Post by Danny on May 30, 2024 17:30:09 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.
Tom Phillips: Hello everyone and welcome to Revolution! I’m Tom Phillips joined as always by Mauro Ranallo and former International Champion Corey Graves. And guys, what another great night of action we’ve got planned!
Mauro Ranallo: That’s right, Tom. Like the in-ring return of Seth Rollins as he takes on Eddie Guerrero!
Corey Graves: Plus we’ve got an in-ring debut happening as Austin Gunn locks horns with Kevin Owens!
Tom Phillips: Also on tap, Finn Balor versus Rick Rude!
Mauro Ranallo: And the King of the Ring semi-finals roll on as The Mighty Caleb does battle with Randy Orton!
Corey Graves: And in the other semi-final, what a main event as Shinsuke Nakamura squares off against Kyle O’Reilly! All that and more live on Revolution!
Chimel: The following contest is set for one-fall and is a Non-Title Match!
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.
Chimel: Introducing first, from Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Weighing in at 252 pounds, “Ravishing” Rick Rude!
Bischoff is the first up the steps at ringside and sits on the second rope for Rude as Rude steps into the ring. Rude looks out amongst the crowd for a second before requesting a microphone.
Rude: Cut my music!
Once the music dies down Rude continues.
Rude: What I’d like to have right now…is for all of you fat, out of shape, overweight, inner-city sweathogs to keep the noise down while I take off my robe and show all of these ladies what a real sexy man is supposed to look like! Hit my music!
The music begins again as Rude begins to disrobe.
When Rude is done dancing, 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.
Chimel: And his opponent, from Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland... weighing in at 190 pounds... The Television Champion, Finn Balor!
Balor and Rude stare each other down. Tony heads out of the ring and after ensuring both competitors are ready to go, the Official calls for the bell.
VS
DING DING
Despite the severity of the trash talk leading into this contest, there isn't any rush from either man to get physical once the bell sounds. This is hardly their first rodeo, although it is their first time sharing the ring since the Royal Rumble, and their first time in a one-on-one match, at least since the Ravishing One's return to action last Autumn. Suffice it to say, there's a sizing up period to kick things off. The expression on Rude's face is a mocking one that's well aware of how much of that size in his favour. Balor doesn't look bothered by the height or weight he's giving up to the former Intercontinental Champ. He's fought and beaten big before.
When the Television Champion starts to circle around the ring, Rude moves around in the opposite direction, eyes locked in on the target. Bischoff's keeping watch from ringside, too, quietly, though. He has no advice or praise to offer up his pal just yet - he's laying back to let him focus. The opponents orbit one another while the distance between decreases with each rotation around the ring. Its like they're swirling the drain until they're finally close enough to lock-up, a process Rude initiates by offering a hand for the ol' Greco-Roman Knuckle Lock.
Ranallo: I think Rude might be baiting Finn in with this one...
Graves: He's offering the classic test-of-strength, knowing that coming off the starting line, his natural physicality is going to afford him every advantage. Balor's a crafty competitor, but probably too proud to turn down the challenge. Nice play by the Ravishing One.
Balor does accept the challenge, interlocking the fingers on his left hand with the ones one Rude's right. Once that connection is established, the opponents gingerly follow suite with the other hands, neither quick to trust the other to play fair. Even with their shared penchant for rule-breaking, the second grip comes together without a hitch, and once it does, the struggle begins.
Both Rude and Balor push all their weight against each other, biceps flexing with the effort, feet scooching back by inches to maintain position, neck and forehead veins pulsing with exertion. Finn's aggression keeps him in the fight for a while, but soon enough, Rick's significant size advantage takes a toll. The Minnesotan pushes Balor backwards, keeping a tight grip on his hands while folding him half to eventually force his shoulders down towards the canvas. Its a tedious process, but Rude never lets him as he converts the lock-up into a pinning predicament. The Official slides in to count it...
1...
Balor rolls his right shoulder up just after the first count! Rude redoubles his effort to shove it right back down. The Referee starts slapping mat again...
1...
Finn gets the left one up this time, a half-beat slower but still before the second count. When Rick shoves the arm down again, Balor swivels his hips then bucks both his feet up into Rude's midsection to flip him over on to the canvas as well. They're still holding on to each others' hands, and now both sets of shoulders are on the canvas. It takes the Ref a second to process what's happening and make a decision, which is to count both men as down for the pin. He slaps his right and left hands on the matt, signifying a double count...
1... / 1...
2... / 2...
Astonishingly, both Rude and Balor bridge up to get their shoulders safe from a third count. They're making eye contact upside down, with their necks and tip toes doing the labor of elevating their torsos while their hands are still interlocked. Despite some hard feelings towards these fellas, the capacity crowd has to give it up for the technique and athleticism.
Phillips: This is a core strength dream match. These guys more abs than the Ninja Turtles.
Ranallo: Pop culture references are my forte, Tom. Stay in your lane.
Graves: Yeah, Phillips. Shut your mouth until its time to plug a sponspor or cut to commercial or whatever it is you do around here.
Phillips: Wow. Sounds like you two could use a Snickers. Snickers! You're not you when you're hungry. Grab a Snickers!
Maybe there's some sort of in-the-know signal between ring veterans, or maybe they just both have the same idea at the same time. Whatever the case, Rick and Finn Simultaneously roll over on to their bellies. They work their way back to a vertical base, using the pressure of pushing against one another in that same knuckle lock as a crutch on the way up.
When the former IC Champ looks to bully his foe again, Finn wisely spins his way out of trouble. His rapid pivot gets his hands loose from Rick's. He immediately puts them back to work, clasping them around a wrist an torquing Rude's arm back with a Hammerlock. Bischoff slaps the apron, offering up some encouragement for Rick when Easy E sees him wincing. Balor continues to wrench up Rick counters by pulling himself free and slapping on a side headlock.
Finn doesn't let himself get held in that position for long. He's quick to pop his head out the back way while shoving his opponent forward into the ropes. Rude rebounds and flattens an over-confident Balor when they collide with shoulder tackles. Finn hits the canvas back-first. Rick takes a little look down at him and scoffs before taking off for the ropes again, perhaps to build up some steam for an elbow drop.
Whatever his plan, its stymied when Finn rolls towards him, throwing off Rick's footwork so he has to hop over the Irishman and continue on to the far set of ropes. He bounces off those as well, and this time on the way home, has to duck under a leapfrogging Balor. On the third trip across the canvas, the quicker Balor finally catches Rude with a stunning dropkick to knock him down the canvas.
Graves: Balor's best shot of winning this utilizing his speed and agility, just like that.
Phillips: A win over the legendary, former Intercontinental Champion would be a big one for Balor, too.
Ranallo: While both men were unsuccessful in advancing in the King of the Ring tournament, neither of them were pinned in their respective matches last week, which must sting. For Balor, a victory here tonight would mean slamming the door on a potential contender while greatly elevating his stock. As for Rick Rude, while pinning the Television Champion could rank him as contender for that title, I imagine he has his sites still set on another strap. Perhaps more importantly, however, is avoiding a three-match skid for the first time since returning to the company.
After nailing that dropkick, Finn sprawls to make the cover on Rude...
1...
2...
Rude kicks out at two and hastily gets back to his feet. Balor is all over him like brown on brown rice, refusing to let him get too far off before pelting him across the chest with a wicked Knife Edge Chop. Rick recoils cause he doesn't have an ounce of body fat to shield him from the blow. Finn endeavours to follow up with a second shot. The Ravishing One counters with a European Uppercut - and then another - and then another - and then some more.
These successive blows eventually pummel the Irishman into the ropes, at which point Rude grabs an arm to whip him across the ring. There's no dropkick coming from Finn this time - he's pretty dazed after that clobbering. Rick catches him running back with a spinning Scoop Slam to plant him into the squared circle. Rather than go for the pin right away, Rude stays to the side and does some push-ups while pursing his lips to the hard cam.
Graves: Wow. Some Smooth Moves from Rick Rude. Clearly he feels like he's back in the driver's seat.
Ranallo: I hate this lack of urgency from him. Finn Balor isn't the kind of opponent you can take lightly. I think Rick is trying too hard to showcase some confidence here.
After getting ten reps in, Rick finally goes for that cover...
1...
After the first count, however, Balor surprises him by rolling him over, countering the pin with one of his own!
1...
2...
Rick just barely manages to spring out of the trap in time!
The sudden shift has the crowd all riled up. Bischoff is losing his cool at ringside while the opponents scramble to find their feet. Balor keeps Rude off-balance by blasting him with a Shotgun Dropkick. The force of that hammer to the chest rockets Rick towards the ropes, and amazingly, Finn is up in time to meet him with a Slingblade when he shoots back. That decapitating maneuver takes Rude down and Balor thinks its enough for the three count. He shoots the half...
1...
2...
Rick gets out before the third!
Phillips: Finn just about had him there!
Ranallo: Rick Rude made a critical error and its costing him big time!
Finn grabs a hazy Rude by the scruff of the neck to haul him up to his feet. From there, he hooks the head to set up for the 1916, wanting to put an emphatic stamp on this one. Just as he's hoisting his opponent up for that specialized DDT, however, Rick slips out of his grip, spins around behind him, grabs some neck and hits the fastest, nastiest, snappiest, Rude Awakening you've ever seen! While it might not be as pretty as usual, its enough, and after executing his signature neckbreaker, Rick Rude rolls over Finn Balor for the pin, hooking both legs deep just to make sure...
1...
2...
3...
DING DING
YOUR WINNER...
RICK RUDE!
Rude rolls off, takes a deep breath - a sigh of relief, maybe - and then stands tall to have his hand raised. Bischoff comes to join him in the ring while his music hits the PA.
