WSW: World Series Wrestling
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Ignition: Episode 200 |
|
Promotion: World Series Wrestling |
Date: July 18, 2019 |
City: Atlanta, GA |
Venue: State Farm Arena |
Attendance: 7,200 |
The 7/18 episode of Ignition began with a lengthy highlight package of SummerFest, set to the official theme of the show – Zeze by Kodak Black.
The package focuses on the sold-out crowd, the largest in WSW history, along with their tremendous reactions all night. We see:
- The Hart Foundation retain the World Tag Team Titles in Escalera de la Muerte against the Lucha Brothers. The crescendo of the highlight is Bret Hart’s involvement, including the triple Sharpshooter.
- Adam Cole retaining the Intercontinental Title against Ricochet – the superkick to the quebrada is shown three times. We see Cody challenge Cole following his victory.
- The Death Busters win the Number One Contenders Four Way.
- Tessa Blanchard retains the Women’s World Championship in a hard-hitting emotional bout against Kay Lee Ray.
- Jon Moxley defeat Will Ospreay in a brutal, bloody war that ended with both men shaking hands.
- Kenny Omega, embracing The Cleaner aspect of his personality, retained the World Championship over “The Assassin” Claudio Castagnoli – handing Castagnoli his first loss in over eight months.
Following the video package, the camera cut to the parking area of the State Farm Arena from “earlier today.” A sleek, black Escalade pulled into the underground parking area. A driver got out and opened the doors to reveal Black Arrow. Adam Cole, Dawson, and Wilder stepped out confidently.
Wearing a sharp, black leather jacket over an “Adam Gold Bay Bay” t-shirt, Adam Cole smugly grinned at the camera with the WSW Intercontinental Championship over his shoulder. He said:
Cole patted both men on the shoulders, and they nodded in approval. Dawson said:
Wilder said:
Cole smirked. The trio started walking and Cole added:
The camera cuts from Black Arrow straight to the parking lot on the opposite side of the arena.
A red, white, and blue trimmed Ford Raptor pulled into the lot. The truck came to a slow stop, and the driver-side door swung open to reveal Cody! Wearing a sharp navy-blue suit, his eyes scanned the arena, and he took in the moment with a deep breath.
The passenger door swung open, and Brandi Rhodes stepped out – her heels clicking on the pavement as she stood next to her husband. The camera panned as the backdoor opened, and Diamond Dallas Page emerged, dressed in jeans and a WSW t-shirt. DDP smiled, cracked his knuckles, and slapped Cody on the shoulder:
Another door opened, and walking out was none other than Dustin Rhodes!
Dustin walked next to the group and nodded to his little brother:
Cody nodded; his face was totally focused. DDP smiled and said:
Cody marched forward to the arena, flanked by Brandi, DDP, and Dustin.
The opening to Ignition 200 aired – highlighting some of the best moments in the show’s 200-episode history – set to The Outsiders by Eric Church.
Pyro exploded inside the State Farm Arena and the crowd of 7,200 went wild as the commentary trio of Mauro Ranallo, Chael Sonnen, and Paige Knight welcomed the audience to Ignition 200. They ran down the card:
- World Tag Team Titles: Death Busters vs. The Hart Foundation
- Elite 8 Tournament Finals: Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Alexander Hammerstone
- We hear from Kenny Omega
- Candice LeRae & Rachael Ellering vs. Ivelisse & Mercedes Martinez
- Debut of Dr. Britt Baker, DMD
- Intercontinental Championship: Cody vs. Adam Cole
The screen faded to a video package that started with a slow-motion shot of The Hart Foundation – Teddy Hart, Davey Boy Smith Jr., and Brian Pillman Jr. standing in the middle of a dimly lit ring, their silhouettes were outlined by flashing camera lights. The World Tag Team Titles rested proudly on the shoulders of Hart and Smith. Teddy’s voice is heard:
Rapid fire clips are shown of the Hart Foundation:
- Their debut in December 2018
- Beating the Young Bucks to win the World Tag Team Titles in London
- Teddy performing the Canadian Destroyer off the ladder on Pentagon at SummerFest
- Davey Boy powerslamming Fenix off the top of a ladder at SummerFest
- Brian Pillman Jr. advancing through the Elite 8 Tournament
Highlights of the Hart Foundation holding the titles high with Bret Hart at SummerFest is shown. Teddy’s voice is heard:
Brian Pillman’s voice is heard as an archived picture of The Hart Foundation from the 80s and 90s in PW Illustrated is shown:
The camera cut to the Hart Foundation speaking to the camera. Teddy said:
Davey Boy said:
Match One: WSW World Tag Team Championships – Death Busters vs. The Hart Foundation (c)
The first match of Ignition was a tag team match between the Death Busters and the Hart Foundation for the WSW World Tag Team Championships. The World Tag Team Champions wore battle scars from the ladder match at SummerFest; however, they came to the ring with their trademark confidence and swagger. Davey Boy had his ribs taped up. Chael Sonnen mentioned this:
The match started with Teddy Hart and Dawson feeling each other out. Collar and elbow tie ups led to mat-based grappling. Hart, still feeling the effects of the ladder match, struggled at first, but he used his quickness to escape a waist lock and hit a lightning-fast spinning head scissors takedown.
Dawson scrambled to his feet only to eat a dropkick! Feeding off the Atlanta crowd’s energy, the Champions showcased their signature fast-paced, high-impact style.
Davey Boy overpowered Dawson with a thunderous shoulder block. The two then exchanged stiff chops, with the crowd roaring “WOOO” after each one landed. Smith gained the advantage, and RIPPED Dawson down with a sick snap back suplex. Wilder entered the ring illegally and ATE a big boot for his troubles.
The Death Busters retreated to the floor, but Teddy Hart wouldn’t let them catch their breath...NAILING a Orihara Moonsault from the top rope to the floor!
The crowd belted out thunderous, “Hart Foundation” chants.
Dawson scrambled to his feet only to eat a dropkick! Feeding off the Atlanta crowd’s energy, the Champions showcased their signature fast-paced, high-impact style.
Davey Boy overpowered Dawson with a thunderous shoulder block. The two then exchanged stiff chops, with the crowd roaring “WOOO” after each one landed. Smith gained the advantage, and RIPPED Dawson down with a sick snap back suplex. Wilder entered the ring illegally and ATE a big boot for his troubles.
The Death Busters retreated to the floor, but Teddy Hart wouldn’t let them catch their breath...NAILING a Orihara Moonsault from the top rope to the floor!
The crowd belted out thunderous, “Hart Foundation” chants.
The tides turned as the action returned to the ring. During a rope running sequence, Wilder landed a knee to the small of Davey Boy’s back from the apron. As Dawson distracted the referee, Wilder snapped Smith’s neck over the top rope!
Dawson pounced, hitting a spinebuster and laying in heavy stomps to the taped ribs of Smith. The Death Busters isolated Smith in their corner, executing quick tags and precision double teams, showing they were a well-oiled machine.
The tape on Smith’s ribs were a magnet for the Death Busters. They went after the ribs like a moth to a flame – working them over with bear hugs, back breakers, and stiff knee strikes. Every time Smith tried to fight back, the Death Busters used smart, old school tactics:
- Wilder grabbed the tights on a roll up for 2
- Dawson used the ropes for leverage on an abdominal stretch, and they taunted Hart to draw the referee’s attention – allowing an illegal double team behind the ref’s back.
On commentary, Chael Sonnen noted:
Dawson trapped Smith in a grounded abdominal stretch, wrenching back on his ribs while barking at Hart:
The crowd rallied behind Davey Boy, chanting, “Hart Foundation!”
Davey Boy fought through the pain, digging at the mat and fighting his way to his feet. He landed sharp elbows to free himself. Dawson bounced off the ropes and charged.... but Davey Boy sent him flying with a high back body drop!
Davey Boy lunged for a desperation tag............
Wilder YANKED Hart off the apron at the last second!
Smith got drug back into enemy territory with a German suplex from Dawson!
The Death Busters continued their brutal isolation game, but eventually, Smith roared and countered a double team vertical suplex with a double Northern Lights Suplex onto both men! He crawled towards Hart....fingertips away........
Dawson grabbed his ankle at the last second.......
ENZIGURI!
Wilder grabbed the referee.......
Davey Boy made the tag!
Hart leapt over the ropes......NO!
The referee called off the tag and ordered Hart back to the apron! Wilder distracted the referee, and he never saw the tag made!
The crowd booed mercilessly as Dawson landed an elbow to the ribs and dragged Smith back to resume the assault.
Teddy paced the apron like a hungry tiger. He slapped the turnbuckle to fire up the crowd to get behind Davey Boy. Smith felt the energy...he reversed an Irish Whip and sent Wilder and Dawson crashing into each other. Davey Boy hit double lariats that sent the Death Busters twisting through the air on impact!
Davey Boy inched his way over....he crawled......
AND TAGGED IN TEDDY!
Hart entered to loud “Teddy, Teddy, Teddy” chants. He ran wild with strikes – hitting anything that moved. Hart took down Wilder with a springboard clothesline and planted Dawson with a snap DDT.
The Death Busters went to the floor once again, and Hart took to the sky.... ARABIAN MOONSAULT CONNECTED!
The crowd was on fire as Hart threw Wilder back inside and hit a slingshot Canadian Destoyer!
1....
2.....................
Kick Out!
Moving quickly, the Hart Foundation brought the crowd to its feet with the old school Hart Attack!
1....
2...............
Kick out!
Teddy tagged Davey Boy, and the Hart Foundation went for the kill. Davey Boy hoisted Wilder up into the electric chair, and Teddy went up top. They went for the Hart Destroyer.......
NO!
Dawson shoved Teddy off the ropes all the way to the floor at the last second!
Wilder dug his fingers into Smith’s eyes to escape of his shoulders and hit a backstabber!
Dawson climbed to the top and flew for a diving headbutt, but Davey Boy moved, and Dawson crashed and burned on the cerulean blue mat!
Davey Boy ducked a wild swing from Wilder and caught him with a back slide for 2! Wilder popped to his feet but walked right into a power slam from Smith for another near fall!
Dawson and Davey Boy then met in the center of the ring for a strike exchange. Forearms transitioned to chops that popped like gunfire. Eventually they had a lariat battle with neither man budging an inch. Dawson kicked the ribs for a short cut. He hit the robes for momentum.... but BOTH
men hit simultaneous clotheslines!
Everyone was down!
“This Is Awesome” sounded out inside the State Farm Arena!
Dawson pounced, hitting a spinebuster and laying in heavy stomps to the taped ribs of Smith. The Death Busters isolated Smith in their corner, executing quick tags and precision double teams, showing they were a well-oiled machine.
The tape on Smith’s ribs were a magnet for the Death Busters. They went after the ribs like a moth to a flame – working them over with bear hugs, back breakers, and stiff knee strikes. Every time Smith tried to fight back, the Death Busters used smart, old school tactics:
- Wilder grabbed the tights on a roll up for 2
- Dawson used the ropes for leverage on an abdominal stretch, and they taunted Hart to draw the referee’s attention – allowing an illegal double team behind the ref’s back.
On commentary, Chael Sonnen noted:
Dawson trapped Smith in a grounded abdominal stretch, wrenching back on his ribs while barking at Hart:
The crowd rallied behind Davey Boy, chanting, “Hart Foundation!”
Davey Boy fought through the pain, digging at the mat and fighting his way to his feet. He landed sharp elbows to free himself. Dawson bounced off the ropes and charged.... but Davey Boy sent him flying with a high back body drop!
Davey Boy lunged for a desperation tag............
Wilder YANKED Hart off the apron at the last second!
Smith got drug back into enemy territory with a German suplex from Dawson!
The Death Busters continued their brutal isolation game, but eventually, Smith roared and countered a double team vertical suplex with a double Northern Lights Suplex onto both men! He crawled towards Hart....fingertips away........
Dawson grabbed his ankle at the last second.......
ENZIGURI!
Wilder grabbed the referee.......
Davey Boy made the tag!
Hart leapt over the ropes......NO!
The referee called off the tag and ordered Hart back to the apron! Wilder distracted the referee, and he never saw the tag made!
The crowd booed mercilessly as Dawson landed an elbow to the ribs and dragged Smith back to resume the assault.
Teddy paced the apron like a hungry tiger. He slapped the turnbuckle to fire up the crowd to get behind Davey Boy. Smith felt the energy...he reversed an Irish Whip and sent Wilder and Dawson crashing into each other. Davey Boy hit double lariats that sent the Death Busters twisting through the air on impact!
Davey Boy inched his way over....he crawled......
AND TAGGED IN TEDDY!
Hart entered to loud “Teddy, Teddy, Teddy” chants. He ran wild with strikes – hitting anything that moved. Hart took down Wilder with a springboard clothesline and planted Dawson with a snap DDT.
The Death Busters went to the floor once again, and Hart took to the sky.... ARABIAN MOONSAULT CONNECTED!
The crowd was on fire as Hart threw Wilder back inside and hit a slingshot Canadian Destoyer!
1....
2.....................
Kick Out!
Moving quickly, the Hart Foundation brought the crowd to its feet with the old school Hart Attack!
1....
2...............
Kick out!
Teddy tagged Davey Boy, and the Hart Foundation went for the kill. Davey Boy hoisted Wilder up into the electric chair, and Teddy went up top. They went for the Hart Destroyer.......
NO!
Dawson shoved Teddy off the ropes all the way to the floor at the last second!
Wilder dug his fingers into Smith’s eyes to escape of his shoulders and hit a backstabber!
Dawson climbed to the top and flew for a diving headbutt, but Davey Boy moved, and Dawson crashed and burned on the cerulean blue mat!
Davey Boy ducked a wild swing from Wilder and caught him with a back slide for 2! Wilder popped to his feet but walked right into a power slam from Smith for another near fall!
Dawson and Davey Boy then met in the center of the ring for a strike exchange. Forearms transitioned to chops that popped like gunfire. Eventually they had a lariat battle with neither man budging an inch. Dawson kicked the ribs for a short cut. He hit the robes for momentum.... but BOTH
men hit simultaneous clotheslines!
Everyone was down!
“This Is Awesome” sounded out inside the State Farm Arena!
All four men eventually got back into the ring and squared off for a brief second....before ripping into each other in a wild brawl! Both teams threw bombs as the referee scrambled to regain order.
Davey Boy and Wilder brawled out to the apron with Davey Boy hitting back suplex on the apron!
Inside the ring, Dawson and Teddy Hart went at it. Dawson scored a shocking 2 count off a small package on a rope running sequence. Quick as a cat, Dawson got waist control....
German Suplex....he kept his grip......
Another German Suplex.....he kept his grip....
Release German --- NO! Teddy flipped over in mid air and landed on his feet!
He charged, but Dawson folded him in half with a lariat. Dawson hit a rebound powerbomb!
1...
2...............................
Kick Out!
Dawson lifted Hart for the Brainbuster, but Davey Boy hopped in the ring...combination SPEAR/DDT by The Hart Foundation!
The Hart Foundation was feeling it...Hart Break (combination powerbomb/diving clothesline)!
1.
2........................................
WILDER DOVE IN AND BROKE UP THE PIN!
“FIGHT FOREVER” chants rang out!
Mauro Ranallo exclaimed:
All four men went at it again! Davey Boy lifted Wilder for a running powerslam, but Wilder hit a punch to the injured ribs of Davey Boy to escape. Wilder threw Davey Boy through the turnbuckles – shoulder first into the ring post! On the apron Wilder relentlessly went after the injured ribs with stomps! On commentary, Paige Knight said:
Inside the ring, Hart and Dawson threw bombs at each other until Dawson raked the eyes and took Hart down with a Stun Gun.
With Smith gasping in pain on the apron, the Death Busters took advantage........
SPIKE PILEDRIVER ON THE APRON!
The crowd gasped as Smith collapsed motionless on the floor!
This left Teddy Hart against both Death Busters. Hart looked around the arena – loud “Teddy, Teddy, Teddy” chants rang out. Teddy Hart motioned the Death Busters to BRING IT ON! He yelled:
Teddy whipped the crowd into a frenzy, fighting one on two. He countered a double-team with a handspring cutter onto both men! He followed with a combination bulldog/lariat! Mauro Ranallo exclaimed:
Teddy went up top. He knew the numbers game would be too much. He laid both Dawson and Wilder next to each other and went for the home run shot......
SHOOTING STAR PRESS.....................
THE DEATH BUSTERS GOT THE KNEES UP!
TEDDY HART RECOILED IN PAIN FROM THE IMPACT!
THE DEATH BUSTERS STRUCK LIKE A RATTLESNAKE!
FALL OF THE AXE (fka Shatter Machine)!
1.....
2.........................................................
3..........................................................................................
Davey Boy and Wilder brawled out to the apron with Davey Boy hitting back suplex on the apron!
Inside the ring, Dawson and Teddy Hart went at it. Dawson scored a shocking 2 count off a small package on a rope running sequence. Quick as a cat, Dawson got waist control....
German Suplex....he kept his grip......
Another German Suplex.....he kept his grip....
Release German --- NO! Teddy flipped over in mid air and landed on his feet!
He charged, but Dawson folded him in half with a lariat. Dawson hit a rebound powerbomb!
1...
2...............................
Kick Out!
Dawson lifted Hart for the Brainbuster, but Davey Boy hopped in the ring...combination SPEAR/DDT by The Hart Foundation!
The Hart Foundation was feeling it...Hart Break (combination powerbomb/diving clothesline)!
1.
2........................................
WILDER DOVE IN AND BROKE UP THE PIN!
“FIGHT FOREVER” chants rang out!
Mauro Ranallo exclaimed:
All four men went at it again! Davey Boy lifted Wilder for a running powerslam, but Wilder hit a punch to the injured ribs of Davey Boy to escape. Wilder threw Davey Boy through the turnbuckles – shoulder first into the ring post! On the apron Wilder relentlessly went after the injured ribs with stomps! On commentary, Paige Knight said:
Inside the ring, Hart and Dawson threw bombs at each other until Dawson raked the eyes and took Hart down with a Stun Gun.
With Smith gasping in pain on the apron, the Death Busters took advantage........
SPIKE PILEDRIVER ON THE APRON!
The crowd gasped as Smith collapsed motionless on the floor!
This left Teddy Hart against both Death Busters. Hart looked around the arena – loud “Teddy, Teddy, Teddy” chants rang out. Teddy Hart motioned the Death Busters to BRING IT ON! He yelled:
Teddy whipped the crowd into a frenzy, fighting one on two. He countered a double-team with a handspring cutter onto both men! He followed with a combination bulldog/lariat! Mauro Ranallo exclaimed:
Teddy went up top. He knew the numbers game would be too much. He laid both Dawson and Wilder next to each other and went for the home run shot......
SHOOTING STAR PRESS.....................
THE DEATH BUSTERS GOT THE KNEES UP!
TEDDY HART RECOILED IN PAIN FROM THE IMPACT!
THE DEATH BUSTERS STRUCK LIKE A RATTLESNAKE!
FALL OF THE AXE (fka Shatter Machine)!
1.....
2.........................................................
3..........................................................................................
Winners and NEW WSW World Tag Team Champions: Death Busters (28:10)
What a match. Phenomenal effort by both teams. This match went long and was a mix of old school tag team wrestling with the modern style playing out over the last 10 minutes. The heat segment maybe was too long, and we lost the crowd for a few minutes, they bit on the false tag spot, and they were with the match the rest of the way. We really tried to tell the story of Davey Boy’s ribs being the equalizer, with the Death Busters attacking them like a vulture to neutralize his power. Teddy looked phenomenal at the end fighting one on two.
We went for the shock value here with the title change, but the thought process was simple. The Hart Foundation just went through hell five nights ago, and the Death Busters were fresher and less worn down. Pro wrestling audiences are accustomed to long feuds and builds to title changes; however, every now and then we want to remind them this is a fight. Anything can happen when a match goes to the ring, and 3 seconds is all you need. Death Busters have been a top team since their arrival, and now they are back on top as champions.
We went for the shock value here with the title change, but the thought process was simple. The Hart Foundation just went through hell five nights ago, and the Death Busters were fresher and less worn down. Pro wrestling audiences are accustomed to long feuds and builds to title changes; however, every now and then we want to remind them this is a fight. Anything can happen when a match goes to the ring, and 3 seconds is all you need. Death Busters have been a top team since their arrival, and now they are back on top as champions.
The State Farm arena was in absolute shock, as the referee’s hand hit the mat for the third time. The Death Busters had just ended the reign of The Hart Foundation and became World Tag Team Champions for the second time!
Dawson and Wilder rolled off Hart, breathing heavily. Their expressions shifted to cocky satisfaction as they clutched the WSW World Tag Team Titles.
The camera panned to the devastated faces of The Hart Foundation – Smith barely stirred on the outside; Hart was motionless on the apron.
The Death Busters stood tall and raised their gold high above their heads as boos rained down.
Dawson barked at the camera:
With a trembling voice, Mauro Ranallo called it:
Dawson and Wilder rolled off Hart, breathing heavily. Their expressions shifted to cocky satisfaction as they clutched the WSW World Tag Team Titles.
The camera panned to the devastated faces of The Hart Foundation – Smith barely stirred on the outside; Hart was motionless on the apron.
The Death Busters stood tall and raised their gold high above their heads as boos rained down.
Dawson barked at the camera:
With a trembling voice, Mauro Ranallo called it:
A promo aired for the Grand Prix:
A time-lapse of arenas filling with fans is shown as an ominous drumbeat echoed. Mauro Ranallo’s voice narrated the piece:
The beat intensified as we see rapid-fire clips of past Grand Prix action: Ethan Carter standing tall in 2016, Drew Galloway hoisting the trophy in 2017, and AJ Styles collapsing to his knees in triumph in 2018.
Clips are shown of the action: forearms colliding, bodies crashing to the mat, and fans of their feet.
The music shifted, becoming more urgent. We see sweeping aerial shots of the historic Cow Palace in San Francisco, bathed in a golden sunset.
Shots of Kenny Omega holding the WSW World Title high at SummerFest are shown. The screen cut to black with a deafening sound effect.
The music swelled with images of high-impact moves: Will Ospreay’s Storm Breaker, Adam Cole’s Last Shot, Cody hitting the Cross Rhodes, and AJ Styles delivering the Styles Clash.
The screen faded to black, and the Grand Prix logo appeared.
WSW Grand Prix 2019 – Begins August 15.
A promo from “After SummerFest” is shown. Will Ospreay sat slumped against a metal locker. His face was pale, streaked with dried blood, and his eyes were hollow. A massive ice pack rested on the back of his neck.
He stared ahead for a long moment. The silence was deafening.
He finally spoke, his voice raspy and broken:
Ospreay’s voice cracked, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Ospreay dropped his head into hands for a moment. He slowly looked back up at the camera.
Ospreay pulled the ice pack away and tossed it on the ground to reveal a neck covered in bruises and welts.
Ospreay exhaled deeply, wiping the blood from his cheek.
Ospreay leaned his head back against the locker with a thud, closed his eyes, and breathed deeply as the camera faded out.
Ignition returned with Melissa Santos standing backstage next to the Death Busters – Dawson and Wilder – the new WSW World Tag Team Champions.
Both men were dripping with sweat, but their faces were lit with smug, confident grins.
The crowd can be heard booing from the arena. Dawson adjusted the title on his shoulder and smirked:
Wilder cackled and leaned into the mic:
Dawson said:
Wilder spoke:
Dawson and Wilder shared a look, slapped their newly won belts, and closed:
Match Two: Marti Belle vs. Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D.
The second match of Ignition was a singles match between Marti Belle and Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. Belle was already in the ring.
Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. made her debut in WSW, walking on stage in a white leather jacket, adorned with gold accents. Pyro exploded around her. The crowd reacted with intrigue.
Baker marched down the ramp, high-fiving fans. She looked into the ringside camera and said:
Marti Belle charged at the bell, hoping to catch the debuting Baker off guard. Baker sidestepped with ease and followed with a forearm to the back of Belle’s head. Baker landed a crisp arm drag, followed by another...and another!
Baker capped the trio of arm drags with a perfectly executed sling blade!
On commentary, Mauro Ranallo said:
Chael Sonnen followed:
Baker capped the trio of arm drags with a perfectly executed sling blade!
On commentary, Mauro Ranallo said:
Chael Sonnen followed:
Belle attempted to mount some offense, raking Baker’s eyes and landing some clubbing forearms. Belle whipped Baker into the ropes, telegraphed a back body drop, and Baker kicked her in the head. Baker landed a superkick to the knees to drop Marti Belle followed by a superkick that landed square on the chin!
Baker followed with a swinging neckbreaker.
Baker followed with a swinging neckbreaker.
Sensing the match was hers, Baker looked around the arena and said:
She removed a studded surgical glove from her tights. She wrenched back on Belle’s arms, and hooked a Mandible Claw...Paige Knight identified the move on commentary:
Belle flailed for a moment, but Baker applied more torque, and within seconds Belle tapped out furiously. The referee called for the bell!
She removed a studded surgical glove from her tights. She wrenched back on Belle’s arms, and hooked a Mandible Claw...Paige Knight identified the move on commentary:
Belle flailed for a moment, but Baker applied more torque, and within seconds Belle tapped out furiously. The referee called for the bell!
Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. (2:20)
Quick squash match for Britt to debut her after several weeks of hype. Baker has “superstar” written all over her. She has a great look, and her backstory is one of a kind. We envision her being a big-time star, and we are treating her as such.
In ring, she still has a little way to go, so we kept this very simple. She is a good athlete, but this will very much be about getting the DMD character over, as the in-ring skill develops.
In ring, she still has a little way to go, so we kept this very simple. She is a good athlete, but this will very much be about getting the DMD character over, as the in-ring skill develops.
Todd Keneley entered the ring, mic in hand, to interview Baker.
Baker took a moment to gather herself before she spoke:
A slight, “DMD” chant started.
Baker’s music hit, and the crowd cheered her. Baker slapped hands with fans at ringside as Mauro Ranallo said:
Baker took a moment to gather herself before she spoke:
A slight, “DMD” chant started.
Baker’s music hit, and the crowd cheered her. Baker slapped hands with fans at ringside as Mauro Ranallo said:
Ignition returned from commercial with Bodak Yellow by Cardi B hitting the State Farm Arena, signaling the arrival of WSW Women’s World Champion Tessa Blanchard.
The crowd instant reacted with boos as Blanchard walked on stage, flanked by Tenille Dashwood and Nixon Newell. The WSW Women’s World Title sat on Blanchard’s shoulder. All three members of Diamond were decked out in designer outfits. Blanchard stood on top of the ramp, kissed the title belt, and held it high overhead. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo said:
Paige Knight responded:
The trio stepped into the ring – Tenille held the ropes open for Tessa. Blanchard grabbed a microphone and soaked in the boos.
Suddenly, the music of Kay Lee hit!
The crowd came alive with cheers as KLR stepped on stage with a determined glare. She marched down the ramp. Mauro Ranallo noted:
KLR stepped into the ring and went toe-to-toe with Blanchard. The World Champion adjusted the belt on her shoulder and smirked. KLR spoke:
The crowd cheered as the words dripped like venom from the lips of Kay Lee Ray. Tessa’s eyes narrowed, and Dashwood and Newell moved closer. KLR continued:
Blanchard chuckled and raised her mic:
Before KLR could respond, the music of Io Shirai hit!
Shirai walked down the ramp with purpose. Chael Sonnen said:
Shirai grabbed a microphone and in broken English said:
Io Shirai pointed directly at the World Title. The crowed chanted “Io, Io, Io.” Blanchard looked at Kay Lee Ray on one side and Io Shirai on the other. She said:
Tessa unhooked the title from her shoulder and raised it between Io and KLR.
Blanchard dropped the microphone and exited the ring. Dashwood and Newell followed her up the ramp, clapping mockingly.
In the ring, Shirai and KLR remained. They stared at Blanchard and the gleaming WSW Women’s World Championship...then they stared at each other.
On commentary, Ranallo said:
A video recap of the Elite 8 Tournament aired set to Forsaken by Bart Stoop.
We see flash cuts of all eight entrants into the tournament: Jungle Boy, Brian Pillman Jr., Myron Reed, Ace Austin, Lee Johnson, Sammy Guevara, Alan Angels, and Alexander Hammerstone. Muaro Ranallo’s voice narrated:
We see a montage of Brian Pillman Jr. raising his arm in victory after wins over Lee Johnson and Ace Austin. Talking head commentary from Chael Sonnen is provided:
Further commentary was provided by “Wrestling Historian” Mike Tenay:
A montage on Alexander Hammerstone airs. Ranallo’s narration says:
We see full frame shots of Hammerstone slamming Alan Angels with the Nightmare Pendulum and press slamming Jungle Boy from the ring to the floor.
Tenay says:
Sonnen said:
The camera flashes through highlights of the tournament, and Ranallo’s narration closes the piece:
The video package ends and cuts to scenes of Alexander Hammerstone cranking out a set of final, methodical push-ups on his locker room floor. He rises slowly, exhales hard, and clinches his fists. A knock is heard at the door, and a production runner leans in.
Hammerstone doesn’t respond – he just smirked. The camera lingered as he grabbed a black towel, put it around his neck, and began marching towards the entrance.
The camera cut to the interview area where Melissa Santos was standing by with Brian Pillman Jr. Pillman looked intense. Hair wet. The cast on his right arm was still there, a remnant from The Hart Foundation’s war with the Lucha Brothers.
Santos said:
Pillman was silent for a few seconds. When he spoke his voice was low. Calm.
Pillman looked up with his eyes burning. His voice grew with each line:
Match Three: Elite 8 Tournament Finals – Brian Pillman Jr. Vs. Alexander Hammerstone
The third match of Ignition was a singles match between Brian Pillman Jr. and Alexander Hammerstone in the finals of the Elite 8 Tournament.
The Elite 8 Trophy gleamed under the bright lights of the State Farm Arena at ringside, standing tall as a symbol of opportunity. The crowd was firmly behind Brian Pillman Jr., chants “Brian, Brian, Brian” sounding out as he made his entrance.
Alexander Hammerstone’s music hit, and the cocky, sculpted powerhouse strode out on stage. He sauntered down the ramp, but the match began with an explosion as Pillman didn’t wait to take the fight to the larger man...
TOPE SUICIDA!
Pillman BLASTED Hammerstone before he could even enter the ring!
Pillman brought the fight to Hammerstone, brawling with heart at ringside. He fired chops, fists, and whipped Hammerstone into the steel guardrail.
Pillman made good on his promise to fight like a pit bull, as he bounced Hammerstone’s head off the steel steps before finally rolling him into the ring.
The bell sounded to officially start the match, and Hammerstone shook the cobwebs off from the early flurry. He swung with a massive lariat, but Pillman ducked and DROPPED Hammerstone with a picture-perfect superkick!
Cover!
1...
Kick Out!
The crowd rallied behind Pillman even more, as the youngest member of The Hart Foundation was FIRED UP, knowing the opportunity at hand.
Pillman stayed on the attack, whipping Hammerstone into the corner. He charged for a shotgun dropkick, but Hammerstone exploded out the corner and folded Pillman in half with a wicked lariat!
Hammerstone ripped Pillman off the canvas and bounced his head off the top turnbuckle a couple times before peppering him with a barrage of chops and closed fists. Hammerstone spiked Pillman with a spinebuster that caused the crowd to groan, and an expression of anger was worn on the face of Hammerstone.
Pillman BLASTED Hammerstone before he could even enter the ring!
Pillman brought the fight to Hammerstone, brawling with heart at ringside. He fired chops, fists, and whipped Hammerstone into the steel guardrail.
Pillman made good on his promise to fight like a pit bull, as he bounced Hammerstone’s head off the steel steps before finally rolling him into the ring.
The bell sounded to officially start the match, and Hammerstone shook the cobwebs off from the early flurry. He swung with a massive lariat, but Pillman ducked and DROPPED Hammerstone with a picture-perfect superkick!
Cover!
1...
Kick Out!
The crowd rallied behind Pillman even more, as the youngest member of The Hart Foundation was FIRED UP, knowing the opportunity at hand.
Pillman stayed on the attack, whipping Hammerstone into the corner. He charged for a shotgun dropkick, but Hammerstone exploded out the corner and folded Pillman in half with a wicked lariat!
Hammerstone ripped Pillman off the canvas and bounced his head off the top turnbuckle a couple times before peppering him with a barrage of chops and closed fists. Hammerstone spiked Pillman with a spinebuster that caused the crowd to groan, and an expression of anger was worn on the face of Hammerstone.
Hammerstone took over with his power. He dominated Pillman with gutwrench suplexes, a one-armed delayed vertical suplex (he flexed with the other arm), and a gorgeous dropkick that hit flush! He pressed Pillman overhead and dropped him with a powerslam. Chael Sonnen said:
All of this just yielded a 2 count, as Pillman refused to stay down. Hammerstone slapped on a tight side head lock on the mat and tried to squeeze everything out of Pillman.
The crowd rallied Pillman to his feet, and he escaped the grasp of Hammerstone with a series of sharp elbows. Pillman hit the ropes for momentum, but he ran directly into a kitchen sink knee!
Lifting Pillman onto his shoulders, Hammerstone screamed:
Rack Bomb............
NO!
Pillman countered with a crucifix bomb!
Cover!
1.....
2..........................
Kick Out!
Pillman nearly stole it!
All of this just yielded a 2 count, as Pillman refused to stay down. Hammerstone slapped on a tight side head lock on the mat and tried to squeeze everything out of Pillman.
The crowd rallied Pillman to his feet, and he escaped the grasp of Hammerstone with a series of sharp elbows. Pillman hit the ropes for momentum, but he ran directly into a kitchen sink knee!
Lifting Pillman onto his shoulders, Hammerstone screamed:
Rack Bomb............
NO!
Pillman countered with a crucifix bomb!
Cover!
1.....
2..........................
Kick Out!
Pillman nearly stole it!
Hammerstone scrambled to his feet, stunned as that was the closest, he had come to defeat in the Elite 8 Tournament. Pillman caught his second wind, ducking and dodging every swing from Hammerstone. Pillman took him down with a running crossbody.
Pillman whipped Hammerstone into the corner and followed with a big shotgun dropkick. Air Pillman connected! Followed by another!
Pillman was feeling it! He tried for the Dying Promise, but Hammerstone countered out. Pillman was quicker though, nailing an overhand chop and transitioning to a DDT that scored another 2 count!
Looking for anything to keep the big man down, Pillman ventured to the top. He pointed to the sky and flew.
Crossbody.........
HAMMERSTONE DESTROYED HIM WITH A MIDAIR PUMP KICK!
The impact was sick! Pillman went flying from the impact!
A gigantic lariat from Hammerstone folded Pillman in half. Hammerstone then flashed the throat-slit gesture and planted Pillman with the Nightmare Pendulum!
1....
2........
3............................
Pillman whipped Hammerstone into the corner and followed with a big shotgun dropkick. Air Pillman connected! Followed by another!
Pillman was feeling it! He tried for the Dying Promise, but Hammerstone countered out. Pillman was quicker though, nailing an overhand chop and transitioning to a DDT that scored another 2 count!
Looking for anything to keep the big man down, Pillman ventured to the top. He pointed to the sky and flew.
Crossbody.........
HAMMERSTONE DESTROYED HIM WITH A MIDAIR PUMP KICK!
The impact was sick! Pillman went flying from the impact!
A gigantic lariat from Hammerstone folded Pillman in half. Hammerstone then flashed the throat-slit gesture and planted Pillman with the Nightmare Pendulum!
1....
2........
3............................
Alexander Hammerstone (7:28)
From a match standpoint, this was fairly by the books – we tried to keep this really simple for both men. In many way this was an old school match from the 80’s/early 90s.
For both men, their charisma is better than their in-ring ability at this point. The crowd likes Pillman; he just needs to get smoother in the ring as a singles, and that was the purpose of having him in this tournament – to get him over as more than just the young boy of The Hart Foundation. Hammerstone is getting the push. He’s got a great look, and Pillman bumped like crazy for him. Hammerstone isn’t a finished product yet, but with his charisma and body, we have a chance to make him a heel in the vein of Scott Steiner.
For both men, their charisma is better than their in-ring ability at this point. The crowd likes Pillman; he just needs to get smoother in the ring as a singles, and that was the purpose of having him in this tournament – to get him over as more than just the young boy of The Hart Foundation. Hammerstone is getting the push. He’s got a great look, and Pillman bumped like crazy for him. Hammerstone isn’t a finished product yet, but with his charisma and body, we have a chance to make him a heel in the vein of Scott Steiner.
The camera focused on the wreckage – Brian Pillman Jr. was laid out. The Elite 8 Tournament trophy was brought into the ring and placed in front of Hammerstone as the referee raised his arm in victory. On commentary Mauro Ranallo said:
Todd Keneley entered the ring with a microphone as Hammerstone posed next to the trophy.
Hammerstone grabbed the microphone.
Hammerstone smirked and flexed beside the trophy before continuing:
Hammerstone spiked the microphone down and picked the trophy up. He held it overhead, and a loud, clear message had been sent.
Todd Keneley entered the ring with a microphone as Hammerstone posed next to the trophy.
Hammerstone grabbed the microphone.
Hammerstone smirked and flexed beside the trophy before continuing:
Hammerstone spiked the microphone down and picked the trophy up. He held it overhead, and a loud, clear message had been sent.
Kenny Omega came to the ring for a promo, and the crowd exploded at the sound of his music. The WSW World Champion stood on-stage as pyro exploded around him. He soaked in the moment before heading down the ramp to the ring.
Omega spoke:
He smiled as the crowd chanted “Kenny, Kenny Kenny!”
Omega continued:
Kenny laughed and continued:
The music of AJ Styles hit!
A huge cheer sounded out, AJ Styles stepped out with Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows by his side. The Club made their way to the ring!
The former Bullet Club stablemates all stood in the ring, and “This Is Awesome” chants sounded out. Styles and Omega looked around the arena at the reaction, and Styles spoke:
Kenny nodded his head and the two men went eye-to-eye, the tension was palpable.....................
The crowd EXPLODED as the sounds of AC/DC cranked in the State Farm Arena. Jon Moxley was HERE!
Wearing a hoodie, half-zipped, Moxley made his way through the crowd!
He climbed over the guardrail and stepped into the ring, standing between Omega and Styles. The three men stared each other down.
Thunderous chants of “HOLY SHIT” sounded out, as a full-blown Mexican standoff was taking place.
Moxley scanned both men, and then BANG.....
DEATH RIDER DDT ON OMEGA!
The fans EXPLODED!
Moxley struck the World Champion like a lightning bolt!
Moxley beat his chest, electricity pouring through his veins!
AJ Styles swung at Moxley, and the two men locked horns! Fists flew with fury! Styles and Moxley went at it!
Kenny Omega was stunned on the mat. Anderson and Gallows jumped in to bedlam as well, and then they noticed the prone World Champion on the mat. They approached him.......
Ricochet and Kota Ibushi came sprinting down the ramp too! Chaos erupted:
- Ricochet jumped over everyone, getting insane height on a springboard and nailing a clothesline on Gallows!
- Anderson hit a cutter on Ricochet
- Ibushi wiped out Anderson with a head kick
The World Champion picked himself up off the canvas and assessed the chaos. Omega sized up his target. He charged with a V-Trigger aimed at Moxley..........
MOXLEY AVOIDED IT AT THE LAST SECOND AND OMEGA SMASHED AJ STYLES WITH THE V-TRIGGER INSTEAD!
Styles went flying through the ropes to the floor!
Omega’s eyes got big as he realized what just happened. Styles grabbed his jaw on the floor and his eyes were filled with anger. Security flooded to the ring, as Moxley slid to the outside – laughing at the chaos he just created.
Moxley yelled a simple message that was heard loud and clear:
Mauro Ranallo went nuts on commentary:
A video recap aired, highlighting the feud between Candice LeRae & Rachael Ellering vs. Ivelisse & Mercedes Martinez.
- We see Candice LeRae cheat to beat Ivelisse in a singles match, and her subsequent attack backstage.
- LeRae recruited Ellering as her “insurance policy”
- Ivelisse brought in her “best friend” Mercedes Martinez to even up the odds.
- We see Martinez’s big impact on her debut – laying out LeRae with one punch.
- The battle lines have been drawn for the tag team match tonight.
Match Four: Candice LeRae & Rachael Ellering vs. Ivelisse & Mercedes Martinez
The fourth match of Ignition was a tag team match between Candice LeRae & Rachael Ellering and Ivelisse & Mercedes Martinez.
The crowd booed Candice LeRae and Rachael Ellering as they arrogantly strutted to the ring. LeRae soaked in the jeers and smirked at the crowd – clad in all black.
Ivelisse and Martinez wasted little time getting to the ring. They got down the ramp quickly and went toe to toe with LeRae and Ellering...they couldn’t wait to get their hands on them. The referee struggled to establish order and demanded both teams get to their respective corners.
As the bell rang, Ivelisse demanded to start with LeRae – her eyes locked in, and her voice was loud and clear:
LeRae hesitated. She crept towards the center...then immediately tagged in Ellering with a grin. The crowd groaned, and Paige Knight mocked her on commentary:
Martinez demanded to be tagged in, and the two powerhouses officially started the match. They circled like predators and then locked up hard. They exchanged forearms with heavy thuds. Either woman budged an inch. Martinez threw machine gun chops, but Ellering absorbed them all and came back with a powerful short-arm clothesline.
LeRae hesitated. She crept towards the center...then immediately tagged in Ellering with a grin. The crowd groaned, and Paige Knight mocked her on commentary:
Martinez demanded to be tagged in, and the two powerhouses officially started the match. They circled like predators and then locked up hard. They exchanged forearms with heavy thuds. Either woman budged an inch. Martinez threw machine gun chops, but Ellering absorbed them all and came back with a powerful short-arm clothesline.
After a brief exhange, Martinez tagged in Ivelisse. Ivelisse came in hot, throwing fast kicks and driving Ellering into the corner with elbows. LeRae shouted at the Ivelisse from the apron. Ivelisse took Ellering down with a dropkick and demanded that LeRae tag in.
She got her wish. LeRae tagged in.......
And immediately bailed to the outside.
Ivelisse could wait no longer. She gave chase, and LeRae scrambled back inside. Ivelisse followed, and LeRae landed a few cheap shots as Ivelisse slid inside. Ivelisse shook them off and fired back. She landed a spinning back kick and running knee. Ivelisse went for a tornado DDT, but Ellering interfered from the apron, grabbing Ivelisse’s hair and slinging her violently down to the canvas.
This provided the opening for LeRae. She took Ivelisse outside and whipped her into the steel guardrail.
Ellering and LeRae worked quick tags, targeting Ivelisse’s lower back with slams and double teams.
LeRae choked Ivelisse on the ropes and blew sarcastic kisses at the crowd.
Martinez paced the apron and rallied the fans.
LeRae and Ellering went for a double vertical suplex, but Ivelisse finally found an opening.... countering with a double DDT!
Ivelisse slowly crawled to her corner, and made the tag to Mercedes Martinez!
She got her wish. LeRae tagged in.......
And immediately bailed to the outside.
Ivelisse could wait no longer. She gave chase, and LeRae scrambled back inside. Ivelisse followed, and LeRae landed a few cheap shots as Ivelisse slid inside. Ivelisse shook them off and fired back. She landed a spinning back kick and running knee. Ivelisse went for a tornado DDT, but Ellering interfered from the apron, grabbing Ivelisse’s hair and slinging her violently down to the canvas.
This provided the opening for LeRae. She took Ivelisse outside and whipped her into the steel guardrail.
Ellering and LeRae worked quick tags, targeting Ivelisse’s lower back with slams and double teams.
LeRae choked Ivelisse on the ropes and blew sarcastic kisses at the crowd.
Martinez paced the apron and rallied the fans.
LeRae and Ellering went for a double vertical suplex, but Ivelisse finally found an opening.... countering with a double DDT!
Ivelisse slowly crawled to her corner, and made the tag to Mercedes Martinez!
Martinez charged in and ran over LeRae with two lariats. She dropped Ellering with a Saito Suplex.
Martinez hit an overhead belly to belly suplex on LeRae, throwing her halfway across the ring. This drew a big reaction from the crowd!
Martinez moved like a bowling ball made of butcher knives. She clotheslined Ellering over the top to the floor.
LeRae was staggered in the corner – Martinez CRUSHED her with a running corner boot followed by a cannonball!
Martinez hit a butterfly suplex for a 2 count!
With the crowd red hot, Martinez slapped the turnbuckle and tagged Ivelisse back in. Ivelisse climbed to the top and hit a flying crossbody onto LeRae.
Cover!
1...
2.....
Kick Out!
Ivelisse called for the Desert Eagle. She sized up LeRae.........
Ellering jumped to the apron and grabbed Ivelisse by the hair to cut her off! Ivelisse landed a stiff elbow to the jaw to escape her grasp.
Martinez took Ellering off the apron with a running boot, followed by a tope suicida!
Ivelisse exercised weeks of frustration on Candice LeRae, peppering her with palm strikes followed by a question mark kick!
On the outside, Martinez wasn’t done just yet. She charged........
AND SPEARED ELLERING THROUGH THE GUARDRAIL!
The crowd lost it.
Metal clanged. Bodies sprawled. The barricade was bent and broken.
The referee stuck her head through the ropes momentarily to check on the destruction.
Back inside, Ivelisse raised her fist to signal the end....
That’s when Candice struck.
With the referee’s back turned, LeRae dug into her boot and pulled out a pair of brass knuckles.
Ivelisse charged for the Desert Eagle.....
BAM!
A vicious shot from the brass knuckles connected flush against the temple!
Candice quickly stuck the knuckles down her top and made the cover, hooking both legs:
1.....
2..........................
3..................................................................
Martinez hit an overhead belly to belly suplex on LeRae, throwing her halfway across the ring. This drew a big reaction from the crowd!
Martinez moved like a bowling ball made of butcher knives. She clotheslined Ellering over the top to the floor.
LeRae was staggered in the corner – Martinez CRUSHED her with a running corner boot followed by a cannonball!
Martinez hit a butterfly suplex for a 2 count!
With the crowd red hot, Martinez slapped the turnbuckle and tagged Ivelisse back in. Ivelisse climbed to the top and hit a flying crossbody onto LeRae.
Cover!
1...
2.....
Kick Out!
Ivelisse called for the Desert Eagle. She sized up LeRae.........
Ellering jumped to the apron and grabbed Ivelisse by the hair to cut her off! Ivelisse landed a stiff elbow to the jaw to escape her grasp.
Martinez took Ellering off the apron with a running boot, followed by a tope suicida!
Ivelisse exercised weeks of frustration on Candice LeRae, peppering her with palm strikes followed by a question mark kick!
On the outside, Martinez wasn’t done just yet. She charged........
AND SPEARED ELLERING THROUGH THE GUARDRAIL!
The crowd lost it.
Metal clanged. Bodies sprawled. The barricade was bent and broken.
The referee stuck her head through the ropes momentarily to check on the destruction.
Back inside, Ivelisse raised her fist to signal the end....
That’s when Candice struck.
With the referee’s back turned, LeRae dug into her boot and pulled out a pair of brass knuckles.
Ivelisse charged for the Desert Eagle.....
BAM!
A vicious shot from the brass knuckles connected flush against the temple!
Candice quickly stuck the knuckles down her top and made the cover, hooking both legs:
1.....
2..........................
3..................................................................
Candice LeRae & Rachael Ellering (9:00)
Match was a bit sloppy in transitions, particularly in the early goings. Some timing issues between Ellering and Martinez on the power sequences. The crowd reacts big with to Martinez' strikes and suplexes.
The primary focus was to enhance Candice LeRae’s manipulative heel character, and Ivelisse plays the role of fiery underdog well. The finish came off clean despite a bit of mistiming with the ringside brawl. Brass knuckles spot landed effectively.
The primary focus was to enhance Candice LeRae’s manipulative heel character, and Ivelisse plays the role of fiery underdog well. The finish came off clean despite a bit of mistiming with the ringside brawl. Brass knuckles spot landed effectively.
The bell ran, and the crowd jeered in disgust.
Candice LeRae rolled out the ring with a devilish grin and stumbled backwards on the ramp. Martinez and Ellering were still tangled in a mess of bodies and metal. Ivelisse laid flat in the center of the ring, clutching her head – robbed again.
Mauro Ranallo summed it up on commentary:
Candice LeRae rolled out the ring with a devilish grin and stumbled backwards on the ramp. Martinez and Ellering were still tangled in a mess of bodies and metal. Ivelisse laid flat in the center of the ring, clutching her head – robbed again.
Mauro Ranallo summed it up on commentary:
A vignette aired featuring Salina de la Renta.
The screen faded in from black. Candlelight flickered. The hum of a pipe organ echoed faintly in the background. The silhouette of Salina de la Renta stepped into a wooden confessional booth inside an old cathedral.
She was dressed in black lace, her eyes sharp but unreadable. She crossed herself and then leaned toward the grated panel.
De la Renta paused. She closed her eyes, steadying her breath.
Black and white highlights of Castagnoli being defeated by Omega aired. The V-Triggers. The One Winged Angel.
Salina opened her eyes.
Cuts of Castagnoli’s past violence in matches is shown.
Salina slowly stood and exited the confessional. The shot lingered on the empty booth for a moment...until the camera tilted up to the large crucifix hanging above the altar.
Salina’s chilling voice was heard one final time:
A promo from “After SummerFest” aired featuring Deonna Purrazzo.
Purrazzo was seated alone in a steel folding chair backstage at the Scotiabank Arena, still in her gear. Sweat beads were on her forehead. Her taped-up arm was bruised from the war with Nixon Newell. Her eyes were intense – not shaken, but focused. She flexed her fingers and slowly removed the tape from her wrists as she spoke:
Deonna slowly stood and walked off camera.
Ignition returned with a backstage interview with Melissa Santos and Andrew Everett. Santos said:
Everett exhaled sharply and spoke with intensity but without shouting – raw, real emotion.
