Mauro Ranallo: Good evening and welcome to Warfare! We are live from Montreal, Quebec, Canada!
Corey Graves: What a glorious night we have in store, Mauro! And speaking of glorious... Canada's own Bobby Roode has a chance to become the number one contender for the Breakout Championship as he goes one on one with Seth Rollins later on tonight! The winner will challenge Jeff Hardy for the gold at Wrestlemania!
Mauro Ranallo: Up first tonight though, we've got two superstars chasing their first victory after defeats last week. Johnny Gargano versus Rob Van Dam!
RVD came to the ring first, followed by Johnny Gargano. Both men were warmly received by the crowd. Once Gargano was in the ring, the referee called for the bell and the two superstars locked up. Gargano applied an arm twist, then when Van Dam tried to escape, he put him in a hammerlock. Van Dam broke out of it and went for a spinning heel kick, but Gargano ducked out of the way and a dropkick. Both men got to their feet and Gargano hit Van Dam with a series of punches, but Van Dam fought back with some kicks, then whipped him into the corner. Van Dam ran at Gargano, going for a turnbuckle thrust, but Gargano got his knees up and blocked it, then went to the top turnbuckle. Gargano hit RVD with a hurricanrana, then followed it up with an enzuigiri! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Van Dam sat up, and Gargano went for a shoot kick, but RVD blocked it and got to his feet, hitting a step-over spinning heel kick. As Gargano got to his feet, Van Dam set him up for a suplex, but Gargano blocked it, rolling him up in a small package. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Both men got to their feet and Gargano hit Van Dam with some more right hands, then followed it up with a kick to the midsection. He took RVD down with a DDT, then applied the Gargano Escape! Van Dam tapped out and the referee called for the bell.
Mauro Ranallo: It's over! An impressive victory for Johnny Wrestling!
Gargano celebrated as Warfare went to commercial.
"I Believe in a Thing Called Love" hit the PA and Candice LeRae made her way out to the ring.
Corey Graves: This is the first of two women's matches tonight!
Mauro Ranallo: We'll see the EBWF Women's Champion, Liv Morgan, take on Trish Stratus later tonight, but right now Candice LeRae takes on Mandy Rose.
"Kiss From a Rose" came to the ring next and the crowd booed.
Corey Graves: Mandy Rose made an impact shortly after her debut, but she's had a hard time keeping that momentum lately.
The bell rang, and the two women exchanged wrist locks and flips to start the match before Mandy dropped Candice with a shoulder block. The women exchanged pinning attempts for a series of quick two counts. Candice hit a jawbreaker into an arm drag before hitting a missile dropkick for a near fall. Candice puts Mandy in a straight armbar before she fought out of it and dropped Candice with a roundhouse kick for another quick two count. Mandy hit a modified neckbreaker for another quick two count before hitting a series of kicks only for Candice to counter with another jawbreaker.
Corey Graves: Candice showing some raw power here!
Candice dropped Mandy repeatedly before hitting a neckbreaker. She went for the pin, but Mandy kicked out at two again! Candice followed up with a series of forearms and chops in the corner. Candice missed a back elbow, but caught Mandy coming off of the ropes only for Mandy to drop her with a back roundhouse kick for a near fall. Mandy missed a moonsault off of the top rope before Candice hit the Boobs-Plex! She went for a pin, hooking the leg.
1...
2...
3!
Christy Hemme: Your winner, Candice LeRae!
Candice's hand was raised in victory as a promo for Wrestlemania played.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back to Warfare, where we are about to learn who will challenge Jeff Hardy at Wrestlemania for the Breakout Championship!
Corey Graves: It will be either The Architect or the Glorious One, Mauro, so you know Jeff Hardy is watching this match very closely.
Video packages recap the impressive victories that Bobby Roode and Seth Rollins each earned last week as they come to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Great showings from two world-class athletes. And each one is hungry for their Wrestlemania moment.
DING DING!
The two men met in the middle of the ring, going forehead to forehead as each argued their case for going to Wrestlemania, with plenty of gesturing towards the giant sign that loomed overhead. The argument grew more and more heated until the two men finally exploded into a Fyre/Takayama strike flurry, each throwing punch after punch at the other. Roode got the early advantage, landing hits to that went unanswered and driving Seth into the ropes. Bobby whipped Seth across the ring and caught him with a kitchen sink knee strike, send Seth tumbling over him to the mat. Roode held the momentum with a trio of dropkicks that kept Seth from gaining his footing, then ducked a wild Rollins swing, lifted him up and dropped him tailbone first on a knee. Rollins bounced off and went scurrying to the ring apron.
