The opening theme to EBWF Warfare brought the crowd on its feet. Signs were being held up all over the arena.
Joey Styles: We’re coming to you live from The Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan…
“Oh My Here We Go!”
Corey Graves: The song says it best, Joey!
“Sound of Madness” had hit and Detroit was on their feet for their native son.
Christy Hemme: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome, the CEO of EBWF, from DETROIT, MICHIGAN… Wes Ikeda!
Christy dragged out Wes’ name as he came down the ramp, slapping hands with fans. He went up the steel steps and climbed in over the middle rope. He took the microphone from Christy and she exited the ring as Wes’ music faded.
Wes Ikeda: What’s up, Detroit?
A mix of cheers went up again, quickly drowned out by the chanting of Wes’ name between five emphatic claps. The cameras focused on Wes-centric signs in the crowd.
Wes Ikeda: I am like a little kid on Christmas Eve because we are less than ONE WEEK away from Wrestlemania 16! We’re about to embark on a week like no other in our business, and we’re going to be doing it all live from Orlando, Florida! I could only think of one place we could possibly have the go home show. The one place worthy of being home to the final Warfare before Wrestlemania. Right here, tonight at The Joe Louis Arena.
Detroit popped for themselves.
Wes Ikeda: The hallowed halls of this legendary institution will be closing in less than one month, and when the director of live events, Paul Heyman came to me and asked where we should have the last Warfare before Wrestlemaia he came with suggestions. Should we do it in Miami on our way to Orlando? Should we have it in St. Louis for ease of business before the big show? Even suggested MSG, because he’s nothing if not a man who serves his best interest. But no, there was only one answer to that question. I knew exactly where I wanted to be. I said Paul, we have to have one last go... at the Joe.
Another huge pop.
Wes Ikeda: Man, we’ve had some memories here over the last twenty years, haven’t we? World Title runs, unexpected alliances, soul crushing betrayals.
Wes stepped into the center of the ring.
Wes Ikeda: From the moment I made it to the big time, and I was forced to vacate my championship and abdicate my throne as the undisputed King of BCW, and that happened right in here. In this spot.
He pointed to the canvas at his feet.
Wes Ikeda: To the moment I walked in here last year as your EBWF Champion. There’s no place on this earth like the Joe Louis Arena. And I see those six people out there. Get a shot of their sign. Yeah… let’s get that up on the tron.
The camera searched the crowd finally focusing on six friends. Each holding one piece of poster board that collectively read “The House that Wes Ikeda Built”.
Wes Ikeda: Raven has a bingo hall in Philly. Chris Jericho has the Tokyo Dome. But that right there…
He pointed out to the sign.
Wes Ikeda: You can’t say Detroit and Wrestling without thinking of Wes Ikeda, and when you say that when it comes to wrestling the Joe Louis Arena is the house that I built?
He grinned.
Wes Ikeda: You're God damn right.
The crowd was chanting his name again.
Wes Ikeda: Now this is usually the part where I would announce that I wanted to make a final memory in Detroit. Where I would swoop in and book myself in a main event caliber Wrestlemania match. That I’d challenge some long-time foe with promises of death defying stunts and a chance at wrestling immortality. However, I’m afraid that can’t be the case this year Detroit.
The crowd began to boo.
Wes Ikeda: I know. I know. Hear me out. Hear me out. I’m not saying you won’t see me on screen at all next weekend, but for Wrestlemania 16, my role isn’t to tear the house down with a match. In real life, Wes Ikeda is a guy who prides himself on his ability to step aside and let the new guys shine. But that’s not why I’m doing this. I’d be lying if I said every guy in the back doesn’t want multiple Wrestlemania moments, and I’m no better. I have to take off my boots and put on my suit and tie this year, because though we’ve done 15 EBWF Wrestlemanias, 15 shows that got better and better every year, for the first time ever in our company’s history, we’re doing number 16 without the 9th Wonder of the World.
The crowd began to fall silent at that realization but then a “Thank You Chyna” chant went up.
