"Show Time Power Hour" TV Taping Number 41 (Week 82)

William Regal: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the finest sixty minutes of pro wrestling in the world, the Show Time Power Hour! I'm your host, William Regal. Alongside me is hall of famer Michael Hayes! Michael, we have a barnburner of an episode lined up tonight!"

Michael Hayes: "You got it, Jack! After the results of the 'Big Gold' Platinum Anniversary Tournament, we've got ourselves a Heavyweight Title match, and it's gonna be a civil war!"

Regal: "That's right! Adam Cole has issued a friendly challenge to CM Punk, the man who defeated him in the tournament semi-finals. Cole wants to put the title on the line here tonight. Jordan Richards has agreed, but has ordered that a special referee be assigned to the bout. We do not know who the referee is, but Jordan has promised that it will be a blockbuster! We'll see that as our main event, plus Adrian Neville will defend the Cruiserweight Championship in a 'Three-Way Dance' against Jay White and former champion Dean Ambrose!"

Hayes: "We're getting this new year started off right! Ricochet has said he will defend the Television Championship in an open invitational tonight as well! All title matches all night!"

Regal: "So, without further adieu, let's get it started!"

Match One ~ NWA: Show Time Cruiserweight Championship ~ "The Man Gravity Forgot" Adrian Neville vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Jay White

Neville was able to remain relatively unscathed for much of the match, as Ambrose took out his frustration on White, who inadvertently cost him the title a couple of weeks ago. Finally, Ambrose and White worked together to take out the champion, or so it seemed. After several minutes of partnering, Ambrose leveled White with "Dirty Deeds." As he went to cover, Neville threw him out of the ring. Adrian then went to the top and hit the "Red Arrow" for the victory.

Winner and STILL NWA: Show Time Cruiserweight Champion = Adrian Neville by pinfall in 14:23

Regal: "Fantastic match! An opportunistic champion picked up the scraps and snuck out a victory!"

Hayes: "In a 'Three-Way Dance,' sometimes, it's better to be lucky than good!"

Regal: "Indeed. Fans, we'll return in just a moment!"

Regal: "We're back from the break! 'SoCal' Val is standing by with tonight's Heavyweight Championship challenger, CM Punk."

Valerie Wyndham: "I'm here with CM Punk and his wife, AJ Lee. You'll be challenging for the NWA: Show Time Heavyweight Championship later on tonight against your stable mate, Adam Cole. The surprising part of it all is the fact that he challenged you? What do you make of it? Is there some internal strife within 'The Richards Collective?'"

CM Punk: "Absolutely not! Val, here's the deal. Adam Cole is the Heavyweight Champion of this company, which makes him the best wrestler in this company. But, I defeated him in the 'Big Gold' tournament. I claim to be the best in the world. Adam Cole claims he is the best d***m pro wrestler on the planet. But, I beat him. He needs to have a rematch to see who's the best there is, period. But, we've talked about it. This match is not happening because he's upset or because we're feuding. This is two friends stepping into the ring for the top prize in our organization. May the best man win."

Wyndham: "So, regardless of the outcome, there will be no problem in 'The Richards Collective?'"

Punk: No way! The objective of our group in 2017 is to own every championship we can get our hands on. So, what does it matter if Adam Cole or I hold the Heavyweight Title? It's still in the family."

Wyndham: "But, there must be some level of confliction on your part."

Punk: "I suppose so, on some level. But, Adam and I are professionals. We both agree that friendships are out the window once the bell rings. After the match, we'll pick up right where we left off."

Wyndham: "You've beaten Adam Cole once. Can you do it again?"

Punk: "It's always more difficult to defeat the same opponent the second time around. But, if I didn't think I could win, I shouldn't be in the ring, right?"

Wyndham: "I suppose that's true. AJ, do you have any thoughts about your husband's big challenge?"

AJ Lee: "I'd be lying if I said it doesn't matter who wins. Of course, I want my husband to come out on top. But, it's a win-win for 'The Richards Collective' either way. Win, lose, or draw, the title stays with us. But, I think you know who I'll be rooting for."

Wyndham: "Good luck tonight."

Punk: "Thanks, but luck is for losers."

Wyndham: "William, back to you."

Regal: "So, CM punk has promised that he and Adam Cole will remain friends, no matter the outcome of this match. Michael, you and I have both been a part of many ring wars. I have my opinion on that subject, what is yours?"

Hayes: "Well, Billy boy, I see it like this. If you're a pro wrestler, you strive to be the best. That means beating the best. Adam Cole has something to prove, especially as the Heavyweight Champion. Everything in him wants to beat everybody he faces. he lost to CM Punk in a fabulous match at the tournament. I'm telling you, that stuck in Cole's crawl. Why else would he challenge the man who just beat him? Can they stay friends through this match? Yes, but I guarantee it will get hot in the ring at some point. Adam will go full tilt. I have no doubt Punk will too."

