The theme of Sarah Logan can mean only one thing. That we’ve reached the main event of the evening. Sarah Logan vs. Sasha Banks. Women’s Championship. The match six months in the making. And as Sarah Logan first bursts out from behind the curtain, it’s clear that those six months probably haven’t weighed heavier on any other person in the world. The look on her face is certainly similar to that determination we saw when the wheel was first spun, but it’s hard not to notice how different it also is. There’s an air of uncertainty surrounding Sarah as she looks out to all the illuminated faces of fans surrounding the arena. She’s not 100% sure she’s going to win this. After all, how could she be? She’s going up against Sasha Banks tonight. The Boss. The Blueprint. One of the most dominant forces of the women’s division. The woman who right before the hiatus main evented the biggest show of the year and put away one of her longest-standing rivals. For a second, it almost looks like the challenge might be swallowing Sarah up. She stands at the top of the ramp for far longer than anyone would expect her to, just staring at the arena surrounding her.
[Beth Phoenix] Well gentlemen, here we finally are, the main event of the evening. Sarah Logan vs. Sasha Banks. And let me tell you, it has been amazing to watch the progression and rise of Sarah Logan in such a short singles career so far. At first she was known simply as Ruby Riott’s second in command, but she has quickly risen to the point she’s at now, challenging one of the division’s best for its top prize.
[Wade Barrett] Beth, I don’t know much about this Sarah Logan, but seeing that interview early gave me all the information I need to know. This is a woman who’s dedicated. Who’s willing to do whatever it takes to win here tonight and capture that title. She’s hungry, and that’s what brings you success in this industry.
[MVP] Look, Beth, Wade, I understand exactly what you’re saying, but we have to look at the reality of the situation. It’s nice that Sarah Logan is so determined, but she’s facing Sasha Banks here tonight. One of the fiercest competitors this division has to offer. It’s a situation with immense pressure, and if you look at Sarah right now, it looks like that pressure is honestly getting the better of her. I wouldn’t be surprised if she just turns around right now and abandons this whole thing.
But suddenly any chances of that happening vanish. She shakes her head and smiles, and begins her descent down the ramp, looking far more ready to take on the challenge ahead of her tonight. It’s a descent that looks almost reckless, as every step Sarah takes seems to be one that she’s making with all the energy in her body. And perhaps that’s exactly what’s happening. After all, maybe that’s what the secret is. That assuming you’re going to beat Sasha Banks is how you lose. Sarah knows that in order to walk away from this match as the winner, as the champion, as the truly “new” Sarah Logan, she’s going to have to fight like one of her ancestors slaying a giant beast. Like a warrior. Like she’s facing the biggest challenge of her life, one that could change it forever.
Because that’s exactly what’s happening.
[Beth Phoenix] What was that you were saying?
[MVP] Alright, I admit, the idea of any superstar in that locker room giving up on this opportunity was a little ludicrous on my part. However, my point still stands. Sarah Logan is an amazing competitor, but the challenge she is facing tonight is an uphill battle, to say the very least. The question is, what is she planning on bringing to this fight tonight that will lead to her walking away with the victory?
Whatever the answer to that question may be, Sarah makes her way up the ring steps, hopefully having the answer. She looks at the digital boards surrounding the arena one more time, looking out at all the fan faces. It’s certainly a lot of take in for the first time, especially considering how the fans are reacting. Sasha Banks certainly has her fair share of fans. In fact, most of the audience seems to be in support of The Boss, just telling by the amount of official merch you can see people wearing. However, there will always be support for the underdog story, so you can definitely see lots of people who look to be cheering and clapping for Sarah as she makes her entrance. Sarah climbs to the top rope and looks at the ring she’s about to enter, and for a second the look on her face looks similar to the one she had back at the top of the ramp. However, almost as soon as it shows up, she shakes it away. Now isn’t the time for self-doubt and worry. Now is the time to give it everything she has. Every part of her warrior spirit. She quickly bounces down into the ring and backs into her corner, awaiting the arrival of the champion to get the biggest moment of her life underway.
