[[[XWL Octane: 5/13/2020 - 5/20/2020]]]

LIVE FROM: The Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
ARENA FOR MATCHES:  LA HALL

DEADLINE: 4:30 P.M. EST / 9:30 P.M. GMT



[ Normal Match ]



Notes From The General Manager's Office:

"Karl Anderson and Shinsuke Nakamura are two Superstars who are certainly no stranger to each other. Both of these men are of near-legendary status in Japan for the wars they fought all over that country for New Japan Pro Wrestling. And tonight? These two superstars will do battle in an XWL ring. Will Shinsuke Nakamura show why he was such a dominant force in Japan? Or will Karl Anderson put the King of Strong Style down? Of course...one has to wonder if Anderson's running buddies in The OC will also make their presence felt as well."


[ Normal Match ]



Notes From The General Manager's Office:

"Maryse and Tenille Dashwood are both veterans of the industry, each with over a decade of experience in the ring. While Maryse was born in Canada, Tenille cut her teeth in Canada training under a good buddy of mine, "Mr. Personality" himself Lance Storm. Tenille seems to be in the crosshairs of both "The Empress of Tomorrow" Asuka and Toni Storm, perhaps a win over Maryse will take her mind off the fact that her big return to XWL was ruined by those two. Or, perhaps Maryse will show why she's a former Women's Champion and put away the former Emma. Only one way to find out."


[ Normal Match ]



Notes From The General Manager's Office:

"I don't know what happened with Seth Rollins at Final Stand, but needless to say skipping out on the biggest show of the year is certainly a strange choice. Perhaps "The Architect" simply needs to get his head together, so I'm putting him in a match with Kevin Owens to test him this week. Kevin Owens desperately needs a match to blow off some steam after a heated run in with a returning Tommaso Ciampa. Maybe if Owens beats Seth Rollins, he'll be able to better prepare himself for his impending clash with "Daddy." Or, perhaps Seth will finally show that side of him that's been missing the past few weeks and get back in the ring on the right foot with a victory over "The Prizefighter" this week."


[ Normal Match ]



Notes From The General Manager's Office:

"Last night these two Women made their return at the expense of Tenille Dashwood's time, and reinserted themselves in the division as two Women to watch. So much so that by the end of their verbal altercation with Tenille? It wasn't "all about" Tenille Dashwood the arena was buzzing with chants in favor of The Empress of Tomorrow and The Inaugural North American Champion. So seeing as we are in the business of giving the fans what they're clamoring for? It was a no brainer to pair these two up tonight against each other in their official return to action."


[ Normal Match ]



Notes From The General Manager's Office:

"Alexa Bliss has had her plate full for well over a year with Ruby Riott but after defeating her in the first match in Lethal Lottery? It's safe to say this rivalry has come to an end and now Little Miss Bliss moves forward. But someone else moving forward is Sarah Logan, a woman that up until now has mainly been Ruby's support rather than going after her own goals and aspirations. So before she ventures into uncharted seas next week and faces her first round match in The North American Championship #1 Contenders Tournament, I thought what better way to prepare her for that than by facing not only a former contender for The North American Championship, but a former holder of that title as well."


[ Normal Match ]



Notes From The General Manager's Office:

"I have to say that putting this match together, this is definitely a clash of egos. On one hand, you have everyone's favorite straight-to-DVD movie star in The Miz, and on the other, you have the eccentric master of mind games in Velveteen Dream. With The Miz's wife scheduled to be in action tonight as well, I'm sure the Mizanin clan would love to make it a clean sweep on the night and possibly catapult Miz back into title contention. However, he has to make it through perhaps one of the strangest dudes I've ever seen in a ring...and I used to be a vampire, so I'm a bit of an expert on strange."


[[ Normal Match ]]

[[  N.A. #1 Contenders Tournament Match ]]



Notes From The General Manager's Office:

"When it comes to determining what, or rather WHO is next to challenge Kairi Sane for The North American Championship I tried to look at the division as a whole and really figure out who deserves that opportunity, and more importantly...how do we narrow the field? I decided on four names, Shayna Baszler, Britt Baker, Io Shirai, and Sarah Logan. You're able to give a second chance to the two challengers that came up short against Kairi's other half the now former North American Champion Alexa Bliss...while throwing in some fresh faces including a former North American Champion in Shayna Baszler. So while next week Sarah Logan faces off against Io Shirai, tonight the tournament kicks off with Shayna Baszler hot off her victory over Mia Yim and Charlotte Flair at Final Stand...facing The Winner of Christian's Superstar Hunt. But the question is, who will leave this match still in the hunt for Kairi Sane's treasure and move onto the finals at High Octane in 2 weeks? Is The Doctor IN trouble, or will she have an ace up her sleeve?"


[ Randy Orton in Action Tonight ]



Notes From The General Manager's Office:

"Twenty four hours ago, Randy Orton sent a message to not only Jon Moxley, not only The Enterprise, but the entirety of the XWL Roster: Revenge is a dish best served with a side of “RKO outta nowhere.” With Randy's... shall we call them “impulses,” I have decided to keep his opponent a secret for the time being, to not only protect his well-being but also ensure that tonight's match goes off without a hitch. Randy has put a target on his back following his calculated attack on Mox, will The Enterprise retaliate following their respective nights ending with varying levels of success, or will The Viper strike first once again?"


[[[ Main Event ]]]

[[[ Triple Threat Non-Title Match ]]]



Notes From The General Manager's Office:

"And in our Main Event for the evening, I have decided to test our new Undisputed North American Champion's mettle against two challengers who were unsuccessful in their endeavor to create their own “Final Stand moment.” Last night, we saw the now former North American Champion run the gauntlet that I appropriately named Lethal Lottery, defeating the trio of Ruby Riott, Io Shirai and Britt Baker in consecutive matches. While many saw my actions following her well deserved victories as cruel, it was simply the luck of the draw and Kairi Sane, despite her visible frustration with the decision, was able to defeat her best friend to become the sole North American Champion. While her path wasn't marred in her own blood, sweat and tears, I have decided to have our new Champion run her own version of the “gauntlet” here tonight, against two women who have become familiar with one another in the past number of weeks in Mia Yim and Charlotte Flair. Kairi has history with one of these women while the other is uncharted territory for the Champion. For the first time ever, we will have The Queen meeting The Pirate Princess, a royal encounter to say the least. Mia, on the other hand, was involved in a previous Triple Threat match, that Kairi emerged victorious from, however, she didn't pin Mia to win that match, so one has to believe that there's still unfinished business there. After a stellar Final Stand, I'm in a generous mood, so I have given the gift of redemption to both Mia and Charlotte in the form of a Triple Threat match against the current North American Champion while giving Kairi her chance to shut the naysayers down. While the Championship isn't on the line tonight, who knows, maybe if they impress, we may very well see a rematch involving all three women down the road with the North American Championship on the line."

---

WARNING SPOILERS FROM FINAL STAND XII AHEAD, PROCEED WITH CAUTION

---

Before the Octane AFTER Final Stand XII officially goes live tonight with a traditional opening, we're first taken to a sight that infuriates us to our core. The NEW World Heavyweight Champion Robert Roode walking through the halls in a suit with his newly won prize on one shoulder, and his Intercontinental Championship over the other. Last night he, at last, defeated Keith Lee in an impromptu match where he volunteered to be Keith's challenger after The Fiend didn't show up for the scheduled "Monster's Ball." An act that would finally not only end with him defeating the only Superstar that has pinned him in 8 months...but also capturing The World Heavyweight Championship as he became the third Superstar in XWL history to accomplish such a feat.

He looks to be on his way out to the ring, perhaps to kick his celebration off welcome us to the Era of "Roode" but as he's about to turn the corner, he's stopped in his tracks by the appearance of a certain man, The General Manager and Owner of XWL, Edge. Edge looks him up and down as Robert proudly smirks, making sure Edge gets a nice view of his collective gold.

[[Edge]]
Robert, first and foremost...congratulations are in order. What you did last night was not only shocking...it was damn impressive and while you and I might not see eye to eye on some things...I always see your talent, and whether you believe it or not...I'm one of your biggest supporters because when you apply yourself? When you get into that mode like you did at High Octane? Like you did...last night? You are second to none...and I am very excited about what your reign as World Heavyweight Champion will bring to XWL on the heels of Final Stand.

Roode looks almost taken aback, fixing both titles on each shoulder before responding with a prideful grin.

[[[Robert Roode]]]
You sure have a funny way of showing that support...but hey, previous administrations might have marched to that ring and prevented that match from even taking place...so I do have to give you credit for knowing when to keep your nose out of business that didn't concern you. Last night I seized my moment, that iconic time where I immortalized my career...all the cliche shit aside...I will not let you or this company down as I embark on new uncharted territories...carrying two titles, along with this company on my back won't be easy...but nothing in life has ever come easy to me. Nearly 20 years of grinding it out, of being told that I would never...

Roode looks at The Intercontinental Championship, and then at The World Heavyweight Championship very intensely.

[[[Robert Roode]]]
Be standing where I now stand before you...DOUBLY as impressive as any Superstar in this company today. But I have been ready for a very long time, readier than any man that's held EITHER of these titles before me...I'm not a novelty, I'm THE act! The Main-Eventer I always knew I was. That switch was flipped at High Octane, as foolish of a man as I thought you were when all of your new ideas came to light...as angry as I was at you for trying to screw me...well...I'll be a son of a bitch, maybe you're cut out for this cushy corporate job after all because it worked! You pushed me where I have never been pushed before, and that newfound confidence, that incredible victory over Chris Sabin and "The Fiend" and his Kid's Show Host friend? That awakened something in me, something that I have been trying to unlock since day one!

It feels like our ears have to be lying to us because here Robert Roode stands...actually...somewhat...showing appreciation to someone besides himself or his Enterprise brothers?  

[[[Robert Roode]]]
As good as I was? I wasn't "great" I had all the tools, I had all the victories over every sap that had been unfortunate enough to be in that ring against me in the last 8 months...but I had not just one loss, but two...all to the same man. A man that attained his success at the expense of MY name! Adam, or...I guess it's more appropriate to call you, Edge? I can't believe I'm saying this to you, but thank you. Thank you for putting my back against that wall because from that pressure? Came a diamond that had been in the rough for close to 20 years! A diamond that shined brighter than ever when I FINALLY pinned Keith Lee...and became your NEW World Heavyweight Champion!

Edge stands there almost taken aback himself, because...well, in Roode's own way he just thanked him...even by using the words "thank you" and that's not something we'd have expected given their previous interactions.

[[Edge]]
Well, Robert you're welc-

Roode puts his hand up, cutting The Former Rated "R" Superstar and now General Manager off.

[[[Robert Roode]]]
Please, call me Bobby...I think you've more than earned that right.

Edge again pauses, trying to process this very stark contrast between this meeting with The Glorious One and any other one he's ever had with him, including the very first episode of Octane. I mean here Roode stands granting him the right that is only reserved for his friends...this is certainly a major turn of events.

[[Edge]]
Uh, okay Bobby...you're welcome but as thankful as you maybe...I'm hopeful that you're also in the giving mood as...I'm afraid I need to ask something of you and...well, I'm not quite sure how to.

[[[Robert Roode]]]
Nonsense, you and I have this mutual respect now...what do you need of your INTERCONTINENTAL...AND WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION? To defend these titles in the same night at Dead Man's Hand? Well competing twice in one evening is a very difficult task, but it is one I am up to...so rest assured I would be happy to do that for you.

[[Edge]]
Well, that's very gracious of you but no it's not that...

[[[Robert Roode]]]
Oh? Well whatever it is, just say the word and consider it done!

[[Edge]]
I need you to surrender The Intercontinental Championship

[[[Robert Roode]]]
I'm sorry, come again? It sounded like you just asked me to surrender The Intercontinental Championship...sorry, I think my ears are ringing still after that brutal affair with Keith last night.

[[Edge]]
I did...

[[[Robert Roode]]]
Okay now it sounds like you just said you did...and I'm pretty sure you didn't...

[[Edge]]
Look, this kind of thing is never easy but I said that the days of titles being a prop are over...and as great as someone is, like you have proven you are...no man is great enough to spread himself between two different paths and provide equal attention to both. We can't very well have a Champion Vs Champion Match in the future if you're literally both halves of that match...

[[[Robert Roode]]]
I mean I think it'd be a battle of the ages...unlike anything this business has ever seen before.

[[Edge]]
Even so, I know The Intercontinental Championship means a lot to you, and I know your story with it...it's always being taken from you...without being beaten for it...it's crazy that we've found ourselves in this predicament AGAIN...but that title deserves to be fought for with pure undivided attention...as does The World Heavyweight Championship...the days of "dual" reigns are a thing of the past...Champions became far too selfish for their own good and tried to do everything...and it hurt the company...it diminished the product because one man was doing it all and leaving nothing for the rest of the roster. And they were far too self-centered to bow out gracefully and relinquish one of the belts...so while I may have allowed last night to happen...I did so because in the event you won? You would be asked to hand over The Intercontinental Championship like I'm asking you to right now.

To describe the look on Robert Roode's face right now is one that's truly hard to put into words...he's silent...he's not grinning but he's not exactly turning beet red with anger either...

[[[Robert Roode]]]
You understand what this title means to me, right?

[[Edge]]
Of course...

[[[Robert Roode]]]
So you also understand how difficult what you're asking of me is?

[[Edge]]
I could have simply posted some announcement on the website about The Intercontinental Championship being vacated, or had someone collect the title from you...but I chose to come to you, man to man...face to face...to ask you to understand that while you believe you can do it all...that if you truly care about that title...if you truly want to be one of the greatest Superstars to ever capture The World Heavyweight Championship? You have to lighten your load and focus on your future...rather than your past. I know you had big hopes and aspirations for your reign as Intercontinental Champion...and while that didn't materialize rest assured I am not going to let that title fall into undeserving hands. This title will be important, as important as you viewed it to be. But you can't be the one to do that anymore...not now that you have The World Heavyweight Championship.

The Glorious and current DOUBLE Champion looks at his World Heavyweight Title, then at his Intercontinental Championship...he stares at it with a curled upper lip, as if he's thinking about what Edge said...and about what this title has meant to him. The first title he won in XWL after defeating the winner of the Shawn Michaels Classic Samoa Joe. A title that was taken from him at The Slammy Awards two years ago when he foolishly issued an Open Challenge at the behest of The XWL Universe...or at least that's how he likes to remember it. And two years later he found his way back on that stage reclaiming what he "never lost" This title started all of this, where he is right now...and as his grip over it tightens, we see how conflicted he is. But after getting lost in thought and the beauty that is The Intercontinental Title...and his journey with it...he slowly begins to pull it away from his shoulder, and his eyes meet Edge's.

[[[Robert Roode]]]
Just so we're clear? Your "Bobby" privileges are hereby rescinded.

With that, Roode hands what was once his Intercontinental Championship into the hands of The General Manager who is very relieved that this exchange went far better than any of us could have expected given their previous explosive encounters. After surrendering it, Robert readjusts his World Title then turns away from Edge heading past a sign that has an arrow pointing and the words "to the ring" written on it. The focus shifts away from Roode's venture likely to kick tonight's show off and momentarily back to our General Manager who stares at the vacated Intercontinental Championship as he ponders to himself what, or rather who...it next will belong to.

---

PART 2 WILL BE POSTED TOMORROW PLEASE WITHHOLD ALL POSTS UNTIL THEN! Just wanted to get Part 1 up so everyone knew what was up.  

The cameras soon fade away and we're taken ringside where Octane goes "officially" live to an extravagant display of pyrotechnics as we're being broadcast from The Scotiabank Arena Toronto Ontario Canada tonight where a sold-out crowd is screaming with anticipation over the "night after Final Stand XII" and what it may have in store for us. Especially after kicking off to the news of The Intercontinental Championship being vacated after we crowned a NEW World Heavyweight Champion in Robert Roode. Many signs are held in support of the beloved Superstars of The XWL Universe...which means not a single sign is congratulating Roode on his success, in fact, several are held high with the words "Not My Champion written on them clearly being directed at Toronto's own NEW World Champion...a man that they have denounced since the moment he denounced the entirety of The XWL fans 8 months ago.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
Ladies and Gentlemen, we're just under 24 hours removed from the BIGGEST night of the year...and Beth, I have to tip my proverbial hat to your husband because what a NIGHT it was!

[[Beth Phoenix]]
Incredible returns, impactful debuts, insane performances from our deeply talented roster...my husband and I could not be any more proud.

[[Corey Graves]]
He certainly has a funny way of showing it...the show couldn't go sixty seconds without him stirring trouble up with our NEW World Heavyweight Champion...and I guess now FORMER Intercontinental Champion.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
All things considered, I'd say that interaction went about as good as something like that could. While yes Roode isn't the first "dual" Champion we've ever had...we feel like those days did far more harm than good and it's our place as the owners of this company to steer things in a far more fruitful direction. And that means we can't be having titles monopolized by the same person. As good as someone is, no one is ever "carry two divisions at the same time" good.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
With a vacant Intercontinental Championship now up for grabs, the question is who might be our next Intercontinental Champion? We've seen a lot of Superstars stepping up their game lately, and with an open spot? I'm sure they're going to waste no time in laying claim to that right starting tonight.

[[Corey Graves]]
Kind of like we've got a lot of Female Superstars storming the field coming out of last night as both The North American Championship and The Women's Championship find their conversations very open for the first time in a long time.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
Gosh, when I try to think of a time where The Women's Division has been more stacked I am hard-pressed to think of such a time. Charlotte Flair, Mia Yim, and Shayna Baszler clashed in a Triple Threat Match where Shayna picked up a big win. While Tenille Dashwood, Asuka, Toni Storm, Isla Dawn, Dakota Kai, and Tegan Nox made their returns and in some cases debuts, last night and really turned this division on its head. All while Kairi Sane outlasted everyone and became the sole North American Champion in Lethal Lottery.

[[Corey Graves]]
To say she outlasted them all is a bit of a stretch considering SHE didn't...Alexa did, only to lose to Kairi in one final match where well, she stood absolutely no chance at that point.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
That is how Gauntlets typically work, and while Kairi only beat Alexa, she ultimately beat the person that eliminated all three challengers by herself. The Pirate Princess secured her treasure as hers...and hers alone going forward. It'll be interesting to see which of the four Women in The North American Championship Number One Contenders Tournament might be the one to try and flank her ship and come for that treasure.

[[Corey Graves]]
Of course that kicks off starting tonight as Shayna Baszler faces Britt Baker D.M.D to see who moves onto High Octane to face the winner of next week's match between Io Shirai and Sarah Logan.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
As for The Women's Championship at the end of the night, The Main-Event more than lived up to the hype that has been built for the past two years when Liv Morgan's reign as Women's Champion and her time in that scene came to an end courtesy of Main-Event Banks herself THE NEW WOMEN'S CHAMPION!

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
The Boss is once again in charge of the division, and as you said...Liv Morgan is out of the conversation, per the agreement of the contract they both signed before Final Stand. Neither of them are allowed to challenge for The Women's Championship as long as the winner is Champion and it'll be interesting to see how Liv takes that loss...she may have grown up a lot in the last year...but I find it difficult to believe that she didn't throw quite the tantrum after the night came to an end, along with her reign as Champion.

[[Corey Graves]]
With a stellar presence of The Women, we also had a strong presence by The Men as well. Including an interaction between Kevin Owens and Tommaso Ciampa to kick things off with quite the verbal altercation...

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
As Ciampa himself said...Daddy's home...and he's here to take Kevin Owens to the woodshed!

[[Beth Phoenix]]
Of course AJ Styles and his good brothers came back and as they announced it was XWL's "Final Stand" before they takeover...one of the many and I do mean MANY shockers of the night saw The BEAST Brock Lesnar show up and reignite their infamous rivalry. Proving that time does not heal all wounds as previously suggested.

[[Corey Graves]]
Speaking of rivalries, we'd be remiss if we didn't talk about that sleeper hit that slapped every viewer across their face when PAC and Hangman Page whipped each other's asses in ways I still can't quite get over.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
These two have been on a collision course, and that led to their match which not only didn't disappoint but far exceeded all expectations as these two utilized their spot on the card to ignite both of their careers more than ever before. They may have an explosive and heated as well as deeply rooted personal rivalry...but dammit if they don't have amazing chemistry when they meet face to face in that ring.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
Not the ending we wanted...but it all but guaranteed this one is FAR from it's end.



GLORIOUS!

All the electricity is zapped out of the building as this once excited and eager crowd are brought to the unfortunate realization that Toronto's own...whether they choose to claim him or not...is kicking things off tonight and we can only imagine the horrors our ears are about to be subjected to when Robert Roode steps into that ring tonight for his GLORIOUS parade as The NEW World Heavyweight Champion.

[[Corey Graves]]
Speaking of things ending...here comes the man that ENDED Keith Lee's World Heavyweight Championship reign and gave himself quite the Birthday present!

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
It was a Happy Birthday indeed for Robert Roode, seizing his moment when the time arrived and regardless of what you may think of him...you have to give the devil his due.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
Absolutely, when The Fiend decided not to "play" with Keith Lee...it was an utter disaster. That is the worst possible thing to happen on the worst possible night. But Keith Lee came to defend his title last night...and if The Fiend wasn't going to "play" with him...then he would find someone who would. Roode volunteering himself after voluntarily sitting out of last night's festivities, seeking his long awaited vengeance over the man that blemished his near spotless record the past 8 months.

Robert Roode stood in the bright lights of Final Stand XII when all was said and done as The NEW World Champion...and as the cameras cut to the stage that is where he stands tonight with his newly won prize proudly strapped around his waist as we are forced to "bask" in the glory he took from Keith Lee.



Keith Lee took his undefeated status from him, but while it look some time...as revenge typically does...given it is best served cold...Robert Roode brought an end to the success his original loss led to and took The Limitless One's right to call himself World Heavyweight Champion away from him. He may have been the only Superstar to pin Robert Roode since making his return back in September...but last night he officially joined the list of men that Roode has defeated since.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
This is certainly not the sight any of us expected to see heading into Final Stand...but it's a testament to the mantra that anything truly CAN happen on the grandest stage of them all, huh Beth?

[[Beth Phoenix]]
This business can completely change on the drop of a dime, and when things don't go according to plan...a beautiful disaster takes place that completely shifts the course of the entire business.

[[Corey Graves]]
I don't know about a disaster...but I do know what happened was very beautiful. Robert Roode has been in this business for a long time, and to use the words from the man himself...he once was a novelty act...but now he is THE act!

The spotlight fades as the lights return to normally with a blue hue and background featuring Roode's name as he throws both arms into the air soaking this moment in for everything it is worth.



His eyes much like everyone else's whether they want to or not are drawn to The World Heavyweight Championship proudly worn around his waist. He may have been "asked" to surrender The Intercontinental Championship just moments ago but he isn't letting that unfortunate loss of the that title dampen his spirits because as painful as that may have been for him he is here tonight to celebrate his successful night after competing for the first time at Final Stand despite being in and out of the company for the past 12 years. His moment never came but damn if it didn't finally come, and boy did it make up for lost time.  

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
It doesn't get much grander than what happened to Robert Roode...not only was it his Birthday, but he got himself a present in a rematch with Keith Lee...and as if that present wasn't enough he spoiled himself and captured The World Heavyweight Championship.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
In his hometown of Toronto Canada on top of all of that.

[[Corey Graves]]
As the then Intercontinental Champion, becoming only the third man in XWL history to accomplish such a feat.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
It has never paid to be "Roode" as much as it does right now in this moment as we kick off the night after Final Stand.

Our belated Birthday boy is all smiles as he looks up from the wondrous view of his title, to the venomous disdain of our audience tonight that are not sending him good wishes and cheer...but rather bad wishes and jeers.



They haven't forgotten how he's treated them, in fact he makes it a point to remind them every opportunity he gets...so while he may be Toronto's own...he is public enemy number one. And one thing everyone knows is that you're never happy for your enemies' success. He's not getting a hero's welcome, in fact he's very unwelcome by this crowd judging by their tone but that doesn't seem to be spoiling his spirits. As evident by his "GLORIOUS" strut down the ramp.



