Joey Styles: Welcome ladies and gentleman to EBWF Warfare! We are three weeks away from the annual King of the Ring PPV, and we’re kicking things off with singles action!
A wave of nostalgia filled the arena as Raven stepped out to the tune of Offspring’s “Come Out and Play.” Raven posed on the turnbuckle to a pop and a light “ECW’ chant. A brief pause with no music happened before Dean Ambrose came out to his theme.
Corey Graves: Dean Ambrose is looking ready to go here tonight!
Before Joey got an answer in, however, Dean Ambrose had already made his way to the ring, and was brawling with Raven. Both men were throwing punches and knees at each other. Raven, however, with that veteran's experience, managed to get the upper hand, and strike Ambrose in the face with an elbow. Ambrose went reeling into the ropes. Dean tried to hit his rebound clothesline but Raven ducked. When Ambrose bounced off the opposite ropes, he was met with a powerful Discus Clothesline.
Joey Styles: Raven isn't one to back down either, he's always ready to go.
Raven slowly made his way towards Ambrose, picked him up and mouthed "Quote the Raven, nevermore" before hitting the Evenflow on Ambrose, followed by a pin.
1...
2...
3!
The bell rang as Christy Hemme announced that Raven was the winner of this match. In the ring, Raven sat in the corner staring at Ambrose, while Warfare faded to a commercial break.
Christy Hemme: This match is scheduled for one fall and continues the Queen of the Ring tournament!
Bayley came out first, and the crowd was immediately meeting her with loud “Heeeeyyyyy…. we want some Bayley!” chants. Brooke came out to the ring next.
Joey Styles: Brooke surprised the EBWF Universe when she beat Torrie Wilson in the last round of the tournament.
Corey Graves: Will she be able to get by Bayley here tonight?
The bell rang and the match was underway. The two locked up as Brooke showed an unexpected strength advantage. Bayley applied a side headlock but Brooke countered out. Brooke locked on the bear hug on Bayley. The crowd was hot for Bayley. Bayley hit Brooke in the face with elbows then went off the ropes. Bayley followed up with a dropkick. Brooke countered with a shoulder block off the ropes. Bayley hit an impressive arm bar takedown, but Brooke ended up countering. Brooke was on her feet. Bayley was in the corner. Brooke ran into Bayley, slamming her face off the turnbuckle. Brooke got a two count on Bayley. Brooke pulled Bayley to the center of the ring and applied a leg submission.
Joey Styles: Brooke might get her to tap here!
The referee checked for submission as Bayley reached for the ropes. Brooke bent Bayley's leg back so far that it bounced off her head. Brooke used Bayley's own leg to kick her in the head. The referee broke up the hold as Bayley tried to gain offense. Brooke's took down Bayley for another two count. Brooke lifted Bayley above her head for a gorilla press slam.
Corey Graves: Look at the power of Brooke!
Bayley countered before Brooke could drop her down. Bayley hit right hands then went off the ropes. Brooke lifted her up but Bayley rolled through. Two count for Bayley followed by a drop toe hold. Bayley put her legs to the back of Brooke as she got a two count. Bayley went off the middle rope onto Brooke. Brooke had her knees up, but Bayley countered when Brooke came over to her. Brooke countered and hit Bayley with a chop. Brooke attempted her finisher but Bayley countered with the Bayley-to-Belly!
Joey Styles: That’s her finisher!
Indeed Bayley went for the pin, and got the 1..2..3!
Corey Graves: Bayley advances! She’ll take on Sasha Banks or AJ Lee in the next round!
As Warfare returned from a commercial break, Jimmy Havoc was on his way to the ring for the next match.
Joey Styles: Welcome back! Up next, Jimmy Havoc makes his EBWF debut against the Lone Wolf, Baron Corbin!
When Havoc was in the ring, "Superhuman" hit and the crowd booed as Baron Corbin headed to the ring. Once Corbin had entered the ring, the referee called for the bell and Corbin hit Havoc with a series of punches. Corbin then went to whip Havoc against the ropes, but Havoc reversed the Irish whip, sending Corbin into the ropes. As Corbin ran back towards him, Havoc hit a dropkick. Corbin staggered backwards, but remained on his feet. Havoc went to whip Corbin against the ropes once more, but Corbin blocked it, then pulled Havoc towards him, taking him down with a clothesline. Havoc got to his feet and Corbin whipped Havoc into the corner, before running at him and hitting a big boot. Havoc staggered out of the corner, and Corbin hit a front suplex slam, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: A strong start from Baron Corbin.
