The fans in Greensboro, North Carolina were setting into their seats when the Dark Match to open Death Before Dishonor was set to begin. Matt Sydal made his way to the ring first, followed by RVD and then Baron Corbin.
The bell rang and RVD incited the other two men to fight. This lead directly into Corbin and Sydal attacking RVD. Sydal hit rapid fire elbows in the corner, and Corbin followed it up with a few punches to RVD's face. A miscommunication between Corbin and Sydal allowed RVD to turn things around and laid into Corbin with a series of right hands. RVD tried to get Sydal to attack Corbin, but he turned right around into a right hand from Sydal. Sydal and Corbin continued to work over RVD, hitting a double hip toss. RVD was able to low bridge Corbin to send him to the outside before focusing on Sydal with a big chop block to the back of the knee.
RVD kicked away at Sydal, but Sydal came right back with a big side slam. Corbin was back in to try and steal the pin, but RVD kicked out at two. RVD sent Sydal to the outside while he and Corbin argue, then RVD tossed Corbin to the outside on top of Sydal. RVD followed out with an elbow suicide to Corbin. RVD and Corbin fought on the outside while Sydal went up to the top turnbuckle. Sydal launched himself to the outside but RVD sidestepped him and Sydal connected with Corbin. RVD picked up Corbin and sent him back into the ring, trying for a pin and getting a two count. RVD kicked Corbin in the face before hitting him with chops and punches to the face. Corbin blocked a punch and fought back, taking RVD out with knees to the face and a big cravat. Corbin hit a big suplex and Sydal slid in to try and steal the pin.
Sydal and Corbin argued for a bit and hit a double clothesline and both men go for the pin before pulling each other off. The unusual alliance broke down as Corbin and Sydal began trading rights in the middle of the ring. Sydal took Corbin down with a shoulderblock, but he was pulled to the outside by RVD who slammed him head first into the guard rail.
RVD comes back in to the ring and took it right to Corbin with rights and lefts, a splash in the corner, and a big kick to the back of Corbin's head. RVD sat Corbin on the top rope and tried for the muscle buster, but Sydal was in with a boot to RVD's gut. Sydal hit a running knee to RVD's face, and Corbin followed up with a big boot. He pinned RVD for the 1.2.3!
As the opening pyrotechnics finished the fans were wildly cheering as both Brooke and Torrie Wilson were waiting in the ring.
Joey Styles: Ladies and gentle welcome to Death Before Dishonor! We are coming at you live from The Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina. I am Joey Styles and this is my colleague Corey Graves.
Corey Graves: Hello everyone.
Joey Styles: Corey tonight we will get a few steps closer to crowning the EBWF King and Queen of the ring.
Corey Graves: That’s right Joey and we’ve got two ladies in the ring right now in Brooke Tessmacher and Torrie Wilson…
Joey Styles: Ah, Corey, Brooke said not to call her by that name! It’s just Brooke now.
Corey GraveS: Well in any case, they each have a really good chance of winning the whole thing. I’ve got a feeling whoever picks up the victory here could be going all the way Joey.
The bell rang and both women circled each other before finally locking up and traded various wrist locks, before Torrie took control applying a side headlock. But Brooke tossed her over with a snapmare and delivered a hard kick to Torrie’s side.
Joey Styles: Ooooh a real hard shot there from Brooke.
Torrie stayed down catching her breath and Brooke showboated to the crowd as Torrie climbed to her feet. The two locked up again and Brooke whipped Wilson into the ropes. Torrie ducked the initial attempted kick by Brooke and followed it up by knocking her to the matt with a clothesline on her way back. Immediately Torrie jumped on Brooke and unloaded a flurry of punches on her.
Corey Graves: Ha! That is exactly what this means to these ladies Joey. We don’t normally see this sort of aggression from Torrie Wilson! I love it!
As Brooke struggled to her feet Torrie charged towards her, but at the last moment Brooke moved out of the way causing Wilson to fly to the outside, where she slammed into the guardrail and the referee began to count.
Just as the referee reached 6, Torrie rolled into the ring and immediately Brooke went for a pin, 1...2… and a kick out.
Joey Styles: A close one, but it’s going to take a bit more than that to put Torrie away.