Wes Ikeda: There’s going to be plenty of time to honor that legacy next weekend. Now, now, you’ll forgive me if I left the Made for TV Character in the back, and I get a little raw when I say that I don’t know if I know how to do Wrestlemania without Joanie. So my attention needs to be there, in the back, wearing her Degeneration-X Green Production Headphones and putting on the best damn Wrestlemania EBWF has ever seen.
With the crowd turned to cheers Wes continued.
Wes Ikeda: Now, don’t get it twisted. Detroit ain’t seen the last of me. Before too long, I’ll lace up these boots and the Rebel without a Cause will be back in the Motor City next year, walking up the ramp of a brand new arena no matter which god awful, greased up, piece of cardboard pizza chain’s name they slap on the side of the damn thing. Deal?
The crowd cheered.
Wes Ikeda: Detroit, do we have a deal?
The worked themselves into a louder response.
Wes Ikeda: Well, then I’m a man of my word, so I look forward to that. I might not be wrestling, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to leave you without one hell of a show. And that brings me to one man… The Phenomenal, AJ Styles.
There was a mix of cheers and boos.
Wes Ikeda: Now, AJ lost the EBWF Championship at Fallout, and like AJ does, he spent the last three weeks fancying himself some sort of fantasy booker. Now there’s nothing I can do about AJ Styles doing what AJ Styles does. We’re going to have to listen to AJ complain until he gets that rematch. It’s a rematch AJ might even deserve, but our main event is set. Samoa Joe is the winner of the EBWF Royal Rumble and PJ Black is the EBWF World Champion. That’s the match. But I’m nothing if not generous to the EBWF Universe. What would Wrestlemania be without a powerhouse like AJ Styles? So in this corner I have a former world champion, capable of blowing the roof off of Wrestlemania and stealing the show. He needs an opponent.
Wes shrugged, and then nodded to himself.
Wes Ikeda: And in this corner, I have another former world champion. A man looking at his 8th Wrestlemania with EBWF. One of the best wrestlers the world has ever seen or ever will see again. The only man who could face AJ Styles and make the match the EBWF Universe didn’t even know they wanted to see, into the best damn match at Wrestlemania. I have these two formidable champions. I have these two wrestling titans. I have the grandest stage of them all.
The crowd roared.
Wes Ikeda: So what do you say, Detroit? Ole Stone Cold’s been doing a lot of the booking around here. Think it might be time to get my hands dirty. I think it’s time I offer the EBWF Universe a little gift. Wrestlemania 16. AJ Styles versus Randy Orton!
The crowd cheered.
Wes Ikeda: The winner?
Wes paused for effect.
Wes Ikeda: Gets AJ’s rematch.
“Sound of Madness” immediately began to play as the crowd reacted. Wes stood up on the turnbuckle.
Joey Styles: What? Really? This is huge! Orton versus Styles at Mania!
Corey Graves: The match we didn’t know we wanted, and the winner gets AJ’s World Title Rematch just to make it more interesting.
The camera cut backstage. Natalya had her back turned, looking at the television that was broadcasting the show. Wes Ikeda was just getting out of the ring. Natalya's arms were inward, cradling something in her arms. She was cooing softly at it.
Natalya: Did you see Daddy? Wasn't he handsome? Oh yes he was. But not as handsome as you. You're the best, aren't you? Yes you are.
Renee Young approached the Women's Champion from her left side, mic in hand.
Renee Young: Natalya, tonight you have requested some time in the ring to discuss the matter involving Liv Morgan. Can you tell us--
Natalya turned and shot Renee a menacing look. In her arms was a fluffy peke faced persian cat, who's flat face stared blankly at the camera before disinterestedly looking around the room.
Natalya: Excuse me. 2Pawz and I were busy watching the show. We do not like to be disturbed when we're watching Warfare. Do you understand?!
Renee Young: Apologies, Natalya. But I...
Natalya: Shut up, Renee. You know what? Here's your answer. Yes, I am going to tell the whole EBWF Universe what my plans are for Wrestlemania. And spoiler alert: they don't involve that Jersey tramp with the backwards cap. Now, please leave while 2Pawz and I go get a mani-pedi. Right, handsome? Yes, aren't you the handsomest boy in the entire arena? Let's get away from stupid, ugly Renee...
