The cameras opened up the scene with Summer Rae who stood with her Mean Girls cohorts, Eva Marie and Sasha Banks. Their bodyguard Kharma stood near by but was not included in the conversation they were having. The three were mindlessly gossiping among one another in the corridor backstage. A TV monitor was located nearby where Superstars and Divas could watch the show, but none of the trio paid any attention to it.
Sasha: So tomorrow we're filming a new episode of Fashion Police and all of us needs to be on the go and ready to film by 8am, STAT.
Eva and Summer let out a groan of protest.
Summer: Ick, I hate early mornings.
Eva: 8am, really?
Sasha casually shrugged her shoulders.
Sasha: It was the only available slot and let's face it boos, Fashion Police is needed around here. Aside from us, not one single Diva is even trying to be fashion conscious around here, and it’s just… Nasty. I can’t be silent any more on this.
Eva and Summer nodded in agreement.
Summer: Yeah, you do have a valid point.
Eva: And it's not fair to our poor fans, suffering with so little Mean Girls on their TV screens. It's a wonder EBWF keeps any fans around without us on TV every week.
Summer: Truer words have never been spoken.
Sasha: So anyways, I was thinking....
Sasha continued to talk but Summer stopped listening. Something caught her attention out of the corner of her eye. A guy with spiked brown hair and the sides of his head were shaved in a cheetah pattern. Summer's eyes grew huge as she realized who it was, you could practically see the hearts in her eyes. She beamed and jumped up and down in place with excitement.
Sasha: Um, excuse me... Summer? What are you even doing right now?
Summer: He's back!
Eva inquisitively cocked her manicured eyebrow.
Eva: Who's back?
Summer held her finger up to signal one moment.
Summer: Enzo! Enzo!
Summer called out to the guy and made her way over to him.
Enzo: Summer Rae! HOW YOU DOIN’!
Summer: OMG! Eeek!
Summer fanned herself for a moment, ecstatic to see him back in EBWF.
Summer: I’m so glad you’re finally back! Maybe we can catch up or something later?
Summer twisted some of her blonde hair around her finger in a nervous yet slightly flirtatious manner.
Enzo: Sure thing miss thing, maybe a little post match celebration if ya know what I’m sayin’.
Summer: Okay! And yes please! Here’s my digits hot stuff, call me!!
Enzo took the piece of paper with her number scribbled on it and winked at her before walking off towards the staging area for his match.
Summer: He is sooo gonna make my hotline bling!
Summer turned to face Sasha and Eva who both looked at her with odd expressions. The scene faded out to ringside for the match.
Jim Ross: Good evening and welcome to Warfare! I'm Jim Ross, joined by Jerry "The King" Lawler!
Jerry Lawler: We are live from the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana!
Jim Ross: Christmas Eve of Destruction is just ten days away, and tonight we'll have a triple threat match to determine the number one contender for the PTG Title. We'll also see the EBWF World Champion The Miz in action against CM Punk!
Jerry Lawler: Up first though, we'll see the return of Enzo Amore! He takes on the former Breakout Champion, Jeff Hardy!
"SAWFT is a Sin" hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as Enzo Amore made his way to the ring. After Enzo had entered the ring, "Similar Creatures" by Peroxwhy?gen hit and the crowd cheered as Jeff Hardy headed to the ring. When Hardy was in the ring, the referee called for the bell and Hardy went after Enzo, hitting him with a series of right hands. Hardy then went to whip Enzo against the ropes, but Enzo reversed it, sending Hardy into the ropes. Enzo hit a dropkick, then as both men got to their feet, Enzo hit Hardy with a forearm smash. He followed it up with an enzuigiri, then hit a back drop and hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jim Ross: Enzo Amore with a near fall!
Enzo got to his feet and stomped on Hardy several times, then pulled the Extreme Enigma to his feet and dragged him towards the corner, slamming his head against the turnbuckle. Enzo punched Hardy repeatedly in the corner, but Hardy fought back and hit Enzo with a mule kick. Enzo staggered backwards and Hardy ran at him, taking him down with a clothesline. Enzo got back to his feet and Hardy hit a sitout jawbreaker, followed by a double leg drop to the midsection. Hardy made the cover and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jerry Lawler: Another near fall! This time Hardy gets a two count!