Brooke continued to slowly circle Wilson, planning her next move, however as she moved in Torrie yanked her forward, causing Brooke to slam into the turnbuckle. Taking advantage Torrie pulled her to her feet and body slammed her back to the matt. She continued to work Brooke over while she was on the canvas. This time Wilson went for a cover, 1...2… kick out. Once again Torrie dragged Brooke to her feet and this time delivered a snap suplex and rolled over into a pin, 1...2… and Brooke just managed to get her shoulder up.
Corey Graves: I don’t believe it Joey, I’m surprised Brooke managed to kick out of that!
Torrie looked slightly stunned that Brooke had managed to kick out, however she irish whipped Brooke into the corner and charged at her but only got a boot to the face for her troubles. With Torrie stumbling around, Brooke climbed to the second rope and dived off, perfectly locking her legs around Wilson’s head and nailed a picture perfect Hurricanrana. Keeping her legs locked she sat on Torrie’s chest for a pin, 1...2...3!! The referee called for the bell.
Joey Styles: Woah, I don’t believe it Corey. Brooke advances in the Queen of the Ring after picking up a surprise victory there.
Corey Graves: That’s right Joey, it looked like Torrie was in control, but you can’t take your eye off someone like Brooke for a second!
Christy Hemme: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is a first round qualifier for the QUEEN of the RING!
Joey Styles: Our second Queen of the Ring match here tonight, and one that has piqued a lot of interest.
Corey Graves: Bayley is coming into this tournament as a sentimental favorite, but she already has a huge obstacle to overcome in the first round.
“Rush of Power” by CFO$ calls out Summer Rae. She twirls and flips her hair to the boos of the crowd, but doesn’t seem to pay them any attention.
Christy Hemme: Introducing first, from Manhasset, New York, SUMMER RAE!
Joey Styles: And here comes that obstacle. Summer Rae is easy on the eyes but goes hard in the ring.
Corey Graves: That sounded slightly dirty, Joseph, but I am a gentleman so I will let it go.
The crowd starts to chant for Bayley even before they hear the first notes of CFO$ “Turn It Up.” She steps out on stage and brings the balloon men to life, then high fives fans all the way down the ramp.
Christy Hemme: And her opponent, from San Jose, California, BAYLEY!
Joey Styles: The crowd behind Bayley as always, and lately we have seen her really demonstrate an ability to turn that support into power.
Corey Graves: Not to mention her confidence boost this week in the arrival of her friend Blue Pants, Leva Bates, into the company, this is a very focused and confident Bayley, not the happy-to-be-here fangirl we’ve seen before.
Bayley soaked in the cheers of her fans, and Summer Rae charged at her from behind, knocking her to the mat with a clothesline. Summer stomped on the back of Bayley’s head and mocked the cries of the young girls in the front row. She shouted at the referee to ring the bell and start the match, then threw Bayley into the corner to choke her with the boot at the end of a long leg. The referee gave her a five count and she lazily walked away as Bayley slumped to the mat, then charged with a knee to the face.
Corey Graves: Summer Rae has effectively neutralized Bayley with that Pearl Harbor job, and now the Mean Girl has things well in hand.
Bayley struggled to her feet and Summer Rae threw her to the ground by her hair. She dropped a split leg legdrop across Bayley’s throat and covered her.
1!
2!
Bayley kicked out and crawled to the ropes. Summer laid a knee across the back of her neck to choke her again against the middle rope. Summer Rae walked away after the five count and taunted the crowd some more. She came back to lift up Bayley, but Bayley threw a back elbow that caught her on the chin. Bayley stunned her with a second back elbow, then spun around with a discus forearm that knocked Summer to the mat.
Joey Styles: The look on Bayley’s face says it all, Corey, she is fired up!
Corey Graves: And this does not look good for Summer.
Bayley kept Summer grounded with a dropkick, then hit the ropes to deliver her sliding elbow when Summer sat up. The crowd went crazy as she adjusted her scrunchie and went to left Summer off the ground. Summer pushed her away and Irish whipped her into the corner. Summer charged and Bayley caught her with two feet to the face then lifted herself onto the second turnbuckle. She hit a flying back elbow and hyped up the crowd. Summer rolled to her feet and threw a roundhouse kick. Bayley caught her leg and pushed it away, causing Summer to spin in a circle. Bayley grabbed her by the waist as she came back around.
