arch 17, 2003 - St. Louis Missouri

The familiar sounds of "The Lion" by RZA and GZA blare through the arena speakers, and the crowd erupts as a rather infuriated WWE Champion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, storms down the ramp in street clothes. His expression is a mixture of anger and determination, and there's no mistaking the purpose in his stride. He's here to settle a score, and the fans can feel it.

Jim Ross immediately jumps in with his trademark intensity, "We're live here on RAW, and here comes the ravaged lion himself! The WWE Champion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, from SmackDown! And by the look on his face, folks, he's not exactly here to extend The Rock an invitation to a barbecue!"

Jerry "The King" Lawler, always the heel and staunch supporter of The Rock, adds with a sly grin, "You got that right, JR! Look at him! He's out of his mind!"

Zlatan, clearly fired up, approaches the ring, grabbing a few steel chairs from the outside and tossing them inside one by one. The clattering of the chairs against the mat echoes throughout the arena as he retrieves a microphone from ring announcer Lilian Garcia and climbs through the ropes. The intensity in his eyes is palpable, and he paces around the ring like a caged predator, the chants of "Ibra! Ibra!" filling the Savvis Center.

Jim Ross provides the context to viewers at home. "Well, ladies and gentlemen, if you missed it last week on SmackDown, Zlatan was in a match against Kurt Angle in Pittsburgh, when The Rock, out of nowhere, made his presence known and figuratively cost Zlatan the match! And by the look on Zlatan's face, this lion is ready to face the Brahma Bull head-on! You don't enrage a lion unless you're prepared to feel the lion's fury, and that's exactly what the Bosnian Croat of Malmö intends to unleash tonight!"

Zlatan continues to pace in the ring, his fury barely contained, while the crowd's chants grow louder. JR continues, "And let's not forget, folks, in just 13 days, this man has a monumental WWE Title defense against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, in front of over 50,000 fans at Safeco Field in Seattle! But right now, it's clear that the only thing on this lion's mind is getting his hands on The Rock! The Brahma Bull is dangerous, but this lion is lethal!"

Zlatan finally raises the microphone to his lips, his voice a growl as he begins his promo. "I'm pissed off!" The crowd immediately responds with "What!" chants, to which Zlatan, with a hint of a smirk, continues, "No, no… you didn't hear me. I'm really pissed off!"

The "What!" chants continue, but Zlatan plays along, using the crowd's energy to fuel his own. "Last week, I was in control… What! I had Kurt Angle right where I wanted him… What! And it looked like I was about to win… What!" The crowd is loving every second of it, their responses echoing around the arena.

Zlatan's tone suddenly sharpens. "Then WHAM! The Rock comes in and attacks me from behind!" He pauses, catching his breath, and then shouts, "Eh, eh!" cutting off the "What!" chants with a commanding gesture, making it clear he's done playing around.

A nervous Jerry Lawler mutters, "Oh boy… Rock, I'd strongly reconsider walking into the arena tonight…"

Zlatan continues, now dead serious. "Rock, there's one thing you just don't do… and that's screw over Zlatan Ibrahimovic! Ask Triple H about it! He knows what happens when you try to pull one over on the lion!"

The crowd cheers, remembering the intense battles Zlatan has had in the past, knowing he's not someone who lets things slide easily.

Zlatan then points directly at the entrance ramp, his voice filled with authority and venom. "So why don't you come down here, Rock? Why don't you step into this ring, so I can personally check your Hollywood bald candy ass directly into the SmackDown Hotel?"

The crowd explodes with cheers, the arena vibrating with anticipation as everyone's attention turns to the stage, waiting to see if The Rock will answer Zlatan's fiery challenge. The tension is at an all-time high, and the fans know they're about to witness a confrontation of epic proportions between two of WWE's biggest stars.

Zlatan stands in the center of the ring, his eyes locked on the entrance ramp, waiting for The Rock to show up. He's a picture of calm, but beneath the surface, the tension is boiling. As he waits, he hears a voice calling out to him from ringside. Referee Nick Patrick is motioning toward Zlatan, trying to get his attention.

Zlatan walks over to the side of the ring, leaning over the ropes to hear what the referee has to say. "Zlatan," Nick Patrick begins, "a tag team match is set to take place right now. You need to clear the ring."

Zlatan's expression doesn't change; if anything, he looks even more irritated. He lifts the microphone and snaps back, "You know what? Why don't you shove it up your ass?" The crowd in St. Louis erupts in cheers, loving every second of Zlatan's defiance.

Zlatan continues, turning back toward the entrance, "I'm not leaving this ring until the so-called 'Great One' comes out here to face me!"

Just then, the arena fills with a wave of boos as the music of Chief Morley, "Chief of Staff" to Eric Bischoff, begins to play. Dressed in his ring gear, Chief Morley steps out onto the stage, accompanied by his partner and one-half of the World Tag Team Champions, Lance Storm. Morley's face is twisted into a smug, arrogant grin, while Lance Storm remains stoic, his expression one of mild annoyance, letting Morley handle the talking.

Jim Ross's disdain is clear in his voice. "Oh, great… here comes Chief Morley, the Chief of Bischoff's Administration. I've got nothing pleasant to say about this guy, folks. He's here to throw his weight around, as usual."

King, always the heel, chuckles in agreement, "Oh, come on, JR, this is gonna be good! Chief Morley always knows how to keep things in line!"

Zlatan remains calm in the ring, his eyes never leaving Morley as he makes his way down the ramp. The fans in St. Louis start up an "Asshole!" chant directed squarely at Chief Morley, who seems more amused than irritated by the crowd's reaction. Next, a loud "U-S-A!" chant breaks out, aimed at Lance Storm, the proud Canadian. Storm, however, stays stone-faced, letting Morley do all the talking.

Chief Morley grabs a microphone, his expression smug as ever. "Well, well, well… looks like someone got a little confused. Zlatan, you do realize that this is Monday Night RAW, right? Not Thursday Night SmackDown. Around here, you don't get to make demands!"

Zlatan's expression hardens, but he lets Morley continue, clearly not impressed by the interruption.

Morley puffs out his chest, his arrogance on full display. "As the Chief of Bischoff's Administration, it's my job to make sure things run smoothly. And that does not include some street thug who had his 15 minutes of fame kicking a soccer ball around in some backward neighborhood in Scandinavia!"

The crowd reacts with a mix of boos and jeers at the insult, but King, always taking the heel's side, is pleased. "You tell him, Morley!" King laughs.

"Oh, please," Jim Ross mutters, rolling his eyes. "Give me a break…"

Zlatan gives a quick shake of his head, clearly not pleased with the interruption. His eyes narrow, and he clenches his jaw, the microphone still in hand. It's clear from his body language that he's not here to play games, and Morley's patronizing tone is only adding fuel to the fire.

The tension in the arena is thick as the fans wait to see how Zlatan will respond to this disrespectful interruption, knowing that the Lion of Rosengård is not a man to take insults lightly.

Zlatan, standing tall in the center of the ring, lifts the microphone to his mouth with a smirk, "You know, it's pretty obvious to me that everyone here in St. Louis thinks you're a complete Asshole!" The fans explode into cheers on cue, loving every moment of Zlatan's fiery words.

Jerry "The King" Lawler, always the heel commentator, quickly interjects, "AH! Oh my!"

The crowd's noise only grows louder as Zlatan continues, his voice steady but with a dangerous edge. "Let me make something perfectly clear, Chief. I don't like people interrupting me… and if you don't want to leave this ring limping, I suggest that you and Mr. Boring here," he gestures toward Lance Storm, "take a few steps back." The nickname "Mr. Boring," referring to Storm, earns a loud cheer from the fans, who start chanting "Mr. Boring!" at Storm, who just glares back, clearly irritated but remaining silent.

