Mauro Ranallo: Get ready folks... it's time for Warfare! Tonight, we are live from the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and kicking things off, we've got the cold-hearted handsome devil Hook in action, who has issued an FTW "open challenge".
Nigel McGuinness: I can't tell you what FTW stands for without getting in trouble, but let's just say FTW rules mean anything goes. It will be interesting to see who answers Hook's open challenge tonight.
"The Chairman's Intent" by Action Bronson hit, and the crowd cheered as Hook made his way to the ring. As Hook entered the ring, he began pacing back and forth, waiting to see who would answer his open challenge. "Space Dementia" by Muse hit, and the Ohio crowd popped as one of their own, Sami Callihan, stepped out onto the stage.
Mauro Ranallo: The cold-hearted handsome devil is ready for a fight! This young man has taken the wrestling world by storm since arriving in EBWF, and tonight he's willing to face anyone under FTW rules!
As the anticipation grew, the lights dimmed. Suddenly, "Space Dementia" by Muse blared over the speakers, and the Cincinnati crowd roared in approval. From behind the curtain emerged Sami Callihan, dressed in black leather and wielding a vicious grin. The Ohio native stalked down the ramp, feeding off the energy of the crowd.
Mauro Ranallo: I can't believe it, Nigel! "The New Horror" Sami Callihan is answering Hook's open challenge!
Nigel McGuinness: Well he is a former EBWF World Champion, Mauro... and he's an Ohio native!
Mauro Ranallo: That’s true, Nigel, and he’s no stranger to hardcore matches… so FTW rules will suit him down to the ground!
Callihan slid into the ring and stared down Hook. The two men sized each other up, and the referee quickly signaled for the bell. The crowd was buzzing with anticipation as the match began. Hook charged first, aiming to take Callihan off his feet with a quick double-leg takedown, but the veteran Callihan was ready, sidestepping Hook and throwing a stiff forearm to the back of his head. Hook stumbled but quickly regained his footing, firing back with a series of vicious body shots. Callihan laughed through the pain and grabbed Hook by the hair, slamming him into the corner. Wasting no time, Callihan slid out of the ring and grabbed a steel chair from under the apron.
Mauro Ranallo: Here we go, Nigel! Callihan is bringing out the hardware early!
Nigel McGuinness: That’s the beauty of FTW rules, Mauro… anything goes!
Callihan re-entered the ring with the chair in hand and swung at Hook, but Hook ducked, causing the chair to slam into the turnbuckle. Hook quickly responded with a dropkick to the back of Callihan, sending him crashing face-first into the chair. Callihan dropped to the mat, dazed, and Hook followed up with a flurry of mounted punches, raining down on Callihan as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Mauro Ranallo: Hook is absolutely relentless here! This young man is proving he's not afraid to get down and dirty in a match like this!
Hook, seeing an opening, grabbed the chair and set it up in the center of the ring. He then dragged Callihan up and whipped him into the ropes, looking to hit a chair-assisted suplex. Callihan, however, reversed the momentum, throwing Hook over his shoulder and sending him crashing back-first onto the chair. The sound of metal bending under Hook's weight echoed through the arena.
Nigel McGuinness: Callihan just turned the tide! What a brutal landing for Hook!
Callihan quickly went on the attack, sliding out of the ring once more and retrieving a trash can full of weapons. He tossed it into the ring, spilling kendo sticks, road signs, and even a crowbar onto the mat. The crowd was chanting "This is awesome!" as Callihan picked up a kendo stick and swung at Hook, who barely rolled out of the way. Hook, sensing the danger, grabbed a kendo stick of his own, and the two began a brutal exchange of blows. The sharp crack of bamboo striking flesh echoed with each hit, but neither man gave an inch. Eventually, Hook caught Callihan’s stick mid-swing, yanking it from his hands and cracking him across the ribs. Callihan doubled over in pain, and Hook took advantage, locking in a waistlock and delivering a T-Bone suplex onto the pile of weapons.
Mauro Ranallo: MAMMA MIA! Hook just suplexed Callihan into those weapons!
Nigel McGuinness: The ring looks like a scrapyard right now!
Callihan writhed in pain, but Hook showed no mercy. He stalked Callihan, locking in his dreaded submission hold, Redrum. Hook wrapped his arms around Callihan’s throat, squeezing the air from his body. Callihan fought valiantly, reaching for a weapon, but Hook's grip tightened. With no way out, Callihan's arm went limp, and the referee called for the bell.
Mauro Ranallo: Hook wins! Hook has choked out Sami Callihan with Redrum!
