Mauro Ranallo: Get ready folks… it’s time for Warfare! Tonight, we are live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, and the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments continue! I'm Mauro Ranallo, joined by Nigel McGuinness.
Nigel McGuinness: Kicking things off, we've got the Viper, Randy Orton, in action, as he goes one on one with the Breakout Champion, "Cowboy" James Storm!
The arena erupted as Randy Orton made his way to the ring, his cold, calculating glare fixed on the entrance ramp. The cowboy-hat-wearing James Storm followed, Breakout Title proudly shining under the lights. Both men climbed into the squared circle, stared each other down, and the bell rang to start this first-round King of the Ring tournament match.
Nigel McGuinness: This is a classic stylistic clash — Orton’s methodical psychology versus Storm’s relentless intensity.
They began with a measured feeling-out process. Orton sidestepped Storm's initial shoulder block, then answered with a stiff clothesline that knocked Storm off his feet. Storm fired back with a discus forearm that sent Orton to the canvas. A flurry of furious punches followed, the crowd roaring with every blow exchanged.
Mauro Ranallo: Orton is showing that veteran savvy, but Storm isn’t backing down—look at those lightning-fast strikes!
Just when it looked like Orton was gaining the upper hand, Storm shifted the momentum with a DDT, then followed up with a top-rope elbow drop. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1… 2… Orton kicked out! Storm pulled Orton to his feet and set him up for Eye of the Storm… but Orton elbowed out of it and wriggled free to deliver a brutal gutbuster.
Nigel McGuinness: That was wrestling precision from Orton!
Orton ramped up the intensity, hitting a rope-assisted neckbreaker. As Storm got to his feet, Orton went for the RKO… but Storm blocked it, then lifted Orton up, hitting a back drop. Storm followed up with a barrage of forearms, then hit a double underhook suplex slam. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1… 2… Orton kicked out! Storm stomped on Orton several times, then pulled him to his feet and went for an Irish whip into the corner… but Orton reversed it, sending Storm into the turnbuckles. Orton then followed up with a rope-hung elevated DDT.
Nigel McGuinness: Orton is always one step ahead —just when Storm thought he had the momentum!
Orton began pounding the mat, waiting for Storm to get to his feet… then, when Storm was up, Orton nailed the RKO outta nowhere! He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1… 2… 3! The bell rang and Orton’s music hit. He rolled off Storm’s prone body, nodding with satisfaction, as the referee raised his arm.
Mauro Ranallo: And just like that, Randy Orton pounces and it's lights out! What a statement to start Warfare with!
Nigel McGuinness: That was vintage “Viper” — clinical, electric, and effective. James Storm brought fire, but Orton shut it down immediately with that RKO.
The crowd buzzed as Orton left the ring, heading toward the back with that signature cold glare, while Storm slowly stirred in the center of the ring, clutching his head.
Mauro Ranallo: Folks, the King of the Ring tournament rolls on, and this next match is personal — it’s Seth Rollins versus Roman Reigns!
Nigel McGuinness: Two former Shield brothers, now bitter rivals, facing off with a spot in the semi-finals on the line. Rollins has been nothing short of venomous lately — but you know Reigns isn’t the kind of man to back down.
Seth Rollins entered first, decked in a black-and-gold robe, arms outstretched, soaking in the crowd’s deafening boos. He wore a smug grin and taunted fans at ringside before stepping into the ring, eyes locked on the stage.
A massive cheer erupted as Roman Reigns’ music hit. The “Tribal Chief” stormed down the ramp with purpose, no theatrics — just intensity. The bell rang, and the tension in the Bell Centre was electric. The two men started slowly, circling each other, trading harsh words before finally locking up. Reigns powered Rollins into the corner, but Rollins ducked under and landed a cheap slap to the back of Reigns' head.
Mauro Ranallo: Disrespect from Rollins right out of the gate — that’s not going to sit well with Roman.
Reigns exploded with a clothesline that flattened Rollins, then followed up with a flurry of right hands. Rollins rolled out of the ring to regroup, only for Reigns to follow him and slam him into the steel steps. Rollins, always opportunistic, used the referee’s count to draw Reigns back inside before hitting a sling blade and a diving knee. He began mocking the crowd, laughing as he stomped Roman's hand against the mat.
Nigel McGuinness: Say what you will about Rollins — he’s calculated. He’s targeting Reigns' striking hand!
Rollins went for the Curb Stomp, but Reigns dodged it, then popped him with a Superman Punch! He hooked the leg and the referee counted — 1… 2… Rollins kicked out! As Reigns got to his feet, he let out a roar, signaling for the Spear… but Rollins rolled out of the ring again. Reigns followed Rollins to the outside, and grabbed Rollins… but Rollins hit Reigns with a knee to the midsection, then threw Reigns into the ring steps.
