Final Battle 2024

[Danny]

And now UWF presents...



As the logo is seen, things go live to the inside of the arena as pyrotechnics go off from the stage and the camera pans around to get a shot of the fans from all around the world gathered for Final Battle! The camera pans over to the commentary team where Corey Graves, Mauro Ranallo, and Tom Phillips are standing by.



Mauro Ranallo: Hello and welcome Final Battle, Live from the Roman Colliseum!

Corey Graves: Many warriors have battled in this arena and you can bet even more blood will be spilled by the end of the night.

Tom Phillips: Tonight we find out who will be the new King of the Ring as well as who the UWF Champion will be come Summerslam.

Mauro Ranallo: Plus what's sure to be a very emotional Ironman Match. I can't wait any longer so let's head down to the ring for the first match of the night!




Corey Graves: Are you guys ready? This is the match I've been looking forward to the most. 

Tom Phillips: Of course it is. Up next is the Television Championship contest between Finn Balor and Sami Zayn.

Mauro Ranallo: Both men have had their fair share of words towards one another. But now, the time for talking is over. Let's head to the ring. 

Tony Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the UWF Television Championship. Introducing first....



Walk The Moon's "Headphones" radiates throughout the arena and out walks the Challenger for tonight's contest, Sami Zayn. The Rome, Italy crowd lets it be known that they aren't a huge fan of Sami as they boo him ferociously, Zayn is unconcerned with the live audience's approval though. Per usual, Sami has his Forever Championship in tow and shows it off to the public, dancing and flaunting as only he can. 

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

Mauro Ranallo: And here comes the Challenger! There aren't too many men in this business today that are as confident as Sami Zayn. It borders on cockiness if we're being honest.

Corey Graves: It's not cockiness if you can back it up Mauro. There's a very short list of wrestlers that can match Sami Zayn when it comes to being in that ring. I don't know if Finn Balor is on that list. I have a sneaking suspicion that we're going to be crowing a new Television Champio this evening. 

Zayn slides into the ring and holds the Forever Championship up towards the hard camera as he continues to dance. 



Zayn's dancing is soon interrupted by the music of the Television Champion.

Tony Chimel: And his opponent....



The arena becomes engulfed in darkness. The stage becomes filled with smoke as the sound of crackling static plays over the PA. Through the smoke and darkness, a silhouette can be seen. He slowly walks through and reveals himself. This is the Television Champion in all his glory. This is Finn Balor. Balor stands on the top of the stage and looks out into the see of people filling the Collosieum here tonight. 

Tony Chimel: From Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, weighing in at 190 pounds, he is the reigning, defending, Undisputed UWF Television Champion of the World!!!!!  Finn....Balor!!!!!

Mauro Ranallo: Finn Balor has reigned as Television Champion since capturing the title in a thrilling Five-way at WrestleMania 13. Since then, he has bested all Challengers.

Corey Graves: Well let's make one thing perfectly clear Mauro, Sami Zayn is no ordinary challenger. Finn Balor is in for the fight of his life tonight. 

Balor turns the collar on his jacket upward and poses before marching down the ramp towards the ring. His eyes never leave Sami Zayn. 



Balor makes it to the end of the stage before leaping onto the apron and entering the ring. He stares at Zayn again before unhooking the Championship from around his waist and handing it over to the official. The referee holds the title up in the air for all to see what is exactly on the line in this upcoming contest. 

vs.


DING
DING
DING

Our official calls for the bell and the Television Championship match is now underway. Sami Zayn and Finn Balor meet in the center and do a little jaw jacking before engaging in a collar and elbow lock up. Both men seqem equal but it's Balot who quickly gets the advantage as he shifts to a side headlock. Sami being the veteran that he is, walks back towards the near ropes and shoots Balor off, breaking the headlock. Balor hits the ropes and as he runs across the ring, Sami leaves his feet, jumping over Balor. Balor continues to run, and as he comes back towards his Challenger, Sami this time drops down to his stomach as Balor hops over him. Balor does not stop running, now he hits the initial ropes that he ran off of. As he comes back towards Sami yet again, the Dynamic Challenger manages to wrap his arm around Balor's neck and go behind him with a sleeper hold. 

Corey Graves: The Master Strategist at work already!

Tom Phillips: It's a sleeper. Relax.

Before Sami can fully apply the sleeper, Finn is able to lift Sami off his feet with a back body drop in mind. Sami is ready for it and backflips, landing on his feet. Now firmly behind Balor, Saami wraps both of his arms around Finn's waist and drives him forward. Finn hits the far ropes chest first and Sami is able to roll him up from behind, braiding for good measure. This is the first pinfall attempt of this contest...

1....
2....
Finn kicks out!

Both men get back to their feet at the same time and Finn goes right back to the side headlock. But this time, he flips Sami over with a headlock takeover, bringing our Forever Champion back to the mat. Sami doesn'tt stay there for long however as he rolls and stacks Balor on his shoulders for another pinfall attempt...

1...
2...
Balor kicks out again!

Once again, both men get to their feet, but this time Balor catches Sami off guard with a rolling elbow to the side of the head. This staggers Sami and allows Balor to wrap both arms around his Challenger's waist before bringing him overhead with a Northern Lights Suplex. Balor bridges and now goes for a cover of his own...

1...
2...
Sami rolls a shoulder!

Tom Phillips: Both men trying to get quick covers in the early going of this matchup.

Corey Graves: One would assume both men know it's going to take a lot to wear the other down, so they're trying to steal a quick one.

Sami grabs the back of his head as Balor goes back on the offensive. The Champion grabs the Challenger by the head and throws him into the near corner. Balor begins laying the boots to Zayn before grabbing him by the arm and Irish whips him across the ring towards the opposing turnbuckle. Sami manages to reverse and sends Balor towards the buckle instead and as soon as Balor's back comes in contact with the turnbuckle pad, Sami charges across the ring looking to kick Balor's head off....

Corey Graves: Sami is looking for the Helluva Kick!

Sami rushes in but Balor sees it coming, He ducks out of the way and Sami's boot connects with nothing but the turnbuckle pad. 

Mauro Ranallo: We just spoke about both men trying to end this earlier, Sami just swung for the fences.

With Sami hung up, Balor connects with a step up kick to the face that knocks Sami back towards the center of the ring. Finn leaves the ring and climbs to the top. He waits as Sami Zayn gets to his feet and then Balor leaps off, connecting with a Crossbody Block. This takes Sami down and Balor hooks the leg...

1...
2...
Sami kicks out!

Finn gets to his feet right as Sami staggers back to his. As Sami gets up, Finn rushes him and clothesline him over the top rope and to the floor near the ramp. Balor watches as Sami tries to get to his feet and gets a head of steam before leaping over the top rope and landing on top of Sami with a Senton.

Mauro Ranallo: Tope Con Hijo!!

Balor lets out a huge scream as he grabs Sami and throws him back into the ring. Finn rolls in after him and goes for another cover...

1...
2...
Sami kicks out!

As he kicks out, Sami rolls over to the apron.Balor looks to stay on the attack and goes after Sami, but as he reaches to grab Sami by the hair, Sami grabs Balor's head and drapes his throat across the top rope. Balor gasps for air as Sami quickly recovers and hits a snap suplex. The Champion's back hits the canvas hard and the Challenger floats over and goes for a cover...

1...
2...
Balor kicks out!

Sami grabs Balor by the head and lifts him to his feet before leaning him up against the ropes. With Balor prone and wide open, Sami hits him with a chop to the chest followed by a right hand to the skull. Sami repeats this combination multiple times before Irish whipping Balor across the ring. As Balor runs the ropes and comes back towards his Challenger, Zayn leaves his feet and delivers a beautiful standing dropkick directly to Balor's face. The dropkick knocks Baor down in the center of the ring and Zayn capitalizes by hitting the ropes and performing a springboard moonsault onto Balor's prone body. This drives all the air out of Balor's lungs and Sami goes for yet another cover...

1...
2...
Balor kicks out again!

Corey Graves: We were a half second away from a New Television Champion!

After kicking out, Balor is the one on the defensive. He rolls out of the ring and to the floor near the announce desk. Sami sees this and rolls out the other side of the ring near the ramp. Balor is trying to catch his breath as he gets to his feet. Sami's eyes light up and he runs around the side of the ring and dives through the bottom rope looking for his Tornado DDT. Balor sees it coming and catches Sami Zayn with a right hand to the face as Zayn is wide open and vulnerable. 

Tom Phillips: Sami left himself open and Finn took advantage of it. 

The right hand knocks Sami out of midair and to the floor. Balor is still shaking the cobwebs off but goes over to the side of the ring that Sami is on. Balor hops onto the apron and as Sami tries to crawl up onto the apron himself, Balor charges at him and connects with a big penalty kick to the jaw. You can see something go flying off Sami Zayn's face. Whether it was sweat or a tooth, we'll never know. Either way, Balor retrieves Zayn's body and throws him back into the ring before going for another cover...

1...
2...
Sami kicks out!

Balor gets to his feet and heads to the far corner of the ring. He hangs back in the corner as he watches Sami Zayn crawl to the opposing side of the ring. Zayn uses the ropes to pull himself up and as he does, Balor uses his fingers to form 2 guns and pulls the imaginary triggers before running across the ring looking for a shotgun dropkick. Zayn intercepts the Champion with a clothesline that almost takes his head off though. Balor rakes a bump but gets back to his feet only to get met with another clothesline. The Champon goes down once more but quickly gets back to his feet and looks to respond with a clothesline of his own but Sami ducks underneath before hoisting Finn in the air and spinning him around before driving him down to the canvas.

Mauro Ranallo: Blue Thunder Bomb!

After hitting one of his trademark moves, the Challenger has the Champion's shoulders down on the mat and the referee drops down to make the count....

1...
2...
Balor rolls a shoulder!

An exasperated Sami Zayn gets back to his feet and grabs Finn Balor by the air. From a knee, Balor throws right hands to Zayn's midsection. This does little more than annoy Zayn so he responds by lifting Balor in the air and bringing him back down with a sit out Piledriver. Sami hooks the leg again...

1....
2...
Balor kicks out!

Tom Phillips: Another close call for Balor.

Corey Graves: It's only a matter of time. Sami has this in the bag.

With Balor kicking out yet again, Sami gets in the official's face. The Challenger demands the official count quicker. The man in the striped shirt tells Sami that he's doing his job just fine. The Dynamic One argues to no avail and intends to go back on his attack of the Champion. Zayn turns back towards Balor but out of nowhere, the Champion comes rushing in and wrapping his arm around Zayn's neck, spinning and bringing him down to the mat!

Mauro Ranallo: Slingblade!

Balor is feeling it now! He starts pumping himself up. Balor watches as Zayn pulls himself to his feet and as the Challenger does, Balor charges at Zayn and hits him with a vicious Shotgun dropkick that sends Zayn colliding with the turnbuckle. Zayn falls and crumples to the mat and Balor quickly leaves the ring and scurries to the top rope...

Tom Phillips: Sami is in the drop zone!

Corey Graves: This isn't good!

Balor leaps off the top and looks for the Coup De Grace. But Sami knows it's coming and at the last second moves out of the way. Finn is ready for this and avoids certain disaster by rolling through. Both men get to their feet and Finn charges once more towards Sami and as he does, Sami scoops him off the mat and plants Balor with a Miichinoku Driver! As the back of Balor's head slams off the canvas, Sami hooks the leg and goes for another cover...

1...
2...
3....NO!!
Balor kicks out at 2 1/2!

Sami can't believe it! Balor rolls out the ring and to the floor. The official sees this and begins counting the Champion out...

1...
2...
3...

Sami rolls out the other side of the ring behind the referee's back.

Corey Graves: The Master Strategist strikes again. He knows the Championship can't change hands via countout so he's going right after Finn Balor. 

Balor is struggling to get to his feet. He's taken a lot of abuse this evening. He barely gets to a vertical base before Sami comes out of nowhere, running around the side of the ring, diving through the ropes and hitting his trademark Tornado DDT!

Corey Graves: Second time is the charm1 I told all of you Sami was going to pull this off!

A confident Sami Zayn stands tall before realizing the referee's count has reach 7. He grabs Balor and throws him back into the ring before sliding in himself and going for a quick cover...

1...
2...
Balor gets his foot on the bottom rope!

The referee waves the count off and motions towards Balor's foot. Sami cannot believe it. Once again, he gets in the official's face about his call. The two go back and forth and it's obvious that Sami is getting frustrated. 

Mauro Ranallo: The referee has been real lenient with Sami Zayn this evening. He's risking disqualification. 

With Sami and the official arguing, Finn Balor has the chance to recover. He catches his breath and waits for the perfect time to strike. With Sami's back turned, Balor rushes his Challenger and connects with a huge splash to Sami's back. Unfortunately, the impact causes Sami to fall forward into the referee and sends the official out the ring and to the floor. 

Corey Graves: You want to talk about a disqualification! Finn Balor should be disqualified and stripped of the Television Championship! That was intentional!

The splash stuns Zayn. Finn takes advantage and quickly spins Sami around, applying a front face lock before lifting Sami in the air and spiking him down directly on his head...

Tom Phillips: 1916!

Sami's body goes limp as Balor shoots the half and covers him for the win. 

Mauro Ranallo: There's no official!

Balor has Sami pinned for one second. Two seconds. Three seconds. Four seconds. It feels like an eternity, but there's nobody there to make the official count. Balor realizes this and gets off Sami and checks on the referee. He sees the official on the outside grabbing his ankle and goes to retrieve him. As this is going on, Sami Zayn is beginning to come to. He crawls to the side of the ring closest to the entrance ramp and rests his head on the ropes momentarily. The camera pans right in Sami's face. His eyes are glazed over. The lights are on but no one is home. But he has the wherewital to motion for someone to come from the back to the ring.

Tom Phillips: What is Sami Zayn doing?

Corey Graves: Isn't it obvious Phillips? He's trying to get another referee out here.

Speaking of referees, Balor is having very little luck with the injured one. Eventually, the Television Champion abandons trying to get the zebra back into the ring and goes back after Zayn. Finn slides in the ring just as Zayn turns his attention away from the ramp and back towards his opponent. Balor stands tall as Zayn is on his knees. There's a look of fire in Balor's eyes as he stands over his Challenger. Sami sees it too. He begins begging off, scurrying around the ring and apologizing for challenging Balor. Sami moves all around the ring on his knees but Balor isn't deterred. Eventually, the two make a complete 180 degree turn around in the ring and Balor is the one with his back to the entrance ramp. This would prove to be disastrous as from behind he is taken down by two men with clubbing blows.

Tom Phillips: What the hell is going on? Who the hell are they?

As Balor falls to the mat, the camera catches a glimpse at the two assailants. They are revealed to be La Luchadora and El Generico...

Mauro Ranallo: You've got to be kidding me! This must have been who Sami Zayn was waving down earlier!

Corey Graves: You know what they say about making assumptions Mauro!

La Luchadora and Generico begin laying the boots in to Balor. Sami gets off his knees and to his feet. His expression has changed to a wide smile. He begins to direct traffic and tells La Luchadora to put a hurting on Balor. Of course, Luchadora listens and picks Balor off the canvas before throwing one of the Champion's arms over his shoulder and hoisting him high in the air before dropping him down on his skull with a sick Brainbuster!

Tom Phillips: My God! That was nasty!

Now it's Generico's turn. Sami instructs Generico to go to the top rope. Generico complies and looks towards Sami, who makes a motion with his hands. Generico knows what Sami wants and leaps off the top, rotating in midair and landing hard on Balor with a 450 Splash.

Tom Phillips: This is a mugging!

Sami can't help but smile even wider now. Finn Balor has been beat down. But we're not done. Sami has one more instruction for his duo. He tells both La Luchadora and El Generico to place Finn Balor in the corner. Balor's body is almost dead weight but the duo manage to get the job done. Generico and La Luchadora leave the ring and stand on the apron, each man on a side of Balor. They each grab an arm and hold Balor in place. He's wide open. 

Corey Graves: Oh I think I know what's coming next!

Sami backs up into the opposite corner of where Balor is being held up. He smiles once more before picking up a head of steam and delivering a massive boot right to Finn Balor's face!

Mauro Ranallo: Helluva Kick!

Generico and La Luchadora let go of Balor's arms and the Demon Prince's limp body falls to the canvas. The two assailants drop off the apron before Generico goes and grabs the referee and throws him into the ring. The official is finally somewhat coming to after missing everything that has transpired. The only thing he sees is Sami Zayn shooting the half and going for a cover, hooking both legs for the unnecessary measure...

1.........

Tom Phillips: Not like this!

2...........

3...........

Tom Phillips: Damnit!

DING
DING
DING

Tony Chimel: Ladies and Gentlemen, the winner of the match as a result of a pinfall and NEW UWF Television Champion, Sami Zayn!



"Headphones" plays for the second time this evening and Sami Zayn gets to his feet acting as if he just won a hard fought battle. El Generico and La Luchadora enter the ring and the trio begins to celebrate before Sami motions for the Television Championship to be handed to him.

Mauro Ranallo: Sami Zayn and Finn Balor were having a hell of a match. It's a shame it had to end this way.

Corey Graves: Nevertheless Mauro, the referee's decision is final and we have a new Television Champion. I've never been so happy to watch TV before in my life. 

The trio exit the ring and celebrate as they make their way up the ramp. This is the last sight we see before Final Battle rolls on. 




The titantron switches from from the Final Battle graphic to a live feed from backstage. Well, what we're calling backstage, anyway. The dimly tunnels beneath and around the Colosseum will have to suffice tonight. Goodness nose the ancient Romans (or aliens?) weren't thinking about a pay-per-view production when they built the place. Renee Young is there ready to do her job regardless.



Young: Ladies and gentlemen, Signore e signori... please welcome my guests at this time, some of the nWo, Bayley and the Intercontinental Champion, Kyle O'Reilly.

Said step-sibs walk into the shot, the latter clutching his title belt in hand.

Young: Hey, thanks for joining me. Guys, this is a huge night for the company. The first time the UWF came to the world's most historic arena as the Slammy's just over ten years ago. Kyle - how does it feel to be wrestling in birthplace of sports entertainment?

Kyle looks around, over one shoulder then the other, then scratches the side of his head.

KO'R: I seen on this thing once that sometimes they used to flood this place and make Gladiators fight sharks. I've been looking around all over the place all day for big pipes and shark tanks and stuff and I just can't find anything like that at all. So I'm not gonna say its disappointing, but...

Young: I mean, those Ancient Romans sure were clever. They invented a lot of stuff. I'm sure they found a way -

KO'R: Yeah... yeah I guess.

Young: About that title match of yours, though...



KO'R: Right. Well obviously its a big deal cause there's never ever been a sixty-minute Iron Man match for the Intercontinental Championship before. Plus, even though there's no old timey shark cages, there's gonna be some at ringside with Eric and Bayley in them.

Young: It's gonna be quite the spectacle.

Bayley: Yeah... funny how Rick just volunteered us for the cage thing. Super cool.

Young: Normally that kind of... I guess you might call it an "insurance policy" is saved for matches between people who don't consider themselves friends. But you're all part of the nWo. Ever since Backlash, things have seemed a little bumpy for the team, haven't they? Between both Kyle and Rick being eliminated from the King of the Ring tournament, to that whole thing with Chrisanne -

Kyle cuts her off there.

KO'R: None of that stuff matters, though. What matters is this title. Its not even that complicated. I wanna defend it against the best guys in the world. Who's better than Rick Rude? He's literally the greatest IC Champ the UWF has ever had. He's got more wins this year than anybody. Now maybe we're not in the tournament finale or in the world title match, but we're gonna go out there and show everybody here in Rome and around the whole friggin planet what it means to go after the Fighting Championship.

O'Reilly lifts up his belt to indicate that's the one he means.

Young: Rick Rude has made it clear that this match isn't personal so much as it is business, and has gone as far as to say that he's planning on hitting a level we've never seen out of him, and that he doesn't care what he does to you if it means getting that belt back.

Bayley: Look, you know how these guys get, Renee. They'll say just about anything if it -

KO'R: Like I told Rick, I'm gonna tell you. He does what he does better than anyone else can do it. But when's the last time he was in a Iron Man match? Was it even this decade? Shoot, when's the last time he was in any kinda specialty match where the human body can pushed beyond all limits? And when's the last time he had to fight through a massacre to get a win?

That's not him. He's a wrestler's wrestler but he keeps talking like he's step past that into some kinda place I don't know anything about, when I've been living up in the do-or-die zone for a long time now. I know he's gonna give me a heck of a fight, but no matter how big of a game he talks, I just don't think he actually knows what he's talking about when he talks about the "point of no return" or "push comes to shove" or any junk like that.

He set up this rematch cause he wants to scribble out some doubt. Rick's gonna get what he asked for, just not the way he thinks he is. Now after that? Psssh. Yeah. Yeah of course we're still gonna be cool. The nWo is 4 lyfe, Renee. 4 lyfe. Nothing could change that.

Renee nods, knowing there's no further questioning Kyle's stance there.

Young: Alright, then. We're all looking forward to this match, good luck out there.

Kyle and Bayley nod then head off. Final Battle rolls on!






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 as Eddie and Eve Guerrero exit the car

Tony Chimel: From El Paso, Texas Eddie Guerrero and Eve!

The duo make their way into the ring and kiss before waiting for their opponents.



“I am a shadow, I am tomorrow…
I am a hero with a buggy whip…”

“Teenage Nosferatu Pussy” by Rob Zombie hits the PA system and the entrance curtain opens and the crowd cheers louder as Rhea walks out onto the stage. Rhea stops and points back at the entrance with a smirk. The entrance curtain opens again and out walks Rhea’s partner and best friend, Jamie Hayter. Her hair has reverted to its natural dark brown color, her attire is similar to Rhea’s, and she looks like she’s bulked up. Jamie and Rhea nod to each other before they make their way down the entrance ramp.

Tony Chimel: And their opponents, Rhea Ripley and Jamie Hayter!

The duo enter the ring and stare down the Guerrero's as the ref calls for the bell.



VS



DING DING DING


Both pairs run right at each other and start swinging away. Ripley straight up tackles Eve and goes for the ground and pound while Jamie is teeing off on Eddie in the corner. Eve manages to roll away to the outside and thinks she's free but Rhea grabs her from behind and throws her back first into the barricade! She talks shit, telling her she needs to keep her name out her fucking mouth while slapping her around. Jamie has beaten Eddie down into the corner and backs away. She comes charging back at him and connects with the Running Knee Strike in the corner! She drags him away from the ropes and goes for the pin, looking to get this one over with quick.



