Mauro Ranallo: Good evening and welcome to Warfare! Tonight, we are live from Albuquerque, New Mexico!
Corey Graves: It's our first Warfare since King of the Ring and we will hear from the new King, Aiden English, later on tonight!
Mauro Ranallo: We'll also see the 2019 Queen of the Ring, Liv Morgan, in action but right now, we've got the Drifter... Elias!
Corey Graves let out an audible groan as the camera cut to Elias Samson, who was sat in the center of the ring with his guitar and microphone. Elias taunted the crowd, then asked them to silence their cellphones, hold their applause and most importantly, shut their mouths. Elias was about to play a song when he was interrupted by "Lost in the Static" and Tommy End making his way to the ring. As End entered the ring, Elias ran at him and hit him with a series of punches. End fought back with a series of kicks, then whipped Elias against the ropes. As Elias ran back towards him, End hit a knee strike. Elias looked dazed, and End hit an exploder suplex, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Elias kicked out! End pulled Elias to his feet and whipped him into the corner, then hit him with several kicks to the chest. Elias slumped into a sitting position, and End took several steps back, then charged towards the corner, going for a running knee... but Elias moved out of the way! Tommy End's knee collided with the middle turnbuckle, causing him to cry out in pain. End was limping, and he grabbed onto the ropes to keep himself upright, but Elias charged towards him, hitting a clothesline and sending End over the top rope!
Corey Graves: Tommy End appears to have hurt himself, which could give Elias the advantage!
Elias followed End out of the ring, hitting him with a series of punches before throwing him into the ring steps. As End got to his feet, Elias hit a DDT onto the floor, then rolled back into the ring. The referee was up to the count of 5, and as Elias re-entered the ring he continued counting – 6... 7... 8... End got back to his feet... 9... End slid back into the ring just before the 10 count! Elias hit End with a big boot, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... End kicked out!
Mauro Ranallo: Elias is in control here, but Tommy End isn't going down without a fight!
Elias stomped on End several times, then pulled him to his feet and set him up for the Drift Away... but End blocked it, then hit Elias with a brainbuster! End ran against the ropes, hitting a springboard moonsault, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Elias kicked out just before the 3!
Mauro Ranallo: And just like that, the momentum has shifted! Now Elias is looking vulnerable...
End pulled Elias to his feet and whipped him into the corner, hitting a corner dropkick then following it up with a running knee. As Elias fell to the mat, he rolled out of the ring and began retreating up the ramp. The crowd booed, but Tommy End shook his head and followed Elias up the ramp, grabbing Elias and throwing him back into the ring. Tommy End was about to re-enter the ring, when "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour blasted out over the PA system.
Corey Graves: Is that...
Mauro Ranallo: It is! CM Punk is here!
End turned around to CM Punk walk through the curtain, carrying a steel chair. End clenched his fists, readying himself for a fight, put Punk smirked and remained at the top of the ramp, unfolding the chair and taking a seat. Confused, End turned his attention back to Elias and re-entered the ring, where Elias was down on the mat. Tommy End signalled for the Owari Death Kick, then went to pull Elias to his feet... but Elias was playing possum, and he rolled End up in a small package! The referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: Elias gets the win, thanks to a helping hand from CM Punk!
As the referee called for the bell, Elias rolled out of the ring and quickly made his way up the ramp. End looked furious, which seemed to amuse both Punk and Elias. Punk walked back through the curtain, taking his chair with him, and Elias followed him to the back as Warfare went to commercial.
As Warfare returned from commercial, Hardcore Holly and Bobby Lashley were making their way to the ring for the next match, accompanied by Lio Rush.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back! Up next we've got tag team action as Hardcore Holly and Bobby Lashley take on Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins!