Ahead of the main event the announcers ran down the card for next week’s Ignition:
- Andrew Everett vs. Trevor Lee
- Four-Way Rookie Showcase: Jungle Boy vs. Myron Reed vs. Ace Austin vs. Sammy Guevara
- Gallows & Anderson vs. #STRONGHEARTS
- Jon Moxley In Action
- Number One Contenders Match: Io Shirai vs. Kay Lee Ray
Match Five: WSW Intercontinental Championship - “The American Nightmare” Cody vs. Adam Cole (c)
The main event of Ignition 200 was a singles match for the Intercontinental Championship between Cody and Adam Cole.
Cody made his entrance, and the crowd erupted. Cody walked on stage, flanked by Diamond Dallas Page, Brandi Rhodes, and Dustin Rhodes. Pyro exploded around them. Cody kissed his wife, and shook the hands of DDP and Dustin before heading down the ramp solo – focused, composed, and ready.
The Intercontinental Champion made his entrance solo. Cole sneered with his signature arrogant swagger; the gleaming Intercontinental Title was around his waist. The Atlanta crowd rained down boos.
The match began with a red hot atmosphere. Both men circled cautiously before locking up. An early grappling exchange yielded a stalemate, neither man wanting to make a false move so early into the match.
A second grappling exchange saw Cody outwrestle Cole, controlling the wrist and floating into a front headlock. Cody hit a crisp drop-down uppercut that popped the crowd.
Cole bailed outside in frustration, pacing and muttering to himself. He re-entered cautiously, but Cody kept up the pressure. He outmaneuvered Cole again on the mat and scored a scoop slam and a vertical suplex that scored an early 2 count.
Cole eventually turned the tide by raking the eyes and landing a sharp kick to the inside of Cody’s thigh, causing the challenger to drop to a knee. Chael Sonnen noted this on commentary:
Cole went to work of the leg, dropping elbows to the inside of the thigh. He mocked the crowd, blowing his nose down on Cody and flipping off the crowd.
Cody rallied back, but as he scaled to the top rope – Cole SHOVED him off, sending Cody crashing down to the floor below.
A second grappling exchange saw Cody outwrestle Cole, controlling the wrist and floating into a front headlock. Cody hit a crisp drop-down uppercut that popped the crowd.
Cole bailed outside in frustration, pacing and muttering to himself. He re-entered cautiously, but Cody kept up the pressure. He outmaneuvered Cole again on the mat and scored a scoop slam and a vertical suplex that scored an early 2 count.
Cole eventually turned the tide by raking the eyes and landing a sharp kick to the inside of Cody’s thigh, causing the challenger to drop to a knee. Chael Sonnen noted this on commentary:
Cole went to work of the leg, dropping elbows to the inside of the thigh. He mocked the crowd, blowing his nose down on Cody and flipping off the crowd.
Cody rallied back, but as he scaled to the top rope – Cole SHOVED him off, sending Cody crashing down to the floor below.
Cole followed up with precision offense, targeting the leg. He slammed the leg against the apron and hit a dragon screw. Back inside, Cole locked in a modified knee bar. Cody screamed in pain, but he refused to quit and got to the ropes for a break.
Cole stayed methodical, connecting with a Ushigoroshi for a 2 count! Cole screamed at Cody:
Cody fired back with slaps and chops, and the crowd rallied behind him. He created separation, and instinct took over....he NAILED a Disaster Kick, but he hit the move with his injured leg!
Both men collapsed on impact, Cody clutching the leg!
Both men got to their feet at the same time, but Cole nailed a superkick to the knee!
Superkick to the face!
Cole charged for the Last Shot.........
CODY DUCKED!
He grabbed the leg of Cole and transitioned to the Figure Four!
“Whoooooooo” sounded out as Cody cinched in the submission! It was locked on tight!
Cole writhed in agony!
The Intercontinental Champion dug his finger into the cerulean blue match as Cody cinched the submission in tight.
Gritting his teeth, Cole reached out........
The tips of his fingers reached the ropes for a break!
Cody broke the hold, but he stayed on the attack; he went for Cross Rhodes....
Cole countered out and went for a Cross Rhodes of his own.........
Cody countered out.
Cody went for a pump kick, but Cole dodged. Cole fired off a superkick........
Cody ducked and the referee ATE the superkick!
The crowd gasped as the official collapsed to the mat.
Cole stayed methodical, connecting with a Ushigoroshi for a 2 count! Cole screamed at Cody:
Cody fired back with slaps and chops, and the crowd rallied behind him. He created separation, and instinct took over....he NAILED a Disaster Kick, but he hit the move with his injured leg!
Both men collapsed on impact, Cody clutching the leg!
Both men got to their feet at the same time, but Cole nailed a superkick to the knee!
Superkick to the face!
Cole charged for the Last Shot.........
CODY DUCKED!
He grabbed the leg of Cole and transitioned to the Figure Four!
“Whoooooooo” sounded out as Cody cinched in the submission! It was locked on tight!
Cole writhed in agony!
The Intercontinental Champion dug his finger into the cerulean blue match as Cody cinched the submission in tight.
Gritting his teeth, Cole reached out........
The tips of his fingers reached the ropes for a break!
Cody broke the hold, but he stayed on the attack; he went for Cross Rhodes....
Cole countered out and went for a Cross Rhodes of his own.........
Cody countered out.
Cody went for a pump kick, but Cole dodged. Cole fired off a superkick........
Cody ducked and the referee ATE the superkick!
The crowd gasped as the official collapsed to the mat.
Cody immediately struck with a Cody Cutter!
Fired up, he hit a perfect Cross Rhodes!
Cody covered, but the referee was still down!
The crowd counted: 1.....2......3............4.................
There was no one to count the pin fall!
Cody flopped back onto the mat, staring up at the lights. He had the match won, but the referee was down!
Cole slowly rolled himself to the corner, he slumped out to the floor. Cody went over to check on the referee. Shaking the motionless referee, Cody urged him to get to his feet.
On the outside, Adam Cole grabbed the Intercontinental Title off the timekeeper’s table.
Clutching the gold belt, Adam Cole slipped back into the ring. Cody desperately shook the referee. He stood, turned around...........
COLE CRACKED CODY IN THE SKULL WITH THE BELT!
Cole tossed the evidence and hit the Last Shot!
Adam Cole dragged the referee over by the collar of his shirt and flopped on top of Cody....
1....................................
2.................................................................
KICK OUT!
The building EXPLODED!
Cole screamed in disbelief. He pulled himself up and climbed to the middle rope. Cole went for the Panama Sunrise........
He point the finger guns at Cody and jumped.............
Cody blocked!
He went for the Alabama Slam, but his leg gave out........
This allowed Cole to slip down the back of Cody and roll him up!
1.....
2..........................
Kick Out!
As soon as Cody kicked out, Cole DESTROYED him with bicycle kick!
Cole pulled down his knee pad and screamed:
Last Shot...............
Cody ducked again and countered with the Alabama Slam! Cody hooked Cole.............
CROSS RHODES!
1......
2...................................................................................
3.........................................................................................................................
Fired up, he hit a perfect Cross Rhodes!
Cody covered, but the referee was still down!
The crowd counted: 1.....2......3............4.................
There was no one to count the pin fall!
Cody flopped back onto the mat, staring up at the lights. He had the match won, but the referee was down!
Cole slowly rolled himself to the corner, he slumped out to the floor. Cody went over to check on the referee. Shaking the motionless referee, Cody urged him to get to his feet.
On the outside, Adam Cole grabbed the Intercontinental Title off the timekeeper’s table.
Clutching the gold belt, Adam Cole slipped back into the ring. Cody desperately shook the referee. He stood, turned around...........
COLE CRACKED CODY IN THE SKULL WITH THE BELT!
Cole tossed the evidence and hit the Last Shot!
Adam Cole dragged the referee over by the collar of his shirt and flopped on top of Cody....
1....................................
2.................................................................
KICK OUT!
The building EXPLODED!
Cole screamed in disbelief. He pulled himself up and climbed to the middle rope. Cole went for the Panama Sunrise........
He point the finger guns at Cody and jumped.............
Cody blocked!
He went for the Alabama Slam, but his leg gave out........
This allowed Cole to slip down the back of Cody and roll him up!
1.....
2..........................
Kick Out!
As soon as Cody kicked out, Cole DESTROYED him with bicycle kick!
Cole pulled down his knee pad and screamed:
Last Shot...............
Cody ducked again and countered with the Alabama Slam! Cody hooked Cole.............
CROSS RHODES!
1......
2...................................................................................
3.........................................................................................................................
Winner and NEW Intercontinental Champion: Cody (15:33)
Outstanding professional wrestling match, and the crowd made this feel truly special. Match escalated well, and since we don’t do ref bumps very much – it actually added to the drama of the match.
Great storytelling, and Cody truly feels like a top tier babyface right now.
Great storytelling, and Cody truly feels like a top tier babyface right now.
The crowd erupted as Cody collapsed in the center of the ring. The State Farm Arena was deafening with chants of
The referee presented Cody with the Intercontinental Title, and he clutched the belt to his chest. Brandi, Dustin, and DDP ran down to celebrate. Brandi embraced Cody, Dustin raised his brother’s arm, and DDP hugged him tight.
Mauro Ranallo delivered the final call:
The final shot of Ignition 200 saw Cody standing triumphantly in the corner, holding the Intercontinental Championship high above his head as the crowd chanted his name.
The referee presented Cody with the Intercontinental Title, and he clutched the belt to his chest. Brandi, Dustin, and DDP ran down to celebrate. Brandi embraced Cody, Dustin raised his brother’s arm, and DDP hugged him tight.
Mauro Ranallo delivered the final call:
The final shot of Ignition 200 saw Cody standing triumphantly in the corner, holding the Intercontinental Championship high above his head as the crowd chanted his name.
Results
No. | Results | Stipulation | Time |
1 | Death Busters (Dawson & Wilder) def. The Hart Foundation (Teddy Hart & Davey Boy Smith Jr.) (c) | Tag team match for the WSW World Tag Team Championships | 28:10 |
2 | Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. def Marti Belle | Singles match | 2:20 |
3 | Alexander Hammerstone def. Brian Pillman Jr. | Singles match - Finals of Elite 8 Tournament | 7:28 |
4 | Candice LeRae & Rachael Ellering def. Ivelisse & Mercedes Martinez | Tag team match | 9:00 |
5 | Cody def. Adam Cole (c) | Singles match for the WSW Intercontinental Championship | 15:33 |
I love the the way you did D.M.D from her fashion and she is a great babyface who will be a star and fantastic promo to make fans who do not know who she is to like her I was thinking what would be nice from Britt to kids in the crowd would be custom made dmd gloves like bret hart did with his pink glasses
News and Rumors |
July 24, 2019 |
- World Series Wrestling officially announced that it would transition Ignition to Tuesday nights 8-10 p.m. Eastern time on Paramount Network starting on 10/1. The show is being promoted as Ignition: Season Premier and will be at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA. WSW ran this building for a set of tapings in April, and drew the highest attendance for Ignition in history, with a crowd of 7,700. The company’s release said that tickets go on-sale on 7/29.
- WSW and Paramount Network put together a tremendous two-and-a-half-minute trailer for the product, talking about setting a new standard, having the best talent, and pushing themes like harder hitting, higher flying, and the company being a revolution to the industry.
- This move had been expected for a while, and Shane McMahon had been pitching it to the Paramount Network & Viacom executives for several months. The NFL is scheduled to run a full slate of games on Thursday nights this fall, so the move makes a tremendous amount of sense. WSW is in a substantial growth period, and it is the second highest rated show on Paramount Network behind only Yellowstone – the network’s smash hit drama. The NFL is one of the highest ratings draws on television, so WSW avoids running against the most difficult competition on television four months each year.
- Ignition will move into the Tuesday night spot previously occupied by Smackdown. The week of 10/1 will be a big one in wrestling, with Ignition’s move to Tuesday night and Smackdown’s debut on Fox on 10/4.
- It’s also no secret that WWE will look to counter program Ignition with an FS1 airing of NXT. It is unknown if NXT would be a one hour or two-hour show, or if it would be live or taped. The talks are serious enough that in a Fox call to Northeastern affiliates last week, they brought up that possibility. Sources within WWE have confirmed the idea is being discussed, with the reason being competition with WSW.
- If WWE can get a deal done, the plan would be for more main roster talents to appear on NXT.
- While WSW is doing very well as a television product, it is worth noting that these changes do not impact the length or terms of their current deal with Paramount Network. The deal (signed at the beginning of this year) runs through 2021.
- WSW and Paramount Network put together a tremendous two-and-a-half-minute trailer for the product, talking about setting a new standard, having the best talent, and pushing themes like harder hitting, higher flying, and the company being a revolution to the industry.
- WSW went on-sale with tickets for the 9/21 Grand Prix Finals at the Cow Palace on 7/19. Unlike Seize the Day and SummerFest, the show was not an instant sell out. The building is currently set up for a capacity of 10,000. As of this report, roughly 6,500 tickets had been sold, representing 65 percent of the building’s capacity. It’s a solid start, but this is a far cry from the demand WSW experienced for its last two tent pole specials. There are about 920 tickets on Stubhub, with a $30 get-in price.
- With strong buzz coming off the heels of SummerFest and heavy promotion, Ignition 200 on 7/18 was a ratings success. The show did 982,000 viewers and a very strong .43 in the key 18-49 demo. This is a 13.1% increase in viewership week-over-week, and a 30.3% increase in demo rating. This is the highest viewership total since 6/6, and the highest demo rating since 5/2. The show finished 3rd for the night on cable.
- Raw Reunion on 7/22 drew 3,093,000 viewers and a 1.14 rating in the key demo. This is the best rating for the show since August 20, 2018, and the largest audience since April 23, 2018.
- The show was entirely based on nostalgia, and featured the returns of Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, Ric Flair & Shawn Michaels. The numbers beat the Raw after WrestleMania.
- Raw was the most watched show on cable, and it beat everything in primetime except ABC (The Bachelorette) and NBC (American Ninja Warrior).
- The idea of the reunion show was pitched by the USA Network earlier this summer in effort to spike sagging ratings.
- Once again, the show held up throughout its three hours. The first hour did 3,019,000 viewers. The second hour did 3,178,000 viewers. The third hour did 3,083,000 viewers.
- The show was entirely based on nostalgia, and featured the returns of Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, Ric Flair & Shawn Michaels. The numbers beat the Raw after WrestleMania.
- The 7/23 Smackdown did 2,162,000 viewers and a .65 in the key demo. Viewership was up 2% week-over-week. These were the best numbers the show has done since 4/16.
- MJF, one of the top independent stars today, officially signed a three-year deal with WSW this week.
- In a story to keep track of, Pac lost the Open the Dream Gate title in Dragon Gate on 7/21. Pac is a name that WSW has been very high on for some time; however, he had refused to lose matches while champion. This was a decision he made to protect the Dragon Gate world title; however, it made booking him difficult. With the title reign now over, the door is open. Both sides are said to be interesting in working out a deal. Pac has not worked in a major US promotion since leaving WWE in August 2018.
- Bret Hart was interviewed by the Calgary Sun this week about his appearance at SummerFest. Hart said:
- Hart was highly complementary of Shane McMahon and the backstage personnel at WSW. He said that the door was open to work with WSW again, but he said that he’s loving the summer in Calgary and didn’t want to miss one day of it. He isn’t taking any appearances this summer, and he won’t be available until the end of August.
- Fresh off her WSW debut, Britt Baker was this week’s guest on Chael Sonnen’s Inside the Ring podcast.
- Baker said that she began training to wrestle at the same time she entered dental school at the University of Pittsburgh. She said:
- Baker is a practicing dentist in Orlando, FL. She said the most exciting day of her professional life was signing her contract with WSW, but she immediately had to make contingency plans for her dental practice due to the weekly TV schedule. Baker said that she is “figuring it out,” but she envisions that most weeks she will work three to four days at her practice and then fly around the country for the Ignition tapings.
- When asked about her goals in WSW, Baker said:
- Baker said that she began training to wrestle at the same time she entered dental school at the University of Pittsburgh. She said:
- CM Punk was a major topic of discussion in the wrestling world this week following an interview with ESPN’s Mark Raimondi. The interview was notable, as Punk doesn’t do a lot of media. Punk reiterated that he hasn’t wrestled in five years, and he didn’t have any plans or desire of “getting back in;” however he noted, “anything is possible.”
- Punk noted that he hated travel and that was a key reason why he doesn’t do many signings or appearances.
- Punk said that while he was still under contract to UFC, he did not envision fighting again. He cited his age and the difficulties of training camp as reasons he didn’t see himself fighting again. Punk said that outside of his family, his favorite thing in the world right now is his role as an analyst for CFFC. He said that it allowed him to stay close to the sport without “having someone throw haymakers at my head or try and choke me out.”
- Punk was complimentary of WSW. He said that it had been far too long since a “viable option” existed in professional wrestling:
- Punk said that he had spoken to Shane McMahon several times, and he noted that he had always liked Shane. Punk said he texted with “a couple guys there,” most recently Cody. Punk said:
- Punk said that he has let go all the feelings of animosity he had towards WWE, noting that holding on to those emotions for so long was unhealthy. He said that he was a totally different person than the guy that sat on the stage in Las Vegas eight years ago and walked away from WWE five years ago. Punk said that in the crazy world of wrestling, fans had a vision of what CM Punk was/should by, and they got disappointed when they saw that he had matured and evolved beyond their narrow vision.
- Raimondi asked him directly, “At the end of 2020, will CM Punk be wrestling somewhere?” Punk’s response:
- Punk noted that he hated travel and that was a key reason why he doesn’t do many signings or appearances.
- Impact Wrestling’s bid to get on AXS appears to be on life support. The company was banking on Len Asper, owner of Anthem (parent company of Impact), purchasing AXS for months. While currently producing an entertaining product, Impact’s viewership has withered away with their only broadcast outlets being Pursuit and Twitch. The Pursuit numbers are in the 10,000 viewers range.
- Impact officials always viewed their move to Pursuit as temporary, with the goal of signing a long-term deal with AXS. At this point, AXS has decided against picking up another wrestling show since they already have New Japan and Women of Wrestling.
- This week, Impact announced a new deal with Twitch, which will see the continued live simulcast of their weekly show along with new, platform specific content as well.
- Impact officials always viewed their move to Pursuit as temporary, with the goal of signing a long-term deal with AXS. At this point, AXS has decided against picking up another wrestling show since they already have New Japan and Women of Wrestling.
- Ahead of the Q2 investor’s call, WWE top executives sold a tremendous amount of stock. Co-President Michelle Wilson sold $4.5M worth shares, while other Co-President George Barrios sold $9.7M. Paul and Stephanie Levesque sold $2.2M worth of shares combined.
- With Q2 metrics lagging, it is expected that WWE will shift towards “tiered” subscriptions on the WWE Network.
- Tickets went on sale this week for WWE’s 9/9 and 9/10 shows at Madison Square Garden. As covered last week, WWE booked the building to undercut WSW, as WSW will run MSG for the first time ever with the 11/30 November Reign show. Internally, there was talk of both shows selling out; however, that hasn’t come close to happening. There were a ton tickets left in all sections for Raw, and even more for Smackdown. Tickets for Raw are not even close to the sales levels of the ROH/NJPW show in April. Tickets are incredibly expensive, and it is expected that pricing will drop to move inventory.
- Tickets for November Reign on 11/30 at MSG go on-sale on Friday 8/1. There will be a pre-sale on Wednesday 7/31 with access coming from special pre-sale codes issued by WSW.
- Seth Rollins was back in the news this week following a couple eyebrow raising interviews. Speaking with Yahoo!, Rollins compared WWE to the New York Yankees when asked about the negative online discourse towards the company:
- Rollins would double down on a SummerSlam media conference call a couple days later when asked about his recent Twitter interactions with Will Ospreay, and Ospreay’s subsequent critically acclaimed match with Jon Moxley in Toronto at SummerFest:
- In addition to the Philadelphia show mentioned above, WSW announced 9/26 in West Valley, UT (Salt Lake City) at the Maverik Center for Ignition. It will be the WSW debut in the market.
- Advertised for the 7/25 Ignition:
- Io Shirai vs. Kay Lee Ray – Number One Contender’s Match
- Gallows & Anderson vs. #StrongHearts
- Cody Promo
- Jon Moxley In Action
- Lucha Brothers vs. South Pacific Power Trip
- Black Arrow Promo
- Newcomer Four Way: Jungle Boy vs. Myron Reed vs. Sammy Guevara vs. Ace Austin
Attachments
Ignition: Episode 201 |
Promotion: World Series Wrestling |
Date: July 25, 2019 |
City: Charlotte, NC |
Venue: Bojangles Coliseum |
Attendance: 4,000 |
The 7/25 Ignition opened with a recap video, highlighting the major moments from last week on Ignition 200:
- The Death Busters shocking dethroning of The Hart Foundation, capturing the World Tag Team Titles.
- Kenny Omega, AJ Styles, and Jon Moxley’s standoff is recapped. The moment saw Moxley drop Omega with a Death Rider DDT, sparking a chaotic brawl that saw Omega blast Styles with a V-Trigger intended for Moxley.
- Tessa Blanchard declared herself a goddess. When confronted by Io Shirai and Kay Lee Ray – she promised to defend the Women’s World Championship against the winner of two...driving a wedge in their alliance against Diamond.
- Cody defeated Adam Cole to win the Intercontinental Championship. We see him hoist the belt high in front of his rabid hometown Atlanta crowd.
The Ignition opening video aired.
The camera then cut inside the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina as Shoot To Thrill sounds out, sending an electric wave around the arena for the arrival of Jon Moxley!
Moxley emerged in the crowd, weaving his way through the sea of fans with his signature reckless swagger. Alan Angels was already in the ring.
Moxley hopped the guardrail and stomped up the steel steps with no hesitation. He threw his jacket down at ringside. The Charlotte crowd roared:
Match One: Alan Angels vs. "The Death Rider" Jon Moxley
Moxley charged like a wild bull at the bell, immediately corning Angels and unleashing a barrage of wild fists and forearms to the side of the head. The referee tried to pull Moxley back, but he barely broke on the count of four. He smirked as he fired Angels across the ring with a hard Irish whip.
Angels bounced off the turnbuckles from the impact – right into a stiff lariat that turned him inside out!
Angels bounced off the turnbuckles from the impact – right into a stiff lariat that turned him inside out!
Angels tried to get his bearings, crawling to the ropes, but Moxley gave him no quarter. Her dragged Angels up and hurled him chest-first into the corner. Angels staggered back, and Moxley delivered a quick German suplex!
The crowd fed off the frenetic pace, chanting Moxley’s name as he circled his prey like a shark.
In a desperate last-ditch effort, Angels threw a weak forearm that Moxley ate with his jaw. Moxley laughed and said,
The crowd fed off the frenetic pace, chanting Moxley’s name as he circled his prey like a shark.
In a desperate last-ditch effort, Angels threw a weak forearm that Moxley ate with his jaw. Moxley laughed and said,
Moxley rocked him with a vicious knee strike to the gut...followed by a Regal Knee!
Moxley hit the Death Rider DDT!
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Jon Moxley (1:09)
Simple match to continue Moxley’s momentum and showcase his violent, chaotic energy heading into the Grand Prix. The crowd loves him, and he’s never been hotter than he is right now.
After pinning Alan Angels, Moxley pulled a microphone from the timekeeper’s table. He paced in the ring, wild-eyed, as the crowd chanted his name:
Moxley spiked the microphone HARD onto the canvas, the thud echoing through the arena. Without looking back, he exited the ring, hopped the guardrail, and disappeared through the roaring crowd.
Moxley spiked the microphone HARD onto the canvas, the thud echoing through the arena. Without looking back, he exited the ring, hopped the guardrail, and disappeared through the roaring crowd.
A promo for the 2019 Grand Prix aired. Beginning August 15: twelve men, two blocks, one winner.
A vignette on Alexander Hammerstone aired.
Inside a modern, high-tech gym the Elite 8 Tournament trophy gleamed under the bright lights as weights clang and grunts echo.
Rapid-fire highlights are shown:
- Hammerstone kicking Alan Angels into oblivion.
- Hammerstone catching Jungle Boy out of the air and planting him on the canvas
- Hammerstone flattening Brian Pillman Jr. with a Nightmare Pendulum to win the tournament.
Hammerstone’s voice narrates the piece:
More training shots were shown – Hammerstone hitting an insane vertical leap, deadlifting, and slamming a 300 pound dummy inside a training ring.
Hammerstone gripped the Elite 8 trophy in one hand and pointed straight to the camera:
Ignition returned with the commentary trio of Mauro Ranallo, Chael Sonnen, and Paige Knight running down the card for the evening before they throw it to ring announcer Justin Roberts.
Match Two: South Pacific Power Trip (w/ Dahlia Black) vs. Lucha Brothers (w/ Konnan)
South Pacific Power Trip, winners of the 2019 Global Cup, entered first. The arena lights blacked out and pyro EXPLODED on stage signify the arrival of the Lucha Brothers.
Accompanied by Konnan, Fenix and Pentagon looked to regain momentum after defying gravity in their loss to The Hart Foundation in Escalera de la Muerte at SummerFest.