1 . . .



2 . . .



Eddie kicks out! Jamie leans over him and holds his head with one hand while punching his face with the other. On the outside Rhea has picked up Eve and has her over her shoulder. She's going to lawn dart her straight into the steel ring post but Eve slips behind her and shoves her shoulder first into the cold hard steel! Rhea bounces back a few steps from the impact but a Dropkick to the butt pushes her right back into it! Eve sees her hubby getting beaten down and slides into the ring to give Jamie a kick to the side of the head!


Mauro Ranallo: That right there is true love!

Corey Graves: Yes I think the famous horn dog Latino Heat truly loves Eve and definitely won't leave her when her looks go away.

Tom Phillips: C'mon Corey, you don't believe in true love?

Corey Graves: I don't believe in anyone who associates themselves with Rey Mysterio.


The Cartel hate still flows through Corey to this day and while Eve helps Eddie get to his feet. Together they pick up Jamie and brings her to the ropes they shoot her off and go for a Double Clothesline but Jamie charges right through their grasp, breaking it and coming with a pair of clotheslines of her own! She flexes and kisses both biceps as Eve gets top her feet by the ropes. She runs over and Clotheslines her to the outside! She picks up Eddie and gives him a big Uranage before making the cover.



1 . . .



2 . . .



Guerrero kicks out! Jamie exits the ring the looks under the ring skirt. She gets a smile on her face as she comes back out with a lead pipe. Eddie is still down as she climbs into the ring and puts the pipe under his neck. She then places a knee to his back and pulls up, choking Latino Heat out. Eve goes to slide back into the ring but her foot is caught by Rhea who drags her back out. She brings her to the announce table and lifts her straight into the air, letting the blood rush to her head before dropping her into the Delayed Vertical Suplex on the table!


Corey Graves: Watch it wench!


Rhea is jacking jaws with Corey and Jamie notices this. She lets go of the choke and exits the ring. The Daughters of Darkness get up in Corey's face and give him a little shove but he pushes them both back.


Tom Phillips: Things are getting a little out of control here.

Mauro Ranallo: Sit down Corey, no need to get physically involved. You're retired remember.

Corey Graves: These dumb broads think just because they act tough and say they're badass, that makes them-


Just then Corey's headset is ripped off and thrown to the ground where Jamie steps on it! Corey says he's getting tired of this crap and takes off his jacket and starts rolling up his sleeves. Rhea and Jamie are egging him on but that's when Eddie and Eve hit the both of them with steel chairs! Corey starts laughing at them but if there's anyone who's gotten the brunt of Graves' hate on commentary, it's the Guerrero's. Eve grabs the water off the table and throws it right in his face! Eddie tells him he's getting off easy before he and Eve pick up the Daughters of Darkness and toss them into the ring. They come in after them and bring them to their feet only to hit a pair of Suplex's. They keep them held on tight though as they roll back to their feet to hit a second. They roll up again and complete the double Three Amigos! Seis Amigos!? They make the pin!



1 . . .



2 . . .



Both Ripley and Hayter kick out! The Guerrero's point to the top rope and get a big reaction from the crowd.


Mauro Ranallo: Looks like the Guerrero's are going to fly high!

Tom Phillips: Can you imagine winning a match with your significant other in a double pin? That's the stuff of legends.


Eddie stops Eve and says he's got an idea. They exit the ring and look under only to pull out two tables! The crowd pops and they set them up in the ring, grabbing each of their opponents and places them on the tables. They climb to the top rope and point at one another before shimmying. It's not the smartest of things to do as suddenly Rhea and Jamie get off the tables and strike their opponents. They get the better of the two and end up tumbling down into Double Superplex's through the tables! They each make the pin.



1 . . .



2 . . .



The Guerrero's kick out! Rhea rolls out of the ring and searches under until she finds a toolbox. She pulls out a long steel chain and gives it to Jamie before pulling out another for herself. Jamie picks up Eddie and wraps it around his body and neck before she goes outside and pulls him against the ropes keeping him in place. She doesn't pull too hard as she doesn't want him to pass out. Instead he has to witness what Rhea is going to do to Eve. She wraps the chain around her fists and picks up Eve. Eddie is trying to reach out to help her but Ripley laughs at him and tells him she brought this on herself. She starts punching down on the top of her head and it's not long before Eve's face is running red. Ripley lifts her blood soaked chain hand and licks it. Pieces of Eve's hair are also trapped in there from the impact before Rhea gets her in position for the Riptide. She flips her up but Eve catches her with an Inside Cradle!



1 . . .



2 . . .



3 . . .



But NO! Rhea kicks out at the last second! Jamie let go of Eddie and slid in but was just too late. Luckily Rhea got out on her own but Eddie is free and whips the chain right across Hayter's back! She rolls out of the ring right away but Rhea runs at Eddie. Guerrero whips the chain across her abdomen causing her to fall to all fours in pain. Eddie drops the chain on the mat and picks her up, lifting her straight into the air before spiking her with a Brainbuster on the chain! He makes the pin!



1 . . .



2 . . .



Hayter drags the ref to the outside to break up the pin!


Corey Graves: Look at this idiot who can't win a match without dirtying her hands.

Mauro Ranallo: It's No DQ Corey. Also, when did you get another mic.

Corey Graves: Luckily we're a billion dollar company, we keep a few spares.


Jamie shoves the ref aside and slides back into the ring. She runs at Eddie with a Lariat but he ducks her. She hits the ropes and comes back into a Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker! Eddie checks on Eve and helps her to her feet. She's unable to stand on her own so he places her in the corner where she can rest for a bit. He turns back to Jamie but Hayter decks him with a Big Boot! Rhea is coming to and Jamie picks Eddie up. She gives him repeated Knee Strikes before giving him a Uranage Backbreaker followed by Hangman's Neckbreaker! She kicks him out of the ring like trash and goes to grab Eve. She can't stand and nearly collapses. Hayter catches her and turns her around. Rhea stands by with the chair in hand as Jamie reaches over to grab Eve's wrist. She spins her out with the ripcord and pulls her in. At the last second, Rhea sticks the chair out in front of Eve's face as Jamie gives her so much more than a taste of Hayterade! Jamie grab's her elbow, hurting herself in the process but it was worht it. She makes the pin



1 . . .



2 . . .



3 . . .



But wait, Jamie lifts her head off the mat. She's not done and she wants to send a message. She tells Rhea for her to finish the job. Ripley obliges and takes the chair and opens it up. She place it upside down with the legs sticking out before picking up Eve from behind. She reaches through and grabs her arm before lifting her up and giving her the Riptide on the upside down chair! The legs become a broken mess as Rhea gets to her feet and she and Jamie place their boots on her chest as the ref drops down to make the pin.



1 . . .



2 . . .



3 . . .



Tony Chimel: Here are your winners, the Daughters of Darkness!






Tom Phillips: Looks like the undefeated streak of Eve has ended.

Mauro Ranallo: And in convincing fashion no less.

Corey Graves: Am I supposed to be impressed? When four losers fight each other, someone has to win.


Rhea and Jamie celebrate their win, happy to put the Guerrero's in the rear view mirror and move as the show does the same.




The feed cuts to Renee Young standing backstage.



Renee:  Ladies and gentlemen, my guests at this time…Eric Bischoff and “Ravishing” Rick Rude.  Rick, I know that you’re a man that likes to cut straight to the chase.  Tonight, you’ve enacted your rematch clause against Kyle O’Reilly.  How are you feeling about your chances tonight?



Rude:  Renee, what are you trying to imply by saying my chances?  Kyle barely defeated me for that title the last time.  He merely capitalized on me being distracted by Bayley.  Tonight, I’m going to have Bayley and Eric subdued in cages at ringside in order to ensure that Kyle and I are able to keep our full attention on the match at hand.  Kyle is a formidable opponent, but you know me…I’m not the type of guy to get nervous about a match.  So, with that being said…the answer to your question…I would say my chances are fairly high.  Kyle hasn’t yet had the experience to defend that championship, not like I’ve had in the past.  So, I guess what it comes down to will be a waiting game just to see who walks away with that championship.

Renee:  Forgive me for saying, Rick, but that’s definitely a different story than what you were saying against Kyle in the weeks leading up to this match.  Why the sudden change of heart?

Rude scoffs and grins wildly before answering the question at hand.

Rude:  I wouldn’t as much say a change of heart.  My pace hasn’t changed a bit.  It was my intention to make sure that I poked and prodded enough until I got the real Kyle O’Reilly to come out to play.  The Kyle that I’ve known for years.  The madman that I’ve called my brother.  Up until he finally showed his face, there was no question to it…I would have won this match no problem.  However, seeing him finally show his true colors in the end…all I can say is that the world is in for a treat tonight whenever we put on our showcase.

Renee:  That’s quite the bold statement, Rick.  What makes you so certain that this will be the showcase that you seem to think that it will be?

Rude blankly stares at Renee in disbelief.

Rude:  It’s like you don’t even know me at all, Renee.  What the world is about to witness is the two absolute best in the business put on a spectacular match that Meltzer doesn’t even have a rating for, yet.  What the world is about to witness is The Franchise going up against The Next Big Thing.  Pardon me for stealing one of Pauly’s taglines for another wrestler, but I don’t quite know of a more fitting thing to apply to Kyle.  For years he has been mocked and ridiculed for being Larry’s bagboy.  The world is about to witness just how talented this kid is.  He’s-

Rude is cut off by Renee, suddenly.

Renee:  So, your intent in this match truly is to put on display exactly what Kyle is capable of?  That’s why the match type was selected…to make sure that the world would know, right?

Rude:  Renee, you’re lucky that you’re a smokeshow…not many women would be allowed to interrupt me.  But, I’ll allow it.  And, I’ll answer your question: Absolutely.  I mean, of course there are selfish reasons at stake, namely regaining that championship to break yet another record,  But to me, the most important thing is to make sure that Kyle is never questioned again by anyone.  Even when he is defeated tonight, no one will ever question his abilities ever again.

Renee:  So, after tonight…do you think that the nWo will be able to overcome the awkward phase that this rivalry over the Intercontinental championship has put into place?

Rude takes in a deep breath as if to answer the question, but Bischoff places a hand on Rude’s shoulder to intervene.

Bischoff:  Renee, it’s awfully bold of you to assume that there would be any dissension in the ranks of the nWo.  Sure, we may have appeared to be at each other’s throats here recently.  Bayley and I have worked out our differences and are getting along quite nicely, as of late.  Rick and Kyle are just about to work out their differences.  Scott and Big Kev are…doing their thing.  I would say that this has been just a minor speed bump for us.  The nWo is far too powerful, far too big to be overcome by such a petty thing such as this scuffle for the IC title.  The important thing is that the IC title is being contested from within the nWo not from without.  We can stay unified and go on to work towards the next level.  It’s only a matter of time before the nWo captures all of the gold, yet again.

Renee:  That is, if you can all stay on the same page while looking for additional members.

Bischoff’s looks a bit confused, merely by Renee’s bold statement.

Bischoff:  Who even said that we weren’t on the same page?  Granted, as of late…I would have to agree with you.  But now?  Now, Bayley and I are on the same page and have been having very productive conversations on how to progress the nWo to even greater heights than before.  Now, if you’ll excuse us, Rick has a match…Renee

Bischoff says her name with a nod of her head and the two walk off camera as the action continues elsewhere.




Tony Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, introducing first….






THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE.

THANK YOU FOR THE HEART.



Tatsuro Yamashita's "Fragile" graces the atmosphere and so does one Katsuyori Shibata. He steps out from behind the curtain like only he does, stoic, calm, and proud. The audience showers him with cheers, excited to see the wrestler after his long absence.



THERE'LL NEVER BE A LONG AND LONELY NIGHT AGAIN.







The fans reach out for him, showering him with love in spite of his past. He swats it all away though. Not the time for pleasantries. It's time for fighting, and that seems to be the only thing on the wrestler's mind as he makes his way to the ring, marching down the ramp like a soldier marching into battle.



Chimel From Kuwana, Japan... weighing in at 215 pounds... he is the wrestler... Shibataaaaaaaaaaaaaa Katsuuuuuuuyoriiiiiii!!!



A resounding applause accompanies that introduction, but you wouldn't know that looking at Shibata. In one ear and out the other for him as he walks up the ring steps and smoothly makes his way through the ropes, denying himself the audience's appreciation.



I WALKED AWAY FROM LOVE. I ALWAYS HAD MYSELF TO BLAME.

I HID MY FRAGILE DREAMS AWAY.



And with that, the voice of Yamashita fades out the atmosphere and what replaces it is a tension that only Shibata could bring to a room. He steps back into his corner and awaits the battle ahead, unmoved. It's as if the only people in the building were Shibata and his opponent.







Tony Chimel: And his opponent….







“Voices” begin to play as the fans rise to their feet.  The viper eyes flash on the screen as out walks Randy Orton. He stands at the top of the ramp looking out into the sea of the crowd.  He wipes his nose with the side of his knuckle. He walks down the ramp towards the ring with true purpose.



Tony Chimel: On his way to the ring, weighing in at 250 pounds…from St. Louis, Missouri….He is the Apex Predator…RANDY ORTON!



Orton stomps up the steps and climbs into the ring. He immediately shoots to a corner and jumps to the second turnbuckle to raise his arms in a pose that has become synonymous with The Viper. He holds there as the music fades and he drops from the turnbuckle and turns inward toward the center of the ring.

The bell rings and both men square off. With their skills in the ring this is sure to be a technical masterpiece. Both men lock up and Orton uses his size advantage to push Shibata back into the ropes, keeping hold of the lock. The referee counts Orton and he lets go at the count of four but he gives a disrespectful slap to Shibata right in the face and this fires up the Japanese Icon who starts laying in to Orton with strikes of his own, lighting him up with chops and kicks. Orton stumbles back into the other ropes. Shibata Irish Whips Orton and looks for a Spinning Backhand but Orton ducks it and picks Shibata up and drops him with a Spinebuster and then hits a Knee Drop onto him.



Mauro Ranallo: Well as expected folks, the match between Shibata and Orton is going to be a knockout, drag out brawl mixed with technical acumen and right now Randy Orton is on top of the offense despite a quick striking flurry from Shibata.



Tom Phillips: This is the MO of Orton, he makes things work in his favor even if he is on the back footing for a little bit he knows how to get the keys back for the driver seat but we can’t count Shibata out just yet.



Corey Graves: You also have the Legacy on the outside, watching their mentor at work, they couldn’t have picked a better one as Orton has years of experience and they can just learn by watching him go to work.



Back in the ring and Orton has locked a chinlock in on Shibata, keeping him grounded on the mat, trying to cut off his air supply but Shibata manages to roll through and get behind Orton, picking him up for a Back Suplex which he delivers, Orton lands on his back and clutches it, Shibata goes for an early Penalty Kick attempt but Orton rolls out the way of it and gets back to his feet for a Dropkick attempt but Shibata swats his legs away and grabs one of the legs when Orton is on the ground and locks in an STF.



Mauro Ranallo: Shibata with an STF attempt, Orton struggling to escape right now but I wouldn’t count him out just yet and like Corey mentioned you have the factor on the outside of Legacy who I am sure will run in at the first sight of trouble for Orton to make sure their mentor stays on top.



Tom Phillips: Yeah Shibata needs to watch out for Breakker and then the factor of Brock Anderson, Breakker gets a spear in or Brock one of those Spinebusters and boom, Shibata is out.



Corey Graves: I can’t believe your guys lack of confidence in a competitor like Randy Orton, Legacy might not even need to get involved in this but if they do, it will be once Orton wants them to not when they decide to get involved and that is that gentlemen.



Orton is still in the STF but he landed close enough to the ropes to grab them and the referee forces a break on the hold. Shibata slams the mat in frustration and gets back to his feet before dragging Orton up with him and going for a GTS but Orton clings to the ropes and Shibata throws him over to the outside. The referee slides out to check on Orton and Shibata follows him out however as the referee is distracted checking on Orton, Shibata is ran through by Breakker with a Spear. Brock throws Shibata back in and Orton gets to his feet and runs back in. Orton waits for Shibata to get to his knees and runs and Punts his head in and goes for a cover.



Mauro Ranallo: ORTON WITH THE PUNT



Tom Phillips: Breakker with the devastating spear on the outside.



Corey Graves: And that is lights out for Shibata.



1….2….3….



Tony Chimel: Your winner of this match by pinfall…. RANDY ORTON.








The scene opens with the Messiah staring at the camera with his hand.



Seth Rollin: Hello Rome, Italy. Your holy savior…..the Messiah is here.


The crowd boos him as he smirks and laughs.


Yes Italy. We have finally made it here. We are now at the Final Battle. You along with everyone all around the world will witness a surreal moment that will send shivers through your bones. You are about to witness a battle between two guys. The two guys who are good best friends and brothers. They have stuck with each other with their brother Dean through the good and bad times. They fight through blood, sweat and tears to fight to accomplish everything they have worked hard for. But now, since the famous group that they were known for. They have dissolved after destroying every single opponent on the main roster of UWF. They have disappeared and they went all their separate ways. One became the Tribal Chief while the other became the Messiah. Then all three went into retirement. Only one came back and has been having a good run as your Tribal Chief. Then his career went down after suffering a huge amount of losses. Then the retired Seth Rollins has returned and he has redeemed himself by becoming none other than the Messiah. Sure, He had a few bumps in the road here and there. But he has reinvented himself and he has found a new purpose in life. Unlike the Tribal Chief who has been hiding and licking his wounds. The Messiah has found success in making his presence known in UWF and doing whatever it takes to fulfill his mission here in UWF.


Now Roman. Tonight is the night where we will show the whole world your true colors. We all know you are ust portraying this so-called Tribal Chief is nothing but a fake cosplay. You have been pretending to be that ever since you returned to UWF. Sure, it worked for a while until you lost your touch. You have lost who you really are. You were no longer the most dangerous man that everyone feared in UWF. You were no longer the Big and tough dog that you once were in the Shield. No, now you have become a former shelf of yourself. You have become soft and weak Roman. Listen my brother. I am only telling you the truth that you need to hear. Like I have told you before. I was willing to help you because I truly care about your well being. But you rejected me and it hurts me alot. So it has left me no choice to bring both of us where we are right now. Roman Reigns, you have brought this upon yourself. I didn’t ask for this. You have done a horrible deed and now you must face the horrible consequences for it. You see, not only am I well prepared for our battle. I am always ready for a fight. I have never backed down from any fight. That is why I have accepted your proposition. It is because deep down I already know you have lost the battle. You know you have lost the battle too. But you don’t want to admit it to yourself because you don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of the Bloodline. That is what I find hilarious about you Roman. You act all high and tough in front of the camera. But behind the camera, you are nothing but a weak man that has everything to lose and you have nothing to gain out of this. But rest assured, I already know the outcome of this match. I have already seen the future and the future is bright for me, my brother.


Roman Reigns, so that is why I am going to leave you with this final message and I hope you listen carefully. I wish you nothing the best and I shall help you redeem yourself. The only proper way you will get out of your old sinner ways is when I get rid of all the demonic sins that have corrupted your mind and souls. Roman, when I defeat you and pin you for the three count. Not only will you be cleansed of all the devilish sins. I will help make you a brand man by showing you the way. I shall teach you the wisdoms that have been taught by God himself. As the appointed Angel of God. I shall help bring prosper to you and you shall become reborn again. I can promise you that you shall return to your twinning ways after I am done with you. The only thing you have to do is let me in and help you Roman. You shall become one of the most dangerous competitors and a way better Tribal Chief with my help. Once we reform the Shield, they shall become an unstoppable force here in UWF again.


So rest up Roman. I hope you are ready for the biggest battle of your whole career buddy. Your whole life depends on it. I wish you the best of luck because you’re gonna need it badly. At the Final Battle, once we go toe to toe and fight to the death. One the smoke is clear and the bell has rang. At the Final Battle, a new era will begin and there will be only one winner standing with his hand raised up. That man shall be the one who would help you redeem yourself and bring you back to become your true self. That man who is the future of UWF and he shall help fight the madness that has spread through UWF for years. That means none other than the holy savior himself……..The Messiah Seth Rollins!!!


The scene fades and ends with the Messiah Seth Rollins stares at the camera before he gives a devilish laugh.






The scene opens on Vincent in the warehouse he appeared in on Revolution. Blood stains his clothing and drips from the axe at his side, though because of how it’s being filmed, it’s unclear who it was he struck. The camera turns now, revealing both Sinn and the man have been victimized.

Vincent: In order to be who I truly am, I must not be shackled to who I’m not…

With those words, Vincent turns and walks offscreen as Final Battle continues elsewhere.




Chimel: The following contest is a Fatal 4-Way Match for a future shot at the Prime Time Medal!

The arena darkens as the crowd buzzes with anticipation.

AYYYYY YOOOO!!!!



Suddenly, the big screens ignite with flashing lights and pulsating beats. The Influencer, Logan Paul, steps out onto the stage and is bathed in lights. An undeniable smirk is painted across his face. He claps his hands together and starts his walk to the ring, his excitement uncontrollable.



Chimel: Introducing first, on his way to the ring, from Cleveland, Ohio, weighing in at 205 pounds, with 23.5 Million Subscribers, and over 6 Billion Views, The Ultimate Influencer...... LOGAN PAUL!!!

Logan makes his way up the ring stairs and grabs hold of the top rope. He jumps over the ropes with ease. He heads over to the corner and climbs the ropes to pose for the sea of people.



Logan jumps down and starts to remove his ring jacket preparing for competition.



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.

Chimel: Next, 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.



Juice has a cool entrance but tonight he just walks to the ring.

Chimel: Next, Juice Robinson!

Robinson climbs into the squared circle to join the others.



As the piano introduction of the...somewhat acceptable, somewhat stereotypical theme song of the person it accompanies plays out over the speakers of the arena, the lights of the arena remain as they are, nothing too special going on there. Instead, the special part comes from when the song truly kicks in, as out through the curtain bursts none other than The Don himself, and right away, he is looking for his validation.

Regardless of whether the fans are cheering him or booing him, he is still making a big deal out of getting a reaction - perhaps he sees it as a form of respect being given his way? It doesn't truly matter; What matters is that he's demanding a response, and a response is what they give.

