Chapter 52 is here folks and it is time for the World Cup Tournament to begin! I am so happy that we got here. Also, yes, I am still having the name of the event be called Crown Jewel. But I am not having it in Saudi Arabia.
Nothing against the civilians of the country, but their government run by a tyrannical murdering psycho who murders innocent people and starves millions of children. Fuck that guy and I hope he burns in hell. So, yeah, I am having this in London, England. Thanks again to theXman99 for suggesting it and hope everyone is ready for the tournament to begin.
I worked hard on this and it took me a while to pick out the right wrestlers to fight each other. I already had an idea who the final eight should be. So just getting there was a challenge. However, here we are and it is time for history to be made…if only WWE was smart enough to use their own wrestlers to do this better than what we got last year.
Hell, they have a lot of international wrestlers on their roster. They could have made this work and put over their own talent. But nope, Vince didn't give a shit and fucked them all over. So, all we have is just a dream.
Also, not looking forward to TLC…seriously how do you go from having an amazing buildup to Survivor Series to going back to the same old shit.
All right, well with what being said we should get started with the disclaimer. I don't own anything from WWE. I only own my OC Ruby Takashi. Although, let's be honest do they own the people themselves? Probably not.
Still, better safe than sorry. Now, let the chapter begin.
World Cup Tournament begins
SmackDown 10/9/18
The show opens in Indianapolis, Indiana and the World Cup tournament has begun. Last night on Monday Night Raw for the next three-hours they showed all eight matches of the first round in the tournament. It was an amazing night with the ring being given an upgraded look so it can match the World Cup theme. And the tournament did not disappoint.
The first match has Seth Rollins defeating Fénix in a great one-on-one match as the opener of the show. The next match has Douglas Williams defeating Taiji Ishimori in a great technical match where the veteran Douglas got the win for the UK team. Hiroshi Tanahashi got the win against Drago in the third round and the three matches alone were enough to get fans invested in the tournament.
Kazuchika Okada went one-on-one with BT Gunn and ended up with Okada getting the win with a Rainmaker. Austin Aries defeated Grado who surprised the crowd with his debut. Grado did his best against Aries, but Aries resorted to cheating in order to beat Grado. Pete Dunne went up against Texano Jr. and managed to get the win after a long physical match.
Speaking of physical, Brian Cage went up against Shawn Hernandez where both Hoss men beat the hell out of each other. Each trying to get the win over the other but in the end the terminator Brian Cage got the win. The final match has El Desperado going up against Pentagon Jr in a great lucha match with the crowd cheering both men in. In the end, Pentagon got the win and moves on to the next round in the tournament.
But tonight, it is time for the other half of the tournament to begin and it was going to be a long three-hour special. It kicked off with Mikey Whiplash going one-on-one with the leader of the Undisputed Era, Adam Cole. This was a great one-on-one match with both men looking to get the win over the other. Even had Mikey coming close to getting the win until Adam Cole managed to counter Mikey's attempt at his finisher and gets the win.
The next match has Laredo Kid going up against Jay White one-on-one in a great fast paced match between the two men. The crowd enjoyed seeing the two men going at it with Jay White representing the Bullet Club and the fans chanting 'Too Sweet' repeatedly. Jay White got the win and now goes on to the next round.
The next match has Wolfgang going up against the arrival of Joe Hendry who came out with his own custom theme song. One where he is making fun of Wolfgang and the crowd having some fun. However, Joe didn't have time to laugh for long as Wolfgang beats him down. Until Joe Hendry surprises Wolfgang and gets a Roll-up win the match and go on to the next round.
The fourth match has Zach Sabre Jr. going up against the legendary Blue Demon Jr. Both men showing respect to one another and the crowd showing respect to the legendary Blue Demon Jr. It was a back and forth match with Zach Sabre Jr. showing what he can do against the legend himself. Zach Sabre Jr. got the win and now goes on to the next round of the tournament.
Backstage
Ruby Takashi is in the back after being told she would be in the main event for the final match in the tournament. So far, its been going amazingly with the crowd enjoying every bit of the match. Due to the whole show focusing on the tournament the roster didn't have much to do. All except the few SmackDown members showing up to buildup next week's SmackDown 1000th episode. A huge moment for SmackDown, especially the matches set up for the show.
Christopher Daniels challenging Brock Lesnar to regain his WWE title and walk out with his title. The other match has Becky Lynch defending her SmackDown Women's Championship against Charlotte Flair in a Submission match. Frankie Kazarian challenging Shinsuke Nakamura for the United States title in a no disqualification and no count-out match. And the SmackDown Tag Team titles with the Authors of Pain going up against the Bar and Sanity in a three-way Street Fight match.
They also announced the participants who didn't make it to the next round of the tournament will be given a chance to show up next week. All for a special tag team match.
For now, though, Ruby is getting ready for her match. She knew who she is going up against and couldn't wait for this match, especially if she wins then she will get a chance to perhaps add some gold around her waist. If all goes according to plan. For now, though, she needs to win.
As she gets ready, she sees Shane McMahon coming into the room. "Hey Ruby, you got a second?"
Ruby sighed softly as she nods in response. "Make it quick please. I need to get ready for my match."
Shane understood and gets right into it. "Listen, this tournament is really important to my dad. Its our chance to show everyone that WWE is without question the best in the world. Now yes, we have the money and power, but winning this tournament would give us complete bragging rights. And we'd be shoving this in the face of all these companies."
Ruby turns to Shane while stretching her arms and sighed. "I figured there was a reason for this. I just figured doing this would draw in ratings and make you guys money."
"Well, yeah but of course being able to brag how we are the best after this would be nice too. However, that's only if we win," said Shane knowing they have no control over the matches.
They all set the time and whenever their own talent is in the ring with non-WWE talent then they have to use non-WWE referees. This means the odds of them having any of their own make it to the finals is based off of whoever gets the win.
"That's why I want you to guarantee me you will not only win this upcoming match but you also win the whole tournament if the others lose. Understand?" Shane asked hoping Ruby will give him no doubt she will win.
Ruby turns to see how serious Shane is about this and begins sighing. "I don't plan to lose to anyone in this tournament. I'm in it not for WWE or loyalty to the company…but to prove to everyone why I am the damn best in the world. I will not let anyone take this away from me."
She then grabs her vest and puts it on. "I will win and that's not a promise it's a damn guarantee."
Ruby soon begins to leave while Shane looks on knowing she will do all she can to win. No matter what or who gets in her way.
Later
The show continued with Lionheart going up against Hirooki Goto one-on-one. With the crowd getting behind Lionheart against the veteran Hirooki Goto. The two men went back and forth as they got the crowd into the match with both men getting close to the finish. Lionheart got the win after countering Hirooki's finisher and hits the Frog Splash from the top rope as he goes on to the next round.
The sixth match has Velveteen Dream going up against Will Ospreay as the two young men begin going at it fast with the crowd behind them both. Both men countered one another and even countered their attempts for their finishers. Velveteen Dream got the win after countering Will Ospreay's finisher. The two men shook hands and Dream raised Will's hand before the two men head to the back showing their respect for the other.
There were more video packages being shown for next week's SmackDown 1000th episode. While Baron Corbin came out complaining how he isn't in the tournament and he feels cheated. He demands to be put in the next match and demands Chad Gable to step down. Gable came out and refuses to leave the tournament while telling Corbin he needs to accept the loss.
