XWL Breakdown: 5/2/2014 - 5/9/2014

After a video is played hyping Dead Mans Hand, we return to find Kenny King somewhere backstage looking into the camera, a smile on his face.



Kenny King
Welcome back ladies and gentleman to Friday night Breakdown! The only show where you can see Kenny King do what he does best! Now check this out, last week I made it clear that I wanted to be involved in the Intercontinental championship match at Dead Mans Hand. I also made it clear that if I were to be passed up on this opportunity, yet again, I wouldn't be a very happy camper. Stephanie McMahon has a lot on her plate, I get that, I respect that, but does she respect me? Over the past few months the Intercontinental championship has lost a LOT of image. Now here I am to gain it all back. Stephanie, I gave you every reason under the sun last week to give me this title shot, but I've yet to hear from you. Dead Mans Hand is now just seven days away, not a whole lot of time to let me know, to let these fans know, what's what. Tonight, I'm going one on one with Amazing Red . . . And after I get done wiping the mat with him, I expect an answer. And I expect that answer to be in my best interest. 



Kenny King
Getting back to my match tonight, I'm taking on a member of the West Side Army, Amazing Red. Now I'm not underestimating Little Red here, I've seen him in action and I know this won't be a walk in the park. But I've got my sights set on Dead Mans Hand, I don't have time to be dealing with punks like him. So Red, if you're watching buddy, don't feel bad about yourself when your losing streak continues here tonight. It's just back luck on your part that you've been booked against me. I'll try to take it easy on you, but no promises. 



Kenny King
Speaking of promises, breaking news this week, Xavier Woods has been let go! It just goes to show that when you're put up against Kenny King, and he beats you down, your career is going nowhere but down. Looks like instead of a Quest for Gold he's on the quest to collect unemployment! Stephanie, take this as yet another reason to give me what I want, what I deserve. You're busy giving guys like Woods all of the opportunities, and what happens? They don't live up to it. They screw you over. They squander them. But me? We know from past experience that I don't only live up to my hype, but I go the extra mile just to prove that there's no one out there better than me, Kenny King! So think fast, boss. Your number one asset is getting tired of waiting, tired of being booked against those who are beneath me. Tired of not having the gold that is rightfully mine around my waist. I look forward to hearing from you . . . Stephanie . . .

Kenny smirks, staring into the camera as the scene fades out, the show cutting to the next segment.

When Breakdown returns from a commercial break, we’re taken to an area of the parking lot where The West Side Army tour bus is parked with the front door left open. The cameraman hesitantly approaches the vehicle, as even from a distance Don West’s voice can be heard emanating from out of the bus and subsequently echoing throughout the otherwise empty area.

-Don West-
So does anyone want to pipe up and tell me what that was last week? Huh? Does anyone want to please take a second to explain to me why you guys went rogue on me? We’re supposed to be a unit! We’re supposed to be a well-oiled machine that doesn’t let anybody or anything get in our way! But last week? It seems you all had your own agenda, your own plans for the night and thought it would be a swell idea to leave me in the dark! Look, we’re all grown adults here and I’m not going to stand here and order you around like a drill sergeant, but I do not appreciate being the last person to know when you guys decide to go against everything I’ve tried to teach you!

-Don West-
After what Randy Orton did to you, Ryback, and you, Red, I’ve been waiting for him to get his just desserts like the thousands of people in the XWL Universe who are on your side and who are absolutely sick to their stomachs of that dirt bag walking around like he owns the place! But jumping him like a pack of wild hyenas doesn’t prove anything guys! If you want to show that you’re the better man, the most dominate force, the most intimidating presence then you settle your business inside the ring, between the ropes and the bells, so that there can be no doubt in anybody’s mind that you are the man to beat in XWL. But beating Orton down in the middle of the ring like that isn’t the kind of behavior fitting for champs, those are the actions of chumps and going out of your way to take out the big names for no other reason other than they made you angry isn’t going to make Stephanie McMahon lighten up and give us the opportunities that we deserve!

-Don West-
You don’t think I’m frustrated too? You don’t think I’m anxious for the pendulum of good fortune to come swinging our way? With Final Stand over and done with you can consider this a fresh start, a clean slate to work on, but you guys are muddying things up with your shenanigans instead of sticking to the game plan and if you keep at it we’re going to end up looking like the bad guys again and not the guys we’re trying to put in their place. What was the point of laying waste to Stone Cold like that? Ryback already decimated him during the match! To this day people are debating which was left in worse shape after that match: the arena or the rattlesnake! Ryback, I know you’re on a mission, on a career-changing journey to change the way this company looks at you, but nearly taking Austin’s head off with a meathook after the match isn’t doing anybody any favors! Now Austin gets creamed at Dead Man’s Hand, all the naysayers are going to come out of the woodworks and put an asterisk on that victory crying to everyone within earshot that maybe if Stone Cold wasn’t attacked by The West Side Army then he’d be walking into the summer as World Heavyweight Champion!

-Don West-
Do you know why this is called The West Side Army? It’s because on June 16th of last year I set into motion a plan I had. Uniting Amazing Red and Corey Graves under the same banner on that fateful night was just the beginning of a dream I had to do what no one else had done before: create a faction in this company that was able to withstand the test of time and by God I think I did just that. It wasn’t pretty, we didn’t always play by the rules and we lost some good people along the way, but I’m a firm-believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason and as cliché as it may sound: all the blood, sweat and tears shed along the way, all the sacrifices made and pain endured has been worth it because as we near in on a year we’re stronger than we’ve ever been!

-Don West-
But making it to a year isn’t worth getting undermined and having my words ignored by the people whose careers I vowed to change. When I was fired, I felt like my world was crashing down around and I thought it was all over, but you all stayed strong, you held the line and found a way to get me back into the company but I’m starting to think that something changed while I was gone and I’m starting to wonder what was the point of going through all that if you’re going to cast me aside like some background player. As I said before, we’re all adults and I’m not going to force you to listen to me and I’m not going to force you to stay here. The West Side Army is at its best when we’re all on the same page, but if anyone of you thinks you can do better on your own, then I’ll be the first to hold the door open for you and thank you for all you’ve contributed to the group.

-Don West-
Now I don’t mean to make it sound like it’s my way or the highway because I’m willing to work with you guys, I’m willing to compromise and strategize and all that good stuff, but the one thing I will not stand for is running around attacking other guys like a bunch of animals. We don’t need to be white knights in shining armor, but we damn sure don’t need to be lurking in the dark like a bunch of gutless cowards! If that’s what you want, Dean, then you can go give Shield or Men of Honor another go round and see how that works for you. Ryback, if that’s what you want, go give Abraham Washington a call, better yet, see if Paul Heyman has time for you in between managing his new pal and old friends. And Red, buddy, you’ve been here since day one and I can understand how badly you want to get a win under your belt, but all you’ve done is make yourself look like a sore loser. If you think you don’t need me anymore then all you have to do is say the word.

Dramatic, prolonged silence ensues.

-Don West-
Come on, Sara, we’ve got business to take care of.




The world goes wild when Sara Del Rey’s music hits and The Queen of Wrestling gets a mighty loud and warm reception from the packed arena. Seconds later she walks onto the stage with Don West not too far behind, and together the two make their way down the ramp. As usual, Sara Del Rey is oozing confidence and composure, while West’s mind is clearly elsewhere at the moment. Last week, Del Rey stated that she’d be watching last week’s show closely before deciding which male wrestler she’ll call out to wrestle her at Dead Man’s Hand, which is right around the corner. The moment of truth draws near and it’s possible the superstars backstage are watching closely, wondering if they’ll be the ones to get called out and there’s no doubt the XWL Universe is eager to see whether that person will accept or decline. Back in the ring, West has a mic in hand and waits for the noise to die down before he speaks.



