April 26, 2020
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
2 hours before the show

At last, Backlash has arrived. A night that where feuds either intensify or culminate. In the case of the Riotts, this will be a night that they will begin a new feud in order to continue the fight for recognition as talent. For the Hurt Business, the night that their days as a group act will begin.

Backstage

Don was already in his gear, talking with the rest of his Hurt Business allies.

Cedric: If it isn't Diamond Donny Patricio Capistrano! - high fives Don -  How are you feeling buddy?

Don: - high fives back - Ced! Really with the name?

Cedric: Hey, I watched some Wolf of Wall Street. Fits you man!

Shelton: - joins in - Yeah, it really does. 

Lashley: Gotta agree with those guys and for sure MVP too.

Don: - frowns - Yeah, any word on mentor?

Lashley: Doctors are still checking on his knee but I really hope he's gonna be okay. This Hurt Business thing is like his child. Now we're the ones left to step up and take over while he's out.

Shelton: Yeah, but we have to make the most of it. 

Cedric: Plus tonight's a perfect night for that. We gotta prove to creative that we are reliable workhorses. 

Don: That we shall prove. 

As the Hurt Business were in the middle of their pow wow, Don saw Liv and Ruby walking around. Cedric as usual gestured to Don.

Cedric: Don Romantico, I see Ruby and Mrs. Don Patricio out there. - chuckles -

Shelton: Hey man, you better wish them luck!

Lashley: Yeah man, you need to. Just sucks that they're not exactly on a clear spot in the roster or with creative.

Don: Fine! I will see you guys later.

As Don was walking away from the group, Cedric was mockingly puckering his lips and smooching at Don's direction.

Cedric: Go get her Donny! Fire your shot!

Shelton: They are adorable together.

Lashley: Liv for sure may take a liking to our Diamond Donny P.

Liv and Ruby were talking about casual things then suddenly, Don arrives.

Liv: What about it, Rue? - bumps into Don - Donny!

Don: Oh hey Ruby and Liv!

Ruby: Ooooh he greeted me first. That means he likes me more? - giggling -

Liv: - pouts - Noooooo....

Ruby: Oh I'm just kidding G! Alright, you two need your time. I will see you in a bit for our match. - walks off somewhere -

Don: Hey, how are you feeling?

Liv: A bit suckish and not at all a happy camper. Because, pre-show? I just don't get it still Donny? I've been one of the hardest workers in the room, yet those in the back keep treating me with kid gloves. As if I'm either unreliable or hard to figure out! It's been like this since the 1st time the Squad Squad was created, then when they made me go off on my own and even up until now. I don't just understand....

Don: Hey, it's okay to feel those things. Better let out than to bottle them. I mean, at least you have some tenure here on the main roster. I, on the other hand, will have my first match and I'm kinda nervous yet excited.

Liv: Oh! Look Donny, at least you're given a match on the main card. They see something in you that you may not even realize until later on. I sure do hope they strap a rocket on you and I can watch you rise. While I... - pouts -

As Liv pouts, Don courageously hugged Liv. Liv was caught in a surprise but  decided to reel Don in some more with the hug.

Ruby sneakily walks off and sees Cedric and the rest of the Hurt Business watching from behind some crates. She joins them and they see the hug go longer.

Ruby: Ahh that's new. Usually it's Gionna who does the hugging. First time to see somebody else start the hug party. - giggles -

Cedric: Dori, I bet she hasn't met a man like our Diamond Donny P!

Shelton: Man's not much of a gamer. But I feel she's gonna make him go to the gamer side. Just feel it.

Lashley: Boys and girl, I think our man is about to fall deeper into love.

Cedric: You said it Bob!

Ruby: And a good thing we don't have make up on yet or that will be trouble for both of them - snickering -

As the Hurt Business and Ruby watched the hugging ensue, Liv then breathed into Don a sigh of relief on his chest.

Liv: - blushing as she parts from the hug - Oh.... Donny... what came over me?

Don: Relax Liv. - blushing a bit but trying to maintain his composure - We both needed that - smiles - Good luck out there!