Corbin didn't like this and attacked Gable until Kota Ibushi came out. The two men took out Baron Corbin before the two opponents can focus on their match. The crowd got behind Gable and Kota as both men went back and forth. Countering one another and coming close to getting the win, until Baron Corbin came out to try costing both men the match.
However, Gable managed to take him to the outside. This though allowed Kota Ibushi to get the win and goes on to the next round. Kota and Gable shook hands showing their respect for one another. All while Gable vows to get his hands-on Corbin when they return to Raw.
*I Burn* begins to play as Ruby Takashi came out getting a great reaction from the crowd. Ruby got on one knee on the entrance stage and placed her hand on the stage. She then lifts her hood and howls loudly before she begins heading to the ring.
"The following contest is the final match of the first round of the World Cup Tournament and it is set for one-fall!" Greg Hamilton announced as the crowd cheered loudly. "Introducing first, from Tokyo, Japan, she is the Wolf of the Rising Sun and the Empress of Japan…RUBY TAKASHI!"
Ruby makes her way up the steps and gets to the top rope as she howls loudly. She poses on the top rope before she leaps down and gets in the middle of the ring. She begins taking off her jacket and begins getting things ready. All while looking forward to the match, while looking forward to her opponent.
The crowd look on wondering who the opponent is going to be and who will be the one representing the United Kingdom group in this tournament.
* The Gilded Warrior* begins to play by Retro Shred ft Diego Sanjorge as the crowd cheered when they saw who the opponent is. They saw it's the former TNA World Champion, two-time TNA World Tag Team Champion, one-time IWGP Tag Team Champion, and the former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Nick Aldis.
Nick comes out with the crowd giving him a good reaction as he heads towards the ring. Ruby was happy to see who her opponent is and has been looking forward to facing the former world champion who will get his rematch for the title against Cody in 12 days for the 70th Anniversary show. Oh, she does hope he does win the title back so she can win the title from him. She just hopes Mickie James won't mind her taking the title from her husband.
Nick enters the ring and poses as the crowd cheers for him before he turns to Ruby while getting ready to fight her. The two get ready as the referee checks them both before they get started. The match they have been told is a 15-minute time-limit match so they have time. Soon the match began as the two competitors begin going at it.
The two begin circling around the ring before they lock up with Nick grabbing Ruby's left arm as he wrenches it. Ruby flips over and then kicks up before rolling backwards and reverses the hold. Normally, Ruby would take her time with this match but since there is a time-limit she needed to end it soon. Nick though reverses the hold and wrenched the arm before trying to get her in a headlock.
Ruby though managed to get freed of the hold as she falls down then gets him in an Inside-Cradle pin getting one…two…but Nick kicked out. Ruby gets up and Nick gets her in his own Inside-Cradle getting one…two…but Ruby kicked out. Nick gets up and Ruby trips him as she goes for the cover getting one but Nick kicked out. Nick then trips her and goes for the pin only getting one.
The two then get up and get into a fighting stance but they stopped as the crowd cheers loudly. The crowd even applauded for the performance so far. Ruby and Nick smiled as they both nod. They both go to shake hands, but Nick kicks her in the gut then tries to Scoop Slam her.
Ruby though gets behind him and chops him in the chest causing him to back away. Ruby then whips him into the corner, but Nick reverses it. Ruby hits the corner but as he charges at Ruby gets both feet up hitting him in the face. Nick staggers back and Ruby grabs him before pushing him into the corner before she begins kicking him in the chest repeatedly as the referee gives her the five-count warning.
Ruby backs away and then whip him into the corner as she goes for a back Body Splash, but Nick moved out of the way and she hit the corner. Nick then begins hitting Ruby with some strikes to the gut, then to the face, and then a European Uppercut. Nick then begins kicking her repeatedly until she falls on the mat. Nick then begins choking her as the referee pushes him away and warns him not to choke her.
Nick understood and picks Ruby up before getting her against the ropes before he whips her to the ropes. Ruby hits it and ducks a Clothesline from Nick before she hits the ropes and hits a flying Forearm knocking him down. Ruby gets up and picks Nick up before whipping him to the ropes. Nick hits the ropes and Ruby goes for a Back Body Drop, but Nick stops in front of Ruby then grabs her hair before knocking her down to the mat.
Ruby though kicks up and hits a Headbutt to his mouth causing him to stagger back. Ruby grabs Nick's right arm then whips him into the corner before she runs over to hit a Corner Crossbody. She pushes him forward and then goes for a Crossbody. But Nick caught her and hits Powerslam!
Nick goes for the cover getting one…but Ruby got a shoulder up. Nick is quick to get a front Facelock as he tries forcing her to give up. He yells at her to give up while the referee checks on her to see if she wants to continue. Ruby refuses to give in and begins fighting back as she struggles to get up.
However, Nick drives his body down on her and keeps her from gaining any momentum. Nick soon picks up Ruby and hits her for a Fallaway Slam! Nick gets up as the crowd begins booing him. Nick though ignores them and begins going for another Fallaway Slam. Ruby however, begins fighting back as she drives her elbow to the side of his face forcing him to let her go.
Nick tries to kick her in the gut but Ruby caught his foot and brings her right elbow down on his left knee. She then hits a Dragon Screw Leg Whip knocking him down to the mat. Nick rolls to the outside as he checks on his injured leg. Ruby used this chance and hits the rope before she goes for a Suicide Dive.
Nick though moves out of the way and thinks he outsmarted her. However, Ruby lands on the apron figuring what he was going to do. Ruby then runs to the middle turnbuckle in the corner and flips over to hit a Moonsault landing on Nick. She takes him down and howls loudly as the fans cheered loudly as the show goes to commercial break.
*End of Commercial Break*
The show comes back with Ruby in the corner as Nick prepares to attack his opponent who is in the corner. Earlier, Nick knocked Ruby off the apron and she hit the back of her head. Since then Nick has taken control of the match and has tried wearing his opponent down. Nick has Ruby in the corner he begins running towards her and Ruby moved out of the way so he hits the corner.
Ruby goes to attack her but Nick hits her with an elbow to the side of her head. Nick then goes to the top rope for a big move, but Ruby leaps up and kicks him in the side of the head causing him to stagger. Ruby backs away, runs towards Nick, leaps up, and hits a Hurricarana! Ruby then goes to the top rope as she sees Nick slowly getting up and she leaps off to hit a Blockbuster!
Ruby then rolls him over and wraps her arms around his waist from behind before hitting him with a Rolling German Suplex! Ruby rolls him on his knees and hits a Superkick! Ruby then goes to the top rope and goes for the Frog Splash! Ruby goes for the cover getting one…two…but Nick kicked out!
The crowd cheered for Ruby as she begins slowly getting as she picks Nick up. However, Nick hits a European Uppercut causing Ruby to stagger away. Nick then hits a Clothesline taking her down before he picks her up and hits her up for a Piledriver! Nick then goes to the top rope as he prepares to go for a big top rope move.
Nick heads to the top rope and hits the Diving Elbow Drop! Nick goes for the cover getting one…two…but Ruby kicked out! Nick looks on shocked with what just happened and couldn't believe he didn't get the win. Nick shook his head though and refuses to let this match end this way.
So, he picks her up and begins preparing for another Piledriver, but then Ruby lifts him up and goes for the TKO. Nick though gets behind her and hits the back of her head before he lifts her up on his shoulder. Ruby though begins reversing it and goes for the TKO again! But Nick gets behind her once more, grabs her legs, trips her back, and locks in the King's Cloverfeal submission hold trying to make her tap out.
