Week 4 (108) - The Third Man

Pyro display! We're back for another week of the best grapple action in the world today! And we kick the night off with another visit from the tag team champions. Haas and Benjamin head down to the ring for a non-title warm up ahead of their big title defence against the Dudley Boyz. Their opponents are the returning Los Colóns, led to the ring by the lovely Rosa Mendes doing her little dance.

Match 1 - World's Greatest Tag Team v Los Colóns (w/ Rosa Mendes):
- Fairly short match. Not a complete squash, but close enough. The Colóns get some token offence following a Rosa distraction, but the champs are too good and Haas puts Epico away with the Haas of pain.
Winners: World's Greatest Tag Team

As soon as the match is over, Hunico and Camacho roll out on their gold bicycle.

Hunico: "Ohh! My boy just tapped out? Damn homes! I see you losin' every week, but you tapped out, ese!"

Haas and Benjamin look unsure about what to expect from the intruders.

Hunico: "Don't you two worry about nothin', we got other business to take care of. We'll be seeing you soon enough, but for now you can go."

Shelton especially takes offence at being allowed to leave by someone beneath him, but Haas tells him to let it go and they leave the arena. Hunico and Camacho get into the ring. Epico is still down so Primo attacks Hunico alone. Camacho attacks Primo from behind and lays him out with a big DDT.

Hunico: "That's how this is, huh? See, I was coming out here to tell you two that there's no hard feelings, but apparently I'm wrong. Did you know that, Camacho?"

Camacho shakes his head.

Hunico: "No, I was unaware. So if I'm wrong and there is some...bitterness between us, how are we going to resolve it, hmm? See ese, I have something in mind but I don't think you're gonna like it."

Hunico puts his foot on the knee Haas worked over and forces his weight down on it, making Epico yell in pain.

Hunico: "I didn't want it to come to this homes, but you...you leave me no choice. I want your girl, and you - both of you - ain't gonna stand in my way."

Rosa is already in the ring checking on Primo, but this catches her attention and she begs Hunico to leave.

Hunico: "What is it, chica? You want us to do this another time? Hmm. You know, maybe you're right. We gotta get ready for our match later tonight. A match we ain't gonna lose."

Hunico turns to leave, but not before stomping on Epico's knee. He laughs a bit with Camacho, and hops out of the ring. Camacho turns back, pulls Primo up by the hair and delivers another DDT before leaving too. Rosa is kinda pissed, but not really showing it. Probably scared...

Backstage, Paul London is heading somewhere with his MITB case in hand. He reaches Vince McMahon's office and knocks. He gets his permission to enter and heads in. Vince is less than happy to see him.

McMahon: "Paul London. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
London: "Is that sarcasm, boss? Come on, a little professional courtesy won't kill you. I mean, even an exploding limo won't kill you."

London flashes Vince a big grin.

McMahon: "I'm well aware you still have a year's immunity from being fired, so I only ask that you make this fast."
London: "Alright, so here's the thing. I was just hanging out in catering eating some lasagne - have you tried the lasagne today? It's awesome."
McMahon: "Paul, I'm a busy man."
London: "Anyway, I got this idea. Like a flash of brilliance. A stroke of genius, Vince."

The boss gives London a death glare.

London: "Uh, Mr McMahon."
McMahon: "I'm running out of patience. Either say it or get out."
London: "Kurt Angle versus Dean Ambrose."

Vince takes a moment to think it over. He clearly wants to hate the suggestion, but can't argue with it.

McMahon: "Just so you know Paul, I know exactly what you're doing."
London: "And what is that, boss?"
McMahon: "Fortunately for you, I like it. Now get out of here."

London flashes McMahon another big grin on his way out. McMahon gets to work on signing the match for the main event tonight.

Back to the arena, it's time for the big debut! New music plays Austin Aries out, he parades down the ramp holding his 'greatest man that ever lived' cape the whole way. He does a weird little spin on the apron, resulting in him laying on his side like a total badass. He rolls into the ring and grabs a mic from the timekeeper.

Aries: "That's right, that's right. Yes, my name is Austin Aries. You may remember me as the greatest man that ever lived, leader of Generation Next, or maybe you'll remember me as the first ever IFW champion. Right now I may be only one of those things, but I'm here to make sure I can be the IFW champion one more time. You wanna see that happen? Yeah? I couldn't give a damn what you want. If you wanna come along for the ride then go right ahead, but I'm not doing this for you. I'm not your hero. I'm Austin Healey Aries, and I am simply...the greatest man that ever-"

Aries is cut off by the Shield's music. He looks to the stage but there's no one there, they're all coming through the audience. Aries has time to run, but for some reason decides not to. The Shield slowly enters the ring and surrounds Aries, who throws the first shot at Rollins. Reigns and Ambrose jump Aries, and Rollins joins in when he recovers. They pull Aries' cape over his head and lay in some stiff shots. They put Aries down with the triple powerbomb, then all leave together. EMTs flood down to check on Aries as we cut backstage.

