EBWF Warfare cold opened to Paul Heyman, who was facing the camera. He was wearing his usual suit, and his hands were pressed together, pointing upwards. He seemed deep in contemplation before speaking.
Paul Heyman: Ladies and Gentlemen, my name… is Paul Heyman. And I’ve come here to address the scurrilous accusations being levied against my client, Bray Wyatt. Everyone knows that my partnership with Bray has sometimes been… rocky. But one thing that has always been indisputable is the sheer passion for the industry of professional wrestling that he displays every single day. I can personally attest to the determination and hard work that Mr. Wyatt has put into his...
Paul fell silent as Bray Wyatt suddenly stepped into the frame. Different from his normal attire, Bray was wearing a plain black t-shirt and jeans, and his dreadlocks were tied up in a bun behind him. He gestured calmly for Paul to hand him the microphone, which Paul did without question. Bray looked to the ground as he swayed back and forth, in deep thought. Finally he brought the mic up to his lips.
Bray Wyatt: I know… I know that y'all are used to me looking a little different when I come out here. Some days I'm an entertainer. Some days, I'm a messiah. And yet others, I'm a demon. These… aspects of myself have always seemed to drive the car. But ever since The Fiend lost to Xavier Woods, it became obvious that I was spinning out of control, and that I now need to take the wheel. Me. Just… Bray.
He started pacing back and forth.
Bray Wyatt: And that's what I've been working on in my absence. I've been trying to redefine myself beyond my baser instincts. I'm trying to change, man. I've been working hard... every single day in order to clear my slate and paint a new picture of myself. I've been working at this for weeks! I'm not tryin' to come out here and give in to my demons, or my messiahs. So that's why I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that the man who abducted Edge last week was not me.
He stopped and turned to face the camera, his eyes fixed as he stared directly into the lens.
Bray Wyatt: Let me be clear and repeat myself. The man who abducted Edge last week was. not. me. I have been doing my best to quiet the voices that used to be in control. I'm not about to jeopardize that in some petty vengeance against an old man. And you know I'm telling the truth because this is just… Bray. So, you can trust me.
He smiled to the camera.
Bray Wyatt. But enough with that. On with the show!
As the camera cut to the arena, “Roar” by def rebel hit and the crowd booed as Veer Mahaan made his way to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Get ready folks… it’s time for Warfare! We are live from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and our first match of the evening sees Veer Mahaan go one on one with the cold hearted handsome devil, Hook!
Nigel McGuinness: Both Veer and Hook lost their respective matches at Fanniversary, so you can bet they’ll be even more determined to get the victory here tonight!
When Veer was in the ring, “The Chairman’s Intent” by Action Bronson hit and the crowd cheered as Hook made his way to the ring. As Hook entered the ring, he walked to the corner and turned his back on Veer, staring off into the crowd. The referee was about to call for the bell, but as he went to do so, “I’m Back” hit and the crowd booed as Eric Bischoff stepped out onto the stage.
Mauro Ranallo: Oh no… not him again!
Bischoff took his time walking down the ramp, laughing when he realized Hook was staring him down. As he reached the bottom of the ramp, Bischoff walked around the ring, joining Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness on commentary.
Eric Bischoff: God it’s good to be back behind an announce table. How are you guys doing? Man, Hook looks intense doesn’t he?
The referee called for the bell and Veer charged towards Hook, going for a clothesline… but Hook ducked out of the way and grabbed Veer from behind, hitting a release German suplex! Both men got to their feet and Hook went to whip Veer against the ropes, but Veer reversed it, sending Hook into the ropes. As Hook ran back towards him, Veer lifted Hook up for a spinebuster… but Hook countered it into a DDT!
Nigel McGuinness: Great counter there by Hook!
Eric Bischoff: Too bad he couldn’t counter Hobbs, am I right or am I right? Don’t answer that, I’m always right.
Hook covered Veer and the referee counted - 1… 2… Veer kicked out! Hook grabbed Veer by the leg and went for a kneebar, but Veer kicked him away and got to his feet. Veer grabbed Hook and hit him with a series of punches, then followed up with a knee to the midsection. Veer set Hook up for a powerbomb… but as he lifted Hook up, Hook wriggled free and got behind Veer, putting him in Redrum! Veer refused to tap out, but he was unable to break free or tap out, and as he faded, the referee called for the bell.
