Pyro shot off and EBWF Warfare went live from Nashville.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome ladies and Gentlemen to Warfare!
Corey Graves: I am Corey Graves.
Mauro Ranallo: I'm Mauro Ranallo, and we may have just seen the Royal Wedding, but tonight EBWF begins preparing for a Royal Coronation. Up first, Neville makes his EBWF debut as he goes one on one with Braun Strowman!
Corey Graves: Talk about a baptism of fire, Mauro! I bet Strowman is the last person Neville wanted to draw in this King of the Ring tournament... the Monster Among Men is literally a foot taller than him!
Mauro Ranallo: It's a superheavyweight versus the King of the Cruiserweights, but Neville wants his crown, and as we've seen so many times before, size is no barrier to or guarantee of success!
"Break Orbit" by CFO$ hit and the crowd cheered as Neville made his way to the ring for the next match. Once Neville was in the ring, "I Am Stronger" by CFO$ hit and the cheers quickly turned to boos as Braun Strowman stepped out onto the stage. As he entered the ring, Strowman stood over Neville, trying to intimidate him with his size. The referee got between them, then called for the bell. Strowman charged towards Neville, going for a clothesline, but Neville ducked out of the way, then turned around and hit Strowman with an enzuigiri! Strowman staggered backwards, and Neville hit a spinning kick, then tried to take Strowman down with a legsweep. Strowman blocked it and threw Neville into the corner, crushing him with a bodypress. As Neville staggered out of the corner, Strowman whipped him against the ropes, before taking him down with a big boot. Strowman followed it up with a leg drop, then made the cover. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Neville trying to use his speed and agility to garner an advantage, but the raw power of Strowman is proving to be the difference thus far!
Strowman pulled Neville to his feet and lifted him over his shoulder, setting him up for the running powerslam... but Neville wriggled free and wrapped his legs around Strowman's shoulders, hitting a reverse frankensteiner!
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! What a counter!
Strowman looked dazed as he got to his feet, and Neville took him down with a superkick, then made the cover. The referee counted – 1... 2... Strowman kicked out! Both men got to their feet, and Neville went for an Irish whip, but Strowman was too strong and he pulled Neville towards him, grabbing Neville by the throat and hitting a chokeslam! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Strowman got to his feet and stomped on Neville several times, then pulled him to his feet and threw him into the corner. Strowman charged towards Neville, going for a corner clothesline, but Neville got his knees up and blocked it, then went to the top rope, hitting a missile dropkick! Strowman staggered backwards, but remained standing, and Neville hit him with a kick to the knee, taking him down. Neville went back to the top rope, and signalled for the Red Arrow, but Strowman got to his feet and ran to the corner, grabbing Neville and lifting him over his shoulder. Strowman hit a running powerslam, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It's over! Braun Strowman advances to the next round!
Corey Graves: Credit where credit is due, Joey... Strowman might have emerged as the victor, but Neville fought bravely!
Strowman celebrated as Warfare went to a commercial break.
When Warfare returned "The Deletion Anthem" hit the PA and the crowd gave a mixed reaction.
Mauro Ranallo: Matt Hardy certainly is a strange one these days, Corey!
Corey Graves: Strange? He's woken, Mauro! Get it right!
Matt came to the ring and did the delete Taunt before "I Want It All" hit and Dalton Castle came to the ring!
Mauro Ranallo: And here comes the Gateway Champion!
Corey Graves: If Wes Ikeda knew what he was doing this King of the Ring qualifying match would also be part of the Dalty Double Slammy Gateway Championship Open Invitational Challenge!
Mauro Ranallo: Well, Castle's title isn't on the line here tonight, but one of these men will go on to face Bobby Roode or Cody in the next round of the tournament.
Dalton did his usual flashy entrance, and after the ring introductions the bell rang. Hardy tried to surprise Castle with a roll up, but Castle kicked out. He avoided an early Twist of Fate attempt and rolled to the ropes quickly. He mouthed off to Hardy, but Matt didn't seem fazed. Dalton got a knee up on Matt. Hardy followed up with a backslide pinfall.
1...
2...
Kickout!
The boys were relieved, but Matt dropped a quick elbow. Dalton pulled himself up in the corner, and Matt threw some hard rights. Castle hit an inverted DDT, and threw in a quick neck breaker. Dalton catapulted Matt into the second rope, and then curb stomped him into the corner. He hit a running drop kick in the corner. Matt bounced out of the corner, and Castle hit him with a clothesline. Dalton went up to the second rope.
Mauro Ranallo: No Dalton, you got to get off of there!