We're thrown to catering now, where John Cena is eating some pasta or something, alone on one side of a big table. Alone, that is, until JTG hops into a seat opposite him and leans forward like he's sharing a secret that no one else is allowed to hear.

JTG: "Yo John, what's goin' on?"
Cena: "Nothin' much man. I'm not booked tonight."
JTG: "Fo' reals? You?"
Cena: "Yeah. What about you?"
JTG: "What do you think, brother?"
Cena: "That bad?"
JTG: "Yeah. I got nothing. Less than nothing. I gots ta make my own opportunities. And hell, if you can't get a match, what am I gonna get?"
Cena: "Is that why you stole Zeke's belt?"
JTG: "I do what I can to get a chance. Which is why I'm here."
Cena: "Jay, you disappoint me. I thought you were just saying hi to an old friend."
JTG: "I am, I am...it just happens that my old friend has one hell of an opening to fill."
Cena: "The Shield match."
JTG: "You and Randy need a third, right? You need something, I need something."
Cena: "You know I would Jay, but it's not my call. Randy's the team captain, you gotta clear it with him."
JTG: "Nah man, come on. You put in a word, things happen."
Cena: "Not anymore bro. Everyone has made it real clear to me since I got here that this isn't WWE. Old rules don't apply."
JTG: "You for real."
Cena: "'Fraid so."
JTG: "Daymn."
Cena: "Jay, you know I would help if I could, brother."
JTG: "It's all good man. Honestly? This is better than expected, I thought you'd just say no."

Cena laughs. The guys do some little secret handshake and bump fists as JTG leaves. Cena goes back to eating, but just drops his fork as he's lost his appetite.

Back to the ring now, where the returning Dudebusters are waiting for their opponents. Out come Hunico and Camacho on the gold bicycle, Hunico cutting a promo in Spanish. They reach the ring and the match gets underway.

Match 2 - Hunico & Camacho v Dudebusters:
- Decent match going six or seven minutes. The Dudebusters get some early offence, but are cut off by some questionable tactics by the heels. Camacho works over Barreta, who eventually makes the hot tag and the Dudebusters look like they could score the fall, but Camacho blocks the dudebuster DDT as Barreta tries to hit Hunico, allowing Hunico to counter and lay Barreta out to set up the falling star senton bomb.
Winners: Hunico & Camacho

After a rocky start in IFW, Hunico and Camacho are starting to build some steam.

Back in the Team Angle VIP room, Haas and Benjamin are talking over their match with Angle. They come to some agreement and Angle slaps hands with each before heading out. He leaves the room and closes the door behind him, revealing CM Punk leaning up against the wall with a toothpick in his mouth. Angle doesn't notice him.

Punk: "I wouldn't if I were you."

Angle turns to face Punk, showing no signs of the shock that he must be feeling.

Angle: "Wouldn't what?"
Punk: "I take it Vince told you about your match, right? And you're not taking backup?"
Angle: "This is my business Punk. The real question is how did you know about my match?"

Punk has no answer. He steps away from the wall and towards Angle, leaning in close.

Punk: "I'm looking out for you, champ. Need to be totally sure you make it to Chaos. Just be prepared for anything. I know you don't need your boys to get the job done, but the Shield don't work alone."
Angle: "I appreciate your concern, Punk, but forgive me if I still want to do things my way."
Punk: "That's a mistake."
Angle: "Yeah? I'm not an idiot, Punk. McMahon only told me about the main event tonight, me and Ambrose. And I sure as hell didn't tell you."
Punk: "What are you implying, Kurt?"
Angle: "You know damn well. You're right about one thing, I don't need my boys to get the job done. Just make sure your boys stay the hell out of my way."
Punk: "They're not my boys. If you don't want my advice, don't take it. Just don't say I didn't warn you to watch your back."

Angle leaves, holding his hand up to Punk in dismissal. Punk smirks to himself, enjoying creating some tension.

Back in the ring, a carpet has been laid out and a table is set up with colour commentator Taz standing by.

Taz: "Alright! It's time for a good old fashioned contract signing! This is for the silver championship match at Chaos, so let's bring out the competitors. First up, the challenger, D'Angelo Dinero!"

Dinero heads out with all his entrance gear on, through the Dinero dollaz. He reaches the table, grabs the contract and signs it immediately, sliding it back towards Taz when he's done.