Hardy pulled Enzo to his feet and whipped him into the corner, then ran at him and hit Poetry in Motion. Enzo looked dazed as he moved out of the corner, and Hardy set him up for the Twist of Fate... but Enzo blocked it and turned Hardy around, hitting him with a reverse DDT. Enzo then went to the top rope, and as Hardy got to his feet, Enzo hit a diving crossbody! Enzo covered Hardy and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Enzo got to his feet and stomped on Hardy some more, then pulled him to his feet and whipped him against the ropes. As Hardy ran back towards him, Enzo took his opponent down with an arm drag, then as Hardy got back up, Enzo dragged him towards the corner. Enzo climbed to the top rope and hit a Tornado DDT!
Jim Ross: Certified G! This could be it, King!
Enzo hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... 3! "SAWFT is a Sin" hit and Enzo celebrated his victory, then made his way to the back.
Jim Ross: Up next, we've got divas action as AJ Lee takes on Natalya!
"Can You Feel My Heart" by Bring Me The Horizon hit and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as AJ headed to the ring. After AJ had entered the ring, "Closer" by Lacuna Coil hit and the crowd cheered as Natalya stepped out onto the stage. The Anvilette walked down the ramp, and when both divas were in the ring, the referee called for the bell. The two divas locked up and Natalya applied a headlock, but AJ broke free and pushed Natalya into the ropes. As Natalya hit the ropes, AJ got ready to hit her with an arm drag, but Natalya took her down with a shoulder block. AJ got to her feet and Natalya lifted her up for a body slam, but AJ countered with a headscissors takedown. Both divas got to their feet and AJ hit a DDT, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jerry Lawler: AJ with a near fall! Great back and forth action so far, JR!
AJ pulled Natalya to her feet and applied a hammerlock, but Natalya fought out of it and hit AJ with a clothesline. AJ got to her feet and Natalya took her down with a snapmare, then went for the sharpshooter. Before she could lock it in, AJ scrambled towards the edge of the ring and grabbed onto the bottom rope. Natalya released her, then stepped back, allowing AJ to get to her feet. AJ got up and went for a spin kick, but Natalya ducked out of the way, then hit the Michinoku Driver. She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jim Ross: Another near fall! This time Natalya gets a two count!
Natalya pulled AJ to her feet and went to whip her into the corner, but AJ reversed it, sending Natalya into the turnbuckles. AJ ran at Natalya and hit a dropkick, then as Natalya staggered out of the corner, AJ hit a hurricanrana. Both divas got to their feet and AJ went for the Black Widow, but Natalya lifted AJ onto her shoulders and hit a fireman's carry slam, then as AJ sat up, Natalya hit a dropkick to the back of the head. Natalya hooked the leg once more and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout! Natalya got to her feet and went for the Sharpshooter, but AJ kicked her away and got back to her feet. The two divas locked up and Natalya applied an arm twist, but AJ fought back, hitting Natalya with a stiff kick before grabbing the Anti-Diva and hitting a swinging neckbreaker. AJ hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jerry Lawler: So close to a three count!
AJ looked frustrated at only getting a two count, and as she got to her feet, she stomped on Natalya several times. AJ then pulled Natalya to her feet and set her up for the Shiranui... but Natalya fought back, shoving AJ into the turnbuckles. As AJ staggered out of the corner, Natalya grabbed her, hitting a double underhook suplex. Natalya then grabbed AJ by the legs, applying the Sharpshooter! AJ cried out in pain and tried to reach the ropes, but Natalya pulled her towards the center of the ring, ensuring the ropes were out of reach. As she realised she couldn’t get to the ropes, AJ tapped out! The referee called for the bell and Natalya broke the hold, then celebrated as Warfare went to a commercial break.
Jim Ross: In our main event we have The Miz taking on CM Punk! But for now, we've got a great matchup between the veteran Mankind and the English Bareknuckle Boxing Champion, Wade Barrett!
Jerry Lawler: I can't wait!
"Rebel Son" by CFO$ began playing out of the speakers of the arena as Wade Barrett came out to the ring, garnering a mixed reaction from the crowd. He smirked at the crowd, taunting them by cocking his fist. He got in the ring and awaited his opponent.
Jim Ross: Both of these men will be looking for an opportunity to get a shot at some gold tonight.
