BRAWL #596 - ALBANY
May 1, 2023 20:54:01 GMT -6
Ruthless Aggression, The Mad King, and 4 more like this
Post by MNB on May 1, 2023 20:54:01 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 #596 | MAY 1ST 2023LIVE! from the MVP Arena in Albany, New York
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 #595 in Tokyo.
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 Narumi Tsutsumi.
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, JoJo Rush, Bathsheba, Cyrus, R.O.S.E., and many, 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
Xavier Reid with the EWC X-Division Championship
The opening pyros blast across the stage and here we go.
A wide aerial shot shows that the MVP Arena is electric for Monday Night BRAWL!
A wide aerial shot shows that the MVP Arena is electric for Monday Night BRAWL!
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:
"LET'S SEE TK TRY TO TAKE THIS SIGN AWAY - GO GO GABI VEE"
"NO LOVE FOR JAMIE LOVE TONIGHT"
"BULLET GO ZOOMIES"
"CEE HAITCH KAY BAYBAY"
"A R.O.S.E. BY ANY OTHER NAME IS JUST AS TERRIFIC"
and "THE REVOLUTION IS NIGH"
Aiello: Hello folks, and welcome to Monday Night BRAWL! I'm Joe Aiello, joined as always by my pal and EWC Hall of Famer Steve Bennett, and tonight is the final step on the road to Hardcore Revolution 2023! We have a packed show ahead of us, but it seems that The House wants to kick things off early!
Bennett: Yeah, what in the fresh hell is all of this now...
We cut to ringside, with The Heat Packers, Next Level, and Jamie Love of the House standing in the ring. The ring is decorated with a red carpet, several streamers, balloons, and various other party favors. The House’s entrance music blasts loudly as Jamie Love, Mark Paulson & Brian Knight pop, lock, and drop their way past a bunch of bitches and hoes and towards their way to a couple of microphones.
Mark: Wassup Albany, New York!
The crowd do not respond kindly to Mark, going as far as to boo the stable who simply smile back in return.
Brian: Aye man, don’t worry about these haters. They just never been to a real House Party before. You know what I mean? Aye don’t worry lil bros, we gotchu. We’re doing something special tonight here, folks. Ain’t that right, Mark?
Mark: Yeaaah buddy, we’re hosting a little party for our guest of honor, you might now him.
Brian: He’s big!
Mark: He’s hairy!
Jamie: Quite frankly, he’s hard to understand!
Mark: But he is the Beast from Bandera!
Brian: He beat Xavier Reid right in a sold out Tokyo Dome! He is the number one contender for the X-Division Championship, he is–
Mark & Brian: JOJO RUSH!
The House entrance music plays and JoJo enters from the stage in formal attire and his black stetson sitting on his head. JoJo waves off the boos from the crowd as he makes his way into the ring. He wades through the large gathering of bitches and hoes to reach Next Level. He raises a Too Sweet up high, which he is joined by Next Level and the other party goers. A party goer hands JoJo a microphone and tipped his hat to the crowd.
JoJo: Y’all know how to make a Cowboy feel welcome, Ah tell you what.
Brian: For sure, for sure! So look, we know you got yourself a match with Jamie and Sonya tonight. But we wanted to give you a gift before your big title match at Xavier Reid.
The hoes clear way and sitting on a high counter is a big gift box with a large “JOJO” nametag written on it. JoJo pats his chest and thanks his stablemates and goes to the lid and teases opening it. But before he can pop open the lid ‘Papercuts’ plays out inside the MVP Arena as the X-Division Champion Xavier Reid walks out onto the stage, the championship over his right shoulder but sans ‘The Memphis Mouthpiece’ Tommy Love. He holds the microphone in his right hand and lifts the microphone up as he smirks and looks down towards the ring.
Xavier: Sorry to break up this sausage party…I mean the ‘House Party’ here but we have more important things to discuss…like Hardcore Revolution…as many of you know it was announced that at Hardcore Revolution I will be putting this…
Xavier raises the X-Division Championship into the air which gets a pop from the Albany crowd
Xavier: The EWC X-Division Championship on the line against…you JoJo…
Xavier lowers his arm to shoulder length as he points the championship at JoJo Rush
Xavier: The perks of beating me at Brawl #595 in Tokyo you earned yourself a crack at this, now the only thing to hammer out is the stipulations of our match…now…
Xavier smiles as he puts the championship back over his shoulder
Xavier: As champion NORMALLY I’d have a say or even be asked my thoughts on this but…I’m going to also give you a gift JoJo…the opportunity to name the stipulations for our match at Hardcore Revolution…challengers choice…
Xavier smiles as he lowers the microphone and looks down towards the ring
JoJo: Well that’s a mighty kind gift, Reid. But know what? It don’t matter what the hell the stipulation is. Ah’ll beat yer–
Jamie grabs JoJo by the arm to get his attention and says into his own mic.
Jamie: I think you should open up your gift right now. You might find yourself a bit inspired.
The crowd chant “OPEN THE BOX” loudly, Brian and Mark egg on the crowd to continue chanting louder and louder. JoJo steps away from the apron and back towards the gift box and rips the box open, tossing the lid out into the audience and then slaps his knee and laughs. He reaches into the box and slowly pulls out a long length of bull-rope. Complete with a golden cowbell in the middle engraved with the House’s logo. JoJo raises the cowbell and the rope up high in his dominant hand while speaking into his mic.
JoJo: Ah know city-slickers like you never seen tools like these, but this length of bullrope right here? Yer about to become REAL FAMILIAR with this length of rope right here!
Xavier rolls his eyes as he raises is microphone
Xavier: JoJo, I’ve been around this business my entire life, I’ve seen every type of match this business has put out…this isn’t my first rodeo…so do these people a favor and say it…SAY IT OUT LOUD AND WE CAN MAKE IT OFFICIAL!!!
JoJo: YOU– ME. HARDCORE REVOLUTION.
JoJo shakes as he screams out violently.
JoJo: TEXAS BULL-ROPE MATCH!
Xavier smiles as he locks eyes on JoJo Rush and that Bull Rope he’s holding
Xavier: You bring that Bull Rope and I’ll bring this…
Xavier holds up the X-Division Championship
Xavier: I’ll see you in Inglewood on the 15th!!!
The camera goes from Xavier, holding the X-Division Championship to JoJo holding up the Bull Rope as we cut back to Joe and Steve on commentary.
Aiello: Holy smokes, what an announcement! Xavier Reid defending the EWC X-Division Championship against JoJo Rush in a Texas Bullrope match!?
Bennett: Hell yeah, what a stip to add to what was already looking to be a brutal match at Hardcore Revolution!
Aiello: Folks, tonight is already shaping up to be a big one as we get closer to the BRAWL-exclusive Pay-Per-View event! In lieu of our usual rundown, we're just gonna focus on gearing up for the opening contest, an unsanctioned match as PRIME's Gabrielle Visconty takes on Cyrus in his return to the red brand!
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UNSANCTIONED MATCH
Gabrielle Visconty
VS Cyrus
UNSANCTIONED MATCH
Gabrielle Visconty
VS Cyrus
We return to ringside where commentary is standing by for our opening contest!
Aiello: Welcome back, folks! Our opening contest is a curious one, because Cyrus has returned to BRAWL after a successful debut on GAMBIT...only to face an old rival in Gabrielle Visconty, making her one-night return to BRAWL after being fired months ago by Interim GM Timothy Kahrs!
Bennett: Ol' TK has asked us to emphasizes that this match is NOT sanctioned by the red brand, but will technically count for win-loss records due to the overarching rules of the EWC. Legal loopholes are a damn mess, Joe...but we're here all the same!
Stroup: The following match is am Unsactioned Match! Joining us first, residing in Honolulu, Hawaii and weighing in at 120 pounds... GABRIELLE VISCONTY!
The lights in the arena dim and slowly pulse to the opening violin chords of "Shut Down" by BLACKPINK. As the beat hits, Gabi Vee walks out onto the entrance ramp and grins out energetically to the crowd. She nods as she looks over the crowd before Buddy Love walks out to join her. They both start heading down the ramp and towards the ring and Gabi interacts excitedly with the fans. She gracefully hops up on the side of the ring to look back out over the crowd before she springboards over the top rope to tumble fluidly into the ring.
Stroup: And the opponent, from Carson City, Nevada and weighing in at 220 pounds... CYRUS!
The lights in the arena dim and two spotlights hit the top of the entrance ramp as The Purge by Demetrius X blasts over the PA system. Cyrus calmly walks out and stands in the spotlight for a moment before making his way down to the ring.
DING DING DING
The move to lock up but Visconty rams a knee into Cyrus’ gut that doubles him over followed by an elbow between the shoulder blades. A European uppercut straightens him up. Visconty runs at Cyrus for a bulldog but he counters by throwing her at the ropes. Visconty springs off the middle ropes and hits Cyrus with, what else, a bulldog. Visconty runs at Cyrus and leaps at him for a hurricanrana. Cyrus counters with a backdrop that Visconty transitions into a code red. She rolls him up as the referee counts.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Cyrus smacks his ankles off the side of Visconty’s head to break the count. Both get to their feet where Cyrus wipes out Visconty with a clothesline. He climbs to to the top rope where he drops onto Visconty with an elbow drop. He pulls her to her feet where he lifts Visconty into a double underhook backbreaker. He hooks the leg as he makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Visconty lifts a shoulder off the mat to break the count.
Aiello: Early kick outs!
Bennett: I feel these two are just warming up, Joe.
Cyrus climbs to the top rope but Visconty gets to her feet and falls against the ropes. Cyrus crashes down onto the turnbuckle before Visconty clotheslines him to the floor below. Visconty runs off the ropes and baseball slides into a hurricanrana. Visconty whips Curus into the ringside barriers but Cyrus runs at Visconty and shoulders her, back first, into the ring apron. Both drop to the ground. Visconty is on her feet. She pulls a table from under the ring and sets it up at ringside. Cyrus is on his feet too.
Visconty grabs him and smacks his head off the table before sliding the rest of his body onto the table. Visconty climbs to the top turnbuckle. Before she can do anything, Cyrus grabs her by the ankle. He climbs the turnbuckles and superplexes both through the table in a mighty crash. Cyrus is on his feet. He grabs Visconty in a front facelock as he drags Visconty to her feet and heaves her into the ring before rolling into the ring himself. Cyrus drags himself to the top rope and hits a Diving Headbutt. He hooks the leg.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Visconty lifts an arm of the mat as she rolls to her side. Cyrus whips Visconty off the ropes but she jumps and springs off the ropes hitting an Angelbomb. Cyrus springs back crashing to the mat where Visconty kooks the legs.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Cyrus just manages to get a shoulder off the mat to break the count.
Aiello: How is that NOT a three count?!
Bennett: He got a shoulder up! How he did that, I do not know.
Visconty rolls from the ring and grabs a chair before rolling into the ring. She lifts the chair for an attack but Cyrus superkicks the chair into her face knocking her dizzy. Visconty staggers around the ring where Cyrus hits The Blackout. Visconty drops to the mat. Cyrus hooks the leg.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall CYRUS!
A spotlight shines on Cyrus as he stands in the middle of the ring arms raised in victory. It remains on him as he exits the ring and heads up the ramp.
Aiello: That’s what happens when you bring a weapon into the ring! It can go to your advantage or it opens the door for your opponent. One split second was all it took for Cyrus to take advantage of the chair and pick up the victory here on Brawl.
