Post by WWE PLE on Oct 20, 2024 20:17:43 GMT -5
Halloween Havoc
October 20, 2024
Pinnacle Bank Arena
Lincoln, Nebraska
As the opening video package ends, pyro explodes on the stage as the crowd in Lincoln, Nebraska is erupting in cheers. The cameras pan through the crowd, showing off various signs reading things like “Starks for IC Champ!”, “Ash by Unintelligence!”, “Champhausen Wins Or We Riot!” and more. After doing a pan of the Pinnacle Bank Arena, the cameras settle in on the commentary table where we see the team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett.
MICHAEL COLE: Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the spookiest event of the WWE calendar year, Halloween Havoc! We’re coming to you live from the Pinnacle Bank Arena here in Lincoln, Nebraska and we guarantee a spooktacular time for all who watch!
WADE BARRETT: Good lord, Cole! Laying it on a bit thick there, don’t you think? Did you just seriously say spooktacular? The creepiest thing I’ve seen tonight is Joey Janela with the WWE Intercontinental Championship backstage but I suppose the night is still early!
MICHAEL COLE: Come on, Wade! We’ve got spooky decorations all around! Who doesn’t love Halloween? A chance to dress up, be whatever or whoever you want for one night, just have a little fun and maybe get into some mischief? What’s not to love?
WADE BARRETT: I don’t need to pretend to be whoever I want, Cole. I’m the greatest commentator / professional wrestler alive today. Why would I need to pretend to be something inferior to that?
MICHAEL COLE: The Gunns think that Enzo & Cass are the inferior tag team, but tonight we’re going to find out if that’s the case. Both of these teams have been looking to rise up in the ranks and the winner might be getting themselves a position that is much closer to WWE Tag Team Championship gold after a victory tonight.
WADE BARRETT: The Gunns might want to be careful in this one, because Enzo and Cass aren’t looking to take any prisoners either. Lately they’ve been making a ruckus in order to get themselves an opportunity. I don’t see them taking this match lightly, Cole!
MICHAEL COLE: I’ll tell you who else won’t be taking their opportunity tonight lightly, that’s Absolute Ricky Starks. Stephanie McMahon sees something of a future superstar in him and he’s got the chance to win WWE Intercontinental Championship gold if he can defeat Joey Janela!
WADE BARRETT: The Blueprint has been looking quite spectacular recently too. Ricky and Daniel took care of the Jey Uso problem, now he’s looking to rid himself of the Janela problem! I can’t wait to see what he’s got up his sleeve for this one, Cole!
MICHAEL COLE: Speaking of tricks, Ruby had one up her sleeve when she got herself a Shark Cage match that’ll allow her to have no interference when she faces Ash By Elegance for the second time! Can she wind up with a treat by the end of the night and defeat her rival?
WADE BARRETT: And if you want to talk about rivals, the WWE Tag Team Champions and their opponents tonight took out some rivals of theirs on Monday Night RAW! Meta Four has been a thorn in both teams' sides for quite a bit of time now, but it appears that tonight we finally get ourselves the dream match we’ve all been waiting for!
MICHAEL COLE: That’s right, Wade! The Motor City Machine Guns and The Best Tag Team In The World will be facing off for the coveted WWE Tag Team Championship to prove once and for all who the better team is! I don’t know who I’m rooting for but it’s certainly a treat for everyone in the arena and watching at home tonight to get to watch this match live!
WADE BARRETT: If that isn’t enough of a treat, they can gorge themselves on some sweet Maxwell Jacob Friedman revenge! Tonight he’ll be taking on John Cena, and these two have no love for one another at all. I wouldn’t be surprised to see these two tear each other apart after what happened at SummerSlam!
MICHAEL COLE: As strange as it is to say, I really hope MJF puts Cena through hell tonight! I’d like to see a bit of The Devil tonight, and it’s the perfect night for him to let that side of himself out to play!
WADE BARRETT: You say play, but I’m not sure that’s the right word, Cole! I think that between that match and Giulia and Saya’s match, we’re going to have some real bloodsport type of action going on.
MICHAEL COLE: You’re definitely right about that, Wade! We’ve already seen what those two are capable of in the ring together, tonight we find out what they are capable of doing when they finally face off with Giulia’s WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship!
WADE BARRETT: Now we’ve been speaking about bad blood between superstars but this next one has been brewing for quite some time. Seth Rollins and Sting will be facing off in something of a rematch to improve upon an unfortunate turn of events that happened quite some years ago between the two in their last encounter.
MICHAEL COLE: Sting is looking to make-up for it when he faces off against Rollins tonight. What his intentions are with Rollins though is unknown, is this just to cement respect between the two and do things the right way? Or will frustration between the two come to a head and we’ll see something even worse? I can’t wait to find out!
WADE BARRETT: It’s going to be tough to top this last contest though! Danhausen defends his WWE Championship against former WWE Champion, Corey Graves!
MICHAEL COLE: It’s going to be a Falls Count Anywhere match between these two as well, Wade! I’m worried for the current WWE Champion, but I know that we can never quite count him out of anything. Danhausen has proven to be quite slippery and prepared for almost any situation! What does this one have in store for us? We can only wait and see to find out!
WADE BARRETT: Well let’s not wait any longer for some action, Cole! Let this horror show begin, it’s SHOWTIME!
MICHAEL COLE: Showtime it is, partner! Our first match of the night has been nearly ten years in the making!
WADE BARRETT: For the little time they spent in the company together, there’s a lot of history between Seth “Freakin’” Rollins and Sting.
MICHAEL COLE: When Sting had his first WWE run all the way back in 2015, he set his sights high by taking on the Authority near single-handedly. He stepped up, not only to Triple H, but to his golden boy, Seth Rollins. This all led to a violent clash at Night of Champions in 2015 that would see Sting forced into temporary retirement after a buckle bomb from Rollins!
WADE BARRETT: These two men haven’t said too much about each other since Sting’s return and the gauntlet that the Icon laid down at No Mercy, but one can’t help but wonder if some of that bad blood is going to show through tonight. It’s easy showing respect to someone on the mic, but once you step through those ropes? All those bad emotions come rising to the surface.
BURN IT DOOOOOWN!
The crowd erupts as “The Second Coming” begins to play through the sound system. The Monday Night Messiah emerges from backstage clad in a long, flowing fuchsia jacket and pants. He stands at the top of the ramp as the spotlights shine down on him, leading the WWE Universe in the “woooah-ooooah-oooooahs!” of his music before he begins his walk down the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, making his way to the ring, he is the Monday Night Messiah… Seth “Freakin’ Rolllllliiins!
MICHAEL COLE: Seth is looking ready to go here tonight! That’s what I would say, if that coat’s color wasn’t burning my eyes right now.
WADE BARRETT: There’s a lot you can fault Seth Rollins for over his career, and his fashion sense is definitely one of them!