Jim Ross adds with a knowing tone, "Fair warning, King. Zlatan's not in the mood for games tonight."

But Chief Morley, feeling confident and full of himself, ignores Zlatan's warning, brushing it off with a dismissive wave of his hand. With a condescending grin, he continues, "You know, Zlatan, I've heard all about you from Bischoff… back when you were still a RAW Superstar, before you got shipped off to SmackDown."

The crowd boos at the mention of Bischoff's name, while Zlatan's expression tightens, his patience clearly wearing thin.

Morley continues, his arrogance dripping from every word. "When Bischoff hired me as the chief of staff, he told me all about you — how you were brash, arrogant, and thought so highly of yourself when you were the Intercontinental Champion." Morley's grin widens as he steps closer, clearly enjoying the chance to insult Zlatan.

"And let's not forget," Morley adds, "how you laid your hands on Bischoff on your final night here on RAW at Madison Square Garden! Oh yeah, Bischoff told me all about it. How he couldn't wait to trade you to SmackDown when the opportunity came up. And when SmackDown GM Stephanie McMahon wanted you, Bischoff practically jumped at the chance to get rid of you!"

The fans boo loudly, but King can't help but chuckle. "Ha! I like this guy, JR! He's telling it like it is!"

Jim Ross, clearly irritated by Morley's smugness, responds, "Oh, give me a break, King. Chief Morley's playing with fire here. Zlatan is not someone you want to provoke, especially not when he's already in a bad mood."

Zlatan, now visibly annoyed, takes a step forward, his expression darkening as he locks eyes with Morley. The tension in the ring rises sharply, and the fans sense that Zlatan is just about ready to explode. The "Ibra!" chants start up again, the crowd fully behind him, waiting to see what the Lion of Rosengård will do next.

Chief Morley, however, is too blinded by his own arrogance to realize the danger he's in, while Lance Storm remains stoic but wary, sensing that things are about to escalate quickly. The atmosphere in the Savvis Center is electric, and everyone is on edge, knowing that Zlatan is moments away from taking matters into his own hands.

Zlatan nods to himself, a faint smirk crossing his lips as he realizes that Chief Morley has ignored his warning. He takes a deep breath, looking directly at Morley with a calm intensity. Lifting the microphone back up, Zlatan speaks slowly, deliberately.

"Alright, Chief," Zlatan begins, his voice low but carrying a threatening edge, "I'm going to give you one more chance. You take a step back… right now. Or I'm going to head out to ringside, sit down, and wait for The Rock to show up. And trust me when I say, I will take over this entire show until he gets here."

The crowd erupts in cheers, loving the idea of Zlatan causing more chaos and showing no signs of backing down.

Jerry "The King" Lawler is flabbergasted, "What?! He can't do that, can he, JR?"

Jim Ross, ever the voice of reason, replies, "Well, King, he sure can, and Chief Morley ought to take that warning seriously. Zlatan's not playing games tonight, and I don't think Morley wants to find out what happens when you push the Lion of Rosengård too far."

Chief Morley, still arrogantly confident, scoffs at Zlatan's threat, shaking his head dismissively. He turns to Lance Storm with a look that says, "Can you believe this guy?" But Lance, sensing the danger, remains stoic and focused, his eyes not leaving Zlatan.

Zlatan takes a step forward, his demeanor calm but his eyes burning with intensity. "You don't want to test me, Morley," Zlatan warns, "because if you do, I'll make sure that you and your buddy Mr. Boring over there will regret ever stepping foot in this ring."

The crowd cheers even louder, clearly on Zlatan's side, loving the tension building in the ring. The atmosphere in the arena is thick with anticipation, and everyone knows that Zlatan is moments away from taking action if Morley doesn't heed the warning.

Chief Morley's grin falters just a little, realizing that Zlatan isn't bluffing. But his pride gets the better of him, and he steps forward again, refusing to back down.

Jim Ross chimes in again, "Morley better think twice, King… He's about to poke the lion one too many times, and we all know how that's gonna end!"

King, a bit nervously, responds, "Oh, come on, Morley, just step back! You don't want any part of Zlatan when he's like this!"

The fans continue to cheer, chanting "Ibra! Ibra!" as the tension in the arena reaches a boiling point. Zlatan stands firm, ready to back up his words with action, his eyes never leaving Chief Morley.

Chief Morley, undeterred by Zlatan's threats, raises his microphone and sneers, "You seem to forget, Zlatan, that I am the Chief of Bischoff's Administration! And If you don't leave this ring right now, there will be repercussions! And trust me, Bischoff will have your ass dragged out of this arena in a heartbeat!"

Zlatan, realizing that Morley won't back down, takes a moment to nod to himself before he speaks with a calm but confident tone. "That's the thing, Morley… I'm not part of RAW. I'm on SmackDown, and I'm the WWE Champion… which means I can do this."

With that, Zlatan swings into action, delivering a devastating right hand that knocks Chief Morley flat on his back. The crowd explodes in cheers as Zlatan immediately follows up with a second right hand, this time aimed at Lance Storm, knocking the tag team champion down as well.

Jim Ross shouts, "Zlatan knocks down Morley! He's not playing around tonight!"

Jerry "The King" Lawler, in a mix of disbelief and outrage, yells, "You can't do that! Somebody stop him!"

Zlatan, fueled by the crowd's energy, turns back to Morley and begins unloading a series of rights and lefts, driving Morley into the corner. Then, with quick, precise kicks, Zlatan takes Morley on a brutal journey that seems like a crash course in a dojo class, courtesy of the Lion of Rosengård. Morley slumps down in the corner, dazed and overwhelmed by the onslaught.

Suddenly, Lance Storm attacks Zlatan from behind with a clubbing blow to the back. Storm follows up with a solid right hand to Zlatan's face, trying to take advantage of the brief opening. Storm attempts to whip Zlatan into the ropes, but Zlatan counters, reversing the momentum and sending Storm into the ropes instead. As Storm rebounds, Zlatan catches him and, with a powerful move, executes a spinebuster, turning Storm a full 180 degrees before planting him hard onto the mat.

"Good God almighty!" Jim Ross exclaims. "What a spinebuster by Zlatan! He just turned Storm inside out!"

Chief Morley, recovering from the beating in the corner, stumbles out, dazed and disoriented, right into a Lou Thesz Press from Zlatan. The crowd roars as Zlatan mounts Morley and unloads with piston-like right hands, each punch landing with the force and precision of a jackhammer.

"Zlatan's going to town on Morley!" JR calls out with excitement. "He's not letting up!"

King, in his usual dramatic fashion, shouts, "Somebody call the cops! This is assault! Come on, Morley! Fight back!"

Zlatan finally gets to his feet, his face full of determination. He steps back into the corner, his eyes locked on Morley, and begins stomping his foot on the mat, signaling for his signature move — the Lion's Roar superkick. The crowd knows what's coming and cheers in anticipation.

Morley, slowly getting back to his feet, turns around just in time to eat the full force of Zlatan's superkick. The impact sends Morley crashing to the mat, completely laid out. Not wasting any time, Zlatan turns his attention to Lance Storm, who is struggling to get back up, and delivers another Lion's Roar superkick, sending Storm collapsing to the mat next to his partner.

Jim Ross can barely contain himself, "Zlatan is cleaning house here on RAW! He's making a statement, King!"

Jerry Lawler, frantic and animated, shouts, "This is chaos! Somebody get out here and stop this guy! This is out of control!"

With both Chief Morley and Lance Storm down, Zlatan calmly exits the ring and grabs a steel chair. The crowd is buzzing with excitement, sensing that Zlatan is not done yet. He walks up the ramp with purpose, heading toward the entrance stage. Once there, Zlatan sets up the chair near the commentary box and takes a seat, arms crossed and eyes focused, waiting for The Rock to show his face.

