October 24, 2011

Scottrade Center – St. Louis, Missouri
Attendance: 13,230 (63%)

TROUBLE AT THE TOP
AJ Styles, Ric Flair and Chelsea made their way out to the ring at the start of Anarchy. AJ asked the crowd if they were witnesses to him defeated Cody Rhodes last night, at Downfall. The crowd reacted with a roar of boos. Styles said that he had always told Cody that he wasn't an elite wrestler, and that he would never be on AJ's level. Styles said he proved that last night; and that he also proved that there is no one in the HWL that can take the Heavyweight Title from him. Styles said that, starting tonight, The Conglomerate would start a new course to owning the HWL… not Peter Bradshaw. (crowd boos)

Styles was interrupted as KURT ANGLE made his way to the ring, with a microphone in-hand. Angle told Styles that he should rephrase something he just said. Angle said that there is no one in the HWL that can take the title from Styles, as long as Styles had help in keeping it. Angle said that he had to stand back and smile as he saw the shock on the faces of all the people in Kansas City, last night, as Styles pinned Rhodes. Angle said he wasn't smiling because the coup worked, but because he knew that he was 24 hours from claiming what he was rightfully owed. Angle looked at Flair, and said that “The Nature Boy” knew exactly what he was talking about. Flair nodded as Angle told Styles that, by helping Styles keep the belt last night, Angle was guaranteed a Heavyweight Title match at Wicked Games. (crowd boos)

Before Styles could confront Flair or Angle about the match signing, CM PUNK'S music began to play throughout the Scottrade Center. Punk appeared on-stage, clapping his hands, and said that just like everyone else, he was shocked to see what took place last night. Punk said he had to hand it to everyone involved in the coup, but that things were only going to get harder for them, not easier. Because, Punk said that coming from Chicago, there are two two types of people he can't stand: Cardinals fans and cheaters. (crowd boos) Punk said that he had done everything he needed to do to get a shot at the Heavyweight Title. More than anyone, Punk said, he deserved a shot at Wicked Games.

The crowd started buzzing as Angle, Styles and Flair shared words, but they stopped as PETER BRADSHAW appeared on-stage with Punk. Bradshaw admitted that, even though he didn't care for the stipulation, it was written into Styles's contract, that he could agree to any Heavyweight Title Match he wanted. Bradshaw said that he also didn't like the way that last night's main event went down, but that he can't do anything about it. Bradshaw said that the contract is being finalized for Wicked Games, and that it will be signed after tonight. Turning to Punk, Bradshaw said that he couldn't deny what Punk had been able to accomplish since he returned to the HWL, and that his success was enough to warrant a title match. But, Bradshaw said that Punk's actions last night were unacceptable, and that he would have to face consequences. So, if Punk still thought he deserved a shot at Wicked Games, he would have to win his match tonight. Bradshaw then assigned a Handicap Match between CM Punk and the team of Kurt Angle and AJ Styles! Bradshaw left the stage as Punk stared into the ring, where Styles and Angle were eying each other.

THE VIPER IS READY
Backstage, Alisha Hicks is seen with RANDY ORTON. Orton said that, last night, he finally took care of what he had to, by beating the man responsible for giving him a concussion two months ago. But, tonight, he was turning his attention to the bigger picture – becoming number one contender for the Heavyweight Title. Orton said that there would be nothing better then moving on to the quarter-finals in his hometown of St. Louis. Alisha wished him luck as Orton walked away.

Commercial Break

Wicked Games Tournament – Round One
#8 Randy Orton vs. #9 Evan Bourne

What a way to start off the path to Charlotte, North Carolina! The first match in the Wicked Games Tournament pitted two home-town favorites against each other, as Orton looked to continue his success from last night, and Bourne looked to get back on track after losing the X-Division Title. The crowd didn't know who to put their full support behind, and from the action inside the ring, both men made it hard for them to decide. However, the fans finally got behind Orton as AJ STYLES came down to the ring, and smacked Orton in the back with a steel chair! Bourne went for the cover, but Orton was able to kick out at two. Fuming, Styles slammed the chair down to the concrete and walked up the ramp and watched the remainder of the match. Orton fought his way back, after a body slam, viciously executed the Garvin Stomp, before aggressively pinning Bourne for the 1-2-3.

Randy Orton pinned Evan Bourne after the Garvin Stomp in 0:12:07.
Evan Bourne suffered an elbow injury, and will be out two (2) weeks.
Rating: *** ¾
[AJ Styles interfered against Randy Orton.]

After the match, Orton got back to his feet and motioned for Styles to re-enter the ring. Styles declined, leaving the stage, as Josh Daniels and Scott Michaels tried to figure out what Styles's intentions were tonight.

