still, he was about to, why he did he stop?

[JR]
Perhaps he's too exhausted to speak, maybe we'll hear from him next week?




The arena has lightened up a bit, the boos aren't as loud, some even are puzzled by Ted's silence but after how he's acted before now, they aren't concerned by it. He reaches the top of the stage, turning around, facing the people, looking back at D-Generation X now, with the oddest of looks on his face.




He's not happy, angry, sad, it's almost a mix of every standard emotion. His eyes don't blink, his body doesn't move, he just stands there...until we fade to a commercial.  

Breakdown returns and we are brought to ringside where we see none other than the Breakdown GM herself, Stephanie McMahon. She flashes a huge smile to the crowd as they settle down, allowing her to speak.

Stephanie McMahon
Ladies and gentleman, do I have an announcement for you!!

Paul Heyman
Well that announcement is going to have to wait.

The crowd lets out a huge boo as Paul Heyman is shown walking down the ramp, mic in hand as always.



Paul Heyman
Now normally I would be interrupting you with the bone rattling theme of my ex-client Brock Lesnar. But thanks to you, that is not the case tonight. Instead I come out here only to the crowd's boos and your judging stare.

Paul makes his way up the ramp and into the ring.

Stephanie McMahon
Paul-


Paul Heyman

Before you say another word I need you to hear me out. What happened last week, what happened earlier tonight, had nothing to do with me. Yes, I'll admit, last week I gave Brock Lesnar an earpiece, not for my own benefit, not for the benefit of Brock Lesnar, no, I did it for everyone in the arena that night, because like these past two weeks proved, Brock Lesnar needs me, talking into his ear, standing by his side, keeping the beast inside where it belongs, where it needs to be.

Paul Heyman
Because Stephanie, when that beast rises, when the Beast is unleashed.. Well there's no telling what can happen, but one thing is for certain, nothing can stop it, nothing can prevent the inevitable destruction that follows… Except for me. Why? Well, I'm sure you know what they say, if I told you, then I'd have to, well, I'd have to sic Brock Lesnar on you, because there is no punishment worse than that. And Stephanie, we can't be having that seeing as what a great, fair, and impartial job you've been doing with this company so far…

Stephanie angrily opens her mouth to retort, but Paul quickly continues in an apologetic tone.

Paul Heyman
But I digress, It doesn't matter how, the only thing that matters is that I can keep the beast at bay. That attribute, that.. skill, is what makes me special, it's what makes me necessary, necessary to the superstars of the XWL, necessary to the fans, and most importantly necessary to you, Stephanie…



Paul Heyman
You could say that I'm what's Best for Business. Brock Lesnar is without a doubt not only what's Best for Business, but he is the Best in the Business. But the fact of the matter is that I'm the only one that can reason with The Beast, and that makes me the only one keeping this company from ultimate devastation… And trust me, ultimate devastation caused by Brock Lesnar definitely falls under the not so Best for Business category.


Paul Heyman

I can make sure that Brock Lesnar doesn't snap, I have been making sure that Brock Lesnar doesn't snap.. until now. Until you, The Ryback, and John Cena decided to ruin everything for, what you thought was going to be me. But this isn't what you expected is it? You thought that I'd be the one with my back against the wall. Don West's assistant. Please. That job is a walk in the park compared to what you're going to have to deal with now that Brock Lesnar no longer has a voice of reason.

Paul Heyman
It's no secret that this new generation of superstars, as good as they may be, will never be capable enough, never be good enough to fill the slots of those who paved their way and are no longer with us in this company today. I’ve seen the panic in your eyes, I see the doubt, I know that you don't believe that your roster is talented enough, motivated enough.. simply, enough. That’s why you cling on to the CM Punk’s, The Brock Lesnar’s, the men who you don’t necessarily agree with, or like, but deep down know that without them, this show, this company, would be nothing.



Paul Heyman
Why else isn’t Brock Lesnar fired by now? Or the rest of my former crew? Or me? Or Don West? Or Seth Rollins? Or the countless people that have made your life a living hell these past few months? Admit it Stephanie, you went easy on them because you know that you need them. You gave us chance after chance after chance because you don't think that these new XWL Superstars have it in them to give these people what they want, what they had, what they are used to, or as John Cena would say, what they "deserve".


Paul Heyman

Remember when the World Title was fought over by the likes of Chris Jericho? The Rock? CM Punk? Not Dean Ambrose. Not The Miz. Especially not Alberto Del Rio. That title used to mean something, it used to be proof that you were the best in the world at what you do. But that is no longer the case. Because the best in this company, the most legitimate competitor that this industry has ever seen, the best competitor in the world, is Brock Lesnar.. Not Dean Ambrose, not our World Heavyweight Champion…

Paul Heyman
You want proof? You don't believe me? Well then riddle me this; why is "The Champ", John Cena taking his eyes off of the World Title, after  coming off of a huge win against Randy Orton which should, judging by the caliber of the recent Champions, put him in the running for the title right?… Nothing?



Paul Heyman
Well I'll tell you why Stephanie, John Cena, just like Amazing Red, just like you, just like the "XWL Universe" as a whole, whether or not any of you like to admit it, you all know and respect the fact… that Brock Lesnar is the man to beat in this company, you all know that in order to truly be the best in the world you have to defeat Brock Lesnar. In order to say that you've done it all, you need to pin The Cage Fighting Conqueror. Which is, and I'm not one to say this very often, impossible.

Paul Heyman

The Undertaker used to be the one to beat in this industry, but his boots were filled when Brock Lesnar.. what's a good word to describe it.. conquered? decimated?.. or how about, creamed? Yes. Brock Lesnar creamed The Undertaker seven months ago and The Deadman has never been the same since.

Paul Heyman
Most men come out of a rivalry with The Undertaker a different man, a scared man, a defeated man who suffers from nightmares of The Deadman’s face each and every night. Well The Undertaker learned that Brock Lesnar never has nightmares. Nightmares have nightmares about Brock Lesnar!! The Boogeyman hides in your closet.. from Brock Lesnar. The Undertaker now sits in his bed each and every night, unable to sleep, tossing and turning, because even The Deadman can't get Brock Lesnar's face out of his nightmares!!


 
Paul Heyman
That match did change Brock Lesnar, but unlike all of the men who have faced The Deadman in the past, their match changed Brock for the better. And he showed that by going on to prove himself over Amazing Red, as I did the same with Don West. These past six months Brock Lesnar has yet to be pinned. Sure Amazing Red was able to climb his silly TNA contraption to win one match, and pin me to win the other.

Paul Heyman
But even in defeat, Brock Lesnar wasn't pinned, he wasn't taken down a peg, Amazing Red simply snuck away with two victories. And we both know that had those two matches gone on, had Amazing Red chosen to stand his ground against Brock instead of climb away or pin me for the easy win, well, he wouldn't be here today, at least not as an active wrestler. Brock Lesnar walked out of each of his matches these past six months on his own two feet, now that's more that can be said about Amazing Red.

Paul Heyman

There is no cage, no cell, nothing can contain The Beast inside Brock Lesnar. These past six months I've done my best to make sure that The Beast didn't see the light of day, I tried my hardest to keep Brock Lesnar from really hurting Amazing Red or anyone for that matter. Because when Brock Lesnar wants something that he doesn't have… well.. It doesn't end well for anyone who steps in his way. And up until now Brock has had everything that he desired. He had a great work schedule, a great paycheck, and me by his side. But now? Well now Brock Lesnar is unhappy, and because of that, soon, you will be unhappy.

Paul Heyman

But all of that can change. You can avoid the devastation that is about to come to your front door. You can give Brock Lesnar what he wants. And what he wants is me back at his side, and the World Title over his shoulder… Now I understand, you can't just give him the World Title. And he understan- understood that too. He was willing to work his way to getting a shot. He was willing to be here every Breakdown, proving to everyone exactly why he is a former UFC, NCAA, and WWE Champion. He was willing to listen to reason..

Paul Heyman
Until you, John Cena, and The Ryback separated Brock Lesnar and myself. Because by doing that, you separated Brock Lesnar from his voice of reason, his conscience. And yes, I am his conscience. Because as wicked as I may be I still know that rules are meant to be followed, and I am willing to work a- work with a system. I believe in order, Brock Lesnar believes in chaos. He believes in destruction. The Beast, Brock Lesnar, believes that the only way to get what he wants is to destroy everyone in his path.

Paul Heyman
And don't get me wrong, normally that would be a good thing, for anyone else that would be a good thing, but Brock Lesnar is now a former UFC Champion. The things that he can do to people.. simply unheard of. And the scariest part about it all, is that he won't stop until his opponent stops moving, and even then he'll go after the next living thing that makes a move. He'll just keep on fighting until there is no one left to oppose him unless… Unless I stop him. Because with me by his side Brock Lesnar is a controlled chaos. But when you take me away from The Beast, it's like taking the safety off the trigger. There's no telling what could happen.


Paul Heyman

You think that fetching a coffee every once in a while, doing an interview here and there, calling the second best manager in this business sir, you think those are punishments? Well you're about to have paper work seeping out the drawers with law suits from the men who fell victim to Brock Lesnar. You're going to have a line out the door in your medical facility. You're going to have to do your best to find talent to replace this already struggling roster. Because Brock Lesnar is going to tear down everything that you hold dear here in the XWL to get what he wants. And the only person that has the power to stop it.. is you. 



Stephanie McMahon
Are you done?

Heyman nods his head, taking a deep breath as his last words continue to sink in.

