Mauro Ranallo: Get ready, folks... it's time for Warfare! We're live from the Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and what a night we have in store for you! Kicking things off tonight, we have a clash of two fierce competitors as Britt Baker takes on Nikki Cross!
The camera panned across the raucous crowd, signs waving and fans chanting as Britt Baker's theme music hit the speakers. The D.M.D. made her way down the ramp, high-fiving fans and flashing her signature smile.
Nigel McGuinness: Britt Baker's got the crowd on her side, but she’s facing a wild one in Nikki Cross. You never know what Nikki will do next, Mauro.
As soon as Britt Baker entered the ring, she was attacked by Nikki Cross, who had run through the crowd and hopped over the ringside barrier! Cross blindsided Baker with a vicious forearm to the back of the head. Baker stumbled forward, caught off guard, as the referee frantically signaled for the bell to start the match.
Mauro Ranallo: And Nikki Cross isn't wasting any time! She’s like a rabid dog, pouncing on Baker before the match even officially begins!
Cross didn’t let up for a second, grabbing Baker by the hair and slamming her head into the turnbuckle repeatedly. Each impact echoed through the arena, the crowd gasping as Britt tried to cover up. Nikki’s ferocity was on full display as she whipped Baker across the ring, following up with a crushing corner splash that left the former Women's Champion gasping for breath.
Nigel McGuinness: Nikki Cross is in full control right now, Mauro. She's got a mean streak a mile wide, and she’s taking full advantage of that early ambush.
With a crazed look in her eyes, Cross dragged Baker to the center of the ring and delivered a series of stiff kicks to her ribs, each shot echoing louder than the last. The crowd rallied behind Baker, chanting her name in an attempt to will her back into the match. Sensing her advantage, Nikki locked Baker in a tight headlock, wrenching the hold as she taunted the fans.
Mauro Ranallo: Britt Baker is in a world of trouble right now, but if there's one thing we know about the D.M.D., it's that she has the heart of a champion!
The crowd's energy seemed to fuel Baker as she struggled to her feet, elbowing Nikki in the gut to break free. The audience erupted as Britt hit the ropes, gaining momentum, but Cross cut her off with a brutal clothesline, flipping her inside out.
Nigel McGuinness: What a clothesline by Nikki Cross! She’s been absolutely relentless tonight.
Nikki, visibly frustrated by Baker's resilience, stomped around the ring before deciding to take things to the next level. She slid out of the ring, frantically searching underneath it for a weapon. The crowd booed as Nikki pulled out a steel chair, a sinister grin spreading across her face.
Mauro Ranallo: This is about to get ugly! Nikki Cross has a steel chair, and she’s looking to do some serious damage!
Just as Nikki prepared to slide back into the ring, a commotion broke out at ringside. Alexa Bliss, Nikki’s former friend and current rival, sprinted down the ramp, ripping the chair out of Nikki’s hands. The crowd roared in approval as Bliss tossed the chair aside, preventing Cross from using it.
Nigel McGuinness: Alexa Bliss just saved Britt Baker! Nikki Cross's plan has backfired!
Nikki, seething with rage, turned her attention to Bliss, yelling furiously at her former ally. This brief distraction was all Baker needed. Seizing the opportunity, Britt rolled out of the ring, grabbed Nikki by the waist, and shoved her hard into the steel steps. The impact sent a shockwave through the arena, Nikki crumpling to the ground in pain.
Mauro Ranallo: Britt Baker taking advantage of the distraction! She’s not out of this yet!
Britt, fueled by the crowd’s cheers, quickly rolled Nikki back into the ring. As Cross struggled to her feet, Baker measured her, then delivered a thunderous superkick that sent Nikki staggering backward. With the momentum on her side, Britt wasted no time locking in the Lockjaw, her signature submission move.
Nigel McGuinness: Baker’s got the Lockjaw locked in! Nikki Cross is trapped in the center of the ring!
Nikki thrashed around, trying desperately to escape, but Britt's hold was too strong. After a few agonizing moments, Nikki had no choice but to tap out, the referee signaling for the bell as the crowd erupted in celebration.
Mauro Ranallo: Britt Baker with a hard-fought victory! She overcame a vicious assault and walked out of here with the win, thanks in part to Alexa Bliss!
Baker released the hold and stood tall, the referee raising her hand in victory. She smiled at the crowd, acknowledging their support as Nikki rolled out of the ring, clutching her jaw and glaring at Alexa Bliss, who watched from the ramp with a satisfied smirk.
Nigel McGuinness: You have to wonder what’s next in this saga between Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss, but tonight, it’s Britt Baker who stands victorious!
The camera lingered on Britt Baker, who celebrated in the ring as Warfare went to the first commercial break of the evening.
