With The Rock laid out in the center of the ring, Zlatan, ever the showman, decides to add insult to injury. He positions himself over The Rock’s prone body, a smirk playing on his lips as he raises his arms and makes an "M" sign, a clear nod to his hometown of Malmö. The crowd roars in approval, loving every second of Zlatan’s dominance.
Zlatan then dramatically swings his arms, imitating The Rock’s signature style, before bouncing off one side of the ropes, then the other. The anticipation in the arena builds to a fever pitch as the fans realize what’s coming next. Zlatan stops over The Rock and, with a flourish, drops down, delivering The People’s Elbow—his version of the most electrifying move in sports entertainment today.
The Rock’s body jerks with one of his exaggerated sellings, his limbs flailing slightly before he slumps back to the mat, completely laid out. The crowd explodes in a mix of cheers and laughter, thoroughly entertained by Zlatan’s mockery of The Great One’s signature move.
Jim Ross can barely contain his excitement, “Zlatan just hit The People’s Elbow on The Rock! What a statement by the WWE Champion!”
Jerry Lawler, in disbelief, exclaims, “He can’t do that! That’s The Rock’s move! Somebody stop this madness!”
Satisfied with his work, Zlatan gets to his feet, his mission accomplished. He glances down at The Rock, who is still motionless on the mat, then turns his attention to The Hurricane, who is slowly getting up on the outside of the ring. Zlatan slides out of the ring and helps The Hurricane to his feet, the two sharing a moment of mutual respect.
The Hurricane, still feeling the effects of The Rock’s attack but clearly appreciative of Zlatan’s help, gives him a nod and a thumbs-up, recognizing a fellow superhero in the WWE universe.
Zlatan, with a satisfied grin, gives The Hurricane a pat on the back before turning and walking back up the ramp toward his seat near the commentary box. The fans cheer him on, fully behind the WWE Champion after the dominant display. He takes his seat once again, having done exactly what he set out to do—settling the score with The Rock in front of the entire WWE Universe.
Jim Ross, wrapping up the segment, says, “Zlatan Ibrahimovic came out here tonight with a purpose, and he’s done exactly what he set out to do. He’s shown The Rock, and everyone watching, that you don’t mess with the Lion of Rosengård without facing the consequences!”
King, still in shock, mutters, “I can’t believe what we just saw, JR… Zlatan just humiliated The Rock on his own turf!”
As the show continues, Zlatan sits back, still keeping a watchful eye on the action, but now with a sense of satisfaction knowing he’s made his point loud and clear. The crowd remains buzzing, knowing they’ve just witnessed a moment that will be talked about for a long time to come.
XXXX
After the commercial break, the camera catches The Rock stumbling out of the ring, having finally regained his equilibrium. He’s clearly shaken and visibly limping as he makes his way up the ramp, the fans in the arena chanting “Ibra! Ibra!” with enthusiasm. Zlatan, still seated near the commentary box, watches The Rock’s slow retreat with a smirk of amusem*nt, clearly enjoying the sight of The Great One struggling to the back.
Jerry "The King" Lawler, still grumbling about the earlier events, mutters under his breath about how things have gone completely off the rails tonight. Sensing an opportunity to smooth things over with King, Zlatan reaches down and pulls out an extra copy of the Playboy magazine he had earlier. With a grin, Zlatan hands it over to King.
King’s eyes light up as he takes the magazine, momentarily forgetting his frustration. “Well, this is a start, Zlatan!” King says, flipping through the pages eagerly. It’s clear that Zlatan’s gesture has helped to ease the tension between them, at least for now.
Just then, the arena lights up as Trish Stratus’s entrance music hits, and the crowd erupts in cheers. Lilian Garcia’s voice rings out, “The following intergender tag team contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Toronto, Canada, Trish Stratus!”
Trish, looking as confident and radiant as ever, makes her way down the ramp. As she nears the ring, she spots Zlatan seated nearby. With a playful smile, she walks over to him and leans in, giving Zlatan a quick peck on the cheek before heading into the ring. The crowd reacts with a mix of cheers and surprised murmurs, as the brief moment confirms the rumors that have been circulating about Zlatan and Trish seeing each other.
Jim Ross, noticing the moment, comments, “Well, King, it looks like there might be something to those rumors after all!”
King, now distracted by both the magazine and the interaction between Trish and Zlatan, chuckles, “I’ve got to say, JR, Zlatan’s having quite the night!”
Trish, with a confident smile, steps into the ring, ready for the upcoming match, while Zlatan settles back into his seat, clearly enjoying the chaos he’s stirred up tonight. The crowd remains buzzing, not only from the earlier brawl between Zlatan and The Rock but also from the intriguing developments between the WWE Champion and Trish Stratus. The energy in the arena is electric as the show continues, with everyone eager to see what happens next.
Trish’s partner, Jazz, makes her entrance, her intense expression and powerful physique commanding attention. Lilian Garcia announces, “And her partner, from New Orleans… Jazz!” The crowd responds with a mixed reaction, knowing that Jazz is always a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
Moments later, the entrance music changes, signaling the arrival of their opponents, Steven Richards and the WWE Women’s Champion, Victoria. Lilian continues, “And their opponents… the team of Steven Richards and the WWE Women’s Champion, Victoria!”
As they make their way down the ramp, Zlatan, still seated near the commentary box, shakes his head knowingly. He’s heard the stories about Victoria and Steven Richards being a bit… unhinged. Jim Ross takes the opportunity to remind the audience, “Don’t forget, folks, in just 13 days at WrestleMania, Victoria will defend her Women’s Title in a triple-threat match against Jazz and Trish at Safeco Field!”
Before the match can begin, Victoria snatches a microphone from ringside, a sneer spreading across her face as she addresses the crowd. “At WrestleMania, I will retain my Women’s Title, because I am the most dominant champion in the WWE! Not like these so-called Divas who can’t even lace up their boots properly!” She throws a glance at Trish, who stands unfazed in her corner.
Victoria then turns her attention to Zlatan, her sneer widening. “And as for Trish’s little pet over there…” she points directly at Zlatan. “The so-called ‘Lion of Rosengård,’” she says with mockery, “when in truth, he’s just a kitten… Trish’s pet project, clearly on a leash, doing whatever she says!”
The crowd reacts with a mix of boos and laughter, but Zlatan remains unimpressed. He rolls his eyes, knowing Victoria is trying to get under his skin, but he’s heard far worse in his career and has no intention of taking the bait.
King, meanwhile, is too distracted by the sight of Trish in the ring and murmurs, “Puppies!” under his breath, missing most of Victoria's taunts.