Ruby screams as she feels so much pain flowing through her back as she struggles to get to the ropes. Nick leans back tightening his hold on her back as he goes to sit down to put more pressure. However, Ruby refuses to give in and slowly crawls over to the ropes. The fans cheer for Ruby loudly and don't want her to tap out. Ruby managed to finally get to the ropes and the fans cheered loudly as the referee forces Nick to break the hold.
Nick breaks the hold and looks annoyed that he didn't get the win. So, he decides to end this one more time. So, he pulls Ruby off the ropes and lifts her up for a Powerbomb. He hits it and goes to the top rope one more time to finish this.
Nick goes to the top and leaps off, but Ruby moved out of the way and he injures his elbow. Ruby gets up and delivers a Superkick! Nick staggers but he isn't down. Ruby hits another Superkick causing her to hit the ropes before staggering back to her.
Ruby lifts her up and hits her with the TKO! Ruby though isn't done as she goes to the top rope then hits a Phoenix Splash! Ruby goes for the cover getting one…two…and three! The crowd popped loudly as Ruby won the match and is now going on to the second round of the World Cup Tournament.
Ruby is being checked on by the official and makes sure she is okay. Ruby lets the referee she is fine and slowly began getting up. Ruby gets up on her feet slowly and on her own as she gets her hand raised. The crowd cheered loudly for her as Ruby begins smiling a little while wincing a little in pain.
She knew she earned this win and now has 24 hours to get plenty of rest before her next match. She looks over to see Nick getting up as he rubs his chin where he got kicked. Nick turns to Ruby and she extended her hand to him. Nick at first hesitated and didn't seem to want to shake her hand.
But, he knew he wasn't just representing himself. He also represents the United Kingdom and has to do the right thing. So, he took her hand and begins shaking it as the fans cheered the two competitors. Nick soon begins leaving the ring so Ruby can celebrate her win.
Ruby is glad to know Nick is okay with the loss and now the two are in good terms. Ruby begins celebrating her win, but she knew this is just the beginning. She has to compete in one more match tomorrow, then to the semi-finals, and then make it to the finals to win the whole thing. So, she better gets ready because tomorrow her night is going to be a long one.
NXT 10/10/18
The show opened at the Full Sail University arena in Winter Park, Florida. The show kicks off with Tommaso Ciampa kicking off the show to talk about Velveteen Dream's accusation about being behind the attack on Aleister Black. Ciampa concluded that Dream invoked his name to get the attention of the champion and not because he believes Ciampa attacked Aleister Black, but to get a title shot. Velveteen Dream came out claiming the NXT Championship title deserves a true experience and not a guilt trip from Ciampa.
Ciampa suggested Dream might not be tough enough to take his title and to fight him. Dream insisted that all he needs is an opportunity to prove Ciampa wrong. Dream even vows to prove him wrong when he beats Lionheart and goes on to win the World Cup tournament. It was then that Nikki Cross crashed the party and even spoke how she knows who attacked Aleister Black.
This caused the two men to claim they know the other did it. All while Nikki left the ring and through the crowd while everyone wonders if she really knows who attacked Aleister Black.
The show soon continued with the second round of the World Cup tournament. Seth Rollins going one-on-one with Douglas Williams. Both men started off slowly while the crowd cheered for both men on. The two began building up the match as time passes on with the crowd getting more and more into the match.
The crowd cheered for both men as they began countering one another. Douglas even surprised everyone when he hit his old Chaos Theory (Rolling German Suplex) on the outside to Seth. Douglas goes for the finish of the match but Seth hits the V-Trigger and then a Superkick knocking him down. Seth then hits the Curb Stomp and wins the match!
Rollins returns to NXT with a big win and now goes on to the third round of the World Cup Tournament. Only this time the rest of the matches will be at Crown Jewel. So, he has a week to get some rest before competing in the last two matches he needs to be called Best in the World.
The second match of the night has Austin Aries going up against the former longest-reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada. Aries brags how he will not only defeat Okada but he will also prove why he is the greatest in the world. The two men go right at it with Okada taking control of the match early on. However, Aries took control and managed to injure his left arm.
Aries focused on injuring the left arm and focused on trying to beat him in the match. Even throwing him into the steel post. The crowd booed loudly at Aries who didn't seem to care about them booing at him. Aries though didn't stop and keeps injuring the arm so he can't hit the Rainmaker.
However, Okada took control of the match and begins fighting back. Okada gains momentum and begins setting up for the Rainmaker. Aries though counters and even locks in the Last Chancery as he further injures the arm. Okada though keeps fighting back and managed to break the hold.
Okada hits the Rainmaker but he used his injured arm and couldn't get the win. Aries managed to hit the Brainbuster DDT but he couldn't get the win after Okada kicked out. Aries goes for it again, but Okada countered and gets an Inside-Cradle and gets the win. Aries looks on shocked with the win and couldn't believe Okada defeated him.
Okada now moves on to the next round and hopefully with him getting time off he'll use that chance to recover from his injured arm. That was until Aries attacked him from behind then placed his arm in a chair. Aries then begins hitting his injured arm repeatedly with the chair before Aries stops. Aries gets booed by the crowd as he walks out and mocks the crowd, while Okada is helped to the back.
Hiroshi Tanahashi going one-on-one with Lionheart. The crowd showed their respect for both men and cheered them on as the crowd got ready for the match. Both men started off fast and began hitting some of their best moves on the other as they tried to get a quick victory so they can get through this match and get ready for Crown Jewel. However, that was easier said than done.
Both men kept countering one another and even avoiding their finishers. Hiroshi though managed to hit his and nearly got the win but Lionheart kicked out and keeps on fighting. Refusing to lose and wanting to prove he can win this. Lionheart soon surprises Hiroshi with the Superkick causing his opponent to stagger back. Lionheart then hits the Rock Bottom and then hits the Frog Splash getting the win.
Lionheart gets a big pop from the crowd and has his hand raised. After the match, Hiroshi Tanahashi shakes his hands and gives him the respect he deserves. Hiroshi even raises his hands and lets him have his moment. Lionheart knows that soon at Crown Jewel he will go one-on-one with whoever wins the next match.
The next match has the NXT United Kingdom Champion, Pete Dunne going up against Pentagon Jr. A dream match that everyone has been wanting to see and now have a chance to see it. Both This was a physical match between the two men where Dunne and Pentagon tried injuring the other's arms. Even hitting each other with their best moves and countering one another.
It got to the point the two men even brawled on the outside. Thanks to the rules of the matches where there is no disqualification and no count-out, the two men took advantage of this. They even took out weapons, which were used to help them tear each other apart. It got to the point that both men even hit their finishers and yet they couldn't put the other away.
Dunne came close to getting the win after he hit the Bitter End but couldn't get to the cover in time and Pentagon kicked out. Dunne got him on the top rope and goes for the finish, but Pentagon managed to kick him causing him to stagger. Pentagon soon hit Dunne with the Fear Factor from the top rope! Pentagon goes for the cover but Dunne kicked out!
Pentagon began lifting Dunne who ended up slapping him in the face and then snaps his fingers. Pentagon yells in pain but also got pissed as he kicks Dunne in the face and then hits him with the Package Piledriver! Pentagon goes for the cover and gets the win. Pentagon gets the huge win and now goes on to the next round where he will fight Lionheart.
Backstage
Ruby is in the back as she gets ready for her upcoming match against Kota Ibushi. She knew she is going to have a big challenge tonight. Kota isn't someone she knows that will go down so easily. The two have faced off against one another in the past, especially in tag team matches. But she knows she must get through him in order to make it to the final eight.
