Mauro Ranallo: Get ready folks…It’s time for…
“Better Than You” hit the speakers, cutting Mauro off mid-introduction.
Nigel McGuinness: Warfare? Were you going to say Warfare?
Maxwell Jacob Friedman stepped onto the stage to a chorus of boos, gesturing that he wanted more and basking in the fans’ collective hatred. He pretended to wipe a joyous tear from the corner of his eye before heading down the ramp, wearing a simple-but-expensive beige suit over a purple silk shirt, his trademark Burberry scarf draped over his shoulders. He wiped his alligator leather Salvatore Ferragamo shoes on the apron before stepping through the ropes, microphone in hand. He smirked before speaking.
MJF: I’m back.
The subsiding boos were reenergised, gaining volume and ferocity. MJF allowed the heat to return to a simmer before continuing.
MJF: Last week you were cheering me. What happened? Are you all still butthurt over watching boy wonder hit the mat? You went from cheering to jeering in around 6 seconds. Talk about a bunch of fickle, oversensitive, hypocritical snowflakes. But don’t worry, Columbia, you aren’t alone. See last week over in that commentary booth…
Nigel McGuinness: Uh-oh, I think you’re in trouble.
MJF: …my dear buddy Mauro said that he hadn’t missed me. For those keeping score at home, that’s the same Mauro Ranallo that called me unprofessional for not turning up to a scheduled Pay-Per-View appearance. Now, Mauro, don’t worry…those are just words and words don’t hurt me, because I'm just not as sensitive as you. You see, I'm not the kinda guy who will miss work because he didn't like something his coworker said about him... but enough about JBL!
There was an audible “ooooh” sound from the fans in the crowd who understood MJF’s dig about Mauro’s previous issues with JBL.
MJF: Now people, if Meltzer and Alvarez count as people, keep asking why I came back. They keep asking as if it was unexpected. I told everybody back at Total Supremacy that I would be back. That WE would be back. As soon as you bottom-feeders realized how much you undervalue and disrespect us. Well, we got tired of waiting. You were supposed to notice the drop in quality, the drop in the ratings…how tired, repetitive and ill-conceived EBWF programming was in our absence. Unfortunately, I massively underestimated your ignorance and stupidity, because you didn’t seem to notice! You kept going wild for Chris Jerislow and Xavier “get Brad Maddox to film my” Woods. I mean, I kinda get it. I expected too much from you hicks down here in SC. I can’t expect the same level of sophistication and taste as I would if we were in NOOOOORRRTTTTHHHHH CAROLINA! What? You got a problem with me, fatso? Step in the ring…that’s what I thought. Security! Can we kick this living tub of lard from the building? The sight of him almost made me lose my lunch. Thanks. Where was I? Oh yeah, your lack of respect or common decency…
Mauro Ranallo: After his outburst at that fan, he wants to complain about people lacking respect or decency? Give me a break.
MJF: I should probably be careful what I say in case any of you come for me later. I’ve heard there’s a lot of unsolved crimes in South Carolina, due to the lack of dental records and you all sharing the same DNA…Actually, before I continue…Richard, get the guys out here…
“For The Glory” hit the speakers as Richard Holliday, Alex Kane, KC Navarro and Ace Austin made their way down the ramp and into the ring, with the latter three looking perplexed as to the reason they’d been summoned.
MJF: I realized that I’m not the reason you all lack respect for the Dynasty…they are. I’m the Austin slayer! I’m the one that ended your boy Hook’s winning streak…
At the mention of his name, “The Chairman’s Intent” by Action Bronson hit and the crowd cheered as Hook stepped onto the stage, accompanied by his father, Taz. Hook and Taz stood at the top of the ramp, and after Hook’s music was cut, Taz began to speak.
Taz: Oh yeah, you ended Hook’s winning streak Max… but we all know the only reason that happened is because that purple haired piece of shit behind you stopped Hook from getting back into the ring, causing him to get counted out!