Pentagon started off with Travis Banks, flashing the Cero Miedo taunt directly in his face. Banks didn’t back down – ripping into Pentagon with stiff forearms. Pentagon fired back with knife-edge chops that popped like firecrackers.
The two traded hard strikes, neither man backing down, until Pentagon caught Banks with a low mule kick to the thigh and leveled him with a superkick.
The two traded hard strikes, neither man backing down, until Pentagon caught Banks with a low mule kick to the thigh and leveled him with a superkick.
The Lucha Brothers isolated Banks early, cutting the ring off with quick tags and their signature double-team moves. Fenix connected on a springboard missile dropkick into a backstabber from Pentagon for a 2 count!
The crowd booed Konnan as he shouted instructions from ringside, urging his men to stay ruthless.
TK Cooper got a hot tag and exploded into the match, ducking a lariat from Pentagon and nailing Fenix with leg lariat. Cooper caught Pentagon with an enziguri that staggered the masked man and sent him tumbling through the ropes to the apron.
Cooper didn’t let up, as he charged, leapt onto the second rope, and hit a SPRINGBOARD DDT ONTO THE APRON!
Pentagon was spiked on top of his head! The crowd gasped at the impact!
Cooper threw Pentagon back into the ring and dove in for a cover.
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Kick Out!
Not wasting a second, Cooper dragged Pentagon into their corner, where Travis Banks tagged in. Together, South Pacific Power Trip hit a pair of running forearms into the corner followed by a tandem back suplex/frog splash combination!
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Kick Out!
Banks and Cooper set up for the Gatling Gun (catapult by Cooper into a Busaiku Knee from Banks).
Fenix jumped in the ring, and the referee immediately ran over, screaming to get back on the apron. This was all a distraction, allowing Konnan to trip Banks up from the floor!
The crowd booed at Konnan with intensity.
Pentagon capitalized, driving an elbow into the jaw of Cooper and catching Banks with a slingblade. He lunged to his corner and tagged in Fenix.
Fenix exploded into the ring and DESTORYED Cooper with a shotgun dropkick that sent him to the floor!
Fenix and Banks met head-on! Both men started firing off rapid strikes – forearms, chops, and slaps. Banks ATE a superkick from Fenix, bounced off the ropes from the impact, and roared with a huge lariat that spun Fenix inside out!
Fenix popped up immediately and hit a hook kick to the jaw!
Both men collapsed!
The crowd booed Konnan as he shouted instructions from ringside, urging his men to stay ruthless.
TK Cooper got a hot tag and exploded into the match, ducking a lariat from Pentagon and nailing Fenix with leg lariat. Cooper caught Pentagon with an enziguri that staggered the masked man and sent him tumbling through the ropes to the apron.
Cooper didn’t let up, as he charged, leapt onto the second rope, and hit a SPRINGBOARD DDT ONTO THE APRON!
Pentagon was spiked on top of his head! The crowd gasped at the impact!
Cooper threw Pentagon back into the ring and dove in for a cover.
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Kick Out!
Not wasting a second, Cooper dragged Pentagon into their corner, where Travis Banks tagged in. Together, South Pacific Power Trip hit a pair of running forearms into the corner followed by a tandem back suplex/frog splash combination!
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Kick Out!
Banks and Cooper set up for the Gatling Gun (catapult by Cooper into a Busaiku Knee from Banks).
Fenix jumped in the ring, and the referee immediately ran over, screaming to get back on the apron. This was all a distraction, allowing Konnan to trip Banks up from the floor!
The crowd booed at Konnan with intensity.
Pentagon capitalized, driving an elbow into the jaw of Cooper and catching Banks with a slingblade. He lunged to his corner and tagged in Fenix.
Fenix exploded into the ring and DESTORYED Cooper with a shotgun dropkick that sent him to the floor!
Fenix and Banks met head-on! Both men started firing off rapid strikes – forearms, chops, and slaps. Banks ATE a superkick from Fenix, bounced off the ropes from the impact, and roared with a huge lariat that spun Fenix inside out!
Fenix popped up immediately and hit a hook kick to the jaw!
Both men collapsed!
The crowd cheered at the sheer speed and violence of this strike heavy match. Both men tagged out.
TK Cooper and Pentagon stormed into the ring at full speed.
Cooper ducked a wild swing from Pentagon and landed a sharp jumping knee to the chin. Cooper hit the ropes, but Pentagon was quicker – catching him with another slingblade!
Pentagon DRILLED Cooper with the Made In Japan!
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Kick Out!
Pentagon signaled to Fenix. Fenix vaulted to the top....
Travis Banks went to cut him off, but Fenix rope walked and POPPED Banks with a penalty kick, sending him off the apron to the floor. Fenix positioned himself on the top with his insane, catlike agility......
FEAR FACTOR!
Pentagon covered......
Fenix sprinted across the ring and launched himself onto Banks with a cannonball tope suicida, smashing him into the steel guardrail and taking him completely out of the picture!
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TK Cooper and Pentagon stormed into the ring at full speed.
Cooper ducked a wild swing from Pentagon and landed a sharp jumping knee to the chin. Cooper hit the ropes, but Pentagon was quicker – catching him with another slingblade!
Pentagon DRILLED Cooper with the Made In Japan!
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Kick Out!
Pentagon signaled to Fenix. Fenix vaulted to the top....
Travis Banks went to cut him off, but Fenix rope walked and POPPED Banks with a penalty kick, sending him off the apron to the floor. Fenix positioned himself on the top with his insane, catlike agility......
FEAR FACTOR!
Pentagon covered......
Fenix sprinted across the ring and launched himself onto Banks with a cannonball tope suicida, smashing him into the steel guardrail and taking him completely out of the picture!
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Lucha Brothers (8:35)
Lucha Brothers regained heat after their loss at SummerFest. Match was aggressive and sharp. South Pacific Power Trip played their role well – very clean mechanically. Banks & Cooper are professional, reliable hands.
Banks stood out individually. Crowd reacted well to his intensity during the strike exchange with Fenix.
South Pacific Power Trip as a unit continues to struggle. There is minimal crowd connection to the team, and they don’t have significant charisma. Fans popped for individual moments, but did not invest in the team overall. Their ceiling feels low unless their presentation/character work evolves.
Good match that served its purpose of keeping the Lucha Brother dangerous.
Banks stood out individually. Crowd reacted well to his intensity during the strike exchange with Fenix.
South Pacific Power Trip as a unit continues to struggle. There is minimal crowd connection to the team, and they don’t have significant charisma. Fans popped for individual moments, but did not invest in the team overall. Their ceiling feels low unless their presentation/character work evolves.
Good match that served its purpose of keeping the Lucha Brother dangerous.
The bell rang, and Konnan climbed into the ring. The Lucha Brother stood tall, flashing the Cero Miedo hand signal.
A promo aired for WSW OverDrive.
A gritty montage is shown: women’s division chaos, fast tag team combos, emerging stars – shots of Deonna Purrazzo, Tessa Blanchard, LFI, and The Von Erichs. The piece had high energy, quick cuts over this narration:
Backstage, Melissa Santos interviewed Kay Lee Ray inside a locker room. KLR sat on a bench, lacing up her boots with focused intensity.
Melissa said:
KLR finished tying her boot. She spoke with calm, burning passion.
The lights blacked out in the Bojangles Coliseum and Do Your Worst by Rival Sons hit. The LED video board illuminated with the words BLACK ARROW in bold white block font.
Adam Cole, flanked by the new World Tag Team Champions, Dawson and Wilder, made their way down the ramp. Cole glared at the fans, Dawson mouthed off, and Wilder carried his belt with smug satisfaction.
Inside the ring, Cole called for a mic. The crowd chanted “You Suck” and “Cody!”
Cole paced, seething with anger.
Cole paused, and clenched his jaw.
Cole lowered the mic and smiled slightly.
Cole stepped aside, and Dawson took the microphone.
The Hart Foundation – Teddy Hart, Davey Boy Smith Jr., and Brian Pillman Jr. walked out onto the stage. They didn’t posture, they didn’t smile. They walked with purpose. Teddy had a microphone:
The crowd cheered for the Hart Foundation as they entered the ring. Tension tightened quickly.
The crowd was fully behind the passionate words of Teddy Hart. A “Teddy” chant fired up. Dawson and Wilder looked at each other and then the crowd. They smirked, and Wilder spoke:
All six men went toe-to-toe. No punches, just venom in the air.
Black Arrow went to exit the ring, and Brian Pillman shoulder checked Adam Cole. Cole lingered just a bit as Dawson and Wilder climbed to the floor.
With a smirk, Cole turned towards Pillman.....
AND SPIT HIS GUM RIGHT IN HIS FACE!
Gasps and boos erupted from the crowd.
Pillman lost it. He lunged forward, but Cole slipped through the ropes and hopped to the floor, laughing to himself.
Cole backed up the ramp with the Death Busters beside him. Dawson and Wilder raised their titles overhead. On commentary Mauro Ranallo said:
Match Three: Newcomer Four Way: Jungle Boy vs. “Hot Fire” Myron Reed vs. "The Best Ever" Sammy Guevara vs. Ace Austin
The bell rang, and immediately all four men charged the center causing a chaotic tangle of fists and feet flying. Jungle Boy and Ace Austin brawled to one side, while Sammy Guevara and Myron Reed traded blistering forearms.
Austin ducked a lariat from Jungle Boy and popped his collapsible playing card out of his boot, slapping Jungle Boy across the face with it. The crowd booed at this, and Jungle Boy responded by lighting Austin up with chops and spiking him with a quick tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.
On the other side of the ring, Reed hit the ropes and delivered a rebound cutter on Guevara. Reed kipped up, showboating for the crowd – but he turned right into a running hurricanrana from Jungle Boy that sent him sprawling out of the ring.
The match broke wide open as Jungle Boy and Sammy Guevara locked eyes. The crowd cheered. They hit the ropes and traded arm drags, lucha roll-throughs, and backflips into mirrored dropkicks. Things ended in a stalemate and the crowd cheered!
Before they could continue, Reed yanked Jungle Boy out of the ring and threw him into the steel guardrail, only to eat a spinning kick from Ace Austin.
Austin then took down both men with an Asai Moonsault!
Sammy Guevara took one look at the pile of bodies and hit the ropes.....
CARTWHEEL CORKSCREW PLANCHA!
Everyone was wiped out on the floor, and a “WSW” chant fired up!
Austin ducked a lariat from Jungle Boy and popped his collapsible playing card out of his boot, slapping Jungle Boy across the face with it. The crowd booed at this, and Jungle Boy responded by lighting Austin up with chops and spiking him with a quick tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.
On the other side of the ring, Reed hit the ropes and delivered a rebound cutter on Guevara. Reed kipped up, showboating for the crowd – but he turned right into a running hurricanrana from Jungle Boy that sent him sprawling out of the ring.
The match broke wide open as Jungle Boy and Sammy Guevara locked eyes. The crowd cheered. They hit the ropes and traded arm drags, lucha roll-throughs, and backflips into mirrored dropkicks. Things ended in a stalemate and the crowd cheered!
Before they could continue, Reed yanked Jungle Boy out of the ring and threw him into the steel guardrail, only to eat a spinning kick from Ace Austin.
Austin then took down both men with an Asai Moonsault!
Sammy Guevara took one look at the pile of bodies and hit the ropes.....
CARTWHEEL CORKSCREW PLANCHA!
Everyone was wiped out on the floor, and a “WSW” chant fired up!
Back in the ring, Reed caught Guevara with a Code Red....
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RUNNING KNEE STRIKE FROM JUNGLE BOY BROKE UP THE PIN!
Ace Austin slid back inside and snapped Jungle Boy down with a spinning neckbreaker over his knee. Austin whipped Reed into one corner and Guevara into another. Austin then became a human pinball:
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Kick Out!
Austin slapped the mat and dragged Jungle Boy back up – looking for a vertical suplex. As he did, Myron Reed charged in and hit a reverse STO, planting Austin face-first into the mat and causing Jungle Boy to get hit with a DDT as well!
Austin rolled to the apron, so Reed hit a baseball slide – sending Austin crashing onto the floor mats. He whipped Austin hard into the guardrail, then grabbed him by the head and slammed him face-first onto the steel.
With Austin stunned, Reed hoisted him up and dropped him gut first across the guardrail, leaving him draping.
The crowd buzzed as Reed backed up to the apron.
Reed sprinted down the apron and launched into a SHOOTING STAR PRESS!
He CRASHED down onto Ace Austin’s back, sending both men crashing down at ringside. The crowd exploded into “Holy Shit!” chants.
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2.........
RUNNING KNEE STRIKE FROM JUNGLE BOY BROKE UP THE PIN!
Ace Austin slid back inside and snapped Jungle Boy down with a spinning neckbreaker over his knee. Austin whipped Reed into one corner and Guevara into another. Austin then became a human pinball:
- Step up knee strike to Reed
- Handspring roundhouse kick to Guevara!
1...
2........
Kick Out!
Austin slapped the mat and dragged Jungle Boy back up – looking for a vertical suplex. As he did, Myron Reed charged in and hit a reverse STO, planting Austin face-first into the mat and causing Jungle Boy to get hit with a DDT as well!
Austin rolled to the apron, so Reed hit a baseball slide – sending Austin crashing onto the floor mats. He whipped Austin hard into the guardrail, then grabbed him by the head and slammed him face-first onto the steel.
With Austin stunned, Reed hoisted him up and dropped him gut first across the guardrail, leaving him draping.
The crowd buzzed as Reed backed up to the apron.
Reed sprinted down the apron and launched into a SHOOTING STAR PRESS!
He CRASHED down onto Ace Austin’s back, sending both men crashing down at ringside. The crowd exploded into “Holy Shit!” chants.
Back in the ring, Jungle Boy and Myron Reed went nuts – trading counters, elbows, and headbutts.
While this was going on, Sammy Guevara climbed to the top rope looking for a surprise ariel strike.....
Jungle Boy ducked a kick attempt from Myron Reed, lifting him onto his shoulder..........
JUNGLE BOY LAWN DARTED REED INTO THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE!
The force of the blow caused Guevara to lose his balance, and he got crotched on the top!
With the crowd chanting his name, Jungle Boy seized the moment and locked the Snare Trap on the prone Reed!
The crowd rose to their feet, as Reed flailed. His hand hovered over the mat......just about to tap.........
SAMMY GUEVARA EXPLODED FROM THE TOP WITH A 630 SENTON ONTO BOTH MEN!
From the heavens, Guevara CRASHED on both men! Jungle Boy rolled off in pain, staring up at the lights in pain.
Guevara took advantage. He kicked Jungle Boy to the floor and covered Myron Reed.............
1....
2...........................
3.........................................................
While this was going on, Sammy Guevara climbed to the top rope looking for a surprise ariel strike.....
Jungle Boy ducked a kick attempt from Myron Reed, lifting him onto his shoulder..........
JUNGLE BOY LAWN DARTED REED INTO THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE!
The force of the blow caused Guevara to lose his balance, and he got crotched on the top!
With the crowd chanting his name, Jungle Boy seized the moment and locked the Snare Trap on the prone Reed!
The crowd rose to their feet, as Reed flailed. His hand hovered over the mat......just about to tap.........
SAMMY GUEVARA EXPLODED FROM THE TOP WITH A 630 SENTON ONTO BOTH MEN!
From the heavens, Guevara CRASHED on both men! Jungle Boy rolled off in pain, staring up at the lights in pain.
Guevara took advantage. He kicked Jungle Boy to the floor and covered Myron Reed.............
1....
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3.........................................................
Sammy Guevara (10:00)
The pace of this match was insane. We wanted these guys to go a million miles an hour and show their elite athleticism. Everyone had moments.
Every wrestler had a distinct flavor. Jungle Boy is very over with kids and women – the crowd popped the loudest for him. Sammy is incredible too – the 630 was flawlessly executed.
Myron Reed hasn’t connected character-wise. He’s a great athlete, but he doesn’t have an identity yet. Ace Austin’s offense can look too smooth at times – borderline choreographed.
Crowd reaction was stronger than expected. Guevara walks out with momentum, but the real win is the crowd walking out thinking, “those guys can GO.”
Every wrestler had a distinct flavor. Jungle Boy is very over with kids and women – the crowd popped the loudest for him. Sammy is incredible too – the 630 was flawlessly executed.
Myron Reed hasn’t connected character-wise. He’s a great athlete, but he doesn’t have an identity yet. Ace Austin’s offense can look too smooth at times – borderline choreographed.
Crowd reaction was stronger than expected. Guevara walks out with momentum, but the real win is the crowd walking out thinking, “those guys can GO.”
Guevara grinned smugly as the referee raised his hand. Jungle Boy sat on the floor, stunned as he knew he had that match won.
Sammy climbed the middle rope, stood in the corner, and held his arms our arrogantly. He shouted:
Sammy climbed the middle rope, stood in the corner, and held his arms our arrogantly. He shouted:
A vignette on the LA Express aired.
The camera opened a luxury poolside patio in Los Angeles. As the summer sun shined, Johnny Mundo sat at a table in designer sunglasses and a fur collared robe. Taya Valkyrie sipped kombucha, and Mike Bennett looked frustrated, staring at his phone.
Bennett said:
Mundo sighed:
Mundo grabbed the phone, looked at it in disgust and without hesitation...threw it into the pool.
Mundo took his sunglasses off and said:
Bennett looked on with a look of surprise and worry. Mundo turned his attention to him:
Mundo then pushed his chair back and stood up:
The camera faded out.
A video package on the history of The Carolina Outlaws, Trevor Lee & Andrew Everett aired, set to The Mighty Rio Grande by This Will Destroy You.
We see early, independent footage of the two wrestling in poorly lit gymnasiums. We see slow motion shots of ring entrances and big dives.
The package cuts to their WSW debut on the third episode of Ignition in September 2015. Flash cuts of their greatest hits are shown – including winning the World Tag Team Championships. We see a shot of the two holding the belts together, smiling ear to ear.
The footage slows – showing losses and frustrated expressions. We see Trevor pacing post-match, avoiding Everett’s fist bumps.
We then see Lee punch Everett in the mouth from two weeks ago:
The package closes with Andrew Everette’s words last week:
Match Four: Andrew Everett vs. Trevor Lee
The bell ran, and both men met in the center of the ring. The tension was palpable as Trevor Lee and Andrew Everett stared at each other – former tag team partners, now opponents.
Trevor smirked...and SLAPPED Everett across the face!
That lit the fuse. Everett fired back with rapid forearms, unloading weeks of frustration with a fury the crowd didn’t expect. He hit the ropes and caught Lee with a low dropkick to the knees, followed by a standing moonsault that yielded a 1 count!
Lee bailed to the outside, stunned by the early flurry.
Everett didn’t hesitate. He hit the ropes and drilled a tope suicida, sending Lee crashing into the steel guardrail. Everett was fired up!
But it didn’t last.
As Everett tried to whip Lee into the ring post, Lee reversed it – sending Everett face first into the steel post with a loud CLANG!
Everett crumpled to the floor. Lee mounted him and hammered down with punches – each one drawing jeers from the crowd.
Lee then pulled Everett up and drilled him with a wheelbarrow German suplex on the floor!
Everett folded hard, and the crowd groaned.
Trevor smirked...and SLAPPED Everett across the face!
That lit the fuse. Everett fired back with rapid forearms, unloading weeks of frustration with a fury the crowd didn’t expect. He hit the ropes and caught Lee with a low dropkick to the knees, followed by a standing moonsault that yielded a 1 count!
Lee bailed to the outside, stunned by the early flurry.
Everett didn’t hesitate. He hit the ropes and drilled a tope suicida, sending Lee crashing into the steel guardrail. Everett was fired up!
But it didn’t last.
As Everett tried to whip Lee into the ring post, Lee reversed it – sending Everett face first into the steel post with a loud CLANG!
Everett crumpled to the floor. Lee mounted him and hammered down with punches – each one drawing jeers from the crowd.
Lee then pulled Everett up and drilled him with a wheelbarrow German suplex on the floor!
Everett folded hard, and the crowd groaned.
Lee threw Everett back in the ring and covered:
1....
2........
Kick Out!
Lee didn’t even flinch. He grabbed Everett by the hair, dragging him around like trash. He stomped the back of Everett’s neck, stood on his fingers, and smiled to the crowd – he was a shark that knew the water he was in.
Everett clawed to his feet and tried to swing, but Lee cut him off with an elbow strike. Lee lifted Everett for a vertical suplex, but Everett countered with a Stundog Millionare.......NO!
Lee knew his tag team partner so well he blocked it, but Everett quickly transitioned, pushing off the ropes with his feet and PLANTING Trevor Lee with a tornado DDT!
1.....
2................
KICK OUT!
Everett pulled his hair back and went for to the skies. Springboard 450............
LEE ROLLED AWAY.......
Everett landed on his feet, rolled through, but Lee exploded and caught him with a half and half suplex that sent Everett landing hard onto his neck!
1....
2........
Kick Out!
Lee didn’t even flinch. He grabbed Everett by the hair, dragging him around like trash. He stomped the back of Everett’s neck, stood on his fingers, and smiled to the crowd – he was a shark that knew the water he was in.
Everett clawed to his feet and tried to swing, but Lee cut him off with an elbow strike. Lee lifted Everett for a vertical suplex, but Everett countered with a Stundog Millionare.......NO!
Lee knew his tag team partner so well he blocked it, but Everett quickly transitioned, pushing off the ropes with his feet and PLANTING Trevor Lee with a tornado DDT!
1.....
2................
KICK OUT!
Everett pulled his hair back and went for to the skies. Springboard 450............
LEE ROLLED AWAY.......
Everett landed on his feet, rolled through, but Lee exploded and caught him with a half and half suplex that sent Everett landing hard onto his neck!
Lee didn’t waste a second.
He dragged Everett up......PILEDRIVER!
Lee didn’t stop, he yanked Everett up again.......
PILEDRIVER!
The crowd murmured in concern.
The referee dropped down to check on Andrew Everett, but Lee shoved him aside and climbed up top. Wasted no time or motion, Lee leapt....
DIVING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP!
1....
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3........................................
He dragged Everett up......PILEDRIVER!
Lee didn’t stop, he yanked Everett up again.......
PILEDRIVER!
The crowd murmured in concern.
The referee dropped down to check on Andrew Everett, but Lee shoved him aside and climbed up top. Wasted no time or motion, Lee leapt....
DIVING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP!
1....
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Trevor Lee (9:08)
Structure was tight, and Trevor Lee was excellent. His facial expressions, pacing, and mannerisms are fantastic. This match was all about turning Lee, and he nailed it.
The crowd doesn’t connect with Andrew Everett, so this wasn’t an emotional affair. They know they don’t like Trevor Lee, but they don’t care a ton about Andrew Everett as a babyface.
The match did what it needed to do though.
The crowd doesn’t connect with Andrew Everett, so this wasn’t an emotional affair. They know they don’t like Trevor Lee, but they don’t care a ton about Andrew Everett as a babyface.
The match did what it needed to do though.
The crowd booed as Trevor Lee sat up slowly. Andrew Everett lay motionless, the aftermath of two piledrivers and the diving double foot stomp.
Lee stood. He paced the ring...then look back at Everett.
Slowly, Everett stirred. He crawled to the ropes, eyes glassy. He pulled himself up, breath ragged – but he was standing.
He looked at Trevor Lee, the man who he had fought so many battles with over the years. In that moment he didn’t see an opponent. He saw his friend.
Andrew Everett extended his hand.........
The arena hushed.
Trevor Lee stared at the hand. His face didn’t move. No smirk.
He took a step forward....
Trevor Lee extended his hand................................................
HE BLASTED ANDREW EVERETT WITH A LARIAT!
Gasps were head followed by boos!
Lee dropped to his knees, grabbed Everett by the jaw, and whispered something no one could hear.
Then, with cold precision, Lee delivered a THIRD PILEDRIVER!
Trevor Lee rose to his feet calmly, brushing the hair out of his eyes. He knelt beside Everett and took one long look...........
And smiled a slow, peaceful grin!
Referees and officials ran to the ring as Lee slid out, hands raised in victory. He never looked back.
Mauro Ranallo narrated the scene on commentary:
Lee stood. He paced the ring...then look back at Everett.
Slowly, Everett stirred. He crawled to the ropes, eyes glassy. He pulled himself up, breath ragged – but he was standing.
He looked at Trevor Lee, the man who he had fought so many battles with over the years. In that moment he didn’t see an opponent. He saw his friend.
Andrew Everett extended his hand.........
The arena hushed.
Trevor Lee stared at the hand. His face didn’t move. No smirk.
He took a step forward....
Trevor Lee extended his hand................................................
HE BLASTED ANDREW EVERETT WITH A LARIAT!
Gasps were head followed by boos!
Lee dropped to his knees, grabbed Everett by the jaw, and whispered something no one could hear.
Then, with cold precision, Lee delivered a THIRD PILEDRIVER!
Trevor Lee rose to his feet calmly, brushing the hair out of his eyes. He knelt beside Everett and took one long look...........
And smiled a slow, peaceful grin!
