The camera panned across a packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis as the familiar voice of Mauro Ranallo filled the arena.
Mauro Ranallo: Get ready folks... it's time for Warfare! Tonight, we are live from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis!
The crowd roared in anticipation, their energy surging through the venue. Fireworks exploded above the ring, kicking off the show in signature fashion. The camera then cut to Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness at ringside.
Mauro Ranallo: What a night we've got in store, Nigel. The EBWF Women's Champion, Tam Nakano, will take on Liv Morgan, and if that wasn't enough, in our main event, the Gateway Champion, Damian Priest, goes one on one with Matthew Riddle!
Nigel McGuinness: Talk about a clash of styles, Mauro. Damian Priest has been an almost unstoppable force throughout his time in EBWF, but Matthew Riddle has proven time and time again that he can hang with anyone in this business. It’s going to be an incredible main event!
Suddenly, the arena lights dimmed and “Judas” by Fozzy began to play. The crowd erupted as Chris Jericho, clad in his signature leather jacket, made his way down the ramp. Jericho’s expression was serious, his focus intense.
Mauro Ranallo: And kicking off the show tonight is Chris Jericho, who defeated Jon Moxley in an incredible Ohio Street Fight, but there’s no joy in Jericho tonight. After that match, a masked man attacked Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley in the most heinous fashion, and you know Jericho wants answers.
Nigel McGuinness: That’s right, Mauro. Jericho was blindsided by a man in black, and the question on everyone’s mind is – who is this mysterious attacker?
Jericho entered the ring, grabbing a microphone as the music faded. The crowd’s cheers softened, sensing Jericho’s somber demeanor. He began to pace, then brought the microphone to his lips.
Chris Jericho: Last week, I celebrated 34 years since making my professional wrestling debut. I wanted to mark the occasion with something special, so I challenged Jon Moxley to an Ohio Street Fight in his hometown… and I beat him. Moxley took me to hell and back, but I came out on top. So at the end of the night, I should have been celebrating… but instead, I was left lying in this ring, bloodied and blindsided by some coward hiding behind a mask. And while I was being choked with my own bat, Christian Cage stood on that ramp, looking like he had just won the lottery.
The crowd booed at the mention of Christian, clearly still upset by his interference.
Chris Jericho: So Christian, why don't you come out here and explain to everyone what the hell that was all about?
The crowd waited, but instead of Christian’s theme, the arena lights flickered. Suddenly, the tron lit up with static before revealing the masked man in black. He stood in a dimly lit room, his face obscured by the mask that had haunted Jericho for the last week.
The Man in Black: Chris Jericho… I’ve been watching you for a long time. For far too long, you’ve used your power, your connections with Wes Ikeda, to stay on top. You’ve held back deserving talent, and now, your time is up.
The crowd hushed, hanging on every word as the masked figure continued to taunt Jericho.
The Man in Black: You shouldn’t be calling out Christian; he’s nothing to do with this. This is between you and me, Jericho… and I’m coming for you. I’m going to keep coming for you, over and over again. You can’t stop me, and no one will save you.
The camera cut back to Jericho, who looked fired up.
Chris Jericho: Save me? I don’t need saving… I’ve been doing this shit for 34 years, damn it! I can fight my own battles. But if you really want to fight me, why don’t you take off that mask, get your ass down to this ring, and face me like a man?
The masked man laughed deviously.
The Man in Black: Oh Chris, don’t you worry… I have every intention of revealing myself. But not until I’m ready. Until then, you won't be able to figure out who I am, and you’ll never see me coming. Watch your back, Jericho… because the only person who knows when and where I’ll strike next, is me.
The screen went black as the masked man’s words echoed throughout the arena. Jericho stood frozen in the ring, staring at the blank screen, his jaw clenched in anger. The crowd murmured in confusion and anticipation.
Mauro Ranallo: Who is this man, and what does he want with Chris Jericho? He claims Jericho’s been holding people down, but could this really all be Christian’s doing?
Nigel McGuinness: We’ve got more questions than answers, Mauro, and it seems like this masked man is playing a dangerous game with one of the greatest of all time.