Commercial Break

NOT READY TO GIVE UP
As Anarchy returned from commercials, newly crowned Women's Champion, VELVET SKY is shown showing off the title belt to a group of on-lookers in the backstage area. Velvet said that she knew they were all envious of the belt, and everything she did to get it back. But, she told them that they will never have the success she has had, and that none of them will ever dream to be anything like her. Hearing that, the on-lookers turned and walked away in disgust, as Velvet turned around with a sly smile on her face. She started walking toward her dressing room, when she was stopped by BRIE BELLA. Brie said that Velvet should be pretty proud of herself, in that she became a two-time Women's Champion. But, she said that since Velvet did everything to win the title last night, she has to do everything to keep it. Brie said the first thing Velvet had to do was give her a rematch, and that Velvet would have three weeks to enjoy the belt before Brie took it back. Brie walked away as Velvet shook her head, but gripped the title belt a little tighter…

Hamada vs. Nikki Bella

Hamada was in the ring tonight, looking to stop the losing streak that has plagued her since her arrival in the HWL. She found a little bit tougher competition out of Nikki Bella tonight, as the former Women's Champion showed that she was ready for more in-ring action then she had been getting. Hamada was able to land a number of powerful moves on her smaller opponent, but she landed awkwardly Nikki ducked an enzurgiri attempt. Nikki went on the offensive, and worked over Hamada's back. Nikki struggled to get Hamada into the air, but when she was finally able to, Nikki connected with a backbreaker. It appeared to be enough to put Hamada away as Nikki made the cover for the 1-2-3.

Nikki Bella pinned Hamada after a backbreaker in 0:10:05.
Rating: * ¾

After the match, Nikki rolled out of the ring and made her way up the ramp, celebrating her victory, as the referee tended to Hamada.

Commercial Break

CODY RHODES DEMANDS A MATCH
As Anarchy returned from the break, CODY RHODES made his way out to the ring as Josh Daniels and Scott Michaels speculated as to what had to be running through his mind after what happened last night at Downfall. Rhodes entered the ring and asked the crowd if they were anywhere near as disgusted by what happened last night as he was. They responded with a rousing “YES!” Rhodes paced around the ring before saying that he understood why Kurt Angle and Martin Maldonado did what they did last night – as hard as it was for him to say that. But, Rhodes said that both Angle and Maldonado should understand why he was out tonight – especially Maldonado. Rhodes said that Angle would get his in due time, and that he wasn't the one that Rhodes was focused on. The man Rhodes was focused on was the man that physically cost him the HWL Heavyweight Title. Cody demanded that Maldonado come to the ring, so he could face Rhodes like a man – not like a coward with his back turned.

This brought out KURT ANGLE and MARTIN MALDONADO, to a chorus of boos from the crowd. Rhodes dropped his mic, and begged for Maldonado to join him in the ring, but Angle stopped him. Angle said that if Ric Flair had come to Rhodes with the same offer, Rhodes would've been foolish to say “no”, and turn down the chance of securing him a title match. Angle said that he's sorry that Rhodes had to be the victim of consequence, but that it only proved that Flair was willing to do everything he needed to do to keep the belt around Styles's waist – at least until Angle took it from him at Wicked Games.

And, as far as Rhodes and Maldonado went, Angle said that they would certainly face each other – just not tonight. Angle said that Maldonado still had a chance to do what Rhodes couldn't do last night: win the Heavyweight Title. All he had to do, Angle reminded Rhodes, was to win the Wicked Games tournament. So, as Maldonado's adviser, Angle said that he would be putting his attention solely towards the tournament. And, if by some act of God, he were somehow taken out of the tournament, then there would absolutely be a time and place for him and Rhodes to meet in the center of the ring. With that, Angle and Martin left the stage as Rhodes slammed his microphone down on the canvas.

Commercial Break

The Conglomerate (w/Ric Flair & Chelsea) vs. Colt Cabana/Yoshi Tatsu

Yoshi Tatsu made his return to the HWL tonight, teaming with Colt Cabana, to take on Matt Morgan and Rob Terry. On paper, Cabana and Tatsu were totally out-matched, as Terry and Morgan were taller, bigger and stronger. But, as the match went on, it showed that what they lacked in size, they made up for in speed and agility. Cabana and Tatsu used those skills to wear down their bigger opponents, fully aware that, at any moment, the tide could quickly change. And, that's what happened when Cabana went to the top rope, and was caught by a massive clothesline by “The Freak”. Morgan and Terry then punished Caban and Tatsu with power moves, choosing to keep up the assault instead of going for the easy victory. Things became interesting as KAZ and EVAN BOURNE made their way down to ringside. Their presence was enough to distract Morgan and Terry, giving Tatsu time to get his bearings. As Morgan turned around, at the behest of Flair, Tatsu caught him with a kick to the midsection, and hit a fisherman suplex. Terry tried to make the cover, but Kaz and Bourne dragged him off the apron as the referee made the three count!

