Hey Yo: A Night Of Tribute To The Bad Guy Results

[magnusd]

(So I didn't hear back from Dustin with his writeup yet, but I wanted to get this out before the weekend was over. Dustin, if you can PM me or post your match as a reply below, I'll add it to the post)


NWA Stable Wars Presents: Hey Yo - A Tribute To The Bad Guy

Our shows opens with all of tonight's competitors, as well as the rest of the NWA Stable Wars roster, on the ramp and walkway. A ten bell salute for given for the man we are paying tribute to tonight, Scott Hall. Afterwards, Magnus James has a microphone.

MJ: 'Wrestling fans, as you all know, we lost one of our own earlier this month. That man is Scott Hall. Hall was part of the Lucha Things group, along with his long time friend and tag partner Kevin Nash. Hall is one of the most decorated and influential wrestlers to ever step foot in a wrestling ring, and whether intentional or not, has had a lasting impact on everyone who steps in this ring today.

Amongst his many accomplishments, he formed the nWo, one of the most dominant factions in wrestling history, with Kevin Nash and Hollywood Hulk Hogan. He helped pioneer the ladder match, along with Shawn Michaels, paving the way for the many stars that have been made since in that particular kind of match. He also helped pave the way for athletic big men, with Hall able to do many things that a man his size shouldn't have been able to do.

With great talent can often come great weight. Scott's battle with alcoholism was a life long struggle. At one point it looked to have left his legacy in tatters. But thanks to the help of a man who will be competing here tonight, Diamond Dallas Page, he was able to battle his demons and give back to the industry, restoring his rightful place as a legend of this business.

We have a big card for you tonight, a super card if you will. Stars from across the NWA will be competing to pay tribute to this great man in this non-canon spectacular. But before we begin, I would like to lead you all not in a moment of silence, but a moment of applause. Cheer as loud as you can so that The Bad Guy can hear you up at the pearly gates.'

The fans and wrestlers let out huge cheers and applause, with chants of "Bad Guy" filling the arena. Magnus thanks the fans, and leaves the ring as we head for the opening match.


"Kentucky Gentleman" Chuck Taylor w/"The Footman" Trent Beretta vs Eric Young
Here we have a match between Chuck Taylor, the man whom Scott Hall won his last championship from, and Eric Young, who was Hall's last tag team partner as part of The Band. The two lock up and we get some good back and forth holds and counter holds. Taylor grabs a Headlock, which Young counters by throwing Taylor to the ropes and following with a few Arm Drags. Taylor goes to the outside to regroup, but Young follows, with Beretta using the opportunity to throw Young into the ring post. Taylor puts him back in the ring and nails a Dropkick for a 2 count. He follows this with a picture perfect Moonsault, getting another 2 count. He picks up Young and tries to go for the Awful Waffle, but Young blocks it, so Taylor hits a Piledriver instead for another near fall. Lifting him up once again, he throws him into the ropes, but Young ducks underneath a Clothesline attempt a Double Clothesline takes both men down. Making it up before the ten count, Young fights back with lefts and rights, before hitting a Back Body Drop. He follows this with a quick Superkick that dazes Taylor, then a Belly to Belly for a 2 count. He calls for Youngblood, as Beretta leaps up on the apron and distracts the referee. Taylor uses the opportunity to low blow Young, then hits the Awful Waffle which is enough to put Young away.
Winner- Chuck Taylor

We cut to a clip from the AWA, showing a young Scott Hall being interviewed

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEPJgkB4zHU


Damian Priest vs. "The Show Off" Nick Nemeth

Nemeth is very cocky on the way to the ring, taunting the crowd and shaking his money maker all over the ring. Damian makes his way out doing the Razor walk, and the crowd goes nuts. Nemeth gets in Damian's face before the bell and shoves in the chest, incensing the big man.

Nemeth starts off fast with quick head and wristlocks, and eventually goes running off the ropes. Nemeth leap frogs Priest but Damian manages to catch him with a boot to knock him loopy. Priest then grabs him the arm and whips him hard into the corner, sending "The Show Off" flying over the buckles and to the outside! Priest is fired up and the fans are behind him!

Nemeth is back in and uses a thumb to the eye to take over control. Priest is able to reverse a whip attempt out of the corner but Nemeth reverses it by jumping on the buckles. Nemeth threatens to jump off, but Damian ducks down. Nick turns and tries for a double axe handle, but Priest catches him by the throat and hits the South of Heaven! Pin attempt, but only a two count!

Priest calls for the end, and the fans are on their feet!. Priest hooks Nemeth in and he's trying for the Razor's Edge, but Nemeth escapes. Priest turns and gets drilled with a Superkick! Nemeth falls back for the cover, but only a two count!