Bennett: Gabi Vee gave a good showing of herself tonight. She heads back to Prime but she can go with her head high as she came close to victory on a few occasions. Hell, this WOULD have been a win had she connected with the chair.
Aiello: I can't help but imagine Timothy Kahrs is somehow thrilled by this outcome, but you're absolutely right Steve...Gabi's got her upcoming shot at the AMC Plus Broadcast Championship on PRIME, and that may be where her head's at. Don't go away folks, up next is tag team action as R.O.S.E. make their BRAWL debut against the returning Eleos Affect!
Camera cuts to...
Cameras frantically cut backstage where Amis Shelton is shown hogtied and gagged, lying in a trunk. Albany doesn't know what to think, a murmur rising into chaos as Rampage superstar Cassius H Kissinger. The crowd, unfamiliar with this red masked, red caped buffoon with a big red beard curled extensively like that of a viking. He looks into the camera and super hero poses.
Cassius H Kissinger: HELLO BRAWL. It is I, the most super super hero ever... CASSIUS H... KISSINGEEEER. Aaahhhhh whoooo...
The Caped One cups his hands around his mouth and makes crowd cheering sounds. Albany obliges him.
Cassius H Kissinger: And you know who this is! The viiiiile villain. It's "Angry" Amish Shelton! Boooooo.
He cups his hands again but this time the crowd is a lot more passionate about their hate for Amis Shelton. The camera switches on the EXT for those in attendance as well as those at home, to show a shocked furious Moxie rushing away from their locker room. Cameras cut back to just The Superhero as he shuts the trunk with a smile and starts to make his way toward the open driver door.
Cassius H Kissinger: I am a super hero! And being a champion is important to super heroes. AND I would not be very good at my day job if I ever let anything bad to X-Division champion Xavier Reid tonight because "Angry" Amish Shelton pulled out... I don't know, I think I saw a butter churner in his bag. Those are dangerous! And I wouldn't be a good superhero if I allowed any champion to fall into harm! So... I'll see you for the first round of the Best of Rampage Tournament... the Third!
Cassius gets into his car and closes the door, firing up the engine just as Moxie can be seen off in the distance closing the gap. The camera zooms in on Cassius as he slaps the outside of the car door a few times.
Cassius H Kissinger: And don't forget! THE H STANDS FOR.... HHHHHHHHHhhhhhe'll see ya on Friday nights! Later, sissies!
The car pulls off in a screech. Moxie is three steps shy of getting his hands on this guy. He slams his hands against the car just as it is peeling away. The camera fades away just as Moxie glares around in a rage.
We move to a commercial break.
The camera cuts backstage to the Eleos Affect locker room where Antoni Malietoa and KU are getting ready for their match. There is a knock on the door and Brawl interviewer Bob Murray walks in, microphone in hand.
Murray: Antoni, KU, I wanted to pick your brains on the thoughts you had about your opponents for this evening, Sarah Twilight and Lilith, the tag team of R.O.S.E. and what they said about you two in the lead up to this match.
Murray points the microphone in KUs direction first, but the stoic man doesn't budge. After a few awkward moments, he points it at Antoni.
Antoni: I mean, what else is there to say that hasn't already been said Bob?
Antoni and KU both burst out laughing at that.
Antoni: Sorry, I couldn't even keep a straight face there. Seriously though, this match is as much of a joke as R.O.S.E is. These two come in here and taught that they are so damn good and their the best team ever, act like they are God's gift to tag team wrestling, yadda, yadda, yadda.. Well let me educate you two a bit. Sarah.. Lilith.. You may be hot shit in whatever piss ant companies you've worked for before now, but let me be very clear on this: It means NOTHING in EWC. You could have won five thousands Tag Team titles in other places, but you start back at zero here. This is the top of the mountain ladies, the summit of Mt. Everest and no one is coming into EWC and being handed anything. You have to earn it and as the absolute standard bearers of Tag Team wrestling on Brawl and in EWC as a whole, we have no problem welcoming you to Monday nights by destroying you two.
KU uncharacteristically takes the mic now.
KU: You compared us to the Eleos project... Do you two know why the Eleos projects goal is to provide water to areas without clean drinking water? Because it is a merciful thing to do. Toni and I... We are merciful as well. It will be the merciful thing to do, taking you two to task for thinking that you can just waltz in here and take over like you are The Moors, or The Southern Express, The Diamond Dogs, or Dreamsound Revolution Vol. 2.
Both men speak simultaneously now.
KU & Antoni: Rest in Peace Iggy. Write us a banger.
KU: You are not them and we are not you. This battle will be extra fun for us because you have already shown you are not worthy.
Antoni: So tonight when we go to war here in Albany, just know that we will be having a lot of fun taking out the trash.
Murray: Well, they certainly did not mince words there. Eleos Affect putting R.O.S.E on notice. Back to you Joe and Steve!
The camera cuts to...
Murray: Antoni, KU, I wanted to pick your brains on the thoughts you had about your opponents for this evening, Sarah Twilight and Lilith, the tag team of R.O.S.E. and what they said about you two in the lead up to this match.
Murray points the microphone in KUs direction first, but the stoic man doesn't budge. After a few awkward moments, he points it at Antoni.
Antoni: I mean, what else is there to say that hasn't already been said Bob?
Antoni and KU both burst out laughing at that.
Antoni: Sorry, I couldn't even keep a straight face there. Seriously though, this match is as much of a joke as R.O.S.E is. These two come in here and taught that they are so damn good and their the best team ever, act like they are God's gift to tag team wrestling, yadda, yadda, yadda.. Well let me educate you two a bit. Sarah.. Lilith.. You may be hot shit in whatever piss ant companies you've worked for before now, but let me be very clear on this: It means NOTHING in EWC. You could have won five thousands Tag Team titles in other places, but you start back at zero here. This is the top of the mountain ladies, the summit of Mt. Everest and no one is coming into EWC and being handed anything. You have to earn it and as the absolute standard bearers of Tag Team wrestling on Brawl and in EWC as a whole, we have no problem welcoming you to Monday nights by destroying you two.
KU uncharacteristically takes the mic now.
KU: You compared us to the Eleos project... Do you two know why the Eleos projects goal is to provide water to areas without clean drinking water? Because it is a merciful thing to do. Toni and I... We are merciful as well. It will be the merciful thing to do, taking you two to task for thinking that you can just waltz in here and take over like you are The Moors, or The Southern Express, The Diamond Dogs, or Dreamsound Revolution Vol. 2.
Both men speak simultaneously now.
KU & Antoni: Rest in Peace Iggy. Write us a banger.
KU: You are not them and we are not you. This battle will be extra fun for us because you have already shown you are not worthy.
Antoni: So tonight when we go to war here in Albany, just know that we will be having a lot of fun taking out the trash.
Murray: Well, they certainly did not mince words there. Eleos Affect putting R.O.S.E on notice. Back to you Joe and Steve!
The camera cuts to...
THE UNION-MANDATED TAG TEAM BOUT RETURNS!
TAG TEAM MATCH
R.O.S.E.
VS Eleos Affect
TAG TEAM MATCH
R.O.S.E.
VS Eleos Affect
We return to ringside where commentary is standing by!
Aiello: Welcome back, folks! Up next is tag team action, a debut and a return respectfully as R.O.S.E. take on the Eleos Affect!
The lights go out as a purple spotlight centers on stage. The beginning chords to "Evil In Me" by Thomas Edwards begin to kick in. The crowd boos MASSIVELY.
Stroup: The following match, set for one fall, is a tag team match. Joining us first, From Key Biscayne Florida… making their way to the ring at a combined weight of three hundred twelve pounds.... Lilith... Sarah Twilight... they are... R.O.S.E.!
Pyros shoot up from both sides of the entrance ramp and the melody finally kicks into high gear as Lilith appears at the top of the entrance ramp. She is quickly flanked by Sarah Twilight. The two join hands and begin making their way down the entrance ramp. Lilith points and laughs at the crowd, mocking them as Sarah stares forward, ignoring the sheep. The couple part at ringside as Lilith makes her way to one side of the ring and Sarah to the other. Rolling into the ring they take to opposite turnbuckles. Sarah stares forward coldly as Lilith enjoys some self appreciation among the enraged boos of the fans.
“Warrior” by Atreyu begins to blare through out
Stroup: And the opponents coming to the ring, at a combined weight of 484 pounds… "The Black Tree of Sapporo" KU and "The Samoan Warrior" Antoni Malietoa... THE ELEOS AFFECT!
Antoni Malietoa walks out first, head down as he gets prepared for the battle about to commence. KU walks out next and stops next to his partner, his arms folded over his chest. Small streaks of pyro go off as Antoni raises his head and lets out a battle cry to get himself and the crowd pumped! The pair then begin the walk down the aisle as the music continues. Once they make it to ringside, Antoni grabs the top rope and pulls himself to the apron as KU methodically takes the stairs. Antoni steps over the top rope as KU enters through the middle and top ropes. The pair stand side by side as Antoni lets out another battle cry, knowing that war is about to commence.
DING DING DING
KU and Sarah start. Sarah lashes out at KU with a series of strong punches. She boots KU in the gut and jumps for an enziguri. KU ducks the kick and spins her foot away before chopping her in the chest. KU hits a roundhouse kick to the back of Sarah’s knee that drops her to her knees. KU smacks her with an elbow to the skull. She drops to the mat where KU makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Sara pushes herself free to break the count. Both get to their feet. Sarah grabs KU and takes him to the mat with a snap suplex. Sarah applies a chinlock. It turns into a headlock as both get to their feet. KU reaches an arm up and puts Sarah into a headlock of his own but Sarah brings him to the mat with a Samoan drop. She runs off the ropes as KU gets to his feet. Sarah leaps at KU hitting a cross body. She grabs the legs as the referee counts.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
KU rolls to his side as he pushes his way free. Sarah pulls him to his feet and tags in Lilith. Sarah snapmares KU to the mat and Lilith runs off the ropes smacking her shin across the back of KU’s head. Lilith lifts KU to his feet. He backdrops Lilith and tags in Antoni. He gets into the ring and blasts Lilith with a forearm smash. Antoni whips Lilith off the ropes he lifts Lilith in to the air for a back drop. Instead of going back, he shoves her forward and throws himself at Lilith with a spear. He makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Lilith rolls to the side lifting her shoulder off the mat.
Aiello: I thought that was all over right there!
Bennett: So did Antoni Malietoa. Lilith thought differently.
Antoni tags KU back in and slams Lilith into the corner with a Mountain Bomb. KU enters the ring and follows with a Shotgun Dropkick for the full Bullet In The Chamber. KU makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Sarah dives into the ring breaking the count. KU gets to his feet to confront Sarah. Lilith grabs KU rolling him for a school boy. KU rolls right through but eats a dropkick from Sarah. She exits the ring so she can tag back in. KU is back on his feet but a hard dropkick to the knee sends him falling forward into a burst clothesline from Sarah for the full As Above So Below. Sarah makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Antoni pulls Sarah off KU to break the count.
Aiello: So close to a three for both teams!
Bennett: Close but no bell ring!
Sarah gets to her feet and hits Antoni with right hands. She turns as KU lifts her for a Stun Gun. Sarah counters with a DDT and tags in Lilith. She lifts KU for a Twilight Zone but he grabs Lilith in mid air to counter and Stun Guns her into the grip of Antoni who drops Lilith to the mat with Target Acquired. KU makes the cover.