He's in far too good of a mood, and with good reason for that to dim his smile or lessen the strut in each step. However while he's not concerned with the fans booing...or most of their signs damning him...one fan from a younger member of The XWL Universe does seem to catch his attention, and his gallivanting comes to a momentary end.



[[Corey Graves]]
Where is that boy's father? Of all the mean things to say, to throw out the accusation that our wealthy and distinguished World Heavyweight Champion buys his suits off of....A RACK? He needs to be grounded until he graduates High School...and even then that might be too tame of a punishment for such behavior.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
I believe that's his father right beside him, Corey...

[[Corey Graves]]
Someone needs to ground the father too then for passing off his horrible behavior off onto his son that CLEARLY doesn't know any better.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
It's a harmless sign, Corey...it is nowhere near as serious as you're making it.

The boy proudly holds his sign right in Roode's face as his proud papa points to the sign knowing it's gotten Robert's attention...because not only does it make such a ridiculous statement about him but it also uses the name "Bobby" which we know by now is strictly reserved for only his friends...which none of these fans are.



Rather than feed into this boy and his father's egos by acting upset...he takes this opportunity to hold both ends of his jacket open bringing the attention to his newly won World Heavyweight Championship as he says "How do you like my new title? It's hot off the rack!" With a satisfied smirk he turns away from the two who start shouting back at him but his focus isn't on the fans or getting into little spats with them. So he makes his way over to the steel steps, his hand grabbing onto the post for support as he ascends the steps and soon resumes his strutting as he prances along the edge of the ring. Milking his arrival to the ring for all it is worth as he turns toward the crowd inviting them to boo as loudly as they like...because it isn't going to change what they see before them.



He became World Heavyweight Champion in spite of them, he didn't need their support, he didn't need their approval...he just needed himself, and to be at that door when opportunity was ready for him to come knocking it down. Roode places both of his hands on the side of his World Title raising it slightly away from his waist to ensure everyone gets a nice long look at it before turning to the ropes and entering the ring.



Spinning around, jumping from one side of the ring to another, bouncing off of the ropes with an energetic entry into the ring Robert Roode moves to the tune of his "Glorious" anthem before raising both arms up descending the arena into darkness as the only remaining light shines brightly upon him. We no longer see the pointed down thumbs, or the signs besmirching his name, all we see is Robert Roode...forcing us to bask in his glory just as he himself is doing right now.



Laughing at the boos that still continue to pour in, again drawing all attention to the wonderous thing that is The World Heavyweight Championship as it warmly embraces it's new home, his waist. And judging by Robert Roode's previous antics when it involved The Intercontinental Championship? This is going to be a reign that most certainly will not have a dull moment...even if sometimes we might wish they would because he certainly loves going over the top with everything that he does....and if you needed a reminder of that just look at his entrance. He could be on the mic right now, but he's still flamboyantly parading around the ring.



But at last, after twirling around, and showing off his hot new prized possession...he settles down, at least as much as a man like him can...and simply grabs both ends of his suit jacket pulling it back allowing the camera to get a very clear picture of The World Heavyweight Championship around the waist of it's new owner.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
While the bravado of our New World Heavyweight Champion might anger some of you...it's really difficult to say he hasn't earned this moment no matter how obnoxious it may be.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
As we said, he finally beat the only Superstar that's beaten him in 8 months...we may sound like broken records at this point but that is a major deal...and bad attitude aside, he deserves to relish his moment like anyone else would.

[[Corey Graves]]
You know it's funny looking back, I think it was the first week in September when he came back as a new man and as The Enterprise's latest investment? He opened the show and I foolishly questioned why someone like him was opening things up...you know because at the time he wasn't viewed as anything special...but by the end of his speech after that switch got flipped and he denounced the fans? He made a believer out of me and I retracted my earlier statement. Since then he's truly become a new man, and that man now stands at the top of the mountain in XWL!

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
And much like he opened the broadcast then, he does tonight as well...and one can only begin to wonder just what he has to say after everything that's happened along the way, and...especially everything that happened last night.

After what felt like forever...truly...the lights return to their normal settings and the camera relaxes on it's view of Roode's waist as it pans out and The New World Heavyweight Champion retrieves a microphone ready to make his first official address as our World Champion.



[[[Robert Roode]]]
You know, I'm not the kind of guy to walk around and say I told you so...

He's barely one sentence in, and already the boos reach a much higher pitch as he pauses, almost as if he takes some satisfaction in riling them up to greatly. Their boos continue on for a little longer he starts to crack up, bursting into laughter as he looks up and shakes his head.



[[[Robert Roode]]]
Wait a minute, I TOTALLY am that guy!

His laughter goes from obnoxious to almost dry as he slaps his knee, tickled by his own humor...while this audience is anything but tickled...in fact if you remove that "L" we'd be left with ticked...and we'd say they're pretty ticked off.

[[[Robert Roode]]]
I know, I know...the nerve of this guy, right? So bear with me, let me get it out of my system and we can move on....maybe...

He widens his stance, pulling open one side of his coat to once again, for the umpteenth time tonight and the show JUST started to show off his World Heavyweight Championship as he proudly shouts those very words.



[[[Robert Roode]]]
I TOLD YOU SO!

But as he utters those words, he brings his index finger up to his chin and shakes his head.

[[[Robert Roode]]]
No no no...I can do better than that, let's run that back.

Oh for the love of god...we at home, and these fans here tonight all share a collective groan as Robert Roode yet again widens his stance, and opens his mouth wide to project those very words...again...



[[[Robert Roode]]]
Ahem, mic check...check one, check two...are we good? Hot cross buns...one a penny, two a penny...hot cross buns...okay, I'm ready.

To even describe the level of "boo" right now just isn't quite possible because there are just no words to paint this picture other than the words we ourselves might formulate in our mind as we watch it happen.

[[[Robert Roode]]]
I....TOLD YOU SO!!!

This time there's a much more prideful glow across his face as he nods to himself, satisfied with how he projected his voice and really allowed the level of "I WAS RIGHT AND YOU WERE WRONG" to carry to the upper seats of The Scotiabank Arena.  



[[[Robert Roode]]]
Ladies and Gentlemen, in the immortal words of that big fat loser I left on his back right here in the middle of this ring last night...OH WON'T YOU BASK....IN MY GLORY!

Clearly this victory over the only man on this roster to pin him in quite some time hasn't humbled him in any way...if anything...dare we say it may have even somehow caused his ego to grow three times it's size.

[[[Robert Roode]]]
For I am your NEW World Heavyweight Champion...and I gotta say, I think it looks pretty freaking sweet around my waist, right?

As he foolishly throws that "question" to the jury that is this audience, it is met by truly deafening boos.



[[[Robert Roode]]]
Well who asked you anyway! No matter how much you try to make this about you? The bottom line is this, I stand where I stand tonight not because of you...but in SPITE of you! This little tale that you tell your favorite Superstars? Complete horse shit! You have no power over what happens in this company, in our careers...you are merely here to spend your money living vicariously through us because you aren't good enough to find success or meaning in your own miserable lives! And you can boo, but your boos do not prove me wrong...in fact if anything it tells me that I'm right. That kicking you guys to the curb was the single greatest decision of my entire career...and my only regret? Is not doing it sooner!



[[[Robert Roode]]]
I mean, just look at me? In 8 months I have beaten EVERYONE...even the man that once had my number? Paid dearly for it when I attained the sweetest and most satisfying revenge known to man...I didn't just finally pin Keith Lee...I stole his very essence, his very existence, his purpose....HIS, but now MY World Heavyweight Championship! It's a harrowing tale of a man that was tired of being mistreated, disrespected, and disregarded...so he changed everything...and in turn...won...EVERYTHING! A man that had never been granted passageway onto Final Stand in TWELVE YEARS...didn't take some handout to finally give his career "meaning" he simply did as he always had been forced to do up until that point...and he sat back, and watched...he saw everyone do what they were deemed better than him to do. He saw their success...and he saw their failure. Last night I threw my gear on as I do every night...because in this business? You never know what the night has in store for you. I've learned to be ready for anything, and so after throwing on my newest gear I got all gussied up in a suit...headed to the arena and took my seat like all of you. I sipped my beer, and I chomped down on buckets of popcorn because for goodness sake it was my Birthday so don't you dare try to shame me for enjoying myself...at least I didn't have a Birthday cake set aside for every hour of the entire day like this loser in the front!

Roode points to a larger man in the front row who is not at all happy about The World Heavyweight Champion mocking him, but his family tries to keep him calm and not let him get into trouble. Our "Glorious" Champion then laughs before continuing on.



[[[Robert Roode]]]
Whoa there buddy, we don't want that blood pressure getting any higher...anyways...as I was saying before our cake loving friend over here distracted me...I didn't plan to challenge Keith like people have been speculating...if anything I expected Edge to come out and force me to defend my title against some nobody that wasn't worth my time...but when the only guy that's beaten you in the last year suddenly finds himself without an opponent on the "BIGGEST SHOW OF THE YEAR?" You bet your ass I'm going to march into that ring and press my luck one last time.



[[[Robert Roode]]]
I knew what I was capable of, who I could beat, and what my limits were...and unlike Keith Lee? This wasn't some catchy phrase to me...no, my limits? Weren't going to hold me back, I would be LIMITLESS...because I didn't bust my ass for 20 years in this business....to be second to ANYONE ELSE...ANYMORE! I could beat him, just like I could beat every other loser that stood before me in the past year. Maybe I didn't do it the first time, maybe I came up just short the second....but THIS...this was it. It would not be my 'Final Stand" it would be his! So I risked it all, I risked embarrassment in my first match ever on that stage. I risked The Intercontinental Championship I had gone to hell and back to proudly call my own. I risked having the entire world mock me until the end of my career for losing on my Birthday...all in the name of proving what I knew to be true. I could, and WOULD defeat him!

His hand reaches around his back as he undoes The World Heavyweight Championship from around his waist and he raises it proudly into the air.



[[[Robert Roode]]]
The rest? Like his reign as World Heavyweight Champion? Is history! For low and behold, like every other challenge that has come my way...I am left standing VICTORIOUS...AND OH....OOOOOHHH SO GLORIOUS!

Toronto's own stands as he said victorious..."basking in his glory" but because he's such an insufferable prick this is just a moment of utter aggravation because seeing him out here gloating and talking himself up is literally like nails on a chalk board for them. And even if what he did was impressive, and shocking, and truly shook the foundation of XWL because of how it came out of nowhere? We don't care...because we know we're never going to hear the end about it.

[[[Robert Roode]]]
But I gotta admit, as great as this feels...as much as I'm loving this celebration of...well, ME! Something's missing...and it's actually quite sad really. You see, one of the greatest things about beating someone like Keith Lee? Is getting to rub it in their stupid face the next time you see them! But, apparently...KEITH LEE ISN'T HERE TONIGHT!



[[[Robert Roode]]]
I know, I'm pretty bummed about it too. Here I was, with my gear underneath my suit ready to defend this...RIGHT HERE...RIGHT NOW...like the valiant and brave FIGHTING CHAMPION...that I am...and he just...doesn't show up? WHO DOES THAT?! Like really, who does this guy think he is? And this isn't even about me either...think about this, as much as you want someone to march into this ring right now and punch me in the face because my success upsets you? HE'S DEPRIVING YOU OF THAT!

Boos follow, and while we're not entirely certain if it's because of Roode, or the news of Lee not being here, or the news of no one punching him in the face but they're still just as loud as they have been.



[[[Robert Roode]]]
I know, BOO is right! BOO KEITH LEE! BOO! I don't know about you? But I prefer my Champions to pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and have the decency to show their face after a defeat because that is what I would, and HAVE done. When Keith Lee beat me I didn't sulk and cry about it...I did something about it! I told myself it would never happen again, and when it did? Well then I REALLY meant it that time and PROVED IT ON THE GRANDEST STAGE OF THEM ALL! Keith, honestly I'm disappointed. Here I was expecting some Oscar worthy comeback speech, and you just...you give me nothing? I guess The "Limitless" One finally reached his limits, huh? You can be all about that when you're winning...and you're basking in your success...but when you're brought down to rock-bottom, courtesy of your own personal ROODE awakening? You're not man enough to stand face to face with your failure...are you? What was it you said last night? I'd be another man that stepped up to the sole player on top and got dropped? Funny how that works out, huh? Funny how a man so sure of himself just 24 hours ago...now finds himself questioning EVERYTHING!



[[[Robert Roode]]]
Well, you go on ahead and sit at home desperately searching for those answers and when you're done crying about it and you muster up enough courage to drag your sorry ass back onto this show? You know where to find me...trust me it won't be hard. I'll just be here, BASKING IN YOUR FORMER GLORY!

With that, he starts to laugh...and when I say laugh I mean he damn near starts cackling like a hyena as he thrusts The World Heavyweight Championship into the air.



Robert Roode is not a humble man, and he's taken the news of Keith Lee not being here tonight...which likely are due to a potential injury he may have suffered in their very brutal match...as a sign that he's too heartbroken over his loss and he's just at home crying about it. If we needed another reason to not like our NEW World Champion Robert Roode? That's a pretty good one right there. It's one thing to be happy about your success...but like with everything else he does? He's taken that too far and his maniacal laughter only riles up this crowd even more as we just wait for him to finally get off of television screens.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
Well there you have it, our New World Heavyweight Champion basking in what is now HIS glory.

[[Corey Graves]]
I can't believe Keith Lee's just going to sit at home crying about his loss like that.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
Okay can we seriously not act like that's the case? Keith Lee and Robert Roode beat the hell out of each other last night and I think i'ts far more likely the reason he isn't here is to recover from that very tough match with as we saw a very game Robert Roode. And when he does he'll most certainly come looking for his "former glory" as Robert put it.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
They've had explosive meetings in that ring before, both verbal and physical as witnessed at Final Stand...but I have a feeling the best is yet to come from this rivalry that is 5 months in the making.

Unfortunately for us, Roode's laughter hasn't ended, and now a large and bright light has shined down upon him as he tosses his mic to the mat thankfully sparing us another word from him...and raises The World Heavyweight Championship into the air with both hands as Canada continues to admonish one of their own with nothing but boos on top of more boos.



But he's far too busy basking in Keith Lee's former glory for that to spoil this moment for him. Keith Lee isn't here tonight, so you best believe Robert Roode is making the most of this moment to rub his victory in the faces of every single person he can since he can't physically rub it into the face of the man he no doubt planned to tonight. But as he continues to laugh and applaud himself, we know that WHEN Keith Lee shows up? This will be no laughing matter for The Limitless One. He was taken to his limits by Robert Roode...his prized possession ripped from out of his grasp, and he's not going to let that be the end of him. If Roode can bounce back from his failures? Then we know Keith Lee certainly can as well and while he didn't punch Roode in the face tonight...it's coming...and for all of us that absolutely cannot stand Robert Roode? We're anxiously awaiting that night to come. Octane fades away from our NEW World Champion and to our first commercial break of the evening promoting our new Pay-Per-View event of the year...which, unfortunately features Robert Roode...we just can't seem to get away from this guy can we?

Michael Cole
"Welcome To The First Octane After Final Stand. An Eventful Night, None the less. What does tonight have in store?"

Corey Graves
"Titles changed hands, People no Showing, Legends falling at the hands of newcomers."



Roman walks to the edge of the stage. Looking up at the banner that says XWL pointing to it and pounding his fist to his chest like a gorilla showing his aggression. He walks back center stage and smirks as the fans roar in approval. The approval of the fans gives Roman this look on his face like a man determined. As he does the signature crouch and fist pound he begins his decent down the ramp with an "oooooohhhhhhh-wwwaaaaaaaaa!"








Roman motions for a microphone.



ROMAN REIGNS
"Well,Well,Well would you look at that! The XWL Universe happy to see The Big Dog! Well let me start by saying this. Damn it feels good to be home! Just a month ago I was sitting at home watching all the wrestling tv broadcasts thinking to myself how I would love to be back in the squared circle. As I was sitting there my phone rang. Low and behold it was the XWL brass with an offer for me to join the greatest company in professional wrestling with the greatest fans in the world!"

The Crowd erupts into a frenzy and Roman smirks at the giant pop he has just recieved.

ROMAN REIGNS
"So what does The Big Dog do? He grabs his gear. Kisses his wife and his kids and hops on the first thing smoking to L.A. to give the people what they want! And that is The Big Dog to come back and Run the yard! First they put me up against thier former champion Keith Lee. I pushed him to his limits and gave him a run for his money like nobody had before. Then I announced my unfinished business. And that led me to Final Stand with that bitch Bill Goldberg! And what did I do? I beat the quote unquote Legend! And he has the nerve to tell me I'm still next? Well guess what Billy! I'm ready whenever you are! But I'm sure the people don't want to see me whoop your old decrepit ass every week! You belong in the nursing home old man! And when I'm finished with you that's exactly where you will be. Eating banana baby food through a straw like the overgrown ape you are! Well Goldie its time for me to euthanize the ape! Goldberg you couldn't get the job done at Final Stand. What makes you think you can do it on any other platform? I'm the baddest mother fucker to step into this ring. I'll be damned if a washed up has been like yourself will beat me! How in your early onset dementia having mind, do you even think its possible for you to contend with a superstar of my caliber? But I wont waste any more of these paying fans time because I'm sure that they dont want to hear me talk about your old ass anymore! I'll just say this. You name the time and the place and I will be there to put your old ass out to pasture!"



Roman Drops the Mic. And walks cockily to the back. The fans are awestruck. The level of tension and disrespect between these two has escalated to a point to where everyone is anticipating whats next.

Michael Cole
" Bold Statements from The Big Dog,Corey!"

Corey Graves
"He talks the talk, He walks the walk, & Doesn't take any crap off nobody!"

The cameras fade into the next segment.

[Normal Match]




https://www.twitch.tv/videos/620158222?sr=a&t=9s




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Anderson stands tall over the fallen Nakamura. He won his first match here in XWL, or any company for that matter, in nearly a year. He holds his arms up into the air, obviously happy with himself here tonight and wanting to soak in every bit of this triumphant return. He looks down at the fallen Nakamura, with an expression of pity. he kneels down, grabbing Nakamura by the arm and pulling him up to his feet. Nakamura can barely stand, & Anderson being the profesional that he is realizes this and leans him against the ropes so that he may regain his composure and the strength in his legs so that he may stand on his own. A few moments pass before Nakamura seems well enough to stand alone. Anderson pats him on the back before grabbing him by the rist, walking to the center of the ring,and raising Nakamura's arm into the air along with his own showing he respects the hell out of his former Japanese "brother" from NJPW. The fans cheer as they are happy to see this unexpected showing of sportsmanship from OC member Karl Anderson, however it isn't long before this showing is out shined by reality because KARL ANDERSON DROPS TO A KNEE, AND SWINGS HIS ARM FORWARD RIGHT IN BETWEEN THE LEGS OF NAKAMURA!?


The crowd goes dead silent as Nakamura's eyes nearly pop out of his head. he falls to his knees, face turning purple, before he leans over and falls to the mat. I wish i could say no one saw this coming but, this is the OC we are talking about. Anderson smiles as he looks down at his "work", obviously happy with what he has done here. however he doesn't seem to be done. he begins kicking the fallen man at his feet. 1 kick, 2 kicks, 3 kicks, 4 kicks,  5 kicks,  6 kicks,  7 kicks,  8 kicks,  9 kicks, again and again almost with a want to kill the man he is brutally assaulting. as he continues his attack, another figure runs down the ramp and slides into the ring. Anderson turns ready for a fight however, his expression quickly changes as it is none other than his Good Brother Luke Gallows! Gallows didn't come empty handed either. Oh no. he has come to cause harm. REAL harm. for in his hands are two black, cylinder, 42" long baseball bats. The Good Brother look at one another as Gallows raises one up towards Anderson. Anderson glances at the proposition almost hesitating, not sure if this is really what he wanted. if he really wanted this on his conscious. However that quickly fades as a smile appears upon his face as he takes the bat into his own possession.


Anderson & Gallows now begin to circle their prey like hungry sharks, swimming in a pool of blood. As the two men circle, Gallows kicks thing off by swinging back and planting the bat right onto Nakamura's hand. He writhes and screams out in pain. Anderson next up goes for the knee, as the screams get louder and louder. The two men continue on, piece by piece swinging and connecting to each and every part of Nakamura's body. After a few minutes pass by all hope is lost that someone may come and save Nakamura from the OC. Parents are taking their children away from this sight. Bones have to be broken. Organs punctured. By now the screams have ended. Nakamura is now in shock from all the pain he has received. Anderson now ready to "end" this pats Gallows on the chest as they both begin to pick the lifeless body of Nakamura to his knees. The good brothers finally able to set up Nakamura where he will stay in the "knelt" position, stand on either side of him. They raise their bats into the air, Touch their hands together as they both form "too sweet's", and pose to the camera as if this is some "trophy" they just took down on a hunting trip. Suddenly however everyone's worst nightmares come true as both men swing the "Too Sweet's" to the ground, rear back the bat's, and with every ounce of muscle they posses they swing connecting to either side of Nakamura's skull. Blood begins to pour from his nose. His eyes roll back in his head. He fall to the ground and begins to have some sort of seizure like symptoms of some sort. Gallows & Anderson smile their sadistic smiles and toss the bats on top of the fallen Nakamura as the XWL medical team FINALLY rush down to the ring. The Good Brothers slide out of the ring, watching as the doctors try to find a sign that Nakamura will live, let alone be okay. The last image we see before Octane goes to commercial break is Gallows & Anderson at the top of the ramp, both arms up, and Too Sweet's in the sky. The question on everyone's mind. Will Nakamura be okay?

XWL would come back from another commercial break as we would be taken backstage to find XWL legend and hall of famer, Bill Goldberg. It has been one week since the shock of the year were Roman Reigns scored a victory over Bill Goldberg. One week has passed now since there match and Roman Reigns has done nothing other than run his mouth about what he had achieved. Humble in victory he was not, he was letting success get to his head. After there match at final stand, a warning was issued to Roman Reigns - and it was a warning that seemed to be ignored.



“Roman - it seems like you have not taken anything I have said to heart. It seems that you not listened to a single word I said last week. You defeated me and I congratulated you on that victory. I am not going to take anything away from you, I am not going to rain down on your parade, I am not going to take away from what you had done, at Final Stand - you were the better man, you bested me, but Roman - what I said last week about you still being next - I was not kidding!”

Bill Goldberg would be standing there backstage. He was not dressed to compete tonight, but deep down he wished he was, Roman Reigns has been running all around XWL and been running his mouth and Bill Goldberg was not the type of man to sit there at the side and let someone talk trash about him. Bill Goldberg would narrow his eyes, his hands were resting on the side of his hips as he would slowly shake his head side to side, Roman Reigns was getting under his skin with each passing day and Bill Goldberg was not going to be waiting for weeks to get his hands on him.

“Kid - I have seen this before. I have seen this - start, middle and the end and let me tell you - it does not end the way you think it would. There is no good ending here for you. I have been doing this for decades for a reason Roman - I am good at what I do. I am damn good at what I do. Decades from now, people will remember the name Bill Goldberg, they will still be talking about Bill Goldberg, but Roman - no one is going to remember you. You have been forced down the throats of the fans for years. You are just another little Bill Goldberg clone. Another little handpicked bitch who went on a streak, trying to recreate the magic that I have created back in the day in WCW and like all the others times, it fails. There is only one Bill Goldberg - and Roman it ain’t you. Try as you want to spin things, Bill Goldberg is not down, Bill Goldberg is not done, Bill Goldberg is not defeated. So that little shirt and hat you got on, throw it in the trash now, because Bill Goldberg is here to stay. XWL is were I am going to show the world just why I was a force to be feared decades ago and if I have to smash through you Roman in order to prove to the fans just how good I am - then so be it.”

Again Bill Goldberg would shake his head. If not for who Roman Reigns would related to, Bill Goldberg would not be standing here, he would be looking for the little son of a bitch to teach him a lesson in respect. There was a little pause for a moment as he rubbed his eyes, Roman has done nothing more than get under his skin, as he had said at final stand, one victory over him - means nothing. Roman Reigns is still just a kid in his eyes.

