Mauro Ranallo: Good evening and welcome to Warfare! We are live from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, and kicking things off tonight we've got Bray Wyatt versus Raven.
Bray Wyatt made his way to the ring first to a mixed reaction from the crowd. When Wyatt was in the ring, "What About Me" hit and Raven made his way to the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: It was revealed earlier this week that Raven is part of the Balor Club... we will see the leader of the Balor Club, Finn Balor, in action later on tonight as he takes on Christian Cage in the first round of the Breakout/Gateway Championship Tournament.
Mauro Ranallo: Both Raven and Bray Wyatt will be competing in that tournament too... Bray Wyatt will be taking on The Miz, while Raven is set to face AJ Styles.
When Raven was in the ring, his music was cut and the referee called for the bell, starting the match. Wyatt flashed Raven a devious smile, then challenged Raven to come at him. Raven charged towards Wyatt, going for a clothesline, but Wyatt ducked out of the way, then grabbed Raven and hit him with a headbutt. Raven staggered backwards and Wyatt hit him with a series of punches, before whipping him into the corner. Wyatt charged towards Raven, going for a body avalanche, but Raven moved out of the way at the last second. Raven then grabbed Wyatt, taking him down with a bulldog then hitting a knee drop. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Wyatt kicked out! Raven got to his feet and stomped on Wyatt several times, then pulled Wyatt to his feet and dragged him towards the corner, slamming his head off the turnbuckle. Raven then tried to set Wyatt up for the Evenflow DDT, but Wyatt blocked it, then countered with a reverse STO into the corner. Wyatt rolled Raven away from the ropes, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Raven kicked out!
Nigel McGuinness: A quick turnaround from Bray Wyatt to swing the momentum in his favour... but he wasn't able to get the three count!
Both men got to their feet and Wyatt hit Raven with a series of palm strikes, knocking him into the corner, then hit a clothesline. Raven fell into a sitting position, and Wyatt took several steps back, then charged towards Raven, hitting a knee to the face! Raven rolled out of the ring, and Wyatt followed Raven to the outside, grabbing him and setting him up for Sister Abigail... but Raven blocked it, and threw Wyatt into the ring steps! Wyatt collided with the steps shoulder first, and cried out in pain, clutching his shoulder. The referee looked concerned and he exited the ring to check on Wyatt.
Mauro Ranallo: This doesn't look good, Nigel... Bray Wyatt might have injured his shoulder!
The referee asked Wyatt if he was okay to continue, and Wyatt nodded, but as he got to his feet he was still clutching his shoulder. He tried to swing a punch at Raven, but Raven blocked it, grabbing Wyatt and slamming his head off the edge of the ring. Raven then threw Wyatt back into the ring, before hitting him with the Evenflow DDT! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Nigel McGuinness: It's over! Raven gets the victory!
Raven celebrated, then made his way to the back as one of the EMTs checked on Bray Wyatt.
As Warfare came back from commercial, "Papercut" by Linkin Park hit.
Mauro Ranallo: Wait what? No way! Alexa Bliss is here!
Alexa Bliss came out to a lot of cheers from the crowd though there were still some boos. Bliss entered the ring and grabbed a mic.
Alexa Bliss: Wow I didn't expect that reaction. Let's get down to business. Last week Ronda Rousey attacked me backstage and tried to break my arm. But what she didn't know was...
Alexa then seemingly popped her arm out of place before putting it back in.
Alexa Bliss: See I'm double jointed, you only exposed one of my talents Ronda and only did minor damage. Your punches to my ribs hurt more. Now I don't know why you attacked me but get out here right now.
The crowd cheered in anticipation of a showdown until Raquel Diaz came out.
Raquel Diaz: Alexa, Alexa, Alexa. You want to know why Ronda attacked you? It's simple. She doesn't like you. In fact, none of the women in the back like you and despite the fact that you've got these people cheering for you right now, they don't really like you. You're nothing but a loser. I, however, am a winner. I proved it when I won the Women's Royal Rumble match. I am a Guerrero and you're nothing but a failed gymnast.
The crowd booed.
Alexa Bliss: Well, if I'm a failed gymnast why don't you come down and fight me and prove you're better?