She knows it won't be easy but she is confident she'll be able to win. She had hoped to also see Kairi here but she's spending time with her family before they take off for the weekend to see Ruby's parents. So, she needs to finish her match tonight and get to her flight. As she gets ready she sees Shanya Baszler coming into the room without her buddies.
"You lost?" Ruby asked as she ignores her and focuses on getting her gloves on.
Shanya shook her head and begins to speak. "I just came so you can give your little fiancé a message for me. You tell her to shine up my title real nice because come Evolution I will take it back. One way or another. It will come back to me. And if you try getting in my way I will make you pay for it."
Ruby begins chuckling softly as she rolled her eyes. "Oh, Shanya. You really think I'm like one of the girls you have been beating up huh? If you really think so…" she picks up a nearby steel chair and hands it to her. "Then go on. Take your best shot. Beating the hell out of me would indeed help you send a better message than with words. Here, I'll even do you a favor."
Ruby turns her back to Shanya and spreads her arms out. "I'll even let you knock me out with your chokehold. Although, I should warn you. If you fail to take me down completely with the chair or the chokehold…" Ruby begins popping her neck before she spoke in a calm but threatening tone. "Then bitch not only will you not make it to Evolution…but you won't walk out of this room in one piece."
Shanya held the chair in her hand had every intend on using it on her. She planned to hit her with the chair or hell even choke her out. She knew her buddies aren't here and could easily do it. However, she knows Ruby isn't a pushover.
She went to war with Brock Lesnar and managed to make him tap out. A rare thing to do against the Beast. Plus, she was a little concerned she might actually get injured if Ruby has it her way. If she does then she'll lose her title shot.
So, she drops the title and turns Ruby around to face her. "Just stay out of my way and no one gets hurt."
Shanya soon begins to leave and head to her locker room. Ruby just scoffed and shook her head before she took the chair and sets it down so she can sit on it. "That's what I thought, bitch."
Later
The show continued with Adam Cole going up against Zach Sabre Jr. one-on-one. Adam Cole began taking control of the match early on as he went to injure Zach's right leg. This gave him the early advantage as he tries to wear him down. However, Zach wasn't going down so easily and managed to take back control.
The two men went back and forth as they fought to get the win over the other. However, neither man could get the secured win. The Undisputed Era members came out to try to help out their partner but end up getting into a fight with Grado, Douglas Williams, and BT Gunn. The brawl distracted the referee who didn't see Zach getting the win.
Adam Cole took advantage and hits the Superkick then the Shining Wizard to the back of the head as he got the win. Cole walks out of the match with his team and make it to the third round of the tournament.
The next match has Jay White going up against Joe Hendry one-on-one. Joe Hendry once again made a music video where he makes fun of Jay White and the Bullet Club. Something that didn't sit well with Jay White as he came out and began beating him down. However, Joe Hendry wasn't a pushover and began fighting back.
It soon became a back and forth match where both men tried beating the other down. To the point they countered their best moves on the other. Until Jay White managed to injure Joe's left knee and gets the win with the Blade Runner to get the win. Now, Jay White will face off against Adam Cole in the next round and the crowd are looking forward to it.
The seventh match has Velveteen Dream going up against Brian Cage one-on-one. This was a slow-paced match at first with the crowd getting behind both competitors. However, it soon turned when Brian began dominating the match and take control. It soon turned to the underdog trying to overcome the monster.
They soon fought on the outside where Brian hit Dream with a Powerslam on the floor. Brian takes him to the announce table where he began preparing to take him out. Until, Dream surprises Brian, lifts him up, and then hits a Rolling Death Valley Driver on the announce table! The crowd popped for this and began believing the Dream can win this.
Dream got him in the ring and as he prepared to finish this with the Diving Elbow Drop, Tommaso Ciampa's theme song began to play. This distraction caused him to miss his chance to hit his finisher and goes for a Crossbody. Brian caught him and placed him on his shoulder before hitting the F-5! Brian goes for the cover and gets the win.
Brian though helps Velveteen Dream up on his feet and shakes hands with the young man. Even thanks him for the amazing match and encourages him to keep moving forward. Dream is thankful for this and the fans give both men a standing ovation. Soon Cage left the ring and the crowd cheered for Velveteen Dream.
Now, it was time for the next match. One that Ruby has been waiting for to compete in. *Golden Star* by Yomosuke Kitamura begins to play as Kota Ibushi came out to a great reaction from the crowd. It has been two years since Kota Ibushi had competed in WWE. He was happy to be back and to be able to face off against his opponent tonight.
"The following contest is the final match of the second round of the World Cup Tournament! And it is set for one-fall!" Kayla Braxton announced as Kota Ibushi heads towards the ring. "Introducing first, from Kagoshima Prefecture, weighing 205 pounds…KOTA IBUSHI!"
Kota gets in the ring and gets on the top rope as the fans cheer him on. Kota gets down to the ring and begins waiting for his opponent to come out.
*I Burn* begins to play as Ruby Takashi begins making her way out. She comes out on the entrance stage where she gets on one knee. The crowd cheers loudly for her as she places her hand on the stage. She then lifts her hood and howls loudly before she heads down to the ring.
"And introducing his opponent. From Tokyo, Japan, she is the Wolf of the Rising Sun and the Empress of Japan…RUBY TAKASHI!" Kayla Braxton announced as she begins leaving the ring.
Ruby gets on the top rope and howls loudly before she turns to her opponent. Ruby gets down to the ring and hands her gear to the ringside official. The referee for the match is an official from the UK who Ruby recognized from ICW. He begins letting them know this is a 15-minute match and to keep it clean, so it won't be as crazy as the other matches.
Ruby has no problem with this and shook Kota's hand before the two back away. The referee calls for the bell and the match begin.
Ruby and Kota come in for a lockup as both try pushing the other against the ropes. The crowd chanted for both competitors as they try pushing the other back. But Kota managed to push Ruby against the ropes and backs backing away as he breaks the hold. He then kicks Ruby in the chest before he whips her against the ropes.
Ruby reverses it and throws him into the ropes but Kota managed to kick her in the face causing her to get sent to the outside. Kota gets the crowd going and begins running to the ropes before he leaps on the top rope and then flips over to hit a Moonsault landing on Ruby! The crowd popped as they begin chanting for Kota Ibushi. Kota grabs Ruby and throws her back into the ring.
Kota gets on the apron and gets back in the ring before Ruby gets up then kicks her opponent with her own hard kick. Kota is knocked through the ropes to the outside. Ruby hits the ropes and then runs towards her opponent as she hits a Suicide Dive! Ruby howls loudly as the fans cheered loudly for her before she picks him up then throws him into the ropes.
Ruby gets in the ring as she goes for the cover getting one…but Kota got a shoulder up. Ruby sighed as she gets up and picks him up before pushes her back then kicks her in the chest knocking her back. Ruby screams and kicks him right back harder. Kota screams as he kicks her back harder too.
The two begin kicking one another until they begin going for punches as the fans cheered loudly for both competitors. Until Ruby hits him with a Headbutt to the mouth causing him to stagger. Ruby hits the ropes, ducks a Clothesline, and hits him with a Head Scissors causing him to flip over then roll to his corner. Ruby kicks up and howls loudly as she runs towards her opponent.
Kota brings both feet up and kicks her in the chest knocking her away. Kota gets to the top rope and leaps off to hit a Missile Dropkick knocking Ruby down. Kota goes for the cover getting one…two…but Ruby kicked out. The crowd cheered and chanted for both competitors as Kota begins lifting Ruby up.
