Pyro went off inside the arena as the crowd got to their feet for the start of EBWF Warfare.
Mauro Ranallo: Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to Warfare. I'm Mauro Ranallo alongside my broadcast college, Nigel McGuinness, and we kick things off tonight with Bobby Lashley and Johnny Gargano in singles competition.
Gargano received a great ovation from the crowd as the EBWF newcomer made his way to the ring. Lashley was out next, and the crowd gave him a mixed reaction as he immediately went after Gargano, causing the referee to rign the bell immediately.
Nigel McGuinness: Lashley wasting no time!
Lashley took Gargano down. Lashley shouldered him in the corner and hit a neckbreaker. He scooped him up and hit a one-handed delayed vertical suplex. Lashley went outside and grabbed Gargano’s scooter. Lashley then threw it away. Lashley got in the ring, and Gargano attacked him. Lashley quickly hit a scoop slam and threw Gargano out of the ring. Lashley went outside, pressed Gargano up, and threw him over the barricade.
Mauro Ranallo: Lashley is a mad man!
Lashley viciously beat down Gargano. Bobby returned to the ring, leaving Johnny outside. Gargano just barely beat the count-out. Lashley put on the chin lock, but Gargano fought up, but Lashley kneed him a few times, drove him into the turnbuckle, and hit a flatliner for a near fall. Lashley took Gargano and choked him on the ropes before hitting a crossface forearm. Lashley then choked him with his foot.
Nigel McGuinness: Gargano hasn't been able to get in any offense.
Lashley sent Gargano into the ropes and hit a back elbow. Lashley connected with a suplex and pulled on the hair before digging his knuckles into the face. Gargano fought up again and punched at Lashley, but Lashley clotheslined him down. Lashley sent Gargano into the ropes and went for a one-armed spinebuster, but Gargano got out. Gargano punched and kicked away at Lashley before stunning him with a kick. Gargano went for a jumping neckbreaker, but Lashley avoided it and applied the Hurt Lock.
Mauro Ranallo: Gargano is trying to hold on!
But he had no choice but to tap.
Nigel McGuinness: Gargano tried to hold on, and it was a heroic effort, but he was just no match for Bobby Lashley.
Lashley's arm was raised in victory as an ad for King of the Ring began to play.
Mauro Ranallo: Up next, we've got Kacy Catanzaro in action as she goes one on one with Rosemary!
Kacy Catanzaro made her way to the ring first, then once she was in the ring "Left Behind" by Dale Oliver hit and Rosemary headed to the ring. After Rosemary had entered the ring, the referee called for the bell and the two women locked up. Rosemary took Kacy down with a snapmare, then stomped on her several times. As Rosemary was stomping on Kacy, Alexa Bliss came out and stood at the top of the ramp, watching the action unfold.
Nigel McGuinness: And here comes Alexa Bliss, who challenged Rosemary to a match last week. Rosemary has yet to respond, but clearly Alexa wants to keep her eye on the Demon Assassin.
Rosemary stared at Alexa, who stared right back at her, smirking. Rosemary then turned her attention back to Kacy Catanzaro, and pulled her back to her feet, but Kacy fought back, hitting Rosemary with a series of punches. Kacy then hit Rosemary with a dropkick, sending her into the corner, before charging towards her, hitting a corner clothesline. Rosemary fell to the mat and Kacy hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Rosemary kicked out! As Kacy got to her feet, Rosemary rolled out of the ring, giving herself a moment to recover. Kacy followed Rosemary to the outside, and grabbed Rosemary, trying to throw her back into the ring... but Rosemary blocked it and hit Kacy with a knee to the midsection, then threw Kacy into the ringside barrier! As Kacy slumped to the ground, the camera cut to Alexa Bliss at the top of the ramp, who was applauding Rosemary's efforts.
Mauro Ranallo: It looks as though Alexa Bliss likes what she sees!
Rosemary threw Kacy back into the ring, then hit her with a double underhook suplex. She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Kacy kicked out! Rosemary got to her feet and stomped on Kacy several more times, then grabbed her by the legs and locked in the Sharpshooter! Kacy cried out in pain, but she was able to get to the ropes and the referee ordered Rosemary to break the hold. Rosemary did so, then pulled Kacy to her feet and set her up for a Russian legsweep. Kacy blocked it, countering with a bulldog, then climbed to the top rope. As Rosemary got to her feet, Kacy went for a crossbody... but Rosemary caught her in mid-air and countered with a fallaway slam! Both women got to their feet, and Rosemary lifted Kacy onto her shoulders, hitting The Red Wedding! She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Nigel McGuinness: It's over! Rosemary gets the victory!
The referee called for the bell and raised Rosemary's arm in victory. As Rosemary celebrated, she walked to the edge of the ring and locked eyes with Alexa Bliss once more. Rosemary challenged Alexa to come to the ring, but Alexa smirked and exited through the curtain. Rosemary shrugged, then continued to celebrate as Warfare went to a commercial break.
As Warfare returned from a commercial break, "Barrel of a Gun (instrumental)" by Depeche Mode hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Austin and Colten Gunn made their way to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back! Up next, we've got tag team action as the Gunn Club takes on the Balor Club!