“Listen Roman. I have been beaten before. I am not going to stand here and spin the facts. Better men than you. Bigger men than you. Hall of farmers - they have stepped into the ring with me and put me down for the one, two, three, but the thing is Roman - in the end they always got what was coming to them. A spear and a jackhammer. It always ends the same way. It always ends the same no matter what they say, what they do. I always get myself back up, I always get myself back into shape - I always better myself and I come back stronger than ever. Your little shirts and hats - they will mean shit when I get my hands on you. You think this is over, you think one victory ends the run of Bill Goldberg in XWl? You don’t know shit about me and you son’t know shit about this sport. I am going to keep fighting, I am going to be the Bill Goldberg of old, I am going to be the Bill Goldberg people remember and Roman Reigns, the next time we step into the ring with one another, the end result will be very different.”

Bill Goldberg would glare down into the camera as now for the second week running he would give Roman Reigns a warning, that as long as Bill Goldberg was still standing and he could still breath - he could fight. Roman Reigns had started this fight and it was going to be Bill Goldberg who ended it.

[ Normal Match ]





Kevin Owens stands victorious as the referee raises his hand. Then all off a sudden someone jumps the guardrail and runs into the ring and attacks Owens from behind who falls to the ground.

Mauro Ranallo: Ciampa ! Ciampa ! Ciampa from behind. It was only a matter of time before he made an appearance here tonight and he’s picked his opportunity perfectly after Owens had competed.

Corey Graves: Perfect Strategy here by Ciampa. Owens is tired and worn out after that match and Ciampa has come in to pick the bones.

Ciampa begins to stomp away at Owens who is lying flat on his back in the middle off the ring. Ciampa the stops and grins into the camera. He then backs up into the turnbuckle and starts to stalk Owens.

Mauro Ranallo: This isn’t good for Owens. Ciampa is setting him up for that running knee.

Ciampa runs and hits Owens in the side of his head with some force.

Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia that nearly took Owens head off. I wouldn’t be surprised if that has give him a concussion.

Ciampa then leans over Owens and begins to speak.

Ciampa: Daddy’s home bitch and it’s only just the beginning.

Ciampa then slides out the ring and exits the ringside area as the camera cuts to another segment.  

The show rolls on and we are brought backstage to a close up shot of a piece of paper. On the piece of paper reads the words; “Match Card, Toronto”, followed by a list of tonight’s matches with pictures of each of the superstars listed..

???
Shin.. Shinsaka.. Shinsuku.. Shin.. Whatever, I’m not trying to pronounce that name.. Karl Anderson.. Whatever…

A few boos are heard from the fans who were able to recognize the voice.

???
Those are stupid looking glasses on whoever that is facing Maryse… Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins, yawn… Asuka and Toni Storm, that’s good that Edge booked a match for people who need to take a bathroom break… I can rock that hat better than Sami Zayn… Eww, Alexa… Ha that’s funny, both The Miz and Dream are wearing stupid headbands… Wait… What the… That can’t be right...

The camera pans out and we can see none other than XWL’s resident Dentist… And hear a sea of boos from the crowd… For anyone who doesn’t know who’s being referenced, it’s Britt Baker of course, oh wait, Britt Baker, DMD!!!

Britt Baker
They booked me against a man?!??!

Britt squints her eyes and uses her fingers to line up her name and picture with her opponent.

Britt Baker
Oh wait, that’s a woman.. I think… Shayna Bazler??.. Who the heck is that??!?

Britt takes out her phone and we can hear her clicking away on it.

Britt Baker
Shayna Andrea Baszler is an American professional wrestler and… what?... Former mixed martial artist??!?! She is currently signed to XWL. Bazler was trained in mixed martial arts by former UFC fighter Josh Barnett.. Is this a joke??!??... That’s the same Shayna Baszler right?.. Oh you’ve got to be kidding me, SHE WAS ON THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER!!?!??

Britt puts her phone in her pocket and begins to pace around nervously.

Britt Baker
No, no, no, no, no, no, no…. This can’t be happening!! I’m too young to die!!!! My face is too beautiful to get massacred by an MMA fighter!!! I’m going to call my lawyer.. Yeah, that’s what I’ll do… No… Wait…. I know…

Britt runs off suddenly, and we go to a quick commercial break.




Octane returns and we are brought backstage to what looks to be the locker room area. The camera pans out and we can see the reflection of Shayna Bazer as she looks in the mirror, hyping herself up for her upcoming North American Championship Contender Match. Her concentration is broken by a faint knock on the closed locker room door, followed by a short silence, then another louder knock. The door is slowly opened from the outside and none other than Britt Baker can be seen poking her head in gingerly.

Britt Baker
Uhmm.. Heyyy girllll…. How’s it going Shayna… Can I, uh… You know what I’m just gonna…

Britt steps into the room and closes the door behind her. She looks over towards Shayna nervously, who still hasn’t moved… After a few awkward moments Shayna finally turns around and faces Britt, raising her eyebrow as if asking “what do you want?”.

Britt Baker
Hey… So I don’t know if you looked at the card yet.. But it’s me and you.. And uhm.. Well I just was wondering.. How much??...How much is it going to take?

Shayna gives Britt a confused look.

Britt Baker
Well as you know I’m a successful dentist, which means I have money.. And it’s no secret that you’re not North American Champion material… I mean look at you, no offense.. I doubt that Edge wants..

Britt looks Shayna up and down.

Britt Baker
That.... Representing his women’s division.. The North American Champion should be someone that the XWL Universe can look up to, someone that they should strive to be like, someone who is a Role Model… Someone like me… Not someone like.. Well, not someone like you.. The parents that make up the XWL Universe aren’t going to buy tickets so that their daughters can look up to you, Shayna.. MMA is no place for a lady… They don’t want their kids to try to grow up to be like you, they want their kids to grow up and be like me.. Smart, powerful, successf-

Shayna stands up, causing Britt to back pedal, both literally and figuratively.

Britt Baker
Hey, hey, hey. Don’t get me wrong, you’re one of the best when it comes to MMA.. And because of that you’re one of the most capable people on the women’s division, in that ring.. I know that.. And I also know that I don’t have a chance against you in a match.. The letters “DMD” go after my name for a reason Shayna, I’m not stupid.. I’m a Dentist, you’re an MMA fighter, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who has the advantage in the ring...That’s why I’m here… I want to offer you money, cold hard cash… I’m willing to offer you a lot more than you could ever make here in XWL, and you can make it all in one night... All you have to do is throw the match....

Shayna takes a step towards Britt, causing her to back up against the door.

Britt Baker
Wait, wait, wait.. Just wait.....  And listen.. You’d be doing everyone a favor.. The fans would get a Role Model worthy of the North American Championship, I would get out of getting my ass kicked by a UFC star, and you… Well you benefit the most Shayna.. I mean think about it.. This isn’t a career for you. You’re a “flash in the pan”. They’re using your star power from the UFC to squeeze whatever money they can make from you, and then they’ll discard you just like they did Ronda Rousey…. You’re not XWL Superstar material Shayna.. And if you don’t take this deal that I’m offering you, then a few months from now you’ll be watching me make a name for myself here in XWL, from your couch, scraping the make ends meet.. And you’ll be sitting there wishing that you had taken this offer, trust me.. Just look at the number on the piece of paper… I’ve always wanted to do this.. It’s like one of the movies, I wish we were sitting down so that I could slide it across the table all slow to yo-..Okay, okay…

Britt quickly takes out a piece of paper and extends it to Shayna with a very shaky hand.
...
Shayna looks at the paper scoffs and then eerily chuckles

Shayna Baszler
" Ahhhh,Britt Brat your lack of brain power in this situation amuses me. And here I thought you had beauty and brains. But it seems you're number just isn't quite high enough. You didn't take into consideration just whats at stake here. You see just a year ago I had that very title ripped from my grasp. The humility of being on top and then becoming second best. Well that humility is exactly what drives me. What gives me the hunger,the drive,the determination to reclaim my rightful spot back on the throne. And quite frankly, I am sick and tired of spoiled, over privileged little bitches like you thinking, that just because you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and because you have a little money, that you are entitled to shit! So let this be a lesson to you."

Shayna balls up the paper,takes a bite out of it and spits it at Baker. Then Shayna punches the wall next to Baker's head leaving a hole.

Shayna Baszler
" How dare you insult me by even thinking for one second that I would accept that bullshit offer.And what ever gave you the idea that I give two shits about being a role model? I dont care what you or any of those pathetic fans think. I'm here to kick ass and chew bubblegum and I'm all out of bubblegum! But I'm glad you mentioned that you have money. I'm also glad you mentioned you're a dentist. I hope you're good at self dentistry cause you're gonna need to be after I knee your teeth down your throat in that ring tonight. It's a fight that you're scared of? Well news flash bitch! Ive never backed down from a fight! And tonight in front of all those little kids and parents that you spoke of earlier I'm going to brutally maul you! Now get the fuck out of my locker room before I start it here and now!"

Britt Baker
Are you sure you don’t want to take my offer? How else are you going to pay for that hole in the wa-

Shayna Baszler
" I SAID NOW!! "

Britt Baker
Alright, alright!!... By the way, if you’re going to chew bubblegum, make sure that it’s sugar free. Studies have shown that su-

Shayna goes to grab Britt, but The Dentist quickly slips out the door, literally running for her life. The camera cuts back to Shayna as the door closes as she looks into the camera and smirks.




Then the cameras fade into the next segment[/color]

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
Beth, as we move forward and the road to next year's Final Stand officially begins here tonight...what would you like to see next year given that we've learned anything can truly happen including crowning a World Heavyweight Champion NOT originally advertised to be competing.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
Gosh, Mauro...I think the beauty is that ANYTHING can indeed happen. You have all of these former Superstars getting that itch to return when that season arrives and you love to see it. Then in that same vain, you have these fresh faces looking to make their mark on that night because they know it can set themselves up for a very long and successful career. What I would personally love to see is The Intercontinental Championship maybe be defended in next year's Main-Event. I think it's a very prestigious yet also often overlooked title that really can have some great matches and even more compelling stories if the right talent is involved.

[[Corey Graves]]
Maybe the first step to making that a reality is to not strip your Intercontinental Champion of their title? Just a thought.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
It's obvious that Robert Roode was a very proud Intercontinental Champion but as he moves forward as our World Heavyweight Champion? His story with it is done. And there's actually a lot of talent that can do so many great things with it and I'm excited for what's to come.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
Oh? And what might that be?

[[Beth Phoenix]]
Sorry but my lips are sealed until everything's finalized but I think my personal wish for next year's Final Stand might not be so impossible if The Superstars surrounding that title moving forward really apply themselves and just show how much it means to them.

[[Corey Graves]]
A lot can happen between then and now, and I guess that's what makes tonight so pivotal for the future. It's the first building block in determining where you want to be, and where you hope to go. In fact one Superstar I'm interested in seeing more of tonight is-






























[[Mauro Ranallo]]
WHAAAAAAT?!!

The ENTIRE arena literally erupts all at once in a MASSIVE "pop" as literally Canada's HEART AND SOUL herself is HERE! The year of concern, the year of wondering if we'll ever see her again, all finally is answered in this one moment as the lights flash in hues of pink and the cameras quickly focus in on the stage where...NATALYA NEIDHART is finally in front of us again with her bright smile lighting up the darkness that has surrounded this division since she was unceremoniously ripped out of it.



[[Corey Graves]]
I don't believe my eyes...SHE'S HERE!

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
Beth you've got some explaining to do how could you keep this from us?

[[Beth Phoenix]]
I'm sorry Mauro but Natalya is my best friend and I couldn't let anything spoil this incredible moment from her. I am literally on the verge of tears seeing her on that stage again, the world has no idea what the last year has been like for her...I won't go into detail because that's her story to tell. But she thought her career had been ended...and the worst part of it all is she didn't even know who was responsible.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
13 months, it was April 1st 2019...and unfortunately it was no April Fool's joke...Natalya Neidhart the night after having her incredible historic 358 day reign as Women's Champion come to an end...she was assaulted backstage in a who dun it that has been left unanswered ever since.

[[Corey Graves]]
I'm sorry is it anyone coincidence Sasha Banks wins The Women's Championship after defeating her former friend turned enemy...and her previous former friend turned enemy now shows up?

The Queen Of Harts stands at the top of the ramp for a moment, her hand touching her chest as she's almost in awe of the reaction...just hearing the audience again after perhaps not knowing if she ever would again. And while a lot of time has passed since she last appeared, and even more things have changed...this crowd nor The XWL Universe could ever forget Natalya or her story. She broke new ground that may have taken a long time to be ready for, but as soon as her moment arrived? She made the most of every single moment...and it is quite the moment seeing her stand before us again.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
I'm sure a lot of people have a lot of questions...and believe me I do as well. As you said Mauro, it was 13 months ago that someone I look at as a sister...was left broken and destroyed by the actions of a mystery attacker...and when I tell you how hard it was that first night when she was in the hospital? She wouldn't say a single word...I would sit on the phone with dead air, trying to comfort her, trying to figure out what happened...and when Adam and I flew to her the next morning it only got worse. This is a Woman that literally is the most selfless person in this entire industry. She built up and empowered so many Women before ever truly fighting for what she wanted. And for someone to cowardly not only try and dispose of her from this place? But also do so anonymously? Truly makes my blood boil still to this day. I never thought I would see her here again...and it's very hard to not jump out of my seat right now and hug her because I know how nervous she's been to step back on this stage.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
It's very poetic that she would be taken out the night after last year's Final Stand, and now she's here the night after this year's Final Stand...ready to no doubt take back control over her career after it was taken from her by an unknown person.

The once "Unbreakable" Natalya starts to descend down the ramp, broken from her perilous journey the last year as she no doubt faced the unknown of whether or not she'd ever be here again...and we can only imagine what she went through...the things she saw, what she felt, the things she may have even said when her frustrations on the road to recovery were almost too difficult for her to deal with. But as she heads down to the ring, you don't see a jaded Woman that is angry at the world...you see someone that is relieved to be here tonight...to not have had her career ended without her say so. She looks very appreciative, and that just defines Natalya through and through.



Fans hold their hands out as she takes a moment to return the love, some crying themselves as they reach to touch her, to hug her, she was this beacon of hope that never truly had a platform in XWL until someone like her took the reins. The Women's Division while not entirely in the image she wanted it to be, had grown to be more respect driven...sure the pettiness and drama will never be eradicated...especially considering such behavior is likely within the culprit who took her out last year. But all she wanted to do was prove there was another way...and she did.

[[Corey Graves]]
As much as I was one of the loudest voices against her, she made a believer out of me...and I think that showed a lot of who she was, and hopefully can still be as she returns here tonight.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
It was a 2,945 day journey riddled with heartache and failure to the point that she never thought she'd be where she later would. But everything finally clicked and she became everything I always knew she could be. The Longest Reigning Women's Champion in XWL History...she literally was unbeatable on Pay-Per-View for BEYOND a year. Which is what made what happened so incredibly frustrating for all of us close to her if I can be honest.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
It may not have been 2,945 days but it sure must have felt like it.

As Natalya reaches the ring, she stares at it with the makings of a tear in the corner of her eye which she quickly wipes away. Taking in a deep breath before exhaling slowly while she climbs up onto the apron and steps inside. While we don't yet know her state of mind, just seeing her tear up at seeing the ring she once was tearing the house down in with the best of The Women's Division? Certainly tells us it has been a challenging time in her life, not just her career. Because for Natalya? This has always been her life, we remember how she would help the rookies down at The Performance Center on her days off because she loves giving back and lives and breathes this business. So to have been away from it for so long was no doubt a tremendous pain she had to endure along with the injuries she was recovering from.

She walks over to the ropes before being handed a mic, and she just takes a couple of steps back, looking around the ring, the arena that hasn't stopped buzzing...and there's just this pure elation and happiness on her face as she stands there soaking it all in.



While these may be her people so it no doubt makes this moment even better, she knows she's had an entire Universe missing her all this time, sending her well wishes as they wondered if they'd ever see her again. And as her theme dies down and she starts to raise her mic to break the silence that she has kept since all of this went down...she's yet again floored by the out-pour of love from this crowd as the largest "WELCOME BACK!" chant caps off this heartwarming moment for her.



The tears she's been fighting back since stepping in the ring just start creeping out of the corners of her eyes...trying to keep it together to control her emotions...but it's a lot easier said than done. We're sure as she prepared to come out here she told herself to not cry, but what does anyone do when they tell themselves not to cry? They cry! Especially after being away for so long, and especially given the circumstances which caused her to go away.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
Welcome back, indeed...I just can't help but fight back tears of my own as Natalya Neidhart once again stands in an XWL ring.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
It is the most beautiful sight one could ever hope for...I love Natalya with all of my heart she is my family...and I cannot tell you what this means for me especially to see her again out here in front of The XWL Universe.

[[Corey Graves]]
I'm not crying...I just have something in my eye.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
Oh Corey, you're not as heartless as everyone thinks...even you can't help but get lost in the emotion of this moment.

[[Corey Graves]]
Look I had an onion sandwich before the break, that's all this is.

While Natalya could allow herself to let this chant go on forever...because it certainly is making this night mean all the more to her...she pulls herself together and raises her mic up.



[[[Natalya]]]
Believe me, it feels GOOD to be back...but as much as I'd love to spend my time expressing how much your support has meant to me, and what it means to me now standing in this ring again 13 months later...I have a lot to get off my chest as I'm sure you can imagine, so pardon my manners but I'm just going to focus on why I'm here tonight.

You see the internal strain within herself in this moment, she's very overwhelmed by their chants, and it no doubt is everything she needs after being on the shelf for over a year...but there's a reason she was gone, and that reason is why she can't just happily stroll in here and express that gratitude because the bottom line is there's business afoot, and far more pressing matters to focus on presumably finding out who tried to end her career.



[[[Natalya]]]
I pour my heart out into everything that I do...and sometimes that is to a fault. I care too much, I love too hard, but that is who I am...that is who I choose to be every single day because this business is toxic...it destroys the very foundation of your character within the blink of an eye. Friendships are easily torn apart in the name of momentary success...titles are propped above decency and respect. And as hard as you fight sometimes, there is always someone lurking in the shadows plotting your demise because you have the spot they want. For 358 days I lived my dream as Women's Champion...DOMINANCE that had been 2,945 days in the making. Days where I lost hope more times that I ever want to remember...the pain, the tears, the unknown that was my career and if I'd ever amount to anything more than a failure that dreamed too big, and supported a division's growth over my own.



[[[Natalya]]]
But each and every one of those days was worth it when I defeated Ruby Riott and became Women's Champion...the journey may not have been over at that point, but it was a start...a start that could have quickly faded when my first defense came inside The Elimination Chamber. No Champion at that point had survived it's challenges, but did I let that stop me? Did I let that "impossibility" dim that fire within me? No! I proved that ANYTHING was possible, and I did The "IMPOSSIBLE!" I not only survived, I thrived under that pressure and eliminated most of that match by myself because my reign now that it finally had come? Would not be a "fluke" I refused to give anyone any reason to discredit my hard work, and so I worked harder than I had ever before. No days off, no nights to myself...I threw myself into my reign, and I made history every step of the way. Including, being in the first Women's Main-Event at Final Stand!



[[[Natalya]]]
A moment that while incredible, breathtaking, and everything I could have ever wanted...was quickly overshadowed weeks later as while I didn't lose my Women's Championship...I did lose something far more important to me, my father.

She pauses, taking a deep breath in before exhaling as she proceeds onward.

[[[Natalya]]]
A Neidhart is STRONG, a Neidhart is CONSISTENT, a Neidhart DOESN'T GIVE UP! That was what my father instilled in me, so even in a moment of brokenness...I had to somehow put myself together and be the woman he raised me to be. I had a job to do, a division to head...and eventually it got easier to use this as my escape. To be The Queen Of Harts...to empower this division and in turn empower myself because I didn't let my pain get in the way of all the incredible things that were happening. Through triumph and tragedy, I remained consistent...I remained strong, and I didn't give up for even a single moment because that was never an option. Even when the days were hard, I pushed through...I fought just as hard, and I spoke just as loudly.



[[[Natalya]]]
Through the emotional pain, and the physical pain of mounting injuries, I never slowed down a single day of my reign...I knew what I had signed up for and I embraced all the good and the bad that came with it. Because in this business? You're never promised tomorrow. So when it all came to an end ironically at "Final Stand?" I worried that maybe, maybe that had been my "final stand." Nothing lasts forever, right? But all hope was not lost, like every Champion before me I was entitled to a rematch, to one last moment to bring it back together...I was in control of my destiny, or at least....that's what I thought.

The Anvilette stands still for a moment, now recalling the last time she was on XWL programming before now being here tonight.

[[[Natalya]]]
Turns out that wasn't the case at all...I had never been more powerless, and I didn't realize it until I found myself waking up in a hospital bed, blinded by the bright lights, with a dozen people in my face asking me what happened all the while I'm struggling at that point wondering why I couldn't even lift my own head.



[[[Natalya]]]
The last 415 days have been moments that challenged me more than my grandfather's Dungeon ever did...because for the first time in my career? This wasn't my everyday life anymore. I was laid up in bed with a broken neck, and a broken heart. My future in this business was questionable at best, and over...at the worst. The answers I sought were nowhere to be found. Who did this to me? Better yet, WHY would someone do it? It's not like they were out the next week boasting about it trying to make their name off of the one I had built...it's as if, this wasn't career motivated at all...as if, they just felt like removing me from this division and moving on with their lives. Like I wasn't important enough to know their motives, like the pain I went through each and every day was nothing to them. I reached out to everyone, asking if they saw anything, if they heard anything...but my attacker had gotten away with it. There were no leads, and there was no footage.

You can see the frustration written all over her face as she recalls the past year where she had nothing but questions and no answers to them.

[[[Natalya]]]
Eventually I moved on, I worked on rehabbing, I worked on finding myself again after losing my entire purpose...and thanks to some brilliant doctors, and a lot of dedication on my part? My career was NOT over...I wouldn't have to show up here tonight to deliver bad news...well, I would...but not the kind I dreaded having to announce when I first landed on the shelf. My bad news would be to the person responsible for ALL of this! Because whatever they got out of attacking me? Whatever reasons they had? They failed to accomplish their mission!



[[[Natalya]]]
So to borrow a phrase from my dear old friend...WHOEVER attacked me back in April of last year? I'm afraid I've got some BAD NEWS...I'm back, all my aches and pains are gone, my mind has never been more clear, and my focus? Is solely on YOU...aren't you special? Yeah I'm just gonna be frank with you, bitch....you broke my neck? I'm break your face!

The entire audience had been respectful at this point, keeping their cheers mostly subdued, but after that very candid remark? Canada comes ALIVE as Natalya herself does when she stares into the camera with nothing but certainty written all over her. She may typically be on the more reserved side? But all of that gets thrown to the wayside when someone tries to end her career and we for one approve of this "new" side of her.  



[[[Natalya]]]
Whoever you are, WHEREVER...you are? I'm going to find you...because just when I started to give up, and think that I'd never know who you were...or WHAT you did to me that night? My best friend over there tracked down some never before seen footage of that night...so why don't we take a look at that and remind the world why I'm going to whip your ass the way your mamma should have when you were little!

Not playing around, Natalya directs our focus...and perhaps her attacker whoever, and wherever they are...to the titantron where completely black and white footage starts to play with the date April 1st, 2019 on the bottom. Natalya is perfectly within frame, standing by herself in a secluded area usually setup for interviews but there was nobody in sight. Perhaps this was intentional, maybe she needed some time to herself to process losing her Women's Championship the night before, figuring out what she was going to say to Tessa Blanchard when she met her in the ring later that night. She grabs a bottle of water off the floor, removes the cap and takes a sip gotta stay hydrated moments before your career is brought to a screeching halt, right?

As she took another sip, that's when we see someone completely in all black, including a mask creeps up behind her, surveying their surroundings as Natalya completely oblivious to the fact that she's no longer alone...takes another sip of the water, and before she can screw the cap back on, the unknown person behind her suddenly grabs her by her hair and bashes Natalya's face off of the monitor in the background! But once wasn't enough, they pull back on her hair yanking her back, before ramming her face back into the monitor, and this time it halfway falls of of it's hinge, barely suspended with several cracks in the screen broken courtesy of Natalya's face.

