As Anarchy returns from its commercial break, we head ringside where the camera has an overview shot of the entire area from the stage to the audience and the ring itself. Anticipation is in the air as we wonder what great thing might be up next...but our patience isn't tested for long because we figure out what...or we should say...who...is next within the next instant when all the lights in the building suddenly shut off, from the ring banner to the titantron, even the advertiser's digital banner at the very top of the building shuts off. And cheers ramp up, knowing this can only signal the arrival one ONE man, a man that officially made his return to being himself when he captured The Intercontinental Championship at Roulette.
[Mauro Ranallo] You ready, Corey?
[Corey Graves] Ugh, is it really that time? Can I excuse myself and get a drink my throat is starting to get dry and I'm sure this is going to take a minute, or ten...
[Mauro Ranallo] No Corey, you won't want to miss it...neither will all of you at home because as promised...tonight is THE RETURN OF THE GOLDEN ONE HIMSELF, THE NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION MATT SYDAL!
[Corey Graves] Like, congratulations are in order for his impressive victory, that Fatal Four Way has been receiving rave reviews, it's already nominated for Match Of The Year at the next Slammy Awards as is Matt Sydal for Superstar Of The Year because of that performance...but, like...can we not do this? Can he just be normal and come out here and celebrate without all the bells and whistles?
[Mauro Ranallo] The Golden One has become a huge part of Matt, the fans love it, and it allows him to truly shine as brightly as he always believed he could when he first started in this business.
Suddenly a gold spotlight casts down on the stage, where on an of course golden pedestal is The Intercontinental Championship proudly on display. The camera pans in closer to show the extra detail of Matt Sydal's name now being engraved on the name plate, before suddenly the spotlight disappears and we return to darkness.
[Mauro Ranallo] Matt of course defeating Eli to win that title when it came down to them in The Elimination Match.
[Corey Graves] Not only that as much as I don't like this entrance stuff you cannot deny his ability or worth as Champion. He faced Eli in a non-title match the week before Roulette on the last episode of Anarchy and defeated him there too. A very strong start to Matt's reign that leaves little question to any "luck" that may have played a factor because you may get lucky once, but after the second time that's just talent.
The arena erupts in loud cheers as Matt Sydal's always infectious tune sounds throughout the building, and the titantron begins to light up with gold graphics that read "The Golden One" at the very top, and along the sides is little golden confetti falling in the shape of tickets. It doesn't take long for the floor lighting to soon follow there after where golden tight confetti on the digital screen have accumulated enough to cover it, it's quite an interesting sight to see one LED board connect to the one at the floor to create the visual of actual falling golden tickets without the actual use of it. Fans still remain into it as they look to the top of the stage awaiting The New Champion's arrival.
[Mauro Ranallo] You never truly know what you'll see during Matt Sydal's entrance.
[Corey Graves] Are they...am I seeing this correctly? Are the "piles" of tickets forming in The Undisputed Era's logo?
Right as Corey points it out, we see it ourselves, Matt's nod to his fellow brothers and the group he's apart of may not have included the classic "SHOCK THE SYSTEM" voice over, but in full view on the stage floor is exactly as Corey said...a pile of golden tickets that have digitally been designed to form The Undisputed Era's logo. And of course as all the golden lighting is on full display, the gold pedestal remains where we first saw it, right in the center where The Intercontinental Championship is sat atop of it. Soon amidst all the gold graphics, something begins to appear...as if lifted up from under the stage, a silhouette of a Man rises up to the stage, sporting as expected gold tights, and even gold kickpads. There's no fancy ticket cape or crown on his head though, he's kept it simple, at least in his terms with an Undisputed Era t-shirt and some sort of gold gauntlets on his wrists. He steps forward into the frame and it's as we already knew it would be, it's Matt Sydal! He stands behind the podium with his title on it, then the gold spotlight extends outward as his arms lift up with his classic smirk expression.
[Mauro Ranallo] Matt Sydal back in gold, I must say he certainly looks more like himself now.
[Corey Graves] I'm just glad there's not some sort of throne carrying him down the ramp, or some ridiculous cape that spans the entire length of the ramp...and if I never see that golden ticket crown again I will be the happiest man on Earth.
Matt's hands lower from the sky, and to his Intercontinental Championship as he picks it up and throws it over his shoulder with a gleam in his eyes. "IT JUST FEELS RIGHT!" Matt exclaims as he starts to descend down the ramp with a confident strut.
[JoJo] Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome THE NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION...HE IS THE GOLDEN ONE HIMSELF...MATT SYDAL!!
He stops halfway down the ramp as JoJo's announcement echos and his hand comes up to his ear as if those words were music to his ears. Once it's fully sunk in he suddenly makes a full sprint down the rest of the ramp, and slides into the ring effortlessly before thrusting his title into the air under the gold spotlight shining down on him.
[Mauro Ranallo] See that wasn't so bad.
[Corey Graves] That's how he gets you, remember how this all started before? It wasn't THAT long at first...but it felt like he added 5 minutes to it every single time...
[Mauro Ranallo] Now you're just being over dramatic.
The ovation finally simmers down as The NEW Intercontinental Champion basks under his golden spotlight, and admires his beloved prize over his shoulder. Being able to be himself again, to shine brighter than any other Superstar is his purpose, it's why he fought for a year to regain who he was after it was unceremoniously ripped away from him. He nearly gave up, he almost admitted defeat, but he has never done that in his entire career, and he wasn't about to start now. His 2018 may have began with him walking out of XWL...no longer proud of the man staring back at him in the mirror...but it's going to end with him as Champion and you can tell the feeling that's overcome him is truly magical. He twirls a customized mic around in his free hand, a black base wrapped around the microphone, but unlike XWL's personal mics the logo is missing and is instead replaced by Matt's logo from a year ago, a golden ticket.
[Matt Sydal] There are no words, no words that adequately describe my journey to this moment right here, right now. I have shined brightly, and I have become dulled. You don't know who you are, until you lose yourself, and every waking moment of your so called "life" is spent clinging to the past, wishing with everything in the fiber of your being that you could just go back to the moment where it all changed, where your light dimmed, and your future unlike ever before...became bleak.
The newly re-lit Golden One shares a reflection into what it was like when he was forced to join The Cabinet and infamously walked out, presumably to never return again.
[Matt Sydal] I stand here tonight, admitting that I never expected to stand in this ring, as any sort of Champion ever again. I thought I was too far gone, too damaged to get back on the horse and ride it like nobody else can. To step in this ring and be the best, because after this last year...for the first time in my entire career, I no longer believed I was. How can the "best" be reduced to someone's servant? How can the "best" spend his days playing errand boy? How can the "BEST" compete in this ring, defeat a former World Heavyweight Champion, and after the dust has settled, he can't even be granted one moment of excitement without an outside voice entering the fray to ask him not about his victory, but about the success of someone else...the someone that was responsible for his downfall to begin with! The "BEST" does not fall under any of those banners, he is a banner of his own, he is THE BEST for a reason...because he is second, to NONE!
He continues to candidly address his 2018, how it began so terribly, and seemingly was doomed to never take off into anything reminiscent of what he was used to.
[Matt Sydal] I owe Roulette to my brothers in The Undisputed Era, because without them...I would have stayed at home, sitting out the remainder of my contract, dreaming of the days where I wasn't such a worthless being...where I had MEANING. They gave me the support I needed to fight the seemingly unwinnable situation I had found myself, and together...with their help, with their allegiance to one notion that we all shared...we didn't just win, we conquered. We refused to let this era pass us by because it was OUR era! But despite my bravado, I knew something was missing from this wonderfully constructed picture. I was back, I was with a group that truly understand me, that truly understand each other and what we want in this business. But, I was a mere shell of who I was a year prior. I needed to regain that fire within me, to stoke those flames and bring....HIM...back.
His eyes look down at his golden tights, gear he hasn't worn anything like since losing "himself."
[Matt Sydal] See this right here, all of this? It's merely cosmetic. I wear this to further establish reality, but without that reality...it's just a bunch of gold slapped on everything, no meaning behind it. I've said this before and I will say it now, I am not "The Golden One" because of how I dress, because of my entrance, or any elaborate thing that I do. I am The Golden One because I define what it means to be not a Champion...but to have the HEART of a one. You can win, you can defend, you can carry a title with you along your journey, but it means nothing if the person carrying it has little meaning themselves.
Matt pauses, taking another gander at The Intercontinental Championship on his shoulder.
[Matt Sydal] My existence is not merely to win title after title, it is to forge something from each reign I am fortunate enough to attain. Too many Superstars boast about being Champion, but ultimately...they're interchangeable, they do it for the accolades...they do it to pretend that it makes them the "best." They have little care for the title, they look at it cosmetically...oh look at the gold around my waist, not what the gold around my waist stands for. See, I needed to become Champion again not to parade around head to toe in gold...but to unlock that part of myself again that is capable of being more...of being a man worthy of making whatever Championship he has in his possession the most prestigious prize in this business. See, there's an inner strength that separates true Champions, from CHALLENGERS. You can carry a title all day, even put your name on it, maybe go one step further and manifest a title in your image...but all of that? That's just for show.
The passion in each word that comes from him is on full display, you see how much it means to him to stand here tonight, and how proud he is.
[Matt Sydal] What you do in this ring, what I did against Eli Drake The Anarchy before Roulette? What I did against Eli Drake when it came down to us at Roulette? Is paramount, it exemplifies what it means to be Champion, to face the best, and emerge the one true best. The fact that I did it back to back, leaves no question that not only am I honored to stand here as Intercontinental Champion...but I am deserving of that right. Roulette was the world coming back into perfect alignment as The Golden One, made his return to XWL one year after fate dealt me a bad hand...and I have waited far too long to shine my light over this company again, to show Superstars what a REAL Champion is. All the respect to Eli Drake on what he accomplished during his reign, he was a very good Champion, but I have only ever stood for GREATNESS...and no matter how "Elite" you are, The Elite isn't on the level of The Best Gold Damn Superstar to set foot in THIS ring!
Matt pridefully raises The Intercontinental Championship into the air as the fans cheer, and his mic remains raised.
[Matt Sydal] Now speaking of Eli, as any former Champion he is owed a rematch, and like any true Champion I welcome him to exercise that right and bring one hell of a fight my wa-
The crowd erupts into boos as JBL rolls out onto the stage. Matt Sydal turns, not in shock as he was somewhat expecting this, however he isn’t happy at all to see his General Manager.
$JBL$ Oh boohoo. What a surprise that Matty boy would come out here the night after winning the coveted Intercontinental Championship and begin to throw himself a pity party. Crying for the one hundredth time about how he was “forced” into being MY servant. About how you were “forced” to be MY errand boy. About how I gave you no other choice than to shut your mouth and do my bidding. And while I must admit, watching you decay from the confident, conceited, and arrogant weasel you were Into the self loathing, broken down shell of the man you once were was quite amusing. But hear this you son of a bitch, I never forced you to do a god damn thing. You had a choice. You had a choice to decline my help at Roulette to take on the Bullet Club, which since I have become General Manager has been disbanded, you welcome.
The crowd cheers and boos. Many of them happy Bullet Club is gone, however it also had many fans.
$JBL$ But no, you welcomed my help. You then had another choice. Join my Cabinet of leave XWL. A simple as a choice can be. Laid out upon the table for you to decide your own fate. But you couldn’t make it simple. You had to continue to fight back against me the entire way. So I continue to make your life a living hell. But then, you make a choice I didn’t give you. A choice I didn’t expect. You, the “perfect” Golden Boy, went back on his word. You signed the contract binding you to the Cabinet, but instead of staying. Instead of keeping your word. Instead of falling in line and suffering the consequences of your own actions, you tuck your tail between your legs and you walk out. You walk out on me. You walk out on the Cabinet. And you walk out on each and every one of these people that you call your “fans”. You then make the choice to return with your new found job squad and challenge me. And finally you chose to put me in this wheelchair ultimately making me General Manager.
deafening cheers begin to flood the arena. Matt Sydal laughs, happy with the outcome of his previous situation. JBL however does not seem amused.
$JBL$ Your career, your life is full of choices. I did not, no. I COULD not take away your ability to choose. You have free will. From the very beginning at Roulette a year ago, you had choices. You chose to stay. You chose to follow orders. You chose to do as I command. You chose to go back on your word. You chose to return and you chose me to replace Layla. But sure, like many of your fellow roster members, blame me for all your failures. Blame me for your mistakes. For your dark times. Blame John Bradshaw Layfield for everything wrong that has ever happened to you in you miserable life. I am now the easy target, because of you I’m am confined to this wheelchair. I am paralyzed from the waist down. Something you can and seem to be very proud of.
JBL looks down to his legs, thinking back to the fearful night when he lost the function of the lower half of his body.
$JBL$ You see Matty boy, you were so worried about your name being tarnished. Worried that you were no longer “the golden ticket”. You wanted to rove something not only to yourself but everyone in that locker room. And you truly proved something at Final Stand. You proved it to me, the locker room, and all these people. You proved your a ruthless, heartless, injury causing monster. You were so worried that you were no longer the “best” that you’d do anything to return to the way it used to be. But you see Matty boy, everything is not always as it seems, and seeing as to how these people are now too afraid to tell you how they actually feel, I suppose I have no choice. The truth is Matt, You’ve NEVER been the best. You NEVER will be the best. To be the best it takes great strength of the body and mind. It takes a leader. It takes someone who knows right from wrong. And you have absolutely none of these qualities.
JBL is now getting heated. He takes his hat off, pulling his hair back into place, and calms himself down before putting his hat back upon his head.
$JBL$ Now with all that being said, I would like to thank you. Thank you for removing that championship from around the waist of that pest Eli Drake. He was NOT a great champion. In actuality he should have never been allowed the opportunity o gain the Intercontinental Championship. He brought nothing but shame to everything it stands for, aswell as the greatest International Champion there is, was, or ever will be. John Bradshaw Layfield. But don’t get it twisted. As I thank you i must also ask you, how do you have the audacity to call the former champion out and tell him you welcome him to challenge you. You don’t run Anarchy. You don’t book. How do you know I didn’t have different plans for him? How do you know I didn’t have him fired? You are an arrogant bastard Matt Sydal, And with that attitude and mouth of yours, I guarantee you will get yourself into trouble around here. You may not have noticed it much yet, but with that gold around your waist you’ll learn soon enough. You better fall in line son, there’s a new sheriff in town.
Matt rolls his eyes, he's been dealing with JBL in some sort of capacity for a year, and at this point it's like he's a golden version of The Undertaker due to how often The General Manager causes Matt to do so.
[Matt Sydal] Actually, "Boss" this is the exact opposite of a pity party, not that I expect you to know the difference between between the two because every day you roll through those halls is one giant pity party. Oh woe is me, I pushed a man too far, and now I'm a walking...sorry I mean ROLLING example to everyone in all of XWL, why you do not mess with Matt Sydal's career. Why you do NOT get on the bad side of The Undisputed Era. See, you cry and blame me for something that you brought on yourself. And the only reason you're General Manager is because Vince McMahon is no longer the grape fruit carrying "macho" man he used to be...he's just a senile old little bitch that isn't even man enough to stand up for his company when someone like YOU tries to bend it over backwards.
JBL did NOT like his tone or a single word he spoke, but the audience? They LOVED every single word, and they express so with loud cheers that causes Matt to momentarily pause to perhaps show JBL that he's not alone in his thoughts, and perhaps Vince if he's watching what the world thinks of him now.
[Matt Sydal] I don't fall in line, I don't cower to any man, especially not one that can't even stand up and look me in my eyes when he's talking to me. You wanna be a victim and cry about your inability to walk, I'm afraid you'll receive no sympathy from me, or ANY of these people. You're a bastard, you're the scum of the scum of The Earth...and I'm not going to tow the company line and show you any respect because when have you ever shown me ANY? You didn't give me this opportunity, you tried to abuse your power, to screw over the last Champion, and fate decided to throw it right back at you by putting the guys you hated more than Eli in that match. And then when you tried to once again rig it for your boy Drew? He got clocked by my boy Pete...and sent back up that ramp with his tail between his legs. I am Champion to SPITE you, to make you long for days when Eli was Champion because at last it wasn't the guy that put you on the shelf permanently. But now? NOW...everywhere you look...you will see my smug face, RAISING THIS TITLE HIGH ABOVE MY HEAD...and no matter what you do? You won't be able to do a damn thing about it!
JBL chuckles as he looks up to the Intercontinental Champion.
$JBL$ Ah but you see Matt that’s were your wrong. I may not be able to physically do anything, but I guarantee you I can make your life a living hell, because as you see so frequent to forget I am the General Manager, not you. However seeing as to how I am the greatest General Manager XWL has ever had, and you are so eager to fight, I’ll give you one. But it’s not going to be against Eli Drake. No tonight you will not be going up against a man, but THE MAN. THE MAN that should be Intercontinental Champion. THE MAN that busts his ass each and every night to prove he is truly the best. And he is THE MAN that will beat you in that ring right here tonight to become the new number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship. THE MAN I speak of is none other than Drew McIntyre!
$JBL$ Now before I bring out the future Intercontinental Champion, I’d like to ask. Does anyone have any reason to object to this match and its stipulation?
Without missing a beat Matt Sydal raises his microphone, as he clearly objects, however as he attempts to speak no sound can be heard from his microphone. He taps it and still nothing. He begins to grow more and more agitated as he looks up to JBL who has a devilish smile stretched across his face.
$JBL$ No? Very well. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce at this time, Drew McIntyre!
The theme begins to blare over the entry way as a wicked smile rolls across the face of JBL. The arena turns to a symphony of boos as Matt Sydal stands in the ring, aware of what is coming next as Drew McIntyre appears on the stage. The Scottish Psychopath throws his hair back as he steps up next to JBL, holding out a hand for the mic which is handed over to him. His eyes wander around the arena for a moment, then he speaks.
"Shut your pathetic mouths."
The boos just grow louder as Drew looks around, then back to Matt Sydal.
[Drew McIntyre] You know, for quite some time before I signed my contract for XWL I had looked forward to meeting you Matt Sydal. This was the man of XWL, the Golden Ticket as he called himself. The top of the company, with or without the World Championship around his waist. I couldn't wait to meet him and kick his head, clean off, just so I could get that cocky smirk off your face.
McIntyre smiles as the crowd boos him once more. This doesn't halt him as he continues.
[Drew McIntyre] But I see, someone already got to that for me because this isn't the Matt Sydal I wanted to kick in the head. No, this is instead a sad, worthless shell of a man. Never in all my life have I seen something so sad and pathetic, unless you count Eli Drake's attempts at wrestling, which in that case, you got me there. But no, this isn't Matt Sydal. This isn't Evan. This is just some guy, in bright tights, that thinks the world is turning around for him.
[Drew McIntyre] Allow me to let you in on a little secret buddy: it isn't. The bad part is just getting started because you see, you had it made when you were serving JBL. Hell, you should of kissed his boots then begged to lace them for him. But instead you chose the foolish and selfish way as you walked away from the thing you claim you love the most: wrestling. Yet, these morons still cheer you. As though you're a martyr for the cause.
[Drew McIntyre] The only thing these people can relate to you with is when you sat at home and brushed the popcorn off your chest while watching real men do the stuff you can't. While dreaming and aspiring to be like real heroes of the modern era. Real heroes like: ME! But enough of the truth. It's apparent that neither you nor these so called smarks will understand what the genius that is myself or JBL are getting at. Instead, I have to put my boot to the face of a Matt Sydal wannabe. It's a shame, but the heads all kick off the same.
McIntyre hands the mic back over to JBL, nodding at him as his smirk dies away into a cold scowl. The cocky McIntyre is gone and all that is left is the cold and terrifying one. The monster of Ayr makes his way down the ramp as the theme continues. He rips off his jacket, signalling the time for talking is over and the time for fighting has just started.
$JBL$ Ref, ring the damn bell!
Normal Match
Non-Title
If Drew wins he is #1 Contender To The Intercontinental Championship
The fans in the arena begin cheering loudly as Eli Drake comes into view. Drew is now facing Matt Sydal waiting for him to turn around, but Eli is not gonna let Drew make his strike as he starts to grab at Drew's feet.
[Mauro Ranallo] That.. THAT IS THE ELITE ONE ELI DRAKE!!
Matt Sydal begins to turn, but Drew doesn't notice Eli, and starts to run, but falls to face as Eli trips him grabbing his left leg. The ref walks over yelling at Eli for his actions, and looks over at JoJo as Eli begins pulling Drew out of the ring.
[Ref] Ring the bell! This match is over due to disqualification. Drew is the winner...
Fans in the front row begin booing as JoJo picks up the microphone.