Seth climbs the steps and between the ring ropes, his arms spread wide as he walks a circle around the inside of the ring. He throws off his jacket and climbs to the second rope, continuing to conduct his choir. After a moment he hops down and the lights go out, leaving the arena blanketed in darkness. The fan’s lights turn on, and we get the shot of the crow in the snowy mountains playing on the Titantron. “Arrival” starts to sound through the speakers, and a single spotlight shines on Sting as he emerges from backstage. The hometown crowd roars as the wrestling legend stands tall, his broad frame made broader by the black trench coat on his shoulders. The Icon looks around at the crowd around him before beginning his slow stride to the ring.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, he is the Crow…iiit’s Stiiing!
MICHAEL COLE: The hometown fans are showing their support here tonight!
WADE BARRETT: The WWE Universe can help you in a pinch, that’s for sure. Seth might be younger and more nimble, but I’d say that Sting may have the advantage tonight!
Sting climbs the ringside steps and steps between the ropes, his attention staying always with Rollins even as he checks the two men over. As the ref steps back and begins to call for the bell, Sting steps forward, and for a moment the two stand chest-to-chest and eye to eye. Then Sting holds out a hand for a shake, and the crowd waits with bated breath to see what happens. Seth looks from Sting, to the hand, then back to Sting. After a second, he accepts the shake, and the crowd cheers as the official calls for the bell.
SINGLES MATCH
The two men circle each other as the bell rings, each one looking for the other to make the first move. Finally, after a moment, Sting reaches out with his hand to offer Seth a lockup. Seth looks indecisive for a minute before accepting, and the two men try to overpower the other. For a brief moment there’s a stalemate, but Sting’s size gives him the upper hand and he transitions into a side headlock! Rollins tries to pull his head loose, but Sting’s grip is cinched! The stumbling pulls the two men towards the corner. Sting tries to take him down to the ground, but Seth plants his foot and stops him! Sting tries again, but still no look. Finally, the Icon starts to pull Seth back for a suplex, but Seth gets his feet under him. He gets his boots and runs up the turnbuckle, using Sting’s own grip for support! Sting releases the hold, but it’s a bit too late as Seth’s momentum sends both men rolling backwards!
MICHAEL COLE: Quick thinking there from Rollins to break that hold, there’s not a lot of wrestlers that could do a move like that!
WADE BARRETT: He’s lucky that Sting was slow on the uptake, Seth could’ve found himself planted on his head before he knew which way was up!
The takedown may have been athletic, but it doesn’t look like it did much damage as both men are back on their feet, and they again lock up! This time, it’s Seth who gets the advantage as he grabs Sting in a side headlock! Before Sting can pull himself out, Rollins shifts his weight and both men go down hard. Rollins still has his hold on Sting’s head, and he’s putting all his weight on the Crow’s chest, trying to squeeze the air out of him. Sting scrabbles at Seth’s face before he finally gets an arm around his neck, and rolls Seth into an inside cradle! 1…2…kickout!
WADE BARRETT: Sting almost stole the match before it ever started!
MICHAEL COLE: He got Seth to break the hold though, didn’t he?
Seth looks at Sting, shocked that the veteran almost got him. The Monday Night Messiah smiles and nods in acknowledgement. Seth goes for yet another lockup, but Sting slips around him grabbing Rollins from behind and suplexes him back! The crowd cheers as both men get back to their feet. Seth charges forward for a slingblade, but Sting ducks it and hits the ropes, rebounding and taking Rollins down with a big clothesline! Sting grabs Seth and pulls him back to his feet, whipping him into the corner, before charging in with a big Stinger Splash that nearly rocks Seth back over the ropes! Sting’s feeling the momentum in his favor has he backs up, arms outstretched for the crowd before charging back in to drive his shoulder into Seth’s midsection…NOBODY HOME! Sting takes the corner turnbuckle full in the shoulder and he stumbles back, where Seth waits to roll him up with a small package of his own! 1…Sting gets his shoulder up!
MICHAEL COLE: Sting kicks out at 1!
WADE BARRETT: A turnbuckle hit like that can break a shoulder, how can he kick out of that?!
Seth looks wide-eyed at Sting, who clutches at his shoulder, perhaps not shocked that Sting kicked out, but that he managed to kick out so quickly. After a moment he nods and pushes his hair back as he gets to his feet. He climbs the turnbuckle to the top ropes and looks back at Sting to make sure he’s still down, before launching himself with a corkscrew shooting star press, but Sting manages to roll to avoid it! Seth lands on his feet and looks back, for leaping again for a standing shooting star press! The crowd is buzzing as Seth is back on his feet once again. The Architect calls for Sting to get up, and he rolls over to his knees. He just starts to push himself up when Rollins comes in with a curb stomp! The momentum carries Seth past Sting and into the opposite corner, and the burst of offense has him winded. Rollins grabs the ropes, catching his breath for a moment, only to watch Sting rise to a seated position, and the crowd erupts.
MICHAEL COLE: Oh my God, Sting’s not even phased!
WADE BARRETT: Rollins looks stunned! All that offense and it doesn’t look like he put a dent into Sting!
MICHAEL COLE: What can Seth do?! With as many opponents as he’s put away like that, with how many championships won, and Sting shrugs it off like it’s nothing!
Rollins can’t help but watch, shocked, as Sting drags himself to his feet. The two lock eyes, and Sting gives him a “come and get me” motion with his hands, and that’s all the invitation he needs. Rollins charges forward and lays in a right hand, and the two men are trading blows back and forth. The crowd trades “Yes!’ and “No!” chants as each man takes their swing. Finally, Seth goes for another punch, but Sting catches his arm and throws another swing. Seth stumbles and tries to return fire, but Sting stops it again and replies with another hit of his own! Before Rollins can collect himself, Sting leans down and lifts him up almost effortlessly in the sky! Sting makes a slow circle in the middle of the ring, showing every side of the arena just how high Rollins is in the air, before throwing him down with a military press slam! The fans roar as Sting pounds his chest with his fists before grabbing Rollins and dragging him to the center of the ring. He grips the legs and starts to wrap them together, looking for the Scorpion Deathlock, but Rollins turns his body, and Sting struggles to get them fully wrapped up! Seth rolls further, forcing Sting to fall to his stomach, and Seth slips free, driving his elbow down into the middle of Sting’s shoulders!
MICHAEL COLE: Seth just escaped by the skin of his teeth there!
WADE BARRETT: Come on Cole, he deserves a little more credit than that. Fans might mainly remember Seth’s high-flying antics, but he’s a talented technician. And against an old-school brawler like Sting, that can be a lifesaver!
