June 18, 2012 - Monday Night Anarchy - Las Vegas, NV

Attendance: 8,449 (45%)

Shots of downtown Las Vegas are shown, leading into the darkened arena. Fireworks shoot through the air as Josh Daniels welcome everyone to the “City of Lights”. He is joined by Scott Michaels. The steel cage structure is shown above the ring, as it’s announced that CM Punk and Adam Cole’s rivalry will come to an end, tonight, once and for all.

X-Division Champion, Chris Sabin starts things off, coming out to the ring with the title belt draped over his shoulder. Inside the ring, Sabin says that when he came back to the HWL, no one gave him much credit. He heard the nay-sayers who said he wouldn’t amount to anything on his own, and that he was only going to be popular as a tag team wrestler. Sabin says all he needed was a chance, and he had been gunning for once since he walked in the door. At Turning Point, he was given that chance; and he defeated Matt Morgan - a man who not only was the biggest competitor in the division, but also the first-ever Heavyweight Champion in HWL history. The next night, he pinned AJ Styles, a three-time Heavyweight Champion, in the center of the ring. Sabin says if defeated two former Heavyweight Champions in 48 hours doesn’t prove that he’s made it, nothing will. Sabin says that he is ready to take on all comers, that he will be a fighting champion, and that he will give those who deserve a shot the same chance he was given.

Sabin gets interrupted as Peter Bradshaw makes his way on-stage. Bradshaw congratulates Sabin on his victory last week; and commends him for being a fighting champion. Bradshaw says that, tonight, Sabin will find out who he will be defending the X-Division Title against at Justice, as Christopher Daniels and Martin Maldonado will face off in a Number One Contenders match. The crowd cheers as Sabin looks on, nodding his head, as the camera goes backstage.

Backstage, Leva Bates and Brie Bella are seen speaking in the locker room. Leva blames Nikki Bella for ruining her debut last week, and for embarrassing her in front of thousands of people. Brie says that’s common from her sister. She says that, tonight, Nikki would be foolish to show up at ringside, since Brie will be there to take care of her.

Also, backstage, Rob Terry is seen preparing for his match, getting a pep talk from Brutus Magnus. Magnus says that things haven’t been going right for them lately, but tonight with John Cena out, there’s a chance for Rob to take his aggression out on Michael Tarver.

Commercial Break

Returning from the break, the announcers recap the announcement made by Peter Bradshaw regarding the Number One Contenders Match for the X-Division Title.

Backstage, Alisha Hicks asks Martin Maldonado how he feels about possibly getting a chance to face Chris Sabin at Justice. Maldonado says he has been a member of a team since the day he entered the HWL. If it wasn’t part of a team, he was working for Kurt Angle. Now that Angle is off doing his own thing, Maldonado says that he can do the same thing. He says his true self will be unleashed tonight against Christopher Daniels.

Michael Tarver vs. Rob Terry

Last week, Peter Bradshaw announced that there would be a ten-man elimination match taking place at Justice. Tonight, the two big men representing both groups stepped into the ring in a battle of powerhouses. It was a back and forth fight, and fans at ringside thought they would not get a clear winner, as a brawl broke out at ringside. With order restored, and both men back in the ring, it looked as if Michael Tarver would continue the winning streak for his team. However, as Tarver ran into the ropes, RIC FLAIR pulled them down, sending Tarver crashing to the concrete! Flair worked over Tarver, before being pushing him back into the ring. As Tarver got back to his feet, Rob Terry hit the Freakbuster for the 1-2-3.

Rob Terry pinned Michael Tarver with the Freakbuster in 6:13.
Rating: ** ¼
[Ric Flair interfered against Michael Tarver.]

After the match, Terry looked at Flair as he made his way up the ramp.

Backstage, Alisha Hicks asks Velvet Sky and Sarita about their up-coming match against Leva Bates and Brie Bella. Velvet says that Leva has been on the main stage or two weeks now, and is giving off the sense that she’s owed something. Velvet says that every woman on the HWL roster worked hard to get where they are, and just because Brie Bella handpicked her doesn’t mean she’s any better than Velvet or anyone else. Sarita says that Leva got her victory last week; and wishes her good luck at getting another one tonight.

Commercial Break

Returning from break, a recap of Leva Bates’ in-ring debut is shown – a victory over Sarita – and the post-match confrontation with Nikki Bella.

Leva Bates & Brie Bella vs. Velvet Sky & Sarita

Leva Bates picked up a big win in her debut last week, but was given quite the scare by the shocking appearance of Women’s Champion, Nikki Bella afterwards. Tonight, the champion’s sister – and apparent business partner – was at Leva’s side as they took on two former Women’s Champions. Velvet and Sarita worked Brie over early on in the match. At point, Brie attempted a springboard elbow, only to get dropkicked in the midsection by Sarita! That move left Brie buckled over on the apron after taking in Bates, who now found herself in a two-on-one situation. Feeling that pressure, and the concern of another visit from Nikki Bella, Bates fell victim to a powerslam by Sarita for the 1-2-3.