Their grasp of her hair releases and Natalya falls to the floor landing on the shards of what once resided in that monitor, and it's almost hard to watch her, she's unable to even react because of how sudden it all kicked off. But unfortunately her? This attacker was wasting no time, they grab a steel chair from the side, and as Natalya hunched onto her hands and knees, that's when it happened...this unknown assailant slams the chair straight down...but it's not across the back as typically chairs are known to be used for...no, this person shows their intentions beyond any reasonable doubt when they slam it down onto Natalya's head! From that moment we just see Natalya fall flat, motionless...no fight to give, and while any normal human who may be ruthless...may feel as if the damage was done. This person? Wasn't done at all...no, one slam from that chair wasn't enough...so they lift it up, and slam it again, then again....and AGAIN.

No flinching, no flailing, no reaction from Natalya whatsoever...because she was out, her lights were shutoff, and a simple message was not their reasoning for attacking her...no after striking the back of her head four times...they look at the chair that's now completely mangled...and simply toss it aside and begin scouring the scene as if they're STILL not satisfied with what they've done.

They see a table that they quickly clear off, and their sights shift back to their fallen prey, Natalya Neidhart was at their mercy, and they had none to spare. They quickly jerk her up off of the floor, dead-weight, struggling to drag her body over to the table. You would think they'd realize in that moment, maybe the job was done? But despite how Natalya was literally helpless, and unconscious? They proceed with their intentions and like a sack of potatoes they drag The Queen Of Harts over to the table before they pull her up by her hair forcing her to rest on her knees, but  with the state she's in? She's not supported by anything over than this person's knees which Natalya collapses against. After getting her in position, they grab a hold of her waist, then muster up the strength to lift up into the air on their shoulders before just as quickly driving her through that table with a powerbomb that not only snapped the table in half, but likely what was left of Natalya's neck at that point.

They tower over the once "Unbreakable" but now beyond BROKEN Natalya...as if they were admiring what they just did to another human being. It's one thing to attack someone to send some type of message...but this wasn't an attack, this was an attempt on someone's career...and watching it all now for the first time...it's very clear why Natalya's been gone for 13 months...but as they stood proudly over her...you see their head turn as they hear someone...quickly then add one more insult to injury by stomping right onto Natalya's face, walking over her and running off into the darkness where one of the backstage workers immediately runs over shouting for help immediately and the footage comes to an end.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
I don't know who that was...but I hope they rot in hell because that...that was beyond disgusting.

[[Corey Graves]]
With four very precise chair shots to the back of the head, it's no wonder Natalya's been out with a broken neck...my god, what Woman in the division would...be that kind of person?

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
Your guess is as good as mine, that was hard to watch...I can only imagine how Natalya feels having to relive a moment she herself wasn't really present for.

While the audience is stunned, completely unable to believe what they just watched...Natalya stands in the ring, her fists clenched, her teeth grinding against each other, and her blood boiling.



[[[Natalya]]]
YOU MAY HAVE HIDDEN YOUR FACE LIKE THE BITCH YOU ARE, BUT I WILL FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE...AND I WILL MAKE YOU PAY FOR EVERY PAINFUL SECOND OF THAT! DO YOU HEAR ME?! I DON'T CARE IF IT TAKES ME WEEKS, MONTHS, YEARS...YOU WILL ANSWER FOR WHAT YOU DID TO ME!!



[[[Natalya]]]
YOU ALMOST ENDED MY CAREER! HELL, YOU COULD HAVE ENDED MY LIFE! AND FOR WHAT?! HUH?! WHAT DID YOU GET OUT OF IT?! WHAT DID I EVER DO TO YOU TO DESERVE THAT?!!!

She kept her cool for a majority of this, but after watching that tape...and likely not for the first time...there's pure hatred within her for whoever this is...and this is not Natalya...she isn't one to "hate" she rarely allows this business to be about something other than the core idea of wrestling. But after what we saw? After what they did to her? This is personal beyond anything she's ever encountered in this business. Because someone threw aside their last shred of humanity to do all of that...and they didn't even have the decency of owning it.



[[[Natalya]]]
I AM GOING TO FUCK YOU UP!

If a roof could blow off of a building, this would be that moment! The arena just completely explodes with cheers after Natalya's VERY uncharacteristic remark. She isn't worried about minding her manners in this moment, she is addressing whoever attacked her 415 days ago and let them know EXACTLY how she feels. There's no settling of that teakettle tonight, and for an audience that has supported and loved Natalya for so long? They are completely with her in her proclamation. They are ready to rally her to beat that masked bitch's ass...and you feel a real empowerment from Natalya as she stands there looking right into the camera, as if her glaring gaze was staring right into the eyes of that woman who donned a mask and nearly brought her career to it's end. She tosses her mic down, rips her jacket off of her tossing it to the mat as well, then lunges forward at the ropes as she fumes while looking into the camera...and this is where this night takes another unexpected turn, as the footage we just watched...almost takes us to a place of dejavu when a masked woman slides into the ring behind Natalya...and the audience struggles to quickly warn her of this horrifying repeat of the night after last year's Final Stand.

They're armed with a steel chair, and it's as if time stands still in this short collection of seconds as a mean mugging Natalya looks into the camera...and thankfully the cameraman's finger breaks immersion and extends out into frame, pointing toward Natalya who almost misses his cue but this brief warning alerts her...and she turns around...to see the assailant swinging their steel chair with so much force behind it that it could have been a very short comeback for Natalya. But she side steps evading it, causing their chair to bounce off the ropes and out of their hands. They quickly reach down to pick it up, but Natalya's boot stomps down onto their hand and she IMMEDIATELY reaches for their mask trying her damnedest to yank it off and end this mystery right here right now. The mask starts to pull up off of their neck, but before their skin is revealed they deliver a swift gut punch to Natalya and re-secure their mask. She's a lot more lively this time...and with prey that's able to defend itself? They seem to rethink their plan and they flee the ring hopping the barricade quicker than Natalya could even leave the ring to chase after them. Furiously Natalya grips the top rope shouting back at them, but they're gone just as quickly as they arrived.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
THEY WERE HERE?!

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
HOW DID THEY KNOW NATALYA WAS GOING TO BE HERE TONIGHT?!

[[Corey Graves]]
I think we're dealing with someone that's a lot more calculated than we originally thought...Beth, do you remember how you got that footage?

[[Beth Phoenix]]
Oh my god, I was sent it in an email...

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
You don't think...did...I'm struggling to even process all of this right now...but, you don't think Natalya's mystery attacker sent it to lure her back, do you?

[[Beth Phoenix]]
I don't think I'd be surprised by anything at this point...who is this? And why are they going through all this trouble?

[[Corey Graves]]
Everyone has their reasons, and I think it's clear whoever is behind that mask? Has it out for Natalya...and just as long as she's been waiting to come back? They've been waiting right along with her to finish what they started.

Natalya kicks the bottom rope, as she angrily looks into the crowd where her attacker fled, and it's as if her anger has somehow grown even more as she realizes whoever it is...was here tonight...and that means there's an entire locker room of suspects that she's no doubt going to bring right to her own personal dungeon and interrogate if she doesn't get some answers fast. Who is behind the mask? And WHY did they try to end her career? The camera zooms in on Natalya's frustrated face as we head to a commercial break.

Mauro Ranallo
We all knew it would only be so long before The Velveteen Dream made his presence known

Corey Graves
Try to sound more excited Mauro! This is a moment you won't ever forget I tell you

The crowd are middle ground as the arena is bathed in a shower of light purple. The mist seeping out the entrance of the stage as The Velveteen Dream slowly walks his way to the limelight. This...This is the moment that everyone has been waiting for. No more injuries. No more physical rehabbing. The moment that everyone in XWL gets to feel a moment that they'll never forget. Or at least, that's what The Dream feels in his head.



The Dream enters the ring, slowly soaking in all the attentions. All the eyes on him. All the love and admiration that only he knows he can evoke out of the crowd. You see him inhaling, literally breathing it all in. With his eyes clothes he outstretches his hand. He makes motions with his fingers until he's finally handed a microphone. With that done he brings it to his lips

{Velveteen Dream}
This...this is the moment that you and I have all been waiting for. Final Stand was such a great ending but you know as they say, all endings bring new beginnings. And what a was to start over then for XWL year round to end...and for a new Dream to begin. I can say it a thousand times but you people may never understand just how hard I've worked to to make it back here. How many times I was undercut by injuries. Watching on the sidelines as so many others took what should be my moment. What should be my spotlight. It was infuriating but if there's one thing that The Dream doesn't do, it's that The Dream doesn't sulk. The Dream doesn't complain. The Dream takes action. And I took that action working myself in the gym. Getting stronger, faster, and even smarter so that when I came back, I'd be ready for anything. Now...most of you are probably expecting me to belittle my opponent tonight, The Miz...

Corey Graves
Dream is too much of a class act for that

Beth Phoenix
You don't know enough about him to stick up for him

{The Velveteen Dream}
But The Dream isn't just about himself no no. The Dream recognizes talent. And The Dream knows when a man has IT. And you Miz, you have IT. I'd say you've had IT for a long time. Now, you people might be wondering what having IT means. It means The Miz knows how to captivate. He knows how to pull your attention. He can work the crowd like not many others can. He's an A-Lister. He's a movie star! He is so much!....However...The Miz is somewhat old news. See, when you have a will to be seen and heard by millions and millions of people, you don't want people stepping in your spotlight. You don't want to share that feeling with anyone. And while The Miz has done such a good job doing what he does...The Dream is the upgraded version. So much that The Miz probably can't comprehend just how much. It's like comparing and oscar nominated role to a straight a dvd role. While The Dream will show appreciation The Dream also wants people to know he won't take a backseat to anyone.

Mauro Ranallo
And there's the Dream I expected to see. This guy is so stuck up arrogant

Corey Graves
Is it so bad to be confident? If you have no confidence in yourself you don't deserve to be in that locker room

{The Velveteen Dream}
That does not just go for The Miz. That goes for everyone in the back. And future rivals. This is my glammer. This is my stardom. This is my DREAM. And everyone will play their parts. But there isn't one man in the back that I plan to walk behind, instead of in front of. There is no man dead or alive who will not fall in line with my vision. There is no-

Suddenly the lights go out. Smoke begins to fill the entranceway. The audience waits in anticipation for what could possibly be next.





The Undertaker makes his grand entrance. He steps down from the platform that his minions are carrying and begins up the steps. Eyes locked on the dream, never breaking contact.




He steps toe to toe with the arrogant newcomer. The Dream lifts the mic to say something and is immediately throat thruster by taker right in the Adam's apple. The Dream grabs his throat,gasping for air and franticly spinning twice in a circle. When he again faces Taker, Taker Irish whips him hard against the ropes and as Dream rebounds back taker catches him square in the jaw with a big boot. Dream falls to the mat. He then tries to pull himself up on The Undertaker's pants leg. The Undertaker does his signature throat slice and lifts The Dream up for The Tombstone.




Taker stands over The Dream and does his signature eye roll. Afterwards looking psychopathicaly as the referees run from the back to check on The Dream.


The lights darken again and Taker stands mid ring ominously.



Taker raises his arms up above his head and as he drops them there's a lightning strike and a boom of thunder as the lights go pitch black. Seconds later the lights flash back on and The Undertaker has disappeared.

Corey Graves
"What have we just witnessed?"


Mauro Ranallo
"The Deadman has arrived in XWL! I can't believe it!"


Corey Graves
"But what does this mean?"

Mauro Ranallo
"I think it means The Dream has just met his worst nightmare!"

The Cameras fade into the next segment.

The image first seen is that of a dark warehouse. A voice coming over as a figure appears on the opposite side of the room from the camera. Its silhouette is all that can be seen, no features, just a faceless figure as of right now. Then the figure speaks, revealing that it is a male's voice, and to some, just who it belongs to.

"There comes a point in every person's life when they are faced with a choice. A choice that will bring them into the dark, or into the light. It's no secret that the dark is persuasive. That the temptation of what it has to offer might pull you in, seduce you and then destroy you. But from the ashes, there is always a chance, for a Phoenix to rise. For a fire to be lit and for it to burn for an eternity. But how do you over come that darkness?"

The figure is all the while walking forward, yet its face is still hidden. He appears to be wearing a suit, entirely black and his hands are moving while he's talking.

"It is this very same question I have faced not only my entire career, but my entire life. Inside of the ring, I have climbed every ladder, figuratively and metaphorically, but in life, I have stood outside looking in. Watching as the mistakes of my past have ruined parts of my present and until recently, my future. My, darkness, is the thing that has kept me from the top of this industry. The one that has kept me from reaching my full lit flame. My rebirth. My Phoenix, some would say. It has been the said that I was 'chosen' from the very first day I stepped into a ring, but still, I'm haunted by that darkness."

Images flash upon the screen of some of the more dangerous match types we've seen in our history here at XWL. Infamous members of the roster as well, that have went down in the books of XWL as "legends" perhaps.

"Every single one of the men and women who have stepped foot in that ring have overcome a darkness of their own, a demon deep inside of them. They have cemented their legacy in the halls of never ending infamy yet here I stand, unable to even look at myself in the mirror because I realize that for me? My story never got a proper ending. I never got to the moment after the climax. The moment after I defeated my demons. Instead, I had to watch as others ascended to the places I fought so hard to get to yet I so easily gave up. That is why I am here, speaking directly to all of you today. To inform you that the fire, it is in fact back. To let everyone know that I am, as good as everyone thinks and nothing is going to hold me back anymore. That this career, this business, the fans, that's my first priority now. That's why I'm stepping back out of the shadows."

With this, his face is finally revealed. Theirs a moment of shock but the crowd erupts, seeing the face of the one and only Jeff Hardy, staring into the camera, hair pulled back into a bun. His eyes with a look of ease and yet a sense of determination about him as he looks through the camera, directly to the fans.























[Jeff Hardy]
And into the light.

[Sarah Logan]
My name is Sarah Logan.

Before the camera can even fully begin to display her, we hear the voice of Sarah Logan, informing us who she is. Once she’s fully in view, we can see that she’s sitting atop a storage container, surrounded by darkness save for a few sources of red light set up around her, illuminating her face enough to be visible. The entire setup seems to be rather makeshift, and certainly doesn’t seem like the craftsmanship of XWL’s seasoned employees, or even any of the contractors working for the Scotiabank Arena. Indeed, it seems highly unlikely that anyone other than XWL put this environment together. The question is though, why?

Not just why she set up everything we see around either. There are plenty of things one can think of when seeing the image before them, and most of them would be questions. Where has she been the last couple of weeks? Why hasn’t she been there by the side of Ruby Riott? What could she possibly think of her best friend once again failing to capture the North American championship? On that note, is she prepared for her own chance at capturing the title? Most of all, why has she chosen now to try and be seen on her own, when in the past she has been so content to be seen as little more than Ruby’s best friend?

[Sarah Logan]
But my ancestors went by another name. Forberg.

[Sarah Logan]
They were vikings, proud Scandanavian warriors. They conquered territory after territory, village after village, for the sake of the honor of both themselves and their clan. They were ruthless, and yet had a sense of pride in their accomplishments, and after yet another successful conquest they would celebrate their victory with their loved ones and cherish what they had, for they knew that even though at times they seemed unstoppable, any day could be their last.

[Sarah Logan]
I’ve been thinking about my ancestors a lot recently. Thinking about what they would think of me. What they would think of Sarah Logan, the woman who throughout her time in XWL has been little more than Ruby Riott’s friend and personal mercenary. What they would think of Sarah Logan, the unsuccessful warrior who has never had a true victory of her own to celebrate.

[Sarah Logan]
Sarah Logan, who has nothing to cherish.

Sarah looks down at her feet for a time, a variety of thoughts and emotions obviously running through her head at the thought of how her viking ancestors would view her. And despite the presence of possibly more self-deprecation than necessary, the fact is she’s not entirely wrong. What exactly has Sarah Logan accomplished?

[Sarah Logan]
And that’s when I realized that something needed to change.

She looks back up at the camera, with a fire in her eyes we have never really seen up until this point.

[Sarah Logan]
Ruby is still my best friend and I hope it will stay that way for quite some time. However, tonight marks the beginning of a new era of Sarah Logan. An era that begins by me defeating the opponent that Ruby never could, Miss Alexa Bliss.

[Sarah Logan]
Now Alexa, you certainly have accomplished far more than I have here in XWL, and are a much bigger name. But for your information, if there's one thing the vikings were known for, it was taking down kingdoms that were thought impossible to ever topple.

[Sarah Logan]
And when I’m done toppling Alexa Bliss, I will move on to conquering the North American championship tournament, before finally defeating Kairi Sane, and becoming XWL’s new North American champion.

[Sarah Logan]
And this isn’t just to honor the vikings, to honor the Forbergs, oh no. When all is said and done, future generations will look back, and remember their ancestor.

Sarah leans in to the camera, so her determined face takes up the entire screen.

[Sarah Logan]
Sarah Logan

The camera lingers on Logan’s fired up face as Octane transitions into the next segment.

Octane returns and we are brought backstage where we see Britt Baker rushing through the XWL hallways. She quickly turns a corner and we can hear a “ooof, Hey! Watch where you’re going!!”.. The crowd begins to let out a boo at the sound of the unmistakable accent. The camera turns the corner, catching up with Britt Baker and none other than Maryse!!

Britt Baker
Hey girlll, I am sooo sorry. I didn’t see you there.. It’s just that I-..

Britt pauses for a moment and her eyes light up, as if she just thought of something. She looks down at the bags in Maryse’s hands.

Britt Baker
You just got here, huh?... You haven’t seen the match card, have you?

Maryse
What?... No… Who even ar-

Britt Baker
How would you like to become North American Champion?

Maryse’s expression turns from being annoyed to being somewhat interested in what this rookie dentist has to say.

Maryse
Well I mean, it’s only fitting that someone with my experience takes that title off of that little brat’s shoulders.

Britt Baker
My thoughts exactly!! That’s why when I read the match card and saw that I was in a North American Championship Contender Match tonight, I thought to myself; “that’s not fair, I’ve only been here a few weeks, meanwhile Maryse is a veteran of that ring. If anyone deserves a shot at the North American Title, it’s her!!!...

Maryse
Well you’re not wrong… What did you say your name was?

Britt Baker
Britt Baker, DMD.. Look, we don’t have a lot of time, my match is next.. I was thinking that seeing as you, being as successful in that ring as you have been, have a much better chance of defeating Alexa Bliss for that title than I do.. So if I give you my contender match spot, then you promise me that I’ll be your first Contender for it!!! Deal?

Maryse
So you’re saying that you’ll give me your spot for the North American Championship Number One Contender Match? And all I have to do in return is give you a match if I win it?

Britt Baker
Well it’s a tournament, but yeah!!

Maryse
A tournament?

Britt Baker
It’s like when a bunch of people-

Maryse
I know what a tournament is!! Who is in it?!? Who am I facing?

Britt Baker
Oh it’s only a four person tournament girl, that’s a cake walk with someone with your experience!! Your opponent is some nobody, I can’t even pronounce her name!!

Maryse
Well okay!! I can’t say no to that!!!

Britt Baker
Perfect!! The match is actually.. Well, it’s right now!!! Come on!!!



We cut to ringside where the camera is scanning the booing crowd in attendance. After a few moments we cut to the stage area where Maryse walks out onto, making her usual entrance, except that there is a certain Dentist behind her, yes, it’s Britt Baker.. Britt Baker, DMD.

Mauro Ronallo
Well it looks like Britt Baker is going to be watching Maryse fall victim to her plan from ringside…

Corey Graves
Victim to her plan???!? Britt Baker was being overly generous by letting her take her spot in this match!!! No wonder she’s everyone’s Role Model!! I sure know that she’s mine!!!

Maryse makes her way down to the ring with a huge smile on her face, she can’t believe her luck. She walked in tonight expecting it to be just another Octane for her, but now she gets to compete in a North American Title #1 Contender Tournament the Octane after Final Stand!!

Corey Graves
Oh look.. It looks like we’re in for a treat!! Britt Baker is making her way over!!!

The camera shows Britt Baker taking a seat next to Corey Graves on commentary.

Mauro Ronallo
Hey there Britt!

Britt Baker
It’s Britt Baker, DMD to you!!!

Corey Graves
It’s so great to see you!! XWL’s Role Model, right here on commentary with us!! I can’t believe how lucky we all are!!

Britt Baker
Aww, you’re too kind Corey, but one hundred percent correct!! I just thought that everyone sitting at home watching Octane on their TV sets could benefit from listening to some words of advice from their Role Model!!!

Mauro Ronallo
A role model, huh? And is what you did to Maryse what a Role Model would do??

Britt Baker
Uhmm, yeah, duh… I’m showing all of my fans the importance of being fair, as well as how to be giving.. I’m a newcomer here, it is only fair that I give up my opportunity to someone more deserving.. That Mauro, is called humility... And of course, being XWL’s Role Model, I was able to show everyone the meaning of not only humility, but also selflessness!!! You’re welcome!!!..

Maryse is in the ring now, awaiting her opponent.

Beth Phoenix
Are you sure you didn’t just give up your spot because you were afraid of Shayna Baszler??

Britt Baker
Beth please.. I’m a dentist.. It will take a lot more than Shayna Baslzer to scare me!!

Beth Phoenix
I don’t see what being a dentist has to do with.. Nevermind.. I’m just saying.. It sure seems like this is a set up!!

Britt Baker
Whaaaaaaat??? Nooooo… I’m just doing the right thing… That woman in the ring is more than capable of not only taking on, but defeating Shayna Bazler. She’s a veteran of this business, she’s tall, she’s strong I guess??.. She’s uhh..

Mauro Ronallo
She’s had a lot of success in this company.

Britt Baker
Exactly!!!

Mauro Ronallo
What do you think Maryse thinks about all of this?

Britt Baker
Who??

Mauro Ronallo
M-.. Maryse… The person taking your spot…

Britt Baker
Ohh right.. Yeah, Maryse.. Yeah she’s probably thankful, just like you should be for me gracing you with my presence, and just like the XWL Universe should be for having such a great Role Model!!!

Ring Announcer
AND HER OPPONENT… HAILING FROM SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA!!!.... WEIGHING IN AT 136 POUNDS… YOU MAY KNOW HER FROM THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER!!\..

Maryse gives a confused expression as she mouths “Ultimate Fighter??”

Ring Announcer
BOASTING 13 SUBMISSION VICTORIES IN HER MMA CAREER….TRAINED BY FORMER UFC FIGHTER JOSH BARNETT…

Nervousness begins to set in for Maryse. She looks over at the commentators area and throws her hands in the air towards Britt, as if saying “You didn’t tell me it was…”

Ring Announcer
SHHHHHAAAAAYYYYYYNNNNNAAAAA… BAASSSZZZLLLLLEERRRRRR

The crowd lets out a loud boo as Shayna shoots out from the curtain and charges towards the ring!!!



Britt Baker
RUN!!! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE MAR.. What did you say her name was again??

Mauro Ronallo
Maryse?

Britt Baker
RUN MARYSE!!!

Maryse looks to her left, then her right, but like a deer in the headlights she stays frozen in fear!! The bell rings signalling for the match to begin as Shayna slides in and immediately takes Maryse down with a tackle/takedown. She unleashes a vicious ground and pound assault with her fists and elbows to the stunned French Superstar!!

Mauro Ronallo
This doesn’t look good for Maryse!!

Britt Baker
Wow.. I wouldn’t want to be her..

There’s a short air silence as once could assume Beth and Maruo are giving Beth a “really?” look. We can also hear a small snicker escape Corey Graves mouth.

Britt Baker
What? I call it as I see it.. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to be doing.. Here I’ll help.. And it’s Shayna Baszler with the clear advantage here folks!! Look at those fists just hammer the face of Maryse!! What was she thinking getting into the ring with a former UFC Fighter!!?!?

Maryse kicks Shayna off and crawls to the ropes, desperately looking to escape this dangerous situation she somehow found herself in.

Britt Baker
Hey!! Where does she think she’s going?!!?! She has a match to win us!!!

Shayna goes to grab her opponent, but Maryse is able to connect with a swift kick to the face with her flailing legs!!!

Beth Phoenix
Ohh… That got her right on the bridge of the nose!!!

