XWL Warzone: 8/20/2018 - 8/27/2018

LIVE FROM: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI
DEADLINE: 4:30 P.M. EST / 9:30 P.M. GMT

As a video finishes highlighting the journey to XWL's tag team division finally being a reality, we're taken backstage where Renee Young is standing by with none other than The Women's Champion Natalya, title proudly on display over her shoulder, and Miss Money in The Bank April who has her case sat on the ground beside her.

[Renee Young]
Ladies and Gentlemen, my guests at this time will team up tonight against Nikki Cross and Demon Allie where after a turbulent month of chaos and truly unspeakable events that have transpired things will come to a head in that ring which ironically enough will be a war zone. It's hard to even know where to begin, so I'll start off with a lighter note...Natalya last week on Anarchy it was revealed your next title defense will come next month at Cyberslam. The XWL Universe will decide who will challenge you, the final ballot still undecided as it stands, and whoever is voted in as your challenger will then be able to decide what type of match it will be. Can I get your thoughts on The General Manager's big announcement?

Natalya stares at her title with a gleam still in her eye, being able to stand here with The Women's Championship even though she's months deep into her reign still fills her with complete and utter joy.

[Natalya]
Honestly? I'm ecstatic. With Final Stand behind me, I've been wondering what might be next, who it would be...how it would be done, so to find out that I'll be The Champion this year where The XWL fans will decide my challenger? It's truly a dream come true because no one knows my journey more than them, they've seen me rise this year...they've seen my title defenses thus far, and I have all the confidence in the world that I'm in for another incredible defense at Cyberslam. I want the best, and now whomever the options are, have this next month to prove why they're the best, and why the fans should vote them in against me. And normally the idea of an unknown match type would bother someone in my position, I sort of see it as an added challenge to things, which...given the unbelievable reign April had last year? I welcome as many challenges as anyone wants to throw me. Defending in The Elimination Chamber, and then in The Main-Event of Final Stand are two hard acts to follow, so I'm pumped that my third defense will have an entirely different feel to it.

[Renee Young]
And what about you, April?  Do you agree with JBL's decision? You famously defended in matches like TLC to Inferno, to Hell in a Cell so if you could name any kind of match you'd like to see Natalya's challenger challenge her to defend in what would it be? And who in the entire division would you like to see make that challenge?

April face scrunches up in contemplation. She's seen Nattie conquer so man amazing feats in her career let alone just these passing months there is aren't many situations that she can think of that would truly test Nattie. Then a light bulb goes off in her head

[April]
I think if you're looking at it from the point of view where Nattie has something to prove you'll be hard pressed to find a match she can't adapt in. So if we switch the perspective where someone has something to prove to her, then I think the question becomes much more simple. A submission match. See, while most of us are trained in the art of a good submission, Nattie is on of the few to truly master it. After all, she's not only made Sasha tap out but also me. I think that if someone really wanted to prove that they were on her level or better they'd have to do the impossible and make her tap. Ah, the next time we have a set match, I think I know what I want it to be

April sends Natalya a teasing smile before turning back to Renee who fires off another question quickly

[Renee Young]
Now there's something I'd like to see. Now, and April I hate to do this but it is my job, but I must ask where your mental state is going into this match tonight? Last week we saw a side of you that well, we hadn't seen in a long time

April takes a deep breath as she processes the best way to answer this question. A way that makes it seem like she's put herself back together after Allie and Nikki have down their best to rip her apart

[April]
I...I'm taking it day by day Renee. You know, it's easy to forget I haven't always been here. It's been around for a little over two years. There are things I haven't experienced before and one of them was being wanted. I haven't exactly been the best friend to the division and a lot of people in the back would rather dodge me then give me a big warm hug you know? This...this could have been flattering in a different circumstance. I'm not reacting so harsh to Nikki cause she's another woman...lusting after me. I'm being this way because she's FORCING her love on me. We could have been friends, I could have tried to help her away from her madness like Nattie did me but how did she greet me? She smashed a tire iron over my head. All her messages of love are after she's bashed my brains in with a weapon or attacked my best friend or stalked us! I can't accept the feelings of a psychopath. Just like I won't accept the targeting or Allie

[Renee Young]
But don't you think you went a little far last week? You could have seriously injured Allie or Nikki

April snorts and rolls her eyes before addressing that remark

[April]
A little far? Before money and the bank Nia Jax brutalized me in that tag team match with Kaitlyn. I was taped up and damaged when I walked into Final Stand. I hit with ladders, slammed on ladders, and I even fell through one. Did Nikki think she was going to far when she hit me with the tire iron? Did Allie think it was too far the slam my head repeatedly against my car till I was bleeding? No, because those two have no mercy. Nikki on some scale I understand. Maybe it's just two crazy peoples minds working but I see a method behind her madness. But Allie? She wants revenge for Rosemary. Anyone who paid attention knew I didn't want to do that inferno match. I didn't want to burn Rosemary. But that monster was set on not just taking the title but destroying me. I defended myself and I don't see how Allie can't see that. As for my actions last week....I don't regret a thing. Stuck between a psycho who wants to sexually assault you and another psycho who wants to steal your soul I think most people would have done worse in my position

Its obvious that April feels very little pity for the two bodies she left in her wake last week. Renee turns to Natalya

[Renee Young]
Natalya, not only have you become April's best friend and ally, but you've become somewhat of a moral compass for her. When you saw April gleefully choking Nikki to her face turned purple...did it disturb you?

[Natalya]
I mean yes, but...I wasn't exactly in touch with my morality heading into Final Stand...so who am I to really criticize anyone? I'm the example of this division, and while I'm human and it's impossible to be a role model all of the time, I made it okay to behave poorly, some lines were crossed, whether justified or not...it's still a slippery slope that i'd rather the division not rest on. So as the standard bearer of The Women's Division I have to be better, so that everyone can see things don't have to become as...chaotic as the situation April's currently dealing with. For now though, with everything April's dealing with, what she did was a necessary evil.  She needed to protect herself, to more importantly stand up for herself...and when crazy is coming at you in both directions, you have to resort to drastic measures. I've warned April to be careful, and as her friend that's really all I can do.

[Renee Young]
I would like to touch on this friendship...now no one knows more than I do about everything you've been through together, and how you forged such a bond with one another. But, there is a portion of The XWL Universe that is somewhat hesitant to believe this is, well...able to stand the test of time. I know you want to put everything with Sasha Banks behind you, but after one best friend stabbed you in the back in the name of that title before...and given April's current position as Miss Money in The Bank which gives her the right to challenge The Champion, you...at any given point...is it not in the back of your mind that maybe you're tempting history to repeat itself?

[Natalya]
I think I've proven throughout all of 2018, that you're only doomed to repeat history if you let it happen. History showed I couldn't become Champion anymore, I couldn't beat April, I couldn't defend this Championship in The Elimination Chamber because no Champion had before me...and I couldn't retain on the grandest stage of them all because I didn't before. But I've done all of that now, Renee. I'm not shackled by the mistakes or decisions of the past by myself or anyone else. This title is change, it changed how everyone saw me because through every opportunity I had to fall victim to "history" I rewrote it. So when I call April my best friend, because through everything we have been through, she's always meant well. She was never waiting to screw me over, she's proud of me...and you could say it's an act or she's lulling me into false security, but she's always been up front about her intentions. Furthermore, there's a huge competitive respect between the two of us, beyond friendship. She had someone rob her of the reign she fought so valiantly to keep through all the matches you mentioned...and she wouldn't do that to anyone else, regardless of if it's me or not. She's one of the best to ever set foot in this division, she doesn't need to pick on weakened prey, she's fully capable of taking someone's best, and being better than that. But, she also knows that while history has shown I'm not capable of defeating her when this title is on the line...the entire foundation of my reign is defying history. So I appreciate everyone having my best interests at heart, but we're in a good place...she's got my back, just as I have had hers this past month.

[Renee Young]
Given everything Allie and Nikki have done this past month...are you worried that getting involved in this is at all putting your reign in jeopardy? You could easily be used to send a message to April, not only that Allie does hold a bit of what happened to Rosemary against you as well...are you sure it's a good idea to go out there tonight?

[Natalya]
This title is my everything...but I have never, nor will I ever put it above being there for a friend in need. She needs my help tonight, and I want nothing more than to help her as best I can. Yes I have a title defense to worry about at Cyberslam. But tonight isn't about protecting my reign and everything I've built it to be. This is about being there for my friend and showing Nikki Cross and Allie that Nikki may want April's heart, and Allie may want her soul...but to get it? They have to go through The HART and The SOUL of this division. Alone we're great, but together? Nothing can beat US!

The reassuring words of Natalya send an ease of relief throughout April. Just knowing that there is someone who has her back no matter what brings a smile to April's face. It's comforting feeling that April is still foreign to but one she enjoys none the less

[April]
I've heard what people are saying. That I'm trying to trick Nattie. That I'm trying to sneak my way to another title reign. Even Nikki thinks that buy cashing in on Natalya it'll unlock some hidden evil within me. None of it is true

[Renee Young]
You can't deny that your best chance of catching anyone by surprise is Natalya, your best friend. There must be a deep part of you that has considered it

April shakes her head, laughing a little as she does

[April]
Not even one. You can say a lot of bad things about me during the first half of my title reign. What you can't say is I should be ashamed of how I won. Every defense of that title was earned. No shortcuts, no cheap tricks. I worked my body until it didn't work anymore to defend that. The same way Natalya is defending it. To attack her at her weakest and just pick the bones is not something I'm okay with. Because I know I'm better than that. I won't destroy her hard work just for a title. I want it Renee. But this friendship I have now is worth waiting. Or at the very least giving her a fair one. I have her best interest at heart

[Renee Young]
How do you two even prepare for two women like Allie and Nikki Cross?

April scratches her head sheepishly with an embarrassed smile

[April]
Despite what people may think I'm not some great strategist. I have always just gone with the flow and planned as I went along. I figure at the most simple it comes to a battle of will. Knowing that I can handle more pain than the woman standing in front of me. Keep going. Swing faster. Hit harder! It's not the most uh, elegant strategy but I think most people can see it's effective. If you want someone who thinks three steps ahead I think that's Natalya. All my matches with her have pushed me to my limit and I don't think you'd find anyone with better wrestler IQ than her

[Natalya]
Tonight we've got two very unique opponents across that ring from us. Allie from what I recall while following her on the independent scene is a very gifted wrestler, but given her vendetta to avenge Rosemary? Her mind is preoccupied, that ability that seemed to come so natural to her...is clouded by anger...so her senses, her natural instincts are going to be severely hindered. Where as Nikki Cross? She also as a former competitor in this division, albeit brief...showcased impressive talent...talent, that now years later...is again overshadowed by her inner most desire, April. The very object of her affection leaves her senses also compromised. Together, they're heavily distracted, one never steps in the ring, one hasn't found her foot in this new mentality of hers...and it makes for a team riddled with dysfunction. So to combat that, we just have to not allow ourselves to be distracted by all their smoke and mirrors. Not only that, I believe we'll be able to coexist better than they can, considering their goals seem to contradict one another. One wants April to hurt, the other wants her love...so if one goes too far? Their entire unholy alliance falls apart. So we just need to be ready for when that happens.

