Having just returned from the final commercial break of the evening, on this the last stop before The Sixth Anniversary of Final Stand. Stephanie McMahon's theme blasts throughout the arena, prompting every single person in the arena to rise up our of their seats, and look to the stage, for the time has finally arrived. The official contract signing of the biggest match of them all at Final Stand, The World Heavyweight Championship match between challenger Ted DiBiase and champion Dean Ambrose.
The General Manager struts out from the back, smiling, obviously excited about this moment. Because this is the very first Final Stand under The McMahon regime, and everything must be perfect. With five previous events under this name, where rich history has been forged, this year's event must exceed all others, no excuses. Stephanie's proven to be a very involved General Manager, but not like her previous counterparts, for she doesn't show bias, she merely does...what's best for business.
[JR] King, I don't know about you...but that Main-Event tag match between all four participants in The Money in The Bank Ladder Match has me pumped the match itself! I did not expect it to end that way, and it's certainly given a certain someone a little bit of an edge heading into an opportunity for a shot at The World Heavyweight Championship.
[King] Which now brings us to this very exclusive Contract Signing.
[Michael Cole] Stephanie has stopped at nothing to make sure that The Main-Event at Final Stand goes off without a single hitch. While the animosity between both champion and challenger has been reminiscent of previous Final Stand World Heavyweight Championship encounters. Our esteemed General Manager has gone as far as controlling this kindled fire by not only enforcing a do not touch clause, but made both men pick which referee would be in charge of their match.
[JR] I must admit, it seems to have done wonders for what was shaping up to be a completely out of control situation. I don't know if they would have made it to Final Stand had it not been for her guidance.
[King] Mr. McMahon must be proud of his daughter, he left her in charge and she's done wonders.
Stephanie makes her way up the Steel Steps, walking along the apron before entering the ring, which has a table along with two contracts laid out on it. She passes by the chairs, standing in the center of the ring, grabbing a microphone off the table just as her music stops.
[Stephanie McMahon] Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to welcome you to a night where history will be forever made. Because tonight we're witnessing the official contract signing of The IT match of Final Stand. It's an incredible card, featuring my husband Triple H going one on one with Chris Jericho, and this highly personal rivalry will be contested inside Hell in a Cell!
The fans cheer loudly at the mention of easily one of the most anticipated bouts set to take place on the grandest stage.
[Stephanie McMahon] The battle of friends turned enemies, Paige versus Layla, the rubber match for The Divas Championship that you don't wanna miss!
Another pop follows, as Stephanie continues smiling.
[Stephanie McMahon] But there's three matches that not only will have your eyes on them, but every single champion. For we will see CM Punk, Edge, Shawn Michaels, and Wade Barrett, a battle of all former World Heavyweight Champions vying for that all important contract hanging above the ring that gives them a World title match whenever they want it, up to next year Final Stand. Then AJ Lee, Madison Eagles, and Brie Bella, all former Divas Champions will compete in a triple threat Ladder Match, where the winner will be granted a Divas Championship opportunity at anytime, and any place. The third, and final match will have both the United States and Intercontinental Champions watch like hawks as Kurt Angle, Xavier Woods, Seth Rollins, and Goldberg compete in the very first Quest for Gold Elimination Tournament. Only one man will be left standing, and they will have all but fulfilled their quest for gold.
Cheering for either one of the three, all of them equally, the fans are excited for the big night, which is now almost upon us.
[Stephanie McMahon] It's only appropriate that such a big night, ends in a BIG way! Nothing is bigger than The World Heavyweight Championship, it is the pinnacle of success. It is what makes the world go round in all of Sports Entertainment. Because if you're World Heavyweight Champion, you've made it. You've reached the big time, and you've forged a memory that can never be taken away from you. I am very honored to present you the fans a Main-Event like never before seen on the grandest stage. This isn't your typical good guy versus bad guy match, this is a match involving at one time, the biggest hero this company had...and the man you're trying to shape into your very own personal hero now.
