Live from USA Hockey Arena | Plymouth, MA | Crowd Size: 5,500
SEGMENT ONE
As Season’s Beatings comes onto the air, we open with a shot of an elaborate banquet of turkey, stuffing and pies displayed impeccably in catering. Sitting dangerously close to the holiday spread is a makeshift science station, built from plastic catering trays, steel folding chairs, and three extension cords that probably shouldn’t be plugged into the same outlet.
Doc Brown, his hair wilder than usual, adjusts a pair of welding goggles strapped to his face. Sitting atop a steel folding chair next to catering is BWM Inc.’s Head of Security, the Big Boss Man. Boss Man’s expression is that of a man who has been talked into doing something stupid, but refuses to admit it.
Brown slowly clips shiny jumper cables to the tips of Boss Man’s fingers, before clamping the other side to the perfectly roasted turkey, sitting on a silver platter.
Doc Brown: [breathless, earnest] My friend, I cannot thank you enough for volunteering as my test subject. If my calculations are correct, this avian conductivity is the missing component of my grand design. This could be the key to unlocking my secret formula to construct a wrestler entirely from scratch! If this works, you will become the first man to be rebuilt using concentrated anabolic poultry resonance!
Big Boss Man: [skeptical] That… doesn’t sound like a thing that exists…
Doc Brown: Not yet, that’s why I’m inventing it! Now, you might feel a small tickle. Perhaps a jolt, or possibly a vibration in the cranial nerve clusters. Totally normal!
Big Boss Man: …how much are we paying you, again?
Doc Brown: [frantically scribbling notes into his journal] Monetary compensation is irrelevant in the face of scientific destiny! Of course, my contract is quite lucrative, but that’s not the point! When we are finished, you will emerge bigger, stronger, and infused with the raw, unfiltered power of Thanksgiving tradition!
Boss Man sighs heavy in a way that suggests he regrets every life choice that brought him to this moment. Brown rushes to the turkey, wired to a volt meter. He taps it with a metal spatula as if he’s checking for a heartbeat.
Doc Brown: Now, when the bioelectric resonance of the roasted turkey synchronizes with your neuromuscular response frequency, which, based on my formula are precise to the gigawatt, your mass should increase by a factor of two point three!
Big Boss Man: [growing concerned] Doc—
Doc Brown: No talking! We’re approaching 1.21 turkey-watts!
Doc Brown throws the switch.
The machine immediately shrieks, and the turkey violently ignites in an instant, spectacular combustion. Plumes of thick black smoke erupt from the turkey. The catering area fills with fog, as Boss Man can be heard coughing, but is no longer visable through the smoke.
Big Boss Man: [coughing intensely, muttering to himself] I’m done with this.
The camera cuts to Brown’s face as he looks at the smoke. He is trembling with anticipation. As the smoke begins to clear, Brown looks befuddled by Boss Man’s apparent disappearance.
Doc Brown: [in an awed whisper] Great Scott! He’s transcended! He’s entered into a state of pure roast-infused metamorphosis!
Low footsteps echo down the hall, as a silhouette forms. Out of the haze steps Rob Amick, dressed exactly like the Boss Man, down to the badge, the nightstick, and the uniform. Amick stands slack-jawed and bewildered by the sight of the ruined catering spread. Brown stares at Amick in amazement, his eyes bulging.
Doc Brown: [breathless, horrified and amazed] No… No no no no no— I didn’t make him bigger… I made him SMALLER!
Doc Brown begins pacing in circles, and Renee Young enters, walking directly into the cloud. She coughs, and then freezes at the sight before her. Doc Brown zips towards, grabbing her shoulders with frantic urgency.
Doc Brown: Honey— WE SHRUNK THE BIG BOSS MAN!
As the opening video package concludes and the pyro explodes, Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly welcome us to the official kick off of the holiday season for All Elite Wrestling, Season’s Beatings! Kelly wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving, and notes that AEW employees won’t be getting the catered feast they were promised due to Doc Brown’s continued attempts to build a wrestler in a lab. Anderson says that’s okay for him, because he’s spending Thanksgiving with his son Brock and the Triumvirate. Kelly says he had a triumvirate once with Lady Love and Ric Venom, but it wasn’t his thing. Anderson shakes his head in disgust at Kelly’s ignorance, and notes that we’re in an intimate arena in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the bithplace of Thanksgiving.
Before commentary can continue, “Elevated” hits, and the shot cuts to the stage where the AEW World Heavyweight Champion, the Aerial Assassin Will Ospreay, makes his first entrance since winning the gold at Sympathy for the Devil.
As the theme’s hook drops and the light strobes, the roof nearly comes off the building as Ospreay steps out with the AEW World Heavyweight Championship strapped around his waist.
The crowd chant’s “Ospreay, Ospreay!” with the music, and when it cuts, they start a massive “OS- PREAY! OS- PREAY! OS- PREAY! OS-PREAY! OS-PREAY!” to the cadence of the “Ole!” chant.
In the ring, Ospreay freezes mid-step, his eyes widening. He brings a hand to his mouth as if he’s physically holding the emotion in. Then he laughs, overwhelmed, and shakes his head.
Will Ospreay: Oi! That’s mental! That’s actually mental!
The crowd grows even louder, as he taps his chest and mouths “thank you” before lifting the mic back up to his lips.
Will Ospreay: [grinning] Bruv, you’re gonna make me cry on live telly!
