Week 6 (110) - Chaos II

Dark Match - Dudebusters v Heatseekers
Winners: Heatseekers

Big pyro, extra big for the PPV. JR and Taz welcome us to the show and recap tonight's huge main event between IFW champion Kurt Angle and his challenger CM Punk. Punk holds a rare victory over Angle, making him one of the biggest threats to the title so far. And, of course, the six man tag semi-main between the debuting Shield and IFW's elite, Randy Orton, John Cena and Austin Aries. But first!

John Morrison's music hits and our first match is about to get started. He gets to the ring and demands a little mic time.

Morrison: "London, I don't like what you did but I have to admit I respect it. You played a good game. But this is where it ends. Everybody knows, I only care about three things in this world. John Morrison, Melina Perez, and that money in the bank contract. I won that contract in a ladder match, defended it in a tables match, and so tonight, I think it's only fair that you learn the hard way what it takes to be Mister Money In The Bank. Why don't we make this a chairs match?"

London appears from behind the curtain and sprints down to join Morrison in the ring. Morrison slides out and grabs a chair from ringside. London nods and gestures for Morrison to bring it.

Match 1 - Paul London v John Morrison
Money In The Bank - Chairs
- Morrison rolls in and takes a swing, London ducks and comes back with a dropsault to gain the upper hand. From here the match is fast paced, back and forth and very hard hitting. Morrison is vicious, determined to regain his title shot at any cost, while London is a little more cautious than usual with his high risk offence. Morrison attempts a moonlight drive into an open chair, but London counters into the waffle face into the chair instead for a near fall. London places a chair on Morrison and looks to hit the shooting star, but Morrison throws the  chair up at London and rolls away. London rests Morrison's head on an open chair and hits the mushroom stomp from the top. London swings a chair at Morrison, who ducks and hits the flying Chuck. In the end it's London's second-guessing himself that costs him, as he hesitates a moment too long on the top rope and Morrison connect with a big jumping enzuigiri to knock him down. Morrison follows up with the starship pain for the victory.
Winner: John Morrison (to become new MITB holder)

Morrison is hurt, but holds the case closely like a parent reunited with a lost child. London takes a minute to let the loss settle in, and is clearly disappointed that not only did he fail to regain his silver championship from Ezekiel Jackson, he's also failed to secure the IFW championship. He's left with nothing.

Speaking of Ezekiel Jackson, Jeremy Borash is backstage with the two guys who have been haunting the silver champ.

JB: "Ladies and gentlemen, my guests at this time are David Otunga and Jinder Mahal. Guys, you've been closely following silver champion Ezekiel Jackson. Can you explain exactly what's been going on?"
Mahal: "We don't need to tell you anything."
Otunga: "Jinder, please. Allow me. Mister Borash, if you had the Harvard-educated mind and extensive legal acumen that I do, you would understand that I can't reveal privileged information so freely."
Mahal: "That's what I said."
JB: "Well, you mentioned before that Jackson is part of 'his' vision of the future. Who are you talking about?"
Otunga: "To whom are you referring?"
JB: "You said-"
Otunga: "You misunderstand. I was correcting your grammar. Your sentence ended with a preposition, a mistake I would have assumed a man of your position would be above. I was mistaken."
JB: "I appreciate it, but-"
Otunga: "You're welcome."
JB: "Thanks. But you're avoiding the question. Who has a vision for the future? Who is behind this?"
Otunga: "Oh, Mister Borash. Such a crude line of questioning will yield naught. I wish I could reveal more to you at this time, but alas. Needless to say, Mister Jackson is very important - crucial - to his plan. This is something that will come to pass Mister Borash, I can assure you of that."
JB: "David Otunga, Jinder Mahal, thank you."

Back to the ring now, where all three Colóns head down the ramp together, Carlito leading his brother and their cousin. They're soon joined by Hunico and Camacho, who roll out on their pimped gold bike. Hunico promos in Spanish, then gestures to the back where Rosa Mendes comes out and does her little dance. Primo and especially Epico are more shocked than they should be, this was obvious. Rosa gives Hunico a big deep kiss, trying to make the Colóns jealous. It works.

Match 2 - Los Colóns (w/ Carlito) v Hunico & Camacho (w/ Rosa Mendes)
- Short match, five or six minutes. Camacho is used to great effect, overpowering both opponents before letting Hunico take over. In the end Carlito provides a little well-placed assistance which allows Primo to nail Hunico with the backstabber for the win.
Winners: Los Colóns

Carlito gets into the ring to celebrate with his boys, but they're all taken out from behind by a recovered Hunico and Camacho. They dump the Colóns to the outside and focus on Carlito two on one. Primo and Epico regroup and roll back in, but Hunico and Camacho have already backed off and are on their way out of the arena with Rosa.