ONE…
TWO…
Sarah runs into the ring but runs into a spear from Antoni
THREE!
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winners, via pinfall THE ELEOS AFFECT!
Antoni and KU stand side by side in the ring before climbing to the middle rope where Antoni lets out a victorious battle cry.
Aiello: That was a hell of a match and Eleos Affect pick up a big win here. That will put the entire tag team division on notice.
Bennett: Lilith and Sarah Twilight didn’t do much wrong here. One moment where KU caught Lilith was all they needed. If not or that, this could have ended with a R.O.S.E. win here on Brawl.
Aiello: Agreed. Folks, up next is non-title X-Division action across the brandiverse of the EWC, as one half of the EWC Tag Team Champions takes on the EWC International Champion! The Headhuntress takes on the Benchmark, it's Aiya versus King Flip up next!
Camera cuts to ...
We open up backstage where Narumi Tsutsumi is standing beside “Headhuntress” Aiya. Both wave at the camera, with Aiya rolling her eyes. Sarcasm mingles in with her tone as she’s the first to speak up.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: Now we’re both here. There. Does that make you feel better, King Flip Flop? Good riddance. For someone who’s been hopping over to just about every brand and show, I’d have thought you of all people would understand the simple concept of being where you’re needed. Or, alternatively, making appearances when you’re able to even if you’re not booked. Point is, I was needed here first.
Aiya sighs as she shakes her head, glancing over at Narumi.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: If I got some money every fucking time someone pulled the booking logic and tried to use it against me or whatever. I mean, I’m not poor, but I’d definitely be a lot more well off. But more importantly ….
A smirk spreads over Aiya’s face.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: I think the King doth protest too much. I certainly heard quite a lot of cheers when we won at Stranglemania, so … I wouldn’t say no one wanted me to be your partner and win alongside you.
Narumi shrugs and smiles.
Narumi: Agreed, I leave the popularity decisions to the fans, the people that choose to cheer, give MVPs, and matches of the night, something neither of us struggles with. I don’t get why everyone got all torn up over me appearing alone on Paramount, another person saying I didn’t come out after Sonya’s match too, if I had they’d just say I came out to steal the spotlight after she pinned the North American champion. We’re a team, but we also have important singles careers to balance, we won’t all assemble everytime one of us wants to do a simple task, but our friendship is still strong. That’s why I was outside of the Shinijoshi locker room when I spoke about Marcu$’s injury during our match and said Sonya amongst others will carry Paramount during his absence. And tonight, I’m here supporting Aiya and Sonya in the background.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: He’s also forgotten I’ve beaten someone he still has yet to. Ibuki Ito. So … how am I inferior again? Easy, I’m not.
Her arms cross over her chest as she looks into the camera.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: You dwelled way too much on the past, Flip Flop. I merely got people in the know, hence why I relayed our history. But all I heard was you trying to do the same shit you attempted with Megumi. Trying to say how I should handle my career, how I should do certain things, and why I’m always going to be worse than you. Dumbass, that’s the exact same mindset a lot of others - not just Ibuki - have had with me and I’ve proven a good chunk of them wrong.
A major part of Darwinism is being able to adapt and change. And trust me when I say I’ve definitely done that and a lot more. Hence how I was able to help Narumi win the tag team titles. Oh and speaking of which … I’d actually say we have equal chances of winning our next Pay-Per-View matches. We already have beaten 3pAC, even if on a technical note, remember?
Aiya winks slyly before narrowing her eyes.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: You really are going to wish I was the old version that relied on staple guns and everything you remembered from our last bout. Because this? Well … you’ll definitely never forget it. And honestly, regardless of the outcome, I’ll definitely make sure of one thing; that you go into Hardcore Revolution even more banged up than you already are, and therefore with lower chances to succeed. No matter what happens though … if your new ‘gimmick’ you’re trying to present to the world is meant to scare me? This … “Mad King” angle you’re going on about is meant to make me shake in my boots or whatever?
Aiya shakes her head firmly.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: You’ve failed greatly in that endeavor. No one has, or ever will, scared me away. Come at me, don’t tell me I didn’t warn ya.
In the background behind Aiya, Narumi nods and words that Aiya has good music taste due to the CHINCHILLA reference. Aiya then flashes the Shinijoshi pose.
We move to a commercial break.
We open up backstage, where Elissa Bradley is sitting in her locker room, chuckling as the last of Chelsea Skye's promo finishes playing. Her head shakes as she stares right into the camera an EWC crew member has held at her.
Elissa Bradley: Luckily for you, I am in a talking mood. But next time, ask, don't assume. Now then .. Chelsea, sweetie. Somehow, I'm not amazed that you had to look up what Krav Maga was. Your lack of in-ring awareness is not only disturbing, but a major reason you can't secure many wins in this industry. Now ... I'm just gonna say this here and now. I'm all for sex work being real work. I'm not one of those dumbasses who thinks otherwise. But I will say that if you really wanna prove yourself here? Keep your focus on the right industry, plain and simple. Also ... you said you used Google to find out what Krav Maga is?
Elissa smirks as she raises an eyebrow.
Elissa Bradley: I'm pretty sure you clicked on the wrong link, my dear, because Krav Maga isn't American. It's Israeli!
Elissa shakes her head, snickering and chuckling.
Elissa Bradley: That's even more embarrassing than your own record here! The fact you can't read or comprehend the simplest things properly.
Her eyes suddenly narrow as she clenches her fists.
Elissa Bradley: I sure as hell don't wanna hear someone like you trying to say I'll amount to nothing. Not when you yourself have amounted to nothing here. You've let every contention or even title chance slip through your fingers. Every. Single. Time! So don't say that shit, not when you're no better than me. In fact, you're worse than me. Why worse? Because, like I said in my most recent promo, I'm just getting started with my career here. You've been around for 4 years ... yet have failed to make your experience mean a damn thing here in the EWC?! Pathetic.
Elissa looks briefly around, as if looking for something or someone, before shrugging and standing up.
Elissa Bradley: Enjoy your last moments of peace. Because, funnily enough, it'll be who leaves tonight with momentum going into Hardcore Revolution. Not you, easily one of the weakest members of Brawl.
We now return to ..
GETTING (BACK) INTO THE THICK OF IT!
SINGLES MATCH
Elissa Bradley
VS Chelsea Skye
SINGLES MATCH
Elissa Bradley
VS Chelsea Skye
We return to ringside where commentary is standing by!
Aiello: Sounds like Elissa Bradley really wanted to set the record straight as she gets ready to take on Chelsea Skye!
Bennett: Hey man, it don't matter to me what style you bring into that ring...once that bell rings it's all pro wrestling! Let's get it on!
Stroup: The following match is set for one fall. Joining us first, making her way to the ring now from Albany, New York, weighing in at 132 pounds and accompanied by Darius, she is... ELISSA BRADLEY!
’Love, Fury, Passion, Energy’ by Boy Hits Car blares over the PA as a fog appears at the top of the ramp. Both Darius and Elissa emerge forward, holding one another’s hands. As they get in front of the ropes, the couple shares a quick but passionate kiss before Darius holds the ropes open for Elissa, who slips between them easily.
She stands in the center and holds her hands up, making the following pose while coming up with a game plan in her head.
Elissa then proceeds to lean against the ropes as she waits for her opponent
Stroup: And the opponent, accompanied by Darius, from Chicago, Illinois and weighing in at 123 pounds... CHELSEA SKYE!
The Opening riff to "Reborn Through Failure" hits the speakers and Chelsea comes out ready for action, she makes her entrance and poses for the crowd once she's in the ring.
DING DING DING
Elissa runs at Chelsea but runs into a dropkick. Chelsea runs at Elissa but she drops down to the mat to avoid Chelsea. She runs off the ropes and leaps at Elissa hitting a flying clothesline. Chelsea fires at Elissa with a superkick. Elissa blocks it. Elissa shoves the foot way, Chelsea spins on her other foot and throws herself at Elissa with a spear. She makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Elissa gets a shoulder up to break the count. Chelsea lifts Elissa to her feet. Elissa slaps Chelsea hard across the face. Angered, Chelsea charges at her opponent. Elissa catches Chelsea and applies a sleeper hold. Chelsea writhes and wriggles as she tries to escape. Elissa drops to the mat bringing Chelsea down spine first with a sleeping neckbreaker. Chelsea staggers to her feet. Elissa grabs her for a sidewalk slam but hoists Chelsea up onto her shoulder before bringing Chelsea’s spine down across her knee. Elissa makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Chelsea pulls her shoulder off the mat to break the count.
Aiello: I thought that was a three!
Bennett: So did Darius at ringside. He was this close to getting in the ring to celebrate the win.
Elissa lifts Chelsea to her feet but Chelsea fights her off with right hands and forearms before whipping Elissa off the ropes. Chelsea ducks looking for a backdrop. Elissa manages to stop her momentum and drives Chelsea to the mat with No Chance. She hooks the leg.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Chelsea pushes her way free and rolls to her front. Elissa stomps on Chelsea’s gut before pulling her to her feet. Elissa whips Chelsea off the ropes but Chelsea springs off the middle rope and flies back at Elissa hitting Angel’s Reckoning. She covers Elissa.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Elissa just manages to lift her shoulder off the mat to break the count.
Aiello: Just and no more! However she is still in this one!
Bennett: For how long? Although that could be said for both women.
Chelsea rolls to the apron. She climbs the turnbuckles and leaps for Skye’s The Limit. At the last second, Elissa rolls to safety and Chelsea hits nothing but mat. Elissa climbs the turnbuckles and jumps for a headscissors. She spins Chelsea with a Double Edged Sword. Elissa grabs the legs as the referee counts.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall... ELISSA BRADLEY!
Elissa gets to her feet and poses against the ropes as the crowd cheer.
Aiello: I thought we were going to be replaced by the ATC at Albany International for a moment there. However, Elissa Bradley picks up what is a big win here on Brawl!
Bennett: They call moves off the top rope ‘high risk offence’ Bradley took the risk and it paid off, Chelsea took it and it didn’t. It’s a weak margin but tonight that is what this match came down to. It was a close one and I’d love to see them run it back!
Aiello: Agreed on that Joe! Folks, up next is non-title X-Division action across the brandiverse of the EWC, as one half of the EWC Tag Team Champions takes on the EWC International Champion! The Headhuntress takes on the Benchmark, it's Aiya versus King Flip up next!
But before we get to that, we notice something going on at ringside after Chelsea Skye has made her exit to head to the back...
Elissa starts to step away after feeling she’s soaked in enough of the spotlight and cheers. She doesn’t get far, however, as Darius’s hand moves from holding her arm up to wrapping around her waist. She looks over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow while Darius returns the look with a sly grin as he spins Elissa around.
Darius: No, sweetie. It’s okay to be selfish. You absolutely deserve every second of this.
Elissa nervously chuckles, tucking a few strands of her hair behind her ear.
Elissa: I appreciate that, but eventually, the rest of the fights need to happen, you know?
Darius nods slowly, his grin widening. He lightly strokes Elissa’s cheek, which makes her flush - mainly at the fact he’s doing so in front of a huge crowd more than the action itself.
Darius: It’s been … what? Three to four years together?
As Elissa nods, Darius continues speaking.