Mauro Ranallo: It’s over! No time wasted by Hook!
Eric Bischoff: Well, I guess MJF was right when he told me Hook’s a minute man!
Hook stood up and glared towards Eric Bischoff.
Eric Bischoff: Okay Gentlemen, I think that’s my cue to take my leave.
Eric Bischoff walked back around the ring, never breaking eye contact with Hook, before quickly jogging up the ramp.
"I Walk Alone" by Saliva began to play over the PA system.
Mauro Ranallo: Wait a minute, what's going on here Nigel?
Nigel McGuinness: I don't know Mauro, I don't see anything about this on my sheet.
The live crowd in Ottawa stood on their feet and looked towards the stage. Then, Dave Batista walked out from the back and that sold out crowd exploded.
Mauro Ranallo: It's Batista! What in the hell is he doing here?
Nigel McGuinness: I'm not sure Mauro, I'm as confused as you are.
Dave Batista walked down the aisle dressed in business casual attire, climbed inside the ring and took a microphone from our ring announcer.
Dave Batista: It's been a long time, Ottawa.
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Dave Batista: I'm sure everybody wants to know what Dave Batista is doing here tonight, so if I could have a moment of your time I would like to explain. As of November 12th, 2022... Dave Batista is officially a member of the EBWF active roster, and to those sitting around looking stupid... yes, that does mean that Dave Batista... IS BACK!
That sold out crowd inside the Canadian Tire Centre nearly lost their minds, that place was rocking after Dave Batista made that announcement.
Dave Batista: But I should let everyone know that I am not back to be a fan favorite, I did not come back to hope all of the fans would still like me. I don't care whether you like me or not. I also should let everyone know that I'm no longer known as just Batista, I'm no longer known as "The Animal" Batista... my name is Dave Batista, and if you ever think about calling me by anything other than my name... I will break your frickin' neck, so if you don't like that... I don't know what else to tell you except... DEAL WITH IT! Because I'm not changing my ways for anybody. The last time anyone saw me in a professional wrestling ring, I wrestled a man by the name of Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock.
Crowd: ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY!
Dave Batista heard the chants and just chuckled.
Dave Batista: News flash for all of you stupid idiots, Dwayne isn’t here. He's actually off somewhere in Hollywood making movies, and do you wanna know why? Well it's because he's a smart man. He got out of the business just in time, if he didn't, at some point Dwayne knew that I was going to come back. And, if he was still here I would finish what I started a few years ago. But that's besides the point, I ain't here to talk about Dwayne. I'm here to talk about why I signed a contract with EBWF and why I decided to come back.
Dave Batista started to pace the ring.
Dave Batista: I got a phone call from EBWF management a few weeks ago, and they had asked me if I was interested. I thought about it for about a week and I called them back, and I asked to meet with them here tonight at Warfare. So while I was in the back, I was looking around and I saw some familiar faces. I saw some guys I've been in this ring with before, and then I saw some guys who don't even belong here anymore! Specifically, one person who I will not name. I mean, he's about twenty years past his prime. I don't know what the hell he's even doing here, but I can assure you that if he doesn't leave by the time this night is over... I'm going to make him REGRET he ever stuck around, you wanna try me? I dare you!
Dave Batista had shown a more darkened side to his character, something we had not seen before.
Dave Batista: I tried for many years to show this side of myself, but no one would allow it because they said Dave Batista, well he was just a different kind of animal that had to be caged up at all times. Believe me when I tell you, I've made attempts to bring out my dark side. But every time I pitched the idea, management shut me down. This time, I didn't get shut down. EBWF management gave me the green light to do whatever I wanted to do, and when they told me that immediately I signed on the dotted line. Because I can assure you that Dave Batista is not someone you want to be in this ring with, and now that I am back I plan on making an impact heard around the world. It's gonna be unlike anything you could have ever expected, it's gonna be unlike anything you could have ever thought would happen. But when I tell you to leave now or REGRET the decision of staying, you know damn well who you are so I advise you to make the right decision, because otherwise I am gonna make you pay for ever thinking you belong here!
Mauro Ranallo: Who could Dave Batista be talking about Nigel?
Nigel McGuinness: I don't know Mauro but whoever it is better take heed of this warning.
