The former NXT Champion, Andrade 'El' Idolo was once considered as one of the promising stars of the future. He began his journey at the early age of 14, and since then has traveled across the world, and made an everlasting impression wherever he went, no matter the location or promotion. Unfortunately for him though, not every individual saw his clear talent, which impacted his career in the long run, specifically keeping him from becoming the star we are well aware he can be. Looking back on those dark times, it doesn't have to reach that point. Following his NXT Championship loss at NXT Takeover: New Orleans (2018), there was simply only one destination for him to continue his journey - the main roster.

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NXT Takeover: New Orleans

"And the Black Mass connects! 1...2...3! Andrade 'Cien' Almas' reign has come to an end, as the era of The Dutch Destroyer has officially begun!"

After over a calendar year of laying waste to his competition, Aleister Black has found himself at the very top of the NXT Brand, as he is handed the aforementioned promotion's top belt. While he proceeds to lift his prize into the air, Andrade simply can only watch on from the corner, and hopelessly realize everything he worked incredibly hard to earn over the past few months, is now seemingly gone with a blink of an eye. A livid Andrade slowly rises up to a vertical base, and steps directly up to his former opposition, close enough to where they can practically feel eachother's breath hit them. One may expect a heinous attack, but instead he simply left the squared circle, and began his ascent up the entrance ramp. However, before he completely left the sight of the viewers, he turned around and began to demand for a microphone, and within a matter of seconds, his wish would be granted by a ringside crew member, who seemingly handed him one.

From there, he began to make his intentions known, in that he wouldn't be returning to where he once was, there wouldn't be some magical journey back to the top. He has made this brand a commodity for months upon months, and he is simply tired of the lack of appreciation, which is why there is no need to reclaim his spot on the throne, but to rather walk away knowing that no-one will be able to fill it, not even The Dutch Destroyer. He continues on, by stating that no matter what his future looks like, or wherever he decides to take his talents, nothing will change in the long-run, as he will once again conquer the landscape, and become the one thing he can perfect - being a champion. Once he finishes his sentence, he slams down the microphone down on the entrance ramp, and finishes his exit from the viewer's visible eye, and seemingly concludes his NXT career in the process.

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Build to WWE Backlash 2018

Friday Night SmackDown - April 13th, 2018

In the fallout of WrestleMania 34, the former United States Champion in the form of Randy Orton, begins to storm to the ring in a clearly aggravated mood. With no belt around his waist any longer, there is a certain feeling the air this evening, and he will look to fill it once again. Upon eventually being handed a microphone after a request of one, he begins to state how Sunday night just simply wasn't his, and he failed to meet the expectations that the WWE Universe had for him leading up to the precedented event. He continues, by claiming that around this time last year, he was the WWE Champion and felt at his very best, but now he isn't even in the conversation, but now it's time to change all of that. As he concludes by stating the obvious, on May 6th he wants AJ Styles, and will stop at nothing to return to the world title picture, because that is exactly where he belongs. However, before there could be a singular response to his comments, he was seemingly interrupted...

IT'S ANDRADE 'CIEN' ALMAS! The former NXT Champion hops over the barricade, and slides into the ring, as he takes out The Viper from behind! He continues the onslaught, as he pummels Orton with several strikes to the skull, which is greeted by a chorus of boos from the crowd. As he continues to take out the veteran, the negative reception only increases, as Zelina Vega makes her way down the entrance ramp, as she begins to clap in support of the dirty work. Proceeding to look directly at her, Andrade waits for the signal, and she nods her head to signify the conclusion of the job. Which leads to him lifting up Orton to a vertical base, and sending him directly on his skull with a HAMMERLOCK DDT! He proudly stands over the fallen individual, as Vega joins him in the center of the ring, smirking at a job well done, and with a clear message sent, it seems as Andrade has found his new home.

