Mauro Ranallo: Good evening, and welcome to Warfare! We are live from the capital, Washington DC!
Corey Graves: Kicking things off tonight, Nikki Cross takes on Ruby Riott in a Queen of the Ring first round tournament match!
"We Riot" by CFO$ hit and Ruby Riott made her way to the ring, accompanied by Liv Morgan.
Mauro Ranallo: Ruby Riott beat Nikki Cross in a singles match last month, can she do so again tonight?
When Riott was in the ring, "Glasgow Cross" hit and Nikki Cross headed to the ring. As she reached the bottom of the ramp, she walked up to Liv Morgan and got in her face, trying to intimidate her. She then slid into the ring and charged at Ruby Riott, hitting her with a series of punches. The referee abruptly called for the bell, officially starting the match. Cross whipped Riott against the ropes, then went for a clothesline, but Riott ducked out of the way then grabbed Nikki from behind, hitting a double leg takedown. Riott stomped on Cross several times, then pulled her to her feet and whipped her into the corner. She ran at Cross, hitting her with a forearm smash, then as Nikki staggered out of the corner, Riott hit a superkick! She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Corey Graves: Both of these women going in all guns blazing!
Mauro Ranallo: Given what's at stake, can you blame them Corey?
Riott pulled Cross to her feet and hit her with a series of punches, then took her down with a DDT. She stomped on Cross several times, before going to the top rope and hitting a diving double knee drop! She hooked the leg once more and the referee counted – 1... 2... Cross kicked out! Riott looked frustrated, and she pulled Cross to her feet, dragging her towards the corner of the ring. Riott went to slam Nikki's head off the top turnbuckle, but Nikki blocked it and slammed Ruby Riott head-first into the turnbuckle! Riott looked dazed, and Cross grabbed her, then climbed the ropes and hit a tornado DDT. She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Mauro Ranallo: And just like that, the momentum swings in Nikki's favour! Can she seize the advantage?
Cross turned Riott over and went for the Crossface, but Riott shoved her away and both women got to their feet. Riott and Cross exchanged right hands back and forth, but just as Riott was beginning to gain the upper hand, Cross hit her with a swift kick to the midsection. Cross then lifted Riott up for a powerbomb... but Riott countered with a hurricanrana driver!
Corey Graves: Great counter by Ruby Riott!
Mauro Ranallo: Nikki Cross might be out cold!
Nikki was laid motionless on the mat, which seemed to amuse Ruby Riott. Laughing, Riott went to the top rope, and hit We Riot! She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It's over! Ruby Riott advances to the next round!
Riott and Morgan celebrated, then made their way to the back as the referee tended to Nikki Cross.
Mauro Ranallo: What a start! Up next, the first of two King of the Ring first round contests, both of which are triple threat matches. Later on tonight, we'll see Aiden English, Rey Mysterio and Drew McIntyre in action... but first, we've got Elias versus Jinder Mahal versus The Rock!
Jinder Mahal stepped out onto the stage and the crowd booed as the Modern Day Maharaja made his way down the ramp. When Mahal was in the ring, "Drift" by CFO$ hit and Elias headed to the ring, bringing his guitar with him.
Mauro Ranallo: It will be interesting to see if Elias Samson's guitar comes into play in this match, Corey. It's a triple threat match, so Elias can’t be disqualified...
Corey Graves: What are you trying to suggest, Mauro? Elias takes his guitar everywhere, he just wants to share his music with the people of Washington DC!
Elias placed his guitar at ringside, ordering the timekeeper to watch it, then entered the ring. As Elias and Mahal stared one another down, "Electrifying" hit and the crowd cheered as The Rock made his way to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: We don't get to see The Rock often here in EBWF, but the EBWF fans are always excited when he does show up!
Corey Graves: Which is about twice a year, Mauro... and he never seems to win! Maybe he should just retire and stick to Hollywood...
