Match 7: Bayley (c) v. Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville - SmackDown Women's Championship

Build:

Bayley's momentum is at an all-time high heading out of Extreme Rules, having defeated both Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross in a handicap match to retain the SmackDown Women's Championship, proving to be one of SmackDown's finest in the women's division. However, her next challenger needs to be decided, for one of WWE's biggest events of the calendar year... SummerSlam. To decide this, the first SmackDown after Extreme Rules, after a majority of the program had already passed by, the General Manager of Friday night's, Shane McMahon would be seen in his office. Taking what seemed to be a highly important phone call, a few moments would pass before hanging it up.

Shortly after doing so, Shane would state that Bayley's SummerSlam opponent would be decided by a mini-tournament of sorts. Next week, we will see a Triple Threat Tag Team encounter between Fire & Desire, Bliss & Cross, & the IIconics. With the winners of that matchup, going on to face eachother in a one-on-one match in an official #1 Contenders match. Lastly the inevitable winner of that contest will challenge Bayley for her SmackDown Women's Championship at SummerSlam. He goes on to wish them all luck, because they are going to certainly need it.

The following week, the first match of this mini-tournament would take place. All three of the teams taking part in the matchup would show excellent chemistry, clearly all wanting a shot at the Women's Championship, Bliss & Cross would be taken out early on. Which would only leave Fire & Desire and the IIconics left to partake in this encounter, but the match would come to an abrupt ending when a deafening knee strike put the brakes on any hopes for the IIconics to receive a singles title shot. Both Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville would stand tall, not a bit of dissension seen between them either.

Eventually we reached the #1 Contenders match between Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville the following week. With Bayley on commentary, she wanted to scope out the competition if you will. Both of them were hesitant in fighting eachother, even early on in the encounter trying to cause a double countout, but were forced to compete against eachother as the Assistant General Manager, Paige would make it a No DQ Match. Upon this realization, they would duke it out, wanting a shot at the Women's Championship. However, eventually after several minutes a small package with all four shoulders down would cause a double pin, resulting in a draw. After this controversial result, Bayley would enter the ring, declaring that they would both would earn an opportunity this Sunday, even offering them a generous hug. But instead, would be beatdown by both her challengers!

Match:

"Golden Goddess" rings throughout the arena, signifying the arrival of two of SmackDown's finest, Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville - Fire & Desire. As the crowd stands up, booing for the emerging superstars, both of them stepping from behind the curtains in the back, slowly. Both have their heads down on stage, standing in the center of attention for a moment. Finally breaking their stances, marching down to the ring. However, a familiar song rings throughout the arena. "Turn It Up" plays, and as the cheering commences, the SmackDown Women's Champion, Bayley steps out from the backstage area. Marching down to the ring, with her title draped over her shoulder, rolling into the ring, as she enters under the bottom rope.

The two begin to land stiff forearm strikes, as both Bayley & Mandy Rose start this one off. Taking no time to feel each other out, taking the time to possibly learn something from eachother. Mandy planting a knee into Bayley's ribs before going for a clothesline which the champion would inevitably dodge. Fighting back with a knee of her own, whipping her opposition into the corner. Quickly running into that same corner, looking for a running clothesline, but instead would be hit with a DDT by the challenger. The crowd start heating up as they cheer for Bayley make it to her feet and boo for Rose being the one on her feet.

Several moments later, once they both were on their feet, they would find themselves intertwined in a slugfest. Neither willing to concede any ground as the strikes increase in intensity. Bayley throwing precise and hard-hitting forearms. While Mandy unloads wild and untamed punches to Bayley's chin. As the blows start flying for a few moments, both women start to slow a little, the effect of continued impact starting to really show on their faces, taking moments to recover. Bayley eventually connects with a massive knee to her opposition's abdomen area, sending her down to the mat, followed by a massive vertical suplex. The Fire & Desire able to land a swift elbow to the challenger's gut.

