Mauro Ranallo: Get ready folks… it’s time for Warfare!
The Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota, buzzed with electrifying anticipation as fans packed the arena. As the camera panned across the enthusiastic crowd, the lights dimmed, and the Fargodome erupted in cheers.
Christy Hemme: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!
The crowd roared, eager for the evening's action to begin.
Christy Hemme: Introducing first, from Elmwood Park, New Jersey, LIV MORGAN!
Liv Morgan's music hit the speakers, and the audience erupted into applause and cheers. Liv, donning her trademark leather jacket and vibrant ring gear, made her way down the ramp with a bounce in her step. She high-fived fans along the way, her infectious energy captivating the crowd.
Mauro Ranallo: Listen to this ovation, Nigel! Liv Morgan is one of the most exciting competitors in the women's division today!
Nigel McGuinness: Absolutely, Mauro. Liv's quickness and agility make her a formidable opponent for anyone.
As Liv Morgan entered the ring, she climbed the turnbuckle, raising her hands to the cheers of the crowd. The lights in the arena shifted, and the atmosphere grew tense.
Christy Hemme: And her opponent, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, BRITT BAKER!
The familiar chords of Britt Baker's entrance music blared through the Fargodome, and the crowd's reaction was mixed, with both cheers and boos echoing around the arena. Britt, with a confident smirk, sauntered down the ramp, her signature leather jacket gleaming under the lights. The D.M.D. chants began to ripple through the crowd as she made her entrance.
Mauro Ranallo: Britt Baker, the self-proclaimed Role Model, is here and ready to prove why she is one of the top names in professional wrestling!
Nigel McGuinness: Britt Baker's technical prowess and in-ring intelligence make her a dangerous adversary. This is going to be an intriguing clash of styles.
Britt climbed into the ring, posing for the crowd as the camera zoomed in on her confident expression. The referee signaled for the bell, and the match was underway. The opening moments of the match saw Liv Morgan and Britt Baker circle each other, sizing up their opponent. They locked up in the center of the ring, each vying for the upper hand. Britt quickly transitioned into a side headlock, wrenching Liv's neck with precision.
Mauro Ranallo: Britt Baker wasting no time, using her technical skills to gain control early on.
Liv Morgan, however, countered by pushing Britt into the ropes and bouncing her off. On the rebound, Liv dropped to the mat, forcing Britt to leap over her, and then executed a lightning-quick dropkick, sending Britt to the canvas.
Nigel McGuinness: Liv Morgan showcasing her speed and agility! What a dropkick!
With Britt momentarily down, Liv capitalized, hitting the ropes for momentum and delivering a swift knee strike to Britt's face. Liv went for the cover, but Britt kicked out at one, showing her resilience. The pace quickened as both competitors exchanged holds and counters, displaying their contrasting styles. Britt, using her ring awareness, managed to catch Liv with a brutal forearm strike, staggering her. Seizing the opportunity, Britt executed a snap suplex, floating over into a pinning predicament.
Mauro Ranallo: Baker with a textbook snap suplex, going for the cover!
Liv kicked out at two, much to the crowd's delight. As both wrestlers got to their feet, Britt took control, grounding Liv with a series of methodical strikes and submissions, targeting her arm and neck.
Nigel McGuinness: Britt Baker's strategy here is clear: she's wearing down Liv Morgan, focusing on that arm to set up for the Lockjaw.
Liv struggled but managed to fight back, using her speed to escape Britt's grasp and hit a step-up enzuigiri that echoed throughout the arena. The crowd rallied behind her as she mounted a comeback, delivering a series of rapid strikes and a running bulldog that planted Britt face-first into the mat.
Mauro Ranallo: Liv Morgan is on fire! What a bulldog!
The momentum had shifted, and Liv went for a high-risk maneuver, climbing to the top turnbuckle. She launched herself into the air, aiming for a diving crossbody, but Britt had it scouted. At the last moment, Britt rolled through, capturing Liv and transitioning into a devastating Fisherman’s neckbreaker.
Nigel McGuinness: Incredible counter by Britt Baker! She might have Liv right where she wants her.
