Fantasy Booking: The Nexus (Part 5)

Welcome back, everyone. After months of dominance, the narrative has changed. After months of dominance and taking everyone out, Wade Barrett’s goal is now to simply keep the WWE Championship by any means necessary. Barrett escaped TLC with the title thanks to a last-second Nexus rescue orchestrated by David Otunga, but there will be serious consequences.

Fantasy Booking: The Nexus (Part 4)

Now, in Part 5, we’ll find out exactly what those serious consequences are. Randy Orton and Sheamus aren’t done after being robbed at TLC and The Miz is constantly looking for the right time to cash in Money in the Bank. Plus, how will Mark Henry reacted after eating a Brogue Kick from Sheamus at TLC? Who will challenge Barrett next? And who will win the Rumble Match? There’s only one way to find out. Enjoy!

Chapter 6: Put Up Or Shut Up

Raw – December 20, 2010

Before Raw’s intro plays, we see a recap of last night’s main event – Wade Barrett got absolutely destroyed at TLC, but still walked out with the WWE Championship thanks to Nexus. Nexus’ theme song plays and Wade Barrett limps down the ramp, looking like he’s been in a car wreck, with The Nexus right behind him. Barrett’s ribs are taped, and he can barely hold the championship belt. Barrett grabs the microphone, but before he can even say a word…

NO CHANCE IN HELL!

Vince McMahon‘s theme plays and the crowd goes nuts. McMahon says:

Last night, you embarrassed this company. After Survivor Series, you were told that the next time Nexus helped Wade Barrett in a major championship match, there would be serious consequences. I guess you don’t hear very well, do you? You crossed the line, so consider this your final warning:

The next time any Nexus member interferes in ANY match here in WWE – I don’t care if it’s Raw, SmackDown, a pay-per-view or a live event in Vienna, Austria – the next time any of you interferes in any ongoing WWE match, you’re ALL suspended for 30 days without pay. Every single one of you.

The camera catches Justin Gabriel and Daniel Bryan exchanging glances, looking uneasy. Otunga nods confidently, while Slater and Young look nervous. Barrett just stares ahead, smirking through the pain, giving Vince a nod that says message received. Vince leaves to a roar, and the mood in the ring is uneasy.

Backstage…

Sheamus storms into the locker room, towel over his shoulder, his face bruised, looking furious. Mark Henry is sitting on a bench, still nursing his jaw from the Brogue Kick he took at TLC.

I told all of ya before TLC to stay out of me business, or I’d kick your skull in. You didn’t listen, fella. You walked right into it – says Sheamus.

Henry slowly rises to his feet, gets in Sheamus’ face and goes straight to the point:
You think that makes you a big man, huh? Kicking me proves nothing. You didn’t want our help, fine. But you didn’t expect them to come out, no one did. Next time, don’t expect anyone to save you when Nexus buries you.

R-Truth, John Morrison and Evan Bourne keep their distance, watching the confrontation. Meanwhile, Santino Marella peeks in with the cobra in hand:
Come on, guys. It’s Christmas time! No more kick-a the face, okay!?

Henry slowly turns his head towards Santino, who backs out and says something about going to catering before running away from the room. Sheamus and Henry remain nose-to-nose to close the segment.

Elsewhere…

The Nexus are in their locker room. Wade Barrett says he’s still the WWE Champion because they’re smarter than everyone else, but McMahon has them cornered. One wrong move on any given night means they’re all gone for a month. He makes it very clear – no more run-ins unless he says so. Barrett gives everyone the night off both tonight and next week, to avoid making any mistakes so soon after Vince’s announcement and to let Barrett recover from TLC.

As the Nexus members leave the room, Barrett stops Otunga privately:
I told everyone not to interfere last night. I’ve heard it was all your idea and because of that… I’m still the WWE Champion. You might’ve saved my career, David. When I was down out there, you made the call. That’s what a real leader does. I just wanted you to know it didn’t go unnoticed. You can leave now.

Otunga smiles, clearly proud of himself, as Barrett limps away with his WWE Championship. This quiet moment of respect plants the first seeds of division. Otunga direspected Barrett’s rules, but got a pass because it benefited Barrett. Otunga feels empowered from this point on, and the other members sense it.

Later that night, the anonymous Raw General Manager announces a big main event for next week. Sheamus and Randy Orton deserve one more chance after getting robbed at TLC. Next week, it’ll be Sheamus vs Randy Orton to determine the number one contender for the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble.

The camera pans to Orton in the trainer’s room, looking directly at the camera with an ice pack on his shoulder. It cuts to Sheamus, who’s still fuming in the hallway. Cut finally to Wade Barrett, limping on his way out of the arena while clutching the WWE Championship. Who will finally get a fair title shot?