Referees and officials ran to the ring as Lee slid out, hands raised in victory. He never looked back.
Mauro Ranallo narrated the scene on commentary:
Ignition returned from commercial with Chael Sonnen standing inside the ring, microphone in hand.
Massive pyro exploded, and the crowd erupted into the loudest reaction of the night. Cody walked down the ramp in a tailored navy suit, the gleaming, white-strapped Intercontinental Championship slung over his shoulder. He closed his eyes and soaked it in as the crowd chanted “Cody, Cody, Cody”
As he entered the ring, Cody shook hands with Sonnen and spoke:
The crowd cheered louder and Cody laughed at the reaction before starting.
The crowd cheered loudly as Cody held the belt high.
The drew a HUGE cheer.
Cody stepped to the ropes and raised the title high.
On commentary, Mauro Ranallo said:
Backstage, Melissa Santos stood with Diamond. Tessa Blanchard was dressed in a white tank top and jeans with the WSW Women’s World Championship over her shoulder. Tenille Dashwood stood close by, and Nixon Newell stood behind them both.
Melissa said:
Tessa exhaled sharply – amused:
Tessa adjusted the title on her should – the weight of dominance.
Tessa turned sharply to Tenille.
Tenille nodded as Nixon’s jaw clenched – subtle, but visible.
Diamond then walked out. Melissa Santos threw it across the building:
The camera cut across the backstage area to Jenn Decker, making her Ignition debut, who was with AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Doc Gallows.
AJ smirked and leaned into the mic:
AJ Styles stepped back, letting Karl Anderson take over. He clapped his hands once and smiled:
He turned towards Gallows:
Gallows looked into the camera and said one word:
Match Five: #StrongHearts vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows (w/ AJ Styles)
The fifth match of Ignition was a tag team match between #StrongHearts (CIMA & T-Hawk) vs. Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows. CIMA and T-Hawk were already in the ring as The Club made their entrance to cheers.
Anderson started with CIMA. The two circled before locking up. Anderson used a quick arm drag, but CIMA responded with a headscissors takedown and a crisp dropkick that sent Anderson tumbling into his corner.
Gallows tagged in and changed the tone, clubbing CIMA to the mat with heavy forearms and a lariat. Gallows tossed CIMA across the ring with a release vertical suplex.
Gallows tagged in and changed the tone, clubbing CIMA to the mat with heavy forearms and a lariat. Gallows tossed CIMA across the ring with a release vertical suplex.
T-Hawk tagged in and showed off his striking stills. He traded chops with Gallows and staggered the big man with a roaring elbow. T-HAWK took Gallows over the top with a leg lariat!
Anderson entered the ring, but T-Hawk low bridged him – sending Anderson tumbling to the floor.
#StrongHeart clapped their hands to fire up the crowd and CONNECTED on stereo tope con hilos!
Taking things back inside, T-Hawk scaled to the top, but Gallows cut his off with an uppercut that ECHOED throughout the Bojangles Coliseum. Gallows then brought T-Hawk back to the canvas with a thunderous superplex!
Gallows tagged in Anderson, and from there, The Club took over:
CIMA got the hot tag and tried to spark another comeback, dodging a double clothesline and hitting a shotgun dropkick on both men. CIMA then went wild – throwing strikes and kicks that popped the chest of both Gallows and Anderson. CIMA moved like a wild man – hitting anything and everything that moved!
CIMA dropped Anderson with a roundhouse to the head and stunned Gallows with a leaping knee strike to the jaw!
Anderson entered the ring, but T-Hawk low bridged him – sending Anderson tumbling to the floor.
#StrongHeart clapped their hands to fire up the crowd and CONNECTED on stereo tope con hilos!
Taking things back inside, T-Hawk scaled to the top, but Gallows cut his off with an uppercut that ECHOED throughout the Bojangles Coliseum. Gallows then brought T-Hawk back to the canvas with a thunderous superplex!
Gallows tagged in Anderson, and from there, The Club took over:
- Anderson & Gallows hit a combination back suplex/neckbreaker combo for a 2 count
- Anderson hit his corner uppercut/running kick combo, then tagged back to Gallows do a double team flapjack
CIMA got the hot tag and tried to spark another comeback, dodging a double clothesline and hitting a shotgun dropkick on both men. CIMA then went wild – throwing strikes and kicks that popped the chest of both Gallows and Anderson. CIMA moved like a wild man – hitting anything and everything that moved!
CIMA dropped Anderson with a roundhouse to the head and stunned Gallows with a leaping knee strike to the jaw!
Feeling the momentum, CIMA went to the top and leapt for a high crossbody.............
ANDERSON SNATCHED HIM OUT OF MIDAIR AND NAILED A GUN STUN!
T-Hawk tried to save it – but Gallows LEVELED him with a Yakuza Kick!
Gallows & Anderson hit the Magic Killer on CIMA!
1....
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3.........................
ANDERSON SNATCHED HIM OUT OF MIDAIR AND NAILED A GUN STUN!
T-Hawk tried to save it – but Gallows LEVELED him with a Yakuza Kick!
Gallows & Anderson hit the Magic Killer on CIMA!
1....
2..........
3.........................
Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows (9:00)
Strong TV reintroduction to tag team work of Anderson & Gallows. They look good, moved well, and finished strong. They took 70% of the match. Their double-team sequences were crisp and well-timed.
#StrongHearts gave them just enough friction, but they came in cold. The crowd enjoys their work, and they are good hands.
#StrongHearts gave them just enough friction, but they came in cold. The crowd enjoys their work, and they are good hands.
The Club stood tall after the match. As their music hit, they raised their arms together and stared into the hard camera. No wasted motion. All business.
A promo aired for Ignition’s move to Tuesday nights, beginning on October 1.
The package began with quick cuts:
- Kenny Omega hitting a V-Trigger
- Cody executing the Cross Rhodes
- Tessa Blanchard staring into the camera
- Jon Moxley hitting the Death Rider DDT
- Will Ospreay flipping through the air
- Crowds losing their minds
The graphic for WSW Ignition: Season Premiere, October 1st appears as the sound of crowds chanting, “WSW, WSW, WSW” is heard.
This segment will incorporate the real-life injury of Rachael Ellering. The goal of this Be The Booker has always been to write this as “real time.” Essentially, what would happen if WSW was actually a real company. Ellering tore her ACL in July of 2019. I hate writing about injuries, but we will incorporate it here.
As Ignition returns, the lights go dark, and Wicked Ways kicks in. The crowd boos as Candice LeRae and Rachael Ellering walk on the stage.
Candice is smug, sauntering down the ramp wearing the brass knuckles she used to slug Ivelisse with last week. They climb into the ring. Candice grabs a microphone:
The crowd booed, and Rachael mockingly tapped her temple to show that they outsmarted their opponents. Candice continued:
Candice held her hand high, the lights gleaming off the brass knuckles.........
The crowd cheered as Ivelisse and Mercedes Martinez charged down to the ring – no hesitation, they were here to fight! Mauro Ranallo said:
Ivelisse went straight for Candice and Mercedes lunged at Ellering. All four women brawled inside and outside the ring. Fists flew. Chaos was flowing in Charlotte!
Candice raked the eyes of Ivelisse on the outside and reared back with the brass knuckles....she swung..........
IVELISSE DUCKED AND HIT A ROUNDHOUSE KICK THAT SENT CANDICE OVER THE GUARDRAIL INTO THE FIRST ROW!
Ivelisse climbed to the top of the guardrail and JUMPED on Candice into the crowd. All hell had broken loose!
Meanwhile, Ellering and Martinez were brawling at ringside. Ellering grabbed a chair at ringside.......
BAM!
Ellering threw the chair into the face of Martinez!
Martinez staggered back from the blow. Ellering charged around the corner of the ring, looking for a SPEAR...........as she turned the corner, she FELL mid-stride, and cried out in pain!
Mauro Ranallo said:
The camera cut wide, as Ellering grabbed her knee on the floor mats. Candice LeRae and Ivelisse continued to brawl through the crowd as the cameras avoided showing Ellering up close. Ignition went to commercial as referees and medical staff ran down to check on her.
A video package aired, featuring highlights of the Four Way tag match at SummerFest to crown a Number One Contender. We see highlights of The Von Erichs, hitting the Yellow Rose of Texas. Before the three count, RUSH and Dragon Lee pulled them out of the ring – ruining the moment.
The video cuts to Marshall & Ross Von Erich backstage. Marshall stepped forward:
Quick shots of Dragon Lee nailing Ross with a tope suicida are shown. Ross said:
Marshall stepped forwards – his voice rising:
Ross nodded:
A video promo aired.
Inside a dark, low-lit room, the WSW World Championship rested on a table. Light flickered slowly across the gold plating. We hear Kenny Omega’s voice begin as the camera slowly panned upward to find him seated beside it.
Kenny Omega stood and placed the belt over his shoulder:
As camera cut back inside the Bojangles Coliseum, we went to the announce table where Mauro Ranallo said:
The announcers previewed the card for next week:
- WSW Intercontinental Championship: Bandido vs. Cody (c)
- 2019 Grand Prix Block Announcement
- Von Erichs vs. LFI
- Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. In Action
- Deonna Purrazzo vs. Tenille Dashwood
- Trios Match: Hart Foundation vs. Black Arrow
- WSW World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. Death Busters (c)
- WSW Women’s World Championship: Either Io Shirai/Kay Lee Ray vs. Tessa Blanchard (c)
Match Six: Number One Contender’s Match – Kay Lee Ray vs. Io Shirai
The sixth match of Ignition was a singles match to name a Number One Contender for the Women’s World Championship between Kay Lee Ray and Io Shirai.
Tessa Blanchard made her entrance and joined commentary for the match. Tenille Dashwood and Nixon sat casually next to the desk – Tenille chewing gum, Nixon kicking her feet up on the table. Tessa said:
The crowd buzzed as the bell rang. KLR and Io Shirai circled one another and exchanged a fist bump in respect.
They moved at lightning speed – counters, arm drags, headscissors, and kip ups. Neither woman held the advantage until Shirai landed a springboard arm drag and a basement dropkick.
KLR reset and rallied back with a flurry – landing a stiff palm strike and brutal spinning back kick to Shirai’s ribs. She followed with a snap suplex, followed by another, and capped with a fisherman’s suplex...
1...
2....
Kick Out!
They moved at lightning speed – counters, arm drags, headscissors, and kip ups. Neither woman held the advantage until Shirai landed a springboard arm drag and a basement dropkick.
KLR reset and rallied back with a flurry – landing a stiff palm strike and brutal spinning back kick to Shirai’s ribs. She followed with a snap suplex, followed by another, and capped with a fisherman’s suplex...
1...
2....
Kick Out!
Both women scrambled to their feet, and KLR tried a Northern Lights Suplex, but Shirai blocked with piston-like knee strikes to the midsection. A snap hurricanrana by Shirai sent KLR through the ropes to the floor.
Io gave her no room to recover. She dashed across the ring, and dove through with a tope suicida that hit perfectly! The crowd cheered.
Shirai threw KLR back inside and climbed to the top rope. She went for a diving hurricanrana.......
KLR BLOCKED AND POWERED SHIRAI UP........
LIGER BOMB!
1...
2.........
KICK OUT!
KLR put the pressure on – she nailed a running penalty kick to the spine and followed with a PK TO CHEST! The impact was sick! COVER!
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KICK OUT!
KLR pressed the advantage, she whipped Shirai into the corner and followed with a shotgun dropkick! In one motion she yanked Shirai up and tossed her with a T-Bone Suplex!
KLR was on fire! She roared in passion and went for the Gory Bomb.....
Shirai escaped and countered with a DDT!
Both women staggered to their feet. With a war cry, Shirai peppered KLR with a palm strikes. KLR cut it off with a HARD forearm to the jaw! KLR wound up for a massive lariat, but Io hit a pump kick to the arm to block the move and followed with a Codebreaker!
The recoil of the move sent KLR draping over the middle rope.......TIGER FEINT KICK (619) connected!
With the crowd cheering, Io climbed to the rope. She called for the moonsault, but KLR rolled to the outside to escape the move. Io didn’t hesitate.............
MOONSAULT TO THE FLOOR!
The crowd EXPLODED, rising in unison.
Io slapped the floor mats, firing herself up and the crowd.
Shirai threw KLR back into the ring and hit a missile dropkick from the top!
1....
2.................
KICK OUT!
Tessa Blanchard was quiet on commentary, her eyes narrowed.
Shirai dragged KLR to a vertical base, and KLR nailed a forearm – seemingly out of instinct. Shirai followed with a palm strike. The two women went back and forth with strikes, the intensity grow.
KLR went for a discus forearm, but Shirai ducked and landed a snap German Suplex!
KLR popped to her feet and NAILED a spinning heel kick!
Both women went down!
The crowd stood and applauded!
Io gave her no room to recover. She dashed across the ring, and dove through with a tope suicida that hit perfectly! The crowd cheered.
Shirai threw KLR back inside and climbed to the top rope. She went for a diving hurricanrana.......
KLR BLOCKED AND POWERED SHIRAI UP........
LIGER BOMB!
1...
2.........
KICK OUT!
KLR put the pressure on – she nailed a running penalty kick to the spine and followed with a PK TO CHEST! The impact was sick! COVER!
1.....
2......................
KICK OUT!
KLR pressed the advantage, she whipped Shirai into the corner and followed with a shotgun dropkick! In one motion she yanked Shirai up and tossed her with a T-Bone Suplex!
KLR was on fire! She roared in passion and went for the Gory Bomb.....
Shirai escaped and countered with a DDT!
Both women staggered to their feet. With a war cry, Shirai peppered KLR with a palm strikes. KLR cut it off with a HARD forearm to the jaw! KLR wound up for a massive lariat, but Io hit a pump kick to the arm to block the move and followed with a Codebreaker!
The recoil of the move sent KLR draping over the middle rope.......TIGER FEINT KICK (619) connected!
With the crowd cheering, Io climbed to the rope. She called for the moonsault, but KLR rolled to the outside to escape the move. Io didn’t hesitate.............
MOONSAULT TO THE FLOOR!
The crowd EXPLODED, rising in unison.
Io slapped the floor mats, firing herself up and the crowd.
Shirai threw KLR back into the ring and hit a missile dropkick from the top!
1....
2.................
KICK OUT!
Tessa Blanchard was quiet on commentary, her eyes narrowed.
Shirai dragged KLR to a vertical base, and KLR nailed a forearm – seemingly out of instinct. Shirai followed with a palm strike. The two women went back and forth with strikes, the intensity grow.
KLR went for a discus forearm, but Shirai ducked and landed a snap German Suplex!
KLR popped to her feet and NAILED a spinning heel kick!
Both women went down!
The crowd stood and applauded!
Both women got to their feet, and KLR whipped Shirai into the corner. She charged, but Shirai caught her with a release overhead belly to belly into the turnbuckles!
KLR arched her back in pain on the cerulean blue canvas. Shirai climbed to the top rope and flew......
MOONSAULT......
NO!
KLR MOVED AND SHIRAI CRASHED AND BURNED!
KLR pooped up and hoisted Shirai up.......
GORY BOM...........
NO!
BACKSLIDE!
SHIRAI COUNTERED WITH A BACKSLIDE!
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KLR arched her back in pain on the cerulean blue canvas. Shirai climbed to the top rope and flew......
MOONSAULT......
NO!
KLR MOVED AND SHIRAI CRASHED AND BURNED!
KLR pooped up and hoisted Shirai up.......
GORY BOM...........
NO!
BACKSLIDE!
SHIRAI COUNTERED WITH A BACKSLIDE!
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Io Shirai (13:06)
This delivered exactly what we wanted – legitimate emotion that built momentum for both women. Io Shirai was ready, and KLR looked like a warrior.
The finish was designed to once again condition our audience that this is a fight – it's not just about finishers. This also shows Io’s wrestling IQ and protects KLR.
Tessa is fantastic as the “final boss” of the women’s division.
The finish was designed to once again condition our audience that this is a fight – it's not just about finishers. This also shows Io’s wrestling IQ and protects KLR.
Tessa is fantastic as the “final boss” of the women’s division.
Io Shirai sat up, stunned but smiling. The crowd erupted. Kay Lee Ray rolled to her knees, disappointment was all over her face. Still, she recognized the moment and extended a hand. Io accepted and the two women hugged in the ring as the crowd applauded.
Blanchard threw her headset down, and Tenille Dashwood and Nixon Newell charged down the ramp --- they BLINDSIDED IO SHIRAI AND KLR!
The beat down began – knees, stomps, and fists.
The Women’s World Champion came down to the ring, jeers escorting her the entire way.
Io Shirai tried to fight back, but she was dropped by a kick from Tessa Blanchard. KLR charged at Nixon Newell, but Newell dropped her with a wicked kick to the sternum!
Deonna Purrazzo sprinted down to the ring!
She slid in and dropped Tenille Dashwood with a bicycle kick! Deonna hit a judo throw on Nixon Newell!
BUZZSAW KICK TO NEWELL FROM IO SHIRAI!
Tessa Blanchard was all alone!
The World Champion looked at Shirai, Purrazzo, and Kay Lee Ray – her plan had backfired........
Tessa scrambled out the ring, avoiding further contact! She clutched the Women’s World Championship to her chest and backed away with calculated calm.
Io Shirai stood tall in the corner, pointing at Tessa Blanchard and the World Championship belt as the new Number One Contender!
Paige Knight closed out this episode of Ignition:
Blanchard threw her headset down, and Tenille Dashwood and Nixon Newell charged down the ramp --- they BLINDSIDED IO SHIRAI AND KLR!
The beat down began – knees, stomps, and fists.
The Women’s World Champion came down to the ring, jeers escorting her the entire way.
Io Shirai tried to fight back, but she was dropped by a kick from Tessa Blanchard. KLR charged at Nixon Newell, but Newell dropped her with a wicked kick to the sternum!
Deonna Purrazzo sprinted down to the ring!
She slid in and dropped Tenille Dashwood with a bicycle kick! Deonna hit a judo throw on Nixon Newell!
BUZZSAW KICK TO NEWELL FROM IO SHIRAI!
Tessa Blanchard was all alone!
The World Champion looked at Shirai, Purrazzo, and Kay Lee Ray – her plan had backfired........
Tessa scrambled out the ring, avoiding further contact! She clutched the Women’s World Championship to her chest and backed away with calculated calm.
Io Shirai stood tall in the corner, pointing at Tessa Blanchard and the World Championship belt as the new Number One Contender!
Paige Knight closed out this episode of Ignition:
Results
No. | Results | Stipulations | Time |
1 | Jon Moxley def. Alan Angels | Singles match | 1:09 |
2 | Lucha Brothers (Fenix & Pentagon Jr.) (w/ Konnan) def. South Pacific Power Trip (Travis Banks & TK Cooper) (w/ Dahlia Black) | Tag team match | 8:35 |
3 | Sammy Guevara def. Myron Reed, Jungle Boy & Ace Austin | Four way match | 10:00 |
4 | Trevor Lee def. Andrew Everett | Singles match | 9:08 |
5 | Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows (w/ AJ Styles) def. #StrongHearts (CIMA & T-Hawk) | Tag team match | 9:00 |
6 | Io Shirai def. Kay Lee Ray | Singles match | 13:06 |
Where was Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D this week it was a big week for her last week and no promo or interview?
News & Rumors |
|
July 31, 2019 |
- WWE’s Q2 investor’s call illustrated the current business pattern for the company in 2019. Financially, the company is booming and will set profit records in Q3 due to new television deals with USA and Fox. However the financial success coincides with steady popularity declines. It is an interesting dynamic, that is totally unique in the history of professional wrestling.
- Q2 saw WWE continue to slip in every traditional metric used to gauge fan interest – network subscriptions, house show attendance, merchandise, PPV, licensing, and television ratings. However, the modern WWE financial model is built around television deals and the lucrative partnership with Saudi Arabia.
- Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff were never mentioned by name; however, Vince McMahon referenced “recent leadership additions” for Raw and Smackdown.
- In the weeks since the announcement of Heyman and Bischoff's new roles, sources within WWE noted that the timing of these moves was to mitigate questions regarding popularity declines from stockholders during the earnings call. These same sources note that both Heyman and Bischoff signed lucrative contracts. In regard to Heyman, there was a concerted effort to sign him to a long-term deal to prevent him from going to WSW should the opportunity present itself.
- Perhaps the most notable quote from the call came from McMahon when asked about the potential for edgy content:
- Without mentioning WSW by name, McMahon said:
- On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer analyzed these comments:
- It should be noted that three days after talking about “blood and guts,” the main event angle on Raw saw Brock Lesnar attack Seth Rollins, with Rollins spitting up blood to simulate internal bleeding (in reality, a blood capsule was used).
- On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer analyzed these comments:
- WWE Network subscriptions were down 6% in Q2, and Co-President George Barrios announced that a three-tiered membership would come be coming soon.
- WWE held a Saudi Arabia show in Q2, but they have not been paid for it yet. That revenue will show in the Q3 earnings. Barrios anticipates a second show in Saudi Arabia, tentatively scheduled for 11/1.
- Q2 saw WWE continue to slip in every traditional metric used to gauge fan interest – network subscriptions, house show attendance, merchandise, PPV, licensing, and television ratings. However, the modern WWE financial model is built around television deals and the lucrative partnership with Saudi Arabia.
- Sticking with WWE news, the current plan is to go back to hard roster splits in October. The plan is to go all in on the brand split, with each show featuring different storylines rather than angles that play out across both shows.
- Jonathan Fatu (Jimmy Uso) was arrested on a DUI charge in Pensacola, Florida on 7/24. He had a prior arrest in February for disorderly conduct and obstruction. WWE’s statement on the situation:
- Jorge Alcantar, better known as El Hijo del Fantasma and King Cuerno in Lucha Underground has signed with WWE. He is expected to begin in September. WWE has wanted him since the first season of Lucha Underground, as he is a great worker and speaks fluent English.
- The 7/30 Smackdown in Memphis was rewritten hours before the show by Vince McMahon. McMahon did not think the show did a good job following up the previous week, nor did it build SummerSlam.
- Eric Bischoff and Bruce Prichard are working together on the Smackdown side, but Bischoff does not have much creative involvement.
- Vince was rewriting segments for the second hour, while the first hour was taking place.
- Eric Bischoff and Bruce Prichard are working together on the Smackdown side, but Bischoff does not have much creative involvement.
- In a welcomed change, the “no wrestling during commercials decree” has appeared to have been lifted in WWE. In the past few weeks, Smackdown has used a “picture-in-picture" insert during commercials, and Heyman seems to have negotiated a loosening of this restriction on the Raw side.
- The 7/25 Ignition did 820,000 viewers and a .34 rating in the key 18-49 demo. The show was tied for fourth place on cable. Ignition was down 16.5% in viewers and 20.9% in demo rating from last week’s heavily hyped Ignition 200 on 7/18 (also the fallout from SummerFest).
- The 8/1 Ignition will face its stiffest competition since the NBA Playoffs concluded, as the NFL Hall of Fame Game (first preseason game of the year) airs on NBC and Shark Week airs on the Discovery Channel. Shark Week is one of the biggest ratings draws of the year on cable.
- The 7/29 Raw did 2,321,000 viewers and a .74 in the key demo. This was the lowest viewer number the show has done since Paul Heyman took over; however, the audience has continued to hold throughout the three hours. The third hour did the best in the 18-49 demo.
- The audience was down 25% from Raw Reunion the week prior. The rating was down 5.4 percent. Raw was sixth for the night on cable.
- The 7/30 Smackdown did 1,911,000 viewers and .57 in the 18-49 demo. The show faced intense competition, going against the Democratic Party debates, which did 8,643,000 viewers on CNN. Smackdown finished sixth for the fifth for the night on cable, trailing only cable news coverage of the debates.
- Rachael Ellering tore her ACL on the 7/25 Ignition. The injury occurred during the brawl with Ivelisse and Candice LeRae. She went down, and it was quickly apparent that she was injured. The camera cut to a wide shot, and they quickly ended the segment. They halted the tapings to assist her, and she had to be carried to the back. It is unfortunate, as Ellering had recently been paired with LeRae, and was in line to be pushed as part of the act.
- There will be a heavy WSW component on the Jericho Cruise which takes place 1/20 to 1/24, and will travel from Miami to Nassau in the Bahamas. Like last year, there will be live matches on-board.
- Keep in mind 1/21 is a Tuesday, and Ignition will be running on Tuesdays beginning in October. Nothing has been announced, but it will be something to keep an eye on.
- In regards to Chris Jericho, his wrestling status is unknown at this moment. He last worked in New Japan on the 6/9 Dominion show, losing to Kazuchika Okada in the main event. Jericho had planned to take the summer off since the beginning of the year, and he has been on tour with Fozzy. He has not given any indication on what he wants to do next.
- Given the current situation, landing Jericho would be a huge coup for either side. WWE feels that it is a matter of “when” rather than “if” Jericho returns. Jericho has spoken numerous times about his admiration and relationship with Vince McMahon. It should be noted that when Jericho left WWE in 2017, McMahon and WWE officials always believed it to be more of a sabbatical than a true departure.
