Post by Danny on Feb 23, 2024 6:06:29 GMT -6
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 got a huge match list set for tonight and-
What the what? Is that Limp Bizkit? Coming through the PA? At a wrestling show? The fans aren't sure what the heck to think about that, and there minds are even less made up when the song kicks in and the titantron lights up with Kyle O'Reilly's name.
The Diabetic Dragon steps out on to the ramp, highlights of violence playing on the screen overhead. Years of good will built up with the UWF Universe means he hasn't lost the people yet, even after what went down with Bayley two weeks back. There's some trepidation there for sure, though. "WHY KYLE WHY?" chants fill up the place, splitting the difference between the cheers and boos coming his way.
When Joey Janela joins him on the stage, he picks up the brunt of the vitriol. The "Bad Boy" grins his way through the hate, claps Kyle on the shoulder, and the two of them march on down to the ring.
Graves: Can you believe these fans? All Kyle has done since his catastrophic night at the Royal Rumble is make some changes to turn his nose-diving career around. What does he get for it? A bunch of attitude.
Phillips: Well it took a while, Corey, but the UWF Universe really warmed up to Bayley and Kyle wasn't exactly nice about giving her the boot. But if you ask me, its all this Janela guy's fault. Ever since Kyle started hanging out with him, things have gone from bad to worse.
Ranallo: Last week, O'Reilly said he was fixing to pick a fight for Wrestlemania. When it comes to singles contests on pay-per-view, Kyle has not won a match since the King of the Ring Tournament at Final Battle last summer. In most cases, I'd say that a guy with a record like that would be a dream opponent for anybody on the Grandest Stage of 'em All - but I get the impression of a cornered animal looking at Kyle O'Reilly now, and if the rest of the roster is picking up on that vibe, I don't presume anyone will chomping at the bit to accept a challenge from him.
Graves: To that point, Mauro, the guy doesn't exactly have much to offer in terms of titles or credibility at the moment. Maybe he'll take a note from LA Knight and get with someone's sister to provoke them.
Kyle and Joey climb into the ring, grabbing some microphones along the way. The Human Swiss Army Knife doesn't waste any time or energy posing or pandering to the crowd. He takes over the center of the squared circle, and when the music cuts out and the fans quiet down, he gets right to business.
KO'R: You wanna know something crazy? I was pretty much murdered before Wrestlemania one time.
KO'R: Yeah I bet some of you guys remember that. Check it out on youtube or the network or wherever if you wanna. I'm about to head into the biggest show of my career and then it all gets flushed out last minute, cause I got caught up in some other guys' business.
A year later? The guy I'm tag team champions with gets injured a couple weeks before the show again. So I gotta go into Mania and defend the belts against literally every other team on the roster with somebody with a back-up who hasn't wrestled in a full year.
Then I finally get the chance to have a good one. I'm Prizz Tizz Mizzalist. Co-main event. And instead of enjoying it or be able to focus on my training, I gotta worry about my step-sister going on dates with the guy I'm supposed to be facing.
Wrestlemania is the end of the god damn rainbow when it comes to wrestling dreams and for me? For me it always ends be sucking. Lots.
A bit of a sympathy cheer from that crowd. Kyle doesn't want it.
KO'R: Don't get it mixed up. Its not because I suck. I don't suck. I'm real good at this. But every single year somebody else's shit winds up on my shoe and it stinks up everything.
Not this time.
This time, I'm picking a fight of my own. I'm cutting out everything that I don't need or care about and I'm making it my sole priority to go into Wrestlemania with closed fists ready to swing and outta Wrestlemania with blood all over my hands. No more messing around. No more goofing.
At Wrestlemania XIII, you get the Real Kyle O'Reilly.
There's a pretty serious pop for that, even if the implications of the new moniker aren't yet totally clear.
KO'R: So there it is. Open challenge. Come and get it. I don't have a title. I don't a streak. I don't have anything to offer except the promise that nobody in the whole world is gonna give you a worse time in this ring than me. If you got guts, I wanna see 'em. Step to me.
O'Reilly backs up, leaving a clear lane and a place in the ring across from him. The fans turn towards the entrance ramp, awaiting the arrival of someone. Anyone.
Ranallo: This is the Wrestlemania equivalent to getting asked to cover a shift over the weekend. Thankless, joyless, stuff. A tall order that's gonna be a tough one to answer.
Phillips: The risk / reward just doesn't line up. Kyle's the kinda guy who's been known to fly off the handle an injure his opponents. Historically, he's also been the one chasing fights with other people, not the other way around. I just don't know who is gonna chance sticking their hand in the hive when there isn't much honey in there.
Graves: Bad metaphor, Phillips. Besides, there are plenty of people on the roster who don't have a match booked for Wrestlemania yet. Kyle's offering them a chance to shine. It sure beats getting stuck in a battle royale with a milk truck.
Nobody answers the call, though. Ten seconds, twenty, thirty pass. A minute, even. The crowd mumbles and murmurs. Joey Janela breaks the silence first.
Janela: Ah, shoulda known that that locker room is just full of a buncha pussified pussies. No worries, man. If they're not gonna bring the fight to you, maybe we just gotta bring the fight to them...
Joey leads the way, heading out of the ring. Kyle tilts his head back, pissed off and mad about this plan no working.
Ranallo: We should probably get a security detail on these two...
Graves: Let them do their thing! For the first time in years I'm actually excited to see what Kyle O'Reilly does next. Give this little psycho some space to cause some chaos. That's exactly what the Road to Wrestlemania needs more of.
Janela calls on his buddy to roll out. Kyle's all like, fine, whatever. The fans are feeling just as let down. They were expecting something. Anything. Someone. Anyone. A hungry young buck. A returning legend. A champion looking for a challenger. Another rudderless would-be contender looking to build some momentum. But nadda. Zilch. The fish aren't biting.
O'Reilly shakes his head. Time to go find that fight somewhere else. Just as he's about to step through the ropes, though...
”Continuum” by Imminence, a song that hasn’t been heard in the UWF before, begins to play. As the fans, as well as Joey and Kyle, look puzzled about who the theme could belong to, out walks Vincent as he stops at the top of the stage.
Tom Phillips: Oh boy, talk about mixing volatile elements!
Mauro Ranallo: Without question, Tom. We’ve seen both men undergo a change lately and this could get ugly quick!
Corey Graves: Let’s not forget the history between these two! But the question is, is Vincent here to answer the challenge or just cause chaos?
Vincent begins walking down the ramp as he brushes right past Joey like he’s not even standing there and makes his way over to the steel steps and up them before entering the ring. Vincent raises the microphone he’s holding up to his mouth as he looks at Kyle.
Vincent: The Real Kyle O’Reilly. To think, for all these years and through all our dealings, I was engaging a fraud. But now that you’re out here being purely yourself and existing in your truest form, I just had to come be a part of it and witness it for myself.
Kyle mouths, “That’s it?” as Vincent smiles before continuing.
Vincent: For those of you that don’t read lips, Kyle asked me if that’s it. You know me well, Kyle. Of course that’s not it. I’m out here because you’re itching for a fight at Wrestlemania.
You can practically hear the roof come off the arena as Vincent continues.
Vincent: See, last time I got banged up, it was in the Barbed Wire Massacre against Shibata and I suffered a leg injury. I listened to the doctors then and it lead to a several year sabbatical from active competition. At Royal Rumble, when I took that hit from Drew McIntyre that knocked me out cold and lead to the finish, I need reconstruction done on my face and skull. Now that kind of trauma, mixed with the sting of defeat after all I put Drew through, it does a number on your psyche and your body. The doctors are telling me to take another sabbatical so I can heal physically and mentally but guess what, I’m not doing that this time. Because last time, after losing to Shibata, I was burnt out and didn’t feel like I had anything left to offer so I stayed away even after I’d healed. But this time, there’s fire still burning inside me because I have a vision and a cause and that vision and cause is no more reverence seeking, no more accolade chasing, just violence for the sake of violence. And you, Kyle, we have history together and I can’t think of a more fitting carcass on this roster to put in my extensive burial plot than you. So if you want a fight, I say you’ve got a fight.
Vincent and Kyle come nose-to-nose, ready to throw down right then and there. However, Joey Janela enters the ring and interjects.
Janela: How's about you back it up a spot there, Rob Zombie, give yourself some room to get checked.
Janela: My boy here? He never was, isn't now and never will be a "fraud". Last time you got a taste of him? Let's just say that was taking a swig of Diet Coke. What you're looing at now? Same great taste, brand new edge, and if the label looks a little different its cause its the total package now. Call him Coke Zero Kyle O'Reilly, call him "The Real" Kyle O'Reilly, call him the guy that took up the King of the Ring Crown you dropped, call him the guy that oughta have put your dumpy ass out to pasture a few years back.
As a matter of fact -
Kyle and Vincent have been glaring daggers at each other while Joey rungs his mouth. Before The "Bad Boy" can utter another syllable, Vincent flashes those evil eyes his way, startling him back so he's tripping over himself damn near the whole way out of the ring. O'Reilly steps closer to his arch enemy, bringing that attention back his way.
KO'R: Vinny... Vincent... whatever the hell you're calling yourself these days... dude, you've been a dead man walking for years. You just didn't realize it. Ever since you crossed my line like nobody's ever crossed it before or since.
Forget about Shibata...
Forget about McIntyre...
Come Wrestlemania, its you... me... and the violence.
The crowd goes bananas, like b-a-n-a-n-a-s. Kyle gets all up in Vincent's grill again. Joey keeps his distance this time.
Vincent: I look into your eyes right now and I can see that you and I are thinking the same thing, that this encounter between us at Wrestlemania needs to have a stipulation. Something so barbaric, so bloody, so merciless, that it will never be attempted again. But the question is, what stipulation is there that fits that description? What stipulation encapsulates the vitriol we feel for one another, and will let us showcase our disdain properly? Maybe you and I need to put our sick minds together for once and come up with a fitting finale. What say you, Kyle?
Vincent lowers his microphone now, curious to hear Kyle’s response.
Some of the more boisterous fans throw in their two cents. The likes of "Hell in a Cell" and "Casket Match" and "Last Man Standing" can be heard shouted from the stands, among others. All fine suggestions, but by the look on O'Reilly's face, he's got something in mind already.
KO'R: You've been around a long time man. A real long time. You've fought everyone and you've done everything and you've won all the stuff... there's just two things I can count that you're short on, though.
Kyle holds up one finger, counting them off.
KO'R: You haven't bled enough yet.
Another finger...
KO'R: And you've never won a Barbed Wire Massacre Match.
Ooooh, that sold-out crowd likes the sound of that! The Diabetic Dragon continues.
KO'R: You want violence? That's violence. I wanna finish what I shoulda finished years ago - what Katsuyori Shibata... hell what Drew McIntyre and Trevor Lee and Bray Wyatt and even Larry Sweeney couldn't finish.
A could hundred feet of razor wire - one inch for every day I've been waiting for this - one inch for every day too long you've been above ground, Vincent. If we're gonna do this, then lets do it right and make sure we find out once and for all which one of is the Most Violent Man Alive.
With that proposition levied, Kyle gives the floor back to the other man.
Vincent: Well then, maybe there’s something to this real Kyle O’Reilly after all. Barbed Wire Massacre, the very match I just talked about putting me on the shelf, is the stipulation you’re proposing. It’s genius, really, and it’s honestly the choice I would’ve made if I were in your shoes myself. In fact, in the near nine months I’ve been back, I’m surprised it wasn’t presented to me sooner by Bray or Trevor or even Drew. Consider my curiosity piqued, but much more dangerously than that, consider your challenge accepted.
The crowd pops one more time as Vincent lowers his microphone and lets it drop to the mat as, once again, he and Kyle get in one another’s face.
Corey Graves: Well I hope EC3 has a good janitorial crew on the payroll for Wrestlemania because there’s going to be a lot of blood to clean up when these two get through with each other!
Mauro Ranallo: Kyle mentioned Larry Sweeney when he listed past opponents that couldn’t get the job done as far as permanence but I think this feud is even more personal than that!
Tom Phillips: They could’ve done Buried Alive, they could’ve chose a Casket Match, but instead they chose to make their last chapter the bloodiest and goriest it could possibly be!