Nigel McGuinness: What an opening contest!
As Hook stood tall in the center of the ring, his hand raised in victory, the Cincinnati crowd gave both men a standing ovation. Hook’s cold, calculating demeanor never wavered, even as the fans showered him with cheers. He exited the ring and glanced back at the fallen Callihan, then made his way up the ramp as Warfare went to a commercial break.
As Warfare returned from the commercial break, Oedo Tai’s theme hit, and the crowd booed as Tam Nakano, the newly crowned EBWF Women’s Champion, stepped out onto the stage, the championship gleaming on her shoulder. Mina Shirakawa and Himeka followed closely behind, strutting with cocky confidence. Together, they exuded a sense of danger and arrogance, a hallmark of Oedo Tai.
Mauro Ranallo: There they are, Nigel - Oedo Tai, arguably the most dangerous faction here in EBWF. With Tam Nakano at the helm again as the new Women's Champion, it feels like no one can stop them!
Nigel McGuinness: Mina and Himeka are no slouches themselves, Mauro. Tam's presence gives them an edge, but those two are as tough as they come in that ring!
When Oedo Tai were in the ring, "Immortal" by Adema hit, and the crowd erupted in cheers as Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan made their way to the ring. As she walked down the ramp, Alexa Bliss kept her eyes locked on Tam Nakano.
Mauro Ranallo: The number one contender for the EBWF Women’s Championship, Alexa Bliss, is laser-focused tonight! She and Liv Morgan are looking to take down Oedo Tai and gain some momentum heading into Fanniversary.
Nigel McGuinness: But with Tam Nakano lurking at ringside, Alexa and Liv will need to keep their heads on a swivel. Oedo Tai will do whatever it takes to win!
Once Alexa and Liv were in the ring, the referee called for the bell, and Alexa Bliss started the match against Mina Shirakawa. The two locked up in the center of the ring, but Mina quickly transitioned into a side headlock, wrenching Alexa's neck. Alexa slipped out of the hold, shoving Mina into the ropes and catching her on the rebound with a dropkick. Mina hit the mat hard, but she quickly scrambled to her feet. Undeterred, Alexa followed up with a series of strikes, forcing Mina back into her corner.
Mauro Ranallo: Alexa Bliss wasting no time here! She's taking the fight straight to Mina!
Nigel McGuinness: Alexa's sharp, but she better watch out for Oedo Tai's tricks.
Mina managed to tag in Himeka, and the powerhouse of Oedo Tai stormed into the ring. Alexa wisely tagged in Liv Morgan, who leaped over the ropes with a crossbody attempt, but Himeka caught her mid-air. With ease, Himeka hoisted Liv onto her shoulder and drove her down with a brutal powerslam.
Mauro Ranallo: What strength from Himeka! Liv Morgan just got flattened!
Himeka wasted no time, picking Liv up and throwing her into the corner. She charged forward with a running knee strike, crushing Liv against the turnbuckles. Liv crumpled to the mat, clutching her midsection in pain. Himeka grabbed Liv by the hair and dragged her to the center of the ring, setting her up for a suplex. However, Liv fought back, delivering rapid forearm strikes to Himeka’s head. She slipped out of Himeka’s grasp and hit a step-up enzuigiri, then crawled to her corner and tagged in Alexa, who entered the ring like a house on fire. She charged at Himeka, taking her down with a Lou Thesz press, followed by several punches to the face. Mina tried to intervene, but Alexa saw her coming and nailed her with a forearm to the jaw, sending her off the apron. The crowd erupted as Alexa turned her attention back to Himeka.
Mauro Ranallo: Alexa Bliss is on fire here, and the Cincinnati crowd loves it!
With Himeka dazed, Alexa climbed the turnbuckle, setting up for the Twisted Bliss. But before she could leap, Tam Nakano climbed onto the apron, distracting the referee. Alexa paused, shouting at Tam, but this momentary distraction allowed Himeka to recover and shove Alexa off the top rope. Alexa crashed to the mat hard, and Himeka quickly tagged in Mina.
Nigel McGuinness: A well-timed distraction from Tam Nakano, and now Oedo Tai is back in control!
Mina entered the ring and wasted no time targeting Alexa’s back, stomping viciously. With the referee still distracted by Tam, Mina grabbed Alexa’s hair and dragged her to her feet, talking trash as she slapped her across the face. Alexa retaliated with a quick right hand, rocking Mina, and staggered toward Liv Morgan, desperately needing to make the tag. Alexa reached out, but Mina yanked her back by the hair.
