Post by Danny on May 24, 2024 3:28:04 GMT -6
We head to the arena where the pyrotechnics go off from the stage and the camera pans around to get a shot of the Revolution fans in attendance before panning to the commentary table where Corey Graves, Mauro Ranallo, and Tom Phillips are standing by.
Mauro Ranallo: Hello and welcome to Revolution! I'm Mauro Ranallo alongside my partners Tom Phillips and former International Champion Corey Graves.
Tom Phillips: We had a fantastic Backlash but now it's the start of a new chapter for most folks. It's the beginning of the King of the Ring!
Corey Graves: With 12 competitors, there's so many ways this tournament can go. Also quite a few I'd hate to see...
Mauro Ranallo: Plus there's been a lot of rumors going around about who will challenge LA Knight at Final Battle and we'll apparently find out tonight.
Tom Phillips: But first I'm getting word that someone has arrived backstage. Let's get a camera down there.
The titantron switches from the UWF Revolution graphic to a live feed from the parking garage! Establishing shot of a limousine pulling up into the place. "Ooooh" says the residents of the Mile High City, who, despite having their Nuggets win last year's play-off's, still aren't accustomed to seeing such fancy things around town. Cut to car interior! This seggy's got a serious production budget. Multi-cam, baybay.
Inside the limo, we get a mixed pop leaning positive for the eclectic gang gathered inside. And who else could it be riding around town in style if not the nWo?
Things are just a smidge after the familial clash at Backlash. Nobody's saying much while the driver looks for a spot to park the extended rig in these cramped, concrete quarters. Out of all the folks inside, Kyle seems to be in the highest spirits as he endeavours to finally beat his own personal high score record on a hand-held video game device. Its one of those ones from the 90's that's entirely dedicated to a single game. No cartridge necessary. They stopped making them after 9/11, but that was just coincidence with technological advancement at the time. Anyway, Kyle's button mashing like there's no tomorrow when Bayley gives him a nudge in the ribs.
KO'R: Come on... come on... HEY! What was that for?
Bayley: We're here.
His focus shattered, Kyle tosses said video game over his shoulder.
KO'R: Oh good. I gotta piss like a hippo.
Bayley: I told you that you should've at the airport.
KO'R: Are you freaking kidding me? You couldn't pay to break off from the pack in that place. I've heard all the stories. People going missing. Alien abductions. New World Order shenanigans - and I am NOT talking about us. Esptein.
Bayley: Kyle, dude... you gotta stop letting youtube pick what you watch on youtube.
Bayley's looks a little stressed so Rude grabs some hand to get her to relax. She smiles at The Ravishing One. Bischoff clocks it and clears his throat.
Bischoff:
Bayley: Yeah, let's talk business. Its a big night for us. This King of the Ring tournament is stacked to the gills but there's no reason in hell why the nWo shouldn't walk away with the win.
Bischoff: Exactly. Even if Kyle gets knocked out early. There'd be no shame in that after the most over-achieving performance of his career at Backlash. I'm sure he's exhausted.
Bayley: Excuse me?
KO'R: Why? You fart? How do we roll down a window in here?
While Kyle starts looking around for a button to do that, Bayley and Bischoff shoot daggers at each other before Easy E changes the subject.
Bischoff: So, I feel as if we need to get a game plan in order for tonight. It would appear as if Kyle is at the forefront of the bracket and Rick is at the tail end, almost seems too convenient to me as if EC3 is planning for O'Reilly /Rude part 2.
Rude: Where the hell are Big Kev and Scott?
Bayley: Yeah, what gives?
Bischoff: For some reason, the request for the limo kept getting rejected through the front office. Something about how they wouldn't pay for additional guests who weren't under the payroll of the UWF.
Bayley: Well, that's sus!
Rude: Maybe if they'd quit giving them the runaround about signing a contract that would have solved the issue. Either way, Eric...you should have communicated that, I wouldn't have minded to front the bill on that one.
Bischoff's expression changes to that of irritation.
Bischoff: Chalk up another L for Easy E, I guess...
K'OR: Geez, what's with the pity party?
Rude: He's had a bad week, Kyle. Hey, I've got an idea...Bayley and Eric, would the two of you mind trying to catch up with EC3 or some of his office people before the show starts? Maybe the two of you can strongarm them into getting Kev and Scott signed, eh? That'll give Kyle and I a chance to chat.
Bischoff and Bayley exchange nervous glances.
Bayley: I'm not so -
Rude: I promise, we will play nice. Go.
Rude's tone changes from inquisitive to a strong suggestion. Bayley and Eric take the hint and exit the vehicle promptly. There is an uncomfortable silence for just a moment before Rude balls up his fist and holds it over to Kyle.
Rude: We good, bro?
Kyle studies the fist for a moment before returning the fist bump.
KO'R: The goodest.
Rude: I've already taken care of Eric. He's just a bit pissy over it. I know that we are good here, it's those two that I'm worried about.
K'OR: Pssshh. Totally. Sidekicks, am I right?
Rude: I say we have a long chit chat, individually, with the two of them and explain to them how they're doing a great job of hyping us up, but they need to tone it down with being at each other's throats. If they can't play nice, I say we book them in a match to have it out, old school style.
K'OR: Well you know what they say... violence does solve everything.
Rude: I honestly don't see it panning out any other way. Either way, if you're sure that we are good...I say we better roll on in before they're at each other's throats again.
K'OR: Yeah for sure. Big night ahead, right? One of us better win this King of the Ring!
Kyle climbs out of the limo, with the camera lingering just a little longer on Rude. He looks like agrees with the sentiment, more or less. Revolution rolls on!
The titantron lights up with a red glow as the arena goes dark, smoke and fog flowing in the air in the room as the camera pans out to show Shinsuke looking at his Prime Time Medal with a smile on his face before he turns to the camera and begins to speak in his native language while subtitles interpret what he is saying.
Shinsuke Nakamura: I stand here with a golden ticket, a few steps away from being able to openly challenge to have a championship around my waist. But this medal is not my focus, Once it becomes active I will hold it over the heads of everyone but do with it whatever I wish. What my focus is upon...is revealed only and whenever I want it to be. In fact I'll do nothing less than what I please, and that is because I am no longer behaving myself. I am not conforming to anybody anymore, I don't care if you relate or find me entertaining...I don't even care if you understand me, the only reason you can read my words right now is because management hires someone to subtitle me. Because I'm no longer concerned with what others think or want, I've brought out my true nature... And what I've always truly been is a King.
Shinsuke chuckles his head bobbling side to side before his arm crosses over his sternum and he bows forward.
The King of Strong Style, present. I have been designated with this royal moniker for years, and yet I have no crown, no castle, nothing to truly show my grandeur over the other peons of this industry. Now I dream of a steel castle floating in the sky, high above all of you where I can reign. That world where the castle exist, it is close at hand. I will make it reality, because my dreams are stronger than all of yours. While many can pursue their dreams in solitude, other dreams are like great storms blowing hundreds, even thousands of dreams apart in their wake. Dreams breathe life into men and women and can cage them in suffering. People live and die by their dreams. But long after they have been abandoned they still smolder deep in their hearts. Some see nothing more than life and death. They are dead, for they have no dreams. That is what this tournament will be, my great storm of a dream blowing away the paper tigers that make up the brackets of this tournament. But for all those who will become the walking dead as I take their dreams away, they should consider themselves lucky.
Nakamura rolls his eyes and moves his hand across his face rubbing down and then sliding it to the back of his neck.
Lucky to face me in this environment, lucky to be in the wake of my coronation because this will be one of the few situations where I will not seek total and utter breaking of their bodies...simply of their current spirits. People believe mercy to be good and kind...But as a Merciful King, I will defeat all those in front of me...so that they may live in the knowledge that they have lost. I will not break you, I will not destroy you, no no no. I will leave you with enough strength to stand back up, because I want you all to Stand back up once I've knocked you down. Because it's only when you are able to stand up that you will all be able to bend to your King. Strong Style is not what you all believe it to be, it is a culmination of hard work. Hard work betrays none, but dreams betray many. Starting tonight, betrayal will be the common order of the day...And soon my chaotic order, will be the law of the land. Because this tournament belongs to me, so do as you're all destined to...and take a knee.
Shinsuke smiles a devilish smile as he rubs his hands into his face as if he's going mad before he suddenly leaves off screen and Revolution continues.
The camera cuts to backstage with the backside view of Renee Young. Text floats across the bottom of the screen that says “Last Sunday at Backlash”. She appears to be in a hurry as she is navigating the backstage area. Finally, she appears to have reached her destination, the locker room of “Ravishing” Rick Rude. From the outside, a commotion can be heard within. Raised voices, what would appear to be furniture being tossed about, fun stuff.
Renee: Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m trying to catch a few words from the former Intercontinental Champion, “Ravishing” Rick Rude–
Renee gets cut off whenever a large hand is placed on her shoulder. The camera pans up to show Kevin Nash standing beside of her.
Nash: Then I would highly suggest that you don’t use the term “Former” in front of him while you’re speaking to him.
Beside of Nash is Scott Hall who is furiously munching on some powdered donuts and shaking his head in agreement.
Renee: It sounds as if there is a heated discussion going on in there, have either of you been inside?
Hall and Nash look at each other and laugh.
Nash: You’re cute, Renee. We were hanging out backstage whenever they came by us, Rick was extremely short and Easy E just seemed like he had seen a ghost. The minute they got inside was the minute that the volume doubled. I wouldn’t even bother knocking unless you want some of that fury sent your way, sweetcheeks.
It is with that statement that the sound of something metal hitting the door and everything grows quiet. Hall and Nash look at each other and begin playing rock, paper, scissors.
Renee: Umm, what are you two doing?
Hall: Isn’t it obvious, chica? We’re-dammitt-playing to see who is going in to check on things…looks like it’s me.
Hall brushes off his mouth and shirt to remove the powdered sugar from the donuts and goes to grab the handle. But, the door opens slowly and out walks Eric Bischoff.
Nash: Holy shit, look at the shiner on you, already!
Nash exclaims as Bischoff holds his hand over his right eye, Hall and Nash fight him to remove the hand so that they can examine it.
Bischoff: It’s fine! It’s fine! Go on in there, Rick wants to see you two, I’m going to go try and find Kyle and Bayley.
Bischoff notices Renee and the cameraman at last.
Bischoff: Even better, you’re here. Save your questions, Renee. I’ve got something that I’d like to say to Kyle and Bayley. Guys, I’m sorry. Bayley, I really hope that you’re ok. I don’t know what I let take over me during the match, but I can assure you that it will never happen again. My actions may have cost Rick the match, and for that I can never truly apologize or make it up to him. The only thing that I can do is stand here and humbly beg for Kyle to consider giving Rick a rematch of his choosing, and in that rematch Bayley and I will find a way to cooperate and perform our duties without laying a hand on each other. Thank you, Renee.
Renee starts to stammer out more questions, but Bischofff quickly heads off camera.
OFF THE CHAIN!
Robert Roode emerges in the entrance in his wrestling gear. Roode stops at the entrance as he looks down around the arena. Roode smells the air in and then starts walking down the ring.
Tony Chimel: Making his way to the ring, from Ontario Canada, weighing at 236 pounds Robert Roode!
As Roode is announced, he gets on the top of the corner and poses as he opens his arms and looks up.
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.
Hayter's music hits but nothing happens. It stops for about 10 seconds and then plays again but still no sign of her or Rhea.
