Joey Styles: Good evening and welcome to Warfare! We are live from Toronto, Ontario, Canada!
Corey Graves: Kicking things off tonight, we've got Matt Sydal in action as he takes on Slyck Wagner Brown!
"Break the Walls Down" hit and the crowd cheered as Chris Jericho stepped out onto the stage. Jericho was dressed in his usual attire – jeans, a black leather jacket and a designer scarf. Jericho had a microphone with him, and as he entered the ring he brought the microphone to his lips.
Chris Jericho: Cut the music!
Joey Styles: Well Corey, we were supposed to see Matt Sydal versus Slyck Wagner Brown, but it looks like we're going to have to wait... because Chris Jericho has something to say!
Chris Jericho: Two weeks ago at Survivor Series, my record breaking tenth World Title reign was brought to an abrupt end when I lost to AJ Styles inside Hell in a Cell. At Fanniversary, I made history, and just one month later, I had to defend my title in one of the most violent structures known to man. So I'd like to confront the man who put me in that match... Stone Cold Steve Austin, come down to the ring so we can talk.
Jericho began pacing back and forth, waiting for Austin to come to the ring.
Chris Jericho: I don't care if we are in Canada, until I speak to Stone Cold Steve Austin, I'm not leaving this ring. I'll hijack Warfare if I have to.
The threat of hijacking Warfare seemed to have the desired effect. Moments later, "Glass Shatters" by Disturbed hit and the crowd cheered as Austin made his way to the ring. Upon entering the ring, Austin walked right up to Jericho.
Steve Austin: Well, I'm here. So let's talk, Jericho.
Chris Jericho: Do you have a problem with me, Steve?
Steve Austin: Define "problem". If by problem, you mean do I think you're an annoying SOB, then the answer to that question is yes.
Chris Jericho: It's more than that though, isn't it Steve? Why else would you have made me compete inside Hell in a Cell? You wanted me to lose the EBWF World Title, didn't you?
Steve Austin: I'm the General Manager, Chris. I don't let personal feelings get in the way of my decision making. I put you and AJ Styles in that Hell in a Cell match because I wanted to make sure the two of you had a match where there was no outside interference. You losing? That's on you. Are you saying you can't beat AJ Styles in a fair fight?
Jericho looked irate.
Chris Jericho: Of course I'm not saying that! I beat AJ Styles over 60 minutes at Fanniversary, I don't need anyone to help me beat him. And I'll prove that to you. Take Jimmy Havoc out of the World Title match at Christmas Eve of Destruction, and let me have my rematch. I deserve my rematch, and you better give it to me, or else...
Austin interrupted.
Steve Austin: Or else what? You know Chris, I don't respond kindly to threats. So I'm going to tell you what AJ Styles was told this time last year, when he wanted a World Title shot. If you want another chance to become the EBWF World Champion, you can get that title shot at Wrestlemania by winning the Royal Rumble.
Chris Jericho: What? That's ridiculous! I have the right to a rematch!
Steve Austin: Not if say you don't.
Austin grinned, which made Jericho angrier.
Chris Jericho: See? This is personal, Austin. If I'm not getting my rematch at Christmas Eve of Destruction, then I want you instead.
Steve Austin: In case you've forgotten, son, not only am I your boss, but I'm retired. I could still kick your ass, but my wrestling days are over.
Chris Jericho: Are you scared, Steve? Are you scared I would humiliate you at Madison Square Garden? Ruin your Christmas?
Steve Austin: Chris, the only thing that would ruin my Christmas is that if I didn't have any beer to drink. And I'm sure as hell not afraid of you. But if you want a match at Christmas Eve of Destruction, I do have an opponent in mind...
Chris Jericho: A stand-in? Someone who can do what you can't do any more – compete in the squared circle?
Steve Austin: Exactly. And I know just the guy. He's a good friend of mine, and he's actually here in Toronto tonight.
Jericho's anger seemed to have been replaced by curiosity?
Chris Jericho: Who?
Austin began sniffing, which seemed to confuse Jericho.
Chris Jericho: What are you doing?
Steve Austin: Don't you smell that?
Before Jericho could answer, the words "If you smell what The Rock is cooking" blasted through the PA system, and the Toronto crowd went wild as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stepped out onto the stage.
Joey Styles: Oh my god! The Rock is here in Toronto!
Corey Graves: This is the first time we've seen him in the EBWF since the Royal Rumble!
