Posts tagged The Absolute Lashley

We hear the ♫infamous theme♫ «< click to play) of the Thundercats and a massive logo appears on the screen before fading into the ♫opening video♫ «< click to watch) of Wednesday Night Turmoil. The pyro blasts bright blue as the electric audience cheer and chant. Good Ol’ JR and William Regal welcome us in to the program and announce that there is to be a special faction reunion on the show tonight as the Thundercats are going to get the band back together and compete as one for the first time since Survivor Series 2010 – against the Latin American eXchange. JR: “Panther’s in the house. So too is Shelton Benjamin and the World Champion AJ Styles will be part of what will be a four on four match and William, Trish Stratus is here as well!” Regal: “Oh it’s always nice to get some Stratusfaction, but trust the Thundercats to take the spotlight on the last Turmoil ever. I wonder if Edge our General Manager had anything to do with that. Hmm, one would think he was once a Thundercat too!?”

The comms explain that tonight is KWF’s last ever Turmoil. JR: “We’ll be sure to get reaction from CM Punk’s statement at the end of last week’s program. We’ll hear from Matt Morgan, the new number one contender to the Intercontinental Championship. Tag Champs Beer Money will be in action, as will the number one contender to the Women’s Championship Kaitlyn, and she’ll go one on one with her best friend AJ Lee! What a match that’s going to be. A dream encounter that I thought we’d never see.” Regal: “Well it’s one the fans want and kudos to our GM for making that happen. I see they competed on WWE’s House Show this week, but I’m far more intrigued by tonight’s contest as it’s based on a long running and relevant storyline. Let’s also remind the folks at home Jim, that another dream match is going to happen tonight. Two technicians, one great and another goat, I mean great, well a man who’s going to be great. Well, err, well you know what I mean.” JR shakes his head: “Well I sure do, but they don’t. Folks we’re going to have Daniel Bryan in action tonight – against the Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle! Angle is going to get himself ring-ready for Mania and what a sight it’s going to be when he trades holds and maneuvers with one of the X-Division’s very best.” Regal: “Speaking of X-Division Jim, look who’s gathered in the ring.”

The fans are on their feet as we can see that the ring is flooded with X-Division superstars including former Champs Daniel Bryan, Christopher Daniels, Amazing Red, Jay Lethal and Austin Aries. Edge stands up in his Skybox and the fans cheer and chant his name. We soon see X-Division Champion Jack Evans stand beside him and the two of them first address the fans, thanking them all for being “right here in Buffalo, New York!” Edge grins cheekily, admitting the Foley-esque pop. Edge then announces that he’s taken on board Jack Evans’ idea for KWF WrestleMania. Evans speaks, stating that he feels this idea is the perfect way that he can show off all of his skills. He says that he’s been in many matches where he’s battled against all odds, but come Mania, he’s setting the stage where he and every X-Division superstar will get to show what they can do. Evans: “It’s a match where the higher the risk you take, the greater the reward will be and I can’t wait because each and every one of you will be a part of it for a shot at my Title!”

Regal: “He’s putting his Belt on the line against all ofthe X-Division? At WrestleMania?! The man’s lost his mind.” Edge takes over the announcement and tells that the match at Mania will be competed in a ThunderCage! The fans applaud the GM and the comms are excited that we’re going to get to see a ThunderCage match, for only the second time in KWF history. The X-Division superstars in the ring all seem excited at the chance and Edge points out that there has always been a level of respect between most of the X-Division wrestlers. “And to return that respect and admiration from a GM point of view, I feel you all deserve to be at WrestleMania and compete for Evans’ X-Division Title.” The crowd cheer and the X-Div Superstars nod in agreement. Edge reminds us of ThunderCage rules, stating that all combatants start in the ring within the structure of the dome-like cage at the same time. They then battle it out to eliminate one another and when there’s only two superstars left standing, they shall have to climb up the cage, upside down and out of the hole in the roof. Edge: “It’s like you guys are going to be scrapping to slay each other and then there’ll be a realization that the match is won not by pinfall or submission, but it’s won by dominance and won by measuring exactly whether you are worthy of being X-Division Champion. This match is rare and when KWF first did it, it happened at our very first WrestleMania. It’s a fitting way to end KWF’s X-Division legacy and by the end of it, by measure of grit, mat-skills, high-flying ability, guts, determination, agility and endurance, the winner will surely be in the position of being the named the most prestigious X-Division Champion the industry has ever seen.”

The audience rumble and they’re all excited for this X-Division bout at Mania, but now we see some nervous expressions from the superstars themselves, with Regal stating: “The pressure’s now on. With all of them in the ThunderCage, it’s all or nothing. Who’s going to be remembered as the last ever KWF X-Division Champion?” Edge then goes on to talk about tonight and he says that he’s got the ultimate opportunity for someone in that very ring to get immunity from being eliminated from the ThunderCage match. Edge: “So here’s how this is gonna work. All fifteen of you guys compete right now in an over-the-top-rope Battle Royal and the winner goes into the ThunderCage with immunity from being eliminated by any other superstar apart from Champion Jack Evans.” The crowd cheer more as we see a referee come down to the ring and various X-Division superstars begin removing their t-shirts to get ready to compete. We see Edge shake hands with Jack Evans and Evans raises the Title yelling “Come and get it boys!” The crowd cheer, the bell rings and we go to commercial.

Christopher Daniels vs. Kazarian vs. Evan Bourne vs. Amazing Red vs. Santino Marella vs. Justin Gabriel vs. Yoshi Tatsu vs. Sin Cara vs. Suicide vs. Low-ki vs. ‘Black Machismo’ Jay Lethal vs. Austin Aries vs. Sonjay Dutt vs. Alex Shelley vs. Daniel Bryan – Over the top rope Battle Royal with winner getting ThunderCage immunity

Alex Shelley and Daniel Bryan are Eliminated. We come back Live and we watch as the crowd go nuts to wave goodbye to Shelley and Bryan. JR and Regal go split-screen to show us replays and it seems that while Shelley and Bryan were hashing up an old rivalry, Kazarian and Christopher Daniels took the initiative and eliminated them both, double-teaming them out of the match. JR: “Those two have hated one another since their tug of war over Samoa Joe. They still haven’t gotten over it because they both felt as if they could have been a Tag Team Champion.” Regal: “I wonder if it ever occurred to them to team up with each other? Too late now I suppose, but on the bright side, at least Bryan’s had a nice quick warm-up here before getting set for his match against Angle later.” As the contest goes on, it’s difficult to keep up with the action because there are so many daredevils in the ring. Innovation, high-risk maneuvers, endurance, it’s all playing a part and the crowd love it.

Suicide is Eliminated, thanks to Black Machismo. Low-ki goes high risk, attempting a Warrior’s Way on the fallen Santino, but it’s a mistake as Jay Lethal goes up there with him and he superplex’s him to the canvas as Marella rolls out of the way. Santino gets up and he has a menacing look on his face as he reaches into his singlet for the Cobra. As he does, across the ring he sees Yoshi Tatsu. The two lock eyes and Yoshi begins performing the original Karate Kid training kata. It seems like there’s a bubble around him that no one penetrates and he glides with the kata, closer and closer to Santino. Marella yells “Cobra!” but Yoshi performs a kick and he sends Santino flying over the top rope. Santino Marella is Eliminated. We then see Amazing Red go at Yoshi. He misses one spin-kick, then another, then another, but a final one sends Yoshi against the ropes and Justin Gabriel bursts onto the scene to clothesline Tatsu over the top rope – but Kazarian follows up and Gabriel goes out too! Yoshi Tatsu and Justin Gabriel are Eliminated. We see Sin Cara perform a springboard splash on Low-ki and we see Sonjay Dutt head to the top rope for his moonsault version of Warrior’s Way, but no, Austin Aries is quick to push Dutt from off the top and Sonjay’s out of the contest. Sonjay Dutt is Eliminated.

The numbers are decreasing by the instant and it seems that the more experienced X-Division superstars here are using their heads. Christopher Daniels, Austin Aries, Jay Lethal, Kazarian and Red often stay with their feet to the canvas to try and ensure they’re not caught off their feet to be eliminated. Amazing Red’s style is very air-born though and this costs him as he performs Infra-Red onto a fallen Kazarian, but then Christopher Daniels eliminates him from the match. Amazing Red is Eliminated. Daniels dusts off his hands and Regal says: “That’s another long-term rivalry there. Haha, and Red’s been shown just who’s boss.” However, JR yells: “Look out!” as we see Low-ki go at Daniels and he almost eliminates him, but Kazarian comes to the rescue. The tag team known as ‘Bad Influence’ double-team Low-ki and end up eliminating him before launching Evan Bourne out of the ring as well. Low-ki and Evan Bourne are Eliminated.