Victoria, sensing that her words haven’t quite had the desired effect, smirks and hands the microphone to Steven Richards, who eagerly takes it, his eyes wide with intensity. “Zlatan, I don’t know why you’re here on RAW,” Richards begins, his voice dripping with condescension, “Parading around with your Malmö pride, acting like you’re some kind of big deal. Newsflash: this isn’t Sweden, and nobody cares about your little hometown or your little nickname!”
He continues, “You think you can come to RAW and make a name for yourself at The Rock’s expense? You think you can get away with mocking us? Well, let me tell you something, Zlatan, we’re not impressed, and we’re not intimidated by some overhyped soccer star pretending to be a WWE Champion!”
Richards’ words hang in the air, but Zlatan remains calm, his expression barely changing. It’s clear he’s not fazed by these insults — if anything, he looks almost amused by the attempts to rile him up. The fans are chanting “Ibra! Ibra!” in support of Zlatan, knowing he’s more than capable of handling himself.
Jim Ross chimes in, “Well, King, looks like Steven Richards is trying to take a few shots at Zlatan here, but I don’t think our WWE Champion is going to lose any sleep over it.”
King, still distracted, nods absently, “Yeah, yeah, JR… But did you see Trish?”
With the match moments away from starting, the tension is palpable. The fans are eager to see if Victoria and Richards’ taunts will have any impact or if Zlatan will continue to prove that he’s not someone to be messed with, no matter where he is.
XXXX
As the intergender tag team match unfolds in the ring, Jim Ross takes a moment to remind viewers of the colossal WWE Title match set for WrestleMania between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and “The Next Big Thing,” Brock Lesnar. His voice filled with excitement, JR says, “Folks, don’t forget, in just 13 days at WrestleMania, we’re going to witness one of the most anticipated matches in WWE history. The WWE Champion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, will face off against Brock Lesnar in a battle of two of the brightest stars in this business today!”
Jerry "The King" Lawler, nodding along, adds, “Oh, that’s gonna be a huge fight, JR! Both of these guys have had an incredible year!”
JR continues, “No doubt about it, King. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a Triple Crown Champion, having won the Intercontinental Title, the WWE Tag Team Titles with Kurt Angle, and the WWE Championship. Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar is a former King of the Ring winner, a former WWE Champion, and, of course, the winner of this year’s Royal Rumble. Both men have proven themselves time and again.”
The camera briefly cuts to Zlatan, still seated near the commentary box, keeping a watchful eye on the action in the ring while also maintaining his focus on the upcoming showdown.
JR goes on, “Brock Lesnar is looking to regain the title he lost at Survivor Series, while Zlatan is determined to retain his crown and prove he’s the king of the WWE jungle. And it all goes down in Seattle, in front of over 50,000 fans at Safeco Field!”
King jumps back in, “It’s going to be an epic clash, JR! Both these guys are hungry, both are at the top of their game, and neither is going to back down. I can’t wait!”
The match in the ring continues with Victoria, Jazz, Trish, and Steven Richards exchanging blows, but the hype for WrestleMania continues to build as fans across the world anticipate the epic encounter between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Brock Lesnar, knowing that it could be a defining moment for both Superstars in their quest to be the true king of WWE.
XXXX
The intergender tag team match comes to a controversial end as Steven Richards and Victoria pick up the victory. The conclusion is set in motion when Jazz, deciding to ditch her partner Trish Stratus, abandons the match, leaving Trish at the mercy of Victoria and Steven Richards. Victoria seizes the opportunity, delivering her devastating finishing move, the Widow’s Peak, to Trish and securing the pinfall for her team.
With the match over, Victoria and Steven Richards aren't done yet. Victoria quickly grabs a steel chair from ringside and slides it into the ring, while Steven Richards positions Trish in a front face lock, clearly setting her up for his finishing move, the Stevie-T. Victoria carefully places the chair under Trish's head, a wicked grin spreading across her face, ready to do some serious damage.
Zlatan, seeing Trish in danger, springs into action. He jumps out of his seat and makes a dash toward the ring, sliding under the bottom rope just as Steven is about to execute his move. Without a moment's hesitation, Zlatan charges at Steven and hits a Lou Thesz Press, taking Richards down to the mat. The crowd erupts in cheers as Zlatan unloads with piston-like right hands, each punch landing with force and precision.
Jim Ross is excited, shouting, "Zlatan is in the ring! And he's unloading on Steven Richards with those right hands! He's here to save Trish!"
Steven Richards tries to fight back, but Zlatan is relentless. He whips Steven into the ropes, but Steven reverses it, sending Zlatan toward the ropes instead. Steven leaps for a dropkick, but Zlatan smartly catches himself on the ropes, causing Steven to miss completely and crash to the mat. Seizing the moment, Zlatan delivers a brutal soccer kick right to Steven's groin.
King's eyes widen in shock, and he exclaims, "Oh! Oh NO! I don’t think Steven is looking to have kids with Victoria anytime soon!"
Victoria, seeing her partner in trouble, hops onto Zlatan's back, trying to pummel him with her fists. But her punches feel like minor bug bites to Zlatan, who smiles to himself, barely affected by the attack. With an amused shake of his head, Zlatan reaches up and snap mares Victoria over his shoulder, sending her rolling across the mat.
Jim Ross, calling the action with excitement, says, “Zlatan’s not letting anyone mess with him tonight! He’s cleaning house!”
Victoria, furious and humiliated, gets back to her feet, bad-mouthing Zlatan. “You’re just Trish’s little pet!” she yells, trying to get under his skin. But Zlatan, uninterested, bobs his head and sidesteps calmly just as Steven Richards charges back in, causing Steven to crash into Victoria with an awkward splash in the corner.
King, with his usual flair, laughs, “Oh, what a collision! Victoria just got squashed like a bug!”
Shaking his head with a smirk, Zlatan positions himself behind Steven, waiting for the perfect moment. As Richards stumbles out of the corner, dazed and confused, Zlatan strikes with lightning speed, delivering his signature move, The Lion’s Roar, a devastating superkick that connects squarely with Steven Richards’ jaw, knocking him out cold.
Jim Ross calls it in real-time, "There it is! The Lion’s Roar! Zlatan just laid out Steven Richards!"
King reacts with dramatic flair, "I can't believe it! Zlatan is making a statement here on RAW!"
With both Victoria and Steven Richards down, Zlatan stands tall, his expression calm but resolute, having protected Trish from further harm and sent a clear message to anyone who thinks they can cross him. The fans cheer wildly, fully behind the WWE Champion, knowing he’s not someone to be messed with.
Zlatan looks down at the fallen Richards and Victoria before giving one last nod to the crowd, his point made loud and clear.