Shayna holds her nose in pain, she looks down at her hand, and sees red, literally.. Maryse looks up at the former UFC star and realizes that she busted her open.. Unfortunately for Maryse all this seemed to do was piss Shayna off.. “YOU BITCH!!” we can hear Shayna shout as Maryse screams and crawls out of the ring, one the side closest to the ramp!!! Maryse crawls backwards up the ramp, quickly getting to her feet and back pedalling away from the ring.

Mauro Ronallo
It looks like Maryse wants nothing to do with Shayna!! And can you blame her Brit!!!.... Britt??

All of a sudden we can see Britt Baker come up from behind Maryse!! She grabs her and tosses her back into the ring, shouting; “HEY!!! YOU HAVE A TITLE TO WIN US!!!”... Shayna looks down at Britt and shakes her head, shouting; “YOU’RE LUCKY!!!”.. Maryse slowly gets to her feet and glares at Britt. Just as she is about to yell at The Dentist, Shayna comes up from behind Maryse and hits her with a Release German Suplex!!

Mauro Ronallo
No wonder Britt had Maryse take her spot…

Maryse crawls to the corner as Shayna looks over her shoulder towards Britt, shouting “THIS WAS MEANT FOR YOU!!”. She then delivers a running corner knee strike across the jaw of Maryse, causing the crowd to let out an “ohhhh”...

Mauro Ronallo
This one is over…

Shayna goes for the pin as the ref counts, but we all know that Maryse is completely knocked out…. The ref counts..

1


2




3
!!!!!



Shayna demands the ref raises her hand as she stands over Maryse as the crowd boos. She then turns and heads out of the ring and up the ramp. Britt seeing this immediately jumps into the crowd and gets as far away from Shayna as possible… The former UFC Fighter glares at Britt and shakes her head, almost as if saying “you’re not worth it.” She then makes her way to the stage and into the back..

Corey Graves
Wow.. I can’t believe that Maryse waisted Britt’s Contender spot like that!! What a shame!!! Britt was trying to be a good Role Model for these people by showing them the importance of being selfless… And Maryse thanks her by trying to run away from the match!??!? Britt put her faith and trust in Maryse.. What a shame!!!

Britt pokes her head over the barricade, making sure that Shayna is gone. She then smiles and hops back onto the ramp and makes her way into the ring, a concerned look on her face.

Corey Graves
Would you look at that!! Britt is going to check on Maryse!! What a nice thing to do!!

Britt slides into the ring and drops to a knee next to Maryse, slowly helping her up. Maryse is clearly dazed as she stumbles to her feet. Britt looks her in the eyes and asks; “Are you okay??”.... Maryse doesn’t have a chance to respond though, as The Dentist connects with a kick to the gut!! She then grabs Maryse and sets her up for The Baker Buster!!!!!

Corey Graves
That’s what she gets!! That’s what she gets for wasting Britt’s spot!!



Britt looks down at Maryse and smirks. She then slides out of the ring, mouthing the words “Thank you!!” to the booing crowd as she makes her way up the ramp. We then head to a commercial break.

As Octane returns from commercial, we're greeted to a shot of Charly Caruso standing by with a microphone.

[CHARLY CARUSO]
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time...Toni Storm!

Toni pops into view with an ear-to-ear grin on her lips, the rocker greeting Charly with a friendly nod of her head.

[CHARLY CARUSO]
Toni, at Final Stand you made your triumphant return at the expense of the return of Tenille Dashwood...only for that moment to be usurped by the return of Asuka. In just a few moments, you will be going one-on-one with Asuka. What are your thoughts heading into your first match back?

[TONI STORM]
Well, Charly, it just really feels great to finally be back in an XWL ring again. After losing the title to Shayna Baszler, I needed some time away to clear my head, you know? Figure out how to get out of the funk I was in. So I requested a sabbatical and I...well, I ended up taking a bit longer than I expected and my contract lapsed. So I went back to STARDOM in Japan and worked a tour or two before Beth and Edge came knocking. It really shocked me, you know? I kind of figured XWL just...well, kinda forgot about me if I'm being honest. It felt good to know that they still wanted me.

[TONI STORM]
As for Asuka, well...I have a lot of respect for Asuka-san. She's an absolute legend in the world of women's wrestling...both in Japan and here in the States. Her jump from Japan to here in XWL kind of inspired my own jump, in a way. Obviously, Asuka and I have both taken far different paths. And unfortunately, Asuka's had a few more detours than my own. But honestly, I'm really just glad that she's in a position now where she can focus on wrestling...because I want her at her very best when I beat her in that ring tonight.

Toni unhooks her sunglasses from her ring gear, putting them over her eyes and patting Charly on the shoulder.

[TONI STORM]
See ya' 'round, Chuck...I got an Empress to dethrone.

Smirking, Toni steps out of camera shot as Charly watches on with a smile while the camera fades back to ringside.







[ Normal Match ]



Notes From The General Manager's Office:

"Last night these two Women made their return at the expense of Tenille Dashwood's time, and reinserted themselves in the division as two Women to watch. So much so that by the end of their verbal altercation with Tenille? It wasn't "all about" Tenille Dashwood the arena was buzzing with chants in favor of The Empress of Tomorrow and The Inaugural North American Champion. So seeing as we are in the business of giving the fans what they're clamoring for? It was a no brainer to pair these two up tonight against each other in their official return to action."









Ten minutes into the match.







The crowd is roaring as Toni Storm connects with another vicious German Suplex, dumping Asuka on the back of her head! Toni pumps up the crowd by raising her hand up, forming the devil horns as Asuka scrambles towards the ropes, trying to use them to get back to her feet, a hand clutching the back of her head as her eyes lock with Toni. Sensing she's in control, Toni smirks as Asuka comes charging at her, ducking a clothesline, booting Asuka in the face! Asuka bounces off the opposite ropes, connecting with a vicious Roundhouse to the side of the head! Toni stumbles back, bouncing off the ropes behind her before connecting with an absolutely brutal headbutt, knocking herself loopy while Asuka slowly drops to the floor, seemingly knocked out. Toni Storm shakes the cobwebs from her head, grabbing Asuka and setting her up for her Storm Zero when suddenly...










TENILLE DASHWOOD rushes in behind Toni, blasting her in the back with a steel chair! Not to be outdone, as Asuka attempts to come to, Tenille doubles Asuka over with a shot to the stomach before leveling Asuka with a chairshot to the back for her as well! The referee immediately calls for the bell, ruling the match a no-contest as Tenille takes her time, blasting Asuka and Toni Storm with chairshot after chairshot to the back. The chair buckling and bending as it was used to torture the spines of Tenille's victims. At last, she ceases her destruction, the crowd heckling and booing Tenille as she stands tall.



Tenille Dashwood smirks as she shouts "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!", holding the broken chair above her head as the crowd rains down boos. Asuka and Toni laying on the mat, each in crumpled heaps as Tenille gloats in her successful ambush, basking in the hate as Octane fades out into commercial.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>MAURO RANALLO<<
PAC’S HURT!

>>BETH PHOENIX<<
CAN HANGMAN CAPITALIZE?!

As The Bastard drops to his knee, injured by the right-hand of the Hangman. Hangman Page sees his moment to strike! He charges his downed opponent. He’s gonna do it! He’s gonna finish off The Bastard here at Final Stand! Hangman is about to make himself a superstar!









-









-









-









The audience erupts, disgusted by what ‘The Bastard’ PAC has just done. We see the referee turn, calling for the bell.

>>MAURO RANALLO<<
NO!

>>COREY GRAVES<<
WHAT THE HELL?!

Hangman Page lays face down writhing in pain. He kicks the canvas below him, holding his groin.

>>MAURO RANALLO<<
That son of a bitch, PAC! This was about to be Hangman’s moment!

>>BETH PHOENIX<<
I’m disgusted! I can’t believe PAC would do this!

As the audience shouts insults at this man still on one knee, we see The Bastard stare blankly across the ring. He doesn’t blink. He doesn’t react to the audience or the man laying in front of him. PAC just stares ahead of him.

>>MIKE ROME<<
Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by disqualification… ‘HANGMAN’ ADAM PAGE!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The replay ends and we are brought to the ring where we can see none other than “Hangman” Adam Page looking up at the titantron where the video clip from Final Stand just finished playing. He sighs loudly before looking down at the mic in his hand, slowly raising it to his mouth.

”Hangman” Adam Page
PAC… While I was watching that replay I was thinki-, ehh hell, this whole day I was thinking;… “What am I going to say to PAC?”… What am I going to say to get you to agree to have a rematch with me.. What clever lines can I come up with to get under your skin.. How can I goad you into thinking a rematch is your idea….



”Hangman” Adam Page
But then I realized… You’re a Bastard.. And there’s nothing that I can say to you, or about you that is worse than what you already think about yourself when you look in the mirror every day.. I mean it takes a real son of a bitch to be as big of a Bastard as you, PAC. You must really hate yourself.. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you dislike yourself more than all of these great fans here in The Scotiabank Arena dislike you.. And they reaaaally dislike you…

”Hangman” pauses, a small smirk appears on his face as he looks out towards the crowd as they let out a “HE’S A BASTARD” chant.

”Hangman” Adam Page
You probably dislike yourself more than even I dislike you, and I really, really, reaaally dislike you… I dislike you because you ruined my big debut match.. I dislike you because you sent my mentor, Christian to the hospital… I dislike you because of what you did at Final Stand… But you know what PAC?.. As much as I dislike you…….... I pity you more..

The crowd lets out a little “ohhhh” as “Hangman” begins to pace back and forth.

”Hangman” Adam Page
That’s right PAC, I pity you.. I mean, you have all the talent in the word, hell if I could do half of the things that you can do in the ring, I’d be.. Well, I’d be doing a lot more stretching in between matches, that’s for sure.. My point is PAC, that you bury all that talent behind your insecurities.. From day one, you saw me as beneath you.. But time and time again you would resort to underhanded tactics when facing me.. The reason why, is simple.. You’re afraid.. You’re an insecure, scared little man… You don’t know if you can beat me.. There’s that fear in the back of your head that maybe, just maybe I have what it takes to Buckshot Lariat your ass into this mat and pin you for the three count… And you wouldn’t be able to live that down… So you attack me while I’m in the middle of a match.. Or you go after Christian.. Or you low blow me in the… Well, you low blow'd me in the balls, PAC.. Which is funny, seeing as you clearly don’t have any!!!

The crowd lets out a much bigger “Ohhhh” as “Hangman” paces faster, getting more and more confident as he goes.

”Hangman” Adam Page
I wanted to come out here and yell and scream.. I wanted to shout curse words at you, and demand that you come down to this ring… But that’s what you wanted PAC.. I’m not going to give you what you want… No… But you’re going to give me what I want.. You want to know how I know that PAC?.. Because, what I want is to get these hands on you, more specifically these fists, and if you don’t come out to this ring.. Then I’ll just come back there and find you… It’s as simple as that PAC.. Do you have the balls to meet me in this ring that you’re a veteran of, and finally have a fair match for once in your miserable life.. Or are you so much of a coward that you’re going to make me go ba-



The voice of a shouting PAC is heard around the arena.


"I...

...AM A BASTARD!"


A loud explosion is heard and a flash of light blinds the fans in attendance as an unfamiliar song begins to play.





-Corey Graves-
It sounds like The Bastard has some new tunes.

After a few moments of letting the intro of the song play out, we see 'The Bastard' PAC creep out onto the stage. Not scheduled to compete, The Bastard still sports his ring gear. He holds his arms stiffly at his sides and sports a stone face. Not even looking at the man standing in the ring, The Bastard storms his way down the ramp and toward the ring.

-Mauro Ranallo-
I don't have a good feeling about this guys. It looks as if these two are about to be in the same ring unsupervised! We're gonna need security on standby!

-Beth Phoenix-
I'm not gonna lie, I'm thinking about sneaking off to the back before something bad happens!

-Corey Graves-
Oh come on! These guys aren't gonna...

Graves stops speaking as PAC has just slide under the bottom rope. Popping up back to his feet, The Bastard is now nose-to-nose with The Hangman. The audience goes silent as they are on the edge of their seat as the men that pulled out a Match of the Night candidate of a performance are now within inches of each other. We can see Hangman heavily breathing as he looks into the eyes of the man that he very well might perceive as Satan himself.

-Mauro Ranallo-
You could hear a pen drop...

Similar to their post-match at the twelfth anniversary of Final Stand, we see The Bastard break down into laughter. We see Hangman tilt his head in confusion at the strange laughter of The Bastard when suddenly, the microphone is snatched from the hands of 'Hangman' Adam Page. The laughter stops as The Bastard stares at The Hangman once again. We get a shot over the shoulder behind Page, we see the face of The Bastard.

-Beth Phoenix-
Something seems off about PAC.

-Corey Graves-
I was saying the same thing on my podcast earlier today. The way he just stared across the ring after he got disqualified... similar to how he's staring now.

-Mauro Ranallo-
Maybe he's...

Mauro Ranallo is interrupted by The Bastard who begins speaking to the man in front of him.

The Bastard
PAC
For the first time and probably the only time, I agree with you... I agree with almost everything you said. I do hate myself, Adam. I hate myself... for giving a no name, no talent pricks like you the time of day! I hate myself for coming out here week after week and putting my body on the line only for these degenerate, scumbag people in this dumpster fire of a country to boo me because they know deep down in their cold little hearts that I am better than each and every so called "wrestler" that laces up a pair of their dollar store wrestling boots, comes down to MY RING, and put on some facade they think is what a wrestling match should be!

The once silent audience boos loudly as the Bastard speaks unwanted words.



The Bastard
PAC
You people can boo my all you'd like, but you know it's true! Yes, I hate myself for those reasons but these people? These people hate themselves too. They hate themselves because even deeper down in their cold little hearts, they know the real reason then tune into Octane every week. They know the real reason why they log into the XWL shop website! They know the real reason the call into their favorite wrestling talk show to talk about a certain Bastard! They know the real reason why they spend their hard earned paycheck on a ticket JUST TO SEE ME! You people boo me, when every last one of you are my fans!

The audience boos even louder now and we see the Hangman shake his head, disapproving of PAC's words.

The Bastard
PAC
Let it be known, that I do not give a damn about any of you "fans" just like I don't give a damn about 'Hangman' Adam Page! Adam, you can talk all you want about what happened at Final Stand and you might not fully understand why I did it. Being just a little basic ROOKIE, I'm going to let you in on something. Something which you might not understand for another 10 years... if you even make it in my business that long. When you get to a level of superstardom that I have reached, you will quickly realize that you can do whatever you want, whenever you want with zero repercussion. Adam... I'm untouchable.

Adam tilts his head slightly, not following the words of The Bastard.

The Bastard
PAC
I am at such a level that I low blow'd you on the biggest stage in wrestling, I knocked out a referee.... and I am still standing here before you. I didn't even get fined! If any one of these losers that bought their cheap little wrestling gear that debuted or returned at Final Stand did that, they'd be sacked by the morning. If you did that Adam, you better believe you wouldn't be standing here right now. Just like all the new faces in this company... you Adam, lack star power. You lack skill. You lack the ability to...

Hangman goes to grab the mic back, but The Bastard has a tight grip on it. Adam tugs harder this time, but he still can’t seem to get the mic out of PAC’s hands.

”Hangman” Adam Page
Give me the dam-

Hangman gives one last hard tug, but at the last minute PAC lets go of the mic, causing Page to fall backwards from the momentum of pulling at the mic. The Bastard points and laughs at Page, who sits there and glares at PAC. He then slowly gets to his feet, balls up his fist, and raises it towards PAC, faking a punch. The Bastard, strictly based off of instincts, puts his arms up and stumbles back a few steps. Hangman smirks and turns his back on PAC, walking towards the other side of the ring as he speaks.

”Hangman” Adam Page
That’s the difference between us PAC.. You try to get away with whatever you can.. You try to break every rule.. You try to cross every line.. Just like a Bastard would.. But me? I don’t need all of that. I have honor. I have pride. I have morals. I have a set of rules that I follow.. But most importantly, unlike you, I’m not afraid of a fair fight.

The Bastard balls up a fist, noticing that Adam’s back is turned to him. He takes a few steps towards The Hangman.

”Hangman” Adam Page
Where I come from, you look a man in the eyes when you have a problem with them.. You square up, and you fight.. But you?..

Hangman turns back around and glares down at PAC, who abruptly stops his advancement.

”Hangman” Adam Page
You’re just a chickenshit Bastard who doesn’t have the morals, the pride, or the balls to face me in a fair fight.. And I take back what I said before.. You’re not afraid because you think that I can beat you… You’re afraid because you know that I can... You have all of this talent, you have all of this experience, you have all of that going for you… But you look at someone like me..”A fan”... And you get so mad, you get so worked up, you get so… angry.. Because this fan won’t back down, this fan won’t let you walk all over him, but most importantly… This Fan Is Going To Kick Your Ass…...

Hangman takes a step towards PAC, the two are just a few inches apart now. PAC once again snatches the microphone, we see the teeth of Hangman grinding now as he's livid he let the smaller man bully the microphone from him once again.

The Bastard
PAC
Adam... buddy, this isn't going to work. You are really expecting to play mind games with me of all people?! You honestly think you, a wannabe professional wrestler, will trick me into accepting yet another match with you? I have wasted months on you Adam. MONTHS! Months in which I could be chasing gold here in XWL. I've already proven that I am champion material when I took Keith Lee to the limit at the last High Octane. Yet here I am continuing to put up with some pest... some fan named 'Hangman' Adam Page!

PAC takes a few steps back to get a full view of the man standing before him. PAC smirks, shaking his head. He almost looks disappointed in himself to even be in the same ring with Hangman.

The Bastard
PAC
You think I'm scared of you. You think I am scared of a "fair fight" against some loser like you?! In my 16 years in this business, that might have been the most ludicrous statement I have ever heard. If you honestly believe the rubbish that has just left you mouth then you are totally delusional, Adam. You're also delusional in the fact that you truly believe that you are on my level. Adam... you are not on my level... you will NEVER be on my level! I am a star... no... I am a Superstar and all you ever will be is a no named HACK that will only ever be known for his 15 minutes of fame when the best professional wrestler in the world gave him the time of day. You think you have achieved your dreams, you may think you are a star but my friend... these are just delusions of grandeur... and when I leave this ring in a few moments, you are going to quickly realize that all my words are true. In the coming week, with me no longer allowing you to share the television screen with me, your stock will go down. You merch sales will dwindle. These people? Their little chants of "Hangman! Hangman! Hangman!" will no longer exist! Without me you are nothing. Without me, you'd already be wrestling on the pre-show. You complain about what happened at Final Stand, but without me? YOU WOULDN'T HAVE HAD A FINAL STAND MATCH! So as far as your little rematch goes? You can take your little match offer and shove it where the sun does not shine.

PAC toss the microphone in the direction of Hangman Page. Only a split second after the microphone crashes to the mat in front of Hangman's boots, a familiar song begins to play through speakers around the arena. Everyone in the audience rushes to their feet, hoping to get a good look at the man that is about to enter.



-Mauro Ranallo-
What's this?

Edge makes his way out onto the stage, but he's not his usual chipper self. Edge shows a more serious, business-like demeanor as he skips all his usual entrance theatrics and simply starts down the ramp toward the ring. We see he holds a black rectangular bag under his arm. All the way down the ramp, he looks back and forth at the two men standing in the ring.

-Corey Graves-
What's in the bag, Beth?

-Beth Phoenix-
How should I know? This is the first time I'm seeing it just like you.

Ringside now, Edge places the black bag in the corner of the ring, just under the bottom turnbuckle. He makes his way up the steel steps and enters the ring between the top and middle rope. He looks at the two men in the ring for a moment, scanning each man up and down. Seeing Hangman Page, Edge smiles and offers his hand. We see Hangman oblige, shaking the hand of the general manager. As the two let go of the other's hand, we see Edge's smile vanish as he lets out a sigh. He turns toward The Bastard and takes a step toward him. For a moment, Edge and PAC have a bit of a stare down. We see the jaw muscles of Edge tense up as Edge is surely remembering what The Bastard did to his friend Christian, but in an attempt to keep this as professional as possible, Edge now offers his hand to PAC. Edge's music fades out.

-Mauro Ranallo-
Well?

In his true "Bastard" nature, PAC looks down at the hand then back up to the eyes of Edge. We see PAC shake his head as if he's telling Edge to "shove it" as well now.

-Beth Phoenix-
Of course not...

Edge pulls his hand back in and looks at the ground for a second. His gaze slowly shifts over to the black bag sitting in the corner, then back to PAC. Edge shakes his head now, but cracks a slight smile before turning away from The Bastard. We see Edge look down at the microphone, but before he is able to bend down to get it, Hangman quickly snags it and hands it to him, out of respect. Edge thanks Hangman, and raises the mic.

-EDGE-
Now gentlemen, normally I wouldn't come out here. Normally I would just let things play out, but something needs to be addressed. What happened to you two at the twelfth anniversary of Final Stand was... was... was borderline criminal in my opinion. You two put your hearts, your bodies on the line. You gave your blood, sweat, and tears in an attempt to defeat the other. Then what happens? A certain Bastard goes and ruins what I was believing to be a perfect match.

Standing between the two other men in the ring, Edge looks over to PAC. He shakes his head and shows a look of disappointment. Almost like a father scolding his son.

-EDGE-
Now granted that match was voted Match of the Night by the XWL fans, I can't shake the bitter taste that I have in my mouth. The bitter taste that I'm sure the fans have in their mouth as well. After months and months of you two going for each other's throats, all the trash talk, all the attacks... your story ends with a low blow disqualification? PAC, you may be a Bastard but I know who you really are. You are exactly what you've been calling Hangman Page for the last few months, and this is not meant as an insult, but you PAC are a fan. Every single person that is in that locker room is a fan. Every legend is a fan. We all had to start somewhere, PAC. Once upon a time, before we bought our first pair of wrestling boots, we were fans. Dig deep down inside whatever heart you have left and ask yourself, as a fan... was that the way your match should have ended?

We see PAC close his eyes, letting out a sigh. PAC looks to the ring canvas below as Edge continues to speak.

-EDGE-
Now I may be the general manager, but I'm not about to force you to do something you don't want to do PAC. So if you don't want to accept a rematch... then maybe I can show you something that would maybe change your mind.

PAC looks back to Edge now, confused by what the general manager just said. Across the ring we see the same confusion shown on the face of Hangman Page. Edge slowly steps toward the black bag in the corner of the ring. Lifting the bag from the ground, Edge unzips a zipper stretching from one end of the bag to the other. He makes his way to the center of the ring and opens the bag a little more before reaching in and pulling out the XWL Intercontinental Championship! We see faces of shocked fans in the crowd as everyone begins to go crazy.

-Mauro Ranallo-
WHOA!

The eyes of The Bastard and Hangman Page grow wide. For a brief moment, the two look across the ring at each other then back toward the championship Edge holds in his hand.

-EDGE-
As I'm sure you both know Robert Roode won the World Heavyweight Championship, thus forcing him to surrender the Intercontinental Championship. Before he handed over this championship, although I couldn’t do what he requested, which was to hand the title over to Daniel Bryan or Jon Moxley, especially after what happened at Final Stand...  I was able to promise him that this prestigious title would not fall into undeserving hands and I couldn't think of any two men on this roster more deserving of a shot at this title than you two. The two of you have lit the wrestling world on fire these last few months. The two of you have been stealing headlines as well as stealing shows. PAC, you might be the most vile son of a bitch that I have ever come across, but in the ring you are determined to win at all costs and have a "take no prisoners" attitude that can't be matched. Hangman, you have the whole world ahead of you but you have already proven that you belong with the elite here in XWL.

Hangman takes a step closer to Edge, wanting to get a better look at the Intercontinental Championship. Edge looks to PAC now who is still wide-eyed.

-EDGE-
So PAC, have you reconsidered your decision when it comes to Hangman's challenge?

Without any hesitation, PAC steps forward. He grabs the general manager by the wrist, pulling the microphone to his mouth. He looks into the eyes of Hangman Page.

The Bastard
PAC
YOU'RE ON!

The XWL fans erupt again, nearly blowing the roof off the building! PAC lets go of the General Manager's wrist, as Edge stands in between the two rivals, holding out the Intercontinental Championship.