We cut backstage to a shaky camera, running to some commotion a few yards away. A group of officials and EMTs are gathered around someone, but are blocking the view of who it is. The camera shows a sneaker, a bare leg and...a jort. The medics repeatedly ask 'John' if he can hear them, and call for the stretcher. Soon enough the victim is confirmed to be John Cena, as he's loaded onto the board and rolled off towards an ambulance. We throw back to ringside.

JR: "I don't believe what I'm seeing, Taz."
Taz: "I do. This is the Shield's MO. They're always playing that numbers game."
JR: "You're right Taz, I shouldn't be surprised. This is sickening."

Anyway, on with the show! The tag team champions, Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin, are first out. Why are the champions first? Because we're doing that spot where the heels attack them from behind during their entrance. Bubba runs Shelton into the ring steps while Devon pounds on Haas and throws him into the ring.

Match 3 - World's Greatest Tag Team v Team 3D
IFW Tag Team Championship
- Devon covers for two, Haas kicks out. Benjamin is hurt, so Team 3D take turns working on him. This goes on for a few minutes while Benjamin is checked over, eventually he shoves the medics aside and hops up to the apron. Haas makes the hot tag and Shelton explodes into a nice comeback routine. Benjamin is rolling, but the shot to the steps shows its lasting effects as Bubba cuts him off with a shoulder block and slows the pace back down. Not long after that, the Dudleyz are setting up for the 3D on Haas. Devon stalks as Haas stumbles after a double whip to a turnbuckle, but Bubba is distracted by the Heatseekers showing up. He yells at them and takes a swipe over the ropes. Devon ducks down for the back drop lift but Haas hooks him with an inside cradle for one, two, three!
Winners: World's Greatest Tag Team (retains tag team championship)

Bubba realises what's happened a second too late and immediately rolls out of the ring to chase the Heatseekers off. Devon wants to attack Haas but Benjamin steps up and he's forced to back away. The Dudleyz both chase after the Heatseekers and the tag champs are left to celebrate with their belts yet again.

We head backstage now, where Jeremy Borash is in his usual spot ready for some interviewin'. Beside him are Naomi Knight, Gail Kim, Brie Bella and Layla.

JB: "Ladies and gentlemen, my guests at this time are Naomi Knight and the IFW divas! Ladies, tonight Naomi gets her shot at bringing the womens' title back to the IFW locker room. What strategy do you have to combat the numbers game of the Nexettes?"
Naomi: "Well JB, until a couple of weeks ago I was one of them. I know how they operate. I know AJ. I know her better than anyone! And that means I know how to get this done."
JB: "And how is that?"
Naomi: "I can't tell you that, JB! She could be listening! But whatever happens out there, I'm doing this for the right reasons now. I'm doing this to rebuild what I had a hand in destroying. I want the divas we injured to come back to a thriving division, not just Queen AJ and her lackeys."
JB: "Gail, Brie, Layla, will you be out there with Naomi?"
Gail: "Of course we will. Since Beth was taken out, I've been forced into leading these girls into battle week after week. I wish it was me in there tonight, taking AJ on myself, but Naomi is more than capable and I'll do my part to make sure she has a clean, fair match."
Layla: "Yeah! Look, I don't agree with what Naomi did before, but she's proven to all of us that she's one of us now. We have to stick together."
Brie: "My sister, Nikki, is at home recovering right now. Until she gets back, these girls are my sisters. That includes Naomi. We're all going out there tonight, and we're all bringing that title back."
JB: "Ladies, best of luck tonight."

The divas head off together, wooing and cheering Naomi on.

Back in the arena, D'Angelo Dinero comes out to his grand entrance with Dinero dollaz raining down. He waits in the ring for his opponent, the undefeated silver champion Ezekiel Jackson, accompanied by Brian Kendrick.