Liv: Thanks! - blushing some more then walking away -

Don then tried to straighten out his gear when he heard clapping from the crates. He then saw the Hurt Business chuckling like they heard a joke that's about to get funnier by the minute.

Cedric: Now that's our Diamond Donny P! 

Shelton: Hey yo, you shined out there like a diamond bro!

Lashley: Gotta admit, she really did need that hug and it looked like you needed it too.

Don: Guys, come on! She was feeling bad about her place in the card. 

Lashley: So you'd take it out on someone by hugging? - raising his eyebrow -

Don: Uhhh... - blushing - damnit!

Pre-show

Liv finally caught up with Ruby after the rhinestones were placed under her eyes along with the rest of her makeup. Ruby at this point was grinning like crazy when Liv went closer.

Liv: There you are Ruby! 

Ruby: Oh, Don not around?

Liv: Rue Rue, why? - pouts -

Ruby: Oh, it's okay. I thought you two hugged it out longer than awhile ago?

Liv: - blushing red like a tomato - YOU SAW THAT?

Ruby: Oh, not just me. But, Ced, Shelton and Lashley too.

Liv: Shelty? Oh no...he's gonna name drop Donny when I do my Twitch streams again. 

Ruby: Just admit it Liv. You feel for Don, and from the looks of that hug earlier, even you giving him a Huggies earlier this week, he feels for you too!

Liv: But Ruby... I don't know. He may appear good now but how long until he becomes like...

Ruby: What if I tell you I got assurances from other sources he won't be like Eric? And he seems more real than that so called real one.

Liv: Dori. Please leave me to decide for that. I'm happily on my own.

Ruby: Says the one who reeled a guy in to a Huggies - smirks -

Liv: But I always give you and Sarah a Huggies! 

Ruby: But to a guy, G?

Producer: Oh, sorry to interrupt you two. CJ and Natalie are waiting by Gorilla. 

timeskip

The Riott Squad then arrived at the Gorilla position where Lana and Natalya were waiting for them. 

Lana: You two ready?

Liv: - sighs - what choice do we have?

Natalya: Gionna, hey! - pats her shoulder - we don't like this as much as you do. But we all just have to make do with this. Trust me, there will be a silver lining to all this.

Liv was about to nearly walk away but Ruby grabbed her arm.

Ruby: Gionna, you wanted this right? You wanted to be in the WWE?

Liv: Yes Dori but...

Ruby: Look. I know our place in the card hasn't been as clear but I do know and hope we all get through this. Higher ups must know of how you work your ass off in the PC just to be at pace with us with experience.

Lana: And I got inspired by you so you shouldn't be this disappointed. Let's all break a leg ladies.

Producer: Lana and Natalya, you're up first.

Lana: See you on the other side. 

Riott Squad v. Natalya and Lana

Mike Rome: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall

https://youtu.be/HdRQEM55h3A

Mike Rome: First from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Natalya!

Joe: Natalya's not happy and it's obvious.

Byron: Well the fact they're on the pre-show doesn't make it any more favorable for her and Lana as well as their opponents

https://youtu.be/bMeZ5ntkIJM

Mike Rome: And her tag team partner, Lana!

Tom: Here comes the Ravishing one. 

Byron: Well this is crazy because these two teams only began fighting just to raise their stock. 

Joe: Well that is true, Saxton. Riotts too.

Byron: This will be a fight for who wants it more.

https://youtu.be/TpRVTmN3uE4

Mike Rome: And their opponents, Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan, The Riott Squad!

Byron: These two have been hungry for at least a win. They have experienced a drought in the win column since reuniting.