Four months have passed since an XWL main event has taken place. Four months have passed since Sasha Banks was last scheduled to defend her XWL Women's Championship against an unknown opponent. Normally, the fans would be on their feet cheering for the Boss as she made her entrance but they aren't here with us right now. At least not in person. They sit at home where some of them are decked out in the merchandise of their favorite wrestlers while some others wear something more casual. Some of them sit in their bedrooms while others sit in their living room. Some of them are by themselves while others are families with young children watching alongside them. Regardless, this is the main event, and who better to welcome you to the main event than #MAINEVENTBANKS herself, where it is and will always be...
Out from behind the curtain comes the champion herself who hasn't missed a beat and walks with the same confidence that she did many months ago despite having a challenger who's hungry and ready for her chance to hold the prestigious XWL Women's Championship. As the sound in her theme music drops and all the lights turn blue and focus on the stage, Sasha moves to the beat of her theme song with her hips moving and her body swaying. Then she takes a look to her left at the walls upon walls of LED screens where the fans were as she took her championship off of her waist.
[MVP] And here comes the B-O-S-S, Sasha Banks is in the house! I can't wait for this.
[BETH PHOENIX] There's a lot of pressure being in this position and who better than the only woman in history to main-event Final Stand twice?
[WADE BARRETT] You wanna talk about pressure? Let's talk about the pressure that Sarah Logan finds herself in. She's in her first-ever one-on-one match for the XWL Women's Championship and she's not going up against just anyone. She's going up against Sasha Banks. This is her chance to prove herself; whether she wins or she loses.
[BETH PHOENIX] That's exactly what Adam and I thought when we decided to make this match the main event. We are giving Sarah Logan a golden opportunity. Speaking of Sasha Banks though, we caught up with her earlier tonight to get a quick comment on tonight's match. Gentlemen, would you please roll the footage.
We then transition to a previously recorded segment from moments ago.
The Boss is seen adjusting her Women's Championship that rests around her waist as the camera then zooms out. Sasha lifts her head and looks into the lens of the camera.
And finally, Sarah Logan steps out of the shadow cast onto her by Ruby Riott and she finally starts to become her own woman. It's about damn time you get your chance to shine because you're better than being some washed-up champion's lackey... but you're not better than me and I can guaran-damn-tee that. I've been waiting for this match for four months now and I've been training every day as if the next was the day I'd be defending my championship. I am DANGEROUS and I hope you recognize who you're stepping up to, girl, 'cause I'm not going to go easy on you just because this is your first chance at my championship. Allow me to remind you what you're going up against; this is the MAIN EVENT and my name is Sasha Banks! I am your XWL Women's Champion and you have got two options: you can stay down when I knee you in the face or you can tap, tap, tap out. We clear? Good. Champ, out.
The segment comes to an end and we head back to the arena where Sasha Banks is finishing up her entrance. She takes the championship and holds it high into the air as she hits her pose once again, pushing her hip out to the side, and then she takes a quick glance at her challenger for the first time since making her entrance. Sasha Banks flashes a grin at Sarah Logan as she lifts her other hand to her championship and points at the championship and then points to herself, mouthing the words 'THIS BELONGS TO ME' at her hungry challenger.
- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -
After chopping down Main-Event Banks here in The Main-Event of Homecoming, Sarah Logan bounces off the ropes kicking her knee up to perhaps send Sasha's head flying into the nonexistent crowd...but before she can pull the trigger, Sasha shows her how it's done by catching her stunned with a knee right to the jaw, sending her Viking challenger stumbling. Clearly, this isn't Sasha's first rodeo she knows the importance and the stakes of this encounter so immediately she has a game plan and that involves sending Sarah into the corner with an Irish whip, then she grabs at her chest for a moment catching her breath before resuming the execution of her current idea. She gives Sarah a couple of stiff punches to daze and confuse her then starts to hoist her up against the corner seating her onto the top rope.
