Warfare opened with a recap of last week’s main event. A faint rendition on a piano played and a choir of voices let out for the underlying music, while Christian Cage posed from his entrance.
Mauro Ranallo: It will be a triple threat between three top talents in the EBWF for the number one contendership for the prestigious Gateway Championship!
The shot transitioned smoothly to Riddle’s entrance where we saw Christian swiped slyly at his feet. Both men appeared in close-ups when suddenly the camera overlay flashed green and “Bring it Down” by Zenith of God played. Great-O-Khan stood on top of the ramp with the spotlight on him.
Translator: Congratulations, peasants! You were chosen to be the first line of defense against the United Empire following the Commonwealth King, Will Ospreay!
In unison to the drum beats: Jeff Cobb jumped the barricade, Will Ospreay gestured for the attack, and Seth Rollins was backstage being forced back by security! The screen also flashed with each beat. When the lyrics finally hit, all hell broke loose and Riddle ran up the turnbuckle, only to be caught off in mid-air by Will Ospreay’s Poisonrana!
Mauro Ranallo: That man just teleported!
Christian Cage bounced off the ropes and was hit by Cobb’s and O-Khan’s Imperial Drop! With one last drum beat in unison, Will Ospreay hit the Hidden Blade to the back of Christian Cage’s head. The United Empire posed in front of their flag now planted between the bodies of Riddle and Christian. The lyrics of the song played on the shot “We’ll bring it down ‘til the ashes fill the skies, not enough ‘til the flames take back the night.”
Translator: Congratulations, peasants!
The voice of the woman and the song echoed into darkness.
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The screen became covered in smoke before “Addicted to Pain” by Alter Bridge dictated the pace and tempo of the opening video being closed by a Warfare logo. Smoke billowed around the bottom from the stage, before the pyro released from the center tron and from the ramp towards the stadium roof! Of course, “Addicted to Pain” still played out as it had the audio accompaniment from this packed crowd cheering nonstop. The camera panned the crowd as the announcers opened us to the show.
Mauro Ranallo: Get ready, folks. It’s time for Warfare! My name is Mauro Ranallo and as always I sit beside my broadcast partner, the man who had possibly one of the best lariats in modern day wrestling, Nigel McGuinness! We are coming to you live from the Xcel Energy Center here in Saint Paul, Minnesota!
Nigel McGuinness: Thank you, as always, Mauro, it's always an honor to be here with you! As of right now, it may be hard to hear you over this capacity crowd! Tonight, we have outdone ourselves yet again with another extraordinary night of competition!
The camera then showed a match graphic for the Adam Cole Open Challenge. The crowd burst in cheers when they saw one of their favorites on the screen.
Mauro Ranallo: That is right, as we just saw, as of last week, we do not currently have a number one contender actually ranked for the Gateway Championship! However, our Breakout Champion, Adam Cole, has agreed tonight to put his championship on the line against anyone who could sign the match contract first. To my understanding, there is a signature, but tonight, we will have to see who it was!
Nigel McGuinness: You have to consider how much at a disadvantage this puts our champion in. No training time, no video preparation, he truly is going into tonight’s match blind!
The match card graphic then transitions into a screen image of the United Empire with the words “EBWF Decision on United Empire’s Future” over the top. The crowd still cheered for these outsiders having seen what they did to the despised Christian Cage and Matt Riddle last week.
Nigel McGuinness: Then we will have to get to these three guys. Last week, they showed the entire wrestling world they are serious and were here in the EBWF. Tonight, we will be told what the future is for the United Empire.
Mauro Ranallo: Well, what we do know as of earlier tonight -
“Earlier tonight” appeared at the bottom of the screen and we saw various cuts of security around the arena.
Mauro Ranallo: the United Empire will not be allowed in the building. They are banned from ringside and the arena until the decision is made on their contractual agreement with the EBWF and future within the company.
The screen then showed a match graphic for the main event.
Mauro Ranallo: Let us not forget our main event coming up for the evening! Tonight, we will see an electric match-up of two very different styles of professional wrestling between Johnny Gargano and The Miz!
