Post by MNB on Mar 13, 2023 20:56:57 GMT -6
WARNING:
This live event contains strong coarse language (L), and intense violence (V) which may be unsuitable for younger viewers. None of the matches you are about to watch have been predetermined. Only some of the thematic story-lines have been discussed beforehand. Accordingly, EWC and it's producers must insist that no one attempt to recreate or re-enact any match or activity performed in this live event.
The Extreme Wrestling Corporation presents
MONDAY NIGHT BRAWL
EPISODE #594 | MARCH 13TH 2023LIVE! from Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City, Mexico
EWC BRAWL
General Manager(?): Jim Connors
Assistant/Interim GM: Timothy Kahrs
Commentators: Joe Aiello & Steve 'The Predator' Bennett
Announcer: Jessica Stroup
Senior Referee: Paul Turner
Referee: Josh Daniels
Backstage Interviewer: Bob Murray
General Manager(?): Jim Connors
Assistant/Interim GM: Timothy Kahrs
Commentators: Joe Aiello & Steve 'The Predator' Bennett
Announcer: Jessica Stroup
Senior Referee: Paul Turner
Referee: Josh Daniels
Backstage Interviewer: Bob Murray
"STARTAFIGHT" by Joey Valence & Brae blasts in the Arena
The show starts off with video footage detailing historic events over Monday Night BRAWL's history.
From episode 001 in 1997 all the way down to the last episode #593 in Seattle.
Images of previous EWC Champions are shown, starting with the very first Champion Black Ninja, then moving onto Big Mac and Steve Bennett. Sped up footage then shows a special montage of Memphis Reigns, Shadow Man, Hirsh Valentine, Jesse Nunez, Hurricane Jeff, Moses Lake, James Chambers, BDC, Jay Cee, Stray, Gladiator, The Rev, and Ruthless Aggression, all with the EWC Championship.
From there we look at the dawning of the Undisputed Championship as we know it today, with a focus on the men and women who have been a part of the red brand who have held the illustrious title including Sour Candy, Dominic Sanders, Cyrus Black, and Xavier Reid, before ending on the current champion Melody Malone.
Sped up footage again then takes us through to current Monday Night BRAWL Superstars: Xavier Reid, King Flip, Tyler Bradford, KU, Antoni Malietoa, Stitches, Melinda Rhodes, Darius, Iggy Swango, Dio, Captain Morgan Darkwater, Alex Carbajal, Chelsea Skye, JoJo Rush, Bathsheba, Dustin Holt, and many others making their way onto the red brand.
We then get a shot of the Champions of BRAWL:
Melinda Rhodes with the FX Broadcast Championship
King Flip with the EWC International Championship
The opening pyros blast across the stage and here we go.
We take a look around inside of Palacio de los Deportes and see the electricity of the packed crowd!
We take a look around inside of Palacio de los Deportes and see the electricity of the packed crowd!
A chant begins of
"MNB!"
"MNB!"
"MNB!"
"MNB!"
A thick layer of fog circles the arena, and camera flashes repeatedly strobe the area!
The camera feed pans to different areas in the arena and we see fans cheering in excitement!
The fans are shown smiling, laughing, and pumping their fists in excitement
as fireworks emit from each corner of the ring!
A thick layer of fog surrounds the fans from the firework display.
A thick layer of fog surrounds the fans from the firework display.
The show is live... and the excitement is at a fever pitch!
Signs can be seen all over the arena, some reading:
"LA CASA ESTÁ EN LA CASA"
"DANNOS VIOLENCIA"
"BALA = CAMPEÓN"
"SIN PRISA PARA JOJO RUSH"
"EL DIENTE ME LIBERARÁ"
and "UTILICE LA PLANTILLA"
Aiello: Welcome, everybody, to Monday Night Brawl 594! We’re getting ever closer to the big 600, and even closer to StrangleMania XVIII! Whilst the card is still up in the air, I think it’s safe to say some matches are already shaping up, wouldn’t you, Bennett?
Bennett: You’re damned right, Joe! We have bouts with big implications tonight for the big SM, and that’s only the beginning! Feuds are intensifying, competitiveness is at an all-time high - everyone’s either out for the spotlight, or out for blood, and I love it!
Aiello: Speaking of being out for blood, Brawl’s very own Captain Morgan Darkwater has been in the ring since the beginning of the show, and no amount of referees, security or management has been able to shift the man. He’s here with a purpose, and looks like no one is gonna shift him until he’s said his piece!
Bennett: He’s been waving that deadly looking cutlass around, too, whenever anyone tried to eject him - he’s clearly out for blood, and it doesn’t look like he cares whose it is! Let’s go to the ring right now to find out…!
The live crowds have been roaring and cheering nonstop during the commentary team’s introduction, chanting the Captain’s name and reaching fever-pitch whenever he took a swing with his cutlass at anyone who came too close. Surrounded on all sides by staff, security, and even some talent, the Captain now stands alone in the ring, a visage of pure, crimson-faced fury, with Black Betsy in one hand, EWC microphone in the other, and he brings it up to finally speak, bringing an eager hush to the arena.
Darkwater: JOJO RUSH!!!
Those words alone are enough to get the crowds roaring again, memories of last show’s events running through their minds. But in case you missed it, the Captain seems determined to refresh everyone’s memory…
Darkwater: We came t’ Brawl at th’ same time, you an’ I - myself, a returning veteran, ye a green-faced boy livin’ in yer dead brother’s shadow. No one saw ye as anythin’ more than a silly cowboy, more suited t’ the country an’ western music scene than an EWC ring - nay one soul, ‘cept me’self. ‘Cause th’ Captain, he knew where ye were comin’ from better than anyone. Th’ Captain, ye see, he’s also a man out o’ time, livin’ his life in the old ways of better, more glorious an’ adventurous times. So, he thought he saw somethin’ o’ himself in ye, JoJo Rush…
There’s a light smattering of boos and jeers at this, as some longtime fans pick up on something the Captain is quick to clarify.
Darkwater: Aye, that’s right, I called ye by yer full name, boy. Nay more Mr Rush fer ye, nay more respectful terms nor patience… I tried that, an’ ye spit it all back in th’ good Captain’s face. I tried to bestow th’ best o’ my knowledge, experiences, an’ guidance to ye, JoJo Rush, thinkin’ ye could make a name fer yerself if only ye applied yerself, believed in yerself, an’ stayed true t’ yerself… but no. Ye couldn’t even do that, could ye, boy?
A low, gravelly growl was slowly creeping into Morgan’s voice, his eyes narrowing every time he addressed Rush. It was evident he was trying to keep his composure, but it clearly wasn’t easy.
Darkwater: I had hoped, naive as it might be, that ye might actually become th’ next big name in this company, that we might prove th’ naysayers wrong, with a little bit o’ guidance from ol’ Captain Morgan Darkwater… but ye sure proved me, an’ all the EWC fans wrong, didn’t ye, boy? ‘Cause ye just didn’t have th’ strength o’ character t’ make it on yer own, after all… first, ye let that sorry bastard Connors worm his way into yer mind, twistin’ ye from an honorable man t’ a snivelin’ coward, jumpin’ at shadows and doubtin’ yerself at e’ery turn, always takin’ th’ easy way out rather than standin’ tall an’ forgin’ yer own path…
More boos and chants of “JOJO SUCKS” fill the arena as Morgan pauses to glower at a camera as it slowly pulls in. Once the crowds have calmed down, he takes a deep breath and continues.
Darkwater: But ye couldn’t stop there, could ye, boy? Ye weren’t happy being th’ disgraced General Manager’s lapdog fer long, so I guess it were only natural that th’ Flop House came a-knockin’, sooner or later. But if anyone had any hope fer ye then, that they might succeed where th’ Captain had failed, they were further disappointed by ye, JoJo Rush… ‘cause th’ House weren’t lookin’ t’ make a man outta ye, boy, nay - they were just lookin’ t’ take the rabid dog Connors had created off his hands. That’s all ye are t’ them, boy - yer not their equal; they couldn’t give a damn ‘bout ye, nor yer delusions that ye are some dang blackhat, some kinda deadly villain that must be reckoned with - ye be nothin’ t’ th’ Stinkhouse but a rabid dog they can let off th’ leash at th’ nearest inconvenience… an’ that were sad, aye, but t’be expected after how low ye have allowed yerself t’ fall…..
The Captain stomps up to the ropes, leaning over to get his crimson-hued face right in the camera, spittle flying as he roars into the microphone.
Darkwater: But then ye came fer my WIFE, Rush, an’ that’s goin’ to prove t’be th’ greatest mistake o’ yer sorry little existence!!
The chants turn to “GET FUCKED, JOJO” and “MORGAN’S GONNA KILL YOU” as the Captain steps back from the ropes, cutlass held aloft, and slowly drags it across his throat with pure bloody murder in his eyes, before returning to the mic.
Darkwater: My sweet Esmeralda, who believed in ye more than anyone, who saw the good in ye e’en when her Captain had given up hope. She believed there was still good in ye, JoJo Rush, that I should try again an’ again to save yer sorry, blighted soul, refusin’ t’ believe th’ light in ye had long since extinguished… an’ how did ye reward her unshakeable faith in ye, boy? Did ye stop t’ reconsider yer wicked ways, did ye question th’ mistakes in yer life that lead ye down this path? Nay! Ye took a baseball bat t’ her head - an’ innocent in all this, ye gutless bastard! An’ why? Cos yer House masters told ye to. Ye have nay mind o’ yer own, nay honour, nay respect, nay humility. The man I once respected an’ had such high hopes fer is long gone, JoJo Rush… now all that be left is a rabid dog I have t’ put down…!
*COME HEAVY OR DON’T COME AT AAAAAL*
JoJo’s entrance sting hits and out comes JoJo Rush rolling deep with the House in full attendance. With a mic in hand, the Blackhat stares directly at Darkwater and interrupts him bluntly.
JoJo: Ah can’t believe you city-slickers are drinkin’ up this batch of piss Darkwater is gon’ try and pass off as grog.
The crowd boos loudly, JoJo and the House stand quietly and revel in the boos. All except for JoJo, who keeps his eyes focused directly on the pirate. JoJo waits for the “Morgan’s gonna kill you” He raises his mic to speak, but is flooded with boos. JoJo cuts through the boos and continues speaking over the booing crowd.
JoJo: Ah don’t think you understand, Darkwater. Ah’m done with you. Ah should’ve been done with you the moment you stole mah first win right from under me. But Ah made the biggest mistake of mah career when Ah hitched mah wagon to yours. You weren’t coaching or trainin’ me, Darkwater. You are a leech, an awful wretch barely above-snakes. The fact yer still standin' is testament to mah kindness.
JoJo pauses to glance over at the booing crowd then back to his rival.
JoJo: But you know what, Darkwater? Yer right, you and Ah ain’t so different. Hell, even right now Ah’d say you and Ah got more in common than Ah have with anyone in this posse right here. But not a single one of these degenerates gon’ bite mah back the way you did. You don’t hate me, or the House fer bein’ no good bandits. You hate us because we’re so god. Damn. Familiar.
JoJo points a finger at himself to stress the point.
JoJo: You can lie to yerself, you can lie to these people. But deep down? Yer a no-good crook, no better than the rest of the rubes cheering yer name right now. But right now, Ah'm seein' red, and it’s taking every fiber of mah being not to come down there and rip yer got damn tongue out of yer mouth fer havin’ Eli’s name in yer scurvy-ridden mouth.
The crowd erupt ready to see a fight with JoJo lowering the mic and stomping towards the ring, Darkwater openly welcoming his approach, sword still in hand, daring him to try something. But it was a fakeout, as JoJo stops at the stage and raises the mic to speak again. The crowd rewarding JoJo’s antics with a chorus of boos.
JoJo: But fer once, Ah’m gon’ take yer advice and take the highroad. You made a mistake getting in between me and the Undisputed Championship, and unfortunately, Esmerelda made it right and paid yer debt with her blood. If you, or your crew come fer me or the House? You’ll be spending yer evenings in a jail cell instead of by yer wife’s hospital bedside.