Rock strutted to the ring confidently, and upon entering the ring, Austin handed him the microphone.
The Rock: What's the matter, Chris? Not what you expected?
Chris Jericho: Actually...
The Rock: It doesn't matter what you expected! Here's what matters, Chris. You want a fight; that much is obvious. You've been refused your rematch, so you've turned your attention to Stone Cold Steve Austin instead. You challenged him, knowing full well that his wrestling days are over, but here's what you didn't know. You didn't know that The Rock was here tonight, and now you're scared. Because you know you don't have what it takes to go one on one with the Great One!
Chris Jericho: Oh I have what it takes, Rock. You want to represent Austin at Christmas Eve of Destruction? Fine by me! But I'm going to warn you, it's a decision you'll both come to regret.
The Rock was about to respond to Jericho, but Jericho slapped the microphone out of his hand! Rock, who had been wearing sunglasses, took his shades off and handed them to Stone Cold. As The Rock did so, Jericho went to cheap shot him, but Rock blocked it and countered with some right hands. Rock then pulled his arm back, hitting Jericho with a huge right hand. Jericho staggered backwards, right into a Stone Cold Stunner! The Rock then grabbed Jericho before he hit the mat, and lifted him up in the air, slamming him onto the canvas with the Rock Bottom! Rock then picked up the microphone, and stood over the fallen Jericho.
The Rock: Chris Jericho, at Christmas Eve of Destruction, The Rock is going to beat your ass all over Madision Square Garden. I'm going to remind you why they call me "The Great One". And you will never... eeeeeeeeeever... be the same, again. If ya smelllllllllllll... what The Rock... is cookin!
Rock dropped the microphone again and embraced Austin. The Rock's music hit again, and Rock and Austin exited the ring, making their way up the ramp and leaving Jericho laid out in the ring.
Joey Styles: Well Chris Jericho now knows what lies in store for him at Christmas Eve of Destruction... he's going up against The Rock!
Corey Graves: What a match that will be, Joey!
Joey Styles: And now we get the match that was supposed to open the show... Matt Sydal versus Slyck Wagner Brown!
Brown came to the ring first, then Sydal came out. When both superstars were in the ring, the referee called for the bell. Brown hit Sydal with a kick to the midsection then whipped him against the ropes, going for a leg lariat. Sydal ducked out of the way and ran against the opposing set of ropes, before hitting a dropkick. Both men got to their feet and Sydal hit a cradle suplex, hooking the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Sydal with an early pinfall attempt!
Sydal pulled Brown to his feet and whipped him into the corner, then sat him on the top turnbuckle. Sydal climbed the ropes, hitting Brown with a Frankensteiner! Brown was laid out on the mat and Sydal climbed to the top rope once more, this time hitting the Shooting Sydal Press! He hooked the leg once more – 1... 2... 3!
Joey Styles: It's over! Matt Sydal beats Slyck Wagner Brown in mere minutes!
Corey Graves: Very impressive!
As Warfare returned from a commercial break, "Fight" by CFO$ hit and the crowd cheered as Kevin Owens stepped out onto the stage. Owens was wearing a black and grey "KO" shirt and black shorts. Owens ignored the crowd as he walked down the ramp. Upon entering the ring he grabbed a microphone from ring announcer Christy Hemme, then when his music was cut, he began to speak.
Kevin Owens: Thank you for that warm welcome. If you're cheering me because I'm Canadian, you should know that I'm from Quebec. I actually hate Toronto.
Inevitably, that drew boos from the crowd. Owens shrugged, then continued speaking.
Kevin Owens: Last week on Warfare, I said I was going to prove myself. And that's exactly what I did. I dominated Slyck Wagner Brown, and showed everybody what I'm capable of. I talked about fighting my way to the top, but I impressed myself so much, I think I'm ready for a chance to be the top guy. I think – no, I know – that I deserve a chance to be the EBWF World Champion. Jimmy Havoc just lost to Roman Reigns, and he's getting a World Title shot. I'm better than Roman Reigns, I'm better than Jimmy Havoc, and I want to prove than I'm better than our esteemed World Champion, AJ Styles. So tonight, I'm calling you out, AJ. I'm challenging you to put your title on the line against me.
Joey Styles: Kevin Owens is calling out the EBWF World Champion!
Owens paced back and forth, waiting for Styles to respond to his challenge. "Say It To My Face" hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Alex Riley headed to the ring, accompanied by The Miz. Riley brought a microphone with him, and when his music was cut, he addressed Kevin Owens.
