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Warfare Results 03/17/2025

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2025 5:46 pm
by Ben M
SEGMENT

Mauro Ranallo: Get ready folks… it’s time for Warfare! Tonight, we are live from Atlanta, Georgia, and kicking things off, we’ll hear from the 2025 Women’s Last Survivor, Mina Shirakawa!

Warfare faded into a video package backed by the sounds of ‘Set the World On Fire’ by Black Veil Brides. Throughout the opening instrumental was a series black and white filtered clips of Mina Shirakawa’s road in EBWF. Standing behind Tam as the ‘Final Boss’ held the EBWF Women’s Championship on high, her eyes drifting to the belt. Watching on from ringside as Tam Nakano was pinned by Britt Baker. Then the video jumped forward to color footage of Mina and Himeka defeating Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer. Mina getting the big win to secure the first spot in the Last Survivor match. Highlights of the 2025 Last Survivor match, with Mina coming out first, throwing down with Natalya, getting slapped in the face by Unagi, working together with Hikari Noa briefly, and then in the final two with Liv Morgan. The video package was capped with Mina hitting a stiff dropkick to knock Liv off the apron to the floor. It froze on the smiling visage of Mina Shirakawa, her face drenched in sweat before fading out into her stylized ‘M’ logo. The camera then cut back to the State Farm Arena, which was filled with an audible buzz. For a few moments the camera panned across the crowd, catching several signs held high among the sea of humanity. ‘ALEXA BLISS IS MY RIDE OR DIE’. ‘THE D-M-D IS IN’. ‘PAC IS GREEN WITH ENVY’. ‘MINA = #1’. Then a woman’s voice boomed over the PA system.

“Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please. Please welcome the 2025 Women’s Last Survivor, representing Oedo Tai.. MIIINAAAA SHIIRAKAAAWAAA!”

‘Cosmic Kuduro’ hit to a loud reaction dominated by boos as the de facto leader of Oedo Tai literally danced her way onto the stage. Himeka was right there with her, dancing along joyfully with not a care in the world. With the ramp lights strobing white and pink, Mina strutted down to the ring in lockstep with Himeka. They split at the bottom of the ramp and sauntered over to opposite corners of the ring, shooting up the steps at the same time. Himeka nodded to Mina, Mina smiled at Himeka, and they slipped through the ropes to continue the dance in the ring. The boos got a little louder, but neither woman particularly cards; despite the booing, parts of the crowd could be heard clapping along to Mina’s theme. Mina struck a pose on her knees, Himeka flexing behind her as the theme fades out. After a moment Mina sprung to her feet and high fived Himeka in celebration of the moment. It took another couple of moments for Mina to finally produce a microphone to address the live crowd.

Mina Shirakawa: No matter what comes out of your mouths, I think deep down you all know that you love Mina. You all need Mina. Because you recognize the simple truth that no woman in EBWF brings it all together quite like I do. Other women have the raw sex appeal - though not at my level, to be honest. Other women might have in ring skills. Other women have a certain amount of presence. Some of them can even dance! But can any of them check the boxes like I do? Can any of them survive supporting role after supporting role and then burst into the spotlight like Himeka and I did?

She smiled confidently, already knowing the answer.

Mina Shirakawa: Of course not. That’s why you need Mina. That’s why you need Oedo Tai! We do what no one else can do, and we do every part of it better than anyone else. Without us, you’d be stuck watching the same half dozen women every show going through the same motions you’ve seen a thousand times before. But Mina? Mina is different. Mina is exciting. And Mina is number one.

She held up one finger on her free hand.

Mina Shirakawa: I know it’s hard to believe. It’s okay, I forgive you for doubting me! It’s what the whole world did my entire career before Last Survivor. Always seeing me as a second ran, always writing me off for dead. And yet, I did what very few people have ever done in a match like Last Survivor. I was the first woman to walk down that ramp and enter this ring, and I was the last to leave. Nineteen other women all had their eyes on the same prize and I outlasted every single one of them. Last Survivor was a work of art, the Birth of Venus! A new Venus. One who’s taking her place at the top and giving other women a hand up when the rest of the world’s written them off.

Mina did a little bow and winked to Himeka, who had a similar experience to herself.