Natalya walked off the camera still muttering sweet nothings at her cat as Renee looked on, bewildered. EBWF went to commercial.
Warfare returned from a commercial break and the bell rang as Christy Hemme stood in the middle of the ring. She smiled brightly as she brought the mic to her lips.
Christy Hemme: The following contest is a GAUNTLET Match! The match will begin with two competitors. Those two will battle it out until there's a winner by pinfall or submission. The winner of that match will face the next competitor that comes out. This will continue until the final match, where the winner will be declared the Number One Contender and will face Alex Riley for the Path to Glory Championship at WRESTLEMANIA!
The crowd cheered loudly, getting amped up for the main event of the evening.
Corey Graves: Oh, Joey. I am so psyched for this match. I can't wait to see who's going to face Alex Riley at the Grandest Stage of them All.
Joey Styles: Certainly a lot riding on this match. Let's see who comes out first!
Just as the crowd died down, "Basket Case" by Green Day played out of the PA speakers. Matt Sydal came down to the ring to cheering by the crowd.
Joey Styles: Matt Sydal's got an uphill battle being one of the first two competitors, but this game is all about momentum, Corey.
Corey Graves: That's right, Joey. Everyone in EBWF has that second gas tank. It's all about getting into a rhythm and keeping your opponent guessing.
Matt got to his corner and stretched on the ropes as "Fight" by CFO$ started playing, and Kevin Owens came out to a loud, divided reaction amongst the fans.
Corey Graves: Kevin Owens may be out here at the beginning, but he's a prize fighter, and there's no way he's going to take this lightly. This is for a rich, rich prize Joey.
Owens steps into the ring and brushed past Matt Sydal as he mounted the turnbuckle and raised his arms to the crowd. He got to his corner and the referee called for the bell.
Joey Styles: Here we go! The match that everyone has been waiting for, the marquee match of Warfare! Brawl for All at WarfareMania is on!
Matt Sydal immediately approached KO. Just as they were about to lock up, Kevin Owens dropped to the mat and rolled out of the ring, circling like a shark.
Corey Graves: He's taking a powder, Joey! KO already with the mind games!
Sydal waited patiently as the referee counted to 6, and lost his patience. He went outside to pursue Owens, and the two exchanged punches ringside. Sydal caught Owens with a knee to the gut and rolled him into the ring. Owens got up and went for a clothesline but Sydal caught his arm and twisted it around behind KO's back. Owens grimaced and struggled to free himself, but Sydal leapt up and flipped Owens over into an armbar. Owens struggled wildly.
Joey Styles: Sydal starting out with some technical expertise here!
Owens desperately kicked his foot out and managed to barely rest the toe of his boot on the bottom rope. The referee called for a break to the hold and Sydal begrudgingly did so after four seconds. Sydal picked Owens up and threw him towards the corner, but Owens reversed the whip and Sydal hit the corner back first, slinking down to the mat. Owens didn't hesitate and charged forward, executing a summersault roll and colliding with Sydal in the corner. He pulled Sydal to the middle of the ring and went for a pin. Sydal kicked out after two.
Joey Styles: Kevin Owens has some high velocity and power. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with out there.
Owens picked up Sydal by the hair, which earned him an admonishment from the referee. Sydal spun around and hit a roundhouse kick to KO's gut, doubling him over. He then charged towards the ropes, bouncing off and hitting a double drop kick to KO's skull. Owens dropped like a sack of rocks, and Sydal got a long two count.
Corey Graves: Oh man, that was close. What a victory this would be for Matt Sydal! To push him right into the upper echelon if he can win thie Brawl for All Gauntlet match.
Sydal threw Owens into the corner and went to the opposite site. He charged forward and hit a flying body press onto KO in the corner, causing the prize fighter to reel. Sydal then returned to the opposite corner.
Joey Styles: Looks like he's going to go for it again!
Sydal charged forward again, but KO charged out from the corner and met him halfway. Sydal tried to leapfrog, but KO caught him and pushed him up, bringing him crashing back down with a Popup Powerbomb!
Corey Graves: Just like that!