Raw – December 27, 2010

The show starts with Michael Cole & Jerry Lawler reminding the viewers that The Nexus will not be here tonight, as Wade Barrett ordered the group to take the night off to avoid triggering the 30-day suspension… and to allow Barrett to recover from the beating he took at TLC. Meanwhile, Randy Orton and Sheamus will go to war yet again for a chance to finally have a fair one-on-one fight against Barrett at the Royal Rumble.

We see The Miz and Alex Riley talking backstage. Miz is holding his Money in the Bank briefcase like a crown jewel while Riley holds a Santa hat with two folded cards in it.

Look at this mess, A-Ry – Miz says. Half the Raw roster is involved in the WWE Title picture in some way, shape or form. Every time I try to cash-in, someone ruins it. I need the ring clear, the path clear, EVERYTHING clear. I only have six months to use this, I can’t be the first to be unsuccessful. After all, I’M AWESOME! The clock’s ticking, that means we have to start removing obstacles. One by one. It starts tonight… Christmas style!

New Year’s resolution style, boss! – says Riley before showing the folded cards. One has Randy Orton‘s face and the other has Sheamus‘ face. Miz shakes the hat and dramatically pulls a card. Miz smiles from ear to ear and finally reveals:

The Viper just got his holiday gift. He’s out of the way tonight. Let’s make it happen.

We see Mark Henry, John Morrison, Evan Bourne, R-Truth and Santino Marella in the locker room while Sheamus laces his boots. We all know he’s gonna need us again – Henry whispers. Santino tries to lighten the mood:
As long as I don’t get-a DA BROGUE KICK in the face for Christmas…

Main event: Randy Orton vs. Sheamus

Both men are still visibly sore from TLC. The pace is slower to emphasize the toll of their recent battles. Orton gets the upper hand late in the match, setting up for the RKO after hitting the DDT off the ropes. Suddenly, someone hops the barricade in a hoodie, interfering at the perfect time and causing Orton to lose his balance. Sheamus, who’s not even aware of the distraction, hits the Brogue Kick for the win.

Winner and #1 contender: Sheamus

Post-match, the announcers wonder who did it. Was it a Nexus member? Are they here in the building after all? No, it’s actually Alex Riley. The Miz shows up with his briefcase in hand, slow-clapping and smiling, clearly proud of what just happened. Randy Orton now has his sights set on Miz… but that means he’s out of the title picture for now!

Raw – January 3, 2011

The first Raw of the new year kicks off with The Nexus showing up for the first time in two weeks. Wade Barrett, still a bit hurt but walking with renewed swagger, leads his men to the ring. The crowd boos as Barrett starts cutting a promo:

You all thought I wouldn’t make it to 2011 as WWE Champion, didn’t you? TLC was supposed to be the end of Nexus. But guess what happened? I’m still champion, and once again, the so-called “top stars” were left lying in the wreckage. And now, Sheamus has won the right to face me at the Royal Rumble. Let’s face it – you don’t stand a chance. We took you down a few months ago. At the Royal Rumble, we’ll take you down… again!

Later in the night, The Nexus are in their locker room. All members sit quietly, except David Otunga. He’s still confident after what he did at TLC and what Barrett told him the next night. Otunga starts offering advice as if he’s co-leading the group, but Barrett notices the tension in the room and shuts it down quickly.

Focus on the big picture. Sheamus is next, and I need all of you to keep your heads. One wrong move, and we’re all gone for a month. I can beat Sheamus on my own, don’t worry.

Wade Barrett vs. Primo

Barrett’s in action for the first time since TLC. He scores an easy win in just two minutes with the Wasteland. Sheamus runs in to fight Barrett afterwards… but this is not a match! The Nexus get up on the apron and attack Sheamus, with Mark Henry watching the monitor backstage. Nexus are finally stopped by a major return:

CM Punk is back for the first time since Nexus took him out at Bragging Rights.

Did you miss me? I sure as hell didn’t miss you [while looking at Nexus]. The last time I saw you, you ended the Straight Edge Society and tried to end my career. Here’s the thing about me: I don’t need any backup, and unless you’re blind or stupid… I’m still standing! Wade Barrett, you try so hard to be CM Punk. You’re never going to be half the leader that I was. And you’re not half the wrestler that I am. None of you are! I know half the roster wants to do it, but I’m gonna make sure The Nexus will go down because of C…M… PUNK!

Punk tosses the mic and mouths I’M BAAACK as the crowd chants his name.

Raw – January 10, 2011

Sheamus opens the show and says he won’t make the same mistake again. At the Royal Rumble, when it comes down to just him and Barrett, Sheamus will finally regain the WWE Championship.

