RAMPAGE #522 - Season Premiere! - 2.16.2024 - Ireland

[FN'R]

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...

»»SEASON PREMIERE««
DID YA MISS US? ON THE ROAD TO STRANGLEMANIA!

The Extreme Wrestling Corporation Presents

FRIDAY NIGHT RAMPAGE

FRIDAYS LIVE ON ESPN & HBO AT 10PM CST.
SPONSORED IN PART BY UNDER ARMOUR, SONY, DR. PEPPER AND GEARBOX STUDIOS.

EPISODE #522
FEB 16TH 2024

Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland

EWC RAMPAGE
2/16/2024
Live From Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland
General Manager - Grizzly Duggan
Commentators -
Play-By-Play: Koala Duggan
Color: Polar Duggan
Announcer: Emmanuelle Chriqui
Head Ref: Toyo Yasahiro
Assistant Refs: Mike Michaelson & Pierce Patterson
Backstage Help: Bryan Spade & Candice Duggan

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Fog spreads throughout the arena, covering the screaming fans as "Asking For It" begins to sound off over the loudspeakers.



"MAYBE YOU TALKED TO MUCH AND YOU WERE ASKING FOR IT, ASKING FOR IT, ASKING!
YOU CAN BLAME BAD LUCK, BUT YOU WERE ASKING FOR IT, ASKING FOR IT, ASKING!!!"

The fans scream for delight as the X-Tron explodes to life. Pyro ignites on the stage.

All eyes go to the ring, as the Dublin crowd waits eagerly in anticipation of the night’s show opener. Finally, a lone spotlight emits in the center of the ring where the ruthless businessman Dimitri Graves stands in the center of the ring. It doesn’t take long for boos to rain down on Dimitri as the Rampage crowd knows what awaits. Dimitri has a sinister grin on his face, happily inviting the boos signaled towards him, and the United States Champion, who hasn’t even arrived yet.

KD: Well this is quite a surprise.. I thought we would kick off right into our first match of the night – but instead Dimitri Graves is out here on behalf of the United States Champion, Cosmo Goldworthy!

P-Dug: I mean, Cosmo has proclaimed himself as Rampage’s newest biggest star! Can you blame him for wanting to be the first face we see tonight!?

He raises his palm up to try and halt the crowd, but all it does is bring on more boos. Dimitri rolls his eyes, raising the microphone in his other palm.

Dimitri Graves: ..Silence.

Instead of silence, the crowd responds accordingly to how they feel about Dimitri with even LOUDER boos.

Dimitri Graves: I said, SILENCE!

The boos aren’t going anywhere, and it seems that Dimitri Graves is going to have to soldier on despite the ever growing hate from the Dublin crowd.

Dimitri Graves: Exactly what I’d expect from a bottom-of-the-barrel country like Ireland! Always disrespectful and unaware of the greatness that stands amongst you all! But allow me to remind you of it. Please welcome at this time, he is the EWC United States Champion and soon to be Fighting Spirit Champion! He is both the Face of America and the House! He is my champion, and your champion too.. COSMO! GOLDWORTHY!

The spotlight on Dimitri ceases, as Cosmo’s new theme song “Money On My Mind” by Lil Wayne blares throughout the building. The guitar and drums reverb loudly throughout the stadium, the walls pretty much shaking as the United States Champion has commanded earthquake-levels of vibration and he hasn’t even walked out yet. Red, white and blue pyro fires out on the stage from left to right – prompting more boos from the Irish crowd. Finally, Cosmo Goldworthy emerges from the back, dressed to the nines with a special made black and gold leather Hermès rib-jacket, down to his black pants, loafers and of course the Richard Mille watch and Cartier sunglasses. Following behind is the Primetime Briefcase holder Bruce Booth, with a jet black suit and pink tie, matching his black briefcase and the pink Prime decal on it.

New Money marches down to the ring, focused solely on the ring as the crowd continues to boo them. Cosmo pays it no attention as he stops at the edge of the ramp, nodding to Bruce. Bruce walks over to the steps and enters the ring, shaking hands with Dimitri Graves. The two step aside in the ring as Cosmo swiftly leaps up to the apron, unhooking the United States Championship from around his waist and climbing up the top rope. He firmly extends his arms, as pyro flies behind him much to the dismay of the crowd. Cosmo grins at the grand presentation, while both Dimitri and Bruce are clapping it up for him.

KD: How long have we been out here!? It’s still going!

P-Dug: The champion can have as much pyro as he wants for as long as he wants! I’d like to think he earned it..

Cosmo drops off the top rope and daps up Bruce and embraces his cousin with a hug. He then moves on to dapping up Dimitri, who isn’t quite keen on the concept – but it’s a work in progress. Regardless, Dimitri hands Cosmo the microphone and the theme fades out and the lights return back to normal. Cosmo looks around.

Cosmo Goldworthy: Dublin, Ireland.. THE FACE OF AMERICA HAS ARRIVED!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Cosmo raises the United States Championship up with a proud look on his face, despite the boos.

Cosmo Goldworthy: Regardless of how you feel about me, no one can take this away from me. I fought my way up from the very bottom to get to where I am now. I fought tooth and nail to be here and I scratched and clawed for every opportunity that I have taken! I stepped up to the plate in ways that no one could’ve imagined at WrestleFest! It took enduring a Crazy Train match just to be here, and I took the fight to Chris Page and ended his reign before he made his first defense and I’m not looking to follow in his footsteps because I’ll be damned if I came this high just to go so low again!

The fans are remaining firm in telling Cosmo how they feel about him, but he doesn’t care at all.. He’s got a lot to get off of his chest and nothing will stop him from getting to that.

Cosmo Goldworthy: So say whatever you want, but the fact is this.. This is my show now, and there’s nothing any of you can do about it. Say goodbye to the Ace King’s, Melody Malone’s, and Lavender’s of this world.. This is Cosmo Goldworthy’s world, and y’all are just living in it! For years, people have bent a knee to their greatness but that’s cause they can’t achieve jack shit on their own! I’m here to tell you now that the United States Champions of the past are exactly what they are – OF THE PAST. In fact, let’s not act like the torch hasn’t been passed to me anyways! From one great United States Champion to another, my victory over Scorpio prepared me for what you all see now and there simply ain’t a damn thing ANY of y’all can do about it!

At first there’s some slight cheers for the mention of the now retired Scorpio, but also boos as everyone sensed where that was headed. The crowd is desperate to hear the United States Champion shut up, but he keeps going.

Cosmo Goldworthy: We’ve got an eventful night of Rampage tonight though, so y’all should be thankin’ me for helping kick this one off hot. After all, WHY would I let this one get kicked off by yesterday’s news?! Tonight JoJo Rush picks up another win by stomping that turd Jason Anderson into the ground.. Then I take care of Luke Saito and easily book my date for the Fighting Spirit Championship match… And that leaves what? The main event? Mercenary and Sally Talfourd for the Undisputed Championship? No matter who walks out of that match, the only championship – and champion that matters on this brand is the one that I HOLD – and the one that is HELD BY ME.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Cosmo rolls his eyes, ignoring the boos and continuing on. At this point, he isn’t phased and is still focused on what he has to say.

Cosmo Goldworthy: In fact, we’re only four shows into 2024 and I have already left an indelible mark on the EWC! Whether it be my victory over El Pablo at House Party, or even my MVP tag performance with JoJo Rush on Prime or when I dispatched Chelsea Skye.. It’s a shame that I’ve had to wait this long for Rampage to come around but hath no fear, the star of the show has been representing this brand to its fullest! And if there’s anyone on Rampage that has a problem with how I conduct myself? I dare them to come down here and do something about it..

He pauses, just for a slight second.

Cosmo Goldworthy: That even goes for the woman who took it upon herself to try and ruin my moment at House Party…

KD: Did Cosmo just call out Emiko Okita?

P-Dug: Sure sounds like it!

There’s some murmuring amongst Cosmo’s callout for Emiko Okita, but it seems that it’s not meant to be yet..? She may not even be in the building, but Cosmo, Dimitri and Bruce all laugh upon not seeing her, or anyone for that matter show up.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Cosmo Goldworthy: Just as I suspected. There’s no one who’s going to do something about it because there’s no one who CAN do something about it. So with that said, this is just the beginning of a neverending reign as United States Champion.. And by the end of this year? I will be the greatest America has ever seen. I will be the greatest The House has ever seen. I will be the greatest the EWC has ever seen. Hell, I will be the greatest the WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN! FOR I AM, COSMO! GOL–

To the shock of everyone in the arena, '15 Minutes' by Shattered Skies hits the speakers as the LEADER of The House, Jack Severn marches out with a far from pleased look on his face. Cosmo diverts his attention to the stage and his face turns pale like he’s seen a ghost, and Dimitri and Bruce immediately step up. Dimitri’s shocked expression tells the whole story, as he finally meets the eyes of the man who he attempted to have kicked out of his own group two years ago. But as Severn makes his way down to the ring, he’s got back up as he’s flanked by his manager Alastor Gray, Next Level, Callum MacBeth and Jamie Love.

KD: Wait JUST a second! The actual leader of The House – contrary to what Cosmo has been saying these last few weeks, Jack Severn is here and I can only imagine what he’s got to say to Cosmo Goldworthy!

P-Dug: Does it matter!? With all due respect to Severn, this is NOT his moment! He’s not even a Rampage guy and you know that! He’s got no business being out here!

Just Jack enters the reach and the rest of his squad stay at ringside. Alastor and Dimitri stare daggers into each other. Jack snatches a microphone from the production worker and immediately steps up to Cosmo. Cosmo doesn’t budge. He stands his ground as Jack clearly has got a lot to get off of his chest. There’s a mixed reaction from the crowd, who have genuinely no idea where this is headed from The House’s leader and one of their most successful recruits. Dimitri gulps, meanwhile Bruce holds tight to his briefcase in the event that he has to use it…

Jack Severn: HELLLLOOOOO Dublin! I know you all aren’t used to seeing this dashing face on Rampage much, but I just couldn’t resist paying a visit in order to check in my rookie of the year recruit. So how are ya, Cosmo? Can’t help but notice who you’ve got with you over there.

Jack points to Dimitri.

Jack Severn: And while I plan on addressing Callie Clark’s little coup attempt on Prime… I figured I'd address the elephant in THIS room first. So, ‘Money Mo,’ what makes you feel you’re so above The House that you’d associate yourself with a man who shouldn’t be anywhere near the EWC right now? In other words…

Jack steps closer to Cosmo, but locks eyes with Dimitri.

Jack Severn: Why would you associate with a slimeball coward?

Cosmo scoffs, moving closer to remind Jack to lock his eyes on him.

Cosmo Goldworthy: Why would I associate with a slimeball coward?! I’ll tell you what, there’s a whole group of slimeballs outside that ring. We’re ALL slimeballs. As for the coward part, he was YOUR coward first. I’m just holding up my end of the bargain.

Jack’s eyes narrow as he begins to tremble with rage.

Jack Severn: I cut that cancer out for a reason, and I swear to fucking god, I will cut YOU out if I have to. Don’t think because you’ve had such a good 2023 that you can tell me who belongs in this group and who doesn’t! This is STILL The House That Jack Built, and you BEST know your place in it, because your roof can come crashing down on you anytime I damn please.

Cosmo smirks, still showing respect for Jack before he moves on to his next words.

Cosmo Goldworthy: ‘Kay, you spit some fire there. But Jackie, I do know my place here. But do YOU? Now with all due respect, I won my first match – JoJo won his first match, and let’s not complain about talent discrepancy here but did you win your first match of the season?!

Jack almost snarls in anger at this point, but he quickly regains his composure, smiling at Cosmo.

Jack Severn: Touche, touche. But if you really wanna go there, and bring up win/loss records? Well then maybe we gotta address some other members in the group. I mean, where even are Chris Page and Eddie Dozier? Tyler Bradford? They got attacked by fucking ninjas and disappeared at House Party. And they were facing each other for fucks sake! And hell, Jamie Love couldn’t even beat Luke Saito after two match restarts! But you know what I was doing on that show? Burying JoJo Rush’s mess! Because that’s what I do for this group! I clean up your fucking messes! I may not have all the gold in the world, and I may still be looking for that key win, but I’m the leader for a reason, and that reason is because I’M the one who knows what it takes!

Cosmo cackles, thrown off guard by Jack’s strays at the others. He does nod though, hearing out the very fair points Jack is making. Jamie Love looks less than impressed at ringside. Alastor’s look shifts to be more concerned.

Cosmo Goldworthy: Y’know right? You’ve got some great points, Jack. You don’t gotta clean up my mess, but I do commend you for beating Ace King because we both know he’s too cowardly to settle anything with me, and Darkwater? Impressive win. Stealing his championship treasure might as well count for your first championship win– I kid! I kid! But going back to House Party, at least Chris Page is a former HBO Broadcast Champion and EWC United States Champion, much like me so cut ‘em some slack! Jamie’s been here longer than both of us and he’s got nothing to show for it! Besides, I took it upon myself to get rid of Luke Saito – since someone couldn’t remind him of his place when it comes to addressing The House..

