Warfare began with a cold open. The usual Warfare intro video began to play, and then bled into a video package of the Alexa Bliss-Trish Stratus feud. The crowd cheered as Warfare opened with Michael Cole in the ring where a table and two chairs were set up.
Michael Cole: Ladies and gentlemen, this Sunday at Summerslam, we will see two of EBWF's most popular female superstars collide in a generational clash. Tonight these two will make their match official. So right now, let me introduce, The Goddess, Alexa Bliss.
"Papercut" played and the crowd cheered as Alexa Bliss made her way to the ring. Alexa was wearing a black jacket, her Five Feet of Fury t-shirt, black pants, and black skeleton gloves. Alexa entered the ring and sat down in one of the chairs.
Michael Cole: And her opponent, The Quintessential Diva, Trish Stratus.
"You don't have to love me. You don't even have to like me, but you will respect me. You know why? Cause I'm a boss!"
The intro to Trish's long standing theme, bled into the vintage entrance music of "Time to Rock n' Roll" and Trish came to the stage, doing her signature point. She was dressed in black leather pants, with high heeled booties. He waist was accented by a gold Gucci belt buckle, and her t-shirt was cut into a v-neck, emblazoned with her own image in Rosie the Riveter style. The fans cheered as she proceeded down to the ring. Trish stepped over the second rope, keeping an eye on Alexa while flashing Cole a smile. She sat in the chair opposite Alexa as the crowd reacted. Trish picked up a pen from the table.
Michael Cole: Ladies, I have in my hand the drawn up contract for your match at Summerslam, which you've both had a chance to review. Your signatures indicate that the match is set and sanctioned by EBWF. Before you sign, would either of you like to say a few words? Trish?
Cole handed Trish the microphone, and she took it briefly.
Trish Stratus: Oh, Michael! I'm just so happy to be here doing this charity work! Let the Make-a-Wish girl say her piece first. After all, I'm making all her wildest dreams come true!
She grinned and returned the mic back to Cole.
Michael Cole: Alexa?
Alexa took the mic from Cole while chuckling.
Alexa Bliss: Make-a -Wish girl? Oh Trish, your jokes flatter me. You know, I thank you for letting me speak first, but I've said a lot about you in the last month, so it's going to be difficult to say something right now. But hey when have I ever been quiet?
You know Trish you really should be thanking me because ever since you lost the Women's championship to Tam Nakano at Royal Rumble, you really hadn't done much of anything. But then one day I decided to tell the whole world the truth and you show back up to challenge me to a match at Summerslam. Trish, even though you're trying to deny it, my words have gotten in your head.
Alexa smirked. Trish chuckled, and turned her well manicured finger toward Michael Cole. Alexa's mic faintly picked up her wards.
Trish Stratus: Can someone get me my own microphone?
Cole scrambled toward the ropes and got another microphone from the time keeper. He handed it to Trish.
Trish Stratus: Thank you. Did I...
She chuckled.
Trish Stratus: ... did I challenge you? I really kind of thought it was the other way around, Alexa. Or was your intention to just talk, and talk, and talk and not actually have a match? Wait, wait... don't answer that. I already told you that when you came out and repeated yourself a few weeks in a row, that I took that to heart. You weren't wrong. The fans deserved an apology, and I gave it to them. So, what other problems do you have with me, darling, because if you ask me? You've bitten off a little more than you can chew.
Alexa rolled her eyes.
Alexa Bliss: Trish, that apology a few weeks ago was complete bullshit. You don't care about the fans. I've already given examples of that, but they're other things you've done, like causing the end of Edge and Christian Cage's friendship.
The crowd: Ohh!
Trish laughed. She actually gave a full throated laugh, lying the microphone in her lap until she recovered.
Trish Stratus: Is that the narrative you're going with? Is that what Christian told you? What kind of patriarchal nonsense is that? That because I dated a guy, what is it now? Over a decade ago? That I somehow ended the friendship of two grown ass men? You were still in high school for Christ's sake! But leave it to you, Alexa, to go on and on about things you know nothing about. But you just go on, and let Christian Cage whisper in your ear, and tell you all the things you so desperately want to be true because you're oh so naive, and so enamored with being in the presence of living legends.
Still holding her pen, Trish took the portfolio that Michael Cole had laid on the table. She opened it, and signed her name with a flourish. She pushed it toward, Alexa.
Trish Stratus: Do what you came here to do, sweetheart, and next Sunday, I'll do the same.
Alexa grinned.
Alexa Bliss: Trish just know that at Summerslam, the story will end with The Goddess defeating The Quintessential Diva...again.
Alexa signed the contract and flicked the pen at Trish. Trish nodded at her, and put her microphone on the table, brushing her hair back from her shoulder. "Papercut" hit, and Alexa stood up, exiting the ring via the steps while Trish looked on.