Both men are back up and Priest blocks a series of punches from Nemeth and catches him with a Discus Punch! Shades of Scott Hall there and the fans are eating it up! Priest picks up Nemeth and whips him, attempting a Roundhouse Kick, but Nemeth ducks and comes off the ropes with a Flying Forearm! Both men get back up and Nemeth is running again, but Priest ducks a clothesline and runs off the ropes... big collision in the middle of the ring and both men are down!

The referee is counting, but neither man is moving. Finally at 9, both men are stirring and they are back up. Priest goes for a wild punch but Nemeth ducks it and grabs him into a Sleeper! Priest is quick to reverse, trying for a Belly to Back Suplex, but Nemeth reverses, landing on his feet. Priest turns and "The Show Off" kicks hin low... Rocker Dropper! Nemeth can't cover quickly, though, and only gets a two count.

Nemeth is back up and he is in the corner, tuning up the band. Priest stumbles up and Nemeth tries for the Sweet Chin Music, but Priest ducks it! Priest goes for a clothesline, but Nemeth ducks that runs through. Nemeth springboards off the middle rope and tries for a Crossbody, but Priest catches him in mid-air! The crowd is loving this and clapping appreciatively as Priest hits the Fallaway Slam! Nemeth sells it like death. Priest calls for the end and tries for it again... this time he gets it! Razor's Edge! He covers and gets the three count.

Winner - Damien Priest


After the match, both men embrace and thank the crowd before leaving.

We are then shown a match from 1989, as Scott Hall takes on the legendary Terry Funk

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxKz_KqPD6E


Our next match is about to begin, as Diamond Dallas Page makes his way down to a thunderous ovation. It will certainly be intriguing to see DDP back in action, he looks to be in tremendous shape for a man in his sixties. That's what DDP Yoga does for you. Damien Sandow makes his way out next, and he promised a big surprise for DDP. As soon as he enters, the surprise is revealed: he's dressed as Razor Ramon! Yes, Damien Sandow was known for impersonating other wrestlers, and it seems he has brought this back for one night to pay his own little tribute to Hall. He has the mannerisms down, that's for sure, though the fans don't know quite what to make of this. Sandow get the mic.

DS: 'Hello and greetings. Say hello to the badly behaved fellow, Razor Ramondow. I am a very important man. Indeed, I am similar to Adam in the Garden of Eden. I am the only real man. The unwashed masses wish to be like me. Little children, they want to grow up and emulate me. Children, you should never forget about school. What you learn in a book can certainly help you become educated like myself. Do you wish to be like Ramondow? You have got to do things like Ramondow. You shall take whatever you want, providing you are washed, rich and well educated. You are welcome.'

Diamond Dallas Page vs "The Badly Behaved Fellow" Razor Ramondow
DDP throws up a self high five as the fans chant his name. Ramondow uses this opportunity to attack DDP, hitting him with a barrage of right hands in the corner. He picks him up and then hits a Fallaway Slam, before signalling that he's going to go for the Razor's Edge. He goes for it, but can't lift DDP, who them backdrops him out of the move. Ramondow quickly gets to his feet, but not quickly enough. DIAMOND CUTTER! That gets the academic three count.
Winner- DDP

DDP celebrates as Ramondow quickly leaves, allowing him to soak in the adulation of the fans for what could be the last time in his long career.

We are shown a vignette originally created in 1992, showing Hall debut his the persona he would become legendary with: Razor Ramon

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H89nxSnNa8

The competitors in our next match enter, first of all Bron Breakker and then Kevin Owens. 

Before the match, Owens gets on the mic to start with a "hey yo". He tells Breakker that everybody might be calling him the future of wrestling but tonight isn't about that because he wants to talk about him, referencing Rick Steiner. Owens tells Steiner that he has nothing but the utmost respect for what he has done in wrestling, especially as somebody who competed with Scott Hall at his best ... however that's not what Scott Hall would want. He says that Scott Hall would want him to kick his son's ass tonight, so that's what he'll be doing! Owens throws a toothpick at Breakker, Razor Ramon style, getting him upset before the bell even rings as Steiner has to calm his son.

