Mauro Ranallo: Good evening and welcome to Warfare! We are live from Colombus, Ohio and Fanniversary is just six days away!
Corey Graves: We've got some thrilling matches in store for you tonight on the final stop before Fanniversary, but up first we'll find out the tournament bracket for the 2017 EBWF Tag Team Classic!
The ring was set up like an episode of Chris Jericho's highlight reel. A blue carpet covered the ring mat, and in the center of the ring was the JeriTron 5000. To the left of the JeriTron 5000 were the EBWF Tag Team Titles and the trophy the winners of the Tag Team Classic would receive. To the right stood Chris Jericho.
Chris Jericho: Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure I announce the tournament brackets for the 2017 Tag Team Classic! As I told Renee Young last week, this will be an eight team tournament; the teams have now been finalised, and the eight teams that will be competing in the tournament are as follows...
The tournament bracket was then revealed on the JeriTron 5000:
Chris Jericho: The first team competing in the Tag Team Classic is The Miz and AJ Styles! Lots of history between these two. Styles is challenging Miz for the Gateway Championship on Sunday, but the two of them wanted to team up for the Tag Team Classic. They're basically frenemies. And their opponents are one of the four teams that were chosen at random for this tournament, Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe. The winners of that match will go on to the second round, where they will either face the Gorgeous Guys, Tyler Breeze and Noam Dar, or Jimmy Havoc and... the Brooklyn Brawler! Havoc said he wanted to be in the Tag Team Classic, so I wanted to make sure he had a very special partner. I reached out to Brawler, who is a good friend of mine, and he was all too happy to accept.
Jericho paused for a moment, smirking, then continued.
Chris Jericho: On the other side of the bracket, we've two of the other three teams who were paired up by chance rather than choice as Randy Orton teams with the Glorious Bobby Roode to take on the Lunatic and the Psycho, Dean Ambrose and Tommaso Ciampa. Last but not least, we've got the former World Champion PJ Black teaming with the guy he put through a table the other week, Eli Drake. And their opponents are Trent, who returns to EBWF after a short absence, and his Best Friend, Chuck Taylor. Chuck has signed an EBWF contract, and will be competing in an EBWF ring for the very first time when he and Trent take on Eli Drake and PJ Black.
To Jericho's delight, the crowd seemed excited by the teams in the tournament.
Chris Jericho: Now as you can see from looking at those brackets, several of the superstars in the tournament already have matched set up for Fanniversary. With that in mind, it would be unfair to double book those superstars, and therefore the tournament will start the first Warfare after Fanniversary. The final will take place at Survivor Series on November 26th. Thank you!
Jericho exited the ring and made his way to the back as Warfare went to commercial.
As Warfare returned from a commercial break, Summer Rae was on her way to the ring for the next match.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back! Up next, we've got women's action as Nikki Cross goes one on one with the lady on her way to the ring as we speak, Summer Rae.
Corey Graves: Summer was actually the first superstar to beat Nikki Cross in EBWF, and Nikki has made it clear she's determined to "set the record" straight tonight ahead of her Women's Championship match on Sunday.
Mauro Ranallo: No doubt the reigning Women's Champion, Natalya, will be watching this match with interest Corey!
When Summer was in the ring, "Glasgow Cross" by CFO$ hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Nikki headed to the ring, accompanied by Don Callis. As soon as Nikki entered the ring, she charged at Summer Rae, taking her down with a spear as the referee called for the bell. Nikki punched Summer against the ring mat several times, then pulled her to her feet and threw her into the corner. Nikki punched and kicked Summer repeatedly in the corner, then pulled her away from the turnbuckles and hit a fisherman suplex. She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Nikki Cross showing her usual aggression here!
Nikki got to her feet and stomped on Summer several times, then pulled Summer to her feet. She went to whip Summer against the ropes, but Summer blocked it, then took Nikki down with a spinning heel kick. Nikki got to her feet, and Summer went for the Summer Crush, but Nikki blocked it and hit a strait jacket neckbreaker. Both women got to their feet and Nikki hit a Samoan driver, then turned Summer over and put her in the Crossface! Summer tapped out and the referee called for the bell.
Mauro Ranallo: Nikki gets the victory here, but can she make Natalya tap out on Sunday?