-Don West-
Ladies and gentlemen, the moment of truth has drawn near as Sara is ready to announce who she has hand-picked from the XWL roster to step into the ring with her at the pay per view so that she can prove without a shadow of a doubt that she has to equal in this company no matter the gender. I have to say, after last week’s Breakdown, a lot of names popped up and Sara and I took our time combing over the list to make sure that you people got the very best match at the pay per view. Guys like Dave Crist and Johnny Gargano looked pretty good coming off some impressive victories.

-Sara Del Rey-
But those guys are just too unproven to be given the honor of stepping into the same ring as me.



-Don West-
So we scrapped the newbies, tossed their names into the no-go bin because we’re not heartless and we don’t want to crush their careers before they really have a chance to flourish. After that we took a look at the more established stars, guys who have been around longer than most and accomplished more that most and that helped narrow things down a little bit. In fact, we were almost tempted to seize the opportunity of Kevin Steen’s timely return to see if he was game to set whatever issues he was with Mr. Kennedy aside to get a real challenge.

-Sara Del Rey-
But I’m not looking to waste my time with someone who isn’t as dedicated to this business as I am.



-Don West-
Between ring rust and his physical deficiencies, Steen is a man who at the end of the day may be better off staying out of our way. The same could be said for a lot of people in this company and after narrowing our list down from a dozen to a handful to nothing, Sara and I came to the conclusion that there is nobody here who deserves the privilege of standing across the ring from here.

-Sara Del Rey-
What I saw last week was pathetic. You had guys just going through the motions, just barely doing enough to get by…



-Don West-
And then you had the guys who didn’t bother showing up at all! Trust me, we didn’t come to that conclusion lightly because we wanted that match to happen as badly as you all wanted to see it but we didn’t want to risk having a match not on par with your expectations. Obviously, any match that features Sara Del Rey has the potential to be a classic, talked about until the end of time, but when the other guy is so far below her talent level, it’s tough for someone even as great as her to pull off a miracle.

-Sara Del Rey-
For a moment it looked like all hope was lost, but then Don came up with a brilliant idea.



-Don West-
I sat there and I thought, “Why should we limit ourselves to the clowns in XWL when there are so many people out there who are hungry for a chance to wrestle in this company and wouldn’t take the opportunity to do so for granted?” So I contacted one of my sources on the inside and pulled a couple of strings so that I could get my hands on the best of the best and folks, let me tell you. He drove a hard-bargain but he found out the hard way that nobody does the sale pitch better than Don West and eventually he caved in to may demands.

-Sara Del Rey-
One night. One match. One chance to give me the challenge I’ve been looking for.



-Don West-
Folks, don’t let his track record in XWL fool you; this man is one of the best things going for wrestling right now and if you ask me, this match could give him the opening in XWL he’s been waiting for. This guy has traveled all around the around, putting on matches that have left jaws on the floor and pulling off maneuvers that have caused heads to explode! I guarantee you that this match will be the highlight of the night and if you were hesitant about buying a ticket before, then now you have yet another reason to watch live as Sara Del Rey, The Queen of Wrestling, puts on a clinic against…

West motions to the titantron where a video soon begins to play.



After the revelation, the fans are pumped up, and a couple of the more wrestling-savvy audience members tries to get an “Olé!” song going.

-Sara Del Rey-
Generico, the last time we faced off it was years ago in a different company but don’t expect the result to be different….and don’t expect to walk away.



Del Rey’s theme hits and with a satisfied smirk on her face she lowers her microphone before staring at the titantron where the official graphic for her match against El Generico is on display. The people counter the volume of her theme by chanting her name, making it clear that they’re excited to see how the clash of these two talented wrestlers will go down.

*as we fade back to XWL  we see MsChif backstage*

*MsChif drops the mic and Screams*

vs.

We return from commercial break and the camera is set on the stage. We hear Dave Crists theme song and he comes out of the curtain looking focused for his match here tonight. Dave has a smug look to him as he makes his way down the ramp and once he is on the steel steps getting into the ring he looks at the people and then gives a smirk. He steps in between the top and middle ropes then waits in the ring for his opponent, a fellow Ohio native Sami Callihan.



The camera pans over to the stage as Sami Callihans music hits and he slowly walks out of the curtain and walks down the ramp stumbling a bit as he goes. He stomps his way up the steel steps clearly trying to make as much noise as possible. Callihan hops over the top rope and points at Dave and yells "Prepare to die!". Once he said that he turned to the crowd and screamed out but something snapped in Dave and he took of and attack Callihan from behind! The ref looks shocked and rings the bell starting the match.



Dave Crist delivers several blows to the back of Callihan before Sami rears back with an elbow knocking Dave back. Callihan turns and the two begin throwing punches back and forth. Sami hits a vicious uppercut that rocks Dave back into the ropes and then Callihan kicks Dave in the gut then elbows him hard on the top of the head. Callihan continues the stiff offense by gripping the back of Dave Crist's head then driving not one, not two, not three, but six! Six knees to the face in a row as hard as Callihan could throw. Dave however does not go down! Instead Dave catches the seventh knee and pushes Sami back then forearms Sami in the face. Dave throws a high kick to the chest of Callihan and the thud from the kick is heard throughout the arena! The kick also backed Callihan up into a corner and that allowed Dave Crist the opportunity to grip the ropes and start throwing high kicks rapidly to the chest of Callihan. Nine kicks in Dave stops then gets a headlock on Sami and drives Callihan into the mat with a running bulldog out of the corner. Dave gets up quickly and then he mounts Callihan's back and grabs Sami by the face pulling up showing that he has a camel clutch locked in. Sami struggles and tries to crawl to the ropes but can't make it. Callihan throws a wild arm into the air and connects with Dave's face. Dave shakes off the blow and pulls back even harder. Callihan screams out but throws another wild arm this time missing. Dave realizes Sami just wont tap so he throws Callihan to the mat. Dave stands up to his feet and then kicks Callihan hard on the back, Dave runs to the ropes and shoots himself of the ropes and takes of towards Callihan who is now kneeling. Dave hits a vicious enziguri then goes for a pinfall.

1.....

2.....

Kickout!

Sami gets a shoulder up and Dave smacks the mat in frustration. Sami tries to crawl to the ropes but Dave does not allow him too and then Dave starts to stomp him repeatedly. Dave lifts up Callihan and then picks him up into a piledriver position. Callihan counters and gets back on his feet then back drops Dave. Callihan looks back at the downed Crist and Sami starts to stomp his foot on the mat signaling for a big boot that he is known for doing. Dave rises to his feet and Callihan then takes off and when Dave turns around he manages to move out of the way of the big boot! Dave grabs a waist lock on Callihan and hits a back suplex quickly to regain control. Callihan no sells the back suplex and instantly gets up to a standing position while Dave who had just hit the back suplex was only on one foot and one knee. Callihan charges Dave and hits a thunderous big boot to the side of the head. Crist drops to the mat and Callihan taunts after hitting such a hard boot to the temple of Dave Crist. Callihan turns around and lifts Dave up and into the air holding him there in a delayed suplex position! Dave is in the air for twenty seconds before being dropped hard onto the mat via a brainbuster by Sami Callihan. Callihan goes for a pin following the big time maneuver on Dave.

1....

2....

Kickout!

Dave kicks out and Callihan looks at the ref in frustration then he stands to his feet and charges the ref. Callihan grips the ref by the shirt and backs him into the corner. Dave makes the rescue and clubs Callihan in the back. Dave turns Callihan around and forearms him before turning him over going for his signature tombstone piledriver. Dave has Callihan up but Callihan counters over into his own tombstone piledriver! Before Callihan can drop Dave onto his head however Dave is able to get the momentum back and he counters back into his own tombstone! Dave screams out "OI4K!" like he normally does before his tombstone. But once the "k" leaves Dave's mouth the lights go out.

[Michael Cole]
What is going on?!

