MATCH ONE
Joey Styles: Good evening and welcome to Warfare! We are just six days away from Destiny and tonight, we are live from Toronto, Ontario, Canada!
Corey Graves: In our main event, Toronto's own Trish Stratus challenges Natalya for the Women's Championship... inside a steel cage!
Joey Styles: We've also got The Miz versus Tyler Breeze and a "mystery match" for Jimmy Havoc to look forward to... Up first though, more women's action as new superstars Sexy Star and Mariposa team up to take on the Mean Girls, Sasha Banks and Summer Rae!
Las Chicas Lucha game to the ring first, followed by Sasha and Summer. Sasha Banks and Mariposa started the match, locking up as Sasha applied a headlock. Mariposa broke free and pushed Sasha into the ropes, but Sasha took her down with a shoulder tackle. Mariposa got back to his feet and Sasha hit a snapmare, then followed it up with a knee drop. She tagged in Summer Rae and pulled Mariposa to her feet, holding Mariposa to her feet as Summer hit her with a kick to the ribs. As Sasha exited the ring, Summer hit a DDT and hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Great teamwork by Summer and Sasha!
Summer pulled Mariposa to her feet and set her up for a suplex, but Mariposa blocked it, countering with a suplex of her own. Both women got to their feet and Mariposa hit a reverse STO, then tagged in Sexy Star. Sexy Star went to the top rope and hit Summer with a crossbody, then went for the cover... but Summer rolled her up! The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: Summer almost stole one there!
Both men got to their feet and Star hit Summer with a series of punches, then whipped her against the ropes. As Summer ran back towards her, Sexy Star went for a clothesline, but Summer ducked out of the way, ran against the opposing set of ropes, then took Sexy Star down with a running single leg dropkick. Both women got to their feet, and Summer Rae hit the Summer Crush! She hooked the leg once more and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Corey Graves: It's over! A dominant performance by the Mean Girls!
Summer and Sasha celebrated as Warfare went to a commercial break.
Tyler Breeze was waiting in the ring when Warfare came back from commercial break. "I Came to Play" blasted throughout the arena and the EBWF Gateway Champion The Miz came to the ring.
Corey Graves: The fans are absolutely behind The Miz here tonight.
The referee rang the bell and both men locked up. Miz got the early advantage taking Breeze down with a snapmare followed by a low drop kick. Breeze got to his feet and Miz went to town on him with punches before knocking him out the ring with a big clothesline.
Joey Styles: Miz with the upper hand early in the match. The Gateway Champion has a ton of momentum on his side.
Corey Graves: Wait a second, look who's making his way down the aisle!
To a mixed reaction AJ Styles walked from backstage and approached the ring. The Miz was watching closely as he followed Breeze outside and threw him inside before a count out. Miz dropped Breeze with a snap suplex that only got a two count from the ref. Miz followed that up with a few swift kicks to the chest followed by a head kick that got another two count.
Joey Styles: Miz is looking to put this match away quick. There's is no telling what AJ Styles has on his mind.
Miz pulled Breeze to his feet and hit a hip toss, then another hip toss, then a big inverted neckbreaker. Breeze was down and the fans were behind Miz completely. Miz called for the finish and the crowd popped loudly. Breeze stumbled to his feet and Miz attempted the Skull Crushing Finale, Breeze countered it into a quick roll up. He put his feet on the ropes for added leverage right as the referee began to count- 1... 2...
Corey Graves: What just happened?
AJ Styles didn't do much, he just pulled the rope down on Tyler Breeze which interrupted the pinfall. Styles took a step back from the ring and Breeze looked upset. It didn't last long as Miz aggressively finished him with the Skull Crushing Finale. The referee counted a swift three count and The Miz' hand was raised in victory. He looked out at AJ Styles who was now clapping for him along with the rest of the EBWF Universe.
Joey Styles: I don't think Miz knows what just happened.
Corey Graves: And I really don't think he cares. Miz just dominated Tyler Breeze here tonight and The Gateway Championship is looking better than ever!
Miz celebrated in the ring with his championship as AJ Styles watched on while applauding.
As Warfare returned from commercial break, “I Hope You Suffer” by AFI blared throughout the arena.
