EPISODE #147 | PRELUDE
31/08/2020
KING'S HALL | BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
BACKSTAGE CORRESPONDENTS ~ JOANNA ROSE AND SIMON MILLER
COMMENTARY TEAM ~ JOHN GOODEN AND WADE BARRETT
RING ANNOUNCER ~ ANDY SHEPHERD |
|
DARK MATCH: LUKE JACOBS VS. BULLIT VS. ACE MATTHEWS VS. AIGLE BLANC VS. PETER TIHANYI VS. BOBBY GUNNS
Opening the show would be a dark match featuring six of the top unsigned talents from around Europe. This six pack challenge would be a wild match in which all the participants involved would have their moments to shine. Filled with some impressive high flying from both Tihanyi and Blanc, technical work by Gunns, power moves from Bullit, hard hitting action from Jacobs and comedy from Ace. This match would go a brisk 8 minutes before finally it was Luke Jacobs who picked up the win following a big lariat on Ace Matthews.
Winner ~ Luke Jacobs |
|
|
For this very special evening it would be the song of Seven Devils by Florence and the Machine which opened up the show. As always there would be a video package which would highlight many of the key events leading up until the Prelude event. With prominent focus of course being given to the main event of the evening. Following the Video package, the cameras official open up from inside the Kings' Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. With a packed and lively crowd in attendance, Wade Barrett and John Gooden do their best to hype up the night before sending us to the ring for the opening bout. |
MATCH ONE: WWE UK TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS
(SENIOR REFEREE: THOMAS SCARBOROUGH)
AUSSIE OPEN (KYLE FLETCHER AND MARK DAVIS) (C) VS. THE WORK HORSEMEN (ASHER HALE AND JD DRAKE)
Kicking off the evening would of course be tag team action as The Work Horsemen battled Aussie Open for the WWE UK Tag Team Championships. With the hostilities between these two teams slowly building over the past few months. It was no surprise that this was an aggressive bout even from the opening as Kyle Fletcher and Asher Hale would start with some fast paced and quite rough chain wrestling with one another. Neither man would really get a true edge on one another in this match but we would see the back and forth begin to frustrate Kyle. This led to Fletcher slapping Asher Hale who responded with a hard kick to the chest of Kyle knocking him down to the canvas. Clearly frustrated and embarrassed by this, Fletcher on rising to his feet would hit JD Drake on the ring apron with a forearm to the face. This would knock JD Drake off the apron but soon this decision would back fire on Fletcher spectacularly.
As Kyle ducked a series of kicks Hale threw at him and looked to take refuge at ringside only to back up into the clutches of JD Drake. While Drake threw Fletcher across the ringside area, there was a noted shift in the crowd support as fans seemed to be getting more behind the Work Horsemen thanks to the obnoxious behavior of Fletcher. On his return back into the ring, Fletcher was then met with a series of kicks until he'd make the tag out to Davis. Unlike the abrasive Fletcher, Davis was shown to be a lot more respectful of his opponents. However this did not mean he held back in the ring as he would land some punishing strikes on both men until finally the big man JD Drake busted out some of his impressive athleticism and landed a enzugiri to Davis. This allowed Hale to follow with a running knee strike for a very close near fall. From here the challengers would soon grab another near fall following a superkick from Hale on Fletcher.
Despite their opponents strong start, the champions would manage to rally back and prove their mettle. This would include by taking some surprising risks as Mark Davis took the skies and landed a big suicide dive out of the ring onto James Drake. With the two giants wiped out, Fletcher and Hale would continue their battle as they traded strikes in the ring. After blocking a kick of Hale, Fletcher landed a leaping kick on his opponent and attempted a tiger driver to end things. However Hale is able to counter with a back drop before he hits the ropes and catches Fletcher running off with a penalty kick. Rolling into the ring, Davis attempted a big clothesline on Hale who managed to duck under it before hitting a round house kick. From here Hale tagged out to JD Drake who sprung into the ring with an elbow drop onto Kyle Fletcher for a close near fall. Soon after however the tide would turn following a missed moonsault by Drake which saw him hit the canvas hard. A axe kick followed by Fletcher across the back of the head of the winded Drake. From here, Kyle made the tag to Mark Davis.
Once he was in the ring, Davis followed with a big spear on JD Drake which put him down on the canvas for a near fall. Looking to keep momentum on side, Kyle Fletcher attempted a running forearm on Asher Hale which Hale blocked and responded with a shot of his own. Looking to take back some momentum, Hale looked to spring in the ring but as he did so he'd be blasted in mid air with a pounce by Mark Davis. This big shot would lay out Hale and from here Davis and Fletcher would in a big display of power manage to drive Drake into the canvas with Coriolis before making the match winning cover!
Shepherd: and the winners of the match and still champions... Aussie Open
The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and Aussie Open stand tall in the ring. While the champions are presented with their titles, the challengers slowly rise to their feet in the ring. After a small face off, Kyle Fletcher nods his head before finally Aussie Open and the Work Horsemen shake hands. From here Aussie Open continue their celebration while Hale and Drake leave the ring. |
~ THRONE ROOM ~
Following the match, a replay highlights the run of War Games Advantage matches which of course culminated in a 2-2 split. We are then directed to the dressing room of the Throne where Mike Kanellis is pacing back and forth while his wife Maria gets ready for her match tonight. Stopping her warm up, Maria addresses her husband as she says that she is far from happy that it has fallen onto her shoulders. However she will prove that like her husband, she can lead by example and will ensure that the Throne has the advantage going into War Games! |
~ LESSONS ~
Right before the second bout of the night can take place, the titantron plays footage filmed from earlier in the day and this is a pre taped interview with Simon Miller and Doug Williams. The UK wrestling legend is very much all business ahead of his bout with Gabriel Kidd tonight. Stating that he wanted nothing more than to help Gabriel confront his demons and become the star he believed he could be. Doug calls Gabriel throwing that in his face and siding with Eddie Dennis the ultimate slap in the face. Stating that he tried to teach Gabriel how to control his emotions, Williams says he now knows exactly how to beat Gabriel and get in his head. After that Doug promises that he will get his hands on Eddie Dennis to show him that while his best days are behind him, he can kick his ass once again! |
MATCH TWO: SINGLES MATCH
(REFEREE: KATIE WALKER)
JESSI KAMEA VS. KANJI
The second bout of the night would be a singles match in the women's division as Kanji would take on "The Total Diva" Jessi Kamea. With some noted bad blood between the pair it was no surprise that this bout got off to a jump start when Kamea blindsided Kanji in the corner and drilled her with a series of punches and strikes before the bell could even ring. The referee of the contest, Katie Walker would attempt to instill some control in this bout. However this did not stop Kamea right away as she stomped on the cornered Kanji. Finally getting the match under control, Katie Walker would check on Kanji in the corner who made it clear that she was OK to compete. Waving away the doctors at ringside, the bell would then ring to start the match and almost immediately Kamea went for broke with a running big boot on Kanji. Stalking Kanji as she rose to her feet, Kamea would then follow with the Beauty Shot spin kick. The smug Kamea taunts over the downed Kanji before making a cover only to be stunned when Kanji kicks out at a count of two.