Mandy is down, and after avoiding another elbow drop, the crowd are firmly still behind Bayley. But it would give the challenger a chance to tag in, to her tag team partner Sonya Deville. Rushing in now, she would land a big take-down on the champion, clutching at her midsection after the impact, Sonya goes for the pin, hoping for the best 1.....2...THR - NO! Bayley just barely got the shoulder up!! The crowd are rallying behind Bayley's resilience as Deville looks at her opponent, the anger growing more intense as the offence isn't enough to put the champion away. She gets to her feet, and strikes her challenger with a quick, but effective clothesline. She would would fall down with her opposition, as they are now both grounded.

Several moments later, Bayley is brought down to the mat with a mid kick by Sonya, and she goes for a knee attack to the ribs, but Bayley gets out of the way, just in time. Bayley heads the top rope quite quickly landing a THUNDEROUS SOARING ELBOW DROP! Deville's face turning bright red from the current agony she is in, and is feeling. Fortunately for her, Mandy Rose runs in, looking to take out the champion, but the opposite occurs, being pushed into Deville, Rose rolls under the bottom rope. Which causes Bayley TO HIT A BAYLEY-TO-BELLY! Diving for the cover... 1...2...3...!

Bayley (c) def. Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville to retain the SmackDown Women's Championship (15:00)

The crowd leap to their feet and cheer as Bayley's music starts to play, and the champion has once again retained her prestigious gold. Bayley shakily gets to her feet, a small earnest smile on her ace at the crowd's adulation as the referee raises her hand before checking on both Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose. Lifting up her title one more time, then placing it around her waist.

Match 8: The Fiend v. Finn Balor - Special Singles Match

Build:

Over the past couple of months, a new mysterious figure has emerged here in the WWE. With multiple vignette, to showcase the character. While we may know half of this daunting figure, in the form of Bray Wyatt, the other half is something we have never seen before. From time-to-time, Wyatt would take us through a journey, one that would involve entering the 'Firefly Funhouse'. With his new friends, new environment & new attitude, anything is possible, and that would be shown during the weeks leading up to the Extreme Rules PPV. Making his presence known, by manipulating the multiple lights inside the arena, anytime Finn Balor was present for it.

It got even worse at Extreme Rules, when the dauting presence of "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt caused him to lose focus against Shinsuke Nakamura, ultimately losing a chance to become the Intercontinental Champion. Following this, it would become worse, losing sleep, losing motivation, sharing this out in the open, only made it worse. However, two weeks before SummerSlam, he would finally attack. Standing in the ring, Balor would be struck by a Sister Abigail, a move that we hadn't seen in quite a while. Darkness surrounding the arena once the move was hit, once the lights were turned back on, Balor would be grounded in the ring, his body expressing a massive amount of pain.

On the final show before SummerSlam could arrive, Finn Balor would take to the ring with a mic already in hand. Once entering the ring, he would place the microphone to the surface of his lips, where he could be heard quite clearly. Stating that he won't stand for the emotional pain he has been going through the past few weeks, that The Fiend has costed him the Intercontinental Championship, not only that, but his sanity aswell. He has faced Bray Wyatt before, but nothing like what he is now, or whatever is currently controlling him. He has faced immense amounts of fear before, and he won't back down from it this time, not now, not ever. Lastly demanding to take on The Fiend this Sunday at SummerSlam, demanding that he can finally seek his redemption.

Match:

The crowd would look to the stage and erupt into cheers, as the theme song for one of WWE's finest talents begins to play, the arena is clouded in darkness. Cellphone cameras all coming out as they attempt to get a glimpse of the stage in front of them, one of the only things casting light is those said cameras. As in the center of the stage, a colorful jacket turns on, bringing out one of his retro jackets for a special night. The lights turn on to reveal Finn Balor looking down the ramp with two finger guns. Determination in his eyes, as he looks around at the world surrounding him.

The Fiend now makes his way down to the ring, darkness surrounding the arena once again. This mysterious character, holds a lantern directed towards the north direction, with his head stuck in it. As he comes to the ring, Balor can't take his eyes off of him. Entering the ring slowly, the fans in attendance are understandably confused. Not just that, but genuinely surprised aswell, not knowing what to think of his daunting presence, but a stare-down would ensue eventually.