- Both companies are being highly aggressive when it comes to signing new talent and retaining their roster. A star of Jericho’s magnitude would be a needle mover in an era where there are so few guys worthy of that title.
- Jericho has a tremendous amount of leverage, and he stands to make a significant sum of money with either company. If they really want him, WWE can outbid WSW. One of Jericho’s primary reasons for departing WWE was to work a reduced schedule, wrestle the top in-ring talent in the world, and return to New Japan for the first time since the early/mid 90s.
- Jericho is a student of the game, and he will be uniquely aware of the ins and outs of both companies. Essentially, it comes down this – if he wants the money and global platform again, WWE will be the route. If he wants to wrestle the top guys from a skills standpoint, work with new, young talent, and still make a heckuva salary – WSW is the best option.
- Given the announcement of WSW talent on the cruise, it stands to reason that if he did return to WWE, it would not be until February 2020 at the earliest. This would also fall in line with WrestleMania season.
- Given the current situation, landing Jericho would be a huge coup for either side. WWE feels that it is a matter of “when” rather than “if” Jericho returns. Jericho has spoken numerous times about his admiration and relationship with Vince McMahon. It should be noted that when Jericho left WWE in 2017, McMahon and WWE officials always believed it to be more of a sabbatical than a true departure.
- Jeff Cobb is set to become a free agent at the end of the year. Currently signed to ROH, there is said to be a tremendous amount of interest from WWE, WSW, and New Japan. Those close to Cobb believe he will test the waters of free agency, given ROH’s descent to a distant tertiary brand in North America. In this case, do not rule out Cobb signing an exclusive contract with New Japan. He loves the country, working for NJPW, and their partnership with ROH would allow him to continue working dates for the promotion.
- As reported last week, Impact’s negotiations with AXS remain on life support; however, sources close to the situation report that there remains hope a deal can get done. There are not a lot of details to report, as there are NDA’s all over the place. The Anthem/AXS talks began late last year.
- Sofia Alonso, the new President of CMLL, gave her first interview since the death of her father with Excelsior. A lifelong fan, Alonso began working for CMLL in 2016, leading the advertising & sponsorships division. Under her guidance, this division saw a massive business boost. Alonso would gradually gain more responsibilities, including partnering with foreign companies to increase the promotion’s exposure outside of Mexico. Sofia was instrumental in negotiating the partnership between CMLL and WSW.
- Alonso said that one of her first moves was to meet with Shane McMahon and WSW officials in Toronto during SummerFest weekend to discuss working together more and expanding their partnership. Alonso said that CMLL’s exposure in America on WSW TV is “worth its weight in gold.” She said that the nights when WSW’s talent has appeared in Arena Mexico has led to some of the loudest crowd reactions of the year.
- Advertised for the 8/1 Ignition:
- Intercontinental Championship: Cody (c) vs. Bandido
- The Von Erichs vs. LFI
- LA Express Summit
- Deonna Purrazzo vs. Tenille Dashwood
- Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. In Action
- The Hart Foundation vs. Black Arrow – Trios Match
- Announcement of the 2019 Grand Prix Blocks & Participants
Ignition: Episode 202 |
Promotion: World Series Wrestling |
Date: August 1, 2019 |
City: Charlotte, NC |
Venue: Bojangles Coliseum |
Attendance: 4,000 |
The 8/1 Ignition opened with a memorial graphic for Harley Race.
A video recap aired, highlighting the events of the past couple of weeks:
- We see the Death Busters win the World Tag Team Titles two weeks ago on Ignition 200, and their subsequent confrontation with The Hart Foundation last week. Teddy Hart laid out that the two teams were 1-1 against each other, and they wanted the rubber match.
- We see highlights of Cody’s promo last week, vowing to defend the Intercontinental Championship with honor and challenging Bandido for his first defense.
- We see Jon Moxley’s vow of destruction, officially declaring for the Grand Prix.
- The package closes with highlights of Io Shirai’s win over Kay Lee Ray last week, earning a title shot against Tessa Blanchard.
Pyro exploded inside the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the commentary trio of Mauro Ranallo, Chael Sonnen, and Paige Knight welcomed us to the show!
Match One: The Hart Foundation vs. Black Arrow
The first match of Ignition was a trios match between The Hart Foundation (Teddy Hart, Davey Boy Smith Jr., & Brian Pillman Jr.) and Black Arrow (Adam Cole, Dawson & Wilder).
All six men stood in the center of the ring as the referee tried to maintain order. Tension oozed from the canvas, and Mauro Ranallo reminded viewers that next week, Davey Boy Smith and Teddy Hart would get their rubber match against the Death Busters for the WSW World Tag Team Titles.
The Hart Foundation slowly backed towards their corner to comply with the referee, but Black Arrow pounced. The crowd erupted in jeers as Cole blindsided Pillman, and the Death Busters hammered Hart and Davey Boy.
But the ambush didn’t last.
Dawson tried to powerbomb Pillman, but the young lion countered with a hurricanrana! Pillman popped to his feet, and the Hart Foundation rallied:
Davey Boy slammed Cole with authority, and Pillman and Hart drilled Dawson and Wilder with stereo dropkicks, sending them reeling to the floor!
The crowd roared as the Hart Foundation stood tall!
Black Arrow regrouped on the outside, pacing and jawing with fans. Dawson eventually reentered and squared off with Davey Boy to start the match proper. A hoss fight ensued as the two men collided like bulls in the center of the ring stiff shoulder blocks and trash talk.
Smith got the edge, whipping Dawson into the corner and following with a huge charging European uppercut!
Smith hit the ropes to build momentum – but Adam Cole cheap-shotted him with a kick to the spine from the apron!
Davey Boy turned and decked Cole with a big right hand, knocking him to the floor.
Dawson took advantage of the distraction and clotheslined Davey Boy Smith over the top rope. Dawson distracted the referee inside the ring, and Wilder tried to capitalize with an attack on the floor – but Smith reversed a whip and sent Wilder CRASHING into the steel guardrail! Smith charged around the ring post and FLOORED Cole with a running big boot for good measure before rolling back inside.
The Hart Foundation slowly backed towards their corner to comply with the referee, but Black Arrow pounced. The crowd erupted in jeers as Cole blindsided Pillman, and the Death Busters hammered Hart and Davey Boy.
But the ambush didn’t last.
Dawson tried to powerbomb Pillman, but the young lion countered with a hurricanrana! Pillman popped to his feet, and the Hart Foundation rallied:
Davey Boy slammed Cole with authority, and Pillman and Hart drilled Dawson and Wilder with stereo dropkicks, sending them reeling to the floor!
The crowd roared as the Hart Foundation stood tall!
Black Arrow regrouped on the outside, pacing and jawing with fans. Dawson eventually reentered and squared off with Davey Boy to start the match proper. A hoss fight ensued as the two men collided like bulls in the center of the ring stiff shoulder blocks and trash talk.
Smith got the edge, whipping Dawson into the corner and following with a huge charging European uppercut!
Smith hit the ropes to build momentum – but Adam Cole cheap-shotted him with a kick to the spine from the apron!
Davey Boy turned and decked Cole with a big right hand, knocking him to the floor.
Dawson took advantage of the distraction and clotheslined Davey Boy Smith over the top rope. Dawson distracted the referee inside the ring, and Wilder tried to capitalize with an attack on the floor – but Smith reversed a whip and sent Wilder CRASHING into the steel guardrail! Smith charged around the ring post and FLOORED Cole with a running big boot for good measure before rolling back inside.
Smith tagged in Pillman just as Wilder entered for Black Arrow. The two men picked up the pace with quick counters and rope running. Pillman connected on a leaping forearm, but as he ran the ropes again, Wilder caught him with a Sun Gun across the top rope!
From there, Black Arrow isolated Pillman with ruthless precision. Dawson and Wilder hit a smooth double hip toss, then dropped tandem low dropkicks to the chest and back. Teddy and Davey Boy tried to enter the ring, but the referee cut them off – allowing Cole to enter and hit a BRUTAL brainbuster over his knee!
Cole scampered to the apron and officially tagged in as the referee turned around. He sneered and began lighting up Pillman with sharp kicks to the spine and ribs. He blew a kiss to Hart & Smith to pour salt in the wound.
Black Arrow made quick tags, each man taking turns to stomp away.
With the crowd chanting his name, Pillman tried to fight back. He rallied, but Dawson cut him off with a kitchen sink knee. The Death Busters hit a double flapjack. Cover!
1....
2.....
Kick Out!
The crowd clapped, urging Pillman on. He was isolated, desperate, crawling towards his corner. Dawson and Wilder went for a doubleteam suplex......
But Pillman countered with a DOUBLE DDT!
Pillman dove ----
TAG TO TEDDY HART!
The Bojangles Coliseum came unglued as Teddy Hart exploded into the ring like a man possessed. He ping-ponged across the ring, hitting anything and everything that moved!
He leveled Cole with a spinning back elbow, took Dawson out with a springboard missile dropkick, and NAILED Wilder with a LUMBAR CHECK!
COVER!
1...........
2...........................................
COLE BROKE IT UP WITH A SUPERKICK!
Cole knocked Davey Boy off the apron, and he locked Hart in a rear chinlock. He shouted instructions to Dawson and Wilder to strike Teddy Hart............
Dawson and Wilder charged......
SMITH AND PILLMAN INTERCEPTED THEM OUT WITH STIFF LARIATS!
Teddy Hart hit Adam Cole with a Rolling Death Valley Driver!
Davey Boy BACK BODY DROPPED ADAM COLE OVER THE TOP ROPE ONTO WILDER AND DAWSON!
ARABIAN MOONSAULT FROM TEDDY HART ONTO BLACK ARROW ON THE FLOOR!
The crowd was rocking in Charlotte!
Back in the ring, the Hart Foundation hit a flurry on Wilder:
1.....
2.......................................
NO!
DAWSON PULLED SMITH OUT OF THE RING!
From there, Black Arrow isolated Pillman with ruthless precision. Dawson and Wilder hit a smooth double hip toss, then dropped tandem low dropkicks to the chest and back. Teddy and Davey Boy tried to enter the ring, but the referee cut them off – allowing Cole to enter and hit a BRUTAL brainbuster over his knee!
Cole scampered to the apron and officially tagged in as the referee turned around. He sneered and began lighting up Pillman with sharp kicks to the spine and ribs. He blew a kiss to Hart & Smith to pour salt in the wound.
Black Arrow made quick tags, each man taking turns to stomp away.
With the crowd chanting his name, Pillman tried to fight back. He rallied, but Dawson cut him off with a kitchen sink knee. The Death Busters hit a double flapjack. Cover!
1....
2.....
Kick Out!
The crowd clapped, urging Pillman on. He was isolated, desperate, crawling towards his corner. Dawson and Wilder went for a doubleteam suplex......
But Pillman countered with a DOUBLE DDT!
Pillman dove ----
TAG TO TEDDY HART!
The Bojangles Coliseum came unglued as Teddy Hart exploded into the ring like a man possessed. He ping-ponged across the ring, hitting anything and everything that moved!
He leveled Cole with a spinning back elbow, took Dawson out with a springboard missile dropkick, and NAILED Wilder with a LUMBAR CHECK!
COVER!
1...........
2...........................................
COLE BROKE IT UP WITH A SUPERKICK!
Cole knocked Davey Boy off the apron, and he locked Hart in a rear chinlock. He shouted instructions to Dawson and Wilder to strike Teddy Hart............
Dawson and Wilder charged......
SMITH AND PILLMAN INTERCEPTED THEM OUT WITH STIFF LARIATS!
Teddy Hart hit Adam Cole with a Rolling Death Valley Driver!
Davey Boy BACK BODY DROPPED ADAM COLE OVER THE TOP ROPE ONTO WILDER AND DAWSON!
ARABIAN MOONSAULT FROM TEDDY HART ONTO BLACK ARROW ON THE FLOOR!
The crowd was rocking in Charlotte!
Back in the ring, the Hart Foundation hit a flurry on Wilder:
- Superkick from Pillman
- German Suplex from Hart
- FLYING HEADBUTT FROM DAVEY BOY SMITH!
1.....
2.......................................
NO!
DAWSON PULLED SMITH OUT OF THE RING!
The match completely broke down, as Teddy Hart and Davey Boy brawled with Dawson and Wilder at ringside. Hart and Wilder brawled over the guardrail into the crowd, and Davey Boy and Dawson fought up the ramp.
Inside the ring, it was down to Cole and Pillman as the legal men.
Pillman seethed, remembering the gum Cole spit in his face last week. He slapped Cole, who responded with a SUPERKICK!
Pillman went to a knee.......but EXPLODED back up with a leaping knee strike that caught Cole flush on the chin!
Pillman with a springboard..............
AIR PILLMAN!
1.....
2...................
KICK OUT!
Pillman roared in defiance. The crowd chanted:
Pillman pulled Cole to his feet.......DYING PROMISE........
NO!
Cole slipped out and hit a ushigoroshi!
Cole pointed the finger guns at Pillman and climbed to the middle rope............
PANAMA SUNRISE!
1....
2...........................
KICK OUT!
The roof nearly came off the building!
Pillman refused to die!
Cole yanked his kneepad down, fuming. He hit the ropes........
LAST SHOT!
1....
2................................
3.........................................................
Inside the ring, it was down to Cole and Pillman as the legal men.
Pillman seethed, remembering the gum Cole spit in his face last week. He slapped Cole, who responded with a SUPERKICK!
Pillman went to a knee.......but EXPLODED back up with a leaping knee strike that caught Cole flush on the chin!
Pillman with a springboard..............
AIR PILLMAN!
1.....
2...................
KICK OUT!
Pillman roared in defiance. The crowd chanted:
Pillman pulled Cole to his feet.......DYING PROMISE........
NO!
Cole slipped out and hit a ushigoroshi!
Cole pointed the finger guns at Pillman and climbed to the middle rope............
PANAMA SUNRISE!
1....
2...........................
KICK OUT!
The roof nearly came off the building!
Pillman refused to die!
Cole yanked his kneepad down, fuming. He hit the ropes........
LAST SHOT!
1....
2................................
3.........................................................
Death Busters (10:50)
A crisp, high-energy opener that served to build towards the Hart Foundation/Death Busters match next week, heat Adam Cole up for the Grand Prix, and begin elevating Pillman as a sympathetic, credible future star. The false finish off the Panama Sunrise was a big moment to establish Pillman as a gutsy, never-say-die competitor.
The crowd loved the chaos, and the pacing was sharp. Black Arrow continues to deliver as a heat magnet.
The crowd loved the chaos, and the pacing was sharp. Black Arrow continues to deliver as a heat magnet.
Adam Cole snatched a microphone and smirked. He breathed heavily, his chest rising and falling with adrenaline:
Cole’s bold words were interrupted.....
BOBBY LASHLEY!
Cole was frozen in place, the mic was still in his hand, but his mouth was slightly agape as the crowd roared!
Lashley stood on the stage in street clothes – black tactical hoodie and joggers. He didn’t speak. He just started walking with purpose toward the ring.
Cole’s eyes darted to the ramp. He dropped the mic, bailing from the ring as Lashley climbed on the apron.
Lashley pointed at Cole – slowly and deliberately – never breaking his glare. Cole backed up the ramp. His eyes looked like he had just seen a ghost.
Mauro Ranallo said:
Cole’s bold words were interrupted.....
BOBBY LASHLEY!
Cole was frozen in place, the mic was still in his hand, but his mouth was slightly agape as the crowd roared!
Lashley stood on the stage in street clothes – black tactical hoodie and joggers. He didn’t speak. He just started walking with purpose toward the ring.
Cole’s eyes darted to the ramp. He dropped the mic, bailing from the ring as Lashley climbed on the apron.
Lashley pointed at Cole – slowly and deliberately – never breaking his glare. Cole backed up the ramp. His eyes looked like he had just seen a ghost.
Mauro Ranallo said:
As Ignition returned from commercial, Melissa Santos was jogging down a backstage hallway to catch up with Bobby Lashley, who was power-walking down the corridor.
Lashley stopped dead in tracks. He cut off Melissa, his voice was calm – but lethal.
Without another word, he turned and stormed down the hallway. Santos stood in stunned silence as the camera lingered on the massive back of Lashley walking away.
Match Two: Griff Garrison vs. Alexander Hammerstone
The second match of Ignition was a singles match between Griff Garrison and Alexander Hammerstone. Garrison was already in the ring as Hammerstone made his entrance.
The powerhouse walked to the ring with his eyes locked, arms flexed, and veins bulging. Chael Sonnen described him on commentary:
The bell rang. Garrison charged headlong at Hammerstone, and got DECAPITATED by a monstrous lariat!
Garrison flipped through the air and crashed on the mat!
Hammerstone didn’t even blink.
BICYCLE KICK!
Garrison was nearly knocked out cold. With no wasted motion, Hammerstone lifted him and hit the Nightmare Pendulum!
1.....
2..........
3.........................
Garrison flipped through the air and crashed on the mat!
Hammerstone didn’t even blink.
BICYCLE KICK!
Garrison was nearly knocked out cold. With no wasted motion, Hammerstone lifted him and hit the Nightmare Pendulum!
1.....
2..........
3.........................
Alexander Hammerstone 
40)
40)Simple squash for Hammerstone. We are trying to build him up as a monster in-waiting. He was clean, explosive, and visually sharp. His execution of the Nightmare Pendulum was perfect. Clean execution of that move is essential for his credibility.
Hammerstone cockily put his foot on the chest of his fallen opponent and flexed. The camera cut backstage to Dahlia Black watching on a monitor backstage. She stood with her arms folded, observing the monitor with a subtle, calculating expression.
Backstage, Melissa Santos was at the interview set. Beside her were RUSH and Dragon Lee. RUSH had his arms crossed. Dragon lee stood by his side, silent and focused.
Melissa spoke Spanish:
RUSH spoke low and deliberate – like a cobra coiling before the strike. He spoke in English:
RUSH placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder.
RUSH paused. His voiced sharpened slightly, still cold:
Match Three: The Von Erichs vs. LFI
The third match of Ignition was a tag team match between The Von Erichs and LFI. On commentary, Paige Knight set the scene:
Marshall Von Erich started with Dragon Lee, and he surprised the luchador with a barrage of forearms – driving him into the corner. RUSH entered the ring illegally, but Ross Von Erich cut him off – whipping RUSH into the ropes and catching him with a back body drop.
The Von Erichs then hit stereo dropkicks to send both LFI members to the outside. They raised the Claw sign high and got a nice response from the Charlotte crowd.
Dragon Lee re-entered, and he used his blinding speed to turn the tide – ducking a lariat, springing off the middle rope, and hitting a high revolution tijeras. He nailed a shotgun dropkick that sent Marshall crashing into the turnbuckles. LFI seized the momentum.
RUSH tagged in and stalked Marshall with methodical, calculated strikes – forearms to the head, knees to the ribs, and a corner lariat. LFI tagged back and forth, taking turns stomping Marshall down in the corner, holding the tag rope just long enough to stay legal!
With Marshall battered in the corner, RUSH charged across the ring...BULLS HORNS....NO.....
RUSH put on the brakes, kicked Marshall in the face, and taunted him with the TRANQUILO pose.
The Von Erichs then hit stereo dropkicks to send both LFI members to the outside. They raised the Claw sign high and got a nice response from the Charlotte crowd.
Dragon Lee re-entered, and he used his blinding speed to turn the tide – ducking a lariat, springing off the middle rope, and hitting a high revolution tijeras. He nailed a shotgun dropkick that sent Marshall crashing into the turnbuckles. LFI seized the momentum.
RUSH tagged in and stalked Marshall with methodical, calculated strikes – forearms to the head, knees to the ribs, and a corner lariat. LFI tagged back and forth, taking turns stomping Marshall down in the corner, holding the tag rope just long enough to stay legal!
With Marshall battered in the corner, RUSH charged across the ring...BULLS HORNS....NO.....
RUSH put on the brakes, kicked Marshall in the face, and taunted him with the TRANQUILO pose.
Marshall clawed his way back. He ducked a lariat from RUSH and hit a belly to belly suplex, allowing him to make the tag to Ross.
Ross vaulted the ropes and exploded into the ring. He met RUSH with a running big boot, then a second to Dragon Lee. Ross hit back suplexes on both men with textbook snap! Ross beat his chest, and the crowd responded to him.
Ross hit the ropes for momentum – but Dragon lee grabbed his ankle from the outside, halting his pace. That was the small opening that RUSH needed.
He CRUSHED Ross Von Erich with a wicked lariat that folded the younger Von Erich in half!
RUSH yanked Ross up, tagged Dragon Lee, and POWERBOMBED him across Dragon Lee’s knees in a brutal tandem combo. RUSH ran over and cheap shotted Marshall off the apron, and Dragon Lee made the cover!
1....
2................
Kick Out!
Dragon Lee kept up the attack with stiff kicks and a basement dropkick to the spine. Ross showed heart – absorbing the punishment and trying to fight back with chops and elbows. Dragon Lee lit up Ross’ chest with machine gun chops, but as he hit the ropes for momentum, Ross caught him with a TKO out of nowhere!
Ross reached for the tag to Marshall....
RUSH grabbed his foot.......
Ross hit an enziguri to free himself and lunged to make the tag to Marshall!
Ross vaulted the ropes and exploded into the ring. He met RUSH with a running big boot, then a second to Dragon Lee. Ross hit back suplexes on both men with textbook snap! Ross beat his chest, and the crowd responded to him.
Ross hit the ropes for momentum – but Dragon lee grabbed his ankle from the outside, halting his pace. That was the small opening that RUSH needed.
He CRUSHED Ross Von Erich with a wicked lariat that folded the younger Von Erich in half!
RUSH yanked Ross up, tagged Dragon Lee, and POWERBOMBED him across Dragon Lee’s knees in a brutal tandem combo. RUSH ran over and cheap shotted Marshall off the apron, and Dragon Lee made the cover!
1....
2................
Kick Out!
Dragon Lee kept up the attack with stiff kicks and a basement dropkick to the spine. Ross showed heart – absorbing the punishment and trying to fight back with chops and elbows. Dragon Lee lit up Ross’ chest with machine gun chops, but as he hit the ropes for momentum, Ross caught him with a TKO out of nowhere!
Ross reached for the tag to Marshall....
RUSH grabbed his foot.......
Ross hit an enziguri to free himself and lunged to make the tag to Marshall!
Marshall came in a house of fire. He connected on his BEAUTIFUL dropkick to RUSH then followed with a running crossbody on Dragon Lee. Marshall was a one man wrecking crew:
Marshall locked the claw on Dragon Lee, wrenching down hard.......
But Dragon Lee raked his fingers deep into Marshall’s eyes!
RUSH POPPED Ross with a brutal rolling elbow to the jaw. LFI hit the High/Low on Ross! Ross rolled to the outside.
Marshall, still rubbing his eyes from the eye rake, was sent over the top with a clothesline from RUSH.
LFI then struck.......
Dragon Lee hit the ropes, and RUSH CATAPULETED DRAGON LEE OVER THE TOP ROPE.......
DRAGON LEE FLEW THROUGH THE AIR WITH A TORNILLO!
DRAGON LEE FLEW LIKE A MISSILE AND LANDED WITH THUNDER ON THE VON ERICHS!
The crowd cheered for the breathtaking visual.
RUSH took control on the floor. He yanked Ross up by the hair and violently threw him into the steel guardrail! RUSH then wrapped the TV camera cable around his throat and began choking him out!
Back inside the ring, Dragon Lee threw Marshall in and CRUSHED him with bicycle knee strike!
Dragon Lee went to end it!
DESNUCADORA!
1.....
2...............
3................................
- Powerslam to Dragon Lee
- Lariat to RUSH
- Another dropkick flattened Dragon Lee!
Marshall locked the claw on Dragon Lee, wrenching down hard.......
But Dragon Lee raked his fingers deep into Marshall’s eyes!
RUSH POPPED Ross with a brutal rolling elbow to the jaw. LFI hit the High/Low on Ross! Ross rolled to the outside.
Marshall, still rubbing his eyes from the eye rake, was sent over the top with a clothesline from RUSH.
LFI then struck.......
Dragon Lee hit the ropes, and RUSH CATAPULETED DRAGON LEE OVER THE TOP ROPE.......
DRAGON LEE FLEW THROUGH THE AIR WITH A TORNILLO!
DRAGON LEE FLEW LIKE A MISSILE AND LANDED WITH THUNDER ON THE VON ERICHS!
The crowd cheered for the breathtaking visual.
RUSH took control on the floor. He yanked Ross up by the hair and violently threw him into the steel guardrail! RUSH then wrapped the TV camera cable around his throat and began choking him out!
Back inside the ring, Dragon Lee threw Marshall in and CRUSHED him with bicycle knee strike!
Dragon Lee went to end it!
DESNUCADORA!
1.....
2...............
3................................
LFI (9:03)
Goal was to make LFI look like explosive killers while showcasing their undeniable charisma. The Von Erichs got valuable reps and showed heart, fire, and improvement.
The match structure was very clean and simple. The shine-heat-comeback structure worked. We wanted The Von Erichs to get some shine, but they were outclassed here – the story will be them working to close this gap.