[Jim Ross]
Who turned off the lights!

[Jerry Lawler]
What is that noise! Who is screaming?!

While the lights had been out a scream had been heard over the arena before the lights came back on. Once the lights come back on there is no one in the ring and the ref looks confused. The ref looks over at the timeskeeper and moves his arm looking confused. The referee starts a ten count seeing as neither man is in the ring.

1..

2..

3..

4..

5..

6..

7..

8..

9..

10!

The bell is rung and the match is ruled a no contest! The camera pans back over to the commentary team who are stunned.

[Jim Ross]
Folks I have seen a lot in my day of announcing but nothing ever quite like that.

[Jerry Lawler]
I am right there wit....

Lawler is cut off by Michael Cole who looks like he was being told information through his earpiece. Cole tells Lawler he is sorry for interrupting but has just received important information about Dead Mans Hand that he had just been told to announce.

[Michael Cole]
Ladies and gentlemen, I have just received word that at Dead Mans Hand the match that just took place that ended in a very mysterious way has been scheduled for Dead Mans Hand. So Sami Callihan vs. Dave Crist will be having the match that was suppose to happen tonight but the wheel will obviously put a twist on just what type of match will take place.

Cole sits back down and then the camera fades to commercial.

As Breakdown cuts away from the previous segment, the cameras take us to the on site gym where XWL Superstar, Cody Rhodes is seen preparing for his match later on tonight against Randy Orton. The camera pans in closer onto Rhodes and we see that he's lying down across a workout bench, sporting his in ring gear and trademark hooded jacket as he lifts the weights.



While lifting the weights, Cody notices a woman entering the gym out of the corner of his eye, and as the woman comes closer Cody realises it's none other than Candice LeRae, but attempts to put her out of his mind as he continues to focus on his weightlifting as she approaches. Candince stands beside Cody, smiling gleefully, which is enough to distract Cody, he lowers his weights back onto the bench and sits up. Looking straight at Candice, he somehow doesn't seem to notice the transparent plastic mask covering her face. Grabbing a towel from the ground beside the bench, he places it on his shoulders, not looking at candice, he speaks...

Cody Rhodes
Did you want something?

Candice is shown gawking at Cody before snapping out of her mesmorized state. She clears her throat before begining to speak in a soft tone.

Candice LeRae
Uh yeah... I was just coming to intr...introduce myself to you. I just debuted a couple of weeks ago and figured now would be the best time to since you're not distracted.

Cody looks around the gym as if to tell Candice that he's clearly distracted. He reaches down to his bag beside him and pulls out a water bottle. He pulls the cap off in his hand.

Cody Rhodes
That's nice.

Clearly uninterested, Cody stands up from the bench and picks up his bag, moving towards the weightlifting station, he heads over to the shelves and pulls out some weights, only to turn around and see that Candice hasn't taken the hint.

Candice LeRae
So how have you been? I know Brie just left recently so that's gotta be tough.

Hearing Brie's name peaks Cody's interest. He holds the weights in his left hand down by his side as he replies.

Cody Rhodes
I won't lie, it hit me pretty hard. It's been quite a while since I've met someone like Brie. I mean, someone who made me want to change everything about myself. That doesn't happen too often to a man like me. It is probably for the best though, it didn't really take her too long to turn to Morrison. They deserve each other as far as I'm concerned.

Cody heads over to the equipment closes to him and leans his arm against the rest, proceeding to lift more weights as Candice looks on.



Candice puts a hand on Rhodes shoulder and  tries to comfort him.

Candice LeRae
Awe you seem so... so heartbroken. Is there anything I can do to help?

Cody laughs

Cody Rhodes
Heartbroken? Really? That's how I seem to you?

Cody drops his weights on the ground and turns to LeRae.

Cody Rhodes
Sure, I might have been a little bit torn up at first. I mean she was the first woman I've taken an interest to in a long, long time, and I was foolish enough to think that she was genuine, that she wasn't just beautiful on the outside, but that she was a rare breed who was also somehow... beautiful on the inside as well. Clearly I overestimated her., She turned out to be just like all the other women in this company, a trashy little tart. As soon as Morrison walked in, she forgot all about me, and in an instant, she took hold of any and all of the good feelings I had and crushed them into tiny little pieces. I suppose I should thank her really for doing me a favour, now I won't be wasting any more time with pathetic useless woman, now I can go back to focusing on the only person who matters, and that's me by the way..

Candice walks in front of Cody and puts her hand under his chin and tilts his head up.

Candice LeRae
Come on Cody, not all women are like that. Just look at me for instance. I'm sure that you would not be wasting your time if you where with... with... me. I can pick those pieces up that the trashy little Bella broke for you and I can sew them back together and make you new again.

Cody smiles at Candice.

Cody Rhodes
That's so nice of you Candice. Maybe after that, I can meet your parents and we can get married by a lake, maybe go on a honeymoon, make some little Cody's and live happily ever after.

Cody starts to laugh again, but this time in more of a cruel tone, Candice's expression drops as he pushes her away.

Cody Rhodes
I don't know what world you live in, but this is reality, and in reality, men as dashing as myself don't date women as... grotesque as you. I mean you must be insane to think that you had a chance with me. Just look at yourself, your nose.. that's a disgusting mess...

Cody looks her up and down.

Cody Rhodes
The rest of you is nothing to boast about either... . You wear a protective face guard for god sakes, how can anyone fall in love with something like that?

Cody laughs again and shakes his head as grabs hold of his gym bag. And places his bottle back into it before turning back to Candice.

Cody Rhodes
Really?

He laughs again as he turns to leave, he mouths something under his breath as he goes.

Cody Rhodes
Nutjob



Cody exits the gym leaving Candice standing alone, dumbfounded. Candice starts to tear up before turning around looking into a near by mirror. The camera is showing Candice looking into the mirror before she slowly mutters out.

Candice LeRae
Am... am.... am I really that ugly?!

She drops to her knees and starts to take off the face guard. She lays it down next to her and looks up at the mirror again. The camera zooms in and clearly shows where Paige broke LeRae's nose in two different places. Masscare is starting to run on Candices face as she slowly starts to put the guard back on.

Candice LeRae
Cody's right. Why should someone as grotesque as me be with anyone. I'm going to die alone with nothing but this face guard.

LeRae rises to her feet and runs off out of the gym crying her eyes out as the camera fades to commercial.

Breakdown returns from a short commercial break as the commentary team is yammering back and forth. 

Michael Cole
And on that note ladies and gentleman, up next we have Mr. Kennedy taking on John Morrison in what is sure to be an instant classic! 

J.R.
After what happened last week between Mr. Kennedy and the returning Kevin Steen, I'm wondering if Kennedy is even going to be able to make it out here tonight! 

Michael Cole
For those of you who missed last weeks episode, Kevin Steen returned after several months on the shelf, and without speaking a single word, he viciously attack Mr. Kennedy, hitting his signature package piledriver. Take a look . . .

The screen fades out to a playback of what took place last week after the Mr. Kennedy and Triple H match. 



J.R
That is Kevin Steen's music, we haven't heard from Kevin Steen in months.

Michael Cole
Oh please god I hope this is just a mistake, I thought he had left again and not come back.

Michael Cole was wrong because out comes Kevin Steen on the ramp to a mixed reaction from the fans. But something is up because Steen barely stops to take in the reaction, he has his eyes firmly on the ring and Mr Kennedy who looks puzzled standing in that very ring. Steen is storming at a fast pace towards the ring. He climbs up the steps and enters through the ropes and walks to the other side and looks to be demanding a microphone. Someone hands him the mic and he snatches it and starts tapping on it to make sure it is working.

J.R
Looks like Kevin Steen has a few words to say on his return, I am for one intrigued on what he has to say.

Michael Cole
Are you serious? I thought we were starting to cut back on the colorful language and the offensive words but looks like its back now doesn't it.