Taz: "Not wasting any time, huh? I dig that. Well, then all we need to do is get Ezekiel Jackson out here. Champ?"

Jackson heads out now, with Brian Kendrick holding his belt for him. Kendrick is in a greater hurry to get to the ring than the champion himself, but eventually they both get there and Kendrick sits in Jackson's chair, flicking through the contract.

Taz: "Zeke, Dinero has already signed so unless you have anything you want to say..."

Jackson shakes his head and tries to grab the clipboard from Kendrick, who moves it away.

Kendrick: "Hold on...hold on Zeke. I'm not sure I like this."

Jackson spins the chair around so Kendrick's outstretched hand rotates back towards him and he grabs it, ripping it out of Kendrick's hand.

Kendrick: "Alright, alright."

Jackson slams the board onto the table and signs it, making the match official.

Taz: "Well, that was easy. I gotta admit, I was expecting fireworks. Guys, thanks for coming out-"
Dinero: "Hold up. There is one thing I gotta ask."
Taz: "Alright. Shoot."
Dinero: "Jackson. I got no problem getting into this ring with the undefeated Guyanese Goliath, the silver champion. I got no problem taking my ass beating in order to get my shot at that belt, daddy. But you gotta tell me one thing before I do. What the hell is the deal with David Otunga watching you, man?"
Kendrick: "Zeke, you don't have to answer th-"

Jackson snatches the microphone from Kendrick and looks right at Dinero with sincerity.

Jackson: "Pope, I have no idea. I want to know as much as you do."

Conveniently Otunga heads out to the stage right on cue, slurping a coffee.

Otunga: "Allow me to explain."

Suddenly, Dinero is attacked from behind by newcomer Jinder Mahal. Mahal slams Dinero's head down onto the table and lays him out with a full nelson slam. Otunga heads down the ramp into the ring, where he and Mahal each raise one of Jackson's hands in victory. Jackson slams his hands back down, turning and clearly looking pissed at the guys. Kendrick likes it, trying to reason with Jackson that he should accept the backup, but the champion doesn't want any of it. He walks out alone, while Kendrick tries to build bridges with Otunga and Mahal.

Jeremy Borash is standing in his usual interview area.

JB: "Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is the number one contender to the womens' championship, Naomi Knight. Naomi, last week you turned your back on the Nexettes. This was a brave move, what prompted it?"
Naomi: "Thanks JB. You know, I can't say this wasn't a tough choice. But really, I didn't have a choice. I had to do this. AJ and I have been rivals for a long time but we came together with a common goal, to show the world that we are the new generation of female wrestlers. But all that changed somehow. We went from making a statement to shortening careers, and my conscience couldn't take it anymore. We weren't just making names for ourselves, we were doing AJ's dirty work. Taking out any threat to AJ's title. And you know JB, sooner or later that would mean me too."
JB: "You would become a threat?"
Naomi: "Think about it, what would happen if we got to Gail? We'd go for Layla, then Brie, and then what? When it's just us left, AJ would start taking us out, one by one. And as the biggest threat, I'd be first."
JB: "So this was self-preservation? Surely you're putting yourself in the firing line!"
Naomi: "It's not self-preservation JB, it's doing the right thing. This has to stop. I know my apologies alone won't be enough, but sooner or later the girls we've injured will be back and I have to make sure they have a divas division to come back to. I will stop AJ."
JB: "Well Naomi, I wish you all the best...hold on here...."

For the second week running, Borash's interview is interrupted by womens' champion AJ Lee. She has the other Nexettes with her.

AJ: "Aww. That's so sweet. You know Naomi, there's one positive in all of this. I don't have to make any threats here, you already know what we're going to do to you."
Naomi: "That's fine AJ, I don't want to hear it. I just hope all your girls realise that as long as you're holding that belt, they're not going to get close to it. Aksana, Kaitlyn, Taeler, Ivelisse, you might not believe it right now, but I'm doing you a favour."
AJ: "Don't listen to her! Naomi, I'll see you at Chaos. If...you make it that far."

The Nexettes leave. Naomi stares a hole into AJ's back. Borash just stands awkwardly.

Back in the ring, the Heatseekers' music is playing and Curt Hawkins and Lance Archer are in the ring covered in bandages.

Hawkins: "Two weeks ago, we were attacked from behind in the back, and put through two tables. We know who did it, and now you all know too. Bubba, Devon, get your asses out here."

After a pause, the red pyro shoots at the stage and the Dudleyz head out. They don't bother saying anything, they just wait with their arms folded.