Several moments after this, they both backed up into their respective corners, as the opening bell sounded, signaling the match to officially begin. Right from the get-go, Finn Balor rushes to the corner, hitting a SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Looking to pick up the victory early on here, this would follow with climbing up to the top rope. Attempting for a COUP DE GRACE, but instead found himself caught in The Fiend's arms, Balor tried relentlessly to escape his grip, isn't able to, but instead sent down with a massive uranage. Deciding against going for the cover immediately, but instead continued upon the attack, his main target being Balor's ribs.

Finn screams in agony as his opposition's knees would be driven into his gut. Over-and-over again, still refusing to go for the cover. Looking to inflict even more damage, he picks up his opponent, looking to send him in the corner, but instead Finn ducks under, landing a swift dropkick onto the mysterious figure. Leaping off the ropes now, looking for another dropkick, this time on the grounded Fiend, but it didn't have any affect on him. Getting up straight away, executing ANOTHER URANGE! From there, a Mandible Claw is locked in, Finn screaming in pain, his arms flailing in the air. Several moments later, the pain is clearly too much, as Balor couldn't handle it any longer, evidently passing out from it, causing a technical submission for the debuting Fiend.

The Fiend def. Finn Balor (4:00)

The lights dimming, darkness would ensue once more, as The Fiend is victorious. Immediately, Finn Balor was helped by the medical personnel at hand, taking him to the back. While back in the ring, The Fiend raises both of his arms to his mid-section, clearly showcasing that a victory was inevitable. The lights turning fully back on now, The Fiend leaves the ring, grabbing his lantern, walking up the ramp just like he did to start this massacre.

Match 9: Charlotte Flair v. Trish Stratus - Special Singles Match

Build:

On the night after Extreme Rules, Trish Stratus would make a special guest appearance, revisiting her old friends from the past, and the new ones that have followed since she left. Upon pondering in the backstage area, talking to numerous old peers of hers, Charlotte Flair would walk up to her. As Trish asked those that she was speaking to, to excuse her for the time being. Quickly after this though, Flair would welcome her back, hoping that she has enjoyed her time away, and to not worry because the women's division is in good hands. Since her last match being at Evolution 2018, Flair has become even better than her, now the greatest women's wrestler in the world, or in the history of the WWE.

The following week, Trish Stratus was invited back to Monday Night RAW by the queen herself, and Stratus would oblige. Upon this recollection, the two would meet inside the ring for a special face-to-face confrontation. Charlotte would begin, stating that she wanted to invite legend back, because she meant every single word she said last week. Just to reassure her that she has nothing to worry about, and to know that she was almost as good as her back in her prime. Trish would respond saying that she isn't worried, because none of this is true. She doesn't deny that Charlotte Flair is a special kind of talent, but so was she, and Charlotte wouldn't have the accolades she has now without her.

On the final show before SummerSlam, by the request of Trish Stratus, Charlotte Flair v. Trish Stratus would be officially announced. To open u the show, a video package would begin to play, showcasing what this match meant to the latter. She would state that she needs to prove to not only the WWE Universe but to herself as well that she still has it, Charlotte has taken the WWE by storm during her absence, but she's going to prove not only to Charlotte but the rest of her peers that this is still her kingdom, not just Charlotte's.

Match:

That iconic theme song rings throughout the arena, the even more iconic "OHHHH!" has the fans in attendance jump from their respective seats. Trish Stratus comes out through the curtain, a smile shown on her face, clearly showing that the support from the crowd never gets old for this women. she slowly makes her way down the stage, really taking in the reaction from all of her fans in the arena. As she poses for the crowd in the middle of the ramp before rising up and whipping her hand in the air. Once she enters the ring, her smirk would turn into a deep stare.

