Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Backstage in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zlatan and RVD were deep in conversation when they received a visit from none other than Eric Bischoff. The Raw General Manager had a smile on his face as he congratulated the two superstars on their thrilling triple threat match at Vengeance the previous night.
Eric Bischoff: (Grinning) "Hey there, gentlemen! I've got to say, that match at Vengeance was absolutely incredible. You both tore the house down. Zlatan, congrats on your victory and capturing the intercontinental championship."
RVD: (Smiling) "Thanks, Eric. It was a blast out there, man."
Zlatan: (Nodding) "Yeah, it was an honor to share the ring with RVD and Brock Lesnar."
Eric Bischoff: "Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it because I've got some big plans for both of you. Rob, tonight on Raw, you're going to have a shot at the European Championship in a ladder match against Jeff Hardy. It's going to be a showstopper! If Jeff loses, the European title will be vacated, and you'll be the last holder of the coveted European championship."
RVD: (Excited) "A ladder match, huh? That's my kind of match, dude. I'm up for the challenge."
Eric Bischoff: (Turning to Zlatan) "And Zlatan, you've been showing great chemistry with Trish Stratus. So, I've decided to pair you two up again tonight to take on William Regal and Molly Holly. I think you can make quite the team."
Zlatan: (Grinning) "Sounds good, Eric. Trish and I will give it our all."
Eric Bischoff: "Great! Good luck to both of you tonight. I can't wait to see what you'll bring to Raw."
With that, Eric Bischoff left Zlatan and RVD to prepare for their respective matches, leaving them with a sense of anticipation for the night's action on Raw.
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RVD and Zlatan exchanged a quick glance, still buzzing with excitement from Eric Bischoff's announcements.
RVD: (Eagerly) "Man, Zlatan, did you hear that? A ladder match for me tonight! It's going to be extreme, just the way I like it."
Zlatan: (Chuckles) "I know, right? That's going to be one hell of a match, Rob. I've seen you in ladder matches before; you're a master at it. Jeff Hardy better be ready for an epic showdown."
RVD: (Grinning) "You got that right! And you, my friend, teaming up with Trish again? You guys have been on fire together."
Zlatan: (Appreciative) "Thanks, Rob. Trish is amazing, and we've got a great chemistry going. I think we can take on William Regal and Molly Holly and come out on top."
RVD: (Supportive) "Absolutely, Zlatan. You and Trish are going to rock it out there. Let's both give the Grand Rapids crowd a night they'll never forget!"
With renewed determination, RVD and Zlatan went their separate ways to prepare for their upcoming matches, each focused on delivering a memorable performance on Raw.
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In the backstage corridor, Zlatan had a chance to catch up with Bubba Ray Dudley, who was nursing some injuries from the tag team table match at Vengeance. Bubba, with a heavily taped arm and stitches on his forehead, still managed to offer a friendly smile as he spoke to Zlatan.
Bubba Ray Dudley: (Grinning) "Hey, Zlatan! I gotta say, you were amazing in that triple threat match for the IC title last night. You really brought the intensity!"
Zlatan: (Appreciative) "Thanks, Bubba! Means a lot coming from you. And hey, I hope you and Spike are doing okay after that table match. Looked pretty brutal out there."
Bubba Ray Dudley: (Nodding) "Yeah, it was a rough one, no doubt. But that's the Dudley way, right? We love putting on a show, just like you did last night. Keep up the good work, man."
Zlatan: "Will do, Bubba. Take care of that forearm and forehead. Hopefully, we'll share the ring together someday."
Bubba Ray Dudley: (Smiling) "I'd look forward to that, Zlatan. Best of luck in your match tonight!"
With their exchange of compliments, Zlatan and Bubba Ray Dudley showed their mutual respect for each other's performances and the camaraderie that existed backstage in the world of professional wrestling.
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Backstage before their match, Zlatan and Trish engaged in a conversation, both eager to settle scores with their opponents, Molly Holly and William Regal.
Trish: (Determined) "Zlatan, I've been waiting for this chance to get back at Molly Holly for what she did with those brass knuckles. And Regal, he's no stranger to you, right?"
Zlatan: (Nodding) "Yeah, Trish. Regal was my first opponent in my debut match a few months ago at Backlash, and I managed to beat him. Tonight, let's show him and Molly that they can't mess with us."
Trish: (Smirking) "That's the spirit, Zlatan. Let's go out there and give them a lesson they won't forget."
The two WWE Superstars shared a determined look, ready to step into the ring and take on their opponents, seeking redemption and victory.
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The WWE fans erupt into cheers as Trish Stratus makes her entrance, with some fans displaying signs proclaiming their desire for a Stratusfaction.
