ACW #4: "Mile High Mayhem"
Injury: Hideo Itami
Venue: Pepsi Arena (Denver, CO)
The show opens with Conor McGregor, sporting a smile on his face along with the ACW Champion of the Cage title belt, and his classic "Fuck You" pinstripe suit. McGregor seems to be getting a mixed reaction, something McGregor enjoys. McGregor grabs a microphone
"I know some people may not be that surprised by my actions....
Conor is interrupted by William Regal. Once Regal gets a microphone he says that McGregor's actions were absolutely disgusting and unbecoming of a champion, certainly no one Regal wants representing his company. Consequently, Regal says he is stripping McGregor of his championship and demands it to be handed over.
Before it can though, "Cult of Personality" hits and CM Punk runs down to the ring. "You're not taking shit from him, Regal. You are NOT taking that title from him....because I AM!" The crowd cheers, as Punk stares down McGregor. CM Punk begins to speak again. "But there's one thing I want to know: Why? Why, you son of a bitch?!?"
McGregor, looking pensive, "Okay there are a couple reasons: Firstly, laughs I wanted to. Second, and here's the most important one. I am sick to DEATH of seeing guys like you who watch an episode of that joke known as Bellator and think you can do what I do for real. I was overjoyed when I saw you get humiliated by Mickey Gall, an even bigger nobody than you. You have effectively desecrated what I love. So when I came here, I decided to desecrate what you love. Since Dean Ambrose has beaten me to one punch, I'll hit you with the other."
CM Punk rares back. William Regal is temporarily able to restrain him, but Punk fights his way off and goes right to work on Conor. Regal tries to pull him off, but Punk elbows regal in the head and goes back to beating down McGregor. Some members of the locker room come out to separate the two.
While Punk and McGregor are being restrained, William Regal announces that Conor McGregor will defend his title in a Steel Cage Match against CM Punk. Regal has added no contact rule between now and Fight Night: Vegas. If this is violated, said offender will be fired.
Rogan and Sonnen are both in a state of awe about what has just gone down, but Rogan tries to get to the action at hand.
Rogan: "As many people know, we're having a Beat the Clock Challenge to determine who will enter last of the 8 men in the match for the Breaking Point Championship. Sheamus will face Magnus in a rematch of their bitter conflict, Brock Lesnar faces "The Enforcer" Bobby Lashley, UFC OG Ken Shamrock will face off against Drew Gulak, and we will find out who our last two entrants are."
Sonnen: Absolutely right Joe. We've got some of the best submissions wrestlers in the world and tonight will be a battle of attrition to get the upper hand at Fight Night: Vegas.
Rogan: So who is your pick to win the challenge?
Sonnen: Gotta go with Ken Shamrock. Like you said, Shamrock is a UFC OG. In his MMA career, this man has almost never lost via a submission. The Grim Reaper could lock this guy in a sleeper and Shamrock wouldn't quit.
Rogan: I have to go with Brock. Few people have been as dominant as him and look back at what he did to Lashley a few weeks ago. On that alone, I have to pick The Beast Incarnate.
Sonnen: Well, we'll have to wait to find out, but let's take you to our first match.
Match 1: Beat the Clock Challenge (Submissions match): Sheamus vs. Magnus
Sheamus and Magnus lock up in the middle of the ring, with Sheamus getting the upper hand in the initial exchange. Sheamus gets his opponent in a chinlock, putting pressure on his neck along with pressing his knee into Magnus' back. Magnus is able to rake the eyes of Sheamus forcing the break. Sonnen takes note of Magnus doing whatever it takes to win.
"There are no good guys and bad guys in a situation like this."
Taking advantage of the moment, Magnus goes for a rebounding clothesline, taking The Great White to the canvas with authority. Magnus decides to go for a hold of this own, but Sheamus breaks free. The two exchange holds for a while, opting for a more technical approach, something which surprises the commentary team. The two then engage in another Battle of the Cloverleaves, with each man trying to lock his respective variation in. Magnus is finally able to hit a power bomb, but doesn't let go. He hits another one and is STILL able to hang on. Mangus hits a third, letting Sheamus go this time. Magnus then locks in the cloverleaf, to which Sheamus struggles to break free, screaming in agonizing pain before tapping.
Winner via Cloverleaf at 12:38 - Magnus
TJP is in the locker room. He is looking through his bag and can't seem to find whatever it is that he is looking for. Reaching the bottom, TJP looks horrified as he pulls out an item from his past. The camera looks over his shoulder to reveal a Manik mask. TJP throws it away as Austin Aries comes up to him.
Aries congratulates TJP on his huge win over Baron Corbin last week. He goes on to say that he has compelled William Regal to make a match for Fight Night Vegas between him and Corbin and that he wants TJP in his corner. They've both had their problems with Corbin and that's bigger than the differences between themselves. TJP says he'll be there and the two shake hands.
Match 2: Beat the Clock Challenge (Submissions match): Mystery Competitor vs. Mystery Competitor
William Regal comes out and says the last two participants in the Elimination submissions match at Fight Night Vegas.