Colt Cabana & Yoshi Tatsu defeated The Conglomerate (Matt Morgan & Rob Terry) when Yoshi Tatsu pinned M. Morgan after a fisherman suplex in 0:11:05.
Rating: ** ½
[Kaz and Evan Bourne interfered against Matt Morgan.]

After the match, Kaz and Bourne made their way up the ramp as Rob Terry started to make chase. But, before he could, Flair grabbed him by the arm and told him to wait; that Bourne and Kaz would get there's soon enough. Inside the ring, Cabana and Tatsu were celebrating their surprise victory.

The camera quickly cuts to the backstage area, where the Titantron showed CHRIS HERO and DAVID OTUNGA attacking the new Tag Team Champions, STEVE CORINO and EDDIE EDWARDS. A few feet away, Shane Hagadorn directed Hero and Otunga, as HWL officials tried to break up the attack. After a few moments, Hagadorn called off the assault, and Hero and Otunga backed away, and all three turned to leave the scene. Josh Daniels mentioned that Chris Hero was moments away from his first round match-up in the Wicked Games Tournament. Scott Daniels said he wondered which was more important to Hero: regaining the Tag Team Titles, or possibly becoming the Heavyweight Champion.

Commercial Break

EVAN BOURNE INTERVIEW
Backstage, Alisha Hicks was shown with Evan Bourne, who had his arm in a sling. Bourne told Alisha that the trainers have diagnosed him with a sprained elbow, and that he would miss two weeks of action. He said that he still had the goal of winning back the X-Division Title from Adam Cole, and that if Cole was a true champion, he would give Bourne the rematch he deserved. Bourne said that he will be ready to go in two weeks, and if Cole accepted his challenge, he could expect the match of his life when Bourne was cleared to get back into the ring. Bourne left the scene as the camera went back to ringside.

Wicked Games Tournament – Round One:
#16 Brutus Magnus vs. #1 Chris Hero (w/Shane Hagadorn)

Magnus came up short in his bid to defeat both Rami Sebei and Jeff Hardy, in a Handicap Match, last night, and it appeared that he had changed his tactics, as he attacked Chris Hero before the bell rang in this tournament match-up. Magnus kept up the offense for quite some time, until Shane Hagadorn tripped him as Magnus ran into the ropes. Hero used the distraction to take over the match. He wore Magnus down, and locked in a reverse chinlock that almost caused Magnus to pass out. However, Magnus was able to fight out of the move, and draw the match back to even. Both men went back and forth, trading control, until Magnus delivered a drop toe hold that sent Hero's head crashing into the bottom turnbuckle! Magnus pulled Hero away from the corner and connected with a legdrop for the 1-2-3, and a huge upset in the early stages of the tournament.

Brutus Magnus pinned Chris Hero after a legdrop in 0:10:08.
Rating: ** ¾
[Shane Hagadorn interfered against Brutus Magnus.]

After the match, Magnus left the ring, celebrating his victory as the crowd looked on in shock. Inside the ring, Shane Hagadorn and the referee tended to Chris Hero's neck. DAVID OTUNGA made his way down to the ring, checking on his tag team partner, as Anarchy went to commercials.

Commercial Break

Handicap Match:
CM Punk vs. Kurt Angle/AJ Styles (w/Ric Flair & Chelsea)

This match was the culmination of the events that started off the show tonight. As punishment, Peter Bradshaw put CM Punk against the two men who had already been signed to meet for the Heavyweight Title at Wicked Games; and Bradshaw made sure to be at ringside to see how this match played out. Things started out as would be expected, with Angle and Styles working together on Punk, wanting make sure he was unable to steal a victory and sneak into their title match. It didn't take long for things to unravel though, as both Styles and Angle fought for the right to take over in the match, which caused them to stop the assault on Punk and argue with each other. This gave Punk the opening for a comeback, and he took it with whatever energy he had left! Punk tried his best to single out both men, so as to not have to take them on at the same time. The plan worked, momentarily, but soon after, Angle and Styles regained the upper hand. But, that too, didn't last long, as both men returned to arguing about who was going to end the match. Behind their back, Punk was slowly regaining himself, and watched as Styles pushed Angle through the ropes. Punk quickly grabbed Styles in a roll away, as the referee counted the 1-2-3!

CM Punk defeated Kurt Angle & AJ Styles when Punk pinned Styles after a roll away in 0:13:23.
Rating: ***

Ric Flair and Chelsea were fuming as the bell rang, and stormed into the ring as Punk rolled out, and made his way through the St. Louis crowd. Styles slammed his fists against the canvas before getting to his feet. Flair rolled out of the ring and started sharing words with Peter Bradshaw as Chelsea tried to console AJ. On the other end of the ring, Angle slowly got to his feet and walked backwards up the ramp, watching the scene in the ring, as Anarchy went off the air.

Card rating: ** ¾

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