Corbin got to his feet and stomped on Havoc several times, then pulled Havoc to his feet and set him up for a powerbomb. Corbin lifted Havoc up... but Havoc countered with a hurricanrana! Both men got to their feet, and Havoc hit Corbin with a discus elbow smash, then went to the top rope. Havoc hit a diving double foot stomp, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Corbin sat up, and Havoc applied a sleeper hold, but Corbin broke out of it and both men got to their feet. Havoc and Corbin exchanged right hands, but Corbin overpowered Havoc, then lifted him up, hitting the Deep Six. Havoc got to his feet looking dazed, and Corbin took full advantage, hitting the End of Days! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Joey Styles: It's over! A solid effort from Jimmy Havoc, but Baron Corbin gets the victory!
Christy Hemme: The following King of the Ring tournament match is scheduled for one fall!
“I spit in the face of people who don’t want to be cool.” Carlito strolled down the ramp to a chorus of boos, lazily munching on his apple.
Joey Styles: The beginning of this year saw a real resurgence in the career of Carlito.
Corey Graves: He suffered a pretty major setback at Death Before Dishonor, finally losing his Breakout Championship, so the King of the Ring is probably looking like a good way back on the winning path.
It’s a “Pete and Pete” flashback as Polaris jangled their way over the loudspeakers. Chuck Taylor comes out full of energy, acknowledging the smattering of cheers. But old habits die hard, and Chuck couldn’t help himself from jump scaring kids in the front row and laughing at their screams.
Joey Styles: And speaking of resurgences, Chuck Taylor went from being practically retired to eking out a win over Shinsuke Nakamura to qualify for this tournament.
Corey Graves: Every tournament needs a spoiler, and Chucky T would love to spoil Carlito’s night as well.
DING DING!
The two men locked up in the center of the ring, and Taylor pushed Carlito against the ropes. The referee told him to break, and Taylor took the opportunity to “break dirty” and slapped Carlito in the face. Carlito rubbed his cheek with a scowl and they locked up again, this time Carlito pushed Chuck into the ropes. As the referee broke them apart, Carlito kicked Taylor in the stomach. He tried to pull him into the ring but Taylor leaned through the ropes and told the referee to shoo Carlito away so he could get his wind back.
Carlito began to walk away and Chuck attacked him from behind. He knocked Carlito to the ground and tried to stomp at him but Carlito rolled under the ropes and teased walking to the back. He finally got back into the ring and took a swing at Taylor. The Kentucky Gentleman ducked and stacked Carlito with a schoolboy, grabbing a clear handful of his tights but Carlito kicked out. Carlito swept Taylor’s legs out from underneath him and stacked him into his own pinning clutch, throwing his feet up onto the second rope for added leverage but only getting a two count. He tried to get Taylor in position for a backstabber, but Chuck clung on to the referee. With the ref distracted, Chuck kicked backwards and nailed Carlito between the legs. Carlito crumpled to the mat. Taylor bent down to pick him up, and Carlito jammed a thumb into his eye, sending him running into the corner.
Corey Graves: It’s great to be devious until you meet someone else just as devious as you.
Carlito recovered and started throwing jabs at Taylor. He whipped him into the ropes but Taylor reversed. Carlito jumped onto the middle rope and springboarded with a back elbow to the face of Taylor. Carlito went to press his advantage but Taylor stuck a finger in his face.
Chuck Taylor: STOP! One more step and I blow this whole place up!
Joey Styles: What is he talking about?
Taylor pretended to pull a grenade out of his non-existent pocket, keeping his hand open. He reached over and pulled the imaginary pin. He tossed it into the air, and his pantomime was so convincing that all eyes instinctively went up. He kicked a distracted Carlito in the stomach and pulled him into a pumphandle driver.
Corey Graves: Awful Waffle! The invisible grenade strikes again!
1!
2!
3!
Christy Hemme: Here is your winner, Chuck Taylor!
Joey Styles: The Cinderella story continues for Chuck Taylor as he secures his spot in the quarterfinals!
Joey Styles: In the ring Corey we have Velvet Sky waiting for her opponent in this Queen of the ring match….
