Ignition: Episode 196 |
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Promotion: World Series Wrestling |
Date: June 20, 2019 |
City: Cleveland, OH |
Venue: Wolstein Center |
Attendance: 5,350 |
The 6/20 Ignition opened with pyro exploding inside the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The commentary trio of Mauro Ranallo, Chael Sonnen, and Paige Knight welcomed the audience to the show, and immediately we got set for the first match of the evening.
Match One: Will Ospreay vs. Dragon Lee
The first match of Ignition was a singles match between Will Ospreay and Dragon Lee. Over the past several months, Ospreay and Dragon Lee went back and forth in singles matches. Dragon Lee defeated Ospreay in his debut match in WSW, with Ospreay taking the second meeting at Undisputed. This was the rubber match.
Ospreay received a massive ovation from the Cleveland crowd, and he came to the ring with determination in his eyes. On commentary, Chael Sonnen noted:
Dragon Lee made his entrance, accompanied by RUSH. For weeks, RUSH had been watching his younger brother’s matches from afar – going so far as to attack Will Ospreay. Ospreay urged Dragon Lee in the lead-up to the match to fight him one-on-one. RUSH came to the top of the stage and smirked at Ospreay before fist-bumping Dragon Lee. Lee completed his walk to the ring alone.
Unlike their previous matches, there was no handshake as the bell sounded. Instead, both men cautiously circled each other, knowing what was at stake. A methodical grappling sequence ensued – both men countering each other and jockeying for position. On commentary, Paige Knight noted that this was a slower pace than we had seen before because both men knew that one false move could mark the end.
Dragon Lee attempted a headscissors, but Will Ospreay cartwheeled out of it. Ospreay then tried a headscissors, only for Dragon Lee to cartwheel out.
The pace quickened, as both men ran the ropes – ducking clotheslines and leapfrogging one another. Ospreay tried to catch Dragon Lee with the Oscutter, but Lee blocked and tried Desnucadora – Ospreay escaped. Both men hit simultaneous dropkicks and kipped to their feet. The stalemate didn’t last long, as Dragon Lee crushed Ospreay with a one-legged dropkick!
Dragon Lee went to work on Ospreay, hitting strikes, wrapping his arm around the top rope, and manipulating the joints.
Lee shot Ospreay into the corner, but he ran into a boot and an enziguri. Ospreay hit a 619 over-the-top rope that sent Lee to the floor. Ospreay then connected on a HIGH slingshot plancha to the floor, and the Wolstein Center began to sing “OS-PREAY, OS-PREAY, OS-PREAY" to the tune of “Ole, Ole, Ole.”
On the floor, Ospreay threw nasty chops before sending Dragon Lee back inside and covering for barely a 1 count. Ospreay hit a hard back elbow that yielded yet another 1 count. Ospreay showcased his catch-as-catch-can background, tying Dragon Lee up on the canvas with an arm trap surfboard submission – pulling new moves out of his arsenal in this rubber match.
Ospreay drove Lee into the corner with more knife-edge chops. With his chest turning red, Lee tried to fire up with forearms, but Ospreay cut him off with a spinning heel kick to the gut. Lee reversed a whip into the corner, and Ospreay elevated himself over the ropes to the apron. Ospreay tried for Pip, Pip, Cheerio, but Dragon Lee blocked and countered with an STO. Mauro Ranallo noted the familiarity between these two opponents and how much time both had spent scouting one another.
Dragon Lee showed off his aggression, hitting piston-like forearms that drove Ospreay down in the corner. Dragon Lee called for the Bull’s Horns—an homage to his brother RUSH—but Ospreay exploded out the corner and hit a lariat on Dragon Lee. Ospreay hit a flurry of kicks to drive Lee down in the corner...Ospreay tried for the running double knees, but Lee moved and Ospreay crashed into the turnbuckles! Showing his ridiculous speed, Dragon Lee crushed Ospreay with running double knees of his own, followed by a vertical suplex for a 2 count.
Dragon Lee shot Ospreay into the ropes, but Ospreay bounced back with a handspring corkscrew kick that connected flush! From the apron, Ospreay fired up the fans and connected with Pip, Pip, Cheerio for a 2 count!
Dragon Lee rolled to the floor, and Ospreay looked to fly....he went for the Sasuke Special, but Dragon Lee moved...but Ospreay landed on his feet on the floor! The spectacle of athleticism was short-lived, as Dragon Lee nearly beheaded Ospreay though with a pump knee strike!
Dragon Lee sat Will Ospreay on the guardrail. He got back into the ring and flew like a torpedo.......
TOPE SUICIDA!
Like a missile, Dragon Lee nailed Ospreay, and both men went flying into the third row of the Wolstein Center!
“Holy Shit” chants sounded out!
As the referee went through the 20 count, Dragon Lee threw Ospreay over the guardrail and back into the ring at the count of 13.
Dragon Lee tried a deadlift German Suplex. Ospreay tried to block with a back elbow; however, Dragon Lee trapped the arms and hit a bridging straight-jacket German for a 2 count!
Dragon Lee hung Ospreay in the tree of woe, and he climbed to the top. As Lee reached the top turnbuckle, Ospreay sat up, and both men went back and forth with hard forearms. Dragon Lee hit a headbutt that knocked Ospeay back into the tree of woe.... he tried for a draping diving double foot stomp...
But Ospreay hit a desperation upkick at the last second to knock Dragon Lee off the top to the floor. Ospreay then climbed to the top and flew...
Corkscrew Moonsault to the floor!
Ospreay showcased his amazing ariel ability, effortlessly flying and connecting with his target. Quickly back inside, Ospreay hit an inverted Bloody Sunday DDT for a near fall!
Ospreay’s eyes were full of passion...he felt the energy of the crowd...