Darkwater: Ye think I have a debt t’ pay, ye come after me, ye goddamn, lilly-livered, scum-suckin’ coward, ye hear me?! Ye try an’ come after my wife again, me an’ Black Betsy here will make sure yer cursed lineage dies with ye, an’ ye can take th’ balls ye claim t’ have in a bloody cup! Actually, ye know what? My sword is too good t’be sullied with yer pitiful blood…
The Captain slowly sheathes his cutlass, to the disappointed boos of the crowds, Jojo and the House smirking and laughing amongst themselves at this apparent sign of weakness… their smiles all vanish when Morgan draws one of his flintlock pistols instead, throwing the bloodthirsty crowds into a fever as he aims it up the ramp at them.
Darkwater: Why waste time with a sword when a bullet is good enough t’ put a mangy dog down!
The House are sent into a mild panic, none of them really sure if the threat is empty or not, but JoJo calmly steps up front, goading Morgan to fire as he stands there confidently.
Aiello: He’s not… Darkwater wouldn’t really shoot at Rush, would he?
Bennett: Hell yeah he would, brother! You come after a man’s love, all bets are off! The House always wins? Well, looks like they’re about to win a bullet! Ya love to see it, folks!
Aiello: Are you seriously condoning attempted murder…?
Darkwater: Ye think I won’t, boy? It wouldn’t e’en be a murder at this point, but a goddamn service! Ye need t’be stopped ‘fore ye kill someone, like th’ mad dog ye are…!
JoJo: You don’t got that dog in you, Darkwat–
Before JoJo can even finish the thought, Darkwater squeezes the trigger. The loud *bang* of a flintlock pistol going off silenced the entire stadium. JoJo didn’t flinch, with the bullet missing wildly. The bullet ricochets into the backstage, and in the stunned silence we hear a solitary scream of “Ahhh, my other knee!” JoJo is speechless, the House checks on one another to see that they all made it out unscathed. JoJo’s tone turns colder with him biting back.
JoJo: Ah’ll be honest, Ah was bettin’ on that hunk of wood failin’ you. But that’s why the House Always wins.
JoJo raises a “too sweet” into the air, followed by the rest of the House “Too Sweeting” each other. JoJo turns his back and begins moving towards the stage.
JoJo: Let’s get out of here, Ah have a Main-event to get ready fer, and Darkwater needs to start makin’ his ship wheel-chair accessible. Play mah music.
JoJo drops the mic and turns his back on Darkwater once again to leave for the locker room. But Brawl’s Interim General Manager, Timothy Karhs appears on the EXT! Karhs is sitting at his desk with his hands resting on his desk with his fingers laced.
Kahrs: Not so fast, JoJo. You’re going to want to hear what I’m about to say.
JoJo and the House protest, JoJo shooting his arms wide and yelling at the EXT. But Karhs doesn’t heed their pleas.
Kahrs: The more you two fight, the more bystanders get hurt, and as the interim Brawl General Manager, I need to put a stop to this war and I know exactly what needs to be done.
The crowd cheers, with everyone in the House frustrated and upset. JoJo is quiet, glaring upward at the General Manager on-screen.
Kahrs: Morgan Darkwater, I know you are frustrated with what JoJo Rush did to your wife. But I can’t have you swinging swords and shooting guns on Brawl's flagship show. That behavior is unacceptable, and a fireable offense…
The crowd boos loudly, Jack Severn, Callie Clark, and Tori Taylor openly point and laugh at Darkwater, but their jeers are cut short when he gestures to a second gun at his hip, clearly in no mind to listen to the GM’s warnings. Then Kahrs continues to speak.
Kahrs: But JoJo? You and the House need to reap what you’ve sown. Morgan Darkwater, this is my proposition to you: If you can stay 25 feet away from JoJo Rush from now until Stranglemania? I’ll give you a match with JoJo at Stranglemania with the stipulation of your choice, and JoJo? You cannot get within 25 feet of Morgan Darkwater either. If you get within 25 feet of Darkwater, you will be automatically disqualified!
The crowd erupts into cheers at the news. JoJo doesn’t take his eyes off of Darkwater.
Kahrs: JoJo, if you win tonight’s Main-Event, you can still compete in the International Title match. But you’ll have to face Darkwater before King Flip, and if you refuse to fight Darkwater at Stranglemania? You will be barred from competing for the International Title. Are we in agreement, gentlemen?
JoJo quietly nods, still glaring daggers directly at Darkwater. Who in return… grows a broad, manic grin as he steps up to the ring-ropes, leaning on them as he leers up the ramp at JoJo and his posse.
Darkwater: Oooh, AYE! And JoJo Rush! I have just th’ match fer us t’ settle this, once an’ fer all! It’ll be th’ cur, JoJo Rush, facin’ off against Captain Morgan Darkwater… on th’ Winds of Fortune… in a Walk th’ Plank match! International waters, anythin’ goes, nay-holds-barred, loser be th’ one thrown from th’ ship!
“WALK THE PLANK” chants break out in the arena. The mention of the match being out in the open water visibly shakes JoJo before him and the rest of the House leave towards the back before we fade to the EWCTV advertisement.
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SINGLES MATCH
Dustin Holt
VS Chris Miller
SINGLES MATCH
Dustin Holt
VS Chris Miller
We return to ringside where the crowd are still getting to their seats. Josh Daniels is standing in the ring as he is checking the ropes and turnbuckles.
Aiello: We are on the road to StrangleMania and tonight we have a grizzled veteran taking a young lion. This should be a great match.
Bennett: Chris Miller had a good showing on Gambit but he’s facing a man who has been around the block and back in Dustin Holt. So I’m excited to see what happens tonight.
Stroup: The following match is scheduled for one fall. Joining us first, from Austria, weighing in at 227 pounds ... CHRIS MILLER!
"Disintegration - Celldweller" begins to play through the arena speakers, signifying the entrance of Chris Miller who comes out and kneels down to the song. When the first Disintegration is heard, he stands up on his feet and begins making his way to the ring. When he gets into the ring, he climbs up to the second turnbuckle and poses by flexing his muscles, as a rookie would. He jumps down from the second turnbuckle and crouches in his corner so that he can start the match.
Stroup: And his opponent, from Gainesville, Florida, weighing in at 240 pounds ... DUSTIN HOLT!
“Heart of a Champion” suddenly starts playing as Dustin Holt walks through the curtain as the crowd immediately greets him with loud boos. A slight smirk forms across his lips as he makes his way down the ramp. He slides into the ring and poses on the middle rope before leaning in the corner.
DING DING DING
Chris sprints out of his corner and catches Dustin off guard with a corner clothesline. Chris continues to throw rights and lefts as Dustin is struggling to block each blow. As the blows are landing, Chris starts talking all sorts of trash. After the fifteenth blow, Chris starts taunting the crowd while letting up his aggression. That proves to be costly as Dustin grabs him by the head, throws him into the corner and starts lighting his chest up with multiple knife edge chops. Each chop sounds like a shotgun going off. Chris’s chest is starting to look red as Dustin starts stomping away at his midsection. Referee Daniels is admonishing Holt who backs up a bit before landing a back elbow to the side of Chris’s head. Chris slinks down as Holt continues to throw right of his own.
Referee Daniels admonishes Holt again who picks Chris up by his hair and shoots him off towards the other side of the ring. Chris smacks the turnbuckle chest first as Dustin comes bouncing off the ropes and lands a neckbreaker. Dustin elects not to go for a cover as he picks Chris up again. Chris reaches up and rakes his finger through Dustin’s eye. Dustin staggers as Chris latches his arms around Dustin and throws him over head with a belly to belly Suplex. Dustin slowly gets to a knee as Chris levels him with a basement style clothesline. Chris immediately goes for the cover.
On……
Chris barely gets a one count when Holt powers out from Chris not hooking a leg. Chris looks over at the referee and tells him to count faster. After doing so, he reaches down to pick Holt up who grabs him around the neck and pulls him into a small package.
One
Tw…..
Chris kicks out as both men get back up to their feet. Chris goes for a clothesline but Holt ducks the attempt. Chris looks to come back with another clothesline only to get a boot to the gut and Dustin connecting with a Blown Gasket.
Aiello: Oof, Chris Miller with a nasty shot there by Dustin Holt!
Bennett: Miller's gonna need to keep his focus here or he's gonna lose his...
Dustin continues to control Chris by his head. Dustin hooks his arm around the neck, throws one arm over his shoulder before popping his hips and connecting with a snap Suplex. Chris bows his back as Dustin floats over and starts driving his right fist into Chris’s skull repeatedly. Dustin manages to stop at the count of four before landing blow after blow. Dustin eventually gets off of Chris and grabs the man by his legs.
Dustin looks to catapult Chris halfway across the ring but Chris counters with a kick to Holt’s sternum before kipping up to his feet and landing a jumping roundhouse to the side of Dustin’s head. Dustin staggers as Chris connects with a running clothesline. He does it again and again before grabbing Holt around his waist and connecting with belly to back front slam. Chris pops back up to his feet while putting himself in the corner.
Aiello: Here we go, Miller back on the attack!
Bennett: Looks like it's Miller time now, Joe!
Chris is motioning for Holt to get to his feet. Dustin slowly rises to his feet as Chris bursts out of the corner but Dustin leapfrogs over Chris who hits the second turnbuckle hard with his face. Chris staggers up to his feet and walks right into a DKO. Dustin quickly goes for the cover while hooking one leg.
One
Two
Three!
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall DUSTIN HOLT!
Dustin sits up with a smirk on his face before rolling out of the ring. The crowd is booing him as he walks up the ramp while gloating over this win. Chris Miller slowly lifts his head up as a small gash appears above his right eye.
Aiello: Chris Miller couldn’t get past the more experienced Holt. Chris has nothing to be ashamed about his performance here this evening.
Bennett: What the hell you smoking? Holt proved here tonight that his lost to Bullet last week was just a fluke. Chris Miller has a lot to learn and loss tonight can help with his learning curve.
Aiello: Holt looks to make the most of the win here tonight, but in just a moment we'll get into X-Division action as Bathsheba takes on Caleb Scott! Don't go away!
Camera cuts to ...
Backstage in the locker rooms, we find Melinda Rhodes getting ready for her match. She’s strapping her boots, tightening the buckles. Giving them a pat, satisfied with her handiwork, she rises from the bench to grab her makeup kit and head to the bathroom. She sighs softly, staring into her unpainted reflection.
Rhodes: *saying to herself* It’s gonna’ be a tough night. You got this.
She starts applying makeup, powdering her face with foundation, then applying black and red eyeshadow and mascara. It’s when she spreads her favorite shade of red lipstick across her lips that she notices a silhouette forming in her reflection behind her. Vaguely feminine and matching her own silhouette perfectly. She stares at it for a few seconds, then caps her lipstick, puts it back in the kit. After rolling her lips, she spins around to strike only to find nothing there.
Rhodes: Getting tired of this shit… If you got a problem, then come at me you ghost motherfucker!
Suddenly ghostly fingers wrap around her throat from behind, hefting her off her feet for a seat on the sink as she feels her head hit the mirror. It was trying to pull her in!!! She gasped and gargled, flailing about and kicking in all directions to fight this force. Thinking fast, she starts to furiously back elbow the mirror itself. Cracks form until finally it shatters under the assault. The arm dissolves to nothing and Mel, in her frantic flailing, ends up falling off the sink and hitting the floor. She grasps at her throat, gasping for air for several seconds on the floor. Her elbow pad kept the glass from cutting her, though a few tiny cuts dot her arm. She scrambles away from the mirror, staring at its ruined remains now on the counter.
Rhodes: ….Fuck…
She pushes herself to her feet as suddenly the bathroom door opens up and in slips the Bronze Scorpion, Darna Dare, a twisted little smile smearing onto her lips as she sights Rhodes with wide hazel eyes.
Dare: Ahaha! The Rebel! The champion! We have been… looking forward to this…
Darna spots the broken mirror, the smile disappearing, a frown threatening - but with a shake of her head it's brushed aside, and she moves deftly toward Mel. Rough fingertips dart to the bloody scratches on her arm, as she checks them over with thoughtfully-pursed lips.
Dare: The mirror never lies, but sometimes it hurts us. You need medicine. Care.
She paws at Melinda, checking over her arm with an overbearing concern. Keeping her cool, the Rebel grabs Darna’s wrist and slowly pulls her hand away.
