Mauro Ranallo: Get ready folks… it’s time for Warfare! Tonight, we are live from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, and we’re kicking things off with a farewell speech from Christian Cage.
After a video package recapping Christian Cage’s history with Alexa Bliss, right up to their mixed tag match at Christmas Eve of Destruction when both Christian and Bliss put their EBWF careers on the line, “My Last Breath” by Evanescence hit. The crowd gave a respectful reaction for Christian as he arrived on stage, dressed in his latest EBWF shop t-shirt and a pair of jeans rather than his usual turtleneck sweater. Christian looked out at the crowd before he made his way to the ring.
Nigel McGuinness: Christian's career in EBWF came to an end at Christmas Eve Of Destruction, and no matter what you think of his actions over the last couple of years, he is a legend in this business. He will certainly be missed as an active competitor.
Christian entered the ring and grabbed a microphone as his music faded. He looked out at the crowd again, soaking in the moment before he spoke.
Christian Cage: I have thought about this for a few weeks, wondering what I am going to say. First of all I want to thank Wes Ikeda and EBWF management for allowing me to come out here one last time and say goodbye.
The crowd chanted “please don't go”, which caused Christian to smile a bit.
Christian Cage: No guys I have to go, I knew what I was getting myself into when I made the challenge for the match at Christmas Eve Of Destruction. I knew the consequences and I will take it. I have been in this business for thirty years - a long time I know, but it's the truth - and in those years, to be honest, I couldn't have imagined going on the path that I have gone on. When I started wrestling, my goal was to end up in WWE, and I eventually achieved that in 1998. Fast forward a few years and seven Tag Team Title reigns later, I left the WWE and joined an upstart promotion known as the EBWF. And while other people may have seen this as another promotion that would fizzle out quickly, I saw an opportunity to build a new mainstream wrestling company that could rival WWE. Well judging by how things are going today, I and everyone else who took a chance on EBWF back then succeeded.
The crowd cheered at the success of the EBWF.
Christian Cage: In the time that I've been here, I've accomplished a lot, including eight World Championship reigns. But something that has meant probably more is the moments that I've been a part of… my first World Championship win in December 2002, my Royal Rumble win in 2006, my one off return at the 2020 Royal Rumble, my full time return in 2021, the formation of The Coalition, the formation of Team Cage, and hell, even my 5 minute encounter with Becky Lynch at Total Supremacy last year was quite a moment.
Christian chuckled.
Christian Cage: You know through all the ups and downs, despite some of my perhaps questionable choices, one thing has been the same and that's the fact that you all are my peeps. And whether it's been the times you loved me, or in the times you didn't so much, you all have been there for me and I just want to say thank you.
The crowd chanted “Thank you Christian”.
Christian Cage: Now before I go ride off into the sunset, I want to ask somebody to come down here. Somebody who has been a big part of my career over the last few years, somebody who…
Suddenly, Christian was taken down with a spear from out of nowhere! The camera quickly revealed the culprit as Rex Steiner.
Mauro Ranallo: What the hell, Rex Steiner!
Nigel McGuinness: What is he doing?
The crowd booed as Rex quickly mounted Cage and started laying punch after punch to the head. Officials quickly ran in to pull Rex off, but he took them out clotheslines and punches.
Mauro Ranallo: The man who retired Goldberg at Christmas Eve Of Destruction is for some reason assaulting Christian Cage.
Nigel McGuinness: Somebody needs to stop this madman.
Rex pulled Christian to his feet and put his head between his legs, looking at the booing crowd before he lifted Christian up and jumped up, hitting a Piledriver.
Mauro Ranallo: OH MY GOD NO!
The crowd gasped before falling into a stunned silence. Rex looked down Christian whose fingers started twitching as he laid on the mat. Rex finally left the ring and made his way to the back as more officials ran down to check on Christian.
Nigel McGuinness: I can't believe what I just saw. I mean Mauro, people at home might not know, but Christian's neck was hurt to some extent at Christmas Eve Of Destruction, and Rex Steiner just…
EMTs came down with a stretcher and Christian was put in a neck brace and placed on a backboard. Christian was helped onto the stretcher and taken to the back as Warfare went to commercial.
As Warfare returned from the commercial break, the camera cut to Christy Hemme, who was standing in the middle of the ring.