XXXX
Backstage, in his office, Eric Bischoff is listening intently as Chief Morley, still looking a bit worse for wear, recounts the chaos Zlatan Ibrahimovic has caused tonight on RAW. Morley is visibly frustrated, his voice tense as he lays out the series of events that have unfolded.
“Eric,” Morley begins, rubbing his jaw where Zlatan’s punches landed earlier, “you won’t believe the night we’ve had thanks to that… that lunatic Zlatan! First, he shows up out of nowhere, calling out The Rock, and then he disrespects me — the Chief of Bischoff’s Administration — by attacking me and Storm in front of everyone! And as if that wasn’t enough, he takes matters into his own hands again by interfering in Steven Richards and Victoria's match. The Rock is furious, saying Zlatan humiliated him in front of millions!”
Bischoff’s expression darkens as he listens, his frustration evident. He leans back in his chair, his fingers drumming on the desk as Morley continues. “Zlatan has completely ignored your authority, Eric! He’s treating RAW like his playground, showing up whenever he wants, doing whatever he wants. He’s making a mockery of everything we’re trying to do here!”
Eric Bischoff, a man who has had his share of run-ins with Zlatan in the past, finally speaks up, his voice edged with irritation. “Oh, trust me, I know all too well about Zlatan’s little antics. He’s always been a problem, even when he was on RAW. You think I wanted to keep him around after he laid his hands on me at Madison Square Garden? I was glad to send him to SmackDown, hoping Stephanie McMahon could handle his ego.”
He stands up, his frustration boiling over. “But now, here he is, coming back to RAW and causing more chaos than ever! He’s challenging The Rock, defying my authority, attacking you, Storm, and now Steven Richards. It’s like he’s trying to make a point that he can do whatever he wants!”
Morley, sensing an opportunity, nods in agreement. “Exactly, Eric! We can’t let him get away with this. We need to make an example out of him before he thinks he owns both brands!”
Bischoff sighs, rubbing his temples in frustration. “You’re right, Morley. Zlatan thinks he’s untouchable because he’s the WWE Champion and because he’s got that big title defense against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. But we can’t let him run wild on RAW… not on my watch.”
Bischoff paces back and forth, clearly contemplating his next move. “Alright, here’s what we’re going to do. I’m going to have a little chat with Stephanie McMahon. Maybe we can come up with something that’ll put Zlatan back in his place… remind him who’s really in charge around here.”
Morley smirks, satisfied that Bischoff is finally ready to take action against Zlatan. “That’s what I’m talking about, Eric. We need to shut him down, and fast.”
Bischoff nods, still looking frustrated but now with a plan forming in his mind. “You’re right, Morley. We can’t let Zlatan turn RAW into his personal playground. This is far from over. Zlatan may have had his fun tonight, but we’ll see who gets the last laugh.”
The camera zooms in on Bischoff’s face, his expression serious and determined, as he plots his next move against Zlatan, knowing he needs to act quickly to regain control and send a message to the entire WWE roster.
XXXX
After the commercial break, the camera cuts back to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is seated comfortably near the commentary box, with Trish Stratus now by his side. The two of them look quite relaxed, enjoying the show as the crowd continues to buzz from the events of the night. Jerry "The King" Lawler, still eager to get some scoop, leans over, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
“Hey, Zlatan!” King calls out, “How about an exclusive? Just a few words with Trish, huh?”
Zlatan, still calm and composed, shakes his head with a slight smirk. “Nah, King. Not gonna happen.”
King, persistent as ever, tries again. “Come on, Zlatan, just a quick word! I mean, the people want to know! Give me a break here!”
Zlatan glances at Trish, then back at King, as if considering the request. Finally, he turns to Trish, “What do you think, Trish? You want to give the King an exclusive?”
Trish thinks for a moment, playfully tapping her chin with her finger before shaking her head with a smile. “Sorry, King,” she says, “Not today.”
King groans, clearly disappointed, “Aw, come on! You two are killing me here!”
Just then, the arena is filled with the sound of "I'm Back," Eric Bischoff’s theme song, and the crowd immediately responds with a chorus of boos. The RAW General Manager appears on the entrance stage, flanked by a small group of security guards, his expression one of determination and frustration. Bischoff looks like a man with a mission, and the crowd senses that things are about to escalate.
Jim Ross quickly jumps in, “Oh boy, here comes trouble, King. Eric Bischoff, the General Manager of RAW, and it looks like he’s brought some backup!”
King, sensing a confrontation, excitedly adds, “You knew it was only a matter of time, JR! Bischoff isn’t going to let Zlatan get away with everything he’s pulled tonight!”
Eric Bischoff, holding a microphone, raises his hand to silence the crowd, his face still red from his earlier conversation with Chief Morley and his phone call with Stephanie McMahon. “Cut my music!” he demands, and the music abruptly stops, the boos from the crowd continuing to fill the arena.
Bischoff glares down at Zlatan, who remains seated with a look of casual amusem*nt, Trish by his side, clearly unimpressed by Bischoff's arrival.
“Zlatan,” Bischoff begins, “I just got off the phone with Stephanie McMahon, and believe me, we are both on the same page when it comes to you and your antics tonight!”
Zlatan leans back, looking completely unfazed, while Trish chuckles beside him, clearly enjoying the situation.
Bischoff continues, “You think you can just waltz onto my show, attack my staff, interfere in matches, and make a mockery of everything we’re doing here on RAW? Well, I’ve got news for you, Zlatan… that’s not how things work around here. Not while I’m in charge!”
The crowd boos louder, but Bischoff pushes on, his face tightening with anger. “I’m giving you two choices, Zlatan. You can either get up, leave my show quietly… or these security guards will escort you out, right now!”
Jim Ross comments, “Bischoff is laying down the law, King! He’s had enough of Zlatan tonight!”
King nods eagerly, “Oh, this is gonna be good! Let’s see what Zlatan does now!”
The camera cuts to Zlatan, who appears to be considering his options, his expression still calm and confident, knowing he holds the cards. The fans chant "Ibra! Ibra!" in support, waiting to see how the WWE Champion will respond to Bischoff’s ultimatum.
Zlatan, still seated comfortably, raises the microphone with a calm smile, his voice filled with a hint of mockery. “Eric… dearest of all my friends,” he begins, and the crowd laughs, sensing the sarcasm dripping from his words. “I notice your hair is still dyed black to conceal that you’re going gray. Trying to hang onto that youth, huh?”
The fans erupt into laughter at Zlatan's jab, and even Jim Ross chuckles on commentary. Eric Bischoff’s face turns a shade redder, clearly annoyed but trying to maintain his composure.
Zlatan continues, “So, you brought a small army to handle one man? You haven’t changed a bit, Bischoff… always using muscle instead of brains to solve your problems, aren’t you? But allow me to fill in the gaps for you.” He leans forward, his tone becoming more serious as he lays out his case.