[[Wade Barrett]] The Blueprint mapping out her latest course of action and Beth, what on Earth could she be looking to do to her feisty challenger?
[[Beth Phoenix]] Anything and everything, one thing we know about The Boss is that she is fearless inside that ring. Sasha isn't afraid to lay it all on the line, and given her Championship itself is on the line takes that to a whole different place.
[[MVP]] This is my first impression of Sarah Logan and I must say she's stepping out of the shadows of Ruby Riott and proving she's not one to mess with herself. She's waited a lifetime for this opportunity and if you ask me I'd say that's what's leading Sasha in this direction. She knows Sarah is going to fight until her last breath, and what takes your breath away more than some unspeakable crash landing to the mat. All it takes is three seconds to retain her title and that's what is on Sasha's mind as we see her mounting onto the ropes to join Sarah in that precarious predicament.
With Sasha climbing up onto the top rope, we're not sure what she's got in mind, but whatever it is looking to be her hopeful avenue to end this title match in her favor. Sarah while slightly spacey starts to fight back, landing a few jabs but Sasha fires right back trying to subdue her challenger and leave her prone for what is about to come. Having a sparing fest with your feet planted on the mat is one thing but having it high in the air on shaky ropes? That's a whole different ballgame, both are trying to maintain their balance while also dealing damage and you can see both cautiously grabbing at the ropes underneath them as they get hit to try and maintain some stability to avoid certain doom. Sasha shouts "THIS IS MY TITLE, AND I'M ABOUT TO SHOW YOU WHY I'M YOUR CHAMPION!" A little smack talk never hurt anybody, but after telling Sarah "how it is" Logan fires back with a BRUTAL headbutt that nearly causes The Boss to be fired from her position up top but she's able to hang on. Sarah having just knocked Sasha and herself loopy retorts with an "I'VE WAITED TOO DAMN LONG FOR THIS MOMENT!" She tries to deliver another headbutt, but Sasha takes a page out of her challenger's book ramming her head right into Sarah's midsection then regains her position back onto the top rope right with her and looks back at the mat before preparing her next step. She tries to jump up, perhaps to land onto her shoulders? But before her feet can leave the ropes for any higher than an inch, Sarah fires back with another headbutt, this time with far more force behind it! So much force that this momentary second of Sasha's feet no longer being "stable" leaves her with nowhere to go but DOWN....The Champion flails feeling her reign perhaps slipping through her fingertips, but she's been in this position far too many times for this to be as simple as her falling to her demise. No with a quick hail mary, she grabs Sarah by her hand as she starts to fall, then gives her a look as if to say "IF I'M GOING DOWN, YOU'RE GOING WITH ME" The momentum of Sarah's headbutt to Sasha is used against The Viking as she's FLIPPED over Sasha and both Champion and Challenger crash and burn to the mat!
[[Beth Phoenix]] Sasha Banks and Sarah Logan just took a nasty fall!
[[Wade Barrett]] All three of us know what it feels like to fall to the mat from that height, but usually, one person takes the brunt of it. That cannot be said for either of them as they hit the mat just as hard the other. Truly a disgusting impact for both women, all risk no reward.
[[MVP]] Sometimes plans go horribly wrong and what matters now is how they try and come back from this major setback. Sasha had some quick thinking to send Sarah down with her but couple that disgusting headbutt with that hard fall and Sasha may be in far worse shape in my opinion.
With the audience at home glued to their screens wondering if perhaps we may crown a NEW Women's Champion tonight...suddenly, an audio cue can be heard, as if...something were shutting down...the LED fan board that once displayed faces on all sides, becomes distorted with shard-like pieces cut out of it. A mere second later another noise signals even more fragments of the audience to be removed
[[Wade Barrett]] Uh, Beth...what's happening?