When The Rock was in the ring, the referee called for the bell to start the match. Mahal and Elias double-teamed The Rock, but he was able to fight them off, taking Mahal down with a clothesline then hitting Elias with a series of punches. As Elias staggered backwards, The Rock grabbed him, throwing him out of the ring, then turned his attention back to Jinder Mahal. Rock whipped Mahal against the ropes, then hit a Samoan drop. As Mahal got back to his feet, The Rock hit a snap DDT, then went to hook the leg... but before the referee could make the count, Elias pulled Rock out of the ring! Elias threw The Rock into the steel steps, then entered the ring and hit Jinder Mahal with a leg drop. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Elias stomped on Mahal several times, then pulled him to his feet and dragged him towards the corner. Elias climbed to the top rope, going for Walk With Elias... but The Rock climbed onto the ring apron and pulled down on the ropes, causing Elias to lose his balance! As Elias fell, he landed with the ropes between his legs, and The Rock hit him with a right hand, knocking him out of the ring. Rock then re-entered the ring, and grabbed Jinder Mahal, but Mahal rolled him up into a small package! The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Mauro Ranallo: Mahal almost stole a victory there!
Both men got to their feet, and Mahal hit The Rock with a series of punches, then set him up for the Khallas... but Rock blocked it, then whipped Mahal against the ropes, before hitting a spinebuster! The Rock removed his elbow pad, and the crowd cheered in anticipation of the People's Elbow! Rock ran against the first set of ropes, then jumped over Mahal and ran against the opposing set of ropes... but as he ran back towards Jinder Mahal, Elias entered the ring with his guitar and smashed it over The Rock's head! With Rock laid out, Elias turned to Mahal and hit the Drift Away! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Corey Graves: Elias with a huge victory!
Mauro Ranallo: A good "clean" victory, Corey...
Corey Graves: Whatever it takes, Mauro...
Elias celebrated as Warfare went to commercial.
Corey Graves: Up next we have a non-title match between two guys who used to be close friends.
Mauro Ranallo: At this time we are joined on commentary by their respective teammates, AJ Styles and Alex Riley, who will be competing later tonight.
Alex Riley: Thank you, Mauro. I don’t know if you’ve heard but I used to have a commentary gig once upon a time.
AJ Styles: Mauro, pay him no attention. Nobody else does.
Ted DiBiase was already in the ring showing off his abs and trash talking the fans to a negative reception. “I Came to Play” blasted through the sound system, and the World Champion The Miz made his way to the ring. He stopped and walked around the ring towards the announcer's desk. Alex Riley stood up and immediately began taunting his former mentor.
Alex Riley: You’re washed up Mike! It’s time to move aside and let us have the spotlight.
The Miz completely ignored A-Ry as he approached his teammate giving him a fist pound.
AJ Styles: You guys just don’t know how proud I am of this guy, my brother. He put this company on his back and he did everything he ever said he was going to do. He has a hot cougar, the World Title, and he’s still one of the most entertaining guys to ever grace this company. I’m so happy for his success.
Alex Riley: Blah blah blah.
Miz entered the ring and went straight after Ted with a series of punches. The bell rang and the match was underway. Miz worked Ted over in the corner with a barrage of punches, Ted dropped and Miz stomped him relentlessly. Ted rolled out the ring as fast as he could to avoid further assault, but as soon as he slid back into the ring, Miz gave him a wicked clothesline, sending him outside over the top rope. Ted scrambled to his feet quickly and began second guessing getting back in the ring. Miz was fired up and the fans were completely behind him.
AJ Styles: See what I mean! My boy is on top of his game! Get ya punk ass in the ring Teddy!
Alex Riley: You talk a big game, Styles. But don’t forget what happened the last time we went one on one.
At this time A-Ry left the announcer desk and joined Ted whispering in his ear. Styles looked a bit puzzled as he sat down. His perplexed expression spoke volumes.
Corey Graves: It looks like Riley is going to give Ted some words of encouragement here.