Kota kicks Ruby in the left leg then delivers a straight punch to the face. Kota then goes for a kick to the chest and then two more before Ruby gets knocked down as she gets to her corner. Kota then begins running towards her but Ruby ducks and sends him over the top rope. Kota lands on the apron as Ruby hits a Pele Kick causing him to stagger on the apron.
Ruby jumps on the middle rope and hits a Springboard Tornado DDT on the apron! The crowd popped when Ruby did this and the referee checks on Kota Ibushi. Ruby knows Kota has had neck problems before and went for the big move to see if she can take him down this way. Ruby howls begins getting up as she sees her opponent is down.
Ruby grabs Kota and throws him on the apron. She gets on the apron and makes sure he is laying on the apron on his belly. She then runs over and hits a Back Senton on Kota! Ruby pulls him back into the ring as she goes for the cover getting one…two…but Kota kicked out!
Ruby gets a headlock in as she begins wearing him down. Trying to weaken her opponent as she wrenches on the neck. Ruby knew she has to keep Kota down and not let him get back up. Kota though isn't going down so easily as he begins fighting back and even began getting her up as he tries to hit a Scoop Slam but Ruby held on to his neck and brought him back down. The crowd begin chanting for Kota and even managed to get him back up as he begins fighting back.
Kota drives his elbow into Ruby's gut and begins forcing her to break the headlock hold. He then hits the ropes but Ruby hits a Roundhouse Kick knocking him down as she goes for the cover getting one…two…but Kota kicked out! Ruby begins getting up as she sees Kota slowly going into the corner. Ruby runs over and hits a Corner Crossbody!
Ruby pushes him forward and then goes for a Blockbuster, but Kota countered with a Dropkick taking her down. The crowd cheered for the move as they begin chanting for both competitors. Kota slowly got up first as he sees Ruby getting up as well. Ruby runs at him but Kota hits her with a Snapped Powerslam and then jumps on the middle rope before flipping over for a Moonsault!
Kota goes for the cover getting one…two…but Ruby got a shoulder up. Kota rubs the back of his neck as he tries to shake off the pain and get back in the match. Kota sees Ruby getting up as he slaps her, chops her chest, and then a kick to the gut causing her to fall on both knees. Kota goes for the kick to the chest, but Ruby falls backwards to avoid the kick.
Kota saw this coming and goes for a Standing Moonsault, but Ruby saw it coming and got her knees up. Ruby then hits the ropes before hitting a Clothesline to the back of his head. Ruby goes to the top rope and begins setting things up for the Blockbuster. Ruby jumps and hits the move before rolling him over so she can wrap her arms around his waist from behind.
Ruby pushes him into the corner and hits the Rolling German Suplex! Ruby then gets him on his knees, hits a Superkick, and goes for the cover instead of going for the Frog Splash. Ruby gets one…two…but Kota kicked out! Ruby pulls him near the corner before she begins setting things up for the Frog Splash.
Ruby goes to the top rope, but Kota gets up and kicks her to the side of the head causing her to fall on the top rope. Kota gets on the middle rope and turns Ruby around before he wraps his arms around her waist. Kota then hits a German Suplex from the top rope! Kota goes for the cover getting one…two…but Ruby kicked out!
Kota yells loudly as he begins getting up and grabs Ruby as begins setting up for a Powerbomb. But Ruby begins fighting back as she refuses to go up. But Kota begins kicking her in the head knocking her down before he goes for the Powerbomb. Kota lifts her up but Ruby managed to punch her opponent and cause him to drop her back down.
Ruby then grabs Kota and then hits the Canadian Destroyer! Ruby goes for the cover getting one…two…but Kota kicked out! Ruby couldn't believe she didn't get the win and he is still in this match. Ruby picks up Kota and yells at him as she lifts him up for the TKO!
However, Kota gets behind her and kicks her in the side of the head causing her to stagger back. Kota kicks Ruby again this time to the head knocking her down. Kota screams loudly as he pulls Ruby to the corner before he goes for the Phoenix Splash. Ruby rolls out of the way and Kota managed to roll over.
Ruby charges at him but Kota kicks her in the head and then picks her up to hit the Golden Star Powerbomb! Kota goes for the cover getting one…two…but Ruby just got a shoulder up! The crowd popped loudly and couldn't believe the match is still going. Kota looks on shocked that he didn't get the win and didn't hesitate as he picks her up then goes for it again.
Ruby though managed to fight back and even twist herself around so she can hit the Poisonrana! Ruby then picks up Kota and hits him with the TKO! Ruby though isn't done and begins setting him in the middle of the ring before she locks in the Muta Lock! Ruby tightens the hold and pulls his neck back as she tries to make him tap out.
Kota tries to pull himself to the ropes but Ruby has him in the middle of the right. She pulls on his neck harder and Kota couldn't get freed. Kota seeing no choice begins to tap out! The referee calls for the bell and Ruby wins the match!
The crowd cheered loudly as Ruby gets her hand raised by the referee. Ruby begins smiling as she looks around knowing she did it. She is now going on to Crown Jewel as one of the last eight competitors in the World Cup tournament. Ruby gets to her feet and has her hand raised as she celebrates her win.
The referee checks on Kota as he makes sure he is okay. Ruby sees Kota slowly being helped up and goes to check on him. She helps him to his feet and the two embraces in a hug. Kota knew he lost the match and he is okay with it because he lost to someone, he cares a lot about.
Ruby returns the hug and is happy to have had the chance to fight her friend again. Kota raises Ruby's hand before he begins leaving the ring to let her enjoy her moment. Ruby gets to the top rope as the fans continue cheering for her and even chant her name. Ruby knows at Crown Jewel she is going to have one hell of an opponent waiting for her.
She knows fighting Brian Cage will be a challenge, but he isn't the first big guy she has fought before. So, she'll get a chance to knock him down like she has done before. Only this time her win will help her make it to her last two opponents in the tournament. Whoever they are they will all fall before her.
And at Crown Jewel she will become the best in the world.
SmackDown 10/16/18
It was finally here. After 999 episodes and after 19 years, SmackDown has done it. It has reached its 1000th episode and it was a moment that no one thought would ever happen when it first started. But here it is and it opens with a video package of the first episode of SmackDown to showing some of the many great moments in history.
The video soon had many past voices of SmackDown commentators speaking and the pyro going off for the opening of every SmackDown show.
The video then showed Eddie Guerrero with Vince McMahon in Eddie's lowrider car and Eddie celebrating his WWE title win. It then showed the New Day doing their little dance on the entrance stage. It then showed Kane asking the Rock and Hollywood Hulk Hogan if they are ready. When Rock was about to speak, Kane interrupted him saying it didn't matter if he was ready.
It then showed Edge making fun of Kurt Angle when he still had some hair and even moments when he teamed with Christian when they did the five second pose. The video then showed when Stone Cold Steve Austin blew up the DX bus while the Corporation looked on in the ring. They even showed Arnold Schwarzenegger back slapping Triple H and knocking him down. They then showed the super market brawl between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Booker T.
They showed more moments of past SmackDown. All while even showing when John Cena made his debut in WWE, Brock Lesanr breaking the ring with Big Show, to Rey Mysterio leaping off the steel cage, the Undertaker attacking Kane, and even the 9/11 tribute. The video then showed Ruby Takashi, AJ Styles, Eddie Guerrero, Brock Lesnar, and Edge all being world champions before the video package ends. The show soon opens in Washington D.C. with the crowd cheering loudly as tonight it is going to be a historical three-hour special.