Mauro Ranallo: You think this has anything to do with her words about the entire tournament?
Corey Graves: Who cares! Nobody wants to see her anyways. Rhea backed the wrong horse.
With no sign of her, the ref decides to just call for the bell.
VS 
VS 
DING DING DING
Roode and Nakamura stand across from each other, sizing one another up. Nakamura strides up closer to him and sticks out his hand for a shake. with a smile on his face. The crowd boos, knowing the significance of the shake Roode had in his last match. Robert slaps it away and gets him into a Side Headlock. Nakamura shoots him off the ropes and walks to the middle of the ring to Roundhouse Kick his head off on the rebound but Roode ducks under and kicks Shinsuke when he rotates from the power of the kick. He lifts him onto his shoulders and delivers the Roode Bomb! Right away Nakamura rolls out of the ring as Roode tries to catch him before he falls out but is unable to.
Tom Phillips: Right away this match could've been ended right there!
Mauro Ranallo: The King of Strong Style looks like he just got a reality check.
The It Factor rolls out of the ring and picks up Nak, throwing him back into the ring. He comes in after him and brings him up enough to hook his head. He's setting up for the Glorious DDT but Shinsuke rushes forward to back him into the corner. He puts the boots to him until he's seated in the corner before placing his foot on his throat and giving him some Good Vibrations. He walks away after a 4 count from the ref and Roode crawls along the side of the ring. Nak runs at him and delivers a Sliding Knee Strike to the face before pulling him away from the ropes to make the pin.
1 . . .
A quick kickout from Roode. Nakamura turns him over and gets him in a front facelock before delivering Knee Strikes to keep him down. The King of Strong Style brings Roode up to his feet and brings him onto his shoulders. He tosses him up for the GTS but Roode catches his knee and instead sends him over with an Exploder Supklex! Nakamura flops around but tries to get to his feet quickly, a little dizzy from being dropped on his head. He doesn't notice that Roode rushes behind him and levels him with a Northern Lariat to the back of the head! Roode turns him over and hooks the leg!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Nakamura kicks out!
Mauro Ranallo: Nakamura has been on the rise here in UWF but going up against this former World Champion and Royal Rumble winner is looking to be his first big test here in his return.
Tom Phillips: There's definitely not a lack of confidence in him but will he be able to back it up?
Corey Graves: This is the King of Strong Style we're talking about here. He's got a renewed focus and I doubt he's about to let this big opportunity slip through his grasp.
Roode picks up Nakamura and brings him over to the corner, smashing his face into the top turnbuckle before lifting him up to the top rope. He goes up there along with them but Shinsuke fights back. They trade shots back and forth when the crowd makes some noise when they see none other than Jamie Hayter making her way down the ramp.
Tom Phillips: Well looks who's coming out!
Corey Graves: Looks like Jamie's showing up last minute like always. A lot of good that's done for her.
Mauro Ranallo: It doesn't look like her opponents have seemed to notice!
Roode gets the getter of the exchange and grabs onto Nakamura, getting ready for the Superplex until Hayter slips in underneath him, bringing them both crashing down in a Tower of Doom! Nakamura clearly got the worst of that so Hayter runs over to make the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Shinsuke kicks out! Jamie rushes over to Roode to make another pin.
1 . . .
2 . . .
Roode kicks out! Hayter gets on top of him and just starts laying into him with punches. She brings him up to his feet and lifts him onto her shoulders before delivering the Ushigoroshi! Before she can go for another pin, Nakamura is getting to his feet. She runs over and decks him with a clothesline in the corner. She pulls him out to deliver an Exploder Suplex! Nakamurs sits up arching his back in pain while Jamie brings him back up. She whips him to the ropes and then catches him with a Spinebuster! She pops to her feet and turns around only to get caught with a Spinebuster from Roode! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
Hayter kicks out! She's still fresh but this seems to piss off Roode who puts her in a Sleeper Hold. She's kicking her feet, trying to reach out to the ropes. When she finally does, the ref can't break the hold due to the rules so she decides to step through the ropes. This proves to be an bad idea and Roode keeps the holds on and she essentially hangs herself trying to escape to the outside.
Corey Graves: Haha! She tried to do something and it backfired. What a perfect allegory for her. She's not exactly the brightest tool in the shed.
Hayter is punching up at Roode, trying to break free but it's Nakamura who saves the day when he runs in with a Knee Strike to the back hat sends both of them tumbling to the outside. Nakamura follows them out and picks up Hayter, throwing her over the barricade by the announce table. He then moves to Roode but gets caught with a punch to the gut that takes the wind out of him. Robert hooks him up to deliver the Pay Off to the floor! He throws Nakamura into the ring and turns to see where Hayter is. Turns out it's right in front of him and she jumps onto the announce table from the barricade. crushing Grave's hand in the process and leaps of with a Diving Lariat to take down Roode!
Corey Graves: Oww you bitch!
Tom Phillips: Language Corey!
Corey Graves: She did that on purpose!
She picks up Roode and tosses him head first into the steel steps. She then climbs back into the ring to where Nakamura is on all fours. She moves in for a Running Knee Strike but Shinsuke pops up and blinds her with Dokugiri! Hayter falls to her knees trying to get the mist out of her eyes but Nakamura delivers the...
Corey Graves: KIIINSHASAAAAAA! That's what you get!
1 . . .
2 . . .
3 . . .
Tony Chimel: Here is your winner and advancing to the semi finals of the King of the Ring, Shinsuke Nakamura!
Nakamura smiles with red mist flowing out of his mouth. He doesn't bother wasting any time celebrating, simply acting like it this victory was predestined for him. He calmly walks out of the ring as Hayter is tended to and Roode realizes what happened as Revolution rolls on!
As we head backstage, Revolution makes its way to our friendly announcer, Joe Cool. Joe has on a nice suit as always and prepares to begin his interview.
Joe Cool: Ladies and Gentlemen, my guest at this time, the UWF Champion, LA Knight!
To a pop from the live audience, the UWF Champion walks into the frame.
Joe Cool: LA Knight, you're fresh over your victory last Sunday at Baclash over Drew McIntyre inside the confines of Hel in A Cell. How does it feel to have retained your Championship and seemingly put Drew in your rear view mirror.
Knight takes Joe's arm and the microphone and moves it in his direction as he begins his promo.
LA Knight: Before L...A....Knight answers 'ya question, we gotta start this off right. Denver, Colorado....Let Me Talk To 'Ya!
Now, 'ya ask L...A....Knight how it feels to have retained his Championship. The answer to that is real simple. L...A....Knight is on the top of the world. They say the first title defense is the hardest and let the Million Dollar Champion tell 'ya, Backlash wasn't a walk in the park. L...A....Knight had to dig deep down and take his game to a level that even he didn't know was possible. But at the end of the day, L...A....Knight took the most dominant Champion in Revolution history and L...A....Knight hit him with a clean sweep. 2-0. Back to back like my name is Patrick Mahomes.
Joe Cool: Do you forsee a third match with Drew in the future?
LA Knight: No. We're done with that. The Million Dollar Champ, The Masterpiece, we're looking towards the future. But L...A....Knight will say one thing about Drew McIntyre before he moves on with his life.
Knight looks directly at the hard camera.
LA Knight: Drew, it's no secret. 'Ya don't like L...A...Knight and L..A....Knight doesn't like 'ya. 'Ya think L...A Knight isn't worthy of this Championship and L...A...Knight looks at 'ya as the best Silver Medalist this company has ever seen. But at Backlash, the two of us went to war. 'Ya brought something outta me that even I wasn't sure existed. So even though the two of us will never exchange Christmas cards, allow L...A....Knight to say....respect.
But as L...A....Knight said, we're now looking towards the future. And the future consists of two things. First, is finding out who L...A....Knight's next challenger is. Trust the Champ when he says that he's not sweating whoever it is, because at the end of the day, no matter who Ethan chooses, their arms are too short to box with the Million Dollar Champion.
Joe Cool: And the second thing?
LA Knight: Well, that would be exactly what tonight's entire show is all about. The King of The Ring tournament. Twelve mem vying for a shot at immortality. Vying for a shot at greatness. Vying for a shot at this...
Knight pats the beautiful Championship that rests on his shoulder.
Joe Cool: I'm glad that you brought up the King of The Ring. I was meaning to ask you about it. There's a lot of stiff competition. Is there anyone in particular you're watching or hoping comes out victorious.
LA Knight: When L...A...Knight looked at the field of the King of The Ring, he came to one realization. This is anyone's tournament. Anyone can be the king. It could be Randy Orton...
The crowd boos the mention of the Apex Predator.
LA Knight: Randy's coming off a huge victory at Backlash. And if 'ya listen to some of the jabronis walking around here, he's one of the favorites to win this entire thing. L...A....Knight just doesn't see it. 'Ya take away Anderson; 'ya take away Breakker and Orton is nothing more than a guy that spent months getting outworked by Swerve Strickland, who isn't even in the tournament. Randy's not ready for this, but if he somehow manages to win the tournament, L...A....Knight promises that he will de-fang the Viper.
But maybe it's not Randy. Maybe it's Roman Reigns.
More boos as we acknowledge The Head of The Table.
LA Knight: The Tribal Chief. The Head of The Table. The man that barely shows up to work. The man that's been embarrassed in two straight Pay-Per-Views. Is he the threat to win it all? I think there's a better chance that Solo Sikoa shows some personality. Roman Reigns has played L...A....Knight's game before and the last time he did, he was left looking like a fool. If he somehow manages to get his head on straight and wins the King of The Ring, the Million Dollar Champion has no problem making him looking ridicolous again.
LA Knight: But maybe it's not Roman Reigns. Maybe it's L...A....Knight's old friend, Kyle O'Reilly....
Now there's a huge pop for the mention of the brand new Intercontinental Champion. But it's not just the mention of O'Reilly. The camera pans out and we see Kyle and Bayley standing right behind the UWF Champion. Knight can feel their presence. And he can only smile as he turns around to greet the brother-sister duo...[
Bayley: Oh look, Kyle. Its Loser... Ass... Knight.
Kyle glares at the UWF Champ like he wants to punch him in the face a million times.
Bayley: Boy, it sure has been a while, huh? Where ya been, buddy? We're not a school zone, its not like a court mandated you have to stay five-hundred feet away from us or anything.
KO'R: Maybe they should, though, on account of next chance I get I'm redecorate this creep's teeth with my knuckles.
Joe Cool backs off as the scene starts to get all tense.
Bayley: Well hey, once you win King of the Ring for the second year in a row, they'll have to book it. If Knight's still Champ by then, anyway, and that's a big IF... cause word on the street is that Captain Hair Plugs here doesn't last very long.
KO'R: Like I care if its for that title or not. I got my own one of those...
Kyle holds up his Intercontinental Championship belt, showing it off to The Thursday Night Thriller.
KO'R: Belts or no belts, I'll throw down any time, any place...
The Diabetic Dragon steps towards Knight, getting all up in his grill with a CLASSIC staredown. The UWF Champion can only smirk before responding.
LA Knight: Well if it isn't the brand new Intercontinental Champion. Allow L...A...Knight to be the first to say congratulations.
Well, that's nice of LA Knight. Kyle looks to say "Thank You" but Knight cuts him off.
LA Knight: Stop right there. L...A....Knight wasn't talking to 'ya. L...A....Knight was talking to her...
Knight points at Bayley before looking in her direction.