Ospreay CRUSHED Dragon Lee with a hook kick! Ospreay went for Storm Breaker...
Dragon Lee blocked! Lee tried to widen his base, so Ospreay hit rapid-fire kicks to the sternum. He popped Lee repeatedly with kicks. Ospreay went for Storm Breaker again....
Dragon Lee countered with a Satellite DDT!
Dragon Lee maintained control of Ospreay’s head. He rolled through...
Dragon Lee went for the Brainbust......NO....Ospreay countered with a Stundog Millionaire!
Both men were down, and the crowd gave both men a standing ovation. “Both These Guys” echoed off the walls of the Wolstein Center!
Ospreay and Dragon Lee met each other on their knees in the center of the ring. Face to face, with the crowd whipped into a frenzy, they teed off on each other with back-and-forth forearms. The test of the heart, led to both men slowly rising to their feet. The forearms were vicious. Ospreay fired up and roared, but he was crumbled by a heavy forearm shot from Dragon Lee. Lee hit the ropes but ran directly into another hook kick from Ospreay!
What followed was an insane sequence of agility. Ospreay charged at Dragon Lee; however, Lee moved and went for a rebound German Suplex...Ospreay flipped over and landed on his feet! Ospreay attempted a dropkick, but Dragon Lee blocked and flipped Ospreay over...he landed on his feet yet again! Dragon Lee connected on a pump knee strike followed by a poision rana! Dragon Lee hit the ropes, but Ospreay caught him with a standing Spanish Fly!
Both men were down again!
The crowd went crazy as Ospreay crawled to the apron and climbed to the top rope...Dragon Lee followed and cut Ospreay off with a superkick! Dragon Lee attempted his running hurricanrana over the ropes, but Ospreay caught him...
AND POWERBOMBED HIM ON THE APRON!
Dragon Lee landed with a thud! Ospreay rolled him back into the ring. He climbed up to the top...
AND NAILED A SHOOTING STAR PRESS!
He covered...but Dragon Lee kicked out at 2.5!
Ospreay didn’t hesitate or argue, he stayed on the attack. He rose to his feet and sized up the fallen Dragon Lee.
Robinson Special connected!
Ospreay felt the energy...passion oozed through his body. He went to end it with the Oscutter.....
Dragon Lee picked him off in midair with a knee strike!
“WSW” chants rang out followed by “This Is Awesome!”
On commentary, Chael Sonnen stated:
Ospreay rolled out to the apron, and Dragon Lee slowly rose to his feet in the center of the ring. Lee grabbed Ospreay and pulled him to his feet. Both men were exhausted, and Dragon Lee threw heavy-handed strikes over the ropes. Ospreay followed with a stiff gamenguri!
Ospreay vaulted to the top, but Dragon Lee swept his legs from under him. Ospreay fell into the Tree of Woe.
Dragon Lee HIT THE DRAPING DIVING FOOT STOMP TO THE FLOOR!
Both men were out on the floor. Dragon Lee slowly rolled himself back into the ring as the referee administered the 20-count yet again.
15, 16, 17, 18.......Ospreay was still down!
At 19...Ospreay threw himself back into the ring to avoid the countout!
Dragon Lee immediately drilled a knee strike! Dragon Lee went for Desnucadora...
Ospreay blocked with all his might! He threw anvil elbows to escape the grip of Dragon Lee. He then hit a massive roundhouse kick! With the crowd chanting his name Ospreay roared and went for a Liger Bomb....
But Dragon Lee countered into a Destroyer!
Dragon Lee obliterated Ospreay with a running knee strike!
Will Ospreay kicked out at 2.9!
Dragon Lee couldn’t believe it! The sheer will of Will Ospreay was on full display on Ignition!
Dragon Lee looked to the stage where his brother RUSH watched. RUSH gave the thumbs-down signal....and Dragon Lee nodded. He pulled his knee pad down.....
DRAGON LEE DROVE THE EXPOSED KNEE INTO WILL OSPREAY’S SKULL WITH ANOTHER KNEE STRIKE!
Pulling Ospreay to his feet, Dragon Lee went for Desnucadora....
OSPREAY FLIPPED OUT TO HIS FEET!
HOOK KICK! SUPERKICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD! HIDDEN BLADE CONNECTED!
A trifecta of high-impact moves connected for Ospreay. As ring announcer Justin Roberts announced that 30 seconds remained in the match, Ospreay hit an Oscutter off the top rope!
Ospreay hit Storm Breaker!
1....
2....
3....
Ospreay wins!
Will Ospreay (19:50)
The crowd exploded at the finish. These two men saved their best for last...as Ospreay won the rubber match with just 10 seconds remaining! Ospreay’s face was pure emotion as he soaked in the moment and the victory.
Dragon Lee was crestfallen. He struggled to pick himself up off the mat. Ospreay went over to him—he looked at Dragon Lee, the man who had pushed him to the absolute limit over the past 2.5 months. He offered his hand...
But Dragon Lee kicked it away!
Dragon Lee rolled out the ring! The crowd booed as Dragon Lee clutched his head and made his way up the ramp to RUSH.
Ospreay looked confused and shook his head. RUSH met Dragon Lee on the stage and put his arm around his brother – all while staring daggers at Ospreay. Inside the ring, Ospreay called for the microphone. Breathing heavily, Ospreay stood in the ring and said:
A video promo aired for SummerFest on July 13, from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Streaming exclusively on Netflix!