Nigel McGuinness: Two different styles and two very different men. Tonight will be a clash of scientific professional wrestling in which Gargano tries to break down his opponents by taking on a charismatic style that utilizes endless mind games from the Miz. There’s a few questions we don’t know before this match starts. Will we see Riddle? Will we see Michael Cole? How is the stability of Bro-Awesome right now? Further, in this contest, will we see Gargano being taunted by his apparent nemesis in Christian Cage and Seth Rollins? Who do you have in this one, Mauro?
The announcers smiled as the shot went back to the announce desk.
Mauro Ranallo: You know, Nigel, I have no idea! That is what makes you the specialist inside that ring, but I do know I am excited for the night to just kick off! Mamma Mia, let's get this night started!
“All About (Tha) Boom!” hit and the crowd cheered as Adam Cole made his way to the ring. When Cole was in the ring, he began pacing back and forth, waiting to see who would answer this week’s Breakout Championship Open Challenge. “Chris is Awesome” hit, and the fans inside the arena went wild as Chris Hero stepped out onto the stage!
Nigel McGuinness: I can’t believe it, Mauro! Chris Hero is answering the open challenge! He wrestled for the first time in almost four years last week, defeating Timothy Thatcher at a West Coast Pro Wrestling event, and now he’s here to try and take Adam Cole’s Breakout Championship!
Mauro Ranallo: Hero is a former Breakout Champion, Nigel, and he’s got history with Adam Cole… this is sure to be a thrilling contest!
As Hero entered the ring, he offered his hand to Adam Cole and Cole shook it, both men observing the Code of Honor. The referee called for the bell and the two men locked up. Hero put Cole in a hammerlock, but Cole fought out of it, then spun around and hit Hero with a knee to the midsection. Cole then whipped Hero against the ropes, before hitting a shoulder tackle. As Hero got to his feet, Cole set him up for a DDT, but Hero blocked it and whipped Cole against the ropes, then hit a big boot. Hero followed up with a senton splash, then hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… Cole kicked out! Hero pulled Cole to his feet and went to whip him into the corner, but Cole reversed the Irish whip, sending Hero into the turnbuckle. Cole charged towards Hero in the corner and hit a dropkick, then as Hero stumbled out of the corner, Cole hit a swinging neckbreaker. He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Hero kicked out! Cole pulled Hero to his feet and hit him with a series of punches. Hero fought back with some right hands of his own, then went for a discus elbow smash… but Cole ducked underneath it, then hit Hero with a backstabber! Both men got to their feet, and Cole set Hero up for a brainbuster… but Hero countered with a suplex!
Nigel McGuinness: What great chemistry these two men have, Mauro!
As both men got to their feet, Hero took Cole down with a high knee, then as Cole got back to his feet, Hero whipped him against the ropes, before hitting a big boot. Cole got to his feet once more and Hero hit a bodyslam, followed by a running leg drop! He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Cole kicked out! Hero got to his feet and waited for Cole to get back up, then went for the Cyclone Kick… but Cole sidestepped it, then hit Hero with a German suplex. Both men got to their feet, and Cole hit a brainbuster onto the knee, then hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… Hero kicked out! Cole pulled down his knee pad and ran against the ropes, going for The Boom… but Hero moved out of the way! Hero then got back to his feet and grabbed Cole, lifting him up and hitting a huge powerbomb!
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia, Nigel! That shook the ring!
Cole rolled out of the ring, trying to give himself a chance to recover, but Hero followed Cole to the outside and grabbed him, throwing him back into the ring. Hero slid back into the ring and went to cover Cole… but Cole rolled Hero up into a small package! The referee counted - 1… 2… Hero kicked out! Both men got to their feet and Cole hit two successive superkicks, knocking Hero down to the mat. Cole then ran against the ropes, going for The Boom… and this time, he hit it! He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… 3!
Nigel McGuinness: It’s over! Another successful title defense for Adam Cole!
The referee called for the bell and raised Cole’s arm in victory as his music began to play. Cole signaled for his music to be cut, then grabbed a microphone and began to speak.