Corey Graves: BAYLEY TO BELLY!
Joey Styles: Cover!
1!
2!
3!
DING DING!
Christy Hemme: Here is your winner, BAYLEY!
Joey Styles: And with that performance, the underdog might just have become the favorite to win this whole tournament, Corey!
Corey Graves: Hail to the Queen, Joe, Bayley is on fire!
Christy Hemme: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is a first round qualifier for the King of the Ring!
The majestic intro to the final movement of the “1812 Overture” announced the arrival of the very European Cesaro. He took in the cheers of the crowd who were overjoyed to see him in the tournament. He strolled down to ringside and casually removed his suit.
Joey Styles: Pound for pound, perhaps the strongest man in professional wrestling today, Cesaro has come to the EBWF with the expressed goal of being named King of the Ring, and who can stop him if that’s what he wants?
The lights went out and the crowd came unglued in anticipation. “If you smell what the Rock is cooking?” Rock took his time coming out onto the stage and soaked in the appreciation, letting the iconic guitar solo of his theme blare for three solid minutes before he even entered the ring.
Corey Graves: I got goosebumps, Joseph! This atmosphere is amazing! Even, if you’ll forgive me, electrifying.
Joey Styles: It has been a long while since we saw the Rock in an EBWF ring, he is not just the biggest movie star in the world, he is also a devoted family man, that is how prestigious this King of the Ring tournament is, that even the Rock wants his shot at winning it!
DING DING!
The two men circled each other to dueling chants. They locked up. Rock started to push Cesaro backwards, but then Cesaro shoved him hard to the mat. Rock dusted himself off, put out his hand and told Cesaro to bring it. Cesaro tried to lock up again but Rock tricked him with a boot to the gut followed by a series of right hands. Rock spit into his palm in preparation for the last haymaker but Cesaro kicked him in the gut to return the favor, spit in his own hand and delivered a fierce European uppercut. Rock fell into the ropes. Cesaro charged, Rock dodged, and then clotheslined Cesaro over the top rope. He followed him to the floor and they brawled around ringside, with Rock gaining the advantage. He whipped Cesaro into the barricade and slammed his head off of the announce table. He stopped and looked at the announce team with a puzzled look on his face.
Rock: Who in the blue hell are you?
Corey Graves: I’m the new color analyst. I’ve been here since before Wrestlemania.
Rock: And what is your name, son?
Corey Graves: Co…
Rock: It doesn’t matter what your name is! You inked-up, monkey-suited, Jerry Lawler never-was!
The Rock returned his attention to Cesaro, who has rolled into the ring. Rock delivered stomps to the Swiss Superman and put him into position for a piledriver, which Cesaro backdropped out of.
Corey Graves: I can’t believe I got yelled at by The Rock, pinch me Joey!
Rock ducked a Cesaro punch to regain control with a lariat. He scooped Cesaro up on his shoulders and gave him a Samoan Drop before going for the first pin attempt of the match.
1!
2!
Cesaro kicked out and Rock whipped him into the corner. He lifted Cesaro onto the top rope and teased a superplex. Cesaro fought out and pushed Rock to the mat. When Rock got to his feet, Cesaro leapt off with a spinning uppercut. He went for a cover.
1!
2!
Rock kicked out, and Cesaro grabbed his legs to signal for the giant swing. Rock refused to be lifted off the mat, kicking Cesaro away. He popped to his feet and drove Cesaro into the mat with a DDT, then stalked him in position for the Rock Bottom which elicited a roar from the crowd. He caught Cesaro in position but Cesaro elbowed his way out and lifted up Rock into a modified Michinoku Driver for another pin attempt.
1!
2!
Rock kicked out again. Cesaro went to lift him off the mat and Rock popped up to catch him in position.
Joey Styles: ROCK BOTTOM! THE ROCK BOTTOM!
Corey Graves: It’s over, Joey! Rock with the cover!
1!
WHAT!
