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WSW has been a project of mine for nearly 8 years. This has lived on several sites over the years, but it grew and found a home over at WC. It's been a little while since I posted, but I am happy to migrate this over here. Prior to starting WSW in 2015, I had read hundreds of Be the Bookers, so I decided to start my own. My vision was simple, I wanted to create a project that presented a realistic, alternative wrestling product. I wanted to pay particular attention to budgets, contracts, etc. Essentially, how could I apply some creative liberties to start an alternative product (AEW wasn't a thing in 2015, and TNA was on its dying legs), but grow a company the way the times dictated.
I have a ton of content in the can, but the best path forward is to pick up where I left off. Our journey together will begin in late May 2019, but I will post an anthology series over the coming days to catch up those that may be new. Several years ago I decided to use a Wikipedia/almanac style format, and I will be sticking with that format moving forward.
Industry
Professional Wrestling
Founded
January 6, 2016
Founder
Shane McMahon
Headquarters
New York, NY
Area served
Worldwide
Product
Television, Social media, Internet and Merchandise
Owner(s)
Shane McMahon
Website
WSW.com
World Series Wrestling (WSW) is an American professional wrestling promotion company headquartered in New York City, New York. It is considered the second-largest wrestling promotion in the United States behind WWE.
Founded by Shane McMahon on January 6, 2015, the creation of the company saw McMahon return to professional wrestling after his 2010 business departure from his father, Vince McMahon, and WWE. The younger McMahon resigned from his family's company to serve as the Executive Officer and Chairman for YOU On Demand, an American company providing steaming cable service for China.
WSW produces 52 weeks of television content, with the primary outlet being its weekly television series Ignition airing in the United States on the Paramount Network (formerly Spike). Ignition debuted on September 8, 2015, with a special, commercial-free episode. WSW also has an exclusive partnership with the entertainment streaming company Netflix. The deal sees WSW produce six live specials a year, streamed on the Netflix platform. WSW is the first company to air live content on the service. WSW features a business and talent-sharing relationship with Mexico's Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and China's Oriental Wrestling Entertainment (OWE). Wresters and other personalities from those promotions may also make periodic appearances at WSW events.
The professional wrestling world was turned upside down in January 2015, as Shane McMahon announced his return to the business through the creation of his own company, World Series Wrestling (WSW). A member of wrestling's royal family, Shane left the WWE in 2010 to pursue other business interests—mainly the growth of YOU On Demand, the first VOD service in China. The passion for wrestling still burned in the heart of the prodigal son—and seeing an opening and opportunity in the market—McMahon threw his hat into the ring.
Announced in January, the battle plan was quickly put into motion. A television deal with Spike was announced as was an exclusive deal with Netflix. This groundbreaking partnership sees WSW produce 6 live specials a year to be streamed live on Netflix, the first live-streaming program in the history of the popular entertainment medium. Also announced was an exclusive lease on the historic CenterStage Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. A longtime home of World Championship Wrestling, McMahon and WSW renovated the building for a wrestling-only setup—modernizing the classic building. With a seating capacity of 1,250, CenterStage served as the home base for WSW and its weekly television show Ignition.
Next came talent signings, with McMahon and his staff searching the world. Their search yielded a bevy of high-profile signings coupled with young, hungry talent. When asked why he decided to venture back into the wrestling business and what his goals were, Shane McMahon delivered the following statement:
We all seek to do something special in life. What makes pro wrestling so alluring is this is the meeting place of sports and art. That's what WSW is all about. We will carry ourselves with a standard of excellence. Simply put, we will present the best professional wrestling in the world to create special moments for this sport, for this art form and for the fans.
September 2015: The Beginning
History was made on September 8, 2015, as WSW debuted with their weekly television show, Ignition on Spike. Presented commercial-free, the show began with a passionate speech from Shane McMahon and the announcement of the World Title Tournament – an 8-man tournament to crown the first WSW World Champion. Featuring talents such as "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Alberto El Patron, Rey Mysterio Jr., and Nick Aldis—WSW shocked the world when Claudio Castagnoli debuted as the final entrant into the tournament.
While the World Title Tournament began, The Young Bucks—perhaps WSW's most popular stars—made their debut with a bang. Challenging any and all teams, Matt and Nick Jackson superkicked their way to the top of the tag team division, becoming the first WSW World Tag Team Champions—winning the titles in a wild four-team elimination match against the Motor City Machine Guns, Carolina Outlaws and Team Dragon Gate.
October 2015: The Rise of Castagnoli
As each round of the World Title Tournament unfolded, Claudio Castagnoli powered his way to the finals. The Mexican aristocrat Alberto El Patron embraced his wicked ways and showcased a ruthless, mean steak—obsessed with becoming the first World Champion. Castagnoli vs. El Patron was set for the finals. Castagnoli said he came to WSW to prove he was the "pound for pound" greatest pro wrestler in the world. On October 6, Castagnoli finally climbed to the top of the mountain, winning the World Title and etching his name in the history books.
October also saw the crowning of the first WSW World Television Champion. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles ran the gauntlet, to become the inaugural champion. As per the title's stipulations, the champion must defend the belt each week. Once twenty consecutive, successful defenses have been recorded, the champion may cash in the belt for a shot at the World Title. In the weeks that followed, Styles would issue an open challenge each and every week—allowing anyone in the locker room the opportunity to challenge for championship gold.
November 2015: Things Get Personal
A self-titled "fighting champion," Claudio Castagnoli welcomed all competitors who wished to step up and challenge for his World Title. After defeating Nick Aldis, Castagnoli faced off with a new challenger...Mike Bennett. The loud-mouthed elitist from Boston debuted in October, and within weeks set his sights on the World Title. Wrestling is not about respect or competition for Bennett and his wife Maria—it's about money and personal fame. Bennett spat in the face of everything Castagnoli fought for, using every shortcut and opportunity to get under his skin. In a deeply hostile World Title match, Castagnoli was able to retain his belt.
Speaking of personal, Alberto El Patron's failure to win the World Title Tournament led to him going scorched earth. Using his deadly Arm Bar, El Patron vowed to snap every arm in WSW until he got what was rightfully his, the WSW World Title. Meanwhile, frustration also fueled Austin Aries as he became obsessed with defeating AJ Styles and proving he was truly the better man—threatening to conduct a blitzkrieg on WSW.
The Young Bucks continued to dominate the tag team division; however, The Carolina Outlaws (Trevor Lee and Andrew Everett) emerged as a legitimate threat—with the uncanny ability to match the Jackson brother's speed and agility, Lee and Everett were hungry to make a name for themselves by winning the straps and defeating the best team in the world in the process. Unable to defeat the Bucks straight up, the Outlaws resorted to attacking them from behind and stealing the World Tag Team Titles.
December 2015: Matches That Become Moments
December saw three huge title matches that sent shockwaves throughout WSW and turned the heads of the professional wrestling world. Alberto El Patron finally claimed his long-awaited rematch for the World Title by winning a Number One Contenders four-way elimination match. El Patron injured the arm of legend Rey Mysterio Jr. with his Arm Bar in the process. Calling himself "The Conquistador" El Patron and Castagnoli squared off on the December 22nd edition of Ignition. What followed was an intense matchup that saw neither man refuse to give in. After a war, the bell sounded calling for a 30-minute time limit draw—leaving both men slumped in the corner across the ring from each other, unable to take their eyes off their rival.
Shane McMahon decreed that the Carolina Outlaws either return the World Tag Team Titles or get fired—Lee and Everett returned the belts, but not before issuing one last challenge to The Young Bucks—one more match, this time......a ladder match. On the December 15th edition of Ignition, the two teams took part in the 2015 WSW Match of the Year—defying the odds, limits, and gravity in a ridiculous ladder match. When the dust cleared, The Young Bucks stood tall—ending 2015 still the champions.
Austin Aries continued his obsession with beating AJ Styles but began to cut promos speaking against all who respect professional wrestling and carry themselves with honor. Aries stated that pro wrestling didn't care about anyone or anything—all that mattered was money. Aries said that he was embracing that mission, beating people up and making as much money as he could. Aries was joined by Nick Aldis as well—a man whom Aries would dub "The Killer". Aries finally scored his long-awaited victory over Styles during a tag team match between Aries/Aldis vs. Styles and his partner Uhaa Nation. This led to Aries earning a one-on-one shot at the World Television Title. Despite constant interference from Nick Aldis, Styles was able to put Aries away during this contest; however, his victory was short-lived as Aldis viciously attacked him with a chair during the post-match. Aries dropped Styles with a Brainbuster onto the chair, sending the champion out of Center Stage on a stretcher.
Shane McMahon announced in December 2015 that WSW would venture to Netflix on January 30, 2016, with their first live special -- Inception broadcasting live from the Manhattan Center in New York City.
January 2016: The Shifting Tide
With all roads leading to Inception, Shane McMahon announced the main event, Alberto El Patron vs. Claudio Castagnoli for the World Title. After their time-limit draw, the World Champion Castagnoli returned to his native Switzerland to train for undoubtedly the biggest match of his life.
With the World Television Title vacant due to the injury of AJ Styles, a 15-man Battle Royal was held to crown a new champion on the January 5th edition of Ignition. The ultimate opportunist, Mike Bennett was the last man standing—winning the title and claiming the spotlight. In the weeks that followed, Bennett—and the great equalizer Maria—began the defense of the belt, with Maria providing a plethora of assistance from the outside. Uhaa Nation, an emerging force of WSW, challenged for the title on the 1/26 Ignition; however, the match ended in a double count-out when Nation speared Bennett through the ringside guardrail, preventing both men from answering the 10 Count. Due to the ending of this contest, Shane McMahon ordered a rematch for Inception.
The road to Inception also saw a Number One Contenders Tag Team Tournament held—with the winners getting a shot at The Young Bucks and the World Tag Team Titles. Shifting their focus to claiming gold, the dangerous Austin Aries and Nick Aldis entered the tournament. The surprise of the tournament came from the impromptu team of Matt Sydal and PJ Black. The duo pulled off a couple of huge wins to advance to the finals and face Aries and Aldis. In a match that saw the return of AJ Styles—Sydal and Black pulled the incredible upset to earn the title shot. Styles would lay waste to both Aries and Aldis with a steel chair and challenge Aries to a No DQ match at Inception.
Rey Mysterio Jr announced that he was entering the twilight of his pro wrestling career. Mysterio was approached by Fenix who looked to honor the legend. To showcase the spirit of lucha libre, Fenix challenged Mysterio to a Best of 5 series. Mysterio accepted, and after 4 matches of lucha libre greatness and tradition, the series was tied 2-2, leading to the decisive 5th match at Inception.
On January 30, 2016, WSW achieved another major landmark by hosting Inception from the Manhattan Center in New York City, streaming globally on Netflix. The event saw the debut of Will Ospreay, the British sensation. With the assistance of Maria, Mike Bennett handed Uhaa Nation his first singles defeat in WSW, retaining the World Television Title. The Young Bucks continued their dominance of the tag team division, retaining their titles against Sydal and Black. Fenix was able to claim the Best of 5 series, defeating Rey Mysterio Jr, solidifying his status as one of the best luchadors in the world. In a brutal encounter, AJ Styles and Austin Aries went to war; however, Styles was not able to overcome the 2-on-1 odds, as Nick Aldis took full advantage of the No DQ stipulations, allowing Aries to claim his long-awaited win over The Phenomenal One. Finally, in the main event, the reign of El Patron began, as The Conquistador finally defeated Claudio Castagnoli—dethroning the champion in another intense, hard-hitting affair.
February 2016: The New Horizon
The dynamics of WSW changed with the crowning of a new champion. Alberto El Patron claimed that he achieved his destiny by becoming champion, and he vowed to reign over WSW as its rightful king. Claudio Castagnoli wasn't ready to quit though. Challenging El Patron to one more match—for all the marbles. The prize, the WSW World Championship, the stakes—if Castagnoli didn't win, he could never challenge for the title again as long as El Patron was champion. On 2/16, the rivals locked horns one last time, with El Patron retaining his belt—crushing the spirit of Castagnoli.
After claiming victory over AJ Styles, Austin Aries and Nick Aldis resumed their mission to obtain the World Tag Team Titles, attacking every tag team at some point—calling out The Young Bucks at every turn.
Speaking of Styles, The Phenomenal One began questioning himself following his defeat at Inception. Wondering if he still had the fire to be the AJ Styles he once was, Styles was motivated by a heartfelt conversation with his son. Seeking to prove he was still the best wrestler on the planet, Styles showcased a new, more brutal style of offense—stating he was still "the best bullet in the chamber."
Mike Bennett continued to defend his World Television Title, cutting promos with Maria where he proclaimed to be the real champion of WSW. Bennett and Maria began to state that they searched the globe for challengers worthy of the "gold standard," this proved to be a ploy by Bennett, as these challengers always turned out to be local competitors, with the matches turning into quick squashes for the champion. With each passing week, it became apparent that there was no corner Bennett and Maria weren't willing to cut to ensure they kept possession of the belt.
Following a series of setbacks, The Carolina Outlaws began arguing with each other—almost coming to blows. With the future of the promising team at risk, "The Tennessee Cowboy" James Storm stepped in. Storm proclaimed that after all the wrestling business had given him, it was his time to give back, and he promised to guide the duo to the top of the tag team division, but only if they were willing to sacrifice every ounce of themselves to be great. The Carolina Outlaws begrudgingly accepted and ventured to Storm's ranch in Tennessee to begin training.
Rise of Revolver
On March 26, 2016, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles captured the WSW World Championship, defeating Alberto El Patron in the main event of Seize the Day. The moment the referee’s hand hit the canvas to complete the pinfall, the crowd in Houston, Texas erupted. This was the crowning achievement for arguably the greatest professional wrestler in the world. Just one year prior, Styles was the hottest free agent in professional wrestling. Seeing an opportunity, Styles took a chance on WSW and Shane McMahon and made an immediate impact, becoming the first World Television Champion in company history. However, this was was where Styles belonged—in the main event and sitting atop the world as champion.
The celebration was short-lived though. During his celebratory remarks on Ignition, Styles was viciously attacked by two hooded men, leaving the champion in a crumpled heap. The men pulled their hoods back to reveal themselves as Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows. One of the most decorated tag teams in the world and founding members of Bullet Club in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Gallows and Anderson had arrived in WSW. Gallows and Anderson declared they were targeting AJ Styles because Styles left Japan—he left them, he left Bullet Club and he left the fortune they had amassed. The duo made it clear, they came to WSW for three reasons: 1) To make as much money as possible. 2) To solidify their status as the greatest tag team in the world. 3) To destroy everything AJ Styles had built.
Caught in the crosshairs, “The Phenomenal One” found himself fighting a two-front war—defending the most coveted prize in WSW as World Champion and battling the ghosts of his past. Styles would rise to the occasion, successfully defending the World Championship against Alberto El Patron in a rematch, Mike Bennett, and Anderson and Gallows respectively. Meanwhile, Gallows and Anderson would systematically claim victories over the tag teams of WSW in a dominant fashion. In the weeks leading up to SummerFest, Anderson and Gallows declared they were bringing their “ace in the hole” to WSW. Following his victory over Mike Bennett in the main event of SummerFest, Anderson and Gallows confronted Styles and introduced their newest ally...EC3!
Dubbing themselves Revolver the trio of EC3, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows put WSW on high alert by using ruthless tactics and utilizing constant outside interference in their matches. These methods led to Gallows and Anderson capturing the first gold for Revolver, as they defeated The Carolina Outlaws (Trevor Lee and Andrew Everett) for the WSW World Tag Team Championships on the 1 Year Anniversary episode of Ignition. EC3 immediately declared his intentions of winning the WSW World Championship.
In July 2016, Shane McMahon announced the WSW Grand Prix. Inspired by the highly popular G1 Climax in NJPW, the Grand Prix is a 12-man round-robin tournament, with the winner getting to challenge for the WSW World Championship in the main event of November Reign—the biggest WSW event of the year. EC3 entered the Grand Prix. Willing to break any rule, EC3 displayed a ruthless attitude unseen before. Coupled with outside interference from Anderson and Gallows, EC3 won Block B of the tournament with a record of 4-1. EC3 would go on to defeat Claudio Castagnoli, the Block A winner, in the main event of Grand Prix—winning the tournament and earning a title shot against AJ Styles in the main event of the “Super Bowl of WSW.”
As World Tag Team Champions, Gallows and Anderson declared themselves the greatest tag team in the world. Their path of dominance and string of victories validated these claims…..except to one team—The Young Bucks. Matt and Nick Jackson had super kicked their way to becoming two of the most popular wrestlers in the world, and the duo held the distinction of being the first World Tag Team Champions in WSW history. The Young Bucks made it clear they wanted a shot at the gold and a shot against the bullies on the block:
Matt Jackson:
“…..you two love to list off all the teams you’ve beaten. Well I’ve got news for you….we’ve beaten them too. You see, when you get down to it—there’s not that much difference between Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows and the Young Bucks. We’ve scratched every name off the list that you have and we’ve done it with a style that this sport has never seen before. You call yourself the best tag team in the world—yet you’ve never faced us. You’ve got to understand, you may be able to scare every team in WSW….but Nick and I aren’t just any other team—we are the goddamn Young Bucks. We aren’t intimidated by Karl Anderson or Doc Gallows, we aren’t intimated by Revolver — as far as we care….you’re just two more jackasses we have to superkick to win our belts back.”
The match was set: Revolver vs. The Young Bucks for the World Tag Team Titles at November Reign.
With the retirement of the WSW Television Championship, Shane McMahon introduced the WSW Intercontinental Championship—with an eight-man, single-elimination tournament held to determine the inaugural champion, with the finals taking place at November Reign. McMahon stated that the Intercontinental Championship would represent the global reach of WSW, and that statement was echoed by two massive entrants into the Intercontinental Championship tournament — Kota Ibushi and “The American Nightmare” Cody. With an incredible amount of fan support behind both men, Ibushi and Cody would advance to the finals, punching their ticket to November Reign—with a shot at the Intercontinental Championship on the line. As the match neared, both Kota Ibushi and Cody spoke highly of each other—declaring that the match would be fierce but based on respect—as the opportunity to become champion and make history fueled the fire of both men. Cody would go one step further during the November Reign press conference:
Cody:
“….look it’s clear that I’m venturing down a new path in my career. I’m here in WSW to compete against the best wrestlers in the world. My father is my hero, and every day I wake up, I can hear his voice always challenging me to ‘make history kid, and give them something they’ll never forget.' At November Reign, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to step in the ring with one of the best wrestlers in the world in Kota Ibushi with a shot at the Intercontinental Championship on the line—and I promise I will give the world a show they will never forget.”
November 5, 2016, will be known as the date that Revolver took a stranglehold on WSW. The team of Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows successfully retained the World Tag Team titles against the Young Bucks. In the match for the Intercontinental Championship, Cody and Kota Ibushi engaged in a terrific contest with both men unwilling to give in and lose their shot at history. As the match reached its crescendo, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows came down to ringside. At first, Cody acted bewildered at their appearance; however, he accepted the steel chair they provided—and in one swing, changed the dynamics of WSW. Blasting Ibushi with the chair, Cody followed with Cross Rhodes to win the match and become the first Intercontinental Champion. Following the match, Cody officially announced that he lived up to his promise of being unforgettable—officially joining Revolver as their fourth member.
Everything led to the main event. The rivalry between EC3 and AJ Styles got deeply personal very quickly. EC3 looked for every opportunity to get under the champion’s skin. The match lived up to its billing—as AJ Styles and EC3 engaged in a dramatic back-and-forth affair. Styles and EC3 battled inside and outside the ring and even into the first row of the crowd. Styles was prepared for the other members of Revolver as well, neutralizing the outside interference. However, when the dust settled, Revolver fired the final shot—as EC3 pinned “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, becoming the new WSW World Champion. Spitting on his fallen opponent, EC3 held his belt high. As November Reign came to a close, Revolver has achieved every goal they set out to accomplish, and they now held every championship in WSW.
2017: Revolver Thrives
As the year 2017 began, Revolver was sitting atop the WSW world. An organization driven by dollar signs held all the gold in the company. Furious over his loss to EC3 and determined to regain the World Championship, AJ Styles invoked his rematch clause, receiving his return match at Inception; however, Shane McMahon instituted one caveat. Due to Revolver’s propensity for outside interference, the World Title match between AJ Styles and EC3 would be contested inside a steel cage—the first cage match in WSW history. Vowing the “break the Phenomenal One,” EC3 successfully retained the World Championship—defeating AJ Styles in a wild, bloody affair. The victory would just be the first notch in the belt for EC3–who would put together the best year of his career. Holding the World Championship for over a year, EC3 successfully defended his title against Alberto El Patron, Pentagon Jr. Claudio Castagnoli, Will Ospreay, and Johnny Mundo. Relishing his role as the most hated man in WSW, EC3 was on top of the world and the unquestioned leader of Revolver.
Much like EC3, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows continued to reign supreme in the tag team division. On an episode of Ignition, Cody successfully defended the Intercontinental Championship against Fenix—following the match Revolver would use their gang tactics to beat down Fenix. As they prepared to unmask the luchador—the lights in Center Stage Atlanta went dark—when the lights came up Revolver found themselves staring into the eyes of the dangerous Pentagon Jr. Coming to his brother’s aid, Pentagon attacked with the rage of a fire breathing dragon—clearing the ring. Revolver chose to make things personal, and as such—the Lucha Brothers (Pentagon Jr. and Fenix) declared war. The Lucha Brothers would challenge Anderson and Gallows for the WSW World Tag Team Championships at Seize the Day, and win the titles in a highly acclaimed match. The rivalry between the two teams wouldn’t end. Hell-bent on destroying each other— the stakes would only escalate. On August 17, 2017, WSW celebrated the 100th episode of Ignition with a special two-hour broadcast. The main event of this show saw the Lucha Brothers defend their titles against Anderson and Gallows in a ladder match (just the second ladder match in WSW history). In a match of the year candidate — Anderson and Gallows were the last team standing, pulling the belts down from the rafters and becoming the first two-time World Tag Team Champions.
Not to be outshined—Cody entered 2017 on a roll. With his wife Brandi at his side, and Revolver covering his back—he successfully defended the Intercontinental Championship against Uhaa Nation, Andrew Everett, Austin Aries, and Fenix. As Cody’s ego grew, so did the target on his back—as Kota Ibushi returned seeking retribution for his defeat in the finals of the Intercontinental Championship Tournament. The match was signed for Undisputed. Learning from their previous matchup, Ibushi was seconded by AJ Styles. Ibushi captured the Intercontinental Championship—defeating Cody. Kota Ibushi would flourish as Intercontinental Champion, naming himself “The Golden Star” of WSW, Ibushi would showcase his talent as he defended the title in several highly acclaimed affairs.
After losing the Intercontinental Title, Cody began growing more and more jealous of EC3’s status as World Champion. Cody would often be chastised by the leader of Revolver for losing the Intercontinental Championship. As the 2017 WSW Grand Prix approached, Cody announced his entry into the tournament, proclaiming that he would win to ensure Revolver stayed the most dominant faction in pro wrestling,
Cody would say:
….and after I win the Grand Prix, I’m going to kick down the door to my destiny and become World Champion. Who knows….maybe that’s what Revolver needs…”
This last comment drew the ire of EC3, with uneasy tension growing between the two men as the summer continued.
New Faces Make An Impact
The momentum of WSW continued to grow in the summer of 2017 with three major acquisitions: Drew Galloway, Ricochet, and Adam Cole. Debuting in the first row of Undisputed in May, Drew Galloway would be introduced to WSW through a sit-down with Chael Sonnen. Describing himself as a tough kid from the streets of Ayr, Scotland, Galloway would speak at length about his career in the ring:
“...Since I was 15 years old, all I ever wanted to do was be a pro wrestler. My career has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I was a young pup and handed the keys to a Ferrari. I was thrust into the bright lights, and I melted underneath them. I had a moment that most people wait their whole lives for, and I wasn’t ready for it….. it was the greatest thing to ever happen to me though. My failure gave me clarity—for the past three and half years, I’ve been traveling the world….training…wrestling…fighting. Working my ass off to summit the mountain of this sport. I’m here in WSW because I believe in wrestling. Make no mistake about it, I'm here to fight...I don't care who it is. Deep down I’m still the same kid from Ayr, Scotland with the same dream—become the best pro wrestler in the world.”
Galloway’s charisma and hard-hitting in-ring style would instantly endear him to the WSW fans. Galloway officially entered the WSW Grand Prix—saying the competition and the spirit of the tournament were what fueled his fire to come to WSW.
The Grand Prix also saw a surprise entrant. Shane McMahon promised a major talent acquisition and delivered as Ricochet was announced as the final competitor. Galloway and Ricochet would not disappoint, with Galloway winning Block A and Ricochet winning Block B (claiming the deciding victory over Will Ospreay in a match that received widespread critical acclaim). The finals pitting Drew Gallow vs. Ricochet, with a World Title shot at November Reign on the line. Galloway would pick up the victory, claiming the 2017 Grand Prix.
On the Ignition following Grand Prix, an in-ring interview with Galloway was interrupted by the debut of the newest WSW signee...Adam Cole...
"Congratulations, Drew---seriously, you won the Grand Prix. That's a beast of an event, and now you head to November Reign with a serious shot to win the World Championship. You look surprised to see me....are ya? Don't worry, I won't take up a lot of your time—I realize this is your moment. But, I'm out here for two reasons—first, to congratulate you....which I've done. Second, I just want you to know that I'm here in WSW now, and Adam Cole doesn't take a backseat to anyone. So, train hard...get ready for your match with EC3....but keep your head on a swivel because I'm coming for you....."
After delivering his trademark celebration, Cole would then surprise Galloway and the WSW world with a superkick. In the weeks that followed, EC3 and Revolver attempted to get Cole to join their ranks. After rolling out the red carpet, Revolver made the official offer to Adam Cole. Cole would dawn the Revolver t-shirt, seemingly joining the group. However, before Revolver could celebrate—Cole superkicked the lights out of EC3, leaving the World Champion laid out. Cole would escape through the crowd, but the message was made loud and clear—Adam Cole was here to make a major impact and he wasn't taking sides with anyone.
Women Take Center Stage
2017 also saw the addition of a Women’s Division and the creation of the WSW Women’s World Championship. Taya Valkyrie and Paige Knight—formerly known as Paige in WWE—debuted at the end of 2016, participating in a mixed tag match at November Reign with Johnny Mundo and Alberto El Patron respectively. In February 2017, Shane McMahon announced an 8-woman, single-elimination tournament to crown the first Women’s World Champion. With the finals taking place at Seize the Day, Paige Knight defeated Valkyrie to become the first champion.
A fan favorite, Knight would showcase her silver tongue on the microphone and impressive skills in the ring. However, Valkyrie would continue an unrelenting pursuit of the championship. Dubbing herself “The Queen of the Ring” Valkyrie would attack Knight from behind and backstage. Valkyrie would defeat Knight for the title on Ignition, becoming Women’s World Champion. In the days before dropping the title, Knight (real name: Saraya-Jade Bevis) was involved in a real-life public dispute with former boyfriend Alberto El Patron at the Orlando International Airport. After dropping the title, Knight took time off from the ring—not being seen for four months.
With the Women’s World Title and Johnny Mundo by her side, Taya Valkyrie took a stranglehold on the Women’s Division. However, Valkyrie would find herself challenged by her antithesis—Candice LeRae. With bright colors, a bubbly personality, and a hyper-athletic in-ring style, LeRae would captivate the WSW audience and climb the ranks in the women’s division. LeRae wasn’t the only wrestler turning heads. In September, Konnan made a surprise debut on Ignition—claiming he was bringing the new face of women’s wrestling to WSW. In the weeks that followed, Ivelisse Velez debuted with Konnan as her manager. With an impressive in-ring style and a willingness to break every rule, Velez rose as a threat to the Women’s World Title. A number one contenders match between Ivelisse Velez and Candice LeRae was scheduled for Ignition—with the winner receiving a shot at the Women’s World Title at November Reign. Seeing both women as threats to her title, Taya Valkryie would interfere in the match, viciously attacking both women causing the match to end in DQ. As a result, Shane McMahon declared that at November Reign, the Women’s World Title would be defended in a Three-Way Dance — Taya Valkyrie vs. Ivelisse Velez vs. Candice LeRae — the first time a WSW championship would be contested in a three-way match.
The Last Ride of the Cowboy
A series of strange and odd video packages aired in 2017, signaling the arrival of the dark man known as Bram. “The Chesterfield Plague” announced his arrival in WSW as an “Agent Of Chaos.”
Bram:
“….Society loves order…a system….a routine. Destroy the rules, and chaos ensues. People seek the path to riches and to power….there is one solution to break the establishment. Usher in chaos and let the tigers feed on the weak…..”
With a propensity for anarchy, Bram would interrupt matches and attack wrestlers following their matches. Bram would draw the ire of many when he attacked veteran Low Ki from behind, eventually piledriving Low Ki through the timekeeper's table at ringside.
The chaos of Bram would soon spread to another ring veteran. “The Tennessee Cowboy” James Storm had worn a variety of hats since joining WSW. Storm had served as the manager and mentor for The Carolina Outlaws, but he returned to full-time in-ring competition in 2017. One of the most respected competitors in pro wrestling, Storm set his sights on the World Championship and entered the Grand Prix—proclaiming “this cowboy still has one good ride left in him.” Storm put together an impressive run in the tournament. Inspired by his performance, Storm proclaimed:
“This old dog still has fight left in him. Everyone who doubted The Tennessee Cowboy needs to be put on alert….I ain’t going nowhere anytime soon!”
These words would be ominous foreshadowing for James Storm, as he became the next target for Bram. Bram said that he would finally put down the “lame horse” and James Storm would be the first domino to fall. Bram set out to “break” James Storm….physically by attacking him and breaking Storm’s trademark beer bottle over his head and mentally by handcuffing Storm to the ring post and forcing him to watch as he brutally beat and bloodied Andrew Everett, a James Storm protégé. Bram goaded Storm to put his career on the line and face him……….consumed by rage, James Storm agreed to put his career on the line, but it wouldn’t be a wrestling match…..in order to get his hands on Bram, James Storm would put his career on the line in a Last Man Standing Match at November Reign.
November Reign 2017
The biggest WSW show of the year took place at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. In front of a sell-out crowd and streaming live across the globe on Netflix, November Reign featured nine matches. The night began with a bang, as Will Ospreay defeated Rey Mysterio Jr. in a dream match. Ospreay was Mysterio’s hand-picked opponent, and the two embraced after the bell in what would turn out to be Mysterio’s last match in WSW.
In a bloody, brutal matchup — Bram defeated James Storm in a Last Man Standing Match to end the career of James Storm. The match was chaotic and a straight-up fight that went all over the Hammerstein Ballroom. Bram would smash Storm’s leg with a steel chair repeatedly during the match. The pain caused by this would directly affect the finish of the match. With neither man able to keep the other down, Storm dug down deep and hit Bram with the Last Call superkick; however, the move was crippling and sent Storm down in as much pain as Bram. Bram was able to recover, grabbing Storm’s beer bottle. With blood streaming down his face, and clinging to the ropes to maintain a vertical base—“The Tennessee Cowboy” was defiant till the end—shooting the bird to Bram before getting hit with the glass bottle and going down for good.
Since his dynamic debut, Adam Cole had turned heads in WSW. His rebellious, “devil may care” attitude drew the ire of Claudio Castagnoli, the very first WSW World Champion. Castagnoli would call out Cole, determined to see if Cole’s attitude and mouth could be backed up in the ring,
Claudio Castagnoli:
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m the standard around here. I want to know, are you as good as you think you are?”
Cole accepted the challenge, saying that Castagnoli would be the first step stone on his way to the top. The match pitted the technical skill of Castagnoli against the quickness and innovation of Cole. In the end, Cole would pin Castagnoli with The Last Shot, picking up a huge victory over a former World Champion.
Following his loss of the Intercontinental Championship, tension had continued to grow between EC3 and Cody—with EC3 chastising Cody for being the only member of Revolver not to hold a championship, and constantly telling Cody to “Know your spot!” Despite the growing infighting, Revolver continued to be a force in WSW. Determined to make his mark, Cody challenged AJ Styles to match at November Reign…even throwing shade at EC3 during his challenge by calling Styles “the best wrestler on the planet.” Styles accepted the challenge saying:
“The cancer known as Revolver started with me, and at November Reign….I’ll write the final chapter, and Cody you will be the first pillar to fall.”
Before the match, Cody told Revolver that he would beat Styles “by myself” insisting he didn’t want any outside interference. As the match ebbed and flowed, Cody would indeed get some outside help—in the form of his wife Brandi. While brief, the distraction allowed Cody to counter the Styles Clash with a low blow and Cross Rhodes for the win.
The Women’s World Title three-way dance saw all three women leave everything in the ring. The story of the match was the underdog nature of Candice LeRae. Fighting against all odds, Candice put herself in a position to win—after taking out both women with a moonsault off the post to the floor, LeRae hit Ivelisse Velez with her finisher, Ms. LeRae’s Wild Ride. It would have been good enough to win; however, Taya Valkryie ran into the ring and threw LeRae out of the ring at the count of 2 on the pinfall. Valkyrie then hit her finisher, Road to Valhalla, on Velez to steal the pin and retain the title. An emotional LeRae could only look on from the floor at Valkryie’s post-match celebration—heartbroken, knowing she was one second away from becoming Women’s World Champion.
In a match voted “Match of the Year” in WSW, Kota Ibushi defended the Intercontinental Championship against Ricochet. Ricochet defeated Ibushi during the Grand Prix (a match in which the Intercontinental Title was not on the line) setting up the title match at November Reign. The match featured several ridiculous moves and unbelievable athleticism. Ricochet took Ibushi to a limit he had not faced in WSW; however, Ibushi continued to kick out of every pin attempt. Ricochet grew frustrated, opening the door for Ibushi to finish off the dynamic newcomer. Hitting the Last Ride and Phoenix Splash to retain the championship.
In addition to being the founding members of Revolver, the team of Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows had become the most dominant tag team in WSW. With an impressive resume, Anderson and Gallows were the reigning World Tag Team Champions and only two-time champions. This was a fact that the duo promoted at all times. One year prior, The Young Bucks had been defeated by Revolver at November Reign, and the Bucks spent 2017 climbing back to the top of the tag team division—determined to prove they were in fact the best tag team in the world. After defeating the Lucha Brothers, Midnight Rush (Lio Rush and ACH), and Motor City Machine Guns in a number one contenders, four corners tag match—The Young Bucks earned their long-awaited rematch with Gallows and Anderson. The match would see both teams pull out all the stops, with the Young Bucks fighting fire with fire—willing to break every rule Gallows and Anderson broke. After a wild match, the Bucks took out Karl Anderson with a Meltzer Driver to the floor, leading them to hit Gallows with More Bang For Your Buck for the pin and winning the World Tag Team Titles for a second time.
In the main event of November Reign, Drew Galloway challenged EC3 for the World Championship. In the lead up to the match, Galloway said:
“I’ve waited my entire life for this moment. Over half my life has been spent in the sport of professional wrestling—waiting for this moment. I’ve traveled from one end of this earth to the other….seeing every peak and valley this sport has to offer. I’m headed to November Reign ready for a fight….I’m heading to New York ready to sacrifice every ounce of myself to achieve my dream. I’m not here for money, I’m not here for fame…..I’m here because professional wrestling is my life….my heart beats because of this sport....and EC3 that should scare you to death.”
EC3 walked into November Reign, the World Champion for an unprecedented 371 days. Regardless of his tactics, the leader of Revolver was the most dominant World Champion in WSW history. At the November Reign press conference, EC3 directed words of venom toward his challenger:
“….a bad guy? Am I a bad guy? You know what, I don’t care about respect….I don’t care about the history of this business. You know what I care about….my bank account, my cars, and my beachfront mansion. You know how I got those things—by being World Champion. If that makes me a bad guy….fine. But if you want to label me a ‘bad guy’ you might as well label me something else too, ‘the best.’ For over a year I’ve stood at the top of this company as the undisputed champion. I’ve seized my opportunity. Drew, you’re a legit badass. You are an ass-kicker, but you also wilt under pressure every time the lights get bright. You can’t handle the big time….you choke. Take a look at me Drew, I’m the definition of Big Time. There is no bigger stage than the main event at November Reign…..just another opportunity for you to fail as you become just another victim of EC3.”
The main event would be a slugfest between two bruisers. In a back-and-forth, hard-hitting affair, Drew Galloway and EC3 would beat the hell out of each other. The finish saw EC3 avoid a Claymore Kick and counter with his finisher—the One Percenter; however, Galloway would kick out. EC3’s attempt at a second One Percenter was countered with a Future Shock DDT and a Claymore Kick. This sequence allowed Galloway to defeat EC3 and achieve his dream of becoming the World Champion.
As the dust settled at November Reign and the lights faded in the Hammerstein Ballroom, a new horizon greeted WSW. One year prior, Revolver stood tall—holding all the championship gold. Now, the group had no title belts, and their leader had his year-long reign come to end. It was clear that the landscape in WSW had changed, but no one could have anticipated just how drastic the change would be.
2018: Heartbreak
At November Reign, Drew Galloway achieved his dream—he became World Champion. The tough street fighter from Ayr, Scotland was the top dog in WSW, and the fans loved him—drowning him out in "You Deserve It" chants during his coronation speech on Ignition following November Reign. The triumph would be short-lived though. During Galloway's speech, he was interrupted by EC3. Determined to invoke his rematch clause, EC3 and Galloway would get physical. During the interaction, Galloway would suffer a legitimate injury—tearing his bicep. The official news would be announced on the WSW website. An emotional Galloway would confirm the news on the November 30 edition of Ignition, relinquishing the World Championship...
"The belt represents a lifetime of sacrifice. While this situation is not going the way I thought it would, it will NEVER change what happened at November Reign. With all of you behind me, we slayed the dragon and I became World Champion. The name Drew Galloway will forever be etched in the WSW history books.....and I promise you this, I will be back...I will heal....and when I return, you can bet your ass I will be coming back to reclaim my crown."
World Title Tournament
With the World Title vacated, Shane McMahon announced a 16-man, single-elimination tournament, with the finals taking place at Inception. The news came much to the chagrin of EC3, furious he had to participate in the tournament rather than receive a one-on-one rematch. The rift in Revolver only continued to grow, as Cody (who was also a participant in the tournament) would chastise EC3:
"….I guess now we'll finally get to see who the best wrestler in Revolver is. I'll do anything to win the World Title. See you out there....captain."
As the tournament played out, Cody would advance to the finals, cheating to defeat Will Ospreay in a semi-final matchup. Adam Cole would make an impressive run through the tournament, including defeating Alberto El Patron to advance to the semi-finals. After the match, El Patron went mad, and his frustration with being unable to regain the World Title boiled over. El Patron would attack several referees and backstage personnel—earning himself a 30-day suspension. In the semi-final, EC3 squared off with Adam Cole—a confrontation that had been building since Cole's arrival in WSW. In a back-and-forth matchup, Cody would come down to the ring and slide a chair to EC3—distracting the referee in the process. EC3 didn't want Cody's assistance, and the two men began to argue. The rebel Adam Cole, saw his shot—waffling EC3 with the chair behind the referee's back, and picking up the win to advance. The main event of Inception was set—Adam Cole vs. Cody to crown a new World Champion.
With a cocky swagger, Cody began calling himself the “Gold Standard” of Revolver—even bleaching his hair blonde in the weeks leading up to Inception. With his sharp tongue and "guns blazing" attitude...Adam Cole would face the snake known as Revolver head-on. In an eight-man tag match on Ignition featuring Revolver vs. Adam Cole, AJ Styles, Claudio Castagnoli and Ricochet, the tension between EC3 and Cody would heighten when Cody accidentally struck EC3. The mishap would allow Adam Cole to steal a kiss from Brandi, superkick Cody and pin him for the win leading into their one-on-one encounter.
At Inception, Cody and Adam Cole faced off for the WSW World Championship—Cody described the main event as "the biggest match of my career." The Houston crowd HATED Cody, standing firmly (and audibly) behind Adam Cole. As the match played out, the referee was inadvertently struck and went down. The referee being incapacitated is an extremely rare occurrence in WSW, and Cody took full advantage of it, hitting Cole with the ring bell. However, Cole would kick out of the pin attempt....refusing to lose. Sensing the match slipping away, Cody got a wild look in his eyes and delivered two straight Cross Rhodes to pin Cole and win the World Championship. Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows would flood into the ring to celebrate—the ultimate prize in WSW was coming back to Revolver. Begrudgingly, EC3 would share a congratulatory handshake with the new champion before Cody was hoisted onto the shoulders of Anderson and Gallows.
As World Champion, Cody proclaimed he achieved his destiny. On the Ignition following Inception, Cody debuted a new look, wearing expensive suits and Brandi presented him with an ornate ring to celebrate his title. During his championship address, Cody would say:
"Look at me, this is what the main event looks like. This is a $10,000 suit, this is a $5,000 watch, and this belt means I am THE World Champion. Take a good hard look, because I am the greatest wrestler in this company, and I am the LEADER of the most dominant faction in WSW..."
The last comment drew a line in the sand. When EC3 went to protest, Cody exclaimed,
"You know Ethan....ever since I joined Revolver I had to listen to you. I had to follow you around...well, I'm done following. I've got the belt now...NOT YOU. I'm the top cat of WSW, I'm the champion and the highest-paid man in the locker room. That's what Revolver is all about right? Money? Well, I've got news for you...I'm calling the shots now, and I think it's time we trim the fat...."
As Cody uttered these words, EC3 was viciously attacked by Anderson and Gallows. The very men that brought him to WSW turned their back on him. Cody would deliver Cross Rhodes and then plaster EC3 with the World Title belt, leaving him laying in a puddle of his own blood. The message was clear....there was a new sheriff in town and the era of Cody had begun.
Devil May Care
Following his defeat to Cody at Inception, Adam Cole found himself dragged into the minefield known as Revolver. Calling out Cody....Cole was greeted by the (now) trio of Revolver. Cody would greet Cole:
“Look at you, Adam. You want to be the rebel. You want to be the lone wolf. Well, that’s a noble thought, but do you know what happens to the lone wolf in the wild Adam? It dies….it dies of starvation because it doesn’t have the strength of a pack. Revolver is a pack…every turn and every step of the way Anderson and Gallows have my back. Every time you have thought about MY World Championship...just remember what happened at Inception---the pack hunted you and put you DOWN.”
Throwing caution to the wind, Cole would fire the first shot; however, the number game was too strong and he was beaten down. Cole would keep his sights set on Revolver as the weeks progressed, revealing that he had backup....AJ Styles and Claudio Castagnoli. Styles had a bitter history with Revolver and Castagnoli grew respect for Cole after their match at November Reign. On 2/22, Ignition took place in Las Vegas (the first Ignition outside Center Stage). The main event was a six-man tag with Cole, Styles, Castagnoli vs. Revolver (Cody, Anderson, Gallows). In a wild match that saw action inside and outside the ring...Cole looked to exact revenge. Placing Cody on the timekeeper's table—Cole ascended to the top turnbuckle and flew.....however, Brandi pulled her husband off the table and Cole crashed and burned through the table with a splatter. Inside the ring, Gallows leveled Castagnoli with a chair...setting up the Magic Killer, and allowing Revolver to get the win. Once again, Revolver came out on top; however, the celebration would be short-lived, as EC3 made a surprise appearance—running in through the crowd, attacking his former stablemates with a chair. EC3 had not been seen since Revolver turned on him, and as the Revolver ran for the hills, EC3 was manic in the ring—a man looking for revenge.
In an interview with Chael Sonnen following the match, Cole noted that he would take the risk he did "10 times out of 10." Cole explained that he was a riverboat gambler—willing to put everything on the line to become World Champion. Cole’s interview would be interrupted by none other than Alberto El Patron. Still irate over his loss and lack of main event success, El Patron would blindside Cole and let his frustrations fly while standing over the prone Cole:
“….When I look at you, my stomach turns. Mirame! LOOK AT ME! I’m what a champion is, I’m what a champion looks like. For thirty days, THIRTY DAYS I have had to sit at home and think about my loss to you…think about my failure. I will not be beaten by the likes of you….. you stringy-haired peasant. I am the GREATEST champion WSW has ever seen, and I will be ignored no longer. Alberto El Patron is el Mejor luchador todo el Mundo……and if I have to snap everyone’s arm to get back to the top I will……”
Tag Team Division
The defeat in the six-man tag only fueled the fire for Claudio Castagnoli and AJ Styles. Determined to end the torment of Revolver, the duo challenged Gallows and Anderson to a match….a tornado tag match at Seize the Day. Styles said that the match would be the first nail in the coffin of Revolver.
Despite the rise of Styles and Castagnoli, the tag division was still dominated by The Young Bucks. After reclaiming the titles at November Reign—Matt and Nick Jackson began displaying more cocky traits than usual. Declaring themselves superior to all other tag teams in WSW, the Bucks told Shane McMahon to sign new teams because no one in WSW could challenge them. The bold statements of the Bucks soon drew out one of the most exciting tag teams in WSW—the Lucha Brothers. The former World Tag Team Champions would issue a challenge to The Young Bucks, and after winning a four-corner tag match—the Lucha Brothers would call out the Bucks again. Matt and Nick Jackson responded by sneaking in through the crowd and superkicking Fenix and Pentagon….officially accepting their challenge for Seize the Day. Nick Jackson would say:
“Best in the world is not just a slogan we throw out on t-shirts. It is our lifeblood. The Lucha Brothers are the last team to fall….and once they do, the dynasty of The Young Bucks will be complete.”
Women’s Division
Following her victory at November Reign, "The Queen of the Ring" Taya Valkyrie boasted about the fact that she successfully defended her championship in the first title match ever defended in a three-way, Valkyrie said that there was not a woman in WSW that could beat her. This drew out Candice LeRae. Frustrated over the finish of the match at November Reign, Candice Wrestling pointed out that Valkyrie had never beaten her one on one, and she challenged the champion for the Women's World Title. LeRae's challenge would be interrupted though....by the returning Paige Knight! Appearing for the first time since July, Knight stated that she had unfinished business with Valkyrie. A number one contender's match was set between Knight and LeRae, and for the first time in the history of Ignition—a women's match main evented. LeRae would win the contest, becoming Number One Contender; however, Valkyrie would viciously attack her following the match—striking her with the title belt and delivering Road to Valhalla on the stage—injuring LeRae.
An unfortunate, real-life injury would sideline Paige Knight. On December 28 at a house show in Ottawa, Knight suffered a neck injury removing her from the active roster yet again.
Valkyrie's reign would continue, and the champion would begin to wear elaborate fur coats and flaunt her wealth accumulated from being the World Champion. Valkyrie's dominance was only matched by her arrogance. After defending her title successfully against Io Shirai at Inception, Valkyrie would continue to attack Shirai after the match. Placing several $100 bills into the mouth of Shirai, Valkyrie prepared to hit Road to Valhalla on a chair, but the attack would be interrupted by the explosive return of Candice LeRae! LeRae would stop at nothing to get her hands on Valkyrie and earn a shot at the Women's World Title.
The Golden Star Continues To Shine
Kota Ibushi was one of the biggest stars in WSW, the reigning Intercontinental Champion was defending his title in highly regarded matches. Ibushi entered into the World Title Tournament where he looked to become a dual champion. Ibushi's quest for the World Title would end in the second round, with a loss to Fenix. Fenix's victory would grant him a shot at the Intercontinental Championship, with that match taking place at Inception. Despite an incredible effort by Fenix, Ibushi would once again defend his championship successfully.
With over a 300-day reign, Ibushi declared his passion and love for the Intercontinental Championship stating the belt represented the fighting spirit of pro wrestling. Ibushi challenged Will Ospreay to a match, picking Ospreay because he is one of the top wrestlers in the world and represented all of the values of the Intercontinental Championship. Ospreay would accept the challenge, saying it would be an honor to challenge Ibushi for the prestigious championship. The match was set for Seize the Day.
The Agent of Chaos
Following his defeat of James Storm, Bram would continue his haunting tactics:
"The first pillar has fallen, you need to understand....I'm just here to burn WSW.....Why? So I can watch it burn."
Bram would soon find himself challenged by Andrew Everett, defending Storm's honor. The protégé of James Storm had been brutalized as part of Bram's psychological warfare with Storm. A match was scheduled, and despite a courageous effort from Everett, Bram would savagely attack Everett delivering a seemingly endless flurry of knees to the head. The match only ended when Trevor Lee (Everett's former tag team partner) ran down to the ring and threw in the towel to forfeit the match.
Bram would then begin to call out Trevor Lee, saying "you are the final piece of the Cowboy left to fall." Labeling Bram a monster, Lee refused to face Bram. A master manipulator, Bram began calling out Lee with personal insults about his background and family, finally drawing Lee into the fire. Much like Storm and Everett, Lee would fall victim to the Chesterfield Plague at Inception.
After his victory over Trevor Lee, Bram would disappear—appearing only in a series of macabre vignettes, stating his next target would be revealed soon.
Road to Seize the Day 2018
As spring rolled in, all roads in WSW led to Seize the Day in New Orleans. The event took place during Wrestlemania weekend in the Crescent City.
Seize the Day was main evented by Cody making his first defense of the WSW World Championship against EC3. Following his explosive return in Las Vegas, EC3 was dead set on regaining his championship and exacting revenge on the man who screwed him out of Revolver. Since Cody's rise to the top of WSW, EC3 had lost the World Title, been stabbed in the back, and left in a pool of his own blood. EC3 vowed:
"At Seize the Day, I will win the World Championship and destroy the monster I helped create..."
Seize the Day also featured feature Kota Ibushi defending his Intercontinental Championship against Will Ospreay. The Women's World Champion Taya Valkyrie taking on challenger Candice LeRae. In the WSW World Tag Team Championship match, The Young Bucks defended against The Lucha Brothers. Seize the Day would also feature a tornado tag match featuring the team of AJ Styles and Claudio Castagnoli taking on Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows. Adam Cole squared off with Alberto El Patron.
Following his defeat to Kota Ibushi in the Intercontinental Championship match at November Reign, Ricochet vowed to make himself "….one second better...." --referring to his inability to pin Ibushi. With the onset of the World Title Tournament, Ricochet would be upset by Johnny Mundo in the first round—Mundo grabbing a handful of tights during the pinfall. Mundo would rub salt in the wound, bragging about his victory—claiming that he was the original star of the spotlight and he wasn't giving up his spot for Ricochet. In the weeks that followed, Ricochet would demand a rematch, but Mundo would only respond in a series of video vignettes, stating:
I'm filming a documentary on my life because I'm a multifaceted talent......best of luck getting one second better."
Revolver Backfires
At Seize the Day 2018, Cody successfully retained the World Title against EC3. Following the match, Cody and his Revolver stablemates, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, brutalized EC3 and shaved his head. EC3 would disappear from WSW after that night.
As the weeks rolled on following Seize the Day, Cody became more and more unhinged -- developing a borderline obsession with being Champion. Cody would constantly cite the doubters and critics he had heard over the years, using the World Championship belt as validation. The pressure on Cody was only going to mount.
Following a victory over Alberto El Patron at Seize the Day, Adam Cole set out to systematically eliminate Revolver one by one. With his trademark charisma and swashbuckling attitude, Cole claimed victories over Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, and he set his sights on Cody and the World Title. Desperate to throw obstacles in Cole's way, Cody was blindsided by the return of former World Champion Drew Galloway. Fully healed from injury, Galloway was hellbent on reclaiming the title he had been forced to vacate six months prior.
On the very first two-hour edition of Ignition, Galloway and Cody met for the World Championship. The back-and-forth affair saw Adam Cole eliminate the interference of Anderson and Gallows. Galloway was able to hit a Claymore Kick; however, as the referee counted 2 on the pinfall, the bell rang for a time-limit draw. Cody escaped yet again.
In the weeks that followed, Cole, Galloway, and Cody were on a collision course. In July, WSW headed to Canada for the first time -- hosting SummerFest in Toronto. The main event was a Three-Way Dance for the World Championship: Cody vs. Adam Cole vs. Drew Galloway. In a seminal moment in WSW history, Cole won the match, pinning Cody to become World Champion.
Cody's failure to win the belt back further maddened him to the point of no return, as Cody brutally turned on Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, officially burning Revolver to the ground. However, Cody continued to travel down a dark road as he entered the 2018 Grand Prix. Cody's obsession with "being a goddamn superstar" and the World Championship caused him to lose several matches in the Grand Prix and dash his hopes for winning the tournament. Following a loss to Will Ospreay, Cody snapped and viciously attacked the referee. Cody's attack was stopped by a returning Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, with Anderson challenging Cody to a match at Grand Prix Finals.
At the Grand Prix Finals, Cody and Anderson beat the hell out of each other in a brutal match. During the match, Cody tried to use brass knuckles, but Anderson took them from him. As Anderson prepared to knock the lights out of Cody, he hesitated as he looked into the eyes of his former best friend who pleaded with him to show mercy. With tears in his eyes, Cody apologized. Anderson took pity on Cody, and this proved costly, as Cody continued to show he was a snake... low-blowing Anderson and dropping him with the Cross Rhodes for the win. After the match, Cody slugged Doc Gallows with the brass knuckles. Cody then wrapped Anderson's head in a steel chair. As he prepared to stomp down, the lights in the Sears Centre went off...when they returned a man stood in the ring with a hooded jacket. Upon pulling the hood off, the man revealed himself to be a new look EC3 -- still sports the shaved head that Cody gave him 5 months prior and a scruffy beard. Cody bailed in shock as the arena shook in massive cheers.
