Welcome back to Henry's Universe Mode. Following the events of the Talent Exchange, GM Paul Heyman has put together a big show. The first four matches are singles encounters, highlighting the best contenders Raw has to offer. The four winners will then move into a fatal four way in the main event, with the winner challenging Brock Lesnar at Raw's Unforgiven pay-per-view on September 25th.
Universe Mode
Monday Night Raw
September 5th, 2016
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Lesnar and Heyman shared a toast
We opened the show with the new world champion and his manager in the ring. They celebrated the trade of Stone Cold Steve Austin to Smackdown by cracking open a few steveweisers. Lesnar then addressed the eight men competing tonight, saying that they should all just give this pursuit, and walk away while they still have the chance.
Hideo Itami vs Finn Balor
The opening contest was highly anticipated, as it saw two of Raw's newest acquisitions square off. Both men had an exciting, back and forth encounter, showcasing their moves to a new audience. Finn looked several times for the finishing blow to advance to the main event, but Hideo knew the move was coming, and got out of the way. Finally, Finn caught Hideo with an impressive power bomb, and finished off the Japanese Sensation with the awe-inspiring Coup de Grace, proving that he doesn't need the Balor Club to succeed.
Winner: Finn Balor
Kurt Angle vs Rusev
Both of these former Smackdown stars were looking for something to prove, as Angle wanted to prove he could still get it done, and Rusev wanted to win without Lana. Rusev was on absolute fire, tearing apart Angle with blow after blow. Try as he might, Rusev couldn't put Kurt away, even after three Accolades. Finally, in a fit of rage, Rusev smacked Angle with a steel chair over the skull, getting disqualified, and continued to hit Angle with the steel before officials could pull him away. Angle advanced to the main event, but he definitely looked worse for wear.
Winner: Kurt Angle
John Cena vs Dean Ambrose
This was a match-up of former midcard champions, as former IC Champ took on former US Champ. Both men put together a match of the year candidate, that had the crowd on it's feet the entire time. Cena quickly connected on two AA's, only to see Dean kick out of both. Sunned, Cena fell victim to a Lunatic Driver(headlock driver), but that wasn't enough for Ambrose to pick up the victory. They traded offense, Cena's power and Ambrose's strikes, neither man giving an inch. Cena went for a third AA, but Ambrose countered into the Dirty Deeds for a narrow two count. The Lunatic Fringe then took complete control, picking Cena apart, and appeared to be closing in on a huge victory. Ambrose, though, only wanted to administer more punishment, and that cost him the match. When Dean finally went for another Dirty Deeds to put the match to rest, Cena had recuperated, and dropped Dean with a third AA to pick up the victory in an incredible match.
Winner: John Cena
Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins
Tag team champions went to war once more, as Reigns and Rollins collided again, this time for a spot in the upcoming main event. This was a short match, with both men not wanting to risk injury with the main event up next. Reigns' power allowed him to keep Rollins on the mat, but once Seth got to his feet, it was all over. The Architect picked Roman apart with move after move, the crowd firmly behind him, before a Curb Stomp earned him a surprisingly decisive victory.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Finn Balor vs Kurt Angle vs John Cena vs Seth Rollins- World Heavyweight Title #1 Contender's Match
Before the match could begin, there was news of an incident backstage. Intercontinental Champion CM Punk was incredibly unhappy that John Cena was allowed to get a world title opportunity, since Punk beat him twice. When Paul Heyman prohibited Punk from getting involved, he snapped, taking out John Cena. Cena, still with lingering injuries from earlier in the night, was forced to be pulled from the match, making it a triple threat.