With Liv down, Britt signaled for the end, drawing her glove from her boot, preparing for the Lockjaw. The crowd's anticipation grew as Britt attempted to lock in her signature submission maneuver. Liv, sensing the danger, fought desperately, twisting and turning to avoid Britt's grasp.
Mauro Ranallo: Liv Morgan is in a bad spot here! Britt Baker is going for the Lockjaw!
In a final burst of energy, Liv managed to roll Britt into a pinning predicament, catching her off guard. The referee dropped to the mat for the count, but Britt kicked out at two and a half, narrowly escaping defeat.
Nigel McGuinness: So close! Liv Morgan almost stole the victory!
Britt, visibly frustrated, regrouped and took control once more. She whipped Liv into the corner and charged in with a high running knee, driving the wind out of Liv. As Liv staggered out of the corner, Britt caught her and executed the Fisherman’s neckbreaker again, this time with more force.
Mauro Ranallo: Britt Baker with another neckbreaker! This could be it!
With Liv dazed, Britt wasted no time. She immediately locked in the Lockjaw, wrenching back on Liv's neck and driving her fingers into Liv’s mouth. The pain was evident on Liv’s face as she fought to reach the ropes, but Britt's positioning was perfect, keeping her in the center of the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: The Lockjaw is cinched in tight! Liv Morgan has nowhere to go!
The crowd roared, urging Liv to fight out of the submission, but the pain was too much. After a few agonizing moments, Liv had no choice but to tap out.
Mauro Ranallo: It's over! Britt Baker wins with the Lockjaw!
The referee called for the bell, and Britt released the hold, standing victorious as her music blared through the Fargodome. The crowd's reaction was mixed, with cheers and boos filling the arena.
Christy Hemme: Here is your winner, BRITT BAKER!
Britt Baker stood tall, a satisfied smirk on her face as she soaked in the atmosphere. Liv Morgan, though disappointed, slowly got to her feet and received an appreciative cheer from the crowd for her valiant effort.
Nigel McGuinness: What a contest, Mauro! Both of these women put on a phenomenal performance here tonight.
Mauro Ranallo: Absolutely, Nigel. Liv Morgan gave it her all, but tonight, Britt Baker proved why she is one of the best in the business.
As Britt Baker celebrated her hard-fought victory, the camera panned to the audience, capturing the diverse reactions of the fans. The Fargodome had witnessed an unforgettable match, a testament to the incredible talent of both competitors. The broadcast cut to a commercial as Britt Baker continued to bask in her victory, her hand raised high by the referee, while Liv Morgan exited the ring to a warm ovation from the crowd.
After the match, Warfare cut to the backstage area. Alexa Bliss leaned against a wall, a big smile on her half-painted face.
Alexa Bliss: It's all going perfectly so far, oh, I love this game.
Alexa chuckled as two people approached her. They were two very, very familiar people who she had crossed paths with on numerous painful occasions. Loud boos echoed throughout the building as Tam Nakano arrived on the scene with Himeka in tow. Both members of Oedo Tai took a moment to size up the Goddess like a piece of meat in a butcher’s shop. Finally, Tam leaned back against the wall - it was then visible that she was holding a barbed wire bat in her hand.
Tam Nakano: Why, look who it is! Everyone’s favorite pint-sized goblin with a frequent customer punch card for the local medical facility.
She shot a bemused look to Himeka, whose shoulders rose and fell in a silent laugh. Despite the strong words, neither woman’s body language suggested the intention to cause harm. Rather, they were relaxed and calm as if this was just a visit to an old friend - one whom they enjoyed beating down from time to time. For her part, Alexa seemed amused, if anything. Even with the presence of Tam’s signature deathmatch weapon, she didn’t flinch.
Tam Nakano: Hm? You’re not going to offer some witty comeback? Finally admitting the Final Boss is better than you’ll ever be?
Tam suddenly shifted her posture, spinning around to face Alexa as a sadistic grin crossed the Final Boss’ lips. She lifted the bat and held it up inches from Alexa’s face.