Bruce pats Cosmo on the back, smirking at the insult. The two have completely been thrown off guard from Jack diverting to Jamie, and clearly that’s become their new priority. Jamie yells a “what the fuck” from ringside, but is quickly cut off by Jack.

Jack Severn: SHUT THE FUCK UP, JAMIE! I’M TALKING!

Jack turns back towards Cosmo, Bruce, and Dimitri.

Jack Severn: And as much as I hate that miserable prick Dimitri Graves? Maybe he’s useful.

Jack squints at Dimitri and pats him on the shoulder, making him flinch slightly.

Jack Severn: Yeah… Maybe he’ll lead you to the same championship matches he led me to. Only to stab you in the back after.

Jack steps away from Dimitri.

Jack Severn: I’ll let you make your bed, but he still can’t be in The House again. That seem fair? And as for any other members of The House who feel they’re above the group? I won’t be as lenient. Because hey… Cosmo? At least you’re not Jamie Love!

Jack and Cosmo cackle together, but they’re quickly cut off by Jamie Love shoving past Alastor Gray and Next Level, and entering the ring!

Jamie Love: NO, I’M NOT FUCKING STANDING FOR THIS!

Jamie, pissed off, marches right up to Jack, shoving him and tearing the microphone from his hand.

Jamie Love: When I left the Love Club for this group, I thought I was joining a team that actually respected me! But I see how it is now… Jack, you’re nothing but a selfish prick who only wanted to use me! And now that I’ve been losing lately, you’ve seen your use for me, huh? Well maybe it’s time I remind you why you christened me as the fucking PITBULL!

Jamie turns to face Cosmo now.

Jamie Love: And you? I’ve been on Rampage longer than you, and I’ll be damned if anyone in The House starts deciding this show belongs to them before me! Hell, maybe I’ll pay Luke Saito a visit during your match… Cause a disqualification…

Cosmo chuckles, looking at Jamie.

Cosmo Goldworthy: I don’t CARE how long you’ve been on this damn show, Jamie! Don’t you forget who gave you a new bed! Jack Severn dropped you on Bruce and I’s doorstep as a chance to prove ourselves, and we gave you your first achievement in lord knows how long?! In fact, to no surprise it was another team accomplishment! Just like Reid lugged you around, because you really are a damn bastard! An illegitimate child with no real daddy or mother! A partner without a team! Let me tell you something Jamie, this show belongs to me! And damn it! THIS GROUP BELONGS TO ME TOO–

Cosmo stops in his tracks, fired up. He slipped over his words again, and he turns to Jack, caught up in the rage between himself, Jack, and Jamie. The two have a tense staredown, but before Jack can respond, Jamie shoves him aside to move closer to Cosmo. This sets Jack off, and Jack grabs Jamie by the arm.

Jack Severn: YOU LISTEN TO ME, LITTLE MAN! NO ONE SHOVES ME ASIDE LIKE THAT AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!

Jamie nods… AND THEN PUNCHES JACK SQUARE IN THE JAW! Cosmo’s mouth goes agape in awe, and Bruce straight up laughs. Everyone is stunned. Jamie and Jack just look at each other wordlessly… AND THEN JOJO RUSH CLOBBERS JAMIE FROM BEHIND! WHERE DID HE EVEN COME FROM?!

KD: What the hell?! What is JoJo Rush doing here?!

P-Dug: It looks like The House is TRIMMING the fat!

Jack and JoJo start stomping away on Jamie as Cosmo, Bruce, and Dimitri quietly roll out of the ring. Dimitri and Alastor once again lock eyes from across the ringside area, but Alastor’s attention is diverted back towards the ring as Jack looks at him for approval. Alastor nods solemnly, and Callum MacBeth immediately slides in with a chair, joining the beatdown on Jamie Love! Jamie briefly tries to fight back, being able to fight Callum and Jack off for a bit, but the three on one assault becomes too overwhelming when Callum and JoJo SPEAR Jamie from both the front and the back at the same time! Callum then grabs Jamie and lines his skull up… FOR JACK TO HIT THE SILENCER! At this point, Next Level slide into the ring, but before they can do anything…

THE HEAT PACKERS RUN DOWN! They yell at Next Level and JoJo Rush, trying to figure out just what the hell is going on here. But as Jamie starts to get up… The Heat Packers move out of the way to allow Next Level to hit stereo superkicks! Brodie Dawson goes to the second rope as Dan Funk grabs Jamie and holds him above the chair… SAYONARA EXPRESS ONTO THE CHAIR!

KD: OH! THEY JUST DROVE JAMIE LOVE’S HEAD INTO A STEEL CHAIR! WHY?! THIS IS UNCALLED FOR!

P-Dug: JAMIE LOVE STUCK HIS NOSE INTO BUSINESS THAT WASN’T HIS! THAT WAS BETWEEN COSMO AND SEVERN, AND HE INTERJECTED HIMSELF!

The crowd reacts in horror as Jamie’s head lightly bounces off the chair and he flops to the mat. Cosmo, Bruce and Dimitri are considering leaving but the impact leaves all three in shock. Jack stares down at Jamie and walks to the ropes, opening them up and sitting on the middle rope. He calls out, inviting Cosmo and Bruce into the ring. Cosmo is contemplating it, but Dimitri whispers in his ear and advises him not to get in.. But Bruce shrugs at Jack’s request and hops the apron, entering the ring. Cosmo walks over, not wanting to leave his cousin behind and steps onto the apron to enter the ring. Dimitri sighs and moves closer, staying cautious. Jack picks up the chair while Callum holds Jamie up… and Bruce smashes Jamie with the briefcase!

Cosmo watches Bruce beat down Jamie, but looks up as Jack once again holds the ropes open for him. Bruce also eggs Cosmo on to join the beat down, and so Cosmo finally enters, albeit extremely hesitantly. He walks up to Bruce and helps him beat down Jamie with punches… while JACK SEVERN RAISES A CHAIR BEHIND HIM! Cosmo turns around… And Jack just smiles and hands him the chair. Cosmo stares at Jack for a bit, getting bad vibes, but Bruce just tells Cosmo to grab the chair, so he does.

KD: Did you see that?!

P-Dug: ..I sure did.

Cosmo raises the steel chair up and starts battering Jamie’s back and shoulders repeatedly with the steel chair, showing no remorse. Steel continuously meets flesh as he keeps hitting Jamie over and over. Dimitri heads onto the apron to assist his client, but Alastor steps onto the apron and enters the ring as well. Dimitri watches Alastor enter the ring and stops in his tracks, deciding not to face his wrath. Alastor picks a microphone up from the ground and upon seeing Alastor grab a microphone, Cosmo finally stops wearing Jamie out with the chair and drags him where the others can see him.

Alastor Gray: We are all The House, don’t you understand? Jack? Cosmo? There is no one leader, no one Ace. We are ALL equal in this group. From now on, all this in-fighting stops. No more acting like children! No more weak links! Because from here on out… when we see one?

Alastor crouches down and says this part to Jamie.

Alastor Gray: We eliminate it.

Alastor stands back up and eyes the rest of The House.

Alastor Gray: So if anyone else in this group feels like they want to speak on weak links…

No one responds. Cosmo and Jack eye each other, but don’t speak up.

Alastor Gray: That’s what I thought. May The House always win.

Alastor drops the microphone on top of Jamie, and “The Mess We’ve Made” hits on the speakers. All The House members in the ring give each other the Too Sweet while standing over Jamie Love’s broken body, including Jack and Cosmo. Cosmo quickly leaves with Dimitri, and Bruce goes to follow, but Jack taps Bruce on the shoulder. He whispers something to him real quick… and Bruce nods and leaves. Cosmo and Dimitri wait on the ramp for Bruce, wondering what the hell Jack said, but Bruce just smiles and says it was nothing.

KD: I have no words for what I just witnessed.. The House truly is one of the most ruthless groups I have ever seen, stooping THAT low just to eliminate one member of the group!

P-Dug: And imagine what they’re willing to do to people that they never liked in the first place! What a beatdown! What a way to kick off Rampage!

KD: And I fear.. With The House’s backing, Cosmo Goldworthy’s reign here on Rampage may be a long one – and a vicious one. Don't go anywhere folks, we'll be back after this commerical break!

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The harsh glare of the arena lights cast a merciless glow on the squared circle, a battleground surrounded in anticipation. The audience, bathed in the fevered hum of excitement, wait as the cacophony of their anticipation crescendos along with the drumming rhythm. On cue, Emmanuelle Chriqui steps through the ropes and into the blinding spotlight cast down on the center of the ring. The fans in attendance, eager for the start of Rampage’s 2024 season, roar in approval. Chriqui, with a slight smile, waits for silence, then raises the mic.

Emmanuelle: Ladies and gentlemen, fans of all ages: It is my honour to welcome to Rampage, for the first time in her career … the EWC Undisputed Champion … The Last Magician … SALLY TALFOURD!

The crowd reacts as expected, a deafening wall of jeers and boo’s. It’s almost loud enough to drown out the opening notes to Sally’s music which plays through the building from the first row to the rafters. Then, as the music tips, Sally saunters out to the stage. Dressed in her ring gear for her first title defense later that night, though over it all she wears a loose-fitting Action Packed Wrestling presents: Christmas Chaos 2010 t-shirt.  The now rare and almost antique relic of a shirt displays a much younger Sally Talfourd nose-to-nose with an also young version of Level-One with all the expected Christmas paraphernalia all around them. Over her right shoulder shines the Undisputed Championship belt.

Koala: And here comes EWC’s Undisputed Champion, with all the accustomed disrespect we’ve seen from Sally Talfourd this off-season.

Polar: Disrespect? What are you talking about Koala? She’s paying homage to the past. Sally’s a student of history!

Koala: Then perhaps the past is just where she belongs? This is the EWC and we're all about the here and now. And here in the present Sally has a date with the man who was last year's Best of Rampage.  He's a mad, bad, man called Mercenary.

Sally poses part-way down the ramp and lifts her belt in the air, her head resting back and her eyes closed. She basks in the ignominy that the fans project in her direction. With a wry grin she continues once more to the ring, stopping at the steps to yell out to Emmanuelle to “Get out of my ring!”.

Emmanuelle reluctantly complies, resting the microphone on the mat before leaving. Sally then darts up the steps, lifts one leg through the rope and waits to prolong her arrival, drawing further ire from the fans. She shakes her head as steps back out to the apron, jawing at the nearest fans that “You don’t deserve me!”.

Koala: If Talfourd makes these fans wait much longer, there might not be many left to hear her whenever she gets around to it!

Polar: Cool your jets, Koala. This is the EWC Undisputed Champion – she sets the pace!

Finally, Sally steps through the ropes and casually walks over to the microphone waiting for her on the mat. Picking it up, she begins banging on the top of the mic, the feedback and reverberations competing with the animosity of the Rampage fans. With a smile, Sally comes to a stop but has to wait for the fans to wind down. Finally, when there’s a semblance of control, she brings the microphone to her mouth.

Sally: Ladies and gentlemen: You’re welcome.

The crowd erupts once more. Sally, has to pull the microphone away as she laughs for a moment, then plows ahead.

Sally: You’re welcome for the fact that I have finally lost my senses enough to grace Rampage with my presence. Since stepping foot in EWC, I’ve managed to avoid this house of horrors. But, alas, I find myself here on the worst of terms and in front of the worst of audiences.

The crowd boos more intensely.

Sally: I mean, if I'm not mistaken, this is the same Rampage brand where a contracted wrestler to EWC literally exploded and JoJo Rush pinned a bloody quivering mass of human flesh for a win, correct?

Koala: A brief moment of silence for the dearly departed Darna Dare.

Sally: I hope EWC’s full health coverage extends into the afterlife … but anyway, I’m here, in the wild, wild west of Rampage and you’re welcome because as your EWC Undisputed Champion I will return some semblance of law and order to a place that has been taken over by outlaws. That’s what a great champion does: They establish order. They become a beacon of light on the hill for the rabbles and the unwashed masses to strive towards. So here, now, I shine my light upon you all ... you plebians out here … backstage … watching at home … look at me and see what you can only aspire to be.

She extends her arms to share her glorious aura with the not-so adoring fans.

Sally: Behold the epitome of greatness, success and perfection! Behold your Champion!

The disapproval of the crowd reaches a deafening volume. Sally, standing in the center of the ring, her eyes ablaze with the arrogance that comes with undeniable prowess, shakes her head in feigned disbelief and disappointment.

Koala: Seems like the fans aren’t too keen to adopt Sally’s version of perfection!

Polar: These people wouldn’t know perfection if it were standing right in front of them … which it is right now!