The livid Kamea would argue with the referee before dragging Kanji to her feet. Shoving her back into the corner, Kamea slapped Kanji before hitting the ropes. When she run off however, Kanji was met with a running forearm smash by Kanji. Launching into a comeback, Kanji began taking Kamea down to the mat with a series of arm drags before following with a dropkick. Looking to keep up her run of offense, Kanji followed with a bulldog on her opponent for a near fall. From here Kanji would climb the turnbuckle and wait for Kamea to rise to her feet. Diving off from the top rope, Kamea's crossbody attempt was avoided by Kamea leaving her to crash and burn. The winded Kanji then stumbled to her feet only to be planted into the canvas with a reverse STO. Screaming at Kanji that she is an Uggo and not good enough to be here, Kamea then motioned for another beauty shot. This time however Kanji managed to duck under and take out Kamea's leg with a chop block. Kamea takes a knee as she screams out in pain while Kanji wastes no time in connecting with a hidden blade forearm on Kamea! Kamea is out and a fired up Kanji continues to reign down forearms onto Kamea until Katie calls for the bell for the TKO finish.
Shepherd: And the winner of the match... Kanji!
The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and Kanji climbs to her feet. The fired up Kanji has her arm raised by the referee before she leaves the ring. While the official checks on the downed Kamea who is still yet to move. At ringside Kanji has a tense stare down with a woman in the crowd. |
~ LUCK ~
The cameras then take us to the hallway of the arena where Session Moth Martina is stretching ahead of her match tonight. Session Moth is soon joined by Joe Hendry who she greats with a hug. Talking to his friend about her match tonight, Joe warns Martina that the Throne are slippery but that he and the rest of the guys will have her back tonight should she need it. Thanking Joe, Martina promises that tonight she will kick the Queen's ass and leave the rest of the Throne to him. With that Hendry walks away but Martina is quickly joined by Hyan. Hyan once more asks to be on Martina's show, this time at the showcase but Martina tells her that she needs to focus on her match tonight before looking ahead to the showcase. As Martina walks off, an angered Hyan shakes her head. |
~ HYPED ~
Ahead of the next bout of the night, we are then directed to the locker room area where Adam Maxted is in the process of doing some bicep curls. As the impressive physical specimen Maxted continues his workout, he is joined by Aaron Chalmers. The smug Chalmers is very quick to promote and hype up his associate ahead of his match tonight with Michael Oku. The arrogant Chalmers, is quick to point out that Oku is far from their level and that tonight is all about to prove that they are the stars he will only dream of becoming! |
MATCH #3: SINGLES MATCH
(REFEREE: CHRIS SHARPE)
DOUG WILLIAMS VS. GABRIEL KIDD W/EDDIE DENNIS
The third bout of the evening was a singles match and this was a highly anticipated grudge match as student and teacher would collide when Gabriel Kidd battled his former mentor Doug Williams. With his Selfish Generation cohort Eddie Dennis taking a seat at the commentary desk. In the early going of this match, Gabriel Kidd looked to try and outwrestle his former mentor. This however as we'd see would prove to be a mistake as Doug Williams very much controlled him and outwrestled him. Locking Kidd in several holds and grounding him on the canvas. Williams seemed to enjoy humiliating Kidd as he outclassed him on the mat. Showing his anger and frustration which he has been accustomed to, Kidd wildly would swing at Doug and when he did he would be taken down and controlled further. This would be until after a few minutes of this Kidd bailed out to the floor where Eddie Dennis stepped from behind the commentary table to comfort him. Managing to get Gabriel to calm down, Eddie could be heard telling Kidd to snap back into reality and take control of the situation.
From this point onwards the match would shift and become a lot more back and forth with Gabriel Kidd's hard hitting offense helping him get back into the action. His mean streak and viciousness shining through, Kidd really set apart targeting the head of Williams in an effort to offset his equilibrium. This included landing short strikes to the side of Doug's head and temple when they was in close and several rabbit punches when he had the opportunity. This offense gradually started to take a toll on Doug who was shown at points to be quite stunned and compromised in moments. To his credit Williams however stayed in the battle and actually managed to stun Kidd with a European uppercut of his own. Looking to continue his momentum Doug landed a DDT on Gabriel before motioning for the Chaos Theory. A back elbow from Kidd however managed to counter this before he'd throw Williams shoulder first into the ring post!
This would very much be a real turning point in the bout as Gabriel Kidd upped his aggression and began really uncorking some hard strikes on Doug Williams to punish him. An attempt at a back pack stunner by Gabriel however would be blocked and Williams proceeded to hit the ropes. Running off from the ropes Doug attempted a tornado DDT which Kidd was able to use to shove him off. Disorientated from the landing and the spin, Doug stumbles to his feet where he is met with a sick kick right to the jaw. This puts Williams down on the canvas and we'd see Kidd follow with a Madman bomb to pick up the win.
Shepherd: And the winner of the match... Gabriel Kidd!
