Jim Ross: Good evening and welcome to Warfare! We are live from Louisville, Kentucky, and the Royal Rumble is just six days away!
Jerry Lawler: What a night this promises to be, JR!
Jim Ross: No doubt about that, King! In our main event tonight, we'll see Chris Jericho take on an opponent of The Miz's choosing... if Jericho wins, he gets a World Title match at the Rumble!
Jerry Lawler: We'll also determine the new number one contender for the Women's Title with a divas fatal four way!
Jim Ross: All that and more later tonight. Up first though, we'll see two of the EBWF's newest superstars go head to head as the Celtic Warrior, Sheamus, takes on Prince Pretty, Tyler Breeze!
"Written in my Face" hit and Sheamus made his way to the ring to a mixed reaction from the crowd. After he had entered the ring, "#MMMGORGEOUS" hit and Tyler Breeze also received a mixed reaction from the crowd as he stepped out onto the stage, holding his trademark selfie stick. When Breeze was in the ring, the referee called for the bell. Sheamus wasted no time getting started, charging towards Breeze and pummelling him with a series of punches. Sheamus dragged Breeze into the corner and slammed his head against the turnbuckle, then stepped back, hitting Breeze with a running knee strike to the midsection. Breeze staggered forwards and Sheamus lifted him over his shoulder, hitting White Noise. He covered Breeze and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jerry Lawler: A strong start from Sheamus!
Sheamus pulled Breeze to his feet and hit him with some more right hands, then whipped him against the ropes. As Breeze ran back towards him, Sheamus went for a back body drop, but Breeze leapfrogged him and ran against the opposing set of ropes. Sheamus turned to face him, and Breeze took him down with a flying forearm smash. Both men got to their feet and Breeze hit an enzuigiri, then set him up for a back drop. Sheamus blocked it, countering with a headlock takedown, then got to his feet and stomped on Breeze several times. Sheamus pulled Breeze to his feet and whipped him against the ropes once more, this time hitting a powerslam. Sheamus hooked the leg once more and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jim Ross: Another near fall! Sheamus continues to dominate this match in these early stages.
Sheamus got to his feet and grabbed Breeze by the legs, applying a cloverleaf. Breeze cried out in pain, but he was able to reach the ropes and the referee forced Sheamus to break the hold. As Breeze got to his feet, Sheamus hung him in the ropes, setting him up for the Beats of the Bodhrán, but Breeze countered it, grabbing Sheamus by the head and hitting a top rope guillotine! Breeze then hit Sheamus with a knee drop, before sitting him up and applying a sleeper hold. Sheamus forced Breeze to break the hold, and both men got to their feet. Sheamus lifted Breeze over his shoulders, setting him up for the High Cross, but Breeze wriggled free and landed on his feet, before hitting Sheamus with the Supermodel Kick! Breeze hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jerry Lawler: Tyler Breeze with a near fall! The King of Cuteville has found a way back into this match, JR!
Breeze got to his feet and applied a single leg Boston crab on Sheamus, but the Celtic Warrior refused to submit. Breeze broke the hold, then pulled Sheamus to his feet and whipped him into the corner. Breeze ran at Sheamus, hitting a corner forearm smash, then as Sheamus staggered out of the corner, Breeze went to the top rope. Breeze then went for a crossbody, but Sheamus caught him, countering with a fallaway slam. Both men got to their feet and Sheamus hit Breeze with a series of right hands, then set him up for a suplex. Breeze blocked it, countering with a neckbreaker. He pulled Sheamus to his feet and set him up for an Implant DDT, but Sheamus blocked it, pushing Breeze into the ropes then whipping him against the opposing set of ropes. As Breeze hit the ropes, Sheamus ran towards him, going for the Brogue Kick... but Breeze ducked out of the way, then turned around and hit Sheamus with the Beauty Shot!
Jim Ross: Beauty Shot out of nowhere! This could be it, King!
