La Crosse, Wisconsin
Attendance: 5,129
February 11, 2018
The show starts with a video package showcasing action from both the Women's championship tournament, as well as the tag team championship tournament. It shows the current bracket before announcing a TWF Network special where the finalists will be determined.
Scott Hudson: "Welcome again, ladies and Gentlemen, to another edition of TWF programming! As always, we're glad to have you back with us, and I'm joined tonight with my partner, Matt Striker!"
Matt Striker: "We've got a great show lined up tonight, not to mention the big news we just saw during the show opening. Exclusively on the TWF Network, we're going to have a special broadcast to determine the finalists for the Women's and Tag Team title tournaments!"
Hudson: "No doubt that's going to be an event no one's gonna want to miss, but we've got plenty of action in store tonight, including Kenny Omega's first match in the TWF, as well as our main event, where "The American Nightmare," Cody will be taking on the intimidating Mil Meurtes! So without further adieu, let's get this action-packed night started!"
Wade Barrett's theme hits as he makes his way to the ring. He has a smug look on his face as makes his way down the ramp.
Hudson:"Big opportunity for Barrett tonight, as he'll challenge for the TWF TV Title."
Striker: "And you better believe that he's going to make the most of that opportunity; do you see the level of confidence this guy has going on?"
Hudson: "Well, what you call confidence, I'd call arrogance. He better not get too cocky; Gafgen has shown himself to be quite the champion since being crowned the inaugural TV champion."
"Sandpaper" by Fozzy begins to play as Troy Gafgen makes his way from the back. Thrown over his shoulder is the TWF TV Title. He wears a look of mild agitation as he stops at the foot of the ramp, looking over his opponent.
Striker: "You know, Gafgen HAS been impressive, but Barrett's no slouch, either. If Troy's not careful, we'll be crowning a new champion tonight."
Hudson: "You know, every week, Gafgen's going to find himself at a bit of a disadvantage; It's gotta be rough not knowing who your opponent is until right before the match."
Striker: "Well, that's the nature of the beast when you have to defend the title every show. You have to adapt on the fly."
Hudson: "I guess we'll have to see how well Gafgen adapts tonight!"
TWF Television Title Match
Challenger: Wade Barrett vs. Troy Gafgen
Gafgen found himself against a very determined opponent in this one, as Barrett wasted no time going right after the champion. Barrett looked to take advantage of his striking game, walloping him with some stiff rights and lefts before Irish whipping him into the ropes. As Gafgen came back, Barrett hit him hard with a kitchen sink. Gafgen sat up, holding his midsection. Barrett moved in front of Gafgen before hitting him with a sharp kick to the chest. Gafgen was left lying on his back once more as Barrett hit the ropes and landed a jumping knee drop to Troy's ribs. Barrett picked Gafgen up before scooping him up and driving him back into the mat with a powerslam. Barrett was fully in control at this point, continuing to keep the pressure on Gafgen with a series of big slams and heavy-handed blows. Gafgen was able to turn things around, however, after Barrett attempted to go for a standing suplex. Gafgen hooked Barrett's leg with his own, blocking the attempt. He then hit Barrett in the ribs three times in quick succession before lifting Barrett up and throwing him forward. Barrett landed chest first, and as he attempted to get back to his feet, Gafgen took him back down with a running crossbody.
Barrett rolled out of the ring in an attempt to regain his composure, but Gafgen followed him, hitting him with an axe handle to the back. Barrett's rush of offense at the beginning of the match seemed to have angered Gafgen, as Troy bullied Barrett into the barricade before beating him down with a flurry of huge overhand punches. Barrett had slumped to the floor at this point, but Gafgen simply grabbed his head and began to rain down closed-fisted punches to Barrett's forehead, busting him wide open. The referee had reached a count of 8, and warned Gafgen of a count-out. Gafgen responded by threatening the referee, then rolling in under the bottom rope, then back out to the floor, breaking the count. He picked the bloody Barrett up off the ground and threw him into the ring post. Barrett dropped to one knee, slumping into the post. afgen then took a few steps back before charging forward and blasting Barrett in the back of the head with a big boot. Barrett crumpled to the floor as the camera got a gruesome shot of Barrett's blood smeared across the ring post. Gafgen lifted the nearly unconscious Barrett from off the floor and rolled him into the ring. The match was already over, but Gafgen once again lifted Barrett up before nailing him with "The Sickness," sitting into the cover and getting the 1, 2, 3.
