Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

[Bard]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

Flair and HBK a tag team?? Holy **** that is one charasimatic team even at their age haha love it!! Good show too can't wait to see how (if) SmackDown can top it!

Reed is comin' atcha!

It was something I didn't even consider until the Ric Flair thing came up we could make him a wrestler for his current age! Then I thought to myself...I have not used The Nature Boy in a game since Evolution days...and then I can't tell you the last time HBK has been used haha.

Smackdown will be in a little while, probably in a few hours...and beware, surprises are coming

[Reed1417]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

I can't wait man! And you know what I'm talking about!

Reed is comin' atcha!

[Bard]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

Mauro Ranallo: Welcome to Smackdown Live! Shane McMahon has been all over social media as of late, and tonight we will have two massive announcements, as well as he will make things right for three superstars. Which superstars you may ask? Well, we don't know either! It is time to get this show started!


JBL: That's right Mauro! We have some very major news and announcements tonight, and that makes me happy to be a part of Smackdown Live!


David Otunga: I think tonight we start seeing shape for our first PPV Extreme Rules...











John Cena: Welcome to Smackdown Live! Tonight we finally start our pull away from Raw, and show that we are the far superior brand. However, that is not why I am out here tonight. I am out here because last week I, along with two others, was promised a United States Championship match. You may see where my problem is here...Raw has the United States Championship, so what exactly is going to happen here Shane and Daniel?












John Cena: Neville, the man gravity forgot, you may have been involved in that match, but really we all know who would win in a match between us two.


Neville: John, I respect you, not for the wrestler you are...but the person. But you know, I am not even sure I can say I respect you in any way now. I know I can beat you, because I am far better than you in this ring, and I can fly circles around you. People may call you superman, but I am superman in this ring.


John Cena: Alright Mighty Mouse I think you need to relax, and take a step back. You really don't know who you are in the ring with. I am a fifteen time WWE Champion, you couldn't lace my boots in this ring even if I let you try. There is nothing you can do that could make me every reconsider because you are a charisma black-hole that God wasted talent upon.












Shane McMahon: Alright, alright, alright! Enough you two. I said I would make things right for three superstars here tonight, and yes that involves you two and Finn Balor. I told you three men that you would be in consideration for a United States Championship opportunity, but I think I will one up that. In two weeks at Extreme Rules it will be John Cena versus Neville versus Finn Balor versus one of AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose in a Fatal Four Way for the WWE Championship! AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose were draft picks one and two for Smackdown, and they will main event tonight in an one on one match to determine who will be the fourth man to compete in the Fatal Four Way. Now you two stop your bickering, and lets get this show on the road!





*Commercial Break*





*We enter back and see Shane McMahon in the ring with Daniel Bryan*





Shane McMahon: Well things were getting a little heated so I decided it would be best, and put out those flames. I didn't want to do these quite yet, but what a better time to do so! I am already out here, and my General Manager Daniel Bryan is out here so lets get our two major announcements going so we can get to some action for all of you fans! The first major announcement for tonight is that starting tonight we will be bringing FOUR, yes four Championships here to Smackdown Live. We will be holding a tournament for the Smackdown Tag Team Championships that will conclude at Extreme Rules, as well as the Smackdown Women's Championship will be held in a triple threat between three women that we think deserve it the most here on Smackdown. Now, this should not discourage any of the women on the roster if you are not chosen, just means to work harder!




Daniel Bryan: Okay now that those two standard announcements have been made, we still have two championships that haven't been discussed. Now these are the two massive announcements for each, and one of you! Shane...what is this first one?


Shane McMahon: Great question Daniel. Starting tonight we will have a tourney for the HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP that will run through Extreme Rules and be crowned in the coming month on an edition of Smackdown Live.
That is the first one, and now Daniel, please in depth announce our second one.


Daniel Bryan: Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great excitement that I get to announce that the Cruiserweight Championship is coming to Tuesday nights here on Smackdown Live! Starting this Saturday we will have an introductory episode of the Cruiserweight Wrestling Classic...


Shane McMahon: Only on the WWE Network for 9.99, sorry Daniel, please continue.

Daniel Bryan (chuckles): It will be introducing all of the Cruiserweights that will be competing for the opportunity to be Smackdown Live's first Cruiserweight Champion! Myself and Mauro will be doing the announcing, and I can't wait!


Shane McMahon: So there we go everyone, lets get this show on the road kicking even faster than we have started. Are you ready for some hardcore action!? Lets get it!













Mauro Ranallo: Rhyno is back in the WWE! Here he is competing in the very first match of this Hardcore tourney that will decide the Hardcore Champion here on Smackdown Live.













Hardcore Tourney Round One
Rhyno v. Darren Young w/Bob Backlund
Rhyno and Young open the match up looking to feel each other out, but Rhyno then gets into a takedown, gut-wrench slam combo onto Young. Rhyno would then start to deliver some nasty stomps onto Young before Darren would roll out of the ring into the arms of Bob Backlund. Bob is trying to help life coach Young through this, but Rhyno comes blazing from the side and delivers a nasty shoulder block to Young knocking Young into Backlund. Rhyno then picks up Backlund and belly-to-belly suplexes him into the barricade! As Rhyno is turning around he is met with a chair shot to the gut by Young! One in the back to keep the Man Beast down! Darren Young drops the chair, and goes to attend to Bob. Darren is looking angry, he gets up, and turns around to a groggy Rhyno. Young gives out a yell, and starts to lay into Rhyno with tons of kicks and punches! Young tackles Rhyno into the ring side, and throws him back into the ring. Young goes and grabs the ring bell to bring it inside the ring, but as he entered the ring, Rhyno gave a massive kick to the side of Young's head causing him to drop the bell in front of Rhyno. Rhyno picks up the bell and delivers a crushing blow to Darren's skull! Rhyno is now throwing his arms in the air hyping up the crowd...he goes and gets in his Gore stance in the corner. *GORE! GORE! GORE! GORE!* Rhyno connects with the Gore onto Darren Young! 1-2-3!