Mauro Ranallo: Bobby Roode, hot out the gate with number one contender status on the line.
Corey Graves: Smart move by the Architect, creating some distance and formulating a plan, that's what makes Seth Rollins so dangerous, he's always thinking.
Mauro Ranallo: Rollins telling the official to hold Roode back as he contemplates re-entering the ring.
Corey Graves: As is well within his rights, Mauro. We must respect the sanctity of the rope break.
Roode was momentarily distracted by arguing with the referee, allowing Seth the split second he needed to pull himself up onto the top rope and spring off. Bobby pushed the referee to the side but ate a flying knee strike for his troubles. Seth made the cover.
1!
2!
Bobby kicked out. Seth worked on his midsection with some kicks. He went to whip Roode into the ropes, Bobby reversed. On the rebound, Seth caught him with the Slingblade. Fired up, Seth stalked Roode as he got up to his knees and nailed him square on the jaw with the Avada Kedavra superkick. He went for another cover.
1!
2!
Roode kicked out again. Seth grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him up to his feet. He spun him out and hit him with the ripcord knee. A dazed Roode could barely keep himself upright. Rollins bounced off the ropes, and Roode recovered to catch him with a surprise lariat. Bobby synched on a tight chinlock. Rollins struggled to get upright as Bobby squeezed and tried to push him back down. Roode transitioned into a swinging neckbreaker, then dropped a knee.
Corey Graves: And just like that, the Glorious One has regained the advantage.
Mauro Ranallo: Roode climbing to the top turnbuckle.
Corey Graves: Rollins is up! He's meeting him on the top rope!
Mauro Ranallo: The men are exchanging punches in the high rent district! Mamma mia! Rollins backdrops Roode to the mat!
Corey Graves: The Architect has a crazed look in his eyes, Mauro.
Mauro Ranallo: PHEONIX SPLASH!
1!
2!
3!
DING DING!
Mauro Ranallo: Seth Rollins has punched his ticket to Wrestlemania!
Corey Graves: It's a dream match come true! Seth Rollins will face Jeff Hardy for the Breakout Championship on the grandest stage of them all!
Mauro Ranallo: And there's still more action to come when Warfare rolls on after this!
Returning from commercial break the crowd was on their feet awaiting to see what was next for them on EBWF Warfare. Just as they seemed to quiet down "Bossy" by Kelis began to play in the arena. There was a mixed reaction from the crowd as the Quintessential Diva Trish Stratus made her way out to the ring with a smile on her face. She stood on the stage for a moment before pointing to the crowd and heading down the ramp.
Christy Hemme: The following contest is a Women's Division match, scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Quintessential Diva TRISH STRATUS!!!
Trish smiled as she continued to make her way down the ramp looking around at the crowd before climbing into the ring. She walked across to the turnbuckle and jumped up to pose holding one finger up in the air before jumping down.
Corey Graves: The seven time EBWF Women's Champion Trish Stratus looks to be all business tonight!
Mauro Ranallo: You are right Corey! Trish looks to be ready for a fight tonight. And she better be because here comes her opponent.
As Trish stood in the ring her music began to die down as "Illest" by Far East Movement blasted in the arena. The crowd cheered as the EBWF Champion made her way out to the stage. The title securely around her waist as she smiled a bit.
Christy Hemme: And introducing her opponent from Paramus, New Jersey. She is the EBWF Women's Champion, LIV MORGAN!!!!!
Morgan made her way down the ramp slapping the hands of a few fans before getting into the ring. She unhooked the title from around her waist and held it up high before placing it over on the apron. She looked at Trish as the referee checked to make sure both ladies are ready for the match.
Corey Graves: This is going to be the match of the night, Mauro. I can just sense it.
Mauro Ranallo: You can say that one again. The seven time Women's Champion takes on the current champion and it is about to get underway!
DING! DING! DING!
The bell sounded and the two ladies slowly began to circle each other. Watching each other's movements closely they both reached out to grab a hand and in one swift motion Trish kicked Liv in the gut. She had a bit of a smirk on her face as she locked her in a head lock and just began to apply the pressure trying to wear down the champion.
Corey Graves: Liv should have seen that coming right there. That was a rookie mistake.