LA Knight: Sweet cheeks, 'ya right, it's been a long time. And in case 'ya haven't noticed, some things have changed since the last time the two of us spoke. First off, L...A....Knight is the World Champion so 'ya can drop the whole "Loser Ass Knight" schtick cause it wasn't original when Drew McIntyre was saying it. Second, in case 'ya haven't realized it, L...A....Knight has main evented every single Pay-Per-View this year, meaning this is truly the L...A....Knight show! But the one thing that hasn't changed is that L...A....Knight will always have one up on big brother. Yeah, he's got himself a shiny new belt, but it's not this one. He'll never have this one.
LA Knight: But because of the fact that the Diabetic Dumbass is now Champion, L...A....Knight has to congratulate 'ya. Because what 'ya pulled was pure brilliance. 'Ya strung Ricky Ricardo along just long enough to get him to give Big Brother a title shot. 'Ya manipulated him to give 'ya what 'ya want. Sound familiar? Cause from where I'm standing, it sounds exactly like what L...A....Knight did to the two of 'ya. And the cherry on top, 'ya did it to one of 'ya best friends. L...A....Knight is proud of 'ya. I guess 'ya can say, that move was just...too sweet.
Knight laughs and throws up the nWo hand sign. Bayley and O'Reilly aren't laughing though and leave the Champ hanging.
LA Kniight: Tough crowd. Nevertheless, let's just get one thing perfectly clear.
Knight turns his attention strictly back to O'Reilly.
LA Knight: 'Ya got a chance to make history. 'Ya got a chance to become the first person in UWF history to win the King of The Ring in back to back years. And L...A...Knight is hoping that 'ya pull it off. Because L...A....Knight has been waiting to whoop that ass for a while now. But let L...A....Knight give 'ya a piece of advice, Champion to Champion. Don't let what always seems to happen to 'ya happen again. Because Kyle O'Reilly, the last time that 'ya and L...A....Knight were in a ring together, we were fighting over who was going to be the Number Thirty entrant in the Royal Rumble Match. And what happened that night, Kyle? 'Ya let Tyler Breeze and Omos distract 'ya.
LA Knight: Maybe, if 'ya could focus on something other than video games, 'ya would've won that match and gotten the Number Thirty spot in the Royal Rumble. Maybe, 'ya would've been the one to punch his ticket. Maybe, 'ya would've Main Evented WrestleMania. Maybe, 'ya would be standing here right now as UWF Champion. Instead, 'ya standing here with the belt that 'ya best friend made famous. And despite the fact that 'ya Champion, it's very clear to L....A.....Knight that Kyle O'Reilly is very much still, the third best member of the Not So New World Order. And that's not an insult; THAT'S just a fact of life.
And with that, Knight slaps O'Reilly on the shoulder and returns the stare from earlier. Things are getting tense now. Seems like the two champs might come to blows until Bayley pulls Kyle back to defuse the situation.
Bayley: I think we've wasted enough time here, Kyle. Can't stick around and listen to this jagoff chit chat all night, right.
KO'R: Yeah. Right.
Kyle doesn't take his eyes of Knight as he backs off, and sure enough, Knight doesn't take his eyes off Kyle either as the scene fades out and Revolution rolls on!
We're taken to a scene from earlier today of Kevin Owens arriving at the arena. He's barely stepped into the arena before he notices the camera on it.
Kevin Owens
Let me guess you want some comments from yours truly. Happy to oblige because tonight isn't just any night. There's something in the air. There's a magic tonight. Something special. People might call it electricity. Because tonight kicks off one of the most important tournaments in the history of professional wrestling. King of the Ring. Some of the greatest names in the UWF have claimed this throne before in the past. I'm talking about William Regal. Aleister Black. Edge. Vincent - Get well soon buddy. And even the man trying to go back to back, the current Intercontinental Champion Kyle O'Reilly. I've done a lot of things in UWF but one thing missing from my record is that throne. The title of King. And this year couldn't be a better time to tack that on to my resume. You see, I think a lot of people here forgot just who the hell I am. They seem to forget that this isn't Revolution. This is the Kevin Owens Show. I am the one constant in this industry. I am the measuring stick by which all others are judged. And if you think for one second that you can waltz in here and lay claim to my throne, well, you've got another thing coming.
Tonight not 1 but 2 men stand in my way. A former champion, Rick Rude. Someone who ended up on the winning side in our last encounter and you can bet your ass I'm looking to right that wrong this week. Especially with the stakes being so high tonight. The other… man? Viking? The Mighty Caleb. Caleb you can call yourself Mighty all you want but you bleed like the rest of us. Your bones break like the rest of us. I'm going to find out just what you're made of tonight. If you intend on taking that Throne from me well you better damn well make sure I'm down for good. Much like Vincent you're going to have to claw victory out of my cold dead hands.
Now if you excuse me, I have a tournament to win.
Kevin grabs his bag and heads further into the arena as the feed is taken elsewhere.
UWF cuts to Roman Reigns who is on a throne
Beautiful women surround the Tribal Chief and one is holding a Faux title Roman Reigns looks up and he begins to speak
Roman Reigns: We aren't doing the usual here hee here hee. What I am here to tell you that this king of the ring tournament already has a winner and that man is Roman Reigns. You see many people will think its bullish of me to call myself the king of the ring but quite frankly I earned that title. I beat Kyle O' Reilly. So why do I need to prove it to anything else. You know this business is what have you done for me lately business and between me and my three opponents I have done more for the company by myself. Tomasso Ciampa got a headlined PPV match with me. No belt... No Gimmick. All because he was going one on one with the Tribal Chief. That's what I bring to the table. Randy and Shibata you always need to add something extra with them to be fancy. They're nothing without there bells and whistles. Me I just show up.
Roman gets handed a grape the Tribal Chief eats the grape and he continues to speak
Roman Reigns: See myself I am the championship. When you face the Tribal Chief you get elevated never before in your career. So why do I need the UWF championship? Who makes the most money here? The UWF champion that's who. That's why I need the UWF championship so people know who makes the most money. Who provides for there families the champion does. And I want to show everyone that the UWF championship goes through one man, and that man is me the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns. So Orton, Shibata tonight you are the first of many who will lose to the REAL king of the ring, and you will be leading examples of what all must do when they face me.
Roman Reigns gets up from his throne and takes his faux title and he speaks.
Roman Reigns: You bow down and you acknowledge the real king of the UWF. This belt is the Roman Reigns championship and to get this championship you have to officialy prove to me you're better than me inside of this ring, and if you're lucky to do so than as a man I will acknowledge you. I will praise you. I will show respect to you but I hate to say it everyone in this tournament they will never beat me in this ring.
A video package begins playing...
"Breaking news! Professional Wrestler and owner of Swerve Enterprises, Swerve Strickland is under investigation after an anonymous tip alerted authorities to possible insider trading and tax evasion."
The video feed cuts to another reporter from later in the week..
"Update on our breaking news, Swerve Energy has been found to be unfit for Human consumption in all forms..."
We cut to another clip of a different news reporter, Doing their job reporting the news...
"Swerve Strickland arrested at Swerve Towers from investigations results..."
The news feed begins playing footage of Swerve kicking and screaming as law enforcement has him in hand cups. "Let me go I had nothing to do with this", Nana has his head in shame as he is unable to assist Swerve, Strickland is still resisting arrest as the law enforcement force him into the big, black SUV. The video fades to black
"Swerve is unable to make his scheduled time slot tonight, Swerve Enterprises has sent their lawyer to give us an update on what's happening within Swerve Enterprises..."
"
Revolution rolls on but comes to a halt, The backstage interview set looks as if it's had a freight train go right through the middle, Signs, TVS, and everything else that goes into a set is on the ground or hanging by a single thread, There is a commotion heard in the foreground, The camera cuts right back to the announce desk right on Mauro Ranallo...
Mauro Ranallo: "We're not quiet sure what happened with the representative for Swerve Enterprises but it seems something unexpected has happened..."
Tom Phillips: "Mauro it looks as if Revolution is under siege..."
The feed cuts back to the chaos backstage, The chaos is dying down as three figures step into frame, The one in the middle looks unhinged, he hobbles in on crutches, It's non other than THE JUICE Robinson, flanked by those dirty rapscallions, Colton and Austin, The Gunns...
The Juice Robinson: "SHOTS FIRED... SHOTS FIRED... shots FIRED... UWF you are caught in the crossfire. The Bang Bang Gang are here and firin' on all cylinders... to the left... to the right and more importantly directly into your television screens. I may be on one foot but Juice on one foot is worth ten McIntyre's on TWO boots, You hear that boys, I said Juice Robinson is worth twice the dope that is the Golden ticket, Singles or Tag Team there ain' no better. Talking singles action or tag action you ain't get more bang for your buck than these sons of a Gunn. The STUDS are here fresh off a HOT Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, You can feel it, This here is something special you can't fake, You can take take all the gold and hand it over to the Three of us because with THESE studs you may as well nail the titles to our shoulders of PURE muscle..."
Austin Gunn: "We heard it all in the DRTTC but we proved them all wrong. They called us Nepo Babies..."
Colton Gunn: "That's a weird way to say that the Gunns were born to do this, We have gold in our blood, We are going to make our old mans legacy that much greater because when you are against the Gunns you better be wearing a bullet proof vest because the Gunns are a firin'..."
Austin Gunn: "Exactly. They said we were done for after the first round that we'd pack our bags after losing but we went on a winning streak, We were hot, Hot Tag after hot tag, The only reason we didn't make it to the finals is because some dweebs couldn't get the job done even with our assistance to tie up our bracket but look at it all now the winners are forgotten and the Bang Bang Gang are coming in hot, We have taken aim for the top and we are not missing our shot..."
Colton Gunn: "And if you are not down with that...We got two words for ya... GUNNS UP..."
The feed cuts to black and white and shows Kyle, Bayley, Rude, Bischoff, Hall, and Nash all standing backstage.
Nash: Do we really have to keep these cryptic group messages with the discreet locations up? I mean, it’s not like it isn’t public knowledge that we’re back, right?
Hall: Ay yo..so like…who had the bright idea this week?
Bayley: I wanted to meet in catering.
KO'R: I dib's out.
Rude: Don’t look at me! I mean, I do have some news for all of us now that we’re all here!
Bischoff: I actually called all of us here, this time. I just figured we should get a good start for this week and throw out a game plan for us to follow! But, Rick…go on with your news!
Nash and Hall exchange shocked, but excited glances.
Nash: Waitaminute…it was just Mother’s Day. Don’t tell me…You two are expecting?!
Rude and Bayley exchange equally shocked glances while everyone is getting super excited. With the exception of Kyle who is highly fixated upon a loose thread in his clothing.
Bayley: We better not be. I'm step-Catholic now so the - cover your ears Kyle - a-b-o-r-t-i-o-n solution isn't even on the table.
Rude: What?! No! These little swimmers got snipped a long time ago!
Bayley: Wait? So you never even want Rick Juniors? Great. Good to know. Glad I'm finding this out now in a dingey little hallway in Oakland, California's ashtray.
Rude: What do you mean? It never came up in conversation! Besides, what happened to taking things slowly?
Nash: Leave it to me to throw the turd in the punch bowl.
Bischoff: How’s about we get back on track to whatever Rick had planned to tell us?
Bayley: Or planned to never tell us?
Rude: Thanks, Big Kev. Anyways…so, Kyle surprised us all with his potential addition.
KO'R: You mean Pentagon? Mexican Skeletor?