In the weeks that followed, EC3 made his intent clear -- haunting Cody through a series of "self-filmed" videos. During one of these videos, EC3 threw the gauntlet down:
“…. Cody you like to say that you are filled with rage, but I know you Cody…..I know who you are. You know how I know you…. because it was ME that wanted you in Revolver. I saw that rage in you, I saw that it was fueled by fear…. a fear that you would only ever be known as Dusty’s son. I knew how ANGRY you were, and I knew that anger was what Revolver needed, and I knew you needed us. Revolver gave you what you always wanted Cody….it gave you an identity, it gave you a home….it gave you fame and fortune. But you bit the hand that fed you. You spit in the face of our family and burned it all to the ground. You took away EVERYTHING I LOVED! ……. Now I’m going to rip everything away from you. You like the big stage and the bright lights? Well why don’t you meet me at November Reign to decide this once and for all…….”
After uttering these words, EC3 would reveal he broke into Cody’s home in Atlanta where he proceeded to smash one of Cody’s beloved sports cars with a baseball bat. The blood feud would eventually come to blows during several episodes of Ignition. The heated nature of the rivalry led WSW Owner Shane McMahon to declare:
“EC3….Cody…..you two want to tear each other apart?! You want to go to war with each other? Well you can do it at November Reign in a Street Fight!”
The Grand Prix Is Phenomenal
The 2018 Grand Prix featured the strongest tournament field in its young history, but very quickly the story of “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles was put in the spotlight. A former WSW World Champion, Styles battled through an identity crisis of sorts with his career in 2018, and he entered the Grand Prix determined to prove, “this old dog still has one good fight left in him.” Styles quickly got off to a 3-0 start in the A Block (earning 6 points), including a thrilling victory over Kota Ibushi. The stage was set for a titanic Round 4 matchup, AJ Styles vs. Adam Cole, the current, reigning World Champion. Cole boasted a 3-0 record himself. The duo engaged in a hard-hitting affair, with Styles having an answer for everything Cole threw at him. The match ended in a 30-minute draw and a standing ovation for both men. As the A Block played out, Kota Ibushi would score one of the biggest wins of his WSW career—and the biggest upset of the Grand Prix—defeating World Champion Adam Cole in Round 5. This opened the door for The Phenomenal One, and Styles remained the alpha dog, as he was never pinned or submitted throughout the round-robin action. A Styles Clash to Bram and a 3 count from the referee cemented Styles as the A Block winner, advancing him to the finals in Chicago.
The B Block was highlighted by the unbelievable athleticism of Intercontinental Champion Will Ospreay, Ricochet, and Johnny Mundo and the sheer brutal dominance of Bobby Lashley. Led by manager and mouthpiece Arn Anderson, Lashley smashed his way through the B Block in a manner never seen before. Using his raw power and MMA background, Lashley won every match either by referee stoppage or submission with his head and arm choke. The B Block finals came down to Lashley and “The Scottish Dragon” Drew Galloway. In a matchup that can only be described as a “hoss fight,” Galloway pushed Lashley further than anyone in the Grand Prix, before ultimately passing out in the deadly clutches on the head and neck choke. Bobby Lashley became the first man to ever advance through the round-robin portion of the Grand Prix a perfect 5-0.
The Grand Prix finals took place in Chicago on 9/22. In the lead-up to the match, Arn Anderson praised AJ Styles:
“….AJ you are a standard bearer in this industry. I want to be very clear here….I respect EVERYTHING you’ve ever done throughout your career. You are at a level only an elite few in this profession ever reach. In my god’s honest opinion, you are the best pro wrestler in the world. You see this wrestling ring maybe your church, but Bobby Lashley is a pure combat sports athlete. Bobby Lashley is built to fight….in a cage, on the battlefield, and yes, AJ……this very ring. Bobby knows he’s going to get your best shot, but AJ….that’s all it will be. Your story is over, the final chapter will be written in Chicago. Bobby Lashley is going to be the one to put Old Yeller down once and for all. It’s not personal…. it’s just business…..”
In the main event of the Grand Prix Finals, AJ Styles and Bobby Lashley engaged in what can only be described as a fight. Lashley brutalized Styles, but the lion heart of the Phenomenal One refused to let him stay down. With a steel resolve, Styles managed to wound Lashley by constantly working on his legs, before finally locking in the Calf Slicer. For the first time since coming to WSW, Lashley’s face wore an expression never seen before….fear. After beating the hell out of each other, Styles saved his best trick for last. As Lashley cinched in the head and arm choke, Styles used the turnbuckles to propel himself on top of Lashley, pinning “The Prize Fighter’s” massive shoulders to the canvas. AJ Styles pulled it off….Styles won the 2018 Grand Prix and punched his ticket to November Reign.
In mid-October, WSW returned to Mississauga, Ontario for a set of Ignition tapings. During this time, Kota Ibushi challenged Adam Cole for the World Championship earned via his victory in the Grand Prix. Adam Cole was ready for the challenge from the “The Golden Star,” winning an incredible contest to retain the crown jewel of WSW and set the stage for the main event of November Reign…..AJ Styles vs. Adam Cole for the WSW World Championship!
Since the day he arrived in WSW, Adam Cole had bounced to the beat of his own drum. Cocky, sarcastic, and a true rebel with a “devil may care” attitude, Cole had become the most popular wrestler on the WSW roster. Now he found himself facing off with the “favorite son” of WSW, AJ Styles, on the biggest night in the history of WSW. On the road to November Reign, Cole and Styles showed respect for each other, although Cole would also hint and tease a superkick just to let Styles know he could:
“AJ, you are literally a living legend. You have changed this business, and you have opened doors for guys like me. You’ve helped build all of this.... you’ve helped bring WSW to the level we are at....and I’ve looked up to you my entire career. But now you’re after my World Championship....now you’re stepping to the plate in Game 7 and I’m throwing a perfect game..... The sands in your hourglass are dwindling.... your clock is ticking. You know there won’t be many more main events or World Title shots down the line. That’s what makes you dangerous.... but look into my eyes AJ and listen to the sound of my voice. I’ve worked my ENTIRE life for the right to be World Champion. I am the BEST damn professional wrestler in the world. People say I’m one in a million.....Nah I’m not one in a million...I’m THE ONE! There is nothing I won’t do to defend MY belt.... even if I’ve got to kick your teeth in!”
“Don’t ever forget Adam....everywhere you’ve been... I’ve been. Everyone you’ve beaten... I’ve beaten. WSW is AND ALWAYS WILL BE...THE HOUSE AJ STYLES BUILT!”
The Wrath of Lashley
MMA and wrestling free agent Bobby Lashley signed with WSW in May of 2018. Arn Anderson quickly emerged as the manager for Lashley, claiming that Lashley was the most dominant prizefighter in combat sports. Lashley's record didn't disappoint. With a brutal MMA-infused styled, Lashley rattled off a string of victories that were short and brutal. He became the most feared competitor in WSW.
Will Ospreay was on a meteoric rise through the ranks of WSW, capturing the Intercontinental Championship from Kota Ibushi at Seize the Day in April. With championship gold around his waist, Ospreay vowed to defend the Intercontinental Championship with honor as a fighting champion. Ospreay would proudly defend the title using his unique in-ring skills to prove himself as one of the best wrestlers in the world. Following the Grand Prix, Ospreay would successfully defend the title against Johnny Mundo during the Grand Prix Finals show—Mundo earned his title shot by defeating Ospreay during B Block action. Following his victory over Mundo, Ospreay’s next challenger proved to be his most daunting.
Following his loss to AJ Styles in the finals of the Grand Prix, Bobby Lashley and Arn Anderson were shocked and pissed. Having defeated Ospreay in the Grand Prix, Lashley emerged as the next challenger to the Intercontinental Championship. Never one to back down, Will Ospreay vowed to fight with honor against the titan. The incredibly intense match took place in Mississauga, with Will Ospreay displaying an outrageous amount of guts and heart. However, Lashley would not be denied—dashing the hopes of WSW fans everywhere by choking out Ospreay with the head and arm choke to win the Intercontinental Championship.
In the weeks that followed, Ospreay announced that he would be taking time off to heal from a series of nagging injuries that he suffered. He promised to heal and return better than ever. With gold around the waist of Lashley, Arn Anderson declared:
“THIS is THE MAN who broke the spirit and crushed the body of Will Ospreay to become THE true champion of WSW.”
This drew the ire of Ospreay’s greatest rival, Ricochet. Determined to bring honor back to the Intercontinental Title, Ricochet challenged Lashley. The match was set for November Reign. Ricochet would not back down from the titan:
“Bobby, I look at you, and I see an elite athlete. You are great....but don’t put up this façade.... don’t call yourself the greatest combat sports fighter in the world. You see the truth is you are nothing more than a greedy bastard that’s after one thing and one thing only...money. I’ve fought against guys like you my entire life. You’re big, you’re strong, you’re dangerous.....but you don’t have any heart. You aren’t willing to bleed for this... you aren’t willing to break bones for this! Wrestling is MY LIFE. I’ve fought every single day of my life for the right to stand in this ring and hold a title as prestigious as the Intercontinental Championship. I will not back down! And I can promise you this.... you’ve never faced anyone like me before. ”
“.... You’re right....Bobby Lashley is all about the money. He’s all about the money because this is prime time son. This is what the big leagues look like. You’re fueled by passion, grit, and determination.......what has that got you?! A nice tag line? A nice condo? Bobby Lashley lives for MUCH MORE. He lives for the mansions, he lives for the Rolls Royce, he lives for the Don Perignon! Do you want those things in this business? You’ve got to get in this ring and whip people’s asses to put money in the bank and gold around your waist. Bobby Lashley is the best at what he does, and he gets PAID to do it! At November Reign, Bobby Lashley is going to put you back into your place.... nothing more than a sideshow acrobat.”
A man of few words, an irate Bobby Lashley would speak up too:
“I felt the oxygen leave Will Ospreay’s body as I choked him out. I broke his scrawny ass in this ring, sent him home on a stretcher, and I took his belt. Boy, I can’t wait to choke your punk ass out too.”
The Best Woman In The World
During the summer of 2018, WSW’s Women’s Division saw a new force enter the fray—Diamond. A stable consisting of Tenille Dashwood, Nixon Newell, and Tessa Blanchard took the division by storm. Utilizing sneak attacks, outside interference, and unmatched cockiness and attitude, Diamond quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Rising through the ranks, Diamond soon targeted WSW Women’s World Champion Candice LeRae. Beloved by the WSW fans for her fighting spirit and positive energy, LeRae successfully defended her title against Tenille Dashwood; however, a new threat emerged from the Diamond ranks…. the powerhouse Tessa Blanchard.
After Nixon Newell suffered a serious leg injury during a house show removing her from active competition, Blanchard seized the opportunity and actually pinned the champion during a tag team match on Ignition. Unpinned and undefeated since arriving in WSW, Blanchard would challenge for the Women’s World Championship during the Grand Prix Finals. During the match, Dashwood would interfere frequently on behalf of Blanchard until LeRae took her out and exercised her frustration in the form of a flurry of fists. Despite the courageous effort of the champion, it wasn’t enough, as Blanchard was too much. Tessa put the champion down and captured the Women’s World Championship. Declaring herself “The Best Woman In The World” Tessa Blanchard would state,
“Diamonds are forever…..AND so is TESSA BLANCHARD!”
In the weeks that followed, Blanchard and Dashwood would put the Women’s Division under their thumb, as Blanchard truly showed why she was one of the most dominant women in the world. However, Candice LeRae refused to stay down. LeRae fought back and wanted her rematch, hell-bent on taking on Blanchard one more time and knocking the bully off the block. The rematch was set for November Reign which Tessa Blanchard embraced:
“Candice, you think you are a beacon of hope…. you think you are a role model for all the young girls out there who believe if you work really hard and ‘try your best’ amazing things can happen. Well, that’s a fairy tale. In real life, women who look like me always walk over people like you. What did your hard work get you the first time we met….NOTHING. I pinned you and took your belt. I am the standard around here. Look at me…. this is what the BEST looks like. Candice you are a cockroach, and at November Reign…. I cannot wait to squash you and your dreams once and for all!”
The Iron Grip Of The Death Busters
The wrestling world got turned on its head in June of 2018 following the shocking debut of The Death Busters in WSW. After several weeks of vignettes, the mysterious team was revealed during a World Tag Team Championship match between The Young Bucks and The Union…..Dawson and Wilder, formerly known as Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson (The Revival) in WWE. Now calling themselves The Death Busters, the team shocked the world with their arrival in WSW.
The Death Busters quickly targeted The Young Bucks, attacking the World Tag Team Champions and making things personal very quickly. Saying they were on a “mission” to “purify” the art of tag team wrestling, The Death Busters defeated The Bucks at SummerFest to capture the World Tag Team Championships. Following their victory, the Death Busters would beat the Jackson brothers down with chairs, crushing Nick’s ankle with a chair and removing the Bucks from the active rosters for several months.
The Death Busters seized an iron grip on the tag team division, even handing The Union their first loss as a team while defending their titles. With their unbridled aggression, The Death Busters weren’t just happy with winning…they looked to hurt people. After successfully defending their titles against the Midnight Rush in October, the Death Busters looked to injure ACH and Lio Rush during the post-match; however, in one of the loudest reactions in WSW history, The Young Bucks made their return to make the save. With fire in their eyes and revenge in their hearts, The Young Bucks challenged The Death Busters to settle the score once and for all at November Reign.
RUSH Arrives
In the summer of 2018, WSW announced a mutual partnership with Mexican promotion CMLL designed to enhance the international presence of both companies. In October 2018, the most notorious faction in CMLL made their arrival in WSW. The trio of RUSH, Pierroth, and El Terrible ran in and attacked Kota Ibushi following his World Title defeat to Adam Cole, with RUSH laying out “The Golden Star” with the RUSH Special (butterfly piledriver). Rush would smile and place his boot on the fallen head of Ibushi as he grabbed the microphone and said:
“Ibushi is the Ace. Ibushi is honor, respect, and fighting spirit.... but what happens to the house of cards when the Joker is wild? Everything will fall. Los Ingobernables will make it all fall. Ibushi, I’m coming for you.... simply because I can and there is nothing you can do to stop me.”
While Ibushi and Rush would set out on a collision course, Pierroth and El Terrible began running in and attacking several tag teams after matches, declaring:
“Porque podemos, porque somos los mejores” (Because we can, because we are the best)
The arrival of Los Ingobernables put all of WSW on alert.
The Power Broker and The Assassin
Following a hollow performance in the Grand Prix by Claudio Castagnoli, the first WSW World Champion was in a tailspin. Floundering after suffering a string of losses, Castagnoli was approached by the mysterious Salina de la Renta. De la Renta had appeared in WSW scouting talent for several weeks and approached Castagnoli, offering him the chance to become a champion if he was willing to get his hands dirty:
“...How bad do you want greatness? Do you dream about it at night? How bad do you really want it? My services aren’t cheap....and I do not fail. If you are willing to do whatever it takes, then we can have whatever we want. Fortune favors the bold Claudio...I’m both an angel and the devil....do you want the world?”
At a crossroads, Castagnoli would make a deal with the devil. With Salina de la Renta at his side, Claudio Castagnoli flipped a switch, becoming unbelievably aggressive and intense in the ring. Quickly, Castagnoli pulled together a series of impressive wins. This behavior would lead De la Renta to refer to Castagnoli as “The Assassin.” With each win in the ring, Salina de la Renta delivered on her guarantee. Salina de la Renta declared it was time to go “big game hunting” leading Castagnoli to challenge "The Scottish Dragon” Drew Galloway.
Since returning from injury in June, Galloway had been looking to reclaim his status in the upper echelon of WSW. After losing to Bobby Lashley in the B Block finals during the Grand Prix, Galloway was looking for a golden ticket to the top. Castagnoli and Salina de la Renta sensed desperation from the former World Champion, and the matchup between the two most physical and intense wrestlers on the roster was set, with each man looking for status, each man hungry to taste gold once again....and each man willing to beat the hell out of the other to seize success.
The LA Express Rides
Frustrated at his inability to win the Intercontinental Championship from Will Ospreay, Johnny Mundo stated he was going back to his roots.... he was going back to where his heart was...he was going back to LA. Mundo revealed what this meant with the debut of his new stable, the LA Express. Consisting of Mundo, the returning Mike Bennett, Taya Valkyrie, Maria, and the debuting “Machine” Brian Cage—Mundo provided the tagline for the group:
“Take a look at this! This is Sex, this is Rock n’ Roll, this is the best damn thing outside of the Sunset Strip! World Tag Titles, Intercontinental Title, World Title........they will soon all be ours. We’re not coming for the top.... because we’re already there!”
After a series of impressive victories, the LA Express was granted an international showcase opportunity at November Reign, taking on Mistico, Caristico, and Aero Star from CMLL in a trios match.
November Reign 2018
At WSW's signature event, the company capitalized on its momentum in front of a raucous, sold-out crowd in Los Angeles. The crowd of 7,020 set WSW's United States attendance record (at the time).
The show kicked off with the LA Express continuing to roll, winning the international trios showcase over the CMLL trio of Caristico, Mistico & Aero Star. Brian Cage in particular shined, showcasing his unique athleticism mixed with his massive size.
"The Assassin" Claudio Castagnoli continued to embrace brutality and fully turned to the proverbial dark side. Castagnoli and Drew Galloway beat the hell out of each other, but Castagnoli won via TKO after he stomped the head of Galloway until "The Scottish Dragon" was rendered unconscious.
Bobby Lashley retained the Intercontinental Championship against Ricochet, and Tessa Blanchard flexed her iron grip on the Women's Division by retaining against a passionate effort from Candice LeRae. RUSH claimed a massive victory over Kota Ibushi, vaulting himself into the upper stratosphere of WSW.
Wrestling in their backyard, The Young Bucks won the WSW World Tag Team Championships in their climatic 18-minute rematch with The Death Busters, becoming three-time champions.
In a bitter, bloody battle, EC3 defeated Cody after drilling him in the head with a crowbar (the same weapon Cody used to brutalize Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows) five months earlier. The match would see EC3 kiss his former stablemate on the forehead before putting him down for good for the pin. Following his defeat, Cody would disappear from WSW. The only time anyone heard from Cody was through occasional cryptic Tweets, such as a picture of his father's cowboy boots.
In the main event, the year of AJ Styles became complete, as "The Phenomenal One" proved that the old dog did indeed have one more fight left in him. Styles beat Adam Cole to win the World Championship, becoming the first person in WSW history to win the World Title twice. The seminal moment of November Reign was the entire Styles family embracing in the ring amidst a cloud of confetti as AJ held the World Title high. Mauro Ranallo narrated the moment:
My God what a match, what a night! AJ Styles has completed the hero’s journey—he’s walked to hell and back and claimed the Grand Prix and now at November Reign he’s claimed the World Championship! Enjoy this moment AJ, enjoy the hell out of it.... you’ve earned it! The cornerstone of WSW since our foundation...on November 24, 2018 WSW is Phenomenal once again!”
The WSW Dojo, the official training center for the company, opened its doors on Monday, November 5 in Atlanta, Georgia with a media event, autograph signings, and several exclusive matches. James Storm was named Head Coach at the facility, assisted by Low Ki and Chris Sabin.
Shane McMahon announced that in January 2019, WSW would begin taping their weekly television series Ignition on the road beginning with a taping at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
WSW toured the UK for the first time in December 2018, including taping two episodes of Ignition in London at Royal Albert Hall.
As part of their partnership with CMLL, WSW toured Mexico for the first time in February 2019, holding Ignition TV tapings in Mexico City as well.
WSW announced that Seize the Day 2019 would be held at the historic Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
The End Of An Era, And The Start Of A New One
As the 2018 calendar year ticked down, WSW headed to the UK for the first time in company history. The UK tour saw house shows take place in Birmingham, Liverpool, and Glasgow. Tapings for Ignition took place at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London.
After scaling the mountain and becoming World Champion for a second time, AJ Styles' first challenger quickly emerged as Adam Cole demanded a rematch. On the road to November Reign, a change slowly developed in Cole. He displayed more aggression and underhandedness, seemingly jealous of the popularity of Styles and his journey. At November Reign, the crowd was solidly behind Styles, and they blew the roof off the building for his victory. In the weeks that followed, Cole's frustration boiled over:
"I SAVED this company from Revolver. I was the only one in that locker room that walked through that fire successfully. I am the most in-demand wrestler in the world, and all of sudden, everyone is ready to throw me into the gutter for the new shiny toy. Well let me burst your bubble, there is nothing new and shiny about AJ Styles. He's an old man that closed his eyes, swung the bat hard, and by the grace of God, he hit a home run. Everyone gets lucky once...it won't happen again. I'm coming for my title and coming to take over my company. AJ is the PAST and I am the HERE and NOW!"
The World Title match between Styles and Cole would take place on Ignition from London. Throughout the course of the match, Cole slowly but surely gave in to his desire to win at all costs and attempted every dirty trick in the book, but Styles retained for his first successful title defense. Following the match, Styles was met by a returning Will Ospreay (who was met with thunderous cheers from the London crowd). Fully healed from his injuries, Ospreay challenged Styles for the World Title.
Another emerging story was the contractual status of the beloved tag team The Young Bucks. Heavily courted by WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling, the World Tag Team Champions found themselves the target of the newest threat to the tag team division, The Hart Foundation. With a cocky swagger, the trio of Teddy Hart, Davey Boy Smith Jr., and Brian Pillman Jr. arrived in WSW and took aim at the titles.
In one of the most impressive feats in WSW, The Hart Foundation rattled off a series of impressive wins, none more impressive than defeating The Death Busters. As WSW traveled to the UK, The Hart Foundation drew the line in the sand, challenging The Bucks for the titles. On Ignition, The Hart Foundation defeated The Young Bucks with their devastating Doomsday Destroyer to win the World Tag Team Titles -- shocking the wrestling world.
On January 1, 2019, The Young Bucks announced they had signed with NJPW, leaving WSW as the most decorated tag team in company history and one of the foundations of the company.
2019 Arrives and Tag Team Wrestling Takes Center Stage
In January 2019, WSW announced the Global Cup, a sixteen-team tournament designed to showcase the best tag teams in the world. Featuring competitors from WSW and CMLL, the tournament saw the best of the best of tag team wrestling. The winners of the tournament would be granted a World Tag Team Title shot at Seize the Day.
In addition to established teams, the Global Cup saw the pairing of the surprise team of Kota Ibushi and Ricochet. Both men expressed their love for tag team wrestling and their success with the medium in the past, and they agreed to team together. Very quickly, they became fan favorites with their athleticism and instant chemistry.
As the tournament played out, the South Pacific Power Trip (Travis Banks and TK Cooper) pulled off a major shocker, beating The Hart Foundation to knock the champions out of the tournament -- becoming the first team in WSW to ever claim a victory over The Hart Foundation.
The finals of the Global Cup saw Kota Ibushi & Ricochet square off with The Death Busters. In a match rated 5 stars by Dave Meltzer, Ibushi and Ricochet debuted the Teidan (double Kamigoye) to win the tournament and establish themselves as the newest force in tag team wrestling.
The Road to Inception
Led by Salina de la Renta, "The Assassin" Claudio Castagnoli continued his dominant winning ways. Since embracing Salina's leadership, Castagnoli put together an unbeaten streak. With their eyes on gold, Salina demanded Castagnoli leave a trail of broken bodies that couldn't be denied. None was more resounding than his TKO victory over Drew Galloway which saw Galloway leave on a stretcher.
Speaking of undeniable, Tessa Blanchard embraced the term as she firmly assumed leadership of Diamond and the head of the Women's Division as World Champion. Demanding a challenger worth her time, Blanchard found herself staring into the eyes of Io Shirai. One of the top women's wrestlers, Shirai posed a threat that the young Blanchard hadn't encountered yet as champion. On Ignition, Blanchard and Tenille Dashwood squared off with Shirai and Candice LeRae in a tag team match. During the course of the match, Blanchard found herself on the end of Shirai's dangerous strikes...Blanchard would back away from further interaction with Shirai. Never one to back down, Shirai screamed at Blanchard:
Despite the efforts of his former Revolver stablemates Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, EC3 refused to make amends, choosing to keep to himself. EC3 maintained his shaved head and beard, seemingly a different person that was changed by the rivalry with Cody. This lone-wolf mentality made him a target for Johnny Mundo and the LA Express. Looking to exercise their dominance, Mundo made EC3 a target, convinced taking him down would make the LA Express the new top dogs in WSW. Mundo and the LA Express would berate and prod EC3 until things turned violent. Despite the numbers disadvantage, EC3 would not let anyone stand beside him. He challenged Johnny Mundo to meet him at Inception, seemingly on a kamikaze mission.
AJ Styles accepted Will Ospreay's challenge and their road to Inception was paved by respect. Growing up idolizing AJ Styles, Ospreay viewed the match as his opportunity to leap into the stratosphere of professional wrestling. A dream match, Ospreay vs. Styles would main event Inception.
Inception 2019
Inception 2019 saw AJ Styles retain the World Title against Will Ospreay in an instant classic that garnered both men a standing ovation. In a 25-minute bout, Ospreay proved that he belonged in the same breath as the great AJ Styles even in defeat. Meanwhile, Styles continued to prove that he was still the alpha dog in WSW.
Tessa Blanchard also continued to cement her status by successfully defending the Women's World Title against Io Shirai. Blanchard took every shot that Shirai could throw, but her raw power was too much to overcome. Blanchard put Shirai down with two Blanchard Combinations (slingshot suplex into a buzzsaw DDT).
Ever the opportunist, Johnny Mundo (with plenty of assistance from the LA Express) stole a victory from EC3. In the lead-up to the match, Mundo bragged about "strength in numbers," and that played out as EC3 fought against all the odds, but fell in the end. After the match, the LA Express looked to severely injure EC3, but Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows made the save. Extending their hands to put the past in the past, EC3 walked away from both men...still refusing to face his past.
Growth and Expansion
WSW Owner Shane McMahon always preached slow and steady growth as WSW grew into the second-largest wrestling promotion in the world. With the company's horizons expanding and business growing, WSW began the road towards the Nassau Coliseum and Seize the Day, the biggest show in company history in April 2019. Nothing was bigger though than the arrival of the biggest free agent in professional wrestling.
The Arrival Of Omega
In February 2019, the landscape of professional wrestling changed as Kenny Omega shocked the wrestling world by signing an exclusive three-year contract with World Series Wrestling. Long considered one of the best wrestlers in the world, Omega left New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) to move to North America and expand his reputation and artistic style globally. Highly coveted, Omega turned down an incredibly lucrative offer from WWE to sign with WSW. Omega promised to bring everything he had to WSW in his effort to “change the world.”
As shocking as Omega’s arrival in WSW was, even more shockwaves were felt when Omega issued a challenge to WSW World Champion AJ Styles. One of the founding pillars of WSW and perhaps its most beloved superstar, Styles was the only competitor in history to be a two-time WSW World Champion. Never backing down from a challenge, and with a history between them, Styles accepted the challenge by saying it would be the “Best Bout Machine” vs. “The Phenomenal One”...Best vs. Best...Great vs. Great. The match was set for the main event of Seize the Day on April 5, 2019.
Mexico's Hottest Rivalry Comes To WSW
WSW's partnership with CMLL saw an influx of Mexican talent gain exposure in WSW. None had made a greater impact than RUSH. Following his victory over Kota Ibushi at November Reign, RUSH would soon be haunted by a ghost from his past. LA Park debuted in WSW in 2019, and his mission was clear to gain revenge on his blood rival RUSH.
The rivalry that captured the lucha libre gained worldwide recognition, as the next chapter in a long, bitter war was told in WSW. In a massive announcement, CMLL and WSW commissioned RUSH vs. LA Park at Seize the Day in a traditional lucha libre best of 3 falls match.
Last Ride of Revolver
In the weeks that followed Inception, the LA Express would continue their attempt to desecrate the ashes of Revolver. Johnny Mundo, Mike Bennett, and Brian Cage would target Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows -- even going so far as to break Gallows' ankle. Despite weeks of agonizing over his relationship with Anderson and Gallows, EC3 could take no more -- triumphantly coming to the aid of an outmanned Karl Anderson. The numbers still didn't add up, as the LA Express thrived on a pack mentality. The numbers didn't add up until one simple phrase rang out:
Not seen since November Reign, Cody returned after four months to aid his former comrades and even the odds. Despite the distrust and differences, Cody, Karl Anderson, and EC3 decided to put aside their differences for one night...one final time...they challenged the LA Express for Seize the Day.
Black Arrow
Fully embracing the dark side, Adam Cole founded Black Arrow along with The Death Busters (Dawson and Wilder). Bonded by their lust for fame, money, and gold -- the trio wreaked havoc in WSW.
Cole set his sights on the Intercontinental Championship held by Bobby Lashley. Lashley was one of the most dominant champions in WSW history, smashing his way to win after win.
Cole wasn't the only man chasing Lashley, as Will Ospreay was coming as well. Injured by Lashley in October of 2018 (a match that saw Ospreay lose the Intercontinental Title to Lashley), Ospreay was coming for revenge and the belt. Bobby Lashley and Arn Anderson vowed to show the world why he was the greatest champion in WSW, and he challenged both men to meet him in a three-way at Seize the Day.
Seize the Day
In many ways, the 2019 edition of Seize the Day was the biggest show in WSW history. Held in front of a sold-out crowd of 12,000+ at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, Seize the Day ushered in a new era of WSW – shining a light on a rapidly growing fan base and global exposure. The event did not disappoint.
The last ride of Revolver backfired. Despite the distrust, the trio of Cody, Karl Anderson, and EC3 worked together; however, the underhanded tactics and cohesiveness of LA Express was too much as they claimed victory. What happened next would never be forgotten. EC3 would savagely attack Cody and Anderson as they consoled each other after the match, laying both out and viciously attacking them with a chair.
Tessa Blanchard would successfully defend the Women's World Championship against Ivelisse, and The Hart Foundation successfully retained the World Tag Team Titles against Kota Ibushi and Ricochet.
Adam Cole would claim gold once again, winning the three-way against Bobby Lashley and Will Ospreay. During the course of the match, The Death Busters interfered and took out Lashley with a double powerbomb through the timekeeper's table. With the monster out of commission, Cole pinned Ospreay to win the Intercontinental Title despite not pinning the champion.
In the most anticipated match in WSW history, Styles and Omega tore the house down. In a 31-minute classic, Omega and Styles displayed all that is beautiful about professional wrestling. In the end, Omega rose...hitting Styles with his devasting One Winged Angel to win the WSW World Championship.
The Omega Era
In the weeks following Kenny Omega's World Title win, the new champion promised to defend the belt with honor and vowed to make the WSW World Championship the most important title in wrestling. Kenny Omega instantly became the face of WSW -- conducting interviews and appearances with a litany of news and television outlets as the new champion and hot commodity. This drew the ire of Johnny Mundo, a man who lived for the spotlight.
Mundo's new lease on life with the LA Express was based on "strength in numbers." With momentum in his favor, and the LA Express backing him, Johnny Mundo set his sights on the top prize in WSW...the World Championship. Jealous over the attention and limelight shined on Kenny Omega, Mundo would officially challenge for the belt. In a heated exchange between the two, Omega made it clear that he wasn't just a bubbly, smiling babyface:
Johnny Mundo: “Finally, after all this time Kenny, we meet eye to eye. The great Kenny Omega...the seven-star athlete who has been all around the world, accomplishing everything. I want to make one thing clear...I don’t give a shit! WSW is MY turf...while you were hiding from me in Japan, I was right here in WSW being a goddamn superstar! I’m not niche Kenny...I’m mainstream. I am an international actor, wrestler, and architect of the LA Express...the most dominant thing going in wrestling. ...But you have the one thing that has eluded me my entire career...the World Championship. I don’t care about your art form, your Tony Robbins mission to Change the World...all I care about is that belt around my sexy waist...and the money that comes with it in my bank account!”
Kenny Omega: “...Johnny, that’s where you and I are different. You want the spotlight, and you want to be World Champion to feed your massive ego. Everybody’s motivation is different, I’m not going to knock you on that. But to me, this belt isn’t about ego it's about the culmination of a nineteen-year journey that’s just getting started. Don’t let my words fool you...when that bell rings you will wrestle the BEST BOUT MACHINE, and I will give you the fight of your life!
You’re great...but do you LOVE this Johnny?! Are you willing to leave every bit of yourself in this ring?! I don’t want to wrestle Johnny Nitro, John Hennigan from Survivor, or Boone the Bounty Hunter...I just want your BEST, because I promise you’ll need it! You want your shot...you’ve got it!”
It also didn't take long for Mundo's plan to reveal itself, as the LA Express once again used their numbers advantage to jump Omega, making the champion very vulnerable as he faced an opponent that didn't care about honor or respect...an opponent that would do anything and everything to beat him and win. The match was set for Undisputed in May.
Omega needed allies, and he found a way to even the odds with friendship. During an attack by the LA Express that saw Taya Valkyrie hit Omega with a low blow from behind, Omega was saved by his best friend Kota Ibushi and Ricochet.
With this new-found alliance, Omega would speak to the friendship with Ibushi:
"Ibushi is one of my best friends in the entire world...he’s one of the primary reasons I came to WSW. Not only is he a friend, but he’s also been an inspiration. Back in 2008, there was no “Best Bout Machine” there was simply Kenny from Winnepeg...a bushy-haired kid with a dream. I discovered Kota Ibushi and was immediately blown away by his style. I knew that if I wanted to achieve half of what I dreamed of in professional wrestling, I had to find a way to meet him, train with him, and wrestle with him. Ibushi was the reason I went to Japan, and I wouldn’t be here...I wouldn’t be World Champion...without him.”
On the road to Undisputed, a trios match was contested on Ignition: LA Express vs. Kenny Omega, Ricochet & Kota Ibushi. In a wild, high-flying match, that saw a little bit of everything -- including Ricochet hitting Brian Cage with a Spanish Fly from the apron to the floor -- Taya Valkyrie once again got involved, striking Omega with another low blow to ground the champion. When the dust settled, Mundo pinned Ricochet to secure the victory for the LA Express and give Mundo even more confidence and momentum:
"Friends don't mean shit, Kenny! Your friendship is weak...it just got run over by the LA Express!"
Adam Gold Bay Bay
After winning the Intercontinental Title, Adam Cole dubbed himself "Adam Gold." His celebration would be short-lived as an irate Bobby Lashley looked to regain the title he had never been pinned for.
Ignition headed to Toronto, and a one-on-one title match was set. During the match, Lashley kicked ass and took names. However, Adam Cole would reach deep into the bag of tricks, yanking the referee in front of him as Bobby Lashley tried for a Spear. This drew the ire of the WSW fans as referee bumps seldom occur in WSW. This also opened the door for interference from The Death Busters as they aided Cole who struck Lashley with the title belt and pinned him to retain.
Once again, Cole's celebration was short-lived as a rematch was declared by Shane McMahon...this time inside a steel cage at Undisputed...just the second steel cage match in WSW history.
The Lucha Brothers Return
Despite their cocky bravado, The Hart Foundation quickly found themselves as fan favorites in WSW. With their flashy in-ring work, and confident swagger, Teddy Hart, Davey Boy Smith, and Brian Pillman were beloved and also highly successful as World Tag Team Champions. Since their arrival in December, The Hart Foundation claimed victories over The Death Busters, Midnight Rush, The Carolina Outlaws, The Young Bucks, South Pacific Power Trip, and Kota Ibushi & Ricochet.
Their next challengers were determined via a tag team battle royal on Ignition. In the weeks leading up to the match, several cryptic videos aired featuring Konnan promising to bring ruthless darkness to WSW. This was revealed to be the return of Fenix and Pentagon Jr. Having competed as singles for the last year, the Lucha Brothers reunited. Clad head to toe in all black, The Lucha Brothers were different, possessing much more of an edge under the tutelage of Konnan. They won the Battle Royal and challenged The Hart Foundation for the titles at Undisputed.
Cody vs. Ethan Carter
In the weeks following EC3's dramatic turn and attack on Karl Anderson and Cody at Seize the Day, a series of "self-filmed" promos aired where EC3 rid himself of that name, now going by Ethan Carter. Changed by the rivalry with Cody, Carter vowed to eliminate Cody once and for all -- seemingly obsessed with eliminating his past. Meanwhile, Cody began a road to redemption.
Karl Anderson wanted revenge first. In a matchup with Anderson on Ignition, Carter brutalized Anderson -- winning the match and then driving his head into the mat over and over with his Headlock Driver finisher. Cody ran down to make the save, but the damage was done. In the weeks that followed, the deeply personal rivalry went to a new level with Cody saying:
“I’m not going to sugarcoat things or go on a long diatribe about my path to redemption. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I have done some horrible things in my career to get ahead, to get to the top...and as I stand here and look back on it, I’m ashamed and embarrassed. If I could change things...believe me, I would...but I can’t rewind the hands of time, so all I can do now is control my actions going forward.
Some would say this a self-righteous journey that makes me vulnerable...it opens the door for things to happen as they did at Seize the Day. But I look at it a little differently. To me, I have nothing to lose. That makes me dangerous. THAT allows me to stand here tonight and call out Ethan Carter for the rat that he is! Ethan, you can change your name, shave your head, grow a beard...but NONE of it disguises you from what you really are...a heartless bastard that would stab his own mother in the back if it meant getting ahead in life!
Ethan, you and I are pretty similar at our core. We both have that insane desire to be Number One. Both of us are willing to get our hands dirty to get what we want...WHEN we want it. That’s why we worked so well together, and that’s also what creates the friction between us. All of this is my fault...I created this mess, I created this monster, and people that I love have gotten hurt. Over the past few months, I couldn’t stand the man that stared back at me in the mirror. All of those feelings were magnified last week when I watched you drive Karl Anderson’s head into this canvas over and over again. HE WAS OUR BROTHER!
You’ve made it clear what you want Ethan. You’ve said it with your words, and you’ve expressed it with your actions. You’ve stripped away everything, and now all that remains is you and me. You want MY blood...
WELL HERE I AM!
You want me Ethan...well guess what, I want you! I want to roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty one more time! I’m going to clean up the mess I made once and for all! I’m going to put a bullet in the chamber, pull the hammer back, and put down this rabid dog for good!
Anytime, anyplace, anywhere...you name the stakes. I’ve got a ton of red in my ledger. I’m willing to dance with the devil Ethan...are you?!
“Anytime, anyplace, anywhere...those are some mighty bold words, Cody. But what else should I expect from the Golden Boy? You always want to play the hero...look at yourself though...you have just as much blood on your hands as I do. You aren’t a white knight, you’re a black heart like me...the only difference between us is you’re ashamed. You’re ashamed of what you did. All you ever wanted in life was to be your own man...to finally break free of the suffocating family history that put so much pressure on you that you almost cracked underneath it. You’re ashamed that you had to go dark, you had to get dirty to finally accomplish everything that alluded you for so long.
...I’m not ashamed, in fact, I LOVE it. I LOVE that I hurt people, I LOVE the fact that people are scared of me, and I LOVE the fact that you sleep with one eye open at night because you’re thinking about me.
You want to hurt me Cody...well I want to hurt you too. I want to beat you down and send your broken body back to your palatial estate in Atlanta so your family can see you for what you really are...a failure. You want me Cody...well guess what...I’m going to drag you right back to that dark place that you are so desperately running from. You want me to name my stakes...Unsanctioned No Holds Barred..."
Following Cody's first singles match in four and a half months on Ignition, Ethan Carter would attack from behind. The attack would see Carter rip up the floor mats and drive Cody's skull into the bare concrete with his Headlock Driver, leaving Cody lying in a puddle of his own blood as EMTs and medics sprinted down.
The final act before Undisputed saw Cody's wife Brandi Rhodes make an appearance on Ignition to address the state of her husband:
“My name is Brandi Rhodes and I am the wife of Cody Rhodes. There are a lot of you who know me and most of you don’t think very highly of me. That’s okay, I’ve earned that and it’s my cross to bear. Just like Cody, I’ve done things in the past that I look back on with regret...and shame. I’m here tonight as nothing more than a wife...a wife who had to watch her husband get brutally assaulted last week and lay face down in a puddle of his own blood. I watched as Cody got eight stitches to sew his torn forehead back together...and I’ve watched as Cody has hobbled his way through the past seven days...unable to train the way he wants. I’m the wife of a professional wrestler, I’m the wife of a RHODES...so I know what I signed up for. Just like a gunslinger in the Old West, the Rhodes Family will never stop, they will always keep coming, looking for one more fight because they always have “one more in them...”
For the past several months, my husband has searched for redemption. He’s so hellbent on clearing the red out of his ledger that he will fight in an Unsanctioned No Holds Barred match, and I’m scared to death. I’m scared because I’m worried that my Cody...the man I know and love...will never be the same after. This might be the gunfight the cowboy doesn’t return from...
All of this is because of one man. One man whose heart is so bitter and full of hate that he wants to destroy everything and anything that ever loved him! Ethan Carter, you have my husband's blood on your hands, and I can do nothing to stop this war, so at least have the dignity to come out here right now and look me in the face!”
Ethan Carter would oblige and a very tense standoff ensued:
“Brandi, I know what you’re going to say. I know that you want to look at me and tell me you hate me, but before you do...have you ever asked yourself “why?” Have you ever once left your ivory tower and thought of someone else...thought of me, and why my actions are what they are?
Of course, you haven’t, because you are just like Cody...you are too damn arrogant to worry about anything other than yourself. It wasn’t too long ago that I was on top of the world, leading Revolver...we offered you and Cody an invitation...a chance to change wrestling and change the narrative of his career. If I recall correctly, you both jumped at the chance. Both of you were willing to get your hands dirty for fame and fortune and overnight, Cody went from a good hand that was thought of as nothing more than a B+ player to a goddamn main event superstar! I gave him the confidence he never had; I gave him the ruthlessness he lacked...all of his championships, your home in Atlanta that you love so much...ALL OF THAT WAS PAID FOR WITH BLOOD MONEY AND IT WAS ME THAT GAVE YOU THAT OPPORTUNITY!
We were on top, and Cody ripped that all away! Cody had to be the leader, he had to be on the marquee, and he had to continue to chase the ghosts that have haunted him his whole life. Cody is terrified that he will never live up to the family name, and I GAVE HIM EVERYTHING HE EVER WANTED! He threw away everything – he killed Revolver and he left me in a gutter to die...
So, forgive me Brandi if I don’t want to bow at the feet of Cody, and praise his road to redemption. I am going to finish what I started. I’m going to beat your husband to a bloody pulp. It will be ME that writes that puts a bullet into Revolver...NOT CODY!
You shouldn’t be scared of what will happen Brandi, you should be thankful. Because after Saturday night, you will never have to worry about the next match or making the next town...because Cody will never wrestle again. He will be right there with you, Dustin, and the memory of that fat bastard Dusty... inside that ivory tower, broken and defeated...”
As Carter deliver the last line, Brandi would slap him across the face. What happened next was sickening, as Carter dropped Brandi Rhodes with the Headlock Driver, leaving a woman laying face down.
The Rise of Purrazzo
Since her arrival in late 2018, Deonna Purrazzo rose through the ranks of the Women's Division with her unique in-ring style. Very quickly her Fujiwara Arm Bar became one of the most devasting submissions in WSW, as it claimed her victories over former Women's World Champions Taya Valkyrie and Candice LeRae. Unbeaten, Purrazzo challenged Tessa Blanchard for her title at Undisputed, unphased by Blanchard and Diamond's intimidation tactics.
In a tag team match between Tessa Blanchard & Tenille Dashwood vs. Deonna Purrazzo & Kay Lee Ray, Purrazzo was able to apply the Fujiwara Arm Bar to Blanchard. Blanchard tapped immediately, and Purrazzo became the first woman to ever tap out the World Champion.
Ospreay vs. Dragon Lee
Following a couple of high-profile losses, Will Ospreay vowed to right the ship and make 2019, "the year of Ospreay." This task proved difficult with the arrival of the sensational Dragon Lee from CMLL. Lee came in with much fanfare, and his debut match was set for Toronto against Will Ospreay.
The two men brought the house down, but once again it was Ospreay taking a loss, as Dragon Lee was able to pin Ospreay with just 10 seconds remaining in the match. In the weeks that followed, Dragon Lee continued to dazzle while Ospreay strung together victories as well, feeling the desperation creeping in. Ospreay challenged Dragon Lee to a rematch, and Lee accepted for Undisputed.
With all this occurring, a strange trend began to emerge, as RUSH began to scout Dragon Lee's matches. Never coming to ringside or interfering, RUSH would always watch from afar...
Castagnoli's War Path Continues
Claudio Castagnoli was leaving a path of destruction only similar to Godzilla. Frustrated over a lack of a championship shot, Salina de la Renta said that they would leave a message that wouldn't be denied. She vowed to "cut the head off the snake of WSW." They called out AJ Styles and challenged him, promising to beat him and drop his crumpled body on the desk of Shane McMahon so they wouldn't be denied any longer.
Styles answered the challenge and had some fire of his own:
“It seems as if I’m at a crossroads. It seems as if there’s one of two paths for me to take. On Saturday at Undisputed, I step into the ring with “The Assassin” Claudio Castagnoli, a man who has been unbeaten for seven months and more violent than ever. Every wrestler in the world knows that once that bell rings one of two things can happen...you either win or you lose. Salina de la Renta and Claudio have mutated that formula though. They aren’t looking to win; they are looking to hurt and injure as many people as possible. Claudio isn’t trying to earn a title shot, he’s going scorched earth and stacking up the bodies to ensure there will be no one left in his way...
Now they’re coming for me, and I couldn’t help but wonder why. Then it dawned on me...you’ve never beaten me, Claudio! You drank the poison of Salina de la Renta because you could never realize how damn talented you were, and she’s corrupted you. She’s given you all the motivation you need to eliminate everything you could never do on your own!
...Now I’m the last thing standing in your way, and I know that must eat you inside. Trust me, I know what I’m getting myself into. One path leads me to pain and punishment where Claudio Castagnoli finally slays The Phenomenal One...but the other...the other sees me attack you like a wild dog on the Savannah, beat you...AGAIN, and finally, bring you back to reality.
The story of AJ Styles is still being written, and this next chapter is going to be violent. You want to break me Claudio...well just remember...I’ve still got a few BULLETS left in the chamber.”
WSW World Championship: Johnny Mundo vs. Kenny Omega (c)
WSW Intercontinental Championship - Steel Cage Match: Bobby Lashley vs. Adam Cole (c)
WSW Women's World Championship: Deonna Purrazzo vs. Tessa Blanchard (c)
WSW World Tag Team Championship: The Lucha Brothers vs. The Hart Foundation (c)
Unsanctioned No Holds Barred: Cody vs. Ethan Carter
AJ Styles vs. Claudio Castagnoli
Dragon Lee vs. Will Ospreay
Volador Jr., Valiente & Bandido vs. #StrongHearts
News and Notes
An international trios showcase was also announced for Undisputed: Volador Jr, Valiente & Bandido vs. #StrongHearts (CIMA, T-Hawk & El Lindaman). This is the WSW debut for all six men.
The Von Erichs (Marshall and Ross) signed with WSW in May, and they will make their debut on the 5/23 Ignition from San Antonio.
Shane McMahon announced during the Seize the Day press conference that WSW would hold November Reign at Madison Square Garden on 11/30, the debut for the promotion at the historic venue.
WSW and Paramount Network announced that Ignition would move to a weekly live show in its current time slot, Thursdays 8-10 EST, beginning on 8/15. it was also announced that this broadcast will be the start of the 2019 Grand Prix and take place at NRG Arena in Houston, TX. It's a huge coup for WSW, as the company began taping TV on the road in January and currently tapes 2 weeks' worth of TV in one sitting to manage budgets. While the current financial structure of the television deal will not change, Paramount Network will be paying for production. As it stands, WSW does not receive rights fees, but there is an ad revenue split with a downside guarantee. WSW's current deal with the network runs till 12/31/2021.
Undisputed on 5/16 in Arlington, TX (DFW Metroplex) is officially a sellout, with 6,800 tickets sold. In what has become standard for these events, the company will hold the WSW Experience on 5/15 with a fan fest, autograph signing, and press conference. Conrad Thompson's Starrcast convention will also take place in DFW surrounding the Undisputed weekend.
Undisputed was a professional wrestling event produced by World Series Wrestling (WSW). It was the fourth event promoted under the Undisputed name and took place on Saturday, May 18, 2019, from the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. The card comprised eight matches. The event was streamed live on Netflix.
Event
Undisputed opened with a memorial graphic for the passing of Ashley Massaro.
As the camera cut inside the sold-out College Park Center pyro exploded. The commentary team of Mauro Ranallo, Chael Sonnen, and Paige Knight welcomed the audience to the show and ran down the card for the evening.
Match One: Volador Jr., Bandido & Valiente vs. #StrongHearts
The first match of Undisputed was an International Trios Showcase featuring the trio of Volador Jr., Bandido & Valiente of CMLL taking on the Oriental Wrestling Entertainment (OWE) trio of #StrongHearts (CIMA, T-Hawk & El Lindaman). Chael Sonnen noted the 8-hour time difference between Dallas and Shanghai, prompting the OWE trio to travel to the United States a week early to adjust their body clock for this showcase match. The sold-out DFW crowd was hot, with a loud “Bandido” chant breaking out as the CMLL trio entered the ring. On commentary, Paige Knight ran down the history of CIMA in Dragon Gate and OWE’s presence in China, noting that the trio served as the master teachers of professional wrestling in the promotion.
CIMA and Volador Jr. began the match with a back-and-forth exchange of grappling, rope running, shoulder blocks, and hip tosses that ended in a stalemate. Both men tagged out to T-Hawk and Valiente respectively.
T-Hawk started with a series of arm wringers, but Valiente came back with a tijeras into a crucifix bomb for an early 2 count, followed by a springboard headbutt and lariat. T-Hawk kipped to his feet before peppering Valiente with hard chops. T-Hawk sent Valiente to the ropes where Bandido blind tagged in. The young phenom entered the match with a massive springboard missile dropkick to T-Hawk as the crowd cheered his name. Bandido moved with insane quickness as he fired off a series of strikes on T-Hawk. Bandido sent T-Hawk into the ropes and attempted a hurricanrana, but T-Hawk countered with a sit-out powerbomb for a 2-count. CIMA ran across the ring and knocked Volador and Valiente off the apron to isolate Bandido in the ring.
El Lindaman tagged in for the first time. T-Hawk and El Lindaman hit a double team back elbow strike followed by a standing frog slash by El Lindaman for another 2-count. Bandido fought back on El Lindaman with kicks and chops, and Volador blind tagged in, immediately followed by a tag to Valiente. Bandido slammed Lindaman, and Volador flew from the apron with an outside-in slingshot senton bomb, and Valiente followed with an outside-in slingshot elbow drop. The CMLL trio repaid the favor from earlier, as they knocked CIMA and T-Hawk off the apron to set up a triple team on Lindaman.
The CMLL trio sent Lindaman into the corner, and Volador hit a splash, followed by a shotgun dropkick by Bandido (that sent Lindaman to a seated position), and Valiente hit a running cannonball. Valiente covered for a 2-count. Another quick tag to Volador, led to a double team with Valiente, capped by a flipping neck breaker by Valiente for yet another 2-count.
Needing to make a tag, Lindaman fought back on Volador with hard forearms. He hit a drop-toe hold on Volador to send him draping neck first over the middle rope. Without missing a beat, CIMA flew off the top rope with a diving knee drop to the back of Volador! Things quickly broke down with all six men getting into the ring. StrongHearts won this exchange, as T-Hawk went wild with a dropkick to the knee of a charging Bandido—sending him flying—and a wild chop flurry on Volador. Valiente went to the middle rope in the corner, but T-Hawk chopped him down, sending him tumbling to the apron. Lindaman hit a release German Suplex into the turnbuckles on Volador, and CIMA followed with the running double knee strike in the corner. StrongHeart were fired up and posed in the ring.
StrongHearts cut the ring off from Volador as dueling “Let’s Go StrongHearts” and “CMLL” chants broke out. CIMA and T-Hawk hit a combination wheelbarrow German Suplex/dropkick on Volador. Lindaman entered and hit a jawbreaker on Volador before knocking Bandido and Valiente off the apron. StrongHearts hit a triple team, as T-Hawk slapped on an Indian Death Lock while Lindaman and CIMA hit stereo basement dropkicks. T-Hawk kept the submission applied, but Bandido dove in to break it up.
As the referee restored order, CIMA tagged in, looking to keep working over Volador. However, the luchador cut off a charging CIMA with a standing Spanish Fly. Both men tagged out, Volador to Bandido and CIMA to Lindaman. Bandido hit the ring a house of fire, striking down all three men of StrongHearts with chops and kicks. Bandido caught CIMA with a Canadian Destroyer that brought the College Park Center to its feet. StrongHearts used a triple team to cut off Bandido, as T-Hawk entered the ring and hit a pop-up knee strike, followed by a roundhouse to the back of the head by CIMA, followed by a deadlift German Suplex into a bridge by Lindaman for a near fall!
Lindaman slammed Bandido down and climbed to the top, but Volador grabbed his leg from the apron. Lindaman hit a headbutt to break free of Volador, but the distraction paid off, as Bandido lept to the top rope and took Lindaman off with a Revolution Fly (moonsault fallaway slam)!