“This so-called chaos you’re complaining about wouldn’t have started if Chief Morley hadn’t overstepped his boundaries and ignored my very polite warnings to back off,” Zlatan says, raising his eyebrow slightly, the crowd cheering in agreement. “Second of all, The Rock had it coming. He cost me my match against Kurt Angle last week on SmackDown… so technically, The Rock broke the rules, and I just returned the favor.”
The crowd starts chanting “Ibra! Ibra!” again, supporting the WWE Champion’s logic. Zlatan nods, letting the fans have their moment before continuing.
“And third,” Zlatan says, turning slightly to glance at Trish, “Steven and his sidekick, or should I say side chick, Victoria — or as I like to call them, the Looney Bins — were about to give Trish a concussion with that chair if I hadn’t stepped in. So, if you think about it, I didn’t overstep at all.”
Bischoff’s face tightens with frustration, but Zlatan isn’t done. “So, Eric, let me ask you a question… How are you going to spin this around? Because I’m sure that Stephanie McMahon was following all of this and only said what you needed to hear on that phone call.”
The fans cheer loudly again, and Jim Ross nods along, impressed by Zlatan's calm but pointed rebuttal. “I have to say, King, Zlatan’s got a point here… he’s laying it all out clearly.”
King, reluctantly agreeing, mutters, “Well, I guess… but still, he’s got to be careful, JR. Bischoff’s not gonna take this lying down!”
Bischoff’s face is a mix of frustration and calculation. He knows that Zlatan has cleverly turned the situation on its head, and the fans are firmly behind him. He takes a deep breath, trying to figure out how to regain control of the situation. The tension in the arena is palpable, with everyone waiting to see how Bischoff will respond to Zlatan’s pointed challenge.
Bischoff, visibly frustrated but trying to maintain a veneer of calm, nods and raises his microphone again. "Alright, Zlatan, I hear you. But you’ve got to understand that there are still rules around here. I’m the General Manager of RAW, and you need to remember that it’s my rules that you have to follow."
Zlatan, clearly uninterested in Bischoff’s words, bobs his head nonchalantly, showing he isn’t impressed or intimidated. The crowd picks up on Zlatan's dismissive attitude and begins to cheer, sensing that he’s about to speak his mind again.
Bischoff, trying to continue, raises his hand to emphasize his point, but Zlatan cuts him off mid-sentence. “Eric,” Zlatan says with a calm yet commanding tone, “do me a favor. Give The Rock a message from me.”
Bischoff, caught off guard, stops talking, allowing Zlatan to continue. “If he decides to do what he did last week on SmackDown again… if he thinks he can come out here and mess with me one more time… then I’m going to hurt that boy. And I mean, I’m going to hurt him bad.”
The crowd erupts with a mixture of cheers and gasps, taken aback by the intensity in Zlatan’s voice. The WWE Champion is clearly not playing games, and the message is loud and clear.
Jim Ross, his voice filled with urgency, exclaims, “Zlatan’s laying down the law, King! He’s not backing down, not even for a second!”
King, looking a bit nervous, mutters, “Oh boy… The Rock better watch his back. Zlatan’s not messing around here!”
Bischoff’s face hardens as he listens to Zlatan’s threat. He is suddenly reminded that Zlatan is not someone who can be easily controlled or intimidated, and the crowd's reaction is only strengthening Zlatan's position.
The tension is palpable, and everyone in the arena knows that this isn’t just a verbal warning — it’s a promise. Zlatan has made it clear that he won’t tolerate any more disrespect, and he’s prepared to back up his words with action if necessary.
Zlatan, clearly enjoying himself, raises his microphone one more time with a smirk. "Oh, and Eric, before you forget… you've got a No DQ match later tonight against 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin. So do me a favor… head to the back, get dressed, and get ready because Austin is about to open a can on you."
Bischoff's face twists into a scowl at the reminder of his impending match against Austin. The thought of facing "Stone Cold" in a No Disqualification match is clearly not sitting well with him. Trying not to let Zlatan get the last word, he quickly motions to his small group of security guards and barks out, "Alright, that’s it! Security, escort this… so-called champion out of the building!"
The fans erupt in boos at Bischoff's decision, voicing their displeasure. Zlatan shakes his head, looking amused, as the security team moves toward him.
Jim Ross, clearly not happy with Bischoff’s decision, shouts into the mic, "Oh, come on, Bischoff! You can’t just throw the WWE Champion out of the building like that!"
King, on the other hand, supports the move. "Well, JR, Bischoff’s just doing what he has to do! Zlatan’s been causing trouble all night! It’s about time someone put their foot down!"
Zlatan mutters loud enough for the camera to catch, “Wow… this is how Bischoff treats his brand's champions? No wonder WCW went out of business." The fans cheer at Zlatan’s dig, loving every moment of it.
Turning to Trish, Zlatan grins, “I’ll see you at your hotel room later, Trish.” She smiles back, clearly entertained by Zlatan’s attitude and fearlessness.
Zlatan then holds up his hands, complying with the security guards, who begin to escort him out of the building. The crowd continues to boo, letting Bischoff know exactly what they think of his decision, while Zlatan exits with a calm demeanor, knowing he’s already made his point tonight.
Jim Ross continues, “This is ridiculous, King! Bischoff’s letting his ego get in the way again!”
King, still defending Bischoff, replies, “Oh, come on, JR! Zlatan had this coming! You can’t just show up on RAW and do whatever you want without consequences!”
As Zlatan is led away, the camera cuts back to Bischoff, who is still scowling, clearly frustrated that Zlatan got under his skin yet again. The tension remains high as the show rolls on, and everyone knows that the confrontation between Zlatan, The Rock, and Bischoff is far from over.
XXXX
After the commercial break, The show returns to its live broadcast, and the camera cuts to a shot of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the WWE Champion, being escorted by a group of security personnel through the backstage corridors. Zlatan walks with his head held high, a calm yet confident expression on his face, as the security team surrounds him, ensuring he leaves the premises.
Jim Ross picks up on commentary, “Well, folks, we’re back live, and as you can see, the WWE Champion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is being escorted out of the arena by security. After everything that’s happened tonight, Eric Bischoff has decided to have Zlatan removed from the building.”
Jerry "The King" Lawler, still supporting Bischoff’s decision, chimes in, “And rightly so, JR! Zlatan’s been causing chaos all night! Bischoff had no choice but to send him packing!”
JR responds, clearly frustrated, “Oh, come on, King! Zlatan was just here to set the record straight and defend himself! He didn’t deserve to be thrown out like this!”