Rude: And the jury is still out on that one…so, I thought we would call up one of our old OGs, and let Bayley and Kyle have a feel of it.
Bayley: What is it? Surpriseterday today?
KO'R: We haven't even made up our minds about one new new guy and we're already looking at another new new guy?
Rude: Did I say newest member? No, I did not. He knows that it is tentative. I told him not to get his hopes up, but he says he’s coming prepared and knows just what we need.
Hall: So, chica…did he beat around the bush this much when ya’ll were starting out, or is he just milking it? Just gonna let that coffee cool?
Hall mentions to Bayley before a commotion is heard in the background.
???: IF ANYONE’S GOING TO HAVE COFFEE, you’d better make sure you’ve got some cream. AND YOU’D BETTER STIR IT IN, uh-huh…cuz the cream always rises to the top, yeah!
Nash: Holy shit! Randy?!
Kyle becomes distracted after watching the cream being flung away.
Savage: Yeah, yeah, YEAH!
Macho comes in slinging wolfpack symbols to everyone present.
Bischoff: I’ve got to say that this is a major surprise, even to me!
Kyle becomes fixated with the tassels of Savage’s shirt.
KO'R: This shirt... is so... friggin... insane. Where did you even get this? Dan Flashes? The pattern is soooo wild.
Savage: FREAK OUT! YEAH! Uh-huh. So, ol’ Rick calls me up to tell me you guys have a bit of a shortage in the roster, uh-huh. YEAH! So I tells him he came lookin’ in the right place, yeah. WHY NOT CALL UP THE MADNESS, why not climb up and see the tower of power, too sweet to be sour, yeah, sky is the limit and space is the place!
Bayley: He's like if Larry Sweeney was made of pepperoni meet and actually worked out.
Hall: Oh, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Rude: So, during our conversation Randy told me that he has been reading a book, and it would be very helpful for what we’ve got going on.
All coked up and nowhere to go, Mach inconspicuously pulls out a book, seemingly from out of nowhere. Kyle is amazed.
KO'R: First the creamer, now the book…you’ve got to teach me those tricks you wizard.
Savage turns around, his back to all that are present.
Savage: I’ve been flipping through some pages, uh-huh, OF A CLASSIC piece of literature. I told Rick, WHY NOT let me bring this to you and share some of the knowledge, yeah.
Nash pulls Rick closer to speak softly to him.
Nash: Please tell me he doesn’t plan on reading from this book? We will be here until the next Pay Per View.
Savage spins back around to face Nash.
Savage: OH YE OF LITTLE FAITH, yeah, why do you doubt?
Bischoff: Randy, seriously. I appreciate the effort that you’ve went through in bringing this book that you plan on sharing with us, but we’ve really got to get a gameplan going here. Kyle and Rick have matches, shortly-
Savage: Where you goin’ freak show? I’ve got you for three minutes!
Rude: Nice, Randy. Even quoting your movie roles, now?
Savage lifts up the book, ominously, and begins clearing his throat. It sounds exactly as you’d imagine it. The camera zooms in on the book and we see that it is “The Art of War” by Sun Tsu.
Savage: LET YOUR PLANS BE DARK AND IMPENETRABLE AS THE NIGHT, yeah, and when you move, uh-huh, fall like a thunderbolt, yeah!
Rude looks to the camera and gives the cut-off signal as the feed heads back elsewhere
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: From Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland... weighing in at 190 pounds... The Television Champion, Finn Balor!
When Lie, Cheat, Steal by Jim Johnston plays, The UWF Universe See a low rider coming out from the back and drives it smoothly out here onto the stage and rides it straight down towards the ramp away and he pulls to a stop and turned on the switches inside of his low rider an stops it and gets out of his low rider in starts shaking his arms in gets inside of the Revolution ring and climbs up the top rope and beats on his chest and shakes his arms once again and head over towards the other top rope and does the exact same thing beats his chest and does the shake an gets down from the top rope
Tony Chimel: From El Paso, Texas Weighing in at two hundred and twenty eight pounds Eddie Guerrero
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. Kyle shreds on his strap like its some kinda electric guitar, popping the capacity crowd while Tony introduces him.
Chimel: Being accompanied to the ring by Bayley, from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada... weighing in at 200 pounds... The Intercontinental Champion, 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.
VS 
VS 
DING! DING! DING!
Mauro Ranallo: "Everyone is hungry for victory in this match, O'Reilly is looking at winning it all back to back like the Yankees in 77/78. "
Tom Phillips: "Hell if he wins here he next year he can be the first UWF Champion to win KOTR, And make do like the Yankees in 98-2000 and get the three peat..."
Corey Graves: "But first he needs to beat Eddie Guerrero who has boldly claimed next..."
Guerrero and Balor go to tie up but they both smirk as they turn and bonk O'Reilly with their fist, They both begin unloading on the unsuspecting canuck. Balor and Guerrero grab an arm, They whip Kyle into the ropes, Balor goes to the other rope, On the rebound Guerrero catches Kyle with a monkey flip, As O'Reilly rotates through the air, Balor jumps and connects with a running shot gun drop kick that stops Kyles momentum dead as it sends him back into the canvas...
Tom Phillips: "Balor and Guerrero making an uneasy alliance to take out last years winner..."
Mauro Ranallo: "You take out the one with experience going all the way..."
Tom Phillips: "You're right Mauro, These two men know to never count out the Diabetic Dragon..."
The dragon doesn't sleep long, He is already beginning to stir, Guerrero tells Balor to go up to the top rope as he hoist Kyle up to his feet, Balor smiles as he shakes his head, Clearly not trusting Guerrero. Balor instead places Kyle's head under his armpit, Guerrero follows suit, They are ready for the double suplex, but the momentary distraction is enough for Kyle, To lift both guys up and plants both opponents with force into canvas...
Tom Phillips: "Guerrero and Balor a slight miscommunication..."
Corey Graves: "That's not miscommunication, Balor only listens to one man and that's himself, Unlike Kyle who actually listens to his Gran Gran..."
Corey Graves: "You can't trust anyone, Tom, Especially your grandmother..."
Kyle feels the powah coursing through his veins, With the crowd fully behind him he does the most magnificent kip up we've ever not seen. He looks over to the corner where Balor is, He runs full speed, He brings up a knee that buries itself in Balor's stomach as he jumps into the turnbuckles, Balor is in pain as O'Reilly has already turned to the other corner, Guerrero is leaning back into the turnbuckles, O'Reilly changes target as he runs across the ring, He jumps and connects with a flying elbow into the jaw of Latino Heat. The dragon is looking for another victim but unlucky for Balor he is back in Kyle's sights, Kyle hooks Guerrero up, He lifts him up for a back suplex but no he plants him with a neck breaker...
Mauro Ranallo: "Murder in the Sky Over Burnaby!"
Corey Graves: "I swear every time I think I've heard the stupidest name for Kyle's offense, something even more idiotic comes out your mouth, Mauro, to prove me wrong"
Kyle goes for a pin but he is yanked off Guerrero by the third man, Balor picks up Kyle before sending him head first into the turn post as if he missed last call at the local. Balor is stalking Guerrero, He brings him to his feet he plants him with a simple but effective snap suplex, Finn takes control of the head as he lifts him up to his feet once more, He mocks Eddie has he hits a spiking brain buster into the canvas, Finn makes the cover...
One...
Two...
No, It's broken up by O'Reilly
Kyle drags Balor out the ring, He begins unloading high kicks into the rib cage of Balor. Balor responds with stiff strike that rocks O'Reillys world. The two men outside are trading blows back and fourth, Balor is getting ahead, O'Reilly is getting his licks in, Both men are even, Nothing will even the odds except gravity the great equaliser, Guerrero launches himself clean over the top rope with a top rope suicide dive, Both men come crashing to the outside in front of the announce desk...
Mauro Ranallo: ""Air Guerrero coming in hot..."
Tom Phillips: "Balor get's out of dodge, He just ensured Kyle had all of the impact..."
Guerrero takes the momentum as he looks to Balor who avoided air Guerrero, He points to the downed O'Reilly, The two seem to be on the same page as both guys hoist Kyle up and roll him back into the ring, Guerrero and Balor, lift O'Reilly to his feet before planting him with a snap suplex, They both roll back and through, They lift O'Reilly up before planting him with a second suplex, They roll through a final time, The crowd are on their feet, The plant O'Reily with a third amigo. Balor orders Eddie to go to the over corner for some frog splash action. As Balor has made his way to the top rope, Guerrero quickly turns around and makes the cover, Realizing his opportune moment...
Mauro Ranallo: "The three amigos in stereo..."
Tom Phillips: "You should be calling the the SIX amigos..."
Corey Graves: "More amigos than Kyle ever has had..."
One...
Two...
COUP DE GRACE breaks the pinfall and Guerreros back...
Mauro Ranallo: "Balor is going to do it..."
Tom Phillips: "He has it in the bag....!"
Balor goes to the corner as Kyle who took a fraction of the move from Balors stomp stumbles to his feet, Balor has made his way to the corner, He is sizing O'Reilly up for a slingblade, Kyle turns he is unable to see what is about to come but out of nowhere Balor is knocked out cold by a hell of a boot, It's Sami Zayn. He wasn't in this match but he has made his impact felt. O'Reilly doesn't see what went down as he catches Guerrero in the corner of his eye, He runs towards Eddie and hits him with a busaiku knee, That knocks Guerrero's teeth into the front row. Kyle hooks both legs....
One...
Two...
Tom Phillips: "Kyle is looking to be a two time King of our Ring!"
Three...
DING DING DING
Tony Chimel: "Here is your winner by pinfall, Last years King Of The Ring, The Diabetic Dragon, Kyle O Reilly!"
Kyle gets to his feet, He has his arm raised above his head, Zayn is on the outside of the ring, He is pointing at Balor making a point, He gestures for the title around his waist, This is Kyle's moment though he is on his feet happy to have made it to the semi-finals. Eve is hugging and consoling a distraught Guerrero who doesn't realize he has just lost but with this performance the World Champion would fear Eddies name.
Cut to a backstage area. Katsuyori Shibata is seen intently lacing up his boots, readying himself for battle.
He turns his head and peers at the camera with a spark in his eyes.
Shibata: I was wrong about you, Roode. You my friend… are a true warrior, and you are welcome back onto my battlefield at any time. Past actions cannot be undone but we can create new ones. Consider this an extension of my own hand. I would be honored to go to war with you again, but if that day comes… might I suggest leaving the headbutts to me next time?
Shibata smirks. He respects how far Roode pushed himself in order to prove something, but the finish to the match amuses him.
I hope that I have taught you a valuable lesson, just as you have done to me.
Shibata's slight smile lasts for a few more miniscule moments, before he purses his lips as he moves onto a different topic.
Yet… the lesson that I truly desire escapes me…
Shibata's expression turns to frustration.
…and by the sounds of it, it escapes just about everyone else here as well. What I seek is a lesson in humility…
Shibata pauses to let his declaration sink in, hoping someone will listen and answer his call.
…and it seems there is still nobody here that can give it to me. Three fights in and with every victory I start to feel more and more unbreakable. It’s like an armor that can’t be pierced.
Like he's invincible. Shibata has felt this way before. He's reminded of a time that has long passed.
You want to know something? Wrestling was not my first love. I suppose that might come as a shock. There are some days now that it feels like my only love…
Poor Shibata. I would treat him right. Hit my line, Katsuyori.