Sally: You may well reject me, but you bought your tickets knowing I was going to be here. You turned up knowing I’d stand in this ring – my ring. It's mine because every ring in the EWC belongs to the Undisputed Champion. You peasants can front up and boo me all you want, but you know deep down you’re here because of me. This whole show is happening because of me! I am the real reason that this show even exists!

Sally surveyed the audience with a glint of superiority in her eyes, the spotlight tracing the contours of her physique. With increasing animation and agitation, Sally’s voice now drips with venom.

Sally: So here, on the season premier of Rampage, I will grace this ring with my first title defence! The first of what will undoubtedly be many! Each and every challenger that steps into my ring is not a threat but a mere formality: A formality that I will use to prove why I wear this championship belt. I'm not here to make friends; I'm here to reign as EWC’s Undisputed Champion. Rampage … Brawl … Paramount … Prime … all of EWC belongs to me, and any two-bit wrestler back behind that curtain who dreams of dethroning me is merely indulging in a futile fantasy!

Mercenary: SALLY TALFOURD! I think the real trick would be getting The Magician to stop running her mouth for anything more than a minute.

Every head turns immediately to the stage, instantaneously followed by a massive roar of approval. There, standing in his ring jeans, a sleeveless black t-shirt and a leather jacket, with an expression that seemed to reflect the annoyance of every fan in attendance, stood The EWC Outlaw. With a quick glance around Mercenary brings his mic back up to his mouth to speak before Sally gets the chance to respond.

Mercenary: You know it's a pretty big damn brag for somebody like you, champion or not, to come out here and claim that you're the reason that Rampage exists. After all, this is the brand that was built on the backs of names like Ace King, Melody Malone and Lavender. This is Rampage, where we decide the best on the brand by making anyone with balls enough to step up compete in The Best of Rampage Tournament. Those people actually shed blood, sweat and tears to make Rampage one of the top brands under the EWC umbrella … and those men and women are the ones who these people are actually here to see. And we've all had it up to here with hearing you use our show as a platform to stroke your fragile ego.

Mercenary begins to advance down the ramp.

Mercenary: Somehow Sally, we managed to build this brand up without your presence. We got by just fine when you were content to watch the show from your old home base over on Paramount, or from the safety of Prime. But I guess all good things must come to an end. And so now the Undisputed Champion has come to stir the pot. You came over to our brand, the people’s brand, and you decided to start throwing shade? And you have the audacity to talk to these people like they're a bunch of worthless piss-ons?

The fans boo in their own defense.

Mercenary: I can guaran-damn-tee that almost every one of these people got up, went to work, and busted their asses every day to pay for those seats they're sittin' in. Every one of 'em put in the extra time and effort just to afford the simple luxury of coming to watch Rampage live and in person. And that gives them the god-given right to cheer or boo anyone that they damn well please.

The fans react to this verbal prompt with a chorus of noise and adulation.

Mercenary: And that includes me, and it sure as hell includes you. You, Sally, the exact same person who tried to pull off her most ambitions magic trick to date when you tried your best to make this particular formality disappear just a few weeks ago.

Mercenary is at the foot of the steps now. Methodically, he walks his way up and to the ropes.

Mercenary: It seems to me like this perfect public persona of yours is nothing more than another one of your sad little illusions. It seems to me that, behind all the smoke and mirrors, you're not at all confident that you even deserve a lengthy title reign. And if I have anything to do with it, by the end of tonight, I'm gonna prove that you're dead right to be afraid. I’m going to take that belt off your undeserving shoulder and make this the first, last and only time you step foot in this ring as the Undisputed Champion.

Mercenary steps over the ropes to tower over Sally with a cold confidence.

Mercenary: Unless, of course, you don't wanna keep these people waiting and we can do this thing right here and now?

The crowd erupts once more, a growing swell of cheers and excitement at the prospect of the main event opening the night. Mercenary locks eyes with Sally – his gaze not deviating for a second. Sally shifts nervously under the shadow of Mercenary, her head looking left then right. She bites her bottom lip, looks down at the microphone and then takes a big step backwards to expand the space between them.  With a look of defiance she manages a self-confident smile for the benefit of all those in attendance.

Sally: You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Catch me unprepared? You need every advantage you can get to take this from me.

Sally slaps the EWC Undisputed Championship.

Sally: Too bad for you though big fella, but I’m too smart to play your little games. You can wait, just like all these jokers watching. Wait your turn to be reminded why I'm the Champion and you'll never be anything more than just a runner up who blew the latest in a long list of wasted opportunities.

Sneering, after seeing that her verbal laceration succeeded in drawing blood from her opponent's stony demeanor, Sally lowers her microphone and steps backs up to the ropes. Keeping a watchful glare on the Mercenary. Mercenary watches her leave with a smirk of his own and what appeared to be a look of approval.

Mercenary: You can walk out now Champ, but later tonight, when that bell rings, the negotiations will be over and you'll have nowhere left to run.

Without skipping a beat, Sally is through the ropes and onto the floor. She continues to shout back to Mercenary who just chuckles at her from the ring. As she backs up the ramp, she holds the EWC Undisputed Championship high, pointing to herself. Mercenary, meanwhile, holds up his wrist and taps the space where a watch would be, to illustrate the idea that Sally's time is almost up.

MATCH #1
Young Justice
Vs Silent Discotecnicos
(Non-Title

---

We cut back to the commentary booth while Mercenary and Sally head to the back. 

Chriqui: The following match, set for one fall, is a tag team contest. Introducing first weighing in at a combined 243 pounds, they are Cassie Wolfe and Harper Mason... YOUNG JUSTICE!!!

The intro for Jonathon Young's cover of the Earth's Mightiest Heroes theme hits the speakers and Harper and Cassie emerge from the back ready for action, they slap hands with the fans on their way to the ring before sliding in and high fiving each other as they wait for their opponents.

Chriqui: And the opponents, weighing in at a combined 378 pounds, they are El Pablo and Vertigo... SILENT DISCOTECNICOS!!!

All of the Lights' by Kanye West hits the soundsystem amid a dazzling display of strobe and multicoloured spotlights as the Silent Discotecnicos step out onto an entranceway bathed in a blanket of dry ice. El Pablo bounds down the ramp, Vertigo following slowly behind as his brother laps the ring slapping hands with the fans before the two reunite at the foot of the ramp. Here, Pablo removes both his and Vertigo's headphones and donates them to a pair of young fans at ringside, before the two of them dart under the ropes and into the ring, ready for battle.

DING DING DING

Cassie and Vertigo start. Vertigo jumps for a dropkick that Cassie ducks. Cassie leaps for a dropkick of her own that Vertigo ducks. Vertigo catches Cassie with a kick to the calf that takes her to the mat. Vertigo leaps back for an elbow drop that hits only mat as Cassie rolls to safety. Back on her feet, Cassie runs at Vertigo for something but he twists himself around Cassie taking her to the mat with a crucifix driver. Cassie manages to roll to her feet first and catches Vertigo with a dropkick as he kneels on the mat. Cassie lifts Vertigo to his feet and dumps him into the corner before whipping him to the opposite corner of the ring. Cassie charges and leaps for a cross body but Vertigo catches her and drops Cassie to the mat for a powerslam. He hooks the leg

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Cassie lifts a shoulder off the mat to break the count. Vertigo lifts Cassie off the mat and leads her to his corner where he tags in Pablo. He leaps to the top turnbuckle and back at Cassie for a moonsault. Cassie ducks and Pablo crashes to canvas. He gets back to his feet where Cassie catches him on the side of the head with a back elbow that drops him to the mat before tagging Harper into the match. Harper dives through the ropes hitting Pablo with a spear. She runs off the ropes as Pablo rises to his feet. Harper slide into a DDT that drives Pablo to the mat. Harper rolls Pablo into a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Pablo lifts a shoulder up of the mat to break the count.

KD: Good fast paced action to kick this one off!

P-Dug: I love to see it. Or not, they’re a bit of a blur.

Harper lifts Pablo to his feet and takes him over with a quick suplex. She tags in Cassie and they knock Pablo down with a Double Clothesline. Cassie then drops onto him with a standing Moonsault. Cassie rolls quickly off him to avoid Harper as she crashes down with a running Senton for a full Fight As One. Cassie dives back on him to make a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Pablo rolls to his side to break the count. Slowly he manages to get to his feet. Cassie pushes him off the ropes, where he makes a blind tag to Vertigo, and rolls him for an O’Connor roll. Referee Mike Michaelson refuses to count the illegal man. Cassie argues her case which allows Vertigo to Cannonball! Pablo into Cassie. Pablo rolls from the ring as Vertigo makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Harper dives in to break the count.

P-Dug: I thought that was it!

KD: Clearly so did Harper Mason as she had to do an Olympic dive into the ring just to keep things going.

Harper grabs Vertigo and lifts him to his feet as Cassie pulls herself to her own feet and climbs to the top turnbuckle. Harper lifts Vertigo up with a Powerbomb. Cassie leaps from the top turnbuckle looking to hit a clothesline for the full Avengers Assemble. Vertigo manages to counter with a hurricanrana that sends Harper rolling from the ring as Cassie’s clothesline connects with nothing but the ring. Vertigo tags Pablo and he grabs Cassie lifting her into position with a front waist lock. Pablo runs off the ropes and leaps hitting a spinning wheel kick/Art Attack. All crash to the mat. Vertigo dives over the ropes at Harper with a moonsault as Pablo makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THREE!

DING DING DING

Chriqui: And your winners, via pinfall... SILENT DISCOTECNICOS!!!!

Pablo gets to his feet and leaps up the turnbuckle, tossing a fistful of Skittles into the crowd as Vertigo slithers into the ring behind him. Both raise each other’s hand in victory before rolling from the ring.

KD: Looks like the Silent Discotecnicos will be dancing in the isles tonight after that one! A beautiful hurricanrana saved Vertigo and left Cassie Wolfe open for that heel kick and pick up the win.

P-Dug: Exactly ‘saved’. No hurricanrana and Vertigo would have been driven into the mat by Young Justice and this could easily have been over with Young Justice celebrating.

KD: STAFF WILL SETUP WHAT COMES NEXT / MATCH OR SEGMENT

Camera cuts to ...

In a behind the scenes, backstage alcove at Croke Park, Vin Havoc puts himself through his paces, warming himself up before his match against ZERO.  Rolling his neck and shoulders, he mutters below his breath to psych himself up while pacing at an increasing speed, back and forth, across the screen. On one return trip he pulls up short, just barely avoiding running right into Mercenary, who is looking to wish his friend good fortune.

Mercenary: Damn son. Slow down before ya hurt somebody.

Vinny makes a face, irritated at having his focus interrupted.

Havoc: Holy shit Partna. What'chu tryin' to audition to be a fuckin' road block or sumthin'? Cant'cha see I'm walkin' here? Get that big, freaky Frankenstein ass'a yours outta my path, before I crash you like I'm gonna run right through that masked idiot ZERO. 

Mercenary laughs.  He'd always been a fan of his fellow former co-champion's brash, unapologetic, bravado.

Mercenary: Shit son, sor-ry. I just wanted to wish you luck tonight, but clearly you don't think ya need it.

With a big grin Vin chuckles.

Havoc: Aw Hell kid. You know that luck only works for losers and the Irish. And ya boy ain't named Sheamus. Vinny Havoc in an 
Iron Man? Shit, you know first hand how I do. I got this bastard in a bag Brah!

Mike pretends to have his doubts to try to wind his road dog up a little bit tighter. 

Mercenary: I don't know. He's a big boy. And 15 minutes is a pretty long time. You sure you're in shape for it?

Vin's volatile personality leapt on the bait like Grizzly Duggan on a six ounce steak.

Havoc: Says the big fuckin' goof that tied my tubby ass in the BORT finals! And get outta here with that 15 minutes is a long time shit, I've wrestled far longer matches. Dont'cha doubt it, I'll take care of ZERO, YOU just worry about not gettin' your balls kicked in by Sally Talfourd! That stuck up bitch still got somethin' comin' for yeetin' my ass off'a the Insanity Cage! 

Mercenary's expression grew serious as his mind shifted to the main event.

Mercenary: Believe me Brother, I'm not thinkin' about anybody else.

Out of left field Vin chops his chest as hard as he can to bring the Outlaw back into the moment.

Havoc: Except that little Bambino in your lady's belly! Right? RIGHT!?  AW Brutha, CONGRATULATIONS! Mozel Tov!

Vinny slaps his chest, right on the red welt that had begun to rise after his wake up call as Mercenary awkwardly accepts his well wishes.

Mercenary: Thanks man. To be honest I'm still getting used to the idea that I'm actually gonna be somebody's father.

Vin laughs with good-natured sarcasm.

Havoc: Hell, what's the worst that can happen?  You screw up and the kid becomes some kind of serial killer... or worse...

Havoc and Mercenary (Together): A Professional Wrestler.

Something strikes Vin as being even more hilarious.