As Zlatan continues to walk down the corridor, he glances around with an amused smirk, taking in the surroundings one last time before his forced exit. The fans in the arena can be heard chanting "Ibra! Ibra!" in support, even as he’s being led away.
Before he reaches the exit, Zlatan pauses, turning to one of the security guards. “You know,” he mutters with a slight grin, “it’s going to take more than this to keep me away. WrestleMania’s coming, and I’m just getting started.”
The security guards urge him forward, and Zlatan shrugs, walking toward the exit, still maintaining his confident demeanor despite the circ*mstances.
Jim Ross concludes, “Well, love him or hate him, you have to admire the confidence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. WrestleMania is just around the corner, and you can bet he’s got a lot more planned between now and then!”
The camera cuts back to the arena, with the crowd still buzzing from the night's events, eagerly awaiting the next twist in the road to WrestleMania.
XXXX
Meanwhile, in a modest home somewhere in St. Louis, Emily Ford is sitting on the couch, gently rocking her nearly three-month-old son, Victor Ibrahimovic, in her arms. The soft glow of the television illuminates the room, currently tuned to Monday Night RAW, where the familiar figure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is being escorted out of the arena by security. Emily watches the broadcast with a mix of emotions — surprise, curiosity, and a touch of something more personal.
Yes, that’s right. Victor Ibrahimovic is Zlatan’s son.
It had been almost a year ago when Emily met Zlatan while he was in town. A brief but intense fling that left a mark on her life in more ways than one. When Emily discovered she was pregnant with Victor a few months later, she was taken aback, unsure of how to handle the news. At the time, her life was already filled with challenges, and the idea of becoming a mother had been far from her mind.
Initially, the thought of abortion crossed her mind — it seemed like the practical choice, given her circ*mstances. But as the weeks went by, and with the support of her friends and family, she decided to keep the baby. It wasn’t an easy decision, but as Victor came into the world, she knew she’d made the right choice.
Emily had decided to give her son Zlatan’s surname, partly as a nod to the man who fathered him, but also because she wanted Victor to have a sense of connection, no matter how tenuous, to his father’s side. She didn’t know what the future held, or if Zlatan would ever take an interest in their child, but she hoped that, one day, there could be some kind of understanding.
As she watches the broadcast, she wonders if Zlatan even knows. He might not even realize that somewhere in St. Louis, there is a little boy with his name, a little boy who carries his legacy.
Victor stirs in her arms, making a soft noise that brings her back to the present. Emily smiles down at her son, brushing a light kiss on his forehead. Whatever happens, she’s prepared to raise Victor with all the love and support she can muster. Because, despite everything, he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to her.
She looks back at the television, watching Zlatan’s face as he’s led out of the arena. “Maybe one day,” she whispers softly to herself, “you’ll get to meet him.”
But for now, she holds Victor close, taking comfort in the small, quiet moments they share in their little corner of the world.
XXXX
After the latest episode of RAW was concluded, the activity shifts to a quiet, upscale hotel room in St. Louis. The city lights shimmer through the window, casting a soft glow across the room. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Trish Stratus are there, enjoying a rare moment of peace away from the chaos and intensity of their WWE lives.
Zlatan, dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans, sits on the edge of the bed, his posture relaxed for the first time all night. Trish, still glowing from her match and their playful exchange earlier, leans back against the plush pillows, a warm smile playing on her lips. They’ve put the night’s drama behind them, enjoying each other's company away from the spotlight.
Trish reaches out, her fingers lightly tracing a path along Zlatan’s arm. “You were something out there tonight,” she says, her voice soft but teasing. “Making Bischoff squirm like that… you always know how to keep things interesting.”
Zlatan chuckles, his expression softening as he looks at her. “Just doing what I do best,” he replies, a hint of that trademark confidence in his voice. “Can’t let them think they can push me around, even on RAW.”
Trish nods in agreement, then leans forward, her face closer to his. “Well, you certainly made your point. But enough about that,” she whispers, her tone more intimate now. “We finally have a moment to ourselves.”
Zlatan’s eyes soften as he reaches up, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Yeah, we do,” he murmurs, his voice a little deeper. “No cameras, no distractions… just us.”
They sit in comfortable silence for a moment, soaking in the calm after the storm. Trish moves closer, resting her head on Zlatan’s shoulder. Zlatan wraps an arm around her, holding her close, the tension of the night slowly melting away. They exchange small, genuine smiles — a rare glimpse of the softer side of the WWE Champion and the charismatic Diva.
They talk quietly, sharing stories and laughs, enjoying the comfort of each other’s presence. It’s a moment of reprieve, of connection — away from the bright lights and roaring crowds, just two people finding a bit of peace together in an otherwise hectic world.
As the hours pass, their conversation drifts from wrestling to other topics, both of them content to simply be with each other. For tonight, in this quiet hotel room, they are more than just WWE superstars; they are just Zlatan and Trish, sharing a genuine moment together.
XXXX
March 20, 2003 - SmackDown Live from Louisville, Kentucky
The show opens with the camera panning across the enthusiastic crowd in the Freedom Hall, Louisville, Kentucky. The atmosphere is electric as the fans cheer loudly, holding up their signs and eagerly awaiting the night’s action. The camera then cuts to ringside, where Michael Cole and Tazz are seated, ready to call the action.
Michael Cole kicks things off, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are live from the Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky, just 10 days away from WrestleMania! And right now, we’ve got the WWE Champion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, standing in the ring, looking like he’s got a lot on his mind after what went down on RAW this past Monday.”
The camera cuts to the ring where Zlatan Ibrahimovic stands, dressed in his street clothes, with the WWE Championship resting on his shoulder. The crowd erupts in cheers as they see their champion, and Zlatan raises the microphone to his lips, his expression serious yet composed.
Zlatan begins, his voice calm but authoritative, “So, I assume everyone in the locker room saw RAW this past Monday. But for those of you who missed the episode, allow me to fill in the blanks.”
The crowd quiets down slightly as they listen intently. Zlatan continues, “This Monday, I decided to pay a little visit to RAW, and let’s just say things got… interesting. Chief Morley tried to play tough guy, The Rock thought he could blindside me, and Eric Bischoff—well, he decided it was a good idea to throw me out of the building after I made my point.”
The fans boo at the mention of Bischoff’s actions, clearly on Zlatan’s side. Zlatan pauses, a small smile playing on his lips as he hears the crowd reacting, before continuing with his summary.
“So, here’s the short version,” Zlatan says, his tone sharp and confident. “I showed up, I shut Morley and The Rock down, I saved Trish from getting her head bashed in, and then I got escorted out by Bischoff’s rent-a-cops. And trust me, it’s going to take a lot more than that to keep me quiet.”