Lillan Garcia: The following is an inter gender tag team match set for one fall. Making her way to the ring, From Toronto, Canada. Trish Stratus!
Trish enters the ring to a warm reception from the audience.
Jerry 'King' Lawler: Yeoh, Puppies are here! The puppies are on Raw!
As Trish gets ready in the ring, a countdown appears on the titantron, and the WWE fans join in with a chant of "5, 4, 3, 2, 1." Then, the verses of Zlatan's theme song, "The Lion" by RZA and GZA, start to play. Zlatan appears on the entrance stage, donning a World Cup 2002 home jersey of Sweden with the number 10 on the back, along with Adidas as its kit sponsor. He stands with his back turned, stretching his arms out with clenched fists, holding the Intercontinental Championship in his right hand.
Lilian Garcia: "And her partner, from Malmö, Sweden, weighing in at 255 pounds, he is the new Intercontinental Champion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic!"
Zlatan spins around on the stage, pumping his left fist as he makes his way down the ramp. The chants of "Ibra" echo throughout the Van Andel Arena as he heads up the steel steps, climbing to the second turnbuckle. He throws his fist up in the air while proudly displaying the Intercontinental Championship, creating a dazzling display of flashbulbs. Zlatan then enters the ring and heads to a corner, where he stands on the second turnbuckle, showcasing his newly won Intercontinental title to another sea of flashbulbs.
Jim Ross: "Ladies and gentlemen, Zlatan Ibrahimovic made history at Vengeance by becoming the first Swedish champion in WWE history when he won the Intercontinental Championship in an incredible triple threat match."
Jerry 'King' Lawler: "That's right, JR! It was a match for the ages, and Zlatan earned that title. He's carrying the pride of Sweden on his shoulders and that beautiful Intercontinental Championship around his waist!"
As the tension in the arena rises, the Women's Champion, Molly Holly, makes her entrance. Trish Stratus is visibly eager to get her hands on Molly, as she hasn't forgotten Molly's brutal post-match attack with Regal's brass knuckles just two months ago.
Lilian Garcia: "And their opponents, first, from Forest Lake, Minnesota, she is the Women's Champion, Molly Holly!"
Molly Holly enters the arena with the Women's Championship proudly displayed around her waist. The WWE fans are well aware of the history between Molly and Trish, and they eagerly anticipate the showdown. Next up is Molly's partner, William Regal, who makes his entrance. Regal is no stranger to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as he was Zlatan's first opponent in WWE at Backlash.
Lilian Garcia: "And her partner, from Blackpool, England, weighing in at 243 pounds, William Regal!"
Regal walks to the ring with a confident and no-nonsense demeanor, fully aware of the challenge ahead. His past encounter with Zlatan adds an intriguing layer to this inter-gender tag team match.
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As the bell rang, Zlatan and Regal locked eyes while starting the match, and Regal couldn't resist the urge to slap Zlatan, taunting him. Zlatan, showing his trademark swagger, responded with a thrust kick to Regal's chest, letting him know that he won't be pushed around.
JR: Zlatan showing some confidence there, King.
King: He sure is, JR. Zlatan doesn't back down from anyone, and he's got the skills to back it up.
Zlatan was fired up after that thrust kick, and he wasted no time taking control of the match. He dragged Regal to the corner and began smashing his head into the top turnbuckle, causing Regal to wince in pain. The Swedish sensation then unleashed a barrage of punches, lefts and rights, followed by some well-placed kicks to Regal's midsection.
JR: Zlatan's taking it to William Regal in that corner, King!
King: He's certainly making an impact, JR. Regal may have underestimated Zlatan's aggression here.
Zlatan's relentless assault had Regal reeling, and the WWE fans in the arena were fully behind him. Trish Stratus watched from the apron, eagerly waiting for her chance to get into the match and show what she could do alongside Zlatan.
Zlatan showcased his impressive strength as he whipped Regal into the opposite corner, and Regal bounced off the turnbuckles. Without wasting a moment, Zlatan clamped his hands around Regal's waist and executed a picture-perfect belly-to-belly suplex, sending Regal crashing to the canvas.
JR: What a belly-to-belly suplex by Zlatan! He's really taking it to Regal in this matchup.
King: Zlatan's showing why he's become such a force in WWE, JR. Regal's feeling the effects of that one.
Zlatan was in control, and the momentum was firmly in his corner as he looked to continue his dominance in this tag team contest.
Regal, feeling the effects of Zlatan's belly-to-belly suplex, realized he needed a reprieve. He crawled back to his corner and quickly tagged in the Women's Champion, Molly Holly, who reluctantly entered the ring to face Zlatan. As Molly cautiously approached, Zlatan had a mischievous smirk on his lips. He raised his hand as if to throw a punch, and Molly instinctively covered her head in defense. However, instead of a punch, Zlatan playfully delivered a slap on Molly's buttocks, causing her to yelp in surprise.