As the two men continue their staredown, Revolution continues elsewhere.
It was all about making an impact, and he was ready to do that tonight as h was backstage with his friend and his student, JD McDonough, getting ready for what has to be done, tonight in this tag team match to ensure they secure the victory and walk away with there hands raised and the sins and mistakes of last week, removed.
"We are right around the corner from our first ever tag match here and what an historic day it is going to be. We have new and old faces appearing on this show and yet only one person is going to make an impact, only one person will truly be remembered and that is myself, Finn Balor, with JD McDonough aiding me of course. Everyone wants to become a champion, everyone wants to become an icon, I want to make an impact and I am going to do that. I am going to show the world that I am a champion in the making, that UWF is my home and I am here for the long-haul. Right now so many legends have crawled their way here, looking to once again become relevant, but they have had their time, their time is over, now is the time of Finn Balor, and of course, JD McDonough is here, to have his moment.”
The red hot crowd in the arena would quickly start to show their disapproval for them as they started to boo him. He has insulted the legends, the rookies, the scum and filth that have settled here. He would just laugh and smirk as his head slants backwards. He was backstage against a blank wall as he folded his arms over his chest and looked down into the camera, with his eyes firmly focused on the camera he nudged for JD McDonough to speak up.
"This is now finally the time for new wrestlers to shine; this is the time for men like JD McDonough to make a name for themselves, to make an ever lasting impact. My match will be one to remember, I know last week was a bump in the road, but we are on track now, nobody wants to face us as they all know what JD McDonough can bring to the table. These two tonight … they are not worth insulting, they are not even worthy enough of being in the ring with me. All these nobodies, these men and women who have not made a name for themselves, will fall to me. I am the present and the future of this business, I am going to take each and every single one of your favorite wrestlers and crush them in the palm of my hand. What you are looking at is a man that will win every single one of his matches, a man that will go right through everyone that gets in his way, a man that will become a champion, the same as Finn Balor, we will have it all.”
The crowd once again gives off some much needed major hatred to the young and cocky JD McDonough. Young as he was, he was more than ready to do what needed to be done for tonight, as JD McDonough smirks and Finn Balor stops up to speak.
"I am Finn Balor … I am the future of UWF. Nobody can stop me, nobody can get in my way, soon… soon enough Finn Balor will be champion and then… and then you will see just how good I truly am. With JD McDonough at my side, we will take the titles, one by one until we have all the gold here and when we do that, you will remember this moment, this tag match, this night, when we made our impact.”
Finn Balor shows off another smirk as he looks at the camera and nods at it and then walks off, leaving the crowd booing him and yet at the same time wanting to know more about this team. They want to know what he can do, what he is going to bring to the table and they will not have to wait all that long as they will be stepping into the ring, to end the two who have been unlucky enough to have to face them.
The feed cuts to Renee standing backstage.
Renee: Ladies and gentlemen, my guests at this time are Eric Bischoff and “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Rick, last week you made some comments about the Intercontinental champion Orange Cassidy. I just wanted to know if that was an official challenge?
Rude scoffs as he turns to look at Renee.
Rude: I believe that was about as close to an official challenge as you can get. Now, some people may be wondering just what makes me think that I deserve another shot at that title after I got myself disqualified during my last shot. However, I think Orange Cassidy has his head so far up his own ass that he couldn’t possibly say no to having a chance at defeating the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. It won’t happen, but still I think he will take the bait.
Renee: That is, of course, assuming that you’ll be able to defeat Sami Zayn tonight, right?
Rude and Bischoff burst into laughter. Rude places his thumb and forefinger on Renee’s chin in a pinching manner.
Rude: Thank god you’re so gorgeous, because sometimes you’re a complete airhead, dear.
Rude walks off camera as Bischoff steps up to the microphone.
Bischoff: Renee, I believe what my client was meaning to say was that he will of course defeat Zayn tonight. Sadly, Zayn won’t be able to walk away from going another round with Rick whenever he is in the ring with him. He will have nowhere to go to escape what he’s got coming to him. And Zayn, since you had to take off like a scalded dog there are a few things that I’d like to address that you had last said.
The camera begins a slow zoom on Bischoff.
Bischoff: You think that your pathetic attempt at mocking my client’s legendary reign with the workhorse title is something we haven’t heard? And you want to chide Rick because he chose to say “punch” and “kick”? Have you ever thought that anyone that attempts to speak more than five words to you is already bleeding from their eye sockets? Rick is one of if not the most technically gifted athletes on this roster, yet you’re going to attempt to besmirch his name and his legacy in that way? I wouldn’t be surprised if Rick doesn’t put on a clinic with you in the ring whenever he gets his hands on you.
You want to say that Rick’s career has stalled? The only thing that is stalled in regards to Rick is Mr. Carter’s ability to pencil in Rick’s name where it belongs. But, I’m curious…exactly which accolade do you have to your credit that allows you to think so highly of yourself? You claim to have been so dominant in the tag team division for so long….how many times have they closed the tag team division down now? Due to lack of talent, right? Oh….yet you say Rick is the one that lacks the talent? I think we’ll see just how much credit your words carry in just a few moments. Renee, always a pleasure!
Bischoff gives Renee’s elbow a firm squeeze before stepping off camera as the feed cuts elsewhere.
We head to the ring where the Judgement Day is already in the ring.
The slow intro of "Teenage Nosferatu Pussy" blares throughout the arena as the lighting changes to shades of orange and red. Once the opening lyrics are heard, Jamie Hayter steps through the entrance curtain alongside Rhea Ripley and they are met with cheering and jeering from the crowd. Jamie stops on the stage, bends down, and then quickly leans backward while raising her arms. At the same time, Rhea stomps on the stage. This triggers the pyro, which shoots up through the stage. The camera zooms in on the two as the start sauntering down the entrance while talking shit to their opponents.
Tony Chimel: "Accompanied by Rhea Ripley... From Southampton, England... JAMIE HAYTER!!!"
Jamie and Rhea make it to ringside and stop. They eye the ring (and Jamie's opponent/s if she isn't the first one out) before climbing up onto the apron. They enters the ring and look to the crowd. Jamie cups her hand around her ear, similarly to Hulk Hogan, and the cheers only intensify. Her theme slowly fades out.
Red lights now focus on the stage as smoke billows from the entrance way. Out onto the stage walks The Mighty Caleb clad in armour and sporting a cape. He stands with his arms wide, his cape appearing like black wings against the red background of the stage. In one hand he holds a drinking horn which he holds aloft. As the glorious main riff kicks in Caleb drinks from the horn before raising it high in the air and yelling 'SKAL!'.
Tony Chimel: Introducing, hailing from The Northern Realms... weighing in at a mighty 235 pounds... the Television Champion, he is 'THE MIGHTY' CAAAALEB!
The Mighty Caleb then makes his march down towards the ring, he fist bumps members of the crowd who reach out to him and leads them in the 'SKAL' chant which turns the crowd into a frenzy. Caleb steps up onto the ring apron now and once again holds the horn aloft, pumping his fist as he does so to the rhythm of the crowd. Caleb then enters the ring and continues to pump his fist as he marches around, hyping himself up for the battle ahead.
VS
DING DING DING
Hayter stays in the ring to start off the match. Balor wants a piece of her after what she did to his Judgement Day cohorts but JD wants revenge. He tells Balor that he's got this and Finn allows him to kick it off. While they're talking though, Hayter runs over and shoves JD into Balor and knock's him off the apron. McDonough is in his corner as Jamie starts laying into him with body shots. The ref counts to four but she drags him to the center of the ring and starts giving him Knee Strikes before she throws him with an Exploder Suplex! She makes the pin.
1 . . .
2 . . .
McDonough kicks out! Hayter brings him up and drags him over to her corner where Caleb makes the tag. She holds his in place as Caleb punches him in the gut. The Television Champion lifts him overhead, showing off his strength. Balor has seen enough from the sidelines and enters the ring and kicks Caleb in the gut causing JD to land behind him. The ref tries to get Balor out of there and JD chop Block Caleb in the back of the knee! McDonough dropkicks him in the face and quickly scurries for the pin but Caleb kicks out before he can even get a one count.
Corey Graves: Look at how one simple move by Balor can put his team back in the driver's seat.
Tom Phillips: Caleb kicked out before a one count.
Corey Graves: Well that's still progress. You know much effort it takes to kick out? It'll add up.
Both men get to their feet. JD swings wildly to try and keep Caleb down but The Mighty One powers through and shoves him away. JD comes at him with a Running Clothesline but Caleb ducks it and runs to the ropes. JD turns around as Caleb comes off the ropes and cuts him in half with the Gungnir! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
McDonough kicks out! Caleb picks him up but JD shoves him away and falls into his corner where Balor makes the tag. Finn comes in a ducks a Clothesline attempt and hits Caleb with a Step Up Enzuigiri! Caleb is knocked into the ropes and Balor gives him a Drop[kick that makes him fall through the ropes to the outside. The Champion fights to get back to his feet but that may be a bad idea since Balor hits the ropes and comes flying out of the ring with the Tope Con Hilo! He wipes out Caleb but picks him right back up and throws him into the ring. He slides in after him and hooks the leg.
1 . . .
2 . . .
Caleb kicks out! Balor grabs his legs and drags him over to his corner. JD places his boot on the top of the turnbuckles and Finn slingshots him into his boot. JD raises his hand up to make the tag but Balor looks at him and shakes his head. He picks up Caleb and drags him to the center of the ring. He's got him bent backwards for the 1916 but Caleb brings his knee up and smashes it into his face. Balor lets him go and grabs at his face while Caleb tags in Hayter.
Mauro Ranallo: Here comes Jamie Hayter!
Corey Graves: Good, now Finn can show her that the Judgement Day means business.
Jamie comes in and unloads rights and lefts, backing Finn into the ropes. She shoots him off and he bounces against the ropes but hangs on with both arms hooked onto the top rope to stop himself from coming off them. Hayter runs at him to Clothesline him over but Balor gets the boots up and kicks her in the face. She's knocked back a few paces and Finn connects with the Slingblade. Jamie gets up but she's Dropkicked into the corner, her head bouncing off the middle turnbuckle. Balor sees the opportunity he has and he climbs to the top rope. He's setting up for the Coup De Grace but McDonough tags himself in. Balor looks shocked as JD comes in and picks up Hayter. He lifts her up for the Devil Inside but she flips over and lands on her feet, giving him a Lariat to the back of the head! She hits him with so much momentum that she stumbles forward and Caleb tags himself in.
The Hammer comes in just like his name and charges at Balor, knocking him off the apron. Rhea walks over and laughs in his face while JD runs at Caleb but eats a Flapjack for his troubles. JD bounces off the mat from the impact and essentially pops up enough to get to his corner but Balor is down. He turns around and eats a Corner Splash! He's hit so hard he bounces off the turnbuckles and walks right into Caleb's arms who lifts him up high into the air before slamming him down into the mat in the Valhammer! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
3 . . .
Tony Chimel: Here are your winners, Jamie Hayter and The Television Champion, The Mighty Caleb!
Mauro Ranallo: You have to wonder if despite losing at the Royal Rumble, Maybe Jamie Hayter has earned herself another shot at the Television Championship?
Corey Graves: I think Caleb is a goof but it's clear he carried her in this match. She shouldn't even be allowed to compete in th-
Rhea smacks a water bottle into Corey and he gets doused in it as she laughs. Balor kicks the barricade and anger and watches on as Caleb and Hayter celebrate in the ring while the show moves on.
The scene opens up on Sinn in an undisclosed location as he looks into the camera.
Sinn: Allow me to, for some of you, introduce myself and for some of you, reintroduce myself. When I served Vincent before, it was in a faction known as The New Kingdom alongside Darby Allin and I was known as Sinn Bodhi. But now things have changed: Darby has been replaced by Abadon, we are no longer The New Kingdom, and I am known simply as Sinn. Now, why would Vincent want a guy like me following him and aiding his cause, you ask. Well, if you can’t make up your mind on that just looking at me, wait til you get a load of what we’ve got planned. Right, Abadon?