The crowd starts to chant “Ibra! Ibra!” echoing throughout the Freedom Hall. Zlatan lowers the microphone and listens, letting the chants wash over him, his expression softening slightly as he takes in the support from the WWE Universe.
Michael Cole, commenting on the scene, says, “Listen to this crowd, Tazz! The fans here in Louisville are firmly behind Zlatan, and they should be! He’s been taking care of business on both RAW and SmackDown!”
Tazz nods, adding, “No doubt, Cole. Zlatan’s proven time and again why he’s the WWE Champion. He doesn’t back down from anyone, and he’s not afraid to step up and take action when he needs to!”
Zlatan raises the microphone again, addressing the fans with a slight grin, “You know, it’s moments like this that remind me why I do what I do. But let me tell you all something—this is just the beginning. WrestleMania is right around the corner, and Brock Lesnar is going to find out exactly why they call me the Lion of Rosengård.”
The crowd erupts once more, their chants of "Ibra!" growing even louder as the anticipation for WrestleMania continues to build. Zlatan stands tall in the ring, WWE Championship gleaming on his shoulder, as he soaks in the energy from the crowd, ready to continue his journey to the grandest stage of them all.
Zlatan, standing confidently in the middle of the ring, continues, “So, earlier tonight, I had a little conversation with our SmackDown GM, Stephanie McMahon. She personally assured me that there will be no more outside interference from RAW until after WrestleMania. And you know what? I’m fine with that. Because, you see, I did exactly what I set out to do on RAW.”
The crowd listens intently as Zlatan smirks and continues, “I took The Great One out for a little ride past Jabroni Drive, through Know Your Role Boulevard, and checked The Rock into the SmackDown Hotel, where I laid the smackdown on his bald, candy ass all over RAW!”
The fans explode with cheers, fully backing Zlatan’s words, chanting "Ibra! Ibra!" louder than ever. Zlatan is about to continue his promo, riding the wave of fan support, when suddenly, Kurt Angle’s theme song, “Medal,” blares through the arena speakers. The crowd’s cheers quickly turn into a chorus of boos as Kurt Angle appears at the top of the entrance ramp, microphone in hand.
The familiar “You Suck!” chants fill the Freedom Hall, directed at Angle, who seems unfazed by the hostile reception. He struts down the ramp with that confident, almost smug look on his face, pausing momentarily to soak in the crowd's disdain.
Michael Cole, from the commentary desk, chimes in, “Oh boy, here comes Kurt Angle, and he looks like he’s got something to say, Tazz!”
Tazz replies, “Of course he does, Cole. You know Kurt Angle never misses an opportunity to put himself in the spotlight.”
Angle stops halfway down the ramp, raising his microphone to speak, but the “You Suck!” chants are so loud, he has to wait a moment before he can be heard. He smirks, finally speaking over the noise, “Zlatan, Zlatan, Zlatan… You think you're such a big deal, huh? You think you’re the toughest guy around just because you embarrassed The Rock on RAW?”
The crowd continues to boo, but Angle presses on, “Well, let me remind you of something, Zlatan. I’ve been a champion here more times than you can count! I’m an Olympic Gold Medalist, a multiple-time WWE Champion, and unlike you, I don’t need to talk big. I just go out there and prove it, time and time again!”
Zlatan, still standing in the ring with the WWE Championship on his shoulder, raises his microphone, his expression cool and confident, ready to respond to Angle’s challenge. The tension between the two Superstars is palpable, and the crowd is buzzing with anticipation, knowing that this confrontation could explode at any moment.
Zlatan, with a smirk on his face, raises his microphone to respond. “Kurt, Kurt… you always were a loudmouth who never seems to learn when to keep it shut,” he begins, drawing cheers from the crowd. “Yes, you may have been a multiple-time WWE Champion, but that was then, and this is now. Besides, you’re not the only one around here who can back up what they’re saying.”
Zlatan pauses, his grin widening. “And I think these fans here have something they’d like to say to you about… spoons.”
Almost on cue, a loud and mocking "Spoon! Spoon!" chant begins to echo throughout the Freedom Hall, growing louder and louder. Kurt Angle’s face flushes with embarrassment and frustration, the memory of the infamous “spoon incident” fresh in everyone’s minds. It was a humiliating moment when Kurt had accidentally stumbled into the Divas’ locker room and, in a rare moment of humiliation, was being hit with spoons as the Divas taught him a lesson in respecting their privacy — a moment orchestrated by Zlatan’s mind games as zlatan switched the door signs letting angle think it was zlatan's locker room.
Angle’s frown deepens as the crowd continues to chant, clearly enjoying the reminder of his embarrassing past. He waits for the noise to die down before raising his microphone, his tone sharp and irritated. “You think that’s funny, Zlatan?” he snaps, trying to regain his composure. “Well, I’m glad you’re so amused. But let me remind you of something else… I beat you last week, in my hometown of Pittsburgh! And that win qualifies me for a WWE Title shot.”
The crowd reacts with a mix of boos and cheers as Angle continues, “Now, I could’ve waited to cash in that shot after WrestleMania, on SmackDown, or at the pay-per-view after. But that would feel like I’m just picking up the scraps. So, I decided to go straight to Stephanie McMahon’s office and make a valid argument about why I deserve to be in the WWE Title hunt.”
Zlatan raises an eyebrow, clearly curious but unfazed. Angle smirks, seeing he has Zlatan’s attention. “And you know what? Stephanie agreed. So, at WrestleMania, it’s not going to be a singles match for the WWE Title. Oh no… it’s going to be a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship!”
The crowd gasps, and then a mix of cheers and boos fill the arena, the realization of the stakes setting in.
Angle continues with a confident grin, “That’s right, Zlatan! It’ll be Brock Lesnar… versus Kurt Angle… versus Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the WWE Championship! Oh, it’s true… it’s damn true!”
Michael Cole, on commentary, reacts with shock, “A triple threat match for the WWE Title at WrestleMania?! This changes everything!”
Tazz, clearly excited, adds, “Whoa! This is huge, Cole! Now, we’ve got three of the biggest names in the WWE going at it for the title on the grandest stage of them all!”
Zlatan stands in the ring, the WWE Championship still draped over his shoulder, his expression shifting slightly as he absorbs this new information. The stakes for WrestleMania have just been raised even higher, and he knows he’s in for the fight of his life against two of WWE’s most formidable competitors. The crowd is buzzing with anticipation, sensing that this confrontation is far from over.
Zlatan, with a confident grin, responds, “A Triple Threat Match for the WWE Title at WrestleMania? Fine by me, Kurt. But if there's one fact that hasn’t changed… it’s that you still suck.”