The crowd went wild as Do My Thing by Estelle hit the speakers and out stepped one of the newest EBWF Superstars, Blue Pants.
Joey Styles: Ha get really to join the #CoolSchool Corey….
Corey Graves: What the hell are you talking about Styles? All this cool school nonsense with Bayley annoys me beyond belief. This is PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING Styles. This isn’t something you just come out and mess around doing.
Joey Styles: Come on Corey she’s just having a bit of fun and she can go in the ring, we know that.
Corey Graves: The EBWF is the premier wrestling promotion in the world, we don’t need this sort of nonsense in the ring. I hope Velvet Sky sends her back to the clearance rack where she belongs.
Joey Styles: Oh come on…..
As Joey Styles and Corey Graves argument came to an end the formal introductions had been completed the the Florida crowd were excited as the referee called for the bell and got the bout underway.
Immediately Velvet got into Blue Pants face, trash talking, only for Blue Pants to smile and take a piece of Sky’s hair in her hand which stopped her shouting straight away. “Huh it does feel like Velvet” Blue Pants said dropping it. This clearly annoyed Sky. Even more annoyed Velvet started screaming about cheap denim and like a switch was flicked Blue Pants smile disappeared and flew at Velvet in a rage, diving on top of her unloading a flurry of left and right shots to her.
Joey Styles: There you go Corey, Blue Pants doesn’t like people saying its denim she’s wearing.
Corey Graves: Smart move by Velvet there, rolling out the ring to avoid any more of those psychotic blows.
With Velvet outside trying to compose herself Blue Pants took advantage straight away and climbed through the ropes herself and as Sky turned around Blue Pants flew through the air and caught her with a huge flying clothesline, sending both ladies crashing to the floor. Once on top of her Blue Pants carried on throwing punches landing on any part of Sky’s body she could touch to the delight of the crowd.
Joey Styles: Well Corey if Blue Pants carries on this intensity this match won’t last much longer.
Velvet Sky managed to scramble away and ran around the ring clutching her face as Blue Pants gave chase. Sky slid into the ring and as Blue Pants followed her in Velvet took that split second advantage she had and delivered a stiff kick to Blue Pants back, stopping her momentum. With Pants laid on the floor Sky dropped an elbow on her back and stood up pointing to her head shouting about cheap ass denim.
Corey Graves: YES! That’s what I’m talking about Styles.
Velvet picked Blue Pants up and delivered a boot to the midsection and with her bent over Sky bounced off the ropes and hit a bulldog and went for the cover, 1...2… and Blue Pants got her shoulder up. Velvet got to her feet and looked annoyed. Blue Pants struggled to sit up, as she did Sky delivered a perfect dropkick knocking her back to the mat and she flew on top of her for another pin, 1...2…
Joey Styles: Another kick out there Corey. But this looks like Velvet wants to end this one quickly.
Velvet dragged Blue Pants to her feet and whipped her into the corner she rushed at her delivering a hard shoulder to Blue Pants mid section. Then quick as a flash she lifted Blue Pants to the top rope and climbed up bring her crashing down to the mat with an unbelievable superplex from the top.
Corey Graves: Wow Joey, incredible from Velvet Sky! I’m actually starting to enjoy seeing Blue Pants in a match, I just enjoy seeing her take a beating.
Joey Styles: Oh come on Corey, enough is enough Velvet needs to just pin her and get this one over with.
With Blue Pants laid out of the floor Velvet crawled over to her and pinned her 1...2… and just as the referee’s hand hit the mat for 3 Sky pulled Blue Pants shoulders up and with a pout to the camera she moved her index finger back and forth indicating this one wasn’t over yet.
Joey Styles: There’s no need for this Corey.
Velvet pulled Blue Pants to her feet and hooked both her arms for her In Yo Face finishing maneuver.
Corey Graves: Well this one is over, and moving to the next round of the Queen of the ring is….
Just as Corey was about to prematurely announce the winner Blue Pants dropped to the ground, rolled through Velvet’s legs and brought her to the mat with a schoolgirl roll up pin 1...2...3!
Joey Styles: BLUE PANTS WINS IT! BLUE PANTS WINS IT!
Corey Graves: Look at Velvet’s face. She’s as stunned as everyone else here. She had this one in the bag.