Alexa was ready to fight, but Ronda Rousey attacked her from behind! Alexa fought back until Raquel Diaz rushed to the ring. Diaz grabbed a kendo stick from underneath the ring, then slid into the ring and hit Bliss in the ribs with a kendo stick. Alexa fell and clutched her ribs. Ronda then grabbed Bliss' arm, put it behind her back and began viciously kicking her in the injured ribs. Ronda then picked up Bliss and held her for Raquel to hit her with the kendo stick... but Tam Nakano ran to the ring and grabbed the kendo stick, snatching it away from Raquel Diaz. Nakano began swinging the kendo stick around, and Raquel and Ronda exited the ring, making their way to the back. Nakano put the kendo stick down and looked at Alexa who was sitting in the corner holding her mid-section looking confused at Tam. Then Angelina Love came out with a mic.
Angelina Love: Well Raquel, it looks it you don't like it when your attack backfires do you? Since you and Ronda decided to team up and attack Alexa, here's what we'll do. Next week it will be Raquel Diaz and Ronda Rousey against Tam Nakano and Alexa Bliss.
The crowd cheered as Angelina left. Tam looked at Alexa with a smile and Alexa looked back still in pain and confused.
Mauro Ranallo: Well there you have it, next week the Women's Champion Tam Nakano will team up with her long-time rival Alexa Bless to take on Ronda Rousey and the Women's Royal Rumble winner, Ronda Rousey!
Nigel McGuinness: What an explosive match that promises to be, Mauro!
Mauro Ranallo: Up next tonight, we've got the Gunn Club, Austin and Colten Gunn, teaming up for the first time here in EBWF as they take on the somewhat... intriguing... team of Tommaso Ciampa and Cameron Grimes.
"Barrel of a Gun (instrumental)" by Depeche Mode hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as the Gunn Club made their way to the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: Austin Gunn made quite an impression in his EBWF debut, making it to the final four of the men's Royal Rumble match. It will be interesting to see if he and Colten can make a similar impression in the tag team division.
After Austin and Colten had entered the ring, "Diamonds and Rust" by Judas Priest hit and Cameron Grimes stepped out onto the stage. Grimes stood at the top of the ramp, waiting for his partner. "Psycho Killer" by Talking Heads hit and Ciampa joined Grimes on the stage, then the two men headed to the ring. After they had entered the ring, the referee called for the bell. Ciampa and Colten Gunn moved onto the ring apron, allowing Grimes and Austin Gunn to start the match. The two men locked up and Austin put Grimes in a hammerlock, but Grimes fought out of it, then hit Austin with a punch to the back of the head. Austin stumbled and Grimes grabbed him, hitting an uppercut. Austin fell back against the ropes, and Grimes ran against the opposing set of ropes, but as he ran back towards Austin, Austin moved away from the ropes, hitting Grimes with a back elbow smash. Grimes looked dazed and Austin hit him with a kick to the midsection, then took him down with a snapmare. He followed up with a leg drop, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Grimes kicked out! Austin sat Grimes up and put him in a headlock, but Grimes fought out of it and got to his feet, then whipped Austin into the corner. Grimes hit Austin with a chop to the chest, then tagged in Tommaso Ciampa. Ciampa entered the ring and kicked Austin in the corner several times while Grimes held him in place. Ciampa pulled Austin out of the corner and hit an over the shoulder belly to back piledriver, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Austin kicked out! Ciampa got to his feet and stomped on Austin several times, then pulled him to his feet and whipped him against the ropes. As Austin came back off the ropes, Ciampa went for a clothesline, but Austin ducked out of the way, ran against the ropes and hit Ciampa with a slingblade! As Austin got to his feet, Colten called for the tag and Austin made his way over to the corner, tagging his brother in. As Colten entered the ring, he grabbed Ciampa and hit a DDT, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Ciampa kicked out!
Mauro Ranallo: Colten perhaps showing his inexperience there, trying to put Ciampa away so quickly... it’s going to take more than that to get a win over the Blackheart!
