No pyro this week, as we're kicking things off right where we ended things last week! IFW champion Kurt Angle heads out wearing his gear and his Team Angle hoodie, not doing his pose and pyro bursts as he's eager to get to the ring. He's handed a mic and wastes no time making his intentions clear.
Angle: "CM Punk. I've waited seven days for this, don't make me wait any longer. Get your ass out here."
He does have to wait a little while as Punk has to get there from wherever he is right now. Angle has to fill time.
Angle: "While we're waiting, roll the tape."
A video recap of the end of last week's show plays on the omniviewer, showing Angle, Punk and Cena running the Shield off and finally freezing on a shot of Punk staring a hole into Angle's back. We cut back to the present.
Angle: "Now I know what that look was all about Punk. I get it. You want this match real bad. You want to get your hands on this championship belt, and you hate that you have to wait another two weeks. Well let me explain this to you Punk. You have everything to gain, and I have everything to lose in this match. And still, I want this match every bit as much as you do."
Finally Punk has made his way to the stage, coming out without music so as not to interrupt the champ.
Punk: "What's your point, Kurt? Yeah, I gave you a look last week. I measured you up, took my eyes off the Shield for a second to scout my competition. Yeah, I want that belt you got there. You called me out here to tell me a bunch of crap we all already knew?" Angle: "No, Punk. I called you out here because I have an offer to make you. I know you're sick of being accused about this Shield situation, and for the record I still think you're full of shit. But tonight you're going to clear your name. I've been to Ric Flair and he's granted me and a partner of my choice a match against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns in the main event tonight. It's all set up, all you have to do is accept."
Punk is visibly taken aback a little by this news. He's not happy.
Punk: "Why the hell should I agree to that? I've told you, I have nothing to do with the Shield!" Angle: "So prove it! I'm putting myself on the line tonight for you. I'm walking into the lion's den with only my next title contender as backup, two weeks away from our match. If you're with the Shield, I'm going in there four on one. This title is as good as yours! But if you're not, I'm giving you the chance to clear your name. Why should you agree? Why wouldn't you?"
Punk is clearly backed into a corner here and can't think of any reason not to accept.
Punk: "Fine! Yeah, I'll do it! I'll get you all off my back. And when I do, I want an apology! I want you, Cena, Orton, Morrison, everyone! I want you all to apologise to me!"
Angle got the answer he wanted and the main event is set!
Backstage, Paul London is getting pretty close with Summer Rae. They're sitting together in some viewing area, holding hands and laughing about something, then do that thing where they slowly go quiet and gaze into each others' eyes as they edge closer and closer to kissing. Just when they're about to touch, Austin Aries pops up behind them and puts a hand on each of their shoulders. They jolt backwards in shock.
Aries: "Paul! Summer! What's going on?" London: "Aus-" Aries: "Hey, that's great. Listen, I don't mean to ruin the moment or anything, but I got some news for you." London: "Can't it wait?" Aries: "Would you believe it can't? Besides, let's face it, the moment has gone. And it's a good thing, too! Because you, Paulie, have gotten lazy these last few weeks. You gotta get back in that gym, not waste your time with some chick! Don't thank me all at once, but I got you a match. A big match! At Unbroken." London: "Seriously?" Aries: "You better believe it, brother. And it gets better. You get to look like a million bucks, because you're facing the greatest man that ever lived." London: "...you?" Aries: "So nice of you to say so. Oh, and before I forget, I just came from Vince's office. He wants a word with his favourite grinning limousine terrorist."
London clearly wants to lay Aries out, his smug face peeking over the back of their sofa, Summer looking disgusted and their moment completely killed. He reluctantly stands up and leaves, glaring at Aries as he gets to the door. Aries waves him away, then hops over the back of the sofa to sit in London's spot, picking up Summer's hand and laying his head on the back of the sofa right near Summer's shoulder, and gazing up into her eyes.
Aries: "Vince doesn't want a word. I made that part up. Now, where were we?"
Summer actually seems to find Aries' aloof nature somewhat charming and sees the funny side of his manipulations. She soon comes around to the idea of spending the evening with him instead of London.
To the ring now, for the opening match. Hunico and Camacho are already in the ring awaiting their opponents while Rosa Mendes does a little dance. Justin Gabriel is out next and heds half way down the ramp when D'Angelo Dinero's music then hits and he heads out to join Gabriel for the Dinero dollaz shower. The partners are allied by a common enemy, the men who attacked them last week to ruin their match.