Kevin Owens vs Bron Breakker, w/ Rick Steiner
The match starts out with Breakker using his strength advantage to control Owens, maybe getting a little cocky in the process. Owens has had enough and when they next go to lock up, he finger pokes the eyes instead and takes Breakker to the corner so he can start working him over. A superkick eventually sends Breakker out to talk strategy with Papa Rick but Owens isn't interested in waiting around. He hits the ropes and dives out with a cannonball to take out both men on the floor. Back instead, Owens tries an Argentine neckbreaker but Breakker escapes and takes him down with a clothesline instead. After some offense, he lifts Owens up impressively for a military press into a powerslam and covers but only gets a 2. He then turns Owens over and locks in the Steiner Recliner. Owens fights giving up as the referee checks on him. Finally he gets up with Breakker on his back and runs him back into the corner. Owens steps out and kicks Breakker in the midsection before hitting a Stunner. Both wrestlers are down on the mat after that one. As they get up, Owens starts going on offense again. a DDT takes Breakker out as Owens stands and does Scott Hall's signature taunt, pointing at himself and then extending the arms. He grabs Breakker and readies for a package piledriver but then throws him aside. He brings him to the corner and goes up the ropes. He grabs Breakker to lift him up and steps off, hitting an avalanche package piledriver! Owens covers as the referee counts the 3.

Winner - Kevin Owens


After the match, Owens gets his hand raised in victory. He looks up and acknowledges the spirit of Hall before he readies to leave. Rick Steiner gets in to check on his son so Owens stops himself and goes over. He extends a hand to Rick, who is reluctant but agrees to shake it. It is after all for Scott Hall! Owens then raises Rick's arm in a show of good sportsmanship, before kicking him in the midsection and laying him out with a Stunner! Owens gets up and shrugs his shoulders before leaving as Breakker tends to his father.

We then see the ladder match between Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels from 1995, considered one of the best North American matches of the 1990's. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jrgE-X2syI


"The Bad Guy" Adam Page, "The Kid" Johnny Gargano, "Big Daddy Cool" Karl Anderson, "The Blueblood" AJ Styles & "The Heartbreak Kid" Chris Jericho vs. "Mr. Perfect" Jay White, "The Tax Man" Irwin R. Strong, "The Hitman" Adam Cole, "Gloridust" Bobby Roode & "Double J" Xavier Woods
Will be added later


Next we see the debut of Scott Hall in WCW back in 1996, the moment that changed the professional wrestling world forever. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmzj4if0sHo


Lucha Things Farewell Match
Lucha Things (Rey Mysterio, Dominic Mysterio, WALTER and Octagon Jr) vs Juventud Guerrera, LA Park, El Hijo De LA Park and Chavo Guerrero Jr
This match would be the final time that Lucha Things would team together, as losing their close friend Scott Hall meant the group simply couldn't continue in its current form. The future of these four men will be an interesting one, they may all remain in NWA Stable Wars or could end up departing after this match is through. Regardless, this match gave them an opportunity to show their skills, competing against three men who were a part of the WCW Cruiserweight division during Hall's tenure in WCW. The match went about how you would expect: we saw plenty of arm drags, headscissors takedowns, hurricanranas and dives to the outside. But we also got to see the power of WALTER and Dominik, The Clones as they were dubbed by Kevin Nash, who displayed some solid team work. WALTER would be the man to pick up the victory in this one, hitting the Burning Lariat on El Hijo De LA Park to get the 3 count.
Winners - Lucha Things

The fans cheer and chant "Bad Guy" and "Thank You Lucha Things" as the group says its goodbyes to Scott and to each other. Who knows what these men will do next, whether any of them will continue teaming or whether a new group will emerge from the ashes. Regardless, they gave it their all for Scott here tonight.


For the final clip, we see Scott Hall's final championship victory, as referenced in our opener, when he defeated Chuck Taylor for the DDT Iron Man Heavymetal Title. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBVFsktYJDA


Main Event, Scott Hall Farewell Match
The NWO ("Big Sexy" Kevin Nash, "Syxx" Sean Waltman and "The Giant" Paul Wight) vs The Army Of Truth (Corporal Truth, Major Jimmy and Sgt Spyder) w/Captain Calzone
Corporal Truth is starting this one off against Paul Wight, being the only not intimidated by the man he is starting with, Paul Wight. The two lock up and Wight easily muscles Truth across the ring, to which Truth looks shocked. He tries again, but gets throw to the corner, where Wight smacks him with that frying pan like chop to the chest. Another chop follows, followed by a Veil throw across the ring. Sensing trouble, Spyder runs in to try and stop Wight, but gets grabbed by the throat. Wight nails the Chokeslam, taking Spyder out of the running before tagging Waltman. Waltman rushes over to Truth, who is in the corner, hitting him with some rapid fire kicks, followed by a Spin Heel Kick. The crotch chops follow, as he gets a run up and hits the Bronco Buster. He calls for the X-Factor and Jimmy tries to run in to stop it. The result is that he takes the move himself, again sparing Truth but taking himself out of the match. Waltman asks the fans if they want to see Nash, they of course do, as he does the Hall point to "Big Sexy" and tags him in. Truth charges at Nash, but eats a Sidewalk Slam, as Nash signal for the end. Nash positions Truth and throws up the arm, looking to the heavens and saying "this one's for you man". He picks up Truth and drops him with the Jacknife Powerbomb. It's academic as Nash gets the 3 count.
Winners - The NWO