Match 4 - Ezekiel Jackson (w/ Brian Kendrick) v D'Angelo Dinero
IFW Silver Championship
- Dinero gets some good offence in on Jackson early on, but the big man overpowers his adversary as always. Jackson throws Dinero all over the ring, squashing him in corners and slamming him to the canvas repeatedly. Dinero struggles out of a torture rack and tries to hit Jackson with the Elijah experience, but Jackson blocks it and starts throwing a few punches. The amateur boxing background kicks in and Dinero is in his comfort zone, ducking and weaving the big man's wild rights and counters with a little flurry finished with a 4up. Jackson stumbles into a corner, where he falls victim to the DDE and stumbles out into the Elijah experience. Dinero pins for one, two, but the Guyanese Goliath kicks out to remain undefeated for now. Dinero backs up into the far corner and hops into the corner for the outer limitz elbow drop, stalling in a headstand on the top turnbuckle. When he falls back down though, Jackson has gotten to his knees and catches Dinero in the torture rack. Jackson powers up to his feet, wrenching on the hold and forcing the tap.
Winner: Ezekiel Jackson (retains silver championship)

As soon as the bell rings Kendrick already has the title belt and rolls into the ring to celebrate with it like it was his own. Otunga and Mahal show up to applaud from the stage area. Jackson tries to take his belt back, but Kendrick is all over the place holding it high in the air.

Backstage we catch Randy Orton frustrated and angry at the Cena situation. He grabs a passing official and spins him around by the arm.

Orton: "What's the latest?"
Official: "Sorry, we haven't heard anything more."
Orton: "Well then ask again!"

The man nods and hurries on his way. As he leaves, Austin Aries shows up and looks at Randy expectantly. Orton shakes his head a little, as if to ask what Aries wants. Aries opens his eyes wider and jerks his head forward, wanting Orton to say something.

Orton: "What?!"
Aries: "Why haven't you told me what's going on?"
Orton: "What are you talking about?"
Aries: "Cena! He got attacked earlier and you didn't let me know about it!"
Orton: "It's not my job to let you know about it!"
Aries: "Look, if I'm going to lead this team to victory tonight, I need to know these things."
Orton: "I'm the captain! I'm doing the leading here!"
Aries: "Even more reason for you to let me know what's going on!"

Orton takes a second to compose himself, clearly Aries gets to him even more than everyone else does.

Orton: "Listen carefully, Austin. If we go out there two on three tonight, we're going to get our asses kicked. So the question you have to ask yourself is, what's stopping Randy Orton dropping me right here, right now?"
Aries: "Oh that's nice Randy, real nice. As if we need more problems!"

Orton already has his back to Aries and is walking away. Aries turns to the cameraman.

Aries: "Can you believe this guy?"

The Nexettes head out to the ring, AJ Lee has Kaitlyn and Taeler Hendrix on one side and Ivelisse Velez and Aksana on the other. They surround the ring as AJ gets in and holds her title belt up. Naomi Knight comes out with her new allies, who look fearless despite being the smaller group.

Match 5 - AJ Lee v Naomi Knight
IFW Womens Championship
- Naomi is all fired up from the start, laying into AJ and forcing the champ to roll to the outside to regroup. Kaitlyn checks on AJ while the remaining Nexettes climb up onto the apron to stop Naomi following AJ out. Gail, Layla and Brie roll into the ring and start brawling with Taeler, Ivelisse and Aksana, leaving Naomi open to leave the ring, throw Kaitlyn aside and throw AJ back in. AJ scrambles to her feet and kicks Naomi as she climbs into the ring, trying to cut the bigger woman off. AJ hits a running dropkick to the head and mounts for some wild punches. AJ slowly stands up, doing her crazy smile. AJ tries to lock Naomi up in the octopus stretch, but Naomi hoists her up and counters into a powerbomb. She covers for one...two...but the referee is dragged to the outside by Aksana and Kaitlyn! He immediately ejects them, which has them in fits of screaming. Gail, Layla and Brie run over to taunt them and make sure they leave, all of which just causes a distraction for Taeler and Ivelisse to attack Naomi in the ring. The referee gets back in and Naomi is down and out, AJ puts her away with a shining wizard.
Winner: AJ Lee (retains womens championship)

AJ escapes with Taeler and Ivelisse through the audience as soon as the bell rings, so the divas can't get to her. They all flood the ring to check on Naomi though, leaving Aksana and Kaitlyn to get to the back by the rampside exit.

We cut backstage, where Vince McMahon is going crazy in his office. He's pacing the floor while yelling at a group of referees.