Daniels and Kaz have taken control and we’re down to our final five. However, much to Daniels and Kaz’s annoyance, Lethal, Aries and Sin Cara all team up on them. The crowd cheer as JR exclaims: “It’s every man for himself, but seeing as Bad Influence decided to unite, it seems the tables have turned against them in the very same manor.” Regal: “It’s not fair Jim! Austin Aries working alongside Jay Lethal!? This is bizarre!” We watch as Lethal and Aries target Daniels and meanwhile, as Kaz tries to make a save, Sin Cara smashes into him with a dropkick. This bounces Kaz against the ropes and Cara follows up with a clothesline to send Kazarian packing. Frankie Kazarian is Eliminated. Aries then sees Cara alone and he storms at him, but Cara performs a back body drop and Aries latches on to the top rope, momentarily keeping himself in the match. We see Daniels and Lethal going back and forth as Sin Cara tries to push Aries off the ring apron. Aries is smart though, latching on to Cara’s neck and torso, pulling him over the top rope as well. Neither man is giving an inch, but then Daniels storms away from Lethal to lift Cara by the legs and the momentum sends both Cara and Aries out to ringside. Austin Aries and Sin Cara are Eliminated. The crowd boo as Daniels begins to celebrate, but then cheer as Lethal’s back to his feet and he storms at Daniels – but Daniels ducks and turns sideways to pull down the top rope and Lethal’s momentum taks him out of the match! ‘Black Machismo’ Jay Lethal is Eliminated. Christopher Daniels wins it!

Winner: Christopher Daniels.

The crowd boo like hell as ♫Daniels’ music♫ «< click to play) hits and he celebrates toward the fans. The comms review replays of the action from the match and they talk up the fact that this is just a small preview to the intense action that we’re going to see during the ThunderCage match at KWF WrestleMania. At the foot of the ramp we see that Kazarian has joined with Daniels in his celebrations and Jeremy Borash gets a quick word: “Christopher Daniels congratulations on earning yourself immunity for the ThunderCage match. It must be said that you did it with some help from Mister Kazarian here?” Daniels is breathless as he barks: “Borash! You speck of nothingness in our presence. You’re making such a statement, you’re suggesting that we’re cheating or doing something untoward. But let me tell you this. So far ahead of the game are we that we knew what we were going to do the moment that bell rang. You see Frankie and I are like this (he crosses his fingers, and Kaz does too), and come Sunday, we will do exactly the same thing. We’ll work together to eliminate Jack Evans. We’ll work together to eliminate the entire X-Division roster, just like we did tonight. Then we’ll have a race to the top of the ThunderCage and come out of it together. Kaz and I are equals. Equally the future KWF X-Division Champions of the X-Division. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.” JB points out that there can only be one Champion because the hole at the top of the ThunderCage can only fit one person through it. Kaz and Daniels ignore him however and march off up the ramp. We hear Kaz yell in the background: “We’re smarter than everyone and we can beat anyone! God we’re cool!”

We go to a video recap telling us the events that occurred on last week’s edition of KWF Wednesday Night Turmoil. It was a night where General Manager Edge confirmed that The Rock would be a part of the generations World Title match in the main event of KWF WrestleMania. The Great One competed in Turmoil’s main event also, and that was against the returning Chris Jericho. We witnessed Drew McIntyre take Chavo Guerrero to the woodshed up on the Scottish Highlands as the Brit got some revenge for being targeted by LAX the week before. Panther took on Ryback, before laying out a WrestleMania challenge to King Dolph. Mick Foley gave his thumbs up to KWF’s Hardcore competitors and we witnessed a classic as two recently returning superstars, Matt Morgan and The Pope battled it out to become the number one contender to the KWF Intercontinental Title. It was a night where The Dudleys showed no fear to Why So Serious’ mind games. Kaitlyn showed no fear to Angelina Love and Brock Lesnar made an example out of Zack Ryder. Oh, and at the end of the show, there was a GTS and a CM Punk pipebomb that rocked the world. Check it out, click HERE to read March 20^th’s Turmoil.

Back Live, we see a shadow of large man under a street-light. The camera zooms out and the man is revealed to be Samoa Joe. Joe’s in his street-clothes and there’s snow pouring behind and around him. He’s in the arena parking lot and he has a metal pipe in hand. He smashes it over the hood of a car and begins talking quietly. He walks as he speaks and he says that it has been a long time since he’s had the rush of inflicting real pain onto an opponent. He says that he’s had a hell of a ride in the KWF, and while his ride as Hardcore Champion was the bumpiest, it was also a correlation of the best moments of his career. Joe says that being a real Hardcore competitor means that you never get tired of taking the bumps and you never lose the rage, the inner eruption of pure rage that you simply want to unleash on another human being and put that person in a world of pain. Pain that only you can let loose. Joe says that any true Hardcore competitor goes through such urges and he says that he knows that his Hardcore abilities far surpass those of Rob Van Dam or current reining Hardcore Champion Sheamus. Joe says that WrestleMania will be a night where the three of them will compete under a sanctioned match. It’ll be under Hardcore rules and it will be for the Hardcore Title.

Joe: “But tonight. Tonight we take it to the streets. There are no referees and there is nothing on the line. There’s nothing out here that says we’re on the show or that Edge or the Board have sanctioned any match. So I ask you, no, I demand, Sheamus, Van Dam, that the two of you get your asses out here and face me. Bring whatever you got. I got my pipe, I’ve got my truck. I’ve got the two-by-four under my back tire and I ain’t asking for anything but a fight. Come on boys, come face me! Let’s beat the sh*t outta each other and then, then we’ll see who the real man is. ‘Cause come Mania, haha, the real man would have survived this fight and still gone on to be the last KWF Hardcore Champion.” We watch as Joe smashes a window of a car and we see him take off his jacket and pick up a road block sign. He throws it over his head and into the KWF production truck and the screen somewhat goes fuzzy. There’s distortion at first, but then there’s clarity as the camera-man backs up and Joe yells: “Come fight me! Sheamus, Van Dam, fight me now!” The snow continues to pour.

Regal: “Jesus Christ! My hire car’s in that lot! Has everybody lost their mind tonight?! And Jim, you’re sat there smiling? What’s there to smile about this? If they kill each other tonight, there won’t be a Hardcore Title match at Mania!” JR: “Haha, and therein lies the truth about what Joe’s doing here William. Let’s put this into context. This isn’t Tag Team competition where you and your partner watch each other’s backs, make the most of double-teams and what have you. This isn’t an Intercontinental level where it’s about the prestige of the Belt, who’s carried it and what it represents. This isn’t even like the World Title where superstars compete to be the best. Best athletes, wrestlers and entertainers in the world. No, this is about being a man. This is about blood, brute force and downright war games. Oh hell yeah I’m smiling. I know Sheamus and Van Dam and they won’t pass up this chance. It’s almost like a right of passage that Joe’s suggesting here. You go out to the streets of Buffalo and you bleed in the snow. Maybe you end up unconscious, maybe you end up in hospital. But you get up. You want more of it and then come Mania, you bring everything you have to do whatever it takes to do one thing and one thing only. To win the Hardcore Championship.” Regal shakes his head: “JR, you’ve lost your mind. Being a man? Right of passage? This is absurd.” JR: “This is Hardcore.”

♫AJ Lee’s music♫ «< click to play) hits and the spunky Chick skips her way to the ring to a big cheer from the audience. The comms point out that WWE House Shows put on an impromptu match between AJ and Kaitlyn this past Monday night on RAW. Regal: “It always seems like last-minute thinking in WWE. AJ and Kaitlyn haven’t been on the same page for well over a year. But instead of building on that for a WrestleMania showdown, they have a Count-out victory for AJ on RAW instead. Now, they may still wrestle at Mania, but it’s so off the wall. God, I feel sorry for our Chicks when they all go their separate ways to WWE, TNA and what-have-you. The Women’s Division only gets the attention and recognition it deserves right here in the KWF.” JR: “Careful William. Let’s just enjoy the rest of the KWF ride. Our fans know exactly what we bring to the table.” AJ waits in the ring as ♫Kaitlyn’s music♫ «< click to play) hits. The tron rises and the Hybrid-Chick makes her entrance to a great reception from the crowd.