Mauro Ranallo: I don't think it was a rookie mistake. Maybe Trish should stop fighting dirty, Corey!
Trish continued to apply the pressure before Liv backed them both into the ropes, tossing Trish off she ducked down before popping up only for Trish to knock her down with a shoulder block. Trish hit the ropes again but Liv popped up and nailed a beautiful drop kick that sent Trish back to the ropes. Getting back to her feet Liv came over only for Trish to hang her up on the rope. Liv fell backwards before Trish pulled her to her feet. Hooking her arm she nailed a quick snap suplex before going for the cover.
1...2....KICKOUT!
Corey Graves: Trish Stratus was so close to picking up a win over the current champion right there.
Mauro Ranallo: It was close but she is going to have to do a little bit more to beat the current Women's Champion!
Trish seemed to be a little aggravated that she didn't pick up the win. Pulling Liv to her feet before Liv started to throw punches. She pushed Trish into the ropes before throwing her to the other side. When Trish came back Liv nailed a hip toss before hitting a standing moonsault. She hooked the leg and went for the cover.
1...2...KICKOUT!
Corey Graves: These two women are trading near falls and it's incredible.
Mauro Ranallo: These two are showing why EBWF has the best women's division in the world!
Liv was a bit frustrated but she pulled Trish to her feet and ran behind her and off the ropes. Coming back she nailed a one-handed bulldog that drove Trish's head into the mat. Liv waited for a minute setting up to finish this. When Trish got up Liv went for a Reverse Roundhouse Kick but Trish ducked out of the way and pushed Liv into the turnbuckle.
Corey Graves: Liv was trying to end this one but Trish is a crafty veteran.
Mauro Ranallo: Corey this match has been incredible and I have no idea which way it is going to go.
Trish looked at Liv who was now in the corner and ran at her going for a clothesline. Liv got the elbow up and then turns grabbing Trish's head. She ran up the turnbuckle and nailed the #201!
Corey Graves: #201 Liv has nailed it. This one is over Mauro!
Mauro Ranallo: Sliced Bread #2! What a reversal there by the champion.
Liv quickly made the cover as the refree counted.
1...2...3!!!
DING! DING! DING!
Corey Graves: An impressive victory for the Women's Champion just a few weeks away from Wrestlemania!
Mauro Ranallo: It was impressive indeed Corey and I would love to see these two go at it again!
Liv got to her feet as the referee held her hand up in victory. She walked over to the corner and grabbed her EBWF Women's Championship holding it up high in celebration.
Christy Hemme: Here is your winner the EBWF Women's Champion LIV MORGAN!!!!!!
Liv would continue her celebration in the ring posing on the turnbuckles as EBWF heads to commercial break.
Warfare returned from commercial break. The ring was decked out for MIZ TV with the glamorous red carpet down the entrance ramp and a large TV fixed between two director’s chairs. The logo for Miz TV is displayed on the TV and on the ring, as the Miz’s entrance theme begins! "I Came To Play" by Downstait blared over the PA System. Miz made his way down the ramp, the crowd gave him a nice ovation. Miz was decked out in an expensive designer sweater and nice slacks. He had sunglasses on, and confidently made his way into the ring, he took his seat on one of the empty chairs. The cheers died down, and Miz began to speak.
The Miz: Montreal- WELCOME TO MIZ TV... it's your favorite show's- favorite show- hosted by your hero... the king of the Mizfits... the greatest of the great... cream of the crop.. THIS BEAUTIFUL BASTARD IN FRONT OF YOU... yours truly... THE MIZ!
The crowd cheered as the Miz smirked.
The Miz: As you all know... we are merely weeks away... from the A lister... main eventing Wrestlemania... and ONCE AGAIN... becoming the EBWF World Champion. Now I know that the EBWF isn't just going to give me the title... even though they should... and I have to get by our current World Champion... should be really tough...
The Miz paused for effect.
The Miz: PFFT!
Crowd: PFFT!
The Miz: PFFT! However, The Miz does his homework... and it's always a great idea to get to know your competition. So tonight... on a special edition of Miz TV... our guest for the evening... is the EBWF Champion... for now... Kenny Omega!
Boos were heard from the crowd, as Omega's theme hit.
"Devil’s Sky" played as the EBWF World Champion made his way out onto the red carpet for his first appearance actually ON Warfare! He held a broom in his hand and raised it high above his head, with the EBWF World Championship strapped across his waist! He strutted down the ramp and into the ring brushing the ring around the Miz’s chair before sitting down and grabbing a microphone.
