Mauro Ranallo: Get ready folks… it’s time for Warfare!
Nigel McGuinness: We are live from Salt Lake City, and this is the final stop before Gateway to Glory! We’ve got the World Champion Bray Wyatt in action in our main event as he goes one on one with Seth Rollins, and we’ll also see the Women’s Champion Britt Baker compete as she teams up with a partner of her choosing to take on her former trainer Candice LeRae, and the number one contender Allysin Kay.
Mauro Ranallo: All that and more to look forward to later on, but kicking things off we’ve got Carmelo Hayes making his debut against The Charismatic Enigma, Jeff Hardy!
Carmelo Hayes made his way to the ring first, followed by Jeff Hardy. When both men were in the ring, the referee called for the bell. Hayes locked up with Hardy and put him in a headlock, but Hardy broke free and whipped Hayes against the ropes before hitting a hip toss. He followed up with a leg drop, then hooked the leg - 1… 2… Hayes kicked out! Hardy pulled Hayes to his feet and hit him with a series of punches, then went to whip Hayes into the corner… Hayes reversed the Irish whip, sending Hardy into the corner, then Hayes hit Hardy with a running knee to the face! As Hardy staggered out of the corner, Hayes hit him with a series of punches, but Hardy fought back with some right hands of his own, then whipped Hayes against the ropes. As Hayes ran back towards him, Hardy hit a dropkick! Both men got to their feet, and Hardy went for the Twist of Fate, but Hayes blocked it, then threw Hardy out of the ring. Hayes followed Hardy to the outside and slammed his head off the steel steps, then threw Hardy into the ringside barrier!
Nigel McGuinness: Hardy hit the barrier hard there… he might have injured his shoulder!
As the referee tried to check on Jeff Hardy, Carmelo Hayes rolled back into the ring and yelled at the referee to begin counting Hardy out. Hardy nodded to tell the ref he was okay, and the referee re-entered the ring to begin counting, but as he reached the count of 4, Hardy slid back into the ring. Hayes grabbed Hardy and set him up for a DDT, but Hardy broke free then hit a sitout jawbreaker! Hardy followed up with a double leg drop to the groin, then hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… Hayes kicked out! Hardy pulled Hayes to his feet and whipped him into the corner, then hit a corner dropkick. As Hayes stumbled out of the corner, Hardy set him up for a suplex, but Hayes countered it, rolling Hardy up into a small package! The referee counted - 1… 2… Hardy kicked out!
Mauro Ranallo: Carmelo Hayes almost stole a victory there!
As both men got to their feet, Hayes hit Hardy with a superkick, then climbed to the top rope. Hayes went for Nothing But Net… but Hardy moved out of the way! Hardy then grabbed Hayes and hit a Twist of Fate, before climbing to the top rope and hitting the Swanton Bomb! He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… 3!
Nigel McGuinness: It’s over! Jeff Hardy gets the victory!
Hardy celebrated, then made his way to the back as Hayes recovered in the ring.
After the match, the show cut to a backstage room with a black backdrop bearing a white EBWF logo. Seated at a folding table were two women who were varying degrees of recognizable to EBWF fans. One was the “Twilight Dream” Tam Nakano who wore her t-shirt over her ring gear once again. The other was EBWF Japan ambassador Arisa Hoshiki, dressed casually in a short sleeved top and jeans. Tam waved to the camera cheerfully, which Arisa did also a moment later. We heard a pop from the live crowd as Tam and Arisa appeared on the video screens in Vivint Arena. A moment later Tam took the lead.
Tam Nakano: Hi everyone! Are you enjoying Warfare tonight?
Cheers rose up from the live crowd before Arisa excitedly tugged on Tam’s sleeve.
Arisa Hoshiki: Tam-chan, I’m excited! I’m excited about more than that, because we’re about to step through the gateway to Gateway to Glory!!
There were cheers at that as well. Arisa laughed at her own cheesy line again and Tam fought hard not to do so herself. She just barely stifled a laugh before she motioned toward those viewing from the arena crowd and at home.
Tam Nakano: Tonight we have a quick Dream Shine reunion to talk about Gateway to Glory!
Arisa nodded and motioned to the viewer as well.
Arisa Hoshiki: One night only, we’re back together to get ready for the biggest show of the summer!
Tam looked to Arisa and continued.