Mauro Ranallo: Mina Shirakawa using some underhanded tactics to keep Alexa isolated!
Alexa finally broke free and dove toward Liv, making the tag to a fresh Liv Morgan. Liv came in like a whirlwind, taking down Mina with a clothesline. She followed it up with a running dropkick to Himeka, knocking her off the apron. Liv was fired up, and the crowd was firmly behind her. Liv grabbed Mina and went to set her up for the Jersey Codebreaker, but just as she was about to execute the move, Himeka climbed back onto the apron and tried to enter the ring. While the referee was distracted dealing with Himeka, Tam Nakano slid into the ring and smashed Liv in the back of the head with the EBWF Women’s Championship!
Mauro Ranallo: Oh, come on! Tam Nakano just laid out Liv with the Women’s Champion!
Nigel McGuinness: And the referee didn’t see a thing, Mauro! This is classic Oedo Tai!
Liv collapsed to the mat, dazed and defenseless. Mina seized the moment, pulling Liv up and setting her up for her finisher, the Glamorous Driver MINA. With a wicked smile, Mina delivered the devastating move, slamming Liv into the canvas.
Mauro Ranallo: Mina Shirakawa with the Glamorous Driver MINA! Liv Morgan is out cold!
Mina quickly hooked the leg, and the referee turned around just in time to make the count. Alexa tried to break it up, but Himeka ran across the ring and hit Alexa with a knee strike, preventing her from interrupting the count. The referee counted - 1… 2… 3!
Mauro Ranallo: Mina Shirakawa steals the victory for Oedo Tai after that disgusting interference by Tam Nakano!
Nigel McGuinness: Oedo Tai always finds a way, Mauro. Tam Nakano made sure her girls won tonight, and now Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan are left to pick up the pieces!
As Mina and Himeka celebrated in the ring, Tam Nakano joined them, holding her Women’s Championship high in the air.
Mauro Ranallo: Alexa Bliss will get her chance for revenge at Fanniversary, but tonight, it’s Oedo Tai standing tall!
The show cut to a commercial break as Oedo Tai continued their celebration.
When Warfare returned back from the commercial break, there was a hush over the crowd. Then all of a sudden, a familiar sound was heard over the PA system.
"BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"
"AWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESOMMMMMEEEEEEEEE"
"I CAME TO PLAY"
There was a mixed reaction as the crowd was still very much confused as to what they witnessed at Gateway to Glory in the main event between CM Punk and The Miz. Matt Riddle emerged first. He was dressed in a way that we'd never seen before, and the other noticeable thing about him was that he had his hair cut very similar to the way The Miz cuts his. Matt wore a black suit with a black shirt and a blue tie. He walked down the ramp very methodically. A couple of beats later, The Miz emerged. He had a gray suit and black shirt with a matching gray tie. He had a sinister grin on his face as he followed Riddle down the ramp. Riddle got into the ring and opened the ropes for Miz who nodded with a smirk on his face obliging the gesture. The two were both granted microphones from the timekeeper. There was a hush over the crowd once more. Miz broke the silence speaking with that same smirk on his face.
The Miz: Last night, I faced CM Punk for a chance to become an 8 time EBWF Champion… and... I lost.
The crowd cheered for this. The Miz nodded.
The Miz: I lost, but not because CM Punk is better than me… no… no. I lost because something extraordinary happened. Something that I have been waiting for, for the better part of the last year. I lost because the man who you see in this ring alongside me... finally… became... a MAN. For months, I have been baiting Riddle, pushing Riddle, hell, FREAKIN BULLYING Riddle… and then at Gateway to Glory... he finally responded. Rather than shaking it off and being all…
The Miz mocked Riddle.
The Miz: "Ahhh bro… it's no sweatsies bro... Miz is my dawg… he's just stressed bro." Finally; FINALLY, Riddle responded and he responded in a way that made me respect him more than I ever have before. Even more so than the match we originally had that put this partnership together. I respected him because he fought back, he showed spine, he stuck up for himself against the one guy who was BLATANTLY… ON PURPOSE… MISTREATING HIM. He got a backbone, and he COST ME the one thing that means the most to me in this entire business... he cost me the EBWF World Title.
The crowd again had a mixed reaction as the Miz smirked manically.