Winner: Rhyno



JBL: Hardcore wrestling is back in the WWE! What a sight seeing Rhyno back here, and man does the Man Beast look hungry for a title reign!

David Otunga: What a return by Rhyno, we saw some hardcore moments there, and this is just the start!

Mauro Ranallo: The hardcore division is back! As well as the Cruiserweights we will be getting to see every Saturday for the coming months! What a time to be a fan of Smackdown Live!




*Commercial Break*




*We head backstage*



Shane McMahon: What a start! The hardcore division is in full swing with the return of Rhyno, and I think it will bring out the talent in some that has been wasted over the years. Like Darren Young.


Daniel Bryan: I have to agree with you Shane, but I think the Cruiserweights are going to steal the show every night once they come here on Tuesday nights!


Shane McMahon: I hope you're right Daniel, that is exactly what I want! Now to keep going...tag team tourney time!





















Round One Tag Team Championship Tourney
The Perfectionists v. Los Matadores
The match opens up with Curtis Axel flooring Diego with a dropkick. After a brief conflict outside Axel knocks Diego on his butt after a series of forearm smashes. The tag is made and Mr. Perfect is in, the father and son tandem catch Diego in a series of mudhole kicks in the corner. Fernando comes around, and pulls Curtis off the apron. Fernando almost decapitates Axel with a spinning wheel kick. Diego fights back and nails Perfect with a hard side kick. The tag is made, Fernando is now in the match, and turns Perfect inside out with a clothesline. Fernando gets a two count. Diego tags in. Perfect miffs on a running dropkick, and ends up getting hit with a backstabber for a near fall.

We come back from commercial With Diego and Fernando hitting a double powerbomb for a two count on Perfect. Fernando dives off the second rope, but Perfect gets his boots up. Perfect tags in Axel. Curtis hits two overhead belly to belly suplexes on Fernando. However, Fernando sends Axel shoulder first into the ring post. Fernando hits the side kick for a long two count. Fernando tries to gain some more momentum, but Axel is having none of that now and hits a massive sidewalk slam then tags back in his dad. The two are in position for a double team, Axel with a knee and Perfect with a spinning DDT. Perfect goes for the cover, Diego breaks up the pin. Diego tries to hit the backstabber, but Perfect counters, and boots him in the face. Diego pulls Axel to the outside. Fernando lands a jumping neckbreaker off the top rope on Perfect. Los Matadores hit the Bull Tirade, but Axel breaks up the pin. Perfect’s head is bleeding pretty badly. He manages to get up and knocks Diego off the apron. Perfect is now a bloody mess, but a distraction from Axel, Fernando walks right into the Perfectplex for the win!

Winners: The Perfectionists



*Commercial Break*



















Nikki Bella v. Sasha Banks
Banks and Bella lock up. Nikki slams Banks to the mat and tries to lock in the Banks Statement (hey oh!). Banks kicks Nikki in the butt, which sends her to the outside. Banks sets up a suicide dive, but Nikki elbows her in the face before she can dive through the ropes. Banks gets pissed and immediately goes for the dive again as Bella is celebrating outside. Banks nails Nikki Bella on the outside! We head to commercial.

We come back from commercial to see Nikki is working over Banks’ lower back. Nikki traps Bank in the ropes and bends her backward over the top rope. Bella gets a two count. Nikki locks in a bow and arrow hold, but Banks fights out. Banks misses a clothesline, which allows Nikki to hit a modified back breaker. Nikki then pushes Banks back first into the corner. Nikki misses a splash in the corner. Banks is writhing in pain on the ground and can’t capitalize. Nikki lands a few chops, but Banks lands a few of her own. Banks fires up and clotheslines Nikki, then dropkicks her. Nikki attempts a big boot but Banks catches her foot. Banks knees Bella in the face, then lands her standing double knee attack for another near fall. We head to commercial.

Banks sends Bella to the outside with a hurricanranna. Banks follows that up with a baseball slide. Banks calls for the knee strike on the apron, but Bella moves. Nikki catches Banks as she is falling and tosses her back into the ring. Nikki tries to lock in the Rack Attack 2.0, but Banks reverses it into the Banks Statment attempt. Nikki avoids the hold. Nikki misses another big boot. Banks hits a running double knee strike. Banks drives Bella’s head into the turnbuckle. Banks goes up top, but Nikki pulls her down. Bella boots Banks in the back. Banks falls head first into the turnbuckle. Banks gets up, turns around and eats a big boot. Banks barely kicks out. Nikki sets Banks on the top rope. Banks blocks Nikki’s attempts at a superplex. Banks headbutts Nikki and she falls off the top. Banks hits the double knees off the top for a long two count. Banks goes for the backstabber, but Bella dumps her to the outside. Bella mounts the top rope and dives to the outside with a splash onto Banks! Nikki rolls Banks back into the ring and hits her massive punch. Banks somehow manages to kick out at two! Nikki Bella is despondent. Nikki slaps Banks in the face over and over again while yelling at her to stay down. Nikki whips Banks into the ropes, but Banks hits a head scissor takeover which she transitioned into the Banks Statement! Nikki turns it into a pin, but Banks reverses Nikki’s pin back into the Banks Statement. Nikki Bella has no choice but to tap out!