Mauro Ranallo: This one’s breaking down fast — it’s getting ugly outside!
Rollins picked up the ring steps and went to hit Reigns with them, but Reigns blocked it, tossed the steps aside, and grabbed Rollins, slamming his head against the ring post. Rollins stumbled backwards, landing on the ringside barrier, and Reigns let out another roar… then charged towards Rollins and speared him through the barricade!
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! That was brutal!
Nigel McGuinness: Reigns just cut Rollins in half — but at what cost?
The referee had reached the count of 6, and both men lay motionless on the floor as the referee continued counting — 7… 8… 9… 10! The referee called for the bell as EMTs checked on both Reigns and Rollins.
Mauro Ranallo: It’s a double count-out! Neither man could answer the referee’s count — what a brutal ending!
Nigel McGuinness: They destroyed each other, and in doing so, they’ve cost themselves a shot at the crown!
As the EMTs continued to check on Reigns and Rollins, the camera cut to Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness.
Mauro Ranallo: We’re just getting an update on what this means for the King of the Ring tournament… and as we suspected, as a result of the double count-out, neither Seth Rollins nor Roman Reigns will advance.
Nigel McGuinness: Which means Edge — who was set to face the winner of this match — gets a bye to the semi-finals!
An updated tournament bracket flashed up on the screen, revealing the three quarter final matches that would take place next week:
- Kyle O’Reilly versus Randy Orton
- Jon Moxley versus the winner of CM Punk versus Austin Gunn
- Christian Cage versus the winner of Chris Jericho versus Matthew Riddle
Warfare then went to a commercial break as both Reigns and Rollins were helped to the back.
As Warfare returned from the commercial break, "Demon in Your Dreams" by Motionless in White hit, and the crowd booed as Rhea Ripley made her way to the ring for the next match.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back! We’ve already seen how brutal the King of the Ring tournament has been tonight… and now, the Queen of the Ring heats up with a first-round triple threat match that promises chaos!
Nigel McGuinness: We’ve got three women who don’t back down competing in this match, Mauro. Rhea Ripley brings raw power, Liv Morgan is a wild card with a chip on her shoulder, and Britt Baker—well, she’s so determined to win this tournament, she’s waived her right to a rematch against the new Women’s Champion, Mina Shirakawa, to earn a rematch by claiming the crown. This contest is too close to call!
As Ripley entered the ring, “Reach for the Sky” by Social Distortion hit and Liv Morgan came next, skipping onto the stage with high energy but a steely glare. She locked eyes with Ripley as she walked down the ramp. Finally, “The Epic” by Downstait hit and the Bell Centre erupted as Britt Baker headed to the ring, swaggering with confidence. As she reached the bottom of the ramp, she raised her hands, smirking at both of her opponents before climbing the steps and entering the ring. The referee called for the bell, and Rhea Ripley immediately charged towards Liv Morgan, pummeling her with a series of punches. Baker grabbed Ripley and went to throw her out of the ring, but Ripley blasted her with a forearm, then clotheslined Baker over the top rope.
Mauro Ranallo: Rhea Ripley showing the power and aggression we’ve come to expect from her!
Ripley turned her attention back to Liv Morgan, lifting her up for a body slam… but Morgan countered with a headscissors takedown, then followed up with a facebuster. She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1… 2… Ripley kicked out! Morgan pulled Ripley to her feet and hit a spinning neckbreaker, then climbed to the top rope… but as she did so, Britt Baker climbed up onto the ring apron and shoved Morgan off the turnbuckle, sending her to the outside. As Baker entered the ring, she stomped on Ripley repeatedly, focusing on the arm. She then went for the Lockjaw, but before she could lock it in, Ripley shoved her away. As Ripley got to her feet, she fought back with a headbutt, before taking Baker down with a short-arm clothesline. She then went to set Baker up for Riptide… but Baker blocked it, countering with a jawbreaker. As Ripley stumbled backwards, Liv Morgan re-entered the ring and grabbed Ripley, hitting the Jersey Codebreaker!
Nigel McGuinness: That might be the shot Liv needed!
Morgan went to cover Ripley, but Baker grabbed her before she could do so, whipping Morgan against the ropes before hitting a dropkick. As Morgan got back to her feet, she and Baker exchanged punches back and forth. Baker gained the upper hand with a ripcord rolling elbow, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1… 2… Morgan kicked out! As Baker got back to her feet, Rhea Ripley hit her with a big boot, then grabbed Liv Morgan. Ripley lifted Morgan up for a powerbomb… but Morgan countered with a hurricanrana, rolling Ripley up and hooking both legs! The referee counted – 1… 2… Ripley kicked out! As Morgan got to her feet, Britt Baker grabbed her, tossing Liv shoulder-first into the ring post, then turned her attention to Rhea Ripley. Ripley was trying to get to her feet, but before she could, Britt Baker hit her with the Curb Stomp!