Dave Batista: People have asked me why I decided to come back, and why now that I chose to make my return to the business? It's simple. I still got a lot to prove, I still got a lot left in the tank. And, I feel like I'm still one of the best in the game. So does that answer your question? If not, well I don't know what to say. Because I didn't come back to please anyone except myself, if you don't like that then I guess you can find the door and not let it hit you in the ass on the way out. Trust me, you don't wanna see me tonight. Make the right choice, and walk away for your own good!
"I Walk Alone" by Saliva hit the pa system and Dave Batista dropped the mic as we immediately went to commercial break.
When Warfare returned from the commercial break, Aalyah Gutierrez was standing in the ring ready for the next match.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back! Up next, we’ve got Arisa Hoshiki wrestling her first singles match in over two years, as she takes on third generation superstar Aalyah Gutierrez!
“Shadowmaker” by Lovebites hit and the crowd booed as Arisa Hoshiki made her way to the ring. Once Hoshiki was in the ring, the referee called for the bell. The two women locked up and Hoshiki hit Aalyah with a series of kicks, then threw her across the ring. As Aalyah sat in the corner, Hoshiki hit her with several more kicks to the chest, then dragged Aalyah to her feet. Hoshiki lifted Aalyah up, going for a brainbuster… but Aalyah managed to counter it into a rollup! The referee counted - 1… 2… Hoshiki kicked out!
Nigel McGuinness: Aalyah almost stole a victory there… can you imagine how angry Arisa Hoshiki would be if her first singles match in over two years ended in a quick defeat?
As the two women got to their feet, Aalyah went to whip Hoshiki against the ropes, but Hoshiki blocked it, then pulled Aalyah towards her and hit a knee strike. Aalyah looked dazed, and Hoshiki took her down with a superkick before following up with a double knee drop! She hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Aalyah kicked out! Hoshiki pulled Aalyah to her feet and hit her with a series of punches, followed by a snapmare. As Aalyah sat up, Hoshiki put her in the Black Hold… but Aalyah was close to the ropes, and she managed to get her foot on the bottom rope. As the referee called for the rope break, Hoshiki released Aalyah and shook her head in frustration.
Mauro Ranallo: Arisa Hoshiki could have made Aalyah submit if with that Black Hold if Aalyah hadn’t been so close to the ropes… you have to wonder if there’s a bit of ring rust on Arisa’s part, as she could probably have prevent the rope break by dragging Aalyah to the center of the ring before locking in the Black Hold.
Nigel McGuinness: That’s a good point, Mauro, and Arisa knows that… you can tell she’s annoyed with herself.
Hoshiki pulled Aalyah away from the ropes, then sat on her and hit her with a series of punches against the mat. Aalyah fought back, shoving Hoshiki away before getting to her feet. Aalyah then hit Hoshiki with a dropkick, before putting her in a crossface.
Nigel McGuinness: Arisa could be in real trouble here, given her previous neck injuries!
Hoshiki cried out in pain, but she was able to get to the ropes and the referee ordered Aalyah to break the hold. Aalyah did so, then set Hoshiki up on the middle rope and ran against the ropes, going for the 619… but Hoshiki was able to move out of the way just in time! Aalyah then went for a clothesline, but Hoshiki ducked out of the way, before spinning around and hitting the Pulsar Kick! Hoshiki hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It’s over! Arisa Hoshiki gets the win!
Hoshiki celebrated, then made her way to the back as the referee checked on Aalyah.
"Glass Shatters" by Disturbed played and the crowd went into a frenzy as Stone Cold Steve Austin made his way to the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia, Stone Cold is back!
Nigel McGuinness: We haven't seen him in months.
Austin entered the ring and posed on all four corners of the ring before he grabbed a microphone from a crew member as his music cut.
Mauro Ranallo: It's great to see Austin back in EBWF.
Stone Cold went to speak but the crowd began to make noise. Austin turned around and was hit with a devastating spear.
Nigel McGuinness: It's Dave Batista!
Mauro Ranallo: What the hell is he doing?
The crowd booed as Batista pulled a groggy Austin to his feet and hit a Batista Bomb. Dave stood over Austin and let out a roar while he raised his arms in the air. Dave left the ring and made his way to the back as the crowd continued to boo.
Mauro Ranallo: Stone Cold's long awaited return has been ruined by Dave Batista tonight.
Nigel McGuinness: That's one way to make an impact on your first night in.
Austin was recovering in the ring as Warfare went to commercial break.
