Post by Danny on May 13, 2024 16:18:19 GMT -6
And now live from the Oakland Arena in Oakland California, UWF presents...
As the logo is seen, things go live to the inside of the arena as pyrotechnics go off from the stage and the camera pans around to get a shot of the fans from all around the world gathered for Backlash! The camera pans over to the commentary team where Corey Graves, Mauro Ranallo, and Tom Phillips are standing by.
Mauro Ranallo: Hello and welcome to Backlash!
Corey Graves: At Backlash, wars will be fought.
Tom Phillips: I thought you said we weren't doing that again?
Corey Graves: That was just last year but way to ruin it Phillips!
Mauro Ranallo:Well maybe next year but this year we've got some great action set for tonight including a Hell in a Cell for the UWF Championship! But first, the Television Championship is on the line. Let's head straight to the ring for our opening contest!
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: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the UWF Television Championship. Introducing first, the challenger, 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.
The arena would be plunged into darkness for the time being, all would remain silent as the fans where upon the edge of there seats, waiting for the moment that something, anything at all would happen and it did, as the static would sound, smoke would come onto the stage and the music would begin to play, upon there feet they stand, knowing what was coming, who was coming, the demon prince himself, the one and only, Finn Balor.
He walks out onto the stage, looking to the crowd for the moment as he smirks, his hands brought up to the collar of his jacket as he flicks it lightly and would chuckle, before spreading his arms out to the side and spinning around to let everyone know, he was here, he has arrived and he was here to do what he does best, prove to the entire world that without a shadow of a doubt, he was the very best that there was, as he turns and walks through the smoke, the purple and red lights flashing around as he knows what he has to do tonight, and he was here to unleash the demon upon everyone.
Tony Chimel: And from Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland... weighing in at 190 pounds... The Television Champion, Finn Balor!
THE METAL CHIMES RING OUT
The traditional match opening is thrown right out the window as Hayter follows the sound of the bell by charging right towards Balor, but The Demon Prince is well prepared and leaps into the air to knock Hayter down with a spinning kick. Energy still going, the former Prime Time Medalist springs back up but is then taken back down with a clothesline. The reigning champ seems to be in the zone and seeks to capitalize by pulling Hayter up and throwing her out of the ring through the middle ropes. Waiting for her to return feet, Balor hits off the opposite ropes before running back and leaping over the top rope with a vaulting senton that grounds Hayter once more. Watching on from ringside, Rhea Ripley attempts to try and get close to Hayter in order to do a quick check up on her condition, but it’s soon thwarted as Balor gets back to his feet and he then engages in a brief stare off with his former Mafia cohort.
Mauro Ranallo: If looks were a strong indicator then it would seem that there’s no remaining good will between these former allies.
Tom Phillips: Absolutely, Rhea Ripley has been clear with where her allegiances now lie, and she like many, will be hoping that Jamie Hayter walks away with the gold here tonight.
As Ripley opts to slowly back away, Balor picks Hayter up and rolls her back into the ring underneath the bottom rope before reentering himself. Just when it seems like it’s all going the Irishman’s way though, Hayter gets back up to a standing position and in a completely out of the blue turn, picks Balor up and drops him down with a spinebuster. Hayter isn’t content with stopping there though as she picks Balor back before dazing him with a right hook and immediately following up with a snap suplex. With Ripley clapping her on from ringside, Hayter takes a moment to assess her next move as Balor can be seen crawling over to the ropes. As he rolls underneath and onto the apron, presumably as a means of catching a free moment, Hayter waits for him to return to a standing position before rushing in to hit a running knee strike. The impact of the hit can be heard all around as Balor ends up flying off the apron and into the barricade.
Corey Graves: There’s another reason why I’m happy and comfortable on this side of the announcers desk. Even the vibrations of someone hitting off that damn barricade are stomach churning at times.
Mauro Ranallo: After a slightly shaky start it appears as though Hayter now has the means of a real breakthrough in this bout.
Knowing that a potential count out victory here would be meaningless, Hayter exits the ring and looks to maintain the offense by hauling Balor up over her shoulder and driving him back into the barricade again. As The Demon Prince falls to the floor, Hayter takes a moment to soak up the appreciation from the crowd whilst also taking a few steps back to prepare her next offensive move as the referee begins to make a count.
ONE…
TWO…
As Balor slowly begins to rise to his feet again, Hayter charges in looking to hit another knee strike, only for Balor to counter with an unexpected Sling Blade.
THREE…
FOUR…
Both competitors pick themselves back up to a standing position, but it’s Balor who is quickest to capitalize on this occasion as he flies in with a drop kick that sends Hayter into the barricade this time.
FIVE…
SIX…
SEVEN…
Balor also appears to have no intention of wanting to win this one by count out as he picks Hayter up and rolls her back into the ring just before the referee gets to the count of eight. With Hayter down on the mat, Balor decides to go to the top rope, but is prevented from capitalizing further as Ripley hops up onto the ring apron to provide a distraction. As the referee demands that she get down, she does indeed follow the instructions, but only as Hayter gets up and leaps onto the corner in order to take Balor down to the mat with a superplex. With the champ now down in the ring, Hayter hooks the leg for the pin…
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!
Tom Phillips: The assist from Ripley almost paying dividends for Hayter there, but Balor keeps the match alive.
Corey Graves: I think it’s clear to see why Finn Balor has had such a dominating presence in the TV Title scene over the best part of the last year. He truly knows how to thrive in this kind of environment.
Sensing that she’s got the champ rattled, Hayter heads back to the corner and waits for Balor to get back up to his feet as the crowd begin to clap on as they sense what might be coming next. Balor returns to a standing position and Hayter with predator like mentality runs in to deliver HAYTERADE, but Balor ducks out of the way, and as Hayter stops and turns around in order to try and follow through with an alternative attack, the TV Champ strikes first by jumping up and connecting with a Pele Kick. As Hayter falls to the mat, Balor now makes the cover…
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!
Hayter keeps the match alive and more encouragement from both Ripley and the crowd follow as Balor looks to inflict more punishment by picking the Southampton native back up, but grabbing at her hair in the process. With the two combatants now back in a standing position, a flurry of left and rights come out from both sides. Eventually the pace slows a little and the crowd end up cheering the strikes from Hayter and booing the strikes from Balor. The momentum seems to initially shift in the challengers favor as she delivers a kick to the midriff and looks to follow up by hoisting Balor up for a powerbomb, but as The Demon Prince is in the elevated position, he begins to deliver some elbow shots to the back of Hayter’s head. The former Prime Time Medalist appears to be weakening and is therefore unable to execute the move that was initially intended. Rather than breaking free, it appears as though Balor is looking to apply some sort of unorthodox lifter arm lock, but the practicality goes against him as even a weakened Hayter is able to block and it ultimately ends with both competitors back on their feet in the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: You can see exactly what winning this title means to both competitors, and the crowd here in Oakland have made it clear who they are pulling for.
Corey Graves: Well I for one can’t wait to see them all wind up disappointed!
As Hayter looks to take a moment to recompose herself, Balor isn’t offering the time and instead follows up with a swift kick and snap powerbomb of his own. Hayter ends up getting back to her feet in quick fashion but has clearly been affected by the hit as Balor wastes no time in following up with the running front dropkick that sends Hayter crashing into the turnbuckle pad and down to the mat. No prizes for guessing what Balor has planned next as he once makes another move for the top rope, but once again Ripley is on hand to try and provide the distraction as she hops up onto the ring apron. As the referee protests once more, before they can even make the motion to eject Ripley, Balor had seemingly anticipated the play on this occasion, and proves as much by bluntly kicking her off the apron and down to the ground. The crowd voices their disapproval, but Balor is paying them no attention as he turns his focus back towards the downed Hayter, and with everything perfectly set, The Demon Prince leaps off the top rope and comes down with the Coup de Grace at full force. The energy in the arena appears to be sapped as Balor goes for the pin…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
HERE IS YOUR WINNER, AND STILL THE TELEVISION CHAMPION, FINN BALOR!
The bell sounds and the referee goes across to grab hold of the TV Title belt before presenting it to Balor and raising his arm in victory as Hayter rolls out of the ring to the outside.
Tom Phillips: Well it looks like you got your wish Corey, Finn Balor retains after a well fought effort from Hayter.
Corey Graves: The Demon Prince proving once again that as far as dangerous entities go, he’s one of the deadliest. And now we get to watch as Rhea Ripley leaves here tonight with egg on her face.
Mauro Ranallo: It does somewhat seem that way unfortunately, but you have to wonder what it will take for Jamie Hayter to get her hands on that TV Title after coming up short once again.
As Ripley helps Hayter up and assists her to the back, Balor take a moment to climb to the top rope and hold his title up in the air for the entire watching world to see.
We go backstage where music swells and Shinsuke Nakamura stands alone in a room, he looks towards the camera and begins speaking in his native Japanese as subtitles on the screen show everyone what he is saying.
Shinsuke Nakamura: Swerve Strickland, you believe yourself to be a star. To be shining bright like his future, that is what that Prime Time Medal represents. A Shining Future. But what you don't realize is that Stars do not shine, they burn. Swerve you have been slowly burning yourself out, thinking you are reaching your full potential when all you are doing is preparing yourself to become a bombastic explosion, one I cannot wait to set off. You will burn in my entertaining fire, and your bright future...the Prime Time Medal...Will fall into my possession. Guess what else? that Medal will not even be of use to me, I will carry it and carry it and hold it over peoples heads. Dangling the carrot forever, and make what should be the bright future of someones career be the thing that snuffs out that light and burns them down over and over.
Shinsuke laughs and smiles as his hand moves to his chest and his fingers dance up his chin.
Swerve, you have grown so angry and frustrated over my fun with you. You and your enterprise consider yourselves in the right, and fighting and standing up to my evil ways. How funny is it? That you believe yourself to be looking for justice against me, that you appear tonight to fight for your friends and cohorts and yourself, when you have already learned from me how easy it is to become blind to the world around you. I have blinded you, and yet you still don't know it. When I drove you to the brink, and had you ready to take me sailing over those stairs, it showed me you were incapable of seeing things the way they truly are.
Nakamura closes his eyes and tilts his head and begins to speak up into the open air.
Justice is what you seek Swerve, you want to right these wrongs...Do you not understand that it is those who stand at the top who determine what's wrong and what is Right? Inside the ring, it is neutral ground where we learn the ways of the world. Justice will prevail you believe? But of course it will! Whoever wins this war, becomes Justice. And you are ready to strike blindly at me, you are ready to risk it all to get me...but you aren't paying attention to the details. And the details is where I live, so stare into your new justice, witness your new Right...and hail your new Champion. The King of Strong Style. Shinsuke Nakamura.
Nakamura crosses his arm over his chest and slowly bows to the camera as the scene fades and we move on with Backlash.
As the music of Sinn begins to play, out comes the big man from behind the curtain along with Abadon as they start down the ramp towards the ring.
Tony Chimel: Sinn and Abadon, The Collapse!
The duo enter the ring now and get ready for the match ahead.
The LWO's music hits and the crowd goes wild. The Guerreros come out looking focused to deal with what's ahead.
Tony Chimel: And their opponents, the team of Eve and Eddie Guerrero!
The duo enter the ring and watch the other two intently. Eve tells Eddie she wants to kicks things off and he lets her as the ref calls for the bell.
VS
DING DING DING
Mauro Ranallo: This may not be a hardcore match but I have a feeling he may see a bit of blood here tonight.
Corey Graves: I don't care which side it comes from to be honest. If they send each other packing, that'd be great!
Eve shows no fear, going right after Abadon and starts laying into her with forearms. Abadon just eats them... not literally of course but she doesn't seem to really react to the hits. Eve decides to fight fire with fire and instead takes a bite right into her ear! The Living Dead Girl comes alive and yells out and shoves Eve away. Miss Guerrero has a bit of blood coming down her lip, presumably Abadon's. Abadon runs right at Eve but gets caught with a Drop Toe Hold, her head bouncing off the mat. She follows up with a Leg Drop to the back of the head!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Abadon kicks out! Eve picks her up and brings her to her corner where she smashes her face into the turnbuckles. She tags in Eddie who comes in and goes to lift her up for a Brainbuster but she knees him on the top of his head to get put down and stumbles to her corner where Sinn tags himself in. Sinn runs up and connects with the Hellion Hammer! Eddie gets turned inside out from the massive blow and Sinn jumps into the air to hit the Hell-Bow! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Guerrero kicks out!
Mauro Ranallo: People always like to see the different styles and variations of maneuvers in wrestling but sometimes just simple hits can be the most devastating.
Corey Graves: If there's anything these two have probably learned from Vincent, it's the sheer simplicity in causing the most pain.
Sinn sits Eddie up and stand behind him. He throws down punches to the top of his head, trying to bust him open. It's not working though, so he decides to just take a bit down on his forehead! Edie kicks his feet and the ref tries to break him free. Sinn lets go and smiles, blood staining his teeth. Mission accomplished. He picks up Eddie and gets him in the double underhooks but Eddie rushes forwards and backs him into the corner. Guerrero puts the boots to him before lifting him up to the top rope. He goes up there with him to set up a Superplex but Sinn fights back with shots to the ribs and a Headbutt to knock him off.
Tom Phillips: Uh oh, I don't think we've seen Sinn at the high rent district before.
Mauro Ranallo: Hmm what on earth could he be thinking? Flying Double Axe Handle sounds appropriate maybe?
We'll never know because Sinn leaps off but his flying nothing gets stopped in mid air via Dropkick! He turns Sinn over and crosses his legs over, pulling up to place him in the Lasso from El Paso! Sinn bites down on his own hand from pain but doesn't for a second think about tapping out. Eddie puts his knee on his back to apply more pressure. Eddie realizes that this sick freak is kinda getting off on the pain and decides to bring him to his feet. Sinn is in no condition to fight back and gets flipped up over Eddie's back and sent to the mat with the Gory Special! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Sinn kicks out! Eddie goes right to the top to get ready for the Frog Splash. Sinn just lies in the middle of the ring and so Eddie comes off but Sinn gets the knees up! Eddie rolls around in pain as Sinn struggles to get back to his feet. He and Eddie get up at about the same time but Guerrero is caught with a Sinn Kick that staggers him back into his corner where Eve makes he blind tag. Sinn runs at Eddie but Guerrero gets the boot up to daze him. Eddie follows that up with a Suplex. He keeps a hold of him and spins back up to his feet to hit another. He spins back up once more to complete the Three Amigos! He stands up and shimmies but gets tackled by Abadon! They roll out of the ring but up top, Eve has climbed to the top rope. Sinn is right in position for the Moonsault! She makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
3 . . .
Tony Chimel: Here are your winners, Eve and Eddie Guerrero!
Eddie comes into the ring and the Guerrero's hug. Abadon enters the ring and they quickly run off before more trouble arises as the show moves on.
Open to a kaleidoscopic array of light and color. A figure stands in the middle of the display.
Traverse into the figure, assuming its point of view. The lights and colors begin to move rapidly on all sides. We're thrusted forward into the light, zooming past all sorts of shapes and sounds. Some are beautiful and some border on terrifying.
The beams of light conjoin together to form familiar sights. A child in utero. A beating heart. A scythe. A flame. Beauty and chaos. The light in the middle grows brighter as the surrounding colors begin to fade. The light materializes as a silhouette of a man, sitting cross-legged. The figure grows larger... and larger... and larger... and larger... and larger... and larger...
...until it completely consumes the screen. The surrounding sounds turn horrifying as our view is completely engulfed by light.
The camera is taken backstage as we see Kevin Owens walking into the arena. He stops in front of the camera to give us his thoughts ahead of his match with Randy Orton later tonight.
Kevin Owens
Backlash! Tonight I face Randy Orton. But it's not just Kevin Owens vs Randy Orton. No. It's Kevin Owens vs Randy Orton with Bron Breakker and Brock Anderson. And let's focus on that word “With” because that is the deciding factor right there. That word has already sealed my fate and decided tonight's match. I'm sorry to disappoint you all but tonight's match will be won by Randy Orton. Now that doesn't mean I've given up. Quite the opposite actually. I'm still going to go out there and fight with all my heart like I do each and every week and leave it all in the ring. But I'm also a man who knows when I'm outnumbered and tonight I am out numbered. So I'm going to go ahead and congratulate you on your win right now Randy. Too bad it doesn't mean anything. Until you beat me one on one, you haven't won anything.