Taz pointed at Ace Austin, who held up his hands protesting his innocence. Taz then handed the microphone to Hook.
Hook: Like I said at Total Supremacy, Maxwell… I know the real reason you walked away from EBWF was because you knew I was out for revenge, and you were scared of what I’d do to you. But I warned you I’d be waiting when you got back, and here I am. So since you’re so confident, how about we have that rematch, huh?
The crowd cheered in anticipation at the prospect of Hook versus MJF, but MJF shook his head.
MJF: Oh, you want a match? You think you can beat me, Ty? I could beat you with a snapmare, you pencil-necked geek. BUT, if you want another shot at me, you have to go through them…
MJF gestured towards the Dynasty members, who looked somewhat reluctant.
MJF: And if you guys want to stay on the payroll and keep your cushy little job right here, you need to go through him. Here’s the deal, Tyler. If you can defeat each member of the Dynasty, you get your return match at Fanniversary. And for you guys, the first person to take that loudmouth piece of human garbage out gets a payrise and a weekend in the Hamptons on me. But so help me God, if you lose, I will kick you to the curb quicker than a South Carolina basketball official accepting a payoff.
The crowd booed MJF’s cheap shot as the camera cut back to Hook and Taz. Hook was nodding.
Hook: I guess Christmas… sorry, I mean Hanukkah… has come early! Not only do I get to beat you on pay-per-view, but I also get to kick every other member of Dynasty’s ass along the way, and get them kicked out of Dynasty in the process? You’re too good to me, Maxwell. So how about this? I’ll take your boys on, one by one, as long as I get to face them in alphabetical order. That way, I get to start with the man who got me counted out - Ace Austin - and finish with your right hand man, Richard Holliday. It’s perfect… or at least, it will be when I get my hands on you.
MJF chuckled.
MJF: Wow, I’m impressed… I didn’t realize you knew your A-Z! It’s just a shame you won’t make it to Rich, let alone me. But good luck against Ace next week… I’ll be watching closely.
MJF winked at Hook, who was grinning confidently. Taz gestured for the microphone, and Hook passed it over.
Taz: I’ll be watching closely too, Max… and let me warn you, if you try to get involved in that match, I’ll choke you out myself! Same goes for the rest of you punks, capisce?
MJF burst out laughing, and the rest of Dynasty laughed along with him.
MJF: Oooh, I’m scared!
Taz: Laugh all you want kid, but in five weeks you’ll be facing Hook, and you won’t have a single member of Dynasty left to watch your back.
Hook: And when I’m done with you, your face will be so messed up, you won’t need a costume for Halloween!
That threat stopped MJF from laughing. “The Chairman’s Intent” hit and Hook and Taz walked back through the curtain as Warfare went to a commercial break.
When Warfare returned from the commercial break, Matt Riddle and The Acclaimed were on their way to the ring for the next match.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back! Up next, we’ve got a six-man tag as Matt Riddle and The Acclaimed team up to take on a group calling themselves The Revolution… Kevin Steen, Samoa Joe and the Breakout Champion, Seth Rollins!
Rollins, Steen and Joe came to the ring together, and once they were in the ring the referee called for the bell. Steen and Riddle started the match, and Steen hit Riddle with a series of punches, then followed up with a DDT. Steen stomped on Riddle several times, before pulling him to his feet and whipping him into the corner. As Rollins and Samoa Joe held Riddle in the corner, Owens ran at him, hitting a bodypress. Riddle stumbled out of the corner, and Steen hit him with a superkick, then hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… Riddle kicked out! Steen tagged in Rollins, and as Rollins entered the ring he dragged Riddle to his feet, before hitting him with a series of punches. Rollins then set Riddle up for the Falcon Arrow, but Riddle blocked it and countered with a gut wrench suplex. As Riddle got to his feet, Anthony Bowens called for the tag, and Riddle tagged him in. Upon entering the ring, Bowens ran at Rollins, going for a clothesline… but Rollins ducked out of the way and grabbed Bowens from behind, hitting a German suplex. Both of Bowens’ shoulders were down, and the referee counted - 1… 2… Bowens kicked out! Both men got to their feet and Rollins hit Bowens with a stiff kick to the midsection, then lifted him up and ran towards the corner, hitting the Buckle Bomb!
