Clash at the Canyon - March 26th - The Grand Canyon

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Goes without saying that Matt Sydal was probably not ready for this matchup tonight. He’s spent the last ten days getting ready for a match against Brady Booker, only to learn as time gets closer that Booker has left for a CFL tryout and it’s going to be Road Dogg in his place. One would think that this probably plays into Sydal’s advantage a bit, considering Road Dogg’s age and lack of ring time. Yet, you can never quite count out the savvy ring veteran who has been around as long as the D. O. double G. Sydal fell short in his match on Vengeance just ten days ago, losing that match because of Damian Priest. Of course, it’s not Priest that he’s facing here tonight. Priest was said to have issues dealing with the schedule in WLCW and struggled with the names of the wrestlers there and keeping them straight. So, Priest was future endeavored in the time between then and now, so Sydal finds himself in a match against Road Dogg tonight. See how life comes full circle sometimes in a short amount of time? These two guys are pumped to probably just be on this SuperShow card tonight, but this match means all the world to both of them now. A chance to entertain the hundreds of thousands at home and those in attendance tonight at the Grand freaking Canyon. It’s Matt Sydal, the Visionary against the Road Dogg in one on one action here tonight! The referee calls for the bell and this one is officially underway now.

PAT MCAFEE: It’s 2022, you’re watching a WLCW SuperShow in your living room, the Road Dogg is in the ring ready to wrestle. What a wild time to be alive.

MAURO RANALLO: For what it’s worth, James had a heck of a time training Brady Booker. And while Booker didn’t fully buy into everything, you could see the results.

RENEE YOUNG: For sure, but that doesn’t really equate to being able to just step in the ring and be back at that same level.

MAURO RANALLO: The time for wondering is over. This one is about to get underway and Sydal looks ready to take the fight to Road Dogg.

The crowd is actually a little hyped at how this one is going to go. Road Dogg hasn’t been in a full contact match of this magnitude in quite some time. Matt Sydal has had a series of ups and downs in his time in WLCW. Most recently, down due to some shenanigans by Damian Priest. Of course, we’ve touched on why Priest isn’t involved here tonight, but Sydal would love for nothing more than to bounce back against the Dogg here. The two lock up and it seems like Jesse James has a bit of a size advantage. He gets the early nod in the back and forth and forces Sydal back into the corner. The two jockey for control but Matt has no choice but to relinquish the fight and give up. A kick to the midsection from Road Dogg and then a stiff right punch. Sydal is taken back a bit, as far back as he can be taken while he’s in the corner. A knee driven into his stomach doubles him over, with Road Dogg grabbing him around the head and throwing him towards the middle of the ring again. Sydal tumbles out, landing on his back as James flies off the second rope - the most dangerous rope - and hits Sydal with a diving elbow right across his esophagus. Look it up. It’s his neck. James goes for the pin but only gets a very quick two count. Time is a flat circle.

RENEE YOUNG: You know, Jess James looking a little gamey here in this one.

PAT MCAFEE: LIke he hasn’t lost a step! I mean, he was never too fast in the ring to begin with, but he still seems like he’s going about that speed.

MAURO RANALLO: What is Road Dogg up to now?

James is picking Sydal back up to his feet, but Matt shoves him away, rising up with a knee strike right to the chin. James is knocked back a few steps as Sydal is quick to capitalize on his quick hit. Off the ropes and a flying elbow, right across the jaw, knocking James through the ropes and onto the apron. Road Dogg gets back to his feet slowly but Sydal catches him with a springboard clothesline over the top rope and to the floor below - starting the referee’s ten count. Sydal stays on the attack as the ref gets to seven and Matt rolls Jesse back into the ring, sliding in after him. As he does, Jesse goes for a roll up small package! 1..2..NO! Sydal is able to kick out! Both men scramble back to their feet but Sydal drives a knee right to the side of James’ head as he’s getting up. Matt is through the ropes and rising up to the top rope just as Road Dogg is getting to his feet. Sydal takes flight and drives his knees on both sides of Road Dogg’s head, pushing him into the mat with a big time METEORA! Sydal leans back, grabbing James’ leg and pulling it up for a pin. 1..2…3! YES! NO! Road Dogg kicks out! Sydal can’t believe it as he pleads with the referee, but surprisingly, the referee doesn’t change the count. Just like athletes complaining to referees in other sports, like it’s going to actually change the call. Not like the referee is going to count faster the next time because you got mad at them, Matt. Get it together!

PAT MCAFEE: That Meteora had a ton of impact behind it. Really surprised Road Dogg kicked out there.

RENEE YOUNG: A lot of fight in that old dog. No pun intended.

MAURO RANALLO: You never know in these matches sometimes. Every dog has his day. Pun intended!

As Sydal is arguing with the referee, Road Dogg is getting back to his feet and spins himself around to face his now standing opponent. He comes with a big right, but Sydal blocks it, returning a right of his own, but that one is blocked by Road Dogg. The D O double G returns a right but my goodness, it is blocked by Sydal in what is an absolute clinic of how to block punches! Sydal goes for an inziguri, but we already saw one of those earlier in the night and Road Dogg is an astute watcher of matches backstage, so he was expecting it. He ducks under it and Sydal lands on his face. Road Dogg mounts him (?) from behind and twists Sydal’s arm under him, lifting him up and dropping him down with a PUMP HANDLE SLAM and goes for the pin. 1…2…3! It’s over! We were all witnesses.

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MAURO RANALLO: Fans, coming up next is the X-Division Championship match between Matt Cardona and Eddie Kingston.

PAT MCAFEE: All signs were pointing to CM Punk or Devitt being Cardona’s third and potential final opponent for his guaranteed cash in, but Kingston is a hell of a match up for him too!

RENEE YOUNG: Absolutely. Everything Eddie has accomplished in his time here in WLCW has led to this moment. Eddie isn’t a guy who has cared much for gold, but he’s out for Cardona tonight, no doubt about it.

PAT MCAFEE: There’s been times where the X-Division title has seemed cursed, but Cardona has really taken it to new heights.

MAURO RANALLO: First Braun Strowman and then MJF with short and blink and you miss it reigns. Now we have Matt Cardona who has been dominant as one could be since his arrival in WLCW. A third defense tonight guarantees him a title shot!

RENEE YOUNG: And the current world champion, Cody Rhodes, has done everything he can to ensure that Matt won’t be using that cash in on him.

MAURO RANALLO: A ton of variables have to go right for that situation to even arise, but Cody hasn’t taken any chances.

PAT MCAFEE: It was a promise made at a theme park! Are those not sacred anymore, guys!?

RENEE YOUNG: I mean, I don’t have a lot of experience to go off of.

MAURO RANALLO: Well, experiences or not, the time is now for Matt Cardona. It’s all or nothing for him and Eddie Kingston will be coming into this match playing with house money. This one should be a lot of fun.

PAT MCAFEE: Again, Mauro, I have been waiting all night for this one and damn near every match on this card!