Stephanie McMahon
Good. Paul, I'm sick and tired of trying to keep up with you. And to be honest, I'm done playing games. I'll tell you what, if you want to be back with Brock Lesnar so bad, then how about this. Convince John Cena to face Brock Lesnar at Dead Man's Hand, with the stipulation being if Brock Lesnar wins than I'll allow him to be your client once again.



Paul Heyman

Wait, so you're saying, that in order for me to represent Brock Lesnar once again, he has to defeat John Cena at Dead Man's Hand?

Stephanie McMahon
That's right Paul. So how about you stop bothering me, and go bother John Cena. Because he's the one that you need to convince now.

Paul Heyman

Causing havoc might be Brock Lesnar's specialty, but convincing people, making deals, that's mine. I'll see you in two weeks for the contract signing for Dead Man's Hand.. The Cage Fighting Conqueror; Brock Lesnar versus The Poster Boy; John Cena.. Has a ring to it don't you think?

Stephanie McMahon
Bye Paul..


Paul drops the mic and begins to leave the ring, satisfied, having gotten what he came for. Stephanie McMahon, having lost any motivation to make the announcement after dealing with Paul, simply drops her mic as well and follows him out the ring as the announcers complain about Paul interrupting the announcement and begin to discuss the possible match up between Cena and Lesnar. We then cut to a hype video for the main event.

XWL returns from a commercial break and returns to the sight of XWL Interviewer Renee Young sharing the ring with the new United States Champion: Roman Reigns.

[Renee Young]
Roman Reigns, you have been on the roll of a lifetime since returning to XWL after a brief departure. You have quickly rose through the ranks by defeating some of the highly rated superstars on offer and earned your way into a match which seen you walk away with the United States Championship.

[Roman Reigns]
Renee, you're too kind.

[Renee Young]
However, there has been an issue with finding a challenger for your United States Championship. With the rules that the XWL Management has put in place, Antonio Cesaro isn't entitled to a rematch at Dead Man's Hand and there have been rumours that they have been struggling to find you a new contender to defend your Championship against.

[Roman Reigns]
Is that a surprise Renee? Everybody wants to hold the United States Championship, it sets them up nicely for bigger and better things and it could propel them to the World Heavyweight Championship. So you could imagine there was a nice little line of challengers but nobody, not a soul wants to face me. It might be a nice little prize and they might have some dreams and title aspirations but they all realise that if they want to get their hands on the United States Championship that they have to get inside the ring with me and nobody has the guts to do that, nobody is brave enough to get in the ring with me because they know just exactly what I will do to them.

[Roman Reigns]
In fact the only person brave enough is you Renee. So what do you say? How about I split you in half at Dead Man's Hand?

Reigns smiles and winks at Renee Young, who looks down with a smirk on her face but tries to remain professional

[Roman Reigns]
But who can blame them? Everyone that has stepped in the ring with me it ends with them looking up in the lights after suffering a Spear. The XWL Management has thrown some of the biggest names and the fastest rising stars my way, I have beaten everyone from the Viper to the World Heavyweight Champion and I have done it all without breaking a sweat. So why? Why would anyone want to step into the ring with me? I have beaten the best that this company has to offer, so anyone in the back right now who is dreaming of holding the United States Championship what makes you different? What makes you think you have what it takes to take my United States Championship away from me? Nothing makes you different but everything makes me different.

[Roman Reigns]
I am a different beast, I am like nothing anyone has seen before. Every week I remind the World why I am the most feared man in this company, I remind everyone just why I was the Juggernaut for The Shield and that's because I roll over everybody that gets in my way. I do that so easily because there is no hesitation, there is no doubt and there are no second thoughts. When I get in this ring, I look at the person before me and the only thing running through my mind is to take them out. That cut throat mentality that everyone likes to talk about is what makes me different, no emotion, no doubt, just one obstacle and that is to break everyone in half and to prove that I am the most dominant superstar that this company has seen and that is something that isn't going to change any time soon.

[Roman Reigns]
Believe...



Roman snaps his head to his right as the crowd comes to life, a bearded underdog stepping out onto stage. Eric Young stands atop the ramp, clapping his hands together and bobbing his head to the music as the crowd begins to clap along, carrying out the beat. Eric Young stares the US champ down, smiling widely at him before taking off for the ring.

Young slaps a few hands coming down, locking up with a fan or two as Reigns watches on, obviously not impressed. Eric makes it to the ring and cuts left, heading for the steps. He climbs them and enters the ring, walking over to the far side of the ring, past Reigns, grabbing a mic from a ringhand. He turns around, moving toward Roman as he speaks.

[Eric Young]
Whoa, Whoa, Whoa now.

[Eric Young]
You just said, just about what everyone else says. Aw man, you're just so good and so, devious and so different from everyone else. It's weird, Roman. Bray Wyatt said the same thing. Kenny King said the same thing. Even Ryback said the same thing. Time and time again, I hear about this cut throat mentality that beefed up guys like you like to spin about and praise but, in this business, that doesn't matter.

Young begins to circle Reigns,  Reigns not moving as his eyes follow Young.

[Eric Young]
You want to know what you need? The one thing you lack, Roman? Heart. You lack the one thing that drives me. So, that is what makes me different from everyone else. Just last week, I told the world that I was going to find a new motivation and I did when I beat my friend in the middle of that ring. Xavier is one hell of a fighter but you, I don't think you are. If anything, I think you're all talk and no bite big guy. So what do you say, I'm someone you haven't faced yet.

Young stops, face to face with Reigns, arms spread outward.

[Eric Young]
How about you give me what I've earned but never gained. How about you give me that shot at Dead Man's Hand so I can show you how far heart will truly take you?

Reigns smirks

[Roman Reigns]
You've got a lot of balls to come out here, son, I'm impressed... But make no mistake about it, you interrupt me again and I'll put you in the ground boy! I listened to what you had to say, it was very cute. I suppose you think of yourself as the little engine that could, right? But you got some of your facts a little twisted there EY, you see I'm not a man of many words, I use other methods to get my point across, I don't just simply come out here and tell the public that I am the most feared superstar walking the planet... I prove it! I have proved it since I came back to this company by beating every single person they throw my way and I have yet to be stopped but more importantly I have yet to come across a real challenge.

Reigns looks Eric Young up and down

[Roman Reigns]
So you're that real challenge are you, EY? Looks must be deceiving because I reckon I could take you out in record time. You have confidence, I'll give you that. You think you can succeed where some of the best superstars today have failed and what just is it that you bring to the table? Randy Orton brought the experience, Prince Devitt brought sheer speed, Cesaro brought brute strength and now Eric Young brings the heart... A nice little sentiment there Eric, you can make it in this World as long as you have heart and you continue to fight on. Well I wonder just how well that would help  you, when you watch your heart beat it's last beats in front of your very eyes after I rip it out of your chest and present it to you on a platter! You want a shot at my United States Championship? Then there only one thing I have to say...

[Roman Reigns]
No!

The crowd boo Roman's rejection of the match

[Roman Reigns]
Quite frankly EY, I have already taken out the top talent on my path to claiming the United States Championship and while your cute little notion is to be admired I have nothing to gain by taking you on at Dead Man's Hand, you are a step down in class to what I have in my sights and at no point do I intend to take a step back on my road to the top. I have bigger and better things happening and they start tonight, when I once again beat my former partner, the current World Heavyweight Champion and prove that I deserve to be taking him on at Dead Man's Hand. While you Eric, would be nothing more than a waste of my time...

Roman Reigns gets in EY's face

[Roman Reigns]
Believe that!

Reigns drops his microphone at Young's feet before hitting shoulders with him as he barges past. Reigns climbs out of the ring and climbs over the barricade into the crowd, as he makes his way down the isle Eric Young stares toward him with intent, potentially seriously pissed off how Reigns just shrugged his challenge as though it was nothing and that is only intensified by Roman Reigns not even turning back to look at Eric Young. A show of disrespect, as though Eric Young wasn't even there. Reigns disappears from camera view, leaving Eric Young all on his lonesome. The fans begin to cheer and chant his name as the camera fades out into a hype package for the current World Heavyweight Champion: Dean Ambrose

We cut away from the previous segment to the XWL Medical room where John Cena's recently injured arm is being looked at by the medical staff. While the men examine his arm, Cena can be seen talking to someone, although off camera.

John Cena
Don't let it worry you too much, I'll be just fine.

…

John Cena
You have more important things to worry about now, I promise you, I'll be fine, go get ready for your match.

…

John Cena
And good luck.

…

Cena smiles as his companion leaves the room, he rests his head back against the wall, until he hears a familiar voice in the doorway.

???
And the plot thickens...

Instantly recognizing the voice, Cena sits up, a disgruntled look upon his face as Paul Heyman walks into the room.

Paul Heyman
I'm impressed John, honestly, I didn't think you had it in you…

John Cena
What are you talking about?

Paul Heyman
You aren't as sharp as you look Mr. Cena, or perhaps you're just a little dazed from your most recent encounter with Brock Lesnar. Clearly I'm talking about that pretty little number that just walked out of this very room John…

Cena softly gulps, trying not to let Heyman know, but he's clearly rattled him.

John Cena
What do you want Paul?

Paul Heyman
What do I want? Power. Control. Money… There are many things that I want, thousands of things that I desire John. The real question that you should be asking is, why am I here?

John Cena
Look, I don't have the time to play your little games, Paul, so if you want something, just come right out and say it.

Heyman makes a point of looking at the medical staff members who are still working on Cena's arm.

Paul Heyman
Why in such a hurry to get rid of me John? It's not like you're going anywhere.

