MATCH ONE
Mauro Ranallo: Get ready folks… it’s time for Warfare! Tonight we are live from the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, and kicking things off we’ve got the cold hearted handsome devil Hook in action as he takes on Ace Austin of Dynasty!

“Pumped to Win” hit and the crowd booed as Ace Austin made his way to the ring, accompanied by MJF

Nigel McGuinness: There are high stakes in this opening match… Hook has to beat every member of Dynasty to get a rematch with MJF, but any member of Dynasty that Hook does beat will be exiled from the group!

When Austin was in the ring, “The Chairman’s Intent” by Action Bronson hit and the crowd cheered as Hook stepped out onto the stage, accompanied by his father Taz. Hook walked down the ramp with intent, then as he entered the ring he turned his back on Ace Austin, staring out into the crowd. As Hook turned around, the referee called for the bell. Hook stepped out of the corner towards Austin, and Austin charged towards Hook, going for a clothesline… but Hook caught Austin and hit an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, suplexing Austin into the turnbuckles!

Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! What quick reactions from Hook!

As Austin got to his feet, Hook pulled him away from the corner and hit a series of knee strikes before whipping Austin against the ropes. As Austin ran back towards him, Hook took him down with a hip toss, before grabbing Austin by the leg, applying a kneebar. MJF yelled “come on, fight out of it!” and Austin tried to do so, kicking Hook with his free leg… but Hook kept the hold locked in, and Ace Austin cried out in pain. The camera cut to MJF at ringside, who looked extremely unimpressed.

Nigel McGuinness: Ace Austin could be in trouble here… he knows if he taps out, he’s forfeiting his place in Dynasty, but unless he can escape this hold or get a rope break, he might end up with a serious injury!

The referee asked Austin if he wanted to submit, and Austin shook his head, then began crawling to the ropes. The referee ordered Hook to break the hold, and as Hook did so, Austin used the ropes to pull himself up. Hook ran towards Austin, going for a clothesline, but Austin ducked out of the way and pulled down on the ropes, sending Hook to the outside. As Hook got to his feet, Austin ran against the ropes before leaping over the top rope, hitting Hook with the Fosbury Flop!

Mauro Ranallo: Incredible athleticism from Ace Austin!

As Austin got to his feet, MJF yelled at him to get Hook back in the ring and pin him. Austin grabbed Hook, throwing him back to the ring, then climbed the turnbuckle. Austin turned his back on Hook, then went for an inverted frog splash… but Hook got his knees up and blocked it! As Austin clutched his ribs, Hook dragged him to his feet and hit a gut wrench suplex, then hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… Austin kicked out!

Nigel McGuinness: Austin got the shoulder up just in time!

The camera once again cut to MJF at ringside, but it was impossible to tell from the stoic expression on MJF’s face what he was thinking. Hook pulled Austin to his feet and hit him with a series of punches, then went to whip him against the ropes… but Austin reversed it, whipping Hook against the ropes before hitting a dropkick. As both men got to their feet, Austin hit Ace’s High, then hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… Hook kicked out! Austin got to his feet and stomped on Hook several times, then pulled Hook to his feet and whipped him into the corner. Austin charged towards Hook, hitting him with the corner clothesline, then took several times back. As Hook moved out of the corner, Austin ran towards him, going for The Fold… but Hook ducked out of the way, then grabbed Austin from behind, hitting a Tazplex! Both men got to their feet, and Hook grabbed Austin from behind once more, this time locking in Redrum!

Mauro Ranallo: Redrum! Redrum! Is Austin going to tap out?

Austin refused to tap, but he was unable to escape the hold and as he passed out, the referee called for the bell. Hook released Austin, smiling as the referee raised his arm in victory.

Nigel McGuinness: A valiant effort from Ace Austin, but it wasn’t enough. Hook wins, and he moves on to face Alex Kane next week!

As the referee checked on Ace Austin, MJF entered the ring and glared at Hook, his fists clenched. Hook stared right back at MJF, as if daring him to make the first move. Suddenly Ace Austin began to stir, but as he tried to get to his feet, MJF knocked him back down and put him in the Salt of the Earth!

Mauro Ranallo: Oh come on! This is just adding insult to injury!