Ranallo: Wow. That was a close one but Rick Rude was able to pull of the win in the end with as desperate a Rude Awakening as I've ever seen.
Phillips: A win over a reigning champion is exactly what Rick needed - it'll be interesting to see where that momentum takes him going into Final Battle.
Graves: Well wherever he's going, he better not forget to look over his shoulder now and then. Historically speaking, Finn Balor isn't the kind of guy who's just gonna let a loss like that slide.
After celebrating some more, Rick and Eric head up the ramp while Balor sits up in the ring, nursing his neck, eyes full of Irish contempt. Revolution rolls on!
The titantron switches from the Revolution graphic to a live feed from backstage where Renee Young is standing by.
Young: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guests at this time, Kyle O'Reilly and Bayley.
Along with his step-sister, the UWF Intercontinental Champion strolls into the frame, his title belt slung over his shoulder. Greetings are exchanged via chin nods and head tilts.
Young: Thanks for joining me. Kyle - you've got a big match tonight in the quarter-finals of the King of the Ring tournament. There's been a lot of talk about you potentially being the first person to not only win this tournament twice, but in consecutive years. Does that extra pressure bother you? Or is it something you embrace.
Kyle shrugs.
KO'R: I dunno. I guess I'd say that wrestling is like burning stuff in the back yard. You just gotta take things one match at a time.
Renee's eyes narrow. The comparison doesn't quite land for her, evidently. The "Good Guy" chimes in.
Bayley: This tournament's stacked to the gills. We saw a couple of big favourites knocked out last week already. So I think what Kyle's saying is that there's no point in looking too far ahead when what's coming up next is so dangerous.
Young: Is that how you would classify Shinsuke Nakamura? As someone who's "dangerous"?
The Diabetic Dragon balks at that suggestion.
KO'R: That dude? Pfffft. I mean... yeah, sure. He's undefeated. He hasn't been around super long so that doesn't mean that much, but still. I get it. You gotta give him some respect. But you know what he is, Renee? More than a real good wrestler or dangerous guy or whatever else? Shinsuke Nakamura is a hider. He hides behind subtitles when we all know he can speak English okay. He hides behind spitting on people cause he's afraid to fight the regular way. And he's probably just gonna hide some more after I smash up his face something awful and turn him ugly...er.
Young: I know you said you're not looking ahead, but this could win up being the first of at least two encounters between you, given that Nakamura holds the Prime Time Medal and you hold the Intercontinental Championship.
Again, Bayley interjects.
Bayley: Know what's funny, though? When Kyle had the Prizz Tizz Mizzle, he put it on the line in every match he was in. Is Nakamura? NOPE. If and when Kyle kicks his ass, by all rights, he should be the first ever guy to hold both hunks of gold. But Shinsuke's hiding behind this tournament, too, just to keep his greasy mitts on that Medal. Oh well. Whatever. If actually manages to rack up enough wins to cash in on it, he can get scrubbed by Kyle all over again some time this summer.
Young: Speaking of defenses - let's say that hypothetically you're fighting for the King of the Ring crown again at Final Battle, or even beyond that, contending for the UWF Championship at Summerslam. Do you intend to defend the Intercontinental Championship at those events, too? Or some time in between?
O'Reilly looks down at the belt on his shoulder, then back at Renee.
KO'R: Any time, any place, Renee. My pal Larry Sweeney might not be the longest reigning Champ on Revolution anymore, but he's still got the most defenses. Cause he stayed busy. That's the kinda record I wanna break. Doesn't matter who or when or why, if anyone ever wants a shot at me, they just gotta ring up EC3 and get the match made, cause I'm open for business.
So yeah, if I'm in the finals at Final Battle, sure, I'll pull double shift. If I'm King of the Ring all over again and rolling into Summerslam holding gold, let's do Champ versus Champ. And I don't even wanna wait that long anyway. Sami Zayn got all up in my business last week and effed over Eddie Guerrero. Anytime Eddie wants to run it back, I'm down. And if Sami forgot what happened last time we squared up, he can get some, too. And -
Young: What about the former Champ, your pal Rick Rude.
KO'R: Yeah obv -
Bayley: Look, Rick just put the beating of a life time on Finn Balor tonight. That'll pretty much make him Number One Contender for the TV Title, won't it? Now that we've seen the nWo fight itself, is there any reason to run it back? I think the only reason EC3 would even book something like that would be because he's scared us and wants to break us up. But, well, that's just never gonna happen.
Young: Oh, well, that's nice to hear, especially since things seemed to be a little tense between you and Eric Bischoff lately.
Bayley: Are you kidding me? I love that little Bisch.
She isn't convincing anyone, but Kyle's already starting to zone out so Renee decides to wrap things up.
Young: Alright, well, good luck in your match tonight Kyle. We're all looking forward to see which two superstars advance to the King of the Ring finals.
Kyle nods and heads off with Bayley while Revolution rolls on!
The scene opens with Seth Rollins walking down the hallway with a smirk on his face and he sees Roman Reign’s locker room. He opens the door and he walks into the locker room as he stares at the man in front of him. The man is none other than Roman Reigns who is laying on the couch and Seth stares at Roman Reigns as they both stare at each other. After a few minutes of silence.
Roman Reigns: I just want to know why you decided to meet with me?
Seth Rollins: Hey, Roman. Look. I am just here to have a chat with you. I am not here to cause any problems.
Roman Reigns: You know time is of the essence and right now Seth you're wasting the Tribal Chiefs time.
Roman Reigns goes and he is about to sit back down and Rollins speaks
Seth Rollins: Listen man. Hear me out for a minute.
Roman Reigns: Fine than... I am listening.
Roman Reigns listens to what Seth had to say.
Seth Rollins: I know you are the Tribal Chief and all. But I notice that you have been coming up short as of late. I see you might need a helping hand man.
Roman Reigns: Helping hand? Do you not see I have my Wiseman my strategist and my personal problem solver. This is a waste of ti-
Seth Rollins: Listen, I know we had our differences in the past and all. I already know what I have done. But it's in the past right now. I was thinking of a huge solution to your problem, Roman. How about I give our buddy a call and get the whole gang back together. You know. We should bring back the whole Shield and take over UWF one more time.
Roman Reigns: The Shield?
Seth Rollins: Listen, I honestly understand that you don’t want to do this. But it would help both of us. Think about this Roman. The Tribal Chief and The Messiah reform the Shield with our good old buddy Dean Ambrose.
Roman Reigns: I don't need the Shield anymore Seth. You see I dropped that protection for a reason. I don't need you or Dean anymore. I carry my own sword now and it's something I am proud of. I think I listened enough from you. You can leave my locker room. And don't ever come back.
Seth Rollins: Roman. Listen to me for a minute. If we bring back the Shield and then nobody is going to stop us man. Everyone will be afraid of us because we are going to dominate UWF again. You see, this is what we both need to save the UWF from the madness that has corrupted their minds. We need to save the UWF universe man together.
Roman Reign stares angrily at Seth Rollins and Seth Rollins begins to laugh before he begins to speak again.
Seth Rollins: Alright man. You don’t want to bring back the Shield. It is all good man. But just remember what I said. I will always have your back even if you don’t need it. I will see you around Roman.
Seth leaves the room and Roman Reigns sits back on his couch and he talks to himself.
Roman Reigns: I will see you around? What the hell is wrong with that clown. I don't need him. I don't need Dean I know what I am doing.
Roman Reigns stares at the Ula Fala that is hanging on a display and he looks at it and he gets up and he puts his hands around it.
Roman Reigns: I know what I am doing I am the Tribal Chief.
Roman Reigns lets our a snarl and than he smiles.
Roman Reigns: You know what Seth I will see you around. I will see you old friend.
Cut to a locker room area to reveal Shibata staring off into the distance. He's surrounded by Murakami and Shiozaki, who look very cool and very upset all at the same time. They don't dare talk to Shibata though, not in this state.
Shibata turns to the camera, his expression dropping.
Shibata: I failed.
Shibata sighs, shaking his head.
Shibata: I suppose I brought this upon myself. I welcomed the mockery that Randy Orton made of this ring, encouraged it even. My pride got the best of me, and it allowed a snake to slip through the cracks of my foundation… of the ring.
Shibata utters those last words with clear assertion. His ring.
Shibata: I thought this moment would feel better. I wanted it. I needed someone to come along and cut down my ego. I needed a grounding, but this was far from that. No… this was an awakening. An awakening of something I thought I had buried. I hoped that I would feel at peace when this moment came… but no. No, I’m far from that. I feel… I feel… I feel hate. Nothing but hatred.
Shibata's expression contorts itself into an ugly scowl.
Shibata: Randy… I hate the way that you look. I hate the way that you wrestle. I hate the way that you talk. I hate the way that you breathe the same air that I breathe… because you don’t deserve that breath. You deserve to be six feet deep. It pains me that so many in this world have met an early end when they had so much more to give. You have nothing left to give. It should have been you in their place, you parasite.
Shibata takes a breath, attempting to calm himself.
Shibata: Caleb, tonight I encourage you to…
Shibata shakes his head.
Shibata: No… I demand that you cut the head off this snake. I let victory slip through my fingers. Don’t make the same mistake. Take advantage of everything you’re given tonight. Do not let him slip away… because if you do… you’re going to have a much bigger problem on your hands than failure.
Shibata and his fellas walk away showing nothing but pure machismo and stoicism. We're left with Shibata's looming threat as the show heads elsewhere.
"Burnin' Daylight" plays throughout the arena as the arena darkens and a spotlight top of the stage, The camera moves up on The Gunns, in the spotlight back to back with Juice, Gunns raise their gunns up. Juice is acting erratic ready to unload all of his energy, They stay for a moment as the camera pans around them.