Blue Pants rolled out the ring and there was a genuine huge smile on her face, even after all the beatings she had taken. She walked to the back with her hands raised and mouthed the words “thank you” to Velvet in the ring who was arguing with the referee that it was only a two count as Warfare cut to a commercial break.
Oriental flutes led to a pulsing bassline and the crowd leapt to their feet to see the arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura. The King of Strong Style stepped onto the stage to a huge pop and opened his jacket to reveal the Breakout Championship before launching into his entrance routine.
Joey Styles: Looks like we are about to hear from the new Breakout Champion for the first-time!
Corey Graves: Nakamura won the title at Death by Dishonor in a terrific three-way match against Carlito and Dolph Ziggler, and the man looks great with gold around his waist.
Shinsuke rolled into the ring and grabbed a microphone, and grinned at the crowd as they chanted his name. He held a finger to his lips and they respectfully quieted down.
Nakamura: Looks good, yes?
The crowd roared in approval as he laughed.
Nakamura: It is only the first of many! I came here to be a champion, to prove I am the best, and you all know that is true! Too many times, greatness was outside of my fingertips, but now….it is around my waist. Go kyōryoku arigatōgozaimasu. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me forward. It is my honor to be your champion. The Breakout Champion. When it belonged to Tyler Breeze, to Carlito, it was lost. Now that this is with me, it has become important. Now…all road go through Shinsuke. So who is the first, huh? Who is first in line at Shinsuke’s Gate?
The sound of a motorcycle filled the arena followed by chugging guitars. Baron Corbin casually strolled out of the entry way to the bemusement of Shinsuke Nakamura.
Corey Graves: Oh, I like this, Joey.
Joey Styles: Baron Corbin has been quite impressive in his first month at EBWF, and also very vocal about his disdain for those who came before him.
Corey Graves: He’s a pro-football player and Golden Gloves boxing champion, Joey, he feels that pedigree makes him better than your average wrestler. Call it arrogance, I just say it’s confidence, and I love it.
Corbin picked up a microphone and waited out the boos of the crowd. He looked Shinsuke up and down and scoffed.
Baron: YOU’RE the King of Strong Style that everyone is always raving about? An international sensation, the biggest star in Japan, everyone’s favorite wrestler’s favorite wrestler, I’ve heard all about it. And it means nothing to me. Maybe you haven’t heard yet, but my name’s Baron Corbin, and I don’t wait in lines.
Shinsuke inspected Baron up close, squinting in his face before walking away to play to the crowd.
Nakamura: You and me at King of the Ring for my title, is that what I am hearing?
Baron: You say the road goes through you, that’s all I need to know. What do you say?
The crowd started to get hyped up, knowing what the answer will be and preparing themselves to shout along.
Nakamura: My answer…my answer is…YEAOH!
Shinsuke walked back towards Corbin and extended his hand. Baron looked down at it and instead swung a right hand into Shinsuke’s jaw, spinning the veteran around. Nakamura rubbed the side of his face with a smile, then turned and rushed at Corbin, driving a knee into his midsection. The two men exchanged blows , with Corbin getting the upper hand until Shinsuke caught him with a surprise kick to take him off his feet. Shinsuke retreated to the corner and began to run in place.
Corey Graves: Oh, this is not where Corbin wants to find himself, Boma Ye on the way!
Nakamura bent backwards and lept to his feet to charge at Baron, but the lights cut out. When they came back up, he was standing in the middle of the ring, face to face with Robbie Brookside.
Joey Styles: Robbie Brookside? What is he doing here?
Corey Graves: He’s exchanging words with Nakamura, who seems as confused as the rest of us.
Joey Styles: Baron Corbin attacking Nakamura from behind!
Corbin used the distraction to get the jump on Shinsuke, knocking him to the ground and stomping him out. Corbin and Brookside stood tall over the King of Strong Style.
Corey Graves: That must be who Baron has been talking to on the phone! Baron says he has been helping guide his career, he must have advised Corbin on how to seize this opportunity, and to say they have made a statement here tonight would be putting it lightly!
Corbin and Robbie left the ring. Nakamura pulled himself to his knees and flopped himself over the second rope to stare at Corbin standing at the top of the ramp, and the champion wore a demented grin on his face.
Matt Sydal came to the ring first, doing his usual entrance. Seth Rollins came out next.