Joe: Well it's their fault for not being able to adapt. The scene from when they were a triad to when they reunited showed new teams on the rise and some older teams 

Highlights of the match:
- Ruby and Lana start the match, with Lana slapping Ruby, then connecting with a Heel Kick
- Ruby then connects with an arm drag to Lana after Lana gloats for her heel kick
- Lana then does a double leg takedown on Ruby until the referee counts to 5
- As Lana tags Natalya, Ruby then attempts for a Running Kick but Natalya sidesteps to hit a discus clothesline
- Natalya does a Corner Spinebuster, with a tag from Lana for both women to stomp away at Ruby
- Lana hits a hair pull mat slam on Ruby

Middle of the match
Lana once again hits a heel kick on Ruby and pins her, but Ruby was able to get her shoulder up before the referee started a count. Lana was irate as Natalya was shouting from her corner not to lose focus and to keep at it on Ruby. Ruby then hits Lana with a superkick as the two are now at the center of the ring. Liv and Natalya were cheering on their respective partners to reach their corner and to tag them in. Luckily, Liv and Natalya were tagged in. 

Liv entered the match being the fresher of the competitors and hit Natalya with a Clothesline as she screams. Lana tries to slap her, but she did her signature Matrix Evasion and decked her with a right hand of her own. 

More Highlights:
- Liv hits a Bicycle Toe Kick into a Step-up Enziguiri on Natalya
- Natalya hits a snap suplex on Liv
- Natalya tags in Lana, with Lana hitting a Roundhouse Kick to Liv

End of the match
Liv is now being pinned by Lana but at the count of 2, Ruby is able to break the pin. Natalya was able to do another Corner Spine Buster on Ruby on their corner, as Natalya steps away for Lana to hit a corner spinning heel kick to Ruby, before Natalya tags herself in. Natalya then drags Ruby and body slams her outside the ring.

As this was happening, Lana was still in the ring when Liv hit a hip attack on Lana to see her crashing down to the outside. Little did Liv know, Lana was no longer the legal woman for their team. Natalya snuck in from behind, aiming for Liv as Liv ducked another discus clothesline attempt to hit Natalya with a 201 Facebreaker. Liv then attempts for a pin.

ONE...TWO..

Lana pulls away Liv from Natalya and attempts for a Ravishing Buster but Liv kicks Lana on the gut as Lana reels towards the ropes. Liv then hits Lana with the ObLIVion. But as Liv rolls back, Natalya catches her legs and locks in the Sharpshooter. Liv tries to claw and reach the ropes, but Natalya steps back to the middle of the ring and lean backward to add to the pressure. Liv is unable to withstand and taps out. Ruby tried to step in but it was all too late. 

Mike Rome: The winners of the match, Lana and Natalya!

Byron: The Riotts are once again in the drought

Joe: They were simply outmaneuvered tonight.

Tom: Something tells me this will not be the last these two will face against one another.

Joe: I think they should stop. The Riotts seem to be taking a step backward and they may be seeing as one of them may be the chink in the chain in the dynamic.

Liv and Ruby were in the ring as Lana and Natalya had their arms raised and left the ring. Ruby was checking up on Liv while Liv was disappointed in herself. 

backstage
The Riott Squad were seen backstage with Ruby trying to calm Liv down. Charly was there to get a few words from them.

Charly: Riott Squad an impressive performance out there tonight.

Ruby: Thanks but...

Liv: Impressive? What match were you watching? I can't believe this is happening that...

Ruby: Liv, I'm sorry. I let us down alright? I...

Liv: Save it Rue! I'm beginning to wonder if us reuniting was even a good idea... - walks off -

Ruby: Sorry bout that.. - follows Liv - Liv wait!

Cameras off

Charly, Liv and Ruby were all high fiving one another after that segment.

Charly: Gionna for sure that came from somewhere.

Liv: Well, art imitates life as they say.

Ruby: But I sure do hope this leads to something more definite.

As they were talking, Natalya and Lana arrived too.

Natalya: Hey Gionna, you did impressive earlier! Not knocking you down of course Dori.

Lana: Yeah G! You did great. 

Liv: But you two won....

Natalya: I don't get it why they booked it like this? If it were me, I'd rather let you two win. You two just reunited and we just formed. 

Lana: Look at it this way I guess, once we appear on the main card, that means we're headed somewhere.

Liv: Yeah, to Black Wednesday.

Ruby: Hey, don't say that! G, come on. What would Don say?

Liv: - thinks for a bit - oh yeah, in time things will fall in place - faintly smiles -

Ruby: There we go. 

Lana: Sorry, Don?

Natalya: CJ come on! Don as in Don Patricio. The new NXT callup!