[Stephanie McMahon] They will stop at nothing to leave Final Stand as World Heavyweight Champion. A determination that supersedes everything you think will happen, and everything you think won't Because the truth is, with Ted's drastic change in character now more apparent than ever after last week's display in his match with his own father...he's proven that he will in fact do anything to be the one that everyone is talking about. Dean Ambrose on the other hand has taken a different approach, he hasn't cast everyone out of his life like in the earlier years. No, in XWL he's made it his mission to make it, as evidence by his sheer focus on creating and being apart of something bigger. Whether it was The Men of Honor, The Shield, or now The West Side Army. Dean Ambrose is World Heavyweight Champion because there's a strength in numbers. Not just physically, but mentally. Having support in groups such as these, builds the confidence, it shows a person anything is possible, and at Uprising...he proved it to himself and everybody else when he captured The World Heavyweight Championship. So here you have two men that couldn't be any more different, but at the same time, more alike. Whether they care to admit it or not, they're similar. So what will be the difference maker? What will cause one of them to rise above it all, and end the biggest night of the year, with their biggest victory ever?
[Stephanie McMahon] Without further ado, allow me to welcome to you, Mr. Money in The Bank, The Man whom will challenge for The World Heavyweight Championship on the grandest stage, in his very first Final Stand Main-Event. He fought for his job last year, and this year he will fight to reclaim the last piece of the puzzle that had been lost so long ago, Ted DiBiase!
Despite Stephanie's elaborate introduction, the response to Ted's music sounding is not any different than it's been. Boos rein in from the sold out crowd as Stephanie begins to clap her hands, hoping others will too, but you could probably find waldo faster than you could find a person joining in the applause.
With the stage illuminated, Ted steps out from the back, carrying The Money in The Bank briefcase that he officially hands over as of tonight. He pauses at the top of the ramp, looking around at the sea of hatred that's parted by the ramp, then begins to descend down it. He might not be the most liked man anymore, but he's Main-Eventing Final Stand, so he's clearly done something right. Bypassing the bitter fans, Ted jumps up onto the apron, enter ting the ring and nodding at Stephanie. He places his briefcase down on the table, then pats it for a few seconds, realizing that it's gotten him to this very moment right now.
[Stephanie McMahon] Please, take a seat Ted.
He pulls the chair out, but instead of sitting down, he grabs the microphone on his side of the table, and opts to speak first.
If you don't mind, I'd prefer to stand, because those that sit, never stand up for anything. My entire career, I've let everybody dictate what I should, and shouldn't do. But this is where I take a stand, this is where I forget about what's right, and what's wrong...and focus on what I want. Who I want to be, where I want to be, and the answer to that question is the answer anyone with any true passion for this business would give you. We all aim to be on top, to be THE guy, to be successful, to be a leader of your own legacy. For a man like me, that's always been difficult to truly grasp the idea of. Because I never was supposed to make it, back in The WWE...when I'd approach you Stephanie, or even your father...it was always the same song and dance. You never saw me as a star, did you?
[Stephanie McMahon] Of course we d-
Don't lie, I've been lied to enough, by everybody, this is the moment the truth comes out. You didn't see anything in me, other than a short term angle. Oh look, it's The Million Dollar Man's son, let's make him exactly like his father, that'll totally not end horribly. See, from the start, I knew I wasn't my father. But that's not a bad thing, it never was. I might not have been keen on the extravagant life style he lived, but that didn't mean that a common man, couldn't draw in a crowd. Because while in the past people have flocked to "larger than life" people...those days have long passed us, and today...they want people that are real. That's what I've been, and it's what I still am. A man who wants to lead the Orchestra must first turn his back on the crowd. I want to be successful, that's the truth, I tried to be the hero everyone wanted, and in the end, all it did is give everyone what they wanted, everyone...but me.