Alex Riley: You win one match and you think you deserve a World Title shot? Wow... you're more arrogant that my manager. And he's one of the most arrogant people that I know.
Riley slapped Miz on the back playfully. Miz glared at him.
Alex Riley: Something else you and Miz have in common, you both seem to love the sound of your own voice. I shut Miz up by beating him at Fanniversary, and tonight I'm going to shut you up by beating you. You want a match tonight, Kevin? I'm challenging you to a fight.
Kevin Owens: Really?
Owens said the world "really" in a different tone, mimicking Miz. He then shook his head.
Kevin Owens: I'm a prize-fighter, Riley. And you don't have a prize. I could fight you, I could beat you, I could powerbomb you onto the ring apron and take you out like I did to PJ Black... I'm sure your "manager" would love that. But what's in it for me? Nothing. Because you're nothing. AJ Styles... he's something. So I don't want to fight you, A-Ri. I want to fight the EBWF World Champion, so I can beat him and take his title.
Just as Riley was about to respond to Owens, "Phenomenal" by CFO$ hit and the crowd cheered as the EBWF World Champion, AJ Styles, stepped out onto the stage. Styles was wearing his ring gear and a black leather hooded jacket; he had the World Title wrapped around his waist. Styles looked confident as he made his way down the ramp. Upon entering the ring, Styles stood between Owens, Riley and Miz, looking back and forth between the three of them. Once his music stopped, Styles turned his attention to Kevin Owens.
AJ Styles: Well hey there, Mr. Big Shot! You beat Slyck Wagner Brown and you think that makes you worthy of a World Title shot? I had to fight, scratch and claw to get a title match, and when I got my shot at the World Title, I took it. That's why I stand before you as a five-time EBWF World Champion. So if you want a title match, you have to earn it. But I'll give you a fight. And if you beat me... then once I've taken care of Jimmy Havoc at Christmas Eve of Destruction, I'll give you that title match you crave so badly.
Kevin Owens: As long as I get a chance to beat you, AJ, that's all I need. And if I beat you in a non-title match before you'll put that big gold belt on the line, that's fine by me.
Alex Riley: Hey, wait! What about me?!
Owens and Styles both turned their attention to Alex Riley, but before either of them could say respond to him, the sound of shattered glass blasted through the arena. The crowd cheered once more as the EBWF General Manager, Stone Cold Steve Austin, walked through the curtain. Austin stopped at the top of the ramp, looking at the four men in the ring. When his music was cut, Austin addressed the four men from the stage.
Steve Austin: I swear to god I am so sick of people forgetting who calls the shots around here. There's only one person who has the authority to make matches, and that's Stone Cold Steve Austin. AJ's right, Kevin. One victory does not give you the right to a World Title match. But you've got two people stood in that ring with you who quite clearly want to kick your ass... and that's a match I'd like to see.
Owens looked furious.
Kevin Owens: A handicap match? Are you kidding me? That's ridiculous!
Steve Austin: Who said anything about a handicap match? You didn't let me finish. I'm going to put you in a match against AJ Styles and Alex Riley, but it won't be a handicap match... it's going to be a tag team match. And your partner is going to be none other than the number one contender for the EBWF World Title, Jimmy Havoc!
The crowd cheered with excitement.
Corey Graves: I think we've just found out what our main event is going to be tonight, Joey! Kevin Owens and Jimmy Havoc versus Alex Riley and the EBWF World Champion, AJ Styles!
"Glass Shatters" by Disturbed hit and Austin walked back through the curtain. Styles, Riley and Owens continued to stare one another down as Warfare went to a commercial break.
Baron Corbin was first to the ring, followed by the IC Champion, Roman Reigns. The two men began trading punches, doing a series of chain wrestling until Baron got the upper hand, beating down Reigns and whipping him into the corner. Corbin ran at Reigns, but ran into the bad end of a superman punch! Reigns took the pin and got the 1..2..3!
Corey Graves: It’s over!
Joey Styles: The IC Champion has beaten the Breakout Champion in a great matchup here tonight.
GLORIOUS! Blasted the PA system as fans got up out of their seats, as it was time for Bobby Roode’s third open challenge in the EBWF, following on from his victories over Johnny Knockout and then Americo last week. The lights turned to a dark blue shade as Roode emerged on the stage in another expensive-looking robe, with his eyes shut and soaking in the atmosphere. He turned around and showed of the glorious stitching before walking down the ramp as his music kicked in.
