RAW - March 10, 2003, Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio

The atmosphere in the Gund Arena was electric as The Rock faced off against The Hurricane in a No Disqualification match. The Rock, in his Hollywood persona, had the upper hand, applying a near chin lock on The Hurricane, a smug grin on his face as he tried to grind his opponent down. But amidst the cheers and boos from the crowd, a new chant began to echo throughout the arena: "Ibra! Ibra!"

Jim Ross, the voice of RAW, called the action with his signature Oklahoma drawl. "Listen to this crowd, King! They're chanting for Zlatan Ibrahimović!"

Jerry "The King" Lawler, ever the heel commentator and staunch supporter of The Rock, frowned in frustration. "Come on, people! Chant for The Rock! It's Rocky, not Ibra!"

Jim Ross deadpanned, "I don't think they care about your opinion, King."

As the match progressed, The Rock, clearly irritated by the chants, decided to mock Zlatan, making exaggerated gestures and mimicking the WWE Champion's stance, trying to draw more heat from the crowd. But while The Rock was busy mocking Zlatan, The Hurricane seized the opportunity to show he could hang with the best. With a burst of energy, Hurricane managed to land a series of near falls that had The Rock on the ropes.

The first came when Hurricane countered The Rock's suplex attempt with a small package. The referee slid in for the count.

"One… Two… Thr—"

But The Rock kicked out, just before the three. The crowd gasped, sensing the upset brewing.

Jim Ross shouted, "The Hurricane nearly stole one there!"

King, frustrated, yelled, "Come on, Rock! Don't let this joke of a superhero get the better of you!"

Hurricane didn't let up. He followed up with a flying crossbody from the top rope, hooking The Rock's leg for another cover.

"One… Two…"

Again, The Rock powered out, shaking his head, his face contorted with annoyance.

Hurricane, undeterred, signaled for his finishing move—the Hurri-Chokeslam. He grabbed The Rock by the throat, and with surprising strength, lifted him up and slammed him down to the mat. The crowd erupted in disbelief as Hurricane quickly went for the cover.

Jim Ross yelled, "He's got him! Hurri-Chokeslam!"

"One… Two…"

But once more, The Rock kicked out, his resilience showing, but his frustration growing.

King, sensing the match was slipping away, urged, "Come on, Rock! Finish this guy off!"

The Hurricane, knowing he had to keep the pressure on, attempted to Irish whip The Rock into the ropes. But The Rock reversed it, sending Hurricane bouncing off the ropes instead and catching him with a thunderous spinebuster in the center of the ring.

King, his confidence returning, shouted, "Okay, here we go, JR! It's time for the most electrifying move in sports entertainment today!"

Jim Ross noted, "Momentum is back in The Rock's favor, and he's setting up for the People's Elbow!"

The Rock, his Hollywood arrogance on full display, ripped off his elbow pad and tossed it into the crowd. He bounded off the ropes, preparing to deliver the People's Elbow—the crowd's anticipation building. But just as he was about to drop the move, he came to a sudden halt as Zlatan Ibrahimović's theme song, "The Lion," began to play.

The Rock turned, bewildered, toward the entrance ramp. His face showed confusion and irritation as the WWE Champion appeared at the top of the ramp in his street clothes, a confident smirk on his face.

Jim Ross shouted, "By God, it's Zlatan! The Lion of Rosengård is here!"

King, equally shocked, asked, "What the hell is he doing here?"

Jim Ross continued, "That's the man who'll defend the WWE title against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania!?"

As Zlatan walked down the ramp, slowly making his way to ringside, The Rock stood in the ring, completely distracted, his attention fixed on the WWE Champion.

King, sensing the trouble, asked, "What's Zlatan going to do, JR?"

Jim Ross replied, "Who the hell knows what the Lion is going to do, King?"

With The Rock's focus entirely on Zlatan, Hurricane seized the opportunity, sneaking up behind The Rock and rolling him up in a schoolboy pin.

The referee dropped down to count.

"One… Two… Three!"

The bell rang, and the crowd erupted in shock and delight as The Hurricane had just scored the biggest win of his career.

Lilian Garcia announced at ringside, "Here is your winner, The Hurricane!"

Zlatan chuckled at ringside, clearly amused by what he had just caused.

King, in disbelief, shouted, "No way! That doesn't count, does it?"

Jim Ross responded, "You damn right it counts, King! The Hurricane has defeated The Rock!"

In the ring, The Rock was beside himself, fuming with anger. Zlatan, still smirking, raised an eyebrow in a mocking gesture, mimicking The Rock's famous expression, before turning around and casually walking back up the ramp, clearly satisfied with his interference.

King, frustrated, yelled, "Rock, what just happened?!"

Jim Ross said, "Zlatan just cost The Rock this match, and I think he enjoyed every second of it!"

As Zlatan reached the top of the ramp, he turned around and held up three fingers, a clear signal that he believed Stone Cold Steve Austin would make it three in a row against The Rock at WrestleMania.

Jim Ross, excitedly adding context, said, "Zlatan's making a statement here, King. He's ready for one hell of a fight against Brock Lesnar, but he's also taking every opportunity to get under The Rock's skin!"

King, seething, declared, "I'm gonna tell you something, JR. That Lion is going to regret this day. He'll pay for this embarrassment he just caused The Rock, I can assure you."

Jim Ross concluded, "Maybe so, King, but The Rock has other things on his mind, like his match against Austin at WrestleMania. Two straight victories at WrestleMania have been eating The Rock alive, and he's determined to finally beat Austin one-on-one at the grandest stage of them all, just like Zlatan is preparing for his own war with Brock Lesnar!"