As Warfare returned from the commercial break, Dominik Mysterio was already in the match for the next match.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back! Up next, we’ve got a match that’s been highly anticipated ever since last week’s shocking return. Jon Moxley is set to compete in his first EBWF match in nearly three years!
The camera cut to the entrance ramp as Jon Moxley’s theme music blared through the arena. The crowd erupted in a deafening cheer as Moxley emerged from the back, his trademark intensity etched on his face. He stalked down the ramp with purpose, eyes locked on the ring as the fans reached out, eager to touch the returning star.
Nigel McGuinness: Moxley looks as dangerous as ever, Mauro. After blindsiding Christian Cage last week, he’s made it clear that he’s back and ready to wreak havoc in EBWF. But tonight, he’s got young Dominik Mysterio standing in his way.
Inside the ring, Dominik Mysterio waited with a determined look, but there was a hint of apprehension in his eyes. He knew he was up against a man with a reputation for violence and unpredictability. The bell rang, and the match was officially underway.
Mauro Ranallo: And here we go! Jon Moxley versus Dominik Mysterio - Moxley’s first match back on Warfare in almost three years!
Moxley wasted no time, charging at Dominik with a burst of speed. Dominik, showing his agility, sidestepped the initial attack and tried to capitalize with a quick dropkick. Moxley barely flinched as the dropkick connected, immediately getting back to his feet and smirking at Dominik, almost amused by the effort.
Nigel McGuinness: Dominik Mysterio trying to use his speed to his advantage, but Moxley’s not one to go down that easily!
Moxley moved in again, this time catching Dominik with a stiff forearm to the face that sent him reeling backward. Moxley didn’t let up, following up with a series of vicious punches that backed Dominik into the corner. With a sadistic grin, Moxley began unloading with rapid-fire body shots, each blow driving the air out of the young Mysterio.
Mauro Ranallo: Moxley is just hammering Dominik in that corner! This is vintage Jon Moxley - unrelenting, unforgiving!
Dominik tried to block the punches, but Moxley grabbed him by the arm and whipped him hard across the ring. Dominik crashed into the opposite corner, and before he could even gather his bearings, Moxley was already on him, delivering a running clothesline that nearly took Dominik’s head off. Dominik slumped to the mat, gasping for air as Moxley stood over him, looking down at his fallen opponent with cold indifference.
Nigel McGuinness: Moxley is dominating this match, and you can see the experience difference here. He’s methodical, picking apart Dominik piece by piece.
Moxley pulled Dominik to his feet, setting him up for a vertical suplex, but Dominik managed to slip out of Moxley’s grasp, landing on his feet behind him. With a sudden burst of energy, Dominik hit the ropes and came back with a flying crossbody, taking Moxley down to the mat. The crowd popped as Dominik quickly went for the cover.
Mauro Ranallo: Dominik with a crossbody! He’s going for the pin!
The referee counted - 1… 2… Moxley kicked out with authority, almost launching Dominik off of him. Dominik looked momentarily shocked but quickly got back to his feet, knowing he needed to keep the pressure on. He waited for Moxley to rise, then attempted a hurricanrana, but Moxley caught him in midair and slammed him down with a spinebuster that shook the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: What a counter by Moxley! Dominik took a risk, but Moxley was ready for it.
The impact left Dominik writhing in pain on the mat, and Moxley took a moment to savor his dominance. He dragged Dominik up by the hair, staring into his eyes as if daring him to fight back. Dominik, though visibly hurting, fired a defiant punch to Moxley’s midsection. It barely fazed Moxley, who responded with a brutal knee strike to Dominik’s gut.
Mauro Ranallo: Moxley is just punishing Dominik now. This is a man on a mission!
Moxley hoisted Dominik onto his shoulders, holding him in a fireman’s carry before dropping him face-first onto the top turnbuckle with snake eyes. Dominik stumbled backward into Moxley’s waiting arms, and with one fluid motion, Moxley hooked Dominik’s head and arms, lifting him into the air.
Nigel McGuinness: Moxley’s setting him up… here it comes!
With a thunderous crash, Moxley drove Dominik into the mat with the Paradigm Shift, his devastating double underhook DDT. The crowd roared in approval as Moxley covered Dominik, hooking the leg. The referee counted - 1… 2… 3!
Mauro Ranallo: It’s over! Jon Moxley is victorious in his return match on Warfare!
The bell rang, and Moxley stood tall, his hand raised in victory by the referee. The crowd was on their feet, cheering loudly as Moxley surveyed the arena, a look of satisfaction on his face. Dominik rolled out of the ring, clutching his head, clearly worse for wear after the beating he’d endured.
Nigel McGuinness: Dominik Mysterio showed a lot of heart tonight, but this was Jon Moxley’s match from start to finish. He’s back, and he’s just as dangerous as ever.