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The long and winding road for the X-Division champion, Matt Cardona, has led to this moment in time for him. One championship defense away from getting a guaranteed title shot. The only thing standing in his way is Eddie Kingston. Cardona has turned away every foe that’s stood across the ring from him since coming to WLCW, including some really competitive matches against CM Punk and Prince Devitt. One could argue that Matt had to use some underhanded means to get those wins, but at the end of the day, in the record book, it just says a win, not how he got the win. And that’s all that matters. Eddie Kingston is a man who isn’t as concerned with wins and losses as he is just beating people up and putting on great matches. A tough loss to JD Drake seemed like it might potentially derail Eddie, but he bounced back and made himself a credible and serious threat for the X-Division title. While Renee was right in that Eddie doesn’t care so much about championships, he knows what’s at stake here tonight. And he would love for nothing more than to deny Matt Cardona the opportunity to get that last title defense and whatever might come with it. Win, lose, championships all aside, Eddie Kingston came to fight tonight. Annoyed and frustrated from the way the six man tag team match ended on Vengeance just ten short days ago. Eddie is right that tonight is a one on one affair and while he might not be a betting man, he’s pushing all his chips in that Cardona can’t beat him in a one on one match. There’s only one real way to find out as the talking and posturing is all over now. All that’s left to bring these two combatants together and find out who the better man is. The bell sounds and the crowd comes alive as these two stare across the ring at one another as this X-Division title match is underway!

PAT MCAFEE: I know Eddie Kingston is an intense individual, but look at the focus on his face here tonight! He’s a man possessed!

MAURO RANALLO: It’s almost incredible how intense the rivalry between these two came to be in such a short amount of time.

RENEE YOUNG: Eddie isn’t one to really hold anything back. I think he only knows one speed and that’s as fast and violent as possible.

MAURO RANALLO: All of that aside, Matt Cardona has still been the man to beat since arriving in WLCW. A great record and a fighting spirit. He’s not going to give it up easily tonight.

The two come out from their respective corners. Eddie is ready for a fight and in a somewhat surprising twist, Cardona looks ready to return the fight. Like he’s ready to get down in the muck with Kingston and return fire with him. The two start straight up delivering rights to one another as the crowd goes nuts, cheering loudly. The two just continue driving fists into one another as Cardona gets the advantage and brings Kingston to the ropes and throws him through, to the outside. Eddie isn’t phased as he’s quickly back to his feet, grabbing Cardona by his feet and legs, pulling him down and Matt smashes his face on the apron. Kingston grabs Cardona and rams him into the ringside barricade. Eddie bends down to pick Matt up and delve out more punishment, but Cardona reaches up and pokes him in the eyes, blinding Eddie. Matt is back to his feet, now ramming Kingston into the barricade like he just did to him. Eddie isn’t able to respond as quickly as Cardona did to that. Matt pulls him back to his feet, whipping him into the apron now. Kingston’s back smacks into the apron with a pretty decently sound thud. Cardona grabs Eddie by the back of the head and pulls back up fully to his feet. He uses momentum rushing Eddie towards the ringpost and driving Eddie’s head into it, spinning Kingston around and taking him down to the mat. Cardona poses to the crowd as the camera pans down to see Kingston busted wide open and blood starting to pour of his head and down his face.

MAURO RANALLO: Oh no! Eddie Kingston has been busted wide open!

PAT MCAFEE: His head bounced off that ring post with a sickening thud, Mauro. Look at that gash!

RENEE YOUNG: Guys, that’s a really nasty cut. Eddie is losing a lot of blood already.

Renee is right, as there’s already a full red mask coming down Eddie’s face now as he’s taken a nasty shot off that ring post. Even Cardona is a bit taken back by how much blood is already covering Eddie’s face. Matt smirks as he takes it all in and grabs Eddie, rolling him into the ring. The blood starts covering the mat as Eddie is struggling back to his feet. Matt grabs Kingston, pulling him back to a fully vertical base, lifting him up and over with a Northern Lights suplex, bridging it into a pin. Two count and Kingston is able to fight his way out of it. Eddie rolls over on his stomach, the blood finally starting to staunch the bleeding a bit. Cardona is back to his feet and standing over Eddie, tying his legs and arms up, falling backwards into an inverted surfboard! Matt is pulling Kingston’s arms back and has his legs tied up. Eddie starts to bleed a bit again after it had slowed down, but Eddie is trying to fight his way out of it. The surfboard, as a hold goes, is a tough one to get out of as Eddie has to use his weight and size to try and fight out of it. Cardona, however, is surprisingly bigger than most people would give him credit for being. We noticed it in the Brady Booker match and it’s quite noticeable in this match as well with Kingston being a shorter opponent. It’s not going to be easy for Eddie to fight out of this move. He does manage to work his head and body forward towards the ropes, pulling his arms forward and forcing his way towards the ropes. The referee calls for a release of the hold but Cardona holds it all the way for a four count before letting go. After the release, Eddie is really giving out now, crumpling into a heap on the mat. Blood starting to stop it’s flow once again after ramping back up during the surfboard hold. Cardona goes up to the top rope as Kingston is still rolling around in pain. Matt takes off and drops a top rope leg drop, driving his leg right across Kingston’s throat and chest! Cardona goes for a pin! 1…2…2.9999! Kickout by Kingston!

RENEE YOUNG: Wow. Really thought Eddie was done for there after that top rope leg drop.

PAT MCAFEE: Eddie has lost a lot of blood, but I’ll never say that Eddie Kingston has lost a lot of fight.

MAURO RANALLO: Cardona has really been in control since running Eddie into the ring post earlier. Not sure how much more of this Eddie can take.

PAT MCAFEE: Yeah, he’s going to have to turn this around soon if he has any chance of coming back.

Eddie is pulling himself back up to his feet with the aid of the ropes. Matt is in the seated position after the failed pin attempt, breathing heavily and thinking about his next move. Eddie is back up, both hands on the top rope as Matt is back to his feet too. Cardona goes to grab Eddie but BAM, a quick chop from Kingston. And then another chop and then another one and then rapid repeated chops from Kingston, knocking Cardona back into the corner. Eddie whips Cardona into the opposite corner, with a clothesline coming from Eddie right as Cardona smacks into the turnbuckles. Matt stumbles out of the corner as Eddie is attempting his comeback, bouncing off the ropes behind Matt and grabbing him from behind, driving Cardona’s face into the mat with a bulldog! A two count after a pinfall attempt from Eddie. Eddie tries to keep his momentum going as he gets back to his feet. Cardona shakes off the bulldog and the quick flurry from Eddie. Kingston grabs Cardona from behind before Matt can fully get back to his feet, spinning him around and clasping him. Eddie lifts Cardona up and over with a T-Bone suplex! The fans are starting to really get behind Eddie now as they’re cheering louder and louder with each punch, kick and maneuver. Cardona knows he can’t stay down long and is trying to get back to his feet before Eddie can go for a pin. The ring mat is covered with Kingston’s blood as the bleeding seemingly has stopped. Kingston is waiting on Cardona to get back to his feet fully, waving him towards him. The crowd murmurs with anticipation as they seem to know what’s coming. And they’re right. Cardona turns around after getting to his feet and is met with a huge SPINNING BACKFIST from Eddie! He’s connected with Cardona’s face and takes him down to the mat! Eddie with the pin. 1…2….3! YES! NOOOO! Cardona’s foot is on the rope! An unbelievable reaction from the champion as he has enough wherewithal to get his foot up there. Kingston is laboring heavily with his breathing as he looks at the referee who shakes his head, pointing at Cardona’s foot. Eddie slides off of Matt and lies on his back next to him.

