Joey Styles: Good evening and welcome to Warfare! We are live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California!
Corey Graves: Kicking things off tonight, we've got women's action as Nikki Cross takes on the 2016 Queen of the Ring, Alexa Bliss!
"Glasgow Cross" by CFO$ hit and Nikki made her way to the ring first. Alexa came out next, with both women receiving a mixed reaction from the crowd. Once Alexa had entered the ring, the referee called for the bell and the two women locked up. Alexa applied a headlock but Nikki broke free, and she whipped Alexa against the ropes before taking her down with an arm drag. Alexa got to her feet and Nikki hit a snapmare, then stomped on Alexa several times. She pulled Alexa to her feet and whipped her into the corner, then ran at her, hitting a forearm smash. As Alexa staggered out of the corner, Nikki grabbed her and hit a straitjacket hangman neckbreaker. She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: A strong start from Nikki Cross!
Corey Graves: Aggressive offence from the Glaswegian as always, Joey!
Nikki got to her feet and stomped on Alexa several times, then pulled Alexa to her feet and set her up for a suplex. Alexa blocked it, countering with a suplex of her own. Both women got to their feet and Alexa whipped Nikki against the ropes, before hitting a dropkick. As both women got to their feet, Alexa grabbed Nikki, hitting a chokehold STO then following it up with the Insult to Injury! She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Another near fall! This time Alexa gets the two count!
Alexa pulled Nikki to her feet, but Nikki shoved her away, then hit a series of punches. Nikki hit a kick to the midsection, then lifted Alexa onto her shoulders, but Alexa wriggled free and grabbed Nikki, hitting a DDT. Alexa climbed the turnbuckle and went for the Twisted Bliss... but Nikki moved out of the way at the last second! As Alexa hit the mat, Nikki grabbed her, locking in the Crossface! Alexa was unable to get to the ropes, and she tapped out!
Joey Styles: Oh my god! Nikki Cross just made Alexa tap out!
Corey Graves: Nikki is now 3 and 0... if she can keep this up, surely it's only a matter of time before she earns a shot at the Women's Title!
Nikki celebrated as Warfare went to a commercial break.
Joey Styles: Up next, two former Shield members go head to head as Roman Reigns takes on Dean Ambrose!
Ambrose came to the ring first, followed by Roman Reigns. When both men were in the ring, the referee called for the bell. Ambrose and Reigns exchanged right hands back and forth, and after gaining the upper hand, Ambrose whipped Reigns against the ropes. Ambrose took Reigns down with a Thesz press, punched him against the mat several times, then pulled him to his feet and hit the Dirty Deeds! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Corey Graves: It's over! Dean Ambrose gets the victory!
As Warfare returned from a commercial break, Zahra Schreiber was on her way to the ring for the next match.
Joey Styles: Welcome back! Up next, more women's action as Sasha Banks competes for the first time since winning the Queen of the Ring tournament! "The Boss" will go one on one with Zahra Schreiber.
When Zahra was in the ring, "Sky's the Limit" by CFO$ hit and Sasha got a mixed reaction from the crowd as she headed down the ramp. Once she was in the ring and her music had been cut, the referee called for the bell. Sasha charged towards Zahra, taking her down with a clothesline. Zahra got to her feet and Sasha went to whip her against the ropes, but Zahra reversed it, sending Sasha into the ropes then hitting a dropkick. As both women got to their feet, Zahra speared Sasha down to the mat and punched her against the ring mat several times. Sasha rolled Zahra over and fought back with some right hands of her own. Sasha got to her feet, then when Zahra was up, she hit a roundhouse kick. Zahra got back to her feet and Sasha went for a snapmare, but Zahra blocked it, countering with a reverse DDT. Sasha got to her feet and Zahra set her up for a suplex, but Sasha blocked it, countering with a neckbreaker. She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Sasha with a near fall!
Sasha pulled Zahra to her feet and whipped her against the ropes, then took her down with an arm drag. Zahra got to her feet once more and Sasha whipped her into the corner, before charging towards her and hitting a high knee. Zahra staggered out of the corner and Sasha lifted her up, trapping her between the turnbuckles. She went to the top rope and hit a diving double knee drop, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: Another near fall! Sasha is in control here!
Sasha got to her feet and stomped on Zahra several times, then pulled Zahra to her feet and lifted her onto her shoulders, setting Zahra up for a fireman's carry slam. Zahra wriggled free and landed on her feet behind Sasha, lifting her up for a back drop. Both women got to their feet and Zahra went for a jawbreaker, but Sasha blocked it, then hit a snap suplex. Both women got to their feet and Sasha got behind Zahra, hit a double knee backbreaker, then transitioned it into the Bank Statement! Zahra tapped out and the referee called for the bell. Sasha broke the hold and got to her feet, smiling as the referee raised her arm in victory.