AJ Lee vs. Kaitlyn

The Texan gets an equally good reception, and the duo do their Chickbuster fist-bump before locking up as William Regal questions whether the hug they had after Kaitlyn won the Fatal-4-Way number one contender match a couple of weeks ago was genuine. “You know women Jim. The only thing they hate more than men is other women.” JR: “They’re best friends, they’re the Chickbusters, they even have their own handshake.” Regal: “Yes, but Kaitlyn has a shot at a Title Belt that AJ believes she lost unfairly. She can pretend that she’s happy for her ‘friend’ all she wants, but deep down I know that AJ is furious that she isn’t the one going to Mania.” JR: “Well we mentioned WWE. Maybe they can take that ball and run with it after KWF’s done.” Kaitlyn has gotten on top early on with her superior power, but AJ’s agility allows her to get to the ropes before Kaitlyn can put on a submission hold. They both get to their feet and smirk at one another. JR: “I can only imagine how many times these two have grappled in the gym, and how long they dreamed of facing one another in a KWF ring, and here they are competing on the last ever Wednesday Night Turmoil, etching their names in history, and Kaitlyn will be hoping to go one better by winning the big prize this Sunday at WrestleMania.”

JR’s words coincide with Kaitlyn losing concentration for a moment and AJ managing to get an advantage, with a Russian leg sweep sending her opponent down. She covers, but Kaitlyn powers out with ease. AJ comes off the ropes and hits a Sunset Flip, but again Kaitlyn kicks out. She decides to go high risk and flies from the top rope with a cross-body but Kaitlyn catches her, before swinging her around into a backbreaker. The audience gasp and then cheer as Kaitlyn then covers, but this time AJ is the one who kicks out at Two. Back and forth the match goes as JR praises the incredibly high level of women’s wrestling, not just in this match, but overall in the KWF. Regal: “Indeed Jim. It has been criminally ignored in other companies, but here in the KWF, Edge, and it must be said his predecessors, have utilized these fantastically talented women and given them a platform to show that they can match the men when it comes to putting on wrestling clinics, and they ain’t bad to look at neither.” AJ gets a couple more near falls, including with a Schoolgirl Roll-up of Doom, but she goes for one too many and gets picked up and slammed down. Kaitlyn backs off to the corner and appears to be winding up for the Spear, but before she can execute, we see Velvet Sky and Women’s Champion Angelina Love storm down the ramp. JR: “Hey! Get outta here damn it!” The Beautiful People rush the ring and the referee is forced to throw the match out.

No contest.

The duo attack Kaitlyn, while the bell rings and the fans boo loudly. JR: “Oh come on! The last ever Chick match on Turmoil and we don’t even get a finish! What on earth do these harlots think they’re doing?” Regal: “Preparing for WrestleMania clearly.” They lay the boot into Kaitlyn in the corner, but we soon see that AJ has gotten to her feet, and she grabs Angelina by the hair, before tossing her out of the ring. Velvet then grabs AJ by the hair and backs her up towards the far corner. “Just what do you think you’re doing you little shrimp? That’s the Women’s Champion, you treat her with the respect she deserves!” AJ just looks back at Velvet and tells her to turn around, so she does, right into a ferocious Spear from Kaitlyn. The Chickbusters kick-roll Sky out of the ring as Love is left to pick her up and ♫Kaitlyn’s music♫ «< click to play) hits. AJ raises her hand and tells TBP that come Sunday, there will be similar scenes, only with a Championship around the waist of the Hybrid-Chick. JR: “What a contest it promises to be this Sunday at WrestleMania!” Regal: “The Chickbusters and The Beautiful People will conclude their long and storied rivalry. I’m going to need popcorn for that one.”

We head backstage where JB is standing by to interview his guest at this time: “He is the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship, The Blueprint, Matt Morgan.” The imposing Morgan steps into shot and strokes his huge beard. JB asks him if he’s ready to take on The Viper Randy Orton this Sunday. Morgan: “That’s a real dumb question JB, even for you. Of course The Blueprint is ready. I was ready the second I came back to the KWF, and after comfortably beating The Pope last week, I am just one step away from immortality. See, after I was unjustly fired from the KWF at Casino Warfare last year, I had to put up with seeing from afar that slithering poser Randy Orton carrying my Title, but not only that, he had the audacity to say that he wanted to be known as the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. Well he didn’t reckon with Matt Morgan. I am the sole reason that Title even exists anymore. When the KWF became one show back in 2011, I beat Pope in a unification match, and had the decision whether to carry the IC Title, or the US Title. I held the Intercontinental Strap above my head because it meant more to me than any other Championship I have ever carried. Now, at KWF WrestleMania, I want MY Title back! And while Randy might have the RKO, I have the Carbon Footprint. How can a Viper apply it’s venom, when it’s teeth have been kicked down it’s own throat?” Morgan stares at JB, before exiting. An intimidated JB hands it back to JR and Regal.

The ♫music of Daniel Bryan♫ «< click to play) hits and JR informs us that we are set for another dream match: “The fans are going crazy for this fantasy card tonight, and I personally am so excited for this next contest. Two of the most highly respected competitors in wrestling go head-to-head for the first, and probably last time ever. Put simply, it’s Daniel Bryan against Kurt Angle!” Regal: “I’m probably too old now to say ‘yippee’ Jim, but inside I’m jumping up and down on this chair like an excited child on Christmas morning. This is a perfect example of what WrestleMania season is all about. The best of the best in action Live on your cell phones, TV’s and laptops. This is what Pro Wrestling should be all about and I can’t wait for this match.” Kurt Angle heads to the ring as the fans await what promises to be an enthralling contest.

Daniel Bryan vs. Kurt Angle

Bryan and Angle stand across from one another, before shaking hands as the bell rings, and this one is underway. They lock up, and Bryan eagerly goes for the headlock, but Angle pushes him away. They lock up again, and this time Angle goes for a headlock. Bryan rolls them both back, and Angle gets up, before getting kicked in the leg. Angle doesn’t take kindly to this, and clotheslines Bryan down. JR: “Well I guess that’ll teach Bryan that you shouldn’t kick your elders.” Regal: “But he’s supposed to!” The early stages of the match are dominated by reversals and blocks, with both men showing off their incredible range of mat wrestling skills. JR: “Both these men have crucial matches coming up on Sunday, with Bryan involved in the X-Division Title ThunderCage match, while Angle gets the chance at retribution on Brock Lesnar ten years after he was defeated at WrestleMania 19.” Regal: “I still cannot believe Kurt asked for that match. I appreciate that the KWF is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean he has to deliberately end his own career by facing the Ultimate Fighter. He’ll get decimated.” JR: “That’s yours and Brock Lesnar’s opinion William, but while Kurt Angle is a seasoned veteran, he’s still as sharp as he’s ever been within that squared circle. He has a point to prove that he’s still got it and if I was a gambling man, I’d never bet against Kurt Angle.”

Angle’s experience has gotten him on top now as he works Bryan over with a front headlock. He soon turns this into a crossface, and Bryan tries to roll through it. He manages to get free, before applying a crossface of his own. JR: “It’s not quite the LeBell Lock, but Bryan is giving as good as he’s getting here.” Kurt reaches the ropes and forces the break. They both get to their feet and Angle sends Bryan into the corner, but as he follows, Bryan moves and Angle crashes into the turnbuckles. The Bearded Dragon then races over and hits a running dropkick hard into Angle, before covering and getting Two. As the contest continues, Angle escapes to the outside for a breather, as Regal points out that this is the perfect example of what Brock was talking about a few weeks ago. “Kurt was offended because Brock refused to attack him, saying that he pitied him and thought he was past it. But this is what he meant, look at him struggling. It’s a good job that Brock promised not to lay a finger on Kurt before Sunday.” JR: “Oh you’re reading too much into it William. You of all people must appreciate that exiting the ring at any given point can be a simple tactic. Yes it could be to get a breather, but it could also be to take a moment to strategize on your next move.” Angle isn’t allowed to recuperate or strategize for much longer as Bryan comes flying through the ropes with a suicide dive, and the fans are on their feet. They chant ‘This is wrestling’ *clap-clap-clapclapclap* over and over as the comms review replays and we head to commercial.