Rhodes: I’m fine… yeah I’ll have to go talk with someone about replacing the mirror. Shit happens.
Nodding, Dare breaks into a Cheshire grin, staring up at the other woman.
Dare: Speaking of shit, I am a fan of yours. Little Darna hears the whispers even from the far land of Friday nights - the spirits howl when you fight. We would beg a boon for them - an autograph, a picture?
Rhodes: *After staring for a few seconds, uncertain* Uuuuhh sure, why not?
Not wanting to be rude despite the situation, Mel allows her to throw an arm around her and take a selfie with her phone. The resulting picture shows her putting on her best smile, despite the obvious cuts on her arm with thin rivulets of blood running down them. The fuck was she doing here? What’s going on? The confusion running through Mel and the timing of the appearance were sending all kinds of red flags up and yet she didn’t want to say the truth… she’d done that in the past and people thought she was outright crazy.
Dare: You are an inspiration, Melinda Rhodes. Darna thanks you, and wishes you the best in berating the Bullet - in squelching the squirting Skye. Show them what a warrior you are.
Mel gathers her makeup kit and heads for the door.
Rhodes: Uuuuuuuhhh yeah.. I guess…?
Pulling the door handle, she looks back to see Darna standing in front of the counter, unmoving and simply staring at the broken mirror shards. The Rebel lingers for a moment, then exits with a shake of her head, unsure of how to proceed as we move to a commercial break.
A VIOLENT REBOUND AWAITS!
SINGLES MATCH, X-DIVISION RULES
Bathsheba
VS Caleb Scott
SINGLES MATCH, X-DIVISION RULES
Bathsheba
VS Caleb Scott
We return to ringside where commentary is standing by for our next match!
Aiello: We're back, folks! We just saw a curious encounter between Darna Dare and our FX Champion Melinda Rhodes, but now it's time for X-Division action as Bathsheba takes on Caleb Scott!
Bennett: This match which just so happens to be sponsored by Curious Encounters, now out on...wait...ah hell, that note was scratched out for a reason.
Stroup: The following match, set for one fall, is to be fought under X-Division Rules. Joining us first, residing in Babylon and weighing in at 130 pounds ... BATHSHEBA!
As the violin starts the arena plunges into darkness and stays pitch black for the first 40 seconds until the piano starts. When it does a red spotlight shines down shines down on Father Mathias who is cackling with laughter. After another 20 seconds he slams his cane on the stage which causes fire to shoot up from the stage behind him to the left and right. Bathsheba comes crawling out from under the stage and stops when she gets to Father Mathias' feet. Together they go to the ring where Bathsheba slides under the bottom rope where she listens to Father Mathias' last minute instructions
Stroup: And the opponent, from St Cloud, Minnesota and weighing in at 215 pounds ... CALEB SCOTT!
Lights go black as Ze Nigmar plays. Four hooded figures with torches come out and stand on the stage, two on each side of the entrance. Lights stay off as the song intro plays. Once the drums start, a single beam of light from above the ring shoots to the stage as Caleb Scott and Luke Mason walk out through a thick white fog and stands between the hooded drudges. Holding his chain-wrapped bat, Caleb stands there for a few seconds looking out at the crowd with Luke, who is doing the same. They begin to slowly walk to the ring as a short row of fire ignites on either side of the entrance ramp. Caleb approaches the steel steps and places his bat on the top step as Luke stands beside him. Caleb then places his hand on top of the bat and closes his eyes for a few seconds before going up the steps and into the ring while Luke slides in under the bottom rope, the single beam of light follows Caleb the entire time. He walks towards the corner and stands on the middle rope and Luke stands between the turnbuckles, against the ropes. Caleb stares out into the crowd for a few seconds before taking a deep breath, extending his arms out to the side, and unleashing a loud, thunderous scream before the lights come back on.
DING DING DING
Caleb runs at Bathsheba who ducks a clothesline. Caleb runs off the ropes but Bathsheba drops low to the mat with Caleb running over her and off the ropes. She gets to her feet as Caleb comes off the ropes and smacks Bathsheba with a clothesline from Hell that turns Bathsheba inside out. Caleb drags Bathsheba to her feet by her hair and throws her into the corner with such force that she comes off her feet and drops to the mat. Caleb rolls out of the ring and reaches under where he pulls out a trash can filled with weapons. He rolls it and himself into the ring. Caleb empties the contents of the trash can on the mat and tosses the trash can at Bathsheba. Caleb lifts a kendo stick from the pile and smacks Bathsheba across the back with it before running off the ropes and effectively clotheslining her with the kendo stick. He makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Bathsheba gets a shoulder off the mat to break the count. As she gets to her feet Caleb runs off the ropes and dives at Bathsheba for a spear. Bathsheba counters with a DDT onto the pile of weaponry. Bathsheba lifts a staple gun from the pile and smacks Caleb on the side of the head with it. Caleb drops to the mat. Bathsheba lifts Caleb off the mat and up for a side suplex. Bathsheba spins him causing Caleb to land face first onto the pile of weapons. Bathsheba uses the kendo stick to drag him to his feet before hitting Caleb with a white Russian leg sweep. She makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Caleb rolls out of the pin attempt.
Aiello: Close to a victory there! I do believe it’s going to take more to keep Caleb Scott down.
Bennett: You think? It’s going to take a lot to keep both down but right now Caleb Scott is on the back foot. He can’t stay there.
Father Mathias slides a chair into the ring and Bathsheba picks it up. She smacks Caleb across the back with the chair. Caleb rolls to the ring apron to escape. Bathsheba drops the chair and reaches through the ropes pulling Caleb into the ring. Bathsheba drops Caleb face first onto the chair with a Hangman’s DDT. She rolls Caleb over and makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Caleb just manages to push himself free to break the count. Father Mathias slides his cane into the ring. Bathsheba reaches to lift it but Caleb shoves her through the ropes and grabs the cane himself. Bathsheba slides back into the ring but Caleb swings the cane smacking Bathsheba. She spins on one foot and drops to the mat. Caleb places the chair in the middle of the ring and drags Bathsheba to her feet. He lifts her into the air and drops her down onto the chair with a Cemetery Moonlight. He hooks the legs.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Bathsheba rolls to her front to break the count. Both pull themselves to their feet and charge their opponent. Both hit the other with a clothesline and both drop to the mat.
Aiello: Both are down. The first one to get up may have the upper hand in the contest.
Bennett: That’s IF one of them can get up. This has been a very physical contest.
Bathsheba rolls to ringside and pulls a table from under the ring. She slides it into the ring before sliding herself in. Bathsheba stomps on a still down Caleb and sets up the table in the middle of the ring. Bathsheba turns to grab Caleb but Caleb is on his feet and grabs Bathsheba hitting a Grim Death through the table. Bathsheba somehow manages to drag herself to herself to the ropes and uses them to pull herself to her feet. She walks right into Caleb who drops her onto the table remains with a Grave Plot. He covers her.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall CALEB SCOTT!
Caleb stands on the middle turnbuckle and stares out into the crowd for a few seconds before taking a deep breath, extending his arms out to the side, and unleashing a loud, thunderous scream. He climbs over the ropes and heads up the ramp.
Aiello: A smashing win there. It was a hard fought battle but Caleb Scott comes away with a big win here tonight on Brawl.
Bennett: Bathsheba gave this match her all and damn near won this. I truly believe that had she been the one to put Caleb though the table, she would have won.
Aiello: Caleb picking up some momentum as he starts eyeing that EWC X-Division Championship, we know something is in the works regarding that title come StrangleMania but who will we see take on El Pablo for the gold? In the meantime folks, stick around because up next is tag team action as PARAMOUNT's 3 pAc take on the newly-formed RAMPAGE team of Ruthless Aggression and Luke Saito!
Camera cuts to ...
The scene opens backstage where we see The Eleos Affect standing side by side in a hallway, the grey walls the only backdrop we see. Antoni and KU are in street clothes.
Antoni: Season 24 of EWC is upon us and Monday Night Brawl is on the road to StrangleMania! For those that maybe have forgotten, I am The Samoan Warrior, Antoni Malietoea and this stoic looking dude next to me is the Black Tree of Sapporo, KU.
KU says nothing.
Antoni: And we're here tonight in Mexico City because it's obvious that KU and I cannot possibly take time off and think that the tag team division is going to properly function in EWC. The EWC World Tag Team champions, Damage, Inc have had what.. ONE match so far? there's been a total of like 3 total tag matches in season 24? This simply cannot stand. So we have one message for the tag teams of EWC.
KU cuts Antoni off.
KU: Been to quiet this year.
Antoni looks to his partner, stunned that he actually spoke.
Antoni: Could not have said it better myself KU. It's been way too quiet and we intend to fix that. The Southern Express are gone, folks. Off enjoying their retirement. No one is going to be "The next Southern Express" and so with that The Eleos Affect are issuing an open challenge for Brawl 595...That's right. ANY tag team.. Come one, come all. Get your asses to Tokyo, Japan and march out to that ring, because we are ready to remind the World why we are the ONLY team that ever beat the record breaking, history making, Future Hall of Famers, The Southern Express not once.. but TWICE in a single season. We are the standard for Tag Team Wrestling in EWC and its about time that we show all these new teams what Tag Team Wrestling in EWC is all about. So come get some in Tokyo.
Antoni and KU both stare daggers into the camera as is fades out to commercial...
Antoni: Season 24 of EWC is upon us and Monday Night Brawl is on the road to StrangleMania! For those that maybe have forgotten, I am The Samoan Warrior, Antoni Malietoea and this stoic looking dude next to me is the Black Tree of Sapporo, KU.
KU says nothing.
Antoni: And we're here tonight in Mexico City because it's obvious that KU and I cannot possibly take time off and think that the tag team division is going to properly function in EWC. The EWC World Tag Team champions, Damage, Inc have had what.. ONE match so far? there's been a total of like 3 total tag matches in season 24? This simply cannot stand. So we have one message for the tag teams of EWC.
KU cuts Antoni off.
KU: Been to quiet this year.
Antoni looks to his partner, stunned that he actually spoke.
Antoni: Could not have said it better myself KU. It's been way too quiet and we intend to fix that. The Southern Express are gone, folks. Off enjoying their retirement. No one is going to be "The next Southern Express" and so with that The Eleos Affect are issuing an open challenge for Brawl 595...That's right. ANY tag team.. Come one, come all. Get your asses to Tokyo, Japan and march out to that ring, because we are ready to remind the World why we are the ONLY team that ever beat the record breaking, history making, Future Hall of Famers, The Southern Express not once.. but TWICE in a single season. We are the standard for Tag Team Wrestling in EWC and its about time that we show all these new teams what Tag Team Wrestling in EWC is all about. So come get some in Tokyo.
Antoni and KU both stare daggers into the camera as is fades out to commercial...
The camera cuts backstage where we find Bunny Love walking down the hallway towards The Love Club locker room with Xavier Reid.
B. Love: I mean it was a good win for them…for us…sure people will look down their noses at The Kreul Masters, having not won a Main Brand match yet and point out that we ‘didn’t pin the champions’ in the match at Paramount #029 but the fact is WE WON…we did, the 3pAC…we won a match where the champions were involved and made them 0-1 to start the season…
Xavier nods his head in agreement…
Reid: People want to see you fail because of your last name Bunny so they are not going to give you or the boys credit for that debut win…they will try their best to poke holes in it…
Bunny rolls her eyes…
B. Love: Like that idiot Luke Saito, ‘Bunny and 3 Pac are on a high after their win and they believe they are on the road to follow in the steps of Southern Express. The only difference is they didn’t pin the tag team champions themselves. They got the win off of The Kreul Masters. So yes it was a superhero victory for them but did they truly win in the end’...Jesus, Ruth needs to steal Killjoy’s old gimmick and not allow this moron to talk…
Xavier smiles at Bunny as she blows hair out of her face…
B. Love: And it’s funny coming from him of all people…remind me, what the fuck has he done here in the EWC…oh that’s right…squat shit…he’s only here because his ‘auntie’ is a Ruthann, because if he didn’t have her he would be signed to a enhancement contract and working Gambit’s putting over real stars…fuck this guy, we beat him at Thunder V…him, his wife and Jason Hunter…in fact we swept them right out of that elimination tag match like they were NOTHING…and yet he wants to get smart with us and think he’s better than us…
Xavier puts his hand on Bunny’s shoulder in an attempt to calm her down…
Reid: Don’t let ‘The Joker’ get under your skin…that’s his gameplan Bunny…
B. Love: He’s not ‘under my skin’...he’s just another moron who can’t just say, ‘hey great job guys’...no he needs to run our achievements down in order to make it seem like they have a shot…you know what we have that ‘The JOKE’ doesn't…a main brand win, you know what else…A TAG TEAM WIN…so he can run it down all he wants but the facts remain him and his ‘auntie’ haven’t done shit here in the EWC while the 3pAC, they are 1-0 on main brand shows and 2-0 this season in the EWC and right in the mix to challenge Damage Inc for those EWC Tag Team Championships at StrangleMania…
Bunny smirks as the couple reaches the locker room door of The Love Club…Xavier reaches out and opens the door for her and they step in and look around but there is no signs of Deimos and ‘Little’ Danny…
B. Love: Where the hell are they? I told them to…
But before she can finish the lights in the room go off and the ‘Bat Signal’ flashes on the back wall…
Deimos: Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na…BATMAN!!!