When the Gunn Club were in the ring, "Catch Your Breath" hit and Finn Balor and Raven headed to the ring. Once they were in the ring, the referee called for the bell. Colten Gunn and Finn Balor started the match, and as the bell rang the two superstars locked up. Balor applied an arm twist, but Colten fought out of it and whipped Balor against the ropes, then took him down with an arm drag. As both men got to their feet, Colten hit a dropkick, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Balor kicked out! Colten then tagged in Austin Gunn, and as Austin entered the ring he stomped on Balor several times, then pulled him to his feet and set him up for a suplex. Balor blocked it, countering with a brainbuster. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Austin kicked out! Balor pulled Austin to his feet and dragged him towards the corner, then tagged in Raven. As Raven entered the ring, Balor held Austin in place, and Raven hit Austin with a stiff kick to the midsection, then took him down with a neckbreaker. Balor exited the ring, and Raven hit a leg drop then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... again Austin kicked out.
Nigel McGuinness: It's worth noting that although Finn Balor and Raven are a newly formed tag team, they have a lot of wrestling experience between them. Balor has been wrestling for over 20 years, and Raven made his pro wrestling debut before either of the Gunn brothers were even born!
Raven pulled Austin to his feet and hit him with a series of punches, then whipped him against the ropes. As Austin ran back towards him, Raven went for a discus clothesline, but Austin ducked out of the way then grabbed Raven from behind, hitting a German suplex. Austin tagged Colten Gunn back into the match, and as Colten entered the ring, the two Gunn brothers hit Raven with a double superkick! As Austin exited the ring, Colten hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Raven kicked out! Colten pulled Raven to his feet and set him up for the Fame Asser, but Raven blocked it, countering with a Russian legsweep. Raven then tagged in Finn Balor, and as Balor entered the ring he whipped Colten against the ropes, before hitting a Sling Blade. Both men got to their feet and Balor whipped Colten into the corner, then ran at him, hitting a running front dropkick. Colten fell to the mat, and Balor signalled for the Coup de Grace! But before Balor could get to the top rope, Austin Gunn entered the ring, attacking Balor from behind! Austin knocked Balor down to the mat, then stomped on him several times. As the referee tried to restore order, Raven entered the ring, charging towards Austin Gunn and taking him down with a clothesline.
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! Chaos has unfolded inside the ring!
Raven threw Austin out of the ring, then exited the ring after him and hit Austin with a series of punches. Austin fought back with some right hands of his own, then threw Raven into the steel steps. As Austin Gunn and Raven battled at ringside, back in the ring Finn Balor and Colten Gunn were both on their feet. Colten charged towards Balor, going for a clothesline, but Balor ducked out of the way, then hit Colten with the Pele Kick! Colten looked dazed, and Balor grabbed him, setting him up for the 1916... but Colten blocked it and rolled Balor up! He grabbed the ropes, but the referee didn't see it! The referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Nigel McGuinness: What a huge victory for the Gunn Club! They've defeated Finn Balor and the Breakout Champion, Raven!
Mauro Ranallo: A huge victory? Colten cheated, Nigel!
Nigel McGuinness: The referee's decision is final, Mauro... and right now he's raising Colten Gunn's hand! His father must be so proud.
Perhaps fearing retribution, Colten quickly exited the ring and regrouped with his brother Austin on the ramp. The Gunn Club celebrated as they made their way backstage, while Balor complained to the referee about Colten using the ropes.
"Tattoo" by Mercy Drive hit as Maven came out to cheers from the crowd while wearing a Maven Club t-shirt. Maven got into the ring and grabbed a mic.
Maven: How are my Mavenites doing tonight?
The crowd cheered.
Maven: Good, so pretty soon the King of the Ring tournament will start and I plan on being a part of it. So, I gotta get prepared. Tonight I'm issuing an open challenge to anyone in the back to come out and face me.
As Maven was in the ring getting ready he all of a sudden got a look of confusion as from the back came James Elsworth. When James got in the ring Maven got the mic again.
Maven: James Elsworth, dude what are you doing here? You're not under contract and last I heard you were wrestling in someone's backyard.Damn, I was hoping for someone good like The Rock or Chris Jericho, but ok, I'll let you have this match. Ref get in here.
A referee came in and rang the bell. Ellsworth tried a clothesline but Maven ducked and hit the M-plosion and made the cover.
1..
2....
3...
The bell rang as Maven celebrated.
Mauro Ranallo:That was quick.
Nigel Mcguinness:James Ellsworth was no match for Maven!
Maven walked to the back as Warfare went to commercial.
Warfare came back from commercial break with Tay Conti warming up in the ring. She pulled on the ropes and checked her gear.
Mauro Ranallo: We have not seen Tay Conti in an EBWF ring since the Royal Rumble and tonight she makes her singles debut against Charlotte Flair.
Nigel McGuinness: Not an easy opponent to start your singles career against.
Mauro Ranallo: Absolutely not.
“Recognition” by CFO$ played in the arena.