Nigel McGuinness: Did you see the way Bowens slammed into the turnbuckles there, Mauro? That looked nasty!
Rollins moved Bowens away from the ropes and hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… again Bowens kicked out! Rollins yelled at him to stay down, then pulled Bowens to his feet and set him up for the Pedigree… but Bowens countered with a back body drop, then as Rollins got to his feet, Bowens hit a reverse STO! Bowens and Rollins began crawling to their corners, and as Bowens tagged in Max Caster, Rollins tagged in Samoa Joe. As Joe and Caster entered the ring, they squared up to one another.
Mauro Ranallo: There’s a considerable size difference between these two men, but Max Caster isn’t backing down!
Caster hit Joe with a series of punches, then tried to whip him against the ropes, but Joe stayed rooted to the spot. Caster then set Joe up for a suplex, but he was unable to lift him! Joe countered with an inverted atomic drop, then hit a running single leg dropkick, which he followed up with a running senton. He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Caster kicked out! As Joe got to his feet, he grabbed Caster by the leg, putting him in a single leg Boston crab! Caster cried out in pain, but was able to get to the ropes. The referee ordered Joe to release Caster… but Samoa Joe refused to break the hold! Anthony Bowens entered the ring and attacked Joe, forcing him to let go of Max Caster, but then Rollins and Steen entered the ring and began double-teaming Bowens! Riddle entered the ring to even the odds.
Nigel McGuinness: This is chaos, Mauro! The referee needs to try and restore some order!
Eventually the referee was able to get Bowens, Riddle, Steen and Rollins out of the ring, but as soon as he was back on the apron, Rollins called for the tag. Joe tagged Rollins in, and as Rollins entered the ring he tried to drag Max Caster to his feet… but Caster rolled him up into a small package! The referee counted - 1…2… Rollins kicked out!
Mauro Ranallo: Max Caster was playing possum, and he almost managed to clinch a victory there!
As both men got to their feet, Caster hit Rollins with a dropkick, then ran back towards his team's corner, tagging Anthony Bowens back in. Bowens leapt over the ropes and charged at Rollins, hitting him with a series of punches before whipping him against the ropes. As Rollins ran back towards him, Bowens hit a spinebuster. Bowens then grabbed Rollins by the legs, going for a sharpshooter, but Rollins kicked him away and got to his feet. Rollins then hit Bowens with a neckbreaker, before hitting The Curb Stomp! As Rollins hooked the leg, Samoa Joe and Kevin Steen ran across the ring, knocking Matt Riddle and Max Caster off the apron. The referee counted - 1… 2… 3!
Nigel McGuinness: It’s over! An impressive victory for The Revolution!
Rollins, Steen and Joe celebrated together as a promotional video for Fanniversary began to play.
"Papercut" by Linkin Park hit and Liv N Bliss came out to cheers from the crowd in South Carolina.
Mauro Ranallo: Well here come two women who seem to have targets on their backs.
Nigel McGuinness: If the conversation we saw last week was real then yes they definitely do.
Alexa and Liv entered the ring wearing brand new Liv N Bliss T-shirts. Alexa took a microphone as her music faded out.
Alexa Bliss: Two weeks ago on Warfare Utami Hayashishita felt the need to grace everyone with her presence via video and tried to convince the entire world that she destroyed me at Gateway to Glory.
Both Alexa and Liv laughed.