The lights pop back on as Deimos jumps out in front of Bunny and Xavier dressed in a full Batman suit, with his hands on his hips he looks off into the distance…
Deimos: And his ward Robin…
Deimos looks around for Robin…
Deimos: I said, and his ward Robin…ROBIN…DAMN IT DANNY!!!
A less excited ‘Little’ Danny steps out dressed up as Robin…
‘Little’ Danny: This is bullshit Deimos, mocking the superhero shit was my idea, I should be Batman and you should be his little ‘boy wonder’ Robin…
Deimos: Yeah well I’m older and bigger and you look like a dick…I mean, you look like Dick…Dick Grayson…
Xavier laughs as he looks at Bunny…
Reid: I’m going to go and get ready and let you short all this out…best of luck out there boys…
Xavier pats Deimos and ‘Little’ Danny on the backs as he walks past them and they turn to face Bunny…
Deimos: So we have two options for you…
‘Little’ Danny: Either…
‘Little’ Danny holds up a barely there black suit…
‘Little’ Danny: Catwoman or…
Deimos holds up an even smaller outfit made up of leaves and vines…
Deimos: Poison Ivy…
The two men wave the outfits in front of their manager as if they are trying to get the attention of a dog with treats before Bunny knocks both outfits out of their hands and onto the floor.
B. Love: WE ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE OUR BRAWL DEBUT IN SUPERHERO COSTUMES YOU IDIOTS!!!
The two ‘heros’ take a step back from her…
Deimos: Oh shit, Mount Saint Bunny is about to blow…
‘Little’ Danny: Save the women and children first…
The two men smile as they look at Bunny…hoping they ‘lightened’ the mood…but they see they did not…
Deimos: Relax Bunny, it was just an idea…to mock Ruth and Luke…
‘Little’ Danny: Yeah, it would have been funny to beat them as the ‘superheroes’ they see us as…
Deimos and ‘Little’ Danny remove their masks to reveal their true identities…
Deimos: They wanted to make us look like jokes but they would be the ones getting laughed at when they lose us dressed for Halloween…
‘Little’ Danny: Yeah, I mean it Ruth were to get pinned by Robin…Robin, not Batman but Robin…they might take back her spot in the Hall of Fame…
B. Love: Do you two realize how big of a match this is for you? Honestly…
But before she can finish ‘Little’ Danny steps forward…
‘Little’ Danny: Yeah we do Bunny, we get it…we aren’t stupid…we are coming off a win in a match that involved the EWC Tag Team Champions…
Deimos: Giving us the biggest tag team win thus far this season…
‘Little’ Danny: Sure some might see it as us ‘getting lucky’ but tonight is our chance to back that win up and get some momentum as he head towards StrangleMania…
Deimos: If we were to go out there and lose tonight…well shit..
‘Little’ Danny: It would prove all the haters right about us…
Deimos: And we’d be lucky if the EWC would let us sell beer in the nosebleed sections…
‘Little’ Danny: I doubt anyone would ever let us sell beer again after we drank all of it and passed out in the ladies bathroom in St. Louis…
Deimos: Good times…see I remember Ruth from back in our days in the CEW and you know what else I remember…she didn’t do anything special there…she was just another face on the roster, no better than me and yet here in the EWC, well she’s seen as a God because she once was the Undisputed Champion…well that was a long time ago…she hasn’t seen that level a success in years and deep down I’m guessing she’s regretting coming back and wrecking her legacy…
‘Little’ Danny: Well tonight we get to help graffiti that legacy…
Deimos: With spray painted penises…
‘Little’ Danny: By beating her and Luke and taking out their legs in the tag team division before it can even get off its feet…to eliminate the threat of Buddy’s Buddies right out the gate…
Deimos: And win over the heart of Tim Kahr and maybe get his vote on who should face old ugly and uglier at StrangleMania…
‘Little’ Danny: We are the only tag team in the division out there ‘working’ right now…
Deimos: So YES, we are taking this match and them seriously…just in our own way Bunny…that was until you killed our fun…
Deimos looks down at the costumes…
Deimos: And to think…we used your part of the MVP bonus on all this…
‘Little’ Danny: Yeah, Deimos said you like to play ‘dress up’...with the nurse costume, the french maid costume…the Princess Leah costume…
Deimos smiles as Bunny takes a swing at him…
B. Love: I TOLD YOU TO STAY OUT OF MY CLOSET!!!
Deimos: I was looking for our cat…
Bunny looks at him…
B. Love: We don’t have a cat…
Deimos: That we can find…stupid thing has been missing for months…
Bunny shakes her head and looks at the two men…
B. Love: We don’t have time for this…go take that shit off and get into your ring gear…NOW!!!
But just then the door opens and in walks ‘The Memphis Mouthpiece’ Tommy Love, who takes one look at the two men and starts laughing…
T. Love: I didn’t realize Comic Con was in town…though this does remind me of the time I walked in on Bobby and Jimmy dressed as doctors…but that’s because Miss Sunshine was knocked out and couldn’t remember who she was and where she was and those two idiots were desperate to see her naked and thought they could pass as doctors and get her out of her clothes…but this…well, the tag team division really has fallen off without those two retiring that’s all I’ll say…
Tommy shakes his head and walks towards where Xavier went as Deimos flips him off and ‘Little’ Danny makes a ‘jerking off motion’ towards Tommy…
INTERBRAND INSANITY - TAG TEAM TUSSLE!
TAG TEAM MATCH
3pac
VS Luke "The Joker" Saito & Ruthless Aggression
TAG TEAM MATCH
3pac
VS Luke "The Joker" Saito & Ruthless Aggression
We return to ringside where the last of the cleanup crew are on their way backstage.
Aiello: Well, from a bloody brawl to an inter-brand tag team showcase we go! There's no Love lost between these two teams, and we could be in for another violent bout of action, Steve.
Bennett: You bet your ass! 3 pAC are on a rampage, and by beautiful coincidence it's Rampage they need to get past tonight - in the form of the recently-debuted Luke "The Joker" Saito, and the intensely violent Hall of Famer, Ruthann Anderson - better known as Ruthless Aggression. With some veteran bloodletters on their way; you gotta feel for the kid.
Stroup: The following contest is for one fall, and is a tag team match! Joining us first, at a combined weight of four hundred pounds ... Deimos & 'Little' Danny ... 3 pAC!
'My Hero' plays out as Deimos and 'Little' Danny walk out onto the stage holding up crowbars to some cheers. Behind them Bunny Love walks out as the two men drop to a knee and whisper back and forth about their game plan. Bunny taps them on the shoulders and the two mean stand up and they walk towards the ring. When they reach ringside they hand Bunny the crowbars and roll into the ring under the bottom rope. (if the are the second team they can attack their opponents before the bell rings.)
Stroup: And their opponents! Introducing first, from Brooklyn, New York, weighing in at one hundred and fifty six pounds ... LUKE "THE JOKER" SAITO!
The lights in the arena are slowly going off and on as on the top of the ramp only to see Luke standing there with his shades on his face with his long black coat on and standing behind him is Luna wearing the same coat but she has a hood with her and wearing the hood over her head. He grabs her hand and has her standing in front of her as he slowly removes her hood off her head as they both grin.
They both started walking down to the ramp together when the words “Rise” came blasting over the speakers. Luna was playing with the crowd as Luke kept walking slowly down to the ramp. Luna gets to the bottom as she stands on the outside of the ring while Luke stands behind her on top of the apron as the lights flash like crazy on the words “Rise” they put up a fist together. Luna then climbs inside of the ring with him and helps him out of his jacket. She holds it as they bump their heads together like they were praying before the match. She gives him a small kiss before climbing out of the ring as he starts to test the ropes.
Stroup: And his partner, from Brooklyn, New York, weighing in at two hundred pounds ... RUTHLESS AGGRESSION!
Centuries by Fall Out Boys came on over the speakers as smoke filled the top of the Extreme Tron as she step out of the smoke. She takes in the crowd with a bit of a smirk walking down the ramp along with Rose Lee playing to them a bit before climbing in. She walk over to the side take off her jacket and hand over to the person testing the ropes getting ready. She shares a moment with Saito as he sketches out a bow, then reaches out a hand to bump fists, getting a surge of appreciation from the crowd!
DING DING DING
The cheer hasn't even died as both members of 3 pAC dash across the ring, rattling Saito with a sequence of forearms and kicks. Ruthann gets involved despite the protects of the official, dropping into a drive-by spear on 'Little' Danny, then circling around as he gets up, to plant him face-first into the mat with a vigorous bulldog! Saito has fought his way back into contention against Deimos, spinning into a reverse elbow, then rattling him with a beautiful KENTA kick that sends him backfirst into the corner. Stepping in, the Joker hits a couple more for good measure, while Hunter pulls 'Little' Danny up and whips him toward his partner.
With a big grin, Luke Saito sidesteps and nails a picture-perfect dropkick to the back of Danny's skull, driving him up against Deimos - and a second later, Ruthless Aggression unleashes a bloody-minded scream and CRUSHES both of them with a statement of a Stinger Splash - the arena exploding a second time for the fan favorite and her rookie partner!
Aiello: 3 pAC, of course, infamous for 'appropriating' their opponents' moves, and the Hall of Famer just gave them a lesson in why you don't do that! She means to put these rambunctious boys in their place, Steve.
Bennett: Hey, I'm a goddamn mark for 3 pAC but you gotta love it. The veteran is handing out receipts.
The official has managed to seize control, and after pausing to shake the ropes - ensuring the crowd remain fired up and right behind her - Ruthann exits the ring, as a protesting 'Little' Danny is forced to do the same. Saito takes his time dragging the dazed Deimos from the corner, working him over with stiff shots, then planting him with a snap suplex that sends him skidding across the ring. Striding after him, Luke takes his eyes off the opposing corner - and is almost grabbed and pulled to the ropes by the scowling Danny, who continues to cajole him as he pulls Deimos up by the hair, knees him in the midsection, and steps into a big spinning spinebuster that shakes the ring!
Showing solid tactical acumen, Saito tags in Ruthless Aggression, who gets a big pop as she catapults herself over the ropes to hit a somersault leg drop on the downed man! She makes the cover as Saito wisely rushes at 'Little' Danny, seeking to take him out - only to go flying over the top rope, as his chaotic foe drops down.
ONE...
TWO...
KICKOUT!
Ruthann isn't surprised as the shoulder flies up, just giving a playful smirk as she starts to walk away, then lunges toward her recovering opponent, peppering him with stomps that drive him back into the corner, rolling and tumbling to avoid her. On the outside, Danny has mount on Saito and is raining down a series of clunking blows, while yelling at Bunny to bring him a weapon. The official is torn between monitoring this situation and the match, and this gives Deimos the opportunity to sweep Anderson's leg, pitching her into the ropes where he begins to choke her.
Forced to focus on this blatant bending of the rules, the ref moves in and applies the count, Deimos backing off at four with his hands high and a ridiculous look of faux-innocence plastered on his craggy face. Ruthless Aggression HOWLS as she spins to her feet and tries to muscle him up onto her shoulders for a Death Valley Driver...