Backstage, Wade Barrett is talking to the Nexus members about the Royal Rumble Match:
I’ve decided to enter every single one of you into the Royal Rumble. Here’s the plan: the Royal Rumble is our battlefield, but Nexus will NOT be in it to win! Our job is to make sure everyone from Raw gets eliminated. I don’t want a single challenger left standing for WrestleMania.

The crowd boos heavily as the camera lingers on Gabriel and Bryan, who know they can hang with the best wrestlers on the roster.

CM Punk walks by in the hallway. He leans into the wall, his arms crossed, and tells them:
So THAT is your big plan? Throw out everyone from Raw and make sure Wade Barrett doesn’t have to defend the title at WrestleMania. I gotta say… it’s clever. Cowardly, but clever. Here’s your problem – I’m in the Rumble, and I’m a Raw guy now. So the second one of you steps through those ropes, I’m coming after you.

Main event: Wade Barrett vs. Mark Henry

Big test for Barrett ahead of the title defense against Sheamus. Henry dominates with raw power, slamming Barrett around the ring. Barrett stalls several times, still selling the pain from TLC. Sheamus joins us at ringside, and Henry accidentally hits Sheamus outside the ring. The distraction allows Barrett to rake Henry’s eyes and steal the win after a cheap roll-up with a handful of tights.

After the match, Sheamus and Henry shove each other. Henry says it was an accident and dares Sheamus to Brogue Kick him again and he’ll break him in half, leaving the tension high.

Raw – January 17, 2011

The episode starts with a shot of the WWE Championship belt on Wade Barrett‘s shoulder. Barrett, smug and confident as ever, speaks:

One week from Sunday, The Nexus will make history at the Royal Rumble. First of all, I will retain my WWE Championship when I take down Sheamus yet again. And then, in the Rumble Match, The Nexus will work together to eliminate every single Raw guy. Mark Henry, John Morrison, R-Truth, Evan Bourne, even Randy Orton… when the Rumble ends, I’ll be left with no challenger for WrestleMania 27, and the era of Wade Barrett will continue.

He smirks, patting the WWE Title. But before Nexus can leave, CM Punk‘s music hits and the crowd erupts. Punk, as always, has something to say:

So we’re all living in your era, did I get that right? Barrett, your so-called era only exists because of five men constantly fighting your own battles for you. You call that dominance? I call it desperation and insecurity. I’ve been there too, you know, but I was exposed and became a better man. At the Royal Rumble, CM Punk will expose you. And then, Wade, it’s your choice: you’ll either become a better man like I have, or I’ll humiliate you in front of the whole world at WrestleMania!

The crowd pops hard as Punk leans on the stage barricade.

You’re looking at the man who’s gonna walk into Boston, kick all your rookies in the teeth and leave you alone with the one thing you’ve been running from since day one… FIGHTING LIKE A MAN!

Later in the night, Mark Henry beats The Great Khali and Sheamus is seen watching the monitor backstage. The commentators note things will explode between the two sooner or later.

Main event: CM Punk vs. David Otunga

Punk is in control for most of this match, constantly taunting The Nexus at ringside. They keep thinking about interfering, but remember the suspension rule and stop. Punk wins clean with the Go To Sleep and stands tall on the turnbuckle. Are we looking at the winner of the Royal Rumble?

Closing segment

In the back, The Miz & Alex Riley are seen laughing. Miz says Punk is now taking out Nexus one-by-one for them, and Sheamus will be out of the title scene after the Royal Rumble. Riley asks if he’s going to cash-in soon. Miz smirks and says:

Not yet. First, I want Barrett to be distracted, paranoid and angry. Then, when the timing is right… I’ll make sure 2011 will forever be remembered as the Year of Awesome!

The show goes off the air shortly afterwards.

Raw – January 24, 2011

The final episode of Raw before the Royal Rumble 2011 PPV.

Raw opens with a dramatic video package highlighting Sheamus’ dominance over Wade Barrett during last month’s TLC match, Wade Barrett narrowly escaping with the title, CM Punk’s return and Sheamus’ tension with Mark Henry. Sheamus marches to the ring to cut a promo:

If there’s something The Celtic Warrior loves, it’s a fight. I’ve fought everyone and I’m not afraid of anyone. And, unlike Nexus, I won’t be suspended if I kick someone tonight. This Sunday, I’ll finally get my hands on Wade Barrett in a singles match. I’m taking back my WWE Title, and there’s not a damn thing The Nexus can do about it.

The Nexus’ music interrupts him. Wade Barrett walks out all by himself, holding the WWE Championship.

Sheamus, I’ve listened to your threats. I’ve just got a question for now: are you sure you’re the man who can finally take Wade Barrett and The Nexus down? I’m not so sure, especially now that you’ve got a lot on your mind! This Sunday, I’ll beat you and leave Boston with my WWE Championship.