Nikki broke the hold, then went to the top rope and hit Summer with the Glasgow Kiss! She rolled out of the ring and walked back up the ramp with Don Callis, leaving Natalya laid out in the middle of the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Up next, we've got Noam Dar versus the number one contender for the Breakout Title, Tommaso Ciampa. And as revealed on EBWF.net earlier today, if Noam beats Ciampa, he will be inserted into the Breakout Title match this Sunday at Fanniversary!
Corey Graves: Ciampa agreed to the stipulation, but you have to wonder what Enzo Amore thinks about it. If Ciampa loses tonight, that means on Sunday, Enzo can lose his title without being pinned!
Mauro Ranallo: I thought you'd be happy about that, Corey? Don't you hate Enzo?
Corey Graves: I am, and I do!
Noam Dar came to the ring first, accompanied by Tyler Breeze. When Dar was in the ring, "Psycho Killer" by Talking Heads hit and Tommaso Ciampa made his way to the ring. Both superstars received a mixed reaction from the crowd. Once Ciampa had entered the ring, the referee called for the bell. Ciampa wasted no time getting started, charging towards Noam Dar and taking him down with a stiff clothesline. Dar hit the mat, and Ciampa stomped on him several times, then pulled him to his feet and whipped him against the ropes. As Dar ran back towards him, Ciampa hit a powerslam and hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Ciampa pulled Dar to his feet and lifted him up for a vertical suplex, dropping it into a knee lift. Ciampa then applied a Fujiwara armbar, but Dar was able to get to the ropes. The referee forced Ciampa to break the hold, but Ciampa kept it locked in! The referee threatened to disqualify Ciampa, and began counting, but Ciampa broke the hold just before the five count. As Ciampa got to his feet, Tyler Breeze climbed onto the ring apron and began yelling at him. The words "ugly beard" and "stupid bald head" could be heard from Breeze, but as Ciampa approached him, he quickly jumped down from the apron. Ciampa pointed at him and mouthed something back. The distraction gave Noam Dar time to recover, and Dar rolled Ciampa up in a small package! The referee counted – 1... 2... Ciampa kicked out! Both men got to their feet, and Dar hit the GTF! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: Dar gets the victory, and with it a Breakout Title shot on Sunday!
Corey Graves: The Breakout Title might be about to get a "gorgeous" upgrade, Mauro!
Dar rolled out of the ring and celebrated with Breeze as Warfare went to commercial.
Corey Graves and Mauro Ranallo sat at ringside as Warfare rolled on. Mauro was the first to speak up just as the camera focused on him.
Mauro Ranallo: Well Corey, another great Warfare we have going, which is leading up to what could be one of the best Fanniversarys of all time. This is a wonderful time to be a part of the EBWF Universe.
Corey Graves: For once, you and I can agree on something. Fanniversary is going to be off the charts. You should be excited for this to be your first Fanniversary.
Mauro Ranallo: A first indeed, which I'm looking forward to. But I just had another first earlier today.
Corey Graves: Mauro, I don't think anyone at home wants to hear about that.
The two men laughed as Corey poked some fun at his new broadcast partner.
Mauro Ranallo: Full of jokes tonight. However, I was talking about my sit down interview with none other than the former EBWF World Champion, PJ Black.
As Mauro finished, the video feed cut backstage where Mauro sat atop a wooden stool right across his guest, "The Darewolf" PJ Black. Black still looked gloomy from his recent loss to Edge, which ended his first ever title reign as EBWF World Champion. Mauro was the first to speak up in the video package.
Mauro Ranallo: Good evening EBWF Universe, I have with me tonight a very special guest. He's the former EBWF World Champion, and some say the next contender to face Edge at none other than Fanniversary. It's nice to finally meet you PJ.
Black gave a nod for his response. This did not phase Mauro as he just continued along with the question.
Mauro Ranallo: PJ, a lot of people have said that you've change since losing the World Champion last month at Destiny. What do you say to this?
PJ Black: Changed? Of course I've changed Mauro. I thought that you were supposed to be an expert. The fact that I lost the EBWF World Championship means that something has changed. But it's a wrong that I plan on making right at Fanniversary.
Mauro Ranallo: Does that mean the rumors of you challenging Edge for the title at Fanniversary are correct?
PJ Black: Why wouldn't they be correct Mauro? Edge, he beat me. I'm not going to sugar coat the obvious. At Destiny, someone finally stepped up and did what I have been begging someone to try and do. He beat me, he took my championship, and he ended what is going to go down as the best streak this company has ever seen. Just because I loss, doesn't nullify everything that I accomplished through my entire reign as a champion in this company.
Black straightened up on his stool.