PAT MCAFEE: Ring. Awareness. From. The. Champion.

MAURO RANALLO: Eddie Kingston had it won, guys. That spinning backfist is a match ender and somehow, Cardona got his foot on the rope.

RENEE YOUNG: Eddie may have spent all the resources he had left in that sudden rush there. He’s basically out next to Cardona!

Both men are down and slowly starting to get back to their feet. Cardona is really laboring to get to his feet as Kingston is slowly taking his time to get up to a vertical base. Cardona thrusts himself forward, driving a headbutt into Kingston, knocking him back and down into a seated position. Eddie seems a bit staggered, trying to gather himself. Cardona bounces off the ropes and does an almost falling more than a diving clothesline, driving his arm down across Eddie’s neck and taking both of them down. Matt pulls Eddie back up about halfway and locks Eddie into a headlock. Eddie knows he can’t let Cardona lock this in long though as he fights his way back to his feet, lifting Matt up and dropping him back with a back bodydrop. Eddie is up and back down with an elbow right onto Cardona’s chest. A quick pin but only a two count with Cardona kicking out. Gonna take a bit more than just an elbow to keep Cardona down, but there’s been a ton of damage done to both of these competitors. Eddie is back up first and has his back to the champ, who rolls him up from behind quickly! A school boy and Cardona has a hold of the tights! 1….2…..3! NO! KINGSTON KICKS OUT!

MAURO RANALLO: OH MY! THAT WAS CLOSE! CARDONA HAD A HAND FULL OF TIGHTS!

PAT MCAFEE: I thought that was it. No way Eddie was going to get out of that, but he keeps kicking out!

RENEE YOUNG: This has been an incredible match and I have no idea how it’s going to end.

Cardona is back to his feet but so is Kingston and he’s looking for a quick and surprising spinning backfist, but Cardona ducks under the spin! He shoves Eddie from behind, bouncing Eddie off the ropes. Eddie spins around with the momentum from that and drives a lariat into Cardona! Both men are down but it’s Eddie who is moving first. Cardona starts to move a bit as Eddie grabs him by the head, pulling up to his feet. A flurry of chops once again from Eddie as Cardona’s chest goes from beet red to an even darker shade of crimson. Now Kingston kicks Cardona in the stomach, doubling him over. He grabs him by the head, driving his head into the mat with a DDT! He rolls Cardona over. 1..2…2.9! No, Cardona kicks out of this one as well as the crowd is hanging on every moment in this one. Both men seem absolutely exacerbated from this all out war against one another. Eddie climbs back to his feet, taking the straps off his shoulders from his singlet and waving for Cardona to get back to his feet. As Matt slowly gets to his feet, Kingston is unraveling the tape on his fist. Matt is back up and spins around, almost caught by the spinning backfist once more, but once again, Cardona is able to avoid it. Eddie grabs the champ though and whips him into the corner. Once again he comes in for the clothesline, but Cardona slips down and out of the way. Eddie crashes into the corner face first, landing in a heap motionless in the corner. Cardona goes the adjacent corner and lines Eddie up, rushing in and driving a big Broski Boot into the back of Eddie’s head. Eddie falls down, one rope at a time with his head smashing into the second and then bottom turnbuckle on the way down. Cardona grabs Eddie from behind and pulls him back up to his feet, spinning him around. Eddie has enough wherewithal to bring his fist up and smack Cardona in the face with it, forcing the champion to stumble back a few steps. Eddie brings his fists up and holds them out, ready to fight as Cardona rushes towards him, jumping up and driving the challenger down the a ROUGH RIDER down to the mat! The champ is wavering but drapes an arm across Kingston, making the cover! 1…2…3! It’s over!

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MAURO RANALLO: What an unbelievable match between two high caliber athletes we have seen here tonight.

RENEE YOUNG: I’m speechless guys. This one was an all timer. Eddie Kingston may be disappointed but he should be proud of his effort here tonight.

PAT MCAFEE: Just an all out war between two of the very best in the business. It’s a damn shame anyone had to lose in this one!

MAURO RANALLO: With that though, Matt Cardona has defended his title three times and is guaranteed to get a title shot at a time of his choosing!

RENEE YOUNG: After what we’ve seen here, whoever Matt decides to cash in against better be on top of their game because he’s about to bring the pain.

MAURO RANALLO: Hard to disagree with you there. There’s been some talk that Cardona has needed some underhand tactics to get wins, but that was not the case tonight.

PAT MCAFEE: No, credit where it’s due. He beat Kingston one on one and it was an all out fight with him.

We cut the backstage area where Josh Mathews is waiting for his cue to start an interview.

JOSH MATHEWS: Joining me at this time, The Blueprint, Sasha Banks.

We pan out to see Banks standing next to Mathews as he moves himself a step or two closer to her.

JOSH MATHEWS: Sasha, you’ve had your fair share of ups and downs so far in WLCW, but you’ve got a shot tonight to put yourself back in the women’s championship title picture. What are your thoughts heading into your match with Jamie Hayter?



THE BLUEPRINT|SASHA BANKS: My brain has been devoid of thought since I got here to WLCW, Josh. Jamie Hayter is just another victim standing in my way.



JOSH MATHEWS: Jamie seems to have had it out for you the last few shows with things culminating in a bad way on Vengeance.



THE BLUEPRINT|SASHA BANKS: I don’t even know what culminating means, Jason.

JOSH MATHEWS: It’s Josh.



JOSH MATHEWS: What is going on right now? You seem to be teleporting to different areas and places? Is that a table with Stone Cold Steve Austin?

THE BLUEPRINT|SASHA BANKS: Don’t you worry you’re pretty little head about it, Jordan. What I do is make blueprints. I’m like an architect.

JOSH MATHEWS: A what? You make blueprints?

THE BLUEPRINT|SASHA BANKS: Blueprints, blue man group, me and the blues sang by Hank from security. What more do I have to do here in WLCW to be the women’s champion?

JOSH MATHEWS: I…I’m not sure? Maybe beat Jamie Hayter tonight?

THE BLUEPRINT|SASHA BANKS: Then consider it done. This podcast is over.



MAURO RANALLO: Well, that was certainly an interview.

RENEE YOUNG: That match is next, right?

PAT MCAFEE: Here comes Jamie Hayter, so I’d say this is about to go down!

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Jamie Hayter may be a little frustrated to find herself in a match like this tonight. Everything seemed to be going her way and the signs were trending towards her and Momo Watanabe facing one another for the WLCW Women’s Championship. Then, justifiably so, Hikari Noa was given the championship opportunity at tonight’s show and Hayter was left to watch. There’s a thought that her shot is coming in the near future, but it goes without saying that she had her eyes on tonight as her own coronation. When that all fell through and didn’t come to fruition, perhaps she decided to take her anger and frustration out on Sasha Banks. Banks, a little oblivious and living in her own world at times became the subject of Hayter’s focus. Not one to back down from a fight, Banks was more than willing to take Hayter up on the opportunity to fill in her hole (?) at tonight’s SuperShow. Both of these women were involved in the Queen of the Mountain women’s title match at Ascension and now they find themselves in a one on one match here tonight at the Grand Canyon. Referee Aubrey Edwards calls for the bell and this one is officially underway.