The camera focused on The Rock's furious face as Zlatan disappeared backstage, the mind games clearly having an effect. The road to WrestleMania was heating up, and the stakes had never been higher.

XXXX

The arena was quiet now, the crowd had gone home, and the lights were dimmed. The roar of the fans, the chaos of the ring, and the energy of the night were all fading into the background as Zlatan Ibrahimović made his way down the hall, his thoughts drifting to someone who had been occupying his mind lately—Trish Stratus. They had managed to sneak in a few dates despite their demanding schedules, and tonight, he felt like they needed to have a talk, a real talk, about where they stood.

He found her by the catering table, her hair still slightly damp from her match earlier in the night, looking radiant even in the dim backstage light. She smiled as he approached, and he felt a familiar flutter in his chest—something he hadn't felt in a long time.

"Hey, Trish," he greeted, his voice a mix of casual confidence and a hint of something deeper.

"Hey, Zlatan," she replied, her smile warm and genuine. "Great show out there. You really got under The Rock's skin tonight."

Zlatan chuckled, "Yeah, I think I did. But there's something else on my mind, something a bit more important than just playing mind games with The Rock."

Trish raised an eyebrow, sensing where this conversation was headed. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Zlatan took a deep breath. "You and me. I've been thinking a lot about where we stand… if we want to make this something more than just a few dates when we get a chance."

Trish looked thoughtful, considering his words. "I've been thinking about that too," she admitted. "I like spending time with you, Zlatan, I really do. But let's be honest, our schedules are insane. You're on SmackDown; I'm on RAW. We're traveling all the time. The time we have together… it's limited."

Zlatan nodded, understanding her concerns. "That's true, but it hasn't stopped other people from making it work. Look at Triple H and Stephanie. They're on different shows, dealing with just as much, and they're set to get married. If they can make it work, why can't we?"

Trish smiled at his optimism. "Fair point. But, Zlatan, it's not just about logistics. It's about making sure we're on the same page, that we both want the same things. You're this larger-than-life figure, and I'm just… me. Sometimes I wonder if we're too different."

Zlatan leaned in closer, his expression earnest. "Different? Maybe. But that's what makes it interesting, don't you think? We're both outsiders in a way, both proving ourselves in this business, showing that we belong. And you have something I admire—a strength of character. You don't back down from a challenge. That's what drew me to you in the first place."

Trish blushed slightly, clearly flattered by his words. "And you… well, you're not like anyone I've ever met, Zlatan. You have this confidence, this energy, that just draws people to you. But I still wonder… what happens if things get tough? What if the time apart starts to take its toll?"

Zlatan shrugged, a playful smile on his lips. "Then we deal with it. We make the best of the time we do have together, like we have been. We're both fighters, Trish. I think we can handle whatever comes our way."

Trish considered his words for a moment, her eyes searching his face for any hint of doubt or hesitation. But all she saw was sincerity, and maybe even a little vulnerability, something she hadn't expected from the Lion of Rosengård.

"Alright, Zlatan," she said finally, a smile spreading across her face. "Let's give it a shot. Let's see where this goes."

Zlatan grinned, a genuine, broad smile. "Sounds good to me. Just promise you won't make it too easy on me."

Trish laughed softly, "Oh, don't worry. I have no intention of making anything easy."

They shared a moment of quiet laughter, both feeling a sense of relief and excitement about what lay ahead. They might be on different shows, with different schedules, but for now, they were on the same page, and that was enough.

As they walked out of the arena together, side by side, they knew they were starting something new, something that could be as unpredictable as the wrestling world they both loved. But they were ready to face it, together.

XXXX

The arena was buzzing with anticipation as SmackDown came on the air, the crowd at the Mellon Arena ready for a night of intense action. The opening match of the night was a non-title bout between the WWE Champion, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and the former WWE Champion and Olympic gold medalist, Kurt Angle. It was a revisit of their storied rivalry, and with just two and a half weeks to WrestleMania, both men were looking to make a statement.

Michael Cole, at ringside, set the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to SmackDown, coming to you live from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! And we're kicking things off with a huge non-title match—WWE Champion Zlatan Ibrahimović taking on Kurt Angle!"

Tazz, his co-commentator, added with excitement, "Two of the best going head-to-head, Cole! This is going to be a good one! And let's not forget, this is a revisit of their rivalry from earlier in the year. Both these guys have a lot of history."

The bell rang, and the match was underway. Zlatan, the Lion of Rosengård, wasted no time in taking the initiative. With a focused intensity, he closed the distance between himself and Angle, immediately launching into a series of martial arts strikes. The crowd erupted as Zlatan's hands moved like lightning, his quick jabs and powerful strikes connecting with precision and force.

Michael Cole exclaimed, "Zlatan starting off strong with those martial arts hands! He's cornering Angle right from the get-go!"

Tazz nodded, "Zlatan knows he needs to keep the pressure on Kurt. Angle's one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time, but Zlatan's bringing the fight to him!"

Angle, caught off guard by the ferocity of Zlatan's offense, found himself backed into the corner. Zlatan continued to unleash a flurry of rights and lefts, his hands a blur of motion as he targeted Angle's midsection and head. The WWE Champion was clearly looking to make a statement, showing that he wasn't going to be intimidated by Angle's resume or reputation.

Angle, wincing from the strikes, tried to cover up, but Zlatan's relentless assault gave him little room to breathe. The crowd was fully behind Zlatan, cheering him on as he took it to the former champion.

Michael Cole called the action, "Zlatan is not giving Kurt Angle an inch! He's all over him!"

Tazz added, "That's what he's gotta do, Cole! Don't let Angle get his footing, don't let him get into his groove!"

