Revolution 6/1/23

[Danny]

We head to the arena where the pyrotechnics go off from the stage and the camera pans around to get a shot of the Revolution fans in attendance before panning to the commentary table where Corey Graves, Mauro Ranallo, and Tom Phillips are standing by.



Mauro Ranallo: Hello and welcome to Revolution! I'm Mauro Ranallo alongside my partners Tom Phillips and former International Champion Corey Graves.

Tom Phillips: We go from one big action packed show to another. We saw a lot of interesting developments but we're in for far more tonight.

Corey Graves: You're burying the lead Phillips, it's the start of the King of the Ring!

Mauro Ranallo: Four big tournament matches will determine the Semi Finals. Those matches are MJF vs Will Ospreay, Sami Zayn vs Kyle O'Reilly, Orange Cassidy vs Edge and Spike Dudley vs Eddie Kingston.

Tom Phillips: Plus after inadvertently costing Balor the Television Championship. Coddy will team up with him to take on JBL's cabinet members, FTR!

Mauro Ranallo: All that and more right here on Revolution!




The crowd are getting restless inside the arena waiting for the next exciting segment of Revolution when suddenly an unfamiliar sound is heard over the PA system...



'Deepest Bluest' by LL Cool J begins to play to a mostly confused, somewhat intrigued reaction. The crowd all turn to the ramp to see who's coming out next. After a short wait, the lyrics to the song kick in and from behind the curtain emerges the man formerly known as Shark Boy. The crowd give a loud mixed reaction, they saw what he did to Grado at Backlash but aren't sure why?. Is it a remergence of DMR?, is it Dean Baldwin?, is it something else entirely?, we'll soon see as he looks around at the crowd and sniffs the air before raising a single eyebrow. The artist formerly known as Shark Boy makes his way now down the ramp slowly, with a swagger in his step, he's got a fancy shirt on, some leather pants and sunglasses in doors. He stops just short of the ring and takes another moment to look at his surroundings before he steps up onto the ring and walks along the apron before climbing to the top rope and simply looking around at his surroundings before he steps down and into the ring. The unmasked Shark Boy is handed a microphone and so he utters his first words post-Backlash...



???: FINALLY... THE SHARK HAS ARRIVED TO THE REVOLUTION!

The crowd give a loud mixed reaction - Shark Boy sounds different, he seems to be going now by the moniker of 'The Shark'.

The Shark: For the past few nights The Shark's phone has been blowing up. It's been ringing off the hook with people asking why Shark?, why?... why did you lay out your friend, your best friend at Backlash. 

The crowd now move from a muttering mixed reaction to mostly boos.

Now truth be told, The Shark didn't give it much thought at all because to people like The Shark it's pretty obvious. But I'll indulge you pieces of trailer park, red neck, white trash morons here tonight because let's face it, none of you have the intellect of The Shark so let The Shark spell it out for ya.

The crowd are now booing The Shark loudly.

At Backlash - the mask came off. You all thought it wasn't possible - The Shark seen grown men cry like the sexless freaks they are over a man having a stupid mask removed from his head. Now to Shark Boy?... that was devastating. Shark Boy was no more, he packed his bags and took his pick-up truck back home to the Deep Blue Sea where he belongs. Because on that night in front of the millions...

There's literally no reaction beyond boos and mild uncomfortable laughter as many worry about the man they used to know as Shark Boy's mental state.

And millions of the Shark's fans - the man beneath the mask had his eyes opened and The Shark was awoken. Now Shark Boy?, Shark Boy would've been petty - he'd be down here talking about 'whippin' bass' and knocking everyone out with the smell of beer from his mouth but The Shark?, well The Shark's a whole new shoal of fish and I want to be the first to personally congratulate Trevor Lee on retaining the UWF Championship at Backlash. And The Shark wants to go a little bit further than that and personally thank Trevor Lee, The Mayor of Harlan himself - for opening my eyes, for waking me up and I think each and every one of you pieces of monkey crap should join me in applauding Trevor Lee too, so here's to ya champ.

The Shark claps his hands as the crowd begin to chant 'BULLSHIT!' at The Shark. 

Call it what you like - but Trevor Lee put away Shark Boy and he put him away for good and there is never.. AND THE SHARK MEANS NEVER... going to be a Shark Boy again and there sure as hell isn't going to be a C.U.N.T. again!

The crowd begin to chant for Grado but The Shark cuts them off.

Let The Shark stop ya right there - Grado's gone too. The way The Shark sees it - he couldn't save Shark Boy at Wrestlemania, he couldn't save Shark Boy at Backlash and neither could Paul Burchill. For all his shortcomings and although he might've been blinded by his own ego - Shark Boy was successful, he was a two time World Champion, a Grand Slam champion - but let's not get it twisted, that wasn't off the back of Grado and Paul Burchill, that was all done by the man behind the mask, yours truly, The Shark. So the way The Shark sees it, Grado and Paul Burchill are nothing more than a couple of candy ass coattail riding losers that have no place sharing the same locker room, let alone the same ring as The Shark. It's time to trim the fat so it's pretty obvious that Grado is gone first and Paul - let's just say you're back where you belong and I just hope you're safe and sound looking at those padded walls because it's where you belong, it's where you've always belonged and there's only room for one captain now and you're looking at him. 

The crowd now loudly chant 'ASSHOLE, ASSHOLE!' in The Shark's direction which leaves him a little more than disgruntled.



You pieces of trash make me sick - if The Shark still had that stupid gimmick on his head you'd be eating this up like Grado at the buffet table in catering. Let me be clear, Shark Boy is gone, The C.U.N.T. is gone but The Shark is going no where and sooner or later you'll all learn to love The Shark. Like The Shark said, this is the man behind the mask - the man behind the titles, the accolades, the Hall of Fame career. Shark Boy would probably give all of you credit for that but let's face facts, looking around this arena, there isn't a man or woman or anything in between that could carry The Shark's jock. The same goes for all the jabronis in the back. Shark Boy ran through all of you like Grado in a McDonalds - he beat everybody on the roster and some of them twice. Now just imagine what The Shark could do. The Shark doesn't have to pander to the 'Sharkoholics' - The Shark doesn't have to watch his back to make sure Grado isn't getting himself abducted. Like The Shark said, he's the captain of the ship now and the gloves are truly off. So here's The Shark's message to the roster, to the crowd and to the millions of viewers around the world getting their first glimpse at their new hero. You better all get used to it and get used it quick because The Shark isn't here to make friends... The Shark isn't here to kiss babies and shake your disgusting hands. The Shark is here for money, gold, power and more importantly to prove that he is without a shadow of a doubt 'The Most Electrifying Fish in the Deep Blue Sea'. 

The crowd are booing loudly as The Shark takes a moment to soak in the 'applause'.

So The Shark says this - take all of your best, take your Spike Dudleys, take your Leyton Buzzards, your Finn Balors, your LA Knights, MJF, Trevor Lee... hell I'll throw old Eddie Guerrero a bone - you line up every jabroni in the back and you tell them to form a queue for the chance, the opportunity to go one on one with 'The Great One' and watch them one by one fall at the feet of the single greatest force in UWF history. Shark Boy might've had his moment in the sun, but it's a flash in the pan compared to what The Shark is about to do... IF YA SMELLLLL... WHAT THE SHARK IS COOKIN'



The Shark tosses the microphone away as his music hits the PA system once again. The boos are raining down on the former UWF Champion who laps it all up with a shit-eating grin, laughing in the face of the devastated Shark Boy fans, kids are crying, it's horrible. The Shark loves it all and continues to laugh and smile as we head elsewhere.




The Revolution logo splashes across the screen and we are taken backstage where Renee Young is standing by.



Renee Young: I'm here with the UWF Prime Time Medalist, Orange Cassidy. Orange, do you have a few moments to answer some questions for the UWF Universe?

The camera pans slooooowly over to Orange, who is leaning against the wall, arms crossed, shades on, not a care in the world. O.C. leans toward the mic, ever so slightly, and after a long, dramatic pause, he opens his mouth and with a knowing grin replies:

Orange Cassidy: Sure Renee, why not.

Young chuckles, then fires off a question for the Medal-holder.

Renee Young: Well, we are just a week removed from UWF Backlash, where you successfully defended your Prime Time Medal for the first time against LA Knight. How are you feeling now that the first defense is behind you, and what do you have to say to whomever your next opponent is going to be?

Orange's devil-may-care attitude is unshakeable. He speaks in something approaching a monotone.

Orange Cassidy: Listen, the outcome of Backlash was never in doubt. LA Knight couldn't beat me the first time and literally ran away. He lost the medal because of me, and then failed to return the favor and prevent me from winning it. So of course that loser was going to do what he does best at Backlash and lose. I didn't even have to do much, which was cool by me because honestly, the less I have to do the better, as far as I'm concerned. I'd rather save that energy for something more productive, like chilling with the Best Friends or playing UWF 2K23.

Renee is smiling as she nods along to his response. Orange keeps going.

Orange Cassidy: The simple fact of the matter is this Orange is on a roll. He has mass appeal. EC3 knew it when he brought me back and booked me in a Prime Time contest my first night back and I haven't lost since. The Medal looks good in my backpack. That's where it belongs. And it doesn't matter who Carter gives the next shot to, they're just going to be another notch on the old belt when the night is done. I'm going to keep defending this medal just the same as I'm going to keep advancing in the King of Wrestle tournament, and when I'm King of Wrestle and Mr. Prime Time, Ethan isn't going to have a choice but to book me in two title matches the same night, then I'm going to leave Sami in the dust and become Orange Tres Oros.

The callback is a welcome one from the fans watching the segment, and their pop can be heard in the backstage here. But then, they turn sour as another familiar face enters the frame...

Maxwell Jacob Friedman: The less I have to do the better? That's what you said right? That's what this whole "sloth style" I'm too cool to care thing is about? Then maybe you should've done less at Backlash and not walked your ass out to try and take away from my moment of victory. You think that was clever, did you think you were sending me some kind of message?