Corey Graves: Here comes Jimmy Havoc Joey! Here's here to compete in the first of what our General Manager is calling The Trials of Jericho!
Joey Styles: Who knows what Jericho has up his sleeves Corey, can't be anything easy that's for sure.
Jimmy stepped out on the stage sporting a new T-Shirt, it was black with pink writing which said “King of The Trials”. He stretched his tee out showing it to the audience and made his way to the ring.
Once in the ring he grabbed a microphone.
Jimmy Havoc: There's a reason I'm wearing this shirt…
He smiled.
Jimmy Havoc: Which you can buy on the EBWFShop for $19.99…
He smiled again.
Jimmy Havoc: Because it makes me money, hell if I'm going to be doing this bullshit gauntlet, trial thing. May as well make it worth my time huh? That's the point though, all of this is for Chris Jericho because he seems to think that if I make it through this, that I'll be done, broken…
Jimmy winked into the camera.
Jimmy Havoc: At the end of it I'll finally get my hands on Jericho and that's all I've ever wanted and that alone will push me through whatever Jericho seems to want to throw at me. Big Show, AJ Styles, Miz, Kevin Owens it doesn't matter, you've backed me into a corner Chris. You never back an animal into the corner and do you know why? Because eventually it will chew through whatever is blocking its path...so please, send out the first lamb to the slaughterhouse.
Jimmy dropped the mic, removed his new tee and tossed it into the crowd awaiting his opponent.
“Hey Scenesters” by The Cribs hit and the crowd reacted with shock as Zack Sabre Jr stepped out onto the stage. ZSJ was wearing his trademark Union Jacket, which he unzipped to reveal his two championships.
Joey Styles: I don’t believe it, Corey! Zack Sabre Jr is here in EBWF!
Corey Graves: A man Havoc knows very well, Joey… the reigning Evolve and British Heavyweight Champion!
The camera cut to Jimmy Havoc, who was obviously surprised to see Zack Sabre Jr, then back to the top of the ramp, where Sabre was stood smirking. His music was cut as Chris Jericho stepped out onto the stage, microphone in hand. Jericho put his free arm around ZSJ, then began to speak.
Chris Jericho: What’s the matter, Jimmy? Were you expecting a barbed wire Indian deathmatch? It would have been too easy to put you in a hardcore match. I know you enjoy that sort of thing, so I decided to go for something different. Since you fancy yourself as a submission wrestler these days, I’m putting you in a match against the submission specialist himself, Zack Sabre Jr. And the only way to win is to make your opponent tap out!
Jimmy slowly applauded.
Jimmy Havoc: I gotta give it to you Chris, I didn't expect a deathmatch but I certainly didn't expect this. Zack Sabre Jr, my oldest and closest friend. Who also happens to be my oldest opponent, we know everything about each other but are surprised every time we face each other. I'm looking forward to it, let's go.
Zack took the microphone before heading to the ring.
Zack Sabre Jr: Let’s see if we’re still friends after I break your arm, mate.
ZSJ passed the microphone back to Jericho, who walked through the curtain as Sabre headed to the ring. Once ZSJ had entered the ring, the referee called for the bell. The two men shook hands, but Sabre immediately twisted Havoc’s arm, applying a hammerlock. Havoc broke free, applying a wristlock then going for the Acid Rainmaker, but ZSJ ducked out of the way and got behind Havoc, setting him up for a German suplex. Sabre lifted Havoc up… but Havoc landed on his feet behind him! ZSJ turned around, and Havoc took him down with a reverse STO, then applied a crossface.
Joey Styles: You can already tell how well these two wrestlers know each other, Corey… it’s like they both know what their opponent is going to do before they do it!
Corey Graves: It’s one thing knowing what your opponent is going to do, it’s another thing to counter it. And in a submission match, Zack Sabre Jr has to be the favourite…
Sabre managed to roll over, forcing his way out of the crossface, then got to his feet and stomped on Havoc several times. Havoc got to his feet and Sabre hit a kick to the midsection, before applying a double arm octopus hold.