Finally, Angle managed to duck under a right hand from Zlatan, quickly slipping out of the corner. He circled around, trying to create some distance, but Zlatan was right back on him, pressing the attack with more rapid-fire strikes.

The intensity was palpable, and the WWE Universe could feel that this match was more than just a revisit of their rivalry—it was about proving who was truly ready for the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania.

The action in the ring was fast and furious as Kurt Angle, ever the technician, ducked under Zlatan Ibrahimović's right hand and quickly moved in for a waist lock. But Zlatan, anticipating the move, blocked it, showing off his own wrestling prowess. In a smooth transition, Zlatan countered with an arm drag, sending Angle across the ring and immediately following up with a side headlock, cinching it in tight.

Michael Cole, calling the action at ringside, noted, "What a counter by Zlatan! He's showing that he can go hold-for-hold with Kurt Angle!"

Tazz added, "No doubt, Cole. Zlatan's not just a striker—he's got the wrestling chops to hang with Angle."

However, Kurt Angle, always quick to adapt, countered the headlock with a leg scissor, wrapping his powerful legs around Zlatan's head. The crowd watched intently as Zlatan, ever the athlete, quickly powered out of the hold, rolling away to create some separation.

Both men scrambled to their feet and faced off in the center of the ring, their eyes locked in a standoff. The tension was palpable, and the Mellon Arena buzzed with excitement. These were two of the best in the business, and the crowd knew they were witnessing something special. The history between them—former rivals, former WWE Tag Team Champions—only added to the intensity of the moment.

As the "Angle Sucks" chants began to echo through the Mellon Arena, Kurt Angle's face hardened, the chants clearly getting under his skin, especially here in his hometown of Pittsburgh.

Tazz, visibly frustrated with the crowd's reaction, defended Angle. "These fans have no respect, Cole! This is Kurt Angle's hometown! He's an American hero, a freaking Olympic gold medalist, and they're chanting 'Angle Sucks'?"

Michael Cole, always the voice of reason, replied, "Tazz, you know as well as I do that Kurt Angle's done some pretty questionable things over the years. The fans haven't forgotten all the shortcuts and dubious acts he's pulled. That's why he's getting this hostile reception—even here in Pittsburgh."

Angle, hearing the chants, glared out at the crowd, clearly agitated by their lack of support. But he quickly refocused, knowing that his frustration couldn't distract him in a match against someone as dangerous as Zlatan.

Zlatan, on the other hand, stood calmly, his face a mask of confidence. He knew how dangerous Kurt Angle could be when he was riled up, but Zlatan was ready for anything. The WWE Champion took a moment to soak in the atmosphere, the energy of the crowd fueling him as he prepared to lock up with Angle once again.

The match was still in its early stages, but both men had already shown flashes of brilliance. The crowd could feel that this was more than just a match—it was a statement, a precursor to what would unfold at WrestleMania. The chess match between Zlatan Ibrahimović and Kurt Angle had only just begun, and the WWE Universe was on the edge of their seats, eager to see which of these two warriors would gain the upper hand.

The tension in the Mellon Arena was palpable as Zlatan Ibrahimović and Kurt Angle locked up once again in the center of the ring. Both men jockeyed for position, but Zlatan, ever the opportunist, quickly drove a knee into Angle's gut, doubling the Olympian over.

Michael Cole at ringside exclaimed, "A knee to the gut from Zlatan! He's taking control of this match early on!"

Wasting no time, Zlatan grabbed Angle by the arm and whipped him hard into the ropes. As Angle came back rebounding, Zlatan expertly caught him and executed a massive back body drop, sending Angle soaring high into the air before crashing down onto the mat.

Tazz, clearly impressed, shouted, "What elevation on that back body drop! Angle went flying!"

Angle, wincing in pain, began to stumble back to his feet, but Zlatan was already in motion. With a quick spin, Zlatan delivered a precise spin kick, the impact of which knocked Angle down to the mat once again. The crowd erupted in cheers, fully behind the WWE Champion as he continued his assault.

Michael Cole added, "A spin kick from Zlatan, and down goes Angle! The WWE Champion is on fire tonight!"

Angle, showing his resilience, struggled back to his feet and found himself backed into a corner. Zlatan, sensing the advantage, moved in with a flurry of martial arts strikes and elbows. Each strike landed with pinpoint accuracy, the sound of flesh meeting flesh echoing throughout the arena. The crowd roared with approval as Zlatan unleashed his offense, each blow driving Angle further into the corner.

Tazz, marveling at Zlatan's intensity, said, "Zlatan is just laying it on Angle! Those strikes are lethal, Cole! He's got Angle right where he wants him!"

With Angle trapped in the corner, Zlatan continued to unleash a relentless series of strikes, mixing quick jabs with sharp elbows, each one designed to weaken the Olympic gold medalist. The energy in the arena was electric, the crowd feeding off the intensity of the WWE Champion's assault.

Michael Cole, his voice filled with excitement, added, "Zlatan is not letting up! He's all over Kurt Angle, not giving him any room to breathe!"

Angle, reeling from the barrage, tried to cover up, but Zlatan's onslaught was unrelenting. The WWE Champion was sending a clear message—he was not only ready for WrestleMania, but he was also ready to take on any challenge, including the man standing before him, who was once one of the most dominant forces in WWE.

The match was heating up, and the WWE Universe could feel the intensity. Zlatan Ibrahimović was in full control, and Kurt Angle was in serious trouble. The Lion of Rosengård was on the hunt, and there was no stopping him.