Tam Nakano: We’ve got to get back to the action soon, so this is a lightning round! Hoshiki-san, what are you looking forward to seeing at Gateway to Glory?
Arisa cupped her chin as she pondered the question, then held up her index finger as she came to an answer.
Arisa Hoshiki: Probably the big showdown between Christian and Kevin Steen! It’s been a crazy intense rivalry so far, and who knows what’s going to happen when they finally fight! Just thinking about that matchup gets my competitor’s heart racing! It’s going to be knockdown, drag-out excitement. How about you, Tam-chan?
A graphic for Christian versus Kevin Steen appeared on the screen briefly before Tam gave her answer.
Tam Nakano: There’s too much to choose from! Like you said, who knows what will happen when we get to Gateway to Glory! Queen’s Court vs Liv N Bliss is really uncertain and hopefully Liv Morgan can find a new partner; of course, I really hope Alexa Bliss gets well soon. There’s the Women’s Championship match between Britt Baker and Allysin Kay too. Britt has been very strong as champion and she’s going to be hard to beat, but Allysin Kay is very dangerous and she could definitely unleash her inner monster to take the title. Then we get legends like Chris Jericho and Jeff Hardy in action, as well as Xavier Woods stepping into the ring to shake off that demon that’s haunted him!
Graphics for all the confirmed matches appeared as Tam spoke. Tam visibly shivered at her last words, which made Arisa grin a little.
Arisa Hoshiki: Not a fan of The Fiend?
Tam shook her head.
Tam Nakano: He’s a dangerous opponent, but he shows up at all the wrong times. And his face is terrifying!
Arisa slowly lifted a Fiend mask out from under the table, which made Tam jump a bit. As Arisa chuckled at her prank, Tam playfully smacked her shoulder. Once the joke was up Arisa set the mask down on the table and looked to Tam. Before she could say anything Tam spoke.
Tam Nakano: And congratulations on joining the Japanese language commentary team for Gateway to Glory, Hoshiki-san!
A few cheers are heard as Arisa nodded in response.
Arisa Hoshiki: Thanks, it’s the first time I’ve been involved with a full wrestling event in two years so I’m super pumped up!
Arisa flexed her arm and then directed a question to Tam.
Arisa Hoshiki: Any idea what you’re going to be doing, Tam-chan?
Tam shrugged nonchalantly.
Tam Nakano: I’ve heard some rumors, but that’s about it. But whether I’m in the ring with a rookie or a returning veteran, I’m going to fight with everything I have to keep my dream going! If I don’t have anything else going, maybe I’ll join you at the commentary table! But whatever happens for me, it’s going to be a magical night!
Arisa smiled and pointed toward the viewers again.
Arisa Hoshiki: That’s all the time we’ve got for now! Gateway to Glory is coming soon, so be sure to check it out!
Tam pointed toward the viewer again too.
Tam Nakano: Keep on Twilight Dreaming!
Tam Nakano & Arisa Hoshiki: Dream Shine, take.. Off!
Both of the women laughed as the video faded out and was replaced by the logo for Gateway to Glory.
As the show cut back to the arena, “Faint” by Linkin Park hit and the fans filling Vivint Arena erupted in cheers for the arrival of Liv Morgan. Her approach to the ring was much more subdued than usual, and a look of cold determination filled her face. Liv had eyes only for the ring, even as chants of “KILL HER LIV!” and “WE MISS LEXI!” rained down from the stands. She rolled under the bottom rope and began to pace back and forth, waiting impatiently for the Reaper to arrive.
Nigel McGuinness: Liv Morgan is all business tonight, ladies and gentlemen. This has to be the most focused I’ve ever seen her, and she’s going to need that focus to go toe to toe with “The Reaper” Rhea Ripley tonight.
Mauro Ranallo: That’s right, partner. Alexa Bliss remains out of action due to the damage inflicted to her ribs over the last two weeks. We’ve had no further updates from Cedars Sinai Medical Center about Alexa’s condition; while everyone here at EBWF and I’m sure around the world wish her a speedy recovery, it doesn’t appear that we will see her back in a ring anytime soon. Tonight Liv Morgan is fighting not just for her own desire for vengeance, but also in the name of her best friend whose career may have been cut short by Rhea Ripley.