With only three men, the stakes got even higher. Balor, the fresh man, got the early advantage, taking both men out. There was a brief alliance formed between Finn and Kurt Angle, who laid a beatdown on Seth Rollins, much to the crowd's annoyance. Balor and Angle eliminated Rollins from the match-up, and went back and forth themselves. They both traded offense, each desperate to earn the title shot at Unforgiven. The toll of wrestling their second match in one night, and neither man could gain a clear advantage until Angle connected, suddenly, with an Angle Slam. Before he could go for the cover, Roman Reigns hopped over the barricade. Roman and Angle stared down for a few seconds, before Kurt was blindsided by Dean Ambrose, who had hopped the barricade from the other side. Reigns and Ambrose shared a glance, then dropped Angle with a devastating double powerbomb. They then walked over to the outside of the ring, where Seth Rollins was stirring. Rollins got to his feet, then looked around, staring at the two men who had just arrived. There was a very tense staredown, before Rollins stuck out his right hand..........and Ambrose and Reigns joined in the signature salute. The Shield has returned to rule Monday nights! Rollins then climbed to the top rope, delivering a Phoenix Splash to Angle, Reigns and Ambrose stopped Finn from breaking it up, and Seth Rollins became the new number one contender.
After the match, The Shield celebrated by delivering a triple powerbomb to Finn, putting him through the announce table. Seth then grabbed a mic, addressing Paul Heyman. He told Paul that he had sealed his fate when he helped his client to the top. Stone Cold Steve Austin did not deserve the treatment he received, and Brock Lesnar did not deserve to be a world champion. The Shield are the Hounds of Justice after all, and they have decided to reunite in hopes of delivering just punishment to Heyman for his wrong doings. Seth then handed Dean his tag title, and The Shield delivered another salute as Raw went off the air.
Winner: Seth Rollins
I apologize if this post went a little long, but it was a very important one. The Shield have reformed, and are gunning for Paul Heyman and his client, Brock Lesnar. Can the Hounds of Justice bring down Heyman's rule, or can the Beast Incarnate prove to be the most dominant force in sports entertainment? You'll have to tune in on September 25th. In the mean time, stay tuned for NXT, this Wednesday. I hope you've enjoyed, good bye for now.
Want to follow the series, but missed a few posts? No problem! Check out my brand new Universe Mode Wiki, constantly updated to keep you up to speed with the latest Universe Mode happenings.
Universe Mode
Monday Night Raw
September 5th, 2016
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Lesnar and Heyman shared a toast
We opened the show with the new world champion and his manager in the ring. They celebrated the trade of Stone Cold Steve Austin to Smackdown by cracking open a few steveweisers. Lesnar then addressed the eight men competing tonight, saying that they should all just give this pursuit, and walk away while they still have the chance.
Hideo Itami vs Finn Balor
The opening contest was highly anticipated, as it saw two of Raw's newest acquisitions square off. Both men had an exciting, back and forth encounter, showcasing their moves to a new audience. Finn looked several times for the finishing blow to advance to the main event, but Hideo knew the move was coming, and got out of the way. Finally, Finn caught Hideo with an impressive power bomb, and finished off the Japanese Sensation with the awe-inspiring Coup de Grace, proving that he doesn't need the Balor Club to succeed.
Winner: Finn Balor
Kurt Angle vs Rusev
Both of these former Smackdown stars were looking for something to prove, as Angle wanted to prove he could still get it done, and Rusev wanted to win without Lana. Rusev was on absolute fire, tearing apart Angle with blow after blow. Try as he might, Rusev couldn't put Kurt away, even after three Accolades. Finally, in a fit of rage, Rusev smacked Angle with a steel chair over the skull, getting disqualified, and continued to hit Angle with the steel before officials could pull him away. Angle advanced to the main event, but he definitely looked worse for wear.