[JoJo] Ladies, and gentlemen it has come to my attention that this match has ended in disqualification. So your winner of this match due to disqualification... Drew McIntyre..
The camera now fully focuses on Eli Drake who has pulled Drew out of the ring, but Drew manages to get his feet on the ground before he was sent crashing to the ground outside of the ring. Eli lifts his right forearm up high as Drew's head rests on the side of the ring. Drew sees his opening, and throws a big back elbow. Eli stumbles back, but does this stop The Elite Superstar of XWL from firing back? NO! Drew tries to create distance, and get away he turns then begins walking away, but from behind Eli crashes into Drew with a Clothesline from behind sending him to the matt with a loud thud.
[The Elite Superstar of XWL Eli Drake] You keep trying to get into my business Drew! You don't deserve any of this! Only reason why you are getting these chances is cause you're JBL's bitch!
[Corey Graves] As we can tell here.. Eli is not happy about Drew getting this match.
Drew beings getting up to a knee, and Eli smacks him in the back of the head. He bends down grabbing drew by the head pulling his head underneath his left arm, and lifts Drew to his feet. Drew begins firing back with punches to Eli's gut. With each punch Eli's grip loosens up. Finally Eli's grip is broken, and Drew pushes Eli. This push had something extra behind it as it sends Eli onto his ass, and Drew starts running over the barricade. Eli quickly gets up, and cashes after Drew. As Eli closes in on the distance Drew hops over the barricade, and Eli with a last ditch effort to try get him. Eli rushes over to the barricade extending his arm outward trying to grab Drew. His hands was merely inches was grabbing Drew, but comes up short. It appears that Eli leaned to far forward, and falls over the barricade onto the other side. Eli gets up to his feet, and continues his chase through the crowd for Drew. Leaving Matt Sydal alone in the ring, and confused on what just transpired as we go to commercial break.
*Anarchy returns from a commercial break to the sight of co-World Heavyweight Champion Johnny Gargano in the ring. It's a strange sight as he appears to be on the set of a talk-show as he's seated alongside an empty seat with what appears to be a screen in the middle with a blanket covering it. Gargano hasn't been known to run his own talk-show, so there's a murmur of confusion mixed with excitement. Gargano smirks and raises the mic up to his lips.*
[Johnny Gargano] Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to the premiere of the greatest talk-show in XWL history. You've had to suffer through mediocre talk-shows for years... from the Kevin and Sami Show... to the Ambrose Asylum... to Miz TV... to the worst of them all, Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel. But right now, you're in for a treat. Because my talk-show isn't going to be mediocre. Oh no. It's going to be something special. It's going to deliver epic interviews. It's going to bring you so much drama and talking points... It's going to be the whole shebang!
*Gargano rises to his feet and throws his World title over his shoulder where it now sits comfortably.*
[Johnny Gargano] So welcome... to the first ever, JOHNNY GARGANO'S HIGHLIGHT REEL!
*Gargano pulls off the blanket, revealing the Jeritron 8000 which is displaying a modified logo.*
*The word "GARGANOTRON X360" has been etched onto the frame of the screen in what appears to be neon red marker.*
[Mauro Ranallo] I have to admit, I'm excited!
[Corey Graves] I think I'm going to puke...
*Gargano looks at the screen for a moment before turning to the camera and shrugging in comical fashion.*
[Johnny Gargano] You know... since Chris and I are sharing everything at the moment I figured I'd give this a try! It's not like he's done this in a while anyway. The Jeritron was just gathering dust, begging to be used, so I cleaned it up real nice and gave it an upgrade. And besides, I've always wanted to do this because, I'm a big Conan fan!
*Gargano chuckles to himself, receiving a mixed reaction from the XWL Universe who don't know what to think about this whole situation. Plus some just hate Conan. Has Gargano lost his mind here or is all of this just plain genius?*
[Johnny Gargano] But unlike Chris, I'm not going to go on and on and drag this intro out for too long. So let's get right down to it! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the first ever guest on Johnny Gargano's Highlight Reel... he is the new number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship... and my best friend... TOMMASO CIAMPA!
NO ONE WILL SURVIVE! Right on cue, the theme of The Psycho Killer, Johnny Gargano's best friend and now Number One Contender Tommaso Ciampa blasts across the arena, to a huge reaction from the XWL Universe. Ciampa strolls out from behind the curtain. And down the ramp towards the ring. Ciampa enters the ring, and embraces his best friend with a hug. Ciampa picks up the microphone, and signals for his best friend to talk.
[Johnny Gargano] Tommaso! Welcome. Take a seat, stand there. Whatever you want to do. Hang your jacket up over there if you want to. Welcome! Now, let me jump right in the deep end with a question... How does it feel to be #1 Contender For The World Heavyweight Championship?
*Ciampa raises his mic up but Gargano cuts him off.*
[Johnny Gargano] Actually, no, let me rephrase. Sorry, I'm new at this.
*Gargano clears his throat.*
[Johnny Gargano] Tommaso... how does it feel...
[Johnny Gargano] ...to stick your nose into my title reign where it doesn't belong?
*You can tell that Ciampa is completely taken aback by this. Several in the crowd boo as Gargano launches a verbal onslaught.*
[Johnny Gargano] You know first-hand how hard I have worked... how much I have sacrificed and suffered... to win this title!
*Gargano looks at his title then again upward, his eyes have a look as though he was possessed.*
[Johnny Gargano] But you just waltz right in here to XWL and you get yourself a title shot without barely doing anything! How does it feel Tommaso huh? How does it feel to be handed a title shot gift-wrapped on a silver platter?
*Gargano steps towards Ciampa and gets right in his face. His tone of voice is as aggressive as it's ever been.*
[Johnny Gargano] You know how long it took for me to make an impact... to earn my chance? That's what we do. DIY, remember? Do it yourself. We scratch and we claw like nobody else. You have all the time in the world. I had no doubt in my mind that sooner rather than later, that The Psycho Killer will be in the main events where he belongs. But you just couldn't wait your turn could you? You had to accept the opportunity to be become #1 contender at Roulette and make it all about you! You're supposed to be my friend. My best friend! But you're here right now as a threat to everything I've ever worked for... my life's work. What kind of friend are you Tommaso? Because from where I'm standing... you're no friend of mine!
[Tommaso Ciampa] Johnny, Look what that championship is doing to you. I went to that ring at Roulette, and Chris Jericho did what he did. Chris Jericho put me in this situation...for this reason. If the positions were reversed, You wouldn't turn down this opportunity. That championship, has turned you into something you aren't. It's made you become obsessed, it's made you become everything you once hated. You're right, I might have been handed this. I may have had luck on my side with the spin of the wheel, but Johnny....You didn't even win to become the "champion".
*The crowd let out gasps as Ciampa fires back at his best friend.*
[Tommaso Ciampa] Maybe you should see how this works for you, Johnny. Maybe you should realise that with me in that match, it increases your chances. It puts you in a better position to finally actually beat Chris Jericho. Trust me, I don't want Chris Jericho as World Champion just as much as you don't. But if you think, I'd turn down this chance just because of you? Then you're becoming more and more deluded. Becoming World Champion is something we both have dreamed of, It's something we spoke about travelling across the country together...at Breakthrough we both enter this ring for that World Heavyweight Championship. We've done many battles before...but never for a prize like that. It's something we both have always wanted, It's something you...almost have. I'm not here to crush your dreams, Johnny. But if you want to stab me in the back....You know exactly what I'm capable of.
*Gargano has backed up a little and is pacing like a madman. He smirks as he raises his mic once again.*
[Johnny Gargano] Funny Tommaso. Real funny. It just goes to show that you haven't been following my career. Some friend you're turning out to be. It's nice to finally see your true colours. For your information, I've defeated Chris Jericho this year. At Warzone I beat him to earn my opportunity at the title... but you don't know anything about earning your way to opportunities, do you?
*Gargano again steps towards his seated frenemy.*
[Johnny Gargano] And I will beat Chris again, it's only a matter of time before I get my hands on him. If it's at Breakthrough, that's fine, I can wait until then. If it's sooner, it's a bonus. I just know he's too busy hiding out in fancy hotels right now because he knows that he's awaken something in me that he's afraid of. And you should be afraid too Tommaso. Because you think that you know me better than anybody, but you're dead wrong. At Breakthrough, if you stand in my way and try to take my life's work away from me... I'll show you, exactly what I am capable of. There won't be any stabbing you in the back my friend, because I will look you right in the eyes as I deliver the killing blow to your hopes and your dreams.
*Gargano has a cold, icy stare as he locks eyes with Ciampa. Every word he says has no emotion.*
[Johnny Gargano] But I'm going to give you an opportunity right now. Another you don't need to earn. Because I'm a good guy, I'm going to give you one final chance to back out of the match at Breakthrough. Just leave this ring right now, go to the back and give up your title shot. Do the right thing Tommaso, and I'll forget this ever happened. We can go back to being best friends and all will be forgiven. What do you say?
*Ciampa looks away towards the ramp, rubbing his hand over his head clearly deep in thought*
[Tommaso Ciampa] I get it...I see what this is. I can see that you're jealous. You spent many months travelling back and forth, busting your ass for that title, and I turn up here and achieve everything you worked for within a fraction of the time. I know it hurts Johnny, Everything you went through for that Championship just to have your best friend walk in and take it away. But this isn't personal, Johnny. You're making this personal. I came to this company with the goal of becoming World Heavyweight Champion, and I'm not going to walk away from that because you can't handle it. This could've been everything you needed Johnny, We could've worked together to take out Chris Jericho then battled it out to see who is the better man. But from what you've become...it's clear we don't need to do that. You're showing to me and the entire world you aren't the man you claim to be. We've travelled the world, I was a groomsman at your wedding....and it took me until now to realise that your wife...has bigger balls than you've ever had.
*A loud "ohhhh!" is heard from the fans as Gargano breaks into a smirk once again. He taps his microphone a few times before raising it.*
[Johnny Gargano] ...you did this to yourself.
*SUPERKICK! Gargano nails Ciampa right between the eyes with a superkick, sending him flying backwards off the chair. The crowd are stunned by this and don't react for several moments. When they snap out of it however, there is a huge roar of disapproval.*
[Mauro Ranallo] What the hell?!
*Gargano has this evil look on his face which is difficult to describe, he steps towards his downed pal and screams at him "You did this!" before mounting him and landing big left hands over and over again on the defenseless Ciampa.*
[Mauro Ranallo] Something has snapped in the mind of Johnny Gargano!
[Corey Graves] We've seen glimpses of the darkness inside of Johnny Wrestling for months but it looks like it's completely taken over him right now. DIY has imploded before our very eyes. Their friendship won't survive this.
*After what seems like an eternity, Gargano ceases his attack. He rises to his feet and looks down at his now bloodied hands. He stares at them for a minute or so before turning back to Ciampa who now wears a crimson mask. He isn't done as he brings the dead weight of Ciampa to his feet and holds him there.*
[Johnny Gargano] You did this! All you had to do was stay out of it!
*Gargano then swiftly charges Ciampa face first into the Garganotron X360, shattering the screen into a million pieces. Ciampa falls to the ground in a heap, completely out of it and no doubt needing medical attention as the blood continues to pour out of him.*
[Johnny Gargano] You did this! You did this to yourself!
*Gargano continues to scream the same words over and over again, either to deliver a message to Ciampa or to convince himself of his own deluded views. He stands over his former best friend and raises the championship upwards as the crowd lets their feelings known.*
[Corey Graves] This was hard to watch. You just know that in this business, whenever there's some kind of screen involved that someone is going to go through it. Chris Jericho must be rubbing his hands and loving what we just saw.
[Mauro Ranallo] What has happened to Johnny Gargano? What has happened to Johnny Wrestling? Is there any trace left of the man we all once knew and loved?
[Corey Graves] You look at his face right now Mauro and I see a different Johnny Gargano. One that has no limits. Friend or foe, if you stand in his way of keeping the World Heavyweight Championship - his life's work as he calls it - he will take you out without a second thought.
*Anarchy fades to a commercial break following this shocking development...*
*The scene is backstage in the locker room area. Undisputed Era member Kyle O'Reilly is shown throwing elbows, kicks and knees, warming up. A figure approaches off-screen and he stops, with his eyes lighting up.*
[Kyle O'Reilly] And there he is!
*The camera pans outward to reveal none other than the newest addition to the Undisputed Era Bobby Fish! Fish is looking well and wears a smile underneath that glorious moustache of his.*
[Kyle O'Reilly] Bobby! Good to see you!
*O'Reilly embraces his long-time friend and pats him on the back before releasing.*
[Kyle O'Reilly] I was trying to find you earlier on to see if you're all set for your big XWL debut tonight against Shawn Michaels but I couldn't find you anywhere. I mean, it's been a minute since you set foot in the ring... and this is the H-B-K we're talking about here...
[Bobby Fish] Kyle! Trust me, I'm ready. This is something I've worked for every day of my life. You know when you came here, I was left behind...but that inspired me to get better..and here I am! We've dominated Ring of Honor, We've dominated NJPW, We've dominated NXT....Now what if it's time for reDRagon to dominate XWL? But first...tonight, I'm going to show the whole world what Bobby Fish is about.
[Kyle O'Reilly] That's what I like to hear! And I have to say, that armband looks good on you! I'm so glad you're here and not only that but you have a spot in the Undisputed Era too! And you know that XWL just introduced tag titles recently right? It's like the stars are finally aligning for us to achieve our dream here in XWL. It's like they knew we were coming.
*O'Reilly's happiness quickly fades.*
[Kyle O'Reilly] But first things first, before I can concentrate on anything else, I need to dispose of Bray Wyatt at Cyberslam. I don't know if you've been watching Anarchy every week but that guy has been making my life a living hell. And I am SO tired of his voodoo mystical crap. He's not the Undertaker so it isn't cool at all.
[Bobby Fish] He can play all the mind games he wants, but we both know it won't work. We both know NOBODY can stop Kyle O'Reilly when he's focused and determined. So I'm looking forward to Cyberslam, My first PPV in XWL... I might not be on the card but I'm going to be there supporting the entire Undisputed Era. I get to just lay back, put my feet up and watch you destroy Bray Wyatt. What a great way to spend my first PPV in XWL! After you've finished off Bray Wyatt...Then who knows...maybe come Roulette..It'll be my first PPV competing in that ring.
[Kyle O'Reilly] The first of many! There's no doubt about it in my mind that come Roulette, your name will be up in lights and you'll be showing the world what Bobby Fish can do on the big stage. And hey, who knows? Maybe we'll be teaming up together that night. Just like old times...
*Fish nods approvingly while twirling his moustache, clearly liking the idea of tagging with his pal again.*
[Kyle O'Reilly] I'll be busy with Bray at Cyberslam, but you Bobby, you can do some recon work in between your relaxing! Scout out the competition in the tag title match! Figure out their weak links! I know for sure the Trash City Stupid Idiots live up to their name. They are trash, they are stupid AND they are idiots! Like really? Those guys are #1 contenders? Please...
[Bobby Fish] I know right? That is the competition around here? Plus...Look at the champions? THAT is champion material? Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho aren't even on our level. We travelled the world dominating every tag team that stepped in front of us...Yet these guys win a couple matches and are "champions"? WE are the champions, my friend. We're the real tag champions of the world. If Alpha Club are champions, and that other team with the dumbest name I've ever heard are the leading competition in this company then this is going to be a walk in the park for redDRagon!
[Kyle O'Reilly] And you could say that... is undisputed.
*O'Reilly really loves his own pun and smirks wildly as Fish laughs. He puts his arm around O'Reilly and the two walk away out of view.*
[Mauro Ranallo] Rusev's about to spear Matt Sydal straight through the barricade!
[Corey Graves] Something tells me this is a message directed straight at Jeff Hardy.
But as The Bulgarian Brute barrels right toward Sydal, Matt leaps up into the air in an almost leapfrog like manner, and Rusev unable to stop himself crashes THROUGH the barricade as Matt falls back to the floor having avoided certain doom but given the method he used to dodge that doom he landed awkwardly on his leg, and as the referee's already halfway through his ten count, this is a dire predicament for this number one contenders match to be in.
[Mauro Ranallo] Rusev just went head first into that barricade, he's gotta be out!
[Corey Graves] Matt Sydal is one of the most slippery opponents you'll ever compete against, and that right there is an example of why. A very wise evasion, but Mauro the referee's at a 5 count now, Sydal has to get back in the ring.
[Mauro Ranallo] I think his foot twisted when he landed back on it, he's working with a bum wheel.
Fans cheer Matt on trying to rally behind him to get him back to the ring, as his only method to make that possible seems to be crawling. He starts to make the seemingly long journey back to the ring as he pulls himself forward, all while Lana is shouting in frustration, but also obvious concern as her husband seems to be in trouble. If Matt makes it back in before the referee's count, Rusev will lose this by count out, and lose his opportunity to compete for The World Television Championship.
[Mauro Ranallo] He's digging deep, Corey.
[Corey Graves] With the awful week The Undisputed Era had last week the pressure is on to turn that all back around. Adam Cole may not have dethroned Dean Ambrose...but if he can earn his way into a match with Dean? Matt could seek revenge for the entire Undisputed Era and potentially defeat the man he at one time had the number of.
[Mauro Ranallo] The referee's at a 7 now...he's going on 8.
The audience gets even more rowdy as Sydal's hands grip the top of the ring apron, trying to use it to pull himself up...to get back into the ring, to avoid this match ending this way. The referee readies his count of 9, waiting the appropriate duration before doing so, watching as everyone else watches Matt use everything he has left in him to get to his feet! All he needs to do now is propel himself under the bottom rope and he'll win this match, maybe not in the method he'd like to, but at this stage in his career a victory is a victory, it's certainly better than the alternative in neither man being the winner, right?
[Mauro Ranallo] This is gonna be close!
[Corey Graves] I think he may have it...
Just before Sydal is able to lift his leg and push himself under the bottom rope, he's blindsided by a high heel to the side of the head! Rusev's Ravishing wife Lana, who was watching the events transpire from ringside, was not about to sit idly by as her husband gets counted out. Naturally, it appears she had removed her right heel and chucked it at the head of Matt Sydal! Dazed and confused by what the hell just happened, Sydal stops dead in his tracks as the referee momentarily postpones the final count of 10 in order to scold Lana, likely in preparation for ejecting her from ringside completely.
Just when it seemed like The Ravishing Russian would meet that fate, Rusev has found his way back to his feet, albeit out of it seeing as he just drove himself head first into the unforgiving barricade, and locks a distracted Matt Sydal in his sights. Rusev sees this as his opportunity, unaware that the ref is dangerously close to the dreaded ten count, and lets out a roar, causing Lana to take a few steps back out of the proverbial danger zone and Sydal to begin turning around but before he could fully do so, Rusev has already begun his charge, delivering his swift but deadly Machka Kick to the back of Sydal's head, sending him to thinly layered padding like a sack of golden tickets. Rusev begins thrusting his arms back and forth as Lana begins shouting at him to get him back into the ring before the count out but just as Rusev turns around and begins to slide in, the referee reaches the ten count, ending this match in a double countout. In a match that had Championship implications, what does this mean for the World Television Championship, does this mean the Champion has no challenger or is there another course of action to take?
JBL rolls out onto the stage as the fans begin to boo. He smiles and waves as if he hears nothing but clapping and cheers. Lana and Rusev turn to their new GM as he prepares to speak.
$JBL$ Rusev I know how upset you must be. After an entire match of whooping that sorry excuse for an opponent around this ring, you loose due to count out. I know it’s simply not fair. Especially seeing that until now, you had a General Manager that would never even look at you twice, much less give you the shot you rightfully deserve. Trust me, I know, she was my General Manager too. But things have changed around here. I noticed your talent the very first time you stepped foot in this ring, and when I became GM I told myself I’d be damned if I didn’t give you what was rightfully yours. A chance. A chance to prove yourself. A chance for glory. A chance for gold.
Rusev and Lana nod in acceptance. They both like and agree with the words spewing from our GM’s mouth. By this time Matt Sydal has begun to regain consciousness and stumble onto his feet.
$JBL$ And as for the “almighty” golden ticket. I know it’s been quite while since you’ve been in an actual championship match Matty boy, Hell its been a while since you’ve done much of anything besides fetching coffee and dry cleaning, but that’s no reason to behave like an animal. I gave you this opportunity here tonight because I wanted to show that I truly am not a biased General Manager, and truth be told, I wanted to see if you still had what it took to get the job done.....on your own that is. But you impressed me. During the whole match, the entire beat down rusev was putting on you, there was no sight of the rest of the Undisputed Job-
[Mauro Ranallo] Oh come on. Is he serious? For over a year he has wrecked havoc across the XWL roster with the Cabinet using numbers to get ahead, and now he’s accusing Matt Sydal of doing the “unpractical” thing?