There’s another huge pop, as Ospreay tries to hide that he’s blinking back tears.
Will Ospreay: A’right, a’right… calm down, yeah? You’re makin’ me emotional as hell up here. And look, I know I’m a Brit, yeah? I know I ain’t exactly the guy you expect to come out talkin’ about bein’ thankful in November… but I’ve got a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.
He pats the title around his waist.
Will Ospreay: Most of all, I’m thankful for you lot. very single one of ya in this buildin’, everyone watchin’ at home, everyone who ever believed in me —because you’re the ones who took me from wrestlin’ in bingo halls… to wrestlin’ in coliseums. You’re the ones who got me here.
The crowd cheers loud, some chanting his name again. Ospreay paces slowly, letting the emotion breathe.
Will Ospreay: And now —now I stand here as the Heavyweight Champion of the World in the number one company on the planet!
Will Ospreay: You don’t know how many times I doubted myself gettin’ here… how many nights I lay there thinkin’, ‘This ain’t worth it, bruv. Just pack it in.’ But I didn’t quit. I didn’t stop. Because I made all of you a promise.
He unstraps the belt from around his waist, holding it in his hands, looking down at it.
Will Ospreay: And, I keep my promises.
He raises the belt high above his head, his arm locked and his chin up. The crowd explodes again in approval.
Will Ospreay: This right here — this belt — and that reaction from all of you… that’s what makes every bruise, every flight, every hard night away from home worth it. This championship is proof that Will Ospreay is the best wrestler in the world!
Will Ospreay: And listen, only only ten men have ever held this prestigious title. Ten. And I am the first ever British-borne world champ in the history of BWM Inc.!
He pauses for a beat, letting the crowd simmer down a bit before continuing.
Will Ospreay: Now… for most people? The chase is everything. Their whole life is about gettin’ to this moment. But for me? My story don’t end here. As hard as the road’s been… the hard part starts now. ’Cause winnin’ this belt? That’s one thing. Keepin’ it? Proving day after day that I deserve it? That’s the real fight.
Will Ospreay: I’ve never been good at enjoyin’ the moment. I’m that bloke who’s always lookin’ ahead, always pushin’ toward the next mountain to climb. But I swear to you… night in, night out, I’m gonna make you proud to call me your champion!
Suddenly, “Battle Cry” hits and the crowd explodes into boos as Kenny Omega steps through the curtain with the new AEW World Tag Team Champions, Matt and Nick Jackson, the Young Bucks. All three stand on the stage smugly, soaking in the crowd’s displeasure.
Omega adjusts his sunglasses as he lifts the mic, and begins to walk slowly down the ramp, the Bucks following behind him.
Kenny Omega: Well, well, well… look at you, Will! Big man! Big moment! A big celebration! But don’t let that love go to your head. Y’see, now that Hangman has gone home to lick his wounds, someone’s gotta lead the True Elite. Someone’s gotta take charge. And Will, that someones… is me!
The Bucks nod in agreement, as they continue working their way slowly down the ramp. Ospreay takes up a defensive position in the center of the ring, bracing for impact.
Kenny Omega: When you got signed last year, everybody acted like it was the biggest signing in wrestling history. But you and I? We go way back, don’t we Will? Long before these people even knew your name… sure, you beat me once. Once. But how many times have I kicked your ass all over Japan?
Ospreay leans against the ropes, his jaw tightening.
Kenny Omega: If I were you, I wouldn’t let this response get to your head. When I came here in 2023, I got a similar response. Everyone thought I’d be the one standin’ there with that championship around my waist. But, the company was still unstable, and I got stuck playin’ second fiddle to Hangman Adam Page.
Omega pauses, lowering his glasses, his eyes locking onto Ospreay’s.
Kenny Omega: But, that’s over now. Because the Best Bout Machine? He plays second fiddle to no man, definitely not to you, Will!
Omega and the Bucks hit the ringside area, as they begin circling the ring. Ospreay is trapped as Omega continues.
Kenny Omega: Allow me to break a little news… the three of us just came from the Director of Operations’ office, and guess what, champ?
Omega taps his chest.
Kenny Omega: I have been named your opponent for Elite Warfare! And since I know you’ve been feelin’ yourself a little too much lately… I figured I’d remind you what I’m capable of. Right here. Right now. Because me and the Bucks? We’re about to step in that ring and kick your ass!
Will Ospreay: Hold up, hold up. Kenny, bruv… you think I came out here alone?
Omega and the Bucks hesitate.
Will Ospreay: It ain’t exactly a secret that you’ve had me in your sights since the day you betrayed me and Bryan Danielson in Anarchy in the Arena.
Suddenly, the crowd pops in approval as the Young Bucks are blindsided from behind! Mark and Jay Briscoe, the Briscoe Brothers, burst onto the scene swinging fists and boots! The crowd cheers for “Dem Boys” as Mark drops Nick with a big boot, and Jay clotheslines Matt over the barricade.
Omega spins around, looking for a way to escape as Ospreay sprints, hits the ropes, and flies through the air with a huge suicide dive to Omega! The crowd is nuclear as a massive melee breaks out at ringside!
All six men are trading wild shots as security swarms the ramp, pouring out from the back as res, agents, and guards rush to separate them. A few get a hold of Ospreay and pull him off Omega, but he breaks free and lunges at Omega once again!
More guards assist, and they drag Ospreay off, and a hurdle of a dozen security guards separate the Bucks and the Briscoes.