Havoc: Or even worse... A goddamn Sports Entertainer. 

Vin and Mike share another laugh together, but then Vin's face becomes a bit more earnest.

Havoc: Nah, seriously man. Congrats. And good luck tonight. Maybe by the end of next Rampage, we'll both be champions again. How about that?

Mike smiles.

Mercenary: Who would'a thought?

MATCH #2
Jason Anderson
Vs JoJo Rush
(Non Title, Hardcore)

---

We return to ringside where the crowd is still amped from seeing Young Justice and Silent Discotecnicos going at it.

KD: Next up, folks, we have a match that many have been foaming at the mouth to see since the card was announced, Jason Anderson versus JoJo Rush in a hardcore match.

P-Dug: There is some animosity here with JoJo being the one who almost crippled Ruthless, Jason’s mother. And now, he has the opportunity to do the same to Anderson.

Chriqui: The following match is a match. Introducing first from Brooklyn, New York & weighing in at number 215 pounds... JASON ANDERSON ‘THE BOSS’!!!

The arena lights start to flash on and off as NF- No Excuses comes over the speakers as smoke appears on the Extreme Tron in big letters with his picture “Jason Anderson “The Boss””. Jason appears on the stage wearing his hood over his head. Jason plays to the crowd a bit as he walks down and enters the ring

He get inside of the ring and pop the hood off his head like AJ Styles on the top rope point a finger down to Angel. She is jumping up and down for her father as he grins and winks at her as he jump down off the corner ropes. He look right at the person across from him while he take off his hood jacket and start to test ropes a bit.

Chriqui: And his opponent from New York City & weighing in at 270 pounds... ’The LIGHT of Monday NIGHTS’ JOJO RUSH!!!



The lights in the venue go completely dim. At the end of the interlude, The venue lights violently turn back on to utterly blinding. The lights dim and then focus onto JoJo, who is already standing at the center of the stage with the Hardcore and International Championships bound together and draped over JoJo’s shoulders. He poses into the light, his arms slowly extend out to his sides, and once fully extended, towers of fire burst around the stage and rampway. JoJo saunters towards the ring and rolls inside. A lone spotlight shines on a turnbuckle, The lights go to a near dim, the towers of fire providing the only source of light. JoJo climbs onto the top of a turnbuckle and extends his arms out with a title in each hand. A bright spotlight once again shines onto JoJo and JoJo alone.

KD: You can see the ferociousness in Jason’s eyes as this is an opportunity to right the wrongs of yester-year!

P-Dug: But that twisted little smirk on JoJo’s face and the shine of those titles he just handed the ref, show he is no push over. And honestly, if he doesn’t tear Jason apart, I would be disappointed in him.

DING DING DING

Both superstars, one representing Rampage and the other Brawl, circle the ring before doing the traditional lock up in the center. JoJo goes with a quick side headlock that he wrenches in, but Jason quickly retaliates with a few well placed forearms to the ribs of Rush. After three or four find their mark, Jason shoves JoJo off and into the ropes. Rush comes flying back and lifts his leg… BIG BOO- JASON DUCKS! The Champ turns around and is QUICKLY TAKEN OUT BY A RUNNING LARIAT!

Jason kips up to his feet, the crowd cheering as their own Rampage star is feeling a bit of… no pun intended… a rush. Jason grabs JoJo by the hair and pulls him to his feet… locking in his OWN side headlock! But JoJo grabs Jason around the waist and lifts him up with a back suplex! Jason releases the headlock as he flies backwards… BUT LANDS ON HIS FEET NEAR THE ROPES! The Boss gets his footing and looks up… BIG BOOT AGAIN AND JASON ANDERSON GOES FLYING OVER THE ROPES AND TO THE OUTSIDE!!!

JoJo drops to the mat and rolls out of the ring, under the bottom rope… his eyes quickly looking down on the mess that is Jason Anderson. He grabs Jason by the scruff of the neck and THROWS him headfirst into a nearby barricade. Quickly he makes his way over to a Jason Anderson who has a fresh cut above his right eye, and steps onto his face before RAKING his boot across it… smearing blood along the way.

KD: What a move of disrespect from our Hardcore Champion! 

P-Dug: He ain't giving anything he's not had to take himself. 

JoJo smirks and waves at the crowd, showboating about what he is doing to their own Rampage superstar. He reaches down and grabs Jason again, this time turning and whipping him INTO THE STEEL RING STEPS! Jason hits them and causes them to separate as he goes flying over the mess. With a little bit of a second wind, or pure stubbornness, Jason Anderson reaches up and grabs the apron… pulling himself to his feet. Meanwhile JoJo watches him, admiring his spirit… but knowing he is going to break him anyway.

Jason rolls into the ring, quickly followed by JoJo Rush on the other side. JoJo first to his feet as Jason uses the ropes to stand up, his face covered in blood. BIG BOOT BY JOJO AGAIN!!! Jason tries to dodge it, but it still clips him and ends up crashing into the corner of the mat.

JoJo grabs Jason’s leg and pulls him towards the center of the ring, before hooking the leg.

ONE!

KICKOUT!!!

A laugh escapes the Champs lips as he sits up. He stands to feet as does Jason. JoJo charges forward WITH A CLOTHESLINE… B.J.A!!! BACK ELBOW BY JASON ANDERSON AND JOJO RUSH SPUN AND IS DOWN ON ALL FOURS! The champ reaches up and touches his lips, to see if he is bleeding… PUNTKICK!!! PUNTKICK BY THE BOSS!!! JASON DROPS FOR THE COVER!!!

ONE!

TWO!!

KICKOUT!!!

P-Dug: JoJo Rush kicks out with authority there!

KD: Jason Anderson came within milliseconds of winning this match you bastard 

JoJo Rush rolls over onto his side, still touching his now tender jaw. Jason stands to his feet, wiping some of the blood from around his eyes so that he can see better. He grabs JoJo by the hair and pulls him over to the ropes. With intentions for a rope hunt DDT, Jason tries to position the champ… but JoJo blocks it… AND BACK BODY DROPS JASON OVER THE TOP ROPE! JASON ANDERSON CLIPS THE APRON AND CRASHES DOWN ONTO THE OUTSIDE! JoJo climbs to the top turnbuckle as the adrenaline kicks in for Jason Anderson and The Boss pulls himself to his feet. DIVING CLOTHESLINE FROM THE TOP TURNBUCKLE BY THE BEST OF BRAWL!!!

With all his might, JoJo pulls himself quickly to his feet… grabbing The Boss and pulling him up as well. JoJo kicks Jason in the gut, causing him to double over. He grabs Anderson around the waist… he lifts him up… BANDERA BOM-NO! JASON ANDERSON WITH THE HEADSCISSORS AND SENDS JOJO FLYING! JoJo rolls and hops up… jumping up onto the barricade. With a smile on his face, he holds his arms out and leans back… almost as if he is taunting the fans. BUT JASON COMES UP BEHIND HIM AND GRABS HIM FROM BEHIND… RUDE AWAKEN!!! WIDOW’S PEAK IN HONOR OF RUTHLESS AGGRESSION!!! BUT BOTH MEN ARE COLLAPSED ON THE OUTSIDE NOW!

After a few moments of the fans trying to cheer on Jason Anderson… he slowly starts to move, pulling himself over the lifeless body of JoJo Rush.

ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!!
.
.
.
THRE-KICKOUT!!!

JASON ANDERSON WAITED TOO LONG AND JOJO RUSH KICKED OUT!!!

Jason, in an act of desperation, stands to his feet and with all his strength, pulls JoJo up as well. With a primal yell, he pulls the Champ over and rolls him into the ring under the bottom rope. Jason climbs up onto the apron, pulls back on the ropes and slingshots himself up to the top turnbuckle…

JASON WITH THE SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULTS! PIPER’S PIT ONTO JOJO- RUSH WITH A SPEAR CATCHING JASON IN MID-AIR!!! JoJo goes for the cover…

ONE!


TWO!!



THREE!!!

DING DING DING

Chriqui: And your winner, via pinfall ... JOJO RUSH!!!!

JoJo stands to his feet and looks down at the lifeless Jason Anderson. Tori Taylor suddenly comes sliding into the ring and begins to land kick after kick onto the fallen Jason Anderson, while JoJo looks on.

KD: JoJo won the match already. We don’t need any of these antics right now! Leave Jason alone!

P-Dug: Well this is what happens when you want to come out here by yourself to show how tough you are. JoJo is Champ for a reason. He has the numbers to back him up and the talent to not need it. He is showing Jason why he is the better man.

Tori holds Jason Anderson up as JoJo rubs his own jaw… hate brewing in his eyes, ready to add Jason to the list of early retirees. Suddenly ‘Holding Out For A Hero’ by Adam Lambert begins to pump out of the speakers as everyone turns towards the entrance, a bit confused. They all watch as a man dressed in a black shirt and black shorts, steps out of the back… wearing a white jabbawockeez mask. Rush looks at Tori, pointing towards the masked man. Obviously questioning who it is, even the fans are confused. JoJo turns back around to see the man has already made it to the ring and is up on the apron. The masked man reaches up and removes his mask as the fans erupt in boos. It is Alexander Umbra.

JoJo’s look of confusion turns to a smirk and a bit of a laugh as Umbra enters the ring. He takes a step back and motions for Umbra to have at a prone Jason Anderson as Tori continues to hold The Boss.

Umbra reaches into his shorts pocket and slides on a pair of black gloves with white rooks on them.

He then reaches into his pocket once more and pulls out Daydream, his pair of red brass knuckles that have now been painted green. He slides them onto his fist and looks at Jason. Umbra swings…AND CLOCKS JOJO RUSH IN THE SIDE OF THE FACE!!! JOJO DROPS TO THE GROUND AND QUICKLY ROLLS OUT OF THE RING!!! Umbra turns towards Jason and Tori, pulling his fist back… BUT TORI DROPS JASON AND ROLLS OUT OF THE RING HERSELF!!! QUickly Tori runs over and checks on JoJo, who is holding his face and burning a hole with his eyes, into Umbra… who is in turn, checking on Jason Anderson.

Camera cuts to ...

MATCH #3
Luke Saito
Vs Cosmo Goldworthy
(Non Title. 15 Minute Iron Man Match. Winner Advances To Rampage 523 Fighting Spirit Title Match)

---

We return to ringside where the fans are buzzing for some more action.

KD: We’ve got our first of two Fighting Spirit tournament matches! The winner of this match will take on the winner of ZERO vs. Vin Havoc for the Fighting Spirit Championship on March 1st!

P-Dug: Boy am I excited for that one, but here we go folks! Fifteen minutes on the clock, iron man rules! Only one can prevail!

Chriqui: The following contest is a first round match in the Fighting Spirit Championship tournament, and it is contested under 15 minute time limit Iron Man rules! Introducing first from Brooklyn, New York & weighing in at 156 pounds, accompanied to the ring by Luna Knight Saito... LUKE “THE JOKER” SAITO!!!

The lights in the arena are slowly going off and on as on the top of the ramp only to see Luke standing there with his shades on his face with his long black coat on and standing behind him is Luna wearing the same coat but she has a hood with her and wearing the hood over her head. He grabs her hand and has her standing in front of her as he slowly removes her hood off her head as they both grin.

They both started walking down to the ramp together when the words “Rise” came blasting over the speakers. Luna was playing with the crowd as Luke kept walking slowly down to the ramp. Luna gets to the bottom as she stands on the outside of the ring while Luke stands behind her on top of the apron as the lights flash like crazy on the words “Rise” they put up a fist together. Luna then climbs inside of the ring with him and helps him out of his jacket. She holds it as they bump their heads together like they were praying before the match. She gives him a small kiss before climbing out of the ring as he starts to test the ropes.

Chriqui: And his opponent from The Golden State & weighing in at 201 pounds, accompanied by Dimitri Graves… HE IS THE EWC UNITED STATES CHAMPION... COSMO GOLDWORTHY!!!

The arena plunges into darkness as the electric beat of "Money On My Mind" reverberates throughout the building. Gold and white lines then strobe throughout the building as the EWC United States Champion Cosmo Goldworthy swaggers out with his manager Dimitri Graves towing behind with a sinister smirk on his face. Cosmo opens up his Louis Vuitton jacket to show off the United States Championship around his waist, the gold glistening under the arena lights as he struts down the ramp. Cosmo slides in, climbing the top rope and raising the Too Sweets up high for everyone - as regardless of if you're with The House or against them, noise is being made from every corner of the building. Cosmo drops off the top rope, removing his jacket and championship; handing both to Dimitri outside.

KD: What a career defining victory this could be for Luke Saito if he becomes the second person in Rampage history to defeat Cosmo Goldworthy! These two have past history and Saito is looking to right a very important wrong by defeating Cosmo tonight!

P-Dug: Easier said than done though! Cosmo faced his first Rampage defeat ever after wrestling two matches prior in the night! He may have a lot on his mind after that fiasco with The House earlier, but he’s out for double champ status!