Heyman takes a seat next to Cena.

Paul Heyman
You know John, you and I are not all that different.

Cena laughs quietly to himself, but loud enough for Heyman to notice.

John Cena
Oh really? And how did you work that one out?

Paul Heyman
Well John, we're both willing to do whatever it takes for what we believe in, for what we want. When we're determined, we can accomplish anything. There is nothing that can stand in between us and our goal. And because of that, because of our never stop fighting for what we believe in attitude, we've been both loved and hated by the XWL Universe, yet unlike most of the men in this business who are either one or the other, we have fans loving and hating us at the same time. And to top it all off we've both defeated The Ryback in a match, although, it seems everyone's been doing that as of late, but I digress. The fact of the matter is we really are one in the same John. And because of that, I know you just as well as you know yourself. That's why I know that you fear Brock Lesnar, I know that you know that you can't defeat Brock Lesnar. But I also know that you want to try.

Paul Heyman
You and I  have a very similar longing. A longing that at times can conflict your beliefs. I know that you wish to be the very best. Better than The Rock, better than The Undertaker, better than Hulk Hogan. I see it in your eyes, you think that you are talented enough to go down not as one of the best, but the best. But there is only one thing that is stopping you from being the best. And that's beating the best. And Brock Lesnar is the best.. That's why I'm here John. I'm here to offer you a chance, a shot, an opportunity to try and prove that you are in fact the best.. Of the best. I'm here to offer you a Pay Per View Match up that will be talked about for years, no, centuries to come… Brock Lesnar versus John Cena! The Beast versus the Cenation Leader! The Cage Fighting Conqueror versus the Unbreakable Wrist Band Wearing Warrior!! You can choose the match type, you can choose any stipulation for if you win. This can be your dream match John…

Heyman begins to talk very, very quickly now. So quickly that the only way to make out what Paul was saying is to use your DVR and rewind it back multiple times and re-listen very carefully.

Paul Heyman
TheonlythingIaskinreturnisthatyouagreetothestipulationsthatStephanieMcMahonsetupbeingthatifBrockLesnarwinsthenhewillonceagainbemyclient…. So John, what do you say? Are you willing to take the next step in your career?

Heyman extends his hand. Cena looks at it and appears to be considering Heyman's proposal

John Cena
You're right, Paul. The leader of the Cenation army stepping into the ring to fight the Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar... Now that is a match that would sell tickets and cement careers, a match that would be spoken of for centuries to come, hell, a match like that has the capability of becoming the biggest match that ever was and the biggest match that there ever will be. It would be wrong of me to deny these people in the audience tonight, and all of those watching at home a historic moment like that...

Heyman cracks a smile as he believes he's fooled Cena.

John Cena
But as wrong as it might be for me to deny the people that... It would be a whole damn worse if I were to allow you to come into this room, take advantage of my injured state and talk me into a match that would be nothing more than a trap devised by the master puppeteer himself. See Paul, you might have thought you tricked me with your little speech there, but you can talk as fast as you like, you're not going to pull the wool over John Cena's eyes. Now I think I've made myself clear but just in case...

Cena takes a deep breath and then mocks Paul Heyman as he replies as fast as he possibly can in the same fashion as Paul Heyman just did.

John Cena
YourdaysasBrockLesnarscarerareoverpaulandthereisnowaythatIamevergoingtoagreetoastipulationlikethat.

Heyman's smile disappears from his face and Cena is now the one with the smile.

Paul Heyman
Well I tried.. You can’t say that I didn’t try… That John , that was the easy way, the way that you should have taken, the way that involved as little blood lost, as little tears shed, as little hearts broken as possible. That John Cena, that was my way. But now, now you’ve forced me to use plan B. Now you’ve forced me to use Brock Lesnar’s way. And Brock Lesnar’s way isn’t the nice way. Brock Lesnar’s way involves blood lost. Brock Lesnar’s way involves tears shed, Brock Lesnar’s way involves hearts, bones, and limbs.. broken… John. I’m not threatening you. I’m not trying to intimidate you. I am simply letting you know that if you don’t agree to this match then myself and Brock Lesnar will make you..

John Cena
Like I said, you can do whatever you want, but there's no way in hell that I'm going to give you an opportunity to worm your way out of this one Paul, so you better think really carefully before you say anything else, because the last time I checked, there's no Brock Lesnar here to protect you.

The men working on Cena's arm move away leaving only Heyman and Cena in the room.

Paul Heyman
These past two weeks it wasn’t Brock Lesnar protecting me from you, it’s been me protecting you from Brock Lesnar. Remember that before you do anything that you will regret later, because if anything happens to me, well, then I won’t be there to save you next time.

Cena takes a step towards Heyman, who begins to back up frantically, holding his arms in the air innocently.

Paul Heyman
But… Like I said before, you and I are very similar. And that is why I can tell, when I walked into the room, that you were happy. Now judging on how your past two weeks have gone I can assume you weren’t happy about anything Breakdown related. So that only leaves me to assume that you were happy about that beautiful lady friend of yours that I saw walking out when I was walking in. People like us John, people who are as committed to a certain aspect in life like we are.. don’t find happiness easily. So my advice to you?... Hold on to her. Because if she makes you truly, genuinely happy, then there is no reason why you should let her go. And believe me, you looked truly, genuinely happy.… It'd be a real shame if something unfortunate were to… oh I don't know.. happen to her…

Cena's stops in his tracks and his expression changes, but not the way that Heyman had intended as Cena is back to smiling, leaving Heyman confused.

John Cena
You're pretty good, Paul. Honestly, for just one second, you had me going there, but I know better Paul. You might be ruthless, diabolical even, but I know that even you would not sink as low as to target a woman. But you're right Paul, despite the state I was in earlier, I was happy.. Until you walked in that is... And after that little speech of yours, I really needed something funny to make me laugh, so thanks for that Paul, truly, from the bottom of my heart.

Cena walks towards the door, tapping Heyman on the shoulder as he goes.

John Cena
I'll be seeing you.

And with that Cena leaves the room. Heyman breathes in deeply and lets out a long sigh and he begins to talk to himself.

Paul Heyman
.. What John Cena has yet to find out.. Is that Paul Heyman always gets the last laugh..

Paul’s diabolical smiling face is the last thing we see as we go to a video package for tonight’s main event.

Cameras return backstage following the ending of a short video package hyping up the slowly approaching Divas Championship match, to the image of the current Divas Champion, Paige, standing alongside an interviewer. The look on her face shows that she's ready to defend her championship for the first time since attaining it a couple weeks ago on the biggest Pay-Per-View of the year: Final Stand. Tonight, she defends against the very same diva she beat to become Divas Champion, her former ally and the former champion, Layla.



{Interviewer}
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, she is the self-proclaimed “Anti-Diva,” she became the Divas Champion a couple weeks back at the sixth annual Final Stand after a grueling back and forth match, she is standing to my right, Paige.



{Interviewer}
Earlier in the evening, we heard Layla's thoughts following your match at Final Stand, even in defeat, she tried to take the high road and said that you were the better person that night the following evening. That, of course, led to an exchange of words between the both of you, which, in turn, led to Layla using her rematch clause tonight. You seemed to be almost surprised by that after the announcement was made, so my question to you is: Were the seven days you had since then enough time to prepare for a rematch this soon?



{Paige}
Usually when a former champion loses their championship, they wait a month before using their rematch. Layla is somewhat different, she went for a different approach, she's trying to catch me off guard by using her rematch almost right away. If this were any other “diva,” I wouldn't really care, I'd chalk it up to stupidity, but this is Layla after all. She has to have something up her sleeve, and I will give her credit, she did catch me off guard, she did surprise me, but that quickly wore off.



{Paige}
Layla's did this out of desperation, now the roles are reversed, she is now the one that has nothing left to lose, while I, I could potentially lose the thing I worked almost two years to attain: This Divas Championship. Keyword there is “potentially.” I know that I'm walking out of South Carolina with my reign still intact, but these people, Layla, they don't, yet. She may think that she pushed me to my limit at Final Stand, but that couldn't be further from the truth.



{Paige}
She had a few tricks up her sleeve, but in the end, they weren't enough to led her to retaining this championship that I now have over my shoulder, it wasn't enough to beat me. Tonight, Layla will try to end my reign, just as I ended hers, but she won't, she could bring her best like she always claims she does, but if Final Stand's anything to go by, she won't become Divas Champion, not if I have anything to say about it.



{Paige}
Layla lost this Divas Championship on her first defense, and I don't blame her for losing it, she was facing me after all. That's not arrogance, that's not overconfidence, that's not having an overinflated ego, that's just truth, that's fact. In her first real defense, she lost to the better half of The United Queendom, she lost to the “Anti-Diva,” and tonight will be no different.



{Interviewer}
The history between yourself and Layla is as clear as day, a year in the making now if I'm not mistaken. All the way from your alliance known as The United Queendom, all the way to your untimely disbanding many months after, all the way to your change of heart that led to your recent war with the former Diva Champion. But what about the wild card in all this? Even if you manage to pull off a hat trick and defeat Layla for the third time in a row, Madison Eagles is still lurking in the shadows, her Miss Money in the Bank briefcase in tow. If Final Stand is anything to go by, Layla won't go down easily and judging by how out of it you seemed to be following your match, Madison could walk out there after your match, cash in her Money in the Bank briefcase and neither of you could do anything about it.