Tony Chimel: And finally, from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 250 lbs...TONYYYYY D'ANGELO!"

With his name being called out by his fellow Tony once more, The Don of the UWF makes his way down the ramp, giving a couple of chef's kisses out towards the front row fans with a smile on his face, before making his way up the steel steps and entering the ring. First stopping by to drop off his fedora-styled hat by one of the ring crew members, he quickly makes his rounds around the ring, offering thanks to Tony Chimel for his ring announcing duties, before then opting to "thank" the official for a night's hard work, maybe slipping a little something-something into his hands during that handshake - who knows, truly? Regardless, Tony D'Angelo gets set up in his corner, ready to throw down and take care of some business.


VSVSVS

DING DING


Juice runs right at Roode and tackles him, punching him on the mat and the two roll out of the ring. Logan circles D'Angelo, taking a bit more cautious approach. They go to lock up but Paul kicks him in the gut instead. He laughs and then runs to the ropes to come back with a Clothesline but it's not enough to take The Don down. He slaps his chest with both hands and tells him to try again. Logan run to the ropes but D'Angelo follows him and clotheslines him to the floor below!

Juice is putting a beating on Roode and doesn't see Tony come out from the ring and club him from behind. He grabs him and goes to smash his head into the steel steps but Robsinson gets his hands up and elbows him in the gut instead before smashing his face into the steps! Tony walks away looking dazed and Juice gives him a Chop Block to the back of the knee! Juice waste little time. getting under the ring and coming back out with a steel chair. He wraps it around Tony's leg and goes to smash it but Roode grabs him from behind and puts him in a Sleeper Hold. Juice is kicking his feet out trying to get free but Tony gets to his feet and delivers punch right to the gut. He then goes behind Roode and places him in a Sleeper hold of his own! It's a little daisy chain but none of them notice Logan climbing up to the top rope behind them. The Loose Canon is kicking around and manages to turn them all to see Logan jump off with a Crossbody, wiping them all out!


Phillips: A chaotic start to this Fatal Four Way match.

Ranallo: They all want a shot to be the next Prime Time Medalist.

Graves: Don't they just hand out Prime Time Medal shots nilly willy?

Ranallo: True but they have a chance to defeat the man who may be King of the Ring. That kind of victory says a lot more about your arrival to this company.


Logan grabs D'Angelo and tosses him back into the ring. Logan gets on the apron and waits as Tony gets to his feet. Paul looks to end things quick as he flips over the ropes for the Slingshot Lariat but gets caught with a huge Spinebuster into the pin!



1...



2...



Paul kicks out, and in doing so, rolls out to the floor where he'll be safe. Or so he thought! The Glorious One pursues him there and then beams the Influencer across the pecs with a knife-edged chop to send him high-tailing it up the ramp. Robert doesn't let up, slicing with another pair of strikes to the chest once they're about halfway to the stage. Logan finally has enough and shakes his attacker off with a boot to the guts. He endeavours to follow that up with a Piledriver on to the runway - Roode counters with a back body drop to flip him over like Sunday Morning Pancakes.

Back at the squared circle, Juice drags D'Angelo to the floor and stirs his drink with a European Uppercut - or, as they call it in Rome - an Uppercut (probably). Tony staggers into the barricade while Juice backs up to get some ramming speed going. Robinson then barrels at twenty-five percent of his opponents full tilt, launching himself at the pay-per-view debutant with a Cannonball! D'Angelo lurches out of the way to avoid taking the hit and Juice gets nothing but a bunch of metal to the spine for his troubles.


Phillips: There are bodies all over the place!

Graves: Robinson might have jumped the gun a little bit there.


D'Angelo collects the scraps of Juice and rolls him into the ring, trying for a pin once he's there...



1...



2...



Roode breaks it up! The Canuck has left Paul to suffer back on the ramp and makes it into the ring in time to spoil Tony's win. While Juice rolls to the outside, the other two fellas get up and trade some harsh words before they trade punches. Robert's got a lot to prove here tonight and you can see the urgency in the veteran's punches. Tony D matches him in pace and power, however, as he looks to make a name for himself in the Mother Land.

The former world champ connects with a solid right to the jaw that breaks up the ebb-flow and gives him the advantage. Hooking his foe's head, Roode hopes to follow up with his patented DDT. D'Angelo shakes loose, hugs Robert in close, then takes him down with a Spinning Belly-to-Belly suplex. It rattles the ring, but Tony knows its gonna take more than that to put a stamp on this one. He pulls Robert back up to a vertical base, thinking its time for something a bit more definitive. Roode has the good sense to shove him back into the corner.

Juice hops up on to the apron and catches him there, grabbing himself a fistful of hair cause he ain't above fighting dirty. He's just about to smash D'Angelo's mug into the top of the turnbuckle when Logan Paul comes on by and lariats Hard Rock's legs out from under him! Robinson crashes off the edge of the ring before tumbling into the floor - you guessed it - unceremoniously. Even in Europe's boot, the Social Media Sensation manages to get boos for attacking a fellow bad guy.


Graves: We only run shows over here once every few years - you'd think these people would be a little more appreciative of a star like Logan Paul.

Phillips: Maybe if he was a little bit nicer...

Ranallo: Maybe if he was a Catholic....


Roode takes a second to compose himself then gets back to work on D'Angelo. Picking (one of) the Don of the UWF up off the mat, he whips him across the ring into the far ropes then catches him on the return trip with a Spinebuster, showing him how its done. Robert then gets right back to his feet and dashes for the ropes, looking for a speedy follow-up maneuver.

Poor dude never gets the chance to pull it off on account of Paul vaults himself over the top and comes in hot to turn the Canadian inside-out with The Slingshot Lariat!


Ranallo: Paul hits the Slingshot!

Phillips: And that could be it! These matches are so unpredictable, you never know when its gonna be curtains!


Paul doesn't go for the pin right away - first, he wisely tosses D'Angelo through the ropes, and only then does he shoot the half...


1...



2...




Juice grabs the Official's ankle and drags the fifth man back a few feet to throw off his count and effectively ruin the pin. Logan lets up when he sees that thing have gone awry.

The Loose Canon is smirking up at Logan, so the Influencer runs over and tries to kick him through the ropes. Juice backs up, taunting him some more. Paul flips him the bird then speeds off towards the far ropes, opting to build up some velocity so he can dive on the guy. Just as he's about to bounce off the far cables, though, D'Angelo smashes him across the back with a steel chair graciously volunteered by a front-row fan.


Phillips: That's gonna leave a mark!

Ranallo: Now seems like as good a time as any to remind our viewers that there are no disqualifications in a 4-way match.


With Paul down after that shot, Juice rolls back into the ring and goes after Roode. Grabbing him by the scruff of the neck, he hoists the Glorious One up only to get tackled by the guy clear through the ropes and back to the floor. The both of them land in a heap by the apron.

Tony comes up the steps on the far side to re-enter the ring, bringing the chair with him. He winds up like he's gonna knock one of of the park. Before he can make a baseball out of Paul's head, though, the Maverick drops to a knee and gives him a dag nasty low blow. D'Angelo drops the chair and Logan sends him into a corner, where he proceeds to stomp a mudhole in him while the fans jeer.

Out on the floor, Roode gets his feet first. He helps Juice on his way there and sends him back into the ring. Logan takes a break from beating up Tony to assault the returning Robinson and winds up taking a discuss lariat from Roode for not minding his own business. The Ultimate Influencer retreats to the outside to lick his wounds. Robert sets the chair flat down right in the center of the ring and collects Robinson so he can DDT him on it.


Phillips: Juice is in some serious trouble here!

Ranallo: If I recall correctly, The Glorious One nearly one the International Championship in fatal four-way matchup once, whereas none of his opponents have been in a contest like this one, at least not in the UWF. We're seeing that veteran experience give him the edge now.


Just as Robert goes for the Glorious DDT, however, Juice pulls out, spins around the back, hooks the arms and returns fire with a Full Nelson Slam! Robert's back crashes hard against the chair on the canvas. The Italian fans wince at the sight of it!

Juice lips the busted body of the Canadian off the impromptu landing pad and picks up the chair to deliver a final blow. Lifting it up like an executioner, his plans are foiled when Logan Paul snags it out of his hands. Not even that can earn the guy a babyface pop, mind you.

Robinson wheels around. Logan ditches the chair so he can feed the dude an uppercut. He follows that up with an Irish Whip, only for Juice to plant his feet, shift weight, and counter to launch Paul into a nearby corner instead. Hard Rock pursues him there. Paul keeps him at bay with an elbow to the mush, then comes off the middle ropes with a quick crossbody! When he lands on top, he tries for that pin...



1...



D'Angelo slides in to break it up fast!

Tony then drags Paul up to a standing position and looks to lock him up for his finisher. Logan decks him with a rolling elbow to the side of the head to knock him back, but then Roode runs in to take out the Ultimate Influencer with a Neckbreaker! Robert scrambles to cover - he never gets the chance. D'Angelo yanks him to his feet and clobbers him with a haymaker.

The Glorious One staggers back a few steps. Tony tries to follow up only to take a boot to the guts. Roode hooks his head. Juice comes back over hoping to get a good shot in on Roode while he's busy with The Don, except he gets kicked too, allowing Robert to get two for the price of one with a Double DDT!

Roode stacks both bodies for a bunk-cover, hedging his bets, hoping for a win on either or both...



1...



2...



Logan Paul flies in outta nowhere to break it up with a Frog Splash!


Ranallo: Geez louise where did he come from?

Graves: Logan Paul putting it all on the line to keep this match going - how can you not admire this young man's hustle and grind?


The bottom boys get smushed by Roode takes the brunt of that one and rolls away, all kinds of banged up. Since things are looking dire for their partner in crime, those Gunn boys finally arrive on the scene. Austin and Colten come running down the ramp to intervene on Juice's behalf. Paul decides to get a little more high-flying in and meets them along the way with a Suicide Forest Dive, wiping them out like bowling pins at the expense of his own health.

Juice sees his goons get waxed and he is not happy about it. But does he go to help out? Nah. Nah not all all. And why's that? Cause he realizes he's the only guy besides the Referee that's moving in the ring. Tony's still down and out after that DDT / splash thing.

Robinson doesn't hesitate to capitalize. He picks Tony up off the mat, hooks his arms, and sets him up for the Pulp Friction.


Phillips: The Pulp Friction is a heck of a maneuver - Juice Robinson is about to ruin the pay-per-view debut of Tony D'Angelo, and emphatically at that.

Ranallo: Not so fast!


A groggy Robert Roode ain't about to let it go down like that. He hurls himself at the exposed chest of Robinson with a lariat. Juice lets go of Tony in time to catch the Canuck with a Left Hand of God on the way in. That knocks Roode loopy. Settling for another victim instead, Juice hooks Roode's arms and drives him head-first into the mat with a Pulp Friction!

The Loose Cannon then rolls him over and hooks the legs to end it...



1...



2...



D'Angelo dives in to break it up, then grabs Juice by the hair and tights and launches him out of the ring to take the pin for himself...



1...



2...



3...



DING DING




YOUR WINNER...
AND NUMBER ONE CONTENDER FOR THE PRIME TIME MEDAL
TONY D'ANGELO!


The Italian fans cheer for their guy while D'Angelo celebrates big time for a successful pay-per-view debut. Juice is losing his mind at ringside.


Phillips: Like I said, anything can happen at any time. The eyes in the back of Juice's head blinked and that was enough of an opening for Tony D'Angelo to win this thing.

Ranallo: And with that win, The Don of the UWF punches his ticket for a shot at Shinsuke Nakamura's Prime Time Medal.

Graves: As impressive as winning a stacked match like this is, that's a tall order - Nakamura may well by King of the Ring by the end of the night. D'Angelo might have some other fish to fry in the future, too, if he keeps on calling himself the Don while Tommaso Ciampa lays claim to same moniker.


D'Angelo continues to celebrate while Final Battle rolls on!




The titantron cuts to that old familiar backstage area of Ciampa’s, he is sitting in his steel chair, head in his hands. There is no Oba or Sonya there with him right now, seems the Don wanted some time to contemplate by himself before potentially the biggest match of his career, only his second opportunity at the UWF Title and if things go his way at the end of the night he leaves with the gold.



Ciampa: You know, this has been a long time coming for me. My first opportunity for this title came at the Royal Rumble almost two years ago. I took on Shark Boy and I went into that match thinking we had a joke of a champion and he beat me. I wasn’t ready for it then and i’m not sure i’m ready for it now but that isn’t going to change anything.

He hears the roars of the crowd as another match is going on right now.

Ciampa: The people out there are my people and they are hear to watch a gladiator like me go to war and thats what I intend to do is go to war with LA Knight. I am going to batter him all over this coliseum and make him realize, even if he does win, no one who goes to war with Tomasso Ciampa ever leaves the same again. Even if I can’t wrap a chair round your head tonight I am going to find ways to inflict so much pain on you, you won’t know what hit you.

Ciampa gets up off his chair and picks it up.



Ciampa: So win or lose tonight LA, you are not leaving here the same man you were when you stepped off that plane to come here. I am going to make what happened to you in that Hell in a Cell match look like childs play and I am going to make you regret ever crossing my door LA. I hope to God above that I walk out of this country as UWF Champion but even if I don’t, I am going to take my pound of flesh from you and show everyone on this damn roster that TOMASSO CIAMPA IS THE FUCKING DON OF THE UWF. I AM THE MAN AROUND HERE AND IT IS TIME EVERYONE REALIZED IT, NOT TOMORROW NOT IN A WEEK, TONIGHT THAT HAPPENS.

Ciampa looks directly into the camera.

Ciampa: I am going to show everyone here that I do not need a title to show that, I am going to be the Don of the UWF for a long time, title or not title. So good luck out there LA because while you think you have Walking Armageddon on your side, tonight you are going to come face to face with a true world ender.

With that Ciampa walks off screen.






Head of the Table hits the PA System and out comes Roman Reigns. All alone, no problem solver, no wise man, just the Tribal Chief in all his glory.

Tony Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Pensacola, Florida, he is The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns!

Reigns makes his 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 some fans follow suit. The music fades out as Reigns prepares for the upcoming fight.



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: And his opponent, hailing from Buffalo, Iowa & weighing in at 220 lbs, he is The Messiah, SETH ROLLLLLLLLLLINNNNSS!!!!!!!


VS


HELL HATH NO FURY LIKE THE SOUND OF THE RING BELL


Inside of the ring, Seth Rollins can be seen laughing in mildly demonic fashion, whereas Roman Reigns appears calm and focussed on the task at hand. The two combatants begin to slowly circle around the ring before meeting in the middle for a collar and elbow tie up.


Tom Phillips: Considering Rollins’ actions from a couple of weeks ago, Reigns approaching this match in what seems to be a reserved manner is certainly unexpected in my view.

Mauro Ranallo: In a clash between two former champions, both know that there is little room for error and each strike and move will have to be well executed in order to prevail at the end.


After transitioning to a side headlock, Rollins appears to have seized the initiative as he applies the pressure and initially forces Reigns down to his knees, but there’s enough fight and strength in The Tribal Chief to keep things alive as he returns to his knees and manages to force Rollins off and into the ropes. As The Messiah rebounds across the ring, Reigns is on hand to knock him down to the mat with a shoulder tackle. Instead of getting back to his feet right away, Rollins takes to the knee and once again begins to laugh, but this time Reigns just responds by both shaking his head in disgust and prompting Rollins to get back up to his feet. The Davenport native obliges and the two lock up in another collar and elbow, where once again Rollins manages to apply the side headlock. Just when it appears as though Reigns is about to break free through, Rollins breaks the hold and transitions to a standing arm lock. Following a couple of twists, The Messiah pulls his rival towards him and quickly throws him down to the mat over his shoulder before applying the grounded headlock this time.


Corey Graves: I like this initial approach that Rollins appears to be taking. By weakening Reigns’ head, it makes him less susceptible to losing it later in the contest and becoming more dangerous as a consequence.


Just as the referee drops down and looks to see if Reigns is starting to fade, The Head of the Table manages to use his arms to pull Rollins back and over him in a swift motion. Despite the lock still being applied, Rollins’ shoulders are flat on the mat and the official goes for the count…


ONE…


TWO…


SHOULDER UP!


Rollins has no choice but to release the hold in order to get his shoulder up and keep the match alive, but it’s fair to say the experience caught him off guard as he quickly gets back up to his feet. As Reigns follows suit, The Messiah can be seen mouthing the words “You sneaky fucker!” which draws a smirk from Reigns this time. At first it looks as though Rollins wants to respond with an attempted strike, but instead he initiates another grapple, only this time Reigns is able to prevent his opponent from transitioning to another hold. The Pensacola native uses his greater overall strength to force Rollins into the corner, but the referee is eventually forced to intervene when neither man is able to execute a breakthrough follow up move. As Reigns takes a step back, Rollins is already thinking one move ahead looks to counter the sneaky pin attempt with one of his own as he drops down, grabs Reigns leg and rolls him over for the cover…


ONE…


TWO…


KICKOUT!


This time Reigns kicks out but seems a bit more rattled by Rollins’ sneakiness as he charges after him when they are both back in a standing position. The ring awareness of The Messiah shines through though as he ducks out of the way and Reigns ends up falling through the middle ropes and down to the outside, but as Rollins looks to capitalize further by running off the opposite ropes and following through with a dive to the outside, The Tribal Chief is on hand to smack him in the chin with a right hook. Dazed but not down, Rollins recomposes himself as Reigns re-enters the ring and greets him with a right hook of his own. A flurry of lefts and rights from both competitors then follow with Rollins seemingly gaining the upperhand as Reigns offers no counter to his strikes, but as Rollins runs back off the ropes and looks to follow up with a more impactful strike, Reigns floors him with an impactful clothesline.


Mauro Ranallo: Things are starting to pick up now and I gotta say, if the deciding factor ends up being who hits the hardest, Roman Reigns will likely be walking out victorious.

Corey Graves: It’s a good thing there’s more to it than that Mauro, because in my mind you can’t ever write someone like Seth Rollins off in any scenario.


As Reigns picks Rollins up with a view to dishing out another attack, The Messiah counters with a kick to the gut that halts The Head of the Table’s attempted offense. With a new window of opportunity opened up, Rollins takes a few quick steps back before hitting a running kick to the mid-section this time that forces Reigns to his knees. Noticing his opponent leaning forwards, Rollins runs off the ropes and looks to try and bring a swift end to things with the Curb Stomp, but Reigns is able to duck out of the way and counter with another surprise roll-up…


ONE…


TW…


NO!


Reigns has no interest in trying to end things just yet as he uses his incredible strength to lift Rollins up with the one arm before planting him right back down with a powerbomb. The Italian crowd show their appreciation for the move as Reigns commits to making the pin this time…


ONE…


TWO…


T…


KICKOUT!


Rollins kicks out of the pin which does seem to surprise Reigns to a slight degree, but The Head of the Table already has his next play in mind as he gets back to his feet and goes towards the corner. With Rollins slowly getting back to his feet, Reigns charges up his fist and plants it down to the mat with force. As Rollins turns around, Reigns flies in looking to connect with the Superman Punch, but Rollins is able to duck out of the way, forcing Reigns to connect with thin air. The quickness of Rollins proves to be effective as he delivers another midriff kick to Reigns which sends him tumbling through the ropes and down to the outside. The right timing is key as Reigns gets back to his feet whilst Rollins makes another run at the ropes. This time The Messiah launches into a suicide dive and successfully takes The Tribal Chief back down to the floor. Not content with just leaving things there though, Rollins picks Reigns up and rolls him back into the ring before hopping up onto the apron. Allowing a few moments for Reigns to try and get back on his feet, Rollins leaps onto the ropes and springs off of them in order to connect with a diving knee strike.


Tom Phillips: Just when it seemed like Reigns had a firm grip on the situation, Rollins endures and retaliates with some very impactful offense.


There appears to be no immediate sign of Reigns getting up following the knee to the side of the head, which prompts Rollins to follow up with more aerial combat as he climbs up to the top rope and quickly flies right off again to hit an aesthetically pleasing frog splash. Believing the job might be done, Rollins hooks the leg…


ONE…


TWO…


TH…


KICKOUT!


The Messiah can’t quite believe that Reigns has still got enough left to keep the fight alive as the referee re-emphasizes to him that it was indeed a two count on this occasion. The advantage still lies with him though as he gets back up and waits for The Tribal Chief to attempt to do the same. Once again Rollins looks to bring things to a close by connecting with the Curb Stomp, but for a second time Reigns manages to avoid the contact and catches Rollins out with another right hook. Whilst the eagle-eyed viewer may have spotted a tooth go flying, Rollins remains on his feet and quickly recovers to counter with a step-up enziguiri. The move seems to ring Reigns’ bell but there’s enough awareness still in place to follow up with another right hook. The impact sends Rollins into the ropes, but it almost acts as a defibrillator of sorts as Rollins returns to deliver a kick to the gut. With Reigns hunched over, Rollins hoists him up onto his shoulders and looks to follow through with the turnbuckle bomb, but Reigns manages to break free, land on his feet and follow up with the Superman Punch that successfully connects this time. Rollins looks completely out of it as Reigns follows up with the cover…


ONE…


TWO…


THR…


SHOULDER UP!


This time it’s the crowd and Reigns that are surprised and somewhat amazed that Rollins managed to roll the shoulder in time, but the former are still showing their appreciation for the action that they are seeing. The Head of the Table takes this as “acknowledgement” and looks to follow through by bringing things to an impactful close as he gets back to his feet and heads for the corner. Slowly Rollins is starting to stir again and looks to return to a standing position as Reigns psyches himself up by grabbing the ropes with both hands. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out what he’s thinking next…


Roman Reigns: OOOOHH-AHHH!!!


Just as Reigns is about to put the match to bed with the Spear…


Mauro Ranallo: What the hell?! No!!


From out of nowhere, Carmelo Hayes appears and hops up onto the ring apron in order to provide a distraction. As the referee demands that he get down immediately, Reigns spots the unwelcome guest and ultimately has no choice but to break off the attack on and turn his attention to the new development. It turns out though that Hayes has not come alone as Trick Williams has now also appeared out of the blue on the opposite apron. Both of Rollins cronies start to mouth off at The Tribal Chief and if anything are begging him to retaliate, but he ends up not having to as seconds later Samoa Joe and Solo Sikoa run out from behind the stage curtain in order to counter the interference. Reigns watches on as his wiseman begins trading blows with Hayes and the enforcer dukes it out with Williams, but as those respective fights begin to take over the ringside area, inside of the squared circle both Reigns and the referee are completely unaware that from completely out of nowhere, another indiviudal has now joined them...