Liv continued to pace and grew increasingly impatient as she waited for her opponent. Those “WE MISS LEXI” chants faded out as the “KILL HER LIV!” ones gained in strength. Liv shouted ‘Get your ass out here, Reaper!’ toward the entrance ramp, and finally the gong sounded, followed by ‘Hail to the King’ and thousands of boos. Rhea slowly stepped through the curtain and glared straight at Liv Morgan. A vicious smirk played out on her lips as she stood there staring at the woman she intended to make her next victim. While she bided her time, the shot returned to Liv Morgan as she shouted at Rhea again.
Mauro Ranallo: The icy satisfaction on Rhea Ripley’s face says it all. She looks very proud of what she’s done, and what she plans to do to Liv Morgan tonight. This is a highly anti-
As he spoke, the fans could be heard reacting loudly to something other than Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan. Out of the corner of the frame, a woman in a black t-shirt, jean shorts and red and gold knee and kickpads was seen rushing into the ring - Utami Hayashishita! Utami had a chair with her and immediately nailed Liv right across the back with it.
Nigel McGuinness: Utami Hayashishita!
Mauro Ranallo: Oh come on! The Crimson Queen has no business being anywhere near this match, let alone getting herself involved before it even gets started.
Nigel McGuinness: She may be looking to injure Liv Morgan just like Alexa Bliss ahead of Gateway to Glory. Liv’s got no help!
Utami raised the chair up over her head and slammed it into Liv’s back as she tried to get to her feet. As the boos hit a deafening volume, Utami held the chair against Liv’s ribs and pinned her to the mat. The Crimson Queen smiled coldly as Liv tried her hardest to push the chair off of herself. Meanwhile the entrance ramp filled with security personnel who blocked Rhea’s path to the ring. Rhea could be heard cursing up a storm as she was escorted from the entrance stage as Utami slammed the tip of the chair into Liv’s ribs.
For a moment the cameras followed Rhea backstage, where she stopped dead in her tracks and looked back toward the ring. With a murderous look upon her face Rhea tried to fight her way through the sea of security guards who were themselves intent on preventing things from getting worse for Liv Morgan. Rhea cursed them repeatedly, then threw a punch at one just as the feed returned to the ring.
With a smile on her face, Utami tossed the chair onto the mat and pulled Liv up. As Utami lifted Liv onto her shoulders, Mina Shirakawa suddenly hopped over the ringside barrier! She called out to Utami, whose attention was suddenly fully on the Glamour Knight! Liv fought loose of the Crimson Queen’s grip and slid down behind her to cheers from the crowd. Utami shouted at Mina, not fully realizing what had just happened. This created the opportunity for Liv to club Utami across the back with forearm strikes several times! After Utami staggered back to the ropes, Liv ran the ropes and hit a stiff dropkick to her which knocked the Crimson Queen out of the ring!
Liv was fired up and seized the chair to defend herself from further assault by Queen’s Court. Unable to believe what had just happened, Utami glared at Mina in frustration; Mina for her part held her hands up defensively again. With a snarl Utami looked up at Liv, who motioned for Utami to come try her luck again. Utami shook her head, then waved off Liv’s challenge as she headed up the ramp to a chorus of boos. After making it most of the way up, Utami glared at Mina, who cowered next to her for a moment. Utami motioned toward the curtain, and Mina stepped through briefly before emerging with a mic. Liv shouted for Utami to ‘get back in the ring, bitch!’ but the Crimson Queen just looked on with a scornful expression.
Utami Hayashishita: Clever girl. You are fortunate that I am feeling charitable. Tonight I will show you mercy so that you will be ready for your impending doom at Gateway to Glory. After all, I need someone to beat in front of the world! But do not worry, Liv, when that bell rings and you lay motionless in the ring after the absolute demolition you suffer at the hands of Queen’s Court, you can rest easy knowing that nature has taken its course. A true Queen will always defeat an afterthought like you.
Liv got a mic from the timekeeper and fired back at Utami.
Liv Morgan: Utami, all you do is talk and talk about how much better you are! But I know you, Mina and Rhea are all in cahoots. It’s all of your faults that Lexi isn’t here. When I get my hands on you, even if I have to do it by myself, I’m going to pay you back for everything you’ve done to my friend.
Utami made a mockingly shocked expression before concluding.
