Jim Ross: Good evening and welcome to Warfare! I'm Jim Ross, joined by my friend and broadcast colleague, Jerry "The King" Lawler!
Jerry Lawler: We are live from the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona, and we're now just 13 days away from Aftermath!
Jim Ross: Tonight in our main event, we'll see champion versus champion as the PTG Champion CM Punk takes on the Intercontinental Champion, Sami Zayn!
Jerry Lawler: Both Punk and Zayn are defending their titles at WrestleMania, against The Rock and Chris Jericho, so the two champions will be determined to maintain their momentum as Aftermath draws closer!
Jim Ross: We'll also see the Breakout Champion Stardust in action against Dean Ambrose! Up first though, we've got divas action as the debuting Becky Lynch takes on LuFisto!
"Celtic Invasion" hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Becky Lynch made her way to the ring. After Lynch had entered the ring, "Miss Murder" by AFI hit and the crowd booed as LuFisto headed to the ring. When LuFisto was in the ring, the referee called for the bell and the two divas locked up. LuFisto hit a headlock takedown, but Lynch grabbed LuFisto by the leg and got to her feet, knocking LuFisto down. Lynch worked the leg, kicking LuFisto in the back of the knee then hitting a knee drop to the leg of LuFisto. Lynch then went to apply a leglock, but LuFisto fought back and both divas got to their feet. Lynch hit LuFisto with a kick to the midsection, then lifted her up for a suplex before stomping on her repeatedly. Lynch ran against the ropes and hit a leg drop, then made the cover. The referee counted - 1... 2... kickout!
Jerry Lawler: A strong start from Becky Lynch!
Jim Ross: The young Irish diva is determined to mark her debut with a victory, King!
Both divas got to their feet and Lynch hit LuFisto with a European uppercut, then went to whip her against the ropes. LuFisto reversed the Irish whip, sending Lynch into the ropes, then as Lynch hit the ropes, LuFisto hit a clothesline, sending Lynch over the top rope. LuFisto then hit a suicide diva through the ropes, taking Lynch down outside the ring! The referee began counting - 1... 2... 3... at the count of 4, LuFisto got to her feet and threw Lynch into the ring as the referee counted 5. LuFisto then climbed to the top rope and hit a crossbody, before hooking the leg. The referee counted - 1... 2... kickout!
Jim Ross: Another near fall! This time LuFisto gets the two count!
Both divas got to their feet and LuFisto went to whip Lynch into the corner, but Lynch reversed it, sending LuFisto into the turnbuckle. Lynch ran at LuFisto and hit her with a clothesline, then lifted her up for a leg-hook suplex. Lynch then applied an inverted cloverleaf!
Jerry Lawler: Four-Leg Clover! This could be it, JR!
LuFisto cried out in pain and after realising she was unable to reach the ropes, she tapped out. Lynch broke the hold and celebrated as the referee raised her arm in victory.
"#Mmmgorgeous" by CFO$ hit and Tyler Breeze came out to a mixed reaction from the crowd. Christian was already in the ring waiting and when Breeze entered the referee rang the bell.
Jim Ross: Tyler Breeze will have his hands full with Christian, a multiple time EBWF Champion.
Before Breeze and Christian could lock up “Shot’Em” by [Q]Brick played over the sound system. There was a mixed reaction when The Young Bucks came out. The brothers made muscles in their signature taunt before heading towards the ring.
Jerry Lawler: That’s Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson, The Young Bucks. What are they doing out here?
Jim Ross: We seen them arrive in the EBWF last week when they attacked The Rock and allowed AJ Styles to pick up a cheap victory. What business do they have out here?
Dressed in black T-Shirts and jeans the duo made their way around the ring towards the announcers table. Christian was watching the brothers, anticipating anything. Breeze took advantage of the distraction by going right after Christian with punches and forearms. Christian tried to fight back but Breeze was off to an early start by hitting a big dropkick in the middle of the ring.