Hawkins: "You knew we were going to challenge Charlie and Shelton. You knew that shot was going to be ours. That's why you attacked us!"
Bubba: "So? What's your point, huh? Yeah we knew you were gonna challenge the champs. Yeah we took you out to stop you doing it. What's your point?"
Hawkins: "That's how you do things? You haven't earned the shot you're getting!"
Bubba: "Haven't we? Hey, Devon, those twenty years we spent being the best damn tag team in the world? Apparently that doesn't mean we earned anything."
Hawkins: "No, that's not what I said, Bubba. You earned every one of those 24 titles you won, but you didn't earn this shot. John freakin' Cena came here last month, and he isn't getting anything for free. You don't get it either. We've been proving that we're a top level tag team here for months, that shot should be ours."
Bubba: "And yet it's not."

Bubba drops the mic and the Dudleyz leave. Hawkins and Archer are furious that they're not even being listened to. The trolls didn't get fed today.

Randy Orton is wandering around backstage. I don't know where he's going, you'll have to ask him. Wherever it is, he's cut off by Austin Aries, who is holding an ice pack against the back of his neck.

Aries: "Randy, there you are. There's something I need to ask you."
Orton: "You want to be my third man."
Aries: "No. Well yeah, but actually I want to know why you never wear pants. It's been bugging me for years."

Orton rolls his eyes, not going to answer.

Aries: "Alright, never mind. Make me your third man, Randy. I was supposed to return tonight and make a big impact, but those guys took that from me. If that's how it's gonna be around here, they have to go through me first."
Orton: "It looks to me like they already did. What makes you think I want someone like you on my team after that?"
Aries: "It was three on one. It's not gonna be like that."

Orton takes a second to think it over, weighing up his options.

Orton: "You may be a former IFW champion Austin, but that was a long time ago. I don't want you thinking you're a bigger deal around here than you really are."
Aries: "Fine by me. I don't want anybody else thinking I'm as big a deal as I really am. Gives me the psychological advantage."
Orton: "Whatever. I got a lot of offers about this..."
Aries: "I'm not gonna beg."
Orton: "I don't want you to. Alright. You have something no one else has, motivation. We're both out for revenge, that's going to make us fight that much harder. Just don't let me down."
Aries: "Good move. You won't regret it."

Orton and Aries seal the deal with a handshake. Aries turns away but Orton pulls him back and gets in his face.

Orton: "You better make sure I don't."

Aries understands. He doesn't flinch at the threat, Orton takes that as a good sign. He lets Aries go, he slowly moves away but doesn't want to be the first to break eye contact. Can this partnership last?

We head back to the ring for our main event. Kurt Angle's music hits first and the IFW champion heads down to the ring alone. He looks totally focused, but will that be enough? The Shield's music hits and the three members appear in the stands. When Rollins reaches the security wall, Angle rolls out of the ring and heads over to punch him back into the front row. Reigns pulls Angle away and throws him back into the ring, where Ambrose slides in to lay the boots to the champ.

Match 3 - Kurt Angle v Dean Ambrose:
- Ambrose takes control early on, but Angle is just too good and manages to get back into it. Rollins and Reigns make life difficult for Angle, giving Ambrose a lot of chances to catch the champion off-guard. At one point Rollins hops to the apron as Angle delivers a German suplex to Ambrose, so Angle knocks him off to take him out of the equation, then does the same to Reigns. Angle turns back to be hoisted up by Ambrose for the midnight special, but counters by shuffling down and grabbing an ankle lock. Ambrose has nowhere to go, but Angle has to break the hold as Rollins is getting involved again. Angle gives him a low blow, then turns back and takes a low blow of his own from Ambrose while Reigns distracts the referee. Ambrose lays Angle out with the midnight special, dropping him on his notoriously weak neck.
Winner: Dean Ambrose

Reigns rolls into the ring and the attack begins, but not for long as Cena sprints out. He gets the better of Ambrose for a moment, but Reigns takes him out from behind and the Shield regain control. Orton and Aries now sprint down, but they're met head on and by this point Rollins is back and we're at a stalemate. Angle recovers on the outside and looks to tip the scales, but he's taken out from behind by CM Punk and thrown into the steps. The Shield get the better of their Chaos opponents for a moment, and take that chance to retreat. Orton, Cena and Aries give chase, leaving Angle alone at ringside.

Cue Paul London. He sprints down the ramp and throws his MITB briefcase under the bottom rope, then picks Angle up from the floor and rolls him into the ring. London shoves the case at the referee, demanding he ring the bell. London turns to Angle and tries to prop him up in the corner to adhere to the standing rule, not noticing that when the referee tries to hand the case to the timekeeper it's intercepted by John Morrison. Morrison rolls into the ring and cracks London in the head with it when he turns around. JoMo drops the case onto London, looking down at him and shaking his head. Morrison looks up towards the hard camera and raises one fist.