It's not the popular topic to think of yourself, but why? Because you can't be happy unless you're doing what others tell you to? I don't wanna follow, I wanna lead! If that means The DiBiase Posse becomes a one man operation, then so be it. This briefcase, is an opportunity of a lifetime. An opportunity I can't take lightly. I can't joke about the situation, because if I do? I'll just become the butt of everyone's jokes again. I'm here to represent you Stephanie, I'm here to represent anybody that's ever been told they're not good enough! But I'm here to do it by my own accord, not anybody else's. The reason I've been so different since my return is because I have to be. I have to be different, I have to be more focused than I've ever been, because truth be told Dean Ambrose isn't a pushover. He's not someone who will give up, he won't give any less than he can give, and so I have to be the same.
The World Heavyweight Championship was always that huge thing that never was supposed to ever be in my hands, and all I can do is remember those days. The days where that title was snugly wrapped around my waist, and I wasted them! For the longest time, I thought this company screwed me, but you know what? It wasn't Vickie, it wasn't Cody, it wasn't Shawn, it wasn't Edge that screwed me throughout that entire ordeal. It was me, because despite being fired, having The World Heavyweight title snatched away from me, I didn't come back as the man that would travel to the ends of the Earth to have his revenge. I might have sure acted like it, but aside from an uncontrollable rage, I was the same gullible goof that let it all happen to him in the first place. That's why now, I'm ready, I wasn't before, but it's all clear to me now. You can only stand up for everybody else, when you first stand UP for yourself. I'm not sorry for turning my back on you the fans, but instead of seeing me as the bad guy, or anyone else you choose to cast judgement upon, maybe you should first think about what you would do in our shoes, and why you don't fill them yourself.
[Stephanie McMahon] Thank you Ted for that very honest and passionate opening address. Now ladies and gentlemen, please rise to your feet and give a warm welcome to the guest of honor. One of Don West's diamonds in the rough, that could finally shine.
[Stephanie McMahon] I proudly bring to you, The World Heavyweight Champion Dean Ambrose!
The theme of the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, Dean Ambrose, is heard playing throughout the arena, almost as if on cue, causing the live audience in attendance to emit a mixed reaction to the psychotic member of The West Side Army.
A figure appears walking out from behind the curtain, the World Heavyweight Championship wrapped around his waist. Ambrose stands on the stage for a moment, gazing into the ring filled with a table, a couple chairs, the General Manager in Stephanie McMahon, his challenger at Final Stand in Ted DiBiase, and the contract that he will sign to make the match official. A few moments pass before Ambrose begins making his way down the entrance ramp, is mind focused on the task at hand.
He makes it to the ringside area and scales the ring steps, clearly not wanting to waste any time. Ambrose stands on the apron for a moment, looking out towards the crowd, who's still emiting a mixed reaction for the World Heavyweight Champion. He enters the ring and removes the championship from around his waist, raising it up into the air as Ted looks at it with a trance like state, the very same championship that he believed was robbed from him in the past. Ambrose places the World Heavyweight Championship down on the table before picking a microphone and beginning to speak.
{Dean Ambrose} Two years ago, in this very ring, I was dropped on my head and “taken out” by someone who saw me as a threat, someone who saw what I was capable of and tried to stop me before I could attain something that had eluded me for years, something I now have in my possession: The World Heavyweight Championship. That person was Evan Bourne, he eliminated me from the XWL 15 Tournament and believed the removed me from this company. He couldn't be more wrong.
{Dean Ambrose} That very same turnbuckle behind you, Ted, that's where he threw me off the turnbuckle and caused me to land head first onto this very canvas we stand on. I would later get revenge on him for his actions, but that didn't satisfy me like I thought it would, even though I got even, it didn't feel that way.
{Dean Ambrose} Then came Uprising, Dolph Ziggler versus Dean Ambrose in a Ladder Match, where Ziggler's quarter of a million dollar bounty was the prize. Bourne and every other person who tried to claim that bounty in the month leading up to that match decided to make their presence felt, even with the numbers advantage clearly in their favor, they couldn't get the job done; enter Men of Honor.