They "shoot" their finger Gunns as pyro goes off around the stage all directions, The trio begin to move up the ramp, Colton Gunn microphone in hand, Juice still on crutches. The trio get to the steel steps as they each enter through different means, The Gunns run to opposite turnbuckles, As they pull themselves up and over using the ropes clearing the post, Juice enters through the middle rope, pulling his crutches through the ropes, The three move to the center of the ring where Colton leans back into:
Colton Gunn: "Tulsa, Oooooklahama BY ORDER OF THE BANG BANG GANG GUNNS UP..."
A show of Gunns are reaching for the sky, While those older than thirty furrow their brow and drink in their disappointment that's in their souls, as they now have to listen to the Bang Bang Gang, Colton hands the hot mic to The Juice....
"The Juice" Robinson: "We've got something flowing through our veins, No... No not just anything it's victory because we've been giving a former... International Champion... Kevin ___, Hell I don't even remember his last name it seems like he's had some identity crisis ever since his heart stopped beating, It's likely he'll change it up next time he makes his big return. Because it doesn't matter if it's Kevin Owens or Kevin Steen the only thing you're going to be seeing is the lights as this STUD right here pins your shoulders clean to the mat, Nothing dirty about this, We are about to make Mr Clean blush with how clean this is going to be-."
Austin puts his hand up stopping Juice in his tracks.
Austin Gunn: "Juice I haven't had the chance to break it to you, Last night Colton and I got into a freak accident, I don't think we can wrestle this week. The people demand the Bang Bang Gang, So we might have to let... K..O... win by forfeit. I don't see anyway around this, With Colton and I disabled and you with your leg in a cast. It might be time that The Bang Bang Gang takes a step back-"
"The Juice" Robinson:"Hell NAH, I ain't goin' to let KO get a win, On my one leg I won't stand for it. I will not let the Bang Bang Gang go down. I will hop up to the plate, I've been hearing the doubters saying that THE JUICE is a liar. I ain't no LIAR I am god's answer to what happens when you give a man the talent of 100 men to one singular man. The Juice is no COWARD and is going to take Austin Gunns place in this match. Kevin Owens I am going to make sure you live up to you to your name and KO you clean in the middle of this ring. As the Bang Bang Gang don't stand down we get up and we kick asses. Kev you should audition to be the Stay Puft in the netflix adaptation of ghost busters, because that's all you're built for and while you are at it why don't you leave this wrestling thing to THE second generation studs and Juice Robinson. So all I gotta ask is; who ya going to call when you need someone to beat, the stay puft man, Kevin Owens?"
All Three: "The Bang... Bang... Gang!"
Colton laughs like it's the first joke he has ever been told, He is kneeling over, Both Gunns are quick to return to selling their "injuries" very poorly ...
Austin Gunn: "And if you're down with that, We got TWO WORDS FOR YOU... GUNNS-"
The Gunns and Juice all jump as they are cut off
As the arena plunges into darkness, the sound of a thunderous guitar riff reverberates through the arena, signaling the imminent arrival of Kevin Owens. Strobe lights flicker in sync with the pounding beat, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Owens steps out with a look of intensity etched across his face, and let's out an almost primal-like roar. His eyes firmly locked on the ring and he makes his way down.
Tony Chimel: Making his way to the ring, from Marieville, Quebec, Canada, Kevin Owens!
Kevin stomps up the steel steps leading the ring. He wipes his feet on the apron before quickly getting into the ring. Once again he let's out a warcry as he prepares to do what he was put on this earth to do, Fight.
He comes face to face with Colton and Austin, Who point to their necks and their backs, They suddenly have a hobble as they exit the ring, Juice with a cast on his foot hands one of his crutches over the top rope, Kevin gives the production a crew a look of confusion as if to say "Is this really happening?" The referee hears from the back that this is official?, He turns to the bell keeper as he calls for the start of this match...
Mauro Ranallo: "Juice is on one leg... "
Tom Phillips: "OOOOOh what a strike from the crutch to the back of Kevin Owen's neck..."
As the bell rings, Juice has moved over to the distracted Kevin Owens and struck him with one of his crutches. Juice throws the evidence over the top rope as he puts Owens into a head lock as we start the match....
DING DING DING
Kevin may be stunned from the crutch to the back of the head, Juice has control of his head, Kevin reverses this as he lifts Juice up and over his head before planting him with a saito suplex into the canvas. Owens looks down at the canvas as he begins throwing boots down onto the upper leg of Juice, Robinson can't react but the booting stops when Kevin lifts him up he tries to whip him to the otherside of the ring, Juice unable to run as his cast causes him to face plant.
Mauro Ranallo: "Maybe not the wisest decision to wrestle with your leg in a cast. Juice may be letting his ego control..."
Kevin sees the humor in it, He moves up the ropes onto the second turnbuckle, He jumps and connects with a splash on the cast, Juice is screaming for his momma about now. Kevin is trash talking to the "injured" Gunns at ringside. He lifts Juice up to his one good leg as he get's Juice into position for a Package Piledriver, He hooks the arms, Austin gets onto the apron the referee is trying to keep him out of the ring, Colton is on the other side, Juice gets one arm free as Kevin attention is caught by Austins attempt to enter the match. Juice connects with an uppercut to Kevin Owens family jewels. Kevin falls to his knee as he releases Juice, Colton slides in the crutch from before, Juice grabs the head of Owens planting it in his arm as he hits a DDT right onto the crutch, Juice makes the cover as he pushes the crutch out of the ring...
Mauro Ranallo: "The Juice is loose right onto the crutch..."
Tom Phillips: "The numbers game too much for Owens..."
One...
Two...
Three...
DING DING DING
Tony Chimel: "The winner of this match, The Juice... Robinson!"
Juice Robinson is helped to his feet, He is handed the undamaged crutch unused, He lifts his hand in victory even such a tainted victory, Juice is acting like he is king of the world. Kevin rolls out of the ring, Juice aims his "Gun" as he holds the rope in one hand and crutch in the other...
We go backstage where once again we are in Caleb's lair, the dancing firelight flickering as our mighty warrior comes into focus. He is painting onto the wall the image of a serpent, on top of which a seafaring warrior sails aloft the serpents body. Caleb does one final swipe with his finger before he turns - not quite facing the camera but staring off into the distance in deep thought.
The Mighty Caleb: It is said by the elders of Caleb's realm that all of the realms are encircled by a great serpent... and that one day this serpent will devour it's own body and in doing so ensnare the realms - if not for a mighty warrior slaying the great beast and casting it beyond the realms and deep into the shadows of the outer realms where even our mighty Gods cannot see. As a wee lad I was brought up with these stories of old - stories of snakes encircling the world, slowly poisoning it with their venomous fangs and tongue of acid. Enough to strike fear into the heart of any ordinary boy... but The Mighty Caleb was no ordinary boy... no The Mighty Caleb was aware of his calling among these realms from an early age and he knew that his job was not to quiver and shake in fear of the serpents of these realms... but instead to face them, defeat them... and ultimately... slay them.
Caleb smiles as he looks to the camera.
And how fitting is it that tonight - in the penultimate battle of the King of The Ring tournament no less - that The Mighty Caleb finds himself at odds with a mighty serpent, a 'Viper' who goes by the name of Randy Orton. Now, make no mistake about it - The Mighty Caleb has heard throughout the realms of The Viper of the Revolution Realm - his great many misdeeds and multiple reigns of terror, how he once held aloft this realms greatest prize and how he even rose to rule this very realm with an iron fist only to capitulate in his own arrogance and folly. The Mighty Caleb is under no illusions about which type of battle he will enter tonight - but he has been here before against other devilish ne'erdowells and each time The Mighty Caleb has bludgeoned them, claimed their very skulls as his own and cast them from the realm. Whilst I do not believe a low-lying, slithering Viper can be truly cast from the realm... I do believe he can be defanged... and ultimately defeated.
Caleb once again stares off into the distance.
The Mighty Caleb must once again fulfil his duty in this realm - to rid it of it's most viscious villains and uphold honour and the virtues all warriors should hold themselves to... but also in doing so tonight he can continue his noble quest in this realm to become it's greatest warrior. Tonight, I not only slay the serpent - I also take one step forward towards the throne as King of The Ring, the most prestigious of honours. I not only must ensure that the likes of the Viper do not get his hands on that crown but that The Mighty Caleb takes that crown as his own... for a great warrior's appetite for conquest must be quenched and tonight The Mighty Caleb shall feast on the Viper... and take one step closer to claiming his throne as King of The Realm!, SKAL!, SKAL!, SKAL!
With a great determination, Caleb pounds his fist as the echoes of the arena can be heard chanting 'SKAL!, SKAL!, SKAL!' in unison as we go elsewhere.
The Titantron glows in a red hue as Shinsuke Nakamura is swinging his Prime Time Medal from side to side like he's hypnotizing the camera, he brings the medal into his arms as he crosses them and begins to speak in his native tongue while the captions reveal his words.
Shinsuke Nakamura: Kyle O'Reilly, and Bayley have so much to say. They have this false sense of the world and how it should work, they come to me about how I'm supposed to conduct myself. That I shouldn't speak to them through the screen, but it's fine for Kyle to have others talk for him all the time. For someone who started his career as support, he is nothing without his…he is constantly in need of being supported be it by the nWo, Larry Sweeney, Desperado, Bayley, Joey Janela, Mark Henry, Bobby Fish, always hiding behind something else. Tell me Kyle, how hard do I have to hit you before Bayley gets in the ring to fight this battle for you? Because Bayley is the only one that looks like she's got some fight in her, as you're always so tired out from your funny little references that you always need to take a break in between them so she can talk. Tonight, you don't have people to hide behind, Bayley can't come in and talk for you when you've run out of little jokes, tonight you step into the ring with a True King...And are shown what you lack.