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Friday Night SmackDown - April 20th, 2018

Following his unforgettable debut last week, Andrade 'El' Idolo looks ahead to the future, as he would enter the ring this time around in one-on-one action. With Bobby Roode already in the ring and craving a fight, he wouldn't have to wait for much longer, as "Making A Difference" began to play over the PA System, signaling the arrival of the man himself. Coming out from behind the curtain, there was a certain aura surrounding him, one that could only be found with an insane amount of confidence and drive, which is undeniably what he embodies. He eventually enters the ring, and prepares for his upcoming battle, as he looks to take down yet another individual who failed at WrestleMania. He locks eyes with his opposition, knowing quite well what has to be done.

Andrade v. Bobby Roode

In a rematch from Brooklyn II, where Andrade was unsuccessful in his efforts, the two individuals do battle here this evening. Roode uses his aggressiveness to his advantage, as he pummels his opposition with strikes directed at the noggin, Andrade fired back with his well-known vicious elbow strikes. With both of these competitors now at a stalemate, Roode attempted to test his luck, as he went for a devastating SPINEBUSTER, but Andrade is able to strategically slip out of the hold, and transitions into a DISCUS BACK ELBOW! He begins to fire himself up, looking back-and-forth from Zelina Vega to the canvas, as he calls for the conclusion of this contest. From there, he lifts up his opponent to a vertical base, and prepares to turn his lights out, as HE NAILS A HAMMERLOCK DDT! 1...2...3...!

Andrade def. Bobby Roode via pinfall (12:34)

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Friday Night SmackDown - April 27th, 2018

As the Road to Backlash continues to itch closer, there is one individual who can't wait till that fateful day to share his feelings, and that is none other than, Randy Orton! Returning to WWE soil for the first time since being taken out by Andrade 'Cien' Almas, he is quickly seen stalking the hallways with a furious look upon his face, but that is quickly abrupted as he is stopped by Renee Young. She begins to question him on his thoughts on the attack from two weeks ago, and why he thinks Andrade chose him for his first victim in the so called 'big leagues'. The frustrating expression is still present upon The Viper's face, as he begins to state that he doesn't necessarily care why he was the first, but he damn sure will be the last. He continues, by saying that Andrade may have been sitting on the throne back in NXT, he was a big fish in a small pond per say, but around here, that simply means nothing. At Backlash, he wants the former NXT Champion, and he will send him back to where he came from.

As Randy Orton attempts to continue speaking, he is interrupted by none other than Andrade 'Cien' Almas! A cocky smile is present for the new roster member, as he begins to laugh obnoxiously at his possible future opposition, before beginning to cut a promo towards him. He almost immediately states that Orton isn't wrong, he was the King of NXT, and he sat upon his throne quite proudly, and one loss won't change all of that. Back in New Orleans, he promised that no matter the destination, he would conquer it just like he has all around the world, and that includes Monday Night RAW. In conclusion, he says that he accepts Orton's challenge at Backlash, and to remember that no matter the events that have occurred these past couple of weeks, this was never intended to be personal. All of this is only about one thing, and that's sending a message, that just like back there, this right here is now his empire, and he will rule it with an iron-first. After saying this, he proceeds to leave the area, until the camera's lens is no longer able to see him, and it's clear that this interaction has only frustrated Orton even more.

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Friday Night SmackDown - May 4th, 2018

With Backlash only two days away, Randy Orton is seen once again pacing through the hallways, still feeling as his interactions with Andrade 'Cien' Almas, have been nothing but personal. He begins to ask numerous backstage personnel if they have seen the latter recently, which they all respond with an emphatic shake of the head, which rightfully irritates him. This emotion carries over with him, until he finally bumps into his target's manager, in the form of Zelina Vega, who surprisingly seems pleased to have the opportunity to see The Viper. He proceeds to begin questioning her on where her client may be, which she responds with a smirkingly tone, that he may be closer than he anticipates. She begins to point behind Orton, which results in Andrade pummeling Orton from behind once again! However, this time around, he is able to find the wherewithal to counter and fight back, as the two begin to strike eachother in a back-and-forth manner. The clear disdain between these two is evident, even if it's claimed to be one-sided, but just as the physicality began to reach new heights, security began to separate the two, something that won't be able to occur this Sunday night.