Tom Phillips: Wait... is that??..



Corey Graves: Oh my god!!! That's Dean Ambrose!!!


The Italian crowd are going bananas at the sight of one of the UWF's most decorated stars stood inside the ring. Both Reigns and the referee have no clue though and are continuing to look outside of the ring to see if there's something that they are missing. In one fell swoop, the fans joy of seeing Ambrose back in a UWF ring turns to shock as he sneaks up behind The Tribal Chief and hits him with a low blow.


Mauro Ranallo: Ambrose with the low blow to Reigns!! Why?!


Reigns can't hide the obvious pain in his face as he drops to his knees whilst Ambrose swiftly exits the ring and hops over the barricade before disppearing into the crowd. As the referee turns away from the ringside chaos and sees Reigns in a hunched down position, there's no time to ask any questions as the official sees Rollins darting in with his leg lifted in the air. Sensing that third time might be the charm, Rollins plants his boot down with force on the back of The Tribal Chief's head for the Curb Stomp. Face meets canvas in emphatic fashion as The Messiah rolls his rival over and follows up with the pin...


ONE…


TWO…


THREE!!!


HERE IS YOUR WINNER, SETH ROLLINS!




As the referee raises Rollins’ hand in victory, the action on the outside of the ring comes to a close as Hayes and Williams join their esteemed leader in the ring having seen off Joe and Sikoa.


Mauro Ranallo: Seth Rollins prevails on this occasion, but I genuinely can’t help feeling that this could and would have ended differently had outside interference not reared it's ugly and frankly uncessary head.

Corey Graves: You can think that all you want, Mauro. I believe the fact that Rollins was able to finish that match so impactfully helps to fully justify how big of a player he truly is in this company.

Tom Phillips: We can debate what could have been long into the night, gentlemen, but what's for absolute certain is that Seth Rollins has emerged victorious here, and Dean Ambrose of all people is back in the UWF scene, which has the potential to cause some big, big problems for a lot of people round here.

It's not clear whether Rollins was even aware of the additional outside interference from Ambrose as Williams ends up shoving the referee away so that he and Hayes can raise both of The Messiah’s arms to further emphasize that he’s the ultimate winner here tonight. The official decides not to challenge it and instead goes to check on Reigns as the trio stand tall in the center of the ring.




The scene opens up with our UWF Champion standing by. 




LA Knight: Rome, Italy. Tonight, one of 'ua sons comes home in the biggest match of his career. Tonight, Tommaso Ciampa goes out there in front of the people that he calls "his people" and have the opportunity to win the one thing that he has never won; a World Championship. It's a great story when 'ya think about it. Something that one day they'll make movies about. The only problem is, Tommaso Ciampa has to go out in front of his home country and face the absolute best in the business. And that is the one and only L...A....Knight. 

LA Knight: Tommaso Ciampa has been here before. And he'll be the first to tell 'ya that a year and a half ago, he wasn't ready for the moment. Now the question that L....A.....Knight has is, what makes Tommaso Ciampa think he's ready for this moment? Because he beat Roman Reigns? If that were the case, half the roster would be in line for a Championship match. Allow L...A....Knight to answer this own question, Tommaso Ciampa ISN'T ready for this moment either. And truth be told, it's not Tommaso Ciampa's fault. He's a good wrestler. He's a good hand to have when you need to get the crowd hot at the start of the night, but let's face it, he's in over his head right now. L...A....Knight is the UWF Champion for a reason. He's beaten them all; the best of the best and the middest of the mid. Including Tommaso Ciampa; Twice!

LA Knight: Rome, L...A....Knight hates to be the bearer of bad news. But tonight, there will be no celebration. There will be no happy homecoming. Tonight, Tommaso Ciampa walks out the same exact way he walks in; empty handed. 

LA Knight: Tommaso Ciampa is on record saying that L...A....Knight took the easy way out to get to this moment. But what he failed to mention is the sixteen months that L...A....Knight had to struggle to get this very Championship. The sleepless nights. Having countless ideas shut down over and over. Having to sit back and watch as someone else won a match that was meant for you. Tommaso Ciampa thinks he's the only one that's had to fight to get a moment. L....A....Knight's entire tenure here has been a fight. The only difference between L...A....Knight and Tommasso Ciampa's fight is that when the chips are done and it's time to square up, 'ya can call L....A.....Knight Michael Jordan in the Fourth Quarter cause I just don't miss. And tonight Ciampa, 'ya find that out the hard way. And that's not an insult; THAT'S just a fact of life! YEAH!

And with that, Knight blows by the cameraman as Final Battle rolls on. 






The unexpected sound of vaguely familiar music draws a mixed response from the surprised crowd. Could it mean what we think it might?...



It does! Drew McIntyre in the flesh! Accompanied by Stokely Hathaway, the former UWF Champion walks out and stands tall atop the stage.

Mauro Ranallo: Mama Mia!! From out of the lingering darkness steps Drew McIntyre. A man we’ve not seen since the brutal Hell in a Cell match at Backlash, but low and behold he’s here tonight.

Corey Graves: He is indeed, and from where I’m sitting he looks ready to tear things up again!

The eagle-eyed viewers notice that McIntyre has a black briefcase in his hands as he and his business associate make their way down the ramp. Whilst the Scotsman appears to have a focussed look about him, Hathaway appears a bit more smug with his demeanor. The crowd continues to air mixed views as some seem happy to see McIntyre back, whereas others were very much enjoying him being out of the picture. As the duo make their way into the ring, McIntyre stands in the center and takes it all in as the music fades out and Hathaway takes hold of a microphone and begins to pace around the squared circle.



Stokely Hathaway: For those of you that doubted me, the time has come to issue me with your apologies, because the man of his word has delivered once again…

Whatever positive feelings were being shown towards this group have all but gone now as the crowd unanimously turns on Hathaway as he continues to prattle on.

Stokely Hathaway: I said that Drew McIntyre would be back, and back he is! So many of you thought that Hell in a Cell was the end of him, but you forget that he is the greatest UWF Champion in Revolution history, and when it’s all said and done, it’s gonna take more than a long fall and a nasty injury to keep him out of the picture. Which now leads me on to the beginning of the journey to get back the UWF Cha…

Hathaway is unable to finish his words as McIntyre somewhat surprisingly puts his hand directly over the microphone. The Harlem native certainly wasn’t expecting that play, but as the Claymore King removes his hand from the top and goes to remove the mic from his associate’s hand completely, there’s no pushback, and if anything there’s now more intrigue from the crowd to hear what McIntyre himself has to say.

Drew McIntyre: In the weeks that have followed since Backlash, I’ve learned to better understand and appreciate just how great of a tool perspective is. If I could turn the clock back and approach going into not only Backlash, but also Wrestlemania any differently, would I?... It’s easy to say yes when I’m out here missing the one thing that made me stand out even more over the best part of the last year, but ultimately my actions were and continue to be a representation of what I choose to believe in because it's what I consider to be right. And I’m not gonna back down from that just because I finally took a really bad hit that some may say was long overdue. I'm also not gonna change the way I think and act based on the slightly warmer reception that's on offer this evening, because the undisputed truth of the matter is that plaudits from the hot and cold masses are completely insigificant when I already know that I am still the biggest, nastiest bastard in this entire industry!

The dismissive comments don’t sit too well with some in attendance, but others remain interested in where McIntyre is going with his comments, and the reason why he’s got a sealed briefcase to hand.

Drew McIntyre: That said, there are some things that have to change though, and that starts with what you see before you… or I suppose, what you don’t… I brought Braun Strowman into the fold under the belief that it would enhance Stokely Hathaway’s work output. But considering that it’s been nothing but a downward trajectory for months, it goes without saying that things need to be done differently from now on, and that ultimately means a parting of the ways… I’m all about doing things properly though, even when it comes to taking out the trash. So Braun, come on down here big man…

As McIntyre lowers the microphone and awaits Strowman’s arrival, a somewhat worried looking Hathaway appears to be protesting the decision, but in the eyes of McIntyre it’s as if he’s not even there as his gaze is directed solely at the stage.



There’s not much of a reaction from the crowd as Strowman walks out onto the stage and looks on from afar at Hathaway and McIntyre in the ring. The mood changes after a brief pause though as the Wrecking Machine turns and signals for four individuals in black polo shirts who wheel out a giant dumpster onto the stage.

Tom Phillips: Well, there’s Strowman, but why on earth is he coming out here with a dumpster??

Mauro Ranallo: I’ve got a feeling things could get a bit messy out here!

Corey Graves: Oh grow up!

Strowman walks down the ramp and hops up onto the ring apron before entering over the top rope as the dumpster is positioned directly outside the ring at the foot of the ramp. The music fades out and inside the ring Strowman marches right up to McIntyre and the two behemoths stare each other down. As the crowd wonders who may strike first, McIntyre raises the microphone up again.

Drew McIntyre: I think we both know, pal… this is the way that it has to be…

Before the Scotsman can say any more, Hathaway steps in and tries to seek some sort of reason. The interference prompts McIntyre to take a step back, which then allows Hathaway to plead with Strowman that they can still work something out. As the Wrecking Machine looks down and listens in, Hathaway appears delighted all of a sudden that he’s managed to reach a breakthrough, but as he turns round to try and do the same with McIntyre…

Tom Phillips: My God, CLAYMORE!!

The crowd erupts as McIntyre levels Hathaway with a Claymore. It’s clear that it was intentional as he looks down at the fallen, now presumably former business associate.

Corey Graves: What the hell?! I thought…

Mauro Ranallo: It looked like Strowman was about to get his marching orders from McIntyre’s group, but it appears as though Stokely Hathaway is the one getting kicked out instead!

McIntyre gets back up to his feet and grabs the briefcase that he brought out with him before opening it up directly in front of Strowman. The contents are revealed to be wrapped dollar bills as McIntyre utters the words “It’s all there.” before closing the case and handing it over to Strowman. The Wrecking Machine acknowledges receipt before dropping the case and then picking Hathaway up in order to hit him with a Running Powerslam, which draws another positive response from the crowd.

Corey Graves: Okay, I get that Stokely isn’t everyone's cup of tea, but is this completely necessary?

With McIntyre now just watching on, seemingly with a hint of enjoyment, it soon becomes clear exactly why the dumpster was rolled out as Strowman yanks up the now more or less lifeless Hathaway and lifts him up into a military press before throwing him over the top rope, out of the ring and right into the dumpster. A huge pop follows as Strowman shakes hands with McIntyre and picks up the briefcase before exiting the ring in order to slam the dumpster lid shut.



Tom Phillips: It appears as though the working relationship between Drew McIntyre and Stokely Hathaway is now at an end, although I don’t think we ever expected it to go down that way.

Mauro Ranallo: Perhaps Drew’s time away made him realize that he was carrying excess baggage that needed to be cut free. Either way, we’re all intrigued to see what lies in store for the former UWF Champion now that he’s back in the game.

The Wrecking Machine pops the briefcase on top of the now closed dumpster and pushes it back up the ramp as McIntyre goes over to the corner and climbs to the top rope in order to pose for the crowd and reaffirm that he’s very much back and raring to go.



Following the short commercial, the cameras open up backstage in the parking lot where Drew McIntyre is seen preparing to make his exit from The Colosseum, but before he can get in his car, Renee Young is on hand with a mic at the ready.

Renee Young: Drew! Drew! I was hoping we might be able to get a quick word with you after what just went down out there in the ring?

Drew McIntyre: I would have thought that actions did this particular story more justice than words ever could, no?



Renee Young: I appreciate that viewpoint, but I think it’s more people wanting to know why exactly you’ve seemingly decided to call time on your business partnership with Stokely Hathaway? And whether you and Braun Strowman are still going to be working together?

Drew McIntyre: Well... if you must know, I’ve realized for quite some time now that Stokely Hathaway was the equivalent of a pint of milk. It’s fresh at first and generally very well received, but when it’s there too long it goes stale and becomes undesirable. Stokely is past it's best cow juice that I should have thrown away a long time ago, but now the deed is done. As for Braun Strowman, that working relationship is officially at an end, albeit on more amicable terms.

McIntyre goes to open his car door and get inside, but not before Renee has one final question.

Renee Young: Well, before you go, I gotta ask, what’s now next for Drew McIntyre?

Drew McIntyre: Tune into Revolution next week and find out. Nighty night!

As McIntyre shuts the car door, the engine turns on and Renee backs away. The closing shot of the car leaving the parking lot takes over the screen before the camera transitions to another part of the building.




The camera cuts to an unusual sight inside of the catering area. We see Eric Bischoff AND Bayley seated…TOGETHER~! The two are the chummiest of chums as the camera’s audio finally kicks in.

Bischoff: So, to answer your question…Big Kev and Scott are currently waiting for their applications on their wrestling licenses to get approved. According to Rick, they were so used to me handling all of that stuff for them, that they let it slip through the cracks. When they signed their contracts for EC3, the office noticed that their wrestling licenses weren’t valid…so…

Bayley: Sheesh. I know I was busting your balls the other day for dropping the ball on the managerial side of things with the nWo, but I guess I never realized how much of the paperwork you were handling. And here I thought you were just calling plays for Rick and getting in on the catering. My bad, E.

Bischoff: Speaking of Rick…how are things?

Sensing that the question may be a tad bit uncomfortable, Bischoff takes a bite of the cake that he is eating as he awaits Bayley’s response.

Bayley: Well... I mean... did you see Ding Dong, Hello the other day?

Bischoff: Bayley, you and I have been on the outs for a bit now…so, I completely understand your hesitation to believe me whenever I say this….it was my idea for the whole Rude Awakening fiasco. Rick had major reservations about the ordeal, but I just insistent that he go through with it. So please…don’t put the blame on him for that. His major hesitation for it was how you may react.

Bischoff forks at the cake for a moment before continuing.

Bischoff: And if I’m being honest here…I’ve never seen this side of Rick, ever. I’ve known the man for close to fifty years by this point, and I’ve never seen him go on like he does whenever he is glowing about you. I’m not just saying that to sugarcoat anything, either. I’m being 100% honest and sincere with you, I hope you understand that?

Bayley: Well pal, historically speaking, "100% honesty" is a bit of a reach for you, isn't it?

Bischoff: Honestly! Bayley, that was one of the major reasons that I was so against any idea of you. That’s why I tried to be so open and accepting of Janela and everything! I really don’t think it was your intention, now. But then, I did honestly think that you had this elaborate scheme made up to distract Rick enough to get Kyle’s hands on the title. Full disclosure!

Bayley: I think you're giving me too much credit. The last time I scheme'd up something that dastardly, me and Stokely Hathaway ended up in the ER getting our stomachs pumped. I've been playing it cool since then.

Bischoff: So, please. Accept my fullest and most sincere apologies for anything that I’ve said or insinuated in your direction. As of this point, water under the bridge for me.

Bayley: In that case, let's call it over the dam for me too, then.

And with that Bischoff uncorks a bottle of champagne. Just where did he get that at catering? Did he smuggle it in? He had to, he is a sneaky bastard after all. He moves the cups that they’re drinking closer to him, and notices that Bayley’s still has something in it. He looks over each shoulder and tosses the contents of the cup to the side. He shrugs and pours Bayley’s cup some of the champagne.

Bischoff: Now, if you’ll forgive the….redneck ingenuity here…when in Rome, right? Anyways, here’s to brighter days for the New World Order and here’s to a unified front on our parts!

Bayley looks at the cup, deep in thought. She shrugs her shoulders and grabs the cup and hoists it up to toast Bischoff’s cup. What the actual eff is going on?

Bischoff: Now, where were we? Oh, yeah! So…how’s Kyle feeling about this match?

Bayley: Not like Backlash, that's for sure. Didn't that one have a sorta... I dunno... what would you even call it? An "exhibition feel", I guess? Like it was friendly competition. The way Kyle's been talking lately, its more like he's gearing up for another round with Batista or Knight or something, ya know?

Bischoff: I understand that, completely. Rick has a fire lit under him. I just think that the two of them are so bullheaded that they completely forgot how to take each other. They just had OPPONENT written in front of each other’s faces and threw any bit of comradery out the window. And I’m not saying anything like that in Kyle’s direction alone, mind you…I mean that in Rick’s direction as well. To be honest, he’s a tad bit worried that things are going to be a bit awkward between the two of them after this whole affair is put to bed.

Bayley: "Awkward" is Kyle's whole thing, so I imagine he'll be business as usual after he retains -

Bischoff: Hey, hey, hey…let’s not get too carried away on hyping up our respective talents here, that’s usually what treads us into stormy seas, you know what I mean? Maybe, what we should do is find out through the two of us how the other challenger is feeling, and take that information back to each respective locker room to kind of ease the tension, no?

Bayley: Huh. Not a bad idea, E. Not a bad idea at all.

Bischoff: See, it isn’t so hard for us to actually work together is it? Now, the hard part is going to be to get those two to—

Bischoff cuts his sentence short as he looks up beside of Bayley.

KO'R: Really, Bayley? Easy E’s the chick in Wardrobe that you wanted to grab a bite with?

Bayley: No, I just said that so you wouldn't get all distracted from the match and I knew the last thing you'd be interested is dinner with a couple of women.

Bischoff: Hey, Kyle! We were just making sure that things had settled between the two of us and were about to discuss any future plans that we may have come up with. How’s your head for this upcoming match?

KO'R: Ready to butt. How's your's?

Bayley: "Ready to butt"? That's a new one...

Bischoff: Easy, Kyle. I’m not attempting to stir the pot. I know that’s usually my style, but as Bayley and I have discussed…we’re going to change up our styles a tad bit to make sure that we are all a cohesive unit. I’m merely asking as a friend.

KO'R: As a friend, eh?

Kyle cuts off as he stares directly ahead. Bayley shifts in her seat uncomfortably as the two look behind Bischoff. Bischoff turns to look behind himself as the camera pans around to show Rude standing behind him.

Rude: Well, well, well. I hope the two of you have had a meaningful and successful conversation?

Rude looks to Bischoff and then to Bayley. He gives Bayley a wink as she grins from ear to ear.

Rude: And I must say, it’s nice to see my smile back on that face. Get over here.

Bayley gets out of her chair and comes to Rick, on his suggestion. The two embrace and share a light kiss. Kyle and Bischoff each roll their eyes. Bayley seats herself as Rude’s glance then turns to Kyle with a meager nod in his direction.

Rude: Kyle.

KO'R: Rick.

Rude: Well, if you all wouldn’t mind…I’ve got something to show all of you.

KO'R: Let me guess. Another Macho Man Randy Savage?

Rude: I’d actually like to show Eric and Bayley their accommodations for the evening so that they don’t feel like we are punishing them. You’re welcome to join, Kyle.

The feed switches to a backstage area in which two cages are sitting. Inside each of the cages are Bischoff and Bayley. Kyle is inspecting the cages, well…inspecting Bischoff’s cage, exactly. He is really giving it a thorough lookover.

Rude: I was pretty specific on what I was expecting whenever I placed the order. There isn’t a way to get in or out without the key. The ref will have the key the entire time.

KO'R: And we can totally expect things to say that way since Rick always totally plays by the rules all the time.

Rude: HEY!

And there’s the tension in the air.

Rude: Leave the snarky shit for the ring, pal! I get it, we’ve been at each other’s throats recently, but that’s only while we are in the ring, you got it? Any other time I’m not going to get an attitude with you, so I’d appreciate the same in return. Got it?

Kyle slowly stands erect and locks eyes with Rude. Bischoff and Bayley exchange nervous glances in the cage.

Bischoff: Hey, uh…guys…not to insinuate that you two are actually going to get into it, back here…but…you’ve got the two of us locked up, there’s no way that we could break the two of you up from in here…so…uh…

Bayley: And God forbid we give away a big-money, marquee match-up for free backstage.

Bischoff: Exactly! So, key please?

Rude tosses the key to Bayley first.

Rude: Just to show that I don’t have anything planned and that I’m not attempting to have a numbers game here.

Kyle: Fine...

Bayley goes over and unlocks Bischoff’s cage. They exchange a nod in respect towards each other. Rude walks quickly to Kyle, face to face. Bayley and Bischoff freeze as the two are mere inches from each other. Rude’s eyes never leave Kyle’s as he hoists up a hand to Kyle for a handshake. Kyle briefly looks down to Rude’s hand and then quickly back to lock eyes with his upcoming opponent.

Rude: No matter what we’ve said, no matter what happens tonight. You are still my brother, my partner, my family. I know I’m going out to that ring tonight to give it my damnedest to make sure that title comes home with me. I expect the exact same from you, no matter what. We both need to keep in mind, no matter who wins…that title stays in the nWo, right?

KO'R: Yeah... right... brothers...

Rude holds up a Too Sweet.

Rude: For life.

Kyle looks at the hand of Rick Rude.

KO'R: For life.

Kyle returns the Too Sweet as the feed cuts elsewhere.






As Conquer them All  blasts over the speakers Ciampa walks out onto stage, flanked by Oba Femi and steel chair in hand. He chats with Oba a bit as they make their way down to the ramp

Tony Chimel: Making his way to the ring  from Boston,  Massachusetts weighing in tonight at 201lbs, accompanied by Oba Femi he is  The "Don of UWF" Tommaso Ciampa.

Making his march down to the ring, Ciampa and Oba reach the ring steps and Oba opens the ropes up for Ciampa and Ciampa gets in, climbing to the second turnbuckle in the corner

On the second turnbuckle, Ciampa screams out "THIS IS MY MOMENT" before hopping off and getting into the corner completely, sitting down as he waits for his opponent, Oba prowling on the outside.

L...A....Knight



"Welcome To LA" blares over the PA System and all the excitement in the arena turns to dread. Everyone knows exactly who is about to grace them with their presence. It is the one and only self proclaimed "Million Dollar Megastar" LA Knight. Sure enough, the man that represents LA, California bursts through the curtain and out onto the stage. The jeers he receives do not bother him. Knight simply stands tall, the UWF Championship shining on his shoulder. With him as always, is his right hand man "The Masterpiece" Christopher Adonis. The duo march to the ring, knowing what they plan to accomplish this evening.