Christy Hemme: On her way to the ring, from THE QUEEN CITY, CHARLOTTE!
Charlotte made her way out onto the entrance ramp and looked around at the booing crowd. She started toward the ring. Raquel Diaz rushed down the ramp with a chair and struck Charlotte across the back. Charlotte collapsed and Raquel hit her a second time across the shoulders.
Mauro Ranallo: Oh my god! Raquel is a woman possessed!
Raquel looked around frantically and waved for a microphone. She took a knee beside Charlotte and waited. She held her hand out as a crew member brought it.
Raquel Diaz: Charlotte!
Diaz took hold of Charlotte’s hair and pulled her head back. Charlotte was barely coherent.
Raquel Diaz: Where is she?
She held the microphone to Charlotte’s mouth as her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Raquel tapped Charlotte on the head with the mic and brought it back to her mouth.
Raquel Diaz: Becky… Where is Becky, Charlotte? You were her friend once. Where is she?
Charlotte opened her eyes and starred up at Raquel intensely. She spat on the ramp. Raquel smiled before bouncing Charlotte’s head off the ramp. Raquel stood up and looked toward the ring where Tay Conti was leaned over the top rope yelling. Raquel dropped the mic to pick up her chair and took a few steps away from Charlotte. She held up the Four Horsemen hands sign to the camera.
Raquel Diaz: Are you watching Becks?
Raquel raised the chair over her head and smiled into the camera again. She hit Charlotte with a con-chair-to that mirrored the one Becky had delivered to her at Wrestlemania. The thud of the chair echoed in the silent arena.
Mauro Ranallo: MAMA MIA! Raquel Diaz is trying to end careers.
Nigel McGuinness: This is all Becky Lynch’s fault. She started a war.
Raquel tossed the chair aside and grabbed Charlotte’s right arm and leg. She drug the lifeless Flair down to the ring, she hauled her to her feet, and rolled her into the ring. Raquel rolled in and used a foot to roll Charlotte onto her back. She shouted at the referee to start the match.
Mauro Ranallo: Is she trying to force the referee to start a match with a defenseless wrestler?
Raquel continued to shout and point at the downed Flair. She turned her attention to Tay and shouted for her to make the pin. The referee backed away from the action with his hands held up. Conti looked confused but she slowly got down and half heartedly covered Charlotte. Raquel dropped to the mat and made the count herself. She tugged Tay up and raised her hand.
Nigel McGuinness: I’m going to guess that we’re not going to count that as an official debut or win for Tay Conti.
Mauro Ranallo: I am baffled. Just baffled about what is going on.
Raquel shook a still very confused Tay Conti’s hand and exited the ring. She made her way to the top of the ramp before turning back to the camera and holding up another Four Horsemen hand signal. Tay and the ref stood in the corner talking for a few moments before Tay exited the ring. She made her way up the ramp and crossed paths with the medical crew just now making their way to the ring. They slid in the ring and loaded Charlotte onto a stretcher. Eventually they wheeled Charlotte up the ramp and cleared the ring for the show to continue.
Nigel McGuinness: We are ready for the main event!
Mauro Ranallo: This one is sure to be a barn burner!
Nigel McGuinness: CM Punk and The Miz are exceptional athletes, this is going to be incredible.
"Cult of Personality" hit and CM Punk was to the ring first. He did his usual entrance and proceeded to the ring to admiration from the EBWF crowd. "I Came to Play" hit and the crowd was equally on fire for the Miz who came to the ring ready to go. The bell rang and they squared off. Punk shouted a mocking, “I’m awesome”. Miz backed him into the corner, and punched him in the head. Punk responded with a heel kick and then an elbow to the face. Punk tried for a vertical suplex, and it connected. Punk stomped on Miz’s head and then headed to the top turnbuckle. Miz ran into the corner, causing Punk to fall crotch first onto the top turnbuckle. Miz kicked him in the skull and then went for a cover. Punk kicked out. Miz hit a couple knees to the back and midsection. He hit a couple hammering blows to the collarbone for good measure. Miz covered again, but Punk kicks out.
Mauro Ranallo: Miz is trying to embarrass Punk here.
The Straight Edge star got to his feet and kicked Miz in the calves. Miz responded with a DDT and cover. Punk kicked out again, but was quickly caught in a rear headlock. Miz headed to top rope and leapt for an axe handle, Punk dodged, but got kicked in the face. Miz tried to pin, but Punk kicked out again.
Nigel McGuinness: Miz is getting frustrated that Punk won't stay down!
Miz was in control. Punk fought to the advantage and looked for a GTS. Miz countered into a Skull Crushing Finale and connected!
Mauro Ranallo: Punk is out!
Miz went for the pin.
1...
2...
3!
Mauro Ranallo: Miz has done it! He's secured the victory.
Nigel McGuinness: Will the Gateway Champion try to make himself double #1 Contender by winning the King of the Ring tournament?
Mauro Ranallo: Tune in to Warfare next week as we keep moving toward that historic summer pay per view!
Miz celebrated his win on the turnbuckle as Warfare went off the air.