Ted didn’t have a chance to get back into the ring as Miz met him with a suicide dive taking him out. Riley had barely sidestepped the attack. The referee was outside checking on Ted and Riley took the opportunity to get Miz’ attention by climbing the apron. Miz went to swing a right hand, but Riley was quicker with an eye poke. Miz was blinded and began stumbling. Styles left the announce desk at this time and pulled Riley off the apron, dropping him with a thunderous jumping kick to the side of the head.
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia, what a kick! Lights out Alex Riley!
Ted took this as his chance to enter the ring and attack Miz from behind with a few strikes before applying the Million Dollar Dream. Miz reversed it quickly in the corner flipping over into a pinning predicament. The referee counted- 1...2...3!!!
Corey Graves: Miz just outsmarted Ted DiBiase with a beautiful counter and took the victory here tonight!
Ted broke the hold and rolled outside looking extremely frustrated that he lost the match. He checked on Alex Riley at ringside who was beginning to stir. Styles entered the ring with the World Championship, giving it to The Miz and then raising his hand in victory. The crowd was cheering as “I Came to Play” began again. Miz and Styles celebrated in the ring together as Warfare went to a commercial break.
When Warfare returned from commercial AJ Styles was in the corner bouncing up and down in his corner. Alex Riley looked angry after what had just taken place. Ted was recovering on the outside but staying put ready to support Riley in this match. The Miz was still on the outside after his victory. The referee motioned to both guys to see if they were ready and they both nodded. The bell rang and the match was underway. Neither man wasted anytime and charged at each other exchanging a flurry of right hands. AJ got the upper hand and knocked Alex out of the ring and to the floor with a vicious right. Miz clapped as AJ fired up the crowd after the exchange.
Mauro Ranallo: AJ already rolling here.
Corey Graves: He's still got it.
AJ ran the ropes and went over the top rope with a suicide dive crashing down on top of Alex. Ted went over to try and get AJ off of Alex, but Miz was quickly over much to the delight of the crowd. He knocked Ted down with a hard left hand and the crowd was cheering. AJ rolled Alex back into the ring. AJ went to whip Alex into the corner but Alex reversed it and sent AJ into the turnbuckle. He tried to follow up with a splash in the corner but AJ moved out of the way and Alex caught all turnbuckle. AJ then nailed Alex with a Pele Kick. He went for the cover and the referee counted 1.. 2.. thr.. but Alex kicked out. Ted was up on the floor now and was banging on the ring trying to get Alex back to his feet. AJ got up with a smirk on his face. He and Miz made eye contact and Miz gave him a nod.
Mauro Ranallo: All Styles here- these guys clearly have Ted and Alex's number right now.
Corey Graves: I gotta agree with you.
As Alex stumbled to his feet. AJ tried to set him up for the Styles clash but, Alex was able to wriggle away and plant AJ with a superkick. He went for a cover and earned a two count. AJ was back to his feet as Alex tried to plant him with a falling hip toss, AJ blocked it and hit him with a hip toss of his own. Ted immediately got up on the ring apron and the referee went right over to him. AJ saw this quickly and went to go yell at Ted, but Alex knocked AJ down from behind with a forearm which sent him crashing into the referee and into Ted. Now Alex was to his feet, and the referee and AJ were down in the ring. Alex went to the outside and grabbed a steel chair. As this was going on Miz snuck up behind Riley and as Alex was trying to get into the ring with the chair, The Miz grabbed the chair. Alex and Miz began a tug of war of sorts, that ended with Alex ripping the chair out of Miz hand, and Alex entering the ring with the chair in hand.
Mauro Ranallo: Uh oh- this isn't gonna be good for AJ.
Corey Graves: Alex won that tug of war with Miz- and he's heading into the ring with some bad intentions.