…just some days. My first love was baseball. I studied it just like I do wrestling. I fully committed myself to it just like I did wrestling. I was just a kid then… and still I would walk out to the fields as the sun rose and pitch until the sun set. No catcher, no batter. Just me… and the ball. I learned every way you could grip a baseball and I would stare down at the ball gripped in my hand until the very image was engraved in my mind forever.
That image returns to Shibata's mind. It feels warm, welcoming... inviting.
My father and I had this one drill we used to do… he would hit groundballs to me while I was on the mound. He would scorch them. It was like a missile aimed straight at your legs. On a few miraculous occasions I would be quick enough to snag them. Usually, they would just slam right into my shins. I would hobble over in pain… and my father would just wait… patiently. He would wait as long as it took for me to rise and when I did, it was right back to it. Eventually my father did not need to wait. The ball would clash into my legs, ricochet off… and I would simply go pick it up and toss it back to dad. That was it.
Some might say it was a little too intense for a kid… I wouldn’t. My father never liked doing that drill for longer than 5 minutes or so. I hated doing it any less than 15 minutes. It was what I wanted. It was what I needed. There would be no perfect games without it. I had to be the best… and I was.
They could not hit me. They could barely even touch me. Every now and then there would be someone that could work the count up on me… Robert Roode certainly did that last week. I threw my best stuff at him, and he kept fouling it off. He fought, and fought, and fought until we found ourselves in a full count. 3-2, 2 outs... a war of attrition... a battle of soul, mind, and body... bottom of the 9th... and just like nearly everyone before him… he took one giant, final swing… and he missed. A highly commendable effort, but that is all it will ever be.
Shibata utters that last line with a bit of melancholy, like it's bittersweet.
The art of sport molded me into who I am… into what I am. I owed something to the first sport that showed me my potential. I made a promise to baseball… to compete at the highest level, to play with the love that the game instills in me, and to teach the same thing to the next generation…
Shibata looks down. This memory isn't as pleasant as the others.
…and I came up short. I came up short in every way. The batters would come and go, and I would throw harder and harder… getting angrier and angrier until my body began to ache not only from the wear and tear but from the contempt that had begun to consume my view of the game. Irritated by the absence of a challenge, confused by my growing indifference… I did not know what was happening to me. The fire that had sparked inside of me when I first touched a baseball… it slowly began to dissipate. I told nobody, not even dad. There came a time that when I stepped onto that mound, I felt like I was losing a piece of me. I fell out of love with something I gave a promise to. I failed that sport. These days I wonder what would have happened had I confessed what I felt. I wonder what dad would have said. If it could have changed anything…
Shibata pauses to ponder, becoming lost in his thoughts for a few moments before snapping out of it.
…pointless to ponder over. The past is forever concrete. The future is always being built, and somehow... that haunts me even more. See, at times I fear what I am building. I know what I am doing with the dojo is good and I know what I am doing with the people in my life is good. But sometimes I walk into the locker room after a match… I peer at the monitor… watch my opponent slowly come to their senses and rise from where I left them laying… and then I smile. Ear to ear. I can’t help it. It feels good.
A small smirk sneaks its way onto Shibata's expression.
It is bliss knowing that you went toe to toe with a man, exchanged every facet of your soul and being within the realm of combat, and left him unmoving. It is such a powerful feeling. I have been on this earth for 44 years, and only the sound of a baseball leaving my hand and entering a catcher’s mitt can compete with the sound that echoes when you knock someone out. And when you keep doing that?… over and over and over again?… that’s beyond bliss. Eventually, you go on a run that is so filled with triumph and glory… you think you might just be the best to ever do it… and the feeling that comes with that?… that’s euphoria…
Shibata pauses again, his smirk gone. he loses himself in his thoughts... and then airs those thoughts.
…and when in euphoria, reality starts to shatter. It changes, shifting itself into whatever you wish it to be. You lose touch with the real world… or our world rather. Instead, it is all about your own world, and that… is when things really get dangerous. When there is nothing that can keep you grounded, you can only ascend. You go higher, and higher, and higher… until everyone else just looks like an ant from your view. One big colony, frantically trying to make it to wherever they are being called to. You could squash it all. One footstep is all it would take.
Shibata's eyes wonder far away from the camera lens, like he's not even talking to us. Like he's talking to someone else in the room... we just can't see them.
You used to be down there, with the rest of the ants… but now you are all the way up in the sky. Everyone is looking up at you. The person you used to be… gone. The feelings you used to have… gone, swept away by the tsunami waves of euphoria. The future that you were building?… it doesn’t matter anymore. You are the future, and the present too. You are everything. Everything you could ever dream of… everything but reality. Eventually the mania of it all goes away. It takes the bliss and the euphoria with it… and then you shrink back down to size. Nowhere to go… but right back to reality. Back to the very thing you turned your back on, with nothing to blame but your own actions.
Shibata's eyes suddenly dart back toward the camera. He speaks directly to us, the UWF audience, and the UWF roster.
I try to make a conscious choice to act in a manner that will keep me grounded… but sometimes I wonder if it is any use. This sport, as beautiful as it is, can turn you so ugly. It rewards the ability to lose yourself. It wants you to forget who you are before you came into the ring, demanding that you give into the mania of it all if you want to win. You have to leave your human traits behind. Forget the pain, bask in brutality, break the confidence of the man in front of you. You cannot act human. No, you must tap into your primordial instincts. Act as if you were an animal... a beast…
Shibata shifts gears, a hint of contempt creeping his way into his voice.
...But apparently, I do not heed my own advice. According to Randy Orton, I act with a sort of… “make believe humility”. That would be very human of me. Unfortunately, it is very off the mark. I had hoped to open Randy’s eyes to an ugly truth about me when we spoke… but that was not that truth, not even close.
Shibata shakes his head. The contempt in his voice turns to outright anger.
Randy, there is nothing make believe about it… because there is no it. I have no humility. Not here. Not now. Humility is taught. You are not born with it. It has to be engrained into you… and since being gifted this new life I live; I am yet to be given the necessary course on humility... and here?… there are no professors. All I see are students… beckoning their master to come forward… begging for a physical demonstration.
Shibata nods, assuming his role as the master... and he can't wait to teach. His tone grows more venomous as he continues to address his opponents.
There was a part of me that hoped one of you, Roman or Randy, would pull enough strings to achieve victory. There was a part of my brain that told me it would be best… that even if one of you had to scheme and manipulate the ring to win… it would be okay.
Shibata slams his fist down onto his knee, and his expression turns to pure disgust.
That part of me is dead! Orton, Reigns, Heyman!… you killed it with your words. Choose them more wisely next time. You chose to interrupt me… insult my honesty… my pride… my identity! I can take that from a man who upholds those values… but you Randy?!… you are disgusting. You uphold nothing but degeneracy. You are scum! A waste of time. A waste of matter. A waste of life. I refuse to accept Orton’s right to exist in my ring, and I refuse to show any semblance of bending a knee to Roman Reigns. I will become whatever kind of monster I need to in order to keep that crown off their heads!
Shibata stands up. A hint of hatred still on his face, he pops his neck to the right and then to the left. He's ready.
I still encourage both of you to bring your servants to the ring but understand something. You are not putting me in any danger. You are putting them… in danger.
Shibata storms off. His shoulder bumps against the camera and we're left with the wobbly image of Shibata intently heading off to his battle as the scene fades away.
The camera cuts backstage to Renee Young.
Renee: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is one of the men who will be in a qualifier match for the King of the Ring tournament, “Ravishing” Rick Rude! Rick, I think the question on everyone’s mind, how do you think you’ll fare in this match against not only Kevin Owens as well as The Mighty Caleb?
Rude scoffs and smirks. He brushes off his abs before addressing the question.
Rude: Renee, you might as well go on and start referring to me by the appropriate title. His most ravishing royalty, Ravishing Rick Rude. Not counting my chickens before they hatch, just calling it like it is most definitely going to go.
Renee: Well, Rick, it would seem as if you’re already exuding more confidence than usual before this match has even taken place. Might I ask, why that is?
Rude scoffs once again and winds up his shoulders.
Rude: Renee, how about I ask you what makes you so sure that I should be nervous or concerned about this match or anyone else in this tournament, save Kyle O’Reilly?
Rude finishes winding up his shoulders and begins interlacing his fingers and writhing his hands.
Rude: Let’s just take a logistical approach to calculating my odds in this tournament. Eleven men, other than myself. Five of which I have soundly defeated before. Another five that I’m yet to face off with upon my return to the ring, or even their returns to the ring. That leaves one other man, Kyle O’Reilly. Now, let’s logistically break down each round of matches. The first cut is going to see Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Roode, Shibata, and myself prevailing. The semifinals will most likely see O’Reilly facing off against Roode and Shibata against myself. Want to take a guess on the finals round, Renee?
Rude slips a sweaty arm around the shoulders of Renee Young.
Renee: I’d rather not…besides, you’re about to tell me your speculations anyways, right?
Rude: Oh, don’t be such a party pooper, Renee. But yet, I’ll go on and enlighten you for what will be the final match. O’Reilly vs. Rude part 2.
Rude emphatically holds up his hand to the camera.
Rude: Now, that in no way is any attempt at knocking down either Bobby Roode or Shibata, by any means. I’ve been impressed with both of them in the past, but I just doubt that they truly have as much on the line as Kyle and I do. You see, not only do we have the added pressure of ensuring that one of the two nWo members win this whole tournament, but we’ve also got some heat left to truly settle the score between the two of us after Backlash.
Renee: Let’s play devil’s advocate and pretend that it does come down to the two of you for the finals. Do you think Kyle would be willing to put the title on the line during that bout, so that there would be no doubt left for who the better man truly is between the two of you? Like a winner take all bout?
Rude ponders for a moment with his thumb and forefinger placed upon his chin before grinning wildly.
Rude: Renee, you are a foxy and sneaky little thing, aren’t you? You just gave me a very good idea. I hate to cut this chat short, but I’ve got a match and I’ve got to catch up with Eric, wherever he is.
Renee: Speaking of, how are things between the two of you since Backlash?
Rude: Never better. I’m assuming you’re referring to our heated conversation that you attempted eavesdropping on? Eric and I respect each other to the highest degree. We’re able to have extremely heated conversations and it not affect our friendship nor our professional relationship. Now, if you’ll excuse me..
Rude walks off camera as the action continues elsewhere.
The scene opens on the outside of a mental institution before the camera cuts away to the inside, heading down a hallway before stopping at one of the doors. There’s a chart seen hanging there that, upon the camera zooming in a bit, reads the name, “Vincent Marseglia”. The camera pans up to the opening in the door now as, in the far upper corner of the padded room, Vincent is seen sitting there, bound by a straitjacket, his face not visible. The camera rests as close as it can to the opening in the door as Vincent begins to speak.
Vincent: How…how did I get here? And why…why am I in this restrictive garment?
There’s silence, indicating that Vincent isn’t speaking to anyone in particular but then he’s answered.
Following Backlash, you weren’t in great condition at all. You were bleeding profusely, you couldn’t walk under your own power, and you needed medical attention because of the trauma you had sustained, especially from the neck up.
The camera fixes slightly to show that, indeed, someone is in the room with Vincent.