Firstly, Regal announces Samoa Joe. Joe makes his entrance accordingly.
Before Regal can speak again though, Chael Sonnen leaves the announce table and grabs a microphone.
Sonnen: “I don’t mean to steal your thunder, Mr. Regal; however, announcing this man needs a little more pizzazz and fanfare. Ladies and gentlemen, it my honor, my privilege, my PLEASURE to introduce one half of the most legendary tag team of all time The All-American American….Jake Hager!”
Out comes the artist formerly known as Jack Swagger and the boos rain down. Hager walks in between Regal and Samoa Joe and does some push-ups on the stage. Samoa Joe, getting frustrated, kicks Hager in the head. Joe proceeds to throw Hager around
.
Leaving Hager at the top, Joe goes down to the ring and sits cross-legged, waiting for Hager to come to. Hager makes his way down, slightly disoriented. Hager manages to get in the ring though. The bell rings and Joe goes right back to the assault on Hager, using multiple punches.
Sonnen and Rogan make note of the raw aggression that Joe is displaying and how Joe looks like a lion playing with a gazelle. Joe is essentially throwing Hager like a rag doll, taking him to the corner. Joe tries to go for a splash, but out of pure survival instinct, Hager hits a big boot. Still looking disoriented, Hager manages to pull out a chop block, again taking Joe to the floor. Hager locks in the Patriot Lock, but Joe reverses and hits a kick to the face. Joe takes a moment to size up Hager before he goes right to a series of German Suplexes. Hager answers with his own Germans on Joe. This isn't enough though as Joe comes out of them and hits Hager with an Uranage, going right to a running senton. Joe violently picks up Hager and locks in the Coquina Clutch, which gets the submission victory.
Winner via Coquina Clutch at 7:25- Samoa Joe
*Joe takes a moment to celebrate. Sonnen and Rogan put over Joe's aggression and attitude. Rogan says "Joe might kill all of them in Vegas."
We cut to backstage with Charly Caruso. Her guest at this time is Moose. He is holding the IMPACT Grand Championship over his shoulder. Charly immediately goes to talking about his qualifying match against Mike Bennett last week. Moose says that while he came out on the losing end, he isn't going to let that deter him from doing great things in ACW. He goes on to say that he wants to get his hands on Mike Bennett again, so if he (Bennett) wins the ACW World Championship, he had better watch out.
Charly then brings the conversation to the Grand Championship. Moose concludes that he is going to be at Fight Night: Vegas and he will issue an open challenge to anyone willing to face him for the Grand Championship.*
Match 3: Deonna Purrazzo (w/ Ivelisse Velez)
vs. Taeler Hendrix
Deonna enters with Ivelisse, but is blindsided by Taeler Hendrix. Hendrix gets a cheap shot at Deonna's right knee before running down to the ring. Ivelisse tends to Deonna, who is a little rattled, but gets to her feet. Velez and Purrazzo get to the ring. Deonna slides under the bottom rope, as Earl Hebner motions for the bell. As Purrazzo charges, Hendrix gets in the ropes so Hebner must force the break.
The next time though, Purrazzo goes over, but Hendrix (while Hebner isn't looking) hits the slap to the face. Hendrix comes from out of the ropes and hits a headbutt. She goes for the pin, but Purrazzo kicks out at 1. Hendrix, in frustration goes for a knee-bar targeting the right knee again. Purrazzo is able to get out the hold and tries to get on the offensive, but there is already damage to her leg. So much, in fact, that she starts shifting her weight to her left. Purrazzo whips Hendrix to the corner, but can't go in for the splash as Hendrix comes out of the corner with a back kick. Hendrix then goes into a roll-up, using the ropes as leverage (which Hebner doesn't see) to put pressure on Purrazzo's leg.
Winner via pinfall: Taeler Hendrix
Ivelisse goes into the ring to check on Deonna, but she is assured that her colleague is fine. Velez then takes it upon herself to get in Earl Hebner's face, chastising him in a very public manner. Hendrix then blows a kiss to the ring from the ramp and heads to the back.
Match 4: Beat the Clock Challenge (Submissions match): Drew Gulak vs. Ken Shamrock
Gulak and Shamrock circle around the ring a few times before locking up in the middle. The two chain wrestle for a good while. Shamrock breaks it up with a snap suplex. He follows it up with two falling knees to the face of Gulak. Shamrock goes for (and hits) a third, going back and getting a running start. Gulak comes up and hits a diving clothesline. Gulak then gets Shamrock into the Tree of Woe, hitting a running a running corner dropkick. Gulak goes for a Boston Crab, but Shamrock gets the ropes, forcing the break. Getting to his feet, Shamrock goes for two clotheslines, but Gulak ducks them both only to eat a high kick from Shamrock. Ken locks in the ankle lock as Gulak tries to crawl to the ropes, but is unable as Shamrock is able to bring him back to the center. Gulak tries again to crawl to the ropes and is able to get a finger on the ropes. Frustration setting in as he is aware of the ticking clock, Shamrock starts to attack the shoulder of Gulak by putting almost constant pressure on it. Gulak tries to get to his feet, but meets a power slam, after which Shamrock locks in the Fujiwara arm-bar and Gulak quickly taps.
