Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - Royal Rumble 2017 - San Antonio, Texas
Royal Rumble 2017:
Pre-Show:
Six-Woman Tag Team
Alexa Bliss, Mickie James & Natayla vs Naomi, Nikki Bella & Becky Lynch
WWE Raw Team Championship
Cesaro & Sheamus (c) vs Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
Sasha Banks vs Nia Jax
Main Show:
No Disqualification Match for the Intercontinental Championship
Zack Mercer vs Dean Ambrose (c)
Raw Women's Championship
Charlotte Flair (c) vs Bayley
No Disqualification Match for Universal Championship
Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens (c)
Cruiserweight Championship
Rich Swann (c) vs Neville
WWE Championship
AJ Styles (c) vs John Cena
30-Man Royal Rumble Match
Tonight was the 30th annual Royal Rumble Pay-Per-view and the fourth ever Royal Rumble to take place in the great state of Texas. Tonight was a night filled with excitement, John Cena competing for the WWE Championship looking to win his 16th World Championship and tie the record with Ric Flair and for the first time since 2009, the Undertaker will be in the Royal Rumble match and that match was filled with superstars like Goldberg, Brock Lesnar and the man who will face Dean Ambrose in a No Disqualification match for the Intercontinental Championship, Zack Mercer.
And the man behind Zack Mercer, Andrew James McGrady Jr walked into the backstage area of the famous Alamodome sporting a black cowboy hat, leather pants with snake skin cowboy boots, a white t-shirt that seemingly hugged his body, Gold Rolex watch on his wrist to match his chain and a gold and black LV belt to finish off the look. He was styling and profiling on the way to the arena as he looked to capture his 3rd Intercontinental Championship and perhaps shake off the funk of what was going on with his personal life with Cassie.
He hadn't talked to Cassie in over 2 weeks after they had a big fight and he was more than 90% sure that his relationship might be coming to an end and while he wanted to try to fight for his relationship, a part of him felt that it was pointless. Their argument was about how distant James was even when he was at home. And to his point, he tried to explain that being on the main roster required a lot of his time and focus, leaving him with little energy for anything else. But Cassie, his long-time girlfriend, felt neglected and unimportant amidst his hectic schedule. He thought she'd understand since she herself is a wrestler for NXT but it seemed his conclusions were incorrect.
As Andrew made his way through the backstage corridors of the Alamodome, he couldn't shake off the heaviness in his heart that had been lingering since his fallout with Cassie. The bright lights and buzz of the Royal Rumble event provided a temporary distraction, but deep down, he knew that his personal life needed attention just as much as his wrestling career did but just like it always did wrestling proved to be the thing he needed.
Unbeknownst to him, a certain blonde had her eyes set on him, watching as the man who she considered her best friend walked and made his way to the locker room. Her eyes trailed watching as he walked off while the emotions and thoughts started circulating in her head. And while she thought she was being incognito about it, it was clear to everyone who was sitting at catering with her that she wasn't good at hiding it.
"Lexi!" she heard, making her turn her head to look at Trinity Fatu who was looking at her with a concerned frown, "you okay?"
"Ummmm-Nothing, It's fine." Lexi lied as she redirected her attention on the girls in front of her and wiped away a light tear from her eyes.
"Now you do know that I can ask around and get an answer if you're lying," Nattie said.
"Yeah, we're here for you Lexi. No matter what," Rebecca said.
"Okay fine, as you guys know Drew and I went to hangout after the show a few weeks ago right?" Lexi said as all the girls at the table nodded as they listened to her words with intent.
"Did it go bad or something?" Nattie asked.
"No, it didn't. It went perfect and that whole time I kept catching myself having these thoughts about him, About the way his shirt just hugged his biceps. About the warmth of his smile when he talked about his dreams and aspirations. About the way his eyes lit up everytime he talked about his sister. About how someone like him that had a hard life managed to use that to become a beacon of light that would shine and illuminate every room he walked in. And I started to realize that maybe what I feel for Drew is more than just friendship," Lexi confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, her gaze fixed on the table in front of her, "And I just kept thinking about things with Drew felt so simple. How I felt around him instead of how I feel around Matthew."