Match 1 - Hunico & Camacho (w/ Rosa Mendes) v Justin Gabriel & D'Angelo Dinero - Gabriel gets some flashy offence in early, but is cut off and sells for Hunico and Camacho as they get their heat. Dinero gets the hot tag and makes a firey comeback, but one little trip from Rosa on the outside allows Camacho to flatten Dinero with a huge spinebuster which Hunico follows up with the senton bomb for the win. Winners: Hunico & Camacho
Hunico and Camacho have their hands raised and posture a little bit in the ring. Something catches Rosa's eye and she shrieks, but it's too late as her guys are taken out by Bully Ray and Devon Dudley. Team 3D beat Hunico and Camacho into the canvas and then lay each one out with the 3D. Why? Because they can. They gesture that they're coming for the tag title belts, and the message has been delivered.
We head backstage to Jeremy Borash, who is all set to do his thing.
JB: "Ladies and gentlemen my guest at this time, Big E Langston."
Pan over to show Langston looking vacant, probably bored.
JB: "Big E, we've witnessed what you can do in the ring for nearly two months now. What are your long-term goals here in IFW?" Langston: "I'm here to win. It's what I do. It's what I'm gonna do." JB: "You don't have any...title aspirations? Any opponents you'd like to face, like a dream match?" Langston: "The match I dream about? My next match. Who do I want to face in that ring? Whoever is standing in front of me." JB: "I don't mean to sound rude here Big E, but you're not telling us anything we don't already know about you. Give us some insight, what motivates you?" Langston: "Maybe, Borash, all you need to know about me is what you see. I ain't hiding anything. I am what I am, I am what you see. You want insight? Fine. You see these arms? You see these pecs? These don't just happen, these take work, they take time. You know why they call me Big E? Because I'm big. I been big all my life. I was bigger than all the kids at my school, I was bigger than all the guys at the gym, I was bigger than every guy at every bar I ever went to. You know what that's like? No. It gets you noticed. It makes you a target for every little man with an attitude. I know when I step into a room that I can lay out each and every man I see, but they all want to be the badass to take it to the big man. It's cool, I can handle myself. I've had to, all my life. And now, I'm bigger than every man in this company and the bigger a name I make for myself, the bigger the target on my back. Right now everybody wants a shot at Kurt Angle, he's the champ. But when Kurt loses that belt, that target is on the next guy. That ain't how it works for me. Nobody, JB, understands what that's like. You wanna know about me? Ain't nothing to know. I'm just a man. A big man. I ain't looking for trouble JB, trouble looks for me. And I ain't hard to find."
Langston turns and leaves.
JB: "Big E Langston, thank you."
Back to the arena, where JTG is in the ring in his wrestling gear with a microphone.
JTG: "I said it last week and here I am. Cena, I'm callin' yo' ass out."
Nothing.
JTG: "Come on Cena, I know you's back there. Y'all talkin' 'bout 'never back down,' huh? I'm standin' right here."
Still no response. JTG smirks.
JTG: "S'what I thought. People, there you have it. John Cena, your hero, is nothin' but a pussy bitch. Ring the damn bell."
Sure enough, the referee calls for the bell.
Match 2 - JTG v John Cena - JTG is waiting for his opponent, but he never comes.
JR: "Oh come on. What is this?" Taz: "You heard the man! He issued a challenge, if Cena isn't going to come out here it's a forfeit!" JR: "He never agreed to the match! This is a joke." Taz: "It proves that John Cena is scared of JTG." JR: "Are you serious?!"
JTG: "One-nothing, Cena. See you next week. Or not."
JR: "This is insane." Taz: "Insane or not JR, you can't deny JTG is one up on John Cena! What an upset!" JR: "For a man who claims to have a serious issue here, JTG is making a mockery of himself." Taz: "Come on! Admit it JR, Cena's afraid to face JTG. It's obvious!" JR: "Cena's never backed down from a fight in his life. He doesn't want this match because he doesn't want to embarrass the man!" Taz: "Sure, make your excuses. The golden boy can do no wrong."
Gail Kim is in the divas' dressing room, lacing up her boots. She's soon confronted by Layla, Brie Bella and Naomi Knight, who stand around her in a semi-circle.