The trio celebrate the victory, with Nash and Wight exiting the ring. As Waltman looks to join them, he is jumped by Captain Calzone! He smashes Waltman in the back with a chair, and before Wight and Nash can get in to help they are interrupted by Major Jimmy and Sgt Spyder. Calzone poses over Waltman, but then the lights in the arena go out. When they come back on, Calzone can't believe who is standing in front of him.

IT'S STING!

The fans are going nuts as Sting points the baseball bat at Calzone. He attempts to hit him with the chair, but Sting avoids it and grabs Calzone from behind. SCORPION DEATH DROP! Waltman returns to his feet and the rest of the NWO join them in the ring, having dealt with The Troops. They throw up the too sweet and want Sting to join them, which he does by pointing the bat. The show ends with the foursome celebrating and soaking in the cheers of the fans. What a night. Scott, we'll all miss you. I sure as hell will. The wrestling world won't be the same without you Bad Guy.

[jp1985]

Waiting on the Dustin Salyers match before I read it!  It looks like it came together well.

[jp1985]

I commend the idea and effort you put into this and making it happen! I like that it didn't ignore what it was with the opening comments about Scott Hall and a bunch of highlights interspersed here. That would be an easy thing to overlook and just focus on the matches but all throughout, this was about Hall.

Good opener. I would have never even clued into the Hall connections in that one without being told. Granted a show like this isn't really about winning and losing in the same way but it's still a big win for Chuck Taylor regardless.

Nice interview from AWA in 1986. Before my time watching wrestling so I remember when I first saw Diamond Studd and then more so Razor Ramon, and then you see that Scott Hall, it was pretty crazy to see in reverse. Not even a bad promo then by any means.

Damian Priest and Nick Nemeth very much had a Razor Ramon vs Shawn Michaels vibe to it. Cool to see Priest win with the Razor's Edge.

Interesting TV match with Terry Funk there. Funny to see Funk run the ropes and almost just run right over. It was a great showing for him, all things considered.

That segment with DDP and Damien Sandow was perfect for what it was and should be. You're getting some great mileage out of Sandow on this run.

The best part of that Razor vignette is he drives up, supposed to be all cool and stuff but then the music that's supposedly playing on the radio is this generic garbage that nobody would ever listen to. Never took notice of that before. Also cool to see it was taken from WWF Cavalcade - that was what Wrestling Challenge was called in Canada for some reason.

Those ladder matches were something else! Going to have to re-watch both of them when I get the chance. I remember I saw a ladder match with Razor Ramon and IRS at Maple Leaf Gardens a month before Wrestlemania X and while not disappointing, it was nothing special, so my expectations were pretty low for the Wrestlemania X one. It goes without saying, it exceeded expectations.

Another random observation is the crowd on that Scott Hall debut on Nitro. If that was today, I feel like fans would just go bat shit crazy, but he actually got a pretty tepid reaction - I think in part because once people realized who it was, they actually wanted to listen to what he had to say, whereas today, crowds seem to want to make it more about themselves.

About as close to emotional as you can get in this stuff with his untimely passing spelling the end for Lucha Things and doing one last match together. Hopefully they all find a place within Stable Wars.

I had never seen that footage of Scott Hall winning that title from 2016. It's cool that he was able to have that moment, just getting to walk out as champion, even if it didn't mean much.

Even though it's a tribute show, I was still half expecting Kevin Nash to tear a quad! Jokes aside, great way to end the show and very cool to see Sting make an appearance.

Great tribute show to put the focus on Hall and really get readers thinking about their own memories of him! At least that was my takeaway.

[joe]

I was waiting on the missing match, but I will go ahead and comment on this now. I'm a little wishy washy on Chuck Taylor, as I like him, I've enjoyed his matches, I'm mot sure he should be on national television, so I don't know. I'm sure I would have liked that match, as I really do enjoy both men, but Taylor is the epitome of "indy guy" for me. I'm not sure he should have beat Young, but it's not like completely egregious.

I really liked the Owens and Breakker match. Those two would make a pretty good match up just from their contrasting styles and personalities. And giving Rick the Stunner is a great heat spot.

The Lucha Things send off was good. I could see something coming between Dominik and Walter in the future, whether it is tagging or feuding, I'm not sure. Dominik would certainly earn some respect if he could look good in a drubbing from Walter.