Winner: Troy Gafgen
"Sandpaper" by Fozzy begins to play, as the referee hands Gafgen his title. He raises it high into the air, looking down at his fallen opponent. The referee went to check on Barrett as Gafgen rolled under the bottom rope and made his way to the back.
Striker: "Good God, did you hear the impact of that big boot!?"
Hudson: "Wade Barrett should count himself lucky if he didn't suffer a concussion right there. But how impressive was Troy Gafgen tonight, Striker?"
Striker: "I've always thought Gafgen was one of the better wrestlers the TWF has had, but ever since his return to the TWF, he's really coming into his own. I think that championship has given him the confidence needed to be one of the best in the business right now."
Hudson: "He's definitely going to be one to watch as time goes on. But for as good as that match was, that's just a taste of what we have in store for the rest of the night!"
The camera cuts to Jim Cornette's office. He's shown sitting behind his desk, and standing in front of him are none other than Ken Doll and Kid Gundam, Jr.
Gundam Jr: "Mr. Cornette, you said so yourself, you're impressed with my performance since the TWF reopened it's doors. All I'm asking for is one chance; let me have a shot at Gafgen and his title."
Ken Doll: "Jim, are you really going to give this...upstart an opportunity like that before me? He thinks that just because his father was a big deal around here that he should get handed title shots whenever he wants them! Jim, I've been with the TWF through thick and thin... and besides, you want someone like me representing this company as a champion. Gorgeous looks, brilliant athleticism... I was born to be a champion!"
Gundam Jr: "Big words, coming from a guy that looks like a children's toy. If you think you're all that, why don't you face me in the ring, and we can see if you're as good as you say you are?"
Before Doll can respond, Cornette interjects.
Jim Cornette: "You know what? That sounds like a hell of an idea to me! You two, one on one, tonight. The winner gets a title opportunity against Troy Gafgen on the next show. Sound good to both of you?"
Gundam Jr.: "Sounds perfect. See you in the ring."
Gundam Jr. turns and walks out of the office. The camera gets a shot of Ken Doll flashing a cocky smile as the camera fades to black.
The camera cuts back to the ring, as the next match is set to begin. Waiting in the ring is Shawn Stasiak.
"Swerve City" by the Deftones begins to play as a very different looking Damion West makes his way to the ring. His hair is now jet black, and he now wears a pair of black jeans and boots. He wears a scowl on his face as he slides into he ring and leans into his corner of the ring.
Hudson: "We've heard the rumors that Damion West is a new man, and we can really see that here tonight."
Striker: "Yeah, Shawn Stasiak actually asked Jim Cornette for a rematch tonight, but... I'm starting to think he should have taken his last match with West on the chin; he really doesn't look like he's messing around tonight."
Damion West vs. Shawn Stasiak
As soon as the bell rang, West rushed in and tackled Stasiak to the ground. He scrambled on top of him and started hitting him with closed rights and lefts. The referee counted to 5, but West showed no signs of stopping, forcing the referee to call for the bell.
Winner: Shawn Stasiak by DQ
Striker: "Look at this, Damion West is going absolutely nuts!"
The referee tried to pull West off of Stasiak, but West shoved him to the mat before continuing to unload on Stasiak. He finally got up, and pulled Stasiak up by his ears, dragging him to the ropes. He wrapped the ropes around Stasiak's arms, trapping him there. He then reared back and delivered the "Head on Collision!" Stasiak's head snapped back in a sickening way, but West wasn't done there. He slapped Stasiak hard across the face before hitting another "Head on Collision." He then looked as if he was going to leave the ring, but instead, turned around and delivered a third massive superkick! Mercifully, Stasiak's arms came loose from the ropes and he fell to the mat. Referees and trainers rushed in from the back, putting themselves between West and the fallen Stasiak as a member of the medical team looked Stasiak over. West rolled out of the ring and grabbed a microphone before re-entering the ring.