Shinsuke puts his head down and shakes it side to side before he looks back up in frustration.
What you are lacking is what I am, you are a fight fan who wrestles, I am a Fighter who fights. You’ve built up all this confidence over the past several weeks, so you’ve forgotten who you are. You’ve painted a lie, and you can’t help but admire it. But as a true artist, I will show you what something with meaning behind it truly feels like. I will plaster you on the canvas and show you my brand of art, and I will also insert into your mind…Fear. Fear of me you might believe, but no that would be a happy side effect. What I will truly make you fear is the voice in your head, the one that tells you you’re not good enough…the one that worries the rock bottom you hit may not have been as low as you can go. The one that believes the words people say about you, that little voice I will make him grow louder. And you will fear it’s possibility, you will fear the chances of it being true, and you will fear what will come to you should you remain on my path.
Shinsuke raises the Prime Time Medal and chuckles.
So that every defense you have, in the back of your mind you will wonder if you Should push as hard as you can. Because all that pushing will only lead you back to me…Some forms of terror are fresher than others, people go numb inside when they are truly afraid. But Fear in its truest sense, is not a static state but quite dynamic. For it is the moment when hope turns to despair, and in your eyes we shall see that change first hand, before those eyes shed tears of scarlet. I am very skilled at bringing out what’s inside of people, so tonight when you face me we will all see what you’re made of. Most people always believe that it’s heart, and spirit…but I know that it’s always just blood and bones.
Shinsuke gets a sinister smirk on his face as he eyes the camera up and down and speaks his final words in English.
Take A Knee.
Shinsuke raises his head and widens his eyes as the smoke in the room begins to envelop him and we cut away back to revolution.
The titantron cuts an earlier recorded video of the outside of a restaurant, we can hear the laughing and general chatter of the patrons
The camera fades into the table that Ciampa, Sonya Deville and Oba Femi are sitting at, the trio enjoying a meal.
Ciampa: Ok stop me if you heard this one before, Never bother a gangster the night before he goes on vacation. He's probably packing.
The trio laugh at the Don’s lame joke.
Sonya Deville: Oh Don Ciampa, if your in ring skills are as deadly as your jokes, then LA Knight is gonna need a coffin after you face off with him.
Ciampa nods his head
Ciampa: Well Sonya you got that right but remember none of that when he gets here, I want to have a nice sit down with him before our match, let him know that this is all nothing but business, yous got that.
Oba and Sonya nod in agreement
Oba Femi: Yes boss, nothing but business when he gets here but if he steps out of line I cannot be held for my actions.
Ciampa smirks and nods
Ciampa: See thats what I love about you Oba my boy, you always stand on business, you’re a down right professional.
Oba nods, sipping his wine.
Oba Femi: Well you’ve taught me well boss and…
A waiter walks over and whispers into Ciampa’s ear
Ciampa: Thanks Sal, invite him in and bring him over and get us a nice bottle of red while you’re at it.
Sonya raises her eyebrow.
Sonya Deville: That's him here?
Ciampa nods, checking his watch
Ciampa: Right on time, guy has a lot of faults but i’ll be damned he is punctual, Oba clear the place out.
Oba nods and with the help of staff ushers the restaurant patrons out, Ciampa wanting privacy for this meeting.
Oba Femi: Don Ciampa, LA Knight.
Ciampa stretches out a hand for LA to take
Ciampa: Ah Mr Knight, please take a seat, chef will cook you up a steak if you’re hungry.
An uneasy LA Knight walks into frame. With him is "The Masterpiece" Christopher Adonis. The two men are dressed to the nines. Knight looks at Ciampa's outstretched hand before pulling out his chair and sitting down, completely ignoring the Don's tradition.
LA Knight: 'Ya have to forgive L...A....Knight for being a little skeptical 'bout being here this evening. Last time L...A....Knight went to dinner with a member of the UWF roster, he got blindsided by a Diabetic Dumbass who is obsessed with video games from the 1980s. But as 'ya can see, L...A....Knight brought "Walking Armaggeddon" to this little shindig of ours, so I think it's safe to say that history will not be repeating itself.
LA Knight: But why don't we just cut to the chase here Ciampa.
Knight slams the UWF Championship down onto table.
LA Knight: This is why we're here. 'Cause for some reason, 'ya think that 'ya have earned this. L...A....Knight gets it. 'Ya got 'ya brand new little family behind 'ya, 'ya have won a few matches here and there. 'Ya head is big. But L...A....Knight needs 'ya to get one thing through that thick little skull of yours. 'Ya been hot for Five minutes. L....A....Knight has been hot for the better part of a year. Hell, let's play a little game of trivia. Do 'ya know when the last time L...A....Knight lost on Pay-Per-View was? October! And since then, the Million Dollar Champion and the Masterpiece have laid out everyone that's come our way. The man that defined this company for most of 2023, Drew McIntyre? L...A....Knight did the one thing nobody else was able to do. Beat him on Pay-Per-View. Not once, but twice. But 'ya think 'ya ready to play L...A....Knight's game? Tommaso, it wasn't that long ago that 'ya stepped in the ring one on one with The Thursday Night Thriller and do 'ya recall what happened that evening? 'Ya probably don't so let L...A...Knight remind 'ya. L...A....Knight kicked 'ya so hard in the skull that 'ya started thinking 'ya were a Don. Now 'ya sit here with 'ya stereotypes, 'ya ugly suits and 'ya lackies...
Oba Femi doesn't take too kind to be called a lackey and looks to go after the Champ. Don Ciampa simply holds his hand up and the big man stops in his tracks.
LA Knight: Listen here Ima Dummy or whatever 'ya name is, 'ya may think 'ta big. 'Ya may think 'ya bad. But the truth of the matter is, 'ya nothing. This right here is the baddest man in the company...
Knight points to Adonis.
LA Knight: And he's been itching for a fight for quite some time now. So how about this, next week, Walking Armaggeddon shows up to Revolution and shows 'ya boy here why this has been and always will be the L...A....Knight and Christopher Adonis show.
Oba and Adonis stare one another down from opposite ends of the table.
LA Knight: Now, the Champ thinks that our business is concluded. BUT, since 'ya were so kind to offer, L...A....Knight thinks he will take 'ya up on that steak. Being the best thing UWF has to offer makes one very hungry. Not that 'ya would know. So L...A....Knight think he's going to have the 24 ounce Porterhouse. On 'ya of course...
Knight smiles and takes a sip of his water. The smile doesn't last long as the Number One Contender soon chimes in.
Ciampa replies with a smirk on his face.
Ciampa: Unfortunately, Mr Knight we’re all out of porterhouse right now, in fact for people like you, we’re all out of everything.
Ciampa prisms his hands together and leans on the table.
Ciampa: I invite you here, as a matter of respect, a matter of courtesy. You come into my place of business and start mouthing off well. That is just downright disrespectful but what I do respect is your confidence in the abilities of “Walking Armageddon” over there.
Ciampa nods at Adonis
Ciampa: Bold claim despite the fact that the only way anyone ever lost the Masterlock Challenger was because you interfered in a majority of them, no you want to see true Armageddon, look to my man Oba. A true giant of this industry… you want to challenge him well on behalf of Chris, well on behalf of Oba, I accept.
Ciampa takes a sip of his wine.
Ciampa: You know vanity is a terrible thing Mr Knight, it makes you feel immortal, that nothing can stop you but all it takes is just one action and that vanity comes crashing down….
Ciampa clicks his fingers and at that moment Oba strikes Adonis, catching him off guard with the strike, Adonis tries to get a punch in but Oba powers him and crashes him through the dinner table. Knight seem’s momentarily startled and this allows Ciampa to jump him, getting the top position with a flurry of punches.
Ciampa: You think you’re hungry Knight, i’ve been hungry for years now and at Final Battle, I finally get my meal handed to me on a silver platter.
Ciampa gets off Knight and clicks his fingers again, Oba powers Knight up and puts him through another table. The trio of Ciampa, Sonya and Oba then make their exit, the camera focusing on the laid out Champion and his friend.
DING DING!
Tony Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first…
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! And the opponent…
The scene opens showing the crowd and then the lights turn off as a bright light turns on. It shows everyone in the crowd and then it shows the top of the entrance ramp. It twinkles and then it turns to blue. The arena lights are turned off and everything turns into darkness. You hear some music blasting loud as huge poles begin to rise up on each of the entrance ramps and then flames go off out of the poles. The fire burns steady as the bright light fixes on a dark figure waiting in the background and he comes out walking to the light. The former UWF Champion Seth Rollins has a straight face as he continues to walk down the entrance ramp and he stops in the middle of the entrance ramp. He raised both of his hands as he heard boos from the crowd and the fire pyros went off. Seth turns to the right and he walks up the steel steps as he walks along the ropes. He stops in the middle as he climbs through the ring ropes and he gets into the ring. He walks to the turnbuckle and he climbs up as he raises both of his hands. He smiles as he climbs down from the turnbuckle and he turns around to look at the entrance ramp. He gives a angry stare as he awaits for his opponent to arrive.
Tony Chimel: Hailing from Buffalo, Iowa & weighing in at 220 lbs, he is the former 2022 ROYAL RUMBLE WINNER & UWF CHAMPION Messiah SETH ROLLLLLLLLLLINNNNSS!!!!!!!
DING DING!
VS
As the ring bell sounds, Eddie is the first to break the ice and go on the offensive as he lands a hard right to the face of Rollins. Seth’s head rocks with the impact as Eddie blasts him with another one, then another before doing the infamous Guerrero shimmy with his upper body as he then lands a Headbutt. Seth staggers back, then stops and regains his composure, smiling at Guerrero in a way that only he can smile at someone. Eddie looks puzzled as Seth starts cackling his well-known cackle, then brings his leg up suddenly to go for a kick but Seth blocks it by catching the leg as he heaves it back to the mat before throwing himself at Eddie, taking him down with a Cross Body.