Mankind's music played loudly as Mankind approached the ring and entered to cheers from the crowd. Once both were in the ring, the referee called for the bell. The two superstars circled each other before locking up. Wade Barrett managed to get the upper hand as he pummeled Mankind and drove him into the corner. The referee called for the break and the two broke up, Barrett then went back on the attack and stunned Mankind with some right hands before lifting him up and hitting a scoop slam. Barrett hit the ropes and went for an elbow drop but Mankind rolled out of the way. He slowly got to his feet and was quickly hit with a running big boot from Barrett. Barrett went to the second rope and waited for Mankind to get back up.
Jim Ross: Looked like Wade Barrett is going to go for a big jump here! Is it going to pay off?!
As Mankind got to his feet Barrett jumped off the second rope and hit a axehandle smash, and then went for a cover.
1..2.. kickout!
Mankind kicked out and the two got to their feet. They began to exchange punches in the centre of the ring, after several shots Mankind began to take over and dropped Barrett with a clothesline. He then went for the cover.
1..2.. kickout!
Jerry Lawler: Mankind is getting the advantage! What a comeback!
Jim Ross: Strong showing from both superstars.
Barrett rolled to the corner and got to his feet. Mankind charged at Barrett but was met with a large elbow, stopping him in his tracks. Wade Barrett mounted the turnbuckle again.
Jim Ross: Wade Barrett going back to the turnbuckle! Will it pay off again?
He launched off the turnbuckle, but Mankind reached out and jammed his middle and ring fingers down Barrett's throat. Barrett struggled wildly, flailing as hard as his arms could. Mankind held his hand firmly in place.
Jerry Lawler: Mandible Claw! Mandible Claw! Caught in mid air!
Barrett finally collapsed to the mat, and the referee called a stop to the match. The bell rang.
Jim Ross: Mankind has won here in a great match!
Jerry Lawler: That was a hell of a performance from both men!
The camera panned out to reveal Mankind still standing in the ring soaking up the cheers from the crowd. He celebrated as Warfare went to commercial.
After a short buildup recapping the main event between The Miz and CM Punk, Solomon Crowe's theme hit and the fans in Louisiana immediately started booing like crazy.
Jim Ross: They’re definitely not Solomon Crowe fans here in Lafayette!
After Crowe made his way to the ring, PJ Black’s theme hit and the fans he didn’t fair much better with the fans.
Jerry Lawler: The Artist Formerly Known as Justin Gabriel.
Jim Ross: He might have a new name, but it certainly doesn’t appear that he has a new attitude, King.
Finally, Syxx entered the arena accompanied by Symphony to a monster pop from the fans in attendance at the Cajundome.
Christy Hemme did the ring announcements for the matchup. The fans booed Crowe and Black again, and once again cheered Syxx. The bell rang, and the three men were off.
Syxx moved to wipe out Black but turned around into the setup for a headlock driver from Crowe, which Black stopped. Syxx took out Crowe and Black both. Syxx was dominating both guys as the camera focused on the sadistic smile on the face of Symphony at ringside. Syxx hit two German suplexes on PJ Black, and then hit a couple of traditional suplexes on Crowe.
Jim Ross: Looks like Syxx has complete control of this offense.
Jerry Lawler: There’s something to be said for experience, JR!
The "let's go Syxx" chants broke out as he started hitting Black with suplexes again. Syxx locked Crowe into the Buzzkiller as Black was selling outside of the ring. Out of nowhere, Black did a springboard dropkick to break up the submission attempt by Syxx. Crowe was down now as Black kicked away at the legs of the veteran.
Jerry Lawler: Looks like the tide is turning here.
Out of nowhere, Crowe hit the Headlock Driver on Syxx, but before Crowe could go for the pin, Black threw Crowe out of the ring and covered Syxx. Syxx kicked out at one. Syxx spun around, throwing Black out of the ring. As Crowe was reentering, he kicked him down, and Solomon slid back to the outside. Syxx went out after them but walked directly into a big kick from Black. Crowe dropkicked a grounded Syxx. Black moved to the other side of the ring to avoid Crowe. Crowe gave chase. The two ended up back in the ring. Each time Crowe knocked Black down, the fans booed like crazy. Crowe went for the Stretch Muffler.
Jim Ross: PJ Black does not want to get tied up in that!
Black avoided the submission but walked into a sidewalk slam for his efforts. Crowe raised his hand again signaling for his finisher, but out of nowhere, Syxx grabbed him from behind and blasted him with a roundhouse kick. And another. Black dropkicked Syxx in the face before he could hit Crowe with a third roundhouse kick.
Jerry Lawler: He’ll feel that tomorrow!
