Pyrotechnics shot off in the Little Caesars Arena as the crowd cheered wildly and King of the Ring Kicked Off.
Mauro Ranallo: The crowd is a raucous one tonight as we come to you live from Detroit Rock City!
Nigel McGuinness: We are ready to crown both the King and Queen of the Ring tonight. The King of the Ring tournament began in May, and there are four men left.
Mauro Ranallo: And the winner of the first matchup tonight will go on to the final.
Tama Tonga’s theme hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as he came to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: I think all of the men in tonight’s semi-finals were considered long shots, but Tama Tonga really surprised everyone.
Nigel McGuinness: The question is whether he will go on to get a world championship match at Summerslam.
“Booyaka 619” filled the arena, and another mixed reaction went up from the crowd.
Mauro Ranallo: The veteran Rey Mysterio, normally a perennial favorite, has been showing a bit of a mean streak lately.
Nigel McGuinness: Rey has a new attitude, and is hoping it will get him to the finals.
Rey got into the ring, and the bell rang. Tonga ran through Rey taking him down. Tonga hit a right arm across Rey’s back, and followed up with a gorilla press as he tossed Rey down. Tonga grabbed Rey and threw him to the outside. Rey got back on the ring apron and threw some right hands onto Tonga as he hung Tonga up on the top rope. Rey climbed to the top but Tonga tripped him up and got Rey in the tree of woe. Tonga went for a spear but Rey lifted up and Tonga charged into the ring post.
Mauro Ranallo: Rey outsmarting Tama Tonga there.
Rey hit a sitting senton. He went for the cover but Tonga kicked out. Rey tried to send Tonga to the ropes but Tonga dug in his heels. Rey jumped off the second rope with a cross body but Tonga caught him and slammed him onto the mat. Tonga climbed the second rope. He went for the splash but Rey moved out of the way. Rey hit a drop kick and Tonga fell down on the second rope. Rey went for the 619 and connected. He went for the pin.
1…
2…
Tonga kicked out! He quickly booted Mysterio down and punched away at him. Mysterio punched back, but Tonga kneed him before throwing him out of the ring. Tonga teased a suicide dive, but Mysterio avoided it. Mysterio then hit a seated senton off the apron. Mysterio went for a splash on the floor, but Tonga got the knees up.
Mauro Ranallo: Tama Tonga incapacitating Rey for a moment.
Tonga hit a scoop powerslam on Mysterio for a two count. He applied a neck vice, but Mysterio fought out. Tonga went for a senton splash, but Mysterio rolled out of the way. Mysterio hit a seated senton and dropkicked the knee. Tonga soon caught him, but Mysterio countered into a DDT for a near fall. Mysterio hit a head-scissor into the top turnbuckle before hitting a 619 to the ribs. Mysterio hit a flying hurricanrana to put Tonga into position. Mysterio went for a 619, but Tonga countered into a crossface attempt. Mysterio dropped down and kicked him in the face. Mysterio hurried to the apron, and jumped over the top rope.
Mauro Ranallo: West Coast Pop!
Mysterio hit it and grabbed the legs to pin Tama Tonga.
1…
2…
3!
Mauro Ranallo: Rey Mysterio has beat the odds. He is one of the final two men in the King of the Ring tournament. Will he face Jeff Hardy or Bad Luck Fale? We’ll find out next!
Mysterio stood on the turnbuckle with both arms in the air as a video package for the next match began to play.
After a video package had wrapped up that highlighted both Bad Luck Fale and Jeff Hardy's run to the semi finals of the King of the Ring tournament the seen cut to the ring, which both men were already inhabiting. Jeff Hardy's entrance was just wrapping up, as the two began to pace around in circles staring at each other. The crowd had a lot of tension building that you could feel, people were very excited about this match between two men that, obviously, had been on a win streak as of late.
Mauro Ranallo: Big match feel here, as we look to find out who will meet Rey Mysterio Jr. In the King of the Ring Final later tonight.
Nigel McGuiness: This is going to be great, I can't wait!
The bell rang and the match was underway. Both men started with a lockup- and right away Fale got the upper hand. He went from a side headlock throwing Jeff into the ropes out of it, with brute force. On the carom, Fale swung and missed with a stiff clothesline, Hardy continued his momentum to the other rope and went for a flying forearm, but Fale caught him and instead planted him with a vicious spinebuster. He went for an early cover but the ref barely got to two. He stayed on the attack by grabbing Hardy's hair and muscling him into the corner. He hit a couple of high impact open palm slaps. He then ripped the mesh shirt right off of Jeff's chest and hit him with a couple more that sent a sickening thud throughout the arena.
Mauro Ranallo: That can NOT feel good.
Nigel McGuiness: I now know what pain SOUNDS like.
Hardy stumbled out of the corner gripping his chest in agony. Bad Luck Fale kicked him in the guy and set him up for a DDT, Hardy however, hit a couple of swift kicks to Fale's shin. This cause Fale to break his grip. Hardy ran the ropes again and this time connected with that same Flying Forearm he'd earlier missed. Fale popped back up, and Jeff set him up for the twist of fate. Fale wriggled free of the head grip and hit Jeff with a Samoan drop instead. He went for a cover and this time received a near fall of 2. Fale looked upset at the official as he grabbed Hardy's hair once again. His eyes were locked on the ref who he had thought had counted too slowly. This extra second of annoyance, allowed Jeff to break away knocking Fale's hands away from his. He then delivered a few right hands which got the crowd excited. Fale ended this barrage with a clothesline that knocked Jeff into a flipping motion down to the mat. Fale went for a cover again and the ref counted... 1... 2... and Jeff kicked out just before 3!
Mauro Ranallo: Bad Luck Fale has been controlling much of this action.
Nigel McGuiness: He sure has, Jeff better be careful or he'll have to kiss his King of the Ring dreams goodbye.