The crowd boos as the announcement is made. While the referee checks on the downed Doug Williams, Eddie Dennis joins Gabriel in the end and raises his arm in the air to jeers. |
~ ALWAYS READY TO MAKE HISTORY ~
The cameras then direct us to the office of "The Guvnor" Anthony Ogogo. The Guvnor has a big smile on his face as he reveals he has asked for this time to make a couple of announcements. These announcements relate to the future of the WWE UK Brand as we enter the ninth Showcase. Already looking ahead at the historic tenth UK showcase. Anthony reveals that the tenth showcase will take place where it all began inside the empress ballroom in Blackpool. It is then that Anthony follows by confirming that the women's team which wins the British Bulldog Tag Team Classic will challenge the WWE women's tag team champions at Showcase Ten! As the cameras begin to pan away, Ogogo follows with one last announcement. Mentioning how in the past some talents from across the pond such as Mike Kanellis, Shelton Benjamin and others made their mark in WWE UK. Ogogo says following some recent discussions with the powers that be, he is proud to welcome the first of two talents who will be coming this way on excursion!
WOO WOO WOO! ZACK RYDER is coming to WWE UK!
"THE MAJOR PLAYER"! CURT HAWKINS is coming to WWE UK! |
MATCH #4: COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
(REFEREE: TATE MAYFAIRS)
KASSIUS OHNO (C) VS. HARRY SMITH W/EDDIE DENNIS
For the second time of the evening Eddie Dennis would be present at ringside and on commentary as his representative Harry Smith battled Kassius Ohno for the Commonwealth Championship. These two hard hitting big men would quicky get things underway as they met in the center of the ring and began trading heavy punches back and forth with one another. Soon the punches shift to forearms and uppercuts from both men as neither seem willing to take a step back. Gradually getting the better of the exchanges, Kassius Ohno upped the ante as he landed a big boot to the jaw of Harry Smith. This wobbles Smith and we see Kassius Ohno continue his build of momentum following an olympic slam on Smith. The bruising Smith however is far from out as he begins to fire back with offense of his own and takes Ohno down with a big shoulder tackle before making a cover for a near fall. Smith then attempts for a powerbomb on Ohno only to have Kassius Ohno fire off several punches to the top of Harry Smith's head allowing him to drop down.
An attempt at a cyclone kick however is blocked before Smith hits a big, high angled saito suplex on Kassius Ohno. This high angle suplex basically folds Ohno in half. On commentary Eddie Dennis raves about Harry Smith as he proclaims him the next Commonwealth Champion. From here Harry Smith mounts Kassius Ohno and proceeds to blast him with several punches and forearms. This is until Kassius Ohno grabs the bottom rope forcing the referee to force a break to the action. Backing up into the corner Harry Smith is fired up as he stalks Kassius Ohno. Once Ohno is to his feet, Harry Smith charges out from the corner for what looks to be a spear only to have Ohno hit him with a knee lift right to the jaw. With Smith reeling, Kassius Ohno followed up with a cravate suplex putting Smith down on the canvas. From here Ohno follows with a cyclone kick to the jaw of Harry Smith as he starts to take a knee.
With Smith stunned, a livid Eddie Dennis jumps out from behind the commentary table in an attempt to distract Kassius Ohno. This distraction allows Smith to get back to his feet as he begins to recover. Charging at Ohno who has turned around to face him, Smith is stunned when Ohno side steps leaving Smith to knock Eddie Dennis off of the ring apron. Looking to capitalize on this, Kassius Ohno hits Harry Smith with a forearm strike to the back of the head before he follows up with a Heroes Welcome. Much to Ohno's chagrin however, Harry Smith is able to kick out at a count of two. Staggering to his feet, Harry Smith lets out a loud scream as he tries to rally back against Ohno. Kassius however meets him with a series of forearm and elbow strikes to the jaw. Ohno's attempt at a discus elbow however is countered when Smith catches him with a northern lights suplex for a near fall.
Looking to wrap things up Smith seemed to be looking for a Kimura but Ohno is too close to the ropes. Seeking to put Ohno away, Smith lands several big European uppercuts to his jaw before he hoists Ohno onto his shoulders. Smith looks for a running powerslam but Ohno is able to drop down behind before hitting a discus elbow to the back of Smith's head. With Harry Smith stunned by this, Kassius Ohno hits the ropes and runs off with a big forearm smash to the jaw putting Smith down and allowing Ohno to make the cover for the win.
Shepherd: And the winner of the match and still champion... Kassius Ohno!
The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and Kassius Ohno stands tall in the ring. While Kassius Ohno celebrates his victory and is presented with his title. At ringside a livid Eddie Dennis begins to berate Harry Smith. Starting to get to his feet, Harry Smith shoves Eddie Dennis back unwilling to be spoken to like that. In turn Smith is hit from behind by Gabriel Kidd. Smith falls to the floor and Dennis and Kidd start to put the boots to him until Kassius Ohno rolls out of the ring. Ohno blasts Kidd with a big forearm smash to the jaw sending him stumbling back against the rail. This allows Harry Smith to rise and snatch Eddie Dennis by the collar before launching him at Kidd sending both men over the barricade and out to the floor. While the Selfish Generation retreat into the crowd, Harry Smith turns to Kassius Ohno and shakes his hand before raising his arm in the air to cheers. |
~ VICTORY ~
The cameras then cut away from the ringside area and take us to outside the women's locker room. Here Joanna Rose is standing by and soon she is joined by Kanji who is looking to make her exit from the building. Despite her big win over Jessi Kamea, Kanji doesn't seem entirely to be in the best of moods. After congratulating Kanji on her hard fought win, Joanna would look to get her thoughts on the match. Seemingly distracted Kanji kept her answers at a minimum until Joanna looked to address Kanji's altercation with the fan following her match. Shaking her head, Kanji apologizes for her lack of answers but says that some things are best to keep under wraps before she walks off from the interview. |
~ LEGIONAIRES ~
From here the cameras then direct us to one of the hallways of the arena. Here is where the Foreign Legion stable is all standing by. Doing the majority of the talking for the team is it's leader Ludwig Kaiser. Kaiser addresses the tag team match tonight as he says that the Foreign Legion tried to avoid this situation and wanted what was best for A-Kid. However he now sees that A-Kid belongs with the uncouth Team White Wolf and he'd never fit in with the Legion. Francesco Akira is the next to speak and he plays up the more vain side of the Legion. Saying that A-Kid wants to now play dress up and be a hero. Akira calls this dreadful and says that tonight they will unmask him as the pathetic little dreamer he is. Closing the promo Amale says tonight is all about Legion supremacy. As not only will they prove that A-Kid chose the wrong side but they will also prove to Carlos Romo and Mariah May. That they do not belong in the same ring as the Foreign Legion! |
MATCH #5: WAR GAMES ADVANTAGE MATCH
(REFEREE: CHRIS HATCH)
MARIA KANELLIS VS. SESSION MOTH MARTINA
The fifth bout of the night would be the final war games advantage match as Maria Kanellis battled Session Moth Martina in what was Martina's second ever match since joining the UK Brand. In the early going it seemed this match was played for laughs at least by Martina whose antics would frustrate and anger The Queen. This would be until Maria finally managed to cheap shot Martina. While primarily not a wrestler herself, there was one thing we did know for certain. This of course was Maria had a mean streak and she had no issue in using it to stay ahead. Even if it meant bending the rules as we'd see Maria claw at the face of Martina at one stage in the bout. Despite the effectiveness of the offense. We'd soon see an unexpected consequence of this as Martina began to drop her usual antic filled offense and started to fire up. Rallying back against Maria with a surprising amount of spirit and fire, it didn't take long for Martina to look to have the match won.