Mauro Ranallo: And after what we saw last week with Christian Cage, you have to wonder what’s next for Jon Moxley in EBWF. One thing’s for sure - no one is safe.
"Celtic Invasion" by CFO$ hit to a massive pop from the crowd, signaling the arrival of the EBWF Women's Champion, Becky Lynch. The cheers grew even louder as The Man emerged from the back with the title on her shoulder. She took a moment to look out over the crowd with a cool, determined expression before allowing the slightest hint of a smile to appear. The champ then made her way down to the ring, ready for war with another high-level opponent.
Mauro Ranallo: As we approach Gateway to Glory, the EBWF Women's Champion has been on fire. She's made 2024 her year!
Nigel McGuinness: There's no doubting that, Mauro!
Becky arrived at the ring and took a moment to pose on the apron with the belt held high. To the roar of the crowd, she climbed back into the ring and ascended to the corner to pose again. Once she finally climbed down, Becky leaned back in the corner and waited for her opponent. A beat later, "Drama Over the Limit" hit to another pop, and the camera swung around to the entrance stage. A moment later, Io stepped out, resplendent in her sleeveless entrance robe and tiger mask. She struck a pose, her eyes disturbingly murderous. All the same, she made her way down to the ring, ready for war with the champion.
Mauro Ranallo: Io Shirai looks ready to bounce back after being blindsided by Oedo Tai two months ago. If the Genius of the Sky is anywhere close to 100 percent, we're in for an instant classic tonight.
Nigel McGuinness: There is something markedly different about the look in Io’s eyes tonight. She's got that eye of the tiger to go with her mask.
Io wasted no time scaling the ring steps and corner, posing for the crowd. All the while, she continued glaring like a stone-cold killer. The Genius of the Sky hopped down into the ring and removed her entrance gown but not her mask. Both she and Becky glared at each other across the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: Is it just me or does Io look a bit different?
Mauro Ranallo: It may be that her month away changed her—
Suddenly, boos erupted all over the arena as things took a dramatic turn. The camera caught Mina Shirakawa hopping the barrier at ringside near the ring steps. A beat later, Himeka climbed over the barrier in the other corner. As the camera angle changed to show her, Jamie Hayter was seen hopping the barrier in the opposite corner. As the Oedo Tai trio surrounded the ring, Becky shot a look over to Io as if to ask, "Kick their asses, yeah?" Io nodded slowly in agreement and moved toward the center of the ring to link up with the Lass Kicker.
Mauro Ranallo: What the hell is Oedo Tai doing out here?
Nigel McGuinness: They've had issues with both Becky Lynch and Io Shirai in recent months, Mauro. Clearly, they're here to eliminate the champion before Gateway to Glory! I'm sure Tam Nakano would be pleased if they also take out Io.
Mauro Ranallo: Oedo Tai is dangerous, but Becky and Io are two of the best in the world. They won't go down without a fight!
The trio reached the ring apron on three sides, ready to strike. Becky had moved to the center of the ring, inviting them to bring it on. She looked over at Io in an attempt to communicate some strategy, and the Genius of the Sky removed her mask at last, revealing—
Mauro Ranallo: IT'S TAM NAKANO!!!!
Indeed, it wasn't Io Shirai but Tam in Io's gear. Tam grinned evilly and stepped back, motioning for her allies to attack. Himeka shot through the ropes and went right after Becky, nailing her with a big boot that dropped the champion to her knees. Mina and Jamie entered the ring as well, while the Dangerous Princess and The Man started exchanging punches. Jamie had a chair in her hands and lifted it up—only to have it kicked into her face by Alexa Bliss! The fans went nuts as Liv Morgan rushed the ring as well, immediately throwing down with Mina.
From there, business picked up in a major way. Tam cut off Alexa with a roundhouse kick. Liv staggered Mina with a European uppercut. Becky pushed Himeka back, only for Jamie to take her down with a lariat. Liv turned around and dropkicked Jamie. Himeka hurled Liv across the ring with a German suplex. Alexa charged in and dropped Himeka with a DDT. Tam took out Alexa with a Busaiku knee. Mina pulled Becky up and held her in place while Tam grabbed the chair. The Final Boss raised it up, ready to bring it down on Becky’s head with all her strength as the fans began buzzing frenetically. Before Tam could do the deed, someone speared her out of her shoes.
The fans popped in surprise as Utami Hayashishita was seen standing there, smiling. She nodded to Becky, who nodded back, and the whole scene devolved into a huge brawl. Liv and Mina, Alexa and Jamie, Tam and Utami, and Himeka and Becky all threw hands as the crowd roared in approval. Within moments, the arena security force stormed the ring to separate Oedo Tai and Rebellious Angels with Utami. Both sides ended up across the ring from each other. As Warfare went off the air, Tam and Becky were seen glaring daggers at each other across the ring, ready to kill each other.