Seth rolls away and crawls into the corner, putting a bit of breathing room between himself and Sting as he attempts to shake off the effects of the veteran’s burst of offense. He doesn’t get very long though, as Sting’s already starting to get to his hands and knees. Rollins grabs the upper ropes and pulls himself to his feet, waiting for Sting to get fully upright before charging forward with a big clothesline that sends Sting hurtling over the top rope and crashing into the floor! Seth looks like he’s feeling a certain kind of way, though, as he looks at the ropes behind him, and then down at Sting before he takes off running. Rollins hits the ropes and comes back, leaping into the air and sending Sting spine-first into the edge of the announce table! The Franchise of WCW clutches at his back as Seth starts to clear the monitors and cover off the table. Rollins grabs Sting and tries to pull him onto the top, but Sting plants his feet and drives a fist into Rollins’ ribs. Seth returns an overhead shot of his own, but Sting shoves him back. The Icon starts to pursue, only for a superkick to snap his head back! Sting falls back against the announce table, and Rollins lifts him the rest of the way up before making his way back to the ring.
MICHAEL COLE: No, no, no…Seth, what are you doing?!
WADE BARRETT: Seth’s looking to end it here, once and for all!
Seth climbs the turnbuckles, slowed by exhaustion, and the crowd is on their feet watching as he gets to the top. He stands with his arms stretched wide and takes a deep breath before launching himself off the turnbuckle…but Sting rolls off the table at the last moment! Rollins crashes and burns hard, through the announce table! The crowd chants “holy shit!” as both men lay on the ground, clutching at their injuries as the ref makes his count. 1…2…3! Both men start to show a little life as Sting starts to get to his knees. 4…5…6! Sting is up, and he grabs Seth and pulls him up! 7…8…9! Sting slides Seth under the ropes and just manages to roll in before the referee can hit 10! The crowd senses that the end is coming as Sting pulls Rollins up and tucks his head under his arm for the Scorpion Death Drop!
MICHAEL COLE: This is it! This is Sting’s moment!
Suddenly, “Fear No Evil” begins to play through the speakers, and the fans boo as Bron Breakker comes charging from backstage with a full head of steam. Sting watches him with wide eyes as he releases Rollins from the hold and turns, ready to face this new threat. Breakker slides under the ropes and lowers his head for a Spear! Sting steps out of the way like a matador avoiding the charging bull, but Bron keeps going, hitting Seth with a full-power spear! The Monday Night Messiah folds as Bron takes him down to the mat and starts laying in blows, and the official has no choice but to call for the bell.
WINNER
SETH “FREAKIN’” ROLLINS
11:38 via DISQUALIFICATION
MICHAEL COLE: My God, what is Bron Breakker doing?! He’s beating the hell out of Seth Rollins!
WADE BARRETT: He’s proving a point, Cole! Bron Breakker isn’t a welcome mat, and he’s not going to let anybody walk all over him anymore!
Sting grabs Bron and pulls him bodily off the fallen Monday Night Messiah, and for a moment it looks like Bron’s going to take a swing on his former mentor. Sting shouts at him “What are you doing?!” but Bron only shakes his head and smirks as he turns and steps out of the ring under a deluge of boos from the fans. Officials begin making their way to the back to check on the fallen Seth Rollins, who clutches at his midsection as he rolls out of the ring. Sting follows him, leaning down to help Rollins back to his feet. Our camera switches to show Bron’s face, and a vicious smile plays on his lips as he watches the two side-by-side. Suddenly, he’s running again, and officials throw themselves out of the path of his anger as he launches himself into a double spear! Both men are down now, and we get a shot of Bron standing tall over both of them, showing Sting clutching his midsection and a bit of blood drips from Rollins’ lip.
The cameras go to the backstage area where we see newly signed free agent Damian Priest standing in front of a Halloween Havoc backdrop. The crowd goes wild with cheers, thrilled to see Priest back in the WWE as they clearly weren’t expecting to see him here tonight. Damian smiles as the crowd cheers and after the noise settles down, he begins to speak.
DAMIAN PRIEST: LINCOLN, NEBRASKA! It's so wonderful to be here tonight. I realize that me flying here was a stretch since I wasn't booked but you see, I'm a firm believer in speaking my mind when no one expects it so here I am. I promise not to be long because it just holds up the amazing matches we have tonight. However, standing here I'm positive everyone in the back knows who I am and what I'm all about. If you don't understand, then you will soon enough.
Once again, the crowd cheers loudly, causing Damian to pause. Once the cheers fade out, he continues.
DAMIAN PRIEST: My entire career I've never backed out of a fight. I've always looked forward to beating the best this industry has to offer. It's the very reason I made my way to WWE. I want to not just prove my worth backstage but also earn the trust of everyone. But I might step on some toes and if it bothers you, then we can settle it in the ring. It doesn't matter how high or low you are on the ladder of success; Damian Priest has his eyes on everyone including the present and potential new champions tonight. I won't demand anything as it's not my style, but next Monday I will target one of you and I'll make it known just what's in store for you. Enjoy the show everyone.
With that, Damian flashes a confident smirk as the cameras go back to ringside.
MICHAEL COLE: Damian Priest not shy at all, making it known that he’s arrived and he’s got plans!
WADE BARRETT: Well as excited as I am to see how that turns out, we’ve got some real action coming up between The Gunns and Enzo & Cass!
MICHAEL COLE: Fair enough, I can’t wait to see who comes out on top of that one either! The tag team division is heating up more and more as the weeks pass by, Wade!
”Undisputed” by CFO$ begins to sound off as the crowd boo the arrival of The Gunns to the top of the stage. The lights are turned down as a spotlight shines down over them and the camera takes a spin around the duo as they fire off fake shots from their finger guns into the air and then holster their deadly weapons.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, making their way to the ring, representing The Undisputed Era, Austin and Colten, The Guuunnnnnns!
MICHAEL COLE: These two have been trying to establish themselves in the tag division ever since Adam Cole brought them in under his wing!
WADE BARRETT: And tonight they have a very real opportunity to make sure they make him proud! Austin and Colten are a legacy so I’m thinking they won’t disappoint us, Cole!
Austin and Colten tell off a few fans along the barricades as they make their way to the ring with a few rude gestures as they pass by. Both brothers with a confident stride in their steps as they pass by the droves of fans that are booing them. Colten and Austin talk strategy as they approach the ring, but it’s obvious Austin really feels the need to take the forefront in this one. Colten nods to his brother before they ascend the steel steps and pose for the fans before they enter the ring. “SAWFT is a Sin” by CFO$ hits the arena’s sound system as Enzo comes hop stepping backwards onto the stage and shuffles his feet with some wicked dance moves before the crowd lights up with cheers! Big Cass comes out behind him and raises a fist in the air as the two meet up. Cass taps the side of his head with a finger and talks to Enzo about the two in the ring not being very smart to accept this match.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And their opponents, making their way to the ring, Enzooo and Biiig Caaassssss!