Damion West: "You all see this? You see how I'm STILL disrespected by the higher-ups in the back? Last show, I went through this loser like he was nothing! He can't hold a candle to me on my worst day. But what happens? The very next show, I have another match with him. Well, look at him. Look at this worthless piece of TRASH! Worthless shit like this is beneath me! I want REAL matches! I want REAL competition! I want respect, God damn it! So, Jim Cornette, you, or whoever's pulling your strings in the shadows better start treating me like the God of wrestling that I am, or I promise you, every single jobber you throw my way is gonna end up just like him."
With that, West throws down the microphone as "Swerve City" begins to play again. West takes one last look at Stasiak before exiting the ring and making his way to the back.
Hudson: "Wow...I'm not sure what to say, partner."
Striker: "Jim Cornette better keep what West said in mind, Hudson, or I think we're going to see a lot of people end up on the injured reserve."
The camera cuts to the locker room, and the crowd begins to stir as M.X. Ogden is shown talking on his cellphone.
M.X. Ogden: "I understand. Thing is, I don't think... hey, let me call you right back...yeah, bye."
Ogden puts his phone down, and the crowd goes wild as the camera pans back to reveal that Kenny Omega has entered the room. Ogden smiles before standing up and shaking Omega's hand.
Ogden: "You know, I really figured you'd be the last guy I'd see in a TWF ring."
Kenny Omega: "Well, what can I say? I go where I'm needed, and right now... that's the TWF."
Ogden: *Laughs* "Please, the TWF "needs" everyone, at one point or another. Just make sure you stay friends with the right people, or you'll find that pretty soon, they'll "need" someone else more."
Omega: "Huh, sounds to me like you've got a bit of a chip on your shoulder."
Ogden: "Nah, I just learned everything I need to know about this place a long time ago. Actual talent doesn't go as far as knowing the right people and saying the right things. Trust me, I'm much better off gone, and you'll find out soon enough that you'll be better off, too."
Omega: "See, the only problem I have with that line of logic is... why are you here? Trust me, I know how brutal the flight from Japan to the U.S. is, and I wouldn't make it unless it was worth my effort. Now, I'M here, because I want to see professional wrestling be the best thing it can be, and specifically, I see the TWF as the next up-and-coming thing; call me conceited, but me being here already ups the value of the TWF as a promotion ten-fold. See, the TWF just... feels right. I feel like everyone here has the opportunity to really show the world what this sport is about; anyone who's willing to actually put forth the effort can make it here. I think you know that, too. You can say all you want that you're just here for old friends, but I think, deep down, you realize you didn't make the most of your time here."
Omega shrugs before patting Ogden on the back and exiting the locker room. Ogden sighs before sitting back down and picking his phone back up. He taps it a few times before bringing it to his ear.
Ogden: "Hey, I'm back...yeah... how about you go over it with me one more time."
Hudson: "Certainly an interesting conversation we just witnessed between M.X. Ogden and The Cleaner, Kenny Omega."
Striker: "You gotta wonder how close to home some of what Kenny was saying hit for Ogden."
Hudson: "Well, the action keeps moving along tonight, as we've got a match to determine the number one contender for the TWF Television Championship!"
Kid Gundam Jr.'s theme hits, as he makes his way from the back to a decent pop. He makes his way to the ring full of energy.
Hudson: "This kid's been pretty impressive since his debut, and he's got a huge opportunity here tonight."
Striker: "Yeah, but I can't help but think that maybe he's getting this opportunity a bit too soon. Ken Doll is no slouch, not to mention Doll's advantage in the experience department. Losing this big of a match this early in his career could seriously damage Gundam's confidence."
"Barbie Girl" by Aqua begins to play and Ken Doll and Lacey Von Erich are met with a wave of boos from the crowd as they make their way to the ring.
Striker: "I know as a commentator I'm supposed to remain impartial, but I'm saying it right now, I fully expect Ken Doll to win this match."
Hudson: "I know, I know, Ken Doll is incredibly athletic, he has the experience, yada yada yada, but don't you think you're overlooking Gundam Jr. a bit? Hopefully, Doll isn't as overconfident as you are."