Nattie, Trinity, and Rebecca exchanged knowing glances, understanding dawning on their faces as Lexi's words hung in the air. They had seen the bond between Lexi and Andrew, the easy camaraderie and unspoken connection that seemed to draw them together both in and out of the ring.
Trinity reached out, placing a hand on Lexi's trembling one, offering silent support. "It's okay to feel this way, Lexi. Emotions are complicated, especially when it comes to matters of the heart."
"I mean, I shouldn't feel this way about him, he's supposed to be my best friend and I'm with Matthew and he's with Cassie but when I'm around him, I can't help but feel like maybe I'm meant to be with him instead."
Lexi's voice wavered, her emotions slipping through the cracks she'd tried so hard to keep sealed. She took a shaky breath, trying to steady herself, but the truth was undeniable now—it had been creeping up on her for months, maybe even years.
"Have you talked to Matthew about how you feel?" Rebecca asked cautiously, her voice gentle but firm.
Lexi shook her head. "No. I mean, how could I? He's been nothing but good to me, and I don't want to hurt him. But every time I see Drew, every time I hear his voice, I feel like…like I'm in the wrong place."
Nattie exhaled, folding her arms. "Lexi, you can't keep burying this. The longer you ignore it, the worse it'll be—for you, for Matthew, and even for Drew. He's dealing with his own stuff right now, and if you don't talk to him, this is just going to eat away at you."
Lexi ran a hand through her blonde hair, frustration evident on her face. "I just don't know if he feels the same way. What if I ruin our friendship? What if he's still trying to make things work with Cassie?"
Trinity gave her a knowing look. "And what if he's feeling the same thing but is too afraid to say it?"
That thought lingered in Lexi's mind as she looked over her shoulder, down the hall where Drew had disappeared moments ago. What if he did feel the same way? What if all this time, they'd been dancing around something that was meant to be?
She swallowed hard.
The Royal Rumble was about surprises. Maybe tonight wasn't just about championship gold.
Maybe tonight was about facing the truth.
Locker Room
James stood in the locker room alone with a roll of white wrist tape in his grasp rolling it over his wrists and his fists as he sat there clad in the attire he had made for tonight. Tonight he was looking to once again embody the energy of one of his favorite superstars growing up, Shawn Michaels. Shawn wasn't Sting, who was his absolute favorite but he was one of the guys who he emulated his wrestling style after. And he was looking to do what Shawn did in this same arena in 1997 walk away victorious with a Championship.
His tights were red with tiger scratches on the sides of the tights with the design of the Texas state flag with a white outline around them. Around the waist there was a black band with a white outline. In the center of that band, there was ZM in black with white outline. He had red knee pads on both knees with ZM on the right pad in white with red kick pads with the pads being white. He had a black leather vest with his ring name in old English on the back in red with a white outline.
James took a deep breath, tightening the wrist tape as the energy in the arena built up. The low hum of the crowd seeped through the walls, a reminder that tonight wasn't just another match—it was a moment. A chance to prove himself, to carve out his own legacy in a place where legends had been made.
And then, he felt it.
That presence.
Before he even turned, he knew. Michael Hickenbototm AKA, "The Heartbreak Kid", "The Showstopper", "Mr. WrestleMania" Shawn Michaels.
The Heartbreak Kid himself stood a few feet away, arms crossed, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. Dressed casually in jeans, boots, and his signature cowboy hat, he looked every bit like the Showstopper, even in retirement.
James swallowed hard, standing up instinctively, feeling like a kid again—the same kid who used to sit cross-legged in front of the TV, watching HBK steal the show every single night.
Shawn eyed him up and down, taking in the gear, the tribute, the undeniable passion radiating off him.
"Nice look, kid. So you're the one who's been making waves for the past few months."
James chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yes, sir. James—well, Zack Mercer, in the ring and I figured I'd try to capture a little of that '97 magic. Worked out pretty well for you that night."
Shawn chuckled. "Zack Mercer, huh? Got a nice ring to it." His eyes flickered down to James' gear. "I see you're paying homage tonight. Red and white, Texas pride, you a fan of the old days?"
