St Louis, Missouri.
The day after Backlash, as Zlatan Ibrahimović skillfully juggled a soccer ball backstage on RAW in St. Louis, he suddenly bumped into Booker T, a seasoned WWF wrestler with a reputation for his no-nonsense attitude.
Booker T looked at Zlatan, sizing him up with a curious expression. "Well, well, well. Look who we got here. You're a long way from home, kid."
"You got that right, Booker." Zlatan acknowledged it. "But hey, at least I haven't been ambushed by a rattlesnake in a grocery store."
The mention of the grocery store incident was a playful jab at Booker T's past, referencing the famous brawl involving Stone Cold Steve Austin. The comment was met with a mixture of amusement from the crowd.
Booker T's expression turned stern as he crossed his arms. "You think that's funny, huh? You better watch your tone, punk."
Zlatan held his hands up in defence while he was still juggling before catching the ball in hand. "Relax, Booker. Just a bit of banter. No harm meant."
An annoyed Booker T walked away, clearly not amused by the exchange. As he left, Bradshaw, another WWF veteran, approached Zlatan with a grin on his face.
"Hey, Zlatan! I saw how you stood up to Nash during that Kane and X-Pac match. You got some guts, kid." The Native Texan complimented his efforts in stopping Nash from intervening last week.
Zlatan nodded. "Thanks. What's up?"
"Listen, we're going up against the NWO in a six-man tag team match later. Stone Cold and I need a partner. You interested?" Bradshaw asked, knowing the young man would love to get a shot at the NWO.
Zlatan's eyes lit up with intrigue. "A six-man tag against the NWO? Count me in."
As the segment continued, Zlatan's journey in the world of WWE was taking another unexpected turn. With alliances forming and rivalries intensifying, his willingness to step up to challenges was quickly becoming a defining trait. The backstage banter, the encounters with WWF Superstars, and the chance to prove himself in the ring—all were part of Zlatan's quest to make his mark in the world of professional wrestling.
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The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the time for the six-man tag team match had arrived. The crowd's anticipation reached a fever pitch as X-Pac, Big Show, and Kevin Nash made their entrance together, united as the New World Order (NWO). Their presence was met with a mix of boos and cheers, as the NWO's legacy was a complicated one.
Lillian Garcia the raw announcer makes the introduction in the centre of the ring. "The following contest is a six-man tag team match! Introducing first, at a combined weight of 1012 pounds, Big Show, X-Pac and Kevin Nash! "
The NWO members made their way to the ring, their confident expressions suggesting that they were ready to make an impact in this match.
"Well, folks, here comes the NWO, and they're looking as confident as ever." Jim Ross notes the cocky demeanor from the members of the New World Order that has gone some changes since Wrestlemania 18.
Jerry Lawler was in full agreement. "That's right, JR. With Nash leading the way, they're a force to be reckoned with."
As the NWO members settled into the ring, the anticipation in the arena grew. And then, one by one, their opponents made their , the tough Texan, strode to the ring with purpose, ready to fight alongside his partner Stone Cold Steve Austin.
"And they're opponents, first, from New York City, weighing in at 290 pounds, Bradshaw!" Lilian Garcia introduced the former Tag team champion of the APA.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Stone Cold's iconic entrance theme hit, and he made his way to the ring, ready to deliver a can of whoop-ass to the NWO.
"Next, from Victoria, Texas, weighing in at 252 pounds, Stone Cold Steve Austin!" Lilian Garcia introduced the Texas Rattlesnake as he threw his signature double fingers in the air.
"Listen to this ovation, King! Stone Cold Steve Austin is fired up and ready for action!" JR exclaimed, hearing the St Louis Fans giving an rousing ovation for the legendary Rattlesnake.
"I just hope he's not too busy drinking beer to actually wrestle." Jerry the king Lawler commented.
And then, it was time for Zlatan Ibrahimović's entrance. As his name was announced, the arena filled with a mix of cheers and curiosity.
"And their partner, from Malmö, Sweden, weighing in at 255 pounds, Zlatan Ibrahimović!" Lilian Garcia announces the entry of the young WWF superstar.
Zlatan walked out onto the entrance ramp to his theme song the Young Lion, his confidence evident as he soaked in the energy of the crowd. The mention of his debut victory over Regal at Backlash added an extra layer of significance to his presence.
"Here he comes, King! Zlatan Ibrahimović, who made quite the debut at Backlash, is here to prove himself once again." JR commented.
Despite Zlatan's impressive debut at backlash, Jerry Lawler remains skeptical. "Yeah, well, let's see if he can actually back up all the talk."
With all six competitors now in the ring, the stage was set for a high-stakes showdown. The crowd's anticipation was palpable as they awaited the opening bell, ready to witness the clash between these two formidable teams.