The camera cut to Hook, who seemed to be in two minds about whether or not to intervene. However as Hook contemplated this, he was attacked from behind by Alex Kane! Kane knocked Hook down to the mat before hitting him with a series of punches and kicks. Kane then dragged Hook to his feet, before hitting a triple German suplex! MJF and Alex Kane left the ring together as Warfare went to a commercial break.

MATCH TWO
When Warfare returned from the commercial break, Christy Hemme was standing in the ring ready for the next match.

Christy Hemme: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a trios tag match and it is scheduled for one fall!

On cue the capacity crowd shouted “ONE FALL!” in unison. ‘Shining Star’ by Unlimited Dream Navigator hit and to a loud pop from the excited crowd Arisa Hoshiki walked out onto the entrance stage in full ring gear. The wide eyed striker looked out over the XL Center crowd as the cheers washed over her, as if in disbelief at the feeling of her return to active competition. Just a moment later ‘Papercut’ by Linkin Park hit and the fans roared even louder for the arrival of Liv N Bliss. The pair both looked supremely confident as they nodded to Arisa, then walked down the ramp together to chants of “LIV N BLISS! LIV N BLISS!” and “A-RI-SA!”. Arisa was right behind them, smiling just as widely as her partners.

Christy Hemme: Introducing first, Liv N Bliss - Liv Morgan and Alexa Bliss! And their partner, the ‘Shining Star’, Arisa Hoshiki!

Nigel McGuiness: This is an historic evening as we see Liv Morgan and Alexa Bliss try to settle the score with Queen’s Court. Their partner Arisa Hoshiki hasn’t fought in a match for over two years, and I’d imagine she has some ring rust after that much time away. Combined with Alexa Bliss’ injury it’s going to very much be an uphill battle for these ladies tonight.

Mauro Ranallo: They seem very confident in themselves healing into this match tonight, though. Alexa Bliss has fought through a rib injury she suffered at the hands of Rhea Ripley, made worse by Utami Hayashishita. Liv Morgan has been there every step of the way to put her body on the line to protect her friend. Arisa Hoshiki was forced into retirement two years ago due to head and neck injuries, but like her partners she’s fought through that adversity to make her return here tonight. Liv N Bliss is looking to deal a final blow to Queen’s Court tonight, and they brought in the one woman in EBWF who knows better than anyone how to take out Utami Hayashishita.

All three women posed on the ring apron to the adoration of the fans, and then the mood changed in an instant. ‘Crusade’ hit, the words “Queen’s Court” appeared on the entrance tron and the music was welcomed with thunderous boos. Mina Shirakawa stepped out first, the Queen’s Court banner on a pole draped over her shoulders. With her darker Bloody Angel look in full swing, the shot of her face showed an intensity no one had seen from her before. Then the camera panned left to show the arrival of Himeka Arita, resplendent in her red entrance robe and with a look of equally cold focusin her eyes. Finally Utami Hayashishita strode out between them, motioning dramatically to the camera with a single red rose. This she handed to Himeka before leading her team down the ramp. More than anything else Utami seemed to luxuriate in the distaste of the fans, her smile cold and sinister.

Christy Hemme: And their opponents: ‘Bloody Angel’ Mina Shirakawa, ‘Dangerous Princess’ Himeka Arita and the ‘Crimson Queen’ Utami Hayashishita! Queen’s Court!

Nigel McGuiness: “Since her arrival in EBWF Utami Hayashishita has made it clear she intends to conquer the entire women’s division. After repeated attacks on Liv N Bliss, even after a loss at Gateway to Glory, she maintains she is the most dominant wrestler in the world. Last week she brought in extra muscle with the arrival of her ‘Dangerous Princess’, Himeka Arita. Tonight, they look hell bent on destroying Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan and Arisa Hoshiki once and for all.”

Mauro Ranallo: “Don’t forget that things haven’t been smooth sailing for Queen’s Court so far. As vicious as the Crimson Queen has shown herself to be, her first handpicked lieutenant Mina Shirakawa has appeared hesitant to follow that lead. In a match where everyone needs to be on the same page, will they all be able to work together to achieve that goal? If they can’t, their opponents are very capable of turning things to their advantage in a heartbeat.