Lana: Oh, the rich kid - giggles - Say, Gionna do you like him?

Liv: As a friend I guess....

Ruby: Oh? But you wrapped him in a Huggies....

Liv: RUBY! - blushes red -

Lana: Awww Gionna and Patricio~

Natalya: Hey, he seems dependable and wise. Way better than that loud mouthed rat!

Lana: Miro if given the chance would have kicked his ass anyway. But this one, I doubt it - smiles - 

Liv: So you all think he's good?

Ruby: I've seen it numerous times. He ain't too good to be true. He is good period. 

Lana: If Dori's all aboard the Don-Liv train, then so am I.

Natalya: oh oh oh! Don-Liv without him, Gionna! - laughs -

Liv: Ugh, fine! I kinda like him - blushes -

Ruby: Ooooh this we need to talk about but first we all got to wash up.

timeskip to before the 6 Man Tag

The Hurt Business trio greeted back Lashley after he retained his United States Championship against Titus O'Neil. 

Lashley: I'm done for the night. You three now have the spotlight above y'all.

Cedric: This is the day indeed!

Shelton: Cedric you know what? You and I shouldn't be too worried but - goes to Don - how are you feeling Donny?

Don: Well, a bit nervous. First PPV match after all and since this is a multi-person match. All eyes on all of us.

Cedric: - pats his back - Donny, you'll do fine. Relax. Chill!

Their opponents for the night have arrived and they all gathered to talk some last minute details for the match. 

Apollo: So you all excited?

Ricochet: For once, not on the pre-show.

Ali: Yeah, we're on the main card boys!

Don: Yeah.... main card.

Cedric: Hey, we're making it big Don...

Shelton: Maybe he's still thinking of Liv - smirks -

Apollo: Aww someone's worried about his girl

Don: Apollo, come on! She's not my girl

Cedric: But she is your type? Come on Diamond Donny! Don't deny it. 

Don: Ugh, really? At this time Cedric?

Cedric: I know love when I see it. That's how I got Swole

Ricochet: He has a point, like Kacy and I too.

Ali: I can tell you like her. Just be true man. 

Don: Thank I guess. So let's do this!

Hurt Business (Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander, Don Patricio) v. Ricochet, Mustafa Ali and Apollo Crews

Mike Rome: The following contest is a 6 Man Tag Team match set for one fall!

https://youtu.be/IZ8HbV9_v0o

Mike Rome: First, from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 182 pounds, Ali!

https://youtu.be/-8EYuZIyAG0

Mike Rome: And his tag team partner, first from Paducah, Kentucky, weighing in at 188 pounds, Ricochet!

https://youtu.be/J7aHAmRG2UU

Mike Rome: And next, from Stone Mountain, Georgia, weighing in at 242 pounds, Apollo Crews!

Joe: All these men have united together all because they were constantly under attack by the group they will face in a few minutes.

Byron: Under attack seems to be tame to what the Hurt Business has done to these 3. We will see if the Hurt Business will still continue their ways or will these 3 end them?

https://youtu.be/LSYLLDxunkk

Mike Rome: And their opponents, at a combined weight of 683 pounds, representing the Hurt Business, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander and Don Patricio!

Tom: And here comes the 3 who are representing the Hurt Business.

Byron: Yeah, these troublemakers are about to take a dose of their own medicine

Joe: Big words Saxton, but I see these 3 gentlemen walking down who will deal the hurt on the 3 in the ring. Those 3 have failed to comprehend that they are about to be in MVP's words, on the business side of the hurt.

Start of the match
Apollo and Cedric start the match with Cedric slapping Apollo and mouthing off. 

Cedric: You're about to get your ass kicked!

Apollo responds back with a jumping enziguiri. Cedric then clutches his chin.