Abadon saunters into the shot and spits blood into the camera, the camera continuing to film her and Sinn in red for a moment before Sinn knocks the cameraman down. The two are seen walking off, Sinn laughing, as Revolution continues elsewhere.
Revolution rolls on with Renee Young standing by backstage ready to conduct an interview.
Renee Young: Please join me in welcoming at this time, Braun Strowman, and Stokely Hathaway…
Hathaway hobbles into frame with the assistance of his cane whilst Strowman stands behind him and slightly to the side with arms folded as Renee prepares her first question.
Renee Young: Now as I understand it, Mr Hathaway, you requested this time to speak w…
Clearly not interested in whatever questions are on offer, Hathaway cuts Renee off and decides to go off on one.
Stokely Hathaway: That’s right, Rebecca. I felt that it was important to pay for this slot in order to clear up some misconceptions that have started to do the rounds of the UWF circuit, namely concerning our esteemed UWF Champion and the new Wrecking Machine in town that you see before you now. You see it’s come to my attention that a number of individuals have been dropping not so subtle hints which allude to the belief that Drew McIntyre, the most dominant champion in recent memory has suddenly gone soft. That apparently he's lost both his confidence and his balls and therefore he's now looking to the power of others to do his dirty work for him. Well if that's the memo that's being passed around then let me assure you that it certainly didn't come from the offices of the UWF Champion, because I can give you his word that he is still fixed in the mindset of looking to tear apart all the competition on his own terms like he has been doing for almost an entire year now.
Renee Young: But you have to admit th...
Stokely Hathaway: Eh..eh...Please! I hadn't finished yet... I shouldn't have to remind everyone that it's been no more than a moment since I was kidnapped and tortured by a vicious psychopath and damn near lost my life. Yeah, I could have been killed!... But I endured, and Drew acknowledged that at this time there was no way he could personally ensure my safety whilst continuing to reign supreme at the top, so to take care of that issue he went out and acquired the services of this outstanding monstrosity!
Hathaway stops in order to turn slightly and admire the spectacle that he considers Strowman to be whilst Renee looks on in somewhat exasperated fashion as she waits for him to resume with his next point.
Stokely Hathaway: Now let's make no mistakes, Braun has been hired on an almost completely exclusive basis to make sure that no physical harm befalls me as I continue to promote and grow The Destroyer's brand. Now sure, every once in a while there may come a time where either Drew or myself will ask him to handle something that neither of us have much desire to get our hands dirty with, but otherwise he is very much my ultra impressive insurance policy and the reason that I now sleep a lot better at night. In addition... being the smart and savvy business man that I am, I did in fact negotiate terms with EC3 that will allow Braun to occasionally participate inside the ring as an active competitor only as and when it is deemed necessary, meaning that if anyone pushes him or I far enough past our limits, then there are likely to be some pretty regrettable consequences in store for them.
Renee Young: Braun, do you have any comment in regard to these developments?..
The microphone extends to Strowman, but he just looks down at it and gives no response while Hathaway stands there chuckling.
Stokely Hathaway: Please, as if he's gonna waste valuable time and energy talking to you... You see what you and everyone else will soon find out is that when it comes to Braun, actions will always speak louder than words, and we intend to put that theory to the test next week by hosting a special event featuring this year's Royal Rumble match winner. Now as we know LA Knight likes to spend some of his time hanging around with that guy who hosts what is essentially a glorified carnival routine where you break the full nelson lock and win a prize or whatever... Like him it's old news in my opinion, but in light of the fact that said performance artist decided to let his mouth and thought process get away from him a little bit last week, I figured why not take the opportunity to create a concept that will effectively better him at his own game.
A single clap of the hands follows from Hathaway as he looks to draw the full attention of everyone watching to what he’s about to say.
Stokely Hathaway: Therefore, allow me to be the first one to publicly announce and cordially invite you all to experience the Arm Wrestling Extraordinaire, where Braun Strowman will unleash his upper limb strength against anyone brave enough to step up to the table. Although in this case it's not anyone because as I just said, this invitation is extended to LA Knight only and one that he must accept if he is to further prove to Drew McIntyre and myself that he is a truly worthy Wrestlemania challenger. But by all means Mr Thursday Night Thriller, feel free to bring your buddy Adonis along for some emotional support and let him get a first hand look at what a real impressive strength showcase event looks like, because at the Arm Wrestling Extraordinaire, everyone will be watching on in AWE... Get it?.. Awe? Arm Wrestling Extr...?
Hathaway is clearly looking for a response from Renee to his clever play on words, but the backstage correspondent has no real desire to play along after his rudeness from earlier.
Renee Young:...
Stokely Hathaway: Whatever! We're outta here...
The dismissive Hathaway walks away and Strowman follows suit as Renee looks on, appearing relieved that the segment is over, but also fatigued by the fact that it even happened to begin with as the show rolls on elsewhere.
Tony Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one fall...
“Voices” begin to play as the fans rise to their feet. The viper eyes flash on the screen as out walks Randy Orton. He stands at the top of the ramp looking out into the sea of the crowd. He wipes his nose with the side of his knuckle. He walks down the ramp towards the ring with true purpose.
Tony Chimel: On his way to the ring, weighing in at 250 pounds…from St. Louis, Missouri….He is the Apex Predator…RANDY ORTON!
Orton stomps up the steps and climbs into the ring. He immediately shoots to a corner and jumps to the second turnbuckle to raise his arms in a pose that has become synonymous with The Viper.
He holds there as the music fades and he drops from the turnbuckle and turns inward toward the center of the ring.
Tony Chimel: And his opponent...
As, “Continuum” by Imminence begins to play, out comes Vincent onto the stage as the fans give him a mixed reaction. He starts walking down the ramp now, making a bit of a beeline towards the ring, as he slides in under the bottom rope and stands up.
Tony Chimel: From Warwick, Rhode Island. Weighing in at one hundred and eighty-nine pounds. Vincent!
Vincent eyes the stage with a smirk on his face and a hunger in his gaze as he prepares for the match ahead.
versus
The bell sounds and this contest is underway. Almost immediately, Orton looks to lock up. But before he can, Vincent rolls underneath the bottom rope and to the floor. The former "Horror King" stands on the arena floor, wagging his finger as Orton stares on from inside the ring. Vincent starts circling the ring, as the referee begins coutning him out...
1...
2...
3...
4...
5...
Vincent rolls in and quickly rolls back out!
Vincent begins repeating the process of strutting around the ring. By rolling in momentarily, he broke the count. So now, the referee has to begin once again...
1...
2...
3...
4...
5...
6...
Vincent rolls back out and Orton rushes to get his hands on him. Before he can though, Vincent rolls back out to the floor.
Inside the ring, Orton is seething. But back on the outside, Vincent has a smirk on his face. He begins wagging his finger again, this time yelling at Orton "We do this on my time, Randal".
Tom Phillips: What's Vincent doing?
Corey Graves: Seems as if he's playing games with Randy Orton.
Mauro Ranallo: I'm not sure Randy Orton is the guy you want to "play" with.
As Vincent stands tall on the outside, the official begins counting him out again...
1...
2...
3...
4...
5...
6...
Randy has had enough of waiting. He rolls outside himself and immediately rushes around the ring, charging Vincent. But the former "Horror King" was ready for this. As Randy comes rushing him, Vincent sidesteps him, almost the way a matador would dodge a bull. With all the momentum he has behind, Orton is unable to put the brakes on and the sidestep sends him crashing into the steel steps at ringside.
Corey Graves: Vincent lured Randy in!
The top of the steel steps go flying as Orton hits them hard. Vincent chuckles again before rolling in and out the ring once more, breaking the count. As he does that, Randy pulls himself to a vertical base. However, he is unaware that Vincent is behind him and the former Horror King grabs Orton by the back of the skull and sends him face first into the steel ring pole. Orton is staggered and tries to get away, aimlessly walking towards the announce desk.
Tom Phillips: I hate when they come over here!
A dazed Orton stumbles over to our announcers, with Vincent in hot pursuit. Once again, Vincent grabs Orton by the back of the head, this time slamming him face first onto the desk. Papers go flying, but that doesn't stop Vincent. He does it once more. You can hear the thud as Orton's head hits the table. Back inside the ring, Vincent can hear that the official's count has reached 7, so he grabs Orton and rolls him back inside underneath the bottom rope. Vincent follows suit before driving the point of his elbow directly into Orton's eye...
Mauro Ranallo: That's got to be extremely painful!
The official tries to tell Vincent to get off Orton and keep his hands away from the eyes. Vincent stares a hole through the referee but complies before quickly dropping a leg across Orton's throat. As the weight comes down on him, the Apex Predator gasps for air and Vincent goes for the first pinfall of this contest...
1...
Orton kicks out!
Vincent is all smiles as Orton does. Randy rolls to the far corner, away from Vincent, so that he can catch his breath for a second. Vincent just watches Orton, ironically enough the same way the Apex Predator would stalk his prey. Orton pulls himself to his feet in the corner and Vincent is ready to go back on the attack. As Orton rises, Vincent catches him in the corner with a vicious European Uppercut. Orton's skull slaps backwards, but incent isn't playing any games and grabs Orton's skull and delivers another one. This one staggers Orton and as he comes out the corner, Vincent wraps both arms around his midsection and tosses Orton overhead with a belly to belly suplex. Orton flies a third of the way of the ring and Vincent crawls over going for another cover....
1...
2...
Orton kicks out!
Mauro Ranallo: Vincent has been in control ever since Orton fell into his trap.
Core Graves: And it's almost like Vincent is just out there having fun with Orton. Having fun just beating him up.
As Orton kicks out, Vincent gets back to his feet and stands over a downed Orton. He smirks again and just begins kicking Orton in the back. And as he does, Vincent asks "Is that all you got Randy? Where are your voices?" Orton again is in a bad way. Once more, he has to use the turnbuckle pad to pick himself up. This time, it's just on the opposite side that he was just thrown from. Orton makes it to a vertical base again and this pleases Vincent. The former UWF Champion backs up, leaving a little bit of space between himself and Orton. With there being enough separation, Vincet charges in towards Orton, but Randy has the wherewithal to catch him with a back elbow as he does. This staggers Vincent somewhat, but doesn't deter him. He charges at Orton once more, this time the Apex Predator is able to lift his feet in the air and both boots meet Vincent in the face. Again, this knocks Vincent backwards and Randy takes advantage by firing out of the corner and taking his opponent down with a vicious clothesline. Vincent hits the canvas but gets right back to his feet. As he does, Orton catches him with another clothesline. The process repeats itself and Vincent manages to get back up. This time however, he looks to be the one to strike first. He tries to catch Orton with a clothesline of his own but Orton sees it coming and ducks. Vincent hits the far ropes and as he runs them, Orton is able to catch him off guard with a scoop powerslam.
Mauro Ranallo: Beautiful counter by the Viper!
As Vincent's back hits the canvas, Orton hooks the leg and goes for a cover...
1...
2...
Vincent kicks out!
After barely rolling a shoulder, Vincent rolls onto the ring apron. Orton goes after him but as Vincent is pulling himself to his feet, the Horror King grabs Orton by the head and drapes his throat onto the top rope. Orton gasps for air and Vincent uses this time to climb to the top rope and deliver a picture perfect Missile Dropkick. This takes Orton down but Vincent doesn't go for a cover. Instead, he just kneels over Orton and starts slapping him in the back of the head...
Tom Phillips: How disrespectful!
Corey Graves: I told you Phillips, Vincent just seems to be having fun hurting Orton. A normal superstar would have gone for a pin in that situation.
As he continues to taunt Orton, you can once again hear Vincent saying "Do you hear the voices Randy? What are they saying to you?" before proceeding to kick Orton once more. Orton retreats to the corner again, using the ropes to pull himself up once more. As he does, Vincent meets him with what Vincent dubs the "Axe Edge Chop" straight into Orton's heart. You can hear the hand meet the chest and it's not long before Vincent reaches back and delivers another one. Vincent grabs Orton by the arm and shoots him off towards the opposing turnbuckle but Orton reverses. The Apex Predator charges in after his opponent, but Vincent catches him with another back elbow. Orton is slowed temporarily and Vincent uses this moment to leave the ring onto the apron and scale to the top rope yet again. Orton regains his bearings and before Vincent can leap onto him for a second time, Orton dives towards the ring ropes and shakes them, causing Vince to lose his balance and fall groin first onto the top turnbuckle...