Arn Anderson: It’s a powder keg here at Season’s Beatings, Kevin! We just learned that Will Ospreay will defend the AEW World Heavyweight Championship against Kenny Omega at Elite Warfare!
Match # 1 | Elite Warfare Invitational Battle Royal – Winner gets to enter at #60, first runner-up must enter at #1
LA Knight vs. Logan Paul vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Swerve Strickland vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Teo vs. Attitude vs. vs. ???
Teo and Attitude are introduced first, as Arn Anderson notes that throughout the Attraction’s history, all it takes is one little upset to turn the two from partners to bitter enemies; he worries about that possibility with them both in tonight’s battle royal. Kevin Kelly notes that of the eight men who were announced ahead of time for this high stakes match, all of them are former champions in AEW, including two former World Heavyweight Champions in Logan Paul and Bryan Danielson.
Cody Rhodes is introduced next, and Anderson notes that so many times in Rhodes’ career, he’s gotten close to clenching his moment, only to fall short. Rhodes is locked in on his way to the ring, as Kelly says it’s just a matter of time before he wins the big one. As Shelton Benjamin, Swerve Strickland, and LA Knight are introduced, commentary discuss how all three have made their marks on BWM Inc., but are looking to reset after recent setbacks. Knight gets a heroes homecoming in his first appearance since losing the AEW Television Championship to Logan Paul.
Danielson is also making his first appearance since Kenny Omega tried to burn him alive during the Anarchy in the Arena match, and Anderson and Kelly discuss the momentum that the American Dragon had during the early part of 2024, including being the man that ended the title reign of AJ Styles, who remains the longest reigning AEW champ in the company’s history. Finally, the eighth announced man, the former world champion and reigning TV Champion, Logan Paul is out to nuclear heat. Commentary discusses his big win over the Kinslayer Sean Olson last week, thanks to a distraction from a literal crow attack!
To everyone’s surprise, Otis is announced as the entrant number nine, and Anderson notes that Otis is a former WWE 24/7 champion, and also came close to winning the Intercontinental championship when it was vacated by decree back in February of this year. Kelly says Otis was a BWM Inc. pick up in the 2025 draft, and has a chance to prove himself tonight.
Arn Anderson: As we await the final entrant, I’ve just received word from Shocker in my headset that in addition to the winner getting the 60th spot in the Elite Warfare match and the first runner up being forced to start from number one, the second-runner up is going to have to start from entry number two!
Kevin Kelly: That’s truly just as bad as entering from number one, for all intents and purposes.
As the crowd stirs waiting for the final participant, “Amish Paradise” hits and everyone’s heads turn awaiting the arrival of Midget Hogan, the infamous battle royal “expert” known for trying to hide under the ring. As the music swells, there’s no sight of the former High Minded member and current Flex Squad member.
Arn Anderson: Well, Midget Hogan’s music is playing, but he’s nowhere to be found! What happens now, Kevin?
Suddenly, the tron lights up and backstage, under Matt Riddle’s direction, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash are holding Midget Hogan back! Macho Man and Hulk Hogan are nearby to make sure that the turncoat doesn’t escape to enter in the final spot! Midget Hogan is pleading for his life, calling for help from the Flex Squad, but Anderson notes on commentary that they’re not here tonight!
Finally, his music stops and just as it looks like we’re going to start the match with nine men only, a different song hits. A heartbeat sound fills the airwaves, and as the beat intensives a guitar swells, until finally the audience recognizes the music as “Catch Your Breath,” the theme song of Finn Balor!!
Arn Anderson: What the hell? It’s the Demon Prince himself, Finn Balor! He’s finally returned to BWM Inc.!
Balor gets a big pop, but the pop settles as the audience sees that he’s still up to his heelish antics from his Judgement Day days. The pops change to loud boos as Balor smirks, joining the other nine men. Kelly notes that Balor is the former WWE U.S. Champ, as well as the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, capping off this field of former champs!
The bell finally sounds, and the 10 entrants immediately engage in a wild brawl. Balor immediately emerges as a standout in his AEW debut, and Logan Paul hangs back in a corner, studying everyone like pieces on a chessboard.
Arn Anderson: Finn Balor was last seen in BWM Inc. during the Elite Wrestling Alliance’s final moments, and now years later, he’s returned to prove he belongs in the land of the Elite.
Kevin Kelly: And he’s picked a hell of a match to debut in! You want a shortcut to the mountaintop? Number 60 in the Elite Warfare match could very well be that shortcut!
Cody Rhodes and LA Knight throw hands, as Knight shoves him back and yells, “YEAH!” along with the crowd in Plymouth. Cody fires back with a straight right hand that sends the number one AEW draft pick to the mat, buried below a field of bodies.
Swerve Strickland glides across the ring and catches Teo in the face with a boot to the jaw. Teo pops back up and hits the ropes, catching Swerve with a picture perfect spinning wheel kick. Attitude and Teo work together, nearly decapitating Strickland with a double superkick.
Arn Anderson: If the Attraction plays their cards right, they could have quite the advantage here. Sure, it’s every man for himself in there, but why not clear the field a bit?
Otis, meanwhile, bulldozes through the pile, flattening Danielson in the corner. He then turns his attention to Logan Paul, catching him with a spinning body slam followed by a mammoth splash!
Kevin Kelly: Remember, Logan Paul won the AEW World Heavyweight Championship in the inaugural Elite Warfare match. He knows the value of pacing himself, and the advantage to entering the match as late as possible.