The show kicks off with the first match of the night. The Miz teaming up with Samoa Joe and Sanity against Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, and the New Day in a ten-man tag team match. The crowd popped for the match and couldn't wait for this match. It was a back and forth match as Bryan leads his team against the Miz's team.
Both men looking to gain momentum going into Crown Jewel and get a WWE title match whoever wins. The Miz's team took control after they clipped Kofi's right leg and began trying to wear him down. They kept control of the match and made sure Kofi couldn't tag in his partners. Even distracting the referee and even angering the other team so the referee will be forced to keep them from entering the ring.
AJ soon got the tag in and began running wild as he took down his opponents. AJ even took down Joe and began setting up for the Phenomenal Forearm. Until the Miz came in to distract him. Soon it turned into a brawl as all ten men begin going at it. Even hitting their finishers against each other.
Until it was down to Miz who made a blind tag to Joe and tries to hit the Skull-Crushing Finale. But Bryan hits the Running Knee and AJ hits the Styles Clash as he gets the win. Bryan, AJ, and the New Day begin celebrating their win as the fans cheered them on. Bryan knows this Sunday he has gained some momentum going into his upcoming match against Miz.
The next match has Shinsuke Nakamura facing off against Frankie Kazarian for the United States title in a no disqualification and no count-out match. The match went back and forth between the two men as they fought all around the ring and even on the outside. They took advantage of the no rules and no excuses for either one. They kept going back and forth with Nakamura taking control after he hit a low-blow.
Soon Nakamura began beating down Frankie and even targets his head. Trying to take out his biggest threat. The crowd cheered on for Frankie and wanted him to win the match. Nakamura though wasn't going to let that happen as he used a steel chair to beat his opponent down.
But Frankie managed to fight back and began hitting his comeback moves as he prepared to finish the match. Frankie goes for the finish as he hit the Fade to Black but he couldn't get the win when Nakamura got a foot on the ropes. Frankie goes for the finish again, but Nakamura hit another low-blow and then hit the Kinshasa! Nakamura goes for the cover getting one…two…but Frankie kicked out!
Nakamura couldn't believe it, and neither could the fans. Nakamura goes for it again but Frankie hits Nakamura with a low-blow! Frankie then hits Nakamura with the chair to the head and then hits the Fade to Black as he gets one…two…and three! Frankie Kazarian did it and has won the United States title.
The crowd popped as they begin chanting 'You Deserve It!' repeatedly while chanting his name. AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, and Beer Money came up as they begin celebrating their friends' win. As they begin celebrating *Dawn* begins to play as Ric Flair makes his way out getting a standing ovation. Ric Flair gets in the ring and celebrates Frankie's win as Fortune has been reunited here tonight.
All six men do the 'Fortune' fingers pose as the fans begin chanting Fortune repeatedly.
Backstage
The show continued with Ruby in the back as she prepares to go out for the final show before this Sunday. She knew this Sunday is going to be a big night for her. Not only is she going to compete in her last three matches of the World Cup Tournament but when she wins, she will be known as the best in the world. She knows it won't be easy, especially who she has to fight against, but she is looking forward to it.
She looks over to see the Authors of Pain going up against the Bar in a Street Fight tag team match for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship. It was a brawl as both teams began fighting on the outside and began fighting through the crowd. They even used every kind of weapon they could find in order to try winning the match.
However, neither team could get the win over the other. This kept on going until Cesaro and Sheamus took back control as they prepared to get the win. However, the Usos came out and attacked the Bar. This shocked the crowd as the Usos took down both members of the Bar before they put Cesaro through a table on the outside.
The Authors of Pain took advantage and put Sheamus through a table in the ring then got the win. The Authors of Pain get the huge win as they keep the titles while the Usos leave through the crowd satisfied with what they did.
Ruby knew this is not going to be the end of this fight and they will fight again. Whether it is this Sunday or next week. She then saw the Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, and Bayley match going up against the Riott Squad. This is a warm-up match for Charlotte, Sasha, and Bayley who hope to gain some momentum for their matches.
They knew they will be competing in an eight-women tag team match. They will team with Ember Moon to face off against the Lucha Knights, the Raw Women's Champion Ronda Rousey, and the SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch. If Charlotte's team wins then it will give them all momentum for their upcoming title match at Evolution. They all need it, especially to win the titles that await them.
The match ended with Charlotte making Sarah Logan tap out to the Figure-Eight and she celebrates with her team. Becky appeared on the titantron and began mocking Charlotte along with Sasha and Bayley for trusting the same woman who turned her back on them. Even used them to get what she wants until she threw them out like the garbage, she thinks they are. She then warns Sasha and Bayley if they get in her way, she will make them regret it.
She then vows she will beat Charlotte. That she is done being in her shadow and she will come out victorious this Sunday.
Ruby couldn't wait for that match and couldn't wait to see the kind of chaos that will come from it. As she prepares to leave she is stopped by Paige as she came into the room.
"Paige, how's it going?" Ruby asked as she gets her jacket on.
"Can't complain. How are things with you and Kairi?" Paige asked.
Ruby smiled a little and shrugs her shoulders. "We're doing pretty well. A little nervous for the wedding but then again it isn't as bad as you were when you got married with Karina."
Paige smiles a little and nods in response. "Oh, I wasn't the nervous one. It was all Karina."
Paige and Karina met years ago when the two wrestled in the UK. The two became friends even when Paige went to WWE. Karina stood by Paige's side even when she was in the toxic relationship with Alberto. Karina stood by her side and even got her to break up with Alberto after he hurt her.
Karina helped Paige recover and the two fell in love before they got married. Ruby was happy that WWE signed Karina so the two can spend time together now that she is on SmackDown. She knew Paige deserves to have her girl by her side, especially to help support her.
"Anyways, I came here to let you know its time. Remember, no physical contact with anyone and you guys are just there to go over the rules," said Paige reminding Ruby of the contract signing for everyone tonight.
They will all have a chance to go out, listen to the rules for Sunday, and will be able to talk. However, if anyone tries attacking the other then they will be removed from the tournament and the one they beat will take their place. So, they have to abide by the rules and make sure nothing screws this up.
"I know and don't worry I'll behave," said Ruby as she bumps hips with Paige. "At least until Sunday when I kick everyone's ass to win."
Paige giggled softly and nods in response. "Oh, I have no doubt you will. All of us girls are rooting for you and we hope you win."
Ruby nods as she gives Paige a hug. "Thanks, and when you see Karina tell her I said hi okay?"
Paige nods as she hugs her friend back. "I will and thank you."
Later
The show continued with another ten-man tag team match. Only this time it is going to be a special international match. On one side we have Rey Mysterio, Fenix, Laredo Kid, Drago, & Blue Demon Jr. versus Pete Dunne, Zach Sabre Jr, Douglas Williams, Nick Aldis, & Grado. The crowd cheered for both teams as they got a standing ovation.
Each team members managed to get some big moves in as they went back and forth against their opponents. It soon got to the point where they all even hit big dives to the outside. Until finally it was down to Rey Mysterio and Grado. Mysterio managed to hit the 619 and went for the pin. However, Nick managed to break the three count.
Soon a brawl broke out on the outside as Mysterio goes for another 619. Until Austin Aries came into the ring and took out Mysterio. This allowed Douglas Williams to make the tag and get the win with the Chaos Theory. The UK team wins and defeated the Lucha team.