The crowd was booing as AJ slowly made his way to his feet only to be planted by a steel chair shot from Riley. Alex tossed the chair out of the ring to Ted who put it under the ring quickly. Alex shook the referee to wake him. He began to stir as Alex made a cover on AJ. The referee, injured, made a slow count ONE........TWO...... THR... NO AJ kicked out! The crowd cheered loudly as Alex looked furious. The referee was now making his way slowly to his feet. Now it was Miz turn to get involved. The Miz jumped into the ring, and the second he did, the referee was now up and urging Miz to get out of the ring. Miz was pleading with the ref that Alex had cheated and used a steel chair. AJ was now to his feet and turned to look at the exchange between Miz and the ref only to be hit with a low blow from Riley. Miz pointed behind the referee and looked disgusted with himself that he had let the ref miss a clear cheap shot. Miz exited the ring and the ref counted once again.. ONE.. TWO.. THR.. another Styles kick out and more cheers from the crowd. Miz began hitting the mat and trying to urge AJ to his feet and the crowd joined along.
Mauro Ranallo: Looks like Riley and DiBiase will stop at nothing to try and earn this win tonight for Alex.
Corey Graves: I guess if you ain't cheating you ain't trying.
Alex was back to his feet and lifted AJ up by his hair. AJ slapped Alex's hands away and began hammering away to a raucous reaction and "YAA's" on every punch. Four right hands sent Alex backing into the corner. AJ then ran to the other side and followed it up with a running Leg lariat that crunched Riley's neck into the pad of the turnbuckle. The crowd was going nuts. Ted was back on the ring apron almost immediately and this time Miz saw it coming and caught Ted and pulled him back to the floor by his pants and sent Ted crashing to the mat. Miz now entered the ring as AJ was signaling for the Styles Clash. The referee once again told Miz to get out of the ring. As this was going on DiBiase was back up quickly and springboarded over the ropes into Miz and the referee.. and ONCE AGAIN the ref was down. As this was going on. Styles had set up and connected on the STYLES CLASH in the middle of the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Styles Clash but look Corey, the ref is down AGAIN.
AJ moved The Miz to the side and began to shake the referee who wasn't stirring. Miz slowly made his way back to his feet as did DiBiase. AJ had the crowd going and immediately hit Ted with a Pele Kick the second DiBiase made his way to his feet. AJ was firing up the crowd. He and Miz made eye contact and fist bumped in the middle of the ring. As AJ went to turn his attention to the fallen Riley- the air came out of the building when The Miz' smile turned to a blank and cold stare. He grabbed AJ, whose back was to him, and planted him with a Skull Crushing Finale that caused a sickening thud, and turned an amped up crowd into a stunned group, whose shock quickly turned into loud boos.
Corey Graves: Wait what!?
Mauro Ranallo: What did we just see?!
The Miz put Alex Riley's arm on top of AJ as the ref was stirring. Miz exited the ring and the referee slowly counted. ONE.. TWO.. THREE. The bell rang and the match was over.
Corey Graves: Wait a minute- Alex Riley just beat AJ Styles.
Mauro Ranallo: That's not even remotely the most surprising thing here though, I'll say it again- what did we just see.
Corey Graves: Doesn't look like it's over.
Ted DiBiase entered the ring with a sinister smile on his face and that same steel chair in hand. Alex was now off of AJ and coming to. AJ was on the ground in pain trying to figure out what happened. Miz came into the ring and he and Ted stood face to face. The two then embraced in a hug in the center of the ring. The crowd was booing them out of the building. Ted handed the chair to Miz who unloaded 4 despicable chair shots to AJ's bare back which caused welts to immediately form on his skin. Miz picked AJ up once more- and yelled "YOU REALLY THINK I'D LET YOU BEAT ME TO THIS?! HUH?!" AJ was defenseless as Miz planted him face first on the steel chair with another devastating Skull Crushing Finale. Alex was now to his feet and Miz put his arm around him. The crowd was booing- and the camera panned to fans who had their hands on their mouth, and just looked heartbroken.
Mauro Ranallo: The Miz had become America's favorite Wrestler- he's the EBWF Champion- I just.. I can't believe what we're witnessing here.
Corey Graves: When AJ Styles is around- all bets are off.
The Miz, Ted DiBiase and Alex Riley stood in the ring over a downed AJ Styles. They all raised each other's hands in triumph as the instrumental to Skillet's Awake and Alive was heard over the PA system- the former music of The Trilogy.