RENEE YOUNG: Guys, don’t sleep on Sasha Banks in this one. She’s been a little more competitive as of late and I think she has a chance here.

PAT MCAFEE: Maybe, but I don’t know. Jamie Hayter has been on absolute fire as of late. Sasha may just be an obstacle in her way tonight.

MAURO RANALLO: Two of the finest in the women’s division are set to face off here. Let’s see how this one goes.

The two come out with Jamie doing a lot of talking and Sasha just nodding her head back at her opponent. Hayter pushes Banks, but Sasha quickly pushes her right back. Now they come face to face or at least as face to face as they can with Hayter having the significant height and size advantage over Banks. Sasha goes running past Hayter, catching her off guard but gets caught with a hip toss from Jamie. As Hayter bends over to pick Sasha back up, she’s met with a straight kick to her head, knocking her back. Sasha is up and scooping up Hayter near the corner and dropping her with a bodyslam. Sasha hoists herself up and does a split legged top rope aided moonsault, landing on Hayter and going for the pin. 1..2..No! Jamie gets a shoulder up. Sasha stays on the attack though, picking Hayter back up to her feet. She whips her into the corner, and comes rushing in, but Jamie hits the turnbuckle and thrusts herself out, driving her arm right through Sasha’s chest, turning her inside out and knocking her down to the mat! She goes for the pin on Sasha. 1…2..No ma’am.

PAT MCAFEE: Pretty hard hitting action here early on. We expected that from Jamie but not Sasha so much.

RENEE YOUNG: Yeah, strength is not so much her forte as speed is when it comes to in the ring.

Both women are back up to their feet now. Jamie raises her arms over her head, clasping them together, looking for a double axe handle smash onto Banks, but Sasha catches her with a drop toe hold right as she gets to her. Banks is on top of her now, applying a reverse chin lock, but Jamie is fighting towards the ropes. Not much Sasha can do about it as Jamie just muscles her way there, grabbing the bottom rope. Sasha releases the hold and gets back to her feet. Jamie uses the ropes to get back to a vertical base as well. As Jamie turns and heads back towards the middle of the ring, Sasha is off the ropes and looking for a flying crossbody, but Jamie catches her! She falls back and tosses Banks over her with a fallaway slam! Sasha climbs back to her feet but she’s met with a big running boot, right across the chin from Hayter! Sasha is knocked back and hits the ropes, moving back towards Hayter, who hoists her up into a TORTURE RACK! She grabs Sasha’s head with one hand and Banks’ legs with the other and starts stretching her out and jumping up and down in the process. Shades of Lex Luger and there’s nothing Banks can do but tap out in this situation! It’s over!

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RENEE YOUNG: A dominant win for Jamie Hayter!

MAURO RANALLO: Women’s championship aspirations in the cards for Miss Hayter the next opportunity that comes available.

PAT MCAFEE: Yeah, Banks is no slouch and she made quick work of her. Credit to Hayter, this is a great win for her.

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What a unique, wild and all around crazy ride these two have been on to get to this point. What started out as aggressive jockeying for the X-Division title has turned into this one on one match you see here tonight. Each man has a legit claim to Cardona’s title after both lost in controversial fashions to him. Perhaps looking to find a common enemy in that bond, their attention recently turned to one another with a big fallout happening at the six man tag team match on Vengeance. Abandoning their partner, Eddie Kingston, the two of them fought and argued their way to the back and into this match here tonight at Clash at the Canyon. Both men have found themselves hovering around the top of the card since their arrival in WLCW, but neither has been able to take that next step and reach the top of the next plateau. Both men are savvy ring veterans, looking to have a few more years of quality matches in the tank, but when it comes to nights like these – someone has to lose. Devitt is looking for a measure of revenge from falling short in the one on one encounter with Punk after beating him in the triple threat match at Ascension. Punk is looking to solidify his dominance over Devitt and put the final nail in the coffin of this feud between the two of them. Both men are hungry. Both men are deserving. Both men need this match tonight. The bell has sounded and the referee calls for them to come together, signifying this match is an official one.

MAURO RANALLO: Two of the very best to ever do it, especially in recent history set to face off one on one more time tonight.

PAT MCAFEE: Two very different career paths as well, converging here at the Grand Canyon tonight.

RENEE YOUNG: Don’t mince words though, these two are not strangers to one another. They’re very familiar with each other.

MAURO RANALLO: Indeed they are, but only one of them can walk out of here a winner.

PAT MCAFEE: Tell that to Drake and Booker!

The two come in and go for a collar and elbow lock up. There’s a lot of back and forth between the two. Really too much to break down into detail here. A few strikes and wrist and arm holds traded back and forth as each man tries to get the early advantage over the other. Devitt is finally the one to get the advantage, whipping Punk into the corner but right as Punk gets to the corner, he bounces out of it and drives a clothesline into Devitt, who was rushing in to hit him. Punk lifts Devitt back to his feet and then hoists him up, dropping him across the top rope neck first with a snake eyes maneuver. Not a lot of weight crashing down on it, but the ropes really don’t give much and Devitt took a really stiff shot on them. Devitt is still draped across the top rope, trying to gather himself, but Punk grabs his legs from behind, pulling them back towards him and then drives his leg up between Devitt’s legs, striking him in the lower stomach area more than the crotch or nether regions. Prince lets go of the ropes and falls to the mat. Punk is solidly in control of this one now, pulling Devitt back to his feet. He whips Devitt into the corner and follows him in with a rising knee strike! Prince stumbles out of the corner as Punk stays perched on the second rope, taking flight and grabbing Devitt from behind, driving his head into the mat with a bulldog! A pinfall attempt! 1…2…No! Devitt kicks out.

MAURO RANALLO: Vintage Punk right there with the rising knee. Usually that’s part one of setting up the Go to Sleep.

PAT MCAFEE: You’d have to think Devitt knows about those steps as well. He clearly knows that the rising knee is a set up into something next.

They go to lock up and Devitt goes behind Punk with another armbar, this time wrenching it behind Punk’s back. Punk tries to fight out of it before finally just backing up with Devitt behind him. Prince hits the ropes and Punk reaches up, grabbing Devitt around the head and bringing him over for a snapmare to the mat. Devitt tries to get back to his feet, but Punk is quick in bringing him back up and whipping him into the corner. As Devitt gets there, Punk is in after him with a clothesline across the chest. He has Devitt pinned in the corner now and brings a big right arm uppercut right through Devitt’s chest and jaw region, knocking Devitt down to the seated position in the corner. Now it’s Punk letting Devitt get back to his feet in the corner before he drives another big right uppercut into Devitt’s jaw, taking him down again. Devitt is doubled over as Punk grabs him from behind, walking him towards the middle of the ring, then driving an elbow right to the back of Devitt’s head, taking him down to the mat. Repeated kicks to the rib area of Devitt…one..two…and a third before finally picking Devitt back up to his feet and grabbing him around the head for a swinging neckbreaker! A pin! 1..2…No! Devitt gets a shoulder up! A frustrated Punk brings Devitt to the seated position and locks him in a reverse chin lock from behind now, driving his knee into Devitt’s back one time.