Kevin Steen walks over to Kennedy with the mic in his hand. He gets right up in Kennedy's personal space which he looks a little annoyed about but I don't think he is in the right physical state to do anything about it. Steen lifts the mic in the air then drops it like he is simulating dropping a pipe bomb ala CM Punk. Kennedy is just about to say something when he is kicked square in the gut and Steen grabs him and hits the



Package Piledriver!!!!!

J.R
Good god almighty, what the hell was that for?? He just dropped him on his damn head for no reason!

King
Someone send out the EMT's, he is in need of help!

The replay ends and as soon as it does, Mr. Kennedy's theme music hits the PA system, sending the fans to their feet. 



Rubbing the back of his neck, Kennedy steps out onto the stage, a sour look on his face. He heads off down the ramp, ignoring the fans in a rush to the ring. 



Kennedy quickly enters the ring, once again taking his hand and placing it on the back of his neck, clearly in pain. He centers himself then calls for his microphone, the fans in a frenzy. 



He clears his throat, walking around for a few seconds before the lights dim down low and he brings the mic to his face. 



Mr. Kennedy
I'm going to get straight to the point here, folks. Kevin Steen . . . I don't know you. I've never met you and to be honest with you, I didn't even know you were on the roster. So it's oblivious to me why you felt the need to physically assault me after my match with Triple H last week. To prove a point? To make an example? To make your big return? I don't know, and honestly, I don't care. You picked the wrong guy, Kevin. You kicked the hornets next, buddy, and it's ready to kick back. You may think that you're some big up and comer, but I've got some bad news for you. The only thing up and coming in your career, is a nice cozy hospital bed. But I've heard about you before, I've heard about your tactics. How you get things done. You're more of a hit and run type guy, gorilla warfare . . . You look the part. You're not a REAL man, you won't come out here and face me down, no. You're going to wait until I've got my back turned to do your business. But two can play at that game, Kevin. It's only a matter of time until we're in this ring together, and once we are, you're going to regret ever crossing paths with me. Until then . . . All I've got to say is . . . Keep one eye open! 

Kennedy whips his head back, shouting at the top of his lungs-

MMMMMMRRRRRR!!!! . . . . KKKKEEEENNNNEEEEDDDDYYYY!!! 

He pauses, letting the fans join in as he looks straight ahead.



KEN-NE-DY!!!!

His microphone zips back up through the air as Kennedy removes his shirt, awaiting his opponent for the night, John Morrison. 

Normal Match
 

DING! DING! DING!

Announcer
Here's your winner . . . Mr. Kennedy!!!

Michael Cole
WOW, what an amazing match we just witnessed you guys! It's truly a shame to see John Morrison leave, but what a way to go out! 

J.R.
You can say that again! Morrison has had an amazing career here, and tonight he poured his heart and soul into his last match and it payed off. Let's look at some replays here . . .

Key moments from the match are replayed as Kennedy and Morrison regroup in the ring. Moments like when Morrison hit his springboard roundhouse kick on Kennedy when he was out on the ring apron, sending him tumbling to the outside. Or when Kennedy kicked out JUST before the three count after a wicked Starship Pain. To the end of the match where John went for his second Moonlight Drive but Kennedy reversed it into a Mic Check for the win. The replays end and we're taken back to the ring where Kennedy and Morrison stand face to face. They mouth some words to one another, then shake hands, Kennedy hugging John and thanking him for such an amazing match. The fans chant John's name, "Morrison! Morrison! Morrison!" "Thank you John! Thank you John! Thank you John!" Morrison takes his final bow before exiting the ring, Kennedy watching him as he leaves, clapping his hands the whole time. Just as John vanishes behind the stage for the last time, the mood in the arena turns sour as Kennedy is struck down from behind. Kevin Steen stands over the already wounded Kennedy, stepping on his back with one foot. But that changes quickly as Kennedy fights back, twisting around and taking down Steen by tackling his leg. A brawl ensues, Kennedy hammering down on Kevin with a flurry of lefts and rights. They end up rolling out of the ring, Steen now on top of Kennedy as he shoots off some shots of his own. They both get to their feet, ramming one another into the barricades until they're over by the announce table, Kennedy's head getting stuck off of the top of it.


Kennedy is dazed after his head smashes off the announce table. Steen steps back and goes charges at Kennedy and clotheslines him over the announce table knocking down J.R in the process. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler are helping J.R up to his feet and in the way of the carnage. Steen climbs up on the announce table and grabs Kennedy and is trying to pull him up but Kennedy manages to break free and stumbles in the timeskeepers section. Steen gets down and follows him. Steen gets to the section but Kennedy jumps up and starts laying in the fists causing Steen to stumble back whilst the fans are starting to get fired up and getting behind Kennedy.

Kennedy hits one big shot which causes Steen to fall back against the announce table. Kennedy looks around and seems to be looking for something to give him an advantage over Kevin Steen. Kennedy grabs the ringbell then spots Steen getting back to a level footing, Kennedy runs with the ringbell towards Steen, Kennedy swings but Steen ducks and back body drops Kennedy onto the announce table which surprisingly does not break. Kennedy holds his back as it was a hard landing. Steen turns around climbs the announce table and then grabs Kennedy and then ......





PACKAGE PILEDRIVER RIGHT THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!!!!





Kennedy is out cold, he lays there in a crumpled mess whilst Steen just sits there staring at the destruction similar to last week. Steen has a blank look on his face as the EMTs rush to the aid of Kennedy. Officials are also down there trying to clear the area and trying to get Steen out of there but he just stares at them with that same blank stare. The officials don't know how to deal with Steen but they don't have to worry about that for too long because he just gets up pushes them out of his way and exits the ringside through the crowd. The segment fades to a advert for the upcoming XWL Blu-ray release. 

After the advert for the blu-ray release we are backstage with XWL newest addition, Adam Cole and he is about to be interviewed.



Interviewer
Ladies and Gentlemen, thanks for joining me this evening because my guest right now is a man who has recently signed for XWL after having a impressive career on the independent scene, his name is Adam Cole. Adam how are you today?



Adam Cole
I am very well thanks and I am also looking forward to this interview live on Breakdown.



Interviewer
So am I Adam. Well Adam you recently signed to XWL as of last week when you came live on Breakdown to announce to the XWL universe that you had joined up. How does it feel to take such a big step into the number 1 company in professional wrestling.



Adam Cole
Oh man, I am so happy about signing for the big leagues. I said it last week that I have been part of the indies for quite awhile even though I am still a young cat in this game but when I got the call to find out that XWL were interested in bringing me in and I was honored and it would of been stupid of me to turn it down. Like you said this is the number one company in the wrestling industry and for my chance to perform in front of millions of fans on global television and show you what I can bring to the table is very exciting for me?



Interviewer
Ok Adam, so tonight you get you chance because tonight you will have your debut match with a XWL main stay, a XWL veteran somebody who has held gold here in XWL, that man is Alex Shelley. What are your thoughts?



Adam Cole
I cannot wait for this match, Alex is a great wrestler and he has proved why he is a great one with some of the matches he has had in XWL. I have met Shelley on the odd occasion on the Indy seen but never had the chance to face one another so this will be a first for me but don't confuse this for being starstruck or in awe or anything like that because I am not here to be marking out over every wrestler here, I am here to climb that ladder, I am here to win  and win is something I will do. Alex Shelley, I respect you but tonight I am going to beat you and claim my first victory here in XWL. I know that match is coming soon so I best get ready for my match so Breakdown, XWL, XWL universe get ready for Adam Cole in live and living color.

Adam Cole shakes the interviewers hand then walks off the screens then we fade to the commercial break.