Darius: I don’t say it enough, but they really have been some of the best years of my life. And they wouldn’t have been half as decent if you hadn’t been a part of my life.
Elissa is slowly starting to add two and two on where this is going, the confusion quickly getting replaced with shock and even a bit of fear. She looks like she’s about to ask Darius something, but her question gets answered as he paces - visibly nervous himself - before waving a hand through the air in a very ‘Fuck it’ like manner and gets down on one knee, causing the crowd to roar in support. Tears start forming in Elissa’s eyes as Darius reaches into his pocket, indeed producing a small box with an an amethyst ring inside it.
Darius: Elissa? Will you do me the honor of marrying me and making me the happiest man in the locker room?
Elissa barely manages to get a weak ‘Yes!’ that’s picked up by the mic. Nothing but sheer will power is keeping her on her feet as she holds her left hand out, allowing Darius to slide the ring on her finger. He then pulls her close as they share a deep, passionate kiss in the center of the ring. We move to a commercial break.
"MAAAAAAAD KIIIIIIIIING...
MAAAAAAAD KIIIIIIIIING...
MAAAAAAAD KIIIIIIIIING..."
MAAAAAAAD KIIIIIIIIING...
MAAAAAAAD KIIIIIIIIING..."
The International champion can't help but widen his smile, the arena getting louder, as he procures a raises his left hand to his face. He reveals a small bit of golden paint and the crowd roars again.
The Mad King: We cannot express the gratitude we feel in knowing you, the most glorious of peons in all the land, you remember.
A snort of a laugh escapes the King as he takes a step back. Bringing his hand to his face, just under his eye, he drags the two fingers down and swipes across his jawline. After a mere second of checking his reflection in the viewfinder he smears the remaining paint off on the wall and turns back to the camera.
The Mad King: We thank you for your kindness, Albany, New York...
The people scream because that's where they are right now.
The Mad King: Though the evening will showcase two champion versus champion bouts, it would... behoove The Mad King to be more reticent to all that goes on in his kingdom, yes, yess. And The Mad King KNOWS he must defend the International Championship, at Hardcore Revolution, against one Rebel to The Mad King.
His grin goes wide as the crowd gets raucous once again. They compete with one another with chants of "Re-bel Rhodes!" and "C-H-K!" with neither giving nor getting the momentum. The Mad King cackles with glee.
The Mad King: Glory be the days The Mad King has a challenger so beloved. Why, let us reminisce a moment, hm? Yes, yes, let us remember those that have fallen before The Mad King. Let us remember and let us finally discuss...
In an instant, as he speaks, every semblance of happiness is gone. The crowd stirs in anticipation. His voice cracks when he continues.
The Mad King: Brother Dio.
He shakes his head and takes a full step back. His hand comes to his nose a moment, pinching, as his eyes refuse not to well a little. He takes a few slow, calming breaths before lowering his hand. The Mad King doesn't look to the camera. Meanwhile, Albany has gotten right back to amped for The Philosopher.
The Mad King: As Extreme Wrestling moves into its next cycle, Brother Dio, The Mad King only wants you to know that... though he is sorry for many things that transpired that evening... StrangleMania, the menace that it is, will always be a tumultuous evening for all involved... but you need to know, Brother Dio. The Mad King has said it in vignettes to his opponents BUT HE WILL NOT DISRESPECT YOU.
There is a pain in his eyes as a tear beads down his left cheek. He brings a forefinger to the center of his chest.
The Mad King: There are no words for our sorrow, Brother. There is nary a sentiment, a gesture, a gift that wouldn't feel contrived, or unwashed, or sullied by the things that went on between the bells of the International title defense, nor that which transpired after, nor... that which The Mad King did not know, Brother Dio... that which transpired before. And though there is a pain, a most significant one, deep. Here. Not just in The Mad King's heart but his soul, Brother Dio. The way we prepare -- you know our routine -- we could... we could not have known.
The arena is dead silent. He stops a moment, wiping the emotion from his face.
The Mad King: But as the great Shakespeare once said, Brother Dio. The show must go on. And just as we have said before, what is done cannot be undone. The Mad King can't... he can't stop Stitches from coming out there and securing our side deal. A DEAL THAT COULD INVOLVE YOU, BROTHER.
Flip's eyes fire up as they raise from looking to the floor. Albany doesn't know how to feel about this narrative. The Mad King points at the camera.
The Mad King: So, that being said, Brother Dio. The Mad King loves you. You will never not have our respect. None of this is on a timer and, quite honestly, sometimes The Mad King just wants to hole up in a half-star motel somewhere and practice shotgun safety the Kurt Cobain way. The Mad King gets it. But you see... all of this. ALL OF IT.
Sadness gone, Flip rages.
The Mad King: Every move has been for one thing. From Mercenary to Marcu$. Defending the International championship at Hardcore Revolution. Beating the TAR PISS out of a HEADHUNTRESS TONIGHT. Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps The Mad King hasn't made himself--
"PERFECTLY! FUCKING! CLEAR!"
Albany cuts the King off. His maddening grin returns.
The Mad King: ...precisely, thank you.
The crows exudes jubilation.
The Mad King: Every move has been to get one step closer to the Undisputed championship. Now, The Mad King has STATED FEVERENTLY that this thing with Marcu$? Though unfortunate, it certainly wasn't our goal. NNNo. The Mad King has nothing but fond memories of fighting Brother John. Well, there was Parabellum last year... there was King... of the Mountain.
Our International champion is once again finding himself at a pause. Albany cheers, remembering the violent fights between all of those that competed in those Extreme Wrestling pillar matches.
The Mad King: Do not blame those around you for what you've all failed to see. YOU... ALL OF YOU... brought this out. The Mad King would nary bother a soul on Brawl, getting into petty bickerings here and there on the other shows, but it wasn't enough. King Dong opened Wrestlefest, The Mad King clenched the International championship a third time, WE DEFEND... AND YET. IT ISN'T. ENOUGH.
A soft, knowing chuckle escapes him.
The Mad King: So The Mad King continues to prove just how Untouchable he is. He will defend to the end of his life at Hardcore Revolution. He proves night in, night out, that he is the greatest International champion in this or any age.
He leans in.
The Mad King: That includes you, Cyrus. Why, that especially includes you, doesn't it? Mm. Welcome back, Cyrus.
Albany doesn't like Cyrus, but they don't give him too hard a time about it. The King nods.
The Mad King: WHEN -- not fucking if -- WHEN... The Mad King defeats Melinda Rhodes for the second time at Hardcore Revolution? That's defense number four, Cyrus. Twinsies. And then you'll be just as forgotten as your performance this evening when The Mad King defends again. But hey, take your time feeling sorry for yourself. Do you.
He blows Cyrus a kiss, the lunatic. Albany laughs? Their reaction is more white noise than anything else right now.
The Mad King: But let us look forward, Brawl. Not to Hardcore Revolution, no. TONIGHT... Moxie? No, the good competition went to the X-Division champion, Xavier Reeeeid.
The King showcases his Tommy Love impression while saying Reid's name. This also elicits a medium response.
The Mad King: Now now, don't get us wrong. Headhuntress Aiya is competition. And while The Mad King could do a follow-up and look back at the promo you cut against us, mm. We've not the time, darling, and guys like Moxie, and title defenses on the horizon, surely you get it. You're smart. BUT... and, unlike your girlfriend, this is a BIG but...
A big smile peaks on The King's face again, obviously in anticipation for the "Saidie's Got A Flat Ass" chant that never comes.
The Mad King: The Mad King will revisit one thing and one thing only: Megumi Sengoku.
Albany gives a warm, respectful response at first. The Mad King hears something stirring in the crowd, a chant, and he ushers for it to pick up. They can't decide between "Gooool-den Giiiirl" or "Beeeeest Giiirl" and the King does not correct them. As a matter of fact he continues to egg them on with a hand to one ear for one chant and then switches to the other hand to the other ear for the second chant. He lets this build near half a minute before regaining his composure.
The Mad King: What you seemed to misinterpret -- whether purposeful or otherwise -- is that those words of ours? The ones questioning what Megumi Sengoku was doing at the time? Those were not remarks of malice. NNNNNNO. The Mad King, though hurtful in approach, why, he was merely looking to inspire. To motivate. To push. Megumi Sengoku was Best of Us All and The Mad King saw that A FUCKING YEAR AGO WHEN HE CUT THAT PROMO. AND HE STILL BELIEVES IT. So, if you want to pull some shit out in an attempt to obtain the peon's pity? Aiya, you didn't need to bring that shit up. But you did, and why? Because you ARE a fucking coat tail and you KNOW THAT... don't you, Aiya?
He shakes his head, spitting on the ground.
The Mad King: You should be ashamed of yourself. See you out there.
The camera fades away as The Mad King finally walks off, stage left as we cut back to...
TUSSLE OF TITLEHOLDERS I - FOR THE LOVE OF JOSHI!
SINGLES MATCH (NON-TITLE), X-DIVISION
"Headhuntress" Aiya
VS King Flip
SINGLES MATCH (NON-TITLE), X-DIVISION
"Headhuntress" Aiya
VS King Flip
We return to ringside where Joe and Steve are standing by on commentary!
Aiello: Welcome back, folks! Hell of a night so far, and after what we've seen just moments ago, it looks like this next contest is gonna be brutal!
Bennett: You're got-damn right it will be, Joe! X-Division action, no titles on the line, just pride as the Headhuntress tries to add the Mad King to her trophy collection!
Stroup: The following contest is an X-Dvision match scheduled for one fall. Joining us first, from Kyoto, Japan, weighing in at 137 pounds ... HEADHUNTRESS AIYAAA!
As 'Dark Seeks Light' by Yui Ninomiya plays over the PA system, a fog appears near the curtains. As it slowly fades away, we see the form of “Headhuntress” Aiya standing at the top of the ramp. She saunters down, entering the ring through the middle and top ropes. Aiya then leans against the ring, already looking as if she’s making a game plan in her head whilst waiting for her opponent to enter the ring.
Chanel: Ladies and gentlemen...
K I N G F L I P flies from right to left across the EXT followed quickly by a massive red pyro on the stage and from the corners of the ring. Aiya is unflinchingly ready, but the referee about jumps out of their shoes.
Chanel: Being accompanied to the ring by the best lips you ever seen. HAILING... from the Land of Money and Fame. WEIGHING IN... at 220 lbs. He is YOUR International champion AND MINE, The Benchmark of Brawl, and The MAAAD KING... KIIING FLIP!
King Flip emerges from the curtain, International championship around his waist, big smile across his face, and arms wide as he reveals a new set of burgundy wrestling gear. He stands at the edge of the stage for a moment and slowly lowers himself to his knees, eyes closed, and leans back.
"MAAAAD KIIIING...
MAAAAD KIIIING...
MAAAAD KIIIING..."
MAAAAD KIIIING...
MAAAAD KIIIING..."
Slowly, nodding, Flip rises back to his feet and removes the sleeveless vest on the way to the ring. He tosses it into the crowd before taking to the steel steps. The Mad King ascends all the way to the second rope in a matter of a few skip jumps, raising the International championship in the air in his right hand. His eyes don't leave Aiya. Even as he pops over the ropes and combat rolls when he hits the canvas. Aiya and Flip would be nose to nose were one or the other shorter or taller. Neither flinch or skip a beat as the anger continues to boil, the International championship still raised high. The Mad King lowers the belt and still refuses to look away even as the referee takes the championship and hands it off to Chanel.