Adam Cole: It has been almost three months since I defeated Brock Anderson to win both the Breakout and Gateway Championships. Since then, I have defended this Breakout Championship nine times… but I haven’t defended the Gateway Championship once. Now I was waiting for Brock to invoke his rematch clause, but then a couple of weeks ago, I found out Brock had requested his release from EBWF. I guess he couldn’t handle knowing that I was the better man.
Cole smirked, then continued speaking.
Adam Cole: So I told Wes Ikeda that before I cash in the Gateway Championship for the title I really want… the EBWF World Title… I want to defend it at least once. That led to the number one contender match last week, but then Will Ospreay decided he wanted to steal the show, and he brought his United Empire goons along for the ride. Now Will, I’m not sure if you attacked Christian and Matt Riddle because you think you should get a shot at the Gateway Championship, or if you just wanted to make a statement. But here’s what I do know… I asked the powers that be not to punish you, and told them to wait and see what your next move is. If you want a shot at my title, I’m more than happy to give you one, but the guys you attacked last week might have something to say about that. So I’m just waiting to see how it all plays out. But Will, I’ll promise you one thing, “bruv”... when you do come for me, I’ll be ready.
Cole dropped the microphone and made his way to the back as Warfare went to a commercial break.
When Warfare returned from the commercial break, the camera cut to the backstage area where Alexa Bliss was seen with her bag heading out the door when Renee Young ran up to her.
Renee Young: Alexa why are you leaving?
Alexa looked at Renee and smirked.
Alexa Bliss: Well I came here tonight to talk to Tam Nakano but just like last week she's not here and since I don't have a match I'm leaving early.
Alexa went to resume her exit but stopped again.
Alexa Bliss: But while I don't know when Tam will decide to come back I do know someone who will come back next week. Someone who has unfinished business with Oedo Tai as well and one of my best friends,The Harley Quinn of EBWF Liv Morgan.
The crowd in the arena cheered as Alexa left the building.
The camera cut back to the arena with a wide angle shot of the ring. Suddenly, a red countdown appeared on the screen counting backwards from ten, and the lights in the arena dimmed. Venomous boos echoed throughout the arena.
Mauro Ranallo: We are back here on Warfare coming to you live from the Xcel Energy Center! Some people say you can’t have too much of a good thing, and I guess those same people have met “The Instant Classic” Christian Cage! Though, whether you like him or hate him, you have to admit he was unfairly removed from a championship opportunity last week, Nigel.
Nigel McGuiness: Mauro, the truth is that all those competitors from Christian Cage, Matt Riddle, and MJF were deserving of that opportunity to go on and face the Breakout and Gateway Champion, Adam Cole. We haven’t yet heard an official announcement from the EBWF administration regarding those actions that happened last week, and for fans watching that is to still come tonight, but this man has every right to come speak his mind!
The countdown hit zero and transitioned into “My Last Breath”. Multiple spotlights across the roofing of the arena all brightly converged on the entrance ramp and Christian Cage made his way out from the back. His entire presence tonight felt different than normal as there was no pageantry to Christian Cage’s body language. He looked determined and focused on a single goal as the glimmer from the light made his white turtleneck and beige jacket even brighter. The crowd vehemently resented even man’s presence and got louder as they saw behind Christian, a cocky dancing Seth Rollins shining bright with a full golden bedazzled outfit.
Christy Hemme: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, please welcome “The Messiah” Seth Rollins and “The Instant Classic”, Christian Cage!
The Warfare name graphic flashed across the screen introducing the two men as they made their way down the ramp at differing speeds. Without missing a beat, Christian demanded for Christy Hemme to open the ropes for him and Rollins once at the steps. The crowd booed even louder at the action.
Mauro Ranallo: These guys are just intolerable sometimes!
After they entered the ring, the music faded and we were left with only the crowd noise for audio for a second. In which time, the EBWF faithful let Christian know what they thought with “asshole!” chants becoming one across the sold-out arena. Visually unphased, Christian continued to get the microphones from the stagehand and handed one to the awaiting Seth Rollins.