Colten pulled Ciampa to his feet and hit him with a series of punches, then went to whip him against the ropes. Ciampa reversed the Irish whip, sending Colten against the ropes, before hitting a spinebuster. Ciampa then put Colten in a cloverleaf! Colten cried out in pain, but he was able to get to the ropes and the referee ordered Ciampa to break the hold. Ciampa did so, but as Colten tried to get to his feet, Ciampa hit him with an uppercut. Ciampa then tagged in Cameron Grimes, and as Grimes entered the ring, Ciampa pulled Colten to his feet. As Ciampa held Colten in place, Grimes kicked Colten hard in the ribs, then the two men worked together to beat down Colten Gunn. Austin Gunn protested from the ring apron, and the referee ordered Ciampa to exit the ring. As Ciampa moved onto the apron, Grimes hit Colten Gunn with a bridging German suplex. The referee counted – 1... 2... Colten kicked out! Grimes pulled Colten to his feet and set him up for a powerbomb... but Colten countered with a back body drop! As Grimes got back to his feet, Colten hit him with the butterfly neckbreaker!
Nigel McGuinness: Colt 45! Grimes could be in trouble here!
Colten hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Grimes kicked out just before the 3! Austin Gunn called for the tag, and as Colten headed to his corner, Grimes crawled over to the opposite corner. Colten tagged in Austin as Grimes tagged in Ciampa. Austin and Ciampa charged towards one another, exchanging right hands back and forth. Ciampa was able to gain the upper hand and he whipped Austin against the ropes, then hit him with a high knee. As Austin got to his feet, Ciampa set him up for the Fairy Tale Ending... but Austin blocked it, and rolled Ciampa up! The referee counted – 1... 2... Ciampa kicked out! Both men got to their feet, and Ciampa went for a lariat, but Austin ducked out of the way, then kicked Ciampa in the gut and hit him with the Fame-Asser! Austin hooked the leg, and Colten ran across the ring, knocking Cameron Grimes off the ring apron. The referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It's over! An impressive victory for the Gunn Club!
Austin and Colten celebrated as Warfare went to a commercial break.
Warfare came back from commercial to an ovation from the crowd when The Rock was seen in his locker-room tying his boots for his match coming up with AJ Styles. He wore his wrestling trunks and a Black with Blue Design Brahma Bull T-Shirt. He looked extremely intense, but then startled as The Miz entered the scene. Miz was in a white short sleeve designer shirt and black dress pants. He sat down next to The Rock as if they were best friends. He patted The Rock on the shoulder as he was finishing his sit down. The Rock looked at his shoulder as if to say "did you really just touch me?" There was some comedic awkward silence before Rock spoke.
The Rock: What in the blue hell are you doing here?
The Miz went to answer.
The Rock: Na na na.. it doesn't even matter.. the fact of the matter is.. The Rock is not your friend. The Rock is not your buddy. The Rock is not your pal. The Rock is not your guy that you can come in.. pat on the back.. and just chill out with. The Rock may have won a tag team match with you.. but you and The Rock.. not a tag team. So it doesn't matter why you are here.. The Rock just wants you.. to get the hell... out.
The Miz smirked.
The Miz: Rock.. relax man. I just wanted to come in here and wish you good luck. Nobody has been through more with AJ Styles and I just wanted to see if you wanted me to share a few pointers with you. That's literally it.
The Rock remained intense as ever.
The Rock: A few pointers? You want to share with The Rock? A few tips.. on how The Rock is going to beat AJ Styles.. that's what you think The Rock needs? What- The Rock loses to Randy Orton and drops the EBWF Championship.. and now he needs pointers from the likes of you.. well allow The Rock to give you a point of his own..
The Rock pointed to the door with his index finger.
The Rock: Out the door, jabroni.
The Miz smiled not phased.
The Miz: Fair enough- not in a good mood. I'm going to break through that shell of yours, Rock. You'll see.
The Miz went to pat The Rock again, but stopped himself, remembering.
The Miz: See ya Rock.
The Miz walked out the door. The Rock stared a hole through it, as Miz closed the door behind him, and the scene cut back to the ring for the next match.
“Bad Reputation” hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction for the arrival of Ronda Rousey.