{Dean Ambrose} After I beat Ziggler within an inch of his life, I retrieved the briefcase and the bounty was no more. Fast forward to last years Final Stand, I would find myself in another Ladder Match against Dolph Ziggler, but this time, it wasn't one on one, it was the Money in the Bank Ladder Match and it involved John Morrison and Christian. There were two roads in front of me: Do I climb up a ladder once again and take down yet another briefcase, or do I finish what I started and take Ziggler out?
{Dean Ambrose} Before Don West's influence, all I cared about was inflicting pain, wins and losses didn't affect me; they still don't, but when a win is the difference between becoming World Heavyweight Champion or not; losing the championship I worked my entire career to attain or retaining, those are the matches I can't afford to lose. I let the chance to become World Heavyweight Champion slip through my fingers, and with Don West showing me how to see things differently, I didn't make that same mistake again and defeated Alberto Del Rio then took his championship.
{Dean Ambrose} We may have more similarities than differences, Ted, we may be two sides of the same coin, but truth be told, I don't really care. There's a reason why you're still standing under your own power, there's a reason why The West Side Army hasn't taken you out: It's because I want you to be at 100% at Final Stand. I don't want there to be any excuses left for you to use when you fail to regain the World Heavyweight Championship. I can't be dethroned, I won't be dethroned.
Dean looks right into the eyes of his challenger as he lowers his microphone. The only sounds in the building are those heard from the fans, some cheering what Dean said, but at the same time some booing as well. Ted stares right back at Ambrose, determined to prove him wrong.
[Stephanie McMahon] Gentlemen thank you for joining me out here, now that you've both gotten the chance to get all of that off your chests, I'd like to direct your attention to the contracts before you. Ted, before you can sign off on the designated line, you need to officially hand over that briefcase.
In due time Stephanie, but first I've got a few more things I'd like to say. You will be dethroned Dean, that's not a snappy remark, that's just the god's honest truth. It's this very briefcase that will do it too, because as I said several weeks ago, this is bulletproof. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I intend to take full advantage of it. See, I could've taken the easy way out, just as you could have. You could have had your buddies rough me up, and maybe give you a little bit of an easier night at Final Stand. Just as I could have attacked you at Uprising, when you were weak, whether you would have admitted it or not, I know you had a rough match with Alberto, and that wasn't fair on you. In fact if I had chosen to do what others before me had done, I probably would have ended up like a lot of them. What's Christian doing nowadays? Exactly. And Batista? Edge? He's trying to win this back, and he's just going to make the same mistakes he's made before. Just because you can cash this in on someone that isn't one hundred percent, doesn't mean that you should. There's an honor in fighting for The World Heavyweight Championship. It deserves fair stage, what does an ambush victory prove? Absolutely nothing. But what does a victory on the grandest stage of them all prove? Everything. That is exactly what I will give you, EVERYTHING!
DiBiase places his hand on his Money in The Bank briefcase, feeling the opportunity inside, knowing that this is exactly what he's wanted since it fell into is position. It was always his plan to cash it in this way, because he wants to leave no doubt in anyone's mind that he is deserving of it.
I want you to throw me every little trick you've got up your sleeve, I want you to try and claw your way to victory at any cost, because that's exactly what you'll get of me. There's no two men in this company right now that wants this as bad as us, but on that same note, there's not a man alive that wants that more than I do. That want, that desire, that is what fuels me, and that is what will lead to your appropriately put "Final Stand" as champion.
His hand leaves his case, as he points straight at The World Heavyweight title. His look of determination is impossible to ignore, he wants The World title back, and he's prepared to do whatever he has to, to leave Final Stand once again The World Heavyweight Champion.
{Dean Ambrose} If that's what fuels you, then you're about to run out. I've won wars that I shouldn't have been able to win, I've beaten people that I shouldn't have been able to beat, I've done the impossible time and time again. While you were too busy being handed everything, while you were being groomed to be a part of this sport, I was out on the streets, doing anything I could possibly do to survive. If it meant turning my back on everybody that once called me an ally just to survive another day, I was willing to do that in a heartbeat.