Layla: "Gail. What's gotten into you?" Brie: "We're your friends, you can talk to us." Naomi: "I don't know about friends. What you did last week was messed up, girl!" Layla: "Naomi! Look, Gail, we're here for you, ok? We have to stick together." Brie: "You've been our leader since Beth was hurt. Without you what chance do we have?" Naomi: "She's right. I ain't forgiven you for what you pulled last week, but if we don't stick together we won't last long."
Gail stands up without a word, glares at each girl in turn - especially Naomi - and then pushes her way out.
In the arena, all three Colóns are awaiting their challenge. Carlito gives his boys a last minute pep talk before jumping to the outside. The tag champions, Haas and Benjamin, come out next and head to the ring parading their belts.
Match 3 - World's Greatest Tag Team v Los Colóns (w/ Carlito) - Short match. The champs take Los Colóns out without too much trouble. Benjamin pins Primo after hitting the paydirt. Winners: World's Greatest Tag Team
Haas and Benjamin hold their belts up after a simple exhibition, but are attacked from behind by the Heatseekers. Curt Hawkins orders Lance Archer to hit each man in turn with the Texas tornado.
Hawkins: "Well well well. Look who forgot about Curt Hawkins. You both happy with your match against the Dudleyz, huh? The best of today versus the best of all time? Sounds good, doesn't it? I sure wouldn't want to intrude on such a marketable match. Only, it wouldn't be right for me to let you make this mistake. Guys, you're not the best there is. And the Dudleyz aren't the best of all time. You want to prove yourself against the best? You're in luck, we're right here."
Hawkins drops the mic and the Heatseekers pose over the fallen champions.
Kurt Angle is backstage, already in his gear and doing some last-minute warm ups before his match. He's in the zone, but is distracted and stops as he's approached by John Cena, who has Randy Orton and John Morrison with him. Angle is defensive as Morrison is carrying his MITB case.
Morrison: "Oh, this? Don't worry man. I told you before, I'll only cash in after you lose that belt, or if you don't, I'll wait until week 37." Angle: "Right. What is it guys?" Cena: "You don't have to do this, Kurt. We all know what Punk is doing, you don't have to put yourself on the line to prove it." Angle: "Don't I? Look, I appreciate the concern, but it's ok. I'm doing what I have to do. One way or the other, we find out what Punk is all about tonight." Cena: "There's no convincing you, huh?" Angle: "I'm doing this. If Punk and the Shield attack me, so be it." Cena: "That isn't going to happen. If - when - Punk shows the world who he really is, we'll be there to back you up." Angle: "Hm. Even you?"
Angle looks up at Orton, who averts his gaze and clenches his teeth.
Orton: "Yeah. Even me." Angle: "Alright. Thanks, guys."
Angle waits for the others to leave before he goes back to his squats.
In the arena, Gail Kim's music hits and she wastes no time in walking down the ramp and grabbing a microphone from the timekeeper.
Gail: "AJ, I'm sick of this. Come out here so I can talk to you face to face."
She gets her wish. AJ Lee leads the Nexettes down the ramp and into the ring. Gail doesn't back down despite being hugely outnumbered.
AJ : "You sure you want to do this?" Gail: "You don't scare me, little girl. I've seen too many of my friends taken out by your attacks, this has gone on long enough. I'm putting an end to this at Unbroken. I'm sick of the Nexettes, I'm sick of 'IFW diva sisterhood' and I am so...sick...of you."
AJ playfully smirks.
AJ : "Aww, well I'm sorry to hear that Gail, because nothing's changing. You know, I thought you'd be a good replacement leader while Beth is out of action, but it turns out you're just as weak as the rest."
Gail is visibly enraged and holding herself back from slapping AJ.
AJ : "Beth, Melina, Jillian, Nikki, Roxxi, all of them. How many of you damn cockroaches do I have to stamp on for you to get it? Huh?! You can't beat me! You can't do anything Gail! Look at me! I am unstoppable, and you can do nothing about it. So here are your options, either you get the hell out of my ring, go back to your girls and stay out of my way, or you can hit me and see what happens." Gail: "Don't tempt me." AJ : "Oh, I'm tempting you. Look, here's my face, right here. I'll even give you a smug little smile. Want to slap me, Gail? Wouldn't it be soooo satisfying to slap me?" Gail: "Seriously AJ, I will." AJ : "Ooh, goodie! I'd love that. Go on Gail, hit me. Go on. Right he-oof."