When we return, Bryan is trying to apply more submission holds in the ring, and he manages to get an armbar on, but JR points out that Kurt is doing well as he’s preventing Bryan from putting on the LeBell Lock. “Bryan is clearly frustrated, because although he can do damage, you’re not going to make Kurt Angle tap out with an armbar.” Regal: “Brock Lesnar might.” Bryan lets go and tries to wear Angle down some more with a series of kicks, before coming off the ropes to go for a clothesline, but Angle nips up and catches him, before throwing him across the ring with a belly-to-belly suplex. He measures Bryan, and then hits a German suplex, followed by another, then another, and he even adds the sauce by hitting a fourth. The fans cheer as he gets to his feet and pulls down the straps. JR: “You know what this means, Ankle Lock time!” He grabs Bryan’s foot, and applies the deadly Ankle Lock. Bryan screams in pain, and tries to claw his way to the ropes. Sweat is pouring down Angle as he has given his all to take this momentum-boosting win, but Bryan refuses to tap. Angle pulls him away from the ropes, but just as Bryan anticipates that Kurt is going to lie down on the hold, he manages to roll through and the momentum throws Angle into the turnbuckles.

Angle stumbles back, and Bryan grabs him and applies the LeBell Lock! The fans go bananas, half chanting Angle’s name and the other half chanting for Bryan as now it is Angle who is in deep trouble. He scraps for the ropes, but it appears to be no good. He can’t even hook his foot around it, so is stuck and has to fight out of it. Bryan has his fingers locked tight, and Angle is in clear pain, but like Bryan, he refuses to tap out. He pushes against the move, but can’t budge Bryan, who pulls back harder, yelling at Angle to tap. The Olympic Gold Medalist won’t do it though, and with one big push, manages to get Bryan onto his back. The referee counts, and Bryan is forced to let go so he can get his shoulder up in time. Bryan is frustrated as he gets up and boots an exhausted Angle in the side of the head. Angle is flat on his back, and Bryan heads to the top rope. JR: “It’s time for the Diving Headbutt. Bryan has put many people away with this before.” Bryan gets to the top rope but he’s slow to do so and this momentary lapse costs him as Angle gets to his feet quickly, races up to join him on the ropes, before getting him onto his shoulders and falling back, hitting an Angle Slam from off the top rope! He covers and gets One, Two and Three!

Winner: Kurt Angle.

JR: “What… a… match! That was everything it promised to be and more, and Kurt Angle is the one having his hand raised at the end of it, but due credit must also go to Daniel Bryan. Two great warriors giving it their all on this final Turmoil.” Regal: “Very, very good match, but perhaps very stupid from Kurt Angle. He looks knackered, and in just four days, he has to face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. He’s got no chance, not that he did before.” JR is about to riposte, but the ♫loud music of Brock Lesnar♫ «< click to play) hits, and the Ultimate Fighter heads down the ramp. Angle is finally on his feet, but is clearly spent. Lesnar has a smile on his face and is applauding. JR: “What is this? More patronizing cockiness from Lesnar? Come on Brock, the man just won a match of the year contest, give him a break!” Lesnar gets in the ring and continues applauding Angle, and he even offers his hand. Angle is understandably wary, and we can hear him saying to Brock: “Yeah, keep underestimating me Brock, but you won’t be smiling so much on Sunday.” Brock says back: “Come on Kurt, I’m serious, that was a great match. Come on, shake my hand.” Kurt is smarter than that, and ignores the hand, going to exit the ring, but Brock’s smile immediately disappears, and he grabs Angle, hoisting him up on his shoulders and driving him to the mat with a hellacious F5! JR: “What! But he said he wasn’t going to lay a finger on Kurt until WrestleMania!” Regal: “Well Kurt shouldn’t have disrespected him like that. Besides, you didn’t really trust Brock Lesnar did you? That’s like trusting a Rottweiler with your sausage sandwich.” Lesnar stares down at the fallen Angle, before roaring and ripping his shirt off. ♫His music♫ «< click to play) plays again and the fans boo loudly.

We head backstage where Kaitlyn is walking the halls. She is drinking a protein shake when she is suddenly surrounded by several of the KWF Chicks wanting to congratulate her and wish her luck ahead of her WrestleMania Women’s Title shot against Angelina Love. Mickie James explains that everyone in the locker room is sick of Love and Velvet Sky, and they’re all rooting for Kaitlyn on Sunday. Kaitlyn thanks them all and says she’s feeling in great shape and all of the pent up fire and rage from when TBP bullied her in Dolph’s Kingdom will be unleashed on Love at Mania. AJ is also there, and tells Kaitlyn that they have a pre-Mania surprise for her. The Chicks part, and stood there, leaving Kaitlyn gobsmacked, is former KWF Chick Trish Stratus. Trish approaches Kaitlyn and says “So, you’re the Hybrid-Chick I’ve been hearing all about?” Kaitlyn responds: “Yes, hi Trishlyn, I’m Kait Stratus, I mean…” Trish laughs: “It’s okay Kaitlyn, I know who you are. And I must say, I’ve seen an awful lot of Chicks come and go in this business, and this locker room is just wall-to-wall talent, but you are a special one. I’ve seen you grow from a former body builder who was greener than the Jolly Green Giant, to one of the most accomplished performers in this industry, and in such a short space of time. Now those Trish wannabes Angelina and Velvet, they gave me a lot of crap when I was here too, but now that the KWF is coming to an end, I wanted to come back to give you my backing, and in fact all of our backing. We don’t want the best Women’s Division of all time to go out with that wench holding our Title above her head at WrestleMania.” The rest of the girls agree, and they each give Kaitlyn a good luck hug as we head back to ringside.

Regal: “Haha, I’d love to see the comic book thought bubbles popping out of those womens’ heads. Like they really all want Kaitlyn to win. Haha, no chance.” JR: “Well deep down I bet that many would want a shot at Love themselves, but Trish is right, Kaitlyn’s paid her dues and earned her shot. I don’t think it’s about wanting Kaitlyn to be Champion, it’s about desperately not wanting Angelina Love to be Champion. I can’t wait for the Women’s Title bout at Mania.” ♫Beer Money’s music♫ «< click to play) hits and out come the KWF World Tag Team Champions along with their valet, Gail Kim. The comms remind us that all three WrestleMania Tag Teams have had a warm-up for the Grand Stage. JR: “Gambit and Joker faced Kane and The UnderTaker. The Dudleys took on The Hart Dynasty and now Beer Money are in action. I wonder who they’re going to face?” As Roode removes his t-shirt and Storm removes his Cowboy hat, we watch the entrance of Big Show and Chris Jericho! Regal: “Jeri-Show!? Wow! What a test for the Tag Champs!” JR: “Aww this match should be a slobberknocker. We saw the return of Y2J last week as he main evented versus The Rock, but lost the match. I’m sure he feels a lot happier about going into this match knowing that he has Big Show’s WMD on his side.” Regal: “And I think this is a first for KWF Jim. I remember Jericho teaming with Scott Steiner within the World Elite when KWF first started back in 2009, but I don’t ever recall the team of Jeri-Show competing in the KWF. What a treat!”

Beer Money w/ Gail Kim vs. Big Show & Chris Jericho

The bell rings and we see Gail applaud and cheer on her guys along with the ruckus audience. Cowboy James Storm starts off against Jericho and he overpowers him, slamming him toward the canvas after an initial lock-up. Jericho backs up toward his corner and then reaches for a tag. Big Show comes in over the top rope and Regal says: “Try doing that to Big Show mate.” Storm doesn’t seem fazed by Show’s size, but soon realizes that he’s nowhere near as Strong as he sets for an old fashioned test of strength, but Show bends Storm’s fingers back and forces him to his knees. The crowd boo as Big Show ferociously applies the pressure. But then there’s a huge cheer as Roode comes in illegally and he smashes Big Show with punches. Show lets go of Storm and we see the referee set to get Roode back to his corner. This distraction allows Gail Kim to scurry up the stairs. She runs up to the top turnbuckle and flies off at Show – but Big Show catches her and she may be about to be in a world of trouble. Show lifts her into Powerbomb position, but Gail counters and wraps her arm around Show’s head for a DDT. She’s too lightweight though and Big Show just stands there – but then Storm performs a chop bloc and Gail administers the DDT!