Mauro Ranallo: It’s time to get Rowdy!
Nigel McGuinness: This match is sure to be a slobber knocker, Mauro.
Christy Hemme announced Ronda, and then Becky when she came to the ring without Winter. Becky entered the ring, and immediately started jawing off to Ronda. The bell rang, and they started brawling. Rousey went for the arm bar, but Lynch got out of the ring. Rousey attacked her outside the ring before taking her down. Ronda lifted her for a powerbomb on the floor, but Lynch countered into a hurricanrana. Lynch bounced her off the commentary table and threw her into the ring steps. Lynch got Rousey in the ring and went to the top rope. Lynch hit a missile dropkick. She avalanched her in the corner and stomped her. Lynch kicked her before grabbing her, but Rousey held the ropes and elbowed her. Rousey then kneed her in the face. Ronda went for a slam, but Lynch countered into a Dis-Arm-Her attempt. Rousey got out and slammed her down. Ronda hit a double underhook cutter.
1…
2…
Mauro Ranallo: Kick out! I thought Becky was a goner there.
Rousey went for a knee, but Lynch got out and grabbed the arm. Rousey put her on the apron, and they brawled. They traded punches on the apron before Rousey kneed her. Lynch quickly came back with a one-armed slam on the apron before rolling her into the ring for a near fall. Rousey shook some feeling into her arm. Lynch set her up and went to the top rope. Rousey quickly kicked her in the face and slammed her off the top rope. Rousey slammed her down before applying an arm bar! Lynch tried to turn her over and pin her, but Rousey kicked out. Becky rolled through and locked on the Dis-Arm-Her.
Nigel McGuinness: Ronda has nowhere to go!
Ronda made a show of trying to look for the ropes, but Becky had her firmly in the middle of the ring. Becky cinched in the hold tighter and Ronda had no choice but to tap. Becky let go of the hold and left Ronda in the middle of the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Becky has done it! She’s beaten Ronda Rousey! Tam Nakano has to be watching this with interest.
Becky’s arm was raised in victory as Warfare went to commercial.
"GO BACK TO SLEEP!"
There was a massively polarized reaction from the crowd as "Counting Bodies Like Sheep" blasted throughout the Golden 1 Center.
Christy Hemme: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the NEW! EBWF World Champion, Raaaandy... ORTOOOOON!!
Mauro Ranallo: He's been called a lot of things, Nigel. The Viper. The Killer. The Silent Assassin. But tonight, for the third time in his career, he calls himself EBWF World Champion.
Nigel McGuiness: Two weeks ago, you all witnessed what greatness looks like. Here's a man that has risen above everyone else in EBWF. Randy Orton has always been at the pinnacle, and now he is finally where he belongs. This is Randy Orton's world, and we are all just lucky to be living in it.
Mauro Ranallo: Randy certainly delivered a sharp reminder to all those that might forget about him. He is, and perhaps has always been, the measuring stick in this company. After defeating one of the greatest wrestlers of all time in The Rock, it is hard to argue.
Randy was emotionless as he walked down the ramp towards the ring. His stoic disposition was unaffected by the extremely mixed reaction from the crowd.
Mauro Ranallo: Randy's always been a pretty polarizing figure, but this seems like a perfect 50/50 split.
Nigel McGuiness: The Rock is a beloved wrestler, and Randy just sent him to the back of the line. That's gonna make some enemies, but the real fans still appreciate a wrestler still in his prime.
Randy ascended the steps and stopped on the apron, looking out to the crowd as they rained cheers and boos down on him. A quick adjustment of the title over his shoulder and a smirk, and he stepped into the ring. The new World Champion took a microphone from a ringside technician and leaned back against the turnbuckle, casually crossing his legs. The crowd was still raucous, and he seemed to be simply soaking it all in.
Mauro Ranallo: One has to wonder what Randy has to say tonight. Rumors have been swirling ever since Edge won the Royal Rumble to become the official Number One Contender. Can the most dominant tag team of this era survive the next several weeks leading up to Wrestlemania?
Nigel McGuiness: It's definitely an interesting question, Mauro! I don't think their egos can take it! There can only be one winner.
