BBBRRRAAAAAAUUUUUUNNN!
"I Am Stronger" by CFO$ hit and the crowd booed as Braun Strowman made his way to the ring.
Joey Styles: Good evening and welcome to Warfare! I'm Joey Styles, and tonight we're kicking things off with Braun Strowman as he takes on Luke Gallows.
Corey Graves: Strowman has promised to take out the Bullet Club one by one... he's already beaten Finn Balor and Karl Anderson, can he add Gallows to that list tonight?
When Strowman was in the ring, "Shot Em" by [Q]Brick hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Luke Gallows headed to the ring. As Gallows entered the ring, the referee called for the bell.
Gallows ran at Strowman, going for a clothesline, but Strowman countered with a clothesline of his own.
Joey Styles: Strowman almost took Luke Gallows' head off!
Gallows was disorientated as he got to his feet, and Strowman lifted him over his shoulders, hitting a Running Powerslam! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Corey Graves: I don't believe it, Joey! Braun Strowman just beat Luke Gallows in less than a minute!
The referee called for the bell and raised Strowman's arm in victory.
Joey Styles: Up next, we've got women's action as Eva Marie takes on Rebel!
"Cherry Pie" by Warrant hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Rebel made her way to the ring. When Rebel was in the ring, "Time to Rise" by CFO$ hit and the crowd booed as Eva Marie stepped out onto the stage. Eva walked around the ring as she reached the bottom of the ramp, glaring at Corey Graves before entering the ring.
Corey Graves: I'm sorry Eva! Forgive me!
Once Eva was in the ring, the referee called for the bell and the two women locked up. Eva applied a headlock, but Rebel fought out of it, whipping Eva against the ropes. As Eva ran back towards her, Rebel went for a clothesline, but Eva ducked out of the way, then grabbed Rebel from behind, taking her down with a Russian legsweep. Eva stomped on Rebel several times, then pulled her to her feet, whipping her into the corner. Eva ran at Rebel and hit a handspring back elbow, then as Rebel staggered out of the corner, Eva set her up for a suplex. Rebel blocked it, countering with a reverse STO into the corner! She pulled Eva away from the ropes and hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: Great back and forth action so far!
Rebel got to her feet and went to apply a single leg Boston crab, but before she could lock it in, Eva kicked her away and got back to her feet. Eva ran at Rebel, taking her down with a spear then punching her against the mat several times. She pulled Rebel to her feet and hit a snapmare, then ran against the ropes, hitting a running senton. She covered Rebel and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Eva pulled Rebel to her feet once more, whipped her against the ropes before hitting a shoulder block. Rebel got back to her feet and Eva went for a big boot, but Rebel ducked out of the way, then hit a roundhouse kick. Rebel went to apply the Rebel Yell, but before she could lock it in, Eva rolled out of the ring. As the referee began counting her out, Eva re-entered the ring, and Rebel whipped her against the ropes, then lifted her up for a scoop slam. Eva countered with a headscissors takedown, then grabbed Rebel, running towards the corner and hitting the Sliced Red #2! She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Corey Graves: It's over! An impressive performance from Eva Marie, who gets the victory!
Corey got to his feet and applauded as the referee called for the bell. Eva celebrated as Warfare went to a commercial break.
As Warfare returned from a commercial break, the ring was set up for Miz TV. The red carpet had been rolled out, there was a TV with the “Miz TV” logo on the screen, and three stools were in place for The Miz and his guests. “I Came To Play” by Downstait hit and the crowd booed as The Miz made his way to the ring, accompanied by the Varsity Club. While Alex Riley, Titus O’Neil and Darren Young were wearing their Varsity Club jackets, The Miz was dressed in a suit. As the Varsity Club reached the bottom of the ramp, Riley and the Prime Time Players remained at ringside, while Miz entered the ring. His music was cut and the host of Miz TV began to speak.
The Miz: Welcome to the most must-see talk show in EBWF history, Miz TV. My guests this evening have a long, storied history… former best friends turned bitter enemies. One of them is the reigning King of the Ring and a former World Champion, Sami Zayn. The other is… well, he’s an EBWF Superstar whose only accomplishment to date is clearing catering out of curly fries. Introducing first, the King of the Buffet, Kevin Owens!