MICHAEL COLE: These two have been running a campaign as wild as Trump’s presidential one on Monday Night RAW every week!
WADE BARRETT: They just want to make WWE’s tag team division great again, Cole! There’s nothing wrong with that!
Enzo just laughs as he begins his strut down to the ring and slaps a few hands along the way as Cass keeps a watchful eye over their opponents to make sure no funny business goes on. Enzo stomps his way up the steps and makes as dramatic an entrance as possibly can before he sprint steps along the apron and gives the crowd a “HOW YOU DOIN’!” to which they reply back in kind. As the big man steps over the ropes, Enzo pats him on the chest and says he’ll take on both knuckleheads if he has to by himself. He’s ready and he doesn’t need the big man right now, Cass double checks with him but he tells him to hit the bricks for now and Cass obliges and steps out onto the apron again.
TAG TEAM MATCH
Austin starts the match and takes down Enzo with ease; he’s fired up as he picks the smaller man up and scoop slams him down to the canvas hard! Enzo tries to get in some offense, but Austin controls him easily with his expertise and tosses him over the ropes onto the apron when he tries to strike! Enzo tags his partner in, and Cass smirks as he steps over the ropes into the ring and stares at Austin. Colten offers his hand for the tag, but Austin shakes his head, not wanting to make the tag to his brother just yet. Cass begins to exchange words with Austin about the last time they were in the ring, but Austin goes for a right hand that gets caught in the big mitt of Cass easily! Cass now grabs him by the throat and lifts him up before he drops him with a chokeslam!
MICHAEL COLE: That can’t be good for you!
WADE BARRETT: Definitely not, Cole!
Cass puts his foot down on Austin, 1…Austin kicks out! Colten looks frustrated at ringside as he watches but can’t help. Cass picks Austin up and tosses him into his team's corner before he tags out to Enzo, and the two begin to wear away at Austin. Enzo fires away with jabs as he has Austin in the corner and then leads him out and hip-tosses Austin over and onto his tailbone! Enzo tags out to Cass, who whips Austin across the ring and goes for a 7’ Boot but it’s ducked by Austin! As Austin makes the return trip from off the other ropes, he nails Cass with a leg lariat that takes him down! Austin swings for a hard lariat as Cass stands up, but it’s ducked, and Cass delivers a headbutt that dazes both men for a moment!
MICHAEL COLE: I felt that shot!
WADE BARRETT: What a headbutt there by Big Cass!
Colten tries to cheer his brother on to stay alive, and Austin tries for a headbutt of his own, but Cass catches his head and then watches as Austin tries to take a few swings at him with some right and left hands, but it’s to no avail! Cass now scoops Austin up and swings him around and nails him with a sidewalk slam! Cass peels him off the canvas, lifts him up onto his shoulders, and drops him with a powerbomb that makes Austin bounce off the canvas and fold in half! Cass hooks the legs, 1…2…Austin manages to kick out! Cass dusts himself off and picks Austin up and tosses him back into his team’s corner! He makes the tag to Enzo, but Austin begins to fight back with punches to the gut, first a left, then a right, then Austin spins around and delivers a roundhouse kick to the gut! Enzo grabs Austin by his tights and pulls him into a hard shot to the kidneys that crumbles him to his knees!
MICHAEL COLE: Enzo showing a little bit of venom running in his veins tonight as he attacks Austin from behind with that kidney shot!
WADE BARRETT: Gotta do what you can to stay ahead in this game, Cole!
Cass signals to Enzo as he picks Austin up in the Electric Chair position on his shoulders! Enzo takes the cue and climbs to the top rope! He leaps off the top rope and delivers a clothesline to Austin that sends both men crashing to the canvas! Enzo crawls over as he holds his back in pain and hooks the leg, 1…2…Colten runs in to break the count with a diving elbow into the gut of Enzo! Cass pulls him off and tosses him over the ropes and out of the ring before he follows! Both men fight on the outside as both men in the ring try to recover. Enzo and Austin are on their feet at the same time, but Enzo rushes in, and Austin catches him with a drop toehold that plants his face into the canvas!
MICHAEL COLE: That’ll teach him!
WADE BARRETT: Austin has his opportunity here to tag out finally!
Austin rushes over, jumps forward, and tags in his brother just as he gets on the apron! Colten comes in hard and fast with a clothesline that takes Enzo off his feet! Colten bounces off the ropes and comes back with a leg over Enzo’s neck and hits the Famouser onto Enzo in the center of the ring! Colten hooks the leg, 1…2…Enzo kicks out! Colten gets back to his feet and bounces off the ropes again, but this time Cass nails him with a hard forearm shot to the back of the neck! Colten stumbles forward, and Enzo takes advantage and rolls him up! 1…2…Enzo has the tights, but the official doesn’t see it, 3!
WINNERS
ENZO & BIG CASS
07:11 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here are your winners, ENZOOO AND BIIIG CAAASSSS!
MICHAEL COLE: Enzo was pulling the tights on Colten!
WADE BARRETT: And he definitely got the treat of a victory for doing so!
MICHAEL COLE: I can’t imagine The Gunns or the rest of the Undisputed Era are going to be very happy with the results of this one!
Enzo gets punted off Colten through the ropes and leaps into the arms of Cass outside of the ring as he raises a fist in the air in victory! The Gunns both look astonished at the sudden loss! Enzo and Cass, however, look like a happy couple on the way to a honeymoon as Cass carries Enzo up the ramp, and both men have huge smiles on their faces! Enzo blows a goodbye kiss to The Gunns who are still in the middle of the ring frustrated! As the Gunns exit the ring, the two have a heated discussion as Enzo and Cass disappear behind the curtain to backstage.
The camera opens in a cold, darkened room, a broken-down set resembling an old haunted house. Cobwebs hang from the corners, and the distant sound of chains dragging echoes faintly in the background. Mankind is hunched over in a corner, his back to the camera. His breathing is heavy, and there’s an almost eerie silence surrounding him.
MANKIND: Halloween Havoc…the show I was made for…and yet, I’m not even invited.
He laughs weakly to himself, but it’s the laugh of a broken man. Slowly, Mankind turns toward the camera, his mask half-hanging off his face. His eyes are wide and filled with a mixture of rage and sorrow.
MANKIND: They forgot about me. The one who’s always been the monster, always been the freak. The one who crawled out of the darkness, who bled for them…and they just left me behind. Like I don’t even exist. Like I never mattered at all.
He slams his fist into the ground, causing a chain to rattle behind him. His hands tremble as he tries to contain the fury bubbling inside.
MANKIND: Adam Cole… you took what little I had left. You reminded me that no matter how much I give, no matter how much I sacrifice… in the end, they’ll move on. They’ll leave me in the shadows, like some discarded piece of trash.
His voice cracks with anguish.