Number One Contender's Match for T.V. Title
Kid Gundam Jr. vs. Ken Doll w/ Lacey Von Erich
This was a very exciting match for the fans, as both men showcased their athleticism in this one. The two combatants began the match with a bit of back-and-forth technical wrestling. Doll eventually gained the advantage, smoothly reversing a wristlock and bringing Jr. down with a headlock takedown. Doll held the headlock, but only for a moment, as Gundam Jr. was able to lift his leg over Doll before bringing his foot down hard into Doll's face. With Doll having released the hold, both men quickly scrambled to their feet. Doll then went to Irish whip Gundam into the ropes, but Gundam Jr. wowed the crowd by jumping onto the middle rope and nailing Doll with a springboard moonsault! Gundam sprung to his feet quickly as Doll was able to push himself up to his knees. Before Doll could fully recover, Gundam hit the ropes before driving Doll's head into the mat with a nasty headscissors DDT! Gundam looked to get the early pinfall, but Doll got his shoulder up right at 2. Gundam looked ready to try and finish it right there, as he lifted Doll up and looked to set him up for the "Shades of You," but Doll wisely went limp, then quickly rolled out of the ring. Gundam wasn't about to let Doll catch a breather, as he was right behind him. Before he could take the fight back to Doll, Von Erich quickly moved between the two men. She continued to berate Gundam, who could do nothing but back off. Suddenly, Von Erich ducked out of the way as Doll lunged forward, hitting Gundam with a sucker punch! He grabbed Gundam's head and smashed it into the ring post before rolling him back into the ring.
Doll was in complete control now, hitting Gundam with a running senton, then picking Gundam up and dropping him with a snap suplex. He continued his offensive, landing a scoop slam followed by a jumping elbow drop, then picking him up once more before hitting the ropes and smashing Gundam with a spinning wheel kick. Doll went for the cover, but was only able to get a two count. From there, after getting Gundam to his feet again, Doll Irish whipped Gundam into the corner, charging right after him. Gundam was able to slingshot over Doll, but Doll was prepared; he quickly turned around and landed a sharp kick to the midsection. He then grabbed Gundam by the head and waistband and drove him shoulder first into the ring post. Gundam stepped back and stumbled backwards into a beautiful German suplex from Doll, he lifted up into a bridge. The referee began the count, but Gundam again managed to kick out just before three. Doll wasted little time after the kick out, quickly getting to his feet before dropping a knee onto the back of Gundam's head. He rolled Gundam over and dragged him closer to the corner. He stomped Gundam's chest a few times for good measure before scaling the top rope. He mocked Gundam while perched atop the top rope, but that proved costly, as when he went for the leg drop, Gundam was able to roll out of the way! Doll sat there, stunned, giving Gundam the opportunity to hit him with a seated throwback. Looking to make the most out of the situation, Gundam lifted Doll up and was able to land the "Shades of You!" He made the cover, and despite Von Erich's best efforts to will Doll onward, the referee counted the 1, 2, 3!
Winner: Kid Gundam Jr.
Hudson: "And just like that, this kid has earned himself a title opportunity!"
Striker: "Hey, I figured he'd win this thing from the very beginning!"
Hudson: "Now wait a minute, you were the one that said... hold on, what's this?"
As Gundam Jr. was celebrating in the ring, none other than Jason Oliver and Kevin Thorn emerged from the back, both of them embroiled in a brawl. The two men fought their way to the ring, as Gundam Jr. cleared out. As both men continued to lay into one another, several TWF staff members rushed out to pull them apart. Thorn and Oliver tried to get back at one another, but the trainers and staff were finally able to keep them apart. As the two of them continued throwing verbal insults at one another, Jim Cornette stormed into the arena from the back, microphone in hand. He got into the ring and stood between Thorn and Oliver.
Cornette: "That's enough, damn it! You two have been going at it like this for months! I thought if I just let you two beat the hell out of each other long enough, you'd get it out of your systems, but obviously, we're going to need some kind of resolution to this. So at TWF Resurrection, it's going to be the two of you facing off in a Falls Count Anywhere match!"
The crowd goes crazy at the announcement, as both Oliver and Thorn seem pleased with the decision.
Hudson: "Oh wow, a huge announcement from Jim Cornette!"
Striker: "Yeah, and I can't wait to see that match go down!"