DING DING DING

15:00

Saito - 0

Cosmo - 0

Both men immediately circle around the ring with quickness, aware of the time they have to work with here. The two engage in an immediate collar and elbow tie-up, and Cosmo brings Saito down with a side headlock takedown! He wrenches that headlock in tight, but Saito raises his legs up and entraps Cosmo into a headscissors. Cosmo rolls his body while still in the headscissors, but Saito uses it to force him up into a headlock of his own. Cosmo takes Saito to the ropes and sends him off for a big time lariat but Saito ducks under and nails him with a forearm smash! He gets him with another, and then a kick to the leg. Saito charges up a roundhouse kick, but Cosmo blocks it by slamming fists into Saito’s knee! Saito winces out in pain, then Cosmo grabs the leg and tosses him with a dragon screw legwhip! Saito winces in pain and Cosmo rushes over, stomping at that knee! Saito cries out while Cosmo continues to stomp at him. Cosmo drags him up and takes the leg, wrapping it around the middle rope. He starts beating at the knee repeatedly. Saito yells out in pain and Cosmo pulls him out into another dragon screw legwhip! Cosmo flexes, staring down at Saito. He drags Saito up and grabs at the leg again, but this time Saito meets him with a slap! Cosmo staggers but he holds onto Saito’s leg, and Saito jumps into an enzuigiri! Cosmo falls over, and Saito slowly rises to his feet! Cosmo rises and Saito meets him with a plethora of punches! Cosmo swings for Saito and Saito drills him into the mat with a spinebuster!

As Saito drives Cosmo into the mat, his knee connects and he holds at it, wincing. Saito shakes his head, rising to his feet. He calls Cosmo up and hits off the ropes! He flies into a high knee, sending Cosmo over to the apron! Cosmo holds his jaw, rocked. Saito reaches over for Cosmo but Cosmo pulls him throat first into the top rope with a hotshot! Saito staggers backward, and Cosmo realizes Saito is stunned and he’s on the apron! Cosmo quickly rises, grabs onto the top rope and FRONTFLIPS IN FOR THE GOLD RUSH! SAITO DUCKS! GERMAN SUPLEX! Cosmo spikes up to his feet, holding the back of his head! SAITO HITS OFF THE ROPES! JOKER STRIKE ALREADY! SAITO HAS THE CHAMPION DOWN AND HE CRAWLS INTO HIS FIRST COVER OF THE MATCH, TRYING TO GET THE FIRST FALL!

ONE!



TWO!



COSMO KICKS OUT!

Saito runs his hands through his hair, slapping the mat! He shakes out his knee, still feeling the effects of Cosmo’s attack earlier. Cosmo is still stunned, and he’s trying to regain his bearings. Saito wobbles over to Cosmo, dragging him up. He brings him to the corner and looks around, but Cosmo kicks him in the knee! Saito holds at his knee, stumbling backwards and Cosmo grabs onto the middle rope, leaping off into a savate kick! Saito goes down, but Cosmo isn’t done! He drags Saito up and hits him with a plethora of roundhouse kicks to the chest! Cosmo then slaps Saito and his head leans down and he swings an axe kick, but Saito rolls under the legs of Cosmo! Cosmo turns back and Saito drops him with a dropkick! Saito rises to his feet, as does Cosmo who’s now in the corner. Saito leaps into a big time stinger splash! Cosmo staggers out of the corner and Saito tries for a bulldog, but Cosmo throws him onto his ass. Saito holds his spine in pain as Cosmo hits off the ropes for a penalty kick, but Saito drops down and pulls him into a schoolboy rollup!

ONE!


TWO!


Cosmo rolls out of it, pulling Saito down for a jackknife pinfall!

ONE!



TWO!


Saito kicks out! He pushes Cosmo who backrolls to his feet and THIS TIME HE GETS THE PENALTY KICK! Saito holds his chest, wincing in pain. Cosmo drags up Saito and starts beating the hell out of him with elbow smashes! He raises his arm, trying to spin into THE CASH ROLLS EVERYTHING BUT SAITO DUCKS! He takes the waist and tries for an O’Connor Roll but Cosmo holds onto the top rope! Saito backrolls, unable to drag Cosmo down with him! He comes back at Cosmo but Cosmo sends a scything leg kick to the back of Saito’s knee! He goes down as he holds at his knee, and Cosmo drops him with a Question Mark Kick!

KD: The United States Champion is already digging deep into his bag of tricks! He’s trying to do whatever it takes to put down Luke Saito!

P-Dug: Cosmo may be the more experienced singles wrestler here but no one said that Luke Saito didn’t have any heart in him!

12:30

Saito - 0

Cosmo - 0

Cosmo stares down at Saito, shaking his head. He nudges him over with his boot and presses his boot on his throat, starting to choke him. Saito wheezes out in pain, slapping and clawing at Cosmo’s boot as the referee warns him. Cosmo steps off of Saito, holding his hands up in protest. Saito coughs out, trying his best to get up. Cosmo sees Saito trying to get up and sends a punt kick straight to the ribs of Saito! Saito falls to his side and crumbles up, a kick sent so hard that it may have punctured a rib. Cosmo drags Saito up by the hair and starts delivering nasty closed fist punches to the jaw! Saito tries to cover up, but it’s no use as Cosmo drops him with one last hook. Cosmo raises his fist up and gives it a kiss, the same fist that helped him knock out El Pablo at House Party. Cosmo stares at Saito still trying to get up and shakes his head, Cosmo grabs a handful of Saito’s hair - but Saito paintbrushes him with a BIG SLAP! Sweat flies off of Cosmo’s face as he staggers, caught off guard! He swings for the fences and Saito ducks, throwing him with well – a SAITO SUPLEX! Cosmo holds the back of his head, kicking his legs in pain! Saito rises to his feet and he’s feeling it now!

Saito calls Cosmo up, and he slowly rises.. Saito drops him with a clothesline! Cosmo slowly rises, dazed as Saito drops him with another clothesline! Cosmo is willing himself up off pure instinct, but it’s no use as Saito kicks him in the gut! Saito takes Cosmo by the head and hooks the legs, lifting him up for a cross-legged fisherman buster on the KNEE! The back of Cosmo’s head connects on the knee of Saito, and he falls back, clutching his knee in pain! Cosmo hasn’t experienced a move quite like that and he may very well be knocked out, but Saito is too hurt to capitalize! He finally crawls over, making the cover!

ONE!



TWO!



COSMO KICKS OUT!

Saito falls back, nursing the knee in pain. Cosmo stares up at the ceiling, coughing out. Saito slowly rises to his feet, crawling to the ropes. He rolls to the apron and starts to muscle himself up, climbing up top.. He calls for Cosmo to rise, and as Cosmo does he launches his body at the ropes! Saito falls, crouched hard on the turnbuckle post. Cosmo collects Saito off of the top rope, holding him high up in the air as he bends the leg back and tosses him down into the DAMNDEST SHINBREAKER ANYONE’S EVER SEEN! Saito’s shin grinds RIGHT into Cosmo’s knee, and then he lifts him up and slams him leg-first into the mat! Saito’s leg clashes with the hardwood and despite the mat, Saito may have seriously hurt something! He’s crying out in agony and Luna reaches over, crying out for the referee to check on him! The referee tries to do just exactly that, but Cosmo pushes him aside. “FIFTEEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK, REMEMBER?! YOU CAN’T CALL THIS DAMN THING OFF!”

Luna is yelling at the referee to do something about it, but Cosmo has a sinister grin as he halts the referee again. Saito is trying his hardest to get up, but that pain in his leg is killing him. Cosmo grabs Saito in a front facelock and yanks him up, looking around. He turns him and grabs the arms, twisting him into the GOLD MINE! Cosmo’s finishing maneuver plants Saito straight into the canvas, leaving him unconscious! He rolls Saito over for the pin!

ONE!



TWO!



THREEE!

Cosmo Goldworthy scores his first fall, EARLY into the match!

P-Dug: ..And just like that, Cosmo is already up a point! I can’t believe that we’ve already got a fall this early into the match! But can Saito keep competing?!

KD: He knew what he was signing up for, just like Cosmo said! There’s fifteen minutes on the clock and the referee has to let the time elapse before he can do anything!

P-Dug: Do you have no moral conscience!? The man is SERIOUSLY hurt! He doesn’t need to go ten more minutes!

KD: If Luke Saito is a fighter like he says he is – then he’ll do exactly that, FIGHT!

10:00

Saito - 0

Cosmo - 1

Cosmo chuckles as there's now collective concern for the wellbeing of Luke Saito. Luna tries to check in on him, but Dimitri Graves yells at the referee to enforce the rules – managers can’t be in the ring! Begrudgingly, Mike Michaelson keeps Luna out of the ring. Cosmo yells over Mike to focus on the ring, as he pins Saito again..

ONE!




TWO!



THR–SAITO KICKS OUT!


And the stadium comes alive! Despite being down for the count the first time – and still in deep pain, Saito has enough in him to keep going! Cosmo mounts Saito and grabs the hair, starting to pummel him with punches! The referee warns Cosmo about pulling his hair and tries to get him off! Cosmo finally lets go, getting in Mike’s face! Mike reminds him that he’s the referee and it could cost him a fall if he so desires. Cosmo takes a deep exhale as Dimitri reminds him to focus on the match, and he does exactly that.. Cosmo walks over to grab Saito, but SAITO PULLS HIM DOWN FOR AN INSIDE CRADLE!


ONE!



TWO!



T–COSMO KICKS OUT!

Both men somehow rise and Cosmo swings a kick at the leg, but SAITO DROPS HIM WITH A PUNCH TO THE THROAT BEFORE HE CAN GET THERE! Cosmo falls on his ass and his eyes widen as he stares at Saito in shock! He scoots back, trying his hardest to get away but Saito limps forward, catching up with Cosmo and stomping a mudhole in the corner! Cosmo tries his hardest to cover up and grabs the ropes to enforce a break, but Saito keeps going all the way to the four count! Saito grabs Cosmo up and starts beating into him with elbow smashes to the jaw! Saito takes Cosmo’s wrist and hammerwhips him across the ring, throwing him with all of his might! Cosmo bounces out of the turnbuckles, holding his back as Saito tosses him overhead with a BACK BODY DROP! Cosmo rises again, holding at his back as Saito drops him with a clothesline! Cosmo rises one last time and Saito ducks under, taking the arms and throwing him for a Dragon Suplex!

Saito is up and so are a majority of the fans in the stadium! He takes the ropes and shakes them, feeling it now! Cosmo tries to get up to his feet, and staggers back to the ropes! Saito drags Cosmo up and starts to dig in some ferocious punches to the body and jaw in the corner! Saito keeps Cosmo in the corner and charges up.. THE JOKER PLAY HOUSE CONNECTS! THOSE REPEATED KICKS TO THE JAW OF COSMO IN THE CORNER! Cosmo falls flat on his face, and rolls out before Saito can get to him – but regardless the United States Champion is seriously hurt! But Saito doesn’t care! He’s up to his feet and looks around.. Saito hits off the ropes, despite the bad knee! AND HE FLIES INTO A TOPE CON HILO ONTO COSMO GOLDWORTHY!

Saito’s entire body comes crashing down on Cosmo, and Cosmo falls face first onto the floor! Saito rolls over, breathing heavily as he holds at his knee considering the force that he had to exert to just jump over the top despite the pain! He’s rubbing it, but it doesn’t quite matter because Cosmo isn’t even moving!

P-Dug: LUKE SAITO IS STILL IN THIS ONE! What a tope con hilo that just DROPPED Cosmo Goldworthy!

KD: But at what cost?! He may have hurt himself more than Cosmo off of that one! Neither man are down, but you can see Saito wincing and panting!

7:30

Saito - 0

Cosmo - 1

Saito is starting to pull himself up, while his wife, Luna is yelling at him to get up and get a fall! Saito looks up at the time on the screen and nods, realizing his fate. He grabs Cosmo up and throws him in! Saito slowly slides in, but Cosmo is up to his feet and dropkicks Saito in the knee! The dropkick takes the wind out of Saito’s sails and he frontflips overhead, hitting the mat. He holds his knee in pain and Cosmo takes the leg, dropping repeated elbow drops to the inner thigh of Saito! Saito screams out in pain as Cosmo continues to beat at him! Cosmo takes Saito’s leg and kicks the back of it! He drops the leg and watches it plop to the mat, grinning as every time Saito gets back in this one, Cosmo takes him right back up. He scoots against the ropes, trying to rise.