Tam Nakano: Next week, I’m going to kick your ass so hard you end up in the hospital two states over. And while you’re licking your wounds again, Oedo Tai will be even stronger. And I’ll be the Darkest Queen in the Cosmos. We have so much history with each other, I thought I should give you that preview... since you won’t be here to see it in person.
Alexa's eyes moved between Tam and the bat a few times. Soon, Alexa started giggling in the same unnerving way she had been recently.
Alexa Bliss: Oh Tam-Tam, I like seeing that determination in you, old friend. Honestly, I haven't seen that since all of our friends played together in War Games. Now, like you said, we have a playdate next week, and I see you were nice enough to show me your favorite toy, so perhaps I'll show some of my favorite toys next week. I have a lot, including bats, board games, and-
Alexa moved her right arm slightly, allowing a card to slide out of her jacket sleeve. Alexa held up the card to reveal a jester on it.
Alexa Bliss: Cards.
Alexa covered her eye on the side that didn’t have face paint and giggled once more. Tam’s brow twitched as she watched Alexa respond in such an unexpected way. Behind her, Himeka made the ‘crazy’ gesture, but the Final Boss paid her Dangerous Princess little mind. Still, the reveal of the card was enough to make Tam lower the bat and back up a step. Maybe she had some flashbacks to the very first time she and Alexa had tangled.
Tam Nakano: You do you, broken goddess. But the only card that matters is the sympathy one I send to your little friends after I break you again.
With one last glare, she fell back and left the rafters with Himeka in tow. Alexa’s grin grew wider and more wicked as the scene faded to a commercial break.
As EBWF returned from commercial, the camera focused on the entrance ramp as the arena's atmosphere reached a fever pitch.
Christy Hemme: This match is scheduled for one fall, and it is a redemption match in the King of the Ring tournament! Introducing first, from Victoria, Texas, weighing in at 252 pounds, Stone Cold Steve Austin!"
The glass shattered, and the crowd erupted as Stone Cold Steve Austin's music blasted through the speakers. Austin marched to the ring with his signature strut, intensity radiating from every step. He climbed the turnbuckle, raising both arms high as the fans showered him with adulation.
Mauro Ranallo: The roof is about to blow off this place, Nigel! Stone Cold Steve Austin is here!
Nigel McGuinness: Austin looks ready to raise hell tonight. The Miz better be on his game if he wants to survive this encounter.
As Austin’s music faded, the anticipation for his opponent grew.
Christy Hemme: And his opponent, from Cleveland, Ohio,, weighing in at 221 pounds, The Miz!
The arena lights dimmed again, and a spotlight illuminated the entrance ramp. The Miz's theme song hit, and he emerged with his usual swagger, dressed in a flashy robe and sunglasses. The Miz paused at the top of the ramp, soaking in the mixed reaction from the crowd before confidently making his way to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: The Miz is no stranger to big matches, and he seems unfazed by the legend standing across the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: The Miz's confidence is his greatest asset. He believes he can outsmart Austin tonight, and that's going to be key.
The Miz entered the ring and removed his robe, staring down Stone Cold with a smirk on his face. The referee called for the bell, and the match was officially underway. The two competitors circled each other, the tension palpable. Austin and The Miz locked up in the center of the ring, each jockeying for position. Austin, using his power advantage, pushed The Miz into the corner, but the referee stepped in to break them up.
Mauro Ranallo: Stone Cold asserting his dominance early with that show of strength.
The Miz, ever the opportunist, seized the moment during the break and delivered a quick knee to Austin’s midsection, doubling him over. He followed up with a flurry of punches, driving Austin into the ropes. The Miz whipped Austin across the ring, but Austin countered with a thunderous clothesline, sending The Miz crashing to the mat.
Nigel McGuinness: The Miz tried to gain the upper hand, but Stone Cold turned the tables with that brutal clothesline!
With The Miz down, Austin went on the offensive, stomping away at his opponent. The crowd counted along with each stomp, chanting, "What?" after every blow. Austin dragged The Miz to his feet and whipped him into the corner, following up with a series of mudhole stomps.