{Dean Ambrose} I was never meant to be a professional wrestler, I was never meant to make it to the top, I was never meant to be a World Heavyweight Champion, I wasn't bred for this sport, but here I am. I am walking, we are walking into the Main Event of the biggest Pay-Per-View of the year, the Showcase of the Immortals, Final Stand. The World Heavyweight Champion versus Mr. Money in the Bank for the first time ever, on the grandest stage of them all no less.
{Dean Ambrose} If history has shown us anything, it's that Dean Ambrose is a clutch performer. When the string is pulled to its tightest, when there's no room for error, when my back is to the wall, I don't choke, I don't get nervous, I don't freeze up, I just get the job done. I'm not walking into Final Stand ready for a match, no, I'm going to be ready for a fight, I'm going to be ready for a war, I'm willing to do anything and everything within my power to make sure this World Heavyweight Championship stays with The West Side Army, even if that means I take myself out in the process.
With that said, Ambrose places the microphone down on the table, alongside the contracts and his World Heavyweight Championship, locking eyes with Ted for a moment before pulling out the chair and taking a seat. Ambrose motions to Ted, telling him to take a seat so they could get this contract signing underway.
This is a war Dean, it's one man versus an entire army, and usually that'd spell an end to anybody. But that's where I'm comfortable, despite my upbringing, and seemingly being bred to be a wrestler. I didn't live up to their expectations, they wanted a carbon copy of my father, and when they didn't get it, they never wanted to know who I was. We might have entirely different backgrounds, but one thing we share aside from our desire to be World Heavyweight Champion. Is the fact that you can throw anything at us, and we'll still stand. I've been dropped twenty feet through the top of Hell in a Cell, and even that wasn't enough to put me away. When it matters most, I deliver, I endure whatever I have to, and that's exactly what you need to expect. Matter of fact, what you really need to expect, is that you won't be leaving that building as World Heavyweight Champion. As of now, I officially hand of my Money in The Bank contract, for The World Heavyweight Championship at Final Stand.
He slides his case across the table to Stephanie, before pulling the chair closer and taking a seat. He rolls it forward, staring at Dean, before Stephanie opens up the briefcase pulling out a contract to add to the array of contracts all ready on the table.
[Stephanie McMahon] Alright, you've already signed it, we're good to go. Moving on, there's two contracts that need both of your signatures before this is official. The first is the special referee contract, in which you've both come to an agreement on Brad Maddox to oversee your championship bout. If this is correct, and there has been no change of mind, then simply initial on this line, and sign the page under it. I ask you to pass the contract to Dean once you're done Ted, remember this match isn't official yet, so behave.
He grins slightly, before grabbing the pen in the middle of the table, then begins to sign the contract, first initialing, then signing his full name.
Steph, this isn't just a match featuring two guys that you yourself, and countless others never batted an eye at, this is a match overseen by a man that for some reason you didn't see a reason to hire. We believe in Brad, mostly because he knows if he screws up, it'll be the last thing he does in this company, so I have no doubt that he's the referee I want for this match.
Ted slides the contract over to Dean, extending the pen out to him in a friendly manner. Ambrose takes a hold of the pen, leading to Ted releasing his grip, giving Ambrose control over it. Without taking a second to read the contract, or lowering his eyes down to see if everything is correct, Ambrose signs his signature without giving it a second thought, his eyes still locked onto Ted's. With both signatures now being on one of the contracts, Ambrose slides the contract over towards Stephanie's direction, causing her to lift it up off the table before nodding and begins to speak.
[Stephanie McMahon] Brad Maddox, you are one lucky man, for your sake I hope you don't let these two down. Now to get to the reason why we're all here in this ring. The official contract that states you Ted, will be challenging you Dean, in The Main-Event of Final Stand. All that's needed is both of your signatures on those last two lines, Ted since you're the challenger, you're first, and Dean as the defending champion you sign on the bottom line.