Gail slaps the taste out of AJ's mouth and the champette falls to the canvas in a heap. Gail swings wildly at Ivelisse and Taeler, but she's taken down by Kaitlyn and Aksana and pretty soon all four girls are stomping Gail flat. AJ gets back up and squeals in delight at the sight of her rival being decimated.
AJ : "And where are your friends, Gail? What did you say to them to make them turn on you like this? Must have been pretty bad, huh."
Taeler and Ivelisse continue the assault as Kaitlyn and Aksana break off to grab the steel ring steps.
AJ : "Wait, stop. Not this time. Leave her. Leave her 'Unbroken.' For now. Hehehehehehe!"
AJ lets the mic drop from her hand and skips away back up the ramp with the title belt over her shoulder. The Nexettes follow, leaving Gail in a mangled heap in the ring.
We head to the interview area again, with Jeremy Borash and his second guest of the night.
JB: "Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is IFW silver champion Ezekiel Jackson. Zeke, last week we saw you agree to put your title on the line against your closest ally, Brian Kendrick." Jackson: "That's right. And I learned something JB. I was naive. I thought that you could find good people in this business, true friends, but I was wrong. This title is a target on my back, even my closest friends would turn on me for a shot at this. And, you know, that's ok. I shouldn't expect...what do you want?"
The camera pans over to Brian Kendrick.
Kendrick: "Why so hostile, Zeke? I wasn't 'cashing in' our friendship to get a shot at your title, I was just saying that friends share things! What's the problem here?" Jackson: "Cut the crap, Brian. We both know what's going on here. You were using me, now you have what you want." Kendrick: "That's not it at all, man. I don't know what's gotten into you, but I assure you, it is possible to find good friends in this business. Like we were! And to prove it, here are my new best friends. I think you've met."
Jackson is approached from behind by David Otunga and Jinder Mahal, who each put a hand on Jackson's huge shoulders. Jackson shrugs them off and steps away from them.
Jackson: "What the hell is this? Some kind of threat?" Kendrick: "No threat, brother! Man, why you gotta be like this, huh? We're pals, we go way back. Just remember, I never turned my back on you. You want to turn your back on me? That's on you."
Kendrick leaves with his new partners, Otunga and Mahal. Jackson doesn't look to be having a change of heart any time soon.
CM Punk is in the ring as Kurt Angle makes his entrance. They trade some awkward glances as they're set for battle as allies for a change, against the imposing threat of the Shield. All three men enter through the audience, reaching the ring where Ambrose waits on the floor.
Match 4 - Kurt Angle & CM Punk v Shield (w/ Dean Ambrose) - Angle kicks things off against Rollins, who bumps and sells like a champ for him. Angle looks great until Reigns tags in, then the momentum starts to swing. The Shield work Angle over like pros, with Ambrose getting involved when needed. Angle fires up to buy himself some time with the triple German suplexes on Reigns, then crawls to make a tag to Punk. Punk is distracted though, yelling at Ambrose to stop interfering. Punk jumps off the apron to hit some kind of double axe handle to Ambrose, but instantly crumples to the ground clutching his knee. Angle stands over the ropes shouting at him to get back up, clearly not believing Punk, but Punk waves him off saying he's hurt. Reigns attacks Angle from behind and the match doesn't go much longer, a Superman punch sends the champ reeling and Rollins finishes things off with a springboard knee strike for the pin. Winners: Shield
Ambrose rolls into the ring alongside his comerades, all three Shield members put the boots to Angle before picking him up for the triple powerbomb, which Angle takes hard. John Cena, Randy Orton and John Morrison run in for the save, the Shield scatter as Cena and Orton chase them down. Morrison stays in the ring to defend Angle, but the reality of the situation hasn't escaped him. He looks down at the money in the bank briefcase in his hands, slowly up at the referee and then down at the prone champion. He struggles with his conscience and his promise not to cash in this way, and hands the case to the referee. Butwait! Morrison kneels down at Angle's side to check on him, not intending to cash in at all.