[[Beth Phoenix]] Unfortunately, I'm not privy to that information right now...we seem to be having a technical issue...
[[MVP]] I don't think it's the guys in the booth that are causing this, Beth.
As if this Main-Event were literally being "shutdown" suddenly another sound plays and the remaining faces at home are completely wiped away. A blanket of darkness consumes the arena as the lights seemingly malfunction...
[[Wade Barrett]] A massive blackout has just disrupted this Women's Championship Match...Ladies and Gentlemen, we're sorry for this technical gaff it seems, I assume we're trying to restore the lights as we speak?
But Wade's query is met by nothing but silence as Beth Phoenix and MVP seem to be more aware of what is seemingly causing this issue...and it's certainly not a random power outage. No, we're beginning to figure out WHO is responsible for this, the main question on our minds right now though, is WHY?
This eerie silence is soon disrupted by a sound that feels like it's come from out of our nightmares at their peak...the shrilled horror movie-inspired noise signals fragments of "THE FIEND" to appear on the blank LED board around the arena, and it's official...this is indeed who we thought it was and our mind is racing to figure out the answer to that last question.
[[Beth Phoenix]] He's here...
[[Wade Barrett]] ...Who?
[[MVP]] The Fiend.
[[Wade Barrett]] I'm sorry, THE WHAT?
[[MVP]] Don't worry, you're about to find out all about HIM...and unfortunately for Sasha Banks and Sarah Logan...they seem to be as well, for whatever reason that may be...
[[Beth Phoenix]] Oh my god, I...I see him...he's in the corner!
[[Wade Barrett]] What is a "FIEND" doing in the ring during a Women's Championship Match? This doesn't sound very good...in fact I'd go one step further and say it sounds very bad...shouldn't someone do something?
[[MVP]] There is no amount of money in the world that could get me to get anywhere near that dude.
The dark cloud over the ringside area is somewhat illuminated, at least enough to see a figure arched back from the corner...in The Fiend's signature "pose" for lack of a better term...and we can only begin to wonder what is going through The Champion and her Challenger as this haunting moment plays out. Are they even aware of what's going on? We as well as those at home, probably even those in the back are terrified of what is about to happen...and as the sound continues to heighten our terror....suddenly the camera hard cuts to the stage where THE FIEND is illuminated by a flashing spotlight showing him in all of his fright of dismay. The "HURT" glove is pressed against the side of his heads the lights erratically flash.
[[Wade Barrett]] What in the unholy hell is THAT?!
[[MVP]] If you thought you were "Bad News" you ain't seen nothing until HIM.
[[Wade Barrett]] THAT'S THE FIEND?!
[[MVP]] Clearly one of us did our homework while the other just skimmed through the material...
[[Beth Phoenix]] Boys will you- wait, I just realized something...if HE is on the stage...then, WHO is in the ring?
With the lights still down low at ringside, all we can make out is a figure hidden in the darkness as their body contorts backward from within corner...the trademark position of none other than The Fiend himself. But as The Fiend looks on from the top of the stage, a mystery surrounds this moment as fans look on from within their homes, unsure of what or WHO has decided to intrude upon this Women's Championship Match. That is until the darkness is slightly illuminated by hues of red as the lights expose what was hidden at first. However, what we see...causes us to question our very eyes themselves because well, we can't help but do a double-take. Is that who we think it is?
While her trademark pink-tipped blonde locks are impossible to make out due to the harsh lighting that has transformed her into a reddened silhouette...it indeed appears to be Alexa Bliss that is outstretched from the corner, stone-faced and almost locked into place as her dead eyes look at Sarah Logan and Sasha Banks lying on the mat perhaps unaware of their uninvited guest.