[Renee Young]
What would victory entail tonight? This does seem like it won't just go away after tonight, they both seem hell bent on their individual goals.

[Natalya]
I think victory is standing up for yourself, whether it's the first time or last the last. April isn't someone you want to mess with, and I think us defeating Nikki & Allie tonight will show them who they're dealing with...and what she's capable of doing to them. That this isn't a "war" they will win, so if they know what's good for them? They'll cut their losses now. Either way, I know that April isn't going to lie down and be anyone's victim, whether they want to harm her, or force their "love" on her, she isn't one to be victimized, she's more so the victimizer...and she could easily add them to her LONG list of victims. From The Hive Queen herself, to Mother Nature's Daughter...she's survived them all, and these two? Will be no different.

[April]
On our own, we were already more than most women could handle. But together, as The Women's Champion and Ms Money in the Bank? I think we could be classified as unstoppable. Two vets that are gonna school the rookies. I'd feel bad for them if they didn't have this coming. This will be my message. That at the end of the day you have to step into the ring with me. And in that ring? My opponents become my play things if I desire. Who knows, maybe this story will have a happy ending. It took Nattie breaking my nose to knock some sense into me. Maybe a swift kick to their heads will knock some sense into them

[Renee Young]
Do you truly believe either of these women can change?

April gives a hesitant but thoughtful look before smiling a little

[April]
If I can, I think it's possible for anyone

Natalya places her hand on April's shoulder as a show of support, proud of how far she's come from the days when her wrath was felt throughout the entire division.

[Natalya]
It's like I told April last year when she set out on her journey to change...your past doesn't have to define you. It can show you more about yourself than you truly expect to find. Because through the mistakes and bad decisions, you find out what you really want, and who you want to be. No one is perfect, no one is without "demons" in their past...but they don't have to consume you. I stand here tonight, alongside the woman that terrorized me for 9 months on end, as I failed every moment to overcome her...and here I stand almost 9 months into 2018...a completely different woman, better than who I was then. So who knows where Nikki Cross and Allie could be a year from now...did anyone think we'd be where we are right now? But as for tonight? They're our enemies, and WE will defeat them!

With assurance from Natalya, April's smile grows more and more before the two turn back to Renee and thank her and walk off. Can April with the help of Natalya fend off the two Women that have been terrorizing her for the last months? We ask ourselves as the camera fades away.

We switch cameras as we go backstage, and Eli Drake is sitting in a chair in what to assume is his locker room. His face is down in his hands as he takes in a deep breath. He exhales, and he takes his face away from his hand then looks up, but not in the direction of the camera.

["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake]
Tonight is big...

He nods as he licks his upper lip as it appears that the nerves are finally kicking in for this big match for Eli.

["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake]
In my opinion this fight is the biggest of my career. This will define my career here in XWL. I have fought so hard to get to this moment, but I am not out of the tunnel yet. In order to capture the Intercontinental Championship I have to go one on one with A.J. Styles.

He pauses for a brief moment as if he is finally letting it all sink in.

["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake]
He is labeled as one of the best wrestlers in the world, but he has not stepped into the ring with me in a one v one situation.

Eli stands up as he begins to summon some confidence. We can tell just by the way he is standing this is already a different person from the man we saw a few moments ago.

["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake]
Yeah we fought against each other in a tag match, but that was different. He had someone to back him up as did I, but now.. there is no one in our corners tonight. No one will be able to stop that hand coming down for that three count, but the true question that is echoing through the stadium tonight is what is better being Phenomenal or being Elite? Tonight the answer to that very question will be answered, and I plan on answering that question with an extermination point as I will lay out A.J. Styles right before your very eyes to become your Intercontinental Champion. So A.J. you better kiss your title goodbye, because it isn't going home with you that isn't an insult.. that...

A smile begins to form on the face of Eli as he has reached his peak in confidence.

["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake]
Is just a fact of life... YEAH!

Eli walks out of frame as the camera fades out to black.

[Mauro Ranallo]
Coming up to kick off the in-ring action here tonight we have the highly anticipated match between Johnny Gargano and Chris Jericho.  If Gargano is victorious here tonight, he is added to the World Heavyweight Championship match at Cyberslam!

[Corey Graves]
Johnny needs to take a hint and just leave if you ask me.  Every single week Jericho has had his number and left him laying in a heap.  Plus Jericho won the Final Stand Off match fair and square!  He deserves a straight up one-on-one match for the World title!

[Mauro Ranallo]
I have to disagree with "fair and square" Corey.  I mean, after all he brutally assaulted Gargano with a steel chair and stole his spot in the match after all.  If Gargano was in the match it could well be him that is deserving of a one-on-one title opportunity.

[Corey Graves]
Gargano doesn't deserve anything Mauro!  He hasn't wrestled a match since Final Stand!

[Mauro Ranallo]
And the reason for that is Chris Jericho which adds the backstory to tonight's contest.  It's been well documented over the last month or so of how much hatred and anger these two men have towards each other.  Jericho not only stole Gargano's Final Stand Off spot, but he almost ended his career and nearly took away his livelihood at Final Stand.  Every week since the tension has just been growing up to last week when things became physical with Jericho ultimately coming out on top given Gargano's condition still being nowhere near 100%.  Finally, tonight both men get their hands on each other inside the ring.

[Corey Graves]
It's not going to end well for Johnny here tonight.  Nothing ever does.  There's a reason Chris Jericho is in contention for three championships while Johnny is not and has struggled to retain a spot on the roster.

[Mauro Ranallo]
Corey, please.  You know just as well as I do that Gargano has gone to hell and back this year.  Firstly at the hands of The Miz and now at the hands of Chris Jericho.  Tonight could be the ultimate redemption if he is able to one up his rival and go on to main event Cyberslam for the World Heavyweight Championship and potentially achieve his lifelong dream of calling himself champion.

*There is an air of excitement around the arena as the fans know the first match of the evening is about to take place as the ring announcer Jojo has taken position in the middle of the ring.  She raises her microphone.*

[Jojo]
The following contest is scheduled for one fall!  If Johnny Gargano is victorious in this match, he will be added to the main event match at Cyberslam for the World Heavyweight Championship!



*The crowd rises to their feet and cheers as the music of Johnny Gargano begins to play.*



*Gargano marches out onto the stage.  The fire in his eyes and the purpose in his stance is clear for all to see.  There is no theatrics tonight, he is all business.*

[Jojo]
Making his way to the ring, from Cleveland, Ohio... JOHNNY GARGANO!



*As Gargano descends down the entrance ramp, the camera switches angle to show that there is a unanimous show of support for Gargano from the XWL Universe as seen by a vast sea of "Gargano Emoji" signs throughout the arena.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
When you look into the eyes of Johnny Gargano, you see a tortured soul.  He has had so many setbacks, so many obstacles to overcome this year.  Tonight is no exception as he faces off against arguably one of the greatest superstars in XWL's history in Chris Jericho.  But if he overcomes Jericho here tonight, there could well be light at the end of the tunnel for Johnny Wrestling as he will have a chance at achieving the greatest goal of all.

[Corey Graves]
As I watch Johnny Gargano walk down the entrance ramp, I wonder to myself, is he really 100% here tonight?  Given everything he has been through since Final Stand, he can't be.

[Mauro Ranallo]
Gargano is a fighter Corey.  He's a warrior.  Everything he has ever done inside that ring has involved him showing more heart than you would ever imagine could be contained inside one man.  There was no way he was missing out on this opportunity tonight, however healthy he is.  Gargano has dreamed of being World Champion since he was a small child and if you add in the fact that he finally gets to get his hands on Chris Jericho - with no risk of a sneak attack or hiding behind security - after all the physical and mental abuse he has suffered because of him... I bet Gargano wouldn't miss this match for anything.

*Gargano is now in the ring and mounts a turnbuckle.  He looks around at the fans and mouthes the words "This is it." Either acknowledging this is what he has been waiting for - a chance to finally get his hands on Chris Jericho.  Or that this is the chance he has been waiting for, to potentially walk out a contender to the richest prize in this industry.  Or both of these things.  Whatever he is referring to, it's clear he has has mind set on walking out the winner here tonight.*



*Gargano dismounts the turnbuckle, unzips and removes his entrance jacket and cricks his neck a few times, still feeling the effects of all the attacks somewhat.  He then turns his attention towards the entrance way with a look of determination and focus.  His eyes narrow as he awaits the arrival of his arch-nemesis.  His music dies down and a booming "Johnny Wrestling!" chant begins, repeated over and over again.  However, Gargano does not acknowledge this and is completely laser-focused on one thing and one thing only: Chris Jericho.*



*As he music of Chris Jericho begins to play, the fans switch their tune completely as they begin to boo as loud as they possibly can.*

[Jojo]
And making his way to the ring, representing the Alpha Club... from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada... CHRIS JERICHO!

*You can tell from the announcement of just his name that Gargano is disgusted.  He begins to pace the ring anxiously awaiting his opponent.*

[Corey Graves]
Say what you will about Chris Jericho, but he has been successful everywhere he has been and in everything he has tried.  Be it wrestling all over the world, writing books or making music with his band, he is successful.  And XWL is where he has had the most success.  Right now, he is in contention for three championships, that's right, three!

[Mauro Ranallo]
There's no denying the fact that Chris Jericho is successful Corey, but he is a disgusting, vile human being.  I don't know how you can support a man who can so nonchalantly show such little disregard for another man's health and wellbeing.  Gargano is lucky to be able to walk after what Jericho did.

[Corey Graves]
It's all in the name of competition and getting ahead Mauro.  You'd know if you were a former competitor yourself.  You need to step on people to get ahead in this business and it just so happened that Johnny Gargano had something Jericho wanted.

[Mauro Ranallo]
Or you know, you could just earn your opportunities the good old fashioned way - with hard work!  That's why Johnny Gargano has become a fan favourite here in XWL.  You know he's always going to put in a shift.  He's one of the first to arrive at the arena and one of the last to leave.  And he always leaves it all in the ring.  That-... What the hell?!

*A loud CRACK is heard, like a gunshot going off as Gargano falls to the canvas following a sickening chair shot from behind by Chris Jericho!  The music abruptly stops and the boos escalate in volume as Jericho stands over his fallen prey with the chair in hand.  He looks around with a sinister smirk on his face.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
This is despicable!  This is wrong!

[Corey Graves]
This is genius!

*Gargano hasn't moved since the chair shot and is face down on the canvas.  Jericho continues to revel in the fans' hatred for a few moments before his eyes light up.  He isn't through.  He raises the chair once again and begins targeting the neck of Gargano, with chair shot after chair shot using the top of the chair as his weapon.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
This is sick!  Gargano's injuries have been well documented and Jericho is focusing all of this assault where he knows he will do the most damage!  This is Final Stand all over again!  