Wide-eyed, Deimos wriggles free and counters with an abrupt cutter, trying to lock in a Dragon sleeper from the ground only to get countered in turn by a thudding upkick from Ruthann. Meanwhile, there's a profound cry of pain from ringside as 'Little' Danny gets his hands on a crowbar courtesy of Bunny Love, putting it to immediate and potent effect!
The official yells a warning over the ropes, as Ruthless Aggression now takes the opportunity to hit a low blow on Deimos, slide to her feet and seize him around the waist, whipping him up and over into a beautiful OLD SCHOOL! He's tossed from her shoulders, landing on his face with a groan of pain, as on the outside the situation is resolved with a shrug from Danny, who hurls his crowbar back to Bunny Love. She gives the official a charming smile, and hides it behind her back -- only to have it immediately wrestled away by a figure behind her!
Aiello: Shenanigans from both teams on full display here, but who is that? Is that Buddy Love?
Bennett: Yeah, man, backing up Buddy's Buddies! How do you not know about this? Hah, he's got the crowbar! Bunny's gotta take control here, or this could go south real fast.
Clearly, Bunny agrees with Steve Bennett's assessment of the situation. One moment Buddy is scurrying away, the crowbar held up to fend her off - threatening to lay out the woman if she comes at him, and in the next she comes at him anyway, swinging her foot up between his legs! His eyes cross, and she snatches the crowbar and baseball swings it at the groaning man, hard enough she loses her grip! The crowbar clangs off his skull, and he goes down in a heap as the weapon bounces off across ringside. Bunny Love can hardly believe what she's just done, but neither can Ruthless Aggression, who forsakes her advantage over Deimos to launch herself through the ropes at Bunny!
With an 'eep' the smaller woman runs off around ringside, pursued by Ruthann, as Deimos crawls to the apron and directs traffic with his teammate, the pair of them dragging Luke Saito into the ring. Bunny Love is cut off abruptly by Luna, who seizes her and SLAMS her against the barricade, the poor valet being surrounded by TWO very scary women, as inside the ring Luke Saito is briskly worked over before being launched into the air by 'Little' Danny--
--and firmly cuttered into oblivion by Deimos! THE pAC DROP!! The official has lost all sense of order, and as Deimos pins Luke Saito, he drops to make the count, as Danny peels off to intercept Ruthless Aggression!
WHAM! He hits her center mass, ploughing her into the barricade and Bunny Love. He's immediately grabbed by Luna, and given a firm chokeslam into the apron, but the count is already being made...
ONE...
TWO...
TH-REE!!!
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winners, via pinfall ... 3 pAC!
Luna is incensed, Ruthann is furious, and Luke Saito just lies there, staring at the ceiling in disbelief as the absolute chaos of his opponents finds him eating a pin he knows wasn't legal. Anderson is on her feet, protesting with the official as Luna screams and starts raining down heavyhanded punches on 'Little' Danny. Inside the ring, Deimos looks at this situation, makes an awkward face and settles for celebrating like he just won the Superbowl, the jeers and boos of the crowd raining down as the match ends in a complete fustercluck!
Aiello: This was a complete mess, but despite a solid performance and tactics from the team of Luke Saito and the Hall of Famer, 3 pAC have somehow stumbled their way into another victory and are looking like serious contenders for the tag team championship. Steve, I know you're a fan of this kind of nonsense, but surely you don't think this was right?!
Bennett: Hey, the official's word is final, yeah? Say what you want about 3 pAC, and plenty do, but they played this one smart, worked as a team, and they walk away as the winners. That's the ONLY thing that matters.
Aiello: That's a fair point Steve! Folks, up next we have the first of two triple threat matches for the night, a falls count anywhere situation between Darna Dare, Xavier Reid, and the EWC International Champion King Flip!
Camera cuts to ...
The camera cuts backstage inside The Love Club where we find Xavier Reid sitting in a chair watching the end of the 3pAC verses Ruthless Aggression & Luke ‘The Joker’ Saito. From behind Xavier ‘The Memphis Mouthpiece’ Tommy Love walks over and turns the TV off. Xavier looks up at him…
Reid: Are you kidding me…
Tommy pulls up a chair and sits across from him…
Love: Listen Xavier, I know you are fond of my daughter and like to pretend that her opinion matters and is valued…
Reid: I am fond of her…I think her opinion matters and she IS valued…
Tommy smiles and winks at Xavier…
Love: Perfect…it sounds convincing and should fool the little twit…however, I know she’s been filling your head with her nonsense, giving you ‘pointer’s’ as if SHE’S your manager and you are some sort of ‘tag team project’ she’s trying to replace the GREATEST tag team of all time with…
Reid: Those ‘PROJECT’ are friends of my Tommy…just like Bobby and Jimmy were your friends…
Tommy waves Xavier off…
Love: And you finally got the BIG one out of your house and out of your guest room…so I would recommend changing the locks or moving…
Reid: Did you ever think I suggested them to Bunny so that they could get a second chance and get back on their feet…they lost their jobs in the CEW because I left Tommy…because I went to Combat Pro and to punish me they sent Deimos and ‘Little’ Danny home and forgot about them…for over a year while they were tag team champions…and then to add insult they fired them with one day left on their contract…
Love: Sounds like a THEM problem…
Reid: Deimos had nowhere to go so I let him move in with me…as for Danny, we lost track of him for a few years and then one day I got a call…from Burger King…he used me as a personal reference…do you know how shitty that made me feel…
Tommy nods yeah…
Love: Yeah…it’s how I feel watching my client take advice from my daughter…listen, she’s filled your head with crap advice…you are Xavier fucking Reid and you don’t hid out waiting on the outskirts for an opportunity…you need to be right in the middle of the action showing these idiots why you deserve that X-Division Championship match at StrangleMania…
Xavier is about to say something but Tommy stands up and holds up his hand…
Love: You can’t forget everything that jackass Flip has done to you and I don’t want you to…I want that shit to burn inside you and make you want to crack open his head and take a shit down his throat…that made your life a living hell and we don’t just ignore that…we plot and get our revenge on those shitstains…and tonight is our first chance to do so this season…Flip is coming off a loss here on Brawl to Stitches in the Elite 8 of the Legends of the Ring tournament…a tournament we should have been in…
Tommy presses his lips together as he looks at Xavier…
Love: He watched his chance at the Undisputed Championship and the Main Event of StrangleMania go to another man…that has to hurt…he’s spinning his wheels doing nothing now…ok, sure he’s going to face either JoJo Rush or Dio for the International Championship at StrangleMania but it’s a consolation prize…how can one be the ‘face of Brawl’ when another is representing Brawl in the biggest match of the night…
Tommy shrugs…
Love: And while a win over him tonight wouldn’t get you a shot at that International Championship it would send him into StrangleMania on a losing streak…and 0-1 against you in the 2023 season…
Tommy smiles…
Love: As for Darna Dare…she’s the biggest risk to us Xavier…if she goes out there and pulls this off the GM’s might just name her El Pablo’s opponent…skipping you over like all of last season…she likes the pain…we get it…well give her what she wants kid…give her the pain she craves…stomp her fucking face in, cave in her head…show her what a X-Division champion looks like…I’ve seen you dive off a balcony to put Ace King through a fucking table to win a match, just off a forklift raises 20 feet in the air to beat Emma Louise…stepped into the Weapons X match to beat Stephanie Matsuda…now tonight I need you to go out there and prove once again that you are in fact ‘THAT MAN’...and you don’t do that by hiding out and ‘waiting for your opportunity’...you do that by going out there and being a fucking psychopath…you go out there looking for blood…you go out there an remind these people that El Pablo isn’t the only Volando that can DOMINATE the X-Division and these matches…
Tommy puts his hands on Xavier’s shoulders…
Love: I want you to be the Xavier Reid that dominated the EWC and not run and hide like Bunny wants you to do…bust these two like fucking pinatas and take that X-Division Championship match by the balls and don’t allow Darna to sneak into the match…don’t give Flip the satisfaction of getting another one over on you…make this your moment…I’ll be there, I’ll take a swing at either of them if I get my chance but Xavier…take the fight to them…be the man I know you can be…
Tommy smirks at Xavier, he’s said his peace and now it’s on Xavier…he shrugs his shoulders as he picks up ‘The Love Stick’...
Love: It’s time man…lets go out there and win ourselves a match and a championship opportunity…
Xavier nods at his manager and stands up and the two men walk towards the door as we go to commercial…
THREE ROADS IN SEARCH OF A DESTINATION!
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH (NON-TITLE), FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE IN MEXICO CITY
Darna Dare
VS Xavier Reid
VS King Flip
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH (NON-TITLE), FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE IN MEXICO CITY
Darna Dare
VS Xavier Reid
VS King Flip
We return to ringside where Joe and Steve await on commentary!
Aiello: Man, what a night so far! In our main event tonight we have JoJo Rush taking on Dio to determine the number one contender for the EWC International Championship at StrangleMania, but the champ himself is in for a fight tonight as he takes on Darna Dare and Xavier Reid!
Bennett: This one could get brutal Joe, especially with falls counting anywhere in Mexico City!
Stroup: The following match is a triple threat match, scheduled for one fall...which can count anywhere in great, beautiful Mexico City! Joining us first, from Sugbu, Philippines, weighing in at 113 pounds ... DARNAAA DAAAAARE!
Coils of thick, gray smoke drift across the stage, carrying in their midst the ethereal, ghostlike form of Darna Dare. As the beat drops, she twirls into an emphatic pirouette, her bare foot scything through the air as she follows its arc into a tumble, landing in a three-point crouch with her jaw raised and gaze trained upon the ring. She straightens with a fierce urgency, bold steps carrying her forward with arms swinging and skirts swishing. At the base of the ramp she handsprings onto the apron and arches over the ropes, twisting her frame to land balanced on her hands upon the turnbuckle, spine curved dramatically and one leg extended, toes pointed out into the crowd. She holds her signature pose with a determined glare, then spins into a second tumble, plunging into a casual, bounding skip, arms loose at her sides and a devilish grin gracing her lips.
Stroup: Introducing, from New York City, weighing in at 220 pounds ... XAAAAVIEEER REEEEEEID!
The spotlights inside the arena start to flash around the crowd as 'Papercut' starts to play out. Xavier Reid walks out onto the stage and pulls his t-shirt off and drops it on the stage. His manager, ‘The Memphis Mouthpiece’ Tommy Love follows him out onto the stage, waving 'The Love Stick' around. Xavier walks to the front of the stage and crosses his arms into an X in front of his chest and smirks as Tommy follows from behind and acts as if he’s going to hit the camera with the ‘Love Stick’. Tommy points to the ring and Xavier marches up the steps and steps into the ring, goes to the far corner and jumps up to the second rope and looks out over the fans as Tommy Love walks towards the referee, already complaining about something trying to influence the referee or at least bully him into giving them the advantage.
Stroup: And last but not least, from the land of money and fame, weighing in at 220 pounds, he is the EWC International Champion ... KIIIING FLIIIIP!
K I N G F L I P zooms from right to left across the EXT and is followed swiftly by a large red pyro. 'Machinegun' begins to play as the man in the hooded vest, head low, emerges from the curtain with the International championship around his waist. Chanel is not far behind, brandishing the Apple TV+ Broadcast championship on her shoulder. Flip gets to the edge of the rampway when he lifts his hood to reveal that arrogant half smile. The lyrics chime in as he walks slowly down the ramp with his eyes locked in on the ring, eyeballing his opponents. He jaunts up the steel steps and ascends to the seconds turnbuckle, slowly raising his championship after unfastening it from his waist. Chanel does much the same on the second steel step. The King hops into the squared circle after a moment of revelry. He hands his championship to his manager, never taking his eyes from the wrestlers in the ring with him.
DING DING DING
Reid rushes Dare, catching her by surprise with a flurry of blows that take the two into a corner. The former bastard keeps the pressure up with boots to the midsection and quickly takes Darna to the canvas. King Flip jumps in and both men are stomping the tar out of the Rampage diva until Reid realizes its happening. He shoves Flip off after yelling an obscenity, continuing to rain Reid boots on Dare grounds as the King uses this opportunity to leave the ring. Xavier lifts Darna up and gets her in a seated position atop the turnbuckle post. He gets a solid foothold on the second turnbuckle and begins to grab hold of The Exorcist. She bites his nose!