Jim Ross: It looks like The Bucks are going to be joining us on commentary.
Matt Jackson: It looks like we step into a time machine and it is…
Nick Jackson: 1998? Seriously JR, we thought you were dead.
Matt Jackson: Yeah, why aren’t you dead?
Breeze went for an early pin attempt, but only got two. Christian was up and swung wildly and Breeze countered with a backslide for another two. Breeze ran into a quick dropkick and Christian went up top. Christian hit a springboard move, then hit an arm drag that sent Breeze face first into the corner. When Breeze made it up Christian hit a power slam. Breeze rolled to the apron where he used the top rope to his get to his feet. Christian ran towards Breeze and got his throat yanked over the top rope. Breeze took advantage with a springboard moonsault.
Matt Jackson: Pass the moonsault!
Back in the ring, Breeze landed a knee drop for another near fall. Breeze locked in a chin lock and Christian attempted to fight out, but Breeze cut him off with a knee to the gut. Christian reversed an Irish whip and went for another powerslam, but Breeze slid over his back and nailed a bulldog. Staying in control, Breeze nailed a suplex for another near fall. Christian made it to his feet and was able to dodge Breeze and hit him with a few hard hands before clotheslining him over the top rope.
Jim Ross: You should never underestimate Christian. He is one of the most cunning superstars in EBWF history.
Nick Jackson: Why is Christian still wrestling?
Matt Jackson: He’s like old enough to be our dad.
Breeze controlled the pace of the match, until Christian fought back with a series of right hands. Breeze cut him off with a back kick followed by a splash in the corner. Breeze went back to the chin lock, and once again Christian fought out. Christian hit a clothesline, then another, and then a drop kick. Breeze had to countered a powerbomb attempt and use a neck breaker for to stop Christian’s momentum. Christian rolled to the apron, when Breeze came close he nailed a shoulder block and climbed to the top rope. Breeze knocked him down with a right hand, then made his way to the middle rope. Christian fought back with right hands and knocked Breeze down. Christian jumped off the top rope, but Breeze countered with a mid-air Beauty Shot.
Jerry Lawler: That was amazing!
Jim Ross: That has to be it! Tyler Breeze just knocked his lights out.
Breeze made the cover and the referee counted- 1… 2… 3
Jim Ross: Tyler Breeze picks up a huge win here tonight on Warfare!
Not quite happy with the outcome of the match, Breeze lurked around a downed Christian, stomping on his head and kicking him while he was down, the ref got in the way but Breeze shoved him aside... Breeze taunted the crowd and signalled for another beauty shot!
Jim Ross: Would you look at that! Breeze looking to add insult to injury here!
Jerry Lawler: Watch out!
Before Breeze could do anything, a well built man in dreadlocks jumped over the barrier.
Jim Ross: BAH GAWD! CJ PARKER! CJ PARKER IS HERE LOOKING FOR REVENGE!
Jerry Lawler: GOOD GOD!
Parker bolted into the ring and got between Breeze and Christian. Both men began trading rights and lefts in the middle of the ring, CJ shoved his former tag team partner and went for a Crescent kick, which was swiftly evaded by Breeze as he ducked underneath. Parker turned around and got levelled onto the canvas by not one, not two, but three stiff superkicks to the jaw!
Jim Ross: SUPERKICK! SUPERKICK! SUPERKICK! THE BUCKS DECIDED TO CHIP IN!
Nick and Matt had decided to join Breeze in the ring, now the three men stood above a downed CJ Parker. Breeze smirked at his former partner's lifeless body before locking eyes with the Bucks, both Nick and Matt seemed to be piercing a hole through him, Breeze then wasted no time and rolled out of the ring... Walking up the ramp while never losing the Bucks from his sight... The lights dimmed down and a heartbeat began playing over the PA System, "Real Rock n' Rolla" blasted over the PA system.