The WWE fans in Grand Rapids erupted in laughter at Molly's unexpected reaction, thoroughly enjoying the moment. Even Trish at the corner couldn't help but chuckle at Molly's expense.
JR: Well, that was quite the unexpected reaction from Molly Holly!
King: (Laughing) I think Zlatan just added a new move to his repertoire, JR!
With a grin, Zlatan decided to let Trish have a go. He tagged in Trish, who eagerly stepped into the ring. Trish had a score to settle with Molly Holly after the underhanded attack involving Regal's brass knuckles just over a month ago.
Trish wasted no time as she launched into action against Molly Holly. She hit a quick clothesline, followed by a second one, sending Molly to the mat. Trish's offense was relentless as she executed a crisp arm drag on Molly, keeping the pressure on her opponent.
JR: Trish Stratus is on fire here, King! And speaking of Zlatan, he sure gave it his all in that incredible triple threat match at Vengeance for the Intercontinental title. It was a contest that had the WWE Universe on the edge of their seats.
King: Absolutely, JR. Zlatan made a big statement by winning the Intercontinental title from RVD who managed to put up one helluva fight to hold onto the Intercontinental Championship, but it wasn't RVD's night.
Trish continued her assault on Molly Holly, looking to make her pay for her past transgressions.
Trish was in control, hitting a forearm shot on Molly and attempting to whip her into the ropes. However, Molly reversed it, and Regal, at the apron, took advantage by pulling Trish down by the hair as she bounced off the ropes. It was a sneaky move behind the referee Charles Robinson's back. Molly capitalized on the unfair advantage and executed a Northern Lights suplex with a bridge for the pin.
JR: Come on now! That was blatant interference by Regal! Trish had the upper hand, and Molly Holly and Regal are taking every shortcut they can.
King: Well, JR, you can't deny that Molly and Regal make quite the devious duo. They're not afraid to bend the rules to their advantage.
Referee Charles Robinson counted: 1... 2... but Trish kicked out at two, showing her resilience.
Molly tagged in Regal, who initially feigned a punch to Trish but quickly transitioned into a hammerlock, followed by a snapmare takedown. Regal went for a lateral press, and referee Charles Robinson got into position to make the count. It was a close one.
JR: Regal is showing his technical prowess here, King, but let's not forget what he's capable of when it comes to bending the rules.
King: Well, JR, he's just trying to win the match within the boundaries of the rules... maybe.
JR: (sarcastically) Oh sure, King, he's a real gentleman.
Trish managed to kick out at the count of one, showing her determination and resilience.
Regal continued his assault on Trish, maintaining a tight grip on her hair as he executed a leg takedown, methodically working over his opponent. He then delivered a knee to Trish's stomach, looking to wear her down. then he hit a cheapshot on Zlatan. Zlatan, frustrated by Regal's tactics, attempted to intervene, but referee Charles Robinson prevented him from entering the ring as he wasn't the legal competitor.
JR: Regal is showing his true colors here, King, resorting to dirty tactics.
King: Well, JR, in a match like this, you do what it takes to win.
As Regal had Trish in a half nelson lock near their corner, Molly Holly attempted a dropkick, but Trish managed to slip out of Regal's grasp, causing Molly's dropkick to inadvertently strike Regal in the chest, taking him down in an unexpected turn of events.
Trish managed to make her way to the corner and tagged in Zlatan, who entered the ring with determination. Zlatan wasted no time, hitting Regal with a series of powerful clotheslines that sent the British wrestler reeling. He followed it up with a swift spin kick to Regal's face, leaving him dazed.
Molly Holly attempted to intervene, rushing towards the action, but Trish was ready. Trish stopped Molly in her tracks with a belly-to-belly suplex, using one of Zlatan's signature moves. The teamwork between Zlatan and Trish was starting to pay off in the ring.
Jim Ross couldn't help but applaud the teamwork displayed by Zlatan and Trish.
JR: What teamwork we're seeing from Zlatan and Trish here, King! They're really taking it to Regal and Molly!
King: It's like they're on the same wavelength, JR! This is impressive!
Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued his offensive assault on William Regal in the corner. He landed a series of precise martial arts strikes and kicks, targeting Regal's midsection and chest. Regal was left reeling, struggling to defend himself from Zlatan's relentless barrage of strikes.
Jim Ross remarked on Zlatan's striking ability.
JR: Zlatan Ibrahimovic's striking precision is truly something to behold, King. He's making Regal pay for his earlier actions!
King: You said it, JR! Zlatan's got some impressive skills in that ring!