After that and a rake of the eyes, Darna has a moment of respite. She uses it to stand on the top turnbuckle and take a chance. Poisonrana off the top rope leaves Reid stunned after slamming hard on the canvas. Dare doesn't look much better after the assault but she's shakily on one knee. It takes a few seconds before she noticed King Flip and Chanel outside the ring sharing some popcorn with a fan on the other side of the guardrail. Flip waves.
Aiello: Huh, this seems like a good time to mention EWC's exclusive fan experience the week of StrangleMania XVIII.
Bennett: Maybe not Joe, Darna's got that look in her eye!
Darna waves back with a wicked smile, causing Flip to drop the popcorn in his hand and start beating feet as Dare slides from the ring. Reid is beginning to stir inside the ring while Flip is full sprint running around a bellowing Tommy Love. Darna slinks her way over that direction in her pursuit of Flip, but Tommy Love turns his loud whining toward Darna Dare. He shakes his love stick at her and it looks like she takes offense to such a suggestive action. She grabs the sticks and slams it across his face. Tommy Love drops like a sack of potatoes.
Darna was to continue around the ring when Chanel yells from behind to get her attention. Darna turns and takes a bucket of popcorn to the face. This only serves to both humor and irritate Darna, who wipes her face with that same wicked smile on her face. For the second time in a row Darna turns right into a hazard as King Flip finally comes back into the picture with his International championship in hand. WHACK! Championship title blast across the face takes Darna Dare to the thinly-padded canvas. Xavier Reid has finally shaken the cobwebs of landing on his neck and slides out of the ring just behind the King.
Aiello: Uh oh, this could be trouble for Flip!
Bennett: What'd ya mean COULD be, Joe?
Flip ducks a clothesline, Reid rolls under a second title blow to the face. The two come to blows and begin making their way up the rampway and through the curtain. Chanel isn't far behind; however, neither is Darna Dare who decides to make an example of the pesky manager. She taps on the shoulder of said manager who freezes in place on the rampway. The crowd buzzes for the coming moment. Chanel uses her hand to reach behind her, feeling the face and head of Darna Dare while simultaneously holding back what looks like buckets of tears. Slowly, she turns around. The Frog and The Scorpion Kick!
Chanel gets dropped like a bad habit and now Darna Dare is through the curtain not far behind the backstage brawl. Reid and Flip have pushed pretty quickly through a press work station and have made their way through some double doors leading to the employee parking lot. Flip gets a thumb to the eye and escapes the harsh clutches of the former ravager, stumbling between some cars to make his way out of the arena. We see Dare keeping some distance but following Flip just the same as Reid.
Aiello: And here we go, the action spilling out of the Palacio!
Bennett: Here's hoping our insurance covers everything!
A mariachi band is shoved over like dominoes as Reid continues to chase Flip down the road. Dare catches up and catches Reid off guard with a stiff kick to the side of his head. Reid stumbles in pain and surprise, stumbling through a rickety set of glass doors leading into a convenience store. Flip hears the crash and turns around. He thumbs his nose and sticks his tongue out at Dare, turning back around to continue running away. Darna makes chase, The Bronze Scorpion swiftly closing the gap on the King. Crowning Moment! Flip uses a car to balance himself for the backflip kick, but Darna scouts the move and moves out of the way. The King bounces off the sidewalk and squawks in pain, grabbing his knee. Darna capitalizes on it, however, leaping atop Flip with a bounce off her ass off his back to keep him well grounded. She locks the leg in for single leg Boston crab.
Onlookers ogle as the two fight for dominance over the situation. Reid is barely even able to stand as he is seen stumbling out of the convenience store with a maraca decorated like the Mexican flag. Flip uses the car to pull himself up enough to break the hold of Darna Dare, but it doesn't stop her offense. TIGBALAND'S GRACE! The submission finisher is expertly fastened to keep Flip in pain and without escape...BAM! Hit and Run by a returning Reid, targeting that kick right to the face of Darna! The champ is still out of it, and Reid senses his opportunity with a cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Darna's back up...
THREE!
...but can't break the pin up in time!
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall... XAVIEEER REEEEEEID!
Reid is almost stunned by this as he gets back to his feet, the ref raising his hand in victory as we cut back to the Palacio to hear from Joe and Steve!
Aiello: What a brutal battle that was, folks! Darna, Reid, and Flip gave it their all, but it's Reid that picks up the win here tonight!
Bennett: Looks like Reid got an ounce of that revenge he's been seeking from Flip here!
Aiello: We know Reid's been on a mission to get back into the title hunt after what happened back at WrestleFest, and surely this puts him--
Joe is interrputed as the camera cuts to ...
As Xavier gingerly picks himself up and dusts himself off, he finds his attention drawn to a commotion taking place across the street. As our cameraperson jostles to gain a better viewpoint, we suddenly see EWC X-Division Champion El Pablo sitting in a camping chair on the sidewalk, flanked by his usual supporting cast of Familia Volando members, all of whom are offering their bastard relative a round of applause.
Bennett: What is that son of a bitch doing here!?
Aiello: Well, we saw Xavier come out on Paramount to perhaps send a little message to his brother regarding the X-Division Championship; looks like the favour might be being returned here tonight!
Bennett: More like he dragged his family out here to try and throw Reid off his game; he knows his days of holding that belt are numbered!
As Reid watches on, Pablo deposits a fistful of Skittles into an open bottle of Volando-branded Modelo Especial beer which he then raises in the direction of his brother, smirking as he pats the faceplate of the championship belt that sits around his waist.
Bennett: See what I mean? He's rattled! Reid's in his head!
Aiello: Well, I dunno about that, but it seems that if Reid's willing to throw out a challenge, the X-Division Champion may be willing to accept!
A smirk spreads across Xavier's face as he gives his brother a nod. Suddenly, a bus drives past - and, when it clears, we find that Pablo, La Familia and even the chair have magically disappeared! The camera returns to Reid, who continues to nod in acknowledgement of what just happened before we move to a commercial break.
TONIGHT WE'RE GONNA PARTY LIKE IT'S BRAWL #585!
3-WAY LADDER MATCH
FOR THE FX BROADCAST CHAMPIONSHIP
Chelsea Skye
VS Alex "Bullet" Carbajal
VS Melinda Rhodes
3-WAY LADDER MATCH
FOR THE FX BROADCAST CHAMPIONSHIP
Chelsea Skye
VS Alex "Bullet" Carbajal
VS Melinda Rhodes
We return to ringside where commentary is standing by for our FX Broadcast Championship match!
Aiello: Welcome back folks! We've just witnessed El Pablo and Xavier Reid staring each other down, which tells me we can expect a proper showdown soon...but in the meantime, the FX Broadcast Championship is on the line in this triple threat ladder match as Melinda Rhodes finds herself in familiar territory defending against Chelsea Skye and the Bullet herself, Alex Carbajal!
Bennett: Last time we saw these three square off it was Bullet who picked up the win to become the champ, but can she ascend the ladder to claim that prize yet again...or will the either the champ or the Nightmare Angel get in her way? We're about to f--
Steve's microphone inexplicably cuts out as we go to Jessica Stroup in the ring!
Stroup: The following match is a TRIPLE THREAT LADDER MATCH and it is for the FX Broadcast Championship!
The lights dim and the Shieldmaidens motto “Hell is empty and the Maidens are here!” comes over the Tron as guitar stabs ring out. Concrete Blonde’s “God Is A Bullet” starts up in earnest and Alex “Bullet” Carbajal makes her way out in a full length boxing robe, ready for war. She makes her way to the ring and Bullet steps in, starting to shadowbox the second she steps in. She raises her hands into the air and then nods, ready to go.
Stroup: Introducing our first challenger, standing at 5’ 5” and weighing in at 135 lbs… Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana… ALEX “BULLET” CAAAARRRRBBBAAAJJJAAALLL!!!
*HUGE CROWD POP!*
Stroup: and our second challenger…
"Reborn Through Failure" hits the speakers and Chelsea comes out, ready for her match, she goes down to the ring slapping hands with the fans before rolling into the ring.
Stroup: …from Chicago. Illinois, she is the “Nightmare Angel” CHELSEA SKYE!
Following her ring introduction Chelsea makes her way down to the ring slapping hands with the occasional fan along the way, she enters the ring and runs the ropes as she waits for her opponent.
Stroup: And finally…
The lights drop to a dim blue only to brighten to a bright red as "The Steeple" by Halestorm plays over the P/A speakers. With a pyro explosion, the Rebel bounds from the curtains and onto that stage with a wicked grin. She sports her ring gear, a red leather vest with her winged star logo, aviator shades, and fingerless gloves. On her shoulder rests the FX Broadcast Championship. Mel strides down the aisle, taking her time and rocking with the fans in attendance. She's high-fiving fans, giving hugs to kids, and one lucky fan's child ends up with a parting gift, her chrome aviator shades getting placed right on the kid's face.
Stroup: HAILING FROM ROME, GA, SHE STANDS AT 5' 11" AND WEIGHS IN AT 145 LBS.... SHE IS YOUR FX BROADCAST CHAMPION, "THE REBEL STAR" MMMMMMEEEELLLLLLIIINNNDDDAAAA RRRRRHHHHOOOODDDDDEEESSS!!!
After making the rounds at ringside, pumping up the front row fans, Rhodes slides under the ropes, pops up and runs up to the far turnbuckle, hoisting her championship in the air while headbanging to her music. She then turns and runs to the opposite side, arms out at her sides as she shouts "COME ON!!!!" to the fans, working them up just a little bit more. She hops down and hands the belt off to the referee. Turning, Mel removes her vest, eying her two challengers. A cable comes down for the referee to hook the championship to, which is then raised high above the ring with all competitors looking up at it’s slow ascension.
DING DING DING
Who makes the first move? Chelsea Skye rushes in with a running dropkick straight to the Rebel’s chest, sending her flailing back into a corner. She then spins and sweeps Alex off her feet and follows up with a standing senton splash. She is on her feet, dodging an oncoming Rebel to leap onto the nearby ropes and hits an early ANGEL’S RECKONING on the Champ, getting a huge pop from the crowd! Chels is on her feet again and leaping onto a rising Alex for a Hurricanrana, but is reversed into a powerbomb. Alex delivers a few grounded punches to Chelsea’s face for good measure.
Alex rises up only to be caught from behind and ends up flung to the mat with a hard and wicked backdrop suplex! The Rebel is now on the move. Chels fights to her feet and is practically lifted up by a kick to the head from the champ and before she can even drop, she’s taken by the arm and also hit with a nasty Backdrop Suplex! Rebel rolls out of the ring, grabbing one of the free standing ladders. She sees Alex getting up and makes a quick decision. Lifting the ladder up, Mel hurls it over the ropes and right into Bullet, knocking her off her feet!
We see a couple officials rush to the commentary booth as Mel slides into the ring, surprised to find Bullet on her feet already and quickly moves in. The two go into a series of strikes, blocking and dodging shots. Bullet manages to sneak in a few jabs to the torso but gets caught with a hard right to the face that puts a little space between her and the Rebel. Before she can fire back though, in comes Chelsea Skye with a running flying double clothesline, knocking both women down, Mel falling into the ropes!
Chels wastes no time, rushing past her and sliding out onto the apron. Gripping the top and bottom rope, Chelsea holds herself out from the ropes, legs lifted horizontally, before whipping them down and under the bottom rope to take out the Rebel’s legs. Mel hits the canvas with a hard thump, and Chels follows up with a slingshot senton splash across the champ’s torso. Mel rolls over with a groan while Chels gives a little bow to the crowd.
Unfortunately she pays for that bow as Carbajal comes out of nowhere with SWEATING BULLETS, battering a surprised Chelsea Skye to the canvas!
She then drags the stunned Chelsea across the canvas and places the ladder directly on top of her to pin her down. Alex then climbs the ladder as quickly as she can, rushing up the rungs with a burst of adrenaline. Chelsea struggles underneath the ladder, trying to get out of the pinning predicament as we see Steve and Joe arguing with the officials for some odd reason.