Renee and Orange both just look at the Intercontinental Champion as he adjusts the belt around his waist.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman: Of course not, because sending a message takes effort and we all know how you feel about making any real effort. So let me nip this little thing in the bud right now. For your sake I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt. I'm going to just say you are a moron and stumbled out onto the entrance ramp by accident looking for your butt buddy best friends. Because that makes a lot more sense than you trying to poke a bear you aren't ready for. You like how that little Special Olympics Medal feels in your backpack? Cool, keep it there because when the time comes and you are feeling that itch to see if you can go toe to toe with the Intercontinental Champion, know that I'll leave you broken and bloody like a sloth who couldn't move fast enough to cross a road. Do yourself a favor Orange, be the longest reigning medal holder...that looks good on you. And Renee...you need to restock on your Febreze.

As fast as he was in the frame he leaves it. Orange looking over at Renee who is trying to give herself a wiff without being obvious about it.






Just then, the opening bells of the New York Stock Exchange begin to ring and the fans jump to their feet to boo loudly! "Longhorn" began to play over the sound system, signaling the arrival of UWF's newest Television Champion, the one and only John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

Corey Graves: What's wrong with you two bozos? Stand up! Show some respect for our new Television Champion!

Tom Phillips: Oh, I think I'm quite alright where I'm at.

The trademark limousine pulls out onto the Revolution stage, as the camera gets a zoomed in shot of the longhorns adorned on the hood of the vehicle. However, instead of the driver shuffling out of the front to open the door for Layfield, we see JBL pop out through the moonroof of the limo! JBL hoists the Television Championship high in the air, and it's the first thing that the audience sees. Even before his extravagant American flag t-shirt and white cowboy hat! Layfield raises both arms as the limousine comes to a halt at the top of the entrance ramp.



Corey Graves: Look at this! A Television Champion we can all be proud of!

Mauro Ranallo: I think that pride might be unfounded, my friend. John "Bradshaw" Layfield may be the new Television Champion, but he certainly needed a little help from his friends in The Cabinet to get the job done against Finn Balor at Backlash.

Corey Graves: Fake news!

Layfield exits the vehicle through the backseat, and adjusts his jacket and hat, before raising the Television Championship up high again, to a roar of boos from the audience. Layfield slings the Championship over his shoulder and walks down the entrance ramp, shaking hands with some members of the audience in the front row. Layfield does a little dance and waves his hat to the crowd before he climbs the steel steps and enters the ring through the ropes. Again, Layfield basks in the boos from the crowd as he throws up the longhorn hand sign, and hoists the TV Championship into the air, posing for the hard cam.

Just then, confetti canons go off in the corner and red, white and blue confetti begins to fall from the sky! The crowd boos loudly as Layfield tilts his head up and soaks in the moment!

Mauro Ranallo: Look at the confetti raining down on us here tonight. Who is going to pick all of this off the floor?

Corey Graves: Make Phillips do it.

As Layfield continues his celebration of his newly won title, the crowd continues to boo loudly. Layfield slings the title around his shoulder proudly and calls for a microphone from the ring attendant. After being given one, he stands firmly in the center of the ring and raises the microphone up and begins to address the crowd as the ring attendants work to clean up some of the confetti that's fallen.

JOHN "BRADSHAW" LAYFIELD
"Ladies and gentlemen ... isn't it a beautiful thing when a plan comes together? Two months ago, I set out to change the face of the wrestling industry - and tonight, I stand here a very proud man. Two months ago, you little smart marks on the internet would never have dreamed that John "Bradshaw" Layfield would be standing here today, one week removed from Backlash, as your reigning Ultimate Wrestling Federation Television Champion! But here we are, and here I am - standing tall, head and shoulders above the competition - just like I promised. Because, folks, I am a man of my word, contrary to popular belief. I said that I was going to demolish Finn Balor and take this beautiful Television Championship, and I did just that. I said that I was going to strip Finn Balor of any shred of dignity that he had left, and I did just that. And I said that I was going to put these Mafia clowns in their place, and by God, I did just that. You see, ladies and gentlemen, there comes a time when destiny intertwines with greatness. And that time and place was at Backlash when I, John "Bradshaw" Layfield, won the Television Championship from that no-good piece of trash named Finn Balor. Now, John "Bradshaw" Layfield has conquered the airwaves, seizing control of every screen from sea to shining sea, captivating millions with my mere presence. Bask in the greatness that is JBL - your Television Champion and ... your WRESTLING GOD! "

Corey Graves: Bask, damn you!

Mauro Ranallo: You're basking enough for the three of us, Corey.

Layfield again throws his arms high in the air, drawing a raucous round of jeers from the crowd here tonight. Layfield simply smiled at the wave of hatred sent his way. There was nothing that could take the smile off his face, not tonight. JBL lowered his arms, adjusts the Championship around his shoulder and continued to pace around the ring.

JOHN "BRADSHAW" LAYFIELD
"Now, folks, I'd be remiss in my celebration if I didn't mention my business partners - two men who were integral in capturing this beautiful Television Title. So, ladies and gentlemen, I want you all to give them the same respect that you give me! Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler - FTR! Get out here, boys! It's time to celebrate! "



Just then, the FTR theme would begin to play over the sound system and the fans would welcome the duo to a bit of a mixed reaction. Within a few seconds of their music hitting, Dax & Cash burst through the entrance area with a head of steam. Both men were dressed for action and looked all business right now. They marched down the entrance ramp, past JBL's limo and climbed up the steel steps.

Tom Phillips: FTR has already proven to be a huge asset to JBL as a member of his Cabinet, truly one of the best tag teams on the planet today.

Mauro Ranallo: They'll have the chance to prove that later tonight when Dax & Cash take on the duo of Cody Rhodes and Finn Balor!

Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood each had a microphone in hand and stood across from Layfield.

DAX HARWOOD
"John, it's always a pleasure doin' business with you, boss man. And we're thrilled that the UWF Television Championship is sitting on your shoulder, where it belongs. Cash and I, we both know that this industry is simply better when you're sittin' at the top. And, look, I said it once and I said it again, beatin' these Mafia dweebs and putting them in their place, it's one of my favorite perks of workin' with you, John!"

CASH WHEELER
"Yeah, and tonight, we're going to pull the thorn out of the Cabinet's side and we're going to end The Mafia, once and for all. Since we signed here with the UWF and joined The Cabinet, I've been chompin' at the bit to get into the ring and show everyone in the locker room just how FTR does things. Because, what yo--



Just then, Finn Balor's entrance theme hit and cut off the speaking Cash Wheeler! All attention, both from The Cabinet and from the audience, was directed to the entrance ramp. Balor came out from the entrance area sporting his standard blue trunks. He stared at the three men in the middle of the ring and was clearly not pleased with having lost his Championship. He motioned around his waist and Layfield taunted him from afar. Finn Balor stopped at the top of the entrance ramp for just a moment, when suddenly ..



Cody Rhode's theme hit and the fans in the arena begin to cheer! "The American Nightmare" marched out onto the entrance ramp and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Finn Balor. The two shared a cautionary glance at each other, before a subtle nod. Just then, the two men began to run down the ramp towards the ring! Layfield high-tails it and quickly scampers out of the ring!

Mauro Ranallo: I think our opening contest is about to get under way right now!

Corey Graves: How dare they interrupt the celebration!

Now, Finn and Cody slid into the ring and FTR was quick on the attack, laying into them with a series of stomps. The Mafia managed to fight through the stomps and make their way to a vertical base. Balor blocked a right hand attempt from Cash Wheeler and delivered a series of strikes that had Cash reeling. Cody ducked an errant clothesline from Dax Harwood, and instead delivered a clotheslines of his own, sending Harwood tumbling to the outside and crashing into the apron! Balor whipped Wheeler off towards Cody Rhodes, who ducked down and delivered a devastating back body drop to Cash! Wheeler spilled out of the ring and regrouped on the outside with Dax, as the referee tried to regain control of things in the early going. Just then, we saw Layfield heading over to the commentary table where he would be joining the team for the rest of the match, but he looked none too pleased!

John "Bradshaw" Layfield: Damn it, boys! Get your heads back in the game and get your asses back in the ring!

Corey Graves: A tag team like FTR is lucky to have a mentor like you around, Mr. Layfield!

Mauro Ranallo: Mr. Layfield? Aren't you laying it on a little thick, Corey?

John "Bradshaw" Layfield: No, he is not, Mauro. Corey is just showing me the respect that I so rightfully deserve as the Ultimate Wrestling Federation Television Champion! If you had a speck of common sense, you'd be doing the same, ya' hack!

Tom Phillips: Well, gentlemen, this match is set to officially begin here and what a match this is poised to be!

Finally, with some decorum restored, the official calls for the bell and this match is officially underway. Dax starts things off for FTR, and after a brief discussion, Cody Rhodes manages to convince Finn to let him start things off. Balor looked a bit apprehensive, but he gives in and we see Cody and Dax lock up in the center of the ring. The two chain wrestle a bit, and eventually, Dax gets the better of the exchange and synchs in a headlock. Cody tries to work his way out, but Dax has a tight grip. Cody backs him in the ropes and shoots him off, and quickly executes a drop down. Dax passes over him and Cody springs back up to his feet and looks to meet a rebounding Dax with another big back body drop .. but Dax has this one scouted. He leaps over Cody, hits the opposite ropes and nails the surprised Rhodes with a big shoulder tackle that sends "The American Nightmare" stumbling back into his corner. Balor then tags himself in, much to the chagrin of Cody Rhodes.

John "Bradshaw" Layfield: Look at 'em, these two idiots couldn't work together if their lives depended on it!

Tom Phillips: I wouldn't go as far as calling them idiots, but the sentiment behind your statement is true, John! Cody Rhodes and Finn Balor are not a finely tuned tag team like FTR.

Corey Graves: Well, duh! You make it sound like generational tag teams like FTR can just appear out of thin area. Dax and Cash are totally in sync with each other - they're on the same page. I don't think Cody Rhodes and Finn Balor are even reading the same book!