Tony Chimel: Making his way to the ring, being accompanied by Christopher Adonis, from Los Angeles, California via Baltimore, Maryland. Weighing in at Two Hundred and Thirty pounds, he is the Million Dollar Megastar and your UWF Champion, LA Knight!

Knight and Adonis reach the end of the ramp before Knight climbs the steps and enters through the ropes. Adonis watches from the outside as Knight goes to the nearest turnbuckle and climbs the ropes. Normally, this is where he throws up his patented "LA" sign, but tonight, he instead holds up his UWF Championship high in the air.



Knight leaps down and waits for this contest to start.


vs.


DING DING DING!

As the starting bell rings, Knight and Ciampa pace half-circles around each other while the fans buzz. There's a big fight feel in the arena, not least owing to the stakes of this match. Which is why when Ciampa closes the gap and is met by a simple, open-palmed smack to the jaw, it draws some heat from the crowd. The Sicilian Psychopath responds by attempting to tie the UWF Champion up in a collar-and-elbow, but Knight slips under the grapple and plants a simple toe kick on the back of his calf, causing Ciampa to lurch forward to the ropes. Knight then tries to follow up by dumping Ciampa to the outside, but the challenger is savvy to the move and reverses it, sending Knight out instead!

Tom Phillips: The challenger is showing a veteran's awareness with that counter right there.

Corey Graves: You've got that right, Tom — and that's one quality that might have been overlooked by the odds makers when they were considering this match. People sometimes forget just how much experience the challenger brings to big matches like this, relative to the champion.

The Million Dollar Megastar returns to the ring with Ciampa allowing him some space to do so. But as soon as he's back in and upright, his opponent charges in, looking to ground him with a dropkick. The Champion has it scouted, though, and sidesteps the incoming attack before hitting the ropes. As Ciampa finds his feet, he turns into a knee to the gut that sends him tumbling over and to the canvas. He is again quick to his feet, but as he regains them, he catches another smack to the jaw, chained with two more for good measure, that send him reeling into the ropes. On the rebound, Knight lifts him up into an inverted atomic drop, then as Ciampa falls back into the ropes, he's sent over the top by a clothesline.

Mauro Ranallo: And just like that the UWF Champion has turned the momentum of this match-up.

Knight follows Ciampa to the outside as the latter reels to the barricade, rubbing his jaw. The Champion is able to rush the challenger and deliver a clubbing double ax handle to his upper back, which causes Ciampa to stumble further along the barricade. Knight follows and grabs him by the back of the bald head, bouncing his skull off the top of the barricade before turning him around and sending him crashing into the ring steps just as the official hits three on his count.

Knight then begins to press his advantage by putting a boot to Ciampa while he is wedged beside the steel steps, stomping hard on his shoulder a few times before rolling back into the ring to work the crowd while his challenger tries to recover.

Graves: The Champion is now solidly in control of this title contest, and Ciampa needs to get back in the ring if he wants to keep his dream alive.

Phillips: If he doesn't hurry, he'll be counted out!

Ciampa does eventually manage to slide into the ring, but Knight doesn't allow him any space to breathe. As the challenger finds one knee, the champion's knee finds his jaw and sends him crashing into the corner in a seated position. The Million Dollar Megastar then lines him up and delivers a running kick to the face before dragging him from the corner for the first cover of the match.

Ranallo: This might be it! Ciampa is out of it!

1...

... 2 ...

...NO! Ciampa gets a shoulder up!

The crowd is buzzing and even Knight looks a little bit surprised, but then he nods as he rises, still looking down on Ciampa. "All right, all right, 'ya got some kavorka," he tells him before smacking his bald head. The seems to bring the senses back to Ciampa as he sits up. Knight delivers another smack, but Ciampa fights to one knee. Knight's smacks come more rapidly as Ciampa rises back to his feet, roaring through the pain!

Phillips: Ciampa is about to snap!

Graves: His cockroach mode is activating! Knight just can't keep the Psychopath down!

Knight throws another smack, but Ciampa catches the incoming arm. The Champion tries his other hand, but the challenger catches that one, too. He then pulls Knight in and rocks him with a brutal headbutt. As Knight reels — or would do, but he's held in place by Ciampa — the other man shouts and connects with a second headbutt, and a third, and a fourth. Knight's knees are wobbly as Tommaso transitions from the headbutts to a quick clutch and he turns Knight into a neckbreaker!

But Tommaso doesn't stop there. He starts laying the boot into Knight, forcing the champ to cover up as he starts rolling for the apron. Ciampa pursues until the Million Dollar Megastar rolls to the outside, stumbling to the announce table to take a breather. As Knight turns to head back inside, Ciampa comes between the ropes to send him crashing spine-first into that table!

Ranallo: Tope suicida!

Ciampa then kips up and starts clearing the table of monitors and the like, before turning to grab Knight and haul him back to his feet. Or, he tries. When he gets L.A. up, knight wraps hands around his head and drops him into a quick jawbreaker! The Champion then grabs Ciampa in a quick belly-to-belly clutch and sends him through the announce table! The fans kick up a loud "Holy Shit!" chant as Mauro flips out on commentary. Ciampa lies twitching in the wreckage while Knight takes the moment to just stay on his back for a breather.

Ranallo: Our table is broken after The Sicilian Psychopath was sent crashing through it, but the champion is down too!

Graves: You fool. Get up! Now is the time to press the attack and put this away!

Knight finds his feet a few moments later and pulls Ciampa upright, guiding him and rolling him into the ring. The Champion then shoots the half.

1 ...

... 2 ...

...NO! Ciampa's not done yet!


Rising to his feet, Knight feels like he has to put this one away before the self-proclaimed cockroach finds his second wind. Dragging Ciampa from the ropes, he then points to the crowd for an "L... A... Knight... YEAH!!!" before dropping an elbow, but Ciampa rolls out of the way! As Knight's elbow hits the canvas, the challenger uses the ropes to find his feet and he rushes Knight, jacking his jaw with a knee to the face! L.A. hits the canvas seeing stars as Ciampa makes the cover.

1 ...

... 2 ...

...NO! Knight kicks out!


Ciampa gets a bit frustrated and mounts him, grabbing this head with one hand and beating him with the other. He tells him this is what he gets for messing with The Don but Knight catches one of his punches and turns hi m over, reversing the situation so now he's on top delivering punches. Ciampa squirms and kicks away from him before getting to his feet. They both get up at around the same time but it's Knight who picks up Ciampa and throws him over his shoulder, setting up for the Gravy Train. Ciampa starts squirming though causing Knight to get a little off balance and walks backwards into the ropes where Ciampa hangs on. The Don pulls himself over the ropes and picks himself up on the apron but Knight is there to smack him right across the face. He lifts Tommaso up to Suplex him back into the ring but Ciampa twists and lands on his feet behind him, popping his hips for a German Suplex! Knight landed right on his head and looks dazed as he tries to get up but Ciampa finishes him off with a Running Knee to the face!


1 ...

... 2 ...

...NO! Knight gets the shoulder up at 2!

Ciampa brings LA up and hooks both arms. Knight senses what's coming and rushes forward to back him into the corner. He gives him a few Shoulder Thrusts, backing up far  before going for another. It however allowed Ciampa to get a knee up and Knight thrusts his face right into the knee! He stumbles backwards looking dazed and The Don comes out of the corner with a Discus Lariat but Knight catches his arm and drops him to the mat, flipping over to put him in the Fujiwara Armbar!

Phillips:Look's like Knight is taking a page out of Ciampa's playbook.

Graves:I'm not so sure stealing from The Don is smart thing to do.


Knight is pulling back as far as he can but Ciampa knows the move well. He's able to get just enough leverage to slip his other arm underneath him and push himself out from under Knight. He gets to his feet holding his arm when Knight charges at him. Ciampa catches him off guard with a High Knee that makes him stumble back a few feet. He follows that up with the Sicilian Barrage followed by an Air Raid Crash! He makes the pin!


1 ...

... 2 ...

...NO! Knight kicks out yet again!


Like Knight, Ciampa is sensing the urgency. He knows he needs to put this match away, because the champion is no slouch on toughing things out, either. There's a sort of familiarity between the opponents after meeting multiple times in their rise to this top spot, competing for the world title. So as Tommaso moves in to grab Knight, L.A. anticipates him and rolls under the bottom rope, counting on the official to force the break. The ref does exactly that, giving Knight a moment to find his feet... but that only gives Ciampa time to build up steam before rushing him and delivering a shoulder thrust between the top and middle ropes!

Phillips: Ciampa has him in position!

The challenger does indeed. He clutches Knight's head in the DDT position and drags him out between the ropes, connecting with the Willow's Bell! The fans erupt at that as it looks like Ciampa is in position to finish, but he knows he's going to need more to put Knight away so he rolls him into position for Project Ciampa! He lifts Knight onto his shoulders, but the Champion's instinct kicks in and he rains hard punches onto Ciampa's skull that drive the challenger back to the ropes, then grabs the ropes to prevent the drop before slipping off of Ciampa's shoulders! With a quick knee to the gut, Knight drives Ciampa to start to double over and turns right into the clutch, then delivers the Blunt Force Trauma!

Graves: That's it! That's all she wrote!

Knight hooks the leg.

1 ...

... 2 ...

... 3!

DING DING DING!

Here is your winner, and STILL
UWF Champion:

L... A... Knight!



Ranallo (with fans): Yeah!

Graves: L.A. Knight showed he had the mind of the champion here tonight with a cunning counter into the finish and, with yet another Psychopath put away, one has to ask: who can stop this Gravy Train?

Knight is given his title by the official after a little turnbuckle celebration and has his arm hoisted as the victor while Ciampa rolls out of the ring to head to the back.




We cut to the tron as a feed of the backstage area is delivered, showing a red hue and white fog covering the space as music swells, the camera zooms out of the fog until we see Shinsuke Nakamura with his hands on his eyes. He slides them off and to his coat as he looks down with shadows covering his eyes, as he begins to speak in his native tongue with captions translating for the viewing audience.



Shinsuke Nakamura: Vision without action is a daydream, action without vision is a nightmare. The Mighty Caleb, I see something in you that perhaps no one else has ever seen. Fear. When you hear that, it may sound like an insult, or me hyping myself up. But that is not what I am doing when I make this revelation, for Fear is a natural instinct in all of us. It allows us to avoid danger, and while fearlessness is always a trait the simple minded would consider commendable. True Fearlessness would only lead to ones demise, so if you believe yourself to be fearless you believe yourself to be short lived. But the question is now when did I smell this fear in you Caleb? You didn't cower, you didn't shout, you didn't even flinch. How could I have truly known what I saw, the answer is very simple. I saw your eyes, I read them. I saw the change in your stance, the worry in your gaze, I felt your fear the moment my fingers went up to my neck.

Shinsuke shows the motion once more, moving his fingers to the top of his throat and smiling.

Like a knife being pulled onto yours, you were scared of what this meant. Because you don't understand it, it's a mystery beyond your comprehension and when I saw that fear...I knew I had to wait. Because if I enlightened you on that night, you would have a small taste of what might be. But now, you still live in darkness....You still don't know what it feels like, what to expect...and tonight you are taught what the beauty of my art truly feels like. People believe that my Poison Fog blinds, oh how wrong they are. My Fog opens eyes, by showing them that even with their eyes wide open they truly cannot see. I wake them to that fact, and the burn they feel is the reality of life. It's the Truth they cannot handle, that stings at their nerves and sends panic down their spines. I'm here to awaken the world to their true place in it, and The Mighty Caleb has not been educated on his reality...Yet. He is already defeated, tonight I finally educate him of that fact. Will I open his eyes with my fog? perhaps, perhaps not. That is for him to worry about, and for me to play with.

Nakamura reaches into his lapel and pulls out the Prime Time Medal, pulling it up and biting it before letting it dangle down and continuing.

I am adorning myself with gold, first my neck...tonight my head, and very soon my waist. The Mighty Caleb has been impressive, going one on one with him has been almost assured defeat for anyone. Does it feel that way tonight? Do you feel like Caleb is the Mighty Warrior ready to take a skull tonight and full of hope for his future as a King...as a Champion... or do you feel in the pit of your stomach...despair. Despair is hope’s polar opposite. It is messy and confusing. Despair swallows up love, hatred, and everything else. Because not knowing where you will end up is despair. Despair is what no one can predict. Without a title to chase or defend, without a tournament to bolster and point to, you will have nothing to truly aspire too...only to climb back and attempt to be relevant once more, nothing to do with all your strength and fight...Tonight I leave you with only despair, and only despair’s unpredictability will save you from a boring future.

Shinsuke smiles wide and turns his head to one side, his hair dangling down to one side.

I realize now, when talking to me all you could do is mention things you've accomplished. Comparing me to Vincent, and saying I would fall like him. I wondered why you kept your thoughts on the past, and that's just it. Man always thinks about the past before he perishes, as if he were frantically searching for proof he truly lived. You're replaying your greatest moments, because instinctually you feel the weight of what is about to strike down upon you. Your past is full of glory, your future is now full of despair, so I truly hope you appreciate the beauty of the present I will be giving you. The gift of clarity, as you learn that warrior kings have become outdated. Tonight The King of Strong Style is crowned King of the Ring, I hold the future of two different championships in my hands, I play with the minds and futures of an entire company, all this because your Gods lead you to me. Vincent clouded you from your Gods, I am shining light towards them...so you truly see that they have failed you, if not abandoned you. How amusing, that your people will cheer you on...chant, how do you say, "Skal" in thunderous admiration. And those cheers, that chant that you so cheerfully bellow out in celebration and merriment, will be the soundtrack to your greatest defeat.  The Mighty Caleb, bows to no man...but he will do as anyone foolish enough to stand before me will, witness as he learns...to Take a Knee.

Shinsuke raises his open hand up as if he were holding a glass up.

乾杯

Shinsuke says the final word with no translation provided as the scene fades off and continues on with Final Battle.




DING DING!

Tony Chimel: The following contest is a 60-Minute Ironman match and it is for the Intercontinental Championship! Introducing first…

OWW, SIMPLY RAVISHING!


The theme music begins to blare throughout the arena as there is a mixed reaction from the crowd.  Eric Bischoff slinks out onto the entrance ramp taunting the fans.


Bischoff turns back to the curtain and begins bowing over and over again before “Ravishing” Rick Rude walks out onto the stage.

Rick Rude and Eric Bischoff begin making their way down the ramp.

Tony Chimel:  From Robbinsdale, Minnesota.  Weighing in at 252 pounds, “Ravishing” Rick Rude!

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.


As the robe comes off, the camera zooms in to show that Rude is wearing tights that have Bayley's face directly on the crotch.  As Rude turns around, we see there are hands on each cheek of the pants, one could only assume they belong to Bayley. Bischoff now exits the ring to be locked in his respective cage.

Tony Chimel: And the 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.

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. Bayley now exits the ring to be locked inside her respective cage.

DING DING!

As the ring bell sounds, the referee holds the Intercontinental Championship above his head as both champion and challenger get ready, eyeing the gold and then one another. As the referee hands the championship off to a ringside official, champion and challenger approach one another and have a standoff in the center of the ring as the clock appears on the titantron screen. As the first second ticks down, Rick tags Kyle in the left side of the jaw with an open hand slap delivered with his right hand. Kyle’s head turns with the impact before he snaps forward and looks at Rude. The fired up nature of the, “Diabetic Dragon” is clear as chants of, “You fucked up!” begin from the capacity crowd aimed at the number one contender. Kyle cocks his arm back, ready to unleash his first bit of offense but as he throws the punch, Rick moves his head out of the way and goes low, raising his knee up into the solar plexus of the defending champion. As O’Reilly is reeling from this and coughs one burst of scattered saliva, Rude places his head between his legs and hoists him up, planting him with a Powerbomb. With Kyle down, Rick extends his arms out to each side as he starts audibly jaw jacking at the booing crowd. ”I thought I fucked up? You said I fucked up.”

Rude delivers a stomp to the upper body of the downed champ now, then another for good measure. ”Come on, Kyle, show me something!” he arrogantly barks at his friend as he delivers a third stomp. Kyle sits up staring daggers through the, “Ravishing One” as Rick’s arrogance continues. ”That’s it! Get mad!” he taunts as O’Reilly is up to his feet as he throws a punch that Rude bobs out of the way of. This repeats itself as Kyle throws a punch with the other arm. After a moment of rope-a-dope, Rick delivers another knee to the abdomen as he grabs his hunched over opponent and asks him, ”You know what’s gonna happen tonight, Kyle? I’m going to fuck your sister on that belt!” then gestures to Bayley’s airbrushed face on the crotch of his tights as Kyle throws a straight punch into the groin of the former champ and the roof nearly comes off the place.

Rude is allowed no time to breathe as KOR peppers him with punches as he gradually backs him towards the corner before finally getting him there as he starts throwing kicks to the body in between punches.

Tom Phillips: Kyle O’Reilly has had enough of the disrespect from Rick Rude here!

Mauro Ranallo: Usually a guy gets a moment after taking one to the proverbial jewels but Kyle isn’t extending that kindness tonight!

Corey Graves: It’s the simple mantra of, ‘Talk shit, get hit’, boys!

As O’Reilly unloads on Rick with strictly kicks to the body now, Rude catches the leg and twists, putting Kyle on his face as he delivers a stomp to the top of the head when Kyle raises up. Rick steps over him to get out of the corner and then turns around to face Kyle, who is up on his forearms and knees. Rude runs up and kicks Kyle in the upper body, causing him to turn and end up on his back as Rick goes to follow up with a Fist Drop but Kyle rolls out of the way to avoid it. As Rude pops up, holding his fist with his other hand, O’Reilly launches himself from the mat like he was spring loaded, his shoulder and collarbone connecting with the face of the veteran as both men fall to the mat. Kyle is up to his feet quickly, adrenaline pulsating through him, as Rick sits up, a bloodied spot on his voluptuous forehead. O’Reilly takes off running at him and connects with a Basement Dropkick, blasting Rude in the face with both boots as Rick now lies there in a daze, the bloodied spot now expanded so that blood is covering his entire forehead.

Like a shark smelling it in the water, Kyle dives into the mount and starts wailing on Rude with punches thrown from both sides and all possible angles as blood covers the fists of the, “Human Swiss Army Knife”.  After getting enough to spread in one streak across his chest and put on his face like war paint, Kyle relents as he gets to his feet and lets out a cry of intensity as the crowd shows increased enthusiasm. Rick sits up, now donning a crimson mask, as O’Reilly charges at him but Rude gets up and nearly turns him inside out with a Lariat. Rude reaches down and grabs him by the neck with both hands, then picks him up and pivots, throwing him over the top rope into the shark cage holding Bischoff. Rick starts walking towards the ropes now and steps through them to the floor. As his feet touch the floor, Kyle leaps off the cage but Rude catches him and drives him spine first into one of the steel bars of the cage.

Tom Phillips: Well we at least had an inkling the cages may come into play in this way.

Mauro Ranallo: An inkling?

Corey Graves: Yeah, Phillips, what the hell? This isn’t a Splatoon match we’re calling!

Rick drives Kyle into the cage once again for good measure, then drives a knee into the abdomen to knock the wind out of him as Rude now grabs Kyle’s head and starts beating it against the cage repeatedly. After several times of having his bell rung, Kyle is let go of as he slinks down the cage and sits there in a daze. Rick heads over to the nearest ring post now and kicks the steel steps apart. He grabs the part closest to him now and picks it up, then charges Kyle like he’s holding a battering ram and makes absolutely disgusting impact, sandwiching the head of the Intercontinental Champion between the steps and the steel bars. Rude discards the weapon and looks at a lifeless and bloodied Kyle, then grabs him and stands him up before delivering a chop that, ordinarily, would get him the cry of pain he’s looking for especially due to the steel behind Kyle, but Kyle seems dead to the world so all that’s heard is flesh meeting flesh.

Rick winds up and throws another chop but the same effect is had. Rude looks angrily disappointed as he goes to the well a third time, this time Kyle coming to life and moving out of the way so that Rick chops the steel. As Rude is reeling from this, O’Reilly grabs his hurt arm and guides him toward the cage, feeding his arm through an opening and then around, contorting it so that Rick is trapped. Bischoff desperately tries to get the arm free but Kyle spits blood in his eyes, effectively incapacitating him. Rude is swinging wildly with his free arm but Kyle isn’t standing in striking range as he picks up the steel steps used on him earlier and drives them into the trapped arm of the former champ!

Tom Phillips: Oh my!

Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! With the angle his arm is contorted, that much force may have broken his arm!

Corey Graves: Sadistic yes, but it’s a smart strategy long-term because incapacitating the arm takes the Rude Awakening out of Rick’s bag of available tricks!

Rude is on the ground writhing in pain as he’s able to get his arm free but you can tell as well as hear that he’s in a lot of agony. O’Reilly throws down the steps and walks over to Rick, smacking him in various parts of the head, taunting him much like Rude taunted him early in the match. Rick takes a swing at the champ but Kyle moves and leaves the, “Ravishing One” flat on his face. O’Reilly heads over to ringside and grabs his championship, slings it over his shoulder, and starts walking around the ring.

Tom Phillips: Is Kyle taking a victory lap?

Confidence oozes from the champ as he walks around the ring. As he approaches the other side of Bischoff’s cage, he notices Rude using the skirting of the ring to pull himself up to his feet, notable struggle in his use of his injured arm. Kyle makes his way around the cage and, in one motion, grabs the strap of the championship and slings it forward, whipping Rick in the bad arm’s shoulder with the title as he’s brought to his knees by it. Kyle picks the other end of the title up and folds the straps inward as he appears to be setting it aside, but then absolutely blasts Rude in the back of the head with the faceplate as Rick falls forward into the ring skirting, tearing that part of it unintentionally on his way down.

Mauro Ranallo: Rick Rude had a lot of blood, sweat, and tears on that title during his reigns but Kyle O’Reilly just put some more of it on there with sickening gusto!

Kyle hands the championship back to the ringside official now before grabbing Rude and bringing him back to a vertical base, rolling him into the ring before sliding in after him. Rick manages to get to his feet as he and O’Reilly stare one another down for a moment. Rude and Kyle rush each other now as Rick flattens the champ with a good ol’ Big Boot. Rude slicks back his hair now and starts violently stomping on the upper body of his opponent. He then reaches down and grabs Kyle around the waist with both arms, then brings him up and applies a Bearhug.