[Corey Graves] No Mauro, that’s not it at all. He’s mentioning what transpired at Final Stand when Matt Sydal used the numbers to screw JBL out of the match. Matt Sydal KNEW he had no chance of winning and keeping his job in a one on one.
[Mauro Ranallo] The Cabinet came out first, or do you not remember that?
[Corey Graves] JBL knew the Undisputed Era was just getting ready to pounce. He’s a businessman. He made precautions.
[Mauro Ranallo] Even if that was the case, what right does he have to call them jobbers? They’ve beaten the Cabinet every time they have faced off. They’ve been dominating nearly every division. Hell Undisputed Era member Adam Cole was just in last weeks main event against Dean Ambrose for the World Television Championship-
[Corey Graves] Which he lost Mauro. They may have a few lucky wins under their belt, but when it matters, when it TRULY matters, they don’t have what it takes to get the job done. Adam Cole last week, and now Matt Sydal. It’s sad really.
JBL laughs to himself as the fans boo, Matt Sydal obviously not appreciating his GM’s choice of words.
$JBL$ Excuse me. There was no sight of the rest of the Undisputed Era. And that in itself is an accomplishment you should be proud of. However it now seems we have quite the predicament. For now that this match ended in a double count out, we don’t have a number one contender. Which is actually the very reason I have come out here. After seeing this match it was very clear that there was only one possible action to take. So without further a-due, ladies and gentlemen your new number one contender for the World Television Championship.....
JBL pauses leaving everyone on the edge of their seats. He looks to Matt Sydal, and Sydal looks back in disbelief. After everything they’ve been through JBL is actually going to choose him over rusev? Then his question is answered as JBL yells out the name.....
$JBL$ RUSEV!!!
Sydal looks to JBL in anger. He should have seen this coming. How could JBL let the past be the past? Rusev jumps into the air and begins thrusting his arms back and fourth yelling out himself. Lana let’s out a shriek of excitement for her husband as she pulls him in for a kiss. But their celebrations short lived. For JBL cuts them short as he continues to speak?
$JBL$ AND MATT SYDAL!!!
[Mauro Ranallo] WHAT?! I can’t believe this!?
[Corey Graves] And you said he was biased Mauro!? He just gave his enemy, the man who just possibly ended his wrestling career, a championship match.
[Mauro Ranallo] I can’t believe what I’m hearing!
The crowd erupts into a frenzy as they can’t believe what they are hearing. Hell, Matt Sydal himself is in disbelief. But Rusev is not too happy with this announcement.
$JBL$ For the first time EVER, this Sunday at WarZone, the World Television Championship will be defended live on Pay Per View in a Triple Threat.....and it will be A Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match!!!
[Corey Graves] Oh my god, what an announcement! JBL making history by announcing this match!
[Mauro Ranallo] I can’t lie Corey, he is proving to be one hell of a GM.
The camera turns back to JBL.
$JBL$ Get ready gentlemen, you’ve got history to make.
JBL tips his hat and winks at both of the men standing in the ring before he turns his wheelchair around and wheels backstage. The final image we see before Anarchy fades to a commercial break is Matt Sydal and Rusev staring into each others eyes, both men ready for this Sunday.
A Lunatic Stands Tall Last week Dean Ambrose of the Bullet Club collided with Adam Cole of the Undisputed Era in a main event that lived up to the hype. Dean put his Television title on the line and Adam Cole took him to his limit but it was not to be and Dean put him to rest with a Dirty Deed. That should have been the end of the night but Aiden English rushed down to the ring to pick the bones. Cashing in his money in the bank briefcase Aiden was taken by surprise by a roll up, losing the match and his briefcase. That is until JBL showed just how much power he truly has and fired the ref while also giving back Aiden's briefcase and restoring his money in the Bank status
Disarray In The Division What was supposed to be a night of fun for Best friends Natalya and April turned into a nightmare as April was attacked from behind by Allie. After a brutal assault Allie herself would find her head thrown through a car window by the deranged Nikki Cross. Sparked by jealous and possessiveness Nikki would then attack Natalya who was simply checking on her friend. Meanwhile, an alliance between Asuka and Dakota has been formed to take in the likes of Alexa and Nia, evening the odds. Newcomer Ember moon took veteran Kaitlyn to her limits, but fell short in her debut match, and Tessa with an impressive win over Asuka staked their claims towards the title. Things are heating up!
An Eli-Te First Strike and Some Phenomenal Revenge Eli Drake is no stranger to making enemies. The number one contender did exactly that when he costed Bullet Club their tag match against the Alpha Club. Drake was in a position to put away D-Bry later in the night but AJ Styles had other plans. A phenomenal forearm would seal the fate of Drake. What was only a regular title match is heating up to be so much more. It's becoming personal!
The Final Obstacle Last week we saw the Alpha Club beat The Bullet Club. We also saw former enemies and newfound partners Chad Gable and Sabin overcome the Undisputed Era. These are the final two teams. Only one can be crowned the first ever XWL tag team Champions! As we’re now one week away from this historic Main-Event...both teams, along with The XWL Tag Team Titles will be live in the ring tonight as they go face to face. Can they keep their hands to themselves, or might one of them, or both even...take this opportunity to stake their claim at The Championships just days before they clash in the finals of The Motor City Cup?
Can't Catch a Break Hungry for revenge Johnny called out Jericho. He pleaded for Jericho! And he got him! Except...not really. Instead of Jericho Gargano found Owens. Instead he was attacked from behind by Jericho! First eating a Codebreaker and then being powerbombed on the apron. Johnny lies a broken man. But still breathing. There is something about a man pushed much to far and Johnny could be reaching his breaking point at any time. What will happen this weak?
After the fall of the ref's hand for the third time Adam Cole sat straight up for a moment raising his hands to the air; meanwhile the crowd splits in half, one side in favor of Adam Cole and the other jeering as their hopes had been with Kenny Omega. The match was very intense from bell to bell and this crowd was very much into the action that just took place, gasping in awe after every high vertical leap, moonsault, high knee, and of course, superkicks; this match was truly a sight to the eyes. In the ring, the look on Adam Cole's face was a look of pure excitement as he smiled widely from ear to ear, though we could only see part of it since his ridiculously wet hair was partly covering his face since it whipped in any direction. As his music blared in the arena, Cole took time to just bask in the fruit that he just reaped, sitting on the mat, his mind was racing with such an interesting opportunity to placed before him. After a moment of soaking in the victory by himself Cole then stands to his feet while the ref is making his way over to declare Cole the victory.
[Corey Graves] I can't believe it, Mauro; Adam Cole is the new Number One Contender for Dean Ambrose's World Television Championship. This man has only been here a few weeks and he is already climbing high on the ladder in XWL. You got to think: if Adam Cole is already this far along at such an early point in his XWL career, what can't he do?
[Mauro Ranallo] Not just that, Corey, we have to take a look at the bigger picture. Adam Cole isn't just a competitor fight out on his own, Cole is a part of XWL largest faction, the Undisputed Era and outside of just a couple Veterans of XWL in Leo Kruger and Matt Sydal, this group is a bunch of fresh faces to the industry. This is just one members' ability in the ring and the others can match if not top the performance put on by Cole tonight; that's got to put some fear into the rest of this locker room.
[Corey Graves] That's a very valid point, he is just one of many incredible superstars inside the Undisputed Era and right now at this moment, after beating such an amazing performer in Kenny Omega, Adam Cole is only making this group look like more and more of a threat. Adam Cole right now is leading the charge for the Undisputed Era's quest to Shock the System of XWL and is only one step away from reaching only a fraction of their goal and with such promising results after this first match, we can only expect to see success from the Undisputed Era, and from Adam Cole.
As Mauro and Corey, were at ringside giving their thoughts on the match and future predictions, Adam Cole was looking all across the XWL Universe had a huge grin on his face, he was in the spotlight and he was going to take his limelight for the moment, respectfully of course. Cole made a few rounds in the ring and got up on the middle ropes, taunting to his fans. At the same time though, Cole was yelling out into the XWL Universe many crazy things that may have not made sense to them, but they did to Adam Cole and were only shouted in an successful effort to hype up the new Number One Contender and amp up the crowd. At this point the entire crowd was now behind Cole, the half of the audience that was for Kenny Omega, had dismissed his defeat and didn't see it as too bad of a loss; really no man had nothing to be ashamed of in such a good match and they were certain he would come out on top later in his match for the tag tournament. As the entire sold out XWL crowd was now fully in support and behind Cole, Adam sensed the energy of the crowd and sensed an opportunity. Cole makes his way to the center of the ring and faces the camera. Following this Adam Cole squats in the center of the ring and drapes his hair to the ground and as this is happening the crowd is beginning to buzz, knowing what is to come. Cole slides his elbows onto his thighs and is now in position. He whips his hair and fingers into the sky and with all the XWL Universe they all exclaim:
ADAM COLE BAY BAY!
Following this the XWL Universe cheers and jumps as the feeling of doing something all together in an XWL event gives a person goosebumps. After doing his signature taunt Adam Cole makes his way to the ropes and hops out the ring. As walking towards the ramp he does one final thing acting like the cocky man that he is and takes a small bow at ringside for all the XWL Universe
Following this expression Adam Cole begins to march up the ramp, and upon reaching the stage Cole looks back one more time with a grin on his face before heading backstage to cool off and cheer on the rest of the Undisputed Era in their matches later on in the night. After Cole goes backstage the camera fades. we now head to our next segment.
With the night after Final Stand proving to be full of shocking moments and overall excitement, the show moves right along returning to where it began with a word from our commentary team.
[Mauro Ranallo] Tonight as we discuss the fallout of the biggest show of the XWL Calendar year, of course there was nothing bigger than our Main-Event.
[Corey Graves] The things that Natalya & Sasha did to each other, and continued to fight through still has my jaw on the floor.
[Mauro Ranallo] Without a doubt it will go down as one of the greatest Main-Events of Final Stand in history. The Women had a tall order to fill, and they didn't just fill it, they raised the order for the Superstars that are in charge of filling it next year. The pressure of not only being The Main-Event, after the likes of JBL Vs Matt Sydal...or Chad Gables Vs Chris Sabin...or of course The Winners Take All Tag-Team Match for The Intercontinental & World Heavyweight Championships between The Alpha Club & The Bullet Club...but also as the FIRST Female Main-Event on the grandest stage of them all...is enough to fill either of those Women with nerves that would cast a blemish on their moment. But Corey, I didn't see any nerves.
[Corey Graves] They came out there not to worry about what everyone else did before them, but to worry about leaving that ring as Women's Champion. Of settling their long storied rivalry once and for all, of leaving it all in that ring so that while they may be the first female Main-Event at Final Stand...they wouldn't be the last. Sasha risked her life leaping off the top of that Cell, and every single time that Natalya refused to stay down, she risked her very career. It lived up to it's hype, it silenced any doubter that questioned their placement on the card, it was historic...but for more reasons than just the fact it was a first time ever occurrence.
[Mauro Ranallo] Natalya of course is STILL our Women's Champion...continuing a Pay-Per-View winning streak that began at Roulette back in October of last year. Truly an unstoppable run The Queen of Harts has been on, huh Corey?
[Corey Graves] If I hadn't of seen it all begin with my very eyes I wouldn't believe it. But every event since then, she has just risen higher and higher, the wins getting bigger than the last.
[Mauro Ranallo] It was a night of redemption for Natalya, who of course 8 years ago at Final Stand lost The Divas Championship to Michelle McCool via what became known as The XWL Screwjob. When General Manager at the time Vickie Guerrero along with Michelle's other half of Lay-Cool, Layla conspired to screw Natalya out of her title. And for 8 years, she couldn't put the pieces back together, that night haunted her. But she returned to Final Stand as Champion, ready to rewrite the past, and she did that.
[Corey Graves] After that special moment and she walked through the curtain, I'm told most of our Superstars were waiting to show their respect to Natalya, and even Sasha for the match they had. But after Natalya made her way through the sea of fellow Superstars Dasha Fuentes actually managed to find out how she felt in that moment, and as you can imagine Natalya was over the moon over her new Final Stand moment.
As Corey says that final word, the screen quickly cuts away, and the very footage he speaks of begins to play. Natalya is shown a literal mess, her makeup all over the place, as is her hair, she's only really had time to wipe away the blood that had oozed from her nose. It's clear just looking at her that she's been to hell and back, literally. But even through the war she just came out of, to be standing here STILL Women's Champion...officially claiming redemption she never thought she'd have...nothing can erase the smile off of her face right now.
[Dasha Fuentes] AND STILL XWL Women's Champion...Natalya, what is going through your mind right now after the hell in literal sense, that you just went through?
She coughs as she tries to open her mouth to speak, grabbing at her nose that we suspect has been broken, but after that slight moment of hesitation the smile reemerges on her face as she speaks.
[Natalya] I just, I can't believe it...after...all these years...I...
Little tears start to roll down her face as she's clearly so overwhelmed with emotion that trying to formulate coherent words is rather difficult on top of the other issues like the incredible pain she must be in. Her eyes lower down to the title on her shoulder as she wipes the joyful tears away.
[Natalya] This moment, this night, this entire journey...I'm never going to forget this feeling. The happiness...the pride of carrying this Championship with the integrity I so desperately wanted to prove was possible all this time. I don't know what to say, Dasha. I did it...I came back from the lowest point in my career, and...now I'm the highest I've ever been. It's hard truly describe what it feels like. To hear those fans, to see all those Superstars just now applauding me...telling me they were happy, and feeling like they meant it. All of them have seen me at my worst, everyone in The XWL Universe has...and now, they finally get to see me at my best, and that's something you just can't put into words.
[Dasha Fuentes] Obviously you're very emotional, and I think we're all emotional for you too. Because, this wasn't just any match, this was everything as you said you never thought would be possible. To not only return to Final Stand 8 years later as Champion again, but to have the opportunity to defend that title, now in The First Female Main-Event, and do so against a Woman you had such great respect for at one time, that grew into this intense hatred, of a rivalry that has captivated all of us through it's entirety. And then to retain, your Championship...to STILL be Women's Champion. You achieved redemption, every failure is nothing in comparison to what you have done tonight, what you've done the last 8 months. Talk to us about the match, social media of course has been praising it from the very beginning and they are still talking about it. What did you think, aside from the obvious of being the victor?
Again, she takes a moment to admire The Women's Championship in her possession, it's all she ever wanted. And to have held onto it through first an Elimination Chamber against 5 of XWL's top Superstars, and now inside Hell in a Cell against her greatest foe Sasha Banks, it's almost hard for her to believe.
[Natalya] I'm proud, all the drama aside, once we stepped inside that Cell, the gloves were off. No more talking, just fighting. For our dreams, for our moment, I may not like Sasha, and it's hard to even explain what I think of her after a match like that. I'm really confused on that, I think I got out a lot of my frustration for her, especially in that final minute when I made her toes touch her head with a Sharpshooter straight from my family to her as a reminder of what she did to them, and what that memory helped me to do her. It's difficult to really remember the match, I remember getting hit in the head a lot, I think at one point I was trying to get the taste of my own blood dripping from my nose down to my mouth out of my mouth. It's a blur honestly, but the crowd was amazing from the beginning to the end. The support they gave me, the love...the respect they gave us in that match. It just makes everything that much better. I will cherish this night for the rest of my life.
[Dasha Fuentes] Sasha Banks of course, at one time was your best friend..but that relationship seemed to drift into irreparable territory. However, after the match, she did offer a handshake, one that you did accept. Can you explain why you would shake the hand of the woman that put you, and as you said your entire family through such hell?
[Natalya] I think, in that moment...I put my feelings aside, and remembered what I wanted my reign as Champion to be through all the years of fighting to achieve it. I didn't want to be like so many others that had such a lack of respect for this this title stands for. At the end of the day, this is why we do everything we do. It is the pinnacle, it is the opportunity to represent the division as you want it to be presented. I want respect, to get it, and give it. Because while someone may be trying to take this, I can respect the fight, and the struggle on both sides to reach that point where someone wins and someone loses. I may not have respect for Sasha, but I have all the respect in the world for The Women's Championship. If my challenger wants to shake my hand after I have just beaten them, and prevented their dreams from coming true on this night, then who am I to disrespect that moment? At first I didn't believe it was genuine, but when I looked in her eyes...I saw not the person Sasha had become, but who she used to be. So I shook her hand, and I gave her that much. I do not forgive her, nor do i plan to reconcile our differences but tonight was not just about my redemption, it was about this division receiving the recognition it has fought for the last 10 years. Pettiness had no place in that ring, it never does have a place, and while part of me wanted to disrespect her as she has disrespected me so much in the past...that is not who I want to be, nor who I have become. It is not why I am able to stand here after going through Hell and back, as Women's Champion.
Trying to articulate her words while still in a daze from everything she just went through, she pauses now. Seemingly to catch her breath, but as she stands there breathing in and out, there does seem to be a bit of a struggle that Dasha tries to not call attention to. As Natalya herself as her breathing appears to get more severe covers her mouth with her hand perhaps acting like she was just hurting from the many times Sasha hit her in the face, but that's clearly not the case.
[Dasha Fuentes] Very well spoken as always....well, I know you've had a rather difficult night, albeit very incredible of course. So thank you for speaking with me and once again congratulations, Nattie. We're all very proud of you.
Natalya's clearly in a very dire state right now, and Dasha immediately recognizing that goes into wrap mode, and the second she does...Natalya pulls her hand away to flash a smile, but in that smile you see a struggle...a struggle that as she starts to turn away, suddenly she collapses, and the camera immediately cuts off, as the next sounds we hear are. "OH MY GOD WE NEED A MEDIC! SHE'S HAVING TROUBLE BREATHING!" Along with the sounds of a woman gasping for air. With a chilling conclusion to what was seemingly a celebratory interview with STILL Women's Champion Natalya...we are taken back to Corey Graves & Mauro Ranallo as they seem disturbed as are we by the events that unfolded in the closing moments of that interview.
[Mauro Ranallo] We addressed at the start of the show that Natalya did indeed suffer a broken nose, but what we didn't disclose, due to events still going on behind the scenes...is that the displacement was so severe that as the adrenaline wore off, Natalya was as you saw experiencing issues breathing. Which led to her to collapse as Dasha ended things early.
[Corey Graves] Thankfully our medical staff is the best in the world and they quickly were on the scene and had Natalya in the ambulance and on her way the nearest medical facility for immediate help. Apparently she had gone into panic mode, exhaustion of course playing a huge role in the issues of breathing, and she was taken into emergency surgery shortly after being admitted.
[Mauro Ranallo] We just got an update before The #1 Contenders match for The Intercontinental Championship where of course Eli Drake earned the right to challenge AJ Styles at Warzone. We're told Natalya's breathing has returned to normal, there are no complications, and apparently she's laid up in her hospital bed watching Anarchy as we speak.
[Corey Graves] She is expected to be back in the ring very soon, doctors have recommended during this time that she takes a couple of weeks to rest up at home due to the severity of the break however despite Layla's assurance that she doesn't need to, Natalya plans to return to Anarchy, NEXT WEEK!
[Mauro Ranallo] That's right, as we all heard in her post-Final Stand interview, being Champion is something that means the absolute world to her. She feels it's her obligation to at least be here every week, and it completely killed her to have to miss tonight's show. Therefore exclusively we are able to confirm that she WILL be here next week. Until then Natalya, get lots of rest and once again...congratulations on your successful title defense at Final Stand we look forward to celebrating with you next week!
A loud cheer erupts from the crowd as Eli Drake sits up, grinning ear to ear, after pinning Andrade "Cien" Almas.
He stands to his feet, and throws his fist high into the air.
[Corey Graves] ELI HAS DONE IT! HE WILL BE GOING TO WARZONE TO FIGHT AJ STYLES FOR THE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE!
[Mauro Ranallo] He wasn't kidding..When you got Eli Drake in a big match you better place on all your bets on him to go big.
The ref walks over to Eli, and grabs his wrist then raises it high. Eli closes his eyes taking in this moment for it is his to cherish. He opens his eyes, and the ref releases his grip of his wrist. Eli motions for a microphone, and one is quickly brought over to him. He looks directly in front of him, where the hard cam is placed, into the sea of people that is the XWL Universe.
["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake] San Antonio! He then goes to his left, and looks out into the crowd as they cheer.
["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake] San Antonio!
Again he moves over to his left looking outward into the crowd.
["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake] San Antonio!
He then walks into the middle of the ring, and lifts the mic into the air pointed downward. He lifts his head, and yells into the mic.
["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake] LEMME TALK TO YOU!
Eli brings the mic down back to normal height, and brings his head back down.