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WWE Backlash - May 6th, 2018

Andrade 'Cien' Almas v. Randy Orton

WWE's annual Backlash PPV begins with a red-hot rivalry, one that can only be settled within the squared circle, which includes both Andrade 'Cien' Almas and Randy Orton. The latter is greeted with an unsurprisingly positive reaction, as the Prudential Center lightens up at the sight of the multi-time world champion. It's clear he isn't fully healed from the pain he endured weeks ago, as his movements aren't as smooth as they have been in the past, but nonetheless, he enters the ring with one goal in mind, and that is simply revenge. The crowd begin to rile down, and once Andrade's theme begins to play, a chorus of boos are right there to greet him, which he simply smiles to once coming out from the back. An obnoxious smirk comes across his face, as he eventually enters the ring, and stands nose-to-nose across from the veteran, seemingly unbothered of what is in-front of him this evening. With that said, the two competitors begin to back themselves into their respective corners, in order to allow for the official of this contest to officially ring the bell, which he ultimately does.

Upon this contest having officially started, the two individuals begin to exit from their respective corners, and end up meeting eachother in the center of the ring. Almost immediately, the two engage in a lock-up, as they attempt to earn the early advantage, which in many cases has ended up being crucial for the remainder of a matchup, which they both knew from experience. Luckily for Orton, he was able to quickly transition into a headlock, as he began to wrench his opposition's head back-and-forth, hoping to possibly weaken him in the early goings of this contest. However, being a veteran of the game aswell, he quite quickly countered the move, proceeding to position Orton in a leaning position upon the ropes, and then to the other side of the ring. Upon rebounding off of the nearest set of ropes, Orton is quickly caught with a SHOULDER BLOCK! After connecting with this, that obnoxious smirk returns to Andrade's face, as he looks down towards his fallen adversary.

Not looking to waste any more precious time though, he charges towards the ropes this time around, and attempts to strike Orton from a grounded position, but is TAKEN DOWN WITH A DROPKICK! The resilience from Orton is evident this evening, but that's not what tonight is about, revenge is the plan. Which is exactly why he begins to stomp select body parts, looking to cause a significant amount of pain towards Andrade, just as the latter once did only a matter of weeks ago. His plan seemed to be effective, as his opponent began to scream in agony, which only comforts Orton weirdly enough. He now looks to continue the onslaught, as he lifts up Andrade to a vertical base, and lands SEVERAL KNIFE-EDGED CHOPS! The latter is able to handle the pain, but it still leaves him in a staggered state, which Orton takes advantage of, by knocking him back down to the canvas with a LARIAT!

The control is now firmly in Orton's palms, and he is truly well aware of that fact. He then attempts to take control of Andrade's legs, pulling him into the center of the canvas, but he begins to fire back, pummeling Orton with numerous KICKS TO THE FACE! He almost immediately returns to a vertical base, looking to take control of this momentary abruption, and as he does, he quickly grabs onto Orton's right arm, and roughly irish whips him into the nearest corner. From there, he rushed towards him, and stunned Orton with a DESTRUCTIVE FOREARM, which sends him to a grounded position, and Andrade doesn't hesitate to slow down, and CONNECTS WITH A DOUBLE KNEE SMASH IN THE CORNER! Almost immediately after landing the successful maneuver, Andrade quickly pulls his opponent towards the center of the ring, and attempts for the pinfall victory. 1...2...KICKOUT! Orton is luckily still in this contest, but begins to grab his jaw as a reaction from the clear pain.