Fale again looked upset at the speed of the official's count, but he pressed on. Getting back to a vertical base and this time, interestingly enough, he seemed to give Hardy time to recover by resting in the corner awaiting Jeff to get back to his feet. Hardy stumbled up and used the turnbuckle to pull himself to his feet. Fale charged as soon as this happened, going for a body splash but Jeff moved and Fale splashed into nothing but turnbuckle. Hardy then bounced himself off the nearest rope and hit a modified bulldog slamming Fale to the mat face first. Hardy went for the cover and earned a 2 count. Hardy then stayed on the attack, popping to his feet he ran the ropes and went for a flying leg drop but Fale was the wiser this time, moving out of the way and causing hardy to land butt first on the mat. Fale was now back up and delivered a stiff knee right to Jeff's jaw. Fale went for another cover and the ref counted – 1... 2... but Hardy was able once again to get the shoulder up before 3.
Mauro Ranallo: You got to give it to Jeff - he's as resilient as they come.
Fale had had enough, he was up to his feet and lifted Jeff up for the Bad Luck Fall, Hardy was able to wriggle out of it, landing on the other side of Fale, when Fale turned around Hardy hit the twist of fate, but did not have the energy to muster a cover or a follow up attack. Both men lay next to each other after a couple of beats, Hardy was able to make a weak cover that Fale kicked out of after just two. The crowd began start a slow clap which urged both men back to their feet. They started to go blow for blow right hand for right hand. Fale ended the exchange by hitting a knee to Hardy's mid-section. He went for the Bad Luck Fall again, but Jeff again countered, he hit his reverse enzuigiri kick and immediately rushed into a cover. The ref counted - 1... 2... but Fale powered out just in time. Both men were visibly tired as they both worked their way back to their feet.
Nigel McGuiness: Honestly, King of the Ring just does something to you as a competitor. It's that honor of being able to say you outlasted countless other superstars to win one of the more prestigious tournements in our business. Both of these guys not only want this win, but they sort of NEED it to jumpstart their careers in the EBWF.
Hardy was back up first. He went to whip Fale into the corner but Fale reversed it, and sent Hardy with so much momentum that upon impact Jeff fell to his knees in pain. Fale quickly hit a body splash to the fallen hardy. On the impact the ref went right into a cover and the ref counted... 1... 2... but Hardy kicked out again. Fale pulled Hardy up once more, hair first. He went to whip Jeff into the ropes but Jeff countered he went to back drop Fale out of the ring, but Fale landed on the apron. He then grabbed Jeff by the hair and threw him down hard to the mat. Fale climbed back into the ring and seemed to be setting up for the Bad Luck Fall again, for a third time Jeff countered by going behind him. He pushed Fale into the corner and then hit rolling thunder with a high calf right to the face of Fale. Fale staggered back to his feet and Hardy hit the Twist of Fate. He was fatigued but now riding adrenaline as he went up to the top rope. He posed quickly before diving down with a textbook Swanton Bomb that connected square.
Mauro Ranallo: Wait a minute! Is he going to do it?
Nigel McGuiness: Here's the count... 1... 2... 3! YES! Jeff Hardy has punched his ticket in the finals. He will meet Rey Mysterio Jr. later on for a chance to be the 2021 King of the Ring!
Mauro Ranallo: What a match!
Hardy celebrated, clearly fatigued and beat up from what was a very aggressive matchup.
As Jeff Hardy exited the ring, the camera switched to the backstage area, where the Messiah Seth Rollins was gearing up for his match. While gearing up Seth Rollins was approached by Cathy Kelley, who wanted to conduct an interview before his big match.
Cathy Kelley: Seth Rollins, your biggest match since returning to EBWF happens tonight where you face off in a triple threat match against Johnny Gargano and Christian Cage. Is there any pressure going into the match?
Seth Rollins just looked at Cathy and laughed before speaking to her.
Seth Rollins: Pressure? There ain’t no pressure Cathy, there isn’t anything to worry about. I’m gonna do what I do best and go out there tonight and bless the crowd with everything they need. Johnny Gargano and Christian Cage may be seasoned faces around here but I am the Messiah. The only reason those two are even in the match with me is because there is nobody else that could keep up with me. They got tired of seeing me beat up chumps one on one so they decided to up the stakes. But I thrive in situations like these Cathy, I thrive when the odds are stacked against me. You’ll notice that tonight after I beat both Christian and Johnny Gargano.
Seth Rollins had finished his words giving Cathy a chance to ask another question.
Cathy Kelley: Understood, so this is a big match, a match that could be the beginning of an illustrious career. How did you prepare for your first EBWF pay per view match?
Seth Rollins took a pause while he stroked his beard before speaking.
Seth Rollins: Well, when you’re going up against two seasoned competitors you wanna… sike c'mon Cathy you really think I’d be hurting my head about Johnny Gargano, someone I’ve already beaten? And don’t even get me started on Christian Cage, I mean…
While Seth Rollins was speaking, Cathy Kelley began to inch away bit by bit which caught the attention of Seth Rollins.
Seth Rollins: Hey, where are you going?
Seth Rollins watched as Cathy Kelley left before he turned around and noticed Christian Cage standing behind him.
Christian Cage: Go ahead Seth, finish what you were gonna say.
Seth took a deep breath in before responding to Christian.
Seth Rollins: I guess, because you’re here now I’m supposed to be scared and change my words huh? But no, nobody scares me Christian, and to finish that little sentence Christian is washed up. Christian doesn’t even deserve to be in the ring with the Messiah.
Christian chuckled.
Christian Cage: You know Seth you claim to be a Messiah and a leader but I don't see anyone with you all I see is you running your mouth to people who don't care. I on the other hand am a leader, the Co-leader of the Coalition, a group that has been more over in six months than you have been in your entire career.
Seth Rollins stood there for a moment but after not finding the words to roast Christian back, he just decided to leave it there.