MANKIND: And now…now they won’t even let me haunt the show I was born for.
He stands up, pacing slowly, his steps echoing in the hollow room.
MANKIND: Halloween Havoc was supposed to be MY night. A night where the freaks, the monsters, the forgotten are celebrated. And yet…here I am. Left off the card…as if I don’t belong.
He turns suddenly, his face contorted in rage.
MANKIND: But I DO belong! I was MADE for this! They’re going to see that. They’re going to regret leaving me out, because I’m not just going to disappear into the shadows. No… the shadows are where I thrive.
He leans closer to the camera, his voice lowering, more dangerous.
MANKIND: You think you can just erase me? You think that by leaving me off this show, you can forget about me? You’re wrong. I’m the nightmare that never ends…the one that keeps coming back, no matter how much you want it to stop. I’ll be lurking, watching…waiting and when the time comes…when they least expect it…I’ll remind them who I am. I’ll remind them that you can’t kill what’s already dead inside.
He reaches for his mask, pulling it fully back over his face, his voice now more menacing.
MANKIND: There’s no escape from me. No escape from the dark…from the pain. They can leave me off the card, but I’ll be there…watching…waiting for my moment and when I strike…there will be no sunshine for any of them.
Mankind stands in the dark room, his silhouette barely visible, but his presence unmistakable as the cameras go back to ringside.
MICHAEL COLE: It seems that Mankind is rather unhappy about being left off the show here tonight, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: Too bad, so sad I say! If he wants to be included he should stop whining and start working! That’s the only way to get any wins, is by putting in the work!
MICHAEL COLE: You make a good point there, Wade, and someone who’s looking to get a win tonight is Ruby Soho, she’s been dealing with Ash by Elegance and Tiara James and she’s looking to settle the score once and for all in our next match which will see Tiara and The Personal Concierge hanging above the ring in a shark cage!
The Personal Concierge and Tiara James are indeed already in the shark cage above the ring, clinging to each other as they look around in fear. “Ruby Soho” by Rancid begins to play on the speakers and the crowd breaks out into cheers as Ruby Soho makes her way out to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a confident smile, Ruby looks up and sees the shark cage hanging adobe the ring and she starts to laugh as she makes her way down the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, making her way to the ring, The Punk Rock Ragdoll, Ruuubyyy Sooohoo!
MICHAEL COLE: Ruby Soho has had some tough luck since she’s come back to the WWE, but she’s looking to turn that luck around here tonight with a win over Ash by Elegance!
WADE BARRETT: Ruby’s spunky, I’ll give her that, but Ash seems to be outsmarting her at every turn!
Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Ruby looks up at the shark cage again and lets out a laugh as she waves mockingly at Tiara and The Personal Concierge. Going over to the steel steps, Ruby walks up to the apron and enters the ring, going to the center and raising her arms up in the air. Taking off her jacket, she hands it off to the ringside attendant and begins to roll her shoulders as her music begins to fade and she turns her attention to the entrance area. “Super Hot July” by Dip T Jones begins to play on the speakers now and the crowd begins to boo as Ash by Elegance saunters out to the top of the ramp. Looking at the shark cage hanging above the ring, a look of irritation briefly flashes across Ash’s face before she shakes her head and then smiles, pointing to her fake facial piercings she’s wearing to mock Ruby Soho before extending her arms out and striking a confident pose and making her way down the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And introducing her opponent, making her way to the ring, Ash by Ellleeegaaance!
MICHAEL COLE: Ash by Elegance already has one victory over Ruby Soho, but she needed help from Tiara James to get it!
WADE BARRETT: Oh come on, Cole, she didn’t need Tiara’s help, she just took advantage of the situation that was presented to her! Anyone else would’ve done the same thing!
Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Ash walks over to the steel steps and walks up to the apron, daintily entering the ring. Going to the center, Ash strikes a pose and flashes a big smile, seemingly oblivious to the boos that the crowd is raining down on her. As her music fades out, she turns her attention to Ruby Soho and wrinkles her nose in disgust as she takes a step back from The Punk Rock Ragdoll.
SINGLES MATCH
The bell rings and Ruby Soho immediately charges in, taking Ash by Elegance down with a spear! Ash shrieks as Ruby mounts her and begins delivering forearm shots to the face! After six of those shots, Ruby grabs Ash by the hair and gets to her feet, pulling The Total Diva up with her. Looking at Ash with a smirk, Ruby reaches back and then clocks her with a stiff right hand shot, sending her back down to the mat! The referee warns Ruby about using her fists and she raises her hands up defensively to show that she’s going to be compliant. Hitting the ropes, Ruby uses her momentum when she returns to jump up in the air and come down hard on Ash with a diving senton! Ruby goes for the pin, 1…2…kick out by Ash!
MICHAEL COLE: Ruby Soho is really taking it to Ash right out of the gate!
WADE BARRETT: It’s her only hope in this, as soon as Ash sees the opportunity to outsmart her, she’ll take it!
Ruby shrugs, not bothered by the fact that Ash kicked out. Getting to her feet, Ruby bends down and grabs Ash by the hair once again, bringing her roughly to her feet. Ash puts her hands up as she begs Ruby for mercy but Ruby just smirks and kicks Ash in the midsection, causing her to double over. Ruby grab’s Ash’s head and throws it under her arm, grabbing her tights and bringing her up and driving her into the mat with a snap suplex! Ash clutches at her lower back in pain as Ruby gets to her feet once again, bending down and picking Ash up and whipping her into the ropes. When Ash comes back, Ruby takes her down with a hip toss! Ash stumbles back up to her feet and goes towards Ruby only to be taken down with another hip toss! Up in the shark cage, Tiara James screams “leave her alone you beast!” which causes Ruby to look up at her and laugh as she once again gives Tiara a mocking wave.
MICHAEL COLE: Tiara James clearly doesn’t like seeing Ash in trouble!
WADE BARRETT: Of course she doesn’t, Ash is her tag team partner, her best friend, and her mentor! She must feel absolutely helpless right now!
Ash is back to her feet again but Ruby moves quickly, grabbing The Total Diva by the wrist and whipping her into the corner. With a big smile forming on her face, Ruby comes charging in looking to strike but Ash thinks fast, nailing Ruby with a stiff elbow shot to the face! Ruby stumbles back, holding her face and checking for blood. She goes to the referee to make sure there’s no damage and while both Ruby and the referee are distracted, something falls to the mat from the shark cage! Ash moves quickly to pick it up and see what it is, it’s a set of bedazzled brass knuckles!
MICHAEL COLE: What the hell is this?! Ash by Elegance just had brass knuckles dropped from the shark cage!
WADE BARRETT: I think she just found the opening she was looking for, Cole!