Mauro Ranallo: Stone Cold is stomping a mudhole and walking it dry! The Miz is in trouble!
The Miz, clearly feeling the impact, slumped to the mat, but Austin wasn't done. He pulled The Miz up again and delivered a stinging chop across his chest, the sound echoing throughout the Garden. The Miz, reeling, stumbled out of the corner, but Austin was relentless, hitting him with a snap suplex that shook the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: Stone Cold is in complete control right now. The Miz needs to find a way to turn this around.
Austin went for the cover, hooking the leg. The referee dropped to count, but The Miz kicked out at two, showing his resilience. Austin pulled The Miz to his feet, but The Miz raked his eyes, buying himself a moment to recover.
Mauro Ranallo: The Miz using underhanded tactics to create some separation. Classic Miz.
With Austin temporarily blinded, The Miz capitalized, delivering a sharp DDT that planted Austin headfirst into the mat. He quickly went for the cover, but Austin powered out at two, much to the crowd's delight.
Nigel McGuinness: The Miz is trying to turn the tide here, but it's going to take more than that to keep Stone Cold down.
The Miz, realizing he needed to change his strategy, began targeting Austin’s legs, trying to neutralize the power of the Texas Rattlesnake. He delivered a series of kicks to Austin's knees, methodically wearing him down. The Miz then locked in a figure-four leglock, a move that elicited a chorus of boos from the crowd.
Mauro Ranallo: The Miz has the figure-four locked in! This could be a game-changer!
Austin grimaced in pain, but the crowd rallied behind him, chanting his name. He summoned all his strength, reaching for the ropes, but The Miz kept the hold locked tight. Austin, refusing to give up, managed to twist his body and reverse the pressure, turning the hold onto The Miz.
Nigel McGuinness: Austin reverses the figure-four! The Miz is in agony now!
The Miz screamed in pain and quickly released the hold, rolling to the outside to catch his breath. Austin, still feeling the effects, struggled to his feet. The Miz, sensing an opportunity, re-entered the ring and charged at Austin, but Austin caught him with a kick to the gut.
Mauro Ranallo: Here we go! Austin's setting up for the Stunner!
The crowd exploded as Austin grabbed The Miz’s head, preparing to deliver the Stone Cold Stunner. However, The Miz shoved Austin off at the last second, sending him into the ropes. As Austin rebounded, The Miz ducked a clothesline and caught him with a Skull-Crushing Finale out of nowhere!
Nigel McGuinness: The Miz with the Skull-Crushing Finale! This could be it!
The Miz immediately hooked Austin’s leg for the cover. The referee dropped to the mat and counted one, two, three. The bell rang, and The Miz's music hit as the crowd reacted with a mix of shock and disbelief.
Mauro Ranallo: The Miz has done it! He just defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin!
Nigel McGuinness: What a stunning turn of events, Mauro! The Miz capitalized on that one opening and it paid off in a huge way.
The Miz rolled out of the ring, a look of triumph on his face as he raised his arms in victory. The referee followed, raising his hand as the announcement was made.
Christy Hemme: Here is your winner, THE MIZ!
The camera captured The Miz's celebratory walk up the ramp, a cocky grin spread across his face. In the ring, Stone Cold Steve Austin sat up, looking disappointed but acknowledging the fans' cheers with a nod.
Mauro Ranallo: The Miz pulled off a major upset here tonight, proving once again why he is one of the most cunning competitors in EBWF. It’s incredible to have him back!
Nigel McGuinness: Stone Cold gave it his all, but tonight, The Miz's strategy and opportunism were the deciding factors. What a match!
As The Miz celebrated his victory on the ramp, the camera returned to Stone Cold, who slowly got to his feet, staring up the ramp at The Miz. An commercial for EBWF Shop began to play.
After the commercial for EBWF Shop, the camera cut back to the arena, where all four members of Team Cage - Christian, Seth Rollins, Big Show and Nikki Cross - were standing in the ring. The crowd were booing them loudly, which seemed to amuse Christian. The Instant Classic had a microphone in his hand, and he shouted over the crowd as he began to speak.