Mauro Ranallo: These things usually end in violence, but it seems Trish and Alexa just brought out the war of words tonight, Nigel.
Nigel McGuinness: They both know that they're in for career defining matches at Summerslam, Mauro. I for one can't wait to see it.
The scene faded as a hype video announcing Fanniversary tickets began to play.
Christian Cage made his way to the ring first, followed by Rey Mysterio. When both men were in the ring, the referee called for the bell and the two superstars locked up. Christian put Mysterio in a side headlock, but Mysterio broke free and whipped Christian against the ropes, then hit a dropkick. Christian rolled out of the ring, and Mysterio followed him to the outside, hitting him with a series of punches before throwing him into the barricade at ringside. Mysterio stomped on Christian several times, then pulled him to his feet and threw him into the steel steps. Mysterio rolled back into the ring and ordered the referee to begin counting Christian out.
Mauro Ranallo: Mysterio doesn't care how he beats Christian... he just wants to get this match over with, so he can switch his focus to Randy Orton, the World Title and Summerslam!
As the referee reached the count of 6, Christian got to his feet and slid back into the ring. Mysterio hit a neckbreaker, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Christian kicked out! Mysterio pulled Christian to his feet and went to whip him against the ropes... but Christian reversed the Irish whip, sending Mysterio into the ropes before taking him down with a Spear! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Mysterio kicked out! Christian pulled him to his feet and set him up for the Unprettier, but Mysterio broke free and hit a reverse hurricanrana.
Nigel McGuinness: What a move by Rey Mysterio! He drilled Christian Cage's head into the mat!
Christian looked dazed as he got to his feet, and Mysterio hit a DDT, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Christian kicked out! Mysterio sat up, looking shocked and frustrated, then grabbed Christian by the leg, applying a kneebar. Christian was able to get to the ropes... but Mysterio refused to break the hold! The referee threatened to disqualify Mysterio and began counting – 1... 2... 3... 4... Mysterio broke the hold just before the count of 5! He then pulled Christian away from the ropes and stomped on his knee repeatedly, before climbing to the top rope. Mysterio went for a frog splash... but Christian got his knees up and blocked it!
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! Christian blocked the frog splash, but at what cost? That might have severely damaged his knee!
Both men were down, and the referee began counting for a double KO. As he reached the count of 7, both men got to their feet and began exchanging punches back and forth. The crowd cheered Christian's punches, and booed Mysterio's. With the crowd behind him, Christian was able to gain the upper hand, and after hitting Mysterio with a series of punches in quick succession, he went for a clothesline... but Mysterio ducked out of the way and hit Christian with a dropkick to the injured knee! Christian stumbled, landing on the second rope, and Mysterio ran against the ropes, hitting the 619! Mysterio followed up with a Springboard Seated Senton, then hooked both legs. The referee counted – 1... 2... 3!
Nigel McGuinness: It's over! Rey Mysterio gets the victory.
After the match, the camera cut to the parking lot, where a black Mercedes had just pulled up. The license plate on the car said “LB-DMD-21” and a mixed reaction could be heard from the crowd as Leva Bates and Britt Baker exited the vehicle. The camera followed Leva and Britt as they entered the arena and walked towards the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Leva Bates arriving in style after her big victory last week… and it looks like she’s heading to the ring! We’ll find out what she has to say after the commercial break.
When Warfare returned from the commercial break, Leva and Britt were standing in the ring. Leva shushed the crowd, then began to speak.
Leva Bates: Last week, I picked up one of the biggest wins I’ve had in my EBWF career to date. It should have been a cause for celebration, but once again all the talk was about Becky Lynch…
The crowd cheered at the mention of Becky, which seemed to irritate Leva.
Leva Bates: Quiet please! Show me some respect, and listen to what I have to say.
The crowd booed, but eventually the noise died down and Leva continued speaking.
Leva Bates: If the reaction of all the Becky Lynch marks on Twitter is anything to go by, clearly you all think Becky got “screwed” again. All because of this…
Leva pointed to the tron, where a replay of the end of her match against Becky was shown. Britt Baker was seen shoving Becky towards Leva, which helped Leva hit the Critical Confirmation and get the 3 count. As the footage played, more boos were heard from the crowd. When the camera cut back to the ring, Leva handed the microphone to Britt Baker.
Britt Baker: Good you all please do me a favor, and shut the hell up? The collective smell of your bad breath is making me want to vomit. Clearly the standard of dental care in Phoenix is below par. That little clip you saw right there has been tweeted to Leva and I all week, with some rather unpleasant messages. We’ve been called a lot of things by the Becky brigade, the nicest of which is cheaters. And yet, hardly anyone has been tweeting us about the incident that happened just before I got involved in the match… roll the footage.