In desperation we would see members of the Throne rush down to the ring. However their attempts to intervene would be cut short when they were attacked by Joe Hendry, Ilja Dragunov, Mark Andrews, Morgan Webster and Adam Brooks. With all this brawling at ringside between the two teams ahead of their war games match at the Showcase The official Chris Hatch tried to regain order and control of the situation. Meanwhile in the ring Martina had planted Maria with a tornado DDT and was looking to make the cover. Sadly with the official distracted while security arrived on the scene, no count was made. Climbing to her feet a frustrated Martina would look to call for the referee's attention when she was taken out with a vicious running knee strike to the face by Hyan! The crowd erupts into boos as Martina hits the canvas with a thud and Hyan follows by pulling Maria on top of her before making her escape through the crowd. Unaware of what has transpired, Chris Hatch would then enter the ring and count out Martina.
Shepherd: And the winner of the match... Maria Kanellis!
The crowd erupts into boos as the announcement is made. A stunned Maria slowly climbs to her feet and has her arm raised in the air while the rest of the Throne gather around ringside. While this is going on at the top of the stage a disheartened Joe Hendry shakes his head as he and his team realize they have lost their advantage. |
~ PARTY FOUL ~
On the big screen, an interview then plays as we see Joanna Rose joined by Angelico. As we have seen in the past couple of weeks, this was very much a different Angelico to the usual flirty, party boy that we'd become accustomed. Instead Angelico is quite a serious figure as he talks about his match tonight. Referring to himself as someone always up for a good time. Angelico says that people have to know, that when you stop the party and stop him having his fun. That is when Angelico gets serious and is willing to to raise his fists and fight it out. Promising that tonight he will do just that, Angelico makes it clear that for him he is all business tonight until he finishes what Nathan Cruz started! |
~ CONCLUSION ~
Ahead of the next bout of the night the cameras would take us to the hall of the arena. Here we'd see a disappointed Doug Williams beginning to make his leave from the building when he'd be met by Kassius Ohno. Ohno is quick to offer his condolences to Williams regarding his match that night while Doug congratulates Ohno on his victory in turn. As the two veterans talk about their matches, the camera pans back as Gunther and Nigel McGuinness walk into the building. Stopping just before both men, the European champion has a smug smirk on his face before shaking his head dismissively at the pair on his way into the building. |
MATCH #6: SIX PERSON TAG TEAM MATCH
(REFEREE: DARRYL SHARMA)
TEAM WHITE WOLF (AXIOM, CARLOS ROMO AND MARIAH MAY) VS. THE FOREIGN LEGION (AMALE, FRANCESCO AKIRA AND LUDWIG KAISER)
The next contest of the night would be a six person tag team match as rival factions Team White Wolf and the Foreign Legion would collide. Starting out this match for their respective teams would be Carlos Romo and Francesco Akira. This would kick the match off to a blistering pace as Romo and Akira would take to the skies very quickly in what was an apparent game of one upmanship between the pair. This seemed to greatly frustrate the vain, arrogant Akira who did not seem to like having someone rival him when it came to the skies. As the match progressed, we'd see the conceited Akira's brash facade begin to fade as he'd blindside Romo and showcase some real ruthlessness beneath his fashionista persona. As the match continued to progress, Francesco Akira would land a running meteora on Romo before he'd make the tag out to Amale. This would make Mariah May the legal competitor and both women would enter the ring.
These two women of course had quite the heated rivalry in the run up to this match. Meeting one another in the center of the ring it wouldn't be long before these two women begin firing off hard punches and forearms at one another. With the crowd in attendance solidly behind her, Mariah May began to take Amale down to the canvas with a series of arm drags before she'd catch Amale with a bicycle kick for a near fall. This run of form however would be intercepted when May charged a cornered Amale only to have the French Hope catch her and stun gun her across the top rope. This allowed Amale to take over the match and she'd hit a big sling shot suplex on Mariah May for a near fall before she'd make the tag out to Ludwig Kaiser. Returning into the ring Carlos Romo sought to prove something to the man who had dismissed him at every turn in the months running up to this contest. The smug Ludwig Kaiser very much looked to play into this as he'd use Romo's frustration against him in the early going to ground him and out wrestle him on the canvas.
Using some quick fire tags it seemed that the game plan of Kaiser and Akira was to keep Romo down or in their corner as they looked to isolate him from tagging out. Amale would also manage to stick in a cheap shot or two much to the frustration and annoyance of the crowd in attendance. Both Axiom and May were in their corner begging for a tag but try as they might, it seemed that Romo was constantly cut off when he'd come close. Looking to put his opponent away Ludwig Kaiser planted Romo with a Russian leg sweep before he attempted a Lotus lock. Romo however would be able to roll out and make his way to his feet. From here Romo attempted a jumping DDT on Kaiser only to be shoved off into the ropes where Akira hit Romo with a kick to the back of the head. This sent Romo stumbling forward into a powerslam by Ludwig. A quick tag to Akira followed and the brash Akira would begin to showboat before he attempted a crucifix powerbomb on Romo. This however allowed Romo to counter and land a sunset flip powerbomb on Akira! Following this Romo made a much needed tag to Axiom!