Winner: Sasha Banks



Mauro Ranallo: What a match from those two women! They showed the world this is what women’s wrestling is all about, and there is no doubt in my mind both of these women will be put into consideration for the Women’s Championship Match at Extreme Rules!


JBL: I have to agree with you Ranallo! Sasha and Nikki tore the roof off this place!


David Otunga: This has to be a match of the year candidiate, what a showing!







*Advertisement for the Cruiserweight Wrestling Classic on Saturday*












Bray Wyatt: Last week was a hard week for me, man. I let go my brother, Luke Harper. I lost my newest brother Braun Strowman, I am left with my white sheep Erick Rowan. Rowan here, Rowan here was a lost soul. He was bullied as a kid. He was told he had too big of ears, he was too big to play with the others, he has never been allowed to participate in anything because of bad people in this world. I have given Rowan his second chance at life, and I will continue to do so. *Laughs* So you may be thinking, what is next for Bray Wyatt? Well I will tell you this, man, you ain't got nothing in this world, man, if you ain't got power. Without power, we would all just be tiny little mice trapped in the jungle running for our lives from tigers. Power, man, power can be so addicting. You need power. You crave power, and I just so happen to think that power, it will be the downfall of all mankind as we know it, man. After all, a powerful man is to be respected but a weak man is less valuable than the dirt that stains his clothes. Power and influence, that's my game, man. As long as I'm living right here, right now with you, my people, inside of this Universe, the WWE Universe, that right there represents all the power I could ever need. I want y'all to do something for me really quick, man. Think of me as the WWE champion, just try to imagine it. Please do, is it…


Mysterious voice: Brother Wyatt. Sister Abigail had to get away from you because you were too soft. I am seeing it now; I am seeing how much of a toddler you still are. I invited you awhile back to come to my place, to come see what a true broken down man is. I have risen back up, and will make my appearance soon. Brother Wyatt, I think it is time for you to…RUN!


*The camera cues to Wyatt as he is in a daze of confusion. He looks down, then the lights go black.*























Winner Joins WWE Championship Fatal Four Way
Dean Ambrose v. AJ Styles
Ambrose and Styles locks up. Styles with a snap mare to Ambrose. Styles with a quick rollup for a one count. Styles with a small package for a one count. Styles with a waist lock takedown to Ambrose. Styles continues to talk smack to Ambrose. Ambrose pushes Styles down to the canvas. Ambrose with a series of armdrags to Styles. Ambrose bodyslams Styles. Styles rolls out of the ring. Ambrose chases Styles around the ring. Styles with a double axe handle to the back of Ambrose. Styles stomps on Ambrose chest. Ambrose with a sunsetflip for a two count. Styles drops Ambrose with a diving forearm. Styles lands a knife edge chop. Styles rams his shoulders to the midsection of Ambrose. Ambrose kicks Styles in the chest. Ambrose with his lightning quick offense. Ambrose drops Styles with a back body drop. Ambrose goes for a suicide dive, but Styles counters with a drop toe hold that sends Ambrose jaw first into the second rope. Styles with a neckbreaker. Styles continues to work on the neck of Ambrose. Styles with a clubbing blow to the back of Ambrose’s neck. Styles goes to the rear chin lock. Ambrose kicks Styles in the gut. Styles leapfrogs over Ambrose. Styles connects with a beautiful dropkick. Styles kicks Ambrose in the back. Styles goes for the pin, but Ambrose kicks out at the count of two. Styles bounces Ambrose’s head on the top turnbuckle. Styles bodyslams Ambrose. Styles with a diving knee drop for a two count. Styles drives his knee to the jaw of Ambrose. Styles with another knee strike that sends Ambrose into the corner. Ambrose fires up and stomps on Styles chest in the corner. Ambrose whips Styles back first into the corner. Ambrose charges towards Styles, but Styles ducks out of the way and Ambrose is sent crashing shoulder first into the steel ring post. We head to commercial as AJ Styles looks down upon Ambrose.

We come back to Ambrose with a right hand/headbutt combination. Styles goes for a flying corner forearm, but Ambrose ducks out of the way. Ambrose places Styles on the top rope. Ambrose with a clubbing blow to the back of Styles. Ambrose with an Avalanche Belly to Back Suplex. Ambrose with a series of running axe handles. Ambrose with a flying clothesline to Styles. Styles with a boot to the face of Ambrose. Ambrose connects with a back breaker for a two count. Ambrose ascends to the top rope. Ambrose with a flying elbow drop off the top rope. Ambrose rolls Styles back into the ring. Styles sends Ambrose rib first into the corner. Ambrose with a facebuster to Styles for a two count. Styles goes for the Calf Crusher, but Ambrose blocks it. Styles plants Ambrose with a suplex into the turnbuckles in the corner. Styles goes for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Ambrose ducks out of the way. Ambrose goes for the Dirty Deeds, but Styles counters by driving his calf to the canvas. Styles kicks Ambrose in the calf. Styles continues to add pressure to knee of Ambrose. Ambrose stomps on Styles face to get out of the hold. Ambrose goes for a suplex, but Styles gets Ambrose in the Calf Crusher. Ambrose reaches the bottom rope. Styles goes back to the Calf Crusher, but Ambrose drives Styles head repeatedly on the canvas to get out of the hold. Styles kicks Ambrose in the thigh. Styles goes for the Styles Clash, but Ambrose holds onto the ropes. Styles with an enziguri to Ambrose. Ambrose goes into the ropes, and rebounds into a pele kick! Styles Clash! 1-2-3!

Winner: AJ Styles




Mauro Ranallo: What a night! Thank you everyone for tuning in here tonight, and do not forget to tune in on Saturday at 7 EST for the CWC!