The fans explode into cheers, chanting along with Zlatan, "You suck! You suck!" as the familiar chant echoes throughout the Freedom Hall. Kurt Angle's face tightens in frustration, clearly not amused by Zlatan’s words or the crowd's reaction.
Zlatan continues, relishing the crowd's support. “And let’s not forget, Kurt, in our head-to-head matches… the score is Zlatan: 3, Kurt: 2. Which means, you’re not as good as you claim to be.”
The fans cheer louder, and Kurt’s scowl deepens, his jaw clenched as Zlatan presses on. “I remember when I first came to the WWE, Kurt,” Zlatan begins, “you thought of me as this punk kid with a Bosnian accent from Malmö. Now, that’s a classic case of stereotyping if I’ve ever heard one.” The crowd responds with a knowing laugh, enjoying Zlatan’s playful yet pointed jabs.
“But hey,” Zlatan smirks, “at least I still have a full set of hair.” He pauses for dramatic effect, and the crowd begins to chuckle, sensing where he’s going with this. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Zlatan continues, his grin widening, “allow Zlatan Ibrahimovic to present to you… the Olympic Bald Eagle… Kurt Angle!”
The crowd bursts into laughter and immediately starts chanting, “You’re bald! You’re bald!” over and over, pointing at Kurt Angle, who looks absolutely livid, his face flushed with anger.
Michael Cole, laughing on commentary, says, “Oh my, Tazz! Zlatan just went there! He’s completely mocking Kurt Angle!”
Tazz, trying to contain his laughter, adds, “I don’t think Kurt’s ever been called the Olympic Bald Eagle before, Cole, but I don’t think he’s a fan of the new nickname!”
Kurt Angle’s frustration is evident as he paces back and forth on the ramp, trying to block out the chants and regain his composure. Zlatan, still standing in the ring with the WWE Championship over his shoulder, smirks at Angle, clearly enjoying the reaction he’s provoked.
Angle finally raises his microphone, but the crowd’s “You’re bald!” chant drowns him out for a moment. He grits his teeth, visibly seething, knowing he’s been outwitted by Zlatan in front of the entire WWE Universe.
Zlatan, maintaining his confident demeanor, gestures to the crowd, urging them to keep the chant going, knowing he’s firmly in control of this verbal exchange. The atmosphere in the arena is electric, and everyone knows that this rivalry just got even more personal.
Kurt Angle, with a sarcastic smirk, responds, "Very funny, Zlatan. Absolutely hilarious. A real barrel of laughs, aren't you? But your jokes won't save you come WrestleMania. I'm going to take that WWE Title from you, and you’re looking at a four-time WWE Champion… oh, it's true!"
Zlatan, unimpressed, bobs his head dismissively and shoots back, "If you're so confident that you’re going to win at WrestleMania, why don’t you put your money where your mouth is right here, right now?” Zlatan drops the WWE Championship and the microphone, inviting Kurt to a fight.
Michael Cole’s voice rises with anticipation, “Uh oh! Could this be a preview of WrestleMania?”
Tazz, just as excited, adds, “You're damn skippy, hippy! Looks like Ibra and Angle are about to throw hands!”
Kurt Angle, not backing down, drops his microphone, and both former WWE Tag Team Champions step forward, trash-talking each other with intensity. The crowd is on its feet, and the tension boils over as they begin to slug it out, trading hard right hands.
Michael Cole exclaims, “Here we go! This is a preview of WrestleMania!”
Angle, a master of mat wrestling, quickly goes for a leg takedown and manages to lock in the Ankle Lock on the WWE Champion. Tazz shouts, “Ankle Lock, Cole! Looks like Angle is sending a message to the champ about what’s going to happen at WrestleMania!”
But Zlatan, showing his resilience and agility, quickly reverses it, countering into the Malmö Bridge, his signature bridged Sharpshooter submission move. Michael Cole calls out, “And Zlatan counters with the Malmö Bridge! Zlatan has it locked in!”
Zlatan expertly applies the Malmö Bridge, putting intense pressure on Angle’s back and legs, but before he can fully capitalize, Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin, the WWE Tag Team Champions and members of Team Angle, rush down the ramp to save their captain.
Cole yells, “Wait a minute, here come Haas and Benjamin, heading to the ring to save the captain of Team Angle!”
Seeing the interference, Zlatan releases the hold and quickly takes down both Haas and Benjamin with powerful clotheslines. The crowd erupts in cheers as Zlatan stomps a mudhole on Haas in the corner. Benjamin tries to save Haas, but Zlatan sidesteps, causing Benjamin to collide with Haas in a splash.
Zlatan quickly follows up with a spinebuster on Benjamin, but this brief distraction allows Kurt Angle, who has now collected a steel chair from ringside, to slide back into the ring. Angle sneaks up from behind and lands a low blow on Zlatan, causing him to drop to his knees in pain. Angle then smashes the steel chair across Zlatan’s back with a sickening thud.
Angle, now standing over Zlatan, talks trash with a malicious grin, “You think you're the Lion? Well, I just tamed you!” He grabs Zlatan’s ankle again and applies the Ankle Lock, wrenching it violently as Zlatan writhes in pain.
Suddenly, Brock Lesnar’s music hits, and the crowd roars with excitement. Tazz exclaims, “Oh man, here comes the pain, baby!” Lesnar rushes down the ramp at full speed, sliding into the ring.
Angle quickly exits the ring, not wanting any part of Lesnar in his current state. Charlie Haas tries to intercept Lesnar but gets taken out by a massive clothesline for his efforts. Lesnar then goes after Angle, who is circling the ringside area, avoiding being caught in Lesnar's crosshairs.
Haas, having recovered, hits Lesnar with a low blow from behind, bringing “The Next Big Thing” to his knees. Angle sees the opportunity and grabs a crutch from ringside, smashing it over Lesnar's head, stunning him.
With Lesnar dazed, Angle slides back into the ring. He sets the steel chair up in the center, then drags Lesnar to his feet. With a burst of strength, Angle lifts Lesnar and hits an Angle Slam onto the steel chair, the impact echoing through the arena.
Michael Cole, shocked, shouts, “Angle Slam on the steel chair! Kurt Angle is making a statement!”
Not finished, Angle applies a clutch, placing his knee into Lesnar’s midsection, further adding insult to injury. Meanwhile, Haas, who has helped Benjamin back to his feet, begins to stomp on Zlatan. Haas and Benjamin then set up the WWE Champion for their signature double-team move. They position Zlatan on the ropes, his feet on Haas's shoulders, as Benjamin bounces off the ropes and leapfrogs over Haas, driving his forearm into Zlatan’s lower back.
With both Zlatan and Lesnar down, Angle, Haas, and Benjamin stand tall. Kurt Angle picks up the WWE Championship belt and hoists it high above his head, sending a clear message about what he intends to do in 10 days at WrestleMania.