-EDGE-
So it's settled then! In two-weeks time at High Octane, it will be the rematch you all want! You will once again see 'Hangman' Adam Page go one-on-one with 'The Bastard' PAC, but this time? This time it will be for the XWL Intercontinental Championship!

A roar of cheers can be heard now as fans are excited to be treated to what could be yet another match of the night showdown between two bitter rivals!

-EDGE-
...but wait, there's more! Because High Octane in 2 weeks the POWER...will be in the hands of THE PEOPLE! That's right, each and every one of you sitting here tonight... everyone watching around the world will have their voices be heard! The fans will have the opportunity to vote on just how exactly this match goes down!!!..

The crowd goes absolutely nuts!!! PAC says something that the camera can’t pick up to Hangman, before turning his back and exiting the ring.

-Mauro Ranallo-
Can you believe it!! PAC and Hangman Adam Page will be going one on one for the Intercontinental Championship at High Octane… In Two Weeks!!!! I can’t wait!! And not only that, but the fans get to choose the match type!!

-EDGE-
Hey PAC.. I’m sure you’re wondering what the options will be for voting.. There will be three.. The first one I picked, and it’s a match that I know all too well.. That’s right… It’s a Ladder Match!!!

PAC is at the stage now, glaring into the ring. He clearly doesn’t seem to care what type of match it is, as long as it’s for the Intercontinental Championship.

-EDGE-
And the other two.. Well the other two I’ll let you pick next week during the Main Event… Contract Signing!!!! So get your finest suit ready.. And your nicest hat “Hangman”.. And think about what match you want to face each other in.. Because you each will get to choose a match type!!! I’ll see you both then…



PAC turns his back and makes his way through the curtain as Edge makes his way out of the ring, leaving Hangman standing there to process what just happened… We fade to a commercial break.

[ Normal Match ]




















[[Mauro Ranallo]]
A statement victory by Sarah Logan here tonight, taking down an opponent of such high renown in XWL right at the start of her singles career. Now Beth, you have to imagine this sends a message not just to the rest of the women in this title tournament, but also to our current champion, formerly co-champions with the woman Logan just defeated, Kairi Sane.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
Absolutely Mauro. When Sarah came to my husband and said she was ready to embark on her own, we were both elated, even more so when she demanded to be given top caliber competition right from the start. It was that energy that lead to this match being created and her being placed in the tournament, and it's good to see Sarah is able to back up her ideals.

Sarah has her arm raised by the referee in triumph, before making her way to the turnbuckle and climbing to the top rope, looking out the capacity crowd in attendance. The last thing we see before Anarchy fades to commercial break is Sarah shouting "They will remember my name!"

Octane returns from a commercial break and we're immediately treated to a recap of some events that took place at Final Stand. First off, the PHENOMENAL return of AJ Styles and his OC brethren is featured, a moment which in itself took the XWL Universe by surprise and captivated them, little did they know at the time, that the Beast Incarnate Brock Lesnar would show up shortly after which sent the stadium into a frenzy, two legendary rivals, face to face on the grandest stage of them all for the first time, it was a moment to behold, key word there being moment, because after a few moments of being face to face, sparks flew and chaos ensued as a wild brawl between Lesnar and The OC broke out. However, the brawl was over just a few moments after it got underway as Brock Lesnar had successfully neutralized all three members of The OC in rather convincing fashion, it was topped off by Lesnar snatching AJ Styles out of mid air as he attempted the Phenomenal Forearm, and proceeding to plant him with an emphatic F-5 that sent the Rogers Centre into an absolute frenzy.

The recap showcases all the best moments from the returns themselves and the brawl that followed before ending with the staredown that Lesnar and Styles shared as that particular segment at Final Stand came to a close. We then transfer back to the live feed and the camera pans across the Scotiabank Arena, it reveals thousands of excited members of the XWL Universe on their feet and chomping at the bit to discover what the fallout of the brawl between Brock Lesnar and The OC will bring tonight, and within a few seconds, it becomes clear that they're not gonna have to wait very long to get an answer to that question as Paul Heyman has stepped through the curtain and begun his journey down the ramp and towards the ring.

Heyman receives an unusually large pop for his appearance tonight, although, when you factor in that he hasn't been seen in XWL for a good year or so now, combined with this being the first piece of XWL programming post Final Stand? It's not that far fetched as these post Final Stand crowd's seemingly have a mind of their own. Heyman wastes no time in entering the ring and requesting a mic, before long he's in possession of one and has taken his position at the center of the ring, ready, willing, and able to address the XWL Universe it seems.



(Paul Heyman)
Laaaaaaaddiieeesss and gentlemen.....

This rowdy Toronto crowd lets out a massive set of cheers with noticeable boo's still sprinkled in throughout.

(Paul Heyman)
MY NAME IS PAUL HEYMAN!!!

(Paul Heyman)
And I am the ADVOCATE for the MOST FEARED, the MOST DOMINANT, and the MOST SUPREME athlete to EVER step foot into a professional wrestling ring. The Mayor of Suplex City, The Beast Incarnate, The Conqueror, BRRRRRROOOOOOOCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKK LLLLLLLLLLEEEEESSSNNNNAARRRRRR!!!!

(Paul Heyman)
Now, some of you out there watching tonight, whether you're at home or whether you're in this very arena right here and right now, you may be new to the world of professional wrestling, so allow me a few moments to kindly explain to you just who in the hell I am, but more importantly here, who my client BROCK LESNAR IS!

(Paul Heyman)
Matter of fact, scrap the part about me because at the end of the day? I'm not what's important here, ya get curious? a simple google search will tell you everything you need to know about me and my past within this business. What IS important here however, is making sure each and every single new fan of professional wrestling understands what ninety nine percent of you watching tonight understand, that Brock Lesnar is the most transcending needle mover in the history of not only professional wrestling, but combat sports as a whole.

(Paul Heyman)
My client is a former Division One NCAA Collegiate Wrestling Champion, he is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, and most applicable to the setting we find ourselves in at this current moment in time, he is a former XWL World Heavyweight Champion. Brock Lesnar has seen it all, he has done it all, he has won it all, and naturally, along the way he has created some of the most iconic moments in the history of combat sports. One of those moments occurred a few years back at Final Stand when Brock Lesnar German Suplexed CM Punk off the top rope and proceeded to plant him with the F-5 for the victory. On that night, Brock Lesnar not only won the Elite Championship, he did so in RECORD TIME, the quickest dispatching of a superstar we've ever seen at Final Stand, a record that holds true to this day.

(Paul Heyman)
But as great as that was, what happened in Toronto at THIS YEARS Final Stand? that was the creme de la creme for my client. And that is why I am here tonight, to explain to all of you HOW and WHY that return and subsequent mauling of AJ Styles and his OC buddies came to fruition. Let's go back a few weeks, somewhere in the range of three to four. I get a phone call from Brock Lesnar, he informs me of his desire to step back into the squared circle and BRING THE PAIN to anyone and everyone once again, and of course, my client wants the very best contract with a company that's humanly possible.

(Paul Heyman)
I tell Brock not to worry, I'll take care of EVERYTHING, because ladies and gentlemen, as much as you may think being the ADVOCATE for the Beast Incarnate only involves me talking into a microphone? it is truly MUCH MUCH MORE than that. There's logistics to take into account, how do I maximize every possible second of my client's time and ensure that NONE OF IT IS WASTED. Then there's the marketing aspect, how do I grow the Brock Lesnar brand around the world and ensure that even the casual average joe on the street knows just who in the hell MY CLIENT IS! Then there's negotiating, when Paul Heyman comes to the negotiating table, you bet your ass I'm not leaving until MY CLIENT BROCK LESNAR has the absolute best deal at his disposal, what he does at point with said deal entirely up to him, and then, at that point, and only at that point, do we reach the point that I am at right here and right now, where I fulfill my main duty by ADVOCATING for MY CLIENT Brock Lesnar WHENEVER and WHEREVER he sees fit.

(Paul Heyman)
It is a time consuming twenty four seven, three hundred and sixty five day a year job, but I'd have it NO OTHER WAY as it is and always has been my HONOR and PRIVILEGE to serve Brock Lesnar throughout his entire career thus far. I like to say busy anyways so that's an added bonus, anyways, the point of all of that is so that you can understand what took place the moment I got off the phone with Brock, I started working the phone lines, putting feelers out, the whole nine yards. It wasn't long before my phone started going off with texts and phone calls, Bellator, UFC, ONE FC, RIZIN, all your big players in the MMA game made a pitch and put their offers out there, I took those offers to Brock and he turned them all down, he made it clear, he wants to return to the pro wrestling ring and not the pro fight game.

(Paul Heyman)
I get straight back on the phone and start working the phone lines and shooting texts out to my contacts, eventually it becomes clear, there's two companies in prime position to land the services of my client, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and XWL. Harold Meij from New Japan texted me an offer and a provisional schedule of the dates my client would work, I once again sent that information over to Brock and he stated that he'd mull it over, and then, then the proverbial tipping point so to speak occurred, Edge gave me a phone call and wanted to talk business. Now look folks, I'm not some dinosaur here, I text all the time, but the person-ability of Edge to call me and actually TALK out a deal versus New Japan who just shot over some texts like my client was just some normal guy looking to make the jump to the far east? Let's just say that Edge and XWL was the immediate front runner to land my client once he picked up the phone and called me.

(Paul Heyman)
The gist of our conversation was this, Final Stand was around the corner and he thought it'd be a big deal if the Beast Incarnate made a return to XWL on the grandest stage of them all. Someone of Brock's star power would almost certainly and instantly pull in more quote un quote casual fans to the company, or perhaps fans of the fight game see a video on social media of Brock's return at Final Stand and finally opt to see what Brock's been up too after a year on the sidelines and out of the spotlight. Either way, XWL gets some huge buzz, and my client gets a mountain of money, a win-win for both. Edge put his best offer out there, I gouged him for a little more as any good deal maker would at least attempt to do, we agreed to terms, I gave the offer to Brock, he evaluated it, grabbed his nearest pen, and signed his name on the dotted line, it was in that moment that Brock Lesnar was a LOCK to appear at Final Stand in Toronto at the Rogers Centre.

(Paul Heyman)
Now, what WASN'T A LOCK, was what would end up occurring at Final Stand involving my client. The initial plan was for Brock to show up near the end of the show, I would ADVOCATE for him as usual, everyone would be shocked, social media would be abuzz, and then we'd simply leave with some sort of mic drop. Now, whilst Me or my client weren't opposed to this, it only delivered one of the two things my client Brock Lesnar is known for, it would deliver "SHOCK", there's no doubt about that, but it wouldn't deliver the "AWE" that goes along with it. So what does a good advocate do? he gets straight back on his phone and he makes more calls, puts out more texts, and through a source in the grapevine I discover that AJ Styles and his little BITCHBOYS are planning on making a "Phenomenal" return of their own at Final Stand, on THEE VERY SAME NIGHT THAT MY CLIENT WILL BE IN THE BUILDING TO MAKE A RETURN OF HIS OWN!!!

(Paul Heyman)
And in that moment? that was when the proverbial light bulb if you will went off above Paul Heyman's balding head. THIS was how Brock Lesnar was gonna deliver not just "SHOCK" at Final Stand, but "SHOCK AND AWE!" Now I'm going to tell all of you something you've never heard before about my client Brock Lesnar to put all of this into context. Brock Lesnar is a man who lives his life with no regrets, no regrets ASIDE FOR ONE, there's still ONE THING, ONE MOMENT IN TIME WHICH HAUNTS MY CLIENT AND GIVES HIM NIGHTMARES IN HIS SLEEP TO THIS VERY DAY!!!!!!!!

Paul catches his breath after screaming at the top of his lungs during that last sentence.

(Paul Heyman)
Roulette 2016...

A heavy oooooohhhhh goes through the crowd in response to hearing "Roulette 2016", to our newer fans, it may just seem like a name that flies right over their head, but for the diehards here tonight? they know exactly why Paul Heyman is referencing that past pay per view event.

(Paul Heyman)
For those of you who don't get the meaning of that pay per view in regards to Brock Lesnar and AJ Styles? go onto the XWL Network and look it up, you won't have to skip forward at all into the show because it was the night in which THE TRUE MAIN EVENT OF THE PROGRAM KICKED OFF THE SHOW! But more importantly and more relevant to the topic at hand, it was the night in which one of the biggest atrocities in XWL history took place, the night AJ Styles MADE his XWL career, the night he Styles Clashed my client onto a ladder on the outside of the ring, scurried away from him with every ounce of energy he had left in his body, and climbed a ladder, atop that ladder? hung the XWL World Heavyweight Championship, but in AJ's case, it was something more, when he unhooked that championship he didn't just become Heavyweight Champion Of The World, he became RELEVANT!

(Paul Heyman)
Relevancy he wouldn't have if not for my client BROCK LESNAR! Brock Lesnar sent AJ Styles to suplex city OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER again for a half a damn year, BROCK LESNAR CONQUERED AJ STYLES ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, you wanna know how many times AJ Styles defeated my client in the ring? ONE! and that ONE! was the TLC match for the World Title at Roulette 2016. Make no mistake about it AJ, you NEVER and I mean NEVER!!! BEAT MY CLIENT, all you did was SURVIVE him and ESCAPE him on that night and you got the WORLD for it. At Final Stand, my client took the first step in RECTIFYING all of that by not only BEATING The OC's asses into the ground when outnumbered three to one, but by STEALING every OUNCE of BUZZ you hoped to create. The headlines today? they all sing a similar tune, "Brock Lesnar returns to XWL at Final Stand and OBLITERATES The OC". Interchange a few words here or there but the result remains the same, Brock Lesnar stole your thunder at Final Stand AJ Styles, how does it make you feel???



The crowd let’s out a loud pop as the newly returning theme hits, sounding out throughout the entire arena. Fans of The OC, which there are many of, stand up and raise “Too Sweets” in the air ready to see what they have to say in response to Paul Heyman’s words. After a short while Aj Styles walk out onto the stage, with Gallows & Anderson on either side of him. They three make it to the center of the stage as they all raise both arms in the air, sending Too Sweets right back to the fans. Styles lowers his arms and begins to point towards Heyman, and mouthing a few choice words. The OC now wastes little time making their way down to the ring, slapping hands of a few front rower fans on their way. They enter the ring, each having brought their own mics, ready to address the advocate to the man that RUINED their Final Stand return just last night.


{AJ Styles}
Paul Heyman ladies and gentlemen, doing what he does best. Coming out here, running his mouth for his roid headed client, not knowing when to shut his damn mouth, and putting himself into situation he more than likely shouldn't be in. You see Paul, I knew you would show up here tonight. The moment i heard you clients theme hit inside the Rogers Centre, I knew that you were somewhere, close behind, waiting for your moment to come out here in your cheap Men's Warehouse Suit, and pronounce that the "All Mighty" and the "All Powerful" Brock Lesnar had returned at the expense of AJ Styles. That Brock Lesnar returned at Final Stand and laid waste to not one, not even two, but three men. And i cant lie, nor can i deny, that you are, in fact, telling the truth. However Paul, what you failed to realize is that i am not the same AJ Styles that was here a year ago. I refuse to sit back there and listen to the bullshit spew from that hole you call a mouth. Final Stand was to be OUR moment, yet in Brock Lesnar fashion, When you cant get over alone, use someone else and their fame to do so for you. You want to talk about all you clients accolades? Well not to take words from your own mouth, but your client is a...

{Karl Anderson}
FORMER.

{AJ Styles}
NCAA Wrestling Champion...

{Luke Gallows}
FORMER.

{AJ Styles}
UFC Champion, and a...

{Karl Anderson}
FORMER.

{AJ Styles}
XWL World Heavyweight Champion. Sounds like a lot of talk about some has been to me. I mean, for a guy, or excuse me, a "Beast" with such a high reputation and so many accomplishments i wouldn't think he should have a problem getting over more than a guy who is so....."Irrelevant". You see I have a hard time believing that someone like me was stealing your clients thunder. I mean, its like you said. Your Clients was a World Heavyweight Champion, however for the life of me i cant remember if i ever was.....
{Luke Gallows}
If i recall correctly, i believe you held the World Championship.....Twice.



{AJ Styles}
Oh yes, its a little blurry but its starting to come back to me. Who did i beat for the Championship?

{Karl Anderson}
Well lets see. it was The Golden Weasel, and, hmmm. Help me out Luke?

{Luke Gallows}
Wasn't it our ole buddy, Brock?

{Karl Anderson}
Now that you say that, i think it was!

{AJ Styles}
Ah yes. Not only have i beaten your Client for the very belt he seems so high on, but ive held it twice as many times. As a matter of fact, nearly every championship your client has held, i have held more times AND longer. The one exception is the Elite Championship, which i give credit where credit is due, he earned in record time, however who was it that was holding that championship when the Elite division ended? Who was it that wasn't even a good enough champion to keep his championship in the company? Who was it that Killed the very championship he made irrelevant in the first place? It wasn't Luke Gallows. It wasn't Karl Anderson. And it damn sure wasn't AJ Styles. It was in fact, your client Brock Lesnar. So whose career was made by the others? The man who beat one of the worst champions this company has ever seen, OR the man who beat a REAL XWL champion? The man who didn't beat just some ordinary guy off the street, but someone Phenomenal. The guy that you even claimed, highlighted his career by stealing the spotlight from the real reason people were awe inspired. Once again It wasn't me, But Brock Lesnar that built a career on the back of AJ Styles!



{AJ Styles}
You want to talk about wins and losses? How Brock "Conquered" me on four separate occasions? Sure, i may not be able to deny the fact that Brock Lesnar is One hell of a wrestler. He beat me fair and square in this ring four times. BUT the record books don't care how it happened, what kind of match it happened in, or who was involved. Man or Beast. The Book will still show that at Roulette I, AJ Styles beat your client to claim the World Heavyweight Championship proving that when it matters, REALLY matters, Brock Lesnar just cant get the job done. He can send your walrus ass out here to bitch and moan all he wants, but it wont change the facts. I bested Brock Lesnar, and i know that's what truly eats away at him. A guy like me beat a guy like him. If the roles had been reversed you would have come out here claiming that Brock Lesnar proved once again why he is a Beast. I couldn't let that happen. I did what i had to do and i walked out as the World Heavyweight Champion proving that Brock Lesnar isn't an unbeatable Beast. Brock Lesnar is a man. And just like all other men, the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

{AJ Styles}
And now id like to address the point you made, or tried to make i guess, about my Good Brothers here.....

Gallows raises an arm to nudge Styles back so that he and Karl Anderson may step forward, now face to face with the Advocate Brock Lesnar.

{Karl Anderson}
It has come to our attention that you, along with a few others in the Locker room weren't taking us seriously. That you didn't believe we had what it takes to be big time players. That we were nothing but bag carriers for Uncle Allen. that, in your words we were nothing but "BITCH BOYS". How do you feel about that Luke?

{Luke Gallows}
I don't fucking like it.

{Karl Anderson}
Me either good brother. You see Paul, im guessing you've been too far shoved up Brocks ass to pay attention to things here in XWL, so allow me to educate you a bit. We aren't just some lackey's here to do AJ's bidding. We are equals. We are on a mission to take over XWL. I am the Machine Gun Karl Anderson.

{Luke Gallows}
And im Big XLG Luke Gallows.

{Karl Anderson}{Luke Gallows}
And we are the Only Club that matters!

{Karl Anderson}
And in case you didn't witness it earlier tonight, here's a little recap. Nakanoodle...Is no more. You, Edge, or hell anybody will be seeing him for a Very long time. His Wrestling career is over. To be brutally honest he may never even walk again. So ask yourself. Do we look like men who shouldn't be taken serious?

{Luke Gallows}
Or do we look like men who are about to put you in a fucking wheelchair?
(Paul Heyman)
Let's get one thing straight right now "Big XLG"... If any one of you DARE lay a hand on me? I'm gonna own the nicest wheelchair this goddamn planet's EVER SEEN and it will have been PAID IN FULL by THE OC!!! Strike me down and I will not rest until I've successfully taken you to the cleaners in court for every single penny to your names. So please gentlemen, let's cut the petty two year old schoolyard threats out right now and let's get REAL for a second.

(Paul Heyman)
You talk about Brock needing you to get "over" AJ? Boy how wrong you are kid, because it is EXACTLY the opposite. Brock Lesnar MADE YOU in this company, Brock Lesnar won the Fatal 4 Way at Emergence 2016 to capture the World Heavyweight Championship, a Fatal 4 Way in which YOU YOURSELF were apart of AJ, and as the history books show, you didn't get the job done on that night, it was my client BROCK LESNAR who got the job done and walked out with the gold.

(Paul Heyman)
If not for Brock Lesnar winning that championship then and there, their would've been no AJ Styles Cinderella moment for the ages at Roulette that year because the World Heavyweight Championship would've been busy being contested elsewhere. You became World Heavyweight Champion on that night BECAUSE of BROCK LESNAR, FULL STOP.

(Paul Heyman)
And look what happened on that very night, the Golden Weasel Matt Sydal struck and STOLE that very championship right from you. Do you really think for one damn second that my client would've allowed that travesty to occur? He would've grabbed that weasel by his scrawny neck, exterminated him for good, taken his title, and left that building with the World Heavyweight Championship still in his grasp.

(Paul Heyman)
But we'll never know what TRULY would've transpired in a moment like that because he was not the victor in that night, he lost his championship to you because you simply RAN...EVADED...AND SURVIVED. So you can come out here and talk all the crap you want about Brock Lesnar being a former this, and a former that, and you can inform the world of the fantasyland for which you live in, in which you claim that Brock Lesnar needed you to get "over"...Because in all honesty? it is all for lack of a better term, the biggest pile of factually incorrect horseshit I've ever heard in my life.

(Paul Heyman)
Brock Lesnar is BOX OFFICE...Brock Lesnar is a MEGASTAR...Brock Lesnar is the BEAST INCARNATE AROUND THE WORLD!!! And you AJ? You're merely an attraction, a superstar at best, and you are indeed The Phenomenal One I will give you that, but all three of those things? you are in the WRESTLING WORLD, where as my client is WORLDWIDE. And the god's honest truth to the matter is? one on one? straight up? you know you will NEVER beat Brock Lesnar, and along with that truth? comes another...deep down? you know you will NEVER reach that WORLDWIDE pedestal that my client rests upon until you've well and truly slayed the beast once and for all, something you've failed to do in five encounters.

(Paul Heyman)
And before you spit it out of your mouth, just don't, just hold it in and stop right there, because I know what you're gonna say, you're gonna bring up Roulette again, you left that match with the World Title in your grasp, until Matt Sydal stole it that is but that's beside the point, the point I am making to you is this, FIVE ENCOUNTERS, FIVE DIFFERENT CHANCES YOU HAD AT BROCK LESNAR, AND YOU FAILED TO PIN OR SUBMIT HIM IN EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM!

(Paul Heyman)
Which is EXACTLY why you brought the BC with you when you came back to the company isn't it AJ? and no ladies and gentlemen, I did not stutter, because they are still BC as far as I'm concerned, they are BITCHBOY CLUB FOR LIFE! They aren't your friends AJ, they're your pawns, lackeys, bait if you will, they're your insurance policy when someone like Brock Lesnar comes knocking and looking for a fight, because Brock Lesnar is physically and mentally superior to you in every single way, shape, and form AJ Styles, but with two extra bodies? your mathematical chances of dealing with The Beast automatically goes up in your book right AJ?

(Paul Heyman)
And I mean hell, those numbers really worked in your favor earlier tonight against Shinsuke Nakamura didn't they? so maybe you're onto something when it comes to having an advantage on most people around here with the numbers iin your favor AJ, but make no mistake about it, my client is no normal numerical statistic, he is an ANOMALY, something that you simply cannot prepare or account for. Brock Lesnar takes a disadvantage, like your numbers game for example, and immediately transcends it into an advantage for himself. He will take the weakest of links in this chaingang you've built for yourself AJ, and he will RIP and TEAR at it with PACE and PRECISION until those weak links have been disposed of, and that chain is completely destroyed...and at that point? what does AJ Styles do? back against the wall...face to face with the most dangerous anomaly this business has ever seen...no bitchboys to protect you...exposed to the world...defenseless...helpless...hopeless.