PJ Black: A lot of people, they think that I'm done now. They all want to believe that I was a flash in the pan who finally sizzled out, but you know what Mauro. They're all wrong. See, I plan on going into Fanniversary and getting back what is rightfully mine. Then, not only will everything in the world be right again, but I will be a two time EBWF World Champion. And everything that I accomplished before, I get to do again. And don't get me wrong Mauro, I will do it again.
Mauro Ranallo: That's a big claim, you don't think that you're biting off more than you can chew?
PJ Black: Mauro, you're new here. You don't know what I've been through since December 2015, so let me fill you in. I dominated. I ran this place, I still do. Everything that was throw at me, I took it and I threw more back. I mean, do you know what the Slammy Awards are?
Mauro Ranallo: It's EBWF's Oscars.
PJ Black: Exactly, and there's been a Slammy Awards every year in EBWF dating all the way back to 2002, except for this year. And do you know why that is?
Mauro shrugged his shoulders which caused PJ to just shake his head.
PJ Black: There was no Slammy Awards this year because there was no need for them. I proved for the entirety of 2016 that I was the best. I dominated all year long so bad that there was no competition and everyone knows it. Everyone knows that if there was a Slammy Awards, I would run the ballot. I would walk out of the night with every Slammy that I would have been nominated for. It's facts Mauro.
Mauro Ranallo: Very confident there.
PJ Black: I don't have to be confident Mauro, 2016 was my year. Just like 2017 is going to be my year as well, especially once I clean up the only blemish on my year by beating Edge in the middle of that ring at Fanniversary and get back what's mine.
Mauro Ranallo: Well PJ, with the addition of this match, there is no doubt in the world that Fanniversary is going to a night to remember.
The video package ended and the show returned to ringside where Mauro and Corey sat, both excited by the announcement. Graves rubbed his hands together in excitement.
Corey Graves: Did I just hear that correctly Mauro? PJ Black is cashing in his rematch at Fanniversary? We're going to see Edge versus Black Two?!
Mauro Ranallo: You heard it correctly Corey. What was considered to be the hottest Fanniversary ever, just got hotter.
With all the excitement in the air, the camera panned out and back to the stage the show continued.
Mauro Ranallo: What a night it's been so far, and still to come we've got the contract signing between Jimmy Havoc and Chris Jericho!
Corey Graves: Up first though, we've got the Gateway Champion The Miz in action as he takes on Eli Drake!
The crowd booed as Eli Drake made his way to the ring. When Drake was in the ring, "I Came To Play" by Downstait hit and The Miz came out to a huge reaction from the crowd.
Mauro Ranallo: The Miz was born and raised in Parma, Ohio, which is about two hours away from Columbus... but this Ohio crowd are giving him a welcome worthy of a hometown hero!
Once Miz was in the ring, his music was cut and the referee called for the bell. The two men locked up and Drake applied a headlock, but Miz transitioned it into a hammerlock, then turned Drake around and hit a series of punches. Miz whipped Drake against the ropes, then went for a clothesline, but Drake ducked out of the way and grabbed Miz from behind, hitting a reverse DDT. Miz got to his feet and Drake whipped him into the corner, then ran at him, going for a corner forearm smash. Miz moved out of the way, causing Drake to collide with the turnbuckles. Miz grabbed Drake and smashed his head against the top turnbuckle, before climbing onto the top rope. Miz hit Drake with a double axe handle, then made the cover. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Miz gets the near fall but Eli Drake is holding his own against the Gateway Champion!
Mauro Ranallo: Drake has shown a lot of heart since signing for EBWF and if he can keep that up, it could only be a matter of time before he has a championship of his own!
Miz pulled Drake to his feet and set him up for a suplex, but Drake blocked it, countering with a jawbreaker. Drake then whipped Miz against the ropes, before hitting a powerslam. He followed it up with a leaping elbow drop, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Drake pulled Miz to his feet and set him up for the Gravy Train, but Miz blocked it, countering with a DDT.
Corey Graves: Great counter there by Miz... he could have been in trouble if Drake had hit that!
Both men got to their feet, and Miz set Drake up for a snapmare driver, but Drake blocked it and countered with a German suplex. The two superstars got to their feet once more, and Drake went to whip Miz back into the corner, but Miz reversed the Irish whip, sending Drake into the corner. Miz ran at Drake, hitting the Awesome Clothesline! Drake staggered out of the corner, and Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It's over! The Miz maintains his momentum on the road to Fanniversary!