Jim Ross continues the play-by-play, "Zlatan is not leaving, folks! He's taken over RAW, and he's waiting for The Rock to come out and face him like a man!"

King, still in disbelief, pleads, "Somebody do something! Call security! Call the cops! Zlatan's hijacked the show!"

The camera zooms in on Zlatan, seated with a calm but deadly expression, his eyes never leaving the stage. The fans in St. Louis are on their feet, fully behind the Lion of Rosengård, knowing that The Rock is walking into a trap if he dares to show up tonight. The tension in the arena is electric, and everyone knows this showdown is far from over.

XXXX

After the commercial break, the cameras return to Zlatan Ibrahimovic sitting on his steel chair near the commentary box, microphone in hand. He raises it to his lips and announces with a confident grin, "It's official, everyone. Zlatan is on strike!" The crowd erupts in cheers, feeding off his rebellious energy.

Jim Ross picks up the commentary. "We're back live on RAW, folks, and it seems that Zlatan has decided to go on strike right here in the middle of our show!"

Jerry "The King" Lawler, bewildered, chimes in, "A strike?! What does he mean, JR?"

Zlatan continues, "That's right, I'm going to sit right here, and I'm not going anywhere until The Rock shows his face! And to the guys in the back that worry about their matches being cancelled, Don't worry. while I wait… the show must go on." The fans cheer louder, loving every second of Zlatan's defiance.

Jim Ross quickly adds, "For those just tuning in, earlier tonight, Zlatan called out The Rock before he was rudely interrupted by Chief Morley and one half of the World Tag Team Champions, Lance Storm. He took a exception to that interruption and gave a restaurant quality beatdown on both Morley and Lance Storm."

King, looking annoyed, interjects, "Yeah, yeah, but we've got a show to run here, JR! This isn't some sit-in at a labor union meeting or something!"

Meanwhile, at ringside Chief Morley and Lance Storm begin to groggily recover, remembering that they have a scheduled tag team match against Kane and Rob Van Dam. They pull themselves up using the ropes, their expressions a mix of pain and frustration, while Zlatan remains seated near the commentary area, calmly watching the proceedings with a hint of amusement.

Zlatan, clearly enjoying himself, continues his impromptu commentary. "And hey, while I'm sitting here, who knows? Maybe I'll finally see those famous puppies King is always bragging about!" The crowd erupts in laughter at Zlatan's jab, and King's face flushes red.

"Hey!" King exclaims, flustered, "Don't bring me into this, Zlatan!"

Zlatan chuckles and responds, "Don't worry, King, no judgment here… but I've got to ask, are you really that lonely?" The crowd laughs even louder, and King looks even more flustered, waving his hands defensively.

Before King can respond, the entrance music of Rob Van Dam hits, and the crowd cheers wildly. RVD makes his way down the ramp, his signature cool and laid-back demeanor on full display. He waves casually at Zlatan, who nods and waves back at his good friend, both men sharing a moment of camaraderie.

Jim Ross continues, "And here comes Rob Van Dam, folks! RVD, a good friend of Zlatan since last year, and now he's got a tag team match to prepare for!"

Lilian Garcia, standing in the ring, raises her microphone to announce, "The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Battle Creek, Michigan, weighing in at 235 pounds… Rob… Van… Dam!"

The crowd chants along with RVD's name, "Rob! Van! Dam!" as he points to himself with each syllable, soaking in the cheers. Zlatan watches with a grin, clearly enjoying the energy of the crowd, but his focus is still razor-sharp, waiting for any sign of The Rock.

As RVD makes his way to the ring, Zlatan leans back in his chair, keeping his eyes on the stage, knowing that sooner or later, The Rock will have to respond to his challenge. The fans in the Savvis Center remain on the edge of their seats, eager to see how this wild night on RAW will unfold.

XXXX

As the show continues, the camera cuts back to Zlatan, who is seated comfortably near the commentary box, clearly enjoying himself as he waits for The Rock to make an appearance. To pass the time, Zlatan pulls out a copy of the latest edition of Playboy magazine, the one featuring Torrie Wilson on the cover.

Jerry "The King" Lawler's eyes widen as he notices the magazine in Zlatan's hands. "Hey, Zlatan! Is that the latest Playboy with Torrie Wilson?" King asks, leaning over the commentary table, clearly interested.

Zlatan glances over at King with a sly smile, "Yep, it sure is, King. And it's mine."

King, unable to resist, persists, "Oh, come on, Zlatan, let me get a look at that, huh? Just a quick peek!"

Zlatan chuckles and shakes his head, "Nah, get your own copy, King. This one's mine."

The fans in St. Louis laugh as King groans dramatically, clearly disappointed. "Aw, come on!" King pleads, "Trish isn't gonna be pleased seeing her man looking through a Playboy magazine, you know!"

Zlatan, still grinning, shoots back, "King, you're still not getting your hands on this, alright? And besides, Trish knows I respect her for more than just her looks… unlike you! You turn into a poodle every time Stacy Keibler walks by with those legs of hers."

The crowd bursts into laughter at Zlatan's remark, and King immediately jumps to his own defense, looking flustered. "Hey, hey, that's not true! I just… I just appreciate beauty when I see it, okay?!"

Jim Ross, enjoying the banter, chuckles, "Oh, come on, King, we all know you've got a soft spot for the Divas!"

Zlatan, shaking his head in amusement, goes back to flipping through the magazine, still glancing occasionally at the stage for any sign of The Rock. The fans are loving every minute of this lighthearted moment, a fun distraction in the midst of an otherwise intense night.

King, still grumbling, mutters, "I just want to see the pictures, JR… is that too much to ask?"

JR laughs, "Knowing you, King, no, it's not! But you're gonna have to wait your turn, because Zlatan's not giving that up anytime soon!"

The camera stays on Zlatan, who continues to enjoy his magazine while keeping one eye on the action in the ring and the other on the stage, making sure not to miss any sign of The Rock's arrival. The show rolls on, the tension still simmering beneath the surface, as everyone waits to see what happens next.

XXXX

As the match between The Hurricane and Rodney Mack progresses in the ring, the camera occasionally cuts back to Zlatan, who is still flipping through the Playboy magazine, thoroughly enjoying the article about Torrie Wilson. Zlatan nods appreciatively as he reads, clearly impressed.

Jerry "The King" Lawler, sitting nearby, is visibly struggling to resist the temptation to snatch the magazine from Zlatan. His eyes keep darting over to it, and he fidgets in his seat. Jim Ross, noticing King's discomfort, can't help but ask, "You alright, King?"

King, nodding a bit too quickly, replies, "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, JR…" but his eyes remain glued to the magazine.

Just as The Hurricane sets up for his signature Hurri-Chokeslam, the crowd suddenly erupts in boos as The Rock charges down the ramp, intent on exacting revenge for his upset loss to The Hurricane last week on RAW. The Rock slides into the ring, but The Hurricane, sensing something, quickly turns around just in time to see The Rock coming at him. Without hesitation, The Hurricane begins unloading with a series of rapid right hands, driving The Rock back into the corner to the delight of the crowd.

Zlatan, hearing the commotion, looks up from his magazine and sees The Rock in the ring. "Finally," he mutters to himself as a satisfied grin spreads across his face. He closes the magazine, sets it aside, and stands up, ready to confront The Rock.

Meanwhile, The Rock, recovering from Hurricane's barrage, manages to turn things around and plants Hurricane with a DDT in the center of the ring. The crowd boos loudly as The Rock kips up to his feet, soaking in the negative reaction with his usual arrogance. He raises an eyebrow and sniffs the air, seemingly "smelling what The Rock is cooking," before tossing Hurricane out of the ring with little regard.