Christy Hemme: The following contest is scheduled for one fall…
The slow intro of "Teenage Nosferatu Pussy" blared throughout the arena as the lighting changed to shades of orange and red. Once the opening lyrics were heard, Jamie Hayter stepped through the entrance curtain alongside Rhea Ripley and they were met with boos from the crowd. Jamie stopped on the stage, bent down, and then quickly leaned backward while raising her arms. At the same time, Rhea stomped on the stage. This triggered the pyro, which shot up through the stage. The camera zoomed in on the two as they started sauntering down the entrance while talking shit.
Christy Hemme: Introducing first… Accompanied by Rhea Ripley… From Southampton, England… JAMIE HAYTER!
Mauro Ranallo: The last time we saw Jamie in action on Warfare, she took on Britt Baker in a losing effort.
Nigel McGuinness: I wouldn’t say that too loudly.
Jamie and Rhea made it to ringside and stopped. They eyed the ring before they climbed up onto the apron. They entered the ring and looked at the crowd before Jamie took the microphone from Christy. As her theme faded out, Jamie raised her microphone.
Jamie Hayter: Everyone knows what happened the last time I was in a match on Warfare. I took on the worst excuse for a wrestler of all time who put me in a terrible excuse for a submission hold that did not even hurt.
Jamie was cut off momentarily by smattering chants of “You tapped out,” and that caused Jamie to shake her head.
Jamie Hayter: You worthless inbred fucks can chant that all you want but that doesn’t make it true. You can claim I tapped out, but I assure you I didn’t, and I never would. I would rather be injured than to ever tap out especially to a shitty submission hold like the Lock-Jaw. In just a few short moments, you’ll see the true power of Jamie Hayter when I beat the bloody hell out of Liv Morgan.
Mauro Ranallo: What is she talking about? Nigel, you and I were sitting at ringside when that match happened, and Jamie tapped out… it was as clear as day.
Nigel McGuinness: You might be right, Mauro, but do you want to get into the ring with Jamie and tell her she’s wrong? Because I certainly don’t.
Jamie threw the microphone to Christy before Rhea left the ring and Jamie turned her attention toward the entrance. “Reach for the Sky” by Social Distortion hit the PA System and the crowd began to cheer as Liv Morgan made her way onto the stage. Full of determination, Liv started making her way down the entrance ramp.
Christy Hemme: And her opponent… From Elmwood, New Jersey… LIV MORGAN!!!
Mauro Ranallo: Liv Morgan is set to take on Jamie Hayter, and these two have history dating back to the summer of 2023.
Nigel McGuinness: I won’t count Liv out, but she’s really walking into the lion’s den tonight. Look who she has to contend with. She has to face the immensely powerful Jamie Hayter. If that weren’t enough, there’s another immensely powerful woman at ringside in Rhea Ripley.
Once Liv made it to ringside, she looked at Rhea off to the side and then at Jamie, who stood in the ring. Liv slid into the ring under the bottom rope and charged at Jamie. She started punching Jamie as her theme abruptly cut out. Instantly, Jamie started fighting back and the two got into a slugfest.
Mauro Ranallo: There they go right off the bat.
Nigel McGuinness: I’m not sure if Liv is either stupid or brave to try to start a brawl with Jamie. Who in their right mind would start a brawl with Jamie, or Rhea for that matter? She’s got a death wish!
Jamie and Liv continued throwing punches at each other, and Jamie got the upper hand. She caught Liv in the jaw with the punch and it sent Liv down to the mat while Rhea looked on with a grin. Liv immediately got up to her feet, and Jamie knocked her back down with a punch. Liv got back up again and was sent back down to the mat with another punch from Jamie. Liv got up a third time and Jamie threw a punch. This time, Liv ducked and ran toward the ropes. Right as she hit the ropes, Liv ran toward Jamie. Jamie lifted Liv up, but Liv managed to drop to her feet behind Jamie. Before Jamie could turn around, she was forced toward the ropes after she was hit in the back with a front dropkick from Liv. Jamie turned to face Liv but Liv sent her to the mat by dropkicking her knees.
Mauro Ranallo: Jamie had the match in hand in the early moments, but Liv was able to turn the tables.
Nigel McGuinness: I was sure that Jamie would’ve just punched her down until Liv stopped getting up.