The nostalgic aspects and formatting was all well done.i was hoping Sting would show up and you delivered. This show delivered, point blank. From DDP going over to the way the main event went, the tone was perfect.

[magnusd]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. This was a big challenge to write and put together, but it was a good opportunity to say goodbye to one of my favourite wrestlers of all time.

Regarding Lucha Things, I had an idea pop into my head for a new stable involving Rey and Dominik, so I'll have something up for that in the next few days. As for Walter, he won't be part of that group, as I had another idea for him that may very well set him on the path to face off with Dominik. The wheels for that idea will be put in motion on the next show.

[Dustin Salyers]

The screeching tires of “Bad Boy” fill the arena as “the Bad Guy” Adam Page comes through the curtain with arms outstretched. Page’s transformation includes everything from Razor Ramon’s signature trunks to the gold chains to the hair curling down to his nose. He is clearly oozing machismo as he tosses the toothpick directly into the camera before heading into the ring. Page clenches his fists and stomps the mat several times before spreading his arms to a huge ovation from the crowd.

“1-2-3” brings Johnny Gargano down the aisle in a double shoulder singlet, long tights and headband, all emblazoned with “the Kid”. Gargano makes his way around ringside and slaps nearly every outstretched hand before climbing into the ring. Gargano shows off his educated feet with several roundhouse style kicks before climbing the nearest turnbuckle and thrusting his arms into the air.

The sound of an engine coming to life and an air horn bring “Big Daddy Cool” Karl Anderson to the ring, decked out in a leather vest and with his right hand raised. Anderson steps onto the apron and then calls over Page and Gargano. Both men try to hold down the top rope as Anderson struggles to step over it, causing him to stumble into the ring. Anderson shakes it off and slowly lifts his right hand back into the air as he stands in the center of the ring.

The slow and methodical beat of “Blue Blood” perfectly compliments the pace of AJ Styles as he saunters to the ring. Styles seems rather uncomfortable in his long tailed coat and adjusts the ribbon in his hair several times on his way to the ring. Styles climbs onto the ring apron and then proceeds to argue with each of his partners, trying to convince one of them to hold the ropes open for him. No one budges after the chaos of Anderson struggling to get into the ring, forcing Styles to simply step through the ropes. He shakes his head in disdain before attempting a deep bow to the crowd.

“I think I’m cute…” cuts through the arena as “Sexy Boy” brings “the Heartbreak Kid” Chris Jericho out. Jericho emerges with outstretched arms and immediately spins several times to show off the mirrored jacket and chaps that he is wearing. Jericho struts to the ring, struts up the ring steps, even struts across the apron, before bouncing through the ropes and spinning several more times in the center of the ring. Jericho then takes a long step to the right and extends his left leg, while flexing his biceps for the fans at ringside. Jericho then begins to dance in the center of the ring as he removes his earrings, jacket and eventually chaps to the seemingly annoyed looks of his partners.

After several moments, “Perfection” pierced the arena to signal the arrival of the opponents and more importantly “Mr. Perfect” Jay White. White emerged in a neon yellow singlet, carrying a towel in his right hand, which he playfully tossed back and forth. White then attempts to toss the towel from behind his back but misses entirely. He picks the towel up and tries once more but to no avail as he finally reaches ringside. White enters the ring, as we notice the first team has exited to ringside, and immediately climbs the nearest corner. White tosses the towel into the face of Page and laughs to himself before spitting his gum out and trying to slap it into the crowd. White misses completely and the laughs from ringside have him pointing fingers and threatening his opponents.

“Money… Money… Money” brings “the Tax Man” Irwin R. Strong to the ring decked out in his dark slacks, pristine white collar shirt, red tie and suspenders. Strong carries a briefcase and adjusts his glasses several times as he slowly makes his way to the ring. Without any nonsense, he steps into the ring and moves to the nearest corner. He places his briefcase on the top turnbuckle, opens it, places his glasses inside and then closes the briefcase quickly. He slides the briefcase under the bottom turnbuckle and begins rolling his sleeves up.

The up-tempo rifts of “Hart Attack” blares through the arena next as Adam “the Hitman” Cole walks to the ring decked out in the familiar pink and black, with custom leather jacket and throwback pink shades. Cole climbs into the ring and struts across with his arms outstretched before leaning across the top rope. Cole walks around the ring as he removes his jacket before sliding under the bottom rope and placing his shades on the face of a little girl at ringside.