The crowd cheered as Axiom would spring into the ring with a big lariat on Akira! With Akira staggering to his feet Axiom followed up with a sky high spine buster for a count of two. Seeing their team mate in trouble, Ludwig Kaiser beckoned for Amale to get in the ring. As Amale looked to do so however Mariah May met her with a bicycle knee knocking her to the floor before springing over the top rope with a body press laying out both women. Kaiser would take advantage of this diversion to hit a running kick to the jaw of Axiom. From here Kaiser set up Axiom for a square hammer when Carlos Romo springs into the ring and lands a flying forearm on Kaiser. A big double dropkick from Axiom and Romo follows knocking Kaiser out of the ring. From here Axiom and Romo now fully on the same page connect with a double superkick on Akira. This puts Akira on the canvas while Carlos Romo dives over the top rope and out onto Ludwig Kaiser. A stunned Akira then starts to get to his knees where Axiom then meets him with the Golden Ratio before making the cover for the three.
Shepherd: And the winners of the match... Team White Wolf!
The crowd cheers as the announcement is made. Standing in the ring Axiom is soon joined by both Carlos Romo and Mariah May. After the trio have their arm raised in the air, Carlos Romo hugs Axiom as the two finally seem back on the same page once and for all. |
~ CONSEQUENCE ~
Following this the cameras take us to the hallway of the arena where Simon Miller is joined by Nathan Cruz and Katherine Darcy. This pre match interview would focus on Cruz's upcoming grudge match with Angelico. Calling Angelico the bad guy in this situation, Nathan Cruz openly states that he will not allow the world to continue to think he is at fault. Accusing Angelico of attempting to interfere with both his career and his relationship, Nathan Cruz makes it crystal clear that tonight he will be the one leaving the match victorious. |
~ FURY ~
A pre taped interview is then played and it shows John Gooden sitting down with Michael Oku. Talking about his high stakes match with Adam Maxted at the Prelude. Michael Oku made it clear that despite everything he actually holds some respect for Adam Maxted and acknowledges that he is in for a tough contest tonight. However where his respect stops is when it comes to Aaron Chalmers. Saying that Aaron Chalmers is not someone who he respects as he sees someone using wrestling for his own ill gotten gains. This is why tonight Michael Oku says the reality show is over and that he will bring respect back to WWE UK. |
MATCH #7: SINGLES MATCH
(REFEREE: ARTEMIS ORTYGIE)
ANGELICO VS. NATHAN CRUZ W/KATHERINE DARCY
The next bout of the night would be a personal grudge match as Angelico would finally do battle with Nathan Cruz. Adding to the anticipation of this bout was Artemis Ortygie making the decision to send Katherine Darcy to the back before the match could officially begin. Citing the tension between both sides and her want for a fair contest, the officials orders would stand much to the delight of the crowd as Katherine Darcy stormed to the back. This bout would then get underway and we'd see some aggressive grappling exchanges in the early going between both men. This would be until Nathan Cruz managed to connect with a cheap shot on Angelico knocking him to the ground. From here much to the crowd's chagrin, it was all Cruz who not only delighted in leaving red marks on Angelico's chest and back with chops but also would torture Angelico with a series of arm holds as he sought to secure a submission win. A hammerlock DDT would follow by Cruz for a close near fall before Nathan stood over Angelico and began slapping him directly across the face.
This would prove costly for Cruz as Angelico managed to pop up and land a capoeira kick right to Cruz's jaw. The force of this kick hurt Cruz badly as he stumbled across the ring before falling through the ropes and out to the floor. From here Angelico followed by flipping over the top rope and out to the floor on top of Nathan Cruz to a loud pop from the crowd in attendance. Looking to continue to build his momentum Angelico tossed Cruz into the ring before climbing up onto the apron. Stalking Nathan as he got to his feet, Angelico looked to spring into the ring only to be tripped by Katherine Darcy. The crowd erupted into boos as Darcy having come through the crowd would crouch down by the apron to hide while Angelico on this stumble would be caught in the air with a leaping reverse STO by Cruz for a near fall. Showing a mixture of frustration and disbelief at Angelico's resilience, Cruz dragged Angelico to his feet and tossed Angelico shoulder first into the ring post. As Angelico stumbled back Cruz then attempted a back suplex but Angelico had the ability to flip out and land a bicycle knee to the jaw.
With Cruz reeling Angelico followed with an eat defeat to the jaw once more. Completely rocked by this Cruz was prone as Angelico followed by hoisting Cruz on his shoulders as he looked for the crucifix powerbomb. However Katherine Darcy would make her presence felt once more as she hopped up onto the apron in an attempt to distract Angelico. This allowed Nathan Cruz to hop down and hit the ropes before he run off in an attempt to blast Angelico. However the Spanish Heartthrob had the where with all to side step leading to Cruz knocking Darcy off of the apron to a cheer! A stunned Cruz backs up and he is met with a running basement dropkick to the knee by Angelico which puts him down on the mat. This allows Angelico to follow up by clamping on Cruceta Invertido. Trapped in the hold with nowhere to go, Nathan Cruz would be left with no choice but to tap as the crowd cheers.
Shepherd: And the winner of the match... Angelico!