The crowd's excitement grew as Zlatan Ibrahimović kept the pressure on Kurt Angle, dominating the early moments of their non-title match. With just two and a half weeks until WrestleMania, the WWE Universe was keenly aware of what was at stake. The WWE Champion, Zlatan, was gearing up for the biggest match of his career against Brock Lesnar, and tonight was a crucial test against the formidable Angle.

Michael Cole, seizing the moment to remind the viewers of the gravity of the situation, spoke with anticipation. "In just two and a half weeks, folks, Zlatan is in for the fight of his life against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania for the WWE Championship! It's going to be intense, and let's not forget, both these men—Zlatan and Lesnar—have achieved so much in just a year. They're both making their first WrestleMania appearances, and what a stage it will be!"

Tazz chimed in, "No doubt, Cole! This is a big test for Zlatan tonight against a guy like Kurt Angle, who's been on that WrestleMania stage many times. He's gotta be sharp, stay focused, and keep this momentum going."

Back in the ring, Zlatan whipped Kurt Angle into the opposite corner with authority, the impact sending Angle crashing back-first into the turnbuckles. Sensing an opportunity to keep the pressure on, Zlatan charged full speed toward Angle, looking to land a high-impact move and maintain his momentum.

But Angle, always a step ahead when it mattered, raised a well-timed elbow, catching Zlatan square in the face as he charged in. The WWE Champion staggered back, momentarily stunned by the hard shot.

Michael Cole exclaimed, "Angle with a big elbow to the face! That might give him the breather he needs!"

Tazz added, "That's what makes Kurt Angle so dangerous, Cole! He can turn things around in an instant, and Zlatan's gotta be careful not to let his guard down!"

Angle, capitalizing on the brief moment of reprieve, shook off the cobwebs and readied himself, sensing that this was his chance to shift the momentum back in his favor. The crowd's anticipation grew as the match balanced on a knife's edge, both men keenly aware that a single mistake could swing the battle.

Zlatan, rubbing his jaw, quickly refocused, knowing he couldn't afford to give Angle any more breathing room. The Lion of Rosengård was ready to prove he could handle whatever Angle threw his way, just as he would have to do against Brock Lesnar on the grandest stage of them all. WrestleMania was drawing closer, and each move, each strike, each counter was a step closer to defining his legacy.

Kurt Angle, seeing the opening after landing the elbow to Zlatan Ibrahimović's face, quickly charged out of the corner, looking to capitalize on the momentary advantage. But Zlatan, ever aware, saw Angle's advance and reacted with precision. With a burst of strength, he scooped Angle up, hoisting him over his shoulders, and executed a powerful Samoan drop that sent the former WWE Champion crashing hard to the mat.

Michael Cole shouted, "What a Samoan drop by Zlatan! The champ is showing his power!"

Tazz added, "Angle charged in, and Zlatan caught him! That's the awareness of a champion, Cole!"

With Angle down, Zlatan quickly rolled over, hooking Angle's leg for the cover. The referee slid into position and began the count.

"One… Two…"

But Kurt Angle, showing his resilience and tenacity, kicked out just before the three-count. The crowd, fully engaged in the match, let out a mixture of gasps and cheers, knowing that this contest was far from over.

Michael Cole remarked, "Angle kicks out at two! This match is heating up, Tazz!"

Tazz agreed, "You can't put a guy like Kurt Angle away that easily, Cole. But Zlatan's keeping the pressure on, and he's showing he's not backing down, even with WrestleMania looming!"

Zlatan, not showing any frustration, got back to his feet, keeping his composure. He knew that Angle wouldn't go down without a fight, and this was exactly the kind of preparation he needed to be ready for Brock Lesnar. Zlatan's focus was sharp, and his determination was evident; he was here to make a statement and to prove he was ready to defend his WWE Championship against anyone.

Angle is feeling the effects of the Samoan Drop, staggering to his feet when Zlatan lands a series of right hands. The blows rock Angle back on his heels, but in a sudden burst of desperation, Angle counters with a thumb to the eye.

Michael Cole at the commentary table exclaims, "And Kurt Angle with a thumb to the eye! That was all desperation from Angle!"

Seizing the opportunity, Angle quickly gets behind Zlatan and locks his arms around his waist, attempting a German suplex. He powers Zlatan off his feet, but mid-air, Zlatan flips over, landing gracefully on his feet.

Michael Cole exclaims, "Oh my God, Zlatan just landed on his feet! Angle has no idea!"

Tazz, eyes wide, adds, "There's that agility coming into play! And Angle has no clue!"

Oblivious, Angle, assuming he has completed the suplex, turns around—only to feel a tap on his shoulder. His eyes widen as he realizes his mistake, but it's too late. Zlatan, towering at 6'5" and weighing 255 pounds, scoops Angle up with ease, lifting him high above his head in a military press.

Tazz shouts into the mic, "This is insanity! Angle's 237 pounds, and Zlatan is treating him like a feather!"

Zlatan, with a display of raw power, presses Angle up a few times before slamming him down to the mat. The ring shakes from the impact, and the crowd roars with approval.

Tazz can't believe what he's seeing. "What kind of training did Zlatan go through to get strength like that? Was it with Vikings? I'm telling ya, I gotta go to Sweden and find me some Vikings, see what kind of regimen they're on! Maybe they'll share some of their secrets with me!"

Cole chuckles, "I think you might be onto something there, Tazz!"

Angle lies on the mat, dazed and bewildered, while Zlatan stands tall, the crowd firmly behind him.

Kurt Angle, feeling the sting of Zlatan's overwhelming power, wisely rolls out of the ring, desperate for a moment to regroup and catch his breath. He stumbles to the floor, a look of frustration and pain etched across his face, while Zlatan stands tall in the ring, his expression calm and composed, watching his opponent closely.