Utami Hayashishita: Queen's Court will take very good care of you at Gateway to Glory, Liv. This tag team match that you requested with Queen's Court is very much still going to happen. If the wounded Goddess is unable to leave her bed and step into the ring, then it will simply be a handicap match. If you can drag Alexa out of the hospital to show her face at Gateway to Glory, we will be quite happy to break what's left of her body and spirit before your eyes. When you see her carted out on a stretcher yet again, just remember that it is your fault Liv. You wanted this match. Mina!
Liv looked on in shock as Utami confirmed the match was still on. Utami meanwhile motioned to Mina and petulantly waited for her knight to join her. Mina's expression was quite conflicted as she looked back to Liv and then walked slowly up the ramp. Once she was at Utami's side, the Crimson Queen made one last proclamation.
Utami Hayashishita: Please do enjoy the rest of your night. We'll see you very soon."
Utami and Mina headed to the back as Warfare went to a commercial break.
When Warfare came back from the commercial break, the ring was set up with a table that had a contract on it and two chairs.
"Unsettling Differences" by Blue Smock Nancy hit and the crowd booed loudly at the impending arrival of Kevin Steen.
Mauro Ranallo: Kevin Steen is about to come out here and sign the contract for his match with Christian Cage at Gateway to Glory this Sunday.
Kevin finally made his way on stage in sweatpants and the most notable thing about his appearance was an Alexa Bliss T-shirt.
Nigel McGuinness: You've got to be kidding me.
The crowd booed even louder as Steen made his way to the ring laughing.
Mauro Ranallo: Kevin Steen is obviously trying to play mind games with Christian Cage.
Kevin entered the ring and sat down in one of the chairs as "My Last Breath" hit and Christian Cage made his way to the ring. Christian entered the ring and sat down in the other chair as Kevin could be heard saying "Do you like my shirt?"
Nigel McGuinness: Kevin Steen is really trying to get into the head of Christian.
Kevin got up and grabbed a mic from a crew member and sat back down.
Kevin Steen: You know Christian this is it, because when we sign this contract in a few minutes then you will have officially signed away your career because like I said two weeks ago what I did to you last month is nothing compared to what I'm going to do to you this Sunday at Gateway to Glory.
Kevin signed the contract and pushed it over to Christian Cage who looked at Kevin and smirked before he signed the contract.
Mauro Ranallo: It's official.
Christian called for a mic and was given one before he began to speak.
Christian Cage: You know Kevin when you attacked me last month I obviously wondered why you did it and when you explained yourself it didn't really surprise me because I always knew you were the type of guy that blamed other people for his failures and you decided to blame me and The Coalition for your problems.
Kevin chuckled.
Christian Cage: Kevin I also know what you've been trying to do recently by saying what you said two weeks ago and wearing that t-shirt, you're trying to get in my head but it's not gonna work because I've been here too long to fall for tricks like that.
The crowd began an "Instant Classic" chant.
Christian Cage: Kevin you want to be in the spotlight well this Sunday you will be in the spotlight because in this No Disqualification match I will beat the shit out of you and prove why I belong where at the top BECAUSE THAT'S…
Crowd: HOW I ROLL!
Christian went to finish his catchphrase before he suddenly flipped the table on top of Kevin Steen to the delight of the fans.
Mauro Ranallo: Christian got the last laugh tonight but will he be laughing on Sunday?
Nigel McGuinness: We'll see but one thing is for sure, that match is going to be brutal.
Christian left the ring with a smile on his face as Kevin Steen was in the ring angry at what had just happened as Warfare went to commercial break.
When Warfare returned from the commercial break, the camera cut to Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness at ringside.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back! Still to come, we’ve got the EBWF World Champion Bray Wyatt in action as he goes one on one with Seth Rollins! Up next though, we’ve got a women’s tag match scheduled as the Queen of the Ring Allysin Kay teams up with Candice LeRae to take on the EBWF Women’s Champion, Britt Baker, and a partner of Baker’s choosing.
“Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio hit and the crowd booed as Allysin Kay and Candice LeRae made their way to the ring. As the two women entered the ring, Allysin taunted the crowd, while Candice paced back and forth.
Nigel McGuinness: Candice surprised a lot of people last week when she helped Allysin Kay attack Britt Baker, a woman who Candice trained how to wrestle! I’m sure Britt will be out for revenge, but you have to wonder who she’s chosen as her partner.