KO quickly scrambled on top of Sydal and hooked the leg. 1..2...3!
Joey Styles: And Kevin Owens has won the first match of this gaunlet series! Let's see who's next to get a shot at number one contendership for the Path to Glory title!
Warfare returned from a commercial break backstage. Instantly, EBWF World Champion, PJ came around the corner. Dressed in street clothes, PJ had in his hand a lead pipe. He looked aggravated. Annoyed. Downright pissed off as he walked through the backstage area.
PJ Black: Where's Joe?
He questioned as he walked past a couple of stage hands. The two men shrugged their shoulders and PJ continued on. He lifted up the pipe and slammed it down on the top of one equipment cases.
PJ Black: JOE!! Where are you Joe!!
PJ walked down the long hallway before the show cut back to ringside.
Kevin Owens was standing in the ring, challenging someone to come to the ring and face him. "I Hope You Suffer" by AFI hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Jimmy Havoc headed to the ring.
Joey Styles: Well Corey, we're about to see a face-off between two of the men who competed in the fatal four way for the PTG Title last week.
Corey Graves: The fatal four way that Alex Riley and the Varsity Club hijacked! I'm sure both Owens and Havoc would love a chance to take the title back from A-Ri at Wrestlemania, Joey!
As Havoc entered the ring, he and Owens exchanged right hands back and forth. Owens was able to overpower Havoc, and he whipped him into the corner, then ran at him, hitting a corner clothesline. Havoc fell into a sitting position, and Owens stomped on him several times, then pulled him to his feet and lifted Havoc over his shoulders. Owens hit the Go Home Driver, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: Owens starting the match strong!
Corey Graves: He's showing no sign of fatigue, Joey!
Owens got to his feet and stomped on Havoc several more times, then sat him up and applied a headlock. Havoc broke free, and both men got to their feet. Owens went to hit Havoc with a forearm smash, but Havoc ducked out of the way, then grabbed Owens from behind, applying a sleeper hold. Owens broke out of it, but as he turned around Havoc hit a swift kick to the midsection, before hitting a DDT. Havoc followed it up with a double foot stomp, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Owens got to his feet, and Havoc grabbed him, dragging him towards the corner and slamming his head against the turnbuckle. Havoc set Owens up in the corner and hit him with a step-up high knee, then sat Owens on the top turnbuckle. Havoc climbed the ropes, getting Owens in position for a superplex. He tried to lift Owens up, but Owens blocked it. He then lifted Havoc up, countering with a swinging fisherman superplex!
Joey Styles: Oh my god!
Corey Graves: What a counter!
Owens draped an arm over Havoc and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Both men struggled to their feet, and they wearily exchanged punches back and forth. Havoc gained the upper hand, and after hitting a series of punches in quick succession, he went for a lariat... but Owens ducked out of the way and countered with a neckbreaker. Both men got to their feet and Owens whipped Havoc against the ropes, then set him up for the Pop Up Powerbomb... but Havoc countered with a hurricanrana! Both men got to their feet and Havoc applied a wrist lock, then hit Owens with the Acid Rainmaker! Havoc hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Joey Styles: It's over! Jimmy Havoc advances in the gauntlet!
Corey Graves: What a great match that was, Joey! Whoever is out next is going to be in for one hell of a fight!
Cameras settled onto a wide shot of the Joe Louis Arena as it was flooded by the familiar electric guitar riff that has become synonymous with the Hart family. "Closer" by Lacuna Coil played and the crowd gave an overwhelmingly negative response to the EBWF Women's Champion, Natalya as she walked down to the ring in a power suit. Her championship title was draped over her shoulder.
Joey Styles: Natalya is all smiles this week after what happened on Warfare just 7 days ago.
Corey Graves: She got revenge, Joey. A small measure of it, but revenge nonetheless. When law and order failed to protect her and serve her interests, she took matters into her own hands. Liv Morgan is a thug, and so is her friend.
Nattie waved at the crowd politely, completely oblivious to their jeers. A ring technician handed her a microphone as she stepped into the ring. She looked out at the Detroit crowd and smoothed out her suit jacket. She raised the mic to her lips but the crowd drowned her out in boos, so she paused.