Jim Ross: That's... That's! FINN BALOR! BALOR IS HERE! BALOR HAS SHOWED UP AGAIN AT WARFARE ONCE AGAIN!
Jerry Lawler: Wasn't that the whackjob who was in the body paint and put The Rock in an Ambulance last week?
Clad in a chic black suit and a white crisp collared shirt with a silver tie, he smirked at Breeze with a microphone on his hand... Breeze turned his attention to Balor.
Finn Bàlor: What's the matter, Tyler? You know, a little birdie told me you were looking for a 'good-looking tag team partner'?
Balor smiled and waited for a reply, Breeze and EBWF's newest star shared a staredown as Warfare went to a commercial break.
__________________
Warfare went to a quick shot backstage of the Path to Glory Champion CM Punk, preparing for his match. The arena erupted in cheers for their hero CM Punk. His wrist were already taped and he was just putting the finishing touches on them by applying his trademark X’s. The camera panned out and suddenly those cheers turned to an arena full of jeers. AJ Styles had just walked into the scene. Punk looked surprised when he finally noticed AJ there.
CM Punk: What do you want? I don’t have anything to help you take the edge off if that’s what you’re thinking. Try Brian Kendrick, he’s down that hallway.
Styles had a smirk on his face after the remark.
AJ Styles: Actually, now that you mention it, there is something I want.
Styles smirk turned more serious when his eyes went from Punk to the Path of Glory Championship.
AJ Styles: In case nobody has got the memo, I want my World Championship back. Now, I know better to challenge Dolph Ziggler, because he has no balls whatsoever. So, I need an easier way of going about it, and seeing as you TURNED DOWN the right to cash in that championship, how about I just challenge you for it instead.
The fans popped loudly at the thought of AJ Styles vs CM Punk. Punk stood to his feet and got in Styles face.
AJ Styles: How about it, Punk? You got the balls? We can even do this next week on Warfare.
CM Punk: You and me, next week? What makes you think you have earned this shot? The fact that you took Dwayne out of the picture? Believe me, a shot of steroids and he will be ready for Aftermath... Let me tell you something, beating good ol' Rocky isn't much of a feat these days... But if you want a death wish, who am I to deny it? Just one little thing, AJ... Don't try anything funny...
The heavy breathing, menacing looking straightedge mastodon that was Doc Gallows slowly appeared behind Punk, who just adjusted the PTG title over his shoulder.
CM Punk: See, you're not the only one with friends around here... And Gallows doesn't have much of a sense of humor... So I guess I'll be seeing you on Monday.
Both men stared into each other's eyes briefly before each went their separate way.
Jim Ross: Up next, we've got Mighty Molly versus Summer Rae. If Molly wins, she'll face Sasha Banks for the Women's Title in two weeks at Aftermath!
"I Need A Hero" by Bonnie Tyler hit, and the crowd cheered as Mighty Molly headed to the ring. Molly was all smiles as she made her way down the ramp. Upon entering the ring, Molly moved to the center of the ring and struck a superhero pose, then moved to the corner as she awaited the arrival of her opponent. "So Cool" by Kodeine hit and the crowd booed as Summer Rae stepped out onto the stage, accompanied by Sasha Banks and Eva Marie.
Jerry Lawler: And here come the Mean Girls... they'll be determined to stop Mighty Molly's momentum here tonight, JR!
Jim Ross: No doubt about that, King... and I'm sure they'll do whatever it takes to do it!
As the Mean Girls reached the bottom of the ramp, the three divas taunted with their gold. Summer then handed her Women's Tag Title belt to Eva as Sasha locked eyes with Molly, glaring at her. Summer entered the ring and the referee called for the bell. Molly wasted no time getting started, running at Summer and taking her down with a clothesline. Summer got to her feet and Molly hit her with a forearm smash, then whipped her into the ropes. As Summer ran back towards her, Molly hit a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown. Summer got to her feet and Mighty Molly got behind her, lifting her up for a bridging German suplex! The referee counted - 1... 2... kickout!