The camera cuts to the back to show Mr. Taylor, Sylvester Terkay and Gina Carano walking with The Young Bucks. The Gold Standard all wear big smiles, however, The Young Bucks seem uncomfortable.
Mr. Taylor: "Look, we're not trying to pressure you. We just want to show you our VIP lounge, that's all. You're free to use it as you see fit, or not, it's up to you. But I think once you see..."
Mr. Taylor stops, and his smile fades. The camera pans over to show a door with a sign that says "VIP Lounge: Invite Only." Underneath that sign, is taped a large piece of paper that reads "Have a good night! - Eddie St. James". Mr. Taylor nods at Terkay, who opens the door and heads in.
Sylvester Terkay: "You're gonna want to see this..."
The group walks into the room to find it absolutely trashed. Food and drink has been thrown everywhere, and there are several expensive looking chairs and a table flung about. Laying against the back wall is a man in a disheveled tuxedo. Next to him is a very large, very smashed flat screen television. Mr. Taylor looks furious as Carano gently rubs his shoulder.
Matt Jackson: "So, it seems like now's kind of a bad time, sooo..."
Nick Jackson: "We're gonna get going... thanks for the offer, though."
The Young Bucks leave the ruined room, as Mr. Taylor stands there fuming.
Terkay: "So, what are we going to do about this?"
Mr. Taylor: "I need to talk to Cornette... and I need to talk to him right now."
The camera cuts back to the ring where we see Richard Ramsley in the ring. He has a microphone in hand, and he motions for the crowd to quiet down, causing them to be even louder.
Richard Ramsley: "Sebastian Cain... get your ass out here, right now. You and I... need to talk."
Ramsley doesn't have to wait long, as "Black" by Sevendust hits the PA system, and Sebastian Cain makes his way out from the back to a loud pop. He carefully enters the ring, keeping his eyes on Ramsley the whole time before motioning for a microphone of his own.
Sebastian Cain: "Make this quick, Ramsley. You and I have been in this business for a good while now, and not once have you said anything that was worth me paying attention to."
Ramsley smiles and shakes his head.
Ramsley: "See, Sebastian, that's the problem with you... you're so damn full of yourself. That's been the problem with you since the very beginning. See, I know you try so, so hard to make it seem like you're this great guy... how you turned your life around, how you overcame a difficult past to achieve greatness, and all that jazz. But really... you're just an egocentric asshole! And what's worse is, you show absolutely no remorse for the shit you pull in the name of your own self-image. *Chuckle* Even... you know... that girl you ran over all those years ago. You don't care that that woman's never gonna walk again, do ya, Sebastian? She's a convenient plot point in your past, huh? A way for you to say, "Look, I'm a changed man! I'm NOTHING like I used to be! You even fooled me way back when, Sebastian! I thought that you were just like me, that you had just lost your way, but honestly, man, you're much, MUCH worse than I could ever be!"
Cain immediately gets right in Ramsley's face.
Cain: "Ramsley, why don't you, just one time, SHUT YOUR MOUTH!? How sick in the head are you, you freak!? You come out here and you act like you're some kind of victim, like somehow, I'm the bad guy in this situation, when everyone but you knows that you're just an attention seeking, manipulative, loud-mouthed prick! But you know what? It doesn't matter. Because like I said before, you can't back up what you say. All bark and no bite. When you and me square up at Resurrection, I'm going to beat you, just like I've beat you every time we've fought. Then, I'm going to keep making waves here in the TWF, and your sorry ass is going to fall into the depths of obscurity like the little bitch that you are."
An audible "Ohh" was heard from the crowd and both men dropped their microphones, and began to stare each other down.
Striker: "Oh man, we might not have to wait until Resurrection to see these two go at it!"
Hudson: "Yeah, but if that happens, they're both gonna be suspended indefinitely, and I don't think anybody... wait, look who's here!"
As both men continued to posture in the ring, Kris Wolf had snuck into the ring. She scrambled over to Sebastian Cain, hitting him with a low-blow. Ramsley laughed as Cain fell to the mat, writhing in pain.
Hudson: "Oh, come on! Now Ramsley has a woman fighting his battles for him?"
Striker: "Hey, Cornette said that RAMSLEY couldn't touch Cain, he didn't say anything about anybody else doing it!"