The chilling opening of “Golden Desire” plays for several moments before “Gloridust” Bobby Roode slowly walks to the ring in a beautiful golden robe, platinum blonde wig and his entire face painted. Everyone at ringside seems shocked at the sight as “Gloridust” steps into the ring and slowly begins to remove his robe, revealing a full body suit. “Gloridust” then begins to move his hands slowly from his waist up to his chest and then over his face before quickly ripping the wig off his head to reveal the golden paint in his hair. Everyone in the ring and outside of it begin to laugh as Roode shoots looks of disdain at each of them.

And finally we hear “Tennessee Swing” as “Double J” Xavier Woods makes his way towards the ring in a white jacket and cowboy hat complete with red “J’s” and a flashing pair of sunglasses. Woods struts at several points on his way to the ring before climbing the steps and giving everyone a double peace sign on the apron. Woods steps into the ring and ushers everyone out of the way before he struts across the ring once more. Woods then removes his jacket to a round of laughter as his outfit is complete with strips of cloth going up his chest and back and connecting to a collar around his neck.


… Roode whips Jericho to the far corner, bounces off the ropes himself and catches a staggering Jericho with a running bulldog for a two count. Roode then whips Jericho into the ropes and immediately catches him with a kick to the gut, doubling over his opponent. Roode then falls flat on his back and slaps the taste out of Jericho’s mouth. Jericho stumbles back to the corner and tries to shake the cobwebs loose as Roode comes in and whips him across the ring again. Quick reversal by Jericho though and Roode hits the turnbuckle and staggers forward. Jericho rushes in but gets caught with a snap powerslam, formerly named the Director’s Cut, for a three count and the first elimination of the match. Styles rushes into the ring and hits Roode from behind with a clothesline. Styles bounces off the far ropes as Roode staggers back to his feet and Styles hits a high knee to the side of Roode’s head, putting him back on the canvas…

… the words between Page and Cole soon become punches at ringside, with White and Styles giving up on holding them back and joining in. Soon everyone is off the apron and involved in the melee at ringside to the delight of the fans. However, in the ring, Gargano whips Woods into the corner and follows up with several thrust kicks and finally a perfect spinning heel kick. Gargano tosses Woods out of the corner and quickly leaps to the top rope but instead of attacking Woods, Gargano jumps onto the throng of bodies battling at ringside. Everyone falls to the floor with the impact, bringing the crowd to their feet. Everyone slowly starts to disperse afterwards, leaving Gargano to eventually slide back under the bottom rope. Woods is waiting on him though, quickly catching him with a swinging neck breaker for a two count. Woods argues with the referee as Gargano crawls towards the near ropes to pull himself up. Woods is quickly on him again though with a leapfrog guillotine, leaving Gargano gasping for breath as Woods slowly struts back across the ring. Woods throws up the double peace sign to the crowd once more before turning his attention back to Gargano. Woods pulls Gargano to the center of the ring by his left leg and applies a spinning toe hold. As Woods transitions for the figure four leglock, Gargano grabs Woods by the head and neck and rolls him onto his shoulders. With Wood’s legs trapped in Gargano’s, the referee counts to three and Woods is eliminated. Gargano barely gets his legs untangled and to his feet before White nails him with a forearm smash from behind. White pulls Gargano to his feet and unloads with right hands until Gargano is backed into the corner. White snap mares Gargano out of the corner and hits a running neck snap. White retreats back to the corner and waits on Gargano to stagger to his feet. As Gargano rises off of one knee, White drives him back to the mat with a running knee lift. White pulls Gargano to his feet once more and hits the Perfect-plex for a three count and the third elimination. Page comes through the ropes and rushes White but Jay sees him coming and throws a lariat. Page ducks the clothesline and hits White with three neck snapping right hands. White staggers in a circle as Page grabs his left arm for a wristlock. Page rolls the shoulder before throwing successive shoulder blocks into the shoulder of White…

… Strong drives Styles to the mat with a double underhook suplex and immediately drops three successive elbows to his chest. Styles rolls over in pain as Strong stands up and straightens his tie to the disdain of the crowd. Strong points at a ringside fan and asks him if he paid his taxes this year as Page and Anderson are pleading with Styles to keep rolling to their corner. Strong threatens to have the ringside fan audited as Anderson stretches out his arm and tags Styles as he lays on his back near the corner. Strong turns back to Styles just as Anderson is coming in the ring and catches the bigger man with a right hand, knocking him back into the corner. Anderson is able to block the next right hand though and turns Strong into the corner and unloads with an elbow to the side of his head. Anderson now drives a few knees into Strong and finally puts his boot into his throat for a choke in the corner.  The referee starts his count and Anderson lets up as Strong staggers from the corner holding the top rope and trying to catch his breath. Anderson follows up by whipping Strong across the ring and hitting a side slam for a two count. Anderson throws a look at the referee as he pulls Strong to his feet and then pulls his head between his legs. Anderson lifts Strong into the air and sprawls him back onto the mat with the Jackknife Powerbomb. Anderson covers Strong while staring at the opposing corner as the referee counts to three. Strong has been eliminated and White, Cole and Roode seemingly stare at one another before trying to determine who is going to enter the ring next after that display of power from Anderson. Eventually Roode slowly climbs through the ropes and walks around the ring a few times as Anderson stands firm in the center…