The referee begins the mandatory ten-count, raising his arm and shouting, "One... two..." Angle paces around, clearly rattled and trying to formulate a new strategy. He glances back at the ring, weighing his options. With every passing second, it becomes clearer that Angle is considering his next move carefully. His face hardens with resolve, and he decides to take the more cautious route, slowly backing away and heading up the ramp, seemingly choosing to retreat and live to fight another day, even if it means risking a count-out loss.

"Angle's heading for the hills!" Michael Cole exclaims. "He's actually walking away! Is Kurt Angle about to take a count-out loss to the WWE Champion?"

"Looks like he's had enough of Zlatan tonight, Cole!" Tazz adds. "Maybe Kurt thinks it's smarter to save himself for another time… but you know Zlatan won't let him go that easy."

Just as Angle reaches the middle of the ramp, Zlatan decides he's not about to let Angle slip away. The champion steps through the ropes, drops down to the arena floor, and breaks into a sprint. With his long strides, Zlatan closes the distance between himself and Angle in no time. The crowd roars in anticipation as Zlatan races up the ramp, catching Angle completely off guard.

Before Angle can react, Zlatan barrels into him from behind with a powerful running shoulder block, sending Angle sprawling forward, crashing hard onto the steel ramp. The audience erupts in cheers as Zlatan continues to show no mercy, refusing to allow Angle a moment's respite.

"Oh, man! Zlatan just took Angle down on the ramp!" Cole shouts. "He's not letting Kurt Angle get away that easily!"

"That's the heart of a champion right there!" Tazz chimes in. "Zlatan isn't just gonna let Angle walk out and take the easy way! He's gonna finish this, one way or another!"

Angle groans, feeling the impact in every muscle of his body as he tries to scramble away, but Zlatan is right there, looming over him, ready to continue the fight. The crowd is on its feet, fully engaged in the action, knowing that this battle is far from over and that Zlatan has no intention of letting Angle off the hook without a definitive conclusion.

Kurt Angle, desperate to escape Zlatan's relentless pursuit, crawls away, trying to put some distance between himself and the WWE Champion. But Zlatan is having none of it. His eyes locked on Angle, Zlatan stalks him like a predator closing in on its prey. With a swift, calculated move, Zlatan grabs Angle by the back of his head, yanking him to his feet.

The crowd watches in anticipation as Zlatan drags Angle toward the steel steps at ringside. Without a moment's hesitation, Zlatan slams Angle's head into the unforgiving steel with a resounding thud, the impact stunning the Olympic gold medalist. The crowd winces at the sound, and Angle's body goes limp for a moment, his hands instinctively reaching for his head in pain.

"Zlatan just drove Angle's head right into those steel steps!" Michael Cole exclaims, his voice filled with urgency. "That's got to have Angle seeing stars!"

Tazz, equally impressed, adds, "Zlatan is like a machine right now! He's not giving Angle a single second to breathe, and that's exactly what he needs to do to keep the pressure on."

Not content with just one strike, Zlatan grabs Angle by the head again and pulls him upright. He then begins delivering a series of punishing knee strikes to Angle's midsection, each one driving the air out of Angle's lungs and forcing him to double over in pain. The force of each knee is palpable, and the crowd is roaring as Zlatan continues his onslaught.

"Those knee strikes are lethal!" Cole shouts. "Angle's in serious trouble here!"

Tazz nods in agreement, adding, "This is the kind of intensity you expect from the WWE Champion! Zlatan's showing exactly why he's the top dog around here. Angle's gotta find a way out of this or it's game over!"

Angle, overwhelmed by the relentless attack, struggles to stay on his feet, his body wracked with pain. The brutal knee strikes leave him gasping for breath, his mind spinning from the relentless punishment. Zlatan, sensing the match is swinging heavily in his favor, continues to impose his will, determined to send a message not just to Angle but to everyone watching that he is the true dominant force in WWE.

The crowd's energy surges, fully behind the champion as they witness his ruthless display of power and skill. Zlatan stands over Angle, his face a picture of calm determination, ready to continue the beatdown and assert his dominance in this intense battle.

Zlatan, having delivered a series of punishing knee strikes, pulls Kurt Angle back to his feet and forcefully whips him back into the ring under the bottom rope. Angle rolls inside, clearly dazed and hurting, while the referee moves in to check on him, ensuring he's still able to continue the match.

Zlatan, however, remains on the outside, momentarily catching his breath, when suddenly, out of nowhere, The Rockcharges down the ramp, his Hollywood heel persona fully on display. The crowd erupts into a mixture of cheers and jeers, mostly boos, as the "Rocky sucks!" chants echo throughout the Mellon Arena.

"What the hell is The Rock doing here?" Michael Cole shouts in surprise. "He's got no business in this match!"

Tazz chimes in, "I'll tell ya, Cole, The Rock's here to settle a score! Remember, it was just this past Monday on Raw when Zlatan caused a distraction that led to The Hurricane pulling off an upset victory over The Rock. You know The Rock hasn't forgotten that!"

Without wasting a second, The Rock ambushes Zlatan from behind, raining down a flurry of sharp right hands, each punch landing with precision and force. Zlatan, caught completely off guard, reels from the blows, trying to defend himself. The crowd's boos grow louder as The Rock smirks, feeding off the negative energy.

With the referee still distracted, checking on Angle inside the ring, The Rock seizes his moment. He quickly glances around to ensure the ref isn't looking and then delivers a swift, brutal low blow, driving his fist up between Zlatan's legs. Zlatan doubles over in agony, his face contorting in pain as the cheap shot connects.