“Fight” by CFO$ hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Kevin Owens made his way to the ring. Owens was wearing a black and red shirt that said “The Kevin Owens Show” and matching black and red shorts. Owens smirked at Miz as he entered the ring, showing the host he wasn’t going to be affected by Miz’s verbal jibes. As Owens took a seat on one of the stools, his music was cut.
The Miz: And my second guest, the man who makes up for what he lacks in charisma with his in ring talent… Sami Zayn!
“World’s Apart” by CFO$ eventually hit the PA system as the fans inside of the arena erupted in cheers. Sami finally appeared through the curtains, but it was rare occasion that fans didn’t witness his usual singing and dancing routine on his way down to the ring. Instead, he had a serious look on his face, a mix of seriousness and nerves as he looked around at the fans and slowly started to make his way down the ramp. He kept his eyes locked on Owens inside of the ring as he slowly walked up the steel steps, before turning his attention to each member of the Varsity Club. As he got into the ring, he made sure he watched his own back, knowing the odds were against him inside of that ring. Again, his eyes remained on Owens as Sami pulled the stool away from his former best friend, trying to sit as far away from his as possible, picking up a microphone as he took his seat.
The Miz: My oh my, so much tension! Are you okay, Sami? Did Kevin clear out catering before you could eat anything again?
Although there were some laughs from the crowd at The Miz’s jokes aimed at Owens, Sami looked straight at Kevin, raising his microphone as he answered The Miz.
Sami Zayn: You know, Miz, as much as I’d love to sit here and talk down this despicable excuse for a human being opposite me, even I’m not ignorant enough to ignore what he’s capable of. You talk a lot, and it often gets you in trouble, but nobody on this planet knows this person better than I do, and if he wanted...he could have you flat on your back and stretchered out of this arena before you even realise what’s happening. I know what he’s like, and I know what you and the rest of your so-called Club are like. The moment you feel like it, you’ll attack me like a pack of dogs; but I’m not giving Kevin that honour, not tonight.
Kevin Owens: For the first time in a long time, I agree with Sami Zayn. Watch your mouth, Miz, or the only thing you’ll be eating tonight is a Pop Up Powerbomb.
Miz laughed.
The Miz: Very funny, Kevin. But in case you’ve forgotten, the rest of the Varsity Club is at ringside. The second you try and get physical with me, they’ll get physical with you. And I guarantee you’ll come out of that worse off than I will.
Owens shrugged, as if to show Miz he wasn’t intimidated. Miz continued talking.
The Miz: Anyway, let’s get down to business. You two have known each other for what, 14/15 years? Your wrestling careers started around the same time, you became friends, travelled the world together, and now you can’t stand each other. How did the two of you get to this point?
Kevin Owens: It’s simple really, Miz. I got tired of Sami holding me down. If you were stranded at sea and your boat was sinking, you’d throw anything you didn’t need overboard to try and stay afloat. That’s what happened with Sami and me. I was drowning, and I didn’t need the excess weight… so I threw him into the abyss.
Sami Zayn: And there you have it, the Kevin Owens everybody knows. That’s the difference between you and I, Kev, if we were stranded at sea and our boat was sinking and we were drowning, I’m the guy that would jump in there with you to save you, to help you because nobody in this arena knows what we’ve had to get through to get to the stage we’re at now. How was I supposed to know that my so-called friend didn’t feel that same way? As you said, we started our careers at the same time, travelled the world, hell...we became tag team champions! I didn’t know that this wouldn’t mean a lot to him, but it meant a lot to me to be able to do that with my best friend. Little did I know the second things aren’t going his way, he’d throw me under the bus, throw me overboard like nothing we did mattered, like it never happened in the first place. So, pardon me for not being able to stand the sight of this scumbag.
Owens laughed and shook his head.
Kevin Owens: You still haven’t learned, have you Sami? 15 years in this business, and you still don’t understand how things work. Didn’t your mom ever teach you that nice guys finish last? I’m not going to pretend you weren’t my best friend, Sami, because you were, but in the end I did what I had to do. I put myself first. Best friends is great when you want to be a Tag Champion, but I had loftier ambitions. I wanted to be the World Champion, and when you’re climbing that ladder, there’s only room for one guy. So you had to go. It wasn’t personal, it was just business.