Corey Graves: Well we can see someone found a second wind!

Visibly struggling because of the bad arm, Rick is still able to apply enough pressure to get Kyle to just as visibly suffer in the hold. Rude starts to rag doll O’Reilly now before rocking forward and driving Kyle into the mat, sandwiching him between Rick’s body weight and the canvas. As Rude stands up, he puts his hands on his head and starts to gyrate his hips to boos from the crowd. Rick sees Kyle sit up now and rakes his boot down his face before following up with a punch that puts the champ on his back. Rude hits the ropes and comes off of them but as he goes for offense, O’Reilly pops up and reverses into a Spanish Fly!

Tom Phillips: Some quick thinking by the champion there!

Mauro Ranallo: The youth of O’Reilly and arguable deeper and more versatile arsenal may be coming into play here.

Corey Graves: No one gets deeper than, “Ravishing” Rick Rude, Mauro! Ask Bayley!

The number one contender is left looking at the lights as Kyle is standing over him, shouting at him. ”You said I was getting everything! Let’s see it!” yells Kyle. Rick sits up now and uses his hands to return to a vertical base. ”You want to see it?” Rude asks before blindsiding the champ with a Standing Dropkick. As Rick returns to his feet, he grabs Kyle and leads him forcefully back to his feet before delivering an Irish Whip into the nearest corner. As Kyle hits the corner, Rude is close behind as he connects with a Stinger Splash. Rick grabs O’Reilly again and sets him on the top turnbuckle before following up after him, then in one quick motion he goes for a Frankensteiner but Kyle reverses and leaps off the top rope, connecting with an Avalanche Styles Clash! O’Reilly rolls Rude over and covers him for the first pin attempt of the match.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!

DING DING!

As the ring bell sounds, the score appears on the titantron screen.

KOR: 1
RUDE: 0

Tony Chimel: Twenty minutes have elapsed. Forty minutes remain.

Both men get to their feet and take notice of the announcement and look at the clock on the titantron screen before looking at one another. Rick slicks his hair back as Kyle starts beating his own chest as the two men are ready to keep going in this war. O’Reilly goes for a punch but Rude sidesteps and delivers a knee to the kidneys, then applies an Abdominal Stretch, striking Kyle’s abdomen with his free hand as he applies the hold. After a few strikes, Rick keeps the hold on for a couple more seconds before transitioning into a Full Nelson but it doesn’t stay applied long as Kyle manages to slip downward out of it as he rocks back, kicking Rude in the stomach with both feet, then rocks forward and pops up to his feet, connecting with a Discus Forearm. Rick holds his jaw and staggers a few steps as KOR goes for a Superkick but Rude smacks the leg away and delivers a kick to the groin.

Tom Phillips: Well it took awhile but that, gentlemen, was a receipt!

As O’Reilly hits his knees, Rick grabs him by the shoulders and stands him back up just to deliver another kick to the groin that he follows up with a Hip Toss, putting Kyle in a seated position. As Kyle sits there wincing in regard to his aching berries, Rude slaps on a Chin Lock, wrenching upward on the jaw of his opponent. Kyle starts to fight out of it as Rick lets him by releasing the hold, O’Reilly getting to his feet just for Rude to meet him with a third kick to the funbag as he grabs Kyle and turns him, connecting with the Rude Awakening. Rick goes for the cover.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!

DING DING!

As the ring bell sounds, the score appears on the titantron screen.

KOR: 1
RUDE: 1

Tony Chimel: Twenty-three minutes have elapsed. Forty-seven minutes remain.

As Rude hears this, he hooks Kyle’s leg, looking to steal another fall.

ONE!


TWO!


THR…NO!

Kyle kicks out at the last possible moment as  Rick creates some distance between them. O’Reilly kips up as Rude goes for a Big Boot but O’Reilly steps out of the way and Rick gets hung up on the downstage ropes. Kyle runs over and clobbers him with a forearm shot before dumping him over the top rope to the outside floor. Kyle steps through the ropes onto the apron now and raises his arms above his head, bringing them together as he leaps and goes to bring his joined hands downward but Rude delivers a chop to the midsection that swats Kyle out of the air. Rick scrambles up onto the apron now and then leaps off just as quickly, taking the newly vertical champion back down to the floor with a Meteora.

Tom Phillips: Yowza! That can’t feel good on anyone’s knees but when you’re Rick Rude’s age, it’s gotta be worse!

Mauro Ranallo: I, for one, applaud the challenger for trying something new.

Corey Graves: They’re both going to have to if they want to go the distance!

Rude is noticeably limping as he walks around and turns to face Kyle, who charges at him and clobbers him with a hard right. Rick is almost taken off his feet but manages to hold his ground as he fires back with a hard right of his own. Before Kyle can fully register the strike his face has just absorbed, Rude connects with another, then delivers an uppercut before shoving the champ in the chest with both hands. O’Reilly staggers into the ringside barricade as Rick charges and delivers a Spear through the barricade! Rude is to his feet frighteningly quick as he looks at Kyle in the wreckage before heading over to a part of the ringside area near Bayley’s cage and peels up the protective layer, exposing the concrete. Rick ignores the pleas of Bayley and heads over to where Kyle is beginning to get to his feet.

O’Reilly connects with a thumb to the eye as Rude gets close and then charges him but Rick senses him and grabs him, pivoting and driving him into the concrete with a Spinebuster. Rude positions his leg now and turns Kyle, immediately applying a Sharpshooter as the champ just as immediately starts crying out in pain. Bayley looks conflicted having a front seat to this as, on one hand, it’s her love in control but on the other hand, it’s her beloved brother in pain as a result. Rick sees the conflict out of the corner of his eye and cranks back harder on the hold, the screams from the champ almost blood curdling.

Tom Phillips: If being not even halfway through the sixty minutes wasn’t enough of a toll on the body, having all that direct pressure on the back immediately after it was driven into concrete has to be too much to take!

Mauro Ranallo: The champion may have no choice but to give up a fall to the contender here, otherwise the damage may be irreversible!

Corey Graves: That Intercontinental Championship means everything to both of these men clearly but you’re right, they’ve gotta think long-term. Tap out, Kyle!

Just as Kyle is bringing his hand down to tap, at that moment Rude releases the hold. The, “Ravishing One” heads over to the ring apron and puts his hands on it, clearly needing to take a breather. Ordinarily, O’Reilly would be all over him but he’s feeling the wear and tear also as he lies there taking a breather himself.

Kyle starts crawling over to his opponent now and, when he gets there, reaches up between Rick’s legs and brings him backward, rolling him up.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!

DING DING!

Just like the other two times prior, as the ring bell sounds, the score appears on the titantron screen.

KOR: 2
RUDE: 1

Tony Chimel: Thirty minutes have now elapsed in the match. Thirty minutes now remain. We’re halfway!

As distance is created between the two competitors, Rude slicks his hair back in frustration that he got rolled up. Kyle shrugs before sliding into the ring suddenly as Rick follows suit. The two men begin circling one another, neither averting their gaze for even a split second. The champion charges but Rude sidesteps and puts a hand on Kyle’s shoulder blade, pushing as Kyle stops short of the corner but the number one contender blasts him in the back of the head with a punch, then grabs him and throws him shoulder first into the post. Kyle backs away out of instinct, holding his shoulder, as Rick spins him around and then goes low, delivering repeated Shoulder Thrusts to the midsection. As he connects with three, he leans back for a fourth but as he rocks forward, Kyle gets out of the way and Rude hits the post. O’Reilly rolls his opponent up again.

ONE!


TWO!


THRE…NO!

Rick manages to kick out, preventing a two point advantage in Kyle’s favor. Kyle can’t believe it as he creates some distance between himself and Rude as Rick gets back to a vertical base, taunting O’Reilly to bring it on. As Kyle charges to oblige, Rude practically puts his opponent’s head on the other side of the arena with a forceful Big Boot. Running on anger, the former holder and defender of the Intercontinental strap doesn’t go for the cover and instead puts Kyle’s head between his legs and hoists him up and over as he goes for the Razor’s Edge but instead of aiming for the mat, he  charges forward and delivers the move into Bischoff’s cage! Kyle has vanished from sight as Rick does some ill advised showboating.

Tom Phillips: I have to question where Rude’s head is right now. I’m willing to give him a pass on not going for the pin after the Big Boot, but showboating? There’s half of the time to go and Kyle could reappear anywhere in or around that ring! Has he already forgotten how close he came to being down two falls instead of one?

Mauro Ranallo: I understand your frustrations, Tom, especially because it could be the very thing we have to hear about continuously in retrospect if he doesn’t regain the title tonight.

Corey Graves: I don’t often agree with the two of you, especially since you’ve never been in a wrestler’s boots and have a less informed viewpoint as a result, but in this case if I were Rick Rude I’d be turning this place upside down to find Kyle and get some more falls on the board!

As Rude gyrates his hips, Kyle re-enters the ring behind him. He whistles at Rick like one would at a dog and as he turns around, Kyle absolutely decks him with a hard right, putting Rude flat on his back. Without theatrics, O’Reilly immediately starts into the Sweeney Stomp, stomping Rick as he circles his downed body. As Kyle returns to standing at his opponent’s head, he drops a knee into the eye. As KOR stands up, it’s seen that his knee pad has been moved as he looks down at a writhing Rude holding his hand to his eye, blood running from both sides.

Tom Phillips: Oh my! We may have just witnessed a broken orbital bone!

Kyle pries Rick’s hand away from his eye and throws an elbow down into the exposed area before guiding him back to a vertical base just to bring him back down with the Vanilla Bar! O’Reilly wrenches on the hold he’s famous for finishing people off with as Rude is audibly and visibly in a world of hurt. The, “Ravishing One” is clenching his teeth and both eyes closed as he’s trying with all of his remaining might not to submit but is about to until a sickening sight occurs as Rick’s arm is pulled out of socket!

Mauro Ranallo: MAMMA MIA!

Kyle releases the hold and creates some distance as Rude struggles to his feet, his arm hanging lifelessly at his side, his face bloodied. This is a man that’s really going through it. Without hesitation, Rick grabs his arm and pops it back into socket, noticeably wincing at the pain it causes as the fans and even Kyle winces too.

Corey Graves: As much as Kyle relates things to video games, he’s gotta feel like he’s in a boss fight right now!

Rude starts making his way towards the champion as he stops suddenly, the expression on his face changing from one of readiness and intensity to one signifying that something is wrong. Rick suddenly collapses where he’s standing as there’s an audible gasp from the capacity crowd. On one side of the ring in her cage, Bayley is absolutely losing her mind, screaming tearfully that someone needs to help him. On the other side of the ring in his cage, Bischoff looks on nervously, his hands to his chin as he shows his concern in a different fashion.

Tom Phillips: Well my first instinct was to say it’s tiredness but based on Bayley and Bischoff’s reactions and knowing what we know about Rick Rude’s health, I’m afraid to say it’s his heart.

Mauro Ranallo: Regardless of what you think about Rick Rude the character, he’s still a human being and we should all want him to pull through here.

Corey Graves: This isn’t part of the show, folks.

Kyle’s shaking Rude trying to get him to come to, but nothing. As he turns to the stage to call for help, suddenly Rick’s leg comes up with a kick to the groin! The ENTIRE place is livid with audible boos as Rude rolls O’Reilly up.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!

DING DING!

As the ring bell sounds, the score is updated on the titantron screen.

KOR: 2
RUDE: 2

Tony Chimel: Forty minutes have now elapsed in this match. Twenty minutes now remain.

As the booing is louder than it has ever been, Rick takes a bow on one side and then takes a bow on the other side. Kyle gets to his feet angrily, throwing up his arms with an audible, ”What the hell?” as Rude flips him off. KOR’s temper, as it usually does, gets the better of him as he flies into a rage, delivering a Headbutt to the nose of his opponent, grabbing him after impact is made and doing a forceful Irish Whip into the nearest corner. As Rick hits the corner, Kyle turns him around and starts delivering straight palm strike after start palm strike to the sternum.

Tom Phillips: Kyle O’Reilly looking to make an honest man out of Rick Rude and actually stop his heart!

After one hand gets tired, Kyle starts unloading with the other hand, then starts doing it with his head but knocks himself loopy by doing so. As he’s dazed, Rude charges, the force of his shoulder knocking Kyle to a seated position. Rick slaps O’Reilly in the top of the head now a few times, until Kyle pops up like he was spring loaded again and the top of his head connects with the chin of the, “Ravishing One”. As Rude staggers into the ropes, he comes off of them as KOR brings him down with an Arm Drag. Kyle pops up now and begins miming playing the Dragon Flute as the crowd cheers.

Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! It’s time to summon the Dragonzord!

Rick goes for a Pump Kick to put an end to the theatrics but Kyle avoids it and slips behind him, connecting with the Blue-Eyes Diabetic Dragon! Kyle goes for the cover.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!

DING DING!

As the ring bell sounds, the updated score appears on the titantron screen.

KOR: 3
RUDE: 2

Tony Chimel: Forty-three minutes have elapsed. Seventeen minutes remain.

Rude is furious as he blasts Kyle with a Big Boot that, again, could’ve taken it off his shoulders. Again being fueled by rage, Rick doesn’t go for the cover as he grabs the champion by the neck with both hands and chokes him, sitting on top of Kyle with a leg on each side of him. O’Reilly struggles to pry Rude’s hands away but to no avail as he begins to fade. As he falls lifeless in the clutches of the number one contender, Rick lets go and goes for the cover but Kyle rolls to switch their positioning so that he’s the one making the pin.

ONE!


TWO!

NO!

Rude kicks out angrily, grabbing Kyle as the champ tries to create some distance and pulling him close to him as he executes a Belly-to-Back Suplex, intentionally dumping the Canadian on his head and neck. Rick goes over to Kyle and rolls him over for the pin attempt.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!

DING DING!

As the ring bell sounds, the updated score appears on the screen.

KOR: 3
RUDE: 3

Tony Chimel: Forty-five minutes have elapsed. Fifteen minutes remain.

The two men each stand, breathing heavily. They’ve been through a war and then some and given each other absolute hell but it’s not over yet and they know that.

Tom Phillips: This has been nothing short of an epic, gentlemen. At the end of it, regardless of the outcome, both competitors have more than earned their flowers here tonight.

Mauro Ranallo: A feather in both caps, for sure.

Corey Graves: I don’t know about all this flowers and feathers nonsense, but what I do know is both of these men are certified badasses.

Kyle runs at Rude now, connecting with a Slingblade, then ascends the top rope. As he stands up, no one knows what’s coming as Kyle comes off the top and connects with a Redrum! He goes for the cover.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!

DING DING!

You know the drill by now.

KOR: 4
RUDE: 3

Tony Chimel: Forty-six minutes have elapsed. Fourteen minutes remain.

Kyle and Rick both lay there on the mat, each man taking another needed breather. They can’t give up now, they’re in the home stretch and championship immortality is on the line here at Final Battle.

Tom Phillips: Well I certainly wasn’t expecting to see the Redrum but on the other hand, Vincent did come up in their back and forth.

Mauro Ranallo: Vincent is always going to come up when it comes to Kyle O’Reilly, I do believe.

Corey Graves: Why are we talking about that injured identity crisis? This is about the two men actually competing as we speak!

Rude is the first to sit up but O’Reilly isn’t far behind as he sits up as well. Rick puts up the, “4 Lyfe”, expecting the same in return from Kyle but Kyle just gives him a receipt from earlier by flipping him off. Rude puts his hands at his sides and starts climbing up to his feet now as Kyle does the same thing. The two competitors approach each other and stare at each other for a moment before Kyle lands a punch. Rick fires back with a punch of his own as the fans begin to participate by saying, “Yay!” when Kyle lands a punch and, “Boo!” when Rude lands a punch. After a few are traded, Rick goes for a low blow but KOR catches his leg and shakes his head, then throws the leg so that Rude’s foot is back on the mat and connects with a Discus Elbow to knock the former champion loopy as he staggers into the ropes. Kyle charges after but Rick comes to and flattens him with another Big Boot, then goes for the cover.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!

DING DING!

KOR: 4
RUDE: 4

Tony Chimel: Forty-nine minutes have elapsed. Eleven minutes remain.

Rude gets up and heads to the upstage ropes, coming off of them and going for an Atomic Leg Drop, but Kyle moves out of the way and Rick hits nothing but mat. Kyle quickly hits the left side ropes and launches himself toward Rude, connecting with a beautiful Orange Slice! Not satisfied, O’Reilly sits Rick back up and hits the ropes, connecting with another Orange Slice! Kyle goes for the cover now.

ONE!


TWO!


NO!

Rude gets the shoulder up as O’Reilly creates some distance between them. The two men walk towards one another now, Rick putting up the NWO hand sign again as this time, Kyle returns it. As the fans cheer, suddenly Rude kicks him in the stomach and connects with Mama Sweeney’s Secret Recipe! As the fans are booing intensely, Rick looks down at Kyle, reminding him that he’d do anything before rolling him over and going for the cover.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!

DING DING!

KOR: 4
RUDE: 5

Tony Chimel: Fifty-one minutes have elapsed. Nine minutes remain.

Rude sits down in the nearest corner, both to take a breather and to bide his time as he smiles at the countdown clock.

Tom Phillips: Well whether you like it or not, that was clever thinking by Rick and he made sure it paid off for him as he’s up one fall and time’s almost up!

Mauro Ranallo: I’m thinking back to what Corey said earlier about Kyle feeling like he’s in a boss battle. I’d say that’s incredibly accurate, especially now.

Corey Graves: With less than ten minutes remaining you have to wonder, is the belt going back to Rude or somehow staying with Kyle?

Kyle stands up, looking at the countdown clock and the score. He then looks at Rick, who stands up himself. It’s time to determine who the rightful champion is. Kyle and Rude limp towards each other, their last gasp all that’s left in the tank as they’ve been running on empty for miles now. O’Reilly drops to his knees as Rick looks puzzled, then Kyle delivers a Headbutt to the groin. As Rude now falls to his knees, Kyle stands up and mockingly puts his hands on his head and gyrates his hips before standing Rick up, turning him and connecting with the Rude Awakening! He goes for the cover.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!

DING DING!

KOR: 5
RUDE: 5

Tony Chimel: Fifty-three minutes have elapsed. Seven minutes remain.

Kyle immediately transitions into an Armbar, cranking on the hold with all the might he has left in his body.

Tom Phillips: This is Kyle’s last chance to get ahead, otherwise this ends in a tie!

Mauro Ranallo: To put up this much of a fight for this long only to remain champion on a technicality would surely be a slap in Kyle’s face.

Corey Graves: Not to count out “Ravishing” Rick Rude and say he’s already lost this one, but one has to wonder who gets next crack at the Intercontinental Championship and if they’ll fight anywhere near this hard!

Much like earlier, Kyle is able to pop Rude’s arm out of its socket only this time, he doesn’t relent and keeps cranking on the hold! Rick is in arguably the most pain he’s ever been in in his entire career, but he’s refusing to tap out! Kyle looks like he’s going to crank until the arm comes off entirely but Rude looks like he’d be alright with that. It’s like the two men promised one another: whatever it takes.

Tom Phillips: Neither man are giving in! Are we going to see them go until their bodies quit?

Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia, if the noise in here wasn’t so loud I have no doubt you could hear the tendons about to break!

Corey Graves: This is insanity but I love it!

Realization soon sets in on the face of the former Intercontinental Champion as he sees he’s got to save his arm to fight another day. But he feels no shame because he’s come this far, he’s fought this hard, and he kept his word to give Kyle everything he’s got. Rick starts tapping out.

DING DING!

KOR: 6
RUDE: 5

Tony Chimel: Fifty-six minutes have elapsed. Four minutes remain.

O’Reilly releases the hold and sits there looking at Rude. His friend has earned new respect on this night.

Tom Phillips: Well it’s seemingly all over but the crying but I think it’s safe to say they’ll be tears of joy!

Mauro Ranallo: I agree. Rick Rude might not be leaving Intercontinental Champion tonight, but it’s staying in the NWO.

Corey Graves: Kind of a flat ending just letting the clock run out though.

Kyle helps Rick to his feet and brings him in for a hug but Rude reverses and connects with the Rude Awakening! Rick starts putting the boots to O’Reilly as the crowd boos this. Rude grabs O’Reilly and brings him to a vertical base, then connects with another Rude Awakening! Wanting to make damn sure he’s put away, Rick picks Kyle up and goes for a third Rude Awakening but the champ manages to slip out of it and reverses into a Blue Eyes Diabetic Dragon! Kyle falls into the cover.

ONE!


TWO!


THRE…NO!

Somehow, Rick Rude refuses to ride off into the sunset as he gets the shoulder up at the last possible moment. Kyle creates some distance but he’s spent, as is Rude, who no doubt used the last drop of his energy on getting the shoulder up. O’Reilly heads over to him anyway, delivering a stomp to the upper body. Rick finds the strength to sit up but then falls flat on his back. Kyle collapses on top of him in a last second cover attempt.

ONE!


TWO!


THREE!

DING DING!

KOR: 7
RUDE: 5

As the score displays one last time, the ring bell sounds again.

DING DING DING!

Tony Chimel: Here is your winner and STILL the Intercontinental Champion: Kyle O’Reilly!



Tom Phillips: What. A. War. That’s all that can be said.

Mauro Ranallo: And that wasn’t even our main event! There’s more to come!

Corey Graves: I love this job!




We cut to a dark backstage area, Very little light...

A familiar but changed figure emerges into the light—Leyton Buzzard. He looks different, more composed, more lighter... As if his burden has been lifted an uneasy aura as he looks down and begins to speak as if he is praying, Head down and not paying any heed to the camera in front of him...

Leyton Buzzard:
"It’s been months, hasn’t it? Months since the world saw the end of the old Leyton Buzzard. Months since I freed myself from the lies that chained and that held me down, and the chains that bound me to Trevor Lee. And in those months, I have found a new purpose, a new clarity. The old Leyton Buzzard is dead and gone, buried in the ashes of the past. You see, I've spent these months in exile reflecting embracing the clarity that comes with true freedom. I am no longer bound by the ghosts of my past."

"Trevor Lee... was a name that once haunted my every waking moment. A name that represented everything I had to overcome, everything I had to become. But now, he's just a memory. A ghost lingering in the shadows of his own failure."

"To those who thought I was broken, lost in the madness... look at me now..."