Dax circles up with Finn and the two go to lock up in the center of the ring, but Balor delivers a huge knee to the gut before the two tie up! Balor shoots a glance to Cody as Finn now goes to work, picking apart Dax. He delivers a series of strikes that back up Dax into a neutral corner. Finn backs up and takes aim, delivering a big running knee that catches Dax in the chin! He gives Harwood a snapmare and centers him in the middle of the ring, before taking aim and delivering a devastating penalty kick right across the chest. Dax reaches for a tag, but Finn kicks his hand away and begins to deliver stomp after stomp. He looks at Cody after each stomp, almost as if he's trying to send a message to Rhodes. Finn suddenly dropped a rapid knee across the face of Dax, and then quickly covered him .. 1 .. 2, Dax powered out. Finn Balor picked up Dax and sent him back into his corner. He tagged in Cody and held Dax in the corner, and started barking out orders to Rhodes, who began to deliver a series of shots across the face of Harwood. Cash tried to cheer him on from the apron, but Cody was in control now. With Dax in the corner, Rhodes delivered a series of shoulder thrusts to the gut which drove all of the air out of Dax's lungs! Cody pulled him out of the corner and gave him a textbook gutwrench suplex! Cody scrambled for a cover on Harwood. 1 .. 2.. kickout! Cody locked in a chinlock and tried to fatigue Harwood even more now.

Mauro Ranallo: I'd have to say that Rhodes and Balor look like they might be functioning as a unit here tonight! They've cut the ring in half and have isolated Dax Harwood for the majority of this match!

John "Bradshaw" Layfield: You had better shut your trap, Mauro - or else I'm going to send you cryin' home to your mama! Show The Cabinet and show FTR some respect! I know my boys are goin' to pull if off! Get your ass in gear, Dax!

Just then, Dax started to rally a bit, trying to fight his way through Cody's chinlock. He slowly made his way back up to a vertical base and delivered an elbow to the gut, freeing himself from Cody's grasp. He delivered another for good measure, and then began to deliver some strikes to the face of Rhodes. He quickly leapt for the tag and tagged in the fresher Cash Wheeler! Cash was in a ton of momentum and delivered a big clothesline to a staggered Rhodes, followed by a double axe handle across the chest, and then another big back elbow! Rhodes was reeling now and Cash was feeling it! He quickly turned his attention to Balor, on the apron and nailed him in the head, sending him crashing to the mat on the outside. He turned his attention back towards Rhodes, who came running in .. and Cash delivered a Spinebuster that Double A would be proud of!

Mauro Ranallo: SPINE ON THE PINE!

John "Bradshaw" Layfield: Shut your mouth, Mauro! As the TV Champion, this is my call! SPINE ON THE PINE! Finish the job, boys!

Indeed that's what the duo looked to do! Dax Harwood was back in the ring now and the duo had their sights set on Cody Rhodes. Cash hoisted up Cody Rhodes in position for a tribute to the Hart Foundation and Dax looked to deliver the other half of the dreaded Hart Attack! Except that when Dax went to hit the ropes, Finn Balor had pulled the ropes down and executed a low bridge - sending Dax Harwood crashing down to the mat below in a vicious slam! Finn was quick to follow it up, as he grabbed Dax and drove him shoulder first into the steel steps! This commotion drew the attention of Cash Wheeler, who was concerned about his tag partner's well being and had let go of his grip of Cody. With Cash's eye off the ball for just a moment, Cody Rhode would strike, clutching Cash from behind and delivering a devastating CROSSRHODES! He spiked Cash right on his head! But before Cody was able to capitalize, Finn hopped back up on the apron and slapped Cody on the back, tagging himself in. The two shared a tense moment as they stared at each other, but Finn would climb to the top turnbuckle and take aim at Cash Wheeler, who was now caught directly in the drop zone. Balor hit the Coupe De Grace on Wheeler and covered him! 1 .. 2 .. 3!

John "Bradshaw" Layfield: Ah, sunnvabitch!

Tony Chimel: Here are your winners, Finn Balor and Cody Rhodes!

JBL stands up at the desk and stares a hole through the duo. Balor walks over to the ropes and tells him he's coming back for his Championship. The men are staring each other down as Revolution rolls on!




Revolution cuts away from the action and shows as Spike Dudley tapping up his boots in the backstage area. He looks dead straight into the camera and begins speaking.



Spike Dudley: Hello! I'm Uncle Spike Dudley. You may remember me from such segments as going to shake L.A Knights and admit that he was the better man after the Royal Rumble or from the time I went and looked Batista in the eye and admitted that I gave him my best and it still wasn't good enough to beat him. Those were some of my best and some of my worst days but tonight, tonight I got to arrive at the arena and come straight to my lockeroom. For the first time since being back after a pay per view, I didn't have to ask where a lockeroom is. I know nieces and nephews, I'm sitting here right now feeling free, my back is the best it's ever felt because it doesn't have the monkey holding onto it anymore. I feel like I'm a new man and Samoa Joe found out exactly what happens when I actually back up my words.

Spike starts to do the loopy dee loop and pull whilst he takes a second to gather himself.

You see, at Backlash, I thought against giving my thoughts to Joe before the match. I have only missed it twice since being back but Joe made it clear to me that he didn't want to talk. It's quite funny actually. I wanted to talk to begin with and set it out but he wanted to fight and then he wanted me to come talk and then he wanted to fight and attack me from behind and then before our match at Backlash.... he decided he wanted to talk again and then he wanted to fight again in the match. Joe, look at you mate, I'm a short ass, I know this but it doesn't appear you are in the best of shape...surely all of that chopping and changing puffed you out big man?

Spike chuckles quietly to himself as his expression doesn't stay that way for long. He chances it to a serious face.

But in all seriousness, I've had my ass handed to me more times then Bubba Ray has had hot meals....and trust me he has at least 10 a day. I've been beaten to within an inch of my life before and what Joe did to me at Backlash came nowhere near that. What I have never had happen to me before in a matchup though that Joe managed to do is dominate me for so much of it. It seemed he had an answer for everything and the only time I got offence is when he got bored I think. Joe, I have to give you props, I've never been manhandled like that before but it still wasn't enough but I know that somewhere down the line, we will meet again. I know you will want your rematch and all you need to do is come ask me. I'll be ready to do it all over again with you and we will tear the house down.

Spike looks down to his shoes again, everything done and ready to go as he starts on his wrist.

That is all in the past and potentially in the future but tonight, tonight I have a chance to progress into the next round of the King of the Ring. A tournament that I need to win. It's a talented group of people but I need to right a wrong in my career. It's possibly the biggest black spot on my resume which I need to correct. I've been Champion before in this business....I was the best for a short period of time but this is something I have always looked back on and I wince. It still gives me nightmares and I will be pushing even harder to win this then I did that championship all those years ago. Please know that this Dog smells blood in the water. I smell and see what I need to do to vanquish my demons. Now tonight isn't the night to go into it as I'm just the Jester of the Ring. I win this match tonight against Kingston.... I go into Duke status and then Prince before I can call myself the King of the Ring....well I think that's how it works anyway. Noone cares about anyone but the King so that's what I'm going to be. Kingston, I watched your match at Backlash. You must be hurting and losing your last shot at MJF. I get it, hurt is what makes success that much greater but I warn you tonight....tonight is not the night for your feel good story. I wish you could have faced someone else and I faced someone that deserved to be brought back down to earth but this is the cards that we have been dealt and unfortunately for you buddy.....tonight you become the Jester of UWF.

Spike looks deep down the camera, finalizing his words as the camera shoots somewhere else to the arena.




As the show opens to the next segment, it shows a scene strewn with open curtains surrounding a plethora of carefully positioned beds accompanied by a table for each one. A phone rings at the bedside of one ‘Will Ospreay’ as the cameraman draws closer to the wrestler with his ribs and neighbouring area wrapped in tape, who clearly shoots a side eye or two at the camera as he goes to receive the frantically ringing telephone.





“The Commonwealth Kingpin” Will Ospreay

“Look, if this is who I think it is then I swear to god I’ll shove my foot so far up your arse tha-”

Mark Davis

“Woah, Will mate, chill out.”

“The Commonwealth Kingpin” Will Ospreay

“Oh… Sorry bruv, I’m not in a great state right now, and I’ve got this sod with a camera recording my every move.”

The Assassin shoots yet another glancing side eye at the cameraman, but this time with more apathy and less ‘surprised disgust’.

Mark Davis

“I thought so. I saw the match at Backlash. Between everything that happened, and your injury, I’d be frustrated too…”

Davis clearly sighs over the phone and lets the air hang for a moment, knowing how the person he’s just trying to look out for will react to what he says next.

“... Hey, Will, I’ll be honest with you... I know you’re booked for tonight, but really, after all of this you should be keeping yourself rested, things like this don’t just heal in a week.”

Ospreay is frustrated by the comment.

“The Commonwealth Kingpin” Will Ospreay

“And what? Not turn up to the ring?”

Mark Davis

“All things considered… You’d probably be better off that way, Wil-”

Ospreay is even more frustrated by the comment, he knows the severity of the situation, but he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place.

“The Commonwealth Kingpin” Will Ospreay

“Do you realise how stupid that would make me look? What it does to my reputation? No matter if I’m injured or not, this company and it’s people expect me to show up when scheduled, they wouldn’t care if Edge or Kyle O’Reilly took my leg off. Once you’re as hated as I am, they’re more than happy to add ‘coward’ onto your name regardless of if you’re out on account of bloody bubonic plague. I need to be out there. I WILL be out there.”

Mark Davis

“Mate, please don’t make a rash decision, we both know for a fact that you need to sit this one out, it’ll be better for the long run… and I know you can handle critique, you’ve handled it for years a lot better than anyone I’ve ever known, you’ve still got all that confidence and the skill to back it up.”

“The Commonwealth Kingpin” Will Ospreay

“Don’t mistake my own confidence in my skill for mental fortitude, I don’t bother with social media for a reason, I’m not some sort of impenetrable fortress.”

Mark Davis

“I know that… Sorry. I just want you to keep yourself safe and in good shape, you know I’m always just trying to look out for you.”

“The Commonwealth Kingpin” Will Ospreay

“... I know. Thanks, Mark.”

After a long pause, Mark speaks once more.

Mark Davis

“I hope that at the bare minimum Backlash made you understand what I said to you earlier at least a bit more.”

“The Commonwealth Kingpin” Will Ospreay

“Trust me, I know, I’m at the end of my fucking tether...”