Pyro goes off around "The Queen", and she smiles as she stands on the stage, amused by the reaction of the crowd. Trish is shown in the ring, staring directly at her opposition. Charlotte struts down to the ring slowly, her eyes also trained on Stratus. She hops up onto the apron and poses for the fans, but only receives disdain from them. She finally enters the ring and takes off her iconic robe, ready for the encounter. While this may be about proving herself for Trish Stratus, for Charlotte Flair this is all about backing up her words, the many that she has been spouting the past few weeks.

And we're off! The two women have the exact same idea: to circle the ring and look for an opening. There is no time for handshakes, mind games, or taunting, only time to go straight to war. Charlotte paces around the ring at a brisk pace, while Stratus does the same, sliding every once and a while to throw Flair's balance off a bit. Eventually, she goes for the attack, but Charlotte catches her in a headlock. The veteran quickly breaks out of the hold and somersaults to the other side of the ring, giving Charlotte a slight clap for her counter. Once again, the two women begin to pace, but this time she comes at Trish down low, sweeping her off his feet and immediately mounting her, raining down punches to her head.

Flair immediately grabs onto the bottom rope, forcing Trish to discontinue his assault. The former gets right back up to her feet and tells Charlotte to bring it while the opposition sits near the bottom rope, regathering herself. Slowly pulling herself back to her feet, and immediately meets Stratus with a dropkick, sending the veteran to the outside. Sprinting off the ropes, building momentum and eventually sending herself up to the top, following up with a DIVING CORKSCREW MOONSAULT! Charlotte is now fully in control of this match, and keeps the pressure up by shoving her opponent against the announcer's table, landing some devastating chops to her chest that rings throughout the arena.

She then rolls back in the ring briefly, breaking the count before rolling back out, content with dealing punishment to the veteran on the outside. She picks her up from the slumped position, throwing her back in the ring. And she would follow, looking to lock in the figure-8, however is kicked into the corner. Trish rushes tp the corner but is hit in the left leg, dropping down to one knee. Charlotte follows by hitting the other leg, now dropping down to two knees. Both legs being affected now, as Trish struggled to get up. This gave the 34 year old, the chance to take advantage, by leaping off the ropes, and EXECUTING A BEAUTIFULLY DONE NATURAL SELECTION! Diving for the cover almost immediately... 1...2...3...!

Charlotte Flair def. Trish Stratus (22:00)

And with that, Charlotte Flair has walked out of SummerSlam with a hard fought victory over Trish Stratus. But in the corner, Trish Stratus would begin to make it to her feet, as Charlotte stands tall, looking on at the fallen veteran. They engaged in a stare-down, before Trish offered a handshake to "The Queen". After a few seconds had passed, Charlotte would oblige, shaking Stratus' hand, ultimately out of respect, stating by her actions that she is passing the torch.

Match 10: Kofi Kingston (c) v. Randy Orton - WWE Championship Match| Last Man Standing

To fully understand the magnitude of this rematch, we have to return to a decade earlier, specifically 2009. While Kofi Kingston was starting to really push forward in his career, it all came down to a screeching halt when a slight mistake costed him everything. Ever since then, Randy Orton has been on the top of the WWE, while Kingston was relegated to the midcard scene, until WrestleMania 35. The moment he had been waiting for, for over a decade. He finally became the WWE Champion by defeating Daniel Bryan in April of 2019, and has been on top for the past four months. He is finally happy, where he always wanted to be, until an old nightmare returned post-Extreme Rules.

At Extreme Rules, Kofi Kingston was able to retain the WWE Championship against "El Idolo" Andrade. But with that being said, five days later, Kofi Kingston would take to the ring to discuss what his future may look like from his perspective. Taking to the ring, the ovation of the crowd would put a slight smile on the face of the New Day member. Once he entered the ring, a microphone would be handed to him by the ring announcer upon request. Shortly after, he stated that with SummerSlam approaching quite quickly, his next defense was aswell. Exclaiming, that if we're not trying to improve ourselves day-by-day, then we're going about it all wrong, but before he could continue an RKO would strike out of nowhere! As Randy Orton has officially made his championship desires known.