Joey Styles: Excited to see what the new EBWF Superstar Seth Rollins has to bring to the ring here tonight!
The bell rang and the match was underway. Fast paced action to start things out. Matt Sydal went on the offensive first, hitting a double sledge off the top rope onto Rollins. Sydal gave Rollins a clothesline to the outside. Sydal stared down Rollins who was on the outside. Rollins got back in the ring, but Sydal got out. They switched again. Sydal ended up connecting with a dropkick on Rollins on the apron. Sydal followed with a slingshot cross-body block to the outside. Sydal got back on the apron but Rollins triped him. They worked on the apron, but Rollins sent Sydal to the outside. Rollins went off the apron with a knee shot on Sydal on the outside. Rollins tried to get back in but Sydal ripped him off the apron. Sydal climbed the top and went off to the outside, he missed into the barricade. Rollins kicked Sydal in the head on the outside. Rollins landed some high kicks to the chest of Matt Sydal.
Corey Graves: Look at those big kicks from Rollins!
Rollins rolled Sydal back into the ring and went to work on him. Rollins slammed the head of Sydal off the top turnbuckle. The crowd was behind Sydal as Rollins whipped him off the ropes. Rollins ended up connecting with a dropkick on Sydal who tried to counter a ring whip. Rollins applied a submission hold on the leg of Sydal. It was a variation of a death lock. Back to their feet, Rollins hit more offense with his feet, kicking Sydal right in the back of the head. Rollins sent his knee into the midsection of Sydal. Sydal worked on the apron in a counter, sending Rollins down. Rollins countered off the top rope and connected on Sydal, who was on the apron. Sydal was down on the apron as Rollins got on there with him. Sydal countered, putting Rollins about his head, but Rollins got out and chopped Sydal in the chest. They worked back and forth on the apron as Sydal sent Rollins into the ring post. Sydal ended up crashing to the outside, Rollins followed him. The match goes back to the ring as Rollins buried his head into the midsection of Sydal in the corner. Rollins hit a couple of elbows to the face of Sydal followed by a basement dropkick in the corner. Rollins got a cover for a two count.
Joey Styles: I thought Rollins had it there.
Rollins worked over Sydal in the middle of the ring, submission lock applied, as Rollins was stretching Sydal out across his knee. Sydal started to counter back to his feet. Sydal backed Rollins down with elbows. Back and forth until Sydal face planted Rollins on the mat when Rollins went airborne. Inverted atomic drop followed by more offense by Matt Sydal. Big clothesline from Sydal onto Rollins for a two count. Sydal went to the top turnbuckle, Rollins went over and hit a jawbreaker on him. Rollins worked on Sydal but Sydal countered with a kick to his back. Sydal lifted Rollins up for the Here It Is Driver, but Rollins countered out twice. Rollins kicked Sydal and went off the ropes but Sydal countered and ended up hitting a springboard leg drop from the apron. Two count from Sydal on Rollins. Sydal went back to the ropes and missed on a moonsault. Rollins got a two count in a cover. Rollins hit a good amount of offense, culminating with a combination for a two count. Rollins waited for Sydal to get back up and went for Sliced Bread. Sydal countered out but Rollins countered and took Sydal to the mat for a near fall. Sydal was setup on the top rope by Seth Rollins. Rollins was up on the top rope working with him but Sydal countered, mid-move Rollins countered with a variation of a bulldog. Rollins went back to the top and connects a Phoenix Splash for a two count.
Joey Styles: What a move from Rollins!
Rollins sat Sydal up on the top turnbuckle. Sydal countered and put him up for the Aftershock, Rollins counters. Another counter and Sydal ended up eating a DDT. Rollins went for the Curb Stomp and connected!
Corey Graves: This is going to do it!
Rollins took the victory with a pinfall!
Joey Styles: Still to come, we've got Randy Orton versus Rob Van Dam in our main event. Up first though, the Intercontinental Champion Enzo Amore takes on former World Champion The Miz!