Velvet Sky & Sarita defeated Leva Bates & Brie Bella when Sarita pinned Leva after a powerslam in 7:02.
Rating: ½*

After the match, Velvet and Sarita celebrated their victory as the camera showed Brie, holding her stomach in pain on the ring apron. The camera then cuts backstage.

Backstage, Alisha Hicks welcomes back Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton. Orton says it’s good to be back. Watching last week from his hotel room, Orton says that he couldn’t wait to get back into the ring tonight. He says that he’s stepped into the ring with Kaz before, and that he has always been a tough opponent. But, Orton says, he has something to prove tonight; and he’s going to do what needs to be done, no matter who his opponent is.

Also backstage, in the locker room, Christopher Daniels approaches X-Division Champion Chris Sabin. Daniels congratulates Sabin on winning the title at Turning Point. Sabin, in turn, wishes Daniels luck in the number one contenders match later tonight. No offense, Daniels says, because he and Sabin have no issues; but when he beats Martin Maldonado tonight, he’s coming for Sabin’s title. Daniels leaves the room as Anarchy goes to commercials.

Commercial Break

Returning from the back, Kofi Kingston is seen stretching backstage, when Kevin Steen appears, standing in front of him. Kofi gets to his feet and asks what Steen’s problem is. Steen says that he doesn’t like Kofi, and the fact that he hasn’t gotten the chance to face Kofi again eats at Steen. But, Steen says he’ll push all of that aside, tonight, because he wants revenge on Castagnoli and Corino for what they did last week. Steen tells Kofi to do what he needs to do, but to stay out of Steen’s way.

Non-Title Match
Kaz vs. © Randy Orton

Randy Orton was determined to erase the negative image his actions at Turning Point gave him. After being forced out of the arena last week, Orton had a chance to redeem himself tonight, against Kaz. Orton looked good in the early part of the match, but from the start, Kaz looked more-than-eager to pull off a huge upset. He nearly did just that, picking up three very close near-falls throughout this match. However, Orton was able to fight his way back, taking control after a flying knee. Orton put Kaz away with an RKO for the 1-2-3.

[Non-Title Match]:
Randy Orton pinned Kaz with the RKO in 8:19.
Rating: *** ½

A preview for Justice is shown, with “Band of Brothers” by Hell Yeah playing in the background. Justice will be live, from Wichita, Kansas, on July 12th!

Commercial Break

Returning from the break, the camera shows the announcers at ringside. Josh Daniels talks about the injury sustained by John Cena last week, and leads into a replay. When the clip ends, Daniels introduces Cena, who appears on the screen above the stage, as the crowd boos. Cena is seen, sitting in a chair, with his arm in a sling. He smirks at the sound of the crowd’s boos. Cena interrupts Daniels’s first question and says that if the crowd wants something to boo him for, it’s this: he’s made more money since getting hurt than anyone in the crowd makes in six months. The boos get louder as Cena smiles.

Daniels asks Cena how the injury is healing and what the timeline for his return looks like from doctors. Cena says that, out of the injuries he’s suffered in this business, his current one is nothing to worry about. The doctors have told Cena that he will be out for two weeks. He says he would have been in Las Vegas tonight, but history hasn’t been good to him when he’s come back early from previous injuries. Cena says that he is making sure he’s in the best physical condition in time for Justice.

Speaking of Justice, Daniels says, Rob Terry defeated Michael Tarver earlier in the evening. Daniels asks Cena if that changes momentum heading into the 10-Man Elimination Match. Cena laughs and says that from time to time small battle victories can turn the tide of a war; but in this case, it does not. Cena says his guys will regroup from this loss, and do what they need to do in order for it not to repeat. Cena says they will be victorious at Justice. Daniels thanks Cena for his time, as the feed fades.

Backstage, Steve Corino, Claudio Castagnoli, and Shane Hagadorn are seen in the hallway. Hagadorn knows that they are ready for tonight. Kofi and Steen won’t be on the same page. He declares victory as they head to the ring.

Commercial Break

Returning from the break, a recap of last week’s match between Kevin Steen and Claudio Castagnoli is shown.

Kofi Kingston & Kevin Steen vs. Steve Corino & Claudio Castagnoli (w/Shane Hagadorn)

Kingston and Steen stand, waiting in the ring, when Castagnoli and Hagadorn appear on-stage with Rami Sebei. Hagadorn has a microphone, and says that he doesn’t know who it was, but someone viciously attacked Steve Corino backstage – which gets a huge roar of cheers from the crowd. Hagadorn says that after Sebei and Castagnoli are done with Kingston and Steen, they will get to the bottom of this.