The Miz: You see Cincinnati, what Riddle did was impactful on SO many levels. He showed me what I've been waiting to see, he showed me that I now have someone that I TRUST to be by my side as I inevitably will chase and obtain MY title once again. He showed me that I NOW have a PARTNER and not a GOOF OFF who was saving money on gas by being driven around by Mickie and I for the last year. Today, RIDDLE, the Original Bro… is DEAD. Today, I present to you, Matthew Riddle, one half of the most dominant DUO in professional wrestling. MATTHEW RIDDLE, the man who will soon show that all he needed was a change in focus, a change in mindset to realize his true potential. MATTHEW F'N RIDDLE, the man who I'm proud to call my friend and right hand man.
The crowd booed at the realization that the Riddle they once loved was gone. The Miz laughed as he motioned for Riddle to take the floor.
Matthew Riddle: Oh shut your goddamn mouths.
The boos intensified. Miz laughed.
Matthew Riddle: This does nothing but confirm what Miz has been telling me for months now. You guys only liked to cheer for me when I was the slacker, goof-off, unsuccessful naive loser that I've been for the past year. Why? Because that's the person that all you idiots can relate to. You can't relate to someone with the talent, the foresight, the intelligence, the intensity, of someone like The Miz... and to be honest… for a while... neither could I. It wasn't until I really started to look deep within myself, it wasn't until Miz started treating me like the joke that I was... that really made me realize it was time for a change. I knew I could have helped Miz win over CM Punk- and though Miz would have been happy to be champion again, I knew he would have seen that as a weak feeble misguided attempt to get back into his good graces- one that he would expect from the old me. So like Miz just said, I screwed him over, I cost him the match, and with that I showed him that I was officially ready to be re-born. I showed him that I was officially ready to be the partner in this company that he deserves. The partner that's ready to dominate the EBWF alongside him. So with that said, it's time to introduce everybody to the new Bro Awesome... but of course we can't do that without our third member. So Michael Cole, come on down!
After a few beats Mickie Mizanin escorted a now suit-wearing Michael Cole to the ring. He had a smile on his face as did Miz and Riddle. Mickie opened the ropes for him and he entered the ring. Miz fist bumped him as did Riddle.
Matthew Riddle: What's going on Cole? The suit looks good, man.
Michael Cole nodded and thanked him inaudibly off the microphone.
Matthew Riddle: Look at this, the new Bro Awesome. All rocking nice suits, fresh haircuts, and all ready to run roughshod over the company. It feels right... well... almost...
Riddle, Miz, and Mickie's smiles all vanished from their faces. Which caused Cole to replicate this. He began to look concerned for a beat before Riddle kicked him directly in the ribs. The crowd began to reign down boos onto him. Riddle stomped on Cole a couple of times before lifting him up and delivering him to the Miz to drop a vicious Skull Crushing Finale in the center of the Ring. The Miz looked up from the ground with an evil face on, embracing the boos. He then picked up a lifeless Cole and pushed him to Matthew who planted Cole with a Bro Derek. Mickie laughed and clapped for this vicious assault. A group of referees rushed to the scene to separate Riddle and Miz from the beaten Cole. Miz and Riddle didn't seem too concerned with continuing as they laughed their way out of the ring, and up the ramp. Miz could be heard on the mics yelling "Enjoy going back to Broadcast Journalism you fuckin fat loser." The trio of Riddle, Miz, and Mickie backpedaled their way back up the ramp and through the curtain to a chorus of boos while officials checked on Cole and Warfare went to a commercial.
When Warfare returned from the commercial break, Christy Hemme was standing in the center of the ring.
Christy Hemme: Cincinnati, Ohio… it is time for your main event of the evening, which is an Ohio Street Fight! Introducing first…
“Unscripted Divide” hit, and the fans inside the arena erupted as Jon Moxley made his way through the crowd.
Christy Hemme: From RIGHT HERE in Cincinnati, Ohio, weighing in at 225 pounds… JONNNNNNNN MOXXXXLEEEEEEYYYYYY!
Moxley had a shopping cart full of weapons with him, including a trash can, a broom, lighter fluid, a lighter, a squeegee… and perhaps most dangerous of all, a mallet wrapped in barbed wire. As Moxley reached the ringside barrier, he ordered a couple of members of EBWF security to lift the shopping cart over the barrier, then hopped the barrier himself. Moxley grabbed the barbed wire mallet, then entered the ring, crouching down in the corner and smiling sadistically to himself as he awaited the arrival of his opponent.
Mauro Ranallo: This crowd is deafening right now, Nigel! I can barely hear myself think!
Nigel McGuinness: I’m not sure I want to hear myself think right now, Mauro… because all I can think about is how much damage Jon Moxley can inflict with that barbed wire mallet!