Jerry Lawler: A strong start by Mighty Molly!
Both divas got to their feet and Molly hit Summer with a body slam, then ran against the ropes. As Molly hit the ropes, Sasha grabbed her foot, trying to trip her. Molly turned around and glared at Sasha, then reached over the ropes, trying to grab her! Before Molly could seek vengeance, Summer Rae got back to her feet and attacked Molly from behind hitting her in the back of the head. Summer then turned Molly around and hit her with a hard slap! As Molly clutched her face, Summer hit a kick to the midsection, before hitting a neckbreaker. Summer then hit a leg drop, before hooking the leg. The referee counted - 1... 2... kickout!
Jim Ross: Another near fall! This time Summer Rae gets a two count!
Summer got to her feet and stomped on Molly several times, then as Molly sat up, Summer hit her with a kick to the back. Summer then applied the lotus lock! Molly cried out in pain, but refused to tap out, and after a struggle, she forced Summer to break the hold. Both divas got to their feet and Molly whipped Summer into the corner, then hit a handspring back elbow smash. As Summer staggered out of the corner, Molly took her down with a one-handed bulldog. Molly went to hook the leg, but Eva climbed onto the ring apron, distracting the referee. The crowd booed and Molly shook her head, then charged towards Eva, knocking her off the ring apron! Molly then turned her attention back to Summer, who rolled her up in a small package! Molly reversed it, rolling Summer up! The referee counted - 1... 2... 3!
Jerry Lawler: Mighty Molly has done it, JR! Despite interference from Sasha and Eva, Molly has won this match!
Jim Ross: And Sasha Banks does not look happy, King!
The referee called for the bell and raised Molly's arm in victory. As Molly celebrated, Sasha ran into the ring and hit Molly in the back of the head with the Women's Title! Molly fell to the mat and Sasha and Summer began stomping on her repeatedly. Eva then entered the ring, and the Mean Girls proceeded to triple team Mighty Molly. After the three divas had worn Molly down, Sasha was about to apply the Bank Statement... but "Gun" by CHVRCHES hit, and the crowd cheered as Alexa Bliss ran to the ring!
Jerry Lawler: It's Alexa Bliss! The Fairy Princess is coming to Mighty Molly's aid!
As Alexa entered the ring, Summer Rae ran at her, but Alexa was ready and she grabbed Summer, throwing her over the top rope. Eva then went after Alexa, but Alexa hit her with a spinning heel kick. Alexa got to her feet, and Sasha set her up for the Bankrupt... but Molly got to her feet and grabbed Sasha, hitting her with a gut wrench suplex! The Mean Girls regrouped outside the ring as Molly hugged Alexa, thanking the sparkling blonde diva for her support.
Jim Ross: I think the EBWF has just seen a "super" new alliance, King! A team to stand up against the Mean Girls!
Sasha, Summer and Eva made their way up the ramp, looking furious as Warfare went to a commercial break.
As Warfare returned from a commercial break, New Jack and Slyck Wagner Brown were in the ring ready for the next match.
Jim Ross: Welcome back! Up next, we've got tag team action as New Jack and Slyck Wagner Brown take on Stone Cold Steve Austin and Dean Malenko. The winners will take on the Tag Team Champions, Wade Barrett and Ryback, for the titles at Aftermath!
"Immortals" by Fall Out Boy hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Dean Malenko headed to the ring, dressed as The Birdman. After Malenko had entered the ring, "Venomous (V2)" hit and the crowd cheered as Stone Cold Steve Austin made his way down the ramp. There was obviously some tension between Austin and Malenko as the Texas Rattlesnake entered the ring.
Jerry Lawler: Well JR, a few weeks ago I said CJ Parker and Tyler Breeze were one of the strangest tag teams I'd ever seen in the EBWF... Stone Cold and "The Birdman" are definitely a stranger pairing!