As The Rock turns his back to the entrance, he remains oblivious to the fact that Zlatan has slid into the ring behind him. Rodney Mack, who had been eyeing the situation, notices Zlatan standing menacingly behind The Rock. Rather than engage, Rodney calmly steps out of the ring, joining his manager Teddy Long on the outside, leaving The Rock alone with Zlatan.

Jerry Lawler, seeing what's about to unfold, tries to warn The Rock, "Rock, look out! Look behind you!"

Jim Ross, fully engaged in the moment, shouts, "The Rock has no idea that Zlatan is right behind him! This is about to get real interesting, folks!"

The tension in the arena skyrockets as the crowd buzzes with anticipation, knowing that the long-awaited confrontation between Zlatan and The Rock is finally about to happen. Zlatan, standing tall and ready for a fight, waits patiently as The Rock, still basking in his moment, remains completely unaware of the danger lurking behind him. The fans are on the edge of their seats, eager to see how this explosive encounter will play out.

As The Rock finally turns around, he's met with the sight of the WWE Champion, the Lion of Rosengård, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, standing just a few feet away with a confident grin plastered on his face. The crowd's anticipation reaches a fever pitch as they realize the confrontation they've been waiting for is about to unfold.

The Rock's eyes widen in his typical exaggerated fashion, and he momentarily freezes, clearly caught off guard by the sudden appearance of Zlatan. His expression quickly shifts from surprise to his usual mix of bravado and charm, but there's a hint of unease beneath the surface.

The Rock raises his hands in a placating gesture, his voice smooth as he tries to reason with Zlatan. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, big man! Let's just take a second here… Let The Rock explain, alright? No need to get all worked up, okay?" He pauses, his famous eyebrow arching as he searches for the right words to defuse the situation.

The Rock continues, his voice dripping with charisma, "The Rock knows you're upset, Zlatan. The Rock understands… but let's be honest, you and The Rock, we're the hottest things in the WWE today! Why fight when we could be out there making the millions… and millions of The Rock's fans happy?"

But Zlatan's grin only widens as he takes a step forward, showing that The Rock's words are falling on deaf ears. The intensity in Zlatan's eyes makes it clear that he's not here to talk—he's here to settle the score after everything that's transpired.

The crowd begins to chant "Zlatan! Zlatan!" as they sense the inevitable clash. The Rock, realizing that his charm isn't working on Zlatan, slowly lowers his hands and takes a cautious step back, but the cockiness in his demeanor starts to fade.

Jim Ross, sensing the tension, comments, "The Rock's trying to talk his way out of this, but I don't think Zlatan's in the mood for words, King."

Jerry Lawler, still holding out hope, adds, "Come on, Rock, keep talking! You've got this… right?"

But it's clear to everyone in the arena, including The Rock, that there's no talking his way out of this one. Zlatan, with his eyes locked on The Rock, is ready to make The Great One pay for his interference and disrespect. The atmosphere in the arena crackles with electricity as the WWE Universe waits for Zlatan to make his move.

Sensing that his attempts to reason with Zlatan are getting him nowhere, The Rock's eyes narrow with a sudden change in demeanor. He quickly lunges forward, attempting a cheap shot to catch Zlatan off guard. But Zlatan, ever aware and ready for a fight, blocks the punch with ease, his grin transforming into a fierce expression.

Zlatan immediately responds, peppering The Rock with a series of hard right hands, each one landing with a thud that echoes throughout the arena. The crowd erupts in cheers as The Rock is driven back, reeling from the onslaught. Zlatan doesn't relent, following up with a combination of rights and lefts, forcing The Great One back against the ropes.

Jim Ross's voice rises with excitement. "Here we go! Zlatan is unloading on The Rock! The Lion of Rosengård is taking it to the Great One!"

Jerry "The King" Lawler, his voice tinged with panic, shouts, "Somebody stop him! Come on, Rock! Fight back!"

But The Rock is unable to mount a defense against Zlatan's rapid strikes. With The Rock against the ropes, Zlatan continues to unload with powerful punches, driving The Rock into the corner. The WWE Champion's fists fly with precision and force, each shot connecting with the full weight of his fury. The fans are on their feet, loving every moment as they cheer louder with every punch.

Zlatan, clearly fired up and in full control, drags The Rock out of the corner and begins stomping him down, planting his boot repeatedly into The Rock's midsection. The crowd roars with approval as Zlatan stomps a mudhole in The Rock, not giving him an inch of breathing room.

"He's stomping a mudhole in him!" Jim Ross shouts. "Zlatan is whipping The Rock's candy ass all the way to the SmackDown Hotel!"

King, now practically pleading, exclaims, "Come on, Rock! Don't let him do this to you!"

The Rock struggles to cover up, but Zlatan is relentless, each stomp fueled by days of frustration and a desire for revenge. The fans chant "Zlatan! Zlatan!" as the WWE Champion continues to dominate, taking every bit of his anger out on The Rock, who is now on the mat, struggling to get back to his feet.

Zlatan, his face a picture of focus and determination, takes a step back, allowing The Rock a moment to rise. As The Great One gets to his feet, looking shaken and disoriented, Zlatan glares at him, clearly ready to deliver even more punishment, proving that he's not a man to be trifled with.

The intensity in the arena is off the charts, and everyone knows that this brawl is far from over. Zlatan is here to make a statement, and The Rock is finding out the hard way that you don't cross the Lion of Rosengård without paying the price.

Zlatan, with full momentum on his side, grabs The Rock by the wrist and whips him hard into the ropes. As The Rock comes bouncing back, Zlatan launches forward with a devastating clothesline, knocking The People's Champion down to the mat. The impact sends The Rock sprawling, and he quickly tries to get back up, but he's clearly wobbling, unsteady on his feet.

Sensing his advantage, Zlatan wastes no time. He scoops The Rock up onto his shoulders with surprising ease, the crowd roaring in anticipation. Zlatan carries him over to the corner and drops The Rock face-first onto the top turnbuckle with a Snake Eyes that sends a jolt through The Great One's body. The Rock stumbles backward, clutching his head, but before he can recover, Zlatan bounces off the ropes and charges forward, connecting with a huge spear that cuts The Rock in half.

Jim Ross calls the action with excitement, "Good God Almighty! What a spear! Zlatan is taking The Rock to school, Scandinavian style! The Lion of Rosengård is making The Rock pay for what he did last week!"

Jerry Lawler, almost pleading now, shouts, "Come on, Rock! Get it together! This is getting out of hand!"

Zlatan stands tall over The Rock, his chest heaving with intensity. He knows he has the upper hand and isn't about to let this opportunity slip. He takes a few steps back to the corner and begins to stomp his foot, a clear signal for his finishing move, the Lion's Roar. The crowd picks up on the signal, and they chant along, sensing that Zlatan is moments away from delivering the final blow.

The Rock slowly gets to his feet, clutching his midsection, visibly hurt from the relentless beating he's been taking. As he turns around, dazed and disoriented, Zlatan charges out of the corner like a predator stalking his prey. With a fierce roar, Zlatan unleashes the Lion's Roar superkick, his boot connecting flush with The Rock's jaw.

The impact is thunderous, and The Rock collapses to the mat, completely laid out, his body limp as the crowd explodes with cheers.

"Zlatan hits the Lion's Roar! The Rock is down!" Jim Ross exclaims, his voice filled with excitement. "The Lion of Rosengård just laid out The Rock!"

King, almost in disbelief, shouts, "Somebody help The Rock! This isn't right!"

