EBWF Warfare saw a cold open as “Sound of Madness” hit the PA and the Little Rock, Arkansas crowd got to their feet.
Corey Graves: Off the heels of an epic Deathmatch at Wrestlemania! The EBWF Chairman is here tonight.
Wes Ikeda came from behind the curtain wearing jeans and an EBWF Branded t-shirt. He wore aviator shades and carried a microphone. As his music died down a “you still got it” chant went up from the crowd. Wes grinned.
Wes Ikeda: I thank you for that.
That got a cheap pop.
Wes Ikeda: There is nothing better than Wrestlemania. Absolutely nothing. And somewhere between the broken glass that got grated across my forehead, the kendo stick that got cracked across my leg, and the barbed wire that got stuck in my back, I had this thought. This wonderful, glorious thought. I absolutely live for this shit.
More applause.
Wes Ikeda: I do have an update on Jimmy Havoc though.
The crowd gave a mixed reaction at his name.
Wes Ikeda: Jimmy is no longer the general manager. Jimmy isn’t here tonight. In fact, I don’t know when Jimmy will be back. I’m wearing sun glasses tonight because I’m still sporting a black eye.
The camera did a close up and you could make out a large yellowish spot under the rim of Wes’ sunglasses.
Wes Ikeda: I have a noticeable limp. You can see the cuts that are healing on my forehead. But Jim got it a little worse, and so Jim has gone to lick his wounds. I can’t say I blame him. I tip my hat to ya Havoc, I really do. I’ve faced some tough bastards in my day, but you sir, might be the toughest.
Wes pulled his sunglasses down, revealing that black eye and giving a tip of the head in acknowledgment to Havoc. He pushed the glasses back up and continued.
Wes Ikeda: Now that I’ve banished Jimmy Havoc, it appears I have a bit of a problem on my hands. Warfare is without a GM. There’s no one to run this show. So that got me thinking …
Wes scratched his chin.
Wes Ikeda: I mean, you’ve seen Jericho run the show. Then Austin was running the show. Then Jericho was running the show again. Havoc started running show. It’s been, sort of a revolving door of show runners for the last five and a half years.
The crowd began to cheer, sensing what was coming.
Wes Ikeda: Can you believe that? It’s been five and a half years since I ran this show. Five and a half years since I ran MY show. In MY company. In my ring, with my rules, with the EBWF Universe in tow! It has been a long, long five and a half years…
The cheering became raucous and Wes grinned.
Wes Ikeda: I had to take a back seat. I had to handle the legal and the finances, and step away from all the shit I truly love about this business. It’s been probably the longest journey of my life, but the journey ends tonight!
Wes paused for a “Wes Ikeda” chant that went up.
Wes Ikeda: As of noon today, the EBWF Board of Directors has named me the new commissioner for Warfare!
The crowd was pumped, Wes paced a little bit.
Wes Ikeda: Now, I know what you’re thinking. There was a time in my career where people said Wes Ikeda had be the worst name in professional wrestling. I shut everyone of their mouths by making them live with the name. I didn’t change their minds, but I damn sure opened their eyes when I proved night after night that I was the Under Appreciated, Underestimated, Underdog.
The nostalgic catch phrases drew another pop and Wes kept on.
Wes Ikeda: So starting right now, right this minute, this is back to being MY show. That’s MY ring. And while I’m still under appreciated from time to time, I’m hardly ever underestimated, and I sure as hell ain’t the underdog anymore. Let me say loud and clear what the EBWF Universe already knows. Let me say what the world of sports entertainment whispers about. All this time you think you’ve been living with the name? Living with my name? Scoffing at my name? You all know. All of you know. Every promotion from Toronto, to Bristol, alllllllll the way to Stamford, Connecticut and everywhere in-between, when it comes to professional wrestling, it’s an EBWF Universe, and a Wes Ikeda World, and you’re all just living in it.
Wes paused for effect, and a cheer went up.
Wes Ikeda: We’re gonna kick this thing off right now.
"Similar Creatures" by PeroxWhy?Gen hit and the crowd cheered as Jeff Hardy made his way to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Wes Ikeda is going to be running the show! On television!
Corey Graves: Even I have to admit that's a brilliant move by the EBWF Board of Directors, and this is a great matchup from the mind of Wes.