Joey Styles: Cesaro kicked out at one!
Corey Graves: That’s when a competitor is running on pure instinct, Joey, they aren’t even conscious of what they’re doing, it’s autopilot.
Joey Styles: Well Cesaro’s autopilot just pissed The Rock off!
The Rock watched Cesaro struggle to his feet and delivered a patented spinebuster. The crowd jumped to their feet, knowing what comes next. Rock stood at Cesaro’s shoulders, kicked him into place and removed the elbow pad. He ran to one side of the ring. He jumped over Cesaro’s body on the rebound and hit the other rope. Cesaro rolled to his feet and caught Rock mid stride, lifting him up into the air and catching him with an uppercut on the way down.
Corey Graves: SWISS DEATH! SWISS DEATH UPPERCUT OUT OF NOWHERE!
Joey Styles: Cesaro cracking his neck and picking Rock off the ground. NEUTRALIZER! He goes for the cover!
1!
2!
3!
DING DING!
Christy Hemme: Here is your winner, CEEEESAAARO!
Joey Styles: What a contest! And what a shock, as Cesaro scores a win over the Most Electrifying Man in Entertainment!
Corey Graves: We knew Cesaro was good enough, Joey, but it looked like Rock had his number here tonight.
The Rock was slow to his feet as Cesaro began to celebrate his victory. Rock met him in the middle of the ring for a tense staredown as his music faded away. Finally, Rock held out his hand and Cesaro took it to the cheers of the crowd.
Joey Styles: A display of class from the legend! Welcome back, Rock!
Joey Styles: Up next, Carlito defends the Breakout Championship against "The Showoff", Dolph Ziggler, and the "King of Strong Style", Shinsuke Nakamura!
"Here to Show the World" hit and the crowd cheered as Dolph Ziggler made his way to the ring. Ziggler had a confident smirk on his face as he headed down the ramp. Once Ziggler was in the ring, "Subconscious Entry Version" hit, and the cheers increased in volume as Shinsuke Nakamura strutted to the ring with his usual swagger. Finally, "Cool" by Jim Johnston hit and the cheers quickly turned to boos as Carlito stepped out onto the stage. When all three men were in the ring, the referee called for the bell. Carlito rolled out of the ring, indicating to Ziggler and Nakamura to start the match. Ziggler frowned at Carlito, but Nakamura shrugged, taunting Ziggler and challenging the Showoff to come at him. Ziggler obliged, running at Nakamura and going for a clothesline. Nakamura ducked out of the way, then turned to face Ziggler and hit him with a series of punches. Nakamura then whipped Ziggler against the ropes, before taking him down with a lariat. Ziggler got to his feet, and Nakamura hit a knee to the midsection, then took him down with a reverse STO. As Nakamura got to his feet, Carlito re-entered the ring, attacking Nakamura from behind and throwing him out of the ring. Carlito turned his attention to Ziggler, and hit a knee drop, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Smart strategy there from Carlito... he's letting Nakamura and Ziggler fight it out, then picking up the scraps!
Joey Styles: You call it smart, Corey... I call it cowardice!
Carlito pulled Ziggler to his feet and hit him with some right hands, then whipped him into the corner. Carlito ran at Ziggler and hit a corner dropkick, then as Ziggler staggered out of the corner, Carlito set him up for a neckbreaker. Ziggler blocked it, countering with a DDT. At this point, Shinsuke Nakamura re-entered the ring, and he went after Ziggler, grabbing him from behind and hitting a German suplex. Nakamura then turned his attention to Carlito, hitting the Death Valley driver and hooking the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: Another near fall! This time Shinsuke Nakamura gets a two count!