[ML]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

Love all the vids and detailed writeups! Really like how you're mixing up oldschool and newschool as well. Great job balancing both era's

[Bard]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

Love all the vids and detailed writeups! Really like how you're mixing up oldschool and newschool as well. Great job balancing both era's

Thanks man! Adding in old school is something very new to me and my Universe. I have never done this before, but I am having so much fun doing it!

[Bard]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

Mauro Ranallo: Hello everyone, and welcome to the Cruiserweight Wrestling Classic!

Daniel Bryan: Tonight is the bracketology. We will be discussing everyone in depth on who they are, and what they bring to the plate here in this classic.

Muaro Ranallo: Okay here we go!...

• Brian Kendrick – (5’8” 170 lbs) Kendrick is known for his appearances with New Japan Pro Wrestling and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under his real name, as well as his appearances with Pro Wrestling Zero1 as Leonardo Spanky and on the independent circuit as Spanky. Championships held by Kendrick over the course of his career include the NWA International Junior Heavyweight Championship, NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship, TNA X Division Champion, World Tag Team Championship, WWE Tag Team Championship, ICW Tag Team Championship and Zero-One United States Openweight Championship.
  
  
• Cedric Alexander – (5’10 200 lbs) He is perhaps best known for his time in Ring of Honor from 2011 to 2016. PWI ranked him 85 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2015.
  
  
• Johnny Gargano – (5’10” 170 lbs) Gargano started his professional wrestling career in 2005, working for the Cleveland All–Pro Wrestling (CAPW) promotion. Over the following years, Gargano worked for some of the top promotions on the American independent circuit, including Chikara, Dragon Gate USA (DGUSA), Evolve and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG). Titles Gargano held include the Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas, the Evolve Tag Team Championship and DGUSA's Open the Freedom Gate Championship, which he held twice with his first reign lasting a record 873 days. During his independent days, Gargano also made appearances for national promotions Ring of Honor (ROH) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). After making sporadic appearances for WWE early in his career, Gargano took part in the company's tryout camp in June 2015. Afterwards, he began appearing regularly for NXT, eventually signing a contract in April 2016.
  
  
• Jushin Thunder Liger – (5’7” 205 lbs) is a Japanese professional wrestler who primarily works for New Japan Pro Wrestling. He has wrestled and beaten many of the top smaller wrestlers in both Japan and the United States, and is frequently cited as one of the greatest and most revolutionary junior heavyweights during the 1990s. He is also the oldest competitor in this tournament at 51 years of age.
  
  
• Kalisto – (5’6” 170 lbs) is a Mexican-American professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand under the ring name Kalisto. In 2006, Rodriguez made his professional wrestling debut on the Midwestern United States independent circuit, working under a mask and the ring name Samuray del Sol (Spanish for "Samurai of the Sun"). After establishing himself as one of the top high-flyers in the area, he began working for larger promotions in 2011 and was signed by Dragon Gate USA in 2012. The same year, he made his debut for Mexican promotion Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA), where, in November, he was repackaged as Octagón Jr., the storyline protégé of well-known luchador Octagón. He has also worked for Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South (IWA-MS), National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG). In May 2013, he signed with WWE and was assigned to their developmental territory NXT, where he was renamed Kalisto. In September 2014, Kalisto, with Sin Cara as "The Lucha Dragons", won the NXT Tag Team Championship. In February 2015, Kalisto was promoted to WWE's main roster. In January 2016, he won his first singles title in WWE, the United States Championship, a title he has since held twice.
  
  
• Kota Ibushi – (5’11” 189 lbs) is a Japanese professional wrestler. He started his career in Dramatic Dream Team (DDT) in 2004 and over the next eleven years became a three-time KO-D Openweight Champion, five-time KO-D Tag Team Champion and a two-time KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champion. In 2009, Ibushi started working for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and eventually signed with the promotion in 2013. In NJPW, he is a former three-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and a one-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. He resigned from both DDT and NJPW in February 2016 and has since been performing in several different organizations including WWE as a freelancer.
  
  
• Noam Dar – (5’9” 178 lbs) is an Israeli-Scottish professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, performing on the Raw brand. He also competed in the 2016 Cruiserweight Classic. Dar has also competed for Total Nonstop Action (TNA) and its "British Boot Camp" series, as well as being a mainstay for prominent UK promotions such as PROGRESS Wrestling, Preston City Wrestling (PCW), Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), What Culture Pro Wrestling (WCPW). Additionally, Dar has appeared for other stand-out promotions like Dragon Gate UK, Revolution Pro Wrestling (RPW), Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw), Global Force Wrestling (GFW) as well as numerous UK Ring of Honor "Supershows". Dar is a former two time ICW Zero-G Champion and a former PCW Cruiserweight Champion, among other championships and accomplishments. He is the current PCW Heavyweight Champion and PWE World Heavyweight Champion.
  
  
• Razor Bryant – (5’10” 188 lbs) Razor is an American born wrestler. He focuses more on the technician area of wrestling, but can high fly at any point. Not much is known of Bryant except he is a WWE product, and will be put to the test here in the CWC.
  