James allowed himself a small grin. "Big time. You and Sting were my guys growing up. You especially—I studied your matches, tried to take what made you special and make it my own."
Shawn let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Man, I don't know whether to feel honored or old. But I'll take it."
There was a pause before Shawn took a step closer, his gaze turning more serious. "Listen, kid, I've been in this building on nights just like this. I know what's running through your head right now. The pressure, the doubt, the adrenaline—it's a hell of a cocktail." He placed a hand on James' shoulder. "But remember this—when you walk through that curtain, don't try to be me. Don't try to be anyone else. Be you. That's how you leave your mark."
James nodded, the weight of the words settling in. "I appreciate that, really I do, more than you possibly know."
Shawn gave his shoulder a firm pat before stepping back. "Go out there and tear the house down, Mercer. Make 'em remember your name. I got my eye on you kid."
With that, HBK tipped his hat and walked off, leaving James standing there, heart pounding, hands clenched into fists. If he wasn't pumped up before he definitely was now for sure.
Ringside - Hours Later
The opening credits of the show had rolled, and the pyro already went off and the smoke filled the arena as the WWE Universe in San Antonio, Texas were ready for the opening match to kick off the 30th Annual Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View and kickstart the road to WrestleMania.
"Bully" Hits
The music of the former Intercontinental Champion blasted throughout the arena's sound system as the fans rose up to their feet cheering. Some of the lights around the arena started to lower as the others started to flash a bright set of white lights around the arena.
The Former Champion walked out onto the stage with a frown on his face, something that was unusual for him as he was a guy who was usually smiling but tonight he was focused. He walked to the center of the ring looking around at the crowd before he hunched over looking down at the stage floor saying a little quick prayer before he quickly snapped back up vertically raising his index and middle fingers up in the air as a tribute to his mother and his sister. He slowly lowered his arms and looked around once more, soaking up the energy in the building.
"San Antonio, How you doin! It's Mercer Time!" Zack shouted as he walked down the ramp slapping the hands of the fans in the front row.
He walked around the ringside area to the ring and slid onto the ring apron, gripping the middle rope as he looked at the fans in attendance. He got up to his feet and entered the ring and he walked towards the corner, jumping onto the turnbuckles. He gazed around at the WWE Universe as he did his same pose once again while the San Antonio fans gave him applause.
He discarded his vest as his music faded away before the music of the Champion blasted throughout the arena.
"Retaliation" Hits
The same fans who were cheering for him cheered louder for the current Intercontinental Champion, Dean Ambrose, making Zack bite the inside of his cheek as he accepted the fact that the fans liked Dean more than they did him.
Dean Ambrose walked out clad in his classic dark blue jeans, black tank top, fist taped up ready for battle, black boots and a black zip-up hoodie with the Intercontinental Champion wrapped around his waist. Dean Ambrose gazed around at the WWE Universe as he chewed his gum before he started to march down the ramp with his usual swagger.
Once the Lunatic made it to the ringside area, he marched to the steel steps and walked up the steps onto the apron to enter the ring before he unhooked the championship and walked towards the center of the ring talking trash as Zack Mercer simply looked on with a frown. The official got between the two men just to make sure there was some space between them.
Dean slowly backed up to his corner as the music faded away.
Ding…
Ding…
Ding…
"The following contest is a No Disqualification Match scheduled for one fall and it is for the Intercontinental Championship!" Greg Hamilton announced as the WWE Universe cheered while the Championship graphic appeared on the titantron.
"Introducing first, the challenger, from Las Vegas, Nevada. Weighing in at 225 Pounds. "The Las Vegas Ace" Zack Mercer!" Greg Hamilton announced as the fans cheered while Zack simply stood there focused on this war he was about to partake in.
"And his opponent, from Cincinnati, Ohio. Weighing in at 225 Pounds. He is the Intercontinental Champion, Dean Ambrose!" Greg Hamilton announced as the fans once again cheered this time for Dean Ambrose.
Dean handed the title off to the referee who walked to the center of the ring and held it up for the crowd to know what was on the line. He walked to the ropes handing it off the ring crew and called for the bell.
Ding-Ding-Ding!