-Alex Shelley-
Don’t adjust your sets, ladies and gentlemen, you’re eyes aren’t fooling you: this is, in fact, The Technical Messiah Alex Shelley in the flesh, and even though it’s been a rough couple of weeks for me, it only takes one win to get the train back on the tracks so it can keep chugging along to its glorious destination. See, when I came back everything was smelling like roses. I was in top form, everything was clicking and I never felt better. But now… now it’s like somebody flipped down the light switch or pulled up the emergency break because all of sudden, instead of roses, it smells like Brock Lesnarwalked into the room, and instead of everything clicking, things have slowly been starting to fall apart and if I’m not careful I might open my eyes one day and find myself at square zero or in purgatory and you never want to be that close to Dolph Ziggler.

-Alex Shelley-
You really hate to see the losses pile up, because heck, even Justin Bieber doesn’t sell out every stadium, but when it starts to happen week after week you start to doubt and you start to wonder if you have it in you to turn it around. See, when I came back from Japan, I was on fire, like I could do no wrong. Then one thing led to another and it’s almost like all the hard work I put in studying tapes and polishing my craft has been negated like I were the Intercontinental title or something. That kind of crushing feel is like hooking up with this really hot chick and then finding out she messed with your save data when your back was turned. And in this economy, going back to Japan isn’t an option. I’m not going to run away, not when there’s still so many loose ends to get sorted.

-Alex Shelley-
The funny thing is, if one move had gone differently, if I was able to reverse one kick or one slam I wouldn’t even be having this conversation with a camera hoping that JB remembered to turn it on. Rumor has it that CM Punk is still out celebrating his victory and they’re worried that cashing in Money in the Bank would be a step down for him and they’re cooking up a contingency plan. Then there’s Chris Hero who crawled back under whatever rock he was in before he promised this time would be the time he got his act together and I don’t think I’m the only one waiting for Johnny Gargano’s attitude to bite him in the ass. Somewhere along the line the Alex Shelley “Blast from the Past” tour became a “Take a look at these young bucks who we think could be the future of this company” tour. I’m sorry about the name, I told JB that was too long to fit onto a shirt and we’re working on making it not the way it is.

-Alex Shelley-
But in the meantime, tonight I’m going up against the impressive Adam Cole. A guy who’s turning heads in this business and he hasn’t even gotten through puberty yet. While I appreciate XWL thinking I’m the measuring stick and throwing all these fresh faces at me, they should find a way to get me in the ring against myself, because if they’re worried about the future, then they need to look no further than Alex Shelley. Because while all these guys may look cool, nine times out of ten they’re a flash in the pan, and my math may not be what it once was, but I’m thinking that those aren’t good odds. Meanwhile, Alex Shelley is a proven commodity. Alex Shelley is the kind of guy you can count on to make the good times bad.

-Alex Shelley-
Alex Shelley is like dessert for breakfast or water in the desert. When the show is dragging on and it looks like all hope is lost, Alex Shelley is the cheat code to make things interesting again and just like that the ratings are up again. I’ve been through some rough times before, like having to eat a pancake without syrup, yet I’m still kicking today, so that has to count for something, right? A wise man once said that’s he’s evergreen, and I can’t help but feel the same way. And just like Kermit the Frog, I’m going to use what brought me to the dance and do a little number for Adam Cole before I end his debut on a sour note. I’ve never one to guarantee things I can’t deliver on, but there’s never been anything that I’ve said that I haven’t seen through to the end.

-Alex Shelley-
So with that said, Cole, you may not be star struck or in awe now, but when you learn the hard way just how big the talent gap between the two of us is, something tells me that you’re going to want to re-watch our match sometime down the road with a pen and pad in hand so that you can write down in excruciating detail just how many times I made you look like a rookie in there and maybe you can call up Cody Rhodes so he can give you some pointers on getting through the embarrassment. Then I want you to take a look at everything you wrote down and number that list so that later on you can count all the reasons why no matter how high up you get on that ladder, you will always be a couple of rungs below me.

-Alex Shelley-
Right now XWL is looking for a man that is fit to call himself the Intercontinental Champion. Between Kurt Angle letting Tyson Kidd slip away with my match against Wade Barrett and getting blasted by Sweet Chin Music, that belt has always been just out of my reach. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be, like a decent video game adaption of a movie, or maybe XWL is forgetting the goldmine that is Alex Shelley, or maybe Adam Cole and I just need to go out there and tear the house down so that they can get a pleasant reminder.

Johnny you made a big mistake tonight you have let out the demon out inside of me you destroyed my pride and joy you attacked me with a steel chair and you spit in the face of everything i stand Johnny you have awaken the vowels of hell this is my yard son and you disrespected me in my own yard you have a death wish kid.at dead mans hand you have a whole new undertaker coming at you i am coming to fight and you will REST...IN....PIECE!!!

Normal Match


We are back from commercial break and this match between The Miz and JBL is now in full swing. Before the match started JBL came down to the ring, with a limo of sorts, he was not like his normal self, he looked injured. The Miz being the opportunist that he is, used this injury to his own personal gain as he targeted the leg throughout the match. With us now being back from commercial break, The Miz would be in control. He had JBL in one of the ring corners as he kicked at his injured leg. JBL pushed The Miz away but the awesome one came back with a swift kick right to the gut, The Miz would then push JBL out of the ring corner as he then moves behind him and connects with a Springboard bulldog. JBL hit the mat hard as The Miz then started to kick at the injured leg, even jumping up and dropping his knee right down into it. JBL screams out in pain as he then forces himself up onto his feet. The Miz then runs the ropes and flies right at JBL, connecting with a Diving double axe handle! JBL is down again and The Miz was not wasting time as he dropped down and made the cover.

ONE!!! .....

TWO!!!! ......

JBL got the shoulder up just in time. There was still fight left in him. The Miz looked a little bit frustrated that he didn’t put JBL away with that move. The years of verbal abuse had gotten to him, The Miz was a man on a mission, he wanted to prove his worth, he wanted to prove he was better than JBL. The Miz yanks JBL up as he then connects with a Inverted facelock backbreaker followed by a neckbreaker. JBL was down and out as The Miz held his arms up, he taunted to the crowd and signalled the end. The Miz went for the Figure-four leglock, but JBL still had strength in his legs as he kicked The Miz away. JBL was back up, injured leg and all as he quickly grabbed a stunned Miz and span him around and smashed him with the Release powerbomb! The Miz rolls to the side of the ring and uses the ring ropes to pull himself up. He spins around and is almost killed as JBL connects with the Clothesline From Hell! The Miz was down and out as JBL crumbled. He fell down onto one knee, his injury giving him bother. It took him several seconds to make the cover as he pinned The Miz.

ONE!!! .....

TWO!!!! ......

The Miz had just enough time to get his foot onto the bottom ring rope. JBL looked annoyed as he got up and complained to the referee. The referee held his ground that The Miz beat the count. JBL was not pleased by this as he then pushed the referee backwards. As he staggers backwards. The Miz crawls behind JBL and connects with a low-blow! The referee didn’t see it as The Miz was back up as he grabbed JBL and drilled him down to the ground with the Skull-Crushing Finale! The Miz was quick this time around as he grabbed JBL legs and quickly wasted little time as he locked in the Figure-four leglock. JBL screams out in pain, his injury making it all the more painful. The Miz adds the pressure on as JBL is forced to tap out, giving the awesome one the victory!

Winner: The Miz

The awesome one had done it, he had defeated JBL and this time he did it without a cheap roll-up, he defeated him fair and square. The referee raises his hand up into the air as The Miz demands to have a microphone handed to him which he gets of course.



THE MIZ
JBL I hope you have finally learnt your place. I hope you have finally opened your eyes and seen what I already know, that I am better than you. That I have surpassed you. Years ago you insulted me on the commentary table. You said I would never make it, you said I didn’t have what it takes, but look at you now. I have defeated you not once, but twice and I have proved without a shadow of a doubt that I am better than you. There is only one man who is must see here, there is only one man on the roster that has the ability to draw the people to the television sets and put their asses in these seats and that man is me! I AM THE MOST MUST SEE WRESTLER IN HISTORY! I am the reason people watch this show, not you JBL! I am the reason why our match was  great! JBL you are nothing to me and I have proved that to you. JBL I hope you have finally seen that you are not in my league because I am in a league of my own!