As Warfare returned from the commercial break, the camera cut to the backstage area. Dave Batista was shown walking through the corridor when Alex Marvez walked up to him.
Alex Marvez: Batista...
Dave Batista stopped him right there.
Dave Batista: Don't you ever call me that again! My name is Dave Batista! Now what do you want?
Alex Marvez looked as if he had seen a ghost.
Alex Marvez: ....
Dave Batista: Speechless? Figured that. Get lost!
Alex Marvez shook it off quickly.
Alex Marvez: Wait... Wait, please...
Dave turned around with a sigh and visibly infuriated.
Dave Batista: What do you want!?
Alex Marvez: I have to ask you Dave, what happened out there tonight!?
Dave Batista: What happened? It's none of your damn business what happened!
Dave Batista began to walk off but again Alex Marvez stopped him.
Alex Marvez: Dave, why did you attack Stone Cold Steve Austin!?
Dave Batista: Did you not hear what I just said? HUH!? Are you stupid? Are you slow? I mean, what the hell is your problem... GET OUT OF MY WAY!
Dave Batista stormed off and he was livid.
Mauro Ranallo: Wow...
Nigel McGuinness: Watch out Alex...
Mauro Ranallo: You definitely don't wanna get in the way of Dave Batista.
Nigel McGuinness: I'm not sure what brought this change forward Mauro, but I don't like it myself... Dave Batista is a damn maniac!
Mauro Ranallo: That's an understatement Nigel... and from the looks of it, I don't think he's going to answer that question anytime soon!
Nigel McGuinness: I would have to agree with that Mauro, but why should he?
Mauro Ranallo: Well if we know Stone Cold Steve Austin, this is far from over Nigel.
Mauro Ranallo: Up next, we’ve got Matt Riddle and The Miz teaming up for the first time as they take on Kevin Steen and the Breakout Champion, Seth Rollins!
Rollins and Steen made their way to the ring first, followed by Miz and Riddle. Riddle and Steen started the match and as the bell rang, the two men locked up. Steen put Riddle in a headlock, but Riddle fought out of it and whipped Steen against the ropes. As Steen ran back towards Riddle, he hit him with a shoulder block, taking him down. As Riddle got back to his feet, Steen lifted him up, hitting a body slam, followed by a senton splash. Steen then stomped on Riddle several times before tagging in Seth Rollins. As Rollins entered the ring, he ran towards Riddle, taking him down with a slingblade. As Riddle got back to his feet, Rollins went for a superkick, but Riddle ducked out of the way, then grabbed Rollins and hit him with a gut wrench suplex. Riddle then tagged in Miz, and the crowd cheered as Miz entered the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: This match is about to get awesome, Mauro!
Upon entering the ring, Miz stomped on Rollins several times, then pulled him to his feet and whipped him into the corner. Miz hit Rollins with the Awesome Clothesline, then tagged Riddle back in. Riddle climbed to the top rope and hit Rollins with the Floating Bro! He hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… Steen broke up the count! The crowd booed, and as the referee ordered Steen to exit the ring, Riddle tagged Miz in. Upon entering the ring, Miz set Rollins up for the Skull Crushing Finale… but Rollins blocked it, then hit Miz with a suplex. Rollins tagged in Steen, and as he entered the ring Steen ran over to the opposite corner, knocking Riddle off the apron! Steen then turned to Miz and hit him with a series of punches, before whipping him against the ropes. As Miz ran back towards him, Steen went for a Pop-Up Powerbomb… but Miz countered it with a hurricanrana!
Mauro Ranallo: I didn’t know Miz could do a hurricanrana, Nigel!
Nigel McGuinness: He’s full of surprises, Mauro!
Miz followed up with a snap DDT, then hooked the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… Steen kicked out! As Miz got to his feet, Riddle called for the tag. Miz tagged him in as Steen tagged in Rollins, and as Riddle and Rollins entered the ring they charged towards one another, exchanging right hands back and forth. Riddle gained the upper hand and he hit Rollins with a kick to the face, then whipped him into the corner. Riddle ran at Rollins, hitting him with a flying forearm smash, followed up with an exploder suplex. As both men got to their feet, Riddle got behind Rollins, hitting a bridging German suplex. The referee counted - 1… 2… Rollins kicked out just before the 3!
Mauro Ranallo: Riddle went close there!