The shot settled on the ring as Utami posed atop her corner and her partners removed their jacket and robe respectively. There was a buzz in the air as both teams stared across the ring, sizing up their opponents for the battle to come. Utami immediately stepped out onto the apron, making it clear she had no plan to start the match for her team. Himeka and Mina looked to each other coolly for a split second before Mina nodded grimly to indicate she intended to start the match for Queen’s Court. Opposite this, Liv and Alexa were in a huddle with Arisa making a game plan. Suddenly Arisa raised her hand emphatically and both of her partners nodded in agreement. WIth both legal women identified, the ref called for the opening bell and the match was on!

Arisa was still limbering up a little as Mina bull rushed in and pounded Arisa right in the chest with a forearm that drove her back into the corner. Mina let loose a series of vicious knees to the stomach and chest of Arisa before she then dug her hands into Arisa’s hair. With a firm grip and a primal shout she took a few steps and then hurled Arisa by the hair across the ring! Obviously dazed by the onslaught, Arisa shook her head and fought to her knees just as Mina flew into the frame and hit her with a knee right to the face. Without giving Arisa a moment to breathe Mina stamped her right foot onto the ‘Shining Star’s’ neck and pressed down to deprive Arisa much needed air.

Within a moment the ref got right up in Mina’s face and loudly counted up to four to force her to break the choke. With that hold broken Mina smiled with murderous intent and ran to the ropes; she rebounded off the ropes, leapt up in the air with her knee bent and the intention to crush Arisa’s windpipe. No one was home and Mina’s knee crashed into the mat just as loudly as those knee strikes a moment earlier. With a fire burning in her eyes to match those of the Bloody Angel’s fury, Arisa wasted no time in going on the attack. Using Mina’s knee as a launching pad, Arisa swung her right leg around and clocked the Bloody Angel with an enzuigiri! With that momentum propelling her forward, Arisa leapt right to the top rope and spun around to launch herself onto Mina’s prone form with a springboard double foot stomp! With the growing crowd noise as a backdrop the camera was still able to pick up Arisa shouting ‘Let’s go!’

Mina kipped up unexpectedly and ducked a kick attempt from Arisa to run the ropes and swung her left arm forward with the force of a sledgehammer fired from a railgun. To an astonished gasp Arisa slid under the lariat, popped up behind the Bloody Angel and nailed her with a super kick right to the back of the head! Mina staggered forward from the impact and Arisa extended her leg with tremendous force as she connected another super kick. The Bloody Angel bent over backward and nearly fell to the mat. Instead she braced herself with her arms to either side and propelled herself back to a standing position with a murderous roar. As soon as she was back up Arisa ran straight for her and Mina dropped to the mat. WIthout missing a beat Arisa hopped over Mina and landed on the ropes! Only a second after Mina hopped to her feet, Arisa launched herself backward and planted Mina’s beautiful face into the mat with a Shining Star Cutter to the delight of the XL Center crowd!

Mauro Ranallo: A tremendous explosion of offense from the Shining Star tonight! After two years in retirement she hasn’t lost a step!

Nigel McGuiness: She certainly seems to be fired up for this contest, but is she expending too much energy too quickly here?

While Mina writhed in pain on the mat, Arisa smiled ear to ear and posed heroically with her arms out to either side. She was having the time of her life back in the ring! Arisa climbed up onto the nearby neutral corner’s turnbuckles and waved her arms up over her head to encourage the crowd to get louder. Just as they responded with more cheers a pair of arms clad in pink and white seized Arisa around the waist! Mina had gotten onto the second rope and planted Arisa into the mat with an avalanche German suplex! Mina covered Arisa but only got two. With a frustrated snarl Mina dead lifted the taller Arisa and threw her overhead in another German suplex toward the Queen’s Court corner. No sooner had Arisa gotten to her knees with the aid of the ropes than Mina clocked her with a modified Glamorous Sword! A savage snarl played out over Mina’s lips as she pulled Arisa up by her hair and layed in with rapid fire forearms that pushed Arisa up against the turnbuckles. Mina pinned Arisa’s shoulders in place and continued to connect with sharp forearms, each of which seemed to take more and more energy out of Arisa.