Mauro Ranallo: Apparently, we're about to see Seth Rollins take on Jeff Hardy, just a little over a week since the Architect defeated the Charismatic Enigma for the Breakout Championship!
When Hardy was in the ring, "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" by Cage the Elephant hit, and Seth Rollins came out to a mixed reaction from the crowd. Rollins held up his newly won Breakout Championship proudly as he stood at the top of the ramp, then headed down to the ring. Upon entering the ring, Rollins held up the title once more, taunting Hardy with the gold.
Corey Graves: Rollins reminding Hardy what he lost, and Hardy does not look pleased.
Smirking, Rollins handed the Breakout Championship to the referee, who took it out of the ring and called for the bell. Rollins and Hardy locked up, and Rollins put Hardy in a headlock, then punched him in the head several times. After releasing Hardy, Rollins whipped the Charismatic Enigma into the corner, before charging at him and hitting a forearm smash. As Hardy staggered out of the corner, Rollins went to set him up for a turnbuckle powerbomb, but Hardy broke free and countered with a sitout jawbreaker. Both men got to their feet and Hardy went to whip Rollins into the ropes, but Rollins reversed the Irish whip, sending Hardy into the ropes then taking him down with a sling blade. As Hardy got back to his feet, Rollins hit the Falcon Arrow, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Mauro Ranallo: A strong start by Rollins! The Architect is showing the sort of performance which enabled him to win the Breakout Championship at Wrestlemania!
Rollins got to his feet and stomped on Hardy several times, then sat him up and applied a sleeper hold. Hardy fought out of it, and as both men got to their feet they exchanged right hands back and forth. Rollins gained the upper hand, and after hitting several punches he went for a clothesline... but Hardy ducked out of the way, then took Rollins down with a Russian legsweep. Both men got to their feet and Hardy whipped Rollins into the corner, before hitting the Poetry in Motion! Rollins staggered out of the corner, and Hardy set him up for the Twist of Fate, but Rollins blocked it and countered with a reverse STO into the turnbuckles.
Corey Graves: Great counter there by Seth Rollins!
Rollins hooked the leg once more – 1... 2... again Hardy kicked out! Rollins looked frustrated, and as he pulled Hardy to his feet, he set him up for the Pedigree. Hardy blocked it, countering with a back body drop. Rollins got to his feet, and Hardy went for the Twist of Fate... this time, he hit it! Hardy climbed to the top rope and went for the Swanton Bomb... but Rollins moved out of the way! Rollins got to his feet, and hit Hardy with the Curb Stomp! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It's over! Rollins gets the victory!
Corey Graves: Hardy put up a valiant effort, but Rollins was just too good for him tonight!
Rollins celebrated as Warfare went to commercial.
The lights dimmed as "Lost in the Static" After The Burial played over the PA system. Black and gold lights flickered over the crowd as they anxiously awaited to see their new EBWF Women's Champion. A few moments went by and no one came out. The music cut off and the lights returned to normal. The fans looks around slightly confused as to what was happening. The lights once again dimmed and the music cued once more. Again, nothing. Finally static took over the titan tron and an evil feminine laugh could be heard. Slowly the static began to clear up and we could see the face of Zahra Schreiber. She appeared to be seated on the floor in a very dimly lit room. Despite the poor lighting, the cuts and bruises on her face could still be seen. No doubt all three women would be feeling the damages for weeks to come.
Zahra: Looking for me, Little Rock?
Zahra let out a dry laugh.
Zahra: Like I'd ever waste my time ever stepping foot in hillbilly country.
The camera panned back a little more so she was fully in view. She sat indian style with her raven black hair hung loose down her shoulders and back. Zahra wore all black as per usual. She took a lighter and flicked it to life, burning a sage stick. The smoke lazily floated around her as she kept her cold stare right at the camera.
Zahra: I know you will all be a little disappointed to know that I won't be gracing you with my presence this evening. Not only that, but there won't be any sort of celebration. I'm not the type to bumble down to the ring and dish out pizza so people will like me. I do not seek your affection, and your opinions of me... are completely meaningless.
The crowd booed at this but Zahra didn't pay any attention. She swirled the sage stick around a few times and dropped it into a bowl in front of her. She lit a few red candles next, revealing a pentagram painted on the floor where she sat.