Wolf then dragged Cain closer to the corner. She scaled to the top rope, then leaped off, driving both knees into Cain's midsection. Cain was left clutching his ribs and gasping for air as Ramsley picked up one of the microphones.
Ramsley: "I'm always... ALWAYS one step ahead of you, Cain. Never forget that..."
"Black Honey" by Thrice began to play over the sound system as Ramsley and Wolf made their exit from the ring and headed to the back.
Hudson: "These two are going to tear each other apart come Resurrection!"
Striker: "Yeah, and I can't wait to see it!"
The camera cuts to the back to show Kenny Omega warming up for his upcoming match. As he's in the middle of a shoulder stretch, he stops as Jordan Rockwell enters the shot. Kenny smiles and extends his hand, but Rockwell keeps his arms crossed. Kenny shurgs before withdrawing his hand. Rockwell sighs before unfolding his arms.
Jordan Rockwell: "Look... I just wanted to say... thanks for the assist on the last show. That being said... I also want you to know that I don't trust you. Not yet. You've proven yourself to be, uh... not exactly the most trustworthy of partners."
Omega laughs a little, shaking his head.
Omega: "You know, I guess I can't say that I blame you. Look, I've got my own problems with Money Mike, that's all you need to know. Now, you may not trust me, and that's fine, but just know, as far as Mike and his little Empire is concerned... I've got your back."
Rockwell looks skeptical, but eventually extends his hand to Omega.
Rockwell: "Likewise."
Omega returns the handshake before the camera fades.
The camera cuts back to the ring and we find both Austin Pyromania and Damien Sandow in the ring.
Hudson: "Well, it looks like there's an uneasy alliance between Rockwell and Omega!"
Striker: "Yeah, but put an emphasis on "uneasy." Personally, I think it's smart of Rockwell to keep his eye on Omega."
Hudson: "Well, we'll see Omega in action later tonight, but right now, we've got Austin Pyromania in the ring, and he's been one to keep an eye on, himself."
Striker: "When we last saw him, he seemed to be leaving a message to Joe Corey. If he's smart, he's had a change of heart in regards to Corey's offer."
Austin Pyromania vs. Damien Sandow
Pyromania seemed very focused in this one, as he wrestled a very no-nonsense style. Sandow tried to keep his distance with a few strikes, but Pyromania did a very good job at keeping the fight up close. After working Sandow into the corner, Austin began to land some big knees to the midsection. He pushed the referee's count to 4 before pulling Sandow out of the corner and into a clothesline. He then perched himself on the second rope and leaped forward, driving his knee into Sandow's face. Austin then went for the quick cover, but Sandow was able to kick out at 2. Austin looked to keep up his offense, picking Sandow up and delivering a European uppercut, which sent Sandow reeling into the ropes. Austin then went to land another clothesline, but Sandow ducked and used Austin's own momentum to send him over the top rope and crashing to the floor below. Sandow followed shortly behind, hitting Austin with some stomps to the back before picking him up and dropping him with a falling powerslam. Sandow then rolled into the ring to break the count before returning to Austin. He muscled him into the barricade, unleashing close to 20 punches on the crown of Austin's head before grabbing him and driving him face first into the steel steps. Sandow then rolled into the ring, looking to score a count-out victory. Sandow very nearly got just that, but Austin was able to scramble back into the ring right at the count of 9. As soon as he returned to the ring, Sandow jumped on him, hitting Austin with wild punches to the back and head. He lifted him up, and went for a belly-to-back suplex, but Austin was able to backflip out of it! Pyromania quickly locked in a painful looking Kata Ha Jime! He pulled Sandow to the ground and wrapped his legs around his midsection. Sandow was in the middle of the ring and with no where to go, he quickly tapped out.
Winner: Austin Pyromania
Hudson: "Holy cow! Just like that, this one's over!"
Striker: "Sandow made the right decision tapping out when he did. That hold was locked in tight, and it would have only been a matter of time before he was out cold."
Pyromania didn't even stay in the ring long enough to get his hand raised, as he rolled out of the ring and grabbed a microphone. He rolled back into the ring and looked towards the ramp as the referee checked on Sandow.