Ash has a big smile on her face as she looks at the brass knuckles and she slips them onto her right hand. The referee finishes looking over Ruby and the two of them turn their attention back to Ash who comes towards Ruby only to get nailed with another kick to the midsection! Ash doubles over in pain and Ruby once again grabs Ash by the head and pulls it under her arm, grabbing Ash by the tights and driving her into the mat with another snap suplex! Ruby isn’t done, however, as she gets to her feet and nods, smiling at the cheering crowd as she signals that she’s getting ready to put Ash away. Going back over to Ash, Ruby bends down to pick her up, but Ash nails her with a right hand shot with the brass knuckles! Ruby goes down to the mat hard and while the referee goes to check on her, Ash discreetly slips off the brass knuckles and throws them under the bottom rope outside of the ring! Quickly scrambling to her feet, Ash goes to the ropes and steps out onto the apron, going to the turnbuckle and climbing to the top. Screeching at the referee to get out of the way, Ash leaps off, flipping over and nailing Ruby with Rarified Air! With a triumphant smile, Ash covers Ruby and hooks the leg, 1…2…3! Ash by Elegance has done it again!
WINNER
ASH BY ELEGANCE
05:02 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, ASH BY ELLLEEEGAAANCE!
MICHAEL COLE: I can’t believe it, Wade! Ash just stole the victory again!
WADE BARRETT: I told you she’d find a way to outsmart Ruby, Cole, and she did! Even with her entourage in a shark cage, Ash once again managed to prove she’s the better woman!
The crowd is booing like crazy as “Super Hot July” begins playing on the speakers again. Ash gets to her feet, a big smile on her face as the referee raises her hand in the air to signify she’s the winner. The shark cage gets lowered into the ring and the referee lets go of Ash’s hand and goes to the cage to release Tiara and The Personal Concierge. Once the cage is open, Tiara and The Personal Concierge rush out and embrace Ash as the trio celebrate the win. Breaking out of the group hug, Ash smooths out her hair and signals for the other two to follow her. She goes to the ropes and motions for The Personal Concierge to open them for her which he quickly obliges. Stepping out onto the apron, Ash daintily goes down to the arena floor and begins to make her way up the ramp, her arms raised triumphantly in the air and her entourage following close behind as they go to the backstage area.
All of a sudden, "Battle Cry" riffs into high gear and the crowd pops as out steps Kenny Omega! Not scheduled for a match tonight, Kenny is dressed in jeans and white t-shirt, his walk down the ramp clearly determines he is on a mission . Slapping a few fans hands before climbing into the ring, Kenny walks over and requests a microphone before stepping back into the center of the ring and hitting his signature pose! The music dies down as Kenny looks around the arena to his cheering audience, a "Kenny" chant breaks out as he grins, clearly enjoying the adulation! After a few blissful moments, Omega brings the microphone up and begins to speak.
KENNY OMEGA: We’re sure having some fun tonight, huh Nebraska?
The crowd pops at the statement as Kenny chuckles.
KENNY OMEGA: I mean, what a show we are having! A lot of great matches taking place in this ring tonight, the guys and girls putting on a show. Something is missing though. Doesn't this show feel like it can use a certain... machine? I think having a God compete tonight takes this show to the next level, right?
Once again the crowd roars. Of course they would want Kenny to compete tonight! Sensing the moment, Kenny jokingly shakes his head.
KENNY OMEGA: Now I know I’ve shown I can have a flair for surprises in my short time here, but I assure you I am not competing tonight!
The crowd boos in disappoingment and Kenny chuckles before continuing.
KENNY OMEGA: But I will say there will not be too many of these PLEs happening that I will be appearing backstage or in street clothes. I came here to compete; I came here to show why I am the best goddamn wrestler walking this planet today!
Kenny circles around the ring, the fire in his eyes gets another reaction out of the crowd. Eventually, Kenny calms down, getting back to the task at hand.
KENNY OMEGA: But, that is not why I am here tonight. Speaking of flairs, I was interrupted on RAW. I realized I did not get to finish what I started! So, what better place than right here, right now? Let's start with why I am here. I can feel the excitement, the energy. There were a whole lot of you who didn't think this would happen. Hell, I didn't think this would happen. Funny what a company failing and a few other dominoes dropping can cause, right? All jokes aside, the reason why I am here is very simple. Everywhere I’ve gone, I have been the best. I have won against the best, and I raised a championship to prove that fact. The only place I have not done that is on the biggest stage of them all, in this WWE Universe! So how could I ever call it quits without proving I am the best in WWE as well?
That sly, cocky smile of Omega forms as he looks around the arena, the crowd quiet, but buzzing, waiting for his next words.
KENNY OMEGA: Ever since signing the dotted line, that has been my mission. So far, I have shown I am still a force, and all the boys in the locker room better be ready when we step into the ring. Because I have a point to prove, and I will not stop until that WWE Championship is wrapped around this waist, cementing my place as the all-time great I already know myself to be. But no need to worry, Nebraska, WWE Universe. I assure you, there is a lot left in the tank, I am not slowing down any time soon.
Another pop from the crowd, and "Kenny" chant. He looks around with a slight acknowledgment before looking down.
KENNY OMEGA: Now that that is out the way, let's get to the other point. Byron asked me about... some people in my life. After all, we can't talk about the Kenny Omega journey without certain names being involved. So, let's cut to the chase, where do I stand with nWo Elite? Where am I at with Nick, with Matt, with Hanger - -
Suddenly, the arena lights dim, and the haunting melody of “Black Hat - - A Hangman’s Theme” begins to play, resonating throughout the venue. The crowd erupts into a mix of cheers and boos, the atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation. Hangman Adam Page steps out from behind the curtain, dressed in his signature leather jacket and jeans, a confident smirk plastered across his face as he walks down the ramp.
WADE BARRETT: In the words of a legend - - business is about to pick up!
Hangman reaches the ring, a storm brewing in his eyes. He hops onto the apron, wipes his feet with a quick, deliberate motion, and enters the ring through the ropes with a forceful confidence. He stands tall in the center, breathing in the energy of the crowd as the tension mounts.
HANGMAN PAGE: Look at you.
Hangman holds the microphone, gripping it tightly, and his voice is low but filled with intensity and disgust.
HANGMAN PAGE: Only here for a few weeks and you’re already chasing ghosts of former glory, huh? And they’re all eating it up! Chanting your name, patting you on the back. It’s everything you could have ever dreamed of. Except… they aren’t doing this for you.
Hangman’s frustration is evident as he glares at Kenny. The crowd is captivated, a mix of cheers and boos echoing through the arena. Hangman's voice rises, his gestures sharp and pointed as he emphasizes his words with fervor.
HANGMAN PAGE: No, Kenny - - they’re doing this for who you used to be. That’s what they hold so near and dear to their hearts. They’re not cheering for the man standing in that ring right now. You see, these people, they cling to your memory like it’s some kind of fairytale - - like you’re still that same guy who turned wrestling on its head, who gave them five-star classics in Japan, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest and outshined them all. But deep down, you know the truth, don’t you?