Sheamus dares Barrett to enter the ring and fight right now. Barrett teases it but backs away, and we hear him saying “only when it matters“.

CM Punk is interviewed by Todd Grisham immediately afterwards.

Barrett thinks he’s untouchable. He thinks hiding behind five guys makes him some kind of king. At the Royal Rumble, there will be no kings. Just 29 targets. And I’ll make sure The Nexus is eliminated… for good.

Then, this video plays:

Backstage, Santino Marella says he’d like to get inducted into the Hall of Fame one day. Mark Henry snaps, saying if Santino doesn’t shut up once and for all, the only thing he’ll join is the Hall of Pain. Tonight, he finally gets the chance to show what he can do against The Nexus.

Main event: Mark Henry vs. Heath Slater

The Nexus are at ringside. Mark Henry dominates the whole match, tossing poor Slater around like a ragdoll. The Nexus members get up on the apron, but keep reminding each other they can’t do anything about it. Henry beats them up as well before finally planting Slater with the World’s Strongest Slam for the win.

Sheamus appears on the stage post-match, clapping. But Henry is tired of Sheamus, so he shoves him. Sheamus thinks about it for a second before suddenly hitting Henry with another Brogue Kick. Sheamus is confident, and he’s not afraid of anyone!

Royal Rumble – January 30, 2011

WWE Championship: Wade Barrett(c) vs. Sheamus

Sheamus walks out first, ready to fight. Wade Barrett comes out last, all by himself. From the opening bell, Sheamus dominates using his power. The commentators remind viewers that Barrett can’t rely on Nexus tonight thanks to Vince McMahon’s 30-day suspension threat, so he must step up his game. Halfway through the match, Barrett turns things around when he starts targeting Sheamus’ left knee, slowing the pace.

He rams the leg into the post and drops several elbows. Sheamus refuses to go down, though. He catches Barrett with the Irish Curse backbreaker and gets a nearfall. They start going for their finishing moves, and Sheamus’ foot takes the referee down as Barrett was going for the Wasteland. Sheamus pushes him and connects with the Brogue Kick, but there’s no referee. Sheamus is ready to hit another one but…

Mark Henry yanks Sheamus’ leg from the outside. World’s Strongest Slam to Sheamus on the floor. Henry follows it up with a big splash through the announce table.

WELCOME TO THE HALL… OF PAIN! – Henry yells as he walks away.

Barrett puts Sheamus back inside the ring while the crowd boos him. Barrett picks him up, hits one final Wasteland and covers for the 1-2-3. Wade Barrett is still WWE Champion.

Main event: 30-Man Royal Rumble Match

(That’s right, 30-man! The Corre isn’t a thing in this fantasy booking, so the 2011 Royal Rumble Match doesn’t need 40 dudes)

Heath Slater, Darren Young and Justin Gabriel enter early, working together from the start and scoring a few eliminations. CM Punk enters at #9 to a big reaction and he runs wild for a while, but the numbers are too much. Daniel Bryan and David Otunga join mid-match and the group becomes even stronger, but Punk keeps fighting. The Nexus finally miss something and Punk catches Young with a quick knee, eliminating the first Nexus member! The crowd erupts, Punk is fired up… but the countdown hits zero.

CAN YOU DIG IT!?

It’s the returning Booker T. The place explodes with a nostalgia pop like in real life. The commentators immediately note Punk’s promo on Raw: “There will be no kings in the Rumble!” and say that fate had other plans. Booker does the Spinaroonie and has his moment before getting eliminated, but Booker’s cameo cut off Punk’s momentum. Big Show seizes the opportunity and eliminates Punk, who’s protected by not being eliminated at the hands of Nexus.

The Nexus regroup with Punk gone, and actually stay until the very end. We hear the Royal Rumble countdown one final time. #30 is…

John Cena is back for the first time since SummerSlam. He storms in like a wrecking ball, hitting all the Nexus members one by one. He doesn’t go after anyone else, wanting payback for what the group did to him at SummerSlam. He eliminates every single one of them, before looking at the camera:

Wade Barrett, I’m coming for you next…

Just when everyone thinks Cena is obviously going to win the Rumble and face Barrett at WrestleMania, his focus on Nexus costs him. A SmackDown heel – Kane, why not – blindsides Cena from behind and eliminates John Cena, who was the final Raw wrestler left standing.

Backstage, Wade Barrett is laughing.

Mission accomplished – he says. But the other members are not so sure. Everyone is coming after The Nexus!

Thanks for reading. I hope you’re enjoying.

Who will challenge Wade Barrett for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 27? Will Barrett even make it to WrestleMania as the champion? Will Nexus interfere in another match or will they keep it clean? Let me know in the comments. Stay tuned for more!