  
• Rey Mysterio – (5’6” 175 lbs) is a Mexican-American professional wrestler who currently works for Lucha Underground. He is best known for his time in WWE from July 2002 until February 2015. He is also known for his work in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA), and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Gutierrez was trained by his uncle Rey Misterio, Sr., learning the high flying Lucha Libre style that has been his trademark. He wrestled in ECW from 1995 to 1996 and WCW from 1996 to 2001 as Rey Misterio Jr. or Rey Mysterio Jr. "Rey Misterio" is Spanish for "King Mystery", but subsequently dropped the "Junior" from his name when he began working for WWE in July 2002 until February 2015. Mysterio is known for having a high flying style, which helped kick-start the cruiserweight wrestling revolution in the United States in the late 1990s during his time in WCW, and is often regarded as one of the greatest high-flyers in wrestling history. In WCW, he won the WCW World Tag Team Championship three times, and the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship once with Billy Kidman as part of The Filthy Animals. In WWE, Mysterio is a three-time world champion, having held WWE's World Heavyweight Championship twice and the WWE Championship once. He has also held the WWE Tag Team Championship a record-tying four times, and the WWE Intercontinental Championship twice. All totaled, Mysterio has won 21 titles between WWE and WCW, including a record eight WCW/WWE Cruiserweight Championships (five in WCW, three in WWE). He was the 21st person to win the WWE Triple Crown Championship, and was the winner of the 2006 Royal Rumble.
  
  
• Rich Swann – (5’8” 168 lbs) is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand. He is best known for his work on the American independent circuit for promotions such as Evolve, Full Impact Pro (FIP) and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG). He has also worked for promotions like Chikara, Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), Dragon Gate, Dragon Gate USA and Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW). He is a former two-time FIP World Heavyweight Champion and one-time Open the United Gate, Open the Owarai Gate and Open the Triangle Gate Champion.
  
  
• Richie Bishopp – (5’9” 172 lbs) Richie Bishopp is more known for his tag team work, but with his partner’s brother getting into the business he thought now was the time for him to go solo to allow them to work together. Bishopp is a freelancer of sorts, and has won many titles such as the New Japan Tag Team Championships.
  
  
• Sin Cara – (5’10” 205 lbs) Arias's portrayal of Sin Cara is bilingual due to Jorge Arias having grown up in the United States near the Mexico–United States border, and thus speaks either Spanish or English, depending on the intended audience. However, Urive legitimately does not know English, and during his time in WWE often required a translator during interviews and media appearances. He is a former NXT tag team champion.
  
  
• Tanner Allen – (6’0” 205 lbs) Tanner is the least experienced of the group as he was a winner of a contest to get on the show. Tanner is 25 years old, and thinks his style is the best of anyone in this tournament and has declared himself as the best cruiserweight in the world.
  
  
• TJ Perkins – (5’10” 167 lbs) is a Filipino American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, performing on the Smackdown brand. He is also known for his work in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he is a former TNA X Division Champion. In TNA, he used the ring name Manik, which is based on the Suicide gimmick. He also worked on the independent circuit, sometimes under his initials TJP or under a mask as Puma (also stylized as PUMA).
  
  
• Tommaso Ciampa – (5’11” 195 lbs) is an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Tommaso Ciampa, currently signed with WWE and performs on the NXT brand. He is best known for his work in Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is a former 1-time World Television Champion, and several other independent promotions, including Beyond Wrestling, Chaotic Wrestling (CW), Top Rope Promotions (TRP), and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG).
  
  
• Tony Nese – (5’9” 196 lbs) is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE. Nese is known for wrestling throughout the Northeastern United States. He is also known for his brief tenure in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) from 2011 to 2012.

Daniel Bryan: And that finishes up our overall notes on each one of these sixteen men!


Mauro Ranallo: Up next are the matches!..But you are going to have to wait.


Daniel Bryan: There will be four matches next week, four matches the week after. Eight winners, eight losers. We will then have a losers week where the eight losers will compete, so four more matches and four superstars will be given a second chance in this tournament. Then from there we will have matches of four until the finals which will be held at Money In The Bank!

1. Kalisto v. Rey Mysterio
   
   
2. Tanner Allen v. Sin Cara
   
   
3. Brian Kendrick v. Noam Dar
   
   
4. Cedric Alexander v. TJ Perkins
   
   
5. Tony Nese v. Kota Ibushi
   
   
6. Rich Swann v. Tommaso Ciampa
   
   
7. Razor Bryant v. Jushin Thunder Liger
   
   
8. Richie Bishopp v. Johnny Gargano

[Reed1417]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

Great episode of SmackDown man that WWE Championship match is going to be a treat! Excited to see the build to that!

Reed is comin' atcha!

[Bard]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

Great episode of SmackDown man that WWE Championship match is going to be a treat! Excited to see the build to that!

Reed is comin' atcha!

Thanks Reed! I am very excited for the WWE title match, as well as Bray Wyatt's mystery man.

[Reed1417]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

Yeah Bray's mystery man is also interesting! I have an idea of who it is but when you reveal it I'll see if I was right.

Reed is comin' atcha!

[Bard]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

Yeah Bray's mystery man is also interesting! I have an idea of who it is but when you reveal it I'll see if I was right.

Reed is comin' atcha!

I am now intrigued as to who you think it is it makes sense if you really look at it.

[asvpxhughuet]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

You were talking about how you would put TNA wrestlers in your universe, and I think I have an idea of 3 or 4 that it could be. Keep up the great work always following!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bard]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

You were talking about how you would put TNA wrestlers in your universe, and I think I have an idea of 3 or 4 that it could be. Keep up the great work always following!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Think you have an idea too, eh? I am excited to see if you are correct, or surprised!

Raw - Smackdown - 1st round CWC tonight.

[wiscowilz]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

Great start to your Universe.

[jromero120]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

Very intrigued by Bray's storyline. I wonder who it could be that's talking to him. Also, very excited for the CWC. If it's anything like the real one then I expect some excellent matches!