Seth Rollins: You know what, I don’t need to talk. There will be people following me, even you Christian, but I’ll let my wrestling do my talking. When we get in that ring, you’ll see exactly why I am the Messiah.
Seth Rollins walked off leaving Christian there, for a moment Christian stood there before Rollins came back to throw some fists at him. After taking a couple, Christian decided to send a couple punches back to Rollins. The pair traded punches for a while before being broken up by security. While being separated Rollins shouted words to Christian as he was being escorted away.
Seth Rollins: You’ll see just why I am a God of Wrestling!
Seth Rollins shouted as he and Christian inched away bit by bit from Security, then the camera cut back to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Lots of tension there between Christian Cage and Seth Rollins... they'll be in action later on tonight. Up next though, we've got women's tag team action as Britt Baker and Leva Bates team up to take on Rosemary and Taya Valkyrie!
Britt Baker and Leva Bates made their way to the ring first, followed by Rosemary and Taya Valkyrie. Leva Bates and Rosemary started the match, and as the bell rang the two women locked up. Bates set Rosemary up for a snapmare, but Rosemary broke free and whipped Bates against the ropes, then took her down with a hip toss. As Bates got to her feet, Rosemary set her up for a double underhook suplex, but Bates blocked it and countered with a bridging northern lights suplex!
Nigel McGuinness: What a counter by Leva Bates!
The referee counted – 1... 2... Rosemary kicked out! Bates pulled Rosemary to her feet and whipped her against the ropes, then went for a Yakuza kick. Rosemary ducked out of the way and grabbed Bates from behind, hitting a German suplex. As Rosemary got to her feet, Taya Valkyrie called for the tag. Rosemary tagged her in, and as Valkyrie entered the ring, she hit Bates with a swinging neckbreaker. Valkyrie hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... Bates kicked out! Valkyrie pulled Bates to her feet and hit her with a series of punches, then whipped her against the ropes. As Bates ran back towards her, Valkyrie hit a dropkick, then as both women got to their feet, Valkyrie got behind Bates, setting her up for the Road to Valhalla... but before she could hit it, Britt Baker entered the ring and attacked Valkyrie from behind! The crowd booed, and the referee ordered Baker to exit the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Clever ring awareness there by Britt Baker... she knows how dangerous the Road to Valhalla is, and she made sure Taya Valkyrie wasn't able to hit it!
As Baker climbed back onto the ring apron, she held out her hand for the tag. Bates crawled towards the corner and was able to tag Baker in. Upon entering the ring, Baker took Valkyrie down with a slingblade, then stomped on her several times. Baker pulled Valkyrie to her feet and set her up for the Baker Buster... but before she could hit it, Rosemary ran into the ring and hit Baker with a clothesline.
Nigel McGuinness: Rosemary giving Britt Baker a taste of her own medicine!
As Rosemary exited the ring, Valkyrie pulled Baker to her feet and whipped her into the corner, then hit her with a double knee attack. Valkyrie tagged in Rosemary, and upon entering the ring, Rosemary dragged Baker towards the center of the ring, then applied the sharpshooter! Baker was able to get to the ropes, and the referee ordered Rosemary to break the hold. After breaking the hold, Rosemary pulled Baker to her feet and set her up for the Red Wedding, but Baker countered it into a DDT. Baker hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Rosemary kicked out! Baker looked frustrated, and she stomped on Rosemary several times, then turned her over, going for the Lockjaw... but before she could lock it in, Rosemary rolled her up! The referee counted – 1... 2... Baker kicked out just before the 3! Both women got to their feet and Rosemary hit an exploder suplex, then tagged in Taya Valkyrie. Valkyrie ran across the ring, knocking Leva Bates off the ring apron, then grabbed Britt Baker and hit her with the Road to Valhalla! She hooked both legs and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It's over! The unusual team of Valkyrie and Rosemary get the victory!
Valkyrie and Rosemary celebrated, then made their way to the back as Leva Bates helped Britt Baker to her feet.
Mauro Ranallo: Up next we've got a triple threat match to determine the new number one contender for the Breakout Championship!
Johnny Gargano made his way to the ring first, followed by Seth Rollins and finally Christian Cage. As Christian made his way to the ring, Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness recapped the altercation that had taken place backstage between Christian and Rollins earlier in the show. Once Christian was in the ring, the referee called for the bell. Rollins immediately went after Christian Cage, and Johnny Gargano watched on as Christian and Rollins exchanged right hands back and forth. Christian was able to gain the upper hand, and he threw Rollins out of the ring then turned his attention to Gargano. Gargano and Christian locked up and Christian applied a headlock, but Gargano fought out of it and whipped Christian against the ropes. As Christian ran back towards him, Gargano went for an arm drag, but Christian blocked it and hit Gargano with a falling inverted DDT. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Seth Rollins pulled Christian out of the ring, then threw him into the ringside barrier! The crowd booed, which seemed to amuse Rollins. The self-proclaimed Messiah held out his arms triumphantly, then entered the ring and sat Gargano up, locking him in a sleeper hold. Gargano fought out of it, and as both men got to their feet, Gargano whipped Rollins against the ropes before hitting a dropkick. Gargano then set Rollins up for a neckbreaker, but Rollins countered into the Falcon Arrow. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Gargano kicked out! As Rollins got to his feet, Christian Cage re-entered the ring and charged towards Rollins, taking him down with a clothesline. Christian stomped on Rollins several times, then pulled him to his feet and whipped him into the corner. At this point, Johnny Gargano got to his feet and Christian grabbed him, whipping him into Seth Rollins! Gargano fell to the mat and Rollins fell on top of him, inadvertently headbutting Gargano in the groin.
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia!
Nigel McGuinness: That's going to leave Gargano feeling sore!