Tom Phillips: Vincent went to the well one too many times.
With Vincent essentially a sitting duck, Orton goes to work. He throws a quick right hand at Vincent's skull, just to disable him momentarily. Then Orton proceeds to scale the ropes until both men are perched on the top.
Corey Graves: I don't like where this is headed!
With both men on the top, Orton grabs Vincent by the arm, throws it over his shoulder and brings both men down to the canvas with a ring shaking Superplex!
Mauro Ranallo: Mama Mia!!!
The ring shakes for what feels like minutes. Both men are down and the referee begins to administer his count...
1...
2...
3...
4...
5...
6...
Orton is the firsst to move and begins crawling towards Vincent...
7...
8...
An exhausted Viper drapes his arm over Vincent's chest...
1...
2...
Vincent kicks out!
Tom Phillips: I thought Randy had him there!
So did Orton. You can see a hint of frustration written on his face. But nevertheless, he focuses on the task at hand. As he turns his attention back to Vincent, he notices his opponent on the apron. That frustration turns into a sick smile. As Vincent tries to enter the ring through the ropes, Orton catches him with a kick to the stomach. This staggers Vincent and leaves him vulnerable on the ropes. With that being the case, Orton hooks a front face lock before looking out to the Boston crowd. All the fans get out of their seats because they know what's coming. With a quick snap, Orton falls backwards and spikes the top of Vincent's head onto the mat with a DDT!
Corey Graves: Vintage Randy Orton!
Orton is feeling it now. He gets back to his feet, with the entire arena now chanting "RKO". Orton eggs them on before spinning backwards and falling down to the canvas, slamming his hands on the mat as he does...
Mauro Ranallo: I think Orton is going to that place!
Tom Phillips: Vincent has been asking Randy to hear those voices! Well, now I think he's gotten his wish!
The Apex Predator continues pounding the canvas, stalking his prey like one would suspect. Vincent is trying to get to his feet and Orton is with him the entire way. As the Horror King finally does, Orton spins him around and prepares to end this...
Tom Phillips: RKO!!
No! Before Orton can strike with the three most dangerous letters in professional wrestling, Vincent has a counter. As Orton leaps in the air with his back to Vincent, the Horror King hooks his arms around Orton's waist and slams him to the canvas with a Saito Suplex!
Corey Graves: Unbelievable counter!
After slamming Randy onto the mat, Vincent is all smiles. He mutters "Oh Randy" before rolling underneath the bottom rope and back to the floor. Vincent continues to laugh as he makes his way over to the timekeeper's area and grabs a steel chair. You can hear Vincent say out loud "Now we have some fun!" before sliding the chair into the ring.
Corey Graves: I told you guys, this was never about winning a match. Vincent wants to hurt Orton.
After the chair goes into the ring, Vincent slides in after it. But before he can retrieve it, Randy Orton comes out of nowhere, leaps high in the air and slams Vincent face first onto the mat with an RKO!
Tom Phillips: RKO! Literally from out of nowhere!!!
The fans pop as Orton hits his trademark move. The Viper wastes no time slithering into the cover and the win...
1...
2...
Vincent gets his foot on the bottom rope!
Corey Graves: No way!
Orton can't believe it! He stares at the official, who points out the foot on the rope. Randy gets back to his feet and runs his hands through what little hair he has left. He just hit his best shot, now what? Then it comes to him. He walks to the opposite side of the ring and looks down at his right leg...
Mauro Ranallo: I think I know what Orton is thinking.
Orton cocks said right leg back and as Vincent is hands and knees, Orton is prepared to run the length of the ring and shatter his skull just like McIntyre did at the Royal Rumble. But before he can, something catches his eye. It's a shiny black object. It's the chair Vincent introduced. Orton abandons his original plan and grabs the chair.
Corey Graves: This can't be good! Orton's been in a terrible mood all week after Swerve attacked him. Vincent has been an annoyance and now Orton might finally have a chance to take out his frustrations.
As Orton holds the chair, he realizes that Vincent is on his knees, staring Orton in his eyes. Vincent stretches out his arms and yells "Hit Me, Randy!". The official tells Orton to drop the chair, all the while Vincent is begging Orton to strike him.
Tom Phillips: What's Orton going to do?
Orton thinks about for a second before cocking back and striking Vincent directly in the face with the chair. Vincent doesn't even try to put his hands up to block; he takes the steel full force. With this, the referee has no choice but to call for the bell.
DING
DING
DING
The bell sounds but that doesn't stop Orton. He takes the chair and begins bringing it down on Vincent's spine over and over. Once. Twice. Thrice. Four, Fuve, Six times over. Orton is relentless.
Mauro Ranallo: You have to imagine Randy Orton is picturing Swerve Strickland right now.
Orton wears the chair out to the point that it's dented and almost broken. Eventually, Orton discards the chair, satisfied with his handy work. The voices have seemingly stopped in his head and Orton leaves the ring, muttering how he can't wait to get his hands on Swerve.
Corey Graves: Orton might've lost his cool, but tonight, he proved that he is still one of the most dangerous men walking this planet!
Back in the ring, the official is giving the word to Tony Chimel.
Tony Chimel: Ladies and Gentlemen, your winner as a result of Disqualification, Vincent!
Vincent is still laying in the ring after the steel chair attack. He's on his back. He doesn't exactly look like a winner, but tonight he is victorious. Vincent remains in the ring, laughing it up as Revolution moves on.
The camera would cut to Ciampa’s familiar hidey hole backstage, surrounded by the metal fence and the shutters. Ciampa would be leaning against one of the said shutters and would seem to be thinking about something, he’d look up at the camera with a side eye.
Ciampa: You know this past week I've had a lot to think about. Think about what Knight and Drew have had to say about me. What my own tag partner has had to say about me. They all don’t believe I should be in this match and you know, maybe they’re right. Maybe I am washed up and beaten down and i’m just hanging on by a thread with my career. The next match could be my last, that next bump could flare up old injuries. Maybe i’m holding onto past glories too much.
The camera cuts to a front facing view of Ciampa.
Ciampa: Then I remember who I am. I’m Tomasso Ciampa. I’m the damn Sicillian Psychopath. I cut a path of blood through this company when I was Intercontinental Champion and yeah sure the last time I was in the ring with the UWF Champion, I lost. Had that brass ring right in front of me and I dropped the damn ball. Hell, I'm man enough to admit that. I’m man enough to know where I failed. I take those failings and I learn from them but some people they just don’t learn do they. Its not in their nature, unlike me.
Ciampa looks directly at the camera as if he’s addressing someone directly. It could be Drew. It could be Knight. Hell could be Tyler Breeze. Could be anyone.
Ciampa: Its in my nature to take the loss and move on and i’ve had two back to back losses since the Rumble. A DQ loss against Tyler and then a pinfall against Knight last week. I don’t really fit in this puzzle but hey, sometimes the puzzle isn’t perfect. Theres something off about it. I said i’d leave the past behind me this year and continue forward but it seems my past is dead set on reminding me of its presence.
Ciampa chuckles
Ciampa: Samoa goddamn Joe. Thats who you get in Roman. That snake. A man who would sell his own momma out just for an advantage, thats your replacement “Wiseman '' for a guy like Paul Heyman, well lets just say that wasn’t a wise decision Roman. I don’t know if this is your idea to get into my head but I feel I already know something about you and thats i’m already in yours Roman.
Ciampa sits on an equipment box and leans in.
Ciampa: You’re scared Roman. I call you out and what no answer. You just hiding in your kennel being paid lip service by Joe and Solo, well maybe not Solo, don’t think i’ve even seen that guy talk ever, sometimes I need to check to see if he’s breathing when i’m in a ring with him or if he’s dropped dead and no one noticed.
Ciampa waves a hand
Ciampa: Enough about Solo though, this is about you Roman. You went out after my match with Tyler and speared Omos and tried to get the spotlight on yourself and I allowed you a chance to respond to me last week. I was in the building the whole night but you didn’t come to me Roman. You hid like the scared little dog you are. Behind your wall of muscle is nothing but a coward and thats why you can’t get the job done and tonight Roman, I do. So I hope you watch “Tribal Chief” because once that referee raises my hand tonight you’ll be acknowledging me.
Ciampa gets up and walks off.
DING
DING
DING
Tony Chimel: The following is an Adonis Lock Challenge. Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California, weighing in at Two-Hundred and Sixty-Five pounds, he is "The Masterpiece" Christopher Adonis!
With Chimel's introduction, the lights in the arena dim...
The song aptly entitled "Masterpiece" begins to play and in the darkness, only a single spotlight can be seen on the top of the stage. Kneeling in that spotlight is the one and only "Masterpiece of UWF" known as Christopher Adonis. Adonis has a cape draped over his shoulders and as his music reaches a certain crescendo, Adonis rises to his feet, sending the cape flying as the lights rise and pyro shoots off behind him.
As the pyeo begins to cease, Adonis makes his way down the ramp. The Boston fans are jeering him, but it's of no concern to this mountain of a man. He begins the ring steps before entering through the ropes and posing once more for all the people to see.
Adonis motions for a microphone from ringside and also demands that Tony Chimel vacate the chair he is sitting in. Adonis is handed the mic and Chiimel slides the steel chair into the ring. Adonis sets the chair up in the center and grabs the mic as his music begins to fade.
"The Masterpiece" Christopher Adonis: Boston, Massachussetts! The Masterpiece is in your city!
The live audience begins to boo Adonis. He can only smirk in return.
Adonis: I know, I know. There's not much about this dump to be proud of. The Celtics will never win another NBA Championship. The Red Sox are a complete dumpster fire. And the Patriots haven't been the same since Tom Brady left.
That last one really gets the fans riled up.
Adonis: But the one silver lining for the people of Boston is that you've finally come to terms with what the rest of the world has known for a long time. And that is, the fact that the people of this city are complete and utter losers. Each and every one of you.
Adonis: But tonight, I'm going to give someone the chance to prove me wrong. One of your loyal statesmen can get in this ring and try to do the unthinkable. Break the most dominant hold in UWF History, the Adonis Lock! Now better men have tried and better men have failed, but this is an opportunity to make an actual name for yourself. I'm on the road to the Main Event of WrestleMania and I'm giving someone the chance to try and slow my momentum.
Technically, Adonis is right I guess. He'll be a corner man in the Main Event of WrestleMania.
Adonis: So Boston...who's it going to be?
There's a few moments of silence until....
A guitar rift wails out and "True Love" descends all over the UWF arena. It doesn't take long before the duo of Maria Kanellis and Mike Bennett. Maria has on a very nice dress while Mike is dressed to compete. Maria has a headset with a microphone on and asks for the music to be cut so she can speak.
Maria Kanellis-Bennett: My name is Maria Kanellis. And I am the First Lady of professional wrestling. And standing beside me is the love of my life, my husband, Mike Kanellis. And Mike is from right here in Boston, Massachussetts. And my husband will not allow you to slander his city. You may be the hype man for one of the men that Main Event WrestleMania, but my husband will show you that you are just that!. All hype! And that he is a future WrestleMania Main Eventer himself. And also is a future World Champion. And it all begins tonight! I accept your challenge on his behalf. Mike is going to break your so-called "unbreakable" Adonis Lock. Then he's going to take over UWF. And he's going to do it via the Power of Love!
And with that, Mike takes off his jacket and marches down the ramp towards the ring.
Tom Phillips: Well, we've got our challenger, it seems.
Bennett slides into the ring and stares down Adonis before sitting in the chair. The challenger has a look of determination written across his face.
Adonis: You sure you want to do this? I wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of your pretty little wife.
Bennett screams at the condescending Adonis to bring it on.
Adonis: Alright, your loss. Chimel, count us down.
Tony Chimel: 3...2...1...
And just like, Adonis snatches Mike Bennett up out his chair and applies the Adonis Lock. With Bennett being the smaller competitor, it's not difficult for Adonis to lock his hands. Adonis begins swining Bennett around, like a rag doll. Bennett's flailing legs knocks over the chair that he was sitting in. He desperately searches for an escape as his wife can be heard shouting words of encouragement from the stage...