Seth Rollins: Now, that just isn’t nice! Christy has been out here working all night! Don’t call her an ass[censored]!
The crowd booed louder as Christian took over the pacing of the segment.
Christian Cage: Now tonight, I came out here with a lot on my mind. One of the many things was how the hell I was going to get out of the state of Minnesota!
The crowd deafened the audio for only a few seconds, Christian had to even lower his microphone to let another “an asshole” chant hit.
Christian Cage: My partner here just told you, but leave our ring announcer alone. Granted she has no talent, and works up here for a nickel and a wink, but she works as hard as she can!
The camera zoomed in on Christy’s disgusted face at the remark with the crowd reaction mixed between shock and hate, before Christian Cage continued unphased by either.
Christian Cage: The real reason I am out here though is because I want to apologize.
Nigel McGuinness: Well this is very shocking to hear from, Christian!
Christian Cage: I do, I want to apologize. I want to apologize to all of my dear friends in the Disney offices and my friends at A&E who are just now tuning in just to see me. I want to apologize to them that last week they were robbed from all of the ratings and sponsorships that they lost from my triple threat match not going on as expected! I want to apologize for the lost revenue the EBWF has had to take on the chin of losing me as the official number one contender for the Gateway Championship!
Mauro Ranallo: Here we go. Someone in the back better keep a timer for how much time these two actually bought. This could go on all night!
Christian Cage: As I said earlier, I have had a lot of things on my mind following last week. Now I know your attention spans are low so I will remind you of what exactly occurred!
The shot changed from showing Christian and Seth in the ring to an obviously amateur doctored footage of the attack from last week by the United Empire. The edit showed Christian Cage hitting the Great-O-Khan before the shot showed a close up of Christian laying on Riddle. A referee was poorly edited into the shot counting 1-2-3. The camera cut back to Christian as he stood visually angry.
Mauro Ranallo: This isn’t what happened?! Fans, I don’t even-
Christian Cage: Now I know, rightfully, many of you fans are upset. I have heard about all the fan mail in the EBWF offices about how I was robbed and that it wasn’t fair to me. After all, I single handedly had to fight off three guys on my own, then beat three more guys, and I then pinned them and won! It wasn’t my fault that the F-level cameraman we have here only caught a piece of what happened last week!
One fan can be heard saying “You Suck!” ridiculously loud which caused the crowd to cheer at the remark and laugh at Christian.
Christian Cage: It does suck, you’re right! But, don’t you worry, your own personal hero will get his opportunity again! After I get the best lawyer, in a real state, like California - I will be suing the United Empire for putting so much doubt on my victory! After all, they robbed you people of my celebration tonight when I was going to march in and win the Gateway Championship in record time! I'll also regrettably have to sue the EBWF for putting me in such a risk! In fact, now that we’re here, I demand my opportunity tonight as payment to me! I demand it be me vs. Adam Cole one-on-one for the EBWF Gateway Championship! I have earned it!
Mauro Ranallo: Tonight?! That isn’t even fair, Adam Cole just wrestled in a fantastic match earlier tonight folks in the Adam Cole Open Challenge for the Breakout Championship! Christian didn’t even win last week!
Seth Rollins raised the microphone to try and antagonize more.
Seth Rollins: Come on! You people at the EBWF offices are supposed to be announcing something anyway tonight! Make this right! There’s even rage for this travesty building up in the building! These hicks are just screaming it to the rooftops! Listen to them: “Rage for Cage! Rage for Cage!”
Rollins, clumsily tried to get the crowd to chant along but instead long “ass-hole” chants just got directed towards the two. Christian was about to raise the microphone one more time when he was interrupted by an unexpected source.
Mauro Ranallo: Gentlemen, excuse me, but we just received word that an official announcement from the EBWF administration is here!
The camera shot changed as Mauro Ranallo stood up, now with a microphone in hand. The crowd cheered as anyone shutting Christian up would have gotten a similar reaction.
Mauro Ranallo: Allow me the time please to read this out as this does actually include you, Christian Cage. It says, and I quote, “It is with deep contemplation that the EBWF has made an official ruling on the situation that took place last week involving the United Empire, who are now officially a part of the EBWF.”