Liv mounted Jamie and rapidly punched the back of Jamie’s head. Jamie covered the back of her head for protection. The referee yelled at Liv, and Rhea climbed up onto the apron to distract her. While Liv looked at Rhea, Jamie wrapped her arms around Liv’s legs and stood up while Rhea dropped off the apron. Liv kept throwing punches at the side of Jamie’s head, and Jamie fell backward, causing Liv to collide with the mat. Jamie and Liv got up to their feet, and Jamie whipped Liv against the ropes. After Liv hit the ropes, she ran towards Jamie. Jamie flipped Liv over and caused Liv to land back-first on her knee with a Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker.
Mauro Ranallo: I’ve never seen Jamie pull out a move like that before.
Nigel McGuinness: Jamie’s very crafty. She’s always learning new ways to hurt people.
Jamie brought Liv up to her feet and lifted her up before she dropped Liv’s back onto her knee with a Pendulum Backbreaker. Jamie brought Liv up to her feet again and looked to drop Liv with a Uranage Backbreaker, but Liv fought out of it by elbowing Jamie in the side of the head. Liv then followed up with a front dropkick to Jamie’s stomach. Jamie was forced back into the ropes. With Jamie against the ropes, Liv ran at her and jumped up, attempting the ObLIVion, but was stopped by a forearm from Rhea. This allowed Jamie to regain control and she dropped Liv onto her knee with a Uranage Backbreaker. Jamie lifted Liv up again and dropped Liv with a second Uranage Backbreaker. Jamie lifted Liv up once again and dropped Liv with a third Uranage Backbreaker. The third time was the instance that Jamie let Liv drop off of her knee. Before Liv could do anything, Jamie instantly locked Liv into the Boston Crab.
Mauro Ranallo: Boston Crab!
Nigel McGuinness: Jamie calls that the HAYTRED!
The referee checked on Liv. Jamie wrenched back on the Boston Crab and Liv tapped out. “Teenage Nosferatu Pussy” hit the PA System again.
Christy Hemme: Here’s your winner… JAMIE HAYTER!
Mauro Ranallo: Liv almost got Jamie with the ObLIVion, but thanks to Rhea, it didn’t happen.
Nigel McGuinness: Hey, the ref didn’t see it, so Rhea didn’t do it!
Rhea entered the ring and Jamie released Liv from the hold. The duo started putting the boots to Liv. They stomped on Liv’s face repeatedly, busting Liv open. Rhea brought Liv up to her feet, and Jamie dropped her with the HAYTERADE. Jamie brought Liv up to her feet and Rhea dropped her with the Riptide.
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma mia! They’re just destroying Liv! Someone has to come out here!
Nigel McGuinness: Who would be crazy enough to do that knowing that Jamie and Rhea await them?
The crowd started cheering as the camera caught a glimpse of Alexa Bliss coming in through the crowd with a baseball bat.
Mauro Ranallo: It’s Alexa! Alexa Bliss is here!
Nigel McGuinness: That’s not all. She has an equalizer!
Alexa entered the ring and whacked Jamie in the back with the baseball bat and went after Rhea, the latter of whom wisely left the ring. Rhea pulled Jamie out of the ring and the duo known as the Daughters of Darkness left the ringside area as they exchanged glares with Alexa.
"Guilty" by Cory Marks hit, and the crowd cheered as Austin Gunn made his way to the ring. The Lone Gunn was brimming with confidence, slapping hands with fans before rolling into the ring. Matthew Riddle came out next, sauntering to the ring with his usual arrogance, smirking as the crowd booed. When Riddle was in the ring, the referee called for the bell, getting the match underway. Gunn and Riddle locked up in the center of the ring, with Riddle quickly transitioning into a headlock. Gunn shoved him off into the ropes, but Riddle rebounded with a shoulder tackle, knocking Gunn to the mat.
Mauro Ranallo: Matthew Riddle showing off his grappling prowess early on!
Nigel McGuinness: No surprise there, Mauro, but don’t underestimate the firepower of The Lone Gunn!
Gunn was back to his feet in an instant, ducking under a wild lariat attempt from Riddle and countering with a dropkick that sent Riddle staggering back into the corner. Gunn charged forward with a running forearm smash, then followed up with a bulldog out of the corner.
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! Austin Gunn is firing on all cylinders!
Nigel McGuinness: He’s got to keep that pace up, Mauro. Riddle thrives when the match slows down to his tempo.
Gunn pulled Riddle up and hit a series of sharp right hands, but Riddle countered with a knee to the midsection. Riddle transitioned into a gutwrench suplex, holding on to deliver a second, and then a third, as the crowd groaned in unison at the display of power.