As Ignition returned from a commercial break, highlights of Chael Sonnen’s retirement at Bellator 222 in Madison Square Garden aired. The camera panned to the announce table:
Match Two: Marti Belle vs. Rachael Ellering (w/ Candice LeRae)
The second match of Ignition was a singles match between Marti Belle and Rachael Ellering. The crowd was still buzzing from the Dragon Lee/Will Ospreay match, as Ellering made her way to the ring accompanied by Candice LeRae. Both women were clad in all black. Frustrated with a string of defeats, Candice LeRae had gone dark and recruited Rachael Ellering as her charge. This was Ellering’s first match since joining forces with Candice LeRae.
As the bell sounded, Belle charged into Ellering – throwing chops and kicks. They had no effect. Ellering just absorbed them and flashed a nasty grin. Marti Belle hit the ropes for momentum, but Ellering folded her in half with a wicked lariat!
Ellering grabbed wrist control, lifted Belle to her feet, and then whipped her back down into the canvas face first!
Belle grabbed at her face in pain as Candice LeRae shouted instructions to Ellering. Showcasing her power, Ellering bieled Marti Belle halfway across the ring and followed with a running senton!
Ellering grabbed Belle in a gutwrench and walked around the ring with her. On commentary, Paige Knight marveled at the strength of Rachael Ellering, who finally spiked Belle down with a gutwrench suplex.
On the outside, Candice LeRae wore an evil smile...seemingly knowing she had a monster on her side with untapped potential. Ellering finished Marti Bell with the Bosswoman Slam for the pin and the win!
Rachael Ellering (2:32)
Following the match, Candice LeRae hopped in the ring and gave orders to Rachael Ellering. They were not through. Candice grabbed Belle by the hair and pulled her to her feet – Belle could barely stand. As boos sounded out, LeRae whipped Belle to Ellering who hit another Bosswoman Slam!
LeRae and Ellering stood tall, and Candice shouted:
Like a lightning bolt, Ivelisse sprinted to the ring with a chair! LeRae and Ellering bailed quickly as Ivelisse slid into the ring swinging the chair like a Louisville Slugger! The bad blood between LeRae and Ivelisse had been brewing for weeks!
LeRae and Ellering high-tailed it up the ramp as Ivelisse spiked the chair into the center of the ring and begged the two to come back and fight! From a safe distance, Candice LeRae smiled and pointed to her head – seemingly outsmarting Ivelisse and avoiding the attack; however, Ivelisse flashed a wicked grin...
The lights went out inside the Wolstein Center...
A video featuring a figure riding a motorcycle down dark streets aired. Through damp Cleveland streets, the motorcycle cut through the night. It finally came to a stop outside the Wolstein Center. The figure looked up at the marquee advertising WSW Ignition and removed the helmet to reveal long, black hair.......slowly, they turned to reveal themselves to the camera.......
It was Mercedes Martinez!
She spoke:
As the video ended, the music of Mercedes Martinez hit! The LED video screens lit up with the phrase “OG Badass.” Mercedes Martinez made her entrance!
Candice LeRae and Rachael Ellering couldn’t believe what they were seeing – LeRae looked for a place to run, but there was nowhere to go! LeRae begged off and then tried a sneaky right hand...
But Mercedes Martinez blocked it, and with zero hesitation...she laid out Candice LeRae with a right hook!
LeRae was out cold!
Rachael Ellering and Mercedes Martinez locked horns and started wailing on each other on the stage! A mob scene had broken out on Ignition! The women went at it like two bulls in combat!
Referees and WSW Security sprinted in from the back to separate Martinez and Ellering. Candice lay flat on the stage.
Ivelisse got the microphone:
The crowd got behind the passion of Ivelisse’s words, as the referees and security struggled to keep Rachael Ellering and Mercedes Martinez apart. Ivelisse had made good on her promise, she had evened up the numbers game and brought Mercedes Martinez to WSW!
Highlights aired of the alliance formed between Deonna Purrazzo, Kay Lee Ray, and Io Shirai to stand in opposition to Diamond. We see highlights of the trios match from last week that saw Kay Lee Ray score a stunning pinfall on WSW Women’s World Champion Tessa Blanchard – the first time Blanchard had been pinned in months.
As the video ended, Paige Knight was standing in the center of the ring with a microphone:
The crowd cheered the arrival of Kay Lee Ray. Since her debut in December, KLR had steadily climbed the ranks of the women’s division; however, no victory meant as much as the one she scored last week over the World Champion.
As she stood in the ring, a “Kay Lee Ray” chant broke out. Paige spoke:
Kay Lee Ray took a moment and looked around at the crowd before speaking:
With tears in her eyes, the chants of “Kay Lee Ray” fired up inside the Wolstein Center, and the crowd was captivated by her powerful words. She continued:
“You Deserve It” chants fired up before Kay Lee continued:
A LOUD “Kay Lee Ray” chant fired up again, and the crowd gave KLR a standing ovation following the incredibly passionate and personal words.
A commercial aired for the “Biggest Summer Ever” for WSW. The commercial hyped SummerFest on July 13 on Netflix, Ignition 200 on July 18 on Paramount Network, and Grand Prix 2019 coming this August!
Backstage, the newest member of the WSW broadcast crew, Melissa Santos was inside the locker room of Golden Triangle, WSW World Champion Kenny Omega, Ricochet, and Kota Ibushi.
Kota Ibushi then surprisingly spoke up in English:
Match Three: TK Cooper (w/ Dahlia Black) vs. Cody
The third match of Ignition was a singles match between TK Cooper and Cody. The Cleveland crowd wildly cheered when these famous words sounded out,
As Cody made his entrance amongst pyro and cheers, the commentary trio discussed Cody’s string of victories since his brutal war with Ethan Carter at Undisputed – including a hard-fought win over Travis Banks last week. Tonight, he squares off with the other half of the South Pacific Power Trip, TK Cooper.