You may recall suffering fracturing to your face following that devastating Claymore from Drew McIntyre months ago. Well the repeated strikes you suffered from The Mighty Caleb’s shield shattered your face entirely. They had to surgically repair it and basically rebuild it from the ground up. You have a history of lashing out at medical officials however, so that’s why you’re here and that’s why you’re in a straitjacket, so that you can rehabilitate properly. Once you’re able to return to the UWF, be as unhinged as you desire and lash out against whomever, but you aren’t going to do it here, Mr. Marseglia.
Vincent scoffs.
Vincent: So what are you supposed to be, my therapist?
The man emits a slight chuckle.
Think of me as someone of all trades. Mental therapist. Physical therapist. You could even call me your friend.
Vincent scoffs again.
Vincent: A friend wouldn’t have me bound up like some kind of animal.
The man stands up.
As I’ve stated, it’s for your protection and mine, Mr. Marseglia. But that’s all the time I have for you this evening. Don’t worry, we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.
The camera pans backward as the man opens the door and closes it behind him as he walks off to elsewhere in the facility. The camera now gets one last shot of Vincent as he sings to himself.
Vincent: “I…am…your worst nightmare…”
Things pan back to the outside of the institution before Revolution continues elsewhere.
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.
“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.
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, 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.
VS 
VS 
DING DING DING
All three men stand straight up, eyeing one another. Usually people would be hunched over a bit with their defenses up but all three seem to be extremely confident in their will to win this one. Shibata walks to the center of the ring and tells both of them to go ahead and come at him at once. Roman smirks at the audacity of this bitch while Orton calmly walks over. Shibata throws a lightening quick Roundhouse Kick that catches Orton off guard right in the side of the head! Reigns runs up right away with a Superman Punch but Shibata grabs his arm as it swings at him and brings him down to the mat shoulder first before dropping a Knee on it. Reigns rolls away grabbing his shoulder while Shibata casually sits crossed legged in the ring, asserting his dominance.
Mauro Ranallo: The former UWF Champion has certainly not lost a step since returning to the UWF.
Tom Phillips: Not to sure he's going to make many friends with an attitude like this.
Corey Graves: When you're as good and dominant as Shibata, you don't need friends.
True, except for his entourage he's seemingly brought with him but that's neither here nor there. They're not out here unlike Orton's proteges and The Bloodline who check on each of their leaders. Shibata rises up and walks over to the ropes where Orton is and taunts him to come back into the ring and fight. As he's doing this, Roman slips back in behind him and gives him a Clothesline to the back of the head. Shibata stumbles over to the corner where Roman gives him repeated Clothesline in the corner but stops to shake out his shoulder. Orton comes back into the ring and gives him a few European Uppercuts to knock him into the adjacent corner. He sits Reigns on the top rope and goes up along with him to set up for the Superplex but Shibata comes over and nails him in the back a few times before giving him a German Suplex from the middle rope! Orton lands high on the neck and Shibata makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Orton kicks out! Shibata gets to his feet but gets caught with a Diving Clothesline by Roman. The Tribal Chief brings the former UWF Champion to his feet and lifts him up onto his shoulders. The Wrestler fights back with some Elbows to the side of the head to stun Reigns and fall off behind him to put him in a Sleeper! Roman however is larger and more powerful and is able to scramble to the ropes but Shibata pops his hips and plants him with the Sleeper Suplex! He goes for the cover.
1 . . .
2 . . .
Reigns kicks out!
Mauro Ranallo: All three men have been World Champion at one point or another so it'll be interesting to see who still has what it takes.
Tom Phillips: None of them are lacking any confidence, that's for sure.
Roman turns over and tries to get up on all fours. Shibata comes over and delivers some Kawada Kicks to his face before he wraps around him in a Rear Naked Choke! Hoping the kicks scrambled his brains a little, the loss of oxygen should give him the victory here that is until Orton comes into the ring and lands a diving Knee Drop to the top of Shibata's skull! He rolls around in pain but Orton is quick to bring him up and toss his body through the ropes before pulling him back in. He's got him set up for the Rope hung DDT but Shibata kicks his feet off the ropes and instead sends Orton up and over. He doesn't realize though that Orton has landed on the apron and so he's grabbed from behind and given a Neckbreaker on the ropes to slingshot him! Shibata crawls on all fours as the Apex Predator stalks him. He runs forward for the Punt Kick but Shibata pushes back to avoid it. Orton turns around and eats a Big Boot that knocks him to the ropes. Shibata measuring him and gets ready to take off when his boot is grabbed by Anderson.
Tom Phillips: I knew it wouldn't take long before Orton's goons got involved.
Corey Graves: Hey it's No DQ. If it was e I'd have had them straight up attack once the bell rang.
Mauro Ranallo: Ironic considering how much you hated The Cartel getting involved constantly.
Corey Graves: That's different because Fuck The Cartel!
Shibata kicks his hands away and warns the young boy to not get involved or else. He runs at Orton but Randy comes out just enough to catch him with a Scoop Powerslam into the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Shibata kicks out! Randy gets to his feet and begins to do the worst offense imaginable, the stomps around the body. It's slow, methodical, boring and time wasting as Reigns comes out of nowhere with a Superman Punch! Randy rolls out of the ring while Roman picks up Shibata and shoves his head between his legs. He lets out a smirk before delivering a Powerbomb! The Wrestler turns over and crawls over to the ropes, pulling himself out of the ring. Roman exits around the opposite side to get a running start before hitting him with the Drive By! He pushes him back into the ring and follows him in to make the pin.
1 . . .
2 . . .
Shibata gets the shoulder up at 2! Roman walks over to the corner and slams his fist to the mat. He's getting ready for the Spear when Randy grabs his foot and drags him to the outside, giving him a Clothesline. He enters the ring and slithers behind Shibata as he's rising to his feet. He slowly turns around and goes for the RKO but Shibata shoves him forward instead. Orton turns back around but gets caught with a Spinning Backhand that knocks him clean out! That's not good enough though and so Shibata gets on him and starts laying into him. With no DQ allowed, he can do this as long as he wants. He positions himself for the Cross Armbar but Reigns comes in and boots him right in the side of the head! The Head of the table picks up Shibata and gives him a Samoan Drop! Shibata rolls out of the ring while Roman picks up the beaten and battered Orton and gives him a Powerbomb! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Orton kicks out!
Tom Phillips: Randy Orton is not out of it just yet.
Mauro Ranallo: Nobody wants to be the one pinned in this match but I don't know if it's worse to be pinned and lose or lose by no fault of your own.
Roman walks over to the corner once more and readies for the Spear. Brock and Bron sense the danger their leader is in and they go into the ring but so does Joe and Solo. The four men stare off before they start swinging for the fences on each other, piling out of the ring. Orton rises up and turns around just as Roman charges for him. Randy ends up kicking him in the face however which causes him to stand up straight allowing Orton to just straight kick him in the balls! It's no DQ and so Orton finishes the job with an RKO! Shibata goes to slide back into the ring but Anderson grabs him by the foot and pulls him out, throwing him into Joe as the ref makes the count.
1 . . .
2 . . .
3 . . .
Tony Chimel: Here is your winner and advancing to the semi finals of the King of the Ring, Randy Orton!
Shibata shoves his way through the fight and sees what just transpired. He shakes his head but he doesn't want to get further involved in this foolishness. He simply walks off while Randy gets his hand raised. The fight on the outside settles as both Joe and Solo instead grab Roman and help him to the back. Anderson and Brekker celebrate with Orton in the ring as Revolution rolls on!
Once again, the titantron switches from the UWF Revolution graphic to a feed from backstage. The fans are treated to a second helping of Macho Man Randy Savage, who is pontificating about some timeless Chinese wisdoms or something like that.
Savage: THE WISE WARRIOR, uh-huh, avoids the battle, yeah yeah yeah!
The camera pans over to show Kyle O'Reilly and Bayley staring at the guys like he's some kinda alien. Disbelief. Disconcern. Dis not what they expected. Bayley mutters to Kyle under her breath so as not to draw the attention of the Macho Man.
Bayley: Its like if cocaine had a mascot. His blood pressure must be through the roof. You could probably give the guy a transfusion with jet fuel and he wouldn't even notice.
KO'R: He keeps offering me Slim Jims and at first I was like "oh sick, this is rad" but then I got tired of Slim Jim's and when I told him I didn't want anymore, he ripped a phonebook in half.
Bayley: Where the hell did he find a phone book?
KO'R: It was in his fanny pack all along.
The step-sibs continue to gawk at Savage while he rants and raves until Rick Rude comes walking by.
Rude: There you guys are, I've been looking all over. Thanks for keeping an eye on Randy.
Savage doesn't even notice The Ravishing One returning. He's still shouting in metaphors.
Bayley: Hey. Yeah. About that...
They step aside to discuss the prospective nWo member in private.
Bayley: Look... Randy... he seems like a... well... he seems like a lot of things. And I'm sure he's a great guy. But is... I mean... look... a wildcard in the deck isn't always a bad thing, but who even needs one when you've already got a couple aces in the hand, ya know?
She looks from Rick to Kyle, then back to Rick.
Bayley: I don't wanna say who is or isn't nWo material, but -
KO'R: Yo he just bit into a fistful of Slim Jim's without taking the plastic off...
They look over at Randy, who's snacking on his sponsored meat like a bear going through a campsite.
KO'R: Penta would never do something like that...
Bayley: Yeah... yeah... I dunno... maybe we should keep looking? What do you think, hon?
Bayley puts a hand on Rick's shredded bicep, wondering if he's willing to reconsider the prospect he's brought in. Rude looks down at Bayley's hand and then over to Kyle.
Rude: So, do the two of you agree to run things by everyone in the future?
Bayley: You're kidding me...this was planned? Not just like, Macho coming in, but like, how we would react?
Rude: Every bit of it. I had no intention on getting Randy to join us. I remember how bad it was back in the 90s. At least then, Liz was around to keep him in check. No offense, but I figured why not introduce the two of you to a disaster just like you attempted to bring in on us with Penta. Kyle, I know you're fond of him...but we've got to be realistic here.
KO'R: But think of all the fear he would strike into the hearts of our enemies...
Bayley: He does have a certain... I dunno... lets call it a "startling vibe" about him that might make some of these chuds think twice before crossing us.
Rude: Well, if you really want to push it, I'll just invite Randy along for whenever the two of you call up Penta. Maybe they will hit it off perfectly, or maybe the two of them will hit up some coke together and it will all be an enormous mess?
Bayley: No. You're right. That does sound messy.
Rude: And hey, sorry for making you think I had pulled a fast one on you, and sorry for having to do it this way to make sure you all knew how it felt. From here on out, all for one, one for all, right?
Bayley: Three musketeers?
K'OR: I'm diabetic, dude!
Rude laughs as he walks over to Macho Man, who is still spouting off quotes. Somehow he has transitioned from classic literature to reciting lyrics from classic rock. Not exactly sure what Rush's Tom Sawyer has to do with anything, but neither does he. Anyways, the feed cuts off and transitions back.
The Mighty Caleb: My shieldbrothers and sisters... this past Sunday I entered into the most brutal battle I have faced in this realm, and perhaps in any other. I stepped into the ring to do battle in only the second ever Viking Rules Match with the man who has plagued my dreams over this past month... Vincent. On the night I looked directly into those insane eyes of the 'Horror King' and they say that if you stare long enough into the abyss... into the darkness... that darkness shall gaze back into you and enter your soul and on that night The Mighty Caleb became Caleb the Crazed!, Caleb the Violent!... Caleb the Berzerker... and as I drove my mighty shield into the Horror King's mangled face I felt a cloud rise, I felt the fog clear and through brutality... the most brutal of my opponents has been extinguished from this realm...