Black and Crowe traded punches as Syxx recovered. When he returned to his feet, he threw Crowe out of the ring. Black came out of nowhere with a springboard clothesline attempt but Syxx met him with a massive kick to the chest while he was in midair. He covered him for the pin, but Crowe made the save and broke up the count at the last second.
Jerry Lawler: I thought this one was over!
Syxx headed out to the floor and cleared off the announce table. He took one of the monitors and smashed it onto the ring steps.
Jim Ross: No Syxx! Christmas Eve of Destruction is NEXT week.
He headed back into the ring but walked right into a headlock driver. Syxx popped back up but right into another headlock driver. He stumbled back to his feet immediately again, but again, Crowe nailed him with another headlock driver. The crowd was losing it. Black hits a discus elbow smash on Syxx and covered him, but Crowe broke up the pin again. The fans in Lafayette break out into a loud "this is awesome!" chant.
Jerry Lawler: This crowd is right. This is turning into one hell of a match!
The action spilled out to the floor. Syxx was stumbling around after taking three headlock drivers and an elbow to the face, while Crowe and Black were laid out. Out of nowhere, Crowe popped up and speared Syxx through the barricade.
Jim Ross: Bah Gawd, King!
They crashed through the barricade and landed on the ground in the crowd. Black rolled back into the ring. The referee was trying to gain control of the match, yelling for the participants to return to the ring. Crowe grabbed Syxx on the floor and threw him into the ring steps. Syxx returned to his feet, and he and Crowe battled against each other in a lockup, before Syxx got the upper hand and Crowe was whipped into the ring steps. Crowe pulled himself up at the ring apron, Syxx still stumbling. Crowe hit another headlock driver, and Black capitalized.
Jerry Lawler: Why isn’t the referee counting?!
Jim Ross: ’Tis the season, King!
Black moved to lay Syxx out across the Spanish announce table. PJ Black leapt off the top rope with a monstrous 450 Splash, landing on Syxx, crashing through the announce table in the process. The "holy sh*t" chants broke out as multiple replays of that incredible high spot were shown for the crowd at home. Those chants quickly change into “This is Awesome“ chants.
Black ran and charged at Crowe but Crowe caught him in yet another headlock driver position. Black escaped, however, but ran into Crowe and was leveled. Both men were down, and Syxx moved to capitalize. He bent over to grab Black by the head, but PJ Black hit a roundhouse kick to the head of Syxx from his back. Popping up, he hit an enzuigiri on Crowe and rushed to the top for another 450 Splash. He went for the pin. Syxx made to break up the count, but was too late as the referee got the three.
Jim Ross: PJ Black has done it! PJ Black the #1 contender for the Path to Glory Championship!
Jim Ross: And now it's time for our main event. CM Punk takes on the World Champion, The Miz!
"Cult of Personality" by Living Colour hit, and the crowd gave a mixed reaction as CM Punk stepped out onto the stage, accompanied by AJ Styles. Punk walked to the ring with a confident swagger, paying little attention to the crowd as he made his way down the ramp. When Punk was in the ring, "Awake and Alive" by Skillet hit and the crowd booed as The Miz headed to the ring, accompanied by Vertex. As Miz entered the ring, he stared Punk down, taunting him with the World Title.
Jerry Lawler: This is a non-title match, but if CM Punk can get the victory tonight, he could out himself in contention for a shot at the gold!
The referee called for the bell and Punk made the first move, hitting Miz with a right hand. He followed it up with some more right hands, then whipped Miz against the ropes, and as Miz ran back towards him, Punk took him down with a back elbow smash. Miz got to his feet and Punk whipped him into the corner, before hitting a step-up high knee. The Miz staggered out of the corner, and Punk hit a short-arm clothesline. Miz got to his feet once more, and Punk hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, then hooked the leg. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jim Ross: Punk with a near fall!
Jerry Lawler: A strong start from the former PTG Champion!
Punk pulled Miz to his feet and hit him with some more right hands, then went to whip him against the ropes. Miz reversed it, sending Punk into the ropes, then as Punk ran back towards him, Miz hit him with a kick to the midsection. Punk fell to his knees, and Miz hit a snap DDT. Miz then stomped on Punk several times, before hitting an elbow drop. He hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jerry Lawler: Another near fall! This time Miz gets a two count!