As Riddle got to his feet, Steen entered the ring and ran at him, going for a clothesline, but Riddle ducked out of the way, then hit Steen with a knee strike! At this point, Rollins got to his feet and grabbed Riddle, setting him up for the Falcon Arrow, but Riddle blocked it and countered with a fisherman buster. Riddle then tagged in Miz, who grabbed Rollins and hit him with the Skull Crushing Finale! Miz hooked the leg and the referee counted - 1… 2… 3!
Nigel McGuinness: It’s over! Team Bro Awesome get the win!
Mauro Ranallo: Don’t go anywhere, Tam Nakano’s championship celebration is up next!
Miz and Riddle celebrated as Warfare went to a commercial break.
The entirety of the Canadian Tire Center was buzzing in anticipation as the time came for Tam Nakano’s arrival. As the camera panned across the Ottawa crowd we saw a large number of fans wearing her t-shirt and a few signs as well. ‘DREAMS COME TRUE’ read one, another ‘TOP OF KAWAII & THE WORLD!’. Harkening back to an earlier appearance on Warfare, we saw a pair of fans hold up large lavender letters spelling out ‘T-A-M’. As the anticipation reached a fever pitch, the cameraman swung the shot back to the ring where Christy Hemme stood with a mic.
Christy Hemme: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time please welcome..
A pop from the crowd caused her to pause, and then she smiled and attempted to continue.
Christy Hemme: The NEW EBWF Women’s Champion..
Another pop followed this, and it was only after another pause that she was able to finish her introduction.
Christy Hemme: The ‘Twilight Dream’, Tam Nakano!
At this the fans erupted in a massive pop that shook the building. ‘Twilight Dream’ by Tam Nakano herself hit and on the entrance stage the lights seemed to dance as they alternated between white and purple. Several moments later Tam strode through the curtain slowly, the hood of her elaborate entrance gown pulled down over her face. She stood atop the ramp staring down at the floor in thought as the crowd remained hot and loud. As if reassured in herself Tam looked up into the camera, smiled and waved her right arm out to the side. With that she walked triumphantly down the ramp and soaked in the adoration of her fans.
Mauro Ranallo: What a reception here in Ottawa for the new Women’s Champion tonight! Tam Nakano has recaptured not only the championship but the hearts of all of the fans who’ve been watching her journey back to the top.
Nigel McGuiness: It’s well deserved partner. After over a year away from EBWF this woman came back simply better than we’ve ever seen her. By beating Dr. Britt Baker, DMD in an absolute war at Fanniversary, Tam Nakano proved that without a shadow of a doubt.
Tam ascended the ring steps onto the apron, then gripped the top rope in both hands as she bowed her head to collect her thoughts again. A moment later she hopped through the ropes and climbed up the turnbuckle to swoop her arm across the horizon of assembled fans. She pulled back her hood and smiled brightly as she traced a star with her hand, then hopped back into the ring. As her music began to fade out, Tam opened her entrance gown to reveal the EBWF Women’s Championship around her waist. This got another pop from the packed house while Tam called for a mic.
As she got one from ringside staff, Tam found she wasn’t able to speak immediately due to the reception from the fans. For the moment she raised the mic up she was serenaded with chants of ‘Let’s go Tam!’ and ‘You deserve it!’. Her smile brightened as she drank in the reaction from the fans, then raised the mic up to another pop. A few moments later the fans began to quiet down and the new champion finally had the opportunity to speak.
Tam Nakano: Thank you! It’s your support that made all of the things I’ve done in the past year and a half possible. I wouldn’t have fought to improve myself day in, day out and pushed myself to the breaking point more times than I can count without you. When I came back to this ring in August, I was afraid that no one would remember me. Walking through the curtain again for the first time in over a year and being greeted with your cheers, your support, convinced me that I made the right choice by coming back here. And you continued supporting me each and every time I came out here no matter how tough things got. It’s because of you that I pushed through and earned my shot at Fanniversary, and it’s because of you that I stand here tonight as your champion! So from the bottom of my heart, thank you. For everything!
The crowd replied with a renewed ‘You deserve it!’ chant. She smiled again and took in the adoration of the fans once again.