Corey Graves: Zack calls this move “Hurrah! Another Year, Surely This One Will Be Better Than The Last; The Inexorable March of Progress Will Lead Us All to Happiness”
Joey Styles: Oh my god… that might be the longest name for a wrestling move I’ve ever heard. How do you remember that?
Corey Graves: It’s one of my favourite albums, by Youthmovies. Check it out!
Havoc refused to submit, and Sabre broke the hold, then hit the Sabre Driver. Sabre then applied the Jim Breaks Special, but Havoc was able to get to the ropes. Sabre broke the hold and took a step back, allowing Havoc time to get to his feet. Jimmy stood up and went toe to toe with Zack, both men just staring each other down until Havoc started angrily shouting “COME ON THEN” before slapping ZSJ in the face. Sabre stood for a second and attempted to keep his cool until Jimmy went for another slap and Zack caught his arm, countering it into a cross armbreaker.
Joey Styles: Zack Sabre Jr has triggered Article 50! Will Havoc submit?
Once again Havoc refused to tap out, remaining in the hold. Sabre did not break the hold this time. Havoc had to power up and picked up Sabre with his arm lifting him into a fireman’s carry and hitting the Michinoku Driver. He stomped on Sabre for a bit and then locked in the Suicide Silence, but Sabre was able to get to the ropes.
Joey Styles: Both of these men need this win. Jimmy needs it to get to Jericho and well, this is Zack’s biggest test and he could possibly earn himself a contract with a win tonight.
Both men got back to their feet began trading punches and kicks between each other until they both dropped to their knees. ZSJ took advantage by jumping on Havoc’s back for a sleeper hold. Havoc dropped down and the ref began to check if he passed out, which he hadn’t. Havoc made his way to his feet and lifted Sabre over his shoulders, hitting the Go Home Driver. Havoc went for the Suicide Silence again, but Sabre kicked him away and sprung back to his feet, hitting Havoc with an uppercut. Havoc staggered backwards, and Sabre took him down with a roundhouse kick. As Havoc sat back up, Sabre charged towards him, hitting the Penalty Kick! Havoc clutched his chest in pain and Sabre locked in the Butterfly Lock!
Corey Graves: Zack Sabre Jr has that hold locked in and Jimmy Havoc has nowhere to go… he has to tap out here or Zack could break both of his arms!
The referee asked Havoc if he wanted to submit, but Havoc shook his head defiantly! After a struggle, he broke free and both men got to their feet. Sabre went for the Rolling Elbow, but Havoc ducked out of the way and applied a wrist lock, transitioning it into the Acid Rainmaker! Havoc put Sabre in the Suicide Silence, and ZSJ tapped out!
Joey Styles: Oh my god! Zack Sabre Jr tapped out!
Corey Graves: The Dark Lord has defeated the Technical Wizard!
Jimmy climbed the turnbuckle and held up one finger and mouthed “One down, more to go!”. He got down off the turnbuckle and stood over Zack Sabre Jr who had sat at the other turnbuckle clutching his neck, Jimmy offered his hand out and Zack accepted pulling himself up into a hug from Havoc.
Havoc raised Zack’s arm and clapped along with the EBWF crowd. Jimmy grabbed a mic from Christy Hemme and toyed with it before raising it up to his mouth.
Jimmy Havoc: Now, as much as I admire Zack and everything he’s done... Chris, that just wasn’t enough and it didn’t go to plan did it? I just tapped out the best technical wrestler on this planet today, didn’t think I’d say that today. One down Chris, to quote your old buddy Bill…Who’s next?
The crowd inevitably chanted Goldberg until “Break the Walls Down” hit and Chris Jericho walked back out onto the stage. Despite Havoc’s victory, Jericho didn’t look too disappointed.
Chris Jericho: Well I promised Zack an EBWF contract if he beat you… I guess he didn’t want it enough. But the thing is, Jimmy, there’s always a Plan B. So at Destiny, anything goes. Because you’re going to be competing in an Unsanctioned Match against someone you know very well…
Jimmy stood still for a second as the crowd cheered loudly.
Jimmy Havoc: He’s behind me isn’t he? For f…
Before Havoc could finish his sentence, Braun Strowman clobbered him in the back of the head, knocking the microphone out of his hand and sending Havoc down to the mat. As Havoc got back to his feet, Braun pummelled him with a series of punches, then lifted him over his shoulders, hitting a running powerslam.