Mauro Ranallo: The Original Bro stringing together those gutwrench suplexes like a grappling symphony!
Nigel McGuinness: And every note is hitting Gunn right in the spine, Mauro!
Riddle went for a quick cover. The referee counted – 1… 2… kickout! Riddle stayed on the attack, stomping Gunn’s midsection before pulling him up for a fisherman’s buster. Gunn, however, slipped out of Riddle’s grasp and countered with a back body drop. The crowd rallied behind The Lone Gunn as he hit Riddle with a clothesline, then another, before dropping him with a leaping neckbreaker.
Mauro Ranallo: Gunn is building momentum here—this could be his opening!
Nigel McGuinness: He’s got to stay on Riddle and not give him a moment to breathe.
Gunn climbed to the second rope and leaped off with a diving crossbody, but Riddle rolled through, hoisting Gunn up onto his shoulders. Riddle planted Gunn with a Bro to Sleep and immediately followed with a running penalty kick.
Mauro Ranallo: Bro to Sleep! Riddle’s looking to end it!
Nigel McGuinness: What a devastating sequence… Gunn might be out cold!
Riddle hooked the leg once more, and the referee counted – 1… 2… no! The crowd erupted as Gunn got his shoulder up at the last possible second. Frustrated, Riddle dragged Gunn to his feet and went for a powerbomb, but Gunn countered with a hurricanrana that sent Riddle crashing into the turnbuckle. Gunn quickly capitalized, hitting a running corner dropkick to leave Riddle dazed.
Mauro Ranallo: Austin Gunn turning the tide yet again! This young man has resilience in spades!
Nigel McGuinness: But can he find the knockout blow to keep Riddle down for good?
With the crowd firmly behind him, Gunn set up for his finisher. As Riddle staggered out of the corner, Gunn hooked him by the head and drove him into the mat with the Shotgun DDT!
Mauro Ranallo: Shotgun DDT! The Lone Gunn hits his mark!
Nigel McGuinness: What impact! That’s got to be it, Mauro!
Gunn hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1… 2… 3! The bell rang as the referee raised Austin Gunn’s hand in victory. The crowd roared in approval as “Guilty” by Cory Marks played again, signaling the end of a hard-fought battle.
Mauro Ranallo: What a win for Austin Gunn! The Lone Gunn just took down one of the most dangerous competitors in the game!
Nigel McGuinness: A tremendous performance, Mauro. If Gunn keeps this up, he’s going straight to the top!
Gunn celebrated on the turnbuckles, basking in the adoration of the fans, as Riddle rolled out of the ring, seething with frustration.
After a video package recapping the Last Woman Standing match at Christmas Eve of Destruction, where Britt Baker defeated Tam Nakano to become the new EBWF Women’s Champion, the camera cut to Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness at ringside.
Mauro Ranallo: Up next, it’s time for Dr Britt Baker’s championship celebration!
Nigel McGuinness: Britt Baker put in an incredible performance at Christmas Eve of Destruction, deservedly winning the EBWF Women’s Championship for the second time. I’ve seen a lot of Britt Baker signs in the crowd tonight… I think it’s safe to say our crowd here in New Orleans can’t wait to celebrate with The Doctor!
“The Epic” by Downstait hit, and the crowd cheered as Britt Baker stepped out onto the stage. Baker was wearing a black leather jacket which was buttoned up, and a pair of jeans. She had the EBWF Women’s Championship over her shoulder, and although she was still looking a little beat up from her match at Christmas Eve of Destruction, she had a big grin on her face. Before making her way down the ramp, Baker turned around, revealing the initials DMD in red glitter on the back of her jacket. As Baker turned back to face the ring, pyro went off behind her on the stage. Baker then walked down the ramp, grabbed a microphone from ringside, and entered the ring. Once her music was cut, Baker began to speak.
Britt Baker: New Orleans… the Champion will see you now.
The crowd popped at Baker’s play on her catchphrase, then began chanting “you deserve it!” Smiling, Baker waited for the chants to die down, then continued speaking.