Bandido tagged out to Valiente and Lindaman tagged out to T-Hawk. Valiente caught T-Hawk with a hip toss into a twisting neck breaker, and a dropkick to CIMA as he entered the ring to interfere. Valiente then got the La Magistral on T-Hawk for another near fall.
Valiente tagged in Volador who came off the top to hit T-Hawk with a diving crossbody. In one motion Volador popped to his feet and wiped out Lindaman at ringside with a tope suicida. A chaotic, fast-paced sequence then broke out, as Valiente tried for a dive, but as he ran the ropes for momentum, CIMA entered the ring and destroyed him with a dropkick! CIMA then hit a fisherman buster on Valiente, planting him in the center of the ring. Bandido then flew in out of nowhere with a double springboard cutter onto CIMA! Bandido hit the ropes for momentum, looking to dive, but Lindaman tripped him up from the floor. Lindaman entered the ring and hit a basement dropkick on Bandido to send him to the outside. Valiente charged at Lindaman, but he was backdropped over the top onto Bandido for his efforts! Volador got back into the ring and dumped Lindaman over the top to the floor. The two legal men, T-Hawk and Volador, found themselves alone in the ring. Both men ran the ropes, ducking clotheslines, both doing leapfrogs, before wiping each other out with a double clothesline!
The crowd applauded the efforts of all six men, and a “WSW” chant broke out. Volador and T-Hawk rose to their feet and they went back and forth with strikes. Lindaman blind tagged in as the two men drifted to the ropes. Volador didn’t notice, and he hit a Lung Blower on T-Hawk! He covered, but T-Hawk wasn’t the legal man. Lindaman ripped Volador up with a waist lock and planted him with a bridging German Suplex. CIMA dove off the top with a meteora and Lindaman covered, but Valiente broke up the pin!
Valiente clotheslined CIMA over the top, and then he hit a slingshot hurricanrana onto T-Hawk on the floor. Valiente grabbed both CIMA and T-Hawk and held them on the floor, as Bandido flew with a high revolution double springboard Tornillo onto both men on the outside!
Inside the ring, Lindaman tried for another German Suplex on Volador, but the luchador elbowed out and tagged in Bandido. Volador ducked a clothesline attempt by Lindaman and hit a drop-toe hold, sending Lindaman hanging on the middle rope. Volador then played defense, as Bandido charged in and hit Lindaman with the 21 Plex (leg spring catching German Suplex) for the pin and the win!
Winners: Volador Jr., Valiente & Bandido (12:30)
After the match, the trio celebrated in the ring, as the crowd cheered them and fired up another “Bandido” chant followed by a “WSW” chant.
The cameras showed Ross and Marshall Von Erich sitting ringside with their father Kevin Von Erich. The Dallas crowd cheered loudly for the royal family of Texas wrestling. A loud “Von Erich” chant broke out, as all three men stood and displayed the family’s signature “Claw” pose. Ross and Marshall Von Erich debut in WSW on Ignition on Thursday.
Match Two: Will Ospreay vs. Dragon Lee
Highlights showcasing the paths of these two men so far in 2019 aired. Following his defeat in the Three-Way Dance at Seize the Day for the Intercontinental Championship, Will Ospreay met Dragon Lee in Lee’s debut match on the April 18th edition of Ignition. The two men engaged in a 19:50 fantastic affair that saw Lee score the victory. In the weeks that followed, Dragon Lee put together a string of victories, remaining unbeaten in WSW. Following his victory over Aero Star on the May 9th Ignition, Ospreay asked for a rematch with Dragon Lee and vowed to make the rest of 2019, the “Year of Ospreay.” Dragon Lee formally challenged Ospreay to a rematch on the May 16th Ignition.
The match began with a handshake of respect before both men launched into a fast-paced, back-and-forth affair of grappling, counters, reversals, rope running, and leapfrogs. Dragon Lee tried a tijeras, but Ospreay cartwheeled out. Ospreay tried a tijeras himself, and Dragon Lee also cartwheeled out. The exchange ended in a stalemate. On commentary, Chael Sonnen noted how both of these men were students of the game. He said that this match would be a test to see who learned the most from the first match.
A strike exchange followed that Ospreay got the better of. He drove Dragon Lee into the corner with forearms and chops. Dragon Lee reversed a whip into an opposite corner, and Ospreay elevated a charging Lee over the top to the apron. An enziguri from Ospreay sent Dragon Lee to the floor, and Ospreay nailed a running shooting star press off the apron!
Back inside, Ospreay covered for 2. Ospreay then fired off uppercuts and piston-like forearms that drove Dragon Lee down in the corner. Paige Knight noted on commentary that this was a different approach than we usually see from Ospreay – she suggested that he knew the significance of this match, she noted that no matter how hard you try, it is hard to ignore the scuttlebutt from social media suggesting that Ospreay may not be able to win “the big match” despite all his talent. A hesitation basement dropkick from Ospreay granted him another 2-count.
Ospreay took the high-flying luchador to the mat with a grounded Octopus Hold. Dragon Lee worked to fight himself free, but Ospreay transitioned into a crucifix cradle for yet another 2-count. Dragon Lee tried to rally back, throwing a quick series of chops, representing his most significant offense of the match so far, but Ospreay slapped on a headlock to take things back to the mat, before transitioning to a rear chin lock. Dragon Lee finally fought himself to his feet, and Ospreay whipped him to the ropes. Lee caught Ospreay with a kitchen sink knee and a single-legged dropkick to finally break Ospreay’s momentum. Dragon Lee hit his rebound German Suplex that sent Ospreay to the outside. Without wasting one second, Lee hit the ropes and landed a tope con hilo!
On the stage, RUSH walked out, clad in a fine, tailored suit. He stood and watched as he has for all of Dragon Lee’s matches since he debuted in WSW.
Back inside, Dragon Lee locked on a seated abdominal stretch. He transitioned this into two straight rolling Northern Lights Suplexes, followed by a brainbuster. He covered for a near fall. Dragon Lee whipped Ospreay into the corner, but Will floated himself over the ropes to the apron. Dragon Lee charged and lept over the ropes with a hurricanrana, but Ospreay flipped over as he fell off the apron, and landed on his feet on the floor! The crowd went wild, and the first “This Is Awesome” chant of the night broke out!
Ospreay hit a bicycle kick on the floor and sent Dragon Lee back inside. Ospreay went to springboard off the top, but Dragon Lee kicked him off the ropes, sending him crashing back to the floor. Dragon Lee then went for broke, hitting the ropes, and leaping over the top with a hurricanrana onto Ospreay on the floor! Dragon Lee was fired up and banged on the steel guard rail. The ringside fans were equally excited, slapping hands with Lee.
Back inside, Dragon Lee hit a deadlift German Suplex into a bridge for a deep 2-count. Dragon Lee went for Desnucadora, but Ospreay slipped out. Lee hit a hard back elbow and whipped Ospreay to the ropes; however, Ospreay hit a front handspring into the ropes and bounced back with a kick! Ospreay landed a running shooting star press, immediately followed by a Spiral Tap off the second rope! He covered, but Dragon Lee kicked out! On commentary, Chael Sonnen noted that we were seeing new moves from both of these men – they were going deeper into their bags to pull out something their opponent hadn’t scouted for.
With the crowd singing his name, Ospreay climbed up top; however, Dragon Lee climbed up as well. The two men slugged it out until Ospreay slipped through Dragon Lee’s legs to get back to the mat. Ospreay then hit a kick to the hamstrings followed by the Cheeky Nandos kick! He rolled Dragon Lee into a pin with a high stack for a near fall!
Ospreay couldn’t believe it, he slapped the mat, looking for anything that would put Dragon Lee away. The two men met in the center of the ring for back-and-forth forearms. They hammered each other until Ospreay fired up and hit a strike flurry. Dragon Lee fired back with a strike flurry of his own – the two men were seemingly equal in every way. Ospreay caught Lee with an enziguri to stun him. Ospreay hit the ropes, but ran into a tilt-a-whirl by Dragon Lee—transitioned into the Desnucadora....but Ospreay countered out with a tijeras. Dragon Lee rolled under the ropes to the apron. He cut off a charging Ospreay with a shoulder block through the ropes, and he tried to slingshot back into the ring over the back of Ospreay. Ospreay caught him though and hit a brutal wheelbarrow German Suplex into the turnbuckles! Ospreay sensed the end was near, and he picked Dragon Lee up. However, in an instant, Dragon Lee shocked Ospreay with a snap suplex into the turnbuckles!
Both men were down in the corner, and the crowd started a “Both These Guys” chant. Dragon Lee rose first, and he climbed to the top. Ospreay got to his feet and cut Lee off, but Lee knocked Ospreay back down to the canvas. As Dragon Lee looked to regain his footing on the top turnbuckle, Ospreay came across the ring with a cartwheel/back handspring Pele kick! Ospreay climbed up top, looking for a hurricanrana, but Dragon Lee swept his legs out, leaving him hanging from the top. Dragon Lee then rose on the top rope and hit the hanging, diving double foot stomp! He covered, but Will Ospreay kicked out!
Dragon Lee looked to end things with the Desnucadora, but Ospreay countered yet again at the last second with a Stun Dog Millionaire! Ospreay popped to his feet and hit a poison rana. Ospreay followed with the Robinson Special. Ospreay went for the Oscutter, but Dragon Lee blocked and hoisted Ospreay up for the Desnucadora, but Ospreay countered the move yet again with a roll-up...
He stacked high!
And got the 1, 2, and 3!
Winner: Will Ospreay (15:10)
The crowd was stunned by the flash pin, eventually turning into wild cheers for both men, as Ospreay’s face was a sign of pure exuberance and relief. Dragon Lee couldn’t believe it, and he slapped the mat in frustration.
After a few moments, a clearly disappointed Dragon Lee walked over and shook hands with Ospreay in a sign of respect. RUSH came down to the ring from the stage as Ospreay celebrated in the corner. As Will Ospreay climbed out of the corner and turned around, he came face-to-face with RUSH.
Tensions quickly rose, until Dragon Lee interjected himself. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo noted that Dragon Lee was the younger brother of RUSH. Dragon Lee put his hand on RUSH’s chest and talked/backed his brother off—who complied. RUSH fixed his suit jacket and flashed a wicked smile at Will Ospreay as he exited the ring. Todd Keneley interviewed the WSW World Tag Team Champions, The Hart Foundation, backstage ahead of their title defense against the Lucha Brothers. Keneley asked:
“Gentlemen, we saw the events that unfolded on Ignition, an all-out brawl following your match Teddy with Fenix. Tonight, your World Tag Team Titles are on the line...your thoughts before you head through the curtain...”
Teddy Hart went to speak, but a passionate Brian Pillman Jr. spoke up first:
“Allow me, Teddy...Lucha Brothers, the time has finally arrived. There aren’t many teams around here that we respect, because we know they aren’t on our level. You two...well you were different. We know how good you are...we know how many titles you’ve won around the world. That’s why we all sat up in our chairs when you came out during the battle royal...that’s the impact you have as a team! All that respect went out the window on Thursday night. You think because you decided to dig up Konnan for yet another payday, team up for the first time in months, and rock all black that strikes fear in our hearts?!
Hell no... we’ve walked through the fire, and there is no team that has made the impact we have since the first day we walked in that door! It is the biggest honor of my life to watch the big man Davey Boy and the original innovator of offense Teddy dominate the tag team division! For 150 days we’ve been World Tag Team Champions, and we’ve beaten them all...The Young Bucks, The Death Busters, Kota Ibushi & Ricochet...all of them found out why The Hart Foundation are the baddest dudes in WSW and why we are the GREATEST dynasty in wrestling! Tonight’s not about respect, tonight...you boys go to school and learn that the tag team division is RUN by The Hart Foundation!”
Teddy Hart smirked and patted Brian Pillman Jr. on the shoulder before saying:
“Get ‘em Brian...that’s a loose cannon, Todd...I think it runs in the family. Lucha Brothers, you’ve succeeded at three things these past few weeks. You became the number one contenders, Fenix you beat me in a singles...and you’ve successfully pissed us off. Look at my dude here Davey Boy...you think it’s a good idea to piss this guy off?! It’s pretty clear you want to fight dirty...that’s cool, we’ve got no problem with that...just know, you fired the first shot on Ignition...tonight we put you down!”
Match Three: World Tag Team Championships: Lucha Brothers (w/ Konnan) vs. The Hart Foundation (c) (w/ Brian Pillman Jr.)
The third match of Undisputed was a tag team match for the WSW World Tag Team Championship between the Lucha Brothers (Fenix and Pentagon Jr.) and The Hart Foundation (Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr.). Konnan patrolled ringside for The Lucha Brothers, while Brian Pillman Jr. did the same for The Hart Foundation. Pillman eyed Konnan, all too aware of the shot he took from the lucha libre legend's walking cane on Ignition just two nights prior.
The crowd was hot for both teams, and a buzz was in the air as the referee held the glistening World Tag Team Titles high and called for the bell. All four men stood in the ring and went toe to toe, jawing back and forth. Davey Boy and Fenix started, with Smith just straight up tossing Fenix across the ring during the attempted lock-up with his raw power. Teddy Hart continued to jaw at Fenix from the apron, and Fenix shot him the middle finger...the intensity was palpable.
Fenix charged in, but Smith overpowered him again, taking down the luchador with a side headlock. Fenix quickly wrapped his legs around Smith’s head, but the big man kipped to his feet to escape. Not to be outdone, Fenix kipped up as well.
Fenix wanted a lock-up, but yet again Smith overpowered him. Davey Boy out-grappled Fenix, before lifting him up with a pump handle and placing him on the middle rope. Smith yelled:
“Just stay there! It’s the only thing you’re good at!”
A fired-up Fenix popped back down to the ring and shoved Davey Boy. Davey Boy responded with a shove of his own, and the two traded back-and-forth strikes. Forearms flew from Davey Boy, and chops flew from Fenix. They went back and forth three times before the third heavy forearm from Davey Boy sent Fenix to a knee. Fenix decided to pick up the pace, and he used his quickness to hit the ropes. A spin kick to the gut connected for Fenix, and he shot Davey Boy into the ropes. From the apron, Pentagon hit a knee to the back of Davey Boy, and Fenix kicked Teddy Hart off the apron. The Lucha Brothers then hit double-team kicks to chop the big man down before landing the Uno, Dos, Tres double superkick.
Teddy Hart got into the ring to break up the momentum, but the Lucha Brothers overwhelmed him with numbers. They shot Hart into the corner, Pentagon hit an enziguri, and Fenix followed with a rolling forearm strike. The Lucha Brothers then hit another Uno, Dos, Tres double superkick to Davey Boy to cut him down again, and hit their trademark double team Wheelbarrow Senton for a 2-count.
Pentagon tagged in, and the Lucha Brothers kept up the double team assault with rapid-fire chops on the big chest of Davey Boy. Teddy Hart pleaded his case with the referee to get the non-legal man out of the ring, but Pentagon ran over and dropkicked him off the apron. Davey Boy fired up though and laid into both brothers with mighty open-handed slaps and knees. Davey Boy’s hands were like frying pans, and a loud crack was heard as each one connected. Davey Boy hit a double Northern Lights Suplex on both men with a bridge for a 2-count. This allowed Davey Boy to tag in Teddy Hart. Pentagon tagged in Fenix.
A loud “Teddy” chant sounded out as he entered the ring for the first time. Teddy entered a house of fire. Striking anything and everything that moved, Hart took both Lucha Brothers down with a double draping DDT on both men! Fenix and Pentagon rolled to the floor, but the reprieve wouldn’t last, as Hart climbed up top and flew onto both with a textbook Orihara Moonsault!
The Hart Foundation took the fight to the floor, as Teddy and Davey Boy slammed Fenix and Pentagon into the steel guard rail and ring posts. Davey Boy cracked both Fenix and Pentagon’s heads together. He then started to rip at Pentagon’s mask, fulfilling The Hart Foundation’s promise to fight dirty. Konnan got in the face of Davey Boy to save the mask of Pentagon; however, Brian Pillman Jr. came over, shouting at Konnan. The two shared a war of words on the outside.
Back inside, Teddy Hart kept up the attack on Fenix with a powerbomb dropped onto both of his knees for a near fall. The Hart Foundation then hit a double team, with Davey Boy nailing a running powerslam, immediately followed by a moonsault by Teddy Hart. He covered, but Pentagon broke up the pin. Another brawl broke out between the four men, as the referee struggled to get control. Pentagon kicked Davey Boy out of the ring, and he vaulted off the back of Fenix to land a leg lariat on Hart. Fenix then tagged in Pentagon.
Pentagon and Teddy Hart squared off, and Penta called for a chop battle. The two men laid into each other, with Pentagon abandoning the chops for a throat thrust to gain control of the exchange. Pentagon hit a superkick followed by a sling blade. Pentagon placed Teddy Hart on the top and nailed a hard overhand chop. He went for a superplex, but Teddy fought him off and knocked him to the mat with a headbutt. Hart then caught Pentagon with a missile dropkick. Both men crawled for the tag, but Pentagon got it first, and Fenix charged in and cut off Teddy before he could tag out. Fenix shot Teddy Hart into the corner and went off with a kick combination. Fenix hit his rolling cutter, and Pentagon came in with a slingshot Canadian Destroyer! Pentagon hooked a pumphandle and lifted Teddy Hart up. Fenix landed a superkick which Pentagon immediately followed with a Made In Japan. Fenix covered, but Davey Boy broke up the pin at 2.8. The crowd chanted “Teddy” as Brian Pillman beat on the apron, urging Hart to make a tag.
Fenix tagged back in. Pentagon booted Davey Boy off the apron, and Fenix took out the big man with a high-speed cannonball tope through the ropes! Fenix was a ball of energy, and he lept to the apron and took out Brian Pillman with a penalty kick. On the opposite side of the ring, Pentagon took Teddy Hart out to the apron, and he landed a Death Valley Driver on the apron! “Holy Sh*t” chants rang out, as bodies were all over the floor. Fenix threw Teddy Hart back inside, and Pentagon covered...but Hart kicked out! Pentagon took Teddy Hart up top, looking for a hurricanrana, but Hart slipped under him and hit a desperation running powerbomb! Both men were down and crawled to their respective corners. Hart made the tag to Davey Boy, and Pentagon to Fenix.
Power met speed, and both men tore into each other. Davey Boy raining down massive forearms, and Fenix peppering Smith with rapid chops and kicks. Fenix ran the ropes, but Davey Boy intercepted and destroyed him with a Pounce! Fenix flew halfway across the ring! Davey Boy put Fenix over his shoulder and looked for another powerslam; but this time, he started climbing the ropes – getting to the middle rope. Fenix bit into the forehead of Davey Boy and raked the eyes to escape. Fenix escaped the grasp of Davey Boy and stood on the top, as Davey Boy got back into the ring, grabbing his forehead. Fenix dove off the top and popped off a beautiful hurricanrana into a pin...
1, 2.....
Davey Boy reversed....
1, 2....
Konnan cracked Davey Boy in the head with his cane from the floor! The referee didn’t see it as he was counting the pin...Fenix reversed the pin...
But Davey Boy kicked out at 2.99!
The crowd popped huge, and Konnan couldn’t believe it! The big man wouldn’t go down easy. On the outside, Brian Pillman Jr. ripped the cane out of the hands of Konnan! He and Konnan screamed at each other, and Pillman broke the cane over his knee! Konnan slapped Pillman across the face, and Pillman grabbed Konnan by the throat! WSW security ran over to break up the scrum before it could escalate further.
As the referee was distracted by all of this on the floor, Fenix and Pentagon took Davey Boy up top. Fighting fire with fire, Teddy Hart hopped to the apron and ripped the mask off of Pentagon Jr that was loosened by Davey Boy earlier in the match!
Pentagon instantly dropped to the mat and covered his face, leaving the ring. Hart then hit a low blow on Fenix! Davey Boy Smith placed Fenix on his shoulders in the electric chair, and Teddy Hart climbed up top. The Hart Foundation connected on the Doomsday Destroyer! The College Park Center came unglued! Davey Boy covered for the pin and the win!
Winners and STILL WSW World Tag Team Champions: The Hart Foundation (14:00)
Following the match, the Hart Foundation celebrated in the ring with their World Tag Team Titles. All three men embraced, knowing they went through a war. On the outside of the ring, Konnan covered Pentagon’s head with his jacket, and he kicked the ring steps in anger. He and Fenix looked into the ring with contempt as Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith posed with the titles in the corners. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo stated:
“They’ve never pretended to be Boy Scouts, and tonight, as promised, we saw that The Hart Foundation will do anything to retain the World Tag Team Titles. The Lucha Brothers wanted to push them to the edge, and Teddy Hart showed that he’s got no problem crossing the line. The skill, the cutthroat attitude...they don’t care what they have to do or what people think...as long as they’re champions!”
A video package aired showcasing SummerFest, on Saturday, July 13, from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, streaming live on Netflix.
A video package aired highlighting the next match between Claudio Castagnoli and AJ Styles. We see highlights of Claudio Castagnoli’s surprise debut in 2015 and his victory to become the first WSW World Champion. We see his subsequent struggles after he lost the title, and highlights of his tag team with AJ Styles are shown. Sit-down interviews are interspersed throughout. Claudio said:
“My whole career came full circle the night I won the World Championship. I can remember every detail of that match and that moment. October 6, 2015...it was the greatest moment of my life, and I’ve been chasing that feeling...that high...ever since. It’s not a desire, it’s an obsession.”
We see Salina de la Renta’s arrival in WSW, looking to represent the “top talent.” We see her recruitment of Claudio Castagnoli and his transformation into “The Assassin,” a ruthless, violent individual that has remained unbeaten since signing with Salina. She spoke:
“When I found Claudio, he was a shell of a man. No confidence. No understanding of how dangerous he could be. I take offense to people who say that I poisoned Claudio...I did nothing of the sort. I just brought out the violence that has always lived underneath the surface. There is no room for friends in this business, there is no room for compassion...the only thing that gets you gold is violence. I promised him gold when he signed with me, and I always live up to my promises.”
Highlights of AJ Styles’ career in WSW are shown – his signing that shocked the wrestling world in 2015, his winning the World Title in 2016, and his battles in the ring. We see him questioning his future in 2018, and the incredible stretch that saw him win the Grand Prix and defeat Adam Cole at November Reign, becoming the first man in WSW to win the World Championship twice. Highlights are shown of AJ losing the World Title to Kenny Omega at Seize the Day. AJ spoke:
“Claudio and I signed our WSW contracts on the exact same day. I remember feeling so excited, not only for myself but for Claudio, as this would FINALLY be the platform where he could showcase his talents. He did just that, and he’s also shown what desperate men do when the walls start closing in. Claudio and Salina have wanted to make this personal from the very beginning.
I’ll be really honest with you, this isn’t about Claudio Castagnoli, this isn’t about Salina de la Renta...this is about me. As amazing as last year was, it’s in the past. As proud as I am to be the only two-time World Champion in WSW history, I don’t have that belt anymore...Kenny does. I lost in the main event of the biggest show in WSW history. I replay that match with Omega over and over again, and I know that my road back to Kenny and my road back to the World Title is determined by what I do NOW. And right now, the only thing that is standing in my way on this journey...is Claudio Castagnoli.”
“For SIX MONTHS, Claudio Castagnoli has been unbeaten, and we have yet to receive a title shot. That ends tonight! At Undisputed, the Golden Boy will be broken. Claudio Castagnoli is the unstoppable force, and when he stands over the broken body of AJ Styles, there will be no denying him!”
Match Four: “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles vs. “The Assassin” Claudio Castagnoli (w/Salina de la Renta)
The fourth match of Ignition was a singles match between AJ Styles and Claudio Castagnoli. The crowd was red hot for AJ Styles, and they rained down boos on Salina de la Renta and the dangerous Castagnoli who came to the ring with his ice-cold, intense demeanor.
Loud “AJ Styles” chants roared through the College Park Center as the two men stood across the ring from each other as the bell rang. Styles shot in quickly, and the two men locked up – battling for position – Castagnoli out-grappled Styles and scored a takedown. Styles worked his way to his feet, breaking out of a waist lock, but he ate an impressive standing dropkick from Castagnoli. AJ smirked on the canvas, and the two men locked up again – AJ was a step quicker this time, so Castagnoli whipped him into the ropes and Styles bounced back with one of his trademark dropkicks. Styles kept up the attack, running the ropes, but Castagnoli countered with a back body drop. Styles flipped over in midair and landed on his feet. Styles hit the ropes again, and he tried for a hurricanrana, but Castagnoli caught him and countered with a spinebuster.
Castagnoli maintained control of the legs and tried for the Sharpshooter – looking to put the match away early. Styles flailed and fought, finally landing an up kick to block the submission. Castagnoli kept hold of one of Styles’ legs, but AJ got to a vertical base and hit an enziguri that caught Castagnoli right behind the ear. Claudio was stunned, and he fell through the ropes to the floor. Styles hit a baseball slide dropkick that sent Castagnoli crashing into the steel guardrail. AJ Styles was fired up in the ring, and he connected on a slingshot pescado to the floor.
Styles threw Castagnoli back into the ring. From the apron Styles went for the Flying Forearm, but Castagnoli caught him in midair and countered with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker that bent AJ in half! With a cold look in his eyes, Castagnoli started stomping down on the head of Styles, over and over again! Each boot landed with surgical precision. Salina de la Renta laughed and yelled:
Claudio Castagnoli threw Styles through the ropes to the floor to continue the assault. Castagnoli whipped Styles into the steel guard rail and steel ring post! Castagnoli positioned Styles around the ring post. Maintaining wrist control, Castagnoli attempted to pull AJ into the post from the opposite side, but AJ blocked by putting his foot on the post. He turned this around on Claudio, and yanked him into the ring post! AJ sent Claudio crashing into the guard rail. Castagnoli reversed a whip into the steel ring steps, but Styles lept on top of them and countered with his backflip/inverted DDT; however, Castagnoli uppercutted him out of midair! “Holy Shit” chants rang out as Styles landed hard on the floor mats. Castagnoli picked up Styles, and he ran Styles left leg into the ring post!
Finally, back inside, Castagnoli went to work on the wounded leg like a rabid dog, stomping on it, and grinding it with submissions. AJ Styles gritted his teeth and tried to rally as the crowd chanted his name. Styles would throw strikes, and each time he would appear to fight free, Castagnoli would just rip into the left leg. He dropped a knee on it, causing Styles to cry out in pain. With a steel demeanor, Castagnoli landed two Dragon Screw leg whips, causing Styles to flop on the mat like a fish, grabbing at his leg in pain.
Styles tried to create distance between himself and Castagnoli, pulling himself up with the ropes. He fired off a couple of forearms that had little effect on The Assassin. Styles tried another enziguri, but Castagnoli ducked and transitioned into a single-legged crab on the worked-over leg. Bent in half, AJ cried out and he clawed his way to the ropes for a break. Castagnoli held till the count of 4, before breaking. Styles slowly pulled himself to his feet, leaning against the ropes. Castagnoli charged at him, but AJ low-bridged him and Castagnoli spilled to the floor. Sensing he had an opportunity, AJ went to the apron and punched at his leg to get feeling into it. Styles went for a moonsault off the apron, but Castagnoli caught him in midair....and powerslammed him on the ramp!
Styles landed with a heavy thud and Castagnoli returned to the ring, raising his arms in triumph. Castagnoli yelled:
The referee’s count reached 10, then 12, then 16...Styles finally stirred at the count of 17, and he dove back in at 19 to just beat the 20-count! The crowd went wild for the resilience of Styles, chanting “Let’s Go AJ!” Castagnoli was incredulous that AJ continued to fight. He charged at Styles and ran directly into a rolling elbow strike, followed by an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckles for a 2-count! Styles went for a ushigoroshi, but Castagnoli hit hard elbows to escape. Castagnoli went for a lariat, but AJ ducked and hoisted Castagnoli up into the fireman’s carry and hit the ushigoroshi for another 2-count. On commentary, Chael Sonnen noted that when doing the ushigoroshi, Styles usually drops his opponent's neck over his left leg, but he switched it up due to the damage done by Castagnoli earlier in the match.
Styles was fired up, and he roared as he popped off a lighting quick strike sequence that closed with a spinning back fist. Castagnoli tried to cut him off and go back to the leg, but Styles out-wrestled him and locked him in the Calf Slicer!
The crowd rose to their feet as Styles leaned back, the submission was sunk in deep and Castagnoli was in trouble! Salina’s normally confident expression was pure worry.
Castagnoli reached out for the ropes, but they were too far away. Castagnoli finally broke the hold by reaching back and digging into the eyes and nose of Styles!
Both men rose to their feet and charged at each other. Styles caught Castagnoli by surprise with a roll-up for a 2 count. Castagnoli responded by popping to his feet and hitting a sick European uppercut. He hit another to drive AJ into the corner. Castagnoli then hit a charging European uppercut. He covered, but Styles kicked out at 2, and then he reversed the pin – putting Castagnoli’s shoulders on the mat for a near fall!
Castagnoli popped to his feet and hit a standing double stomp to the face! Styles rolled to the apron in pain, and Castagnoli followed. Standing on the bottom rope, Claudio Castagnoli showcased his ridiculous strength, lifting Styles up for the outside-in deadlift superplex. AJ Styles stopped this by throwing knees into the head of Castagnoli while he was being hoisted in the air. Four hard knees caused Castagnoli to let go. Styles went back to the apron, and he banged on his injured leg yet again before hitting the Flying Forearm! Styles immediately grabbed at his leg on the landing and wasn’t able to follow up though, as Castagnoli rolled across the ring -- creating as much distance as he could to avoid a pin attempt.
Styles drug himself across the ring to land several forearms. He placed Castagnoli on the top turnbuckle. Styles climbed himself, throwing hammer elbows to the skull while doing so. He went for a hurricanrana. Castagnoli blocked though, and he hoisted Styles up with his impressive strength. Castagnoli stepped up to the top rope looking for a super powerbomb! Styles countered though with an avalanche hurricanrana in midair! Castagnoli went flipping into the ring with a mighty crash!
Styles went to the apron, he sized up Castagnoli, and he hit the Flying Forearm!
But Castagnoli KICKED OUT!
Both men were down in the ring, and they rose to a seated position next to each other....and started slamming into each other with headbutts! Like two rams, the two headbutted each other till they both got back to their feet. Castagnoli connected on a massive uppercut that dropped Styles to the mat. The referee started counting, but Styles got to his feet at 3. Castagnoli hit another uppercut that crumpled Styles again! Styles rose at the count of 7 this time...weary and beaten down. Castagnoli yelled:
AJ spit on the canvas and motioned for Castagnoli to bring it on. Castagnoli fired into Styles with another uppercut...but AJ didn’t move! Standing his ground, Styles and Castagnoli tore into each other with rapid strikes as the crowd went nuts. Styles ducked a Castagnoli forearm and hit a German Suplex. Styles went for the Styles Clash, but his wounded leg gave out as he went to lift Claudio. Castagnoli used this to his advantage, and he swept the legs of Styles looking for the Sharpshooter! Styles countered with a cradle for a near fall! Castagnoli rolled back with a cradle of his own for a near fall!
Both men scrambled to their feet, and AJ Styles hit a Code Red, but Castagnoli kicked out! Everyone inside the College Park Center was standing, as the match passed the 18-minute mark.
Both men got their feet, but Styles was a step slower due to his leg, and Castagnoli hit a pop-up European Uppercut...
…But AJ kicked out at 1!
Salina was stupefied on the outside, her hands on her head. The normally cold eyes of Castagnoli burned with intensity. He rose to his feet and sized up Styles. Ever the pit bull, Styles got to his feet yet again and he motioned for Castagnoli to bring it on. Castagnoli brutalized him with a discus uppercut! Castagnoli then slapped on a Heel Hook. The referee called for the bell; Styles was out cold!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli (18:46)
After the match, Castagnoli sank to his knees, exhausted. AJ Styles pushed Claudio Castagnoli to his absolute limit, but it wasn’t enough to take down the Assassin. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo stated:
“For the first time in his career, Claudio Castagnoli has defeated AJ Styles! My God what a match, they are standing here in Dallas. There is no denying the fact this man, this most dangerous man, must be next in the line for the World Championship!”
Salina de la Renta entered the ring, and she placed her high-heeled shoe on the back of the fallen AJ Styles while posing in the center of the ring with her client. Castagnoli motioned for a belt to be placed around his waist.
Backstage, Todd Keneley interviewed WSW Women’s World Champion Tessa Blanchard ahead of her title defense against Deonna Purrazzo. Keneley asked:
“Tessa, the night has arrived. Deonna is undefeated since arriving in WSW, every victory she has collected has been via submission. What is your defense for the Fujiwara Arm Bar tonight?”
“It’s really hard to lock on a submission when your arm is snapped. Tonight’s the night Deonna. Welcome to the show...welcome to the deep water. You’re in my territory now, and in just a few moments I’ll hand my Women’s World Championship over to the referee, and the only thought in my mind will be beating your ass so I can get my hands back on my belt. There is no fairytale ending here...just the simple fact that I’m better than you and I always will be. Diamonds are forever, and so is Tessa Blanchard!”
Match Five: WSW Women’s World Championship: Deonna Purrazzo vs. Tessa Blanchard (c) (w/ Tenille Dashwood)
The fifth match of Undisputed was a singles match between Deonna Purrazzo and Tessa Blanchard for the Women’s World Championship. The crowd was firmly behind Deonna Purrazzo as highlights were shown of Thursday’s Ignition where Tessa Blanchard willingly tapped out before the Fujiwara Arm Bar could be applied in a tag team match. The commentators note that Blanchard has gone through the Women’s Division to become a dominant World Champion at the age of 23. They note, that Deonna Purrazzo – because of her style – may be Tessa’s biggest challenge yet.
At the bell, Deonna shot in and picked the ankle of Blanchard. She ducked an enziguri attempt and folded Blanchard in half with a bridging German Suplex for a 2-count!
Blanchard scrambled outside the ring, stunned that she was just one second away from losing her coveted World Championship in mere seconds. Deonna Purrazzo wasn’t intimidated! She motioned for Blanchard to get back into the ring.
After a few seconds on the outside, Blanchard reentered. The two grappled in a collar and elbow tie up, until they reached the ropes which Blanchard put her foot on, escaping to the apron. Purrazzo slapped the World Champion in the face, and when Blanchard responded with a slap of her own, Deonna trapped her arm and snapped it over the top rope!
Blanchard stalled on the outside again, and once she reentered the ring, Purrazzo shot in again, but Blanchard cut her off with a knee strike this time and a clubbing forearm to the back. Blanchard snapped off a vertical suplex. She went for a penalty kick, but Purrazzo avoided it, picked the ankle, and started wrenching on Blanchard’s knee with a variety of quick submissions. Keeping things on the mat, Purrazzo worked her way to Blanchard’s arms. Purrazzo impressively manipulated joints to isolate the right arm of Tessa Blanchard. Placing her knees at the base of Blanchard’s neck, Purrazzo pulled back on the arms. Blanchard cried out in pain, and she reached out with her foot to get the ropes for a break.
Blanchard took her time regaining her vertical base, and she avoided a charging Purrazzo. Tenille Dashwood interfered from the floor, tripping Purrazzo up. This allowed Blanchard to connect on a hard back elbow and chops. Blanchard hit a backbreaker and then carried Purrazzo around the ring to showcase her strength, and hit another backbreaker. Blanchard then hit a sliding lariat for a 2-count. Blanchard positioned Purrazzo for a butterfly suplex, but Purrazzo countered out into an Arm Bar!
Blanchard kept her hands locked, desperate to avoid having her arm extended into the submission. Blanchard powered Purrazzo up off the canvas, and both women tumbled over the top to the floor. However, Purrazzo kept the submission locked in! Tessa continued to fight it on the floor!
In a show of raw strength, Blanchard powered Purrazzo up and powerbombed her on top of the steel ring steps! Ever the opportunist, Blanchard trapped Purrazzo’s right arm between the ring steps and the apron...and she kicked the steps! Deonna grabbed at her shoulder, writhing in pain on the outside! Blanchard went back inside to strut and take the referee, allowing Dashwood to lay in cheap shots to the shoulder on the floor.
Back inside, Blanchard stomped on the shoulder and tried for the Blanchard Combination (slingshot suplex into a hammerlock DDT); however, Purrazzo countered with a guillotine choke! Purrazzo cinched in deep, as Blanchard’s face turned red as the oxygen drained. Blanchard powered up in desperation, dropping Deonna over the top turnbuckle. Grabbing at her neck, Blanchard hammered on Deonna. Blanchard climbed up to the middle rope, but Deonna tied her up with an Octopus on the top rope! Purrazzo held till the count of 4 before she broke. She hit a forearm to knock Blanchard back into the ring. Purrazzo then rose on the top and flew with a crossbody, but Blanchard intercepted her with a Codebreaker in midair for a near fall!
Blanchard stayed on the attack, whipping Purrazzo into the corners and following with hard clotheslines. Eventually, Purrazzo avoided a corner attack and popped off an uppercut of her own. Purrazzo hit the uppercut with her injured arm, so she grabbed at her shoulder for a moment. This cost her, as she went for a discus lariat, but Blanchard ripped her down with a lariat of her own for another 2-count!
Blanchard went for the Blanchard Combination again, but Purrazzo blocked and hit a trio of rolling Northern Lights Suplexes! Grabbing at her shoulder, Purrazzo hit a judo throw, maintained wrist control, and hit another! Purrazzo went for the Fujiwara, but Tenille Dashwood got on the apron to distract the referee!
Purrazzo had enough. She dropped the submission and decked Dashwood off the apron! Deonna went after Tenille on the floor. From the ring, Tessa Blanchard hit the ropes looking to take advantage of the distraction with a tope suicida, but Deonna Purrazzo yanked Tenille Dashwood in front of Blanchard. The two Diamond stablemates collided with each other on the outside! Deonna locked the Fujiwara Arm Bar in on the floor! It was cinched in tight, and Tessa tapped out on the floor—it didn’t count, but Purrazzo made the World Champion tap! Frustrated it was on the outside, Deonna broke the submission and took things back inside.
Grabbing at her arm, Tessa looked to create distance between her and Deonna, and she rolled to a corner. Deonna followed and placed Tessa on the top, and she tried for a superplex, but Tessa clawed at the eyes to break free. Blanchard then hit an avalanche Falcon Arrow for a near fall! Both women went down, staring up at the lights.
They rose in the center of the ring and slugged away at each other. Deonna captured Blanchard’s right wrist and landed a Pele Kick to the arm. Purrazzo looked for the Fujiwara inside the ring, but Blanchard scrambled to fight it off. A submission expert, Purrazzo transitioned into a Rear Naked Choke! It was in deep, and Blanchard went to a knee. Purrazzo grapevined her legs as the women went to the mat, but Blanchard was just able to get the toe of her boot to the bottom rope for a break! An audible gasp was heard inside the College Park Center, as the DFW crowd thought that was it.
Purrazzo got to her feet and threw hard kicks into the chest of Tessa Blanchard. The kicks got harder and faster and whipped the crowd into cheers. Purrazzo roared and tried to take Blanchard’s head off with a kick, but Blanchard ducked and folded Purrazzo in half with a bridging German Suplex for 2!
Blanchard hammered with elbows on the injured shoulder of Purrazzo. Deonna wilted with each strike, and Blanchard threw her hard between the top and middle turnbuckles into the post! Purrazzo’s shoulder hit the cold steel! Inside the ring, Blanchard climbed up top looking for Magnum (Diving double knee facebreaker). Blanchard’s eyes burned with passion as she urged Purrazzo to turn around. Deonna gathered herself out the corner, and Tessa flew...
Deonna blocked Magnum with a powerbomb into a high stack...
But Tessa kicked out at 2.999!
The crowd thought that was it! Tessa and Deonna scrambled to their feet, and Tessa hit a pump kick to the injured shoulder. Ripping at the shoulder Tessa hit the Buzzsaw DDT...
but Deonna KICKED OUT!
Furiously slapping the mat, Tessa stomped on the shoulder of Purrazzo and yanked her up. Tessa hit the Blanchard Combination for the pin and the win!
Winner and STILL WSW Women’s World Champion: Tessa Blanchard (16:10)
Following the match, Tessa celebrated in the ring, exhausted after a straight-up fight with Deonna Purrazzo. Tenille Dashwood entered the ring to celebrate as well. With the Women’s World Title in her hands, Blanchard kneeled beside Deonna and said:
“No fairy tale endings sweetheart, you will NEVER touch my title bitch!”
Everything inside the College Park Center stopped when the music of Nixon Newell hit! The third member of Diamond had not been seen since destroying her knee in August, nearly nine months ago! The crowd cheered for her return, and a buzz went through the building as Newell got in the ring and squared off with the Women’s World Champion!
The two women stared at each other in a tense moment, and then they embraced! The crowd booed, as Tenille Dashwood and Tessa Blanchard held the lifeless Deonna Purrazzo up by her arms, allowing Nixon Newell to hit The Shiniest Wizard knee strike to completely knock out the valiant challenger.
Inside the ring, Tenille Dashwood, Tessa Blanchard, and Nixon Newell raised their hands high...Diamond was back in WSW at full strength!
A video package aired highlighting the rivalry between Bobby Lashley and Adam Cole. We see Lashley’s dominant run as Intercontinental Champion. Highlights are shown of Adam Cole, his formation of Black Arrow with the Death Busters, and his underhanded tactics to win the Intercontinental Championship at Seize the Day in a Three-Way over Will Ospreay and Bobby Lashley, a match in which he did not pin Lashley. We see highlights of their one-on-one title match on Ignition where Cole and Black Arrow cheated to retain the title, including Wilder kicking Arn Anderson in the head, prompting the rematch inside the steel cage.
Sit-down interviews are interspersed throughout the video. Adam Cole said:
“People in this business want to talk all the time about respect...well, I think it’s about damn time I got some. All I have done since I came to WSW is win titles and sell out arenas, that’s a helluva lot more than anything Bobby Lashley can say. I am the champion that WSW needs, not Bobby Lashley. I am a bigger star than he has EVER been. And the scary thing is, he’s in his element, he’s inside a steel cage...but my question is...what happens to Bobby Lashley when I do what I always do...win. Then, I will be the ONLY man in WSW to ever beat Bobby Lashley twice, and everyone will be FORCED to acknowledge me as the most dangerous man in wrestling.”
“The thing about cage matches is they’re final. There’s no going back once that door is locked. You leave a piece of yourself behind in every single cage match whether you know it or not. Bobby Lashley knows that...hell he lives it, that’s how he’s chosen to earn a living. Adam Cole is a great talent, but he’s all bark and no bite. Guys like Adam Cole are nothing more than schoolyard bullies. This here, this is a 270-pound weapon of physical destruction, and when he steps inside that cage Adam...he’s going to make you bleed, he’s going to beat you up, and there will be nowhere for you to run...no one to help you...nothing you can do but accept your fate...Bobby Lashley is coming for his title and he’s coming for you!”
Match Six: WSW Intercontinental Championship Steel Cage Match: Bobby Lashley (w/ Arn Anderson) vs. Adam Cole (c)
The semi-main event of Undisputed was a steel cage singles match for the WSW Intercontinental Championship between Bobby Lashley and Adam Cole. Mauro Ranallo noted this was just the second steel cage match in the 3.5-year history of WSW. The only way to win a cage match in WSW is by pinfall or submission. The commentary trio noted that Adam Cole came to the ring solo, without his Black Arrow stablemates Dawson and Wilder – seemingly determined to prove he could win this match by himself. Bobby Lashley had kinesio tape on his left leg – this was pointed out by the commentators as a result of Lashley’s match with Wilder on Ignition and the post-match attack by Black Arrow.
The cage door was locked and a buzz went around the arena at the sight of the large steel structure. Bobby Lashley instantly shot in, looking for a double leg takedown, but Cole had it scouted and scored a knee to the face. Cole instantly went to work on the left leg, throwing hard, quick kicks, looking to chop Lashley down like a redwood.
The quick flurry was effective, but Lashley finally caught one of Cole’s kicks. In one motion he yanked Cole into his grasp and launched him across the ring with a release overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Lashley quickly followed up, throwing Cole with a release German Suplex, followed by four more Germans! Lashley grabbed Cole and threw him headfirst into the steel cage! Lashley stayed on the attack, scooping Cole up and press-slamming him over the ropes into the steel cage!
Cole fell into a heap on the apron, his forehead was already busted open! Lashley stalked Cole, and from inside the ropes, he locked on the Head and Arm Choke over the ropes! Blood trickled down the face of the Intercontinental Champion as he gasped for breath. Cole (standing on the apron) began to climb his boots up the cage, attempting to push off for momentum, but Lashley sensed this and tossed Cole back to the canvas hard with a Head and Arm Suplex! Cole landed hard on the back of his shoulders and neck. Lashley paced back and forth, sizing up his target. As Cole began to regain his footing, Lashley shot in for a Spear, but Cole dodged at the last second...Lashley’s momentum carried him through the ropes, headfirst into the cage!
Cole was dazed, but he sensed his opportunity. He went to the apron and landed a superkick to the side of Lashley’s head. He then slammed Lashley’s head into the cage several times, even grinding Lashley’s face into the steel. Cole reached into his trunks and produced a steel chain that he had brought with him into the cage. Wrapping the chain around his fist, Adam Cole laid into Bobby Lashley with three hard right hands. Lashley was busted open!
With Lashley leaning against the steel cage, Cole landed a bicycle kick, and Lashley bounced back off the steel. Cole then fired two hard superkicks to the left leg of Lashley, sending it slamming into the steel cage with a loud clang! Cole posed and shouted:
Back inside the ring, the blood streamed from Lashley’s head, as Cole took the chain and whipped it across the massive back of Lashley. Again, and again the steel chain met flesh! Cole wrapped the chain around Lashley’s neck and tried to choke him out! Lashley’s eyes bulged as blood streamed down his face, and Arn Anderson shook the cage, urging his client not to tap. Lashley slowly rose to his feet, and with all the momentum he had in his body, he backed up into the corner, sandwiching Cole, and causing him to drop the chain. Lashley went to a knee, dazed and gasping for air. Cole hit another bicycle kick, and he looked for another superkick, but Lashley cut him down with a spinebuster. Lashley grabbed the wrist of Adam Cole and hit a trio of short-arm lariats, maintaining wrist control throughout. Every time Cole hit the canvas, Lashley ripped him back up to land another lariat. The third lariat folded Cole in half!
Lashley then laid in ground and pound, each strike landed like an anvil. Lashley grabbed Adam Cole and bieled him over the top rope into the steel cage! Cole landed in an ugly crash on the apron yet again as a “Holy Shit” chant broke out. Cole’s back was now bleeding as well! Standing on the bottom rope, Lashley deadlift superplexed Adam Cole from the apron back into the ring and covered for a 2-count! Lashley got to his feet, and with blood running down his face, he cut Cole in half with a Spear!
But Cole somehow kicked out!
Out of instinct Adam Cole kicked out!
Lashley didn’t waste a moment, he locked on the Head and Arm Choke in the center of the ring! Cole was trapped! Cole went to a last-ditch effort and hit a low blow with his heel to break the submission. All of this was legal inside the cage. Cole flopped to the canvas as did Lashley. With glazed-over eyes, Adam Cole motioned to the back.
Dawson and Wilder came sprinting down towards the ring. Both men started climbing the cage! Arn Anderson came over and pulled both men down by the ankles. Anderson grabbed Dawson and gave him a spinebuster on the floor! The crowd went crazy, but Wilder then decked Arn Anderson! The crowd rained down boos on the Death Busters as WSW officials came to check on Anderson!
Wilder began to climb the cage, and inside the ring, Adam Cole crawled over to the corner, and he started to climb the turnbuckles. He got to the top turnbuckle, but Bobby Lashley cut him off from behind. Lashley climbed up to the middle rope and slammed Cole’s bloody head into the steel cage over and over. The impact of Cole hitting the cage wall caused Wilder to lose his balance and fall back to the floor on the outside!
Lashley tried for a superplex, but Cole bit into the gash on Lashley’s forehead in desperation! Cole fired hard fists into the open wound of Bobby Lashley. Specks of Lashley’s blood flicked onto the lens of one of the ringside cameras. Cole slipped between Lashley’s legs and hit a superkick to the injured left leg, followed by another, and another! Cole ripped the kinesio tape off the leg of Lashley and climbed up to the middle rope. Cole wrapped the tape around Lashley’s neck, and gave him a Spider German Suplex!
Cole covered, but Lashley kicked out!
Cole grabbed Lashley’s leg and slammed it into the canvas over and over again. Cole then slapped on a Figure Four Leg Lock! Lashley was in trouble. Cole cinched in hard, and Lashley did the only thing he could – he fought through the pain, sat up, grabbed the hair of Cole and laid in hard right hands. Cole showed resilience and fired back with punches of his own, but the haymakers of Lashley were too forceful, and they made him break the submission.
Lashley was wounded though, he grabbed at his leg in serious pain. Cole saw his opportunity and he struck, he hit the ropes and hit The Last Shot!
He covered...
But Lashley kicked out at 2.9!
Adam Cole couldn’t believe it!
Cole went over and retrieved the steel chain. He wrapped the chain around his fist. He was battered, bloodied, and bruised. He went to swing on Lashley, but Lashley intercepted him with a belly-to-belly suplex! Lashley got the chain! Lashley took the chain from Cole! Lashley looked at the chain, and he threw it across the ring! Lashley didn’t want the chain...he sized Cole up and charged for a Spear, but Cole dropkicked the left leg! Lashley went tumbling from the impact and his momentum.
Adam Cole went to the middle rope in the corner. Cole jumped for the Panama Sunrise, but Lashley blocked it...Lashley hoisted Cole up for a powerbomb, but his left leg gave out! Cole rained down elbows into the open gash on the forehead to escape Lashley’s grasp. Cole then hit three straight superkicks to the bloody head of Bobby Lashley!
Cole lowered his knee pad, wide-eyed and desperate. He went over and grabbed the steel chain. Cole wrapped the chain around his exposed knee. He hit a second Last Shot, this time aided by a steel chain! Cole was in massive pain, but he slowly rolled Lashley over, draped an arm over the mighty chest, and pinned Bobby Lashley!
Winner and STILL WSW Intercontinental Champion: Adam Cole (17:55)
The crowd was stunned, Cole flopped to the canvas, staring up at the lights. The Death Busters hurriedly retrieved the Intercontinental Title and burst through the cage door to embrace Adam Cole. Cole had to be helped to his feet where he clutched his title, before falling back into the ropes. Barely able to stand, Cole talked to Dawson and Wilder, and Dawson left and retrieved a chair from ringside. Getting back into the ring, Dawson slammed the chair over the left leg of Lashley! He did it again! On Cole’s command, Dawson sandwiched Lashley’s leg inside the chair.
The crowd rained down boos. A dazed Arn Anderson shoved away medics and security on the floor and got into the cage, doing everything he could to protect his client. In a pure despicable move, Wilder decked Arn Anderson with a solid right hand again! Anderson fell in a heap.
Cole then ran his hands over his bloody forehead, pulled back his hair, and stomped the chair, Pillmanizing Lashley’s leg!
Black Arrow wasn’t done though. Wilder retrieved another chair and placed it around the arm of Arn Anderson. With Mauro Ranallo screaming on commentary, Adam Cole stomped on the chair, Pillmanizing the right arm of Arn Anderson!
Cole went to his knees, and Dawson and Wilder hoisted him onto their shoulders. A bloody Adam Cole held the Intercontinental Title over his shoulder. Black Arrow had struck inside the cage at Undisputed!
Ahead of the World Championship match, a video package aired highlighting the arrival of Kenny Omega in WSW in January. We see his debut, his challenge to AJ Style for Seize the Day, and his subsequent victory over Styles to win the World Title. As the package airs, sit-down interviews are interspersed. Chael Sonnen spoke:
“If you’re asking me candidly, the signing of Kenny Omega is the biggest move WSW has ever made. The guy has lit the professional wrestling world on fire over the past several years. He is a true international superstar, and if we’re being quite honest...there’s very few people like that out there.”
“I’ve talked a lot about my decision to come to WSW, and what it entailed. My story is still left unwritten though. I think so many people think they know Kenny Omega and who I am...but this is my ultimate journey. To me what I do here in WSW defines what my legacy is. Every day is a new challenge and each challenge only ramps up in difficulty--from signing my contract, walking out in front of the WSW crowd for the first time, beating AJ Styles to win the World Championship, and now we’re in the ultimate test...defending this belt as the true prize and championship of professional wrestling and representing this company globally. It’s a lot...but that’s what I’m here for, that’s what I was put on this earth to do.”
“I think the challenge for Kenny is insane. He’s a man that made his name and carved out his legacy in Japan, but now he comes to North America, almost as a hero from folklore. I think there’s definitely this element of having to prove yourself. I know I felt it when I moved here from England. On top of that, you’re the World Champion of a growing brand in WSW, whether he wants it or not...he’s the face of WSW, and there’s a laundry list of people that will do anything to take that spot from him.”
Highlights are shown of Johnny Mundo and the rise of the LA Express. We see the LA Express’ victory over Revolver, led by the brash cockiness and swagger of Johnny Mundo. We see his challenge to Kenny Omega, the LA Express’ victory in the trio match against Omega, Kota Ibushi, and Ricochet, and his insatiable desire for the spotlight.
Johnny Mundo spoke:
“I have lived a life that is better than most. I’m a champion wrestler, a movie star, and a reality tv show star. Yet time and time again I’ve never gotten the recognition that I deserve. Everything that Kenny Omega does, I was doing ten years ago. Can you say that I’m jealous...I guess. But it’s not jealousy over Kenny, it's jealousy over what Kenny has taken from me. The interviews, the magazine covers, the podcasts...that should be MINE. My time of waiting is over...the spotlight was meant to shine on me...and it will. And the fact I get to take it from Kenny Omega and humble that fake ass prick makes things even sweeter.”