For only the 13th time in the 30-year history of the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View the Intercontinental Championship was about to be defended. Zack Mercer against the same man who ended the 14-year gap of this title being defended last year, Dean Ambrose. Zack Mercer looked to win his 3rd Intercontinental Championship becoming the 18th man to hold the Intercontinental more than 2-times in a No Disqualification match and the WWE Universe in San Antonio, Texas was buzzing with excitement!
Zack Mercer stood in the corner looking with a frown as he stared daggers across the ring at the man who took his title just a mere weeks ago on the first SmackDown Live of 2017, Dean Ambrose who looked on with a smirk.
"Let's go Mercer! Let's go Ambrose!" chants broke out through the arena for the opening match of the night. Zack looked around the arena hearing the chants making him shake his head before he charged towards Dean who did the same. And it was on! Both Dean Ambrose and Zack Mercer, No Disqualification for the Intercontinental Championship at the Royal Rumble!
Dean had Zack reeling on the ropes with those hard blows. Dean ran to the ropes before he came off the ropes hitting Mercer with a clothesline sending him toppling over the top rope to the floor. Dean Ambrose wasn't done with Zack and stepped out of the ring onto the apron as Zack crawled over to the barricade using it to pull himself up and stumbled around turning back around to catch a flying Dean Ambrose who came off the apron diving onto Zack Mercer with a crossbody!
Dean, still not letting Mercer go, started to pile on a series of blows to the face of Mercer as the WWE Universe cheered. The Intercontinental Champion got up to his feet looking around the arena at the San Antonio fans. He walked around to the side of the ring facing the hard cam as Zack started to stir and rise up to his feet as the Champion pulled a steel chair from underneath the ring.
"The Las Vegas Ace" ran towards Dean who swung the chair at him and missed wildly as the former Champion ducked it and showed some athleticism by jumping onto the barricade and jumping off with a wild MOONSAULT PRESS OFF THE BARRICADE ONTO DEAN AMBROSE WHO STILL HAD THE CHAIR IN HAND.
Zack started groaning in agony as he rolled away from Dean holding a hand on his ribs as he felt the collision of that steel chair with his body but he felt satisfied knowing that Dean felt the same. The former champion clutched his ribs, wincing in pain but the dream of being called a champion pushed him forward. He crawled towards the steel steps using them to pull himself up as Dean rolled onto his stomach, groaning from the impact of that moonsault with the chair.
The San Antonio crowd buzzed as Zack's gaze set upon the steel steps. The wheels started turning, dangerous thoughts circulating in his head as he looked around at the San Antonio crowd before looking over his shoulder to see Dean Ambrose starting to stir. Zack gritted his teeth and yanked the top half of the steel steps free, adding the steel steps into the mix. He dragged them closer to the Champion. Zack walked towards Dean and yanked him by his hair as Dean groaned in agony. He hooked Dean's head under his arm and looked around into the crowd before hoisting him up for a SUPLEX ONTO THE STEEL STEPS!
Dean's body landed with a profound thud as the WWE Universe gasped as Dean's back smacked against the cold steel, his body arching in pain.
Zack sat up, breathing heavily as he looked around the hair covering his face making him look like a menace. He ran a hand through his hair and wiped the sweat from his forehead as he looked back at Dean Ambrose. He knew this was nowhere near enough to put down Dean Ambrose and take back his Intercontinental Championship, he had to keep going. He had to keep going to that dark place.
The former Champion crawled over to the ring apron reaching under the apron searching for something and when he did a sick smile snaked its way onto his face. He slowly pulled back out showing a kendo stick. The crowd popped as Zack twirled the weapon in his hand, he turned back toward Ambrose who had rolled off the steps now onto his abdomen.
CRACK!
The first kendo stick shot landed across Dean's back. He let out a grunt but tried to push himself up.
CRACK!
Another shot, this time across the ribs. Ambrose stumbled toward the barricade, gritting his teeth.
CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!
Mercer unleashed a flurry of kendo stick shots, each one echoing through the Alamodome. Dean fell to his knees, clutching his side in agony. Zack tossed the splintered weapon aside as he looked around at the 50,000 that filled the Alamodome. In most matches he would ponder to the WWE Universe and make sure they were having a good time and enjoying the Zack Mercer experience but tonight that wasn't his focus, beating down Dean Ambrose and taking back the Intercontinental Championship.