Himeka slapped Mina on the shoulder and stepped through the ropes to take over, choking Arisa with her muscular leg. Only when forced to let go did Himeka release the choke, and then she tagged Utami’s outstretched hand. Utami laughed haughtily as she stepped into the ring and HImeka held Arisa up by the arms for her. The Crimson Queen ran the ropes while Himeka shoved Arisa forward right into a shotgun dropkick on the rebound. Boos rained down as Utami mocked the obviously pained Arisa; she leaned down, waved sarcastically and could be heard saying ‘welcome back!’. Utami stomped Arisa a few times, then lifted her off the mat by the hair and tagged in Himeka. Himeka smiled as she landed a right hook to a gassed looking Arisa, then seized the Shining Star by the hair to prevent her from hitting the mat. Her superior strength showed itself by the effortless way in which she slammed Arisa into the corner, which caused Arisa to groan in pain. Himeka flexed her right arm and then pulled it back for another monstrous punch, but then Mina tagged herself in to continue the onslaught.

Maruo Ranallo: Queen’s Quest seems to be a well oiled machine here tonight! The Shining Star is growing dimmer with each tag they make!

Nigel McGuiness: They’ve effectively cut her off from her tag team partners with their expert teamwork. You have to wonder if Arisa Hoshiki regrets her decision to accept Alexa Bliss’ invitation tonight.

Alexa could be heard shouting ‘Come on Arisa, you can do this!’ while Liv looked on with concern at the ongoing beating. Arisa’s eyes were indeed dim as Mina glared down into them, furious that this woman had come back to defy her queen. Both of Mina’s arms wrapped Arisa’s waist and in an explosion of force Mina spun around and slammed Arisa down with a spinebuster. As Arisa held her back in pain, Mina looked down the camera and shouted ‘FINISH!’. Amid a rising chant of ‘A-RI-SA!’ from the crowd, Mina forcefully pulled Arisa up by the hair one more time and put her into an inverted facelock. However, when she lifted Arisa up for the Glamorous Driver, Arisa flipped out of it and landed behind Mina! In a frenetic burst of energy Arisa stepped back and then ran headlong at a spinning Mina, then slammed a leaping high knee to the face! Both women collapsed to the mat and the crowd buzzed in audible anticipation at the moment.

Alexa climbed up and leaned over the top rope, arm outstretched desperately for the tag. Arisa blinked as she cleared out the cobwebs and then crawled painfully toward her corner, the crowd getting hotter with every inch. Mina likewise struggled to reach the ropes even despite the screams from Utami to get herself within the reach of her comrades. Several tense moments later Arisa got to her knees and lunged forward, slapping the outstretched hand of Alexa Bliss! At that moment Mina managed to get within arm’s reach of Himeka and tagged in the Dangerous Princess.

Before she could even think about exerting her strength, Himeka was sent back into the corner by a powerful dropkick from Alexa! While the crowd roared in approval Alexa jumped to the second rope and then planted Himeka with a DDT! Instead of covering Himeka, Alexa grabbed two handfuls of Utami’s red and black locks and dropped Utami throat first onto the top rope with such force that the Crimson Queen fell to the arena floor. Mina was still in the ring and tried to go on the attack, but Alexa Matrix evaded a spinning backfist and decked her with a super kick! Mina rolled out of the ring and Alexa stood tall while Queen’s Court were all down for the first time in the contest.

Mauro Ranallo: Alexa Bliss is on fire tonight! The moment she got into the ring, she tore through all three members of Queen’s Court! Now the momentum’s firmly in her corner!

Nigel McGuiness: She’s been waiting three weeks to get her hands on who she thought was Rhea Ripley, but turned out to be Himeka Arita in disguise. All of the psychological warfare Queen’s Court has employed is about to be paid back in full.

Himeka pulled herself up using the ropes fairly quickly, but Alexa was right on top of her with a barrage of punches. She grabbed the larger woman’s wrist and whipped her to the opposite ropes, rebounded off the nearby ropes and attempted a hurricanrana. Alexa was caught on Himeka’s shoulders though, and with a roar Himeka looked to powerbomb Alexa! In desperation Alexa slammed her head down onto Himeka’s once, then twice to break the Dangerous Princess’ iron grip. To the astonishment of the crowd Alexa managed to propel herself and hit a Code Red! She cinched in a pin and the ref counted 1.. 2.. No! Utami suddenly returned to the ring and broke up the pin by ripping Alexa away from Himeka. Furious at the change in momentum, Utami lifted Alexa up and slammed the Goddess ribs first into her knee. Alexa cried out in agony as she clutched her left side while Utami stood over her arrogantly. The ref admonished Utami to return to her corner and the Crimson Queen argued with him to keep him occupied while Himeka recovered. Arisa had returned to her feet on the apron Liv N Bliss’ corner, but there was a pink blur as Mina Shirakawa returned to the ring and went right after Arisa! Mina’s right leg vaulted over the top rope like a lance and connected right with Arisa’s face. The sickening impact sent Arisa flying off the apron and nearly head first into the ringside barricade! For a moment the camera lingered on Arisa crumpled up on the arena floor, quite obviously in a great deal of pain as she clutched her head.