McMahon: "What am I supposed to do? Why did you let them take him?!"
Official: "Sir, he was in need of medical attentio-"
McMahon: "I know that, dammit! I hire the best goddamn medics in the world! Was he bleeding?"
Official: "Yes sir."
McMahon: "Did he have broken bones?!"
Official: "Sir...I don't think so. He was unconscious, and-"
McMahon: "Then my EMTs could handle it! You do not let John Cena out of this building when he has a pay per view match!"
Official: "I'm sorry, I made a judgement call and-"
McMahon: "And you cost me! You made a stupid decision. I don't make stupid decisions, that's why I'm Vincent Kennedy McMahon, dammit, and you? You're fired!"
Official: "S...sir, I-"
McMahon: "Get the hell out."

As the man leaves, JTG shows up and knocks on the open door. Vince looks over and instantly rolls his eyes.

McMahon: "What do you want? Can't you see this isn't a good time?"
JTG: "Actually sir, I can't think of a better time. You need someone, right? I'm someone."
McMahon: "Barely."
JTG: "I'm ready. I have my gear with me, I can be out there...hell, I'll head out there right now."
McMahon: "Goddammit."

Vince hates that he's got no other choice, he's just about to accept the offer when his phone rings.

McMahon: "What?"

He pauses for a second and his eyes open wide.

McMahon: "How long? Just get here!"

He hangs up and turns back to JTG with a smile.

McMahon: "Tough luck, kid. Cena's coming back."

Vince pats JTG on the face as he walks past to leave. JTG tips his head back against the door as his huge chance just slipped away.

We cut to the ring now, where Austin Aries heads out to the stage. He reaches the ring as Randy Orton's music hits and the two shaky allies bicker a little more in the ring. The Shield come out next, entering at various points in the audience. They all reach ringside, surrounding their opponents.

Match 6 - The Shield v Randy Orton & Austin Aries (& John Cena?)
- We start off with Rollins and Orton, who have a good bit of back and forth. Orton bumps him all over the place and looks to be in control. Ambrose tags in and Orton goes to work on him too, keeping his team in the match for now. Aries wants a go, so Orton reluctantly tags out and Aries showboats while working over Ambrose. Orton warns him, telling him to focus. Aries doesn't listen, obviously, and it costs him as Ambrose hits a schoolboy roll up for a two count and quickly tags Reigns in. From here, the Shield are all over Aries. They take turns wearing him out, the best part of which is when Aries works for a fairly long time with Rollins. Aries makes the hot tag out of a Reigns powerbomb, sliding out the back and diving to Orton. Orton explodes into the ring, laying out all three men with clotheslines and tossing Rollins to the outside with a full 450 bump to the floor. He gives Ambrose the headlock backbreaker and Reigns the snap powerslam, then hits both men with the elevated DDT. Orton flips to the canvas and hammers his fists, waiting for Ambrose to stand up. Ambrose takes just a second too long though, as Rollins flies back in with the springboard knee to Orton. Aries tries to make the save, but Reigns hits him with a huge spear that sends both men tumbling to the floor. Suddenly John Cena is shown sprinting through the backstage area, desperately trying to make it out to the ring. Ambrose crawls into a weak cover on Orton for the three count.
Winners: The Shield

Just as the count is made, John Cena slides in and narrowly misses breaking the cover. Ambrose rolls out and the Shield escapes, leaving Cena sitting in the ring holding his head in his hands. Aries joins him in the ring, and Orton slowly recovers enough to stand. The three have a face off, with each showing signs of tension toward the others. Aries is first to leave, throwing his hands up and removing himself from the situation. Orton and Cena watch him go, then share a few inaudible words. Cena looks apologetic, Orton doesn't accept or reject, he just shrugs his shoulders as if to say he doesn't know what to do, then leaves.

We cut backstage, just behind the curtain, where the Shield are leaving together. Ambrose has his arms draped over the shoulders of his teammates, and all three are shouting amongst themselves about how great they are. CM Punk is watching on from a short distance away, slowly clapping. They stop and glare at Punk, who smirks at them, then they move on. Punk's gaze lingers on them for a moment longer, then he heads out towards the arena.

Taz: "What was that?"
JR: "I knew it. He's involved with the Shield, it's obvious."
Taz: "I don't know JR, I don't want to say anything for sure, but it does look like-"
JR: "Oh come on! How much more do you need to see, Taz?"
Taz: "I'm just saying! Punk has been very clear in stating time and time again that he has nothing to do with the Shield! Now I don't know Punk as well as some people, but I've talked with the guy and he doesn't seem like the kind of guy who would lie about something like this. If he was behind the Shield's attacks, he would come out and admit it."
JR: "I don't know exactly what is going on here, but mark my words, CM Punk is involved with the Shield somehow."