However, after the match the UK team saw what happened and felt bad for how they got the win. Despite this though, Mysterio knew he lost and accepted it. So, all ten men shook hands and showed a good sportsmanship towards one another. The crowd cheered for both teams and were glad to see some respect among these men.
The next segment has Evolution making their return as a team and each member of the team got a chance to cut a promo. The crowd cheered for each men as the final man to talk is Batista. Batista made some funny jokes involving Flair and seem to be having a good time. Until he got to Triple H and appeared to be challenging him to a fight.
However, he never said it and all four men were able to have some fun in the end. Celebrating SmackDown's 1000th episode.
The final match of the night has Christopher Daniels going up against Hiroshi Tanahashi. This was a huge match for Daniels who needed to gain some momentum for his upcoming WWE title match. Earlier, Daniels was supposed to fight Brock for his title. However, Brock refused to show up and made it clear he'll get his title match at Crown Jewel.
So, to make up for him not showing up, Ronin brought in Hiroshi Tanahashi to take Brock's place. Daniels took this match and was told if he wins then will have his match against Brock. If he doesn't show up to fight him for the title, then Brock will be kicked out of SmackDown and be forced to surrender the WWE title. If he refuses, then he will be fired.
However, Tanahashi was not going to make it easy for Daniels. Tanahashi took control of the match and managed to wear down Daniels as he tries to keep him from winning. Daniels however, refuses to go down and begins making his comeback. Daniels comes close to winning the match until Brock's theme plays.
This distraction allowed Tanahashi to hit the Sling Blade then hits the Frog Splash getting the win. Daniels has lost the match, but the night isn't over yet. Brock soon came out with Paul Heyman holding the WWE title and began attacking Daniels until Hiroshi Tanahashi goes in for the save. Brock though took him down and began focusing on Daniels.
However, Daniels hits Brock with a low-blow and then grabs a chair before slamming it hard to Brock's head. Brock gets knocked to the outside and Daniels hits him with a Suicide Dive taking him to the outside. Hiroshi hits Brock with the Sling Blade and then celebrates with Daniels who has regained his WWE title after taking it from Paul Heyman at ringside. Daniels poses with his title and vows he will beat Brock.
Soon, the show comes back from commercial break and in the middle of the ring Triple H stood with Ronin Takashi representing NJPW, Mark Dallas one of the co-owners of ICW, and Dorian Roldán who is one of the co-owners of AAA. With William Regal and Johnny Saint representing their NXT brands. All six men stood in the middle of the ring with the final eight wrestlers in the World Cup Tournament on the apron.
Behind Triple H, Regal, and Saint stood the ones representing WWE: Seth Rollins, Adam Cole, and Ruby Takashi. Behind Ronin stood Kazuchika Okada and Jay White. While behind Dallas stood Lionheart. Standing behind Dorian stood Brian Cage and Pentagon.
It appeared WWE have the advantage in numbers and the chances of one of their own winning made them feel good. However, the other promoters knew they could still win this if they get the chance. They just need to survive the final few matches to prove everyone why their wrestler is the best in the world. But for tonight, it is just talk.
"Ladies and gentlemen, four weeks ago we announced for the first time ever in WWE history we would have a tournament. A tournament the likes you have never seen before! A tournament where your dream matches will come true as we pit the best of the best against one another," said Triple H as he turns to the promoters. "We saw our best fight against each other to see who would be able to qualify to be in this tournament, we then saw our best going at it to see who would make it, and in one week we made history. 32 participants faced off against one another until only eight are left standing."
Triple H then turns to the eight wrestlers around the ring. "Seth Rollins, Adam Cole, Ruby Takashi, Kazuchika Okada, Jay White, Brian Cage, Pentagon Jr, and Lionheart. All eight of you defeated 24 of the very best and now you all have a chance to make history this Sunday. This Sunday, you eight will face off against one another in the quarterfinals of the World Cup Tournament. The four of you that make it will face off in the semi-finals and the two that make it will then fight off to see who the absolute best really is!"
Triple H then begins walking around the ring facing each of the wrestlers. "You have a chance to make history, you have a chance to show us all why you are the best, and you all have a chance to shut all the doubters who say you aren't the best until you face the best. If you win then the world will know without a shadow of a doubt who the damn best is."
The crowd cheered as every one of the competitors begin nodding their heads knowing what is at stake. Triple H then backs away and goes to the middle of the ring.
"Now, this Sunday it is going to be a jammed-packed show and we know you are going to give it all you've got. But…" Triple H turns to Ronin who begins to nod his head. "We're going to put some more pressure on you all because of the rules we have set for the show. First, we are banning all outside interference. Any who get involved in the match will be fired!"
This made the fans happy since this means no screwy finishes. Well, for Adam Cole this wasn't good since this means his guys can't help him, but Triple H wasn't done.
"That's not all. Every match will be no disqualification and no count-out. However, there will be a time limit of ten minutes. So, if you go over ten minutes then you will be given a five-minute sudden death," said Triple H putting some more pressure on the competitors who will have to compete within a ten to fifteen time-limit. "If you can't get the win in five minutes then that is it and the match ends in a draw so you both lose the match."
The crowd didn't like this decision, but this will mean the wrestlers can't waste any time. They have to go all out right away or else they'll lose the match.
Triple H turns to each of the wrestlers and prepares to finish what he is saying. "You all earned your spots here and you all have proven to all of us why you are the best. But this Sunday, you have a chance to edge your name in history and show the world who you really are. So, I expect you all to give it your all and whoever wins…you will have deserve it."
"So, we are now going to give each of the competitors a chance to speak their mind and let the world know who they are," said Triple H as he turns to Seth. "And remember, if you lay a finger on the other you are out. So, keep your composure, keep it clean, and good luck."
Seth is handed the mic as he turns to each of the wrestlers and sighed softly. "You know, seeing you all here brought back a lot of good memories. Memories about my time traveling across the country trying to make a name for myself and trying to make it to the top of the business. It wasn't easy…it wasn't fun…and it was a pain in the ass. But I am thankful where I started and I am thankful to have gotten the chance to face off against those I have fought in the past and even some new faces as well."
Seth then turns towards Ruby and Cole. "Hell, I used to face off against you both so many times I lost count how many times we beat the other," this got the crowd to laugh a little and even cheer. "But that was then and this is now. I have no a chance to make history and prove to everyone what I am capable of. This tournament not only brought out the best in me but it also brought out something in me I haven't felt in a long time. So, I don't care if you are friends or foes, because in the end at Crown Jewel, I will beat every single one of you."
Seth then turns towards the promoters and Triple H. "I have beaten the best in this business to make it to where I am at. I even toppled a king to be the King Slayer of WWE," the fans cheered as Triple H simply smiles knowing Seth did beat him despite the odds stacked against him. "So, at Crown Jewel you all better be ready. Because the King Slayer will put every single one of you down to make it to the top."
Adam Cole took the mic from Seth and begins chuckling. "That's cute, Seth. That's real cute. You know, I'm glad seeing everyone here help bring back some old memories for you. But I honestly don't care about seeing any of these losers here."
The crowd begin to boo as Cole just ignores them and brushes them off. "Every one of them had a chance to make it in this business and yet they never came. You know why? Because they would never survive. Guys like us survived because we do whatever it takes to make it to the top of the mountain."
Cole then turns to everyone on the apron. "All these losers, none of them have what it takes to go the distance like we did. None of them have the guts, the drive, or the desire to make it like we did to be the very best. The only reason any of them are here is because their bosses took pity on them and handed them a couple of scraps to get them where they are."