Matt countered, bring Dalton down off the turnbuckle. Dalton splashed the corner, but Matt moved out of the way. Matt bounced Dalton's face off of the corner repeatedly. He followed up with a corner clothesline and running bulldog combo. Hardy dropped an elbow to the neck of Miz, and went to the top rope, dropping a flying elbow on Castle. He hooked the leg.
1...
2...
Kickout!
The crowd cheered Dalton Castle's effort as Hardy helped him up and hit the Side Effect. Once back to his feet, Castle drove Matt head first into the corner. Matt stumbled out and Dalton went to hit the Bang-a-Rang, but Hardy shoved him off. Castle spun around and got kicked in the midsection. Hardy set him up and hit the Twist of Fate! He went for the pin.
1...
2...
3!
The crowd and The Boys were in disbelief! The Deletion Anthem hit again!
Mauro Ranallo: What a debut from Matt Hardy!
Corey Graves: Our Woken Warrior moves on to the next round of the King of the Ring tournament!
Mauro Ranallo: What an effort from Dalton Castle! He won't be King of the Ring, but there's no telling when he'll cash in that Gateway Championship!
Mauro Ranallo: Up next, the Drama King Aiden English goes one on one with the two time King of the Ring, Randy Orton!
"Toreador II" by Apocalyptica hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Aiden English made his way to the ring. When English was in the ring, “Counting Bodies Like Sheep” by A Perfect Circle hit and the crowd cheered as Randy Orton stepped out onto the stage.
Corey Graves: Aiden English has made an impressive start to his EBWF career with a record of 3 and 0... but he faces arguably his toughest opponent to date in the Viper!
After Orton had entered the ring, the referee called for the bell and the two superstars exchanged right hands back and forth. Orton gained the upper hand, and he whipped English against the ropes, before attempting a clothesline. English ducked out of the way and got behind Orton, taking him down with a Russian legsweep before stomping on him several times. As Orton tried to get back to his feet, English hit a swinging neckbreaker, then followed it up with a leaping leg drop. He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... kickout! English stomped on Orton several more times, then sat him up and applied a sleeper hold. Orton fought out of it, and as both men got to their feet, Orton hit English with a European uppercut. English staggered backwards, and Orton grabbed him, lifting him up for an exploder suplex. Both men got to their feet and Orton hit an inverted headlock backbreaker, before hooking the leg. The referee counted - 1... 2... English kicked out!
Mauro Ranallo: Ruthless aggression being shown by Randy Orton, but Aiden English isn’t going down without a fight!
English rolled out of the ring, and Orton followed him to the outside. Orton grabbed English and threw him into the ringside barriers, before hitting a series of punches. Orton then grabbed English and dragged him towards the ramp, before setting him up for a suplex, but English blocked it, countering with a sitout jawbreaker! Orton staggered backwards and English grabbed him, throwing Orton headfirst into the steel steps. As Orton leaned against the steps, English hit a low dropkick, slamming Orton’s head against the steps once again!
Corey Graves: The sound of Orton’s head slamming against the steel is echoing throughout the arena! Orton could be out cold!
As English rolled back into the ring, the referee, who had just reached the count of 5, continued counting Orton out. 6... 7... 8... Orton stumbled to his feet at the count of 9, and rolled back in just before the 10 count! English grabbed Orton and lifted him over his shoulders, then hit a fireman’s carry spinebuster. He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... Orton kicked out just before the 3! English began yelling at the referee, and accused him of counting slow. He then turned his attention back to Orton, but Orton was playing possum, and as English went to grab him, Orton his a snap scoop powerslam! He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... English kicked out!
Mauro Ranallo: Orton almost stole a victory there! If Aiden English isn’t careful, he’s going to get hit with an RKO outta nowhere!
Orton pulled English to his feet and whipped him into the corner, then pummelled him with a series of punches and kicks. English fell into a sitting position, and Orton applied a foot choke. The referee threatened to disqualify Orton, and began the 5 count... at the count of 4, Orton withdrew his foot. As Orton went to drag English to his feet, English hit him with a low blow... but the referee didn’t see it! The crowd booed as English got to his feet. English smirked and taunted the crowd, before grabbing Orton and throwing him shoulder first into the ring post. English pulled Orton away from the corner, then lifted him up and hit the Director’s Cut! He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... 3! The referee called for the bell, and raised English’s arm in victory.
Mauro Ranallo: I don’t believe it! Aiden English has beaten Randy Orton... what an upset!
Corey Graves: It’s not an upset, that was brilliant! Aiden English is now 4 and 0!
English celebrated as Warfare went to a commercial break.