… Styles and Cole lock up and Styles is able to push Cole back into the corner. The referee asks for the clean break and both men back but Styles quickly throws a knee to the midsection of Cole. Styles follows up with a crisp European uppercut and then whips Cole across the ring and follows him in. Cole gets his foot up though and Styles is knocked back. Cole lifts himself onto the turnbuckle and connects with a second rope clothesline to the staggered Styles. Cole lifts Styles and hits an inverted Atomic drop and immediately grabs Styles feet and steps through for the Sharpshooter. Styles swings his arms but Cole has him rolled to his stomach quickly and Styles is slapping the mat as soon as Cole sits back to apply the pressure. Styles has been eliminated and Anderson climbs into the ring and connects with a vicious big boot as Cole is dropping Styles’ legs and stepping free…

… Roode ducks the back elbow from Page in the corner, spins away and quickly delivers a throat strike. Page is now in the corner and Roode follows up with a couple knee lifts before grabbing Page’s left leg and draping it over the second rope. He follows suit with the right leg and then backs away from the corner, leaving Page prone on the second rope. Roode slowly brings his hands from his waist to his chest and then back to his waist, where he grabs his crotch before taking a running start and connecting with Shattered Dreams. Page screams in pain and falls forward out of the corner holding his groin. The referee immediately calls for the bell and disqualifies Roode. Roode looks shocked and immediately begins pleading with the referee that he kicked the second turnbuckle and not Page deliberately in the groin. White jumps into the ring and attempts to cover Page but the referee is still trying to get Roode to leave the ring. Roode realizes the situation and points to the cover as he climbs through the ropes but Anderson pulls Page out from under White and under the bottom rope, to the floor, so he can recover…

… Anderson forces White back into the near ropes and then whips him across the ring. White bounces off the far ropes and ducks under an attempted lariat from Anderson. White bounces off the near ropes but Anderson is waiting with the big boot. White somehow rolls under the outstretched leg of Anderson, causing “the Bad Guy” to land awkwardly and stumble into the ropes. White sees an opportunity and immediately moves across the ring to hit a chop block to the back of Anderson’s right knee. Anderson goes down to his knees and White grabs the right leg, lifting it into the air and driving it back down into the canvas. Anderson grabs for the knee and rolls to his back but White grabs the ankle and drops an elbow onto the right knee. Anderson rolls away from White and tries to get to his feet quickly but White is right behind him and kicks the back of the knee. Anderson doesn’t fall but is holding the top rope to help him keep his balance when White fires another kick into the back of the knee. Anderson continues to try to get away but the third kick from White drops him back to the mat. White grabs the ankle once more and lays it across the bottom rope before hitting a seated senton onto the knee. White hits a second seated senton causing Anderson to scream out in pain as he tries to pull himself away from White and towards the outstretched arm of Page. “Mr. Perfect” isn’t letting up though, grabbing the ankle and dropping another elbow before intertwining Anderson’s right knee between his own and hitting a jumping knee breaker. White pulls Anderson across the ring, towards his own corner, before working a spinning toe hold and applying an Indian death lock. Page acts as though he is going to come into the ring to break up the submission hold but White is perfectly positioned to see Page and alert the referee. Anderson writhes in pain for several moments before he eventually slaps the mat and screams out once more. Page is into the ring immediately but White reaches up and tags Cole on the apron before releasing the hold and sliding out to the floor through the first and second ropes. Page tends to Anderson, helping him slide out under the bottom rope just before taking a running knee into the back from Cole…