Oh, this made some of the wrestlers mad but they kept their cool since this is what Cole is trying to do. Rile them up. "At Crown Jewel, they are all just stepping stones for me to prove to the world why I am the absolute best. I will beat every single one of these losers up, send them packing back to the indies, and make sure they never come back here again," he then turns towards Seth and Ruby. "And if I have to…I will beat you both too to prove why I am the best."
Seth and Cole stare at each other as the crowd begin chanting 'You Suck!' relatedly towards Cole.
Ronin hands Jay White a mic as he begins to speak up next. "You done? Are you? Good, because Adam I hate to break this to you but the only reason you came here to WWE is because your buddies literally kicked you out of the club and you knew you wouldn't have made it on your own," Jay even chuckled softly as he reminds the fans of the night the Bullet Club turned on Cole. "Hell, even now you wouldn't have made it in NXT without having your buddies save your ass. Even during this tournament, you needed them to save you. But me? Never once did I have the Club show up to help me because they know I don't need it to beat you and win this tournament."
"And after I beat you, I will beat every single one of you," Jay then turns towards Okada. "Even you."
Okada took the mic and didn't need to say much to get the crowd to cheer for him. "Beat me?...You can try…but you will fail like before when I beat you…" Okada then turns towards the others and begins smiling. "At Crown Jewel…I will beat every single one of you…and prove once again why I am…best in the world."
Brian Cage took the mic from his promoter and begins speaking up. "I honestly don't care what any of you have to say. In the end, it doesn't matter to me. Its not the first time I've been in the ring with guys or gals like you. I have faced off against everyone that has stood in my way."
"High-flyers, powerhouse, or whatever the hell this kid is," Brian points towards Jay White who didn't seem to like being seen as a kid. "Regardless, I will destroy anyone who gets in my way. Whether we are on the same team or not it doesn't matter. In the end I will win this tournament, I will prove why I am the best, and then when or if I ever do decide to come here…" Brian then turns towards Cole. "I know exactly who to go after."
Cole looks a little bit scared since he just realized if he beats Ruby this Sunday and Cole wins his match then he'll have to fight the big guy himself.
Pentagon took the mic and begins speaking in Spanish. "Escuchen, pinche idiotas. No me importa con quién tengo que pelear, con quién tengo que vencer, o con quién tengo que romper los brazos. Lo que me importa es una cosa y solo una cosa ... ganar este torneo y mostrarle al mundo por qué el Pentágono jr. Es el mejor del mundo. Y cómo no le tiene miedo a nadie, puto."
The crowd cheered even though they didn't understand completely what he said. But they knew some of the words including pinche, idiotas, and puto.
Lionheart is given his own mic and looks around knowing he is the only one from the UK side in this tournament left. "So, I have been doing this for a long time now. I have been doing this for 16 years and unlike many of you I haven't wrestled in many other promotions outside of the UK. Maybe in Ring of Honor, in TNA for a house show, and even in this company for a dark match on SmackDown years ago. Yet, despite all of that I am proud of my career and how I helped built ICW to where it is now."
Lionheart turns to the other competitors knowing the odds of him winning is very slim. "But when I heard about this tournament and how it was a big chance for ICW to get some recognition I saw it was a chance to not only help ICW but also a chance to prove everyone what we are capable of. Now yes, I'm not a big muscular guy, I don't wear a mask, I don't have long hair, I'm not part of a club, and I'm not a wolf."
Lionheart listed off the attributes he doesn't have, which he seems to be fine with. "But I do have the heart of a lion, the heart of a warrior, and I've got the full support of everyone back home. That may sound cheesy as hell, but I don't care because it is the damn truth. This Sunday, the odds of me winning is very slim and I know it will be almost impossible for me to win it all, but…" Lionheart looks down for a moment and then begins to smile. "It doesn't mean I won't give it my all to win. This Sunday, I am the underdog and this underdog will show the world who the hell I am. And they will all remember the name…Lionheart."
The crowd cheers loudly as they begin chanting for Lionheart who gave so much passion in his promo. Even Ruby begins to applaud his promo as she took the mic from Cole to speak up.
"Gentlemen, and whatever the hell Adam Cole and Jay White are," said Ruby as she steps into the ring and smiles. "I don't care about our past history, I don't care if we hate each other, and I don't care if we never want to see each other again after this. What I do care about is seeing the passion, the hunger, and the desire to prove why we are the damn best. Why we deserve to be here, why we deserve a chance to shine, and how far we will go to win."
Ruby then begins looking at each of the wrestlers and smiles. "This is what I love about wrestling. I love seeing the wrestlers go out, giving it their all, putting so much heart and passion into their work, and hearing the reaction from the crowd whether they cheer or boo. This is why I am here and this is why I am honored to be in this tournament with all of you. Because this Sunday, we will have a chance to make sure these fans go home happy."
"To give them something they never thought they would see, to be able to tell their friends what they saw, and edge our names in history," said Ruby as she begins stood in the middle of the ring and smiled. "Win, lose, or draw. In the end, whoever wins will deserve it and in the end the fans will have won. So, good luck to every single one of you, give it your all, and you better be ready. Because this Sunday, only one of us will become best in the world, and you bet your ass I will make damn sure it will be me."
Ruby then moves her right hand to the middle of the ring. "So, what do you say? Are you already to make history?"
The wrestlers just looked at each other and are unsure who should go into the ring with Ruby. Is she serious of what she is saying or is she trying to try something? In any case, Okada is the first to get in the ring as he moves towards Ruby and placed his hand on her hand. Seth soon was next as he gets in the ring and sets his hand on top of two.
It wasn't long until everyone began doing the same thing. Jay White, Brian Cage, Pentagon, Lionheart, and after a minute of hesitation even Adam Cole did it too. The crowd begin cheering loudly and even chanted 'This is Awesome!' because they know history is going to be made this Sunday. Soon the wrestlers moves their hands up and back away as *Take a Chance* SmackDown's theme song begins to play as the wrestlers begin celebrating in the ring as the locker room begins to come out.
Not just WWE wrestlers but also those that came from the tournament and were from the other promotions. They soon begin to celebrate this moment with their friends and for SmackDown's 1000th episode. They all knew for now it is time to celebrate but this Sunday the fighting will end. They all knew it and decided to enjoy this moment since afterwards they will all go back to their places.
So, they all celebrated with the fans and enjoyed this moment together. For Sunday at Crown Jewel, the best in the world will be crowned.
That's the end of the chapter and here we are folks the final eight participants of the tournament. I hope everyone is ready for Crown Jewel because its going to be one long tournament. Also, I would have had the whole Crown Jewel show be for the tournament but if I was booking this I would give each of the wrestlers a chance to take a breather and also give the fans a breather. If I had a whole show as a tournament it probably would exhaust the crowd.
Like what they did for WrestleMania IV…too long and a lot of fucked finishes. Have some on TV, draw people in to watch the tournament, have the ratings go up, and promote the hell out of the Crown Jewel show. So that way, fans can tune in to see if their favorite won. That's how I would book it, but now Vince booked his shitty tournament.
Anyways, don't worry there will be no Shane McMahon in the tournament. Not going to have him get as involved as they had him before. So, hope you all like where this is going to go. And who do you all think will win the whole thing?
Check out the next chapter to find out and also thanks again to my friend theXman99 for his help on the story. I appreciate it and glad this is going well. Also, thanks guys for the reviews and support. I appreciate it also and glad you are having a good time.
Now then, if you liked how things went then please leave a review. If you didn't like it then don't leave a flame review. They are not welcomed. Take care guys and see you all next time