Cosmo points at Saito, talking shit to him. “You got mercy messing with Jamie, but you ain’t getting it with me! I’m taking your ass out, one way or another!” He grabs at Saito but Saito teep kicks him in the ribs! Cosmo wobbles, holding at his ribs. Saito pushes himself up and dropkicks Cosmo down! Cosmo skids to the bottom rope, holding his chest. He struggles up, at the same time as Saito. Cosmo swings for a big time overhand right but Saito ducks under! He leaps onto Cosmo’s shoulders, DRIVING HIM DOWN WITH A POISED FRANKENSTEINER! Cosmo gets spiked right onto his neck! Saito rolls Cosmo over for the cover!

ONE!



TWO!


COSMO KICKS OUT!

Saito slaps the mat! He doesn’t know what it’s going to take to make out with a victory here! Saito plants his hands on the mat, reaching out! Cosmo is trying his hardest to rise, but Saito makes it up before him. He drags Cosmo up and rocks him with a vicious KENTA Kick! Saito grabs Cosmo by the hair and starts sending kicks to the forehead! Saito then irish whips Cosmo off and ducks under him, throwing him with a german suplex! He holds onto him, grabbing his wrists! He ripcords him out, into the JOKER STRIKE! Cosmo just got disoriented from that! And Saito has a chance, for the cover!

ONE!



TWO!



TH–COSMO THROWS A SHOULDER UP!

Saito falls backwards, holding at the knee! He risked it all for that win and it still wasn’t enough! He looks around and realizes that the time is starting to tick down..

P-Dug: Saito is trying quite literally everything and it still isn’t enough to make out with a win here!

KD: It’s a struggle to get Cosmo down for one fall – and when he finally does it, he needs to get him for another! What’s it gonna take for him?!

5:00

Saito - 0

Cosmo - 1

Cosmo rolls over, holding his jaw. Saito has a sick demented look on his face, as he grabs Cosmo’s arm from behind! He tries to reach behind the neck to lock in the crossface chickenwing, The Joker– but Cosmo grabs the bottom rope with his free arm! Saito tries to desperately pull him back.. But Cosmo forces himself up! He back kicks Saito in the knee, forcing him to release.. AND THEN HE SPINS INTO THE CASH ROLLS EVERYTHING ELBOW! Saito hits the mat, stiff as a board! Cosmo falls on him for the cover!

ONE!



TWO!



THR–SAITO JUST ROLLS A SHOULDER UP!

Cosmo yells out a loud roar! But the match is still in his favor and he knows it! He plants his hands on the mat, breathing heavily. He looks up at the clock and nods, knowing that he’s got time to kill. He walks over to Saito and grabs at the legs, taking his sweet time.. He nods, driving a big stomp into the ribs of Saito! The referee warns him, as any lower could be at the groin. Cosmo blows the referee off and winds back one more, but Saito starts to wiggle his legs! Cosmo struggles, pulling his leg back – but it was a mistake as Saito tosses him with a monkey flip using just his legs! Cosmo holds his back, shaking his head.

Saito rises to his feet and Cosmo charges at him and Saito pulls the ropes! Cosmo lands on the apron, and Saito leaps up the middle rope into a TRIANGLE CLOTHESLINE! Cosmo falls back first onto the apron, yelling out in agony! Saito drags him back into the ring. He takes the arm and neck, AND HE LOCKS IN THE JOKER! THE CROSSFACE CHICKENWING IS IN! Cosmo is yelling out in pain! He reaches for those ropes, but he can’t get them! Saito has that crossface chickenwing in tight and Cosmo feels his breathing being restricted!

He’s pulling with all his might, and Cosmo has very little place to go! Saito is starting to pull him back, trying to drop back into a bodyscissors! Cosmo shakes his head, holding his ground – but for how long because Saito is choking the lights out of him!

P-Dug: THE JOKER IS IN! THIS COULD BE SAITO’S OPENING TO SCORE A FALL! HE’S SO CLOSE! HE HAS COSMO RIGHT THERE!

KD: Don’t tap Cosmo! YOU’RE RIGHT THERE TO THE ROPES! GRAB ‘EM!

2:30

Saito - 0

Cosmo - 1

Cosmo shakes his head, his eyes starting to roll in the back of his head.. Saito is trying to force him down – but Cosmo takes advantage of the weight and power difference, and HE RAMS SAITO BACK FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES..

..BUT SAITO HOLDS ON! He stares at the clock, aware of how close tying this one is! He locks it in against the turnbuckles, but Cosmo refuses to relent! He tries to grab at the top rope, but Saito turns the two – but Cosmo plants his feet on the middle rope, and catapults, taking them backwards! He pins Saito’s shoulders to the mat!

ONE!


TWO!



SAITO KICKS OUT, FORCED TO RELEASE THE HOLD!

Cosmo takes a deep breath as both men start to rise to their feet.. AND COSMO LOOKS TO LEAP INTO THE CASH COW – BUT SAITO CATCHES HIS LEGS! He drops him onto his back, trying to get in that Indian Deathlock, the Stab In The Heart – but he’s gotta bridge Cosmo and turn him over, but Cosmo takes Saito’s head, dragging him into an inside cradle of his own!

ONE!


TWO!


SAITO KICKS OUT!

Both rise to their feet and Cosmo hits a spinning back kick to the ribs of Saito! He hits off the ropes, but Saito follows him and BOX JUMPS UP TO THE TOP ROPE! HE BACKFLIPS OFF THE TOP INTO THE JOKER POKER FACE, THE SPRINGBOARD INVERTED DDT – BUT COSMO MOVES! AND SAITO LANDS, ONLY TO CRUMBLE DOWN BECAUSE OF HIS KNEES! He tries to force himself up and Cosmo leaps into a chop block!

Saito holds at his knee, crying out in agony and Cosmo stares at the clock ticking down.. He’s basically got a victory ensured here, but he wants to do more damage..?!?!

P-Dug: Saito’s chances of victory may have slipped out of his hands right there! The damage to the knee is too much– but what is Cosmo thinking?!

KD: They like to call this one INSULT TO INJURY!

0:45

Saito - 0

Cosmo - 1

Saito is laid out in the center of the ring, with no sense of what time is left.. Luna is trying to yell, but it’s all background nose for Saito who is basically out of it. Cosmo grabs Saito’s legs and flips him over.. AND HE LOCKS IN THE HOUSE SPECIAL! Saito screams out in agonizing pain as the pressure is being applied to his legs!


He runs his hands through his hair, trying his hardest to avoid the old but Cosmo is pulling down as deep as he can! He might tear his knee off the bone! Saito has no choice but to tap out – and just mere seconds later.. THE BELL RINGS! Cosmo scores a second fall, but he already had it won!

DING DING DING

Chriqui: And your winner, via pinfall by 2 falls to 0 ... COSMO GOLDWORTHY!!!!

”Money On My Mind” blares throughout the building, as Cosmo continues to hold The House Special in! Saito is tapping out repeatedly but Cosmo keeps pulling at the knee! He pulls even further and a pop noise can be heard, as Saito’s eyes bulge out of his head – and he unleashes a guttural scream in pain! Cosmo lets go upon hearing that and backs up, breathing heavily as Dimitri eners his ring and hands Cosmo his championship, wrapping his arm around his shoulder, proud of his client’s work.

Cosmo breathes heavily as Saito holds at his knee – and at this rate both knees are in deep pain! Luna immediately slides in to check on him, yelling at the referee for not doing something, and shouting at Cosmo. Cosmo chuckles, daring Luna to do something. Saito bangs his fist on the mat, unable to do anything. Cosmo stares at Saito down and crouches over, holding a hand out..

He chuckles, mocking when Saito offers a handshake after their first encounter and Luna slaps his hand away. Cosmo has a fake taken aback look when she shouts at him, and raises his championship up in their face as the two, Cosmo and Dimitri finally leave the ring and head to the back as there’s a camera man following them along the way, whilst the TV cam remains on a hurt Saito.

KD: In our first ever Fighting Spirit iron man match, Cosmo Goldworthy leaves with a clean sweep over Luke Saito.. A dominant performance from the United States Champion, but a second fall was completely unnecessary..

P-Dug: He was doing what it took to ensure victory! I’ve gotta give Luke Saito credit where credit’s due! There’s many who would have crumbled in a ball like a baby when Cosmo abused his knee to take the first fall, but he kept fighting.. But all it leads to is long term damage for him!

The camera remains on Cosmo Goldworthy and Dimitri Graves as they walk backstage, both ecstatic from Cosmo’s performance against Luke Saito. Cosmo adjusts the EWC United States Championship on his shoulder and turns over his shoulder to see the cameraman following him. He ushers him over, making the camera man come to their faces.

Cosmo Goldworthy: You saw that?! Did you ALL just see that?! I told y’all I had Fighting Spirit and would ‘ya look at that.. I took Luke Saito off the goddamn map and left him for dead! He ain’t coming ‘round NO TIME SOON!

Cosmo breathes heavily, both intense and proud of his actions. Dimitri pats him on the back, allowing him to take a second to cool down.

Cosmo Goldworthy: Let me remind you all that this is MY show now! Whether it be Vin Havoc or ZERO, I am leaving with the Fighting Spirit Championship in my possession at the next Rampage because what am I again?!

Cosmo looks over to Dimitri, cueing him to follow up.

Dimitri Graves: Cosmo Goldworthy is the 2023 Rampage Superstar of The Year, and we’re looking for the 2024 honor as well. Luke Saito put up a fight, but he didn’t fight hard enough and look where we are now..

Dimitri looks to Cosmo and nods, with both men making it clear that they’re looking for two championships. Cosmo lets out a loud, arrogant laugh.

Cosmo Goldworthy: Look where we are now INDEED! At WrestleFest I was able to proudly raise up both the HBO Broadcast Championship and EWC United States Championship, and now I return to double-champ status! I do something that not many can say, not just bein’ a double champion but A TWO TIME DOUBLE CHAMPION! Do you know where that puts me in the history books?! It puts me as one of the best to ever do it, and WE AIN’T EVEN ELAPSED A FULL YEAR OF MY WRESTLING CAREER YET!

He’s not done there, as the cameraman is trying his hardest to stay focused on getting the shot despite Cosmo’s anger.

Cosmo Goldworthy: And tonight’s already been eventful, hasn’t it? I had to send a message. At House Party, Jamie Love failed to defeat Luke Saito, and vice versa. He put Jamie out of action, but tonight WE finished the job for Saito and we kicked Jamie out of The House. Do I have any regrets? None, besides the fact that we should have done it sooner.

Dimitri smirks. The two are completely full of themselves, disregarding the run-in with Jack Severn that almost had the night start much differently.

Cosmo Goldworthy: And on Jamie’s behalf? I did what he couldn’t do.. Beat Luke Saito, AGAIN. With the utmost respect to JoJo Rush who had a phenomenal year last year, I’m tellin’ you all now that my year is goin’ to be even better when I leave with the EWC United States Championship raised high up, as well as the Fighting Spirit Championship.. And when StrangleMania approaches? It won’t be a night where Sally Talfourd, or Mercenary, or even Xavier Reid will be remembered…

Cosmo takes a deep breath.

Cosmo Goldworthy: It will be a night where Cosmo Goldworthy is remembered, because I am the only person in this company who deserves the UNDISPUTED CROWN. So if Sally Talfourd somehow gets past Mercenary tonight and wants to stick her nose in Rampage business..? Next time, she’s gotta fuckin’ check in with me.

Cosmo exhales a deep breath and turns to Dimitri. The two nod, Cosmo giving Dimitri the signal to get out of here and they start walking off until they’re met by an unwelcome visitor.. Jason Anderson stood before them, still battered as he refused to see the doctors. He was wearing a black coat and his shirt was soaked up with blood from his wounds, and he was standing there listening closely to everything Cosmo was saying. Dave just smirks with Diana glaring over at Dimitri. Jason stepped up so Cosmo could see all the scratches, cuts and wounds from the match. Despite Cosmo’s puzzled expression, Jason seemed to be fine and just glared at him. Dave stood on the right side of Jason, daring Dimitri to make a move.

Jason Anderson: Yes, you have beaten my cousin, a person that I am sorry to say Jamie Love softened up for you tonight. My cousin shouldn’t even have gone out there tonight but he want to show how much of a fighting spirit he does have inside his body and he did that inside of the ring. Now, that I lost against your friend JoJo Rush... oh I am sorry champion I would have step to you a bit more presentable but I just couldn’t get JoJo Rush blood out of my shirt for some reason. Inside of that ring tonight even thought I lost I have show that fighting spirit is still inside of me. No matter how many times my blood is spilled inside of that ring. I still stand stall in front of you because that what is EWC is all about. Everyone on the roster from the best and the future and the now we are fighters. We also become like superheroes when we see rats are among us and I am truly feel people is a bit all wrong about The House just a baby bit but the cookies crumbles lead to Two Head Monster that goes by the names Dimitri Graves and Alastor Gray.

Jason inches in to Dimitri Graves, eyeing him closely whilst gripping his black bag in his hands. He looks down at it, then back to Dimitri.