As Nakamura got to his feet, Ziggler grabbed him from behind, applying a sleeper hold. Nakamura fought out of it, and he went to whip Ziggler against the ropes, but Ziggler reversed the Irish whip, sending Nakamura into the ropes. As Nakamura ran back towards him, Ziggler hit a dropkick. Both men got to their feet and Ziggler kicked Nakamura in the midsection, then hit the Famouser! Ziggler hooked the leg, and the referee counted – 1... 2... Carlito broke up the count! Carlito pulled Ziggler to his feet and whipped him against the ropes, then ran after him and hit a clothesline, sending him over the top rope. Carlito turned his attention back to Nakamura, who was getting to his feet. Carlito got behind Nakamura, and went for the Back Stabber... but Nakamura blocked it, and hit Carlito with a back elbow smash. Nakamura got behind Carlito, hitting an inverted powerslam, then ran at him and hit the Boma Ye! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3! Ziggler tried to break up the count, but he got there a split second too late. The referee called for the bell, and handed the title to Nakamura before raising his arm in victory. Ziggler shook his head, looking disappointed, then rolled out of the ring, leaving Nakamura to celebrate.
Corey Graves: Tremendous effort by all three superstars... but Shinsuke Nakamura walks around victorious, and we have a new champion!
Nakamura continued to celebrate as the crowd chanted his name.
Joey Styles: Up next, we've got Kevin Owens versus Enzo Amore!
Corey Graves: What a big opportunity this is for Enzo tonight, Joey! Not only can he advance to the next stage of the King of the Ring tournament... he could walk out of Greensboro the new Intercontinental Champion!
"SAWFT is a Sin" hit, and the crowd cheered as Enzo Amore made his way to the ring. Once Enzo had entered the ring, "Fight" hit and the cheers quickly turned to boos as Kevin Owens stepped out onto the stage. Owens stood at the top of the ramp, holding his championship in the air, then headed to the ring. Upon entering the ring, Owens began mouthing off at Enzo, who responded with some trash talk of his own. The referee got between the two superstars, took Owens' title and held it in the air, then called for the bell. As the referee took the championship belt out of the ring, Owens pummelled Enzo with a series of punches. After kicking Enzo in the midsection, Owens dragged the New Jersey native to the corner, slamming his head against the turnbuckle. Owens pulled Enzo out of the corner, and whipped him against the ropes, then went for a back body drop. Enzo countered it, hitting Owens with a kick to the face. Owens looked dazed, and Enzo seized the advantage, taking Owens down with a drop toe hold. Enzo stomped on Owens several times, then went to apply an STF, but Owens fought out of it and rolled away, getting to his feet. Enzo ran towards Owens, but Owens reacted quickly, taking Enzo out with a superkick! Owens hooked the leg, and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: A strong start from Kevin Owens!
Corey Graves: We both know Enzo won't go down without a fight though, Joey!
Owens pulled Enzo to his feet and whipped him into the corner, then ran at him and hit a corner clothesline. Enzo fell into a sitting position, and Owens took a few steps back, readying himself for the cannonball. He ran at Enzo... but Enzo moved out of the way, and Owens collided with the bottom turnbuckle! Owens rolled out of the ring, but Enzo hit him with a baseball slide, then followed him out of the ring. Enzo slammed Owens' head against the ring steps, then threw him back into the ring. He went to the top rope, and hit Owens with a diving leg drop, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Both men got to their feet and Enzo applied a headlock, punching Owens repeatedly in the head. Owens fought out of it, and lifted Enzo up for a scoop slam, but Enzo countered with a headscissors takedown. Enzo then whipped Owens against the ropes, before hitting a dropkick. Both men got to their feet once more, and Enzo set Owens up for a neckbreaker. Owens blocked it, lifting Enzo over his shoulder and hitting a back-to-belly piledriver. Owens pulled Enzo to his feet and whipped him into the corner, then sat him on the top rope, setting him up for a superplex. Enzo fought back, then countered with a tornado DDT!
Joey Styles: Certified G! This could be it!
Enzo covered Owens, and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3! The referee called for the bell and raised Enzo's arm in victory.
Corey Graves: What a night this is for Enzo Amore! Jersey's finest is the new Intercontinental Champion!
The referee handed Enzo the championship, and Enzo grinned to himself as he celebrated his win. Enzo held the title in the air... but Kevin Owens attacked him from behind! After hitting Enzo with a clothesline to the back of the head, he stomped on him repeatedly and pulled him to his feet, throwing him shoulder first into the ring post. As Enzo clutched his shoulder in pain, Owens grabbed the Intercontinental Title and ran towards Enzo, hitting him in the head with the championship. Owens dropped the title and dragged him out of the corner, whipping him against the ropes before hitting the Pop-up Powerbomb! Owens then draped the title over Enzo, mouthed the words "congratulations champ", and exited the ring.