"Oh, come on!" Cole yells, his voice full of outrage. "A low blow by The Rock! That's dirty, Tazz! He's attacking Zlatan from behind like a coward!"

Tazz, half-amused and half-shocked, responds, "Hey, that's The Rock for you, Cole! He's not here to make friends — he's here to make a statement! And he's doing it the only way he knows how!"

The Rock, still with a look of feigned innocence, grabs Zlatan by the back of the head and tosses him back into the ring under the bottom rope, acting as if nothing untoward has happened. He takes a few steps back, lifting his hands to look innocent and pretending to cheer along with the fans, who continue their "Rocky sucks!" chant even louder.

Meanwhile, in the ring, the referee turns around, oblivious to what just transpired, as The Rock casually strolls around the ringside area, keeping a close eye on the action, a sly grin spread across his face.

Zlatan rolls inside, clutching his midsection, clearly feeling the effects of the sneak attack. Angle, seeing his chance, begins to stir, a look of realization dawning on his face as he senses an opportunity to turn the tables in this chaotic encounter. The atmosphere in the Mellon Arena is electric, with the crowd on edge, wondering what's going to happen next as The Rock remains at ringside, still playing the part of the innocent observer, but clearly itching to get involved again if the opportunity presents itself.

Kurt Angle, sensing the opportunity handed to him by The Rock's interference, quickly springs into action. He maneuvers behind Zlatan, wrapping his arms around the champion's waist. With a burst of strength, Angle executes the first of his signature Triple German Suplexes, slamming Zlatan down onto the mat with authority. The crowd gasps at the impact, but Angle doesn't let go, maintaining his grip as he pulls Zlatan up and hits a second German suplex, then a third, each one more powerful than the last.

"Triple German suplexes by Kurt Angle!" Michael Cole shouts. "He's taking full advantage of The Rock's interference!"

With Zlatan dazed from the series of suplexes, Angle wastes no time, quickly pulling him back to his feet. In one swift motion, Angle lifts Zlatan high into the air and delivers his finishing maneuver — the Angle Slam! The ring shakes with the impact as Zlatan crashes down, and the crowd's energy hits a fever pitch.

"Oh no!" Cole exclaims, his voice tinged with concern. "Don't tell me Angle is going to pick up the win thanks to The Rock's interference!"

"This might be it, Cole!" Tazz responds, sounding almost convinced. "Angle hit the Angle Slam! He's got the momentum now!"

Angle, sensing victory, drops down and hooks the leg, going for the cover. The referee slides into position, slapping the mat as he begins the count.

"One… Two…"

The Rock, watching from ringside, nods with satisfaction, a pleased grin spreading across his face as he believes his plan has worked. The crowd is on the edge of their seats, some counting along, while others shout for Zlatan to kick out.

But just before the referee's hand hits the mat for the third time, Zlatan digs deep and powers his shoulder up off the canvas, breaking the count! The crowd erupts with a mix of cheers and gasps, stunned by Zlatan's resilience.

"Zlatan gets the shoulder up!" Cole exclaims, almost in disbelief. "He's still in this match! He's not going down that easy!"

Tazz, shaking his head, adds, "Man, what heart by Zlatan! But you gotta wonder, how much more can he take after everything he's been through tonight?"

Angle's face shows a flash of frustration as he realizes the match isn't over. Meanwhile, The Rock's grin fades slightly as he looks on, clearly annoyed that his interference hasn't sealed the deal. The crowd is buzzing with anticipation, knowing the match is far from over, and that this clash of titans has plenty more in store.

Kurt Angle, frustration briefly flashing across his face, quickly shifts his mindset to sheer determination. The crowd knows what's coming next as Angle pulls down the straps of his singlet, baring his shoulders, a sign that he's ready to finish the match in true Olympic style.

"Uh-oh," Michael Cole says, his voice filled with anticipation. "Angle's gone Olympic! He's ready to end this!"

Angle wastes no time and immediately grabs Zlatan's leg, twisting it viciously and locking in his signature Ankle Lock. The crowd erupts, knowing the danger Zlatan is in. Angle drops to the mat, applying maximum pressure, wrenching on Zlatan's ankle with all his strength.

"Tap out!" Angle yells, his face a mask of intensity. "Come on, Zlatan, tap out!"

Zlatan grimaces in pain, desperately clawing at the mat, trying to find any way to relieve the pressure. The audience is split, with some chanting for Zlatan to hold on and others urging Angle to crank up the pressure.

Meanwhile, at ringside, The Rock is putting on a show of his own. He grabs a chair from the nearby timekeeper's area, unfolding it and taking a seat like he's at a casual event. With a smug grin, he pops open a water bottle, takes a long drink, and pulls out his cell phone. He begins chatting animatedly, clearly pretending to speak with his agent, his Hollywood persona on full display.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm just watching a little wrestling here," The Rock says, his voice loud enough for the nearby cameras to pick up. "Oh, yeah, it's great… watching Zlatan squirm like a little punk… No, no, don't worry, I've got front row seats to the pain show!"

The crowd's boos grow louder as they see The Rock enjoying every second of Zlatan's agony, his expression one of sheer pleasure as he takes in the action from his "VIP seat."

Tazz can't help but chuckle, "Look at The Rock, Cole! The guy's treating this like it's some Hollywood premiere! He's got his chair, his water, and his agent on the phone. Talk about rubbing salt in the wound!"

Cole, sounding frustrated, adds, "This is ridiculous! The Rock has no respect for anyone! He's just here to bask in Zlatan's suffering after what he pulled on Raw!"