Jason Anderson: A man made sure he stand by a young man who didn’t have a father figure in his life and want him to believe. Oh I am here to help you. I am going to make sure you stay right on top... oh I know the game too well because I fell victim to it and Cosmo I am hoping you are smarter than you look because I believe you are. Those two men is using every last person in The House but I just hope you all realized it before it’s too late. Dimitri, please let your friend know his name has been on the street for awhile along with yours and when the time is right... I just might cash on it.

Jason just grinned looking over at them both as his fingers were wrapped around his black bag looking down at it and then back at Cosmo Goldworthy and then over at the United States Championship. Cosmo moved closer to Dimitri, tightly hugging his championship to his chest as if it was part of him. He stood in front of Dimitri, in case Jason or Dave was thinking of attacking either one of them.

Jason Anderson: I am going to give you the respect that is owed to you Cosmo Goldworthy you are the best around here. That crown I wore is now yours but listen to my words and take them anyway you want. I was at the same spot you are at this moment I know how it is to have everything in the palm of your hands but there are ones who would come as sheep in wolf clothing making you believe they will do what best for you. Just remember you are the champion and who works for you. You have the gold and you tell them what they need to do for you and it not the other way around. Don’t let anyone take advantage of The House. Also remember the moment when you are not at the top because that when you will noticed the rats running away towards some more cookie crumbles that seem sweeter.

Jason glares over at Dimitri and then back at him. Jason Anderson then stares down at the United States Champion, taking a deep breath amongst reminiscing upon that feeling of being champion. He moves his eyes back up to Cosmo.

Jason Anderson: If that means I have to go in the back of the line and work my ass up all over again I will do that. I know I will have to work my ass off from 0-4 and do whatever it takes to make sure I am in Stranglemania which is in 63 Days. Every close match I have is still a victory because I get stronger and that fire inside of me burns stronger and stronger. It doesn’t die out because EWC Wrestlers are fighters. We all are the best for a reason in and out of that ring. Just don’t let yourself stay too distracted by Sally or Merancy who ever end the night as The Undisputed Champion because then you will be added to my body count!

He grins and looks over at the title once again as he takes a deep breath. His eyes gently fell away because he felt it in his bones he was for a while before he could face him.

Jason Anderson: Enjoy the journey just don’t fuck it up!

He smirks, slapping his hand on his shoulder and then just glaring over at Dimitri as he walks away before Diana hands over a white napkin to Cosmo for the blood. She smirks as he takes it from her fingers, then winks at him popping her blow pop out of her mouth placing it back in. She rolls her eyes over at Dimitri before walking away with the rest.

Dimitri Graves: He can’t talk to you like that!

Dimitri takes initiative and wipes the blood off of Cosmo’s shoulder, but Cosmo is thinking intently about Jason’s words. He clenches his fists and grabs the napkin, tossing it aside. He shakes his head, storming off and Dimitri follows him.

Cosmo Goldworthy: ..He better not get that title shot because I will hurt him.

The camera can’t follow behind the two for long as the champion and his manager are finally out of scene.

MATCH #4
Vin Havoc
Vs ZERO
(15 Minute Iron Man Match. Winner Advances To Rampage 523 Fighting Spirit Title Match)

---

We return to ringside for our semi-main event!

KD: What a match we have up next, and it’ll be sure to be one of the most hard hitting matches in perhaps the history of the EWC!

P-Dug: That’s right, and the winner takes on Cosmo Goldworthy on March 1st to determine the first ever Fighting Spirit Champion!

Chriqui: The following contest is a first round match in the Fighting Spirit Championship tournament, and it is contested under 15 minute time limit Iron Man rules!

As the intro for "Asteroid" by Killing Joke blasts throughout the arena, the lights of the arena go dark, and a countdown appears on the tron, signaling the impending arrival of The Void Personified. With the voice of Jaz Coleman screaming "ASTEROID", the lights come back to reveal ZERO on stage, flanked by Moises Ferro.

Chriqui: First, accompanied to the ring by Moises Ferro, from Parts Unknown, weighing in at 340 pounds… “The Walking Myth,” ZERO!

ZERO begins his terrifying emotionless walk towards the ring, with Moises speaking to the nearby audience members in Spanish. ZERO stops his descent down the ramp, slowly turning his gaze to an audience member. The audience member quickly leaves their seat and begins retreating into the crowd. ZERO resumes his journey, jumping onto the ring apron facing hardcam. He turns to face the camera, his yellow eyes piercing into the television. Moises smiles at his client, joining him on the ring apron before sitting on the ropes to ease ZERO's entry into the ring. ZERO paces around the ring like a hungry animal. Ferro basks in the gaze of the crowd, motioning to his client like a circus ringmaster motions to his prized elephant.

The barks of the intro of 'X Gon Give It To Ya' by DMX pierce the arena, as the crowd anticipates the arrival of Vin Havoc. As soon as DMX utters the chorus, Vin comes bursting out of the back, looking pissed off and reading for a fight. He storms down to the ring.

Chriqui: And his opponent, from Brooklyn, New York, weighing in at 240 pounds… "Wild Thing" VIN HAVOC!

Havoc steps to the corner of the ring and does a silent prayer while holding the cross around his neck, hoping for forgiveness on what he's about to do.

DING DING DING

15:00

ZERO: 0

Vin: 0

The bell rings and Vin immediately charges at ZERO, and ZERO lumbers forward as well. The two trade forearms and elbows before moving on to trading headbutts. ZERO gets the advantage off of pure strength alone, however, and manages to irish whip Vin and take him out with a stiff clothesline when he comes running back. Vin stumbles back into the ropes, grabbing his jaw for a moment, before charging forward with a lariat of his own! ZERO barely moves, and instead just shoves Vin, before delivering more stiff forearms. Vin trades back, but it’s clear ZERO is the stronger of the two. This just angers Vin further, who roars and charges ZERO with a fast barrage of forearms and elbows, and ZERO actually stumbles back a bit this time. It doesn’t last long, however, as when Vin charges with another lariat, ZERO catches him with a knee to the gut, before locking him in a bear hug! Vin tries to stumble towards the ropes, and actually manages a rope break when his hand just barely grazes it. Moises protests that Vin didn’t fully grab onto the rope, but it’s enough for the hold to be broken as ZERO uses the full five count to his advantage.

As Vin recovers on the ropes, ZERO runs the ropes to charge him with the Oblivion Boot, but Vin catches him with a super-charged lariat! ZERO is finally knocked down to his back as Vin looks out to the crowd, roaring again and spitting out blood. Vin tries for a sliding lariat while ZERO is grounded, but ZERO manages to just barely dodge and get behind him, delivering a huge release german suplex! But Vin rolls through and just gets right back up, feeling the fighting spirit flowing through his veins! Vin runs and hits ZERO with another massive lariat, taking them both out this time as Vin is still knocked loopy from the suplex. Both competitors roll out of the ring on opposite sides, Vin taking time to recover, and ZERO taking time to hear some advice from Moises. But as soon as they both lock eyes on the outside, they charge towards each other, colliding with lariats simultaneously! Both stumble back just barely and go right back to trading forearm blows. ZERO gains the advantage once again, and whips Vin right into the barricade! Vin tries to rebound off with a lariat, as that strategy has proven to be useful thus far, but ZERO just stops him dead in his tracks with a forearm shot, and then whips into the other barricade! This time, instead of rebounding with a lariat, Vin runs and hits ZERO with a step-up enzuigiri!

KD: What an absolutely fired-up start to this match! They’re just beating the shit out of each other!

P-Dug: ZERO definitely has the power advantage so far, but Vin is able to show a surprising quickness. Don’t know how much longer he’ll be able to out-maneuver him, though.

12:30

ZERO: 0

Vin: 0

Both men recover on the floor as the referee calls for them to re-enter the ring, not having started the count yet due to the importance of the match. When both slowly get to their feet, Vin grabs ZERO by the mask for some leverage to headbutt him before attempting to roll him back into the ring, but ZERO once again overpowers, and knees Vin in the gut before tossing him into the barricade. Vin hangs over the barricade this time, and ZERO knees him in the side repeatedly, before shoving an unruly fan away, along with the referee. ZERO lifts Vin up… BOMBING THE HEAVENS ONTO THE BARRICADE! Vin screams out in pain as his back cracks against it, and ZERO quickly tosses him back into the ring as Moises yells for him to finish this. ZERO goes to the top rope for the Asteroid… but Vin gets his knees up as ZERO crashes down! He puts ZERO in a choke! ZERO shows his impressive power, however… AND LIFTS VIN UP WHILE IN THE CHOKE! HE RAMS HIMSELF INTO THE CORNER REPEATEDLY UNTIL VIN SLIPS OFF! Vin finally lets go, and ZERO hits him with an Oblivion Boot over the top rope! Vin falls shoulder first onto the mat, and immediately cries out in pain, gripping it. ZERO takes this time to recover as medical staff check on Vin.

ZERO doesn’t let Vin rest for long, however, as he eventually rolls out of the ring to toss Vin shoulder-first into the barricade AGAIN. Moises laughs on as he instructs his monster to do further damage to Vin’s shoulder and arm. ZERO tosses Vin back into the ring, and lifts him into a Black Hole Slam! He makes the first cover of the match…

ONE…





TWO…





THR- NO! VIN KICKS OUT!

KD: Vin’s shoulder and neck has gotta be stinging right now, but he’s still fighting! And that’s what this championship is all about!

P-Dug: Ten minutes left on the clock, but I don’t know how much longer Vin can handle!

10:00

ZERO: 0

Vin: 0

ZERO pulls Vin up and tosses him with a release german suplex! This time, however, Vin doesn’t get right up to his feet, and ZERO squashes him into the corner with a splash! ZERO begins raining down hammer-like elbows onto Vin’s shoulder, who yells in pain at first, but then begins roaring back, bearing all of it! Vin starts yelling at ZERO to hit him harder, and so ZERO obliges with some forearms to Vin’s neck, but this just motivates Vin to fight back, and as Vin begins to back out of the corner with each hit, he smashes ZERO with a huge forearm of his own! As ZERO staggers and bends over ever so slightly, Vin hits a big boot! ZERO leans against the ropes, and Vin grabs him and hits a massive Uranage, although damaging his own shoulder in the process!

As ZERO gets up, Vin gears up for a knife edge chop, and ZERO retorts with a forearm! Vin staggers back, but then returns with another chop! ZERO hits another forearm… so Vin hits him with a barrage of machine gun chops! ZERO has had enough of this nonsense, and just responds with a biel throw, tossing Vin across the ring, who once again lands on his shoulder. ZERO stomps and kicks at Vin’s shoulder and neck, as Vin slowly gets to his knees. ZERO helps Vin to his feet, slaps him, and then lifts him right into a backbreaker! ZERO continues to rain down with hammer and anvil blows onto Vin’s shoulder and neck. He next tries to crush Vin’s head with his meaty fists, but Vin slowly, using the spirit of the crowd to help him, rises to his feet, and elbows ZERO off of him, delivering a mighty headbutt to completely daze him!

7:30

ZERO: 0

Vin: 0

Vin grabs ZERO by the head, perhaps looking for the WTR, but ZERO overpowers him, and grabs him by the throat! Vin flails against ZERO, who tosses him into the corner and then looks for a splash, but Vin uses the time ZERO spends running to dodge with a back elbow, and then with a front facelock, he delivers a massive Punisher Suplex into the corner! Shades of his pal Mercenary! Tossing ZERO onto his neck isn’t the momentum shifter that Vin hopes it’ll be, though, and ZERO pops right back up, roaring back at Vin! Vin runs at ZERO, but ZERO catches him into a gutwrench suplex! ZERO immediately irish whips Vin, looking to catch him with a clothesline, but Vin ducks and runs back with a lariat of his own, but ZERO ducks that, but when ZERO runs with a lariat, Vin is able to catch him with a big ol’ saito suplex! Vin slaps the feeling back into his arm, which is slowly and slowly becoming less useful the more he uses it to lift the big man up. Vin runs the ropes and successfully hits the sliding lariat onto ZERO! He very gingerly and shakily lifts ZERO up onto his shoulders, but he’s unable to hold his full weight… but no need! As ZERO drops down, Vin transitions into an inverted facelock, and delivers the WTR! He covers!

ONE…





TWO…





THR- NO! ZERO KICKS OUT!

Vin slams the mat in frustration, which just further hurts his own shoulder. He shakes his head and mimes slitting his throat, before attempting to lift ZERO into a powerbomb position for the Havoc Driver… but he can’t lift him! His shoulder is too damaged! ZERO catches him with a stiff forearm, and then another big shot right against Vin’s neck! The sound is deafening! ZERO goes right into a belly to back suplex! Vin rolls around, clutching his neck, and ZERO makes the cover.

ONE…





TWO…





THR- NO! VIN KICKS OUT!

KD: Vin really needs to find a way to end this quickly, or else his arm surely will be completely useless!