[Corey Graves]
Even I have to admit this is difficult to watch.

*Chair shot after chair shot after chair shot.  Will it ever end?  After what seems like an age, Jericho stops.  The chair has again been deformed by this onslaught into a metallic mess and he casts it aside.  He takes a few deep breaths before extending his arms as if welcoming the hate.  The fans comply.  Gargano still has not moved an inch and is surely in a bad way.  The camera focuses on a few fans who have started to cry or have turned away in horror at what they just witnessed.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
Can we get some help out here?  Gargano might be permanently disabled after this!  His career could be over!  His life as he knows it could be over!

*As if they somehow heard Mauro's pleas, EMTs rush onto the scene with a stretcher.  Jericho retreats to a corner and leans into it with a satisfied grin on his face.  The thorn in his side has been removed.  Now he's free to go on and main event Cyberslam in the match he wanted, a one-on-one match.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
These are distressing scenes.  I can only hope that Gargano is able to maintain some quality of life after this but I am not hopeful.

[Corey Graves]
Once again, Chris Jericho's masterplan pays off and he has proven that he is one of the most dangerous men in this industry.

[Mauro Ranallo]
He's also shown that he doesn't have a heart.  He has no compassion, he has no empathy for any other human being!  All he cares about is himself!

*The EMTs finish checking Gargano's vitals, apply  a neckbrace and begin to load him onto the stretcher ever so carefully.  The chants have long stopped, so have the boos.  There is no just an eerie stunned silence as history is repeating itself once again.  As the stretcher is slowly wheeled up the ramp, with Jericho watching on smirking, a few fans begin to clap and chant "Thank You Johnny!"*

[Mauro Ranallo]
Once again folks, we ask you to keep Johnny Gargano and his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.  We wish him the very best and hope that somehow, he is able to live out the rest of his days in some kind of comfort.  Who knows the extent of the damage caused by Chris Jericho here tonight, but it does not look good.  

[Corey Graves]
I have to agree Mauro.  Despite my views of Johnny Gargano he was always a workhorse and someone who always gave his all inside the ring.  I too wish him all the very best in his recovery.

*The stretcher has almost reached the top of the ramp at this point.  The chants thanking Johnny are now at a deafening level.  Jericho makes fun of it all by just simply waving goodbye at Gargano, before blowing him a kiss.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
We can only hope that Chris Jericho is dealt a severe punishment by not only XWL management but by the authorities for his sickening actions here tonight.  There is no way that- what?!  Can you believe this?!?

*Gargano has begun to stir!  He reaches up for the neckbrace and tears it off!  He rips the straps off with great force and sits up with a look in his eye as though he is something possessed.  The crowd goes wild.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
Mama mia!  Can you believe this?!

*Gargano mouthes the words "This isn't happening again" and shakes his head.  He somehow gets to his feet and locks eyes with Chris Jericho.  The colour drains from Jericho's face.*

[Corey Graves]
How... how is he even standing right now?

*Gargano pushes aside a few of the EMTs who are trying to talk him down and he begins charging towards the ring with an intense fire burning in his eyes.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
Somehow!  Someway!  Johnny Gargano!  Johnny Wrestling lives on!  

*Halfway down the ramp Gargano breaks into a sprint.  He slides into the ring and before Jericho can react he takes him down and begins landing hard shots, one after the other, over and over again!  The match official looks around at the ravenous crowd who are going absolutely insane at this point, shrugs and rings the bell!  This match is underway!*





*Gargano goes for his patented slingshot spear, but Jericho pulls the referee in front of him as a shield so he takes the move instead!*

[Mauro Ranallo]
The referee is down!  Jericho, yet again with his despicable actions!

[Corey Graves]
What?  The official's positioning was off.  He shouldn't have gotten in the way!

*Gargano realizes his move didn't connect with who he meant to and for a brief moment looks down in horror on his knees at the downed official, giving Jericho the chance to capitalize and bulldog his face hard into the canvas.  Gargano is in prime position for the lionsault.  Jericho knows this and goes for it, he springs back on the ropes in a beautiful motion before landing flat on his face!  Gargano has rolled out of the way and as quick as a cat risen to his feet.  As Jericho struggles to regain his own footing, he is met with a SUPERKICK!*

[Mauro Ranallo]
SUPERKICK!  SUPERKICK!  GARGANO IS GOING TO DO IT!  GARGANO HAS THIS!

*A fatigued Gargano hooks the leg of the KO'd Jericho and the fans begin to count along.*

*1...

2...

3!

He should've won right here!

4!

5!

6!

There's no official to make the count!  Gargano releases the cover and cuts a frustrated figure.  He holds his head in his hands thinking of what might've been right there!*

[Corey Graves]
This one isn't over!  There's no referee!

[Mauro Ranallo]
Johnny Gargano won this match!  Can this man get a break!

*Gargano turns his attentions to the official who has not moved since taking the full brunt of the slingshot spear.  He begins to shake him, trying to revive him before he too is laid out of the canvas by a sickening superkick to the side of his head from out of nowhere!*

[Mauro Ranallo]
Superkick!  Superkick by Kevin Owens!  What's he doing out here?!

[Corey Graves]
He's showing support for and helping out his buddy!  That's what friends are for Mauro!

*You'd have though that the devil himself had risen before the fans' eyes as they boo the hell out of Owens for what he just did.  He just looks around at them with a smirk not too dissimilar to that which Jericho wears often.  He looks down at the carcass of Gargano and says "this is your hero?" before spitting on him.  He points at Jericho "that is a hero!" before walking over to him and trying to revive him by slapping him gently on his face.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
This just isn't right.  The match can't end this way.  Gargano's dream... his payback... his redemption cannot end this way!

*A groggy Jericho has finally come to and realizes what's happened.  Owens tells him something which isn't picked up and he breaks into a grin.  The two Alpha Club members rise to their feet with malicious intent in their eyes.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
This can't be good.

*Owens picks up the dead weight of Gargano into a seated position, holding both of his arms back to restrain him.  Not that he needed to given Gargano's state, but just in case.  He's already seemingly risen from the dead once tonight.  Jericho grabs Gargano by the chin and literally spits and screams into his face  “This is over. You hear me? HUH!? And I’ll be sure to take good care of Candice since Johnny Wrestling won’t be around to!”.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
This is disgusting.  This is vile.

*The fans make their opinion of this situation known as Jericho motions for Owens to hoist up Gargano.  Owens does so effortlessly into a wheelbarrow position.  Jericho takes a few steps back to get a run up for more momentum.  Then in one swift, crisp motion he runs forward and delivers a CODEBREAKER!*

[Corey Graves]
What teamwork!  That is why they are in the Tag Team Championship Finals later tonight Mauro!

*Jericho rolls over Gargano and covers him then screeches at Owens to get the referee back into consciousness.  Owens obliges and shakes the referee violently to try and get him to wake up.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
No not this way!  It can't end this way!

*The referee, still 99% in dreamland takes in some of Owens' screams to make the count and on instinct alone and very slowly begins to make it...


1...



2...





3!









NO WAIT!  IT WASN'T 3!  SOMEHOW!  SOMEWAY!  JOHNNY GARGANO KICKS OUT!  IT MUST'VE BEEN 2.9999999999999999999999999!*

*The crowd are on their feet in a frenzy at this inhuman kickout!*

[Mauro Ranallo]
MAMA MIA!  HE KICKED OUT!  JOHNNY GARGANO KICKED OUT!  THE GARGANO DREAM LIVES ON!

*Jericho's eyes are like saucers at this point, he's in complete disbelief at Gargano's resilience.  Owens picks his jaw up from the floor and calls for the devastating double team once again.  The referee has faded away into unconsciousness again so all of their dirty tricks can come back into play.  Jericho starts to pick up the dead weight of Gargano...*



*The theme of the double champion hits to a standing ovation!*

[Corey Graves]
Oh no!  What does he want?  He has no business out here!

[Mauro Ranallo]
He's the World Heavyweight Champion so he has as much business being out here for this match as you or I Corey!  He has a great deal of interest in how this match turns out!

*Ambrose with his titles over either shoulder makes his way out onto the stage as Owens and Jericho look on in shock.  Jericho has released Gargano who just slumps to the mat.  Ambrose who clearly has no love for the Alpha Club members wants this to be a fair fight, especially after he went out of his way to get this match signed!  As he reaches the bottom of the entrance ramp, he takes off his titles, looks around at the adoring fans, shrugs his shoulders and despite the two-on-one scenario dives into battle!*

[Mauro Ranallo]
Ambrose is in like a house on fire!  Jericho is down!  Owens is down!  

*Ambrose decks out Jericho and Owens with two big clotheslines as they swung at him and is now all fired up.  The crowd is loving this.  Owens is first to rise to his feet so Ambrose charges at him with another shot which turns into a cactus clothesline, taking both men to the outside.  Jericho staggers to his feet and leans into the ropes, screaming at both Owens and Ambrose... suddenly he's rolled up from behind by Gargano!  The referee has recovered enough to make a count!


1...



2...















3!


GARGANO HAS DONE IT!  JOHNNY GARGANO WINS!*



*The crowd raises the roof off the arena with their cheers as Gargano is slumped on the canvas, crying tears of joy.  Meanwhile, Jericho is sat in one of the corners in disbelief.  Owens and Ambrose stop their fighting momentarily to acknowledge what the hell just happened.  Ambrose breaks into a cheeky grin while Owens is frozen in a stunned state.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
Johnny Gargano has done it!  Johnny Gargano is going to the main event of Cyberslam!

[Corey Graves]
I... I don't know what to say.

*There is a feel good atmosphere in the arena as the result of this match sinks in.  Ambrose quickly disposes of the frozen Owens by throwing him into the ringpost head first before grabbing his titles and entering the ring to join in the celebration and congratulate his newfound contender.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
What a story for Johnny Gargano.  He began the year in obscurity before coming to XWL to start to make a name for himself.  He quickly established himself as a man with as much heart and with as much passion for this business as any other man who has come before him.  Then he experienced what can only be described as literal hell at the hands of The Miz, both in his professional and personal life.  Against all the odds at Final Stand he made his return as the host of the show, competed in one of the most hellacious I Quit matches in XWL history against The Miz and was reinstated to the roster.  When everything looked like it was on the up for Gargano he reached the lowest of lows at the hands of Chris Jericho who viciously assaulted him with a steel chair, almost ending his career and livelihood in the process.  Fast forward several weeks and he is now at the highest point of his career.  Not only did he get some payback against Chris Jericho here tonight...  Johnny Gargano has a chance to realize his ultimate dream.  Because ladies and gentlemen, the match at Cyberslam is now a three-way dance and Johnny Gargano is now a contender for the World Heavyweight Championship!