Kenny Omega: sorry about that there Miz, I thought there was some dirt around your feet but it turns out it was just one big piece of trash sitting in a chair.
The Miz smirked.
The Miz: Cute, cute. Really adorable. So Kenny welcome to Miz TV. How are you tonight?
Kenny Omega: You know Miz, it’s actually nice to finally make an appearance LIVE on Warfare. I wanted to wait until we were in a decent country, shame it had to be in the worst province in what is definitely the best country, but you take what you get. Like winning the Rumble, and the EBWF world title only to be told you have to defend against a wannabe d-list celebrity.
The crowd booed as Miz took off his sunglasses, and clipped them to his shirt. He had a shit eating grin on his face, Omega was dead serious.
The Miz: Really? A D- List Celebrity- REALLY? Listen you flash in the pan jamoak... I know you haven't been here long... so let me ask you to look around. Warfare... the EBWF... this is my world... what's around your waist... that's my title... and you might have come in and stumbled upon a lucky win... but you aren't going to stumble upon a lucky career. At Wrestlemania... this fantasy world you've been living in since you got here... ends... just so you know big guy... Like this is my world... this show... is also my show... so I'll ask the questions... question 1... do people close to you care that you haven't showered since you were 12?
The Miz looked at him comically like a reporter on 60 minutes. The crowd cheered and laughed at Omega.
Omega grinned and ran his hands through his hair, but shook it off and allowed Miz to continue.
The Miz: Please don't do that... It's not the janitor's job to clean the grease puddle up... okay? Kenny... in all seriousness... it's nice to finally meet you... congrats on the quick rise to the top. I just hope you know what's waiting for you at Wrestlemania... you can play it off all you want... but man to man... I can tell you that's a mistake you DON'T WANT TO MAKE.
The Miz grinned... Omega did as well... quickly Miz turned his face to completely serious. Which Omega looked at and responded.
Kenny Omega: You know what Miz, you are absolutely right. I walked in here, I beat 29 other men in the Royal Rumble to become World Champion. Then I beat CM Punk to prove that I AM the BEST in the world today, and at Wrestlemania I guess I will just have to show you why they call me the CLEANER!
The Miz: I look forward to you being cleaner...
The Miz smirked one more time. The crowd cheered.
The Miz: Again though- there's not much more to say to you Kenny... except... at Wrestlemania... may the best man win.
The Miz stuck his hand out for a handshake.
Omega looked at the crowd and back at the Miz, and grinned. He stood up to meet the Miz’s handshake offer, and reached out and shook his hand as the crowd cheered, but then Omega kicked the Miz in the gut, and pulled him towards him. Omega got behind the Miz and lifted him up for the One-Winged Angel, but the Miz was able to use the momentum to reverse into a Skull-Crushing Finale leaving Omega out cold in the Middle of the ring! The Miz looked intense and yelled inaudible trash talk to Omega. The crowd was going nuts. He picked up Omega's belt which had fallen off of Kenny's Waist. He held it up over his head, as "I Came To Play" by Downstait hit one more time, and Warfare went to commercial.
"The Villain" Marty Scurll came to the ring first, followed by Braun Strowman.
Corey Graves: Strowman is a force to be reckoned with.
Mauro Ranallo: That he is Corey, and I think it may be time for Marty Scurll to face that reckoning!
The bell rang. Scurll ducked a clothesline and got an uppercut in on Strowman. Strowman tossed him to the corner, but Scurll booted him. Scurll came off the second rope into a chop from Braun. Strowman chopped the chest again before sending Scurll hard into the opposite turnbuckle. Strowman hit a body blow and taunted the crowd, which earned him a mixed reaction. Scurll punched back at Strowman before hitting the ropes. Strowman ran him over with a shoulder block. Strowman hit another body blow before viciously chopping the chest. Strowman put him in the corner and threw him across the ring.
Corey Graves: That hurts the body and your pride.
Strowman shouted that this is his ring. The crowd didn't take kindly to that. Strowman choked him on the second rope before stomping him. Strowman stomped him down in the corner before hitting a power bomb. Strowman applied a chin lock, but Scurll fought up. Strowman immediately powered him down and goes for an elbow drop, but Scurll moved.
Mauro Ranallo: There we go! Marty Scurll holding his own against Strowman here!