Alex struggles to unclasp the belt, the hook practically stuck. Then suddenly, she feels and impact, the ladder shakes and she starts to fall along with the ladder. The result of a running dropkick to the ladder from Melinda Rhodes. Bullet falls with the ladder, going ribs first into the ropes and flipping wildly to the outside of the ring to the floor. The ladder is left leaning on the ropes.
Chelsea rolls to her feet and leaps up with a dropkick but Rebel just side steps it, walking right past her! Chels rolls back up and boot to the gut. Mel lifts her up in a backdrop but spins her into a Spinout Powerbomb across the leaning ladder! Chelsea thrashes wildly on impact and rolls out of the ring. Mel pulls the ladder back to a standing position, unfolds it, and starts to climb. She gets to the top and starts to yank the belt down. Just like Alex, she struggles with that damnable latch, only to catch a sudden chop to the chest from Chelsea Skye, who had just ran up the other side!
The two trade shots back and forth at a blistering pace, but the Rebel clearly is the superior striker here, stunning Chels with a classic fast one-two punch combo, then catching her in the cravat and SHOT THROUGH THE HEART OFF THE LADDER! Both hit the canvas with a resounding BOOM with a huge pop from the crowd. Joe and Steve watch on in stunned, forced silence from the commentary booth!
Mel rises up first and sees a chair flying at her head. Expertly she knocks it away like a lifetime cook at the Waffle House. As the chair clatters, Alex Carbajal, the thrower of the chair, springboards off the ropes and into the ring with a springboard CABACERA Headbutt! Rhodes goes down immediately from the shot, clutching at her head. Alex wastes no time, gathering up a fighting Rhodes and hitting a hard knee lift, followed by unloading SWEATING BULLETS on the Rebel, driving her back into the corner. As Rhodes hooks her arms in the ropes to remain standing in the corner, it opens her up for Bullet’s IRA DE DIOS Clothesline, the hit causing her to fall to a seat in the corner dazed. For a punctuation, Carbajal backs up and then hits a running knee right in the Rebel’s face, nearly knocking her out!
Chelsea gets up and dodges a quick roundhouse kick by Alex, exploding past her into the ropes and returning FOR JUSTIN OUTTA’ NOWHERE!!! Boom says Alex’s forehead as it smacks Canvas! Chelsea then grabs the ladder and sets it up, but not underneath the championship. She instead has it set up unfolded in a corner.. Alex fights to get up, but rolls onto her back as Chelsea vaults to the top rope, then to the top of the ladder, only to dive off with a super high SKYES THE LIMIT! She splashes across Alex Carbajal with an explosive impact, Chels bouncing off and holding her guts in pain.
The crowd is cheering hard for all three wrestlers in this match. The crowd noise is deafening. Chels gets to her feet, wincing, her back turned to the wrong corner unfortunately… She turns to face it, not knowing or thinking as suddenly the pain in her gut becomes an inferno of pain as a hard impact rocks her right off her feet and drains the wind from her completely with a stream of spittle in the air. The Rebel nails her with THE RHODES KILL full on. Melinda pops up with a loud whoop and pumps her fist!
She then gathers the ladder up, moving it under the hanging title and starts to climb…once again she’s at the belt, though the climb took her a bit longer this time due to her condition. She once again struggles with that damnable lock. Half-alive, Alex Carbajal starts pulling herself up the ladder. It takes her great effort, but eventually she and the Rebel are face to face, locking gazes.
Mel goes for the punch but Bullet blocks and hits a hard forearm shot of her own and smacks Mel’s head into the steps. Blood flows from the Rebel’s busted nose as a result. Alex reaches up to tug down the belt only for a few angry jabs to pepper her midsection. The two of them trade shots with wanton abandon now, but the Rebel catches her with a surprise headbutt, then KICKS HER OFF THE LADDER! Carbajal falls to the canvas. Mel reaches up to grab the belt and simply pulls as hard as she can until…
*SNAP!*
The cable latch breaks and she falls off to the canvas with a loud thud! The Rebel wins!!!
DING DING DING
Stroup: YOUR WINNER AND STILL THE FX BROADCAST CHAMPION…. RRRRREBBBEEELLLL RRRRRHHHHOOOOOODDDDEEESSS!!!!!
The Rebel slowly rises with her prize in hand, panting, bleeding, and looking with incredible intensity back at the crowd. She’d conquered the demon at long last…
Aiello: What a win for--oh hey, THERE'S our audio. Folks, what a heck of a ladder match tonight! All three women really took each other to task, but the Rebel Star manages to secure the title and continue her reign as FX Broadcast Champion!
Bennett: What a win for Rebel, hell of an effort from Bullet and Chelsea, and in other news we now have a vacancy in the audio/visual department. Head to the EWC Corporate website for more details!
Aiello: And all that's left now is our main event, folks! Who will become number one contender and face King Flip at StrangleMania for the EWC International Championship? Find out next!
Rhodes finally has a chance to celebrate properly as we move to a commercial break.
A CHANCE TO PUNCH YOUR TICKET TO STRANGLEMANIA!
SINGLES MATCH, WINNER BECOMES #1 CONTENDER TO THE EWC INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
JoJo Rush
VS Dio
SINGLES MATCH, WINNER BECOMES #1 CONTENDER TO THE EWC INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
JoJo Rush
VS Dio
We return to ringside where the air shimmers with antici-- pation for the main event.
Aiello: It's been one heck of a night, but we are now in for huge StrangleMania implications in our MAIN EVENT, as The House's Blackhat, JoJo Rush, takes on the warrior poet Dio - King Flip's own tag team partner - to decide who throws down with our International Champion on the biggest stage of them all. Thoughts, Steve?
Bennett: You can't take it away from him; Dio's a mean, nasty sonuvabitch despite all those flowery words he likes to toss around. He's brought low men of every shape and size, and could easily present a threat to his partner at StrangleMania. JoJo's a big, brawny badass who's hot off a big win over three seriously deadly women in a bar fight. You can't ever count out a man like him. My thoughts? This is gonna be a barn burner, and the winner's our new champ.
Stroup: The following match is for one fall, and is for the number one contendership of the EWC International Championship! Joining us first, from The Badlands, weighing in at two hundred and seventy pounds ... JOJO RUSH!
Warm reds, oranges, and yellow lights flood the stadium, and flames in three-second intervals shoot up from around the stage. JoJo approaches the stage flanked by a sneering Jack Severn and the puffed-out chest of "The Pitbull" Jamie Love. Jamie's caught up trying to intimidate the entire arena, as Jack and JoJo point a pair of "Too Sweet" hand gestures like finger guns towards the ring. When they "fire" the hand gestures, pyro explodes behind them around the X-Tron. JoJo approaches the ring keeping his attention focused on the task at hand, ignoring jeers and boos. Once in the ring, JoJo stares directly at the hard cam and points another finger gun and fires it once more.
Stroup: And his opponent, from Seattle, Washington, weighing in at two hundred and five pounds ... DIO!
The lights dim down, and a voice comes over the PA system.
”I am your Crux.”
The phrase kicks off the sounds of “Change (in the house of flies)” by the Deftones as Dio emerges from the curtain and stands atop the stage. He surveys the crowd, tugging at the collar of his leather jacket before heading down toward the ring.
Aiello: What we neglected to mention, is the Dio is fighting not just JoJo Rush, but as many of his loathsome Housemates as he cares to pack in. Looks like only Severn and Jamie Love for now, but one thing's for sure; Dio's in for a veritable gangbang if he's not careful.
DING DING DING
The outset of the match is, perhaps, what any sane person would expect it to be, but it doesn't stop the crowd from exploding on mere principle as JoJo Rush ROARS and speeds across the ring, snapping out a big boot that Dio bridges under, expression intense as he spins back to his feet, steps in and rattles Rush's brainpan with a snappy standing dropkick. The cowboy stumbles backwards, leans into the ropes and SURGES forward, seizing the slippery Philosopher to respond with a spinning spinebuster! RUSH BUSTER!! There's a Dio-shaped dent in the canvas, but before Rush can cover, his technically-skilled opponent uses his knee to reverse the pin, folding on top of his opponent!
ONE...
KICKOUT!
Rush powers to his feet, Dio tumbling away onto all fours as he struggles to recapture his equilibrium. He's jerked upright by the neck, and pulled around into a European uppercut, then a flurry of chops that drive him backwards into the corner. JoJo steps back, loading up a lariat with a rippling twist of a burly forearm, but as he surges in, Dio slides onto his butt, and sends himself skidding between the larger man's legs. Bounding upright, he makes it to the opposite corner, pursued by the thudding footfalls of his opponent. Dio doesn't even look back - he simply times it perfectly, leveraging himself into the air using the top rope, coming down behind Rush. He seizes a waistlock, but eats a roughhouse elbow, staggering away as JoJo turns and drives in to lock him up with those massive arms.
The Philosopher slips to one side, drapes an arm over JoJo's chest and slams him into the turnbuckle with an STO-- holding on to reverse it and send the stunned Rush face-first onto the canvas. Dio pauses for breath, forced to dart backwards as Jamie Love makes a grab for his ankle. The Philosopher smiles and blows the diminutive Pitbull a dryly-sarcastic kiss, then busies himself dropping into a headscissor choke on the big man. The House are ready to drag Rush into the corner, the official stepping in to call the break, only for Dio to flow right to his feet.
Jack Severn eats a boot to the jaw before he can escape across the outside, and Dio slips onto the apron, making a lunge for Jamie Love - who scampers away, throwing a few select insults his way. Rolling his eyes, the Philosopher turns back toward Rush, timing his re-entry with a deft springboard, and falling in to hit an early INEVITABLE Diamond Cutter!
No! Rush slides out of the way, sauntering into a brief strut that has the crowd booing, as Dio crashes down on his back. The showboating isn't wise; the former Indy Champion is already moving, picking an ankle and taking Rush down, the cowboy somewhat lost on his back and only able to aim an errant upkick before Dio moves in, hooking up that leg and the other for a briskly-applied Haas of Pain! BEHOLDEN!
Aiello: JoJo has been pushing his power advantage, but it's going to be a rough night if he plans to out-wrestle Dio. He's in trouble here; and he can only real on Jack Severn and Jamie Love for so long.
Bennett: Says a man who's never had any true friends. Rush is tough enough to survive this, and then Dio's gonna have a lot more than just him to contend with.
JoJo digs his nails into the canvas, muscles knotting on his back as she struggles to find a way out of the hold. Dio's got stamina, but his opponent simply refuses to yield, and after a full minute he's forced to transition out before he gasses his own limbs - Rush taking the opportunity to wrench himself toward the apron and fall to the outside before the Philosopher can re-establish control. Rising to his feet, he runs a hand across his scalp, warily eyeing the other men waiting beyond the apron. Severn is already helping up Rush, giving him a few sneered words of wisdom as the crowd rain down boos and jeers, chanting for the match to hurry the fuck up as the House stalls.
Dio checks an imaginary watch, scratching at the back of his neck and sparing a game shrug for the crowd, who oblige him with a cheer. Jamie Love tries to enter the ring behind him, but Dio spins and forces the Pitbull to beat a retreat, pointing up at him and saying something about breaking his arm. Dio just LAUGHS.
"DIO'S GONNA KILL YOU!"
As the chanting picks up, Dio gives it a thoughtful nod of confirmation, acting as if he's about to pursue Love before abruptly switching gears, flying instead for the ropes immediately near Rush and Severn. Jack tries to push JoJo in the way as Dio bounds onto the top rope, and-- pauses, changing his angle at the last instant to drop like a stone with bad intentions, catching the Catalyst with a positively zen Diamond Cutter. INEVITABLE-y, Severn eats the floor.
Rush drives forward with a blunt, aggressive, and messy takedown as Dio tries to rise, spearing him against the corner post, then picking him up and dropping him across the barricade. Throwing up a "Too Sweet", he then aims a kick for the Philosopher's head, but Dio's able to slither into the crowd side, stumbling upright next to a gaggle of teenage girls in 'TIGER BEAT' t-shirts. Rush pursues him into the crowd, but is cut off by this coalition of young ladies, who start berating him for his decidedly boomer ways. JoJo stops to give them an angry lecture, as from the opposite side of the barricade, Jamie Love yells at him to focus up - before wading in himself, and getting immediately MOBBED.