With the crowd on their feet, Angelico rises to his feet in the ring. After having his arm raised, Angelico begins to dance around the ring while at ringside a frustrated Nathan Cruz shakes his head while clutching his leg. |
~ SUCESSION ~
The cameras then direct us to the locker room area. Here "The Fashionista" Jinny is standing by as she begins to address both the House of Couture and Australia's Hottest Commodities ahead of their match tonight. Calling tonight and the showcase two key evenings for the House of Couture and Jinny's brand as a whole. She tells the collective that they cannot lose tonight. Saying that she will not accept failure as an option from anybody. Jinny makes it clear to Nina Samuels, Lana Austin, Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta that defeat would bring great consequences to all of them should they fail. |
MATCH #8: SINGLES MATCH
(REFEREE: KATIE WALKER)
ZACK GIBSON VS. CARA NOIR
The next contest of the evening was the highly anticipated clash between Zack Gibson and Cara Noir. Unfortunately this match got off to an auspicious start as during Cara Noir's elaborate entrance he was attacked and blindsided by Zack Gibson who had taken refuge in the crowd. In this jumpstart Gibson had hit Cara with a helter skelter on the ringside area which caused Noir to writhe in pain on the mat while a smirking Gibson rolled in the ring. Referee Katie Walker would call to the back to get medics and officials to check on Cara Noir while in the ring Zack Gibson beckoned for a microphone. With the microphone in hand Gibson branded Noir as nothing more than a pathetic bird with a broken wing. This trash talk would seemingly spur on a hurt Cara Noir to push away medical treatment and instead slide into the ring. Here he would start firing off punches on Gibson as the referee called for the bell until Zack landed a big knee to the compromised midsection of Cara Noir. Sensing a weakness in Noir, the early stages of this contest Gibson would target the midsection of Noir and look to wear him down further.
The crowd in attendance remained rallied around Cara Noir who despite Gibson's best efforts would not surrender or give up. Continuing his line of onslaught Zack Gibson drilled Noir with a running knee to the midsection before he followed up with a fireman's carry gut buster for a near fall. Climbing to his feet a fired up Gibson then stomps away on the downed Noir repeatedly until the official steps in. Showing concern for Noir, Katie Walker would crouch down beside him to check if he can continue but again Noir would wave her off. Practically frothing at the mouth an angered Gibson paced in the corner. Pulling himself to his feet using the ring ropes, Cara Noir as he was up would see Gibson charging at him and in his first offensive move of the evening he'd clobber Zack with a forceful lariat which spun Gibson in the air before bring him down to the canvas with a thud. The crowd in attendance would rise to their feet as Noir took a knee in an effort to compose himself. Gibson meanwhile would now be the weakened one as he struggled to pull himself to his feet using the ropes.
With Gibson stunned Cara Noir looked to follow up with another clothesline but Gibson managed to duck under. Spinning Cara around, Gibson kicked him in the gut before he attempted another Helter Skelter on Noir. Cara Noir would block this however and try to lift Zack for a brainbuster. Gibson in turn fired back with some punches to Noir's midsection. This caused Noir to release his grasp and allowed Zack to shove Cara back into the turnbuckle. From here Gibson begins to start badmouthing the crowd in attendance but this would backfire as Noir charged out from the corner with a swan woo dropkick to the chest of Gibson. Stumbling to his feet Gibson was then hoisted up and driven into the canvas with a brainbuster by Noir. Cara then made the cover but to his and the audience's shock Gibson would barely raise his shoulder. Pulling himself to the ropes in an attempt to regain his composure, Gibson would swing wildly at Noir in what commentary called a last stand. This time Noir blocked it and countered with a superkick to the jaw. From here Noir locked in the Black Mass sleeper hold on Zack Gibson and it wouldn't take Gibson long to fade in the hold leading the referee to call for the bell.
Shepherd: And the winner of the match... Cara Noir!
The crowd cheers as Cara Noir releases the hold and rises to his feet. Once he is up on his feet Cara Noir has his arm raised by the referee before he looks around at the cheering audience. From here Noir slowly leaves the ring while the official checks on the downed Gibson. |
~ SIGNATURE ~
Ahead of the co-main event of the night, we are taken once more to the office of "The Guvnor" Anthony Ogogo. Following on from his earlier announcements regarding the tenth UK Showcase. Anthony says he has one more big announcement to make regarding that show, as for the very first time NXT, NXT Japan, NXT Australia, NXT India, NXT Mexico and WWE UK will compete with a few familiar faces in a World's Collide gauntlet match! Following on from this announcement Anthony Ogogo says that he is also proud to announce that officially from today both Eliza Alexander and Harry Smith have put pen to paper to join the WWE UK Brand! |
MATCH #9: SINGLES MATCH
(REFEREE: OSCAR HARDING)
MICHAEL OKU W/AMIRA BLAIR VS. ADAM MAXTED
For the co-main event of the evening we'd see Aaron Chalmers join the commentary team while his ally Adam Maxted would take on Michael Oku. In the early goings of this contest we'd see Michael Oku manage to use his speed to stick and move as he looked to avoid the clutches of his more powerful opponent. This would have some effect in the early going as Michael Oku managed to land some strikes on Maxted until finally Maxted caught a kick of Oku and pulled him in for a clothesline. A big elbow drop then followed by Adam Maxted across the chest of Oku as the crowd boos. From here the smug Adam Maxted starts to perform push ups in the ring before he hops to his feet and starts posing in the ring. While Maxted begins to taunt the crowd, we see Amira at ringside trying to rally on Michael Oku as best she can. Dragging Oku to his feet, Adam Maxted would then toss Oku into the ropes before he'd attempt a powerslam on Michael Oku. Oku would counter with a small package for a count of two but as he rolled to his feet, Maxted uncorked a big boot to the jaw of Oku knocking him down to the canvas. From here Maxted followed with a basement clothesline before he'd drag Oku to his feet.
Adam then hits the ropes and attempts a clothesline on Oku who manages to duck a clothesline before landing a leaping kick to the side of Maxted's head. From here Oku attempted a tornado DDT but Maxted shoved him off before landing a shoulder tackle. Standing up from behind the commentary table Aaron Chalmers would clap his hands together as he applauded Maxted. However Oku would soon manage to launch a comeback on Maxted following a single knee face buster. This stuns Maxted and allows Oku to then follow up flying forearm to the face. With Maxted stunned Oku hit the ropes and this time as Maxted attempted a spinebuster Oku used the momentum against him to DDT Maxted into the canvas. Michael Oku then made a cover on Maxted only for Maxted to just barely kick out at a count of two. On commentary a concerned Aaron Chalmers would throw down his headset as he started to head near the ring. Oku would take note of this but this distraction allowed Maxted time to roll under the bottom rope. Climbing to his feet on the apron Maxted sprung into the ring for one of his big dropkicks but Oku was able to catch him and bring him down to the canvas in a single leg crab. The crowd cheers as the hold is locked in tight and Maxted has to submit!