“There’s an element of ‘always the bridesmaid never the bride’ with Johnny Mundo. He’s been a top star in this sport for many years in many different countries, but he’s never been THE guy. That could all change though. We’ve never seen a Johnny Mundo quite like this version. Hyper athletic, insanely smart, and determined to be the best. There are not many athletes that can say they can go step for step with Kenny Omega, Johnny is one of those guys, and I think that’s why this is going to be such an amazing match.”
Match Seven: WSW World Championship: Johnny Mundo (w/ Taya Valkyrie) vs. Kenny Omega (c) (w/ Kota Ibushi and Ricochet)
The seventh match and co-main event of Undisputed was a singles match for the WSW World Championship between Johnny Mundo and Kenny Omega. Mundo was booed heavily during his entrance, and he was accompanied by Taya Valkyrie. A loud “Kenny” chant started even before Omega’s music hit, and the chants only grew louder as Omega made his entrance with pyro exploding behind him, seconded by Kota Ibushi and Ricochet. This was Omega’s first title defense.
The two men met in the center of the ring, going toe to toe, jawing back and forth. In a complete show of disrespect, Mundo spit his gum into the face of Omega. Omega just smiled and made the throat slash gesture. The two men then collided in a grappling exchange – jockeying between waist locks, arm wringers, headlocks, and hammerlocks. Both men used their quickness to evade and grapple with neither gaining a significant advantage. Omega got a waist lock and started throwing forearms to the back, while Mundo fired back elbows. The two then ran the ropes, baseball sliding and leapfrogging each other until Mundo landed a spinning kick to the midsection followed by a slap to the face.
Omega reversed a whip into the corner, and Mundo showed off his cat-like quickness, slipping through the ropes to the apron. Mundo landed a gamengeri from the apron and springboarded into a high revolution tijeras that sent the World Champion through the ropes to the floor.
Omega avoided a running knee off the apron, and the two slugged it out on the floor. Omega drove Mundo back first into the ring apron. Mundo reversed a whip into the guard rail, sending Omega into the steel. Mundo tried to whip Omega into the timekeeper’s table, but Omega reversed and shot Mundo to the table. Mundo used his parkour skills to slide over the top of the table. Mundo picked up the table and attempted to throw it at Omega, but Omega dropkicked the table into Mundo! Vaulting to the top of the steel guard rail, Omega landed a double stomp on the table, splintering it on top of Mundo!
Omega was a bit shaken up from the move himself, and he removed himself from the fractured wood and made his way back to the ring. From under the table, Mundo crawled back into the ring as well, making it back in at the 16-count.
Omega went to work on Mundo’s back, dropping a couple of knees on it before landing a backbreaker for the first 2-count of the match. Omega lifted Mundo for another backbreaker, but Mundo raked the eyes for a reprieve. Johnny hit a dropkick to the knee to take the champion off his feet, and then he followed with swift kicks to the hamstrings. This took Omega off his feet in the corner. Mundo charged in, but Omega vaulted over his back. Omega used his insane burst to explode in the corner, but Mundo elevated him up and onto the top rope, crotching him. Mundo hit a gamengeri and then sprung to the top rope and took Omega down with an avalanche cutter for a 2-count!
Mundo stomped at the head of Omega, talking trash. He mocked Omega’s pose and landed a running knee strike that sent Omega through the ropes to the floor. Mundo strutted around the ring, while Omega gathered himself on the floor. Taya Valkyrie talked trash to Omega, as Ibushi and Ricochet watched her like a hawk. Mundo vaulted himself over the turnbuckles and went for a penalty kick on the apron, but Omega blocked it. He pulled Mundo off the apron into his grasp and hit a back suplex on the apron! Mundo grabbed at his back as he flopped to the floor mats.
Getting back inside the ring, Omega went to his knees in the center of the ring and started rhythmically pounding on the mat. The crowd clapped along as they knew the Rise of the Terminator was coming. Omega ran the ropes, but Taya Valkyrie grabbed his foot from the floor to halt his momentum. As Omega fought to get his foot free, Mundo slid back into the ring and hit a superkick. Mundo clotheslined Omega over the top back to the floor. Mundo followed with an Asai Moonsault that connected perfectly. Mundo then threw Omega hard into the steel steps on the outside.
Rolling Omega back into the ring, Mundo climbed up top. He sized up Omega and flew for the Impact Elbow (corkscrew elbow drop), but Omega moved. Mundo contorted his body to land on his feet and roll through, but as he did, Omega steamrolled him with a V Trigger! Omega couldn’t follow up immediately though, as he recovered in the corner for a brief second, grabbing at his hamstring that had been the victim of hard leg kicks earlier in the match. This cost him, as he tried for a Snap Dragon Suplex, but Mundo slipped out and rolled him up for a near fall!
Omega popped out of the pin, and Mundo slapped him right in the face! The two men went back and forth – Omega throwing forearms, Mundo throwing leg kicks in the center of the ring. A swift leg kick won the exchange for Mundo, and he hit the ropes but ran directly into a wicked V-Trigger! Omega hit the Snap Dragon Suplex! He held up two fingers and hit another Snap Dragon! The speed and force of the move reverberated throughout the College Park Center. Omega went for the One Winged Angel, but Mundo countered with a poison rana! Mundo went up top...and hit the Impact Elbow...but Omega kicked out!
Mundo drove Omega into the corner and trapped his left leg around the middle rope. Mundo wrenched on the leg, using the ropes for torque...getting in the referee’s face as he administered a 5-count. Mundo then landed a dropkick to the leg that send Omega tumbling back to the canvas, clutching his leg. Mundo looked for a submission, but Omega landed up kicks with his right leg to free himself. Scrambling to feet, Omega ducked a superkick by Mundo, but he whiffed on a Polish Hammer and ate a superkick to the jaw from Mundo. Mundo springboarded off the middle rope, looking for a quebrada, but Omega hit a V-Trigger that intercepted Mundo in mid-air! “Holy Shit” chants sounded out.
Omega grabbed Mundo and got the double underhooks. Omega hit the Tiger Driver 99...
But Mundo kicked out!
Both men were down in the ring as a “This Is Awesome” chant rang out. Omega got to his feet, determination burning in his eyes. Mundo staggered to a vertical base, and Omega charged for a V-Trigger, but Mundo avoided it at the last possible instant, and Omega hit the middle turnbuckle flush! He grabbed at his knee in recoil, and Mundo hit a neck breaker! Mundo climbed up top, he flew looking for a hurricanrana, but Omega blocked and powered Mundo up for a powerbomb! Omega landed another V-Triger! He covered, but Mundo got his hand on the bottom rope at 2.95!
Omega couldn’t believe it. He rolled to the apron, pulling himself up with the ropes. He slapped on the top turnbuckle, and the crowd in Dallas clapped along with him. He climbed to the top, but in a move of pure desperation, Mundo shoved the referee into the ropes, crotching Kenny! Omega fell off the top to the apron. Johnny Mundo followed suit. On the apron, Mundo hooked Omega, he pointed at Ricochet and spat at him before taking Omega off the apron to the floor with a Spanish Fly!
Both men splattered on the mats, and everyone in the arena stood! “Holy Shit” chants sounded out again!
Both men were motionless on the outside, as the 20-count rolled. Mundo stirred to his feet at 14, being pulled up by Taya Valkyrie. Mundo rolled Omega back inside and covered...
But Kenny kicked out!
Mundo was awestruck. He pulled his hair back and started throwing hammer strikes at Omega’s left leg. Over and over again he hammered. Mundo grabbed Omega’s legs and locked in an inverted figure four!
Omega fought and fought, scrambling for the ropes. The crowd was full throat with chants of “Kenny, Kenny Kenny” urging him to get to the ropes. Mundo cinched back as hard as he could, but Omega reached and finally made the bottom rope! Mundo kept the submission locked in till the count of 4, before hammering on the leg some more.
Mundo went for broke. He shot the double middle fingers at Omega and went for El Fin de Mundo...but Kenny rolled out of the way, and Mundo crashed to the canvas!
Pulling himself up and limping, Omega grabbed Mundo and hit a bucklebomb! Omega went to one knee, but he didn’t stop. Grabbing Mundo on the recoil he hit a Doctor Bomb! He covered, but Mundo kicked out!
Omega rose. He pointed dual finger guns at Mundo and limped over to the ropes. He targeted Mundo for one more V-Trigger. With the last bit of explosion left in him, Omega charged...
But Mundo kicked the left knee!
Omega went tumbling!
Both men went down again. Mundo stirred to his feet. He crawled to the corner and started climbing the ropes. He tried for El Fin de Mundo, but Omega grabbed his leg. Mundo kicked furiously trying to break free. Omega wouldn’t let go, he climbed to the middle rope. He trapped Mundo’s arms in a full nelson! Mundo scrambled, trying to gauge the eyes...but Omega hit a Snap Dragon Suplex off the middle rope!
Omega fought to his feet, the crowd chanting his name. He hoisted Mundo up into the electric chair. His knee gave out, and he sank to one knee...
But with a roar, Omega powered back up and hit the One Winged Angel for the pin and the win!
Winner and STILL WSW World Champion: Kenny Omega (23:33)
The crowd exploded for the finish. The referee presented the World Championship to Kenny Omega and he held the title high, as Kota Ibushi and Ricochet entered the ring to congratulate their friend. A microphone was presented to Kenny in the ring. Kenny leaned against the ropes and breathed heavy before speaking, the World Title glistening over his shoulder:
“Normally, when they give me this microphone it’s my job to close the show, but we aren’t done just yet my friends...there’s still more! But I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this time to thank all of you for coming tonight and supporting me, supporting WSW, and most importantly supporting professional wrestling. Tonight, I think every man and woman is showing you that the heartbeat of pro wrestling is right here in WSW! Johnny Mundo pushed me to the limit tonight, but as long as there is oxygen in my lungs, and blood in my body...I’m going to keep fighting, I’m going to keep fighting for all of you, and I’m going to keep fighting for the WSW World Championship. What you see before you are two of my closest friends...they don’t need any introduction. I will tell you, that we’ve done a lot of talking, and I figure that now is as good a time as ever to tell you that this is the Golden Triangle of WSW. I promise you that the three of us...and all of you, will change the world in 2019. It’s time for me to sign off, and there’s only one way I know how.
The crowd sang along with Omega’s trademark catchphrase and cheered again as Kenny Omega held the World Title high.
An extensive video package aired, highlighting the history of Cody and Ethan Carter. Set to “Evil Ways” by Blues Saraceno the package featured EC3’s arrival in WSW as the “Ace” of Revolver in 2016. His victory in the first Grand Prix that led to him defeating AJ Styles at November Reign 2016 to become World Champion is shown. We see Cody’s debut in 2016, and his reveal of being in Revolver to cheat and defeat Kota Ibushi to become the first Intercontinental Champion. We see the dominance of Revolver throughout 2017. The eventual breaking of Revolver in 2018 is shown, with Cody holding a coup to overthrow EC3 as the leader of the group, including shaving his head. We see Cody’s eventual mental break due to his obsession with being a star, and the bloody battle the two engaged in at November Reign 2018 that Ethan Carter won. We see Cody’s return and the emotional Revolver reunion that occurred at the beginning of 2019 that led to “one final ride” as a team at Seize the Day against the LA Express. Then we see the snap of EC3...that led him to become Ethan Carter, and his attacks on Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson. We see Cody’s desperate attempt at redemption that led to him challenging Carter to any match of his choosing. We see the brutal attack of Cody where Ethan Carter drove Cody's skull into the bare concrete with his Headlock Driver, leaving Cody in a puddle of his own blood. We also see highlights of Ethan Carter’s attack on Brandi Rhodes from the most recent episode of Ignition, leaving Cody’s wife laying after a Headlock Driver.
Match Eight: Unsanctioned No Holds Barred Match: “The American Nightmare” Cody vs. Ethan Carter
The eighth and final match, and co-main event, of Undisputed, was an Unsanctioned, No Holds Barred Match between Cody and Ethan Carter. As the camera settled on the ring, ring announcer Justin Roberts said:
“Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is unsanctioned by World Series Wrestling...”
With those words, the crowd blew the roof off the building for the arrival of Cody. With a large bandage covering the stitches on his forehead, Cody walked on stage with an intense look on his face. With his fists taped up, Cody looked around the arena, and a wave of emotions painted his face. After a couple of deep breaths, he made a beeline to the ring, ready for war.
Ethan Carter entered sans music. Like a slithering snake, Carter slowly made his way down the ramp. The crowd crushed him with jeers and chants of “F*ck You Ethan” and “You Suck.”
Ethan Carter got to the floor outside the ring and smiled directly at Cody. This was all Cody needed, he couldn’t wait any longer. He nailed Ethan Carter with a tope suicida to start the match! Cody then teed off on Carter on the outside, all the anger, hate, and frustration coming out of him in the form of right hands.
Carter struck back, and the two men just threw hands like a hockey fight on the floor. Cody whipped Carter into the guardrail with so much force that Carter flipped over it into the crowd upon impact. Cody then charged like a wild man and leaped over the guardrail, taking out Carter and sending both men spilling into the third row!
Ethan Carter tried to create distance, and he crawled away from Cody. As The American Nightmare gathered himself, he gave chase, but Carter threw a steel chair that connected! This gave Carter the opportunity to strike, and he drove Cody back first into the guardrail. Carter then hit a front suplex on Cody, sending him ribs first over the top of the guardrail. With hatred in his eyes, Ethan Carter laid into the back of Cody with repeated, hard forearm strikes. Over and over again Carter slammed on the back.
Cody flopped back to the floor, and Carter stalked his prey – climbing back over the guardrail. Carter ripped the bandage off of Cody and started punching the stitched-up forehead! It wasn’t long before Cody was busted open, blood pouring from the wound. Carter dropped Cody on the ground, and then landed hard stomps on the head of Cody. Carter took the blood on his fist, and he wiped it across his chest like a sick war paint.
Carter started ripping up the floor mats, exposing the bare concrete. Cody attempted to fight back, but Carter rained hard right hands to the bloody forehead. He set up for a Headlock Driver on the concrete, but Cody fought it off with elbows. Carter transitioned to a vertical suplex attempt, but Cody floated over and landed on his feet. Cody grabbed Carter and ran him spine-first into the steel ring post. Cody then whipped Carter with intense force into the steel guardrail. With his face already a crimson mask, Cody went under the ring and retrieved a table. He set the table up on the outside, and he climbed on top of it with Ethan Carter. Cody tried to CrossRhodes Carter through the table, but Carter blocked and the two men slugged it out again on top of the table. Carter hit a knee strike to the midsection and then he hit a vertical suplex on Cody off the table onto the floor!
“F*ck You Ethan” chants rang out again, as Carter hit a hard kick to the spine of Cody. Carter took things into the ring for the very first time in the match. Carter whipped Cody into the corner with intense force – Cody collapsed as soon as he hit the turnbuckles.
Ethan Carter taunted Cody with those words. With blood staining his platinum blonde hair, Cody tried to fight back, punching Carter with everything he could. The evil Ethan Carter absorbed them and planted Cody with a back suplex. He covered but Cody kicked out at 1! Carter grabbed the legs of Cody and went for a submission. Cody clawed at the face of Carter, but Carter hammered him with punches before locking in a knee bar! Cody was in pain, and there were no rope breaks. The pressure just made the blood flow heavier out of Cody’s head. Cody yelled in pain and started violently kicking Ethan Carter in the head with his free leg to finally break the submission.
Cody was in pain, rolling to his stomach, leaving blood stains on the canvas. He climbed to his feet, but a running knee from Ethan Carter put him down again! Mockingly making the Revolver hand sign, Carter left the ring and retrieved a steel chair from the outside. Ethan Carter got back into the ring and held the steel chair under the chin of Cody. He slowly raised Cody’s head, yelling at Cody to look him in the eyes.
Carter raised the chair, and swung for Cody’s head...but he moved and the chair clanged down on the canvas. Carter swung wildly again, but Cody avoided it again. Cody landed a bicycle kick and started firing away with punches – the crowd willing Cody along. Carter landed a hard kick to the midsection, and he raised the chair again, but Cody speared Carter – sending the chair flying and Carter to the apron!
Ethan Carter was on the apron above the exposed concrete. Seeing this, Cody started laying into Ethan Carter, the right hand was his best weapon in the match so far. Cody went to the apron, and he set up Carter for the CrossRhodes...the crowd buzzed at how dangerous this situation was. Carter grabbed the ropes with his left hand, clutching for dear life, as he struck at Cody with his right hand to break himself free. Carter tried for a powerbomb off the apron onto the concrete, but Cody backdropped out of it, sending Ethan Carter onto the ring apron. Pulling himself up with the ropes, Cody hit a back suplex off the apron, sending Carter on the exposed concrete!
“Holy Shit” chants sounded out everywhere as both men lay motionless on the floor.
After a while, Cody finally took Ethan Carter back inside, and he grabbed the steel chair that was laying in the ring. Cody sent the chair into Carter’s gut and then slammed it over his back! Carter contorted in pain, and Cody charged at him, looking for the knockout swing, but Carter back body dropped him over the top rope, sending Cody through the table set up earlier on the floor (mirroring their first encounter at Inception 2018).
Ethan Carter went to the outside and drug Cody back to the apron from the rubble of the table. Cody tried a slingshot spear through the ropes, but Carter cut him off with a knee strike. Ethan Carter then hit the TK3 for a near fall!
Ethan Carter went under the ring and retrieved a toolbox. Inside the toolbox, he produced an Exacto knife. Carter then proceeded to cut up the ring canvas. Carter ripped at the canvas to expose the ring boards.
Cody gathered himself during this time, and he laid into Carter with a lariat, followed by another, and another. Cody grabbed the head of Carter and started slamming right hands into it before firing off bionic elbows! “Dusty” chants sounded out. Carter came back with a hard lariat. He tried to piledrive Cody onto the exposed boards, but Cody pushed him away and hit his snap powerslam!
Cody was fired up, and he locked on the Figure Four! Amidst the torn up, blood stained canvas, Carter writhed in pain, and Cody screamed at him:
Carter’s only escape was to sit up and dig into the eyes of Cody to finally break the submission. Carter removed his wrist tape and tried to choke Cody with it, but Cody fought him off and grabbed the tape. The two men then brought the entire arena to its feet as they teed off of each other for one whole minute! Carter cut off the exchange with a kick to the midsection. Staggering back, Cody picked up the toolbox from earlier and tried to crush Carter with it, but Carter dodged and booted Cody, the metal toolbox clanged as it hit the ring. Carter hit the Headlock Driver!
But Cody kicked out!
Carter got to his feet and pulled Cody face to face:
Cody fired up and attacked with intensity. He slapped Ethan Carter in the face, he slapped him again, and again! Cody ripped him down with a bionic elbow. Cody grabbed the toolbox and crushed Carter with it in the head! He covered...
But Carter kicked out!
Ethan Carter was busted open from the toolbox shot, both men now sporting crimson masks. Both men went over to the corner. Cody tried to superplex Carter onto the exposed boards, but Carter hit a low blow! Carter slipped between Cody’s legs and hit a powerbomb on the exposed boards! He covered...
But Cody somehow someway kicked out!
The crowd couldn’t believe it!
Loud “Cody” chants rang out. Ethan Carter went to the floor and retrieved another chair.
With blood streaming down his face, Ethan Carter readied the chair. Cody was dazed, his eyes glazed over, and his face covered in blood. Carter yelled:
“You were my BROTHER CODY! YOU MADE ME DO THIS! GO TO HELL WITH YOUR WIFE AND YOUR FAMILY!”
Carter raised the chair overhead and charged in, but Cody kicked Ethan Carter with a low blow of his own! Cody grabbed the chair from Carter...
He spun and swung and hit Carter in the head with the chair!
Cody grabbed Carter and hit the CrossRhodes onto the exposed boards.....
He held on and hit a second CrossRhodes onto the boards!
Cody covered for the win!
Winner: Cody (33:00)
The crowd exploded for the finish! An exhausted Cody could barely stand to have his hand raised. He sunk to his knees in tears as the noise was deafening. The ring was a war zone around him. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo said:
“He did it...my God he did it! To hell and back, Cody has stared the devil in the face and was victorious!”
With all the strength he had left in his body, Cody climbed the corner and held his arms in triumph. With the crowd chanting his name, Cody roared victoriously.
Results
No.
Results
Stipulations
Times
1
Volador Jr., Valiente and Bandido defeated #StrongHearts (CIMA, T-Hawk and EL Lindaman
Trios tag team match
12:30
2
Will Ospreay defeated Dragon Lee
Singles match
15:10
3
The Hart Foundation (c) (Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr.) (with Brian Pillman Jr.) defeated Lucha Brothers (Pentagon Jr. and Fenix) (with Konnan)
Tag team match for the WSW World Tag Team Championship
14:00
4
Claudio Castagnoli (with Salina de la Renta) defeated AJ Styles
-- Undisputed in Arlington, Texas at the College Park Center drew a sellout crowd of 6,800, paying $461,720. Coming off the 4.5 Seize the Day show at the Nassau Coliseum--the biggest crowd and gate in company history--this was a great follow-up. It is becoming obvious that buildings of this size are becoming too small for WSW to run their six tentpole events in. Although, this will no longer be an issue as the company is set to run 7.13 SummerFest in Toronto at the Scotiabank Arena (16,900 capacity for wrestling), 9.21 Grand Prix Finals in Daly City (San Francisco) at the Cow Palace (11,000 capacity for wrestling), and 11.30 November Reign in New York City at Madison Square Garden (16,500 capacity for wrestling).
-- The Undisputed lineup looked really strong on paper, and the show has received high praise. From an in-ring standpoint, there are some who have suggested that Undisputed may have been the best tentpole/special in WSW history. Regardless of opinion, WSW has set a very high bar in terms of show quality. Dave Meltzer rated four of the show’s eight matches at **** or higher, and the Cody/Ethan Carter match was rated *****.
-- The show clocked in right at 4 hours, and after the complaints about the length of Seize the Day (4.5 hours), it looks like this show length may be here to stay. All the matches were given plenty of time, and there were numerous long video packages shown throughout the night, highlighting the backstory of the matches and featuring sit-down interviews with the competitors. This was similar to what you see from the UFC, and it really gives off the sports-style presentation that WSW aims for. It also adds to the length of the show. The show featured no title changes.
-- Kevin Sullivan, formerly of Impact Wrestling and Bellator, produced the majority of the videos for the show.
-- The DFW crowd was incredible for Undisputed, loud from start to finish, and clearly very knowledgeable about the product and wrestlers. Crowd reactions like the ones given to Kenny Omega, Cody, and Adam Cole really make these guys seem like top superstars.
-- WSW was the third most searched item on Saturday night on Google, trailing only the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers.
-- The Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer had this to say about the show:
1. Volador Jr. & Bandido & Valiente beat CIMA & T-Hawk & El Lindaman in 12:30. In theory, this match should have had the most trouble getting over as none of the guys had been featured on television. Instead, the opposite occurred. The crowd was super-hot, the match had the benefit of going first, and it was fast-paced with tons of big moves. All six guys were great. It was clear that Bandido was designed to be the star of the match, hitting several of his signature high spots including the Revolution Fly and an incredible tornillo. Volador did a tope in the corner on Lindaman. Lindaman is a small powerhouse and he did a delayed German suplex on Volador. Lots of near falls, ending with Valiente doing a pescado into a hurricanrana on T-Hawk on the floor and Bandido hitting the 21 Plex on Lindaman. *** ¾
2. Will Ospreay beat Dragon Lee in 15:10. This was nonstop moves and action. The story of the match was that both men had scouted each other from their first match and were prepared to counter one another. They also told the story that Ospreay felt desperate given his recent record in big matches and the fact he lost to Dragon Lee in the first match. Ospreay controlled the match early with a ton of strikes and a shooting star press off the apron. Dragon Lee did his running hurricanrana over the ropes to the floor, but Ospreay flipped over in mid-air and landed on his feet in a spectacular spot. Dragon Lee hit rolling Norther Lights Suplexes and a brainbuster for a near fall. RUSH came out on the stage and watched the match as he has for each of Dragon Lee’s matches in WSW, teasing something for the future. Dragon Lee hit the Del Rio draping diving foot stomp. Ospreay kept countering Dragon Lee’s Desnucadora finisher, eventually getting a roll-up for the flash pin. Following the match, RUSH confronted Ospreay in the ring, but Dragon Lee backed RUSH (his real-life brother away). This was very good, but not at the level of their first match. ****
3. Teddy Hart & Davey Boy Smith Jr. beat Pentagon Jr. & Fenix to retain the WSW World Tag Team Titles in 14:00. The crowd was on fire for this match early. There was a significant amount of hype coming in for this match. While all four men worked hard, and the crowd heat was great, the match felt hollow and never got into fifth gear. It felt like they needed 5-6 more minutes, as this didn’t feel special, which was the expectation. The story of the match was The Hart Foundation looking for retaliation against The Lucha Brothers for the brawl they started on Ignition. There were a ton of double teams early—with a very liberal interpretation of the tag rules. Davey Boy Smith really shined with his power spots; he could very much be a big-time singles star in the future. Smith pulled on Pentagon’s mask on the outside, and we got a ton of interference from both Konnan and Brian Pillman Jr. The Lucha Brothers got the heat on Teddy Hart, including Pentagon hitting a Death Valley Driver on the apron. The finish saw Konnan and Pillman get into it on the floor, distracting the referee, Hart pulled off Pentagon’s mask and hit a low blow on Fenix. The Hart Foundation hit the Doomsday Destroyer for the win. ***
4. Claudio Castagnoli beat AJ Styles in 18:46. This was great and super hard-hitting. The match started with a lot of intense grappling. Styles hit his high-impact strikes early and a pescado. Castagnoli caught him on a Flying Forearm attempt and hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Styles would go for his backflip into an inverted DDT off the steps, but Castagnoli met him in midair with an uppercut in a great spot. Castagnoli started working the left leg with dragon screws. Castagnoli put him in a half-crab. Styles dumped Castagnoli to the floor and tried a moonsault off the apron, but Castagnoli caught him and hit a powerslam on the ramp to tease the count-out finish. Styles did a rolling elbow, an Exploder into the turnbuckles, and a ushigoroshi. Styles got the Calf Slicer which Castagnoli and Salina de la Renta sold great, but Castagnoli broke the submission by digging into the eyes. Styles went for a hurricanrana with Castagnoli on the top rope. Castagnoli blocked it and went for an avalanche powerbomb, but Styles reversed it in mid-air with a hurricanrana for a near fall. Styles hit the Flying Forearm for a good near fall. Castagnoli destroyed Styles with uppercuts, but Styles refused to stay down, hitting a German suplex. He went for the Styles Clash, but his leg gave out from the attack earlier. They traded cradles until Castagnoli put him away with a discus uppercut and a heel hook. The referee called for the bell as Styles passed out. They put Castagnoli over hard as the next contender for the World Championship. ****½
5. Tessa Blanchard beat Deonna Purrazzo to retain the WSW Women’s World Championship in 16:10. This was a very hard-hitting match, and Blanchard has fantastic intensity and really carries herself as a star. Purrazzo was put over strong despite not winning the title. She hit a bridging German suplex right away for a near fall. Purrazzo showcased her submission style wrestling, working the leg and the joints, building to her attacking the arm to set up the Fujiwara Arm Bar which they have gotten over strong. At one point, Purrazzo got an arm bar on Blanchard who picked her up with a Gotch Lift. They fell over the top rope to the floor, where Blanchard maintained her grip and powerbombed Purrazzo on top of the steps. She trapped Purrazzo’s arm in between the steps and ring apron and kicked the steps. Purrazzo avoided a tope, and Blanchard collided with Tenille Dashwood on the floor. Purrazzo got the Fujiwara on the floor, and Blanchard tapped out, but it was outside the ring. Purrazzo got an Octopus while Blanchard was sitting on the top turnbuckle, she broke it with an avalanche Falcon Arrow. Purrazzo got a rear naked choke for the teased victory, with Blanchard barely getting the ropes. The finish saw Blanchard hit the Buzzsaw DDT, but Purrazzo kicked out, so Blanchard attacked the worked-over shoulder and hit the Blanchard Combination for the win. After the match, Nixon Newell returned. Newell was part of the Diamond stable, but she suffered a horrific knee injury last August at a house show that require arthroscopic surgery. They teased she would be the next challenger, but then she and Blanchard embraced and Newell laid out Purrazzo with her Shining Wizard knee strike. ***½
6. Adam Cole beat Bobby Lashley in a steel cage to retain the WSW Intercontinental Title in 17:55. This was just the second cage match in WSW history, and they played up the finality that the match entails. WSW is trying really hard to re-establish the cage as a special stipulation as the match has been done to death and bastardized over the last 25 years. They very much used the cage as a weapon and both guys bled and worked hard. Lashley threw Cole all over with suplexes. Lashley hit several throws into the cage that saw Cole take huge bumps over the ropes, into the cage, and onto the apron. Cole was bleeding from the forehead, back, and arm by the end of the match. Lashley was selling a leg injury from Black Arrow’s attack on Ignition, and he had kinesio tape on his leg. Cole attacked the leg, and he produced a chain he snuck into the cage in his tights. He wrapped the chain around his fist and punched Lashley in the head. Lashley bled from this. Lashley got the Head and Arm Choke while Cole was on the apron and proceeded to throw him back in the ring with a brutal half-and-half suplex that caused Cole to nearly land on top of his head. Cole ripped the kinesio tape off Lashley and hit a spider German suplex in the corner in another scary spot. Dawson and Wilder tried to interfere and climb the cage, but Arn Anderson pulled them down. Anderson hit a spinebuster on the floor on Dawson which got a huge pop, but Wilder laid out Anderson with a punch. Wilder started climbing the cage, but Lashley slammed Cole’s head into the cage over and over, causing Wilder to lose his balance and fall back to the floor. Cole got a Figure Four and a Last Shot, but Lashley kicked out. Cole continued to attack the left leg. Cole tried for the Panama Sunrise, but Lashley countered with a powerbomb, but his leg buckled. Cole then wrapped the chain around his knee and hit the Last Shot for the win. After the match, Black Arrow all got into the cage, and Pillmanized the leg of Lashley and the arm of Arn Anderson, drawing huge heel heat. All three guys got big reactions—especially Cole. ****
7. Kenny Omega beat Johnny Mundo to retain the WSW World Championship in 23:33. Leading into this match, I thought this may be tough, as I don’t know how many people actually expected Mundo to beat Omega. In hindsight, Mundo may have been the perfect first challenger for Omega, as he has been protected with the LA Express, and he has really elevated his game knowing he was stepping into a big-time singles match with Omega. As a pure athlete, Mundo is incredible and he showcased it. Both guys were great here, and Omega’s presence and work willed this to feel like a big-time match. Omega got a gigantic reaction, and if the goal is to make him feel like a “big deal,” it is succeeding. Mundo was accompanied by Taya Valkyrie, and Omega was seconded by Kota Ibushi and Ricochet. They started slow and worked the pace up into a frenzy by the end. They told a simple, solid story throughout, with Mundo working the legs till the end, and they mixed in a ton of big moves. Early in the match, Omega whipped Mundo into the timekeeper’s table, but Mundo vaulted over it and tried to throw the table at Omega. However, Omega dropkicked the table into Mundo and hit a double foot stomp off the guardrail onto the table. Mundo went to work on the legs, trying to cut the explosiveness of Omega down. Mundo used repeated leg kicks throughout. Omega hit two Snap Dragon suplexes, and when he went for the One Winged Angel, Mundo countered with a reverse hurricanrana and his Impact Elbow Drop for a near fall. Omega hit several V Triggers that Mundo sold well. This set up a spot where Mundo dodged a V Trigger and Omega hit the turnbuckle. In a crazy spot, Mundo hit a Spanish Fly off the apron to the floor – Mundo spit at Ricochet before doing this in reference to Brian Cage’s injury after this same spot from Ricochet. Mundo got a unique inverted figure four submission which Omega sold really well, and the crowd got behind him big time to get to the ropes. Finish saw Omega hit a V Trigger to the back as Mundo climbed in the corner which led to a Snap Dragon off the second rope. Omega hit the One Winged Angel for the pin. ****
8. Cody beat Ethan Carter in an Unsanctioned No Holds Barred Match in 27:00. This was just a crazy match. Cody hit a tope as Ethan Carter was making his entrance. He sent Carter over the barricade and followed with a running dive over the barricade. Carter suplexed Cody off a table to the floor. Cody bladed early and it was sick blood. The match was full of callbacks to their long rivalry and the split of Revolver. The mats on the floor were removed and Cody hit Carter with a back suplex off the apron onto the exposed concrete. Cody got backdropped over the top through a table on the floor. Ethan Carter cut up the ring canvas and exposed the boards underneath the ring. Cody got the Figure Four, and because this was unsanctioned, Carter couldn’t get a rope break so he dug into the eyes of Cody (I wish this spot hadn’t been used earlier in the Castagnoli/Styles match though). Both men hammered at each other with punches for a solid minute which whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Carter hit the Headlock Driver for a near fall. Cody hit Carter with a toolbox for a near fall and Carter bled. Carter hit a low blow and powerbomb onto the exposed boards for another near fall. The finish saw Carter go for the knockout blow with a chair, but Cody got a low blow and hit Carter in the head with the chair. He hit two Cross Rhodes on the exposed boards to win. The crowd exploded for the win, and Cody was visibly emotional after the match. Cody has received a huge reaction lately, but this was the icing on the cake that he is super over as a babyface right now. *****
-- WSW held the WSW Experience on 5/17 prior to Undisputed. Shane McMahon met with the media at the event. Highlights of his comments include:
Incredible excitement for Ignition to go live weekly starting 8/15. McMahon said that going live weekly had always been the plan since taking the show on the road back in January. McMahon said a conversation started about going live for the 2019 Grand Prix, but the talks quickly shifted to taking the show live permanently. McMahon praised the partnership with Viacom and Paramount Network and their continued investment into WSW.
McMahon said that despite the success of Seize the Day, he would look to shift the schedule and refrain from holding events around WrestleMania weekend moving forward. He said that running shows that particular weekend made a ton of sense when WSW first started, but the company had grown significantly, and he wanted the brand to stand on its own in every way.
McMahon announced that the first WSW action figures will go on sale on 6/4, and a special pre-order code would be available via on-screen QR Code on the 5/23 Ignition.
McMahon said that work on a console video game was underway, and Kenny Omega is playing a central role in the development of the game. McMahon also said that mobile games would be released by the fall.
WSW will begin the “Elite 8 Tournament” on the 6/6 Ignition. This will be an eight-man tournament, featuring the top prospects from the WSW Dojo.
McMahon confirmed that WSW will make a European tour with TV tapings in December (same as last year). He said that growth in Europe and continued expansion of the footprint in Canada was a central metric moving forward.
Tuesday 5/28 is a major day for WSW, as tickets go on sale for SummerFest at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. This is the biggest building WSW has ever run before, and they are hoping the strong push they have made in Canada (especially Ontario) over the past year pays off in a major way. WSW ran SummerFest last year from the smaller Coca-Cola Coliseum and sold out the building. WSW most recently ran TV tapings from the Coca-Cola Coliseum on 4/22 and sold out the building with 7,700.
--Upcoming TV tapings and ticket sales look like this:
5/21 in San Antonio (Freeman Coliseum): 5,850
6/4 in Denver (Magnass Arena): 4,900
6/18 in Cleveland (Wolstein Center): 3,717
6/29 in Daytona Beach (Ocean Center): 3,800
7/18 in Atlanta (State Farm Arena – Ignition 200): 5,050
7/20 in Charlotte (Bojangles Coliseum): 3,000
8/3 in New Orleans (UNO Lakefront Arena): 2,500
8/15 in Houston (NRG Arena – Grand Prix Night One): 3,000
-- WSW announced that Grand Prix Night Two on 8/22 will be held in Phoenix at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and Night Three on 8/29 will be held in St. Louis at the Chaifetz Arena.
-- The 5/16 Ignition did 800,000 viewers and a .34 in the key 18-34 demo. This show faced heavy competition from Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals but was up from the prior week.
-- The 5/23 Ignition will go head to head with Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Event
The 5/23 Ignition opened with a video package highlighting the events of Undisputed: Will Ospreay defeating Dragon Lee, The Hart Foundation fighting fire with fire and getting dirty to retain the World Tag Team Titles over The Lucha Brothers, Adam Cole winning a bloody cage match over Bobby Lashley to retain the Intercontinental Championship – and the subsequent vicious post-match attack by Black Arrow on Lashley and Arn Anderson, Claudio Castagnoli beating AJ Styles in a war, Tessa Blanchard retaining the Women’s World Title over Deonna Purrazzo in a straight up fight--and the subsequent return of Nixon Newell to put Diamond at full strength once again, Kenny Omega’s victory over Johnny Mundo to successfully retain the World Championship, and Cody’s emotional win in a brutal, bloody battle with Ethan Carter.
Pyro exploded inside the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas and the commentary duo of Mauro Ranallo and Paige Knight let us know Ignition was sold out tonight and ran down the events for the evening. Match One: Kota Ibushi and Ricochet vs. The Union
The first match of Ignition was a tag team match between Kota Ibushi and Ricochet and The Union. The San Antonio crowd was hot for Ibushi and Richochet. The duo came together at the start of 2019 and won the inaugural Global Cup Tag Team Tournament; however, they came up short in their bid for the World Tag Team Championship at Seize the Day against The Hart Foundation, and their eyes were still set on the titles. The hulking Canadians from Quebec, Mathieu St-Jacques and Thomas Dubois were determined to rise through the tag team ranks and record a signature win.
Ibushi began with Dubois. The two men met for a collar and elbow tie-up, jockeying for position in a grappling exchange. Dubois got the better of the exchange early, using his raw power to overwhelm Ibushi with a hammer lock. Ibushi was able to outmaneuver Dubois though with a head scissors takedown to the mat where he quickly transitioned to a body scissors. Dubois powered to his feet and grabbed Ibushi in a gut wrench. He tried for a gut wrench suplex, but Ibushi broke free and flipped over to his feet. Dubois landed a knee to the gut though and slapped on a side headlock before taking Ibushi to his corner and tagging in Mathieu St-Jacques.
The Union tried for a double-team clothesline, but Ibushi rolled underneath it and hit a dropkick to both men. The Union backed off and conferred with one another in their corner as Ibushi tagged out to Ricochet.
Ricochet vaulted into the ring to loud cheers, and he and St-Jacques circled each other. The two then charged in and locked up. St-Jacques immediately drove Ricochet to a knee with his power and he spun Ricochet’s arm around with an arm wringer. Ricochet grabbed the top rope and flipped over to free himself. He then lit into St-Jacques' chest with hard chops. Ricochet hit a roundhouse kick to the head that took St-Jacques down. Ricochet covered for barely a one-count. Ricochet stayed on the attack with hard, quick kicks. He tagged in Ibushi who went to the middle rope and used Ricochet’s back to flip over and connect with a somersault senton. Ibushi threw uppercuts and chops, and he whipped St-Jacques to the ropes, but the big Canadian hooked the top rope to stop his momentum. He escaped to the floor. Ibushi kept up the attack, and he sprinted across the ring for a tope suicida. As Ibushi darted himself through the ropes, St-Jacques caught him on the floor and lifted him up for a vertical suplex! With his partner being held up in a vertical suplex, Ricochet sprinted across the ring and flew with a tope suicida of his own to St-Jacques that found its mark! The momentum of the impact allowed Ibushi to swing down from his elevated position and land a DDT on St-Jacques on the floor!
“Holy Shit” chants sounded out in the historic Freeman Coliseum!
Back inside, Ibushi covered for a two-count. Ibushi and Ricochet showed off their tag team chemistry, making quick tags to pepper St-Jacques with a variety of strikes to keep him grounded. Ricochet went for a quebrada, but St-Jacques grabbed a waist lock as Ricochet jumped to the middle rope. St-Jacques tried a German Suplex , but Ricochet held on to the top rope and broke free with a hard back elbow. Ricochet lept off the middle rope, looking for a twisting crossbody, but St-Jacques caught him and planted him with a belly-to-belly suplex. This allowed St-Jacques to tag out to Thomas Dubois.
Dubois showcased his strength with a variety of power moves to keep the highflyer grounded – including a backbreaker and delayed vertical suplex (he held Ricochet up till the count of 10 and performed squats while doing so). He covered for a two-count. Dubois tagged in St-Jacques. Dubois held Ricochet in a backbreaker position, and St-Jacques came off the middle rope with a knee drop! He covered, but Ricochet kicked out at 2!
Ibushi started slapping the top turnbuckle, and the San Antonio crowd clapped along. Ricochet tried to fight back, striking into St-Jacques with chops and forearms, but just as it looked like he would break free, Mathieu St-Jacques grabbed his wrist and hit a ripcord forearm to the back of the head! Ricochet dropped like a rock. The Union cut the ring off, as St-Jacques drove Ricochet into the corner. The Union made tags to take turns laying the boots to Ricochet. They hit a double vertical suplex, but they couldn’t get Ricochet pinned. Dubois would press Ricochet overhead and walk around the ring with him, but as he tried to drop him into a power slam, Ricochet countered with a tornado DDT! With the crowd chanting, Ricochet crawled over and made the hot tag to Kota Ibushi!
Ibushi came in a house of fire, striking both members of The Union. He sent Mathieu St-Jacques flying with a back body drop that rattled the ring. He then cracked both men with jumping knee strikes. Dubois fell through the ropes to the floor, and St-Jacques went to the apron. Ibushi followed, and he hit a vertical suplex on Mathieu St-Jacques off the apron onto Thomas Dubois! The Union was reeling on the floor. Ibushi and Ricochet then both climbed the same corner, and both came off the top turnbuckle with stereo Orihara Moonsaults! “This Is Awesome” sounded out.
Back inside, Ibushi tried for the Last Ride Powerbomb on Dubois, but he backdropped out of it. Ibushi landed on his feet though, and he cracked Dubois with a roundhouse kick that echoed off the walls of the arena. Ibushi tagged Ricochet back in. Using a double-team, Ibushi hit a monkey flip on Dubois, and Ricochet came flying off the top turnbuckle with a picture-perfect 450 Splash. He covered, but Thomas Dubois kicked out! Ricochet grabbed at his back, feeling the effects from the earlier onslaught by The Union – he went for broke on the 450.
Ricochet and Dubois tagged out to their respective partners. Ibushi and St-Jacques came in and laid into each other with back-and-forth strikes. Ibushi ducked a forearm and planted St-Jacques with a massive German Suplex. Ibushi went for his standing double knees moonsault, but St-Jacques moved and Ibushi crashed hard on the canvas! St-Jacques then took Ibushi’s head off with a wicked lariat! St-Jacques tagged in Thomas Dubois and The Union set up for The White Winter (combination powerbomb by Dubois/lariat by St-Jacques), but Ibushi hit a hurricanrana on Dubois to escape. Ibushi then hit a Koppo Kick on St-Jacques to send him outside the ring. Ricochet entered and wiped out St-Jacques on the floor with a Space Flying Tiger Drop!
Inside the ring, Ibushi grabbed St-Jacques and planted him with the Last Ride powerbomb! Ricochet entered the ring with his partner to hit the Teiden (double Kamigoye) for the pin and the win!
Winners: Kota Ibushi and Ricochet (14:07)
After the match, Ibushi and Ricochet raised their hands victoriously. They applauded the fans for all their support during the hard-fought match.
The crowd came unglued as the music of WSW World Champion Kenny Omega hit. Fresh off his first successful defense of the World Title, Omega made his entrance to join his friends in the ring. Omega held both men’s hands up in victory and asked for a microphone. After waiting out a loud “Kenny” chant, Omega said:
“Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for your winners Kota Ibushi and Ricochet!”
The crowd cheered again before Omega continued with a smile:
“What you just saw was the beauty of professional wrestling on full display by two of the best in the world. What you saw on Saturday night at Undisputed was also the beauty of professional wrestling on full display. I said it before, and I'll say it again...the heart of pro wrestling is beating and thriving right here in WSW! WE are doing this TOGETHER, and I can promise you that we are sending a message that is felt across the world from Tokyo to Stamford, Connecticut!”
The crowd gasped and oohed at this line. Omega continued:
“I’ve talked a lot about ‘changing the world’ since I came to WSW, and I think nights like Undisputed and nights like tonight illustrate my point. Changing the world isn’t done by one person...it’s done by these two guys, all the men and women in the locker room, and all of you out there. It’s about pushing the envelope and taking things to the edge to create a movement that you can feel and you sure can’t deny! You will never get anywhere in this world going alone, and that’s why I’m out here right now. On Saturday night, I called us the Golden Triangle of WSW, and Twitter blew up! I know everyone is curious about what the connection is between the three of us. I So, if you will...allow me just a few moments to tell you my story...
Kota Ibushi is my closest friend in the entire world. When I moved to Japan in 2008, he extended his friendship and showed me kindness that I have never experienced before. We were from two different corners of the world and didn’t speak the same language, but we bonded over our love of wrestling. I have watched in amazement, and I have marveled at his bravery as he came to North America and WSW...and when he called me and told me that I needed to come to WSW...there was no way I could say no. Little did I know that when I got here, Ricochet – the human highlight reel – would also be here to welcome me with open arms. I am forever indebted to these two men...
It’s a lonely proposition moving across the world by yourself, starting over from scratch, and I know the target has been on my back since the day I walked in the door. That’s why when I found myself staring down the barrel of a loaded gun with the LA Express...I thought I was all alone until these two men had back when they didn’t have to do that. These two are going to become World Tag Team Champions and they will go on to hold singles titles and change professional wrestling now and into the future. I promise you that I will be the greatest World Champion of all time. I will defend this belt with honor here in America and across the globe, taking on the best the world has to offer.
That's what the Golden Triangle is. This isn't a faction, this is friendship! This is three men who will never back down from a challenge, three men who will push the boundaries of what is physically possible to take this sport to the next level. So go ahead and print the t-shirt -- be sure to buy it at ShopWSW.com -- because the three of us -- with all of you -- will change the world in 2019!"
Omega held the World Championship high. He stood in the middle, flanked by Ibushi and Ricochet. They raised their arms together. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo stated:
"The bond between Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi transcends oceans, but now it's official...Kota Ibushi, Ricochet, and Kenny Omega are aligned. The talent, creativity, and innovation of these three men have come together to officially form the Golden Triangle. What a game-changer!"
A video promo is shown from “After Undisputed.” Inside his locker room, Claudio Castagnoli unwraps the tape from his wrists as Salina de la Renta talks:
“Tonight, Claudio Castagnoli did exactly what I said he was going to do...he BROKE the golden boy of WSW. He smashed the cornerstone of this company, and in that ring, he left AJ Styles motionless...soon to be nothing more than a memory.
There will be NO MORE denying the inevitable. For SIX MONTHS we have gone unbeaten! My client deserves gold, and we are going to TAKE what we want and deserve!”
“I have brutalized, choked out, and snapped the bones of everyone that has stood in my way. I am coming for the white whale that has haunted my dreams since I lost it...I am coming for the World Championship!”
Todd Keneley interviewed Ross and Marshall Von Erich backstage ahead of their WSW debut. With a cowboy hat on his head, Marshall tossed an apple up and down. Keneley asked:
“Tonight, deep in the heart of Texas here in San Antonio, we see the WSW debut of Marshall and Ross Von Erich. Gentlemen, pro wrestling runs through your veins – what does this night mean to you?"
“Todd, this is the night we’ve been working towards our whole lives. All the miles traveled...all the red-eye flights...all the blood, sweat, and tears.... ALL of it has led to TONIGHT. When you think about pro wrestling in Texas, you think of the Von Erichs. We don’t take that lightly, and tonight we’ll step into that WSW ring for the first time, but we won’t be alone...we know our family is with us in the crowd, our family is smiling down on us, and we’ve got 6,000 rowdy Texans out there tonight ready to have a good time!”
Marshall held up the apple and crushed it in his right hand! Match Two: John Silver and Alex Reynolds vs. The Von Erichs
The second match of Ignition was a tag team match between The Von Erichs and John Silver and Alex Reynolds. Reynolds and Silver were already in the ring, and Mauro Ranallo identified them as independent talent. The San Antonio crowd gave a hero’s welcome to the debuting Von Erichs.
Ross Von Erich started with John Silver. Ross clapped his hands together, and the Freeman Coliseum followed suit. At the bell, Ross showcased his impressive grappling skills – tying up Silver with a variety of submissions and dumping him to the canvas with several takedowns. Silver tried to fight back with elbows and forearms, but Ross lit into Silver with hard chops that quickly turned Silver’s chest red. Ross whipped Silver into the corner and followed with a Yakuza Kick!
Ross tagged in his younger brother Marshall. Wrestling barefoot in true Von Erich family tradition, Marshall vaulted into the ring. Ross whipped Silver to Marshall, and he landed an amazing dropkick. On commentary, Paige Knight marveled at the elevation on the dropkick, noting it was like he had springs in his feet. The Von Erichs double-teamed Silver and landed a double dropkick, sending Silver tumbling into his corner. John Reynolds hesitantly tagged in.
Reynolds and Marshall circled each other. They tied up, and Reynolds landed a knee to the gut. He hit the ropes and swung with a clothesline, but Marshall absorbed it and didn’t budge. Marshall smiled and shook his head, so John Reynolds tried again and received the same result. Reynolds tried a third time, but this time Marshall nailed a lariat that turned Reynolds inside out! Marshall tagged in Ross, and the Von Erichs hit another double team – this one a hip toss from Marshall into a hard running boot by Ross. Marshall then landed an impressive standing moonsault.
The Von Erichs held up the Claw hand gesture, and the crowd cheered. Marshall applied the famed Von Erich Iron Claw and pulled Reynolds off the canvas with it. The brothers hit the Yellow Rose of Texas (combination Iron Claw Slam by Marshall/back suplex by Ross) on John Reynolds for the pin and win!
Winners: The Von Erichs (3:45)
After the match, the Von Erichs celebrated their first win in WSW. They climbed the corners and held up the Claw, saluting the fans in their home state of Texas.
A vignette aired featuring Diamond. We see a Cadillac Escalade pull up outside an exclusive, high-end club in Dallas. A driver exits and opens the back door. Tenille Dashwood, Nixon Newell, and Tessa Blanchard step out, immaculately dressed in luxury, designer dresses and shoes. They walk into the club, with a bouncer removing the velvet rope while people look on in envy. Tessa Blanchard’s voice narrates the piece:
“A famous man once said that he was custom-made from head to toe...we know that feeling. Because nothing shines brighter than a diamond, it’s the most precious and desired stone in the world. For centuries, men have coveted, fought, and died in their pursuit of the diamond.”
We see the trio enter the club and get escorted to a private VIP table in the club. Through the lights and music, they turn every man’s head as they walk past. A waiter brings a chilled bottle of Dom Perignon to their table and pours three glasses. Tenille Dashwood’s voice narrated:
“We’ve told you, that nothing and no one will stop us...”
A backstage interview from “After Undisputed” airs featuring Deonna Purrazzo in her locker room following her defeat to Tessa Blanchard. A heartbroken Purrazzo had a trainer’s ice bag taped to her shoulder. She clutched a bottle of water and spoke with passion, nearly in tears.
“I gave everything I had tonight...every bit of my heart and my soul...and it wasn’t enough. I did what I said I was going to do, I made Tessa tap out...I just didn’t do it in the ring. I feel like shit...I feel like a failure...but this is not the end of my journey, this is just the beginning. Look at me Tessa...look into my eyes! I swear to God...I am going to go systematically through Diamond...one by one and I will be surgical. I will cut that cancer out of WSW until it’s just you and me Tessa...one more time. I don’t know when...but we’ll see each other again...I promise!”
The third match of Ignition was a singles match between Taya Valkyrie and Kay Lee Ray. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo and Paige Knight mentioned the dominance of Tessa Blanchard, the Women’s World Champion. They pondered who would be next to rise up and challenge the champion, especially with the return of Nixon Newell putting Diamond at full strength. They mention this match could go a long way in determining the rankings, as Taya Valkyrie is the longest reigning Women’s World Champion of all time, but Kay Lee Ray had put together an impressive string of victories and had done nothing but turn heads since her debut in London back in December.
As the bell rang, the always cocky Taya Valkyrie jawed at Kay Lee Ray and slapped her across the face. Never one to back down, Kay Lee Ray shot in and took Valkryie down instantly, Ray showcased her mat prowess – slapping on a head scissors that she clamped in tight. Taya was surprised at how quickly Ray took her down, but she powered to her feet and slipped out of the hold. The two women hit the ropes, and Valkyrie scored a shoulder block. Ray popped to her feet, but Valkyrie hit an arm drag followed by a hard lariat for an early 2-count. Paige Knight noted that it was easy to get caught up in the cockiness and flair of Valkryie, but her raw power combined with her extensive experience in Mexico and background in lucha libre made her such a unique and dangerous competitor.