After Holly and Lashley had entered the ring, "The Second Coming" by CFO$ hit and the crowd cheered as Seth Rollins stepped out onto the stage. Rollins waited at the top of the ramp, and the crowd continued to cheer as "The Truth Reigns" hit and Roman Reigns joined Rollins on the stage. Rollins and Reigns then walked down the ramp and entered the ring. When all four men were in the ring, the referee ordered both teams to decide who was starting the match. One on side of the ring, Lashley climbed onto the ring apron, leaving Hardcore Holly stood in the ring. Holly pointed at Reigns and began yelling, signalling that he wanted to start the made with The Big Dog! Reigns shrugged and nodded, then after Rollins had moved onto the ring apron, the referee called for the bell. Holly and Reigns exchanged punches back and forth, but Reigns was able to overpower Holly, and he whipped the veteran superstar against the ropes. As Holly ran back towards him, Reigns went for a big boot, but Holly ducked out of the way then hit Reigns with a forearm smash. Reigns stumbled backwards, but remained on his feet. Holly hit him with several right hands, then attempted to lift him up for a body slam... but Reigns blocked it, then lifted Holly onto his shoulders, hitting a Samoan drop!
Corey Graves: Reigns showing too much power for Hardcore Holly here!
Mauro Ranallo: You have to wonder if Holly regrets challenging Roman Reigns, Corey...
Lashley called for the tag and Holly crawled towards the corner, tagging his partner in. Across the ring, Reigns tagged in Seth Rollins, and as he entered the ring, Rollins charged towards Lashley, going for a high knee... but Lashley reacted quickly and side-stepped it, then hit Rollins with a clothesline. As Rollins got to his feet, Lashley hit a series of punches, then lifted him up, hitting a military press drop. Rollins got back to his feet once more, and this time Lashley hit a powerbomb, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Rollins kicked out! Lashley stomped on Rollins several times, then pulled him to his feet and whipped him into the corner. Holly grabbed Rollins, and as Holly held him in the corner, Lashley hit Rollins with a series of kicks. The referee intervened, telling Holly to let go of Rollins, but as soon as Holly did so, Lashley tagged him in. After entering the ring, Holly stomped on Rolling in the corner several times, then pulled him to his feet and hit a brainbuster. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Holly and Lashley have trapped Rollins in the corner... we've seen them do that before in tag matches. Impressive teamwork, and it looks like Rollins is in trouble!
Holly punched Rollins against the mat several times, then got to his feet and hit a jumping knee drop. Holly then pulled Rollins to his feet, and set him up for a pumphandle slam... but Rollins blocked it, then lifted Holly onto his shoulders, countering with a fireman's carry slam. Both men got to their feet, and Hardcore Holly went for a clothesline... but Rollins ducked out of the way and hit Holly with the Small Package Driver! He hooked both legs, and the referee counted – 1... 2... Holly kicked out!
Mauro Ranallo: Rollins has turned this around, and almost got the three count there!
Corey Graves: It looks like Reigns wants to get back in there though, Mauro... he knows Rollins has taken a lot of punishment!
Reigns called for the tag, and Rollins crawled towards the corner... but before he could get there, Lashley ran into the ring and grabbed Rollins, hitting him with a German suplex! The crowd booed, and the referee ordered Lashley to exit the ring. Lashley did so, climbing back onto the ring apron and calling for the tag. Holly tagged in Lashley, and upon entering the ring, Lashley lifted Rollins up onto his shoulder, setting him up the Dominator! Before he could hit it, Rollins wriggled free and hit Lashley with an enzuigiri! Rollins crawled towards the corner, and Reigns held out his hand. Lashley grabbed Rollins by the leg, trying to stop him from making the tag, but Rollins stretched out his arm and was able to reach Roman Reigns! The crowd cheered in anticipation as The Big Dog entered the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Business is about to pick up!
As Rollins exited the ring, Reigns and Lashley stared one another down, then exchanged right hands back and forth. Lashley was able to gain the upper hand, and he whipped Reigns against the ropes, then went for a clothesline. Reigns ducked out of the way, ran against the opposing set of ropes, then took Lashley down with a leaping clothesline! Both men got to their feet, and Reigns hit Lashley with the Superman Punch! He hooked the leg, and the referee counted – 1... 2... Lashley kicked out! Reigns got to his feet, signalling for the Spear! As Reigns waited for Lashley to get to his feet, Lio Rush climbed onto the ring apron, distracting the referee! As the referee tried to deal with Rush, Hardcore Holly snuck up behind Roman Reigns, hitting him across the back with a steel chair. The crowd booed, and Rollins tried to get the ref's attention, but as the referee turned around, Hardcore Holly scrambled out of the ring, taking the chair with him. Rollins looked furious, and he climbed down from the ring apron and ran around the ring, chasing after Hardcore Holly. Meanwhile, in the ring, Lashley hit Reigns with the Dominator then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Corey Graves: It's over! Hardcore Holly and Bobby Lashley get the victory!