Mina Shirakawa: And speaking of that, Oedo Tai got a very good look at all of the women in that Last Survivor match. A lot of very impressive performances. Several women who’d make brilliant additions to Oedo Tai! Women like... Liv Morgan. Liv, if you’re watching this, I want you to know that I respect what you did out there. Just like Himeka, just like me, people have been overlooking you for years now. Calling you a sidekick. Writing you off as an also-ran who can’t break through. Now I admit that I and Himeka were guilty of that too, but we’re big enough to admit that we were wrong. You showed us exactly who you are out there, and what that is, is... A warrior. An elite athlete who can hang with the best in the world and outlast them. One who might benefit from a change of scenery, even. You don’t have to decide right now but know this: the door’s always open for you.

Her smile was welcoming and kind, an odd sight for someone involved in Oedo Tai.

Mina Shirakawa: Now there’s some other business I need to get to. Another very dangerous woman fought her way back to the top after two years. Dr. Britt Baker…

She paused to let the crowd shout ‘D-M-D!’

Mina Shirakawa: Yes, that’s her. The two-time EBWF Women’s Champion who ended the career of the Final Boss and freed Oedo Tai to be what it was always supposed to be. On behalf of myself, Himeka and whoever else might join us, I want to thank you, champ. We wouldn’t be reaching new heights as a unit if you hadn’t reclaimed that title. Everything that we accomplish is thanks in part to you - including Mina Shirakawa doing what nobody ever thought possible by becoming the top champion in professional wrestling.

Mina gave her waist a gentle pat.

Mina Shirakawa: I know that you’re watching right now, Britt. I know that you look at me and feel confident that I’m going to be just another speed bump on your road to history. At least on the surface you are. You certainly seem to think Tam was better than myself or Himeka. But under the surface, behind that smug face you put on, I know you’ve seen how much better and dangerous I’ve become. I know that you see me for who I really am - a hungry, sexy, determined woman who’s finally taking everything she’s ever wanted - and you’re not sure you can actually get the job done. You see me and see a woman who’s got everything you don’t. Deep down... You have Venus Envy.

Mina licked her lips at the play on words.

Mina Shirakawa: But don’t worry, I’ll be giving you a good, intimate look at all of that very soon. Just like Last Survivor, I’m not leaving this ring until I’ve taken what I want and defied every expectation everyone ever had of me. It’s time for you to experience the Fallout from beating the Final Boss: Mina Shirakawa, E-B-W-F Women’s Champion.”

With that she dropped the mic and posed back to back with Himeka as ‘Cosmic Kuduro’ hit.

MATCH ONE

Mauro Ranallo: Up next, we’ve got one half of the Daughters of Darkness, Rhea Ripley, in action as she goes one on one with Utami!

Ripley made her way to the ring first, followed by Utami. As Utami entered the ring, both women circled the ring cautiously, their eyes locked with unwavering intensity. The referee called for the bell, and the crowd roared with excitement as Utami and Ripley lunged forwards towards one another, locking up in a collar-and-elbow tie-up.

Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! You can feel the electricity in the air! Two of the most dominant forces in women’s wrestling clashing here tonight!

Nigel McGuinness: No doubt about it, Mauro. This is a true test of power versus power. Ripley’s brute force against Utami’s technical precision.

Ripley muscled Utami into the corner, then used her foot to choke her. The referee counted to four, and Rhea reluctantly released her grip, only to deliver a sharp forearm strike to Utami’s jaw. Utami quickly retaliated with a stiff elbow, then the two women exchanged rapid-fire strikes. Just when it looked like Ripley was gaining the upper hand, Utami ducked under a wild right hand and seized Ripley’s wrist, twisting it into a hammerlock before swiftly transitioning into a headlock takedown. Ripley struggled momentarily but powered back to her feet, lifting Utami off the mat with raw strength and slamming her down with a back suplex.

Nigel McGuinness: That’s the strength of Rhea Ripley! Lifting Utami like she’s nothing more than a rag doll!

Mauro Ranallo: But Utami is as tough as they come — don’t count her out!