Arn Anderson: Paul’s trying to pace himself in there, but the big man isn’t going to let the TV Champion coast!
Rhodes, Danielson, Knight, and even Logan Paul work together momentarily, dogpiling Otis as he stumbles into the ropes. Otis swats them off one at a time, yelling, “Not today!” Knight takes the big man off his feet with a quick DDT,. and as Otis gets to his feet, Danielson hits him with the Busaiku Knee! Otis stumbles around in a precarious position, just as Rhodes bounces off the ropes with the Disaster Kick!
Kevin Kelly: And Otis is out of here!
Arn Anderson: It took a small army to get Otis out of the ring. Probably not the AEW debut he was hoping for, but man is it good to see him back in the ring after all this time!
As Logan tries to rest up in the corner, Shelton Benjamin is on the prowl. He pounces with a perfect waistlock takedown. Logan flails as Benjamin smirks. He deadlifts Paul off the mat into a German suplex!
Knight jumps in behind Shelton, trying to dump him out. However, Benjamin skins the cat and flips back inside, only to be taken down to the mat with the Blunt Force Trauma!
Teo charges at Shelton, smelling blood in the water. He goes for the Fall From Grace, but Benjamin escapes and answers with the overhead belly to belly! He goes to the apron and attempts to springboard into the ring, but Paul charges him and he loses his balance, falling to the outside!
Kevin Kelly: And Logan Paul steals the elimination!
Arn Anderson: I swear, that boy is allergic to doing things the honorable way!
Kevin Kelly: Honor doesn’t matter in a match like this, Arn! In fact, it’s the quickest way to hinder your chances at winning. Like it or not, that was a smart move by Paul!
Teo snaps off the ropes and catches Rhodes with a handspring back elbow! He then wipes out LA Knight with a crossbody block, before turning his attention to Danielson. The two exchange martial arts kicks, before Teo scoops Danielson up and drops him to the mat with the Fall From Grace! As Teo turns to celebrate, he eats a House Call from Swerve that topples him to the outside!
Kevin Kelly: Teo was on fire there, but all it takes is one mistake!
Seeing that his partner has been eliminated, Attitude goes on a ramplage and charges Swerve with a thez press. He unloads stiff right hands, only to find himself the target of Bryan Danielson. Danielson unloads with the “YES!” kicks to his torso. Swerve is back up with a rolling thunder flatliner to Danielson! Just as Stickland gets back up, Attitude catches him with the Adjustment to the outside! Swerve’s eliminated!
Arn Anderson: We’ll call that vindication for Teo!
Kevin Kelly: It’s been a long time since Attitude has had a crack at a BWM Inc. world championship; tonight could be the opening to getting back to the top of the mountain for the veteran!
Attitude’s celebration is short lived, however, as Logan Paul charges him from behind and yeets him over the top rope with zero remorse! Paul mouths something about saying hi to Teo as he smirks, proud of his handy work.
Kevin Kelly: Logan Paul again with the opportunistic elimination!
Arn Anderson: Don’t let Logan fool you. These actions may seem cowardly, but he’s actually dangerous because of how smart he is in there! It’s called strategy, Kevin, and these other men would do well to study his techniques!
We’re down to the final five, with Balor, Danielson, Knight, Paul and Rhodes. Danielson lights Logan up with kicks, then turns and does the same to Knight. He then targets Balor, and Danielson fires off with the roundhouse. Balor ducks, hitting a pele kick that sends Danielson stumbling into a Cross Rhodes from Cody!
Knight grabs Danielson off the mat, and tosses him to the outside!
Kevin Kelly: And with that, Bryan Danielson’s Elite Warfare dreams have gone up in smoke!
The building buzzes as we’re down to the final four. Cody goes on a rampage, catching Logan with a Disaster Kick! He lands a snap powerslam to LA Knight, and a basement uppercut to Balor. He stands in the center of the ring and points at the giant Elite Warfare sign hung above the crowd.
Kevin Kelly: Cody Rhodes’ is chasing that first world championship with everything he has!
Arn Anderson: Cody knows what number 60 could mean… it’s the closest thing to destiny!
Cody lifts Balor for the Cross Rhodes, but Balor counters into position for 1916! Cody slips out and hits the Cody Cutter! The crowd is solidly behind him. Meanwhile, Knight grabs Logan Paul and slams him with a t-bone suplex, before firing off a clothesline to Balor. He turns and locks eyes with Rhodes, and the crowd explodes as they stare one another down.
In the middle of the ring, a slugfest ensues! Cody fires off a right jab, but Knight answers with the jumping neckbreaker! As they’re battling it out, Logan Paul wipes his mouth, spits on the ring, and climbs to the top rope. Cody and Knight are hit with a massive crossbody! He then turns is attention to Balor, and goes for his knockout punch. Balor blocks it, and hits a shotgun dropkick that sends the TV Champ stumbling across the ring.
Knight and Rhodes have made it to separate corners and are catching their breath as Balor charges with corner dropkicks! Cody eats one, then Knight eats one! Logan tries to flee, but Balor hits him with one as well, sending him to the turnbuckle.
Logan tries to climb the ropes for another high risk maneuver, but LA Knight charges him, grabs him by the hair, yells “YEAH!” and hurls him over the ropes! Logan hits the floor and sits up in disbelief!
Kevin Kelly: If Logan Paul is looking for the repeat at Elite Warfare, he wont be doing it from the sixtieth entry!