Ambrose mimics Ted's earlier action by extending the pen out to him, but as Ted reaches for it it's pulled back towards the champion. Ted starts to get somewhat annoyed, barely but just enough to make Stephanie start to worry. But the worrying was not needed because Dean just clicks the pen, so that Ted can easily sign with it, and hands it over to him. Ted opts to not speak, ready to make this official, and luckily for him unlike the last contract he signed a year ago, it's not going to be in his blood, so that has to make a part of him happy somewhat. He signs on the top line, then places the pen down on the contract, sliding it to Dean, before mouthing "Time to sign away your reign, champ."
{Dean Ambrose} There's still time for you to back out of this, Ted, there's still time for you to walk away with your pride intact. You can put a stop the the pain, the mental anguish you're in for at Final Stand, all you have to do is say the word and we'll pretend this never happened.
Ted looks at Ambrose, almost as if he's considering his offer. After a few moments of deep consideration, Ted is shown mouthing, “Just sign the damn thing,” which causes Ambrose to reply with a simple, “Fine.”
Ambrose raises the pen up into the air, dramatically emphasizing clicking the top of it to draw out the point. Ted doesn't seem amused by Ambrose's antics, which seem to be drawing out the inevitable, even if it's just by a few seconds.
Unlike the previous contract, Ambrose closely inspects this one, the more important of the two, in his mind. Many moments pass as Ambrose continues to skim throughout the contract, making sure if everything is correct, causing Ted to mouth out, “Didn't know you knew how to read.”
A few seconds later, Ambrose moves the pen towards the dotted line on the contract, ready to make the match in just under a week official. But something's stopping Ambrose from causing the pen to meet the contract, as he just leaves the tip of the pen hovering over the line.
Ambrose looks up, locking eyes with Ted, who is impatiently waiting for Ambrose to sign the contract. His expression remains the same, no signs of his familiar sinister looking smirk appearing on his face. Seconds later, Ambrose's hand begins to scribble his signature on the contract before sliding it towards Stephanie and rises up to his feet, which causes Ted to do the same in response.
[Stephanie McMahon] It's official ladies and gentlemen, Ted DiBiase will meet Dean Ambrose for The World Heavyweight Championship at Final Stand!
A portion of the crowd is quite excited, because after all this is The Main-Event of Final Stand, and it's sure to live up to previous ones, but still some of the audience can't help but boo. Whether it's because they don't like either men, or they're a little disappointed at how Stephanie tamed one rivalry that was picking up quite quickly before her do not touch clause.
Did you hear that, Dean? It's official.
Ted swipes his hand across the table suddenly, throwing the contract to their match onto the mat, and looks him deep in the eyes.
Now I don't know about you, but I'm done playing nice. We're The Main-Event, there's no changing that, after all...Stephanie's now legally bound to it. So what do you say we make up for lost time and have ourselves a little fun?
Ambrose nods in agreement, and just like that, electricity is in the air as these two men that are set to face in just six days at the grandest stage of them all, Final Stand, are going to give the live audience in attendance a preview of what's to come. Ted and Ambrose both take a hold of the edge of the table, moving it aside so there's nothing between them with it proverbially hits the fan. Stephanie, on the other hand, isn't going to let this just happen, especially when their no contact rule is still in effect.
[Stephanie McMahon] Settle down gentlemen, you've waited three weeks, what's a few more days? At Final Stand you can tear each other limb from limb for all I care, but just because the deal is done, that doesn't give you the right to disobey my orders. Now to show each other the respect that is expected from two men of your caliber, I want you both to shake hands right now!
Both men look at each other, both ready to tear the others head off of his shoulders, but now they have to shake hands? The displeasure of the change of tone is apparent in both their faces. After moments of consideration, Ted is the first to extend his arm towards Ambrose, clearly not out of sportsmanship. “Just shake my damn hand,” is was comes out of Ted's mouth while Ambrose looks on, shaking his head and refusing to partake in this.