Ripley attempted a standing senton, but Utami rolled out of the way. As Rhea clutched her lower back, Utami capitalized, charging in with a punishing basement dropkick. She followed up with a snap German suplex, bridging into a pin. The referee counted – 1… 2… Ripley kicked out forcefully, sending Utami rolling across the canvas. Utami stayed on the offensive, pulling Ripley to her feet and delivering a series of knife-edge chops to her chest. The crowd winced with each crack of flesh on flesh. Utami then whipped Ripley into the ropes and nailed her with a high-impact lariat, but Rhea barely budged. With a primal roar, Ripley absorbed the shot and dared Utami to hit her again.

Mauro Ranallo: The Eradicator showing zero fear! She’s inviting punishment!

Utami obliged, unleashing a second lariat, but Rhea remained standing. With a sudden burst of speed, Ripley leveled Utami with a big boot that sent her sprawling. Wasting no time, Rhea hauled her opponent up and planted her with a delayed vertical suplex, showing off her freakish strength as she held Utami in the air for a full ten seconds before crashing her to the mat. Ripley stalked her prey, looking for the Prism Trap, but Utami twisted her body and countered with a Fujiwara armbar. The crowd erupted as Ripley screamed in pain, clawing toward the ropes. Just as it seemed she might tap, Ripley managed to drag herself forward and grab the bottom rope with her free hand.

Nigel McGuinness: Unbelievable resilience from Rhea Ripley! That armbar was locked in deep!

Both women were slow to their feet, their chests heaving. Utami struck first with a spinning backfist, staggering Rhea. She then hoisted Ripley onto her shoulders, looking for the Torture Rack Bomb. The crowd rose in anticipation, but Ripley wriggled free, landing behind Utami and hammering her with a vicious short-arm clothesline. Sensing the end, Rhea roared with adrenaline and dragged Utami up. With a look of pure determination, she hooked Utami’s arms and lifted her into the air. The crowd gasped as Rhea delivered the Riptide, slamming Utami into the canvas with spine-jarring force.

Mauro Ranallo: RIPTIDE! RIPTIDE! RIPLEY WITH THE RIPTIDE!

Rhea hooked the leg, and the referee counted – 1… 2… 3!

Nigel McGuinness: What a war of attrition, Mauro! Both women gave everything they had!

Mauro Ranallo: And on this night, Rhea Ripley proves why she is one of the most dominant forces in professional wrestling!

Ripley raised her arm in victory, her eyes filled with exhaustion and triumph, while Utami rolled out of the ring, visibly disappointed.

SEGMENT

As Warfare returned from the final commercial break of the evening, Renee Young was standing in the middle of the ring, microphone in hand. Renee was dressed in a stylish leather jacket, black jeans, and heeled boots, exuding her usual charm and professionalism. The crowd cheered, then quieted down slightly as Renee brought the microphone up to her lips and began to speak.

Renee Young: Atlanta, Georgia… please welcome the man who outlasted 29 other superstars to win this year’s men’s Last Survivor match… the man who will challenge CM Punk for the EBWF World Championship at Fallout… ADAM COLE!

"All About Tha (BOOM!)" hit the speakers, and the crowd booed loudly as they awaited the arrival of Adam Cole. When Cole emerged from the back, there was a noticeable difference in his attire. Instead of his usual wrestling gear or casual clothing, Cole was dressed in a sleek, tailored navy-blue suit with a light-blue dress shirt underneath, no tie, and a pair of designer sunglasses resting on his face. His hair was slicked back, and he exuded nothing but pure confidence. As Cole made his way down the ramp, he smirked at the fans, occasionally mouthing, "Bay-Bay!" before stepping through the ropes. As Cole entered the ring, Renee eyed him up and down, smiling.

Renee Young: Wow, Adam… I have to say, you are looking sharp tonight! This is definitely a different look for you.

Cole removed his sunglasses slowly and casually placed them in his breast pocket. With a cocky grin, he glanced around at the crowd, letting the moment linger before speaking.

Adam Cole: Well, Renee, I figured it was time for a change. See, when you’re the next EBWF World Champion, you’ve gotta start dressing like one. This? This is how a champion carries himself — with style, with class, and with dignity. Because when you represent this company, you should look the part. Unlike a certain… champion… who, more often than not, looks like he just rolled out of bed.