A backstage doctor with a hard clipboard walks into the room, pausing at the doorway of his own office as he waits for Ospreay to finish up his call. The Commonwealth Kingpin shoots an eye at him before realising that he should probably wrap the phone call up.






“Hey, I’ve got to go, but I’ll speak to you later.”

Mark Davis

“Alright, speak to you later, stay safe.”

“The Commonwealth Kingpin” Will Ospreay

“You too.”

The phone is placed back down on the holder with a slam. Ospreay clambers out of his bed over towards the doctor who only now begins to approach the Brit.

“The Commonwealth Kingpin” Will Ospreay

“What’s the verdict?”

Doctor:

“You’re not medically cleared, I seriously can’t advise you to do anything other than rest up for the time being.”

“The Commonwealth Kingpin” Will Ospreay

“Why’d I even ask? I already know that. Thanks for everything, but sorry mate, but it’s non-negotiable. I have to wrestle tonight, and no number of doctor's orders is going to stop that from happening.”

Doctor:

“Will-”

Ospreay pushes aside the doctor who blocks his path towards the exit and walks out from the office, clutching his ribs as he does so. Off in the direction towards the locker rooms, the Assassin goes, indicated by the big sign which says “Locker Rooms”. The cameraman focuses in on the sign as the scene fades to black and the show rolls onwards.




We head to the ring where Eddie Kingston is already there pacing back and forht for his match.

The crowd are quiet, waiting for something to happen but the silence doesn't last long as fireworks shoot from the ceiling down onto the stage as a familiar theme song plays out of the PA System.

LET ME SEE YOU PUT EM UP,
REACH THE SKY, TOUCH THE STARS UP ABOVE
CAUSE IT'S ONE TIME FOR THE UNDERDOG



The crowd rise to their feet as they await for the appearance of the Runt of the Family. The crowd raise the noise levels as Spike Dudley emerges from the curtain. Spike is looking all business tonight, looking ready to go.



Spike pounds his chest, looking out into the crowd as he begins his way down the ramp. The fans are begging for high fives and he obliges, touching the free hands with all the fans at ringside as he comes to end of the ramp. He takes a running start, sliding into the ring before climbing the turnbuckles, beating his chest and looking out into the sea of adoring fans.



Tony Chimel: From Dudleyville, weighing in at 145 pounds, SPIKE DUDLEY

Spike steps down from the turnbuckle and comes back to the center of the ring, grabbing his wrists and rolling them in his hands as he looks set.


VS


DING DING DING


Kingston rushes Spike right out the gate and traps him in the corner with a flurry of punches. All Spike can do is cover up as best he can until the ref has to pull Eddie out after a 4 count. Eddie argues with the referee but Spike pulls himself up to the middle rope and comes off with a Front Dropkick to knock Eddie down. He goes to get up but Spike hits him with another Front Dropkick and Kingston decides to just roll out of the ring to regroup.


Mauro Ranallo: Smart move by Eddie. He came out a little too strong so now it's time to change the game plan.

Corey Graves: He's struggling against a guy who's 100 pounds soaking wet. But that's Eddie for you.


Eddie thinks he's safe on the outside but Spike comes running out with a Suicide Dive! Unfortunately for him, Eddie catches him and gives him an Overhead Belly to Belly on the floor! Eddie's all smiles as he picks up Spike and throws him back into the ring. Eddie picks him up and gives him a Headbutt that sends him back into the corner once more. Kingston sits him on the top rope and goes to climb up there with him but Spike gives him a few punches and some Headbutts in retaliation to knock him back down. Spike re-situates himself on the top ropes and comes off with a Diving Crossbody into the pin!



1 . . .



2 . . .



Kingston kicks out! Eddie gets to his feet right away as does Spike and he decks Dudley right across the face. Spike just slowly falls backwards like he's seeing stars. Eddie walks around taunting him and saying all sorts of words he can't say on TV.


Mauro Ranallo: Eddie's wasting a bit of time here not finishing the match.

Corey Graves: Eddie himself is a walking waste of time, what do you expect.

Tom Phillips: Why do you hate him so much?

Corey Graves: I grew up with people like him. He's no good.


Spike sits up still looking dazed and so Eddie comes at him with the American D. Spike however ducks it and grabs his back, turning him over into a Crucifix pin!



1 . . .



2 . . .



Eddie kicks out! He rushes back up to his feet but so does Spike. They run at each other and Kingston goes for a Clothesline but Spike ducks it and keeps running building steam off the ropes and comes flying in with a Battering ram to the gut! Eddie turns away towards the corner holding his stomach as Spike grabs him from behind and runs up the ropes for the Dudley Dog! He makes the pin!



1 . . .



2 . . .



3 . . .



Tony Chimel: Here is your winner and advancing in the King of the Ring, Spike Dudley!




Tom Phillips: And it looks like Spike Dudley is moving on to the next round.

Mauro Ranallo: Spike made his first step towards the World Championship when he competed in the G1 Climax back in 2016. Now he find himself in the King of the Ring and could this catapult him back into another World title run?

Spike goes to the corner and raises his fists in the air as Revolution rolls on!




The titantron switches from the UWF Revolution graphic to a live feed from backstage. Big pop from the crowd when Kyle O'Reilly is shown in some kinda gym set up back there practicing his striking techinques on a heavy bag. We're talking a one-two-one-two, knee strike this, switch kick that, palm ya dang nose in combination of lethal maneuvers, skin slapping against leather when sweaty thuds like you wouldn't believe. His focus is dialed in like a phone number...

Until his step-sister Bayley pops up from behind the punching bag! Has she been there all along? Was she holding it? Who's to say. Kyle comes up just shy of landing a devastating blow when the "Good Guy" peaks around the way, though.



Bayley: Getting in some last minute reps before the big match, huh?

Kyle rolls his eyes cause she's out here stating the obvious.

KO'R: Uhhhhh... yeah. Obviously. Me and my buddy Mark used to always work out at the Strong Dragons Dojo before matches, and we were totally unstoppable up until he got injured and those jerk idiots in the Undisputed Era trashed the place.

Remember?

Bayley: Always good to be prepared. Especially against a crafty, no-good, son of a gun like Sami Zayn.

KO'R: Exactly. He thinks he has my number just cause him and his loser pals beat us at Wargames like ten years ago? Or cause him and his butt-ugly GF chased me and Larry out of the tag team division before they nose-dived the whole thing into the ground?

Remember?

KO'R: Fool me twice, shame on you. But fool me three times? Pfft. No way in heck that's happening. If you think this punching bag's got it bad, just wait till you see what I do to that guy's friggin face.

The Hollywood Champion starts beating up the bag again as he elaborates.

KO'R: If he was eggs, they'd be scrambled. If he was potatoes, they'd be mashed. If he was beef, it would be ground. If he was pasta, it would -

Bayley: Right. Just...

The Diabetic Dragon pulls up. Something's got Bayley troubled. Nervous. That's not the vibe he's trying to cultivate up in here. Not one bit.

KO'R: What?

His step-sister scratches her ear all sheepishly as she navigates the Korean minefield that is her step-brothers' hyper-insecurities.

Bayley: It's just... okay... so sometimes - and there's NOTHING wrong with this and actually its what a lot of people - myself included - really like about you... but sometimes, during your matches... weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllll...



KO'R: Well what? Well effing what?

Bayley: Sometimes you transform into a bloodthirsty psycho and get blinded by rage and take things too far and get disqualified.

KO'R: That... only happens sometimes.

Bayley: Right! And that's cool. Its just, ya know, this is the King of the Ring and its kinda a big deal but its a single elimination tournament so if you get Ref-hammered then you're toast, ya know?

Kyle scratches his chin as pensively as a guy like him can. He dwells on these hard truths for a few moments.

KO'R: But I really... really... really kinda wanna actually murder Sami Zayn tonight so that he knows I'm stronger and better than him in every way.

Bayley: Sure. Of course. But wouldn't it be even tastier if you just beat him up pretty bad and let him go on living with the knowledge that you knocked him out in the first round?

KO'R: Mmmm... I dunno... maybe... yeah... I guess...

Its not an enthusiastic response, but its good enough for the "Good Guy".

Bayley: Fantastic! Welp, I'll let ya get some more reps in and I'll meetcha in Gorilla!

With that, Bayley heads off, leaving Kyle alone with his mixed feelings and his heavy bag. Revolution rolls on!






"Better Than You" begins to play and there is a tidal wave of boos from the fans. After a few moments MJF begins to swagger out of the entrance way. Following behind him is Jake Hager. MJF laughs at the fans who are trying to get under his skin as he walks towards the ring. He adjusts the Intercontinental Championship around his waist just to rub it in their face that he has it.

Tony Chimel: Making his way to the ring accompanied by Jake Hager. Weighing in at 216 pounds from Plainview New York. He says he is better than you and you know it Maxwell Jacob Friedman, M...J...F!!!!

The fans erupt even louder and MJF doesn't pay them any mind. He walks into the ring and Hager opens the ropes for him. He stands in the middle of the ring flexing a bit and smirking as his music fades. MJF pulls the belt from around his waist and hands it over to Hager for safe keeping.


The stadium erupts into a sea of green light, "Osaka" by Hella kicks in on the stadium soundsystem. An eerie fog begins to fill the stage as manic strobe lights flood the arena in an energy approximate to that of Ospreay's theme.



Tony Chimel:
"On his way to the ring, weighing in at 220 pounds. Fighting out of Rainham, England, he IS the Commonwealth Kingpin of the United Empire, The ASSASSIN, WILL OSPREAY!"



Will Ospreay comes out from the back with his usual getup but he's got one arm across his stomach with his ribs taped up, clearly feeling the effects of what happened at Backlash. He enters the ring and slowly takes off his robe and prepares for the match.


VS


DING DING DING


MJF is leaning against the ropes looking very cocky as Will stands across from him, taped up ribs looking like a mess after the Backlash he's had. MJF comes to the center of the ring and tells Ospreay he wants to do a test of strength. The Kingpin comes close and goes to lift his hand up winces and places it back down. MJF laughs but Ospreay instead hits a Spinning Back Kick to the gut and lifts him up for a Snap Brainbuster! He makes the pin!