Alexa Bliss: Sorry, it's just absolutely hilarious because everyone who watched Gateway to Glory knows that didn't happen. In fact everyone saw me pin Mina Shirakawa to give Liv N Bliss the victory. But despite the ridiculousness of her claims I thought that she had decided to move on from us. But apparently that's not the case, you see last week I received a message from an anonymous person containing some interesting screenshots; so boys in the truck, please put those screenshots up on the screen.
Upon Alexa's request the tron showed a screenshot of text messages between Utami and Reaper then switched to a screenshot of a mysterious figure watching Liv N Bliss from two weeks ago. Liv shook her head while Alexa chuckled.
Alexa Bliss: Utami, this proves that you and Rhea Ripley have been working together the whole time. It also proves that we are not done yet, so if either you or Rhea have the guts come out here and face us.
Alexa motioned for Utami and Rhea to bring it. For a long few moments there was utter silence from the back. While the fans clamored for the confrontation, Liv N Bliss stood in the ring impatiently watching the entrance ramp. Finally ‘Crusade’ hit and out walked Utami Hayashishita in her entrance coat and ring gear. As the fans unleashed a torrent of boos, Utami stood atop the entrance ramp and glared icily at the ring. A moment later Mina stepped onto the ramp behind her, carrying the banner of Queen’s Court on her shoulders. She also wore a t-shirt with an image of Utami bordered by roses and the phrase ‘BOW DOWN’. As Queen’s Court made their way down the ramp, Utami locked eyes with Alexa and never looked away.
Mauro Ranallo: The Crimson Queen has been staring daggers at Alexa Bliss since she stepped through the curtain. This seems to be intensely personal for Utami Hayashishita, who has spent the weeks since Gateway to Glory claiming victory over Alexa. As Alexa said, though, she pinned Mina Shirakawa to win the match despite what Utami is saying happened.
Nigel McGuiness: And do you notice something else? Rhea Ripley is nowhere to be seen. Is she waiting for something? This could get very dangerous very quickly for Liv N Bliss.
Mina held the middle rope open and Utami stepped through to another torrential downpour of boos. Once they were both in the ring Utami took a mic and glared at Alexa and Liv. Alexa stepped forward inviting Utami to attack her, but the Crimson Queen was unmoved. Mina remained in a corner behind Utami, watching the ongoing confrontation with concern. Meanwhile Utami finally raised her mic to speak.
Utami Hayashishita: Oh poor mistaken Alexa. You can not admit that I did in fact destroy you when we last fought. If you have any doubt of that, I am sure that the way your ribs stab you with pain every time you breathe serves as a terrific reminder of the truth.
Alexa rolled her eyes and Liv looked about ready to throw down. Utami smirked as she continued her response.
Utami Hayashishita: As for these baseless accusations you have made against me? You had best be careful what you are claiming, it will not end well for you. I have no idea where you got a hold of my personal communications, and neither do you? Does that not seem suspicious to you? Or are you so determined to make your fantasy about myself and Rhea Ripley being aligned that you just want this to be true?
Liv Morgan: Cut the crap, Utami! Where’s Rhea?!
It was Utami who rolled her eyes as Liv made her demand.
Utami Hayashishita: How on Earth would I have even the faintest idea where she is? But since you two are so desperately wishing for this to be true, maybe we should make a wish together! Let me try.
She turned to the entrance ramp and made a sweeping arm gesture toward the curtain as she sarcastically spoke.
Utami Hayashishita: I wish I may, I wish I might, I wish we could see Reaper Rhea Ripley tonight!
Just as soon as she finished her request, a gong sounded and ‘Hail to the King’ hit to even more boos. As if summoned by the Crimson Queen’s words a figure emerged from the back wearing a long black sleeveless coat. A hood kept her face in shadow and the chain around her neck clanked menacingly as she headed for the ring. Liv put herself between the Reaper and Alexa so as to protect her from the arriving monster.
Nigel McGuiness: Alexa Bliss was exactly right! Rhea Ripley has returned after a month of silence, and it’s at the beck and call of the Crimson Queen.