Mauro Ranallo: Yet more shenanigans, Corey... it feels like the inmates are running the asylum here tonight!
As the referee called for the bell, the camera cut to ringside where Rollins was still chasing after Hardcore Holly. Lio Rush got in the way, and Rollins grabbed him, throwing him into the ringside barrier. Rollins turned around, and Hardcore Holly hit him with the chair! Holly then entered the ring to celebrate with Lashley as Warfare went to another commercial.
Warfare came back from commercial with a video package. The package opened on Christy Hemme standing center of the ring at King of the Ring. The video was filtered and the audio altered to give a sense of grandeur to the occasion.
Mauro Ranallo: Tonight we crown the King of the Ring!
The video cut to PJ Black making his way down to the ring. Then it jumped to Aiden English making his way down to the ring. The sound of the opening bell echoed ominously. What followed was a quick cut of near falls and highlights. Aiden connected with a clothesline for a two count. PJ hit a springboard and hooked the leg for his own two count. Black hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker the floated into a reverse DDT. Again he only got the two count on English.
Mauro Rnallo: No, Aiden English kicks out again!
PJ landed a Springboard Moonsault and followed it quickly with a third near fall. PJ attempted the Springboard Moonsault a second time but Aiden caught him in a crossface. The color went out in the video as PJ fought to escape the hold. PJ grabbed the ropes and color quickly came back to the screen as PJ climbed to his feet. Black stumbled back and the video slowed as Aiden set up and hit the Director’s Cut. The color was gone again as Aiden hooked the leg. 1… 2… 3!
Mauro Ranallo: I don’t know if you’d call this an upset, but Aiden English just beat the King of the Ring Tournament favorite!
The video quickly cut to Christy Hemme back in the ring. She announced Lashley and Edge as the package showed each making their way down to the ring. Lashley hit Edge with a massive spinebuster for the first two count. Edge hit a diving crossbody for his own two count.
Corey Graves: Both of these superstars are trying to put their opponent away early!
Lashley speared the ring post and stumbled out of the corner with Edge rolling him up in a schoolboy. There was another two count. Lashley delivered a powerbomb to Edge and hooked both legs. Color faded from the screen as the referee counted the two count. Edge managed to kick out at the last possible second.
Corey Graves: Edge is showing impressive resilience here!
The color returned as Orton made his way down the ramp. The package showed him hitting Lio Rush with an RKO and then cut to him delivering a DDT to Holly onto a steel chair. Close shot on Orton smiling and telling Lashley to turn around. Edge hit Lashley with a massive Spear and hooked the leg. Color once again drained away as the referee count, 1… 2… 3!
Mauro Ranallo: He’s done it! Edge advances to the final!
Corey Graves: Now it’s time to crown the King… Will it be Aiden English or Edge?
The package showed Aiden English making his way to the ring. The audio of the crowd’s mixed reaction was amplified and the volume of the music muted. Next Edge made his way to the ring and the same filters were applied making it even more evident how the crowd cheered for Edge.
Mauro Ranallo: Well Corey, we know who this Texas crowd are backing!
The video jumped straight into the action with Aiden landing a diving leg drop on Edge for a two count. Edge hit a sitout powerbomb for another two count. Aiden blocked and Edgecution into a backdrop. Aiden slammed Edge’s head into the barrier, then dropped him on it. Aiden hit a DDT and rolled back into the ring. He argued with the referee to start counting.
1…
2…
3…
4…
5...
6…
Edge threw his arm up on the apron to climb back into the ring and Aiden hit him with a baseball slide the ended with both men outside the ring. Aiden started ripping the mats at ringside up to expose the concrete floor below. He set Edge up for a suplex. Edge countered with his own suplex and Aiden’s back arched in pain as he landed on the solid floor. Edge rolled Aiden back into the ring and got another two count off the pin.