As Gargano rolled to the edge of the ring, clutching his groin, Christian pulled Seth Rollins to his feet and hit him with an implant DDT. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Rollins kicked out! Christian pulled Rollins to his feet once more and set him up for Unprettier... but Rollins fought out of it and hit an inverted hurricanrana! Johnny Gargano was back on his feet, and Rollins hit him with a superkick, then turned his attention back to Christian Cage. Rollins lifted Christian up, hitting a turnbuckle powerbomb, then signalled for the Curb Stomp! At this point, the arena lights went dark, and a red spotlight shone on Rollins. James Ellsworth ran into the ring, but Rollins took him out with the Ripcord Knee. As the arena lights came back up, Raven was seen standing in the ring behind Rollins! Rollins turned around, and Raven blasted him with Red Mist! Rollins fell to the mat and rolled out of the ring, rubbing his eyes and crying out in pain. The arena lights went out briefly again, and when they came back up, Raven and James Ellsworth were nowhere to be seen.
Mauro Ranallo: Well the winner of this match will earn a shot at Raven's Breakout Championship... but Raven might have just made sure Seth Rollins doesn't get that shot!
Back in the ring, Christian Cage and Johnny Gargano were both on their feet. Gargano took Christian down to the mat and tried to lock in the Gargano Escape, but Christian fought out of it, then hit Gargano with the Unprettier! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Nigel McGuinness: It's over! Christian Cage gets the victory, but you have to wonder what would have happened if Raven and James Ellsworth hadn't gotten involved.
As the referee raised Christian's arm in victory, the camera cut to Seth Rollins at ringside, who was being checked over by a medic. Rollins could be heard screaming "I'm blind!" Back in the ring, Christian continued to celebrate as a commercial for SummerSlam began to play.
"Barrel of a Gun (instrumental)" by Depeche Mode hit and the crowd cheered as Austin and Colten Gunn made their way to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Up next, we've got tag team action as the Gunn Club takes on the CM Punk and Roman Reigns!
Nigel McGuinness: Austin and Colten Gunn are both very confident young men, but you have to wonder how they will fare against two experienced competitors like CM Punk and Roman Reigns.
Mauro Ranallo: Don't forget Nigel, there is a lot at stake in this match too... the winners will become the new number one contenders for the EBWF Tag Team Championships!
When the Gunn Club were in the ring, "The Truth Reigns" hit and Roman Reigns headed to the ring. Reigns stopped at the bottom of the ramp, then "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour hit and CM Punk stepped out onto the stage. Once Punk and Reigns had entered the ring, the referee called for the bell. Colten Gunn and CM Punk started the match, and as the bell rang the two superstars locked up. Punk applied an arm wrench, then went for a mule kick, but Colten was able to move out of the way and after hitting CM Punk with a series of punches, he whipped Punk against the ropes. As Punk ran back towards him, Colten hit a dropkick, then as both men got to their feet, Colten hit a suplex. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Punk kicked out! Colten then tagged in Austin Gunn, and as Austin entered the ring he stomped on Punk several times, then pulled him to his feet and set him up for a DDT. Punk fought out of it, then hit an arm trap swinging neckbreaker. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Austin kicked out! Punk pulled Austin to his feet and whipped him into the corner, then hit a step-up high knee followed by a bulldog. Roman Reigns called for the tag, and Punk tagged him in then dragged Austin Gunn to his feet. As Punk held Austin in place, Roman Reigns hit Austin with a stiff kick to the midsection, then lifted Austin up onto his shoulders and hit a Samoan drop. As Punk exited the ring, Reigns hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... again Austin kicked out!
Nigel McGuinness: Punk and Reigns are in control here, but the Gunn brothers won't give up without a fight!
Mauro Ranallo: Austin and Colten Gunn have surprised everyone with some impressive victories, both in singles and tag team action, since joining EBWF, and I wouldn't bet against them pulling off another upset here tonight!
Reigns pulled Austin to his feet and hit him with a series of punches, then whipped him against the ropes. As Austin ran back towards him, Reigns went for a lariat, but Austin ducked out of the way then grabbed Reigns from behind, hitting a back drop. Austin tagged Colten Gunn in, then the two Gunn brothers hit Reigns with a double superkick! As Austin exited the ring, Colten hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Reigns kicked out! Colten pulled Reigns to his feet and set him up for the Fame Asser, but Reigns moved out of the way, then hit Colten with the Superman punch! Reigns tagged in CM Punk, and as Punk entered the ring he whipped Colten against the ropes, before hitting a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Punk then lifted Colten onto his shoulders, and hit him with the GTS! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Austin Gunn broke up the count!
Nigel McGuinness: Austin got there just in time!
As Austin Gunn hit Punk with a series of punches, Roman Reigns entered the ring and grabbed Austin, throwing him into the corner then hitting a corner clothesline. Austin fell to the mat and rolled out of the ring. The referee then ordered Reigns back to his corner. As Reigns exited the ring, Punk pulled Colten Gunn to his feet, setting him up for a second GTS... but this time, Colten countered with a DDT! Colten draped an arm over Punk, and the referee counted – 1... 2... Punk kicked out! Colten and Punk then crawled to their corners, tagging in Austin Gunn and Roman Reigns. As Reigns and Austin entered the ring, Reigns charged towards Austin, going for a big boot... but Austin ducked out of the way, then grabbed Reigns from behind and hit a Russian legsweep. Austin sat Reigns up and hit him with a series of punches, then pulled Reigns to his feet and set him up for the Fame Asser... but Reigns blocked it and whipped Austin against the ropes, then hit him with the Spear! As Reigns hooked the leg, Punk ran across the ring, knocking down Colten Gunn and preventing him from breaking up the count. The referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It's over! A tremendous effort by the Gunn Club, but Roman Reigns and CM Punk get the victory!
The referee called for the bell and raised Reigns and Punk's arms in victory. Reigns and Punk celebrated with a handshake, congratulating each other on a job well done before making their way to the back.
After a video package recapping the history between Chris Jericho and Aiden English, the camera cut to Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness at ringside.