Regal: "I tend to agree. I've been a part of some matches that were supposed to be 'friendly' contests. They were until the first time I got punched in the mouth. fans, let's go to the ring, where Ricochet is standing with a microphone."

Ricochet: "I think I have established myself as the best Television Champion in NWA: Show Time's history. I've beaten everyone they've put up against me. Now, I really have no competition, so I decided to sign an open contract and invite whoever wants to take me on to come down to the ring, first come, first served!"

The old "Dudley Boyz" theme began to blare and Bully Ray walked out defiantly. He grabbed a microphone on his way into the ring.

Bully Ray: "You sure are a smug little punk, aren't you?! You come out here and talk about being the best anything?! You've been in this sport for a cup of coffee! I've been beating people's heads in for over twenty years! Why don't you put your money where your mouth is and give me a shot at that belt?!"

Ricochet: "You got it, old timer!"

Match Two ~ NWA: Show Time Television Championship Open Invitational ~ Ricochet with Maryse Ouellet vs. Bully Ray

Ricochet's speed and technique completely overwhelmed Bully Ray. Ricochet was setting up for the "630 Senton Splash" at the five-minute mark. He hit it and went for the pin. At that same moment, D-Von, "Killer Elite Squad," and Taylor Gallagher hit ringside and destroyed Ricochet.

Winner and STILL NWA: Show Time Television Champion = Ricochet by disqualification in 5:17

Taylor Gallagher took out Ouellet as well. The Rock and Brock Lesnar made the save, chasing off their combatants with steel chairs. Bully Ray got the microphone once again at ringside.

Ray: "This isn't over! Not by a long shot! 'The Dudleyz' are back! 'Killer Elite Squad' is back! Together, we are 'The Reckoning!' Jordan Richards has held us four down for long enough! We're taking over! 'The Richards Collective' is about to be destroyed!"

Regal: "Oh my! 'The Dudleyz' and 'Killer Elite Squad' are now together?! And, they're calling themselves 'The Reckoning?!' This could be a dark day for NWA: Show Time!"

Hayes: "It sounds like it! They have called out the big dogs, and they're looking for a fight!"

Regal: "Fans, we have to take a commercial. Hopefully, we can restore order. We'll be back in just a moment."

Regal: "We're back! Fans, Joanna Rose is backstage with members of 'The Richards Collective.' Let's see what they have to say about this attack a few minutes ago."

Joanna Rose: "I'm here with 'The Richards Collective.' Gentlemen..."

The Rock: "The Rock has something to say! Every time someone wants to make a name for themselves in this company, they come after 'The Richards Collective!' Why?! Because they know we're the measuring stick! So, now 'The Dudleyz' and 'Killer Elite Squad' want to jump on us! Well, The Rock is not gonna stand for it! Bully, D-Von, The Rock has been whipping your candy a***s since the nineties! 'KES,' we've been whipping your candy a***s since this company started! It looks like it's time to put some boots to a***s once again!"

Ricochet: "Boys, you've made the mistake of a lifetime! You want to jump on me?! It's not gonna happen again! We will own you!"

Brock Lesnar: "We didn't need a reason to beat somebody up, but now we all have one! You wanna come after us?! Go right ahead! It's your funeral!"

"The Richards Collective" members stormed off.

Joanna Rose: "Well, 'The Richards Collective' is upset, and for good reason. It looks like 'The Reckoning' will be answering for their transgressions very soon. Back to you, William."

Regal: "This could be a big war we have brewing."

Hayes: "When it happens, it's going to be a slobberknocker, as our old buddy J.R. would say!"

Regal: "I should say so! Fans, 'SoCal' Val is standing by with the Heavyweight Champion, Adam Cole. Let's go quickly to her before we begin the main event!"

Wyndham: "I have the NWA: Show Time Heavyweight Champion Adam Cole. Adam, you are about to face your friend CM Punk with the title on the line in a match you requested. Why did you make this challenge?"

Wyndham: "I saw your interview with Punk earlier. He hit the nail on the head. If I am going to be the champion of this great company, and I am going to carry the banner as such, I'd better be the best wrestler in the building. CM Punk beat me a couple of weeks ago. It was a great match, but he was the better man that night. I have to prove to myself that I am worthy to be in 'The Richards Collective' alongside him, and I have to prove to the world that I deserve to be the NWA : Show Time Heavyweight Champion. Look, there's no hard feelings toward CM Punk for any reason. He beat me. I'll give him credit. He's one of the greatest wrestlers of the modern era. If I'm going to prove that I am the best there is, I have to beat the best there is."