Shepherd: And the winner of the match... Michael Oku!
The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and Michael Oku rises to his feet. As Michael Oku gets his arm raised in the air he points his fere hand at Aaron Chalmers before waving him into the ring. As Chalmers backed away from the ringside area Michael Oku would be blindsided in the ring by Adam Maxted. The crowd boos as Maxted fires off multiple forearms across the back of Oku. Chalmers meanwhile starts to reach into his pocket for a pair of brass knuckles but while he does so, Amira enters the ring and low blows Maxted. While Maxted drops to a knee, Oku rolls to his feet and connects with a superkick to Maxted's jaw. This knocks Maxted down and sends him rolling out of the ring. Oku turns to Chalmers and waves for him to come in the ring again. Chalmers however has other ideas as he starts to back up the ramp. As he does however we see from the back Angelico, Suge D, Axiom, Carlos Romo, Asher Hale and JD Drake appear. Chalmers turns around to face them but this wall of wrestlers advance towards him causing Chalmers to step back down to the ramp. As the reality star tries to go over one of the rails he is stunned to see Aussie Open standing by waiting for him while across on the other side is Kassius Ohno. Shouting for help from Maxted, Chalmers looks horrified as Adam Maxted instead makes his exit through the crowd leaving him high and dry while Chalmers rolls into the ring for his match.
MICHAEL OKU VS. AARON CHALMERS
For his second straight match of the night Michael Oku would finally have his chance to get his hands on Aaron Chalmers. With the official confiscating his brass knuckles, Chalmers would be forced to wrestle this contest straight up. This bout would very much be a dominant showing in the early going for Oku who managed to out wrestle Aaron Chalmers with ease. This would be until Chalmers managed to rake Oku's eyes and from here he'd hit a big double leg takedown on Oku before landing some crushing ground and pound while the commentary team reminded everyone of Chalmers time in Bellator. Looking to finish things and add insult to injury Chalmers looked for a heel hook on Oku but this would be countered when Michael Oku kicked him off. As Chalmers rolled to his feet he'd be stunned with a superkick to the jaw. From here Michael Oku followed up with a leaping kick to the back of the head of Chalmers. While all the wrestlers surrounded the ring and pounded their hands on the mat, Michael Oku climbed the turnbuckle before he dove off with a frog splash across Chalmers' chest. Motioning for the end, Oku then clamped on the single leg crab and it wouldn't be long until Chalmers screamed in pain and started to tap out!
Shepherd: And the winner of the match... Michael Oku!
The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and Michael Oku releases the hold. While Oku celebrates his win, he is joined in the ring by Amira. While the duo embrace in the ring at ringside all the superstars applaud the victorious Oku.. |
~ TAKE YOUR STAND ~
Following this next match, the cameras take us to the women's locker room where Raquel Lourenco makes her arrival. Making a beeline directly for Candy Floss, Katarina Leigh, Laura Di Matteo and Santana Garrett. Raquel Lourenco wishes this quartet the best of luck going into their main event tonight against the House of Couture and Australia's Hottest Commodities. Warning them that this collective will most definitely have some tricks up their sleeves. Raquel Lourenco follows up by saying that tonight and at the Showcase they have an opportunity to bring Jinny and her house crumbling down to the ground. As she then leaves the room, Lourenco closes out by once more wishing the women luck. |
~ WHY ~
Right ahead of the main event of the evening, the cameras follow Hyan as she makes her exit from the building. As she does so she is met by Joanna Rose who looks to grab her for an interview. Hyan does not seem impressed with Rose or this attempt at an interview. Stating that for weeks she has tried to speak her mind and get a forum to share her thoughts with the world and that she has been brushed off constantly. Hyan says that now she has put the world on notice and they finally want to hear what she has to say about tonight. However just like she did, the world will now have to wait their time until she is good and ready to take notice! |
MAIN EVENT: 8 WOMAN TAG TEAM ELIMINATION STREET FIGHT
(SENIOR OFFICIAL: THOMAS SCARBOROUGH)
AUSTRALIAS HOTTEST COMMODITIES (INDI HARTWELL AND PERSIA PIROTTA) AND HOUSE OF COUTURE (LANA AUSTIN AND NINA SAMUELS) VS. CANDY FLOSS, KATARINA LEIGH, LAURA DI MATTEO AND SANTANA GARRETT
It was then time for the main event of the evening and this would be an 8 woman elimination tag team street fight. From the very beginning this contest would break down into chaos as all 8 women paired off with one another and began battling back and forth both inside the ring and outside the ring. While in the ring we'd see Nina Samuels fight with Laura Di Matteo in one corner on the opposite side we'd see Katarina Leigh battling with Indi Hartwell. Near the announcers tables meanwhile would be Persia Pirotta and Candy Floss while near the bottom of the ramp was Santana Garrett and Lana Austin. As these fights would wage on the crowd in attendance of course would solidly be behind the quartet of Candy Floss, Katarina Leigh, Laura Di Matteo and Santana Garrett. During the early going things between both teams would be even until we'd see the House of Couture and Australia's Hottest Commodities begin to take some cheap shots in order to get ahead. This would include Persia Pirotta press slamming Candy Floss over the commentary table while in the ring Nina Samuels attacked the eyes of Laura Di Matteo allowing her to toss Laura into the ring post.
With Laura Di Matteo and Candy Floss incapacitated this allowed Persia Pirotta to return to the ring and help Indi Hartwell fight off Katarina Leigh while Nina Samuels joined Lana Austin on the floor to work over Santana Garrett. Katarina Leigh despite being outnumbered by Australia's Hottest Commodities would put up a good fight and even introduce the first weapon to the bout as she started teeing off on both women with a kendo stick. At ringside Santana Garrett would try a similar approach with a steel chair and managed to hit Nina Samuels to the midsection. Her attempt to hit Lana Austin however backfired as Lana ducked under and hit Santana with a forearm. This forearm stagged Santana and she fell to a knee while Nina Samuels wasted no time in curb stomping Garrett face first into the chair. With Santana out, Nina Samuels made the cover and quickly we'd see the first elimination of the match. Santana Garrett has been eliminated! The crowd boos as there was now a 4-3 advantage going to Jinny's stable as this bout resumed. Quickly however much to the delight of the crowd Laura Di Matteo would risk it all and dive from the top rope to the floor taking out both Lana and Nina with a crossbody block!