Kevin continues his way into the arena as we are taken elsewhere.
The violins of Shinsuke Nakamuras theme begin to wail across the arena, until the beat kicks in with one last string of the violin as a silhouetted Nakamara appears in the shadows and his name pops up on the tron. The Spotlight hits Nakamura as he is swaying his arms around along with is music, the audience begin to sing along to his theme as he flows down to the ring.
Tony Chimel: From Kyoto, Japan. weighing in at 229 pounds...Shinsuke...Nakamura!
Shinsuke walks around the ring and leans back against the barricade waving his hands with his ring finger down and all other fingers extended as the people in the front row reach out just to touch him. Nakamura walks up the steel steps and holds onto the ring post to stretch before he enters the ring, putting his hand over his mouth almost ready to burst into tears before he turns around and grabs the ropes. Doing his signature pose in time with his music as he slowly sinks down his legs bending as he lays on his back on the canvas. Twirling up and around onto his knees and standing back up he brushes his hair and goes to the corner where he puts his foot against the top turnbuckle to stretch, following with his other foot moving up to hook onto the top rope to get himself limber for his match.
Tony Chimel: And his opponent... owner of the prime time medal...
"Whose House?"
"Swerves House" the crowd respond. Big Pressure begins to play as the crowd know what's about to go down it's about to be Prime Time...
"Big Pressure" by the G.O.A.T blares throughout the arena, The crowd can't help but vibe to the hit song. Swerve walks onto the stage, He wears his Prime Time Medal front and center as he confidently adjust the gold to remind those who dare come at him and his medal. His aura is unmatched as he smiles wide showing his grills. Swerve begins to confidently walk to the ring. He has no backup of Swerve Enterprises but that doesn't bother Swerve...
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..
Phillips: King of Strong Style vs King of Swerve Style. This should be a mean, physical match.
Ranallo: Indeed. Things got very personal between these two when Shinsuke blinded Damian Priest. Don't expect Swerve to play nice tonight.
Graves: Don't forget the kidnapping! That was the best part...
VS
DING DING DING!
And we’re off to the races! Swerve immediately bursts forward and shoots at Shinsuke with a momentous dropkick. The impact sends Shinsuke bouncing off the turnbuckles and onto the mat. Swerve doesn’t let up. He grabs hold of the ropes and viciously stomps away at Shinsuke’s head. The referee admonishes him but swerve doesn’t even acknowledge his presence as he turns his sights toward the top rope. He hops up there and waits for Shinsuke to rise to a seated position. When he does, he leaps off. With a look of malice in his eyes, he drives his feet down through… the mat! Shinsuke smartly slides out the ring. He’s got a smile on his face, amused at Swerve’s tenacity. Swerve is looking to wipe that smile away… and he does! Tope Suicida through the ropes and right into an unsuspecting Shinsuke! Nak takes the full force of it and he’s sent stumbling all the way over to the ring steps. The referee starts his count.
ONE...
Phillips: Nakamura immediately on the defensive!
Ranallo: Just like Drake!
Graves: If Nakamura is Drake then Swerve is Kendrick right now. He looks right at home in Oakland arena too.
Swerve measures Shinsuke again. Waiting until he turns around, Swerve bursts forward with a lariat! No! Shinsuke ducks. He turns around to get on the offensive for the first time, but Swerve beats him to the punch again. He grabs Shinsuke by the leg and hoists him up to plant his forehead right onto the jagged edge of the steel steps. Swerve beats his chest. “Whose house?!”
“SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Pan back to Shinsuke… uh oh… we’ve got color!
TWO...
Ranallo: A crimson mask! Mere minutes into the match!
Swerve angrily grabs Shinsuke by the waist and slides him into the ring. Shinsuke crawls into the corner, hoping to get some separation. Swerve has other ideas though and he blows right through the referee’s warning, charging at Shinsuke! Nak pops right up though! He hoists Swerve into the air but Swerve refuses to lose control of the match. He grabs a hold of the ropes and wraps his legs around Shinsuke’s head, twisting downwards and planting Shinsuke firmly on his dome for a devastating Volador Spiral! Blood continues to leak out Nak’s forehead as Swerve hooks the leg for the cover!
ONE...
TWO...
THR-NO!
Shinsuke gets a shoulder up.
Ranallo: Swerve refusing to let up! A commanding performance so far.
Phillips: Shinsuke's actions have clearly given him some extra motivation. Nakamura might have miscalculated in getting so personal.
Graves: Nakamura?! Miscalculated?! Are we talking about the same guy?
Swerve hops to his feet, already anticipating his next move. He knows he can’t let up against this guy, this agent of chaos. He dives toward Shinsuke, picking his arm and rolling all the way through to hoist Shinsuke up. He’s got Shinsuke in the air, but before he can plant him Shinsuke brings his knee down on Swerve’s noggin and escapes behind him. Swerve turns around and Shinsuke catches him with a roundhouse kic-no! Swerve catches it, another masterful anticipation. He throws an absolutely hateful elbow at Shinsuke that floors him and then twirls around his legs to lock him into a figure four! Swerve screams at Shinsuke to tap with a look of pure vitriol in his eyes but Shinsuke just smiles. He’s feeling the pain, but he basks in it. The blood trickles down his forehead and onto his lips. He licks away at the crimson red and his shit-eating grin grows wider. This is his element. This is his domain as much as it is Swerve’s. He grabs at Swerve’s foot and violently twists it as far as it’ll possibly go. Swerve screams out and turns slightly to his side. Shinsuke uses the momentum to roll the hold over. Now it’s Swerve feeling the pain. He cries out before accepting the nagging feeling in his legs. He basks in it just as Shinsuke did. Pounding his fists and nodding his head, he rolls through to flip the hold over again. It’s Shinsuke’s turn to hurt again… but he’s growing bored of that. He rolls through as well and they continue to roll over and over all the way to the ropes. None of them want to let go and the ref has to count all the way to 5 before breaking up the submission himself.
Ranallo: Pure spite from Swerve and pure malice from Shinsuke!
Graves: It's beautiful, isn't it?
Phillips: That's one way to look at it...
Both men slowly make their way to their feet. Swerve looks ready to throw a kick, but Shinsuke meets him with a nasty elbow. He then sticks out his hands and motions for Swerve to engage in a battle of pride. “Cooooooooome ooooooooooon!” That invitation is enough to goad Swerve into giving up control. He throws a mean elbow but Shinsuke is quick to respond with one of his own which Swerve welcomes. He won’t back down. Elbow after elbow after elbow after elbow after elbow! Both men are being knocked loopy but it looks like Shinsuke is getting the better of the battle with his daunting striking resume. Swerve comes forward with his most heinous elbow yet and it gets to Shinsuke. He steps back a little groggy but looks to come forward with something even worse. Swerve welcomes it, wanting to beat Shinsuke at every facet of his game… but Shinsuke knees him in the gut instead! Swerve keels over!
Graves: He baited him in! The genius of Nakamura on display there. He's looking extra motivated now after all the offense he took.
Ranallo: Mhm, and don't forget... Nakamura held the Prime Time Medal once before, unsuccessfully cashing in at Wrestlemania. I'm sure he's eager to right that wrong as well.
Phillips: This is a much different Nakamura, though. I'm not sure we've ever seen him this malicious.
Shinsuke is still a little wobbly after all the punishment his cranium has taken but he still manages to hit Swerve with a disgusting axe kick to his own cranium. Swerve is down and Shinsuke just starts nonchalantly kicking away at its head, disrespecting the hell out of the rising star. He’s not even putting 50% into the kicks, letting Swerve rise to his knees. Now he starts unloading. Multiple shoot kicks eat away at Swerve’s chest, leaving some nasty bruises. Now these are at 100%. Swerve can’t keep taking them, and he manages to catch one. He rises to his feet… but Shinsuke puts him right back down with an enziguri! He sleeks back into the corner as Swerve begins to defiantly rise once more. He charges… sliding knee strike! Cover!
ONE...
TWO...
THRE...NO!
Swerve gets the shoulder up but Shinsuke immediately grabs hold of the arm Swerve used and locks in a cross armbreaker!
Ranallo: A Nishimura-esque hold from Shinsuke!
Graves: Who the hell is that?
Swerve cries out and the camera zooms in on his agonized face… he’s busted open. That knee opened him up. The blood pours out as Swerve flails around to try and escape… but Shinsuke’s got it locked in tight! He uses all his leg strength to desperately kick into the air, scooting him over to the ropes. He reaches out, grabbing ahold of them! The referee counts to 4 before Shinsuke lets go. He creeps back and when Swerve rises to his feet he comes forward with a back elbow!… No! Swerve ducks. He hooks Shinsuke’s shoulder from behind and hoists him into the air. He steps forward to the middle of the ring before driving Shinsuke down with a nasty JML Driver!!! He hooks the legs!
ONE!
TWO!
Phillips: This is it!
THREE!...
Graves: No way.
NO!
Shinsuke kicks out at the last second. So close! Swerve thought he had it but he knows he can’t spend any time protesting. He wobbles to the corner. He plans, he measures, and he executes… racing forward to a rising Shinsuke and hitting him with an ear-piercing House Call! It echoes throughout the entire damn arena as the crowd breaks out into an “OOOOOOH!” Swerve goes for the cover… but Shinsuke rolls out the ring! He plops to the floor outside, limp.
Ranallo: Tough break. That likely would have been the killshot.
Swerve, exhausted, wobbles out of the ring. He picks up an unresponsive Nakamura and rolls him into the ring. He hops back up onto the apron before climbing the turnbuckle. This is it. This is his shot. He peers out at the crowd, blood trickling down his forehead. They can’t help but applaud his spirit. “WHO"S HOUSE?!” The crowd respond as loud as they possibly can, shaking the arena to its core.
“SWERVE’S HOUSE!!!!!”
Swerve takes the leap! He’s got him right where he wants him. Or does he? Shinsuke pops up! Before Swerve can land, Shinsuke drives his bloody temple directly into his throat! HEADBUTT TO THE TRACHEA!!! Oh my god...
Ranallo: PELIGRO! PELIGRO! PELIGROOOOOOOO!
Swerve clutches at his throat. He can’t breathe. He can’t speak. He can’t even see straight after all the blows to the head this match. His ears ring. Hear no evil! See no evil! Speak no evil! Swerve turns around still wildly flailing around and clutching at his throat. Shinsuke charges forward with every ounce of adrenaline and strength he’s got left. “YEEAOH!” KIIIIIINSHASAAAAAA! BRUTAL! BRUTAL! BRUTAL! Swerve is knocked out cold! The referee calls for the bell!
DING DING DING!
Your winner… and new owner of the Prime Time Medal… Shinsukeeeeeee Nakaaaaaaamuraaaaa!!!
Nakamura hazily stands and hits a sinister pose as the referee raises his hand. He snatches the medal out of the ref's hands and slithers his way out of the battlefield, admiring his work and leaving a bloody Swerve to recover in the ring
Phillips: Unbelievable. Nakamura captures the Prime Time Medal for the second time in his career after a violent war.
Graves: Drew McIntyre is the only other man to win it twice. That says a lot.
Ranallo: An undeniable performance from Nakamura. This match said a lot about Swerve too, though. He had Nak against the ropes for the entire first half of the match. It takes a special kind of warrior to do that.
Indeed. The crowd is given no choice but to applaud Swerve's efforts as he slowly rises and the show heads elsewhere.
Open to a lively training dojo. A trainee is undergoing a drill that seems quite intense. He's doing one-handed push-ups as Katsuyori Shibata holds a kendo stick inches above him, swatting him every time he messes up.
A crowd of young wrestlers eagerly watch the scene. Shibata offers the kid some encouraging words despite the beating he's giving him. The crowd of to-be-wrestlers behind him offers some motivation as well. They're eventually silenced, however. A daunting presence makes its way through the crowd and they all disperse. Shibata halts the training to glance over at the figure.
Big Kazuyuki Fujita, the ironhead. He's got company too. Gabe Kidd stands by his side. Shibata recognizes the mad brit. He used to train here.
Shibata: Kaz... I wasn't expecting you... or your new friend.
Shibata peers over at Kidd with an uncertainty in his eyes.
Fujita: This shithead is not my friend.
Fujita nudges Kidd forward.
Shibata: So what is he?
Fujita: Your new trainee. I can't put up with his bullshit anymore. Hoping you can knock some sense into him.
The trainees watch on in anticipation. A few of them stare at Kidd in disgust, and a few gaze in awe. He's put on some muscle since the last time he was here, that's for sure. Nonetheless, he seems to be a polarizing figure around these parts. Fujita senses all the eyes peering in on the situation and scoffs.
Fujita: Screw off you little shits.
The trainees look over to Shibata and he nods at them. They return to their various training stations.
Shibata: He was already my trainee once. He left without graduating. He disrespected my dojo and everyone in it.
Fujita looks over at Kidd. His expression is blank and he doesn't say a word. Fujita shoves him forward and he comes alive somewhat.
Kidd: I've had a change of heart.
Shibata chuckles.
Shibata: Have you now?
Kidd silently nods.
Fujita: See... brand spankin' new.
Shibata: Really?
Fujita: No, not really. Still as big of an asshole as ever but he holds you in high regard now for whatever reason. Figured I'd pass him off to the only person he seems to somewhat respect.
Shibata's intrigued. He steps forward, coming face-to-face with Kidd who doesn't waver one single bit.
Shibata: How's he coming along in the ring?
Fujita: I mean, he's good. He's damn good. Raw and mean between the ropes... but even meaner outside the ropes. Could use an attitude adjustment.
Shibata smirks and glances over at Fujita. There's a level of respect between them but Shibata isn't afraid to jab at him.
Shibata: Ironic coming from you.
Fujita laughs. Those words come out of anyone else's mouth, and they'd likely be unconscious seconds later.
Fujita: You gonna take him in or not? I got places to be, people to knock out.
Shibata: I'll take him. He'll require some rather... intense training, though.
Fujita: Better be more than intense.
Fujita motions to leave but Shibata stops him.
Shibata: Kaz... you're welcome back anytime.
Fujita scoffs.
Fujita: Yeah and play pattycake with Shiozaki's bitchass? No thanks. Appreciate the offer, though.
Shibata nods. There's no playing mediator between Fujita and Shiozaki. The Ironhead heads out as Shibata turns to Kidd and sternly addresses him.
Shibata: You stay right here. Neck bridges when I get back.
Kidd blankly nods and Shibata heads down a hallway. He opens a door with a "Shibata" nametag on it. He heads into the office and grabs a giant barbell. He starts to head out the door when something catches his eye. It's an envelope, laying on his desk with bold lettering on it.
DEAR PRETENDER...
Shibata opens the envelope and out comes a note. Shibata curiously picks it up and examines it. It reads...
YOUR SINS ARE LIMITLESS - DAMNATION
He burrows his eyebrows and looks below the cryptic message. An anarchy sign is printed on the note in red. Shibata immediately discards it and marches out of his office, closing the door in our face and displaying yet another LA Dojo poster taped on the door. This one reads...
LOOK INSIDE. THAT'S WHERE THE TRUE ENEMY RESIDES.
Mauro Ranallo: Are you gentlemen ready for our next contest? It's sure to be an explosive one as "The Viper" Randy Orton takes on UWF's personal Prizefighter, Kevin Owens!
Corey Graves: Orton and Owens have been at each other's throats for weeks and it's boiled to a head.
Tom Phillips: Kevin Owens is looking to shut Randy Orton up but with Bron Breakker and Brock Anderson in his corner, it may be easier said than done. Let's head to ringside.
DING
DING
DING
Tony Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first...
As the arena plunges into darkness, the sound of a thunderous guitar riff reverberates through the arena, signaling the imminent arrival of Kevin Owens. Strobe lights flicker in sync with the pounding beat, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Owens steps out with a look of intensity etched across his face, and let's out an almost primal-like roar. His eyes firmly locked on the ring and he makes his way down.