He steps closer to Kenny, invading his personal space, his expression a blend of disdain and pity.
HANGMAN PAGE: The truth about memories… they fade. You think standing out here, talking about missions and unfinished business, is gonna bring it all back? Those days are gone, Kenny. They slipped through your fingers the second you walked away. And now? Now you want to waltz in here and act like nothing’s changed - - like you can still carry the weight of being Kenny Omega.
MICHAEL COLE: We’ve seen him do it a few times already since coming to the WWE so I’m not exactly sure what Hangman - - who doesn’t have any matches under his belt - - is talking about.
WADE BARRETT: Hush, Cole!
HANGMAN PAGE: Let me make this real clear for you - - we’re not here to talk about old times. You wanna talk about the now? About the nWo Elite? The nWo Elite didn’t wait around for Kenny Omega to find his way home. We moved forward. We made decisions. And guess what? We didn’t need you. They’re asking you about us.
Fans react, some cheering for Hangman while others show concern for Kenny. He gestures emphatically, driving home the point about the nWo Elite moving forward without Kenny.
HANGMAN PAGE: I want you to name one time they asked us about you. You can’t! Because it never happened. Because we’re not worried about you anymore, Kenny. We know where we stand. The nWo Elite doesn’t beg for validation, and we sure as hell don’t need a reunion tour to stay relevant. So, Kenny, for your sake - - I am going to give you the gift… of time. Time to really think about what you’re going to say when the next person asks you that question. Because that time will come, and if you’re not careful? So will yours.
He leans in closer, locking eyes with Kenny, the challenge unmistakable. The crowd holds its breath. With a final, sharp look, Hangman straightens up and backs away slightly. His theme begins to play, filling the arena as he takes one last look at Kenny, leaving him to ponder the harsh truth of his words.
WADE BARRETT: I’ll tell you what, Cole, that was more than just a message - it was a warning. Hangman didn’t just say they don’t need Omega; he practically told him he’s obsolete.
MICHAEL COLE: And you’ve got to wonder, Wade - how does Omega respond to something like that?
WADE BARRETT: Hangman made it clear. This version of Kenny better figure things out fast. Otherwise, those ghosts he’s chasing? They’re gonna bury him for good.
MICHAEL COLE: Some harsh judgment from Hangman Page about his former friend, Kenny Omega!
WADE BARRETT: He’s just telling it like it is, Cole! It’s refreshing, would be more refreshing if it didn’t come from the stink that is an nWo Elite superstar!
MICHAEL COLE: Well, I’ll tell you what won’t stink, Wade! Our next match is for the WWE Intercontinental Championship! Joey Janela defends against Ricky Starks and these fans can’t lose with this one!
”It’s Live” by Mikey Rukus hits the P/A system of the Pinnacle Bank Arena as Ricky Starks comes out in what appears to be riot gear with a nightstick in one hand and handcuffs clipped to his belt. He spins the nightstick around like a martial arts expert for a moment before he slips it into its holster and puts his arms out to the side for the fans to appreciate his physique and presence. The fans, however, are not pleased to see him and show it by raining boos down on him.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the WWE Intercontinental Championship! Introducing the challenger, making his way to the ring, representing The Blueprint, Absolute Riiickyyy Staaarrrks!
MICHAEL COLE: A little festive here tonight at Halloween Havoc, it appears as though Ricky Starks is paying homage to some hard times in the cell block!
WADE BARRETT: He’s even got the spin down on that nightstick! The Big Boss Man would be proud to have a stud like Ricky Starks dress as him for Halloween!
Ricky has that confident grin on his face as he makes his way down to the ring with a swagger that is unmatched. A popcorn container flies at him, but he pulls out the baton and bats it out of the air before he points it at the assailant and says he’ll use it if they try that again! Ricky now twirls the baton and puts it back in its place before he continues his way down the ramp and twirls the handcuffs on a finger as he makes his way up the steel steps. Starks doesn’t have very long to pose for the fans in the ring as “Proto(Re)vision” by Mike Rukus hits and the WWE Intercontinental Champion comes out onto the stage with his championship proudly on display over his shoulder. The crowd pops huge for him as he adjusts his shades, checks his cigarette pack for a smoke, finds none, and tosses it to the side!
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, the reigning and defending WWE Intercontinental Champion, Joeeeyyy Janelllaaa!
MICHAEL COLE: Janela has been doing pretty well for himself since winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship at No Mercy against Mankind! I’m excited to see just how well he can do tonight when he faces off against Ricky Starks! Janela has proven to be a lot of fun to watch and better in the ring than anybody was expecting!
WADE BARRETT: If things go the way I imagine, it’s not going to be a great night for Janela! Starks, however, is looking like a million bucks and I imagine his stock is going to rise significantly tonight! It’s about time we had a worthy WWE Intercontinental Champion after all!
Janela pulls off his shades about halfway down the ramp and looks at Starks in the ring with a nightstick in his hand. Janela begins to converse with a fan on whether he’s high or he’s seeing things right. The official brings him back to reality when he rips the nightstick and handcuffs away from Ricky and hands them off for safekeeping at ringside. Janela daps up the fan and makes his way to the steel steps that he trepidatiously takes one at a time as he feels the weight of the upcoming match settle on his shoulders. Janela holds his WWE Intercontinental Championship tight as he steps through the ropes and looks over to Starks before he hands it to the official, and the match is ready to begin.
SINGLES MATCH
Both men walk around the ring, taking a few seconds to assess each other before either makes an approach. Ricky has a smirk on his face while Janela remains serious. Ricky tries to grab Janela, but Joey avoids him! Ricky swings a fist, but Janela quickly dodges out of the way of it! Joey goes after Ricky with a kick, but Starks dodges now! Both men stare each other down, and Ricky smirks again while Joey remains focused on the task at hand. Janela goes in for a grab to take Starks down to the canvas, but he hits a kick to the head that sends Joey out of the ring! Janela lands on the outside as Starks runs the ropes and stops just short of the jump and taunts Janela and the fans who boo loudly! Starks with an evil grin on his face as Janela looks unimpressed with his antics. Joey walks around the ring before he comes back in to stand face-to-face with his challenger again.
MICHAEL COLE: These two have been right in step with one another so far, Wade.
WADE BARRETT: I’ll give Janela some credit, he’s been a bit spryer than usual in this match!