Jim Ross: Be that as it may, King, Austin and Malenko were able to get off to a winning start last week on the Warfare Wild Card, defeating Brian Kendrick in a handicap match. Although I'm sure New Jack and Slyck Wagner Brown will put up more of a fight than Kendrick did last week...
Jerry Lawler: I still don't understand what was going through Kendrick's head last week, JR!
Malenko and New Jack moved onto the ring apron, allowing Austin and Brown to start the match. The referee called for the bell and Austin hit Brown with a series of punches, before whipping him against the ropes and taking him down with a Thesz press. Austin hit Brown with some more right hands against the ring mat, then pulled him to his feet and dragged him towards the corner, slamming his head against the turnbuckle. Austin punched Brown several more times in the corner, causing Brown to fall into a sitting position. Austin then hit the Mudhole Stomp, before dragging Brown out of the corner and hitting a pointed elbow drop. Austin hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... kickout!
Jim Ross: A dominant start from Stone Cold Steve Austin!
Austin tagged in Malenko, who climbed to the top rope and hit Brown with a crossbody.
Jerry Lawler: The Birdman can fly, JR! Haha!
Malenko made the cover and the referee counted - 1... 2... kickout! Malenko pulled Brown to his feet and set him up for a northern lights suplex, but Brown countered with a DDT, then tagged in New Jack. Upon entering the ring, New Jack hit Malenko with a series of punches, before lifting him up and hitting the Death Valley driver. New Jack hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... kickout!
Jim Ross: Another near fall! This time New Jack gets a two count!
New Jack got to his feet and stomped on Malenko several times, then pulled him to his feet and set him up for a side belly-to-belly suplex. Malenko blocked it, countering with a double underhook suplex, then as both men got to their feet, Malenko hit a dropkick. Both men got to their feet once more and Malenko hit a fireman's carry gutbuster, then tagged Austin into the ring. As Austin entered the ring, New Jack tagged in Brown, and Austin challenged the Jamaican-born superstar to come at him. Brown ran at Austin and went for a leg lariat, but Austin ducked out of the way, then hit Brown with a spinebuster. Brown got to his feet, and Austin gave him the middle-fingered salute, then hit a Stone Cold Stunner! Austin hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... 3!
Jerry Lawler: It's over! Austin and Malenko get the victory!
The referee called for the bell and raised Austin's arm in victory. Malenko entered the ring and ran around in celebration, holding his arms out like a bird. As Malenko ran past Austin, the Texas Rattlesnake grabbed him and hit a Stone Cold Stunner! Austin then rolled out of the ring and made his way to the back, leaving Malenko laid out on the ring mat.
Jim Ross: Well King, Austin and Malenko might be an odd combination, but they got the job done here tonight! If they can do that again at Aftermath, we'll have new Tag Team Champions!
“Hail Sabin” Blasted over the PA System as Chris Sabin walked out, saluting the crowd with his Motor City Machine Guns salute.
Jim Ross: Warfare rolls on as Chris Sabin takes on Ted DiBiase!
Jerry Lawler: Lots of Motor City Machine Guns fans in attendance JR!
He wasted no time rushing down the ramp and sliding under the bottom rope, he leapt on top of a turnbuckle and posed for the crowd once again.
Jerry Lawler: Look at him go!
Jim Ross: Sabin certainly looks excited and ready, but will that be enough to defeat his opponent?
“Heroes” By Shinedown was up next as Ted DiBiase walked out to a chorus of loud boos. DiBiase seemed focused as he headed down the ramp and into the ring, through the second and the third ropes.
Jim Ross: The look of determination on DiBiase’s eyes says it all! He’s through playing games here!
He walked right to his opponent and nudged his forehead with his own, both men exchanging words.
Jim Ross: Lots of strong words coming from the new Million Dollar man right here, King!
Jerry Lawler: I don’t think Sabin won’t back down to trashtalking JR!