Corey Graves: Edge could have DDTed Aiden English onto that exposed concrete.
Mauro Ranallo: He has principles!
Corey Graves: I guess he got his claws clipped…
Edge locked on the Edgecator in the center of the ring. Aiden clawed his way to the ropes, finally grasping them but Edge refused to release the hold as the referee started counting. Edge let go a moment before the five. Aiden hauled himself up using the ropes as Edge ran toward him. English pulled the top rope down and sent Edge tumbling back out of the ring. The package slowed almost to a halt as Aiden hit a scoop slam onto the bare concrete. Aiden hits a fireman’s carry spinebuster in the ring. Edge kicked out at two again. Edge hit the Edgecution. Edge hooked the leg and the referee started the count. The package showed the excitement of the crowd as the referee counted. The shock and surprise was obvious as Aiden kicked out moments before the three. The package showed one stunned fan with his eyes wide open.
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia!
Edge was set up for the Spear but Aiden stepped to the side. He locked Edge up and hit him with the Director’s Cut. Aiden hooked the leg and the referee started to count. 1… 2… 3! The package again cut away to the audience to show the shock, awe and disgust on the fan’s faces.
Mauro Ranallo: The Drama King is officially the 2019 King of the Ring!
The package ended on Aiden English having his arm raised in victory. As the show returned to the ring, it was set up with a large throne with black cushions and silver lacquered wood. The lights in the arena were already dimmed and Christy Hemme made her way into the ring with the help of some ringside crew who held the ropes for her. She walked to the back of the throne.
Christy Hemme: Ladies and gentlemen, making his way to the ring the 2019 EBWF KING OF THE RING and GATEWAY CHAMPION! Aiden English!
“Moments” by Sevendust started to play across the arena. After the first few measures of intro the song’s pace and tone livened. Normally Aiden would emerge from the curtains at this point but tonight was different. His theme continued playing until the lyrics of the song started in. “Hold on. Just long enough to watch the pages turn. You wanted something to see here. You wanted something that nobody loves. And none of us get enough.”
Corey Graves: Mauro, this is very unusual for Aiden.
Mauro Ranallo: Well the Drama King has been out of sorts lately.
“Destroy the feeling!” Aiden stepped out onto the entrance ramp clad in black denim across the front of his denim vest there were two horizontal silver stripes separated by several inches of black. Between the two silver stripes were five blood red six pointed stars. Aiden had a black velvet cape draped over his back with a silver lining around the edges. He wore the Gateway Title around his waist and a silver crown on his head. The front of the silver crown had a black gem inlaid into it. As Aiden stepped out onto the ramp he raised a hand into the air to a mixed reaction leaning toward boos. With a smile he turned and looked behind him as Raquel emerged from backstage wearing black denim as well. The pants were form fitting and the vest was unbuttoned and hanging open. Underneath she wore a black shirt with a silver and red image of her father. They started walking toward the ring hand in hand.
Corey Graves: Like it or not, that is your 2019 King of the Ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Not only that but Aiden is the first man to win the King of the Ring and Royal Rumble in the same year since Bret Hart did it in 2004!
Corey Graves: Aiden has to be looking toward Summerslam as he prepares to take on the Miz a second time this year for the EBWF World Title!
Mauro Ranallo: And he’s got to hope he fares better than he did at Wrestlemania.
Aiden walked up the steps and held the top and middle ropes open for his wife. After she made it into the ring he leaned back and allowed the ropes to close, sitting on the second rope with a smirk. He leaned back, holding the top rope and looked out at the crowd. He swung his legs around and stood up inside the ring where he made his way over to the throne. He put his hand on the arm of it and took a deep breath. Raquel came up and put her hands on his shoulder, urging him to sit. Aiden took a seat on the throne and Diaz went to the ropes and called for a microphone. She moved back to her husband and passed it to him. Aiden leaned back in the throne and got comfortable.
Aiden English: Take a moment to absorb the gravity of the situation. Your new King of the Ring is the Drama King himself! I warned you, I prepared you, I let you know what the future held in store for the EBWF Universe! If you paid attention, you knew this day was coming! This is the start of EBWF’s new future! This is the beginning of some very very dark days!
