THE CURSE OF THREE AND A BIG RETURN

Paul Heyman opens the show by addressing the brewing war between Storm and Stormchaser. But no sooner than he throws a few insults at the Academy do Eddie Hernandez and Andrew Wesley make an appearance. Apparently in the arena parking lot, the two make it clear they have brought the fight directly to Storm. Lazzara joins them as well and promises all of the Academy’s soldiers are ready.

The first match sees Shayna Baszler try to break the US Title curse against Charlotte Flair. Not since first champion Ronda Rousey has a US title holder defended more than twice successfully. Lazzara tried to make sure that continued to be the case as, mid-match, the former Academy champion distracted Baszler. But, of all people, Ronda Rousey showed up to stop Lazzara. Baszler locked Flair in an armbar to finish the match and earn her third defense. Later in the show, Baszler reminded the world champ they used to be a very formidable team and told Rousey Baszler and the White Company would have her back.

Backstage, Jay White is attacked by Eddie Hernandez mid-speech.

The GAW Classic kicks off with Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre in a barn-burner. McIntyre’s power nearly overwhelmed the American Nightmare but Cody’s amateur wrestling abilities proved to be his greatest ally, working McIntyre into a Cross Rhodes and picking up a win.

In the main event, Keith Lee is revealed as Group A’s final competitor. Lee clearly was still not 100% after a very tough few months in GAW but, during the match against Shelton Benjamin, he seemed to gain his confidence in real time. Even a Benjamin Paydirt couldn’t bring Lee down. He showed his inhuman strength by lifting Benjamin into a vicious Spirit Bomb for the win. The fans’ ovation said it all.

Backstage, Shayna Baszler and Lazzara got into fight that very nearly ended in severe injury. But that was not nearly the extent of it.

WAR, Chandler Marcy, War Machine and Matt Hardy clashed in the ring after their brawl spilled out of the backstage area. Bobby Lashley’s music hit and the former IC champion speared the life out of Marcy to give Storm the numbers advantage. But it wasn’t permanent. Miraculously, Lee Carr’s music hit and the Ultimate Cinderella returned after a career-threatening attack by Sam Hunt. Carr hit Lashley with a classic Green Out as the all-out war between Storm and Stormchaser was well and truly ignited.