Joey Styles: Talk about a sore loser, Corey!
Corey Graves: Enzo might have won the match tonight, Joey... but I daresay the war between these two is only just beginning!
Joey Styles: Still to come, we've got a triple threat match to determine the number one contender for the Path to Glory Championship, and The Miz versus Dean Ambrose in our main event. But first, Roman Reigns takes on Bully Ray!
Corey Graves: Bully Ray and Roman Reigns are both hard hitting superstars... this is going to be an all-out brawl, Joey!
"Deadman's Hand" hit and the crowd booed as Bully Ray headed to the ring. Once he was in the ring, "Trenches" by Pop Evil hit and the crowd continued to boo as Roan Reigns made his way to the ring, accompanied by Paul Heyman.
Joey Styles: I don't think this crowd wants either one of these men to win tonight, Corey!
Once Reigns was in the ring, the referee called for the bell and the two men exchanged right hands back and forth. Reigns was able to overpower Bully Ray, and after hitting him with a series of punches in quick succession, Reigns whipped Bully Ray against the ropes. As he ran back towards him, Reigns took his opponent down with a clothesline. Reigns hit Bully Ray with a knee drop, then pulled him to his feet and whipped him into the corner. Reigns ran Bully Ray and hit a corner clothesline, then as Bully Ray staggered out of the corner, Reigns lifted him over his shoulders hitting a Samoan drop. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: A dominant start by Roman Reigns!
Reigns pulled Bully Ray to his feet and went to whip him against the ropes, but Bully Ray reversed the Irish whip, sending Reigns into the ropes. Bully Ray hit Reigns with a big boot, then as Reigns got to his feet, Bully Ray hit a side slam. Reigns got back to his feet once more and Bully Ray kicked him hard in the midsection, then hit a cutter. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Reigns kicked out!
Corey Graves: Another near fall! This time Bully Ray gets a two count!
Bully Ray pulled Reigns to his feet and set him up for a powerbomb, but Reigns blocked it, countering with a back body drop. As Bully Ray got to his feet, Reigns hit him with an uppercut, then whipped him against the ropes. Reigns hit Bully Ray with a powerslam, then ran against the ropes and hit a leg drop. Bully Ray got to his feet, looking dazed, and Reigns hit him with the Superman punch! He hooked the leg once more – 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: So close to a three count!
As Bully Ray kicked out, Reigns kneeled over him, punching him against the mat repeatedly. He then pulled Bully Ray to his feet and dragged him towards the corner, where he went to slam Bully Ray's head against the top turnbuckle. Bully Ray blocked it, then grabbed Reigns and slammed him against the turnbuckle. After kicking Reigns in the corner several times, Bully Ray hit the bionic elbow, then lifted him over his shoulders, hitting a Samoan drop. Bully Ray hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Looking frustrated, Bully Ray dragged Reigns to his feet and set him up for the Bully Bomb, but Reigns blocked it, then took Bully Ray down with a one-handed facebuster. As Bully Ray was getting to his feet, Reigns ran against the ropes, then hit him with a leaping clothesline! Reigns got to his feet and roared, signalling for the Spear! Reigns stepped back, waiting for Bully Ray to get up. When Bully Ray was on his feet, Reigns charged at him, spearing him to the mat and hooking the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Corey Graves: It's over! Roman Reigns advances to the next stage of the tournament, where he'll face the Swiss Superman, Cesaro!
MATCH SEVEN
The crowd was hot for the upcoming Triple Threat match as Christy Hemme made the formal introductions.
Christy Hemme: This match is scheduled for one fall and it will determine the number one contender for the Path to Glory Championship! Introducing first, from Atlanta, Georgia…
“Get Ready to Fly” hit and AJ Styles was first out to the ring. Sami Zayn came to the ring next, and after his formal introduction Alex Shelley returned to North Carolina with a huge ovation. Once he was in the ring, the bell rang, and the three men were ready to take off. Zayn takes a shot at AJ right off the bat and he and Shelley squared off. AJ was in, cleaning house on both men, taking Zayn down with a shoulder block before burying his knee into Shelley's midsection and hitting a big flying forearm. AJ decked Zayn with a huge forearm, but he fell victim to a big splash/enzugiri combo from Shelley. Shelley chopped AJ's back before kicking his chest but he got hit with a leg lariat by Zayn. Zayn and AJ chain wrestled for a bit, but AJ missed one dropkick, only to get right back up and hit another on Zayn, then another on Shelley.