Breeze hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3! The referee called for the bell, and raised Breeze's arm in victory. Breeze celebrated with a selfie, then made his way to the back.
Christy Hemme: This match is scheduled for one fall!
“Similar Creatures” hit the PA and Jeff Hardy entered the arena.
Christy Hemme: Introducing first, from Cameron, North Carolina, weighing in at 225 pounds, Jeff Hardy!
The crowd popped for the Charismatic Enigma and he proceeded to the ring, climbing up on the top turnbuckle to greet the fans. “Here to Show the World” hit.
Christy Hemme: And his opponent, from Cleveland, Ohio… weighing in at 218 pounds, he is The Showoff, Dolph Ziggler!
Ziggler met Hardy in the ring. The bell rang, and they traded holds to start before Ziggler went to the corner to show off. Hardy attacked with chops and a knee to the gut. Hardy hit kicks and a dropkick that sent Ziggler to the floor. Hardy leapt from the corner to the floor and took Ziggler down again.
Jim Ross: Ziggler better get to his feet.
Hardy sling-shotted in and kept control until Ziggler dropped his neck over the top. Ziggler came in with the ropes but Hardy put his knees up. Hardy got a dropkick from the top now. Hardy clotheslined Ziggler to the floor. Ziggler went under the ring and came out from under the other side. Ziggler sent Hardy to the floor and did a suicide dive through the ropes, taking Hardy out. Ziggler brought it back in the ring and worked Hardy over in the corners. Ziggler got a stomp on the face and an elbow to the back for 2.
Jerry Lawler: Ziggler almost had him there!
Ziggler kept control and called for the Zig Zag but it was countered. Ziggler hits Hardy with a rake to the eyes. Hardy came back with a kick to the head and chops. Hardy whipped Ziggler hard into the corner and nailed a big clothesline. Hardy continued the offense and hit a big knee to the back of the head, sending Ziggler out to the floor. Ziggler came in from behind but Hardy dumped him over the top and back to the floor. Hardy ran the ropes and dove through the ropes, taking out Ziggler. Hardy pulled Ziggler back into the ring, and tried for the pin. Ziggler kicked out at one.
Jim Ross: The show off stays alive!
Ziggler struggled back up, and hit knees to Hardy’s head. He hit a swift Zig Zag and went for the pin, getting the 1..2..3!
After returning from commercial break, the camera went backstage where Renee Young was standing by.
Renee Young: Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like to introduce to you a man who will be at the Royal Rumble, Roman Reigns!
The camera panned back to reveal Reigns walking in, dressed in a sleeveless flak jacket with his RR logo on the chest. Roman idly tightened the wrist guard on his tattooed arm. He looked down at Renee Young and gave her a subtle wink.
Roman Reigns: Hey there, girl.
Renee Young: Roman Reigns, you have been improving your game lately, picking up a victory a couple of weeks ago against PJ Black, and now you have an opportunity to win the Royal Rumble and main event the biggest pay per view event in the world. What are your thoughts going into the road to Wrestlemania on Sunday?
Roman leaned in to respond to Renee, who lifted the mic up to him. Roman’s gaze locked on something off camera and his jaw clenched and he stood up straight. Kevin Owens walked into the camera view with a confident smirk.
Kevin Owens: Hey there, buddy. You gonna be at the Rumble, huh?
Owens patted Roman on the chest. Roman looked down at the spot where Owens had touched him, then looked back at Owens with an unimpressed look on his features.
Kevin Owens: Well I, uh.. hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there’s only one guy that’s going to walk out of the Royal Rumble as the next guy to main event Mania, and you’re lookin’ at him. I don’t know what it’s like up there in Connecticut, but here we have real wrestlers. So if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay out of my way. And, well...
Kevin smirked as he casually put his hand on Roman’s shoulder.
Kevin Owens: If you really know what’s good for you, you’ll just not show up on Sunday.
Roman looked at Kevin’s hand, and brushed it off. He stepped closer to Kevin Owens, a cold look in his eyes.