Valkyrie whipped Ray into the corner, but KLR slipped through the ropes to the apron. Ray grabbed Valkyrie’s left arm and snapped it over the top rope! Quickly back inside, KLR went to attack the arm. She grabbed an arm wringer and spiked Valkyrie face first into the canvas. KLR then hit a front suplex on Valkyrie for a 2-count. KLR drove Valkyrie into the corner, and she went to work on the arm, wrapping it around the middle rope and pulling for torque. Ray scored an arm drag of her own and tried to lock in a cross-arm breaker. Valkyrie clutched her hands together, desperate to avoid having her arm extended. Valkyrie inched her way to her feet and hoisted KLR up and hit a powerbomb to break the submission. Grabbing at her left arm, Valkryie rolled to the floor for a reprieve. Valkyrie jawed with the ringside fans as KLR got to her feet in the ring. KLR went for a tope suicida, but Valkyrie intercepted her in midair with a wicked forearm. KLR crashed and burned on the floor!
Like a hungry lion, Valkyrie went to work on the floor – throwing KLR into the steel guardrail, followed by the steel steps. Back inside, Valkyrie whipped KLR into the turnbuckles and followed with a charging hip attack. Valkryie climbed to the middle rope and shouted:
The crowd booed Valkryie, but she lept off the ropes and connected on a diving codebreaker for a near fall. Valkyrie then locked in a crossface on KLR. The submission was cinched in deep, and KLR clawed at the hands of Valkryie trying to break the grip and escape. Valkryie cinched in hard, and the crowd got behind KLR. Unable to break the submission, KLR worked her legs to shift Valkyrie’s momentum and pin her shoulders on the mat for a 2-count! Valkyrie maintained the submission and rolled back into a dominant position. She screamed:
“Let’s go Kay Lee” chants sounded out, as KLR grabbed at the foot of Valkyrie to finally pry herself free. Valkyrie tried to transition into a Triangle Choke, but KLR rained in hard elbows to avoid it. Gaining a few brief seconds of reprieve, KLR flopped into the turnbuckles, trying to get her wits about her. Valkyrie continued the attack, but KLR drop stepped out of her grip, grabbed a waist lock, and slung Valkyrie back first into the turnbuckles hard. Valkyrie immediately dropped, grabbing at her back in pain.
Both women slowly got to their feet, KLR grabbing at her neck. Valkyrie scored a kick and tried for a slam, but KLR fought out and hit a single-armed DDT. She hooked the inside leg, but Valkyrie kicked out at 2. KLR went after the left arm again, but Valkyrie muscled Ray into the corner and slammed her head into the top turnbuckle. Valkyrie slapped Ray again and tried for a discus clothesline, but KLR cut her off with a hard forearm to the face. The strike hit with such force it sent Valkyrie to a knee. KLR followed with a superkick! KLR charged at Valkyrie, but Taya elevated her onto the top turnbuckle. Grabbing KLR’s hair, Valkyrie pulled KLR into the tree of woe and fired hard kicks to the spine before the referee pulled her away – getting in Valkyrie’s face for not listening to the 5 Count. Showing no respect, Valkryie shoved the referee away and landed a spinning kick to the face as KLR hung in the Tree of Woe! Valkyrie covered for a near fall!
KLR tried to create distance, and Taya looked to continue the assault. She charged, but KLR hit a drop-toe hold – sending Valkyrie face-first into the middle turnbuckle. KLR then hit a tornado DDT and covered, but Taya kicked out!
Both women were down, and they slowly got back to their feet. The two met in the center of the ring, and they went back and forth, trying to score a vertical suplex. Both women countered and blocked each other until Valkyrie muscled Ray up and suplexed her over the top rope all the way to the floor!
KLR was rocked, and the 20 Count was administered. Inside the ring, Valkyrie urged the referee to count faster. With the crowd clapping behind her, KLR got into the ring at the count of 9. Looking to finish things, Valkryie went for the Road to Valhalla, but KLR countered with a bulldog! She followed with another superkick! Climbing up top, KLR pulled her hair back to show her eyes burning with intensity. KLR connected with a Senton Bomb! KLR covered for yet another near fall!
Taya Valkyrie and Kay Lee Ray met in the center of the ring for a back-and-forth forearm exchange. Ray went for another superkick, but Taya caught it and countered with a modified gut-wrench powerbomb! She covered, but KLR kicked out at 2.9! “This is Awesome” fired up for the second time of the night, in appreciation for the two women.
Valkryie couldn’t believe it! She rained down hard elbows and straight punches on KLR. Grabbing the arms and pulling back, Valkyrie went for a Curb Stomp. KLR slipped her arm out though and countered with a roll-up for 2. The two women then went back and forth with rapid roll-ups and cradles – neither being able to keep the other down for 3. Valkyrie tried a backslide, but KLR blocked and hoisted Valkryie up and scored the Gory Bomb out of nowhere!
She covered for the pin and win!
Winner: Kay Lee Ray (13:05)
The crowd cheered wildly for the finish! On commentary, Mauro Ranallo and Paige Knight said this was the most significant victory for Kay Lee Ray in WSW – she just pinned a former Women’s World Champion! KLR slapped hands with ringside fans and celebrated on the ramp with a triumphant roar!
A highlight video aired showcasing the International Trios Showcase from Undisputed between Volador Jr., Valiente & Bandido vs. #StrongHearts. Following his impressive performance, Bandido cut a video promo in Spanish with English subtitles:
“WSW, he llegado! La energia en Undisputed fue increible, pero ese fue solo el primer paso. Hablo en el ring y vine aqui para desafiar a los mejores. Eso es exactamente lo que voy a hacer. Kenny Omega, eres el mejor del mundo y te desafio!”
(WSW, I have arrived! The energy at Undisputed was incredible, but that was just the first step. I do my talking in the ring, and I came here to challenge the best. That is exactly what I’m going to do. Kenny Omega, you are the best in the world, and I challenge you!)
Todd Keneley interviewed Black Arrow (Adam Cole, Dawson & Wilder) backstage. All three men stood smugly next to Keneley. Adam Cole held the Intercontinental Championship over his shoulder and had a bandage on his temple and bruises on his face – the aftereffects of his brutal cage match with Bobby Lashley at Undisputed. Keneley said:
“Black Arrow, there’s absolutely no doubt that you left your mark at Undisputed. Inside the steel cage, Adam Cole you successfully retained the Intercontinental Title and you three men injured both Bobby Lashley and Arn Anderson. The only question I can ask is...why?”
Adam Cole smirked and looked Todd Keneley up and down before responding:
“Why...what kind of dumbass question is that?! Because we CAN Todd! I don’t give a shit what Kenny Omega and the best friends club said earlier...what you are looking at is the BEST group in wrestling and the most dangerous. If you didn’t believe us before...believe us NOW. Inside that barbaric steel cage, I heroically slayed the monster and retained THE belt in WSW...the Intercontinental Title. Look at me! I spilled plenty of blood, but I made Lashley spill more. I did what I always do when the lights are the brightest and the stage is the biggest...I won.
And then we did what no one else in WSW has ever been able to do...we hurt Lashley. We snapped his leg and we put his ass out of action! But it was a two-for-one in Dallas because we finally got rid of that fat sack of shit Arn Anderson too! You will NEVER hear his voice singing the praises of Bobby Lashley again – he can keep his ass at home in Georgia and go back to what he’s good at...podcasting about 1986.
This is a message to WSW. Look at what we’re capable of, because I promise you...if you get in our way, we’ll do it again!”
Dawson then grabbed the microphone and spoke passionately:
“You heard the man...if you get in our way, BAD things will happen! And bad things are about to happen to The Carolina Outlaws. You boys didn’t think we’d forget, did you?! Wilder and I were put on this earth to wrestle, put food on the table for our families, and win tag team championships. Trevor Lee, you cost us a shot at gold in the Battle Royal two weeks ago...
Now I know you’re probably thinking that this is the start of something big for you, but I’m here to tell you that ain’t the truth because the bill is coming due. Next week, we’ll see you boys in the ring and this time there are no candy-ass over-the-top rope eliminations...just the Fall of The Axe and a 1, 2, 3...”
Back inside the arena, Paige Knight was standing in the ring with a microphone. She called Cody to the ring for an interview. The Freeman Coliseum exploded for the arrival of Cody. Clad in one of his signature suites, Cody’s head was heavily bandaged, war wounds from his battle with Ethan Carter.
Cody soaked in the cheers from the crowd as he made his way down the ramp. Inside the ring, he shook Paige’s hand, and LOUD “Cody” erupted. Paige waited out the chants and said:
“Cody, listen to that...feel that energy...this is what you’ve created!”
The crowd cheered even louder as Cody looked around. He finally spoke:
“Paige, this building has a lot of history in it...the ghosts of all the legends that have wrestled in the Freeman Coliseum over the past 70 years are with us tonight, and they are rattling the rafters!”
The crowd cheered again, and another “Cody” chant broke out. Paige said:
“Cody, at Undisputed your brutal, personal war with Ethan Carter ended. I know it came at a heavy cost, and we’ve heard you talk a lot recently about the red in your ledger...is your slate finally clean?”
“To be totally honest, I don’t know if it will ever be clean Paige. I’ve done a lot of bad things over the years, things I’m not proud of, things I did to try and prove myself worthy of my family’s name. And I don’t know if I will ever truly be free of Ethan Carter. I feel as if we are destined to always dance a dangerous waltz. This was always personal, but he crossed lines you never cross. He put his hands on my wife, he cursed my father’s name, and he made me bleed more than I ever have in my life. I feel as if he will always be the devil on my shoulder...the boogeyman lurking in the dark. But I can promise you this, I’ve never slept better than I have these past few days because when I look in the mirror, I see a man that stared evil right in the face, I stared the personification of hatred, jealousy, and violence dead in the eyes...and I overcame it and I whipped his ass! For the first time in a LONG time, I wake up with clarity and a clear conscience.”
“What’s next for me? That’s a good question. Greatness in this sport is represented by one thing...championship gold. It’s a really simple concept, but oh so difficult to obtain. So, what’s next for me...I want gold. I want to win the Intercontinental Championship; I want to win the big one...I want to win the World Championship and hold that gorgeous gold belt once again, but I’m not there yet. Wins and losses matter, and right now my recent record is just 2-0...technically 1-0. So, I’m going to do what I’ve wanted to do since I was old enough to walk and that’s wrestle. Each week I’m going to lace up my boots, get in this ring, and I’m going to wrestle. There's amazing talent up and down our roster, from all corners of the world...I want to wrestle them all! I’m going to win, and I’m going to make myself undeniable and EARN a championship match. I’m not making threats or promises...but I urge the champions of this company...Adam Cole...Kenny Omega...prepare yourselves, listen closely because there is a locomotive firing up its engines and getting ready to pull out of the station. And once this train gets rolling...I won’t be stopped!”
The crowd exploded for the passionate words of Cody, and as his music hit, chants of “Cody” echoed around the arena once again.
A video package aired introducing the Elite 8 Tournament. Mauro Ranallo narrated the piece:
“In two weeks, the Elite 8 Tournament begins. Featuring the top 8 prospects from the WSW Dojo, the stars of tomorrow will take center stage.”
Highlights of all eight men air as they are introduced. The participants and brackets were announced: Alexander Hammerstone vs. Alan Angels, Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Lee Johnson, Sammy Guevara vs. Ace Austin, Jungle Boy vs. Myron Reed.
The Elite 8 Tournament begins in two weeks on Ignition. Match Four: South Pacific Power Trip (w/ Dahlia Black) vs. #StrongHearts
The fourth match of Ignition was a tag team match between #StrongHearts, represented by T-Hawk and El Lindaman, and the South Pacific Power Trip. #StrongHearts of OWE made their debut in WSW at Undisputed, and they received a respectful reception from the San Antonio crowd.
T-Hawk started the match with Travis Banks. The two men began with grappling that quickly transitioned to a rope running sequence that saw Travis Banks score a shoulder block takedown. T-Hawk popped to his feet, and another rope running sequence ended when T-Hawk landed a powerful chop to the chest. Not to be outdone, Banks fired back with one of his own. T-Hawk and Banks then went back and forth – lighting each other’s chests up with chops. Banks ended the sequence with a forearm, and he threw T-Hawk into his corner and tagged in TK Cooper.
Cooper and T-Hawk went back and forth with textbook dropdowns and leapfrogs. Cooper whipped T-Hawk into the corner, but he exploded out with a low dropkick to the knee. T-Hawk tagged in the short powerhouse El Lindaman for the first time. #StrongHearts landed a double team, with Lindaman hitting a drop-toe hold, followed by a leg drop to the back of the neck by T-Hawk. Lindaman then applied a Camel Clutch, and T-Hawk landed a dropkick to the face! Lindaman went to work, grinding on Cooper with a variety of quick submissions before tagging T-Hawk back in.
The heavy-handed T-Hawk fired up for another chop, but TK Cooper countered by picking him up and running him back first into the turnbuckles. Cooper tagged out to Travis Banks who popped T-Hawk with a LOUD kick to the chest. Banks shot T-Hawk into the ropes and went for a back body drop, but T-Hawk saw it coming and landed a kick to the head. T-Hawk then shot Banks into the ropes and went for an overhand chop, but Banks hooked the top rope to stop his momentum. Banks slid through the charging T-Hawk's legs and Cooper blind tagged in. T-Hawk charged at Banks, but he ran into a springboard missile dropkick from Cooper. TK Cooper then planted T-Hawk with a uranage for a 2-count.
Cooper threw T-Hawks's head into the top turnbuckle, and the South Pacific Power Trip showed off their trademark tag team proficiency, cutting the ring off and making quick tags. With T-Hawk isolated, Banks whipped Cooper into the corner for a leaping forearm strike, and Banks followed with a shotgun dropkick. Another quick tag saw Banks hit a vertical suplex followed by a slingshot somersault senton by Cooper for another 2-count. T-Hawk tried to rally back, but he ate a jumping knee strike from Cooper followed by an STO for yet another 2-count. South Pacific Power Trip had the ring cut off, but they couldn’t keep T-Hawk down. El Lindaman paced on the apron, hungry for a tag.
T-Hawk threw elbows to fight back, and Cooper whipped him into the ropes. Cooper tried for a hurricanrana, but T-Hawk caught him with a sit-out powerbomb! T-Hawk crawled to his corner and made the tag to El Lindaman! Cooper tagged out to Banks. Lindaman came into the ring like he was shot out of a cannon, and he started German Suplexing anything in sight. He snapped off a German on Travis Banks, ripped Cooper down with one, hit another on Banks, and another on Cooper! Lindaman hit a standing frog splash on Banks and then a jumping double foot stomp to Cooper to send Cooper reeling to the floor.
Lindaman tagged T-Hawk back in for a double team, and they whipped Travis Banks into the corner. Lindaman charged into a boot from Banks who climbed to the middle rope; however, T-Hawk hit an overhand chop that knocked Banks over the top all the way to the floor. Clapping their hands together, #StrongHearts delivered stereo tope suicidas!
T-Hawk sent Travis Banks back into the ring. The Kiwi Buzzsaw caught T-Hawk with a heavy forearm though. Banks charged at T-Hawk, but he got caught with a drop-toe hold that sent him draping neck first over the middle rope. From the apron, El Lindaman landed a hard knee right to the temple! TK Cooper entered the ring, but he ran into a pop-up knee strike from T-Hawk. T-Hawk then turned Cooper inside out with a modified pumphandle slam.
T-Hawk tagged El Lindaman back in. Lindaman hit a dropkick followed by a deadlift German Suplex into a bridge on Travis Banks for a near fall! Lindaman tagged back out to T-Hawk, and they hit a double whip into the corner. Banks caught a charging T-Hawk with a back elbow and he took down Lindaman with a running knee strike. In an impressive solo move, Banks lifted T-Hawk into a fireman’s carry and grabbed Lindaman by the head. Banks hit a combination Samoan Drop/DDT on both members of #StrongHearts. Lindaman rolled out to the apron after the impact. Banks covered T-Hawk for a deep 2-count! Banks tagged out to TK Cooper. Cooper entered the ring, sprung off the middle rope, and flew over the top rope to DDT Lindaman onto the apron!
Back inside, Banks catapulted T-Hawk into a spear by Cooper. Cooper covered, but T-Hawk kicked out!
The South Pacific Power Trip then finished it with the Gatling Gun (combination double chicken wing facebreaker by Cooper/cutter by Banks for the pin and the win!
Winners: South Pacific Power Trip (8:25)
Highlights aired of the budding rivalry between Candice LeRae and Ivelisse. Following a backstage assault by LeRae three weeks ago on Ignition, Ivelisse promised to get even. The two women meet next week on Ignition. Both cut video promos during the package.
Ivelisse said:
“Tick tock...Candice. I’ve waited long enough, and now the clock finally strikes midnight. Next week I get my hands on you. You attacked me from behind like a spineless coward, claiming this is your division?! This is MY BLOCK, and I have been and always will be the baddest bitch in WSW. You’re going to find out because I’m going to hurt you and choke you out!”
“Trash like Ivelisse has no place in MY women’s division. You’re nothing more than a stepping stone on my way back to the top! Don’t ever forget that I’ve accomplished more in this sport than you’ve ever dreamed of. This isn’t a street fight in whatever poverty village in Puerto Rico you’re from. This is a wrestling match, and when you step into the ring with me...I always have an Option A, B, and C....”
Prior to the main event, Mauro Ranallo and Paige Knight previewed next week’s Ignition:
The Death Busters vs. The Carolina Outlaws
Candice LeRae vs. Ivelisse
Cody vs. Mistico
Non-Title Match: Kenny Omega vs. Bandido
Match Five: CIMA vs. Will Ospreay
The main event of Ignition was a singles match between CIMA and Will Ospreay. Fresh off his victory over Dragon Lee at Undisputed, Will Ospreay received a tremendous ovation during his entrance. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo noted that this could be one of the unsung dream matches of 2019 – CIMA, a 22-year veteran and legend in Japanese pro wrestling, facing off with Will Ospreay, one of the biggest international stars of today with limitless potential. Both men, were pioneers in pro wrestling.
The two men met in the center of the ring for a grappling exchange that went back and forth with no one taking the advantage until CIMA landed a hard shoulder block. The pace picked up and rope running ensued, with CIMA hitting a pair of arm drags. Another rope running sequence saw Ospreay land a sunset flip, but CIMA rolled through and connected on a standing double-foot stomp. CIMA drove Ospreay into the corner, but Will reversed and popped CIMA with a chop. Ospreay shot CIMA into the opposite corner and connected on a hurricanrana, but CIMA rolled through on impact and immediately countered with a modified arm capture submission in the center of the ring. Ospreay worked his way over to the ropes for a break. While Ospreay grabbed at his arm to shake off the submission, CIMA went to the apron and flew back in with a slingshot senton. Knowing the speed and striking ability of Ospreay, CIMA deliberately tried to slow the pace of the match. CIMA went for a vertical suplex, but Ospreay got a wide base to block. Ospreay fired back with hard chops and an enziguri. Ospreay then connected on a lightning-quick snap back suplex for a 2-count.
Looking to pick up the pace, Ospreay shot CIMA into the ropes. CIMA BLASTED Ospreay with an overhand chop on a leapfrog attempt, but Ospreay immediately followed with a high revolution tijeras that sent CIMA through the ropes to the floor. Ospreay went for a dive, but CIMA slid back into the ring and nailed a running Ospreay with a hard kick to the face! CIMA hit the Perfect Driver (fisherman’s buster) for a 2-count. CIMA whipped Ospreay into the corner, but Ospreay flipped over a charging CIMA and caught him with a spinning kick to the back of the head. CIMA was sent face-first into the middle turnbuckle from the impact. Ospreay then crushed CIMA with a hesitation dropkick to the back that sent CIMA’s face into the turnbuckle!
Ospreay put CIMA on the top and he followed as well. Ospreay tried for an avalanche poison rana, but CIMA fought out with elbows. Standing on the middle rope, Ospreay lifted CIMA into an electric chair...but CIMA slipped out to escape and planted Ospreay with a sunset flip powerbomb back into the ring! Ospreay landed hard on the top of his shoulders and neck!
CIMA then climbed to the top. He flew for a Meteroa, but Ospreay moved, and CIMA crashed hard on his knees in the center of the ring! Ospreay went to work on the legs, working quick submissions to grind CIMA down. With CIMA down, Ospreay backed up into a corner, marked his target, and connected with the Robinson Special! Ospreay went for the Oscutter, but CIMA countered with a lungblower!
Ospreay rolled out to the apron in pain, and as he pulled himself up on the ropes – CIMA hit a dropkick, sending Ospreay off the apron and crashing into the guardrail. CIMA went for a pescado, but Ospreay moved, and CIMA landed hard on the floor. Ospreay then picked up CIMA and dropped him knee-first on the ring apron! Ospreay climbed to the apron and connected perfectly with a running shooting star press to the floor!
Back inside, Ospreay went for the Storm Breaker, but CIMA blocked and countered with an Air Raid Crash. CIMA went to the apron and connected on a springboard Meteroa to the back of the head! He went to the opposite side of the ring and connected on another springboard Meteroa. He covered, but Ospreay kicked out at 2.5!
CIMA climbed the corner and went for a third Meteora, but Ospreay caught him in mid-air and delivered a bucklebomb! Ospreay hit a hard lariat and followed with the Oscutter, but CIMA kicked out!
Both men stared up at the lights breathing heavily. They rose to their feet at the same time and met in the center of the ring for a strike exchange. CIMA threw slaps and Ospreay threw chops. Each strike sounded like firecrackers popping. Ospreay landed a jumping knee strike, and CIMA fell back into the ropes and bounced back with a roundhouse kick to the head! Ospreay staggered back before firing back with a discus forearm! Ospreay hit the ropes, but CIMA followed him and nailed a dropkick! CIMA then hit the ropes and Ospreay immediately followed and hit a dropkick of his own! CIMA fell into the ropes with force from the impact. Ospreay called for the Oscutter, and he went for it again, but CIMA blocked it. He tried for a back suplex, but Ospreay flipped over to his feet and landed a hard kick to the hamstrings. CIMA dropped to his knees, and Ospreay hit the Hidden Blade!
Ospreay then hit the Storm Breaker for the pin, just seconds after Justin Roberts announced 5 minutes remained in the match!
Winner: Will Ospreay (15:03)
Following the match, Will Ospreay celebrated his victory in the ring. Ospreay posed in the corner for the fans, who cheered both men’s efforts. Ospreay’s celebration was cut short though, as RUSH ran down to the ring and attacked him from behind!
RUSH landed a back suplex off the middle rope!
After weeks of watching from a distance as Will Ospreay and Dragon Lee competed against one another, RUSH struck like a viper. As the crowd rained down jeers, RUSH mounted Ospreay and savagely pounded on him with right hands. Repeatedly, RUSH hammered at Will Ospreay, each punch falling like an anvil. RUSH grabbed Will Ospreay by the hair and drug him to the corner and set up for the Bull’s Horns...
RUSH’s attack was interrupted though as the lights in the Freeman Coliseum went out. On the LED video board, a video played...
On the screen, a pair of cowboy boots were seen walking across a dirty barroom floor. The camera slowly panned up to reveal a shot from behind of a man wearing jeans and a black leather jacket. The words “Time’s Up” appeared as the figure broke a beer bottle over the bar.......
As the lights came back up, an explosion of cheers occurred! Someone came through the crowd......
It was Jon Moxley!
The roof of the Freeman Coliseum blew off as Moxley hopped the guardrail and got into the ring. He squared off with RUSH.....
The two men then exploded on each other – laying in punches. Moxley and RUSH slugged away at each other! The crowd went insane!
Moxley headbutted RUSH and then landed a double-arm DDT! RUSH was down!
With blood trickling down his forehead from the headbutt, Moxley paced the ring like a hungry tiger, the noise was deafening. Will Ospreay pulled
himself up by the ropes, wide-eyed.... he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He yelled:
Moxley struck, and he took Ospreay out with a Death Rider DDT!
Jon Moxley had laid waste to everything in sight!
“Holy Shit” chants roared out through the Freeman Coliseum!
Jon Moxley beat his chest and posed in the ropes. Mauro Ranallo went nuts on commentary, and his final words were simple and best described the situation...
“WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?! JON MOXLEY IS IN WSW!”
-- In the news of the week in professional wrestling, Jon Moxley—real name Jonathan Goode, 33 –has signed a three-year deal with WSW. The former Dean Ambrose made his surprise debut on the 5/23 Ignition, appearing at the end of the show and attacking RUSH and Will Ospreay. A total surprise, Moxley received an incredible reaction from the crowd in San Antonio. Moxley’s debut was kept secret backstage, with only a handful of key people – including Ospreay and RUSH – in the know to avoid the news leaking.
-- The Moxley deal came together in just the past few days. WSW Owner Shane McMahon said that extensive talks about the debut had occurred with the Paramount Network. The network’s preference was to promote the debut to spike viewership and ratings, but McMahon sold them on the idea of “genuine surprises” being so few and far between in professional wrestling nowadays. Moxley will be a major player in WSW moving forward, and he has been heavily promoted for this week’s Ignition. WSW’s social media and YouTube coverage of the debut are already among the most interactions and views in company history.
-- Prior to signing with WSW, Moxley had already been booked for several independent dates this summer. Shane McMahon said that Moxley would appear on each of these previously scheduled dates, while also being a regular for WSW. Moxley is also doing an MMA-based movie this summer as well.
-- Moxley’s first known US independent date will be against Darby Allin on 6/14 in Waterbury, Connecticut for Northeast Wrestling. He will also appear on 6/15 in Jackson, New Jersey for the promotion at Six Flags.
-- Moxley appeared as a podcast guest of Chris Jericho this week which became one the hottest topics in the wrestling industry. Within ten hours of its release, it was the most listened-to episode of Talk Is Jericho in history.
Moxley talked for 90 minutes, mostly about his frustrations with the WWE creative process. He noted that he was grateful for his eight-year run in the company, saying, “I arrived as a boy and left as a man.” He came in with virtually no money to his name and left with financial security. He noted that most importantly, he met his wife (Renee Young).
Moxley noted that over the past year, WWE was "beyond gracious” in trying to get him to stay – throwing several high-dollar contract figures at him. Moxley is unique in the sense that he isn’t motivated by money. He told Jericho that he has paid off his house, his truck, and his mother’s house and he didn’t need more money for the sake of having it.
Moxley said that he made the decision to leave in July 2018 while he was out of action with a triceps injury. He mentioned that there were several times he considered walking out, but he knew that would just lead to his contract being frozen, forcing him to stay longer. He also said he was all about “doing business the right way” and honoring his commitments, and he did not want to make things awkward for his wife.
He talked extensively about how much he hated his heel run where he made fun of the audience, wore a gas mask, and said bad things about Roman Reigns and his leukemia to get heat. Moxley said that he fought hard to avoid talking about Reigns (the two are legitimate friends), but Vince McMahon was adamant that it needed to be included in the story. Several times he expressed his displeasure with the scripted nature of WWE television, and he said he was most looking forward to cutting the promos that he wanted to say – mentioning promos were his favorite part of the business until he got to WWE.
Moxley said that he had talked several times with Vince McMahon, Triple H, and Michael Hayes about the creative struggles and bureaucratic nature of WWE—which Moxley called “crippling.”
When asked about working for WSW and Shane, Moxley said that he had never really had much interaction with Shane except exchanging brief pleasantries at events such as the Hall of Fame prior to Shane starting WSW. He noted that during his first conversation with Shane, McMahon made it clear that Moxley would be allowed the freedom to cut promos without scripts and wrestle the style he wanted. Moxley said that Shane mentioned several times, “I know where you’ve been and that system better than anyone...I promise you that you will not work one day in that type of environment here.”
Moxley said that in the days that followed his initial conversation with Shane, he spoke to Cody several times, Dawson & Wilder, and even Kenny Omega about all the opportunities that existed if he made the jump.
Moxley said that if WSW weren’t around, he would have gone back to the indies, Japan, and perhaps followed the “lone ranger” path that Jericho currently works. Moxley did say that the opportunity with WSW included the chance to work in Mexico—through their partnership with CMLL—which was a bucket list item for him.
Moxley said, “I’m a wild animal who has been domesticated for too long. Nothing I do is motivated by money. Anything I do, any project I do, I’m chasing and directed by passion, creativity, artistic satisfaction, and fun. I think the rewards, monetary or otherwise, will come. It’s about becoming the best version of me.”
-- The big week continued, as WSW accomplished another major milestone, with a sellout of its next major event, SummerFest, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on 7/13 with 14,000 tickets sold on the first day. Tickets were put on sale in a pre-sale, with a couple of thousand seats held back for a public sale that were gobbled up immediately. In total, over 16,000 tickets have been sold for the event. This will be the largest crowd and gate in WSW history, surpassing the previous record of 12,000 set at the Nassau Coliseum for Seize the Day on 4/5.
Those in the ticket industry were legitimately surprised at the demand and the rate at which tickets were sold. WSW has placed emphasis on Canada, particularly Toronto, in the last year. The company had been running the smaller Coca-Cola Coliseum, but this is their first time inside the larger Scotiabank Arena, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors.
Shane McMahon’s priority was to get WSW fully touring, with television tapings on the road. With this accomplished, he has turned towards his second priority of growing WSW internationally and gaining a foothold in Canada and the UK with a consistent presence. Traditionally, WWE dominated these markets; however, the company has shifted its international focus to areas such as China, Saudi Arabia, and India. McMahon and WSW have taken the opportunity to fill the void left by WWE.
The really interesting item is that SummerSlam will be held on 8/11 at the Scotiabank Arena, just a few weeks after SummerFest. WSW beat WWE to the market, booking Toronto nearly a year ago after the success they had with the 2018 version of SummerFest.
Without a doubt, this is the peak demand for a WSW show and a great sign for the company as they inch closer to their Madison Square Garden debut on 11/30 for November Regin the company’s biggest show of the year.
-- The 5/23 Ignition did 851,000 total viewers with a .32 in the 18-34 demographic for the fallout episode after Undisputed. Viewership was up, while the demo rating dropped slightly from the .34 they posted the week prior. The show ran against Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. WSW will face extremely tough competition on 5/30 running against Game 1 of the NBA Finals between Golden State and Toronto.
-- With no sports competition, Smackdown did 2,072,000 viewers, while Raw on 5/27 (Memorial Day) did 2,190,000 viewers, the fourth lowest viewership for the show of modern times.
Raw was filled with unique notes, but none stranger than Sami Zayn mentioning WSW during a promo. This was supposed to be part of the show, with the idea that it makes Raw edgy, as it is something no one thought they would be allowed to say. This drew a “WSW” chant from the Kansas City crowd, and they quickly played the music of Seth Rollins to drown out the chant.
-- As previously reported, Chael Sonnen has taken a brief leave of absence from WSW to prepare for his 6/14 fight against Lyoto Machida at Bellator 222 in Madison Square Garden. Sonnen will not work the 6/4 tapings in Denver, and he is expected to return to commentary for the 6/18 tapings in Cleveland.
-- The Ignition tapings in San Antonio featured a hot crowd of 6,350. The show did a great walk-up, and they announced a sell-out on TV, as they legit sold out with the setup they had; although, the arena could accommodate more fans with a different setup.
-- The 6/4 tapings in Denver and 6/29 tapings in Daytona Beach saw an increase in ticket sales following the 5/23 Ignition and debut of Jon Moxley. Daytona Beach sold approximately a thousand new tickets in the last week – this taping coincides with the CEO gaming festival that weekend. WSW’s number is significantly higher already than the New Japan event held during the festival last year which drew 2,500. Upcoming TV tapings and ticket sales look like this:
6/4 in Denver (Magnass Arena): 5,300 (this event will sell out, as the venue is set up for 5,500)
6/18 in Cleveland (Wolstein Center): 4,000
6/29 in Daytona Beach (Ocean Center): 4,800
7/18 in Atlanta (State Farm Arena – Ignition 200): 5,300
7/20 in Charlotte (Bojangles Coliseum): 3,200
8/3 in New Orleans (UNO Lakefront Arena): 2,900
8/15 in Houston (NRG Arena – Grand Prix Night One): 3,200
8/22 in Phoenix (Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Grand Prix Night Two): 1,500
8/29 in St. Louis (Chaifetz Arena – Grand Prix Night Three): 1,250
-- The house show tour this week is 5/31 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and 6/1 in Pueblo, Colorado.
Event
The 5/30 Ignition opened with highlights of last week, featuring the shocking debut of Jon Moxley that saw him layout both Will Ospreay and RUSH.
Pyro exploded inside the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, as Mauro Ranallo welcomed the audience to the show. He threw things to his broadcast partner, Paige Knight, who was standing in the center of the ring with a microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, last week shockwaves were felt around the professional wrestling world with the debut of this man. Please welcome the newest addition to WSW...Jon Moxley!”
The crowd at the Freeman Coliseum stood in unison as the powerful opening notes of AC/DC’s “Shoot to Thrill” sounded out.
A deafening roar swept through the arena as Jon Moxley made his entrance through the crowd. Like a wild man, Moxley paced his way through the Freeman Coliseum, fans slapped him on the shoulder as he passed. He finally jumped over the guardrail and paced around ringside before getting into the ring. The cheers only seemed to grow louder. A huge “MOXLEY, MOXLEY, MOXLEY” chant erupted. Moxley soaked it all in, climbing the corner and roaring to the crowd – a gesture that only fired them up further.
Finally, Moxley walked over to Paige. She held the microphone up, and Moxley uttered his first words in WSW:
Moxley paced back and forth before speaking again. He inhaled deeply into the microphone:
“THAT is the smell of fresh air! For the first time in a long time, the chains are off. The cage door has been unlocked and the tiger is loose! I’ve lived a lot of different lives, and there are a lot of people that think they may know me...but they don’t know Jon Moxley!
I’m ALIVE, and I’m on a mission to reclaim my soul!”
The crowd got whipped into a frenzy yet again, seemingly mesmerized by the intensity of Moxley. He continued:
“Through the ups and downs, the one constant in my life has always been wrestling...and by God, I’m here in WSW to turn pro wrestling and the entire world on its head. WSW is the heartbeat of pro wrestling. WSW is the beacon of hope that everyone has been waiting on for a long long time.
That’s why I’m here. I’m here because I’m a pro wrestler and stepping inside those ropes is my lifeblood. We ain’t reading history books anymore baby, we’re writing them! So, consider my words and my actions last week as a warning shot...I speak in the language of violence, and anyone that wants to get in my way will get PUT INTO THE GROUND. This right here...this is what you call a paradigm shift!”
Another “MOXLEY” chant fired up, but it quickly turned to jeers as the music of RUSH hit. Clad in a tailored, three-piece suit, RUSH made a beeline to the ring. Seven days after being struck down by Moxley, RUSH confronted his attacker. He got in the ring and snatched the microphone from Paige. He stood toe to toe with Moxley—who stared daggers into his eyes. With a heavy accent, RUSH spoke in English:
“You’ve been dead a long time Jon. The world has changed. You say that the chains are off, but that also means there is no safety net...no one to protect you. This is a very dangerous world. My name is RUSH, and I am a very dangerous man. You wanted your freedom, but you have no clue what you walked into. You made news last week...today I will make my own.”
In one sudden motion, RUSH struck Moxley with the microphone, and a fight was on! Moxley and RUSH swung wildly at each other! Haymakers rained as the crowd in San Antonio went crazy!
Moxley grabbed RUSH’s suit jacket and pulled it over his head, allowing him to wail on the back of RUSH with heavy forearms. Moxley clinched RUSH’s head and hit several hard knees to the chest. Moxley backed up and tried for a running kick, but RUSH moved, and he threw Moxley into the turnbuckles. Like a wild dog, RUSH flew in and rained down punches in the corner. Backing up, RUSH threw his jacket off, and he charged for the Bull’s Horns...
But Moxley exploded out of the corner and speared RUSH!
The two men hit the canvas and scrapped -- throwing elbows, punches, and gouging at each other.
WSW Security, referees, and a host of wrestlers flew down from the back to separate the two men. RUSH and Moxley fought the restraints, as groups of grown men fought to pull the two apart. “Let Them Fight” chants broke out.
Finally, Moxley was restrained to one corner and RUSH to another; however, RUSH broke free (his dress shirt and vest were torn and tattered). He charged across the ring – leaping to strike into Moxley. RUSH landed several heavy shots before being pulled back yet again. The mob of Security, referees, and wrestlers were able to pull RUSH through the ropes to the floor. He screamed at Moxley in Spanish from the floor.
With a wicked smile, Moxley broke free from his restraints. He sprinted across the ring and climbed to the top turnbuckle...
And DOVE onto RUSH and a pile of others! Bodies went flying! With reckless abandon, Moxley flew to tear into RUSH.
“Holy Shit!” chants rang out.
Law enforcement officials ran out to assist with the situation. Finally, they got the two men separated.
RUSH screamed at Moxley as he was pulled up the aisle towards the back. Dragon Lee, the brother of RUSH, came out and got in his brother’s face – pleading with him to back down and calm down.
The wild, chaotic scene to open Ignition concluded as Moxley jerked away from the mob surrounding him and climbed over the guardrail, he walked up the stairs of the arena, a ball of emotion. Halfway up the stands he posed, pounded his chest, and roared with the crowd around him. RUSH looked on from the ramp with contempt.
As Ignition returned from the commercial, highlights aired of the wild scene that just occurred. Mauro Ranallo then threw things to the parking lot, where a cameraman had caught up with Jon Moxley. Moxley paced back and forth, wearing a devilish smile:
“That’s what I’m talking about! There’s nothing I love more than the adrenaline, the taste of my own blood, and the feel of my first cracking another man’s jaw. This is what I LIVE FOR!
RUSH, you’re a bad mother! You’ve been whipping ass in Mexico for a long time. I know all about you...You may think you know me, BUT YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT JON MOXLEY IS CAPABLE OF!
I ain’t one for talking...I like fighting! Shane McMahon...you brought me here, now let me do what I do best! I know you can hear me...make this thing official...give me RUSH!”
Moxley then walked off as the camera transitioned back inside the arena. Match One: Cody vs. Mistico
The first match of Ignition was a singles match between Cody and Mistico. The sold-out crowd in San Antonio continued their fever pitch for the arrival of Cody. Last week, Cody vowed to turn his attention back to “his first love” of wrestling, and he vowed to win matches in pursuit of a title shot. Loud chants of “Cody” escorted him down to the ring amidst his pyro. On commentary, Paige Knight noted that this was the first-ever meeting between Cody and Mistico. Mistico got a strong reaction as well from the San Antonio crowd.
The two men shook hands at the bell in a sign of respect. They danced around each other, jockeying for position – unfamiliar with each other – until they locked up. Cody quickly got a hammerlock, but Mistico backed him into a corner to break the hold. Mistico immediately went to use his speed, and he hit the ropes, but Cody dropped him with a shoulder block. Cody went for a quick cover, but Mistico kipped to his feet, hit the ropes, and Cody dropped him again with another shoulder block.
Mistico popped back up, and the two locked up. Once again, Cody got the advantage with his superior size and grappling, but Mistico used his quickness to wiggle free and reverse the pressure with a series of arm wringers. Mistico sprung off the middle rope and hit a Mexican Arm Drag. He maintained wrist control and went for a La Magistral, but Cody kicked out at 1. The two men then went back and forth with a series of lightning-quick pinning combinations and reversals...all netting 1 counts. Things ended in a stalemate and applause from the crowd.
The pace picked up, and Mistico hit the ropes and grabbed a waist lock. Cody grabbed the top rope to halt Mistico’s momentum. Mistico ducked a clothesline and sprung off the middle rope – looking for a twisting crossbody, but Cody caught him and tried for a Cross Rhodes. Mistico hit a snapmare to escape. He went for a hurricanrana, but Cody blocked and powered Mistico to his shoulder, attempting a power slam; however, Mistico hit an elbow to avoid the move and flipped to his feet! The two men met in the center of the ring, and Cody threw the first strike of the match with a chop. Mistico responded with a chop of his own, and Cody fired back with a symphony of knife-edge chops that echoed throughout the Freeman Coliseum. Cody whipped Mistico into the corner with such force it turned him inside out, sending him flipping over the turnbuckles to the apron. Grabbing his back, Mistico went to the floor for a reprieve. Cody assessed the situation and hit the ropes, looking for a tope suicida. However, Mistico hopped to the apron and picked him off in midair with a gamenguri. Cody fell through the ropes to the floor. Mistico hopped to the apron and connected on a ridiculously high and textbook Asai Moonsault!
Although the move landed perfectly, Mistico grabbed at his back again, feeling the effects of the high-risk move. He rolled Cody back inside, but as Mistico got to the apron, Cody caught him with a Disaster Kick to send him back to the floor!
Mistico climbed to the apron, and Cody tried the outside-in suplex, but Mistico hit a knee to the head as he was elevated to escape. He floated over into the ring and countered with a neck breaker. Mistico hit the ropes and charged at Cody, but he ran into a spinebuster! Cody went for the Figure Four, but before the submission could be applied, Mistico countered with a roll-up, that scored a 2-count!
Both men popped to their feet, and Mistico nailed a dropkick that send Cody crashing into the turnbuckles. Mistico climbed up top, and he flew with a high crossbody that found its mark! However, Cody reversed the momentum on impact and covered for a 2-count! Quickly getting to his feet, Mistico tried for a tijeras, but Cody shoved him off. Mistico landed on his feet and charged back, but he ran into Cody’s snap powerslam.
Both men rose at the same time, but Cody got the first blow with a running pump kick that drove Mistico into the corner. With the crowd counting along, Cody hit 10 Punches in the corner and followed with a Cody Cutter for a near fall! Fired up, Cody roared and threw his weight belt into the crowd. Cody took Mistico up top and hit a reverse superplex! He covered, but Mistico kicked out!
Without wasting a moment, Cody yanked Mistico up and went for Cross Rhodes...but Mistico slipped out at the last possible moment and hit a desperation enziguri that stunned Cody. Mistico followed with a dropkick that sent Cody through the ropes to the floor. Going for broke, the luchador flew with a tope con hilo! Both men crashed hard on the floor.
Both men crawled into the ring at the count of 7. Cody went for another Disaster Kick, but Mistico avoided it and landed a hard leg kick right to the hamstring. Cody went down to a knee in pain. Mistico bounced off the ropes and got the high revolution tijeras, looking for La Mistica, but Cody countered it at the last second into a Cross Rhodes that spiked Mistico right on top of his head!
Cody covered for the pin and hard-fought win!
Winner: Cody (10:30)
Cody looked around at the crowd that chanted his name once again, and he screamed “Let’s Go” as his hand was raised in victory. On commentary Mauro Ranallo said:
“Since he was old enough to walk, all Cody wanted to do was wrestle. He vowed to do just that, and tonight he scored a victory over one of the top luchadors in the world. The road to redemption has begun, but if tonight is any indication, it only gets more difficult from here...”
A hype video aired featuring Bandido. Highlights are shown of Bandido in CMLL, PWG, and his debut in the trios match at Undisputed. The footage is interspersed with various sit-down interviews. Bandido spoke in Spanish with English subtitles:
“Solo puedo describirme como unico. Busco hacer cosas que nadie en la lucha libre haya hecho antes. Cuando estoy en el ring, soy verdaderamente libre. Es mi hogar. Cuando miro a Kenny Omega, veo a alguien que ha refleiado mi viaje. Por que elegiria nadar con el tiburon mas grande de WSW? Mi respuesta es, por que no?! He viajado por todo el mundo, perfeccionando mi oficio...esperando este momento. No se cuanto durara mi oportunidad en WSW, asi que no voy a perder ni un segundo de mi oportunidad. Ya no espero..."
(I can only describe myself as unique. I look to do things that no one in professional wrestling has ever done before. When I’m in the ring, I’m truly free. It is my home. When I look at Kenny Omega, I see someone that has mirrored my journey. Why would I choose to swim with the biggest shark in WSW...my answer is, why not? I’ve traveled all over the world, honing my craft...waiting for this moment. I don’t know how long my shot in WSW will last, so I’m not wasting one second of my opportunity...)
“I think when you look at Bandido, you see one of the fastest rising stars in professional wrestling...not just lucha libre. This is a man that has traveled all over the world and wrestled on three continents at just the age of 24. He is an explosive athlete that mixes the traditional acrobatic flare of Mexico with the hard-striking style of Japan. And the 21 Plex, his finisher, is one of the most unique and devastating moves in wrestling...not too dissimilar to the One-Winged Angel. Bandido has transcendent talent, but we’ve never seen him on this stage against this type of opponent...Kenny Omega -- arguably the best singles wrestler of this generation.”
“I admire Bandido....this is the type of match and the type of opponent that drew me to WSW. I’ve been a big fan of Bandido for a long time. It takes a lot of guts and courage to call your shot. I respect that. Tonight, it’s not about the belt, tonight’s about wrestling pure and simple. I’ll be the first to say that if Bandido beats me tonight though, I’ll give him a World Title shot any time and any place he wants. I’ll even face him in Mexico. But that’s a big ‘if.’ Every time I step into that ring, I wrestle as if it’s my last match. You wanted Kenny Omega...you’re going to get Kenny Omega...you’re going to get the Best Bout Machine.”
“Hay muchos luchadores por ahi, pero solo hay un Bandido...esta noche descubres por que.”
(There are a lot of wrestlers out there, but there is only one Bandido...tonight you find out why...)
Backstage, Todd Keneley interviewed The Death Busters. Keneley said:
“I’m here with the Death Busters, Dawson and Wilder, and last week gentlemen you called out The Carolina Outlaws. Your thoughts heading into the match...”
“Win...plain and simple. That’s what we DO in Black Arrow. Adam’s got the Intercontinental Title, and it’s only a matter of time before those World Tag Team Titles come back to where they belong. You see Todd, there seem to be a ton of tag teams out there that have forgotten that we’re the TOP GUYS in WSW. We ARE TAG TEAM WRESTLING! Tonight, The Carolina Outlaws find out just how dangerous we truly are. You see those boys are probably all giddy right now, thinking that this is the night they cash their ticket back to the dance...it ain’t happening. Tonight, they are the first victim on our journey back to the top!”
“This isn’t a battle royal tonight boys...this is a tag team match. And we do tag team wrestling better than anyone in the game today. Enjoy your moment in the sun boys, because tonight everything fades to black!”
Match 2: Chris and Terry Mulkey vs. The Lucha Brothers (w/ Konnan)
The second match of Ignition was a tag team match between Chris and Terry Mulkey and the Lucha Brothers. With a blacked-out arena, the Lucha Brothers made their entrance accompanied by Konnan, clad in all black, illuminated by their pyro. This was the Lucha Brothers' first match since losing to The Hart Foundation at Undisputed. Their opponents were identified on commentary as local competitors and were already in the ring.
The Lucha Brothers charged into the ring and showcased their new attitude...laying into the Mulkeys with ridiculous speed and fury. Fenix and Pentagon lit up the Mulkeys like a Christmas tree with hard strikes that popped like firecrackers. Pentagon chopped Terry over and over again like a machine gun, turning his chest bright red before throwing him outside and following. On the outside, Pentagon whipped Terry into the guardrail with so much force that Terry flew through the air like a frisbee.
Inside the ring, Fenix laid in a kick combination on Chris. He whipped poor Chris Mulkey into the corner and followed with his springboard-spinning kick to the skull. Chris stumbled out of the corner dazed, and Fenix dropped him with his rolling cutter. Pentagon reentered the ring, and the Lucha Brothers hit a series of lethal double-teams including Pentagon powerbombing Chris Mulkey onto the knees of Fenix. He then followed with a somersault senton. Terry Mulkey climbed to the apron in a vain attempt to reenter the ring, but Pentagon superkicked him off for his efforts.
The Lucha Brothers finished the onslaught with the Fear Factor (combination package piledriver by Pentagon/Double Foot Stomp by Fenix) for the pin and the win!
Winner: Lucha Brothers (2:10)
Following the match, Pentagon threw Chris Mulkey like yesterday’s trash over the top rope to the floor next to his brother. A fired-up Konnan got into the ring with a microphone:
“Listen to me! Cut the music! Cut the music! Look at this...look at Fenix and Pentagon! These two men are Mexico’s most dangerous exports!
Hart Foundation, listen here puntos...you think this is over?! It’s far from over. I give you a little bit of respect, you knew you couldn’t beat the Lucha Brothers at Undisputed straight up, so you had to fight dirty. Teddy Hart, you’re nothing but a dirty rotten snake and you have been for a long-time ese. You showed your true colors when you ripped Pentagon’s mask off...but you also showed your desperation. What you didn’t know is that we can fight dirtier than you ever dreamed.
Fenix and Pentagon will be World Tag Team Champions and they WILL end the reign of the Hart Foundation. We’re going to break you...piece by piece. This is your warning, but I promise...you won’t see us coming...”
A video promo with AJ Styles was featured, showing The Phenomenal One at his home in Georgia. Styles sat in his office and spoke directly to the camera. His backdrop was a wall of accomplishments through the years – title belts, magazine covers, and framed pictures. As he spoke, highlights of his brutal match with Claudio Castagnoli at Undisputed aired. Styles said:
“At Undisputed, Claudio Castagnoli and I went to war. For nearly 19 minutes, two warriors struck each other and emptied the tank. He hurt me and I hurt him. I gave him everything that I had...but it wasn’t enough. I’m not a fan of what Claudio has become, but by God, he was the best in-ring competitor I have faced in a long time and that includes Kenny Omega.
So here we are...once again the question is, what’s next for AJ Styles. Twice now on the biggest stages offered in WSW in 2019, I’ve lost. Now I’ve never been one to feel sorry for myself, and this will motivate me, and I will come back stronger than ever. But that comeback is going to be delayed for a bit.
The reality is, I’m beaten up and I have been for a while. I want to get back in that ring, I want to bounce back, but my body isn’t going to let me right now. I’ll be gone for a little while...but I’ll be watching, I’ll be preparing, and I’ll be waiting. And when I do come back, it will be with a vengeance, and I promise that I will prove that WSW is still the house that AJ STYLES BUILT!”
A video promo aired highlighting the return of Nixon Newell. Video is shown of Newell’s injury (suffered at a house show in Concord, NC. We see pictures and videos of her in a hospital. The package is interspersed with a sit-down interview conducted with Newell. She said:
“On August 4, 2018, I tore my ACL, MCL, LCL, meniscus, and dislocated my patella. I wish I could tell you it was the most pain I’ve ever felt in my life, but the truth is I blacked out. It wasn’t until I woke up in an ambulance 20 minutes later that I realized what happened. I spent weeks in a hospital bed, unable to walk...unable to train...and unable to do the one thing that I was put on this earth to do...wrestle.”
Video airs of Newell’s extensive rehab process. We see her struggle to walk and have difficulty lifting small amounts of weight. We also see video of Tessa Blanchard’s rise, including highlights of her winning the Women’s World Champion at the Grand Prix Finals in September 2018.
“Do you have any idea of what it’s like to have everything ripped away from you? To sit around and watch your best friends conquer the world without you...watching them achieve their dreams while you are sequestered away in a rehab facility, struggling to walk yourself to the bathroom?!”
The package then shows Newell’s progress – pushing more weight, running, and training inside a ring.
“These were my dreams...this is why we started Diamond. After months of questioning ‘why,’ I realized the only solution was to rebuild and make myself better...to leave no doubt when I came back. I spent weeks thinking about what would happen when I could walk out on that stage again, and I was crystal clear on what I needed to do...”
Highlights of Undisputed aired where Newell returned at the conclusion of the Women’s World Title match. After a brief stare-down with Blanchard, Newell showed her true colors – striking the downed Deonna Purrazzo with the Shiniest Wizard, reuniting with her stablemates, and putting Diamond at full strength once again.
“People think this should be some fairytale...that I should be some white knight that returns to save the day. To those people, I say, ‘piss off.’ Diamond is the most dominant thing in wrestling! This is a runaway freight train and it’s high time I hop back on board and get MINE!
Nothing was more satisfying than when my surgically repaired knee struck Deonna's skull and knocked her out cold. All the agony, all the pain... at that moment I knew I was back and better than ever.”
“Screw anyone that tells you that wrestling is about honor and respect...this business has always been about money and power. That’s what Diamond is...it’s what Tessa has led us to. I am the most feared striker in women’s wrestling, I am a FOUNDING MEMBER of the most dominant group in women’s wrestling history, and I’m back! Screw the rest, because we’re the best! Diamonds are forever and wait till you see what happens next!”
Nixon Newell returns to action next week on Ignition.
Backstage, Todd Keneley interviewed The Carolina Outlaws, Trevor Lee and Andrew Everett. Keneley asked:
“Gentlemen, in just a few moments you take on The Death Busters. This feels like the biggest match you’ve wrestled in a while, what is the significance of this for The Carolina Outlaws?”
Andrew Everett went to speak, but a passionate Trevor Lee cut him off as he burst out:
“Tonight, is EVERYTHING Todd! Normally I would say that it’s insulting that you want to put superlatives on our matches, but it’s the truth. Times have been tough for us lately. We didn’t win the matches we needed to win, and we had to sit on the sidelines and watch tag team after tag team pass us by in the division that we BUILT! All of that changed in the Battle Royal. I single handily eliminated BOTH Dawson and Wilder and proved that The Carolina Outlaws are still a force to be reckoned with. We are former World Tag Team Champions, and it’s been a LONG time since we’ve been close to the mountain top. All that changes tonight...it’s our night baby, I can FEEL it!”