As the bell sounded, the two men shook hands in respect before circling each other. A grappling exchange followed, with Cody showcasing his amateur background – seizing waist control to drop TK Cooper to the mat. Cody drove Cooper into the corner and fired off the first strike of the match with a chop. Cooper fired back with a chop of his own that stunned Cody. Cooper hit a second chop, followed by a third.
Cooper whipped Cody into the corner. The blonde star floated over a charging Cooper and caught him with a sunset flip; however, Cooper rolled through and countered with a jackknife cover that scored an early 2 count!
On commentary, Paige Knight noted this was the biggest singles match of TK Cooper’s career. He had primarily been known as a tag specialist, winning tag team gold with Travis Banks around the world – and winning the 2019 WSW Global Cup tournament – but he had the opportunity to shock all of WSW by seizing his opportunity and beating Cody one-on-one.
TK Cooper hit an arm drag, and he attempted to apply an armbar on the mat. Cody blocked and powered up to his feet, but his slam attempt was countered with yet another arm drag. Cooper transitioned into a hammerlock on the mat.
Cody fought his way to his feet and elbowed his way out of the submission. A rope running sequence followed with ducked clotheslines, leapfrogs, and baseball slides. Continuing to bounce off the ropes, both men hit simultaneous dropkicks for a stalemate! On commentary, Chael Sonnen noted that TK Cooper was up to the task, he had done his homework and his scouting of Cody early in this match was superb.
The two men locked up yet again, with Cody grabbing a side headlock and wrenching down. Cooper fought his way free, leading to a criss-cross rope running sequence that saw Cooper hit a leg lariat followed by a stiff short arm lariat for a 1 count!
Cody rolled to the apron for a reprieve, but Cooper stayed on the attack. He sprung off the middle rope, over the top rope, and NAILED A DDT on the apron!
Cody flopped down to the floor from the impact!
Cooper wasted no time getting Cody back into the ring, he covered...but Cody kicked out at 2!
Cody was dazed, and Cooper went to work – throwing hard knee strikes to the temple. A “Cody” chant sounded out, as the crowd attempted to rally their new hero. On commentary, Chael Sonnen said:
Cooper whipped Cody into the corner. He charged, but the ring veteran Cody hit a drop-toe hold to send Cooper face-first into the middle turnbuckle. Firing up from the crowd support, Cody laid in heavy forearms and chops that rocked TK Cooper. Cody took Cooper up top and brought him crashing back down with a superplex!
He covered for a 2 count!
With the trademark passion in his eyes, Cody threw his weight belt into the crowd. He then hit a trio of body slams with the crowd counting each one. “One More Time” chants sounded out, and Cody obliged with a fourth body slam followed immediately by the Figure Four!
Almost instantly, TK Cooper turned the submission over to reverse pressure – knowing this was the same submission that put away his tag team partner Travis Banks last week. Cody quickly scrambled to the bottom rope for the break.
Cody grabbed at his leg, slow to rise, and TK Cooper caught him with a dropkick. Whipping Cody into the corner, TK Cooper landed a trio of charging leg lariats. Bouncing around like a pinball, Cooper nailed a strike combination – forearm, spinning backfist, and a discus elbow!
TK Cooper covered for a near fall!
Knowing the opportunity at hand, Cooper climbed up to the top looking to fly. As he reached the top rope, Cody wisely rolled himself to the floor. Cooper wasted no time though, lowering himself to the apron, and CRUSHING Cody with a double foot stomp right between the shoulder blades!
Cody cried out in pain. Cooper quickly threw him back into the ring. In one fluid motion, Cooper vaulted himself from the apron to the top turnbuckle to connect on a BEAUTIFUL moonsault. He covered...
But Cody got his shoulder up at 2.5!
Dahlia Black clutched her head on the floor, she couldn’t believe that Cody kicked out!
Cooper went for a powerbomb, but Cody countered with an Alabama Slam followed by a jackknife cover...
But TK Cooper kicked out!
Cody pounded on the mat, and the crowd responded in kind. Cody went for the Figure Four, but TK Cooper caught him with an inside cradle....
1...
2....
Kickout!
Cody scrambled to his feet and hit a sunset flip, but TK Cooper countered by sitting down and capturing the legs...
1....
2....
Kick Out!
TK Cooper had an answer for everything Cody threw at him! Cooper went to the corner to pull himself to his feet. Cody charged, but Cooper got the boots up. Cooper hit a bulldog.
Climbing to the top once again, TK Cooper flew with a diving double-foot stomp......
But Cody rolled out of the way!
TK Cooper rolled through on the landing, but as he turned to charge at Cody – he was met with a basement dropkick to the knee!
Cody went for the Figure Four!
But TK Cooper blocked Cody’s left leg from locking in the submission. Cooper’s eyes bulged as he fought with all his might to keep the leg up...
Cody used his heel to drive down stomps into the forehead!
TK Cooper clung out for dear life, but the heel of the boot just rained down like an anvil!
Cooper lost his grip, and the Figure Four was applied tight!
TK Cooper tapped out!
Cody (9:00)
Following the match, Cody ran his hands through his platinum blonde hair, knowing he had been pushed. After getting his hand raised, Cody extended his hand to TK Cooper who used the ropes to pull himself up. Cooper shook Cody’s hands to cheers before rolling outside and slapping the apron in frustration.
Cody called for a microphone. Breathing heavily for a moment he spoke:
The crowd cheered and chanted “Cody” once again, as Cody smiled – pure joy was on his face.
As Cody spoke, a man in a hooded sweatshirt ran down through the crowd and slid into the ring...
A moment of confusion went through the Wolstein Center...
The man grabbed Cody, spun him around, and DROPPED HIM WITH A BRAINBUSTER!
Cody lay flat in the ring, motionless.
The hooded figure looked down at the fallen Cody, before slowly raising his head and pulling the hood of the sweatshirt off...