Winner via Fujiwara Arm-bar at 7:20- Ken Shamrock
Ken looks at the clock, seeing 0:05 across it and he screams out of joy, but Gulak has retreated to the corner. Shamrock climbs to the top rope and makes the "ghost belt" gesture.
Ken goes to the corner to where Gulak is, offers a helping hand up. Gulak feigns friendship, as after getting up, he falls and hits Shamrock below the belt.
Deonna Purrazzo is in the Training Room being evaluated by ACW Medical personnel. Ivelisse is there to make sure Purrazzo is okay. There is some slight damage to Deonna's knee, but...... William Regal steps in and immediately, Ivelisse wants to face Taeler Hendrix. Regal ups the ante and says if Deonna is medically cleared, Hendrix will face both Velez AND Purrazzo in a Handicap Match. Both Regal and Velez talk with Deonna as the screen fades.
*A vignette airs. The microphone is hanging from the ceiling. Suddenly a hand grabs it and a familiar voice rings out.
"Ladies and Gentlemen....I've been away for awhile, but I am back! Next week, I'm coming to ACW! My name......MY NAME....is MISTERRRRRRRRR ANDEEERSOOOON!.......breathes heavily ANDEERRRRSOOOOOOOON!"
"Feedback" plays as we return to the regularly scheduled program.*
Match 5: Beat the Clock Challenge (Submissions match): Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley
When the bell rings, these two waste no time going after each other. Brock is able to drive Bobby to the corner, trying to hook him into ropes. Lesnar goes for knee lifts. Hebner rushes up, trying to get Lesnar to break the hold. Hebner begins the count and Brock breaks it just after 4. This is short lived though as Brock goes back for more. After breaking this time though, he goes for German Suplexes. Lesnar and Lashley trade submission holds until the buzzer goes off, signaling the end of the match.
Match is ended due to no one beating the clock
Brock and Bobby are in the ring looking disappointed. Brock thinks for a moment and starts seething with rage. He instantly goes for Bobby, taking him to Suplex City. He then takes Lashley to the outside, hitting more German Suplexes on the mat. Lesnar then tears up the announce table, Lashley is able to come to before Lesnar can hit the F-5. Lashley pushes Brock to the side, spearing Lesnar through the security barricade. The crowd goes absolutely insane.
Medical personnel come down to the ring. Lashley is able to get up, but Lesnar is still down. A stretcher is brought in, with the mobilization board being pulled out first. Before Brock can be attended to though, Lashley picks up Brock and hits The Dominator (inverted front power slam) on the outside of the ring.
Match 6 and main event of the night: A.J. Styles vs. Mike Bennett
(w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett)
Hideo Itami heads down to the commentary table. Joe Rogan offers him a headset, but Itami refusing, opting to grab a chair and taking a seat to the side.
A.J. Styles enters first
to a large pop. The President and First Lady of Wrestling enter to boos. Before the bell rings, Styles and Bennett shake hands. Bennett though, kind of shrugs Styles off as if to say "Good boy."
Styles and Bennett lock up while Itami watches. They start off with the initial collar and elbow tie up, but Bennett slyly gets out and hits a dropkick. Styles kips up and goes straight to a discus clothesline.
Styles immediately goes for a rear chokehold. This goes on for a while, trying to gain composure. Bennett is able to get out and hit Styles with a dropkick. Styles though, rolls out of it and follows it up with a series of forearms and punches, concluding with a back fist. Styles whips Bennett to the outside, sending him to the apron. Not content to wait, Styles goes out too; however, Bennett anticipates this and hits A.J. with a piledriver on the apron.
Styles lies on the outside until the count of 9 and finds the strength and adrenaline to crawl back in and is immediately met with stomps from Bennett. A.J. rolls back to the outside, trying once again to find his wherewithal. He gets back up, but not without assistance from the ropes. Bennett charges at Styles, but is met with a forearm.
Styles then hits the Phenomenal Forearm and goes for the pin, but Bennett kicks out at 2. To buy time for Mike to come to, Maria climbs up on the apron to distract A.J. he tries to not pay attention, but cannot look away from Maria's feminine wiles. Maria is playing coyly with A.J. She then tells him to turn around. Confused, A.J. turns around and eats a stiff superkick from Mike. Mike then gets the pinfall victory.
Winner via pinfall: Mike Bennett
Outside of the ring, Mike and Maria admire their handiwork, seeing A.J. in the middle of the ring looking disappointed. Hideo leaves the announcer area and simply stands behind them. Turning around, they are surprised to see Hideo standing there and immediately proceed to leave the area. Hideo simply smirks at the two.
Mike, now at the top of the stage, yells out "That world title is mine!" He and Maria kiss as the crowd boos and the screen fades to black.