Austin Pyromania: "Joe Corey! I... I thought about you said, and... you're right! I don't want things to be like last time; I don't want to languish in the bottom of the card with the rest of the nobodies. So, as far as your offer goes... I accept!"
The crowd erupts into boos at Austin's decision. "Amazing" by Kanye West hits and Joe Corey walks out onto the stage, microphone in hand.
Joe Corey: "Hey, Austin, that's great! Seriously, that's really good to hear! There's just one little problem... I gave you your chance, and you turned it down. Now, I hate to break it to you, but you know the old saying, right? "Opportunity knocks but once." I've already started scouting out a few new prospects, so... thanks.... but no thanks."
"Amazing" begins to play once more, as "The Show" simply turns around and walks back to the backstage area. Pyromania sighs deeply, rubbing his chin as he shakes his head.
The camera cuts to Jim Cornette's office, as Cornette is shown in the middle of a discussion with Sebastian Cain.
Cain: "Twice, Cornette! Twice now, Ramsley's managed to get someone else to do his dirty work, and I can't do anything about it!"
Cornette: "This is my fault, honestly, I should have known that sneaky bastard would find a way around that no contact clause...."
Cornette sighs and leans back in his chair.
Cornette: "You know, I think I have just the thing. I'm not gonna go back on my word, but I can do the next best thing. Next show, Ramsley's going to be in a match against an opponent of your choosing. Make sure you pick someone good, alright?"
Cains smiles and nods.
Cain: "Yeah... I got a couple of people in mind, actually. I think this will work out just fine."
The camera fades to black as Cain leaves the office looking very pleased.
The Empire's theme music hits, as Cris Henning makes his way to the ring.
Striker: "Ooooh man, I've been waiting for this one!"
Hudson: "You, me, everyone in this building, and everyone watching at home! Folks, we're all about to witness the TWF in-ring debut of one of the biggest names in professional wrestling today, Kenny Omega!"
Striker: "Check out Cris Henning, though, Hudson. He's looking focused tonight, and I can only imagine he'd love nothing more than to make sure Omega's TWF debut ends in a loss."
"Devil's Sky" hits as Kenny Omega enters the stage to the biggest pop of the night. The arena is filled with the flash of hundreds of cameras all going off at once.
Striker: "No matter how you look at it, Hudson, the signing of Kenny Omega here in the TWF is an absolute game changer. I mean, listen to this crowd, I can barely hear myself talk!"
Hudson: "You can only imagine that Omega's going to be making major waves here, but like you said, he's got a pretty stiff challenge to get through before that, and his name is Cris Henning."
Cris Henning vs. Kenny Omega
Henning started this one out aggressively, running at Omega and throwing a clothesline, but that was a mistake. Omega ducked the attempt, and then began to hit Henning with some stiff kicks to the left calf muscle before nailing him with a knife-edged chop to the chest that sent Henning stumbling into the corner. Omega followed after him, lighting up his chest with even more chops. Henning's chest was beet red as Kenny stepped up to the second rope and began landing some shots to Henning's forehead. The crowd counted out to 10 as Kenny landed his strikes, and Henning fell face first onto the canvas after Omega jumped down. Kenny took a moment to pander to the crowd a bit, which they ate up. From there, he went to pick Henning up, but the momentary pause proved costly, as Henning snuck in a thumb to the eye once he was on his feet. Omega brought his hands to his face and doubled over, giving Henning the perfect opportunity to land a big knee to the head. Omega fell hard to the mat, and just as he rolled over, Henning hit a running soccer kick to his ribs, lifting Omega off the mat. As soon as Omega landed back on the mat, Henning wasted no time in rolling him back over and landing several stomps to the midsection. It was obvious that Henning had found an opening and was more than willing to exploit it, as he dropped down and began to hit him in the ribs with some big right hands, all while grinding the knuckles of his left hand into Omega's face. Henning then went to pick Omega up, but Kenny sprung up and delivered a swift right hand. He hit Henning with a few more shots before Irish whipping Henning into the ropes. Kenny then went for a big superkick, but Henning was able to stop himself just before running into reach. Looking to regroup, Henning quickly dropped to the mat and rolled out of the ring. Kenny dropped to one knee, nursing his ribs, as the crowd began to clap out the drum beat from The Terminator. Kenny seemed to feed off this, rising to his feet before hitting the ropes and landing a beautiful suicide dive onto the recovering Henning! Both men were down, but the move seemed to have caused even more damage to Omega's midsection. The referee managed to get all the way to a count of 9, but both men were able to slide back into the ring at the last second. The two opponents slowly rose to their feet and began to exchange big punches. Henning was able to get the advantage, eventually dropping Omega to the mat with a big left forearm. Henning seemed to be looking for a bit of high-risk offense of his own, as he dragged Omega closer to the corner before attempting to climb to the top rope. He reached the top rope, and slowly went to stand up, but with his back to his opponent, he failed to notice that Omega had gotten to one knee! Omega quickly lunged into the ropes, causing Henning to fall groin first into the top of the corner! Kenny saw his opportunity, as he got Henning positioned onto his shoulders before walking to the middle of the ring and delivering "The One-Winged Angel!" Kenny went for the cover and the referee made the 3 count.