The crowd chant and cheer as Storm then tags in Roode who sprints across the ring to directly knock Jericho off the apron, before coming back to dive on Show for an attempt as a crossface submission. JR: “This is Tag Team Wrestling 101. Distractions, third parties, making the most of working together. This is a great way for Beer Money to prepare for Sunday.” Regal: “But they’re cheating though, correct Jim?” JR: “Well errr…” Regal: “Yeah yeah, whatever. This may be a nice way to ensure that Roode, Storm and Gail are all on the same page, but let me tell you, after seeing the looks on The Dudleys faces last week when they overcame Why So Serious, my money’s on them at Mania. They’re the ones that are the most decorated Tag Team ever and a final shot of them as KWF World Tag Team Champions would be the perfect way for them to etch their KWF legacy in stone.” JR: “Keystone.” Regal: “You’re not funny Jim. Leave the jokes to me.” The contest goes on with Roode having failed to apply the crossface and Jeri-Show begin to get a foothold in the match. However, they don’t always get along and while they argue, it’s Beer Money that make the most of it, befalling the illegal Show to smash his head off the steel stairs and then going back in the ring at Jericho to take him out with the DWI. JR: “Drinking While Investing connects and this one has to be over!” Storm covers for One, Two and Three.

Winners: James Storm and Robert Roode, Beer Money.

Gail grabs the Tag Belts from the timekeeper’s corner and Beer Money celebrate up the ramp. The comms review replays and tell that all three Tag Teams seem to be at the top of their game going into Mania. The crowd cheer Roode, Storm and Kim as they exit under the rising tron, but a camera-man follows and as they go backstage we follow to see them bump into Bubba-Ray and Devon. The Dudleys have set up two ladders, a table and they’re sat on chairs. They don’t urge Beer Money to fight, but they tell them that they’re more than ready for KWF WrestleMania. They stand up and make sure that the camera has a view of the Table, the Ladders and the Chairs that The Dudleys intend to do damage with at Mania this Sunday. Bubba: “You two may be leasing those Belts thanks to us and you may have won the TLC match that we had with you and Why So Serious a couple of years ago, but come Sunday, we are the one’s that are going to climb up there and win back the Tag Team Titles.” The camera pans up as Bubba points toward the top of the ladder and all of a sudden we see that there’s a table that’s been set up between the two ladders, positioned just like when Edge and Christian won the Triangle Ladder match at WrestleMania 16. As lights unshadow the top of the scene we see Jeff ‘The Joker’ Hardy sat on the table and Gambit is right there with him.

Regal: “How the flip did they get up there?” Joker says: “Hi.” And Gambit then flicks a deck of cards into the air and the cards rain over Beer Money and The Dudleys. Bubba and Devon shake their heads and look menacingly toward Gambit and Joker. We watch as Gail leads Beer Money away and Bubba and Devon walk off in the other direction. The scene ends with a zoom-in on Gambit and Joker, casually sat atop the table atop the ladders. The comms build that the Dudleys have never won a TLC, but neither did Jeff Hardy with his brother Matt. Beer Money have won a TLC in the KWF and so overall it could be that Roode and Storm have the psychological upper hand because they’ve defeated The Dudleys and Why So Serious in this type of match before. Regal: “But notice Jim that these six men didn’t touch each other backstage. They all know what’s at stake on Sunday and the atmosphere between them is about to explode. KWF’s three best tag teams go at it TLC style. May the best team win. I can’t wait for that match.”

Elsewhere backstage, we see King Dolph walking the halls with Queen Madison and his bodyguard Ryback in tow. Dolph: “And remember Ryback, if that valet gets so much as a scratch on my royal Porsche, you put him through the wall.” Ryback “With pleasure.” All of a sudden, Dolph stops in a panic. He sees that the door to his Kingdom has been busted open. He races over and looks in, to see that most of his locker room has been replaced by a giant ball-pit. There are multi-colored balls everywhere. “What the hell is this?!” All of a sudden, Panther’s head pops up from under the balls. “Whassup!” before he descends back down below again. Dolph sends Ryback in to get him, but as the Machine dives in, Panther pops up on the other side. He sits on the ledge and says “You know Dolph, if I were King, this is what my Kingdom would be like, except there might be a Ferris Wheel and some cotton candy too, but I might have to knock through this wall.” Ryback goes after Panther again, comically marching through the balls. But the Black Cat dives back into the pit. Ryback goes back the other way, and grabs something, but when he pulls it up, it turns out to be Hornswoggle. The leprechaun looks freaked out as Ryback lifts him higher, but then we hear Madison scream: “No! Don’t eat him! Find Panther!” Ryback throws Hornswoggle back into the pit. Panther pops up again, but when Ryback goes to grab him, he gets Brodus Clay instead, who was also in the pit. Clay shouts “Sheee!” before headbutting Ryback. The Machine drops under the balls himself, and Panther pops out again and sits on the ledge once more. Dolph is apoplectic: “Stop this ridiculous nonsense! This is MY Kingdom!”

Panther: “You want it back? Face me at WrestleMania, like I said last week. Put that Crown on the line in a Ladder match, and if you win, I’ll get my balls out of your way.” Brodus giggles. Dolph is seething, before shouting “Alright! Alright! You got it furball! You and me, Ladder match for the Crown at WrestleMania, where I put you down once and for all!” Dolph storms off, and Madison screams at Panther, before joining her King. Panther shrugs his shoulders and says “Hey Brodus, watch me dive!” He backflips back into the ball pit, and we hear an “Ow!” Panther gets out and says “Oh, sorry mate.” Then, former Hardcore Champion and KWF Original Superstar Kazama Kam sticks his head out of the pit, holding the back of his head. JR: “Wow, we’re getting all sorts of former KWF Superstars popping up around here tonight.” Regal: “Never mind that Jim, what about the travesty we just witnessed?! Panther broke into the Kingdom and manipulated poor Dolph into putting his Crown on the line!” JR: “Hell yeah he did, and what a match that promises to be. This is a rivalry that has been going on for almost a year, and I don’t know of two guys who hate each other more in this company. It’s a personal rivalry that we get to see come to the ultimate conclusion. A Ladder match at WrestleMania, and the winner will be crowned the final King of the KWF!” Regal: “I mean a ball-pit, what on earth is this business coming to?! Petulant goons!”

We go to the production truck with Jeremy Borash and he diverts our attention to the security cameras that are showing what’s going on in the parking lot. Borash explains: “Now folks Samoa Joe came out with a challenge of an unsanctioned street fight between him, Sheamus and Rob Van Dam earlier tonight. What’s been going on since has been totally barbaric, but because of legal and safety reasons, Edge had to pull the KWF camera-man out of the parking lot. We can see here from this footage that Sheamus and Van Dam both answered Joe’s call and the three of them have been fighting all night long in the blistering snowy weather. If you look closely you can see blood patches in the snow, cars smashed up, various weapons in play and as you can tell, all three men here are trying to prove their point of exactly how Hardcore they are. They’re still fighting and still going at it, but I have been told that Edge will get this fight broken up – at the end of the show. In the meantime, it gives these three gentlemen a chance to get everything off their chest and fight. I just hope they have something left to give this Sunday at WrestleMania.” JB continues watching the fight on the parking lot security monitor and we hear JR quietly say: “My gosh. This has gotten way out of hand.” Regal: “Oh no, no no, what did you say earlier Jim? Right of passage? Who’s the man when it comes to Hardcore wrestling? Haha, ask and ye shall receive. This is great. You were right Jim, what a way to get set for Mania.” JR: “If they make it that far.”

We are back in the arena, as JR excitedly exclaims that it is now time for nostalgic eight-man tag team action. There is an air of anticipation in the crowd, before the unmistakable ♫old school music♫ «< click to play) of the Thundercats hits. Blue lights go around the arena, as we see Shelton Benjamin make his way out to the stage. He is then joined by Trish Stratus, who high-fives him. Panther follows and does the same, before looking uncomfortable, reaching into his pants, and pulling out a rogue green ball from his backstage pit. He tosses it into the crowd, before the duo are joined by the KWF World Heavyweight Champion, AJ Styles! JR: “This is incredible, the original Thundercats back together as one again, but it does beg the question, if this is four v four, who is the fourth guy going to be? There’s two notable absentees.” Regal: “Well Edge can’t wrestle any more, so I’ve no idea.” Benjamin, Panther, Styles and Trish head to the ring and climb the turnbuckles as the fans cheer them on. Their music soon stops and Edge addresses them from his Skybox: “Guys, I gotta admit, I’m getting pretty emotional up here. But who is the fourth guy I hear you ask? Well, seeing as I can’t do anything more than stand up here and order people about, I had to find a replacement, and I thought to myself, who would be a good alternative to Edge?”