In the ring, Angle continues to apply the Ankle Lock, twisting Zlatan's foot with increasing force. Zlatan yells out in pain, his face contorted with agony, but he refuses to give in. The champion digs deep, reaching for the ropes, knowing that getting there might be his only chance to survive this submission.

The tension in the arena is palpable, with every fan on their feet, wondering if Zlatan can somehow find a way out of this or if Angle and The Rock will succeed in humiliating the WWE Champion tonight.

With the pain from the Ankle Lock coursing through his body, Zlatan digs deep and musters the strength to make a quick roll, using his momentum to throw Kurt Angle forward. Angle crashes headfirst into the second turnbuckle, stunning him and giving Zlatan a precious moment to recover. The crowd roars in approval, sensing the tide may be turning.

Seeing Angle dazed in the corner, Zlatan quickly seizes the moment to mount a comeback. He charges forward with a powerful clothesline that sends Angle stumbling back. Not letting up for a second, Zlatan rushes in again with another clothesline, knocking Angle down to the mat this time. The energy in the arena is electric as Zlatan, feeding off the crowd, builds his momentum.

"Zlatan is coming back!" Michael Cole shouts. "He's not done yet!"

Zlatan, his expression fierce, reaches down, clasping his massive hands around Angle's waist. With a show of raw strength, he hoists Angle up and over with a perfectly executed belly-to-belly suplex, sending the Olympic hero crashing hard to the mat. The crowd pops at the impressive display of power, and Angle arches his back in pain, feeling the full force of the maneuver.

"Wow! What a belly-to-belly suplex!" Tazz yells. "Zlatan's showing he's got some suplex skills of his own!"

Zlatan, not wasting a second, quickly lines up for his next move. He charges forward and aims a devastating thrust kick right at Angle's chest. But Angle, ever the ring general, catches Zlatan's leg, holding it tight and momentarily trapping the champion.

Angle attempts to twist Zlatan around, perhaps looking for another submission or suplex, but in the process, he inadvertently spins himself around and leaves himself wide open. Zlatan takes full advantage, pivoting his body and snapping off a dragon whip kick that catches Angle flush on the side of the head, sending him sprawling to the mat.

"What a counter by Zlatan!" Cole exclaims. "The dragon whip kick out of nowhere!"

Zlatan quickly drops down, hooking Angle's leg and going for the cover. The referee slides into position and starts the count.

"One… Two…"

But Angle, showing his resilience, powers out just before the count of three. The crowd gasps, impressed by Angle's toughness, but also firmly behind Zlatan's continued fight.

"Angle kicks out!" Tazz shouts, his voice filled with excitement. "Man, these guys are giving it everything they've got! What a match!"

Zlatan takes a deep breath, knowing he's close but still needing more to put Angle away. The Rock watches from his makeshift ringside seat, his expression shifting from amused confidence to a hint of frustration as he realizes that Zlatan is still very much in this fight. The crowd's energy is at a fever pitch, sensing that this battle is far from over and that both men are willing to push themselves to their limits to claim victory tonight.

Zlatan, determined to keep the pressure on, grabs Angle by the arm and drags him toward the corner of the ring. With Angle trapped against the turnbuckles, Zlatan begins unloading with a series of hard right hands, each punch landing with a loud smack, sending Angle's head snapping back with every blow. The crowd roars with approval as Zlatan lays into the Olympic gold medalist, showing no signs of slowing down.

"Zlatan's not letting up!" Michael Cole shouts. "He's keeping Angle right where he wants him!"

After a flurry of strikes, Zlatan pauses, a grin forming on his face as he glances over at The Rock, who is still seated ringside, chatting on the phone and looking somewhat annoyed. Zlatan decides to have a bit of fun, taking a page out of The Rock's playbook. He steps back, dramatically raises his hand, and winds up for one of The Rock's signature moves — the spit punch.

The crowd catches on immediately, and a ripple of excitement moves through the arena. Zlatan leans back, purses his lips, and spits on his fist for emphasis before swinging forward with a lightning-quick punch that connects squarely with Angle's jaw, sending the Olympic hero staggering back into the corner.

"What a spit punch from Zlatan!" Tazz exclaims with a laugh. "He just used The Rock's own move right in front of him!"

The audience explodes with a mix of cheers and laughter, loving the cheeky nod to The Rock's signature style. The Rock, still seated ringside, lowers his phone and glares at Zlatan, his expression shifting from amused disbelief to outright irritation. Clearly, The Rock didn't expect his own move to be used against one of his rivals.

"Oh, you gotta love this!" Cole says, chuckling. "Zlatan's mocking The Rock right in front of his face!"

The Rock stands up from his chair, looking a bit more serious now, tossing his water bottle aside as he watches closely. Meanwhile, in the ring, Zlatan's confidence is evident as he maintains control, knowing he's not only wearing down Angle but also sending a clear message to The Rock, the very man who interfered in his match.

Angle, shaking off the effects of the punch, tries to steady himself, but Zlatan remains in control, ready to continue his assault and prove that he's not just any champion — he's a champion who can play the game just as well as anyone in the WWE. The crowd is on fire, knowing that this match has turned into more than just a battle between two competitors — it's a statement of defiance against The Rock himself.

Zlatan, fully in control, whips Kurt Angle into the opposite corner with such force that Angle stumbles out of the corner, dazed and off-balance. Zlatan seizes the opportunity, scooping Angle onto his shoulder with ease and driving him face-first into the top turnbuckle with a brutal Snake Eyes. The crowd roars as Angle stumbles backward, clearly disoriented from the impact.