Rollins gets up and dusts himself off, the smile still on his face as the unsettling laughter resumes. Eddie rolls backward onto his feet and stands up, walking up to Seth and slapping him across the face then pointing at him and audibly warning Seth to stop laughing. Seth’s smile vanishes and the laughter stops as he hangs his head dejectedly, Eddie looking puzzled again. Seth’s head snaps upward again as he hits Eddie with a straight right to the Adam’s apple. As Guerrero coughs and clutches where he’s been hit, Seth drops to his knees and thrusts his elbow into the gut of his opponent, then rises up to hook the head of his hunching foe before immediately launching backward with a Suplex. Seth releases on impact as he stands up and pivots around to face the downed Guerrero, pointing at himself as the smile reappears and he resumes laughing.
Tom Phillips: Seth Rollins with a case of the giggles tonight.
Mauro Ranallo: Certainly seems that way, Tom.
Corey Graves: I don’t agree with it. I mean, sure, Seth’s a former world champion in his own right but that doesn’t mean he should take Eddie lightly.
Guerrero sits up before climbing to his feet as he angrily stomps up to Seth and delivers a Headbutt to the bridge of the nose. “Stop laughing at me!” yells a fired up Eddie, but Seth continues to smile and laugh even as a small stream of blood runs down from his nostrils. Eddie stomps on the right foot of Revolution’s Messiah as Seth reacts as expected by raising the throbbing foot and hopping on the other one, opening him up for the Standing Dropkick that Guerrero follows up with. Rollins lies there on the mat, still smiling and laughing, as Eddie leaps into the mount and starts laying into him with the ol’ ground and pound as he alternates fists with each blow that connects and yells with each one, “Stop laughing!”.
After several punches with each fist connect, Eddie gets up and walks to the side of Seth, who has stopped laughing and isn’t even smiling now. His facial hair is wet with blood as he turns his head to look at Eddie, then slowly begins to smile again and sits up, heartily laughing once more. Guerrero can’t take anymore as he pulls at his own hair before pivoting and bringing his leg forward to blast Seth with a STIFF kick to the face, Seth’s head uncomfortably whipping back as he hits the mat awkwardly, blood and saliva flying on the impact of the kick.
Tom Phillips: Oh my! Seth may be concussed!
As Rollins is sprawled out on the mat like a starfish, Eddie steps over him on his way to the corner as he ascends the turnbuckle and turns to face Seth, leaping off and going for the Frog Splash but Seth rolls out of the way and Eddie hits nothing but mat. As Eddie pops up from the mat, Rollins hits him with a beautiful Superkick, then heads up to the same top turnbuckle, his back turned to Eddie as he then leaps off and connects with a picture perfect Phoenix Splash.
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! Not many men could take a kick like Seth took and rebound to hit a precision based move like that!
Seth goes for the cover as he hooks the leg.
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
Eddie kicks out as Seth creates some distance between them. As Guerrero gets to a vertical base, Seth rushes him and attempts a Slingblade but Eddie reverses into an over the knee Backbreaker, immediately transitioning from that into a hooked head position as he launches into a Suplex. As impact is made, Eddie swings his legs around and returns to his feet with Seth and launches into another. As impact is made, Eddie repeats this but as he launches into the third suplex, Seth rotates his own body and reverses into a Seated Senton as he reaches back to grab Eddie’s legs and pull forward, folding him up in a pin.
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
Eddie kicks out again as Seth creates some distance.
Corey Graves: Things are cooking with these two athletes now!
Eddie rolls over onto his stomach as he raises up onto his forearms, trying to shake out the cobwebs. As he does this, however, Rollins charges him and connects with a Stomp! Seth rolls Eddie over and again goes for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
Eddie kicks out and Seth looks beside himself now as he again goes to create some distance between them but then grabs Eddie and applies the Gogoplata!
Tom Phillips: Seth has the Demon Slayer cinched in!
Mauro Ranallo: This may be it!
Corey Graves: Whether it is or isn’t depends on two things: Eddie’s remaining will, and whether or not this is desperation on Seth’s part!
Eddie struggles to get out of the hold but he’s fading fast. The fans start chanting, “Eddie! Eddie!” to will him on but he’s too far gone. As Guerrero fades in the hold, the ring bell sounds again.
DING DING!
Tony Chimel: Here is your winner as a result of a submission: Seth Rollins!
Tom Phillips: Well what a statement made by Seth here tonight!
Mauro Ranallo: Eddie withstood the Stomp, but the Demon Slayer caught him off guard.
Corey Graves: Seth may very well be headed for greatness again in the UWF. I’m looking forward to more!
As Seth celebrates his victory, Revolution continues elsewhere.
Robert Roode is sitting in the backstage, he has his head down. His hands are holding each and he seems moody as he breathes heavily. He talks to himself, we barely listen to him.
Robert Roode: This was not supposed to be like this... Not like this...
He repeats "not like this" as he seems to be unaware of cameras. Roode stops saying it and he looks up, sees the camera and looks directly to it.
Robert Roode: What are you looking at? A man who has been unsuccessfull at fulfilling his promises? A man who has failed time and time again despite saying each and every single time that he will succeed? Do you find it amusing that I have become a man who is so Glorious to a man talking to himself in anger in the backstage? You find a man who has won only one match since he is back ridiculous? Do you find me amusing? Ridiculous? Well, you are not the only one because that is pathetic! I am pathetic! I was unable to prove that I am a man of my word. I was unable to prove that I put my money where my mouth is. Instead I got nothing but got kicked in my teeth and that teeth is down in my throat. And that hurts. Hurts like hell. That teeth made a loudmouth like me shut up. I don't know what to say, I can't even think. I can not out-power people, I can not out-smart people. All I do is being outed by my opponents every single week... But you know what hurts the most? I am not only one to blame.
You heard me correct. Don't Shibata me as telling me I lost the matches and to him. I was beaten only once and in the other matches I was screwed! My victory was stolen by Shibata but I appreciate a thief because the one who is to blame, who has the guilt is the one who lets their belongings stolen. I am one to blame and my victories are stolen but even what is worse is an incompetent thief that only lets their things stolen. They suck at their job, they cant steal but they lose everything! And make people like me lose as well. You know who I am talking about. The man who everyone compares to me but is far away from me in quality. Triple H! And those spoiled sluts called Jamie Hayter and Rhea Ripley. Those two made me lose two times and I didn't even get pinned! I get knocked down so much but I get up each and every single time only to watch from the sidelines as they lose the match for me! That is two big words, B and S. And since Rhea and Hayter is the topic I don't mean bitch and the slut.
But I am not going to let my future be decided by such people. My desting will be written in my hands. I will be the pencil and if the pencil needs to be broken, I will break it. Nobody will breake my pencil, nobody will dry out my ink. My destiny is already written but you are just not able to see it. I can see it, I know it will happen. But in order to achieve it, make it happen... I need to do more and differently... This... This thing I do does not seem to work. I am not going to give up trying but maybe I will try in a different manner. Maybe I will try another path, another way... I am thinking, trying to think... I will find a way... I need to find away... I will be once again... GLORIOUS!
Roode look at camera once again.
Robert Roode: One way... Or another...
Roode turns back and he walks away in the backstage as cameras fadeaway.
We head backstage to see Sami looking a bit somber.
Sami Zayn: Greed. It gets the best of all of us sometimes. I know I've certainly got a little greedy at times, lest we forget how Wrestlemania turned out for me. The thing is though, I learn from my mistakes while others just keep repeating them. Enter the King of the Ring.
We all know I was offered a spot to compete in the tournament but I decided to turn it down. I made my mission statement last month and a shiny new object held out in front of me wasn't going to stop me. I refused to take the bait but so many fools leapt at the opportunity, none more foolish than Finn Balor.
Balor is our resident Television Champion. A once great title that's now merely a placeholder for something bigger. This was his ticket to get into the King of the Ring for a shot at the UWF Championship. Instead of raising the prestige of a title he already had, he's willing to throw it all away for a shot at another title he deems more prestigious. Little does he know that the second he wins that title, it becomes just as meaningless as the Television Championship is now.
Kyle O'Reilly is the same but I've had many run-ins with him in the past. He's as dumb as ever and nothing will ever change but Finn, I can still get through to him. So I entered that match and I thought I scrambled his brains straight. Turns out he's just a delusional as ever. So if he refuses to give that title the respect it deserves, then I'll have to show him what it means to be a champion. The man is the one who makes the title and the Forever Championship would show that but with only one dominant champion, it's hard for you all to see. So I will make the Television Championship the proof.
The scene fades out.
“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.
Red lights focus on the stage and smoke billows from the entrance way as 'Skullseeker' by Eternal Champion blasts out of the PA system to a tremendous ovation. Out onto the stage walks The Mighty Caleb clad in armour and sporting a cape. He stands with his arms wide, his cape appearing like black wings against the red background of the stage. In one hand he holds a drinking horn which he holds aloft. As the glorious main riff kicks in Caleb drinks from the horn before raising it high in the air and yelling 'SKAL!'.
Tony Chimel: Introducing, hailing from The Northern Realms... weighing in at a mighty 235 pounds... he is 'THE MIGHTY' CAAAALEB!
The Mighty Caleb then makes his march down towards the ring, he fist bumps members of the crowd who reach out to him and leads them in the 'SKAL' chant which turns the crowd into a frenzy. Caleb steps up onto the ring apron now and once again holds the horn aloft, pumping his fist as he does so to the rhythm of the crowd. Caleb then enters the ring and continues to pump his fist as he marches around, hyping himself up for the battle ahead.