With that we hear ♫Go! If you close your eyes, your life, a naked truth revealed!♫ «< click to play)  and out to the stage comes none other than Christian! The threesome and Trish in the ring look surprised, but happy with Edge’s replacement. Captain Charisma is received well by the fans and he gets in the ring, offering high-fives to his partners, who all oblige. There are soon boos ringing around the arena though as Ricardo Rodriguez steps out to the stage and he announces the name of Alberto Del Rio as ♫music♫ «< click to play) hits and LAX make their entrance, and the least popular faction in wrestling today head out in their pimped out mini-van. Del Rio leads his men to the ring, accompanied by Melina. They surround the ring in their usual menacing fashion, with Konnan and Chavo Guerrero clearly outnumbering the T-cats. JR says: “Well here we are, AJ Styles, Shelton Benjamin, Panther and Christian versus Alberto Del Rio, Rey Mysterio, Homicide and Hernandez. We are set for one hell of a…” *BONG!* The lights go out. There are screams from the fans, as smoke covers the stage. *BONG!* ♫Some eerie music♫ «< click to play) plays, and to everyone’s shock, The Absolute Lashley slowly makes his way to the ring. JR: “What in the hell is he doing here?!” Regal: “Well… err… technically he is a former Thundercat as well.” JR: “That was Bobby Lashley, the happy go lucky smiley faced Bobby Lashley. This is an Absolute monster, a Beast. I didn’t think he’d even remember he was a part of this faction.” Everyone is scared stiff as Lashley approaches the ring. He raises the lights, before heading to the corner of the Thundercats, and simply standing there, ready on the apron. Edge comes back on the mic as the music stops. “Err, well… I guess this is now five on five, and I’m sure as hell not gonna argue with him, so Chavo, get your ass on that apron.” Guerrero reluctantly gets on the apron and we now have five v five, with The Absolute Lashley taking his place alongside the Thundercats.

AJ Styles, Panther, Shelton Benjamin, Christian Cage & The Absolute Lashley w/ Trish Stratus vs. Alberto Del Rio, Rey Mysterio, Homicide, Hernandez & Chavo Guerrero w/ Konnan & Melina

No-one can take their eyes off Lashley. Even his teammates are all stood on the other side of the ring-post. Shelton Benjamin is starting the match off against Homicide as the bell rings and we’re underway. They lock up, and Homicide sends Shelton against the ropes, but gets shoulder barged down for his trouble. Shelton comes off the ropes again and runs over Homicide, before going under a leapfrog, and Homicide attempts a hip toss, but Shelton lands on his feet and floors his opponent with a hip toss of his own. JR: “See, as we saw last week when Panther defeated Ryback, you can’t knock these Thundercats off their feet, which makes it damn near impossible to beat them.” As Benjamin continues to get the better of Homicide, JR reminds us of the history of the Thundercats. “When the KWF first started, Edge was still an active competitor and decided to recruit and build his own faction. He purposely took on guys and girls with agility, speed and frankly all the characteristics that jungle cats possess. He took on familiar faces in Benjamin and Trish, he also recruited former TNA superstar AJ Styles, and then took under his wing a new fresh-faced KWF Original in Panther, who’s name suggested he was perfectly suited to the criteria. Finally, when he needed some muscle, he brought in Lashley. Little did he know that Bobby would be abducted after the Thundercats defeated the World Elite back at KWF Survivor Series 2010, only to return at WrestleMania the following year under The UnderTaker’s power as The Absolute One. After that night at Survivor Series, the faction slowly disbanded as each member decided they wanted to go their separate ways, but tonight, for one night only, they’re back as one, and they’re kicking ass here!”

Shelton has tagged in Panther, who is working over Homicide. He goes to tag in Lashley, but soon rethinks it and hits a standing dropkick on Homicide, who rolls to the far side and is tagged on the back by Del Rio. The Mexican Aristocrat gets in the ring, but is soon joined by Christian. Del Rio and Cage trade blows, with the Canadian getting the better of it. He backs Del Rio into the corner, and hits a series of chops, followed by an enziguiri. He covers, but gets only Two. He claps, as do the fans, setting up for a KillSwitch attempt, but as he goes for it, Del Rio pushes him away and into the far corner, before following up with a knee to the back. Del Rio has finally managed to turn the tide now, and it’s LAX on top. He hits Cage with a few more shots, before tagging in Hernandez. SuperMex uses his power to work over Christian, with a bodyslam and a sidewalk slam, getting Two on a casual cover. Regal: “Blast Edge and his ego. It’s all well and good having the Thundercats main event our last ever show, but what about The British Invasion? Drew defeated Chavo last week, surely that means The Brits get this main event match. And we’re the longest standing faction there is along with the Thundercats. LAX only just got together and they get this main event? This is an injustice!” JR: “But William have you ever thought that it might be out of respect that Edge didn’t put Barrett and the Brits in this match? I mean consider for a moment that it’s LAX that have been the pain in Edge’s behind since the new year. Maybe this is Edge’s way of making sure the Thundercats take care of business and the Brits can of course end on a high, with Drew’s victory over Chavo as you said.” Regal: “Nonsense JR. The Brits have been overlooked, ironically, the very same way that the Latino’s complained about all along.” JR: “It’s a matter of perception Mister Regal, but I guess you’ve already made your mind up.” Regal: “Yes I have.”

As the match goes on, Hernandez tags in Chavo, who springs over the rope to hit a senton, then kicks Christian hard in the back. LAX work well as a team, making quick tags in and out as Christian is isolated, with JR stating that Captain Charisma may be rusty after such a long period out. Regal: “And fancy Edge and Christian putting their differences aside for Cage to get the spotlight here. And Edge said that he’s a professional GM? Haha, really?” JR: “Stop whining William. Please let our audience enjoy the match.” Lashley remains standing almost perfectly still in the corner, waiting. Rey Mysterio is in now and hits a low dropkick on Christian, before flipping off the Thundercats in the far corner. Panther and Shelton look at each other with faux outrage. We hear Panther say to Benjamin “Well I never!” to which Shelton responds in his poshest voice “How frightfully rude!” Lashley snarls, and Panther, Shelton and Styles edge slightly further away again.

Mysterio trips Cage onto the middle rope and is setting up for the 6-1-9, but as he dials it up, Christian recovers and clotheslines him down. Cage crawls across the canvas and tags in the KWF Champion, AJ Styles. He leaps straight off the middle of the top rope and nails Mysterio with a flying-forearm smash. The crowd go wild as he then decks both Homicide and Chavo off the apron. Hernandez gets in to get him some, but misses with a right hook attempt, and Styles levels him with a Pele! JR: “The Phenomenal One showing just why he has that moniker, and he is in supreme form ahead of the biggest match of his life on Sunday, where he will defend his Title against CM Punk, John Cena and The Rock!” Styles picks Mysterio up and appears set to go for the Styles Clash, but Del Rio gets in and volleys him in the face. Styles stumbles back against the ropes, and is slapped on the back, by The Absolute Lashley. Everyone freezes, except Lashley who gets in the ring and stares a fiery hole through Alberto Del Rio. He grabs him by the throat, before lifting him up and chokeslamming him down. We instantly see Melina, Rodriguez and Konnan back away from the ring apron as Lashley tears the house down. Homicide gets in, as does Chavo, but they’re both savagely clotheslined down. Lashley then hurls Mysterio over the top rope, but is clattered from behind by SuperMex. It does little damage though, and he slowly turns around to face Hernandez, before picking him up and slamming him down with a Sitdown Spinebuster! JR: “My God! What devastation! Lashley just took out the entire LAX faction by himself! Now where’s he going?” Lashley slaps Shelton on the shoulder, and gets back on the apron. Melina uses this distraction to try and attack Trish at ringside, but Trish is aware and nails her with a Chick Kick, to the delight of the fans.

Benjamin rubs his sore shoulder, and gets in the ring, but there is no-one to attack. Hernandez and Del Rio are in the ring, but neither are legal and both are down already. Shelton heads to the outside, and picks up Mysterio, rolling him back in the ring. However, as he slides back in himself, Homicide has recovered and hits an enziguiri on Benjamin. Mysterio covers, but gets only Two. We go into a commercial break, and when we come back, LAX are all recovered and back on the apron, although Hernandez still looks groggy. Shelton is being worked over by Del Rio now, and the leader of LAX is setting up for the Cross-Armbreaker. However, just as he’s about to go for it, we see the crowd gasp as Wade Barrett slides into the ring, and he dump tackles Del Rio down, before pummeling him with lefts and rights. The referee calls for the bell.