Corey Graves: This is disrespectful. Look at her, Joey! She is the epitome of a classy champion, and this crowd clearly has no idea what class is.
Nattie once again brought the mic up, but the crowd booed her down again. She smirked.
Natalya: I'll wait.
She idly twirled the mic in her hand as the crowd continued to rain down their vitriol on the champion.
Natalya: A lot of you are wondering what my plans for WrestleMania 16 are. Since I am not going to be defending my title against Liv Morgan, I have taken on several other responsibilities on that day. After all, I am the first EBWF Women's Champion in a long time to represent this company with dignity and respect.
Her smiling demeanor soured as she got to the point.
Natalya: Respect. Something that has been in VERY short supply in this company. Two weeks ago, I was a victim of a travesty of justice. I showed up to the arena when I didn't have to. I wanted to be front-and-center of this Women's division, and show that I am a champion that the women of the EBWF can be proud of. How was I repaid for my presence? Two smelly hoodlums decided to destroy my beautiful Camaro and bail out of the arena. Were those girls arrested? Charged with destruction of property? Nope, matters were "handled internally" by EBWF.
Nattie made an overly dramatic air quote with her free hand.
Natalya: So I did what any of you would have done if you were in the same position. I made them pay dearly. Well, one of them anyway. As for Liv Morgan, I've got a different plan for her. I am going to make sure that criminal NEVER gets her title shot.
The crowd booed loudly at this, and Nattie rolled her eyes.
Natalya: I tried. I tried to be reasonable. I told her she could have her match just AFTER WrestleMania 16. I thought that was a really good compromise. But Liv Morgan did not let up. She has threatened me, embarrassed me, and made me feel unsafe in my own place of work. I am the EBWF Women's Champion, and I'm not going to let --
The fans cheer loudly as Liv Morgan appeared on the titan tron. She cleared her throat to gain Nattie’s attention, along with cutting her off. Liv stood front and center in the frame of the camera, only the top half of Liv could be seen. She had on a silvery snapback that was “Back to the Future” inspired. The bill was pulled to the back like she always wore it.
Liv: Oh, hey there. Wad’dup?!
Liv smiled and tucked some of her platinum blonde hair behind her ear. The crowd erupted in cheers for the youngest female superstar on the roster.
Liv: Calm down... that was to the Detroit crowd, not to you, Nattie!
Liv adjusted her weight and adjusted her snapback on top of her head before she spoke once more.
Liv: I know you like to believe the whole world revolves around you, but reality check, it doesn’t! It never has and it certainly never will! Now, I don’t know... and I don’t care... what your home life is like. You can be the Queen of your own McMansion for all I care. But here? Here, you’re just an overpaid paper champion. You act like you brought respect back to the title? How exactly? By sitting on your ass?!
The crowd cheered but Liv continued to talk over them.
Corey Graves: Unbelievable! Complete disrespect from Liv Morgan to our EBWF Women’s champion! Natalya doesn’t have to take this.
Liv: Now you’re out there in the ring right now, claiming you’ve been a compromising champion? You think for a moment that stealing away MY Wrestlemania moment, and offering me the title match after the biggest PPV of them all… and I’m what? Suppose to just be okay with that? Maybe if I were more like Trish Stratus or Velvet Sky. Two girls who were once great but now you never hear anything about them. They don’t seek out any justice anymore, they take what is dealt to them and go home. I’m not like that. Not now, not eva’. You see Nattie, I’m unlike anyone you’ve tangled yourself up with in the past. You’re messing with a girl from the streets. A girl who came from absolutely nothing and I’m not about to let you take anything from me. I told you, Nattie. I TOLD YOU at Fallout! I told you that things would get ugly if you didn’t do the right thing and sign the contract. I told you I would make your life hell!
Liv nodded her head and licked her lips.
Liv: But’chu didn’t believe me. I’m not the one to mess with, I warned you. I scratched and clawed my way here and I’m not about to let some high dollar floozy rob me of what is rightfully mine. You’re a champion… so it’s time to actually BE a champion. The EBWF universe and I are tired of watching you pat yourself on the back. Put’cha money where ya money is, yo.