CM Punk himself comes out from behind the curtain and does his kneeling entrance. He's super confident coming into this match, knowing he can beat Kurt Angle because he did it only a couple of months ago. He rolls his hands together, loosening his wrists, while waiting for the champion. Angle rises up through the stage, a US flag draped over his shoulders, which he holds out behind him as his pyro shoots. He has the IFW championship belt on under his ring jacket, which he leaves with a crew guy along with the flag, and steps into the ring to face his challenger.

Match 7 - Kurt Angle v CM Punk
IFW Championship
- Angle starts off with a little pure wrestling, turning each lock up into a hold and working it to the point where Punk is forced to find a rope. He switches from a collar and elbow tie up into a rear waist lock, then belly to back suplexes Punk to the mat and transitions his hold into a front face lock, which has Punk flailing with his feet for the rope break. This happens a few times, each resulting in Punk getting more and more frustrated. Punk cuts Angle off with a thumb to the eye as he's backed into a corner, and fights out with some right hands and a chop block to the knee. Punk stays cautious as he works Angle over, knowing that one wrong move will likely give Kurt an opening to lock on a submission hold and if he can do that the match could be over pretty quickly.
Punk hits a few of his signature moves between working the leg, putting a good beating on the champion, and scores a couple of near falls. He nails the step-up knee lift in the corner and the follow up bulldog. Punk signals for the GTS and stalks Kurt as he stands. Angle goes up into the fireman's carry, but shuffles down the back and grabs the ankle lock in one swift motion. Punk struggles against the hold, breaking it by kicking at Angle's knee. Angle is hurting, Punk smirks as he takes a second to catch his breath. The challenger ducks to the apron, looking for his springboard lariat. Punk hops up, only to be caught by an explosive run up the turnbuckles from Angle, who grabs Punk from the top rope, mid-springboard, and hits a belly to belly throw right across the ring. Now Angle stalks, catching Punk with the Olympic slam, but Punk counters and hits another chop block to Angle's hurt knee.
Punk stands on Angle's knee, crushing it under his foot while yelling at Angle to just stay down. Punk leans down to berate the champion some more, so Angle takes a swing at him. Punk dodges, then grabs Angle's had as he swings a second time and nimbly snaps on the anaconda vice. Angle is caught now, and tries a few different escapes to no avail. He ends up rolling backwards to catch Punk in a pin cover, which Punk rolls back out of at two. Angle tries this again to the same result, and then a third time so Punk breaks the hold to re-apply it in a better position, but Angle escapes and looks for the ankle lock. Punk finds his feet and steps out of Angle's grasp, then swings for a big round house kick as Angle is on his knees. Angle ducks and hits the three German suplexes, then the straps come down. Punk is hurt as he stands and backs up into the Olympic slam, but counters a second time by jumping back and looking for the chop block. Angle lifts his leg so Punk gets nothing, and drops right down to grab the ankle lock again. Punk is in trouble, he looks for the ropes by can't find them. He flips over and kicks at Angle's legs, but it's no good. He's on the verge of tapping when out of desperation he pushes up on his hands and rolls through, whipping Angle into the referee who bumps out of the ring.
Angle stumbles back and turns right into the roundhouse kick, but Angle ducks and nails the Olympic slam for what would be a three count. He yells over the ropes at the referee to get back into the ring, then turns back right into the fireman's carry for the GTS. Instead of dropping into the cover, Punk rolls to the outside and throws the referee back into the ring before heading back in. The groggy ref makes a slow count. One...two...kick out! Punk is hurt and tired and frustrated, but still has one move left. He slowly climbs to the top turnbuckle and points to the sky. Angle has just enough left to make another one of his signature turnbuckle runs, and superplexes Punk hard to the canvas. Angle and Punk both try to roll back into a cover, each cradling the other's legs for the dual three count.
Winner: Draw (Kurt Angle retains IFW championship)

The ref untangles the legs and both men stay on the mat for a little while to catch their breath. When they eventually get up, neither man is happy but each has to admit they were taken to the limit. Angle isn't going to mention that he had Punk pinned, he's not a guy who makes excuses. Not when he's a face anyway. Punk will though, he tells Punk that if the referee hadn't been counting slowly he'd be wearing the belt right now. Angle lets it go, offering a handshake for a match well fought. Punk declines, telling Angle that he's lucky to still have the strap before walking out. Angle holds up the belt to close the show, but isn't happy that he couldn't prove himself to be the better man tonight.