DING DING DING
Aiya says something to Flip before a STIFF open-palm slap comes across his face. An audible wince accompanies the King's hard step back to stabilize himself. The Headhuntress sees her shot and fires off with four consecutive elbows to the face, the connection of each coming elbow more impactful than the previous, taking a battered Flip to the ropes. Irish whip. Aiya bounds off the ropes as Flip bounds off from the other side of the ring. She runs full blast for a big boot. Flip, however, shakes enough of the cobwebs in his run to throw up both hands and catch the boot.
He continues to run and barrels Aiya to the ground with her own momentum, the back of her head bouncing off the canvas. The Sadistic Sakura quickly rolls to safety and doesn't stop until she's out of the ring and up against the guardrail holding her neck. Flip grandstands, roaring out to an appreciative crowd that slowly begins it's drawn out "Mad King" chant. The King doesn't follow up, purposefully, dropping to one knee and ushering Aiya to reenter the ring. She does not oblige, opting to walk around the sides of the ring as the King watches her from center point in the ring. The King looks to the crowd and eggs them on to get louder before turning his attention back to Aiya with a clap.
It isn't until she goes underneath the ring that he finally slithers out to the other side of ringside. Just as he gets to the thinly-padded concrete Aiya withdraws to a massive pop. In her hands is a hooked chain. The King screams out as Chanel rounds the corner looking to catch Aiya from behind. Big boot cleans Chanel's clock and lays her out.
The Mad King: NOOOOO! NONONONO!!
Aiello: Perhaps King Flip will finally receive a bottle of his own medicine here. Headhuntress Aiya with that violent weapon and she could rearrange his manager's face if she wants to. I know the fight between Flip and Aiya has gone beyond personal, but Aiya, don't do this!
Bennett: The Mad King is a nasty son of a bitch and Chanel, bless her damn heart, she put herself in that situation, Joe. You don't hang around long term with a man as dangerous and maniacal as that bastard without knowing what you're stepping in.
Aiya seems almost humored that Flip has flung himself back into the ring and is pleading with her. Her stumbles to his feet and furiously grabs the referee and yells for medical personnel before turning immediately back to Aiya. He flings his hands out defensively as he tumbles out of the ring some fifteen feet from her. She begins twirling the hook end and it whooshes just inches from Chanel on its way from the air to the ground. A few medical personnel get between the action and Aiya a little peeved at this point. She is being inched away so the personnel can get Chanel to her feet and away. Chanel is really playing up this big boot; meanwhile, Flip has resigned himself to the curved guardrail, seated, hands over his nose and mouth, his eyes welling. Aiya doesn't know or care what this is about.
She's made her way around to him and the massive hook SLAMS into Flip's stomach. The crowd once again audibly matches his wince as he drops to his side. Boots to the body to keep him down, Aiya keeps on the offensive by dragging Flip around by the neck. She wraps the chain around his throat a few times and he tries to grip it, choking, as The Headhuntress pulls him toward and then up the rampway. He sends a few wild boots in the air to no avail. A third attempt catches Aiya in the eye with the tip of his boot and Flip nearly pukes getting the chain from around his neck. Aiya tries to maintain, dropping more boots, trying to get her hands on the chain before he can fully free himself of it. This awkward struggle doesn't go for long as Flip gets more and more of his footing. Aiya goes for a knee to the head and Flip fires up to catch her and scoop her up. Samoan drop on the rampway.
Aiello: While I, uh, I don't really know what to say about Flip's reaction there, uh... he really turned this around, huh?
Bennett: Aiya did what Aiya does best. She stayed on task, she's all business, and she damn near took Flip all the way up to the stage like a damn dog before he caught her up. And Goddamn it if it ain't anybody's fight right now. Flip is suffering for sure here, but if he can catch her in one'a them damn spinny bullshit finishers? It's over for Aiya.
It's Headhuntress to her feet first. She seems disappointed but not worried the chain has been shoved off the top of the rampway where Flip is crawling to the curtain. She catches up with him and opts to use the curtain to continue choking the hell out of King Flip. He breaks the hold with an eye rake followed by slamming his head back into her to shove her off him. She stumbles off as he chokes. He's barely to one knee much less a vertial base when Aiya is right back at him. Neckbreaker. The stage clangs from the impact, but the move seems to pain both as Aiya strains over her neck as Flip looks completely unconscious. She winces as she rolls on top of him.
ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!!
.
.
.
THR-NO!!!
Chanel comes running up the steps and gets a double axe handle together to break the count. Aiya defensively elbows Chanel in the gut and gives herself some space to get to one knee. Chanel tries to stay on her but Aiya shoves her back with both hands. RED MIST! The Headhuntress gets an alarmed reaction from Albany as spewing forth from her mouth is a massive cloud of red mist that catches both Chanel and, inadvertently, the referee, who both fall out wiping their eyes. Chanel falls into the curtain and tears it down as she topples down the stairs she had just come from. Aiya looks on with a grin and turns back to Flip, not realizing the referee is out of action.
The fans count to four before she lets up and sees the referee struggling. Angrly, she slaps the stage and shakes her head and hand at this decision as she gets to the referee. A medical employee rushes out with some water and among the three of them they clear the referee's vision. He begrudgingly gets into position on the stage as Aiya stalks a stirring King. Aiya goes for her violent buzzsaw kick finisher. Flip ducks! School boy pin sends Aiya bouncing off the back of her head on the stage. Flip bridges over not realizing how close to the edge of the stage he is! He dangles off the stage but has Aiya pretzled, she can't move and her shoulders are technically flat. The referee allows it and counts!
ONE!
...
Aiya is screaming, using every fiber of strength she has left. Flip's eyes widen as he is slowly being lifted up.
...
TWO!!
...
Flip catches the edges of his boots on the stage; Aiya won't give up!
...
THREE!!!
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall... KING FLIIIIP!
Flip finally lets go just as he gets back on the stage in full, officials rushing to check on both competitors as we come back to commentary!
Aiello: What a battle here tonight! Aiya really giving it everything tonight, but the Headhuntress comes up just short against the EWC International Champion!
Bennett: Agreed, Joe, hell of a fight from the EWC Tag Team Champion tonight, but King Flip managed to make his statement loud and clear ahead of defending the title against Melinda Rhodes at Hardcore Revolution!
Aiello: A message that the FX Broadcast Champion will no doubt keep in the back of her mind as she defends her own championship later tonight, but up next we have more more non-title X-Division action as the HBO Broadcast Champion himself, Moxie, takes on the EWC X-Division Champion Xavier Reid!
Camera cuts to ...
The camera cuts backstage inside The Love Club where Xavier Reid is lacing up his boots…Tommy Love storms in and looks down at the X-Division Champion
T. Love: Are you fucking serious...
Xavier smiles as he looks up at his manager
Reid: So, you saw the opening segment did you...
Tommy looks at Xavier and starts nodding his head like a bobblehead
T. Love: Yeah, yeah I just did...WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING...just giving him the chance to name the stipulation for your match at Hardcore Revolution...Xavier, we could have gone to Kahrs and forced his hand, picked a match that suits our strengths...handcuffed JoJo Rush and forced him to climb a ladder, cross over cables...made a match where the 'big guy' is out of his element and yet...
Tommy tosses his hands into the air out of frustration
T.Love: We are now facing JoJo Rush for the X-Division Championship in a BULL ROPE MATCH!!! Xavier have you lost your damn mind...
But Xavier just smiles as he looks at Tommy
Reid: You worry too much Tommy and clearly have no faith in me...
Tommy waves his hands
T.Love: No, I have faith in you Xavier, I just think it was incredible stupid of you to hand over all the leverage we had going into Hardcore Revolution...we had a chance to name a match that favored us and now...we are in a match suited perfectly for JoJo with our championship on the line...
Xavier just smiles as he looks at Tommy
Reid: It's all going to be ok Tommy but tonight we are going to focus on Moxie, now...
Xavier starts lacing up his other boot...
Reid: You fancy yourself as a wrestling historian right…
Tommy nods his head and is about to answer that question when his daughter, Bunny Love comes from around the corner where the lockers are laughing…
B. Love: Yeah, if you ever want to know the cup size of the ladies in this business my father is the guy…if you ever want to know which wrestlers are ‘Eskimo Brothers’ my father your guy…if you ever want want to know which ‘chick’ has herpes or VD…MY FATHER IS YOUR GUY!!!
She smiles as he looks at Tommy…
B. Love: It’s a steel trap up there unless it’s about his daughter’s 5th grade ballet recital…
Xavier looks from Bunny to Tommy who just waves her off…
T. Love: Don’t mind her, she was talking with her mother this morning and if Maria ever thinks that Bunny and I are getting along too well she’ll bring up all the things I missed or forgot about…
B. Love: Like my princess party when I was 5 or my Sweet 16 party because you were ‘shacked up with that slut’...
T. Love: Yeah, which slut was that…
Bunny pauses and thinks before shrugging…
B. Love: Beats me, it’s just what mom told me…
T. Love: You ever wonder why your mother never remarried and is alone…
B. Love: She said she didn’t want to give up the alimony and getting the joy of ‘fucking you over’ every month…
T. Love: LISTEN HERE, YOU TELL THAT BITCH…
But before he can finish Xavier stands up and smacks the locker getting the attention of both Tommy and Bunny…
Reid: ENOUGH…air out your family issues another time…we have work to do tonight…
Tommy looks at Xavier…
T. Love: YES, I do fancy myself as a wrestling historian Xavier, why do you ask…
Reid: Remind me, what did Amis Shelton do back in the day when he was on Brawl…
Tommy smiles, seeing where this is going…
T. Love: Well they had high hopes for him being a former FSW Champion but he won the TV Championship and then crapped out…
Reid: Interesting, so what you’re saying is he had nothing to do with all that success he was talking about Brawl having ‘back in his day’...
T. Love: Nope…
Reid: And I hate to ask but since Amis did, can you tell me ‘when was the last time Brawl had the Undisputed Championship’...
Tommy’s smiles widens…
T. Love: That would be 2020…
Reid: And just who was that Brawl roster member that brought the Undisputed Championship back to Brawl…
T. Love: Well that would be the same man that brought the EWC Tag Team Championships back to Brawl, the same man that brought that there X-Division Championship…
Tommy points to the X-Division Championship that is sitting next to Xavier on the bench…
T. Love: Back to Brawl…YOU Xavier…you were THAT guy…and yet Amis asked the question on the eve of ‘his guy’ facing you…talk about a slap in the face…
Xavier shakes his head…
Reid: I’ve been the ‘Best of Brawl’ and if the two of them had been paying attention they would have known that and yet the disrespect shown towards me…it’s like they wanted to piss me off…calling our roster a ‘disgrace’ just weeks after OUR Broadcast Champion walked out of StrangleMania the winner OVER Moxie…they want to ride the coattails of people like Melody Malone, Ace King and Lavender and act like they are part of the trio that’s done something on Rampage…he’s living in their shadows yet talking as if they matter in the bigger picture…they wanted to put out the ‘challenge’...to show that someone on Brawl can beat Moxie ‘one on one’...claiming that Flip couldn’t do it…claiming Melinda couldn’t do it…stating that I couldn’t do it when in fact each and every Brawl roster member they named could do it and I’m going to show them both just that…
Xavier lifts the X-Division Championship up and looks at the face of the belt…
Reid: They think that Moxie is going to ‘destroy me at my own game’...well I think it’s time to smarten them up…I think it’s time to show Moxie what happens when his ‘mouthpiece’ writes a check his ass can’t handle…X-Division Rules…I’ll be happy to ‘educate’ Moxie and show Amis Shelton just what Brawl and I am capable of…
Xavier puts the X-Division Championship over his shoulder and motions for Tommy to follow as the pair walk towards The Love Club’s door. We move to a commercial break.