Joey Styles: C’mon Natalya, give the universe the match they want to see!
Corey Graves: Natalya doesn’t owe Liv Morgan or anyone else, anything!
Joey Styles: All I’m saying is, if Natalya would’ve signed the contract at Fallout, maybe Liv Morgan wouldn’t have had to take such extreme measures.
Liv could see Natalya shake her head no. This only caused the short blonde from Jersey to smile even more. Liv wagged her index finger at the camera.
Liv: I figured you’d say no. You think what I did to your car was bad? I like to think of it as a favor, really. I mean… hot pink on a muscle car legend? The people who must've laughed at that custom order. Hot pink… Camaro… what are ya pushing Mary Kay products on the side for extra income? I guess some people will always have terrible taste, no matter how much money they marry into.
Liv laughed at this and shook her head.
Liv: Ya know what you made me realize, Nattie? You made me realize that no matter how much I may rattle your cage with destroying your materialistic possessions… it’s still not going to get me where I need to be. No, no, no-no nooo. I know things aren’t gonna just be that easy anymore. But’cha want in on a lil’ something, Nattie? I got one more trick up my sleeve.
Natalya finally raised her mic and bought into what Liv was saying.
Natalya: Oh yeah, Liv, and what is your plan now? Wrestlemania is just six days away so you’re running out of time...
The camera panned back to reveal Liv Morgan fully. She was standing in Natalya’s personal locker room. Liv looked around at her surroundings and whistled. Natalya appeared furious in the ring when she realized where Liv Morgan was currently.
Liv: Man, they sure do know how to upgrade these champion locker rooms, don’t they?
Corey Graves: Hey get security! Liv isn’t allowed in there!
Liv grinned at the camera. All of Natalya’s possessions laid about the room, her purse and gear bag. Extra luggage, Nattie’s cell phone and makeup bag and what appeared to be a cat carrier. Liv strolled over to the pet carrier and ran her hand across the top of it.
Liv: Well, well, what do we have here? I think it’s Nattie’s precious lil’ 2Pawz. Hm… left alllll alone here in the locker room. Unattended… ya know, that’s bad pet parenting.
Liv opened up the small kennel and pulled out an adorably grumpy looking, yet sweet cat. The cat was a white-ish color with long soft fur. Liv held the cat and smiled at the camera.
Liv: My, what a sweet Kitty you have Nattie…. It’d be a shame if something happened to the poor 2Pawz, wouldn’t it?
Liv said the last bit in almost a baby voice as she talked to the cat. She continued to hold 2Pawz who didn’t seem to mind the attention as she rubbed her hand down the cat's long, soft fur. Natalya's eyes widened as the crowd in Detroit cheered with delight at her sudden look of awful realization. Nattie's face contorted with rage and she kicked the bottom rope as hard as she could, having a visual meltdown in the ring. She screamed multiple angry things at the Tron that the mic did not pick up, though a lip-reader wasn't necessary to know that she wasn't pleased. Her hand shaking, she brought the mic up to her lips and leaned forward on the ropes facing the EBWF Tron.
Natalya: You put him back this instant or so help me I will--
Liv’s grin grew even bigger at Natalya’s meltdown in the ring.
Liv: Or you will… what?! You’re not in a place to threaten me Nattie! Oh no, you already took from me! Yo, there’s nothing else you can do to me now. However, I think It’s high time you pay for what you did to me! Clearly the car makeover didn’t result in much like I had originally planned. And as fun as it was to unleash a lil’ bit of Jersey around here, it still didn’t get me my match at Wrestlemania. So… I was thinkin’... ya’know, maybe Kitty needs a dye job or somethin’ instead...
Liv held up a container with a label for orange hair dye. Liv already had the dye ready to use and held it up to 2Pawz. All it would take it one simple squeeze of the hand and the cat’s luscious fur would be ruined by orange hair dye. Natalya appeared horrified.
Corey Graves: What a criminal Liv Morgan is! First she vandalizes Natalya’s car and now her cat? PETA is gonna be all over this.
Joey Styles: Liv could be using pet friendly hair dye, Corey, we don’t know.