Mercer grabbed a hold of the ropes using them to pull himself up to the ring apron. As Mercer positioned himself on the ring apron, Dean had taken this time to pick up the same chair that had been introduced into the match earlier. Zack, looking to fly leapt up onto the middle rope and turned in mid-air looking for a flying forearm BUT AMBROSE COUNTERED, SWINGING THE CHAIR INTO ZACK'S MID-AIR COLLISION! The sickening THWACK echoed throughout the Alamodome, and Zack crashed onto the floor in a heap.
Dean stumbled back to the barricade as Zack screamed out in agony holding his ribs, screaming out words that no kid should ever repeat. "The Lunatic Fringe" let out a wild grin, his chest rising and falling heavily. He tossed the chair to the side and walked over to Zack pulling him by his hair and tossed him back into the ring.
Ambrose slid in the ring and quickly went for the cover.
1…
2, Mercer kicked out at 2.
Dean sat up and looked on with a grin. He stood up and backed into the corner as he looked around as Zack crawled over to the ropes. He gripped the ropes slowly using them to pull himself up to his feet. Dean charged towards Zack only for Zack to strike him with a forearm that caused Dean to stumble back and dip through the ropes looking to come off with his patented Lunatic Lariat but Zack ducked it and instead caught Dean and immediately hooked him for a back suplex but Ambrose rolled onto his feet and shoved him him SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RING POST!
Zack screamed out in agony as he slowly staggered back into Ambrose's grip. Dean grabbed Zack in a waistlock, pulling him back with a huge release German Suplex! But Zack with amazing athleticism flipped through and landed on his feet.
Ambrose scrambled up, confused— and Mercer looked to connect with the Ace of Spades but Ambrose caught the foot! He spun Zack around only to hit him with DIRTY DEEDS!
The crowd cheered as Dean scrambled into the cover, hooking the leg while the fans cheered.
1…
2…
THR-NO!
Mercer's shoulder shot up keeping this match alive!
The WWE Universe roared as Dean sat up, shaking his head in disbelief. The Champion smirked, nodding his head, amused by the resilience by the former 2-time Intercontinental Champion, Zack Mercer. Dean rolled out of the ring looking to introduce some more weapons into this No Disqualification match and these two men were taking full advantage of this earlier. Dean rolled out of the ring, this time rummaging under the ring as the fans cheered. The lunatic looked around at the crowd as he slowly pulled out a table.
The fans in the Alamodome were going insane as Dean rolled the table in the ring. Dean slid into the ring and popped up to his feet as Zack had gotten up to a knee. Dean walked towards Zack only for Zack to push him off and CLOCK HIM WITH ACE OF SPADES!
Dean dropped like a sack of bricks! Mercer dropped into the cover, hooking the leg.
1…
2…
THR-NO!
Zack sat screaming out, frustration setting in. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to steady his breath as he tried to regain his bearings. He pushed himself to his feet, feeling the adrenaline, the desire to be called Champion once again driving him. He wanted the Intercontinental so bad he was willing to go to dark places to do so.
He looked around the ring before his glance set onto the table. His gaze shifted to Dean and then shifted back to the table and once again back to Dean and once again back to the table, clear evidence that an idea was forming in his head. He walked towards the table and grabbed a hold of it before he set it up as the fans cheered in anticipation for one or both of these men going through this table here tonight.
He walked over to Dean, bending down grabbing him by his hair forcing him up to his feet and dragged him on over to the corner just a few feet away from the table. Zack groggily lifted Dean up to the top rope positioning him for something big.
The WWE Universe buzzed in anticipation as Zack Mercer looked around the arena shaking his head. Zack slowly climbed up and grabbed a hold of Dean looking for a suplex through the table!
But Dean Ambrose wasn't having it, clocked Zack with repeated shots to the ribs making Zack hunch over with Dean Ambrose still up on that top rope. Dean looked around the arena with a smile before he managed to flip over Zack looking for a Sunset Flip! And he grabbed a hold of Zack Mercer lifting him up and STUMBLED OVER TO DROP HIM THROUGH THE TABLE WITH A POWERBOMB!