The tornillo spot is highlight worthy.
The match structure was very clean and simple. The shine-heat-comeback structure worked. We wanted The Von Erichs to get some shine, but they were outclassed here – the story will be them working to close this gap.
The tornillo spot is highlight worthy.
On the outside, RUSH stood over Ross Von Erich – who gasped for air. RUSH looked into the ringside camera and screamed:
Inside the ring, Dragon Lee hit the Tranquilo pose. LFI delivered on their promise, and they showcased their explosive brand of violence!
Inside the ring, Dragon Lee hit the Tranquilo pose. LFI delivered on their promise, and they showcased their explosive brand of violence!
The LA Express came to the ring for a promo. Boos rained down as Johnny Mundo, Taya Valkyrie, and Mike Bennett made their way to the ring in designer streetware.
Inside the ring, Mundo grabbed a microphone:
No music hit, no spotlight. A pissed off Brian Cage walked down with purpose, wearing a sleeveless “Weapon of Mass Construction” shirt. The crowd cheered slightly. Mundo leaned on the top rope with faux confidence as Cage entered. He spoke and slowly paced in front of Cage, a look of worry was on the face of Mike Bennett.
Mundo stood smug, basking in his tirade and expecting Cage to just take it. Brian Cage grabbed the mic and spoke though:
The crowd cheered. Mundo raised an eyebrow. Bennett and Valkyrie looked surprised. Cage took a step forward, his voice seething:
The crowd cheered again, and Mundo’s face tightened.
Cage stepped forward again. No physicality, but the air was tense.
The crowd cheered. Mundo’s expression shifted from smug to pissed. Tension was sky high. Cage turned to leave, but Mundo lifted the mic one more time:
The crowd gasps. Bennett winced. Mundo stood proudly until....
Cage SNAPPED!
He grabbed Mundo by the face – palming it! He shoved him violently backwards into the ropes. The crowd erupted. Mundo’s cockiness vanished as he shrieked:
Bennett stepped forward, holding his hands up in a panic.
Cage was trembling, eyes wild. He was beat red as he loomed over Mundo.
BOOM
From behind Taya low blowed Cage!
His leg buckled and he went down!
The crowd gasped. Mundo immediately scrambled away to the corner, his fear flipping to glee over the dirty work of his wife. He assessed the situation and DROVE a kick right into the temple of Cage!
Bennett flinched – he didn’t stop it, but he didn’t help either. He just stood there – conflicted, ashamed, paralyzed.
Mundo screamed to Taya:
Taya grabbed one of Cage’s arms. Mundo grabbed the other. Together they hoisted Cage to his knees. Mundo looked down.......
BOOM!
CURB STOMP!
Cage’s head smashed into the mat. He slumped, dazed. Mundo circled again, stalking him like prey. He looked down at Cage and shouted:
Valkyrie and Mundo grabbed Cage’s arms again. Cage was groggy.
BOOM!
A SECOND CURB STOMP!
Cage went down face-first, twitching. Mundo knelt down beside him:
Mundo stood and placed one foot on Cage’s back. His arms were outstretched like a movie villain in the final act. Mike Bennett watched it all. His face was torn.
Mundo noticed this and pointed a finger at him.
With boos raining down from the rafters, Mundo left with Taya. Bennett looked down at the fallen Cage as WSW officials ran down to check on him.
He followed hesitantly.
Mauro Ranallo said:
Paige Knight said:
A promotional video for the 2019 Grand Prix aired.
The package opens in slow motion. A close up shows a taped hand gripping the ropes. A boot stomps into the mat. A break of steam billows in a dark locker room. No Regrets, the official theme of the Grand Prix begins.
A narrator says:
Clips flash:
- Cody holding the Intercontinental Title high
- AJ Styles slumped in defeat
- Jon Moxley storming through a sea of people
- Claudio Castagnoli hitting a Ricola Bomb
Rapid fire clips:
- V-Trigger from Kenny Omega
- Superkick from Adam Cole
- Ricochet flipping through the air with a Shooting Star Press
Slow motion shots are shown:
- Ospreay hitting the Storm Breaker
- Crowds rising
- Moxley delivering the Death Rider DDT
- A child in the front row covering their mouth in awe
Cut to:
- Bobby Lashley making his entrance
- Kota Ibushi embracing a fan at ringside
- Fans in WSW merchandise screaming in packed arenas
Cut to Kenny Omega getting the WSW World Championship placed around his waist for the first time.
Footage of arena crowds are shown. Fans chanting and people crying.
Montage:
- A fan holds a homemade sign: “WSW Changed My Life”
- Ricochet helping a trainee at the WSW Dojo.
- The passionate faces of Moxley, Omega, Cody, Cole & Castagnoli locked in combat
The package transitions to the silver Grand Prix trophy gleaming on a pedestal. Wrestlers sit before it and speak as stylized b-roll overlays their interviews.
Kenny Omega:
Cody:
Adam Cole:
The camera slowly zoomed over the Grand Prix trophy. The narrator says:
Graphics appear revealing the two blocks and the schedule for Night One on 8/15:
Two Blocks
One Shot...at Destiny!
WSW Grand Prix: Begins August 15 – Only on Paramount Network!
As the package ended, the camera panned to the announce table as highlights are shown of Johnny Mundo’s attack on Brian Cage moments ago.
Match Four: Tenille Dashwood (w/ Nixon Newell) vs. “The Virtuosa” Deonna Purrazzo
The fourth match of Ignition was a singles match between Tenille Dashwood and Deonna Purrazzo. The crowd welcomed Purrazzo with a strong ovation as she stormed down the ramp, laser-focused and all business.
Tenille Dashwood stalled on the floor, circling with Nixon Newell as the referee barked at her to get in the ring.
Purrazzo showed no patience – she stormed past the ref, slid under the bottom rope, and went right after Dashwood who scurried back into the ring.
Purrazzo followed and secured wrist control. Judo throw, followed by another, and another!
Purrazzo maintained wrist control and got a crisp double wristlock takedown and floated immediately into a hammerlock. The tone was set.
Mauro Ranallo called it:
Tenille kicked her way free and rolled outside again, shouting at Newell
Nixon Newell stepped onto the apron, drawing the ref’s and Purrazzo’s attention just long enough for Dashwood to sucker punch Purrazzo from behind and whip her between the turnbuckles – shoulder-first into the steel ring post.
Purrazzo showed no patience – she stormed past the ref, slid under the bottom rope, and went right after Dashwood who scurried back into the ring.
Purrazzo followed and secured wrist control. Judo throw, followed by another, and another!
Purrazzo maintained wrist control and got a crisp double wristlock takedown and floated immediately into a hammerlock. The tone was set.
Mauro Ranallo called it:
Tenille kicked her way free and rolled outside again, shouting at Newell
Nixon Newell stepped onto the apron, drawing the ref’s and Purrazzo’s attention just long enough for Dashwood to sucker punch Purrazzo from behind and whip her between the turnbuckles – shoulder-first into the steel ring post.
Dashwood slowed the pace, stomping on Deonna’s arm and shoulder. She yanked Purrazzo into the corner by the arm and wrenched it over the middle rope before hitting a basement dropkick to the arm!
On commentary, Paige Knight said:
Dashwood strutted around the ring, tossing her hair as she delivered stomps to the face of Purrazzo. The crowd booed her.
Purrazzo tried to rally with a series of forearms, but Dashwood raked the eyes and hit a snap suplex for a 2 count.
Newell slammed the apron, shouting,
Dashwood pulled Purrazzo into the center of the ring and locked on a modified Fujiwara Armbar of her own, using her boot to torque the shoulder while leaning back with the other arm.
Deonna struggled, her face contorting in pain – but she managed to twist her hips and roll out of the hold, only for Dashwood to transition straight into a seated hammerlock, pinning the arm behind Purrazzo’s back and pressing her face into the cerulean, blue mat.
Paige noted:
Dashwood released the hold and DROVE a hard knee into the small of Purrazzo’s back!
Now growing cocky, Dashwood climbed to the middle rope and posed for the crowd – but it gave Purrazzo just enough time to reset. Dashwood flew for a middle rope diving elbow, but Purrazzo moved, and Dashwood crashed!
Dashwood popped to her feet and tried to rush with a lariat, but Purrazzo countered into a beautiful northern lights suplex with a bridge!
1....
2................
Kick Out!
On commentary, Paige Knight said:
Dashwood strutted around the ring, tossing her hair as she delivered stomps to the face of Purrazzo. The crowd booed her.
Purrazzo tried to rally with a series of forearms, but Dashwood raked the eyes and hit a snap suplex for a 2 count.
Newell slammed the apron, shouting,
Dashwood pulled Purrazzo into the center of the ring and locked on a modified Fujiwara Armbar of her own, using her boot to torque the shoulder while leaning back with the other arm.
Deonna struggled, her face contorting in pain – but she managed to twist her hips and roll out of the hold, only for Dashwood to transition straight into a seated hammerlock, pinning the arm behind Purrazzo’s back and pressing her face into the cerulean, blue mat.
Paige noted:
Dashwood released the hold and DROVE a hard knee into the small of Purrazzo’s back!
Now growing cocky, Dashwood climbed to the middle rope and posed for the crowd – but it gave Purrazzo just enough time to reset. Dashwood flew for a middle rope diving elbow, but Purrazzo moved, and Dashwood crashed!
Dashwood popped to her feet and tried to rush with a lariat, but Purrazzo countered into a beautiful northern lights suplex with a bridge!
1....
2................
Kick Out!
Frustrated, Dashwood slapped the mat and tried to retreat, crawling towards the ropes. Purrazzo grabbed her foot, spun her around, and DESTOYED her with a short-arm lariat!
She pulled Dashwood up again and hit a snap side Russian leg sweep and floated over...looking for the Fujiwara!
Newell climbed to the apron again!
The referee was furious, and the crowd was too........
POP!
Purrazzo CRACKED her with a pump kick, sending her flying to the floor!
Dashwood snuck in from behind with a roll-up....
1.....
2..............................
KICK OUT!
They scrambled to their feet – Dashwood went for the Spotlight Kick....
CAUGHT!
Purrazzo hit a Dragon Screw leg whip and instantly rolled into the Fujiwara!
The crowd roared as she WRENCHED back, and Dashwood screamed in agony!
She tried to inch toward the ropes, but Purrazzo cranked back harder!
DASHWOOD TAPPED OUT!
She pulled Dashwood up again and hit a snap side Russian leg sweep and floated over...looking for the Fujiwara!
Newell climbed to the apron again!
The referee was furious, and the crowd was too........
POP!
Purrazzo CRACKED her with a pump kick, sending her flying to the floor!
Dashwood snuck in from behind with a roll-up....
1.....
2..............................
KICK OUT!
They scrambled to their feet – Dashwood went for the Spotlight Kick....
CAUGHT!
Purrazzo hit a Dragon Screw leg whip and instantly rolled into the Fujiwara!
The crowd roared as she WRENCHED back, and Dashwood screamed in agony!
She tried to inch toward the ropes, but Purrazzo cranked back harder!
DASHWOOD TAPPED OUT!
Deonna Purrazzo (7:58)
The match clicked. It achieved the dual goal of showcasing Deonna as a top-tier in-ring competitor while protecting Tenille as a despicable heel. The action was structured, clean, and logically built around submission psychology.
While her character work is effective, Tenille’s strikes and bump timing are inconsistent. Some of her offense lacks snap.
The crowd response was strong for the finish; the Fujiwara is getting over and they are getting behind Purrazzo.
While her character work is effective, Tenille’s strikes and bump timing are inconsistent. Some of her offense lacks snap.
The crowd response was strong for the finish; the Fujiwara is getting over and they are getting behind Purrazzo.
Deonna Purrazzo stood tall as the bell rang. Nixon Newell pulled Tenille Dashwood out of the ring. Dashwood clutched her arm, visibly shaken. Newell barked insults at Purrazzo.
Unbothered, Purrazzo held up two fingers and said...
Mauro Ranallo said:
Unbothered, Purrazzo held up two fingers and said...
Mauro Ranallo said:
A vignette aired on Bandido.
The package opened with a flash of steel followed by the rapid snap of flesh against flesh. A 21 Plex lands in slow motion.
The camera cuts to crowd reactions, fans gasping as Bandido stands with arms outstretched.
A rapid-fire montage of Bandido in WSW is shown:
- Revolution Fly
- Hurricanrana to the floor
- Pop Up Forearm
- 450 Splash
- 21 Plex in full motion – the crowd counting 1, 2, 3
A final montage it shown:
- Bandido slapping hands with fans
- 21 Plex in full-speed replay
- Close up of his mask
- Bandido staring down the lens
Chael Sonnen stood in the center of the ring with a microphone as the camera cut back inside the Bojangles Coliseum.
A huge ovation sounded out, as the Golden Triangle stepped on stage amidst an explosion of pyro. All three were dressed sharp but casually, with Omega wearing the WSW World Title across his shoulder. They soaked in the reaction before walking down the ramp to the ring.
Sonnen shook all three men’s hands before saying:
Kenny grinned and spoke:
Omega turned and nodded to Ricochet. Ricochet spoke:
Ibushi then spoke in English:
The crowd cheered. Sonnen asked:
Before Omega could answer...the music of AJ Styles hit!
AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Doc Gallows walked out. The trio entered slowly with tension building. They met the Golden Triangle face-to-face in the ring. Styles spoke:
The crowd cheered, but slight boos were heard, shocked at the directness. Omega stayed calm and spoke:
Omega raised the WSW World Title.
The crowd popped. Omega stared right at Styles. Styles smiled and lifted the mic.
Styles stepped closer to Omega.
SMACK!
AJ STYLES SLAPPED OMEGA ACROSS THE FACE! THE CROWD GASPED!
Chael Sonnen backed out of the ring, knowing the fuse to the powder keg had been lit.
Omega grimaced at the slap, FIRE burned in his eyes..........
SMACK!
OMEGA FIRED BACK WITH A SLAP OF HIS OWN!
IT WAS ON IN CHARLOTTE!
Gallows threw a wild right to Ibushi!
Ricochet nailed a punch on Anderson!
All hell broke loose!
The crowd whipped into a frenzy as the brawl was on!
Ricochet hoisted Anderson onto his shoulders...looking for the Benadryller, but Anderson escaped...went for a cutter, but it was blocked! Ricochet and Anderson tumbled to the floor – a brawling ball of butcher knives!
Ibushi and Omega double clotheslined Gallows over the top!
TRIANGLE MOONSAULT FROM IBUSHI TO GALLOWS!
Kenny Omega was left alone in the ring...but only for a moment.....
AJ STYLES SPRUNG INTO THE FRAME....
PHENOMENAL FOREARM TO KENNY OMEGA!
Omega crashed hard to the mat as the crowd gasped again!
AJ grabbed the microphone and knelt beside the fallen World Champion:
Styles flipped the microphone onto the canvas and left the ring. The Club regrouped on the ramp. Golden Triangle regrouped in the ring. The crowd was buzzing, split but passionate.
Mauro Ranallo said:
A vignette on Io Shirai airs.
Soft piano plays over shots of a misty Tokyo skyline at sunrise. This is juxtaposed with shots of the WSW Dojo in hot, humid Atlanta. We see clips of Io training – sweat pouring as she strikes pads, spars inside the ring, and whips battle ropes.
She speaks in Japanese with English subtitles:
The camera cuts to clips of Io in early WSW appearances – we see her moonsault, German suplex, and Tiger Feint Kick.
We see fast cuts of last week’s war with Kay Lee Ray – stiff forearms, Io flying with the moonsault to the floor. We see Tessa Blanchard’s face tighten while watching.
The camera cuts to black. The piano stops.
We see Io roar and throw the battle ropes down. She crouches down, breathing heavy, her eyes full of passion and determination.
Io’s narration now spoke in English:
The camera shows a slow motion shot of Shirai ascending the turnbuckles. Freeze frame just as she launches into a moonsault – silhouetted against bright light.
A graphic reads:
WSW Women’s World Championship: Io Shirai vs. Tessa Blanchard – Next Week on Ignition
A video promo airs, recapping the rivalry between Ivelisse and Candice LeRae. The montage begins with highlights from their tag match on Ignition 200 – Candice smashing Ivelisse with brass knuckles to steal the win.
Cut to last week’s chaotic brawl and Rachael Ellering’s knee injury.
As the package airs, separate sit-down promos from Ivelisse and Candice LeRae are intercut. The two women are never in the same frame.
Ivelisse says:
Candice LeRae:
The camera cut to Ivelisse’s promo:
Cut to Candice:
Match Five: Shanna vs. Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D.
The fifth match of Ignition was a singles match between Shanna and Dr. Britt Baker. Shanna was already in the ring as Baker made her entrance.
A burst of white pyro exploded across the stage as Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. walked out, framed by gold and crimson light. She wore a black and metallic red ring jacket, with gold teeth insignias printed along the sleeves. Her tights were black with red trim, her knee pads stitched with the words “PAIN FREE” on the left and “D.M.D.” on the right.
The crowd in Charlotte gave her a warm, if slightly reserved, reception – respectful, but not ravenous. She walked to ringside with calm, clinical confidence.
At ringside, Baker handed a custom, pink dental glove to a little girl in the front row. The crowd cheered and Mauro Ranallo said:
Baker extended her hand for a shake at the bell, but Shanna swatted it away and tried to surprise her with a quick forearm – but Baker ducked it and grabbed a deep waistlock into a takedown, smoothly floating over into a grounded hammerlock.
Shanna squirmed, but Baker transitioned into a front facelock and drove a knee into her opponent’s ribs. She stood and yanked Shanna up by the wrist, twisting into an arm wringer, before snapping her down with a short-arm lariat.
Shanna squirmed, but Baker transitioned into a front facelock and drove a knee into her opponent’s ribs. She stood and yanked Shanna up by the wrist, twisting into an arm wringer, before snapping her down with a short-arm lariat.
Shanna tried to rally, catching Baker off-guard with a quick jawbreaker and a low dropkick to the side of the head.
Shanna then grinded in on Baker, showcasing some of her mat prowess. The crowd started to clap, and it willed Baker to her feet.
Shanna went for a butterfly suplex, but Baker countered out with a swinging neckbreaker!
SLINGBLADE from Baker!
Baker jerked Shanna up to her feet just to DROP her again with a ripcord forearm that connected perfectly!
With her opponent grounded, Baker knelt beside her and drove repeated elbow strikes into the shoulder – setting up the next phase. She grabbed both wrists, and the crowd could sense what was coming!
Shanna then grinded in on Baker, showcasing some of her mat prowess. The crowd started to clap, and it willed Baker to her feet.
Shanna went for a butterfly suplex, but Baker countered out with a swinging neckbreaker!
SLINGBLADE from Baker!
Baker jerked Shanna up to her feet just to DROP her again with a ripcord forearm that connected perfectly!
With her opponent grounded, Baker knelt beside her and drove repeated elbow strikes into the shoulder – setting up the next phase. She grabbed both wrists, and the crowd could sense what was coming!
LOCKJAW!
Shanna flailed, eyes wide in pain, but Baker pulled back deeper. He boots were firmly planted for leverage.
SHANNA TAPPED OUT!
Shanna flailed, eyes wide in pain, but Baker pulled back deeper. He boots were firmly planted for leverage.
SHANNA TAPPED OUT!
Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. (3:00)
Strong showcase for Britt Baker – her look and poise hit the mark. Her entrance is on point, and the glove giveaway to a child was a brilliant touch.
The match structure allowed Britt to look confident and polished. She’s still green, and we’re keeping things very simple in terms of match layouts – she's not doing anything she doesn’t feel 100% comfortable with.
The crowd connection is still growing – it's expected. The crowd knows they are supposed to like Britt, but they don’t love her just yet. We’re off to a good start here.
The match structure allowed Britt to look confident and polished. She’s still green, and we’re keeping things very simple in terms of match layouts – she's not doing anything she doesn’t feel 100% comfortable with.
The crowd connection is still growing – it's expected. The crowd knows they are supposed to like Britt, but they don’t love her just yet. We’re off to a good start here.
As the bell rang, Britt Baker released the Lockjaw and wiped her glove on Shanna’s gear. She stood tall in the center of the ring as the referee raised her arm.
Baker held one finger in the air...
The crowd echoed the chant back faintly – not overwhelming yet but clearly growing. She exited the ring to a respectful reaction, high-fiving the young girl she’d give the glove to on her way out.
Baker held one finger in the air...
The crowd echoed the chant back faintly – not overwhelming yet but clearly growing. She exited the ring to a respectful reaction, high-fiving the young girl she’d give the glove to on her way out.
A promo aired for WSW OverDrive.
A gritty montage is shown: women’s division chaos, fast tag team combos, emerging stars – shots of Deonna Purrazzo, Tessa Blanchard, LFI, and The Von Erichs. The piece had high energy, quick cuts over this narration:
A video package highlighting Trevor Lee’s match with Andrew Everett last week is shown.
We see footage of Trevor Lee destroying his former tag team partner with three piledrivers. The sound cuts out as we see Everett lay motionless on the mat.
Cut to black.
The camera then fades in to a concrete stairwell somewhere in the arena. Trevor Lee sits halfway up, forearms on his knees, long hair over his face. He speaks slowly:
Lee looks up, the light catching a calm smile:
Cut to the highlight of Andrew Everett extending a hand to Trevor Lee, only to drop him with a third piledriver.
We see footage of Trevor Lee destroying his former tag team partner with three piledrivers. The sound cuts out as we see Everett lay motionless on the mat.
Cut to black.
The camera then fades in to a concrete stairwell somewhere in the arena. Trevor Lee sits halfway up, forearms on his knees, long hair over his face. He speaks slowly:
Lee looks up, the light catching a calm smile:
Cut to the highlight of Andrew Everett extending a hand to Trevor Lee, only to drop him with a third piledriver.
Ahead of the main event, the commentators ran down the card for next week:
- WSW Women’s World Championship: Io Shirai vs. Tessa Blanchard (c)
- Street Fight: Ivelisse vs. Candice LeRae
- Trios Match: The Club vs. Golden Triangle
- We Hear From Bobby Lashley
- WSW World Tag Team Titles: The Hart Foundation vs. Death Busters (c)
In two weeks:
- The 2019 Grand Prix Begins
Match Six: WSW Intercontinental Championship – Bandido vs. “The American Nightmare” Cody (c)
The main event of Ignition was a singles match for the WSW Intercontinental Championship between Bandido and Cody. This was Cody’s first defense of the title.
The main event of Ignition was a singles match for the WSW Intercontinental Championship between Bandido and Cody. This was Cody’s first defense of the title.
The trumpets of Narco sounded out, and Bandido entered to an enthusiastic reaction. He wore a white and gold mask with green trim and a matching poncho. Fans clapped along to the music – Charlotte was behind him.
Cody emerged to a thunderous reaction. Pyro exploded around him, as he wore blue and black ring attire. The WSW Intercontinental Championship glimmered around his waist as he pointed to the crowd with poise and purpose.
On commentary, Mauro Ranallo said:
Chael Sonnen said:
Cody and Bandido met mid-ring and shook hands before the match. The crowd applauded.
They began with chain wrestling: collar and elbow, wrist control, headlock counters. Cody transitioned from a side headlock to a clean takedown and floated into a front facelock, out-grappling the luchador.
Bandido responded by quickening the pace – he bounced off the ropes with a springboard arm drag and followed with hurricanrana that sent Cody tumbling into the corner.
Cody recovered and caught Bandido with a sharp European uppercut, followed by a snap powerslam for an early 1 count! The tone was set – Cody wanted to work a methodical pace and Bandido wanted to push the tempo.
They began with chain wrestling: collar and elbow, wrist control, headlock counters. Cody transitioned from a side headlock to a clean takedown and floated into a front facelock, out-grappling the luchador.
Bandido responded by quickening the pace – he bounced off the ropes with a springboard arm drag and followed with hurricanrana that sent Cody tumbling into the corner.
Cody recovered and caught Bandido with a sharp European uppercut, followed by a snap powerslam for an early 1 count! The tone was set – Cody wanted to work a methodical pace and Bandido wanted to push the tempo.
Cody went for the Figure Four early, but Bandido fought it and rolled him into a tight cradle for 2!
Cody popped out and hit a hard back elbow followed by a delayed front suplex – pausing at the apex -- before slamming Bandido and covering for a 2 count!
Bandido tried to mount a comeback, he landed several chops, elbows, and a leg lariat; but, Cody cut him off again with a Cody Cutter before locking in a rear chinlock.
On commentary, Paige Knight said:
But Bandido would not be denied.
As Cody charged, Bandido caught him mid-stride with a Pop Up Cutter!
Cody planted hard!
Then, in a freakish display of strength, Bandido hoisted Cody into a military press. He walked around the ring as the crowd counted along – 1, 2, 3......all the way to 10.
Bandido then held him overhead with ONE HAND before slamming Cody down with authority! The fans roared!
Bandido began to climb in the corner.....
But Cody kicked him off in desperation – Bandido tumbled down to the floor.
Cody saw an opening – he hit the ropes and soared through the ropes....tope suicida........
BANDIDO CAUGHT HIM IN MIDAIR!