The Miz would take a step back and with a calm confident look he would elevate his voice, saying his catchphrase with a calm aggression.

BECAUSE I’M THE MIZ…

Miz would pause now, taking a breath the expression on his face not changing as he is wrapping up his promo.

AND I’M…

With a final pause and a step back once more the Miz would keep his hand clenched in front of him and finish his catchphrase but instead of shouting it he would continue to say it with a calm but aggressive tone to his voice.

AWESOME!

The cameras return from commercial brake and we see Candice LeRae walking down to the ring wearing a protective face mask after the brutal assault from Paige last week. The camera then cuts to the number one contender for the Divas Championship Layla. She is walking to the entrance as well and is seen talking to people on her way. The "up next" graphic comes up and then the camera fades to commercial.




vs.

The camera fades back in from the commercial break and now Candice is in the middle of the ring with her music playing in the background. She is sitting in the corner and adjusting her facemask. LeRae stands up once her name is announced and then her music fades and Laylas begins to play and the camera pans to the stage.



Layla walks out onto the stage to loud cheers from the crowd. She puts her hands through her hand and then poses before walking down to the ramp. Layla claps the hands of the fans on one side of the ramp then turns around and goes to clap the other fans hands. She walks around the ringside area and claps all the fans hands and then climbs up onto the apron and climbs into the ring. Layla gets up onto the middle rope and does one of her signature poses on the top rope before turning to LeRae. Layla walks up to her with an arm extended looking for handshake, LeRae looks back and forth at the crowd then shakes her head and extends her hand and the two divas shake showing a sign of respect for one another. The ref turns and signals for the bell and the match begins.

Layla and Candice LeRae circle each other in the ring then they both approach each other. Both divas extend there right arm and they lock hands then do the same for their left hands. LeRae and Layla begin to have a test of strength battle. Layla looks to have control of the battle but LeRae starts to fight back until Layla trips LeRae's leg dropping her to the mat. They let go of each others hands then Layla taunts trying to get the audience hyped as LeRae makes her way back to her feet. LeRae is back up to her feet and Layla steps in near LeRae and the two lock up into a collar and elbow tie up before LeRae takes control by getting a headlock on Layla. LeRae goes for a headlock takeover but Layla blocks it standing her ground. Layla clubs Candice in the back then pushes her off into the ropes. LeRae hits the ropes but right as she touches the ropes Layla is right there with a kick to the gut then a quick snap suplex! Layla goes for a pin but LeRae kicks out at one and Layla locks in a headlock quickly to keep control. LeRae fights out of it after a few seconds with by wrapping her legs around Layla's neck and locks in a leg lock tightly around her neck. Layla clearly shows right away that she is choking and tries to fight out of it fastly. Layla kips up to her feet and doing so forced LeRae to let go of the leg lock. Layla turns to LeRae and kicks her in the gut then gets LeRae into a headlock. Layla transitions back into a waist lock and then goes for a german suplex. LeRae blocks it and reverses into her own waist lock on Layla. LeRae tries for her german but Layla counters with a elbow to the mask! LeRae instantly lets go and walks into the corner checking herself taking her attention away from Layla to make sure she is ok. Layla sees LeRae not looking so she sets up for the bombshell! LeRae slips her protective mask up to check her nose but makes the mistake of looking back and when she turned, Layla hit a huge bombshell to the unprotected face of Candice LeRae! The face mask fly's off onto the mat and LeRae get knocked out from the huge roundhouse kick! Layla drops down for the pin and the referee counts.

1....

2....

3...!

Winner:






Layla's theme strikes the P.A, the crowd cheering appropriately for the number one contender coming out victorious heading into her championship rematch next week at Dead Mans Hand.

[JR]
Layla wins, what an impressive victory over the young new prospect to the divas division.

[King]
She should've left that mask alone, it might have softened the blow of that roundhouse, but instead it got kicked right off her pretty little face!

[Michael Cole]
Paige has her bag of tricks, The Paige Turner, Rampaige, The Scorpion Cross lock...but Layla's got her own set of nifty maneuvers. The always ever impressive Bombshell, The never failing Layout, and a literal stunner, The Facelift.

The referee grabs The British Beauty's arm, raising it in victory. The crowd continue to cheer, meanwhile Candice can be seen shielding her face, rolling under the ropes to search for the mask that went flying after that hard roundhouse.



[King]
Layla's bounced back from last week's loss, when Paige cost Layla her match against Michelle McCool, but will she continue this wave of momentum into her fourth reign as champion?

[Michael Cole]
I'd say a big factor is going to be whatever that wheel lands on when it comes time to spin it.

[JR]
Layla's no stranger to stepping out of her comfort zone, in fact a lot of the time that's what fuels her to do the unthinkable.

[King]
This is a tough woman, she might look sweet, innocent, and fragile but Layla's been through hell, literally!

[Michael Cole]
She's been here the longest out of any other woman to step foot into this company, that's dedication that speaks volumes. She's always reinventing herself, trying new things, adding new moves to her repertoire. Layla is a good test for Paige as champion, because as we saw two weeks ago, Layla almost dethroned Paige.

[JR]
About time you admit it, Cole.

[Michael Cole]
Key word, almost...

[King]
Layla's not like others, she endures a tough loss, like at Final Stand, and it doesn't defeat her. She keeps that confidence, that assurance in herself, and we saw how that effected Paige. She didn't expect that, she thought she had broken Layla, physically and mentally, but she's only motivated her that much more.

A replay of the kick plays for the live audience, and in a cutaway for those at home. Candice goes down hard, instantly holding her face, allowing Layla to get the three count. An unseen at first clip of Candice scrambling to cover her face with the mask follows that replay of the end. Candice appears to be distraught over being struck in the face again, she's emotionally more upset than she was, hiding from the cameras to the best of her ability. Back to the live show, Layla's overjoyed at her victory, being joined by Matt Striker now in the center of the ring.



[Matt Striker]
Layla, congratulations! How do you feel after a win like that?

The microphone lowers towards her, she smiles, fixing her hair a bit, getting it out of her eyes before catching her breath and moving closer to the microphone.




Who wouldn't feel good heading into a championship match with a win? I'm ready, I'm raring to go, and unfortunately for Candice...tonight there was no playing around. Any other time I might have eased up, she is the rookie after all, and appears to be going through some stuff right now. But, this is all about sending Paige a message, she sent me one last week when she reunited me with my title, and rest assured, the night is young, my message to her will be loud, and CLEAR.

[Matt Striker]
This has turned into an unofficial best of five, Dead Mans Hand will be the fifth time you two have stepped in that ring against one another, you each hold two wins, what type of match will give you that all important edge?




I don't need an edge, when have I ever had an edge? Did a Stretcher Match against The Beautiful People favor me? It was two on one, and I showed everyone that night that I was not to be taken lightly. When Mick Foley threw me the biggest bombshell of all, and placed me inside Hell in a Cell with the...mentally off Mickie James, I didn't cower in fear. I rose up to the challenge, and limped out of hell with my head held high, and my briefcase still in my hands. In fact, I say the most elaborate, the better. Throw us in a Lion's Den, because I'll go full cougar on that kitten. Light the ring on fire, so her reign can end in a blaze of glory. I am mentally, and physically prepared for anything.

[Matt Striker]
Do you not have any fears, I mean...some of that stuff on the wheel can make even the strongest of men cower.