As the cameras pan closer, her presence is very unnerving for a number of reasons, but perhaps most of all...due to her stoic expression that lacks any form of emotion. The last time we saw Alexa Bliss she was having a literal meltdown inside the ring after suffering defeat to Sasha Banks. The final nail in the coffin of her fall from grace. She had lost her title to her best friend at Final Stand after defeating THREE challengers in a gauntlet, but this fourth surprise challenge would be her ultimate undoing as she suffered defeat...and that loss led to a loss of not only her title but the very spark that existed within her. She tried to say she was okay, but as she lost to Sarah Logan in her next match...her forced smile was evidence that she was far from okay. She was at her breaking point, that much was clear as the last Octane went off the air...but what happened between then and now? The commentary team themselves seem speechless as if they can't find the words to even address this moment...and the longer she remains in this position the more questions we continue to ask ourselves as no answers can even be formulated.
Soon as if her movement is methodical and perhaps...robotic in a way? Her grip over the second rope releases as both hands fall to the mat placing her in a new pose...and this pose is just as familiar as the last. Both feet and her palms firmly are planted on the canvas and with the same blank expression she begins to maneuver herself away from the corner with The Fiend's unique walk that has struck fear into the depths of many competitors...and as we watch this moment we find ourselves perhaps feeling that same familiarity of terror. A word that has never been utilized when referring to Alexa Bliss until now but there's certainly a chilling difference within her this evening and the mystery surrounding her behavior certainly adds to the creepy mood that everyone at home must be feeling as we watch this transpire from the safety of our own domains. But what about Sarah Logan and Sasha Banks? As Bliss uniquely "walks" to the two fallen Women...we wonder what awaits them in the coming moments once Bliss completes her journey to their defenseless state?
We swear she hasn't even blinked, as if her body is not performing its usual behavior, as if something...is preventing her from behaving "regular" in any regard. Her mouth remains shut, her breathing is almost nonexistent, but her gaze...that is what remains to be the starkest of everything we've seen of her tonight at Homecoming. The red lightning may not be helping matters but there's no light behind her eyes, there's nothing there...no form of intensity or joy, or fright, or anger...it's just emptiness. A hollowed being that has no urgency behind her movements, they're slow, they're mechanical, they're unnatural, and not just because she's doing a crab walk...although that certainly doesn't help matters.
After what felt like forever, "Alexa Bliss" at least by appearance reaches the laid-out body of The Women's Champion and her pacing becomes much quicker as she allows herself to fall to the mat, before rolling over onto her stomach and soon perching up onto her hands and knees as she stares at the woman that defeated her 4 months ago. Again, you would expect this to elicit a burning rage...or even a hint of frustration to be within contact of someone who led to such an embarrassing moment the last time she was on XWL programming. But no, there's still an eerie coldness wafting through the air as Bliss grabs Sasha Banks and pulls her off of the mat. The official watching on is completely beside himself, he doesn't know what he's supposed to do in this moment because...well, what would any of us do if we were in his shoes? He was calling a title match and then suddenly it turned into a semi-horror show with The Fiend showing up...and then Alexa Bliss showed up in the ring...and, it's just a lot to process for all of us so the fact he hasn't dipped and abandoned this match is reason enough to commend him.
With The Boss slightly coming to, we're not sure if she knows what's happening or not but for her sake, she better regain her senses soon because as Alexa cradles her head...we know what's about to come next...even if it's one of the last things we'd have ever expected to see from Bliss before tonight.
Following a "kiss" to the forehead, Bliss spins out The Blueprint, leaving a nasty mark on this match courtesy of SISTER ABIGAIL! The Champion's head gets drilled into the mat and immediately Bliss turns back onto her knee, and her gaze reverts from the woman she just planted into the mat...and gravitates toward the being that stands on the stage, The Fiend. The camera focuses in on HIM watching on, no applause, no thumbs up needed, he certainly likes what he's seen based upon the subtle gesture of his "HEAL" glove resting on the side of his head.