Mauro Ranallo: That's.. that's Trilogy's Music.
Corey Graves: You don't think?
Mauro Ranallo: Is this the new Trilogy?
The Miz, Alex, and Ted all exited the ring and walked up the ramp to a chorus of boos. Fans were throwing soda cups, trash, and beer at them as they made their way back up the ramp and through the curtain as Warfare went to a commercial.
As Warfare returned from commercial, the camera cut to Mauro Ranallo and Corey Graves at ringside.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back. Before the commercial break, The Miz stunned the EBWF Universe by turning on his friend, AJ Styles, and aligning with Alex Riley and Ted DiBiase.
After a replay showing Miz attacking Styles, the camera cut back to Graves and Ranallo at the announce table.
Corey Graves: The Miz showed his true colors tonight, Mauro. But knowing AJ Styles, I'm sure there will be retribution...
Mauro Ranallo: We understand that medical personnel are tending to AJ Styles backstage, and we will try to give you an update on his condition before the end of the show. Up next though, we've got another Queen of the Ring first round match as Alexa Bliss takes on the woman who already calls herself the Queen, Charlotte Flair.
Corey Graves: Charlotte and Alexa actually got drawn against each other in the first round of last year's Queen of the Ring tournament too, so it will be a sense of déjà vu for both of them. Alexa Bliss eliminated Charlotte last year, and made it all the way to the tournament final... can she do the same this time around?
"Crushed" by Parkway Drive hit and Alexa Bliss made her way to the ring. When Bliss was in the ring, "Recognition" by CFO$ hit and Charlotte headed to the ring. When Charlotte was in the ring, the referee called for the bell and the two women locked up. Charlotte overpowered Bliss, shoving her down onto the mat. Bliss rolled out of the ring, clutching her shoulder, and Charlotte taunted her, shouting "Wooo!" Alexa glared at her, then got back into the ring, and locked up with Charlotte once more. Again, Charlotte was able to overpower Alexa; this time, she shoved her into the corner, then hit her with a chop to the chest! Alexa cried out in pain, and Charlotte went for another chop, but this time Bliss blocked it, and she hit Charlotte with a forearm smash! Charlotte staggered backwards, and Bliss hit her with a series of punches, then hit a knee to the midsection. Alexa hit a swinging neckbreaker, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Mauro Ranallo: Alexa might only be five feet tall, but there's a reason we call her "Five Feet of Fury"... what she lacks in size, she makes up for with ruthless aggression!
Both women got to their feet and Bliss hit a dropkick. As Charlotte staggered backwards, she fell onto the ropes, and Alexa hit her with a running clothesline, sending Charlotte to the outside. Bliss followed Charlotte out of the ring, and threw her into the steel steps! Charlotte looked dazed, and Bliss tossed her back into the ring, then went for another pinfall attempt. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Alexa got to her feet and stomped on Charlotte several times, then went for an elbow drop, but Charlotte rolled out of the way and got to her feet. The two women locked up and once again Charlotte overpowered Alexa Bliss, lifting her up and hitting a suplex.
Corey Graves: Charlotte keeps overpowering Alexa Bliss, Mauro... she won't go down without a fight!
Charlotte pulled Bliss to her feet and whipped her into the corner, then hit some more of her trademark chops. The crowd chanted "Wooo!" for every chop, and Charlotte smirked, then whipped Alexa into the opposite corner. She ran at Bliss, going for a big boot, but Alexa moved out of the way at the last second, causing Charlotte to collide with the turnbuckles! Charlotte stumbled backwards, and Alexa rolled her up! The referee counted – 1... 2... Charlotte kicked out!
Mauro Ranallo: Alexa almost caught Charlotte off guard there, Corey!
Both women got to their feet and Bliss went for an STO, but Charlotte blocked it, then got behind Bliss and hit her with a German suplex. Charlotte grabbed Bliss by the legs, and tried to set her up for the Figure Eight, but before she could lock it in, Alexa Bliss kicked her away and got to her feet. Charlotte ran at Bliss, going for a clothesline, but Bliss reacted quickly and ducked out of the way, then hit Charlotte with a Snap DDT! She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Corey Graves: That really was déjà vu, Mauro... Alexa beat Charlotte with the snap DDT last year, and she's done the same again this time!