AUSTIN ARIES
Sporting a thick beard, Austin Aries looked around the arena with wide eyes – the crowd buzzed as this was his first appearance in WSW in months!
With a wild look in his eyes, Aries slowly crouched down next to the prone Cody. Very gently he patted Cody on the cheek.
Holding his arms out to the side, Aries slowly rose. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back, basking in the jeers of the crowd.
On commentary, Mauro Ranallo said:
Ignition returned from a commercial with Todd Keneley desperately running after Austin Aries backstage.
Austin Aries whipped around. Keneley pressed him:
Aries put his hood back up on his sweatshirt and said:
Aries then turned and walked away from a befuddled Todd Keneley.
The camera then cut back inside the arena where Chael Sonnen stood in the center of the ring with a microphone:
Boos rained down as Johnny Mundo, Mike Bennett, Taya Valkyrie, and Maria walked out on stage. They got halfway down the ramp, and Johnny Mundo took his sunglasses off and looked around at his crew. He turned around annoyed to see Brian Cage come out, several paces behind his stablemates with a scowl on his face.
Mauro Ranallo noted:
As they entered the ring, an “LA Sucks” chant broke out. The typically cocky Johnny Mundo looked irritated as he spoke:
This drew a visceral reaction from the loyal people of Cleveland. Mundo continued:
This did not go well with the always proud Chael Sonnen. He stared daggers into the eyes of Johnny Mundo and bowed up. Mundo dug in further:
Sonnen was angry, and a “Chael” chant started up. Cooler head prevailed though, and Sonnen shoved the microphone into the chest of Johnny Mundo before leaving the ring. Mundo smirked and continued:
Johnny Mundo pointed at Mike Bennett.
Mike Bennett emphatically nodded yes.
Johnny Mundo pointed at Maria.
Maria nodded yes.
Johnny Mundo pointed at Taya Valkyrie.
Johnny Mundo then pointed at Brian Cage. Cage scowled at Mundo.
Brian Cage stepped up to Johnny Mundo and took the microphone.
The crowd oohed at this. Johnny Mundo was hot; he took the microphone back and stepped back from the massive Brian Cage after sizing him up.
This last line drew oohs from the crowd before the boos started again.
Brian Cage’s eyes burned holes in Johnny Mundo. A slight “No, No, No” chant was heard, but Cage lowered his head and stepped back in line. Mundo smiled:
Walking back front and center, Mundo suddenly flashed a smile bigger and faker than a televangelist:
Mundo flipped the microphone to the canvas, as the boos started again. Mundo gave enthusiastic fist bumps to Valkyrie, Maria, and Mike Bennett who all obliged.
Mundo looked Brian Cage up and down before extending his fist; however, Cage just looked at it. Mundo held his fist higher momentarily. When it was clear the gesture wasn’t going to be reciprocated, Mundo patted Cage on his massive chest and left the ring. The LA Express followed, except for Cage. He looked down at the microphone for several seconds before eventually turning and leaving the ring. He followed the crew several steps behind, just as he had entered.
Ignition returned with a vignette featuring Deonna Purrazzo. We see highlights of Deonna’s match with Tessa Blanchard at Undisputed. Purrazzo spilled her guts but came up short. We see highlights of Nixon Newell’s return and subsequent attack on Purrazzo. Highlights are shown of their interaction in the trios match last week, which saw the two women brawl over the guardrail into the crowd. Purrazzo’s voice narrates the piece:
Melissa Santos was backstage inside the locker room of Black Arrow – Dawson, Wilder & WSW Intercontinental Champion Adam Cole.
The camera cut back inside the arena to the announce desk as Mauro Ranallo, Chael Sonnen, and Paige Knight broke down the bracket of the Elite 8 Tournament. Ace Austin and Brian Pillman Jr. were first round winners, and they will meet in the semi-finals in two weeks. Tonight, the other half of the bracket kicks off with Jungle Boy vs. Myron Reed. Before they could throw to the hype packages, Chael Sonnen spoke:
Sonnen threw his pen down on the desk in frustration.
Match Four: Elite 8 Tournament First Round – Myron Reed vs. Jungle Boy
The fourth match of Ignition was a singles match between Myron Reed and Jungle Boy in the Elite 8 Tournament. As both men made their way to the ring, inset promos aired.
Myron Reed said:
Jungle Boy said:
The crowd gave Jungle Boy a big positive reaction—especially amongst the women in the audience. Mauro Ranallo noted that Jungle Boy had recently turned 22 and had been a pro since 2015, primarily on the West Coast independent scene. He is also the son of the late actor, Luke Perry.
At the bell, Myron Reed exploded out of his corner with a shotgun dropkick! Jungle Boy flew back into his corner from the impact! Myron Reed immediately followed with a leaping splash. He rolled back to the center of the ring and charged in again with a leaping uppercut – showing off his insane speed and agility.
Reed shot Jungle Boy into the ropes and tried for a hip toss, but Jungle Boy flipped over to his feet, only to be popped with a massive overhand chop! Reed then planted Jungle Boy with a reverse DDT!
Reed cockily dusted his hands off and shouted:
Reed vaulted himself up to the top turnbuckle and shouted:
Reed caught Jungle Boy with a picture-perfect missile dropkick! He covered, but only got a 2 count!
Reed paint brushed the back of Jungle Boy’s thick hair, taunting the young wrestler:
The trash talk cost Reed though, as Jungle Boy fired up and scored a trio of chops for his first offense of the match. Jungle Boy hit a step-up spinning head scissors, followed by a deep arm drag. Grabbing the wrist of Myron Reed, Jungle Boy showed off his insane catlike agility, springing off multiple ropes and hitting a rope walk Mexican Arm Drag!