Maria Kanellis-Bennett: You can do this Mike! Do it for me!
Mike tries his all to break free but he's outweighed by probably sixty, maybe seventy pounds. It's no small task. Even only being in this hold for a short period of time, Mike's face has already begun to turn a bright red color.
Mauro Ranallo: Look at the strain on Mike Kanellis' face.
Corey Graves: You guys really think he took his wife's last name?
Whether he's Bennett or Kanellis, he's beginning to fade. The fight is slowly beginning to leave his body. His body somewhat starts going limp. Maria begins screaming now instead of encouraging.
Maria Kanellis-Bennett: Michael Kanellis! Don't you dare pass out! I worked too hard to get us this opportunity!
Tom Phillips: Well Corey, there's your answer.
Back in the ring, Kanellis has dropped to a knee. The bright red his face was earlier has now become a plum like purple. The referee can see what's happening and quickly slides in to check on Mike. He grabs his arm and raises it in the air. It falls.
Maria Kanellis-Bennett: Wake up Mike!
The referee raises the arm a second time and for the second time it falls.
Maria Kanellis-Bennett: If you lose, don't bother coming home!
The referee goes to check Kaneliis for a third time and for the thrid time the arm drops down. Mike Kanellis is out cold. The referee signals for the bell ,meaning yet another successful Adonis Lock Challenge for "The Masterpiece".
DING
DING
DING
Tony Chimel: The winner of the Adonis Lock Challenge due to referee stoppage, "The Masterpiece" Christopher Adonis!
"Masterpiece" begins playing again and the song's namesake has his arm raised by the official. An angry Maria marches down the ramp as Adonis stands tall in the ring. He rolls to the floor and meets Maria just as she's about to start scaling the ring steps and entering the ring to scold her husband. Before she can, Adonis grabs her by the arm and says "Next time, get with a real man." He lets her go and makes his way up the ramp, proud of his handywork as Revolution rolls on.
We cut to backstage, It's the typical set we do interviews on, Lexy Nair, stands by as she stands by the returning Prince Nana alone without his boss, Swerve Strickland. Nana has ordered this time to get his thoughts out.
Lexy Nair: "I am Lexy Nair and standing right next to me is Prince Nana, first off I'd like to welcome you...
Nana a pure mix of emotions, More of a mix than a fruit punch at a college party. Nana seems interested in keeping it short but also getting all of his words across...
"Prince" Nana: "Thanks Lexy I would say good to be here, but good is subjective when you walk around everything is shifting I walk around here like I am egg shells because Randy Orton is still free to come to work when he should be behind bars..."
Nana is on edge but still faking his confidence, As they say "fake it until you bake it" or something like that...
Lexy Nair: "Can you provide some insight into Swerve's thoughts on Orton's very clear message?"
"Prince" Nana: "Who does that? who in their right mind lashes out with a chair, Orton, you are out of control. In simpler terms, you are a liability. Swerve has only responded in kind as you've done with him. You have Swerve's name in your mouth, talking mad trash. So, Swerve comes out here and gives you a masterclass on what it is to be him, and your little hurt feelings couldn't deal with the new ownership around these parts, so you came out in his kingdom again and fired the first mortar shell of this war. When you RKO'd me out of nowhere, I did nothing but be a loyal friend. You see, Swerve took care of me. I got the best rehab, the best medical care, and the best damn lawyers. Swerve doesn't advertise this, but I will. He took care of his own. And Orton, when you came after me, you had already made the biggest mistake of your damned career because when Swerve is done with you, you'll be nothing but a stain on the canvas..."
Nana is getting worked up, He is about to go off the hinges before he remembers that one night on his vacation to Hawaii as he composes himself, Or it could be the fear of a certain viper overhearing what he has to say but I'll let you figure that out...
Lexy Nair: "Nana, strong words indeed. But what do you think Swerve's strategy will be for dealing with this viper infestation in his house?"
"Prince" Nana: "Swerve is a real one, Lex. You see, when you've got enemies surrounding you, you don't need to be the strongest to win; you need someone calculated and willing to do whatever it takes. They need to be willing to execute plans and take risks. And mark my words, it'll be a plan that Orton won't see coming. Swerve doesn't just fight his battles; he wins them. Swerve will discover your strengths and weaknesses, and then systematically dismantle them."
Nana seems confident in Swerve Strickland...
Lexy Nair: "Swerve said last week after his retaliation that this was personal."
"Prince" Nana: "Indeed, Lexy. When Swerve says something is personal, he means it. This goes beyond the confines of the wrestling ring; it's a matter of pride, respect, and loyalty. Orton crossed a line when he attacked me, and now Swerve is going to make him pay for it. This isn't just about winning matches; it's about taking care of one's own. Orton, you've declared war against Swerve, and when you come at Swerve, you better not miss..."
Lexy Nair: "So, this is all-out war then?"
Nana is flowing with his emotions as his frustrations begins to take over...
"Prince" Nana: "Absolutely, Lexy. When someone like Swerve declares that it's personal, it means he's ready to go to war. And in this war, it's in Swerve's house, so you better follow house rules. Swerve doesn't play by anyone else's playbook; he sets the rules, and if you want to step into his domain, you better be prepared to play by them. Orton may think he's calling the shots, but Swerve is the one who dictates the terms of engagement. And trust me, you don't want to find yourself on the wrong side of those rules."
Lexy Nair: "You also said Swerve got you 'the best damned lawyers.' Can you elaborate?"
A whole mood swing yet again as Swerve goes into overly confident that this threat will keep him safe. Spoiler, it won't...
"Prince" Nana: "Lexy firstly, I've got my lawyer drafting the best damn lawsuit to ever be laid down, all expenses paid by Swerve Enterprises. If Orton or any other goon thinks that my safety isn't paramount and lays a finger on me, UWF will be buried in legal restitution paid to me. You see, I don't appreciate being attacked and maimed at the hands of some lunatic especially when my contract is that of a managerial position. And the second thing; You need a good lawyer when dealing with contract law, You like everyone else will have to wait and see"
Lexy Nair: "Thank you for your time, Nana, This is all we had time for now. Thanks again and back to the action..."
The revolution logo flashes as we go to:
An eerie hum gives way to bombastic beat of Boiler. The riff kicks in as Kyle O'Reilly storms the entrance ramp, a montage of his violence playing on the big screen overhead. "WHY KYLE WHY?" and "BRING BACK BAYLEY" chants go decibel-for-decibel with the LB tune. He drowns it out in a flood of vicious focus. The man is here to do one thing and that's fight.
Chimel: Being accompanied to the ring by Joey Janela, from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada... weighing in at 200 pounds... "The Real" Kyle O'Reilly!
The "Bad Boy" follows his best pal down the ramp and gets all kinds of hate from the capacity crowd. Joey jaw-jacks with the front-row fans, acting as a lightning rod for their ill will so Kyle can keep his mind on the task at hand. Janela hangs out at ringside while The Diabetic Dragon climbs into the ring. He paces around the canvas like some kinda wild animal, waiting for the match to begin.
"Whose House?"
"Swerves House" the crowd respond. Big Pressure begins to play as the crowd know what's about to go down...
"Big Pressure" by yours truly blares through the speakers, The crowd can't help but vibe to the hit song. Swerve Strickland confidently walks onto the stage. His aura is unmatched as he smiles wide showing his grills. Swerve begins to confidently walk to the ring. He is in this alone as he reaches ringside.
He looks around fixing his long jacket as he walks up the steel steps. He takes his time as he walks along the apron he calls for a microphone, He lifts it to his lips before leaning back and asking "WHOSE HOUSE"...
"Swerves House"
Louder than before as the crowd eat up the call and response. Swerve drops the microphone as he enters the ring ready for what's to come. He takes off his coat as he passes it through the ropes to his crew at ringside...
VS 
DING DING DING
Both men circle around each other, sizing one another up for they go to lock up. Once they do, Kyle immediately gains control of the arm and twists it behind his arm in a Wrist Lock. Swerve ain't having none of that though and clobbers Kyle with a Back Elbow to stun him. Kyle turns away and Swerve kicks him in the back of the leg causing him to drop to his knees. Swerve goes for the House Call right away but Kyle backs up enough for the kick to whizz past him. He catches the leg and trips him down to put him in an STF!
Mauro Ranallo: Kyle is looking at getting back into his roots and doesn't seem to be playing any games.
Corey Graves: He's a goof. Always has been, always will be. Just because he and Joey Janela think they're getting back on track, it doesn't mean they've actually changed.
Swerve is crawling over to the ropes and since the match just started, he's able to get there fast to force the ref to break the hold. Janela is on the outside telling Kyle to keep it on. O'Reilly does so until the ref counts to 4.
Corey Graves: And now he's just blatantly cheating.
Tom Phillips: If Swerve did that you'd be praising it.
Corey Graves: That's different. He's always been like that. Kyle knows he's a loser so he's using every advantage he can find.
Kyle is yelling at Swerve, telling him to get back up and fight him. Strickland looks annoyed but rises to his feet. They go forehead to forehead and talk trash but Kyle throws a Forearm. Swerve strikes back with a punch but Kyle retaliates with a Spinning Back Kick to the gut. He gives him the Ax Kick and spins for Smash but Swerve ducks it and turns it into a Reverse STO! Swerve hops back up to his feet and O'Reilly tries to as well but Swerve gives him the Axe Kick to the back of the head! He goes down and Swerve makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
O'Reilly kicks out! Swerve brings him to his feet but Kyle starts punching him in the gut and follows up with a Headbutt that sends him into the corner. Kyle sprints across the ring, connecting with the Speed Wolf Annihilator. Swerve gets turned around and then Kyle goes under him and lifts Strickland up onto the top rope. Kyle climbs to the middle rope with Swerve on his shoulders in an electric chair. He shoots him up and catches him at the waist before giving him the Ride the Lightening from the top rope! Swerve is folded up like an accordion and Kyle jumps on him for the cover!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Swerve kicks out!
Mauro Ranallo: It looks like Kyle O'Reilly is really going all out tonight.
Tom Phillips: After that confrontation with Vincent, it's clear the two plan on stepping it up when it comes to violence in the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Let's not forget that Swerve has gone to hell in back when it comes to violent matches. He proved he still has that sadistic side after what he did to Randy Orton so this won't be a walk in the park for O'Reilly.
Kyle is in the corner lying in wait as Swerve is getting to his feet. Once he does, the Diabetic Dragon takes off with the Harpoon Torpedo but Swerve side steps him. Kyle lands on his back but pops right back up only to eat a Pump Kick. He gets him in the Half Nelson but Kyle rolls forward to Judo Throw him. Both men get to their feet at the same time and but Swerve knees him in the gut. He whips him into the ropes but Kyle springboards off them and hits the Game Shark! Swerve is dazed but doesn't go down so Kyle lifts him onto his shoulders in a reverse fireman's carry. He brings him to the center of the ring before hitting Ogopogo! Swerve falls back into a seated position so Kyle follows up with the Orange Slice! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Swerve kicks out! Kyle rises and looks like he's going to pull out the Dragon Dagger to summon the Dragonzord but he decides against it and instead picks up Swerve from behind and looks to hit the Mass Driver. Swerve flips over though and lands on his feet. Kyle turns around but eats a Jumping DDT! Kyle springs back up looking dazed and falls back into the middle ropes, Nigel-ing off them and coming back with the Hookshot Lariat but Swerve ducks it and takes his back, putting him in the Half Nelson again but this time hitting the JML Driver into the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
O'Reilly kicks out!
Mauro Ranallo: Neither man is staying down and though the world title match is set, you never know what could happen after and both men want to potentially be next in line.
Corey Graves: Kyle had his shot and he failed. I hope he and Vinny kill each other at Wrestlemania.
Tom Phillips: It's Vincent now.
Corey Graves: Who cares!
Swerve drags him closer to the corner and decides to go up top. He gets himself situated before coming off for the Swerve Stomp! Kyle rolls out of the way as does Swerve when he lands. Both men are up and Kyle ducks a punch, taking him at the side to deliver the Insulin Injection! Swerve won't stay down but it's a bad idea as Kyle grabs him from behind in the Full Nelson and hits the Blue Eyes Diabetic Dragon! Rather than keep the bridge in for the pin, Kyle instead sits up and shakes his head.