With The Rock laid out in the center of the ring, Zlatan, ever the showman, decides to add insult to injury. He positions himself over The Rock's prone body, a smirk playing on his lips as he raises his arms and makes an "M" sign, a clear nod to his hometown of Malmö. The crowd roars in approval, loving every second of Zlatan's dominance.

Zlatan then dramatically swings his arms, imitating The Rock's signature style, before bouncing off one side of the ropes, then the other. The anticipation in the arena builds to a fever pitch as the fans realize what's coming next. Zlatan stops over The Rock and, with a flourish, drops down, delivering The People's Elbow—his version of the most electrifying move in sports entertainment today.

The Rock's body jerks with one of his exaggerated sellings, his limbs flailing slightly before he slumps back to the mat, completely laid out. The crowd explodes in a mix of cheers and laughter, thoroughly entertained by Zlatan's mockery of The Great One's signature move.

Jim Ross can barely contain his excitement, "Zlatan just hit The People's Elbow on The Rock! What a statement by the WWE Champion!"

Jerry Lawler, in disbelief, exclaims, "He can't do that! That's The Rock's move! Somebody stop this madness!"

Satisfied with his work, Zlatan gets to his feet, his mission accomplished. He glances down at The Rock, who is still motionless on the mat, then turns his attention to The Hurricane, who is slowly getting up on the outside of the ring. Zlatan slides out of the ring and helps The Hurricane to his feet, the two sharing a moment of mutual respect.

The Hurricane, still feeling the effects of The Rock's attack but clearly appreciative of Zlatan's help, gives him a nod and a thumbs-up, recognizing a fellow superhero in the WWE universe.

Zlatan, with a satisfied grin, gives The Hurricane a pat on the back before turning and walking back up the ramp toward his seat near the commentary box. The fans cheer him on, fully behind the WWE Champion after the dominant display. He takes his seat once again, having done exactly what he set out to do—settling the score with The Rock in front of the entire WWE Universe.

Jim Ross, wrapping up the segment, says, "Zlatan Ibrahimovic came out here tonight with a purpose, and he's done exactly what he set out to do. He's shown The Rock, and everyone watching, that you don't mess with the Lion of Rosengård without facing the consequences!"

King, still in shock, mutters, "I can't believe what we just saw, JR… Zlatan just humiliated The Rock on his own turf!"

As the show continues, Zlatan sits back, still keeping a watchful eye on the action, but now with a sense of satisfaction knowing he's made his point loud and clear. The crowd remains buzzing, knowing they've just witnessed a moment that will be talked about for a long time to come.

XXXX

After the commercial break, the camera catches The Rock stumbling out of the ring, having finally regained his equilibrium. He's clearly shaken and visibly limping as he makes his way up the ramp, the fans in the arena chanting "Ibra! Ibra!" with enthusiasm. Zlatan, still seated near the commentary box, watches The Rock's slow retreat with a smirk of amusement, clearly enjoying the sight of The Great One struggling to the back.

Jerry "The King" Lawler, still grumbling about the earlier events, mutters under his breath about how things have gone completely off the rails tonight. Sensing an opportunity to smooth things over with King, Zlatan reaches down and pulls out an extra copy of the Playboy magazine he had earlier. With a grin, Zlatan hands it over to King.

King's eyes light up as he takes the magazine, momentarily forgetting his frustration. "Well, this is a start, Zlatan!" King says, flipping through the pages eagerly. It's clear that Zlatan's gesture has helped to ease the tension between them, at least for now.

Just then, the arena lights up as Trish Stratus's entrance music hits, and the crowd erupts in cheers. Lilian Garcia's voice rings out, "The following intergender tag team contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Toronto, Canada, Trish Stratus!"

Trish, looking as confident and radiant as ever, makes her way down the ramp. As she nears the ring, she spots Zlatan seated nearby. With a playful smile, she walks over to him and leans in, giving Zlatan a quick peck on the cheek before heading into the ring. The crowd reacts with a mix of cheers and surprised murmurs, as the brief moment confirms the rumors that have been circulating about Zlatan and Trish seeing each other.

Jim Ross, noticing the moment, comments, "Well, King, it looks like there might be something to those rumors after all!"

King, now distracted by both the magazine and the interaction between Trish and Zlatan, chuckles, "I've got to say, JR, Zlatan's having quite the night!"

Trish, with a confident smile, steps into the ring, ready for the upcoming match, while Zlatan settles back into his seat, clearly enjoying the chaos he's stirred up tonight. The crowd remains buzzing, not only from the earlier brawl between Zlatan and The Rock but also from the intriguing developments between the WWE Champion and Trish Stratus. The energy in the arena is electric as the show continues, with everyone eager to see what happens next.

Trish's partner, Jazz, makes her entrance, her intense expression and powerful physique commanding attention. Lilian Garcia announces, "And her partner, from New Orleans… Jazz!" The crowd responds with a mixed reaction, knowing that Jazz is always a force to be reckoned with in the ring.

Moments later, the entrance music changes, signaling the arrival of their opponents, Steven Richards and the WWE Women's Champion, Victoria. Lilian continues, "And their opponents… the team of Steven Richards and the WWE Women's Champion, Victoria!"

As they make their way down the ramp, Zlatan, still seated near the commentary box, shakes his head knowingly. He's heard the stories about Victoria and Steven Richards being a bit… unhinged. Jim Ross takes the opportunity to remind the audience, "Don't forget, folks, in just 13 days at WrestleMania, Victoria will defend her Women's Title in a triple-threat match against Jazz and Trish at Safeco Field!"

Before the match can begin, Victoria snatches a microphone from ringside, a sneer spreading across her face as she addresses the crowd. "At WrestleMania, I will retain my Women's Title, because I am the most dominant champion in the WWE! Not like these so-called Divas who can't even lace up their boots properly!" She throws a glance at Trish, who stands unfazed in her corner.

Victoria then turns her attention to Zlatan, her sneer widening. "And as for Trish's little pet over there…" she points directly at Zlatan. "The so-called 'Lion of Rosengård,'" she says with mockery, "when in truth, he's just a kitten… Trish's pet project, clearly on a leash, doing whatever she says!"

The crowd reacts with a mix of boos and laughter, but Zlatan remains unimpressed. He rolls his eyes, knowing Victoria is trying to get under his skin, but he's heard far worse in his career and has no intention of taking the bait.

King, meanwhile, is too distracted by the sight of Trish in the ring and murmurs, "Puppies!" under his breath, missing most of Victoria's taunts.

Victoria, sensing that her words haven't quite had the desired effect, smirks and hands the microphone to Steven Richards, who eagerly takes it, his eyes wide with intensity. "Zlatan, I don't know why you're here on RAW," Richards begins, his voice dripping with condescension, "Parading around with your Malmö pride, acting like you're some kind of big deal. Newsflash: this isn't Sweden, and nobody cares about your little hometown or your little nickname!"

He continues, "You think you can come to RAW and make a name for yourself at The Rock's expense? You think you can get away with mocking us? Well, let me tell you something, Zlatan, we're not impressed, and we're not intimidated by some overhyped soccer star pretending to be a WWE Champion!"

Richards' words hang in the air, but Zlatan remains calm, his expression barely changing. It's clear he's not fazed by these insults — if anything, he looks almost amused by the attempts to rile him up. The fans are chanting "Ibra! Ibra!" in support of Zlatan, knowing he's more than capable of handling himself.

Jim Ross chimes in, "Well, King, looks like Steven Richards is trying to take a few shots at Zlatan here, but I don't think our WWE Champion is going to lose any sleep over it."

King, still distracted, nods absently, "Yeah, yeah, JR… But did you see Trish?"

With the match moments away from starting, the tension is palpable. The fans are eager to see if Victoria and Richards' taunts will have any impact or if Zlatan will continue to prove that he's not someone to be messed with, no matter where he is.