TUSSLE OF TITLEHOLDERS II - KICKING OFF INVASION 2023 EARLY!?
SINGLES MATCH (NON-TITLE), X-DIVISION
Moxie
VS Xavier Reid
SINGLES MATCH (NON-TITLE), X-DIVISION
Moxie
VS Xavier Reid
We return to ringside where commentary is standing by!
Aiello: After those words from Xavier Reid, we know the EWC X-Division Champion is ready for war tonight as he takes on the HBO Broadcast Champion, Moxie!
Bennett: I'm thinkin' Amis may live to regret opening his mouth this past week, Joe!
Stroup: The following match is a non-title X-Division contest scheduled for one fall. Joining us first, from London, England, weighing in at 202 pounds ... He is representing Rampage as their HBO Broadcast champion ... MOXIE!
The Gracious Few's 'Honest Man' hits the speakers, prompting the lights to dance around the arena with an ominous red glow. Moxie emerges from behind the curtain. He marches to the end of the stage and glares at the capacity crowd surrounding him. Raising his fist to his jaw, Moxie lets out a roar and walks down the aisle, ignoring the paying spectators.
He slides underneath the bottom rope and rises to his feet in the middle of the ring. Moxie faces the crowd before snapping back to face the camera, emphatically raising both clenched fists high above his head before slowly descending them in stereo to both sides of his jaw.
Stroup: And his opponent, being accompanied to the ring by 'The Memphis Mouthpiece' Tommy Love, from New York City, weighing in at 220 pounds ... He is the X-Division champion ... The Self-Proclaimed Best of Brawl ... XAVIEEER REEEID!
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 is about to step into the ring when he stops, pausing with his eyes on Moxie. The Broadcast champion ushers for Xavier to enter the ring but, just as he gets a single foot into the ring, he brings it right back out and takes to the steel steps as Moxie bounds forward. Xavier throws his hands up while Tommy Love bitches and moans to the referee. Xavier just starts walking up the ramp. Moxie, knowing how matches work, points to the canvas where Reid stepped and calls for the ref to ring the bell. With no other choice the referee calls for the start of the match.
DING DING DING
Moxie quickly makes his way after Reid who is fully through the curtain and heading backstage. The fans murmur in anticipation as Moxie quickly closes the gap. Reid fires with a back elbow just as Moxie lays hands on him to turn him around. Moxie returns the elbow with a massive European uppercut sending Reid into a food table. Back and forth they exchange blows in the hallway until they grapple and pour through a set of double doors into the parking lot. Tommy Love comes running in from behind with the Love Stick. Crack! He catches Moxie upside the head and runs away for his life, dropping the Stick on his way out. Reid gets an arm around Moxie's neck and starts to drag him through the parking lot.
He slams Moxie's head off a taillight before the two exit the parking lot and begin walking down to S Pearl street. Albany fires up as the action continues on the EXT. Moxie gets a few consecutive elbows to the stomach and follows with another European uppercut. Reid slams into an electric pole and now it's the X-Division champion being ushered by the back of the neck. The two find themselves outside Pearl street Convenience Store when the little jing-a-ling of its door opening catches Moxie's attention. A bystander wearing an Amis Shelton shirt. Reid blasts back on offense before Moxie can make anything of it, connecting with a right hand and a Manhattan drop that sends Moxie stumbling away clutching the pearls. Reid and Moxie continue the melee into an oddly parked Honda. Albany murmurs, recognizing the vehicle.
Aiello: If you expected anything short of a FIGHT then you don't know these two men. Moxie, the technical specialist, is not afraid to throw bones with the best of them. Xavier Reid, our X-Division champion, showing he can take them just as well as he can dish them out. And tonight more than ever, Bennett, remember. Reid is still chasing that hundredth victory here in Extreme Wrestling and he'd LOVE to be able to say it was a Rampage champion and a tough guy like Moxie.
Bennett: Well, ya gotta keep in mind that this ain't exactly Moxie's wheelhouse. He's holding his own so far but... wait... is that that bastard Cassius' car from earlier? Is Amis in that car?
Aiello: I think you're right! And wha... is that a pizza guy?
Pizza Guy: Uhh... I gotta pizza here for Amis Shelton.
Moxie and Xavier both stop for a second, look to the pizza guy, back to each other, then back to the pizza guy.
Pizza Guy: Oh, uh, alright. You're busy. I was told to just put it in here...
He pops the trunk of the Honda and there's Amis, bound and gagged and shaking and screaming. Reid can't help but laugh at whatever is happening right now. This leaves him open to a volley of blows by Moxie who follows through with a snap suplex onto the concrete. The pizza guy puts the fresh pizza on top of Amis and walks away. Moxie lifts Reid up in a rage and fires off with another before getting up and turning to Amis. They work together to get his hands free and Amis signals for Moxie to focus. X-Division champion Xavier Reid is barely able to get to a seated position as Moxie comes in from behind. LONDON'S CALLING! Moxie locks in his signature submission and proceeds to crank at the face of Reid who refuses to give in.
Amis tries to call Moxie's attention but had gone to untying his feet instead of clearing his mouth. Tommy Love from behind with the Love Stick again! This breaks the hold and Amis is making chase after Tommy Love with the ball-gag still lodged in his mouth. Moxie gets up but can't stop them from rushing off. He turns around and Albany is as shocked as Moxie as King Flip comes flying in from the other side of the vehicle. He cleans Moxie's clock, blasting him in the face with the International championship.
Too hurt to continue, Flip clutches the back of his neck and backs off with a smile. Reid is on the ground chuckling to himself as he watches Flip pass by. Flip pulls a lighter from his tights and flicks it a few times. This snaps Xavier into focus as Moxie stumbles up with blood coming from his forehead. Reid and Moxie collide into one another but Moxie spins about and slams Reid face first into one of the car's windows. CRASH! Glass shatters and Reid stumbles back. Moxie makes like he's going to go after Flip who is still slowly backing away, but decides to take his message to Xavier Reid instead.
Aiello: You gotta hand it to Xavier Reid. He called it, King Flip getting involved with the receipt for the title shot by Moxie last time on Brawl. Meanwhile, there was a pizza guy, Amis Shelton's running after Tommy Love with a ball gag in his mouth--
Bennett: You know that's not the first time that's happened.
Aiello: Oh, disgusting. Let's just focus on the violence happening as these two men find themselves on top of this Honda in the middle of the walkway outside the arena. Who's going to take it?
Neither man wants the other to get the upper hand and both refuse to falter. They're grappling on the roof of this car when Moxie gets the face-to-face headlock clenched in. Reid tries a reverse, both men dropping to their knees as Xavier makes attempts at breaking free. Moxie firms his grip and maintains the offensive until Reid pops them both into the air. Northern Lights suplex sends them crashing into and collapsing the windshield. Moxie's shoulders are down!
ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!!
.
.
.
NO!!!
Moxie powers out in time, scraping himself off the obliterated windshield and wincing as Reid flops off the other side of the car and falls over after failing to find some footing. Reid gets vertical and pulls himself alongside the car right into a Moxie superkick. Moxie follows with a quick elbow drop into a cover.
ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!!
.
.
.
NO!!!
Now it's Reid with the shoulder up in time. Both men stir about, wincing at their scrapes, cuts, and blood as they go for one last big hurrah against one another. They exchange violent right hands, blood dripping all over the place, but it just proves too much for Moxie after a few strikes to the dome leave him dazed. BEASTSLAYER! Reid covers!
ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!!
.
.
.
THREE!!!
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall... XAVIER REID!
The ref raises Reid's hand in victory, but the champion is in a very foul mood after everything that's gone on tonight.
Aiello: Xavier Reid was a man focused tonight, really setting out to make a statement tonight against the HBO Broadcast Champion!
Bennett: Gotta give Moxie his due for coming out here and giving it his best, but holy hell did Reid prove a point tonight!
Aiello: Up next is a bit of a weird matchup, folks! Triple threat X-Division action that sees the House collide with Shinjoshi once again, as Sonya comes from PARAMOUNT to take on RAMPAGE's Jamie Love and the red brand's own JoJo Rush!
Camera cuts to ...
An alarm clock buzzes at 5:00 am, The Blackhat sits up from the bed with an audible groan. JoJo stretches out wide before climbing out of bed and straight to the door to put on his gym gear and head out. As the sound of the alarm fades out, the sound of JoJo's voice fades in.
JoJo: One thing Ah hold real important to me is a strong work ethic. It ain't matter what you want me to do. Whatever Ah set out to do, Ah set out to do it right. It don't matter none if it's ranchin', chorin', or breaking backs.
JoJo walks down, the first and only person in the gym. JoJo approaches a leg press machine and starts loading it with 45lb plates. He racks as many plates as he can onto the machine. He even begins roaming the gym for further weight to put onto the machine. The docuseries cuts to an elderly woman sitting down for an interview.
Mrs. Jones: Even when JoJo was a young child I saw that young boi and went "He is going to grow up and become the EWC X-Division Champion." If I know little Jonathan, I know that he's going to beat the sh!* out of Xavier Reid at Hardcore Revolution.
The camera cuts away from the interview and back to JoJo leg pressing a comical amount of weight, including a bench from the hotel lobby JoJo precariously balanced on the top of the machine. Then the documentary cuts to JoJo standing awkwardly in front of the camera confused shouting.
JoJo: Wait a minute, are y'all filmin' this presuming that Ah'm winning the title!? WHAT IN TAR--
The interview is abruptly cut off as a narrator sells the upcoming docuseries.
The camera cuts away from the interview and back to JoJo leg pressing a comical amount of weight, including a bench from the hotel lobby JoJo precariously balanced on the top of the machine. Then the documentary cuts to JoJo standing awkwardly in front of the camera confused shouting.
JoJo: Wait a minute, are y'all filmin' this presuming that Ah'm winning the title!? WHAT IN TAR--
The interview is abruptly cut off as a narrator sells the upcoming docuseries.
We move to a commercial break.
3 THE HARD WAY - HEY, WAIT A MINUTE...
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH, X-DIVISION
Sonya
VS Jamie Love
VS JoJo Rush
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH, X-DIVISION
Sonya
VS Jamie Love
VS JoJo Rush
We return to ringside where await a Triple-Threat X-Division match between Jamie Love, Sonya, & JoJo Rush.
Aiello: I know it might be unprofessional to question our interim general manager like this, but you have to wonder what he was thinking when he booked a triple-threat with two members of the House facing off against Shinijoshi's battleship, Sonya.
Bennett: If you ask me Mike, he was either paid off or high out of his mind. Either way, I'm excited to see if my boy, JoJo can continue his winning ways heading into Hardcore Revolution.
Stroup: The following match is a triple threat match, contested under X-Division rules! Joining us first, from Honolulu, Hawai'i, weighing in at 150 pounds, representing Shinijoshi ... SONYA!