When the camera returned to the ring Mina had returned to her corner as had a very satisfied looking Crimson Queen. Meanwhile Himeka worked a kink out of her neck and loomed ominously behind the Goddess as Alexa climbed back up to her feet with the aid of the ropes. As soon as Alexa was up the physically intimidating Princess lifted Alexa up onto her shoulders into a Torture Rack hold! Severe pressure was applied directly to Alexa’s ribs, causing her to scream in pain again. Yet when the referee checked for a submission Alexa shook her head violently and refused to give up! Frustrated by this Himeka worked the hold violently for several more agonizing moments, but didn’t get any different result. Himeka’s face twisted into a violent, murderous expression as she dropped Alexa like a sack of potatoes onto the mat behind her.

The Dangerous Princess turned around and began to hammer away at Alexa’s ribs and back with forearm strikes as the comparatively tiny woman desperately tried to get back up. Somehow she managed to stand through the barrage of blows, only to be aggressively whipped to the ropes and then have her head nearly taken off by a lariat. Himeka went for the pin but only got two! She slapped the mat in frustration and then pulled Alexa by the hair into a belly to back position. HImeka shouted angrily in Japanese as she fell backwards and tossed Alexa overhead with a vicious German Suplex! Alexa bounced off the mat from the impact and to the crowd’s horror HImeka was right there to pick Alexa up again and suplex her once, then twice more! After Alexa folded up like a tinfoil car hitting a brick wall at 100 mph, Himeka hooked the leg and went for the pin. 1.. 2.. Alexa got her shoulder up to a massive pop from the crowd!

Mauro Ranallo: How on earth did Alexa Bliss kick out of that?! Even after everything she’s been put through in this match, the Goddess refuses to give up!

Nigel McGuiness: There’s no doubt that she has a tremendous amount of courage, but what will it cost her to keep fighting in this match? Her career might very well be in jeopardy if she doesn’t get a tag soon!

Himeka stood back up and stared down coldly at the defiant foe she had just about suplexed into the arena basement. Alexa pulled herself up from the mat using Himeka’s legs as the comparatively giant woman stared down at her indifferently. Clearly in a great deal of pain, Alexa held her left side as she got to her feet and stood straight up fearlessly postured to continue her fight with the destructive Himeka! Alexa forearmed Himeka in the chest with as much strength as she could manage, but immediately held her ribs. The damage was done. Himeka laughed as she brushed off the hit from her chest in a blatant show of defiance and disrespect to the standing game of the injured Bliss! Alexa turned from the sharp pain to try and deliver one more forearm, when Himeka responded with a vicious kick to the midsection! Alexa was forced to bend frontward from the pain! Himeka pulled Alexa into the powerbomb position and even paused knowing Alexa could not respond here with the pain shooting in her ribs from the onslaught Alexa has had to endure.

With relative ease, Himeka lifted Alexa up and looked to connect a running powerbomb in the center of the ring! The face of Himeka, as the camera zoomed in, showed her intention to end this here and now! As Himeka ran toward the center of the ring, though, Alexa managed to counter it into a hurricanrana! Himeka went careening right into the referee as a result, and both bodies hit the mat with a tremendous thud! The crowd roared as Alexa crawled her way toward the corner, desperately seeking a tag.

Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! What a counter by Alexa Bliss!

Nigel McGuiness: It has given her the space to make a tag, but can she get to her corner before Himeka Arita recovers?