Highlights of the match:
- Apollo catches Cedric in a snap neckbreaker.
- Cedric rolls away and tags in Shelton who attempts a clothesline on Apollo, but Apollo lands a Jumping Clothesline
- Shelton hits a Jumping shoulderbreaker on Apollo
- Ali hits a Crossbody on Shelton
- Ali locks in a Single Leg Boston Crab on Shelton, but broken by a sneak attack by Don Patricio
- Don Patricio does a Diving Clothesline on Ali
- Ricochet hits a Running Front Dropkick on Don Patricio

Middle of the Match
Don Patricio and the rest of the Hurt Business were all gathered as Ricochet, who was the legal man, feigned an over the top rope dive but did a Handspring Superman Landing. The Hurt Business triad contingent all laughed, but what they did not know is that Ali had positioned himself on the ropes for a corkscrew plancha but landed on the Hurt Business Triad's arms. But Apollo went to the apron to hit an Apron Moonsault, collapsing the Hurt Business trio.

More highlights:
- Ricochet hits a One Arm Powerbomb on Shelton
- Shelton hits a one arm trip on Ricochet and grounds and pounds him
- Ali locks in the Koji Clutch on Cedric but manages to break the hold by reversing it into a pin attempt
- Cedric hits a step-up enziguiri on Ali
- Apollo connects with a spinebuster on Cedric
- Apollo gets hit with a slingshot flatliner by Cedric, but Cedric actually lets Shelton blind tag himself in
- Shelton hits the Dragon Whip on Apollo
- Don hits a Cravate Knee strike on Apollo

End of the match
Don locks the Heel Hold on Apollo. As Apollo struggles, Ali connects with an 054 splash on Don Patricio to let go of the hold. Ali eats a Lumbar Check from Cedric Alexander. Cedric was mouthing off until Ricochet hit him with the Recoil. Shelton then connects on Ricochet with Paydirt. Shelton then eats a Spin Out Powerbomb from Apollo. Apollo saw that Don is still doubled over from the 054 Splash, but Don played possum and caught Apollo with a small package, but Apollo kicked out immediately before the count. Don aimed for the Big Boot but Apollo sidestepped and had Don on his shoulder for the Spin Out Powerbomb once again, but his ankle was beginning to hurt due to the Heel Hold earlier, which led to an early release of the Spin Out Powerbomb to pin Don.

ONE... TWO... TH...

Don kicked out, with Apollo unable to believe but this was due to the lesser impact thanks to the damage to his heel. Apollo tried once more for a Standing Moonsault but Don raised his knees early to leave Apollo doubled down as Don hit Apollo with a Drop Toe Facebuster on the turnbuckle. 

Don taking a page off his mentor's book hit Apollo with the Player's Boot on the corner to Apollo's skull. Don then picked Apollo up and hit him with a cross chop and aimed for a Mercy Shot Drive by kick but Ricochet appeared out of nowhere and hit a Springboard Reverse Hurricanrana on Don with Ali returning to their corner. Ricochet was then hit with the Flapjack. Apollo was then able to tag in Ali for Ali to begin to evade Don's strikes and connects with kicks of his own. As Ali entered, he connected a tilt-a-whirl DDT on Don and was about to head to the corner to hit Don with another 054 Splash. Ali saw that Shelton was about to distract him but Ricochet hit SHelton with an Apron Neckbreaker. In comes Cedric to try to shake off Ali, but Apollo then caught Cedric and hit him with an Apron German Suplex, then clutched his lower leg.

Ali seeing that he is cleared for takeoff proceeds to hit the 054 Splash but Don played possum and rolled away at the last second for Ali to crash into the mat. Ali was then kneeling on one knee when Don, as if on his debut, aimed and did the finger gun taunt to Ali as he connects with the Mercy Shot! Don then drags Ali away from the corner to pin him.

ONE....TWO.....THREE!

Mike Rome: The winners of the match, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexandar and Don Patricio!

Byron: It cannot be denied that these 6 men gave it their all

Joe: Cut the loser talk, Saxton! The Hurt Business reigns supreme still. 

Tom: Only time will tell. But the question remains, can the Hurt Business be stopped?

backstage

Lashley waited by Gorilla and he saw his 3 stablemates and he applauded them for their performance.

Lashley: You guys did well. VERY well to be real.

Cedric: Hey, the credit belongs to all of us, not just us three.