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The Bell rings as the opening moments of the six-man tag team match were charged with excitement as Zlatan Ibrahimović faced off against X-Pac. The crowd's energy was electric as the two competitors engaged in some banter, setting the tone for what was to come.
Zlatan playfully threw up the "Too Sweet" hand gesture associated with the NWO, taunting X-Pac. "Hey, X-Pac! Too sweet, right?"
Then Ibrahimovic catches X Pac off guard with a swift thrust kick to the chest. The unexpected strike caught X-Pac by surprise, and Zlatan wasted no time in taking control of the match.
Utilizing his versatile offense that combined technical wrestling, mat skills, and martial arts strikes, Zlatan had X-Pac on the defensive. X-Pac retreated to his corner, tagging in the towering figure of Kevin Nash. As Nash entered the ring, his gaze fixed on Zlatan—a competitor who had caught his attention before.
"Kid's got guts. Let's see if he can back it up." Kevin Nash said.
Zlatan and Nash locked eyes in a tense stare-down, the height difference between them apparent. Despite Nash's three-inch advantage, Zlatan showed no signs of intimidation as he prepared to face the seasoned veteran. With a determined expression, Zlatan moved forward, meeting Nash in the center of the ring.
"Here we go, King. Ibrahimović isn't backing down, even against a giant like Kevin Nash." JR commented
"Well, Nash is a powerhouse, JR. Let's see if the soccer guy can hold his own." Jerry says.
The bell rang, signaling the continuation of the match. Zlatan's approach was calculated as he used his technical skills and mat wrestling to prevent Nash from capitalizing on his power and size advantage. Nash struggled to find an opening against Zlatan's well-rounded grappling ability.
With Nash grounded in a headlock, Zlatan seized the opportunity to tag in Stone Cold Steve Austin, a competitor with a score to settle. Stone Cold eagerly stepped into the ring, his eyes locked onto Nash. The anticipation in the arena was palpable as the two titans prepared to collide.
"Stone Cold Steve Austin is itching to get his hands on Kevin Nash after what happened last week!" Jim ross says, recalling what happened last week where big show and nwo tricked Austin during a tag team match resulting in a win for NWO and Big show joining forces of his old stable group.
"Well, let's see if Nash can survive the rattlesnake's fury." Jerry Lawler notes.
The stage was set for an intense showdown between Stone Cold and Kevin Nash, with Zlatan's technical prowess and smart tag strategy having set the tone for their team's strategy. The match was far from over, and with every move, the excitement continued to build as alliances were tested and rivalries took center stage.
As Stone Cold Steve Austin brawled against Kevin Nash, Zlatan Ibrahimović exchanged a knowing look with Bradshaw, who was watching closely from the apron.
The Rattlesnake was in his element, using his signature brawling style to take the fight to Nash. However, the tables turned unexpectedly when Nash delivered a well-placed back kick between Austin's legs while the referee's attention was elsewhere. The low blow left Austin reeling and Nash seized the opportunity to tag in Big Show.
Big Show wasted no time in using his immense size and power advantage to dominate the Rattlesnake. Stone Cold struggled against the sheer force of Big Show's offense, and the crowd watched with anticipation to see if Austin could mount a comeback.
After punishing Stone Cold, Big Show tagged in X-Pac, who brought a unique martial arts background to the match. X-Pac's agile and calculated strikes found their mark on Austin, and the momentum swung in the NWO's favor. As X-Pac gained the upper hand, he took a moment to mock Zlatan's background.
"Hey, Zlatan! Maybe you should've stuck to soccer, huh?"
Zlatan's expression remained unimpressed, and he quickly fired back with a retort of his own, referencing X-Pac's DX roots. "DX? Really? That's original."
Stone Cold, recovering from the low blow, took advantage of the distraction caused by the banter. He managed to muster enough strength to hit a powerful clothesline on X-Pac, finally turning the tide in his team's favor. The crowd erupted in cheers as Austin fought his way back into the match, displaying his legendary resilience.
"Stone Cold's finding that fighting spirit, King! He won't stay down for long!" Jim Ross exclaims.
"Let's see if he can keep it up, JR. The NWO is a force to be reckoned with." Jerry reminds his co commentator of who the rattlesnake is in the ring with.
With the match in full swing and the NWO's dominance momentarily halted, the stage was set for an explosive continuation of the six-man tag team showdown. As Stone Cold looked to rally his team, Zlatan's presence at ringside continued to play a pivotal role, offering support and motivation to his partners as they battled against the odds.
As Stone Cold Steve Austin managed to crawl his way back to his corner, he made the crucial tag to Bradshaw, who entered the ring with a fiery determination. Bradshaw wasted no time in utilizing his size and raw power to gain the upper hand in the match. The crowd's excitement was palpable as Bradshaw unleashed his brawling style against X Pac.