As the first few notes of "Rusalka" play over the loudspeakers, Sonya stands just a few feet away from the entrance way with a steel chair in hand, the cameras picking up her peaceful expression and smile. The song kicks into high gear and she makes her way to the ring with determined eyes and calm demeanor, stepping into the ring and performing her signature pose in the corner.
Stroup: And her opponent, from Takayama, Japan, weighing in at 120 pounds, escorted to the ring by John Bishop, representing the House ... JAMIE LOVE!
The arena plunges into darkness as a haunting piano melody can be heard over the sound system. As the beat starts at 11 seconds a spotlight shines on Sara Rische playing an expensive Grand Piano to the left of the stage. She plays for 10 seconds when a second spotlight shines on Jamie Love as he enters the arena to a chorus of boos as his body guard John Bishop stands behind him. He walks down the aisle with JB following closely behind him, glancing out at the live audience, smirking at the with disdain in the shadows of the House hoodie he has on. As he climbs into the ring Sara makes her way down to ringside. He hands Sara his hoodie and stretches in the corner as he waits for his opponents.
Stroup: And their opponent, from The Badlands, weighing in at 270 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 and points a "Too Sweet" hand gesture like a finger gun towards the ring. When JoJo "fires" the hand gesture, pyro explodes behind him 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 lifts up a "Too Sweet" to Jamie Love, who in return, hits him with a Too Sweet in return. Much to the chagrin of a booing crowd.
DING DING DING
The match begins with Sonya standing off with JoJo and Jamie on the opposite end, Sonya wields the steel chair in front of her to ward off the two House Mates standing across from her. The Battleship taunts the House by smacking the Canvas with the chair. JoJo lunges first at Sonya but the Battleship crushes him hard across the side of his head and shoulder with a chair, the shot sent JoJo crashing into the mat holding his head in pain, Sonya raises the chair high over her head to hit Jamie, but the Pitbull, armed with a kendo stick, strikes Sonya violently in the midsection.
The strike causes Sonya to stagger forward in immense pain, with her back flat in front of Jamie, the Pitbull readies another strike but Sonya counters with a quick elbow into Jamie's mid-section, then quickly fires a clean up-Hitter right into Jamie's face! The quick fore-arm strike takes Jamie out to the mat. But before Sonya can even react, Sonya is pulled from her scalp away from Jamie by a bloodied JoJo Rush! The moment she twists around to face JoJo she is planted with a vicious chop that sends her down into the map.
Aiello: Oh man, that is rough coming from JoJo!
Bennett: The House are lookin' to clean up tonight, so I'm not surprised by this one Joe!
The Blackhat screams loudly at the booing Albany crowd. He stomps around the ring and over Sonya, stomping on her hands anytime she dared to place them onto the mat. Scolding and screaming at her. Jamie gets back to his own two feet and joins in on the stomps and kicks. After enough kicking and stomping, Jamie wrestles with Sonya to her feet and attempts to hold Sonya's arms behind her back. With Sonya defenseless, JoJo silences the crowd with a bloody finger before winding back and crashing a brutal chop to Sonya's chest. The crack of JoJo's hand meeting Sonya's flesh verberated through the arena. Then he landed another, and another, and another.
The next being more vicious than the one before. The skin along Sonya's collarbone breaks open from the chops. JoJo cocks back a 10th and final chop, going as far as to spit on the palm of his hand, but Sonya manages to land a stiff kick to JoJo's groin, sending the Outlaw down to his knees in shock. She whips and tosses Jamie before hitting a Ruby Buster out of absolutely nowhere! The Torturerack Powerbomb lands perfectly, but Sonya falls to her knees just trying to catch her breath, the wind was knocked out of her! Practically falling onto Jamie, Sonya goes for a quick pin.
ONE....
TWO...
TH-- no, JoJo makes the save!
Aiello: Oh wow, what a close one!
Bennett: Battleship is far from sunk yet!
After breaking the pin, JoJo staggers over to the corner to walk-off the pain from the low-blow. But Sonya lays out on her back gasping for air and groaning in pain. He recovered and stood over Sonya and grabbed at her legs to set Sonya up for the House Special, the Inverted standing Texas Cloverleaf! But Sonya manages to reach up and pull JoJo into a rollup!
ONE...
TWO...
THRE-- Jamie pushes the rollup over!
ONE...
TWO...
THR-- no, kickout by Sonya!
The Blackhat bangs on the mat frustrated and angry. Sonya splays out and reaches for the bottom rope to pull herself away to safety. But JoJo stomps on Sonya’s hand and berates the Shinijoshi member. When Jamie comes to, he and JoJo discuss strategy. After establishing a plan, Jamie grabs at Sonya and pulls her into a sitting base. Jamie plants his knee down and takes a hold of Sonya’s wrists to wrench her arms back. She screamed in pain, trying her best not to submit. But the air was sucked immediately out of the arena when JoJo ripped off his right elbow pad, and lined up the defenseless Sonya with a Sugar Sweet Nightmare, Megumi’s old finisher, a hidden blade! He fires a too sweet, then bounces off the ropes and lands a sickening elbow strike right to Sonya’s temple. The impact rips Sonya from Jamie’s grip as falls to the mat in a heap. JoJo hooks a leg as Jamie counts along with the referee.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall... JOJO RUSH!
Jamie and JoJo help each other back up to a standing base where a referee raises JoJo’s hand in victory. But JoJo keeps the hand up and holds up a “Too Sweet” with Jamie.
Aiello: Sonya was given a bad hand, but she fought her heart out tonight. That’s just how the cookie crumbles in this sport sometimes.
Bennett: I had no doubt my boy, JoJo was going to come out on top. But Sonya really impressed me tonight with her grit. I hope we– WHAT THE HELL!
Before medical can come and check in on Sonya, JoJo and Jamie push them away. Jamie rolls out of the ring and goes underneath the ring to pull out a table and sets it up in the middle of the ring. JoJo lifts up Sonya by her waist in a deadlift and stomps around the table. The crowd booing immensely until Timothy Kahrs arrives with an army of security. With a microphone in his hand he shouts to JoJo and Jamie.
Kahrs: You two had your fun, you made your point...but I refuse to have THIS brand face punishment for YOUR actions! I won't stand for this, you two...so as Interim General Manager, I'm making the call to declare this match a NO CONTEST!
JoJo and Jamie shout at the interim General Manager, but with their attention completely focused on Timothy and the approaching security, The Undisputed Champion & tag team champion, Narumi Tsutsumi, and the X-Division Champion, Xavier Reid sneak up on the House from behind and absolutely drills them both with chairs. JoJo and Jamie recoil in pain and roll out of the ring to escape the two champions but the security box out access to the stage. With no other option, JoJo and Jamie jump the barricade and run through the crowd to escape. The crowd boos loudly as the House run out of the arena completely.
Aiello: Holy moly have things taken a turn tonight, folks! We know Aiya is being attended to backstage after her match against King Flip, but a little help from our EWC X-Division Champion ensured that Shinjoshi had a chance to keep the House from doing something terrible tonight! When we come back, our main event sees the FX Broadcast Championship on the line as Alex Carbajal takes on Melinda Rhodes! Don't go away!
We move to a commercial break.
A ONE-ON-ONE BATTLE OF GRIT FOR THE GOLD!
SUBMISSION MATCH
FOR THE FX BROADCAST CHAMPIONSHIP
Alex "Bullet" Carbajal
VS Melinda Rhodes
SUBMISSION MATCH
FOR THE FX BROADCAST CHAMPIONSHIP
Alex "Bullet" Carbajal
VS Melinda Rhodes
We return to ringside where the crowd is eagerly awaiting our main event of the evening!
Aiello: Welcome back, folks! It's main event time, as Melinda Rhodes defends the FX Broadcast Championship against Alex Carbajal!
Bennett: This will be the third opportunity Bullet's had to go after the title, but will the third time be the charm against the Rebel Star?
Stroup: The following contest is a submission match, and it is for the FX Broadcast Championship! Introducing first, the challenger...
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: From New Orleans, Louisiana, standing at five foot five and weighing 135 pounds… ALEX “BULLET” CAAAARRRBBBAAAJJJAAALLL!!!
The crowd gives a huge pop for the challenger, buzzing with excitement for our main event!
Stroup: And the champion….
THIS IS MY KIIINNNGGDDDDDOOOOMMM!!!
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 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, Georgia, she stands at five foot eleven and weighing in at 145 pounds.... she is your FX Broadcast Champion, "THE REBEL STAR" MMMMMMEEEELLLLLLIIINNNDDDAAAA RRRRRHHHHOOOODDDDDEEESSS!!!
The crowd are ecstatic for the champion, but a dueling chant quickly breaks out!
Crowd: LET’S GO REBEL!!! CAR-BA-JAL! LET’S GO REBEL!!! CAR-BA-JAL! LET’S GO REBEL!!! CAR-BA-JAL!
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 places her belt down in the corner. Turning, Mel removes her vest, crouches low in her corner and waits....
Gathering the belt up, The Rebel approaches Bullet in the middle of the ring, the two staring into each other’s eyes. At 5’ 11” Rhodes practically towers over Carbajal. The Champ lifts her belt into the air for a pop from the crowd. Bullet simply nods, steps back, points at the belt and then makes the universal belt gesture around her waist
The belt is then handed off to the Referee who lifts it in the air and passes it off to a ring attendant. After making both participants move five steps apart, he motions for the bell.
DING DING DING
The two promptly lock up and start going for holds, giving a display of chain wrestling at it’s finest as they dip, slip, hold, counterhold, and escape each other’s grasp. The Rebel maneuvers Bullet into a hip toss, but Bullet rolls right through it, landing on her feet and catching the champ with a back kick to the gut, followed by spinning around to deliver a hard punch to Melinda’s face! Taking advantage of the opening, she drives a few jabs followed by a stiff forearm strike, and a DDT to the canvas! Maintaining the hold, she locks Mel into a tight D’Arce Choke!
Mel kicks, squirms, and fights to try and get out of it, rolling Bullet onto her side and then popping herself free from the hold using her shoulder, then quickly assuming the mount where she begins to batter Bullet on the ground with massive fist bombs! She tries to trap Mel’s arm but the Rebel evades the grapples, delivering elbow strikes with her free arm. The blows become less frequent as Bullet tries different tactics. Mel almost shook off with a knee elbow escape, but it’s a hip bump and surprise forward roll that suddenly upends Rhodes from a position of dominance to being flipped on her back and now having to cover up from Bullet delivering a few bombs of her own!
The Rebel takes a few solid hits but manages to weather the storm out long enough to maneuver herself with her knees raised between Carbajal’s and then rolls her in a way that puts Bullet on her side and allows Mel to lock on a tight leg lock.
Aiello: Rhodes really cinching that leg lock in!
Bennett: She knows what she needs to do to take the Bullet down, Joe!
Bullet fights the painful hold, trying to roll out of it. Mel suddenly rolls with her, to her surprise, turning the leglock into a Cloverleaf!!! Rhodes shouts out “TAP!!! TTTAAAAAPPP!!” and Carbajal shoots back, “NOT ON YOUR LIFE!!”
Mustering up all of her strength, Bullet claws and scrapes for the ropes. Even with Mel’s larger and heavier frame on her, the challenger is able to get to the ropes, grabbing them and holding for dear life as the referee forces the break.