Ambrose takes his World Heavyweight Championship from off the table and walks backwards towards the ropes before exiting the ring. The mixture of reactions emitting from the crowd is heard, half are cheering due to Ambrose disobeying a direct order from the Breakdown General Manager, while the other half are booing because this didn't end in a war for momentum heading into Final Stand.
He walks around the side of the ring, making his way towards the ramp with his championship in tow, leaving both Stephanie, who is seemingly angered by Ambrose walking out, and Ted, who is shown mouthing something that isn't picked up on camera, in the ring. Ambrose begins making his trek up the ramp, immediately coming to a halt about a quarter up said ramp. The war that must be brewing within Ambrose is one to behold, does it continue walking to the back and calling it a night, or does he turn around, walk down the ramp, and finish what Ted has started?
With his mind seemingly made up, Ambrose takes another step up the ramp before quickly turning around and running back towards the ring, causing Ted to prepare for the impending war that's about to ensue. Before Stephanie could get a word out, Ambrose has already entered the ring and tossed his World Heavyweight Championship aside. Stephanie makes a hasty retreat out of the ring, not wanting to get dragged into this fight as both men have had enough of her rules and begin unleashing the pent up hatred they have for one another.
No clear early favorite is apparent, both men not wanting to give the other the momentum heading into the biggest match of both their careers. Seemingly equal in this war, both Ted and Ambrose seem to be trading blow for blow, that is, until Ambrose gets one good, clean forearm shot on Ted, sending him staggering backwards. Ted isn't just going to take that and fires back one of his own, resulting in the same thing, this time, Ambrose being the one to stagger back.
The battle for control has now begun, with each hate fueled shot that Ambrose takes, Ted fires one back filled with equal hatred. After each shot, it seems that neither man is backing down from the other, but why would they? They're both fighting for the opportunity to call themselves “champion.” After a few more back and forth shots, it appears that Ambrose has gained the upper hand, causing Ted to go into a defensive position with his back on the ring ropes.
Ambrose begins unloading a series of closed fist punches, with Ted managing to block a good amount, but damage still being done, to an extend. Ted shoves Ambrose off of him and levels him with a double leg takedown. Ted mounts Ambrose and begins unloading, returning the favor from earlier on and causes Ambrose to go on the defensive.
Ted's assault shows no signs of coming to an end, that is, until Ambrose is able to catch Ted's fist and shifts the momentum in his favor for the moment, putting himself in the dominant position and relentlessly begins unloading forearm after forearm shot into Ted. After biding his time for what must have felt like an eternity, Ted is able to push Ambrose off of him and quickly makes it up to his feet, but Ambrose makes it up first just a split second quicker and lifts Ted up to his shoulders for a Midnight Special, clearly wanting to end this one with an exclamation point.
With his life seemingly flashing before his eyes, Ted begins unloading elbows onto Ambrose's face, not allowing him to set his finishing maneuver properly. Ted slips behind Ambrose and locks him in a Million Dollar Dream, a move made famous by the very same man he applied it on just the week prior. With the deadly submission hold locked in tightly, Ted pulls Ambrose closer towards the table that they had just used to sign the contract to make their match official in just six days time.
Ted looks to put Ambrose through said table, using his finishing maneuver, accurately named The Silencer. Ambrose has other plans and launches Ted forward, causing him to release his grip and ends up in front of him. The ever psychotic member of The West Side Army runs towards his opponent at Final Stand, clearly wanting to take advantage of the situation, but he doesn't plan on what happens next.
Ambrose continues making a beeline towards Ted, unknowingly walking into his trap. The second that Ambrose gets close, Ted throws himself forward, hitting him with a Busaiku Knee, driving it into Ambrose's jaw. The crowd makes their voices heard, a wave of deafening boos filling the ring as the clear least favorite of the two is now standing tall, for the time being. Ted throws him arms up into the air in victory as Ambrose remains laid out on the canvas.