["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake] Boy do I feel damn good right now. There shouldn't be anymore questions about me being Elite after that. Now the question that remains to be answered, but will be answered at WarZone. What is better being Phenomenal or being Elite. Here is a little hint for ya. If you say Phenomenal you are a dummy, because AJ Styles won't be holding that title for long. His reign ends at WarZone...
Eli smiles as he oozes charisma.
["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake] Now speaking of titles... I know I came to the show a little late, because some dummies down at the airport lost my luggage, and I had to wait for it to get here. Did I hear correctly that we have a tag team division now? I wanna throw my name into the tag division, but sadly at the moment I don't have a partner. So I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to extend an open invitation to anyone in the back that would like to team with The Elite Wrestler of XWL. I will strap you on like a backpack, and carry your kister straight to the damn moon! So who is it gon...
James Ellsworth walks out, with no music, onto the stage looking behind him making sure no one else is coming, and looks forward excitedly at the current number one contender.
["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake] Anyone else...?
James Ellsworth waves to Eli. He looks away from James wanting to forget about this hoping someone else walks up so Eli looks up to the ramp hoping someone else would come, but all hope is lost as no one show. By this time James Ellsworth is in the ring standing along side the man he wishes to tag team with.
["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake] Please anyone else but this goof.. I'll even take a ref at this point.. Eli looks Corey Graves who is sitting at the commentary table.
["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake] Corey feel like coming out of retirement?
Corey shakes his head as he knows he can't get back into a ring. Eli looks at James Ellsworth, and looks him up, and down. Eli shakes his head, and looks down.
["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake] Welp this back fired... ummmm do you have anything to say I guess about teaming with The Elite Wrestler of XWL?
-James Ellsworth- Eli...are you ready to be the XWL Tag Champs? Because I sure am. I know that if you take me and you take you and you put them together you get a winning sandwich of greatness! You are clearly Elite, and well...I'm the only undefeated superstar in XWL so I would have to say I'm elite too right? You know what I say, any man with two hands stands a fighting chance and together we have four hands so surely we can't lose...
Ellsworth starts to trail off as he sees Eli just staring at him. He gives a doofy looking smile and extends his right hand towards Eli, looking for a handshake. Eli looks down at James Ellsworth hand, and a slight smile crosses his face.
["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake] You know... I think this shall be my greatest test, and I am always up for any challenge. So James... you got yourself a deal...
Eli shake hands with James Ellsworth solidifying them as a tag team.
[Corey Graves] WHAT! Why would Eli team with him?!
[Mauro Ranallo] You heard Eli he considers this a challenge. So he is going to do the best of his ability to elevate James Ellsworth to the very top!
The last thing we see is James Ellsworth, and Eli Drake together arms raised standing side by side in ring as we go to a commercial break.
*The words "Earlier Today" are shown in the bottom corner of the screen as video footage begins to play. Dakota Kai is shown outside the arena approaching a gathering of journalists and fanfare. Several take photos and shout her name trying to catch her attention as she approaches to address them.*
[Journalist] Dakota! Dakota Kai! How will you bounce back from failing to capture the Money In The Bank at Final Stand?
[Dakota Kai] You know, I don't see it as a failure... I see it as a learning experience. While I was heartbroken not to become Miss Money In The Bank in my first ever PPV appearance, it isn't something that's going to de-rail my career or keep me from striving to complete my goals in XWL. You just can't win them all as nice as that would be.
[Dakota Kai] I just wish April the very best and hope she chooses the moment to cash in wisely and doesn't waste the opportunity she has. She's been nothing but a friend to me since I've arrived in XWL so to see her as champion once again would warm my heart. But I have warned her not to expect another reign of dominance over the Women's Division because I'm coming for the gold. Maybe it'll take me a little while to get there, but I will be Women's Champion. It's time for Dakota Kai to kick things up a notch and that starts tonight on Anarchy when I defeat Alexa Bliss.
*Dakota's attention is drawn to something off camera...and soon our attention is as well. For arriving onto the scene, rolling her suitcase beside her, is Little Miss Bliss herself, Alexa Bliss. *
*Hot off a huge upset victory over Asuka on the grandest stage of them all, Alexa is clearly in a fantastic mood...so much so, that as she clearly must have heard Dakota utter her name, despite the two of them never having an interaction before now...she doesn't storm over to give her a piece of her mind, she instead waves with a friendly smile and then walks over to the newcomer.*
[Alexa Bliss] Well if it isn't Captain Kick herself. Sorry, where are my manners? I'm Alexa, nice to meet you.
*Alexa extends her hand out to Dakota Kai, seemingly sincere in her gesture...but given her moniker as "The Wicked Witch of XWL" we're somehow sure it can't possibly be. Dakota looks down at the outstretched hand before a look of disbelief clouds her face.*
[Dakota Kai] Are you really being serious right now? I know exactly the kind of person you are Alexa... you use people for your own personal gain. You don't have any real friends... they're just tools you use to make your own life better. You don't care about anybody but yourself. Unlike Nia Jax, I see right through you. I'm not stupid. And I'm definitely not going to be next to be manipulated by you.
*Alexa is visibly taken aback by this verbal attack by Dakota and withdraws her olive branch. She appears to almost be upset by the harsh words. The journalists and fans present are loving this unexpected confrontation between two of the stars of the Women's Division.*
[Alexa Bliss] Look at the high and mighty rookie acting she knows me. For your information, I was being nice, because I'm in a good mood...no, I'm feeling absolutely blissful. So I see XWL's newest rookie and I think, you know...she had a rough night at Final Stand. Utterly failed to win Money in The Bank...despite attaching herself to the longest reigning Women's Champion in XWL history, April to get that spot. Yet she wants to judge me and think that she knows me? First of all, rude. Second, if all I do is use people for my own personal gain then please tell me what I've "gained?" There's been not one, not two, but THREE Money in The Bank Ladder Matches in 7 months, an Elimination Chamber, a #1 tournament and yet despite "manipulating" everyone like you boldly accuse me of despite never having a single conversation with me before now, I've not been apart of ANY of that.
*You can tell she's very agitated by Dakota's accusations, trying to not let her spoil her mood, but it's obvious she has with her "unfounded" accusations.*
[Alexa Bliss] Furthermore, Nia is NOT stupid. She is the smartest, most brave Woman I've ever met. And it is an HONOR, to call her my best friend. So why don't you quit taking out your failures on me, and recognize when someone is trying to be nice to you.
*Dakota shrugs off Bliss' words and again takes an offensive verbal stance.*
[Dakota Kai] It's funny how you live in your own little fantasy world full of sparkles and sunshine where you can do no wrong and you think you're this sweet, little goddess that everyone should love and cherish. But the reality is Alexa, you're not a goddess... you're a two-faced snake that plagues the Women's Division. So I don't believe for one second that any word that comes out of your mouth is sincere in the slightest. Even as a "rookie" I can tell what kind of person you are. So maybe Nia does too. Did you ever think that maybe Nia... shock, horror... is the one that's manipulating you? Did you ever think about that Alexa? No? Does that blow your little mind?
*Little Miss Bliss does a not so little eye roll in response. People have been trying to discredit their friendship ever since the first night they officially became friends. *
[Alexa Bliss] A plague? And people call me dramatic? You know, for the 3 months I've endured excruciating bullying at the hands of some psychopathic clown...I've learned something. Bullies, are merely trying to tear you down because they feel so insecure with who they are. And honestly, I know you're trying to rile me up and spoil my good mood, considering unlike you...I have reason to be over the moon right now. But it's not going to work. I OVERCAME my bully, and every hurtful word, or every emotional scar? Was healed the moment the referee counted three on my behalf. And do you know what happened when I walked through the curtain? Nia was right there, and gave me the warmest hug, and told me she was proud of me for sticking up for myself. So maybe you're the one that's lacking in the REAL friends department...and for that, I feel sorry for you. That you have to demonize a pure bond between myself and Nia all because your "pal" April forgot all about you and all her attention suddenly went elsewhere. I guess that's what happens when your entire "friendship" was born out of pity.
*You can tell this stings Dakota a little but she quickly hides that expression by going into defense mode with her reply.*
[Dakota Kai] You're right, maybe our friendship was born out of pity. Maybe I am thinking we are better friends than we truly are. But it's been a privilege to have her in my corner at the start of my XWL career. To have a legend like her support me... it means the world to me. I'll cherish the time we spent together and I'll remember her advice for years to come. If April's moving on to bigger and better things now, leaving me behind while I try to carve out my own way to the top, that's fine. That's how this business works. Our paths will cross once again in the future, and I'll look forward to that day. But you're wrong when you say I'm here to try and ruin your mood. Unlike you Alexa, I don't get off on making others feel terrible. So congratulations. Well done on your victory at Final Stand. That's sincerity Alexa. Learn it.
*Dakota does actually appear to be sincere when congratulating Alexa being the nice girl that she is, despite all their hostilities up to this point. But a fire burns in her eyes as she continues.*
[Dakota Kai] But I want you to savor this feeling of being victorious. Because after our match tonight you will be tasting bitter defeat. And when you get backstage after suffering that loss, when Nia is consoling you... when she's giving you another "warm hug"... I want you think long and hard about what I said.
*Alexa starts to burst into a fit of laughter at Dakota's threat. Instead of addressing her directly, she turns to the cheering and "ohhing" bystanders and looks at them with disbelief.*
[Alexa Bliss] Aw, did you hear that guys? Dakota Kai is gonna defeat me tonight, oh woe is me...I'm getting really nervous now...I mean, after all she's so SINCERE...she sounds like she really means it.
*When not a single person near them gives her the encouragement she was seeking, she scoffs turning back to Dakota.*
[Alexa Bliss] Since you wanna talk about "sincerity" allow me to show you sincerity. I SINCERELY, think you're going to regret the things you have said, and the unfounded attitude you have had with me. I came over here out of the goodness of my heart to pick you up when you were clearly at the bottom of the barrel in the division, when you clearly buckled under pressure at Final Stand and let all five of your fans down. But you want to badmouth my best friend, make ridiculous claims about someone you had never even introduced yourself to before now, and then stand here and go on about sincerity, as you SINCERELY lie to my face when you tell me you're going to beat me in our match tonight. I SINCERELY doubt that, considering you said you would win Money in The Bank...and then, y'know...didn't.
*You can tell Alexa's channeling The Wicked Witch within as she completely lets Dakota have it for mouthing off to her for "no reason."*
[Alexa Bliss] You're in denial, that much is clear...but don't worry...I'll Bliss-miss all those terrible insincerities in your pretty little head, when I STOMP YOUR FACE INTO THE MAT TONIGHT! No need to thank me, it'll SINCERELY...be my pleasure.
*Alexa spins around, turning her back on Dakota and begins heading towards the arena entrance leaving her behind to feel the burn of her words. Dakota watches her leave, shaking her head.*
[Journalist] Dakota! Dakota! Can we get some comments from you about this confrontation with Alexa Bliss?! Dakota!
*Dakota is showered with questions by the journalists but she's clearly in no mood to answer them now as she remains silent and begins to walk away from them herself. The screen fades to black to signal the end of this segment of the show.*
You Thought It Was Over? At Final Stand we saw Club Warfare as The Alpha Club took on Bullet Club in a winner take all Elimination tag team match for the Intercontinental and World Heavyweight Championship. It was a close match with both teams eliminating a member of the other team. It came down to Jericho and Dean, each clubs respective champion. Dean was able to pick up and win and bring the titles to the Bullet Club bringing an end to the rivalry. Or so Dean thought. In a turn of events Chris Jericho would come out number 20 for the Final Stand Off and win the whole thing. Chris Jericho has earned himself a number one contendership for Dean's World Heavyweight Championship. This is far from over
Stalked April climbed the mountain once again. With terrible odds April stood on top of the ladder and grabbed destiny becoming the next Ms Money in the Bank. She chose not to cash in and in her words taint the first ever woman Final Stand main event. As she went to put her new possession in the trunk she found a horrible discovery. Someone has been watching her. Hundreds of pictures filled the trunk of April and her family. Before April knew it a pipe to the head knocked her unconscious. Her attacker? Nikki Cross. It seems Nikki has not forgotten about April. This could get crazy between these two
Undisputed Victory The Undisputed Era vs The Cabinet was an ugly rivalry. Full of twist and turns that land both sides in a three on three elimination match. Roderick Strong was lost along the way but by the end of the match it was Kruger left alone to take on Cole and Pete. Kruger put on his best fight but between the two he fell, leaving the Undisputed Era the winners. Now that the Undisputed Era has stomped The Cabinet, one can only ask where they go from here
A Good Start To A Bad Ending Life hasn't been great to Johnny Gargano. Losing his career could have broke him. But through perseverance Johnny was made the host of Final Stand. In a turn of events an I Quit match was made between Gargano and rival Miz. Via a agonizing Gargano escape with barbed wire Gargano won, winning back his job and making The Miz lose his. He looked ahead for the Final Stand off but later that night Johnny was found unconscious. No one saw anything and no one knows why it happened. A sad end to Johnny's night. While no one else knows what happened, the truth to this story may lie with Johnny himself. We may find out tonight
Stand-Off Fallout
The Final Stand-Off had many eliminations that left a bitter taste in many mouths. Daniel Bryan was double teamed by Sami Zayn & Andrade Cien Almas so tonight he gets his hands on Zayn. Leo Kruger eliminated John Cena who was starting to get on a roll, so the leader of the cenation looks to take it to The man that tied for most eliminations. While Killer Kross was unfortunately the first eliminated, so he goes one on one with the last man eliminated, Pete Dunne. Can he avenge himself?
We return from commercial break and we are in the midst of Sasha Banks' entrance.
[Mauro Ranallo] Welcome back to the show, Ladies and Gentleman. This is one of the more highly anticipated segments of tonight's show because Sasha Banks is being asked to apologize for what happened last week at the end of the show.
[Corey Graves] She's not being asked. She's being told to apologize. There's a big difference between the two of them because we all know Sasha Banks and we all know she wouldn't be apologizing if she had the choice. She would rather be throwing people through mirrors and... I don't know. Maybe she'd be lighting something on fire. That something would more than likely be owned by Natalya. I wouldn't expect anything else from something like her.
[Mauro Ranallo] I think that might be a little much. Even for Sasha Banks.
[Corey Graves] Would it, Mauro? Would it really? Shut up and ask yourself that.
Sasha Banks does her signature pose on the apron and oddly, she's still all smiles. Despite the fact that she's being forced to come out here and apologize for her actions. It's a little odd to see. She grabs one of the microphones and carries it over to the center of the ring. Her feet planted firmly on the ground as she waits for her music to die out before lifting the microphone to speak.
[SASHA BANKS] I'm going to Final Stand!
Sasha Banks enthusiastically pointed up at the Final Stand sign with the brightest smile any man or woman could imagine on her face. It was met with boos from the crowd as they showed their disinterest in seeing Sasha challenge Natalya for the Woman's Championship. She stared at the sign for a little longer. Her arm eventually grew tired of being held in that same position. Her smile grew thing as she lifted the microphone. The excitement in her tone was almost gone at this point as she spoke more seriously.
[SASHA BANKS] And they're trying to take it from me.
The fans unsurprisingly cheered for that line.
[SASHA BANKS] Because of my actions last week where I laid my hands on our General Manager, Layla is threatening to take away the match I rightfully earned. Here I thought Layla was the General Manager who's all about being fair and doing the right thing. She got in the middle of my brawl with Natalya and I warned her. I warned her to not touch me again and she didn't take me seriously. She pushed by me as if I was just another individual when that is far from who I am. I am not just another woman on this roster. I am not just another person in this ring. I am Sasha Banks. I am the Boss. I am the Number One Contender for the Woman's Championship. I do what I want when I want and there's no General Manager who can boss the Boss around. I was disrespected by our lady in charge and I wasn't going to sit there and take it. I'm not that kind of woman and if you got a problem with that then you can come meet me in this ring.
[SASHA BANKS] But I want this championship match more than I want anything else. I want this match with Natalya more than I want anything else. I gave everything I had in this tournament to prove that I want this match more than anyone in this division wanted this match... so I'm going to give Layla what she wants because I'm not going to throw all of my hard work away because I wouldn't say two little words. I'm going to give our General Manager what she wants so we can move past this and we can continue on MY road to Final Stand where at the end of the road is a championship waiting to be reclaimed.
Sasha stopped speaking and she cleared her throat. She straightened her posture to look a little more proper and serious since this was obviously a serious thing for her to address.
[SASHA BANKS] Layla. I'm sorry. I let my emotions get the better of me and I got lost in the moment. I shouldn't have hit you. I understand that you are at a point in your life where you don't want to be involved in the physical aspect of our business anymore and I should respect that. You paid your dues and you have nothing left to prove. Once again, I am sincerely sorry for any trouble that I caused you last week after we went off the air..
The fans actually popped at the apology issued by the Boss because let's be honest, would Sasha Banks really apologize for her actions? It's not like she's done way worse things before. Nope.
[SASHA BANKS] I'm also sorry for not hitting you again and again and again.
[SASHA BANKS] I'm also sorry for throwing Natalya through a mirror and hurting her so bad that she couldn't compete in a match tonight. I'm sorry that I didn't throw her through each and every single mirror in that building until every single blonde strand of hair was turned a crimson red. I'm sorry to every single woman in the back that I'm going to be the one to end Natalya's fairytale reign at Final Stand... but it's not like any of you stood a chance anyway. I beat pretty much all of you and the ones I didn't beat, women like Ronda Rousey, I would've beat them faster than Amanda Nunes beat Ronda at UFC 207 because I'm the best! It's not even a competition at this point anymore considering I ran through each and every single one of them from Becky Lynch to April herself. I'm the constant of this divison. Everyone comes and goes but I'm here to say which is why I'm the best this division has to offer! I'm the best this company has to offer! I'm the Boss, baby, and there's no stopping me on my road to Final Stand. Natalya can't. Layla certainly can't. No one can. Not even -
Liv Morgan's theme song cuts the Boss off as the crowd stands and turns to face the stage. Even though Liv is far from a fan favorite, she is more than a welcome sight when she's interrupting one of the most hated women in XWL history.
[Mauro Ranallo] We haven't seen Liv Morgan since she suffered multiple injuries at the hands of Charlotte Flair after a savage attack before their match last month!
[Corey Graves] Actions like that could have largely contributed to the recent and untimely departure of the Queen from the company once again. However, I think it's safe to say that that news probably had a little influence on Liv finally deciding to show up again.
Liv energetically arrives onto the scene with a mic in her hand and a smile on her face. She pulls a quick 360 on the stage and flicks her platinum hair back over her shoulder as she sets her sights straight ahead on Sasha Banks. A few brief seconds later, Liv clasps her hands behind her back and begins to trot down to the ring in a deceivingly innocent manner.
[Mauro Ranallo] What are you talking about, Graves? She was injured! Regardless of her young age and relative inexperience, Liv Morgan has gone out of her way in her short career here in XWL to prove her resiliency, as well as her resourcefulness. She's competed in matches with some of the best that the current women's roster has to offer, including Sasha herself! Who by the way, Liv Morgan managed to pin in the Elimination Chamber match for Natalya's Women's Championship a couple of months back at Downpour.
[Corey Graves] I never said she wasn't talented, Mauro. She might not be the most elegant or technically sound in the ring, but make no mistake, Liv Morgan is incredibly spunky. She's a little unusual, but she knows exactly how to use that to her advantage and that's what makes her a threat. Unfortunately for her, the poor thing just also happens to be from New Jersey.
As she creeps in on the bottom of the ramp, Liv shrugs off a coupl'a haters in the front row before slapping her free hand down onto the ring apron. She leans forward, cradling her chin in the palm of her hand while she bats her large eyelashes at Sasha Banks. She follows up with a childish wave before she pushes back off the apron and raises the mic to speak.
[LIV Morgan] Heya Sash! How's it goin'? And might I say, you've been lookin' great these last few weeks. Truly! You have.
Liv clears her throat as she begins to pace around the ring while she delivers her talking points.
[LIV Morgan] I've actually had a lot of time to kick back and watch you from home thanks to your old pal, Charlotte.. But you've just gotta tell me something, cause I've been dyin' to know.. Was the tournament fun? Did you have an awesome time getting to prove yourself YET AGAIN? Was it a BLAST, Boss?
Liv's hollow smile finally breaks down as she rolls her eyes and continues to slowly stalk the ring while she addresses the Boss.
[LIV Morgan] Cause y'know, I wasn't exactly allowed to participate in that, so I thought I'd come straight to the source. Right down to the one that made it all the way! The one who beat that mangy afterthought, April. The one who did Natalya the biggest favor of her long, looong career and put her reflection out of its misery. And yes, the very one who couldn't keep her grubby little mitts off the GM!