{Paige}
I'm fully aware that Madison Eagles could be anywhere at anytime, she could attack me from behind right now and cash in, but she won't. She had a chance to cash in at Final Stand, but she didn't. She'll have a chance to cash in tonight, but she won't. She'll have a chance to cash in at Dead Man's Hand, but she won't. And you know why? Because the last time we met in that ring, I beat her with ease, I made her look like an amateur. I know that image is still imprinted in the back of her mind, and that's why she hasn't cashed in, she knows she can't beat me, even at my weakest.



{Paige}
So as long as I hold this Divas Championship in my possession, she won't cash in on me. Which is smart, if you ask me. Why cash in on someone you can't beat? Had it been anybody else who won that Ladder Match, they would have already cashed in and lost. AJ Lee would have cashed in at Final Stand and lost. Brie Bella also would have cashed in and just as you witnessed last week, she would have lost too. So Madison, I applaud you on not being as stupid as the rest of the “divas,” I applaud you on actually using your brain instead of going on instinct and failing at your one chance at regaining this Divas Championship.

With that said, the interview comes to an abrupt end, as Paige walks away from the set, leaving the interviewer alone.

{Interviewer}
Thank you for your time.

Saying the only thing he could think of, the interviewer also leaves the set, exiting the opposite end that Paige did. Regardless of what's been said by both champion and challenger, is the self-proclaimed “Anti-Diva” sufficiently prepared for her first defense just a couple weeks after becoming Divas Champion, or will Layla's surprise tactics work flawlessly to regain her the Divas Championship? Only time will tell as the screen slowly fades to black.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, from Seattle Washington, Madison Rayne!"

The Rayne fanatics in the crowd go nuts, while a portion give a ton of negative feedback. The former XWL diva walks out onto stage, her hair up, wearing a red top and black pants. She smiles at the crowd, the ring, and the ring hands, waving around before walking down the ramp.

[Michael Cole]
Man, I've missed this girl!

[Jim Ross]
Of course you have you horn dog!

[Jerry Lawler]
Well, you can't deny she is good looking.

[Michael Cole]
You can't deny she is one of the best diva's we've ever had!

[Jerry Lawler]
Even compared to our champion and the other diva's? I dunno Cole, that's a hard mountain to top.

[Michael Cole]
And she's just the girl to do it.

By now, Maddy has made it down the ramp, all the way to the apron where she turns right, heading all the way around the ring, hopping onto the apron. She steps one leg through and bends over, taking a moment to make the boys blush. She winks before bringing her other leg through and walking to the middle of the ring. She holds out a hand, expecting to be rewarded with the mic from Justin Roberts. He hands it over and backs into a corner as she begins to speak.

[Madison Rayne]
Hello everyone! For those, silly little kids who don't know, my name is Madison Rayne. Former, miss money in the bank and soon to be, next top reigning diva here in XWL. A couple of weeks ago, watching Final Stand, I realized just how dearly this company needed me and what I brought to the diva's division, so, here I am.

Maddy extends her arms, smiling and spinning on the spot, presenting herself to the crowd.

[Madison Rayne]
Now, I know what you are all thinking, what took me so long to finally show up? Well, last week I was still working out my contract issues but don't worry, I'm here now, and tonight, I'm even scheduled to be booked!

The Rayne fans cheer while others sit, waiting for something they want to actually happen, happen.

[Madison Rayne]
The good news is, my opponent is someone who you all very dearly love here in XWL. A true heartfelt competitor and by far, one of the best diva's on the roster! Tonight, I go one on one, with Eve!

[Jim Ross]
But, she isn't even on the roster anymore! She resigned earlier today!

[Michael Cole]
Maybe people were able to convince her to stay.

[Madison Rayne]
So, if the cute announcer boy would come over here and please introduce her so the boys in the back can hit the music and lights and what not, that would be great.

Rayne turns to Roberts, waving him over, handing him the mic. Justin pauses a minute, seeming hesitant, then brings the mic to his lips.

[Justin Roberts]
Madison, I, I can't do that. Eve is no longer on the roster. She actually resigned earlier today.

Maddy simply smiles, holding his hand and guiding it to her, speaking into the mic.

[Madison Rayne]
Justin, what are you?

[Justin Roberts]
An employee?

[Madison Rayne]
More specific, if you will.

[Justin Roberts]
An announcer?

[Madison Rayne]
Right, and what am I?

[Justin Roberts]
A diva?

[Madison Rayne]
Right, and a great one at that. Look at you all smart and stuff.

Rayne pinches his nose, trying to be cute as Justin runs a hand over his head.

[Madison Rayne]
So, it appears that I, am a tad bit more important than you. So, how about you just do what I said. Alright?

Rayne turns away, walking away and giving an extra swing to her hips as she goes, trying to flaunt Justin. Roberts shakes his head and brings the mic back up to his lips.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, from Denver Colorado, Eve!"



The stage lights up, purple and white. Pictures of Eve flash across the titantron as her music plays on. After a few seconds of no one appearing, it all dies out, leaving Madison Rayne in the ring with Justin Roberts. Maddy walks over, grabbing the mic again.

[Madison Rayne]
Now, declare me the winner of the match Justin.

Roberts hesitantly pauses, not sure what to do.

[Justin Roberts]
Madison, I,

[Madison Rayne]
ANNOUNCE ME THE WINNER!

Rayne's screech apparently shocks Justin just enough to make his raise the mic to his lips.

[Justin Roberts]
Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, Madison Rayne.

Rayne begins to taunt at the crowd, her theme picking back up.



Rayne waves to the fans who begin to boo her, not liking how she rather stole the win here tonight. She smiles widely, feeling as though she's truly won a big match when in fact, she won nothing at all. Her smile fades as her theme is cut off by the theme of the GM.



The crowd comes alive with cheers as Rayne's look turns to slight fright as the GM of Breakdown comes out onto stage, mic in hand. Stephanie stands at the top of the ramp for a few moments, letting her theme song play as the crowd begins to chant her name.



McMahon smiles as she brings the mic to her lips, speaking to Madison who stands in the ring, mic in her hand as well.

[Stephanie McMahon]
Hello there Miss Rayne, and may I be the first to officially say in front of everyone, welcome back.

[Madison Rayne]
Why thank you Stephanie it feels good to be back!

[Stephanie McMahon]
I bet, especially considering you just weaseled yourself out of a match tonight. See, you'll come to learn Madison that I, being the GM of Breakdown, have a no tolerance rule of my diva's, "getting one over on me." So, with that being said, I think you are in fact, not worthy of the win you just got so I am striking it from the records.

McMahon lets her mic fall to her side, giving the crowd and Madison a second to react. Madison raises her mic up, pointing to the mat.



[Madison Rayne]
I won my match! You can't do that! Eve forfeited leaving me the win, fair and square!



[Stephanie McMahon]
You see, the funny thing is, I can do what I want. So, yes, it is currently official that you have yet to return to have a match in XWL.

Rayne begins to freak out a bit, not able to believe that her plan was ruined.

[Stephanie McMahon]
And that's not where I stop, because I did actually watch your little, vlog thing you did during my father's biggest Pay-per-view, and may I just say, your words touched me. So, I am making it official that next week, Madison Rayne will go one on one with the current Miss money in the bank, Madison Eagles!

Rayne begins to screech before the match is even fully announced, knowing full and well who she was going to say. Rayne begins to throw what would appear to be a hissy fit, stopping her feet and growing fairly upset.

[Stephanie McMahon]
Have fun with with your return, Miss Rayne.

Stephanie smiles as her theme picks up again.



McMahon turns and heads into the back, leaving Rayne in the ring, still freaking out and screaming in the ring how it's unfair.

[Jim Ross]
Man, what a huge match next week for the diva's division! Time to see if Rayne can back up all that talk!

[Michael Cole]
And she will JR! Rayne will beat Eagles fair and square!

[Jerry Lawler]
I wish someone would just shut her up already.

[Michael Cole]
She has a right to be upset! She just got placed against someone she had no reason to fight!

[Jim Ross]
No reason? She slandered her during Final Stand Cole!

[Michael Cole]
If you say so. All I heard was truthful words coming from her.

The screen cuts to a hype for Paige, leaving Rayne stomping up the ramp, vivid.




(feedback is appreciated)

The arena pops shortly after a commercial break once the theme of Layla's sounds throughout the building. The moment many have been waiting for tonight has arrived, it's Divas Championship time, will Layla prevail, or will she fail? She's easily the favorite heading into this contest, scattered around the audience are various signs in support of her, including a lone "Why can't you be friends?" poster with a portrait of them from their United Queendom days last year. Stepping out onto the stage Layla looks at the crowd with a smile before removing her hood, fixing her hair and spinning in place with a care free glow.



[JR]
It's title time, here on Breakdown!

[King]
We heard from Layla earlier, and she sounded quite excited to be heading into her rematch for The Divas Championship.

[Michael Cole]
She's the veteran of the division, and while she was bested at Final Stand, she makes a good point, she's seen it all, and pretty much been through it all.

[JR]
Very strong point indeed, because with that experience comes the ability to look at opportunities such as this with a confidence that can only come from someone that's had a career like hers.

[King]
But we also heard from the new champion herself, Paige. She seemed quite confident despite her less than characteristic behavior last week, so the initial shock has worn off.



Heading down the ramp, Layla runs to one side, touching hands with her devoted fans. Though she's beaming with confidence, you can never be too sure when heading into a championship match, so she gathers strength from those she interacts with on her way to the place where it'll all go down, the ring.

[King]
This time last year not only were Layla & Paige on the same side, Layla was also not a favorite of the XWL audience by any means.