Ted turns his attention back to the task at hand after a few moments of showboating to the heated crowd. He lifts Ambrose up off the canvas and the second he's up on his feet, Ted shoves him backwards into the ropes, causing him to bounce back towards him. When he's within range, Ted lifts him up into the air, with his patented spinebuster in mind, but Ambrose isn't about to go down that easily and begins unleashing clubbing blows to Ted's exposed back, not only stopping the move from being hit, but also drops Ted down to a knee.
Wasting no time with the opportunity he presented himself, Ambrose wraps an arm around Ted's neck, looking for his signature Headlock Driver, the same move that won him the World Heavyweight Championship at Uprising. Ted isn't having any of it and pushes Ambrose off of him, sending him into the ropes once more, but unlike last time, Ted follows Ambrose into the ropes, ricocheting off of them a split second after him and the second that Ambrose turns around, he gets turned inside out by a clothesline, courtesy of Ted DiBiase.
Without a wasted moment, Ted lifts Ambrose up off the canvas and places him on the table, an almost symbolic sight as Ambrose lays alongside the World Heavyweight Championship. With Ambrose now seemingly in position for what ever he has in mind, Ted exits out onto the apron and begins to ascend up to the top rope. Upon making it to the top, he takes an extra moment to make sure he keeps his balance intact, but one second is all it took for Ambrose to regain his composure and get himself off the table.
The second that Ted notices that Ambrose isn't where he was left is the same second that a lead pipe is driven into his abdomen, nearly sending Ted off the top rope and to the outside. Ambrose begins climbing up the turnbuckle and plants his feet on the second rope before throwing Ted over his shoulder and once again attempting to hit a Midnight Special, this time, from the second rope.
Even after feeling the effects of the lead pipe, Ted still finds the will to fight out of the predicament he's in, managing to avoid certain destruction twice already. Ted slips behind Ambrose, just like his first attempt, and locks in the Million Dollar Dream. His target is still sending Ambrose through the table, but from the top rope? Ted is clearly throwing caution into the wind if he looks to take Ambrose out, even if it means he'll take himself out along with him, taking a page out of Ambrose's playbook.
Before Ted can throw himself and his adversary off the top rope, Ambrose, in a last ditch effort, throws his head back, catching Ted across the face with the back of his skull, causing him to release his hold. Ambrose makes it up to the top rope and uses Ted to keep his balance as he unloads calculated forearms shots on the man that's cashing in on him in just six nights. Ted fires back with some shots of his own, also using Ambrose to keep his balance.
It's a dangerous situation and neither man is backing down from the other. If it means walking into the biggest Pay-Per-View of the year with momentum behind them, they'll do whatever they need to do, even if that means that they'll take themselves out in the process. Both men take a swing at the other, Ted managing to catch Ambrose's punch and vice versa.
A stalemate stands before them, neither wanting to give the other the advantage walking into Final Stand and both willing to do whatever it takes to walk out as World Heavyweight Champion, a volatile situation unfolding before the very eyes of the live audience in attendance and the people watching at home. With each man having an answer to whatever the other threw at them, what could these men do to prove that they are superior to the other?
The question quickly finds its answer and both Ted and Ambrose, giving the other no choice, throw themselves off the top rope in an attempt to take the other with him; unfortunately for them, they both had the same idea and both go through the table as a “Holy Shit!” chant breaks out. Both Ted and Ambrose lie motionless on the canvas as their broken bodies remain on either side of the table; The World Heavyweight Championship symbolically lying between them.
Both men have just proved that they'll be willing to do anything and everything it takes to walk out as champion, but who will be just that much better than the other? Will the leader of the DiBiase Posse regain what he believes he never lost, or will The West Side Army still have the championship in their possession? Questions will be answered in just six days time as Final Stand is now the next stop for both men. The final image shown is both Ted and Ambrose lying on either side of the World Heavyweight Championship before the show comes to a close.
Subject: XWL Breakdown: 3/28/2014 - 4/4/2014 
Fri Mar 28, 2014 5:00 pm