No pyro this week, as we're kicking things off right where we ended things last week! IFW champion Kurt Angle heads out wearing his gear and his Team Angle hoodie, not doing his pose and pyro bursts as he's eager to get to the ring. He's handed a mic and wastes no time making his intentions clear.
Angle: "CM Punk. I've waited seven days for this, don't make me wait any longer. Get your ass out here."
He does have to wait a little while as Punk has to get there from wherever he is right now. Angle has to fill time.
Angle: "While we're waiting, roll the tape."
A video recap of the end of last week's show plays on the omniviewer, showing Angle, Punk and Cena running the Shield off and finally freezing on a shot of Punk staring a hole into Angle's back. We cut back to the present.
Angle: "Now I know what that look was all about Punk. I get it. You want this match real bad. You want to get your hands on this championship belt, and you hate that you have to wait another two weeks. Well let me explain this to you Punk. You have everything to gain, and I have everything to lose in this match. And still, I want this match every bit as much as you do."
Finally Punk has made his way to the stage, coming out without music so as not to interrupt the champ.
Punk: "What's your point, Kurt? Yeah, I gave you a look last week. I measured you up, took my eyes off the Shield for a second to scout my competition. Yeah, I want that belt you got there. You called me out here to tell me a bunch of crap we all already knew?"
Angle: "No, Punk. I called you out here because I have an offer to make you. I know you're sick of being accused about this Shield situation, and for the record I still think you're full of shit. But tonight you're going to clear your name. I've been to Ric Flair and he's granted me and a partner of my choice a match against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns in the main event tonight. It's all set up, all you have to do is accept."
Punk is visibly taken aback a little by this news. He's not happy.
Punk: "Why the hell should I agree to that? I've told you, I have nothing to do with the Shield!"
Angle: "So prove it! I'm putting myself on the line tonight for you. I'm walking into the lion's den with only my next title contender as backup, two weeks away from our match. If you're with the Shield, I'm going in there four on one. This title is as good as yours! But if you're not, I'm giving you the chance to clear your name. Why should you agree? Why wouldn't you?"
Punk is clearly backed into a corner here and can't think of any reason not to accept.
Punk: "Fine! Yeah, I'll do it! I'll get you all off my back. And when I do, I want an apology! I want you, Cena, Orton, Morrison, everyone! I want you all to apologise to me!"
Angle got the answer he wanted and the main event is set!
Backstage, Paul London is getting pretty close with Summer Rae. They're sitting together in some viewing area, holding hands and laughing about something, then do that thing where they slowly go quiet and gaze into each others' eyes as they edge closer and closer to kissing. Just when they're about to touch, Austin Aries pops up behind them and puts a hand on each of their shoulders. They jolt backwards in shock.
Aries: "Paul! Summer! What's going on?"
London: "Aus-"
Aries: "Hey, that's great. Listen, I don't mean to ruin the moment or anything, but I got some news for you."
London: "Can't it wait?"
Aries: "Would you believe it can't? Besides, let's face it, the moment has gone. And it's a good thing, too! Because you, Paulie, have gotten lazy these last few weeks. You gotta get back in that gym, not waste your time with some chick! Don't thank me all at once, but I got you a match. A big match! At Unbroken."
London: "Seriously?"
Aries: "You better believe it, brother. And it gets better. You get to look like a million bucks, because you're facing the greatest man that ever lived."
London: "...you?"
Aries: "So nice of you to say so. Oh, and before I forget, I just came from Vince's office. He wants a word with his favourite grinning limousine terrorist."
London clearly wants to lay Aries out, his smug face peeking over the back of their sofa, Summer looking disgusted and their moment completely killed. He reluctantly stands up and leaves, glaring at Aries as he gets to the door. Aries waves him away, then hops over the back of the sofa to sit in London's spot, picking up Summer's hand and laying his head on the back of the sofa right near Summer's shoulder, and gazing up into her eyes.
Aries: "Vince doesn't want a word. I made that part up. Now, where were we?"
Summer actually seems to find Aries' aloof nature somewhat charming and sees the funny side of his manipulations. She soon comes around to the idea of spending the evening with him instead of London.
To the ring now, for the opening match. Hunico and Camacho are already in the ring awaiting their opponents while Rosa Mendes does a little dance. Justin Gabriel is out next and heds half way down the ramp when D'Angelo Dinero's music then hits and he heads out to join Gabriel for the Dinero dollaz shower. The partners are allied by a common enemy, the men who attacked them last week to ruin their match.