Scurll uppercutted Strowman a few times before hitting a running uppercut in the corner. Scurll followed up with a big forearm, and then Scurll dropkicked Braun out of the ring. Scurll followed him out and hit a running uppercut before diving off the commentary table. Strowman caught him and drove him spine-first into the ring post. Scurll climbed back up to ringside and uppercutted Strowman on the apron and went to suplex him into the ring. Scurll wasn't getting Strowman up, so he kicked away at him before trying it again. Strowman didn't budge. In frustration, Strowman lunged at Scurll, getting him back into the ring, where he lurched forward and hit the running power slam. He went for the pin!
1...
2...
3!
Corey Graves: A victory here tonight for Braun Strowman! What kind of havoc will he reap at Wrestlemania?!
Mauro Ranallo: Still to come, our General Manager Jimmy Havoc is due to give a “state of the EBWF address”... but first, we’ve got tag team action as the new Tag Champs, Grado and Dalton Castle, take on Tommy End and Michael Dante!
“Lost in the Static” by After the Burial hit and the crowd booed as End and Dante made their way to the ring.
Corey Graves: Michael Dante is making his EBWF debut here tonight, but Dante and Tommy End have a lot of experience teaming together in Europe. The Sumerian Death Squad have held tag titles in ICW, Progress and wXw... they certainly have a lot more experience as a tag team than our Tag Team Champions, Dalton Castle and Grado!
Mauro Ranallo: Be that as it may, Corey, Castle and Grado were able to win the Tag Titles in their first match as a team! That’s impressive!
Corey Graves: What’s impressive is that the two weirdest men on the roster are able to coexist! That team is a disaster waiting to happen!
After End and Dante had entered the ring, “Like A Prayer” by Madonna hit and the crowd cheered as Grado, Dalton Castle and the Boys made their way to the ring. All four men were dancing, and it looked like they were having a good time.
Corey Graves: I think I’m going to be sick, Mauro.
After the Tag Team Champions had entered the ring, they played rock/paper/scissors to decide who would start the match. Grado chose rock, and Castle chose paper, so Grado started the match. There was no such conversation between End and Dante – End told Dante to get on the apron, then turned to face his opponent. As the bell rang, Tommy End immediately swung a kick at Grado, but Grado ducked out of the way, then hit End with a series of punches. Grado whipped End against the ropes and went for a clothesline, but End ducked out of the way, ran against the opposing set of ropes and hit Grado with a high knee. Grado staggered backwards, and Tommy End hit a roundhouse kick, knocking him down to the mat. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! End then tagged in Michael Dante, who stomped on Grado several times as he entered the ring, then pulled Grado to his feet and whipped him into the corner. As End held Grado in place, Dante hit him with a running clothesline. Grado fell into a sitting position, and Dante stomped on him in the corner several times, before dragging him to his feet. Dante tried to lift Grado up for a brainbuster... but Grado blocked it, and hit a bionic elbow! Dante was momentarily dazed, and Grado took him down with a big boot, then tagged in Dalton Castle. Castle climbed the turnbuckle, and when Dante was on his feet, Castle hit a diving crossbody! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Mauro Ranallo: Castle and Grado have seized the momentum now... can the Tag Team Champions pick up the win here?
Castle pulled Dante to his feet and hit a series of punches, then whipped him against the ropes. As Dante ran back towards him, Castle hit a dropkick, then as both men got to their feet, Castle hit an exploder suplex. He hooked the leg once more – 1... 2... Dante kicked out! Castle pulled Dante to his feet once more, and whipped him against the ropes, but as Dante bounced back off the ropes, he hit Castle with a spear! Both men crawled to their respective corners, tagging in Grado and Tommy End. The Scotsman and the Dutchman charged towards one another, exchanging right hands back and forth. Grado looked to have the upper hand, and he set Tommy End up for the R-Grado, but End blocked it, then hit Grado with a deadlift German suplex!
Corey Graves: Tommy End just lifted Grado up with ease! What a show of strength!
End then ran at Dalton Castle, knocking him off the apron with a running big boot, and signalled to Michael Dante to enter the ring. Dante held Grado in a reverse bodyscissors, and End hit him with a diving double knee drop!
Mauro Ranallo: Dead Man's Trigger!
End hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: Tommy End and Michael Dante have beaten the Tag Team Champions! The Sumerian Death Squad might have just earned a shot at the Tag Titles!