*Ambrose has helped Gargano to his feet and raises his arm in victory.  Owens has recovered from his meeting with the ring post and pulls the still-in-shock Jericho out of the ring.  Both Alpha Club members begin their retreat with their tails between their legs as Ambrose and Gargano celebrate.
Ambrose climbs a turnbuckle and raises both his titles and signals for Gargano to climb the one opposite and strike a pose of his own.  Both men pose much to the fans' liking.  Ambrose dismounts the turnbuckle...







SUPERKICK!



Ambrose turns around right into a superkick from Johnny Gargano!  There is a stunned silence as the fans struggle to figure out what/why this just happened.  The commentary has gone off which enhances the confusion.  The Alpha Club look on bemused at what they are witnessing.  Gargano has a look in his eyes which we have only seen brief glimpses of up to this point.
It's one that is cold, with almost no emotion.  He breathes heavily as he looks down at the unconscious champion with no remorse.  He bends down, grabs the World Heavyweight Championship and holds it in his arms for several moments.  Staring at his beauty.  Longing for it to be his possession.  Before he raises it high above his head.  He's making a statement.  The statement is that he may be a contender right now, but come Cyberslam he's walking out the champion. Neither of his opponents - Jericho or Ambrose will stop that from becoming a reality.*

*Warzone fades away to a promotional video which showcases several tag teams and stables both past and present to hype up tonight's main event crowning of the new Tag Team Champions!*

As Warzone continues, we're taken backstage where Nia Jax & Alexa Bliss decked out in their best purple attires, matching for their tag team match tonight, are standing side by side with none other than Mike Rome.

[Mike Rome]
Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm joined by none other than The Irre-Blisstible Force, Nia Jax and Alexa Bliss. How are you doing this evening?

With a quick roll of the eyes, Alexa is the first to speak up.

[Alexa Bliss]
To be quite honest with you, Mike? I'd be better if we weren't forced to give those bullies another second of our time considering they're beneath us...they're horrible people, and they don't deserve to be given a spotlight tonight, especially against good hearted people like us.

[Nia Jax]
Bullies always get the spotlight. We romanticize them as though they're heroes or something that they simply aren't. It's pathetic and disgusting.

[Mike Rome]
Dakota Kai has been very candid and open about her belief that this friendship between the two of you is nothing more than two people manipulating each other, and that there isn't a shred of anything truly genuine between you. How do you respond to that?

[Alexa Bliss]
Jealousy is such a nasty disease, and because unlike her, I'm a good person...I hope she wins her battle with it, considering it's the only victory she stands a chance of getting. She wishes she had a friend to have her back, to be there in her moment of need, to care deeply about her as much as she cares about them. But she clearly doesn't, and this "thing" with her and Asuka? Is the real fraud of friendships. They're suddenly "besties" because they love to kick people? Really? That's their common interest that brings them together? Really? I mean, seriously? THAT is what makes them better than us? We are genuinely unaffected by her baseless claims, because she can't spew out all the lies she wants, and she can repeat them until she's as blue in the face as Asuka's hair, it doesn't make it true.

[Nia Jax]
Alexa Bliss has changed me for the better. Despite what Dakota Kai or others might think, if it wasn't for Alexa Bliss, I'd be a lot more violent. She taught me to stand up for myself and not be afraid of what people think. Before her I wouldn't even speak. That's why I wear these jackets with our faces on them. Because our friendhip means that much to me. Dakota Kai might make comments or faces at that too but that has been every girl I've ever known. Bullies and frauds. I'm glad I met Alexa and after Warzone, Alexa and I will still be friends. I doubt Kai and Asuka can say the same about their friendship.

[Alexa Bliss]
Absolutely not, they're the real manipulators here, not us.

[Mike Rome]
Do you believe you'll finally be free of Asuka after tonight's match, Alexa?

[Alexa Bliss]
WE are going to beat Asuka again, because that is what we do. We put bullies in their place, beneath US!

[Mike Rome]
Well in other news on Anarchy last week The General Manager JBL announced that at Cyberslam The XWL Universe will decide who will challenge Natalya for The Women's Championship. Currently Kaitlyn and Ember Moon have been announced but he has promised more are to follow. I know you've recently thrown your name up in the conversation when it comes to the number one contendership Nia. So What would be your pitch to be named one of the options?

[Nia Jax]
It isn't what it used to be around here. A month and a half ago, I wouldn't of been surprised to see Layla El herself come out of retirement to add her name to the list. It used to be the same old story after same old story. Sasha, April and Natty. Three has beens who rely on bringing others down to get to the top. All living a lie as to what they are truly capable of, if we're being honest. But with Layla gone, the favoritism stops there. Kaitlyn being announced is sad, she probably can't take another failure under her pathetic belt. I'm not sure who you want me to say here, Mike. It doesn't matter in the long run, because I'm still on the hunt and in case no one's been paying attention, no one can handle me when it comes to a singles match. I'm destructive. Title shot or not, I'll be taking that belt from Natalya soon enough.

Mike perhaps not getting what he expected, turns the microphone over to Alexa to get her thoughts.

[Mike Rome]
What about you, Alexa? Why should Nia be one of the options?

[Alexa Bliss]
Why? You have to ask WHY?

[Mike Rome]
Well...

[Alexa Bliss]
Because I challenge you to find a more deserving Number One Contender than Nia. Go on, I'll wait.

Before he can speak up, despite saying she'll wait, she stands there looking as she's been waiting forever, despite it literally being 5 seconds, if it's even been 5 seconds she already interjects.

[Alexa Bliss]
Exactly, you can't. She is not only DOMINANT, she is a ROLE MODEL, an inspiration to little girls everywhere that you DON'T have to be like most girls. You can be you, that is your greatest power, being your beautiful self, your brave self, your one of a kind self. Nia Jax is not only my best friend, she is someone that I would be proud to call MY Champion.

Nia flattered by all of Alexa's kind words smiles warmly, and once Alexa sees how her words have affected her, she seemingly stops her "pitch" to be an option and shakes her head.

[Alexa Bliss]
You know what, I can't do this...Nia, I haven't been entirely forthcoming with you. You see, I wanted to wait until after our match to come clean, and give you the honesty you deserve, the honesty you've shown me throughout our friendship's existence...but seeing how happy you'd be to be an option, I can't keep this from you anymore. I went to JBL earlier tonight, and...YOU'RE OFFICIALLY THE THIRD OPTION FOR NATALYA'S CHALLENGER AT CYBERSLAM!!!

As soon as Alexa drops the "bomb" Nia Jax is overtaken with pure elation over the fact that her best friend, the woman that's been there for her for so long now, went to The General Manager and got her added as one of the voting options to challenge Natalya for The Women's Championship at Cyberslam. Before Alexa can continue Nia suddenly pulls her in tight with an embrace that you can tell Alexa's struggling trying not to have the life squeezed out of her but Nia's so happy she can't tell she's squeezing too hard.

[Alexa Bliss]
Ni-....a....I....caaa....bre-

Nia comes back down from her rush of high realizing she's crushing the air out of her best friend and suddenly lets go showing an expression as if to say I'm so sorry but Alexa is quick to stop her from any apologizing. While trying to regain her breath she speaks up.

[Alexa Bliss]
I wanted to wait until after we tear those bullies a new one tonight, so this could be the cherry on top of our evening...but, now that it's out there? Once they see what you do to Asuka and Dakota? The XWL Universe will have NO other choice than to vote for you as the woman that gets to challenge Natalya for The Women's Championship...AND decide what kind of match it is. Which, I think we should start talking about what kind of match you should choose, I was thinking....

Alexa stops herself, remembering she's currently surrounded by cameras, and Mike Rome and places her arm around Nia's back, since clearly she's too short to put it around her shoulder as if to lead her away, but first she bids farewell to Mike.

[Alexa Bliss]
Sorry Mike, we can't have you go spilling our plans to Natalya, we'll catch you later. And when we see you next? You better have cast your vote, and it BETTER be for Nia.

Little Miss Bliss with her short stature, stands there for a moment as if she's trying to intimidate a grown man with her stern gaze...then turns away and leads Nia off so they can discuss the potential match types for Nia's "guaranteed" title match with Natalya at Cyberslam as the scene fades away.

The theme song of the Charismatic Enigma begins to play throughout the arena. "No More Words" by Endeverafter drawing a louder pop from the Detroit fans who were obviously in favor of Jeff Hardy going into this one on one contest against Mister Money in the Bank, Aiden English. Jeff Hardy rushes out from behind the curtain and comes onto the stage wearing his signature facepaint once again.



And he proceeds with his normal entrance per usual. Jeff does his signature dance at the top of the stage where he waves one arm at a time and pyro shoots outwards from each side of the stage. The fireworks light up the stage and part of the arena for only a second or two at most before the arena turns to a deeper shade of purple yet again which came from his lights.

[MAURO RANALLO]
This match was announced last week when Aiden English interrupted an interview between Jeff Hardy and Renee Young. Our General Manager made this match official and Jeff didn't seem too interested in facing Minster Money in the Bank. In fact, he had some choice words for him. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe he called Aiden English a lapdog for JBL? I'm not saying I disagree with Jeff but he's treading on thin ice. We know Aiden has been working closely with JBL for a while.



[COREY GRAVES]
I think Jeff Hardy needs to not act all high and mighty. I respect the guy but JBL is our General Manager. JBL isn't a superstar anymore. He's the man in charge and you can't say no to your Boss or else you end up like that referee. I know Jeff Hardy has a wife and kids and I'm sure they wouldn't want to hear that Jeff got fired from XWL yet again. This is behavior I would expect from someone like Matt Sydal. Give it a little and I'm sure he'll be trying to be the Dean Ambrose of twenty eighteen. He's going to be the guy who's trying to be cool and rise above the authority since he thinks he's above the law. It's not that farfetched of an idea when you think about it.

Jeff reaches down and high fives some of the fans at the side of the ramp.



[MAURO RANALLO]
I think Aiden might be biting off more than he can chew because this is Jeff Hardy we are talking about. He's one of the most successful superstars in the history of this company. He's won a lot of championships, a lot of big matches and has defeated anyone put in front of him at least once. His success as of late hasn't been anything worthy... it's been a long time now since he's held any championship gold... but Jeff Hardy is as good as ever.

The Enigma begins to walk around the ring and meeting fans who held their hands out.



Jeff tries to reach out for each and every single one of them until he reaches the steel steps. Hardy begins to climb up the steel steps when suddenly his entrance is cut short and his theme song stops playing. Hardy glances towards the stage. Did Aiden English really have the audacity to not even let the former Heavyweight Champion finish making his entrance?

[MAURO RANALLO]
What's going on here?

As Hardy and now the crowd in attendance look out towards the stage, the titantron now displays nothing but a thick fog effect, and the sound of winds blowing in the breeze sounds throughout the arena. Eventually, a large, bolded white word begins to make its way through the fog.

Future

Once the word has fully emerged, several voices can be heard whispering "future" over and over again, almost as some kind of quiet chant. However, the whispers begin to get louder and louder, until eventually the once whispers come close to shouts. Right as they reach their peak however, the whispers cut out, and the fog dissapears. All we see now on the titantron is a lone spotlight, shining down on what appears to be the same stage we first saw Aiden English on almost a year ago at Emergence. Eventually Aiden English steps into the spotlight, with his Money in the Bank briefcase in one hand, and the mask he was wearing then in the other. He stands, with his arms behind his back for some time, before eventually a microphone rises out of the stage, and he steps forward.