Aiden held his hands out in front of him, clenched his left hand into a fist and lowered his right hand with his palm down. As he moved his hands down, the lights started to dim even further. After a moment the arena was completely black. The bustle of a confused crowd played out on screen for a few moments. Then a single red spotlight came on and illuminated Aiden and Raquel who was now sitting on the arm of the throne with arms around Aiden’s neck.
Aiden English: The reign of the Drama King has begun at last. And, I can’t even imagine how you all feel now that there is a true English King sitting on the throne of the EBWF!
The crowd booed as Aiden chuckled at his own joke.
Aiden English: The first order of business under new leadership is to address the past and dispel some myths about the future. This is not a return to the old ways, for the old Aiden English died when the light destroyed everything that made him unique. The new Aiden English followed a similar fate when he came to the realization that the light that made him was a false prophet intended to keep him down and hold him back from his full potential. I am neither of these men any longer! I haven’t reverted, I have evolved! The best of the old Aiden, resurrected. The best of the new Aiden, saved from his long walk down the wrong path. The man who sits on this throne is the TRUE Aiden English!
As the crowd started to boo again, Aiden stood up from the throne and threw his hands out to the side. He tilted his head back and absorbed their hatred. As he did the spotlight started to fade and flicker.
Aiden English: Let me take a moment to congratulate my counterpart. Liv Morgan is the 2019 Queen of the Ring, and I’m damn proud of how she got there. Like me, she knew what had to be done and she did it. She didn’t sheepishly question if she should capitalize on her advantage. She didn’t hesitate to bring her friends down to support her. She beat Alexa Bliss by doing what had to be done. Liv Morgan gets it done by hook or by crook and I couldn’t be more proud to share the throne with her this year!
The crowd was torn between cheering for Liv Morgan and booing Aiden.
Aiden English: Liv, I hope you, Ruby, and Sarah light a fire that burns this company to the foundation. I’ll be right here to watch it burn in the darkness of the days that are yet to come! BE PREPARED!
The light flickered one last time and then went out. When it came back up both Aiden and Raquel were gone from the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: An ominous ending note for the King of the Ring, Corey. What do you think he wants us to prepare for?
Corey Graves: I’m not sure, but I have chills.
Becky Lynch made her way to the ring and the crowd was on their feet for more women's action.
Mauro Ranallo: We'll see how this newcomer to the women's division performs tonight.
Corey Graves: Well, since she's going against the vision that is Liv Morgan, my guess is she won't perform very well!
Liv's music hit and she sauntered to the ring, wearing a smile as she slid in under the bottom rope. The bell rang and Becky chased Liv around the ring. Liv turned and hit a drop kick, and she Irish whipped Becky's shoulder into the middle rope. Liv laid on some kicks, and then locked in the reverse Cloverleaf, but Becky fought through the hold until she got to the bottom ropes. Becky hit a step up forearm, and then locked on the dis-arm-her. Liv struggled against the hold, and Becky was forced to break it when Liv got her foot under the bottom rope.
Corey Graves: Liv with some excellent ring awareness there.
Becky missed a boot, and Liv met her with a series of kicks. Becky hit a punch, and pummeled Liv with a back breaker. Liv avoided another dis-arm-her attempt, and rolled Becky up in the school girl pin for a near fall.
Corey Graves: I thought Liv had it there!
Liv kicked Becky in the head, but Becky blocked her follow up. Liv kicked Becky again, and got yet another near fall, before locking on the reverse chin lock. Becky hit some European uppercuts, followed by a clothesline and a leg lariat. Becky hit a back heel kick, and she went for the dis-arm-her hold again, but Liv sent Becky into the turnbuckles. Liv hit a face buster, but Becky blocked it and got a jackknife cover for the three count.
Corey Graves: What?
Mauro Ranallo: Becky Lynch just defeated Liv Morgan!
Corey Graves: What a match that was!
Becky's hand was raised in victory before Warfare went to commercial.