While this transpired a weakened Candy Floss joined the battle in the ring with a candy striped kendo stick and she'd begin clubbing Indi Hartwell while Katarina Leigh did the same to Persia Pirotta. This would be until Indi Hartwell managed to shove Candy Floss back into Katarina Leigh. With the two women clashing heads Indi Hartwell connected with a big boot to the jaw of Candy Floss while Persia Pirotta lands a spear on Katarina Leigh. This would earn Pirotta a near fall on the former general manager before she'd join in with Indi Hartwell to perform a clothesline and chop block combination on Candy Floss. At ringside we'd see Laura Di Matteo starting to make her way to her feet before she'd drive Nina Samuels into the ring apron. However Lana Austin would manage to hit her from behind before she attempted a DDT on the floor. Laura however would spin out before hitting Lana with a Russian Leg Sweep on the outside of the ring. From here Laura attempts a fujiwara armbar on the floor but as she clamps the hold on tight, Nina Samuels uses the ring steps to bash Laura in the side of the head. With Laura Di Matteo laid out, Nina Samuels would then make a cover for the three to eliminate her. Laura Di Matteo has been eliminated!
The crowd boos as the House of Couture enter the ring and rejoin with Australia's Commodities. Now armed with a four on two advantage it is clear this group are brimming with confidence when Katarina Leigh begins firing off several punches at the group. This would be until Indi Hartwell landed a boot to her chest sending Katarina falling out through the ropes and to the floor. With Katarina out of the ring, this left Candy Floss at a four on one disadvantage and we'd see quickly this group of women start to put the boots to her. This would be until they were blasted with a fire extinguisher by Katarina Leigh. With this blast sending Nina Samuels and Persia Pirotta stumbling back, Katarina followed up by using the fire extinguisher as a weapon to hit Indi Hartwell in the midsection. At the same time Candy Floss would crucifix Lana Austin for a pin in the center of the ring to a pop! Lana Austin has been eliminated! With it now 3 against two, we'd see Candy Floss even the odds some as she hit a split legged dropkick on Persia and Nina which sent Nina falling through the ropes. A second dropkick by Candy then followed on Persia sending her out of the ring. Hitting the ropes Candy Floss then landed a suicide dive out onto Persia while Katarina planted Indi Hartwell with a chokebreaker for the pin. Indi Hartwell has been eliminated!
The crowd cheers as the match is back to being even and Katarina stands tall in the ring. This would be until Nina Samuels returned to the ring and the pair traded punches with one another. As this went on in the ring we'd see Candy Floss on the outside of the ring land several forearms to Persia Pirotta backing her up against the guard rail. Launching herself at Persia, Candy Floss' attack however would be countered when Persia hoisted her in the air and dropped her across the guard rail. In the ring meanwhile Katarina Leigh started to get the better of Nina with punches and quickly landed a mafia kick to her to put her down on the canvas. Returning to the ring Persia Pirotta's attempt at a spear was met with a boot to the face by Katarina who then snatched a kendo stick and started to choke Persia with the stick. This was until Nina Samuels used the other kendo stick to bash Katarina across the back. From here Persia used her power to clamp Katarina in a tight bearhug and started to squeeze the life out of Katarina while Nina used the cane to hit Katarina across the back. Unable to break the hold and defend herself at the same time Katarina eventually began to fade in the hold until being rendered unconscious with the referee forced to call the action. Katarina Leigh has been eliminated!
Now back to being two on one, we'd see Nina Samuels tell Persia Pirotta to get Candy Floss. While Persia left the ring to grab the winded Candy Floss, we'd see Nina Samuels reach under the ring for a table. Pushing the table in the ring Nina Samuels began setting it up while Persia tossed Candy Floss into the ring. Rolling back into the ring Persia looked to Nina Samuels who ordered Persia to climb the ropes. This would start an argument between the pair as Pirotta made it clear that she doesn't take orders from Nina. This argument between the pair would begin to grow quite heated with Persia actually shoving Nina. Falling to the mat, Nina watched on as Candy Floss proceeded to roll up Persia Pirotta for the three. Persia Pirotta has been eliminated! The crowd would cheer as we was of course now down to two and Nina Samuels immediately pounced on Candy Floss with a series of punches. Despite Candy Floss' best attempts to fight her off, Nina Samuels soon firmly took over the match as she rocked Candy Floss with a knee to the jaw. From here Nina followed with an axe kick to the back of Candy Floss' head for a near fall before she'd rise to her feet and glance at the table.
Dragging Candy to her feet, Nina Samuels followed by dragging her to the turnbuckle before starting to lift Candy up onto the corner itself. Despite Candy Floss offering some resistance, Nina would position her up on the turnbuckle before she'd start to climb the ropes. Attempting a superplex on Candy Floss through the table, Nina was met with a few punches to the midsection by Candy Floss. This allowed Candy Floss to slam Nina's face into the turnbuckle before she'd drop down the turnbuckle. From here Candy Floss made the climb on the ropes behind Nina. With Nina still rattled, Candy Floss followed with a back suplex from the top rope through the table to a pop from the crowd. With both women down Candy Floss was the first to show some life and started to climb to her feet. Once Candy Floss was up we'd see a groggy Nina Samuels begin to take a knee, this allows Candy Floss to follow with a running meteora to Nina. With Nina Samuels down, Candy Floss then makes the cover for the win!
Shepherd: And the winners of the match.. Candy Floss, Katarina Leigh, Laura Di Matteo and Santana Garrett!
The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and an exhausted Candy Floss starts to take a knee. After having her arm raised in the air, Candy Floss is joined in the ring by her friend Xia Brookside and also her partners from the match. With the crowd cheering her own both Laura Di Matteo and Santana Garrett raise Candy Floss on their shoulders as the show comes to a close. |