1 . . .



2 . ..



MJF kicks out! He looks surprised but before he can even do anything, Will picks him up. MJF rushes forward and rams him into the corner and gives him a few Shoulder Thrusts knowing he's doing a ton of damage to those already injured ribs. With Ospreay already hurt, MJF grabs his head and flips him over into a spectacular move in his arsenal, the Headlock Takeover! Maxwell decides to just grind his head in to further weaken him.


Mauro Ranallo: After being Speared through a barricade and then having a grueling match with Kyle o'Reilly, it has not been a good week for Will Ospreay.

Tom Phillips: Now he's up against a man who will pick apart any weakness one has.

Corey Graves: You say that like it's a bad thing Phillips. That's exactly what he should be doing.


The Assassin manages to get to his feet and punches MJF in the ribs a few times to break free from the hold. He pushes him forward and MJF hits the ropes coming back with a Shoulder Tackle to take him down. Maxwell laughs at how easy that was and runs to the ropes but Ospreay flips over and causes him to jump over him. He runs the ropes again but this time Will is up and levels him with the Silent Whisper! He runs to the ropes and comes off looking to the Oscutter but MJF hits him with a Superkick to the back of the head! He picks him up right away and delivers a Gutwrench Powerbomb into the pin!



1 . . .



2 . . .



Ospreay kicks out! He rolls away holding his lower back, hoping to get away from MJF.


Mauro Ranallo: Ospreay may need to think about throwing in the towel soon if this continues.

Corey Graves: It's such a shame. I'm sure this would be a great match after all that he's learned from Sami Zayn over the past few months but he's clearly not at 100% right now.


Ospreay rolls out to the apron and MJF comes over, bending over the ropes to pick him up. Will catches him with an Enziguiri that sends him to the center of the ring. He jumps onto the ropes to springboard in but MJF clobbers him in mid air with a Forearm Smash! MJF picks him up and has Will over his shoulder but Ospreay slips up behind him and holds him in an inverted Headlock before hitting him with the Chelsea Grin! MJF falls flat on his face and Ospreay goes for the cover!



1 . . .



2 . . .



MJF kicks out! Ospreay backs up and sizes Maxwell up. He sits up onto his knees and Willy comes in with the Hidden Blade but MJF ducks and grabs his arm as he zooms past him and puts him in the Salt of the Earth! After all that's been done to him, Will decides to not let any more damage come to him and decides to tap out.



Tony Chimel: Here is your winner and advancing in the King of the Ring, the Intercontinental Champion, MJF



Will rolls around holding his arm while MJF gets handed his title and celebrates moving on to the next round. He mouths to the camera that he's about to become double champ as the show moves on.




The camera opens up backstage where we see Drew McIntyre sat alone pondering the recent goings on in the UWF.



Drew McIntyre: In the ever changing environment that is the world of professional wrestling there is one standout constant, and that’s that the UWF truly is a failed state. I came back in the hopes of fixing something that has been broken for quite some time, but it’s pretty clear that certain people around here are keen to keep things ticking over just as they are, and therefore refuse to see the need for change. At Backlash I went against my full emotional judgement and instead made a point of doing things in a more ‘proper’ way than what I’d been doing up until that point, with the end results of doing so being both my hand raised in victory, and a measure of fair but firm punishment getting dished out to what can only be described as an incompetent fool of a man. But what reward am I given for showing that level of restraint, playing by the rules and ultimately still prevailing?...

As McIntyre turns to face the camera, he then follows up with the answer to his own question.

Drew McIntyre: That’s right, sod all! Nothing except this very opportunity to sit here and talk about it. Despite the fact that the King of the Ring tournament has gotten underway tonight, yours truly wasn’t deemed worthy enough of a place in the standings, yet there are some guys who didn’t pick up victories last week that are involved in the proceedings. No one here has the balls to say for definite, but it’s pretty obvious that I’ve been kept away from it all on purpose purely because of how I’ve chosen to conduct my business since being back in the fold. Basically some box ticking halfwits thought that I was being a little too violent and aggressive in a company that actively promotes violence and aggression on a weekly basis. It’s yet another example of just how big of a farce things are around here, because everybody know that on my day I can beat and outwrestle every single one of those sorry competitors in that tournament!

It’s clear to see that The Destroyer’s anger is starting to build up once again, but after taking a moment to regain his composure, McIntyre calmly issues some closing words of warning.

Drew McIntyre: So if it’s not King of the Ring that’s next for Drew McIntyre then what is? The way I see it is that there are guys that are both involved and not involved in that tournament that I’ve got more than enough reason to go after and help make their upcoming summer as miserable as possible. But to tell all would ruin some of the fun now wouldn’t it? So for now all I can say is that it’s best to keep your eyes wide open and watch your backs, because no amount of slaps on the wrist or legal threats are going to stop me as I carry on down my continuous path of destruction!

As McIntyre stares intently down the camera lens, it slowly fades out to black before transitioning to a commercial break.




Chimel: The following contest is set for one-fall and is an opening round match-up in the King of the Ring tournament!



A sick 80s inspired beat starts to pulsate through the arena as the lights dim and lasers in all sorts of rad colors begin to dance around the stage area. We're talking magenta, cyan, purple, orange, it's lit up like a Pink Floyd show. After a few seconds of this beat building with some flourishes, you here the familiar phrase:

YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME

And after it, the beat picks up harder, and as the synth begins to belt out an instrumental version of Edge's most iconic theme, you see him, emerging from a cloud of smoke to strobe lights in the same colors as the lasers, which are now dancing around the whole arena. There's no animalistic prowling across the stage, just a smooth swagger to his stride. A smirk on his lips as he matches his stride to the vibe of the music. At ringside, he waits for the music to start to swell again and as it does, he slides into the ring. As it would kick into the second chorus (like if there were actual words) he ascends the turnbuckle and poses as the ring announcer does what he's paid to do.



Chimel Introducing first, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at 240 pounds, Edge!



As the riff kicks in to Jefferson Starship's "Jane," the man known only as "Freshly Squeezed" Orange Cassidy emerges from the back to an uproarious pop from the crowd. Sporting his aviators and his magnificently coiffed hair, Cassidy walks coolly down to the ring, hands in his pockets. He doesn't seem to be in a hurry, and as he reaches the end of the ramp, he pauses to offer a weak fist bump to a fan holding a thumb's up out over the barricade.



Chimel: And his opponent, From... wherever... and weighing in at... whatever... he is the Prime Time Medalist, "Freshly Squeezed," Orange CASSIDY!

Cassidy then heads up the ring steps lazily and eases himself between top and middle ropes, before moving to the middle of the ring and throwing up a half-enthusiastic thumbs up to a pop from the crowd. OC heads to the corner and lounges there as he removes his aviators and awaits the beginning of the contest.

Tony steps out of the ring and after ensuring both competitors are good to go, the Official calls for the bell.


VS

DING DING


The bell sounds and the fans are already buzzing, thrilled to see two of their favourites square off for the first time ever. Dueling chants pick up around the arena, growing louder and louder as the respective fan bases vie to drown each other out. O.C. doesn't seem flattered or even interested in all the fuss, but the grizzled veteran standing across the ring spares a glance out around the building to take it all in, knowing how precious these moments are.

Buoyed by the love from the UWF Universe, Edge sets out to give the people their money's worth with this dream match and kicks things off with an honourable gesture - walking to the center of the ring and offering a handshake to his opponent. The surrounding noise narrows into a unanimous chorus, one urging Cassidy to accept. Lackadaisically thumbing his nose, Orange then shrugs and saunters over to meet the Rated R Superstar in the mid-ring. He lifts his own hand like it weighs a ton, barely clasps Edge's, and then gives it a lazy wiggle.


Ranallo: Slow start from Cassidy...

Graves: How does this slug even get dressed in the morning?


Its on-par for what the fans have come to expect and love from Cassidy, but the half-arsed handshake doesn't sit well with Edge. After O.C. pulls away, Edge sticks out his hands again with a look like "Come on man, give me a real one." Once more, the fans goad Cassidy on. He sighs, bothered that he has to put in all this effort, and reluctantly goes to shake hands again.

Except this time, it's a devious trap! The Ultimate Opportunist snags Cassidy's arm, pulls him in close, then ducks and dips behind him to snag the guy will a roll-up outta nowhere! The Referee drops down to count it while O.C.'s floundering feet spray all over the place as he struggles to break loose...



1...



2...



Unable to pop his shoulders up, Cassidy instead finds a way to use Edge's pressure against him, rolling through to bring the Canadian tumbling over. In doing so, O.C. manages to snag a pin attempt of his own with the counter...



1...



2...



Edge escapes before the third count. Copeland is quick to get back to his feet but doesn't get far at all before Cassidy bats out his legs from beneath him like a sleepy bear pawing at fish in the river. When Edge flat-backs on the canvas, Orange sprawls and covers him like a blanket...



1...



Without hooking the legs, the Prime Time Medalist isn't able to keep Edge pinned for longer than a single slap of the mat. Orange aims to get vertical but gets caught making the same mistake he just capitalized on. The former UWF Champ picks his foe's ankles to take him down then flips over for a jackknife cover...



1...



O.C. impressively bridges out, grabbing on to Edge's torso as he rises like a possessed body off the ground. The both of them roll through then push off each other, creating some distance to avoid getting caught again while the fans applaud the technical prowess of the quick exchanges.


Ranallo: Each of these superstars has a reputation for catching their opponents off-guard with unorthodox game-planning. It's fascinating to watch their respective ethos' and styles clash.

Phillips: Its hard to pick a favourite, too. Orange Cassidy is riding on an impressive undefeated streak, while Edge won the whole tournament one year ago.

Graves: Don't mistake this as me giving props to Cassidy, but the Edge who became the King of the Ring last year was an entirely different animal than the man in that ring right now. This goofball doesn't have a tenth of the killer instinct we saw from the true Ultimate Opportunist who knocked off Shark Boy to take home the crown.

Ranallo: Well he may be coming off a tough loss to Sami Zayn, but I think Edge is looking to prove that he doesn't need to take the low road to the UWF Championship again. Becoming the first man to win the tournament twice would validate this path to redemption that Edge has been on, and add yet another remarkable accolade to his Hall of Fame career.