Tony Chimel: Making his way to the ring, from Marieville, Quebec, Canada, Kevin Owens!
Kevin stomps up the steel steps leading the ring. He wipes his feet on the apron before quickly getting into the ring. Once again he let's out a warcry as he prepares to do what he was put on this earth to do, Fight.
Tony Chimel: And his opponent...
“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.
The bell sounds and this contest is underway. Orton looks to feel the situation out, but Kevin Owens is having none of it. Owens charges out of his corner and rushes Orton, immediately delivering right hands to the forehead of the Viper. Orton covers up but Owens will not be denied. He keeps taking the fight to Randy, who is forced to back up into his own corner. Orton sticks his head out between the top and middle ropes, forcing a break. The referee gets in between Owens and Orton, pushing the former back towards the center of the ring while the latter tries to recoup.
Mauro Ranallo: And Kevin Owens comes out the gate hot.
Corey Graves: He's been waiting to get his hands on Orton for a while now. This must be theraputic to the Prizefighter.
The official backs up Owens to the center of the ring and tells him to respect the rope break. Owens isn't trying to hear it and blows by the man in the striped shirt. Orton cautiously brings his head back into the ring and while Owens walks over to him, blocking the official's view by the way, Orton is able to catch Owens off guard with a thumb to the eye. This blinds Owens momentarily and allows Orton to go on the offensive. Orton quickly grabs Owens and throws him into the corner where Orton was previously standing in. Orton proceeds to deliver a knife-edge chop directly into Owens' chest. This draws a copios amount of "Wooos" from the Oakland crowd.
Tom Phillips: Between the thumb to the eye and these chops, it seems like Orton hasn't forgotten about the days where he had a mentor.
After the chop, Orton delivers a straight right hand. Orton then grabs Owens by the arm and Irish whips him across the ring to the opposing corner. Owens' back hit the turnbuckle hard and the momentum causes him to stagger out the corner where Orton is waiting for him and lifts him off his feet with a high back body drop.
Corey Graves: Owens must be eight feet in the air!
KO's back hits the canvas hard as he falls from the skies and Orton takes advantage, going for the first cover of the match...
1...
2...
Owens kicks out emphatically!
Orton knew that wasn't going to be the end. He slaps Owens in the back of the head as Orton gets back to his feet. As he does, he begins stomping on Owens. First, Orton starts with his hand, then he follows up with his knee. Then Orton stomps his foot and circles Owens' body, this time going from the foot back to the hand. Once he finishes, Orton leaves his feet and delivers a standing knee drop across Owens' throat. The Prizefighter gasps for air as Orton goes for another cover....
1...
2...
Owens kicks out again!
Orton grabs Owens by the head and lifts him to a knee. Owens fights back from underneath, throwing a right hand to Orton's midsection. This slows Orton, and KO throws another one. This one doubles Orton over and allows KO to get to a vertical base. As he gets up, Owens tries to use the near ropes to pick up a head of steam before rushing Orton, but as he does, the Viper leaves his feet and delivers a picture perfect standing dropkick that catches Orton right on the chin. This stops Owens in his tracks and he goes down. As he does, Orton goes for yet another cover...
1...
2...
Owens rolls a shoulder!
Mauro Ranallo: Kevin Owens has been unable to get going ever since that flurry at the opening bell.
After he kicks out, Owens rolls underneath the ropes to the floor. It doesn't take Orton long to follow him. Once outside, Orton grabs Ownes by the head and slams him face first onto the ring apron. He goes to do it again but Owens catches him with a back elbow that stops Orton. Then the Prizefighter switches the roles and grabs Orton by the head and slams him face first onto the ring apron over and over again. The Oakland crowd comes alive again as Owens is finally on the offensive. After slamming Orton's skull a half dozen times, Owens lifts Orton off his feet and body slams him onto the floor! With Orton down, Owens rolls into the ring to break the count but immediately rolls back out. Owens drops a leg across Orton's throat for good measure before climbing onto the barricade that separates the fans from the ring.
Corey Graves: What is this lunatic going to do?
While standing on the barricade, Owens gives Orton a crotch chop, DX style, before leaping off the barricade and hitting a huge Frog Splash onto Orton's ribcage. The crowd roars with cheers as Owens gets to his feet and yells "THIS IS MY HOUSE!" before grabbing Orton by the head and rolling him back into the ring. Owens follows suit and goes for a cover...
1...
2...
Orton kicks out!
With Orton kicking out, Owens grabs a rear chinlock. Owens applies as much pressure as he can, but it doesn't take long for Orton to begin getting to a vertical base. Once he does, he forces Orton backwards onto the far ropes, before shooting him off, breaking the chinlock. Owens runs the ropes and as he comes back towards Orton, the Viper hits Owens with a shoulder block that sends Owens to the mat.
Tom Phillips: Randy Orton is chiseled out of granite, so I know that didn't feel too good.
With Owens down, Orton hits the ropes to pick up speed and go for another knee drop. Owens rolls onto his stomach and Orton leaps over him instead, choosing to continue running the ropes. As Orton comes back to his original starting point, Owens manages to quickly get back to his feet and leap in the air, snapping off a hurricanrana.
Mauro Ranallo: Kevin Owens is deceptively agile for someone his size.
This sends Orton in the corner where he's seated. Owens sees this and wastes no time following up. He charges at Orton, before leaving his feet and flipping forward, hitting Randy with a devastating cannonball. Orton's body goes limp as Owens drags him away from the ropes and goes for the cover...
1...
2...
Orton kicks out!
As Orton kicks out, Owens looks to climb to the top. He heads out onto the apron and scales the ropes. The official is yelling at him to come down and this distraction gives Orton the opening he needs. Orton dives at the ropes, shaking them and causing Kevin Owens to lose his balance. The Prizefighter falls groin first onto the top.
Corey Graves: Not the landing I think Kevin Owens was looking for.
Owens grimaces as he lands and Orton looks to take advantage. First, he catches Owens with another right hand to the top of the head. This staggers Owens but Orton holds onto him. Randy climbs the ropes as well before throwing Owens' arm over his shoulder and powering KO off the top and bringing him down to the mat with a huge superplex! The ring shakes on impact and Orton rolls over and goes for the cover on an obviosuly beaten up Owens...
1...
2...
Owens barely rolls a shoulder!
Tom Phillips: I thought Orton had him there!
Orton is a little frustrated Owens kicked out that time. But no matter. He fully intends on finishing this right now. He gets to his feet and stares down at Owens. There's a look of malice written on Orton's face that tells the story. After a moment passes, Orton backs up into the far corner and begins stalking Owens...
Mauro Ranallo: Orton's got that look in his eye. This may not end well for Kevin Owens.
Owens is on his hands and knees trying to get up. As he is doing this, Orton begins to salivate at the mouth. Once he deems Owens is in the perfect position, Orton charges out of the corner and towards Owens, looking to put him away once and for all with the vicious Punt kick...
Tom Phillips: Don't do this Orton!
Before Orton can deliver the death blow, Owens is ready and manages to get to his feet and catch Orton with a superkick that lands right under the jaw. This stuns Orton and Owens follows up with a quick to the gut and spikes Orton's head off the canvas with a DDT. The Prizefighter soots the half and goes for the win...
1...
2...
Orton kicks out!
Corey Graves: Kevin Owens just avoided disaster!
Owens wastes no time looking to capitalize on the momentum he has. He quickly exits the ring and scales the ropes, once again going to the top rope. But in a surprising turn of events, the Oakland crowd begins to boo. But the boos aren't for Kevin Owens. The boos are for Brock Anderson, who has come through the crowd and is now on the ring apron...
Tom Phillips: What the hell is Anderson doing out here!
It appears as if Brock is trying to get into the ring. The official will not allow this. Anderson puts up a fight but the referee will not let him enter this domain. All these goings on have distracted Kevin Owens and things seemingly go from bad to worse when out of nowhere, Bron Breakker sneaks up and pushes Owens off the top rope and to the mat.
Tom Phillips: Oh come on! It was a plan all along.
Corey Graves: When you've been in this business as long as Orton has, you know to always be prepared! And he's passing that lesson onto Brom Breakker and Brock Anderson.
With Owens on the canvas and a job completed, Anderson jumps off the apron and allows the official to turn his attention back to the match. When the official does, he sees Orton getting to his feet and Owens is down. Orton catches his breath while he motions for Owens to get to his feet. It doesn't take long for the Prizefighter to comply, but as he does, Orton simply knocks him back down with a clothesline. Kevin Owens will not stay down though and immediately gets back up, only to eat another clothesline. Once again, Owens is quick to his feet, this time going for a clothesline of his own. Orton sees it coming and ducks. Owens hits the far ropes and as he comes back towards Orton, the Viper catches him with a swift power slam.
Mauro Ranallo: The end may be near for Kevin Owens!
After the Power slam, Owens rolls over onto the ring apron. That's exactly where Randy Orton wants him. Orton begins to stalk his prey like the Apex Predator he is. Owens, who is now on the outside portion of the ring apron, tries to get back in the ring but Orton catches him with a kick to the skull. Owens' body goes limp on the ropes and Orton applies a front face lock before falling backwards and dropping Owens on the top of his head with a vicious DDT!
Corey Graves: Vintage Randy Orton!
Orton stands tall. He doesn't even think about going for the cover. No, he doesn't done enough damage yet. You can see it on Orton's face, the wheels are spinning. Those voices are starting to speak to him. They're telling him that Kevin Owens needs to feel the three most dangerous letters in all of UWF. And Randy agrees. So he drops to his knees and begins pounding the mat, letting everyone know that the end is here...
Mauro Ranallo: If Orton hits this, it's goodnight!
Slowly but surely, Orton waits and waits for Owens to get to his feet. The Prizefighter begins to stir, unaware of what is waiting for him. After what feels like an eternity, Owens makes it to a vertical base and the Viper looks to strike...
Tom Phillips: RKO!
No! Owens was ready! He felt the RKO coming and at the last moment, pushed Orton in the back, making sure he couldn't hit his iconic finish. Unfortunately, when Owens pushes Orton, he doesn't realize that he sent the Apex Predator on a collision course with the official. The two men collide with the referee taking the brunt of the exchange. The official goes down, Orton is stunned by only momentarily because Owens quickly spins him around, catches him with a kick to the stomach and delivers a massive Stunner to the delight of everyone in attendance. Orton goes down and Owens for the cover, not realizing there is no referee.
Tom Phillips: Kevin, there's no referee!
The fans in Oakland will count. 1...2....3....4....5....6. It goes on and on. Sadly, their count doesn't really matter. Owens realizes that he should've won by now and finally sees that there's no official. Owens go to check on the ref, but is attacked from behind by both Anderson and Breakker. Both men clothesline Owens from behind, taking him down and then proceeding to lay the boots in on him.
Mauro Ranallo: Would you look at these jackals!
After laying in several kicks to Owens, Anderson tells Breakker to get the Prizefighter up. He wants to put the finishing touches on this with a Spinebuster like his old man. Bron listens, getting KO to his feet. But as he does, Owens begins fighting back. First he hits Breakker with a right hand that stuns the big man, then he follows up with a Superkick to Anderson. Brock is dazed and KO quickly hits him with a Stunner for good measure. Anderson takes a bump and rolls out the ring. Owens turns his attention back to Breakker, who is now recovering from the right hand and is angry. He looks to go on the attack but before he can, Owens catches him with a boot and hits him with a Stunner as well.
Corey Graves: This is unbelievable! Kevin Owens is fighting off all of Legacy on his own!
Owens stands tall. The crowd is fully behind him. But they're not the only ones behind him. Kevin Owens has forgotten about someone. The leader of Legacy. Owens trash talks Anderson and Breakker but Randy Orton quickly spins him around and hooks his head, looking to finish this with an RKO!
Tom Phillips: Orton is going to take advantage of the distraction!
Not quite! Again, another counter from Owens! He pushes Orton in the back a second time. This time, it forces Orton towards the ropes. Orton runs them and comes back towards Owens. The Prizefighter is ready and hoists Orton high up in the air, looking for the Pop-Up Powerbomb...
Corey Graves: Owens is going for the Pop-Up Powerbomb! He's going to do this!
Before Owens can hit the Powerbomb, the unthinkable happens. While he is in midair, Randy Orton is able to hook Kevin Owens' head and slams him down with an RKO!
Mauro Ranallo: MAMA MIA! What an RKO!
Nobody can believe it! Randy Orton just turned certain doom into certain victory. WIth Owens down, Orton crawls to the cover, hooking the leg for good measure...
1...
2...
3...
DING
DING
DING
Tony Chimel: The winner of this match as a result of a pinfall, "The Viper" Randy Orton!
Tom Phillips: I can't believe this! Randy Orton stole a victory here tonight! Kevin Owens had to fight off the entire Legacy!
Corey Graves: Believe it, Phillips! Some men are good. Others are great! Randy Orton is one of the greats!
Orton collects Breakker and Anderson as the trio celebrate his victory as Backlash rolls on.
The camera would cut to Ciampas private locker room as he seems to be conferring with Oba Femi and Sonya Deville for what the plan is tonight to take out Roman and keep him out. Renee Young would then walk on screen going to talk to Ciampa but Sonya would get in front of her.
Sonya Deville: Renee, Don Ciampa is very busy right now and would not like to be dis….
Ciampa raises his hand
Ciampa: Sonya its fine, Renee is a friend, let her sit.
Sonya nods and motions for Oba to pull a chair up for Renee, Oba does so and Renee sits.
Sonya Deville: Can we get you anything Renee, wine, water, we got some nice canollis in?
Renee shakes her head
Renee Young: No i’m good thanks, just wanted to speak to Ciampa before tonight if thats ok?
Ciampa nods
Ciampa: Of course Renee, you’re always welcome to ask questions but as you can probably understand there is some matters of business we cannot discuss so only questions about tonight ok?
Renee nods
Renee Young: Of course, so tonight you have your rematch with Roman Reigns, of course you pinned him at Wrestlemania to win the triple threat but then Roman claimed you didn’t beat him and demanded this rematch. Why accept the challenge?
Ciampa nods, sipping his wine
Ciampa: Its a good question Renee, like i’ve said over the past few weeks, I have nothing left to prove with Roman. I pinned him in the middle of the ring 1..2..3 and he refuses to accept that. You see, Roman is a prideful man and i’ll admit so am I. A few weeks ago I was just seen as the fish at the bottom of the barrel but I racked up the important wins and proved to everyone that wasn’t the case but Roman couldn’t take that.
He couldn’t take losing to the man the rest of the roster had written off weeks and months ago as nothing else but a bit player and that wounded his pride, it wounded his ability to be the self proclaimed “Tribal Chief”, he realized when I pinned him that everything that he’d thrown at me was not true and now he wants to prove everyone wrong and maybe I felt charitable so i’m throwing him a bone but I guarantee tonight will be the same result.
Renee nods
Renee Young: Well you’re certainly confident, now I wanted to ask over the past few weeks you’ve taken on a new title, you’re calling yourself “The Don of UWF”, what has lead to this change.
Ciampa would nod
Ciampa: Yes I have started referring to myself as that and its because the UWF needs leadership, it needs a guiding hand and I am going to be that guiding hand for this roster. Better than McIntyre or LA Knight could wish to be. You see in my culture, a Don is not just a leader, he is a figurehead, a symbol of greatness, for people to aspire to be and I want to be that symbol, I want everyone to see what hard work gets you. I’m not like everyone else, I don’t rest on my laurels, when theres an issue I work to change it and there was an issue in me, so I had to change, I had to become the Don and I promise you this Renee, once the Don gets his Gold, the UWF will be under an era of prosperity.
Renee nods again
Renee Young: So let me ask, you have your enforcer in Oba Femi and you have your Consiglieri in Sonya but every family well, they have an Underboss, who’s yours?
Ciampa looks at Renee and then nods to Sonya who places a hand on Renee’s shoulder
Sonya Deville: Thats enough questions for tonight Renee, the Don needs to focus on the task at hand, any other questions you can ask him later.