Arn Anderson: That has to taste a lot like redemption for LA Knight, as he eliminates the man who ended his TV title reign!
Knight’s celebration doesn’t last long, however, as Rhodes goes for the Cross Rhodes! Balor kicks Knight, and catches Rhodes from behind with the Sling Blade! He dumps the American Nightmare to the outside, much to the crowd’s dismay!
Kevin Kelly: Oh no, tough break for Rhodes, who now must enter Elite Warfare from number two!
We’re down to the final two as Knight and Balor circle, the crowd firmly behind Knight. Knight trash talks, saying something about sending him back to WWE as Balor smirks like he’s heard it all before.
They collide in the center of the ring and Knight immediately goes for the BFT. Balor rolls out of it, and catches Knight with the double stomp from the second rope! The force of which nearly caves in Knight’s chest. Balor lifts him up for 1916, but Knight sends him over the top! Balor lands on the apron, holding the top rope.
Kevin Kelly: One of these men will enter Elite Warfare at number 60!
Arn Anderson: And the other is going to be in for the longest night of their life!
Knight tries to clothesline Balor off the apron, but Balor hits him with a shoulder block through the second rope. Knight, with the wind knocked out of him, tries to shake it off and clotheslines Balor. He drops to the apron, but hangs on to the middle rope, his feet flailing from the floor. As he regains his footing on the apron, Knight goes for the killshot.
However, Logan Paul storms back down the ramp, furious about his elimination. He jumps onto the apron and starts screaming, and Knight turns his attention to him.
Kevin Kelly: What a sore loser! Logan Paul is furious that Knight embarrassed him!
Knight takes a swing at Logan, but he jumps off the apron. Knight turns back around, but he’s immediately met by Balor, who made his way back into the ring during the altercation! Balor dumps him over the top!
Kevin Kelly: What an AEW debut for Finn Balor! He’s just punched his ticket as the final entry in the Elite Warfare match!
Arn Anderson: And that means LA Knight will enter at number one, and Cody Rhodes at number two!
Kevin Kelly: What a start to Season’s Beatings! Somebody better check on Midget Hogan, I bet he’s still kicking those little legs of his and throwing a fit that High Minded stopped him from entering the match!
Winner: Finn Balor
Match Time: 28:52
SEGMENT TWO
In a room backstage, a makeshift “meeting room” has been set up for the MJF and Bobby Lashley meeting, brokered by MVP. At the far end of the table sits the Almighty, dressed sharply in a suit and tie. His posture is tight, with his arms folded across his chest. MVP sits at the middle seat, his demeanor calm but alert.
MJF enters the room without knocking, pulling out the chair from the opposite end of the table. As soon as he enters the room, he turns his nose up like he smells something bad.
MJF: This is where you host the important meetings? [His head turns as his eyes scan the small room.] Fantastic. It smells like old turnbuckles and disappointed indie wrestlers in here.
MVP: We’re here to talk, not critique the interior design.
MJF finally sits down, but not after first wiping the dust off his chair with his sleeve.
MVP: Max, you asked for this meeting. Say what you came here to say before Lashley decides you’re wasting his time.
MJF turns from MVP and faces Lashley, spreading his arms dramatically.
MJF: Look, we all know why we’re here. I want the Hurt Syndicate to honor our deal. I scratch your back, you scratch mine. Oldest story in the book. And Bob, my back’s getting pretty itchy.
Lashley finally speaks, his voice low and controlled.
Bobby Lashley: You cost me the World Heavyweight Championship.
MJF throws his hands up, incredulous.
MJF: Oh boy, here we go again! I’ve heard this song before, but as I’ve said, accidents happen! You think I woke up that morning thinking, ‘You know what would be fun? Screwing over Bob freakin’ Lashley!’ I’m not the one who forgot to move out of the way! And, let’s not forget who ran interference for you for months! For a guy who apparently hates you so much that he kept your reign alive longer than anyone expected!
Lashley pushes his chair back from the table, his temper rising. MVP takes not of the change in Lashley’s demeanor and tries to mediate.
MVP: Max—
MJF: No, hold up. He needs to hear this. You losing the world title wasn’t sabotage. It was bad luck and worse timing. But the fact remains, I held up my end of the deal, and now I want what you promised me!
He taps the table with two fingers, his eyes never leaving Lashley’s.
MJF: I want the Hurt Syndicate to be my backup in the Elite Warfare match. Have my back, like I had yours. And when I win, and then win the world title back, I’ll give you the first crack at it!
Lashley stares straight ahead, jaw tight, then finally nods once towards MVP. MVP rests his elbows on the table, calmly interjecting.
MVP: The Hurt Syndicate honors our word. We don’t break deals just because we’re angry. But let’s get one thing clear… if you slip up, even once, we’re done with you.
MJF sighs a sigh of relief, as he starts to stand up. MVP grabs him by the wrist, and the two lock eyes in a tense moment.
MVP: When Elite Warfare is over, the deal is finished. We won’t be there to shield you from the consequences of your actions. If you actually pull this off and win that match… if you get the title back… the Almighty is coming for you.
Lashley’s cold stare could burn a hole straight through MJF.
Bobby Lashley: And if and when that day comes, Max, it won’t be business. It’ll be personal.
MJF’s smirk wavers for a split second, just long enough to be noticed. He straightens up, pulling his arm from MVP’s grip. The scene ends with MJF looking like he regrets getting what he asked for.