The two superstars slowly but surely close the gap and lock up collar-and-elbow. Edge's significant size advantage becomes obvious for the first time since the bell rang when he easily overpowers O.C. into on of the corners. Cassidy's back slams hard into the buckle. The Canadian then whips him across the ring on a diagonal trajectory so that he crashes into the far corner, too.

The Prime Time Medalist punch-drunkenly stumbles back towards the middle of the ring. Edge catches him from behind, grabbing his shoulders and then sitting out while he brings O.C. down to the mat with a thwomp of an Edge-O-Matic. Cassidy hits the ground so hard he actually bounces back up a couple inches before Edge climbs on top to shoot the half...



1...



2...



Cassidy shoves Edge off two with a laborious groan. The Ultimate Opportunist rolls away a safe distance and gets up to one knee, taking a quick second to catch his breath while ensuring he can't get caught with a snappy counter roll-up. He knows dang well he ain't getting a win with that move, but there's a confidence in his eyes knowing he's in the driver's seat.


Phillips: That was a rough landing for Cassidy.

Ranallo: Edge now looking to wear his opponent down with Edgecator.

Graves: Hard to imagine Cassidy getting any slower in there.


Edge comes back over to Cassidy and grabs his legs so he can lock in his patented inverted Sharpshooter. The threat of submission gets some wind in Orange's sails, though, and he musters up the strength to load up his legs to buck his opponent off.

Two boots to the midsection send the Rated R Superstar stumbling away towards the cables. Orange amazingly springs to his feet with a low-effort kip-up. After rebounding off of the ropes, Edge heads back towards the Prime Time Medalist only to get blasted with a stunning dropkick, hands, of course, tucked in his pockets.

Once again, Edge is knocked into the ropes. He bounces back with a lot more velocity this time, although he isn't able to turn that forward momentum into anything useful as he's caught with an Orange Peel armdrag by the other man. Edge hits the canvas hard and scrambles up to a vertical base, but gets caught by surprise when Cassidy pops up and lands on his shoulders.

With his legs wrapped around Edge's head, Orange tilts back and twists, twirling his opponent round and round with some Satellite Headscissors. On the third rotation, he pulls a hand out of his pocket to flash a thumbs up before inevitably taking Edge down to the mat.

The Canuck is dizzy and off balance as he tries to stand back up. He's on his knees still looking to get his bearings when Cassidy clips him with a Step-Up Ensiguri to finally flatten out proper. Edge is dazed as dazed gets and O.C. flops on top to close up shop...



1...



2...



No! Edge kicks out at two.


Phillips: Cassidy almost had him there!

Graves: Look, the truth of the matter is this - and Edge has even said as much - he's getting too old to hang with these younger guys. There was a time when the Rated R Superstar would have waxed the floor with a clown like Orange Cassidy, but now he can't even keep up with him.


Edge sits up, holding his head, trying to shake them cobwebs. Orange rolls away a bit before getting to his feet. He stands near the corner, waiting for his opponent to rise on his own so he can polish him off with the Orange Punch. The crowd can feel it coming. There's a palpable energy building in the air tonight - intensifying as they prepare to watch last year's tournament winner get knocked out in the opening round.

It takes a second or two, but soon enough, the groggy Canuck is getting vertical again. His legs are shaky. His eyes are glazed. But he stands, and the moment he does, Orange comes in for the kill!


Ranallo: Orange Punch incoming!

Graves: I'm so happy we have another pun-obsessed dork in the UWF. Just thrilled. I can hardly contain it.


The Orange Punch misses by inches on account of Edge ducks out of the way just in time. The Ultimate Opportunist might have been playing possum a bit, cause right after the evasion, he spins Cassidy around, plants a boot in his tummy, hooks the head and then drops him with a thunderous Edgecution!

Cassidy's head is DDT'd hard into the mat. Edge lands on top and hooks both legs deep to put him away...



1...



2...



Cassidy rolls a shoulder up to break the count! Edge looks shocked. He really thought he had him there.

If that didn't seal the deal, he knows what will. Heading to the nearest corner, Edge crouches and lines up the killshot, but then, out of the corner of his eye, he sees someone coming down the ramp.

It's La Luchadora! The Mexican Minx herself! Edge sneers at the devious troublemaker, taking his attention off of Cassidy so he can focus on this new threat.


Phillips: What the h*ck is La Luchadora doing out here?

Graves: As a fellow protege of Sami Zayn, she was probably horrified by what Edge did to Will Ospreay at Backlash. That Spear cost Young Willy his match against O'Reilly. If she's out here looking for some revenge, you can't blame her.


Luchadora's got the Referee's attention now, too. He's leaning over the ropes, yelling at her to hit the road. All the commotion allows El Generico to creepy in from who even knows where. He slithers into the ring from the other direction, a steel chair in hand. He's creeping up on Edge to blast him with it.

Despite the warning cries of the fans, Edge seems to be totally unaware of the danger coming from behind. Generico lifts the chair and brings it down like he means it a lot...

But he totally misses! Edge clocked the flank coming from miles away! The Ultimate Opportunist practically invented having eyes in the back of your head! He dives out of harms way. The only thing is, when Generico goes long, his follow through obliterates innocent Orange Cassidy, who is only just starting to get back to his feet. That chair cracks him in the dome like nobody's business.


Ranallo: Generico just hit Cassidy with the chair!

Phillips: The Referee didn't even see it!


Its possible Edge didn't, either, when he dove out of the way. The Rated R Superstar turns on a dime, though, and comes back to eviscerate Generico with a spear that sends him and his chair rolling out of the ring after impact. Luchadora backs away in horror as she she their plan going so badly.

Now that the interference is backing away up the ramp, the Referee turns back to the action in the ring. As far as he knows, there was no second shooter - certainly no chair shots. And again, it really looks like Edge didn't see Cassidy get clipped either, cause if he did, surely this new-leaf Adam would admit it. All he sees, though, is an O.C. still on the mat from what he has to assume with the DDT he hit minutes ago.


Phillips: Orange Cassidy is getting screwed big time! This match needs to be called off to preserve the integrity of the tournament!

Graves: And mess up the whole schedule? Yeah, real good idea, Phillips.


Rather than wait for Cassidy to stand up on his own so he can nail a Spear, he decides to get the job done fast to avoid the risk of more foul play. Edge scoops O.C. up and connects with a second, massive Edgecution. The fans are booing, but as far as Edge is concerned, they're just hating on Luchadora and Generico as he hooks the leg...



1...



Ranallo: Cassidy's undefeated streak meets a bitter end...



2...



Phillips: No! Not like this!



3...



DING DING




YOUR WINNER...
ADVANCING TO THE SEMI-FINALS OF THE KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT...
EDGE!


His wicked cool 80's styled theme song hits the PA to a mixed reaction. That catches Edge's attention as he has his hand raised, but he still doesn't know what the real problem is. Luchadora collects Generico off of the floor and drags him away to avoid any further reprisals from the Ultimate Opportunist, but she yells some death threats at him while they retreat.


Ranallo: Edge advances to the next round on a bitter-sweet note. The UWF Universe was robbed of a great match with an honest finish.

Graves: In my mind, its like they're both losers. I think Generico should get the slot instead. He was the real deciding factor here.

Phillips: As the Prime Time Medal wasn't on the line, Cassidy is still the holder of it, but he can no longer claim to be undefeated thanks to this travesty of justice.


Edge checks on Cassidy, who's just coming to, not even sure what hit him. When the Referee takes over the medical analysis, Edge just pats his opponent on the shoulder as a sign of respect then clears out of the ring. O.C. sits up, shaking his head as Revolution rolls on!




As there’s a break in the action, the scene opens up in Batista’s office where the, “Hollywood Animal” is seen packing things up.

The Miz: You can’t just leave! What about me and Goldust? Does everything we’ve done for you mean nothing?

Batista stops what he’s doing and looks at Miz.

”The Hollywood Animal” Batista: Of course it means something. The three of us kicked some ass around here but this opportunity is too good to pass up and requires my full commitment and attention.

Batista resumes packing.

The Miz: This is bullshit!

Miz storms out as Batista shrugs and continues what he’s doing as Revolution continues elsewhere.




The feed comes back to the ring as a man in a black hoodie, jumps the barricade takes a live microphone from the ringside as he slides in the ring, He opens the black jacket before throwing it ringside, revealing non other than everyone's most hated, Leyton Buzzard...



Leyton Buzzard: I stand before each and everyone of you tonight with a heavy heart and a burning desire for justice! For years, I have been the target of THE CONSPIRACY, a plot to undermine my success and tarnish the Name Of Leyton Buzzard. But tonight, I connected the dots and I have revealed the man behind everything: The man who paid Bronson Steiner to take my head and the man who brought off Batistal…

The crowds booing is too much as it catches Buzzards attention for a moment stopping his train of thought…

Leyton Buzzard: “Listen up, you ignorant fools! I stand before you tonight, not as a victim, but as a man who has uncovered the sinister truth! For years, I've been tormented by a conspiracy that has gnawed at my very soul. And tonight, I reveal the puppet master behind it all... Trevor Lee!”

The crowd's murmurs and whispers fill the air, unsure of what to make of Leyton's claims.