Renee reads the room and realises she may have overstepped and she just nods and gets up, the camera cuts as The Ciampa Family goes back to talking.
The stadium is in darkness, A spotlight appears as Viking banners falls from seemingly nowhere, depicting sagas of legendary battles and valiant warriors from UWFs past. The banners are a sight to behold as the arena is shrouded in smoke rising from all around, The camera pans down to a silhouette of what looks like a Viking ship, though much larger than one would think. The lights suddenly bathe the ring, center of the light, a standard wrestling ring stretches out, its canvas weathered to resemble ancient Viking sailcloth. Two imposing Viking long ship prows frame either side of the ring, their dragon-headed bows arching high above the turnbuckles. Massive wooden beams connect the figureheads to the ring, either side of the ring solid wood. The UWF ring resembles a Viking long ship. The ring ropes connect either side of the "ship" shields are attached to the ropes either side, They are etched with dragons. Drums line the ringside area...
Red lights focus on the stage and smoke billows from the entrance way as 'Skullseeker' by Eternal Champion blasts out of the PA system to a tremendous ovation. 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... 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.
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.
DING DING DING
Caleb starts pounding his chest, the crowd chanting "Skal!" along with each thump. He's trying to intimidate Vincent but the mad man just looks on with a smile on his face. Caleb lets out a loud roar and Vincent runs up on him. They starts swinging away at each other but Caleb is getting the better of the two, backing the Horror King into the ropes and then Clotheslining him to the floor below.
Mauro Ranallo: Well it didn't take long for the action to spill out of the ring.
Tom Phillips: This is the second ever Viking Rules match in UWF but what exactly are Viking Rules?
Mauro Ranallo: That's the thing Phillips, nobody knows! It's provocative. It gets the people going!
Corey Graves: Isn't it just a No DQ match with ship ends?
Mauro Ranallo: ...
Caleb comes out to pick up Vincent but gets a knee to the gut for his troubles. The former UWF Champion points to the shield hanging on the ropes and throws Caleb head first into the shield! Caleb flails around but Vincent gives him the Jumpscare DDT on the outside! If that wasn't bad enough, Vincent picks up Caleb and throws him head first into the bow! His head goes right through it and he just lays there as Vincent smiles. He follows that up with a Saito Suplex on the floor! He doesn't bother going for a pin, instead he lifts up the ring skirt to dig for some goodies.
Tom Phillips: And this is where I think Vincent starts to go a little too far.
Corey Graves: It's Viking Rules you snowflake. Caleb is the one who wanted this.
Vincent comes back up with some barbed wire. He starts wrapping it around his fist and walks over to Caleb as he's getting to his feet. He throws a big punch but Caleb puts his hands up to catch it. The camera zooms in to see his hands are being dug into by the barbs. The Hammer lives up to his name and Headbutts Vincent to back him away. Vincent comes back with a Pump Kick but Caleb ducks it and hits the ropes coming back with Gungir! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Vincent kicks out! Caleb grabs the barbed wire around Vincent's arm and pulls it off. He sits up the former UWF Champion and starts to wrap it around Vincent's head.
Mauro Ranallo: A crown of thorns fit for a Horror King!
Caleb pulls Vincent up to his feet and brings him over to the corner where he starts smashes his head into the top turnbuckles over and over again, the barbs digging deeper and deeper into Vinny's head until he starts to bleed. Caleb then turns him around and lifts him up onto the top turnbuckle. He climbs up there along with him but Vinny gives him a headbutt, one of the barbs cutting Caleb right above the eye! Vincent takes the wire off his head and instead wraps it around. Caleb's neck. He takes the other end and goes to wrap it against the mast of the ship, maybe looking to hang his opponent. Stormbringer ain't having none of that though and fights back, exchanging blows with the former Champion before throwing the wire off his neck. He instead grabs Vincent and sends him plunging to the depths with the Arrow of the Gods! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Vincent kicks out! The Mighty One brings up his new foe and goes to lift him straight into the air but Vincent lands behind him and shoves him into the corner. Caleb gets his hands up before colliding but Vincent gives him a Pump Kick to the back of the head! Caleb is knocked into the corner and Vincent follows up with some Head Trauma, bashing his face into the turnbuckles over and over and with no DQ, he does it as many times as he wants or until Caleb ends up collapsing from not being able to stay up. Vincent drags him out of the corner and lifts him up for a Powerbomb but transitions it into Post-Mortem! He makes the cover!
1 . . .
2 . . .
But no! Vincent grabs Caleb by his beard and lifts him back up. He smiles and shakes his head, telling him he's not getting off that easily.
Mauro Ranallo: Vincent very well may have won right there but he wants to send a message.
Corey Graves: Well think about it, how often has it been someone coming after Vincent? Usually it's only because he holds a title but no one dares go out of their way to confront him. I think Caleb made a big mistake.
Vincent throws him to the mat and instead rolls to the outside. Caleb also rolls out on the opposite end. Vincent digs under the ring and comes up with a big smile on his face. He slowly lifts up what he's found to reveal his trusty axe.
Mauro Ranallo: Oh no. We've seen what kind of damage Vincent has done in the past with that weapon.
Corey Graves: It never amazes me what is legal in a UWF ring.
Caleb looks on but not with concern. He instead lifts up the ring skirt and digs around as well, coming back up with a little weapon of his own.
The crowd roars and Vincent's smile fades into a snarl. Both men slide into the ring with their axes. Vincent winds up for a big swing but Caleb's axe is smaller but more agile, allowing him to take a swipe first. Vincent narrowly dodges it and looks shocked. Caleb smiles and swings it as easily as throwing a punch. Vincent is on defense, trying to avoid the hits. The Horror King takes a wild swing but misses, doing a 360. As he turns back around, Caleb launches the axe and Vincent moves just in time but a few of his dreads gets sliced clean off as the axe wedges into the turnbuckle.
Now Caleb is at a disadvantage. Vincent stalks him, whispers words that we're glad we can't hear. He lifts the axe overhead and swings it down but Caleb catches it at the handle. The blade is close to his face as Vincent tries to bring it down further. Caleb struggles with the axe, trying to prevent himself from being murdered. Vincent decides to pull back which catches Caleb off guard and so Vincent hits him in the face with the butt of the axe! The Mighty One is stunned but another hit to the face sends him reeling into the ropes, leaned over with his back facing Vincent. The Horror King smiles and brings his axe up to his face and licks the blade, the crowd groaning as his tongue bleeds. He raises the Axe up high and runs at Caleb, swinging down with full force!
Tom Phillips: Oh my God I can't look!
Mauro Ranallo: Someone stop this!
Vincent brings the axe down and a loud thud is heard. Caleb has grabbed one of the shields off the ropes and lifted it over his head to block the axe. The weapon is lodged into the shield and Caleb tosses it to the outside. He kicks Vinny in the gut and then places him between the ropes, lifting his chest up to give him some Clubbing blows to the chest! They ring out until he hits him 10 times before he throws him back to the center of the ring. He reaches over the ropes and grabs another shield off of them. Vincent is getting to his feet but he's knocked down via Shield Bash! He falls to the mat and Caleb gets on top of him in a full mount. Next thing you know he brings the face of the shield down on Vincent's face! The Horror King's face explodes in a burst of blood. The Mighty Caleb doesn't stop there though, he yells out and hits him over and over again until you can barely tell who it was he was facing off with. Blood splatter is all over Caleb's body as lets out a primal scream to the heavens. The ref finally realizes that Vincent's shoulders are down and with Caleb on top of him, he makes the pin.
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3 . . .
Tony Chimel: Here is your winner, The Mighty Caleb!
Mauro Ranallo: He's done it! Caleb has vanquished the evil from UWF.
Tom Phillips: Still think he's just a cos play warrior Corey?
Corey Graves: Shut up Phillips!
Caleb falls to the side, a bloody and broken mess, too tired to celebrate. Medical officials storm into the ring to check on both men. It's a wild sight as the feed cuts elsewhere.
Open to a Japanese Bar. Follow a bartender as he traverses through a lively atmosphere and drops off a few drinks to a table where four men sit. They talk in subtitled Japanese.
KENTA: Robert Roode, huh?
Pan out to reveal the group. Shibata, KENTA, Murakami, and Shiozaki. The atmosphere seems to be pretty friendly between KENTA and Shibata, a far cry from their relationship a few years ago.
Shibata: I'm afraid so.
KENTA: That's a shame. I'm sure you were expecting someone more... exciting.
Shibata: I was. It is what it is, though. He has my full focus now for better or worse.
Pan over to Murakami, who takes a break from scowling at Shiozaki to offer his opinion on the matter.
Murakami: What a joke. Wish I would have answered it, instead.
Shibata: Why didn't you?
Murakami: I only wrestle for a company if the catering is good.
Shibata: Fair enough.
Shiozaki: I wouldn't underestimate him. He looked good his last match, and he's clearly got a chip on his shoulder.
Murakami: Yeah, he's got something to prove because he blows.
KENTA: He did say himself that his best days were behind him...
Shiozaki: I suspect he plans on changing that...
Shibata: I would hope so.
KENTA: I saw that you declined a handshake from him. Never expected to see you do that... I approve, though.
Shibata: It was something I had to do. I didn't enjoy it...
KENTA: ...you should. Men like him... they don't deserve one.
Murakami nods his head in agreement. Shiozaki doesn't seem as approving. Even Shibata himself seems a tad bit regretful.
Shibata: I just hope that he can become deserving of one. I don't dislike the man.
Murakami: I do!
Shiozaki: We're well aware.
KENTA: You don't dislike him?... interesting.
Shibata's eyebrows burrow in curiosity as do Shiozaki's.
Shibata: What do you mean?
KENTA Smirks.
KENTA: I just think that's an interesting mindset to have going into the match.
Shibata: ...Why?
KENTA: Well... let me put it like this. There have been times where I've seen you wrestle with pity. At backlash... don't wrestle with any pity.
Shibata: Hm. I'll keep that in mind.
KENTA's words have put the group in a tense atmosphere. Murakami seems to side with his advice. Shiozaki's burrowed eyebrows suggest he doesn't agree. Shibata seems torn. He breaks the tension.
Shibata: You know... I'm glad you could join us tonight, KENTA. After everything we've been through, I'm glad I can call you a friend today.
Murakami: Cheers to that.
The four hold up their glasses.
KENTA: To life's new chapter.
Their glasses clink together and they all take a swig. Shibata goes to set his down when he notices something odd on his coaster. There's an arrow on it. He flips the coaster over and discovers cryptic writing.
RELEASE YOURSELF FROM CAPTIVITY - DAMNATION
Just like before, right below the writing is an anarchy sign drawn in red. Shibata's eyebrows burrow as the show heads elsewhere.
Head of the Table hits the PA System and out comes Roman Reigns. All alone doesn't have his problem solver no Wiseman just the Tribal Chief in all his glory.
Tony Chimel: Making his way to the ring from Pensacola, Florida being accompanied by Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman. The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns!
Reigns and company make there way to the ring and the reception is mixed for the Tribal Chief. Roman is taking his time to get in the ring showing little urgency. Roman finally gets into the ring and he looks out to the crowd. Roman Reigns throws up the one into the crowd as the fans give more boos than usual for the Tribal Chief. Roman Reigns looks ready to fight his opponent.
As Conquer them All blasts over the speakers Ciampa walks out onto stage, flanked by Oba Femi and steel chair in hand. He chats with Oba a bit as they make their way down to the ramp
Tony Chimel: Making his way to the ring from Boston, Massachusetts weighing in tonight at 201lbs, accompanied by Oba Femi he is The "Don of UWF" Tommaso Ciampa.
Making his march down to the ring, Ciampa and Oba reach the ring steps and Oba opens the ropes up for Ciampa and Ciampa gets in, climbing to the second turnbuckle in the corner
On the second turnbuckle, Ciampa screams out "THIS IS MY MOMENT" before hopping off and getting into the corner completely, sitting down as he waits for his opponent, Oba prowling on the outside.
*Ding Ding Ding*
As the bell is sounding, Ciampa rushes across the ring so that just as the finishes ringing he leaps up driving both knees onto Romans chest and face sending him backwards to the turnbuckles. Reigns bounces back against the corner and drops straight down to a seated position, as Ciampa gets up on his feet and grabs the ropes for balance as he starts to stomp down on Reigns relentlessly. The referee counts him off up to 4 before Ciampa finally lets up, Roman rolls out of the ring under the bottom rope to get away from the onslaught.
Mauro Ranallo: Tommaso Ciampa is wasting no time here, he’s going right after him!
Tom Phillips: And he’s got Roman Reigns on the backfoot too.
Ciampa hits the ropes to get some momentum, diving through the ropes in a suicide dive. Roman gets his arms up. Using his hands to guide Ciampas soaring body and send him continuing over flipping back first into the barricade folding up onto the floor in a sickening manner.
Corey Graves: Oh my god!
Mauro Ranallo: Ohhhh Tommaso Ciampa in a devastatingly accurate suicide dive, crashes and burns against the barricade.
Roman leans on the ring apron catching his breath as Ciampa is laying folded up on his shoulders and neck on the floor. Roman grabs Ciampa and pulls him up slowly before he throws him back into the ring, sliding in as the referee tries to check on Ciampa but Reigns shoves him away to cover him as the referee quickly goes for the cover.
1
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2
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Shoulder up
Tom Phillips: I don’t know how Tommaso Ciampa survived that, that was an absolutely sickening landing on the outside.
Ciampa pops his shoulder off the mat, Roman sitting up on his knees with a look of frustration. He slaps the side of Ciampas head, shouting down at him before he shifts over, mounting him and hitting him with measured right hands to the head. As Ciampas head bounces off the mat, Reigns strikes down with a forearm shot across his jaw. Ground and pounding him in the middle of the ring before standing and stomping down onto his gut.
Corey Graves: The Tribal Chief is dominating now, you make one mistake against Roman and you’re as good as done.
Ciampa is rolling over in pain, trying to push himself off the mat. But once he’s on his knees, Reigns casually bounces off the ropes, takes a couple steps and hits a boot to the side of his head, putting him straight down again. He motions over at Oba and Sonya standing at ringside and gestures towards Ciampa, asking if this is their Big Don. He reaches down at grabs Ciampa by the beard and starts to pull him up, all the while looking down at his corner of representatives as if making sure they watch as he wraps his arm around his head and locks in a Guillotine Choke.
Mauro Ranallo: And now that he’s got him where he wants him, Roman Reigns is looking to choke the life out of Tommasso Ciampa
Ciampa struggles and immediately starts hitting right hands to Romans side to get him to let up, but Roman just clenches the hold tighter making him struggle for air. Roman goes to hook his legs around Ciampa, but Tommaso manages to time it so when he does he lifts him up even higher and shifts his body around to hit a massive Double A inspired Spinebuster. The shift and impact cause Roman to let go as Ciampa rolls to one side grabbing at the back of his neck, trying to create some distance and recover. Getting to the ropes and pulling himself up, as Reigns has gotten himself up holding his back and stretching in pain a bit but refocusing and going for the attack. Rushing Ciampa for a clothesline in the corner, Ciampa gets his foot up and catches his arm coming in with a kick to stop and turn Roman facing the other way. The Don hooks Reigns waist up seeming for a German but Reigns quickly crouches to block the lift, he goes for a big back elbow to get him off but Ciampa ducks it causing Reigns to simply turn in place and once he’s facing the corner Ciampa heaves him up like a flapjack and drops him straight down face first onto the top turnbuckle. As Reigns bounces off it and stumbles out of the corner, Ciampa hooks his waist up again and hits a big German Suplex, managing to bridge him.
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2
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Kick out.
Reigns kicks out, and Ciampa immediately slaps the mat in frustration as he gets up.
Tom Phillips: That neck seems to really be bothering Ciampa now, I’m surprised he was able to pull that off.
Corey Graves: If the past couple months are anything to go by, we shouldn’t be surprised by anything he’s able to pull off at this point Tom.