VS
DING DING DING
The two walk to the center of the ring and start throwing haymakers. Orton wasn't too fond of Caleb keeping up the shtick and The Mighty One is a Viking warrior after all so he's not gonna back down. Caleb is getting the better of the two but a stomp to the toe and then a European Uppercut has him on the ropes. He tries to get away but Orton kicks him in the back of the leg and then places his knee over his head, choking him out on the middle rope. The ref gets on him for this and he backs away with his hands up at the 4 count, telling the ref he's got till for while Brekker comes in and delivers a stiff right while the ref's back is turned!
Tom Phillips: Well we knew it'd only be a matter of time until Orton got his goons to take advantage.
Corey Graves: I didn't see him tell them to do that did you? That's just taking initiative.
Caleb retreats away from the ropes and so Orton comes back over and gets him in a Headlock before just punching him in the forehead. Caleb crawls over to the ropes and Randy brings him up and sits him on the top rope. He starts to move up there with him but The Mighty One fights back with some punches followed by a Headbutt that sends Orton back down. He lands on his feet however and a high Dropkick sends Caleb tumbling to the floor below and he lands with a loud splat.
Tom Phillips: A rough landing for the former Television Champion.
Mauro Ranallo: Also not the place you want top be with Bron Brekker and Brock Anderson circling around like buzzards.
Caleb gets to his feet while Anderson and Brekker are near. He gets his hands up and tells them to back off which they do but he doesn't realize that Orton has slithered outside the ring and grabs him from behind to deliver a Back Suplex on the apron! He picks up Stormbringer and tosses him back into the ring. Caleb tries to get back up but Randy has climbed back into the ring and when he turns around, Orton plants him with a Spinebuster! He hooks the leg!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Caleb kicks out! Randy circles around him and starts to stomp all over his body. Caleb sits up and retaliates with a punch to the gut but a swift Knee to the side of the face keeps him at bay. Randy whips him into the ropes and prepares for the Scoop Slam but Caleb hangs on to prevent himself from rebounding. Orton runs up o him but eats a Back Elbwo to the face that staggers him a bit. Caleb comes back with a Spinning Lariat to take him down! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
A quick kickout from Orton! He's actually up to his feet quicker than Caleb knees him in the gut. He lifts him up for a Suplex but The Hammer lands behind him and gives him a Release German Suplex! Orton rushes to his feet but stumbles into the ropes where Caleb places his body between the ropes and picks his chest up to give him Clubbing Blows to the chest. He releases him after a 4 count from the ref and Randy falls to a knee at the center of the ring. Caleb runs at him from behind and floats over into the Ragnarok DDT! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Orton kicks out!
Mauro Ranallo: After Backlash, I don't think anyone can say Caleb isn't a battle tested warrior but he's further proving that tonight in these semi finals.
Corey Graves: That just means he can take a beating but can he actually win when it matters?
Tom Phillips: Well he beat Vinny Marseglia.
Corey Graves: That wasn't a match that was a sideshow event. You want to talk about winning, that's what Orton does.
Caleb grabs his arm and pulls him back up only to give him a Short Arm Clothesline. He keeps a hold of the arm and brings him back up for another. He picks him up a third time and really winds up the Clothesline but Orton ducks it and takes his head before dropping to his knees for the Backbreaker! Randy brings him up and tosses his body through the ropes, pulling him back in but Caleb kicks his feet off the ropes and instead lifts Orton up and runs with him to the corner, tackling him into it! He gives him a few Shoulder Thrusts before sitting him on the top rope. He climbs up there with him but quickly sends him tumbling down with the Arrow of the Gods!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Orton kicks out! Caleb picks him up and lifts him straight into the air for the Valhammer but Orton rotates and lands behind him and shoves him into the ropes. Caleb comes off them and eats a Lou Thez Press followed by punches to keep him down. Caleb rolls out of the ring to get away and Orton goes to keep on the attack but the ref backs him away. Caleb isn't safe out there though and eats a Lariat from Anderson! Brock picks him right back up and tosses him back into the ring as Randy comes back over. He picks up Caleb and once again throws him through the ropes, this time he keeps his feet hanged on the ropes before delivering the Rope Hung DDT! He makes the cover!
1 . . .
2 . . .
Caleb kicks out!
Tom Phillips: If Randy Orton wins this and goes on to win the King of the Ring, can we really call him a King with all the help he's gotten?
Corey Graves: Does a king not have loyal subjects? Knights to ensure his rule? They were simply doing their job in preventing Caleb from running away like the coward he is!
Randy drops to the mat and starts to punch down at it. Caleb is slowly rising while the Viper rises up behind him. He turns around and goes for the RKO but Caleb shoves him into the ropes. Orton bounces off them but gets speared in half by a Gungnir! Caleb goes right to the top rope as Orton rolls around holding his stomach. He gets back to his feet but immediately eats a Flying Clothesline! Caleb is feeling it and the crowd rallies behind him. Caleb brings up Orton and spins him out for a Swinging Neckbreaker but Randy rotates through it and spins out into an RKO!
Mauro Ranallo: RKO! This one's done!
Tom Phillips: But he's not going for the pin?
Corey Graves: Oh he wants to send a message. Take this cosplay warrior out!
Orton backs away to the corner and grabs onto the ropes. He lunges forward, the ropes keeping up as he says to Caleb under his breath "Get up you son of a bitch". Caleb turns over onto all fours and crawls away from the ropes. Orton goes to move in for the Punt Kick but he hears something get slammed into the steel steps to his left. He turns to see Shibata standing there. Anderson runs at him for a Clothesline but Shibata ducks it and when he turns around he's caught with a Headbutt that crumbles him. Orton looks at him and tells him to watch himself or this will happen to him. He runs forward but Caleb pushes himself up to his feet and scoops Orton up into the Hel Rider! He makes the pin!
1 . . .
2 . . .
3 . . .
Tony Chimel: Here is your winner, and advancing to the King of the Ring Finals, The Mighty Caleb!
Caleb gets his hand raised while Shibata looks at the downed Orton and smiles. He casually turns his back and walks up the ramp to the back. Caleb leads the crowd in a "Skal!"chant, revving up the war party for the finals of the King of the Ring.
Revolution heads backstage where an irate LA Knight is seen storming around the backstage area. The UWF Champion is looking for someone. He's flipping over tables, opening random doors, things are not okay in his world. Eventually, he runs into backstage interviewer McKenzie Mitchell, but before she can even speak, he starts yelling...
LA Knight: Where's Tommaso Ciampa?
McKenzie is very confused at the question.
LA Knight: Maybe you didn't hear me. I said WHERE THE HELL IS TOMMASO CIAMPA?!
Now poor little McKenzie is a little shook. We've never seen LA Knight like this. He's not even referring to himself in 3rd person.
McKenzie Mitchell: I'm sorry LA. After every thing that transpired earlier in the evening between you and The Family, Tommaso Ciampa is not in the building tonight.
You can practically see a vein burst in Knight's head.
LA Knight: He's not here?! Of course he's not here. Do me a faovr. Put that camera on me. You hold that microphone and don't say a word.
Mitchell is as silent as a church mouse as LA Knight takes over this interview time.
LA Knight: Tommaso Ciampa. It takes a very big man to pull off what 'ya did earlier this evening. 'Ya want to be the big man on campus. 'Ya just tried to stake 'ya claim to the UWF Championship. Congratulations. But here's what 'ya too stupid to realize. 'Ya just made two very big mistakes. The first one is the same mistake Drew McIntyre made when he attacked me after WrestleMania. And that mistake is that 'ya didn't finish the job. There's still a whole lot of life left in this body. And I promise 'ya, what 'ya did to me, what 'ya did to Chris, I'm going to pay it forward. But your first mistake wasn't the fatal mistake Tommaso. No. It's your second mistake that is going to be your downfall. And your second mistake is getting on my radar.
LA Knight: Last week, when I was told I'd find out who my next challenger was, I was hoping it'd be someone interesting. Maybe Swerve Strickland would get a shot. Maybe, they'd throw Jamie Hayter a bone. And lo and behold, 'ya came out. And needless to say, the Champion was very much underwhelmed. Hell, I'll go as far as to say, I was looking past 'ya. But now, Tommaso Ciampa, 'ya have the unfortunate pleasure of having my full, undivided attention. And 'ya going to come to learn real quick that isn't good for 'ya. Final Battle, 'ya got the shot of a lifetime. It was going to be an easy payday for 'ya. 'Ya walk to that ring, get 'ya ass whooped, go home, and re-invent 'yaself yet again. But now? NAH NAH! Now, I'm going to enjoy the beating I put on 'ya at Final Battle. But, The Million Dollar Champion may not have have to wait until next week. Because next week, it's official. The Masterpiece will go one on one with that slaw-jacked DUMMY! named Oba Femi. And I know the mood Chris is in right now. So I'll just say this, if Oba is lucky, The Masterpiece will leave him in one piece. But if I'm lucky, I'll get the chance to rip Tommaso Ciampa limb from limb.
Knight is ready to walk off but McKenzie stops him.
McKenzie Mitchell: LA, before you leave, do you have any predictions for the King of The Ring Semifinals?
LA Knight: Right now, I really don't care. Whoever punches their ticket to the Finals, it doesn't mean a damn thing to The Million Dollar Champion. It doesn't matter if it's Randy Orton. It doesn't matter if it's The Mighty Caleb. It doesn't matter if it's Kyle O'Reilly. And it doesn't matter if it's Shinsuke Nakamura...