Over the next couple of weeks, Randy Orton would taunt Kofi Kingston, making sure he remembers what happened over a decade ago. The iconic "GET UP" moment, and over the next two weeks he would attack the champion, laying him out aswell. Screaming for him to get up each time, humiliating Kingston just like in 2009. Following the attacks, on the SummerSlam go-home show, Kofi Kingston stormed into Shane McMahon's office, demanding a last man standing match against Randy Orton this upcoming Sunday. Shane obliged, stating that it's official, wishing the champion good luck.

Match:

The WWE Champion's theme plays to a welcoming, but modest reaction from the crowd. Kofi Kingston emerges from the curtain and steadily marches his way to the ring, all of his usual gestures not being showcased on this important night. Remaining cool and collected as he enters the ring, awaiting his ferocious challenger. Randy Orton makes his entrance next, stepping into the sole spotlight, as per usual, he marches down to the ring with his head help up high, looking more focused than ever. Upon entering the ring, the two would engage in a short staredown, before heading to their respective corners before the opening bell would sound.

As soon as the bell rings, both men become zoned in. They slowly approach each other and feel each other in a sequence of chain wrestling as these two haven't competed against each other since 2009. From the get-go, the match is very even as the hold advantage teeters between the two. Eventually, the two separate as they both agree to break their grips but after circling the ring a couple of times, Orton makes his move by going for a clothesline but Kingston is able to slide underneath and do a handspring back to his feet like we've seen him do many times. However, as he turns around to counter Randy, he is caught with by his opposition, sending the champion across the ring with a exploder suplex.

With Kingston down, Randy looks to end this one early, calling for the move that took out the champion just a couple of weeks ago. However, as he calls for Kofi, he would leap up, and land a picture perfect leaping clothesline. Climbing the ropes himself and where many would expect him to go for his signature cross-body, his hesitation costed him, as Orton got up just in time, scaling the ropes for a gigantic superplex. The count had begun, both men having the count of ten to make it to their feet. With Kofi getting up at 5, and Randy at 7, this still being anyone's game here.

Kofi Kingston begins to recuperate in the corner, as Orton just gets to his feet, he realizes the damage has done. With Randy in position, Kingston uses his strength to lift himself up to the top rope. Looking for his usual cross-body, connecting as the canvas echos upon impact. Then, the champion makes it to his feet once more, lining up for the "Trouble In Paradise", surely that would end this war. But just as he goes for it, AN RKO VICIOUSLY CONNECTS! Now he backs up into the corner, possibly looking for the iconic punt kick. Now remembering what happened 10 years ago, Kofi moves out of the way, but with how much left in the tank?

Randy rolls the lifeless body of his opposition into the center of the ring, gesturing for one more RKO for good measure. Kofi beginning to stagger to his feet moments later, an attempted RKO would lead to a REFRESHING TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Knowing this wasn't going to keep Orton down for the ten count, he backs up into the corner once more. Once his opposition had reached his feet, ANOTHER TROUBLE IN PARADISE WOULD BE EXECUTED! The count begins, once the count of eight had been reached, it started to look worrisome for the challenger. 8....9.... ORTON STIRRING...10! THAT'S IT, THE CHAMPION HAS RETAINED!

Kofi Kingston luckily retains his WWE Championship once again, this time defeating his oldest rival in the form of "The Viper Randy Orton. Celebrating in the ring, as the referee raises his hand in victory, Randy Orton nods in approval, as he raises his hand up in victory. Not jus that but his title aswell, finally making up for his decade old mistake.

Match 11: Seth Rollins (c) v. Samoa Joe - Universal Championship Match

Build:

After retaining his Universal Championship at Extreme Rules, by teaming up with Becky Lynch to topple the duo of Lacey Evans & Baron Corbin, the following night he took part in an exclusive interview. Quickly stating that he is proud of his victory, but can't deny the difficult task that it indeed was. However, the feeling of competition fades away at times, and would like that to be a consistent feeling. Upon looking to close out the interview, a returning RAW talent would move towards the champion, in the form of Samoa Joe. As he states that their business from two years ago left him earning for more, and while he has yet to hold the Universal Championship, he wants a crack at it.