As Warfare returned from a commercial break, Rey Mysterio was on his way to the ring for the next match. After Mysterio had entered the ring, “Metalingus” by Alter Bridge hit and the crowd cheered as Edge made his way to the ring.
Corey Graves: Welcome back! Up next, the King of the Ring first round continues as Edge goes one on one with Rey Mysterio.
Mauro Ranallo: When it comes to King of the Ring, it’s a case of always the bridesmaid, never the bride for Edge. The Rated R Superstar has made it to the semi finals two years in a row, only to be eliminated by the eventual winner both years. Is this the year Edge gets his royal wedding, and ascends to the throne?
Corey Graves: Mauro, I’m sure I’ve said this before but I swear to god your pop culture references are getting worse.
When Edge was in the ring, the referee called for the bell and the two superstars locked up. Edge applied a headlock, and as Mysterio tried to wriggle free, Edge broke the hold and whipped Mysterio against the ropes. As Mysterio ran back towards him, Edge hit a spinning heel kick. He followed it up by hitting an electric chair drop, then hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1... 2... kickout! Edge pulled Mysterio to his feet and hit a series of punches, then went to whip him into the corner. Mysterio reversed the Irish whip, sending Edge into the corner, then ran at him and hit a corner dropkick. As Edge staggered out of the corner, Mysterio went to the top rope, then as Edge turned around, Mysterio hit a diving crossbody. He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... Edge kicked out!
Mauro Ranallo: Great back and forth action here thus far... can either superstar gain an advantage?
Mysterio got to his feet and stomped on Edge several times, trying to keep him grounded. Edge rolled out of the way and got back to his feet, then hit Mysterio with a kick to the midsection and set him up for a powerbomb. Mysterio countered it, hitting a hurricanrana, and Edge landed on the middle rope. The crowd cheered in anticipation as Mysterio ran against the ropes, going for the 619... but Edge moved out of the way at the last second!
Mauro Ranallo: Mysterio dialling the 619, but there’s nobody home!
Edge grabbed Mysterio and kicked him in the midsection once more, before hitting the Edgecution! He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... Mysterio kicked out just before the 3! Edge then stepped back and waited for Mysterio to get to his feet, signalling for the Spear. Mysterio got up... but Edge Speared him straight back down to the mat! He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1... 2... 3!
Corey Graves: It’s over! Edge advances to the second round!
“Metalingus” blasted over the PA system once more, and the crowd cheered as Edge celebrated his victory.
"Like a Prayer" hit the PA and the Nashville crowd seemed to be high on Grado.
Corey Graves: What does this crowd see in this guy?
Mauro Ranallo: I don't know Corey, but it'll be interesting to see how they react to...
"Catch Your Breath" hit and the crowd erupted as Finn Balor came to the stage. He threw his arms out, and the crowd joined him on cue. He proceeded all the way to the ring doing this ritual, and when they had finished, Christy Hemme introduced both men. The bell rang. Balor clubbed away at Grado, but Grado punched him back and sent him into the ropes. Balor rolled through a roll-up and dropkicked him.
1...
2...
Kickout!
Mauro Ranallo: Too early to get Grado there!
Balor chopped him to the corner. Grado reversed, but Balor sidestepped him going to the apron. Balor then kicked him back and went to the top rope. Grado followed after, and the two men began trading punches. Grado knocked him down. Grado dropped a knee on Balor's arm. Grado locked on an armbar, but Balor fought his way up, and punched his opponent. Grado hit a shoulder breaker, and hooked the leg.
1...
2...
Kickout!
Grado came off the middle rope with a club to the shoulder. Grado pushed Balor into the ropes and continued to attack his shoulder. Grado applied a hammerlock, and sent him Balor shoulder first into the turnbuckle. He threw Balor on his back and pinned him again.
1...
2...
Kickout!
Corey Graves: Finn Balor will not stay down!
Grado applied an armbar, but Balor fought up. Grado whipped him into the ropes, but he lowered his head and ate a kick. Balor kicked him back before hitting an overhead kick to take him down. Balor got up in the corner and booted Grado back to the corner. He hit a pair of running forearms before hitting a running clothesline. Balor got him in the corner and chopped him, and then sent him into the opposite corner. He charged him, but ran into a big boot from Grado. Grado went to the second turnbuckle, but Balor kicked him off to the floor. Balor went outside and hit a running dropkick into the barricade. The referee had started his count, so Balor helped Grado back into the ring, and hit Sling Blade. Balor went for a running dropkick, but Grado connected with a stiff clothesline. He hooked Balor's leg! Balor kicked out at only one. Grado got Balor on his shoulders in electric chair drop position, before spinning him into a sit-out powerbomb. Grado pinned Balor again.