Liv places her left hand on the ring post, her mic still in the other as she uses the post as leverage to swing herself around and continue her little journey around the ring.
[LIV Morgan] But hang on, there's just one last, teensy-weensy little thing coming to me.. RIGHT! The same one that I pinned at Downpour.
Liv finally comes to a halt, leaning back over the apron again as she looks up at Sasha in the ring, cocking her head to the side slightly as she speaks. Her left index finger vigorously twirls a chunk of one of her pigtails around its shaft as she cuts to the chase.
[LIV Morgan] The way I and anyone with eyeballs sees it, you wouldn't be standing there in that cozy #1 Contender's spot if I wasn't screwed out of the tournament in the first place. And that's not all folks! I'll be more than ecstatic to prove what she and I both know already.. So whaddya say, "BOSS?" You're not too big and bad now to face little old me again, are ya?
Morgan snickers, dragging her tongue across her pearly whites as her eyes remain deadlocked onto Banks, eagerly awaiting her response to the challenge. The camera switches back to Sasha and she seems a little confused, but then she laughs. It was almost like she didn't take Liv Morgan seriously. Her ego was running wild and there was no stopping it. Liv could try and step up but surely she'd fail.
[SASHA BANKS] Are... Are you serious? You of all people? YOU!?
Sasha laughs again as she continues to not take Liv seriously.
[SASHA BANKS] I can't. I'm sorry. I can't. You're just... You're a joke.
The crowd boos Sasha's rather arrogany comment but that doesn't seem to effect Sasha per usual. The Boss instead walks over to the ropes and sits on the middle rope and uses her arm to push the top rope up to create a decent sized entry into the ring for Liv Morgan.
[SASHA BANKS] Fine. Fine. Fine. C'mon in.
Liv Morgan enters the ring to the crowd's approval. A referee soon joins them in the ring and makes sure both of the women are ready to go before ringing the bell to signal the start of this impromptu women's match-up.
The match started out back and forth but as time passed, that changed. The longer time she spent in the ring, the worse Liv Morgan began to look. It was starting become obvious that the attack on her by Charlotte was still affecting her and facing Sasha Banks, someone who took advantage of Liv Morgan's injury, wasn't helping her or her body's well being. Fast forward to aproximently 10 or so minutes into this back and forth match turned one-sided affair.
[Mauro Ranallo] This isn't looking good for Liv Morgan. Why hasn't the referee called off the match?
Sasha Banks kicks Liv Morgan in the head again which causes the blonde to fall down to the mat. The referee checks on her again but once again, she wants to fight on. She wants this match. She wants to be added to the championship talk. Sasha pushes past the referee again and slaps Liv Morgan on the side of the head and shouts at her. "YOU WANNA TALK A BIG GAME, HUH!?" before using the bottom of her boot to push Liv Morgan back down onto the mat. The referee pushes Sasha back and forces the Boss to give Liv Morgan some space to gather herself and come to her senses once again.
[Corey Graves] Liv obviously feels like she has something to prove. She feels like she was robbed of a title match at Final Stand. I will give her credit for coming out here and standing up to Sasha but... I'm sure she's starting to regret this.
Liv Morgan was trying her best to use the support of the crowd to will herself on - along with the ropes. The ropes were being used to help pull herself on. The referee continued to ask if she wanted to go on and Liv was determined to come back from this assault and somehow beat the Boss. A win over her would surely get people talking about her and be a good case to convince Layla to possibly add her to the title match at Final Stand it looks like Liv might finally be getting to her fe- B-TRIGGER OUTTA NOWHERE!
[Corey Graves] OH MY GOD!
[Mauro Ranallo] That was uncalled for!
Sasha came out of nowhere with the B-Trigger to the side of Liv's head and this time she wasn't moving. She was still breathing, of course, but she wasn't moving. The referee didn't even give her a say in the matter this time. He checked her hand and it fell to the mat without any sign of life. He calls for the bell.
WINNER:
[ANNOUNCER] The referee has ruled Liv Morgan unable to continue. Therefore, your winner of the match is Sasha Banks!
Despite the referee's decision being made and this match coming to an end, it seems like the Boss wasn't finished with her work. The Boss grabbed the lifeless of Liv and dragged her out onto the apron. The referee of the match was yelling at Sasha and telling her that she needed to stop what she was doing but his words were ignored. Or maybe she did take his words into consideration for a second only to realize that she didn't care what he had to say. Liv Morgan is an active member of the roster. She was an open target. Sasha wouldn't have to apologize for this... but she apologized to her anyways?
[SASHA BANKS] I'm soooo sorry for what's about to happen, Liv! I'm so sorry!
Sasha pushed Liv's body up against the turnbuckle and made sure she wouldn't fall.
[Corey Graves] What could this maniac possibly have in mind?
[Mauro Ranallo] I'm not sure. Liv Morgan isn't okay right now. She's not even moving.
[Corey Graves] She's out cold, Mauro! She's likely concussed as well!
Sasha climbs up onto the apron and walks along the edge to the opposite side of the apron from where Liv rested against the turnbuckle. The referee was still yelling at Sasha and so was another who came out here to try and talk some sense into Sasha and maybe stop her from doing what she had planned. Sasha then held up her hand in the shape of a gun and aimed down the sights at Morgan. The crowd began to boo as they realized what Sasha had planned down.
[Mauro Ranallo] You don't need to do this, Sasha!
[Corey Graves] Go and stop her, Mauro! Be a man!
Sasha fired the "gun" and then ran forward along the apron and again hit the B-Trigger! Liv's head smashed between the turnbuckle and the Boss' knee which was likely the final blow and if Liv was hurt before this match, there was no way she wasn't hurt more now. The blonde's body fell from the apron and onto the mat as the doctor quickly came running up to check on her. Sasha Banks still stood on the apron with her arms now spread out wise as she tauned the crowd and Liv Morgan. The cameras soon smoothly transition away from ringside, to a monitor where someone was watching what happened. As the lens pans out, we see none other than The General Manager Layla, standing with her arms crossed, and she's not alone. Beside her The XWL Women's Champion Natalya, with her title wrapped around her waist, as she herself doesn't seem to be in the greatest mood. She stares at her championship, exhaling a sigh.
[Natalya] Listen, I know how hard it must be to be General Manager, especially after moments like last week...and, I know that what she did, isn't okay...and I'd never try to stand here and justify a thing she does...and normally it'd be cut and dry, you'd have no choice but to...remind her who the actual Boss of this show is. But Layla, this...this isn't a normal circumstance, it's not cut and dry, the things she's doing are NOT okay but...neither is what you want to do.
[Layla] I don't WANT to do anything, but as General Manager I sometimes have to make the hard calls, like vacating The Money in The Bank contract earlier because of Carmella's inability to compete for the foreseeable future. That I feel awful about, but...this? You just saw what I did, right? There's no way Liv Morgan is going to make it to Final Stand now, she was going to be in The Money in The Bank Ladder Match because she was robbed in the first one because of Alexa Bliss, and then assaulted before the second one so she couldn't compete. Now, because of Sasha's out of control actions, I can't give Liv the chance she deserved.
[Natalya] I realize that, and...
Layla cuts her off, long having lost her patience.
[Layla] The Woman that is supposed to meet you on the biggest stage of them all, just cut the legs out from under another Woman, and why? She could have just beaten her, but she didn't want to do that, she wanted to continue to be defiant, to act like she owns this place and she's able to do whatever she wants. What kind of example does that set for the rest of the Women, huh? Hell, even the men...if I let this stand, if she doesn't pay for her crimes...then I'm not being a good General Manager. I'm sorry Nat, but Sasha's ou-
Before she can finish her sentence, in which she was going to officially declare Sasha out of The Women's Title Match at Final Stand...Natalya uncharacteristically talks out of turn, with a rather sour expression.
[Natalya] No! You don't get to do this, not again...not after what you put me through the last time I was in this position...this is ALL I have fought for, FOR 8 YEARS...a journey YOU caused to me be on in the first place, the light at the end of the tunnel was finally becoming Champion, carrying that reign BACK to this stage so that I could at long last seek the redemption I needed after YOU screwed me out of my title!
[Layla] Nat, I thou-
[Natalya] I know I forgave you, because that's what I do...I give and I give, and I GIVE...I put everyone else's needs above my own ALL THE TIME because that is who I am. I want what's best for this division, so that it can flourish and continue to be the best representation of Women's Wrestling until the end of time. But this is finally my time to get something, my moment to relish, my spotlight to stand under and...I will NOT let you put your needs, or what you think this division's needs are, ABOVE MINE!
Layla's almost speechless...this, this isn't Natalya, she's never this...outspoken.
[Natalya] I did what no other Champion has in XWL history, I survived, not just survived...but DOMINATED The Elimination Chamber to even be able to head into Final Stand as Champion again. And you come me congratulating me, saying you're so happy for me, that this is what I deserve and that's why you're letting me choose my challenger. But I didn't take that easy way out, like any other Woman may have. I didn't want to pick someone, I wanted the best, and the best is not chosen, it overcomes every obstacle in it's way to BE the best. And I may detest Sasha, I may hate the person she makes me become when she is near...but she EARNED her right to stand across that ring from me, and that is what she is going to do.
[Layla] I understand that you're upset, and I am too bu-
[Natalya] Will all due respect, I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE UPSET! This is all I have wanted, to scratch and claw my way back to the biggest show of the year, to STAND THERE ONCE AGAIN CHAMPION...and not have some little bitch, and The General Manager conspire with my challenger to not only take my title from me...but go as low as to make me go through what my Uncle Bret had to back in Montreal all those years ago. YOU crossed a line, and no one punished you! No, you became the greatest Woman to be in an XWL ring, and I just had to sit there and WATCH IT HAPPEN KNOWING THAT YOU NEVER PAID FOR WHAT YOU DID TO ME! The only thing that has kept me from losing it on you, the only thing that allowed me to forgive you....was the belief that one day I would find myself back at Final Stand, as Champion...and I could put that horrible night behind me for good with a new wonderful memory of a hard fought rise back up the mountain YOU PUSHED ME OFF OF!
Layla's just as flabbergasted as likely anyone watching right now is themselves. She viewed this as her big redemption, to face the best in a battle that wouldn't be spoiled by someone else. But now with all the emotions bubbling back up from her entire rivalry with Sasha, knowing that because of who Sasha is, and what she does, she may not get that anymore...at least not in the way she wanted, she has lost it.
[Natalya] You're right to think that Sasha is the scum of The Earth, because she is...and I don't know why that suddenly surprises you, when this is the woman that literally came to you asking for our "friendly" match to be The Main-Event of Anarchy, JUST SO SHE COULD STAB ME IN THE BACK, AND HAVE THE BULLET CLUB DRAG MY UNCLE OUT THERE WHEN ALL HE WANTED TO DO WAS SEE HIS NIECE AND HER BEST FRIEND DO WHAT WE DO BEST! She tricked all of us, went through all that trouble because she is rotten to her core. She's the woman that WHEN I FINALLY WAS ABOUT TO BEAT APRIL AT THE SLAMMY AWARDS, IN HELL IN A CELL, AND REDEEM MYSELF...SHE SMASHES A CAMERA INTO THE BACK OF MY HEAD AND DRAGS APRIL ON TOP OF ME SO THAT I WOULD SUFFER ANOTHER LOSS TO HER!
Natalya is just emotionally unstable right now, screaming, her voice cracking every so often, this isn't the well spoken and respectful Woman we've seen most of her career, this...this is a woman that is raw and upset over what Layla is trying to do by revoking Sasha's opportunity at Final Stand. After trying to slow her breathing down, she finally starts to get a handle over her emotions. Looking to Layla with a sincere almost...plea.
[Natalya] I'm sorry...I don't like to do this, to put you in this position...but like it or not, you were responsible for the only memory anyone has of me at Final Stand. And I have fought endlessly to change that for 8 years...THIS is that chance, to conquer the division, to find my perfect challenger through a similar experience of my own, and to face that challenger like a Champion does. You take Sasha out of this match, and you take away the only redemption I never thought I'd get...and it's here, it's in my finger tips, and you're going to let it slip away? If you're truly sorry for your actions that night? You'll forget that you're The General Manager, and remember that you're a Woman with a debt to pay, and I'm finally asking to collect.
As Natalya looks at Layla, knowing this isn't a situation she wants to put her in, but she has to...and Layla remains silent for a few moments trying to truly hear Natalya out. The business side says Sasha crossed several lines, and needs to face the consequences...but, seeing Natalya feel so passionately about this match, facing Sasha, facing the best in hopes it can finally free her from the only memory anyone has of her at Final Stand...it's conflicting with what her mind tells her to do, and what her heart is telling her to do.
[Layla] This really means that much to you?
[Natalya] Yes, yes it does...I feel like, for so long I made peace with never being able to come back from what happened 8 years ago...of course I wanted to but nothing ever seemed to fall in my favor and not everyone always gets what they want. But, you know as I fell to my lowest point, and Sasha stabbed me in the back, and it led to this unbelievable circumstance that was a Buried Alive Match...and winning that, proving my hopes weren't as dead as I maybe began to believe they were...then actually defeating April...proving my worth to a rookie that reminded me of Sasha when we first came into contact...risking my very place in this company just to get a shot at The Women's Title...and winning...I found hope again, I found belief that maybe...my redemption wasn't so impossible after all.
It's a flat out fact that 2018 has been Natalya's most successful year since her arrival, she's yet to beaten on Pay-Per-Views since 2018 began, and she seems to outdo herself month after month. As she speaks you just feel the pride she has to have finally found her way back to the top of this division.
[Natalya] Belief that led me to still hold onto that dream when I found out I was going to defend inside The Elimination Chamber. I knew no other Champion had been able to survive it before...but all I needed to do was just hold onto that light at the end of the tunnel, and believe I could do what no one else had. And I did, I didn't just survive by the skin of my teeth, I walked into that Dungeon and I thrived off of it's challenge...I proved that I was the best on that night, that I deserve to be Women's Champion...even fending off a cash-in attempt from Carmella because I NEEDED to keep this title, so that the 2,945 days I suffered wondering if it'd ever happen, could be a worthy cause because IT IS HAPPENING. Sasha and I no matter how hard I try to pull away from her, our paths just keep crossing, and I told the entire division that I want the best at Final Stand, and she proved that she is that. She may not be the best human, but as a competitor, she was second to none. And Final Stand, feels like the road our journey has been leading to since that first night 3 years ago after Final Stand when we met in a ring for the first time...and our story began. I can't explain this connection we have, but fate has once again led us together, and...I know now she is my redemption.
Layla continues to nod, listening very intently, not trying to interrupt Natalya as she extensively pleads her case.
[Natalya] I walk out onto that stage, with this title...knowing that unlike the last time I found myself in that situation...it won't be about politics, it won't be about being screwed...the end of our match, will come after pure hell of a fight, our hatred will fuel us to push ourselves further and further until we have nothing left...and then just as it's happened in our last encounters...something will flip inside of ourselves, and we'll somehow find that drive to continue even when our bodies try to give up, our spirit won't let us. I wanted the best, and regardless of the respect I have long lost for the person that is Sasha Banks, the respect I have to the competitor is built solely on the fact that she has proven in this instance, that "best" is her. I know I'm all over the place, and this isn't what you're used to hearing from me of all people, and I'm sorry that I yelled, and I screamed, and I keep bringing up these old memories that I tried to truly move on from, but this is the most important match of my career...and whether I like it or not, that's because it's her across that ring from me.
[Layla] It's just, it feels like if I do this, she's getting away with what she's done...
[Natalya] I get that, I do...and it may feel like that, and maybe it is for the moment...but I stand here promising you that she WILL pay for what she's done. She thinks she's the "boss" of this division just because she calls herself that...
Natalya swiftly removes her title from around her waist, then places it over her shoulder, with a look of intensity and confidence.
[Natalya] But I'm the one standing here with this, so I'd say that makes ME The Boss of this division, and I said on the years leading up to this, that I wanted a division built on respect, that drama had no place in my division and yet she still refuses to abide by MY rules. So believe me, she WILL suffer the consequences, and those are simply this...she thought I buried her before? This time? When I'm through with her? There will be nothing left to bury.
With that powerful statement, she looks at The Women's Title she carries with pride, then to The General Manager for her final verdict.
[Layla] Alright, I don't like it...and I feel like her actions are not becoming of someone deserves to headline Final Stand alongside you while someone like Liv Morgan sits at home knowing she's going to miss her first Final Stand...but, this is a match that from the business side, does have a lot of hype surrounding it. And even after everything you've put each other through, it still feels like there's more bad blood between you than ever. But, most of all...you're right, I do owe you this. I'm a little shocked by your behavior, but unlike Sasha's I at least understand where it was coming from, and I'm sorry that I didn't put your feelings into consideration. I never thought my actions 8 years ago would have led up to this, but I do find myself in the position where I can at last right my wrong to you, and if you want this, if this is the match that will finally free you from that fateful night...I can't in all good concise take that away from you, even if it means rewarding her...
Natalya's mood shifts from literal night to day, her stress fades, and a metaphorical weight falls from right off her and to the floor.
[Natalya] Thank you...
Natalya quickly embraces Layla in a sudden hug, one she wasn't exactly prepared for, and also is a bit unexpected given Natalya was just yelling her head off a minute ago but she likely felt very bad about her behavior, and also wanted to show appreciation for Layla hearing her through and not canceling the match between her and Sasha. For Natalya this match at Final Stand is a lot of things, and as a fan of hers through all the bad, the mounds and mounds of bad...it's something that makes us happy to see that she's getting what she's always envisioned, and after the last match between these two at Buried Alive...we're also pretty excited to see the chaos ensue between them once more, this time...for The Women's Championship. Natalya soon pulls away before Layla can say anything, and walks off. The General Manager had a hard decision to make, but as she stands there in the moments before we fade away, she hopes it really was the right call to make.
Last week we all saw a very strange sight in Cabinet member, Virgil subbing in for JBL in a promo. He addressed not only the MITB match, but how Matt Sydal screwed him over yet again. Later in the night we then saw JBL ask Layla what she planned to do about it. And to the surprise of everyone.....including JBL, she granted him the number one contendership to Sami Zayn’s WHC. Will he be successful in claiming the WHC for the first time or will Sami come over his bad luck streak with JBL?
Rematch
Last week we saw the Main Event between TV champion Dean Ambrose and Pete Dunn end in a no contest. This week we get a rematch between the two in an extreme rules match. Will Ambrose’s bad luck continue after loosing in an extreme rules match to Sami Zayn at emergence, or will he turn things around?
Coulda, shoulda, woulda
Last week we saw Nia Jax attempt to cash in her “earned” MITB contract on newly crowned women’s champion Natalya. Unexpectedly, it would just so happen that her contract would be nullified due to Alexa Blisses interference at Emergence. A rematch was called in which Carmella would take claim to the briefcase. Will Natalya be able to withstand the irresistible force?
33.3%
Last week we saw an encounter between Chris Sabin, Chad Gable, and AJ Styles. Each man claiming why he deserved the IC title more than the other. After a while of this they would be interrupted by none other than the Anarchy GM Layla. She would inform the three men that this week they will be in action for the IC championship. Will we see a new champion in the returning Chris Sabin, the Phenomenal AJ Styles, or will Chad Gable retain?
Absolutely InZayn
For over a year the “ultimate underdog” Sami Zayn and earned the respect of everyone around him but alas that all ended last week. The ring was full of XWL mega stars. Dean Ambrose, John Cena, Kenny Omega, HBK, and the champ himself Sami Zayn. They all declared themselves as the rightful #1 contender, and Sami was happy to face any of them. Then suddenly a strange mystery man would appear and assault John Cena.the man would be revealed as.....KEVIN OWENS. Sami would looked shocked.....but then happy. To the surprise of everyone Sami would help KO take out every man in the ring until it was cleared. He then told the world along with KO, that no longer will he bode to the crowds wishes. He now is his own man. With this new side of Sami Zayn what does this mean for the WHC scene?
The Cabinet theme plays for the second time tonight, bringing with it the same number of boos. Eventually, D’Angelo Dinero comes out on stage, followed by the new Mr Money in the Bank, Aiden English. He raises his briefcase high over his head, as Dinero claps.
{Corey Graves} Now Mauro, look at that! Aiden English is out here standing proudly with honour, and his good friend D’Angelo Dinero is here doing the same!
{Mauro Ranallo} Standing with honour? Are you forgetting why he even has this briefcase to begin with? His “good friend” assaulted BNB backstage beforehand! If you ask me, it’s ridiculous he was even given the briefcase!