Match #2 | Knockouts Hardcore Championship
Bianca Belair (C) vs. Liv Morgan
Bianca Belair is introduced first, as Arn Anderson notes that Belair claimed she solved ‘The Problem’ Zoey Stark and then demanded a new challenge. Liv Morgan’s music hits, and the former Knockouts Champion makes her way to the ring, a steel chair already in hand!
Kevin Kelly: Bianca Belair asked Shocker for a challenge, and the Director of Operations delivered! Liv Morgan is as dangerous as they come, especially when she’s armed with a steel chair!
Morgan sprints at Belair and swings the chair wildly. Belair slips aside, and the chair smashes against the turnbuckle. Belair catches her with a hard forearm to the jaw, causing Liv to drop the chair.
Arn Anderson: Pound for pound, Bianca might be the strongest athlete on the roster. She’s been an incredible Knockouts Hardcore Champion, but you have to assume Liv Morgan is going to give her everything she’s got tonight.
Kevin Kelly: Liv Morgan lost the Knockouts Championship to Timeless Toni Storm last season at Exodus, and ever since then, she’s been trying to get back to the top. A win over Belair tonight could be huge for restoring some of that lost momentum!
Bianca hurls Liv to the outside through the second rope. She follows her, as the fight spills to the floor. Liv grabs a trash can lid from under the ring and cracks Belair with it across her back. Bianca absorbs it like it’s nothing, and tackles Liv! She sends her spine first into the barricade.
Liv tries to fight back, but Belair launches her with a German suplex to the concrete!
Kevin Kelly: Bianca Belair isn’t intimidated by Liv Morgan.
Bianca rolls Liv inside the ring and follows, but Liv springs up and catches her with a running headscissors. As Belair tries to get back to her feet, Morgan catches her with a basement dropkick to the ribs.
She pulls Belair back to her feet by her braid, and goes for the running bulldog. However, Belair plants her feet, and reverses it into a back suplex! Morgan writhes in pain as her back hits the canvas.
Arn Anderson: Belair just took the wind of Liv Morgan with that one!
Bianca covers, but Morgan kicks out at two.
Liv crawls to the corner, trying to create some separation. Bianca charges, but Liv moves and Belair crashes into the post shoulder-first. Liv struggles to her feet, before retrieving the trash can lid. She cracks it over Belair’s head, dropping her to one knee.
Liv wedges the lid over Bianca’s body, runs the ropes, and hits a double stopm onto the champion! She covers!
1…
2…
Belair kicks out with authority!
Liv tries to stay on the attack, pulling her to her feet for a DDT. Belair muscles her off, catching her with a side kick. Liv backs into the corner and goes to the top rope. She goes for a spinning DDT, but Belair catches her with a military press!
Kevin Kelly: Incredible strength from the champion!
Belair lifts Liv up for the KOD, but Morgan slides off her back. She hits the double knees to Belair’s spine, sending the champ stumbling. She goes for the stomp, but Belair moves!
The fight again spills to the outside, and this time Belair retrieves a table from under the ring. The crowd roars as she sets it up, and then drags Liv towards it. Liv throws a desperation headbutt, breaking free. Liv picks up the steel chair and cracks Belair in the shoulder, before charging her with a running codebreaker!
Liv covers again on the outside.
1…
2…
Belair kicks out!
Liv sets Belair up on the table, before going to the apron and climbing the ropes. Belair sits up, and meets her at the top.
They exchange clubbing blows, until Belair powers Liv off the top – she launches her off the top rope to the outside with the KOD through the table!
She covers the challenger…
1…
2…
3!!!
Winner: Bianca Belair
Match Time: 10:43
Bianca sits up slowly, exhausted and breathing hard. Liv is unconscious, lying amid the splintered wood.
Kevin Kelly: Bianca Belair asked for a challenge, and Liv Morgan gave her one! But at the end of the day, she is still the Knockouts Hardcore Champion!
Arn Anderson: Can anyone stop the EST of AEW?
SEGMENT THREE
As Season’s Beatings returns from a brief promo video, we see The Kinslayer Sean Olson and his advocate, Paul Heyman, in a hallway mid conversation. Olson’s pacing like a caged animal, as Paul Heyman stnds in front of him, trying to keep him from detonating.
Sean Olson: Don’t tell me to breathe, Paul! Don’t you dare tell me to breathe!
Paul Heyman: Sean, I’m not telling you to breathe, I’m telling you to think.
Sean Olson: Think about what? About how every time I put Brandon Lee down, every time I put him on the shelf and try to move past him, every time I bury that part of my past, he pops up like some sort of ghoul trying to drag me right back into his circus! What was that shit last week, some Phantom of the Opera bullshit?
Heyman tries to get a word out, but Olson won’t stop ranting.
Sean Olson: First he costs me the title at Sympathy for the Devil, and then he gets involved in my match with Logan Paul? This has to end! I want Brandon Lee at Elite Warfare!
Paul Heyman: I thought you might feel tat way. So, after last week, I went to Shocker. I pushed for the match. But, Shocker told me Brandon Lee hasn’t been cleared to return to the ring yet.
There’s a long, simmering silence, as Olson grinds his teeth.
Paul Heyman: Listen to me, Sean. You’re walking right into your brother’s trap. Trust me, I spent a lot of time with him last season. He wants inside your head. He wants you rattled. You’re playing right into his hand, letting him do exactly what he came back to do…
This ignites something in Olson, as he explodes once more.