Looking to put away his opposition, Andrade quickly scales up to the top rope, and ATTEMPTS FOR A MOONSAULT FROM THE TOP... BUT NO! ORTON ROLLS OVER, BUT ANDRADE CONNECTS WITH ONE THIS TIME AROUND! Instead of attempting for yet another pinfall, he lifts Orton back up to a vertical base, and ATTEMPTS FOR A LA SOMBRA, BUT ORTON IS ABLE TO COUNTER IT! Which gives him just enough time to land a series of strikes to Andrade's skull, which unsurprisingly staggers the 32 year old, which leads to Orton taking complete control, and proceeding to CONNECT WITH AN EXPLODER SUPLEX! This contest has been quite the back-and-forth contest thus far, but with the damage that Orton is causing at this very moment, it could all be over in a matter of seconds. With that said, Orton begins to motion for the conclusion of this contest, seeming screaming for Andrade to make it back to a vertical base, and once he does so, Orton ATTEMPTS FOR A THUNDEROUS RKO... BUT ANDRADE PUSHES HIM OFF JUST IN TIME! From there, he quickly cut down his opponent by his legs, leaving him in a hopeless state on his knees, which Andrade quickly took advantage of, PROCEEDING TO CONNECT WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK, WHICH SENDS ORTON DOWN CRASHING!

Orton begins to howl in agony, which only amuses Andrade, but he's well aware that he has to put this one to bed, which is why he hoists up his opposition once again. Once Orton reaches a vertical base, Andrade ATTEMPTS TO LAND A LA SOMBRA, BUT ORTON COUNTERS IT AND LANDS AN RKO! While one may think it was all over, the intelligence of Andrade would pay off this evening, as he crawled out of the ring, and fell to the floor to safety. However, not for long, as Orton began to meet him out there aswell, attempting to cause even more damage, but Zelina Vega was right there to cause a distraction. She began to scold The Viper, but remembering what occurred only two nights ago, he decides to pick up his opponent and send him back into the ring, not looking to waste anymore time. However, as he entered the ring once again, Andrade rose to his feet and took advantage of the situation, as he LANDED A LA SOMBRA, THIS TIME IT SUCCESSFULLY CONNECTS!

Andrade def. Randy Orton via pinfall (15:30)

Following the contest's surprising result, Andrade's hand is raised in victory, and the smug look upon his face tells it all, he is more confident than ever. Before deciding to exit the ring, he gestures a title belt around his waist, suggesting that he's coming after title gold in the near future. With that said, he now does exit the squared circle, but not before he is interrupted by the theme of one DANIEL BRYAN! He makes his way towards the ring for his contest, but Andrade can only stare intently, not saying a single word, but only giving him an ominous stare-down to remember. He eventually heads towards the backstage area, where Daniel Bryan begins to look behind him, with a confused look upon his face, but has no choice but to return his attention back to his upcoming PPV contest.

Build to WWE Money In The Bank 2018:

Friday Night SmackDown - May 11th, 2018

As announced earlier on in the day, Stephanie McMahon would open up the broadcast, with the aim to discuss the future of the United States Championship. Already in the ring, she begins to state that since WrestleMania, Rey Mysterio has held onto this very title with pride and honor, and she's sure he will do so one again at Money In The Bank, as his challenger is already confirmed. However, in this company, we look ahead to the future, which is why there will be an 4-Man #1 Contendership Tournament, to decide challenge for the title at Extreme Rules in July. She continues, by saying that it will run from now until this month's PPV, where the finals will inevitably take place. She wants the pride and honor aspect of the belt to continue shining through, and is confident that this tournament will solidify that belief, especially with those involved.

The crowd begin to cheer as a form of excitement, which leads to Stephanie continuing her speech, about ready to announce who will take part in this tournament. She begins to state that only the very best of this division will be allowed in, that they have had to prove theirselves, and if she believes they have done so on a grand scale, then she will list their name. Which she begins doing, as she lists that it will be Andrade 'Cien' Almas, Chad Gable, Daniel Bryan, and Shinsuke Nakamura will all be competing in this tournament, for the next few weeks. The field is clearly stacked, and now it is simply all up to them to fulfill their goals, as Stephanie wishes all eight of them the best of luck, because simply put, they will undoubtedly need it sooner or later.