Britt Baker: You’re right… I do deserve it. It has been over two years since I last held this championship, and I have been working my ass off to get the opportunity to become your Women’s Champion again. Now that it’s happened, it feels even better than I thought it would. But while my segment tonight might have been advertised as a “championship celebration”, I don’t really want too much fanfare. That’s why there’s no red carpet, no streams, no cake. I’m not going to rest on my laurels, because I know as well as anybody that as hard as it is to win the EBWF Women’s Championship, holding onto it is even harder. As long as I have this title, there will be a giant target on my back, and it seems the sniping has already started. So I wanted to come out here and talk about Tam Nakano, but first, there’s someone else I need to address. Jamie Hayter.
Baker turned to face the camera, as if addressing Jamie Hayter directly.
Britt Baker: Hi Jamie. Now let me make one thing clear… I genuinely couldn't care less what you think about me, because I don’t value your opinion. You might think I’m “the worst excuse for a wrestler of all time”, but the title I’m holding right now says otherwise. I’ve accomplished far more in this business than you have, and so has the woman I beat to win this championship… your former leader, Tam Nakano. Honestly Jamie, some of the things you said were so delusional, I thought for a second you were Becky Lynch in cosplay. You certainly seem to have the same habit she had of blaming everyone else for your shortcomings… I just hope you’ll copy her again, and disappear like she did. No one would miss you, except maybe that wannabe goth you call a tag team partner. But there is one thing I wanted to ask you, Jamie. If the Lockjaw is such a “shitty submission”, and it “doesn’t even hurt”, I guess anyone who taps out to it must be pretty darn weak, right?
Baker nodded, then looked thoughtful.
Britt Baker: But Jamie… despite your denials, you tapped out. So that must make you weak. And you can deny it all you want, but sweetie, I’ve got the footage.
Baker pointed to the tron, which showed the footage of Jamie Hayter tapping out to the Lockjaw on the November 25th 2024 episode of Warfare. As the camera cut back to Baker, she removed her leather jacket, revealing a t-shirt which said “JAMIE TAPPED OUT” on the front. On the back was an image of Hayter tapping out to the Lockjaw. The crowd cheered and began chanting “she tapped out”, which seemed to amuse Baker.
Britt Baker: She certainly did, no matter how much she wants to deny it. And Jamie, maybe you think dismissing what happened makes you look strong, but all it shows is how weak you are mentally. How are you going to overcome setbacks, if you can’t even admit when you’ve been bested? You’re so desperate to keep the narrative going that you’re infallible, and maybe that mental weakness is the reason why you’ve never been the EBWF Women’s Champion. Just something for you to think about, if you’re not too obtuse to listen to the thoughts of a two time champ.
Baker smirked and winked, making it clear she had nothing else to say about Jamie Hayter.
Britt Baker: Now, onto Tam Nakano, who I hear has retired now she is no longer the EBWF Women’s Champion. Of course, in professional wrestling, most retirements are temporary, and I truly hope that Tam’s retirement is one of those temporary retirements… because she is, without a doubt, one of the most talented women I’ve ever stepped into the ring with. You helped me raise my game, Tam; I had to, in order to beat you. So while I’m grateful there is one less target on my back, I hope we get to step into the ring together again someday.
The crowd cheered, and began applauding Tam. Baker was about to say something else, but before the EBWF Women’s Champion could continue, there was a low rumble in the crowd. As the camera panned to catch the source of the interruption, it became clear not everyone was excited to celebrate Baker’s accomplishment. First, the powerfully built Himeka hopped the ringside barrier, dressed in full ring gear and looking ready to snap the champion in half. Then on the opposite side of the ring, Mina Shirakawa emerged from the crowd in her full Bloody Angel look. Both remaining members of Oedo Tai glared up at Britt Baker as the champion squared up in defiance. Mina laughed a little, then grinned cruelly as she pulled herself up onto the ring apron. Himeka followed suit, hopping up from the floor all the way to the apron and then exploding through the ropes. With no other fanfare, Mina stepped to the center of the ring with a microphone in hand and eyes only for the EBWF Women’s Champion. Himeka likewise strolled up next to her teammate, neither one further forward as they stood united against Britt. For her part, Britt glared at Oedo Tai in a manner that dared them to make the first move.
Mina Shirakawa: Well, well, well. The redemption tour was a success after all. Congratulations, Britt! Really, it’s a great accomplishment to climb all the way back up to the top to beat the same woman who knocked you off the throne. You should be proud of yourself - and, hell, we’re not out here to cause trouble. We’re here to thank you!
Her smile seemed almost warm as her words set off an audibly confused buzz in the arena.