Sean Olson: YOU THINK I DON’T KNOW THAT? I burned down our childhood home, Paul! I wanted to erase him! But he won’t stay gone! He never stays gone!
Heyman doesn’t flinch. He folds his arms, almost like he expected the eruption.
Paul Heyman: This, right here… this is exactly what he wants you to feel. But you don’t have to let him derail this comeback you’ve carved for yourself! YOU are the star here, not Brandon Lee!
Olson slowly stops pacing. His breathing steadies.
Paul Heyman: So, here’s what we do. You enter Elite Warfare. You take this fire that’s burning in you right now, and you use it to win the whole damn thing! Then, you ride that momentum back to the world championship, a belt that should still belong to you! Sure, you’ll have to look over your shoulder, but you’ve been doing that your whole life!
Olson’s expression finally starts to soften, as if Paul’s words are making a lot of sense to him.
Paul Heyman: Don’t let him pull you back, not when you’ve climbed so far…
Olson finally nods, a curt, decisive movement. He walks off, his fury now channeled into purpose. Paul Heyman lets out a sigh, not in relief, but in calculation. He follows behind Olson as the scene fades.
Match #3 | Winner to challenge for Knockouts Championship at Elite Warfare
Jade Cargill vs. Becky Lynch
As Jade Cargill is introduced to a massive pop, Anderson and Kelly discuss the unprecedented Summer of Jade, capped off by the so-called JadeTrade Scandal.
Arn Anderson: For Jade Cargill, the route to the Knockouts Championship has been long and full of twists and turns. We all know the scandal from this past summer, the one that would take her to WWE after she was promised to AEW. Since debuting in 2022, Cargill has been an undeniable presence in the world of women’s wrestling. Her reign at the top of ULW’s women’s division is still unrivaled, and now she’s looking for one more shot at Timeless Toni Storm.
As Becky Lynch is introduced, she smugly absorbs the crowd’s disdain as she marches toward the ring.
Kevin Kelly: And then, there’s The Man. Becky Lynch arrived at Dynamite 50 with the Knockouts Championship immediately in her sights. A former women’s champion in her own right, Becky’s riding a wave of momentum shared with her husband Seth Rollins, as the two look to establish themselves as “disruptors” of the industry. It was Becky Lynch who got involved in Storm and Cargill’s match, and we saw it end in a double DQ. Tonight, one of these women is going to earn the right to go to Elite Warfare on Jan. 12!
The bell rings and Becky immediately steps forward with a condescending smirk. Jade answers with a stiff punch to the jaw! Becky fires back with body shots, but Jade overpowers her and shoves her into the turnbuckle
Kevin Kelly: Jade isn’t messing around tonight. After Toni Storm interrupted her last week to try and “direct” her interview with Renee Young, you’ve got to believe that she’s more motivated than ever to end Storm’s reign as champion.
Arn Anderson: It’s been nearly six months since Toni Storm captured the Knockouts Championship from Liv Morgan, and she’s been the most talked about woman in the sport ever since.
Becky tries to wrestle behind Jade, but Jade goes for an early Jaded attempt! Becky squirms free and creates some distance. Jade charges, but Becky ducks and cracks her with a back heel kick to the head!
Jade staggers, but shakes it off. She charges Becky and nearly folds her in half with a spear! The crowd pops.
Becky rolls to the outside to regroup, as Knockouts Official Kenzie starts the count. Jade follows her, grabbing her by the hair. Becky rakes the eyes, and shoves Jade into the ring post. Becky grabs a handful of hair and slams Jade into the steel steps.
Kevin Kelly: You have to give Becky credit where it’s due, this thing is turning into a street fight and she’s showing no fear!
Arn Anderson: That’s one of Becky’s many strengths. She’ll get mean in a hurry if she thinks she’s going to be overpowered.
Jade answers with a stiff backbreaker, and then a high kick to Becky’s head. Now she’s got a fist full of hair and slams Becky face first into the post!
She rolls Becky back inside, but as Jade is getting back in the ring, Becky goes back out! Jade follows and swings widly, but misses. Becky catches her with a running knee to the jaw. Jade returns the favor with a kick that sends Becky stumbling.
Jade ascends to the apron and climbs the post, but Becky jumps onto the apron and pushes her off! Jade crashes sternum first into the barricade below!
Kevin Kelly: A rough landing for Jade Cargill!
As both women make it back inside before the ten count, they crawl towards one another. The crowd rises as they get to their knees, trading open handed slaps. Becky snaps Jade with a forearm, but Jade fires back with a clothesline that flips Becky inside out!
Becky gets to her feet and goes for the Thesz Press, but Jade counters it into a spinebuster! She folds Becky into the pin…
1…
2…
Becky kicks out!
Arn Anderson: A helluva counter by Jade, but it wasn’t quite enough to put Becky away.
Back to their feet, Jade charges Becky again, but Becky catches her… PEDIGREE!
Kevin Kelly: Talk about amazing counters!
From the corner, Becky measures her, calling for her to get up.
When Jade starts to stir, Becky charges for the Stomp! But Jade catches her into a sitout powerbomb and both women are down! “THIS IS AWESOME!” chants reverberate through the arena.
Frustrations are beginning to mount as both women get back to their feet slowly. Becky goes for a rollup, but Jade counters it and hits her with a hellacious powerbomb!
1…
2…
2.999!
Another near fall for Jade!