Match 1 - Hunico & Camacho (w/ Rosa Mendes) v Justin Gabriel & D'Angelo Dinero
- Gabriel gets some flashy offence in early, but is cut off and sells for Hunico and Camacho as they get their heat. Dinero gets the hot tag and makes a firey comeback, but one little trip from Rosa on the outside allows Camacho to flatten Dinero with a huge spinebuster which Hunico follows up with the senton bomb for the win.
Winners: Hunico & Camacho
Hunico and Camacho have their hands raised and posture a little bit in the ring. Something catches Rosa's eye and she shrieks, but it's too late as her guys are taken out by Bully Ray and Devon Dudley. Team 3D beat Hunico and Camacho into the canvas and then lay each one out with the 3D. Why? Because they can. They gesture that they're coming for the tag title belts, and the message has been delivered.
We head backstage to Jeremy Borash, who is all set to do his thing.
JB: "Ladies and gentlemen my guest at this time, Big E Langston."
Pan over to show Langston looking vacant, probably bored.
JB: "Big E, we've witnessed what you can do in the ring for nearly two months now. What are your long-term goals here in IFW?"
Langston: "I'm here to win. It's what I do. It's what I'm gonna do."
JB: "You don't have any...title aspirations? Any opponents you'd like to face, like a dream match?"
Langston: "The match I dream about? My next match. Who do I want to face in that ring? Whoever is standing in front of me."
JB: "I don't mean to sound rude here Big E, but you're not telling us anything we don't already know about you. Give us some insight, what motivates you?"
Langston: "Maybe, Borash, all you need to know about me is what you see. I ain't hiding anything. I am what I am, I am what you see. You want insight? Fine. You see these arms? You see these pecs? These don't just happen, these take work, they take time. You know why they call me Big E? Because I'm big. I been big all my life. I was bigger than all the kids at my school, I was bigger than all the guys at the gym, I was bigger than every guy at every bar I ever went to. You know what that's like? No. It gets you noticed. It makes you a target for every little man with an attitude. I know when I step into a room that I can lay out each and every man I see, but they all want to be the badass to take it to the big man. It's cool, I can handle myself. I've had to, all my life. And now, I'm bigger than every man in this company and the bigger a name I make for myself, the bigger the target on my back. Right now everybody wants a shot at Kurt Angle, he's the champ. But when Kurt loses that belt, that target is on the next guy. That ain't how it works for me. Nobody, JB, understands what that's like. You wanna know about me? Ain't nothing to know. I'm just a man. A big man. I ain't looking for trouble JB, trouble looks for me. And I ain't hard to find."
Langston turns and leaves.
JB: "Big E Langston, thank you."
Back to the arena, where JTG is in the ring in his wrestling gear with a microphone.
JTG: "I said it last week and here I am. Cena, I'm callin' yo' ass out."
Nothing.
JTG: "Come on Cena, I know you's back there. Y'all talkin' 'bout 'never back down,' huh? I'm standin' right here."
Still no response. JTG smirks.
JTG: "S'what I thought. People, there you have it. John Cena, your hero, is nothin' but a pussy bitch. Ring the damn bell."
Sure enough, the referee calls for the bell.
Match 2 - JTG v John Cena
- JTG is waiting for his opponent, but he never comes.
JR: "Oh come on. What is this?"
Taz: "You heard the man! He issued a challenge, if Cena isn't going to come out here it's a forfeit!"
JR: "He never agreed to the match! This is a joke."
Taz: "It proves that John Cena is scared of JTG."
JR: "Are you serious?!"
- Eight, nine, ten. Done!
Winner: JTG (by forfeit)
JTG: "One-nothing, Cena. See you next week. Or not."
JR: "This is insane."
Taz: "Insane or not JR, you can't deny JTG is one up on John Cena! What an upset!"
JR: "For a man who claims to have a serious issue here, JTG is making a mockery of himself."
Taz: "Come on! Admit it JR, Cena's afraid to face JTG. It's obvious!"
JR: "Cena's never backed down from a fight in his life. He doesn't want this match because he doesn't want to embarrass the man!"
Taz: "Sure, make your excuses. The golden boy can do no wrong."