Tom Phillips: What is O'Reilly thinking? He could have had the match won right there.
Mauro Ranallo: He wants to send a message much like Orton did earlier tonight.
Kyle turns Strickland over and gets him in the full mount. Swerve looks fully out of it as Kyle rains down open Palm Strikes to the face. Swerve isn't protecting himself and the ref looks like he might stop it but Kyle actually stops himself. His hands have blood on them and he looks to the heavens and smiles until he sees a red balloon in the rafters. The smile fades from his face but rather than feel scared, a scowl comes across his face. He looks down at Swerve and starts talking to him but King Swerve grabs his head with both hands and pulls him in, bashing his face into the mat. He throws him off of him and rolls back up to his feet. Kyle looks a little loopy and tries to get up but falls to a knee. Swerve runs up behind him to the deliver a House Call! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
3 . . .
Tony Chimel: Here is your winner, Swerve Strickland!
Swerve has a smile on his face, some blood trickling out of his nose making his smile red. Janela comes in and checks on Kyle. And by checks on Kyle I mean he slaps him in the face to wake him up. Swerve gets his hand raised and then leaves the ring as the show roll on.
As we continue on throughout the evening, we head backstage. Waiting for us is a young man with a microphone. After a few second delay, the man begins to speak.
Interviewer: Ladies and Gentlemen, my guest at this time, the winner of the 2024 Royal Rumble Match and the man who will be facing Drew McIntyre for the UWF Championship at WrestleMania, LA Knight!
Here comes LA Knight, walking into the shot. Dressed to the nines and confident as ever,
Interviewer: Now, LA, tonight...
LA Knight interjects and cuts the young man off.
LA Knight
Listen here, dummy. L...A...Knight really isn't in the mood for 'ya stupid questions. So why don't 'ya just do us all a favor, hold that microphone right there and let the Million Dollar Megastar do what he does best. With that being said, Let Me Talk To 'Ya!
Tonight, in the main event, we find ourselves with an interesting tag team match. Enemies turned friends. It's one of the oldest tropes in professional wrestling history. Hell, as Drew McIntyre mentioned himself, the Million Dollar Megastar found himself in this exact same situation about a year ago. So 'ya have to forgive L...A....Knight for having a mild sense of Deja Vu. And 'ya know what happened in that match last year? As always, Kyle O'Reilly couldn't focus and it led to baby sister getting in harms way and tapping out, losing the match for us in the process. Now tonight, history can avoid repeating itself as long as Drew McIntyre does one thing and one thing only, and that is follow L...A....Knight's lead.
Drew, L...A....Knight is very aware that in 'ya little circle jerk of friends, that 'ya identify as the leader. 'Ya the General, so to speak. Well tonight, consider yourself demoted. 'Ya are now L...A....Knight's Lieutenant and 'ya job is to get in that ring and do the only thing that 'ya do halfway decent and that's fight.
Interviewer: What about Tommaso...
That's crazy, L....A....Knight doesn't recall human furniture having the ability to speak. Now as far as Tommaso Ciampa and Tyler Breeze go, let L...A....Knight put it in terms that even that bald headed neatherdal Ciampa can understand. This is going to be light work for the Thursday Night Thriller. Last week, L...A....Knight kicked Ciampa so hard in the skull he probably thinks we're back in 2023. And as far as the self proclaimed "Prince Pretty" goes, L...A....Knight has been waiting for this moment for about a month now. 'Ya see, L...A....Knight doesn't forgive and he damn sure doesn't forget. Everyone wants to treat Tyler Breeze as if he's some big deal. Let's make one thing perfectly clear, he's nothing. And L...A....Knight means NOTHING in comparison to the Million Dollar Megastar, the Thursday Night Thriller and the one thing Tyler will never be, the Main Event of WrestleMania. Now, if 'ya don't mind, before L...A....Knight's matches, he likes to get a massage. And he's got two Brazilian swimsuit models in his locker room waiting for him.
With that, LA Knight prepares to walk off but the Interviewer stops him before he can.
Interviewer: Wait, Mr. Knight before you go, do you have a response to Stokley Hathaway's challenge?
That stops Knight in his tracks and forces him to turn around and approach the man with the microphone once more.
What challenge?
Interviewer: Didn't you hear? Earlier tonight, Stokley pretty much challenged your manhood and said to prove yourself, you should compete in an Arm Wrestling competition next week.
He wants to Arm Wrestle L...A....Knight? That doesn't prove L...A.....Knight's manhood. Hell, L...A....Knight has a six year old niece that could snap Stokley's arm like a twig.
Interviewer: Well, it wasn't exactly against him. The challenge is against his muscle, Braun Strowman.
THAT big dummy? L...A....Knight's pretty sure that big idiot can't even tie his own shoes on his own. But he's in charge of one upping L...A...Knight on his road to WrestleMania? NAH NAH! Stokely, L...A....Knight wants 'ya to listen very carefully, it doesn't matter if it's arm wrestling, hop scotch, Chinese checkers or L...A....Knight's favorite game, pin the tail on the jackass, L...A....Knight is always going to come out ahead. So consider this is an acceptance of 'ya little challenge. Bring 'ya little monster and L...A....Knight will embarrass him the same way he plans on embarrassing McIntyre at WrestleMania. Hell, maybe if L...A....Knight's lucky, he'll get a chance to complete the trifecta and drop 'ya on 'ya chrome dome. Wouldn't that be nice? YEAH! Now, unless there's anything else, L...A....Knight has swimsuit models to attend to.
This time, LA Knight does walk off uninterrupted. The camera stays on our interviewer who is a little perplexed.
Interviewer: Does he really need two masseuses?
The shot fades to black as our interviewer ponders his question.
We see Jake holding Damien as we see Sean Mooney hold up a mic.
Sean Mooney: Jake The Snake. I have no idea why you are even here but please keep Damien away from me.
Jake Roberts: Mooney, you have nothing to worry about with Damien. He won't do anything until I say to. As for why I am here. I'm here because the UWF needs a man like me. They need Jake The Snake Roberts and I'm here to send a message that I don't care who and I don't care when but somebody will be feeling the DDT. UWF, The Snake is here!!!
Jake smirks into the camera and walks away from Mooney.
DING DING!
Tony Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first…
OWW, SIMPLY RAVISHING!
The theme music begins to blare throughout the arena as there is a mixed reaction from the crowd. Eric Bischoff slinks out onto the entrance ramp taunting the fans.
Bischoff turns back to the curtain and begins bowing over and over again before “Ravishing” Rick Rude walks out onto the stage.
Rick Rude and Eric Bischoff begin making their way down the ramp.
Tony Chimel: From Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Weighing in at 252 pounds, “Ravishing” Rick Rude!
Bishoff is the first up the steps at ringside and sits on the second rope for Rude as Rude steps into the ring. Rude looks out amongst the crowd for a second before requesting a microphone.
Rude: Cut my music!
Once the music dies down Rude continues.
Rude: What I’d like to have right now…is for all of you fat, out of shape, overweight, inner-city sweathogs to keep the noise down while I take off my robe and show all of these ladies what a real sexy man is supposed to look like! Hit my music!
The music begins again as Rude begins to disrobe.
As the robe comes off, the camera zooms in to show that Rude is wearing tights that have Orange Cassidy’s face directly on the crotch. As Rude turns around, we see there is an airbrushed orange on each cheek of the rear of the tights.
Tony Chimel: And the opponent…
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.
DING DING!
As the ring bell sounds, Sami walks up to Rude and sticks out his chin, inviting the, “Ravishing” one to take the first hit. Rude smiles as Sami sees this and smiles cockily, then the smile on the former IC Champ’s face disappears as he tags Zayn right where he’s pointing to square in the jaw, Sami’s head rocking with the impact as Rick follows up with another, then gladly hits him with another, then generously serves him up a fourth blow. He goes for a fifth but Sami puts his hands up, even hitting his knees to try and beg the hotheaded veteran’s onslaught off. Rude looks down at him with a look of, “is he serious?” as Sami goes for a low blow but Rick sidesteps and Zayn falls to the mat. As he realizes what has just transpired, he turns so that he’s facing Rude, extending his arm out with a hand up as he’s right back to begging for him to stay away. Rick slaps his hand away, then grabs Sami by the beard with his other hand, yanking him to his feet and pulling Sami towards him as he absolutely cleans his clock with another glass of punch.
Zayn lies on the mat, dazily looking up at the arena lights as Rude walks over and leans down, grabbing his opponent with both hands. In one swift motion, Double R picks Sami up and pivots, throwing the Forever Champion towards and into the nearest corner like he was discarding an article of clothing he removed from himself. Sami hits the corner hard, looking like the impact took his breath, as he comes staggering toward Rude who flexes his arm upward and blasts the ginger bastard on the top of the noggin with the point of his ravishing elbow. Sami staggers back and forth drunkenly as Rick prepares another elbow but as he throws it, Sami gets his arms up and blocks the elbow with his hands, delivering a kick to the chiseled six pack of his opposition that causes the mustachioed muscle man to hunch over. It’s at this point that Sami brings his knee up, colliding violently and impactfully with the face of his target as Rick is knocked upward so that he’s standing straight up then staggers backward into the ropes. As he comes off the ropes, Zayn sticks his leg out, Rude’s midsection hitting it as he goes tumbling over and lands in a seated position.
Sami puts his hands on the back of his own head and starts gyrating his hips, obviously openly mocking his opponent. Despite his daze, Rick catches the gesture of disrespect out of the corner of his eye as he gets up angrily and blasts Sami, whose cockily lost in the imitation he’s doing, with a Big Boot. As Zayn looks to be out cold, Rude throws up the, ‘Two Sweet’ hand sign and points at Sami with his other hand as he shouts, ”NWO for life, you little shit!” before heading over to the lifeless looking half of the Dynamic Duo and seizing him by the collar bone with both hands. Rick picks Sami up about halfway to his feet, then puts Zayn’s head between his legs and grabs him around the waist with both arms, hoisting him up and connecting with a Jackknife Powerbomb.
Tom Phillips: A tribute to Kevin Nash for sure!
Mauro Ranallo: Sami’s regretting drawing the ire of Rick Rude right now, no doubt!
Corey Graves: Oh spare me! And while you’re at it, miss me entirely with the Hasbeen World Order tributes and fangirling! Sami’s not regretting anything and as soon as he gets up, he’s going to wrestle circles around Grandpa Rude!
Rick reaches down to grab Sami again and does so, this time setting him on his feet. He winds up and throws a Clothesline but Sami ducks and simultaneously puts a knee into the abdomen of his opponent, visibly knocking the wind out of him. As Rude hunches over, Zayn puts Rick’s head between his legs and connects with a move they hadn’t even thought of in Rude’s era, a Canadian Destroyer! Given the era we’re currently in, however, it’s just a spot so Sami doesn’t even go for the pin and treat it like the finish it used to be. Instead, he grabs Rude and brings him back to a vertical base, kicking him in the stomach and causing him to hunch over again. Sami looks to be returning to the ol’ Canadian well as he puts Rick’s head back between his legs but no no, he’s thinking of a different CD as he applies the double underhook to Rude’s arms and folds them over his own back, lifting Rick up and turning, planting the older competitor with an Angel Wings. This time, Sami goes for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
Rude gets the shoulder up because to hell with TNA finishers in this match-up, brother! Sami creates some distance as Rick sits up, then charges the brunette body guy and goes to kick him in the face but Rude falls back to avoid it, then climbs to his feet as quickly as he can manage and, as Zayn turns to face him, grabs him and hoists him upward, quickly pivoting and planting the Forever Champion with a Spinebuster. Rick hits the ropes now and, as he comes off of them, he connects with an Atomic Leg Drop, sitting there after connecting and throwing up the, “Too Sweet” again as the referee counts.
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
Sami kicks out as Rick creates some distance between them.
Tom Phillips: Another NWO homage.
Mauro Ranallo: Well Hogan wasn’t in any of the UWF incarnations of the group but he is a founding member.