And with that, just like last week, the camera pans out. And just like last week, LA Knight feels someone behind him. He takes a deep breath and sighs before mouthing the words "You've got to be kidding me". Knight turns around and sees The King of Strong Style himself, the Prime Time Medalist, Shinsuke Nakamura. He is holding his hand up to his chest with his index and middle finger tapping against his jacket, his eyes looking down at the UWF Championship around his waist. He speaks in English slowly to make sure his words are understood, all the while not keeping his eyes off the title.
Shinsuke Nakamura: It has been too long without us meeting...too much time without us even being in the same room together. So I will introduce myself to you personally, Hello...My name is Shinsuke Nakamura, the King of Strong Style.
Shinsuke does a big bow while having a large smirk across his face towards LA Knight.
LA Knight: 'Ya know something? Tonight really isn't the night. Normally, I'd sit here and I'd entertain a nobody like 'ya. Give 'ya five good minutes to bask in the ambiance that is The Million Dollar Champion. But tonight, I'm not feeling so benevolent. So how bout this? 'Ya got a match coming up later. Why don't 'ya go focus on that. Do us all a favor and try not to lose to that Diabetic Double Dragon Dumbass and maybe if 'ya lucky, the Champ will pay some attention come Summerslam. And that's not an insult; THAT'S...
Shinsuke cocks and eyebrow up rolls his eyes in exasperation, looking up at Knight in the eyes.
Shinsuke Nakamura: Excuse Meee Sir, but I wasn't talking to you.
Nakamura smiles and gives Knight a wink, before he looks back down at his championship and nods his head showing the target of his introduction being solely the UWF Title that Knight owns. Bowing and backing away off screen slinking away.
LA Knight: Did he just cut me off? Tonight can't be real. It can't be.
With that, an exhausted and frustrated UWF Champion walks off, leaving McKenzie on her own as Revolution moves on.
The scene cuts to Rhea Ripley, who is appearing live via satellite.
Mauro Ranallo: Here is Rhea Ripley.
Tom Phillips: I’m sure she has a lot on her mind.
Corey Graves: Yeah, like how she’s the person lowering herself and her potential when it comes to being friends with Jamie Hayter.
Rhea rolls her eyes and shakes her head, obviously having heard Corey Graves run his mouth again.
Rhea Ripley: “Before I get started, I just wanted to say that Corey should consider himself lucky that neither Jamie nor I are in the arena tonight, because we would have no trouble in beating him senseless.”
Rhea says as the crowd cheers.
Rhea Ripley: “Now, I’m sure that everyone with something intelligent to say is wondering what caused Jamie Hayter to return to the arena after she had initially left. What caused Jamie to return to the arena last week was that I managed to talk to her when she stated that she wanted to up and leave. I told her that if she were to leave the UWF like this, it would come back to haunt her. I told her that she would regret it, and that’s why she returned to the arena last week. I brought up how she would be letting down her fans, and that was enough to cause her to return. Yes, she returned to the arena after initially leaving because of the fans.”
The crowd cheers and chants Jamie’s name.
Rhea Ripley: “I know what it’s like to feel the kind of frustration that she felt when she first arrived at the arena last week. Being that she is my best friend, I could feel and sense her frustration. I was also frustrated for her, but I’m happy that I got her to come to her senses.”
The crowd now chants “Thank you, Rhea” for getting Jamie to return to the arena.
Rhea Ripley: “She’s still feeling frustrated and I’m still feeling frustrated for her, but I figured out a way to remedy that.”
A way to remedy the frustrations that both Jamie and Rhea have been feeling? What does she mean?
Rhea Ripley: “The way I plan to remedy this is with a match. I know that those idiots in the LWO have been repeatedly calling me out for a match. Not only that, but they’ve been wanting another piece of Jamie ever since Jamie beat Rey Mysterio. I’m here to say that the time for their constant nagging for a match against us will come to an end, because Jamie and me are going to take on the LWO in a match.”
The crowd cheers wildly.
Mauro Ranallo: Looks like Eve is finally getting her wish
Tom Phillips: She's been on a winning streak so we'll see if Jamie can get the job done
Corey Graves: I doubt it without one of her garbage match gimmicks.
The scene opens up on the outside of the mental institution as it did the week prior before the camera pans inside, returning to the door of Vincent’s cell. The camera rests in the opening of the door again as, sure enough, the man that spoke with him prior is inside again.
Alright, Mr. Marseglia, the road to physical recovery and medical clearance is going to be a long one but in the meantime, we can focus on other areas that also are in need of repair such as your mental health. So today, we’re going to do some word association. I’m going to say the name of someone on the UWF roster and you say the first word that comes to mind.
Vincent scoffs.
Vincent: Fine.
Kyle O’Reilly.
There’s a silence.
Right, I guess I should’ve started with a different name.
Vincent: Here’s a question: how is this benefiting me? You can name anyone that works for that company and it’s going to make me fly off the handle because they’re each living their best life while I’m in here rotting away not even able to use my own hands for things!
There’s a brief silence.
You need to calm down if you ever want out of that straitjacket, Mr. Marseglia. This is part of your rehabilitation whether you like it or not. Why? Because this life of sadomasochism keeps putting you on the shelf, so maybe if you can get to the point that you’re just outperforming your peers instead of trying to kill them, you’ll have a quality of life that sees you uninjured, unbothered, and free as a bird. Now: Shinsuke Nakamura.
There’s another silence as Vincent refuses to cooperate.
Very mature, Mr. Marseglia. But that’s the one way you still have free will. But let me remind you that it’s to your detriment, because the more you buck on me and make this difficult, the harder it’s going to be on you, especially mentally. Think about that until next time.
The man leaves the room as the camera stays fixated on Vincent.
Vincent: “Get on your knees and bow down…”
Vincent chuckles before it builds up to a full blown sadistic cackle as the scene fades to black.
The violins of Shinsuke Nakamuras theme begin to wail across the arena, until the beat kicks in with one last string of the violin as a silhouetted Nakamara appears in the shadows and his name pops up on the tron. The Spotlight hits Nakamura as he is swaying his arms around along with is music, the audience begin to sing along to his theme as he flows down to the ring.
Tony Chimel: From Kyoto, Japan. weighing in at 229 pounds...Shinsuke...Nakamura!
Shinsuke walks around the ring and leans back against the barricade waving his hands with his ring finger down and all other fingers extended as the people in the front row reach out just to touch him. Nakamura walks up the steel steps and holds onto the ring post to stretch before he enters the ring, putting his hand over his mouth almost ready to burst into tears before he turns around and grabs the ropes. Doing his signature pose in time with his music as he slowly sinks down his legs bending as he lays on his back on the canvas. Twirling up and around onto his knees and standing back up he brushes his hair and goes to the corner where he puts his foot against the top turnbuckle to stretch, following with his other foot moving up to hook onto the top rope to get himself limber for his match.
Tony Chimel: And his opponent...
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.
Tony 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.
Tom Phillips: This is gonna be a good one, guys!
Mauro Ranallo: Intercontinental Champion vs Mr. Primetime. Striker vs Striker!
Corey Graves: More like fraud vs striker. Very excited to see the Canadian get pummeled.
VS
DING DING DING
Both men sleek back into their corners, sizing each other up. The two competitors have been quite dangerous lately, and both realize that. Bayley grabs Kyle’s attention on the apron and the diabetic dragon leans over to get an earful of advice… but before she can say what she needs to, Nakamura comes racing out the opposite corner! He raises his boot high in the sky and narrowly misses both Kyle and Bayley with his foot. Kyle ducks the kick and Bayley jumps off the apron to avoid a dangerous collision. Both seem a little shocked by Nakamura’s reckless abandon but Nak just smiles like the freak he is. Nak turns around to see a very ticked off Kyle O’ Reilly. Nonetheless, he gets a hold of his temper and cautiously steps forward.
Mauro Ranallo: Kyle managing to show some discipline here, something Nakamura alleged he has none of.
Tom Phillips: He's wrong.
Corey Graves: He's right!
Kyle reaches out. He’s looking to lock up with the king of strong style, refusing to be caught in his trap, refusing to let his emotions be inflamed. Nakamura begrudgingly accepts. He meets Kyle’s hand with his own and when they interlock, Kyle drops to a knee and shoots up behind Nakamura. He grabs a waist lock and deadlifts Nakamura up before attempting to drive him down on the mat for a takedown. Nak intercepts the idea though, getting a hold of Kyle’s arm and arm-dragging him forward as he comes down. Kyle is sent tumbling over and when he comes up he’s got the King of Strong Style charging at him at 100 miles per hour. Bayley gives him a heads up from the outside that he’s about to get his shit kicked in and he’s able to counter with a drop toe hold. Shinsuke falls to the mat and Kyle immediately applies a grounded ankle lock, much to Bayley’s approval.
Corey Graves: O’Reilly’s in for a rude awakening if he thinks this is going to put Nakamura away.
Tom Phillips: Kyle is smarter than that.
Corey Graves: Have you listened to the guy?! No he’s not!
Shinsuke would like to keep the ability to use his legs, and so he pounds his fists into the mat and scurries over to the ropes, right where Bayley stands. He wraps around the bottom ropes and Bayley shoots a mean glare at him. He returns it with a smile as Kyle relinquishes the hold. Said smile is wiped off his face when Kyle wraps his arms around Shinsuke’s waist, attempting to deadlift him for a German. Shinsuke manages to drive an elbow into Kyle’s gut, causing him to keel over. Nak then throws a mean, nasty, ugly kick toward Kyle’s head but he’s able to grab it at the last second before he’s brain damaged. He spins Nak around and then catches him with a Stan Hansen lariato-no! Shinsuke ducks and finds himself on the other side of Kyle. He brings the diabetic dragon down with a disgusting single knee backstabber! Shivers are sent through the spine of O’Reilly and he cries out as Nakamura refuses to let up. He viciously stomps away at the dragon’s back. Stomp after stomp after stomp after stomp after stomp! Evil!