Mauro Ranallo: Don't go anywhere, our main event is up next!
After a video package advertising the King of the Ring pay-per-view, "Booyaka 619" by P.O.D. hit and the crowd cheered as Rey Mysterio made his way to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: What a night it's been so far! Up next, in our main event, Rey Mysterio takes on Drew McInytre and Aiden English in a triple threat match! The winner advances to the next round in the King of the Ring tournament!
When Mysterio was in the ring, "Broken Dreams" by Shaman's Harvest hit and the crowd booed as Drew McIntyre headed to the ring. Finally, Aiden English came out to a mixed reaction from the crowd, accompanied by his wife, Raquel Diaz. Once all three superstars were in the ring, the referee called for the bell. McIntyre immediate charged at Rey Mysterio, hitting him with a Claymore Kick!
Corey Graves: Oh my goodness, Mauro! Drew McIntyre has taken Rey Mysterio out immediately!
Mauro Ranallo: Very impressive, Corey, but he's still got Aiden English to contend with!
McIntyre smiled to himself as he looked down at Rey Mysterio, who lay motionless on the ring mat. He then turned his attention to Aiden English, who held up his fists, making it clear he was ready for a fight. McIntyre charged towards him and the two men exchanged right hands back and forth. After hitting English with a series of punches in quick succession, McIntyre went to whip him against the ropes, but the Gateway Champion reversed the Irish whip, sending McIntyre into the ropes. As McIntyre ran back towards him, English took the Scotsman down with a hip toss, then hit a leaping leg drop. He hooked the leg, and the referee counted – 1... 2... McIntyre kicked out! English pulled McIntyre to his feet and hit him with some more right hands, then whipped him into the corner. English sat McIntyre on the top turnbuckle, setting him up for a superplex, but McIntyre fought back and hit English with a headbutt, causing him to fall off the ropes. As English stumbled backwards, McIntyre hit a missile dropkick, then grabbed English and hit a neckbreaker onto the knee. McIntyre hooked the leg, and the referee counted – 1... 2... Rey Mysterio broke up the count! McIntyre got to his feet, and went to grab Mysterio, but Mysterio hit a sitout jawbreaker, followed by a dropkick which knocked McIntyre out of the ring. Mysterio turned his attention to Aiden English, who was back on his feet. He jumped up onto English's shoulders, going for a hurricanrana, but English blocked it and hit Mysterio with a powerbomb! He hooked both legs and the referee counted – 1... 2... Mysterio kicked out!
Mauro Ranallo: Mysterio showing impressive resilience here... he's made a career out of defying the odds!
As Aiden English got to his feet, Drew McIntyre re-entered the ring. He ran at English, hitting him with a big boot, then grabbed Mysterio and pulled him to his feet. He lifted Mysterio over his shoulder, setting him up for a powerslam, but Mysterio countered with a headscissors takedown, causing McIntyre to land on the ropes. As Mysterio got back to his feet, English went for a lariat, but Mysterio ducked underneath it and hit a drop toe hold, knocking English onto the second rope right next to Drew McIntyre! The crowd cheered in anticipation as Mysterio ran against the ropes, then went wild as he hit a double 619!
Corey Graves: Mysterio has taken out both of his opponents... now can he get the win?!
Mysterio climbed onto the ring apron, watching both McIntyre and English to see who would get to their feet first. McIntyre was the first man on his feet, and Mysterio hit him with the West Coast Pop! He hooked both legs, and the referee counted – 1... 2... Aiden English interrupted the count! He grabbed Drew McIntyre and threw him out of the ring, then hit Mysterio with the Director's Cut! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: Another big win for Aiden English! He's through to the next round! Thanks for joining us, we'll see you again next week!
The referee called for the bell and English celebrated with his wife as Warfare went off the air.