Zahra: There is nothing to celebrate here except the total annihilation of both of my former stable mates. I'm not even sure they both made it out alive, nor do I care to know. Alexa Bliss and little Liv Morgan were like lambs to the slaughter. They should have seen it coming after I came to the ring on Warfare and took matters into my own hands by signing that Wrestlemania contract in my own blood. Are you all really surprised at the destruction? I told them I would make them bleed like the little pigs they are. You can call me the big bad wolf who huffed, and puffed, and shredded them to pieces. Then I picked their bones clean like a vulture on road kill. I practically bathed in Liv's blood like I'm fucking Elizabeth Bathory.
Zahra laughed morbidly. She grabbed a bell and held it over her alter. She rang it nine times and on the ninth time she hovered it above her.
Zahra: In Nomine Dei Nostri Satanas, Luciferi Excelsi. In the Name of Satan, Ruler of the Earth, True God, Almighty and Ineffable, Who hast created man to reflect in thine own image and likeness, I invite the Forces of Darkness to bestow their infernal power upon me. Open the Gates of Hell to come forth to greet me as your brother/sister and friend.
Zahra reached out as a robbed figure handed her a chalice. She drank deeply from it and slowly handed off the chalice. Her lips now appeared to be blood red. She rolled her eyes in the back of her head so only the whites of her eyes could be seen. She exhaled slowly and her eyes went back to normal.
Zahra: I'm the bringer of darkness and pain. I am like a day with no dawn, a ray void of the sun. I'm a storm that brings no calm. I am LEGION! This will be your awakening!
The static on the titan tron took over again as the scene faded out.
Mauro Ranallo: Still to come, we'll hear from our new World Champion The Miz... but first, Dalton Castle defends the Gateway Championship against the Glorious Bobby Roode!
"Glorious Domination" by CFO$ hit, and Bobby Roode made his way to the ring. Once Roode was in the ring, Dalton Castle came out, accompanied by the Boys. Despite his loss at Wrestlemania, Castle looked confident. As Castle entered the ring, he and Roode stared one another down. The referee held the Gateway Championship in the air, and called for the bell. Roode and Castle exchanged right hands, and after gaining the upper hand, Roode whipped Castle against the ropes. As Castle ran back towards him, Roode took him down with a hip toss, then followed it up with a knee drop. Roode pulled Castle to his feet, and hit him with a neckbreaker, then hooked the leg, but Dalton Castle kicked out at 2.
Corey Graves: Bobby Roode trying to go for a quick victory, but it's going to take more than that to put down Dalton Castle!
Roode pulled Castle to his feet and hit him with some more right hands, then whipped him into the corner. Roode ran at Castle, going for a corner clothesline, but Castle got his knees up and blocked it, then as Roode staggered backwards, Castle went to the top rope. He hit Roode with a diving hurricanrana, then as both men got to their feet, Castle hit a gutwrench suplex. Roode rolled out of the ring and Castle ran against the ropes, then dived through the ropes, hitting Roode with a...
Mauro Ranallo: TOPE SUICIDA!
Both men were down outside the ring, and the referee began counting. As he reached the count of 5, Castle got to his feet, and he threw Roode back into the ring, then hit the Fair Winds. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Roode kicked out! Castle pulled Roode to his feet and lifted him over his shoulder, hitting a back-to-belly piledriver. Castle climbed the turnbuckle and went for the Anchors Away... but Roode moved out of the way! Roode then grabbed Castle, and put him in the Crossface! Castle cried out in pain, but he was able to get to the ropes. Not wanting to get disqualified with the title on the line, Roode quickly broke the hold and dragged Castle away from the ropes, before stomping on him several times. Roode pulled Castle to his feet and set him up for the Glorious DDT, but Castle blocked it and countered with a bridging northern lights suplex! The referee counted – 1... 2.. kickout!
Corey Graves: Great counter by Dalton Castle there!
Mauro Ranallo: You might even say it was GLORIOUS, Corey!
Both men got to their feet and Castle went to whip Roode against the ropes, but Roode reversed the Irish whip, sending Castle into the ropes. As Castle ran back towards him, Roode took him down with a spinebuster, then went for a sharpshooter. Castle kicked him away and got to his feet, but Roode reacted quickly and took Castle down with a spear! Castle looked dazed, and Roode hit the Glorious DDT!