Sabin attempted to lock up but DiBiase countered with a slap across the face which caused jeers to fill the arena.
Jim Ross: Would you look at that! DiBiase showing no respect whatsoever for his opponent!
DiBiase followed with an elbow to the midsection, then slamming his opponent’s skull against the tunrbuckle padding once, two times, then three, until prompted by the referee to stop. DiBiase ignored the ref and continued to beat his opponent’s forehead against the turnbuckle; the ref began counting 1…2…3…4… DiBiase let go, landing a knee to the midsection of Chris Sabin. DiBiase helped him up only to lay a massive chop across Sabin’s chest, the crowd evoked the nature boy Ric Flair with a sound “Woo!”. DiBiase repeated the dose but this time it was Sabin who counterattacked with a chop of his own. DiBiase and Sabin proceeded to exchange chops back and forth to the delight of the crowd until Sabin broke the exchange with a huge dropkick to the face! The crowd got behind Sabin as he got back up to his feet, grabbing his opponent by the neck and going for a suplex! Sabin went for the pin but Ted DiBiase broke the count right after 1.
Jim Ross: DiBiase and his newfound purpose would be tougher to beat than Chris Sabin could imagine!
Jerry Lawler: newfound purpose? He’s nothing but a grump and a bully, JR! What are you talking about?
Both men back onto their feet, this time it was Sabin who locked up in a chinlock. As Sabin applied pressure, DiBiase attempted to land elbow strikes on his mid section to prompt his release, Sabin held DiBiase on a chin lock position and followed by a Bulldog! He dropped over his opponent and hooked the leg.
Jim Ross: ONE… TWO… THNO!!!!! TED KICKED OUT!
Visibly frustrated, Sabin rolled back onto his feet and waited for Ted to regain a vertical base, Sabin circled his opponent and went for an Enzuguiri after jumping over his opponent’s knee. DiBiase was able to duck in the nick of time, catch Sabin sideways in midair and plant him with a fallaway slam!
Jim Ross: BAH GAWD WHAT A SLAM THAT WAS!!!
DiBiase hooked the leg of his downed opponent.
Jim Ross: He’s got him! He is going to win! ONE! TWO! THREE! TED DIBIASE DID IT! HE DID IT!
Jerry Lawler: JR! Look at Sabin’s foot! This isn’t over yet!
The camera panned over Chris Sabin’s foot, clinging from the bottom rope, preventing his opponent to score the pin. DiBiase argued with the referee, allowing his opponent to regain composture. While Ted threatened the referee and poked him furiously across the chest, Sabin had gotten up and went for an irish whip against the corner… Sabin then set DiBiase up for a turnbuckle powerbomb, but before he could toss him over the top rope, DiBiase began fighting and pushing Sabin away from his humanity. Ted managed to get Sabin off him and jumped off the second rope with a double axe handle, nailing his opponent across the skull! DiBiase followed up with the Million Dollar dream!His arms wrapped tightly around his opponent’s neck, who slowly but surely began fading out… The referee raised Sabin’s arm high in the air for the first time with no response… Ted was applying more pressure around his opponent’s neck, the ref tried to raise Sabin’s hand a second time, still there was no response.
Jim Ross: Could he do it? He has the Million Dollar dream tightly locked!
The ref’s hand raised Sabin’s arm a third time, then again there was no response.
Jerry Lawler: He did it! Ted Did it!
The referee signalled for the match to end as Heroes by Shinedown blasted over the PA system for the second time in the night. However, Ted’s arms continued to be locked around Sabin’s neck, ring officers tried to break them up as Warfare went to a commercial Break.
Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata began drifting out of the speakers of the arena as Stardust made his way out onto the ramp, clad in an extravagant outfit of black and gold. He received a mixed reaction from the crowd as he pranced down towards the ring.
Jim Ross: I gotta say, King. I've seen Stardust come out here week in and week out. Doesn't get any less strange.