XXXX

As the intergender tag team match unfolds in the ring, Jim Ross takes a moment to remind viewers of the colossal WWE Title match set for WrestleMania between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and "The Next Big Thing," Brock Lesnar. His voice filled with excitement, JR says, "Folks, don't forget, in just 13 days at WrestleMania, we're going to witness one of the most anticipated matches in WWE history. The WWE Champion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, will face off against Brock Lesnar in a battle of two of the brightest stars in this business today!"

Jerry "The King" Lawler, nodding along, adds, "Oh, that's gonna be a huge fight, JR! Both of these guys have had an incredible year!"

JR continues, "No doubt about it, King. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a Triple Crown Champion, having won the Intercontinental Title, the WWE Tag Team Titles with Kurt Angle, and the WWE Championship. Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar is a former King of the Ring winner, a former WWE Champion, and, of course, the winner of this year's Royal Rumble. Both men have proven themselves time and again."

The camera briefly cuts to Zlatan, still seated near the commentary box, keeping a watchful eye on the action in the ring while also maintaining his focus on the upcoming showdown.

JR goes on, "Brock Lesnar is looking to regain the title he lost at Survivor Series, while Zlatan is determined to retain his crown and prove he's the king of the WWE jungle. And it all goes down in Seattle, in front of over 50,000 fans at Safeco Field!"

King jumps back in, "It's going to be an epic clash, JR! Both these guys are hungry, both are at the top of their game, and neither is going to back down. I can't wait!"

The match in the ring continues with Victoria, Jazz, Trish, and Steven Richards exchanging blows, but the hype for WrestleMania continues to build as fans across the world anticipate the epic encounter between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Brock Lesnar, knowing that it could be a defining moment for both Superstars in their quest to be the true king of WWE.

XXXX

The intergender tag team match comes to a controversial end as Steven Richards and Victoria pick up the victory. The conclusion is set in motion when Jazz, deciding to ditch her partner Trish Stratus, abandons the match, leaving Trish at the mercy of Victoria and Steven Richards. Victoria seizes the opportunity, delivering her devastating finishing move, the Widow's Peak, to Trish and securing the pinfall for her team.

With the match over, Victoria and Steven Richards aren't done yet. Victoria quickly grabs a steel chair from ringside and slides it into the ring, while Steven Richards positions Trish in a front face lock, clearly setting her up for his finishing move, the Stevie-T. Victoria carefully places the chair under Trish's head, a wicked grin spreading across her face, ready to do some serious damage.

Zlatan, seeing Trish in danger, springs into action. He jumps out of his seat and makes a dash toward the ring, sliding under the bottom rope just as Steven is about to execute his move. Without a moment's hesitation, Zlatan charges at Steven and hits a Lou Thesz Press, taking Richards down to the mat. The crowd erupts in cheers as Zlatan unloads with piston-like right hands, each punch landing with force and precision.

Jim Ross is excited, shouting, "Zlatan is in the ring! And he's unloading on Steven Richards with those right hands! He's here to save Trish!"

Steven Richards tries to fight back, but Zlatan is relentless. He whips Steven into the ropes, but Steven reverses it, sending Zlatan toward the ropes instead. Steven leaps for a dropkick, but Zlatan smartly catches himself on the ropes, causing Steven to miss completely and crash to the mat. Seizing the moment, Zlatan delivers a brutal soccer kick right to Steven's groin.

King's eyes widen in shock, and he exclaims, "Oh! Oh NO! I don't think Steven is looking to have kids with Victoria anytime soon!"

Victoria, seeing her partner in trouble, hops onto Zlatan's back, trying to pummel him with her fists. But her punches feel like minor bug bites to Zlatan, who smiles to himself, barely affected by the attack. With an amused shake of his head, Zlatan reaches up and snap mares Victoria over his shoulder, sending her rolling across the mat.

Jim Ross, calling the action with excitement, says, "Zlatan's not letting anyone mess with him tonight! He's cleaning house!"

Victoria, furious and humiliated, gets back to her feet, bad-mouthing Zlatan. "You're just Trish's little pet!" she yells, trying to get under his skin. But Zlatan, uninterested, bobs his head and sidesteps calmly just as Steven Richards charges back in, causing Steven to crash into Victoria with an awkward splash in the corner.

King, with his usual flair, laughs, "Oh, what a collision! Victoria just got squashed like a bug!"

Shaking his head with a smirk, Zlatan positions himself behind Steven, waiting for the perfect moment. As Richards stumbles out of the corner, dazed and confused, Zlatan strikes with lightning speed, delivering his signature move, The Lion's Roar, a devastating superkick that connects squarely with Steven Richards' jaw, knocking him out cold.

Jim Ross calls it in real-time, "There it is! The Lion's Roar! Zlatan just laid out Steven Richards!"

King reacts with dramatic flair, "I can't believe it! Zlatan is making a statement here on RAW!"

With both Victoria and Steven Richards down, Zlatan stands tall, his expression calm but resolute, having protected Trish from further harm and sent a clear message to anyone who thinks they can cross him. The fans cheer wildly, fully behind the WWE Champion, knowing he's not someone to be messed with.

Zlatan looks down at the fallen Richards and Victoria before giving one last nod to the crowd, his point made loud and clear.

XXXX

Backstage, in his office, Eric Bischoff is listening intently as Chief Morley, still looking a bit worse for wear, recounts the chaos Zlatan Ibrahimovic has caused tonight on RAW. Morley is visibly frustrated, his voice tense as he lays out the series of events that have unfolded.

"Eric," Morley begins, rubbing his jaw where Zlatan's punches landed earlier, "you won't believe the night we've had thanks to that… that lunatic Zlatan! First, he shows up out of nowhere, calling out The Rock, and then he disrespects me — the Chief of Bischoff's Administration — by attacking me and Storm in front of everyone! And as if that wasn't enough, he takes matters into his own hands again by interfering in Steven Richards and Victoria's match. The Rock is furious, saying Zlatan humiliated him in front of millions!"

Bischoff's expression darkens as he listens, his frustration evident. He leans back in his chair, his fingers drumming on the desk as Morley continues. "Zlatan has completely ignored your authority, Eric! He's treating RAW like his playground, showing up whenever he wants, doing whatever he wants. He's making a mockery of everything we're trying to do here!"

Eric Bischoff, a man who has had his share of run-ins with Zlatan in the past, finally speaks up, his voice edged with irritation. "Oh, trust me, I know all too well about Zlatan's little antics. He's always been a problem, even when he was on RAW. You think I wanted to keep him around after he laid his hands on me at Madison Square Garden? I was glad to send him to SmackDown, hoping Stephanie McMahon could handle his ego."

He stands up, his frustration boiling over. "But now, here he is, coming back to RAW and causing more chaos than ever! He's challenging The Rock, defying my authority, attacking you, Storm, and now Steven Richards. It's like he's trying to make a point that he can do whatever he wants!"

Morley, sensing an opportunity, nods in agreement. "Exactly, Eric! We can't let him get away with this. We need to make an example out of him before he thinks he owns both brands!"

Bischoff sighs, rubbing his temples in frustration. "You're right, Morley. Zlatan thinks he's untouchable because he's the WWE Champion and because he's got that big title defense against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. But we can't let him run wild on RAW… not on my watch."

Bischoff paces back and forth, clearly contemplating his next move. "Alright, here's what we're going to do. I'm going to have a little chat with Stephanie McMahon. Maybe we can come up with something that'll put Zlatan back in his place… remind him who's really in charge around here."

Morley smirks, satisfied that Bischoff is finally ready to take action against Zlatan. "That's what I'm talking about, Eric. We need to shut him down, and fast."