Leyton Buzzard: “Oh, Trevor, you cunning snake! You thought you could hide in the shadows, manipulating the world around me. But I see through your facade, your web of deceit. You've been orchestrating the chaos, pulling the strings to ruin my career. Ever since I beat you for the Television Title. You pulled the strings to make sure you got the tainted win, I mean you were teetering on a record breaking reign and you politiced your way to keep the title around your shoulder, I have always known you to be a true politician but it never clicked until I realised the man who would benefit the most from Leyton Buzzards misfortune’s is Trevor God Damn Lee…

The crowd are taken back a little, Maybe down memory lane, or just maybe but the outlandish and bold claim of the New Class Of Wrestler, Leyton Buzzard…

Leyton Buzzard: “You think I'm crazy, don't you? Well, let me tell you something. I might be delusional, but my delusions are grounded in a reality you can't fathom. Trevor Lee, you paid off Steiner, then when I came to you, You put on a show for the whole world to see, I doubt you even messaged Andy. It was all a ruse to stop me from putting it all together. All you have been doing is plotting against me, whispering poison into the ears of the higher-ups, Holding the Buzz-man down just so you can protect what's most precious to Trevor Lee…”

Buzzard leans to move forward, it’s just him and the hardcam. Buzzard smiles to the camera baring his teeth, Wide grin and all he curls his lip before he continues to speak fourth…


Leyton Buzzard: “You THINGS can mock me all you want but the truth will prevail! Trevor, I know you're here, lurking in the shadows, trying to sabotage me even now. But tonight, I expose you for the CONSPIRACY against Leyton Buzzard…”

Buzzard obviously didn’t clear his mic time, As Buzzard stands stunned smacking the top of his microphone to get it working but to no avail, As security come down to the ring, Two burly security guards attempt to grab Leyton by the arms but the sneaky bastard sneaks between the two large lads, As he dives over the barricade out of dodge as he runs through the crowd who are enjoying pushing Leyton around as he makes his anticlimatic escape…






A lone synthetetic violin whispers through the air like a pterodactyl screech. Soon, a breakbeat ripples beneath. Strobe lights illuminate the entrance way. When the riff kicks in, it heralds the arrival of the Diabetic Dragon. Kyle O'Reilly storms out on to the ramp, fists and jaw clenched, looking like the quiet kid on a bad day while his step-sister Bayley follows close behind. He does some shadow boxing at the head of the ramp while Tony announces his stats.

Chimel: Being accompanied to the ring by Bayley, from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada... weighing in at 200 pounds... the Hollywood Champion, Kyle O'Reilly!

Our beloved Canuck's neck is has that Tinsel Town strap slung over his shoulder. His pace is in lock-step with the groove en route to the squared circle. The fans in the arena born on the good side of 9/11 know the words and can't help but sing along when the chorus drops. Feeding off that energy, Kyle is spiritually compelled to shred his title belt like a guitar as he steps through the ropes to compete. He rocks the heck out with the UWF Universe before getting ready to friggin fight. Bayley, meanwhile, lurks and lingers on the fringe of the squared circle, ready to fight dirty if it comes to that.



The funky beat of Walk The Moon's "Headphones" plays and the crowd starts to boo as it means the arrival of the current? World Tag Team Champion Sami Zayn. He has the title in his hands and dances with it on the stage. He ends up calming down a bit but still walks with some swagger down the ramp, swinging his belt around like he's got a big one.



Tony Chimel: From Montreal Quebec, Canada, weighing in at 212 pounds, The Dynamic Sami Zayn!!

Sami slides into the ring and continues to dance around with his belt much to the chagrin of the paying audience. Sami walks over and makes sure to show it off to all the fans before preparing for the match.




VS


DING DING DING


Zayn walks towards the center of the ring and gives Kyle the option to do exactly what he said. Lie down. Kyle look around and the whole crowd is shouting NO! Sami tells him not to listen to them and do what;'s best for his career and just lie down.


Corey Graves: If Kyle O'Reilly was smart, he'd do exactly what's best for his career here.

Mauro Ranallo: I agree but I don't think we have the same idea in mind in what's best for his career.


Kyle has his hand on his chin so you know he's thinking real hard about it. Zayn tells him he'll make this easier for him and trips him up and shoves him down to the mat. He tells him again,. this time yelling at him to lie down. Kyle looks annoyed but he slowly leans back and does just that. Zayn smiles. Rather than go for a regular pin, he walks over and places his foot right on Kyle's chest.


1 . . .



2 . . .



But Kyle grabs the ankle twists into an Ankle Lock! Sami falls to the mat and Kyle gets to his feet as he puts even more pressure on the ankle. Zayn reaches out like he's going to tap out but El Generico hops on the apron to distract the ref. La Luchadora comes into the ring and gives Kyle a Running Leg Drop to break the hold. She rolls out of the ring right away looking pleased. Or maybe not. Who can tell with that get up. She somehow forgot all about Bayley however and she ends up turning around into a Bayley to Belly!

Sami crawls over to the ropes to help get to his feet but Kyle comes running over full speed and Clothesline the both of them out of the ring. He lands on his feet and keeps running, taking out Generico with the Harpoon Torpedo knee! Wanting to keep Generico out of this for good. He grabs him by the mask and just straight rips it off his face! Generico covers up as best he can and rolls underneath the ring. Kyle holds the mask up in the air and tosses it into the crowd! The camera zooms in on the guy who caught it and he rips is in half and throws it in the trash much to the amusement of the crowd. Kyle also gives him a thumbs up.


Corey Graves: How dare he! That's the ultimate disrespect to a luchador. He should be ashamed of himself!

Mauro Ranallo: Normally I'd agree but come on Corey. It's El Generico.

Corey Graves: Exactly! He's a legend!


Kyle walks back over to Zayn but Sami cuts him off with a Low Blow! The ref is inside the ring and didn't have the right angle to see it but does warn Sami who says it was a punch to the liver. He throws Kyle back into the ring and follows him in. Kyle is busy holding his family stones and so Sami has free reign to go ballistic with the punches to the face. He picks up Kyle and delivers a Brainbuster, spiking him right on his head! He makes the pin!



1 . . .



2 . . .



O'Reilly kicks out! Zayn grabs Kyle's ankle and places him in the Ankle Lock. He yells out "How do you like it!" but with his foot still hurt, he doesn't exactly have the strongest base. Kyle is able to easily roll through and send Sami into the ropes. He stops himself from colliding with them and turns around into the Insulin Injection! Sami rolls away to the corner and is seated against the bottom turnbuckle. Kyle gives him the Surrey Shot Caller in the corner and then drags his body away from the ropes to make the pin.



1 . . .



2 . . .



Zayn kicks out! Kyle brings Zayn back up from behind and goes to lift him up for the Mass Driver but Zayn starts throwing down Elbows to the back of his head to break free. The Diabetic Dragon walks away to the ropes where Sami runs over and Clotheslines him to the outside! He stomps down on his foot a few times to stable it a bit before he runs to the ropes and launches out with a Somersault Senton to take down O'Reilly! Sami then runs towards the corner and dives in between the turnbuckles to give Bayley a Tornado DDT!


Tom Phillips: What the heck did she do?

Corey Graves: Aside from existing? She attacked his protege for no reason!


Sami dusts off his hands like he just took out the trash as he focuses back on O'Reilly. He picks him up and tosses him back into the ring before climbing up onto the apron. He goes to the top rope and lies in wait as Kyle gets to his feet. He slowly starts to turn around and the Forever Champion jumps off with a Diving Crossbody. Unfortunately for him, Kyle cuts him down with a Rolling Elbow and he lands hard face down on the mat! He tries to get up right away but falls to his knees. Kyle runs past him and comes off the ropes with a Shining Wizard but Sami ducks it. Kyle however kicks back and lands The Mixed-Heritage Margin of Error! He makes the pin!



1 . . .



2 . . .



Zayn kicks out! Kyle stands up and pulls out the dragon flute. He plays the tune we all know and love and the camera fast zooms out to show nearly everyone in the crowd doing the same thing! Zayn is slowly getting to his feet as Kyle goes to walk up behind him but his foot is suddenly grabbed from the outside by none other than Will Ospreay!


Mauro Ranallo: What the hell! Now what's he doing out here!

Corey Graves: He's here to study his master what else! Even after all the damage he's taken recently and the big blow earlier tonight, he's still fighting through the pain in order to show Zayn some support.

Tom Phillips: Too bad we can't say the same for Sami supporting Ospreay.


Kyle looks back as Ospreay who is looking worse for wear after all that's happened to him this past week. He tells him he needs to stay out of this but while he's busy with Will, Zayn tries to roll him up from behind but Kyle hangs onto the ropes as Zayn goes rolling backwards. He runs at Kyle again but O'Reilly hits him with a Back Elbow to stagger him backwards. Now Kyle goes on the offensive and charges at Sami but the Forever Champion catches him and throws him into the corner via Exploder Suplex! Kyle lands upside down looking cartoonishly done like only like he can. Zayn pulls him away from the ropes and makes the pin.



1 . . .



2 . . .



O'Reilly kicks out! Zayn hoists him to his feet and brings him over to the corner and smashes his face into the top turnbuckle. He tells Kyle that he's going to end him once and for all. He seats him on the top turnbuckle and climbs up with him. He gets ready to lift him up for the Brainbustah but Bayley is up and starts yelling at him. Ospreay comes over and decks her right in the face! He Tells Sami to finish the job but Kyle slips out underneath him and pulls his legs out from under him causing Zayn to fall and face plant on the top turnbuckle on the way down! Will starts kicking the downed Bayley knowing it'll get Kyle's attention. The plan works and Kyle gets out of the ring as Will retreats, heading towards the ramp. He trash talks Kyle some more but doesn't see that Edge has come out and stands right behind him.


Tom Phillips: It looks like Kyle's old nWo friend is here to help once again.

Corey Graves: This goof had the easiest first round opponent if you ask me. Now he's out here to make sure he doesn't lose to Sami once again.

Mauro Ranallo: Or maybe he's just making things fair. Can you imagine an nWo finals of the King of the Ring?

Corey Graves: Ugh I think I just threw up in my mouth.


Will turns around and gets blasted by Edge. He starts fighting Ospreay to the back leaving Kyle to deal with Sami alone. Speaking of Sami, he's gotten up in the ring and after seeing that Bayley is ok, O'Reilly rushes into the ring. The two start swinging away but Kyle gets the better of the exchange with a few body shots and a Spinning Back Kick to the gut to lead into Ax and Smash! Kyle then gets Zayn up onto his shoulders and starts to go for the Airplane Spin but Zayn slides off behind him and lifts him up into the Blue Thunder Bomb! He makes the pin!



1 . . .



2 . . .



O'Reilly gets the shoulder up at 2! Zayn is furious and he picks up Kyle and slaps him right across the face. The Diabetic Dragon however didn't like that one bit. He slaps himself a few times and tells Zayn to hit him again which he does. The hit actually works real good and Kyle shuffles backwards into the corner. Zayn runs right at him looking for the Helluva Kick but Kyle ducks out of the way. Zayn's foot gets caught on the top rope and Kyle picks him up behind and flips him over into the Point Break! Sami is flopped over into the pin!