When Warfare returned from a commercial the ring was completely set up for Miz TV. The crowd went from a general buzzing to a chorus of boos as "AWEEEEEESOMMMEEE" followed by "Awake and Alive" filled the arena. The Miz in a 3 piece gray suit, sunglasses over his eyes and the EBWF Championship over his shoulder came through the curtain first. He was tailed by Alex Riley and Ted DiBiase who were both dressed in a similar fashion. They confidently strut down the ramp, glaring at the EBWF Universe. Riley and Ted went ahead of The Miz to open the ring up for him to easily enter it. He arrogantly motioned to the time keeper to give him a microphone. Miz put the microphone to his lips and the boos intensified from the audience. He smirked, unimprssed by the heat that he was receiving. Finally he spoke.
The Miz: Undeserving, unworthy those are words that I've heard this week to describe me as your EBWF Champion. I've heard all week that I don't belong at the top of the EBWF mountain anymore after what took place at King of the Ring. Is this what you all think?
The crowd erupted in cheers.
The Miz: Well who gives one shred of a shit about what any of you think?
The crowd quickly flipped to deafening boos.
The Miz: Once again AJ Styles proved just how stupid he really is. The ONLY undeserving and unworthy thing that took place at King of the Ring was AJ being allowed to even GET A SHOT at this EBWF Championship. So Trilogy did what Trilogy does, and that is take DIRECT and FORCEFUL action to make sure that everything remains the way it should be around here. Trilogy took DIRECT and FORCEFUL action to ensure that The Miz- the best wrestler to ever FREAKING EXIST- remained the World Champion in a company that is ALSO undeserving and unworthy of someone of his caliber. So even though YOU ALL are undeserving and unworthy of me.. I'm going to stop for a moment of WORSHIP from you all to me.. READY.. GO.
The boos were rocking the building. The Miz confidently smiled.
The Miz: So now that that's out of the way. It brings me to tonight. Now a lot of you are all up in arms about what we did to AJ Styles. Not only did we embarrass him, not only did we beat him senseless, and left him lying in a pile of his own pathetic- but we taught him a lesson. That lesson is that if you come at me, and you try and take this off of my broad amazing shoulders-THIS is what happens. But as much as I'm an icon, and as I am quite literally the GOLD standard in this company, I'm also fair. I'm also diplomatic, and I'm also the type of person that is going to let someone have a chance to get retribution and to get revenge if that is what they are dumb enough to seek against me. So here on Miz TV tonight, my guest is going to be none other than the man that FAILED to become EBWF Champion at King of the Ring.. the one... the only.. the "phenomenal"
The Miz' words were drenched in sarcasm.
The Miz: AJ STYLES!!!!!
The crowd cheered as "Phenomenal" was heard through the arena. The Trilogy made their way up to the ropes awaiting the arrival of Styles. After several beats the Miz intense look turned to an extremely confident smile. He began to pace around the ring.
The Miz: You see?! This is what I'm talking about! This is what you all cheer for! This is what you all consider to be "YOUR GUY" a guy that can't even show his face after getting dismantled at the hands of greatness. A MAN who can't even STAND UP FOR HIMSELF, A MAN who is doing nothing right now except WALLOWING in his own self pity. AJ Styles is a NOTHING, A NOBODY, A COMPLETE AND UTTER DISGRACE.. and that is why we left him for DEAD at King of the Ring. You WILL NOT be seeing AJ Styles ANYTIME soon.. and trust me.. TRUST ME.. TRUST ME.. it is for the best. It is for the benefit of this company. So get used to this face, get used to this group.. because it's the ONLY one you're going to see anywhere near THIS TITLE.
The Miz slammed it into the camera.
The Miz: BECAUSE I'MMMMMMM THEEEEE MIZZZZZZ ANNNND I'MMMMMM
Crowd: AWFULLLLLLLLLL
The Miz paused for effect.
The Miz: AWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
"Awake and Alive" hit once more and Miz flipped the microphone to the mat. He and Trilogy exited the ring and confidently made their way back up the ramp to a chorus of boos.
Mauro Ranallo: I don't think Miz had any intention of interviewing AJ tonight, they had to know that AJ is recovering from the heinous attack suffered at the hands of Trilogy at King of the Ring.
Corey Graves: Someone has to put a stop to this reign of terror that Trilogy has already presented here since their return. Goodnight folks.
Warfare went off the air.