Only thing I would say about the intros was that it says that Noam Dar participated in the 2016 Cruiserweight Classic. Not sure if this is referencing a CWC that you had in your previous Universe or the one that happened in real life. I'm only saying it's weird because it doesn't mention it in the bios for any of the other participants of the real life CWC participants. Also, the Sin Cara bio was confusing because I am not really sure who is portraying him.

[Bard]

Re: Bard Presents: Power Struggle A WWE 2K17 Universe

Corey Graves: Hello everybody and welcome to Monday Night Raw! We have an action packed show here for you all tonight, so hang on and enjoy!


Michael Cole: That is right, Corey! We have Roman Reigns versus Luke Harper to determine who will face off with Eric Young for the Intercontinental Championship at Payback. As well as Sami Zayn going toe to toe with Baron Corbin to see who will face off with The Miz for the United States Championship!


Byron Saxton: That isn't all! We continue the Tag Team Championship tourney, along with the Universal Championship tourney here tonight! Let's get started!



















Winner Goes On to Face Eric Young at Payback
Roman Reigns v. Luke Harper
Luke Harper gets the better of Roman in the opening exchange while Saxton accurately compares the Wyatt vs. Shield feud, and their history. Roman fights back and is able to clothesline Harper over the top rope and hit his Apron Dropkick to the face. Luke Harper regains control and rocks Reigns with a Michinoku Driver for the first two-count of the match. Reigns fights his way up, but gets clocked by Harper’s patented Big Boot for another two-count. Harper proceeds to do his Gator Roll and put in a fourth Rear Chinlock. We head to commercial.

We come back to see Reigns struggle up, and hits three clotheslines followed by a Tazplex. Roman then hits Harper with several clotheslines in the corner. They both spill outside from the apron and both seem to be spent. Back in the ring, Harper hits a Superkick to the gut, but Reigns is able to float over Luke for a Sunset Flip and eventually toss Luke to the outside. Another clothesline by Reigns earns another two-count for Reigns. Roman hoists Luke on his shoulders, and gets hit with a Samoan Drop while Luke tries furiously to elbow out of it. Roman sets up for the Superman Punch, but Luke rolls out of the ring only to hit a Superkick on the curious Roman who follows him outside. Harper gets rocked by the Superman Punch as Luke Harper goes for the dive. Another Superkick leads to a Sitdown Powerbomb by Luke on Roman for a close two-count. Reigns is able to get to his feet and hit another Superman Punch and Spear for the winning three-count!


Winner: Roman Reigns




Roman Reigns: Young, I don't care who you are, and what you have done. I don't care about your history in TNA, all I care about is that at Payback it is going to be me that gets his arm raised, and it is going to be me that raises up that Intercontinental Championship...and you can believe that.





*Commercial Break*




Corey Graves: Welcome back everybody! Up next we will have our next round for the Universal Championship!


Michael Cole: I hear that we will have two matches for this tourney going tonight, so part one is about to begin!


Byron Saxton: I am excited to see who is going to be in this thing! We saw Rusev defeat Jack Swagger last week, and I know Seth Rollins is like a caged animal waiting to see who he will be facing.





















Corey Graves: KENNY OMEGA IS HERE!? WHAT IS THIS!? The Kenny Omega is here in person, and this must mean he is Randy Orton's opponent, and is competing in this Universal Championship tourney!




Kenny Omega: How sweet, great reaction from all of you. I am an accomplished wrestler, one of the best in this generation, hell of all time if we're being frank. I have now brought my talent to the WWE, to Raw, to become the first Universal Champion...because I am the best in the Universe.




WWE Universal Championship Tourney
Randy Orton v. Kenny Omega
The bell rings and they go at it, and before any action starts Omega spits in Orton’s face, who spits right back at him and then kicks him in the knee to create an injury he works over for several minutes. Orton with a wicked dropkick on the floor to the knees, and he’s just toying with the former Bullet Club leader now. *Who is this guy!?* - Orton. Kenny battles back with a suplex on the apron to get a measure of control back, but he hits a kneebreaker and just folds on the injury. They trade stiff shots and Kenny goes to work with elbows and hits the rolling senton spot, but his knee gives out on the moonsault and Randy dropkicks him. It’s all Orton for several minutes as we go to commercial.

We come back to see Randy working submission like moves including a Boston Crab he refuses to break in the ropes. Omega gets back into this with a leaping bulldog (was supposed to be the Fameasser but he didn’t get all of it) out of nowhere, and a dropkick off the apron into the barricade. He gets him up for a powerbomb, the crowd reacts as he teases going into the barricade, but instead he throws him over the barricade into the crowd! Kenny heads back into the ring, but won’t take the count-out, hitting a huge springboard over the barricade into Orton! Both guys are down. After awhile they fight back into the ring, and Kenny turns him out with two Dragon suplexes. Both go for their finishers but Orton plants him with a DDT. They trade stiff shots and Kenny hits a huge knee strike, but Orton with a crazy stiff European uppercut! They fight to the top and Orton connects with a superplex, but Omega using his legs clings to one of Orton's into a pin for two. Huge trades from both guys; Kenny counters a suplex but his knee gives out yet again and Orton rolls him into a modified knee bar. Kenny crawls to the ropes, but Randy takes him back to the center of the ring; Kenny motions like he’s gonna tap, the referee goes to call it, but Omega leaps out and barely grabs the bottom rope. Orton with a kneebreaker and he just smiles as Kenny is crying in pain on the mat. He looks to put it away but Omega counters into the Dr. Wily Bomb for two-and-a-half. He hits a stiff knee strike in the ropes and sets up for the One-Winged Angel but Orton counters into RKO! Two count! Orton with a hang-man DDT, and he sets up for the RKO, but Omega counters and hits the Aou Shoudou for a nearfall! Kenny tries for the OWA again but his knee gives out. Randy Orton comes off the ropes but Omega nails him with a massive knee strike! OWA is countered but Omega hits a German and another knee strike for two-and-a-half! One-Winged Angel connects! One…two…THREE!