As Moxley’s music was cut, the arena lights darkened, and “Judas” by Fozzy began to play. Chris Jericho stepped out through the curtain, dressed in his Painmaker attire. Jericho was carrying his weapon of choice - his black baseball bat, “Floyd”.
Christy Hemme: And his opponent, who this week celebrates 34 years since his professional wrestling debut… from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, now residing in St Louis, Missouri… weighing in at 227 pounds… THE PAINMAKER, CHRISSSSSSS JERICHOOOOOOOOOOO!
As "Judas" continued to blare throughout the arena, Jericho made his way down the ramp. The usually jovial reactions for Jericho were mixed, as the Cincinnati crowd were squarely behind their hometown hero, Jon Moxley.
Mauro Ranallo: Chris Jericho may be a legend, but tonight, as the Painmaker, he's stepping into Moxley's territory - not just an Ohio Street Fight, but right here in Moxley’s hometown. This is going to get ugly fast!
Nigel McGuinness: Moxley lives for violence, but never underestimate Jericho, especially as the Painmaker. He can be just as vicious!
When Jericho was in the ring, the referee called for the bell and the match immediately exploded into action. Jericho and Moxley charged towards one another, with Jericho swinging Floyd towards Moxley whilst Moxley swung his barbed wire mallet towards Jericho. The bat connected with the mallet, causing both men to drop their weapons. Rather than pick their weapons up, Jericho and Moxley exchanged a storm of wild punches as the crowd roared in approval. After gaining the upper hand, Jericho quickly picked up Floyd and swung the bat once more, aiming for Moxley’s head… but Moxley ducked underneath it and delivered a stiff elbow to Jericho’s ribs. Moxley then grabbed Jericho’s wrist, twisted it, and sent him into the ropes. On the rebound, Moxley hit a vicious lariat, taking Jericho down hard. Wasting no time, Moxley immediately rolled out of the ring and grabbed the trash can from his shopping cart of destruction. He threw it into the ring, then followed it with a broom and a kendo stick. Moxley slid back into the ring, grabbed the trash can, and raised it above his head, looking to smash it over Jericho. However, Jericho had recovered quickly, and he jabbed Floyd into Moxley’s midsection. Moxley doubled over, and Jericho swung the bat across Moxley’s back, causing him to collapse to the mat.
Nigel McGuinness: Jericho's weapon of choice, Floyd, making its presence known early on!
With Moxley momentarily grounded, Jericho kicked him to the outside and followed him. The crowd on the floor roared as the two battled among them. Jericho grabbed a fan's beer, took a swig, then spat it in Moxley’s face. Infuriated, Moxley wiped his eyes and grabbed a bottle from another fan, which he smashed over Jericho’s head, busting Jericho open! Blood trickled down Jericho's face, and the brawl escalated further. Moxley dragged Jericho toward the announce table, slamming him into it. Mauro and Nigel scrambled out of the way as Moxley grabbed a squeegee from his cart.
Mauro Ranallo: What on earth is Moxley going to do with a squeegee?!
With a wicked grin, Moxley tried to poke Jericho in the eyes with the end of the squeegee, but Jericho managed to push Moxley away. Jericho then grabbed a nearby chair and jabbed Moxley in the ribs with it, before snatching the squeegee off Moxley and using it to try and choke Moxley!
Nigel McGuinness: Folks, I have to urge you, please don’t try this at home… this is NOT the intended use for a squeegee!
After a struggle, Moxley managed to fight Jericho off, and he slammed Jericho’s head against the ring post before throwing Jericho back into the ring. As Moxley slid back into the ring, he picked up the barbed wire mallet and looked over at Jericho with a crazed look in his eyes. The crowd began chanting “holy shit” as Moxley raised the mallet high above his head, stalking Jericho with violent intent. Jericho, bleeding and dazed, struggled to his feet just as Moxley swung the mallet down. Jericho dodged at the last second, and the mallet crashed into the top turnbuckle, with the barbed wire getting stuck in the turnbuckle padding!
Mauro Ranallo: That barbed wire mallet could have caved Jericho’s head in, Nigel!
Moxley’s missed strike left him vulnerable, and Jericho capitalized. Grabbing the broom that Moxley had tossed into the ring earlier, Jericho hit Moxley over the head with it, causing the broom to snap in half! As Moxley fell to the mat, Jericho grabbed the broken end of the broom, and began driving it into Moxley’s gut! the broken end into Moxley’s gut. Jericho took a moment to wipe the blood from his face and then rolled out of the ring. Jericho lifted up the ring apron, pulled a table out from underneath the ring, set it up at ringside, then Jericho grabbed the lighter fluid from Moxley’s cart and gave a menacing look to the crowd.