Roman Reigns: If you really know what’s good for you, and you like your teeth, you’ll back off. Buddy.
Kevin smirked.
Kevin Owens: See you around.
He walked out and brushed past Reigns, unfazed by the death stare coming from him. Roman turned his attention back to Renee Young.
Roman Reigns: Renee, I’m going to make this real simple. I came to the EBWF because I’m sick of people running their mouth that I got my spot because of my looks.
Roman grinned a little.
Roman Reigns: Granted, I’m stunning. But let me assure that the reason I’m gonna make it here, is because of this.
Roman balled up his fist and cocked it like a gun.
Roman Reigns: I’m going to--
Roman lurched forward suddenly as two large forearms smashed into his back. Kevin Owens appeared out of nowhere and began assaulting Roman Reigns brutally. Owens yelled "Welcome to EBWF!" as he picked Reigns up and threw him into a table that was set up against a wall. Roman doubled over as the edge of the table was driven into his abdomen. Owens grabbed Roman by the shoulders and whipped him around. Roman struck Owens hard in the jaw, sending him stumbling back. Roman charged forward and speared Owens hard onto the floor. Owens was motionless on the floor as Roman stood up and roared triumphantly, putting his foot squarely on Owens' chest. The camera zoomed in on Renee Young's startled look as the show went back to ringside for the next match.
Jim Ross: Up next, we've got a fatal four way to determine the number one contender for the EBWF Women's Championship!
"Turn It Up" by CFO$ hit and the crowd cheered as Bayley made her way to the ring for her EBWF debut.
Jerry Lawler: The fans here in Kentucky are excited to see Bayley tonight! Do you think I can get a hug?
Bayley hugged a couple of young fans on her way down the ramp, then entered the ring and posed for the crowd. She moved to the corner, awaiting the arrival of her opponents. Eva Marie came out next, followed by AJ Lee, and finally Velvet Sky. When all four divas were in the ring, the referee called for the bell. Velvet went after Eva, while AJ battled Bayley. Velvet took Eva down with a spear, then punched her repeatedly against the ring mat. Meanwhile, across the ring, AJ went for a spin kick, but Bayley ducked out of the way and hit an exploder suplex. As she got to her feet, she looked across the ring at Velvet Sky, who was back on her feet also. The two divas locked up, and Velvet went for a snapmare. Bayley blocked it, countering with a reverse DDT. Both divas got to their feet and Bayley hit Velvet with a Japanese arm drag, then followed it up with a running knee drop. She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jim Ross: A strong start from Bayley!
As Bayley got to her feet, Eva Marie attacked her from behind, hitting her in the back of the head then tossing her out of the ring. AJ Lee then got to her feet, and Eva grabbed her, whipping her into the corner. Eva ran at AJ, going for a back elbow, but AJ got her knees up and blocked it. As Eva staggered backwards, AJ ran at her, hitting a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown. Both divas got to their feet, and AJ hit a hurricanrana, then rolled Eva up. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jerry Lawler: Incredible athleticism from AJ Lee!
At this point, Velvet got to her feet, and Bayley re-entered the ring. Velvet, Bayley and AJ looked at one another, waiting to see who would make the first move. With a cocky smirk, AJ dared both divas to come at her. Bayley ran at AJ first, going for a clothesline, but AJ ducked out of the way, then hit a swinging neckbreaker. As AJ got to her feet, Velvet grabbed her, hitting a snapmare followed by a shoot kick to the back of the head. Bayley got back to her feet and Velvet hit her with a northern lights suplex, bridging for the pinfall attempt. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jim Ross: So close to a three count!
As Velvet got to her feet, hit her with a knee to the gut, then hit a DDT. Eva then applied an armbar, but Velvet got her foot on the ropes and Eva broke the hold. Eva then got to her feet and was met with a dropkick by AJ Lee! Eva fell through the ropes, landing outside the ring. AJ got then turned her attention to Bayley, who was back on her feet. AJ hit Bayley with a spin kick, then went for the Black Widow, but Bayley blocked it, lifting AJ onto her shoulders and hitting a fireman's carry slam. When AJ got to her feet, Bayley grabbed her, hitting the Bayley-to-Belly!