The Miz: And yet, despite that, only one person in this ring hasn’t held the EBWF World Title. And that’s you, Kevin. How do you explain that?
Kevin Owens: Because I haven’t had a World Title match yet. Put me in a match with PJ Black, and I guarantee I’d walk out the new World Champion.
The Miz: I think the number one contender, Alex Riley, might have something to say about that.
The camera cut to Riley at ringside, who nodded.
The Miz: Maybe that’s the real reason you can’t stand Sami Zayn, Kevin. Maybe it’s jealousy because he’s accomplished more than you have. What do you think, Sami?
Sami couldn’t help but smirk as The Miz mentioned Owens not capturing the EBWF World Championship yet, but that quickly disappeared as he responded to his question.
Sami Zayn: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I agree with you, Miz. Look, my ambition in life wasn’t to be a tag team champion, why do you think I’m content that it’s a title I’ve never won here? What I loved about that was it was me and him who did that, when you have guys like Vince Russo and Jim Cornette telling you that you’ll never make it, it stood out to me as a special moment. Kev, you became Ring of Honor World Champion, something I never accomplished during my time there but did I attack you because I was jealous? Did I ditch you because I thought you’re getting far ahead of me? No, the second you walked through that curtain I was the first person that told you that you deserve it. As much as I hate you, as much as I wish I could kick that stupid face of yours to the ground right now, there’s STILL a part of me that wishes that you were able to celebrate my World Championship success with me. But, it’s a bridge we’ve crossed now and there’s nothing we can do about it. What YOU did is beyond repairable, now whatever happens between us won’t be just business...it’ll be personal.
Kevin Owens: Oh it will, will it? And what do you think is going to happen between us now, Sami?
Owens got up from the chair, getting in Sami’s face. Sami wasn’t intimidated, and slowly got out of his stool and stood toe to toe with Owens, something the fans loved as indie wrestling fans were scattered throughout the arena and knew how memorable this moment alone was. Sami took a step back as he wanted to get one more thing off his chest.
Sami Zayn: No matter what I say in this ring tonight it isn’t going to settle whatever...this is between us, it won’t end here. As much as I want to settle it, as much as I want to avoid seeing you around, as much as I hate sharing this ring with you, the only way you and I settle this is the same way we started it all; inside of this ring, one on one for the first time in EBWF.
Owens was about to respond, but before he could do so, Miz got between them.
The Miz: That sounds like a challenge! Kevin Owens, I think Sami Zayn just challenged you to a match. How do you respond?
Owens responded by shoving Miz out of the way, then getting right in Sami’s face.
Kevin Owens: Are you sure you want to challenge me, Sami? You’re right, it would be our first one on one match in EBWF… but be careful, because if you step into the ring with me, it could be your last match ever.
Sami couldn’t help but smile as he listened to Owens’ response, but was backing down from this.
Sami Zayn: That’s where you’re wrong, Kev. You’re right, I do want to challenge you to make the first ever one on one match between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in this company, but by no means will it be the last. I don’t care if you break my leg, put me in a wheelchair for six months, whatever… you and I are destined to do this forever and even though we may end whatever this is in our one on one match, you can bet your ass it’s not going to be our last. Whether we like it or not, we can’t escape from each other and this thing is only getting started when I take you on tonight.
Kevin Owens: Tonight? I’m sure the fans in Winnipeg would love to see us go one on one tonight… after all, we’re both Canadian. But if I’m going to fight you, Sami, I want to do it on a bigger stage than this. So how about we go one on one in two weeks, at Death Before Dishonor?
Sami thought about it for a second, as he was visibly ready to do battle tonight after the heated discussion, but eventually caved and agreed with his rival.
Sami Zayn: You know what, we’ve waited this long already, what’s another two weeks? Just remember, there’s no going back after this. No excuses, no backing out, you and me, one on one to find out who the better man is, and who made the better decision - you, who decided to stab me in the back. Or me, who was still by your side up until that very moment.
Kevin Owens: It doesn’t matter matter who the “better man” is, Sami. What matters is who the last man standing is.