Roman is stumbling up to his feet quickly, not allowing Ciampa to have him down for long. Ciampa has him measured up though and quickly spins around looking for a discus clothesline, but right as he turns for it, Reigns scoops him up onto his shoulders and drops him down with a Samoan Drop. Reigns sits up and shakes his head, saying no that’s not going to work as he gets up to his feet.
Mauro Ranallo: Just when you think you can speed up the pace, Roman slows it down right back to how he likes it.
Ciampa is arching his back in pain from the drop, Reigns just grabs him and pulls him up to his feel slowly hitting him with a headbutt to keep him under control. Roman pulls him up and lifts his arm over his shoulder, looking out and making everyone wait for it until he heaves Ciampa up in the air with one arm and slams him down with a massive Uranage. Reigns drops down to one knee, no rush at all, before pulling Ciampa to his back and covering him with a forearm across his face.
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2
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Kick out.
Ciampa kicks out as Reigns almost seems amused, not expecting a three but wanting to shove it in his face that he can cover him at any point. Grabbing his head and standing up, pulling Tommasso up with him as he does before hitting a measured uppercut right to the jaw that sends Ciampa stumbling backwards into the corner.
Corey Graves: This is where Roman is most dangerous, it’s at his pace and now the Head of the Table is just playing with his food.
Roman rushes and hits a big clothesline in the corner that kicks Ciampas feet high up into the air from the impact. Reigns shakes his arm a little, feeling a little sting from the boot he received to it earlier. He looks at Ciampa slouched in the corner and pie faces him, climbing up to the second rope and hitting him with a straight right hand to the head. He looks out to the crowd, letting the image of him towering over his opponent sink in before he hits another measured strike to the head. Reigns puts a one up in the air as some in the crowd follow suit, and then follows it up with yet another straight punch down on Ciampa as the referee is trying to tell him to get him out of the corner.
Tom Phillips: Roman Reigns is having his way here.
Mauro Ranallo: Cold and calculated with each strike, he’s letting the weight of each one sit with every viewing audience member.
Reigns hits yet another right hand down on Ciampa, and looks up at the crowd extending his arms out presenting himself to the world. When suddenly Ciampa stands up straight and hooks his arms on Reigns legs in a powerbomb manner, Reigns immediately grabs the top rope and prevents Ciampa from pulling him away from the corner. Ciampa goes for a lift again but Reigns has a deathgrip on the ropes making sure he doesn’t go anywhere, until Ciampa moves his hands to his rear-end and pushes him upwards sending him head first onto the top of the ring post. The loud smack of skull hitting steel causes his body to almost go limp as Ciampa hooks him up again and shows off all his strength as he lifts him away from the corner slowly in a powerbomb position, before dropping him and lifting his knees up hitting a Project Ciampa.
Corey Graves: What!?
Mauro Ranallo: Project Ciampa! He manages to hit it on Roman Reigns.
Reigns’ body twist and falls face down on the mat as the crowd go crazy, Ciampa is shaking the cobwebs loose after the attack laid upon him as he quickly shoots the half turning Reigns body to his back and hooking the leg.
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2
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Shoulder up!
Reigns pops his shoulder off the mat and Ciampa immediately grabs at his own head in disbelief as he looks at the referee.
Tom Phillips: I can’t believe Roman managed to kick out of that!
Corey Graves: Don’t say that too loud Tom, Joe may not appreciate your questioning of the Tribal Chief.
Reigns is rolling himself out of the ring as Ciampa makes sure it wasn’t Three from the referee, once he gets the disappointing affirmation he quickly goes back into attack mode. He reaches through the ropes and stops Reigns from leaving the ring apron, pulling him up by his hair and dragging him through the ropes, hooking his head in the process.
Mauro Ranallo: If that big swing didn’t do it, this will for sure.
Before Ciampa can hit Willows Bell, Reigns moves his leg through the ropes and into the ring to push inward, using this footing to push Ciampa with one hand off of him and rolling backwards into the ring. Reigns gets himself back through the ropes but before he can attack, Ciampa has rolled up to his feet and kicks him in the gut pulling him in and hooking his arm up looking for the Fairy Tale Ending. Reigns still has fight in him, and prevents his other arm from getting hooking up, spinning out of the position under Ciampas arm and then leaping high up and hitting a huge Superman Punch that drops Ciampa down in the middle of the ring as Reigns falls back into the corner.
Corey Graves: Oh ho ho, that quickly it can all come crashing down.
Mauro Ranallo: This has been the story of the match, Tommaso Ciampa gets overzealous and Roman weathers the storm until he can hit something big.
Roman is shaking his head trying to regain focus, until he sees the positioning and leans forward while grabbing the ropes like a predator seeing his prey. Ciampa is struggling to get himself up, knocked loopy from the big punch. Once up to his feet, Reigns does his signature shout beckoning his Spear. Roman charges him but Ciampa manages to catch him coming with a kick that stops him and stands him up vertically, quickly spinning around and hitting a Discus forearm shot to Reigns that drops him to a knee. Ciampa quickly hits the ropes and goes for a knee to the side of the head but Reigns stands himself up to avoid the impact, as Ciampa turns back to Reigns he’s lifted up onto his shoulders. Tomasso quickly kicks his legs frantically while up in the air, managing to slide himself off of Reigns grasp and land behind him. Ciampa hooks the waist for a German but immediately is hit with a back elbow that smacks so loud the crowd Ooh, Reigns hits the ropes and comes back leaping for another Superman punch but Ciampa reacts quickly avoiding the punch and at the same time grabbing Reigns left wrist as he comes down wrapping his own arm around him. Ciampa uses his armto spin Reigns around and bring him into a leaping Ripcord Knee to the Jaw that buckles him, dropping him to one knee once again.
Tom Phillips: Counter for Counter, these two are not letting up!
Ciampa pulls Reigns head between his legs and hooks his arms up looking for the Fairy-Tale Ending again. But once more, Reigns powers his arms loose, and lifts Ciampa up and over for a Backdrop. Ciampa manages to grab the top rope as he’s sent over so that he can safely land on the ring apron, but Reigns quickly realizes and goes for the attack on him. Ciampa quickly pulls the top rope straight back making it snap forward catching Reigns right on the throat, Reigns grabs at his throat coughing. Ciampa quickly drives his shoulder through the ropes to Reigns ribs to bend him over, quickly pulling his head through the ropes hooking it under his arm and dropping straight down from the ring apron driving Roman head first onto the ring apron hitting a modified Willows Bell.
Mauro Ranallo: Mama Mia! Head First onto the hardest part of the ring!
Ciampa quickly climbs back on the apron as Reigns is almost falling out of the ring hanged up on the second rope, Ciampa grabs the top rope and springboards over the top rope into the inside, rolling Roman up in the process into a schoolboy.
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3
Tony Chimel: Here is your winner, Tommaso Ciampa!
Ciampa lets go of the cover and rolls out of the ring, holding the back of his neck and raising his hand in the air in victory.
Corey Graves: Tommaso Ciampa gets the victory over Roman Reigns, managing to prove himself over the Tribal Chief.
Tom Phillips: Thanks to that rope shot to the throat, that devastating Willows Bell onto the ring apron was enough to roll Reigns up.
Sonya raises Ciampas hand in the air as they walk backwards up the ramp, Ciampa does his little wave goodbye to Reigns.
The titantron switches from the UWF Backlash graphic to a live feed from backstage where Renee Young is standing by.
Young: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guests at this time, Kyle O'Reilly and Bayley!
The step-sibs step into the frame, with the Diabetic Dragon looking like he's ready for the fight of his life tonight. Wrists taped. Gera on. Hair cut. Nails clipped. Eyes firey. Blood cold. You name it. He's dialed in.
Young: Thanks for joining me, folks. Obviously a big night tonight for you Kyle as you're set to go one-on-one with Rick Rude as you challenge for the Intercontinental Championship for the first time in your career.
KO'R: I gotta be real with you Renee - I never even thought about the Icey Title much before. At least not about me winning it. Back when I had the Prizz Tizz Mizzle, everyone kept telling me I could cash that in for a shot... but I never wanted that. I just wanted to be the best, longest-reigning Mizzlest I could be. And since then its just kinda been one thing after another. Ya know, King of the Ring, then WarGames, the UWF Title, Tyler Breeze, Joey Janela, Vincent... just a whole lotta stuff. But never titles. And then Rick and me both needed someone to fight at Backlash, and, well, now we're gonna fight.
Its pretty rad, though. Everyone always compares me to Larry Sweeney, right? Like... even still. But Larry was never the Icey Champ. Never even fought for the belt. So if I can win this one, that's gonna be one more thing that makes us different forever.
Young: Kyle, you've been racking up some solid wins in singles action since Wrestlemania, but if I'm not mistaken, it was you, Bayley, who was the one petitioning for this match with EC3.
The "Good Guy" shrugs that off like it ain't nothing but a thang.
Bayley: I'm proud as a rainbow flag in June that I got to team up with The Ravishing One to rack up a win at Mania, Renee. But Vincent freakshow goons robbed the world of a chance to see the so-far greatest Intercontinental Champion defend his belt on pay-per-view. Rick's had that title for damn near three months now and hasn't been able to put it on the line even once. That doesn't seem very fair, does it?
Young: Well... I guess not...
Renee shoots Bayley a weary eye, wondering if there's some double speak going on here. But Bayley just keeps rolling, enthusiastic as ever.
Bayley: So I figured rather than him being left without a match again - or even worse - having to put the gold up against some weirdo or dirtbag, I'd work the ol' Bayley magic on EC3 and set up a dream match. Now we've got New World Orders brothers colliding over what's arguably the most prestigious of all the titles in this organization. Not bad, huh?
Young: Right. Well speaking of, there's been some speculation that EC3 only signed off on this match because he's hoping that it might break up this nWo reunion tour before it even really gets going. Knowing how controversial the group was last time around, do you think there's any creedance to that?
Kyle shakes his dang head.
KO'R: Remember when me and Edge fought each other in the King of the Ring and then like two weeks later teamed up in WarGamges? nWo is 4 lyfe, Renee. 4 LYFE.
He holds up four fingers for emphasis (not the ones you'd expect).
Bayley: And besides, when one person in the nWo has the belt, its like everyone gets to share in that cred. I know Rick better than ANYONE - even and especially Eric Bischoff - and let me tell ya, he'd be proud to see Kyle win that belt and hold it high.
Young: Okay. Sure. Maybe. But Rick Rude is known to play a little dirty and Kyle... well... you tend to fly off the handle from time to time. Can we expect a clean, honest competition here? Or is there a chance things go a little too far? You and Rick have been adamant you're going to deliver a mat classic? Aren't you worried that with all the hype and stakes you'll kick into a higher gear and this will all get a little... personal?
KO'R: Pffft. No. Why?
Young: Just my job to ask.
There's a bit of awkward silence for a sec until Bayley speaks up again.
Bayley: Welp. This has been a slice as always Renee, but Kyle here's got some insulin and iron to pump before bell time, so if you'll excuse us...
She throws her arm around Kyle's shoulder and guides him away, leaving Renee to sign off while Backlash rolls on!
Chimel: The following contest is set for one-fall!
Robert Roode comes out and head to the ring.
Chimel: Introducing first, Robert Roode!
He waits in the ring for his opponent to arrive.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE.
THANK YOU FOR THE HEART.
Tatsuro Yamashita's "Fragile" graces the atmosphere and so does one Katsuyori Shibata. He steps out from behind the curtain like only he does, stoic, calm, and proud. The audience showers him with cheers, excited to see the wrestler after his long absence.
THERE'LL NEVER BE A LONG AND LONELY NIGHT AGAIN.
The fans reach out for him, showering him with love in spite of his past. He swats it all away though. Not the time for pleasantries. It's time for fighting, and that seems to be the only thing on the wrestler's mind as he makes his way to the ring, marching down the ramp like a soldier marching into battle.
Chimel From Kuwana, Japan... weighing in at 215 pounds... he is the wrestler... Shibataaaaaaaaaaaaaa Katsuuuuuuuyoriiiiiii!!!
A resounding applause accompanies that introduction, but you wouldn't know that looking at Shibata. In one ear and out the other for him as he walks up the ring steps and smoothly makes his way through the ropes, denying himself the audience's appreciation.
I WALKED AWAY FROM LOVE. I ALWAYS HAD MYSELF TO BLAME.
I HID MY FRAGILE DREAMS AWAY.
And with that, the voice of Yamashita fades out the atmosphere and what replaces it is a tension that only Shibata could bring to a room. He steps back into his corner and awaits the battle ahead, unmoved. It's as if the only people in the building were Shibata and his opponent.
Tony heads out of the ring and after ensuring both competitors are good to go, the Referee calls for the bell.
VS
DING DING
The fellas are a ring-width apart, each standing in their own corner when the bell sounds. Shibata keeps his gaze low, eyes fixed on the body rather than the face of his opponent. Its not for a lack of confidence - its so that he can't get faked out with a feint. Roode begins to circle around the perimeter of the ring. Shibata moves likewise in the opposite direction, pausing for a moment to stretch out on the ropes, then dipping and sliding to get a feel for the ring before the action begins.
Robert steps into the middle of the ring and challenges Katsuyori to engage with him there - his arms raised up offering a collar-and-elbow to start. Shibata steps in like he's going to take him up on the offer, only to blast him above the knee with a snappy kick that instantly messes with the balance of the Canuck. Roode winces while the attack earns Shibata a decidedly mixed reaction from the capacity crowd in Oakland.
Ranallo: Some might call that a cheap shot - but let's not forget, this is a prizefighting contest between combatants and failing to stand on ceremony or shirking a polite gesture isn't illegal. We saw Shibata turn down a handshake with Roode in the lead-up to this bout already.
Phillips: Shibata has been willing to acknowledge Roode's talent as a wrestler, but says he's operating at a higher level. The Wrestler picked up a win in a triple threat match also involving the Canadian a few weeks back - between the extra man and the ring rust of all involved, I think Robert, just like are fans, were eager to run it back one more time, which is why he took Shibata up on this Open Challenge.
The 2017 Rumble winner backs up towards the ropes to shake his leg out. Shibata gives him space, letting him digest what kinda firepower he's up against. Robert then marches back to the middle and crouches a bit, challenging Shibata to come at him again. The Japanese Superstar does so, once again avoiding a typical lock-up when he snappily dips around behind a lunging Roode to apply a waist lock!
While he angles to get a better grip, Roode escapes, slides around the back, and applies the exact same hold. Shibata counters in turn, and this time when he's behind his foe, he drops to a single knee to stave off the reversal. Robert focuses his attention on a single wrist, prying that off to he can contort the arm with a Hammerlock. Katsuyori grits his teeth, explodes up from that kneeling position and drives both his opponent and himself into ropes. They don't bounce back - they lean up against the cable until the Referee intervenes to force a break.
Roode eases up on his grip so Shibata can get loose of his hold. Katsuyori puts his hands up slow - like there's a gun on him - as he steps away. Ain't nothing clean about this break, though, cause the former Double Champ trashes Roode's chest with a dag nasty slap across the torso on his way out. Again, this elicits a divisive reaction from the Californian crowd.
Ranallo: Another indication that Shibata doesn't think Roode belongs in this ring with him.
Graves: However near he might be to the end of it, Bobby's had a helluva career in the UWF. Talk about a guy that's done it all, right? But Shibata's resume is Hall of Fame worthy too, and at this point in their lives - given where both men are at - ya know what? Maybe Shibata's right. Maybe Roode isn't in his league. Can you imagine how you'd feel if your big return to pay-per-view after three years away was against a washed-up opponent? For a proud competitor like Shibata, there's no way that sits well.
Phillips: Well Corey, I think you and The Wrestler both might be taking Roode a little too lightly.
A frustrated Roode charges at his opponent. Shibata cuts him off with a knee to guts on the way in, then slaps on a tight side headlock, grinding dome against torso in the crook of the arm to begin the process of wearing him down. Yet again, Roode focuses his attention on the wrist as a means of escape, and by plying it off, he's able to spin through and get a headlock of his own wrapped on Shibata.