Tam Nakano: And I also want to thank Britt for giving me the opportunity to challenge her for this beautiful championship. That woman is one of the hardest working, most focused and talented wrestlers in the world and a very deserving champion. She is nothing but total class and it was great just to step into the ring with her. Everything I said about her heading into Fanniversary was proven to be completely true - her talent and skill pushed me to places I didn’t even know existed. She forced me to dig deeper and fight harder than I ever have before. Heh, you know I still feel the aches and pains from that match right now - little reminders of just how close it was to going the other way. Britt is simply one of the best to ever lace up a pair of boots, and defeating her is one of the greatest accomplishments of my career.
She paused to gather her thoughts while the fans applauded. As she stood there her free hand brushed up against the center plate of her championship.
Tam Nakano: So that said, I’ve finally freed myself from the memory of Wrestlemania XX. When I came back a couple months ago I said I had one single goal that all of this work was geared toward. I was here to complete my journey of redemption and reclaim this beautiful championship to prove I am better than I’ve ever been. I can hardly believe that right now I’m standing here as your reigning two time EBWF Women’s Champion! All along the way there were times when I felt so close to losing everything I’ve been working for the past 18 months. What if Fanniversary went the same way as Wrestlemania XX? What if Tam is just a perpetual runner up?
Tam looked sad for a moment as the memory of those moments returned briefly. Then Tam’s smile broke through the sadness again.
Tam Nakano: But I look down at my waist and see that beautiful championship really is around my waist after all. It really happened! Tam is the champion, and the Twilight Dream is real! And now that my dream’s come true, I promise you right here and now that I won’t shy away from anyone. Instead I’m here tonight to let all of the girls in the back know that Tam Nakano will face any challenge and fight with all the fire that got her back to the top to keep this championship. I want to have passionate matches that set hearts racing just at the thought of them. So whenever someone steps up to challenge me, they’d better be prepared for the fight of their life! Every time I successfully defend my championship will be another proof that dreams can come true. Every one of my defenses is going to be an emotional affair, and no one can fight emotional battles like Tam Nakano!
As the crowd cheered further, Tam gave the belt’s center plate a loving pat. Then a flame lit in her eyes as she spoke again.
Tam Nakano: As champion, I want to start my reign off with some fireworks. When I look at the EBWF women’s locker room, I see a lot of talented and hungry women who’re fighting to have the opportunity I just got. All of them are looking to reach this level to try and get their hands on this beautiful championship, and I understand completely! But what I don’t understand is this one woman who’s caught my attention. She goes around telling everyone how much better she is than every single other woman in that locker room. I’ve known her for years and right now she seems to have gone totally mad, to the point that she becomes obsessed with stamping out people who defy her. She’s become extremely dangerous and her goal is to conquer this ring. Well, your highness, I’m here in this ring. Come try to conquer me!
The crowd popped madly as Tam called out the Crimson Queen. It didn’t take long before ‘Crusade’ played over the Canadian Tire Center PA system in response. Tam glared out at the stage and waited for Utami to come out, but moment after moment passed and the Crimson Queen was nowhere to be seen. Instead Arisa Hoshiki emerged from backstage in her Dark Star shirt, jeans and athletic shoes. Boos rained down as she locked eyes with Tam and looked as though she was a bit disgusted by the sight of the new champion. Arisa circled the ring like a shark who smelled blood, eyes locked on Tam and Tam alone.
Nigel McGuniess: It would seem Utami Hayashishita isn’t going to humor the champion’s call out tonight after all. After the intensely physical hell in a cell match she had against Alexa Bliss I wouldn’t be surprised if the Crimson Queen is still recovering from the aftermath of her own victory.
Mauro Ranallo: Keep in mind that Arisa Hoshiki and Tam Nakano once formed a highly effective tag team in Japan called Dream Shine. She and Tam became best friends and became nearly inseparable until Arisa was forced into retirement. It’s very interesting that Arisa has come out to answer Tam Nakano’s challenge tonight.
Arisa climbed into the ring and smirked smugly as Tam glared at her.
Arisa Hoshiki: Tam-chan, Tam-chan, Tam-chan look at you! Look how far you’ve come! Look at that shiny belt around your waist there. You are the new EBWF Women’s Champion, but guess what? Even then, you don’t get to just call out the Crimson Queen when you feel like it. She’s above that, and she doesn’t feel like entertaining your desire for attention tonight.
Boos rang out as Arisa laughed a little. Tam, undeterred, stepped closer to Arisa.