Miz celebrated as Warfare went to commercial.
As Warfare returned from a commercial break, the ring had been set up for the contract signing between Jimmy Havoc and Chris Jericho. The ring was covered with a black carpet, and in the center of the ring was a table with two chairs either side of it. Michael Cole was stood next to the table; in his left hand, he had the contract, and in his right hand, he had a microphone. The camera zoomed in on Michael Cole as he began to speak.
Michael Cole: Ladies and gentlemen, this Sunday in our Fanniversary main event, Chris Jericho will return to the ring for the first time since Wrestlemania as he goes one on one with the 2017 King of the Ring, Jimmy Havoc. The two men will be competing in an “Anything Goes Iron Man Match”, and the stakes are high. If Jimmy Havoc wins, Chris Jericho will be forced to step down as General Manager, but if Chris Jericho wins, then Jimmy Havoc will be fired. Tonight, both men will agree to the stipulations I’ve just mentioned as they sign this contract. Introducing first, he is the self-proclaimed “King of the Goths”... Jimmy Havoc.
“I Hope You Suffer” by AFI echoed throughout the arena as Havoc made his way onto the stage. He donned his new EBWF “For President” Parody shirt which read “Havoc for GM” and some jeans. He made his way into the ring to loud applause and sat down at the desk, he put his feet on the table and picked up a mic.
Jimmy Havoc: I can’t believe I’m finally here, about to sign the contract that legally allows me to kick the ever loving shite out of Chris Jericho. Ha! Hurry up Chris, I’m excited!
Cole remained stoic, not reacting to anything Havoc said.
Michael Cole: And introducing second, our General Manager, a ten-time EBWF World Champion and the longest serving member of the EBWF roster… give it up for Chris Jericho!
“Break the Walls Down” hit and the crowd booed as Chris Jericho headed to the ring. For once, Jericho wasn’t wearing a suit. He was wearing jeans and his “The G.O.A.T.” t-shirt. As Jericho entered the ring and took a seat, Havoc smirked at him.
Jimmy Havoc: Wow. No suit, what did they forget to pack your office?
Jericho laughed.
Chris Jericho: I won’t be wearing a suit on Sunday, James. And I decided not to wear a suit tonight because I know how these contract signings go down. I’m dressed comfortably so that if you try and cheap shot me, I’m ready to kick your ass all over Ohio.
Jimmy Havoc: Comfortably? Are you sure? I suppose that’s what you people call Dad Bods this year. I need to bring Tyler Breeze out here because I know he wouldn’t let you get away with that!
Jericho was about to respond, but then he shook his head.
Chris Jericho: Talk is cheap, Havoc… just like everything you own. I think actions speak louder than words, so I’m not going to rise to your jibes. On Sunday, this father of three is going to give you the beating you deserve, and rid the EBWF of you for good.
Havoc grinned cockily.
Jimmy Havoc: No dad jokes? You disappoint me, Christopher.
Jericho stayed silence. Cole broke the silence by placing the contract on the table.
Michael Cole: Gentlemen, in front of you is the contract for your match at Fanniversary. The contract has been reviewed by the EBWF Board of Directors, and sets out the terms of your match. As I mentioned before, the two of you will be competing in an “Anything Goes” Iron Man Match. The match will have a 60 minute time limit, and there will be no count outs or disqualifications. So the only way to score a fall is by pinfall or submission. If you lose the match… well, you both know what happens if you lose.
Jericho and Havoc both nodded, but neither of them looked like they were expecting to lose. Jimmy took his feet off the table and grabbed the contract for a moment, he flipped it and read it back to front. He looked up at Jericho and then Michael Cole, slammed the contract down.
Jimmy Havoc: Is this some sort of joke Michael?
Michael Cole: I’m not sure what you mean.
Michael Cole trembled a little, genuinely worried.
Jimmy Havoc: Do you not remember the clause I spoke to you about in the back?
Chris Jericho: What clause?! The hell are you talking about James?
Jimmy Havoc: I knew this would happen Michael you...you...STUPID IDIOT!
Chris Jericho: That’s my line!
Jimmy revealed a piece of paper from his pocket and slammed it on the table.
Jimmy Havoc: You see I knew that all the referees are under Chris’ guidance and instruction so I made it fair by going to the Board of Directors and asking for a special guest referee. Look at the paper, it’s an official EBWF memo approved by the Board.
Michael Cole picked up the paper and read it thoroughly, he picked up a microphone.