"This is Awesome! This is Awesome! This is Awesome!" chants broke out throughout the arena as the WWE Universe cheered these two gladiators who laid in the wreckage of the table, completely motionless. This was an absolute war to start off the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View.
After several moments Dean Ambrose was the first to move and slowly pulled Zack from the wreckage and yanked him up to his feet only for Zack to push him off and clock him with the ACE OF SPADES! DEAN DROPPED TO THE CANVAS LIKE A SACK OF POTATOES AND MERCER DROPPED INTO THE COVER! Looking to win his 3rd Intercontinental Championship.
1…
2…
THR-NO! Dean Ambrose kicked out right before the 3 count. Zack dropped on his back staring up at the lights as he screamed out in frustration. He didn't understand it, he didn't understand how Dean could keep kicking out. Zack looked around looking for an idea to try to put Dean Ambrose and take back what was most important to him in the Intercontinental Championship. He rolled out of the ring and grabbed a hold of a steel chair before he ran and slid under the bottom rope.
Zack walked over to Dean and placed the chair underneath him getting some cheers and boos from the crowd. The WWE Universe weren't used to seeing Zack Mercer like this. Zack Mercer was a hero to them but right now he wasn't acting like a hero.
"The Las Vegas Ace" dragged "The Lunatic Fringe" up to his feet looking for the Final Calling but Dean pushed him off and kicked him in the gut and turned it into a DIRTY DEEDS ONTO THE STEEL CHAIR.
Dean wasn't taking any chances. With whatever energy he had left, HE DRAGGED MERCER UP AND HIT A SECOND DIRTY DEEDS! Mercer lay lifeless as Ambrose hooked both legs!
1…
2…
3…
Ding-Ding-Ding!
"Retaliation" Plays
Dean Ambrose retained the Intercontinental Championship in an absolute war. The Alamodome erupted as "Retaliation" blasted through the speakers, and Ambrose lay on the mat, exhausted but victorious.
"Here is your winner and STILL the Intercontinental Champion: Dean Ambrose!"
Dean rose up to his feet slowly feeling the pain in his body as the official grabbed the title from the ring crew and handed the title to Dean Ambrose as he raised his arm in the air. Dean Ambrose's chest rose and fell as he kept his arms raised looking around at the fans in the Alamodome.
Mercer, motionless, had given everything, but tonight was not his night.
The camera zoomed in on Zack's face as he came to, pain and disappointment flashing in his eyes. He had fought like hell, but the dream had slipped through his fingers. Meanwhile, Ambrose clutched his championship, grinning through the pain.
Backstage
James walked through the curtain and immediately let out a deep breath as he put a hand on his rib feeling a wave of pain shoot through his body. He pulled his hand away and shook it out, rolling his shoulders as the adrenaline from the match slowly faded, leaving only the aching reminders of war. The moment he stepped into gorilla position, a few crew members and producers clapped him on the back, murmuring praises about the match.
"That was insane, man." One of the road agents grinned, shaking his head in disbelief. "The moonsault spot with the chair? Unreal."
James gave a tired chuckle, still catching his breath. "Yeah, well… not feeling too unreal right now," he muttered, stretching his neck with a wince.
Before he could say much else, Jon—still drenched in sweat, the Intercontinental Championship slung over his shoulder—came through the curtain behind him.
"That was a hell of a fight," Jon said, offering a hand. James stared at it for a second, jaw tightening. Losing always sucked, and tonight was no different. He had gone to war out there, pushed himself further than he had in a long time, and it still hadn't been enough. But there was no denying that his match proved he could hang with the toughest of them all and Jon fought just as hard. With a sigh, he clasped Jon's hand, giving it a firm shake.
"Next time," James muttered, his competitive fire still burning beneath the surface.
Jon smirked. "Looking forward to it."
As Jon walked off, James let his head roll back, exhaling before heading down the hallway. He knew his night wasn't over—there'd be medical staff waiting, and then he had to find Shane to discuss his role in the Royal Rumble. He had just gone through a war, but the grind was far from over.