Corey Graves: This is it, week three of the Bobby Roode open challenge! I can’t wait to see which elite athlete we will see tonight!
Joey Styles: There’s something that’s telling me that tonight we’ll get some real competition, but then again, it is Bobby Roode, so I won’t be surprised by anything now.
Christy Hemme: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is an open challenge, scheduled for one fall! Making his way to the ring, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at 235 pounds…the glorious…Bobby Roode!
Roode gracefully got into the ring, making sure his robe didn’t touch the steel steps on his way in. He raised his arms as the fans continue to eat up his entrance music, before raising his arm to the guys in the truck to stop his music, and putting his hand forward for a microphone before beginning to talk over the fans.
Bobby Roode: Tonight you guys are in for a real treat. If you thought these last two weeks were tough tests, then tonight, I don’t know…maybe this incredible streak will be coming to an end. Let’s not forget, I’ve had to jump through hoops in two of the most hard-fought wins you’ll ever see in this company. But I fought through the adversity, I fought through these…these…these challenges that nobody else on the roster can accomplish and I thrived in the most glorious fashion possible.
Roode circled the ring ad took off his robe, before continuing.
Bobby Roode: I seriously thought calling it off this week, use this week to rest and recuperate the injuries I sustained and the knocks I took. But hey, let’s face it, this show needs me by the looks of things. I know what you’re all wondering, just who is it that will step into this ring with me, push me to my limits and make a name for themselves.
Poorly produced theme music hit the PA system, as Roode looked on in fake confusion with a scrawny, skateboard/geek emerging on stage with ‘Curtis Cole’ written on his tank top; and jogging down to the ring. He didn’t even let Christy Hemme announce his name, as he dived right into the match by raining down punches on Roode as he fell into the corner with the referee ringing the bell.
Joey Styles: It looks like we have a fight on our hands!
The referee split them up as Roode got up, and hit him with a vicious clothesline from behind. He gloated for a second, holding his jaw in agony as he started to rain down with some vicious kicks, before picking him up and throwing him into the steel post. Roode then hit a huge Glorious Bomb on him after picking up his lifeless, scrawny body, and instead of going for the regular cover, he put his foot on the kid’s chest, with his arms spread out wide and closing his eyes, picking up the win.
Corey Graves: There it is! 3 and 0!
Joey Styles: One of these days, I hope somebody at the back decides to come and put an end to all of this.
The referee raised Roode’s arm in victory as he shook his head in disappointment, leaving a broken Curtis Cole in the middle of the ring.
Joey Styles: And now it's time for our main event... Kevin Owens teams with Jimmy Havoc to take on Alex Riley and the EBWF World Champion, AJ Styles!
"Fight" by CFO$ hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Owens made his way to the ring. When Owens was in the ring, "The Broken" by Lit hit and the crowd booed as Jimmy Havoc headed to the ring, accompanied by Baron Corbin. "Say It To My Face" hit and the crowd began cheering as Alex Riley headed to the ring, accompanied by The Miz. Finally, "Phenomenal" by CFO$ hit and the crowd went wild as the EBWF World Champion stepped out onto the stage. When Styles had joined Riley, Havoc and Owens in the ring, the referee called for the bell. Owens turned to Havoc, mouthing the words "I got this", then challenged Styles to start the match with him. Styles obliged, and the two men locked up. Owens applied a headlock, but Styles broke out of it and whipped Owens against the ropes. As Owens ran back towards him, Styles hit a dropkick, then as both men got to their feet, Styles set him up for a brainbuster. Owens blocked it, countering with a suplex. Owens stomped on Styles several times, then pulled him to his feet and hit a series of right hands. Owens dragged Styles to the corner, slamming his head against the turnbuckle, before tagging in Jimmy Havoc. As Havoc entered the ring, Owens said to him "let's see what you got kid".
Joey Styles: Noticeable tension here between Kevin Owens and Jimmy Havoc!
Corey Graves: That's because Owens thinks he should be in Havoc's spot, Joey! And I can't say I blame him.