Jericho dropped the mic, storming out of the ring as the crowd buzzed. The mystery deepened, and the tension in the arena grew as Warfare continued.
Mauro Ranallo: Up next, we’ve got the Women’s Champion Tam Nakano in action as she goes one on one with Liv Morgan!
Liv Morgan made her way to the ring first, followed by Tam Nakano. When both women were in the ring, the referee called for the bell. Liv rushed forward, initiating a lock-up with Tam, but Tam quickly overpowered her, transitioning into a hammerlock. Liv winced as Tam twisted her arm behind her back, but Morgan reversed out, spinning and taking Nakano down with an arm drag. Tam hit the mat but popped back up, only to be met with another quick arm drag from Liv. The champion scowled, clearly frustrated.
Mauro Ranallo: Liv Morgan using her speed and agility to keep the champion off balance!
Nigel McGuinness: That’s what Liv needs to do. She can’t let Tam Nakano dictate the pace of this match, or it’ll be over quickly.
As Tam got to her feet again, Liv hit her with a dropkick, sending Tam stumbling backward into the corner. Liv followed up with a handspring elbow, smashing into Tam's chest, the crowd roaring in approval. Liv pulled her out of the corner and went for a quick pin. The referee counted – 1… 2… Tam kicked out! Liv dragged Tam back to her feet and attempted an Irish whip, but Tam reversed it, sending Liv into the ropes. As Liv bounced back, Tam caught her with a stiff forearm strike to the jaw, knocking Liv down hard.
Mauro Ranallo: What a vicious forearm from Tam Nakano!
Nigel McGuinness: And just like that, the momentum shifts. Tam Nakano is one of the most dangerous strikers in the business.
Tam stalked Liv as she got back to her feet, then delivered a devastating running bicycle knee strike to Liv's midsection, folding her in half. Liv gasped for air as Tam showed no mercy, grabbing her and delivering a snap suplex, floating over for a pin. The referee counted – 1… 2… Liv kicked out! As Liv got the shoulder up, Tam’s expression remained calm and calculating. She pulled Liv to her feet, then hoisted her up onto her shoulders in an Argentine backbreaker rack, stretching Liv’s body as the crowd groaned in sympathy. Liv screamed in pain, but she managed to wriggle free, slipping down Tam’s back and shoving her into the ropes. As Tam rebounded off the ropes, Liv ducked a clothesline attempt and hit a beautiful step-up enzuigiri, staggering the champion. Liv saw her opportunity and charged forward, nailing Tam with a running hurricanrana that sent her crashing into the turnbuckle. The crowd was fully behind Liv now, chanting her name.
Mauro Ranallo: Liv Morgan is mounting a comeback! Can she capitalize?
Nigel McGuinness: She needs to keep up the pressure, Mauro. Tam Nakano is as dangerous as they come!
Liv climbed to the middle rope, waiting for Tam to get to her feet. As Tam turned around, Liv leapt off the ropes, aiming for a diving crossbody, but Tam caught her mid-air, hitting a fall away slam! As both women got to their feet, Tam grabbed Liv from behind, hitting a bridging German suplex. Both of Liv’s shoulders were down, and the referee counted – 1… 2… Liv kicked out just before the 3!
Mauro Ranallo: Liv Morgan showing incredible heart! She refuses to go down!
Tam was visibly frustrated now, and she pulled Liv up by her hair, setting her up for a Reverse Roundhouse Kick. Liv ducked at the last moment, catching Tam off guard and quickly rolling her up! The referee counted – 1… 2… Tam kicked out, barely escaping the upset! Liv, feeding off the energy of the crowd, hit the ropes and came back with a flying forearm, knocking Tam down again. Liv quickly climbed to the top rope, signaling for a high-risk maneuver.
Nigel McGuinness: Liv's going to the top! She's pulling out all the stops!
As Liv soared through the air, attempting a diving senton, Tam rolled out of the way at the last second, causing Liv to crash hard into the mat. The crowd groaned as Liv clutched her back in pain.
Mauro Ranallo: High risk, but no reward for Liv Morgan!