BANDIDO HOISTED CODY VERTICALLY AND DROPPED HIM WITH A SUPLEX ON THE FLOOR!
Cody popped out and hit a hard back elbow followed by a delayed front suplex – pausing at the apex -- before slamming Bandido and covering for a 2 count!
Bandido tried to mount a comeback, he landed several chops, elbows, and a leg lariat; but, Cody cut him off again with a Cody Cutter before locking in a rear chinlock.
On commentary, Paige Knight said:
But Bandido would not be denied.
As Cody charged, Bandido caught him mid-stride with a Pop Up Cutter!
Cody planted hard!
Then, in a freakish display of strength, Bandido hoisted Cody into a military press. He walked around the ring as the crowd counted along – 1, 2, 3......all the way to 10.
Bandido then held him overhead with ONE HAND before slamming Cody down with authority! The fans roared!
Bandido began to climb in the corner.....
But Cody kicked him off in desperation – Bandido tumbled down to the floor.
Cody saw an opening – he hit the ropes and soared through the ropes....tope suicida........
BANDIDO CAUGHT HIM IN MIDAIR!
BANDIDO HOISTED CODY VERTICALLY AND DROPPED HIM WITH A SUPLEX ON THE FLOOR!
Bandido rolled Cody inside and ascended to the top.....
FROG SPLASH!
1....
2..................
KICK OUT!
Bandido slapped the mat and fired up the fans. He positioned Cody on the middle rope......
21 PLEX............................................
NO!
CODY COUNTERED WITH A DISASTER KICK TO THE CHARGING BANDIDO!
With Bandido rocked, Cody dragged him to the top rope...
The crowd all stood...
REVERSE SUPERPLEX!
1.......
2.........................
KICK OUT!
Cody beat his chest and looked to the top rope. He began to climb. Cody reached the top looking for a moonsault..........
Bandido cut him off and LEAPT TO THE TOP!
REVOLUTION FLY!
1....
2....................................
KICK OUT!
Bandido went right back up......
SHOOTING STAR PRESS!
BUT CODY GOT THE KNEES UP!
IN A FLASH, CODY HOOKED THE LEG WITH AN INSIDE PACKAGE!
1....
2..............................................
3...................................................................................
FROG SPLASH!
1....
2..................
KICK OUT!
Bandido slapped the mat and fired up the fans. He positioned Cody on the middle rope......
21 PLEX............................................
NO!
CODY COUNTERED WITH A DISASTER KICK TO THE CHARGING BANDIDO!
With Bandido rocked, Cody dragged him to the top rope...
The crowd all stood...
REVERSE SUPERPLEX!
1.......
2.........................
KICK OUT!
Cody beat his chest and looked to the top rope. He began to climb. Cody reached the top looking for a moonsault..........
Bandido cut him off and LEAPT TO THE TOP!
REVOLUTION FLY!
1....
2....................................
KICK OUT!
Bandido went right back up......
SHOOTING STAR PRESS!
BUT CODY GOT THE KNEES UP!
IN A FLASH, CODY HOOKED THE LEG WITH AN INSIDE PACKAGE!
1....
2..............................................
3...................................................................................
Winner and STILL WSW Intercontinental Champion: Cody (11:53)
High-level TV main event that hit all the right emotional and structural notes. Bandido was exceptional, and Cody wrestled with focus and maturity. Credit to commentary for telling the story of Cody’s strategy – we want our product to feel like a sport.
The Revolution Fly and vertical suplex catch spot got the crowd and deservedly so.
The finish played into the story that Cody outwrestled him.
The Revolution Fly and vertical suplex catch spot got the crowd and deservedly so.
The finish played into the story that Cody outwrestled him.
The crowd rose in ovation, and Cody clutched the white-strapped Intercontinental Championship to his chest. He leaned in and embraced Bandido. They shook hands in mutual respect. The fans stood and applauded both men.
Cody posed in the corner, raising the Intercontinental Title overhead to LOUD cheers of:
Cody made his way up the ramp slowly, tapping his heart, smiling at the crowd.
At the top of the stage, he turned and raised the belt one final time.............
From behind a man in a black hooded sweatshirt stepped into the fame behind Cody.....
CRACK!
VISCIOUS CHAIR SHOT TO THE HEAD!
The crowd gasped in unison as Cody crumpled on the stage. The sound of the savage chair shot echoed throughout a shocked Bojangles Coliseum.
Mauro Ranallo:
The man removed the hood – it WAS ETHAN CARTER!
Cold. Calculated. Merciless.
Blood began POURING from the back of Cody’s head and EMTs ran out. The blood bagan to pool on the stage!
Ethan Carter dropped the steel chair and stood over the lifeless body of Cody, breathing heavily – eyes locked in fury.
No words.
Just war.
Cody posed in the corner, raising the Intercontinental Title overhead to LOUD cheers of:
Cody made his way up the ramp slowly, tapping his heart, smiling at the crowd.
At the top of the stage, he turned and raised the belt one final time.............
From behind a man in a black hooded sweatshirt stepped into the fame behind Cody.....
CRACK!
VISCIOUS CHAIR SHOT TO THE HEAD!
The crowd gasped in unison as Cody crumpled on the stage. The sound of the savage chair shot echoed throughout a shocked Bojangles Coliseum.
Mauro Ranallo:
The man removed the hood – it WAS ETHAN CARTER!
Cold. Calculated. Merciless.
Blood began POURING from the back of Cody’s head and EMTs ran out. The blood bagan to pool on the stage!
Ethan Carter dropped the steel chair and stood over the lifeless body of Cody, breathing heavily – eyes locked in fury.
No words.
Just war.
Results
No. | Results | Stipulation | Time |
1 | Black Arrow (Adam Cole, Dawson & Wilder) def. The Hart Foundation (Teddy Hart, Brian Pillman, Jr. & Davey Boy Smith, Jr.) | Trios match | 10:50 |
2 | Alexander Hammerstone def. Griff Garrison | Singles match | :40 |
3 | LFI (RUSH & Dragon Lee) def. The Von Erichs (Ross & Marshall Von Erich) | Tag team match | 9:03 |
4 | Deonna Purrazzo def. Tenille Dashwood (w/ Nixon Newell) | Singles match | 7:58 |
5 | Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. def. Shanna | Singles match | 3:00 |
6 | Cody (c) def. Bandido | Singles match for the WSW Intercontinental Championship | 11:53 |
Attachments
Baker, a known babyface outside the ring, leaned over the barricade and, with a warm smile, handed the girl a custom-made dental glove. The glove, a striking shade of pink and emblazoned with her "DMD" logo, was a unique and thoughtful gift, a memorable token of appreciation for the young fan's support.
her look and poise hit the mark : she looked like a star and carried herself well.
the glove giveaway to a child was a brilliant touch: a smart and endearing gesture that enhances her image and connects her with the audience. It makes her appear likable and relatable.
Britt Baker excelled in all aspects of her presentation, from her overall appearance and confidence to her carefully crafted entrance and thoughtful interaction with a young fan. This created a memorable and positive impression The crowd is slowly joining in. Baker departs the ring to a positive response, making a connection with a young fan. This whole scene provides a snapshot of victory.
her look and poise hit the mark : she looked like a star and carried herself well.
the glove giveaway to a child was a brilliant touch: a smart and endearing gesture that enhances her image and connects her with the audience. It makes her appear likable and relatable.
Britt Baker excelled in all aspects of her presentation, from her overall appearance and confidence to her carefully crafted entrance and thoughtful interaction with a young fan. This created a memorable and positive impression The crowd is slowly joining in. Baker departs the ring to a positive response, making a connection with a young fan. This whole scene provides a snapshot of victory.
"Hello, my name is Ashley," she begins, her voice a little shy but filled with sincerity. "And I want to say thank you to Britt Baker for giving me this glove. It was my first show, and I had never heard of you before," she admits, a touch of vulnerability in her tone. "But now I'm a fan of yours. Thank you!" With a flourish, she holds up one finger, mimicking Britt Baker's signature pose, and with a beaming smile, delivers the iconic "D.M.D." hand gesture, sending a wave of gratitude and admiration directly to her wrestling heroine. The moment, captured on film, is a testament to the lasting impact a single act of kindness can have.
A pretty solid episode of Ignition here. It was kind of strange in the event that it felt like a bit of filler, and building people for what's next,, but then two big returns to bookend the show. I'm happy to see Lashley back and gunning after and Carter/Cody was pretty sadistic. I personally feel these returns should have been spread across two shows, so neither overshadows the other.
The Grand Prix field is stacked can't wait for that to happen in a few weeks, and I think Purazzo working her way through the competition is building nicely. Iyo/Tessa should be fun but I don't see a title change happening.
Golden Triangle/Club segment was good as was the blow up with LA Express. The slow burn of Cage finally becoming fed up has been really understated and probably overlooked, but has been extremely enjoyable in my eyes.
Feels like we're in a slight holding pattern post 200 and until the Grand Prix starts, but this is all still very much quality stuff.
The Grand Prix field is stacked can't wait for that to happen in a few weeks, and I think Purazzo working her way through the competition is building nicely. Iyo/Tessa should be fun but I don't see a title change happening.
Golden Triangle/Club segment was good as was the blow up with LA Express. The slow burn of Cage finally becoming fed up has been really understated and probably overlooked, but has been extremely enjoyable in my eyes.
Feels like we're in a slight holding pattern post 200 and until the Grand Prix starts, but this is all still very much quality stuff.
News & Rumors |
August 7, 2019 |
- One of the most newsworthy years of pro wrestling just got a new chapter, as WSW’s biggest show of the year, November Reign, on 11/30 in Madison Square Garden sold out in less than 19 minutes. Over 13,000 of the 16,000 seats put on sale were sold via presale with special codes that were not hard to get, and in fact were Tweeted out. The number as of today is 16,544, just eclipsing the 16,534 fans that attended the 4/6 New Japan and ROH joint show.
- Coming off the heels of the instant sell out of the 7/13 SummerFest in Toronto that shocked the wrestling world, this is another feather in cap for WSW. An official gate number hasn’t been released yet, but it will be well over $1 million, making it the second million-dollar gate for WSW this year. It is very possible November Reign will end up being the second largest gate ever for a pro wrestling show in Madison Square Garden, trailing only WrestleMania 20 that did $2,401,000
- November Reign was the fastest sellout for any pro wrestling event at the Garden – eclipsing WrestleMania 20 and the ROH/NJPW show.
- The last non-WWE show in the US to hit that number would have been the January 5, 1999, WCW Nitro event at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. That show drew 20,338.
- WSW will use a similar stage and production setup to ROH/NJPW which means that it will be difficult to open any more seats. There is always the possibility that several more seats could become available once they move in the lighting and production; however, these would only become available closer to the show date and would be gobbled up instantly – or used for internal needs.
- Coming off the heels of the instant sell out of the 7/13 SummerFest in Toronto that shocked the wrestling world, this is another feather in cap for WSW. An official gate number hasn’t been released yet, but it will be well over $1 million, making it the second million-dollar gate for WSW this year. It is very possible November Reign will end up being the second largest gate ever for a pro wrestling show in Madison Square Garden, trailing only WrestleMania 20 that did $2,401,000
- The MSG sellout makes the fascinating growth of WSW even more compelling. This week, even the most critical, opposing voices to the company have shifted the narrative from WSW catching “lightning in a bottle” to “this is the new normal of the wrestling business.” The door that WWE guarded to keep anyone from getting past a certain level has been left open, and WSW ran through it.
- WSW entered 2019 with a goal of expanding their business. They began touring weekly for TV tapings, have shifted to live TV, and have sold out the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Scotiabank Centre, and now the Garden.
- WSW entered 2019 with a goal of expanding their business. They began touring weekly for TV tapings, have shifted to live TV, and have sold out the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Scotiabank Centre, and now the Garden.
- Despite all the changes of modern professional wrestling – and newer, nicer arenas around the country – there is still an allure and prestige to Madison Square Garden. The building is one of the most expensive arenas in the US to book, and within the scope of wrestling, it was heavily guarded by WWE for years. Sinclair Broadcasting threatened MSG with a lawsuit in 2018 after the two sides verbally agreed to a date in the building, only to have it canceled when WWE put pressure on MSG officials to do so. Outside of that joint show in April, the last non-WWE wrestling event in MSG was held on November 14, 1960.
- It has long been the dream of Shane McMahon to run MSG, but the company was not in a position to do so until now. In an exclusive interview with CBS Sports, Shane McMahon spoke about the sell out:
- Sources within WWE have said that the reaction this week has been a mixture of shock and anger. They were unhappy with the Toronto sellout, tried unsuccessfully to counterprogram, and then chalked it up to WSW capitalizing on a notoriously hot international market. One WWE source noted:
- The November Reign sellout comes at a time when ticket sales for the 9/9 and 9/10 Raw and Smackdown tapings at MSG aren’t anything special. Frustrated that WSW got the jump on them in Toronto with SummerFest, WWE booked MSG to try and undercut WSW before tickets went on sale for November Reign. Like so many of their traditional strategies they have employed to combat WSW’s growth, this one didn’t work either.
- In modern WWE, the company has positioned the brand as the draw. This has been successful financially – with the company signing large TV deals and partnering with Saudi Arabia to create the most financial lucrative era in its history. However, the product itself has left a lot to be desired. WSW has always marketed itself as an alternative for wrestling fans. Numbers don’t lie, and WWE’s Q2 earnings call last week provided some eye-opening statistics. Financially the company is set for years to come, but they have dipped significantly in traditional popularity metrics (ticket sales, attendance, ratings, WWE Network subscriptions). WWE is losing fans at a time when WSW is gaining them and getting a stronger foothold in the market.
- Stars will always be the draw in wrestling. WSW has created, or guys have made themselves, legit money draws in ways that were never possible even a few years ago. Four names have been featured heavily in promotion for November Reign: Kenny Omega, Adam Cole, Jon Moxley, and AJ Styles.
- Because it’s 2019 and social media fosters a culture of tribalism, there are loud voices on both sides of the aisle. Make no doubt about it, WSW will have the most successful year for a pro wrestling company outside of WWE since WCW in 1998.
- If WSW didn’t have the full attention of WWE before, they do now. It is expected that WWE will make substantial moves to counter WSW coming out of SummerSlam this weekend. It is expected that the NXT to FS1 announcement could be made as soon as next week, with the show running head-to-head with Ignition on Tuesday nights beginning in October.
- The November Reign sellout comes at a time when ticket sales for the 9/9 and 9/10 Raw and Smackdown tapings at MSG aren’t anything special. Frustrated that WSW got the jump on them in Toronto with SummerFest, WWE booked MSG to try and undercut WSW before tickets went on sale for November Reign. Like so many of their traditional strategies they have employed to combat WSW’s growth, this one didn’t work either.
- There was a lot of buzz coming off the closing angle to the 8/1 Ignition. A returning Ethan Carter gave Cody a chair shot to the head to reignite their feud that has played out over the course of the last year. It left Cody bleeding badly from the back of the head, and he needed multiple staples (one report had the number at 12) to close the wound.
- The chair was gimmicked -- the seat was sawed down to the level of a cookie sheet. The idea was that Carter would hit Cody over the head and the sawed-off seat would dent and make a lot of noise, but the spot would be as safe as possible. The chair did indeed dent on impact, but the force of the impact caused the chair to wrap around Cody’s head, with a part of it cracking the back of his head, busting him open.
- Cody is fine and the fans in Charlotte were shocked. It led to a great visual, but the risks far outweigh the rewards of this. A lot of people were outraged (and rightfully so), because there is a direct correlation between chair shots and concussions in wrestling. With critics looking to put WSW in the crosshairs for any missteps, they need to be very careful when planning angles and spots like this.
- The chair was gimmicked -- the seat was sawed down to the level of a cookie sheet. The idea was that Carter would hit Cody over the head and the sawed-off seat would dent and make a lot of noise, but the spot would be as safe as possible. The chair did indeed dent on impact, but the force of the impact caused the chair to wrap around Cody’s head, with a part of it cracking the back of his head, busting him open.
- Several creative changes took place this week for SummerSlam, with the removal of at least three to four matches from the show.
- Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan was removed because of delays and the constant rewriting of weekly TV led to them not getting to where they wanted to be yet.
- The Women’s Tag Team Title match was moved to the 8/5 Raw in an effort the give the match more time than it would have had on SummerSlam. This was said to be a Paul Heyman decision.
- Aleister Black vs. Sami Zayn was moved to the 8/6 Smackdown after Vince McMahon rewrote the show the day of. After the rewrites, there was an hour of programming that needed content, so he made the call to feature the match on TV to fill the void.
- Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan was removed because of delays and the constant rewriting of weekly TV led to them not getting to where they wanted to be yet.
- WWE will run four shows in Toronto over the next few days: 8/10 NXT Takeover: Toronto, 8/11 Summerslam, 8/12 Raw, and 8/13 Smackdown. This could be market saturation, as the secondary ticket market has decreased significantly. SummerSlam has a get in price of $95, NXT has a $7 get in price, Raw is at $11, and Smackdown is at $9. None of the four shows are sold out yet; although, SummerSlam will come close.
- UFC star, Cain Velasquez made his professional wrestling debut on 8/3 at TripleMania, AAA’s biggest show of the year, to rave reviews. Velasquez worked a trios match, teaming with Psycho Clown & Laredo Kid vs. El Texano Jr. & Killer Kross & Black Taurus. Velasquez’s natural athleticism shined, and he looked really good for a first match. The show received mainstream media attention in the US, and was featured on the front page of ESPN.com.
- Velasquez has a three-show deal which included TripleMania, 9/15 in Madison Square Garden, and 10/13 in Los Angeles (although the NY and LA shows are very much in question at this point). WWE and WSW had their eyes on this. If the opportunity presents itself, both are said to be interested and open to bringing Velasquez in due to his name value and the mainstream media attention that would come with him being on their show.
- Velasquez has a three-show deal which included TripleMania, 9/15 in Madison Square Garden, and 10/13 in Los Angeles (although the NY and LA shows are very much in question at this point). WWE and WSW had their eyes on this. If the opportunity presents itself, both are said to be interested and open to bringing Velasquez in due to his name value and the mainstream media attention that would come with him being on their show.
- The 8/1 Ignition did 845,000 viewers and a .34 in the key 18-49 demo. This was a 3% increase in viewership and the demo number held constant. The show was tied for 6th for the night on cable.
- Ignition faced its toughest competition since the end of the NBA Playoffs, with the NFL Hall of Fame preseason game doing 5,329,000 viewers on NBC and Shark Week on Discovery owning three of the top five slots on cable.
- Ignition faced its toughest competition since the end of the NBA Playoffs, with the NFL Hall of Fame preseason game doing 5,329,000 viewers on NBC and Shark Week on Discovery owning three of the top five slots on cable.
- The 8/5 Raw did 2,480,000 viewers and a .81 in the key 18-49 demo. The show was up 6.9% in viewers and 9.5% in demo rating.
- In a continuation of a positive trend, hour three beat hour one. This marks 3 out of the last 4 weeks where the third hour beat the first hour. Raw was notorious for peaking in hour two and then declining steeply. Under Heyman’s influence, a concerted effort is being made to pace the show better and hype things for the third hour to engage viewers.
- In a continuation of a positive trend, hour three beat hour one. This marks 3 out of the last 4 weeks where the third hour beat the first hour. Raw was notorious for peaking in hour two and then declining steeply. Under Heyman’s influence, a concerted effort is being made to pace the show better and hype things for the third hour to engage viewers.
- The 8/6 Smackdown did 2,088,000 viewers and a .63 in the key demo. The show was up 9.3% in viewers and 10.5% in ratings. The show was first for the night on cable.
- It is expected that WSW will make an announcement on its December UK tour soon. They have held off on the announcement to put all the focus on Madison Square Garden.
- Bobby Lashley made his return on the 8/1 Ignition. Lashley has been off TV since Undisputed on 5/18 to sell the postmatch attack by Black Arrow. Lashley is working through bone spurs in his elbow, and he will need surgery to clean it out. He chose to delay the surgery, make his return, and work the Grand Prix.
- Will Ospreay is said to have healed up after suffering a stinger in his match with Jon Moxley at SummerFest. Outside of a taped promo on the 7/18 Ignition, Ospreay has been off TV, and he did not work the tapings in Charlotte. All of this has been precautionary to make sure he is as close to 100% as possible for the Grand Prix.
- Rachael Ellering underwent reconstructive knee surgery for her torn ACL on 8/6. She is expected to be out six to nine months.
- WSW signed talent deals this week with Alex “Goldenboy” Mendez and Mike Tenay. Goldenboy is an American esports commentator that appeared for the company as a guest commentator during the TV tapings in Daytona Beach in June. Mike Tenay has appeared for the promotion several times this year during “talking head” segments to hype wrestlers and matches. Tenay was a fixture of WCW and TNA for years, but he retired from full time work in the wrestling business in 2016.
- Both Goldenboy and Tenay are slated for major roles on WSW OverDrive, the company’s new YouTube streaming show that debuts on 8/17. They are expected to play a role in television as well.
- Shane McMahon liked working with both men, and he wants OverDrive to have its own unique feel and presentation. Mauro Ranallo, Chael Sonnen, and Paige Knight will remain the principal commentary team, calling Ignition and Netflix specials.
- WSW has made several hires this summer to beef up its broadcasting team – hiring Melissa Santos as the main backstage interviewer, Jenn Decker as an interviewer and YouTube content host, and now Goldenboy and Tenay.
- Both Goldenboy and Tenay are slated for major roles on WSW OverDrive, the company’s new YouTube streaming show that debuts on 8/17. They are expected to play a role in television as well.
- WSW OverDrive will tape matches each week prior to Ignition going live on Paramount Network. The matches will then be packaged together with interviews and stream on YouTube at 6:05 PM on Saturdays. The show will then be available to view on WSW’s YouTube page after the live stream ends.
- The 2019 Grand Prix is set and will begin on 8/15. The A Block consists of Kenny Omega, AJ Styles, Ricochet, Bandido, Austin Aries, and Will Ospreay. The B Block consists of Cody, Jon Moxley, Adam Cole, Bobby Lashley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Kota Ibushi.
- Night One matches on 8/15 in Houston:
- Kenny Omega vs. Bandido
- AJ Styles vs. Austin Aries
- Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay
- Cody vs. Kota Ibushi
- Bobby Lashley vs. Adam Cole
- Claudio Castagnoli vs. Jon Moxley
- Lucha Online reported this week that Fenix and Pentagon’s current contracts with WSW are set to expire at the end of the year. Sources within WSW said that contract negotiations are on-going with several performers. Given the current landscape of the business, there is a strong desire to lock down key talent.
- Adam Page’s current deal with ROH is set to expire this weekend following the promotion’s shows in Toronto. He has not resigned, and he wants to test the free agency market while leaving the door open for a potential ROH return. There is strong interest from WSW in Page; especially, from key guys like Omega that worked with him extensively in Japan.
- Mark and Jay Briscoe are currently working on a short-term, limited date deal with ROH. Their contract with the promotion expired in early July, but they agreed to continue working for the company without signing a long-term deal. The Briscoe Brothers are an interesting case, as they are one of the most talented tag teams in the world, but there is very much an asterisk by their names – stemming from controversial Tweets issued by Jay Briscoe in 2013. The incident cost the duo a WWE deal at the time. Jay has apologized profusely over the years, and Mark and Jay are widely respected by those within the business; however, the incident has been a scarlet letter. The Briscoes have made a great career for themselves in ROH and New Japan, but they have never had the national exposure you would expect from a team of their caliber. WSW is said to be very interested in signing the team, but there has been pushback from Viacom executives – Viacom is the parent company of the Paramount Network.
- In regards to LAX, the duo is playing their next move close to the vest. WWE and WSW have made offers, with WWE pushing hard. At one time, it appeared they were leaning towards WWE; however, those close to Santana & Ortiz say it’s 50/50. They are currently working on a per appearance deal with Impact and independent dates throughout the country, recently main eventing the PWG show on 7/26.
- Boston was announced as the host city for the 2020 SummerSlam weekend. The TD Garden will host Smackdown, NXT Takeover, SummerSlam, and Raw that weekend.
- In a media appearance on Live with Kelly & Ryan, Dwayne Johnson said that he has quietly retired from wrestling. Johnson has not worked a serious match since WrestleMania 29 in 2013, and he tore several muscles and suffered a hernia in that match. Johnson was set to film Hercules shortly after that WrestleMania, and production had to be delayed for Johnson to recover. Since then, studios have been adamant that Johnson avoid wrestling.
- On the NXT Takeover: Toronto media call, Paul Levesque was asked about the potential move of NXT to FS1. While he was vague, Levesque said that WWE explored
You can guarantee that will be the public relations spin if such a move is made.
- The 8/8 Ignition looks be a loaded show. Advertised:
- Trios Match: The Club vs. Golden Triangle
- Street Fight: Ivelisse vs. Candice LeRae
- WSW Women’s World Championship: Io Shirai vs. Tessa Blanchard (c)
- WSW World Tag Team Championships: The Hart Foundation vs. Death Busters (c)
- Bobby Lashley Sit Down Interview
- Trios Match: The Club vs. Golden Triangle
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