Trevor Lee walked off and Andrew Everett gave a brief, perplexing look at Todd Keneley before following. Match Three: The Carolina Outlaws vs. The Death Busters (w/ Adam Cole)
The third match of Ignition was a tag team match between The Carolina Outlaws and The Death Busters. The crowd jeered the arrival of Black Arrow. The trio of Adam Cole, Dawson & Wilder posed on the stage, and Adam Cole joined the commentary team – the Intercontinental Title gleaming over his shoulder. On commentary, Cole praised The Death Busters as the best tag team in the world and promised that it was only a matter of time before Black Arrow was totally draped in gold. When Paige Knight asked Cole what was next for him as Intercontinental Champion, Cole responded:
“I’ve heard a lot of people mention my name lately...guys like Will Ospreay and Cody. I proved at Undisputed coming after my title is a very dangerous game to play, and if they know what’s best for them, they will keep my name out of their mouths. Bottom line Paige, I will defend my Intercontinental Title when I’m good and damn well ready. I am THE GUY in WSW, and this is THE BELT of WSW.
'Fighting champion' is such a BS term...it’s used by guys that aren’t cut from championship cloth. I’m not going to defend against any slap dick, because I’m a true champion. But tonight isn’t about me...it’s about Dawson and Wilder and the absolute clinic they are about to put on.”
Inside the ring, Trevor Lee told Andrew Everett that he would begin, squaring off with Wilder. The two men locked up, with Wilder winning an early grappling exchange. Wilder countered each reversal Lee tried, eventually snapmaring him down and paint brushing the back of Lee’s head. Wilder yelled:
Trevor Lee’s face was pure intensity, and a second grappling exchange saw Trevor Lee use his speed to stay one step ahead of Wilder. Wilder got frustrated and he charged at Trevor Lee, but Lee low-bridged him, and Wilder dumped over the top to the floor. Lee shouted:
Lee spat at Dawson in the corner. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo noted the confidence of Trevor Lee, saying he looked like a new man. A third lock-up saw Wilder grab a handful of Lee’s hair, driving him into the corner where Dawson tagged in. The Death Busters tried a double team back body drop, but Trevor Lee flipped over, landing on his feet. Lee then took down both members of the Death Busters with a double dropkick before tagging in Andrew Everett.
Everett squared off with Dawson. The two men ran the ropes with drop downs and leapfrogs. Everett hit a dropkick of his own, followed by another. Andrew Everett hit the ropes for momentum, but Wilder entered the ring illegally. He intercepted Everett, popped him up in the air to Dawson for a powerbomb, but Everett countered with a head scissors to Dawson – sending him outside the ring! Trevor Lee then entered and dropkicked Wilder, sending him through the ropes to the floor with his partner. The Carolina Outlaws stood alone in the ring and the crowd applauded.
After regrouping on the floor, The Death Busters reentered the ring and got in the faces of The Carolina Outlaws. All four men got into a slugfest. Rights and lefts were thrown, both teams fighting to prove themselves in a match where the intensity grew by the second. The brawl soon spilled outside to the floor, where The Death Busters took control. Wilder slammed Trevor Lee into the steel steps and Dawson rammed Andrew Everett back first into the steel guardrail and then the ring apron. The Death Busters tried a double whip into the guardrail, but it was reversed, and Dawson and Wilder crashed into the steel! The Carolina Outlaws reentered the ring, and they took out The Death Busters with stereo tope suicidas!
Andrew Everett and Trevor Lee took Dawson back inside and landed chops. They hit a double team: drop toe hold by Everett, leg drop by Lee, and standing moonsault by Everett for a 2-count. The referee restored order, and Everett looked to keep up the attack, but Dawson blocked a hurricanrana attempt and hit a slingshot powerbomb for a 2-count of his own.
Dawson threw Everett into the corner and laid in heavy forearms and chops. Andrew Everett tried to fire back, but a stiff forearm from Dawson grounded him. Dawson tagged Wilder, and the duo hit a double catapult on Andrew Everett while he was down in the corner – sending him face-first into the bottom turnbuckle. Like a wild dog, Wilder went after Everett – hitting a chop block to the left leg and following with stomps and elbows to the leg. Wilder grounded thing with a submission on the mat, wrenching Everett’s leg.
The crowd got behind Everett who fought his way to the ropes. Ever the ring general, Wilder broke the submission and threw Everett into the corner, tagging Dawson back in. On commentary, Adam Cole noted the surgical precision of The Death Busters and their ability to cut the ring off. Dawson landed two vertical suplexes before lifting Everett and putting him on the top turnbuckle. Dawson threw a hard chop before taking Andrew Everett off with a superplex. He covered, but Everett kicked out. Trevor Lee paced on the apron and slapped at the top turnbuckle, the crowd echoing the sentiment.
Dawson continued the attack on Everett with uppercuts in the corner. He whipped Everett across the ring, and he charged, but he ran into a boot from Everett. Dawson tried again, but he found Everett’s boot again. Andrew Everett climbed to the middle rope and hit a desperation leaping uppercut to take Dawson down! Everett crawled to his corner, looking for a tag, but Wilder entered the ring illegally to cut him off. Wilder grabbed Everett, but he slipped out, got a waist lock, and hit a rebound German Suplex! Everett clawed to his corner, and finally made a hot tag to Trevor Lee!
Lee hit the ring a house of fire, striking into both Death Busters! Lee hit a superkick to Wilder before taking Dawson down with a kick combination. Trevor Lee went to the apron and hit a springboard...he went for a crossbody, but The Death Busters caught him! Trevor Lee was in no man’s land, but Andrew Everett hopped in the ring and dropkicked his partner in the back, sending him on top of both Death Busters for a cover...but they kicked out!
Trevor Lee whipped Dawson into the corner and followed with a shotgun dropkick. Andrew Everett immediately followed with a slingshot dropkick. The Carolina Outlaws set up for White Lightning (double vertical suplex dropped into a powerbomb), but Wilder entered the ring and chop-blocked both Lee and Everett to break up the move. Dawson kicked Lee and Everett in the head and hit a double DDT before making the tag out to Wilder. Wilder didn’t waste one moment, planting Trevor Lee with a piledriver......
But Trevor Lee kicked out!
“This Is Awesome” sounded out for the first time of the night.
Wilder tagged Dawson and the duo shot Trevor Lee into ropes and pressed him overhead. Trevor Lee fought his way out though and hit a leaping knee strike to Dawson. Andrew Everett entered the ring and took Wilder over the top with a Cactus Clothesline! With intensity burning in his eyes, Trevor Lee charged at Dawson and went for the Mushroom Stomp...Dawson blocked and tried to counter with a powerbomb, but Trevor Lee countered with a snap hurricanara and he hooked the legs...
But Dawson kicked out!
Trevor Lee couldn’t believe it, he thought he pulled the upset! Trevor Lee grabbed Dawson and tried for a ripcord knee strike, but Dawson countered with an inside cradle for a near fall!
Lee popped to his feet, ducked a clothesline, and hit the ripcord knee! Dawson was rocked. Trevor Lee charged and hit the Mushroom Stomp!
But Dawson put his hand on the bottom rope at 2.9!
The crowd went wild, and Trevor Lee flopped to his back – staring up at the lights, stunned that wasn’t the finishing blow. Lee slammed on the canvas in frustration. Andrew Everett urged Trevor Lee to tag him in. Lee was laser focused though, he crouched in the corner opposite of Dawson...sizing up his target. As Dawson got to his feet, Lee exploded looking for the finishing blow with another Mushroom Stomp...
But Dawson dropped down to avoid it and Trevor Lee crashed hard into the turnbuckles. He hit the corner with such force he ricocheted back to the canvas. Dawson made the tag to Wilder who immediately entered and knocked Andrew Everett off the apron. Wilder hit a hard knee strike to the spine and then ripped Trevor Lee down with a snap back suplex. He rolled Lee to his feet, and The Death Busters finished Trevor Lee with the Fall of the Axe (the move FKA the Shatter Machine)!
Wilder covered and got the pin and the win!
Winners: The Death Busters (12:55)
Following the match, The Death Busters celebrated in the ring. Adam Cole came down to the ring to celebrate with his Black Arrow stablemates. They booted Trevor Lee to the floor where Andrew Everett checked on his tag team partner. All Trevor Lee could do was keep his hands in his face. It was impossible for him to hide his disappointment. Inside the ring, Black Arrow posed in the center of the ring to jeers from the San Antonio crowd.
A Hart TV vignette aired featuring the World Tag Team Champions, The Hart Foundation. Teddy Hart, Davey Boy Smith, and Brian Pillman Jr. lounged poolside at an immaculate resort. The World Tag Team Titles floated in the pool on top of floats. Davey Boy and Teddy Hart stroked the famous Hart Foundation cats while all three men smoked fat cigars. Hart took a long drag and spoke:
Teddy Hart: “That’s a helluva cigar right there boys...that’s a victory cigar. We earned this. The Lucha Brothers are no joke, but we proved...yet again why we are the best faction and the best tag team in the world. What’s the list look like now Brian?
Brian Pillman: Well, that’s now The Young Bucks, The Death Busters, Kota Ibushi & Ricochet, and The Lucha Brothers...all of them beaten by The Hart Foundation. That’s damn impressive if you ask me.
Davey Boy: Don’t forget the guys from New Zealand, with the chick who has the weird accent...and those other guys from Canada, the big suckers.
Brian Pillman: Oh yeah, that’s The South Pacific Power Trip and The Union.
Davey Boy: That’s right! Those boys hit hard...not hard enough though.
…. I still can’t understand a damn word that New Zealand chick says though.
Teddy Hart: The fact of the matter is, The Lucha Brothers talked a bunch of shit about fighting dirty and breaking the rules to get one over on us...who did they think they were messing with?! Have they read my Wikipedia? I got a rap sheet a mile long. Don’t wear a mask if you don’t want it pulled off!
Brian Pillman: We’ve got Volador Jr. and Valiente next week. Little international flare on Ignition.”
Teddy Hart: ...Well, they don’t call them WORLD Tag Team Titles for nothing Brian. The ‘world’ part implies wrestling dudes from around the world.
Davey Boy: That’s not all though...we got this Elite 8 Tournament coming up. Brian, it’s your time to shine brother.
Teddy Hart: That’s right, you got 7 other young guys that have been training with you at the Dojo, looking to come in and make their mark. But they don’t have what you have...they haven’t been on national TV like you have, they haven’t been in the trios matches like you have; they haven’t had to step in and defend these World Tag Team Titles. You’ve been in some high-stakes situations my friend, now it’s time for you to shine as a single and bring that trophy back home.
Davey Boy: You’ve got big guys in this tournament; you’ve got junior heavyweight style guys in this tournament...it’s an impressive field. Keep your training up – do cardio, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, gymnastics...and when the moment gets tough – remember what Grandpa Stu said, get them on the mat and stretch them till they blow up like a tire. Do it for The Hart Foundation, do it for yourself, and most importantly...do it for the cats!
Teddy Hart took another long drag of his cigar, held up his drink for a toast, and said:
Here’s to it, boys. A lot of people are gunning for us, but when you’re this damn good it comes with the territory. May all our dreams continue to be covered in gold!
Highlights aired of the budding rivalry between Candice LeRae and Ivelisse. Following her failure to regain the Women’s World Championship from Tessa Blanchard, Candice started to show more frustration and aggression that grew with each passing week. Following a defeat to Deonna Purrazzo, LeRae snapped, fully embracing the dark side.
Ivelisse took Tessa Blanchard to the limit at Seize the Day in a losing effort. Following a victory over Rachael Ellering, Ivelisse vowed to string together victories to earn another shot at Blanchard, but she was violently attacked by LeRae backstage three weeks ago on Ignition. LeRae was hellbent on proving she was still the face of the Women’s Division.
Match Four: Ivelisse vs. Candice LeRae
The fourth match of Ignition was a singles match between Ivelisse and Candice LeRae. Ivelisse was all business as she came to the ring. Candice LeRae came down, clad in all black, escorted by a chorus of boos. On commentary, Paige Knight noted how hard it was to watch the transition in personality for LeRae, once the bright, smiling hero of the Women’s Divison – she was now heartless and full of anger.
As the bell sounded, Ivelisse wasted no time. She charged at LeRae and struck, driving her into the corner with forearms and chops – her pent-up anger coming out in the form of violence. Ivelisse uttered a battle cry and charged back into the corner, but Candice LeRae slipped through the ropes to the floor to escape. LeRae walked around ringside, looking for any kind of distance she could create. This reprieve wouldn’t last long, as Ivelisse ran across the ring and NAILED a dropkick through the ropes. The move found its mark and sent LeRae tumbling to the foot of the ramp!
Ivelisse wiped her mouth from the slap, spit on the mat, and charged at LeRae, but Candice took her down with an arm drag. The women popped to their feet, and Ivelisse scored an arm drag. Ivelisse connected on a hard kick before attempting an enziguri, but LeRae ducked and hit a dropkick. LeRae covered for barely a one-count.
Candice pulled Ivelisse to her feet, but Ivelisse twisted an arm wringer followed by a bridging Northern Lights Suplex that yielded yet another one-count.
The fast pace of the match continued as Candice reversed another whip into the corner but ran right into the boots of Ivelisse. The scrappy fighter from Puerto Rico went to the middle rope, looking for a moonsault, but LeRae kicked her legs out from underneath her, sending Ivelisse crashing to the mat. LeRae then mounted Ivelisse and drove in repeated punches to boos from the crowd. The referee pulled Candice off and threatened disqualification for closed fists, but Candice got in the referee's face and pushed her away!
The argument with the referee cost Candice though, as turned around into a wicked knife-edge chop from Ivelisse. Ivelisse hit another and another, but LeRae fired back with a LOUD slap to the face! LeRae followed with a knee to the gut, followed by a knee strike to the face, and a backbreaker for a two-count!
Slowing the pace down, LeRae drove two knees into the spine of Ivelisse before locking in a Camel Clutch. The crowd started to get behind Ivelisse, who gritted her teeth as Candice LeRae wrenched back on the submission. Slowly, Ivelisse inched towards the ropes, getting her foot on the bottom rope for a break. Candice held on to the submission till the count of 4.
Candice LeRae then strutted around the ring, jawing at the fans, drawing jeers. Ever the fighter, Ivelisse pulled herself up on the ropes and caught Candice with a hard leg kick, followed by another, and another. Ivelisse hit a question mark kick! Clutching her back, Ivelisse hit the ropes but ran into a low dropkick to the knees from LeRae followed by a snap DDT. Candice covered, but Ivelisse kicked out at 2!
Pulling her hair back, Candice had an evil look in her eyes. She went for a pump handle, but Ivelisse threw hard back elbows to escape. LeRae swung with a lariat, but Ivelisse ducked and connected on an exploder suplex to send both women down!
The crowd clapped along in support of Ivelisse as the two women met in the center of the ring. Candice tried a forearm, but Ivelisse blocked it and hit a chop. Another forearm attempt by Candice was blocked and Ivelisse hit another chop. With a war cry, Ivelisse rattled off a series of chops, turning Candice LeRae’s chest bright red. Ivelisse then connected on a pump kick followed by her rolling snapmare into a kick to the face that yielded a near fall!
Ivelisse called for the Desert Eagle (running Code Red). She charged, but LeRae blocked it and sat down into a pin attempt, but Ivelisse kicked out at 2!
Both women scrambled to their feet, but Ivelisse was quicker. She hooked LeRae and nailed a superkick!
Candice collapsed to the mat, clutching her face. She cried out:
Candice clutched at her face and rolled to the apron. She then flopped down to the floor, as the referee went to check on her. The referee made Ivelisse stay in the ring, as she went to check on the injured competitor.
Ivelisse paced in the ring, incredulous at the temporary stoppage of the match. The ringside doctor came over to check on LeRae, who writhed in pain. While all of this was occurring on the floor, causing the referee’s back to be turned, Rachael Ellering ran down and slid in the ring!
Ellering stood behind Ivelisse, urging her to turn around!
Ivelisse had no clue. She turned around and was PLANTED by the Bosswoman Slam!
Ellering scrambled out of the ring, leaving Ivelisse laying.
On the floor, Candice LeRae seemingly was magically healed. She popped to her feet and slid into the ring with an evil smile. She pulled her hair back (revealing a perfectly fine face) and looked at her fallen opponent. LeRae locked the No Escape on Ivelisse!
The referee called for the bell...Ivelisse was out!
Winner: Candice LeRae (9:28)
Boos sounded out, as Candice LeRae celebrated her win. She stomped down on the fallen Ivelisse, as Rachael Ellering got into the ring. Two weeks ago, Candice LeRae approached Ellering, who had also grown frustrated with a string of defeats. Now the grand plan had come together. The two women hugged, and Rachael Ellering hoisted Candice LeRae up onto her shoulders. They paraded around the ring like they had won the Super Bowl. On commentary Mauro Ranallo described the scene:
"...highway robbery in San Antonio! We have seen tonight just how low this new Candice LeRae is willing to go. Last week we heard her say she always had an Option B, and now we know just what that is...it’s Rachael Ellering!
A video promo featuring the LA Express was shown. Exterior shots of the world-famous Gold’s Gym in Venice, California set the scene. Inside the gym under the “Mecca of Bodybuilding” sign, Johnny Mundo spoke, surrounded by Taya Valkyrie, Mike Bennett, and Maria:
“It’s no secret, the LA Express has hit a minor speedbump. We’ve had a good run of bad luck lately, but if you think we’re stopping anytime soon...you’re sorely mistaken. Do not let our recent setbacks deter you from the fact that we are taking over WSW. It’s why we’re back here in beautiful sunny Southern California in the Mecca and not a hick, cowboy B-Rate market like San Antonio...because we needed to collectively get our heads right. The singles division, tag team division, and women's division will be ours in due time. We’re not stopping, we’ve only just begun...”
Highlights are shown of the trios match from the 5.2 Ignition where the LA Express defeated Kenny Omega, Ricochet & Ibushi, but Brian Cage was injured following a Spanish Fly by Ricochet from the apron to the floor. Mundo spoke:
“Kenny Omega, there will be a time when our paths cross again, and I will relish the moment when I take that World Championship, the spotlight, and all that precious fame and glory from you. But for once, this isn’t about you Kenny...
Ricochet...I’m talking to you, son! You have just found yourself target numero uno on the LA Express’ revenge tour. You tried to hurt my monster... the only problem is, he’s not a monster...he’s a machine!”
Shots of Brian Cage intensely lifting an obscene amount of weight are shown. We see Cage doing bench presses, dumbbell rows, and squats with the bar bent from the number of plates stacked on each side. Cage performs one last deep squat. He yells as he rises, racks the weight, and speaks into the camera with intensity:
“I’m back and I’m more dangerous than ever! Ricochet, I’M COMING TO BREAK YOU!”
A backstage promo from Will Ospreay aired. Inside his locker room, a passionate Ospreay spoke directly into the camera:
“I have just one question and one question only...WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?! It seems that everywhere I turn, everywhere I look...someone is calling me out or is trying to jump me. Well, I’m throwing the gauntlet down right now!
Jon Moxley...welcome to WSW brotha. That was a helluva entrance you made last week. You shocked the world, and you dropped me right on top of my skull. It’s not the first time that’s happened to me, and it won’t be the last...but I won’t forget it. And when the time is right, I promise you Jon... I’ll return the favor. That day is coming sooner than you think.
RUSH you, slimy bastard...I’ve seen you lurking for weeks like the leech you are. I can feel the poison you are oozing into WSW every time you walk into MY HOUSE. You showed what kind of man you really are when you jumped me from behind last week. If you really want me, come look me in the eyes, man up, and challenge me...I’m not hard to find!
And finally, it comes to you Dragon Lee. You seem to be the catalyst for all this. It wasn’t until you showed up that all these problems started showing up at my doorstep. I admire your talent brotha; I admire your skill...but I can’t help but think YOU are the reason your brother has decided to hang around and get handsy with me. That’s fine, I’m a big boy, I can take care of myself...and I’m going to take care of these problems I seem to have one by one. That’s why I’m starting with YOU!
By my count Dragon Lee, we’re tied up 1-1...let’s settle this score once and for all! Let’s give the people what they want and have the rubber match to find out who the better man really is. Leave your big brother behind, face me man to man, and let’s tear the house down one more time. Anytime, anyplace...I’m there.
I don’t run from my problems I face them head-on. I vowed to make 2019 the year of Ospreay! That’s a promise, and I’m going to damn well going to prove it!”
Ahead of the main event, Mauro Ranallo and Paige Knight ran down the lineup for Ignition next week:
Ricochet vs. Brian Cage
Cody vs. CIMA
Nixon Newell returns to the ring for the first time in nine months
RUSH vs. Aero Star
Elite 8 Tournament kicks off: Sammy Guevara vs. Ace Austin
Non-Title Match: The Hart Foundation vs. Volador Jr. & Valiente
In two weeks:
Jon Moxley vs. RUSH
Match Five: Non-Title Match: Bandido vs. Kenny Omega (w/ Ricochet and Kota Ibushi)
The main event of Ignition was a singles match between Bandido and WSW World Champion Kenny Omega in a non-title match. This was Bandido’s singles debut in WSW, and the commentary team said that despite this being a non-title match, should Bandido win tonight, he would receive a World Title shot. Bandido received an amazing reaction from the San Antonio crowd as he made his dramatic entrance to Narco by Blasterjaxx.
The Freeman Coliseum went wild for the entrance of the World Champion. The always-confident Kenny Omega walked onto the stage, seconded by his Golden Triangle stablemates, his eyes full of determination as pyro exploded around him.
As the bell rang, the two men stood across from each other. Without even touching, a “This is Awesome” chant broke out. The WSW crowd, a fan base defined by their passion and knowledge of professional wrestling, knew this was a special match between two of the very best in the world. Both competitors looked around the arena, seemingly soaking in the moment.
The two men then locked up and went back and forth with a quick series of grappling reversals and counters. They traded headlocks, waist locks, and arm wringers before Omega applied a hammerlock. Bandido countered out with a flying snapmare, and he hit the ropes to pick the pace up. The World Champion was just a step quicker, planting Bandido on top of his head with a textbook snap hurricanrana!
Bandido rolled to the floor for a brief second, and immediately Omega went to one knee in the center of the ring and began to rhythmically beat the mat, calling for the Rise of the Terminator. Omega ran the ropes for his signature dive, but Bandido flashed his quickness – sliding into the ring and taking Omega down with a step up hurricanrana! It was Omega’s turn to slide out to the floor to recalibrate. Bandido feigned a dive to the outside, backflipping off the ropes to pose in the center of the ring.
Omega hopped to the apron, but Bandido booted him to the floor. Springing off the bottom rope, Bandido flew from the ring to the floor, taking Omega down with another hurricanrana. A “Bandido” chant fired up, as the luchador took things back into the ring.
Bandido sent Omega into the corner, but his back elbow splash was blocked. Omega hooked Bandido and tried for a tornado DDT off the middle rope; however, Bandido blocked and shoved Omega off. Bandido then drove Omega back into the corner with a dropkick. Omega elevated a charging Bandido over the ropes to the apron. Bandido ducked a lariat and threw the first strike of the match with a LOUD overhand chop. Bandido went for a springboard off the top rope. As his feet landed on the top rope though, Omega nailed a hard chop of his own, sending Bandido off the rope and crashing to the floor!
Omega followed to the floor, and the two men exchanged chops. Omega whipped Bandido towards the guardrail, but Bandido SLID UNDER the rail! In one motion, Bandido hopped to his feet and caught Omega with a Gamengiri. Bandido used the guardrail as a springboard and flew for a crossbody, but Omega caught him. The World Champion then hit a Snap Dragon Suplex on the floor! Omega followed with a back suplex onto the apron!
Back inside, the World Champion hit the Kotaro Crusher, yielding a 2-count. Staying on the attack, Omega followed with a backbreaker. Bandido arched his back in pain on the mat. Omega grabbed the arms of Bandido and attempted a Romero Special, but Bandido wiggled himself free before the submission could be applied. From his knees, Bandido fired chops at the chest of Omega. As each strike landed, Bandido rose to his feet. Soon both men stood in the center of the ring, trading chops.
Omega ducked a chop attempt and went for another back suplex, but Bandido flipped over to his feet. With cat-like quickness, Bandido ducked under a lariat attempt and performed a stalling headstand in the ring. Omega was perplexed for just a moment before charging back at Bandido. However, he ran straight into a picture-perfect, high-revolution tijeras! Bandido spun around 10 times! The crowd went wild for this.
Gaining wrist control, Bandido lit into the chest of Omega with hard overhand chops. Maintaining control of the wrist, Bandido went to the top rope for a rope walk, but Omega hit a chop to free himself and send Bandido to the apron. Omega backed off a bit, clutching his chest (which was bright red from all the chops); however, Bandido vaulted himself over the ropes, and in one motion, hit a double springboard missile dropkick!
Omega went out to the floor from the impact. Bandido kept the attack up – vaulting to the top and connecting with a high revolution tornillo to the floor!
“This is Awesome” chants fired up that quickly transitioned into dueling chants of “Let’s Go Kenny” and “Bandido.”
Back inside, Bandido took the Champion to the corner and hit several more chops. He tried to whip Omega into the opposite corner, but Omega reversed and hoisted Bandido into a fireman’s carry – looking for You Can’t Escape. Bandido slipped out though and shoved Omega sternum first into the turnbuckles. Bandido shot in but ran into a back elbow from Omega. Flipping over the back of Bandido, Omega charged into the corner, but the luchador got his boots up. Bandido then brought the Freeman Coliseum to its feet by jumping off the middle rope, back-flipping over Omega, and catching him with a German Suplex in one motion! He planted Omega right on the back of his head! He covered, but Kenny Omega kicked out at 2!
Bandido could not believe it, as he thought he pinned the World Champion!
Bandido picked Omega up and showcased his power. He pressed Kenny Omega over his head and walked around the ring. This drew cheers, but nothing compared to when Bandido maintained the overhead press with just one arm! He then slammed Omega down and covered for yet another 2-count!
Omega rolled to the ropes, desperate to pull himself to his feet and regain his bearings. Bandido stayed on the attack – driving Omega into the corner and onto the top turnbuckle. Bandido followed, looking for the Revolution Fly. Omega fought him off though with elbows and countered with an avalanche Falcon Arrow!
Both men were down in the ring as wild cheers broke out!
Slowly but surely, both men got to their knees. Meeting in the center of the ring, Kenny Omega went back and forth with chops. Flesh met flesh, and the chops popped like gunfire. Omega landed a SICK chop that folded Bandido back. Omega hit the ropes, looking for a V-Trigger, but Bandido ducked underneath it. Omega bounced back off the ropes but ran directly into a superkick from Bandido!
Bandido whipped Omega into the ropes, but Omega bounced back with a pump V-Trigger! Bandido hit the mat, kipped to his feet, and hit another superkick before collapsing to send both men down!
On commentary, Mauro Ranallo said:
“Mama Mia what a match! Look at the guts of Bandido! His first singles match in WSW, and he’s taking the World Champion to the limit! How bad does he want to claim this victory?!”
Both men’s chests were bright red. Bandido climbed to the top and flew for another tornillo, but he flew straight into a V-Trigger from Kenny Omega! Bandido’s body folded from the impact. Omega hit the ropes and DESTROYED Bandido with another V-Trigger! He hooked the leg.....
But Bandido kicked out!
On the floor, even Ricochet and Kota Ibushi looked shocked at the kick out!
Bandido grasped for the ropes, totally rocked. The World Champion made the finger gun gesture and RAN OVER Bandido again with another V-Trigger! Omega hoisted Bandido up for the One Winged Angel...
But Bandido countered with a poison rana!
The match continued, as Bandido refused to die!
Omega staggered to his feet and charged at Bandido, but he ran into a pop-up cutter! Bandido covered, but Omega kicked out! Grabbing the waist of Omega, Bandido cinched in and took Omega down with a deadlift bridging German Suplex...
But Omega kicked out again!
Bandido slapped at the mat – he thought that was it...he thought he had pinned the World Champion! Staying focused, Bandido positioned Omega’s head and neck over the middle rope. He went for the 21 Plex, but Omega grabbed the middle rope in a last-ditch effort to halt the momentum and block the move...
Bandido wrenched back, looking for the torque to get Omega over, but Omega broke the grip and escaped with a hard back elbow to the jaw.
Omega swung wildly with a lariat. Bandido ducked and sprung off the middle rope, looking for a quebrada....
But Omega caught him in midair and PLANTED HIM WITH THE TIGER DRIVER ‘98!
Not wasting one second, Omega hoisted Bandido to his shoulders and connected with the One Winged Angel for the pin and the hard-fought win!
Winner: Kenny Omega (17:03)
After the match, Omega flopped to the mat, feeling every effect of the hard-fought match. The San Antonio crowd gave both men a standing ovation.
Ricochet and Kota Ibushi entered the ring, as the World Championship belt was presented to Kenny Omega. Omega raised his arms and the belt high to cheers!
In the corner, Bandido was distraught. He covered his masked face with his hands, knowing that on multiple occasions, he was just one second away from pinning the World Champion and shocking the world.
Omega handed the World Title to Ibushi and walked over to Bandido. He extended his hand and helped Bandido to his feet. The two men then embraced in the ring in a show of true sportsmanship. After the embrace, Omega raised Bandido’s hand! The crowd went wild for this, paying their respects to both men.
On commentary Paige Knight said:
“Every second of what we just saw was beautiful. Tonight, you saw the grit of Kenny Omega, you saw why he carries the mantle of ‘best wrestler in the world.’ However, mark this date down...May 30, 2019...this is the night that will be remembered for Bandido bursting onto the global scene and becoming a star!”
Bandido left the ring to the winner. Kenny Omega took his World Title and posed in the ring with the Golden Triangle.
However, the night wasn’t done just yet...
The music of Claudio Castagnoli hit!
All the wild energy in the Freeman Coliseum went ice cold, as The Assassin and Salina de la Renta made their way to the ring with a purpose.
Omega held his ground as Castagnoli entered the ring. Knowing full well what the message was, Omega lifted the World Title in the air. Castagnoli stepped forward and gave an extended glance at the title he had longed and obsessed over for so long.
His gaze then went directly into the eyes of Omega with a burning intensity!
This week’s episode of Ignition ended with Kenny Omega and Claudio Castagnoli going face-to-face and eye-to-eye! With no words uttered, the message was made loud and clear...Claudio Castagnoli was coming for the World Championship! Results
No.
Results
Stipulations
Time
1
Cody defeated Mistico
Singles match
10:30
2
The Lucha Brothers (Pentagon Jr. and Fenix) (with Konnan) defeated Chris and Terry Mulkey
Tag team match
2:10
3
The Death Busters (Dawson and Wilder) (with Adam Cole) defeated The Carolina Outlaws (Trevor Lee and Andrew Everett)
Tag team match
12:55
4
Candice LeRae defeated Ivelisse
Singles match
9:28
5
Kenny Omega (with Ricochet and Kota Ibushi) defeated Bandido
-- A week after making headlines with his appearance on the Talk is Jericho podcast, Jon Moxley did another in-depth interview with Wade Keller at the Pro Wrestling Torch. Moxley noted that the interview with Jericho was “cathartic,” and he said he did the interview in his head for months and always knew he would do it on Jericho’s show. He said that he was done talking about the WWE, and he was squarely focused on talking about the “here and now.”
Moxley said the reaction to his debut on Ignition was “overwhelming,” and he was incredibly excited about what was to come. He put over the talent in WSW (specifically naming Kenny Omega, RUSH, and Will Ospreay), and said that he didn’t believe there was a better roster in wrestling today.
He said his debut promo on the 5/30 Ignition was “100% me...no script, no writers, no approval needed.” He said this was liberating and he felt he accomplished more in that one promo than he had at any point during his WWE run. He believes his greatest strength in wrestling is that he can talk, and he was looking forward to showcasing this moving forward.
He said that he loved the creative freedom presented in WSW. He noted that he had used AC/DC’s Shoot to Thrill as his entrance theme early in his career on the indies, and he loved the song because he felt it described him and his life perfectly. He mentioned this to Shane McMahon with “no expectations,” and he was surprised to find that McMahon purchased the licensing rights to the song for him. He said that he really appreciated it.
Moxley noted, “No doubt about it, the pressure is totally on me to deliver. There are a lot of people out there that are waiting—and hoping—that I fail. They want me to fail, so they can pin my picture up front and center as an example of what happens when you leave the hive and search for something else on the outside. Most people know me as Dean Ambrose, and I’m on a mission to prove that Dean Ambrose is dead and buried and is never coming back again.”
Moxley noted, “I think for a long time, there’s been this idea that there is only one ‘right’ way to present wrestling and make money. History says otherwise. Hell, we’re living history right now. WSW was kicking ass before I got there, and I’m excited to come in and add lighter fluid to this fire. WSW is grounded in realism and focuses on the combat sport element of fighting in the ring, and that’s where I wanted to be...that’s all I ever wanted to do.
Moxley’s debut match in WSW is set for the 6/13 Ignition against RUSH. The angle was shot on the 5/30 Ignition. WSW tapped into their partnership with CMLL, and Moxley made a surprise appearance at Arena Mexico on 5/31. He appeared while RUSH was cutting a promo on him, and the two engaged in a wild brawl, like the angle shot on Ignition. The brawl was shared on WSW’s social media, with the idea that WSW stars can appear anywhere in the world.
-- AJ Styles announced on the 5/30 Ignition that he would be out of action for “a little while” to recover from injury. This is not storyline, as Styles is suffering from a series of nagging injuries – most recently injuring his lower back during the match with Claudio Castagnoli at Undisputed. Styles previously injured his hip in the match with Kenny Omega at Seize the Day. On his Twitch stream this week, Styles said he expected to be out for a few weeks, but he did not anticipate missing a significant amount of time – stating that he wanted to get back as soon as possible.
-- WSW officially signed Bandido to an exclusive, three-year deal that was announced on 5/31. This news followed Bandido’s match with Kenny Omega on the 5/30 Ignition – a match that Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter awarded 5 stars (for those counting, Omega has now worked three singles matches in WSW, with 2 of 3 being rated 5 Stars). At just 23 years old, Bandido was one of the top unsigned wrestlers in the world. He has worked for pretty much every major promotion outside the United States (New Japan, CMLL, AAA, and The Crash), but arguably he made his name in PWG. His impressive performance in the 2018 Battle of Los Angeles put him front and center for both WSW and WWE. Bandido abstained from signing exclusive contracts, despite numerous offers from multiple promotions, as he had always hoped to sign with one of the two major promotions. WWE really pushed for Bandido, but he ultimately chose WSW.
-- It is a very interesting time for the talent in professional wrestling. WWE is making a concerted effort to lock up all their top talent to long-term deals to combat the allure of testing the free agent market. In a recent change, talent being signed to new NXT contracts are getting five-year deals instead of the previous three-year deals. There are two sides to the coin though, and there are several wrestlers in WSW that WWE is very interested in should the opportunity present itself. WSW is the “hot” product right now with a ton of goodwill; however, make no doubt about it, they are in a wrestling war, and they must be aggressive in terms of their contract negotiations. This is good news for talent though. With two major promotions operating, the opportunity to make good money and gain national exposure is the best it has been since WCW existed.
-- Both WSW and WWE have recruited the independent scene hard. A few years ago, American independent wrestling was as strong as it had ever been, and WSW built its core foundation by signing many of these guys. WSW is set to launch the Elite 8 Tournament this week, an eight-man tournament designed to introduce a new crop of talent from the WSW Dojo to the television product. Participants include Ace Austin, Sammy Guevara, Alexander Hammerstone, Alan Angels, Myron Reed, Brian Pillman Jr., Jungle Boy, and Lee Johnson. With the exception of Angels and Johnson, the majority of the talent was signed after being scouted on the independent scene.
-- Speaking of the wrestling war, WWE announced a 7/13 NXT UK Takeover show in Cardiff, Wales. It’s the same day as WSW’s SummerFest show from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto (the show sold-out in one day). The WWE show will have an 8 PM local start time, which is 3 PM Eastern. The WSW show will start at 8 PM Eastern, but make no doubt about it, this is WWE testing the waters of counter-programming.
-- Melissa Santos and Jenn Decker were officially signed by WSW this week as on-air talents. Santos is the fiancé of Brian Cage, and she received high praise for her work as the ring announcer for Lucha Underground. Santos will serve as an interviewer, and she is bi-lingual, speaking fluent English and Spanish. This is notable as WSW features several high-profile Mexican wrestlers that do not speak fluent English, allowing her the opportunity to translate so the talent can cut promos in their native language. Santos is expected to debut at the 6/18 tapings in Cleveland. Decker is a model and sports media personality that most recently worked with Fuel TV. She was announced as a “digital media reporter,” and she will work extensively on WSW’s YouTube content.
-- Eli Drake is now a free agent, with his Impact contract expiring over the weekend. Drake posted on social media, “After four years with Impact Wrestling, some ups and some downs, I would like to thank them for the overall great experience. Through those years, I had the fortune of carrying three different title belts, having my own talk show (Fact of Life), and was always given the trust to craft my own promos, virtually from day one. I appreciate the chance that was taken on me and the trust that I was given, as well as the friends and experiences I gained along the way. I wish Impact Wrestling nothing but continued success and growth going forward.”
-- Facing extremely difficult competition against Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the 5/30 Ignition did 840,000 viewers and a .32 in the key 18-49 demographic. These numbers are down from last week, but they must be graded on a curve as the Golden State Warriors vs. Toronto Raptors basketball game did 13M viewers and a 4.8 in the 18-49 demographic. From a ranking perspective, Ignition was tied for third on cable for the night. The 6/6 Ignition number will be interesting to watch, as the show will be unopposed by the NBA; although, it will compete against Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
-- The 6/3 Raw did 2,405,000 viewers and .54 in the key demographic. The 6/4 Smackdown did 2,016,000 viewers and .38.
-- The 6/4 tapings in Denver are an official sellout with 5,500 tickets sold. Upcoming TV tapings and ticket sales look like this:
6.4 in Denver (Magness Arena): 5,500 (sell out)
6/18 in Cleveland (Wolstein Center): 4,800
6/29 in Daytona Beach (Ocean Center): 5,000
7/18 in Atlanta (State Farm Arena – Ignition 200): 5,600
7/20 in Charlotte (Bojangles Coliseum): 3,300
8/3 in New Orleans (UNO Lakefront Arena): 2,220
8/15 in Houston (NRG Arena – Grand Prix Night One): 3,100
8/22 in Phoenix (Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Grand Prix Night Two): 2,200
8/29 in St. Louis (Chaifetz Arena – Grand Prix Night Three): 1,800
-- There are no house shows scheduled for this week.
-- Advertised for the 6/6 Ignition:
Ricochet vs. Brian Cage
Nixon Newell’s return match
Mauro Ranallo sit-down interview with Jon Moxley
Sammy Guevara vs. Ace Austin – Elite 8 Tournament First Round
Cody vs. CIMA
Aero Star vs. RUSH
Non-Title Match: The Hart Foundation vs. Volador Jr. & Valiente
Event
The 6/6 Ignition opened with the commentary duo of Mauro Ranallo and Paige Knight welcoming the audience as pyro exploded inside a sold-out Magness Arena in Denver, Colorado. The fever pitch inside the arena went to the next level as these words sounded out:
The first match of Ignition was a singles match between Cody and CIMA. On commentary, Ranallo and Knight talked about Cody’s road to redemption and his vow to wrestle week after week to regain his status in the WSW rankings. Ranallo noted:
Think of everything this man has been through...the emotional toil of his bitter, bloody rivalry with Ethan Carter. It has been a long time since we’ve seen such clarity and resolve in the eyes of Cody. His love of professional wrestling is driving him right now...driving him to be a changed man, driving him to pursue championship gold, and goodness gracious these fans believe in him.
CIMA got a respectful reaction as the announcer put over his credentials and battle with Will Ospreay two weeks ago of Ignition.
The bell rang, and the two men slapped hands in respect before locking up. A physical grappling exchange followed, with CIMA scoring the first takedown of the match with a shoulder block. CIMA looked to push the pace early, and a rope running sequence led to dropdowns and leapfrogs; however, Cody scored a takedown with a deep arm drag, followed by a shoulder block of his own. Both men hit the ropes again – evading each other with baseball slides and leapfrogs – until CIMA scored a waistlock, but Cody hit a hard back elbow to escape. CIMA wiped him out with a dropkick as Cody hit the ropes for momentum!
Cody went outside, grabbing his jaw from the impact of the dropkick. Inside the ring, CIMA clapped his hands – the crowd in Denver followed suit. CIMA then hit a dropkick through the ropes that connected and sent Cody crashing into the steel guardrail from the impact!
Back inside, CIMA hit a slingshot senton that scored an early 2 count. CIMA then locked in a Koji Clutch. Cody grimaced in pain as soon as the submission was applied. He inched his way towards the ropes and got his boot on the bottom rope for the break. On commentary, Ranallo and Knight mentioned that so much of the buzz and talk had been about Cody and his road to redemption; however, matches are won and lost in the ring, and they noted that this victory would catapult CIMA to a new level in WSW. The crowd chanted Cody’s name, as he reversed a whip into the ropes and connected on a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. CIMA went to the outside, clutching his back, and Cody didn’t waste a second...connecting on a tope suicida! Cody followed up with a vertical suplex on the floor – CIMA’s back splattering on the floor mats!
Back inside, Cody went to work on the back of CIMA – hitting three straight scoop slams, the crowd chanting along with each one. After the third connected, the crowd chanted “One more time...” Cody smiled and went for a fourth, but CIMA hit an elbow strike and slipped out. CIMA hit the ropes but ran right into Cody’s snap power slam!
Cody whipped CIMA into the corner with such force that CIMA bounced back to the center of the ring as soon as he hit the turnbuckles. Cody followed with Flip, Flop, N’Fly strikes capped by his dropdown uppercut!
“Let’s Go Cody” chants sounded out. Cody drove CIMA into the corner. He looked for the mounted 10-punches. With the crowd counting along, Cody connected with 5 of them before CIMA slipped through Cody’s legs and landed a desperation kick to the hamstrings to hang Cody on the middle rope. CIMA hit a hard overhand chop to the back before taking Cody off the corner with a draping backstabber!
Both men were down, as CIMA grabbed at his back in pain. The crowd clapped along to will both men to their feet. Cody pulled himself up in the corner and got his boot up to stop a charging CIMA. Cody went to the middle rope, but CIMA hit a rolling shotei to cut him off. CIMA then took Cody off the middle rope with an Iconoclasm for a near fall!
CIMA looked for a Perfect Driver (cross-legged fisherman’s buster), but Cody hammered on the back with forearms to escape. Cody hit a textbook backbreaker and looked to follow with Cross Rhodes, but CIMA escaped at the last second and hit an enziguri that stunned Cody!
Quickly, CIMA drove Cody into the corner and sat him on the top turnbuckle. CIMA climbed the ropes himself and went for a sunset flip powerbomb...
Cody clutched the top rope with a white-knuckle grip to avoid the move as CIMA flipped over him and grabbed his waist!
With all his strength, CIMA pulled Cody out of the corner and hit a running Liger Bomb for another near fall!
CIMA thought he had finished it! He went up top, looking for the Meteora...but Cody cut him off. Landing hard forearms, Cody climbed to the middle rope. The two men slugged it out on top, but Cody’s power was too much. With CIMA rocked, Cody leapt and took CIMA off the top with a hurricanrana!
CIMA clutched his back in pain as soon as he hit the mat. Cody rode the momentum and nailed a Disaster Kick! Cody threw his weight belt into the crowd, as the Magness Arena buzzed. Cody hooked CIMA and nailed Cross Rhodes for the win!
WINNER: Cody (9:40)
After the match, a loud “Cody” chant broke out as the winner celebrated another hard-fought victory. Todd Keneley entered the ring with a microphone to interview Cody. As Cody collected himself, Keneley asked over the roar of the crowd:
That’s the second straight victory for you Cody. You said that you wanted to push yourself, you’ve beaten one of the top luchadores in Mistico and tonight you’ve beaten CIMA a veteran of the Japanese strong style discipline. What’s next for you?
Cody and Keneley laughed as the crowd went wild once again. Running his hands through his platinum blonde hair, Cody continued to address the audience:
That’s not just for a cheap pop, that’s a genuine thank you from the bottom of my heart. This journey I’m travelling would be insanely lonely if I went on it by myself. Trust me, I’ve tried it...it sucks. It means the world to me, to hear each and every one of you, stand behind me and will me on. When the water gets deep in a match, when I’m hurt...trust me I HEAR YOU and it gives me the will TO KEEP GOING!
And that’s exactly what I’m going to do Todd...I’m going to keep going. The formula is simple...wins and losses matter in this sport, and I need more wins to get where I want to go. The only way I can get wins is to get in this ring every week and challenge myself against the best WSW has to offer. I don’t care if they specialize in lucha libre, strong style, European submission, or good ole American ‘rassling...the marquee says professional wrestling and by God that’s my lifeblood!
Just like the cowboys of the territories, I want to ride up and down these roads, make towns, and put together win after win to prove that this freight train won’t stop...and it’s headed for championship gold!
The crowd got whipped into a frenzy by Cody’s passion. In a total surprise, the music of Travis Banks hit. The Kiwi Buzzsaw made his way out, and he headed straight to the ring, a look of determination in his eyes.
Banks and Cody stood across from each other. Todd Keneley held the microphone up for Travis Banks:
Cody, I respect you, and I respect every single word that just came out of your mouth. You live by a creed Cody, and so do I. That’s why I’m here. For years I have honed my craft, waiting for this opportunity. I didn’t come to WSW to just ‘be along for the ride,’ I’m here to prove I’m one of the best goddamn wrestlers on the planet. I’ve kicked many men black and blue from New Zealand to Australia to the UK and collected titles along the way...and I’m itching for a good fight. What do you say, mate?!
Cody extended his hand and Travis Banks reciprocated. The two men shook hands in the center of the ring. It didn’t take long for Cody’s next challenger to emerge!
A video package aired hyping SummerFest. The package opened with shots of the Toronto skyline as Mauro Ranallo’s voice narrated:
Toronto, Ontario, Canada...for years this city has served as one of the foremost homes of professional wrestling.
Archive footage of Maple Leaf Wrestling from the 60’s and 70’s is shown followed by present-day footage of the historic Maple Leaf Gardens.
...The names are as legendary as the city itself: Tunney, The Sheik, Whipper Billy Watson...the memories engrained into the hearts and minds of wrestling fans and cemented into the hallowed walls of Maple Leaf Gardens.
Highlights of present-day WSW are shown along with a flyover shot of the Scotiabank Arena.
On Saturday, July 13, WSW writes the next chapter of Toronto wrestling. Inside the Scotiabank Arena, in front of the biggest crowd in company history...WSW presents SummerFest!
The matchup graphic featuring Castagnoli vs. Omega is shown.
The package segues to the SummerFest Press Conference held this week at the Scotiabank Arena. We see Kenny Omega arrive, clad in a suit, with the gleaming, gold World Championship belt. Claudio Castagnoli wore a sleek black suit and sunglasses, accompanied by Salina de la Renta. We see Shane McMahon address the media at the podium:
It is such an honor to be here today. We are beyond excited to bring one of our signature events back to the great city of Toronto. From day one, the goal of WSW was always simple—to be the best professional wrestling company on the planet, and our Canadian fans and the city of Toronto have championed that message. In one day, our great WSW fans sold out this arena – that's humbling and tangible proof that WSW is a force to be reckoned with. That is why it brings me great joy to announce that on July 13, SummerFest will be main evented by Kenny Omega, one of the top stars in the world today, defending the WSW World Title against Claudio Castagnoli, a man who has been unbeaten for over seven months.
Highlights are shown of Claudio Castagnoli’s time at the podium:
I was the inaugural WSW World Champion. Everyone looks at what WSW is now, but I was here from the very beginning...I built this company. Over the course of time, everyone seemed to forget about me and the sacrifices I made. That’s why I had to make myself undeniable. Over the past seven months, no one has put together the wins that I have. NO ONE has beaten the names that I have beaten. I take great pride in being the most dangerous man in all of professional wrestling. I don’t care if I have to tap you out, knock you out, or make you black out...I will do whatever it takes to become World Champion once again!
Highlights are shown of Kenny Omega’s time at the podium:
I’ve said this a lot over the past few months, but this is a movie. It really is. I am living my dream every single day. I have been lucky enough to wrestle in some of the greatest venues our sport has to offer, the Tokyo Dome, Sumo Hall, but this moment...the opportunity to main event in this building in Toronto...in my home country...may be the most special moment in my entire career. Being the WSW World Champion is an incredible honor and is a mantle I take very seriously. Plain and simple, it is my job as World Champion to take this platform we have been provided by Shane McMahon and all of the fans that wanted something more...that wanted something different...and take it to the very top. That’s what SummerFest is, that’s what Toronto offers. I know exactly how deadly Claudio Castagnoli is inside that ring...but Claudio, you have to wrestle Kenny Omega in CANADA! No one in professional wrestling has ever had to step on that stage before with those odds...can you handle that?!
Highlights are shown of the question-and-answer section of the press conference:
Reporter: Claudio, your career has been so interesting to follow. When you look at this match, arguably the biggest of your career, how do you assess your opponent?
Claudio Castagnoli: He’s just the next target. I don’t care where he’s been or who he has beaten. There is NOTHING that Kenny Omega has done that is more impressive than me. I thrive on finding my opponent’s weaknesses, exposing them, and breaking them down piece by piece. This man cares about friendship as much as he cares about that belt. That’s a weakness...I am going to expose that...
Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness Claudio! We all have a duty and obligation to WSW, but once that bell rings you are in my world...you are inside the ropes with the Best Bout Machine, and that’s a dangerous place to be.
You are WEAK Kenny. You have never known failure...you have never known fear. I HAVE! You sit here acting like a savior, but I was the FIRST MAN to ever hold that belt, I was on top of the world.
ME!
I had to watch all that slip through my fingers, and I felt fear. I felt WSW moving on without me...the man who built it. That all changed when I signed with Salina de la Renta...I changed. As God is my witness...I will change you, Kenny. I will break every single one of your friends and family if I must. The next time we are in Toronto together you will be a shell of man, and I will leave you laying in that ring...scared, broken, and a failure in front of all your countrymen.
Highlights are shown of the faceoff between the two men. As cameras flashed, Omega and Castagnoli looked at each other eye to eye. Castagnoli said once again:
I will break you Kenny, and it will be ME that changes the world!
Castagnoli then pie-faced Omega in an intimidation tactic. Omega went to fire back, but quickly security, officials, and even Shane McMahon physically got involved to separate the two men on stage. Cameras flashed more at the scuffle. Castagnoli slowly backed up and for the first time in months, he flashed an eerie grin as he backed away with Salina de la Renta.
The package ends with the matchup graphic once again: Castagnoli vs. Omega for the World Championship at SummerFest! Match Two: Shanna vs. Nixon Newell (with Tessa Blanchard and Tenille Dashwood)
The second match of Ignition was a singles match between Shanna and Nixon Newell. Shanna was already in the ring as Ignition returned, and Nixon Newell made her entrance with her Diamond stablemates. WSW Women’s World Champion, Tessa Blanchard, joined commentary for the match – Newell's first in ten months. Dashwood accompanied Newell to the ring.
Shanna was making her first appearance in WSW. Paige Knight ran down her credentials until Blanchard interrupted:
Shut up cripple! Shanna’s some bitch from Portugal that speaks like three languages...she’ll forget all of them once she catches a knee to the face from Nixon!
The bell rang and Nixon Newell quickly stunned Shanna with a flurry of forearms capped by a wicked uppercut. Newell hit a front suplex, that spiked Shanna down flat on her chest. Shanna retreated to the corner for a reprieve, but Newell CRUSHED her with a running boot to the face that caused “oohs” to echo throughout the Magness Arena.
Newell taunted Shanna and strutted around the ring, flashing the Diamond hand gesture to boos. This cost her though, as Shanna hit a roundhouse kick to the head. Moving quickly, Shanna hit a bridging German Suplex that garnered her a 1 count. Newell jumped to her feet, seemingly shocked, but Shanna kept up the attack with a pump kick that drove Newell into the corner. Shanna roared and charged, but Newell DESTROYED Shanna with a brutal running dropkick!
Newell hooked Shanna and launched her into the turnbuckles with an Exploder Suplex. Shanna slammed into the corner and writhed in pain on the canvas. With a cocky swagger, Newell blew her a kiss goodbye.
Nixon Newell connected the Shiniest Wizard for the pin and the win in her return match!
Winner: Nixon Newell (3:00)
After the match, Nixon Newell strutted around the ring once again. Tenille Dashwood entered the ring and landed some cheap shot stomps with her high-heeled boot on the downed Shanna. Tessa Blanchard left commentary and made her way to the ring. With the World Title belt over her shoulder, Blanchard got a microphone, and Diamond stood tall in the ring. Blanchard said:
Take a good hard look Denver, because what you are seeing is SPECIAL! For the first time in ten months, Diamond is at full strength. Get Twitter ready, get Instagram ready...and soak it all in, because the greatest force in women’s wrestling is right in front of your eyes.”
The Denver crowd booed Diamond as Tessa Blanchard put her boot on the head of the motionless Shanna. Blanchard continued:
It’s been a minute since we’ve all been together, so allow me to reintroduce ourselves....
My name is Tessa Blanchard, and I AM the greatest champion in ALL of WSW. I have beaten every...single...woman who has tried to challenge for MY World Championship. I AM the most undeniable talent in women’s wrestling!
THIS is Tenille Dashwood – the international bombshell who looks like a cover model and fights like a pit bull. She has broken hearts and jaws across the world!
And this...THIS is Nixon Newell – the MOST dangerous striker in women’s wrestling. She just showed you that she doesn’t get paid by the hour. This woman overcame a brutal knee injury, retaught herself to walk, all to get back in this ring and knock bitches out cold!