Joey Styles: It's over! Sasha Banks gets the victory!
Corey Graves: What a performance from "The Boss", Joey!
Sasha celebrated, then made her way to the back as Zahra recovered in the ring.
Joey Styles: Still to come, The Miz takes on Bobby Roode in our main event. Up first though, Jimmy Havoc is in action against Tommaso Ciampa!
Ciampa came to the ring first to a mixed reaction from the crowd. "I Hope You Suffer" by AFI hit and the crowd cheered as Jimmy Havoc made his way to the ring. When Havoc was in the ring, the referee called for the bell, and the two superstars exchanged right hands back and forth. Havoc was able to gain the upper hand and he took Ciampa down with a clothesline, then stomped on him several times. He pulled Ciampa to his feet and hit a double underhook backbreaker, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Ciampa kicked out! Havoc pulled Ciampa to his feet and went to whip him against the ropes, but Ciampa reversed the Irish whip, sending Havoc into the ropes. As Havoc ran back towards him, Ciampa hit a high knee, knocking Havoc down to the mat. Ciampa turned Havoc over and tried to apply the Fujiwara armbar, but Havoc broke free before Ciampa could lock it in, then got to his feet. The two men exchanged right hands back and forth furiously, and once again, Havoc gained the upper hand. He lifted Ciampa over his shoulders, hitting the Death Valley Driver. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: So close to a three count! Jimmy Havoc has been dominating this match so far!
Havoc pulled Ciampa to his feet and went for the Acid Rainmaker... but Ciampa ducked out of the way and countered with a neckbreaker! Both men got to their feet and Ciampa set Havoc up for Project Ciampa, but Havoc countered with a back body drop. As Ciampa got to his feet, Havoc hit a discus elbow smash, leaving Ciampa dazed. Havoc hit a German suplex, then turned Ciampa over and applied the Muta Lock!
Joey Styles: Havoc calls that the Suicide Silence! Will it be enough to make Ciampa tap?
Ciampa cried out in pain and stretched out his hand, reaching for the ropes. He couldn't get to them, and as Havoc applied more pressure, Ciampa tapped! The referee called for the bell and raised Havoc's arm in victory.
Corey Graves: What a win from Jimmy Havoc! That's put a fine start on his road to Summerslam!
Joey Styles: Tapping out Tommaso Ciampa! That's sure to send a message to PJ Black!
As the crowd cheered and Ciampa rolled out the ring, Jimmy jumped down from the turnbuckle and motioned for a microphone. Christy Hemme obliged and handed him one; he took the microphone and regained his breath.
Jimmy Havoc: I just wanted to say thank you. To each and every single one of you for sticking by me through everything and come Summerslam all that will be rewarded because that Championship is not just mine, it's yours too. A lot of people booed me at the start but I still heard some cheers and I'm so bloody grateful right now. To you guys, to Seth Rollins, Baron Corbin, Wes Ikeda, Braun Strowman and I want to thank one more man… Chris Jericho. Chris helped me see how good I actually can be just by trying to hold me down because why would someone like Chris go through all that effort? I am going to become World Champion at Summerslam all because of Chris Jericho.
Jimmy smiled.
Jimmy Havoc: ...and it's killing him inside.
Jimmy laughed and was about to leave the ring when “Break the Walls Down” by Jim Johnston echoed throughout the arena. The General Manager stepped out onto the stage, microphone in hand.
Chris Jericho: I think you’re confused, Jimmy. When you get to the back, get yourself checked for a concussion, because you seem to have forgotten that a few weeks ago, I told you that you deserved to win King of the Ring and congratulated you. You also appear to have forgotten that if it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t even be able to compete at Summerslam. Braun Strowman was about to do some serious damage to you, and I put a stop to it. I protected you, and I protected our Summerslam main event.
Jimmy scoffed.
Jimmy Havoc: What happened to you man? What happened to fight no matter what? Braun Strowman would've killed me out there but I would've came out on top because I have heart and that's what matters. You're a coward and an arsehole. You are the only ten time World Champion in EBWF history and don't get me wrong, I sure as hell respect that but what if the towel had been thrown in for you? Makes it not worth it anymore, to be here when you know that you can't fight for what you want. I wanted that Tag Team Championship the same way I want that World Championship and you took that from me, all to protect me?! Braun Strowman could've done whatever to me but I was carrying that title out. Fractured skull, broken arm, broken leg, it doesn't matter. I would've shown up tonight and at Summerslam, and embarrassed whoever turned up.
Chris Jericho: No, Havoc, what would have been embarrassing would be for you go to Summerslam in a wheelchair because you’re too stupid to know when you’re beat. I may be an asshole, but I’m not a coward. There’s a difference between being brave and being foolish, and I know which one you are.