{Corey Graves} You and your excuses Mauro. You should be grateful these two even decide to show up tonight, I’m sure there are plenty of publications chomping at the bits to get time with them!
Dinero makes his way into the ring, and holds the rope open to let English in. Both men take their time getting a microphone, using up as much time as possible taunting the crowd and complimenting each other. Eventually, both men grab a microphone in the middle of laughter over what must have been a hilarious joke.
{Aiden English} Ladies and gentlemen, I have some prepared words for an occasion such as this. If you will excuse me one second…
English retrieves a small slip of paper out of his pocket, which he proceeds to unfurl, as he raises the microphone to begin his speech.
{Aiden English} God bless you all. This is your victory! He pauses as if awaiting some response from the crowd other than the boos they continue to give him. He shrugs, before continuing.
{Aiden English} It is the victory of the cause of wealth and class in every land. In the Cabinet’s long history we have never seen a greater day than this. Everyone, JBL, D’Angelo Dinero, Virgil and I have done their best. We all have tried. Neither the gaudish t-shirts, nor the ageing old men, nor the upcoming ginger buffoon, have weakened or will weaken the unbending resolve of the Cabinet. Thank you all!
English drops his mic and begins to wave to the crowd, appearing very emotional. After some time, he leans over and whispers something into the ear of D’Angelo Dinero, who proceeds to nod and begin to speak while English leaves the ring for some unknown purpose.
{D'Angelo Dinero} So while Mr. Money in the Bank Aiden English goes off to handle some Cabinet business, let me stand here and tell you a little bit about myself. I am "THE Pope" D'Angelo Dinero, and last Sunday at Emergence, I did exactly what I said I would do to those two washed up has-beens. I do not care what the Heart Broken Kid and The King of Queens have to say about a poor ref decision. The match ended with a ride on the D'Angelo Dinero Express, and a 1-2-3 count for the winners of the match, The Cabinet.
The crowd boos loudly and chant "DX got screwed," as Dinero laughs hysterically in the ring
{D'Angelo Dinero} But tonight, I shift my focus onto something greater than two people that belong in retirement homes. Tonight, I shift my focus to becoming #1 contender to the intercontinental championship by defeating Cody Rhodes. And after I win, and bring home the Intercontinental Championship to The Cabinet... XWL will have no choice but to fear us.
Dinero drops the mic and looks over to where English left the ring, who has just pulled an object out from under the ring. He rolls back in, and raises up a champagne bottle and two glasses with a large smile on his face.
{Mauro Ranallo} Wait, since when is their champagne under the ring?
{Corey Graves} He probably specially asked them to put it there and they complied out of respect!
English hands one glass to Dinero and pours some champagne into it, before pouring one into his own glass and taking a gulp, after which he starts to speak again.
{Aiden English} Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is a grand celebration! I, Aiden English have just won Money in the Bank, D’Angelo Dinero will go on to win the intercontinental championship, and the great John Bradshaw Layfield will win the world heavyweight championship and reclaim it from Sami Zayn!
He looks out into the crowd, before quickly stumbling back as if he’s come to a life-changing realization.
{Aiden English} Sami Zayn! That’s right! That’s the strange little fellow I’m facing tonight! Let me tell you Sami, I know we have had our differences in the past, but after your display earlier tonight, I truthfully gained some respect for you. You put your foot down against the injustice going on in this company. You used your position of power to help out those of us not in your situation to fight back against the tyranny!
The crowd starts booing English for acting as if him and the Cabinet are simply the scrappy under dogs of XWL and what they truly are.
{Aiden English} But that is not what this is about right now. Right now this is about a no expense spared celebration of my victory last night! Crew, if you would…..
Two XWL crew members come rushing out on stage, carrying a flat object covered up with a black cloth between them. They make their way into the middle of the ring and place it standing up, before quickly leaving and making hand signals towards the back, trying to convey some form of directions.
{Aiden English} I just want everyone to know I haven’t seen this yet either, I am just as excited as all of the common folk for once!
Amidst boos for the common folk remark, Aiden begins counting down from ten. When he reaches one, he pulls quickly pulls the cloth off to reveal a portrait of himself holding the money in the bank briefcase. Right as he makes this motion, grand orchestral music starts playing and confetti rains down from the ceiling.
{Corey Graves} It’s beautiful Mauro! Oh my goodness!
{Aiden English} Oh it’s even better than I imagined! Splendid!
As Aiden English stands in awe in front of his painting while D’Angelo Dinero congratulates him, Anarchy fades into commercial break.
[b]When Anarchy returns from the break the music has stopped, D’Angelo Dinero has gone to the back, and close to all of the confetti has been swept out of the ring. However, Aiden English is still in the ring with his portrait, viewing it with the stance that an art critic would. Eventually one of the crew members from earlier enters the ring and informs have they have to remove the portrait from the ring so the match between him and Sami Zayn can take place. Although he objects at first, English eventually gives it up and begins to strip down to his wrestling outfit in preparation for Zayn.
[b]The crowd has a positive reaction to the theme of Zayn, however it is noticeably quieter than usual, likely due to his actions earlier in the night, However, they figure anything’s better than this “celebration”.
[b]{Mauro Ranallo} Finally we can start focusing on some high quality action.
However, as time passes, it becomes clear that Sami is nowhere to be seen. Crew members and security guards go backstage, but each of them comes back out empty-handed not knowing where he is. The referee for the match rolls out of the ring and begins talking to them, before rolling back into the ring and signalling for the bell to be rung. The timekeeper complies, and the referee begins to count out Sami Zayn.
1!
2!
3!
{Mauro Ranallo} Wait Sami didn’t seriously decide not to compete did he? I know what he said but he’s better than this!
{Corey Graves} He’s had enough Mauro!
4!
5!
6!
7!
{Mauro Ranallo} Sami Zayn is about to lose this match!
8!
9!
{Corey Graves} He took a stand!
10!
The bell rings again and Aiden English stands in the middle of the ring, shocked. Eventually the referee raises his arm in victory, signaling that he really did just win by count-out. He immediately looks overjoyed and begins to waving towards their crowd as if he they’re all cheering his victory. Eventually he leaves the ring and walks over to the crew member with his portrait and quickly snatches it from his hands and sprints to the back before the decision can be overturned. The last thing we see is Aiden English turn around at the top of the ramp and take a bow, as Anarchy continues.
Finally, after 2,945 days in the making, Natalya has finally done it. The Women’s championship has come to her grasp. She put everything on the line. The only thing she had left of value. Her career in XWL. Ruby Riot deemed her unworthy, and if she hoped to have the chance to prove her wrong...then she'd have to agree that if she failed this final time...she would leave XWL. The locker room and fans were in shock. They couldn’t believe she was willing to put it all on the line. But as she proved last night, she does her best under pressure. After 8 long years, Natalya is The NEW Women's Champion, and tonight a celebration is in order for the woman that proved you truly CAN do anything.
Bulletproof
For the past month, we’ve seen this intense rivalry unravel between WHC Sami Zayn and Elite Champion Dean Ambrose. And at the end of this rivalry, it would seem Dean would have the upper hand when it was announced that not only will there match be for the WHC, but it will be an Extreme Rules Match. A match that was made specifically for men like Ambrose. And he showed the world exactly why as he took Sami Zayn farther than he’s ever been, but it still wasn’t enough to put down Sami Zayn. Sami eventually pulled out every stop to take out Dean Ambrose, and I. Doing so he seemed to gain the mans respect. A celebration is, of course, due for Sami, but alas it will be short-lived. For he must now focus not only on his new number one contender, but the man holding the Money In The Briefcase that now breaths down his neck.
A little help from.....”friends”
The women’s MITB match was full of lies and deceit. Each of them making friendships and lies being created, there was no way this match would be just another MITB match. There was no way. And it was proven pretty quickly as Liv Morgan climbed the ladder to obtain her destiny. Everyone else was down and out. She was left alone.....or so she thought. For from out of nowhere he was blindsided from behind by Alexa Bliss and the bliss stick. Alexa would continue an assault on the newcomer until she was left in a beaten and welped puddle. Alexa would continue this brutal attack on her fellow roster members until she was the only woman left standing. She would then attempt to help her friend, Nia Jax to her feet but would be unsuccessful in her attempt. She would the do something unthinkable. She took it upon herself to climb the ladder.....AND UNCLASP THE BRIEFCASE? But not for her. She would then go on to toss the briefcase down to Nia giving her the MITB contract. The question on everyone’s mind is how long will this “friendship” last and what does it mean for the XWL women’s division?
Career Sui-Sydal?
After a month of going back and fourth between the fan favorite to win the MITB, Aiden English shocked the world by forcing his way into the match via the help of fellow Cabinet member D'Angelo, taking out Wade Barrett. A match that was meant to be a fatal four way, turned into a two on two tag team match of sorts with the MITB contract at stake. After a grueling match, the one and only Wrestling God made his way up the ladder while everyone else was laid out unconscious. There was no one to stop him.....or was there? Just before JBL could I clip the briefcase a mysterious figure flashed onto the top rope and sprung himself into the air hitting a cutter on JBL. The mysterious of course is revealed as none other than the golden ticket himself, Matt Sydal. Now that Sydal has returned one has to wonder, what are his plans exactly with JBL, and what does JBL plan to do about being screwed last night?
MR. Money In The Bank is about to get InZayn
A man who wasn’t even meant to be in the match surprised the world when he was the one to win it. Aiden English joined fellow Cabinet member JBL, DX member HBK, and Cenation leader John Cena, as he replaced Wade Barrett after a grueling attack on him via D'Angelo Dinero. Thus securing the biggest win in his career. But he wasn’t done there. Just moments later in the show, Sami Zayn was celebrating his victory over Dean Ambrose to retain the World Heavyweight Championship, But his celebration would be short-lived. For Aiden English would inform him that sooner or later he WILL be the new World Heavyweight Champion. Both men would then come to an agreement to a friendly, non-title competition here tonight on anarchy. Will we get a taste of what is to come when Aiden cashes in, or will we witness exactly why Sami Zayn is World Heavyweight Champion?
I pledge allegiance.....to Hail Sabin?
After recapturing the International Championship Chad Gable would go on to Celebration his big win over former champion and BC member, Sami Callihan. Gable's celebration wouldn’t last long, however, before an even bigger reaction would be received for the return of Chris Sabin. Sabin would come out and declare why he is back. Why he is unhappy with the Intercontinental championship scene. And why he is unhappy with Chad Gable. He would go on to challenge Chad Gable for the championship any time any place. Awful big words coming from a Man who hasn’t been in an XWL ring in four years, but perhaps it’s true what they say. It’s like riding a bike, once you learn you never forget.
The Kyohi
Shinsuke Nakamura and John Cena have been going at each other's necks since Nakamura’s return here to XWL, and it would all be settled at emergence. The two men went to hell with one another, and Cena had him right where he wanted him. Locked in the STF in the middle of the ring. Nakamura has nowhere to go. Nothing left in his tank. He had only one choice. To tap..... or let the world take its course? Men in hoodies and blue jeans would jump the barricade in an attempt to assault Cena. The referee would attempt to hold them back, but the numbers were too great. After the men broke the STF Nakamura had the opportunity he needed to hit the Kinshasa! He then covered Cena and won the match. The World was puzzled as to who these men could be, but they quickly learned they should have known. The men took off the hoods to reveal Kenny Omega, Naito, and Evil. All former New Japan competitors. All four of the men wanted it to be very clear that they believe American Wrestling is a disgrace, and they plan to rid the world of this disease, which may start tonight as Evil takes on Sting, Naito takes on John Cena, and Kenny Omega takes on Eli Drake in the second match of their best of seven.
The lunatic fringe vs the Bruiserweight
Two weeks ago Pete Dunne won the fatal four way to find a number one contender for Dean Ambrose’s Elite Championship. After Pete beating Cody at Emergence, and Dean losing to Sami Zayn, it would seem that Pete Dunne has the upper hand. However, when facing a member of the Bullet Club, and Dean Ambrose at that, you never can be truly sure. But one this can be known for sure tonight. We will have one hell of a Main Event.
World Television Championship #1 Contender's Match
The match is underway as the referee rings the bell, all competitors are in their respective corners and then CM Punk instantly roundhouses Pete Dunne down to the mat, and Cody too without warning, Christian smiles from afar and then walks up to Punk and talks trash to him ..
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7 minutes into the match.. The four opponents CM Punk, Pete Dunne, Cody and Christian have felt each other out by now, and Cody and Pete are going shot for shot in the center of the ring, and the camera is focusing on them. Each shot begins to become harder and slower, and the crowd is going back and forth with their reactions. “OOH” “AWW”. You can begin to see CM Punk start to stir on the outside after taking a few moments to himself, and Christian is laying down on the opposite end of the ring, face down.
Punk fixes his mask and then finds a way back up to his feet by using the apron. Christian uses the steps, a different method and then CM Punk walks around the ring, a b-line right towards Christian who has no idea of this, the two putting their rivalry into the mix quite a bit, alike Dunne and Cody. Without taking a second to breathe, Punk drills Christian with a club to the back of the head, and then takes his head and slams it off the step he just used to get up, and Christian falls down on the step for support. Punk looks left and right, then immediately flips up the apron and puts both of his hands under there and starts pulling out a table to our surprise and the commentators.
[Mauro Ranallo] What is CM Punk planning to do with that table?
[Corey Graves] He’s going to set it up and start asking donations for a new face, since we can’t see it, Mauro.. What do you think? He’s wanted to put his rival, Christian in harms way, and that’s evidently the case.
[Mauro Ranallo] He should be more focused in on the match, this isn’t a one on one contest!
CM Punk starts to set the table up, one leg at a time and then looks over at the crowd and changes his direction of the table, by lifting it up entirely. No one knows where he’s going with it except him, and then he places it OVER the barricade and into the fan space and the security begins to urge the fans to move over and let them do their thing. Christian perks up from the steps and starts throwing rights and lefts at CM Punk, and then slamming his head onto the barricade, Punk feels that enough to shake his head from the pain, and then lifts his right leg upward and cracks Christian behind the right ear, a roundhouse kick that causes Christian to fall backward halfway over the barricade, and Punk realizes this, and pushes Christian over onto the table only a few inches away.
[Mauro Ranallo] This does not look good for Captain Charisma, he’s on a table, a good 20 feet away from the ring, and CM Punk has a dangerous idea in mind.
CM Punk starts to climb up the apron using the ropes, and then scales himself up to the top of the turnbuckle, looking back to judge the distance. Punk gets his footing and then stands straight up, balancing his arms upward, a tribute to the late great Macho Man, and as his fingers are up, this is as soon as he propels from the top and a forward leap!
OH MY GOD! -
Is all you can hear from the commentary team in unison as CM Punk crashes through the table, clearing the jump and directly on top of Christian, piercing him with an elbow drop from the high heavens. The crashing of the table is heard distinctly, and they both fall through it without fail. Christian is taken out of this match it seems, and Punk might be too!
[Corey Graves] CM Punk risking life and limb to take his enemy out of this match, with one of the most daring things i’ve ever seen in an XWL contest.
Pete Dunne and Cody are taken back from this for a moment and then shrug at each other, and roll out at the same exact time, and go over to the barricade. Teaming together to pull CM Punk back over the barricade and leaving Christian on the outside completely out of it. Once they get Punk over, they roll him into the ring and Dunne rolls in swiftly to take a pin, and Cody doesn’t let him even attempt it, and pulls him out. Dunne frustrated that Cody would be so selfish, Cody then rolls in and tries to take a pin, and as Cody tries to, Dunne yanks his leg and holds it, before getting in the ring himself and then dragon whips Cody into the mat instantly. Punk gaining his wits, uses the ropes and lays into them and then gets back up to his feet still wobbly.
[Mauro Ranallo] Christian is taken out by CM Punk, and Cody and Pete Dunne tried to take advantage of the situation by bringing Punk back in to gain a pinfall and it backfired on both accounts. With all three of these worthy contenders for the World Television Title, only one can outlast the other two, who's it going to be, if they are going to put their bodies on the line for the chance?!
SPOILERS INCOMING
COMING IN
5
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Here’s your winner and NEW number one contender for the World Television Title, PETE DUNNE!
[Mauro Ranallo] Pete has pinned Cody after using a spiraling elbow to knock him loopy, sending a message to his opponent at Emergence, a brutal one at that. Taking away his chance at gold, much like he said he would once he was given the opportunity to take it away from Cody or anyone for that matter.
[Corey Graves] We’ll see about how Cody takes it, come the Pay Per View event, they are set to square off in an Extreme Rules match, Falls Count Anywhere i’ve just received word, Dunne reveling in his victory and Punk came close, but short.
Dunne gets back up to his feet and pushes on his jaw and checks his nose, since he was busted open last week by Cody, and he has not forgotten. The referee goes to raise his hand and he accepts it for a few and then rips his arm away and takes a pose at the ropes. His fist is dug into his chin and his elbow arched, his theme song fades out as we carry on with the show.
LIVEFROM: Thomas and Mack Center Las Vegas, Nevada
DEADLINE: 4:30 P.M. EST / 9:30 P.M. GMT
1. Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the most Elite of them all?
Last week “Mr. Elite” Kenny Omega was scheduled in the main event issuing an open challenge, and who would accept such offer? None other than E-Li-Drake, claiming he was calling himself Elite long before Kenny Omega, and proving that he isn’t one to be taken lightly by beating Omega in his own open challenge. With two men with as big of egos as these two, Surely this is far from over.
2. Cabinet + DX = WAR
Last weeks Anarchy kicked off with DX proclaiming to the XWL universe about all their recent successes, but alas. It was short lived. The Cabinet members Aiden English and D'angelo Dinero would come out, and begin a back and forth battle of wits between the two groups until finally DX had heard enough as they begin a brawl with the opposing group. It would seem the DX has the upper hand until Cabinet leader, JBL would come to his associates aid proving that this is all a game of numbers.
3. Brotherly Love
It seemed as if Pete Dunne would actually apologize for his brutal behavior on Cody just a few weeks ago, he does the exact opposite. He claims he’s not sorry for anything except that he didn’t do it sooner. However there was a silver lining in the form of Dustin Rhodes. Dustin would go on to call Pete a disgrace to the business before landing a cheapshot on his brothers rival which would lead to Cody and Dustin teaming up on the Bruiserweight laying him out. This rivalry is far past personal, how will this end come emergence?
4. Open the gates to the penitentiary
Last week we witnessed the debut of the Uso’s to XWL, who would make quite the statement. Claiming they never once got a call from XWL even though they are the hottest talent in the business. Saying that the old-timers are taking their spots and their not gonna let it happen anymore. They are here for change. The question is, do they have what it takes to make it happen?
5. Gossip Turmoil
Alexa bliss “heard” the gossip Carmela and Liv Morgan were spreading about Nia Jax, wich quickly made its way down the grapevine and into her ear. After a discussion Alexa bliss convinced Nia that if Carmella and Liv want to team up, why shouldn’t they? Later in the night Layla made it official that this weeks main event would be Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax teaming again Carmella and Liv Morgan. But the night wasn’t over there. For with the help of Nia, Alexa would pick up the victory over Liv Morgan, proving they are a force to be reckoned with. Will Carmella and Liv get their revenge or will we be stuck on repeat?
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Fatal 4 Way
World Television Championship #1 Contender's Match
XWL returns from commercial break after The Undertaker has returned from the land of the dead, and The Miz's harsh words to Johnny Gargano. We're thrown directly into our next match which has Cody ready in the ring for his opponent, Sin Cara.
This is it
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
Sure you don’t want to watch the match?
No? Ok
Well here goes the outcome.
WRESTLING..
HAS MORE THAN
ONE
ROYAL
FAMILY
After the match, Cody is celebrating his win walking around, basking in the sea of boos as we can in audibly hear him saying something as the commentary team recaps.
[Mauro Ranallo] Ladies and Gentleman, Cody is on a roll as of late picking up win after win and showing his worth the past several weeks.
[Corey Graves] Yeah Mauro and it all started the week before International incident. A highlight reel begins to play of the recent strong showing Cody has been able to achieve these past few weeks.
Corey Graves voice dubs over the video as he recaps those said wins.
[Corey Graves] As we see here Cody faced off against local talent TJP in what was a decent match with an almost upsetting turn of events from the local kid.
Mauro Ranallo's voice dubs in place of Corey to recap the next win of Cody’s.
[Mauro Ranallo] It was here at International Incident that Cody and Pete Dunne would square off in a first ever of its kind Kendo Stick Match. A brutal bout between two egos that was brutal till the very end. It is here where Cody would truly pick up the pieces and start solving the puzzle that is his recent tenure here in XWL.
Corey Graves dubs back over to recap the Fatal Four Way #1 Contenders match for the newly named XWL Television Championship.