Gail Kim is in the divas' dressing room, lacing up her boots. She's soon confronted by Layla, Brie Bella and Naomi Knight, who stand around her in a semi-circle.
Layla: "Gail. What's gotten into you?"
Brie: "We're your friends, you can talk to us."
Naomi: "I don't know about friends. What you did last week was messed up, girl!"
Layla: "Naomi! Look, Gail, we're here for you, ok? We have to stick together."
Brie: "You've been our leader since Beth was hurt. Without you what chance do we have?"
Naomi: "She's right. I ain't forgiven you for what you pulled last week, but if we don't stick together we won't last long."
Gail stands up without a word, glares at each girl in turn - especially Naomi - and then pushes her way out.
In the arena, all three Colóns are awaiting their challenge. Carlito gives his boys a last minute pep talk before jumping to the outside. The tag champions, Haas and Benjamin, come out next and head to the ring parading their belts.
Match 3 - World's Greatest Tag Team v Los Colóns (w/ Carlito)
- Short match. The champs take Los Colóns out without too much trouble. Benjamin pins Primo after hitting the paydirt.
Winners: World's Greatest Tag Team
Haas and Benjamin hold their belts up after a simple exhibition, but are attacked from behind by the Heatseekers. Curt Hawkins orders Lance Archer to hit each man in turn with the Texas tornado.
Hawkins: "Well well well. Look who forgot about Curt Hawkins. You both happy with your match against the Dudleyz, huh? The best of today versus the best of all time? Sounds good, doesn't it? I sure wouldn't want to intrude on such a marketable match. Only, it wouldn't be right for me to let you make this mistake. Guys, you're not the best there is. And the Dudleyz aren't the best of all time. You want to prove yourself against the best? You're in luck, we're right here."
Hawkins drops the mic and the Heatseekers pose over the fallen champions.
Kurt Angle is backstage, already in his gear and doing some last-minute warm ups before his match. He's in the zone, but is distracted and stops as he's approached by John Cena, who has Randy Orton and John Morrison with him. Angle is defensive as Morrison is carrying his MITB case.
Morrison: "Oh, this? Don't worry man. I told you before, I'll only cash in after you lose that belt, or if you don't, I'll wait until week 37."
Angle: "Right. What is it guys?"
Cena: "You don't have to do this, Kurt. We all know what Punk is doing, you don't have to put yourself on the line to prove it."
Angle: "Don't I? Look, I appreciate the concern, but it's ok. I'm doing what I have to do. One way or the other, we find out what Punk is all about tonight."
Cena: "There's no convincing you, huh?"
Angle: "I'm doing this. If Punk and the Shield attack me, so be it."
Cena: "That isn't going to happen. If - when - Punk shows the world who he really is, we'll be there to back you up."
Angle: "Hm. Even you?"
Angle looks up at Orton, who averts his gaze and clenches his teeth.
Orton: "Yeah. Even me."
Angle: "Alright. Thanks, guys."
Angle waits for the others to leave before he goes back to his squats.
In the arena, Gail Kim's music hits and she wastes no time in walking down the ramp and grabbing a microphone from the timekeeper.
Gail: "AJ, I'm sick of this. Come out here so I can talk to you face to face."
She gets her wish. AJ Lee leads the Nexettes down the ramp and into the ring. Gail doesn't back down despite being hugely outnumbered.
AJ : "You sure you want to do this?"
Gail: "You don't scare me, little girl. I've seen too many of my friends taken out by your attacks, this has gone on long enough. I'm putting an end to this at Unbroken. I'm sick of the Nexettes, I'm sick of 'IFW diva sisterhood' and I am so...sick...of you."
AJ playfully smirks.
AJ : "Aww, well I'm sorry to hear that Gail, because nothing's changing. You know, I thought you'd be a good replacement leader while Beth is out of action, but it turns out you're just as weak as the rest."
Gail is visibly enraged and holding herself back from slapping AJ.
AJ : "Beth, Melina, Jillian, Nikki, Roxxi, all of them. How many of you damn cockroaches do I have to stamp on for you to get it? Huh?! You can't beat me! You can't do anything Gail! Look at me! I am unstoppable, and you can do nothing about it. So here are your options, either you get the hell out of my ring, go back to your girls and stay out of my way, or you can hit me and see what happens."
Gail: "Don't tempt me."