Tam wasted no time. With cold precision, she pulled Liv to her feet, locking her arms in position for her finisher. In one swift motion, Tam delivered the Twilight Dream—a bridging hammerlock tiger suplex that drove Liv into the mat. The referee counted – 1… 2… 3!
Mauro Ranallo: And just like that, Tam Nakano emerges victorious! What a match, but in the end, the champion proved why she’s at the top of the division.
Nigel McGuinness: Liv Morgan gave it everything she had, but Tam Nakano was just too much tonight. She’s as ruthless as they come.
Tam stood over Liv, holding up her Women’s Championship, before making her way to the back as Warfare went to a commercial break.
When Warfare returned from the commercial break, the camera cut to the backstage area, where Renee Young was standing with Hook.
Renee Young: Welcome back! My guest at this time is “the cold-hearted handsome devil”, Hook. Hook, last week you issued an “FTW rules” open challenge, which was answered by former EBWF World Champion Sami Callihan. For those fans who don’t know, FTW is part of your father Taz’s legacy; when he was in ECW, Taz created the FTW Championship, which he successfully defended under FTW rules numerous times. This has led to speculation that you’re planning to bring the FTW Championship here to EBWF… is that your intention?
Hook paused for a few moments before responding.
Hook: Renee, before I answer your question, let me start by asking you a question. Do you know what FTW stands for?
Now it was Renee’s turn to pause.
Renee Young: …I do, but I’m not sure I can say it without risking a fine.
Hook smirked.
Hook: I’ll take that risk. FTW stands for “Fuck the World”. And the reason my father created the FTW Championship was because at the time, he wanted to challenge for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, but the champion – Shane Douglas – refused to face him. So Taz came up with the FTW Championship, called himself the real World Champion, and defended it until he finally got his hands on Shane Douglas. When he faced Shane Douglas, he won the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, and unified both titles. In other words, the FTW Championship was an interim championship; a title my father held while he was being disrespected, until he got the opportunities he deserved. And honestly, Renee? I’m feeling disrespected myself right now. In June, I made it to the final of the King of the Ring tournament, and yet at Total Supremacy, I wasn’t booked. A ladder match was announced where Aiden English put both the Breakout and Gateway Championships on the line, and one of the men I defeated in the King of the Ring tournament, MJF, was included in that match… but I wasn’t. In fact, in the two and a half years I’ve been an EBWF superstar, I haven’t been given a single title opportunity – unless you count the Last Survivor matches and the King of the Ring tournaments. Now I’m not going to bring back my father’s champion and call myself a champion when I haven’t earned it… but I would like to make both the new EBWF Breakout Champion, Christian Cage, and the Gateway Champion, Damian Priest, that I’ve got my eye on them. And if I don’t get a title shot soon… maybe I’ll have to take matters into my own hands. Until then, I’m going to keep issuing FTW open challenges, so I can show everyone what I’m capable of.
Hook walked away, bringing the interview to a close.
Renee Young: Well, there you have it… Mauro, Nigel, back to you.
Mauro Ranallo: Up next, it’s time for our main event – Damian Priest versus Matthew Riddle!
The arena buzzed with anticipation as the EBWF Gateway Champion, Damian Priest, made his way to the ring. Priest’s stoic demeanor and commanding presence exuded confidence as he walked down the ramp.
Mauro Ranallo: Every time I see Damian Priest, I can’t help but think about how menacing he looks. This is going to be a very physical battle, Nigel.
Nigel McGuinness: You’ve got two athletes with very different styles competing in this match, Mauro. Priest is powerful and methodical, while Riddle is an MMA-trained fighter who brings a lot of unorthodox offense. With Riddle’s newfound attitude, who knows what will happen?
When Priest was in the ring, Riddle’s music hit and the “King of Bros” strutted down the ramp alongside The Miz, looking smug and cocky. Miz, ever the showman, clapped sarcastically as Riddle slid into the ring, bouncing on his heels, ready to square off with the towering Priest. As the bell rang, Priest and Riddle circled each other, the tension palpable. Riddle shot for a takedown, but Priest anticipated the move, using his power to shove Riddle back. Riddle smirked, shaking it off as Priest gestured for him to come at him again.