Caleb looks at the ground for a short moment before raising to face the camera once more.
Part of The Mighty Caleb was perhaps left on the battlefield at Backlash - perhaps Vincent in his own sinister sorcery took something from The Mighty Caleb, perhaps more than any man, woman or beast has before... but here I stand, I have endured, I have survived and as long as I have enough limbs to swing towards an opponents head... I will continue to live this warriors path, wherever it may lead... from the bowels of Helheim to the glory of Valhalla... The Mighty Caleb will fight, The Mighty Caleb must fight and The Mighty Caleb must conquer.
A smile creeps across Caleb's face as he pauses for thought.
And it appears my next opportunity to conquer all this realm has to offer has arisen before me - perhaps a token of thanks from the Gods for extinguishing the Horror King at Backlash... an opportunity, a chance to earn the right to be King of The Realm. Yes, indeed The Mighty Caleb has heard of the King of The Ring... how many men of this realm compete for the right to sit upon a hallowed throne with a crown of gold placed upon his head. As much as The Mighty Caleb loves gold, treasure and trinkets... I never was much for royalty... but I am ready to become the King of this realm because with kingship comes opportunity. Tonight opportunity knocks for The Mighty Caleb in the form of Kevin Owens and Rick Rude. Kevin Owens and I have yet to cross paths but I look less forward to doing battle with the man who loves to fight and fight and fight... truly a man built in the mould of The Mighty Caleb if ever there could be another!... but Rick Rude... we have crossed paths before... and you got the better of The Mighty Caleb on that night where The Mighty Caleb failed to capture the Intercontinental Championship all those months ago...
Caleb looks to the camera with a steely glare as if staring into the eyes of Rude himself.
But I have been to Helheim and back since then Rick Rude... I have fought many more battles and been victorious in most... I have flown through the air off of mighty ladders... I have smashed glass into the head of a fair Shieldmaiden and I have went axe to axe, steel to steel with a man who has ruled over this realm in his own sick reign that will never see the light of day again. I have grown, I have honed my steel and tonight I show you... and Kevin Owens just why The Mighty Caleb shall soon be known as King Caleb the Conqueror when I crush the competition and charge onwards... into glory!, SKAL!, SKAL!, SKAL!
Caleb stands triumphantly - fist held aloft as the crowd can be heard chanting his signature phrase as we go elsewhere.
Chimel: The following contest is an Opening Round match-up in the 2024 King of the Ring Tournament!
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: Introducing first, 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.
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: Next, 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.
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: And finally, Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Weighing in at 252 pounds, “Ravishing” Rick Rude!
While Bischoff finds a place to stand at ringisde, Rude stares down his opponents. Tony Chimel steps through the ropes and after ensuring the competitors are good to go, the Referee calls for the bell.
VS 
VS 
DING DING
As far as Kevin Owens is concerned, the bell sounding might as well be a pistol popping off at the starting line. Mr. Wrestling bursts out of the gate, charging at The Mighty Caleb a fraction of a second after the contest officially commences. Neither the former TV Champ nor former IC Champ was anticipating such an explosive beginning to the bout, allowing Kevin to get a good lick in Caleb while Rude looks on, surprised.
Actually, calling it a "good lick" is probably an understatement on account of the forearm to the side of the head with all of Owens' weight behind it is enough to knock even The Mighty One off balance. Caleb careens into the corner post, which is all that stops him from hitting the floor below.
Without missing a beat, the Quebecer bounces off that target and heads directly for the next one like some kinda pinball. Rick has just enough time to brace himself for the impact when Kevin tosses himself at The Ravishing One with a running crossbody of sorts. Maybe it's actually more or a Stinger Splash out in the open. Whatever it is, its uncouth and unconventional - Mr. Wrestling simply hucks his entirety at the Minnesotan with reckless abandon. Since Rude doesn't have the time or space to move out of harm's way, he takes the brunt of the impact and it knocks him into the adjacent turnbuckle.
Ranallo: The sirens are screaming and the fires are howling way down in the valley tonight! Kevin Owens is flying around the ring like a Bat Outta Hell!
Phillips: Some serious interference cost him the victory against Randy Orton AT BACKLASH, but Kev could rebound in a big way by winning the King of Ring tournament.
Ranallo: Owens came close to doing so once before, reaching the final round of a field that was entirely comprised of former world champions back in 2017.
Graves: That was a long, long time ago. Owens better pace himself if he wants to survive what might be the most stacked King of the Ring tournament ever.
Kevin picks himself off the canvas and leaves Rude in his dust so he cant nail Caleb again. He sprints full bore across the canvas to sandwich the Viking between the pillar and himself with a lariat / body splash. Again, technique and form are left by the wayside while Owens weaponizes momentum and his natural mass.
The Canuck goes back for seconds on Rude next, once again smearing him into the unmoving turnbuckle. He ricochets off of the smothered nWo member and dashes across the ring. The Mighty Caleb has since collapsed to the base of the post. While the crowd gets more and more amped up by all his hustle, Kevin smashes into Stormbringer with a Cannonball!
Phillips: Owens is just taking it to these guys! Unbelievable!
Ranallo: Kevin's got something to prove here tonight. He wants to prove he's as good as he's ever been, if not better!
Scrambling back to his feet, Owens takes another charge at Rude. Bischoff - standing nearby on the arena floor - is pleading with his guy to get out of the line of fire. Rude's eggs look a little scrambled but the advice cuts through. As Kevin comes in for another attack, Rick slips to the side just in the nick of time, resulting in Kevin careening into the vacant buckle chest-first. That takes out whatever wind was left in his sails.
Rick capitalizes by sliding around behind him, dropping down, and pulling Owens to the mat with a roll-up! The Official comes in to count it...
1...
2...
Caleb dives in to break up the pin attempt! The Ref missed it, but Rick had himself a handful of tights, and might have just stolen this thing were it not for the save by the UWF's resident Warlord.
Rude's trying to get to a vertical base - The Might Caleb beats him to the punch, then beats him up with a punch to the face. He follows up by whipping Rick into the ropes. While Rude is making the round-trip, Caleb pulls Owens to a standing positing then grabs the back of his head to smash his two opponents' faces together once Rude makes it back.
Ranallo: Talk about a meeting of the minds!
Graves: Real original, Mauro. Real original.
Kev and Rick stumble back, each clutching their bonked heads. The Mighty Caleb doesn't let them get too far - stymying their escape attempts with a knee to both of their midsections to double them over. First one, then the other. From there, he hooks a head under each armpit, thinking about stunting on these fellas with a double suplex...
Phillips: Caleb is, as they say, Mighty... but getting both these heavyweights airborne would be a miraculous feat of strength. Can he actually pull it off?
Ranallo: He just went through a brutal Viking Rules Match - for all intents and purposes, a No DQ contest - with Vincent and came out on the other side victorious. So I'd say anything's possible when it comes to Stormbringer.
The capacity crowd is chanting "SKAL" at the top of their lungs as Caleb heaves and ho's with all his strength to hoist his pair of foes up with some suplexes. Astonishingly, he gets them about halfway there before their combined struggle brings them back down to earth.
Once they touch down, Owens and Rude break loose then blast The Mighty One in the tummy with stereo boots. That gets him bent over, and they get some payback by working together to hit him with a two-on-one suplex. Sharing the load, they have no trouble elevating Caleb then driving him into the mat!
The whole dang ring shakes upon the landing. Rick lays over the chest for a pin attempt while Kev hooks the legs. The Referee slides in to count it...
1...
Ranallo: Wait... who's doing the pinning here?
Graves: Rick, obviously! He's closer to the shoulders!
Phillips: But Kevin's got all the leverage!
2...
Rick and Kevin make eye contact and realize there's some confusion about who's actually doing what here. They each let go of their pin attempt to stop the other from securing the victory. There's some bickering between parties that quickly degenerates into a fist fight. Shots are fired back and forth. Somewhere in the midst of all that, the fellas find their way back to their feet. After eating a particularly stiff jab from the Canuck, Rick backs him up with a European Uppercut. He goes to follow up with a mid-height boot only for Kevin to catch his foot. Owens then whips him around, grabs him around the back after he's 180'd, and launches him with a German Suplex.
Rude skids across the canvas. Kevin jumps on to make a cover...
1...
He has to let go before the count can even hit two cause Bischoff leans through the ropes and thumbs him in the eye. Owens rolls away, clutching his peeper in pain while Eric laughs to himself. The Referee would like to tell him off but technically its all legal cause its a triple threat, of course.
Phillips: This is a prestigious tournament and Eric Bischoff is just spitting all over that!
Ranallo: One would expect Easy E to think twice about interjecting himself into a match after how things panned out at Backlash.
Graves: You can't blame him for Kyle O'Reilly stealing Rick Rude's Intercontinental Championship. Rick was clearly pulling his punches cause he didn't want to hurt his charity case friend. And don't even get me started on Bayley's roll in that disaster.
Owens stumbles away and right into the waiting arms of The Mighty Caleb, who has just gotten back up. Stormbringer drives a knee up into Kev's solar plexus, winding him all over again before hooking an arm around his neck and grabbing his waistband. The former TV Champ then hauls the Canadian skyway, popping the crowd with the threat of a Valhammer!
The Northern Realms' version of the Jackhammer never falls, however, because Rick Rude takes out Caleb's legs with a low dropkick. TMC and KO both crash down into the mat, with Rude making the most of the ensuing kerfuffle by hopping on Caleb to steal the win...
1...
2...
Caleb kicks out just after two! The momentum shoots Rude a few feet away, although that places him conveniently close to the flattened Owens. He tries his luck with a pin attempt there instead...
1...
2...
Kevin kicks out just as Caleb comes in to make the save!
Ranallo: Near-falls all around! This one could be over in the blink of an eye and I'm not sure who - if anyone - has the advantage right now! Worth noting, however, that last time Rude and Caleb participated in a triple threat match, it was the former individual who walked away with the win.
Graves: Not to mention that Rude has beaten both of these guys one-on-one in the past couple months, and shy a fluke loss AT BACKLASH, has been pretty much unstoppable in 2024.
Phillips: Right, but you can't forget about Kevin Owens, who seems to be the most victimized man by outside interference in recent memory. First it was Sami Zayn's goons, then Randy Orton's, and then that cheap shot from Eric Bischoff just moments ago.
Graves: Cry me a river. His precious International title run wouldn't have last a month without the Young Bucks running back-up for him. If he can't hack it on his own, maybe its time to call up some old friends to even the playing field.
All three competitors hurry to get standing once more. Caleb takes a swing at Kevin, who ducks, so the punch goes wide and clips Rude. Rick staggers off while Owens beams the Viking with a forearm shiver across the jaw. Kevin doesn't get the chance to follw up before Rude grabs him by the scruff of the neck to toss him headlong over the ropes to floor - except the Canadian impressively holds on to the top rope to skin the cat and save himself.
At least, he tries to. Halfway through that athletic feat, Rude dashes over and knocks him to the floor with a hip attack, putting that remarkable bod of his to good use. The Mighty Caleb comes barreling towards the former Intercontinental Champ with a Gungnir attempt - Rick shuts that down with a boot the the face. That snaps TMC up but Rude doubles him over all over again with a shot to the abs, which he uses to set up a picture-perfect DDT!
Stormbringer's head slams into the canvas. Rude rolls him over for the pin and Owens is nowhere close to break it up!