This flurry woke the crowd up, and Jungle Boy hit a dropkick of his own for a 2 count! A “Jungle Boy” chant started to permeate.
Jungle Boy and Myron Reed engaged in a dizzying sequence of back-and-forth:
- Reed scored a double-leg takedown and a jackknife cover for 1
- Reed missed a standing double stomp, and Jungle Boy rolled him up for a 1
- Jungle Boy tried a German Suplex, but Reed hit a back elbow to escape. Reed hit the ropes but ran directly into a sunset flip for a 1 count!
- Reed picked the ankle of Jungle Boy and slowed the match down by locking in a Texas Cloverleaf!
Jungle Boy clutched at his mane of hair and gritted his teeth – he knew what tapping out would mean! With the crowd behind him, Jungle Boy clawed at the canvas...
And he grabbed the bottom rope for the break!
Reed broke the hold but immediately stomped on the lower back of Jungle Boy. Jungle Boy rolled to the apron, and Myron Reed paraded around the ring, running his mouth again:
Reed charged, but Jungle Boy caught him with a shoulder to the midsection through the ropes. Jungle Boy vaulted himself over Reed’s back, hit the ropes, but was DESTROYED by a spinning hook kick from Myron Reed! In one fluid motion, Reed hit a slingshot back suplex, followed by a slingshot leg drop!
1...
2...
Kickout!
Jungle Boy refused to stay down!
Myron Reed looked to end it. He went to the apron and flexed.
Reed went for the No Cap Slash (springboard 450 splash), but Jungle Boy moved out of the way!
Reed landed on his feet though. He rolled through, but charged right into a ripcord lariat by Jungle Boy! Myron Reed got turned inside out!
Both men were down as the referee’s count got to 6. Jungle Boy and Myron Reed got to their feet at the same time. Jungle Boy charged, but Reed matrixed under his attack, kipped to his feet, and connected on an enziguri! Cover!
Jungle Boy kicked out at 2!
Insane athleticism by Myron Reed was on full display, but the heart of Jungle Boy couldn’t be denied. Reed grew frustrated, he got in the referee’s face and demanded that it was a 3 count! Reed then shoved the referee and screamed!
Reed charged, looking for the kill shot, but Jungle Boy moved and caught Reed with a rebound inside-out powerslam! Jungle Boy covered, but Reed kicked out at 2!
Jungle Boy pounded on the canvas to get the crowd behind him. Jungle Boy lit into the chest of Myron Reed with chops! Each chop popped harder than the last, as Myron Reed leaned against the ropes, staggered. With pain on his face, Reed looked into the eyes of Jungle Boy and doubled down:
Myron Reed slapped Jungle Boy in the face!
This fired up Jungle Boy, who hit the ropes and CRUSHED Reed with a leaping uppercut! He covered!
1...
2....
Kick out!
The “Jungle Boy” chants fired up again, but louder this time!
Jungle Boy went to the apron. He tried to vault to the top for a springboard, but Reed hit an enziguri to cut him off! Myron Reed charged, but Jungle Boy hit a step-through spear!
Not wasting one precious moment, Jungle Boy picked the ankle. Jungle Boy slapped on the Snare Trap (STF).
The submission was tight in the center of the ring...
Myron Reed tapped out!
Jungle Boy (8:25)
The crowd cheered the victory of Jungle Boy, who advanced in the Elite 8 Tournament. Myron Reed clutched at his neck, rolling to the apron, seething in the anger of defeat. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo noted:
Ignition returned with highlights of Jon Moxley’s debut match last week – a wild, bloody brawl with RUSH that saw Moxley claim his first WSW victory.
The camera then cut to Jon Moxley pacing inside a dark hallway inside the Wolstein Center:
A video package aired showcasing the havoc caused by the Lucha Brothers in recent weeks. Following their controversial loss to The Hart Foundation at Undisputed – a match that saw Teddy Hart pull off Pentagon’s mask – the Lucha Brothers put The Hart Foundation squarely in their crosshairs.
Two weeks ago on Ignition, The Hart Foundation took on Valiente and Volador Jr. of CMLL, but after the match, Fenix and Pentagon struck with insane fury. They beat down both teams with chairs, and duct taped Brian Pillman Jr. to the ropes to watch the destruction. The Lucha Brothers stole the WSW World Tag Team Titles in the process. Last week, Fenix and Pentagon struck again – attacking Pillman following his first-round victory in the Elite Eight Tournament – Pentagon performing the deadly arm snap.
The video package is interspersed with footage of Konnan, Fenix, and Pentagon standing in a dark alleyway. Konnan spoke:
With a World Tag Team Title draped over his shoulder, Pentagon spoke:
Backstage, Melissa Santos interviewed Salina de la Renta and the number one contender for the World Championship, Claudio Castagnoli. De la Renta and Castagnoli were dressed to the nines.
Ahead of the main event, the commentary team ran down the card for next week:
- Claudio Castagnoli vs. Kota Ibushi
- Jon Moxley In Action
- Lucha Brothers vs. Valiente and Volador Jr.
- Austin Aries Speaks Following His Shocking Return
- LA Express Open Trios Challenge
- Elite 8 Tournament First Round: Alexander Hammerstone vs. Alan Angels
- WSW World Championship: Kenny Omega (c) vs. Claudio Castagnoli
- WSW Women's World Championship: Tessa Blanchard (c) vs. Kay Lee Ray
- Will Ospreay vs. Jon Moxley
Match Five: Black Arrow vs. Golden Triangle
The main event of Ignition was a trios match between Black Arrow and Golden Triangle.