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Friday Night SmackDown - May 18th, 2018

With the Money In The Bank PPV only less than a month away, the tournament is set to begin this evening. Opening up tonight's broadcast, will be none other than Andrade 'Cien' Almas going one-on-one with Chad Gable, to decide who heads to the PPV, to take a crack at a possible title shot. With the latter already positioned in the center of the ring, Andrade now begins to come out from behind the curtain, who is greeted by a chorus of boos, which can only be expected. Knowing fully well of the hatred the fans have for him, he begins to cut a promo in response, as he begins to state that almost two weeks ago he took out The Viper, something not all men can say they've done. However, that was only the start, as he promised this would ultimately be his empire, he hasn't forgotten that. He looks to fulfill that very promise, continuing tonight, as he puts Chad Gable out of commission and crushes his hopes and dreams of one day becoming champion. He chuckles to himself, as he continues to stare into Chad Gable's eyes, just as he once did to Daniel Bryan only a little over a week ago.

Andrade v. Chad Gable - US Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Match

After concluding the act of humoring himself, he begins to slide into the ring, and motions for the demise of his opposition this evening. With that said, the official in charge of this contest rings the bell, signifying the official start of this matchup, which results in both competitors to step towards one another. This contest turned out to be quite the back-and-forth one, as Andrade landed numerous STIFF FOREARMS, and Chad Gable showcased why he is the master of suplexes, CONNECTING WITH SEVERAL SAITO SUPLEXES! However, neither of them would go down fully, always escaping the three count, and ultimately fighting back when they needed to. In the end though, an awkward landing on an ATTEMPTED MOONSAULT ended up costing Gable big time, as Andrade took advantage of the situation, and CONNECTED WITH A LA SOMBRA AS A RESULT!

Andrade def. Chad Gable via pinfall (12:45)

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Friday Night SmackDown - May 25th, 2018

After Andrade's victory last week, he is seen passing through in the hallways, looking incredibly confident while doing so, but as he does so, Renee Young decides to stop him, as she requests for a brief interview with the rising star. Realizing that he's a hot commodity nowadays, he cockingly accepts, and steps to the side with the professional interviewer. She begins to question him on how he's feeling following his victory over Chad Gable last week, and if he will be keeping a close eye on the match between Daniel Bryan and Shinsuke Nakamura next week. Upon the big questions being asked, Andrade seems somewhat amused, possibly feeling as they aren't exactly what he expected to hear, and is an insult to his intelligence in some way. However, he decides to answer her anyway, but before he can, he is interrupted by none other, than the newly returned Daniel Bryan.

Unlike Andrade, he decides to speak almost immediately, not looking to waste any time for him or the audience that are locked into this interview. He states that he'd hope Andrade is watching next week, because while he may have traveled across the world so has he, and has been a champion many times over due to it. Since coming back from retirement, he has wanted to do one thing, and that is to prove that this occupation is an art and we should carry it with honor, which is exactly why he wants the United States Championship so badly. It doesn't just represent pride, but for so many champions in the past, it was used to showcase their work ethic, and he is confident he can carry that belt with those same ideals just like he did almost a decade ago. He continues, by saying that he will make sure he meets Andrade at Money In The Bank, because he's going to do what the rest haven't been able to do since he arrived here, and that is to shut Andrade up for good. Without even saying a word, Andrade simply walks away, clearly irritated by Bryan's words.

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Friday Night SmackDown - June 1st, 2018

After last week's exchange of words, Andrade isn't in the best of moods, which is shown as he makes his entrance, making his way to the commentary booth. He seemed to listen to Daniel Bryan's word of wisdom, but he quickly makes sure it's known, that he did this action on his own accord, not from the influence of any other individual. With that said, his possible future opposition makes his way towards the ring, who is surrounded by an insane ovation of cheers, something that he has become accustomed to since returning to the ring after a three-year hiatus from the sport he loves. Which is the exact reason he doesn't say a word, and allows the official to ring the bell almost immediately, as we get this contest underway, to see who will go one-on-one with Andrade on June 17th.