Joey Styles: Jimmy Havoc faces Braun Strowman in an Unsanctioned Match at Destiny! There will be no winner or loser, but only one man will walk out of Madison Square Garden...
“I Am Stronger” by CFO$ hit and Strowman stood over Havoc, standing on his chest and raising both hands in the air. Jericho walked back through the curtain, looking much happier as Warfare went to a commercial break.
The Toronto Crowd came alive when "Metalingus" hit and The Rated R Superstar came out without Christy Hemme announcing him because he needed no introduction. He was holding a microphone, and wearing distressed blue jeans with his vintage Sex & Violence t-shirt.
Edge: Were you beginning to think you wouldn't see me?
He chuckled as he came down the rampway.
Edge: I know, I was a little surprised too that we were coming to the Air Canada Centre and Joey Styles and Paul Heyman and Chris Jericho couldn't even bother to book me in front of my hometown crowd!
The crowd booed, as Edge climbed the steel steps, and enter the ring.
Edge: I know! I know! You should be disappointed. I was disappointed. But there was something that disappointed me even more, and that was Jimmy Havoc's inability to knock of PJ Black at Summerslam. I didn't want to spend another day in an EBWF that had that overhyped, whinebag as its champion, but here we are.
Edge paced the ring.
Edge: You see when PJ isn't all caught up in scandalous situations, he likes to stick his foot in his mouth. He's been bragging a lot! Bragging that he has beat everyone, and held on to the championship no matter who EBWF put in his way.
Edge wiggled his eyebrows and the crowd exploded.
Edge: Oh, you already know what's coming, don't you?
An "Edge" chant broke out, and the blonde nodded.
Edge: Let's see how he does against me! My only regret is that I can't win the EBWF Championship in front of you here in Toronto, but what I will do is march into Madison Square Garden next Sunday night and thake the belt from PJ there. Because deep down, PJ knows, everyone in this arena knows, that when it comes to the big matches, Edge never disappoints.
That "Edge" chant grew stronger, and Edge raised the microphone to his lips again.
Edge: And I spoke to Chris Jericho backstage just a few minutes ago, and as a bit of an olive branch for overlooking the opportunity to book me tonight? I'm going to become the world champion Sunday night, in a ladder match!
The crowd roared, and Edge dropped the mic. Metalingus hit again and the Rated R Superstar returned up the ramp and to the backstage area.
Joey Styles: Well that's our main event for Destiny set! Edge challenges PJ Black for the EBWF World Title!
Corey Graves: Right now though it's time for tonight's main event... Trish Stratus versus Natalya for the Women's Championship, and for Natalya, a chance to make history!
Joey Styles: That's right, Corey. Natalya has held the Women's Championship for 268 days. If she is still the Women's Champion on Sunday, she will set a new record for the longest reigning Women's Champion, beating the 273 day record Trish Stratus set back in 2010.
Corey Graves: That's why Trish wanted her title shot tonight, and she's requested it inside a steel cage!
After the cage had been lowered to the ring, "Bossy" by Kelis hit and Trish Stratus came out to a huge reception from the Toronto crowd. When Trish was in the ring, "Missile" by Dorothy hit and the crowd booed as Natalya headed to the ring. As she entered the ring, Nattie smiled smugly at Trish. After Christy Hemme had introduced both competitors, the referee handed the Women's Title to the official at ringside and locked the cage door, then called for the bell. Natalya wasted no time getting started, charging towards Trish, but Trish was ready for her and she speared Nattie down to the mat, before punching her several times.
Joey Styles: No love lost between these two, Corey!
Natalya shoved Trish off of her and both women got to their feet. Natalya and Trish exchanged right hands and after gaining the upper hand, Nattie whipped Trish into the ropes. Natalya took Trish down with a hip toss, then as Trish got back to her feet Natalya went for a neckbreaker. Trish blocked it, countering with a neckbreaker of her own, then ran against the ropes and hit a running leg drop. After picking Natalya up and hitting her with a brainbuster, Trish began climbing the cage. Trish had barely reached the halfway point of the cage when Natalya got to her feet and pulled her down to the ring mat. Natalya then grabbed Trish's head and smashed it off the side of the cage several times, before following it up with a German suplex. Both women got to their feet and Natalya hit Trish with a powerbomb, then locked in the Sharpshooter!