[Corey Graves] Cody was really showing he had what it took to be a champion again here in this match but a late move from The Game Triple H was able to secure Cody’s first loss of the past couple of weeks as he watched it walk away outside the ring in the hands of Triple H.
Mauro returns one more time to recap last week.
[Mauro Ranallo] It was last week that Cody went one on one with “The Pope” D'angelo Dinero in what looked to be a one sided effort from Cody but a rather valiant effort at the hands of Dinero. But it was also where Cody picked up the win being hurt at the hands of his most recent of Foes Pete Dunne. Pete did a number on Cody’s ribs last week after his chat with Layla, proving it’s going to take more than a dislocated finger and a couple of sore ribs to keep him down.
The cameras turn back to the ring as Cody is still celebrating as the boos have grown even louder.
[Corey Graves] Mauro, Cody is about to get a first class ticket to beat down town because Pete Dunne has surprised everyone by coming out to ruin Cody’s win.
[Mauro Ranallo] Indeed he is Corey, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be pretty.
Pete jumps on the apron to catch Cody’s attention, Dunne steps through the ropes only to be met with a knee from Cody knocking him back out of the ring. No sooner Pete is back outside the ring in comes Brandi as she starts to wale on Pete to try and exact some revenge herself.
The rapid slaps on the top of Pete’s head stops after only a brief moment as Pete shoves Brandi off of him and knocks her to the floor.
Pete stares at Brandi as if he is about to do something truly evil to Brandi.
Cody notices so he quickly requests a microphone to esure Pete hears what he has to say, wasting no time.
Cody Hey!!!! Don’t touch her!!!!!! Don’t you dare lay a finger on her you son of a bitch, you want to fight? Let’s fight, hell I will even fight you with one hand tied behind my back. So come on!! Fight me!! You coward.
Cody drops the mic as Pete enters the ring, and the official backs him away.
Pete Dunne asks for a mic of his own, and the ring announcer obliges, giving it to him through the ropes.
THE BRUISERWEIGHT’ Pete Dunne All I wanted was to congratulate you on your victory, in person. There was no need to get your wife involved in our affairs. You are testing my patience, Cody. You want a fight? You’ve got a fight, and you’re going to live to regret it. Believe me.
Pete Dunne drops the microphone and slips off his coat with fur lining around the neck of it. Cody keeps his eye on Dunne and Brandi is still on the ground stunned from the force of Dunne’s shove.
[Mauro Ranallo] Are these two going to have a match right now?!
[Corey Graves] No, Mauro. These two are going to have a FIGHT. Cody asked for it and Dunne is giving him what he asked for.
[Mauro Ranallo] It seems that we’re going to have an impromptu match here on Anarchy, and from the looks of it.. It’s going to be raining down Anarchy on these two competitors.
[Mauro Ranallo] These two aren’t friends, they aren’t foes, they are more than that. This has become personal, after Pete has put Cody’s wife, Brandi in harm’s way.. Cody’s manhood and as a husband, he has to stand up for what’s right, you don’t put your hand on a woman.
[Corey Graves] Did you not just see what everyone else saw, Cody took Pete off the apron with a harsh knee and then Brandi started slapping the daylights out of The Bruiserweight. That was all in the name of self defense!
The Bruiserweight puts both of his hands up and each leg at a time, to prove he has nothing that resembles weaponry on his person. A smirk comes across his face as he points over at Cody.
THE BRUISERWEIGHT’ Pete Dunne Go on, do the deed.. Do exactly what you said you’d do. Put that arm behind your back, I want to see it as you do it ref, don’t try and pull anything Cody!
The referee goes over to Cody and checks him the same way he did to Dunne, and then takes the rope he’s handed by a stagehand and it’s inspected by Pete closely who doesn’t trust the ref entirely. Pete rips the ropes out of the referee’s hand and wants to do it himself instead.
[Corey Graves] You want something done right, you go ahead and do it yourself.
Cody shrugs and lets Pete wrap the rope around the forearm of Cody and shoulder to remove any way of slipping through, and ties a double knot enough to make Cody wince at the roughness. Pete then shoves in the head of Cody, and is pushed to his corner by the referee several feet, Cody then fires back almost charging at him, and the referee has to get control of him too.
The referee goes back to the center and rings the bell for this match that has happened in the matter of minutes. Cody goes to exit the ring after Brandi tells him to come over there to help. Only to be stopped by Pete grabbing onto his wrist firmly. They lock eyes for a brief moment and Cody gets back into the ring, and sends Pete Dunne down with a right to the center of his head, Cody begins stomping Dunne yelling and screaming inaudibly as he continues to show Dunne he can fight with one arm behind his back.
Cody pulls Dunne up as he stand there staggered from the right hand that connected with his chin just a moment earlier. Cody runs to the rope jumps on the second and launches off connecting with the disaster kick.
Once Cody connects with the disaster kick he begins gloating his ego full of confidence that he has given himself beating on Pete Dunne with only one arm.
Cody manages to pick up Pete and spins him around setting up for a modified flat liner he calls Dark Matter. Cody connects!
[Mauro Ranallo] Ladies and gentlemen Cody is getting the job done with just one arm!
[Corey Graves] Yeah but every up has it’s down, I have a sneaky feeling Pete is playing a bit of possum.
Cody picks Dunne back up and places him on the ropes when it seems Cody loses his balance or even tripped as he falls on the Matt whilst Pete is standing there finally realizing what is going on. Dunne looks to the crowd as his eyes light up, and slides out the ring. He reaches the apron and throws it up, and searches for something.
[Mauro Ranallo] What can Dunne possibly be looking for under there? - NO .. NO..
Those sudden sounds of horror from Mauro Ranallo as Pete Dunne has in his mouth, the chain that hangs the cuffs and he pushes himself back onto the apron, dauntingly. Cody looks at Dunne with the handcuffs hanging out his mouth and begins to high tail it, The Bruiserweight speeds himself into the ring and catches Cody by sweeping his legs out from under him.
[Mauro Ranallo] CODY HAS JUST BEEN TAKEN OFF HIS FEET BY PETE DUNNE!
[Corey Graves] He just made him do a complete back flip the momentum of that kick and he has handcuffs in his teeth.
Pete grabs onto the arm of Cody after he has taken a nasty fall, and pulls him closer to the ropes and then latches one half of the cuffs to the second rope. Taking Cody by the hair, he puts him in a sitting up position, to straighten his tied arm to his back even more, with no movement. Then Dunne talks to Cody close to his face, Cody barely able to recognize where he's at.
THE BRUISERWEIGHT’ Pete Dunne You made me..
THE BRUISERWEIGHT’ Pete Dunne YOU. MADE. ME. Do this to you Cody.
THE BRUISERWEIGHT’ Pete Dunne If you had taken my warnings seriously, you wouldn't be in this position a week later. I'm going to break you apart, piece.. by piece.
And with that, Dunne slaps the other cuff onto Cody and tightens it up on his wrist, the pressure hurting him.
Dunne steps back and runs his hands through his hair and then runs his knee into the chest of Cody who is hanging there lifeless. Another knee, and another, and another until it takes effect and Cody gasps for breath.
The Bruiserweight then begins to send rapid forearms into the skull, about 10 to 15 times, and Cody's head whiplashes after the power of them.
[Corey Graves] This is torture, this shouldn't be on t.v.. this calls for the police.
Dunne keeps landing Cody with vicious rights and lefts and then digs his knuckles into the top of Cody's skull, ripping open the skin after grazing it back and forth over an already bruised area. Cody starts to see red, but not in a way of his temper flaring. He's covered completely in his own blood.
[Mauro Ranallo] Who would do such a thing to a human being, you've proven your point Pete, now get out of here. Cody has been brutalized with a crimson mask for his troubles, it makes me sick.
Pete puts both his arms up as security swarms the ring, and he rushes right through them and sends a kick up and low blows Cody whilst he's down. The security drags Pete back and several officials run out to check on Cody and his wife Brandi who are suffering in their own way.
[Mauro Ranallo] The Bruiserweight has gone too far and in his mind he believes it isn't far enough.
[Mauro Ranallo] That's what separates the sane from the insane, he's pushed the limitations of the human body and he still wanted to cause and inflict pain on Cody.
Pete Dunne has punched Cody's ticket, quite literally and most importantly, is this the last time we're going to see Cody in an XWL ring? Pete Dunne has a new theme that covers the entire arena, the fans boo him as he's forced to go out the ring and up the ramp and to the backstage.
The officials are still checking on Cody and on the titantron, Pete is backstage and confronted immediately by our general manager, Layla.
Layla What in the hell was THAT?!
THE BRUISERWEIGHT’ Pete Dunne I don't have to explain myself to nobody. I took him out because he stood IN MY WAY.
Layla I want you out of my arena, right now. You have a week to think about what you did, you're not invincible. I want a public apology from you, am I understood?
Pete Dunne nods his head up and down not really caring for what she has to say, but has to agree because she's the boss. Layla infuriatingly points for security to take him out of the arena and ban him for the rest of the night as XWL continues on.
With Natalya finally having beaten April, she once again called out Ruby Riot to hopefully secure a title shot. Once again, Ruby responded with insults and deflections but she ultimately agreed to a title match to occur this week on Anarchy. Will Natalya prove Ruby to be a fluke?
Thank You and Goodbye
Matt Hardy reintroduced his brother Jeff Hardy to the audience following the departure of Nero in the Lake of Reincarnation to a cheering XWL audience. Not only did Matt apologize for the errors of his ways, but he returned Jeff’s daughter to him leading to an emotional scene that left few eyes dry. Jeff used this opportunity to announce his departure from wrestling, at least for a while.
LIVing, Causing Mayhem, and Stealing For It
Last week after a rough upbringing in XWL, Liv Morgan made her official Anarchy debut facing off against a reborn Mia Yim where the winner would be the first participant in this years Women’s Money in The Bank at Emergence. With everything to gain Liv showed the world what she was made of when she climbed that ladder and made herself famous. But her celebration was cut short by another new arrival, a menacing and brutal Nia Jax tipped the ladder, and made a statement that has resulted in tonight’s match. Nia Jax will face off with Liv Morgan, and if she beats Liv? She joins her in The Women’s Money in The Bank. But the question is will there even be a Money in The Bank briefcase hanging above the ring come Emergence? Because Carmella who has been dead set on making her own opportunities as of late, took a rather drastic step by invading XWL Headquarters, and actually stealing the briefcase. This act of...persistence...is one that XWL really hasn’t seen before. What does this mean? Will Carmella be in hot water tonight? Or is she making her case, literally...as to why she should be included in this year’s Money in The Bank as well?
Taking Names and Taking Gold
Dean Ambrose, JBL, Bad News Barrett and Kenny Omega squared off in a fatal four way for a number one contendership for none other than the World Heavyweight Championship. In what will be remembered as one of the stand out matches Anarchy has featured in a while, Dean Ambrose emerged as the winner. Will Dean become a dual champion? It wouldn’t surprise us.
Money Makes The World Go Round
While JBL, Bad News Barrett, & Kenny Omega may have came up short last week, their performance has warranted this breaking news development. Tonight will see all 3 men clash in a Ladder Match where TWO of these highly impressive stars as of late will have the opportunity of a lifetime awaiting them at Emergence. Because there isn’t just one spot in The Men's Money in The Bank on the line tonight, there’s TWO. With 2 cases hanging above the ring in The Main-Event, which two will go on to Emergence, and which unlucky one, will have yet another opportunity slip through their fingers?
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Champion vs Champion
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#1 Contenders Match for the World Television Championship
The cameras are backstage at Anarchy with Renee Young where she is preparing for an interview.
Renee Young Ladies and gentleman, my guest tonight at this time was victorious in a brutal first ever kendo stick match last night at International Incident please help me in welcoming at this time Cody.
Cody walks into frame wearing a suit holding his ribs ever so gently with the hand that Pete Dunne had possibly broken a finger on. It’s noticeable that Cody’s index and middle finger are taped together. The camera man focuses on Cody’s finger for a short moment when we here a sharp female voice coming from behind Cody.
Voice His face is up here!!
We then see the camera forcefully brought back up to eye level with a pained yet irritated Cody. The camera pans to the right ever so slightly where the reveal of the female voice was none other than the significant other of Cody himself Brandi Rhodes.
Renee Young Oh Brandi! So nice to see you, you look wonderful.
Brandi smirks at Renee turning her nose up as if she is purposely ignoring Renee’s compliment.
Renee Young Cody, Brandi, We are just one night removed from International incident where you Cody were victorious over Pete Dunne in a Brutal first ever Kendo Stick Match. Can you give us your thoughts on what went through your mind as the match went on? As well as what you were thinking after you pinned Pete Dunne for the three count.
Cody *in pain, very slow* You know Renee you have a way of beating around the bush when you are wanting to ask someone how they feel after a brutal match like mine last night. But since you asked, I can tell you. Pete Dunne thought he could one up me in the weeks leading to the PPV, but I showed him. I showed him just because you beat people up for a living doesn’t mean I don’t either. He hit me hard, he was determined to hurt me enough to show that he is the “Bruiserweight”, in which I understand that now. We exchanged blows back and forth so hard it’s a wonder wither of us weren’t carried out of there due to being Knocked out. He even bit my finger for Christ sakes, what are we children again? But I also found ways to remind him of who I was, where I came from, the Son of “a Son of a Plumber “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes.
Renee Young Before the PPV started, Pete said some harsh things about you, Brandi, as well as the Rhodes name and legacy. What do you have to say regarding that?
Cody Well Renee… Actually, Brandi you take this. Cody walks out of frame holding his ribs as gently as he was when he stepped into frame. Brandi walks up and gets in Renee’s face.
Brandi Rhodes The fact that Pete thinks he’s going to get away with all of this disgusts me. Pete Dunne had no business talking about me, or the Rhodes name and Legacy. His father built the foundation this business stand on. If it weren’t for him we would not be here today, so the fact Pete has the audacity to even bother speaking to us the way he does is bothersome, he will get what is coming to him.
Renee goes to speak again but Brandi cuts her off mid question.
Brandi Rhodes Don’t even bother Renee, I know what you’re going to ask, Pete dislocated Cody’s finger that is all.
Renee Young Before you guys go, I wanted to get your thoughts on the announcement that you, Cody will be in a Fatal Four Way match next week in the Main Event of Anarchy for the #1 contender ship for the newly named XWL Television Championship.
Before Brandi can speak Cody’s other hand lays on her shoulder signaling that he will answer the question.
Cody Renee, Next week when I become #1 contender for the television championship, not only will I leave everyone lying, I will face Dean Ambrose in the main event of Anarchy and beat him just as I did the others. Yes I am aware of the repercussions of beating Dean. The Bullet Club can target me all they want, but they won’t get anywhere because I have a few Elite friends of mine who would love to get their hands dirty, is that all? If so I have a match to prepare for so if you will excuse me.[/b]
Cody begins to walk past Renee and as soon as he takes the second step out of view, he’s face to face with the man who attacked him and his wife less than a week ago in Japan. You can see Cody keep his cool and put his hands up, showing the hurt finger as he doesn’t want any problems. Brandi standing behind her man, she tells him to back away but Pete continues to push forward into Cody. Now standing chest to chest, Pete looks at his finger and he smiles with zero sympathy.
THE BRUISERWEIGHT’ Pete Dunne Are we going to act as if you’re not scared of me, that’d be a crying shame if you were to get brave again. We both know what happens when the dearest son of Dusty Rhodes loses his cool, he submerges himself in hot water. He becomes the prey, and right into where I want him. You didn’t beat me, you merely survived and I hope you don’t think otherwise. Brandi here wants to forget ALL about that, doesn’t she?
Pete looks at Cody’s finger and goes to chomp his teeth at it, using his tactical mind games against the now T.V. title contender. Cody pulls back slightly intimidated but not enough to back away.
THE BRUISERWEIGHT’ Pete Dunne Let’s get one thing straight, the next time you want to run your mouth, I’m going to break your jaw and your wife is going to have no choice but to blend your food up and put in a nice little bendy straw for your troubles. Think carefully about your next move, because it may be your last. What’s for certain is, you can run.. But you can’t hide.
Pete bumps hard into the shoulder of Cody and does a cocky wave to Brandi before walking off into the distance.
Cody pins Rich. 1...... 2....... Swann Kicks out.
Cody sits next to Swann arguing with the ref that the count was a 3 when it was only a two. So Cody stands up and picks Swann up. Once Swann is up Cody runs towards the ropes jumps off the second rope and hits the disaster kick. Rich stand there groggy barely able to keep his Balance so Cody capitalizes. Cody spins Rich Swann around grabs him around the head and hits the cross Rhodes on rich. Cody goes for the cover 1........
2............
3. Cody’s music begins to play as he stands up and allows the ref to raise his hand. Once Cody’s hand is raised he rolls out of the ring and walks back up the ramp toward the back.
As we return from commercial break, we see Kenny Omega. He stands in a dimly lit room as he repeats the words, "Four and one."
Kenny Omega Four and one. At International Incident, I defeated Seth Rollins four to one in our best of seven series. It was glorious. The roar of the Japanese crowd, all the women yelling out, ""Kenny! Kenny!" It was a sight to see! While I was being showered with praise, there lay poor old Seth Rollins. Lying there, a shell of what he used to be. He used to be great! He used to actually be someone here in XWL. That is... until Kenny Omega arrived. He thought he was destined for greatness, but little did he know that he was only a stepping stone for me to reach greatness! Hell, I'm already great and beating Seth Rollins made me that much greater. Which brings me to tonight...
Kenny Omega Four and one.. four men will be competing for the opportunity to go one-on-one with one champion. Sami Zayn's title reign? So far so good, sure. He's even successfully defended his championship... not an easy task but totally possible. Now, defending you championship against Kenny Omega? That is a task that is absolutely impossible... and I know people are going to see this as me looking past my opponents tonight, but the fact of the matter is... my opponents just aren't as good as me. During my best of seven series, I evolved into a different Kenny Omega. A better Kenny Omega. A Kenny Omega that the wrestling world has never seen! A Kenny Omega the world couldn't even dream of! A Kenny Omega that will completely obliterate his opponents tonight. Why?
Kenny lets out a diabolical laugh.
Kenny Omega I am on a hunt for gold. Like I said at International Incident, I don't care what championship it is. If it has a strap and a gold plate attached to it with the word "Champion" engraved into it, I want it. Hell, one of my opponents tonight is already a champion. Maybe I'll just snatch Ambrose's brand new World Television Championship then go on to win the #1 Contenders Match. I can do that because Ambrose is not as good as me. JBL and Barrett are not on my level. Maybe months ago, but not anymore. Their stars are burning out and burning out QUICKLY. Meanwhile, my star is shining so bright, you need fuckin' sunglasses. I have all the momentum in the world right now. I have a hunger that is unmatched by the competitors in this match. All these guys, unskilled brawlers. Kenny Omega? A fast, skilled, quick witted competitor that has all the tools to take these guys out one by one.
Kenny Omega For anyone else, this would be a tough task. For me, this will be a walk in the park. Honestly, these guys are better off not even showing up tonight, because if they do? Each of them will be met with a hard.. swift knee, snapping their jaw and sending them into a deep slumber. It'll be easy, my god. These fools don't know what's coming to them.. I am going to take this match and maybe the Television Championship while I'm at it... then I am going on to drop Sami Zayn on his head and win the World Heavyweight Championship... and there isn't a damn thing that anyone can do to stop me.
What do you like most about XWL? I like the point system, because it gives everyone an opportunity to be on the same playing field, and shows how much you’ve progress with the character.
What do you like least about XWL? The one thing I don’t like would have to be the amount of finisher you have to do in a regular match.
When it comes to booking, what is your overall assessment of how you've been booked? Is there enough variety? Could there be more? Do you want all of your characters booked every week? Or do you want them sporadically booked? And most of all do you believe we're presenting your characters as best as possible, or could we do better? Based on my recent activity I feel my time on the cards are understandable.
What is your opinion of The "PPV Awards" do you like them? Do you like the stories that go along with each winner of every category? Or is this something you don't really pay attention to, and the stories are just not important to you? Do you just want us to put a similar post out with just the winners, and leave it at that? PPV rewards are something I haven’t paid much attention. Will look into now though.
How do you feel about The Current XWL Championships? Are title matches happening often enough, or too often? Do you want more titles? Less titles? Tell us. I feel the amount of titles are good based on the amount of people we have, would like to see tag team titles or hardcore just to bring out some edge.
The decision process when it comes to setting up a Champion's next challenger is a mix of contender matches, which we self-admittedly agree could happen more often. And also taking a Character's recent body of work and the stories they've been apart of to put forth a potentially entertaining and great story by simply deciding a challenger instead of putting it up to chance. Do you agree with both processes? Do you feel as if we've been fair when deciding what happens, and who it happens with? I feel there should be more challenger matches just to give those people who don’t promo often or are in any story lines but get matches done a chance. Although people that promo often make a good story line for title matches and title runs in the long run.