Jerry Lawler: Bayley-to-Belly Suplex! This could be it, JR!
Bayley hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Eva pulled Bayley out of the ring and hit her with a forearm smash! She re-entered the ring, and was about to cover AJ Lee, when Velvet grabbed her from behind, hitting a rolling cutter. Eva got back to her feet, and Velvet hit the In Yo' Face! She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3! Bayley tried to break up the count, but she couldn't get there in time.
Jim Ross: It's over! Tremendous effort by all four divas, but it's Velvet Sky that earns the victory and a shot at the gold.
Jerry Lawler: At least Eva, AJ and Bayley won't have to wait long for another chance to earn a championship match, JR... they'll all be competing in the Women's Royal Rumble this Sunday!
Velvet celebrated as Warfare went to a commercial break.
Jim Ross: Still coming up, Chris Jericho will take on an opponent of The Miz’s choice in the main event.
Jerry Lawler: Just think, JR, all Jericho has to do is win in order to get a shot at the EBWF World Championship!
F.E. hit the PA, and the crowd popped for the arrival of Syxx.
Jerry Lawler: Right now, Syxx is going to take on former EBWF World Champion, AJ Styles.
Jim Ross: Another decision people are questioning, King. What is Styles thinking entering the Royal Rumble at #1?
Jerry Lawler: And now, Wes Ikeda, has been announced at #30!
Jim Ross: It’s going to be a heck of a night!
“Get Ready to Fly” brought the crowd to a ruckus of boos as AJ Styles came to the ramp for his entrance. Christy Hemme gave the formal ring introductions, and the crowd remained hot and on their feet. The bell rang and the crowd was cheering for Styles.
Jim Ross: Louisville likes the former champ in this one.
AJ Styles chants broke out as great technical wrestling was being traded back and forth, which brought the crowd to a split decision between the two men. Syxx nailed Styles with some brutal elbows to the head. Several European uppercuts later and suddenly Styles had the upper hand. Styles went for a surfboard submission. Once he wrangled away, Syxx moved to the top to attempt a Missile dropkick. Syxx was in control, and locked in another surfboard submission before turning it into a modified dragon sleeper hold. Styles powered out of it, hitting a fisherman's suplex for a 2 count.
Jerry Lawler: That looked close!
Back and forth “Let’s Go Syxx - AJ Styles" chants for the split crowd. Syxx came off the top rope with a diving head butt. Then he nailed repeated kicks on Styles, before Styles caught a kick and went for a figure 4 leglock!
Jim Ross: Styles doesn’t pull that one out of his bag of tricks very often!
The crowd chanted “Wooooo” as Styles and Syxx went back and forth slapping each other in the face while the leglock was still on. Syxx made it to the ropes. Fast paced action - with Syxx delivering a swift kick to the back of Styles's head. Syxx pinned him for a two count, and AJ kicked out with veracity. The crowd was chanting "This is awesome."
Jerry Lawler: This crowd is loving this match.
Syxx pulled down his knee brace to expose his knee. He delivered a few knees to Styles's gut in the corner as the crowd roared their approval. Styles set up Syxx on the rope and delivered a clothes line from the top rope. Styles went for the Styles Clash but when he pinned Syxx he only got a 2-count. The action was very fast paced as Syxx was thrown over the top rope but held on and skinned the cat. He got back into the ring and got kicked in the face by Styles. Another kick out after a 2-count and both men were down and hurting.
Jim Ross: It looks like AJ is going to make it to his feet first!
Styles went to the top rope and nailed an elbow drop. Styles was hurting and selling injured ribs from Syxx's offense earlier in the match. Syxx was delivering knees to Styles's ribs as the crowd continued to chant. Styles went for a bulldog but Syxx avoided it and locked in a face lock. Syxx was screaming for Styles to tap as they rolled back together and the referee counted the 3.