Another clip from the Leva vs Becky match played, this time showing Winter tripping Leva as she ran against the ropes. Suddenly the crowd went quiet, which seemed to amuse Britt. Smirking, she handed the microphone back to Leva.
Leva Bates: Talk about hypocrisy. Becky has no complaints when her stooge gets involved, but when Britt makes it even it’s all part of the conspiracy. I’ve said it, Raquel Diaz has said it, even Wes Ikeda himself has said it… there is no conspiracy against Becky Lynch. She just isn’t as good as she thinks she is. Which is why I am betting Raquel will retain the Women’s Championship at Summerslam… although if Becky does somehow pull off an upset and finally get her hands on that title, let me be clear. After my victory last week, I’m first in line for a title shot.
The crowd cheered in anticipation of a rematch between Becky and Leva. Before Leva could say anything else, the entrance screen lit up and it showed the parking lot, specifically with a camera close-up focused on the license plate of the car belonging to Leva Bates and Britt Baker. This got the attention of both Leva and Britt as well as the fans and commentators alike, all of whom were confused. Was it a bad shot? Was it a mistake? It certainly wasn’t part of the segment.
Mauro Ranallo: What’s this, now?
Nigel McGuinness: That’s Leva’s license plate. What’s going on here?
The camera slowly zoomed out to show that the car belonging to Leva and Britt had been spray-painted with various swear words and phrases. The cleanest word spray-painted on the car was “GOBSHITE!”
Mauro Ranallo: We apologize, ladies and gentlemen. Seven of those words don’t belong on television at all.
The camera panned to one side of the car to show the phrase “DEATH TO LEVA.” They also showed that windows on both the driver’s side and passenger’s side had been smashed. Not only that, but the tires had been slashed. After the initial shock of so many swear words being used in one place at the same time, the crowd began cheering.
Nigel McGuinness: Between the word “Gobshite” and the phrase “Death to Leva,” I can guess who did this.
The camera zoomed out further and the crowd was waiting with anticipation as they started chanting “BECKY! BECKY! BECKY!” The crowd wanted to see their hero, and they were not disappointed when the Cerebral Lassasin herself walked into the view of the camera with a sledgehammer in her hands. The crowd blew the roof off of the arena once Becky showed up on screen.
Mauro Ranallo: That’s Becky Lynch! She’s in the parking lot!
Nigel McGuinness: Thank you for stating the obvious.
Becky had defaced Leva’s car, but the crowd knew she wasn’t done yet. Once she approached the car, Becky swung the sledgehammer and smashed the left headlight. Becky swung the sledgehammer again and smashed the right headlight. The crowd continued cheering.
Mauro Ranallo: Becky already smashed up the car just by looking at the side and back windows and she’s not done.
Nigel McGuinness: She won’t forgive what happened last week and certainly won’t forgive Leva and Britt rubbing it in.
Becky climbed up onto the hood of the car and started smashing the windshield with the sledgehammer, trying to break through it. It took a good minute or two, but the windshield collapsed into the car while the crowd cheered. Becky hopped off of the car and walked off camera.
Mauro Ranallo: Maybe she’s done now.
Becky walked back into the camera shot with two canisters of gasoline, and used one canister to splash gas all over the exterior of the car. After she emptied the first canister, Becky grabbed the second canister and emptied it all over the interior of the car.
Nigel McGuinness: No, she’s not.
Becky pulled a box of matches out of her pocket and struck one. She then dropped the struck match into the box of matches before she threw the entire box into the car. Upon the lit box of matches entering the car, the car exploded into flames as the crowd cheered wildly while Leva and Britt looked on in dismay.
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma mia! Becky just set fire to their car!
Nigel McGuinness: Hell hath no fury like Becky Lynch scorned!
Becky slowly turned her head to the camera. She had been silent throughout the entire segment and now it was time for her to speak.
Becky Lynch: I’m comin’ fer ya!
With that said, the crowd kept on cheering and broke out into chants of “BECKY! BECKY! BECKY!” Moments later, Becky burst through the entrance curtain and the crowd gave her an ovation. Becky didn’t come alone, oh no. Winter appeared on stage alongside her. The duo known as Fire and Ice made a beeline for the ring, gunning for Leva and Britt.
Mauro Ranallo: This is gonna get ugly.
Nigel McGuinness: These combustible elements are going to explode like Leva’s car.
Leva dropped the microphone, and she and Britt raised their fists. As Becky and Winter entered the ring, the four women charged towards one another, exchanging furious punches. As the women brawled, referees and road agents rushed to the ring to separate them. The crowd began chanting “let them fight”.
Mauro Ranallo: All hell is breaking loose, Nigel!