Joey Styles: Sharpshooter! Is Nattie going to make Trish tap out in her home town?
Trish refused to submit, and Natalya broke the hold. She pulled Trish to her feet and hit a Michinoku driver, then began climbing the cage. As Natalya made her way up the cage, Trish Status got to her feet and followed Nattie up the cage. Natalya panicked when she saw Trish and tried to kick her away, but Trish blocked it, then grabbed Natalya's head and slammed it against the cage. Natalya stumbled, and Trish hit her head off the cage once more, then tried to push her back into the ring. As the two women grappled, Trish overpowered Nattie and shoved her off the cage, but Natalya reacted quickly, pulled Trish down with her!
Corey Graves: Both women are down, but they're not out!
As both women stumbled to their feet, Natalya went for a headlock, but Trish broke free and hit Natalya in the side of the head with an elbow smash. Both women exchanged punches back and forth and Natalya gained the upper hand, then attempted a clothesline. Trish ducked out of the way, then whipped Natalya against the ropes, before hitting a spinebuster. She hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Trish gets a two count! Remember you don't have to escape the cage to win this match; you can win by pinfall or submission too!
Trish pulled Natalya to her feet and threw her into the cage, then as Natalya stumbled back towards her, she went for the Chick Kick. Natalya ducked out of the way and grabbed Trish from behind, taking her down with a reverse DDT. Natalya went for the Sharpshooter again, but Trish kicked her away and got to her feet. Natalya hit Trish with a kick to the midsection and lifted her up for a suplex, but Trish landed on her feet behind Natalya, then put her in a headlock. She ran towards the ropes, hitting the Stratusfaction! She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... NO! Natalya kicked out just before the three count!
Joey Styles: Oh my god! I thought that was it then, Corey!
Corey Graves: Natalya knows how close she is to setting that record... she's more determined than ever not to get beat!
Trish looked stunned that Natalya had kicked out, and so were the crowd in Toronto. Natalya was still down, so Trish tried another tactic and began to climb the cage. As she neared the top of the cage, Natalya got to her feet and climbed up after her. As Trish tried to pull herself over the top of the cage, Natalya grabbed her by the leg and pulled her back. Both women were stood on the top rope, trying to knock one another off. Just as it looked like Natalya was losing her grip, she hit Trish with a headbutt, causing Trish to lose balance. Trish fell, but she landed on the top rope, which caused Natalya to fall as well! Both women rolled back into the ring and wearily got to their feet. Trish went for a clothesline, but Natalya ducked out of the way and hit her with a swift kick, before setting her up for a powerbomb. She lifted Trish up... but Trish countered with a hurricanrana! Both women got to their feet and Trish hit a double leg takedown, then signalled for a Sharpshooter of her own! The crowd cheered in anticipation, then popped as Trish locked in the hold.
Corey Graves: Joey, can you imagine if Trish Stratus makes Natalya tap out with her own move!
Joey Styles: Well Corey, Natalya is trying to get to the ropes but I'm not sure why... there are no rope breaks in a steel cage match!
Corey Graves: I'm not sure that's what she's doing, Joey... look!
What Joey Styles had failed to realise was that Natalya was actually crawling towards the cage door. As she neared the door, the referee opened it, and Natalya tried to crawl out of the ring. Realising what she was doing, Trish broke the hold and turned to grab Natalya, but Natalya was ready for her and she headbutted Trish once again. Trish stumbled back, and Natalya swung around and went for a discus clothesline! Trish ducked it and connected with her trademark roundhouse straight to Natalya's jaw!
Joey Styles: CHICK KICK! TRISH GOT IT!
Trish, exhausted, collapsed on top of her nemesis and hooked the leg. 1....2....3!
The arena exploded with cheers as the referee called for the bell.
Corey Graves: I DON'T BELIEVE IT! TRISH STRATUS IS A SEVEN TIME CHAMPION!