The XWL Overall System was brought in over a year ago now, are there any issues you see with it that could be addressed? Such as overall boosts happening too often, or not often enough? What "rewards" would you like to see added that you could spend your earned points on other than the ones currently implemented? I like the overall system how it is.
If you could change one thing about XWL, what would it be, and why? If I could change one thing it would be the way to win. I feel if it is a regular match instead of 2 finishers to win 2 signature and a finisher and be able to win off a signature in a regular match. In a championship match or #1 contender match I feel that’s where you should win with 2 finishers but I feel a OMG moment should count towards you finisher. Only in a Championship or #1 contender match. That would match simple matches faster and easy, and championship and contender matches more intense.
Interplayer issues are never something we like to deal with, but unfortunately, with a wide range of differing personalities, they're virtually unavoidable. Whether it be lack of communication, accountability, or problems with a match, how would you like us to respond to these situations? I haven’t had in issues like this yet so I’m not really sure.
Ask us ANYTHING
Since there are so many double characters, Why didn’t we keep the 2 shows and separate them that way?
OPTIONAL QUESTION I feel if it is a regular match instead of 2 finishers to win 2 signature and a finisher and be able to win off a signature in a regular match. In a championship match or #1 contender match I feel that’s where you should win with 2 finishers but I feel a OMG moment should count towards you finisher. Only in a Championship or #1 contender match. That would match simple matches faster and easy, and championship and contender matches more intense.
As the official intro concludes for Anarchy, we head live within The Talking Stick Resort Arena where an explosive array of pyrotechnics goes off at the top of the stage, as cheers echo from the sold-out arena here in Phoenix Arizona.
[Mauro Ranallo] Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to XWL Anarchy! We are back in The United States, after an incredible show in Tokyo Japan, ready to bring the action here tonight to Phoenix!
[Corey Graves] The world is still buzzing after the incredible performance from our Superstars at International Incident, including the crowning of 2 New Champions. Sami Callihan successfully defeated Chad Gable to become The New Intercontinental Champion. While Dean Ambrose dethroned JBL to become The New Elite Champion.
[Mauro Ranallo] It was dubbed Bullet Club country and The Switchblades of The Bullet Club certainly got the job done, quite the impressive showcase of what makes The Bullet Club such a focal group in all of Wrestling today.
[Corey Graves] Another fellow Japan breakout star in Kenny Omega successfully defeated Seth Rollins again, sweeping him not only out of the "knee" business but apparently out of XWL entirely.
[Mauro Ranallo] Very disappointing but with a crushing loss that spanned week after week, I suppose it's understandable that Seth just needed to get away for a bit and we hope to see him again one day, as I'm sure we will.
[Corey Graves] We witnessed exciting returns and arrivals, such as D'Angelo Dinero, Asuka, Drew McIntyre, and who could forget Chris Jericho's unexpected return.
[Mauro Ranallo] We also saw an incredible Ironman Match between longtime rivals April & Natalya, where The Anvilette at long last finally defeated April, pinning her not once, but twice...leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that The Natalya of the past, was not the woman we were witnessing today. No, this Natalya could make history defeating Sasha Banks in Buried Alive, and carry on that momentum by defeating the woman that ruled the roost for all of 2017, April.
[Corey Graves] I had my doubts, as did we all, but Natalya proved in my eyes that she is worthy of an opportunity at Ruby Riot's Women's Championship. And we hope to hear what The Champion herself thought of Natalya's victory later tonight.
[Mauro Ranallo] We do have a stacked card ahead, including breaking news that was announced exclusively on XWL.com where we will crown The Number One Contender to The World Heavyweight Championship in The Main-Event of the evening.
[Corey Graves] Sami Zayn successfully defended against The Miz, and now tonight we find his next challenger. Will it be Kenny Omega, Bad News Barrett, JBL, or Dean Ambrose? Find out at end of the night when those four men clash in a Fatal 4 Way where the winner will meet Zayn at Emergence for The World Heavyweight Championship.
[Mauro Ranallo] A can't miss encounter between four of XWL's brightest shining stars as of late, I can't wait to watch it all go down in tonight's Main-Event.
The sound of The General Manager's theme echoes throughout the building as the fans rise up cheering her arrival. She steps out from the back with little hesitation, smiling and waving at the fans descending down the ramp with a microphone in hand. As she's made it abundantly clear since taking the role of General Manager she doesn't choose to be a focal point of this show unless there's a reason, so to kick off tonight's episode of Anarchy, she must have something important to talk about. Reaching the ring she immediately enters it and stops in the center of it, prepared to address The XWL Universe, both in attendance, those watching at home.
[Layla] Good evening and I'd like to thank all of you for joining us tonight for what is going to be an unforgettable night. As I'm sure you're all already aware tonight's Main-Event will see Dean Ambrose, JBL, Bad News Barrett, and Kenny Omega clash in a Fatal 4 Way to determine Sami Zayn's #1 Contender to his World Heavyweight Championship. I'd like to extend my congratulations to Sami for his successful first defense as Champion and wish all four competitors good luck in their quest to be the one that challenges him next. However I'm not out here to promote this match, let's face it with the level of talent in there, the fact it includes a rekindling of your Slammy Nominated Rivalry of The Year, a man who just dominated Seth Rollins in their best of 7, and The New Champion that has defeated every Male Champion within this past month, Zayn included you have every reason in the world to tune in because it's going to be one of the biggest matches we've had on Anarchy in a long time. No, this match speaks for itself, and I can't wait to watch it all go down.
Loud cheers of anticipation follow suit as she waits for them to die down enough so she can continue.
[Layla] But I'm out here because recently the board of directors approached me about shaking things up on Anarchy. So one of my ideas was to make the show truly feel as if it's can't miss, as if every single week, you could see the entire landscape change. Championships are the backbone of this business, it's what keeps The Superstars motivated, and it's what sets the stage for incredible match-ups. And I want that feeling to be felt on a much larger scale. Now a year and a half ago on the night, Stephanie McMahon was fired as General Manager, an interim GM in Eric Bischoff made waves with his first attempt at convincing Vince he was the right "man" for the job. Introducing a New Championship, The Elite Title. It was new, it was different, and unfortunately, with that, it had complications. Originally it was to be always defended in 3 separate matches spread throughout the course of several weeks, but that didn't exactly create "excitement" surrounding the title beyond its inaugural affair.
Candidly addressing the situation at hand she continues.
[Layla] Then it was decided to be 2/3 falls matches every defense, and that became difficult to put Superstars through given the already grueling schedule, a Champion having to go through possibly 3 matches a night, every 2 weeks, it's not good for the wellbeing of anyone. That concept was quietly swept under the rug in favor of a "wheel" to excitingly decide what type of match their encounter would be, because being Elite means defending in ANY match upon short notice. But that too fell short of truly appealing to some of you, even our Superstars. The whole "no rematch" clause felt different and hey, are you Elite if you lose, I don't know. But when you've got rivalries spilling over into the mix, it's hard to really hold true to that.
She's not spewing corporate excuses, she's laying it out there in all honesty and while the fans aren't sure what's coming of this they're listening.
[Layla] Finn Balor even revamped The Championship with a new look that felt more prestigious, but it didn't change the perception of the Championship and what it was. Unfortunately, I think it's time to admit that it isn't working, it's too convoluted, it's too...gimmicky. Bischoff meant well, and I as well as the board have tried to salvage what was a good idea, but it just isn't working. So effective as of tonight, The Elite Championship is no more. Now I know what you're all thinking, what does this mean for The New Elite Champion we crowned at International Incident? Isn't it unfair to Dean Ambrose to win a Championship, only for us to take it away? It absolutely is, which is why while "Elite" is going away, the Championship itself isn't going anywhere, nor is its ownership.
A portion of the audience seems disappointed to hear of the end of "Elite" while another section seems excited by her announcement, especially due to the intrigue of the belt not going anywhere.
[Layla] I've decided along with the board to rebrand what was formerly The Elite Championship, into The World Television Championship. A title with no complicated bells and whistles, no stipulations barring potential rematches, no forced gimmicks, it's an open canvas that will widen the horizons of Anarchy as we know it. Because there is only one thing that sets this title apart from all others, it is the official title of Anarchy! The Champion will be known as the face of this show, and all matches involving the title itself will strictly take place on Anarchy, making the show even more must-see than it's already been.
The once "mixed" reaction shifts into a majority of cheers, excited by the idea of Anarchy having its own official title.
[Layla] Dean Ambrose will be the final Elite Champion and your inaugural World Television Champion. Because while it may have been in previous regimes an easy decision to simply strip him of it and have a match involving him to crown the first World Television Champion...it simply is wrong to take away his hard work and while Dean and his fellow brothers of The Bullet Club have been critical of how they feel they've been regarded...I personally feel he's one of the hardest working Superstars and that is the type of competitor I want to go down in the history books as the first World Television Champion.
Dean may not be liked by a lot of The XWL Universe but it's hard to deny his incredible run of success as of late, beating Matt Sydal when he stacked the deck against himself, and not to mention beating every Champion he's come into contact within the past month.
[Layla] Now next week Anarchy will host a Fatal Four Way to determine Dean's first challenger, the following week where in The Main-Event the first official World Television Championship Match will take place. Who will compete alongside Dean in the historic inaugural World Television Championship Match? We'll find out next week when Roman Reigns, Triple H, Cody, & Eli Drake battle it out for The #1 Contendership.
The excitement rolls on as Layla announces another Fatal 4 Way next week, this one to decide who will be the first to officially challenge for The World Television Championship. Fans have been vocal about wanting for multi Superstar action on Anarchy, and their needs are definitely getting met.
[Layla] I'm incredibly excited for the future of Anarchy, but this isn't my moment, it's yours, and most of all it's Dean's. So at this time, I'd like to welcome you all your first ever World Television Champion, and The Face of Anarchy, Dean Ambrose!
She throws her arms out directing all eyes to the stage as she signals for The New World Television Champion to take his rightful spot as the center of everyone's attention here tonight.
Dean Ambrose emerges from the back, a cocky grin on his face as he holds his title over his shoulder
[Mauro Ranallo] Dean Ambrose must be on top of the world right now!
[Corey Graves] Dean went a perfect three for three. Pinning Sami Zayn, Chad Gable, and then JBL and taking the soon to be retired Elite Championship!
Dean walks down the ramp, holding the title high over his head even though the majority of the crowd is booing him. But as Dean has proven in the past, he doesn't give a damn. Dean rolls under the ring, the title held tightly in one hand as he approaches Layla. The GM holds out her hand. These two have never truly gotten along and it shows on their faces as they stare at each other. Dean looks down at her hand and back at her face. Slowly Dean extends his hand, grasping Layla's, and shakes it. It's uncomfortable as it seems but Layla is just glad that it didn't end in a scene. Layla says "Good Luck" before handing Dean the microphone and gracefully stepping out of the ring.
[Dean Ambrose] This...this has been a long time coming people! You know when I heard them say something about retiring MY title that I worked so hard to get I was prepared to come out and raise hell. I was gonna trash the ring, I was going to break chairs, I was even going to trash Mauro and Corey's area!
[Corey Graves] You don't think he's being serious do you?
[Mauro Ranallo] It's Dean Ambrose. I don't doubt anything. If I see him coming my way you're on your own
[Dean Ambrose] Being Elite was what I wanted most. To be recognized for my talent. And yeah, it sucks that my title is gonna be retired...I will go down as the last and most Elite Champion in it's history. So say goodbye Elite...and hello the new face of ANARCHY! This is just too good let me tell you. JBL and countless others have told me that I wasn't fit to be a wrestler. A dirty street kid like me couldn't be the face of anything but look at me now. Your first World Television Champion. The face of Anarchy. Such an appropriate title for MY show. And best believe when I say that no man is taking that away from me. I would destroy HHH without breaking a sweat. I heard they were still mopping up the remains of Eli Drake after Cena beat him. Cody's finger was snapped in two and if they somehow managed to put it back together I got no problem snapping it again. And Roman Reigns. My former brotha. I let you take away something precious to me last time. It will never happen again. Cause next time you step in the ring with me we aren't brothas. We aren't even former Shield mates. We're Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns. And I've always been better than you
Dean stares at the camera as if he's talking to his future opponent, which ever the four that may be
[Dean Ambrose] I've been better than a lot of people. I've been better than Bad New Barret. Let me give ya a bit of Bad New govna. It was Bad News for you the moment that Layla said you'd be in this match with ME. Because I heard you like to brawl. The Bare Knuckle Brawler. I like to fight to. And unlike your other fights you can't keep me down. you can't out fight Dean Ambrose. So your renewed rivalry with JBL can continue because you're not getting through me to that World title shot. As for Kenny Omega...
Dean's expression surprisingly looks impressed as he utters Kenny's name
[Dean Ambrose] I give credit where credit is due. You dominated Seth Rollins and as much as I hate the guy I know how talented he is. It's no easy feat and you're going places. But to the World Championship match isn't one of them. I hate to snuff out momentum but that's what's happening tonight because just like Bad New Barret and JBL you aren't getting past me. I've come too far, I've fought too hard to let anyone stop me now. I'm not even gonna talk about JBL because I don't care about him. All I care about and Sami Zayn shinning that title nice and pretty for me because after I do what I do best and win, it's coming home with ME! Everything XWL has to offer is being laid out before me and I intend on taking it all!
Dean holds his title high into the air, a proud champion as he grins
[Dean Ambrose] Mark my words. I will defend my title in two weeks. And I will go on to beat Sami Zayn and become a the first and probably only World Heavy Weight Television Champion! This is Bullet Club Nation now. And if you don't want to get shot you better duck for cover because the Tommy Gun is firing rapidly tonight!
Dean tosses the mic holding his title in air, and also a middle finger for the crowd!
[Mauro Ranallo] This is the face of Anarchy...and maybe even the next World Heavyweight Champion!
LIVEFROM: The Talking Stick Resort Arena Phoenix, Arizona
DEADLINE: 4:30 P.M. EST / 9:30 P.M. GMT
Four and One
Kenny Omega and Seth Rollins, who had been engaged in a bitter feud culminating in a best of seven series fought what turned out to be their last match at International Incident. Omega showed his dominance by once again besting Rollins and taking their series to a four and one finish. What is next for Omega?
High Noon
Dean Ambrose took on JBL at International Incident for his Elite title. JBL put up a strong fight but ultimately Ambrose came out on top and as he put it after the match, there is a new sheriff in town. The Elite title hasn’t had a champion like Ambrose so it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Redemption
Natalya took on April in an Ironwoman match at International Incident, not only to prove to Ruby Riot that she is in fact worthy of a title shot but also to herself. Having long strived to defeat the former Women’s champ, it was an emotional moment for Natalya when she finally accomplished this feat. With April out of the picture following a heart wrenching farewell, will Natalya be able to finally claim a title match against Riot?
Reincarnation
Nero and Woken Matt Hardy competed in a match unlike any seen before in XWL history as they catapulted themselves through space and time in an effort to finally delete the other. Hardy finally emerged victorious but instead of deleting Nero, he instead placed him into the Lake of Reincarnation leading to the purge of whatever had taken over Nero’s vessel. Jeff Hardy himself was the one to surface from the water and Hardy was able to reunite with his abducted wife Rebecca.
Judas AJ Styles and Finn Balor faced off in a singles bout in their adopted homeland of Japan in a fitting match for two members of what is arguably the most well-known stable in all of wrestling. In what came to be a thrilling match up, neither man was able to defeat the other by the end of the allotted time period and the match ended in a draw. In what should have been a moment to soak in, we saw none other than Chris Jericho make his return in brutal fashion.
#1 Contender's Match for the Intercontinental Championship
20 Minutes into a back and forth match.....
Rich Swann unleashes a series of strikes on Dolph Ziggler, eventually pushing him back into the corner. Swann backs up, getting ready to unleash a corner kick on Ziggler. However, as Swann charges, Dolph manages to dodge at the last second, sending Swann right into the turnbuckle. As Swan stumbles back, dazed from the hit, he meets a Zig Zag from Ziggler!
{Mauro Ranallo} Mamma Mia! That might be lights out for Swann!
{Corey Graves} Yeah Mauro, I think we have ourselves a new number one contender!
Zigglers quickly goes for the cover, confident he has just won the match.
1.....
2.....
NO A KICKOUT!
{Mauro Ranallo} OH MY GOODNESS! KICKOUT BY SWANN!
{Corey Graves} I can't believe it!
{Mauro Ranallo} You can tell just how badly both men in this matchup want the title opportunity!
As Ziggler lays on the mat in shock and anger that Swann was actually able to kick out, a smile begins to creep on his face. He gets to his feet as quickly as he can, and moves to the corner, where he begins to tune up the band for a super kick.....
{Corey Graves} I think this may truly be the end of the match now!
Swann stirs, and Ziggler is poised to nail him with a nasty kick. However, just as he's about to connect, Swann is able to dodge at the last second, and proceeds to nail Ziggler with a spinning heel kick! Ziggler goes down, and using this sudden burst of energy, Sswann drags him towards the corner and climbs up to the top rope, signaling an incoming 450 splash. However, just as he's getting ready to hit it, Ziggler rolls outside the ring and onto the floor.
{Corey Graves} Look at that, a very clever move by Ziggler!
{Mauro Ranallo} That may be true, but he certainly can't win the match out there on the floor!
Swann looks visibly annoyed by the actions of Ziggler, but turns towards the outside, clearly still intending to do some high flying, even if some slight adjustments have to be made. After some thinking, Swann launches himself to the outside, only to be met with a super kick in mid air!
{Corey Graves} Dear god!
{Mauro Ranallo} That looked brutal!
However, Ziggler is unable to capitalize on this opportunity, as this was seemingly the last of his remaining energy, and he collapses onto the floor, as the referee begins to count.
1.....
2.....
3.....
4.....
5.....
As the 5 count is reached, both men begin to stir somewhat, but still are just barely on their hands and knees, not having the energy necessary to make it back into the ring quite yet, as the ref's count continues.
6.....
7.....
8.....
Suddenly, Swann seems to get a burst of energy, as he goes to slide into the ring. However, in one last act of desperation to save the match for himself, Ziggler makes a dive for Swann's legs, bringing both men back down to the ground!
9.....
10!
{Corey Graves} Wait what?
{Mauro Ranallo} Did that just happen?
The bell rings, as everyone inn attendance, along with the staff at ringside, are confused. If this match just ended in a dreaw, who is the #1 contender? The broadcast remains mostly silent apart from some buzzing in the crowd for about two minutes, before Corey Graves.
{Corey Graves} Ladies and gentlemen, I have just received word that XWL will be going a commercial break, and when we return, our general manager Layla should be out here with a decision on the future of the intercontinental title match at Breakthrough. We'll be right back, so certainly don't go anymore.
The screen fades into commercials, as no one in attendance seems to know what exactly is going to happen.
After we return from commercial break, we see both Swann and Ziggler, now back on their feet, standing in the middle of the ring, anxiously awaiting Layla's arrival, along with everyone else in the arena.
Layla comes out to applause and cheers, as always, as she makes her way down to the ring. Finally, she enters the ring, prepared to make her announcement.
[Layla] Well, I can't say this is what I expected to happen when I booked this match. Let me say. However, after thinking about what happened, speaking to the Board of Directors' and even a few texts with members of the McMahon family, I have made my decision. At XWL Breakthrough, Dolph Ziggler will be contesting for the intercontinental championship.
The fans in attendance begin to boo, as Ziggler begins to celebrate as if he had won the previous match. Meanwhile, Rich Swann seems shocked, confused, and most of all upset with what Layla had to say.
[Layla] Now hold on a second, I didn't finish. You see, it will be Dolph Ziggler fighting for the championship at Breakthrough. Along with Rich Swann. Because I am now officially declaring the intercontinental championship match at Breakthrough a triple threat match!
Ziggler is suddenly far less excited at this news, and begins to question Layla. Rich Swann and the fans however, seem more than alright with this recent development. Layla leaves the ring, leaving Swann and Ziggler alone. Swann offers Dolph a handshake, to signify respect for the match they just had, along with the match they will have at Breakthrough. Ziggler looks at this hand, then back up at Swann, and rolls out of the ring and begins to walk up the ramp. Swann looks down at his hand for a second, but then looks back up and shrugs, before beginning to dance as his music hits and the fans continue to cheer. Swann appears to be beckoning for a young child in the crowd to come join him in the ring, as Anarchy rolls on.
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Sun Dec 09, 2018 8:32 pm