A hailstorm of boos rained down as Black Arrow made their entrance. The ever-cocky Adam Cole led the way, as Black Arrow seemingly slithered like snakes down the ramp to the ring. On commentary, Chael Sonnen said:
The exact opposite reaction sounded out as Golden Triangle made its way to the ring. A deafening roar sounded out inside the Wolstein Center as Omega, Ricochet, and Ibushi stood in the smoke of pyro explosion. Mauro Ranallo set the scene:
All six men stood in the ring as a shockwave of electricity was felt throughout the building. The cameras panned to a suite where Salina de la Renta and Claudio Castagnoli watched the match from high above. De la Renta took her seat with a glass of chilled champagne. She smiled smugly and toasted the ring, as Omega glanced up at the suite for more than just a moment before refocusing his attention on the task at hand. Adam Cole noticed this, smiled, and shouted:
Omega smirked at Cole and made his finger gun gesture. Omega challenged Cole to meet him in the center of the ring to start the match. The Death Busters and Ibushi and Ricochet cautiously left for the apron, leaving Omega and Cole alone.
The electricity in the Wolstein Center went to a 10, and “Holy Shit” chants rang out at the sheer sight of Omega and Cole in the ring together.
The two men circled each other, and they prepared to lock up....
But Cole backed away and tagged in Dawson!
Adam Cole laughed as the crowd loudly booed him.
Omega and Dawson circled each other and locked up. Dawson landed a swift knee to the midsection of the World Champion. Dawson hit the ropes, but Omega dropped to a knee to avoid him, seizing waist control. Omega went for a German Suplex, but Dawson grabbed the top rope to halt the momentum. With his trademark speed, Omega rolled back and charged for a V Trigger, but Dawson bailed through the ropes to the floor!
Dawson walked around outside, readjusting his tights and killing Omega’s momentum, as the Cleveland crowd fired up a “Kenny” chant. Dawson returned to the ring and as the two men went to lock up – Dawson hit a swift right hand to the jaw, followed by another. The referee chastised Dawson for the closed fist, but Dawson ignored him and slapped on an Arm Wringer. Dawson shot Omega into the corner, but Omega floated up and caught Dawson with a beautiful tijeras!
Omega tagged in Ibushi who fired off a wicked kick to the sternum of Dawson to drop him. Cole entered the ring and was cut down by a nasty kick. Wilder entered and met the same fate! Ibushi made a throat slash gesture to Claudio Castagnoli up in his suite!
Ibushi grabbed Wilder and looked to go for the Last Ride, but Adam Cole made the save from the floor – grabbing Wilder’s ankles and pulling him to the floor.
Ibushi looked at Black Arrow on the floor and vaulted over the top to the middle rope, but his moonsault attempt was cut off by Wilder who chop-blocked him – sending Ibushi crashing hard onto the apron!
Black Arrow were like sharks that smelled blood in the water. Dawson threw Ibushi into the steel ring post. Cole and Wilder each got cheap shots in on the floor before Dawson took things back inside.
Black Arrow cut the ring off, using frequent tags to keep the explosive Ibushi in their corner. Wilder and Dawson laid in heavy-handed strikes, while Cole hyperextended Ibushi’s left leg around the middle rope before landing a dropkick to the leg.
The crowd started to clap along, trying to will Ibushi back up – but Wilder mockingly clapped along before using a spinning toe hold to ground the strong style master once again.
Dawson tagged in, and Wilder attempted to whip his partner for a corner splash, but Ibushi got a boot up! Wilder charged and blocked Ibushi’s boot, but caught a kick to the midsection and a pump knee strike instead! Cole grabbed Ibushi from the apron, but his effort was in vain as Ibushi hit a Pele Kick! Ibushi rolled under a double clothesline attempt by the Death Busters and tagged in Ricochet!
Ricochet came in a house of fire, striking anything that moved. The crowd got whipped into a frenzy by Ricochet's nonstop movement and offense. A dropkick sent Wilder through the ropes to the floor. He caught Dawson with a Standing Spanish Fly, and then he hit a Fosbury Flop onto both Adam Cole and Wilder on the floor! Back inside, Ricochet hit a double knee facebreaker on Dawson for the first 2 count of the match!
Feeling the passion and energy of the crowd, Ricochet went up top for the 630.......
But Dawson rolled himself out to the floor to jeers.
Black Arrow regrouped as a trio at the base of the ramp, but Ricochet didn’t waste one second – he hopped from the top turnbuckle back into the ring, ran the ropes,
AND TOOK OUT ALL OF BLACK ARROW WITH A TOPE CON HILO!
The crowd went crazy for Ricochet, who threw Dawson back into the ring. Ricochet went up top once again – looking for a moonsault, but Wilder hopped to the apron and grabbed his leg. Ibushi hit a knee strike on the apron to knock Wilder back to the floor. Adam Cole hopped to the apron and grabbed Ricochet’s other leg; however, Omega caught him with a knee strike to send him to the floor.
All three members of Golden Triangle climbed to the top of the same corner...........
TRIANGLE MOONSAULT!
Bodies went everywhere!
Omega came off onto Cole on the floor, Ibushi onto Wilder on the floor, and Ricochet onto Dawson in the ring!
COVER!
Dawson kicked out at 2!
Ricochet chopped into the chest of Dawson, each strike popping like firecrackers.
Wilder hopped to the apron, attempting to get into the ring, but he was blocked by the referee. Ricochet hit the ropes, but he caught a knee to the back from Adam Cole on the apron.
Black Arrow knew how to bend every rule in the book to their advantage, and they showed that here. Dawson hit a snap vertical suplex before tagging Wilder. Like a wild man, Wilder dropped knees into the back of Ricochet. Wilder applied a surfboard stretch – Ricochet gritted his teeth from the pain!
Wilder dropped an elbow into the back of Ricochet before popping off a beautiful tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Dawson immediately came off the middle rope with a knee drop, and Wilder covered for a near fall!