Bayley is looking worried on the outside and her concern grows when Nakamura grabs ahold of the ropes and the stomps into Kyle’s back grow even more malicious. The referee intervenes and Nakamura waits until the count of 5 to back off. He directs a smile right at Bayley which Kyle takes note of. The ref tries to make sure the Canadian is alright but Kyle waves him off. Good news for Nakamura, who charges like a runaway train out of the corner once again. It looks like Kyle is about to get flattened when he drops down to the mat all of a sudden, throwing Shinsuke’s momentum out the window with a devastating chop block that completely upends Nakamura. It’s like we’re playing Madden out here.
Mauro Ranallo: That’s the leg he hits the Kinshasa with!
Kyle seems to be very aware of that. He straightens himself up, trying to get feeling back into his spine before stomping away at Shinsuke’s leg just as Shinsuke did to his back. It’s vicious. It’s mean. It’s ugly, and Kyle doesn’t feel a single bit of remorse… not after the way this match started. Shinsuke tries scurrying away to the ropes to get some separation but Kyle has other ideas. With pure hatred in his eyes and malice in his soul, he grabs Shinsuke’s arm with both hands… and twists back!!! The Snake Bite!!!… known as an “Indian Burn” here in the states. Shinsuke looks to be in a bad way before realizing that this isn’t so bad. He looks at Kyle with great confusion and O’Reilly is absolutely flabbergasted that this offense isn’t working on Nak.
Tom Phillips: Unbelievable! Nakamura is impervious to the snake bite!
Corey Graves: You don't say?
Bayley shouts to Kyle from the outside, encouraging him to try out offense that isn’t reminiscent of his days in the playground. Kyle obliges, nailing Shinsuke with a handful of open-palm strikes that echo throughout the arena. Nak is knocked dizzy and KOR allows him to gather to a knee before lifting his leg up into the air and slamming it down on Nakamura for an axe kic-no! Nakamura sleeks back, avoiding the strike and coming up with one of his own. Roundhouse Kick to KOR that turns his chest purple! Kyle is rebounded off the ropes and Nak catches him with a devastating calf kick! Both men are down, Nak clutching at his leg. Those last two kicks didn’t do it any favors. Still, he forces himself over to KOR, eager to inflict more pain. He drives his good knee down into Kyle’s back and grabs his chin, wrenching back on the spine and the neck. It’s very effective as Kyle seemingly has nowhere to go, forced to tolerate the pain Shinsuke’s forcing down upon him. He reaches out for the ropes but they’re nowhere to be found. The only thing that saves Kyle is Shinsuke’s boredom. He relinquishes the hold only so he can stomp away at Kyle’s back again, this time with even more ferocity. He then bounces off the ropes and looks to come back with a jumping knee down onto Kyle’s spine… but the dragon manages to slide out the ring, gaining some separation. Nak has separation anxiety apparently though, immediately exiting the ring to the apron outside. He stalks Kyle from above, racing at him and diving off the apron with a running knee strike!… that doesn’t connect! Kyle dodges and Nak instead lands right in front of Bayley, narrowly missing her with knee.
Mauro Ranallo: That was far too close for comfort for Bayley.
Corey Graves: She'll be fine. She's a big girl. She signed up for this by coming out here anyways!
Tom Phillips: O'Reilly doesn't seem to agree.
Kyle’s had enough of it now. That’s two close calls. He doesn’t want anymore. He lets his temper snap. Nak turns around to find Kyle all sorts of pissed off and gets an earth-shattering Busaiku Knee right to his cranium. Shinsuke goes down and Kyle hits the ground back-first, which probably doesn’t feel very good. KOR just don’t give a damn though. The ref starts his count and Kyle completely ignores it.
ONE...
He grabs Shinsuke’s leg and sets it atop the steel steps, then absolutely goes to town on that thing. Stomp after stomp after stomp after stomp.
TWO...
THREE...
A boot on one side and steel on the other side. Nakamura cries out, a rare sign of weakness. That just fuels Kyle, who starts to alternate between stomps and forearm strikes to the leg.
FOUR...
FIVE..
SIX...
Kyle finally lets up. Bayley encourages him to take the action into the ring but Kyle has other ideas. He drags Shinsuke away by the leg and wraps his good leg around a steel barricade. Kyle then hops up onto the apron and Shinsuke looks to be in a bad, bad place.
SEVEN...
Kyle charges forward and leaps off just as Shinsuke had done moments prior. He looks to drive his knee down into Nak’s leg but just like Shinsuke, he doesn’t connect! Nak frees himself at the last second and Kyle is sent clashing into the barricade! Nasty collision!
EIGHT...
Nakamura clutches his knee and limps his way back into the ring. He’s about to win this by count-out.
NINE...
Unfortunately for Nak, some sort of otherworldly demon takes possession of KOR. He kips up to his feet and sprints back into the ring at the very last millisecond as the crowd showers him with applause. They don’t get to cheer for long. Nakamura immediately catches him with an inside cradle as he makes his way to his feet.
One!
Two!
Three!… NO!
KOR just barely kicks out, straining his back as he does so. Both men make it to their feet simultaneously. Kyle throws a forearm but Shinsuke blocks it and throws a kick at Kyle’s gut with his good leg. Kyle keels over and Shinsuke hoists him onto his shoulders. He brings Kyle down with a KENTA-worthy GTS that looks horrific even though Nak had to do it with his other knee. Cover!
One!
Two!
Three…
NO!
Kyle gets a shoulder up and Nak gets back on the offensive as quickly as he can. He limps his way to his feet with Kyle in tow and hoists him up on his shoulders once again, this time bringing him down with a landslide!… no! He doesn’t get it! Kyle rolls through right between Shinsuke’s legs, picking the ankle and coming up on the other side with an Ankle Lock! Full pressure applied! Nak is agony, clawing away at the mat and desperately reaching out for anything that could break the hold!
Corey Graves: Even a killer like Nakamura has got to be feeling this now.
Tom Phillips: After all that punishment to the leg? God, I’d be tapping right away.
Corey Graves: Of course you would.
Nakamura looks like he really just might tap… but I mean c’mon. It’s Nakamura, yall. He manages to desperately reach out and grab ahold of the ropes surrounding the turnbuckles. He uses them to propel forward and break the submission, sending KOR careening forward into the middle turnbuckle. He bounces off of it with a thud and when he lurches back, Nakamura is there to meet him. He brings him in, looking for a Reverse Exploder Suplex. That would really mess up Kyle’s already messed up back. Luckily for him, Nak has an already messed up leg. KOR winds up his leg and viciously throws it backward into Nak’s knee. Nak cries out as Kyle turns around. He looks at Nak with pure disgust and opts to just slap the absolute bejeezus out of Nakamura, who does a full 180 backwards. Kyle grabs a hold of Nak from behind. This is it. This is retribution. Point Break!
Mauro Ranallo: PELIGRO! PELIGRO!
Corey Graves: Hold your horses, Mauro!
…but Kyle just can’t do it. His body fails his heart and his back gives out. He drops to a knee, his spine unable to withstand the pressure. Nak, a veteran of the game, knows he has to take advantage. He charges forward like a samurai brandishing his sword. He leaps into the air and presents a leaping yakuza kick with his good leg that the yakuza would definitely be proud of… even though it misses the mark! Kyle ducks and the referee takes the full brunt of the kick instead! A look of worry grows on Kyle’s expression as Bayley hops up onto the apron to check on the ref. Nakamura seems to admire his work all the same. He knows the opportunity he’s been given.
Tom Phillips: Uh oh...
Corey Graves: Oh yes!
He clutches at his throat and when Kyle comes forward the blinding red mist is sprayed into the air! Devastating!… but not for Kyle! He dodges yet again, apparently pretty good at that kind of thing. Instead, it’s Bayley who’s face turns a crimson red! She falls off the apron and onto the floor, clutching at her face as Kyle watches on in horror. He can’t help but give her his full focus now. He leans over the apron and realizes that she is not in a good way. Kyle starts to exit the ring to attend to Bayley but he’s dragged back in by Satan himself. Nak throws a mean forearm into Kyle’s back and then goes for a reverse exploder Suplex! Up… and down! It completely connects, setting up perfectly for what’s next. “YEAOH!” Nak charges forward with reckless abandon, hitting a rising O’Reilly with a Kinshasa straight from hell!…bad leg and all! O’Reilly goes limp and Nak goes down as well as the referee comes to.
Mauro Ranallo: PELIGROOOOOOOOOO!
That Kinshasa took everything out of Nak’s leg. He’s unable to make the cover… but he doesn’t need to! The ref looks at Kyle and realizes that the dragon has been slayed! He’s out cold! Call for the bell!
DING DING DING!
Tony Chimel: Your winner... Shinsukeeeeeeeeee Nakaaaaaamuuuuuuraaaaa!!!
Shinsuke refuses to have his hand raised, instead hitting his signature pose as the credits begin to roll.
Tom Phillips: Wow.
Mauro Ranallo: Wow is right. Nakamura just notched a win over the Intercontinental champion. That's going to turn some heads if they weren't completely turned already.
Corey Graves: Personally, I think they should just give him that belt right here and now.
That probably isn't going to happen, but that belt could very well be his in the future... as well as the King of the Ring crown. The show fades to black as Shinsuke observes the wrath he's left inside the ring and out.
END OF SHOW
Credits
Owens vs Gunn - Jye
Nakamura vs O'Reilly - Roach
Rollins vs Guerrero - Dresden
Balor vs Rude - Fauche
Caleb vs Orton - Danny