Liv: I know you value your cats more than just about anything, so I hope I have your full attention now, Nattie. I have one final offer for you. Listen carefully because I mean business and I’m only saying this once. I want my match at Wrestlemania. For the EBWF Women’s title, like I deserve.
Liv licked her lips and held up the index finger from the hand that held the bottle of dye.
Liv: BUT… since I had to get my hands a lil’ dirty and go this far just to get what I already earned, I’m gonna up the ante. I want our title match at Mania, and I want it...to be a street fight! You can either agree to my terms... or I’m turning kitty into Garfield!!
Liv moved the hair dye applicator back to the fur of 2Pawz.
Liv: The ball is in your court now, champ. So tell me, what’s it gonna be?
Natalya was breathing heavily in the ring. She kicked the bottom turnbuckle as hard as she could several times. Face distorted with rage, she stared daggers at her nemesis on the tron.
Corey Graves: This is criminal coercion! What nerve! 2Pawz is going to need therapy!
Joey Styles: I’m not even sure 2Pawz knows what’s even going on right now.
With a frustrated growl, Natalya finally said the words that Detroit was waiting to hear.
Natalya: You got your match.
Joey Styles: Oh my god it’s official folks! Liv Morgan vs Natalya at Wrestlemania 16!!!
Corey Graves: That’s the last thing this young street thug should get! Rewarded for bad behavior… yeah what a great example for the young children watching at home!
The Detroit crowd erupted in cheers, it was almost deafening. Liv nodded, pleased with herself as she put down the hair dye. She held the kitty up a little more towards the camera for Natalya to see a little better.
Liv: Aw, did you hear that kitty? Looks like you were spared a dye job after all.
Liv placed the cat back into its kennel and closed the cage door. The young Jersey native looked into the camera once more with piercing blue eyes.
Liv: And YOU! I will see you at Wrestlemania!!
Liv pulled the bill of her snapback to the front and promptly walked out of view of the camera. Natalya continued to throw a tantrum in the ring as the scene faded out to a commercial break.
The camera cut backstage abruptly, where PJ Black still scoured the Joe Louis Arena in search for Samoa Joe.
PJ Black: Where are you hiding Joe?!
Black turned and looked around every corner. He tapped the lead pipe on the cinder brick walls.
PJ Black: I've got all night. Come out... Come out... Wherever you are...
Black stopped dead in his tracks in a slip second, not by Joe. Renee Young stepped in front of PJ Black with a microphone already in her hand. She raised it quickly.
Renee Young: PJ, what's going on?
PJ Black: I'm looking for Joe. Have you seen him?
Renee Young: No, no I haven't. Don't you think you should calm down?
PJ Black: Calm down? Calm down?! Samoa Joe. Last week, you started this. Now, let's finish it.
Black slowly turned his gaze from the camera over to Renee.
PJ Black: Tell Joe... I'll be in the parking lot.
PJ Black walked off past the cameraman. Renee stood still for a second as she watched PJ leave.
The camera cut back to the ring, where Jimmy Havoc was awaiting the arrival of his next opponent. A member of the ringside crew spoke to ring announcer Christy Hemme, who then made an announcement to Havoc and the crowd.
Christy Hemme: Ladies and gentlemen, I have just been informed that the next entrant in the gauntlet will be the final competitor... so the winner of this match will be the number one contender for the Path to Glory Championship!
The crowd reacted with excitement... then "SAWFT is a Sin" hit, and the crowd popped as Enzo Amore stepped out onto the stage. Enzo gave the crowd his usual schtick, then taunted Havoc, telling him that he was going to go on to become a double champion at Wrestlemania. Havoc responded by mouthing "we'll see about that". The referee called for the bell, and Enzo charged towards Havoc, hitting him with a series of punches. Havoc fought back with some punches of his own, then whipped Enzo against the ropes. As Enzo ran back towards him, Havoc went for a clothesline, but Enzo ducked out of the way, ran against the opposing set of ropes, then hit Havoc with a running crossbody. Enzo stomped on Havoc several times, then hit a knee drop. He pulled Havoc to his feet and set him up for a suplex, but Havoc blocked it, countering with a suplex of his own. Both men got to their feet and Havoc hit the Death Valley Driver on Enzo, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Havoc pulled Enzo to his feet and hit him with some more right hands, then whipped him into the corner. Havoc ran at Enzo, going for a high knee, but Enzo moved out of the way, causing Havoc to collide with the turnbuckles. Enzo grabbed Havoc from behind, rolling him up. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Both men got to their feet and Enzo went for an enzuigiri, but Havoc blocked it, countering with a spinebuster. He then put Enzo in an STF, but Enzo was able to get to the ropes. The referee forced Havoc to break the hold and Havoc pulled Enzo to his feet, then set him up for a piledriver. Enzo countered with a back body drop, then hit a dropkick. Both men got to their feet and Enzo hit a DDT, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Joey Styles: So close to a three count!