{Aiden English}
Future is art.

With this statement, Aiden English pauses and looks out to the "crowd", which just like when he first showed himself in a similar style, is empty.

{Aiden English}
Future is fame.

However, now the camera shifts from English towards the empty stands.... except they're no longer empty They are now filled the brim with people decked out in Aiden English merchandise, holding signs for him, and cheering out his name.

{Aiden English}
Future is PROSPERITY!

The crowd enters a frenzy, banging on the floors, the guard rails around the stage, their belongings, anything they can get their hands on.

{Aiden English}
Future is HOPE!

There are old women in the stands, openly weeping while young men and women stand in awe of the speech being delivered before them.

{Aiden English}
Future is MONEY!

After saying this Aiden English raises his Money in the Bank briefcase into the air proudly, which seems to cause the crowd to descend into full on madness. It becomes impossible to tell who is who, as now people have just began to make a mad dash towards the stage, yet there always seems to be people behind them, as an endless stream of humanity barges towards the guard rail, which never lets up despite the onslaught. The crowd begins to chant the word "Future" over and over again, with such volume and frequency that those in the actual Little Caesars Arena can barely hear anything over the yelling. After this goes on for longer than most can take, Aiden once again steps up to the mic.

{Aiden English}
CUT!

With this one word yelled into the microphone, everyone in attendance, the yelling, the signs, the tears, it all vanishes in a grand cloud of smoke, leaving Aiden English once again alone, with nothing but a mask, a briefcase, and a spotlight. English quietly sighs to himself, and then raises the mask to his face, and stares deeply into it. Eventually, he slowly lowers the mask onto the floor, in the direct center of the spotlight. He then raises his head back up towards the camera.

{Aiden English}
Future is now.

After speaking this final words, Aiden English turns around and makes his way through the curtain on stage, as the camera lingers on the mask laying on the floor, until we are brought back to the Little Caesars Arena.



[MAURO RANALLO]
Well ladies and gentlemen, the one thing you can never call Aiden English is boring, as we saw just now. Though Corey, do you think a display like that is going to make Jeff Hardy even more determined to prove English wrong, to show that he’s good as ever, and not just some stepping stone towards the “future”.

[COREY GRAVES]
Mauro, are you seriously gonna sit here after that, after Aiden English showed us his heart and soul up there, and criticize him and act like he can’t beat Jeff Hardy? Aiden English knows he can beat Jeff Hardy, that he has to. Someone like Aiden is never going to settle for any less than perfection, and that’s what we’re going to see here tonight, and I hope Jeff Hardy doesn’t try to pull any other stunts concerning our general manager JBL again.

As he makes his way to the ring with Money in the Bank briefcase in hand, Aiden English receives the opposite reaction to the one heard on the titantron, as the fans in Detroit, who weren’t on his side to begin with, have not gained any newfound respect after he nearly blew their eardrums out with his entrance promo. English seems to take it in stride however, taunting and playing up to the crowd as usual, all the way until he gets to the ring steps, where he take on step, turns toward the crowd, and begins to imitate Jeff Hardy’s signature entrance dance, much to the dismay of the crowd. English laughs at the boos however, and steps into the ring. He immediately gets as close as he can to Jeff Hardy without the referee stopping him, and begins to continuously yell the word “future” at Hardy, who appears unfazed. Eventually English backs off into the center of the ring and takes a bow towards the crowd, before finally making his way into his own corner.

With both participants now in their corners, the referee checks both of them to see if they brought any illegal objects with them to use on their opponent. The referee starts with Hardy, running his hands along the first combatant, starting with his arms, carefully and thoroughly patting in an attempt to locate said object. When his attempts are futile on his upper body, he moves down to check his legs and shoes, again carefully patting his way up and down, yielding the same result. The referee deems this a successful search and walks over to Aiden, who unwillingly extends his arms to allow himself to be searched. A few moments pass before the referee takes his place in the center of the ring, motioning to both men, asking if they're ready. Hardy and English simply nod, locking eyes just as the referee raises his arm to call for the bell, but before he could...


RUSEV UDRYA!


RUSEV MACHKA!


Hardy's gaze immediately changes from English to the stage, awaiting the arrival of his adversary in the Bulgarian Brute known simply as Rusev. Boos rain down towards the dastardly duo known as Lana and Rusev as English looks towards the stage, unsure whether this favors him or not. Lana is the first to walk out on stage before Rusev walks out shortly after, wielding the Bulgarian Flag in his left hand. He takes a few steps ahead of Lana and places both his hands on the base of the flag pole, angrily and forcefully swinging it side to side for a handful of moments before planting it at his side. The duo begin making their descent down the entrance ramp, boos raining down on either side of them. Upon reaching the bottom of the ramp, Lana stops her movement at the bottom of the ramp while Rusev makes his way to the steel ring steps, planting his flag down on the conveniently placed flag holder at the bottom of the steps and begins to scale them, remaining on the apron. He makes his way towards JoJo and hands her a piece of paper before hopping off the apron and walking back over to the side of the ring closest to the ramp.

JoJo
As per request of our General Manager JBL, to ensure this contest remains a fair fight without any outside interference, Rusev has been granted the role of “Enforcer.”

Boos rain down as a smirk appears on the faces of Lana and Rusev, while Hardy is less than amused by the antics of both his adversary and the General Manager. Having no say in the matter, Jeff motions for the referee to start this match, ready to unleash some of his frustrations upon Mr Money in the Bank in Aiden English.



With Hardy's proverbial visit to the fabled “No Man's Land” reaching its end, Aiden takes a hold of his opponents head, dragging him towards the ring apron and Rusev is heard shouting what could only be construed as Bulgarian. English places a hand on Hardy's waist, grasping his belt before he slides him back into the ring, ready to bring an end to this contest. He slides in shortly afterwards as Rusev stays on the verbal offensive, whether it's to get into his rivals head or to cheer on Aiden has yet to be seen.

English begins to lift Hardy up to his feet but the second he makes it to a vertical base, he unloads a stiff right hand, causing Aiden to take a step back from the unexpected strike, giving Hardy an opening to deliver another strike. The offensive second wind from the Charismatic Enigma is finally answered when English takes a pot shot, Hardy being able to easily block it and continue his flurry. English is forced to the corner and he tries to block the incoming strikes anyway he possibly could but to no avail. Hardy takes a hold of Aiden's arm and with as much force as he could muster, Irish Whips him towards the opposite turnbuckle but English has enough wherewithal to turn the attempt around, sending Jeff into the corner instead.

Unfortunately for Aiden English, that's exactly what Jeff wanted. Upon reaching the corner, he begins to scale the turnbuckle with rapid precision, making it to the top in the blink of an eye before throwing himself backwards and twisting in the air for what could only be Whisper in the Wind. English has seen enough of Hardy's matches to know where this was going, so his retaliation? Taking a hold of the referee's hand and pulling him into the proverbial danger zone while avoiding the impact himself. Hardy, unknowingly taking out the referee, makes it to his feet and lets out a burst of energy in the shape of a scream as his hands are in the infamous “Hardy Boys” gesture, much to the approval from the crowd who let out a positive reaction.

With his back turned to his opponent, English tries to take advantage of the situation, wrapping his arms around Hardy in a Full Nelson. When it's properly locked in, he goes for what could only be the Director's Cut when he lifts him into the air, ready to slam him down into the canvas but instead, Jeff lands on his feet besides him, kicking English in the stomach, doubling him over for what could only be the Twist of Fate. Hardy wraps his arm around Aiden's head, throwing out his free arm before bringing it back around, ready to send English to the canvas, but the second he turns around, he's met with a leaping kick from Rusev, who made his way into the ring after the referee was taken out of the equation.

A glass eyed expression becomes apparent on Hardy's face, provided you could see it past the layers of paint, the only thing keeping him vertical is Aiden English, who gladly takes this opportunity to lock in the Full Nelson once more. Virtually no resistance from Hardy allows him to hit the Director's Cut without issue, sending him face first into the canvas before instinctively going for the pinfall attempt. Rusev looks over towards the still downed referee and takes a step towards him as if he's going to help him back up. The temporary illusion of assistance is quickly revealed to be just that: An illusion. Rusev pulls the stripped shirt from the official and puts it over his neck, the only way he could wear it due to the obvious size difference between both men and drops down to his knees, making the count.


1...


2...


3!



Rusev calls for the bell, signaling the end of this match as boos rain into the ring directed at both the unofficial “referee” and the victor of the contest. Both English and Rusev exchange a look between one another before partaking in a mutual nod, English scaling the turnbuckle to celebrate his “victory” while Rusev takes a hold of Hardy's jaw, forcing the semi unconscious Jeff Hardy to look into his eyes, mouthing something that's drowned out by both Aiden's theme and the boos from the live audience in attendance. Rusev releases his grasp and exits the ring, making his way up the ramp to an awaiting Lana, who is seemingly content with Rusev's actions tonight. The duo makes their way towards the stage and ultimately the backstage area while the last shot is English holding up his Money in the Bank briefcase over a still fallen Jeff Hardy.

A explosion of cheers erupts from the XWL Universe showcasing their nod of approval.

[Lilian Garcia]
YOUR WINNER, AND NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION ELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLI DRAKE!

[Corey Graves]
Eli has done it!

[Mauro Ranallo]
He has overcame all the obstacles in his path, and now here he is.. Intercontinental Champion!

[Corey Graves]
You have to agree Mauro that this is well earned!

[Mauro Ranallo]
Without a doubt in my mind. This guy has a never say die attitude. There is no bound for this man's potential!  

Eli sits up raising his arm, and looks around exhausted after giving A.J. the fight of his life.



The ref walks back into frame handing Eli Drake the Intercontinental Championship. He takes the title, and faces the front plate of the title towards himself. Eli looks down upon the title with a smile on his face. He stands to his feet raising the the title high, and proud above his head. The ref grabs his other wrist holding it up in the air to declare him as the winner of this wonderful contest. He lowers both of his arms, and nods to the ref. He walks past him, and walks to the ropes closest to Lilian Garcia then motions for a microphone. She stands up happily, and makes her way over. She extends her hand outward towards Eli. He bends down between the ropes, and takes it from her hand. Eli then brings his body back into the ring, and begins circling around the ring looking at Intercontinental title. The fans begin cheering once again as they await to hear from The Elite Wrestler of XWL Eli Drake. Suddenly he stops in the middle of the ring, and gazes upon his new acquired title once again, but this time he begins to speak.

["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake]
This moment is mine, and it shall never be forgotten.

Eli lowers his title, and begins looking outward into the sea of people that is the XWL Universe.