As a group of referees tried to escort Becky and Winter to the back, Becky broke free and went right for Leva Bates, knocking her down to the ground. As she began stomping on Leva, the camera cut back to the ramp. Four policemen were walking towards the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: It’s the police, Mauro… and I think they’re here for Becky Lynch!
Mauro Ranallo: Well she did destroy Leva and Britt’s car, Nigel. That’s criminal damage!
Becky saw the police, sighed, and shook her head. While Becky’s back was turned, Britt Baker grabbed her, throwing her out of the ring. As Becky got to her feet, she glared at Britt and tried to get back into the ring, but before she could, the four policemen surrounded her. One of the policemen could be heard telling Becky she was under arrest, while another placed handcuffs on her. The crowd booed as the four policemen escorted Becky up the ramp.
Mauro Ranallo: Well I hope someone can post Becky Lynch’s bail, Nigel… she’s due to challenge Raquel Diaz for the Women’s Championship on Sunday!
"No More Words" hit and the crowd welcomed the arrival of Jeff Hardy. He did the 2Xtreme hand signal, and the crowd popped louder as he ran down to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Just one week from Summerslam and Jeff Hardy has the unfortunate distinction of having to take on a tightly coiled viper.
On cue, "Go Back to Sleep!" filled the arena, and Randy began his trek down the ramp. The world championship around his waist, the tag title on his shoulder. He surveyed the crowd for a moment, and then entered the ring. He handed his gold over to the referee, and turned back to Hardy.
Nigel McGuinness: Here we go!
They locked up and moved into the corner. Hardy shoved Orton away. They locked up again, and Hardy got in a quick takedown. Hardy hit an atomic drop and dropped his legs across the mid-section of Orton. Hardy sent Orton to the outside and then took him out with a dropkick through the ropes and launched Orton back-first into the guard railing!
Mauro Ranallo: Hardy trying to upset the champion here!
When Orton got back to his feet, Hardy launched himself over the top rope and took out Orton.
Mauro Ranallo: Hardy better get Orton back in the ring. He can't win out there!
The two brawled on the outside and Orton threw Hardy back in the ring. Hardy attempted to springboard over the top rope, but Orton caught him with a huge dropkick in mid-air that sent Hardy crashing to the floor! Orton hit a suplex on Hardy on the outside and then threw Hardy back in the ring. Hardy retreated to the corner, and Orton put his boot on Jeff's throat. The referee got involved to break it up. Hardy fought back sending Orton over the top rope. Hardy leapt off the ring apron and took out Orton when Orton got to his feet. Hardy planted Orton in the corner, backed up and charged at him, but Orton moved and sent Hardy shoulder first into the steel ring post.
Nigel McGuinness: Randy is trying to end this now!
Orton then applied a full-body submission on Hardy while locking on a sleeper. Hardy broke out, but Orton caught him with a quick powerslam. Hardy took down Orton with a quick modified neckbreaker. The momentum shifted, and Hardy got three separate take downs on Randy. Jeff charged in the corner and got a Whisper in the Wind from the corner. Hardy sent Orton down in the corner and connected with a sharp dropkick to the gut. Hardy went up top, but Orton rolled away to the ring apron. When Orton stood up, Hardy caught him with a dropkick and Orton fell to the floor.
Mauro Ranallo: Jeff! Don't do it!
Hardy got up on the opposite corner and connected with a moonsault taking out Orton on the outside!
Nigel McGuinness: Jeff's not moving! Orton's not moving!
It was a struggle, but both returned to the ring. Jeff whipped Orton into the corner, but Randy collided with the referee.
Mauro Ranallo: Charles Robinson is down! Randy is down!
Hardy was ready to finish it. Jeff went to the top rope, and the crowd began to boo mercilessly as Rey Mysterio could be seen running down the ramp.
Mauro Ranallo: Come on! Enough of this. What is he doing out here?
Nigel McGuinness: Rey Mysterio Jr. faces Orton on Sunday for the EBWF World Championship and... oh!
Rey had climbed up on the ring apron and pushed Jeff Hardy back to the mat. Hardy rolled around in agony, but Orton charged Rey and hit him with a right forearm. Rey doubled over, and Randy pulled him through for the rope hung DDT. The crowd cheered as Hardy stumbled back up to his feet, but Orton was ready for him hitting him with an RKO!
Mauro Ranallo: Orton with the cover.
Robinson began to stir, as Orton hooked the leg.
1...
2...
3!
Nigel McGuinness: Orton has beaten Jeff Hardy.
Mauro Ranallo: And now he has to take on a very angry Mysterio this Sunday. We'll see you at Summerslam!
Orton held the World Championship high above his head as the crowd cheered and Warfare went off the air.