Joey Styles: AJ Styles in control here. I’d expect nothing less from him, Corey!
AJ locked in a side headlock, but Zayn made his way back to his feet. AJ kicked off of Shelley and sent Zayn back to the ground. Zayn fought out again, but Shelley distracts Styles and Zayn connected with an Helluva Kick. Shelley came in and went to work with rapid fire blows in the corner before punting AJ in the ribs and hitting a running high knee on Zayn. Shelley kicked away at Zayn' leg before rolling into a leg bar. AJ broke it up with a knee drop.
Corey Graves: Alex Shelley felt it slipping away there.
AJ and Shelley squared off and AJ tried for a suplex but Shelley wouldn’t budge. Shelley tried for one of his own, but AJ came back down and used the leverage to suplex Shelley. AJ hit an elbow to the back of Shelley's head and he locked in an inverted indian death lock with a chin bridge, but Zayn was able to break it up. Zayn caught Styles with a drop toe hold a drove his knee into the back of Styles' head. Zayn hit a neckbreaker and locked in a rear chin lock. Zayn caught Shelley with a low dropkick which he followed up by slamming AJ on Shelley. Zayn locked in a combination Boston crab/camel clutch on AJ and Shelley respectively but Shelley pried at Zayn' fingers. Shelley connected with a urunage on Zayn before hitting a face wash on both Styles and Zayn.
Joey Styles: This crowd is hot for Alex Shelley.
Corey Graves: It is good to see him back in EBWF.
Shelley hit a dropkick on Styles that sent him to the outside while also hitting a senton on Zayn. Shelley tried to follow out with a suicide dive, but AJ met him with a kick to the head. Zayn and AJ squared off in the ring and AJ connected with a big suplex. AJ slingshoted himself out to the ring apron but Shelley kicked his legs out from under him. This gave Zayn an opportunity to dive out on top of Shelley. Zayn chopped Shelley on the floor and he went for a split leg moonsault but AJ caught his legs and Shelley chopped his chest. Shelley locked in a rear naked choke and AJ launched himself over the ropes with a twisting body press on top of both men. The crowd began a “This is Awesome” chant!
Joey Styles: I couldn’t agree more!
AJ tried for the cover on Shelley but Shelley kicked out at two. AJ connected with a snap head scissors. AJ sent Zayn down and used him as a platform to launch himself into Shelley. AJ then connected with a springboard hurricarana that was good for a near fall. Zayn was able to catch both men in the corner with chops. Zayn monkey flipped Styles into Shelley, who powerbombed him back into Zayn. Shelley hit another powerbomb and floated over into a Boston crab, then an STF. AJ was able to make it to the ropes to break the hold but he's caught with a big powerslam. Zayn was back in but he fell victim to a big back elbow from Shelley. Zayn connects with a running knee on Shelley, and then turned hitting the Helluva Kick on Styles. Zayn pinned AJ and the crowd was on their feet. 1…2..3!
Christy Hemme: And your winner, the number one contender for the Path to Glory Championship, Sami Zayn!
Zayn celebrated in the ring before a King of the Ring promotional video played.
MATCH EIGHT
“Retaliation” signaled the arrival of Dean Ambrose.
Corey Graves: It is time for our main event!
Joey Styles: Here comes Dean Ambrose, and he’s going to fight a man of talent in both the ring and on the silver screen, The Miz.
“AWWWEEEEESOOOOMMMMEEEE”. The crowd played right along, booing the former EBWF World Champion as he came to the ring in his long overcoat and sunglasses, accompanied by Alex Riley.
Joey Styles: I kind of love The Miz. Who doesn’t?
Corey Graves: Almost everyone! I can’t believe Alex Riley is in his corner, but he’s going to fight here tonight to see if he can move on in the King of the Ring tournament!