"SAWFT is a Sin" hit and the crowd cheered as Enzo Amore stepped out onto the stage. Enzo walked down the ramp with the Intercontinental Title draped proudly over his shoulder. Once Enzo was in the ring, "I Came To Play" by Downstait hit and the cheers quickly turned to jeers as The Miz headed to the ring, accompanied by Alex Riley. Once Miz entered the ring, he began mouthing off at Enzo, who responded with some smack talk of his own. The referee called for the bell and the two men began circling the ring. Enzo ran at Miz and went for a clothesline, but Miz ducked out of the way, then turned to face Enzo and hit him with a series of punches. Miz whipped Enzo into the ropes, before taking him down with a hip toss. Enzo got to his feet and Miz applied a headlock, but Enzo broke free and pushed Miz into the ropes, before hitting a dropkick. Both men got to their feet and Enzo hit Miz with a kick to the midsection, before taking him down with a DDT. Enzo made the cover and the referee counted - 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: Enzo with a near fall!
Enzo pulled Miz to his feet and hit him with some more right hands, then whipped him into the corner. Amore ran at Miz, going for the corner clothesline, but Miz moved out of the way, causing Enzo to collide with the turnbuckle. Enzo staggered out of the corner and Miz grabbed him, hitting an inverted facelock backbreaker followed by a neckbreaker slam. Miz hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Another near fall! This time Miz gets the two count!
Miz pulled Enzo to his feet and set him up for the Skull Crushing Finale... but Amore blocked it, and countered with a Russian legsweep. Enzo got to his feet and stomped on Miz several times, then pulled Miz to his feet and set him up for a suplex. Miz blocked it, then hit Enzo with a snapmare driver. Miz grabbed Enzo's legs, applying a figure four leglock, and Enzo cried out in pain, but he was able to get to the ropes. Miz refused to break the hold! The referee threatened to disqualify Miz, and began counting – 1... 2... 3... at the count of 4, Miz broke the hold.
Corey Graves: Clever strategy by The Miz there... he used the five count to his advantage!
Miz pulled Enzo away from the ropes, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Enzo kicked out! Miz stomped on Enzo several times, then pulled him to his feet and whipped him against the ropes. As Enzo ran back towards Miz, Miz went for a clothesline, but Enzo ducked out of the way, ran against the opposing set of ropes, then hit Miz with a flying forearm smash. As Miz got to his feet, Enzo went to the top rope... he then leapt from the turnbuckle, hitting Miz with a diving crossbody! Enzo hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Miz kicked out!
Joey Styles: Enzo was so close to a three count there, Corey!
Enzo got to his feet and hit Miz with a knee drop, then pulled him towards the corner. He tried to set Miz up for the Certified G, but Miz blocked it, throwing Enzo down onto the mat. Miz then climbed the turnbuckle, before hitting Enzo with a double axe handle. Enzo got to his feet, and Miz grabbed him from behind, hitting the Skull Crushing Finale! Miz hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3! The referee called for the bell and raised Miz's arm in victory.
Corey Graves: It's over! The Miz advances to the next stage of the tournament!
Miz celebrated, then made his way to the back.
As Warfare returned from a commercial break, the arena lights went out and the infamous five second countdown began. The countdown clock hit zero, fireworks shot up from the stage, “Break the Walls Down” blasted through the PA system, and the crowd went wild as Chris Jericho stepped out onto the stage.
Joey Styles: Well here is a sight we haven’t seen for a while, Corey. The EBWF World Champion, Chris Jericho, is appearing on Warfare for the first time since he won the title last month at Aftermath.
Corey Graves: It’s good to see him back, Joey, but you have to wonder, why now? Kevin Owens was calling him out on Twitter last week… is that all it took to get Jericho back?
Joey Styles: I’m sure that’s not the reason, Corey. But hopefully Y2J will give us some answers here tonight.
Jericho was wearing a leather jacket, designer jeans, and a vintage Thrillseekers t-shirt. He had wore the EBWF World Title proudly around his waist. The Florida crowd were hyped to see Jericho, and the World Champion took his time making his way to the ring, taking pictures, signing autographs and talking to several fans on his way down the ramp. Upon entering the ring, Jericho climbed the turnbuckle and posed for the crowd; he then stepped down and took a microphone from ringside. His music was cut, and Jericho was about to speak - but before he could say a word, “Fight” by CFO$ hit. The crowd booed as Kevin Owens walked out, microphone in hand. Owens walked down the ramp, entered the ring, then walked up to Jericho and began to speak.