Corey Graves: I’m surprised you idiots aren’t out here slobbing on Rick’s knob for actually going for a pin this time! But at the same time, I’m glad you aren’t because it’s stupid thinking you can end a match in 2024 with a damn Leg Drop! Especially against a pure athlete like Sami Zayn!
As Sami gets to his feet, Rude goes to grab him but Zayn thrusts his elbow into the abdominal area and Rick finds himself hunched over again. Zayn puts Rick’s head between his legs now and hoists him up then Sami puts his knees up as he brings Rick down onto them in a painful looking display.
Corey Graves: Lungblower Blue Thunder Bomb! We haven’t seen that variation in years!
Sami covers Rude now.
ONE!
TWO!
THR…NO!
Just when it looks like curtains for the man that berates the sweat hogs of the world, he gets the shoulder up, which means what he’d like right now is for you to take those curtains, put them back in the Amazon box, tape it up, and return them to their sender! As Sami creates some distance between them, Rick sits up and then gets to his feet, admittedly looking worse for wear after taking the move he just took as he holds his lower back with one hand, a pained expression on his face.
Tom Phillips: How is Rick Rude still in this one?
Sami’s sizing Rick up for the kill but before he can follow through on those bad intentions…
The crowd cheers as Kevin Owens comes out in a sling as Sami turns to look at him, completely taking his eyes off of Rick. Rick shakes the pain off for a moment and grabs Sami, hitting him with the Rude Awakening before going for the pin.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING DING DING!
Tony Chimel: Here is your winner, “Ravishing” Rick Rude!
Tom Phillips: Things admittedly looked bleak but Rick Rude proving his resilience with the kickout.
Mauro Ranallo: And Sami Zayn proving why you should never, ever take your eyes off your opponent.
Corey Graves: I demand a restart! Kevin Owens had no business coming out here and costing Sami the damn match!
As Corey continues to have a coronary, in the ring Rick is celebrating his victory as Revolution continues elsewhere.
Swerve is sitting backstage with a ice pack on his knee, His emotions running high after his victory over one of the toughest S.O.Bs he has ever faced; Kyle O'Reilly. Swerve doesn't think much of it but his attention is brought to Nana, Swerve's face plastered with a smile but his showing too much emotion he quickly corrects this quirk. Swerve slaps Nana's hand as the two embrace...
Swerve: "What's the word on the street, man, Did you see what I did out there. . ."
"Prince" Nana: "I did, I did can't wait until we are over this Orton ordeal because with me in your corner, We are going to the top of this company. On that note you know how we talked about expanding "Swerve's" house into an enterprise. You left it in my hands and so you know... and I've been doing some ground work, Nose to the ground looking at potential revenues which we can expand. We can expand upwards but we need to protect our assets if ya catch me..."
Swerve: "I think I do, Nana I do have faith in you, I am going to leave the expansion in your capable hands, Those lawyers I got you in contact with, use em'. I think we're onto a winning formula here but we do have some personal business to attend to, Orton needs to be dealt with so alongside your expansion. I also want you to setup a royal court, next week, I want to lay out the challenge for our friend in front of Swerve's house..."
Nana nods his head expectantly knowing exactly what Swerve is laying down...
"Prince" Nana: "Consider it done."
Swerve: "Also, Prince, just double checkin'... you sure you are at one hundred percent? because I don't want my right hand man to be ill prepared, right..."
Nana shocked by the small amount of compassion from Swerve, shakes his head in agreement, before he pulls out his phone unsure of what to say, Nana walks off as Swerve continues recovering from his hard earned win...
We cut to the back, and we see Roman Reigns and he is flanked with his new Wiseman the Strategist Samoa Joe, and the problem Solver Solo Sikoa.
Roman Reigns: You know, normally, I wouldn’t request time to address bottomfeeders. But Tomasso Ciampa just can’t seem to keep my name out of his filthy mouth. Like Ciampa, I don’t know if you know this, but there are levels to this game. You see my levels are up here. Your level, well it’s all the way down here.
Roman Reigns puts his hand lower, and Samoa Joe pushes it down lower.
Roman Reigns: Thank you, Joe, You see, Ciampa, I get it. Jealousy is a disgusting thing. You’re just mad that at stole all the shine you worked so hard for. I mean imagine that. Imagine you work so hard 15 minutes in a match to get all that admiration. For people to remember your name all for it to go away because Roman Reigns took it all a way with one spear. One spear to the Giant that no one can seem to topple.
Roman Reigns flashes that smile of his pride and he continues.
Roman Reigns: I mean Ciampa I get it and with the old Wiseman here he would have told me wait and play the loooonng game. But Ciampa the new Wiseman the strategist he has a better idea. You see this strategist telling me that if there is a problem to take it out immediately.
Samoa Joe: Exactly. You see when there is a disease you need to cure it you don’t just let it fester otherwise it spreads, and the Tribal Chief he can’t be having lower diseases trying to take him out. We take it out and we get rid of it and we move on to the real goal. We don’t let things fester anymore.
Roman Reigns: Exactly… No more festering. We take on these problems and we get rid of them immediately. So Ciampa if you want to keep talking about me we can handle this the best way we know how. Watch your back tonight chump.
The three walk away and UWF Revolution moves on
Chimel: The following contest is a tag team match and is your Main Event of the evening!
As Shadow Moses blasts over the speakers Ciampa walks out onto stage, hood up and looking down. The crowd cheers pair loudly, Ciampa would stand focused as he would lower his hood down and Ciampa would look at the ring, not taking his focus off it
Chimel: Introducing first, making his way to the ring from Boston, Massachusetts weighing in tonight at 201lbs he is The "Psycho Killer" Tommaso Ciampa.
Making his march down to the ring, Ciampa would bump fists with some audience members but would keep his eyes on his challenger. Getting to the ring steps, he would kneel down with one leg and look like he's saying a mantra of sorts before slapping the steps to make a loud noise before running up them and getting into the ring.
Ciampa then jumps down from the turnbuckle and looks out at the audience, nodding he jumps down and hands his jacket to the ring crew, getting into the corner he does some stretches before turning round to sit in the corner, waiting for what's to come.
The lights in the arena go down turning a dark blue, after a few seconds a spotlight hits the stage shining on Alexa Bliss standing center stage.
Alexa Bliss: Ladies and Gentleman, Tyler Breeze is entering the building.
The three time MTV Euro Award winning music video begins to play on the titantron, as the sounds of camera flashes fill the arena. We get a shot of the infamous, and still so totally in, furry boots strutting across the stage before they line up. Once the theme hits Breeze does a perfect turn to the crowd with one of his signature looks, allowing them a gaze upon him for a few moments before his attention is turned to the phone in his hand as he stares at his image on his phone. Breeze cocks an eyebrow and points at his forhead, to which Bliss immediately uses her metal hand accessory as a comb to brush the hair into place for him. As this happens, behind Breeze and Bliss lumbers out the Colossal Omos, hidden in the shadow of Breezes spotlight so seeming like a giant shadowy figure behind the Gorgeous one. Breeze begins to walk down to the ring with Bliss keeping up and Omos following behind him.
Chimel: And his partner, weighing at 204 pounds, from his Seasonal Residence in Aspen, Colorado: Tyler Breeze!
Tyler struts down to the bottom of the stage and pauses, looking around at his 'adoring' fans. As he pauses Bliss continues walking around the ring. Breeze follows her around as Omos walks the opposite side and to the steel steps. Bliss jumps up on the ring apron and stands there as Breeze arrives, Bliss holds onto the ropes and twirls her legs back through the ropes, at the same time Breeze leans against the ring apron and spins his feet beneath the bottom rope to twirl to his side on the ring apron as Bliss lands in the ring twisting herself all the way in before she steps up on the bottom rope and leans over the top posing as Breeze relaxes on the ring apron staring at his phone. Behind them walks up Omos who is so giant he merely stands behind Alexa who is standing on the bottom rope and is still towering over them with his arms crossed. Bliss bounces herself off the bottom rope and Breeze rolls into the ring. Omos steps over the top rope and to the ring apron as Breeze walks the ring and turns to the hard camera just in time to mouth along with his song the line this is perfection "Personified". Once done he backs up into the corner and stays lovingly staring at his phone, as he kicks his feet up in the air and lays across the ropes like a hammock. Breeze gets off the ropes continually staring into his phone, Bliss snaps her fingers and Omos reaches over to delicately take Breezes designer vest off of him and step off the ring apron as Bliss gets hold of the phone in Breezes hand, holding it in place so Breeze can still keep looking at himself before Breeze simply turns to his opponent and Bliss immediately puts the phone away and steps out of the ring.
"Knight Vision" begins to play throughout the arena and the capacity begins to groan because they know what time it is. It is time to titillate their juices with the arrival of the "Thursday Night Thriller". This is the "Million Dollar Megastar". This is LA Knight. Knight does not take long bursting through the curtain and out onto the stage. The reception he receives isn't warm whatsoever but LA Knight does not care. He soaks in the atmosphere while the jeers rain down on him.
Chimel: And their opponents, first, coming to the ring, from Baltimore, Maryland, weighing in at 230 pounds, he is the "Million Dollar Megastar", L...A....Knight!
As Chimel announces the brash star from Baltimore, Knight spells his name out in the air just to make sure that everyone knows exactly who he is.
Knight continues down the ramp towards the ring. The entire time he talks trash to all the people in the front row. He's not here for them; he's here for himself. As he reaches the end of the aisleway, he heads towards the hard camera before leaping onto the ring apron and posing for everyone to see him. There is no shortage in confidence in Knight tonight, as he enters the ring, climbs the nearest turnbuckle and throws up the "LA" hand sign.
Knight leaps off the top rope to the canvas and continues to prepare for the upcoming match he has.
As the sound of metal clashing echoes around the building, “Wish It Away” by Psycho Dalek starts to play and out from behind the curtain steps the reigning UWF Champion, Drew McIntyre. With the title belt strapped around his waist, The Scotsman slowly walks towards the top of the ramp and after taking a moment to stop and look at the ground, he tilts his head up and raises both fists in sync with two fire pyrotechnics either side of him.
Chimel: And his partner, from Ayr, Scotland. Weighing in at 265 pounds. He is the Ultimate Wrestling Federation Champion, The Destroyer, Drew McIntyre!
The master of the Claymore walks down the ramp and upon reaching the end makes a turn towards the steel ring steps. After taking a brief pause, he smacks the top of them with his open right hand, not once, but twice, before climbing up and entering the ring through the middle rope. Once inside, McIntyre heads for the opposite turnbuckle, climbs to the top rope, unclips the title and perches for a moment before raising it high into the air with his right hand. As more fire pyro goes off from the stage, McIntyre dropping back down to the mat and unclips his ring coat with his spare hand in anticipation for the upcoming contest to begin.
The ring, and especially the ringside area, is just friggin crowded with folks. Tony cuts through 'em all to take his seat back at ringside while the Referee makes sure there are just two men in the ring before calling for the match to commence.
VS
DING DING
Its Drew McIntyre and Tommaso Ciampa kicking things off in the ring.
The Scottish Psychopath versus The Sicilian Psychopath.
Despite not having much affection for either guy, there's a gravity to this moment that the sold-out crowd is in awe of. The unstoppable force that is the reigning UWF Champ not so much finally colliding with an immovable object, but like a car ripping down the interstate fleeing the cops and coming across one of those roll-out spike strips, Drew's got himself a new kinda predicament that he hasn't seen since coming back to the company.
The matching monikers clashing is the kinda thing headlines are made out of and casuals and hardcores alike fawn over. Its deeper than that, though - this match-up between the current Alpha and the man who was so close to getting there for so long - the same man who lost it all and is now scratching and clawing his way to getting it back. There's a contender on the apron already, and besides that, the man many think is next in line. In present company, Ciampa looks like a wrench being thrown into the machine to mess it all up. Or to go back to that earlier metaphor, an unexpected bump in the Road to Wrestlemania.
Ranallo: Tommaso Ciampa spent the better part of 2023 out of action. In that time away, Drew McIntyre rose to the top of the food chain. For anyone wondering how things might have played out differently if Ciampa had been around last fall - it looks like we're about to find out.