Hours Later - Royal Rumble
The Royal Rumble match was underway, 30 men competing for a chance to main event WrestleMania and compete for a World Championship in a match that had the possibility to change careers.
Inside the ring right now was Braun Strowman who was down on a knee looking at the stage as Sami Zayn and Tye Dillinger were inside the ring down.
10…
9…
8…
7…
6…
5…
4…
3…
2…
1…
BUZZZZ!
"Bully" Hits
The fans in San Antonio jumped up to their feet to the music of former Intercontinental Champion, Zack Mercer, the man who lost earlier to Dean Ambrose. Zack walked out onto the stage still wearing his ring gear this time with tape around his ribs with a frown on his face. Zack started jogging down the ramp as he set his gaze upon Braun Strowman who stood up and locked eyes with Zack Mercer.
Zack ran into the ring and slid under the bottom rope and quickly rose up to his feet and made a beeline towards Strowman hitting him with forearm after forearm after forearm and Strowman seemingly just stood there absorbing the blows as Zack's music faded away. Strowman grabbed a hold of Zack and just pushed him towards the ropes. Braun ran towards Zack looking to eliminate him but Zack dropped down and rolled under the bottom rope quickly escaping and still staying in the match-up.
Sami and Tye took advantage, grabbing a hold of Braun, trying to work together to eliminate "The Monster Among Men". And they managed to get him over the top rope but Strowman held on, feet dangling from the floor, and managed to raise a foot up to kick Tye away. Sami reached down gripping Strowman by his hair as Braun got to a knee on the apron allowing him to strike Sami with a right hand across the jaw making him stumble back.
Strowman stood up and stepped between the ropes and ran into the ring and clocked both men with a shoulder block! Zack Mercer stepped up onto the apron waiting for Braun to turn around and when he did he jumped off the top rope looking for a springboard and got caught with a right hand from Strowman knocking him down to the canvas. Sami crawled towards a corner and used the ropes to pull himself up only to be clocked with a running corner clothesline from Braun. Tye crawled to the corner, pulling himself up, and got clocked with a clothesline in the corner from Braun. Braun walked towards Zack and grabbed him by his hair pulling him up to his feet. Zack managed to push Braun off of him and clocked him with an Ace of Spades!
But Braun only dropped down to a knee as Zack looked on with frustration while the countdown started. Zack shrugged his shoulders before kicking Braun in the jaw with another Ace of Spades making Braun drop to his back this time.
5…
4…
3…
2…
1…
BUZZZZ!
"Retaliation" Hits
And entering at #12 was the man that beat Zack Mercer earlier tonight and remained the Intercontinental Champion, Dean Ambrose. Dean walked out on the stage with a smirk on his face. Dean marched down the ramp as Zack locked eyes with Dean. The Intercontinental Champion started flapping his gums as Zack shook his head looking on with disdain clearly not over the loss he suffered earlier tonight, and when Dean ran to the ring and slid under the bottom rope and immediately went for Zack Mercer, the anger was returned.
And both men started trading blows as the music faded away while the fans cheered. Dean was able to get the advantage and clocked Zack with a right hand that sent him stumbling to the corner. Dean started to pile on a series of punches that caused Zack to drop in the corner to the point where he was sitting on the middle turnbuckle.
Braun, now back in the match, grabbed Dean and damn-near tossed him across the ring. Dean quickly jumped back into the fray and marched towards Braun and started hitting with forearms to the jaw that made Braun stumble. Dean saw this and took his opportunity to run to the ropes. And he popped off the ropes he jumped up and caught Braun with another forearm this time making Braun drop down to a knee. All 4 men, Dean Ambrose, Tye Dillinger, Sami Zayn and Zack Mercer all took the chance to start putting the blows to Braun.
But Braun was too strong and too powerful and managed to push all 4 competitors away. He caught Tye with another right hand that sent Tye crashing to the canvas. Sami who stumbled into the corner was caught with another corner clothesline from Braun who nearly crushed him in the corner. Dean stumbled back into the corner and was caught with the same attack that Sami was put down with. Braun saw Zack stumbling out of the corner and walked towards him before taking him down with a big boot that sent Zack Mercer crashing down to the canvas.