Daniel Bryan v. Shinsuke Nakamura - US Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Match

With the bell already having rung, Daniel Bryan takes the initiative to attack first. He uses his lethal kicks to his advantage, Nakamura uses his humorous heel antics in an attempt to put Bryan off his game, but for the majority of the time, it simply doesn't work. Even with that said, this contest turned out to be a back-and-forth one, as Bryan landed a set of YES KICKS, while Shinsuke was able to fight back with an EXPLOSIVE DOUBLE KNEE BACKBREAKER! No matter what these two did, it genuinely seemed like nothing was enough to put them down for the count, that being until a missed attempt AT A KINSHASA, led to Bryan charging over to the nearest corner. From there, he had his target set, and he waited for Nakamura to turn back around, before NAILING HIM WITH A RUNNING KNEE!

Daniel Bryan def. Shinsuke Nakamura via pinfall (13:00)

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Friday Night SmackDown - June 8th, 2018

With a surprising amount of control shown by Andrade last week, it is clear that he is prepared to lay waste to Daniel Bryan come Money In The Bank, but at this current moment, his intention is to come in at his very best, aswell as his opposition. With that said, as we return from commercial break, Andrade 'Cien' Almas is already standing in the center of the ring, with a microphone directly by his side. Usually, he may take the moment to appreciate the negativity in the room, but tonight he wanted to get straight to business. As he began to state that last week he had the chance, the opportunity to pummel his PPV opponent from behind, just like he did with his last, but he decided not to. He continued, by saying that whether people believe it or not, he actually has respect for Daniel Bryan, he appreciates the work he has put in across the world, and he knows from experience the sacrifice it takes. He then requests for Bryan to make his way out here, as he would like to wish him good luck at the PPV, that occurs in only a little less than two weeks from now.

Right on cue, Daniel Bryan comes out from behind the curtain, with the crowd clearly behind him, he began his descent down the entrance ramp and slid into the ring. He proceeded to head over to the other side of the ring, as he requested for a microphone, which was granted by a ringside crew member. After being handed one, he returns to where he once was positioned, and begins to speak after a few moments had passed. He states that he has never been an ignorant man, and that he doesn't necessarily believe that Andrade respects him, but he knows how talented he is at the end of the day. He won't take him lightly next Sunday night, but he advices Andrade to do the same thing, because if he doesn't, he'll get his head kicked in. After finishing his latest sentence, Bryan stands there, awaiting for a response from Andrade, but with nothing, Bryan begins to exit the ring. However, before he can, ANDRADE STRIKES HIM FROM BEHIND, AND PLANTS HIM WITH A LA SOMBRA! Once again, Andrade proves he can't be trusted, and all that respect, was never existent.

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Friday Night SmackDown - June 15th, 2021

After last week's brutal attack, a contract signing between both Andrade 'Cien' Almas and Daniel Bryan is advertised, which will be officiated by none other than, Stephanie McMahon! Both of the individuals are introduced, as they make their respective entrances, which generate almost exact opposite reactions from the crowd in the TD Garden. As they both begin to get situated, the floor is given to Daniel Bryan to speak his mind first, which he ultimately looks pleased of. He begins to state that Andrade showed his true colors last week, and honestly he should've seen it coming, especially considering his history since arriving on Friday Night SmackDown. However, he's not going to let Andrade run over this brand, or run over him, because now it's a certified guarantee that he's going to kick his head in, and cost him a chance at gold in the very near future. He attempts to continue his dialogue, but Andrade proceeds to interrupt him, simply not caring what else he has to say.