1...
2...
The Mighty One rolls a shoulder up!
The crowd breathes a sigh of relief while BIschoff chews the Ref out. Rude stays focused, however. He's committed to getting things back on track after Backlash. The oldschool superstar peels his competitor off the canvas and hauls him over to the corner, propping him up on the turnbuckle in a seated position, looking for a classic Superplex.
Graves: Rick Rude doesn't get enough credit for being one of the pound-for-pound strongest men on the roster. That body ain't just for looking at - it WORKS too.
Ranallo: Plenty of people have given the Ravishing One plenty of credit over the years, Corey. Its just never as much as Rick gives himself.
Rude hooks the head and grabs the waist band, but is having some trouble completing the maneuver. Caleb keeps his weight low, grounding himself on the post to avoid being taken over. When Rick attempts to readjust, The Mighty One pulls loose and headbutts him!
While further cranial damage has man from the Northern Realms seeing stars, the impact knocks Rude clean off the ropes. He lands sprawled out in the center of the ring.
Kevin Owens, meanwhile, is just climbing back on the apron when Rick crash lands there. The industrious Canuck makes the most of the scenario by scampering up another turnbuckle and immediately launching himself off with a Bullfrog Splash!
Phillips: Huuuuuuuuuumongous Frog Splash courtesy Kevin Owens!
Ranallo: High risk, high reward play from Owens!
Owens stays on top to make the cover...
1...
2...
Rude kicks out with fractions of a second to spare!
Never discouraged, Kevin gets right back up to his feet and limps to the diagonally opposite buckle. He climbs the ropes on rung at a time then throws himself off the top all over again, this time with a Moonsault!
Phillips: Owens throwing everything but the kitchen sink!
Graves: He's gonna miss!
Bischoff climbs under the bottom rope and yanks his pal Rick out of the way, helping him to roll out to the floor to avoid what would surely be a finishing blow. Unfortunately for Owens, that means landing on nothing but canvas. Double unfortunately, that puts him right in the path of The Mighty Caleb, who's finally just now starting to see clearly again.
With a target below, Caleb doesn't think twice about taking to sky to land a Flying Headbutt on Kevin Owens!
Ranallo: SKULL SEEKER!
Phillips: Its not often The Mighty One comes off the top, but when he does, he makes it count!
While another shot to the head can't be great for TMC, he makes the most of it while Kevin takes the worst of it. Caleb hooks both legs deep for the cover, and by the time Rick and Eric realize what's happening, they're too far away and too late to stop it...
1...
2...
3...
DING DING
YOUR WINNER...
ADVANCING TO THE SEMI-FINALS OF THE KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT...
THE MIGHTY CALEB!
Caleb rolls of, clutching his banged-up head while his music hits the PA and the crowd chants "SKAL!" Owens rolls towards the corner, all kinds hurt while Rude pounds the apron in frustration. Bischoff is trying to start some kinda argument with the Referee about that result, but gets ignored while the Official raises the victor's hand.
Ranallo: Its hard to pick a favourite in such a stacked field, but the smart money may very well be on The Mighty Caleb after overcoming two former champions in the opening round.
Graves: If he didn't just himself a concussion, that is.
Phillips: If he survived Viking Rules against Vincent, he can survive a goose egg or two, Corey. This is a huge win for Caleb, but a tough loss for Owens, who we know was looking to turn things around in this tournament.
Ranallo: And with the Crown now out of the picture for Rick Rude, will the Ravishing One be looking to take back his Intercontinental Championship from his friend?
Whatever Rick's future holds, he looks mighty pissed off right now, storming off to the back while Caleb's music continues to play. Owens, meanwhile, sits and watches his foe's celebration from a front-row seat up against the base of a turnbuckle. Revolution rolls on!
Mauro Ranallo: Well before we move on to our next contest tonight, we're gonna head backstage to our correspondent Renee Young who is standing by with an update.
The cameras move to the backstage area where Renee is standing by with mic in hand.
Renee Young: Thanks Mauro. So to bring viewers right up to speed, we were of course expecting an appearance tonight from Drew McIntyre following the brutal Hell in a Cell match that took place between him and LA Knight at Backlash for the UWF Championship. Now as it turns out, Drew is not here in Denver tonight, and neither is his associate Stokely Hathaway. What I have however is an official written update from the offices of Mr Hathaway, which I will now read out on his behalf.
A piece of paper rises into frame and Renee begins to read from it.
Renee Young: "Following the Hell in a Cell match at Backlash, it is my unfortunate responsibility to inform everyone that Drew McIntyre sustained a significant injury during the contest. Whilst I am unprepared to disclose the exact nature of this injury to the perverted public, a decision has been made to pull Drew from immediate in-ring competition on Revolution until such a time as he is completely healed and ready to tear through the ranks once again. It's clearly no secret that things did not go to plan at either Backlash or Wrestlemania, and for now we are going to have to put up with a glorified goon hogging the spotlight for an extended period of time. But make no mistake, Drew McIntyre, Braun Strowman and myself will be back, badder than ever, and once we've restored some lost pride and reminded everyone of who really steers the ship around here, we will see to it that Drew McIntyre reigns supreme as UWF Champion once again! PTO..."
Seeing the instructions that indicate "please turn over", Renee follows suit and begins to read again.
Renee Young: "P.S. As far as lame ass reporters go Rebecca, you are the lamest. Yours faithfully, Stokely..."
The unnecessary insult naturally doesn't sit too well with Renee as she looks on into the distance whilst scrunching up the paper as the camera cuts away for a short break.
Sicilian Heart plays over the sound system as the self proclaimed “Don of The UWF” Tomasso Ciampa, walks out with his family of Sonya Deville and Oba Femi. Ciampa has a smile on his face and is dressed in his newly trademark suit. The crowd seems to have a mixed reaction to him, the majority boo him but he is starting to get some cheers from the crowd. Reaching the ring, Ciampa would go to get in but Oba would stop him, opening the ropes for the Don and Sonya. The duo would enter the ring first with Oba quickly behind them. From her suit jacket, Sonya would procure two mics, one for herself and one for Ciampa before she begins to talk.
Sonya Deville: Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask that you show tribute to the Don of the UWF, Tomasso Ciampa. At Backlash he promised what he said he was going to do and vanquished the pretender, Roman Reigns. The self proclaimed “Tribal Chief” once again came up short to the Don and now this great man can put this annoyance behind him and look to the future, ladies and gentlemen, DON CIAMPA.
Oba and Sonya begin clapping as Ciampa bows, outstretching his hand, Sonya kisses it and Oba then follows suit before Ciampa does the same to them, to show in his family there is equals. Ciampa then takes centre stage with his mic.
Ciampa: Sonya, I thank you for that excellent introduction and for your work from the shadows these past few weeks, you have pushed me to bounds I never knew I had and I thank you for that and Oba… my loyal enforcer, you have been a brother to me since the day you joined me in this endeavor and for that, you will always have a place at my table.
Ciampa shakes Oba’s hand.
Ciampa: What Sonya said was true, at Backlash I vanquished the annoyance that was Roman Reigns. A man who had deluded himself into thinking he was my equal. Now Roman may inspire loyalty from his followers but he leads by fear. Joe and Solo do not respect him, they fear him but I, in my family, respect is the order of the day and always. Respect matters the most in La mia famiglia, respect is one of the three tenets this business was built on: Power, Money and Respect but I hold respect the highest because respect is what every man or woman in this business should be striving to attain. Money is finite, power is fleeting but respect is permanent.
Oba and Sonya nod in agreement
Ciampa: Why do I bring up respect because I seem to have earned the respect of our esteemed owner, EC3 who has finally seen the light and after my victories over McIntyre, Roman Reigns and my win at Wrestlemania in the triple threat, EC3 has seen wisdom and has named me as number one contender to the UWF Championship. I am finally going to get what has been owed to me for months now. I am finally going to get my chance to show everyone that I am the leader the UWF deserves whether you want me to be it or not. I am going to lead this brand into a future of certainty.
Ciampa takes a second to think.
Ciampa: Now I realized LA Knight has just went through a grueling match at Backlash, i’ll admit I was watching that Hell in a Cell with bated breath backstage, not because I was concerned about either man but I knew that whoever won, I would be facing at some point and that point has came sooner than later. So Knight, well done on surviving Hell in a Cell because I promise once we finally meet for that belt, it will make Hell in a Cell look like….
Ciampa is cut off by....
L...A....Knight!
The music of the UWF Champion begins to play and the people get to their feet. Ciampa and the rest of the family turn thier heads towards the stage as LA Knight makes his way out with the Championship around his shoulder. He looks on from the stage as he motions for his music to be cut and pulls a microphone out of his back pocket. Welcome to LA fades and it;s time to hear from our World Champion.
LA Knight: So this is what L...A....Knight has been waiting all night for? Well, let's just color the Million Dollar Champion a little unimpressed. Tommaso Ciampa, 'ya come out here and talk about how important respect is, well let the Champ pose 'ya a question. Why should L...A....Knight respect 'ya? 'Ya brag about two victories over Roman Reigns. Congratulations, any DUMMY with opposable thumbs could beat that jabroni. And if we're being honest, 'ya only won at WrestleMania because Tyler Breeze was more concerned with walking a runway than being in that ring. And 'ya want to talk 'bout beating Drew in a tag team match, let L...A....Knight pose 'ya another question. Didn't the Million Dollar Champion hand 'ya that victory on a silver platter? Let's pose another question, how many times has L...A....Knight beaten 'ya in the center of that ring? So in case 'ya not catching what L...A....Knight is putting down, the Champ is saying that he doesn't respect 'ya. And that 'ya have done nothing worthy enough to challenge for this Championship.
LA Knight: But if this is the match Ethan wants to put on Pay-Per-View, so be it. L...A....Knight has no problem doing what he continuously does and whoop Tommaso Ciampa all over every city in this country. 'Ya think 'ya a leader Ciampa; that's simply not the case. Look at 'ya track record. The last time 'ya had a shot at the UWF Championship, 'ya failed. 'Ya got embarrassed by a guy in a shark suit. Then what happened? Sami Zayn ran 'ya out of here. And 'ya were gone what, Five months, before 'ya came back carrying that useless sack of trash known as Samoa Joe? And then what happened? That's right, 'ya did absolutely nothing. That pairing failed. And now, 'ya got the giant from The Green Mile and Cruella Deville with 'ya and guess what's going to happen. 'Ya going to fail. Because at the end of the day, that's who 'ya are Ciampa. A mediocre talent that's in over his head and it's only a matter of time before those two are gone and 'ya re-invent 'yaself again searching for some modicum of success.
The Champion and The Don have an intense stare down before Knight continues.
LA Knight: 'Ya say that 'ya feel like 'ya been owed this shot for months, L..A....Knight waited over a YEAR to call himself Champion. L....A.....Knight voluntarily went to Hell to keep this Championship and L...A....Knight will be damned if 'ya and 'ya "family" take this away from him. Come King of The Ring, L...A...Knight will gladly remind 'ya exactly who's game this is.
And with that, Knight drops the mic and stares down La Familia. Welcome to LA begins to play again as Champion and Challenger don't take thie eyes off one another as Revolution comes to an end,
END OF SHOW
Credits
Balor vs Eddie vs O'Reilly - Jye
Caleb vs Rude vs Owens - Fauche
Hayter vs Roode vs Shinsuke, Shibata vs Orton vs Reigns - Danny