{Karl Anderson}
He beats Brock Lesnar for the World Heavyweight Championship?

{Luke Gallows}
Again?



{AJ Styles}
No, no, no.....well maybe......but no. You know Paul, I honestly think your either deaf, blind, or stupid. However the most likely answer is that your all three. You want to talk about things you know nothing about like saying that the only reason Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows are here is to help me? Well your right, but not the way that you think. They aren’t here to help me with selfish desires such as capturing gold or wins. They are here to help me rid this place of the ingrates that’s are ruining this business.  People like.....

{Karl Anderson}
Hangman Adam Page.

{Luke Gallows}
Daniel Bryan

{Karl Anderson}
BOBBY Roode

{Luke Gallows}
I think it’s “Robert”.

{Karl Anderson}
I think I don’t give a damn

{AJ Styles}
And ESPECIALLY, Brock Lesnar. People that have no business being inside this ring, OUR ring. We are here to exterminate any & all negative impacts in professional wrestling and we won’t stop until we have achieved our goals. Now speaking of things you know nothing about, you claim to be the “greatest advocate that ever lived”. First off “hoss” I didn’t face Nakamura tonight, Anderson did. Secondly he didn’t need Luke Gallows or my help. He pinned him right here in this ring 1, 2, 3 by himself. Because like he said earlier. He isn’t my servant. He is his own man. He’s a member of the OC. He is among XWL’s Elite. All three of us are. And I guarantee you that BIG things are coming Karl Anderson’s way. I guarantee you that he will prove to the world he is more than just OC member, and Good Brother Karl Anderson. He is The Machine Gun, and he’s got enough bullets for the entire XWL Roster!

{AJ Styles}
Now we can continue to talk about how I beat Brock Lesnar at Roulette back in 2016. We can  talk about how I lost to Matt Sydal, how Brock Lesnar is know around the world for having his arm shoved up your ass and working you like a puppet. We can talk about how Roulette “Should” have gone if Brock had his full breakfast of protein cakes and Wheaties, or how he has pulled more money than Hulk Hogan, Matt Sydal, Ted Debiasi, CM Punk, John Cena, The Rock, Stone Cold, and The Undertaker combined. Or we could even talk about how my contract is larger than Brock’s, even after all your attempts to get him the best deal.

{Luke Gallows}
Fyi Heyman.

{Karl Anderson}
It’s ALOT more.

{Luke Gallows}
Hell, we nearly make more than Brock.

{Karl Anderson}
Imagine that?

{Luke Gallows}
Irrelevant “Bitch Boys” making more than a worldwide “beast”.

Styles begins to chuckle, however his smile quickly fades as his gaze raises back up to Paul Heyman.



{AJ Styles}
OR we could just show you what the OC is all about?

Styles tosses the microphone to the ground, followed quickly by Gallows & Anderson. Without hesitation the two Good Brothers drop to the mat and roll out of the ring before lifting the apron and beginning their search. Heyman looks side to side at them, watching and wondering what the hell is going on. Styles all the while leans back onto the ropes, and watches whatever this is that’s about to unfold. After a few moments of searching, it seems Gallows and Anderson have finally found what it is they were looking for, as they both stand and smile to one another. Heyman still frantically looking back and fourth wondering what it is that’s even going on, however his confusion and worry quickly turn to fear. For Gallows and Anderson raise their hand into the sky, with a black, 42” extension. Baseball bats! The same weapons that they used just earlier tonight to send Nakamura directly to the hospital, without any certainty of his condition.

Gallows & Anderson slide back into the ring with intent to harm the man who continues to call them nothing more than AJ Styles “pawns”. Heyman looks back and fourth between them, before jilting his head towards styles. The look in his eyes, almost begging for mercy. A look that seems as if Heyman is asking Styles “your not really going to let them attack me are you?”. Styles, obviously being some kind of a mind reader, shrugs and mouths “you asked for it”. The good brothers receive a nod from uncle Allan, to commence in their plan. The pair raise the bats, swing behind their head and.....





Lesnar steps through the curtain looking like a man possessed, fueled by the rage of seeing his advocate Paul Heyman on the verge of being assaulted before his very eyes. Lesnar and The OC lock eyes from a distance as Brock executes his mini jog on stage quicker then usual before lifting his arms up and throwing them down on each side as he had done hundreds of times before causing his pyro to erupt, a message being sent to The OC in itself that The Beast is here, and he's ready to BRING THE PAIN!! Lesnar rushes down the ramp and slides into the ring, Anderson attempts to cut him down quickly by swinging the bat but Lesnar ducks the swing and within a split second, managed to send him halfway across the ring with a German Suplex. Gallows was the next taker, as he runs towards the beast, bat first with intent to take Lesnar’s head off. Lesnar, yet again ready ducks again, before landing a second German Suplex folding gallows in half. we're starting to see shades of Final Stand all over again, a sense of deja vu spreads throughout the arena as The OC are in big trouble here.

Lesnar turns to the final member of The OC to finish this charade, however Styles is no longer leaned against the ropes. Instead, he is flying through the air for the Phenomenal Elbow! Just before the elbow connects however, Lesnar catches him yet again, tosses him up onto his shoulders, and lets out a fever pitch scream. Heyman laughs now, knowing he has been saved by his client & Beast, Brock Lesnar. Lesnar without hesitation lifts and spins style in the air planting him with an F-5!? NO! Styles lands on his feet directly behind Lesnar, who turns around realizing something isn’t right, and coming face to boot via a pele kick from AJ Styles!

Brock staggers back, dazed and confused before Luke Gallows springs off the ropes delivering a devastating Big boot to the jaw of the beast. Lesnar falls back into the ropes, nearly falling to the ground, yet somehow still standing. He shakes his head in an attempt to shake off the blur he now has in his eyes, however before he has a chance to fully recuperate Karl Anderson makes his move delivering an absolute hellacious Gun Stun, driving Lesnar’s face nearly through the god damn mat! Anderson stands back up over the beast, however the look in his eyes show that he isn’t done here. Nor is Gallows & Styles. The three men approach the fallen Beast, however before they can finish what they started, they hear a screech from outside the ring.

The three of them turn to see Paul Heyman standing outside the ring, pointing at the OC, informing them that they will all be sorry, and they will soon pay. Styles begins to laugh, while Gallows & Anderson on the other hand, have had enough. The Good Brothers slide out of the ring on either side of Paul Heyman, each of them grabbing him by a shoulder. Heyman begins asking what’s going on, and what the hell they think they are doing. The pair ignore him, as they drag him towards the announce table. The crowd knows what’s about to happen, and they are going nuts. Heyman continues to beg them to stop, but his pleas go unheard, for they have made it to their destination. Anderson rears back and punches Heyman in the stomach to end the cries for mercy, before gallows wraps both hands around the walrus’s neck, lifting him into the air, and SENDING HIM STRAIGHT THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE TO THE GROUND!

Heyman lies on the ground, not moving an inch. Not muttering a word. He is stunned and he is broken. The Good Brothers both spit onto the fallen advocate before they turn and go back into the ring. Styles all the while has been watching on as his friends took care of a huge thorn in his side for years now. And Gallows & Anderson climb back into the ring, and stand beside Styles, the three turn back to Lesnar who is starting to attempt to stand, he is however still dazed, confused, has has absolutely no idea what just happened to his friend, Paul Heyman. Styles looks to Gallows and Anderson, nodding at each man letting them know “it’s time”.

The Good Brothers grab each arm of Lesnar, lifting him to his knees, and grabbing him by the neck forcing him to look at the mayhem and destruction Heyman in laying in. It takes a few moments, but as Lesnar realizes what it is that he sees, his face grows red hot with rage, and begins to let out a loud screech. He begins to try to wiggle his way free, but it’s no use. He any be strong, but he has taken a beating here tonight, & Gallows and Anderson aren’t just some push overs that will submit your his will. Brock turns to Styles who is now standing over him. The two rivals lock eyes, each of them knowing fully how much the other despises them. They continue to lock eyes, neither of them moving their gaze. That is, until a sudden jolt happens, and we realize the flash was AJ Styles swinging an open faced hand straight to the face of Lesnar deliver a LOUD slap, turning the right side of his face a bright red.

Lesnar is stunned. He can’t believe he was just slapped by the man before him. A HUGE showing of disrespect. He knows they the each other but even this was not expected. Lesnar begins to shiver with anger. Styles realizes this and knows this is it. He has to end it now before Lesnar gathers the strength to somehow Superman his way through this. Styles exits the ring onto the apron and turns around, signaling for his fellow OC members to stand the beast up to his feet. They do so, and styles leaps into the top rope to fly through the air and deliver a Phenomenal Elbow! however, just as Lesnar gets to his feet, and styles feet touch the top rope a sudden Burst of strength appears as Lesnar “explodes” with power shoving Gallows & Anderson backwards to either side of the rings ropes. Styles sees this, but it’s too late, he’s already in the air, meaning He just bought a one way ticket to Suplex city.

Lesnar catches Styles mid air, flips him around, and sends him flying with a German Suplex. Styles bounces across the ring and under the ropes onto the apron. Lesnar, with a look of intent to kill, follows him to the edge of the ring. He grabs styles by the hair and pulls him to his feet, however before he can continue his attack Styles hops off the apron bouncing Lesnars face off the ropes. Lesnar turns around holding his face, dazed and confused however he quickly shakes it off. He reveals his face just in time to see Karl Anderson wearing a sinister smile smeared across his face and a baseball bat in his hand. He tries to grab Anderson but it’s too late. Anderson swings the bat up and connects directly with The Beasts family Jules! Lesnar’s eyes nearly pop and nearly coughs up his balls. He turns and drops to a knee.

He is unable to move yet he can still watch as Luke Gallows tosses something to AJ Styles who is now standing on the apron that just sent Brock Lesnar to his unfortunate fate. Styles places the object in his hand before jumping onto the top rope, spring boarding across the ring, and hitting Lesnar with a HUGE Phenomenal.....Punch!? WITH BRASS KNUCKLES!!! Lesnar falls to the ground unconscious as the crowd goes completely silent. No one knows what to say. Paul Heyman has been broken in half by Luke Gallows. And Brock Lesnar has been beaten unconscious by all of the OC. No one knows what kind of reaction is acceptable here in all of this destruction and mayhem. However it doesn’t matter, at least not to the three men who are still standing in the ring.

Gallows & Anderson slide out from the ring and begin searching yet again under the ring for something as Styles scans all of the destruction he and his good brothers have caused here tonight. He smiles, obviously happy with himself and fellow OC members. Anderson eventually slides back into the ring and walks towards Brock as Gallows heads towards Paul Heyman. The duo raise their arms to reveal that they each have a can of black spray paint. They begin to shake a few times before Gallows Rips Heymans shirt off and rolls him onto his back. Anderson & Gallows both bend over and begin to spray. After a short while they both step aside to reveal their “art”. On both bodies they sprayed in “OC for life”. Gallows tosses his can to the ground before he slides back into the ring and stands on the left side of Styles. Anderson tosses his and stands on Styles right side. The three men knuckle bump and high five each other before simultaneously looking into the camera, raising their arms, and forming 3 Too Sweets in the air leaving them standing over a fallen and broken Brock Lesnar the last thing seen before Octane heads to commercial break.

We are taken backstage where Chris Van Vliet is waiting and he catches Shayna Baszler on her way to the locker room.


Chris Van Vliet

" Shayna comments on your match tonight?"

Shayna scoffs and then nods her head in aggreance to giving a statement.



SHAYNA BASZLER

"You know Chris I'm tired of you pesky interviewers asking me my thoughts. You're as bad as Facebook and the dumbass What's on your mind question. You want my thoughts on my match? What exactly would my thoughts be? The same as every week. Once again I showed up and showed my dominance over this division. You see it made no difference to me who was across the ring from me tonight. Whether it was Britt Brat Baker,Maryse,Alexa Bliss,Tenille Dashwood,Becky Lynch, Hell it could've been anyone from days of old to any unlucky newcomer, and the result would still be the same. Shayna Baszler with another victory! You see tonight wasnt just a match it was part of a mission. And that mission is to reclaim what was taken from me just one year ago. And thats the North American championship. Tonight and for the rest of this tournament, I am going to be like a predator missile. I seek and destroy my target! I mean lets face it. That little bimbo that is currently holding my title isn't worthy. So I'm putting her on notice. Kairi Sane, be prepared to meet the In-sane, untamed, & unstoppable Queen Of Spades. Because I'm coming for what's mine. And when I take out the rest of the competition and make my way to you, Ms. Pirate Princess, I'm going to take your "BOOTY". If you catch my drift. So train hard because its going to be me and you, nobody will be able to save you! Now Chris, get the hell out of my way before you are my next victim"

Shayna pushes Van Vliet out of the way and walks away like a badass, hell bent to reclaim her throne.

The cameras cut to the next scene

[MAURO RANALLO]
XWL is built on sometimes personal, sometimes professional, always memorable rivalries. At Final Stand, in the main event of the evening, we saw a memorable feud come to a close. At least for now. Sasha Banks defeated Liv Morgan for the XWL Women’s Championship in an incredibly personal, painful match and per the agreement in the contract they signed, Liv Morgan is now contractually banned from challenging for the XWL Women’s Championship as long as Sasha Banks is the champion.

[BETH PHOENIX]
That’s correct. I haven’t spoken to Liv Morgan since the result of the match but I did speak to Sasha after the match. I assured her that she can take the night off to rest both physically and mentally. As someone who has competed in matches against women who were once your friend, I can assure you that a match like that takes a heavy toll on your mental health. Especially when Liv was begging at one point.

[COREY GRAVES]
Please, do we really believe Sasha ever saw Liv as anything more than a pawn? I don’t believe there was any friendship between the two of them. Sasha Banks used Liv Morgan. Sasha Banks has always used Liv Morgan. And now you’re giving her the night off? What a champion she is.

[BETH PHOENIX]
Sasha Banks is going to be back and better than ever next week. She’s even going to be addressing her next challenger. That’s right. Adam and I have told her what the plan is for our next special event - Dead Man’s Hand. I will not say anything else about the match but what I will say is that Sasha Banks had an interview take place after the main event of Final Stand and we have video of it. Ladies and Gentleman in the back, please, roll the footage.

The screen then transitions to a pre-recorded video that was taken at Final Stand. Sasha Banks sits backstage with her back against one of the walls and the XWL Women’s Championship held in her lap. Her hair was a mess and she looked exhausted. Many crew members were walking by her as the show had ended and they needed to prepare to get all of the stage pieces taken down and brought back to normal before getting back on the road. Some of those crew members congratulated her. Most of them were surely sick and tired of the antics of the former XWL Women’s Champion. The camera grows closer as the person holding it steps forward and then we see Charly Caruso stepping into the frame above Sasha. The interviewer has a microphone in her hand as she squats down to be more on the Boss’ level, then taking her microphone and raising it to speak.

[CHARLY CARUSO]
Sasha Banks, can I get your thoughts after that match?

The microphone is then brought over to Sasha, yet she doesn’t respond right away. Who knows where her mind is after that match against Liv Morgan. Maybe she’s allowing her mind to rest for the first time in a long, long time.


Actions speak louder than words and holding this championship right now says more than I could possibly say right now.

That statement rang true now more than ever before. Words could only get you so far and Sasha Banks has built an empire based on the words she's said over the years but for the first time, her actions backed up those words. Take a look back at her career over the last few years. She said she could beat Mia Yim... and she didn't. Sasha lost to Mia multiple times. She said she could beat AJ Lee... and she did. Only once though. That win was forgotten as AJ (going by April at the time) went on to become one of the most dominant champions of all-time while Sasha was just there. She said that she was better than and could beat Natalya... and, well, we all know what happened there. Sasha lost. Numerous times. Every match they fought in, Sasha lost... but this was different. She called her shot and she defeated Liv Morgan.


The bumps, bruises, and blood on my body say more about that match then I could begin to explain. I stepped into the main event of Final Stand XII against Liv Morgan and I defeated her to win the XWL Women’s Championship. It wasn’t a wrestling match. It wasn’t a technical contest to see who the better wrestler was. The star ratings didn’t matter. It wasn’t a match that you’ll want to look back at and study in five, ten years because you want to take inspiration from it. It was a fight. It was a personal fight between two people who had two years worth of emotions to get out on each other. Two individuals who loved each other at one point and now it’s over. I can finally be free of all this mental strain I’ve been through because of Liv Morgan and how I… or how I once felt about her. I don’t know how I really feel about it. Kind of changes as the days go on. But I don’t need to focus on her anymore. I don’t have to worry about her. I can move on. It’s over. It’s finally over and I am ready for something new.

Sasha Banks brings her hand to the back of her neck and applies pressure. The aches and pains are obvious on her face but she still is able to muster up the strength to speak up once again. She was almost killed tonight after all when Liv Morgan made an attempt to run her over with a car but she survived. Sasha Banks is a survivor. She’s fought the most unpredictable superstar in XWL at her own game and she walked out the winner but at what cost?


I’m in a lot of pain - both mentally and physically. My back hurts and my head is throbbing so bad right now. Tonight, tonight is my only chance to relax because starting tomorrow, I am going to begin my reign as XWL Women’s Champion. There's no off-season after Final Stand. When the sun rises in the morning, I will be ready to be the champion that this division needs. A fighting champion who'll bring the best out of every last superstar they fight because dammit, that's what I do. I bring out the best because I am the best. I don't back down when I lose. I don't run away when things don't go my way. I might not have to worry about Liv Morgan aiming for the target on my back but there are so many other women who are going to be aiming for me and this championship. So many talented women who are deserving of a shot at this Women’s Championship. Women like Shayna Baszler, Mia Yim, Charlotte Flair, Britt Baker, Io Shirai, and many others. So many women I can't wait to step into the ring with.

Sasha pushes the microphone away as she places her championship up on the storage crate that sat next to her before she pulled herself up to her feet. The Women’s Championship was then unbuttoned where the ends met and she placed the championship on her shoulder. She smiled at it so proudly before lifting her chin and looking over at Charly. She takes a deep breath and speaks again.


I’m going to go grab my belongings, head to my hotel room, and I’m going to pass out. Tonight, I’m a woman who survived the war. I’m a woman who’s earned a good night's sleep... Tomorrow, the war begins again with someone new. I don’t know who that’s going to be yet. I need to speak with Edge and Beth Phoenix about what's next, but whoever it may be; I want you to bring your best because you’re going to need it if you think you can take this championship from me and you can… Actually, you know what? Let’s save the catchphrases for tomorrow too.

The camera then turns and watches as the newly crowned Women’s Champion - #MAINEVENTBANKS - begins to walk away, picking up the water she had as she creates a distance between her and them. Our screens then fade to black as the segment ends and we head back to the commentators. Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix both seem proud of the new champion while Corey had his hand covering his face. It’s safe to say he was already tired of Sasha Banks being champion.

[BETH PHOENIX]
With that being said, next week, Sasha Banks comes back to Octane!



[COREY GRAVES]
What do you mean next week? She was here a little bit ago when Natalya was attacked!

A collective groan is heard from the other two commentators who don't share the same opinion as Corey.

[COREY GRAVES]
What!? You guys are acting like I'm wrong. I'm right. That was Sasha Banks under the mask! I saw the blue hair!

[MAURO RANALLO]
We didn't see a- Actually, nevermind. Let's get this show on the road before Corey shows how much of a conspiracy theorist he is. Coming up next is the in-ring return of the man who attacked and put Jon Moxley out of action at Final Stand... "The Viper" Randy Orton!



And almost on cue, the theme of Randy Orton begins to roar throughout the arena. The all-too-familiar 'I HEAR VOICES' opening that everyone knew of was the only introduction needed for a superstar like Randy Orton. Especially after his actions at Final Stand.



[BETH PHOENIX]
I spoke to Randy Orton earlier tonight and my husband and I asked if he could do an interview to address his actions from Final Stand, but Randy said he has nothing to say... which is kind of scary to think about. Regardless of how you feel about Jon Moxley, he put a man on the shelf and he believes that there's nothing to talk about. I've known Randy for many years now, he's been to my home and he's held my children, which means I shouldn't be surprised because I know him better than most... yet I am very surprised and slightly disappointed in him.

[COREY GRAVES]
It's simple: wrestling is their life for people like Randy Orton. He doesn't have an acting career to fall back on and he's not exactly cut out for commentary or working behind the scenes. By taking away the World Heavyweight Championship from Randy Orton and putting him on the shelf, you took away his life essentially. It's not that hard to understand. Please, Mauro, tell me you understand.

[MAURO RANALLO]
I understand but I do not agree. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind and an injury for an injury ruins wrestling as a whole, but Randy Orton will be in action when we return from the commercial break!

As Randy Orton continues to make his entrance, XWL Octane fades to commercial break.



We come back from commercial break and the Apex Predator has already entered the ring.



His theme music comes to a close and the lights in the arena turn to their default hue. Randy continues to walk around the ring for his opponent... but who could that possibly be? It can't be Jon Moxley. He was punted in the head at Final Stand and who knows when he'll be seen once again. It could be Daniel Bryan or Robert Roode, but the chances of that were unlikely - especially Roode. He's already got enough on his plate dealing with Keith Lee. The last thing you want is the man the size of Keith Lee coming after you and Randy Orton as well. Could it be another returning superstar? After seeing the returns of Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, and more, could another be ready to come back? If so, who could it be? Or, perhaps it's a superstar looking to prove themselves against the caliber of someone like Randy Orton; a multi-time World Heavyweight Champion and former Intercontinental Champion.

[MAURO RANALLO]
Beth, I've been meaning to ask. Who exactly is Randy Orton facing tonight?

[BETH PHOENIX]
Let's bring our attention to the stage and find out!



The XWL Universe is taken by complete shock and let out a massive pop as the well known theme of Finn Balor had rung out throughout the Scotiabank Arena. Seeing as this is the first Octane post Final Stand? surprises were expected, but no one had called this, no dirt sheet site leaked it, nothing of the sort, no one expected Finn Balor to be here tonight and by the sound of his theme? it appears as though he is!!!

[MAURO RANALLO]
MAMA MIA!!! COULD IT BE???

[COREY GRAVES]
NO WAY!!!



[BETH PHOENIX]
Finn Balor is back in XWL!!!

The XWL universe is thrilled to see Finn Balor step out onto the stage and they're making sure he knows about it as their cheers rain down upon him within the arena. Balor however? he keeps his focus steadfast on the man, or in this case, Viper who awaits him in the ring. Balor aims a double gun taunt at Orton from atop the stage and fires them off before slowly making his way down the ramp in calculating fashion. One thing the fans immediately notice, is that Finn isn't even bothering to play along to his theme as he normally would with his body motions, he is one hundred percent focused on the Apex Predator right now, and no one could really fault him for it after what Orton did to Jon Moxley at Final Stand. It's clear Balor isn't taking this lightly and knows that his grand return to XWL could blow up in his face before it's truly began if he's not careful, and if Orton gets his way? it'll all be thanks to three infamous letters, R...K...O...

Balor ascends the steps and stands on the center of the apron where he continues to staredown Orton, he steps through the ropes and enters the ring, at which point he proceeds to go face to face with Orton, eventually the ref steps in and sends them off to their own respective corners, both men remove their jackets and before long the bell has sounded and this surprise matchup on Octane tonight is underway.





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Randy Orton goes flying over the top rope by a clothesline from Finn Balor to the dismay of the crowd! This new attitude from the prince is in full effect. Normally, he might play to them before flying over the top rope himself but instead, Finn quickly exits the ring through the middle rope and goes to drag Randy up to his feet.

[COREY GRAVES]
I'm not sure what Finn Balor has in mind right not bu- wait a second. He's bringing Randy this way!

[MAURO RANALLO]
I don't know what he has in mind but whatever it is might involve this table! I'm getting out of here!