Michael Cole, his voice filled with concern, says, “Kurt Angle standing tall over both Zlatan and Brock Lesnar… is this a preview of what’s going to happen at WrestleMania?”
Tazz, with a hint of excitement, replies, “I don’t know, Cole, but Angle has just sent a huge message to both the WWE Champion and ‘The Next Big Thing.’ This Triple Threat Match is going to be off the charts!”
The show fades to black with Angle, Haas, and Benjamin celebrating, holding the WWE Title high as the crowd buzzes with anticipation for the showdown at WrestleMania.
XXXX
After the commercial break, SmackDown returns with a replay of the chaotic brawl that unfolded just moments ago. The screen shows the intense showdown between WWE Champion Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kurt Angle, highlighting the turning points of their confrontation.
Michael Cole’s voice is heard over the footage, “We’re back on SmackDown, and what a scene it was just a few moments ago! Kurt Angle may have gained the upper hand tonight, just 10 days before the Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania!”
The replay cuts to Zlatan and Angle exchanging right hands in the middle of the ring, escalating the tension. Tazz adds, “Oh, it damn sure escalated, Cole, when Ibra and Angle started throwing hands at each other! But just as Angle was in a tough spot, in came the cavalry—Team Angle, Haas, and Benjamin, rushing down to ringside.”
The footage shows Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin charging into the ring, only for Zlatan to fight them off with clotheslines and a spinebuster, temporarily gaining the upper hand. Tazz continues, “ But credit to Ibra who saw them coming and gave the Tag Team Champions some serious trouble, but it provided the opening that the Captain of Team Angle needed!”
The screen shows Kurt Angle sneaking up from behind Zlatan with a low blow, then delivering a brutal chair shot to the WWE Champion’s back, followed by the Ankle Lock. Michael Cole comments, “And that’s when Kurt Angle took control, delivering that vicious low blow and the chair shot before locking in the Ankle Lock!”
The replay continues, showing Brock Lesnar’s heroic rush to the ring to even the odds only for a moment as lesnar occupied of getting Angle who avoided him at ringside where haas who had a recovered fro mclothesline hit a low blow. Angle used a crutch he took from ringside to strike lesnar on top of his head. Michael Cole notes, “Brock Lesnar tried to come to Zlatan’s aid, and for a moment, it worked! But then Angle, with help from Haas, made sure Lesnar was brought down, using that steel chair and a crutch to his advantage.”
The footage cuts to the decisive moment when Angle hit the Angle Slam on Lesnar onto the steel chair, followed by Haas and Benjamin executing their double-team move on Zlatan, leaving both men incapacitated.
Michael Cole concludes, “With Brock Lesnar laid out by the Angle Slam onto the steel chair and the WWE Tag Team Champions having incapacitated the WWE Champion, Kurt Angle stood tall…”
The shot changes to Kurt Angle triumphantly holding the WWE Title high above his head, standing over the fallen bodies of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Brock Lesnar, with Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin at his side, smiling confidently. The visual sends a powerful message as the camera zooms in on Angle’s determined face.
Tazz chimes in, “There’s no doubt about it, Cole—Kurt Angle just made a huge statement tonight. If he wanted to send a message to Zlatan and Lesnar before WrestleMania, well, he damn sure did!”
Michael Cole, sounding both concerned and excited, wraps up, “The question now is, can Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Brock Lesnar find a way to respond before WrestleMania? Because tonight, Kurt Angle made it crystal clear that he’s ready to do whatever it takes to walk out of WrestleMania as the WWE Champion!”
The screen fades back to the live action, with the crowd buzzing in anticipation for what’s to come in the final days leading up to WrestleMania.
XXXX
After "The American Badass" The Undertaker picks up a decisive win over Bill DeMott, the camera quickly cuts to the backstage medical room. Inside, the atmosphere is tense and filled with concern. EMTs and medical staff are bustling around, attending to both Brock Lesnar and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who are clearly feeling the effects of the brutal assault they endured at the hands of Kurt Angle and Team Angle earlier tonight.
Brock Lesnar, sitting on the edge of a medical table, winces as he gingerly touches his ribcage. His face is contorted with pain, and it's clear that his ribs — still not fully healed from the injury he sustained last November at Survivor Series — have been aggravated by the Angle Slam onto the steel chair. The EMTs try to assess the damage, but Lesnar waves them off with a frustrated expression, clearly not one to show vulnerability.
Meanwhile, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, seated next to Lesnar, looks equally battered but far from defeated. His face is a mix of frustration and defiance. As the medical staff tends to his ankle and lower back, Zlatan mutters a few choice curse words in Swedish and Bosnian under his breath, his expression showing just how unhappy he is about the events that transpired.
Michael Cole, back at the commentary desk, chimes in with concern, "Well, folks, as you can see, both Brock Lesnar and the WWE Champion Zlatan Ibrahimovic are feeling the effects of that attack by Kurt Angle and Team Angle earlier tonight."
Tazz, nodding, adds, “Yeah, Cole, this is no joke. Lesnar's been dealing with those rib injuries since Survivor Series, and Zlatan… well, he took a hell of a beating too. Both of these guys are in rough shape, and we’re just 10 days away from WrestleMania."
The camera zooms in on Zlatan’s face, and the frustration is palpable. He winces slightly as the EMTs check his ankle, but his eyes burn with a fierce determination. "Jävla idiot… prokleti lupeži…" Zlatan mutters angrily, mixing Swedish and Bosnian curses as he runs a hand through his hair, clearly fed up with the situation.
Lesnar, overhearing Zlatan's muttering, smirks slightly despite his pain. "You too, huh?" he grunts, still clutching his ribs. There’s a moment of mutual understanding between them — they may be rivals, but tonight, they’ve been forced into the same corner.
Zlatan nods, his expression softening only slightly. “Yeah… but this isn't over, not by a long shot,” he replies, his tone firm despite the pain.
The camera captures the moment of shared frustration and determination between two of WWE’s top competitors, both knowing that their paths are destined to collide at WrestleMania, but for tonight, both men are united by a common enemy: Kurt Angle.
Michael Cole concludes, "You’ve got to wonder, Tazz, how this is going to impact both Zlatan and Brock heading into WrestleMania… they’ve both been through so much, but they’ve got 10 days to recover, regroup, and get ready for what promises to be one of the biggest Triple Threat Matches in WWE history."
Tazz nods in agreement, “You know, Cole, you’re right. Tonight was a tough one, but these two aren’t the types to back down. They’ve got their eyes set on WrestleMania, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!”
The camera slowly pans out, leaving the scene with Zlatan and Lesnar receiving medical attention but both clearly fired up and ready to fight back.