AJ : "Oh, I'm tempting you. Look, here's my face, right here. I'll even give you a smug little smile. Want to slap me, Gail? Wouldn't it be soooo satisfying to slap me?"
Gail: "Seriously AJ, I will."
AJ : "Ooh, goodie! I'd love that. Go on Gail, hit me. Go on. Right he-oof."
Gail slaps the taste out of AJ's mouth and the champette falls to the canvas in a heap. Gail swings wildly at Ivelisse and Taeler, but she's taken down by Kaitlyn and Aksana and pretty soon all four girls are stomping Gail flat. AJ gets back up and squeals in delight at the sight of her rival being decimated.
AJ : "And where are your friends, Gail? What did you say to them to make them turn on you like this? Must have been pretty bad, huh."
Taeler and Ivelisse continue the assault as Kaitlyn and Aksana break off to grab the steel ring steps.
AJ : "Wait, stop. Not this time. Leave her. Leave her 'Unbroken.' For now. Hehehehehehe!"
AJ lets the mic drop from her hand and skips away back up the ramp with the title belt over her shoulder. The Nexettes follow, leaving Gail in a mangled heap in the ring.
We head to the interview area again, with Jeremy Borash and his second guest of the night.
JB: "Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is IFW silver champion Ezekiel Jackson. Zeke, last week we saw you agree to put your title on the line against your closest ally, Brian Kendrick."
Jackson: "That's right. And I learned something JB. I was naive. I thought that you could find good people in this business, true friends, but I was wrong. This title is a target on my back, even my closest friends would turn on me for a shot at this. And, you know, that's ok. I shouldn't expect...what do you want?"
The camera pans over to Brian Kendrick.
Kendrick: "Why so hostile, Zeke? I wasn't 'cashing in' our friendship to get a shot at your title, I was just saying that friends share things! What's the problem here?"
Jackson: "Cut the crap, Brian. We both know what's going on here. You were using me, now you have what you want."
Kendrick: "That's not it at all, man. I don't know what's gotten into you, but I assure you, it is possible to find good friends in this business. Like we were! And to prove it, here are my new best friends. I think you've met."
Jackson is approached from behind by David Otunga and Jinder Mahal, who each put a hand on Jackson's huge shoulders. Jackson shrugs them off and steps away from them.
Jackson: "What the hell is this? Some kind of threat?"
Kendrick: "No threat, brother! Man, why you gotta be like this, huh? We're pals, we go way back. Just remember, I never turned my back on you. You want to turn your back on me? That's on you."
Kendrick leaves with his new partners, Otunga and Mahal. Jackson doesn't look to be having a change of heart any time soon.
CM Punk is in the ring as Kurt Angle makes his entrance. They trade some awkward glances as they're set for battle as allies for a change, against the imposing threat of the Shield. All three men enter through the audience, reaching the ring where Ambrose waits on the floor.
Match 4 - Kurt Angle & CM Punk v Shield (w/ Dean Ambrose)
- Angle kicks things off against Rollins, who bumps and sells like a champ for him. Angle looks great until Reigns tags in, then the momentum starts to swing. The Shield work Angle over like pros, with Ambrose getting involved when needed. Angle fires up to buy himself some time with the triple German suplexes on Reigns, then crawls to make a tag to Punk. Punk is distracted though, yelling at Ambrose to stop interfering. Punk jumps off the apron to hit some kind of double axe handle to Ambrose, but instantly crumples to the ground clutching his knee. Angle stands over the ropes shouting at him to get back up, clearly not believing Punk, but Punk waves him off saying he's hurt. Reigns attacks Angle from behind and the match doesn't go much longer, a Superman punch sends the champ reeling and Rollins finishes things off with a springboard knee strike for the pin.
Winners: Shield
Ambrose rolls into the ring alongside his comerades, all three Shield members put the boots to Angle before picking him up for the triple powerbomb, which Angle takes hard. John Cena, Randy Orton and John Morrison run in for the save, the Shield scatter as Cena and Orton chase them down. Morrison stays in the ring to defend Angle, but the reality of the situation hasn't escaped him. He looks down at the money in the bank briefcase in his hands, slowly up at the referee and then down at the prone champion. He struggles with his conscience and his promise not to cash in this way, and hands the case to the referee. Butwait! Morrison kneels down at Angle's side to check on him, not intending to cash in at all.