Alexa crawled toward the corner, every inch causing her agony as her nails indented the ridges of the mat with every crawling motion towards safety. Meanwhile, Himeka pulled herself up by the ropes, while the referee remained face down motionless on the mat. Finally, Alexa lunged forward and swung her arm toward Liv’s outstretched hand, making the tag! The crowd roared as Liv began arching her leg to enter the ring – BAM! Before Liv could come to the rescue, a familiar boot flew on screen to the former Champion’s head! As the camera turned, it only caught the smiling face of Himeka, who knocked Liv to the arena floor and still had her leg draped over the top rope! While the fans booed and the camera was focused on Himeka, Utami dragged Alexa to the middle of the ring, while Alexa just had little fight against Utami’s actions thanks to the isolation the Queen’s Court has forced to this point on the Goddess. Bliss' exhaustion was generously rewarded by Utami, who harshly and swiftly jammed her knee in the ribs of Bliss with a sickening solid thud echoing through the arena’s audio! The solid impact made even worse by the echo forced out through Alexa’s mouth caught on camera! With a wicked smile, Utami posed, while Alexa squirmed in pain underneath the added pressure of Utami’s weight. “This is over!” Utami’s voice caught airwaves, as a relief appeared for Alexa when in a single movement Utami stood, but then took one step back and prepared to punt Alexa square in the ribs again!

The fans began to make noise as Mina entered the ring and rushed to put herself between Alexa and Utami. She began telling Utami “That’s enough! Stop this!”, which only made Utami’s face contort into furious disgust. Utami pointed out of the ring and demanded, “MOVE!” Mina looked down at the prone Alexa, then to Utami and took a deep breath. She shook her head in defiance, forcing a roar of approval from the crowd.

Mauro Ranallo: There’s been a mutiny in the Crimson Queen’s court! Mina Shirakawa has had enough!

Immediately after this the crowd’s cheers turned to a collective gasp as suddenly Arisa Hoshiki returned to the ring and laid out Mina with a vicious roundhouse kick right to the head! All noise turned to silence. Arisa stood over the unmoving form of Mina for a long moment, her eyes glazed over in a deadpan stare towards the Bloody Angel.

Mauro Ranallo: That was a little out of the needed measures for this highly competitive contest, isn’t it?! Arisa isn’t the legal woman, and Mina was between Arisa’s partner and Utami! Why is Arisa doing this?! Mina was helping the team of Liv’n’Bliss and Arisa!

Nigel McGuiness: Mina Shirakawa gave her a beating earlier in this contest, then sent her flying from the apron into the barricade. She must be frustrated with how her first match in two years has gone with Mina showing everyone Arisa’s rust tonight. Some athletes have high egos in moments like this, they can’t see the trees for the forest, Mauro!

Taking her time, Arisa climbed out of the ring, hopped down from the apron and was seen on camera only saying “I’m done” before she made her way up the ramp to the confusion of everyone in the arena! Arisa’s actions warranted her the very vocal chorus of boos she received for her early exit! The camera returned to the action in the ring as Utami removed a turnbuckle cover from the corner near Liv N Bliss’s designated tag area. Her expression now changed as she realized what sick opportunities had opened from the exit of Arisa to create more damage to the downed body of Alexa! The camera zoomed in on Utami and the return would turn stomachs. A psychotic smile stained the face of Utami as she ripped at the threads of the fabric!

She forcefully ripped Alexa up by the tights around the ribs, and jerked the hand of Alexa and her body sloppily in an Irish Whip that would ram Alexa into that exposed metal as hard as Utami could! However, Alexa reversed! Her body dropped down to her knees as she slung Utami to the exposed metal! The fans cheered as Utami’s body moved full speed to the exposed steel, but the ring veteran experience allowed Utami to slide under the ropes, use full momentum, and slid back into the ring without breaking stride! As she ran full speed towards Alexa, who was slowly standing back to her feet, Utami outreached her arm for only Alexa to have dodged the coming hit the mat low bridging into the Matrix! THUD! Alexa’s ribs gave out from the strain as she dropped to the mat, holding her ribs in pain!

This caught the attention of the monstrous Himeka, as she turned towards Alexa, and in one smooth motion, powerbombed Alexa’s body from about 5 feet away towards the exposed turnbuckle! The impact immediately caught on camera as Alexa’s face became a tapestry of agony! As she fell, Liv was also sliding in having Alexa’s limp body drop immediately on Liv’s upper body and neck in a secondary impact! Liv rolled out of the ring in pain from the slightly heavier Alexa landing where she did, as the fans immediately booed! The camera closed in on Alexa’s face as she coughed from the wind escaping her lungs from the blow! While the crowd now drowned the audio in boos, Utami kicked the unmoving body of Mina out of the ring to the arena floor. The referee now rose back to his feet just as Utami then placed one foot on Alexa’s chest! Utami’s arms outstretched dramatically as the referee crawled over to count the pin.