[JR]
What a difference a year makes, Layla's grown a tremendous amount, and has reinvented herself.  

[Michael Cole]
That's quite true as well, she was the baddest of the bad, now she's more of a reformed rogue.

Heading to the ring now, Layla steps up onto the apron, looking out into the wondrous view that is a cheering crowd, then enters the ring. Excitedly she throws her arms up, unstrapping her jacket as she nears the ropes, then glides across them in what's now become her signature pose



Ready to reclaim her title, she raises her hand up as she hopes to be able to when this is all over, then steps off the ropes and backs up. Layla removes her jacket, balling it up and tossing it outside the ring, then begins to jump in place loosening herself up one last time as she awaits the champion's arrival.





As if right on cue, the theme of the current Divas Champion begins to echo throughout the arena, much to the disapproval of the live audience in attendance. Boos rain down onto the stage as Layla looks on, ready to reclaim the Divas Championship, at any means necessary.



A few moments pass before Paige walks out onto the stage, her Divas Championship and the prize for tonight's Final Stand rematch in tow. After being caught off guard by Layla's immediate rematch just seven days ago, was that length of time enough for Paige to formulate a game plan, or will Layla's plan of springing her rematch clause almost immediately lead to her regaining the Divas Championship?



Just as quickly as it arrived, Paige's nameplate disappears from the bottom of the screen almost in unison with her raising the Divas Championship up into the air. Layla's eyes lock on to the prize that was hers two weeks ago, a prize she plans on regaining tonight. The championship is slowly lowered back to Paige's side before she displays it proudly on her shoulder and makes her descent down the entrance ramp.



Paige marches to the ring with purpose with her championship hanging off of her shoulder and the person she made submit at Final Stand in the ring. She inches closer and closer to the ring, potentially walking into her first and last defense. The thought doesn't find its way into Paige's mind, because the second it does, her reign comes to an end.



She makes it to the bottom of the ramp, then begins walking around the ring, not giving Layla a look, nor a gaze. Tonight is the moment of truth, her first defense, against the same woman she took the championship from in the first place, but will it be her last?



Paige places the Divas Championship on the apron in perfect position for the people in the front row and the main camera to get a good look at it as she climbs up onto said apron. She looks back towards Layla, an expression of determination etched on the face of her fellow Brit.



She quickly removes her jacket and picks the Divas Championship up off the apron. With her jacket in one hand and her championship in the other, Paige does the only thing she could and lets out her signature scream, the expression on her face doing a complete one eighty. She enters the ring, her championship held high in the air before handing it over to the official. With both Brits refusing to admit defeat on this night, will Layla regain the Divas Championship, or will Paige hold another win over her adversary?








[JR]
What a neckbreaker indeed, Michael Cole!

[King]
Layla just threw Paige's whole body weight off of her then snapped her neck, this could be over, we could have a new Divas Champion right here!


1.....


The fans are cheering, counting quite loudly along with the referee, you could even tell that they're counting just a bit ahead of him because of how excited they are to see Paige's reign be short lived. She didn't make any fans by betraying her once best friend, and now the entire arena is against her.




2...........




[Michael Cole]
I can't watch! This isn't how it's supposed to end!

Shielding his eyes, Michael appears to be the only one not wanting to see this all end, but in spite of the majority's enthusiasm, right as the official's hand was finger tips away from the canvas, Paige's shoulder flies up! The reaction is not at all gleeful, in fact the once joyful tone that had gathered from her reign being so close to over, has now drastically changed. Boos follow, while the referee addresses a disappointed Layla with a motion that said it was only two.

[King]
It doesn't get any closer than that!

[JR]
No it does not, King. I myself thought that neck breaker was all she wrote, but Paige proving to be a fighting champion. Fighting until the very end to prevent said end.

[Michael Cole]
Paige calls herself The Anti-Diva, and no diva would have kicked out of that, that's for damn sure.

[JR]
In that same token Cole, no diva would have executed such a brutal move like that. I however don't think it's right to discredit any of our wonderfully talented ladies in this company. Paige is a fine athlete, but so is Layla, and so are everyone else.

[King]
These girls are leaving it all in the ring tonight, there's no denying that they each deserve to call themselves a champion after this one.

[Michael Cole]
But only one of them will leave with the title, and my money's on Paige. She won at Final Stand, all she needs to do is lock that submission in again and Layla's going to tap as soon as she does!

Layla cups her face with both hands, trying to not let the near fall get to her, but that was close, she was so close to once again being Divas Champion, and so if anything it's fired her up even more. She's got a lot more tricks up her sleeve, and she prepares to pull one out as she rises back to her feet. She catches her breath, staring at the fallen Paige before pulling her up to her feet, hooking her head in a front neck lock, reminiscent to the one Paige just had on her, but instead of applying a submission she uses this grip to drag Paige over to the ropes. The referee keeps a close watch on this, to make sure she's not doing anything he won't allow, but he soon learns that the sometimes mischievous Layla is in fact doing just that. She steps backwards through the ropes, getting on the apron as she keeps Paige tightly pulled towards her, then spins around mirroring the position of Layout, but with the ropes between them, adding an extra something to it. The referee tells Layla to let go, but that's exactly what she plans to do. Jumping off the apron, to give Paige one hell of a dose of whiplash, Layla soon finds herself in a very bad predicament because Paige has grabbed a hold of both of her hands keeping her hanging above the floor!

[King]
What in the...Paige is hanging Layla!

[Michael Cole]
Look at that awareness, she's just turning this completely back in her favor!

[JR]
Layla was thinking Layout, Paige is just thinking choke out.

Gasping for air Layla tries to break free but it's no use. The referee begins to count especially fast given the position of Layla, and the illegal choke in progress. He orders her to let go, that's when a sinister smile appears on Paige's face, and she obliges. Doing exactly what Layla intended to do, herself. She drops down to her knees, snapping Layla's hanging neck off the ropes, releasing her, causing the now limp Brit's neck to bounce off the edge of the apron before falling flat on the outside.

[JR]
Good gawd almighty, I don't...I don't even know how to describe what just happened right in front of

[Michael Cole]
If ever there was time to say this, it would be now. That was bowling shoe ugly!

The fans gasp, following with boos directed at the person that did that, Paige. She takes a moment to scream in a high pitched tone, before rolling under the ropes and kneeling down at Layla. "Aw, I think she's hurt" showing no remorse or concern for the woman that used to be her friend, Paige pulls Layla's corpse off the floor, she's completely dead weight, making it even harder for Paige to get her onto the apron. Eventually she does and Layla's rolled back into the ring, but Paige isn't done yet. She's not going to go for a pin, she instead steps up onto the apron. Pulling Layla up by her hair, she slides her through the rope and second rope, the begins to go on a rampage with stiff knees in succession.

[King]
Paige letting all of her anger out with each knee shot, she better be careful though she doesn't wanna get disqualified.

[Michael Cole]
That referee would be a fool to disqualify Paige, she's liable to lock him in that Scorpion Cross Lock if he does!

[JR]
Even still, if she doesn't get Layla away from those ropes the referee will have no choice but to disqualify her.

The only thing keeping Layla on her feet is Paige's grip as the second she lets go, Layla drops onto the canvas with a thud, her lifeless body laying on the mat as Paige begins to reenter the ring, the momentum clearly on her side. Now in the ring, Paige looks down at a seemingly unconscious Layla, a sick smirk appearing on her face. Paige takes a hold of Layla's legs, setting up what could only be the very same move that put Layla away two weeks ago at Final Stand: The Scorpion Cross Lock.

[JR]
Uh-oh, this is what Paige used to dethrone Layla in the first place!

[Michael Cole]
It's deja vu but in the best possible way, lock it in Paige, make history repeat itself!

Paige plants her foot down onto the canvas and begins to grapevine Layla's legs together, but before she could get her over to her stomach, Layla miraculously is able to counter, pulling Paige towards her before putting her in a pinning predicament with a modified rollup. Seemingly caught off guard, Paige struggles to get out of this pinfall attempt as the referee quickly drops down to the canvas and begins to make his count.

[King]
Layla just countered!

[JR]
That's her experience coming into play, Paige did not see this coming, and her reign might just about be over because of it!


1...


2...

[Michael Cole]
HOW?! This...this can't be the end!

[King]
LAYLA'S THE NE-  


Thre- Kickout!




[JR]
NO! She kicked out, I thought that was it!

[Michael Cole]
Hurry up and end this Paige, that was too close for comfort!

Getting her shoulder up off the canvas in the nick of time, Paige keeps the match and her championship reign alive, for the time being.  Both women make it up to their feet simultaneously, but Paige is one step ahead and lands a stiff forearm shot, sending Layla back to the canvas with thud, seemingly knocking her out on the spot. Instead of going for the pin, Paige lifts Layla's lifeless body up to her feet, slowly but surely, not ready to put an end to this match just yet.

[King]
Paige is thinking Rampaige!

Paige wraps her arm around Layla's neck and throws the former champions arm over her head, ready to put Layla down for the count. Just as she's going to lift her up for what could only be the Cradle DDT, Layla has other plans and quickly lands a snap suplex, catching Paige off guard again as she holds her lower back in pain. After many months of being a team and their recent historic encounter at Final Stand, it seems that tonight is the night that Layla regains the Divas Championship.

[JR]
But Layla's quick thinking put a stop to that right away.

[Michael Cole]
Paige destroyed her at Final Stand, how is she doing so well tonight?!