Zlatan Ibrahimovic displayed his power and agility as he reversed Regal's attempt to send him to the ropes. Instead, Zlatan countered with a thunderous spear that sent Regal crashing to the mat. The impact was felt throughout the arena as the WWE fans cheered for Zlatan's impressive move.
Jim Ross couldn't help but be impressed.
JR: What a spear by Zlatan! He's bringing the fight to Regal and Molly tonight!
King: Zlatan's athleticism is off the charts, JR. He's been a force in this match!
As Molly Holly attempted to capitalize on Zlatan's momentum by climbing the top rope, she was met with a sudden interruption from Trish Stratus. Trish rushed over and executed a handstand leg scissor takedown, sending Molly crashing down to the canvas. It was a swift and agile move by Trish, showing her determination to help her team secure the victory.
JR: Trish Stratus with a lightning-fast counter! She's not letting Molly Holly have her way tonight!
King: That's right, JR! Trish is showing that she's not to be underestimated!
In a display of perfect teamwork and synergy, Zlatan and Trish executed a coordinated double team move. Zlatan whipped William Regal towards the ropes on one side, while Trish did the same with Molly Holly on the other. Then, with impeccable timing, they both hit stereo spine busters on their respective opponents, driving Regal and Molly into the canvas simultaneously.
JR: What a double team maneuver by Zlatan and Trish! They're working together like a well-oiled machine!
King: That's some impressive teamwork, JR! Regal and Molly are feeling the effects of that spine buster combo for sure!
Regal and Molly Holly, still reeling but not out of the fight, attempted to use a pair of brass knuckles for an underhanded advantage. As they both got back up, they swung their fists with the brass knuckles, aiming to land a devastating blow on Zlatan and Trish. However, Zlatan and Trish were quick on their feet. They ducked their heads under the incoming punches, causing Regal and Molly to accidentally strike each other with the brass knuckles. Molly
JR: Oh my goodness! Regal and Molly's plans just backfired! They just knocked the daylights out of each other with those brass knuckles!
King: It's a classic case of miscommunication, JR! This match has been intense, to say the least!
Zlatan executed his patented Arn Anderson spine buster on Regal, driving him hard into the mat. The impact left Regal writhing in pain. Meanwhile, Molly Holly crumbled onto the mat after being inadvertently hit with the brass knuckles earlier.
JR: Spine buster! Shades of the great Arn Anderson with that spine buster, King!
Zlatan made a cut throat taunt, signaling that the end was near. Some of the fans in Grand Rapids joined in by mimicking the cut throat gesture, sensing that Zlatan was about to finish this match in style.
King: There's only one Zlatan, JR, and now it looks like he's getting ready to seal the deal! The fat lady might be warming up her voice!
Zlatan and Trish both stomped the ground in their respective corners, signaling that they were ready to unleash their finishing moves. Jerry "The King" Lawler couldn't contain his excitement:
King: Uh oh, JR! Don't turn around, Regal and Molly! You won't like the view!
Regal and Molly, still groggy and unaware of what was coming, slowly got back to their feet. Zlatan executed his superkick finisher, the Lion's Roar, on Regal, while Trish hit Stratusfaction on Molly Holly. Jerry exclaimed, "AHH!" while Jim Ross added, "Oh! Bam! The Lion's Roar! Stratusfaction on Molly!"
Zlatan went for the cover on Regal, as they were the legal participants. Referee Charles Robinson got into position and made the count: 1...2...3! Zlatan and Trish picked up the victory.
At ringside, Lilian Garcia announced, "Here are your winners, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Trish Stratus!" The crowd in Grand Rapids erupted in cheers to celebrate their triumph.
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As the chaos unfolded on RAW, RVD managed to win the ladder unification title and showed sportsmanship by helping Jeff Hardy up after their epic ladder match. However, their celebration was short-lived as Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero decided to attack them, seeking to take advantage of their exhaustion. RVD became the target, and Eddie was still bitter about losing the Intercontinental title to him in a ladder match just over a month ago.
But then, to the surprise of everyone, Zlatan made his way down the ramp and entered the ring. When Benoit turned around, he was met with Zlatan's superkick finisher, the Lion's Roar. Eddie attempted to attack as well, but Zlatan sidestepped and delivered another Lion's Roar to Eddie's face. Zlatan came to the aid of his good friend RVD and Jeff Hardy, ensuring that RVD would stay healthy for their upcoming IC title bout at SummerSlam.
Jerry "The King" Lawler couldn't help but question Zlatan's motives:
King: JR, why would Zlatan come to RVD's aid when they're opponents for the IC title at SummerSlam?
Jim Ross, with a sense of understanding, replied:
JR: There's a thing called respect, Kingfish. A little thing called respect.
The crowd watched in amazement as Zlatan displayed his respect and loyalty to his fellow competitors in the ring.