Christian Cage: I would appreciate it if all of you North Dakota douchebags would shut the hell up and let me talk.
The crowd booed even louder, and Christian sneered at them.
Christian Cage: Now, as you all know, a couple of important things are happening in the future of Team Cage. First, I will take on Johnny Gargano in the quarter finals of the King of the Ring tournament, which, like the other times I've been in the ring with him, I will win. The second thing is at Total Supremacy, my Scottish Assassin Nikki Cross will take the EBWF Women’s Championship from that Irish one-hit wonder Becky Lynch in a Barbed Wire Match.
Nikki had a more crazed smile than usual, as if she couldn't wait for the pay-per-view.
Christian Cage: Now, everything is finally right with the world. Team Cage will finally be at the top of the EBWF mountain, and nothing and nobody will stop-
Christian was interrupted by sounds of laughter, and the crowd cheered as Alexa Bliss appeared on the tron.
Alexa Bliss: Jason, Jason, Jason, wow, what a beautiful speech you just gave. You standing there and promising glory and conquests is really inspiring.
Alexa pretended to wipe away a tear as Team Cage looked less than enthused, Christian in particular being the most annoyed.
Alexa Bliss: Now, Jay, I said a few weeks ago that our game had begun, and I figured we could take things up a notch. Now, I know you're wondering, "Lexi, what do you mean by that?" Well, it's simple. I've decided to invite some really cool friends to play with us.
Alexa looked at her wrist as if a watch was there.
Alexa Bliss: And they should be here right... NOW.
Team Cage was confused, but soon the camera cut to several shots of figures in clown masks, who had appeared around the arena. Some of them were in the crowd; others were backstage. But each of them had a weapon, and looked menacing.
Nigel McGuinness: What the hell?
Mauro Ranallo: We have clowns in the arena, Nigel.
Team Cage looked around, not knowing what to do.
Alexa Bliss: This is gonna be the best game ever.
Alexa laughed maniacally as Warfare went to commercial break.
When Warfare returned from the commercial break, the camera cut to Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness at ringside.
Mauro Ranallo: Up next, it’s time for our first Queen of the Ring quarter-final match, and what a match we have on our hands, Nigel! The reigning Queen of the Ring, Arisa Hoshiki, faces off against the powerhouse, Ava Johnson.
Nigel McGuinness: As the reigning Queen and a former EBWF Women’s Champion, Arisa Hoshiki is surely the favorite tonight, but Ava Johnson has already shocked the world by defeating Britt Baker in the first round. Can she pull off another upset tonight?
Ava made her way to the ring first, followed by Arisa Hoshiki. When both women were in the ring, the referee called for the bell. The two competitors circled each other before locking up in the center of the ring. Ava's power was evident as she quickly overpowered Arisa, pushing her into the corner. Ava then landed a series of stiff clotheslines in the corner, before whipping Arisa across the ring and following up with a powerful corner bodypress.
Maura Ranallo: An aggressive start here by Ava Johson!
Nigel McGuinness: She is not holding back, Mauro… she knows what's at stake here.
As Arisa staggered out of the corner, Ava scooped her up for a body slam…but Arisa wriggled free and landed behind Ava, delivering a German suplex. As both women got to her feet, Arisa quickly followed up with a running high knee strike, dazing Ava. Seizing the opportunity, Arisa then hit a springboard star cutter, dropping Ava to the mat.
Nigel McGuinness: Arisa is turning the tide here. She needs to maintain this momentum.
Arisa went for the cover and the referee counted – 1… 2… Ava kicked out! As both women got to their feet, Arisa went to whip Ava against the ropes… but Ava reversed the Irish whip, sending Arisa into the ropes before hitting a spinebuster! She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1… 2… Arisa kicked out! Ava looked momentarily frustrated, but she quickly composed herself and dragged Arisa to her feet. Ava then lifted Arisa up onto her shoulders, setting her up for the Samoan Drop, but Arisa fought out of it with a series of sharp elbow strikes to the side of Ava's head.
Mauro Ranallo: Arisa's not done yet. She's got the heart of a champion!