Graves: Our Wrestlemania XIII event is - by all accounts - set in stone, but you'd be a fool to think that Ciampa and Breeze aren't going to do everything possible, or I should probably say imaginable to disrupt that. A win over the Champ and Number One Contender raises questions about who belongs where come the Grandaddy of 'em All. I wouldn't be surprised if they take it a step further and try and cause an injury, too. Ciampa is as loose as loose cannons get.
Phillips: They're ambitious, sure, but lets keep in mind that LA Knight is on a heck of a hot streak and Drew McIntyre... well... nobody beats Drew McIntyre, do they?
The fans are chomping at the bit for some action. Drew and Tommaso finally start off towards each other, only for Knight to reach over the rope, slap the big man's shoulder, and tag himself into the match. This crowd - unsure who to root for in this one - is split on that shenanigan. The audacity gets a pop from some, but jeers from everyone else who wanted to see the living legends come to blows.
McIntyre's looking like he might just rip the Thursday Night Thriller's head off for pulling a stunt like that. Knight tells him to pound sand and the Official rushes in the ensure there's a clean transition for active competitors on that team.
Graves: This EC3's favourite kinda match and this exactly why - combustibility.
Ranallo: Indeed, Corey. These strange bedfellow one-off tandems are volatile through-and-through. It makes for chaotic competition and if that means seeing these four men beat the bejeezus out of each other, the audience is going to love it.
McIntyre steps through the ropes, sneering at Knight as he goes. Knight ignores him and gets to work, circling around the ring's perimeter while he looks for an opening on the former Intercontinental Champion. Tommaso shoots a weary eye towards Breeze, wondering if he'll try the same kinda thing LA just did. The Prince of Pretty ain't about to - dude looks downright bored and disinterested in all of this.
The fellas lock-up collar-and-elbow and start vying for the better position. Ciampa looks to transition into a side headlock from there, but the Rumble winner shoves him off towards the ropes. Bouncing off, Tommaso comes in hot and heavy with an attempted lariat. LA ducks the shot, grabs some hips, pops up and aims for a back suplex.
The Sicilian may be a slugger now, but he's got cruiserweight roots and flashes some oldschool style in rotating clear out of that suplex to land on his feet behind his opponent. Ciampa slaps on a Rear Naked Choke quicker than a hiccup, instantly threatening to put an end to this contest with a deep submission.
Fans lean in, wondering if this one is gonna be over before it even gets started. Knight's eyes are bulging and his face is changing shades. Years of experience have him looking towards his corner for the saving tag. McIntyre isn't reaching a hand out to help. Buddy can stand to watch his Wrestlemania Challenger suffocate a while longer.
Ranallo: Drew McIntyre isn't in any rush to help his partner out of a dire situation, that's for sure.
Graves: Why should he be? The worse beating Knight takes, the better it is for the Champ.
Phillips: As a guy who doesn't take many L's, I would think that Drew would be eager to keep his winning percentage up. That seems like the kind of thing that matters to him.
Graves: A DQ here, a count-out there - don't let the technicalities fool you, Phillips. Since returning to action last spring, Drew McIntyre hasn't been pinned once. Let that sink in. The guy climbed through the ranks, won the UWF Championship and has warded off all comers en route to establishing the most dominant reign in Revolution history all without seeing the wrong side of a three count. We've never seen anything like it, in this era or the last.
Knight's getting desperate and Ciampa's squeezing tighter. Since he can't rely on Mac, the Million Dollar Megastar pushes towards a neutral corner, dragging the weight of his attacker with him. Its a struggle-and-a-half, as each pace is measured against his depleting oxygen level.
Even so, Knight manages to make it close enough to an empty post to step up the first and second rungs. He pushes off from there, floating over Ciampa while that choke is still applied. Apparently Bret Hart did something like this to Piper one time I guess. Anyway, LA counters the submission with a pinning predicament by way of turnbuckle-assisted backflip. Even the fans that hate his guts pop some for the maneuver as the Referee slides in to make that count....
1...
2...
Ciampa gets outta there before the three count, though it costs him his grip around the neck.
Ranallo: Quick thinking by LA Knight!
Phillips: That must have zapped his energy, though.
Truly, Tom. Truly. Still blue in the face, Knight is gasping for air, trying his best to re-pump his tires. Ciampa grabs an ankle, drags the guy back to his corner and tags Breeze in. Well, actually, he slaps Tyler across the chest. "OOOOOH" says the fans about that.
The King of Cuteville looks mortified. Alexa Bliss looks disgusted. Omos looks like he's gonna murder Ciampa. There's a whole big kerfuffle happening over in that corner but before it can go totally haywire, the Referee intervenes and sends all non-competing parties to the back. Straight up banished. Everyone protests, of course, especially Drew's gaggle of goons when they find out they're including in the punishment. Unfair since they didn't do anything wrong, in this writer's opinion. Nevertheless, the fifth man staves off all potential tomfoolery by way of fire sale. Everything must go.
Graves: This Referee is a power-hungry maniac! He's a tyrant!
Phillips: The man has enough to worry about with the competitors in the match - he doesn't need the hassle of having to babysit everyone else, too.
Graves: Spoken like someone who has no friends, Phillips.
While the crowd chants "NA NA NA NA HEY HEY HEY GOODBYE" or whatever that's called at the departing parties, Breeze shoves Ciampa aside and enters the ring, landing an elbow drop on Knight's only spine as he's crawling back towards his home corner. Tyler hits a follow-up for good measure then rolls the guy over for a pin attempt...
1...
Knight kicks out at one. Breeze scoffs like somehow the Ref just screwed up and tries again, leaning back down to hook the leg a little deeper this time...
1...
LA kicks out a second time! Breeze can't believe it! He asks the Referee if he even knows how to count. The Official insists that he does. Breeze shakes his head and pulls his opponent back up to a vertical base. Before he can get anything off, the Thursday Night Thriller hits him stiff in the tummy with a punch. Oof.
The Rumble winner then goes to tag out, except he doesn't make it cause Breeze clips his leg out from under him with a low dropkick!
Phillips: Yikes! Nasty hit from Tyler Breeze!
Graves: You'd better believe he's still angry about Knight getting away with that razor-close Rumble win.
Ranallo: Close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades, Corey. But to your point earlier, a leg injury to Knight could leave the Wrestlemania Main Event wide open, and it looks like the Prince of Pretty might have something like that in mind!
Breeze is just going to town on LA's knee, first with some elbow drops, then some stomps, then just slamming it up and down on the mat. McIntyre is enjoying the show. The crowd, maybe 50/50. The Million Dollar Megastar is writhing in pain, struggling to break loose of Tyler's tantrum. The only thing that slows the Super Model down is him running out of breath after a solid thirty seconds of brutality.
Once the meat is tenderized enough, Breeze scrapes Knight off the mat, hooks his arms and whirls him around, endeavouring to execute an Unprettier by the looks of things. LA has the wherewithal and just enough balance to shove him away.
Tyler stumbles into the Referee, who is hella outta position, and takes the guy out like the rain did the Itsy Bitsy Spider. Knight, meanwhile, pivots, leaps towards his corner, and finally makes the tag to McIntyre.
Phillips: Here comes the Champ!
Ranallo: But there goes the Referee!
McIntyre bulldozes his way into the ring, leveling Breeze with a lariat's lariat. The King of Cuteville is turned inside, outside and upside down, getting back to his feet punchdrunk just to take another identical hit. This time, Drew hoists him up off the mat and Fallaway Slam's him away like it ain't even a big deal.
Tyler skids out across the canvas and Mac goes for the pin... except the Ref ain't awake yet. Oh man.
Drew decides to just double down on damage and heads towards a neutral corner, starting the countdown for a Claymore while Tyler groggily finds his feet again. After a 3...2...1... the Destroyer charges in to deliver the kill shot.
Breeze half-stumbles-half-dodges his way back to the home corner to get Ciampa back into the fight. The Sicilian Psycho is more than happy to come in and mix it up with McIntyre, and the crowd goes bananas when they finally come to blows in the middle of the ring.
Ranallo: Pscyhopath against Pscyhopath, who's gonna win?
Graves: Probably neither. This is textbook mutually assured destruction.
While those dudes are pounding on each other, Breeze sits down on the apron for a breather. But oh snap, here comes LA Knight walking around the ring and he's got a hold of Drew's title belt. Looks like he's planning on smacking Breeze over the head with that bad boy, a little retribution for the attack on the leg, no doubt.
Knight limps towards Breeze, who's slow in getting out of the way on account of he just got beat up and stuff. The Prince of Pretty rolls into the ring to flee. LA follows him there.
McIntyre, meanwhile, has just knocked Ciampa back towards a neutral corner with a Glasgow Kiss. He hardly registers Breeze staggering around - his sole focus is on LA Knight stepping through the ropes with HIS UWF Championship.
Phillips: I don't think Drew McIntyre is too thrilled about LA Knight taking his title...
Ranallo: And understandably so!
Drew's expression does all the scolding necessary. Knight doesn't even bother trying to explain. He doesn't give two spits how Drew feels about this situation.
McIntyre reaches out to grabs his belt back. Knight holds on. A tug o' war ensues! They're yanking it back and forth. What if it just split into two? Can you imagine?
It doesn't, though. In fact, it goes McIntyre's way in one piece, but only after Breeze swoops in and Super Model kicks that sucker right into his face! The belt shot / superkick has McIntyre reeling! Tyler can't even capitalize though cause Knight tackles him around the waist, driving him through the ropes and out to the floor where they both land with a unceremonious thud, as opposed to the other kind.
Graves: What the hell is happening right now??!?
Ranallo: Its absolute bedlam in there!
The crowd is getting all riled up as things fly progressively more off the handle. Drew's face is all bloodied up from the belt shot. He's dropped that thing while he staggers about. Ciampa rushes at him, shaking off the cobwebs following that Glassgow kiss.
The Sicilian Pscyhopath boots Drew in the guts, doubling him over, then hooks the arms for a Fairy Tale Ending...
Ranallo: Ciampa has Drew in trouble...
Phillips: If he hits this...
He does hit it! Right on top of the UWF Championship belt, too! Ciampa plants Drew's already superkicked / title-shotted face right on top of that same belt with a sickening crack! The crowd is shocked!
Tommaso Ciampa rolls Drew McIntyre over and hooks both legs deep just as the Referee comes too. He doesn't even notice the belt as he makes the count...
1...
Phillips: Can Ciampa do it?
2...
Ranallo: MAMA MIA! IS THIS IT?!?
3...
DING DING
YOUR WINNERS...
TOMMASO CIAMPA AND TYLER BREEZE!
The place becomes unglued. They aren't cheering for Ciampa and Breeze, just the moment. The spectacle. The miracle.
Drew McIntyre has been pinned.
Ciampa rolls away, eyes skyward and full of the knowledge that everything he's said about himself and what kind of man he is is still true. Still dangerous to anyone on any given night. The Referee raises his hand above the fallen Champ.
Ranallo: The Road to Wrestelamania just took a sharp turn, gentlemen. We are living in a different world than we were thirty seconds ago.
Graves: It was bowling shoe ugly, and it took an assist from Tyler Breeze, but Ciampa just pulled off what nobody - not Roman Reigns, not Vincent, not anyone else - has been able to do.
Phillips: Is that going to be a dent in Drew's confidence? Or another chip on his shoulder? More fuel to his fire? Is LA Knight going to be fit to compete? And what about Tyler Breeze? I'd say whatever claim he had to being next in line for a title shot given his performance in the Royal Rumble just got put into question with Ciampa pulling off that pin.
Ranallo: I'm sure we'll get those answers in the weeks to come, Tom, but for tonight, the UWF Universe is going to have to bask in the chaos Tommaso Ciampa has created.
Ciampa stands tall while Drew is still coming to. Knight and Breeze are recovering on the outside, staring up the ring while the Sicilian Psycho parades around the field of victory as Revolution closes out.
END OF SHOW
Credits
Zayn vs Rude - Dresden
Vincent vs OrtonCWalker
Breeze/Ciampa vs Knight/McIntyre - Fauche
JD/Balor vs Hayter/Caleb, Swerve vs O'Reilly - Danny