Winners by way of Disqualification: The Latin American eXchange.

The whole of the British Invasion has emerged and they flood the ring, and are laying into the members of LAX. JR: “Oh for God’s sake! Here we go again!” Regal: “Yes, go on Wade my son! Get some!” JR: “This has been brewing for weeks. Edge has done his best to stop these two teams going at it, but they always find a way, purely in the name of faction supremacy.” Barrett is fighting with Del Rio, Styler with Mysterio, Rob Terry is up against Hernandez, Drew McIntyre and Chavo are going at it while Mason Ryan throws Homicide, who is aided by Konnan. Layla even races down and takes down Melina. The Thundercats are having none of it and back off up the stage, accepting that this is not their fight, leaving the two current day factions to work out their differences. All of them that is, except Lashley, who is standing in the middle of the ring doing nothing. All of a sudden… *BONG!* The lights go out again. Moments go past, until they come back on, and the entire ring area has been cleared. There is no-one out there any more, except Lashley, who is still stood in the middle of the squared circle. JR: “Where did everybody go?!” Regal: “Are they all still brawling in some parallel universe?” Then, the lights dim again as ♫The UnderTaker’s music♫ «< click to play) hits, and The Deadman makes his way onto the stage. There are flaming balls of fire that float up almost as if representing UnderTaker’s heartbeat. The arena lights stay off as smoke fills the stage and spotlights are on Taker and Lashley while dim purple lighting illuminates the rest of the arena. Taker has a mic in hand and addresses Lashley.

Regal: “Good Lord. You’re telling me that The UnderTaker did that? He just made, what was it? Ten men and two chicks? That’s insane!” The Phenom speaks up: “Lashley, last week, for the first time since you dared to challenge me and my streak at WrestleMania, you showed your biggest weakness. When I sent lightning down to this ring, you reacted. You had your hands wrapped around the throat of my brother Kane, and you let go, because you were intimidated, and that is exactly why you never succeeded as my apprentice, the heir to my Dark Side throne. Intimidation is a sign of humanity, it is a sign that you are not ‘Absolute’ after all. You are still weak… Bobby… and at WrestleMania, my stage. You will Rest… In… Peace!!!” However, all attention is soon on Lashley, who responds by raising his arms in the air. Regal: “What is he doing?” There is a rumbling sound, and we see that the ring is beginning to shake. Lashley manages to stand perfectly still as he raises his arms higher, and then, remarkably, we see the ring start to rise from the ground. JR: “What the hell!?!” There are screams from the crowd as the ring rises up, with Lashley still inside, smoke billows from underneath. We see the look on The UnderTaker’s face, and he looks just as shocked as anyone. JR: “Now who’s intimidated Deadman?! The Absolute Lashley is raising YOUR yard up off the ground!” The ring is about four feet off the floor, and smoke continues to pour out from under it, as Lashley rolls his eyes back in UnderTaker style, and does the throat slit sign with his thumb. JR: “We are just four days away from possibly The UnderTaker’s biggest ever challenge. He will face his own creation, The Absolute Lashley, LIVE at WrestleMania!” Taker’s eyes roll back and he too raises his arms. Regal: “The power, the presence of both these beings. Good God, what a clash we have coming on Sunday.”

After a commercial break we head backstage where JB is trying to catch a word with Edge: “Edge, what do you make of what you just saw out there?” Edge is stunned as he comes out of his Skybox. “Holy crap JB, did you just see that? I haven’t been this spooked since I walked in on Mae Young changing.” JB asks Edge about the British Invasion and LAX brawling yet again, ruining the main event. “Yeah, about that. I tried locking them away last week, letting them cool off, but it doesn’t seem to have worked. I am sick of those two unions always going at it, so let’s make it official. They want to fight over who is the supreme faction in the KWF? I say we let’m, at WrestleMania. We just missed out on a five v five tag match, so let’s have one on Sunday. The British Invasion versus The Latin American eXchange, as if WrestleMania isn’t big enough already!” Edge then tells JB that Cena’s out next and he wants to hear what he has to say. The GM heads back into his Skybox, as JB summarizes: “There you have it folks, what an announcement from Edge. This Sunday at WrestleMania it’ll be The British Invasion up against The Latin American eXchange. They will finally get their hands on one another in a legal match to determine once and for all who is the number one faction in the KWF!”

We come into a shot panning across the skyline of New York. The view goes over to New Jersey and slams down into the MetLife Stadium, the venue of KWF WrestleMania. We go to a video montage recapping moments and highlights of KWF history. We’re reminded of Monday Night’s TNA RAW run by Bret Hart and taken over by Hulk Hogan. We see Ric Flair as General Manager of Friday Night’s Impact SmackDown and we see WWE Titles, TNA Titles and old, new and original characters that have filled the roster over the years here on KWF Blogs. We see reminders of the successes of AJ Styles and Shelton Benjamin as Tag Team Champions. We see Kelly Kelly defeating Mickie James in an I Quit match at The Bash in 2010. We see the awesome moves of one of KWF’s greatest former Hardcore Champions, John Morrison. We see the re-emergence of the original Masked Kane, the kisses between Maria Kanellis and Christy Hemme, Christian Cage defeating Brock Lesnar and The Rock vs. Shawn Michaels with Sting as Special Guest Referee.

We fast forward through the years, with clips reminding us of Metallica at Mania, Jennifer Lopez at SummerSlam and the sweet sweet victory of DX defeating The Dark Side at Survivor Series 2011. We see clips of Money in the Bank Ladder matches, the return of King of the Ring and the glorious explosiveness that is KWF’s X-Division. The Keystone Wrestling Federation was born on July 8th 2009 and through Roster Draft’s, overseas pay-per-views and legendary matches, we now come to our final event ever. Over the past three and a half years KWF Blogs has given all of us moments that will forever remain in our memories and on the night of March 31st we invite you to join us for KWF WrestleMania. A graphic fades onto the screen. It is the logo for KWF WrestleMania 2013. It fades out again, and is replaced by another graphic saying ‘4 days’.

We’re back at ringside with the comms and the audience all still catching their collective breath after having witnessed the power of The UnderTaker and The Absolute Lashley. They change tack to reflect on KWF’s final card for WrestleMania. Regal: “It’s fascinating how different Championships mean different things to our superstars and I’m sure to the fans of our industry. Just think, with CM Punk’s words last week we know that he thinks he’s the Best in the World and he mouthed off so much that he left The Rock speechless. The Rock of all people! Then you have Jack Evans who’s so much of a show-off that he thinks he can best the entire X-Division and survive a Thundercage. You have three nut-bar athletes that can all take a beating and give as good as they get in the Hardcore Division. Three men who are set to go into Mania all undoubtedly injured after their very real fight in the parking lot outside. There’s months and months of pure hatred between Panther and King Dolph. You have the Women’s Title, where Kaitlyn for the first time may be able to get one over on The Beautiful People by taking away what they crave the most; the jewelry and glamour of Women’s Title Gold.” JR: “Aww William, WrestleMania’s looking magnificent. A great way for KWF to sign off and let’s not forget the newly announced faction versus faction match. There’s Orton versus Morgan for the prestigious Intercontinental Title, a TLC match between KWF’s three greatest tag teams, Angle versus Lesnar and of course our Fatal-4-Way main event for the KWF World Heavyweight Championship.”

The comms go on to announce that there will be three musical acts at Mania. JR: “American Idol Phillip Phillips will open the show, singing the US National Anthem. CM Punk leaked last week that Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy will perform and let us officially tell you now folks… get this… none other than the legendary Rolling Stones will be at KWF WrestleMania!” Regal: “Wow. Another outstanding way to sign off. We’ve had Jay-Z before, Rihanna, Metallica, the Foo Fighters, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and now the Stones!?? Good Lord.” The crowd cheer and chant at the images that appear on the tron of Phillip Phillips, Fozzy and The Stones confirmed for WrestleMania, but then the mood changes as we hear ♫So, You Think You’re Untouchable?…♫ «< click to play). John Cena’s music blares through the arena and the crowd’s cheers for Mania quickly turn to boos as the Doctor of Thuganomics marches down to the ring. The comms re-hash that CM Punk last week said that he backed Cena in achieving his spot at Mania by winning the KWF Royal Rumble, but he also called him a prick for FU-ing him the Turmoil after SuperBrawl. Regal: “Things are at a boiling point Jim. As we’ve mentioned already, The Rock was fuming at the end of last week’s show after Punk’s little pipebomb, and now it seems John Cena is out here to get the final word on WrestleMania.” JR: “Cena was a man that worked his way back to the top having won the Rumble match back in January. He’d won admiration from the fans and he was becoming one of my personal favorite superstars. But then he showed his true colors when he FU’d Punk unprovoked and now I can understand our audience’s dislike toward Cena. The man’s selfish, he’s out only for number one and he doesn’t give a rats ass about the fans.”