Seemingly having a counter to Paige's signature moves, Layla is now in control of the match and the second that Paige makes it up to her feet, she's met with a spinning back kick to the abdomen, doubling over the young champion. This gives Layla the opening she needed to run towards the turnbuckle and use the bottom rope as a springboard to get to the middle one before launching herself at Paige for her signature crossbody.

[JR]
Because she's a lot tougher than she looks, she learns something new every match, and that is why she's done as well as she has in XWL.

[King]
Paige just caught Layla! Looks like she hasn't learned to stop throwing herself at others, she gets caught every time!

Paige sees it coming at catches Layla in midair, but that's exactly what Layla was hoping for because the second Paige goes for a Fallaway Slam, Layla shifts her weight before she could be thrown across the ring and lands on her feet behind the champion, her hands wrapped tightly around her neck and in perfect position for the Layout.

[Michael Cole]
I don't believe it, how did she....she wanted Paige to catch her!


Before Layla could land her finishing maneuver, Paige is able to spin out of it, putting herself in control and putting Layla in perfect position for a Paige Turner.

[JR]
I can't keep up, each time I blink the entire landscape of the match changes!


Before Paige could sweep Layla's leg and plant her on the canvas, Layla, just like their battle at Final Stand, spins out of it and goes for a Roundhouse Kick, which is ducked by Paige. Instead of going for an offensive maneuver to follow up these counters, Paige quickly opts to exit the ring, seemingly having had enough of this match. She walks over to the timekeepers area and retrieves the Divas Championship before making her way around the ring and up the ramp, the boos raining down behind her.


[King]
Wait, where is she going?!

[JR]
Paige is taking her ball and going home...I don't believe it, I can see it clearly but I just can't believe it!

[Michael Cole]
This is a waste of her time anyways, she beat Layla already, what does she have to prove?

[JR]
For starters, let's add in the fact that Layla's been one step ahead of Paige for the better part of this match!

[King]
Layla was seconds away from becoming Divas Champion again, Paige full and well knew it!

[Michael Cole]
You don't know anything, maybe she was, maybe she wasn't, what does it matter?

[JR]
It matters because Paige is now blatantly getting herself counted out!


Layla stands in the ring, her arms extended to either side, mouthing something to the referee that isn't picked up. The referee isn't given much of a choice and begins making his count, periodically stopping Layla when she tries to exit the ring to drag Paige back and finish this match. Many moments pass and the referee is now at eight, Paige not showing any signs of trying to get back into the ring as an annoyed Layla stands alongside the referee.

[Michael Cole]
Layla's not even trying to stop her! Who's taking the easy way out now, huh?

[JR]
Are we watching the same match? Layla's tried to sneak past the referee several times now. She's the one in the ring, ready to fight, Paige is the one fleeing like a scalded dog with a treat she didn't earn.

She's been outsmarted by Paige, wasting her rematch on a match she will win by countout. Regardless of the win, she doesn't walk out of South Carolina with the Divas Championship in her possession. The referee makes it to ten and calls for the bell, a smug expression on Paige's face as she knows that Layla just wasted her only rematch at the Divas Championship as Layla remains livid in the ring.

[King]
Layla's won...but now how she wanted to.

[JR]
This is such a disappointment, we were supposed to see a championship match to the finish, not a cheap escape.


[Justin Roberts]
Ladies and gentlemen, your winner of this match, by way of count-out...Layla!...However, still Divas Champion, Paige!


As the announcer finishes announcing that the match has ended in a countout in Layla's favor, he can't help but add that Paige remains champion, drawing the ire of the live audience in attendance. But instead of Layla's theme beginning to play...




[Michael Cole]
What, no...what...what's Stephanie doing out here?

[King]
Hopefully the right thing.


The fans scream, as Paige screams for an entirely different reason. The unexpected arrival of Stephanie has Paige clinging to her title for dear life, knowing that this can't be good.



[Stephanie McMahon]
What's the matter, Paige? You don't look so happy to see me, you wanna know what doesn't make me happy? Seeing you take your title and run up this ramp, instead of living up to your self created hype. You're supposed to be The Anti-Diva, isn't that right? Or was I wrong? Because, I might be a little old fashioned, but you don't exactly seem to be embracing the ideal that you're "different."




[Stephanie McMahon]
You had such a defining moment on the grand stage, and here, you were supposed to prove that, you were the champion this company needed. But instead, you felt the need to leave with The Divas Championship, one way or the other. I don't think that's fair to your friend Layla, do you? Well it doesn't matter if you do or not, because as General Manager, as a McMahon it is my job to ensure that business goes well. And what's not best for business, is you cheating such an established and accomplished challenger like Layla out of her rightful rematch.


Layla perks up a bit, as do the fans, while Paige just stands there shaking her head over and over.




[Stephanie McMahon]
Viewers tuned in to see Brit versus Brit, one more time...and considering the outcome of every other encounter you've had, this is simply unacceptable. If you're going to be Divas Champion, if you're going to be "different" then you best start acting like it, and that starts now. Typically a former champion gets one rematch, and that's that. But these are special circumstances, some could even say Layla had your number. Why else would you get yourself counted out? But I'm sure you just left your curling iron on or something, right? Don't worry about it, I know exactly what we're going to do to make this right.





[Stephanie McMahon]
The Divas Championship will be on the line again in two weeks at Dead Mans Hand. For the fifth, but FINAL time it will be Brit versus Brit, as Layla you get your opportunity at Paige! This is a special event, because you won't be able to get yourself counted out again, you won't be able to get disqualified, and who knows, maybe even that fancy new submission of yours won't even help you. It all stems on what the wheel decides this historic last encounter will be. So Paige, I truly wish you good luck, and Layla, second chances don't come often, so I'd make the most of this opportunity, because if you don't...it could just be your last.



The crowd erupts as it's official, Layla versus Paige at Dead Mans Hand, it's the fifth but last time we'll see XWL's best Brits tear it up. Layla's elated to have this chance, but Stephanie's final remark leaves her somewhat wondering what she exactly means by that. Paige seems enraged at the thought that she has to face Layla once again, her head turns, staring at the now smiling Layla. She motions around her waist, pointing at Paige, before mocking her and letting out a piercing scream of her own. This unofficial best of five is set, tonight we may not have gotten what we wanted, but at Dead Mans Hand, fate will ensure it.

Normal Match


Winner: Dolph Ziggler

As the referee ends the match he signals for the bell as the victors theme music starts to play throughout the arena as the crowd cheer for the Show Off



Justin Roberts: And the winner of this match Dolph Ziggler!

As Ziggler's music continues to play through the arena the referee raises his hand in victory as the crowd cheer for him again then as the referee lets go Ziggler walks over to the turnbuckle and climbs up to the second rope shouting "It's my time, it's my time" at the top of his voice then as he climbs down from the turnbuckle XWL interviewer Renee Young is stood in the ring with a microphone already in her hand as Dolph's music fades out

Renee Young: Excuse Dolph, if I could just get a quick...

Before Renee can ask her first question Ziggler interrupts her as he shouts down the microphone



Dolph Ziggler: Just how good am I?! EVERY SINGLE NIGHT!

As he does so the crowd pop for him again and he takes a moment to nod approvingly as Renee begins with her interview once more

Renee Young: It certainly was an impressive victory tonight over Christopher Daniels after a dissappointing week last week.

When Renee finishes her statement Dolph takes a moment to himself before answering her as he composes himself then when he's ready he starts to respond to Renee



Dolph Ziggler: Last week... I'm came up short Renee let's be honest here, I did and everyone saw it, but tonight, tonight I get back on track to where I want to be and there's no better way to show just how damn much I want to be there than doing just one of so many trhings I do better than anybody else, and it just so happens to be like the fifth best thing I do. So just in case anybody back there in the locker room that thinks they can step in my way then they've got another thing coming. I WILL not STOP until I get back to exactly where I belong, and that's in the main event, in the spotlight, all eyes on me as I steal the show each and every night, thousands of people with their jaws in their laps all talking about just how DAMN GOOD I am. There's one thing I want, one thing I've more than earned and everybody knows it, and that's a chance. We all saw, I mean we didn't see what happened last week in the mainevent, and now if they're looking for someone to fight Sheamus for the Intercontinental championship at Dead Man's Hand, then there's nobody better than me.

As Ziggler throws his name into the hat for the Intercontinental championship bout the crowd explode over the possibility of the Show Off getting a shot at the gold



Dolph Ziggler: ...Name one. Name ONE GUY who deserves it more than I do, and I'll stop you right there Renee because there is nobody. Not one guy... Not a single one who can stand toe to toe with me and say they deserve that shot more than me. In case you forgot I beat Seth Rollins at Final Stand and Zack Ryder? I don't even have to go there. I'm just so damn sick of being so damn good and nobody else wants to admit it anymore. Yeah, Renee I've been to the top of this business, but if they need someone to take that Intercontinental championship match then it might as well be me. I have earned THAT shot at THAT title and I dare anyone to prove to me otherwise. Every night I go out there and I tell the entire world that I'm going to do one thing and one thing only and I do that every single time without fail, so somebody can go and tell Stephanie to call off the search for Sheamus opponent because you're looking at him already.



Dolph Ziggler: And just like Daniels found out tonight, come Dead Man's Hand I'm going to be the one who gets their hand raised at the end of the match and I'm going to do it the only way I know how...



Dolph Ziggler: Show...

Ziggler glances over to the crowd before he leans into the microphone as he says one last word

Dolph Ziggler: Off.

With that said Ziggler flicks his hair out to the sides and he turns around and exits the ring with his music playing once again



Jim Ross: We heard it here first, folks. Dolph Ziggler wants a shot at the gold come Dead Man's Hand.