For a second time, Katsuyori pushes both of their mass into the ropes. Now the bounce back, although an attempt to use that momentum to shake Roode off goes nowhere when the Canadian drops to a knee while still holding on to that head. Shibata fires a few elbows into Robert's back, near the kidneys probably. It isn't enough to overcome the grip. Katsuyori's feet move around, searching for some sound footing as a foundation for the escape. There's something frantic about the movement. Flustered, even.
Ranallo: Ah, now Roode is slowing this down and implementing what be a bit of a power advantage, at least in the grappling department.
Phillips: Looks to me like that's caught Shibata by surprise and has him a bit frustrated.
With no other option readily available, Shibata wows that split crowd back in his favour by planting his palms on the canvas and elevating his body straight up into a handstand. When he drops back down, the leverage pops his head out of Robert's grasp. The two foes scramble to their feet, with the more recent world champ catching the other with a Snapmare to bring him back down to the mat in a seated position. Katsuori then winds up for a short-range PK!
Roode ducks the game-changing kick by flat-backing then kip-ups to a vertical base as the follow-through sees Katsuyori jog a few paces away. When he turns around, he and Robert are a few steps apart, standing off like gunslingers while the fans cheer for what's shaping up to be a solid back-and-forth encounter.
Ranallo: Shibata's got a look in his eyes like maybe this is going to be a bit more challenging than anticipated...
Graves: And Roode looks like someone who just got the Governor's Call seconds before the switch got pulled on the electric chair. That Penalty Kick would have put him down for a three count, no doubt about it.
Now its Katsuyori who offers the hand - not for a shake - but for the lock-up. Greco-Roman Knuckle, to be exact. Roode smirks and accept, cautiously so as no to get caught off guard by a sneaky sneak attack again. Shibata's sincere about it now. He's got something to prove.
They clasp palms in the middle of the squared circle - just with one arm before Shibata looks to turn that connection into submission. When he twists the limb one way, Roode drops down and sommersaults his way through the pain. Shibata follwows him there with a cartwheeel, still maintaining the grip. He then pushes Robert's shoulders down in the canvas with that arm wrapped up by the ear, effectively going for a pinfall...
1...
Roode rolls the shoulder on his free arm off the mat, wincing as the effort shoots needles through his nervous system given the awkward predicament he's in. Shibata the springs to his feet and stomps on the one arm while its still contorted, bending the elbow and shoulder both at freaky angles.
Robert cries out cause that sucks, then rolls towards the exterior of the ring to take a breath. Shibata paces around while the fans of his Strong Style ruthlessness go toe-to-toe with Roode's people out there in the arena.
Phillips: If I'm not mistaken, that's the arm Roode like to throw that Lariat with. Damage like that is going to take that maneuver out of the equation.
Graves: Shibata promised a dominant performance, but it might not necessarily be a quick one. He's going to pick Robert apart systematically to send a message to the roster here AT BACKLASH.
Robert stands back up on the apron. Shibata comes over to meet him there. The Canadian throws a haymaker with the uninjured arm to ward him off. Katsuyori ducks underneath and boots him in the stomach, taking the wind out of his sails. Shibata then turns him around and slaps on a Sleeper Hold!
Of course the Ref rushes in to start a five count since the choke is applied with a man on either side of the ropes. Best believe The Wrestler makes the most of said count before releasing. Roode collapses to a sitting position on the apron, breathing deep and heavy once he's free. The sudden loss and gain of airflow has his dizzy enough to leave that back exposed, giving Shibata wide open target to hit the far ropes and blast him a Penalty Kick on the return!
Shin hits back - rather than preferred front - but its more than enough to send Robert careening on to the arena floor with a discoloured welt already forming under his shoulder blades.
Phillips: Oooof! That was a brutal PK! Absolutely brutal!
Ranallo: If that were in the ring, I'd say Shibata could be well on his way to a three count right now. He might just win this by count-out instead.
The Referee doesn't wait long before starting up a ten count...
1...
2...
Roode is writhing around in pain on the floor, a storied career's worth of wear and tear on that spine exacerbated by a wicked punt. Shibata, meanwhile, stretches out in the ring, staying limber and conveying a cocky, unworried demeanour now that he's firmly back in the driver's seat.
3...
4...
Ranallo: All of the UWF's championship belts are on the line tonight - does a win in this match set up a surefire contender for one of them going into Final Battle?
Graves: It certainly could. I mean, look, technically Shibata wasn't even pinned to lose the UWF Championship, and since returning to action, all he's done is win.
Phillips: This match isn't over yet though, Corey. Robert Roode is in rough shape right now, but anything can happen on the turn on a dime here.
5...
6...
Robert is only just starting to get up when Shibata finally gets tired of waiting. The Wrestler rolls under the bottom ropes to collect his opponent. He tosses him back up on to the canvas carelessly. Once they're back in the ring, Katsuyori gets up and puts some stomps on his opponent, each one with some more umph on it than the last.
Phillips: And now Shibata is just chipping away at Roode on chunk at a time.
Ranallo: Not to play the armchair psychologist here, but I think the reason Shibata is so condescending with his violence is that he believes other wrestlers don't take this sport as seriously as he does. A guy like Robert Roode is an all-timer, but Shibata looks at him and might only sees the glitzy robes and limos - he might just remember the Beer Money shenanigans - and I think he finds all the superfluous extravaganza that goes part and parcel with sports entertainment offensive.
Phillips: You think he'd have a bit more respect for another athlete who spent years fighting their way back from a near career-ending injury, though.
Graves: Look, if Roode's as tough as he says he is, he needs to step up and prove it, because right now, it looks like Shibata was spot-on about the difference in levels here.
When the Canadian takes a swat at one of the boots coming his way, Katsuyori changes course and drops to the mat to grab that arm. He immediately wrenches back to apply an armbar, threatening to yank the already banged-up limb out of its socket. Roode knows he's in danger, plus he's way too far away from the ropes to rely on them for a way out.
Rather than yank is arm out, Robert rolls into the hold, in doing so stacking up his foe to press the shoulders to the mat, counting the submission with a pinning predicament. The Official comes in to make the count...
1...
Shibata lets go of the hold, expecting that will be enough to get Roode off, but Robert stays on top for the cover...
2...
Katsuyori is able to kick out and save himself right before the third count falls! There's a big "OHHHHH" from the crowd cause that near-fall could only be measured on the molecular level.
Both fellas are quick to their feet - the one-time Rumble Winner surprisingly so. Every movement betrays the severity of his battered back, but there's no less fight in the Canuck's eyes than there was at the start of the contest. He's as fired up as ever. Maybe moreso.
Shibata closes the gap fast, not wanting to let the momentum snowball in his rival's favour. He rushes in a little too recklessly, giving Robert the opportunity to cut him off with a kick to the guts. He hooks the head for a Glorious DDT, riling up the fans with the hint of a finisher. Thing is, Rob's using his bad arm to apply the headlock, and when he tries for the lift, the pain slows him down too much. The other man makes the most of the hiccup and slips out of harms way, then punctuates the escape with a razor-sharp chop across the chest.
Phillips: Yikes! They felt that one way up in the nosebleeds!
Ranallo: Roode's arm is giving him all sorts of trouble. I hope that injury isn't too serious - it would be a shame to see him sidelined again now that he's finally back in action.
Graves: Well that would be entirely his fault. The guy knows he's closer to the end of his career than the start and that he'll never truly be a hundred percent healthy again. So what's he doing accepting open challenges against a killer like Katsuyori Shibata?
Phillips: He's proving that he's still got the grit and guts to hang with the best of the best, Corey. I don't think he would have come back if he didn't truly believe he could be UWF Champion one more time.
Leaving the chopped Roode in his wake, Shibata dashes for the ropes to get some speed behind him. Probably he's looking for the Big Boot on his way back. Robert never lets him get the chance. He takes a few steps towards the returning Katsuyori so there's no time to pull up the boot, and catches him by surprise with an astounding Double R Spinebuster that might even crack a fraction of a smile on Arn's mean mug.
The ring rattles with the impact. Roode hooks both legs deeps for the pin...
1...
2...
Shibata kicks out before its too late!
The crowd is buzzing now. This is pick'em.
Roode sits up, taking that near-fall in stride as he clenches his jaw and slaps some life back into his bum arm. Shibata rolls over on to his hands and knees next to him, eyes glossy with the fog of being rocked. Robert grabs him by the head and pulls him to a standing position, then tucks the head and reaches for one leg in defiance of how much it pains him to do so.
Phillips: Looks like Roode is going for the Pay Off.
Ranallo: A Perfect follow-up to that earthquaking Spinebuster - fellas, this could be it!
Robert digs deep into his play book as he endeavours to execute a Fisherman Suplex on his opponent. He's able to elevate Shibata, but the dude kicks his way out while he's overhead and lands on his feet on the other side. Roode wheels around to stay on the offensive but takes a roundhouse kick to the head for his troubles. He follows that up with a Spinning Backfist from the other direction, overwhelming the It Factor of Professional Wrestling with the disorienting pair of strikes.
When Roode crashes down to the mat, Shibata follows him there to try for the pin...
1...
2...
Roode gets the shoulder up right before the third!
Shibata doesn't miss a beat. He grabs his foe by the ears and pulls him right back up, keeping him floppy with a knee to the solar plexus once they get there. Katsuyori then hoists Robert up on to his shoulders, draping him there in a Fireman's Carry position. You can the strain all over his face, but The Wrestler endures it, earning him some big cheers from his supporters in the crowd.
Graves: Roode's put up a decent fight tonight, but he's about to Go To Sleep!
Ranallo: Not so fast!
Katsuyori pushes Roode up and off as he goes for the move invented by an old friend. The knee never finds the face, however, as Roode manages to roll off the back way just like Shibata did to him moments earlier. Shibata pivots and BLAM! He eats a slap as soon as his face is facing Robert's.
The crowd goes dead quiet at the sheer disrespect of the hit. It lands like something Kendrick would say to Drake. The strike turned Katsuyori's head ninety degrees. He brings it back around real, real slow - his eyes burning with the question "Did you actually just do that?"
Roode responds by smacking him all over again! This time, the crowd goes bananas.
Phillips: Robert Roode letting Shibata know that he isn't intimated by him and he's still in this fight!
Ranallo: Matching that trademark Fighting Spirit with some of his own!
Shibata still doesn't respond. He's still looking at Robert like he must be crazy. Roode's nostrils flare. He doesn't hit him again, though. Instead, he extends his hands the formal way - once again asking for that handshake he wanted in the lead-up to this match. Katsuyori considers the gesture for a second, but declines, and instead blasts his opponent with a forearm shiver across the face.
Roode backs up a step but stays standing. He spits out a mouthful of blood. Gross. Cracking his neck from side-to-side, he walks straight back up to Shibata and asks for the handshake again. Shibata won't give it to him, but he will give him another elbow to the temple.
This one really rocks Roode. He staggers back into the ropes, and were it not for those cables, he probably wouldn't even be standing. Another bloody spit. Another head shake to get the systems firing again. The crowd chants his name as he plies himself off the ropes and finds his feet. Once he does, the Canadian comes back again, demanding that hand shake.
Graves: What the hell is wrong with Roode?
Ranallo: Win, lose, or draw, I think he's decided that he isn't leaving this ring with the respect of Katsuyori Shibata.
Shibata turns him down yet again with a rock-hard elbow to the head. Roode eats it and keeps coming, pressing his forehead into his opponents to show him that he's way tougher than Shibata thought. But Katsuyori still won't shake that hand.
Several more elbows follow. A succession of nastier and nastier strikes land on the side of Roode's head until he finally collapses on the canvas. Rather than go for a pin, Shibata sits up and runs for the ropes, looking to end this match for good.
Graves: Roode just let himself get brutalized and for what?!?! What did he prove?\
Ranallo: Trading shots with Shibata is an ill-advised strategy - but letting him open fire is worse still. Robert Roode has something to prove tonight, though. To himself, to his opponent, to the fans...
Graves: Yeah. He's about to prove to everyone why its great we have a bunch of EMT's ready in the back.
Phillips: Penalty Kick incoming!
Shibata bounces off the ropes with every intention of kicking a hole clean through his foe's torso. He winds up and unleashes the punt...
Roode ducks down!
Shibata blows right on by!
Robert hooks his leg and rolls him up for the pin!
1...
2...
No! Shibata kicks out at 2.99999!
The crowd can't fathom it! They thought for sure Robert had him there but the Ref swears the count was good!
Roode and Shibata get to their feet right next to each other. The Japanese Superstar lands another forearm, thinking that that oughta be enough to knock the guy down again. Robert shakes it off and responds with one of his own. Shibata tags him with a follow-up. Roode responds in kind.
Dueling chants echo behind each strike as they take turns slugging each other. Elbows, chops, punches - it doesn't matter. These fellas are throwing everything they got - everything that's left. Holds and slams are left by the wayside cause they're dead set on proving that they hit harder and they can withstand more.
Everyone loses count of how many shots have been fired. It speeds up. It slows down. It speeds up again and slows down as exhaustion and damage take their toll.
Phillips: The Referee might just have to call this one a tie. I don't think either man is willing to lose to the other.
Ranallo: A classic example of the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object.
Finally, after a particularly harsh European Uppercut, Shibata is sent backing up in the ropes. He rebounds off them and comes back to take a Northern Lariat from Roode! Its with the bad arm, though, and while it isn't enough to take Katsuyori off of his feet, there's no doubt The Wrestler felt it.
He coughs out a mouthful of blood that's probably coming from somewhere deep inside his body. Seeing that he's made his opponent bleed now, too, Roode foregoes a follow-up hit to offer that handshake one last time.
The fans are screaming for it. They want it bad. Real bad. Shibata's doubled over. When he looks up and sees the offered gesture, he has nothing but contempt for it. At first, anyway. Roode's resilience in letting it hang out there seems like it might have him second guessing...
Phillips: Just do it! Shake the hand!
Graves: There's no way in hell.
With the audience chanting "SHAKE THE HAND" and Roode refusing to let it slide, Shibata stands up straight and steps towards him. Anger and condescension leave his face so that there's just a stoic nothingness left when he reaches out and accepts...
The room explodes! Roode did it! He earned that respect!
Or did he? Shibata immediately yanks him in by the hand and turns him around, setting him up in that Rainmaker Ripcord position then flinging him out and slapping Roode with the Bitchmaker!
Winces and boos from the crowd. Robert looks absolutely totally pissed off about that and launches himself full throttle into his enemy with a HEADBUTT~!
Ranallo: MAMA MIA! DID YOU HEAR THAT CRACK??
Graves: I think there skulls just broke!
Roode friggin beams Shibata with the hardest, stiffest headbutt he could muster. Nobody wins when craniums collide, though. Robert turns off his own lights in the process. Scorched earth. He falls the canvas with Shibata collapsing just after him, circumstance seeing The Wrestler land on top to effectively make the pin...
1...
2...
3...
DING DING
YOUR WINNER...
"THE WRESTLER"
KATSUYORI SHIBATA!
Shibata's music hits but neither man moves from where they landed. Not for a while, anyway. Medics rush down to the ring to help, but Katsuyori shoves them away as soon as they get close, insisting on getting up by his own power. Roode more or less does the same as he rolls to the outside.
Ranallo: Wow. What a match between these two competitors. In their shared return to pay-per-view, Katsuyori Shibata and Robert Roode showed the world that they're still as tough as ever.
Graves: Tough, yeah, but smart? Roode might have actually had this thing won if he wasn't so desperate to prove something to himself.
Phillips: If Shibata fell over first after that headbutt, we'd be listening to a different song right now.
Ranallo: "What if's" are a part of the game, but the results are the results, and Shibata is still undefeated since coming home to the UWF.
Shibata stays in the ring just long enough to have his hand raised before heading up the ramp, never once looking back. Roode is resting against the apron on the outside, appreciative fans clapping him on the back for his effort. He still looks like someone with a point to make, his resolve strong as ever despite the outcome of the match. Backlash rolls on!
We head backstage where we are met with the UWF Champion.
LA Knight
Oakland, California...
Let Me Talk To 'Ya!
There's the Champion's usual opening salvo.