Mauro Ranallo: A vicious Curb Stomp by Britt Baker! Rhea Ripley might be out cold!
Nigel McGuinness: She’s taken Ripley out… but she’s still got Liv Morgan to think about, Mauro!
Baker was about to cover Ripley for the pinfall attempt, but before she did so she locked eyes with Liv Morgan, who was staggering to her feet. Morgan charged towards Baker, going for a clothesline… but Baker side-stepped it, grabbed Morgan by the arm and took her down to the mat, wrenching in the Lockjaw! Morgan tried to fight it, but after realizing she was unable to break free, she tapped out! The referee called for the bell, and Baker released the hold with smug satisfaction.
Mauro Ranallo: And just like that, Britt Baker advances in the Queen of the Ring tournament. A brutal Curb Stomp followed by a decisive Lockjaw, and she is the last woman standing.
Nigel McGuinness: She said she was the future Queen—and tonight, she backed it up. You don’t have to like her, but you do have to respect that performance.
Britt Baker stood tall in the center of the ring as the referee raised her hand, smirking at the carnage around her.
As Warfare returned from a video package hyping the upcoming Total Supremacy pay-per-view, “Guilty” by Cory Marks hit and the crowd booed as Austin Gunn burst onto the stage, full of energy. He strutted down the ramp, hyping himself up and talking trash to fans as the crowd booed loudly.
Nigel McGuinness: Say what you want about Austin Gunn — and I’ve got plenty to say — but this young man has confidence in spades.
Mauro Ranallo: Confidence bordering on delusion, Nigel. He’s about to step into the ring with a man who’s been world champion in every promotion he’s stepped foot in — CM Punk.
The crowd popped huge as “Cult of Personality” hit and CM Punk walked out onto the stage to a thunderous reaction. Wearing his classic “Best in the World” gear and a focused expression, Punk soaked in the cheers before marching to the ring with a purpose.
Mauro Ranallo: CM Punk looks locked in tonight. He’s made no secret of his desire to win this tournament and take back the EBWF World Title from Adam Cole.
Nigel McGuinness: And Punk’s path runs through Austin Gunn here. The question is — can he keep his composure with so much riding on this?
When Punk was in the ring, the referee called for the bell, starting the match. Austin Gunn immediately started showboating, taunting Punk with exaggerated air guitar and crotch chops. Punk simply raised an eyebrow… then leveled Gunn with a roundhouse kick to the chest! The crowd roared as Punk followed up with a series of stiff forearms, backing Gunn into the corner.
Mauro Ranallo: Punk’s not here for games — he’s here to fight!
Punk whipped Gunn across the ring and hit a running knee strike in the corner, followed by a short-arm clothesline. He hooked the leg and the referee counted — 1… 2… Gunn kicked out! Punk didn’t let up, grabbing Gunn for a snap suplex and transitioning into a headlock on the mat. Gunn struggled to his feet and backed Punk into the ropes, raking the eyes behind the referee’s back. He took advantage with a quick dropkick to the knee, then hit a Fameasser! He hooked the leg and the referee counted — 1… 2… Punk kicked out!
Nigel McGuinness: That was smart — cheap, but smart. Austin Gunn using his speed to chop the veteran down.
Gunn followed up with mounted punches, getting in Punk’s face as the crowd booed. He pulled Punk to his feet, whipped him against the ropes, and went for the Quick Draw… but Punk countered with an arm trap swinging neckbreaker. Punk then grabbed Gunn by the legs, putting him in a sharpshooter! Gunn scrambled to the ropes, and the referee ordered Punk to break the hold. As Punk got to his feet, he signaled to the crowd, drawing a huge roar as he raised his arms.
Mauro Ranallo: You know what’s coming, Nigel!
Punk lifted Austin Gunn onto his shoulders, pointing to the sky… then connected with the GTS, dropping Gunn in the center of the ring! He hooked the leg, and the referee counted — 1… 2… 3! The referee called for the bell and raised Punk’s hand as the fans erupted in cheers.
Nigel McGuinness: And just like that, CM Punk advances to the quarterfinals!
Mauro Ranallo: It wasn’t about flash — it was about focus. Punk had a message to send tonight, and he just sent it loud and clear.
As Punk stood on the turnbuckle, soaking in the reaction, a graphic appeared on the screen promoting Punk’s quarter final match against Jon Moxley.
Nigel McGuinness: Punk versus Moxley… that’s going to be a war, Mauro!