Mauro Ranallo: She’s been seen backstage and was responsible for destroying the lockers of Liv N Bliss. Now Rhea Ripley is showing her true colors by aligning herself with Queen’s Court! Liv N Bliss better have a plan, because this is about to get ugly if they don’t!
The Reaper stepped up to Utami, who feigned surprise at the woman’s arrival. This didn’t last, though, as Utami smiled savagely and explained the situation.
Utami Hayashishita: Ladies, let me make one thing exceptionally clear to you. Rhea Ripley may be quite effective at causing destruction, but I have had nothing to do with her. Though she is effective at times she is nothing more than a mad dog who was let off the leash and ran rabidly out into the streets. The fact that you were foolish enough to go play in traffic and suffered the consequences is not my concern. I have not and will not have anything to do with such a beast; besides, EBWF dealt with her well enough and we have not seen her in quite some time as a result.
Alexa looked absolutely incredulous as Utami professed her innocence. Then Utami motioned to the hooded Reaper next to her and grinned.
Utami Hayashishita: I know what you are thinking, is this not Rhea Ripley? Well, I can confirm that I have been discussing business with someone who might appear to be her. Someone who has the same strength, size and ability. Someone whom I trust to carry out my will and fight with all the power of a warrior princess. But ladies, your ‘Reaper’ is not that mongrel. Allow me to introduce you to the newest member of Queen’s Court.
l reached over and lifted the hood up, revealing not Rhea Ripley but Himeka Arita!
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma mia! Ladies and gentlemen, the Crimson Queen has brought in another big gun from the Stardom promotion in Japan!
Nigel McGuiness: Himeka Arita! This young woman has become a force to be reckoned with thanks to her size, power and athletic prowess. WIth her overwhelming strength, she’s dominated even the biggest stars in Japan, and now she is here at Utami Hayashishita’s side!
As Alexa and Liv looked on defiantly, Utami laughed at her cunning.
Utami Hayashishita: “Yes, it is none other than a proper Princess for my royal court. Himeka Arita is the woman who has haunted you two for the past few weeks. And now Queen’s Court is more powerful than ever before! If you thought the destruction you have suffered already was painful, you have not seen anything yet. Now I must ask - what did you two want from Queen’s Court? We are all here now, go ahead.
Liv was sizing up the smiling powerhouse Himeka while Alexa stepped up to Utami with an intense determination on her face.
Alexa Bliss: I can speak for both of us when I say we’ve had enough of your petty tricks and empty threats, Utami. Liv N Bliss is here to finish this with Queen’s Court! We want to take you down once and for all.
Utami smirked.
Utami Hayashishita: You want another match with us? That last obliteration was not enough for you?
Alexa nodded defiantly as the crowd roared.
Alexa Bliss: More than anything in the world. We want to embarrass you so bad that it gets through even your thick delusional skull. Do your worst.
Utami laughed at the challenge, stepped back and motioned to a confident Himeka and a still very concerned Mina.
Utami Hayashishita: Very well, we shall grant you an audience once again. But you will be facing the full power of Queen’s Court this time. All three of us will burn your adorable little fantasy down to ashes. A handicap match in which your team can boast - what, perhaps one and a half women? Pathetic. So pathetic in fact that my heart of hearts is inclined to grant you another mercy. If you can find someone who wishes to go to the hospital with you, by all means you may have one more partner of your choice.
Now it was Alexa who laughed.
Alexa Bliss: You know, it’s funny that you say that. Because I happen to have someone in mind to join Liv N Bliss in putting an end to you Utami. A woman who’s stood up to you in the past and is fully capable of kicking your a**. She’s made the mighty Crimson Queen bleed, and she’s the person I want at our side for this match. The third member of my team is Arisa Hoshiki!