Contrary to what Paige would like to lead everyone to believe, we "divas" are a lot tougher than people think. Unlike Paige, I haven't been wrestling since I was thirteen, apparently that makes me "weak" and I'm supposed to wanna hit someone with a pillow, not a steel chair. But Paige should know better by now, I'm not your typical diva, I'm The Quintessential Diva. Pure, real, ever changing, ready for anything, and expecting just that. Yeah Paige made me tap out at Final Stand, but did you see what happened two weeks later when she tried to do it again? If Paige thinks I'm just going to lie down, buy into the hype she throws around for herself, then I guess she doesn't really know me as well as she likes to think.

[Matt Striker]
A very strong statement there Layla, do you have anything you'd like to say to Paige if she's back there watching?




Oh, I know she's watching. She's clinging to The Divas title, shaking her head defiantly, tell anyone near or far that she isn't worried, that she has nothing to worry about. But truthfully, she knows I'm a threat to her, that's why she's gone out of her way to get in my head, but all she's done...is make it so much easier to get in hers.





As if right on cue, the theme of the “Anti-Diva” in question begins to play throughout the arena as Layla looks out towards the stage, awaiting the arrival of current Divas Champion, Paige.



Paige walks out from behind the curtain and stands on the stage, the Divas Championship hanging proudly over her shoulder as she looks out towards the ring, seeing her opponent in six nights pick up a much needed victory just moments ago. She removes her championship from her shoulder and raises it into the air, showing not only Layla, but the live audience in attendance and the people watching at home the prize that's at stake come Dead Man's Hand.



She lowers the championship back down over her shoulder and begins walking down the ramp, inching closer and closer to the ring. Layla doesn't take her eyes off of the self proclaimed “Anti-Diva,” knowing full well that Paige will try something, anything, to get under her skin. Upon making it to the bottom of the ramp, Paige opts not to do her usual entrance and instead climbs up the ring steps before entering the ring, a microphone in hand.



{Paige}
Congratulations on your “win,” Layla, congratulations on beating someone who has no business in a wrestling ring in the first place. You really are desperate for a victory, aren't you? I mean, you saw what I did to little Candice LeRae last week, you knew that she wasn't at 100%, so you just had to beg to get a match against her just to make you feel superior heading into Dead Man's Hand, didn't you?



{Paige}
It's the same old story with you, Layla, you become champion, you act like you're the top “diva” even though you won the championship on a technicality, then when you get bested, you put on an act and pretend to be sincere about your loss. Then after you get called out on it, you try to turn it around on the person that bested you and the real you comes out.



{Paige}
Layla, you're as much as a fluke as your reign was, you're nothing but a pretender, you act like the best in this division, but we both know that the only person that can call themselves the best in this division is standing right in front of you. I proved that at Final Stand, when I made you submit in the center of this ring and became Divas Champion for the first time in my career. Dead Man's Hand is a bit different, we don't have to agree on a stipulation, the wheel that's spun does that for us.



{Paige}
It could be any match imaginable, literally. It could be Hell in a Cell, a match that you made “history” in, or it could be a Last Woman Standing match, you know, the match I won for us back when we were still a “team.” It could even be a Ladder Match, what better way to retain this Divas Championship than knowing that you'll laid out in the center of the ring, forced to watch me climb up a ladder and retrieve my Divas Championship? Whatever the wheel lands on, I'll be ready for it. The possibilities are endless, as are the ways for me to keep you down.

Amused, Layla turns to the crowd, seeing the same look on their faces as she now has on hers.


Remind me to never give you "props" ever again, you'll just try to twist that around and call it underhanded. Contrary to whatever you "believe" I was actually happy for you. You know, friends are supposed to be happy for each other's success. But that's not exactly something you'd know anything about, so I suppose that explains your blatant immaturity. Look Paige, you can think you're the best, but you're not the first to think so, and you sure as hell won't be the last. I've lived this whole story myself, and you know how it ends? Spoiler alert, you find out that you're not!



Paige bites her tongue, standing there with a straight faced expression, not interrupting even though it's obvious she has something to say about Layla's "comparison."


The only one of us that's pretending, is you. My accomplishments speak for themselves. You can call one, maybe two a fluke, but sweetie....there's a lot more than just one or two, I've been here since the beginning, and girls like you...well, since we're friends...I'll just give it to you straight. You don't last. You promised to be this guiding light, this "Anti-Diva" years ago, and it's taken you until now to finally do anything. You're all hype, for yourself. You are good, but how good can somebody really be if they have to run away from their first defense like a scared little puppy dog? If you're so great, why did you get counted out? Huh? Why not make me tap out again? I wasn't worth your time? I was sure worth your time last week when you cost me my match against Michelle McCool. So what is it, am I not worth your time, or are you just...full of it?



{Paige}
If by “it” you mean talent, then yes, I am full of it. It's quite funny that you bring up me “running” from my first defense, you know, considering that after you “won” this championship, you didn't defend it until two months later. That's the pot calling the kettle black, Layla, but unlike you, I actually defended this championship, I actually made it past my first defense, where as you, you lost it to me.



{Paige}
“I won't last,” that's the biggest lie you've told so far, Layla. If I won't last, then how have I been here for years? How have I survived this long? If I won't last, then why did you decide to form the United Queendom with none other than myself? Jealousy, is that it? You're jealous that I've surpassed you? You're envious of what I accomplished at such a young age? That's it, isn't it? You know that I'm just getting started and now that I have this Divas Championship, there's nothing stopping me from rising to the top.



{Paige}
This is proof that when you take away chance, when you take away luck, and the only thing you leave is talent, it's only a matter of time before talent prevails. Had last years Final Stand been a one on one match, like this years was, I would have won this a long time ago. And don't you try to belittle me because I bested you on the grandest stage of them all, don't be envious because your time has passed, while mine is just getting started.


Ironic that you don't want me to belittle you, considering that's all you ever seem to do yourself. Maybe I'd still be champion too if I took the easy way out and got myself counted out. But you of course overlook the fact that that's the only reason that title is still with you, and not with me. But next week, you won't be able to run, you won't be able to hide on any technicality. You flunked your first test as champion, you showed that you're not an "Anti-Diva" you're just a coward that doesn't practice what you preach. So here's your second chance, win...like a REAL champion, or lose with the last bit of dignity you have left. For someone that calls themselves the best, you sure don't prove it when the time comes, now do you? Everything you say, every little dig you take at me, it's all overshadowed by one thing.

Layla raises one finger up close to Paige's face.


You couldn't beat me two weeks ago, so you took your title, and ran away. Nobody gives a damn about anything before that, because just recently you had the chance to prove that Final Stand was the start of a new era, a new divas division. Did you prove anything of the sort? No, I expected a match, win or lose I wanted an actual match from start to finish. You robbed me of my rematch, you robbed the fans of a good match, but most of all...you robbed yourself of the right to talk down to me, or anybody else back there. I didn't ask you to come out here, so why don't you just take a page out of your play book, and get to steppin'.



Paige contemplates Layla's request, seemingly thinking long and hard about it, before she comes up with an answer.

{Paige}
I got a better idea...

With that, Paige tosses the microphone aside and takes a step towards Layla, who does the same as both champion and challenger engage in a staredown. A smirk graces the face of the champion, but before she could do anything, Striker gets inbetween them both, bringing a halt to what ever both women were going to do to one another. He may have brought an end to things ending poorly for either of them, but he couldn't stop the palm of Paige's hand meeting Layla's cheek with a sound that echos throughout the arena.

Layla takes a step back, one hand on her cheek, the other wildly missing Paige's face as the champion exits the ring, a smirk still on her face. Striker holds Layla back from getting her hands on Paige, who is shown walking up the ramp with her championship hanging over her shoulder. He continues to attempt to calm Layla down, getting a slap across his face for his efforts. Layla looks towards Paige, rage overtaking her as Paige, now on the stage, holds up the Divas Championship high into the air. The night if far from over and with just six days separating now and their impending war, who will walk into Dead Man's Hand with the momentum in their favor?