At the beginning of the year, if 'ya would have asked L...A....Knight what the biggest match of his career could possibly be, L...A....Knight would've told 'ya that it's obviously being in the Main Event of WrestleMania competiting for the UWF Championship. But now that L...A....Knight has crossed that off his bucket list, he's gotta be honest, he was wrong. Tonight, is the biggest match of L...A...Knight's career.
There's so much on the line tonight inside that Cell. Obviously, the UWF Championship will be decided. But that's not all. Tonight defines L...A....Knight's legacy. They say the first title defense is the hardest. L...A....Knight found that out with the Prime Time Medal. We can't afford that to happen again.L...A....Knight will do anything and everything in his power to make sure that he walks out Backlash still 'ya UWF Champion. There's been too much hard work put in just to let this Championship slip through L...A....Knight's fingers. But, if we're being honest, it's not just L...A....Knight's legacy on the line tonight.
Drew McIntyre. 'Ya are a lot of things. 'Ya a former Champion. A WrestleMania Main Eventer. 'Ya are a pain in L...A....Knight's ass. But what 'ya aren't is the one thing that L...A....Knight is, and that's undeniable. Drew, for eight months, 'ya walked around here pretending to be better than 'ya actually are. 'Ya held this title hostage because they were afraid to give 'ya real competition. Instead, 'ya got handed easy opponent after easy opponent. Then 'ya luck ran out and 'ya had to go toe to toe with The Million Dollar Megastar and 'ya just couldn't match L...A....Knight's kavorka. The first real challenge of 'ya title reign and 'ya dropped the ball.
2024 has been all about redemption for L...A...Knight. Correcting all the mistakes and transgressions from last year. And so far, L...A...Knight has checked everything off his list. Tonight Drew McIntyre, is your shot at redemption. 'Ya get a chance to prove to the entire world and yourself that 'ya really are more than the Number Two that L...A....Knight thinks 'ya are, But I promise, it's not going to be as easy as 'ya thought.
A lot of people have asked, "Why would L...A....Knight want to step inside Hell in A Cell with Drew McIntyre?" The answer is real simple. A victory tonight silences all the doubters. It silences the critics. It silences Drew McIntyre. Tonight, L...A....Knight proves he deserves this title. Tonight, L...A....Knight reaffirms the fact that THIS is the L...A....Knight show!
Tonight, Two men walk into Hell. And L...A....Knight is the only one that walks out not burned. And that's not an insult; THAT'S just a fact of life!
And with that, Knight blows past the camera man as Backlash makes its next stop.
DING DING!
Tony Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the Intercontinental Championship! Introducing first…
YO YO YO
IF YOU DON'T SHUT YOUR MOUTH
IMA SHUT IT FOR YOU
PUNK
"Punk Tactics" hammers through the PA with some throwback Boom Bop audacity. The fans drop some big time cheers as Kyle O'Reilly and Bayley march on down that ramp, highlights of the former's ultraviolent style playing up on the big screen behind them.
Chimel: Being accompanied to the ring by Bayley, from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada... weighing in at 200 pounds... Kyle O'Reilly!
The Diabetic Dragon climbs the steps up into the ring while The "Good Guy" amps up the crowd some more ahead of the match to come.
Tony Chimel: And the opponent…
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, the Intercontinental Champion, “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.
DING DING!
As the ring bell sounds, Kyle immediately goes on the offensive as he delivers a devastating chop to the chest of the defending champion. Rick winces as you’d expect but also smirks about it because the force of the chop is indicative of Kyle following through on his promise to give it all. Rick responds with a chop of his own, Kyle wincing but smirking as well. Having got that out of the way, the two men begin to circle one another in a feeling out process. O’Reilly fakes like he’s going to lunge but then keeps circling. Rude comes forward now and looks for a Big Boot but Kyle avoids it and dives at the other leg, putting the champ on his face as the, “Diabetic Dragon” grabs the leg he just dove at and applies an Ankle Lock. Rick isn’t in it long though as he turns and kicks Kyle off of him with the other leg as KOR staggers into the ropes. As this happens, Rick gets up and charges, this time connecting with the Big Boot, sending Kyle backward over the ropes but he manages to flip and land on his feet on the apron as he leaps onto the top rope and quickly springs off of it, bringing Rude to the mat with a Meteora.
Kyle makes impact then rushes to the opposite ropes and comes off of them, sliding and kicking Rude in the kidneys with both feet as he’s sitting up, knocking the, “Ravishing” one forward so that his forehead touches the mat before falling flat on his back. Kyle stands at his head now and the fans cheer as they know what he’s thinking of and without a second more of delay, O’Reilly begins delivering the Sweeney Stomp, stomping on Rick as he circles his downed body. After one revolution is completed, Kyle is at Rude’s head again as the gears can be seen turning, Kyle contemplating doing an encore but the hesitation costs him as Rude brings his leg up and back, hitting Kyle in the head. As Kyle is dazed, Rick gets to his feet and takes him down with a Short Arm Clothesline, then stands at Kyle’s head for a few seconds before beginning the Sweeney Stomp himself to boos from the crowd.
Tom Phillips: Well all’s fair in love and war but Rick certainly isn’t earning any fans this way!
Mauro Ranallo: You’ve got that right.
Corey Graves: It’s not about being beloved, you idiots, it’s about keeping the Intercontinental Championship around his waist!
As Rick finishes one revolution around Kyle, he reaches down to grab him to follow up with his next bit of offense but O’Reilly connects with a thumb to the eye, then gets up and pivots around as he hits a beautiful Standing Dropkick that sends Rude into the ropes. The champ manages to catch himself on the ropes but Kyle gives him no chance for a breather as he charges and launches himself horizontally with a high aimed Cross Body that sends them both over the ropes and crashing to the outside floor. Kyle is up to his feet not long after impact as he places a foot in between the shoulder blades of his opponent and then grabs his wrists before pulling up and back, the Intercontinental Champion crying out in pain.
Kyle relents after a moment, releasing Rick’s wrists and moving his foot off of his back but then drops an elbow into the spine and quickly applies a Crossface.
Tom Phillips: Smothering the champ with offense is a smart strategy but doing it on the outside of the ring? Not so much.
Mauro Ranallo: Kyle would absolutely kick himself if he lost out on winning the championship because he got carried away and got counted out.
Corey Graves: And you know what? It would serve him right!
The referee begins to count as Kyle cranks on the hold.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
As Rude suffers in the hold, he knows there’s no way to tap because of them being on the outside of the ring.
FOUR!
FIVE!
SIX!
Kyle looks like a man possessed as he’s putting his all into cranking back on the hold.
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
Kyle releases it suddenly and pulls Rude to a vertical base, rolling him into the ring.
NINE!
Kyle slides into the ring, barely beating the ten count.
Tom Phillips: Kyle could’ve just saved himself there but rolling Rick back into the ring shows the respect he has for him still.
Mauro Ranallo: He didn’t want to win the championship that way and you’ve gotta respect that.
Corey Graves: I don’t have to respect anything!
Rude is trying to get to his feet on all fours but Kyle scrambles over to him and gets him in a Front Facelock, driving his knees to the top of his head. Rude manages to fight through the knees and gets to his feet but Kyle moves into the clinch and delivers some more knees that way. Rick uses his size and power and just shoves the Diabetic Dragon away to the ropes. Kyle Nigel's off of them and comes back with a Lariat but Rude scoops him up into the Pendulum Backbreaker! He looks down at the Canadian and shakes his head, mouthing the word "fuck" to himself.
Tom Phillips: Despite the words of mutual respect, I can't help but think Rick might have thought this would be easier than it is.
Mauro Ranallo: Kyle was the last King of the Ring so despite a run of bad luck, he's always been extremely capable.
Rude walks over and climbs to the second rope. He jumps off with a Diving Fist Drop and it hits Kyle flush. He sits up holding his face and so Rude stands behind him and holds his head in place with one hand while the other pummels him on the top of his head. Kyle takes a few of these but eventually grabs his arm and flips him over onto his back to go for the Cross Arm Bar! Rude is able to keep his hands locked together and quickly rolls over and uses his power to lift O'Reilly up in the air before dropping him into a Powerbomb! Kyle lays flat on the mat and Rick goes to the ropes coming off them and then stops when he reaches Kyle, slowly lifting up his bicep in 3 motions before kissing it and dropping The Ravishing Elbow! He makes the cover!
1 . . .
O'Reilly kicks out at 1! The lackadaisical cover certainly didn't help but Rude picks up Kyle and lifts the former King of the Ring high above his head. He walks him with over to the ropes but sees Bayley. She looks worried and Rude thinks twice about dumping him out. Easy E however yells at him to drop him and Rude kinda shakes out of his focus on Bayley and does indeed Military Press Kyle out of the ring.
Mauro Ranallo: Rude almost thought twice about throwing Kyle out there.
Corey Graves: We need to remove Bayley from ringside. She's going to be the Yoko Ono of the nWo just watch.
Mauro Ranallo: So does that make Kyle McCartney?
Corey Graves: Pfft more like Ringo
Tom Phillips: Hey Ringo's my favorite.
Corey Graves: Of course he is Phillips! Only idiots who are trying to be interesting like him!
Rude is more than happy to get the win via a count out, letting the ref go ahead and count the man out.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
Bayley is helping her step-bro to his feet but Kyle gently pushes her away. He tells her this is his fight. He can beta Rude on his own.
FIVE!
SIX!
Kyle slides back into the ring. Rick just watches his his arms crossed, telling him he should stay down. The two circle around each other and lock up again with Rude gaining the immediate advantage and forces him into the ropes. The ref makes the count and gets to 3 when Rude puts his hands up for the clean break. Just then, O'Reilly slaps him in the face! Rude looks pisses and starts delivering multiple European Uppercuts, knocking him into the ropes before he whips him off, Kyle comes off the ropes however and retaliates with the Harpoon Torpedo! He makes the cover!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Rude kicks out! O'Reilly immediately grabs his legs and turns him over into the Aspertamer! Rude goes to scramble to the ropes but Kyle tries his best to keep him in the middle. Unfortunately, Rude has power on his side and is able to make it to the ropes after a short time in the hold. Kyle lets go but tries to drags him back to the center. Rick boots him in the face to send him reeling. He walks over to the corner and picks himself back up but when he does, O'Reilly has sprinted across the ring to deliver the Speed Wolf Annihilator! He then brings him out for the Tornado DDT, keeping a hold of him to finish off Halo 2! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Rude kicks out!
Tom Phillips: Kyle has found himself in many personal feuds over the years but not too many title opportunities. That makes this title opportunity, maybe the most personal to him.
Mauro Ranallo: Kyle was the red headed step child of the nWo. He still feels like he has to prove himself and dethroning his former colleague and who many call the great Intercontinental Champion in UWF history, may be just what he needs to get back to the top.
Kyle gets to his feet and paces back and forth, feeling pumped. Rude is getting up but Kyle makes it over to him and hooks one arm around his head and the other his leg from behind. He's setting up the Regalplex but Rude ends up bashing him in the face with his fists twice and that's enough to send him on retreat. Kyle is rocked but takes a few wild swings. Rude just hoists him up into the air before now dropping him with the Military Press Slam! Not feeling quite satisfied yet, Rude once again climbs to the top rope, this time coming off with a Pointed Elbow Drop right to the heart of Kyle O'Reilly! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
O'Reilly kicks out! Rude brings him back up and tells him he doesn't want to hurt him, that he needs to stay down. Kyle shoves his hand away and kicks him in the chest. He tells him to come back with a shot of his own. Rick obliges and decks right in the kisser! O'Reilly wobbles around but comes back with another fierce kick. Rude gives him a European Uppercut this time that drops Kyle to a knee. The Intercontinental Champion grabs him by the ear and tells him he proved his point but now it's time to lay down. Kyle reaches up and grabs his arm with both hands and gives him a Snake Bite! Rude pulls away and grits his teeth as he rubs his arm. Kyle gives him a Spinning Back Kick to the gut followed by the Axe and Smash Combination! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Rude kicks out! Kyle gets to his feet and whips out the Dragon Dagger. He begins to play, the crowd signing along with the tune as Rude slowly rises up. O'Reilly goes to get him in position for his finish but Rude's too powerful to let Kyle gets his fingers to interlock. He throws his hips backwards to break free and then boots Kyle in the gut. He shoves his head between his legs and shouts out Big Kev as he hoists O'Reilly up and tosses him down with a Jackknife Powerbomb! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
O'Reilly kicks out!
Mauro Ranallo: We've seen a pretty clean match up so far. You have to wonder if Rude is being held back a bit by not going a dirtier route.
Corey Graves: He doesn't need to fight dirty to put away this goof. He just didn't enough stank on the powerbomb. Big Kev's probably rolling in his grave.
Tom Phillips: Nash was just on Revolution like last week.
Corey Graves: No shit? I tune out every time I see Kyle or Bayley.
Rude picks him up and decides maybe he wants to pay homage to another former nWo member. He gets him in a powerbomb position again, this time lifting him over his back in a crucifix. He walks with him to the center of the ring and looks to the outside, maybe wanting to put him down for good. Kyle however wraps his legs back around his waist and flips over to hit a Code Red! The crowd pops as O'Reilly pumps himself up, flailing around. He comes up behind Rude as he's getting up and sets him up for Point Break. He flips him over but Rude lands on his feet. He kicks Kyle in the gut when he turns around and then plants him with a Spike Piledriver! He hooks both legs for the deep cover!
1 . . .
2 . . .
3 . . .
But No! Kyle gets the shoulder up just in time!
Kyle is laid out cold and Rude wonders how he even kicked out of it. The Intercontinental Champion gets to his feet and pulls Kyle up. Bayley gets on the apron and yells for Kyle to keep fighting. Easy E has had enough of her and walks over, grabbing her ankle and yanking it off the apron. Bayley falls and lands awkwardly. Eric stands over her and tells her to stay out of the way. Rude has O'Reilly's head and spins him out for the Rude Awakening but stops when turns and sees Eric yelling over Bayley. He wonders what exactly happened but just that brief delay allows Kyle to throw an Elbow back to the side of the head! Rude is stunned and O'Reilly turns around and hooks both arms in the Full Nelson before popping his hips backs, sending Rude into the mat via Blue Eyes Diabetic Dragon!
1 . . .
2 . . .
3 . . .
Tony Chimel: Here is your winner, and NEW Intercontinental Champion, Kyle O'Reilly!
Bischoff turns around with his hands on his head realizing what just happened. Bayley picks herself up and runs over to the time keeper's area, grabbing the title and rushing into the ring to present Kyle with it. The step siblings celebrate while Rude comes to and sees what happened. Kyle walks over with the title over his shoulder and offers Rude a hand to help himself up. Rick slaps it away and gets up by himself. Kyle looks annoyed while Bayley looks a little upset. Eric tires to whisk him away but Rude stops by the ropes and looks back at the two. O'Reilly slowly throws up the hand sign. Rude contemplates it for awhile before throwing it up himself. Bayley and Kyle smile and Rude dips out, leaving them to celebrate but clearly doesn't look happy at the result. Eric is trying to talk to him but he brushes past him to the back. Kyle is strumming away on his new title as Revolution rolls on!
Sami Zayn: Hello UWF faithful. I know you're sitting at home wondering just why this pay per view isn't as good as others in the past. Why were you deprived of an excellent Sami Zayn match. Life is all about sacrifice and I decided to be away from the company for personal reasons. This extended break has allowed me to reassess everything going on right now and as you can see, I am now cleansing myself of all the doubt I once had. I've opened up my mind, spirit and body and am now ready to make my return to UWF.
Ethan is dying to have his cash cow back and has officially offered me a part in the King of the Ring tournament for my return. A generous offer that I have declined.
I will not jump through the hoops EC3 has set for me. I've been down that road far to many times. I make my own path. A once prestigious tournament is nothing more than another side show act now and I will not be a part of it like the other clowns. I shall make my return under my terms and if they are not met, I will walk away from UWF.
There's a big pops from the crowd, hoping that this is the last they'll see of the Forever Champion as the feed heads back to the ring.