The following week, Samoa Joe would barge into Kurt Angle's office, slamming the door behind him. He claims that he deserves a crack at the Universal Championship, the last time he got a chance at it, he was inches away from dethroning "The Beast" Brock Lesnar, and with him returning to his home, he wants to prove that he belongs. Stiffing up, he motions towards Angle, breathing down his neck. Asking him, if he likes his job? Angle nods, Joe threatening the RAW General Manager, as later in the night the match would be made official out of fear.

On the SummerSlam go-home show, the two would have one last face-to-face confrontation before their eventual Universal Championship match this Sunday. The champion, Seth Rollins would begin, stating that he gets Joe's passion for wrestling can get the better of him at times, even saying that it can happen to him aswell. But if he remembers correctly, he's the one that ended their rivalry on top back in 2017, which is exactly what's going to happen three years later. Joe would begin to speak right after his opposition, exclaiming that it's not about who ended the rivalry, but rather who's going to get the last laugh. While Rollins may have gotten the better of him three years ago, it's going to be nothing compared to when he snatches what Seth loves the most away from him, the Universal Championship.

Match:

"Destroyer" would echo throughout the arena as Samoa Joe makes his entrance first. Coming out to the disdain of the crowd here in Toronto. Changing up his gear, with his shorts now being a bright red color, matched with a similar pattern. Marching down to the ring, quite confidently at that, he slides into the ring under the bottom rope. Following this, he does his signature pose in the middle of the ring as he waits for the arrival of the Universal Champion, Seth Rollins. We hear "Rising" play over the PA System, as he enters the arena with an extraordinary aura surrounding him. Entering the ring, the two have a stare-down before the opening bell would inevitably sound.

Immediately, Seth Rollins would run and hit a dropkick to the bigger man, as the match started off hot. Joe stumbles on his feet as he backs into the top right corner. Rollins would climb up and lay a few forearm shots to Joe. The challenger however with his force and strength would push the champion off, making the current Universal Champion roll back. He would quickly get up and go full speed before meeting a ferocious chop from Samoa Joe. Seth would eat that chop heavily as he picks up Rollins, as one scary looking German Suplex would be perfectly executed.

Again picking pick up his rival, hitting another German Suplex! Rollins screaming in utter agony, looking to go for a another suplex of some form, but Hans ducks under, striking his opposition with a picture perfect dropkick to Joe. He was down and out, as Rollins finally has the upperhand for the first time in this one. Looking to possibly finish this match off, he would rebound off the ropes, looking for a Curb Stomp, but instead Joe would move out of the way just in time. Instead of having his head stopped in directly into the canvas, Joe would land a gruesome looking german suplex. Pain once again crossing the face of the champion, Joe now having the control of this match once again.

Rollins crumples to the canvas as the crowd boos heavily as Joe smirks, looking at his handiwork. The Destoyer's smirk turns to a grin of a sadistic nature. The crowd are rallying behind Rollins' resilience once gets up to his feet, steadily at that. The anger growing more intense as he feels the extra pain that is growing in his ribs, Joe looking to take advantage of this however, he drags the jelly-legged champion to stand as well. Hoisting Rollins up for the uranage, but Rollins suddenly rolls through, hitting a superkick to the midsection of the former NXT Champion. Following this, he would run to the ropes, and off of them FOR A CURBSTOMP! Falling into the cover, completely exhausted... 1...2...3...!

Seth Rollins (c) def. Samoa Joe to retain the Universal Championship (29:00)

Seth Rollins retains his Universal Championship once again, this time defeating an incredible challenger in the form of Samoa Joe. "The Architect" celebrates as the referee raises his hand in victory. Now relishing in his victory, with Samoa Joe rolling out of the ring, with an unfortunate expression of disappointment written all over his face. However, back in the ring Rollins would lift up his championship one final time, as the show comes to an end, with the screen fading to black.