Wilder tagged in Adam Cole. The Intercontinental Champion stalked Ricochet. He smiled as he savagely kicked the worked-over back. Cole then hit a twisting neckbreaker for another 2 count! Black Arrow had succeeded in grounding Ricochet.
Ricochet reached in vain to his corner for a tag, but Cole stomped down on the hand and shot the bird at Ibushi and Omega. Cole drug Ricochet back into Black Arrow’s corner, and the trio used quick tags once again to fire into Ricochet. On commentary Paige Knight noted,
Wilder applied an abdominal stretch on Ricochet, as the Cleveland crowd started a “Ricochet” chant. Feeling the crowd, Ricochet threw elbows to escape the hold. Ricochet lunged for a tag, but Wilder grabbed his foot at the last second! He tried to drag Ricochet back into Black Arrow’s corner, but Ricochet hit an enziguri!
Ricochet leapt...
AND TAGGED IN IBUSHI!
Ibushi ran wild with clotheslines, kicks, and knee strikes a plenty. Ibushi hit a sympathy of strikes on Wilder: a spinning kick to the midsection, a pump knee strike, and a bicycle kick! Dawson charged in, and Ibushi hit him with a pop up powerbomb onto Wilder! Ibushi hit a standing double knees moonsault onto both Death Busters and covered both men!
They kicked out at 2!
Wilder was isolated in the ring, and Ibushi hoisted him up into the electric chair. Ricochet climbed to the top.....
He leapt.....
But Wilder slipped down the back of Ibushi, and Ricochet flew DIRECTLY INTO A SUPERKICK FROM ADAM COLE!
Wilder hit a dragon screw to the worked-over leg of Ibushi! Wilder slammed Ibushi’s knee into the canvas repeatedly before locking on a half crab!
He wrenched back deep!
Kenny Omega entered to break it up, but Dawson caught him in a guillotine!
The World Champion powered Dawson over the top rope with a backbody drop to the floor!
Adam Cole flew in with a guillotine on Omega!
Cole had the submission on tight!
Unable to break the guillotine, Omega launched himself and Cole into Wilder and Ibushi to break up the submission and save the match.
Everyone was down in the ring. Slowly but surely Ibushi tagged Omega and Wilder tagged Cole!
The crowd came alive as the World Champion and Intercontinental Champion went toe to toe! They went at it!
Back-and-forth chops turned into back-and-forth forearms!
Omega got the better of the exchange and ducked a wild swing by Cole. He went for a Snap Dragon, but Cole hit a back elbow to escape followed by a pump kick....and another! Cole went for the trio of pump kicks, but Omega countered with a V Trigger and You Can’t Escape!
The pin attempt was broken up by Dawson!
All hell broke loose, as Ibushi entered and dropped Dawson with a discus clothesline. Wilder kicked out the bad leg of Ibushi, but Ricochet vaulted off the back of Ibushi and spiked Wilder with a DDT!
Golden Triangle stood tall. Omega hoisted up Cole into a vertical suplex and Ibushi did the same with Wilder. With both men lifted into the air, Ricochet sprung off the top and hit a double missile dropkick!
Omega covered Cole, but Dawson broke up the pin!
“This Is Awesome” sounded out through the Wolstein Center!
Dawson low-bridged Ibushi to dump him to the outside. Dawson tackled Omega back into the corner, and Ricochet blind-tagged in.
Ricochet vaulted into the ring, as Omega took Dawson down with a Snap Dragon!
Ricochet ducked a superkick by Adam Cole and hit a quebrada!
1....
2.....
Kick OUT!
Ricochet stayed on the attack...he went for the Benadryller!
Cole escaped!
SUPERKICK TO THE KNEES!
SUPERKICK TO THE HEAD!
Cole lowered the knee pad......
LAST SHO........
NO!
RICOCHET ducked!
Cole turned around.....
POP UP BENADRYLLER!
1....
2.............
3..............................................
Golden Triangle (13:58)
The crowd went nuts! Mauro Ranallo exploded on commentary:
Ricochet exploded with a triumphant roar for the win. Golden Triangle rejoined him in the ring to celebrate.
Adam Cole grabbed his head and rolled out the ring...he was dazed! Dawson and Wilder grabbed Cole and pulled him up the ramp...retreating. Halfway up the ramp, Cole realized what happened, and he clutched his belt and sank to his knees.
Kenny Omega grabbed the World Title and posed in the corner – pointing a finger gun at Claudio Castagnoli. The smile was wiped away from Salina de la Renta’s face, and she threw her champagne glass to the ground. Castagnoli slowly rose from his seat and stared down at Omega and Ibushi. Ricochet posed on the ropes and pantomimed the belt around his waist at Adam Cole. Mauro Ranallo closed:
Results
No. | Results | Stipulation | Time |
1 | Will Ospreay def. Dragon Lee | Singles match | 19:50 |
2 | Rachael Ellering (w/ Candice LeRae) def. Marti Belle | Singles match | 2:32 |
3 | Cody def. TK Cooper (w/ Dahlia Black) | Singles match | 9:00 |
4 | Jungle Boy def. Myron Reed | Singles match | 8:25 |
5 | Golden Triangle (Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi & Ricochet) def. Black Arrow (Adam Cole, Dawson & Wilder) | Trios match | 13:58 |
SummerFest
SummerFest |
|
Saturday, July 13: ScotiaBank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada -- Streaming LIVE on Netflix |
WSW World Championship: Kenny Omega (c) vs. Claudio Castagnoli |
WSW Women's World Championship: Tessa Blanchard (c) vs. Kay Lee Ray |
Will Ospreay vs. Jon Moxley |
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Nixon Newell |