Mauro Ranallo: Up next is an unsanctioned match between two former World Champions with a mutual hatred of one another, Chris Jericho and Aiden English. Neither Jericho nor English are at the arena tonight... they're thirty miles away at a place called Diamondback Saloon, also known as the BCW Arena. We go live now to the BCW Arena for what is sure to be a violent affair...
The show cut to the BCW Arena, where BCW commentary team Joe Dombrowski and Matt Striker were sat at ringside.
Joe Dombrowski: Good evening everybody, and welcome to Border City Wrestling! It is an honor to be part of EBWF King of the Ring, and to be hosting this "unsanctioned" match between Aiden English and the co-owner of BCW, Chris Jericho. Alongside me is a man who will probably be a lot more familiar to EBWF viewers than myself... BCW color commentator Matt Striker. Matt, you've worked for EBWF for a number of years alongside BCW. Did you ever think you would be appearing on an EBWF pay-per-view live from the BCW Arena?
Matt Striker: Never in a million years, Joe! But throughout his career, Chris Jericho has broken new ground in professional wrestling, and tonight is no different.
Standing in the ring was BCW booker Scott D'Amore, who was on ring announcer duty.
Scott D'Amore: The following contest is an unsanctioned match, hosted by Border City Wrestling on behalf of EBWF. This match is being broadcast live by EBWF, but both superstars have signed a legal agreement declaring the match as unsanctioned. Neither EBWF nor BCW will have any liability for the events of this match, which can only be won by pinfall or submission. Introducing first, from Chicago, Illinois... Aiden English!
"Kingdom" by All Good Things hit and Aiden English made his way to the ring. Upon entering the ring, English attacked Scott D'Amore, pummelling him with a series of punches before throwing him out of the ring.
Joe Dombrowski: Unsporting conduct there from Aiden English... an unprovoked attack on Scott D'Amore!
Matt Striker: Anyone who has been watching Aiden English over the past few months won't be surprised by that sort of conduct, Joe. The man is unhinged!
"Judas" by Fozzy hit and Chris Jericho ran to the ring. As soon as Jericho was in the ring, he and Aiden English began exchanging punches back and forth. The referee called for the bell, starting the match. Jericho managed to trap English in the corner, and after hitting him with a series of backhand chops to the chest, he pulled English out of the corner and whipped him against the ropes. As English ran back towards him, Jericho went for a clothesline, but English ducked out of the way, then grabbed Jericho from behind and took him down with a Russian legsweep. After stomping on Jericho several times, English removed his belt and whipped Jericho across the back with it.
Joe Dombrowski: Don't forget, as this match is unsanctioned, anything goes! The only way English or Jericho can win is via pinfall or submission.
English sat Jericho up and tried to choke him with the belt, but Jericho broke free and hit English with an elbow to the face, then pulled English to his feet and dragged him towards the corner, slamming his head off the top turnbuckle. Jericho punched and kicked English in the corner several times, knocking English down into a sitting position. Jericho then took several steps back, before hitting English with a running knee to the face! English rolled out of the ring and Jericho followed him to the outside, where he grabbed a steel chair. Jericho drilled English in the ribs with the chair, then hit him across the back with it. As English fell to the ground, Jericho placed the chair on the floor, before hitting English with a DDT onto the chair!
Matt Striker: That might have knocked Aiden English out cold!
Jericho dragged English to his feet and threw him back into the ring, then slid under the bottom rope and hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... English kicked out! Jericho got to his feet and grabbed English by the legs, going for the Walls of Jericho... but before he could lock it in, English kicked Jericho away and got back on his feet. Jericho went for the Judas Effect, but English ducked out of the way, then lifted Jericho onto his shoulders and hit a fireman's carry spinebuster. English followed up by opening Jericho's legs, and stomping on his groin!
Joe Dombrowski: A nasty low blow! Both of these men are taking full advantage of the fact this match is no disqualification.
Matt Striker: Well there's a reason this match is unsanctioned, Joe... Jericho and English hate each other! This match isn't about winning for either of them, it's about seriously hurting their opponent.
English rolled out of the ring and grabbed the ring bell, then rolled back into the ring and waited for Jericho to get to his feet. When Jericho was up, English charged towards him, hitting him full force in the face with the bell! A loud ringing sound echoed through the arena, and blood began to trickle down Jericho's face. English punched Jericho in the head several times with a closed fist, making Jericho bleed more, then wiped Jericho's blood across his chest.
Joe Dombrowski: Aiden English is wiping Jericho's blood on himself like it's a badge of honor...
Matt Striker: I told you, Joe. The man is unhinged!
English rolled back out of the ring and grabbed a table from underneath the ring, then set the table up at ringside. As English re-entered the ring, he dragged Jericho towards the corner, then sat him on the top rope and climbed onto the ring apron. He grabbed Jericho from behind, setting him up for the Director's Cut.
Joe Dombrowski: This doesn't look good... I think English is going to try and hit Jericho with a Director's Cut off the top rope, through the table outside the ring! Surely he will hurt himself in the process?
Matt Striker: As long as he hurts Jericho more, I don't think he cares!
English tried to lift Jericho up, but Jericho blocked it, then grabbed English and threw him through the table! As English lay motionless on the ground, Jericho climbed down from the turnbuckle and exited the ring, grabbing English and pulling him to his feet. Jericho tried to drag English back towards the ring, but English shoved Jericho into the ringside barrier, then retreated up the ramp. The camera followed Aiden English as he made his way through the backstage area, heading towards the parking lot.
Joe Dombroski: I think Aiden English has decided he's had enough!
As English entered the parking lot, he headed towards his car, but before he could get to it, Jericho ran up behind him and hit him in the back of the head, knocking him down. Jericho then tried to drag English back inside the arena, but as he did so the lights of Aiden English's car came on and the engine started. Taking advantage of the distraction, English hit Jericho with a stiff right hand, knocking him towards the car. The car then sped towards Jericho... but Jericho managed to get out of the way just in time! Elias Samson and Chavo Guerrero stepped out of the car, and the two men began beating Jericho down.