The crowd in attendance was still breaking out into various chants, including everything from "You still suck!" to "You deserve it!" Randy twirled the mic in his hand, seemingly unfazed by full spectrum of opinions. As the crowd started to die down, Randy brought the mic to his mouth only for the crowd to liven back up again with the even split of cheers and jeers.
Nigel McGuiness: Randy can't get a word in edgewise here!
Mauro Ranallo: What a lively audience here in Sacramento!
Once again, Randy attempted to bring the mic up to speak, but the crowd drowned him out a second time, causing him to smirk and shift the EBWF World Championship to his other shoulder.
Nigel McGuiness: Now this is just getting disrespectful. This is our EBWF World Champion! The longest reigning World Champion in the company's history! Let the man say his peace!
Mauro Ranallo: So many storylines coming out of the Royal Rumble and many of them involve this man!
Third time's a charm. Randy raised the mic for the third time and the crowd drowned him out again. This time, Randy didn't lower the mic again. He looked into the camera and waited it out. The audience seemed limitless in their energy, but after two minutes their noise finally began to come down. Randy opened his mouth to speak, a grin forming on his features.
Nigel McGuiness: Finally!
The new champ cleared his throat.
Randy Orton: You're welcome.
With the biggest grin and a larger portion of the crowd souring on him than when he had arrived, Randy's job was done. "Counting Bodies Like Sheep" played and Randy raised the World Championship in the air.
Mauro Ranallo: That was it?!
Nigel McGuiness: He's the man, Mauro! He can say as much, or as little, as he pleases!
Randy headed down the steps and walked up the ramp, smirking at the crowd as Warfare went to commercial.
“Takeover” by Dale Oliver hit, and the crowd awaited the arrival of Christian Cage.
Mauro Ranallo: Christian is carving a path for himself with the Coalition, Nigel. It will be interesting to see if he can pull off a win over Finn Balor here tonight.
Nigel McGuinness: It looks like he’s arrived with his stablemates. But they are always lurking!
The crowd cheered the arrival of Balor who came to the stage when his music hit, and did his usual interactive entrance with the hyped up fans.
Mauro Ranallo: Finn looks ready to go!
The bell rang as Finn slid under the bottom rope. They locked up, and Balor quickly shoved him down. They circled the ring, and Balor wrenched the arm. Balor really cinched it in, so Christian rolled him up for a no count to get out. They went for a test of strength, and Christian took him down with an overhead wristlock. Balor quickly grapevined the head, and Christian got out. Cage applied a side headlock and took him down. Balor got out by applying another grapevine to the head and did some push-ups. The crowd went wild.
Nigel McGuinness: A little showboating from Balor here.
Cage got out and hit a dropkick before hitting another headlock takeover. Balor fought up, but Christian dropkicked him down. Balor rolled through a sunset flip, but Christian took him down. Cage then viciously kicked him down. Cage punched him and hit the ropes, but Balor took him down with a clothesline for a one count. Balor chopped the chest and began to target the lower back. Balor sent him into the corners with chops. Cage quickly booted him back and chopped the chest. Christian continued to chop the chest, hurting his hand in the process. Christian punched him down. Balor avoided an avalanche by jumping to the apron. Christian jumped over the ropes and clotheslined Balor off the apron!
Nigel McGuinness: They’re taking it to the outside!
Christian sent him into the barricade and chopped him. He helped Balor back in the ring, but Balor rolled out on the other side. Christian charged him, but Balor countered him with a Sling Blade on the floor. Balor hit a running knee strike and put him in the ring. Balor elbowed away at him in the ring and applied an arm bar. Balor dug his forearm into Christian’s face before hitting a low dropkick to the head.
1…
Kickout!
Balor then went back to a modified chin lock. Christian tried to fight up, but Balor powered him down and kept the hold applied. Christian fought up and hit a reverse STO. Christian worked on the arm. Balor put him on the apron and blocked a kick. Balor then hit a dragon screw over the top rope. Christian writhed in pain on the mat. Balor turned him inside out with a kick to the leg.
Nigel McGuinness: Christian Cage is in a bad way, Mauro!