Winner: Kenny Omega



Corey Graves: Crazy. CRAZY match we just saw right there, that has to be a match of the year candidate, hell match of the past fifty years maybe! Kenny Omega is here in the WWE, and I think he is here to stay.





*Commercial Break*






*We come back to a backstage interview with Seth Rollins*




Renee Young: Seth Rollins, you have to be chomping at the bit to get in some ring action, but last I heard Stephanie wants you fully healthy for your match at Payback.



Seth Rollins: Well Renee, there are two ways to look at this. I am glad Stephanie views me as a vital part of this show, and wants to keep me at 100% for the big title match. However, the second view point is...does she want me to become rusty? I need to go out there, and compete. It is in my blood, it is in my nature to wrestle. So that is why next week I am competing in a match. I don't care who it is against, so guess what? Next week it is the Seth Rollins open invitational. Whoever accepts just know that you're going to lose!


Renee Young: Some big words there from Seth Rollins, let's see if he can back them up next week! Back to you guys!




Michael Cole: Thank you Renee! Up next we have tag team action! The Vaudevillians will be taking on a mystery team!

















Corey Graves: Oh wow! Braun Strowman actually found a partner to enter into this tournament, I am excited to see who it is!

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Byron Saxton: Okay...Braun is in the ring by himself, and The Vaudevillians are just staring at him, who is his tag team partner?




Braun Strowman: I don't need a partner to hold me down. I will win this tournament, and show that myself only is good enough to hold both Tag Team Titles, and beat every team in a handicap match!





Raw Tag Team Championship Tourney
The Vaudevillians v. Braun Strowman
Strowman invites both men into the ring then tosses Simon Gotch to the outside. Strowman clotheslines Aiden down to the mat. Braun Strowman then launches Aiden English into the corner. Simon Gotch is back and leaps off the turnbuckle goes for a sleeper hold, but Strowman drives Gotch into English in the corner with a running splash. Strowman follows that up with a double drop kick. Strowman connects with a running power slam to English, and to make matters worse Strowman plants Gotch with a front chokeslam to pickup the victory.


Winner: Braun Strowman





*Commercial Break*



















Becky Lynch v. Charlotte w/ Dana Brooke
The match opens with Becky connecting with a take down to Charlotte. Charlotte connects with a shoulder tackle. Becky with her own shoulder tackle. Becky with two arm drags and applies a arm bar to Charlotte. Becky with another arm drag for a one count. Charlotte with a take down and applies a arm bar. Becky with a kick that knocks Charlotte off the ring apron. Dana Brooke gets in the way of Becky as she goes after Charlotte on the outside. Charlotte attacks Becky from behind. Becky rolls Charlotte up for a two count. Charlotte with a dropkick for a one count. Charlotte connects with knees to the midsection of Becky, and then Charlotte with a head scissors takedown to Becky. Charlotte with more head scissors rolls to Becky over, and over again. Becky battles back with a back body drop to Charlotte. Becky now with a series forearms and clothesline to Charlotte. Becky hits now with a dropkick and a running forearm to Charlotte in the corner. Becky gets trapped under the second rope thanks to a counter, and Charlotte connects with the neck breaker. We head to commercial.

We come back to Becky connecting with a exploder suplex to Charlotte. Becky connects with multiple leg drops and another exploder suplex for a two count. Charlotte rolls Becky up for a one count. Charlotte with a spear to Becky for a two count. Charlotte goes to pin Becky again, but is rolled up for a two count. Charlotte puts Becky on the top rope. Becky with a roll through and locks in the Cross Arm Breaker to Charlotte. Charlotte powers out and gives Becky a power bomb for a two count. Charlotte goes for the baseball slide, but she knocks Brooke down. Becky goes to lock in the Dis Arm Her, but Dana gets on the ring apron and throws a tantrum on the apron! Charlotte takes advantage of the distraction and hits with a poke to the eye of Becky. Charlotte connects with the spear to pickup the victory.


Winner: Charlotte












Byron Saxton: Up next we have another Universal Tourney match! It will be Kane taking on another member of the roster, let us see who it will be!











Corey Graves: Chris Hero!? We are getting tons of surprises these past two weeks! Eric Young, Kenny Omega, Shawn & Flair, and now Chris Hero!




Universal Championship Tourney Match
Kane v. Chris Hero
Chris Hero gets a huge pop from the crowd. They turned up his entrance music really loud when he came out for his debut. A lot of KO chants. The crowd was pretty much one sided during the match. Hero was the first to use a lethal dose of moves with his killer elbows. Kane managed to get back into this match with an uppercut, and took the advantage to go to the outside. Kane takes apart the announce table, and Hero comes flying with a splash from inside the ring to Kane...BUT WAIT! Kane catches Hero by the throat, Chris counters a chokeslam through the table. He slips off the table though which I don’t think was planned. Hero slams Kane's head into the table, and then takes apart the stairs, and throws Kane into the newly set up stairs and slams Kane into them. Chris Hero then sits down and trainers came and looked at Kane's knee. He really hurt his knee here it seems, Hero is back in the ring as the fans are booing. Kane now has a noticeable limp. Hero mashes an elbow on Kane as he is reentering the ring, and Hero looks around, and looks for a rolling elbow of doom! Kane counters with a chokeslam, but gets a near fall! Kane goes up top and nails Hero with a closeline. Kane looks for a chokeslam, but is countered mid-air with a massive elbow! Kane kicks out after a two count! Hero stands over Kane, and looks for the rolling elbow of doom again! Kane counters with a chokeslam! Hero kicks out after two! Kane gets a chair and brings it in the ring. Rolling Elbow of Doom sending the chair, and Hero's elbow into Kane's skull! 1-2-3!