XWL returns live and sees CM Punk and Paul Heyman standing in the ring, Paul Heyman with a microphone in hand.

[Paul Heyman]
Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman! I am the advocate for the Beast incarnate, Brrrrrock Lesnar! I am the guiding light that will take the Swiss Superman, The King of Swing: Cesaro to the top of this company and I also have the honour to say that I am the best friend to the Best Wrestler in the World: CM Punk! Ladies and Gentlemen you may very well boo me but you must show me respect, because by my side two of the best and the absolute best have taken this company by storm once again, this is a little note for anybody that wants to be a future “Paul Heyman Guy” and that is the skies the limit, if you want success you better pray that your name can be associated with Paul Heyman.

[Paul Heyman]
Now I'm not saying this out of ego, I'll be the first to admit I have a very large ego but it is not misplaced, everyone that stands with me finds success. By my side, the Best Incarnate Brrrrock Lesnar was able to take apart the little engine that could: Amazing Red proving that there is no such thing as an underdog story. One mere month under the guidance of Zeb Colter, Cesaro was unfortunate enough to lose his United States Championship but a couple of weeks with me in his ear he was able to overcome and defeat a multiple time former World Heavyweight Champion in Ted Dibiase and when everyone said maybe enough is enough, I told CM Punk that he could achieve more and he became Mr. Money in the Bank!

[Paul Heyman]
What that means Ladies and Gentlemen, is the skies the limit! Under my guidance anything is possible, anything can be achieved and that fact shall be proven later tonight as my client and my best friend CM Punk takes on John Cena. Normally that would be a challenge for a normal superstar but CM Punk isn't normal, he is the best and with Paul Heyman by his side he is unstoppable. So Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you CM Punk!

Paul Heyman drops to a knee and holds the microphone out, bowing to CM Punk as he takes it from his hand. A serious look is on the face of CM Punk, normally when he and Heyman share the ring they are out to have a bit of fun but Punk looks deadly serious this evening.

[[CM Punk]]
Many years ago, for a very long time I had to sit on the side and I had to watch John Cena get the spotlight, everything was aimed towards John Cena and anytime somebody would get close to taking that spotlight away from him he would use his political positioning backstage and muscle that person out of the picture. Look at all the great things over the years, the monsters that took this company by storm, that unstoppable super group that was stopped in his tracks by one solitary man, all the good things that happened in this industry where quickly put to a halt because John Cena was in the ear of some idiotic yes man because he thought that it would make him look strong, that the Superman image wasn't quite complete.

[[CM Punk]]
I gritted my teeth, I watched as John Cena got everything while they wasted the potential, while they ignored the fact that I obtained the potential to surpass John Cena, that I was the Best in the World! It wasn't until I sat up there on that ramp and aired my dirty laundry that they started to take me seriously, it wasn't until that very moment that they realised I am the hottest property in this industry today! From that moment on I took that company by storm, I proved to everyone what I have known since day one and that is that I was the Best Wrestler in the World! But still it wasn't enough, despite this I wasn't the top guy, despite holding their Championship for 434 days I was still not the top dog in their eyes.

[[CM Punk]]
It made me sick, I resented John Cena and I hated every single person that paraded around in their suits and telling everyone that their ideas were the best thing since sliced bread when more often than not, they sucked! But now who is laughing? That company is gone, folded and everyone went to look for work with the majority of us ending up here in XWL. Which I thought would be a fresh start, something new but it's just like history repeating itself because those people made it painfully obvious that they didn't want me near their beloved World Heavyweight Championship, they tried to make damn sure that it never happened but it did and because of this briefcase you can be certain that it is going to happen again!

[[CM Punk]]
But how the mighty have fallen, how the tables have turned because it wasn't too long ago where John Cena was the guy, that everybody loved him and they were all the little kiddies were chanting “Let's Go Cena!” as loudly as their little vocal chords would allow. Do you know what they chant now, John? They chant “CM Punk!”

As soon as Punk makes that remark, a chant of “CM Punk” starts spreading through the crowd. Punk leans over the ropes and holds his microphone close to the crowd to pick up the noise.

[[CM Punk]]
Do you hear that, John? You had everything going for you, you had it all and as long as you had a say in it nobody was going to take it away. But now, you're stepping into my World! This is my yard! As soon as I walked into this company I have proven that fact because there is nobody on this roster, nobody in this Universe that can do the things that I can do! How does it feel? How does it feel to be the guy that has to stand on the sidelines and never get his opportunity? How does it feel to get these countless people that get chosen over you whilst you get constantly overlooked? I know how it feels, you're looking out onto the field and you're starting to resent that star QB but what goes around comes around, John and trust me, you have had this coming for a very, very long time.

[[CM Punk]]
It just goes to show what have you really had to offer all these years? Now we're not in the “Sports Entertainment” world, now we're in the Professional Wrestling world and John, this is my World, this is what I do best! While you just can't seem to survive, so it brings the question, for all the years, what have you truly brought to the table besides your stupid catchphrases, your moronic raps and your nauseating shirts? Behind all of the shtick there was nothing real, everything about you was phony and you can deny it all you want and no doubt you will but how else can you explain being unable to survive in the real world, to make it in my world?

[[CM Punk]]
I played your game, John. I mastered it and I am able to say that I made it on my own but when you're all alone, when there is nobody fighting your battles for you, you just quite seem to make the standard. Paul, what are those three words John Cena lives by?

Paul Heyman walks over to Punk, who holds the microphone to Heyman's mouth.

[Paul Heyman]
Hustle.

As Heyman speaks the word he raises a finger on his hand

[[CM Punk]]
Well we can't deny that one, John does have a great work ethic.

[Paul Heyman]
Loyalty

Heyman raises a second finger

[[CM Punk]]
Again, John is loyal to his fans. Despite their lovely adaption of “John Cena sucks” to fit around his music.

[Paul Heyman]
Respect.

Heyman raises the third finger

[[CM Punk]]
There it is, Mr. Hustle, Loyalty and Respect. Tell me, John... How much respect can you have for a person when you firmly keep your boot in their face and try to hinder their career? Congratulations, you spoke out about Zack Ryder but what about all those other names that you personally put a stop to? What about Umaga? What about the Nexus? You didn't want these people to succeed because it made you look good, you would rather make these people that you are so loyal to suffer through another Cena Vs Orton match instead of giving them something original and worthwhile. You're a fraud, John. This Superman thing you have going on is flawed and filled with contradictions, so the kids that you fight so proudly for are going to grow up flawed and with the wrong messages.

[[CM Punk]]
That is why they have taken to me. That is why your beloved “Cenation” chants my name because with me what you see is what you get, I may not be the nicest guy in the World but at least I am true to myself! I am not parading around being a shameful ass kisser telling the World that I fight for things that not even I uphold! What I fight for is to prove that nothing can hold you back, what I fight for is to prove that there is such a thing as an underdog and what I fight for is to prove that I am the Best in the World! I may do some horrible things but at least I have to balls to come out here and tell you and everybody else exactly what I'm going to do before I do it. That leads us to tonight, John.

[[CM Punk]]
Tonight you step foot in the ring with the Best. Tonight you find out first hand what I have known from day one and that is that I am better than you, John! Ever since I walked into that company you looked down your nose at me, you called me kid and you sat on top of your pedalstool with the false idea that you were untouchable but then I brought your little World to its knees, everything that you did you dirty dealings for, everything that you had a little backroom shuffle with Vince for all come to an abrupt end thanks to CM Punk. Hustle, Loyalty and Respect? I've got three little words for you. Knees to Faces. In this World, in my World only one is the most feared and most deadly, tonight you find out first hand just exactly why that is.

CM Punk drops the microphone in typical fashion, Paul Heyman stands behind him with a smirk on his face, staring on intently as CM Punk raises the Money in the Bank briefcase over his head. XWL then fades into a commecial break.