Mina Shirakawa: That’s right! You finally took Tam out, and she left just like she said she would. We no longer have to deal with her ego or her orders, and it’s all thanks to you. Oedo Tai is free thanks to you. Free to do whatever it is that we want, together.
Himeka leaned in so the mic could pick up her words.
Himeka: Whatever happens from now is all because of you, Britt. Thank you.
Himeka stepped back and worked a kink out of her neck as Mina eyed the belt on Britt’s shoulder.
Mina Shirakawa: And what we want right now is to make a statement. Undeniable proof that Oedo Tai is stronger without a self-absorbed leader. If not even the brand new champion is safe, then no one’s safe right?
Mina dropped the mic and flashed a wicked grin as both she and Himeka step forward with the full intention of ruining the champion’s night. Baker held her title up in defiance, ready to wield it as a weapon if needed. Suddenly, there was a small pop from the crowd, and we saw someone bolting down to the ring with the energy of an Olympic sprinter in the 100 meter dash. In a multicolored blur, the newest interloper shot under the bottom rope and immediately charged Mina. The Venus of Oedo Tai ate a step up superkick to the face that staggered her back to the ropes with a shocked expression. Himeka lunged forward to try and intervene, but the newcomer was too fast and ducked the lariat. She then dropkicked Himeka with enough force to send the Jumbo Princess right into the arc of Baker swinging the EBWF Women’s Championship into her face. Himeka fell to the mat and Baker used the brief pause in the action to look the new woman in the eyes. Now that she was clearly visible, the whole arena went crazy.
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma Mia! Mayu Iwatani! Mayu Iwatani is here!
Nigel McGuinness: Hell has frozen over, Mauro! The Icon of Joshi Wrestling in an EBWF ring isn’t something anyone expected to see!
Mayu remained locked in on the action, merely nodding to the champion before charging headlong at Mina. On the way she stepped up, using Himeka to boost herself even higher for a dropkick straight into Mina’s face! Baker wasted no time, hitting Himeka with a Curb Stomp and forcing the Jumbo Princess to roll out of the ring. Having flown all the way to the outside of the ring, Mayu rolled back in so that she could ensure there weren't any more ambushes. In doing so, she ended up just inches away from the EBWF Women’s Champion. Both women stared at each other, competitive fire stoked by the sudden action. Chants for both women ring out from the New Orleans crowd, followed by an even louder ‘HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!’ chant. For her part, Mayu acknowledged the chants, but knew this wasn't the place to speak her mind. Instead, she just mouthed a question to Baker, ensuring the champion was okay before cracking a smile. She slapped Baker on the shoulder and then rolled out of the ring, leaving the champion to have her moment. Baker picked up the microphone, then finished what she had to say.
Britt Baker: Like I said… When you’re the champion, there’s a constant target on your back. And it seems even The World Renown Joshi Icon has her sights set on my title. Bring it on, Mayu. Bring it on, Oedo Tai. Bring it on, Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia, and every other woman in that locker room. Because after everything I’ve gone through these past two years to reclaim this championship… after all the blood, sweat and tears, after all the setbacks and all the times I’ve had to pick myself back up again… I promise you, I will give every single challenger the fight of their life, and I will leave everything in this ring. I intend to hold onto this title for as long as possible. I’ve stepped up my game, and the rest of you need to do the same if you want to dethrone me. So Stephanie, Giulia, good luck in your match against Mina and Himeka… they’re probably going to be pretty pissed after what just happened. Give them hell, ladies… I’ll be watching.
Baker dropped the microphone as her music hit, then made her way to the back as Warfare went to the final commercial break of the evening.
As Warfare returned from the commercial break, Mina Shirakawa and Himeka were standing in the ring, having seemingly recovered from what had happened before the commercial break.
Mauro Ranallo: Welcome back! It’s time for our main event… Oedo Tai versus Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia!
Nigel McGuinness: Mina and Himeka must be seething after being attacked by Britt Baker and Mayu Iwatani, Mauro… I think they’ll be looking to take their frustrations out on Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia! Besides, you have to wonder if Vaquer and Giulia will be able to coexist, given that they both have their sights set on the Women’s Championship.