Mauro Ranallo: Roode goes for the Glorious DDT once more, and this time he hits it! We could have a new champion here, Corey!
Roode hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Castle got his foot on the ropes just before the 3 count! Roode couldn't believe it, and after punching Castle against the mat several times, he pulled him to his feet, setting him up for another Glorious DDT. Castle countered by rolling Roode up in a small package – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Castle almost snatched victory from the jaws of defeat there!
Both men got to their feet, and Roode went for a lariat, but Castle ducked out of the way and grabbed Roode from behind, hitting a reverse DDT. As Roode got back to his feet, Castle lifted him onto his shoulders, hitting the Bang-A-Rang! Castle draped one arm over Roode, and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It's over! Dalton Castle retains the championship!
Corey Graves: What a match that was, Mauro!
Castle wearily got to his feet and smiled as the referee handed him the title. Castle celebrated, then made his way to the back as Roode watched on, looking bitterly disappointed.
Warfare came back from a commercial, and the capacity crowd was buzzing with anticipation as there was seemingly a break in the action of the show. Then in an instant, the fans erupted in cheers the second they heard...
"AWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
"I CAME TO PLAY"
"I Came to Play" by Downstait echoed throughout the arena, and fans were in a tizzy. The Miz exploded out of the back with the EBWF Championship in his right hand. He comically stretched his right and windmilled it twice before holding the strap up for the crowd to see, and then flipped it onto his shoulder beginning his confident trek to the ring. He wore a gray long sleeve dry fit hoodie, black jeans and gray sneakers that matched the shirt. He had his hair slicked around and he made his way down the ramp with a ton of swagger. He hopped up onto the ring apron and peered over his left shoulder with a classic Miz smirk.
Mauro Ranallo: Well here he is Corey- the new champion!
Corey Graves: The Era of Awesome has begun once more!
Christy Hemme: Ladies and Gentlemen- please welcome- the NEW EBWF World Champion- THE MIZZZ!!!
Christy smiled as Miz gave her a nod as if to say "well done." Christy exited the ring, and Miz was given a microphone by the time keeper. He adjusted the championship over his right shoulder, and had a smile that was a mile wide. He held the mic to his lips, but then had to take it down, because a "Miz is Awesome" chant boomed through the audience. When it died down, Miz was able to get an energetic first phrase out.
The Miz: God freaking right I am!
The crowd cheered and Miz laughed.
The Miz: No all jokes aside- it feels SO damn good- to hear those words. The NEW EBWF WORLD CHAMPION The Miz- in fact I'm going to say them a couple more times- the new EBWF WORLD CHAMPION THE MIZ- THE NEW EBWF WORLD CHAMPION THE MIZ- THE NEW EBWF WORLD CHAMPION THE MIZ- HASH TAG........
Crowd: FACTS!
The Miz: It has been since 2015, that The Miz has worn this strap, and all the while EVERY SINGLE MIZtake.. that is drunk off some serious haterade.. has come up to me and said..
Miz mocked in a whiny voice.
The Miz: "Miz you can't win.. you can't win without cheating.. you can't win without a group behind you helping you get to the top.." To those haters I say.... and I hope you'll all join me in saying..... PFFT!
Crowd: PFFT!
The Miz: PFFT!
Crowd: PFFT!
The Miz: There hasn't been one day that I've been here, that I've been incapable of greatness on MY own.. the difference was.. I'm smart.. I'm the valedictorianary... of being extraordinary... and I knew.. I had a knack.. for figuring out ways to not only out skill people.. but also out think them.. but as Taylor Swift once said.. haters gonna hate.. so I knew that this time.. this WRESTLEMANIA moment, where I defeated Kenny Omega.. in the middle of this ring.. ONE.. TWO.. THREE.. was going to be perhaps my biggest because it was going to make EVERY SINGLE ONE of the MIZtakes that hate.. give us all one big..... SHHHH!!!
The crowd erupted.
Mauro Ranallo: Did he just say the valedictorinary of being extraordinary?
Corey Graves: Only Miz..