PAT MCAFEE: The savvy ring general Punk is in control of this one right now.

RENEE YOUNG: Hard to believe both of these guys are both over forty years old. They look like they’re in their prime!

MAURO RANALLO: We haven’t seen Devitt on the offensive for a while for sure.

PAT MCAFEE: Punk just wearing him down, he knows cardio and speed is not in his favor in this one. Smart from the Chicago native.

Devitt is trying to fight out of it and crawls towards the ropes before finally getting his foot under the bottom rope. Punk pulls Devitt back to his feet towards the middle of the ring, but Devitt quickly responds by putting his head under Punk’s chin and pulling it down for a facebuster! Punk staggers back and Devitt gets back to his feet, running towards his opponent and hitting him with a slingblade! Punk crawls back to his feet but he’s met with another slingblade from Devitt! Prince goes for a pin! 1…2..No! Punk got a shoulder up! Devitt is quick to the corner though, going up to the top rope and looking for that double foot stomp off the top rope. Punk sees it coming from the prone position and rolls out of the ring, draping his arms across the apron to pull himself up to his feet. As he does, Devitt takes flight off the top rope with a huge cross body block right across Punk’s chest, taking them both to the floor! The crowd gasps as the two men collide to the floor! Both struggle to try and get back to their feet but Devitt is there first. He grabs Punk and lifts him up, close to all the way over his head before dropping Punk down stomach first across the steel barricade! The crowd now collectively winces at the sight as Punk lets out a loud cry from the pain, clutching his arm to his stomach. Devitt falls backwards into the apron and holds himself up on it with one arm, his other holding his own midsection. Referee’s count is to six as Devitt grabs Punk and pulls him back to his feet. Both men are laboring now as Devitt rolls Punk into the ring. Devitt lifts himself up on the apron, stopping the count. Punk is trying to get back to his feet, but as he is trying, Devitt dives off the apron, looking to dive and force Punk into the barricade, but Punk moves out of the way, causing Devitt to crash into the barricade himself now! Punk rolls himself back into the ring as the referee’s count gets to five. It gets up to eight before Devitt can get to his feet and crawl back into the ring.

RENEE YOUNG: Both men took horrible shots off the ringside barricade there.

PAT MCAFEE: Either men could have easily been counted out right there, but both fought their way back into the ring.

MAURO RANALLO: Just an absolute back and forth between these two.

Punk bends down to pick up Devitt as he gets into the ring. Devitt grabs Punk around the head and pulls him down, cracking his chin on Devitt’s head. Punk is knocked back as Devitt crawls back to his feet now. Prince looks for another slingblade but as he rushes in, Punk gathers himself and hoists Devitt up, looking for a Go to Sleep! Devitt starts fighting his way out of it though with some elbows to the head, slipping down Punk’s back. He grabs Punk from behind, lifting him up and over with a German suplex, and bridging that into a pin. 1..2…Punk gets a shoulder up before 3. Devitt wants to show his frustration but holds it together for now. Devitt lifts Punk back up to his feet and goes to whip him into the ropes, but Punk catches himself and spins, keeping his hand tied to Devitt, going into an arm lock. Punk twists the arm quickly and violently, forcing Devitt up and over to avoid spraining or breaking anything in his arm. Devitt scurries back to his feet but Punk grabs him around the throat…lifting him up and down with a chokeslam! First time we’ve ever seen CM Punk use a chokeslam! He goes for a pin but only gets a two count. Punk stays on the offensive, lifting Devitt up and putting him up on his shoulders, looking for the Go to Sleep, he lifts him and drops him down, but Devitt blocks the blow from the knee with his arm. A back elbow to Punk’s face, knocks him back as Devitt rushes in and hits him with a slingblade! Punk is down as Devitt goes up to the top rope, taking flight and driving his feet into Punk with a double foot stomp from the top! He makes the pin! 1…2…3! He got him!

---

Devitt stays seated next to Punk as the referee raises his hand up in victory, helping to pull Prince back up to his feet. Punk starts to move as Devitt goes up the turnbuckle and throws his arms in celebration as the fans cheer him.

MAURO RANALLO: What a great match between these two! We knew it would be a classic and they both delivered!

PAT MCAFEE: Devitt finally gets a measure of revenge after falling to Punk on Vengeance after Ascension!

RENEE YOUNG: These guys don’t forget! And this is a great and huge win for him!

Devitt hops off the ropes and turns towards the ring, running right into a Punk who is back on his feet. He’s holding an arm up around his neck, staring at Devitt and breathing heavily. He reaches his hand out for a handshake as the crowd cheers loudly for that show. Devitt reaches out and accepts the handshake, shaking Punk’s hand back who pulls him forward and the two hug.

MAURO RANALLO: That is a level of respect you’re only going to see between two of the greatest to ever do it.

PAT MCAFEE: After everything these guys have been through, you absolutely love to see that.

RENEE YOUNG: CM Punk is still the consummate professional as always. The guy just oozes respect for those who deserve it.

MAURO RANALLO: And Devitt most certainly deserves it after that match.

PAT MCAFEE: Could not agree more.

RENEE YOUNG: We are just gonna roll right into the next match here. Women’s Championship on the line!

MAURO RANALLO: Hikari Noa has been waiting for this moment for a long time and it’s about to happen for her. Can she dethrone Momo though?

PAT MCAFEE: What a tough ask. Momo has been incredible since winning the title. Hell, even before that.

---

Sonny Onoo is standing in Momo's corner, grinning away as Aubrey Edwards presents the championship to the crowd, holding it above her head. Kagetesu and Konami are at ringside, supporting Hikari. Momo and Hikari glare at one another from across the ring and Aubrey hands the title to the time keeper at ringside. Returning to the center of the ring, she prepares to call for the bell to begin the match, but there's a commotion at ringside!

MAURO RANALLO: Hey, what's going on!?

PAT MCAFEE: Is that-- IS THAT JAMIE HAYTER!?

RENEE YOUNG: She just defeated Sasha Banks earlier tonight, what's she doing out here?

Hayter shoves Sonny Onoo down and then climbs onto the apron, shouting at Momo Watanabe, Hikari Noa, and Aubrey Edwards! The fans are booing loudly as Hayter makes the title belt motion around her waist and then holds up three fingers, telling everyone exactly what she wants! Aubrey looks at Momo and Momo just nods. Aubrey then turns to Hikari Noa... and Noa takes a step back and motions for Jamie Hayter to bring it on! The fans pop huge! Aubrey Edwards walks to the ropes and calls Justin Roberts over. They go back and forth for a moment and then Roberts nods, turns, and raises his microphone.

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Ladies and gentlemen, I have just been informed by senior referee Aubrey Edwards that this match will now be contested... AS A THREEEEEEEEE! WAY! DANCE!


MAURO RANALLO: IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING!? JAMIE HAYTER JUST GOT INSERTED INTO THE MATCH!

PAT MCAFEE: IT'S HAPPENING! IT'S HAPPENING RIGHT HERE AT THE GRAND FREAKIN' CANYON, BRAH!

RENEE YOUNG: This match is now a three way dance! What a match this is going to be with all the history between these three since the inception of WLCW!