Joey Styles: Natalya's title reign ends at 268 days!
"Bossy" by Kelis played as the referee handed Trish her Women's Championship belt. The newly crowned champ collapsed to her knees, emotional after a hard fought victory.
Joey Styles: If Trish Stratus had not cemented herself as the greatest of all time before this, she certainly is changing the conversation now!
Trish mounted the turnbuckle and raised her title belt to the crowd, soaking in the cheers.
Joey Styles: You've got to think that Trish Stratus has been waiting for this moment since... wait a minute WAIT A MINUTE!
Trish had just dismounted the turnbuckle when an elbow struck her in the back of the skull. She stumbled into the corner as Natalya clubbed her several more times with her elbow. The crowd rained boos down on an incensed former champion as she unleashed a barrage of punches on the helpless Trish Stratus.
Joey Styles: Someone get in there and stop this! What is she doing?!
Natalya stormed out of the ring. She picked up the title belt that Trish dropped when she was assaulted. After rolling back in the ring, she measured Trish as she began slowly trying to get back up. Without hesitation, Natalya lunged forward and drove the belt into Trish's skull, causing her to slam back to the mat, motionless. Nattie looked down at her opponent for a good long moment as the crowd booed her mercilessly.
Corey Graves: This... this is just disturbing at this point.
Natalya left the ring and angrily snatched a microphone from the time keeper. She got back in the ring and looked down at Trish Stratus as she spoke with rage.
Natalya: This is NOT how this night is ending. I am not finished! Get me Chris Jericho! Where is he?!
The crowd's jeers strengthened as Natalya knelt down and delivered a few more blows to Trish. She stood back up and barked back into the mic.
Natalya: I have a rematch in my contract, and Wes Ikeda is my husband! I want my title match RIGHT. NOW! Get Chris Jericho out here this INSTANT!
The crowd was incensed at Natalya's brazen orders.
Joey Styles: She can't be serious! Can she? Is this even possible?
"Oh my, here we go!"
The crowd erupted as Wes Ikeda walked out in an EBWF branded t-shirt, with a microphone tucked into the back pocket of his jeans. He scratched his chin as he looked over the situation. The crowd cheered him loudly. He pulled the mic from his jeans and pointed at Nattie as he spoke.
Wes Ikeda: Nattie. Nattie. Honey. It's time to stop. This isn't how you want to do this.
Natalya: Shut up! I didn't ask you to come out here.
Wes Ikeda: Stop embarassing yourself, Nattie. You and I both know that you don't...
"Break the walls DOOOOOOWWWWWNNNNNN!!"
Natalya smirked as Jericho came out and walked right past Wes. Wes looked at Chris with an eyebrow cocked as Jericho gestured for a referee to come out from the back. Sure enough, a referee appeared and ran down to the ring as the boos showered the entire arena.
Joey Styles: No. This can't be the way.
The referee opened the cage door and stepped into the ring. With great apprehension, the ref looked down at Trish, then looked at Natalya. He took the championship belt and raised it up in the air as the crowd voiced their displeasure. Without hesitation, Natalya grabbed Trish's head and picked her up. She whispered something inaudible before wrapping her arm around Trish's neck and launching off the turnbuckle.
Corey Graves: And to add insult to injury, Natalya just hit the Stratusfaction on Trish.
Nattie hooked Trish's leg and pushed her elbow against her chest, pinning her to the mat. The referee counted 1.....2......3. "Missile" by Dorothy began playing as the crowd booed vociferously. The referee handed Natalya the championship title.
Joey Styles: And now Natalya is a 3-time EBWF Women's Champion. This is a disgrace, Corey.
Corey Graves: I have to tell you, Joey. I have defended Natalya a lot, but this... this was too much. This is indefensible.
Natalya celebrated in the middle of the ring as if this was the biggest accomplishment of her life. The cage slowly began lifting as EBWF medical trainers immediately slid into the ring and began tending to the motionless former champion. Back up at the ramp, Chris Jericho gave a hard look to Wes Ikeda and brushed past him as he exited up the ramp. Nattie mounted the turnbuckle and held her championship belt in the air as EBWF Warfare went off the air.