Tam Nakano: Hoshiki-san, where’s Utami?
Arisa shrugged.
Arisa Hoshiki: I told you, she’s not going to give you an audience just because you demanded it. But she wanted to send a message from Queen’s Court. It’s pretty simple: when she feels like taking that crown from you, nothing on earth will stop her from getting what she wants. And if you’re not careful, I think you’re gonna end up like Alexa Bliss.
Tam stepped in closer and put a hand on Arisa’s shoulder.
Tam Nakano: Hoshiki-san, I’m not afraid of her. And I also know this isn’t who you are. You’re so much more than a soldier of the biggest tyrant in this sport. Your heart was hurt, but it’s still beating strong in your chest just like it always has! I was kind of hoping you’d come out with her, but now that we’re here in this ring without the Crimson Queen in sight, I need you to know something. I was always worried about you, I care about you, and you’re still my best friend. You’re so much better than Utami.
Arisa snarled and swatted Tam’s hand away.
Arisa Hoshiki: You don’t know anything, Tam-chan! You weren’t suffering every single day for two years like me, and you definitely didn’t care about me enough to help. I’m going to laugh when Utami-san stands over your battered body someday.
Tam put her hand back on Arisa’s shoulder.
Tam Nakano: But Utami’s not here. You are. Seeing you like this breaks my heart-
Arisa swatted the hand away and got right up into Tam’s face.
Arisa Hoshiki: Don’t you touch me, Tam-chan. Don’t pretend that you care about me now after two years just because I got back in a ring. You wanna talk about heart break? Maybe I should give you another one and take that title myself. Maybe I should rip it off of your undeserving waist and present it as a war trophy to my queen.
Tam smirked back.
Tam Nakano: Is that what you want, or is that Utami talking?
Arisa stepped back, sneered and then slapped Tam right in the face! Tam held her cheek in shock as Arisa squared up as if to take the champion’s head off with a Pulsar Kick. Yet she stopped her leg mid strike and then laughed while the fans booed. As Tam stepped in inches from Arisa’s face, it was clear both women’s inner fires were raging. After a moment Arisa looked down at the EBWF Women’s Championship and smiled devilishly. Rather than escalate things Arisa dropped down and rolled out of the ring to a storm of boos. Tam removed the belt from around her waist and held it up to remind Arisa of who she’d become. ‘Twilight Dream’ hit again as Arisa stormed off, leaving the new champion in the ring to finish her celebration with the fans.
Warfare cut to the backstage stage area where the outside of Queen’s Court's dressing room was shown. The door opened and Utami Hayashishita stepped out in street clothes. Just as she looked around the hallway, a baseball bat suddenly swung for her! Utami just barely managed to duck under it in time to avoid being nailed by the shot! After the bat smacked against the wall with a sickening thud, Liv Morgan stepped into the shot looking absolutely furious. She pulled the bat back and started to swing for Utami again. However, Himeka Arita barreled out the door and shoved Liv away with all her strength! Before Liv could close the distance and attack again, officials ran up and separated Liv from Queen’s Court.
Mauro Ranallo: Here come officials to break this up.
Liv walked away from the scene and the camera followed her as she went to a nearby corner and sat down before noticing the camera.
Liv Morgan: Please leave me alone.
Liv put her head in her hands and the camera man started to leave as Warfare cut back to the announcers.
Mauro Ranallo: Liv Morgan suddenly trying to take out Utami Hayashishita tonight.
Nigel McGuinness: Well we assumed that after Fanniversary that this whole thing would be over. But it would seem that it's nowhere near finished as far as Liv Morgan is concerned.
Mauro Ranallo: She is clearly in an emotional state and after what happened to Alexa Bliss at Fanniversary I'm not surprised. I doubt that Queen's Court will leave this assault unanswered, either. For now, fans, we'll be back after this commercial break.
"Truth Reigns" hit the PA and the crowd gave a mixed reaction to the arrival of Roman Reigns.
Nigel McGuinness: Roman Reigns has returned to EBWF, and tonight he takes on the EBWF World Champion, who is coming off a hellacious match with The Rated R Superstar Edge.
Mauro Ranallo: We heard from Paul Heyman and Bray Wyatt earlier tonight, but we have not been updated on Edge's wearabouts or condition, Nigel!
Nigel McGuinness: Well, we do know that King Woods got out with the EBWF World Championship just in the nick of time, and he has got to be relived.