Mauro Ranallo: Jericho’s got that look in his eye! What is he thinking?!
Jericho drenched a table in lighter fluid and produced a lighter from his jacket. With the flick of the flame, the table ignited, drawing a collective gasp from the crowd.
Nigel McGuinness: A flaming table?! These two men are out of their minds!
Laughing, Jericho re-entered the ring and grabbed Moxley, dragging him towards the side of the ring where the table was. Jericho tried to set Moxley up for a powerbomb, but Moxley broke free, hit Jericho with a headbutt, then threw Jericho into the corner. Moxley sat Jericho on the top turnbuckle, climbed onto the ring apron, and lifted Jericho onto his shoulders… then, with a primal scream, Moxley slammed Jericho through the flaming table with a Death Valley Driver!
Mauro Ranallo: MAMMA MIA! JERICHO JUST WENT THROUGH A FLAMING TABLE!
The crowd exploded in cheers as both men lay in the wreckage of the burning table, smoke rising from the splintered wood. An EBWF crew member quickly rushed over with a fire extinguisher to extinguish the remaining flames. Moxley, clearly feeling the effects of the brutal match, slowly got to his feet. He pulled Jericho to his feet, and began dragging him towards the ring, but Jericho found a burst of energy and shoved Moxley into the ring steps. As Jericho stumbled towards Moxley, he pulled one of the spikes off his jacket, then stabbed Moxley in the head with it! Blood began to pour down Moxley’s face, and soon his face became a crimson mask. Jericho threw Moxley back into the ring, then went to Moxley’s shopping cart of weapons once more, this time pulling out some barbed wire. Jericho wrapped his arm in the barbed wire, then re-entered the ring and yelled for Moxley to get to his feet. As Moxley stumbled to his feet, Jericho spun around and connected with the Judas Effect, driving the barbed wire-wrapped elbow into the side of Moxley’s head! Moxley crumpled to the mat, and Jericho made the cover. The referee counted - 1… 2… 3! As the referee called for the bell, the crowd were on their feet, applauding the violent spectacle they had just seen.
Christy Hemme: Here is your winner… THE PAINMAKER, CHRIS JERICHO!
Nigel McGuinness: Jericho used everything in his arsenal, and then some, to put down Jon Moxley! What a brutal war we just witnessed!
Both men lay in the ring, bloodied and battered. Slowly, Jericho got to his feet and looked down at Moxley. Despite the pain, there was mutual respect between the two warriors. Moxley, with blood covering his face, slowly got up, staring at Jericho with an appreciative nod.
Mauro Ranallo: After all the brutality, we’re seeing mutual respect here, Nigel.
Jericho extended his hand, and Moxley, after a brief hesitation, reached out. Just as they were about to shake hands, "My Last Breath" by Evanescence echoed throughout the arena. The crowd booed as Christian Cage made his way down the ramp, his newly won Breakout Championship over his shoulder.
Mauro Ranallo: What’s Christian doing out here?
Before anyone could react, a masked man dressed in all black stormed the ring from the crowd. He attacked Jericho and Moxley from behind, taking them both down, then grabbed the barbed wire mallet and hit Moxley across the back with it! As Moxley writhed in pain, the masked assailant grabbed Jericho’s bat and choked Jericho with it, pulling back as Jericho gasped for air.
Nigel McGuinness: Who the hell is this masked man?!
Christian, watching from the entrance ramp, seemed amused at first, but his smile quickly faded when the masked man turned his attention toward him. Christian backed away slowly, realizing the situation was out of control. The masked man stared him down before turning back to Moxley and Jericho, standing tall over their beaten bodies.
Mauro Ranallo: I thought at first that Christian Cage and this masked man were in cahoots… but it seems even Christian Cage wants nothing to do with this man in black!
Nigel McGuinness: Is this the same masked man that attacked Aiden English and Matt Riddle during the King of the Ring tournament, Mauro? And don’t forget, Jericho was attacked in his locker room a few months ago. Could all these incidents be connected?
Security rushed to the ring as the masked man fled through the crowd, disappearing into the sea of people. The show closed with medical staff tending to Moxley and Jericho, both men left in a pool of their own blood.
Mauro Ranallo: Chaos reigns here on Warfare! Who is this masked attacker, and what does he want with Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho?