All three members of Diamond smirked, seemingly marinating in the jeers of the crowd. Tessa Blanchard handed the microphone to Nixon Newell. Newell spoke:
I have been waiting for this very moment for TEN MONTHS! Let me tell you, there was NOTHING like walking down that ramp at Undisputed and solidifying my spot on the pecking order. Do you have any idea how hard it was to sit in a hospital bed and watch the group I helped form go to the top of WSW without me?! That was my fuel, that was my fire to get back.
Together WE are Diamond, WE are the cornerstones of WSW, and WE do whatever we want whenever we want. If Tenille wants to slap that poverty rat Ivelisse in the face...she will. If Tessa wants to beat any woman down...including that broken bitch Paige Knight...she will! And if I want to crack someone’s skull with my knee—just like I did to Deonna Purrazzo—I will...because that’s what we do!
But tonight, we’re going to celebrate. We’re going to pop Dom Perignon and toast Nixon and the return of Diamond. All you granola-eating hippy bitches better keep a close eye on your men tonight because three women who look like us don’t come through Denver very often. We’ll take your man and use him for all he’s worth.
Now we all know that Diamonds Are Forever, but actions speak louder than words. Nixon, why don’t you give Denver one last reminder of who you are...
Blanchard threw the microphone down, and she grabbed one of the limp arms of Shanna. Tenille Dashwood grabbed the other. Collectively, they held the defenseless Shanna up as Nixon Newell flashed a wicked smile. She backed up and prepared to mow down Shanna with another Shiniest Wizard.
As she prepared to strike...the music of Deonna Purrazzo hit!
A fired-up Deonna Purrazzo made a beeline towards the ring with a chair in her hand. Diamond threw Shanna down, and all three women faced Purrazzo. Blanchard urged Purrazzo to get in the ring. She screamed:
Come on you stupid bitch! I dare you to try. There’s THREE of us!
Purrazzo stopped at the foot of the ramp and cracked a wry smile. The music of Kay Lee Ray hit!
Kay Lee Ray walked down the ramp and stood next to Purrazzo. Looking Tessa Blanchard dead in the eyes, Purrazzo counted off her fingers...one, two...and three.
The music of Io Shirai hit!
The Denver crowd broke out into a wild ovation, as Io Shirai made her return to WSW after several months off following an injury suffered at the hands of Diamond. Shirai, Purrazzo, and Kay Lee Ray stood shoulder to shoulder...and then they hit the ring!
A wild scrap broke out between the six women. Io Shirai lit into Tenille Dashwood with wicked kicks and strikes, and Kay Lee Ray and Nixon Newell traded blows. Deonna Purrazzo ducked a belt shot by Tessa Blanchard and rammed the chair into her midsection. Purrazzo lifted the chair high, preparing to slam it across the World Champion’s back, but Dashwood yanked it out of her hands from behind.
Tenille Dashwood’s save cost her though, as Io Shirai hit a running dropkick to the chair...sending it smashing into the face of Dashwood! Diamond bailed from the ring!
Diamond retreated up the ramp, a look of pure anger was worn on Tessa Blanchard’s face as the trio of Purrazzo, Shirai, and KLR held their arms high in the ring. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo noted:
The battle lines have been drawn here on Ignition. Diamond is at full strength, but their reign of terror has met a helluva resistance!
A video promo highlighting last week’s match between Kenny Omega and Bandido aired. Despite his defeat, the newest WSW signee, Bandido turned heads and earned respect – pushing Omega to the brink and nearly defeating the World Champion. Interspersed with the video, Bandido spoke:
La semana pasada lo di todo. Mi corazón, mi sudor, mis lágrimas...lo derramé todo en el ring. Kenny, eras el mejor hombre, pero habrá un día en que nuestros caminos se volverán a cruzar... de eso estoy seguro.
Estoy aquí. Estoy en WSW. He esperado pacientemente toda mi vida por este momento y prometo que haré que dure.
Bandido no viene...Bandido está aquí, ¡y yo estoy aquí para ser el mejor del mundo!
(Last week I gave everything. My heart, my sweat, my tears...I poured it all out in the ring. Kenny, you were the better man, but there will be a day that our paths cross again...that I am sure.
I am here. I am in WSW. I have waited patiently my entire life for this moment, and I promise I will make it last.
Bandido is not coming...Bandido is here, and I'm here to be the best in the world!)
Match Three: “The Machine” Brian Cage (w/ Johnny Mundo, Taya Valkyrie, Maria & Mike Bennett) vs. Ricochet (w/ Kota Ibushi)
The third match of Ignition was a singles match between Brian Cage and Ricochet. Prior to the match, highlights are shown of the trios match from the 5.2 Ignition where Brian Cage was injured following a Spanish Fly by Ricochet from the apron to the floor.
The hulking Cage was accompanied by his LA Express stablemates and escorted to the ring by a chorus of boos. Johnny Mundo joined commentary for the match, with Mike Bennett and Taya Valkyrie standing behind him. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo and Paige Knight questioned the mindset of Cage and LA Express following a recent string of defeats. Mundo responded:
Whoa, whoa whoa...can we just stop for one second and acknowledge the fact that this broadcast just got a whole lot sexier! Camera man...get a close-up of me...damn my abs look good!
Second of all...yes, we’ve had a string of tough luck recently. That doesn’t mean the LA Express is slowing down. No, that’s a minor setback before a major comeback and it all starts tonight. Look at Brian Cage! I mean LOOK at him. He’s bigger, he’s meaner, and he’s the most unstoppable force in pro wrestling. We are going to witness carnage tonight. The LA Express is going to roll once again, and it all starts when MY machine squashes the annoying bug that is Ricochet! Brian Cage didn’t come here tonight to just win...he came to dominate Ricochet and HURT him! Cage even demanded that he go to the ring alone, that’s how determined he is to get his revenge. I don’t agree with it, but we’re honoring Brian’s wishes tonight as a family.
Ricochet made his way to the ring accompanied by Kota Ibushi to cheers from the Denver crowd. Mauro Ranallo noted that 2/3 of the Golden Triangle was represented tonight, as World Champion Kenny Omega was in transit following the events of the SummerFest press conference in Toronto.
The match started out with a sprint. At the opening bell, Ricochet exploded on Cage – nailing a shotgun dropkick that drove the big man back into the corner. Ricochet rained down strikes; however, Cage shoved him away with ease twice. Cage charged out the corner with anger seething on his face, but he ran into a roundhouse kick to the side of the head from Ricochet...followed by another! Cage stayed on his feet though, so Ricochet hit the ropes, but he ran into a wicked lariat that turned him inside out. Cage pounced – grabbing Ricochet off the canvas and throwing him violently headfirst into the middle turnbuckle. Cage went for a pump handle, but Ricochet flipped out to his feet and hit a jumping knee strike that took The Machine down. Ricochet covered for barely a 1 count!
On commentary, Paige Knight noted that Ricochet had been teaming and training with Kota Ibushi for seven months, and we could see the influence of Ibushi with Ricochet’s strikes and stand-up game.
Cage rolled to the apron. Knowing he needed to keep the up-tempo pace of the match, Ricochet sprang off the middle rope, over the top rope, looking for a DDT onto the apron; however, Cage caught him, and in one motion, transitioned to a vertical suplex onto the apron!
Ricochet landed hard, arching his back in pain. Both men went to the floor where Cage delighted in throwing Ricochet into the steel guardrail. Cage mouthed off to Kota Ibushi before driving Ricochet into the steel ring post with a running powerbomb!
On commentary, Johnny Mundo urged The Machine to break Ricochet. Cage drove Ricochet’s back into the ring apron before whipping him so violently into the guardrail that Ricochet was turned inside out from the force.
Back inside, Cage methodically went to work on the high-flyer – driving heavy shoulder blocks into the gut in the corner, followed by knife edge chops. With the crowd chanting his name, Ricochet would throw several strikes, but Cage shrugged them off. Cage hit a leaping knee strike of his own before whipping Ricochet into the turnbuckles so hard that he bounced 1/3 of the way across the ring from the impact.
Ricochet grimaced in pain, as Cage stalked him like a hungry animal. Cage began curling Ricochet as he walked around the ring. Cage threw Ricochet into a fireman’s carry and went for a Samoan Drop, but Ricochet countered with a Crucifix Bomb at the last second for a 2 Count! Ricochet nearly stole it!
Kota Ibushi slapped the apron (and the arena followed suit) to motivate Ricochet. Climbing to his feet, Ricochet landed a clothesline...but Cage didn’t move! Ricochet hit the ropes for momentum, but both men collided in the center of the ring with clotheslines. Both men went to a knee. Staring into each other’s eyes, both men let out a war cry and rose again. Ricochet ducked a massive lariat, hit a step-up enziguri, and took both men over the top to the floor with a leg lariat. Sliding back into the ring, Ricochet hit the ropes and flew with a springboard shooting star press to the floor!
“Holy Shit” chants rang out, and the ringside fans beat on the guardrail in support of Ricochet. Taking Brian Cage back inside the ring, Ricochet began to climb to the top turnbuckle. Cage cut him off with chops. Cage climbed the corner as well, putting Ricochet into a fireman’s carry; however, Ricochet threw hard elbows to escape. Standing on the top rope, Ricochet nailed a Frankensteiner and hooked the legs for a deep 2 count!
Both men were down, gasping for air, feeling the effects of the hard-hitting match. Ricochet rolled to the apron and looked poised for a springboard, but Cage popped him with a superkick. Cage tried his outside-in suplex, but Ricochet slipped out and showed off his incredible speed with a combination of strikes, capped by a Pele Kick, that took The Machine down. Ricochet covered for yet another 2 count!
Ricochet attempted to lift Cage for the Benadryller; however, the big man fought out and landed a heavy ripcord forearm shot that sent spit flying. Cage hit another jumping knee strike and followed with a vicious swinging neck breaker for a 2 count of his own!
Cage rose with a mean look in his eyes and he charged into Ricochet with a running uppercut followed by a gamenguri in the corner. Cage went for a German Suplex, but Ricochet grabbed the top rope in desperation to halt the momentum. He threw back elbows to temporarily escape Cage’s grasp, but he turned around into a stun gun that hung him out to dry on the top rope. On the apron, Cage exacted his revenge.......
Connecting on a Spanish Fly from the apron to the floor!
The crowd went wild as Ricochet was flattened by the very move that injured Cage weeks earlier! Ricochet was splattered on the floor mats.
Cage popped up and flexed – showing his otherworldly strength and agility. Looking to inflict more damage and not win by countout, Cage threw the writhing Ricochet back into the ring and onto the top turnbuckle. In a freakish display of strength, Cage lifted Ricochet for a delayed superplex – holding him in the air for 15 seconds before sending Ricochet crashing into the ring!
Cage covered, as Johnny Mundo proclaimed the match over.....
But Ricochet kicked out at 2.9!
Cage couldn’t believe it! He climbed to his feet and crouched in the corner. He sized up the battered Ricochet, urging him to get to his feet.
A weary Ricochet clutched his back and fought to regain his verticle base. As he did, Cage charged for a Spear...
But Ricochet countered with a fireman’s carry into the Benadryller!
Ricochet hit the move flush and covered!
But Cage kicked out!
“Ricochet” chants rang out in the Magness Arena, as the highflyer climbed the ropes – looking to finish the match with the 630. The damage to Ricochet’s back was excruciating as he climbed – giving Cage the time to cut him off with a gamenguri. Ricochet slumped in the corner, and Cage ripped him off the turnbuckles and hit a powerbomb. Cage maintained his grip, and hoisted Ricochet back up into a bucklebomb! He went for a third powerbomb, but Ricochet countered with a desperation roll-up for a 2 count.
Cage popped to his feet on the kick out and nailed a discus lariat followed by a spinning Liger Bomb!
But Ricochet kicked out again!
Mauro Ranallo went nuts on commentary:
Mama Mia...what heart, what guts on display from Ricochet! He just won’t die!
The crowd rose to their feet and cheered wildly in appreciation for the match.
Seeing Ricochet’s refusal to give in, a moment of panic set in, and Johnny Mundo ordered Taya Valkyrie and Mike Bennett to get to the ring. Sprinting down the ramp, Mike Bennett hopped onto the apron to distract the referee. Meanwhile, Taya Valkyrie slid a chair into the ring for Cage. Brian Cage looked at the chair with contempt. He refused to pick it up, and he kicked it out of the ring. On commentary, Johnny Mundo yelled:
Mundo couldn’t believe what he was seeing, and neither could Valkyrie. Kota Ibushi yanked Mike Bennett down from the apron and crushed him with a roundhouse kick to the head!
Brian Cage watched this play out, and he turned around and Ricochet struck. He flew from the apron with a springboard uppercut that found its mark! Cage was rocked on his feet, and Ricochet spiked him down with a poison rana!
Grabbing the arms of Cage, Ricochet let out another battle cry and he cracked Cage with the Kamigoye!
Followed by another!
Ricochet covered and won!
Winner: Ricochet (12:00)
Following the match, the crowd stayed on their feet to applaud Ricochet and the battle they had just witnessed. Ricochet had to collect his bearings before rising to his feet and getting his hand raised in victory. Taya Valkyrie was incredulous on the floor, and Johnny Mundo spiked his headset down in frustration.
Ricochet and Kota Ibushi celebrated the win on the ramp, as an irate Johnny Mundo made a beeline toward the ring. All the bravado was gone, as Mundo ripped his sunglasses off and scolded Brian Cage – screaming in his face:
What the HELL are you thinking?! THIS IS A FAMILY?!]
Brian Cage was bewildered, his face was beet red in anger. He shoved Mike Bennett in frustration and went to walk away. Mundo grabbed his arm though and screamed:
This was a big mistake, as Cage slowly turned around and glared at Mundo. He looked down at Mundo’s arm clutching his massive bicep and back up at Mundo. The message was loud and clear, and Mundo let him go and said:
Brian Cage then left his LA Express stablemates in the ring and walked off on his own.
A video promo aired featuring Candice LeRae’s dark turn, and her match on last week’s Ignition that saw her feign an injury to provide the distraction for Rachael Ellering’s surprise sneak attack. As the video aired, LeRae spoke, flanked by Ellering:
Oh, poor little street rat. Ivelisse you’re all guts and no brain...I told you, girl, I’ve always got an Option B. In this case, my Option B happens to be the absolute powerhouse of women’s wrestling...Rachael Ellering.
You see, much like me, Rachael was sick and tired of constantly trying to do the right thing in this business, just to suffer setback after setback.
You know how many times I thought I could smile my way through the disappointment...you know how much it killed me to sign autographs for little girls in airports at 6 AM just to be asked:
‘You’re my role model Candice, but when are you going to champion again?’
WE’RE DONE WAITING, and we’re DONE playing by the rules. This has ALWAYS been MY DIVISION, and with Rachael Ellering watching my back.... I’m taking us all the way to the top!
Oh, and Ivelisse, if you think about coming for me again...we’ll break your freaking arm!
A sit-down interview aired with Jon Moxley, conducted by Mauro Ranallo. In a darkened, empty arena, Ranallo and Moxley sat next to each other inside the ring. Moxley wore a worn leather jacket with a white t-shirt, jeans, and boots.
Mauro Ranallo: It is a great thrill for me to be sitting here with the man who shocked the world just two weeks ago on Ignition with his arrival...Jon Moxley. Jon, here we are in a WSW ring. Does this feel real yet? Can you believe it...because I’m looking right at you, and I can’t believe it.
Jon Moxley: It’s liberating Mauro...just looking around and seeing that logo on the mat...it gives me a sense of freedom. To know that the sport of professional wrestling is celebrated here and championed better than it is anywhere else in the world sends electricity through my veins that I haven’t felt since I was fighting for $50 a night at the 2300 Arena in Philly for CZW. WSW is the wild frontier for me, a new journey. So, to answer your question, I’m not sure if it feels real or not yet. I’ve been riding the edge of a lightning bolt for a few weeks now, but I can guarantee you that next week when I’m standing in this ring, looking RUSH right in the eyes, and that bell rings...it will get very damn real.
Mauro Ranallo: Let’s talk about that for just a moment. You arrived in WSW and immediately set your sights on RUSH. Why?
Jon Moxley: Because he’s a badass, and I’m looking for a fight. To do what I’m setting out to do Mauro, I’ve got to put myself against the best and the toughest. I’ve got to drag my ass into dark alleys and deep shark-infested water to challenge myself. When you look at the two of us, we’re more similar than you’d think. RUSH has a strong pedigree in Mexico, and he struck out on his own because he didn’t want to follow the rules...he wanted to make his own. Sound familiar? I respect that, but I want to find out just how tough RUSH is. How much do you really love this RUSH?! There’s a tiger inside me that has been itching to get out of his cage for a long time, and next week that sucker is getting set free to hunt.
Mauro Ranallo: I must ask you about your interaction with Will Ospreay as well. You dropped him on his head with a Death Rider DDT. That’s a helluva statement Jon, but you’ll be front and center for him as well.
Jon Moxley: Good. I’ve followed Will’s career; I know who he is and what he’s done. He’s got his hands full with Dragon Lee right now, but when he wants to respond to me...he’ll know how to find me. I ain’t hard to find.
The thing people must understand with me, is I’m not going to bullshit you. I’m not here for the cameras, social media clout, or anything else.... I’m here to fight. I’m here to step into MY CHURCH...this ring...and worship in violence. I’m ready to sweat, bleed, get knocked down, and knock people out. That’s what I live for and guess what Mauro...for the first time in a very long time...I’m ALIVE again!
A short video package aired on the Elite 8 Tournament, highlighting the 8 top prospects from the WSW Dojo. The tournament kicks off tonight with Sammy Guevara vs. Ace Austin, the winner moving on to face the winner of next week’s match, Brian Pillman Jr. Vs. Lee Johnson. The finals of the Elite 8 Tournament will be held at Ignition 200 on 7.18.
Match Four: Elite 8 Tournament Round 1: “The Ace of Spades” Ace Austin vs. “The Best Ever” Sammy Guevara
As each wrestler made their entrance, inset video promos aired. Ace Austin said:
My name is Ace Austin, and I am unparalleled. There is not another like me, and I’m saying that as a fact. Now it’s easy to mistake my confidence for arrogance. Confident...I am, talented...I am, but I am also not wasteful. I don’t waste money, I don’t waste time, and I don’t waste opportunities. The Elite 8 Tournament is an opportunity that will not be wasted on Ace Austin. I am here to win. I am here to make a long-lasting impression, and I am going to do just that.
Sammy Guevara (wearing ring attire that featured a panda on his head) said:
I promise you this...you are looking at the future. You are looking at the next great superstar in this sport. My name is Sammy Guevara, and after tonight...you’ll never forget it...that’s a promise.
Mauro Ranallo and Paige Knight ran down the credentials of both men as the bell sounded. Ranallo noted that Austin is just 22 years old, and Guevara is 25 years old. Both Ranallo and Knight spoke about the opportunity presented by this tournament.
The two men circled each other before locking up and engaging in a fast-paced grappling sequence. Austin was able to get an abdominal stretch applied, but Guevara slipped out and applied a side headlock. Austin countered with a hammerlock, and Guevara hit a head scissors takedown and kipped up to his feet. Guevara posed and shouted:
The pace quickened with a rope running sequence where both men showed their athleticism. Dropdowns, leapfrogs, and ducked lariats ensued, and Austin slid over the back of Guevara before springing off the middle rope to hit a head scissors takedown followed by a leg lariat. This time it was Austin’s turn to taunt Guevara.
Another rope-running sequence ensued, with Guevara backflipping over a charging Austin before hitting a dropkick flush. Once again, Guevara kipped to his feet and posed for the fans. Guevara took a bow to mixed reactions from the Denver crowd.
Guevara charged at Austin in the corner, but he was elevated over the top to the apron. Austin feigned a springboard dropkick, as Guevara ducked, opting for a boot through the ropes to the side of Guevara’s head to send him to the floor. Austin then nailed a slingshot dropkick through the ropes to the floor. Austin maintained his grip on the top rope, skinned the cat, and flew with a springboard somersault senton that hit perfectly!
Austin rolled Guevara back into the ring, but Sammy popped to his feet and sprinted to the ropes for momentum...he then flew to the floor with a Fosbury Flop!
The crowd applauded as Guevara posed at the foot of the ramp. Back inside, Guevara drove Austin into the corner and laid in chops and forearms. Guevara then connected on two hard kicks to the sternum that drove Austin to his knees. As Guevara wound up for a third, Austin countered with a Dragon Screw. Austin then slapped on an Indian Deathlock. Guevara felt the pain of the submission immediately and scrambled to the bottom rope for a break.
Guevara reversed a whip into the corner but ran into a boot. Austin charged at Guevara, but Sammy caught him with a snap power slam. In one fluid motion, Guevara vaulted to the top turnbuckle and flew with a moonsault, but Austin rolled out the way; however, Guevara landed on his feet. Sammy immediately tried a standing moonsault, but Austin again rolled out of the way—once again, Guevara landed on his feet. Finally, Guevara connected on a standing shooting press for the first cover of the match, and a 2 count!
Guevara tried to suplex Austin over the ropes to the floor, but Austin slipped out to the apron. Austin followed with a gamenguri and a double springboard missile dropkick. Both men climbed to their feet, and Austin CRUSHED Guevara with a spinning roundhouse kick, a superkick, and then a double stomp to the back of the head for a deep 2 count!
The young stars met in the center of the ring for a striking battle, Guevara throwing chops and Austin throwing leg kicks. They went back and forth before Guevara surprised Austin with a Superman elbow strike. Guevara then executed the verticle suplex over the top rope; however, Austin hung on and both men spilled over the top to the floor and landed on their feet!
Guevara maintained his grip though and hit a snap suplex on the floor!
Guevara then draped Austin over the top of the guardrail and NAILED a SHOOTING STAR PRESS off the apron!
A “Sammy” chant started to break out in the Magness Arena as both men lay on the floor mats. Guevara rolled Austin back into the ring and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Sammy flew with a 630.......
But he landed on the knees of Ace Austin!
Austin rose to his feet and nailed The Fold (running flipping neckbreaker) for the pin and the win!
Winner: Ace Austin (10:00)
Ace Austin moves on in the Elite 8 Tournament and will face the winner of Brian Pillman Jr and Lee Johnson!
Backstage, Todd Keneley interviewed Ross & Marshall Von Erich.
Todd Keneley: Backstage here with two of the newest and brightest stars in WSW, Ross & Marshall Von Erich. Gentlemen, you made your WSW debut two weeks ago here on Ignition. What’s next for the Von Erichs?
Marshall Von Erich: We’re here to work Todd. We’re here to gear up, get in that ring, and go to work. Ross and I were put on this planet to do ONE thing and ONE thing only...and that’s wrestle.
Ross Von Erich: That’s right brother – we're going to climb the ladder of the tag team division in WSW. Rung by rung – no shortcuts. The Von Erich name was made on grit, hard work, and being tough as hell. We want the biggest and we want the best teams in WSW. We’re here to prove we are more than just a famous last name....
Ross Von Erich was interrupted by The Carolina Outlaws who walked into the backstage interview area. Trevor Lee mockingly clapped as he walked in:
Trevor Lee: Well, well, well...if it isn’t the Von Erichs. Welcome to WSW boys! Just know that’s exactly what you are...boys. You are young bloods – Andrew and I are grizzled. We built this tag division with our own hands, and as far as I’m concerned, the only reason you’re here is because of us. So rather than talking about climbing the ladder of the tag division, why don’t you say thank you and then get your ass to the back of the line!
Marshall Von Erich: We know who you two are and what you’ve done. You’ve been to heights that we strive for. We also know things haven't gone your way lately, and you reek of desperation, Trevor. You see boys we don’t like to talk much, we let our actions in the ring speak louder than our words. With that said, you heard Ross...we want the biggest and best teams in WSW. What do you say, The Carolina Outlaws vs. The Von Erichs next week?
Trevor Lee: (laughs) You got it. Just know, I’m on a mission and I WON’T BE STOPPED! Let’s GO, Andrew!
A video package aired on RUSH. We see highlights of RUSH in WSW and CMLL – including his interactions with Jon Moxley over the past several weeks. RUSH spoke in English to start:
Jon Moxley. The Lone Wolf has come to WSW. I understand you. You've decided to make your name by taking me down. You picked me first, and you chose poorly Jon. I am the baddest man you will ever look in the eyes.
Mi nombre es RUSH y soy el gran luchador mexicano. Cualquiera que se atreva a subir al ring conmigo recibirá una paliza y un pisotón. No puedo esperar para escupir en tu cuerpo roto, Jon. TODO WSW está sobre aviso....
(My name is RUSH, and I am the greatest Mexican luchador. Anyone that dares step into the ring will get their ass beat and they will get stomped down. I can’t wait to spit on your broken body Jon. ALL of WSW is on notice...)
The fifth match of Ignition was a singles match between Aero Star and RUSH. As RUSH made his entrance, Mauro Ranallo and Paige Knight spoke about the presence he carried when he walked into an arena. The two speculated that somewhere, Jon Moxley was watching this match intently.
At the bell, RUSH swarmed Aero Star – pounding into the masked luchador with chops, fists, and forearms. He struck with speed and intensity like a pit viper. He repeatedly stomped down on Aero Star in the corner. RUSH threw Aero Star overhead with a release belly-to-belly suplex.
Hitting the ropes, RUSH went for a senton, but Aero Star rolled out the way. Aero Star then fired into RUSH with leg kicks and chops. A rope running sequence ensued with leapfrogs and dropdowns before Aero Star caught RUSH with a dropkick. RUSH rolled to the outside, and Aero Star didn’t let up. He flew with a pescado, but RUSH sidestepped him. Aero Star landed on his feet but was popped with a wicked forearm from RUSH. RUSH then whipped Aero Star into the timekeeper’s table, sending papers and bodies flying on impact!
Gathering the camera cable on the floor, RUSH whipped Aero Star! Each strike cracked like a whip that echoed throughout the Magness Arena.
Taking things back inside, the referee admonished RUSH for his use of the camera cable, and RUSH backed him into a corner and threatened to punch him. RUSH then charged at Aero Star in the opposite corner, but his lapse with the referee cost him, as Aero Star avoided him by slipping through the ropes, and hitting a gamenguri to the back of the head. Aero Star vaulted to the top and hit a HIGH crossbody!
Once again, RUSH rolled to the floor, but Aero Star followed with a low-pe suicida! The move found its mark, and Aero Star popped to the apron and flew again with his springboard no look senton (trust fall)!
Aero Star rolled RUSH back into the ring and covered for barely a 1 count!
Aero Star sprang off the middle rope looking for another no-look senton, but RUSH caught him and PLANTED him with a German Suplex! Aero Star landed hard and high on his neck and head!
Wasting no time, RUSH nailed a basement dropkick. In the ultimate show of disrespect in lucha libre, RUSH started pulling on the mask of Aero Star while also gauging the eyes. Aero Star countered with a jawbreaker. Gathering his bearings, and readjusting his mask, Aero Star hit the ropes, but ran directly into a pump knee strike from RUSH followed by a superkick!
Aero Star fell into the corner. RUSH shouted “Jon!” before running forward and SMASHING Aero Star with the Bull’s Horns for the pin and win!
Winner: RUSH (6:40)
As RUSH was getting his hand raised, the roof of the Magness Arena blew off as “Shoot to Thrill” sounded out!
Jon Moxley was here!
The crowd buzzed with anticipation as Moxley appeared in the crowd, making a beeline for the ring!
Dozens of WSW Security members and law enforcement officials spilled to ringside to prevent Moxley from jumping the guardrail while dozens more hit the ring to block RUSH.
A gang of bodies separated the two men who mouthed off to each other. “Let them fight!” chants sounded out. Jon Moxley and RUSH meet one one-on-one next week on Ignition!
A video promo on Black Arrow aired. Intercontinental Champion Adam Cole was flanked by Dawson and Wilder as they spoke to the camera:
Adam Cole: We’ve heard all the questions. What’s next for Black Arrow? What’s next for THE standard bearers of pro wrestling? I’m not going to lie, valiantly defended my Intercontinental Title inside a steel cage against a 270-pound monster in Bobby Lashley, and then BREAKING his leg and SNAPPING the arm of that fat has been Arn Anderson...is a pretty difficult act to follow. But...I’d say we’re ready fellas.
Wilder: That’s right! We sent a message to The Carolina Outlaws last week, that WE are still the greatest tag team in the world. It’s been a minute since we’ve held the World Tag Team Championships, but I can promise you that Dawson and I are hungry sharks swimming, and we're ready to eat!
Dawson: This right here is the pinnacle of pro wrestling. Adam by god GOLD Bay Bay and The Death Busters, the greatest tag team wrestlers to ever lace up a pair of boots. I’ve heard a lot of teams lately use terms like “best” or “greatest” -- NO SIR that doesn’t fly with me, and I promise in due time...Wilder and I will LEAVE NO DOUBT about that.
This is a collective...this is a group that knows no bounds and plays second fiddle to NO ONE!
Boys...I think it’s time we go straight to straight to the top. I think it’s time to go big game hunting.
Adam Cole: Ooooh, I like the sound of that. But...we’re going to make you wait. WSW is on our terms. But I promise...when Black Arrow aims....we don’t miss.
A video promo airs on the rivalry between Will Ospreay and Dragon Lee. Dragon Lee defeated Will Ospreay in his WSW debut on the 4.18 Ignition. Ospreay won the return match at Undisputed. We see highlights of Ospreay’s challenge to Dragon Lee from last week...one more match for all the marbles. Dragon Lee cut a promo in Spanish:
WSW me ha proporcionado la plataforma para mostrar mis talentos a una audiencia global. También me ha dado la oportunidad de luchar dos veces contra Will Ospreay.
Te escuché alto y claro la semana pasada, Will. Quieres un partido más... bueno, yo también. Fuiste mi primera victoria en WSW y fuiste mi primera derrota.
Un partido más para reclamar la serie. Un partido más para derribar la casa. Un partido más para demostrar quién es el mejor...
Tú y yo Will. Una vez más. En dos semanas en Ignition. ¡Acepto tu reto!”
(WSW has provided me the platform to showcase my talents to a global audience. It has also given me the chance to wrestle Will Ospreay twice.
I heard you loud and clear last week Will. You want one more match....well so do I.
You were my first victory in WSW, and you were my first defeat. One more match to claim the series. One more match to tear the house down. One more match to prove who the better man is...
You and me Will. One more time. In two weeks on Ignition. I accept your challenge!)
Ahead of the main event, Mauro Ranallo and Paige Knight ran down the card for next week’s Ignition:
Elite 8 Tournament: Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Lee Johnson
Cody vs. Travis Banks
Io Shirai, Kay Lee Ray & Deonna Purrazzo vs. Diamond
The Carolina Outlaws vs. The Von Erichs
Bandido vs. Caristico
We hear from WSW World Champion Kenny Omega
Jon Moxley vs. RUSH
In Two Weeks:
Dragon Lee vs. Will Ospreay
Match Six: Non-Title Match – Volador Jr. & Valiente vs. The Hart Foundation (c)
The main event of Ignition was a non-title tag team match between Volador Jr. & Valiente of CMLL and the WSW World Tag Team Champions The Hart Foundation. Mauro Ranallo noted that Volador Jr. & Valiente were former CMLL World Tag Team Champions, and should they win tonight, they will receive a title shot.
The Denver crowd cheered the arrival of The Hart Foundation (and Teddy Hart’s cat); however, Brian Pillman Jr. did not accompany Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr. to the ring. Paige Knight noted this was on orders from Hart and Smith to devote all of his attention and focus on winning the Elite 8 Tournament.
Davey Boy Smith started against Valiente, with the Smith using his power and mat skills to overwhelm and ground the luchador. Smith showed off his grappling skills until Valiente was able to escape a top wrist lock by using the ropes to backflip out of the move and followed with a Mexican Armdrag. The pace quickened with Valiente using his quickness to evade a number of Smith’s strikes. Valiente slid under a big boot attempt before tagging in Volador.
Upon his entrance, Volador called out Teddy Hart. Hart tagged in, and the two men circled each other. Hart and Volador went back and forth with a dizzying sequence of counters and reversals before both tried dropkicks at the same time to end in a stalemate and applause. Quickly they launched into another back and forth, but Volador caught Hart with a combination of strikes before snapping off a high revolution tilt-a-whirt headscissors. Volador bounced off the ropes, but Hart countered with a pop-up Samoan Drop!
Tagging his cousin back in, The Hart Foundation went to work with their trademark double team offense. Smith drove Volador into the canvas with a power slam, and Hart immediately followed with a beautiful moonsault. Smith covered for a 2 count!
Smith then pressed Volador over his head, and Hart came off the top yet again with a diving DDT! Smith covered but Valiente broke up the pinfall. Volador rolled to the floor, as Valiente hit the ropes to attack both members of The Hart Foundation, but they back body dropped him over the ropes onto Volador on the floor!
The World Tag Team Champions stood alone in the ring and posed – dominating the opening moments of the main event!
Valiente and Volador regrouped in the corner as Valiente tagged in, as did Hart. Valiente and Hart threw chops at each other, with Hart getting the better of the exchange. Hart whipped Valiente into the corner, but the masked luchador jumped off the middle rope and caught a charging Hart with a sunset flip for a 2 count. Hart immediately kicked out and nailed Valiente with a basement dropkick. Hart took things to the apron and called for a piledriver.....but Valiente blocked it and countered with a cutter on the apron!
Hart rolled to the floor, clutching his head. Using an assisted boost from Volador, Valiente charged down the apron and FLEW with a HUGE hurricanrana on the floor!
Valiente threw Hart back into the ring, and the CMLL duo struck with a double team. Valiente connected on a missile dropkick followed immediately by a diving headbutt from Volador! Valiente covered, but Davey Boy Smith Jr. broke up the pin. Hart rolled to the apron, feeling the effects of the lightning strike offense.
Davey Boy tried to big boot Volador from the ring, but Volador ducked, and Davey Boy got crotched on the top rope. Stereo gamenguri kicks sent Smith over the top to the floor, and stereo tope suicidas drove the big man into the guardrail!
Valiente and Volador took their time to shine, posing in the ring, and the World Tag Team Champions regrouped on the floor!
The match reset with Volador and Davey Boy Smith in the ring. The two went back and forth until Smith caught Volador on a springboard attempt. Smith went for a German Suplex, but Volador flipped over to his feet and hit a dropkick to the back of Smith. Smith fell head and neck first over the second rope, and Volador connected on a slingshot guillotine leg drop!
Volador and Valiente cut off the ring. They made quick tags and emphasized the legs of the much larger Smith. Like lumberjacks, they chopped at the massive quads with quick strikes to keep him grounded.
Teddy Hart slapped at the top turnbuckle, and the crowd followed suit with a “Davey” chant. Finally, Smith was able to halt the momentum, catching both Volador and Valiente with a double Northern Lights Suplex!
He tagged in Teddy Hart who came in a house of fire. He ran wild with clotheslines before hitting a powerbomb dropped onto his knees on Volador, followed by one for Valiente! Hart then took out Volador with a chicken wing implant DDT!
Valiente was the legal man though, and he rolled up Hart from behind for a near fall!
Hart transitioned out of the kick-out by catching Valiente in the Rings of Saturn! The submission was locked in deep in the center of the ring. With nowhere to go, Valiente showed his ring savvy, using Hart’s momentum as he cranked on the arm against him, shifting the body weight to pin Hart’s shoulders for a deep 2 count!
Hart was surprised, at how close he was to being pinned! He expressed his frustration by lighting into Valiente with chops. He shot Valiente into the ropes, and Volador blind tagged in. Valiente popped Hart with a kick on a back body drop attempt, and he and Volador lit up Hart with a kick combination. A dropkick from Volador dropped Hart, and Valiente flew off the top with a huge crossbody splash. Volador followed with a senton from the top! He covered, but Hart kicked out!
Davey Boy Smith Jr. paced on the apron, urging Teddy to make the tag. Volador whipped Hart into the corner, but he elevated up and onto the back of Volador, standing on his back, before hitting a wicked Code Red for a 2 count!
Both men were down, as a “This Is Awesome” chant broke out. Both men crawled to their corners and made tags.
Valiente and Davey Boy charged into the ring. Smith nearly beheaded Valiente with a big boot, followed by another, and then another! The Hart Foundation then fired off a wicked combination: half-and-half suplex by Davey Boy Smith, backstabber by Teddy Hart, and a MASSIVE lariat from Smith! Valiente was ping-ponged back and forth and folded like a cheap suit from the impact......
But he still kicked out at 2!
The Hart Foundation looked to end it. Davey Boy lifted Valiente in the electric chair, and Teddy Hart headed up top for the Hart Destroyer. However, Valiente slipped out and shoved Smith into Hart – knocking him off the top. Valiente hit a dropkick to Smith’s back to drive him into the corner. Volador entered the ring and hit a splash. Valiente followed with a cannonball!
Volador then draped Smith in the middle rope, and Valiente came off the top with a draping Senton!
But Smith kicked out at 2!
Things broke down as Teddy Hart entered the ring and took Volador over the top to the floor with a Cactus Clothesline. Hart threw Volador into the guardrail and wiped him out with a beautiful HIGH Arabian Moonsault!
Inside the ring, Smith was still grounded, and Valiente slowly but surely climbed to the top, feeling the effects of the match. He positioned himself on the top and flew with a moonsault...
But Smith moved, and Valiente crashed and burned! Smith struck...as he snatched the luchador off the canvas and planted him with a powerbomb!
Maintaining his grip, he hoisted Valiente back up, and Teddy Hart flew off the top with the Hart Break (combination powerbomb by Smith/blockbuster by Hart).
Davey Boy covered for the pin and the win!
Winners: The Hart Foundation (11:22)
Following the match, The Hart Foundation held their World Tag Team Championships high. Mauro Ranallo noted on commentary:
From the moment they arrived in WSW, The Hart Foundation has done things their way with their unique style. And for 169 days, they have been the undisputed BEST tag team.....”
Before he could finish one of his patented soliloquies, the lights in the Magness Arena went completely dark.........
Seconds felt like hours in the pitch black. The lights came back on to reveal Konnan standing alone in the ring across from The Hart Foundation. Konnan clutched his cane as he looked directly into the eyes of Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr.....then with an eery smile, Konnan began to laugh.........
And The Lucha Brothers struck from behind!
Wielding steel chairs, Pentagon and Fenix DESTROYED the Hart Foundation!
Wild swings of the steel popped like artillery fire across the backs of Hart and Smith! With the crowd raining down boos, The Lucha Brothers hit chair shot after chair shot – on the champions. The Lucha Brothers vowed revenge on The Hart Foundation for their defeat at Undisputed, and they made good on their promise!
Brian Pillman Jr. sprinted down to the ring, in street clothes!
Ordered by his partners to devote all his time and attention to the Elite 8 Tournament, Pillman tried to make the save! He charged in like a scalded dog and hit anything that moved!
The crowd started a “Brian” chant, as he valiantly fought off two men wielding weapons. Pillman was a man possessed as he attacked both Fenix and Pentagon..........
But Konnan hit a low blow from behind!
Pillman dropped to his knees and was OBLITERATED by a superkick from Fenix!
Valiente and Volador tried to make the save in a show of respect for their opponents, but they were greeted with savage chair shots from The Lucha Brothers!
Pentagon held a chair next to the face of Davey Boy Smith, and Fenix superkicked it! Smith went down in a heap, the chair dented from the impact!
The Lucha Brothers had laid waste to everything in their way! Konnan directed traffic, and Pentagon went under the ring to retrieve a toolbox. Pentagon removed duct tape.
The Lucha Brothers then duct-taped the arms of Brian Pillman Jr. to the top rope. Pillman’s eyes filled with rage as he tried in vain to free himself...all he got was a front-row seat to more carnage.
The Lucha Brothers hit a Fear Factor on Teddy Hart onto a chair!
Hart was motionless in the ring, and Pillman screamed a blood-curdling:
Fenix then superkicked the immobile Pillman once more.
Grabbing the right arm of Davey Boy Smith Jr., Pentagon performed the Arm Break!
Smith writhed in pain as The Hart Foundation had been completely decimated.
Konnan assessed the damage that had been caused by his two charges, and he coldly picked the World Tag Team Championship belts up off the canvas and handed them to Fenix and Pentagon. The duo held the titles high to a shower of boos.
As quickly as they struck, The Lucha Brothers left the ring with the belts.......they committed an all-out assault and stole the titles!
Ignition ended with Fenix and Pentagon holding the titles belts high on the stage as Konnan stood between the brothers and shouted:
The biggest news story in professional wrestling this week centers around WWE’s critically panned Super Showdown. Held on 6/7 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the show was the third event promoted by WWE as part of the company’s 10-year partnership with the country. WWE is set to receive $40M in cash from the show, but the negative response goes beyond the political and social element this time.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter wrote
“...it wasn’t much of a show. It got amongst the worst poll results in our history.”
99.5% of the newsletter’s 192 respondents gave Super Showdown a “thumbs down” (only one voter gave the show a “thumbs up” rating).
The most talked about element of the show was the disastrous main event between Undertaker and Goldberg. Goldberg, who WWE pushed heavily for to keep him away from WSW, appeared to knock himself out while charging into the ring post early in the match. Goldberg was covered in blood; however, the match was not stopped. It should have been, as the match became a series of botches. Goldberg’s legs weren’t under him on a jackhammer attempt, and he lost control of Undertaker and dropped him on his head. Undertaker tombstoned Goldberg on his head. The finish saw Undertaker hit a chokeslam that Goldberg barely got up for. After the match was over, both men collapsed backstage.
Both men were very upset with their performance. The criticism of the main event was rampant on social media, including within the WWE umbrella. NXT star Matt Riddle caused controversy with a series of tweets attacking Goldberg, calling him: “the worst worker in the business” and “unsafe, dangerous, and a liability to everyone else.”
The Saudi shows have a completely different atmosphere than anything else for a variety of reasons, but Super Showdown featured an unenthusiastic crowd of 21,000, basic matches, and very questionable booking. For example: Lars Sullivan had a competitive match against the Lucha House Party that ended in a DQ, another tease but no payoff for a Brock Lesner cash-in, and an overcrowded battle royal.
Alexa Bliss and Natalya made the trip, as WWE was originally told that women would be allowed to wrestle on this show. When they arrived in Saudi Arabia, the Sports Authority turned down the match. The result was a very long flight for Bliss and Natalya to essentially do nothing.
With no NBA Finals competition, Ignition on 6/6 did 988,000 viewers with a .39 in the key 18-49 demo. The viewership is the highest since the 4/11 show (fallout from Seize the Day). The demo rating was the highest since 5/2. The show was #1 overall on cable. This was a huge win for WSW, and it should be viewed as a very good sign once the NBA Finals wrap. Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals led all of television on 6/6 with 5,453,000 viewers and scoring a 1.7 in the 18-49 demo.
The 6/13 Ignition will face incredibly difficult competition in the form of Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
The 6/10 Raw went up against Game Five of the NBA Finals and did the lowest non-holiday number in the modern history of the show. Raw did 2,125,000 viewers and a .56 in the key demo. Smackdown on 6/11 did 1,930,000 viewers and a .40 in the key demo. It was the fifth lowest for a live Tuesday Smackdown.
In an interesting audience study--conducted via weeks of demo information--77% of WSW’s audience is between 18 and 44. That skews much lower than WWE, where the average viewer is about 50. The WSW number is much closer to that of the UFC.
WSW officially announced the main event for 7/13 SummerFest as Kenny Omega vs. Claudio Castagnoli for the WSW World Championship. They shot an angle at the press conference in Toronto that aired on 6/6. They also aired a fantastic video package on the history of professional wrestling in Toronto. The show sold out in one day, and sources close to the situation indicate that WSW will look to pull out all the stops for the event.
WWE’s decision to counterprogram with an NXT UK Takeover in Cardiff, Wales does not appear to have impacted SummerFest at all.
Fueled by the ticket sales of SummerFest, and the general momentum of the company, WSW and Viacom have created The Biggest Summer Ever promotional campaign that will advertise Ignition and WSW across the various Viacom networks throughout the summer months.
Bellator will hold one of its largest events in history with its annual Madison Square Garden show on 6/14. WSW commentator Chael Sonnen is fighting Lyoto Machida at the event. Sonnen has been away from WSW for training purposes, but he is scheduled to return to his role at the 6/18 tapings in Cleveland.
Sasha Banks was filming content for the WWE video game this week. While there is not a date for her return, she did have a meeting with Vince McMahon and the belief was that after that meeting, she would be returning at some point. There isn’t much choice, because if she refuses to return, WWE will freeze the length of her contract.
WSW announced a 9/5 date for Ignition in Hoffman Estates, Illinois for Night Four of the 2019 Grand Prix.
Upcoming TV tapings and ticket sales look like this:
6/18 in Cleveland (Wolstein Center): 5,000
6/29 in Daytona Beach (Ocean Center): 5,000
7/18 in Atlanta (State Farm Arena – Ignition 200): 5,850
7/20 in Charlotte (Bojangles Coliseum): 3,350
8/3 in New Orleans (UNO Lakefront Arena): 2,300
8/15 in Houston (NRG Arena – Grand Prix Night One): 3,300
8/22 in Phoenix (Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Grand Prix Night Two): 2,400
8/29 in St. Louis (Chaifetz Arena – Grand Prix Night Three): 2,000
There are no house shows scheduled for this week.
Advertised for the 6/13 Ignition:
Kay Lee Ray, Io Shirai & Deonna Purrazzo vs. Diamond
Bandido vs. Caristico
Cody vs. Travis Banks
The Carolina Outlaws vs. The Von Erichs
Elite 8 Tournament: Lee Johnson vs. Brian Pillman Jr.
The 6/13 Ignition opened with a video package highlighting the dominance of Diamond since their arrival in WSW in 2018. We see their underhanded, ruthless tactics that led them to the top of the Women’s Division and Tessa Blanchard’s ascent to the Women’s World Title at Grand Prix Finals 2018. Highlights air of Blanchard retaining the title against Io Shirai and Deonna Purrazzo, with the assistance of her stablemates.
Highlights air of Nixon Newell’s return at Undisputed, where she struck down a defeated Deonna Purrazzo. We see the events of last week where Io Shirai, Deonna Purrazzo, and Kay Lee Ray joined forces the square off against Diamond and fight with even numbers. Purrazzo, KLR, and Io Shirai conducted a sit-down promo while the highlights aired:
Deonna Purrazzo: For over a year Diamond has run roughshod in WSW. They do it with strength in numbers. Every single time someone challenges their balance of power, they find ways to wiggle free from the pressure. That ends TODAY! That ends with us!
Kay Lee Ray: I am SICK and TIRED of Diamond. I’m over the limos, the champaign, the Instagram bikini pictures. My whole life I have dealt with bullies and mean girls. I’ve been told time and time again that I wasn’t good enough or I wasn’t pretty enough. When I started in pro wrestling, I was told I didn’t have the “right look” to go far in this business. My whole life I’ve dealt with bullies, and I have proved every single one of them wrong. Diamond is nothing but a bunch of bullies, and tonight we’ll show that when you pop a bully square in the mouth, they fall like dominoes.
Deonna Purrazzo: Make no doubt about it...we ALL want what Tessa has. We all want to be World Champion, but tonight...tonight is all about evening up the score. I promised to cut the cancer that is Diamond from WSW, and I’ve found an army that’s ready to go to war!
The video package ended, and we cut inside the Magness Arena where the commentary duo of Mauro Ranallo and Paige Knight welcomed us to Ignition amidst the pyro exploding on stage.
Match One: Deonna Purrazzo, Io Shirai & Kay Lee Ray vs. Diamond (Tessa Blanchard, Nixon Newell & Tenille Dashwood)
The first match of Ignition was a women’s trios match. The Denver crowd cheered the arrival of Purrazzo, Shirai, and KLR and jeered Diamond. The trio of Tessa Blanchard, Nixon Newell & Tenille Dashwood walked down the ramp with unmatched arrogance. Bodak Yellow by Cardi B was the soundtrack to their entrance.
The six women didn’t back down – they stood toe to toe in the center of the ring, jawing with each other. Tessa Blanchard stood front and center and said:
Deonna Purrazzo delivered her message in the form of a right-hand square to the jaw! A pier-six brawl broke out immediately!
All six women tore into each other in a wild scene! Purrazzo delivered machine gun forearms straight to the face of the World Champion before Blanchard raked the eyes and escaped to the floor. Nixon Newell was clotheslined over the top by Shirai and KLR. Tenille Dashwood charged, but she was DESTROYED by a roundhouse kick of the head by Io Shirai causing her to fall like yesterday’s trash through the ropes to the floor!
Diamond regrouped at the mouth of the ramp. They teased walking out, before slowly returning to ringside. Milking every second of the 20 count, they finally got back to the ring apron as the referee restored order.
The match officially began with Deonna Purrazzo squaring off against Tessa Blanchard, the same two women who squared off one one-on-one at Undisputed. They went to lock up, but Blanchard bailed at the last second and tagged Nixon Newell to boos from the crowd.
Newell and Purrazzo squared off, the pain of Newell’s knee to the head at Undisputed, fresh on Deonna’s mind. They locked up, with Purrazzo showing off her grappling skills; however, Newell flashed her quickness to avoid being taken to the mat. Newell popped off a quick kick combo and whipped Purrazzo into the ropes. Deonna avoided a backbody drop attempt with a kick to the face followed by a basement dropkick to the surgically repaired leg of Newell. Picking the ankle, Purrazzo looked for an ankle lock, but Newell rolled through to escape and bailed from the ring. Tenille Dashwood entered the ring to attack, but she ran directly into a belly-to-belly suplex! Tessa Blanchard then entered and tried to hit the hammerlock DDT, but Shirai and KLR entered and hit a double superkick on Blanchard!
Diamond was on the floor again, and KLR flew with a tope suicida! Deonna Purrazzo hit a running cannonball off the apron! Io Shirai then took out ALL of Diamond with a moonsault off the top to the floor!
Back inside, Purrazzo tagged KLR. Tenille Dashwood tagged in for Diamond. KLR flashed her hard striking offense on Dashwood – lighting her up with chops, kicks, and forearms. KLR hit the ropes but was caught with a knee to the back from the apron by Blanchard. This provided enough distraction for Dashwood to hit a superkick followed by a front suplex. Dashwood tagged Nixon Newell who came in like a kickboxer. Showing unbelievable athleticism and speed, Newell lit up KLR with a variety of kicks. Newell caught KLR under the chin with a pump knee strike before landing a vertical suplex for a 2 count.
Newell tagged Dashwood back in, and they tried a double team, but KLR elevated Newell up and over the top rope to the floor. KLR then planted Dashwood with a spinebuster!
KLR went to her corner to tag one of her partners, but Nixon Newell pulled both Io Shirai and Deonna Purrazzo off the apron at the last second!
KLR was trapped, and Nixon Newell and Tenille Dashwood hit a combo of quick-strike offense. Slingshot senton by Newell, standing senton by Tenille Dashwood, quebrada by Nixon Newell, and a middle rope leg drop from Dashwood. She covered, but KLR kicked out at 2!
Dashwood slammed KLR into the center of the ring and tagged Tessa Blanchard. The World Champion stalked the downed KLR, stomping on her while talking trash. Blanchard seemed to enjoy marinating in the jeers. Pulling KLR up by her hair, Blanchard military pressed her up overhead. Showing her strength, Blanchard walked around the ring and prepared to throw KLR into the turnbuckles, but KLR slipped out...
She caught Blanchard with an inverted DDT!
KLR inched her way to her corner, Purrazzo and Shirai extended their arms as far as they could...
But Tenille Dashwood and Nixon Newell charged into the ring and illegally knocked them off the apron yet again! The referee admonished this, and Blanchard ripped KLR into the canvas by her hair!
Blanchard tagged in Dashwood who whipped KLR into the corner. KLR got her boots up on a corner charge, and she took Dashwood down with a middle-rope blockbuster!
KLR fought her way to the corner, she leaped and tagged in Io Shirai!
Dashwood tagged in Newell, but it didn’t matter. Shirai came in a house of fire! She immediately knocked Blanchard from the apron and lit up Nixon Newell and Tenille Dashwood with a variety of kicks!
Whipping them into opposite corners, Shirai sprinted back and forth across the ring to deliver back elbow splashes! Shirai took both women down with a bulldog to Dashwood and a lariat to Nixon Newell!
Io Shirai nearly beheaded Tenille Dashwood with another wicked roundhouse kick! Dashwood dropped instantly!
Shirai went to the top for the moonsault....
But Tessa Blanchard grabbed her ankle from the apron to stop her! Deonna Purrazzo intervened and knocked Blanchard to the floor and then caught her with a Penalty Kick!
The distraction worked though, as Nixon Newell climbed to the middle rope and took Shirai down with an avalanche back suplex!
Nixon Newell pulled herself to her feet. She sized up Io Shirai. With a wicked grin, she slapped her knee and charged for the Shiniest Wizard...
But Io Shirai countered with a Spear!
Both women were down, as “This Is Awesome” broke out in the Magness Arena!
Shirai tagged in KLR, and Newell tagged in Tessa Blanchard!
Both women charged in and ran the ropes at full speed, ducking haymaker clothesline attempts. KLR caught the World Champion with a step-up enziguri, followed by a superkick to the knee, followed by a superkick to the face!
Tenille Dashwood tried to enter the ring to break up the momentum, but Deonna Purrazzo ripped her off the apron to the floor and applied the Fujiwara Arm Bar! Dashwood screamed in pain and tapped furiously on the floor mats, but it didn’t matter!
Nixon Newell stomped on Purazzo’s head to break the submission. Newell threw Purrazzo into the steel guardrail. Newell backed up – looking to end Deonna with the Shiniest Wizard on the floor.......