Aubrey calls for the bell and Jamie Hayter storms into the ring and immediately begins throwing forearms with Momo! They blister each other, paying zero attention to Hikari Noa until she explodes and takes them both down with a shotgun dropkick! Hayter rolls onto the apron and Momo staggers back to her feet just in time for Hikari to baseball slide between her legs, MATRIX UP TO HER FEET, and grab Momo around the waist, planting her with GERMAN RIGHT ON HER NECK! The impact sends Momo rolling straight back to her feet and Hayter hits the ring, rebounds off the ropes, and turns MOMO INSIDE OUT WITH A LARIAT! Hikari Noa is already ascending the ropes and she flies... ICE COASTER ON MOMO! HIKARI AND HAYTER BOTH COVER AND HOOK HER LEGS! ONE! TWO! THREE!


MAURO RANALLO: MAMA MIAAAAAAA! THE CHAMPION JUST GOT ELIMINATED!

PAT MCAFEE: NEW CHAMP! NEW CHAMP!

RENEE YOUNG: What was that, thirty seconds!? We're guaranteed a new champion tonight, gentlemen! What a historic night here at the Grand Canyon!

Momo Watanabe is rolled out of the ring and she's quickly ushered to the back by Sonny Onoo. Hikari and Hayter return to their feet and glare at each other. The fans begin buzzing with anticipation, and as soon as they reach a fever pitch, Hayter lunges at Hikari! Hikari ducks under Hayter's attack and execute a go-behind! She goes for a German suplex but Hayter locks her legs and throws a back elbow into Hikari's eye! Hikari staggers back and Hayter turns around, booting Hikari in the gut and shooting her off the ropes! Hikari comes back and Hayter meets her coming in with a big clothesline! Hikari turns inside out and Hayter immediately snatches her up off the mat and hoists her in the air for a stalling vertical suplex! Hayter wallks her all the way around the ring and then PLANTS HER head first into the mat!

MAURO RANALLO: Hayter is riding high after defeating Sasha Banks earlier tonight! She has all the momentum heading into this impromptu match!

PAT MCAFEE: But you know she's worn down a little bit, Mauro! Sasha Banks is a world class athlete that Hayter had to deal with.

RENEE YOUNG: Exactly. Hikari Noa is taking a beating, but this is far from over.

Hayter smiles as she sits next to Hikari. She goes for a cover but pulls Hikari up at one, drawing boos. Kagetsu climbs onto the apron and shouts at the referee in Japanese. Hayter flips her off and gets back up, dragging Hikari behind her on all fours by a handful of hair. Finally, she lifts Hikari up and plants her with a big body slam and then casually boots Kagetsu off the apron, sending her into Konami on the floor! Hayter raises two middle fingers in the air and approaches Hikari again, only to find her back up on her knees. Hikari peppers Hayter in the mid-section with forearms before Hayter clubs her in the jaw with a forearm of her own, and then backs into the ropes... and nails her with a KNEE LIFT RIGHT IN THE CHIN! Hayter goes for another cover but picks up Hikari at one AGAIN! The fans boo as Hayter cackles. Konami climbs onto the apron, shouting at Hayter. Hayter approaches... but before anything can happen, Bea Priestley appears from the crowd and pulls Konami off the apron and whips her backward into the railing! Kagetsu grabs Bea by the hair and whips her around... SPEWING BLUE MIST IN HER EYES! Bea shrieks in horror and Kagetsu dumps her over the rail and into the front row, taking her out of the equation!

MAURO RANALLO: Someone get Denzel Washington on the phone and let him know that KAGETSU is the NEW Equalizer!

PAT MCAFEE: HOLD ON! HOLD ON! REF AUBREY IS DISTRACTED BY WHAT'S GOING ON AT RINGSIDE! WHAT'S SHE DOING HERE!? SHE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!

RENEE YOUNG: Starlight Kid is here! What the heck!?

Hikari Noa is struggling back to her feet in the middle of the ring as Hayter watches Bea Priestley get manhandled at ringside. Standing in the center of the ring, Starlight Kid is wielding a steel chair! She's sizing up Hikari Noa... but as soon as Jamie Hayter turns around, Starlight Kid WRAPS IT AROUND HER HEAD! The fans pop huge as Jamie Hayter staggers around with the chair around her neck like a collar! She falls out flat in the middle of the ring and Starlight Kid ascends the ropes... and flies! MOONSAULT ON JAMIE HAYTER! She grabs the steel chair and slides it out of the ring!

MAURO RANALLO: MAMA MIA, WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?! WHY HAS STARLIGHT KID HELPED HIKARI NOA!?

PAT MCAFEE: ISN'T IT OBVIOUS-- HELL, I DON'T KNOW!

RENEE YOUNG: We've seen Starlight Kid take some measure of interest in Hikari Noa over the past few weeks due to her resilience during the rivalry with Momo... but with Momo off the board, maybe Starlight Kid is ready to go all-in with THE DEATHMATCH PRINCESS!

Hikari covers just as Aubrey Edwards turns around! ONE! TWO! THRE-- NO! JAMIE HAYTER KICKS OUT! Hikari Noa can't believe it! She immediately gets up and snatches Hayter up with two handfuls of hair! The fans are going nuts as Hikari hooks her... and plants her with the BLIZZARD SUPLEX! She maintains the bridge and Aubrey counts! ONE! TWO! THREE!

---

Hikari Noa immediately begins bawling as Aubrey Edwards presents her with the WLCW Women's World Championship! Kagetsu and Konami join her in the ring, kneeling next to her and embracing her as the fans go wild! Jamie Hayter rolls out of the ring and collects Bea before heading to the back with middle fingers raised in the air.

MAURO RANALLO: HIKARI NOA HAS DONE IT! WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION AND IT'S THE HARD TO KILL DEATHMATCH PRINCESS!

PAT MCAFEE: I KNEW IT! CAN'T STOP! WON'T STOP! NEVER GIVE UP ON HIKARI NOA!

RENEE YOUNG: What an emotional moment this is. I'm so proud of her. She deserves this, guys. This is what hard work gets you, and in the end, isn't that what WLCW is all about? HARD WORK!

Konami and Kagetsu hoist Hikari onto their shoulders and she raises the championship high over her head. Once they turn her to face the entranceway, we see Starlight Kid standing on the stage, watching the celebration. Starlight Kid offers Hikari a thumbs up and heads to the back. We fade out on a shot of the teary-eyed Hikari Noa celebrating with the belt.

We cut to the backstage area where Matt Striker is standing by with world champion Cody Rhodes.

MATT STRIKER: Ladies and gentlemen, Cody Rhodes has asked for this time to address all of you out there tonight.

Matt hands the mic over to Cody who stares intently into the camera.

CODY RHODES: You guys out there deserve a fighting champion…

He takes a pause, looking down quickly and then back up.

CODY RHODES: You fans out there deserve the very best each and every time someone steps into that ring. You know, Phil Jackson once told Kobe Bryant that he shouldn’t expect everyone to be at the same level as him. It was just unnatural and unobtainable. Kobe didn’t care. Phil continued, telling Kobe that his ten out of ten was just not something any of his teammates could live up to. Kobe would have to be all right with others tens being his five or six. That was never good enough for Kobe Bryant.