Wyndham: "So, you agree with Punk that there will be no hard feelings after this match is over, no matter who wins?"

Cole: "If he wins, I'll shake his hand and give him the title myself. If I win, I would expect the same from him."

Wyndham: "Maria (Kanellis), any last words from you?"

Maria Kanellis: "May the best man win. But, my money is on Adam Cole."

Wyndham: "Good luck tonight."

Cole: "We don't need it. See ya out there."

Regal: "Well fans, fasten your seatbelts! Here we go!"

Match Three ~ NWA: Show Time Heavyweight Championship ~ Special Guest referee (unannounced until bell time) ~ Adam Cole with Maria Kanellis vs. CM Punk with AJ Lee

After both competitors were introduced, CEO Jordan Richards came to the ring.

Jordan Richards: "I told you all that there will be a special guest referee for this match. I also told the world that it will be a blockbuster. I'm not a man who makes promises he can't keep. So, here's the special referee for tonight's main event.

The familiar sound of glass shattering sent the arena crowd into a frenzy, as this man stomped his way to the ring:

The eyes of both competitors were as big as saucers, as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin made a rare appearance on television. He glared at both men and motioned that he was going to call it right down the middle. he also pointed at both men and indicated that he would be taking no guff off either. Austin rang the bell and the match was on. Both men began at a lightning quick pace, exchanging "Armdrags," Hiptosses," "Shoulder Tackles," Leapfrogs," and pin attempts. After the final flurry, they both leapt to their feet and received an ovation. Austin even smiled at the opening sequence. Once the match got going, SCSA proved he was not showing favoritism toward either man, admonishing both during separate corner break-ups. Punk gave a little brush back, as he and Austin have a verbal sparring history with one another. It did not seem to affect the match overall. Punk took the prolonged advantage as the veteran, keeping Cole grounded and working over his neck in an effort to soften him up for the "Go To Sleep" finisher. Cole made several comebacks and concentrated his attacks on Punk's neck and back as a set-up to several of his moves. Cole escaped an "Anaconda Vice" submission by making it to the ropes. Austin forced a break, which Punk did not like. After Cole took back over, he hit his vaunted "Last Shot" finisher to Punk, who kicked out at 2.9. Cole was flabbergasted, but stayed on the attack. He lifted Punk up for a second "Last Shot," but CM reversed into the "GTS." He was still out of it, so he could not cover. Austin began the count. Both men got to their feet at the seven count, and began to trade punches and chops. Cole bounded off the ropes and went for a diving "Clothesline," but Punk ducked. Cole went careening into Austin, knocking him down hard. As Austin recovered, Cole continued to push the pace. He hit a "Florida Key," which he held for a few seconds, but Austin was unable to make the pin count. Cole was frustrated and nailed a "Super Kick" on Punk before going to revive Austin. When he lifted Steve up, he received an immediate boot in the gut and a "Stone Cold Stunner." Austin pulled Punk over and placed him on top of Cole. He proceeded to count the three, awarding the match and the championship to CM Punk.

Winner and NEW NWA: Show Time Heavyweight Champion = CM Punk by pinfall in 31:06

Punk was oblivious to the pin at first. Austin dragged him up and handed him the belt. He then gave him the "double birds" and nailed a "Stone Cold Stunner" on the new champion. Maria Kanellis was fit to be tied at ringside. AJ Lee seemed to be in a state of shock. Jordan Richards confronted Austin as he was leaving ringside, only to be shrugged off.

Regal: "What have we just seen from 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin?!"

Hayes: "I don't know what he was thinking! He just cost Adam Cole the title. He handed it to Punk and then gave him the 'Stunner!' No idea what's going on right now!"

Regal: "Jordan Richards is upset, Adam Cole and Maria Kanellis are upset, and CM Punk and AJ Lee are dumbfounded! Punk is trying to figure the whole thing out as he's explaining something to Cole. Jordan Richards is just shaking his head. Steve Austin just hijacked the main event!"

Hayes: "He's going to have to answer for that for sure. He works with us behind the scenes. I mean, he's on the payroll, although he may not be for much longer after that stunt."

Punk tried to hand the title belt back to Cole, but Adam demanded that he keep it. He could be heard on camera saying, "You won it, no matter how dirty the finish was. Just give me a rematch." Punk relied, "I got you, man." They shook hands and everyone left ringside together.

Regal: "Fans, we're all out of time. Hopefully, we can get to the bottom of this next week. So, join us again next Tuesday on TBS for more of the Show Time Power Hour! For Michael Hayes, I'm William regal, saying, ta ta for now!"