The crowd reacted with a mixture of laughter and boos, knowing exactly who Cole was referring to.

Adam Cole: Yeah, I’m talking about CM Punk. The so-called "Best in the World" whose wardrobe is about as inspiring as his reign has been.

Cole paused, smirking.

Adam Cole: CM Punk doesn’t look like a champion. He looks like a guy you’d bump into at a dive bar at 2am – which is ironic considering he’s straight edge. But not me – I’m going to show the world what a real champion looks like. And at Fallout… I’m going to show them what a real champion wrestles like, too.

The crowd booed in response to the disrespect aimed at Punk.

Renee Young: Well, you certainly made a statement at Last Survivor, Adam. You eliminated six other superstars on your way to victory, including several former EBWF World Champions. You lasted over 40 minutes; it was an incredible performance. How are you feeling now, just a few days removed from such a grueling match?

Cole smirked, crossing his arms and tilting his head slightly.

Adam Cole: You know, Renee, I feel great. Actually, no, scratch that — I feel phenomenal. See, I did exactly what I said I was going to do. I walked into that match with a target on my back. And for over 40 minutes, I outlasted and outperformed every so-called star in that ring. I threw out legends, icons, and has-beens alike. Trent? Gone. Ted DiBiase Jr.? Over the top. The Big Show? That’s right, the seven-foot giant fell by my hand. And Jericho? Oh, you better believe it was extra satisfying tossing his washed-up ass out of the ring.

The crowd jeered loudly at the disrespect towards Jericho, but Cole simply chuckled, unfazed.

Adam Cole: I didn’t just survive, Renee. I dominated. I didn’t just win… I proved that I’ve been held back in this company for far too long. For years, I’ve been busting my ass while EBWF’s so-called "old guard" held me down. They were scared, Renee. Scared of what would happen if Adam Cole got his shot at the big time. Well, guess what? You can’t hold me back anymore. Because at Last Survivor, I was the last man standing, Bay-Bay!

The crowd popped for the signature catchphrase, even the booing fans unable to resist joining in.

Renee Young: You’re clearly brimming with confidence, and you certainly earned this opportunity. But Adam, CM Punk is no stranger to high-stakes matches. He’s one of the most decorated superstars in EBWF history, and he’s known for his resilience. How do you plan to overcome him at Fallout?

Cole’s smile slowly faded, and his eyes narrowed with cold determination.

Adam Cole: Overcome him? No, Renee… I’m not looking to "overcome" Punk. I’m going to obliterate him. You see, Punk’s reign as EBWF World Champion? It’s been nothing but mediocrity. A revolving door of half-assed promos, uninspired performances, and matches that leave the fans yawning. But at Fallout, that mediocrity comes to an end. Because when I defeat CM Punk, it’s not just a win — it’s the beginning of a new era. The era of The Unleashed. An era where this company is run by the best wrestlers in the world, not by relics clinging to their last bit of relevance.

The crowd reacted with a mixture of boos and gasps, as Cole’s eyes burned with intensity.

Adam Cole: Punk might be "The Best in the World" in his own mind, but at Fallout, the whole world is going to realize the truth. That there’s only one man in EBWF who is worthy of being called the best. And his name… is Adam Cole —

Suddenly, the opening riff of “Cult of Personality” by Living Colour blasted through the speakers, cutting Cole off mid-catchphrase. The crowd exploded with cheers as CM Punk appeared on the stage, dressed in a black hoodie and jeans, with the EBWF World Championship slung over his shoulder. He smirked at Cole from the stage, raising the title high into the air. In the ring, Cole fumed, his face turning red with rage. His fists clenched at his sides as he glared daggers at Punk. Punk, amused by Cole’s frustration, simply smirked wider. With a slow, deliberate motion, he patted the championship before turning his back and walking off-stage, leaving Cole seething in the ring as the crowd erupted with chants of “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!”

Mauro Ranallo: Normally, CM Punk has something to say… but it seems tonight, he just wanted to remind Adam Cole who the champ is, Nigel!

Nigel McGuinness: In a weird way, it seems like he’s annoyed Adam Cole more by not saying anything, Mauro!

The camera zoomed in on Cole’s furious expression before Warfare went off the air.