["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake]
I think I have solidified my nickname The Elite Wrestler of XWL. Tonight, I took on a man with incredible... oh wait phenomenal talent, and yet it was I who emerged being able to hoist this title. I never thought I would be able to get to this moment again. This entire time... I thought I was being kept down or being overlooked, but Layla told me the truth. She believed in me. She was in my corner this entire. She was just looking for the perfect opportunity for me, and boy did she know what she was doing. Even though she is no longer with the company..

The crowd begins booing at the thought of who is currently in charge.

["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake]
Oh trust me I get it guys. I don't like who is in charge either. He is the King of Dummies, Yeah!

The crowd yells, "YEAH!" right back at Eli which gives him a slight smirk as he knows that these fans has his back.

["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake]
Now back to the point I was trying to make... Even though she is no longer with the company. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me this chance Layla! I hope I made you proud with this. I did exactly what you said I should do. I came out here, and proved to these people that you can not spell Elite without Eli this right here proves it...

Eli raises his title into the air, and the crowd cheer. A "Thank You Layla" chants break out amongst the XWL Universe as Eli lowers his title.

["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake]
That is right ladies, and gentlemen THANK YOU LAYLA! If it wasn't for her... I would still be struggling to keep my head above the water here, but now I have proven myself to everyone. Wanna know some news? I have taken two titles away from the finger banging dummies that is known as The Bullet Club. One from Finn Balor, and now A.J. Styles... Can anyone else say that around here? I don't think so! Now you guys may ask what is next for Eli Drake? Well that is simple.. my eyes are set only on Chris Jericho who still has a rematch for this belt, but boy does that guy have a lot on his plate on this moment. When you decide to cash in your rematch Chrisy Boy. I better have all of your focus, because if you want any chance walking out with this belt. You are gonna have to give me ever bit of your focus, because that one moment where you lose your focus you will lose, and that isn't an insult...

The fans join in with Eli as he says his catchphrase.

["The Elite Wrestler of XWL" Eli Drake]
That is just a fact of life....

Eli puts down the microphone in the middle of the ring, and raises his title one final time. He puts the title down on the apron, and climbs out of the ring. Once both feet reach the ground he turns around grabbing his title placing it on his shoulder, and then begins walking up the ramp as the camera fades off to black.

The match begins as Allie and Natalya stand across from each other, neither wanting to make a move. On the apron, April has a stoic look in her eyes, while Nikki tightly grips the top rope, a wide grin on her face. Allie's head tilts to the left, then to the right as Natalya's cold, hardened eyes stare a hole through the Demon and the Psychotic Scot. As Natalya made a move towards Allie, Nikki Cross suddenly reaches out and smacks Allie hard on the back. As Allie takes the time to process what just happened, Nikki Cross guides herself through the ropes and rolls to a seated position in the ring, a smile from ear-to-ear as she looks up at the Women's Champion, overenthusiastically waving as Natalya stands dumbfounded by this turn of events

[Mauro Ranallo]
Mind games perhaps on the part of Nikki Cross here...Natalya looks a bit taken aback by this...strategy?

[Corey Graves]
It's not strategy, Mauro, Nikki Cross is just that psychotic that she goes with what she thinks is fun, what she thinks will screw with the head of both the Women's Champion and Miss Money in the Bank.

Nikki's smile suddenly turns into a scowl as Natalya takes a step towards her. The Scot turns her back, looking eerily calm as she sits cross-legged in the middle of the ring, her back to Natalya. Nikki sticks her arms out and closes her eyes, shouting "C'MON, NATTIE! HIT ME!" as she keeps her back turned to the Women's Champion. Nattie backs up just for a moment before jumping and connecting with a dropkick right to the back of Nikki's head! The Women's Champion is on one knee as Nikki holds the back of her head while slipping to the outside, staring a hole through the "Hart and Soul" of XWL's Women's Division.

Nikki practically growls before flipping Natalya off, causing the Women's Champion to simply smirk in response before going for a baseball slide! However, unfortunately for the champ, Nikki Cross pulls the ring apron towards her and traps Natalya between the mat and the apron! Nikki suddenly shouts out and begins to unleash a flurry of forearm smashes into the chest cavity of the Women's Champion, striking out with rage-filled fury and hatred for the woman Nikki thought was April's target for affection, the one she thought was the reason April was spurning her love

[Mauro Ranallo]
Vicious strikes here by the Psychotic Scot as she unloads on our Women's Champion with a barrage of forearms!

[Corey Graves]
Natalya is defenseless, trapped in the ring apron as Nikki Cross is unleashing months and months of pent up aggression!

Nikki Cross unleashes strike after strike onto Natalya who is unable to cover up. Finally the referee is able to pry Nikki Cross off of Natalya, the Psychotic Scot still trying to claw at the champion who is coughing and clutching her chest, her skin turning various shades of purple and red as a result of the vicious assault by Cross. Natalya is able to get freed from her current captivity, turning to Nikki Cross only to eat a vicious punt to the side of the head from Allie, knocking Natalya to the floor! Nikki chooses to take advantage of the situation, scrambling back to Natalya and grabbing her by the hair, tossing the champ into the ring and sliding inside. She quickly presses all her weight down onto Natalya's chest, pinning her down for a two count before Nattie is able to push the Scot off of her.

The Scot sits up and tugs at her hair before pointing at Allie. Cross reaches her hand out for a tag, but Allie slowly shakes her head, refusing to tag in. Cross simply shrugs before seeing that Allie is holding the tag rope. Nikki steps up and gets in the Demon's face before slapping Allie across the face as hard as she can! The Demon stood enraged as Nikki slipped out of the ring, the referee having no choice but to recognize it as a legal tag. Allie turns her head to question the referee but finds herself brought in the ring by Natalya, who quickly takes control with a trio of throws, sending Allie through a loop as Nikki leans against the apron laughing at Allie's plight

[Corey Graves]
The Women's Champion is taking control of the possessed Demon Allie with a barrage of hard German Suplexes!

[Mauro Ranallo]
All while her tag partner for this match is laughing at her!

Natalya takes hold of Allie before tagging in Miss Money in the Bank, April. The longest reigning Women's Champion of all time receives a large positive ovation as she steps through the ropes. Together, Natalya and April take hold of Allie, dropping her with a stiff combination of strikes. Finally Nikki chooses to step back up onto the apron, grabbing the tag rope as she stands with her arms folded across the top rope, resting her head on her arms as she watches April go to work on her demonic tag team partner with a barrage of punches, kicks and elbows, Allie doing her best to cover up from April's vicious attacks. Allie finally is able to kick and claw at April to get away long enough to scramble towards the corner. Seeing Nikki holding the tag rope, Allie stumbles to her feet before clocking Nikki with a right hand!

The referee sees this and motions that it was a legal tag, causing Allie to chuckle as she steps out to the apron, motioning for Nikki to enter. Nikki, however, sees that April is still the legal woman in the match and suddenly, timidly steps into the ring. She takes two to three steps to the middle of the ring and stands as still as a statue. April steps up into Nikki's face, asking "Why are you trying to make my life miserable? What have I done to you to make you this way?" But Nikki refuses to budge, refuses to open her mouth. "I don't love Natalya!" April shouts which finally causes Nikki's eyes to widen. April stands confused by this but has no time to react as Nikki grabs her face, pulling Miss Money in the Bank into a deep, passionate kiss. April's arms flail as Nikki shoves her tongue into her mouth, the Psychotic Scot practically trying to swallow April's tongue.

However, Natalya, Allie, hell, the entire XWL Universe looks on in a state of shock as Nikki suddenly screams out, trying to pull away, revealing that April has bitten down with all her might on the Scot's tongue. Now Nikki is the one trying to pull away with April holding Nikki's hair with a tight grip. The referee counting his way up to five until April releases on four, wiping her lips off with a sick smirk on her face. Nikki drops to her rear, holding her mouth before spitting out blood onto the mat, looking up with a smirk of her own as April stands above her.

April suddenly drops to her knees, tilting her head to the left, then to the right as Nikki reaches out to try and grab at the rear of Miss Money in the Bank. Unfortunately for Nikki, April retaliates with slaps across the face. Strike after strike from the object of her twisted affections landing and leaving a stinging pain on her cheek. April tugs Nikki to her feet before trying to lock in her devastating Black Widow submission! However, Nikki charges into the corner as April moves to a stranglehold around the Scot's neck, dropping to her knees and essentially lawn darting April into the middle turnbuckle, leaving both women down and hurting on the canvas

[Mauro Ranallo]
These two women are going to kill each other before this whole thing comes to an end, Corey.

[Corey Graves]
I'm still getting over the fact that April nearly tried to bite Nikki Cross's tongue completely off!

Nikki Cross and April lay on the mat, battered, bruised, sore as Natalya and Allie both reach out to get a tag. April gets to Natalya first, Natalya already in the ring as Nikki desperately reaches out to tag Allie in. Allie accepts the tag and Natalya quickly charges and takes Allie to the canvas, mounting the Demon with a flurry of rights and lefts, trying to wipe Allie and Nikki Cross out of the life of her friend. Nattie's left hand entangled itself in Allie's hair as her right hand tried to rearrange the facial features of the woman possessed by the spirit of Rosemary, the woman that April burned alive. Nattie has a look of disdain in her eyes as she picks up the Demon, locking her arms together. Lifting her up, she holds Allie in the air, staring a hole through Nikki Cross.

Natalya shouts towards the Scot "STAY AWAY FROM MY FRIEND!", connecting with the Hart Attack 2.0 and caving Allie's sternum in with both knees! Natalya goes for the cover, only for it to be broken up by Nikki Cross diving off the top rope, drilling Natalya with a front dropkick! Nikki is suddenly on the attack, clawing and scratching at Natalya's face before April saves her friend, tackling Nikki through the ropes and outside the ring, the longest reigning Women's Champion in XWL's ten year history trying to beat down the woman who had tormented her for the last six months

The referee is able to break the two of them apart before Nikki swings with a haymaker! April ducks however, and the referee takes the right hand right in the jaw, knocking him out cold on the floor! April approaches him to make sure he's okay but hes out cold. April turns around only to be shoved back first into the unforgiving steel steps. April falls face forward in a cry of pain. Nikki thinks about going to April but notices  Natalya and Allie getting up. This is her chance to get rid of Natalya! Nikki slides into the ring and clobbers Natalya with a forearm to the back of the head as she's getting up. From there it's just a hail of fist and stomps from the Demon and Cross on Natalya. Finally Cross grabs Natalya by her arms, holding her towards Allie. A sick smile graces the face of Allie as she rears back, ready to spit mist and blind the Women's Champion! Until there's a choking motion and the mist spill harmlessly to the mat. Nikki pushes Natalya to the side, confused as she finds the problem. That problem being April, who stands on the apron, with her noose in hand which she lassoed around Allie's neck before she could spit! April yanks on the rope, slamming Allie to the mat before stepping back into the ring and facing Nikki

The two share a long and uncomfortable stare down. April glares with all her hate. Meanwhile Nikki makes indecent licking motions that do nothing but further anger April. Suddenly Nikki is pushed towards April by Natalya! Nikki m, who wasn't expecting the push goes rocketing towards April who without missing a beat launched into her spinning back kick that has put down many foes. The kick connects with the temple of Cross knocking her out instantly. The crowd cheer as April stands above her tormentor, a satisfied look on her face. April notices the ref coming to and quickly springs into action, dragging Allie to the middle of the ring and removing the noose. Allie starts to move and rise to her feet only to notice she's in no man's land. Stuck between both April and Natalya! Allie goes to move to Natalya but a spinning elbow shot to the jaw spins her towards April. Another spinning back kick to the jaw from April has her spinning back to Natalya and that's when Natalya locks both her arms, lifting her in a show of power that makes it look effortless and drops her on her knees for a Hart Attack 2.0! The fans go wild as the ref slides back into the ring and begins to count!