Balor then applied a leg lock. Christian fought out, so Balor hit a double stomp. Balor put him in the corner and tied the leg into the ropes. Christian forearmed him back, so Balor attacked the knee. Balor attacked the knee on the ropes until Christian sent him to the apron. Balor quickly got in the ring and took him down before applying a deathlock. Cage punched him in the face to get out of the hold, and he limped around once he stood up.
Mauro Ranallo: Balor has successfully cut Christian Cage’s legs out from under him!
Christian hit an enzuigiri before soon knocking Finn out of the ring. Christian went for a suicide dive, but Balor caught him. Balor went for the 1916 on the floor, but Christian got out and sent him into the ring steps. Christian crushed him with a cannonball off the apron before getting him in the ring. Balor charged as he got in the ring, so Cage hit a slingshot spear.
1…
2..
Mauro Ranallo: No good!
Balor recovered and soon hit him with a falling elbow drop for a two count. Balor stomped Christian as the crowd did dueling chants. Balor viciously stomped away at the face before Christian rolled out of the ring to recover. Balor made to go under the bottom rope, and Christian landed a kick to the chin as Finn got out of the ring. Christian went for a slingshot DDT, but Balor blocked it. Christian quickly slammed him into the corner. They traded kicks before Balor hit a Pelé Kick, and covered.
1…
2…
3!
Mauro Ranallo: What a match!
Nigel McGuinness: Finn Balor is victorious tonight over Christian Cage.
The referee raised Finn’s hand as an advertisement for EBWF Shop began to play.
When Warfare returned from commercial AJ Styles was finishing off his entrance as the fans were giving him a mixed (but mostly negative) reaction. He was sauntering around the ring looking extremely confident. He cocked his head back to remove the hair from his face. As all of a sudden.
IF YA SMELLLLLLLLLLL-- WHAT THE ROCK-- IS COOKIN'
Followed by Jim Johnston's "Electrifying" bellowed from the loud speaker. The Rock came out from behind the curtain to a thunderous ovation. He made his way down the ring with an absolute purpose, climbing through the ropes and raising an arm at each of the four turnbuckles. In between each corner, he stared a hole through AJ, who looked less than impressed.
Mauro Ranallo: Well you know Rock is not in a great mood after recently dropping the EBWF Championship to Randy Orton at Royal Rumble.
Nigel McGuinness: True enough, this should be a great one, no pun intended.
The Rock and Styles got face to face and were talking some inaudible smack to each other, as the referee called for the bell to begin the match. The Rock wasted little time, the split second the bell rang The Rock began to unleash right hands on AJ Styles, who seemed like he was caught a bit off guard. The right hands staggered AJ back into the corner, and The Rock finished off the series of rights, with one final haymaker after spitting on his hand, vintage Rock. The Rock backed away three steps, as AJ stumbled out of the corner only to be met with a thunderous clothesline. The Rock went for a cover and got an early two count. The Rock quickly stayed on the attack, much to delight of the crowd, by quickly picking AJ up and whipping him into the ropes. The Rock ducked for a back body drop, but AJ countered kicking the Rock square in the chest, which propped Rock's head back up and AJ finished the job with a spinning wheel kick. He went up to the top rope and came off connecting with a splash on The Rock. He stayed on top for a cover and received a two count.
Mauro Ranallo: Fast start by The Rock, but AJ is now taking control.
AJ got himself up and arrogantly looked to the crowd, as he brought a weakened Rock to his feet. In the time AJ took to taunt the "people" The Rock broke AJ's arms away and planted him with a DDT in the center of the ring. Rock went for a cover and got another two count. The Rock brought AJ back to a vertical base, and went to whip him into the corner. AJ reversed the whip and The Rock hit the turnbuckle back first. On the carom, AJ went for a kick, The Rock caught his leg, but then AJ hit an enzuigiri kick to the side of The Rock's head. AJ went for a quick cover and got another two count.
Nigel McGuinness: Near fall- what a match so far.