Finn has brought Randy Orton around the ring to where the announcers were and Randy's head bounces off the cover of the table when Finn slams him against it. Randy collapses down to a knee as we here the sound of microphones dropping which is actually the headsets that the commentary team was wearing. All three of them back off with one of them going to one side of the table and the other two to the other - all three of them creating some distance between themselves and two very dangerous superstars. Finn was always a dangerous superstar who you couldn't take lightly but most of that time, that danger came from the confidence he found in the paint that he wore. Could this mean that Finn Balor is more dangerous than ever before? More dangerous than when he was able to rise through the ranks and become the World Heavyweight Champion of this company? Only time can tell but if this showing was anything to judge, it's safe to say that there's going to be gold in Finn's future. The referee has tried his best to get the men back in the ring but Finn is ignoring his count. You can almost assume that making a statement is more important than winning this match for Finn Balor. He takes the cover and rips it off of the table before tossing it to the side. The cover almost hits a fan but just misses which prompts Beth Phoenix to yell at Finn but how does he react? Simple: the Irish superstar laughs off her remarks as he returns his attention to the Viper. Finn tries to roll Randy onto the announcer's table... but Randy tries to fight back!... but he doesn't get very far because a stiff forearm smack to the Viper's head is enough to make him stagger. Balor quickly pushes Randy onto the table and then smacks his chest not once but twice with closed fists.

It appears as though those closed fists were enough to keep The Viper down, temporarily at least, this gives Balor the quick window he's been looking for, he quickly takes a few steps to his left and ascends the apron as the ref's count continues to grow, from the apron he steps through the ropes and enters the ring, he proceed to climb to the top rope as the crowd at this point is on the edge of their seats, they feel as though a truly special moment could be upon them with how dangerously quick both of these men can strike with high impact maneuvers. We're only a few seconds away from Finn Balor scoring a count-out victory here, be it intentional or not, Orton is in big trouble here, but saves himself just in time by rolling off the table and rolling himself onto the apron and just barely into the ring enough for the ref to consider it acceptable to end his count. Balor meanwhile is still perched on the top rope, but Orton's quick change of position has taken him out of the drop zone, Balor has no choice but to hop down from the top and back to a normal vertical base within the ring.

Balor makes his way to Orton who's still sprawled out beneath the bottom rope, he reaches through the ropes and slowly drags Orton back to a vertical base with every bit of strength left in his body. Orton now (barely) stands on the apron whilst Balor is directly in front of him in the ring, Balor is worn out however and Orton realizes it, in typical Viper fashion, he strikes from out of nowhere by hitting Finn with an RKO of sorts that essentially guillotines him off the top rope and sends him flying across the ring, the result however is exactly that opposite of what Orton was hoping for as Balor used the momentum from being sprung off the ropes on the other side of the ring to charge full force at him and BLAST HIM off the apron with a NASTY Shotgun Dropkick that sends The Viper flying into the announce table face first. As brutal as the impact was, it was still not enough to break the table, just enough to create a sinister thud that echoed throughout the arena on impact.

Balor clutched at his jaw and neck area for a few moments as he was clearly feeling the effects of that improvised RKO, eventually he commenced with sliding under the bottom rope and now looks to capitalize on his effective Shotgun Dropkick counter outta nowhere as quickly and efficiently as possible. Balor stood beside the table and leaned on it for a few moments to catch his breath and circulate some ideas one would imagine as to what the next step was gonna be. Eventually, the light bulb went off as the ref's count had hit five, Balor opted to ascend the table from the right side which meant Orton's head was face down beneath him, he begun the slow but necessary process of dragging Orton back to his knees and eventually to his feet. Orton's legs were practically jelly at this point, Balor had to act fast, his intentions at this point seemed clear to most within the Scotiabank Arena, they seemed all but certain that he was gonna hook that arm and attempt 1916, a prediction which would turn out to be absolutely correct. Balor hooked Orton's arm and used everything he had left in the tank to attempt to lift Orton into the sky and drive him head first through the announcers table, the end result however? was something Balor could've never factored in at the time and under the current circumstances. Orton managed to stop the lift midway through, land back on his feet where the move attempt began, and then proceeded to break Balor's grip on his arm by spinning out of it and proceeded to send both men crashing through the announcers table with a thunderous RKO which sent the arena into an absolute frenzy. The roof nearly came off the Scotiabank Arena upon impact, and shortly thereafter, the bell had rung, this match was over via double count out as the referee's count had hit ten, a factor both men seemed to throw out the window an eternity ago at this point.

[MAURO RANALLO]
RKO THROUGH OUR ANNOUNCERS TABLE!!! HOLY F'IN BLEEP!!!!

[COREY GRAVES]
We still even on the air?

[BETH PHOENIX]
I'm getting word from the production truck that we indeed still are on the air. My word, WHAT A MATCH!!! We're all left wanting more from those two after that encounter, but you know what? those two guys just threw caution to the wind and gave it everything they had to take each other out, and the end result? was a memorable moment on the post Final Stand edition of Octane that the XWL Universe will treasure for years to come. Even though it was a double count out and this match ends unresolved per say? An unideal outcome for a moment the XWL Universe can cherish for years to come? That's a tradeoff I'm more then happy to take here tonight on Octane.

[MAURO RANALLO]
Absolutely Beth, that was an incredible moment we just witnessed, the atmosphere in this building was electric and you simply do not have moments like that happen everyday. You can't help but tip your hat to both men regardless of your opinions of them, they put it all on the line right there and they delivered one heck of a match for the XWL Universe here tonight on Octane. And something tells me we haven't seen the last of these two sharing a ring with one another, there's bound to be some bad blood brewing as a result of this encounter tonight, and with no true winner or loser? this is bound to be settled at some point down the road.

[COREY GRAVES]
Let's just say Orton and Balor have been known to hold a grudge or two throughout their careers, so in this rare instance? I'd agree with you Mauro, these two aren't gonna forget about this anytime soon if I had to guess.

The medical team rush to ringside to tend to Orton and Balor as Octane heads to a commercial break.

[[[ Main Event ]]]

[[[ Triple Threat Non-Title Match ]]]



Notes From The General Manager's Office:

"And in our Main Event for the evening, I have decided to test our new Undisputed North American Champion's mettle against two challengers who were unsuccessful in their endeavor to create their own “Final Stand moment.” Last night, we saw the now former North American Champion run the gauntlet that I appropriately named Lethal Lottery, defeating the trio of Ruby Riott, Io Shirai and Britt Baker in consecutive matches. While many saw my actions following her well deserved victories as cruel, it was simply the luck of the draw and Kairi Sane, despite her visible frustration with the decision, was able to defeat her best friend to become the sole North American Champion. While her path wasn't marred in her own blood, sweat and tears, I have decided to have our new Champion run her own version of the “gauntlet” here tonight, against two women who have become familiar with one another in the past number of weeks in Mia Yim and Charlotte Flair. Kairi has history with one of these women while the other is uncharted territory for the Champion. For the first time ever, we will have The Queen meeting The Pirate Princess, a royal encounter to say the least. Mia, on the other hand, was involved in a previous Triple Threat match, that Kairi emerged victorious from, however, she didn't pin Mia to win that match, so one has to believe that there's still unfinished business there. After a stellar Final Stand, I'm in a generous mood, so I have given the gift of redemption to both Mia and Charlotte in the form of a Triple Threat match against the current North American Champion while giving Kairi her chance to shut the naysayers down. While the Championship isn't on the line tonight, who knows, maybe if they impress, we may very well see a rematch involving all three women down the road with the North American Championship on the line."








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[[Mauro Ranallo]]
The North American Champion victorious in tonight's Main-Event!

[[Beth Phoenix]]
Mia Yim might want to cut her losses after that one...she complained that Kairi didn't pin her in their last Triple Threat together...but she won't have that excuse to fall back on now.

[[Corey Graves]]
You have to believe that victory was also a message to the two women competing in the North American Championship Number One Contender's Tournament next week, as well as Shayna Baszler who advanced to the finals earlier tonight.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
Absolutely, she was likely watching Shayna Baszler dismantle Maryse...and she'll likely be watching as Io Shirai faces Sarah Logan to determine who goes onto High Octane against The Queen Of Spades herself.

As the crowd goes wild for The Pirate Princess, her treasure is returned to her by the official as he raises her hand in victory. Her win at Final Stand may not have been as hard fought as she likely would have liked it to be, but there's no doubt tonight she brought it and took the best of what her two opponents had to offer and then showed them hers.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
She was The Last Woman Standing at the end of Lethal Lottery at Final Stand, and she the last one standing tonight...proving she's a very tough challenge ahead for whomever claims The Number One Contendership at High Octane.

[[Corey Graves]]
I mean it's easy to be the last one standing when your only opponent could barely stand after going through three other opponents...

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
Oh come on, Corey...don't start that again.

[[Corey Graves]]
What? I'm simply saying that while sure she was the winner...she wasn't the one that eliminated all three challengers for that title before she claimed it...and I might argue that Alexa Bliss kind of got the short end of the stick there.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
That's how gauntlet matches work, Corey...

With a message sent loud and clear to whomever will be the first to challenge her in her newly solo reign as North American Champion she makes her way over to the corner and climbs onto the second rope raising her title above her head as Canada continues to show the love for the victor of this evening's Main-Event. Celebrating with her treasure high in the air for all to see she has the biggest smile on her face. And what's not to smile about? She's truly on top of the world right now, and that has to feel incredible.

As The Octane after Final Stand prepares to come to an end, the camera's cut away from Kairi Sane's triumphant celebration in our Main-Event and to a shot of her best friend...the best friend she officially dethroned at Final Stand watching on a monitor backstage. It's been a rough moment that has been anything but "Bliss" for Alexa. She successfully ran the gauntlet, fending off all three challengers to her and Kairi's treasure...but Edge would go on to say that there was one more opponent for Bliss to overcome...and it would be what ended their co-ownership of the title and determined the sole owner of The North American Championship. Despite her impressive victories over Ruby Riott, Io Shirai, and Britt Baker...Alexa couldn't keep up the momentum for a fourth time and it led to her fresher friend seizing the moment as hers.



And as she watches now...she's yet again seeing another moment where her friend was successful when she wasn't. Kairi has beaten Mia Yim and Charlotte Flair...while Alexa? Fell to a changed Sarah Logan tonight..and given their previous standings in the division? It could only be described as an upset. Which is perhaps why Alexa looks rather upset, or at least...not entirely in the moment able to be happy for her friend. The monitor continues to show The Pirate Princess posing with her treasure, as she celebrates at the barricade now, propped up on top of it with her title proudly held high. Alexa's eyes fall to the ground as she looks away from the screen...with a slight pout of her lips.



While she's still being supportive including watching her pal's match...you do detect that she's almost wishing that was her. I mean, to be accurate...it WAS her. She was the poster girl of Octane...now that's her best friend. She was North American Champion, first she shared it with Kairi, and then...well it solely became her best friend's possession, no longer hers. And she was the one Main-Eventing not too long ago...and, now that honor is Kairi's tonight. Any normal human would feel somewhat how she does right now. Because it's not necessarily that she's saying anything in way of words, but her demeanor is pretty telling without them. She shakes her head, then looks back up...seeing the camera zoom in on The North American Championship...and she's clearly feeling some type of way about it. Not being granted a rematch like every other Champion is entitled surely couldn't have helped her deal with this matter any easier.



While getting lost with what's on the screen, and what might be running through her mind in the moment...she's suddenly approached by Charly Caruso.

[[Charly Caruso]]
Excuse me, Alexa? Are you okay? The show's coming to an end tonight and your best friend's victorious in The Main-Event...but, well you don't seem too enthusiastic about that.

She soon realizes she's no longer alone, and her demeanor changes as if she's suddenly very peppy despite not appearing so just seconds ago.

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
What? Nonsense, I am beyond excited. I mean winning in The Main-Event of the Octane after Final Stand is a big deal and I am so proud of her.

[[Charly Caruso]]
You say that...but your demeanor didn't exactly look as such when I walked up.

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
It's not that, it's just I'm a little disappointed at my loss earlier tonight...I don't know how I lost to Sarah Logan. Don't get me wrong she's good but she's never really been...on my level...but I guess that changed tonight. Kind of like a lot of things have...

[[Charly Caruso]]
It's been a tough series of nights for you, tonight of course but more so Final Stand...you ran the entire gauntlet of challengers only to...lose to your best friend. Anyone would be understanding if you weren't entirely happy about how that went.

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
Why wouldn't I be happy? My best friend got to have her moment...sure I fought three people, in three very grueling matches leading up to that...but she won the one that mattered and if it couldn't be me then I'm glad it was her.

[[Charly Caruso]]
Aren't you a little upset that she kind of swooped in and took your moment?

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
Look I don't know what you're trying to do but I am happy...really, she's the best...and losing to the best is never a bad thing...sure, maybe it may have been different if I didn't have to wrestle three other Women before her...but it's not like she knew that was going to happen. If we didn't agree I was going to start she might have found herself in that spot too so it's really just an unfortunate event that neither of us could have avoided.

[[Charly Caruso]]
How did you come to that agreement exactly?

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
I mean, when it comes to Final Stand I've competed there several times so she knew I wouldn't let my nerves get to me and she thought our best chance was me starting...and, I of course agreed because if I happened to lose I knew she'd be able to bring it home for us.

[[Charly Caruso]]
Instead, she brought it home....with her.

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
I don't like what you're trying to do here, Charly. Sure it sucked to have to face under those circumstances but I'm good...really, there's no disappointment in watching your best friend live their dream.

[[Charly Caruso]]
Even if that came at the expense of your own?

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
I had my time, and now it's hers...that's what friendship is. Stepping aside and supporting one another just as they supported you. I know she's going to be a great North American Champion...and I couldn't be happier watching her get everything she deserves. Let's not forget my rise into The North American Championship came on the very night where her's as Women's Champion came to an end. That's just how the cookie crumbles sometimes...and, I guess the cookie crumbled on me this time.

[[Charly Caruso]]
You would think though she kind of owed you for getting her job back...if it had been me in that position I personally would have expected my friend to bow out because I kind of deserved it more.

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
Well that's why we're the only true friend-SHIP in this division...because we never expect anything from each other like that. I mean what, was she supposed to lay down for me just because I beat all of our challengers by myself? Just forgo her wants simply because I had already been through a rough series of matches and may have been in no condition to face someone like her when I wasn't exactly at my best anymore? Don't be ridiculous, and stop trying to stir the pot. How many times do I have to tell you I'm happy for her?

[[Charly Caruso]]
Maybe until you're a little more convincing?

With that savage remark, Charly turns and walks away...leaving Alexa to turn away from the monitor and just stare into the distance as she tries to recompose herself after that unwanted analysis from a very vocal peanut gallery in Charly Caruso.



The nerve of her to try and cause trouble...after all it's plainly apparent that there's nothing but pure "Bliss" in the world of Five Feet Of Friend-SHIP. Kairi Sane was victorious at Final Stand, and again tonight...and, Alexa...got to watch her best friend begin her reign alone...without her. The camera soon begins to pan back onto the monitor where Kairi Sane now stands on the top of the stage with The North American Championship behind her head resting on her shoulders as she pays tribute to her best friend by striking her signature pose. This is the final image we see before Octane officially goes off the air.


END OF SHOW

[[[ Main Event ]]]

[[[ Triple Threat Non-Title Match ]]]



Notes From The General Manager's Office:

"And in our Main Event for the evening, I have decided to test our new Undisputed North American Champion's mettle against two challengers who were unsuccessful in their endeavor to create their own “Final Stand moment.” Last night, we saw the now former North American Champion run the gauntlet that I appropriately named Lethal Lottery, defeating the trio of Ruby Riott, Io Shirai and Britt Baker in consecutive matches. While many saw my actions following her well deserved victories as cruel, it was simply the luck of the draw and Kairi Sane, despite her visible frustration with the decision, was able to defeat her best friend to become the sole North American Champion. While her path wasn't marred in her own blood, sweat and tears, I have decided to have our new Champion run her own version of the “gauntlet” here tonight, against two women who have become familiar with one another in the past number of weeks in Mia Yim and Charlotte Flair. Kairi has history with one of these women while the other is uncharted territory for the Champion. For the first time ever, we will have The Queen meeting The Pirate Princess, a royal encounter to say the least. Mia, on the other hand, was involved in a previous Triple Threat match, that Kairi emerged victorious from, however, she didn't pin Mia to win that match, so one has to believe that there's still unfinished business there. After a stellar Final Stand, I'm in a generous mood, so I have given the gift of redemption to both Mia and Charlotte in the form of a Triple Threat match against the current North American Champion while giving Kairi her chance to shut the naysayers down. While the Championship isn't on the line tonight, who knows, maybe if they impress, we may very well see a rematch involving all three women down the road with the North American Championship on the line."








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[[Mauro Ranallo]]
The North American Champion victorious in tonight's Main-Event!

[[Beth Phoenix]]
Mia Yim might want to cut her losses after that one...she complained that Kairi didn't pin her in their last Triple Threat together...but she won't have that excuse to fall back on now.

[[Corey Graves]]
You have to believe that victory was also a message to the two women competing in the North American Championship Number One Contender's Tournament next week, as well as Shayna Baszler who advanced to the finals earlier tonight.

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
Absolutely, she was likely watching Shayna Baszler dismantle Maryse...and she'll likely be watching as Io Shirai faces Sarah Logan to determine who goes onto High Octane against The Queen Of Spades herself.

As the crowd goes wild for The Pirate Princess, her treasure is returned to her by the official as he raises her hand in victory. Her win at Final Stand may not have been as hard fought as she likely would have liked it to be, but there's no doubt tonight she brought it and took the best of what her two opponents had to offer and then showed them hers.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
She was The Last Woman Standing at the end of Lethal Lottery at Final Stand, and she the last one standing tonight...proving she's a very tough challenge ahead for whomever claims The Number One Contendership at High Octane.

[[Corey Graves]]
I mean it's easy to be the last one standing when your only opponent could barely stand after going through three other opponents...

[[Mauro Ranallo]]
Oh come on, Corey...don't start that again.

[[Corey Graves]]
What? I'm simply saying that while sure she was the winner...she wasn't the one that eliminated all three challengers for that title before she claimed it...and I might argue that Alexa Bliss kind of got the short end of the stick there.

[[Beth Phoenix]]
That's how gauntlet matches work, Corey...

With a message sent loud and clear to whomever will be the first to challenge her in her newly solo reign as North American Champion she makes her way over to the corner and climbs onto the second rope raising her title above her head as Canada continues to show the love for the victor of this evening's Main-Event. Celebrating with her treasure high in the air for all to see she has the biggest smile on her face. And what's not to smile about? She's truly on top of the world right now, and that has to feel incredible.

As The Octane after Final Stand prepares to come to an end, the camera's cut away from Kairi Sane's triumphant celebration in our Main-Event and to a shot of her best friend...the best friend she officially dethroned at Final Stand watching on a monitor backstage. It's been a rough moment that has been anything but "Bliss" for Alexa. She successfully ran the gauntlet, fending off all three challengers to her and Kairi's treasure...but Edge would go on to say that there was one more opponent for Bliss to overcome...and it would be what ended their co-ownership of the title and determined the sole owner of The North American Championship. Despite her impressive victories over Ruby Riott, Io Shirai, and Britt Baker...Alexa couldn't keep up the momentum for a fourth time and it led to her fresher friend seizing the moment as hers.



And as she watches now...she's yet again seeing another moment where her friend was successful when she wasn't. Kairi has beaten Mia Yim and Charlotte Flair...while Alexa? Fell to a changed Sarah Logan tonight..and given their previous standings in the division? It could only be described as an upset. Which is perhaps why Alexa looks rather upset, or at least...not entirely in the moment able to be happy for her friend. The monitor continues to show The Pirate Princess posing with her treasure, as she celebrates at the barricade now, propped up on top of it with her title proudly held high. Alexa's eyes fall to the ground as she looks away from the screen...with a slight pout of her lips.



While she's still being supportive including watching her pal's match...you do detect that she's almost wishing that was her. I mean, to be accurate...it WAS her. She was the poster girl of Octane...now that's her best friend. She was North American Champion, first she shared it with Kairi, and then...well it solely became her best friend's possession, no longer hers. And she was the one Main-Eventing not too long ago...and, now that honor is Kairi's tonight. Any normal human would feel somewhat how she does right now. Because it's not necessarily that she's saying anything in way of words, but her demeanor is pretty telling without them. She shakes her head, then looks back up...seeing the camera zoom in on The North American Championship...and she's clearly feeling some type of way about it. Not being granted a rematch like every other Champion is entitled surely couldn't have helped her deal with this matter any easier.



While getting lost with what's on the screen, and what might be running through her mind in the moment...she's suddenly approached by Charly Caruso.

[[Charly Caruso]]
Excuse me, Alexa? Are you okay? The show's coming to an end tonight and your best friend's victorious in The Main-Event...but, well you don't seem too enthusiastic about that.

She soon realizes she's no longer alone, and her demeanor changes as if she's suddenly very peppy despite not appearing so just seconds ago.

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
What? Nonsense, I am beyond excited. I mean winning in The Main-Event of the Octane after Final Stand is a big deal and I am so proud of her.

[[Charly Caruso]]
You say that...but your demeanor didn't exactly look as such when I walked up.

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
It's not that, it's just I'm a little disappointed at my loss earlier tonight...I don't know how I lost to Sarah Logan. Don't get me wrong she's good but she's never really been...on my level...but I guess that changed tonight. Kind of like a lot of things have...

[[Charly Caruso]]
It's been a tough series of nights for you, tonight of course but more so Final Stand...you ran the entire gauntlet of challengers only to...lose to your best friend. Anyone would be understanding if you weren't entirely happy about how that went.

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
Why wouldn't I be happy? My best friend got to have her moment...sure I fought three people, in three very grueling matches leading up to that...but she won the one that mattered and if it couldn't be me then I'm glad it was her.

[[Charly Caruso]]
Aren't you a little upset that she kind of swooped in and took your moment?

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
Look I don't know what you're trying to do but I am happy...really, she's the best...and losing to the best is never a bad thing...sure, maybe it may have been different if I didn't have to wrestle three other Women before her...but it's not like she knew that was going to happen. If we didn't agree I was going to start she might have found herself in that spot too so it's really just an unfortunate event that neither of us could have avoided.

[[Charly Caruso]]
How did you come to that agreement exactly?

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
I mean, when it comes to Final Stand I've competed there several times so she knew I wouldn't let my nerves get to me and she thought our best chance was me starting...and, I of course agreed because if I happened to lose I knew she'd be able to bring it home for us.

[[Charly Caruso]]
Instead, she brought it home....with her.

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
I don't like what you're trying to do here, Charly. Sure it sucked to have to face under those circumstances but I'm good...really, there's no disappointment in watching your best friend live their dream.

[[Charly Caruso]]
Even if that came at the expense of your own?

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
I had my time, and now it's hers...that's what friendship is. Stepping aside and supporting one another just as they supported you. I know she's going to be a great North American Champion...and I couldn't be happier watching her get everything she deserves. Let's not forget my rise into The North American Championship came on the very night where her's as Women's Champion came to an end. That's just how the cookie crumbles sometimes...and, I guess the cookie crumbled on me this time.

[[Charly Caruso]]
You would think though she kind of owed you for getting her job back...if it had been me in that position I personally would have expected my friend to bow out because I kind of deserved it more.

[[[Alexa Bliss]]]
Well that's why we're the only true friend-SHIP in this division...because we never expect anything from each other like that. I mean what, was she supposed to lay down for me just because I beat all of our challengers by myself? Just forgo her wants simply because I had already been through a rough series of matches and may have been in no condition to face someone like her when I wasn't exactly at my best anymore? Don't be ridiculous, and stop trying to stir the pot. How many times do I have to tell you I'm happy for her?

[[Charly Caruso]]
Maybe until you're a little more convincing?

With that savage remark, Charly turns and walks away...leaving Alexa to turn away from the monitor and just stare into the distance as she tries to recompose herself after that unwanted analysis from a very vocal peanut gallery in Charly Caruso.



The nerve of her to try and cause trouble...after all it's plainly apparent that there's nothing but pure "Bliss" in the world of Five Feet Of Friend-SHIP. Kairi Sane was victorious at Final Stand, and again tonight...and, Alexa...got to watch her best friend begin her reign alone...without her. The camera soon begins to pan back onto the monitor where Kairi Sane now stands on the top of the stage with The North American Championship behind her head resting on her shoulders as she pays tribute to her best friend by striking her signature pose. This is the final image we see before Octane officially goes off the air.


END OF SHOW