Owens hit Zayn with the microphone, then began pummelling him with a series of punches. Zayn fought back, and Miz scrambled out of the ring, getting himself out of the way. Zayn looked to be gaining the upper hand, and Owens began to retreat, but he grabbed one of the stools and threw it at Sami Zayn. Zayn managed to dodge it, but Owens grabbed him and threw him into the Miz TV in the center of the ring! Zayn went head-first into the TV, and as he staggered backwards, Owens lifted him onto his shoulders, hitting the Pop Up Powerbomb! “Fight” by CFO$ hit and Owens stood over Sami Zayn, the made his way to the back.
Joey Styles: Up next, we've got a triple threat match. Mark Andrews versus Seth Rollins versus Cesaro... the winner challenges Enzo Amore for the Breakout Title at Death Before Dishonor!
"A House That's Not Quite Home" by Junior hit and the crowd cheered as Mark Andrews headed to the ring. "The Broken" by Lit hit and Seth Rollins also received a warm reaction from the crowd as he made his way down the ramp. Finally, "We Are The Champions" by Queen hit and the crowd continued to cheer as Cesaro stepped out onto the stage.
Corey Graves: We've got three fan favourites in this match, Joey... it will be interesting to see who this Winnipeg crowd root for!
When all three men were in the ring, the referee called for the bell. Cesaro, Rollins and Andrews glanced between one another, waiting to see who would make the first move. Andrews ran at Cesaro, but the Swiss Superman took him down with a clothesline. Rollins then went after Cesaro, hitting him with a series of punches before whipping him against the ropes. As Cesaro ran back towards him, Rollins hit Cesaro with a dropkick, but as Rollins got to his feet, Andrews grabbed him from behind, hitting an inverted facelock backbreaker. Cesaro then grabbed Andrews and lifted him up for a gut wrench powerbomb, but Andrews countered with a hurricanrana. Andrews followed it up with a standing moonsault and hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: Andrews with a near fall! Great back and forth action so far in this match!
As Andrews got to his feet, Seth Rollins took him down with a sling blade, then picked him up and tossed him out of the ring. Rollins turned his attention to Cesaro, and as Cesaro got to his feet, Rollins set him up for a turnbuckle powerbomb. As Rollins went to lift Cesaro up, Cesaro countered with a back body drop, then whipped Rollins into the corner. At this point, Mark Andrews re-entered the ring, and Cesaro whipped him into the corner across the ring from Rollins. The crowd cheered in anticipation.
Corey Graves: Climb aboard, Joey... it's time to ride the uppercut train!
Cesaro ran at Rollins and hit him with an uppercut, then ran Andrews and hit him with an uppercut. Cesaro ran at Rollins and hit another uppercut, then did the same to Andrews. Cesaro ran towards Rollins again, going for a third uppercut... but Rollins moved out of the corner, grabbed Cesaro and hit a reverse STO into the turnbuckle!
Joey Styles: Great counter by Seth Rollins!
Rollins ran at Andrews and hit him with a high knee, then threw him out of the ring once more. He turned his attention back to Cesaro, and hit the Curb Stomp! Rollins hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Corey Graves: It's over! Seth Rollins gets the victory.
"The Broken" by Lit hit and the crowd cheered as Rollins climbed the turnbuckle, raising his arms in the air and celebrating his win.
Joey Styles: Up next, it's champion versus champion as the Breakout Champion, Enzo Amore, takes on EBWF's inaugural Gateway Champion, Jimmy Havoc!
Corey Graves: We understand that Enzo and Jimmy's tag partners, Trent and Braun Strowman, have both been banned from ringside for this match. The General Manager Chris Jericho wants to make sure this match is strictly one on one!
"SAWFT is a Sin" hit and the crowd cheered as Enzo Amore made his way to the ring. When Enzo was in the ring, "I Hope You Suffer" by AFI hit and Jimmy Havoc came out to a chorus of boos. Once he got in the ring he signalled for a microphone and thus was handed one.
Jimmy Havoc: At Death Before Dishonor I face no-one because no-one is fucking good enough.
He looks and points and Enzo.
Jimmy Havoc: Do you think your good enough? I certainly dont and if you are the standard of competition then, Long Live the King of the Goths.