The Miz: Just a Shh.. and a reminder that they can't stop The Miz.. then can't drop The Miz.. they can't BE THE MIZ.. so they have no other choice but to simply... BE JEALOUS!
The crowd echoed it with him and cheered once more.
The Miz: Which brings me to what's next. Aftermath- now if there's one thing I'm not- it's a guy who's going to make the same mistakes that I've had a tendency to make in the past. I'm not going to let this title make my head unable to fit through most doorways. I'd say my head is the perfect size.. and the money maker attached is right around that same level of perfection. SO I don't need it to grow.. I am NOT going to underestimate anybody that we have in this entire company, because the second you starting getting a little too sure that you're not going to lose.. THAT'S when you lose. Kenny Omega talked a TON about how he was never going to taste defeat, and that's exactly what the ole' Mizster gave him a HEAVY spoon full of last night. So unlike Kenny.. I'm not going to make that mistake.. I know whoever is the first a jamoak-a-doke.. to step up and try to take this off of me.. is going to be fired up.. they are going to be ready to have their time.. to have their big moment like I had at Wrestlemania.. and it's PRECISELY that reason.. that I WILL.. NOT.. LET.. THEM! I'm ready.. and I don't care who it is that tries to make a name for themselves.. next week.. COME ON DOWN.. challenge me.. ANY OF YOU.. I'm ready.. because this picture.. this face.. this moment.. of THE MIZ being YOUR World Champion.. being back as the KING OF THE HILL.. with the belt to prove it.. shows that not only am I YOUR FAVORITE WRESTLER'S FAVORITE WRESTLER.. it shows that I am officially.. from here on out.. the NEW OFFICIAL...
The Miz cleared his throat as if he was about to say something big.
The Miz: PEOPLES... CHAMPION.
The crowd erupted, as The Miz had stolen a phrase coined by The Rock himself.
The Miz: I don't see Dwayne here to sue me for copyright infringement.. so sorry Dwayne.. I'm the new people's champion.. because I'm at the TOP of the Mountain.. and EVERY SINGLE one of these MIZFITS here tonight and all over the world.. KNOW that their hero.. their guy... is ready and willing to take on whoever is brave enough to step up to the plate. They know that their hero.. their guy.. has got what it takes to prove that nobody in the back has the bat speed to keep up with the HEAT that The A-Lister has been throwing lately.. and if someone wants to try and prove me otherwise.. go ahead and step right up.. make yourself known.. if you want to be a hero.. if you want to prove that you have what it takes.. then by all means... . BATTERRRRRRRRRRRRRR UPPPPPPPP!
The crowd cheered loudly as Miz cocked his head back to bring it home.
BECAUSE I'MMMMMMMMMMMM THEEEEEEEEEEEEEE MIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
ANNNNNNNNNNNNNND I'MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
CROWD AND MIZ: AWEEEEEEEEEEEEEESOMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
"I CAME TO PLAY" boomed again from the speakers as confetti dropped on to the Miz who stood with his arms raised and the title in his right hand. He wore a confident and excited grin.
Mauro Ranallo: Well there you have it! What a celebration tonight.
Corey Graves: The Miz- the new champion- who will step up nex.... WAIT A MINUTE!
As Miz soaked in the celebration. Kenny Omega appeared from under the ring. He snuck into the ring behind Miz with a steel chair in his hand. He hit Miz over the back of the head with a sickening thud. Miz dropped to his knees, and Omega proceeded to hit Miz over and over with the chair.
Corey Graves: Kenny Omega! Omega is laying waste to the Miz right now with that chair!
Mauro Ranallo: Doesn't look like the former champion is too happy about losing that strap!
Omega was assaulting The Miz- and the crowd was booing their brains out. Officials ran out from the back, and Omega had to be pulled off of The Miz, who was writhing in pain on the ground. Omega was yelling at Miz and point his chair at him as officials pushed Omega off to the corner. Omega charged through them and got 3 more chair shots in, before he was pulled away again. The crowd was booing and Omega was backing his way up the ramp with officials in front of him. Omega was laughing manically as Miz was being tended to be EMT's.
Corey Graves: Miz is in bad shape right now Mauro. What's going to happen next week?
Mauro Ranallo: Only time will tell.. goodnight folks.
Warfare went off the air.