Still, no voices are echoing over this scene reacting to this truly shocking turn of events...Beth Phoenix, MVP, and Wade Barrett seem as entranced by all of this as we ourselves are. What can we say? We're all at a loss for words, none of this makes sense...it doesn't feel like our brains can make out thoughts at the events that have transpired. 4 months ago when we last saw Alexa Bliss she was left in the ring, defeated and at her lowest...yet now, 4 months later...she's not joined by her friend Kairi Sane as they sail the seas of "friend-SHIP" she's joined by the unsettling sight of The Fiend.
With her interference in this contest, the referee officially signals that this match is indeed called off, just as Sarah Logan the challenger had regained her bearings and pulled herself up to her feet distraught by what's before her. The official is leaving the ring, Sasha Banks is sprawled out on the mat face down, and Alexa Bliss is resting on her knee fixated on The Fiend. This was the biggest opportunity of her entire career, this was a match she has been waiting for since the moment the wheel landed on her name and deemed her Sasha's challenger....and yet, THIS is how it ends. No victory and crowning of a NEW Champion...no unfortunate close but no cigar defeat handed to her by one of the best today. No, none of the outcomes she prepared for both physically and mentally have happened...instead, an outside force has shaken the foundation of this night and everything it was supposed to be. Sarah Logan is upset, so upset she perhaps doesn't even have the wherewithal to process this chilling point in time. She throws her hand right on Bliss's shoulder firmly squeezes as she pulls her up to her feet, and shouts "WHAT DID YOU DO?!" The Viking lets out a shrilled cry as Bliss' back remains turned to her. "LOOK AT ME! WHY DID YOU DO THIS?!" She bellows out, to which Alexa slowly turns around, and how does she react to Sarah's protesting? By showing not a single sign of remorse for what she's done, or even delight for what she's done. It's still the same detached emotionless expression she's had since the moment the lights turned red and revealed her moments ago. Logan, further riled up by Bliss' lack of expression as if she doesn't care that she just ruined the biggest match of her career...places her other hand on Bliss's shoulder and she begins to shake her. "WHY DID YOU DO THIS?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG I WAITED FOR THIS?! ANSWER ME! I SAID ANSWER ME!"
But still, not a peep is said from the "shaken" Bliss...which forces Sarah's hand. Consumed by her emotions at this night going horribly wrong, she wants to let out that anger...so if she can't get Bliss to utter a word, or feint any emotion...she's going to make her feel something alright, PAIN. The Viking reels back, before swinging her head forward with a massive HEADBUTT! Or at least that's what she was going for, but as she drove her head forward Alexa broke free of her tight grasp, hastily stepped to the side avoiding contact between her head and Sarah's...and CAUGHT Sarah in the exact position The Women's Champion found herself in earlier. However this time there's no pause for a kiss before Logan can even react to the trap her head's fallen into, Bliss twists back drilling tonight's challenger for The Women's Title skull first into the mat with yet again, SISTER ABIGAIL!
There's no piped in reaction to fill the dead air, perhaps because the person in charge of that has found themselves frozen at this moment like The XWL Universe. While their faces have been replaced by snippets of The Fiend's chilling face, we can only imagine their expression mirrors our own. We're confused, we're perhaps consumed by slightly morbid curiosity at what even caused Alexa Bliss and The Fiend's paths to cross...and we're wondering what this means going forward? She yet again rolls back onto her knee after delivering the infamous "Sister Abigail" but this time rather than looking to The Fiend for encouragement or praise perhaps...her head tilts to the side and her lifeless gaze peers right into the lens of the main camera that's broadcasting this visual for the entire world to see. Just as they saw her catastrophic meltdown, those same eyes are now seeing what has become of her 4 months later...and it's very difficult to watch as we struggle to even recognize this as that same person. It's all in the eyes...and the story they're telling us is that indeed someone has finally let HIM in.
Without warning, much like this moment, that's transpired tonight, the live footage is interrupted by the brief calling card of "The Fiend" as the words "LET ME IN" echo, and Homecoming officially goes off the air...
[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.
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.
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Wed Dec 16, 2020 4:30 pm