The crowd let out a cheer and a look of shock was now on Christian’s face.
Mauro Ranallo: “Although Will Ospreay, Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb have signed EBWF contracts, what they did last week was both unauthorized and uncalled for. We apologize to our fans for the lost opportunity of the match last week given these men’s actions. However, in the spirit of competition, the United Empire has proven they were hungry. This was something we respect in the EBWF and want to promote with an opportunity. There will be a match next week for the United Empire and upon reading the countless memos left at EBWF offices, there will be a follow-up opportunity for Christian Cage given his loss.”
The crowd were mixed at the announcement thus far as both Christian and Seth looked confused on what this is leading up to.
Mauro Ranallo: “Next week, at the blessing of current Breakout and Gateway Champion Adam Cole, there will be a championship opportunity given to Christian Cage-”
Christian cut Mauro off immediately as he heard this as the crowd showered this news with a chorus of boos.
Christian Cage: Say no more, Mario! The EBWF rightfully wants to make this right and I accept it! You can now sit back down and talk about how great I am! Next week, it will be Christian Cage taking on Adam Cole for-
Mauro Ranallo: Christian, I am glad you accepted because this was just needing a verbal agreement on your part! Next week, it is now official! It will be Christian Cage, Seth Rollins, and a partner of their choosing taking on the United Empire! With the winning team having the opportunity to choose one member to take on Adam Cole at Christmas Eve of Destruction for the EBWF Gateway Championship! Best of luck, gentlemen!
Christian Cage and Seth Rollins were beside themselves as Mauro Ranallo sat back down at the announce booth. The crowd erupted as the camera zoomed out to show behind Christian was Johnny Gargano on the top turnbuckle!
Nigel McGuinness: Oh, I wouldn’t turn around!
Mauro Ranallo: Like a bird of prey, Gargano is ready and waiting!
Diving directly towards both men right at the moment they turned around, Gargano took out both Rollins and Christian with the full length of his body with a crossbody! Immediately after impact, Gargano began pummeling both Christian and Rollins with right and left hands which caused both men to cover up. Out from the back, a sea of security broke out towards the ring, when something caused them all to turn. The crowd cheered the chaos as men on the ramp began moving backwards into one another from a mystery attacker.
Mauro Ranallo: What could- What-
The mystery was revealed before Mauro could finish his thought as the seven-foot monster, The Big Show, began making short work of the security in front of him.
Mauro Ranallo: Talk about migration at the station! Big Show is here and there isn’t a body in that crowd that isn’t realizing it! He is throwing grown men around like they’re children!
Big Show’s commotion caught Gargano’s attention when the lumbering giant made his way towards the ring as Big Show single-handedly destroyed the men in his wake. Gargano ran towards the ropes for a tope suicida! The crowd were enamored as Show caught him effortlessly and, in a single motion, threw Gargano’s body towards the ringpost!
Nigel McGuinness: What a toss by that giant! Horrific carnage left in that man’s wake!
Mauro Ranallo: Horrific in nature is an understatement! The Big Show just took out everything in his path! He may have just ruined our main event tonight, Nigel! This will be the second week in a row!
Gargano writhed in pain as Show just looked at him on the floor, before he entered the ring. He rose slowly to his feet, Christian pat Seth on the side as he also congratulated the Big Show! The crowd were stunned silent as Big Show screamed out into the arena with his chokeslam taunt towards the camera! One last time for the night, Christian Cage raised the microphone towards his mouth.
Christian Cage: You all forget I am always three steps ahead. Because that’s -
The crowd were about to pick up the catchphrase when Christian quickly transitioned to more boos not even allowing the fans his catchphrase.
Christian Cage: A fact about your miserable lives. We’ll see you next week, Fallen Empire.
The camera zoomed out, showing the carnage Big Show left and “Our Last Breath” playing once more. The crowd were in a wild frenzy as the camera faded to commercial break.
