Dolph Ziggler, Cesaro, Big E, Ryback, Curtis Axel & RVD all claim to be the next Intercontinental Champion.

NEWARK, NJ – WWE Main Event kicked off with Paul Heyman and his client, Cesaro. The King of Swing was scheduled to battle Dolph Ziggler in the featured contest. However, as evidenced by the eye-patch covering Cesaro’s right eye, during Kofi Kingston’s poked the Swiss Superman in the eye and scratching it en route to his upset victory. Heyman stated  that Cesaro would not compete tonight but would still compete in the Battle Royal for the vacant Intercontinental Championship at Battleground. But before he could finish his statement, Dolph Ziggler made his way to the ring to address Heyman’s tirade.

WWE Main Event photos | Watch highlights

Ziggler still wanted to face Cesaro – but before Heyman and his client could accept, former Intercontinental Champion Big E announced his participation for the Battle Royal at Battleground. As the massive Superstar continued, RybAxel came out and announced their participation as well. If that wasn’t enough, the legendary Rob Van Dam also staked his claim for a spot in the battle royal at Battleground. As RVD recounted his accomplishments and compared them to everyone else’s, a brawl erupted, forcing RybAxel and Cesaro from the ring.

Luke Harper & Erick Rowan def. R-Truth & Xavier Woods

After dismantling the returning Chris Jericho alongside Bray Wyatt on Raw, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan faced off with R-Truth and Xavier Woods. Although failing to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships at WWE Money in the Bank, The Wyatt Family is far from out of contention. Truth and Woods wisely used their speed and agility to take an early advantage in the bout but  were able to maintain control of the match.

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The unorthodox style and sheer power of Harper and Rowan proved to be too much. As Harper removed R-Truth from the ring, Erick Rowan executed an impactful side slam on Woods to secure the win.

Stephanie McMahon chooses Alicia Fox to be Nikki Bella's partner against Naomi & Cameron.

The Funkadactyls def. Nikki Bella & Alicia Fox

Intended to be a rematch from Raw once again pitting The Funkadactyls against Nikki Bella in a Handicap Match, Stephanie McMahon had other plans. Rather than letting Nikki go it alone again, she gave her a new tag team partner – her longtime rival, Alicia Fox.

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Alicia seemed genuinely excited to team with Nikki – even rallying the WWE Universe is a “Nikki” chant as The Bella Twin tried her best to keep Naomi and Cameron at bay. Finally able to make a tag, Alicia  refused to accept Nikki’s tag. Adding insult to injury, Alicia kicked her partner allowing Cameron to grab the pinfall.

Dolph Ziggler teams with Big E & RVD against Cesaro, Ryback & Curtis Axel.

Dolph Ziggler, Big E & Rob Van Dam def. Cesaro & RybAxel

The six Superstars who kicked off WWE Main Event announcing their intentions to win the Intercontinental Championship Battle Royal at Battleground faced off in a Six Man Tag Team Match. Former Intercontintel Champions, RVD, Dolph Ziggler and Big E battled  RybAxel  Cesaro. It was clear that the fan favorites  were much more in tune with each other, driving their opponents from the ring and forcing them to change strategy.

WWE Main Event photos |  Watch highlights | Intercontinental Championship Battle Royal preview

Ryback, Curtis Axel and The King of Swing were able to take control of the match, methodically keeping RVD grounded and Ziggler and Big E from getting involved. However, the former WWE and ECW  Champion displayed his resilience forged in the heyday of ECW and managed to make a tag to Dolph Ziggler after Ryback failed to hit a big splash from the top turnbuckle.

Fired up, Ziggler took down his opponents and focused his attention on Cesaro. The match devolved into chaos as The Show-Off seized an opportunity to hit a distracted Cesaro with the Zig Zag and pick up a huge victory.