Corey Graves: What an upset it would be if Enzo was able to defeat Jimmy Havoc here tonight!
Enzo pulled Havoc to his feet and dragged him towards the corner, then went to set him up for a tornado DDT. Havoc fought back, hitting Enzo with a series of punches. He then climbed the ropes, and hit Enzo with a frankensteiner! Both men got to their feet, and Havoc hit the Acid Rainmaker on Enzo, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Corey Graves: It's over! Jimmy Havoc is going to Wrestlemania to challenge Alex Riley for the PTG Title!
"I Hope You Suffer" by AFI hit, and Havoc began to celebrate his victory. Havoc's celebration was interrupted by the sound of shattered glass, and the crowd cheered as Stone Cold Steve Austin stepped out onto the stage.
Steve Austin: Congratulations, Jimmy. That was one hell of a fight you just had... well two of them, really. You've earned the right to challenge Alex Riley for the PTG Title, especially since that SOB didn’t even really win the title in the first place. Now this might be my final Warfare as the General Manager of EBWF, so given what happened last week, I'm going to give you a reward at Wrestlemania. When you step into the ring with Alex Riley, Jimmy, there won't just be one title on the line... there will be two. Because at Wrestlemania, you will be facing Alex Riley for the Path to Glory Championship and the Intercontinental Title... and that match will be a ladder match. Both championships will be hanging above the ring, and the winner takes it all. And that's the bottom line, 'cause Stone Cold said so! Good luck, kid.
Joey Styles: Oh my god! What a reward for Jimmy Havoc. At Wrestlemania, he'll face Alex Riley in a ladder match... the winner will walk out as both the Intercontinental and Path to Glory Champion!
Corey Graves: What a match that's going to be, Joey!
The door to the arena swung open with force as Samoa Joe emerged. He stopped and looked around the parking lot until his eyes met the EBWF World Champion, PJ Black, down the way. Joe turned and walked toward PJ. Black stood there, egging Joe on.
PJ Black: Looks like you finally showed up.
Samoa Joe said nothing as he closed the gap with the champion. Black took a few steps forward as he inched closer.
PJ Black: I've been looking for you all night Joe. For a "destroyer", you're quite hard to find.
As the gap closed even more, Black reached off to the side as he picked up the lead pipe that he had been carrying all night long in his search for Joe. Joe noticed it at the last second and braced himself as Black swung the pipe forward, bringing it across the midsection of Joe. Samoa Joe keeled over as he dropped to a knee. Black raised the pipe over his head and brought it down on the back of Joe.
PJ Black: Some destroyer.
Black smashed the pipe across Joe's back again. He smirked as Joe crashed against the concrete grabbing at his back. Black dropped the lead pipe. The pipe rolled under the nearest car and out of reach. Black circled Joe's body and looked down at him, proud of his work. Black kicked the back of Joe's shoulders, knocking him back down to the concrete. Samoa Joe put his arms under his body and pushed himself up. Black looked down and noticed Joe continuing to get up. Black looked for the pipe and couldn't find it. Joe got one knee under himself. Black finally turned and headed away from Joe. He jumped in a black rental car and slammed the door shut. Joe returned to his feet and gave chase to Black. PJ gunned it. The tires spun as he peeled out of the parking lot. Joe stopped as the car drove out of view. The camera turned onto Joe who stared off after the car fuming.