From the mat, the two exchange roll-through pin attempts, before finally getting back to their feet. Jade again slaps Becky hard across the face, but Becky answers in kind! She catches Becky with a high release exploder suplex into the corner!
Jade pops up with the kip up, drawing a huge pop.
She goes to the top rope, going for the double jump moonsault. It connects as she lands across Becky’s torso, and goes for the cover once more!
1…
2…
Becky gets her shoulder up!
Jade gets back to her feet and tries to lift Becky back to hers, but Becky answers with an inside cradle for a nearfall!
Jade charges again, but Becky catches her with the BeckSploder suplex! She tries to mount Jade for the DisArmHer, but Jade powers out and nearly takes Becky’s head off with the big boot.
Jade goes for the Blue Thunder Bomb, but Becky squirms out and catches her with the DDT! Both women are down, as we’re at about the 22 minute mark for this war.
As Becky gets back to her feet, her face washes with panic as Jade kips up back to her feet! Becky charges with a kick, but Jade ducks. Becky snatches her and hits a sudden yet emphatic Manhandle Slam!
She covers!
1…
2…
Thre—
Jade gets her foot on the bottom rope!
Kevin Kelly: Jade survives! Jade survives!
Becky snarls, and grabs Jade’s leg. She goes for a figure four leg lock… she latches it on and leans back, shouting insults as she applies pressure! Jade screams, clawing to the ropes, but Becky pulls her back!
Just as it looks as if Jade has nowhere to go, she reverses the move, inverting the pressure and forcing Becky to let go!
Becky climbs to the top rope and launches with a crossbody, but Jade catches her! She muscles her up… military press slam! She measures Becky, waiting for her to get up… when she does, she charges and connects with a huge pump kick as the arena explodes in support!
She lifts Becky up….
JADED CONNECTS!
The roof nearly explodes off the Plymouth Arena!
Kevin Kelly: Cover her, Jade!
Jade covers…
1…
2…
Thre——
Kenzie stops the count and points to Becky, who has her hand on the bottom rope!
Furious, Jade lifts her back up and positions her once again for Jaded… Becky counters… DISARMHER!
Jade squirms, nowhere to go!
She tries to pull herself to the bottom rope, but Becky drags her back to the center of the ring, and wrenches it on tighter!
Arn Anderson: Jade’s gonna have to tap!
Jade’s arm lifts as she fights the urge to tap!
Suddenly, the bell rings!
Arn Anderson: What happened? Jade didn’t tap?
Becky lets go of the hold and turns to Kenzie, who is conferring with Jane Mouse from the apron.
Jane Mouse: Ladies and gentleman, the 30 minute time limit has expired, therefore, this match… is a DRAW!
Jane’s announcement elicits boos from the audience, who were enjoying the epic encounter.
Arn Anderson: For only the third time in AEW’s history, a match has ended in a time limit draw! We haven’t seen this happen since Toni Storm and Sasha Banks met for the first time last season!
Kevin Kelly: An absolute war! 30 minutes of both women giving it their all… neither could put the other down!
Winner: Time Limit Draw
Match Time: 30:00
Suddenly, the lights cut, save for a single spotlight on the stage.
Timeless Toni Storm stands perfectly framed within it, trench coat draped over her shoulders, top hat tilted just enough to let one eye gleam. She lifts her chin like a silent era starlet hitting her mark, soaking in the gasp from the arena.
A microphone lowers from the rafters, dangling in front of the Knockouts Champion’s face.
Timeless Toni Storm: Darlings… what a thrilling display of athletic desperation!
Becky steadies herself in the ring. Jade wipes sweat from her brow and glares toward the ramp.
Timeless Toni Storm: I’ve never cared for pictures that use narration… It’s lazy filmmaking. We show, we don’t tell. But even I must break my own rules tonight…
She stops momentarily, lifting her chin.
Timeless Toni Storm: I’ll admit it, I was excited when The Man arrived in AEW. Splendid, I thought! Somebody I could make cinema with! Someone who respects the craft!
She whips her head towards Jade, her hair snapping.
Timeless Toni Storm: And then, when That Bitch arrived, the pundits in the peanut gallery declared, “Oh, Toni must be terrified!” Of what? A protein shake with a pulse?
She chuckles to herself softly, before continuing.
Timeless Toni Storm: I took you to your limits, Jade! And I would have finished you off had Becky not come back for seconds! Becky tried to ruin my masterpiece.
Timeless Toni Storm: I thought the three of us could make art together! A beautiful ensemble piece! Oh, what a picture we could have made! But then, it hit me… I don’t need either of you. You’re both just extras who wandered into my frame! This is my film, and I am the big draw! I am the entire damn box-office!
She rips off the top hat and throws it behind her, somebody in the front row catches it as she turns towards both women with venom in her eyes.
Timeless Toni Storm: So, at Elite Warfare, if I must defeat you both, then I shall! I will beat you both within inches of your life. I’ll bash your heads together and drink your brains like a smoothie, because I am TIMELESS TONI STORM, and I am the best wrestler in the world!
The crowd pops loud, as she turns to them one final time.
Timeless Toni Storm: And you two… when I am through with you… you’ll be tempted to pray to God and ask him for mercy! But darlings, don’t bother wasting your time… God’s a big fan of my work!
Storm drops the mic with a thud as the spotlight vanishes and the stage goes black. The scene fades out with the copyright logo as commentary says we’ll be back next Monday for Dynamite!
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 