Bischoff nods, still looking frustrated but now with a plan forming in his mind. "You're right, Morley. We can't let Zlatan turn RAW into his personal playground. This is far from over. Zlatan may have had his fun tonight, but we'll see who gets the last laugh."

The camera zooms in on Bischoff's face, his expression serious and determined, as he plots his next move against Zlatan, knowing he needs to act quickly to regain control and send a message to the entire WWE roster.

XXXX

After the commercial break, the camera cuts back to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is seated comfortably near the commentary box, with Trish Stratus now by his side. The two of them look quite relaxed, enjoying the show as the crowd continues to buzz from the events of the night. Jerry "The King" Lawler, still eager to get some scoop, leans over, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"Hey, Zlatan!" King calls out, "How about an exclusive? Just a few words with Trish, huh?"

Zlatan, still calm and composed, shakes his head with a slight smirk. "Nah, King. Not gonna happen."

King, persistent as ever, tries again. "Come on, Zlatan, just a quick word! I mean, the people want to know! Give me a break here!"

Zlatan glances at Trish, then back at King, as if considering the request. Finally, he turns to Trish, "What do you think, Trish? You want to give the King an exclusive?"

Trish thinks for a moment, playfully tapping her chin with her finger before shaking her head with a smile. "Sorry, King," she says, "Not today."

King groans, clearly disappointed, "Aw, come on! You two are killing me here!"

Just then, the arena is filled with the sound of "I'm Back," Eric Bischoff's theme song, and the crowd immediately responds with a chorus of boos. The RAW General Manager appears on the entrance stage, flanked by a small group of security guards, his expression one of determination and frustration. Bischoff looks like a man with a mission, and the crowd senses that things are about to escalate.

Jim Ross quickly jumps in, "Oh boy, here comes trouble, King. Eric Bischoff, the General Manager of RAW, and it looks like he's brought some backup!"

King, sensing a confrontation, excitedly adds, "You knew it was only a matter of time, JR! Bischoff isn't going to let Zlatan get away with everything he's pulled tonight!"

Eric Bischoff, holding a microphone, raises his hand to silence the crowd, his face still red from his earlier conversation with Chief Morley and his phone call with Stephanie McMahon. "Cut my music!" he demands, and the music abruptly stops, the boos from the crowd continuing to fill the arena.

Bischoff glares down at Zlatan, who remains seated with a look of casual amusement, Trish by his side, clearly unimpressed by Bischoff's arrival.

"Zlatan," Bischoff begins, "I just got off the phone with Stephanie McMahon, and believe me, we are both on the same page when it comes to you and your antics tonight!"

Zlatan leans back, looking completely unfazed, while Trish chuckles beside him, clearly enjoying the situation.

Bischoff continues, "You think you can just waltz onto my show, attack my staff, interfere in matches, and make a mockery of everything we're doing here on RAW? Well, I've got news for you, Zlatan… that's not how things work around here. Not while I'm in charge!"

The crowd boos louder, but Bischoff pushes on, his face tightening with anger. "I'm giving you two choices, Zlatan. You can either get up, leave my show quietly… or these security guards will escort you out, right now!"

Jim Ross comments, "Bischoff is laying down the law, King! He's had enough of Zlatan tonight!"

King nods eagerly, "Oh, this is gonna be good! Let's see what Zlatan does now!"

The camera cuts to Zlatan, who appears to be considering his options, his expression still calm and confident, knowing he holds the cards. The fans chant "Ibra! Ibra!" in support, waiting to see how the WWE Champion will respond to Bischoff's ultimatum.

Zlatan, still seated comfortably, raises the microphone with a calm smile, his voice filled with a hint of mockery. "Eric… dearest of all my friends," he begins, and the crowd laughs, sensing the sarcasm dripping from his words. "I notice your hair is still dyed black to conceal that you're going gray. Trying to hang onto that youth, huh?"

The fans erupt into laughter at Zlatan's jab, and even Jim Ross chuckles on commentary. Eric Bischoff's face turns a shade redder, clearly annoyed but trying to maintain his composure.

Zlatan continues, "So, you brought a small army to handle one man? You haven't changed a bit, Bischoff… always using muscle instead of brains to solve your problems, aren't you? But allow me to fill in the gaps for you." He leans forward, his tone becoming more serious as he lays out his case.

"This so-called chaos you're complaining about wouldn't have started if Chief Morley hadn't overstepped his boundaries and ignored my very polite warnings to back off," Zlatan says, raising his eyebrow slightly, the crowd cheering in agreement. "Second of all, The Rock had it coming. He cost me my match against Kurt Angle last week on SmackDown… so technically, The Rock broke the rules, and I just returned the favor."

The crowd starts chanting "Ibra! Ibra!" again, supporting the WWE Champion's logic. Zlatan nods, letting the fans have their moment before continuing.

"And third," Zlatan says, turning slightly to glance at Trish, "Steven and his sidekick, or should I say side chick, Victoria — or as I like to call them, the Looney Bins — were about to give Trish a concussion with that chair if I hadn't stepped in. So, if you think about it, I didn't overstep at all."

Bischoff's face tightens with frustration, but Zlatan isn't done. "So, Eric, let me ask you a question… How are you going to spin this around? Because I'm sure that Stephanie McMahon was following all of this and only said what you needed to hear on that phone call."

The fans cheer loudly again, and Jim Ross nods along, impressed by Zlatan's calm but pointed rebuttal. "I have to say, King, Zlatan's got a point here… he's laying it all out clearly."

King, reluctantly agreeing, mutters, "Well, I guess… but still, he's got to be careful, JR. Bischoff's not gonna take this lying down!"

Bischoff's face is a mix of frustration and calculation. He knows that Zlatan has cleverly turned the situation on its head, and the fans are firmly behind him. He takes a deep breath, trying to figure out how to regain control of the situation. The tension in the arena is palpable, with everyone waiting to see how Bischoff will respond to Zlatan's pointed challenge.

Bischoff, visibly frustrated but trying to maintain a veneer of calm, nods and raises his microphone again. "Alright, Zlatan, I hear you. But you've got to understand that there are still rules around here. I'm the General Manager of RAW, and you need to remember that it's my rules that you have to follow."

Zlatan, clearly uninterested in Bischoff's words, bobs his head nonchalantly, showing he isn't impressed or intimidated. The crowd picks up on Zlatan's dismissive attitude and begins to cheer, sensing that he's about to speak his mind again.

Bischoff, trying to continue, raises his hand to emphasize his point, but Zlatan cuts him off mid-sentence. "Eric," Zlatan says with a calm yet commanding tone, "do me a favor. Give The Rock a message from me."

Bischoff, caught off guard, stops talking, allowing Zlatan to continue. "If he decides to do what he did last week on SmackDown again… if he thinks he can come out here and mess with me one more time… then I'm going to hurt that boy. And I mean, I'm going to hurt him bad."

The crowd erupts with a mixture of cheers and gasps, taken aback by the intensity in Zlatan's voice. The WWE Champion is clearly not playing games, and the message is loud and clear.

Jim Ross, his voice filled with urgency, exclaims, "Zlatan's laying down the law, King! He's not backing down, not even for a second!"

King, looking a bit nervous, mutters, "Oh boy… The Rock better watch his back. Zlatan's not messing around here!"

Bischoff's face hardens as he listens to Zlatan's threat. He is suddenly reminded that Zlatan is not someone who can be easily controlled or intimidated, and the crowd's reaction is only strengthening Zlatan's position.

The tension is palpable, and everyone in the arena knows that this isn't just a verbal warning — it's a promise. Zlatan has made it clear that he won't tolerate any more disrespect, and he's prepared to back up his words with action if necessary.