Kevin Owens - Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris. It’s so lovely for you to join us for once. It what sweet seeing you come down to the ring, speaking to all those fans and signing autographs. I mean who can blame them? It’s so rare for you to even make an appearance that I guess they were taking their chance. I mean this could easily be the last time you ever appear on EBWF again.
The crowd booed at the mention of Chris Jericho not being on television.
Kevin Owens: I know. I’m as upset as all of you. There is nothing more I’d love to see than Y2J come out here every week and actually defend that belt around his waist. But it seems he has better things to do than his actual job. I’m hearing all these excuses like no one has challenged him. Well Jericho I’m here, right now ready for a match. I’m sure all your adoring public would love just one more match Chris.
Jericho smirked.
Chris Jericho: Oh hey, Kevin. Thank you for taking time off from being a troll on Twitter to welcome me back to the EBWF. Not that it’s any of your business, but I had to take some time off for personal reasons. Now that I’m back, I have no intention of leaving again, and I have every intention of being the fighting World Champion that I promised I would be. But the question I need to ask you, Kevin, is this. What makes you think that you deserve a title shot ahead of everyone else in that locker room?
Kevin Owens: Ha a Twitter troll. I’m sorry if you find the truth a bitter pill to swallow. Now you disappear for weeks and say it’s for “personal reasons” and next thing you’re asking me why I think I deserve a title shot. Just proving my point Chris. You’re not a fighting champ. Hell it took me calling you out on the Internet to even get you to appear here tonight. If I had that title around my waist I’d be kicking asses and not worrying about who deserves a title shot. But I get it, if you’re just too afraid to defend that title unless it’s against your old pal Wes then that’s fine. Just don’t your fans deserve more Chris. You abandon them for weeks, you reluctantly return with some pathetic excuse about personal reasons, needing to find your smile, or whatever the hell it is. And now you have me standing here in front of you giving you a chance to put that strap on the line and you’re still trying to worm out of it. That’s not the Chris Jericho I remember growing up, he would neveerrrrrrrr eveeeerrrrrrrrrrr (Owens mimicked Jericho’s style from the past) do that. It just shows how you’ve become one step behind in your old age...
Before he could carry on speaking Jericho cut him off, which raised a wry smile from Owens.
Chris Jericho: One step behind who, Kevin? One step behind you? The last time I saw you, Kevin, you were staring at the lights. I’m a nine time EBWF World Champion; you held the Intercontinental Title for two months. You think by poking the bear, you can get yourself a title match you don’t deserve. But be careful what you wish for, big guy. Because if you want a match with me, then…
“Glass Shatters” by Disturbed hit, and the crowd cheered as the Warfare General Manager, Stone Cold Steve Austin, stepped out onto the stage. Austin brought a microphone with him, and after his music was cut, he began to speak.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: In case you two have forgotten, my name is Stone Cold Steve Austin and I’m the General Manager of EBWF. That means that the only person who can book a World Title match… is me. Now Chris, you know I have a lot of respect for you, and I’m really glad you’re here tonight. And while Kevin Owens might be one annoying SOB, he has a point. You’ve been gone since you won that title, and while I understand why, having an absence World Champion damages the prestige of that title you wear so proudly. You want to be a fighting champion, the EBWF wants a fighting champion, so mark my words, you will defend the World Title at King of the Ring.
Kevin Owens tried to say something, but Austin cut him off.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: What? Did I say I was done? Now Kevin, I’m not gonna lie to you, I don’t like you very much. Seems like all you do is piss people off, and whatever you think of Chris Jericho, he asked you a valid question. Why should you get a title match?
Owens tried to answer, but Austin cut him off.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: That was a rhetorical question. Here’s what I’m gonna do, Kev. Next week, you’ll have a match against an opponent of my choosing. If you win that match, you’ll get your title match. But if you don’t… you’ll be at the back of the line. So you two kids play nice, and I’ll see you both next week.
Austin smiled, and as his music hit, he walked back through the curtain. Jericho and Owens stared one another down as Warfare went to a commercial break.
Christy Hemme: The following King of the Ring tournament match is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Battle Creek, Michigan, weighing 235 pounds, ROB VAN DAM!
“RE! SPECT! WALK!” The hardcore legend walks out to a great ovation. He bobs his head to his classic ECW theme song by Pantera and slaps hands with fans on his way to the ring.
Joey Styles: Here comes Mr. Monday Night!