Mauro Ranallo: That’s assuming she’s found a partner, Nigel! Baker has made some enemies here in the past…
“The Epic” hit and the crowd cheered as Britt Baker stepped out onto the stage. Baker stood at the top of the ramp on her own, looking at Allysin and Candice in the ring. The camera cut to Allysin Kay, who could be seen asking Britt “where’s your partner?” The camera cut back to Britt, who smirked.
“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!”
“Time to Rock and Roll” (with Bossy intro) hit and the crowd inside the arena went wild as Trish Stratus joined Britt Baker on the stage!
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia!
Nigel McGuinness: This is brilliant, Mauro! A couple of weeks ago, Allysin Kay compared Britt Baker to Trish Stratus, accusing Trish of taking too much time off when she was previously Women’s Champion and saying that Britt was “even less of a fighting champion than Trish”. So Britt getting Trish to team up with her tonight feels like psychological warfare… you have to wonder what’s going through the mind of Allysin Kay right now!
As Trish and Britt walked down the ramp, the camera cut to Allysin Kay, who was scowling furiously. After Trish and Britt had entered the ring, Trish moved onto the apron, allowing Britt to start the match. Britt pointed at Allysin, who nodded and clenched her fists as Candice exited the ring. The referee called for the bell and as soon as the bell rang, Allysin tagged in Candice LeRae, which caused the crowd to boo.
Mauro Ranallo: Yet more mind games from Allysin Kay… she’s making Baker wait for the fight she knows Britt Baker wants!
After entering the ring, Candice ran towards Britt and went for a clothesline, but Britt ducked out of the way, then hit Candice with a series of punches. Baker whipped Candice against the ropes before hitting an arm drag, then as Candice hit the mat, Britt immediately went for the Lockjaw! Candice was able to reverse it into a rollup, and the referee counted - 1… 2… Baker kicked out! Both women got to their feet and Candice lifted Britt up, hitting a back drop. Candice then dragged Britt towards the corner and tagged in Allysin Kay. As Allysin entered the ring, she trapped Britt in the corner, hitting her with a series of punches and kicks. She then took several steps back, before charging towards Britt and clubbing her with a forearm smash! As Britt stumbled out of the corner, Allysin hit a suplex, then hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… Britt kicked out!
Nigel McGuinness: Allysin Kay and Candice LeRae working well together here, and Britt Baker is having to endure some early punishment in this match!
Allysin pulled Britt to her feet and hit a snapmare, then as Britt sat up, Allysin kicked her across the back. She then pulled Britt to her feet and set her up for a neckbreaker, but Britt broke free and hit Allysin with a clothesline! Britt stomped on Allysin several times then dragged her towards the corner, before hitting a reverse STO into the turnbuckle! As Allysin’s head was resting against the middle turnbuckle, Baker took several steps back, then charged towards the Women’s Champion, hitting her with a knee to the back of the head!
Mauro Ranallo: That looked nasty! Allysin Kay must be in a lot of pain after that shot from Britt Baker!
Baker moved Allysin away from the ropes and hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… Allysin kicked out! Britt pulled Allysin to her feet and hit a double underhook suplex, then sat her up and applied a cravat. As Allysin tried to fight out of it, Baker hit her with a boot to the face! She then tagged in Trish Stratus, and the crowd cheered as Trish entered the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: The crowd delighted to see the legend that is Trish Stratus in action here tonight!
As Trish entered the ring, she grabbed Allysin Kay and took her down with a one-handed bulldog, then stomped on her several times. Trish then grabbed Allysin by the legs, going for the sharpshooter… but Allysin kicked her away and got back to her feet. The two women exchanged right hands back and forth, and after gaining the upper hand Trish went for the Chick Kick… but Allysin ducked out of the way, then spun around, hitting Trish with the Discus from Detroit! She hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Trish kicked out! As Allysin got to her feet, she moved towards the corner, tagging in Candice LeRae. Candice climbed to the top rope, and when Trish was up, Candice hit her with a diving crossbody! Candice pulled Trish to her feet and hit a Russian legsweep, then went for La Quebrada… but Trish got her knees up and blocked it! Both women got to their feet and Trish whipped Candice against the ropes, before taking her down with the Lou Thesz press! She punched Candice against the match several times, before pulling Candice to her feet and lifting her up, hitting a suplex. She hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Candice kicked out! As Trish got to her feet, Britt called for the tag and the crowd began chanting “DMD!” Smiling, Trish dragged Candice towards the corner, then tagged in Britt Baker. As Baker entered the ring, she sat Candice on the top rope, then climbed the ropes and lifted Candice over her shoulder, hitting an avalanche Air Raid Crash! She hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Allysin Kay rushed into the ring, breaking up the count!