The crowd popped at the shock announcement as ‘Shining Star’ (a song performed by Arisa Hoshiki herself) played on the PA system. Liv and Alexa both looked very confident as they awaited Arisa’s arrival to the ring. Utami looked on incredulously as she moved closer to Himeka. Mina appeared genuinely confused as she adjusted the flag on her shoulder. When the camera switched to the ramp and Arisa Hoshiki did in fact make her way toward the ring in a leather jacket, EBWF t-shirt and jeans. Much like Mina she appeared a bit more confused than anything as the crowd chanted “YES! YES! YES!”.
Mauro Ranallo: What a monumental surprise from Alexa Bliss! Arisa Hoshiki is a decorated champion in both shoot boxing and professional wrestling! They’ve met a few times already, but to pick Arisa as her tag team partner against Queen’s Court isn’t something anyone expected!
Nigel McGuiness: Arisa Hoshiki has a long history with Utami Hayshishita to be sure. But she’s also been retired since 2020 and has been working for EBWF in a backstage capacity. You have to wonder if this is a smart choice by Alexa.
Arisa stepped into the ring and looked questioningly to Alexa. Alexa for her part just smiled back and offered a handshake, which Arisa accepted with some hesitation. Liv also hesitated but eventually gave Arisa a pat on the shoulder. Meanwhile Utami laughed sarcastically at the sight and began to speak again.
Utami Hayashishita: That is your plan? Oh little Alexa, you must have suffered an injury to the head when I - we destroyed you at Gateway to Glory. Arisa Hoshiki is just a backstage administrative personality who talks about the exploits of others. She can not help you!
Alexa lifted her mic and almost responded, but then thought better of it and held it out to Arisa. As the crowd cheered, Arisa took the mic and chuckled a bit.
Arisa Hoshiki: Well, you see that’s the funny thing. As of 12:01 am today I have been let go as an EBWF Japan Ambassador, so you’re mistaken about that. I requested to be released from that position because there’ve been some big changes in my life recently. Things I didn’t expect to happen, but now that they have I can’t do anything but go with the flow.
She paused for a moment, the crowd buzzing with anticipation.
Arisa Hoshiki: I’ve been retired for two years. If you asked me even a week ago if I could help fight Queen’s Court, I would’ve told you that unfortunately that wasn’t an option. But that’s where the changes come in - I had an appointment with my doctor recently and guess what?
She stared playfully over at the scoffing Utami.
Arisa Hoshiki: After two years in retirement, I’ve been medically cleared to step back in the ring!
This got a pop from the crowd as Alexa and Liv both smiled in great satisfaction.
Arisa Hoshiki: And I can’t think of a better way to make my return to active competition than this match right here. So Alexa, I accept!
She gave Alexa and Liv side hugs with either arm as Alexa took the mic and added another wrinkle.
Alexa Bliss: And Utami, we know that you like to set traps and ambush us. We aren’t about to give you the time to set up anything like that, so guess what? This match is happening next week, right here on Warfare!
This gets a massive pop from the crowd as Utami glares daggers at Alexa once again. Finally Utami raised her mic one more time.
Utami Hayashishita: Fine, have it your way. It does not matter if you have a washed up fighter like her on your team, Queen’s Court will dominate you one more time regardless. Enjoy your week to come, because next week there will be three of you sent to the hospital.
Utami snarled to reinforce the threat, then dropped the mic and motioned for Queen’s Court to exit the ring. To a chorus of boos Himeka and Mina held the middle rope open for Utami to pass through, then exited themselves. As they left the arena, Alexa, Liv and Arisa watched defiantly.
Mauro Ranallo: The battle lines have been drawn! Next week Liv N Bliss get their hands on Queen’s Court once again, right here on Warfare!”
Nigel McGuiness: Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan and a newly cleared Arisa Hoshiki vs Utami Hayashishita, Mina Shirakawa and a debuting Himeka Arita? This may be the biggest Warfare match in a very long time!
The scene faded out as Alexa and Liv posed for the crowd alongside Arisa, all to the tune of ‘Paper Cut’.
The camera cut to the backstage area, where Renee Young was standing with Britt Baker.