Mauro Ranallo: No! Come on, not like this!

Nigel McGuiness: There’s no help in sight for Alexa Bliss! Liv Morgan is still trying to get the lights back on from that blow to the back of the head and neck area!

1.. There were audible gasps as the disbelief that this could be the outcome. 2... The camera closed in on the scene as all the room was finally silent. 3!

The boos were deafening as ‘Crusade’ hit to confirm the Queen’s Court victory. Utami stepped away from the fallen Alexa, both arms outstretched in victory. Himeka stood at the Crimson Queen’s side as the referee held their arms up. Behind them Liv, still holding her neck and head, could be seen pulling Alexa out of the ring to safety.

Christy Hemme: Here are your winners, Utami Hayashishita, Himeka Arita and Mina Shirakawa, The Queen’s Court!

Somehow the boos grew even louder as Himeka and Utami celebrated in the ring. Liv could be seen walking Alexa out of the arena, supporting her friend’s weight all the way. The referee had just noticed the unmoving form of Mina on the floor and rolled out of the ring to check on her. After several agonizing moments, Mina remained on the floor and the referee threw up the ominous ‘X’ symbol to indicate she was injured. As trainers and medical staff came down to check on Mina, Utami and Himeka climbed out of the ring and continued to celebrate their win!

MATCH THREE
Jeff Hardy was out to the ring first to a nice ovation from the crowd. Once Hardy was between the ropes, he turned toward the entrance and awaited the arrival of Kevin Steen

Mauro Ranallo: This match is sure to be a barn burner!

Nigel McGuinness: Both of these men are unbelievable talents. I can't wait to see how this one shakes out.

Christy Hemme did the in-ring introductions. The bell rang, and Steen took Hardy down before punching away at him. Steen knocked him to the corner and chopped the chest. Hardy turned him around and stomped him down in the corner. The referee backed Hardy up and admonished him before checking on Steen. Hardy digged his knee into Steen’ face, so the referee backed him up again. Hardy got Steen to his feet and punched him. Steen reversed a whip and hit a back elbow, followed by a senton splash. Steen went for a cannonball, but Hardy got out of the ring. Steen followed him out, so Hardy drove him into the apron before smashing his face off the commentary table.

Mauro Ranallo: This is a side of Hardy that we rarely see.

Nigel McGuinness: Some definite frustration coming off of Hardy here.

Hardy pointed at the steps, but Steen put the brakes on. Steen bounced him off the steps and the table before getting in the ring to look for a count-out. Steen thought better of it and got on the apron, but Hardy swept the feet. Hardy hung him off the apron and hit a neckbreaker on the floor! Hardy waited for the count out, but Steen got back in at 6.

Nigel McGuinness: Good thinking from Jeff Hardy, but Steen able to make it back inside.

Steen punched Hardy back and bounced him off the top turnbuckle a bunch of times. Steen backed up and went for a cannonball, but he crashed and burned when Hardy moved. Hardy covered for a two-count. Hardy hooked a chin lock. Steen fought up, but Hardy slammed him down for a one-count. Hardy quickly went back to the chin lock. Steen grabbed the nose and ripped at it. Steen got to his feet and punched out. Hardy sent him into the ropes, but Steen countered back with a DDT.

Mauro Ranallo: Steen should go for the cover, but it looks like he wants to continue to punish Jeff!

Steen punched back at Hardy before hitting an inverted atomic drop and a clothesline. Steen hit a corner clothesline before hitting the ropes and flooring him with a traditional clothesline for a near fall. Steen went for a Pop-up Powerbomb, but Hardy got out of it. Steen went for a Stunner, but Hardy got out and surprised him with a shot to the head. Hardy went for Twist of Fate, but Steen got out and superkicked him. Steen went to the top rope and connected with a Swanton Bomb for a near fall.

Nigel McGuinness: Steen tried to add insult to injury there, but Hardy was able to kick out!