Matt Striker: We should have known Aiden English wouldn't come here without his henchmen! This must have been his plan all along!
Elias and Chavo lifted Jericho up, hitting a double powerbomb onto the car! Aiden English then ordered them to take Jericho back to the ring, and Elias lifted Jericho over his shoulder, carrying Jericho through the arena and towards the ring as instructed. As the three members of Kingdom walked through the curtain with Jericho, the camera cut to the ring. In the center of the ring, there was a glowing blue phone-box, which Paul London was stood on top of. Maybe it was a time-machine, but it looked a lot like a phone-box. It definitely wasn't a TARDIS, though; that would have been a breach of copyright. Paul London began to speak, his voice echoing through the arena as he did so.
Paul London: Aiden of England... Elias, Son of Sam... Salvador the Fourth. I am here to stop you from carrying out any more atrocities. Aiden of England, perhaps you are gifted with visions of the future... perhaps, like me, you consulted the archives and therefore you knew that you could not win without the help of your disciples. Or perhaps you are simply a coward. Whatever the reason for your duplicity, I simply cannot sanction it. And so I am here to even the odds.
Aiden English seemed unintimidated by Paul London and he started laughing.
Aiden English: Can't you count, moron? It's still three on two!
London smiled, and shook his head.
Paul London: You misunderstand me. You have your disciples, Aiden... I have mine.
The phone-box/time-machine London was standing on opened, and outstepped Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy! Luchasaurus let out an almighty roar, then he and Jungle Boy exited the ring and charged up the ramp to help out Jericho. Elias threw Jericho onto the ground, then went after Luchasaurus, but Luchasaurus was too strong for him and he grabbed Elias by the throat, hitting a Chokeslam onto the ramp! Jungle Boy then grabbed Chavo, powerbombing him onto Elias! Aiden English tried to fight both Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus, but with a two on one advantage they were able to overpower him, and they dragged him back towards the ring. Paul London and the time-machine had vanished, and after throwing English back into the ring, Luchasaurus hit Aiden English with the Tail Whip, before Jungle Boy hit a Lionsault! Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy then exited the ring and helped Chris Jericho to his feet. Although he was nowhere to be seen, Paul London's voice echoed through the arena once more.
Paul London: This is your fight, Christopher... now finish it!
Jericho thanked Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy for their help, then headed to the ring as Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy dragged Elias and Chavo to the back. Jericho stood over Aiden English, yelling at the leader of Kingdom to get to his feet. When English was up, Jericho hit him with the Judas Effect! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3! The referee called for the bell, and "Judas" blasted through the arena as the referee raised Jericho's arm in victory.
Joe Dombroski: Well, that was certainly surreal, but what a victory for Chris Jericho!
Matt Striker: I think it's safe to say the feud between Jericho and English is far from over though, Joe... but at least Jericho has Paul London and Jurassic Express in his corner now!
Joe Dombroski: I'm not sure he wants them in his corner Matt, but if they hadn't intervened tonight, Chris Jericho could be on his way to hospital right now.
As Jericho made his way up the ramp, the camera cut back to Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness.
Nigel McGuinness: I would say congratulations to Chris Jericho on his victory, but as far as the EBWF record books are concerned, that match never happened!
Mauro Ranallo: That's right, Nigel! Up next, it's time for the Queen of the Ring final... can Becky Lynch take the crown for the second year running?
After a video package recapping Becky Lynch and Lana's journey to the final, the camera cut to Christy Hemme, who was standing in the center of the ring.
Christy Hemme: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it will determine the 2021 Queen of the Ring.
Lana was seen making her way to the ring, a chorus of boos rained down upon her.
Christy Hemme: Introducing first… From Moscow, Russia… She is the Ravishing Russian… LANA!!!
Mauro Ranallo: You know, for the life of me, I never thought I’d see Lana make it this far in the Queen of the Ring tournament. She’s really been showing herself to be the Upset Queen.
Nigel McGuinness: While Becky is obviously the favorite in this match, Lana’s performances in this tournament shows that anything can happen.
“Celtic Invasion” by CFO$ hit the PA System and the colors in the arena changed from normal to shades of green and orange while the crowd began cheering. The cheers intensified once the entrance curtain opened and Becky Lynch along with Winter walked out onto the stage. They paused for a few moments to soak in the reaction from the crowd before they made their way down the entrance ramp.
Christy Hemme: Her opponent… Accompanied by Winter… From Dublin, Ireland… She is the Cerebral Lassassin… BECKY LYNCH!!!
Mauro Ranallo: Here comes Becky Lynch, who is looking like she’s well-rested after that instant classic she had with Winter last week.
Nigel McGuinness: Becky’s the solid favorite here. I can easily see her winning this tournament for the second year in a row, but she can’t count out Lana. She might see it strange that Lana’s made it this far, but Lana made it this far for a reason.
Becky and Winter made it to ringside, and Becky climbed up onto the apron before she entered the ring. After she entered the ring, Becky glared at Lana while “Celtic Invasion” cut out.
Becky continued locking her eyes with Lana – who charged at her. Becky was able to sidestep Lana’s attempt to attack her, and started throwing punches to her face. She punched Lana – One, two, three, four times – backing her into the Northeast corner. With Lana backed in the corner, Becky continued throwing the heavy punches – one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine punches before the referee tried to get between her and Lana. Becky went after the referee, who backed up, before she turned her attention back to Lana.
Mauro Ranallo: The referee seemed a little reluctant to stop Becky there.
Nigel McGuinness: Considering how she feels about this tournament and the fact that it’s her only way to get a match for the title that’s rightfully hers, I wouldn’t want to get in her way.