Mauro Ranallo: That surely would have been a 3 count if it weren’t for Allysin Kay!
The crowd booed as Allysin attacked Britt, then cheered as Trish entered the ring and went after Allysin Kay. As Trish and Allysin exchanged punches, Britt Baker dragged Candice to her feet and hit her with the Ripcord Elbow! Trish managed to gain the upper hand on Allysin Kay, and as she threw Allysin out of the ring, Baker hit Candice with The Stomp! She hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… 3!
Nigel McGuinness: It’s over! Britt Baker and Trish Stratus get the win!
The referee called for the bell, then raised Britt and Trish’s arms in victory. Britt hugged Trish, but as the two women celebrated together, Allysin Kay grabbed the Women’s Championship from ringside and ran into the ring, hitting Trish in the back of the head with it! As Trish fell to the mat, Allysin swung around, smashing Britt Baker in the face with the title! Allysin then dropped the title and hit Trish with the AK47, before turning her attention back to Britt Baker, who had been busted open by the belt shot. Despite the blood trickling down her face, and the fact that she was obviously dazed, Britt got to her feet and clenched her fists, making it clear to Allysin she was ready to fight. Allysin told Britt to bring it, and Britt swung a right hand at Allysin… but Allysin blocked it, then hit Britt Baker with a headbutt! As Britt fell to the mat, more blood came down her face, and Allysin wiped the blood on her face like war paint. Smiling sadistically, Allysin then grabbed Britt, locking her in the Kay-Gato-Jime! Baker tried to fight out of it, but she was unable to do so, and only when Britt had passed out did Allysin break the hold. She then got to her feet and stood over Baker, holding the Women’s Title up as she did so.
Mauro Ranallo: Is this the image we’re going to see on Sunday? Could Allysin Kay become the new Women’s Champion?
Allysin placed the title over Britt and yelled “keep it warm for me”, then made her way to the back as EMTs checked on Britt.
The lights went down in the Vivint Arena. A murmur of confusion spread like a fire across the hot Salt Lake City crowd. Every screen and monitor in the arena lit up with the dim glow of an artificial darkness. Black being generated by a machine that would never understand the true depth of the abyss.
Mauro Ranallo: What in the world is going on?
Nigel McGuinness: Your guess is as good as mine Mauro.
Suddenly smoke started to filter onto the screens as a low hum grew over the sounds system. The smoke escaped the screens and monitors as it poured out at the top of the entrance ramp and from the sides of the ring. The opening notes of the Dies Irae broke through the low hum. Each discordant note hung in the arena building to an awful sound. Then just as quickly it cut out all at once. Only the hum remained. Through the smoke on the screen red letters faded in. “Everyone Could Use a Friend.”
Mauro Ranallo: I can’t remember the last time that I was this confused Nigel.
Nigel McGuinness: Mamma mia, indeed.
As the first words faded back into the smoke a new set replaced them. “Every Buddy Could Use a Guiding Hand.” In the ring the glow of a red light illuminated a figure standing with their head down. The light and smoke shrouded the identity of the person in the ring. New words came to the screen. “We Can Provide You Shelter From the Darkness Within.” The screens went black, true black. No backlights or subtle glows. The lights in the arena followed their lead, each set cascading to black in a pattern that spiraled its way to the single red light on the ring. Then, there was nothing. Fans scrambled to turn on phones and flashlights, the house lights started to climb back to their typical levels. Only the smoke remained in the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: In all your years with the EBWF has an appearance like that ever gone well?
Mauro Ranallo: I’ve got the strange feeling that we’re not going to like whatever comes next!
Nigel McGuinness: What comes next is Bray Wyatt versus Seth Rollins, and I think the entire EBWF Universe is going to love that!