AJ looked frustrated, he grabbed The Rock and went for a scoop slam, but The Rock reversed it and fell to the other side- He set AJ up for a Rock Bottom- but AJ elbowed him in the head, and then hit a Pele Kick. The crowd booed as AJ went for a cover arrogantly. The ref counted.. ONE.. TWO.. THR... but The Rock kicked out! This startled AJ as the crowd was going crazy. AJ aggressively got up and got right into the ref's face. He was arguing adamantly that it was a three count, but the ref held up two. During this time, The Rock had made it to his feet and hit a running forearm which sent AJ right into the referee. The Referee's head bounced off the turnbuckle behind him, and the ref was down and out.
Mauro Ranallo: Oh man! The referee is down, AJ is down, The Rock is down.
Nigel McGuinness: EVERYONE is down!
The Rock was the first to get up slowly but surely. He hovered over AJ, who immediately came right up with his whole arm giving The Rock a low blow. The crowd was angrily booing, as AJ had clearly noticed that the ref was down and took advantage. He slid outside the ring and went under it for a steel chair. AJ slid back into the ring and hit the chair a couple of times off the mat, like a baseball player who was up to bat. As The Rock staggered to his feet, the crowd shuddered as AJ hit The Rock right between the eyes with a sickening chair shot. AJ followed up that shot with 3-4 more right to the small of the back of The Rock. The referee was still down but was beginning to stir. AJ saw this and watched as the referee's head was still down as he was trying to work his way to his feet. AJ was lining the rock up for one final blow, when the crowd cheered as The Miz came out of the crowd to get behind AJ, who did not see him. AJ smiled thinking that the crowd was actually getting behind him, and he cocked the chair back to hit The Rock. The Miz grabbed the chair on AJ's back swing and ripped it away from him. AJ was startled by this and turned around to see his former tag team partner. He looked pissed off and screamed "what the hell are you doing?" loud enough for the mic to pick up. As this confrontation was going on The Rock had made his way to his feet, as had the referee- though still groggy. Miz pointed behind AJ, who quickly turned around, and saw The Rock in time to swing wildly with a right hand, but Rock ducked and AJ connected with the referee instead.
Mauro Ranallo: JEEZ! This referee is taking a beating.
Nigel McGuinness: Well the idiot's gotta stay out of the way!
AJ looked beyond annoyed that he missed his punch and hit the ref. He took his eye off the ball long enough to then turn around right into a spine buster. The crowd was coming unglued as The Rock was now intense and over AJ's fallen body- setting up for the people's elbow. Miz was still in the ring smiling as Rock pulled down his elbow pad.
Mauro Ranallo: Well it's time for THE MOST ELECTRIFYING MOVE- in Sports Entertainment!
Rock threw his elbow pad into the crowd and caromed off the ropes, jumped over Styles, and caromed off the other ropes.
Nigel McGuinness: And here it i... WAIT A MINUTE.
The Miz hit Rock on the rebound with a jumping chair shot which caught an unsuspecting Rock square in the face. The crowd booed as The Miz had an intense look on his face. He got right down at The Rock's face and began yelling "YOU WANNA DISRESPECT ME?! HUH!? THAT'S WHAT YOU GET!" AJ had made his way to his feet slowly. He saw The Miz on the ground yelling at The Rock, and had a very confused look on his face. Miz stood up slowly, and AJ looked puzzled as Miz shot him a quick intense glance. He exited the ring, as the crowd was really letting him hear the boos. Miz took the chair to the outside with him. The referee was coming to, as AJ picked Rock up and planted a weakened dazed Rock with the Styles Clash in the center of the ring. AJ covered The Rock, the referee counted weakly.. ONE.. TWO.. THREE- and rang the bell.
Mauro Ranallo: AJ Styles took advantage here. Doesn't seem like The Miz was too fond of how The Rock treated him earlier.
Nigel McGuinness: Yeah I guess you could say that.
AJ's music hit as his hand was raised in victory much to the dismay of the capacity crowd. Miz back pedaled up the ramp looking extremely intense and angry. AJ still had a very perplexed look on his face as he stared back in the Miz direction. Warfare went off the air to a back and forth shot of AJ soaking in the boos and celebrating his controversial win over The Rock, and The Miz making his way up the ramp with his eyes glued on the ring.