Having established early dominance, Bradshaw counters a sole kick attempt from X pac and delivers a thunderous fallaway slam, sending his opponent crashing to the mat. The impact of the move resonated throughout the arena, and the crowd roared in approval at Bradshaw's display of strength.
However, as Bradshaw looked to capitalize on his momentum, the Big Show made his presence felt. The towering giant entered the ring and swiftly delivered a massive big boot to Bradshaw, cutting his momentum short. The force of the blow sent Bradshaw reeling and crashing to the canvas, leaving him vulnerable to the NWO's onslaught.
The sudden turn of events showcased the unpredictable nature of a six-man tag team match, where momentum could shift in an instant. The NWO's collective strength and strategy were evident as they sought to isolate and overwhelm their opponents. Despite Bradshaw's initial burst of offense, the Big Show's power and the NWO's teamwork proved to be formidable challenges for Bradshaw and his team.
The crowd's reactions ranged from cheers to gasps as the action unfolded in the ring. With both teams determined to secure victory, the match continued to deliver intense moments and unexpected twists, showcasing the athleticism, skill, and strategic prowess of the competitors involved.
As Big Show continued to assert his dominance in the match, using his immense power to unleash a series of punishing moves on Bradshaw, the referee's insistence on enforcing the rules couldn't deter the giant's onslaught. However, Zlatan Ibrahimović wasn't about to stand idly by and watch his partner suffer.
Seizing the opportunity to make a difference, Zlatan interfered by leaping into action. With impressive agility, he launched himself into a flying kick aimed at Big Show's face. The impact of the kick stunned the world's largest athlete, causing him to stagger and ultimately tumble over the ropes, landing on the outside of the ring. The crowd erupted in cheers at Zlatan's unexpected move.
As Nash attempted to take advantage of the chaos by entering the ring for a cheap shot, Zlatan swiftly countered with a spinning heel kick, demonstrating his martial arts background and skill. The counter left Nash reeling and gave Zlatan a moment to regain control of the situation.
But Zlatan's involvement didn't end there. Back in his corner, he watched as X-Pac launched a side kick at him. Quick on his feet, Zlatan countered with a well-executed belly-to-belly suplex, sending X-Pac across the ring. The impact of the move showcased Zlatan's ability to hold his own against his opponents' offense.
With the situation now under control and Big Show dealt with on the outside, Zlatan returned to his corner. As Bradshaw, who had managed to recover from the onslaught, crawled back to his corner and tags in Zlatan who was the fresher man, the momentum of the match shifted once again. With Zlatan ready to re-enter the fray, the crowd's anticipation continued to build, eager to see what would happen next in this high-stakes six-man tag team showdown.
"Zlatan Ibrahimović is turning heads, King! He's not just a soccer star; he's making an impact here in the WWE!" Jim Ross exclaims.
"Well, let's see if he can handle the NWO's wrath. They won't go down without a fight." Jerry the king lawler points out.
With the momentum firmly on his side, Zlatan Ibrahimović wasted no time in unleashing a barrage of offense against X-Pac. The crowd was on its feet, fully engaged in the action as Zlatan delivered a series of powerful clotheslines to his opponent. Each blow echoed through the arena, showcasing Zlatan's intensity and determination.
As X-Pac found himself reeling from the onslaught, Zlatan capitalised on the opening by executing a picture-perfect German suplex. The impact of the move left X-Pac stunned and down on the mat, while Zlatan remained in control, displaying his wrestling prowess with technical precision.
But Zlatan wasn't finished yet. With the crowd rallying behind him, he turned his attention to Kevin Nash, the leader of the NWO. Zlatan's strength and agility were on full display as he lifted the towering Nash, executing another impressive belly-to-belly suplex. The move sent shockwaves through the ring, leaving Nash momentarily incapacitated and allowing Zlatan to assert his dominance over the veteran competitor.
The sequence of moves showcased Zlatan's diverse skill set, combining his raw power with technical prowess to make a significant impact in the match. The crowd's excitement continued to escalate as Zlatan's performance left an indelible mark on the contest.
"Zlatan Ibrahimović is on fire, King! He's taken control of this match and is showing the NWO what he's made of!" Jim ross says.
Jerry Lawler plays it down a notch. "Let's not get carried away, JR. He may have some moves, but the NWO won't go down easily."
With Zlatan's relentless assault and Stone Cold Steve Austin waiting on the apron, the odds were shifting in favor of the team led by Stone Cold, Bradshaw, and the newcomer Zlatan. As the match continued to unfold, the intensity only increased, with both teams giving their all to secure victory in this high-stakes battle.
As the match continued to intensify, Zlatan Ibrahimović found himself facing an irate Big Show, who was determined to get back into the action. Quick on his feet, Zlatan sidestepped the charging giant, using his agility to avoid Big Show's onslaught. With Big Show momentarily off balance, Zlatan seized the opportunity to launch into a series of precise kicks and strikes, targeting the giant's legs and midsection.