Michael Cole: Well as we saw on XWL.com earlier this week the hunt is currently on for a contender to face Sheamus at the Pay-Per-View for the gold and clearly that news has made it's way to the Showoff.

Jerry "The King" Lawler: He wasn't too happy to say the least when he found out last week that his Final Stand opponent Seth Rollins was due to get a match for the title last week but due to unforeseen circumstances that match did not take place, hence the search for an opponent for Sheamus.

Jim Ross: You can certainly see the arguement that's made by Ziggler for the opportunity, but I'm sure he's just one of many that want are dreaming of calling themselves Intercontinental champion in a few weeks time.

As Ziggler reaches the top of the ramp the cameras fade out to a commercial break

Interview with the "Whole F'n Show"


(I am using this video for some fun with this short interview)

Rookie Interview Guy:

Please welcome Rob Van Dam!

So RVD, I wanted to ask you two things about your match with Kenny King.

What were your thoughts before and after the match?

Rob Van Dam:

Well Interview man!

Mr. Monday Night does not need to think on how to defeat a guy like Kenny King.

Second. I did not expect anything of Mr. King, I just went a little too so--

(Raven sneaks in randomly to attack Rob Van Dam, but walks away in silence)

Is this why Raven did not show up for his match tonight, who knows?
Was this a careful plan set by someone else?

Divas Match


Winner: Madison Eagles

Divas Match

---

Winner

We move away from the previous segment to see AJ Lee skipping down the hall.



XWL Interviewer
AJ!

AJ stops in her tracks and turns to the interviewer, a big smile making its way across her face.

AJ Lee
Hey!

XWL Interviewer
AJ, at final stand you defeated the West Side Army's own Sara Del Ray, but ever since that night, you've been on what can only be described as a downward spiral, topping all of it off tonight with a loss against one of the biggest female names in XWL, Michelle McCool. How does that make you feel?

AJ looks down, still sporting her smile.



AJ Lee
Honestly...

AJ looks back up to the interviewer.

AJ Lee
I've never felt happier. Sure, at Final Stand I wasn't able to secure myself the opportunity to compete for the Diva's championship at any time of my choosing and I couldn't prevent Madison Eagles from becoming a two time Miss money in the Bank winner... Last week I was even given the opportunity to compete against not only Miss Money in the Bank herself, but also the former Diva's Champion, Layla, a match I'd usually do anything to come out victorious, yet I didn't pick up the victory... And tonight when I faced Michelle McCool, I gave it everything I had, I pulled out every move I know, and I came just this close to defeating her and putting an end to my losses, but for one short second, I took my eye off Michelle McCool, and I ended up losing again... But still, I find myself happier than I've ever been before..

XWL Interviewer
And why is that?

AJ giggles quietly to herself.



AJ Lee
I can't really explain it... All I can say is that these losses, they don't mean anything to me.. There was a time that I'd be losing my mind and crawling up the walls after the loss I took tonight.. But now I realise that there are much more important things in the world than winning and losing.

AJ smiles softly at the interviewer before turning and skipping away back down the hall in the direction she came in.

As Breakdown continues the cameras are rolling backstage as Cesaro getting prepared for his match up against Cody Rhodes doing sets of squats as his manager Zeb Colter walks into the locker room

Zeb Colter: There you are.

Cesaro finishes his rep he turns his attention to Zeb who immediately starts talking again

Zeb Colter: Let's just put last week behind us because it all starts tonight, last week is gone and there's nothing we can do about it.

Zeb, just hold on a second. We need to talk.

Before Cesaro can say anything else Zeb interrupts him trying to motivate his client for his match tonight

Zeb Colter: Talk? No not now, now's not the time, we have to focus. Tonight it's you up against Cody Rhodes, now listen. No matter what the costs we need to win this tonight, no excuses, tonight it's all or nothing, last week was a set back but I'm willing to put that behind us for the greater good, but in order to do that you need to get back to winning ways, and you need to do it fast.

As Zeb continues in his rant Cesaro tries to stop him as he again tries to tell him something

Zeb, hold on.

Again as Cesaro tries to speak Zeb cuts him off as he continues trying to motivate Cesaro for his match against Cody Rhodes

Zeb Colter: Cesaro, I know you're anxious, but you have to listen to me. We have a second chance here tonight, do you understand what kind of an opportunity you have here tonight? Last week you failed to defeat Alex Shelley after you went one fall up, he defeated you in two straight falls, and now look. We have nothing because of that and more importantly you let down each and every single Real American yet again last week.

About that...

Zeb Colter: Listen to me Cesaro, I get it you just lost our United States championship, and every Real American gets it too, and that's why it's time to rally and get going again, you need to remind everyone just how strong you are, just how dominant you are. You need to remind everyone why you are the strongest man in XWL today and why the Real Americans are a force to be reckoned with.



Zeb Colter: Tonight you're going up against a former XWL World Heavyweight champion, this is a golden chance to prove that you're ready to move onto bigger and better things, big picture here Cesaro, the Real Americans right here tonight can make their first steps towards greatness. Forget the United States championship, we need to have our eyes on the grand prize the World Heavyweight championship and what way is better than to defeat a former World champion right here tonight?

Zeb, you're not listening to me we need to talk right now. This can't wait any longer, I tried to tell you last week but...

Zeb Colter: This isn't the time for this Cesaro your match is up next come on let's go, we'll talk later.

Zeb then leaves Cesaro's locker room as Cesaro shakes his head before following him as Breakdown heads to a commercial break



Normal Match


Winner: Cody Rhodes

As the referee signals for the end of the match Cody Rhodes' theme start to play as the referee raises his hand in victory



Justin Roberts: And the winner of this match, Cody Rhodes!

Jim Ross: A great win for Cody Rhodes tonight, let's just take a look at how this match came to an end.

As Cody celebrates his victory the camera cuts to a highlight reel of the match starting with a flurry of Uppercuts by Cesaro keeping Cody propped up against the turnbuckle

Michael Cole: This right here is earlier in the match it all seemed to be clicking for Cesaro as he hit Cody with wave after wave after devastating offense, just take a look at this.

The reel then cuts to the next clip as Cesaro deadlights Cody off from the mat into a Delayed Vertical Suplex

Jim Ross: What a display of strength by Cesaro just deadlifting Cody Rhodes from the mat.

Jerry "The King" Lawler: Let me tell you JR, that's not easy to do.

As Cesaro plants Cody back on the mat the clip cuts to Cesaro attempted the Neutralizer, but before he lifts Cody off his feet, Cody counters with an Alabama Slam catching Cesaro off guard to turn the match in his favor

Jim Ross: But Cody came back catching Cesaro off guard with this counter to the Neutralizer.

Michael Cole: Then the match turned in Cody's favor until this happened.

The packages shows Cesaro getting to his feet as Cody rebounds off the rope jumping towards Cesaro looking to hit him across the head with the Disaster Kick but Cesaro beats him to the punch connecting with a European Uppercut!

Jim Ross: As you can see Cody went to hit Cesaro with the Disaster Kick but Cesaro with impeccable timing struck Cody with a huge Uppercut!

Jerry "The King" Lawler: This match could of went either way but just look at this counter by Cody Rhodes right into the Cross Rhodes and that was it, Cody Rhodes picked up the victory.

In the next clip Cesaro has Cody off the mat in a Gutwrench but Cody counters slipping over Cesaro's shoulder and hits the Cross Rhodes then quickly covers Cesaro for the three count

Michael Cole: An extremely close match, but it Zeb Colter at the ringside, well just take a look at his reaction when the referee counted the three.

In the final clip the cameras are focused on Zeb Colter at ringside as the referee counts the three



When the highlight reel comes to an end the camera cuts to Cody Rhodes at the top of the ramp still celebrating his victory before cutting back to a disappointed Cesaro in the ring taking his latest loss quite hard as Colter remains at ringside

Michael Cole: A testing time for the Real Americans as Cesaro's losing streak continues for another week.

Jim Ross: You can bet both Zeb and Cesaro are feeling the pressure right now, nothing seems to be going their way as of late, and there seems to be a bit of a disconnect better these two.

Cesaro and Zeb stare each other down, Cesaro slides out of the ring and starts to make his way up the ramp leaving Zeb at ringside

Jerry "The King" Lawler: Zeb's just lost his cool and Cesaro's had enough. If a picture could say a thousand words.

Jim Ross: He's leaving, he's just left Colter at ringside, clearly these two are not on the same page anymore, but what does this mean for the Real Americans?

As Cesaro continues walking up the ramp the cameras fade out to end the segment with questions still up in the air regarding the future of the Real Americans

Normal Match




When Breakdown returns from a commercial break we are thrust right back into the heat of the action…

Punk has Shelley backed against the ropes and peppers him with alternating slaps before taking him by the arm and trying to irish whip him, but Shelley thinks quickly and grabs onto the top rope with his free arm effectively preventing him from going anywhere. Punk resorts to plan B and doubles Shelley over with a spinning back kick to the gut. Punk races over to the other side of the ring, but Shelley follows him and drives a knee into the gut of his unsuspecting opponent.

Now it’s Shelley who dashes across the ring, but Punk is right behind him and when Shelley turns around he eats a knee right to the face! Punk remains there for a second, soaking in the positive reaction of the people who have been on the edge of their seat since the bell rang. Ready to capitalize on catching Shelley with his signature shining wizard, Punk prepares to hit a bulldog, but Shelley’s able to shove the money in the bank briefcase holder off him and Punk hits the mat alone.