Corey Graves: The Gorgeous Guys might have something to say about that, Mauro... they haven't had their rematch yet!
“I Hope You Suffer” by AFI blasted throughout the arena as Jimmy Havoc walked through the curtain in a suit and tie and converse.
Corey Graves: Our GM dressed like former Doctor Who Star, David Tennant! I thought he’d fancy himself for more of Whovian Villian!
Mauro Ranallo: He's probably wanting to go back in time to when Wes Ikeda wasn’t on his case Corey!
Corey Graves: Either that or to when Braun Strowman threw Ikeda through a table 2 weeks ago!
Jimmy got into the mic and grabbed a microphone from ringside.
Jimmy Havoc: I know you all know why I’m out here. I’m supposed to come out here and trash talk Wes Ikeda, call him a bitch or a dickhead or whatever.
The crowd popped for swearing, who doesn’t?!
Jimmy Havoc: I admire Wes’ fortitude I really do, to accept a match against me and Braun Strowman? You’d have to be a madman and he is definitely a mad man. He paid the price though, splinters for days! I don’t really have any bad things to say about him apart from him being a sociopathic fuck who will do what’s best for his stupid wife! He calls himself the rebel and the odd one out when as soon as I start cussing he cries for the FCC! Hey Wes, FUCK, SHIT, BITCH, DICK, FUCK!
Jimmy smirked.
Jimmy Havoc: Ah, so many fines.
Jimmy smirked again.
Jimmy Havoc: You see my biggest gripe with Wes Ikeda is, he’s sitting behind that monitor backstage probably seething through his teeth but he won’t do a damn thing about it. Sure, he’ll probably reprimand me for what I’m doing but ultimately he knows I’m the biggest asset he’s got. I’m bloody untouchable. I’m the best in the…
“Oh My, Here We Go.”
The Montreal crowd gave a mixed reaction to the arrival of Wes Ikeda. He seemed to ignore them though as he marched out onto the stage area.
Wes Ikeda: Cut my fuckin’ music.
The music cut abruptly, and Wes came a bit down the ramp. He was shaking his head.
Wes Ikeda: What is wrong with you, Jim? Honestly, what is wrong with you? Who put that giant chip on your shoulder? When exactly did you become so ungrateful?
Jimmy looked shocked, he started making gasping noises seemingly mocking Wes Ikeda.
Jimmy Havoc: Me?! I mean sure, maybe I have got a chip on my shoulder but that’s only because if it wasn’t there this whole ship would sink. Steve Austin was a terrible GM, Jericho was even worse! I brought talent and great matches in my tenure, you gave me that faith and I ran with it. Come last PPV though, House of Havoc, you come trotting down the ring like some show pony once again because you can’t keep yourself away. Haven’t you retired like 4 times? You soon learned you can’t keep up anymore though, still hurting are we?
Wes Ikeda: Sure, sure… I mean, EBWF was here for fifteen years before you, and it’ll be here long after you, but sure. You’re the reason the whole thing stays afloat. Got it.
He shook his head.
Wes Ikeda: You have more alternative facts than the Trump Administration. We’ll ignore that bit about whether or not I’ve ever retired, because I think everyone in the building knows that I haven’t hung up my boots, ever. We’ll go instead to that little comment about me giving you this job and having faith in you. Do not get it twisted. You are not GM because I thought that was a good idea. You’re GM because Jericho gave you the opportunity, and you beat him. And I back Jericho’s play, whether I like it or not. However, I’m beginning to think that the Jimmy Havoc experiment is over.
Jimmy smirked.
Jimmy Havoc: You have an answer for EVERYTHING don’t you? It must be great being so fucking right all the time Wes.
He looked to the crowd.
Jimmy Havoc: Don’t get me wrong, Wes Ikeda is the single greatest man in Professional Wrestling.
He looked back at Ikeda.
Jimmy Havoc: I respect the fuck out of you Wes. I truly do, in another vain we could’ve even been great friends. This time though, you’re so wrong it hurts. The “Jimmy Havoc experiment” as you call it so far from over, I’ve been here nearly 3 years now. Upcoming is my 2nd Mania, this shit is only just starting. I’m sure you have something in mind for me at Mania, I am going to be backstage or am I going to be in some backwards feud again? AJ again? I’m pretty sure you owe me a few after the last 2 matches against AJ. Have at it, what’s the deal?