After Christy Hemme made the introductions, the bell rang and Ambrose chased Miz around the ring before Miz stepped into the ropes to stop Ambrose's advance. Miz kicked Ambrose in the stomach before locking in a side head lock and taking Ambrose over with a shoulder block. Ambrose went for a hip toss and Miz tried to reverse it, almost allowing Ambrose to lock in the Regal Stretch, but Miz was able to roll to the outside.
Joey Styles: That was too close Miz! Too close!
When he came back in, Ambrose took Miz right over with an arm drag, and a big leaping boot, that was good for a near fall. Ambrose focused on Miz's arm with an arm bar, but Miz turned it around, hanging Ambrose's arm up on the top rope. Miz locked in a hammer lock and slammed him into the turnbuckle. Another hammer lock from Miz, and this time there was a belly to back drop that's good for a near fall.
Corey Graves: Dean Ambrose was almost eliminated there!
Miz tried to work over Ambrose's arms, wrenching away and pulling his arms straight back and away from his body. Ambrose was able to fight up to his feet and out of the hold, going for a backslide that was good for two. Miz came right out of it with a kick to the shoulder and continued to work over Daniel's arms. Miz distracted the ref and it allows Alex Riley to wrench away on Ambrose's arm as well. Miz hit a couple of elbow breakers before going back to work with a hammerlock. Ambrose wriggled out of it, but Miz responded with a big shoulderbreaker, that was good for a two count.
Joey Styles: And Ambrose won’t stay down!
Ambrose rolled out to the apron, and Miz used some pretty inventive offense to continue the work on the shoulder. Miz brought Ambrose back into the ring and went for the pin, but only got a two count. Miz locked in an arm bar and Ambrose was able to fight out of it. Ambrose sidesteps a dive from Miz and Miz sailed to the outside. Ambrose followed Miz with a suicide dive through the ropes. Ambrose rolled Miz back into the ring and hit a beautiful missile dropkick. Ambrose hit a stiff kick to Miz's chest that was good for a near fall. Ambrose went for a leg submission, but Miz fought it off with a kick to the shoulder. Ambrose came right back with a beautiful high knee attack.
Corey Graves: Ambrose is getting himself back in this thing.
Miz and Ambrose traded blows with Ambrose getting the upper hand. Ambrose ducked a right hand from Miz and laid into Miz with a series of kicks in the corner, before hitting a beautiful running dropkick. Ambrose nailed Miz with a stiff kick to the side of the head but it was still not enough to keep the Miz down. Ambrose took Miz to the corner and put him on the top turnbuckle, he went up too, but Miz crotched him on the top rope and dove off with a big clothesline that took Ambrose off the ropes and down to the mat. Miz went for a cover but only gets a two count.
Joey Styles: I thought it was over there!
Miz simply wrenched away on Ambrose's shoulder and arm, with his knee on Ambrose's head. Ambrose was able to make it to the ropes to force a break. Miz stalked Ambrose as he got to his feet and he tried for the SCF, but Ambrose countered it into a roll up for a two count. Ambrose trapped Miz's arm and went for an armbar submission, but Riley jumped up to the apron. Ambrose argued with Riley and Miz tried to attack, but he ends up running into Riley instead of Ambrose. The crowd cheered that.
Joey Styles: That didn’t work out like Miz wanted!
Ambrose almost scored the win with a quick roll up, but Miz sent him to the outside. Ambrose sidestepped Riley on the outside, sending him into the ring post, and he was able to kick out of a small package from the Miz. Miz punches and kicks away at Ambrose, forcing the ref to pull him away. Ambrose was dazed, and Miz hit the SCF!
Corey Graves: There’s the Skull Crushing Finale!
Miz went for the pin, and got the 1…2..3!
Joey Styles: Miz wins! Miz advances in the King of the Ring Tournament! On Monday, PJ Black takes on Dolph Ziggler and AJ Styles takes on Edge in our main event as the tournament will continue.
Corey Graves: We’ll see you then, live, on Warfare!
Miz continued to celebrate with Alex Riley in the ring as Death Before Dishonor went off the air.