“The Rising” by Def Rebel hit, and the crowd booed as Seth Rollins made his way to the ring. When Rollins was in the ring, the “Firefly Fun House” theme hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Bray Wyatt headed to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Well I guess we’re not getting The Fiend tonight, which is probably a relief for everyone…
When Wyatt was in the ring, he smiled and waved at Rollins. Rollins didn’t respond, he simply glared at Wyatt. The referee called for the bell and the two men locked up. Rollins put Wyatt in a headlock, then as Wyatt tried to fight out of it Rollins took him down with a snapmare. As Wyatt sat up, Rollins ran against the ropes, then hit Wyatt with a kick to the back. Wyatt started laughing, then rolled to the corner of the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: What is Wyatt doing?
Rollins yelled at Wyatt to get to his feet, and Wyatt did so, staring at Rollins intently. The two men locked up once more and this time Wyatt was able to overpower Rollins, shoving him backwards into the corner. Wyatt punched Rollins in the corner several times, then stepped back. He ran at Rollins, going for a corner clothesline, but Rollins moved out of the corner and grabbed Wyatt, hitting a reverse STO into the second turnbuckle! Wyatt rolled out of the ring and Rollins followed him to the outside, but as he did so Wyatt grabbed him, slamming his head off the steel steps. Wyatt threw Rollins back into the ring and slid back into the ring, then stomped on Rollins several times before pulling him to his feet and whipping him into the corner. Wyatt then sat Rollins on the top rope and hit him with a superplex!
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! That shook the ring!
Wyatt hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Rollins kicked out! Wyatt pulled Rollins to his feet and hit him with a right hand, but Rollins responded with a right hand of his own! The two men exchanged punches back and forth, and after gaining the upper hand, Wyatt hit Rollins with a DDT. Wyatt then ran against the ropes and went for a senton… but Rollins rolled out of the way! Both men got to their feet and Rollins hit Wyatt with a dropkick, knocking him out of the ring. Rollins then ran against the ropes before hitting a suicide dive! Rollins threw Wyatt back into the ring and climbed onto the ring apron, then hit a springboard clothesline! Rollins hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Wyatt kicked out! Rollins pulled Wyatt to his feet and whipped him against the ropes, before hitting a slingblade. Rollins then ran against the ropes, before hitting a shooting star press!
Nigel McGuinness: Incredible athleticism from Rollins!
Rollins hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… again Wyatt kicked out! Rollins pounded the mat in frustration, then got to his feet and yelled at Wyatt to get up. When Wyatt was up, Rollins went for a superkick… but Wyatt ducked out of the way and grabbed Rollins, hitting him with a uranage! Wyatt then pulled Rollins to his feet, setting him up for Sister Abigail… but Rollins blocked it and shoved Wyatt away! As he did so, Wyatt collided with the referee, knocking him down. Wyatt turned back to Rollins and hit him with a headbutt, then tried to revive the referee… but as he did so, the lights went out.
Mauro Ranallo: Oh no… what’s happening? Is it time for The Fiend?
A laugh could be heard echoing through the arena, but when the lights came back up, Bray Wyatt’s alter ego was nowhere to be seen. Standing across from Wyatt was Xavier Woods, and he was holding a steel chair! He swung the chair at Wyatt, hitting him over the head with it, then grabbed Wyatt and hit a hammerlock legsweep DDT onto the chair! Woods then exited the ring, and as he did so, Rollins hit Wyatt with a Curb Stomp onto the chair! Rollins saw the referee was starting to stir, and he slid the chair out of the ring, then covered Wyatt. The referee saw the pin and began counting - 1… 2… 3!
Nigel McGuinness: It’s over! Rollins gets the victory, thanks to the assist from Xavier Woods!
Mauro Ranallo: Wyatt has been interfering with King Xavier’s business for weeks… but Xavier decided to get his own back tonight!
Nigel McGuinness: I’m not sure upsetting Wyatt six days before Gateway to Glory was the wisest idea, Mauro… we both know The Fiend will be showing up on Sunday, and he’s going to want to hurt Woods even more now!
As Rollins celebrated his victory, Xavier Woods grabbed the chair and re-entered the ring once more. He stood over Wyatt with the chair, hitting him repeatedly with it! Suddenly, the lights went out again… and when they came back up, Wyatt was gone! The arena lights turned red and “Let Me In” began to play. Woods began looking around for The Fiend, but he was nowhere to be seen. Shaking his head, Woods exited the ring and walked back up the ramp, yelling “I’ll see you Sunday, Wyatt!” as Warfare went off the air.