Winner: Kenny Omega
Hudson: "An impressive win for Omega in his debut match."
Striker: "Most definitely, and I think... oh, wait a minute, we've got company!"
As Omega celebrated in the ring, Money Mike and Carney had run into the ring. The two members of The Empire looked ready to pounce, but before they could, Rockwell, Tirpak, and Chaos Wolf emerged from the back and ran to the ring! Rather than stick around, The Empire decided on a hasty retreat. Henning had gotten to his feet, and quickly joined Mike and Carney in their exit up the ramp. Rockwell looked Omega over, still looking unsure if he should trust him.
Hudson: "Well, looks like Rockwell returned the favor from the last show tonight."
Striker: "Yeah, but it still doesn't look like Rockwell fully trusts Omega yet, which I can't really say I blame him, honestly."
Hudson: "Shaky alliances aside, the bad blood continues to boil between Money Mike and Jordan Rockwell. I think we're going to have an all out war on our hands come Resurrection!"
A video package is shown highlighting the tag team match between Cody Rhodes, Mil Muertes, Matt Cruz and Nails on the last edition of TWF programming. The video ends at the aftermath of the match, with Mil Muertes and Catrina standing over Matt Cruz.
Cody Rhodes' theme hits as Cody makes his way to the ring alongside his wife, Brandi.
Hudson: "We've got one of the competitors vying for the TWF Championship in action tonight against the truly frightening Mil Muertes, and Striker, it's truly going to be brawn versus finesse in our main event, isn't it?"
Striker: "Oh, no doubt. Cody is one of the best technical wrestlers in the game today; one of the best wrestlers overall, honestly. But Mil Muertes is just scary strong, and if Cody isn't careful, he could get flattened like a pancake in this one."
Mil Muretes' theme hit, and he and Catrina made their way from the back. Before they could even make it down the ramp, however, Catrina screamed as Matt Cruz ran out as well, brandishing a chair! Before Muertes could react, Cruz leveled him with a hard shot to the back, dropping him face first to the floor. Cruz continued to beat Muertes with the steel chair, grabbing the legs of the chair and driving the top of the chair into the lower back of Muertes. Cruz began to tap the ground with the chair, just waiting for Muertes to slowly get to his feet. Once he did, he blasted him with a vicious shot to the head, laying Muertes out. Cruz wasn't finished, however, as he threw the chair down before picking Muertes up and dragging him into the back.
Cody stood in the ring watching the assault, but in doing so failed to notice Nails enter the arena from the crowd! Nails entered the ring and walked behind Rhodes. Cody took a step backwards, only to walk into Nails. Cody looked horrified as he slowly turned around, right into "The Nail Driver!" The crowd cheered as Nails quickly picked Cody up and delivered a second "Nail Driver!"
Striker: "Wow, we're still a bit far removed from Resurrection, but it's certainly shaping up to be a wild ride!"
Hudson: "A lot of volatile elements coming together, to be sure. But as you said, we've got a way to go before then; we're going to have to wait and see what the ramifications of these events are until the next show. Until next time, ladies and gentlemen, I'm Scott Hudson, along with my partner, Matt Striker. Goodnight!"
Nails peers down at Rhodes through his hockey mask as the shit fades out....