Winner: Kurt Angle
John Cena vs Dean Ambrose
This was a match-up of former midcard champions, as former IC Champ took on former US Champ. Both men put together a match of the year candidate, that had the crowd on it's feet the entire time. Cena quickly connected on two AA's, only to see Dean kick out of both. Sunned, Cena fell victim to a Lunatic Driver(headlock driver), but that wasn't enough for Ambrose to pick up the victory. They traded offense, Cena's power and Ambrose's strikes, neither man giving an inch. Cena went for a third AA, but Ambrose countered into the Dirty Deeds for a narrow two count. The Lunatic Fringe then took complete control, picking Cena apart, and appeared to be closing in on a huge victory. Ambrose, though, only wanted to administer more punishment, and that cost him the match. When Dean finally went for another Dirty Deeds to put the match to rest, Cena had recuperated, and dropped Dean with a third AA to pick up the victory in an incredible match.
Winner: John Cena
Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins
Tag team champions went to war once more, as Reigns and Rollins collided again, this time for a spot in the upcoming main event. This was a short match, with both men not wanting to risk injury with the main event up next. Reigns' power allowed him to keep Rollins on the mat, but once Seth got to his feet, it was all over. The Architect picked Roman apart with move after move, the crowd firmly behind him, before a Curb Stomp earned him a surprisingly decisive victory.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Finn Balor vs Kurt Angle vs John Cena vs Seth Rollins- World Heavyweight Title #1 Contender's Match
Before the match could begin, there was news of an incident backstage. Intercontinental Champion CM Punk was incredibly unhappy that John Cena was allowed to get a world title opportunity, since Punk beat him twice. When Paul Heyman prohibited Punk from getting involved, he snapped, taking out John Cena. Cena, still with lingering injuries from earlier in the night, was forced to be pulled from the match, making it a triple threat.
With only three men, the stakes got even higher. Balor, the fresh man, got the early advantage, taking both men out. There was a brief alliance formed between Finn and Kurt Angle, who laid a beatdown on Seth Rollins, much to the crowd's annoyance. Balor and Angle eliminated Rollins from the match-up, and went back and forth themselves. They both traded offense, each desperate to earn the title shot at Unforgiven. The toll of wrestling their second match in one night, and neither man could gain a clear advantage until Angle connected, suddenly, with an Angle Slam. Before he could go for the cover, Roman Reigns hopped over the barricade. Roman and Angle stared down for a few seconds, before Kurt was blindsided by Dean Ambrose, who had hopped the barricade from the other side. Reigns and Ambrose shared a glance, then dropped Angle with a devastating double powerbomb. They then walked over to the outside of the ring, where Seth Rollins was stirring. Rollins got to his feet, then looked around, staring at the two men who had just arrived. There was a very tense staredown, before Rollins stuck out his right hand..........and Ambrose and Reigns joined in the signature salute. The Shield has returned to rule Monday nights! Rollins then climbed to the top rope, delivering a Phoenix Splash to Angle, Reigns and Ambrose stopped Finn from breaking it up, and Seth Rollins became the new number one contender.
After the match, The Shield celebrated by delivering a triple powerbomb to Finn, putting him through the announce table. Seth then grabbed a mic, addressing Paul Heyman. He told Paul that he had sealed his fate when he helped his client to the top. Stone Cold Steve Austin did not deserve the treatment he received, and Brock Lesnar did not deserve to be a world champion. The Shield are the Hounds of Justice after all, and they have decided to reunite in hopes of delivering just punishment to Heyman for his wrong doings. Seth then handed Dean his tag title, and The Shield delivered another salute as Raw went off the air.
Winner: Seth Rollins
I apologize if this post went a little long, but it was a very important one. The Shield have reformed, and are gunning for Paul Heyman and his client, Brock Lesnar. Can the Hounds of Justice bring down Heyman's rule, or can the Beast Incarnate prove to be the most dominant force in sports entertainment? You'll have to tune in on September 25th. In the mean time, stay tuned for NXT, this Wednesday. I hope you've enjoyed, good bye for now.
Want to follow the series, but missed a few posts? No problem! Check out my brand new Universe Mode Wiki, constantly updated to keep you up to speed with the latest Universe Mode happenings.
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