Buzzard pauses for but a moment as he looks towards the camera, His demeanor reverts back for a moment as he wants everyone to look at him, He arms are now crossed...



"LOOK AT ME NOW!  I can't be ignored, I won't be ignored. I've been a New Class of Wrestler, I've been a BASTARD, and an uncrowned champion. But now, I've reached peak enlightenment. Now, I stand before you as a harbinger of a new era, an era where the past no longer dictates my future. . ."

Leyton’s voice drops to a whisper, yet his words carry a powerful weight.

"Prepare yourselves, for ONLY just now the era of the enlightened has begun."

With that, Leyton Buzzard steps back,  the camera lingering as the scene fades to black.




The floodlights illuminating the Colosseum dim while a single spotlight illuminates the throne, robe and crown awaiting the winner of this year's tournament.



The Italian fans scream and cheer in their strange language, stoked as all stoked to see which superstar will be adorned in the royal get-up once the dust settles.



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.



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.





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!'.

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.

Tony Chimel stands betwixt the competitors to get this party started.

Chimel: The following contest is set for one-fall and is the final match of the 2024 King of the Ring Tournament!

Another road of cheers from the Roman crowd. Tony points towards one corner.

Chimel: Introducing first, from Kyoto, Japan, weighing in at 229 pounds...Shinsuke...Nakamura!

Nakamura bows snake-ily like he does, coming back up with twisted grin on his mug. Tony points towards the other corner.

Chimel: And his opponent, hailing from The Northern Realms... weighing in at a mighty 235 pounds... he is 'THE MIGHTY' CAAAALEB!

"SKAL" chants fill the ancient arena when the man from the Northern Realms raises his fist high in the air. Tony steps out out of the ring and after ensuring both competitors are good to go, the Referee calls for the bell.




 VS 


DING DING


Clouds have been gathering over the City of Seven Hills all night. They've chased the sun over the horizon and hushed the moon. There's a low rumble of thunder out over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its been ages since the Roman fans were treated to big time wrestling show from the UWF. Even after a night of epic action, they're hungry for one more match. Filling the Colosseum with the same rabid enthusiasm they would bring to a football match, there's an undeniable energy in the air - just as electric, spontaneous and unpredictable as the storm brewing off the coastline.

The King of Strong Style rolls his neck around side-to-side - slowly, smirking, anticipating the weight of the crown.

The King of the Northern Realm puffs hot air from his nostrils like a bothered animal offering a territorial tell before it charges.

They put their hands up, ready to fight to find out which man will be this year's King of the Ring.


Ranallo: To say there's a "big match feel" here tonight in Rome would be an understatement. We've seen every company championship contested already - the stage has been set for Summerslam save for one final piece. Who will be coronated as this summer's royalty and who will establish themselves as the Number One Contender for the UWF Championship. Fellas, who do ya got?

Phillips: Let me answer that question with an interesting stat first, Mauro - The Mighty Caleb has never lost a one-on-one match on pay-per-view in the near-year he's been with the organization. Simply put, when the pressure's on and the lights are brightest, it takes an army to bring this man down, and even then, he's only losing those matches when someone else gets pinned!

Graves: And Nakamura hasn't lost once since coming back to the UWF. He's had his share of respectable stints here and all over the world, but this Shinsuke Nakamura we're bearing witness to now is the living, breathing, definition of "dialed in". He is dangerous in a way that this all-timer roster can't seem to wrap its head around and if anyone's going to break The Mighty One's streak that you mentioned, its going to be The King of Strong Style.


The competitors come forward - cautiously. They're each experienced vets who, despite the confidence they're coming into the tournament finals with, know better than to underestimate their opponent. A few slight feints, a few steps in and out to gauge reactions. Nakamura throws the first strike - a calf kick at half-speed to measure distance and keep The Mighty One honest. Caleb circles around, no-selling the blow. Shinsuke sends his next straight up the middle, directly towards the solarplexus. The former TV Champ swats the foot away like an annoying fly, then steps forward to lock-up. Nakamura hastily backs away, not ready for that quite yet.


Ranallo: I think I speak for the fans as well as for myself when I say this, but my mental image of The Mighty Caleb is always one of a giant. He's as sturdy as sturdy gets and certainly boasts the weight advantage here, but side-by-side, you can see that Nakamura is the taller - and certainly longer man.

Phillips: That's true, Mauro. Caleb is more of a cannoball, where as Nakamura's a javelin.

Graves: Shinsuke has an extensive background in mixed-martial arts, too, and you can see he's making use of that to keep The Mighty Caleb at bay. He's gonna want to to pick the guy apart from a distance early on - the last thing he needs it get caught up trading big moves with a bonafide hoss.


Nakamura throws a few more kicks while evading his foe, but soon enough, Caleb backs him towards a corner, leaving the Japanese superstar little choice but to lock-up. What starts as a tentative Greco-Roman hastily transitions in a waistlock when Caleb showcases some of his surprising nimbleness to take the back. Nakamura sits down on his hips, keeping his weight low to fend of a German Suplex and works the grip by prying at the fingers. Stormbringer abandons the positional leverage he'd need for that suplex and instead starts to work more of a Bear Hug, squeezing the ribs with his beefy arms. A wince slips past the mouthguard from Nakamura, who hurries up on trying to break himself loose.

Finally managing to snap the grip, Shinsuke instantly zeroes on the left arm of his fellow finalist, working a standing, straight hold that whirls into a Hammerlock the second Caleb shows signs of wriggling out. The Mighty One drops to a knee to afford himself some leverage to fight his way out. Nakamura's a hard cat to read most days - even so, its clear by the veins bulging in his forehead and neck that he's got his work cut out for him with the pound-for-pound strongest man on the roster (legend has it, anyway).

When the King of Strong Style endeavours to twist the limb again for more torque, Caleb counters and wrenches his opponent's arm instead. Nakamura wows the capacity crowd by cartwheeling through for a reversal of his own, then catches The Mighty One off-guard and off-balance with a headlock takeover!

Dragging Caleb to the canvas, Shinsuke goes for an early cover...



1...



Caleb counters by stunningly getting his legs up to scissor Nakamura's head! He pries the guy off an puts him in an uncommon sort of pinning predicament, tit for tat. The Ref is right there to count it...



1...



Nakamura gets out of that spot in a flash. Both men roll away from each other to avoid any reprisals. The Viking clamours to a vertical base while Shinsuke Nakamura spins out to stylishly crouch like he does. The competitors stare each other down - a half-ringwidth apart while the Roman fans applaud the exchange. Lightning flares in the distance, closer now.


Phillips: So about dead even so far...

Ranallo: Tom, I think Caleb showing he has what it takes to go toe-to-toe in the grappling department with a technician like Shinsuke might actually give him the mental edge.

Graves: I'd counter that in all likelihood, Nakamura is just toying with him. The King of Strong Style is so far beyond everyone else in the locker room that he needs to make a game out of this sport just to keep himself entertained.

Phillips: Yeah, but how many times have we heard guys talk like that just to watch them get humbled?


What follows is what you'd expect from elites wrasslers competing at the highest level. There's another lock-up. More holds are exchanged. Nakamura's speed and wit - the factors that have stymied so many of his opponents up to this point - find a formidable foil in The Mighty Caleb who seems to have an answer for everything. Conversely, Stormbringer can't seem to keep his hands on the other Finalist long enough to land any of high his high-impact power moves.

While headlocks, armbars, flash-pins and even a striking battle or two more or less all end in stalemates, it becomes apparent that it will either take a grave mistake or high risk maneuver to see either man truly pull ahead. As the minutes roll by, the Italian faithful inch closer to the edges of their seats, anxious to see something give while outside the ancient stone walls of the arena, the clouds invade the sky above the capital.

Eventually, the two wind up in another lock-up. Sure footing and proper technique are abandoned by the tiring and now-frustrated athletes. There's a chaotic scrambling, more a stubborn waltz than the positional gameplay they were trained for, and it sees them spiraling haphazardly into the ropes. They're both leaning up against the cables, stuck with and on each other, forcing the Referee to come in to break things up.

The Third Man actually has to give up on his own five count when he realizes a double-DQ would cause a riot - and because they amicable untying of limbs is a tedious and delicate process. After a moment, and with some help from the Ref, Nakamura and Caleb are finally split apart. The former makes the most of the opening and tags his rival with a hard slap across the face.


Ranallo: Oooof! There's some straight up disrespect from Nakamura!

Phillips: What kinda crazy do you have to be to do something like that to a guy like The Mighty Caleb?


The King of the Northern Realms responds like you'd expect. As the Official crouches to get out of harm's way, Caleb reaches over, grabs hold Nakamura and straight up biel tosses him across the ring. Shinsuke skids across the canvas like a curling rock. He's quick to get back to his feet, but The Mighty One is just as quick to get to him, blasting him across the head with a Skullsplitter!

His rendition of the Knee Trembler has his opponent seeing stars. Caleb's dang near frothing at the mouth. He takes hold of Nakamura, brings him in close and tight, hooks his arms and bashes his brains out with a headbutt or two. Or three. Four? Who's counting? The Italian fans, that's who, and in numbers you've never even heard of.

After what was probably ten, Caleb, who himself is a little wobbly after all that cranial trauma, whips Nakamura towards the ropes. Shinsuke's legs take him that far, working mechanically to support a barely conscious body, but he catches himself on the cables without bouncing back. Chances are he wouldn't have even made it that far.

The Mighty Caleb shakes the cobwebs then pursues, following up with a running lariat across the torso of the man from Kyoto. Shinsuke coughs out a lungful or two of air when he gets hit. The force nearly sends him over the top to the floor. Caleb pulls him back in, wanting to keep things in the squared circle proper. As he goes for a follow-up, however, Nakamura manages to plant his feet in an attempt to whip the guy away for some much-needed space. Stormbringer goes with the flow just so he can transition around into a Ragnorok DDT!


Phillips: Caleb with the Float-Over! Nice one!

Ranallo: Looks like he's going for the cover after that!


The Mighty One rolls Nakamura over and shoots the half...



1...



2...



Rather than expend to energy to get a shoulder up from beneath the brute, Shinsuke simply flicks his long leg out to land on the bottom rope. The Ref clocks it and calls off the count. An irked Caleb shakes his head, refusing to let that stop him. He snags that leg, hooks it tight, and tries for another pin...



1...



With one arm dedicated to the leg, Caleb has left the other wide open for an attack. Nakamura springs like a mousetrap and grabs the wrist with a double grip, wrenching at an awkward angle. The Mighty Caleb rolls backwards as he tries to shake his opponent off.


Graves: Nakamura counters with the Kimura! Ingenious!

Ranallo: That was a masterful play by Shinsuke, and exactly what he needed to get back in this thing.


The Mighty Caleb is doing everything he can to escape the hold but Nakamura is locked in tight. Nervous fans chomp at their fingernails like popcorn (cause they don't do popcorn in Italy (probably)) while they bare witness to what could well be the closing stretch of this contest.

There's a stress and an agony written all over The Hammer's face, but a resilience, too. He won't stop fighting. Won't stop struggling. Won't stop looking for a way out, even if it means having his arm teared out of its socket.

With all his wriggling and writhing, Nakamura finds the space to transition from the double wristlock to a Cross Armbreaker - one of his preferred submission techniques. He yanks back hard. Someone, Caleb has the wherewithal to lean up and over his foe to alleviate some of the pressure before his limb snaps. Unfortunately for hmi, Shinsuke has an answer for that, too, and swiftly pivots to apply a Triangle Choke instead.


Graves: The Mighty Caleb is in Shinsuke Nakamura's world now. Look, I'm as impressed and amazed as anyone that he was keeping pace on the feet, but now that the grappling is happening on the ground? I mean look, you can see for yourself. Its just a matter of time, now.

Ranallo: No doubt that the former Television Champion is in dire straits here. He needs to find a way to get out of the frying pan ASAP or he's going to be cooked!


Nakamura shouts "COME ON" after the Referee checks with Caleb about quitting and receives and empirical "thumbs down" in response. Tightening his hold around the neck, Shinsuke applies as much pressure as he can muster, indifferent to the method in which he wins the crown, so long as he does. Submission, stoppage, pin... the guy isn't picky, he just wants results.

There's no time to look it up now, but odds are Caleb has never lost a match by submission. Fact check at your leisure. Either way, he certainly doesn't want to tap out in the main event of Final Battle in the last match of the King of the Ring tournament inside the Roman Colosseum. He's losing air. His hands are going numb. There isn't much gas in the tank. But they don't call him The Regular Caleb, now do they?

With a barbaric yawp that would make Whitman proud, the Viking gets his feet beneath himself and stands up. Slowly. Real slowly. But surely. Real surely. Nakamura refuses to release the hold so he has to come along for the ride, knowing that Caleb might still pass out any second now.

Deadlifting Nakamura up above his head, even with that Triangle Choke still locked on tight, The Mighty Caleb lives up to his name and friggin powerbombs his opponent right back into the canvas! Thunder erupts in the near-distance to accompany the impact while the fans scream "SKAL" at the astounding barbarian.


Ranallo: Just over twenty years to the day after Rampage Jackson stunned the world, They Mighty Caleb hits a Rampage Slam of his own!

Phillips: And in doing so, breaks out of the submission in the most Caleb way possible!


The Triangle Choke is lost. Nakamura is splayed out on the canvas like roadkill. Stormbringer takes a deep breath to get some airflow back into his body then sprawls for the cover...



1...



2...



Nakamura kicks out at two!


Caleb flops backs, exhausted from the effort of the big move with the lack of oxygen. Nakamura isn't going anywhere fast, either. The Referee does a quick check on both men, and after determining that an immediate stoppage isn't necessary, opts for a ten count.



1...



2...



3...



There's some rolling and writhing, but nothing in the way of vertical movement yet...



4...



5...



Ranallo: In the entire history of the UWF, we've yet to see a King of the Ring tournament end in a tie or a no-contest.

Phillips: Which is pretty remarkable given that back in 2018 it nearly involved axe-murder.

Graves: I don't think we have a protocol in place for a non-decisive finish. Where would that leave us? A three-way main event at Summerslam?

Ranallo: Never mind Summerslam, we only have one crown to hand out tonight!




6...



Nakamura finally sits up. He clutches the back of his neck with one hand and hugs his ribs with the other.



7...



Caleb gets to a knee, still huffing and puffing after nearly being chocked unconscious.



8...



Nakamura finds his way to a feet. His legs are shaky most nights, but there's something less intentional about all that wobbliness this time. He looks over at The Mighty One, who it seems just might not have enough juice in the jug left to stand tall. Shinsuke made it to the finals when the Referee called off a match - he might just win the whole thing the same way.



9...



No! Caleb explodes up and forward like a cannonball being shot out of a cannon! He smashes into Nakamura with a lariat that has all of his weight and all the mustard he could manage behind it. The blow turns Nak inside out and the dude spills to the canvas with all the constitution of a banana peel. Stormbringer makes a cover...



1...



2...



Shinsuke gets the shoulder up!

Caleb has found a second wind, though. He's drawn on some energy from the bowels of his own personal Helheim to fight his way back into this match. He immediately stand up and pulls his opponent there with him, throwing back his head and calling "SKAL" to the dark and stormy night as he hooks the head and grabs some tights.


Phillips: Looks like he's going for the Valhammer!

Ranallo: And this is the last place Shinsuke wanted to be - prone in the hands of The Mighty One where he could execute his high-impact offense.



Caleb elevates Shinsuke to send him to the next life with his rendition of the Jackhammer. When he gets the man upside down, however, Nakamura wriggles his way loose and slips off to apply a Sleeper hold!

The fans can't believe their eyes! Once again, the Viking is in grave danger of being choked out cold. Caleb ain't about to let that happen, though. He fights like a demon to break that grip around his neck. Nakamura lets him do so, but only so he can bring him down with a Single Knee Backstabber!

Stormbringer's spine bends funny against the shinbone of the Prime Time Medalist. The Italians groan at the sickly sight of the awkward landing. Nakamura doesn't try for a cover even though it hit flush. Instead, he grabs the neck and drags his foe right back to a standing position. Caleb isn't putting up much of a struggle now - he's too rattled from that slam. That gives Shinsuke the opening to snag the requisite body parts so that he pull off an Inverted Exploder!


Phillips: Oh my goodness! How did Nakamuara do that?!?!

Graves: He's no body builder but Nakamura's a master of leverage, and that's all it takes, Phillips.


The fans are stunned by Nakamura flipping The Mighty Caleb head over heels with the massive suplex. Again, the man from Kyoto shirks any attempt at shooting the half and instead heads directly for the corner to line up the killing shot. He crouches down, slides back and forth, contorts his face and styles like only he can style as he prepares to knock his fellow finalist out cold with the deadliest maneuver in his arsenal.


Kinshasa.


The Mighty Caleb is having a hard time getting in line to take it. He's tries to find his footing but collapses. The Ref comes in to check on him while Nakamura screams at his foe to get up. The fans of the The Hammer are pleading with him to roll out of the ring and recuperate, while those in attendance cheering for Nakamura or just hoping for some top notch violence are foaming at the mouth in anticipation of seeing a highlight reel KO to finish off the tournament. The storm is close now. The gaps between lightening flash and thunder boom are marginal in the streets surrounding the Colosseum. Dogs howl and so does the wind.

Nakamura's leg is shaking like another king - the one of Rock n' Roll. Caleb finally turns around and Nakamura throws his arm across his body - one last taunt before dashing forward to finish the job.

His knee never finds its target. Caleb pulls a spear out of nowhere and cuts him off mid-ring by converting this wrestling contest into a demolition derby.


Ranallo: Gungnir! Gungnir! Gungnir!

Phillips: The Mighty Caleb counters the Kinshasa with a Spear to stay in this thing and that may be it!


The Spear obliterates Nakamura but lands Caleb almost a ring-width away from him, so there's no cover to follow. As their bodies decorate the canvas, thunder trembles the stone walls of the arena and the first rain drops cross the threshold, pitter-pattering at first like the tepid footsteps of scouts - the full battalion soon follows as the rainstorm overtakes the Colosseum.


Graves: Did anyone pack an umbrella?

Ranallo: Folks, the weather may have turned on us but rest assured, we'll be sticking with this match until the bitter end!


In a matter of seconds, the canvas is drenched in the downpour. Nakamura's raven hair, already mattered with sweat, is soaked anew and plastered against his face. He spits out a mouthful of blood as he uses the ropes to get back to his feet, unbothered by the rain but flummoxed by an opponent who keeps on finding a way to outdo him.

Caleb is slow and steady in finding his feet again as well. He pauses to let some rain water pool in his open and upright palms, like this shift in atmosphere is a gift from his pagan gods to be acknowledged before continuing on in battle. Once it has, he looks up and across the ring at the man standing between him and the crown. The stare is returned from the far side.

Meeting each other in the center, the Finalists exchange laboured blows one at a time - Caleb's like cudgels, Nakamura's like whips cracking. A wicked snap of a chop shreds the broad chest of the Viking. He retaliates with a caber of a forearm that 180's the undefeated superstar. Caleb grabs him from behind, looking like he might be going for a Saito suplex. Shinsuke grounds himself with a shift in weight, takes a headlock and feeds his foe two quick shots to the the face with the free hand to break loose.

Nakamura then runs for the ropes. Despite the rain drenching the mat, his footing his sure and he comes back sprinting. An attempted flying forearm is snuffed out when The Mighty One catches him out of the air and spins around, going for the Hel Rider!


Phillips: Hel Rider! Right out of the air!

Ranallo: Nakamura jumped right into it!


Shinsuke rakes the eyes to throw his opponent off and slides free before a full rotation can be completed. Nakamura thinks he has enough of an opening to go for a Landslide, but the slam is blocked by the heftier man, who then also winds Shinsuke with a significant knee to the stomach.

Once the Prime Time Medalist is doubled over, Caleb jams the guy's head between his legs. He wastes no time in flipping him up and over to perch on his shoulders - keeping him there for a half-second and then crushing him with a Sit-Out Powerbomb!

The landing is perfect for a pin attempt...



1...



2...



Nakamura rolls a shoulder up at two! Lightning continues to chew through the sky overhead. The rain shows no signs of slowing. An unflappable Caleb wipes it from his brow and stays on the offensive, scraping Shin off of the wet canvas to bring him over towards one of the corners. He lifts the Japanese Superstar up on to the top of the buckle so that he's sitting there and facing towards the crowd. The Mighty One keeps him cooperative by blasting him across the back with two nasty forearm clubs.


Phillips: We don't see Caleb go to the top rope often, but when he does, it usually means the end if near.

Graves: He's hit Shinsuke Nakamura with everything he's got and it still hasn't been enough. Obviously he's getting desperate.


Caleb steps up on to the intersecting second ropes, a foot on each side as he lifts Shinsuke up. Somehow, even this deep in the match, he's strong as a horse, and with a great heave, he jumps off and slams Nakamura down with a Middle Rope Powerslam!

The squared circle rattles under the weight of two bodies landing. Accumulated rain water splashes up in a wave around the impact zone. The Mighty One stands up over his crumpled enemy but only so he can crumple him some more with a Jotun Stomp ahead of trying for a cover...



1...



2...



Nakamura kicks a leg out and its enough to stop the count.


Ranallo: There just can't be much more left in Nakamura. The human body can only take so much!

Phillips: I think Caleb is ready to put the finish touches on this...


Stormbringer clenches his fist defiantly - that starts up a "SKAL" chant among the Italians who are weathering the rainfall to watch this clash play out. Prying Nakamura off the mat again, Caleb once again goes for the Valhammer, hooking the tights and wrapping an arm around the head to start things off with a vertical suplex...

And once again, Shinsuke manages to escape, though this time its by blasting the skull of his foe with a knee and then sliding down the front.

Nakamura then stumbles towards one of the corners. The King of the Northern Realms purses him there. Shinsuke braces himself with both arms on the top ropes then leans back to cut off the incoming Viking with stereo boots to the face. He hops on to the second ropes to follow up. Caleb never lets him, yanking those boots right back down to the mat then flattening him against the post with a lariat.

The Mighty One steps aside and lets Nakamura stagger towards the middle, where he collapses. Defying gravity and expectations reserved for a man of his build, the former TV Champ then scales the buckle on rung at a time to find himself a perch at the top. He stands tall there, rain spattering off of his shoulders and head while he lines up his target below...


Phillips: Its gonna be the Skull Seeker!