Renee Young: Good evening, EBWF fans! I’m joined at this time by the Women’s Champion, Dr Britt Baker DMD. Britt, last week Tam Nakano issued a challenge for the Women’s Championship. Do you accept the challenge?
Britt Baker: Before I answer that question, Renee, let me just correct something you said. Last week, Tam Nakano didn’t issue a challenge for the Women’s Championship… she issued a challenge for MY Women’s Championship.
Baker clutched the title as she spoke, as if to reinforce the point that it was her’s.
Britt Baker: But the answer to your question is yes! I’ve spoken about Tam Nakano before, I respect her a lot and she absolutely deserves a title opportunity. I just have one condition, which is this… if she wants a match with yours truly, Dr Britt Baker, D-M-D… she’ll have to wait until Fanniversary. Because a match as big as this deserves to be on the biggest pay-per-view of the year.
Baker smiled, then stared at Renee intensely, as if daring her to ask another question… or perhaps warning her not to. Renee seemed to choose the second option, and turned to face the camera.
Renee Young: Well there you have it… at Fanniversary on October 30th, it will be Britt Baker versus Tam Nakano for the EBWF Women’s Championship!
The camera cut back to Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness at ringside.
Nigel McGuinness: What a huge match that will be, Mauro! I’m even more excited for Fanniversary now!
Mauro Ranallo: Me too, Nigel! Folks, we need to go to a break right now, but don’t go anywhere… our main event, Adam Cole versus Jeff Hardy, is up next!
When Warfare returned from the commercial break, Jeff Hardy was on his way to the ring. After Hardy had entered the ring, "All About Tha (Boom!)" hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Adam Cole made his way to the ring. Once Cole was in the ring, the referee called for the bell.
Mauro Ranallo: Here we go! It’s the Lone Wolf, Adam Cole, versus the Extreme Enigma, Jeff Hardy!
As the bell rang, Cole hit Hardy with a clothesline, knocking him down to the mat. Cole then stomped on Jeff several times, before pulling him to his feet and hitting a series of punches. Cole went for an Irish whip, but Hardy reversed it, whipping Cole against the ropes before hitting a dropkick. As both men got to their feet, Hardy lifted Cole up, hitting a body slam. Cole bailed to the floor, and as he did so Hardy climbed to the top rope, then went for a diving crossbody… but Cole moved out of the way!
Nigel McGuinness: Hardy took a risk there, and he might have injured himself in the process!
Cole dragged Hardy to his feet and threw him into the steel steps at ringside, then tossed him back into the ring. Back in the ring, Cole hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, then covered Hardy. The referee counted - 1… 2… Hardy kicked out! Cole pulled Hardy to his feet and hit him with a series of punches, then whipped him against the ropes. As Hardy ran back towards him, Cole went for a superkick… but Hardy ducked out of the way, then hit Cole with a Russian legsweep. Hardy followed up with a double leg drop, then hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… Cole kicked out! Hardy pulled Cole to his feet and set him up for a suplex, but Cole broke free then hit an enzuigiri, followed by a superkick!
Mauro Ranallo: A vicious superkick by Adam Cole! That might have knocked Jeff Hardy out cold!
Cole hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Hardy kicked out! Cole pulled down his kneepad, sat Hardy up, then ran against the ropes, going for The Boom… but Hardy moved out of the way! Hardy grabbed Adam Cole and hit him with a Twist of Fate, then climbed to the top rope. Hardy signaled for the Swanton Bomb… but before he could hit it, Cole got to his feet and ran against the ropes, causing Hardy to lose his balance! Hardy fell to the mat, and Cole immediately climbed to the top rope. He waited for Hardy to get to his feet, and when Hardy was up, Cole hit the Panama Sunrise! He hooked both legs and the referee counted - 1… 2… 3!
Nigel McGuinness: It’s over! Adam Cole gets the victory!
Cole celebrated as Warfare went off the air.
