If you had any doubts that Nicki Minaj's epic shade-throwing was staged at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday -- this should clear up a few things.

Minaj struck the fear of God into VMA host Miley Cyrus as she accepted the award for Best Hip-Hop Video early on in the ceremony, putting Cyrus on blast for calling her "not too kind" in an interview with the New York Times.

WATCH: Nicki Minaj Throws Epic Shade at Miley Cyrus 

"And now, back to this b**** that had a lot to say about me the other day in the press," Minaj seethed from the podium. "Miley, what's good?"

As Cyrus attempted to respond, accusing the media of manipulating her words, Minaj could be seen mouthing "Don't play with me, b****."

While we didn't see Cyrus' immediate reaction on-air, MTV livestream cameras caught the exact moment that she realized what was happening.

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"...what?!"

Cyrus landed on her feet, though, quipping, "Nicki, congratu-f***in'-lations," but we're pretty sure she'll have nightmares about that stare-down for months.

See the moment for yourself in the video below.