He states that Bryan stated he wasn't an ignorant man, but he still stepped into this squared circle, and ended up exactly where he belongs - on the mat. No matter if he was retired or not, Bryan was never the best in the world, because as long as he is still in this world, he will always outshine Bryan in every single way, and in just 48 hours, he will prove this statement to be true. He continues, by saying that, once he comes out on top at Money In The Bank, Bryan should go back to retirement, because if he doesn't, he'll stomp that fragile little neck, and force him into it. Almost immediately after saying this, Bryan stands up from his chair, AND BEGINS TO GO AFTER ANDRADE! Both men would go back-and-forth with strikes, until Stephanie has no choice but to call in for reinforcements, and dozens of wrestlers from the back, begin to separate them. They may be separated for now, but in two days time, they will be allowed to go to battle, and who knows what will occur.

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WWE Money In The Bank - June 17th, 2018

Andrade 'Cien' Almas v. Daniel Bryan - United States Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Finals

Over the course of this past month, both Andrade 'Cien' Almas and Daniel Bryan have been at eachother's necks, and everything that has occurred during this time, has all led up to this contest. The latter makes his entrance first, who is greeted with an ovation of cheers, but that doesn't matter for him, not on this night. Daniel Bryan only looks towards the squared circle, his usual gestures aren't existent, as he simply continues his descent down the entrance ramp, and slides into the ring. He patiently awaits his opposition's arrival from behind the curtain, and in mere seconds his wish is granted. As Andrade walks out from the back, accompanied by the lovely Zelina Vega, they both begin to smile at one another, realizing how close the former is to a US Championship opportunity. Eventually, he begins his descent down the entrance ramp, and enters the ring, before getting in the face of his opposition. The official in charge of this contest, begins to break them up, and commands them to make their way to their respective corners, in-which they do.

As the bell officially rings just moments later, Bryan doesn't waste another second, as he RUSHES TOWARDS THE CORNER, AND CONNECTS WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK! Completely stunned by the frantic offense, Andrade barely can function, as he falls down to a grounded position. Noticing this almost immediately, Bryan begins to pull him to the center of the ring, and begins to attack Andrade's left leg, in an attempt to weaken the body part. It seems to be effective, as Andrade begins to scream out in agony, which leads Bryan to LOCK IN A KNEEBAR! He begins to wrench it back-and-forth, Andrade clearly is in a lot of pain, and is barely able to keep his hand from the canvas, but instead he scurries over to the ropes, WHICH RESULTS IN A ROPEBREAK! Knowing clearly well that he has no other choice, Bryan lets go of the submission hold, which gives Andrade a sense of relief almost immediately. However, he is well aware that he must stay focused, which leads to him to crawl over to the nearest corner, and begins to scold Bryan from the location.

Simply not having any of it, Bryan begins to make his way over to the corner, but Andrade clearly had a plan, as he lands A KICK TO THE JAW! This gives a chance for him to recover, as Bryan backs up a few feet, and his opponent begins to make it to a vertical base, seemingly creating some distance between the two. Not looking to waste this massive opportunity, he begins to charge at Bryan, and proceeds to land a series of strikes to his opposition's jaw, in an attempt to weaken him this time around, but Bryan won't back down, not after everything he's been through in recent times. As he begins to fire back, letting everything loose, which admittedly takes Andrade aback, not exactly expecting it, but he won't stop here, as he now sends Bryan into the nearest corner, and attempts for A RUNNING KNEE STRIKE IN THE CORNER, BUT BRYAN MOVES OUT THE WAY IN THE NICK OF TIME! Seeing as the window is now open, Bryan begins to strike Andrade with numerous kicks to the torso area, which results in the latter falling to his knees, as Bryan simply smirks at this.

He is now in firm control of this contest, and knowing of this fact, he once again pulls Andrade to the center of the ring, and BEGINS TO PLACE HIM IN A DRAGON SLEEPER! It's locked in quite deep, and there seems to be no escape for Andrade, until Zelina Vega begins to climb the apron. She pleads for Bryan to let go, which simply just annoys him, and he inevitably lets go of the submission maneuver. Now beginning to argue with Vega, Andrade eventually rises up to his feet, AND SMASHES HIM IN THE BACK OF THE SKULL WITH A DISCUS ELBOW STRIKE! This renders Bryan unconscious, or for the most part, as Andrade now sees this as his golden ticket to a title opportunity. He hoists up the lifeless caucus, and LANDS A LA SOMBRA DOWN ONTO THE CANVAS! 1...2...KICKOUT! THAT MUST BE OUT OF INSTINCT, BRYAN IS SOMEHOW STILL IN THIS ONE! A frustrated Andrade cannot believe it, as he seemingly begins to run his fingers through his lengthy hair, but he continued the attack.