1!









2!













3!

The fans are on their feet as Natalya's music blares throughout the arena! April waste no time hugging Natalya who winces in pain a little but accepts it. April and Natalya are both given their prize possessions. Natalya hugs her Women's Championship close to herself. And it looks like she might say something to April until she sees her. April holds her briefcase, the thing that could bring Natalya's reign to an end at any moment. April gives the case a kiss before turning around, almost child like innocence on her face as she smiles brightly at her best friend. The thought of April back stabbing her is quickly thrown from her mind as April holds up the arm of Natalya, pointing at her as the crowd cheers. Neither would ever know, but Natalya would steal one more glance at the Money in the Bank briefcase and April herself, would give a quick, longing look towards The Women's Championship. This, fades to black

*The cameras shift to the backstage area where Dakota Kai is shown alongside Cathy Kelley.*



[Cathy Kelley]
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Dakota Kai.

*A rumbling of cheers can be heard off in the distance from the live crowd.  Dakota smiles.*



[Cathy Kelley]
Dakota, last week on Anarchy, Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax left you and your newfound ally Asuka laying in the middle of the ring after a brutal assault following the match between Asuka and Nia Jax falling into disarray.  Tonight you team with Asuka to take on the Irre-Blisstible force in tag team action...

*Dakota signals that she wants to speak so Cathy moves the mic towards her.*



[Dakota Kai]
Last week isn't relevant because the only reason Asuka and I were left laying is because Alexa Bliss brought that stick of hers into play and turned a two-on-two fight into a two-on-one mauling.  If it was a fair fight, there's no doubt in my mind there would have been a different outcome.  Tonight, Asuka and I will prove that.



[Cathy Kelley]
A lot has been said on social media about this alliance between yourself and Asuka.  The XWL Universe is buzzing about the possibilities - some even claim that the two of you could end up being one of the greatest alliances of all time.  Can we expect this to be a long-term deal or is this strictly a friendship based on having a common foe?



[Dakota Kai]
I've always had great respect for Asuka because of her in-ring ability and the way she carries herself a competitor.  In some ways, I've tried to emulate parts of Asuka in my own ring game as she's one of the greatest strikers in the world which of course, is what I also pride myself on being.  And it isn't just a one way thing, I know that Asuka also has great respect for me too and when you put the two of us together inside the ring, magic happens as you saw in the Asuka vs The World series when we faced off and tore the house down...



[Dakota Kai]
I've heard all the talk about us having communication issues due to her limited English and my accent, but when you have two individuals who have the same mindset, with the same goals, and the same enemies?  We're on the same wavelength no matter what.  We've practiced our teamwork a few times at house shows leading up to this match and it turns out I already know what Asuka is thinking before she does it.  I have complete confidence that we can pull off the victory tonight.



[Dakota Kai]
Sorry, I've gone off on a bit of a tangent here, but to answer your question Cathy... as great as it would be to continue teaming up with someone like Asuka, I don't think it's going to be long-term.  We're standing together, united, to finally put the bullies of the Women's Division in their place and once we've accomplished that, I have bigger goals in mind.  Namely the XWL Women's Championship.  And I know for a fact that Asuka feels the same way.



[Dakota Kai]
I know some sections of the XWL Universe will be disappointed to hear me say that, but tonight will be a night for them to remember and something special.  Tonight, for one night only, Asuka will become the co-captain of Team Kick and together we will kick the living daylights out of Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax.  And that is something you can count on.

*Dakota's final words are emphasised by her look of determination as the segment fades away to the next part of Warzone.*

*The cameras shift to another part of the backstage area where Christy St. Cloud is standing by to conduct an interview with none other than Undisputed Era member, Kyle O'Reilly!*



[Christy St. Cloud]
Kyle O'Reilly, last week on Anarchy, Bray Wyatt played a mind game on you with a large number of his followers in sheep masks seemingly appearing out of nowhere which left you visibly shaken...

*O'Reilly quickly interjects.*



[Kyle O'Reilly]
No Christy.  Stop right there.  You're missing the big story from last week.  Nobody cares about Bray Wyatt.  Nah-uh.  Last week, Kyle O'Reilly defeated Sami Zayn.  That's right, I defeated a former World Champion.  In my debut match.  And I didn't even break a sweat!

*The cockiness of O'Reilly is evident for all to see.  He has this swagger about him and his tone is full to the brim with self-confidence.*



[Kyle O'Reilly]
My signing to this company has raised the bar oh so high.  So high that nobody has even realized it yet.  And with my Undisputed Era brothers alongside me... the possibilities are endless.  Who knows what we're going to achieve together.

[Christy St. Cloud]
Aren't you looking past Bray Wyatt?  I mean you are scheduled to have a match with him here tonight...

*O'Reilly is briefly agitated by the question and initially snaps in his response.*



[Kyle O'Reilly]
I'm not looking past anybody Christy.  I'm a professional.  It's just that Bray Wyatt is old news.  He lost his relevancy when I left him laying face down and unconscious in the first round of the Tag Team Championship tournament.  I don't care about guys in sheep masks showing up out of nowhere.  I mean, come on, really?  What's scary about sheep?  Bray could've chosen any other mask for his voodoo nerds to wear: wolves, tigers, sharks... and he chose sheep?  Really?  You're right Christy I was literally shaking in my boots last week.



[Kyle O'Reilly]
Tonight is just another day at the office for Kyle O'Reilly.  That's all there is to it.  I will prove that Bray Wyatt is yesterday's news and that today's headlines are dominated by The Undisputed Era.  Now if you'll excuse me I heard there's free pizza going back here somewhere.

*O'Reilly walks out of view, away in his quest for the free food leaving St. Cloud on her own.  The segment fades away to the next part of this historic night.*

[Mauro Ranallo]
Well folks, looks like it’s time for Kyle O’Reilly vs. Bray Wyatt, and I for one am certainly ready to see an end to whatever it is that Bray Wyatt has been touting lately about “his own path” and “the day of reckoning”, acting even stranger than we know him to act usually. Perhaps we can put an end to this once and for all.

[Corey Graves]
Put an end to…. Mauro what are you talking about? Tonight is the night that Bray Wyatt gets revenge for what O’Reilly did to him during their tag match weeks ago. Now granted, I am just as confused and concerned as you are about what he’s been saying about things like “armageddon”, but the fact of the matter is that Wyatt is the one in the right in this particular match!

[Mauro Ranallo]
While I may not always be the biggest fan of the Undisputed Era, and O’Reilly can be quite full of himself at times, especially in the interview with him we just saw, are you really going to sit here and ignore that the past few weeks Wyatt has been toying with O’Reilly, making him doubt his every move? Isn’t that revenge enough for him?

[Corey Graves]
Come on Mauro, you should know Wyatt better than that! He will stop at nothing to make sure that anyone who crosses him meets a fate as unfortunate and gruesome as he can imagine. And as we know, he can imagine some very unfortunate scenarios. And besides, if we go by what O’Reilly said earlier, then apparently he’s been perfectly fine despite the actions of Bray Wyatt!

As Mauro and Corey continue to bicker, however, there is no sign of Kyle O’Reilly. While at first one might assume he’s simply trying to hype up the crowd, eventually it becomes quite clear that he’s not showing up anytime soon. The referee can be seen radioing backstage trying to figure out where he is, and the ringside crew appears to be quite confused.

[Mauro Ranallo]
Well folks, we’re very sorry about this, Kyle O’Reilly is currently nowhere to be found, but rest assured we have crew members backstage on the job making sure he’ll be coming out soon.

[Corey Graves]
I can’t belive it! O’Reilly’s scared of Wyatt! He’s clearly legged out of the arena to avoid this match! Though, to be honest, if I was in his shoes, I might……..

[Mauro Ranallo]
OH MY GOD!

After both commentators jump back in horror, it’s revealed what made them react in such a visceral fashion. The camera cuts to the titantron, where we are brough to the typical area we usually see Wyatt. However, this time it’s different. Rather than Wyatt standing and delivering a sermon, there’s a figure laid out on the floor. As the camera moves down and closer to the man, it can be made out to be the figure of Kyle O’Reilly, however the face is covered by a sheep mask that appears to have been forced onto his now knocked out body. However, that alone is not the only thing that made the commentators react in the way they did. Written on his back in a substance that is clearly blood of some sort of animal is simply the word ‘sheep’.



This isn’t the end of things however, as right after Wyatt’s signature series of creepy visuals, none other than the man himself is in the ring, pacing back and forth, while the referee looks at him with stunned silence. Eventually, Bray Wyatt begins yelling at the referee to ring the bell, regardless of whether or not Kyle O’Reilly is present. After some time, the referee reluctantly walks over to Lilian Garcia and whispers something in her ear.

[Lilian Garcia]
Ladies and gentlemen, Kyle O’Reilly has been deemed by the referee to be medically unable to compete in this match here tonight. Therefore, your winner of this match by forfeit is Bray Wyatt.



As soon as Lilian Garcia finishes announcing Wyatt the winner of this match, he disappears as quickly as he appeared, leaving nothing but an empty ring, a confused referee, and a crowd of Detroit fans disappointed that they didn’t get to see the scheduled contest. It seems that no one has any real idea of what to do now, but I guess the show must go on, so Warzone continues.

Before Jimmy lifts the mic to his mouth, he starts clapping and laughing. He finally brings his head up looking into the hard camera.

JoJo stands in the ring about to do her usual introductions when suddenly a crew member calls for her and catches her attention. She looks obviously confused as she walks over to them and they go back and forth as the worker hands her a piece of paper. The only thing we could very obviously hear was 'Chris Jericho gave me this' and that was it. The crew member goes back over towards the timekeepers' area and JoJo looks at the paper before heading back to the center of the ring. The young female reads the paper over, looks at the stage and then back at the paper. She rolls her eyes and clears her throat.

[JOJO OFFERMAN]
Ladies and Gentleman, I can proudly announce that the following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall and it is to crown the first ever XWL World Tag Team Champions!

The Detroit crowd pops and JoJo looks down at the paper she was given.

[JOJO OFFERMAN]
And I was given this paper by Chris Jericho and requested to read it.

As expected, the Detroit crowd does the opposite of before and they boo the mention of Jericho.

