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Shane McMahon def. Dolph Ziggler (WWE World Cup Finals)

Shane McMahon def. Dolph Ziggler (WWE World Cup Finals)

SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon was willing to do whatever it took to make sure the WWE World Cup came home to the blue brand — even if it meant taking matters into his own hands.

In a bizarre and controversial turn of events, McMahon took the place of an injured Miz and pinned Raw’s Dolph Ziggler to win the WWE World Cup Finals and earn the distinction of being the best in the world.

The fireworks began before the opening bell. First, SmackDown referee Ryan Tran ejected Drew McIntyre from ringside to prevent the Scottish Superstar from interfering on Ziggler’s behalf. As The Showoff protested the decision, The Miz attacked him from behind. The tactic backfired, though, as The A-Lister injured his leg when the fight went to the floor.

Despite Miz’s pleas, the referee informed McMahon and Raw Acting General Manager Baron Corbin that The Awesome Superstar could not compete and that he was awarding the match to Ziggler by forfeit. Hell-bent on making sure that Raw didn’t claim a win in the battle for brand supremacy, McMahon stepped in to take Miz’s place, and the bell finally rang, making the new matchup official.

Shane McMahon replaces The Miz in World Cup Finals Match against Dolph Ziggler: WWE Crown Jewel 2018 (WWE Network Exclusive)

The SmackDown Commissioner must do battle with The Showoff when he replaces an injured Miz: Courtesy of WWE Network.

As Shane-O-Mac overwhelmed the battle-wearied Showoff, an outraged Corbin interfered almost immediately, earning himself an ejection from ringside (which prompted Michael Cole to suggest Tran was acting biased). Ziggler stunned McMahon with a Zig Zag from behind, but the SmackDown Commissioner not only kicked out, but returned fire, nailing Ziggler with a DDT before leaping across the ring with a beautiful coast-to-coast dropkick to claim the shocking victory.

As the WWE Universe erupted in excitement and surprise, McMahon took a victory lap around the ring. Whether the “best in the world” accolades are truly deserved considering the circumstances matters not. The rivalry between Raw and SmackDown LIVE is more intense than ever, and following the WWE World Cup Finals, the blue brand enters Survivor Series with serious bragging rights.

SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon was willing to do whatever it took to make sure the WWE World Cup came home to the blue brand — even if it meant taking matters into his own hands.

In a bizarre and controversial turn of events, McMahon took the place of an injured Miz and pinned Raw’s Dolph Ziggler to win the WWE World Cup Finals and earn the distinction of being the best in the world.

The fireworks began before the opening bell. First, SmackDown referee Ryan Tran ejected Drew McIntyre from ringside to prevent the Scottish Superstar from interfering on Ziggler’s behalf. As The Showoff protested the decision, The Miz attacked him from behind. The tactic backfired, though, as The A-Lister injured his leg when the fight went to the floor.

Despite Miz’s pleas, the referee informed McMahon and Raw Acting General Manager Baron Corbin that The Awesome Superstar could not compete and that he was awarding the match to Ziggler by forfeit. Hell-bent on making sure that Raw didn’t claim a win in the battle for brand supremacy, McMahon stepped in to take Miz’s place, and the bell finally rang, making the new matchup official.

Shane McMahon replaces The Miz in World Cup Finals Match against Dolph Ziggler: WWE Crown Jewel 2018 (WWE Network Exclusive)

The SmackDown Commissioner must do battle with The Showoff when he replaces an injured Miz: Courtesy of WWE Network.

As Shane-O-Mac overwhelmed the battle-wearied Showoff, an outraged Corbin interfered almost immediately, earning himself an ejection from ringside (which prompted Michael Cole to suggest Tran was acting biased). Ziggler stunned McMahon with a Zig Zag from behind, but the SmackDown Commissioner not only kicked out, but returned fire, nailing Ziggler with a DDT before leaping across the ring with a beautiful coast-to-coast dropkick to claim the shocking victory.

As the WWE Universe erupted in excitement and surprise, McMahon took a victory lap around the ring. Whether the “best in the world” accolades are truly deserved considering the circumstances matters not. The rivalry between Raw and SmackDown LIVE is more intense than ever, and following the WWE World Cup Finals, the blue brand enters Survivor Series with serious bragging rights.