Mauro Ranallo: Riddle looking to bring the fight to Priest, but Damian Priest is not someone you can overpower easily.
Nigel McGuinness: Riddle’s got to use his speed and submission skills. If this turns into a slugfest, it won’t end well for him.
Riddle tried a different approach, rushing Priest with a series of quick kicks to the legs. Priest grimaced but stood his ground, absorbing the blows. Riddle then hit the ropes and charged at Priest, but Priest caught him mid-air with a huge forearm smash, sending Riddle crashing to the mat.
Mauro Ranallo: What a forearm by Damian Priest! He just leveled Riddle!
Priest followed up with a running knee strike that caught Riddle square in the chest, knocking the wind out of him. He went for the cover – 1… 2… Riddle kicked out! Priest dragged Riddle to his feet, then lifted him for a suplex, but Riddle wriggled free, landing behind Priest and quickly locking in a rear waistlock. Riddle attempted a German suplex, but Priest blocked it, driving his elbow into Riddle’s face to break the hold.
Nigel McGuinness: Priest using his size to fend off Riddle’s grappling. He’s not going to let Riddle control the pace of this match.
Riddle staggered backward, and Priest followed up with a stiff forearm shot, but Riddle ducked under and hit the ropes again, this time catching Priest with a flying knee to the jaw. Priest staggered, and Riddle seized the opportunity, hitting a quick superkick before making the cover. The referee counted – 1… 2… Priest powered out! Looking frustrated, The Miz started yelling instructions to Riddle, who rolled out of the ring to confer with his partner.
Mauro Ranallo: Here comes The Miz, trying to give Riddle some advice. You know Miz always has something up his sleeve.
Riddle, with a renewed sense of confidence, slid back into the ring and hit Priest with a barrage of kicks and strikes. Riddle then lifted Priest up for Bro Derek… but Priest countered it, hitting a tombstone piledriver! Priest made the cover, but before the referee could make the count, The Miz jumped onto the apron, distracting the official. The crowd booed as Miz waved his arms wildly, drawing all the attention.
Nigel McGuinness: Look at The Miz, Mauro! He’s saving Riddle from what could have been the end of the match!
Priest got to his feet and began walking towards Miz, but Priest attacked him from behind, hitting a low blow! As Priest fell to the mat, Miz dropped down from the ring apron. The referee turned around just in time to see Riddle hit Priest with a knee strike to the face. Riddle hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1… 2… Priest pushed Riddle off! The crowd roared in approval as Priest got to his feet and charged at Riddle, delivering a flurry of forearm strikes. After hitting a big boot, Priest lifted Riddle over his shoulder, setting him up for the Razor’s Edge… but before he could hit it, The Miz slid into the ring and hit Priest from behind, causing the referee to call for the bell!
Mauro Ranallo: The Miz just cost Matthew Riddle the match! Damian Priest wins by disqualification, but now he’s outnumbered and in trouble!
The Miz and Riddle immediately pounced on Priest, stomping on him relentlessly as the crowd booed. The two-on-one assault continued as Miz directed traffic, yelling for Riddle to hold Priest in place. Just when it seemed like Priest was done for, “Cult of Personality” hit, and the crowd erupted as EBWF World Champion CM Punk sprinted down the ramp. Punk slid into the ring and went straight after The Miz, nailing him with a series of punches. Riddle released Priest and tried to help Miz, but Punk fought him off, forcing both men to retreat up the ramp.
Mauro Ranallo: CM Punk is here to even the odds! Miz and Riddle are hightailing it out of here!
Miz and Riddle stood at the top of the ramp, glaring down at Punk and Priest, who stood side by side in the ring. The crowd cheered, but there was a noticeable tension as Punk and Priest turned to face each other. They locked eyes, unsure of what to make of the other’s presence.
Nigel McGuinness: Punk and Priest standing tall, but you have to wonder – what’s going through their minds right now?
As the camera zoomed in on the intense stare between the EBWF World Champion and the Gateway Champion, the show faded to black, leaving the tension between the two hanging in the air.