“Gospel” hit, and Giulia stepped out onto the stage. A few moments later, “Gospel” was replaced by the sounds of “Our Solemn Hour”, and Stephanie Vaquer joined Giulia on the stage. The New Orleans crowd was electric as Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia made their entrance, walking to the ring with a focused intensity. Vaquer, with her lucha-inspired swagger, and Giulia, exuding an icy confidence, looked ready to dominate. When Vaquer and Giulia were in the ring, the bell rang, and the match began with Giulia and Himeka squaring off. Giulia struck first, locking up with Himeka and transitioning into a wristlock. Himeka used her strength to power out, yanking Giulia into a shoulder block that sent her to the mat. Giulia quickly rolled back to her feet and retaliated with a series of forearm strikes before whipping Himeka into the ropes. On the rebound, Giulia hit a picture-perfect dropkick, sending Himeka rolling to the corner.
Mauro Ranallo: Giulia showing why she's one of the toughest competitors in the game.
Nigel McGuinness: But Himeka is no slouch, Mauro. That power gives her a massive advantage.
Giulia tagged in Vaquer, who immediately hit a running elbow strike on Himeka in the corner. Vaquer followed with a snapmare and a basement dropkick to the back of Himeka’s head. Vaquer went for a quick cover, but Himeka kicked out at one. Vaquer stayed in control, grounding Himeka with a side headlock. Himeka fought back to her feet, lifting Vaquer and driving her into the corner of Oedo Tai. Mina tagged herself in, delivering a stiff kick to Vaquer’s ribs before whipping her into the ropes and connecting with a flying forearm.
Mauro Ranallo: Oedo Tai taking control now, and Mina Shirakawa is as dangerous as she is glamorous!
Nigel McGuinness: Vaquer’s going to have to dig deep to turn this around.
Mina taunted the crowd before dragging Vaquer to her feet and hitting a spinning neckbreaker. She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1… 2… Vaquer kicked out! Mina slapped the mat in frustration, then tagged Himeka back in. Himeka stomped on Vaquer several times, then lifted her up for a stalling vertical suplex, showing off her power before slamming Vaquer hard into the mat. Himeka flexed for the crowd, earning a chorus of boos. She went for another cover and the referee counted – 1… 2… Giulia broke it up! The referee admonished Giulia as Himeka dragged Vaquer into another corner. Himeka set her up on the top turnbuckle and climbed up for a superplex, but Vaquer fought back with punches to the midsection. Vaquer shoved Himeka off and leapt off the top rope, hitting a crossbody that brought the crowd to their feet.
Mauro Ranallo: Vaquer with a high-risk, high-reward move!
Nigel McGuinness: She needs to make the tag, Mauro!
Vaquer crawled to her corner and made the hot tag to Giulia. Giulia stormed into the ring, knocking Himeka down with a clothesline before hitting Mina, who had entered the ring illegally, with a back elbow. Giulia turned her attention back to Himeka, nailing a snap German suplex. She bridged for the pin and the referee counted – 1… 2… Himeka kicked out! Giulia signaled for her finisher, the Glorious Driver, but Mina rushed into the ring and hit Giulia from behind. Vaquer re-entered and took Mina down with a spinning heel kick. As the referee tried to restore order, Mina rolled to the outside, pulling Vaquer with her. The two brawled at ringside while Giulia and Himeka continued inside the ring. Himeka countered a suplex attempt from Giulia with a back body drop, then hit a running lariat. She hooked the leg and the referee counted – 1… 2… kickout!
Mauro Ranallo: The resilience of Giulia is on full display tonight.
Nigel McGuinness: But Oedo Tai’s underhanded tactics could make the difference here.
Mina returned to the apron and tagged herself in just as Giulia hit Himeka with a desperation enzuigiri. Giulia didn’t see the tag and went for a cover on Himeka, but the referee refused to count. Mina capitalized with a low dropkick to Giulia’s knee, then grabbed her for the Glamorous Driver MINA.
Mauro Ranallo: Glamorous Driver MINA! Shirakawa spikes Giulia!
Nigel McGuinness: That’s got to be it, Mauro!
Mina covered as Himeka pulled Vaquer off the apron to prevent the save. The referee counted – 1… 2… 3! The bell rang as Mina and Himeka celebrated their victory, smirking at the jeering crowd. Vaquer slid back into the ring, helping Giulia to her feet. The two began arguing, clearly frustrated with the loss and each other.
Mauro Ranallo: Oedo Tai steals the win, and now tensions are boiling over between Giulia and Vaquer!
Nigel McGuinness: This is far from over, Mauro.
The show went off the air with Giulia and Vaquer still bickering in the ring, whilst Mina and Himeka celebrated on the stage.