Arisa hit Ava with a Brazilian kick, followed by a rolling savate kick that sent Ava crashing to the mat. Arisa then climbed to the top rope and connected with the 1399! She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1… 2… Ava kicked out just before the 3! As both women got to their feet, Arisa went to lock Ava in the Black Hold… but Ava blocked it, spun around, and drilled Arisa’s head into the mat with a DDT!
Nigel McGuinness: What a vicious DDT that was, Mauro! Ava Johnson might have just knocked Arisa Hoshiki out cold!
Rather than go for the cover, Ava stomped on Arisa several times, then signaled for the Rock Bottom! She pulled Arisa to her feet and set her up for the Rock Bottom… but Arisa blocked it and countered with a sitout jawbreaker! As Ava stumbled backwards, clearly dazed, Arisa spun around, hitting the Pulsar Kick! As Ava slumped to the mat, Arisa hooked the leg. The referee counted: 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It’s over! A strong effort from Ava Johnson, but Arisa Hoshiki advances to the semi-finals!
Nigel McGuinness: Congratulations Arisa, but we need to go to the back... I understand there has been an incident!
The camera immediately cut to the backstage area, where Seth Rollins was on the ground, getting attacked with a baseball bat by one of the clowns.
Mauro Ranallo: One of the clowns has got to Rollins.
The clown eventually started looking around for something and finally grabbed a steel chair. The clown wrapped the chair around Seth's ankle.
Nigel McGuinness: No, no, no... don't do it.
The clown raised the bat in the air and brought it down on the chair. Seth screamed in pain and grabbed his injured ankle as the clown walked off with bat in hand.
Mauro Ranallo: Rollins is the first victim of Alexa Bliss's clowns tonight.
Agents ran up to check on Seth as Warfare went to a commercial break.
When Warfare returned from the commercial break, “Diamonds Are Forever” hit and the crowd booed as Richard Holliday headed to the ring for the next match.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back! Still to come, we’ve got Maika versus Utami Hayashishita in our main event, but up next, we’ve got Dynasty’s Richard Holliday in action as he goes one on one with Chris Jericho.
When Holliday was in the ring, “Judas” by Fozzy began to play and the crowd sang along as Chris Jericho stepped out onto the stage and made his way down to the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: What a performance Chris Jericho put in last week when he defeated Seth Rollins to advance to the King of the Ring quarter finals. Given how intense that match was, Mauro, you have to wonder whether Jericho is 100% tonight… and if he’s not, whether Richard Holliday can use that to his advantage.
Mauro Ranallo: Richard Holliday is a smart competitor, Nigel, and I’m sure he will exploit any advantages he can. But Chris Jericho is one of the most resilient wrestlers I’ve ever seen… and with his experience, you have to think he’ll be ready for whatever tricks Richard Holliday and Dynasty have up their sleeve!
When Jericho was in the ring, the referee called for the bell and the two men locked up. Holliday overpowered Jericho, pushing him back into the corner. The referee called for a clean break, but Holliday took the opportunity to land a cheap shot, delivering a hard forearm to Jericho's jaw. Jericho staggered out of the corner, and Holliday followed up with a crisp European uppercut, knocking Jericho back against the ropes. Holliday charged forward, attempting a lariat, but Jericho ducked underneath it, before grabbing Holliday from behind and hitting a tiger suplex! Both of Holliday’s shoulders were down, and the referee counted – 1… 2… Holliday kicked out!
Mauro Ranallo: Richard Holliday showing his devious side early on… but like I said, Chris Jericho is resilient!
Nigel McGuinness: Jericho knows how to turn the tide in his favor, Mauro… but he needs to be careful not to underestimate Richard Holliday.
Jericho pulled Holliday to his feet and whipped against the ropes, before catching him with a dropkick. As Holliday hit the match, he rolled to the outside to try and catch a breather, but Jericho gave him no respite, hitting a baseball slide that sent Holliday crashing into the barricade! Jericho followed Holliday to the outside and hit him with a series of punches, but Holliday caught him off guard with a knee to the midsection, then followed up with a sudden neckbreaker onto the floor. Holliday quickly rolled Jericho back into the ring, then climbed to the top rope and hit an elbow drop! He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... Jericho kicked out! Jericho then tried to get to his feet, but as he did so Holliday immediately grabbed him, lifting him up and hitting a powerful backbreaker. Holliday followed up with a standing moonsault, which drew applause from some of the fans in the crowd.