Jim Ross: Styles rolled Syxx into the pin!
Jerry Lawler: That was brilliant! Styles with smart thinking there. AJ Styles has one this match. He’s defeated Syxx!
AJ’s hand was raised in victory.
Jerry Lawler: Can he survive 29 other men to become the #1 Contender for the EBWF World Champion.
Jim Ross: And if he does? Who will he be facing? We’ll find out next!
Warfare came back from a commercial and we were set for the main event.
Jim Ross: Well here we go King- it's time for the pick your poison match. It'll be Chris Jericho vs. an opponent that our current EBWF Champion, The Miz, will choose for him.
Jerry Lawler: God only knows how he'll pick.
BREAK THE WALLS DOWN was heard and it whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Chris Jericho exploded from the back to an impressive display of pyrotechnics. He made his way down the ramp and into the ring.
Christy Hemme: The following contest is a pick your poison match scheduled for one fall. Introducing first- Y2J Chris Jericho!
Jericho was in the ring bouncing back and forth trying to get himself loose. All of a sudden we heard.
"AWEEEEEEEEEEEESOMMMMEEEEEEEEEEE"
Followed by "I Came To Play" by Downstait, and those cheers we heard quickly turned to boos as the EBWF Champion- The Miz emerged from the back. He was dressed in a light grey suit and his hair was slicked all around. He held the EBWF Championship over his left shoulder and confidently made his way down to the ring. He entered the ring making eye contact with Jericho who was talking inaudible trash to him. Miz grabbed a microphone.
The Miz: Quiet insignificant one.. the REAL savior is talking.
Jericho mouthed "cute" which led to a smirk from Miz.
The Miz: So most of you know- unless your brains can't think back an entire 7 days. Last week on Warfare Stone Cold Steve Austin in his infinite wisdom has allowed me to choose Christine's opponent here tonight. If she somehow finds a way to win- she will get the right to face me at the Royal Rumble-
Jim Ross: She?!
Jerry Lawler: Christine?!
The Miz: Buttttt I wouldn't count on it.
The familiar riff and sounds of Jim Johnston's "Next Big Thing" echoed through the arena and the crowd went ballistic as Brock Lesnar flanked as always by Paul Heyman emerged from the back.
The Miz: Good luck buddy.
Miz winked at Jericho and flipped the microphone down.
Jim Ross: Bah Gawd! Brock Lesnar. Chris Jericho has to beat Brock Lesnar in order to face the Miz at Royal Rumble.
Jerry Lawler: WHAT!?
Jim Ross: Well it looks like we are going to be joined on commentary now by The Miz.
The Miz: Not that you are going to be joined.. it's that you GET to be joined.
Jim Ross: Of course- what a misjudgment on my use of words there.
You could feel JR's sarcasm. Miz ignored it.
The Miz: Everyone makes mistakes. King what's up?
Jerry Lawler: Oh you know- same old.
The Miz: So nothing? Cool, cool..
Lesnar entered the ring and Jericho didn't look phased- rather he was very focused.
Jim Ross: Well what a matchup this is going to be here.
The Miz: I wonder who my opponent will be at Royal Rumble after this decimation. Maybe they'll just have me just enter the rumble- win it- and then I can face myself at Wrestlemania. That would probably be the fairest matchup I can think of.
The bell rang and we were underway.
Jim Ross: Here we go!
Jericho and Lesnar circled each other before finally locking up. Lesnar after about 3 seconds overpowered Chris and broke the lock up by slamming him down on his back. Jericho looked up at Brock who smirked and then bounced from foot to foot. Jericho slowly made his way back up and went to lock up again but this time he was quick to the punch and kneed Lesnar in the gut. He went behind him and ran the ropes going for a bulldog but instead Lesnar caught him mid-air and launched him so that he did a belly flop right onto the ring. The crowd oohed.
The Miz: Pfft.. this is going to be worse than I even thought.