Steen went back to the top rope, but Hardy cut him off. Hardy landed some punches on Steen's face a few times. They exchanged some stiff shots on the ropes. Hardy went for a superplex but managed to get out of a fisherman’s superplex. Steen shouted at Hardy and viciously slapped him in the face to knock him down to the canvas. Steen leapt up to the top rope and went for a moonsault. He landed it, and stood over the body of Hardy, waiting. As Jeff got to his feet, Steen kicked him in the midsection and hit the Stunner!

Mauro Ranallo: That should do it!

Steen went for the pin.

1...
2...
3!

Nigel McGuinness: A good effort from Hardy, but a decisive victory here tonight for Kevin Steen.

Mauro Ranallo: What an amazing match. Still to come, our main event, when Warfare returns!


MATCH FOUR
Mauro Ranallo: It’s time for the main event! We’ll see the Lone Wolf, Adam Cole in action as he goes one on one with Matt Riddle!

Riddle made his way to the ring first, followed by Adam Cole. When both men were in the ring, the referee called for the bell and the two men locked up. Cole managed to push Riddle back into the corner, then he hit him with a series of punches and kicks. Riddle fought back with some kicks of his own, then hit Cole with a gut wrench suplex. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... Cole kicked out! Both men got to their feet and Riddle lifted Cole up onto his shoulders, setting him up for a fireman’s carry slam... but Cole wriggled free and whipped Riddle against the ropes, before hitting a spinning back elbow. As Riddle got back to is feet, Cole hit a neckbreaker, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... Riddle kicked out!

Nigel McGuinness: Great back and forth action thus far!

Cole sat Riddle up and applied a sleeper hold, but Riddle fought out of it and both men got to their feet. Cole and Riddle exchanged punches, and after gaining the upper hand Riddle whipped Cole into the corner before hitting a running forearm smash. Cole stumbled out of the corner, and Riddle hit an exploder suplex, followed by the Broton! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Cole kicked out! Riddle pulled Cole to his feet and hit a series of chops to the chest, then set Cole up for a suplex. He lifted Cole up... but Cole landed on his feet behind Riddle and hit him with a backstabber!

Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! What a counter!

Cole hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... Riddle kicked out! Cole pulled Riddle to his feet and hit Riddle with a series of punches, then went for a superkick... but Riddle ducked out of the way, then grabbed Cole and whipped him against the ropes before hitting a bicycle knee strike! Cole looked dazed, and Riddle got behind him, hitting a deadlift German suplex! Both of Cole’s shoulders were down and the referee counted – 1... 2... Cole kicked out! As Riddle got to his feet, Cole rolled out of the ring. Riddle followed Cole to the outside, but as he did so Cole grabbed him, throwing him into the steel steps! Cole then threw Riddle back into the ring, before climbing to the top rope. Cole hit Riddle with the Panama Sunrise, then hooked both legs. The referee counted – 1... 2... Riddle kicked out! Cole shook his head in frustration, then lowered his kneepad, signalling for The Boom. He sat Riddle up and ran against the ropes, but as he went for The Boom, Riddle rolled out of the way! Riddle then got back to his feet, grabbing Cole and hitting a powerbomb! Riddle climbed to the top rope and went for the Floating Bro... but Cole moved out of the way!

Nigel McGuinness: The momentum is swinging back and forth so quickly in this match, it’s hard to keep up!

As both men got to their feet, Cole went for a superkick... but Riddle moved out of the way and Cole accidentally hit the referee instead! Cole looked stunned, and Riddle took full advantage, hitting him with the Bro to Sleep! Riddle then tried to revive the referee, but as he did so a masked man dressed all in black hopped over the ringside barrier, entered the ring and began attacking Matt Riddle!

Mauro Ranallo: What the hell is going on? Someone get security out here!

Alex Riley ran down to the ring, chasing off the masked man. Riley then tried to help Riddle get back up, but as he did so, Adam Cole hit him with a superkick! Cole threw Riley out of the ring, then noticed the referee was beginning to stir. Smiling, Cole sat Riddle up and ran against the ropes, hitting The Boom! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3!

Nigel McGuinness: It’s over! Adam Cole gets the victory, but you have to wonder what would have happened if that masked man hadn’t gotten involved.

Mauro Ranallo: The question is, Nigel... who was the masked man? And why did he attack Riddle?

Adam Cole celebrated his victory as Warfare went off the air.