Jerry Lawler: He's a few hoops short of an olympic logo, JR.
Stardust got into the ring as his music faded and he removed the superfluous parts of his outfit. The song was replaced by "Hey Hey, My My" by Neil Young, as Dean Ambrose headed down to the ring. He got a largely positive response from the crowd as he got through the ropes and took off his jacket.
Jerry Lawler: This has got to be a battle of the bizarros.
The referee called for the bell as Dean Ambrose came out quickly towards Stardust. The two locked up and Stardust immediately went low, stomping on Ambrose' foot and causing him to lose balance. Stardust locked in a headlock and Ambrose pushed him off. Ambrose laid in a few hard rights and whipped Stardust into the ropes. Stardust bounced off and leapfrogged over Ambrose, heading off the opposite side and shoulder blocking Ambrose on the return. Stardust dropped to his knees to get a pin but only got a two count. He picked Ambrose up and threw him into the corner, mounting the turnbuckle and going for a series of right hand strikes that the crowd counted along for. Before he could get to ten, Ambrose put his hands up and grabbed Stardust's tights, slamming him down to the mat with a power bomb.
Jim Ross: What a counter by Ambrose! That had to hurt!
Ambrose quickly hooked the leg but got a long two count. Ambrose dropped a forearm on Stardust to press the attack. He grinned the point of his elbow into Stardust's skull, the facepaint coming off on Ambrose's arm. Stardust fought back with a few kicks then got to a vertical base. The two exchanged blows multiple times before Stardust put a thumb square in Ambrose's eye. Ambrose stumbled back and Stardust grabbed him, going for the Dark Matter finisher. Ambrose wiggled his way out of it, then hit a modified cutter. Stardust was slow getting up, and Ambrose measured him up. Stardust came to a full vertical base just in time for Ambrose to hit the FaceDeath! Ambrose went for the cover and got the 1 2 3!
Jim Ross: Impressive victory by Dean Ambrose! Chalk up another W for the Lunatic Fringe!
The referee raised Ambrose's arm in victory as Warfare went to a commercial.
Jim Ross: And now it's time for our main event... Sami Zayn versus CM Punk. I've been looking forward to this one, King!
"World's Apart" by CFO$ hit and the crowd cheered as Sami Zayn made his way to the ring. Zayn was all smiles as he made his way down the ramp, and upon entering the ring he held the Intercontinental Title up proudly. Zayn then moved to the corner, awaiting the arrival of his opponent. "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour hit, and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as CM Punk headed to the ring, accompanied by his disciple, Doc Gallows. Gallows carried the PTG Title on his hands, and as Punk and Gallows entered the ring, Gallows held the PTG Title above Punk's head, then exited the ring. Punk smirked smugly at Zayn as the referee called for the bell. There were duelling chants of "Olé!" and "CM Punk" from the crowd as the two men locked up. Zayn applied a headlock, but Punk broke free and pushed Zayn into the ropes, then took him down with a leg lariat. Zayn got to his feet and Punk hit a knee to the midsection, then whipped Zayn into the corner. Punk ran at Zayn, going for the step up high-knee, but Zayn got his knees up and Punk collided with the knees of Zayn. As Punk staggered backwards, Zayn climbed the turnbuckle and hit Punk with a crossbody. Zayn made the cover and the referee counted - 1... 2... kickout! Zayn pulled Punk to his feet and hit a series of punches, then whipped him against the ropes, before taking him down with an arm drag. Punk got to his feet and Zayn went for another arm drag, but Punk blocked it and hit a reverse DDT. Zayn got to his feet and Punk hit a Muay Thai kick, followed by a double underhook powerbomb. Punk hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... kickout!
Jerry Lawler: Another near fall!
Jim Ross: Great back and forth action thus far!