Michael Cole: Ladies and Gentlemen, at the PPV on Sunday by order of the EBWF Board of Directors, this match will now have a Special Guest Referee!
Chris Jericho stood up angrily and grabbed the paper.
Chris Jericho: This was never agreed!
Jimmy Havoc: Oh if you hate it now, just wait till you see who the Board picked.
The crowd went silent for a moment as Havoc, Jericho and Michael Cole looked towards the entrance way.
The sound of glass shattering was heard throughout the arena, and the crowd erupted as Stone Cold Steve Austin stepped out onto the stage.
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! The last time Chris Jericho wrestled a match, it was against this man, Stone Cold Steve Austin! Jericho defeated Austin to become the General Manager, and now Jericho’s fate as GM is in the hands of the Texas Rattlesnake!
Corey Graves: I was there that night, Mauro. Jericho defeated Austin with a low blow… I’m sure Stone Cold hasn’t forgotten that.
Austin walked down the ramp and entered the ring. Michael Cole went to shake his hand… but Austin hit Cole with a Stone Cold Stunner! The crowd cheered as Cole rolled out of the ring. Austin picked up the microphone and began to speak.
Steve Austin: Jericho, Havoc… it’s been a while.
Jericho suddenly looked very sheepish.
Chris Jericho: Austin, I…
Stone Cold cut him off.
Steve Austin: Shut your damn mouth, Chris. I don’t need to hear your yellow-bellied apologies. We both know what happened the last time we were in an EBWF ring together. We had a match where the stakes were the same as they will be for you and Jimmy Havoc on Sunday - loser leaves EBWF. You wanted me to leave the EBWF because you didn’t think I was doing a good enough job as GM… I guess you’ve realised now that it’s not an easy job.
Chris Jericho: Steve, I…
Austin cut him off again.
Steve Austin: Quit it, Jericho. I don’t want to hear a damn word you’ve got to say. You need to be quiet, and listen to what I have to say. The board asked me to referee this match, and I accepted. But if you think I’m after revenge, or planning to screw you, let me make one thing clear… I’m going to call this match down the middle. Because quite frankly, I don’t give a damn which one of you leaves EBWF. I just couldn’t turn down the chance to watch the two of you beat the living hell out of each other.
The crowd cheered. Austin grinned.
Steve Austin: So here’s what we’re going to do, Chris. First of all…
Austin grabbed the memo Havoc had given to Michael Cole, then pulled a stapler out of his pocket and stapled the memo to the contract.
Steve Austin: There. Now the contract has been updated, you’re going to sign it, and then you’re going to shake my hand to show there are no hard feelings. And then on Sunday, you and Havoc are going to have a hell of a match, which I guaran-damn-tee I will call down the middle. Do we have an understanding?
Jericho shrugged, then pointed at Havoc.
Chris Jericho: I want him to sign first, in case the bastard has any more tricks up his sleeve.
Jimmy Smiled wide and acted cocky as he picked up the contract and signed it, he picked up the microphone again.
Jimmy Havoc: I can’t wait to see you bleed and beg. You’re damn right I’m signing this contract.
He threw it at Jericho, and sat back down in the chair. Jericho signed the contract, and got to his feet, offering his hand to Stone Cold. Austin shook his hand, and after the handshake, Jericho picked up his microphone. He looked at Havoc, smirking, then spoke to Austin.
Chris Jericho: I look forward to you raising my arm in victory on Sunday, Steve. Maybe you and Havoc can comfort each other over a few beers afterwards.
Jericho threw the microphone on the table, then went to walk away. As he did so, Austin grabbed him and hit a Stone Cold Stunner! Jericho flew across the ring, and Austin picked his microphone up.
Steve Austin: That was for the low blow at Wrestlemania. Now we’re even.
Austin dropped his microphone and pulled a crate of beer out from underneath the table. He took two cans out and began drinking. Havoc looked delighted. He got up and kneeled over Jericho, talking smack, then walked took a beer and patted Austin on the shoulder. Austin watched Havoc intently, and as Havoc took a sip of the beer, Austin hit him with a Stunner! Beer went everywhere as Havoc fell backwards. Austin’s music hit, and the Stone Cold took another two beers, climbing the turnbuckle and drinking them.
Corey Graves: This is chaos!
Mauro Ranallo: This was just the beginning, Corey… for Chris Jericho or Jimmy Havoc, the end will be on Sunday!
Austin continued drinking his beer as Warfare went off the air.