Cody smirks.

CODY RHODES: And that’s not going to sit with me either. Because every time I go out there and get in that ring, you’re going to get ten out of ten from me. You’re going to get the very best from me. Even if others are bringing their best and it’s just a three or four or even an eight or nine, it doesn’t matter! Cause you’re going to get my ten out of ten. Tonight, Malakai Black gets my ten out of ten, as much as he may not deserve it. As much as he may not be able to hold a candle to me in that ring, he’s going to get my ten.

He stares, breathing heavily into the camera.

CODY RHODES: Tonight, at one of the greatest places on this planet, the Grand Canyon, Cody Rhodes is going to walk out of that ring as the WLCW World Heavyweight Champion and come hell, come high water, come black mass, come whatever Malakai Black wants to throw at him, Cody Rhodes is going to walk out of that ring as WLCW World Heavyweight Champion. That is my promise to each and every one of you. Because you will get nothing less than my ten out of ten.

The scene fades as Cody stares into the camera as we fade back in out in the open air arena.

MAURO RANALLO: Fans, this is it. This is the big one. Everything on the line in this one.

PAT MCAFEE: For weeks now, Malakai Black has been chasing Cody Rhodes down in an attempt to get the title from him. Can he do it tonight?

RENEE YOUNG: Cody seems like a man focused right now. It’s going to take a hell of an effort.

MAURO RANALLO: Yet, Black is the man who can get the job done.

PAT MCAFEE: I’m ready, Mauro. I’m READY! Let’s get this one started!

RENEE YOUNG: In a rare instance, I’m with Pat. Let’s get to this one!

---

The story of how we got to this match tonight between Cody Rhodes and Malakai Black is an interesting and sometimes unsettling one. Black has been the proverbial thorn in Cody’s side since winning the triple threat number one contender match at Ascension. A back and forth between the two over the course of the three shows between then and now, with neither man getting the proverbial advantage over the other. Every time it would seem one of them would seemingly have any kind of advantage, the other would come back to even the odds out. Black’s ability to always be lurking and strike when least expected has kept the world champion on a heightened sense of concern and worry for those close to him. His brother Dustin and even his own wife, Brandi have been the target of Black’s attacks. Now, tonight, there is dark place to lurk or anywhere for Malakai to hide. He must stand in that ring and face the man he’s been tormenting for the better part of a month now. The WLCW World Heavyweight Champion, Cody Rhodes. A man who arrived on the scene in the biggest way possible, winning or at least co-winning the title contender Battle Royale on the first episode of Storm. Since then, Cody has run roughshod over everyone who has stood in that ring across from him. His match with Miro to be crowned the first champion was deemed an instant classic and maybe the biggest win of his career. Perhaps the fans haven’t appreciated Cody as much as they should, given the nature of his attitude and actions at times. But never has there been a more deserving champion than Cody Rhodes. Referee Bryce Remsburg calls for the bell and the crowd comes alive as these two men get set to fight for the biggest prize in all of the land.

PAT MCAFEE: This is it, guys. Rhodes, Black and it all comes down to this.

RENEE YOUNG: Maybe the most I have been hyped for a match in a long time. Rhodes has been a great champion but you’d be foolish to think Black won’t bring the fight tonight.

MAURO RANALLO: Indeed so. Cody has been a fun champion to watch but that could all come to a grinding halt tonight. And it wouldn’t surprise me in the least.

Black stands stoically on one side of the ring, staring across at his opponent. No emotion and no physical movement. Almost as if he’s a statue. Rhodes pulls the bandana that Matt Cardona gave him tight. A promise is a promise to Rhodes and he feels like if he honors wearing the bandana that maybe Matt will honor his promise to him long ago. A bit sappy, yes, but Cody is also one to do anything it took to keep his title. First things first though, he needs to focus on his challenger standing across the ring from him. The two slowly walk towards one another until they’re standing chest to chest, exchanging words under their breath. We can’t make anything out but Cody is the first one to react, pushing his head into Malakai’s, without any kind of reaction from Black at all. He just shoves his head back into the champion’s. The two finally come to blows with Cody rearing back and driving his fist into Black’s chin, knocking him back. After knocking him back, Rhodes comes rushing in but he’s met with a swift kick to the stomach, doubling him over. Malakai brings his leg up over the champ and down onto his back, taking him down to the mat. Cody is on all fours, working on getting back up as Malakai lines him up and then drives his foot right into Cody’s ribs – like a punter would a football. Cody rolls over onto his back, grabbing at his side where the kick landed as Black stares at him, again, devoid of any emotion. He helps pull the champ back up to his feet but immediately takes him back down, hooking his leg and driving him down with an STO! Black goes for an early pin but barely gets a two count before Cody kicks out.

PAT MCAFEE: Little early to try and get a pin there, but you have to like where Black’s head is at. Don’t waste any kind of opportunity.

RENEE YOUNG: Any strike from Black could end this match at any point. All it takes it one kick delivered to the right spot for this one to be over.

MAURO RANALLO: Cody is in peak physical condition, but you can’t train yourself to take kicks to the midsection and head like that.

Black sits on his knees, staring at Cody who is moving to get back to his feet. He uses the ropes to pull himself up fully as Black gets back to a vertical base as well. The straps of the bandana Cardona gave Cody flap down around his neck and shoulders as he rises up to his feet. Cody swings wildly at the challenger, but Malakai ducks under it, striking a kick right to the champ’s stomach once again, doubling him over. Black lifts him up for a gutwrench powerbomb and keeps him down in a pinning predicament! 1..2…No! Cody gets a shoulder up as Black continues to stare down his foe. Cody rolls away and starts to get back up as Black slowly rises up as well. Malakai goes for another kick, but Cody catches that one, spinning him around and hoisting him up and back down with a back bodydrop. Cody is back up to his feet, bouncing off the ropes and dropping an elbow down across the challenger’s chest and neck area. Black grabs the middle rope and starts using it as leverage back to his feet as Rhodes starts to build off the momentum of those moves. The crowd is cheering him on as he grabs Black from behind, pulling him up to his feet fully. Cody pulls him and turns him around, whipping him into the corner. Cody meets Black there with a big Stinger splash. Black slumps down into the seated position in the corner as Rhodes moves the adjacent corner from him now. He measures up Black and comes rushing in to the seated opponent, driving his boot across his face with a huge Broski Boot! He pulls Black out and goes for a pin. 1…2…No! Malakai gets a shoulder up, but Cody throwing some love to Matt Cardona with that move. Rhodes pulls Black back up to his feet once again after the failed pinfall and whips him into the ropes. Malakai reverses it though, but Cody catches himself, springing up onto the ropes, turning and driving a kick right across Black’s face with a huge DISASTER KICK! Cody goes for the pin! 1..2…2.999! No!

RENEE YOUNG: Wow, that was a lot closer than Black probably thought it was going to be. I genuinely didn’t think he was going to kick out.

PAT MCAFEE: Maybe a little too close for comfort for the challenger there.

MAURO RANALLO: Rhodes needs to stay on the attack right now though.