Cena gets handed a mic and he’s dressed in his old school Thuganomic gear. Cap on backwards, a thick chain around his neck and an FU t-shirt. The crowd boo like hell, making it difficult for him to get started. Cena says: “Booooo, boooooo…. Boooooo…. Boooooo.” The crowd boo back. Cena boo’s some more and he says that the audience are tedious: “You’re boring, you’re annoying, now sit down, shut up and let me say what I gotta say.” The crowd boo even louder. Cena says that the first thing he wants to do is address the situation with the KWF. He says that he’s not a fan of the idea that the KWF is ending and he says that this is the only place where he’s been afforded the only real opportunity to be his real self. “And that means that all of you boo me, but that’s fine ‘cause I don’t give a f*ck whatchu think. (To the camera) To all of you at home. To everyone that may be reading or watching this, especially if you’re a part of WWE or TNA… (He puts his middle finger up to the camera).” The fans settle now as Cena says that he has to play a ‘part’ in WWE and he doesn’t enjoy it one bit. He says: “I go into WWE House Shows tellin’ Stu’ the camera man that it’s time to go to work. No, it’s not work for me, not here. Here I get to be myself. I accept your boo’s and you accept the fact that I couldn’t care less. This is my business, my era and there ain’t no way how I can comprehend how KWF writers haven’t been hired yet.” The fans listen on.

Cena goes on to say that as the KWF ends, it means that he’s going to have to go back to working in a PG era. Cena: “I say f*ck PG. F*ck every bitch and moron out there who believes the current product is good and screw everyone in TNA who’s making AJ Styles a bit-part playa. Yeah, I agree with CM Punk. Who’d’ve thunk it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m’a smash his teeth out on Sunday, but props to AJ, he’s one insanely talented dude who deserves better than the steaming pile of scripts TNA have handed him lately.” Cena says that he’s pissed off about a lot of things right now: “That includes KWF finishing, that includes Punk being at Mania, Rock being at Mania. I won the Royal Rumble and it should be me versus Styles and that’s final. But nah, last show, politics and some BS about Generations and you all buy it, so does Edge and now we got a Four Way. Well f*ck you very much ‘cause I ain’t no WWE PG pussyhole and if anyone thinks I’m playin’ a part at Mania then you’re wrong. I’m going into that match to do one thing and one thing only and that’s to be the last KWF World Champion! I was the first KWF Champ and I’ll be damned if I ain’t the last.” The fans boo as Cena tries to continues, but he’s interrupted by ♫If Ya Smelllll…♫ «< click to play) and Buffalo goes bananas for the entrance of The Rock. The Great One makes his way to the ring. He poses atop the top turnbuckle, he gets himself a mic and he raises an eyebrow before yelling: “Finally, The Rock has come back to Buffa” – Cena interrupts: “Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up. You gon’ come down here and take my spotlight, on my night where I get to say my piece? I wasn’t done jack-off, you wanna say somethin’ you say ‘please Mister Cena, can I have some TV time Sir?!’”

The Rock removes his glasses. Cena: “Sunglasses. Sunglasses on a snowy day. You’re just like AC Slater huh? Got ya Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, Boots to Asses t-shirt and what? What, that’s supposed to impress anybody?” Rock smirks and then has a very serious face on as he barks: “John Cena you cut off The Rock when The Rock says that he’s finally back in Buffalo. You yell at the camera, you yell at me, you yell at the fans, but John Cena, there’s one thing you forgot to do and that one thing is know your role… shut your mouth… and stop cursin’ at these people right now before I wipe that smirk off your face!” The crowd cheer as Rock goes on to say that he heard everything that CM Punk had to say last week and he’s heard Cena run his mouth now. The Rock says these are the reasons why he wanted to be a part of KWF WrestleMania: “Number one, the KWF has the most electrifying writers in sports entertainment today. Number two, I’m gonna smack that bitch CM Punk, give him the ass-kicking of a lifetime and make sure that he remembers the time The Rock kicked his ass on the Grand Stage. Number three, I want the honor of facing AJ Styles, before I Rock Bottom that son’ bitch and take his Title.” The crowd cheer and Rock pauses. Rock goes on: “Number four, I wanna kick your ass. Give you the reality check you’ve always needed and number five… the fans.” Cena shakes his head as Rock says that it’s for the people that The Rock came back to the KWF and it’s for the people that the KWF’s putting forward this generations match.

Rock says: “You see John Cena you’re standing here bitching and moaning and whining about how you can’t be yourself in WWE. Whaaa whaaa whaaa, I’m John Cena, I’m a crybaby and by the way, you wanna call me AC Slater, so that would make you who? Zack Morris? That’s right, you’re Zack Morris aren’tcha Preppy?” Cena: “Rock I ain’t your friend and I… ” Rock: “Shut your mouth. I’m not done. You see Cena you’re bitching and moaning like The Rock said, but everywhere I’ve been, every town every city, every village, no matter what era or generation, The Rock has always been the same. The pie eatin’ al-la-la-la-la ass-whuppin’ movie makin’ name takin’ People’s Champion The Rock!” The fans cheer and chant Rock’s name as he says that The Rock has earned respect from The People because he’s true, he’s real: “No matter where I go, with everything I do, I do everything I can to electrify each and every person around me and each and every person reading or watching at home.” We hear a voice: “Respect? You wanna talk respect?” and out onto the stage comes CM Punk. The fans cheer Punk’s appearance and he sits cross-legged just like he did last week.

Punk talks about how he’s had to fight for his career above muscle-bound ‘dick-heads’ like Rock and Cena. He says that the business means absolutely everything to him stating that it’s not about B-Movies, talk-show appearances and laying the smack down on a G.I. Joe. It’s about wrestling and come Sunday, Punk’s finishing his time in the KWF as KWF World Heavyweight Champion: “I’m the Best in the World and the sooner you two accept and respect that, the easier Mania will be on you when you realize that you lost. I, I CM Punk will prove myself once again that I am everything that I” and now Punk’s interrupted by ♫Get Ready To Fly!♫ «< click to play). The fans go berserk at the sound of AJ’s entrance theme, but it takes some time to spot the KWF Champion as a spotlight eventually finds him within the audience. AJ has a mic and he says that he wants to publically thank everyone for reading at home. He wants to thank everyone that’s been with KWF over the past few years and he wants to thank the acknowledgement from The Rock, from Cena and from Punk that AJ is being taken for granted and under utilized on TNA House Shows. Styles says that after the KWF’s over he has to go back to being a jobber as a recruit for some biker gang whereas Punk and Cena will continue challenging for Titles and The Rock will go make another movie. AJ says that the end of the KWF is hardest for him to accept because it’s with the KWF writers that he’s actually appreciated.

Styles says that he’s the one that’s been the face of the KWF ever since defeating Punk at Survivor Series toward the end of 2012. He says that defeating Rock, Cena and Punk at Mania’s going to cement his legacy within this business and he says “I haven’t lost this Title all year, you guys think you’re going to beat me at Mania? Ya’ll got another thing coming. Don’t you get it? I’m Phenomenal!” The crowd cheer and chant AJ Styles’ name and we see him raise his Championship Belt right in the middle of the fans. We see John Cena and The Rock mouth off to one another and things become increasingly heated, so much so that Cena removes his shirt and so does Rock. The fans go nuts as the atmosphere grows with anticipation of WrestleMania and all of a sudden a fight breaks out as Cena throws the first punch at The Rock. The two trade punches and then Punk stands up to make his way down the ramp. JR: “By God, it’s Rock and Cena! Rock and Cena and now Punk’s coming!” Regal: “Not only that Jim, look! Styles is making his way through the fans!” The commentators go wild as they describe the fist-fight between Rock and Cena. We see Punk make his way to the foot of the ramp and by that time, Styles is jumping over the barricade. AJ plants his Belt on the ring apron. He and Punk make eye contact and the two of them then climb the apron. Just as AJ and Punk are about to get in the ring, the show fades out with JR yelling “We’re outta time folks! For the last ever time, this has been Wednesday Night Turmoil. Join us this Sunday at WrestleMania!”