Warfare went to commercial as Punk exited the ring, leaving Austin Gunn dazed and frustrated on the mat.
As Warfare returned from the final commercial break of the evening, the camera panned across the raucous crowd inside the Bell Centre.
Mauro Ranallo: It’s main event time here on Warfare, and it’s the last first-round match in the 2025 King of the Ring tournament—Matthew Riddle versus “Lionheart” himself, Chris Jericho!
“Hey Bro” hit the speakers, and the crowd began to boo as Matthew Riddle sauntered out onto the stage, smirking as he walked down the ramp. Riddle posed arrogantly on the ramp, then launched his flip-flops into the crowd and slid into the ring, lounging in the corner with a cocky grin.
Mauro Ranallo: You can hear how the people in Montreal feel about Riddle tonight—he’s not making any friends north of the border.
Nigel McGuinness: He doesn’t care about friends, Mauro. He wants a crown.
The crowd suddenly roared as “Judas” by Fozzy hit, and the Bell Centre came unglued. Chris Jericho stepped onto the stage, basking in the ovation as the entire arena sang along with his theme. Jericho paused on the ramp to soak in the adulation, nodding appreciatively before heading down to the ring with focused intensity.
Mauro Ranallo: Listen to this place! They’re showing love for one of Canada’s all-time greats. And make no mistake—Jericho wants to add a second crown to his already legendary résumé.
Jericho stepped between the ropes and stared down Riddle as the referee called for the bell. The two men circled each other before locking up. Riddle quickly went for a takedown, but Jericho broke away and transitioned into a side headlock. Riddle shoved him off and nailed a jumping knee strike, but Jericho rebounded with a forearm smash, then sent Riddle against the ropes and caught him with a back elbow on the rebound.
Nigel McGuinness: Fast-paced exchange to start—neither man giving an inch.
Riddle tried to slow the match down, grounding Jericho with gutwrench suplexes and applying a rear naked choke, but Jericho escaped and fought back with knife-edge chops that echoed through the arena. He connected with a springboard dropkick that knocked Riddle off the apron, then climbed to the top rope and hit a crossbody to the floor!
Mauro Ranallo: The veteran pulling out all the stops! Jericho knows what’s at stake!
Jericho threw Riddle back into the ring, hit a bulldog, and went for the Lionsault… but Riddle got his knees up and blocked it, then capitalized with a fisherman buster. He hooked the leg and the referee counted — 1… 2… Jericho kicked out! Riddle pounded the mat in frustration, then set Jericho up for the Bro Derek, looking to end it… but Jericho countered it, hitting Riddle with a tombstone piledriver!
Nigel McGuinness: That’s a new one, Mauro! I’ve never seen Chris Jericho hit a tombstone before!
Mauro Ranallo: Jericho is adding more strings to his bow, Nigel, even after 35 years in this business. He once called himself “The Man of 1,004 Holds”; I wonder how many holds he’s up to now!
Jericho covered Riddle, but only got a 2 count. Undeterred, Jericho got to his feet and grabbed Riddle by the legs, locking in the Walls of Jericho! Riddle clawed his way to the ropes, barely breaking the hold. Jericho stepped back, allowing Riddle time to get to his feet, and when Riddle was up, Jericho clenched his fists. Both men looked exhausted as they traded strikes in the middle of the ring. Riddle was able to gain the upper hand, and he set Jericho up for a German suplex… but Jericho blocked it, then turned around and hit Riddle with the Codebreaker! Riddle looked dazed as he got back to his feet, and Jericho seized the moment, spinning around once more and smashing Riddle across the jaw with the Judas Effect!
Mauro Ranallo: JUDAS EFFECT! Right on the button!
Jericho collapsed into the cover, and the referee counted – 1… 2… 3! The bell rang as the crowd erupted.
Christy Hemme: Here is your winner… CHRIS JERICHO!
Mauro Ranallo: Chris Jericho advances in the King of the Ring tournament! What a match!
Jericho got to his feet, raising one arm as the referee held the other. He climbed the turnbuckles, soaking in the deafening support from the Montreal faithful.
Nigel McGuinness: This crowd loves Jericho tonight… but next week, he’s got a date with destiny — and a very familiar face.
As Jericho celebrated, “Take Over” hit, and the camera swung to the stage, where Christian Cage stood in a dark leather jacket, arms folded. The crowd buzzed as he locked eyes with Jericho from the ramp.
Mauro Ranallo: There he is — Christian Cage. The next man standing between Chris Jericho and the King of the Ring crown.
Nigel McGuinness: Two Canadians. Two legends. One spot in the semi-finals.
The show ended with both men staring each other down, the tension thick as Warfare went off the air.