Don: We all looked like diamonds out there. Diamonds in the rough

Shelton: Heyyo. Spoken by our Diamond Donny Patricio!

Cedric: - high fives Shelton - Finally someone joins the Diamond Donny P train!

Shelton: Always been man. Always been - smirks -

Don: Really guys?

Lashley: Own it man. That's how we view you as. A future star and I can see what MVP sees in you.

As they talked, in come Ricochet, Ali and Apollo who were happy yet exhausted.

Ali: Hey Donny, good job earlier. You can finally adjust your kicks!

Apollo: Yeah man, good job!

Ricochet: You will go far, my man!

Don: Thanks you three! But the credit belongs to all of us.

As the Hurt Business, Ali, Apollo and Ricochet talked, the Riotts, in casual clothes passed by.

Ruby: Not bad for a debut "Diamond" Donny - giggles -

Liv: Don't tease him, Rue Rue! - giggles - but that was a good debut Donny - smiles -

Don was grinning from ear to ear and the men saw it. Before anyone fired a teasing shot, Don replied back.

Don: Thanks but the credit belongs not solely to me but to the other 5 who made sure we all shined like Diamonds.

Cedric: Yes sir! Because our man, Diamond Donny Patricio shined the brightest!

Shelton: Oh yes, man shined bright for the stage that made us work even better.

Don: Guys come on no...

Apollo: No, really G! Our mans here did a great job pushing us to our best.

Ali: Just sucks that our man here is single 

Ricochet: So...

Don: Rico, before you say anything...man!

Liv was giggling at the scene of the Hurt Business and their earlier opponents build up and hype Don.

Ruby: YOu move or I take him - smirks - 

Liv: Rue Rue! - blushes - but Donny, you did great - smiles - THat's what counts.

Don: You did too - smiles -

Liv: But we were on the pre-show and we lost.

Don: So? your efforts equaled a main card match. Really, you running mad and hitting Lana with the ObLIVion and a 201 on Natalya? At least you were made to look strong in defeat still.

Liv: - sighs - that is true....

Don: In fact, you are one of those I want to thank for easing my nerves. Who knows how I could have been earlier had we not.... 

Hurt Business and Ruby: Say it! Say it!

Don: - annoyingly faces them - Had we not hugged it out - blushes -

Liv: Aww Donny... so lovi... I mean friendly

Ruby: Damnit G - smirks and whispers to Ali, Apollo and Ricochet - she gave him a Huggies

Ali: Say what?

Apollo: No way! Friends my foot, these two are a couple to be!

Liv: A hug can be friendly too....

Ricochet: A hug, yes. But a Huggies? - smirks -

Don: Alright guys, Gionna here's already blushing like a tomato and so am I....damnit!

The Hurt Business were laughing it up along with Ruby and the rest.

Cedric: Donny, just admit to the poor girl! - laughing -

Shelton: I can teach you some video game skills man

Liv: What? You don't really play video games?

Don: My parents saw them as nothing but a waste of time.

Liv: HEY! They're a FUN waste of time... I need to indoctrinate you into - dragging his wrists - 

Don: Oh hey! - being dragged -

Cedric: Should we.... pry her away from him?

Shelton: You do know some of you are married, except for Ruby.

Ruby: I vote to let them play video games

Shelton: - sighs - I think I need to intervene - runs after them - wait up!

The night ended with Liv talking about video games with Don until Liv was able to fish out a specific detail.

Liv: So you don't have a console of your own too?!?!

Don: Never bothered to buy one.

Liv: But you're so rich!!!

Don: Parents talked me out of it. Saying there are no benefits to gaming.

Liv: Lies! - pouts - Tuesday after Raw, invite Shelty, we will help you buy your first gaming system!

Don: I..uhm..uhh...

Liv: - childish - I can help you play and you won't feel awkward when you game~

Don: Ohhh...fine!

Liv: Yay! - playfully bounces and claps - Donny will be a gamer too!

Don: Just for you Lo...I mean Liv - smiles -

The two separated ways as they are booked in different hotels and they needed to rest for Raw the next night.

That was Chapter 8 and another long but action packed chapter.

Keep safe and stay awesome!