Punk is on a knee, nearly back on his feet, when Shelley hits a superkick with jaw-shattering force and Punk collapses to the mat where Shelley pins him:

1


2


Punk gets his shoulder off the ground and Shelley grabs the arm, trying to lock his opponent in a border city stretch but the savvy Chicago-native out-maneuvers Shelley and manages to get him into a pinning predicament:

1

Shelley pops his shoulders off the mat then works his way back up, but Punk beats him to his feet and nearly decapitates Shelley with a vicious roundhouse kick to the temple that may have very well knocked the former United States Champion out cold. The former World Champion drops on top and hopes that was enough to get him the victory.

1


2

Kick out! Punk gets to his feet and grabs a handful of Shelleu’s mohawk to force him up to. Punk lifts Shelley into the air then plants him back down to the mat with a falcon arrow. Punk walks gingerly over to the corner, sore from a hard fought match, but he carries on and slowly makes his way to the top. He raises both arms into the air, a tribute to a legend in the business, then dives off looking for the match-ending elbow drop but nobody’s home!

Punk lands on the mat hard, but Shelley isn’t about to ease up on him. Shelley takes Punk by the leg and pulls it back, subsequently forcing Punk to roll backwards onto his feet, then Shelley grabs him in a set up for the sliced bread and charges to the corner, but Punk shoves him chest-first into turnbuckle pads. Punk staggers a couple of steps backwards but isn’t about to let this offensive window pass. He charges at Shelley who suddenly springs back to life, intercepts Punk and drives him face-first into the middle turnbuckle with a reverse STO!

Shelley kicks Punk until he rolls out of the ring and lands with a thud on the outside, then he begins stomping the mat until the people catch on and begin clapping along. As a wounded Punk uses what energy he has left to get back up to his feet, Shelley runs towards the opposite side of the ride in preparation for a suicide dive, but Punk sees it coming and drives his forearm into the top of Shelley’s skull before he could go flying out of the ring. Punk gets onto the apron where Shelley goes for the attack, but gets hit with a kick to the head for his trouble.

Punk tries to step through the middle rope to reenter the ring only for Shelley to kick the rope and while Punk is paralyzed by pain, Shelley springboards off the adjacent middle rope and nails Punk with a triangle dropkick! Shelley doesn’t bother hyping up the crowd this time and goes for broke with a suicide dive that connects this time!

The Ref begins a ten-count while the fans down him out by making it know just how much they’re enjoying this match with their fervent chants of “This is awesome!”

2

Shelley and Punk both have yet to move, exhausted from what has proven to be a grueling rematch that neither one came into with intentions to lose.

3


4


The two men begin to stir finally, and slowly, but surely start making their way back over to the ring on hands and knees.

5


Punk and Shelley use the ring apron to get them back on a standing base and start trade stiff shots to the face, oblivious to The Ref’s counting.

6

Shelley nails Punk with a hard forearm to the face.

7

Punk returns the favor with a mean spinning backfist.

8

Things finally break down and these two just lay into each other with rapid strikes.

9  

They suddenly stop hitting each other, exchange a look then dive under the ropes just before the count of ten to the delight of the crowd who cheer loudly. Punk and Shelley go back to where they left off, trading punches and elbows and forearms (oh my!) while they slowly rise up back to their feet. Shelley throws a particularly wild punch that Punk blocks, then he quickly takes out Shelley’s legs from under him and after a struggle he locks in the Anaconda Vice!

Things are looking dire for Shelley who came into the match with so much to prove, but is moments away from giving Punk the last laugh. Trapped in the middle of the ring, whether or not Shelley has it in him to get over to the ropes is a big question that we may receive an answer to soon as Punk puts everything he has into this submission looking to end this bout with a decisive tap out.

Shelley forsakes the ropes for the time being, choosing instead to go the aggressive route in escaping this predicament by driving his right knee into Punk and it nearly works but Punk is able to fight through the pain and lock the hold back in before Shelley could get away. Punk wisely shifts his body so that now when Shelley tries to knee him he comes up just short and that small move could be all it takes for the straight-edge superstar to pick up a big win.

With no other choice, Shelley finds an alternative use for his legs, opting to push his way over to the ropes, but he’s not just moving himself, but Punks 220 pound frame as well and every inch Shelley is able to move the two must no doubt sap a ton of energy from him. Despite that, he continues to make his way over to the ropes, and is finally just barely able to get his ankle over the bottom rope to successfully break the submission.

The Ref forces Punk to break the hold and Punk slumps to the mat because after putting everything he had left into that Vice it’s now a question of if he has it in him to fight for another second. The crowd breaks out into a nearly deafening dueling chant of “let’s go, Shelley” and “CM Punk!” showing that support is nearly even and that they’ll be happy no matter who wins, though a little disappointed that the match comes to a close.

Shelley is nearly on his feet and Punk pulls him the rest of the way up then shoots him across the ring with an irish whip. Punk goes for  a back body drop that Shelley’s able to revrse into a sunset flip:

1


2


Punk is able to force Shelley down onto the mat:


1


2

Shelley turns the pin back to his favor and now it’s Punk who’s in trouble:


1

2

Punk sandwiches Shelley’s head between his legs breaking up the pin. Punk gets up and runs only to get scooped up by Shelley who hits an atomic drop, follows that up with an ezuigiri, and while Punk is still dazed on his feet,  Shelley sets him up for a suplex, crosses Punk’s legs, screams out 2-k-1 before driving Punk into the mat with the brainbuster. Shelley decides not to go for the pin, and walks over to the corner and makes his way up.

Shelley leaps into the air, knees raised to his chest as he gets ready to hit a double foot stomp , but misses as Punk slyly rolls out of the way and then out onto the apron. Shelley rolls back onto his feet and charges at Punk who again hits a roundhouse kick from his position on the apron. Shelley staggers back and Punk learns from his mistake last time and takes the high road by springboarding off the top rope and hitting a big clothesline.

Punk brings his hands together and places his head down gently on the back of his hand letting the world know what his intentions are. He tries to get Shelley onto his shoulders, but Shelley slips behind and gets Punk in an inverted facelock as if he were going for Cross Rhodes, but instead, he rolls over so that he’s in front of Punk and he makes a beeline for the corner so that he can hit sliced bread, but Punk shifts his body so that Shelley lands across his shoulders and moments later he’s able to hit a vicious Go to Sleep!


1




2




3

Breakdown returns from commercials and we’re taken backstage. We see an interviewer and he clears his throat. Moments later someone walks up to him. It appears to be none other than Stone Cold Steve Austin. He stares at the interviewer as the interviewer speaks



Todd Pettengill
Yes, Ladies and Gentleman I’m here with Stone Cold Steve Austin. Steve, I was wondering, could I get your thoughts on your match tonight with Shawn Michaels?

Austin pauses and stares at Todd for a few minutes not saying a word. He clears his throat to which Todd raises the mic towards him as Steve begins to speak



{Steve Austin}
So what you’re saying Todd is you want my thoughts on my match later tonight with Shawn Michaels

Crowd
What?!

{Steve Austin}
The Showstoppa

Crowd
What?!

{Steve Austin}
The icon

Crowd
What?!

{Steve Austin}
The Main Event

Crowd
What?!

{Steve Austin}
Mr. Final Stand

Crowd
What?!

{Steve Austin}
Well, ya see son, it’s quite simple. Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels go waaaay back. To a little ole company called the World Wrestling Federation. Shawn, Shawn and I have had what many would call classics. We know what each other are gonna do before we do it. Much like a Hollywood pretty boy named The Rock, Shawn and I know how to get the best out of each other. So when I step into that ring. One things for sure. It’s gonna be one helluva fight and there ain’t no if’s and’s or but’s about it.

He pauses and clears his throat before speaking

{Steve Austin}
We’ve seen it all and we’ve done it all in this business. He’s a former Intercontinental Champion and one of THE best in the business next to Stone Cold Steve Austin. So now you wanna know my thoughts? Well I think it’s pretty simple. Two men are gonna step on into that ring. Look each other in their eyes and they’re gonna fight. But when it’s all said and done there’s only one person who’s coming out on top and you’re looking at him jack!

Todd interrupts him and speaks



Todd Pettengill
What do you have to say about what The Rock said and more importantly where does Stone Cold go from here?

Austin lightly laughs and snatches the mic. He looks square into the camera and speaks



{Steve Austin}]
What am I supposed to say Todd. Are you expecting me to come out here and whine, and piss, and moan, and cry. That Rocky called Stone Cold some names? Am I supposed to be impressed that he went on down to Hollywood and made himself famous by doing some stupid movies? EH EH! There’s only one thing Stone Cold Steve Austin has in his mind that is a way to make you famous. Stepping on into this ring, standing across from THE best in the business, and fighting till ya can’t fight no more. So I’ll be damned if I let some Hollywood jackass try and stop me from doing that. He may have beat me in the middle of that ring 1, 2, 3 but, just because I was down don’t mean I’m out. As far as I’m concerned. He can take his movies, turn them some bitches sideway, and shove em where the son don’t shine.

He pauses and speaks for a final time

{Steve Austin}
Now you’re sitting there in your fancy little suit. You got your nice ole black tie and your shoes all shined up real nice and you wanna know what Stone Cold’s gonna do next? The only thing I know how. Step on into that ring, stomp some mudholes, and walk ‘em dry. Everybody in the back better have eyes in the back of their damn heads because when I strike ya won’t see it comin’ and that’s the bottom line ‘cause Stone Cold said so!

As Austin finishes we focus on him staring deep into the camera as we fade to black