Miz pulled Punk to his feet and whipped him into the corner, then hit the Awesome Clothesline. As Punk staggered out of the corner, Miz set him up for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Punk blocked it and hit Miz with a roundhouse kick. The Miz looked dazed, and Punk got behind him, hitting a belly-to-back suplex. Both men got to their feet and Punk lifted Miz over his shoulders, setting him up for the GTS. Miz wriggled free, then rolled Punk up. The referee counted – 1... 2... kickout!
Jim Ross: Miz almost stole one!
Both men got to their feet once more and exchanged right hands back and forth. Punk gained the upper hand, and after hitting The Miz with a series of punches in quick succession, he kicked him in the gut and hit a double underhook powerbomb. Punk went to the top rope, and signalled for a diving elbow drop... but before he could hit it, Finn Balor climbed onto the ring apron and grabbed Punk's foot, causing him to lose his balance. The crowd booed, but the referee didn't see it!
Jim Ross: Vertex getting involved again! Damn them!
Styles protested on Punk's behalf, and went to confront Balor, then realised he was severely outnumbered and thought better of it. Back in the ring, Miz set Punk up in a figure four leglock, but Punk was able to reach the ropes. The Miz broke the hold and got to his feet, waiting for Punk to stand. As Punk got to his feet, Miz ran at him, going for a clothesline, but Punk ducked out of the way and hit Miz with a back body drop, sending Miz over the top rope. Punk then ran against the ropes and suicide dived through the ropes, taking out Miz outside the ring! The crowd cheered with excitement, but with both men down the referee began counting them out. At the count of four, Punk got to his feet and grabbed Miz, dragging him towards the corner of the ring and slamming his head against the ring post. Punk threw Miz back into the ring, and climbed to the top rope. He signalled for a diving elbow drop once more... and this time he hit it. The referee counted – 1... 2... Miz kicked out just before the 3!
Jim Ross: So close to a three count!
Punk got to his feet and signalled for the GTS, then waited for The Miz to stand. Miz got to his feet, and Punk hit it! He went to make the cover, but before he could do so, Kevin Owens ran into the ring and attacked Punk! The referee called for the bell, disqualifying Miz and giving Punk the victory.
Jerry Lawler: Well JR, this one is over... CM Punk gets the win, but not in the manner he would have liked!
Owens continued the assault on Punk, but Styles entered the ring and came to his partner's aid. The remaining members of Vertex then entered the ring, joining in the attack on Styles and Punk.
Jim Ross: Bah Gawd, King... this is a five on two assault! Somebody needs to stop this!
Styles and Punk tried to fight Vertex off, but the numbers came worked against them. Suddenly, Solomon Crowe and Brock Lesnar ran to the ring and fought with Styles and Punk.
Jerry Lawler: This is more like it, JR! It's five on four now, and let's be honest, Brock Lesnar has the strength of two men!
Jim Ross: It's still carnage though, King!
As referees and officials tried to break up the nine man brawl, "I Won't Do What You Tell Me" hit and the crowd cheered as the EBWF General Manager, Stone Cold Steve Austin, stepped out onto the stage. The presence of the Texas Rattlesnake seemed to calm things down, and Vertex and the Heyman Guys stopped fighting, turning their attention to Stone Cold.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Enough is enough! As much as I'd love to see you guys beat the living hell out of each other, someone needs to restore some order, and it seems like I'm the guy to do it. So here's what I'm gonna do. First of all, CM Punk... congratulations on your victory. It might have been a disqualification, but son, you and I both know you would have won by pinfall if it wasn't for Kevin Owens.
Punk nodded, but Miz protested. Austin ignored him and continued speaking.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Now Punk, you just beat the World Champion... and in my eyes, that earns you the right to a World Title shot. And since we don't have a World Title match planned for Christmas Eve of Destruction, that seems like the perfect place to do it! And since Vertex have proved again tonight that they can't be trusted at ringside, I think we need to make sure that next Thursday, it's a fair fight. So Miz, you'll be defending the World Title in an electrified steel cage match, with barbed wire on top of the cage. That ought to keep your cronies out, right? It better do, because I'm going to make it clear right now... anyone who gets involved in the World Title match will be fired!
Miz looked furious; understandably, Punk was delighted. Referees and officials remained between Vertex and the Heyman guys, trying to ensure the brawl didn't resume.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Merry Christmas, Champ!
Austin's music hit, and as Warfare went off the air, Miz and Punk stared across the ring, mouthing off at one another.