Zlatan wastes no time, exploding off the ropes and charging back with a thunderous clothesline in mind. But at the last moment, Angle ducks under the swing, causing Zlatan to accidentally collide with the referee, who takes the full brunt of the impact and goes down hard.

"The referee is down!" Michael Cole exclaims. "This could spell trouble for Zlatan!"

Zlatan quickly assesses the situation and turns just in time to see Angle charging at him. With cat-like reflexes, Zlatan counters, scooping Angle up and planting him into the mat with a spinebuster, turning a full 180 degrees before driving him down with authority. The crowd erupts at the display of power, but Zlatan, focused on Angle, doesn't notice The Rock slipping into the ring behind him.

The Rock, waiting patiently, bides his time as Zlatan turns around. As soon as Zlatan faces him, The Rock strikes, planting Zlatan with a spinebuster of his own, driving the Lion of Rosengård into the canvas with a resounding thud. The crowd erupts into a mix of boos and cheers, the noise deafening as The Rock gets to his feet, soaking in the moment.

"Oh no!" Tazz shouts. "The Rock just laid out Zlatan with a spinebuster! And look at him, Cole, he's setting up for it!"

The Rock, brimming with confidence, steps over Zlatan's fallen body and gets into position for the most electrifying move in sports entertainment — The People's Elbow. He stands over Zlatan, pausing for dramatic effect, then does his trademark shuffle, bouncing off the ropes once, twice, and just as he's about to drop the elbow…

Zlatan rolls out of the way at the last possible second, leaving The Rock to crash elbow-first into the mat, hitting nothing but canvas. The crowd erupts as The Rock recoils in pain, clutching his arm.

"Zlatan moved! The Rock missed!" Cole shouts, barely able to contain his excitement.

Wasting no time, Zlatan springs to his feet and begins laying into The Rock with a barrage of rapid-fire martial arts strikes, each one connecting with precision. The Rock stumbles back, trying to defend himself, but Zlatan's relentless assault is too much. With the crowd on their feet, Zlatan winds up and delivers another spit punch, this time right to The Rock's jaw, sending him reeling backward.

The Rock, stunned by the blow, tumbles over the top rope and crashes to the outside, landing hard on the floor. The crowd explodes in cheers as Zlatan stands tall in the ring, having just sent the Brahma Bull packing.

"Zlatan just knocked The Rock out of the ring!" Tazz yells, his voice almost drowned out by the roar of the crowd. "What a comeback! He just laid the smackdown on The Rock!"

Michael Cole, equally thrilled, adds, "Zlatan is showing why he's the WWE Champion! He just took out The Rock and sent him flying! This match is far from over, but Zlatan is proving he's ready for anything!"

With The Rock laid out on the floor and Angle still recovering from the spinebuster, Zlatan stands tall in the center of the ring, the fans firmly behind him. The momentum has shifted back in the champion's favor, and the crowd is buzzing with anticipation, knowing that anything can happen next in this electrifying encounter.

As Zlatan turns his focus back to Kurt Angle, sensing an opportunity to finish the match, the referee begins to regain consciousness. Zlatan moves in to capitalize, but Angle, ever the opportunist, suddenly springs to life. With a burst of energy, Angle catches Zlatan off guard, rolling him up into a small package. The referee, still groggy but now alert enough to see the pin, drops down to make the count.

"One… Two… Three!"

The bell rings, and the crowd erupts in a mix of shock and disbelief as Kurt Angle steals a victory out of nowhere. Angle quickly rolls out of the pin, jumping to his feet with a big grin on his face, his arms raised in triumph. The referee points to Angle, confirming the result, while Tony Chimel announces from ringside, "Here is your winner… Kurt Angle!"

Angle struts around the ring, celebrating his sneaky victory with a wide, smug grin. He gets in Zlatan's face, goading him with a smirk and holding up three fingers, reminding him of their record now — three wins for Zlatan to Angle's two. Angle revels in the moment, shouting, "That's two, Zlatan! Two!" before sliding out of the ring, his grin never fading.

Michael Cole, sounding frustrated, exclaims, "I can't believe it! Kurt Angle just stole a win with that small package, thanks to The Rock's interference!"

"Hey, a win is a win, Cole!" Tazz responds with a laugh. "Angle found a way to get it done, and he's not gonna let Zlatan forget it!"

Zlatan gets to his feet, his face a mask of frustration and anger. He knows that Angle only managed to pull off the victory because of The Rock's interference. His eyes dart to the ramp, where he spots The Rock, who is now halfway up the aisle. The Rock stops, turns around, and locks eyes with Zlatan. With a cocky smirk, he begins to mock Zlatan, doing his signature eyebrow raise and sarcastically applauding his effort in the match.

The crowd picks up on the tension between the two, with "Rocky sucks!" chants echoing throughout the arena. The Rock cups his ear, pretending to listen to the crowd, before laughing and pointing at Zlatan, clearly taking pleasure in having cost him the match.

Zlatan, fuming, steps up onto the ropes, pointing back at The Rock, his expression filled with anger and determination. He knows that this isn't over — not by a long shot. The Rock continues his taunts, backing up the ramp, knowing he's gotten under the champion's skin.

"This isn't the end of it!" Cole says with intensity. "Zlatan won't take this lying down. You can bet he's got payback on his mind for The Rock!"

"Absolutely, Cole!" Tazz adds. "Zlatan's a proud champion, and he's not gonna let The Rock walk away after costing him the match. This is far from over between these two!"

As The Rock disappears behind the curtain, Zlatan's gaze remains fixed on the entrance, his jaw clenched in determination. The crowd buzzes with anticipation, sensing the brewing feud between these two larger-than-life figures and knowing that the collision course between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and The Rock is inevitable — and bound to be explosive.