Nigel McGuinness: What a beautiful standing moonsault, Mauro… Holliday calls that the Richard Holliday Special, and it certainly is special! Do you think Jericho can hit a standing moonsault, Mauro?
Mauro Ranallo: You know he can’t, Nigel… but he does hit a mean Lionsault!
Nigel McGuinness: Oh come on, he hasn’t beaten anyone with that Lionsault for over 20 years!
Holliday hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1… 2… Jericho kicked out! Holliday looked frustrated, and after stomping on Jericho several times, he pulled him to his feet and set him up for the 2008, his spinning spinebuster. Jericho, however, countered with a series of quick punches, breaking free and hitting a one-handed bulldog. Jericho then climbed to the second rope and hit the Lionheart!
Mauro Ranallo: There you go, Nigel… what a beautiful move that was!
Jericho hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... Holliday kicked out!
Nigel McGuinness: There you go, Mauro… ineffective!
Undeterred, Jericho got to his feet and grabbed Holliday by the legs, putting him in the Walls of Jericho! As he turned Holliday over and sat back, Holliday screamed in pain, reaching desperately for the ropes. With a final surge of effort, Holliday managed to grab the bottom rope, forcing the break. Jericho pulled Holliday back to the center of the ring, but Holliday countered with an eye rake, blinding Jericho momentarily. Taking advantage, Holliday hit a superkick, sending Jericho crashing to the mat. As Jericho got to his feet, Holliday set him up for the Market Crash… but Jericho countered with a back body drop, before hitting the Codebreaker! Jericho quickly positioned himself, stalking Holliday as he slowly got to his feet. When Holliday was up, Jericho spun around and smashed his elbow into Holliday’s face, hitting the Judas Effect! He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: Chris Jericho wins! What an impressive victory... He showed why he's one of the best in the business.
Nigel McGuinness: Jericho advances to the semi-finals, where he will face either the man who defeated him at Fallout, Damian Priest, or his longtime rival The Miz… we’ll find out who next week!
Jericho celebrated as Warfare cut to a video package promoting Total Supremacy.
The camera cut backstage, where Seth Rollins was being loaded into an ambulance, still in pain after what happened earlier. The rest of Team Cage was there as well.
Christian Cage: Damn it, we should've been more careful. We should've known that Harley Quinn wannabe would plan something like this.
Christian looked at Big Show and Nikki Cross.
Christian Cage: Alright, you two go with him. I'll follow you.
The two nodded and got in the ambulance, which drove away soon after. Christian was then suddenly attacked from behind by another clown.
Nigel McGuinness: Oh no.
Christian tried to fight back with punches but was quickly overwhelmed and thrown into a wall. The clown grabbed Christian and threw him into a nearby dumpster. The clown waited for Christian to get to his feet and nailed him with a superkick. As Christian lay on the ground, out cold, the clown reached up and took off its mask.
Mauro Ranallo: It's Johnny Gargano.
The crowd cheered, and Gargano looked down at Christian with a grin.
Johnny Gargano: See you in the quarter finals, bud.
Gargano walked away as Warfare went to a commercial break.
‘Riot of Flowers’ hit and the crowd offered a mixed reaction as Utami Hayashishita walked out onto the stage. The Once in a Generation Talent posed with a rose extended to the camera before making her way down to the ring.
Christy Hemme: The following contest is Queen of the Ring Quarterfinals Match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first from Amami, Kagoshima, Japan, Utami Hayashishita!
Utami was all business as she hit the ring, tossing her coat to the crew before limbering up in her corner. ‘Flower Party’ hit next and we returned to the entrance ramp as Maika marched out, cold and focused for the match. She’s clearly got some kinesthetic tape on several parts of her body due to the physicality of her match with Jamie Hayter.