With her attention turned towards Lana once again, Becky kicked her in the stomach and it forced Lana back into the corner. With Lana back in the corner, Becky grabbed her by the wrist and whipped her to the Southwest corner. With Lana in the opposite corner, Becky gave chase only to be caught by an elbow to the face from Lana. With Becky momentarily stunned, Lana threw her into the corner and started throwing punches of her own. She punched Becky - once, two, three, four, five times – before the referee counted to four and Becky staggered out of the corner. With Becky staggering, Lana whipped her to the ropes. After Becky bounced off the ropes, Lana caught her with a Roundhouse Kick.
Mauro Ranallo: Now, we see Lana gain some momentum here.
Nigel McGuinness: She’ll have to keep the momentum on her side if she wants any hope of winning.
Becky quickly got to her feet. Lana ran at her and clotheslined her over the top rope which caused Becky to land on her feet on the outside. Lana left the ring in pursuit of Becky, both of whom were in front of the announcer’s tables, and clubbed Becky in the back of the head with a forearm. Becky staggered a little and Lana grabbed her by the head, and drove her face right into the apron. Becky continued staggering until she was propped up against the barricade. With Becky leaning against the barricade, Lana punched her in the face before driving her face first into the barricade. Lana backed up a few feet and ran at Becky. Becky had the wherewithal to lift Lana up and drop her face first on the barricade with a stun gun, which sent Lana to the floor.
Mauro Ranallo: Becky with a great counter there.
Nigel McGuinness: Lana got too cocky and it cost her.
With Lana on the floor, Becky stomped on her face. Lana got up to a knee and Becky grabbed her by the head, which forced Lana up to her feet. With Lana’s head in her hands, Becky drove her face first into the steel steps. Becky grabbed her by the head again and headbutted her in the face, causing Lana to back up. Becky followed the headbutt up with a kick to Lana’s stomach. Becky grabbed Lana by the head and rolled her back into the ring. Becky slid into the ring after her and when both competitors got to their feet, Becky grabbed Lana by the head and threw her through the ropes. Lana landed feet first on the apron and Becky bent her over the middle rope. With Lana bent over the middle rope, Becky hit her in the chest with knee strikes, striking her – once, two, three, four, five, six times – before she backed off. Lana dropped to her back on the apron.
Mauro Ranallo: I wasn’t expecting her to do that. That was shades of an old friend of hers.
Nigel McGuinness: When you really want something, you’ll do anything to get it.
Becky pulled Lana into the ring. She picked Lana up by the hand, and she drove Lana face first into the top turnbuckle. Lana turned around, so her back is in the corner and Becky kicked her in the stomach. Becky grabbed her by the head and pulled her out of the corner. With Lana out of the corner, Becky punched her in the face, causing her to back up into the ropes. Becky punched her in the face again, causing Lana to back into the ropes again. Becky punched her in the face a third time, causing Lana to drop to a knee while holding the top rope. Becky brought her back to her feet and attempted to whip Lana to the ropes with Lana reversing, sending Becky to the ropes instead. After Becky bounced off the ropes, Lana caught her with a clothesline.
Mauro Ranallo: What a clothesline from Lana.
Nigel McGuinness: That might have knocked Becky out of her shoes.
Lana backed into the ropes and attempted a jumping knee drop, but Becky rolled out of the way before she could connect, causing Lana’s knee to connect with the canvas. Both Becky and Lana got to their feet, and Becky kicked her in the stomach, backing her into the Southwest corner. With Lana in the corner, Becky punched her in the face twice before attempting to whip her to the opposite corner. Lana was able to reverse and sent Becky to the corner instead, and she gave chase with Becky catching her with a big boot to the face. With Lana staggering, Becky took her down with a chop block, sending her to the mat.
Mauro Ranallo: Becky’s back in control again.
Nigel McGuinness: Thus far, it’s been an even match.
Becky grabbed Lana’s left foot and dropped an elbow on her knee. Becky got back to her feet with her hands still clutching Lana's ankle, and she dropped her elbow on Lana's knee again. Only this time, Becky locked her in a leg lock with Lana screaming in pain. Lana grabbed Becky’s hair and starts to pull, but the referee broke it up immediately. Becky applied more pressure to the hold and Lana went for Becky’s hair again, but Becky punched her in the face, forcing her to release her hair. Becky released the hold and got back to her feet with Lana’s ankle still in her clutches. She attempted the Four Leg Clover (Inverted Figure Four Leglock), but Lana managed to kick her in the face, which caused Becky to fall to the mat.
Mauro Ranallo: I think Becky was looking for a Figure Four in order to capitalize on the damage done to Lana, but Lana managed to get out of harm’s way.
Nigel McGuinness: Will Lana be able to take control, though?
Becky immediately got back to her feet and stomped on Lana’s left knee. She picked Lana up by the head and drove her face first into the top turnbuckle. Lana turned around to face Becky, and she kicked Lana in the left knee. Lana limped out of the corner and Becky kicked her left knee again. Lana continued limping away from Becky and Becky kicked her in the left knee again, which caused her to stop. Becky grabbed Lana by the head again and drove her face first into the top turnbuckle of the Northwest corner. With Lana in the corner, Becky turned her around so Lana was facing her, and she grabbed Lana by the throat, choking her. The referee started counting.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR! Becky released the hold and went right after the referee, who quickly left the ring. Becky turned her attention back to Lana and grabbed her by head. Becky brought her to the Northeast corner, and she drove Lana face first into the top turnbuckle. Becky grabbed Lana by the head and attempted to drive her face first into the turnbuckle again. This time, however, Lana got the foot up and reversed by grabbing Becky by the hair, and she drove Becky face first into the top turnbuckle. Becky staggered out of the corner, and before Lana could capitalize, Becky managed to kick her in the stomach. Becky followed it up with punches to her face. Becky punched her in the face - one, two, three, four, five, six, seven times. She followed it up with a kick to Lana's stomach, and punched her in the face again. Then, she headbutted Lana in the face, and backed her in the corner. Becky grabbed Lana by the wrist and attempted to whip her to the opposite corner, but Lana stalled. Becky attempted another whip, but Lana stalled again. She attempted to whip her a third time, but Lana continued stalling. Becky backed her into the corner and kneed her in the stomach twice before attempting to whip her into the opposite corner a fourth time. Lana reversed, and sent Becky to the corner instead. Right when Becky hit the corner, Lana ran at her and caught her with a clothesline. Becky staggered out of the corner and Lana climbed to the top rope. Becky turned around, and Lana jumped off of the top rope, and she connected with a diving crossbody.