Corey Graves: I know you’re excited to see your old friend here tonight, Joey, but try to remain impartial.
Joey Styles: Rob Van Dam defeated Finn Balor in the qualifying rounds to get here tonight, and he is facing a man he has already had many encounters with in the past.
Corey Graves: This is an important match, Joey, these are two of the most experienced names in the entire tournament, you have to think that the winner of this bracket is a heavy favorite to reach the finals.
The calculated chaos of A Perfect Circle’s “Counting Bodies Like Sheep” sends ripples through the arena and the crowd jumps to their feet.
Christy Hemme: And his opponent, from Saint Louis, Missouri, weighing in at 245 pounds, RANDY ORTON!
A huge ovation greets the EBWF mainstay as he slowly marches out of the entryway and down the ramp.
Joey Styles: I would say this man is ALREADY a favorite to reach the finals. He’s done it before, going back to back in 2013 and 2014.
DING DING!
The crowd was split between “RVD” and “RKO” chants. Orton went for a lock up, but caught a roundhouse kick to the gut. Van Dam followed that up with some more kicks, rolled over Orton’s back and delivered a back suplex. He pointed his thumbs to himself to encourage more cheers, then picked up Orton. Orton kicked RVD in the gut and threw him between the ropes onto the apron, pulling him into DDT position. Van Dam fought out and slid to the floor. Orton looked at him and pointed his own thumbs at himself to bigger cheers.
Joey Styles: Randy Orton engaging in a little game of one-upmanship.
Corey Graves: RVD would be very lucky to have caught the Viper in a playful mood tonight, otherwise things could get quite painful for him.
Orton tried to pull RVD back into the ring, Rob punched him off and slammed a shoulder into his midsection. He rolled into the ring and floored him with a dropkick, followed by a spinning legdrop. He whipping Orton into the corner, rolled across the ring, leapt onto the ropes and monkey flipped Orton out. Seeing Orton flat on his back, RVD hit the ropes looking for the rolling thunder. Orton returned to his feet and countered with the snap powerslam. Orton picked him up and threw some stiff European uppercuts then whipped him into the ropes. Orton dropped down for the backdrop, RVD caught him with a kick to the face and a lariat. He did a standing moonsault and hooked the leg.
1!
2!
Corey Graves: Orton kicks out, keeping the dream of being a three time King of the Ring alive.
Van Dam gave Orton a snapmare that left him in a seated position, and followed it with a running dropkick. He covered again for another two count. He slammed Orton closer to the corner and jumped into a splitleg moonsault. Orton got his knees up and was quick to feet to stomp RVD in the legs, then the shoulders, and finished with a jumping knee drop to the face. He looked to the crowd and threw himself to the mat to stalk RVD.
Joey Styles: The Apex Predator is coiling up, getting ready to strike! RKO!
Corey Graves: Rob pushes him off, OH! Orton just collided with the referee in the corner!
Joey Styles: Looks like they knocked heads in the impact, Orton is dazed!
RVD noticed Orton’s stunned state and rolled out to the floor to grab a chair. He brought it back into the ring and tossed it to Randy, kicking it into his face.
Joey Styles: VAN DAMINATOR!
Rob tossed the chair out of the ring and pulled the referee from the corner and up to his feet, slapping him awake. He climbed to the top rope and pointed his thumbs to himself.
Corey Graves: Rob Van Dam about to take flight for the Five Star Frogsplash!
Joey Styles: Orton to his feet! RKO! Frogsplash countered in the RKO and there’s the cover!
1!
2!
3!
DING DING!
Christy Hemme: Here is your winner, RANDYYYYY OOOORTOOOON!
Joey Styles: Another great main event to close out Warfare tonight sees Randy Orton moving on into the quarterfinals. With the King of the Ring only two weeks away, we will have to see how the rest of the field takes shape.
Corey Graves: Orton will be taking on the winner of CM Punk vs Dalton Castle next week, and we will also see Syxx versus Sami Zayn, Edge versus PJ Black, and Cesaro taking on Roman Reigns. And don’t forget the remaining quarterfinals for the Queen of the Ring, where AJ takes on Sasha Banks, and the hugely anticipated meetup between Trish Stratus and Natalya.
Joey Styles: All that and more, next week on Warfare. For Corey Graves, I’m Joey Styles, good night!