Zlatan, clearly enjoying himself, raises his microphone one more time with a smirk. "Oh, and Eric, before you forget… you've got a No DQ match later tonight against 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin. So do me a favor… head to the back, get dressed, and get ready because Austin is about to open a can on you."

Bischoff's face twists into a scowl at the reminder of his impending match against Austin. The thought of facing "Stone Cold" in a No Disqualification match is clearly not sitting well with him. Trying not to let Zlatan get the last word, he quickly motions to his small group of security guards and barks out, "Alright, that's it! Security, escort this… so-called champion out of the building!"

The fans erupt in boos at Bischoff's decision, voicing their displeasure. Zlatan shakes his head, looking amused, as the security team moves toward him.

Jim Ross, clearly not happy with Bischoff's decision, shouts into the mic, "Oh, come on, Bischoff! You can't just throw the WWE Champion out of the building like that!"

King, on the other hand, supports the move. "Well, JR, Bischoff's just doing what he has to do! Zlatan's been causing trouble all night! It's about time someone put their foot down!"

Zlatan mutters loud enough for the camera to catch, "Wow… this is how Bischoff treats his brand's champions? No wonder WCW went out of business." The fans cheer at Zlatan's dig, loving every moment of it.

Turning to Trish, Zlatan grins, "I'll see you at your hotel room later, Trish." She smiles back, clearly entertained by Zlatan's attitude and fearlessness.

Zlatan then holds up his hands, complying with the security guards, who begin to escort him out of the building. The crowd continues to boo, letting Bischoff know exactly what they think of his decision, while Zlatan exits with a calm demeanor, knowing he's already made his point tonight.

Jim Ross continues, "This is ridiculous, King! Bischoff's letting his ego get in the way again!"

King, still defending Bischoff, replies, "Oh, come on, JR! Zlatan had this coming! You can't just show up on RAW and do whatever you want without consequences!"

As Zlatan is led away, the camera cuts back to Bischoff, who is still scowling, clearly frustrated that Zlatan got under his skin yet again. The tension remains high as the show rolls on, and everyone knows that the confrontation between Zlatan, The Rock, and Bischoff is far from over.

XXXX

After the commercial break, The show returns to its live broadcast, and the camera cuts to a shot of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the WWE Champion, being escorted by a group of security personnel through the backstage corridors. Zlatan walks with his head held high, a calm yet confident expression on his face, as the security team surrounds him, ensuring he leaves the premises.

Jim Ross picks up on commentary, "Well, folks, we're back live, and as you can see, the WWE Champion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is being escorted out of the arena by security. After everything that's happened tonight, Eric Bischoff has decided to have Zlatan removed from the building."

Jerry "The King" Lawler, still supporting Bischoff's decision, chimes in, "And rightly so, JR! Zlatan's been causing chaos all night! Bischoff had no choice but to send him packing!"

JR responds, clearly frustrated, "Oh, come on, King! Zlatan was just here to set the record straight and defend himself! He didn't deserve to be thrown out like this!"

As Zlatan continues to walk down the corridor, he glances around with an amused smirk, taking in the surroundings one last time before his forced exit. The fans in the arena can be heard chanting "Ibra! Ibra!" in support, even as he's being led away.

Before he reaches the exit, Zlatan pauses, turning to one of the security guards. "You know," he mutters with a slight grin, "it's going to take more than this to keep me away. WrestleMania's coming, and I'm just getting started."

The security guards urge him forward, and Zlatan shrugs, walking toward the exit, still maintaining his confident demeanor despite the circumstances.

Jim Ross concludes, "Well, love him or hate him, you have to admire the confidence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. WrestleMania is just around the corner, and you can bet he's got a lot more planned between now and then!"

The camera cuts back to the arena, with the crowd still buzzing from the night's events, eagerly awaiting the next twist in the road to WrestleMania.

XXXX

Meanwhile, in a modest home somewhere in St. Louis, Emily Ford is sitting on the couch, gently rocking her nearly three-month-old son, Victor Ibrahimovic, in her arms. The soft glow of the television illuminates the room, currently tuned to Monday Night RAW, where the familiar figure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is being escorted out of the arena by security. Emily watches the broadcast with a mix of emotions — surprise, curiosity, and a touch of something more personal.

Yes, that's right. Victor Ibrahimovic is Zlatan's son.

It had been almost a year ago when Emily met Zlatan while he was in town. A brief but intense fling that left a mark on her life in more ways than one. When Emily discovered she was pregnant with Victor a few months later, she was taken aback, unsure of how to handle the news. At the time, her life was already filled with challenges, and the idea of becoming a mother had been far from her mind.

Initially, the thought of abortion crossed her mind — it seemed like the practical choice, given her circumstances. But as the weeks went by, and with the support of her friends and family, she decided to keep the baby. It wasn't an easy decision, but as Victor came into the world, she knew she'd made the right choice.

Emily had decided to give her son Zlatan's surname, partly as a nod to the man who fathered him, but also because she wanted Victor to have a sense of connection, no matter how tenuous, to his father's side. She didn't know what the future held, or if Zlatan would ever take an interest in their child, but she hoped that, one day, there could be some kind of understanding.

As she watches the broadcast, she wonders if Zlatan even knows. He might not even realize that somewhere in St. Louis, there is a little boy with his name, a little boy who carries his legacy.

Victor stirs in her arms, making a soft noise that brings her back to the present. Emily smiles down at her son, brushing a light kiss on his forehead. Whatever happens, she's prepared to raise Victor with all the love and support she can muster. Because, despite everything, he's the best thing that's ever happened to her.

She looks back at the television, watching Zlatan's face as he's led out of the arena. "Maybe one day," she whispers softly to herself, "you'll get to meet him."

But for now, she holds Victor close, taking comfort in the small, quiet moments they share in their little corner of the world.

XXXX

After the latest episode of RAW was concluded, the activity shifts to a quiet, upscale hotel room in St. Louis. The city lights shimmer through the window, casting a soft glow across the room. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Trish Stratus are there, enjoying a rare moment of peace away from the chaos and intensity of their WWE lives.

Zlatan, dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans, sits on the edge of the bed, his posture relaxed for the first time all night. Trish, still glowing from her match and their playful exchange earlier, leans back against the plush pillows, a warm smile playing on her lips. They've put the night's drama behind them, enjoying each other's company away from the spotlight.

Trish reaches out, her fingers lightly tracing a path along Zlatan's arm. "You were something out there tonight," she says, her voice soft but teasing. "Making Bischoff squirm like that… you always know how to keep things interesting."

Zlatan chuckles, his expression softening as he looks at her. "Just doing what I do best," he replies, a hint of that trademark confidence in his voice. "Can't let them think they can push me around, even on RAW."

Trish nods in agreement, then leans forward, her face closer to his. "Well, you certainly made your point. But enough about that," she whispers, her tone more intimate now. "We finally have a moment to ourselves."

Zlatan's eyes soften as he reaches up, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, we do," he murmurs, his voice a little deeper. "No cameras, no distractions… just us."

They sit in comfortable silence for a moment, soaking in the calm after the storm. Trish moves closer, resting her head on Zlatan's shoulder. Zlatan wraps an arm around her, holding her close, the tension of the night slowly melting away. They exchange small, genuine smiles — a rare glimpse of the softer side of the WWE Champion and the charismatic Diva.

They talk quietly, sharing stories and laughs, enjoying the comfort of each other's presence. It's a moment of reprieve, of connection — away from the bright lights and roaring crowds, just two people finding a bit of peace together in an otherwise hectic world.

As the hours pass, their conversation drifts from wrestling to other topics, both of them content to simply be with each other. For tonight, in this quiet hotel room, they are more than just WWE superstars; they are just Zlatan and Trish, sharing a genuine moment together.