[JOJO OFFERMAN]
"I, Chris Jericho, have reached out to one of my close friends, lead singer of one of the greatest bands today, Avenged Sevenfold, M. Shadows, and has asked him to play myself and Kevin Owens to the ring. This is a monumental occasion for us and Alpha Club needed an entrance fit for a pair of champions. At this time, I ask that you please be a respectful bunch and shut your mouths as Avenger Sevenfold does their thing and we make our entrance."

JoJo rolls her eyes and stops reading the paper.

[JOJO OFFERMAN]
Introducing first, wrestling on behalf of the Alpha Club, Chris Jericho, and Kevin Owens!



Cameras turn to the stage as Avenged Sevenfold begin to play "Critical Acclaim".

[COREY GRAVES]
I couldn't have said it better myself! Chris Jericho has reached out to one of his many famous friends and has pulled all the strings to make this tag team championship match as hype as possible. This match is finally happening after so many years. We have a world-famous band playing Alpha Club to the ring. I would like to see the Motor City Machine Guns or whatever the tag team name of Chad Gable and Chris Sabin top an entrance like this.

Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens step out from behind the curtain and they are met from boos from the Detroit crowd. Neither of them seems too impressed with the reaction. Owens rolls his eyes while Jericho encourages the band to ignore them. Besides the live band, there wasn't anything special about the entrance. Neither of these two is in the best moods surely after what happened earlier. They are here to be serious. Playtime is over. It's time for them to win themselves a pair of World Tag Team Championships.

[MAURO RANALLO]
Earlier tonight, we saw Jericho and Owens fail at stealing the World Heavyweight Championship away from Johnny Gargano. I'm sure that is something that is weighing heavily on their minds. Two failures in one night would not look good for these two men and I'm sure their egos couldn't handle it. Perhaps the screw up earlier is going to fuel them to do better in this tag team match. They have something to prove now. They did before because they are easily the most hated team in this tournament but now, they have something to prove to themselves. They have to prove they are a functioning team that can work together one last time where it all truly matters.

[COREY GRAVES]
I have to agree with you. I think what happened earlier is going to give them the motivation they need to topple Chris Sabin and Chad Gable. I think going into this match they were underestimating them. They didn't see them as a threat. I'm sure they still don't but now they have that reason and as long as they can keep their heads in the game... Alpha Club could very well be the first ever champions. Yet another first ever to the resume of Chris Jericho.

Jericho and Owens walk down the ramp side by side. Words were exchanged between the two men as they hyped each other up for this big match. Kevin Owens shouts at Chris Jericho "We are going to win tonight. You are going to win the Intercontinental Championship. You are going to win the World Heavyweight Championship. We are going to own this company!" before giving him a rough pat on the back which brings out that confident smirk from the Alpha himself. The thought of it all was obviously a nice thought but Jericho knew they couldn't get too ahead of himself. Jericho patted Owens on the back and let him lead as Owens hustled up the ramp and stepped into the ring. Jericho did his signature pose on the apron where he hooked his arms and spun around and looked out into the crowd of people who were clearly on the side of Chris Sabin and Chad Gable going into the World Tag Team Championship match.

[MAURO RANALLO]
I don't think I can express how excited I am right now! I know I have not been with this company that long but I remember all the times where we were so close to bringing in the Tag Team Championships but it never happened for one reason or another. Some people ruled out the thought completely. Some people accepted that it was never going to happen. To be honest with you, even I was one of them but there have always been two men who never gave up: Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley. We saw Alex Shelley earlier tonight and we are about to see Chris Sabin come out. I kind of want to see Chris Sabin and Chad Gable win because of how hard Sabin has worked for this. He deserves this championship more than anyone else and there's no denying that.

Jericho and Owens pace around the ring and ready themselves for the pending arrival of their opponents for the night, the strange bedfellows themselves, Chris Sabin and Chad Gable.

"HAIL TRASH CITY STUPID IDIOTS!"

With that, the lights go out and the infamous theme begins to play.



The intro comes by, the usual set up as the lights flash each time. Finally, the main part of the song comes to play and a spotlight drops down on stage, showcasing Chad Gable and Chris Sabin. Chad Gable holds a finger gun pose, pointing it to the ring as Sabin takes a moment to make his, unsure of what exactly to do at this moment. They both shoot the ring and begin to move down the ramp, Gable dancing as Sabin watches, a bit confused.

They make it halfway down the ramp as Gable tries to encourage Sabin to join in on his dancing but to no avail. Chris is thoroughly not prepared for this entrance compared to Gable but they continue towards the ring, reaching it as the chorus takes over. Per usual, Gable sings the first part.

"Take, on, me!"

Then he points to Sabin who is taken back by the sudden spotlight dropped on him. He misses his line but the crowd makes up for it in the background as Gable does it once more.

"Take, me, on!"

He points to Sabin who is mildly ready this time, mouthing the words to the song.

"Take on me!"

Gable takes off, sliding into the ring as the final parts of the chorus begin to play. He spins, the crowd showering him in streamers as Sabin looks on from the apron which he's mounted in this timeframe. Gable looks to his partner as he finishes, obviously disappointed. He wanted his new best friend forever to get in the ring and do the thing, but then he didn't. Honestly, this was a mess of a choreographed entrance. Sabin gets in, pointing a gun to the crowd who shoot it back at him. With that, the theme stops, Gable confused as it wasn't his doing for once that ended the song but here they stand, the Trash City Stupid Idiots, ready to fight.








Kevin Owens goes straight after Gable backing him into the corner! Owens lays punch after punch on him! Gable sinks slowly into the turnbuckle after each heavy hit Owens lands. Gable is fading until he hears it....the fans chanting his name all around the world and here tonight, chanting for him not to give in and to fight back to overcome Alpha Club and their devious ways! Gable starts taking punch after punch from Owens but instead of sinking into the turnbuckle it seems like each punch is giving him more and more fight! Gable is getting to his feet as Owens lays heavy hit after heavy hit! Owens has had enough, Gable is now standing as Owens winds up his biggest punch he can muster and lays it right into Gables fa-NO! Gable grabs Owens arm! Gable is shaking his head while holding Owens' arm and staring daggers through him. Gable slaps Kevin so hard he gets turned around, Gable uses that to his advantage as he grabs Owens by the waist and runs full speed into the corner but what he doesn't see is Owens grab the Ref by the shirt and throw him into the corner in front of him! Owens smashes into the Ref knocking him out of commision. Gable doesn't notice and follows up with German Suplexing Owens straight onto his head. Gable waits for the pin count to start, but when it doesn't he looks around confused and notices the ref is out cold. Gable looks slightly defeated but quickly snaps out of it. He walks over to try and tag in Sabin but Sabin is still recovering from that nasty cheap shot Owens gave him. Gable walks over to Owens to perhaps try for yet another Chaos Theory but is met with a punch straight to the little Gables! Chris is calling for a tag while Gable is recovering from yet another cheap shot from Owens, Kevin is about to make the tag to Chris when...


















[MAURO RANALLO]
WAIT?! CAN IT BE?!?!

[COREY GRAVES]
No......Not like this!!! What is HE doing here?!?!

The fans in attendance are on their feet and screaming for the only other man that has ever used that theme here in XWL, they all chant "Al-Ex Shel-ley!" as Jericho and Owens stop dead in their tracks and look around the arena Chad Gable seems to have a smirk on his face still clutching his groin as he now thinks the numbers are in his teams favor. Finally no more Alpha Club cheating, this time it was them who were going to be cheated. Sabin is stirring on the outside and gets to one knee as he hears his old partners theme blazing all around him, a smile crosses his face. He can't believe Alex came to help them win. What a true friend he is-

[MAURO RANALLO]
WHAT THE HELL?! Sabin was just blindsided!

Sabin was just blasted by a huge big boot almost knocking his head clean off! The fans are confused as to what has just happened, that is until the camera pans up revealing...

[COREY GRAVES]
That's Sami Zayn!! Yes, Sami! I knew you didn't really leave!

[MAURO RANALLO]
How DESPICABLE, Sami Zayn taking a cheap shot while the Ref is down! Will Alpha Club stop at nothing to get what they want?

[COREY GRAVES]
That's correct Mauro! That's what makes them different from 97% of the locker room! They do what it takes!

Gable runs towards the side where Sabin was just Helluva Kicked from, unable to believe Alpha Club pulled another fast one...He has had it! This time the Alpha Club will PAY! Sabin and he are walking out TAG TEAM CHAM-

[COREY GRAVES]
Kevin Owens rolled up Chad Gable!

[MAURO RANALLO]
He has the tights!

Sami rushes to wake up the ref who is almost completely out of it but somehow Sami was able to get him to start the count asGable struggles to get out of the pin!

1! Chad Gable struggles, but it's no use....
2! Sabin is back up!! He springs into action and slides into the ring! He's going to do it! Sabin jumps towards Gable to break up the pi-NO! His feet don't leave the ground! Sami Zayn has grabbed a hold of his right foot and the ref is too dazed to notice!
3!



Kevin Owens rolls out of the ring as Sami lets go of Sabins' leg, Sabin rushes to check on Gable, obviously pissed and tries to explain what happened to the Ref, but sadly he didn't see anything.

[MAURO RANALLO]
Sami Zayn just SCREWED Sabin and Gable out of the Tag Team Championships!

[COREY GRAVES]
Who cares Mauro! We have competent First Ever Tag Champs! I'd say job well done Sami!

Sami Zayn grabs the Titles from the pedestal and walks them up to where Kevin and Chris are standing, Sami walks by Gable and Sabin who are sitting disappointed with themselves in the middle of the ring. Sami raises the Titles towards their face and spews out "LOOK NICE DON'T THEY?" Sami chuckles with himself as he approaches Chris and Kevin who were also joining in on the laugh. Sami hands the belts to Kevin and Chris who take a moment to be mesmerized by their new found gold. Sami grabs Chris and Kevin's hand and holds them into the air to a chorus of boos.

[MAURO RANALLO]
This was 10 years in the making...I can't believe it's ending like this...

[COREY GRAVES]
Same here Mauro... This is just...AMAZING! ALPHA CLUB ARE THE FIRST EVER TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS HERE IN XWL!

Sami throws his arms over the shoulders of Chris and Kevin who hold their Titles up high. Jericho, Sami, and Kevin are greeted by M. Shadows holding a champagne bottle who congratulates them. Sabin and Gable sit inside the ring Gable, with his hand on Sabins shoulders and Sabin, with his face buried in his hands not quite believing these guys are the first Tag Champions. Something he's worked to integrate for YEARS now soured by Alpha Club. M. Shadows motions to the camera, Fireworks and confetti rain as Alpha Club make their way up the ramp. Sami takes the champagne and shakes it up. He then removes the cork and drenches Chris and Kevin in champagne which also drenches the new Titles to the disgust of Sabin and Gable which just makes the boos even louder. Warzone fades as Gable and Sabin are left in the ring, with Alpha Club taunting them on the ramp holding their new Titles close.