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Superstars: July 12, 2040
We open with Noah Carmichael who wants to talk about the King of the Ring. He was hoping to not have to participate in this year's tournament because he had big plans for 2040, namely being the Unified World Champion at this point in time. Unfortunately, life tends to have different plans for you whether you like them or not; and make no mistake, he definitely doesn't like Butch Fleming. Fleming came in and just had to ruin everything but really that's all knows how to do. He's not even a destroyer; he'd at least be threatening if that were the case. "So let me end on this because I know we've got a show to get started: if Fleming manages to squeeze his way past Kerry Cemenko at King of the Ring, he needs to understand what he's walking into come SummerSlam. I am on the path to winning this tournament and there won't be anything to save you."
Cue Xavier Cross who comes out to the stage to address Carmichael. Cross points out that it's easy for Carmichael to talk about being on a path to winning when he hasn't had to work as hard to get to where he's at. Everyone else had to earn their way into the quarterfinals, which is what Cross plans to do tonight by knocking that arrogant rookie, Alexander Piero, out of contention! Carmichael got a free ride into the quarterfinals! Hell, there's really no reason for Carmichael to be here other than to cater to these morons! Unless Carmichael plans on lacing up and walking the walk, Cross thinks Carmichael should beat it and leave tonight for the real hard workers!
Carmichael isn't swayed and actually offers to take Cross up on his challenge. Carmichael will face anyone who's brave enough to take a swing tonight and he'll even make it worth their while: if they can beat him, they can take his spot in the King of the Ring tournament. Anyone can take advantage of this offer...even Cross, you know, if things don't go his way tonight against Piero.
Backstage, Clubber Harris has been watching the exchange between Carmichael and Cross and is joined by Chris Collins. Collins wants to put Harris at ease. Yes, tonight they are opponents in the tournament but no matter the outcome there shouldn't be any hard feelings between the two of them. Collins even offers Harris the first shot at the Unified Title after he wins it at SummerSlam. Harris objects to this stating that Collins needs to survive tonight first.
First Match: Stanley Coleman and Caleb Greene vs. Galino & Farnes
Ugh, this is quite a charisma black hole here. Luckily they're all talented as fuck otherwise this would've been a train wreck. Also, Aphrodite is involved for her team on the face side and she's always a boon. In fact she uses her feminine wiles here to distract Jimmy Farnes and Greene takes advantage, grounding him and coming off the top with the Green With Envy for the pin. ****1/2, 88% overall.
Second Match: King of the Ring Second Round - Clubber Harris vs. Chris Collins
Yes, this is heel vs. heel (and boy, does the crowd reaction show it) but I have a plan...sort of. I have to justify having these guys on the roster somehow. Anyways, Collins throws out any sort of comradery in the end as he uses the tights on a roll up and gets the pin to advance to the quarterfinals. He tries to justify himself to Harris afterwards but Harris isn't having it and spits in Collins' face and walks off. ****1/4, 83% overall.
We go backstage to the number one contender to the Women's Title, Tania. Tania talks about how appropriate it would be to win the title at King of the Ring: the all-mighty Queen of Queens who goes around sticking it in the face of everyone getting dethroned at such an event would be the talk of the town and the culmination of a journey for Tania. Naomi's going to learn the hard way that Tania doesn't kneel to anyone.
Third Match: The Wyldhearts vs. The Young Bloods
More number one contenders being featured here as the Wyldhearts need to BUILD MOMENTUM! Vivian Merrick once again raises questions by being out here while the Wyldhearts are competing and goes as far as being at ringside. This is more 'pretty boy team being clobbered by the big bad heels' stuff and it's tremendous. Sully Lane makes verbal threats towards Vivian accusing her of being in cahoots with the Wyldhearts. Blaine Bellamey plays white knight stopping any possible shenanigans from Lane while Robbie Greer makes a comeback after Matt Riley is distracted with the proceedings. One Heartstopper later and the Wyldhearts get the win. Vivian looks pleased but that comes to an end when the Future Foundation come down to lay out their challengers. ****1/2, 93% overall.
Backstage, Brandon Reigns wants to be absolutely clear in case his actions on Raw against Paul Andrews were a bit confusing. Conner Buchanan doesn't deserve a title match. He deserves what Andrews got and then some but Reigns wants to be generous so he'll just stick with the verbal warning...for now.
Fourth Match: King of the Ring Second Round - Xavier Cross vs. Alexander Piero
Probably Piero's biggest test to date going against a former Intercontinental and Unified World Champion in Cross. He is undefeated, though, so he's got that going for him. That and the fact that Cross is quite unfamiliar with him. Piero holds his own for a good chunk of the match but it's the experience factor that sways things as Cross escapes an attempt at the Flashpoint and stacks up Piero using the ropes for the leverage. Cross ends Piero's winning ways and advances to the quarterfinals. *****, 94% overall.
Fifth Match: Jenna Kyle vs. Hannah McCormick
Well this is nothing but win here. They have your usual run-of-the-mill kickass match as Jenna is fired up with her frustrations from the past few weeks. She looks like she's got this well in hand until Leah decides to poke the bear again and run in for the DQ. Bad move on her part as Faith Connors decides to run in to make things an even fight. The heels get driven off and Faith and Jenna stand tall. *****, 97% overall.
Sixth Match: Noah Carmichael vs. ???
Carmichael reiterates the stipulations here. Anyone wanting to make a name for themselves by knocking out the biggest dog in the fight is welcome to walk that aisle and take aim. It's not going to be a picnic, though, as he's looking for any excuse to send a message to the other competitors in this tournament. So who's feeling lucky?
JASON SOROLA!!! He claims to have been screwed over and deserves a second chance and is certainly more deserving than someone like Carmichael. Carmichael demands the bell be rung and this shit is on....
Sixth Match: Noah Carmichael vs. Jason Sorola
Sorola is laser focused here and shows no intimidation all things considered. It's a hell of a contest as Sorola looks to sneak a pin off of several surprise near falls. Ultimately it's just not Sorola's night as Carmichael hits the Quick Draw and stays in the game. *****, 96% overall.
MAIN EVENT: King of the Ring Second Round - Seth Von Kamp vs. Kyle Jacobs
This will close out the second round and determine our last competitor for the quarterfinals. Two faces going at it and Von Kamp uses the experience advantage to control for the most part. Brandon Reigns decides to make a nuisance of himself by showing up at ringside, mocking Jacobs whenever he can. The end comes when Conner Buchanan comes down the aisle looking to get him some of Reigns. The shenanigans on the outside distracts Jacobs enough for Von Kamp to score a surprise Collapse of Society for the win and the spot in the quarterfinals. ****1/2, 90% overall.
Overall show rating: 88%
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