Beginning to hoist up Bryan, possibly for the final time, he attempted FOR ONE LAST LA SOMBRA... BUT BRYAN SOMEHOW COUNTERS THE MANEUEVER, AND CONNECTS WITH A DRAGON SCREW! This takes Andrade out, leaving him on the ground for the time being, knowing this Bryan lifts him up just to his knees, and begins to WALE ON ANDRADE WITH NUMEROUS YES KICKS! However, on the final kick attempt, ANDRADE CATCHES BRYAN'S LEG, AND SLAMS HIM DOWN FACE-FIRST ON THE CANVAS! He then proceeds to charge towards the nearest set of ropes, and once he rebounds off of them, HE ENDS UP LANDING A RUNNING DROPKICK TO THE KNEELING OPPONENT! Refusing to attempt for a pinfall victory just yet, he attempts to weaken Bryan's legs, just as the latter had once done, but Bryan ends up reversing the attempt, and smashes his face numerous times with his boot!

Upon reaching a vertical base, Bryan lands a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT, WHICH SENDS ANDRADE CRASHING BACK-FRIST DOWN UPON THE CANVAS! Seeing this as his moment to make good on his promise, he begins to smash his boot upon his opposition's face numerous times, as he seemingly begins to scream out to the fans in attendance. Upon doing this, he now heads towards the nearest corner, and demands for Andrade to make it to his feet aswell, which he complies, unaware of what's in store for him in the very near future. Just a few moments later, BRYAN ATTEMPTS FOR A RUNNING KNEE STRIKE, BUT ANDRADE MOVES OUT OF THE WAY JUST IN TIME! HE THEN PROCEEDS TO LAND YET ANOTHER DISCUS BACK ELBOW, THIS TIME WITH A FEINT FRONT KICK ADDED TO IT! Upon successfully connecting with the maneuver, he then adds insult to injury, as he proceeds to lift up his opposition, and CONNECTS WITH A LA SOMBRA! 1...2...3...!

Andrade def. Daniel Bryan via pinfall (17:23)

After the contest had concluded, Andrade doesn't waste a single second in fulfilling his promise, as he quickly slides out of the ring. Moving over to the ringside area in a rush, he begins to grab a steel chair, and slides into the squared circle with it. He begins to position Bryan over to his stomach, and then lifts the steel chair, in an attempt to crush his neck with it, but he the action is disrupted by a familiar sight. IT'S REY MYSTERIO! Who begins to rush towards the ring, attempting to save Daniel Bryan from a possible second retirement, which he is ultimately successful in, as Andrade rushes out of the ring before Rey can get to him. This preview of their eventual clash, which is set for next month, is only a small sign of what's yet to come between the two competitors.

Build to Extreme Rules 2018:

Friday Night SmackDown - June 22nd, 2018

The show's kicked off by the current United States Championship #1 Contender, who is still visibly wounded from his battle only less than a week ago. Even with that said though, Andrade grabs a microphone, as he exclaims that he kept his promise, he walked out of Money In The Bank with yet another major victory under his belt, and is now only one more step away from greatness. However, even with all of that said-and-done, he still is left feeling dissatisfied, and that is all due to one individual, none other than Rey Mysterio. He continues by stating that, Rey got involved in something that concerned him, and in just a few weeks time, he takes absolutely everything that actually concerns him, including the title he cherishes. He now concludes his statement, clearly sending a stern message to his future opponent, as he proceeds to exit the ring and embark up the ramp.