Tony Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a Hell in a Cell match for the UWF Championship. Introducing first, the challenger….
Blue lights begin to flash around the building as "We Care A Lot" by Faith No More begins to play. Anyone that was having a good night is most likely about to have it ruined as Drew McIntyre steps out from behind the curtain and onto the stage. The Scotsman slowly walks towards the top of the ramp before stopping and looking directly at the ground. After five to ten seconds of build up, The Claymore King lifts his head and arms up which sets off fire pyrotechnics all around him.
Tony Chimel: From Ayr, Scotland. Weighing in at 265 pounds. He is The Destroyer, Drew McIntyre!
The flames continue to go off intermittently as The Destroyer makes his way down the ramp at a steady pace. As he reaches the bottom, he turns and heads for the steel ring steps. After taking a brief pause, he smacks the top of the steps with his open hand, not once, but twice, before climbing up them and then grabbing the ropes in order to perch himself on the top rope.
The former UWF Champion takes a look at his surroundings before raising his arms again and letting out a hearty battle cry that can be heard from the front rows all the way to the back. McIntyre then drops down to the mat and unclips his ring coat before removing it and dropping it to the outside in order to prepare for the upcoming contest.
Tony Chimel: And his opponent…..
L...A....Knight
"Welcome To LA" blares over the PA System and all the excitement in the arena turns to dread. Everyone knows exactly who is about to grace them with their presence. It is the one and only self proclaimed "Million Dollar Megastar" LA Knight. Sure enough, the man that represents LA, California bursts through the curtain and out onto the stage. The jeers he receives do not bother him. Knight simply stands tall, the UWF Championship shining on his shoulder. With him as always, is his right hand man "The Masterpiece" Christopher Adonis. The duo march to the ring, knowing what they plan to accomplish this evening.
Tony Chimel: Making his way to the ring, being accompanied by Christopher Adonis, from Los Angeles, California via Baltimore, Maryland. Weighing in at Two Hundred and Thirty pounds, he is the Million Dollar Megastar and your UWF Champion, LA Knight!
Knight and Adonis reach the end of the ramp before Knight climbs the steps and enters through the ropes. Adonis watches from the outside as Knight goes to the nearest turnbuckle and climbs the ropes. Normally, this is where he throws up his patented "LA" sign, but tonight, he instead holds up his UWF Championship high in the air.
Knight leaps down and waits for this contest to start.
As both men take their corners and the belt is handed off to the official, the tension can be felt in the air. Both men vying to be the true UWF Champion but only one man will walk out of here with the belt. The referee holds the belt up and signals for the bell. McIntyre waists no time in going for Knight, rushing his opponent in the corner and delivering a series of strikes and chops to the UWF Champion. Knight manages to get the arms up and slips behind McIntyre, hitting a drop toe hold so Drew goes head first into the turnbuckle and right into the pad. Knight starts delivering clubbing blows to Drew before reeling back and charging him, hitting him with double knees to the back. Drew slumps out of the corner but before Knight can go for another attack, Drew rolls to the outside to the narrow walkway between the cell and the ring. Knight goes top rope and dives with a Crossbody but Drew with the impressive Scottish strength of his catches Knight and uses the momentum to throw Knight into the cell wall with a Fallaway Slam, Knights back connecting with the steel.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome folks to our main event of the night as we see LA Knight and Drew McIntyre face off in what I'm sure will be a hellacious Hell in a Cell match.
Tom Phillips: For weeks now these two have gone back and forth with each other, each claiming to be the rightful UWF Champion, just saying however, Knights the one holding the belt and the title.
Corey Graves: Mcintyre feels however that his time in the spotlight is not done and that he is the only one who can lead the UWF into the future and right now McIntyre is firmly in the driver's seat right now.
Corey is right and Drew is firmly in control of the match. On the outside, Knight is clutching at his back from where Drew threw him into the cell wall and McIntyre isn’t finished. Going under the ring he grabs a Kendo Stick and starts twirling it about as if it was a lightsaber. Knight gets back to his feet and Drew hits him over the back with the Kendo Stick, Knight cringing in pain from the strike. Drew follows Knight round the outside, hitting him constantly with the Kendo Stick until Drew goes one swing too many and Knight gets out the way and Drew swings, getting the stick caught in the chain link of the cell. Knight charges Drew and pushes him back first into the cell, Drew rebounding off the cell into the arms of Knight who uses the recoil and momentum to lift up Drew into an Overhead Belly to Belly on the outside. Knight throws Drew back into the ring and as quick as he can, climbs top rope and goes for an Elbow Drop and then a cover.
Mauro Ranallo: LA KNIGHT WITH SOME FIGHT BACK IN HIS BONES.
Tom Phillips: Drew making the costly mistake of swinging that Kendo stick wildly and Knight used that to push Drew back into the Cell and Knight using that momentum to hit an Overhead Belly to Belly and then that elbow drop.
Corey Graves: I doubt that will be enough to keep Drew down but it is a smart tactics by Knight, if Drew does kick out he will expend energy and the longer this match goes on the more energy you want.
1….2….Kick Out
Drew gets the shoulder up and Knight shakes his head, as if it was stupid for Drew not to take the easy out. Knight gets Drew to his feet and drags him into a Short Arm Clothesline, knocking Drew to the mat. Knight picks him back up and goes for another but Drew ducks it and goes for a Neckbreaker onto Knight but Knight slips out but turns right round into a Big Boot from McIntyre which sends Knight into the ropes. Drew charges for a Clothesline to send Knight over to the outside but its Knight who turns it around and instead lifts Drew up and over to the outside of the ring, Drews legs clipping the cell as he falls out. Knight follows Drew to the outside and the back and forth punches start once Drew makes it back to his feet. Knight reels back and charges Drew but Drew uses the momentum and Flapjacks Knight into the side of the cell and finally Knight is busted open. Drew sees his prey and picks Knight up, throwing him repeatedly into the side of the cell, even holding his face against it and scraping his face on the side of the Cell like a cheese grater. Drew backs up and delivers a Big Boot to the back of Knights head, sending it further into the cell and the camera catches the rivets of the cell wall beginning to buckle. Drew drags LA back into the ring and sets up in the corner, Claymore time.
Mauro Ranallo: LA Knight is busted open but the other thing that is beginning to bust open is the Cell wall, I don’t know if people caught it there but the rivets holding up the Cell Wall are beginning to buckle here folks, that steel link cage could come undone at any moment.
Tom Phillips: Well the wall has taken a lot of punishment from both these men and while it is ten tons of steel it can only take so much damage and right now its taken damage and is slicked up with LA Knights blood.
Corey Graves: Well we might not see it take anymore damage as McIntyre is setting up for the Claymore here.
McIntyre counts down the 3….2…..1… and goes for the Claymore but Knight on pure instinct gets the knee up and hits the BFT onto McIntyre, going for the cover.
Mauro Ranallo: KNIGHT REVERSED THAT INTO A BFT, THIS HAS TO BE IT.
Tom Phillips: That looked like it was done on pure instinct but goddamn Knight got him right on the button.
Corey Graves: Will this be enough.
1….2…..Kick Out
Drew gets the shoulder up to the shock of Knight and the crowd, Knight falling to his back in exhaustion. The duo get to their knees and start slugging back and forth, McIntyre throwing in a Glasgow Kiss for good measure which rocks LA Knight, however from the BFT, McIntyre is also busted open and the mat is starting to look like a can of Tomato Soup exploded everywhere. Drew drags Knight to his feet and is going for the Future Shock but Knight falls to his knee, Drew drags him up again and hits the Future Shock onto Knight, rolling Knight over and covering him.
Mauro Ranallo: God both of these men are just busted open now, the ring mat looking like a can of Heinz Tomato Soup exploded everywhere.
Tom Phillips: Knight crumpling to his knees and Drew having to force him up into that Future Shock DDT but this could be the exclamation point on this match.
Corey Graves: It could be but we’ve seen McIntyre kick out of the BFT and I think there's a lot of fight left in these dogs.
1…2….2.5…..Kick Out
Knight gets the shoulder up, once again the man might be running on pure instinct right now but for now his UWF Championship reign is kept intact. McIntyre seems utterly shocked about this and slams the mat. Rolling to the outside he searches under the ring and gets a table out, sliding it in he gets back into the ring and sets it up before picking Knight up into an Alabama Slam position, looking to put Knight through the the table but Knight manages to reverse this into a roll up attempt but Drew quickly gets out and back to his feet but he gets up straight into a kick to the gut from Knight which he then turns into a Full Nelson Slam but not onto the table, Knight falls into a cover.
Mauro Ranallo: Both men spent here right now, Knight falling into that cover, both men have been going hell for leather since this match began and its starting to take its toll on them.
Tom Phillips: I don’t think its over just yet though Mauro, both these men are fighters and they want that UWF Championship, the most prestigious prize in this company. This is Knights first defense of this title and this is him wanting to prove that he deserves to be at the mountain top.
Corey Graves: On the other hand you have McIntyre who held that belt for 259 days, that is the longest reign with that belt in the Revolution era of the UWF and he proved he was a fighting champion, turning away challengers like Roman Reigns, Kyle O’Reilly, Sami Zayn, Eddie Guerrero and Vinny Marseglia, a range of opponents McIntyre put away until he came up against the roadblock that was LA Knight but McIntyre seems intent on smashing that roadblock tonight.
1…2…..2.5…..Kick Out
To a surprising pop from the crowd, Drew gets the shoulder up and Knight lays his arm across his opponent, staring at the camera as if he is contemplating what he will need to do to keep McIntyre down. Getting to his feet, Knight drags Drew up to meet him, talking trash to his opponent as best as he can, his blood dripping onto Drew’s face. Knight tries to set Drew up for the Gravy Train but Drew back body drops out of it and sends Knight to the outside and into the steel link cage once again. Drew follows Knight to the outside and Biel Throws Knight into the cell wall which finally causes the wall to collapse and opens up the outside of the cell and allowing the men out into the arena. Drew grabs Knight and drags him to the outside and to where the announce table is. Picking Knight up he gets him into the Alabama Slam and hits Knight onto the announce table but it doesn’t break.
Mauro Ranallo: And the Cell wall has been broken open and gentlemen we have these two competitors, these two warriors now on the outside with this whole area to play with and McIntyre has already taken advantage of this, using an Alabama Slam to send Knight into our table.
Tom Phillips: The table didn’t break however and I don’t think that was McIntyres intention, I just think he is trying to inflict as much punishment onto Knight as possible at this point, to keep him down for when he does eventually decide to end this and frankly, I don’t know what it is going to take at this point for either man to stay down right now.
Corey Graves: I have to agree with you Phillips, both men have been busted open, taken each others finishers, kendo sticks and steel steps, I mean at this point one man might need to pull out a Glock to finish the other one off and I don’t even think that would stop either man right now.
Mcintyre picks Knight up to his knees and shouts at him “YOU WANTED THIS MATE”, Drew goes to throw Knight into the cell wall but Knight gets the boot up and throws Drew into it instead, Drew’s head rebounds off the cage and Knight throws him into it again, repeatedly dribbling Drews head into the Cell Wall before grabbing him and throwing him over the announce table. Knight then grabs the ring bell and blasts Drew over the head with it, the bell dinging as it does. In most worlds that would declare the match over but no pinfall has been made. Knight picks up Drew and then throws him into the Cell wall again.
Mauro Ranallo: Oh my god, Knight just blasted Drew with the ring bell and then threw him back into the Cell wall, both of these men are not going to give up until either man is down and out and frankly, I hope they don’t
Tom Phillips: This has been a brutal war of attrition gentlemen and honestly I don’t know when it will be over but I still feel the night is young and we still have time left in this match.
Corey Graves: I’m going to agree Phillips, neither man seems to get control of the match for long and when they do, the other seems to find a way out of it and get the advantage again and again and this is what you want in a world title match neither man giving up, neither man surrendering and with pride and titles on the line, no one is going to give up.
Knight goes to throw Drew into the Cell wall again but this time Drew manages to hold onto the Cell and when Knight rushes him, Drew gets a Back Elbow up and throws Knight into the Cell wall. They trade like this back and forth for a minute until Knight throws Drew up into the air with a Flapjack but like a cat Drew manages to hang onto the Cell wall, Knight grabs Drews leg but Drew kicks him off and into the announce table. Drew starts climbing up the side of the Cell, slowly making his way to the top. Knight looks at his climbing opponent and then to the crowd and shrugs, making his way up to follow Drew, grabbing a Kendo Stick that had made its way to the outside and sticking it in his teeth, eventually the both of them make it to the top but that slight head start Drew had on Knight allows him to keep the advantage and Drew hits a Big Boot onto Knight which threatens to send him over, Knight barely wobbling enough to keep him on top of the Cell with Drew. Drew then drags Knight in by the arm and hits him with a Powerslam, the camera catching one of the cable ties holding the roof together pinging off and flying away.
Mauro Ranallo: Gentlemen, both of these men are in a precarious position here. The roof of the cell is not made to withstand moves like this, especially the middle of the cell which is held together by cable ties and such.
Tom Phillips: Yeah our camera catching one of those cable ties flying off once Drew hit Knight with that Powerslam on top of the Cell and honestly I don’t know how long this thing is going to stay together but I hope for both mens safety, its as long as possible.
Corey Graves: Ah come on Phillips live a little, sure this Cell ceiling might cave in and send one of these men careening 20 feet below onto the mat of the ring but hey it’ll make foe great TV guys and i’m Mr EC3 will love the ratings pop that its going to get so yeah, don’t see the issue and frankly, i’m looking forward to that roof coming in folks.
McIntyre picks Knight up and looks to set up for a Future Shock DDT, he goes to hit it but Knight with whatever strength he has left in his legs manages to back body drop Drew over and Drew lands on the same spot that he just Power Slammed Knight onto mere moments ago. The sheer drop mixed with the weight of McIntyre causes the roof section to cave in and Drew drops from the top of the cell and through the table that was earlier set up, Drew landing with a ring shattering thud. Knight managed to back up enough that he wouldn’t have went through with Drew when the ceiling collapsed and looked at his opponent below. Taking a breath, Knight lets out and emphatic
LA Knight: “L…..A……KNIGHT….. YEAH
Knight then reels back and then elbow drops from the top of the cell and onto Drew below, Knight clutches his elbow as he lands but then crawls over Drew as quickly as he can to make the cover.
Mauro Ranallo: LA KNIGHT WITH THE BIGGEST LA ELBOW WE’VE EVER SEEN. THAT MUST BE A 20 TO 30 FOOT DROP ONTO MCINTYRE BELOW.
Tom Phillips: Knight clutched his elbow after he landed and he’s probably praying to God that the drop plus the table break and then the elbow was enough to finish Drew off once and for all.
Corey Graves:If its not then LA is probably hoping that a Glock does magically spawn from the air because I think that would be the only way to stop McIntyre.
1….2…..3……
Tony Chimel: Your winner of this contest and…… still UWF HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION….. L….A….KNIGHT.
Knight is handed his belt and emphatically goes to the second turnbuckle and holds it up in the air as pyro shoots off behind him, Knight then jumps off and sits in the corner with a sigh, clearly spent from this battle of the titans.
Mauro Ranallo: There he is and still our UWF Champion, LA Knight, he fought hard and strong and now he is once again at the mountain top of the UWF.
Tom Phillips: One cannot deny the challenge that was Drew McIntyre who at many points of this match seemed to be the heavy favorite but LA Knight showing that pitbull mentality.
Corey Graves: Don’t back LA Knight into a corner because once he is, he will come out swinging and take on all comers and tonight he gets to show the world why he is UWF Champion.
The camera focuses one more time on Knight sitting in the corner, taking a heavy breath as Backlash goes off the air.
END OF SHOW
Credits
Balor vs Hayter - AndyDNU
Roman vs Ciampa - Rawisrey
Orton vs Owens - CWalker
Swerve vs Nakamura - Roach
Roode vs Shibata - Fauche
Knight vs McIntyre - Gunn
O'Reilly vs Rude - Danny/Dresden
Collapse vs Guerreros, Caleb vs Vincent - Danny