But Deonna elevated her over the guardrail into the first row!
Deonna sprung to her feet, set up a chair, and used it as a launching pad to leap over the guardrail! Deonna flew into the crowd! Nixon Newell and Deonna Purrazzo started brawling into the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rows of the Magness Arena!
Back inside the ring, KLR went for the Gory Bomb, but Blanchard gauged at the eyes to escape. Blanchard then rocketed KLR into the turnbuckles with a snap vertical suplex!
Pulling her hair back, Tessa Blanchard’s face was pure intensity. The same look she’s worn on her face in so many successful title matches was on display. Blanchard climbed to the top. She urged KLR to rise...
She flew for the Magnum (diving Codebreaker)......
But KLR blocked...
She countered with a powerbomb into a high stack.....
Io Shirai wiped out Tenille Dashwood with a tope suicida!
Kay Lee Ray couldn’t believe it, Tessa Blanchard couldn’t believe it, and neither could the Denver crowd! Tessa Blanchard had just been pinned!
Kay Lee Ray’s face was pure exuberance! She screamed in joy as she jumped in the air! She then sank to her knees, the moment setting in. She was joined by Io Shirai, who hugged her.
Tessa Blanchard bailed from the ring and immediately snatched up her Women’s World Championship. Blanchard left everyone and backed up the ramp, clutching the title belt like a small child, and angrily screaming!
On commentary, Mauro Ranallo described the scene:
“What have we just seen tonight in Denver?! It has been months...MONTHS...since we have seen Tessa Blanchard’s shoulders pinned to the mat. Kay Lee Ray did it! My god what a counter, my god what a match! Deonna Purrazzo, Io Shirai, and Kay Lee Ray wanted a war with Diamond, and they just scored the first victory in battle!”
A video promo aired, highlighting the rivalry between The Hart Foundation and The Lucha Brothers. We see The Lucha Brothers' transformation under the leadership of Konnan as well as highlights of the World Tag Team Title match at Undisputed. In that match, Teddy Hart pulled off Pentagon’s mask to aid The Hart Foundation in victory. We then see the savage sneak attack by the Lucha Brothers last week following The Hart Foundation’s match against Volador Jr. and Valiente.
Flanked by Fenix and Pentagon (the stolen World Tag Team Titles over their shoulders), Konnan spoke in a dark alley, standing in front of a graffiti-covered wall:
I told you it was coming...I told you we weren’t done...I TOLD YOU THAT WE WERE COMING FOR BLOOD!
Hart Foundation, you found out what I’ve been saying for weeks...Fenix and Pentagon Jr. are the most dangerous luchadors TODO EL MUNDO! You thought you could disrespect us?! You thought you could disrespect the traditions of lucha libre by ripping Pentagon’s mask off. You thought we’d forget?!
You touch a luchador’s mask in Mexico...that’s a good way to catch a knife to the gut. But I wouldn’t expect anything else from you, Teddy. You’ve been a bad apple for a long time. You may have Davey Boy fooled, you may have Pillman fooled, and you may have WSW fooled into thinking you’ve turned over a new leaf. But you haven’t fooled me. You are STILL that arrogant, entitled piece of shit kid that doesn’t deserve to carry the Hart name.
… And you don’t deserve to carry the World Tag Team Titles.
….That’s why we had to take them!
You see, we came for blood....and we left with gold...and I promise, we aren’t finished!
The second match of Ignition was a singles match between Caristico and Bandido. The Denver crowd came alive as the trumpets of “Narco” by Blasterjaxx sounded out, signifying the arrival of the newest WSW signee, Bandido.
Two weeks ago on Ignition, Bandido took WSW World Champion Kenny Omega to the absolute limit in his debut match.
The crowd fired off a loud “Bandido” chant as the bell rang. The two luchadors shook hands in a sign of respect as they circled each other. Caristico and Bandido engaged in a fast-paced grappling sequence, with neither man able to gain a clear advantage. The grappling was followed by a series of counters and reversals, followed by a pinning sequence – with neither man able to score more than a 1 count. Caristico and Bandido both kipped to their feet for the stalemate and applause.
A lightning-fast rope-running sequence followed. Both men displayed their cat-like quickness and athletic ability. Caristico vaulted onto the shoulders of Bandido and backflipped off, and Bandido backflipped over a charging Caristico. Bandido scored a takedown with a cross-legged tiejeras; however, Caristico vaulted over a charging Bandido, causing him to spill to the floor. Caristico then nailed a dropkick through the ropes to the floor!
Back inside, Caristico moved quickly to try and keep the advantage. He popped Bandido into the air, causing him to fall straight to the canvas. Caristico followed with a springboard splash for the first 2 count of the match.
Caristico shot Bandido into the ropes and drilled him with a superkick for another 2 count!
On commentary, Paige Knight noted that there was a lot of familiarity between these two men from their matches in Mexico, and Caristico seemed to be one step ahead of Bandido.
Carisico peppered the chest of Bandido with hard chops. He whipped Bandido into the corner, but Caristico ran into boots as he charged. Caristico charged again and ran into an uppercut. Bandido then vaulted himself to the top and hit a tornillo!
Bandido seized momentum with a high-revolution tornado DDT! Caristico went to the floor, but Bandido stayed on the attack, absolutely drilling a picture-perfect Space Flying Tiger Drop!
Bandido sent Caristico back inside, and he came off the top with a Diving Double Foot Stomp attempt; however, Caristico rolled out of the way. Bandido landed on his feet, rolled through, but ran directly into another superkick from Caristico. Caristico hit a drop-toe hold to hang Bandido’s head over the middle rope. Caristico missed on a Tiger Feint Kick. Bandido elevated a charging Caristico to the apron, but Caristico hit a gamenguri to stun Bandido.
Caristico went up top, but Bandido cut him off. Caristico showed off his agility by cartwheeling on the top rope to avoid Bandido before catching him with an enziguri!
A rope running sequence ensued, and Bandido avoided a back body drop with a sunset flip powerbomb for 2!
A “Lucha Libre” chant started inside the Magness Arena. Caristico slipped out of a powerbomb attempt, but Bandido drilled him with a bicycle kick followed by a dropkick that sent Caristico’s head draping over the middle rope. Bandido called for the 21 Plex...
But Caristico countered with a nifty roll through that sent Bandido hanging on the middle rope. Caristico nailed the Tiger Feint Kick! Caristico hit Sliced Bread....but Bandido kicked out at 2!
Caristico lifted Bandido onto the top turnbuckle and tried a superplex. Bandido fought out with forearms and chops. Changing his position on the top, Bandido hit a Frankensteiner....but Caristico flipped through and landed on his feet back in the ring! Bandido couldn’t believe it!
Both men squared off, with Bandido hitting a handspring back elbow...Caristico fell back, bounced off the ropes, and hit a huge leaping kick.... both men went down!
Both men kipped to their feet at the count of 8, and a wild chop battle ensued in the center of the ring. The chops popped like firecrackers until Bandido won the exchange. He shot Caristico into the ropes and went for a tilt-a-whirl head scissors, but Caristico blocked and countered with a powerbomb for another 2 count!
Once more Caristico shot Bandido into the ropes; however, Bandido flipped out of a Tornado DDT attempt and nailed a Pop-Up Cutter! He positioned Caristico in the ropes and DRILLED the 21 Plex for the pin and the win!
Bandido (9:40)
Following the match, Bandido celebrated as the crowd chanted his name. Bandido helped Caristico up off the mat and raised his arm as well. The Denver crowd applauded both men, as Bandido picked up his first singles win in WSW!
Backstage, Todd Keneley interviewed “The Kiwi Buzzsaw” Travis Banks ahead of his big one-on-one match with Cody:
Todd Keneley: Travis, last week here on Ignition, we saw you challenge Cody. In just a few moments you will head to the ring. What is your strategy coming into this match, and what are your keys to victory?
Travis Banks: It’s simple Todd...I’ve got to strike him, strike him, and then strike him some more. That’s what brought me to the dance right? Cody is a ring general...whether you like the guy or not, he’s a damn good wrestler and he’s been to war. He doesn’t panic when he gets drug into deep water.
This is a big match for me...there’s no way around it. I love the South Pacific Power Trip, and our goals as a tag team don’t change because of tonight. But it’s like I said last week...I didn’t come to WSW to “just be along for the ride.” I came to WSW because I want to PROVE I’m one of the best damn professional wrestlers on the planet.
This is a prove-it business...and I’ve got my shot tonight against a former World Champion, a former Intercontinental Champion, and a guy who is red hot right now.
I promise you though...Cody has never been hit harder than I’m about to hit him tonight!
Match Three: “The Kiwi Buzzsaw” Travis Banks vs. Cody
The third match of Ignition was a singles match between Travis Banks and Cody. The crowd was respectful as Banks made his entrance, and they came to their feet for the arrival of Cody. As pyro exploded around him, Mauro Ranallo noted:
What a match we have here...two men who want to earn their way to the top of WSW by proving it inside the ring. The story of Cody is well documented, following his bloody war with Ethan Carter, he’s vowed to wrestle each week to rise in the rankings. He’s claimed victories over Mistico and CIMA. For Travis Banks, this is his first major singles match in WSW, we’ve seen him primarily as a tag team wrestler since his arrival in January. Banks has claimed singles titles all over the globe though, and look at his eyes...he is totally locked in.
As Cody posed in the corner, Banks crouched in his corner – slightly rocking back and forth...his eyes were a steel gaze on the platinum-blonde superstar.
The bell rang and both men locked up intensely – jockeying for position. Cody backed Banks into the corner and broke clean. Travis Banks pie-faced Cody and screamed, “Let’s GO!”
Cody smirked and followed with a hard forearm, the first strike of the match! Cody whipped Banks into the corner, but Banks bounced out and HAMMERED Cody with a leaping knee strike! He covered...
Cody kicked out at 2.8!
Travis Banks almost won the match in the opening minute!
Staying on the attack, Banks stomped down on Cody, following him into the corner and stomping a mud hole in him! Banks backed away to avoid the 5-count, as Cody slid to the floor, grabbing at his jaw. Banks didn’t waste a second, hitting a baseball slide dropkick, and then throwing Cody into the guardrail several times.
Backing Cody against the ring post, Banks nailed a series of hard kicks to the sternum. Cody winced in pain as the kicks ripped into his chest like a whip. After 5 straight kicks, Banks fired off another...
But Cody moved and Banks kicked the ring post!
Banks went down in a heap of pain!
Cody rose, his chest was already bright red from the kicks. He rolled Banks back inside; however, Banks rolled out of the ring on the opposite side, clutching his right leg. Cody followed and tried a vertical suplex on the floor, but Banks hit a knee to the head to escape, and then he whipped Cody into the steel ring steps! Hobbling, slightly hopping on one leg, Banks climbed the steps and nailed a Meteora onto Cody!
Banks winced every time he moved as he threw Cody back into the ring and covered for a 2 count. Banks then slapped on a rear chin lock. The crowd chanted “Cody” as he fought his way to his feet. He backed Banks into the corner, but the grip was locked in tight, Cody backed Banks in again...breaking the submission on the second attempt. Banks whipped Cody into the corner, but his explosiveness was limited due to the injured leg. This allowed Cody to hit a basement dropkick to the injured leg, followed by a DDT for a 2 count!
Both men were battered already in an incredibly hard-hitting opening few moments. The two men went back and forth in the center of the ring with hard forearm shots. The crowd cheered each time Cody connected. The two men blasted each other over and over. Cody finally blocked one of Banks’ shots and drilled a short arm lariat. Cody followed with a clothesline and his drop-down uppercut. Cody went for the Flip, Flop, N’Fly, but Banks avoided it...only to run right into Cody’s snap powerslam!
Cody was fired up, and he removed his weight belt and threw it into the crowd!
Driving Banks into the corner, Cody connected with 10 Mounted Punches (the crowd passionately counting along). Cody then dropped a Bionic Elbow for good measure! Banks stumbled out the corner, and Cody caught him with the Disaster Kick! Cody went for Cross Rhodes, but Banks avoided it and hit a hard kick to the sternum. Banks crumbled on the impact, as he threw the kick with his injured right leg.
Cody clutched at his chest and charged at Banks, but “The Kiwi Buzzsaw” whipped Cody shoulder first into the steel ring post between the turnbuckles.
Banks rolled up Cody, but he kicked out at 2!
Cody popped to his feet, but Banks low-bridged him, sending Cody spilling to the floor. Banks slapped his right leg, trying to get feeling back into it. He nailed a one-legged slingshot dropkick through the ropes. Banks sent Cody back into the ring. Banks ducked a wild swing by Cody and caught him in the Lion’s Clutch (arm trap crossface)….Banks had the submission applied deeply!
Cody cried out in pain, as Banks wrenched back on his neck! Cody reached in vain for the ropes...he was too far away!
With the crowd urging him along, Cody used his ring awareness to inch his foot to the bottom rope.... finally getting a toe on the bottom rope for the break! Banks flopped to his back...he thought he had him trapped!
The referee started the 20 Count, with both men getting to their feet at 9. Banks lit into Cody with a strike combination...chops started followed by kicks with his left leg. A spinning roundhouse connected...but Cody avoided a running knee strike and countered with a bridging German Suplex for a deep 2 count!
Cody slapped the canvas, and the crowd responded to him. Cody went for the Cody Cutter.....
But Banks blocked it!
He hit rapid-fire knees to the back of Cody’s head! Banks hit an elevated inverted DDT!
He covered.....
But Cody kicked out!
Banks went for the Kiwi Crusher...
But his leg gave out. The pain was excruciating! With Cody’s head still cinched in, Banks slapped at his right leg ferociously...doing anything he could to get a feeling into it. With a primal scream, Banks rose back to his feet and tried for the Kiwi Crusher again.... but Cody countered with a front suplex followed by a sliding lariat!
Cody Cutter connected!
Cody beat his chest and roared! He applied the Figure Four!
Travis Banks tapped out!
Cody (11:50)
The crowd roared as Cody had his hand raised victorious. Cody’s clutched at his chest which was bright red. Travis Banks slumped in a corner, disappointment was worn on his face. Nodding his head in approval, Cody offered a first bump....
And Travis Banks reciprocated to cheers.
Cody helped Banks to his feet, knowing he was pushed to the limit tonight.
Todd Keneley was backstage with the LA Express...sans Brian Cage. Johnny Mundo was not full of his usual bravado, he was exasperated. Meanwhile, Mike Bennett paced back and forth incredulously.
Todd Keneley: Johnny, I’ve got to ask...is everything okay with the LA Express? Where is Brian Cage?
Johnny Mundo: I DON’T KNOW TODD! I don’t know where he is...Brian freelanced last week. He KNEW how important that match was to get OUR momentum back on track. We NEEDED that win...I NEEDED that win. The LA Express was built on strength as a pack, we were built to dominate. Instead, Brian thought he could beat Ricochet on his own...and look what happened. He made me look bad, and that pisses me off more than you will EVER know.
Johnny Mundo doesn’t look bad...I don’t get played a fool!
Mike, for the LOVE OF GOD will you please stop pacing?!
Mike Bennett: Sorry Johnny! Brian hasn’t answered any of my calls, this isn’t him man. Maybe you were a little too hard on him.
Johnny Mundo: ...Say ONE MORE word and I’ll slap you. Calm down! I don’t care what you have to do...your one and only job is to find Brian. Check every goddamn gym, Crossfit studio, and GNC if you have to. Find him and get him to Cleveland...next week we are having an LA Express TEAM MEETING!
A video promo aired hyping SummerFest, live on Saturday, July 13, streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Ignition returned with Paige Knight standing in the center of the ring with a microphone:
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Ignition right here in beautiful Denver, Colorado, and please welcome Kota Ibushi, Ricochet, and the WSW World Champion Kenny Omega!
The crowd came unglued for the arrival of the World Champion and Golden Triangle. Flanked by Ibushi and Ricochet, Kenny Omega walked out with the gleaming World Title belt over his shoulder. The trio made their way to the ring.
Omega smiled as he looked around the Magness Arena:
Is that smoke still from Cody’s pyro or are we FIRED UP in Denver tonight?!
The crowd roared their approval and chanted “Kenny!”
Paige Knight: Kenny, it’s a monumental time here in WSW. We are on the road to SummerFest, and we all saw the press conference last week from Toronto. Your next title defense will come against Claudio Castagnoli in front of the largest crowd in WSW history in your home country. You’ve had some time to process this, what are your thoughts?
Kenny Omega: You know Paige, it’s appreciation. Appreciation for the platform that WSW has given me. I appreciate being able to come out here with my friends, I appreciate being able to stand before all of these people who take their time to come to the arena and spend their hard-earned money on a ticket, and I APPRECIATE what we are doing in WSW!
On July 13, we are headed to Toronto for SummerFest. Everyone in the world is trying to figure out how we sold out 16,000 tickets in just an hour. WE did it together! The secret of WSW is that the love of professional wrestling never died, this is a movement! You can’t counterprogram the passion of the men and women in the locker room and the unwavering support of the fans who wanted something MORE and MADE IT HAPPEN!
And so, on July 13, they will be hanging from the rafters in Toronto. And at the end of the night, I will be standing in the ring in the main event against Claudio Castagnoli. This is a first for me, a dream match if you will. Claudio Castagnoli is one of the best pound-for-pound wrestlers in the world, and he’s been that way for a really long time. He’s dangerous...and he’s dangerous because he feels doubted. This belt right here...Claudio Castagnoli was the first to ever win it...four years ago. He’s been desperately trying to get it back ever since he lost it. He’s desperate and he’s dangerous...he showed me that when he decided to pie-face me in that press conference...
Well, I’ll tell you what Claudio...I’m dangerous too. I’m dangerous not because I’m desperate...my heart is full. I’m dangerous because I love being World Champion...I know what this belt represents, and I know what platform comes with it. I know that THIS belt is the torch that leads the way in WSW...this is the light that will take this company ALL the way to the top. I love that responsibility...I love carrying that weight!
And you know what else I love...Canada. Most people know Kenny Omega from Japan. They don’t know the Kenny Omega that grew up as an IGA stockboy in Winnipeg. They don’t know the Kenny Omega who stood between the pipes in goal for the St. Boniface Seals...but they will.
I know you’re dangerous Claudio...but just know that when you show up in Toronto on July 13. You aren’t just facing Kenny Omega; you are facing 16,000 Canadians ready to see me do what I do better than anyone in the world for the FIRST time ever...main event for the World Title in Canada...
The crowd roared at Kenny Omega’s passion, but everyone was stunned when the music of Black Arrow hit!
Electricity surged through the building as the Intercontinental Champion Adam Cole, Dawson, and Wilder slithered out on stage, microphones in hand:
Adam Cole: Are you done with the motivational moment Champ?! If so, who’s ready for story time with the real champion of WSW...Adam Cole Bay Bay!
It’s been a long time Kenny...welcome to the big leagues! You’ve gotten the royal treatment since you’ve arrived, haven’t you? The press conferences, the headline on the marquee, the centerpiece on every graphic and poster released by WSW...hell your very first match was for the World Title. The truth is, the moment you signed your name on the WSW contract, you were born on second base...but somehow, you think you hit a double to get there.
I’m not mad at that Kenny, hell I respect how easy it was for you. But I do find it funny that since you’ve arrived in WSW and got the spotlight, you’ve aligned yourself with Kota ‘I lived my whole life in Kenny’s shadow’ Ibushi and “Mr. I’ve never won a big match in my life” Ricochet and ALL OF A SUDDEN, you’re the fearless leader of WSW.
Just because you hold that World Championship belt doesn’t make you the Ace!
You’re looking at the three men who showed up in WSW before it was the cool thing to do. Before everyone in Connecticut was calling, trying to get here...the three of us put this company on our backs and carried it up the mountain!
If it wasn’t for me...Ignition would still be in front of 900 people in Center Stage. I’ve done everything you’ve done Kenny...and then some. I’ve won that World Title, I’m THE Intercontinental Champion, and it was MY name that was chanted in the streets of Toronto last year. Where were you...oh that’s right, hiding in Japan because you were battling self-doubt. The doubt that you could even come here and maintain that mythical status you have. The kind of doubt that sets in when people realize that Kenny Omega isn’t a God...he’s just a person who got lucky!
Dawson: When we say Top Guys...we mean it. Look at what’s in front of you right now boys. The top singles wrestler and the best tag team in the WORLD are breathing the same air as you...you should feel lucky. Ibushi and Ricochet, you won the Global Cup and ever since then, all we’ve heard is your dream is to win the World Tag Team Titles...that’s a dream that I can’t wait to squash like a cockroach under my boot!
Adam Cole: I’m the Ace around here, and Black Arrow is the most dominant faction in pro wrestling. I promise you that by the end of 2019, we’ll be draped in Championship gold. We TAKE what we want, but right now...we’re looking at opportunity. You want to change the world...well Black Arrow holds the keys to the kingdom.
The crowd booed, as Kenny Omega contemplated his words for a moment before speaking:
Kenny Omega: Hey Adam, it has been a very long time. I assume this is what you meant last week when you said you were going ‘big game hunting’....I watched the show guys, I saw it just like everyone else did, it was a cool vignette...
Well, since you’ve taken the time to come out here, and we’re going to play a little hardball...I see that your mouth is still writing checks that your ass can’t cash!
It’s funny you talk about me hiding in Japan, I remember a day...not too long ago...when a young Adam Cole begged to come to Japan, looking to up his game and put his career on the map. I remember when I first saw you...I saw the rebel, I saw the charisma, I saw the devil may care attitude that carried you to all those accomplishments that you just laid out. That’s why you have that Intercontinental Title strapped around your waist, and THAT’s why I put you in Bullet Club all those years ago. You see Adam, I gave you the ball...it’s not my fault you kept fumbling it so bad you had to con Dawson and Wilder to bail you out and cheat every time your talent doesn’t match your mouth.
The last comment stung Adam Cole like a hornet, and Black Arrow started making their way down the ramp. Anticipation buzzed in the Magness Arena as the Golden Triangle held their ground in the ring. Black Arrow was now at ringside. Paige Knight quickly got out of the ring.
Kenny Omega: Everyone seems to be gunning for me lately: Claudio, Bandido, Cody’s mentioned my name, and now you...so why don’t we give these people what they want to see? Why don’t you three put your money where your mouth is...Golden Triangle vs. Black Arrow...tonight!
The crowd cheered at this, and anticipation built as Adam Cole, Dawson, and Wilder got on the apron. The six men stared at each other intensely.
Adam Cole: Here we are Kenny...face to face. Somehow I don't think this will be the last time. There is nothing more we’d rather do than prove once again why we’re the alphas of WSW. I remember Japan too Kenny. I remember your jealousy because my talent was undeniable. I can’t wait to kick your teeth in and send you reeling into SummerFest a broken man.
The crowd booed as Black Arrow’s music hit. Cole, Dawson, and Wilder slithered their way back to the top of the stage. Kenny Omega nodded in the ring and held the World Championship high. Adam Cole tapped his Intercontinental Championship on his waist with a wry smile.
Mauro Ranallo noted:
Black Arrow promised to deliver a message this week and boy have they. Verbal jabs between the World Champion and the Intercontinental Champion, and the battle lines have been drawn in the sand between Black Arrow and the Golden Triangle!
Backstage, Todd Keneley interviewed The Carolina Outlaws ahead of their match against The Von Erichs.
Todd Keneley: Back here on Ignition, and I am joined by The Carolina Outlaws. Gentlemen, tonight feels like a “must-win” for you as you try and climb the tag team rankings. Do you agree with that assessment?
Trevor Lee: Of course, it’s a must-win Todd! Andrew and I aren’t blind to the fact that we have struggled over the past few months. But then the battle royal in Baltimore happened...I PROVED on that night that The Carolina Outlaws aren’t dead yet. Two weeks ago, we gave The Death Busters hell...just to watch it slip through our fingers like sand. We’ve let far too many matches slip. This isn’t a moral victory business; this is a wins and losses business. It’s about execution and communication. And tonight, I’ve made sure that we are going to be firing on all cylinders, and we slap these Von Erich boys straight back to Dallas!
Andrew Everett went to speak. As soon as he opened his mouth, Trevor Lee slapped him on the chest to fire him up and walked off. Off camera, he shouted:
Match Four: The Carolina Outlaws vs. The Von Erichs
The fourth match of Ignition was a tag team match between The Carolina Outlaws and The Von Erichs. The crowd gave Trevor Lee & Andrew Everett a mixed reaction, and they cheered the arrival of Ross & Marshall Von Erich.
Trevor Lee told Andrew Everett, “I’ll start!” Lee and Marshall Von Erich circled each other. The two men went through a grappling exchange, with both men showing their mat presence – countering each other with a variety of holds, transitioning seamlessly each time. As the two men returned to their vertical base, Marshall Von Erich caught Trevor Lee with his beautiful dropkick to send him down. Trevor Lee responded with a chop, and the two men went back and forth with forearms and chops until Lee hit a slap to the face! He drove Marshall into the Von Erich’s corner, driving his shoulder into the midsection several times.
Ross tagged in from behind, and he entered to face off with Trevor Lee. Lee won a grappling exchange – slapping on a tight side headlock. He tagged Andrew Everett, who showed his grappling skills to tie Ross down to the canvas.
On commentary, Paige Knight noted:
I really like the strategy here early by Lee and Everett. They are the more experienced team; this is just the Von Erich's second match in WSW. It’s easy to get the adrenaline flowing when things are going full speed, but The Carolina Outlaws are being calculated here, they are trying to keep these two on the mat and make them exert a ton of energy early.
Ross fought out of a front chancery with hard elbows. Regaining his vertical base, he threw hard kicks to the chest of Andrew Everett. Everett responded with kicks of his own. A kicking exchange broke out, with Ross getting the better of it. He drove Everett into the corner and tagged Marshall.
A double team ensued, with Ross snapmaring Everett down, hitting a PK to the spine and a basement dropkick. Marshall followed with a HIGH standing elbow drop that saw him get major elevation! He covered for a quick 2 count.
The Von Erichs made quick tags and showed their prowess and tutelage in tag team wrestling. Marshall hip-tossed Everett into a running boot from Ross for another 2 count!
Ross went for a running boot in the corner, but Everett was able to halt the momentum by moving. Ross jammed his leg on the top turnbuckle, and Everett hit a back suplex. He tagged Trevor Lee.
Lee entered and immediately went to work on the leg of Ross Von Erich, stomping on it, and draping it across the bottom rope to pounce on it and grind him down. Lee hit a shinbreaker and immediately transitioned into a fisherman’s suplex for a 2 count!
Lee continued to grind Ross’s leg. The Denver crowd started to rally behind Ross as he tried to get to his corner. Ross tried to kick himself free, but Trevor Lee countered by blocking a kick and hitting a Dragon Screw!
The Carolina Outlaws showcased their double team skills, with Trevor Lee catapulting Ross into a missile dropkick by Everett. This yielded yet another 2 count.
The Carolina Outlaws cut the ring and half and went to work on Ross. Quick tags kept them on the offensive, while Marshall paced on the apron. Ross would try and fight back, but Andrew Everett caught him with a snap hurricanrana! Tagging Trevor Lee, The Carolina Outlaws hit stereo jumping knee strikes that connected flush! Trevor Lee vaulted himself to the top and hit a beautiful moonsault. Still, Ross Von Erich kicked out at 2!
Ross Von Erich wouldn’t stay down, and Trevor Lee slapped the mat in frustration. He got in the referee’s face, pleading that it was a 3 count to no avail.
Trevor Lee tagged Andrew Everett and the two whipped Ross into the corner. Everett hit a hesitation dropkick, and Lee immediately followed with running double knees! The Carolina Outlaws went for White Lightning...
But Ross countered with a double Northern Lights Suplex!
Ross crawled to his corner! His brother was a madman on the apron, begging to get into the ring!
Ross reached...but Trevor Lee grabbed his boot from behind. Lee tried to drag Ross back into the center of the ring...
Ross hit an enziguri to Trevor Lee!
With a desperation leap, Ross tagged Marshall!
Marshall Von Erich hit anything that moved. He delivered hard lariats to both Lee and Everett. He pressed Everett overhead and dropped him into a wicked powerslam! The same followed for Trevor Lee! A discus clothesline folded Andrew Everett in half! Marshall covered, but Everett kicked out!
Marshall held up the Claw, and the Denver crowd reciprocated!
As Marshall paced around Andrew Everett, waiting for him to rise...Trevor Lee grabbed Marshall’s arm from the apron! Lee jumped to the floor to avoid a swift left hook, but the distraction worked, as Andrew Everett hit a dropkick to the back, followed by a poison rana!
Ignoring Lee’s pleas for a tag (an event that played out in reverse two weeks), Everett went to the apron...he flew with a springboard 450...
But Marshall Von Erich moved...Andrew Everett crashed and burned!
Marshall CRUSHED Everett with a running barefoot boot! Marshall called for the Claw, and he got it applied!
Trevor Lee entered the ring to interfere, but Ross Von Erich cut him off with a spear that sent Trevor Lee flipping from the impact!
The Von Erichs then hit the Yellow Rose of Texas (combination Claw Slam by Marshall/back suplex by Ross)!
Marshall covered for the pin and the win!
The Von Erichs (8:34)
Following the match, Marshall and Ross celebrated the win – saluting the fans with the Claw. The duo had just picked up a massive victory in their young WSW careers.
Trevor Lee was distraught, sheer dread and desperation was worn on his face as he replayed the events that had just occurred. He grabbed his head and pulled his hair back. Andrew Everett pulled himself up via the ropes, looked at his partner, and said:
The crowd booed as Trevor Lee stormed out of the ring alone. Andrew Everett stood disappointed and confused as he watched his partner walk away.
A vignette aired. Arial shots of a state-of-the-art gym are shown. A sound emerges...it’s the sound of a treadmill operating along with heavy breathing.
The camera cuts inside the gym, and we see Claudio Castagnoli running intensely on an elevated treadmill while wearing an oxygen mask. Sweat drips down his head as the camera focuses on the cold eyes of “The Assassin.” Salina de la Renta’s voice narrates:
In war there are no heroes and villains...just those that survive, hardened by battle. War can break a man...
But those scars of battle can also make a man and transform him into a warrior...
Rapid fire cuts show Claudio Castagnoli pressing insane amounts of weight, performing heavy leg extensions, and training with battle ropes. In the background, we see every television in the gym features Kenny Omega matches.
Success inevitably gives way to failure.
Failure to stay hardened.
Failure to realize that climbing the mountain is only one part of the task.
Failure to embrace the mission that there can only be one who rises above all else.
We see Castagnoli perform a massive clean and jerk – he screams from the pressure, but he rises to complete the lift successfully.
The camera cuts inside a silent locker room, where Castagnoli sits, staring at pictures and magazine covers of Kenny Omega with the WSW World Title belt. Slowly he rises and walks to the locker. He removes one specific picture.
The warrior embraces the thrill of the hunt. The warrior knows that by stripping away what his opponent loves the most...the battle is won before it even begins...
From behind, the camera pans up to reveal Castagnoli holding a picture of Kota Ibushi. Castagnoli stares at it for a moment before ripping it in half. The camera pans to the ground, as the picture falls to the locker room floor.
The warrior loves nothing, except the satisfaction of victory...
The camera fixates on the ripped picture before the sound of the treadmill is heard again. The camera jumps cuts to the cold eyes of Castagnoli once again before the vignette ends.
Backstage, Todd Keneley interviewed Brian Pillman Jr. ahead of his first-round Elite 8 Tournament match against Lee Johnson.
Todd Keneley: Backstage here with Brian Pillman Jr. Brian, I’ve got to ask...how are you feeling and how are Teddy and Davey Boy?
Brian Pillman Jr: Not good Todd. Teddy and Davey Boy are beaten up...worse than I’ve ever seen before. You know one of the hardest things in life is seeing your heroes become mortal. I have looked up to Teddy and Davey Boy for years...when they asked me to join them and restart The Hart Foundation, it was the proudest moment of my career. I have loved every second of riding up and down the roads with them, just like our family did. Last week when I was duct taped to the ropes, and HELPLESS as I watched them get attacked and mugged by the Lucha Brothers...I was filled with rage. But a stronger emotion took over...I was hopeless.
Hopeless as I watched my brothers suffer. For seven days I have replayed that in my mind over and over again.
I can promise you this...The Hart Foundation are STILL the World Tag Team Champions, and injuries heal...but we will NEVER forget. Retribution is coming for the Lucha Brothers.
Teddy and Davey Boy challenged me to win the Elite 8 Tournament. They wanted this for me maybe more than I even wanted it. I can’t turn back the hands of time...I can’t undo last week. But I can walk through that curtain, kick ass, and fulfill my destiny. The story of Brian Pillman Jr. has just begun to get written...
Match Five: Elite 8 Tournament Round One: Brian Pillman Jr. Vs. Lee Johnson
The fifth match of Ignition was a first-round singles match in the Elite 8 Tournament between Brian Pillman Jr. and Lee Johnson. As Lee Johnson made his entrance, an insert promo aired:
Have you ever wanted something so bad it hurts?! Some kids grow up wanting to play in the NBA, the NFL, or become a movie star. Not me.
Since I was old enough to walk, all I have ever wanted to do is be a professional wrestler. I have worked night and day for this moment...THIS opportunity. All the blood, all the sweat, and all the tears have led me here. My name is Lee Johnson, and I’m the next star of WSW. You can bank on that!
The two men circled each other as the bell rang. Mauro Ranallo said that Lee Johnson was just 21 years old. A “Brian” chant rang out, as Mauro Ranallo noted that the winner of this match would advance to the semifinals to face Ace Austin.
The two men locked up, and a grappling exchange followed with standing switches, takedowns, reversals, and counters. Neither man gained a clear advantage, and they both kipped to their feet after a stalemate.
A rope running sequence ensued with dropdowns and leapfrogs. Pillman hooked the top rope to halt his momentum, as Johnson attempted a dropkick and came up empty. Pillman hit the ropes again to start the attack again, but he ate a Johnson dropkick that found its mark this time.
Johnson whipped Pillman into the corner. Pillman elevated himself over on a corner charge and sent Johnson face-first into the middle turnbuckle with a reverse STO!
Pillman lit up the chest of Johnson with chops before popping off a snap suplex for an early 2 count. On commentary, Paige Knight wondered about the mental state of Pillman following the events of last week and would that counter his experience edge in this match.
Johnson escaped a rear chin lock with elbows, but Pillman caught him on a leapfrog attempt and nailed a spinebuster. Pillman applied an STF! Mauro Ranallo talked about the significant training Pillman had done with Davey Boy Smith Jr. to improve his submission game.
Johnson inched his way over to the bottom rope for a break, but he felt the effects of the STF—grabbing at his jaw. Pillman stayed on the attack, as he sat Lee Johnson on the top turnbuckle. Pillman went for a superplex, but Lee Johnson fought out with forearms that sent Pillman back into the ring.
Johnson couldn’t follow up though, still reeling from the STF. With Johnson still sitting on the top turnbuckle, Pillman elevated with a springboard dropkick! Johnson fell back into the ring. Pillman nailed Air Pillman!
Pillman covered for 2! Pillman stayed on the attack and tried a vertical suplex, but Johnson surprised him with an inside cradle for 2!
Scrambling to their feet, both men collided with simultaneous clotheslines! They kipped to their feet and collided again with simultaneous pump kicks! Both men were down!
The two men rose and engaged in a striking battle. Forearms and chops popped back and forth. Pillman hit the ropes for momentum and went for a leaping forearm, but Johnson ducked and lit up Pillman with a lightning-quick strike combination followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb for a 2 count!
Johnson followed up with a heel kick for another 2 count!
Johnson whipped Pillman into the corner. Pillman elevated Johnson over the top to the apron and then sent him to the floor with an enziguri. Pillman went up top, and he tried a crossbody to the floor...
But Johnson slid back into the ring to avoid the move! Pillman landed on his feet on the floor, but he immediately ate a tope con hilo from Lee Johnson!
The move hit flush, and Johnson impressively landed on his feet. Johnson was fired up, and he slapped hands with fans at ringside.
Johnson climbed back onto the apron, looking to fly again. He hit a springboard.....
But FLEW INTO A SUPERKICK FROM PILLMAN!
Pillman hit Dying Promise (swinging hangman’s neckbreaker) for the pin and the win to advance!
Brian Pillman Jr. (6:55)
Following the match, Brian Pillman celebrated, as a “Brian” chant sounded out. Despite all the adversity, Pillman advances to face Ace Austin in the semi-finals.
Pillman raised his arm in victory.... but the lights in the Magness Arena went out!
The Lucha Brothers appeared in the ring!
They destroyed Brian Pillman Jr. with a double superkick!
With scary speed, they hit the Fear Factor!
Pillman was out cold in the ring!
Boos rained down, as the Lucha Brothers laid out the third member of The Hart Foundation. Pentagon grabbed the right arm of Pillman...
And executed the Arm Break!
Pillman squirmed in pain on the canvas!
The Lucha Brothers looked down at their victim and stood tall. Fenix and Pentagon did the Cero Miedo taunt. They delivered on Konnan’s promise that they were not through...the Lucha Brothers had completely decimated The Hart Foundation!
A video promo aired featuring Ivelisse. The piece was spliced together with highlights of her match with Candice LeRae two weeks ago that saw Rachael Ellering join forces with LeRae.
Ivelisse: You think we’re through Candice?! You think I’m just going to walk away?! Hell NO! You’re a snake, and the only way you kill a snake is to cut off the head!
You want to play the numbers game? I got friends too! Real friends that have my back and love to fight just like I do. Tick tock Candice...I’m coming, and I promise I won’t stop until I send you to the hospital.
A video package airs on the rivalry between Dragon Lee and Will Ospreay. Highlights of their two previous encounters are shown. The package featured promos from both men:
Will Ospreay: Dragon Lee, the rubber match is set. Amidst all the craziness of recent weeks, it all comes down to you and me. Next week we are going to light the professional wrestling world on fire! We’re going to give them a show like they have never seen because NO ONE can do what we do in that ring!
Do me a favor mate...leave your brother behind. Face me like the man I think you are.
I want your best Dragon Lee, because as God is my witness, I’m going to give you everything I have. This is all I’ve got. I have nothing else except wrestling. All my chips are on the table brotha. The Year of Ospreay is inevitable, and I’ll prove that next week!
Dragon Lee: No hay otra opción para mí. DEBO vencer a Will Ospreay.
He viajado por todo el mundo para perfeccionar mi oficio y cada paso que he dado me ha llevado a ti Will... una vez más.
El fracaso no es una opción para mí. El Año del Ospreay termina con Dragon Lee.
(There is no other option for me. I MUST beat Will Ospreay!
I have traveled the globe to perfect my craft, and every step I have taken has led me to you Will...one more time.
Failure is not an option for me. The Year of Ospreay ends with Dragon Lee!)
Ahead of the main event, Mauro Ranallo and Paige Knight ran down the card for next week’s Ignition:
Golden Triangle vs. Black Arrow
Elite 8 Tournament: Myron Reed vs. Jungle Boy
Cody vs. TK Cooper
LA Express team meeting
We hear from Kay Lee Ray
Will Ospreay vs. Dragon Lee
Match Six: RUSH vs. Jon Moxley
The main event of Ignition was a singles match between RUSH and Jon Moxley. The match stems back to Moxley’s shocking WSW debut where he stunned the world by appearing on Ignition and dropping RUSH and Will Ospreay with the Death Rider DDT. This was Jon Moxley’s debut match in WSW.
A big fight feel permeated throughout the Magness Arena. RUSH made his entrance, oozing charisma. Clad in all white, El Toro Blanco was totally locked in, knowing the magnitude of this match and what it meant.
Denver came unglued as the guitar riff of Shoot to Thrill hit.
Jon Moxley made his way through the crowd. He paced back and forth through the fans like a wild man as he made his way down to the ring.
RUSH attacked as soon as Moxley got onto the apron, and the battle was on! On the floor, RUSH struck Moxley and whipped him into the steel guardrail and the ring post!
Taking Moxley inside, RUSH drove Moxley into the corner and stomped down on him. Ripping Moxley’s ring jacket over his head (just as Moxley had done to him in his debut), RUSH landed hard forearms to the back. Using the ring jacket, RUSH whipped Moxley back and forth across the ring and followed with splashes before snapmaring Moxley down and connecting on a basement dropkick. RUSH then bit the forehead of Moxley!
Moxley rolled to the floor, grabbing at his forehead. Moxley was busted open already from the bite! RUSH stayed on the attack – driving right hands into the open wound Moxley and bouncing his head off the timekeeper’s table!
RUSH took Moxley’s blood and licked it off his fingers!
RUSH whipped Moxley into the guardrail, dominating the opening moments of the match. RUSH rolled Moxley back inside and posed on the floor to jeers. Moxley cut RUSH off as he climbed to the apron. The wild man Moxley laid in heavy forearms and straight headbutts to knock RUSH back to the floor. Moxley then hit a tope suicida!
Moxley wiped the blood on his chest and beat his chest with a roar. A LOUD “Moxley” chant sounded out. Moxley leaned RUSH against the ring apron and chopped him over and over and over again! Moxley followed with a snap suplex on the floor!
Moxley bounced RUSH’s head off the steel steps before sending him back inside.
Moxley drove RUSH down in the corner, and this time it was his turn to stomp a mudhole. Moxley then stood on RUSH’s head! He grinded his boot into the face of RUSH!
“Let’s Go Moxley Let’s Go” sounded out. The two men met in the center of the ring for a chop exchange. They chopped each other’s chest raw before RUSH caught Moxley with a superkick. Moxley bounced off the ropes from the impact and RUSH hit a snap powerslam for a 2 count! RUSH grinded his boot down into the open wound of Moxley, causing more blood to flow. RUSH took things back to the floor where he started choking Moxley with the camera cable! RUSH wrapped the cable tight around the windpipe, and Moxley gasped for air as blood trickled down his face. In a sickening move, RUSH wiped the blood off Moxley’s face and rubbed it on his own face! RUSH then spit on Jon Moxley!
Back inside, RUSH chopped Moxley down in the corner. He feigned the Bull’s Horns, opting for a simple kick to the face before hitting the Tranquilo pose.
This fired Moxley up. He launched into RUSH with strikes and applied a deep sleeper! However, RUSH reached back and dug into the open wound of Moxley to break the grip. Moxley grabbed at his head, and RUSH booted him through the ropes to the floor once again.
Outside, Moxley reversed an Irish Whip, sending RUSH crashing into the steel ring steps. Pinning RUSH’s head against the steps, Moxley hit piston-like knee strikes to the temple of RUSH. Moxley returned the favor from earlier, spitting on RUSH!
Back inside, Moxley took RUSH to the top and raked the back – digging in hard and leaving red scratch marks. Moxley then hit a superplex!
Moxley started to lay in HEAVY forearm strikes. RUSH’s head rocked back harder and harder on each blow from the heavy-handed Moxley. Moxley went for a roaring elbow, but RUSH ducked. Letting out a primal roar, RUSH started chopping Moxley. Moxley fired up with a roar of his own, and the two then went back and forth (the crowd chanted yeah/boo as they alternated strikes). Back and forth they went – beating the absolute hell out of each other and whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Moxley went for a lariat, but RUSH ducked and nailed a German Suplex! Moxley popped to his feet and hit a German Suplex of his own! RUSH popped to his feet and hit a Roaring Elbow...Moxley absorbed the strike, hit the ropes, and CRUSHED RUSH with a King Kong Lariat!
Both men went down, and the crowd rose to their feet in applause.
With a wild look in his eyes, Moxley rose. He sprinted at RUSH, but RUSH avoided him a hit a rebound snap German Suplex!
Moxley landed hard on his shoulders and neck! RUSH covered...
But Moxley kicked out!
RUSH transitioned into a Camel Clutch, but Moxley broke the hold by straight up BITING the hand of RUSH! RUSH pulled back in pain, and this allowed Moxley to throw a trio of headbutts. Moxley hit a rolling release vertical suplex! He covered...
But RUSH kicked out!
Moxley drove RUSH into the corner, continuing to deliver sharp forearm strikes. RUSH responded with a HARD slap to the face. Moxley got angry from this, and charged, but RUSH countered with a release belly-to-belly suplex into the turnbuckles!
“This Is Awesome” broke out as these two men beat the absolute hell out of each other. RUSH put Moxley on the top rope and delivered another slap. RUSH went for a superplex of his own...but Moxley bit the head of RUSH! RUSH fell back into the ring, grasping at his head.
Moxley then started to position himself on the top rope. He rose, looking to fly...
But RUSH shoved the referee into the ropes, causing Moxley to crotch himself and flop back into the ring!
The referee screamed at RUSH, threatening a DQ, but RUSH totally ignored him. He pulled Moxley to his feet and hit a straight jacket piledriver!
Moxley kicked out at 2!
For the first time in the match, RUSH looked rattled. What could he do to keep the wild man down?!
RUSH drug Moxley into the corner. He called for the Bull’s Horns.......
Moxley moved and RUSH hit the turnbuckles!
Moxley applied a Bulldog Choke!
RUSH hit a back headbutt to escape!
Moxley was stunned.
RUSH hit the ropes and went for a lariat, but Moxley ducked, grabbed wrist control................
And hit the Death Rider DDT!
Moxley got the pin and the win!
Jon Moxley (13:27)
The crowd came to their feet in appreciation for the absolute slugfest that just took place.
With AC/DC blaring, Moxley beat his chest, hopped the guardrail, and entered the crowd.
Ignition ended with Moxley standing on a chair, mobbed by fans. With a bloody face, Moxley held up both middle fingers with the legion of fans around him reciprocating. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo closed the show:
Jon Moxley arrived like a bolt of lightning, and tonight he has roared like thunder and shaken the entire foundation of WSW. Jon Moxley is here!
There has been a lot of discussion in the professional wrestling industry this week surrounding WSW’s growth and momentum compared to the stagnation and decline of WWE. Nearly eight months ago, WSW made the decision to move November Reign to the larger Galen Center in Los Angeles (the show had originally been scheduled for the Los Angeles Convention Center) due to demand and interest in the product. What followed was a string of highly successful “wins:” sold out tour of the UK, signing of Kenny Omega, moving Ignition to taping on the road, sold-out Seize the Day at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and the recent one-hour sell-out of the ScotiaBank Arena in Toronto for the 7/13 SummerFest. Dave Meltzer weighed in on the topic this week on the Wrestling Observer Radio podcast:
I mean when you look at WSW, Shane McMahon had a plan from day one. Being a number two promotion is incredibly hard, but they had a plan and stuck with it. They have done an excellent job capitalizing on some market inefficiencies left by WWE. There’s no doubt about it, WWE’s product is not good right now. The booking is bad, and it is reflected in the live attendance, ratings, and overall morale in that locker room. I mean, it’s been that way for a while now; however, this time there is a viable option to fill in those voids.
I mean you look at the metrics and you cannot consider them (WSW) anything but a success. They are on an upswing right now, and they are the hot product. WWE is not. This doesn’t mean WWE is going anywhere, because they aren’t. The television rights and Saudi shows assure WWE of being the top promotion in the world from a financial standpoint, but from a wrestling standpoint...they are nowhere near WSW or New Japan right now. WSW shows there is room for two large, healthy companies despite years of the WWE monopoly. I mean if this has shown me anything, it’s that TNA could have made it. They really could have. Their downfall was poor management, an ever-changing lack of identity, and finances.
It’s all good for the business, and WSW...they must continue to grow because the Madison Square Garden show is approaching in November.
WSW’s successes have just magnified some of WWE’s missteps, for example, the 6/23 Stomping Grounds. The talk of the show is the unusually low number of ticket sales for the Tacoma Dome. The show has been hurt by a two-week build, with most of the title bouts being rematches from Super Showdown. As of this week, WWE is offering a two-for-one deal, with some tickets being priced as low as $27.
Speaking of ticket sales, New Japan’s 7/6 show in Dallas for night one of the 2019 G1 Climax has moved very slowly. The company booked the American Airlines Center (home of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and the NHL’s Dallas Stars); however, the loss of Kenny Omega and WSW’s ascension have made their expansion into the US very difficult. The expectation is that ticket sales will increase now that the official G1 lineups have been released, but the lack of advance promotion has now hurt New Japan twice in the US – last year’s G1 Special in San Francisco (which ended up doing a good number and a strong walk up as the card was announced) and this year in Dallas.
There is still no sign of WSW and New Japan forming a partnership to work together, despite it appearing to make perfect sense for both companies. Those close to the situation indicate that the holdout comes from New Japan. There are still some hurt feelings over the loss of Kenny Omega, and New Japan remains steadfast that their North American partner is Ring of Honor, despite ROH’s fall into the tertiary ranks of business standings.
Bellator presented its biggest event thus far in 2019 with Bellator 222 on 6/14 at Madison Square Garden. WSW commentator Chael Sonnen, 42, retired after a loss to Lyoto Machida. Sonnen didn’t have much for Machida, who scored a first-round flying knee that nearly ended the fight. Machida hit a second knee in the second round which ended it.
Sonnen cut a great post-fight promo and laid his gloves in the center of the cage. He was emotional in the press conference and even talked about his late father and the promise he made to him about becoming a world champion. Sonnen was asked what he would tell his father as he ended his career. Sonnen fought back tears and said:
Shane McMahon, Mauro Ranallo, Cody, Brandi Rhodes, and Paige Knight were in attendance from WSW to show support for Sonnen.
Sonnen returns to commentary for WSW on the 6/20 Ignition tapings in Cleveland.
Facing incredibly difficult competition against Game Six of the NBA Finals, the 6/13 Ignition did 750,000 viewers and a .35 in the key 18-49 demographic. The show finished second on cable for the night, behind Double Shot at Love on MTV. These numbers are down from last week, but they must be graded on a curve, as the NBA did 18,336,000 viewers and a 6.4 in 18-49. This marks the end of sports competition for Ignition until the NFL starts in September. It will be interesting to see what the Ignition number is on 6/20, as it will be a good indicator of what level the show can be expected to do now that the NBA playoffs are over. It is worth noting that Ignition will air on 7/4, one of the lowest TV viewership days of the year outside of Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s Eve/Day.
The 6/17 Raw did 2,235,000 viewers and a .71 in 18-49. Ratings and viewership were up with no sports competition running head-to-head.
The 6/18 Smackdown did 1,859,000 viewers and a .56 in 18-49. This is the fourth-lowest live audience number in the history of the show. The only numbers that were lower for the show came against a State of the Union on 2/5 and NBA playoff games on 4/30 and 5/14.
Regarding television, there have been talks between the Paramount Network and WSW about potentially moving Ignition to Tuesday nights starting in October with Smackdown’s move to Fox and Friday nights. Nothing has been decided or set in stone. Ignition originally aired on Tuesdays from its premiere in 2015 till 2016. When Smackdown was moved to Tuesday, WSW pivoted to Thursday. With the NFL set to run a full slate of Thursday night games this fall, the move would make sense, as would taking over the Tuesday night timeslot that has already been established as a “wrestling night.” Sources indicate that these conversations stem from Shane McMahon’s desire and pitch to the Paramount Network to take Ignition live each week.
It was announced this week that WSW is the official collaboration partner with Chris Jericho for his Rock N’ Rager at Sea Part Deux. This is a professional wrestling-themed cruise set for 1/20 - 1/24 aboard the Norwegian Pearl. The cruise will travel between Miami and Nassau, Bahamas. WSW will hold live matches each night of the cruise, and their plan now is to tape Ignition aboard the cruise as well. There is a strong push in WSW to continue to “differentiate” the presentation of Ignition, and an undertaking of this nature would certainly be the most unique since WCW held its annual spring break Nitro at Club La Vela in Panama City. Last year’s cruise received glowing reviews, and the wrestling was a collaboration between Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling.
This announcement sparked a lot of buzz, as Chris Jericho remains the most high-profile free agent on the market. Jericho has played everything close to the vest, as he continues to work a limited schedule of high-profile matches with New Japan. There is a ton of effort by WWE and WSW to try and sign him, but Jericho has not given any indication of what his future holds.
AeroStar avoided tragedy and walked away with minor injuries following a scary stunt on a 6/14 show at Arena Mexico. He climbed a lighting grid, legitimately 20-25 feet above the ground to perform his trust fall dive. He overshot the dive and was only partially caught, causing his body to turn and land on his neck and head on the floor. He was immediately taken out on a stretcher, but CMLL sent word that he was okay. He had a lump on his head, but after going to the hospital, he was announced as healthy minus several bumps and bruises. This was the best-case scenario. AeroStar has a limited working agreement with CMLL, which has allowed him to appear in WSW as part of the promotion’s working relationship. There is no update on when he will be allowed to return to the ring.
Upcoming TV tapings and ticket sales look like this:
6/29 in Daytona Beach (Ocean Center): 5,000
7/18 in Atlanta (State Farm Arena) - Ignition 200: 5,900
7/20 in Charlotte (Bojangles Coliseum): 3,400
8/3 in New Orleans (UNO Lakefront Arena): 2,500
8/15 in Houston (NRG Arena) - Grand Prix Night One: 3,400
8/22 in Phoenix (Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum) - Grand Prix Night Two: 2,600
8/29 in St. Louis (Chaifetz Arena) - Grand Prix Night Four: 2,200
9/5 in Hoffman Estates (Sears Centre) - Grand Prix Night Five: 2,900
The tentative date for tickets to go on sale for the 9/21 Grand Prix Finals at the Cow Palace is 8/5.
The house show tour this week is 6/21 in Youngstown, Ohio and 6/22 in Pittsburgh.