1...
2...
Kickout!
Corey Graves: Finn just... oh my...
Mauro Ranallo: Grado is wondering what else he has to do!
Balor sent Grado out of the ring, and kicked him in the face from the ring apron. Grado came back by sending Balor face-first into the ring post. Grado put him in the ring and missed an elbow drop. Balor tried to roll Grado up, but Grado rolled through and locked on the arm bar. Balor tried to get to the bottom rope, but Grado pulled him back to the center of the ring and reapplied the submission. Balor managed to fight out and hit a double stomp. Both men were down and slowly got to their feet. They exchanged blows before Balor hit a Sling Blade. Balor dropkicked Grado into the corner and went to the top rope. He followed up with the Coup de Grace, and covered Grado.
1...
2...
3!
Mauro Ranallo: Finn Balor just made it through round one of the King of the Ring tournament!
Corey Graves: We'll find out if he'll face Bobby Roode or Cody next week.
Mauro Ranallo: Up next in our main event, AJ Styles makes his EBWF return as he goes one on one with Tommy End!
"Lost in the Static" by After the Burial hit, and the crowd booed as Tommy End made his way to the ring. When End was in the ring, "Phenomenal" by CFO$ hit and the crowd cheered as AJ Styles stepped out onto the stage. Styles looked confident as he walked down the ramp, and upon entering the ring he locked eyes with his opponent.
Corey Graves: Tommy End actually beat AJ Styles in his first singles match here in EBWF, back in February. Can the Dutch Destroyer emerge victorious again here tonight, or will the Phenomenal One come out on top in this rematch?
The referee called for the bell and the two men began circling the ring. End went for a roundhouse kick, but Styles ducked out of the way, then hit End with a series of punches. He whipped End against the ropes, and as End ran back towards him, Styles hit a dropkick. Both men got to their feet and Styles hit a snap suplex, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Mauro Ranallo: Styles starting the match strong... can AJ maintain that momentum?
Styles pulled End to his feet and hit him with some more right hands, then whipped him into the corner. He ran at End, hitting him with a corner forearm smash, then grabbed End and climbed the turnbuckle, setting him up for a tornado DDT. End blocked it, then climbed the turnbuckle and grabbed Styles, lifting him up and hitting a superplex! Both men were down for several seconds before End began to stir, and he draped an arm over AJ Styles. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: A quick turnaround there by Tommy End, but given the stakes here and the quality of both superstars, I think it's going to take something special to end this match, Mauro.
End got to his feet and stomped on Styles several times, then pulled Styles to his feet and whipped him into the corner. End charged towards Styles, hitting him with a running single leg high knee. As Styles staggered out of the corner, End grabbed him, hitting an exploder suplex. Styles looked dazed as he got to his feet, and End got behind him, this time hitting a deadlift German suplex. End bridged it, and the referee made the count – 1... 2... Styles kicked out! End got to his feet, and signalled for the Owari Death Kick! He waited for Styles to stand, and when Styles was on his feet, End went for his finishing manoeuvre... but Styles ducked out of the way and hit a legsweep, taking End down. Styles then grabbed End by the leg and applied the Calf Killer!
Mauro Ranallo: Smart strategy there by AJ Styles... he's targeting the most lethal weapon in End's arsenal!
End cried out in pain, but he was able to get to the ropes, and the referee forced Styles to break the hold. Styles took a step back, and End used the ropes to pull himself up. When End was up, Styles ran at him and clotheslined him to the outside. Styles then ran against the ropes, before leaping over the top rope and hitting one of Mauro Ranallo's favourite moves...
Mauro Ranallo: TOPE SUICIDA!
Both men were down outside the ring, and the referee began counting. 1... 2... 3... 4... Styles got to his feet and threw End back into the ring, then slid under the bottom rope. He pulled End away from the ropes and went for the Calf Killer once more, but End kicked him away and got back to his feet. End hit Styles with a series of kicks, then grabbed him, setting him up for a cutter. Styles blocked it, then hit the Spine Breaker! Styles pulled Tommy End to his feet, and set him up for the Styles Clash.
Corey Graves: AJ going for the Styles Clash... this could be it here!
Styles went to lift End up, but End blocked it, countering with a back body drop. As Styles got back to his feet, End hit a saito suplex, then waited for Styles to get back up. When Styles was on his feet, End spun his leg around, hitting Styles with the Omari Death Kick! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It's over! A valiant effort by AJ Styles, but it's Tommy End who advances to the second round! Who else will be joining him? Tune into Warfare next week as the King of the Ring tournament continues!
End celebrated his victory as Warfare went off the air.