Ranallo: Its a rare sight to see The Mighty One fly, but it was how he got through the first round against two all-timers, so perhaps its fitting that this is the way he wins the King of the Ring!


With the capacity crowd still chanting "SKAL", Caleb jumps through the night just as another flash of lightning cracks the sky. His monstrous frame careens through the air...


... and hits nothing but drenched canvas when Nakamura rolls out of the way!


Caleb is banged up from the bad landing and Shinsuke capitalizes fast - snagging him, rolling him over and hooking both legs extra dip for the flash pin...



1...



2...



But Caleb escapes!

Nakamura doesn't let up! He hops into a full mount and unleashes a torrential onslaught of elbow strikes to the face that fall as frenzied and fast as the rain drops. The crowd tries to count along but can't keep up, and only when Shinsuke draws blood does he roll off of his foe.

He doesn't let up, though. Shinsuke heaves his opponent off the ground and with a grunt lifts the Mighty One up on to his shoulders, draping him there...


Ranallo: I can't believe Nakamura has found the strength to do this...

Graves: This is what the great ones do, Mauro - they make something from nothing when all the chips are on the table.


Nakamura cries out like a wild animal as he thrusts Caleb over his shoulders and blasts him across the bloodied face with a G.T.S.! The knee lands flush but before the barely-conscious Viking can even hit the ground, Shinsuke grabs him and lifts him up once more to annihilate him with a Landslide!

The ring quakes under the slam! Nakamura covers...



1...



Phillips: That's it! Its all over!



2...



Graves: And your winner of the King of the Ring tournament is...



Nobody yet! The Mighty Caleb lives up to his name once again and kicks out at a late two!

The fans erupt like that nearby Volcano famously did one time. Its impossible. Nakamura is awestruck. Even the Referee looks surprised. Shinsuke puts a hand to his mouth. He's at a loss for words. In both languages.


Ranallo: Kurt Angle. Goldberg. The Great Khali. Vinny Marseglia. Aleister Black. Edge. Kyle O'Reilly. These are the names of the men who have been coronated King of the Ring and tonight, come hell or high water - and folks, its favouring the latter - we'll see one of these two crowned.

Phillips: The field couldn't have been more stacked and you couldn't ask for two more gam competitors here in the finals. As has been said already - Nakamura has been unstoppable since returning to action and for the better part of a year now, The Mighty Caleb has been as dominant as dominant gets. At the onset of the match, it was a pick'em. And now, even this deep into it... I genuinely don't know what its going to take for either man to keep to other down.


Nakamura looks towards the corner, having the answer to Tom's question in store. It'll have to been the Kinshasa. That's the last bullet left in the chamber. If he's going to King, then his opponent will have to Take A Knee.

As he's headed off in that direction, however, Caleb reaches out - somehow, he reaches out -  and grabs the tights to pull him back. Shinsuke turns around, regarding the interference the way one looks a dog shit on their shoe. He scrapes Stormbriner off in kind then walks away, flipping the rain out of his hair as he goes.

When he reaches the buckle to turn around, The Mighty One has already gotten up to stand again. He's breathing heavy. He's looking rough. Soaked, battered, dangerous close to collapse... but standing. Nakamura sneers, seeing his chance to hit his favoured strike has been spoiled by the stubborn toughness of his fellow finalist.

Shinsuke stomps back up to Caleb and just slaps him across the face, then points to the ground, letting him know that's where he belongs. The Mighty One responds to that insult in the way of the Northern Realm...

With a Headbutt!

His forehead smashes into Nakamura's chest, sending him back a few steps. Caleb reaches out, grabs his arm, and whips him into the ropes. Shinsuke can't help but bounce right back into the waiting grip of The Mighty One, who then spins him like a tornado ahead of hitting the Hel Rider...

There's too much, and between the weather and the body heat of the the competitors - not to mention the atmosphere of thousands and thousands of surrounding bodies - there's a steam in the air. A cloud. Enough to - along with the rapid rotation of two bodies - distract the Referee's attention. There's only so much he can focus on in the storm and amidst the violence. And with Caleb's face already bleeding, you can see why he would miss the Red Mist spraying from Nakamura's mouth as the King of Strong Style is being flung around.

The Mighty Caleb takes a faceful of Dokugiri - its masked behind a headbutt of Nakamura's own. As far as the Referee and the better part of the crowd knows, that's the sole reason why Caleb drops his opponent before he can hit his most powerful attack.

But drop him he does. Shinsuke skids across the canvas to get the requisite amount of distance. Caleb's clutching at his eyes as he falls to a one knee, unaware of what's about to hit him. Nakamura doesn't bother with all the pageantry and posing this time. He just rushes in for the kill...


Graves: KINSHAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAAA~~~~!!!!!!!!!!!

Ranallo: MAMA MIA!


The knee cracks as loud as the thunder in the night and knocks The Mighty Caleb out cold. Nakamura hooks both legs as deep as he call pull 'em while the Referee makes the count, hand splashing with each hit...



1...



2...



3...



DING DING




YOUR WINNER OF THE 2024 KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT...
THE KING OF STRONG STYLE
SHINSUKE NAKAMURA


The fans go wild - its a mixed wild, but a loud one. Many are screaming at the Referee about the mist. The ones that didn't see it are so enraptured by the quality of the contest that they can't understand why anyone would be booing.

Just because the match is over, doesn't mean that the storm is. Shinsuke is presented his crown by the Referee - he takes it away and, like Napoleon, coronates himself while the rain continues to crash around him.


Ranallo: Shinsuke Nakamura remains undefeated in 2024 to win the King of the Ring tournament after an immeasurably hard-fought battle against The Mighty Caleb.

Graves: Between this and his Prime Time Medal, he's the top Contender for two different championships and they might as well give him a shot at the third one, too, because he's the best in the world today.

Phillips: Did you two not see the Red Mist? Nakamura cheated! Just like Edge in '22 and Khali in '16 - the integrity of the crown is spoiled by -

Graves: History remembers victors, Phillips - it doesn't matter how they won, only that they won.


Caleb rolls to the outside, half-conscious and half-blinded. Nakamura continues to celebrate in the ring as the storm rolls on. He's soaking it all in as his music blasts through the Colosseum. Eventually, he heads up the ramp to find his throne. He sits there and surveys the ring and the ancient arena around it. The King of Strong Style is the new King of the Ring as Final Battle comes to a close.




END OF SHOW


Credits


Orton vs Shibata - Gunn
Rhea/Hayter vs Guerrero's - Danny
Rollins vs Reigns - AndyDNU
Zayn vs Balor - CWalker
Knight vs Ciampa - Crann
Rude vs O'Reilly - Dresden
Nakamura vs Caleb, Fatal 4 Way - Fauche

[AndyDNU]

Lots of tasty offerings on this big show. Been spending the last couple of weeks trying to get back up to speed with what’s been going on after a short period away and have to say most of what’s been taking place has been pretty darn awesome.

Seeing Zayn as a champion (not including Forever) is going to be interesting to see going forward and how that adds to/changes the dynamic of the character.

I had missed that Hayter & Ripley had adopted the Daughters of Darkness name but I’m all here for it. A solid win tonight and something to build on.

Shame to get a PPV squash but I’m looking forward to seeing more of the Bron, Brock & Orton trio as there’s lots of potential there for big things.

Good overall start to things for D’Angelo although it’s going to be a big challenge to get the PTM off of Nakamura. Looking forward to that match when it comes our way.

Enjoyed writing the Reigns-Rollins bout. Two guys I was keen to try and write for and put a certain take on to best contrast their styles. The surprise ending has got me excited about what’s next for these guys.

Been fun to catch up on the Ciampa-Knight rivalry and have enjoyed the efforts put in by Cwalker and Gunn for this programme. A nice match and a big win for LA to send him into Summerslam with the gold still in his possession.

Can’t give enough praise to the IC title Ironman bout. A match/thread of the night, month & year contender for sure. Hats off to Chewie & Fauche for the work put into this one and to Dres for writing a killer bout.

Didn’t envy Danny having to pick a winner for KOTR because even before the tournament started both Rey and Sam were on top of their game and it’s something they’ve both managed to keep going and going. The standard is so high and although it’s Nakamura who has picked up the win I think there’s still big things in the pipeline for Caleb providing there’s no change in characters in the pipeline.

All in all a fun show and I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things again. Enjoy the rest of your respective week’s folks.

[Jimmy Uso]

The Daughters of Darkness you may have defeated The Guerrero but you haven't defeated my one on one streak cause earlier at Final Battle that was just a tag team No DQ so why don't Rhea or Jamie Hayter fight me in a one-on-one match and a No DQ if I lose then I'll join your Daughter of Darkness however if I win then you two will be apart of The LWO group at Revolution

[Xander]

Jimmy please stop hitting your head against metal things so much

[Fauche]

Shout outs in order of appearance:

Shout out to Cwalker for going the extra mile and adding some commentary in the entrances. Shout to ada on a solid reign with the TV belt since Mania and to Danny for winning it. I figure the Zayn 3 tt ppv rule is great for that belt if its gonna stir up some deep thread action to see it change hands. Make 'em work for it, whoever 'em may be. Sami's as good as characters get, in any other circumstances would've been world champ by now probs, great to see him finally win a real singles belt. Balor's first two TV title reigns when Willybounce were all about him relying on the Mafia - might could be a cool story for ada to lean into with a lot of interference costing him his strap now that he's going it alone but idk that's just some armchair quarterbacking for ya.

Shoutout to Jamie Hayter on getting that tag team win. Time to bring back the tag division? Soon? We gotta be due. RIP to Eve's undefeated streak. Nothing gold can stay. Big fan of Corey Graves getting extra involved in this one. And of course shoutout to my boy Jimmy for his ceaseless tenacity and his wonderfully creative mind and never-say-die attitude. You're my inspiration.

Skipping over the Rude seggy for now cause I'll gush later.

Shout to to Xander for racking up another ppv W with Orton. Dude's got himself a good streak building up with those. Bummer about Roach being all unavailable and stuff, hopefully this isn't the bitter end for Shibata cause I do love me some Shibata.

Shout out Evolution J by kicking off a promo having Rollins introduce himself as Italy's holy savior / Messiah. That's heat, brother. On the other hand, the whole world is begging you not to colour the font of the action between dialogue sections. Squinting past the shoehorning of the SHIELD into fed cannon and focusing on the more recent Revolution history between these guy to justify Rollins' whole vibe in this feud. Just kidding who even cares, right? This Rollins is Evolution's best character so far, and while he'll always live in the shadow of his bro's Hornswoggle, this Seth ain't nothing to sneeze at.

Shout out to Dres, Master of Brevity, for out-brevitying himself by giving us a Vincent one-liner promo. Vincent's a guy who could rant and rave all about his accolades or spend several paragraphs playing up some cult leader, scary monster kinda schtick, but omg if this isn't a fantastic case of less being more. No idea what Vincent's gonna look like or be up to when he gets back to action and these little teases over the past month and change have been great at building the anticipation without revealing too much.

Shout to Leedles on picking up that win and Prizz Tizz Mizzle shot with it. I really liked having Tony play up the Italian connection for a ppv in Rome in the tt. Awesome attention to detail, fantastic way to give your guy a little something extra to talk about in a match that wasn't like, ya know, like a "feud" kinda match, if ya nah mean? Bummer about the turnout but life's busy. Shout out to Jye's Juice who I have loved but apparently might not be long for the world but if he's sticking around even a little bit more then get a entrance in that profile page, brother.

Shout out to Gunn who has made chicken salad out of chickens and salad with this Don gimmick. Glass half full in this promo is that Ciampa's planning for a future that may not include a world title around his waist and - spoiler alter - c'est la vie. But the other glass half full is that there's a whole other person who calls themself the Don of the UWF and if that's not the easiest feud in the world to book then idk what is.

Shout out to Evolution on picking up a win over Chase. That's gotta feel great. Big shocker of the night is the return of Dean Ambrose, who I think maybe might have won some titles back in the olden days but since we lost all that info there's no way to know for sure. When I skimmed over the show earlier today I was like "oh cool, Evolution is picking up Ambrose and adding him to his unit" but now idk if that even is the case. Like maybe Ambrose is just here as a plot device for this feud or maybe someone else has him. Or maybe it's J. Idk. Idk. Love the angle tho.

Shout out to Cwalker again (2/3 times tonight, I bet) for this rock solid promo here. I think I say this in most reviews I leave but on most shows I comment on there's a succinct, kinda flawless, couple paragrapher from Knight that's just spot on character work letting you know what's up. No need for bells or whistles or even a backstage interviewer for L....A.... to tell you the score. This more babyfaceier version of Knight still got edges to him too, just like in real life, and its so real dang good. I'm gonna one-two-skip-a-few segments and get straight to that UWF title match too and off another shout-out for the big win there. Ya'll had a great feud this month, built this one up well. Big win over a game opponent for Knight. "Ranallo (with fans): Yeah!" is a excellent touch on commentary.

Shout out to Andy for this heckuva return seggy for McIntyre and co. Pressing up on that reset button on the anniversary of the UWF title win to keep things fresh for Drew V2. Love seeing a dude stick with a character even after the world title run is over cause its never a guarantee. Def some tread left on the McIntyre tires, though. RIP to Stokely who was always a fun character to read and trash talk against.

Shout out Mattchewie for setting up and doing most of the work for this co-promo while I was weekending in scenic Saskatoon.

Shout out and cheers to Rey for this Nakamura promo cause "I am adorning myself with gold, first my neck...tonight my head, and very soon my waist." is a rad line. Also noteworthy here is to use of two different shades of red font in what I assume is an aggressive tactic to earn ground in the battle for red font supremacy this summer. Obviously this will all be settled at UCFW Summerfest '24.

6000 words and 7 pins and not one of them came from one of the Whale Breach moves are you kidding me? Nah but for real huge shout out to the Doctor for cooking up this classic of a match. Was stoked beyond stoked when I found out Dres was writing it and he put in a ton of work and I appreciate the heck out of it. So much story and history between all the action. We got call-backs galore and tie-ins to the the thread and a dag nasty fake heart attack spot. Its beautiful stuff. Wasn't really expecting that W though on account of how unreal good Mattchewie is. He pushed the pace in that thread, which I think has gotta be the highest word count for a 1v1 thread I've ever done ever. That thing was long. Shout out to Danny for reading it. Unless he didn't and just flipped a coin. I would get that. It was lots. Trying to navigate around some blurry heel/face and friend/rival/enemy/brother type dynamics over a bunch of rounds was super tricky but I had a blast doing it, without a doubt one of my fave threads ever with Kyle. This Rick Rude is the best.

I was about to chew out Jye for the red font but then oh snap he Dark Side of the Moon'd to classic blue so shout and respect for that. I'm a big ol' Leyton Buzzard fan, happy to have the guy back, sad to see Juice leave, insistent that you stick with this guy for the next 365 days minimum cause I bet you'll win belts and stuff.

Shout outs to Rey for winning the KOTR cause I think that's a first and its wild that there are still things he hasn't done yet and this was one of them and now its done and that's great. Sam ain't lose a one-on-one ppv match with Caleb until this, so a tip of the hat to that ridiculous streak and to Sam en general for his consistently mega solid take on a character that like nobody else could pull off at this level. Stacked tournament. Close threads all over the place. Two gnarly tt'ers in the finals. Something's gotta give. Nakamura's a tough nut to crack, the match with Knight at Summerslam should be the highest of high caliber. Also, its either the ninth or tenth anniversary of the Summerslam where Rey (Cody) retired Cwalker (Pope) I think, so ain't that something?!?

Final shout outs to the dudes who wrote matches you're wonderful. There's never a bad week to volunteer to write matches everyone should do that all the time when they can.

[Cwalker]

I think WrestleMania has some competition for Pay-Per-View of the year. From top to bottom this was a very well written show. The TV title match(which I wrote) is probably the weakest match on the entire card because everything else was amazing. 

I'll get into a few things before dishing out some congratulations.

Daughters of Darkness is such a badass name and it fits the duo of Rhea and Hayter perfectly. Gotta wonder what's next for the duo with the Guerreros in the rear view. Jamie has been chasing the TV title all year with no luck. Maybe the focus goes back to that.

Speaking of the TV title, it'll be interesting to see what happens now that it's in Danny's possession. When he won the Prime Time Medal last year, he turned around and dropped it relatively quickly. I wonder if that will be the case again. 

Xander picks up a huge win. He continues to roll as Orton. I know he was a little disappointed that he came up short in the KOTR but it's only a matter of time before he's fighting for the World Championship at this rate. I hope everything with Roach is cool cause I'm a huge fan of his Shibata. 

MrLeedles is back like he never left, picking up a huge win over 3 other premier trash talkers. The Don has only been here a short while but has already made his presence known. Tapout's Logan Paul has a ton of potential and I expect big things in the future. Meanwhile. Jye is over here dropping ANOTHER character that I was thoroughly enjoying. But you can't go wrong with Buzzard. Some characters just feel like home. 

We go from one Don winning to another Don hoping he wins(not sure if that was intentional but a nice touch). Despite the character work from LA Knight, Gunn is very good and very consistent as Ciampa. His story arc from losing to Sam at the Royal Rumble last year to getting another title match here made me even want to see him win the Championship. I know it's only a matter of time before he does. 

The Seth Rollins/Roman Reigns match was an interesting one. I don't know if there's Shield lore in UWF but I know it was a focal point of Evolution's trashtalks. But actually seeing Ambrose pop up out of nowhere was surprising. I'm assuming there's more to the story and it wasn't just a one off. Good win for Evolution. 

Then we're treated with the return of the night. Drew Mother F'N McIntyre is back. And he's flying solo. Andy got me cause I was really expecting Braun to get the boot but it ended up being Stokley. It's interesting. Typically when guys have a long run with the belt, they take some time off or drop the character after they lose the belt because they've done everything they can. Andy's situation is a little different. He got the belt so quick with Drew that we haven't even scratched the surface of the opponents he can face and the stories he can tell that don't involve the title. Safe to say LA Knight will be keeping a close eye on his favorite Number Two. 

Now for the UWF Championship match. First thank you to Crann for the match. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I love how early in the match, it's mentioned on commentary that Ciampa has more experience in these big matches than Knight, but the finish is Knight almost learning on the fly and using his head to counter. Shows that while he doesn't have experience, he's still a student of the game. Very happy to have successfully defended the belt. The next challenge may be the toughest one yet. 

Then we have my match of the night. Chris Dresden, I don't know how you do it. It's been a little while since I've been THAT enthralled reading a match. You absolutely killed it. And I have to give shout outs to both Chewie and Fauche for killing the thread. Any other PPV, you guys are the main event. Great match, great trash talkers, great angle. A recipe for success. I have an idea of what's next for Rude, but I don't want to jinx it. 

And for our main event! Both Rey and Sam have been killing it. Sam embodies Caleb and Rey just doesn't miss with any character he plays. This could have easily gone either way. Fauche stepped us and gave us the main event that this thread deserved and King Nakamura stands tall when it's all said and done. Congrats Rey. You barely lost as Breeze. You haven't lost as Nakamura. You're definitely on your A game right now. Summerslam will be quite the test. 

Speaking of Summerslam, Fauche, being the almanac of information(sick nickname btw) that he is, reminded me that at Summerslam 2014, I was REY-tired. Who would've thought that a decade later, we'd be main eventing for the World Title. It's something out of a Rocky movie. 

Congratulations to all the winners. Thank You to all the writers. I can't wait to see what the next chapter has in store

[Dres]

Thanks for the love you guys. It’s been a long time since I wrote anything that lengthy for feds or otherwise. It took part of Saturday and then part of Sunday to write it. I didn’t do my usual thing of writing drafts it was just one free-flowing thing and I’m glad it’s being so well received. Also, thanks for the love you’ve been showing Vincent. I’m excited to get back in the mix trash talking wise soon.

I’ll keep my thoughts on everything else short and sweet because of writing so much for that match, haha. But it was an awesome show and I’m glad to see so many of us band together to write so that Danny can have a lighter workload.

[mattchewie]

Sami Zayn as a champion? Insert smiling Chris Pratt meme!



Like Fauche, I’m going to hold my comments on the Kyle promo.



Grats to Hayter on picking up the win here. I always will love a good storyline playing through!



And only Dres can deliver a one line promo and have the entire fed stoked.



Super surprised to see the UWF title match go on before the IC match, but I’ll take it! Grats to Knight on the win and kudos to JYE for a valiant effort.



Let’s try to break this down piece by piece. First of all, Fauche. Thank you for allowing me to really go full force in a TT thread, I haven’t gone that hard, that long, or that much since my RP fed days. It was refreshing to be able to have something to build on and cook with, going off of this magnificent storyline that just manifested one night between the two of us just spouting off ideas at one another. Second, the Doctor delivers once again. Jesus H. Christ on pogo sticks in a minefield….I loved EVERY second of this match. Extremely few times has a match writer actually encapsulated EXACTLY what the “storyline” is throughout the entirety of a match. Sure, there will be a couple of call backs, but never to have the dedication to tell the story that Fauche and I were attempting IN the match itself. I had the nefarious idea that IF it came down to somehow Rude miraculously picking up the final win, he sneaks and cheats his way to it with the fake heart attack. It was lovely to see it executed another way, though. In all my 20 years of fedding, my most fond memory has always been pulling out the original nWo with Fauche and he-who-must-not-be-named, but I believe this feud with Fauche takes that spot, by far. I can’t express the amount of gratitude that I hold for Fauche as well as Dres for executing this beyond my wildest dreams.



Finally, the KOTR finals. I don’t think it can be understated how many people were actually pulling for Sam to pull out the victory here, no offense to Rey by any means! It’s just that Rey is so friggin’ good that you can’t help but automatically assume he’ll win whatever he is in. But, I want Sam to understand that he is one of the very few people that had others doubting Rey’s victory, and that my friend is a compliment of all compliments!



FANTASTIC show through and through, definitely a contender for show of the year. My favorite ppv of the year, thus far.



Also, thanks for the love that has been pouring out for what Fauche and I have done so far with this rivalry. I’ll leave ya’ll with this cryptic thought, is this the final point of it…or is there more to come?

[Roach]

good stuff y’all. haven’t read through everything yet but KOR/Rude and Nak/Caleb were really fantastic reads. Apologies to Xander for not being able to hold up my end of the thread and my bad for holding up the show (y’all have me to blame this time) but I’ll be back soon. need to get some stuff situated but this is not the end of me !!!