Once Havoc dropped his microphone, the referee called for the bell. Enzo hit Havoc with a series of punches, but Havoc fought back with some punches of his own, then kicked him in the midsection, taking him down with a DDT. Havoc stomped on Enzo several times, then hit a double foot stomp to the chest. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Havoc pulled Enzo to his feet and hit him with some more right hands, then whipped Enzo into the corner. Havoc ran at Enzo, going for a corner clothesline, but Enzo got his knees up and blocked it, then as Havoc staggered backwards, Enzo went to the top rope, hitting a diving crossbody. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Enzo got to his feet and hit Havoc with a knee drop, then sat him up and applied a headlock. Havoc fought out of it, and both men got to their feet. Enzo hit Havoc with a series of punches, then went for a clothesline, but Havoc ducked out of the way, then countered with a neckbreaker. Havoc hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: Great back and forth action so far!
Both men got to their feet, and Havoc grabbed Enzo, setting him up for the Acid Rainmaker. Enzo blocked it, then hit Havoc with a jawbreaker. Enzo went to follow it up with an enzuigiri, but Havoc blocked it, taking Enzo down to the mat. Havoc then grabbed Enzo by the legs, putting him in a Boston crab.
Corey Graves: The audacity of Jimmy Havoc... he's using the Walls of Jericho in Chris Jericho's hometown!
Enzo managed to get to the ropes, but Havoc refused to break the hold. The referee threatened to disqualify Havoc, then began the five count... Havoc broke the hold just before the count of five. He then began arguing with the referee, allowing Enzo time to recover. Enzo got to his feet and hit Havoc with a dropkick from behind, accidentally knocking him into the referee. The referee fell to the ground, and Havoc turned to face Enzo, who tried to set him up for a DDT. Havoc blocked it, then hit the Acid Rainmaker! Havoc shook the referee, telling him to wake up. As the referee began to stir, Havoc was attacked by...
Joey Styles: That's Samoa Joe!
Joe pummelled Havoc with a series of punches, then whipped him against the ropes, hitting a Samoan drop. He then hit Havoc with the Muscle Buster, and placed Enzo on top of him. As Joe exited the ring, the referee saw Enzo pinning Havoc and began counting. 1... 2... 3!
Corey Graves: Thanks to Samoa Joe, Enzo Amore has another victory over Jimmy Havoc!
The referee called for the bell, but before Enzo could celebrate, Samoa Joe re-entered the ring and grabbed Enzo, throwing him to the outside. Joe then grabbed a dazed Jimmy Havoc, putting him in the Coquina Clutch! As Joe choked Havoc out, Chris Jericho walked out onto the stage, microphone in hand.
Chris Jericho: Jimmy Havoc, you said there was no one in EBWF who had earned a shot at the Gateway Championship... well meet the guy who just did. At Death Before Dishonor, you will defend the Gateway Title against the Destroyer, Samoa Joe! And just like tonight, Braun Strowman will be banned from ringside. Your title reign ends in two weeks, Havoc.
The Primetime Players came to the ring together and Styles entered by himself, followed by the EBWF World Champion PJ Black. After announcements the bell rang and Styles tried to attack Young immediately. Young avoided him and tried to take him down with an armbar, but Styles fought it off and almost powerbombed him. Styles tried to powerbomb him again, but Young rolled off of his shoulder and tagged in Black.
Joey Styles: Here comes the champion!
Black attempted a rope dive spear, but Young got out of the way. AJ and Darren got into the ring to argue, and a big brawl broke out. The match became caotic as the referr tried to gain control, and PJ Black threw Titus out of the ring. The refree began a count to restore order, but not before AJ hit Darren with the Phenomenal Forearm! AJ rolled out of the ring to go back to his corner, and with Titus dispatched outside on the floor, PJ was able to climb up the turnbuckle for the 450 Splash! PJ went for the pin and got the 1..2..3!
Christy Hemme: Your winners AJ Styles and PJ Black!
Corey Graves: They may be a team now, but you know AJ's eyes are on that King of the Ring tournament!
Joey Styles: Can it get to the final four yet again this year? Can he win the whole thing? The first round starts next week, live on Warfare!