Jimmy Havoc: You're not a coward? Well why don't you go get your boots…
The crowd popped.
Jimmy Havoc: and your tights and your shitty little scarf and make your entrance next week on Warfare against me?!
The crowd cheered loudly. Jericho was about to respond when “Fight” by CFO$ hit and Kevin Owens walked through the curtain. Owens said something to Jericho, who nodded, then walked to down the ramp. Owens grabbed a microphone from ringside and entered the ring, pointing at Havoc has he did so.
Kevin Owens: How dare you, Havoc? How dare you talk to our General Manager like that? And to challenge him to fight you… you really are a stupid idiot. I think Chris was right, you need to get yourself checked for a concussion. The reason Chris is the General Manager is because our last GM kept getting involved in physical altercations, and he put a stop to it. Now every single person in this arena knows that Chris Jericho would destroy you, but as long as he’s the General Manager, he won’t be wrestling anybody. Isn’t that right, Chris?
Jericho nodded.
Chris Jericho: I wish I could, but as GM it would be unprofessional for me to compete.
Kevin Owens: But if you want a fight next week… my shirt doesn’t say “Fight Owens Fight” for nothing.
Jimmy Havoc: The only way that shirt would mean anything is if it said “Eat Owens Eat”. Get out of here Kev and let the grown-ups talk would you, why don't you go back to being under Sami Zayn’s boot huh?
Kevin Owens: Oh I see you’re going for the fat jokes, which is nice if you’re 12 I suppose. And guess what? You’re wrong again! Sami isn’t here tonight because while you were getting your ass handed to you by Braun Strowman, I beat Sami Zayn in a last man standing match!
Just when it looked like Owens and Havoc were going to come to blows, Jericho spoke again and both superstars turned their attention to the stage.
Chris Jericho: That’s right, Kevin. You did beat Sami Zayn in a last man standing match at Sacrifice, and it was one hell of a match. So Jimmy, since you don’t need protecting, next week you’re going to face Kevin Owens… and it will be a last man standing match!
Jimmy Havoc: Good! Oh and Chris, don't get involved again. For mine or Kevin's sake, this one is to the death I swear to god.
Jimmy threw the mic down and squared up to Kevin Owens.
Kevin Owens: To the death, you say? Be careful what you wish for, Jimmy.
Owens smirked, dropped the microphone, then exited the ring.
Joey Styles: Well there you have it… next week, it’s going to be Kevin Owens versus Jimmy Havoc in a last man standing match!
Warfare went to a commercial break as Owens walked back up the ramp.
“Glorious!” Bobby Roode came to the staging area as the main event was underway.
Joey Styles: And we’re ready for the main event. The Miz has been on quite the tear!
“I Came to Play” brought the arrival of The Miz and he joined Roode in the ring. Christy Hemme made her announcements, and the bell rang. Roode and Miz locked up. Roode forced Miz into the ropes. He then gave Miz a pat on the chest and backed away. Roode tried to do his glorious taunt but Miz picked Roode up for the SCF. Roode escaped and went to the outside. Roode got back in the ring and locked in a side headlock. Roode floored Miz with a back elbow, and then hit the ropes. He ate a back elbow from Miz. Miz locked in a side headlock but Roode pushed him into the corner. Miz turned Roode around and landed a chop. DDT by Miz. Miz kicked Roode in the back, then hit a big spinning heel kick to his shoulders. Miz jumped over Roode and kicked him in the face. Miz did the glorious taunt to Roode. Roode tried to attack Itami but Itami kneed Roode in the gut.
Corey Graves: The audacity of the Miz.
Joey Styles: Always riding that fine line between bad guy and good guy, Corey.
Roode managed to kick Miz in the chest. Roode hit a blockbuster off the top for a near fall. Roode rained down punches to Miz’s body. Roode choked Miz on the middle rope. Roode kicked the middle rope into Miz’s throat. Rear chin lock by Roode. Miz tried to fight out of it but Roode leveled Miz with a knee to the gut. Roode set up a neck breaker. Miz countered it into a backslide for a two count.
Joey Styles: That was close!
Roode clotheslined Miz, but Miz kicked out at two. Roode bad mouthed Miz. Miz popped up and slapped the taste out of Roode’s mouth. Roode kicked Miz in the chest. Miz whipped Roode into the corner and followed up with a strike combo followed by a suplex. Miz went to the top for a flying clothesline. Miz went for the pin. Roode kicked out at two. Miz called for the SCF. Roode countered with elbows. Roode charged Miz but he moved out of the way. Roode landed shoulder first into the ring post and stumbled out right into the Skull Crushing Finale! Miz went for the pin.
1….
2….
3!
Corey Graves: The Miz has done it! That’s a victory over Roode.
“I Came to Play” filled the arena as Miz celebrated in the ring and Warfare went off the air.