Starks is still acting cocky, but Janela grabs hold of him around the waist and hits a German suplex to the mat! Janela makes the cover, 1…but Starks kicks out quickly! Janela gives a slight knowing smile, even though he would likely need a lot more to take Starks down. He grabs hold of Starks and looks to whip him across the ring, but Starks counters and sends Sami into the ropes, and he goes for a superkick, which Janela ducks, and once again nails Starks with another German suplex! Cheers erupt from the crowd as Joey lays into Starks with a few punches, and Janela runs off the ropes and connects with a basement dropkick! Janela makes the cover again, 1…2…Starks kicks out! Janela grabs hold of Starks and tries to work him over with a headlock but gets a few elbows to the gut for his trouble. Starks, being as crafty as he is, manages to wrap his arms around the waist of Joey and slam him to the mat with a backdrop driver! Starks hooks Joey’s leg, 1…2…Joey kicks out!
MICHAEL COLE: Near fall there, we almost had a new champ!
WADE BARRETT: Starks wants that Intercontinental Championship, Cole! He’s going to be working hard to secure a victory tonight!
Starks begins to pepper in some right hands to keep the pressure up on the champion; he gets a kick to the gut and goes for one to the head on Janela, but it’s countered with a dragon screw leg whip! Janela grabs hold of the leg as he gets up, looks to press the advantage, but gets sent into the ropes as Starks kicks him off into the ropes! Janela comes back in immediately, but Starks jumps up and nails him with a DDT! Boos from the crowd as he makes the cover on Janela again, 1…2…Joey kicks out again! Starks just grins as he looks down at Janela on the canvas, bends down to pick him up, and sends him into the turnbuckle corner. Starks comes into the corner, grabs the arm of Janela, and climbs to the top rope. He dances along the ropes, stops, and poses for the fans who boo him again before he jumps off and strikes Janela down!
MICHAEL COLE: Shades of Undertaker there, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: But with the flash and flourish only the Absolute can bring to it!
Starks drags Janela back to the corner and begins to relentlessly stomp him before the official steps in to try and stop him! Starks pays no mind though, and the official begins to count, 1…2…Starks presses a boot to Janela’s throat to choke him, 3…4…Starks relents, and the official warns him not to do that again! Boos ring out from the crowd as he tells the official he’ll do whatever he wants. Starks pulls Janela out of the corner and makes the cover, 1…2…Janela barely gets the shoulder up in time! Starks tosses Sami towards the ropes as he pulls him up, and just as he goes for a clothesline, he gets tossed over the ropes to the floor below! Janela runs to the other side and bounces back before he does the Fosbury Flop right on top of Starks to the delight of the fans in attendance as they pop huge for it! Janela whips Starks into the steel steps with a thud as the impact rocks them! He goes for a superkick, but Starks moves, and Janela kicks the steps instead and grabs hold of his leg in pain!
MICHAEL COLE: Well that had to hurt!
WADE BARRETT: Make stupid moves, win stupid prizes, Cole!
Janela tries to shake off the pain as Starks tries to get to his feet but gets hit with a shotgun dropkick by Janela that slams him into the guardrail in front of the fans! Janela hypes the crowd up a bit as he climbs onto the apron and waits as Starks gets to his feet. He leaps off as Starks spots him, but it’s too late, and Janela nails him with a Blockbuster off the apron and onto the floor outside the ring! Janela grabs Starks and rolls him back into the ring and makes the cover, 1…2…Starks barely gets the shoulder up! Janela isn’t finished though, as he deadlifts Starks off the canvas and lifts him up onto his shoulders before he drops him with a debilitating-looking Death Valley Driver into the turnbuckle corner! Starks drops to the canvas in a heap as Janela desperately makes the cover again, 1…2…Starks kicks out!
MICHAEL COLE: Whoa! Haven’t seen that from him before!
WADE BARRETT: Brutally ruthless move there by our Intercontinental Champion, Joey Janela! Is Starks okay after that one?
Janela reaches down to pick Starks up again but gets pulled over into an inside cradle pin, 1…2…Janela kicks out at the last millisecond! Starks is to his feet, and Janela tries to recover but walks right into a swinging neckbreaker from Starks, King of Swing! Starks makes the cover this time, 1…2…Janela kicks out again! Both men are back to their feet, and Starks takes a swing, but Janela ducks it! Janela hits a lower superkick and follows it up to one right on the jaw of Starks that floors him! Janela gets to the top rope quickly and dives off looking for a diving foot stomp, but Starks rolls out of the ring in the nick of time! Janela runs off the ropes and looks for a dive onto Starks but gets swatted out of the air into the barricade in what looks to be jaw first on the edge of it! As he stumbles around clearly out of it, Starks dings him off the turnbuckle post and rolls him back into the ring!
MICHAEL COLE: That sounded like Janela had his bell rung!
WADE BARRETT: He sure did have his bell rung by Starks and that turnbuckle post, Cole!
Starks pushes Janela’s face into the canvas with a forearm as he makes the cover, 1…2…Janela kicks out! Starks tries to pick him up but gets rolled over into a pin, 1…2…Starks turns it into a pin of his own, 1…2…Janela reverses it into a crucifix pin, 1…2…Starks kicks out! Both men are on their feet at the same time, Janela goes for the superkick, but it’s caught by Starks! Janela goes for the dragon screw leg whip, but it’s ducked. Starks pulls him down with a reverse mat slam and pins Joey, 1…2…Janela kicks out! Both men scramble to their feet again, but as Janela rushes in, he gets smashed face first into the turnbuckle corner. Janela stumbles back, Starks runs off the ropes, and SPEAR! Janela’s leg is hooked by Starks; 1…Janela’s foot is on the ropes, 2, the official doesn’t see it...3!
WINNER
RICKY STARKS
13:37 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner and the NEEEEW WWE Intercontinental Champion, RIIICKYYY STAAAARRRKS!
MICHAEL COLE: We have a new Intercontinental Champion, Wade! Ricky Starks has done it here, but Janela looked like his foot was on the ropes!
WADE BARRETT: What are you talking about, Cole? Starks won it fair and square! The official would’ve seen a foot on the ropes, surely?
Starks shoves Janela out of the ring with his foot as he commands the official to bring him his new baby. Ricky grabs the back of his neck, still in pain, from the Death Valley Driver onto the turnbuckle from earlier. The official returns to Ricky with the WWE Intercontinental Championship and tries to hand it to him, but Starks rips it out of his grasp and raises it high in the air as he poses for the fans, but they boo him relentlessly. Starks flips them the double bird before he rolls out of the ring and holds his WWE Intercontinental Championship high again. Janela gets up at ringside and tugs at the bottom rope as he yells at the official and points at his foot. The official, however, says he didn’t see his foot on the ropes, and Joey kicks the stairs apart and immediately regrets it, as it’s the foot that collided with the steel steps earlier. Starks snaps his fingers at Joey as he backs up the rampway and taps the side of his head. Janela hobbles after him, and Starks books it backstage with Janela in pursuit as quickly as he can on the bad foot as the cameras fade out to commercial.
Tune in next week to witness the fallout from Halloween Havoc!