And indeed he does stay on the attack, pulling Black back up to his feet, but Malakai swipes away the champ’s hold, knocking him back. A big time roundhouse kicks comes around and drills Cody in the side of the head. He lands in a heap as Black stumbles back from the impact as well. Black pulls Rhodes back up to his feet, but Rhodes is laboring. Black sets him up for a piledriver, as he lifts him up from the midsection, holding him there and falling forward, dropping him down with a tombstone piledriver! The crowd flip out seeing the tombstone and Black goes for the pin. 1…2….2.999! The crowd flips out even more that Cody Rhodes managed to kick out of the tombstone piledriver. Black shows just a smidge of emotion for the first time as his eyes narrow a bit down at the champion, who has shown some resiliency and fight in everything that Black has thrown at him so far. Black is back up to his feet and drives a few kicks into the champion’s midsection. Perhaps some signs of frustration from the challenger there. Malakai pulls Cody back up to his feet and a series of quick kicks, driving his shins and knees into Cody’s ribs and hips area. Rhodes falls back, bouncing onto the ropes to stay standing, but he’s taking continues blows from the challenger. A back elbow from Cody knocks the challenger back. A straight kick from Cody right into Black’s chest takes him down to one knee now. Cody hops through the ropes and climbs up the corner to the top, turning his back to Black and taking off for a huge Moonsault off the top rope! Black moves out of the way though, but Cody recovers and lands on his feet! Cody turns himself around and faces Black who spits BLACK MIST into Cody’s face, but Rhodes pulls down the bandana given to him by Cardona and it absorbs all the mist! Malakai wasn’t ready for that as Cody pulls the bandana off completely and kicks Malakai in the stomach! The challenger doubles over as Cody spins him around and CROSSROADS! Cody picks Malakai up off the mat and delivers ANOTHER CROSSRAODS! and makes the pin. 1…2…3! It’s over!

---

PAT MCAFEE: What in the world! That ending sequence just came out of nowhere!

RENEE YOUNG: Cody Rhodes used the bandana Matt Cardona gave him to save him from getting black mist in his eyes! What a smart and heady move from the champ!

MAURO RANALLO: Then two crossroads and that’s all she wrote! Hey, what’s going on here…?

Matt Cardona comes out clapping and slides into the ring. He picks up the bandana that’s covered in black mist and gives it a disgusted look before holding it out to Cody. Rhodes nods and holds his arms out for a hug, which Matt reciprocates.

RENEE YOUNG: Seems as though this is just a congratulatory visit from Cardona here tonight.

Matt turns and has Cody’s hand in his, raising it up and pointing to him as the Grand Canyon crowd cheers the title defense. Cardona asks for a microphone from the ringside area and is given one.

MATT CARDONA: What an absolute banger of a match, Code man. I think everyone in this crowd knew that he was going to be no match for you here tonight. You’re just too good.

The crowd cheers at Matt’s compliments to his friend before Cardona continues.

MATT CARDONA: Now, I know that I made you a pact back at that Six Flags in New Jersey, Cody. You and I, that day, made a promise to one another to be the world’s greatest tag team and the tag team champions. I remember that day and I remember that conversation.

Cody is breathing heavily but he nods in approval, pointing back and forth between himself and Matt in agreeance.

MATT CARDONA: I take pacts and promises like that really serious, Cody. You know that. Even knowing that though, you have a little bit of doubt deep inside you that thinks I’m going to use this - -

He holds up the X-Division Championship.

MATT CARDONA: - - to cash in my guaranteed title shot on you. You’re worried and I know that’s why you’ve been doing the things you’re doing. Cody, you know me bro.

Cody seems a bit hesitant to give any kind of reaction to that.

MATT CARDONA: Fact of the matter is this. Motor City Machine Guns, you better get ready for the fight of your lives because me and Cody Rhodes? We are coming for those titles!

The crowd cheers and a smile grows across Cody’s face. Matt looks over at him and smiles back at him, but the smile slowly fades.

MATT CARDONA: Before that though…there’s just one little thing I have to do.

Cardona nods at Remsburg who seems a bit confused and holds out the X-Division title to him. Cody seems confused as to what’s going on, but it’s made very clear.

MAURO RANALLO: OH MY GOD! CARDONA IS CASHING IN RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!

PAT MCAFEE: ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?

RENEE YOUNG: MATT CARDONA IS CASHING IN HIS SHOT! CODY RHODES IS NOT READY FOR THIS!

MAURO RANALLO: How could he be!? He just went through hell with Malakai Black and now he has to face Cardona for the title!

The referee hands the timekeeper the X-Division championship as Cody watches on in confusion. Remsburg calls for the bell and this one is an official match!

---

Matt rushes in on the still somewhat confused Cody and starts laying repeated rights to him, knocking him back into the corner. As he has him there, he lines him up from the adjacent corner and comes rushing in, hitting him with the BROSKI BOOT right across the jaw! Cardona goes for the pin as Cody but the champ kicks out at two! He thrusts his shoulder up in an emphatic motion. Cardona knows he has to act quick or this one could be closer than he wants it to be. He pulls Cody back up to his feet. Rhodes is still staggering a bit, wavering back and forth. He measures him up and rushes in, going for a Rough Ryder, but as he goes up, Cody locks his arm under Matt’s leg, pushing forward and dropping him down with a powerbomb! Cody holds him down, pinning him to the mat. 1..2..No! Cardona now is able to kick out of this one. Both men are quickly back to their feet, looking to keep the advantage in their favor now that they’re back on even footing.

PAT MCAFEE: I still can’t believe we are getting a fifth title match tonight. This is insanity!

MAURO RANALLO: Cody seems to have gathered himself now after the initial shock of Cardona’s cash in wore off.

Matt pulls Cody towards the ropes, picking him up and dropping him down with a bodyslam. He steps through the ropes as Cody is trying to get back to his feet. As Rhodes stands back at a vertical base, Cardona shoots himself over the top rope launching himself like a dart, driving his shoulder right into Cody, knocking him back and down. Matt goes up to the top rope now, measuring Cody up, diving off and looking for a top rope elbow drop! Cody rolls out of the way though as Cardona scrambles back to his feet. By that time, Cody is already behind him and waiting, grabbing him from behind as he gets fully to his feet. He pulls Matt’s head back, twisting and falling with it, hitting him with a CROSSROADS! Cody goes for the pin! 1..2…3! He wins…again!

---

MAURO RANALLO: Cody Rhodes has fended off Matt Cardona’s cash in! Two wins tonight for our world champ!

PAT MCAFEE: Say what you want, but that speaks more than anything that could be done. Cody Rhodes is still our WLCW World Champion!

RENEE YOUNG: Cardona thought he had him. He really truly did, but Cody recovered and picked up the win.

MAURO RANALLO: Fans, we know that there’s a lot of rumors out there about the future of WLCW and where they go from here.

PAT MCAFEE: We cannot confirm or deny any of those rumors, but we’ve tried to provide the best professional wrestling program we could for you here tonight in lieu of all of that.

RENEE YOUNG: If this is the last time we see you all, we want to thank each and every one of you for being amazing fans and supporting this product!

MAURO RANALLO: May this be a potentially lasting image of what was an absolutely fun ride!

The camera pans in on Cody holding the world title up towards the Grand Canyon crowd as the show fades to black.