Mauro Ranallo: MAMMA MIA! I don’t think we’ve ever seen Lana do that!
Nigel McGuinness: What’d I say? When you’re desperate, you’ll do anything.
While still on top of Becky, Lana hooked the leg.
ONE!
TWO! Becky got the shoulder up and staggered to her feet. Lana punched her in the face, backing her in the ropes, and Becky responded with a punch to Lana’s face. Lana punched Becky in the face again, and again Becky responded with a punch to Lana’s face. Lana punched her in the face a third time, and Becky backed into the ropes. Lana punched her in the face again before whipping her to the ropes. After Becky bounced off the ropes, Lana attempted a clothesline and Becky ducked. When Lana turned around, Becky placed her into a front facelock. Lana placed Becky into a front facelock of her own. After a few moments of struggling, Lana kneed Becky in the stomach a few times and dropped her with the Sitout Facebuster. Both ladies were down.
Mauro Ranallo: Lana with the Facebuster!
Nigel McGuinness: This could be the upset of the year if Lana can manage to pin Becky!
After a few moments, Lana slowly crawled to Becky and turned her over onto her back before she draped her arm over Becky’s shoulders.
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO! Becky got the shoulder up and Lana was beside herself. Lana got up to her feet and looked at the referee, telling him that it was a three count. The referee assured her that it was only two as Becky staggered to her feet. Lana approached Becky and kicked her in the stomach. With Becky reeling, Lana attempted another Sitout Facebuster. However, when Lana grabbed Becky’s hair, Becky grabbed Lana’s right arm and twisted it. Becky capitalized by hitting Lana with the Straight Fireball (V-Trigger) and went for the pin. ONE! TWO! THREE!!!
“Celtic Invasion” by CFO$ hit the PA System once again and the crowd exploded in cheers as Becky slowly got back up to her feet.
Christy Hemme: Here’s your winner of the 2021 Queen of the Ring… The Cerebral Lassassin… BECKY LYNCH!!!
Mauro Ranallo: For the second year in a row, Becky Lynch has won the Queen of the Ring tournament, but let’s not forget that Lana had very impressive showing here tonight.
Nigel McGuinness: Lana had Becky on the ropes a few times but in the end, Becky became the Queen of the Ring again.
Christy Hemme: Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the main event of the evening to determine EBWF’s 2021 King of the Ring!
The crowd booed as “No More Words” hit the PA and Jeff Hardy made his way to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Both of these men have already been through one hellacious match already tonight, and now this one is for the whole enchilada.
“Booyaka 619” hit for the second time in the evening, and the Detroit crowd welcomed Rey Mysterio with another lukewarm reaction.
Mauro Ranallo: Neither of these men have endeared themselves to the EBWF Universe as of late.
Nigel McGuinness: Might I recommend the EBWF Universe learn some respect, because one of these men is about to be their king!
Once both men were in the ring the bell rang. Hardy started out aggressively before Mysterio sidestepped him. Mysterio took him down. Mysterio knocked Hardy out of the ring and hit an Asai Moonsault. Mysterio got Jeff back in the ring, but Hardy was able to send Mysterio into the ring post. Rey charged, and Hardy countered a springboard cross-body with a dropkick out of mid-air for a near fall. Hardy slid Mysterio out of the ring, and he belly flopped onto his sternum. Mysterio pulled himself into the ring at the referee’s count of two. Hardy chopped the chest in the corner before whipping him to the opposite corner. Hardy went for an avalanche, but Mysterio moved. Hardy booted him back, but Mysterio soon knocked him off the apron. Mysterio then hit a sunset flip powerbomb into the barricade! The referee started his count again, and both men struggled back in under the bottom rope.
Mauro Ranallo: The physicality in this match is second to none!
Mysterio forearmed Hardy and hit a head-scissor takeover. Hardy dropped Mysterio onto the apron. Mysterio knocked him back and hit a springboard seated senton. Mysterio dropped a leg for a near fall. The crowd cheered just before Rey went for a springboard moonsault. Hardy caught him, but Mysterio countered into a tornado DDT for a near fall. Hardy reversed a whip to the corner, but Mysterio hit a boot. Mysterio charged, but Hardy laid him out with powerbomb. Mysterio quickly crawled through the legs and hit an enzuigiri. Hardy dropped into position on the second rope. Mysterio went for a 619, but Hardy moved, and caught Mysterio with a rollup.
1…
2…
Kickout!
Hardy went to the top rope, but Mysterio swept the feet. Mysterio went for a super hurricanrana, but Jeff met him on the second rope, and hit a superplex. Hardy viciously powerbombed Mysterio. He got him up for the Twist of Fate, but Mysterio caught Hardy with an inside cradle. The referee got in position for the count.
1…
2…
3!
Mauro Ranallo: What? It’s over! I can’t believe it!
Nigel McGuinness: That happened so fast! Rey Mysterio is King of the Ring!
Mauro Ranallo: Rey Mysterio, against all odds, will go on to Summerslam for a chance at the EBWF World Championship.
Nigel McGuinness: Our long spring tournament has come to an end. There could only be one winner, and that man is Rey Mysterio.
Confetti fell from the arena’s ceiling as the referee raised Rey’s hand in victory. The crowd cheered as the King of the Ring was crowned and the pay-per-view went off the air.