When Warfare returned from the commercial break, Johnny Gargano was in the ring being checked on by an EBWF doctor and one of the trainers. Gargano was clearly in pain, but as he got to his feet, he nodded to the two men in the ring with him. The doctor nodded back, albeit somewhat reluctantly, then exited the ring as the trainer signaled for a referee to head down to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back fans! Before the commercial break, we saw The Big Show attack Johnny Gargano, and align himself with Christian Cage and Johnny Gargano.
A replay of Big Show attacking Gargano was shown.
Mauro Ranallo: We understand that despite the attack, Gargano still wants to compete tonight, and he has been medically cleared to do so… so it’s time for our main event!
“I Came To Play” by Downstait hit and the crowd cheered as The Miz made his way to the ring. Miz had a serious expression on his face, and as soon as the bell rang he charged towards Johnny Gargano, taking him down with a clothesline before stomping on him several times.
Nigel McGuinness: Well I don’t think Miz cares whether or not Johnny Gargano is 100%, Mauro! He said he was going to destroy Gargano, and thanks to The Big Show, that task might just be a little easier!
Miz pulled Gargano to his feet and whipped him against the ropes, then went for a clothesline, but Gargano ducked underneath it, then hit Miz with a series of chops to the chest. Gargano then whipped Miz against the ropes, before hitting a dropkick. Both men got to their feet and Gargano hit Miz with a DDT, then went to the top rope. Gargano went for a moonsault, but Miz blocked it, getting his knees up! Miz stomped on Gargano’s ribs several times, before pulling him to his feet and whipping him into the corner. Miz then hit a corner clothesline, before taking Gargano down with a reverse STO. Miz hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Gargano kicked out! Miz pulled Gargano to his feet once more, this time setting him up for a back drop. He lifted Gargano up… but Gargano landed on his feet, then hit a rolling kick to the head! Miz was momentarily dazed, and Gargano hit a neckbreaker, then hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… Miz kicked out! Gargano went to apply the Gargano Escape, but Miz rolled away before he could lock it in, then slid out of the ring. Gargano ran against the ropes and went to hit Miz with a tope suicida… but Miz moved out of the way, causing Gargano to collide with the ringside barrier! As Gargano clutched his shoulder, Miz dragged him to his feet and threw him shoulder first into the ring steps, before tossing him back into the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Well if Johnny Gargano wasn’t hurt before, he certainly is now… he might have injured his shoulder!
Upon re-entering the ring, Miz put Gargano in an armbar, but Gargano was able to get his foot on the ropes. Miz pulled Gargano to his feet and set him up for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Gargano blocked it, then hit Miz with a superkick. As Miz got back to his feet, Gargano hit him with a series of punches, then whipped him into the corner. Gargano ran at Miz, hitting a double knee strike, then climbed to the top rope and hit Miz with a flatliner. He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Miz kicked out! As Gargano got to his feet, he moved onto the ring apron, waiting for Miz to get back up. When Miz was up, Gargano went for a slingshot spear… but Miz countered with a snap DDT!
Nigel McGuinness: What quick reflexes shown there by The Miz!
Miz hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Gargano kicked out! Miz pulled Gargano to his feet and whipped him into the corner, where he hit him with a series of punches and kicks. Gargano fell into a sitting position, and Miz took several steps back, then went for a running knee strike… but Gargano moved out of the way at the last second, then rolled Miz up into a schoolboy pin! The referee counted - 1… 2… Miz kicked out! As both men got to their feet, they exchanged right hands back and forth. Gargano was able to gain the upper hand, and after hitting Miz with a series of punches in quick succession, he went for an enzuigiri… but Miz avoided it, then hit Gargano with an armbreaker DDT! Miz then put Gargano in a crossface, but once again Gargano was able to get to the ropes. The referee ordered Miz to break the hold, and he did so… but then Miz pulled Gargano to the center of the ring, dragged him to his feet, and hit the Skull Crushing Finale! He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It’s over! The Miz gets the victory, and you have to assume he’ll have his eye on another shot at the EBWF World Championship!
Miz stood over Johnny Gargano, celebrating as Warfare went off the air.