5…
4…
3…
2…
1…
BUZZZZ!
"Superhuman" Hits
And here comes Baron Corbin! Baron ran down the ramp and slid the bottom rope and immediately started going after Braun as everyone quickly mustered up the strength to make it up to feet and started going after Braun. And Braun wasn't looking to allow them to take him out and pushed everyone off. Braun turned his attention to the other big man in the match right now, Braun Strowman. Tye Dillinger walked towards Braun and attacked him from behind which proved to be a mistake since this seemingly only angered Braun. Braun grabbed him by the head and neck before he tossed him over the top rope eliminating him from the Rumble!
Braun turned back around and was clocked with Ace of Spades by Zack Mercer which left him stumbling into the corner. Sami saw this and ran towards Braun, clocking him with a Helluva Kick. Braun stumbled out of the corner and was in prime position for Baron Corbin to make a beeline towards him and clothesline him over the top rope, eliminating him from the match! Dean Ambrose had his back to Zack Mercer which proved to be a mistake.
Zack grabbed Dean from behind and tossed him over the top rope, eliminating him from the Rumble and getting some revenge for their match earlier! The fans popped as Zack dropped down to a knee leaning against the middle rope looking on with a smirk as he ran a hand through his hair while Dean looked on from the outside.
Zack stood up and started talking trash too focused on Dean which allowed himself to be open to being eliminated by "The Lone Wolf" Baron Corbin who dumped him over the top rope, eliminating him from the Royal Rumble!
Dean Ambrose who was leaning up against the barricade looked at Zack chuckling as Zack rose up to his feet, eyes locked on Dean. His chest rose and fell heavily as frustration and adrenaline coursed through his veins. The war they had earlier in the night was still fresh, and now, here they were again—face to face outside the ring, their rivalry getting in the way of either man being able to win the Royal Rumble and main event WrestleMania.
Dean smirked and he got into Zack's face. That was all the provocation Zack needed and threw the first punch that sent Dean staggered back into the barricade. The crowd erupted as Dean shook his head, wiped his mouth, and fired back with a punch of his own!
The two men started trading shots, the sound of fists connecting echoing throughout the Alamodome. Neither man was concerned with the action in the ring and more so focused on one another. Zack got the upper hand, driving Dean backward until he rammed him spine-first into the barricade.
"You think this is over, huh?!" Zack shouted as he grabbed Dean by the head and slammed him against the barricade again.
Dean, ever the fighter, grinned through the pain and shoved Zack back before lunging forward and tackling him to the floor! The two rolled on the mat, swinging wildly at each other, neither willing to let this rivalry die.
Shane McMahon, Daniel Bryan, and extra referees sprinted down the ramp in a frenzy, trying to break up the brawl.
"Come on, guys! That's enough!" Daniel shouted as Zack shoved one of the referees away and tried to dive back at Dean Ambrose, but security quickly grabbed him, holding him back as he thrashed against them.
Dean, who was also being restrained by officials, was still laughing as he started to taunt Zack reminding him that he was the reason he was no longer the Intercontinental Champion because of him. Zack roared in frustration, kicking over a steel chair nearby. He locked eyes with Dean, and in that moment, one thing was clear—this wasn't over.
Not by a long shot.
A/N: Alright so I hoped you guys enjoyed this one. I'm trying to do a little something with Dean Ambrose and Zack. Give them both a rivalry that can elevate the Intercontinental Championship and slightly push Zack into the main event scene. We'll see what happens next with Zack soon.
Results:
Pre-Show:
Six-Woman Tag Winner: Naomi, Nikki Bella & Becky Lynch
WWE Raw Tag Team Championship Winner: Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
Sasha Banks vs Nia Jax Winner: Nia Jax
Main Show:
Intercontinental Championship Winner: Dean Ambrose
Raw Women's Championship Winner: Charlotte Flair
WWE Universal Championship Winner: Kevin Owens
Cruiserweight Championship Winner: Neville
WWE Championship Winner: AJ Styles
Royal Rumble Match Winner: Randy Orton
This is the ZackAttack signing out!
Peace!