Jim Ross: Lesnar getting the better of Chris here earlier.
Lesnar went on the attack grabbing Chris from behind and hitting a German suplex. He went for the cover and Chris kicked out. Lesnar not to be denied went for another one this time Chris broke free by elbowing Lesnar in the head. He ran the ropes and came off with a spinning wheel kick which knocked Lesnar down. The fans were cheering this back and forth action. Lesnar popped up and Jericho went for a DDT but Lesnar countered it into a back body drop, but Jericho landed on his feet and went for a school boy roll up. The ref counted ONE.. TWO.. THR... NO two.
Jim Ross: Thought he had him there!
The Miz: Well then you're stupid!
Lesnar popped up with a wide eyed look- it was clear he underestimated the highly decorated Jericho. The two locked up again and Brock got Chris into a side headlock. He then pushed Jericho into the ropes and connected on a vicious belly to belly suplex. Lesnar went for the cover and earned another near fall.
The Miz: Come on BROCK! Hey Fatass! Yeah obviously I'm talking to you..
Heyman turned to look at Miz.
The Miz: Tell your CLIENT.. to do what I paid him to do- or I want my money back. I don't want my money funding KFC for you later if the guy isn't even gonna finish Jericho off.
Heyman turned back to the match.
Lesnar was stalking Jericho who slowly made his way to his feet. Brock went to grab Chris again for another suplex but out of nowhere Jericho hit a Code Breaker! The crowd went crazy.
Jim Ross: CODEBREAKER! CODEBREAKER!
Jericho slowly rolled into a cover.
Jim Ross: ONE.. TWO.. THR.. NO Lesnar kicked out!
Jerry Lawler: WHAT!?
The Miz: Of course he did.. Brock is not losing this match guys..
Jericho couldn't believe it. Brock rolled to the corner. He pulled himself up by the turnbuckle. Jericho went to the opposite corner he got a running start and Lesnar pulled the referee into the corner and moved himself. This led Jericho to doing a body splash onto the referee. This took Jericho's attention away from what was going on and Lesnar capitalized by hitting another German suplex on Jericho. Lesnar was up on his feet. He went to go hit the F5 on Jericho- but Miz had left the announce table and was in the ring.
Jim Ross: What the hell is he doing in there?
Miz was pleading with Brock to let him do the honors. Brock looked at Heyman who shrugged and yelled "it's his money" Brock shrugged and threw Jericho into the Miz who went to plant Chris with an SCF but Chris reversed it into a Codebreaker on the Miz, which led to Miz rolling out of the ring. Jericho was fired up talking trash to Miz, but unfortunately he turned around right into an F5.
Jim Ross: F5! The referee is still down. WAIT A MINUTE!
The crowd cheered as Wes Ikeda came through the crowd. Heyman yelled out Brock watch out. Brock turned around right into a shot from a lead pipe from Ikeda that busted him wide open. The referee began to stir as Lesnar wobbled his way to his feet only to be hit with another Codebreaker from Jericho who had slowly made his way back to his feet as well. Jericho managed to slump an arm over Lesnar as the referee slowly made a dazed count.
Jim Ross: Could it be?! Will it be!? ONE.. TWO.. THREEE... YES! YES! YES!
Jerry Lawler: UNBELIEVABLE!
BREAK THE WALLS DOWN! Was heard over the PA system once more.
Christy Hemme: Here is your winner and the #1 contender for the EBWF Championship Chris Jericho!
Jim Ross: Jericho did it! He's going to Royal Rumble to hopefully end that rat Miz's title reign once and for all!
Jerry Lawler: I can't wait.
The Miz was to his feet and he and Jericho were staring at each other as Jericho had his hand raised. Jericho was motioning to the belt over Miz shoulder, and Miz was giving the trash talk right back now.
Jim Ross: Bah Gawd! This Sunday can't come soon enough! We'll see you then folks!
Warfare went off the air to Miz and Jericho continuing to bicker.