Zayn and Punk both got to their feet and locked up once more. Punk hit Zayn with an arm wrench, then stepped over the wrenched arm and hit a mule kick to the face. Zayn staggered backwards and Punk grabbed him, hitting an arm trap swinging neckbreaker. Punk hooked the leg once more - 1... 2... kickout! Punk pulled Zayn to his feet and set him up for a German suplex, but Zayn broke free, hitting Punk with an elbow smash before turning around and whipping Punk into the ropes. Zayn then hit a dropkick, and as both men got to their feet, Zayn ran at Punk and hit a clothesline, sending Punk over the top rope. As Punk got to his feet, Zayn rolled out of the ring and ran from the floor, before performing a suicide dive through the ropes and hitting Punk with a tornado DDT!
Jim Ross: What a move, King!
Both Zayn and Punk were down, and the referee began counting them out. 1... 2... 3... 4... at the count of 5, Zayn got to his feet and pulled Punk to his feet, throwing him back into the ring. Zayn re-entered the ring and hit Punk with the half and half suplex, then covered Punk. The referee counted - 1... 2... kickout! Zayn pulled Punk to his feet and went to grapple with Punk, but Punk pushed him away then hit a step-up Enzuigiri. Punk then hit Zayn with two slaps to the face, followed by a spinning back kick to the gut, and then a roundhouse kick! Punk made the cover and the referee counted - 1... 2... Zayn kicked out! Punk pulled Zayn to his feet and hit him with Welcome to Chicago, then climbed the turnbuckle. Punk went for the diving elbow drop... but Zayn moved out of the way! Punk and Zayn both got to their feet, and Zayn hit Punk with a spin-out powerbomb!
Jerry Lawler: Blue Thunder Bomb!
Zayn hooked the legs and the referee counted - 1... 2... kickout! Both men got to their feet and Zayn set Punk up for an exploder suplex, but Punk blocked it and countered with a hangman's neckbreaker. Punk stomped on Zayn repeatedly, then signalled for the GTS! Zayn got to his feet, and Punk lifted him onto his shoulders... but Zayn countered with a reverse STO! Punk got to his feet and Zayn hit an exploder suplex into the turnbuckles, then signalled for the Helluva Kick! Zayn ran at Punk... but Punk moved out of the way at the last moment, causing Zayn to collide with the turnbuckle! Punk hit Zayn with a belly-to-back suplex, then as Zayn got to his feet, Punk whipped him into the corner. Punk ran at Zayn and hit a step-up high knee, followed by a bulldog. As Zayn struggled to his feet, Punk signalled for the GTS... and this time he hit it! Punk hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... 3!
Jim Ross: It's over! Punk wins!
Jerry Lawler: What a match!
As the referee called for the bell, Gallows entered the ring and celebrated with Punk. Punk waited for Zayn to get to his feet, and when Zayn was on his feet, Punk offered his hand to Zayn. Zayn extended his hand to Punk, and the crowd applauded as the two men shook hands.
Jim Ross: What an amazing display of sportsmanship between these two superstars, King!
After Zayn and Punk had shook hands, Punk patted Zayn on the shoulder then exited the ring. Zayn watched Punk and Gallows make their way up the ramp... and as Zayn stood in the center of the ring, Chris Jericho ran in and attacked Zayn from behind!
Jerry Lawler: It's Chris Jericho! He came through the crowd, JR!
Jericho knocked Zayn down with a clothesline to the back of the head, before stomping on him repeatedly. Jericho then locked in the Walls of Jericho and after he had broken the hold, he dragged Zayn to his feet and hit him with the Codebreaker! With Zayn laid out on the ring mat, Jericho rolled out of the ring and grabbed Zayn's Intercontinental Title from ringside. Jericho held up the title belt, celebrating as if he was champion. Jericho then placed the championship over his shoulder and made his way to the back.
Jim Ross: Good God! Chris Jericho is stealing the Intercontinental Title, King!
Warfare drew to a close as Jericho headed up the ramp, taking the Intercontinental Title with him as ringside officials tended to Sami Zayn in the ring.