Wes had narrowed his eyes incredulously while Havoc had been talking. It had started when he’d been called “the single greatest man in Professional Wrestling” a compliment which he in no way believed, and would normally refute vigorously. It continued as Jimmy had continued talking.
Wes Ikeda: No, I don’t think you’re understanding me. The Jimmy Havoc trial period is over, and I’d really, really like to cancel my subscription.
The crowd booed.
Wes Ikeda: Boo me. Boo me if you want! He doesn’t care about you, and he doesn’t care about EBWF. He’d go to the first place that offered him more money, but you guys keep at it. Adore a guy who couldn’t give a damn about you. You guys can cheer him right out of my ring and up this ramp because…
The boos turned to a huge pop as “Boomer Sooner” hit the PA. Wes looked incensed and turned around as Jim Ross made a rare appearance on the stage area.
Corey Graves: The Executive Vice President of Talent Relations! It’s Good Ol’ JR, Mauro!
Wes clearly asked JR what he was doing there. The senior executive covered his mouth with a paper he was holding so the camera could not read his lips. Wes shook his head as JR was talking, but once it seemed they had reached an understanding, Wes wheeled around turned his attention back to Jimmy.
Wes Ikeda: The EBWF Board of Directors just saved your ass.
Jimmy turned his attention to JR, who was trying to make his way back off stage.
Jimmy Havoc: Good Ol’ JR everyone!
The crowd popped huge.
Jimmy Havoc: JR, me and you have had our differences and you’ve been a big help for me. Please though, please share what the fuck just happened to make you actually get out of your chair and out here?
Wes Ikeda: He doesn’t answer to you!
JR took that as he cue to continue back behind the curtain. Wes began down the ramp, and up the steel steps as he spoke. He stopped on the ring apron.
Wes Ikeda: I was about to fire you, and he quite rightly reminded me that you could sue, and even if it was a case we could win, we’d be tied up in court for years. Neither of us think you’re significant enough for that. So, I guess this means that I’m going to have to handle this the only way I know how, Jim.
Jimmy Havoc: Typical Ikeda, as soon as things look a little rough you fire people and throw your weight around. There seems to be 2 versions of Ikeda management around here, the one who fires people when he starts to not like things. Just ask Velveteen Dream what he’s doing these days, you think the guy left his dream job? Sure. Firing me would be the biggest mistake you ever made Wes. You seem to get me wrong though, I love this job. I am indebted and in love with EBWF, I love these people and I fucking love wrestling. These people boo you because they realise I’m god damn right, just how many new stars have I had a hand in? Just why am I up for all the Slammy Nominations? The relationship me and these people have is an odd one for sure, but we have that. These people know they’re who I’m out here for, character or no character Jimmy Havoc would be fucking nothing without these people.
The crowd popped huge as crowds do like themselves mentioned.
Jimmy Havoc: Then there’s the other Wes Ikeda, the one who puts business integrity to the wayside when his wife is pissed at something.
The crowd “ooo’d” when Havoc mentioned Natalya.
Jimmy Havoc: Trish beat Natalya god damn clean in that cage, you came out here and allowed Jericho to restart the match under a bullshit rematch clause, because you didn’t want to put up with her shit at home. You’re the biggest coward in this building, the same wife who’s out taking selfies with AJ Styles right now more than likely! Plus we all know AJ doesn’t care for boundaries. Right?
Wes moved into the ring over the second rope, and cocked his head at Jimmy. He cleared the space between them rather quickly, Jimmy looking slightly dwarfed standing at 5’10 in front of Wes’ 6’4 frame. Wes jawed off to Jimmy, as if giving him an opportunity to take those words back, but when Jimmy only nodded Wes hit him with a stiff right hand. The crowd “ooo’d” again, and then started cheering. Wes kept laying on the punches, following Jimmy to the mat with them. Wes positively pounced on Jimmy, clobbering him with left and rights. Then he stood up and gave him a kick to the ribs, watching as Havoc rolled off the apron and to ringside. Wes stood up, obviously heated, and looked all around until he found his microphone. He picked it up and went back to lounge against the top rope, looking down at Jimmy, flat on his back and gasping for air.
Wes Ikeda: Since I’m not going to fire you, I’ll do the next best thing. I’ll see you at Wrestlemania.
Wes threw his microphone down at Jimmy’s body as “Sound of Madness” hit and he left the ring as Warfare went off the air.