1 . . .



2 . . .



3 . . .



Tony Chimel: Here is your winner, and advancing into the next round of the King of the Ring, Kyle O'Reilly!



Bayley comes into the ring to celebrate with her step bro. Zayn is pulled out of the ring by Luchadora and the two give Kyle and Bayley death glares as the duo celebrates, Bayley more than Kyle for some reason as she comes over to the ropes and trash talks Sami and Luchadora. Kyle tells her to tone it down a bit but she's still yapping her gums as Revolution rolls on.




As there’s a break in the action, suddenly the lights go out in the arena.

Tom Phillips: What’s going on?

Just as suddenly as the lights went out, the titantron screen comes on with television static as the mysterious voice that’s been heard for weeks begins to speak.



”The night has arrived, no turning back now. It’s time…

The screen goes black, leaving the arena in darkness once again as things are eerily quiet when unexpectedly, the silence is broken by a screamed seven words…

”GET ON YOUR KNEES
AND BOW DOWWNNN!!!”



As the lights come up and “Bow Down” by I Prevail begins playing over the PA system, the energy in the arena as at an all time high as many of the fans are standing and a thunderous pop is heard as the, “Horror King” Vinny Marseglia appears from behind the curtain and stands at the top of the stage, his trademark axe in his right hand at his side and a string of red balloons in his left as he releases the balloons and makes his way towards the ring.

Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! Can you believe it? Vinny Marseglia is here!

Corey Graves: We knew those mysterious vignettes were leading to something but who would’ve guessed it was the return of the, “Horror King”?!

Vinny enters the ring and gets a microphone from a ringside official as his music fades out, making the cheering all the more audible as he raises the microphone up to his mouth.



Vinny Marseglia: I’m baaack!

The crowd pops for this as Vinny continues.

Vinny Marseglia: Now there’s a lot of questions to be answered and I’ll get around to them in due time but first I have a question that I want answered and that’s who is going to be the first to bow down to their, “Horror King”?

Vinny lowers his microphone and starts twirling his axe in anticipation. After a moment passes, Vinny goes to raise the microphone back to his mouth when the titantron screen comes to life.



Corey Graves: W-What is happening here.

Tom Phillips: I didn't think that was an actual invitation.

As The Firefly Funhouse theme whimsically plays, with bright vibrant colors bouncing around the screen, the crowd going wild at this sudden surprise after being jolted by one already. So much shock and confusion going around that no one seems to notice until the camera randomly shoots to one side and catches Alexa Bliss standing on the barricade behind the announcers, she waves hello to everyone and then hops through the commentators unto the table.

Mauro Ranallo: What in- Where did she come from!?

Corey Graves: I think the more pertinent question here is where is she going?

Bliss hops off the announcer table to the floor and jumps around in a circle gleefully laughing at the cheering crowd, fully overjoyed. He suddenly grabs hold of the ropes and enters the ring, as Vinny looks over at her not knowing what to think.



Bliss has a big smile on her face, as she walks around the ring, not at all the reaction you'd expect when in the presence of the Horror King. Raising her microphone up as the jolly music finally fades.

Alexa Bliss: Hiiii Everybody! Oh EM GOSH I am so happy to see all of you again! It's been way too long, too too long indeed, but I didn't come alone no no no, I know if you're all happy to see lil ole me, then you're gonna blow your lids when you see...Oh... Shoot...I'm sorry, Hello there.

Bliss turns to Vinny Marseglia, and waves her hand to him with a cheerful smile.

I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting, Hee Hee. I'm such a lil stinker aren't I, I am totally interrupting you. I think I heard you ask a question and I totally got to caught up in saying hello to all my friends again that I just steamrolled past it. I do apologize Mr. King Sir, I sure do hope you accept this as an apology.

Bliss holds onto the sides of her skirt and does an exaggerated curtsy towards Vinny, fulfilling his question on who would bow to him first.

A Lady never forgets her manners, and what an occasion this is. After such a long long time, you're back here in the middle of the ring! I'm super happy for you, not only because this is you're big moment...But because He's been waiting oh so long to meet you! Oh but that'll come soon enough, right now I want to introduce you to some of my friends. You've been gone a while, so you might need some catching up. These are all the lil fireflies, Wave hello fireflies!

Bliss waves cheerfully at the crowd, as some in the audience chuckle, and some wave towards the ring. Bliss points to herself, putting on finger on her cheek as she smiles wide.

I'm Alexa Bliss, Tee Hee!

Bliss holds that pose for a few moments before she opens her eyes and gets a pensive look, tapping her finger on her chin as if trying to remember something. She snaps her fingers coming to a realization

Oh that's right, and last but certainly not least the man you've all been waiting for, put your hands together for Braaay Wyaaatt!

Bliss motions towards the titantron, which lights up showing a door inside the Firefly Funhouse, the door opens and out pops out Bray Wyatt waving as you can hear piped in childrens cheers.



Bray Wyatt: WELCOME BACK EVERYONE, To The FIREFLY FUNHOUSE!

Child Audience: Yaaaay



Bray Wyatt: Did Ya Miss me? Oh how I have missed you, but I knew we were gonna see each other again...Oooh how good it is to be back with all of you. Reunited and it feeeels so goooood! Blissy, baby, thank you for the fantaborous introduction! We've been away from the funhouse for a lil bit, doing some caretaking but if it isn't so warm and cozy to finally be back home. But my lil fireflies, do you know what's just as good as reuniting with your Bestest Friends in the whole wide world? Hahahah Why making New ones of course! Mr. Horror King, Vinny Marseglia. We've never had to honor of being face to...uh, Screen before, Haha. But a couple weeks ago I saw something on this very T.V down here, and it filled me with absolute Wonderment! The Day was fast approaching, there is nothing anyone could do, oh it made me go all Tingly. And while I'm sure a lot of people were scratching their heads wondering what this was all about, I knew exactly what it all meant. haha Because I saw it, in my dreams... It meant the return of a King, it meant a resurgence of a man who strikes fear into peoples hearts, It meant...You. And while I was downright Giddy to see what was next, what was to come, what this all meant...Well a lot of us in here actually began to feel different.



They didn't just want to see... they wanted to meet you... Heh Heh, So since they got all livened up to get to know you, Lexi and I thought we'd be you're Welcoming Committee! What do ya think Vinster? Do you feel like playing with us?

As Wyatt asks, Bliss holds her hand up to her chin wiggling her fingers a bit as she eerily smiles at Vinny.



Vinny looks at Alexa, then at Bray on the screen, then back at Alexa.

Vinny Marseglia: When I was here before: the fear I struck into people with my words and expressions, the violent lengths I’d go to just to get a point across, the psychological and emotional and physical pain I inflicted and blood I spilled, I did it all for the enjoyment. And even though I’ve got people cheering for me now, that and the roster present are the only things that’ve changed. I’m back to do more of what I did before and, if anyone can imagine, take it further. Much like you’ve been away hasn’t changed the fact that there’s still a Firefly Fun House, my being away hasn’t changed the fact that there’s a kingdom, I just don’t currently rule over it. But I say all that to say this, Bray: we’re going to be seeing a lot of each other going forward, so consider your offer accepted.

Vinny lowers his microphone with an eerie smile creeping across his face as Alexa and Bray look delighted. With everyone having said their peace, Vinny takes his leave from the ring and slaps hands with a few nearby fans before he is turned towards the ring by a calling voice.

Alexa Bliss: Wait, Wait, hee hee. Before you leave, I know some of the fun things you can do, I mean I can do some fun tricks too but I like yours..So I was just wondering, pondering, hoping. Do you think I can have a balloon?!

Bliss starts to laugh, dropping her microphone and clapping her hands together excitedly as she bounces on her feet. Vinny looks around at the crowd with a chuckle as he rest the axe onto his shoulder, he shrugs as he looks at the crowd before reaching for the ring skirt and pulling it up as 4 red balloons suddenly float from under the ring and up into the air. Bliss jumps up and down cheering as the balloons float, before suddenly she stands up straight and gets a serious look on her face, pointing her finger up at the balloons as they are making their way up into the air and a blast of fire suddenly shoots out of her hand. Shooting the flams at the balloons they pop loudly and the hydrogen inside light up into a big ball of fire in the air as the crowd gasp at the thunderously loud pop of the balloons popping and fire lighting up.

Mauro Ranallo: MAMA MIA!

Corey Graves: Somebody call the damn fire department! I'm getting the hell outta here!

Bliss brings her hand back to under her chin, showing the "Play" written on her glove as she smiles down at Vinny, who is the only one who didn't flinch from the pop. The arena is now echoing with laughter, as Bray Wyatt is almost turning red from his uncontrollable laughter on the titantron.



Bray is grabbing at his sides and flailing around in laughter as his voice seems to be gradually getting louder and louder as he seems to be losing his breath in laughter, Vinny looks up at the tron and cocks an eyebrow. He looks to one side and brings his trusty axe up to his face, testing the sharpness with his thumb before he rears back with it and suddenly swings it into the air sending it spinning through the air the axehead hitting the screen and blading through it. A large burst of sparks rain down as electrical noises ring through the speakers.

Tom Phillips: What kind of chaos is to come from this!

Mauro Ranallo: This is just them coming back, we've got fire and destruction all over the arena already!

Tom Phillips: Did Corey actually leave?


Vinny turns towards the crowd from the stage and raises his arms up with a smile on his face as sparks rain down behind him, before he lowers his arms and stares down at the ring at Bliss who now has a serious look on her face as the show goes off the air.





END OF SHOW


Credits

FTR vs Balor/Rhodes - comebackszn
Edge vs Cassidy - Fauche
Osreay vs MJF, Kingston vs Spike, Zayn vs O'Reilly - Danny

[Dres]

Had some no shows because of the dreaded lull that was addressed a few weeks ago but I still feel this was a solid show. Good start to the KOTR and some solid promos, especially from The Shark. Had fun writing the closing segment with Rey too. It’s good to be back with Vinny.