Sebei and Castagnoli used the attack as fuel, bringing a fight to Kingston and Steen from the start. The sudden surge in hostility caused Kingston and Steen to put their differences aside and work as a team, which they were able to do for a good portion of the match. Things went outside, as Steen and Castagnoli went after each other, continuing their match from last week. Both men used the guardrail, hoping to get the better of the other. It was Steen who, after whipping Claudio into the railing again, reentered the ring. As Claudio rolled under the bottom rope, Steen tagged in Kofi and slapped him hard on the back, yelling “good luck!” Kofi turned, getting into Steen’s face. Steen, in turn, pushed Kofi away from their corner, and into a forearm to the back by Claudio. Claudio worked over Kofi. Steen jumped off the apron, watching the ending of the match from the bottom of the stage. Claudio hit the Ricola Bomb for the 1-2-3.

Rami Sebei & Claudio Castagnoli defeated Kofi Kingston & Kevin Steen when Castagnoli pinned Kofi with the Ricola Bomb in 6:15.
Rating: ** ¼
(Steve Corino no-showed.)

After the match, Castagnoli, Sebei, and Hagadorn leave ringside as Steen rolls under the bottom rope. He demands a microphone and stands over Kingston, kicking him. Steen tells Kofi that, last week, he showed everyone that he only cares about himself. He stood by and watched Steen get attacked. So, tonight, Steen returned the favor. Steen says he isn’t finished with Kofi, and says he wants a match at Justice. Steen throws the microphone at Kingston and leaves the ring, as Anarchy goes to commercials.

Commercial Break

Returning from the break, Alisha Hicks is seen with Adam Cole backstage. Cole is dressed for his match and holding the Golden Opportunity briefcase. Alisha asks about going into the steel cage match against CM Punk, who says this match will prove who the better wrestler is. Cole finds it ironic that the whole rivalry with CM Punk started in a steel cage, and is going to end in the same structure tonight. Cole says that Punk got his victory at Turning Point, sending Cole through a table at ringside; but it wasn’t enough. Tonight, he says, it will be enough. Cole says that tonight will only end one way: with him climbing out of that cage and proving to everyone why he holds the Golden Opportunity briefcase. Cole says he has big things instore after tonight. He just has to take care of business first.

Number One Contenders Match
Christopher Daniels vs. Martin Maldonado

Earlier tonight, Peter Bradshaw signed this match, to determine who would face X-Division Champion Chris Sabin at the Justice pay-per-view. Maldonado has made a name for himself since debuting as Kurt Angle’s henchman almost a year ago. He is a former Tag Team Champion, but has yet to taste singles’ gold. Daniels, on the other hand, must have made an impression on Bradshaw in the matches he’s had to be considered for this match. The match itself was very back and forth. Maldonado showed a blatant disregard for the referee’s count, nearly getting himself disqualified. Daniels had an uphill fight on his hands, as he was the smaller wrestler, in both height and size. But, he fought back, with aspirations of a championship hanging in the balance, and connected with an elbow – that seemed to stun Maldonado just long enough for the 1-2-3.

[Number One Contenders Match]:
Christopher Daniels pinned Martin Maldonado after a back elbow in 8:12.
Rating: ** ½

Daniels celebrates his victory, while the announcers congratulate him on earning his spot in the title match at Justice. Anarchy goes to commercials as Daniels leaves the ring.

Commercial Break

The camera shows the cage structure being lowered around the ring, as Anarchy returns. The announcers discuss the end of the CM Punk-Adam Cole feud ending. A recap of their Tables Match from Turning Point is shown.

Steel Cage Match
Adam Cole vs. CM Punk

This has been one of the biggest feuds of the past year in the HWL, all stemming from the night Adam Cole cost CM Punk the Heavyweight Title at Rebellion. They have put each other through hell over the past couple months, and as Punk said last week, tonight would be the final chapter in their saga. With nothing but pure bragging rights – and the chance to show who was the better wrestler – the cage allowed both men the chance to inflict punishment on each other one last time. Cole used the cage to his advantage early and often, scraping Punk’s face against the steel, opening up a small gash in his forehead. Punk, however, had enough wherewithal to dodge a Yakuza kick attempt, and send Cole into the cage. Punk fought back, and looked ready to escape the cage, but Cole pulled him back in, and sent him into the cage as well. Cole used this time to try climbing up the cage. But, as he did so, Punk quickly climbed the turnbuckles, grabbing Cole, and sending both men crashing down in a superplex! The crowd started a “Holy shit!” chant as both men tried getting to their feet. Punk barely beat Cole to a standing position, and attempted a spin kick, only to have Cole pull the referee into the way! Cole hit a stunned Punk with a Yakuza kick, leaving him standing alone. The crowd started to boo as Cole climbed the cage, dropping to the concrete, ending the match.

[Steel Cage Match]:
Adam Cole defeated CM Punk by escaping the cage in 13:13.
Rating: *** ½

After the match, Cole grabbed his Golden Opportunity briefcase and celebrated at ringside, as Anarchy went off the air.

Card rating: ** ¾

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