Christy Hemme: And her opponent, from Fukuoka, Japan, “Red Empress” Maika!
Maika entered the ring with no fanfare, eyes locked on Utami across the ring. Her nostrils flared as she recalled some of the many things the once Crimson Queen did to her. As soon as the bell rang she charged across the ring and took Utami down with a lariat. Utami’s up quickly and returned the favor with a lariat of her own. Maika didn’t stay down though and the two locked up with battle cries, neither woman quite getting the advantage. They then exchanged extra stiff judo throws, tossing each other across the ring. Building up a head of steam, Maika wore Utami down with forearm strikes and then threw her off the ropes, catching her for a powerslam that only got two.
Unrelenting, Maika lifted Utami up and hit three German suplexes chained into each other. Utami somehow managed to roll through the last one but got to her feet just in time to be accordioned by a spear from Maika. Once again Maika went for the cover but once again it’s only two. She slapped the mat in frustration and picked Utami up, clearly intent on ending this quickly while she’s got Utami reeling. Just as she lifted Utami up into a Canadian backbreaker, Utami elbowed her hard and slipped behind her. She clubbed Maika with a forearm to the back of the head, then returned the favor of three chained German suplexes to Maika. Utami went for the cover, but it’s only two.
Maika managed to get up in the corner, only for Utami to nail a running knee to her ribs. Utami rushed to the opposite corner to build up momentum - and Maika stormed after her, nailing a stiff corner clothesline! Now Maika ran the ropes to build momentum - and ran right into a belly to belly suplex by Utami! Utami pulled her up and somehow got Maika into a torture rack submission; Maika screamed in pain but refused to submit. After wrenching the hold, Utami’s grip slipped and Maika escaped out the back. She ran to the ropes, as did Utami, and they took each other out with dual lariats!
Mauro Ranallo: MAMA MIA! Both of these women want this match badly, partner. They’re both leaving it all in the ring tonight and their power seems evenly matched.
Nigel McGuinness: Even for now, but Maika looks a bit banged up. Her body must be screaming right now, there’s no telling how long it’ll keep supporting these high impact moves.
Maika managed to get to her feet first and realized this might be her best chance to end Utami’s run. She ran the ropes and nailed a big boot that only staggered Utami despite the exhaustion of both women. Maika used the opening to lift Utami up onto her shoulders into a torture rack of her own. Utami screamed in agony but kept refusing to tap! Maika shifted her position and went for Sakura - no!
Utami slipped out the back safe and sound. The moment Maika turned around to pursue, she ate a stiff closed-fist punch to the mouth that dropped her to one knee. Utami smashed a knee into Maika’s face, dropping her to the mat for a pin attempt - only two. With Maika running on empty, Utami signaled for the end. She pulled Maika up and took a nasty headbutt from Maika. The Red Empress tried to lift Utami up for Sakura again, but then dropped Utami and clutched her ribs in pain. Utami wasted no time getting Maika up over her head - Hijack Bomb!
1! 2! 3!!!
Christy Hemme: Here is your winner, Utami Hayashishita!
Utami rolled off Maika and pumped her fist emphatically as ‘Riot of Flowers’ played in the background. Though the referee raised her hand, her attention was fully on the recovering Maika. Maika struggled to sit up, and when she did, she favored her side. Utami knelt down next to her and offered a hand to Maika, which the Red Empress stared at with uncertainty. Ultimately, she couldn’t make herself do it and rolled out of the ring instead, her eyes on the entrance ramp where Himeka was watching. Utami shrugged, then posed for the crowd as she continued to celebrate her victory.
Mauro Ranalllo: A superb display of power from both Utami and Maika here on Warfare, but tonight belongs to Utami Hayashishita!
Nigel McGuinness: She's' moving on to the semifinals where she’ll face either Natalya or Dr. Britt Baker, DMD. With two big wins to her name, I’m not sure anyone will want to be the one to face Utami in the next round.
Utami rolled out of the ring and the camera followed her back up the ramp. She posed for the cameras once more as Warfare went off the air.