Aiello: Uh oh, the Pitbull might have met his match here.
Bennett: Or we'll be getting a lawsuit - I don't think he cares who he hurts to get this win, Joe.
The cameras wisely cut away from the ensuing commotion, and we comfortably gloss over the fact that several moments later, Jamie Love staggers out looking a whole lot messier, his torso covered by a ripped and stretched Tiger Beat t-shirt. JoJo Rush has escaped, at least, working his way deeper into the crowd as he hunts around for the Philosopher. The official is being thoroughly distracted by Jack Severn, and neither of them are paying attention as Dio flies from the bleachers, catching Rush with a knee to the skull. The big cowboy staggers but doesn't fall, and Dio lands tucked into a roll, springing up straight into a smooth combination of kicks, ending with a second pump knee to the gut that doubles the Blackhat over. He hooks the arms, looking for the Tranquility--
--but Rush rears up, hurling him over his back into a concession stand! Dio stumbles upright, covered in nuts, and then takes a heavy shot to his own as JoJo speeds forward into a soccer kick! The Philosopher groans and slumps forward, where he's yanked up by the big man. The crowd parts in a wave as JoJo takes off, toward the ring, chairs scattering every which way as he jumps and plants Dio onto the barricade a SECOND TIME with a modified running powerslam!
Severn has stopped providing a distraction, and is applauding and hollering as the official sees what's unfolding and starts administering the count. JoJo stops thoughtfully, considering the agonized Dio before picking him up again, over one shoulder, sliding him roughly onto the apron and bundling the man back into the ring.
With order restored, JoJo takes his 'too sweet' time picking up the Philosopher, working him over with a few thudding blows, lighting him up with another scintillating chop that gets a "WOO!" from Jack Severn and the six people in the crowd who don't desperately want the big cowboy to go out on his back. He slips behind the flailing Dio, looking to take him to Suplex City, wrenching the smaller man into the air--
--and then losing control of him, as Dio slips out, flips and lands on his feet, before dropping a knee across Rush's throat. Hooking both legs, he twists Rush like a pretzel onto his own shoulders, pinning him beautifully!
ONE...
TWO...
KICKOUT!
JoJo bursts out of the hold, fighting back to his feet like a maddened bull, turning already aiming a fat clothesline for the Philosopher - who sees it coming, seizes the wrist and all but teleports into a crucifix pin!
ONE...
TWO...
TH-- KICKOUT!!
Aiello: A stunning combination of pinfall attempts from Dio, who's taken a beating but shows no sign of slowing down or taking it easy. He's a fighter, through and through.
Bennett: He's gonna have to be, but at this rate he could steal the goddamn show along with this match.
Again JoJo tries to find his footing, but he's discombobulated, and Dio manages to seize a trailing arm, and pull him onto the mat into a cross-armed surfboard, growling with the sheer effort of hauling back on the giant cowboy. The crowd rally anew behind the Philosopher, plenty of teenage girl shrieks mixed in with the more commonly guttural bass of the Brawl Faithful, but one set of loud boos ring out from ringside; Jack Severn, of course, who's also frantically motioning to Jamie Love. The official is checking for the submission on Rush...
And misses the rangy figure of the Pitbull, who slides into the ring to aim a perfectly-placed boot into the skull of Dio, before sliding out the other side. Rush twists out of the hold as the distraction comes, falling onto all fours and scuttling rather comically into the corner, as the ripped figure of the Philosopher rises up with a clear look of frustration at Love. He makes a show of following the House pair around ringside again, his attention apparently focused on them. Rush, having pulled himself up in the corner, grins a sick grin, throws up a 'too sweet' and winds his arm, ready to strike from behind with a Bull-Rush Lariat. The crowd erupt in disfavor...
...and Dio smirks, ready to sidestep skillfully as JoJo Rush thunders in, storming right on past him with his eyes widening. The Philosopher hops straight into another dropkick, placing it just-so, Rush bouncing off the ropes and falling backwards-- into a swinging neckbreaker! WHAM!! He's down and out, as Dio covers him for a third time.
ONE...
TWO...
TH-- KICKOUT!!
It's another near-fall, and this time the Philosopher's composure cracks, frustration bringing a snarl to his face as he attempts to seize an arm on the rising JoJo, only to get a mudhole stomped in him! Rush, red-faced and sweating, clearly more than frustrated himself with the turn of events, goes absolutely hog wild, falling from stomps into powerful hammer blows that have Dio convulsing against the canvas! It certainly ain't pretty, but it works; and Dio's easy game to be seized like a haybale, and hauled across the shoulders of the big man, who turns around to make sure everybody can see him - witness his moment in the sun, as he prepares to hit the GOING 90.
Aiello: Barbarism may have just overcome the technique and versatility of the Philosopher, as JoJo Rush - with the meanest look I think I've ever seen - has him into position for a devastating finish, booking his way to--
Bennett: Wait a goddamn minute, who the hell is that up on the stage?
There's a tremendous pop as Captain Morgan Darkwater steps into the bright lights of the arena, wheeling before him a very sad sight - seated in a wheelchair, heavily-bandaged, is his wife Esmerelda. The cheering turns to dismayed sympathy as the crowd drink in the sight of the invalid woman. Her injured cranium is fully covered, her head lolling to the side, stare fixed vacantly ahead as a line of drool dribbles from her open mouth. It's a dismal sight - but to JoJo Rush and the House, it's a profoundly unwelcome one. JoJo takes an arm from Dio, staggering away from the dead center of the ring as he jabs a finger at Morgan and warns him to stay the hell away.
Jack Severn is meanwhile barking a cruel laugh, Love striding with him up the ramp toward the Cap'n, cruelly mimicking the wreckage of his wife. Morgan stares them down impassively, tall, proud and powerful against their mockery. Severn jacks his jaw to the crowd on either side of the ramp, slapping a drink from the hands of a fan who cajoles him in turn, grabbing another and hurling it at the insensate Esmerelda - who can do nothing but get covered in the unknown liquid. This prompts a cackle from Jamie Love, who starts forward to make a much more physical point against the pair.
Morgan lifts his hands from the wheelchair, rolling up his sleeves, daring Jamie to come closer, and Love asks him what he's going to do, turning to the crowd and laughing as if he expects them to laugh along with him. He lolls his head again, tongue protruding, to the delight of Severn - and it's in this moment that the wheelchair skids back a foot, as Esmerelda's form twitches and comes alive, the woman RIPPING the bandages from her own face and rising.
Her mouth isn't open any more, and her eyes are bright with an intent that seems murderous. Morgan mutters something to his wife, and she snarls in response, surging forward onto her feet, one planting firmly as the other lifts to catch the astonished Jamie Love in the gut as he turns back toward her! Love doubles over, looking like he's seen a ghost as Esmerelda grabs him by the head and DRIVES him into the ramp with a brutal DDT!
Aiello: She was playing possum! I don't think anybody saw this coming!
Bennett: Love sure didn't! But Morgan and his lying wife might have bitten off more than they can chew here.
Down in the ring, Rush has missed his easy shot - Dio brings his knees to bear, slamming hard bone against the big man's jaw, then slithering off, hitting the ropes as JoJo stumbles in a confused daze. Meanwhile, Jack Severn charges in to make the save on his Housemate, and Esmerelda falls to one side, taking a knee as Darkwater strides forward and about decapitates the Catalsyt with a mighty big boot!! The Captain bellows a battle cry, as in the ring Dio leapfrogs JoJo, then puts on the brakes and swings in to plant him with a Uranage as he pops back up!
Dio moves in to secure a submission, but is stacked up by Rush, who picks him up for a big powerbomb--
--and misjudges the moment horribly, taking several shots to the skull as he stumbles backwards. Dio, by contrast, times himself sublimely, allowing Rush to strike the ropes and using the reversed momentum to spring off, flattening his own body out in mid-air and twisting to catch the larger man with his third Diamond Cutter of the match! INEVITABLE!!
This time, he gets Rush with all of it, driving the cowboy down on his face. Morgan and Esmerelda run interference on the ramp, as Dio flips over JoJo and applies his bridging Fujiwara armbar, the INSUFFERABLE!!
They're close to the ropes, but not quite close enough - JoJo reaches out, grunting and growling, missing the rope by inches once, twice, and thrice, on the third attempt the pain finally overtaking his efforts, draining him, forcing his hand to the mat where he grips white-knuckled, starting to try and force his way out as the official furiously asks for the submission. His shoulder is STRAINING, veins and muscle standing out in agonizing fashion, tendons twisting as Dio only increases the pressure. The crowd are losing their minds, and then--
--there's a grotesque crunch as Rush's shoulder dislocates. Against every fibre in his being, he taps; but the official is already diving in to prise them apart, calling a stop to the contest.
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winner, via technical submission ... DIO!
The Philosopher drags himself to the corner, leaning against the turnbuckle as he struggles to catch his breath, watching his vanquished opponent roll around in agony with a look that borders on sadistic glee; his chest practically palpitating as adrenaline rushes through him. Severn and Love have been hounded back to the stage by the piratical pair, and now look at each other and beat a hasty retreat from the wings as a medical team rushes down to the ring. Rush's arm is a mangled mess, the referee forced to intervene again as he manfully tries to fix it himself. Slowly, Dio returns to his senses, and slides to his feet, raising his own damn arms as he continues to stare at the man he's broken.
Aiello: One can only imagine what thoughts are rushing through the head of Dio, who overcame the pure brutality of JoJo Rush to persevere in grisly fashion tonight. He's bound for StrangleMania, and a shot at his own tag team partner for the EWC International Championship. We have to wonder what kind of man we're going to see in that match.
Bennett: Dio's gonna need to bring a demon, not a man, if he wants to double up this victory and take out King Flip - who's been on an absolute roll for a year now. It took Stitches to stop him last time, and that's your answer, Joe. It takes, at bare minimum, a Stitches. By my reckoning, we're gonna need to see another broken arm.
Aiello: Man, what a battle that's gonna be...and we know JoJo is NOT gonna be pleased about how things went down tonight, either! He now has his eyes set firmly on taking out Captain Morgan Darkwater, and with a couple weeks before StrangleMania XVIII we know that even more action is being locked in for our first Pay-Per-View of the year! Folks, thank you for tuning into Monday Night BRAWL, for Steve Bennett I'm Joe Aiello saying so long and goodnight!
Dio finally gets a chance to celebrate his victory tonight, the implications of what's to come at StrangleMania only starting to set in as the show comes to a close.
END SCREEN
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MATCH WRITERS
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MATCH ONE: Daphne Kay
MATCH TWO: EWC Staff Assistant: Em
MATCH THREE: Chunks of Darna Dare
MATCH FOUR: The Mad King
MATCH FIVE: Melinda Rhodes
MAIN EVENT: Chunks of Darna Dare
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SEGMENTS
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EPFTW!
Xavier Reid
3pac
JoJo Rush
Antoni Malietoa / House Hunters
Melinda Rhodes / Chunks of Darna Dare
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RECAP OF WINNERS
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MATCH 1
Dustin Holt
VS Chris Miller (N/S)
WINNER via pinfall: Dustin Holt
MATCH 2
Bathsheba
VS Caleb Scott
WINNER via pinfall: Caleb Scott
MATCH 3
3pac
VS Luke "The Joker" Saito & Ruthless Aggression
WINNER via pinfall: 3pac
MATCH 4
Darna Dare
VS Xavier Reid
VS King Flip (PINNED)
WINNER via pinfall: Xavier Reid
MATCH 5
FOR THE FX BROADCAST CHAMPIONSHIP
Chelsea Skye
VS Alex "Bullet" Carbajal
VS Melinda Rhodes
WINNER via belt retrieval AND STILL FX Broadcast Champion: Melinda Rhodes
MAIN EVENT
WINNER BECOMES #1 CONTENDER TO THE EWC INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
JoJo Rush
VS Dio
WINNER via technical submission and #1 Contender to the EWC International Championship: Dio
BRAWL #594 MVP: Xavier Reid
BRAWL #594 MATCH OF THE NIGHT: JoJo Rush VS Dio
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© THE EXTREME WRESTLING CORPORATION 2023