The strikes landed with impact, causing Big Show to stagger and momentarily lose his focus. Zlatan's calculated offense showcased his ability to exploit his opponents' weaknesses, even against opponents of Big Show's immense size.
With Big Show reeling, Zlatan made his move by hitting a spin kick that knocked the World's Largest Athlete off his feet. Having done what he was set out to do as big show rolls out of the ring, Ibrahimovic tagged in Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Rattlesnake entered the ring with a renewed sense of purpose, wasting no time in taking control of the situation. Stone Cold targeted X-Pac, who had just gotten back up, by using his signature Lou Thesz press—a move that combined brute force and technique.
After taking X-Pac down, Stone Cold bounced off the ropes and delivered a perfectly executed elbow drop, landing with precision on his opponent. The impact of the move left X-Pac dazed and vulnerable, setting the stage for Stone Cold's next move.
With X-Pac down in the corner, Stone Cold launched a series of stomps, each one driving home his dominance and wearing down his opponent. The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as Stone Cold's aggressive offense showcased his legendary intensity and determination.
"Stone Cold's in control, King! He's showing X-Pac just what he's made of!" Jim Ross notes the usual aggressiveness from the Texas rattlesnake.
"Stone Cold may be aggressive, JR, but X-Pac's got heart. Let's see if he can mount a comeback." Jerry Lawler says.
As the battle continued to rage on, both teams fought valiantly for supremacy in the ring. With Stone Cold and Zlatan working together, their combined efforts were driving their opponents to the brink. The match's ebb and flow had the crowd hanging on every move, eager to witness the culmination of this intense six-man tag team encounter.
As the action continued to unfold in the ring, Zlatan Ibrahimović's keen awareness and teamwork came into play once again. With Kevin Nash attempting to intervene and provide assistance to X-Pac, Zlatan quickly assessed the situation and gestured to Bradshaw, who was positioned nearby.
Zlatan's swift gesture caught Bradshaw's attention, and he acknowledged the signal. Understanding the plan, Bradshaw wasted no time and charged at Kevin Nash with tremendous force. The Texan powerhouse unleashed his signature move, the Clothesline From Hell, with full intensity. The impact of Bradshaw's clothesline hit its mark, connecting with Nash and sending him crashing to the mat.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Bradshaw's Clothesline From Hell successfully thwarted Nash's attempt to interfere in the match. Zlatan's quick thinking and Bradshaw's execution combined to maintain control of the situation and keep the NWO's leader at bay.
"Bradshaw just took down the big man with the clothesline from hell, King! Zlatan's teamwork and communication are proving crucial." Jim Ross notes.
"Nash thought he could interfere, but Bradshaw had other plans. This match is far from over, JR." Jerry the King Lawler comments.
With Nash temporarily taken out of the equation, Stone Cold Steve Austin and X-Pac continued their battle in the ring, each competitor giving their all in pursuit of victory. The dynamic shifts and twists in the match continued to keep the crowd on the edge of their seats, fully engaged in the action and eager to see which team would emerge triumphant in this hard-fought six-man tag team contest.
With the match reaching its climax, Stone Cold Steve Austin seized the opportunity to deliver his signature finishing move, the Stone Cold Stunner, on X-Pac. The sudden and impactful move left X-Pac stunned and unable to react, creating the opening that Stone Cold needed to secure victory.
As Stone Cold quickly covered X-Pac for the pin, the referee's hand came down to count: "One! Two! Three!" The crowd erupted in cheers as the three-count signaled the end of the match, and Stone Cold's team emerged victorious.
Meanwhile, Zlatan Ibrahimović continued to showcase his quick reflexes and agility by swiftly launching a devastating super kick at the Big Show, who had tried to intervene in X-Pac's defense. The kick caught the giant off guard, causing him to stumble and lose his footing.
Stone Cold's successful pinfall secured the victory for his team, and the crowd's excitement reached a crescendo. Lilian Garcia's voice resonated throughout the arena as she announced the winners of the match.
"Here are your winners: Stone Cold Steve Austin, Bradshaw, and Zlatan Ibrahimović!" Lilian Garcia announces the winners at ringside.
"Stone Cold, Bradshaw, and Zlatan with a decisive victory! The Young Lion has struck again, King!" Jim Ross commentates noting Ibrahimovic's performance.
Jerry the king Lawler reluctantly gives the punk kid pointers for his role in securing the victory over NWO. "I may not like it, but that Zlatan kid certainly made his presence felt tonight. The NWO will undoubtedly regroup after this."
The victorious trio celebrated in the ring, their efforts rewarded with the support of the electrified crowd. Zlatan's role in the match and his successful collaboration with his teammates continued to make an impact in the WWE, leaving fans excited to see what he would do next on his journey in the world of professional wrestling.