… Cole picks up Page and drives him back first across his knee before depositing him onto the mat and heading for the turnbuckle. Cole climbs up backwards to the second rope and quickly lines up the elbow drop but Page rolls out the way at the last moment. Both men are slow to get to their feet but Cole still has the advantage as he pushes Page into the turnbuckle and unloads with a right hand. Cole whips Page across the ring but Page reverses and Cole eats the turnbuckle and falls to his knees. Page is quickly onto the apron and climbs to the top rope before catching the unsuspecting Cole with a bulldog. Page makes the cover and Cole slips out just before the referee slaps the mat for the third time. Page quickly looks at the referee and shows him three fingers but the referee shows only two in response, causing Page to slap the mat in frustration before climbing to his feet. Page pulls Cole up and pushes him into the near ropes before whipping him across the ring. Page slips though as White has grabbed his ankle from ringside, causing Page to turn towards him with a look of disbelief. Cole sees his opportunity as he rebounds off the ropes but finds himself in the lap of White at ringside as Page catches him with a back body drop at the last moment. Page is quickly out to ringside, grabs Cole and tosses him back under the bottom rope and into the ring. Page rolls in himself and pulls Cole to his feet and buries his head between his legs before outstretching his arms to a huge ovation from the crowd. Page lifts Cole to his shoulders and then drives him into the mat with the Razor’s Edge. The three count was academic from there, eliminating Cole and leaving only two men remaining. White has begun to recover but immediately refuses the referee’s instructions to get into the ring. White slowly walks around the ring arguing with the referee, who eventually begins to count, indicating that he will disqualify White. Page won’t let the match finish that way and slides under the bottom rope and begins to give chase. White quickly rounds the ring, grabbing the turnbuckle post and sliding in under the bottom rope. Page follows him in as White heads for the far ropes and rebounds with a cross body block, only to be caught by Page and tossed to the mat with a fallaway slam. The anticipation of the crowd builds as Page pulls White to his feet by the back of the singlet and drives a forearm into the small of his back. White falls to one knee but Page pulls him back and delivers another forearm before lifting him from behind and sitting White on the top turnbuckle. White is facing away from the ring as Page climbs to the second rope himself and tucks his head under White’s left arm. Page lifts for the belly to back suplex and both men crash to the canvas but White has managed to turn himself and lands across the shoulders of Page. The referee slides into position but Page rolls his shoulder at the count of one, but both men seem exhausted. Both men slowly roll to their knees and then pull themselves to their feet with White striking first with a right hand. White goes for a second but Page blocks with the left arm and unloads with a right himself. Another right hand from Page and White is staggered and the discus punch from “the Bad Guy” puts him flat on his back. Page sends the crowd into a frenzy as he sweeps his arms across his body before turning his attention to the slowly rising White. Page grabs “Mr. Perfect” by the throat and tosses his right arm over his own shoulder for the chokeslam but White grabs the shoulders, steps behind and hits the Blade Runner in the blink of an eye. Both men lay motionless on the mat as the crowd erupts in a chorus of boos as they had become entirely immersed in the throwback style of the match. The referee checks on both men before beginning to count but neither moves until the count of six, when White slowly rolls to his stomach. White realizes that Page is still down and pulls himself far enough to drape his arm over the shoulders. The crowd moans as the referee slaps the canvas and then explodes as Page rolls his shoulder and the last possible moment. White shakes the cobwebs loose and slowly climbs to his feet before pulling Page to his back the back of his trunks. White knows he has the advantage and pushes Page to the near ropes for an O’Connor roll but Page holds onto the top rope, falling to one knee and sending White rolling backwards by himself. White gets back to his feet though and hits a running knee to the still prone Page. White finally acknowledges the crowd with a look, bringing the arena to a boiling point. White pulls Page to his feet by his hair and grabs a front face lock before tossing Adam’s right arm over his shoulder and cinching up right leg by grabbing it from behind the knee. But White doesn’t finish the Perfect-plex, instead he untucks his head and looks to the crowd while waving his left forefinger back and forth. White tosses Page’s arm back over his head and grabs the opposite leg for the Kiwi Krusher to a resounding negative reaction from the crowd. White shifts his momentum to lift but Page counters quickly and connects with a Northern lights suplex to a huge ovation. Both men are once more sprawled on the mat as the referee checks on Page, who slowly starts to roll to his knees. The referee checks on White, who is on one knee, but Jay pushes him away and starts towards Page. White reaches Page as he is still bent over but quickly finds himself upside down as Page lifts him over his shoulders and drops to knees, connecting with a devastating DeadEye. Page hooks the leg and rolls onto White’s shoulders allowing the referee to count to three and ending this match to a great ovation from the fans.

[Dustin Salyers]

I knew I owed this match to Magnus and I had it almost finished when I stepped away so I decided to finish it over the last few days before starting on some more writing I wanted to do. Sorry for this taking so long but hopefully whoever still checks in can enjoy this awesome event in its entirety now.

[jp1985]

This was a very unexpected but very appreciate sight when I came here earlier as I don't think I've ever seen anybody comeback to something so many months later. Having had a chance to read it now, you did a great job with this. I especially liked the attention to detail during the entrances. Wherever he is, I'm sure Magnus would appreciate it! Better late than never, as they say.