Winner: Chris Hero





*Commercial Break*
























Raw Tag Team Championship Tourney Match
Blake & Murphy v. Shane Michaels & Ric Flair
Blake and Murphy have been called upon from NXT to take on the duo of Ric Flair, and Shawn Michaels. Not everyday you get to come up and compete in a Tag Team Championship tourney, and face off with two Hall of Famers. Flair and Murphy lock up in the middle of the ring. Ric takes Murphy down to the mat with ease. Flair panders tot he crowd, and tags in Michaels. Shawn slams Murphy down to the mat with authority. Flair tags back in but Murphy decks him to the mat. Murphy tags in Blake. Blake runs into a kick, and then a suplex by The Nature Boy. Blake is back in, but Flair sends him flying across the ring with a hip toss. Blake and Murphy charge Flair, but Flair ducks, which causes the two to slam right into each other. Flair and Michaels chop the former NXT tag team champions in tandem. Blake and Murphy retreat to the outside to regroup.

After a short break Shawn and Flair are taking turns tagging in and arm baring Blake. Blake picks up Shawn for a slam, but Shawn holds on to the arm bar. Blake and Murphy go for a double leapfrog, but Shawn ducks. As Michaels hits the ropes he eats a clothesline from Murphy. Blake and Murphy take turns beating down Shawn. Murphy misses a jumping knee, which allows Shawn to tag in Flair. Ric hits a shoulder block on Blake and an atomic drop on Murphy. Blake dives off the top rope, but Flair catches him midair with a devastating chop. Ric tags in Shawn, and Shawn Michaels tunes it up for the crowd. Sweet Chin Music! This one is in the books.


Winners: Shawn Michaels & Ric Flair






Corey Graves: Alright ladies, and gentleman. It is time for our main event. Sami Zayn taking on Baron Corbin to see who will be taking on The Miz at Payback for the United States Championship.


Byron Saxton: I am very excited for this match-up. Two completely opposite opponents that I have no idea who has the edge over who!


Michael Cole: This should be an interesting match-up I'd say! Lets get it going!




















Winner Goes On to Face The Miz at Payback
Sami Zayn v. Baron Corbin
Corbin and Zayn go through brief feeling out period before Corbin attempts to take Zayn’s head off his shoulder with a straight punch. Zayn is lucky enough to duck the strike. Corbin grabs and arm bar that he transitions into a pin fall attempt. Zayn kicks out at two. After another standoff, Zayn goes behind Baron and rolls him up for a two count. Zayn backs Corbin into the corner and rubs his elbow into Baron’s face. The referee breaks it up. Corbin grabs a side headlock. Zayn tries to push Baron to the ropes, but Baron holds on to the side headlock. Corbin is working the side headlock in an attempt to wear Zayn down. We head to commercial.

We come back and see that Zayn surprises Corbin with an arm drag followed by the la magistral cradle for another two count. Corbin responds by chopping Zayn so hard his soul may have left his body. Baron whips Zayn into the ropes, but Zayn springboards over Baron and takes him down with a spinning arm drag. The Lone Wolfe rolls to the outside. Zayn feints a dive to the outside. Zayn ends up just doing a seated back flip of the ropes instead.

After a short break Corbin lands a running elbow. Baron traps Zayn in the corner and face washes him. Baron goes for a quick pin, but Zayn fights out of it. Zayn fires up, but ends up running right into the Deep Six suplex. Corbin lands a head-butt. Then he hits the ropes, but he runs right into a stiff clothesline from Zayn. Zayn hits two more clothesline. Zayn mounts the top rope, but Corbin is right behind him. Baron tries to suplex Zayn but Zayn slides out. Baron Corbin manages to crush Zayn in the corner with an elbow followed by the falling kick. Zayn stumbles to his feet. Corbin and Zayn trade punches. Corbin goes low and sweeps the leg, and then hits the ropes, but Zayn pulls down the rope and Corbin tumbles to the outside of the ring. Zayn hits a springboard-seated moonsault to the outside. Baron rolls back in the ring. Zayn crossbody blocks Corbin off the top for another near fall. Zayn tries the blue thunder bomb, but Corbin reverses it and lariats Zayn out of his boots. Corbin goes for the End of Days, but Zayn reverses it, and both men tumble to the outside. Zayn hits a Helluva kick onto Corbin as he was leaning against the barricade! Both men are down and hurt...the referee is at the count of 9...10! Both men leap back into the ring, but it is too late! We have a double count out, what does this mean for the United States Championship match?











The Miz: Oh look! It looks like I won't be having an opponent at Payback because the two I was supposed to face are losers! You both had one job, and that was to win this match so that you could face me, and lose so I could become United States Champion! So Edge, Stephanie, I think it is time to declare me as the United States Champion now since these two losers couldn't get it done like I can!











Adam Copeland: You think you are so damn good, don't you Miz? Well then how about this. At Payback it will be The Miz versus Baron Corbin versus Sami Zayn in a triple threat match for the United States Title! Have a goodnight Zayn, and Corbin. Hell of a match, you both deserve this.





Corey Graves: Wow! What an announcement by out General Manager, Adam Copeland!


Michael Cole: That is right! The Miz will be taking on not only Baron Corbin, but Sami Zayn as well for the United States Championsip!


Byron Saxton: What a night here on Monday Night Raw! Have a great night everyone!