The two get up, though Bullet’s a bit ginger, favoring her left leg a bit more. She moves with a slight limp as the two move into the worker’s walk. The two lock up and engage in a few rounds of chain wrestling until a surprise back elbow from the Rebel drives back Bullet and the two immediately go into a sequence of strikes, dodges, and blocks, Mel bobbing and weaving around her foe while also not landing a single hit herself! Bullet proves to be an equal in foot work and reflexes. Bullet goes for a roundhouse kick, Mel blocking with both arms and rocked back a step from the impact. She’s quick to block a second, faster snap kick with a raised shin, almost like a kickboxer. The Rebel follows up with combination strikes but once again, Bullet ducks and weaves around them, having only to block a few from connecting with her face. Mel catches Bullet’s arm and twists her into a wristlock, but Bullet flips with the twist into a cartwheel and pulls Mel to the ground in a Triangle Choke!
The Rebel is able to guard herself to keep the hold from being completely locked in, pivoting her hips and sliding both knees underneath Bullet but as she slips out to the side, she suddenly finds herself pulled into an Omoplata on her bad arm no less!!! She grits her teeth and cries out in pain and frustration as her shoulder is pushed to the floor and the arm is tortioned, but the Rebel rolls forward, slipping out of it and lifting both of Alex’s legs onto her shoulder. Mel rises up in a great show of strength, practically deadlift Alex off of the floor and powerbombing her to the mat. Mel then falls into the ropes, clutching her now very sore arm.
Mel shoves off the ropes to see Bullet getting to her feet and rushes forth. Bullet rolls under a Superkick, to her feet, hops into the ropes and returns to surprise the Rebel with an impressive springboard Ira Do Dios (Discus Clothesline) that rocks Rhodes right off her feet!
Aiello: Oh my!
Bennett: Hell of a clothesline there by the Bullet!
The Crowd is going insane as Bullet sizes up the slow rising, stunned Champ and rushes in only for her to drop and bend backwards to avoid the oncoming clothesline. Mel leaps up and catches her in the cravate but Bullet narrowly escapes that, shoving Mel away. The Rebel turns and goes for a fast punch but Bullet catches it, pulls her in, then spins her out and hits DIOS ES UNA BALA! The crowd erupts with shock, surprise, and especially from the Bullet fans in the crowd, cheers as Melinda Rhodes falls like a tree trunk to the canvas! Bullet points a two finger gun at Rhodes and jerks it back while shouting, “BANG!”
She then grabs Mel’s legs and nearly folds her in half in the PLATA O PLOMO! (Leg Trap Camel Clutch) Mel’s brought back to life screaming pin pain as her spine is torqued at such a painful angle. All the Rebel really has free is her upper arms. It’s almost preposterous for someone of her height being folded up in this manner. With just pure arm strength alone, however, Melinda pulls both herself and Bullet towards the ropes… a little closer… closer… closer… she reaches out and in a feat of strength of her own, Bullet rises to her feet, dangling Mel inches off the canvas, but doesn’t pull them both back fast enough as Mel screams with effort, grabbing the ropes with both hands and refusing to let go! The ref gives her a four count before she lets go and backs away, dropping Rhodes flat on the canvas.
Aiello: Down goes Rhodes!
Bennett: Bullet's got a real chance here, Joe!
The Rebel picks herself up using the ropes and turns just to see Bullet rush at her with a running leaping clothesline that sends them both flipping over the ropes to the outside. Bullet lands on her feet, Mel lands on her back! She starts to sit up only to get a kick to the chest from Bullet. The Challenger then picks her up and rams her head into the apron, then promptly whips her to the ring steps, where Mel hits knees first and flips over them to land in a heap on the other side with a groan.
As Mel fights to her feet, Bullet bull rushes, running towards her, leaping on the ring steps and then vaulting forward with a flying knee that cracks Mel and drapes her across the Spanish Announce Table!
Bullet moves in from behind with evil intentions and the moment she grabs Mel, an elbow collides with her jaw, sending her staggering towards the apron. Mel turns and leaps on her shoulder, teetering only a moment for balance before bending back and hurling Bullet head first into the announce table with THE SKULL TATTOO (Inverted Frankensteiner) which breaks the table explosively, tablets, paper, and drinks sent flying as both Spanish announcers back away quickly. Both land in an awkward heap with Mel rolling away, clutching one of her knees with a wince of pain.
The crowd is going nuts, cheering on both competitors for the match they were giving them, the duo busting out moves they have rarely seen.
Crowd: LET’S GO REBEL!!! CAR-BA-JAL! LET’S GO REBEL!!! CAR-BA-JAL! LET’S GO REBEL!!! CAR-BA-JAL!
Mel rises to her feet first, limping a bit with the knee giving her a little temporary trouble. She gathers Bullet up and slings her over the apron and into the ring, then hops onto the apron to enter through the ropes behind her. Bullet’s already starting to crawl towards the center of the ring and Mel decides to back up into the corner and lower, watching and waiting with eager anticipation…
…Bullet rises, turns and RHODES KILL SPEAR TAKES HER OFF HER FEET!!! The impact carrying her a few feet from the center of the ring where they land with Mel rolling to her feet with a Rebel Yell!!!
Rebel: WAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo!!!!
Mel then helps Bullet up to a shaky legged stand, locks on the 3/4th’s cravat and drops with THE REBEL STAR SLAYER (Dragon Slayer) locking on the modified Dragon Sleeper with her arms clutched behind her back and twisting back. Bullet awakens in the hold in intense pain, fighting and scrambling to get out of the hold.
Aiello: Bullet's in trouble here, Steve!
Bennett: How much does she have in her!?
The fortitude of Carbajal is clearly a sight to behold as she outlasts everyone that’s ever been put in the hold and it becomes clear that Rebel’s struggling to hold it, her hurt arm coming back to haunt her. Just as it seems Alex is going to tap, Mel’s arm gives out and she drops Bullet, stumbling into the ropes and clutching at her now aching arm. “FUCK!” she shouts out in pain.
Alex lunges forward and goes for a lock up but Mel falls back with a Tomoe Nage Throw! Alex lands with a skid, flips to her feet and RHODES KILL SPEAR AGAIN!!!! She’s rocked off her feet and Mel hops up, but wastes no time with celebration, just going right for Bullet’s legs stepping through them and flipping her into an ELEVATED SHARPSHOOTER!!! Mel bends back, folding Alex in half and now all the damage that Alex’s legs have been through come to haunt her as Mel roars with effort, shaking her head as every muscle in her body burns with effort now. This had to be it! This had to be the end!!
The back of Mel’s head rests on Bullet’s now, the smaller woman folded at the hip at such an awkward and painful angle and with all of Mel’s weight holding her down, she reaches out and taps her hand on the mat!
DING DING DING
Stroup: Here is your winner by submission, and STILL FX Broadcast Champin...the REBEL STAR...MELIIIINDAAAAAA RHOOOOOOOODES!
The Rebel collapses beside Bullet, panting and completely worn out. Her music plays as she slowly rises to the cheers of an appreciative crowd. Sweat pours out of Mel head to toe as she’s presented her championship. She hoists it in the air, swaying a bit as she stares back with intensity at the Albany crowd.
Aiello: What a match, what a battle, what a main event!
Bennett: Champ and challenger both left it all in the ring tonight, but the Rebel Star comes out on top and retains the gold!
Aiello: What a night, folks! Melinda Rhodes remains FX Broadcast Champion as she heads into her match against King Flip at Hardcore Revolution for the EWC International Championship! Can the Rebel Star dethrone the Mad King? We'll find out in Inglewood, but until then I'm Joe Aiello alongside Steve Bennett, saying so long and goodnight from--
Joe is cut off as "Why Can't We Be Friends" starts playing, raising a curious response from the crowd as Interim BRAWL GM Timothy Kahrs steps out to the stage...a mixture of cheering and booing after all the insanity that's gone on tonight. Timothy looks around, kind of shook by the response before raising a microphone to his mouth to speak.
Kahrs: Give it up for your FX Broadcast Champion, everyone!
The crowd cheers for Rhodes, who turns her attention to the Interim GM at the ramp as he continues.
Kahrs: Oh, don't look at me like that Melinda. Everyone has been wondering since the Network released the news drop what was happening at Hardcore Revolution when the red brand invades Inglewood. I let Xavier Reid and JoJo Rush sort their stuff out to kick off the show, so it only seemed fitting to handle the EWC International Championship details to close the night out right.
This gets another mixture of cheers and boos, mostly the crowd just being thrilled to hear more as Kahrs continues.
Kahrs: Now, King Flip is still being attended to by medical staff after the absolute war he and the Headhuntress had tonight, or else I'd have him here to listen on on the big scoop...but you're here, so that'll do. Now, since you're gunning after the EWC International Championship, I've already penciled in a match for the big Pay-Per-View to find the next contender to that FX Broadcast Championship at BRAWL 597...but as for you and King Flip, I've decided to put fate in your hands.
Big pop from the crowd as the Rebel Star glares the Interim GM down before he presses on.
Kahrs: There will be THREE STAGES OF HELL to determine who leaves Hardcore Revolution as the top person on the red brand, and you and the Mad King will get to choose a stipulation each...but I'M the one holding the keys to the first stipulation.
Timothy emphasizes the point by reaching into his pocket and pulling out...car keys? No...truck keys. The thunderous roar of an eighteen wheeler can be hard from the PA system as the Interim GM shouts into the microphone with glee.
Kahrs: Rhodes, you and King Flip can decide however you want to end the journey to becoming EWC International Champion...but the journey begins on the HIGHWAY TO HELL!
The champ's eyes widen in surprise as the crowd roar in approval...an emotion shared by the Rebel Star, who eventually nods with a smirk at the prospect of truly a Hardcore Revolution in two weeks, as the show comes to a close.
END SCREEN
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MATCH WRITERS
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MATCH ONE: EWC Staff Assistant: Em
MATCH TWO: EWC Staff Assistant: Em
MATCH THREE: EWC Staff Assistant: Em
MATCH FOUR: The Mad King
MATCH FIVE: The Mad King
MATCH SIX: JoJo Rush
MAIN EVENT: Melinda Rhodes
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SEGMENTS
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JoJo Rush
Elissa Bradley
Darius
"Headhuntress" Aiya / Narumi Tsutsumi
The Mad King
Cassius H Kissinger / Moxie
Antoni Malietoa / House Hunters
MNB
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RECAP OF WINNERS
..........
MATCH 1
Gabrielle Visconty
VS Cyrus
WINNER via pinfall: Cyrus
MATCH 2
R.O.S.E.
VS Eleos Affect
WINNER via pinfall: Eleos Affect
MATCH 3
Elissa Bradley
VS Chelsea Skye
WINNER via pinfall: Elissa Bradley
MATCH 4
"Headhuntress" Aiya
VS King Flip
WINNER via pinfall: King Flip
MATCH 5
Moxie
VS Xavier Reid
WINNER via pinfall: Xavier Reid
MATCH 6
Sonya (N/S)
VS Jamie Love
VS JoJo Rush
RESULT: No Contest
MAIN EVENT
FOR THE FX BROADCAST CHAMPIONSHIP
Alex "Bullet" Carbajal
VS Melinda Rhodes
WINNER via submission AND STILL FX Broadcast Champion: Melinda Rhodes
BRAWL #596 MVP: King Flip
BRAWL #596 MATCH OF THE NIGHT: Gabrielle Visconty VS Cyrus
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© THE EXTREME WRESTLING CORPORATION 2023