After Christy Hemme introduced Reigns, "New Day, New Way" hit and the crowd cheered as the EBWF Champion stepped onto the stage with his hard won title belt.
Mauro Ranallo: Xavier Woods is looking quite accomplished here tonight. Let's see how he does against the returning Reigns.
Once Xavier was in the ring, the bell rang and Reigns pounced landing 10 punches in the corner. King Woods fought back sending Reigns out of the ring. Woods landed a diving dropkick through the ropes before proceeding with a flurry of strikes outside the ring. Reigns dropped Woods with an uppercut. Woods fell out of the ring. The two men fought on the outside until Reigns Rock Bottomed King Woods on the announce desk.
Mauro Ranallo: This is Reigns' opportunity!
Nigel McGuinness: He's got to get him back in the ring.
Roman picked Xavier up and rolled him into the ring under the bottom rope. As he was climbing back inside, Xavier got back to his feet and Reigns floored him with a big boot. Reigns blasted Woods with multiple clotheslines in the corner. Woods fired back but was quickly cut off by another uppercut from Reigns.
Mauro Ranallo: Woods is struggling with the sheer size advantage of Reigns.
Woods surprised Reigns with a slingshot DDT. He hit multiple closed fist strikes before following up with the Harlem Side Kick.
Nigel McGuinness: The champion goes for the pin!
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Mauro Ranallo: Reigns kicks out!
Woods hit the basement facebuster, but Reigns kicked out again. King Woods went up top. Woods hit the frog splash off the top right into a Superman Punch by Reigns. Reigns called for the Spear. Reigns ran at him, but Woods booted him in the face!
Nigel McGuinness: I think the head of the table might have lost a few teeth!
Reigns regrouped and charged Woods with a waistlock, but Woods easily slid away. Woods peppered him with punches to the face, so Reigns tossed him to the corner and started to club him. Woods got away and stomped Reigns down before rolling away and hitting a running forearm. Woods hit the ropes, avoided a clothesline, and hit Reigns with a DDT. Woods clotheslined Reigns out of the ring and taunted the crowd. Woods hit Reigns with a suicide dive and got in the ring to cheers.
Mauro Ranallo: Reigns got rocked and now Xavier Woods is absolutely dominating this match!
Woods got Reigns in the ring and sized him up. Woods went for a springboard knee, but Reigns uppercut him out of midair. Reigns went outside and hit a Drive-By Dropkick. Woods got out of the ring to recover. Reigns leapt off the steel steps, but Woods kicked him in the midsection. Woods then lifted Reigns up and powerbombed him through the commentary table!
Nigel McGuinness: Where did the champion find the strength?
Woods got Reigns in the ring and went to the top rope. Woods hit a frog splash and covered for a near fall. Woods went back to the top rope and smiled. Woods set up and went for a splash. Reigns moved and went for a Spear!
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Nigel McGuinness: The champion kicks out!
Mauro Ranallo: You'd think this was a world championship match!
Woods twisted Roman around and forearmed him in the back of the neck. The crowd chanted, “This is awesome!” Woods sized Reigns up and charges, but Reigns turned him inside out with a clothesline. Reigns recovered from the beating Woods had been giving him and unloaded on him with forearms to the face. The referee separated Reigns away from Woods. Reigns lifted Woods up and crushed him with a powerbomb.
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Mauro Ranallo: No good! Xavier found it in him to kick out.
Reigns went back to Woods and started to attack him with forearms again, but Woods countered with a triangle choke submission. Reigns powered up and slammed Woods down to get out of the hold. Reigns shook his head in fury toward Woods. Reigns grabbed Woods and sent him into the ring post. Woods stumbled out, and Reigns attempted to grab him, but Xavier side stepped and hit Lost in the Woods.
Nigel McGuinness: Wait a minute!
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3!
Mauro Ranallo: What?!
Nigel McGuinness: Xavier Woods just defeated the returning Roman Reigns and this crowd... that finish... I'm stunned, Mauro!
Mauro Ranallo: He's an underrated champion, Nigel! That man is champion for a reason.
Xavier Woods took his his championship and retreated up the ramp, holding it up toward the ring and then the crowd. Roman pulled himself in a seated position and stared up the ramp at Xavier, shaking his head in disbelief as Warfare went off the air.