Havoc smirked at Owens, then kicked Styles in the corner several times. Havoc put his foot on AJ's throat, choking the World Champion, but the referee ordered Havoc to retract his foot. Havoc obliged and pulled Styles out of the corner, lifting him up and hitting the Death Valley Driver. Havoc hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Havoc sat Styles up, applying a sleeper hold, but Styles fought out of it and both men got to their feet. Styles and Havoc exchanged right hands back and forth, and after gaining the upper hand, Havoc whipped Styles against the ropes. As Styles ran back towards him, Havoc went for a clothesline, but Styles ducked out of the way, then hit the Pele Kick! Both men got to their feet and Styles springboarded over Havoc, hitting him with an inverted DDT. Styles hooked the leg – 1... 2... Havoc kicked out! As Styles got to his feet, Riley held out his hand for the tag. Styles tagged in Alex Riley, who entered the ring energetically. He ran towards Havoc, hitting him with several right hands in quick succession, then whipped him against the ropes, hitting an arm drag. Havoc got to his feet and Riley whipped him against the ropes once more, this time hitting a spinebuster.
Joey Styles: Great energy here from A-Ri!
Riley stomped on Havoc several times, trying to keep him grounded. Owens began yelling at Riley from the ring apron, trying to distract him. Riley reacted, shouting to Owens "you want some?" The distraction allowed Havoc time to recover, and as Riley turned his attention back to Havoc, the former Intercontinental Champion hit him with a forearm smash, dazing the Boston College alumnus. Havoc took advantage, hitting Riley with the Roaring Elbow! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Riley kicked out! As Havoc got to his feet, Kevin Owens tagged himself in. Havoc looked aggrieved, but Owens simply shrugged, telling Havoc "my turn". Havoc nodded, patting Owens on the back as he exited the ring, but the tension between the two men was noticeable. Owens pulled Riley to his feet, whipping him into the corner where AJ Styles was stood on the ring apron. Owens shouted to AJ "I don’t want him, I want you", then waited for Styles to tag himself in. Styles tagged Riley and jumped over the ropes, charging towards Owens and taking him down with a clothesline. Owens got to his feet and Styles hit an Enzuigiri, then set Owens up for the Styles Suplex Special. Owens broke out of it, then went for a superkick. Styles went for a superkick at the same time, and the two men ended up superkicking each other!
Corey Graves: Both men might be out cold!
The referee began the ten count, but as he reached the count of five, both men began to stir. Styles got to his feet first, and as Owens got up, Styles tried to set him up for the Styles Clash. Owens countered with a back body drop, then whipped Styles against the ropes, setting him up for the Pop Up Powerbomb. Styles countered with a hurricanrana, rolling Owens up! The referee counted – 1... 2... Owens kicked out! As both men got to their feet, Owens cried out in frustration, then shoved Styles into the referee! Owens lifted Styles over his shoulder, setting him up for the back to belly piledriver, but Styles wriggled free, then hit Owens with a spinning kick. Styles then moved onto the ring apron, readying himself for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Havoc hit him with a stiff kick, causing Styles to fall to the outside! Alex Riley then ran across the ring, knocking Havoc to the outside!
Joey Styles: The fight is spilling outside the ring!
Styles and Havoc began brawling outside the ring, but Baron Corbin came to Havoc's aid, and the two men double-teamed Styles. In the ring, Kevin Owens had attacked Alex Riley, but Riley fought back, hitting Owens with a DDT. Riley then saw Styles being beaten down and exited the ring to help Styles, yelling at The Miz to get involved. Reluctantly, Miz obliged, and Owens then exited the ring, evening the odds.
Corey Graves: This has turned into a six man brawl! Tensions running high here in Toronto!
Corbin took care of The Miz, throwing him into the steel steps. Riley then grabbed Baron Corbin, slamming his head against the ring post before lifting hitting him with the Skull Crushing Finale! Riley's celebration was short-lived as Kevin Owens attacked him, hitting a pumphandle neckbreaker. Owens then went to powerbomb Riley against the ring apron, but before he could do so, Styles hit him with another superkick! Styles then turned around... and was hit in the face with the World Title by Jimmy Havoc! Havoc placed the title underneath the turnbuckles, then threw Styles into the ring. Havoc entered the ring, grabbing Styles and setting him up for the Acid Rainmaker... but Styles ducked out of it, then hit Havoc with a Styles Clash!
Joey Styles: Styles Clash! The match might be ruled a no contest, but AJ Styles has come out on top.
Corey Graves: Will he do the same at Christmas Eve of Destruction inside one of the most famous arenas in the world... Madison Square Garden?
"Phenomenal" blasted through the PA system and Styles grabbed his championship, climbing the turnbuckle and holding the World Title in the air. Styles then exited the ring and made his way up the ramp as Warfare went off the air.