P-Dug: Or he just needs to give up and let ZERO Day come! There’s 5 minutes left in this match and not a single fall has been scored! What even happens if this goes to a draw?

KD: I honestly don’t know, but let’s hope something gives soon!

5:00

ZERO: 0

Vin: 0

ZERO tries to lift Vin into a full nelson for the Ten Seconds to Midnight… But Vin stays resolute! He plants his feet onto the ground and does everything he can to elbow ZERO away, who just responds by punching Vin right in the fucking neck! When he does it a second time, Vin pops up, a look of rage on his face, but ZERO just hits him with another forearm! Vin retorts with a knife edge chop! ZERO comes back with another forearm! Vin stumbles back but hits a big boot! ZERO isn’t taken down by it, however, and smashes Vin with a knee, followed by lifting him up into a crucifix position… and right into a backbreaker! He covers!

ONE- VIN KICKS OUT!!!

At ringside, Moises Ferro’s eyes widen in total shock, and ZERO tries to lift Vin up for Dividing By ZERO, but Vin elbows ZERO in the head, making him slip for just a moment… Vin takes advantage and hits a big lariat, which takes ZERO down! He covers!

ONE- ZERO KICKS OUT!!!

Both men roll to opposite sides of the ring, and the referee begins to count as neither can seem to get to their feet!

ONE!



TWO!



THREE!



FOUR!



FIVE!

Vin begins to stir in the corner, using the turnbuckles to drag himself up.



SIX!



SEVEN!

As Vin fully stands up, ZERO finally gets to his feet as well, and the two bulls rush at each other, immediately knocking each other silly with dual lariats! They try again, and again they both stumble back. ZERO grips Vin by the shoulder, pinching down on his nerves as he tries for another throw, but Vin slaps ZERO back and hits a back elbow to stagger him! Vin tries to lift ZERO for the Made In Brooklyn… but his shoulder gives out! ZERO reverses into Ten Seconds to Midnight! ZERO immediately tries to capitalize by going into Ground ZERO, but Vin fights through it, and manages to stand up just long enough with ZERO locking in that full-nelson in order to ram him into the turnbuckles! As ZERO clutches his back in pain and stumbles forward, Vin turns around, lifts him, and quickly drops him onto his fucking head in what might be one of the nastiest looking Emerald Flowsions ever! Both men drop down, utterly broken from this match.

KD: JUST MAKE THE COVER, VIN!

P-Dug: Oh come on, you mark! Nothing can stop ZERO Day from coming!

KD: The time running out might!

2:30

ZERO: 0

Vin: 0

With both men once again down on their backs, the referee begins counting…

ONE!



TWO!



THREE!



FOUR!



FIVE!



SIX!

They’re still both not moving!



SEVEN!



EIGHT!



NINE!

Just as the ref hits nine, however, Vin reaches up and grabs his hand! Vin refuses the ref to count to ten, and instead turns towards ZERO, who is also now on his knees. ZERO hits first with a stiff forearm, and Vin responds with a headbutt! ZERO fires back with a headbutt of his own, and so Vin delivers an even harder one! Vin yells at ZERO to “stand the fuck up,” and so they both stand, head to head, before going full hockey fight and brawling with each other with forearms! A really big one from ZERO staggers Vin, and so Vin fires back with one of his own, and then they both collide with lariats at the same time! They fall face-first right next to each other! The referee stares in disbelief as both competitors appear to have been knocked out! He counts!

ONE!



TWO!



THREE!



FOUR!



FIVE!



SIX!

Neither competitor has moved yet!



SEVEN!



EIGHT!



NINE!



TEN!

KD: And with less than a minute left, BOTH men have scored a double knockout fall!

P-Dug: And look, they’re both getting up!

0:45

ZERO: 1

Vin: 1

Both competitors slowly get up in their respective sides of the ring as time quickly begins to run out… But Vin charges out at ZERO as soon as both are up! ZERO sidesteps the lariat and throws Vin into the ropes, but Vin comes right back with a massive leaping headbutt! ZERO is sent crashing down, and so is Vin! Vin lands on ZERO, making the cover!

ONE…





TWO…





THR-NO! ZERO KICKS OUT!

Vin wastes no time and immediately wraps his arms around ZERO’s throat, using his legs for leverage, while elbowing down on ZERO’s shoulder! ZERO tries to wrestle out of the rear naked choke as the clock ticks down, refusing to tap and preferring it to go to a draw… but he’s unable to prevent himself from passing out! As his arm goes limp, the ref rings the bell!

DING DING DING

Chriqui: Your winner via submission, 2 falls to 1… VIN HAVOC!!!

KD: Right down to the last second! What a war that was!

P-Dug: Experience won out in that battle, and against all odds and an injured shoulder, Vin Havoc has delayed ZERO Day!

KD: That’s right! Next Rampage, it’ll be Vin Havoc vs Cosmo Goldworthy to determine the first Fighting Spirit Champion! Two of the biggest stars on Rampage from last season finally collide for the gold!

Vin, with sweat and tears in his face, allows for the ref to raise his arm, although he cries out in pain as his shoulder is pulled up a little too much. He points to ZERO and bows, giving respect to him, although Moises Ferro glares daggers into Vin, attending to his passed out client, who is starting to stir and demand another shot at Vin, not quite realizing the match is over.

Backstage at Croke Park in Dublin "The Boss" Jason Anderson paces the locker room with his cell phone to his ear, trying to get an update on Luke Saito.  He's banged up, bruised and bandaged from his match against JoJo Rush. 

Jason: I understand his wife is his power of attorney, but I'm his cousin and I'm just trying to find out if he's okay.  No.  Sure... Yeah, I understand!

He hangs up the phone with a look of frustration.

Jason(To himself.): Thanks for nothing.

With a wince he leans back against the wall and rubs his eyes with his thumb and fingers in frustration.

Mercenary: Rough night? 

Mercenary exchanges greetings and a handshake with Jason.  He's dressed in his ring gear and looks to be a little on edge.

Jason: So Mike, Sally Talfourd in the main event for The Undisputed Title. You ready for that? You nervous?

Mike hides his jitters well.

Mercenary: I'm ready as I'm gonna be. I put in the work to prepare. Now I just gotta go out there and do the work in the ring.

Jason acknowledges the truth of his answer with a nod.

Jason: Look at you. I remember a few years ago when Ruthann and I had to talk you out of leaving. And now here you are, still hanging around and with a shot at the big title. You and Sally both have been allies in the past, so I can't really favor either one of you. But I wish you all the best. I really do, because you deserve it.

Mercenary is humbled by his words of encouragement.

Mercenary: Brother, you and your Mom have done more for me than you ever even meant to. You were the first ones who even tried to be on my side in this company, and I want you to know, that's not something I'm ever gonna forget.

Jason accepts his appreciation graciously, before a thought crosses his mind.

Jason: And I hear you're going to be a Dad. Congratulations. 

Mercenary: I'm counting the days.

Jason: You know, it's funny, you wait for them to be born so you can meet them.  And once you do you can't remember what it was like before they were there.  And you miss them every moment when they're not around.

He smiles at his daughter, who smiles back at him in his mind.

Jason: They change your life you know. I can't tell you how much they change your life. They make you..."

Mercenary finishes his thought.

Mercenary: Better.

Jason nods, seeing that they were on the same page.

Jason: Yeah. 'Better.'  They can make you be the best you've ever been.

They exchanged a look of understanding

Mercenary: Well, I gotta go punch the clock.  I can't be late for this one, it's kind of a big deal.  But I won't be insulted if you don't stick around for the show though.  It sounds to me like you've got somewhere better to be.  Give my best to your cousin.  And, when you see her, tell Angel Uncle Mercenary said hello.    

With a half-smile he pats Jason on the back before each family man moves off in different directions to face the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

We cut away to a single shot of Jason Anderson walking away from Mercenary and turning the corner, only to stop dead in his tracks as he is staring face-to-face with Alexander Umbra.

Umbra: I’m sorry I couldn-

Anderson: Stop… just… stop. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now with Luke after that match he had. So whatever game this is you are playing… whatever mindfuck you are trying to pull… just stop.

Umbra: Jason, I can assure you that I am not playing games, nor am I attempting to pull any sort of wool over your eyes.

Anderson:Just a couple months ago, you were trying to break me, stab me, and do a LOT worse things to me. Just last month at the house party, I saw the demented look in your eyes just moments before you crashed your skull into mine. And now you are out here, putting yourself in between me and the fucking Hardcore Champion himself? Sounds a little fishy to me, hoss.

Umbra: Listen, I know I’ve done some bad things. Last season was a time in my life that I am not proud of. You see, the head injuries… I was off my meds… I can use excuse after excuse, but it still falls on me. This season, I aim to turn that all around and atone for my sins. I aim to be The Wyte Knight.

Anderson: Alexander Umbra was far from being a h-White Knight.

Umbra: No, not white with an ‘h’, wyte with a ‘y’. Wyte as in taking responsibility for someone’s wrongdoing. I am a Wyte Knight. And also, while professionally I will still keep going by Alexander Umbra, because marketing and EWC management as a whole would kick my ass… I feel I should introduce you to the real me.

Alexander Umbra reaches out his hand, offering Jason a handshake. Jason, who was slightly turned away from Umbra, turns his body to be parallel with Umbra’s. With a hard grab, Jason reluctantly grabs Alexander’s hand to reciprocate the gesture.

Umbra: Good day, Mr. Anderson. My name is Benjamin Broadwater. And this season, I offer my professional services to you, to make up for our issues last year.

Anderson: Professional services? Um, Ben… listen, I got Amber and everything…

Umbra: No, Jason. While Amber has her Shinjoshi pals by her side, you need someone to stand up with you when The House comes calling. Consider me your back-up. Not saying that you need it, but it doesn’t hurt to have someone else on your side when it seems everyone in the EWC is picking sides.

Anderson: I do have The Buddy Buddies, plus a few others. And I don’t know if I can trust you, Ben.

Umbra: Well then it is up to me to earn that trust. And I understand your reasoning. It also never hurts to have more people around to back you up.

Anderson: If you fuck up ONE time…

Umbra: As long as you stand by me, I will stand by you. You have my word.

Jason gives Alexander Umbra a look of uncertainty, before slowly shaking his hand.

Before we can get to our main event, the camera cuts backstage to the EWC United States Champion Cosmo Goldworthy and his manager Dimitri Graves walking in the parking lot, heading to Dimitri’s high class “Dimitri Enterprises” limo. Cosmo has a much more relaxed look on his face, dressed in completely different clothes than the ones he wore for his championship celebration in the opener of Rampage just to flex his diverse fashion style and money. As the two are headed to the limo though, Candice Tweed approaches the two with a microphone in hand.

Candice Tweed: Cosmo! Dimitri! Just a second before you leave!

Dimitri sighs upon looking at Candice, but Cosmo places a hand on his chest, telling him that it’s fine. He cues her to continue.

Candice Tweed: We heard both at the start of the show tonight, and after your victory over Luke Saito that you had some words for both Mercenary and Sally Talfourd, the participants in tonight’s highly hyped main event matchup for the EWC Undisputed Championship! How come you’re leaving now instead of staying to watch the match in person?

Cosmo chuckles, moving in to answer the question.

Cosmo Goldworthy: That’s actually a great question. Why am I NOT staying to watch this match after all the shit that I’ve talked? Well, it’s simple. I am the face of Rampage. This is my show, and as far as I see it? All of my obligations have been fulfilled. The fans have gotten their weekly dose of Cosmo Goldworthy and I have no reason to be here. I’m sure Mercenary and Sally Talfourd will put on a barnburner, but that’s not what Rampage tune in for. Sally Talfourd ain’t on this brand, and Mercenary is yesterday’s news – who only has a victory over me in an “I Quit” match by technicality when I never quit in the first place.

Cosmo scoffs, still peeved by the ending of that match with Mercenary because he knows that he was screwed over, but perhaps that’s another convo for another day.

Cosmo Goldworthy: Like I said before, there’s only one person in this company that deserves to be Undisputed and that’s me. But obviously the powers that be are too busy handing title shots to people that don’t deserve ‘em. People that get in draws instead of finishing the job. If we’re gonna talk draws, look at me? The number one draw on Friday nights. Dispute that if you may, but when I’m on the screen, the ratings go up.

Cosmo points up, and Dimitri looks to his finger, nodding in agreement. For a second, Candice looks up to his finger as well before Cosmo snaps his finger to remind her to focus on him.

Cosmo Goldworthy: I don’t care about who they make you believe is the man or woman to beat around her. As far as I’m concerned? It’s Cosmo Goldworthy because on March 1st I am moving on to win that Fighting Spirit Championship. The participants in the main event are two who FAILED that double champ status. Merc had two jobs, beat Chris Page at the Rumble then beat Reid at Uncensored, somehow he did both. As for Sally? We all know what happened to her at WrestleFest. Props, though.

He chuckles, shining his United States Championship plate up real nicely.

Cosmo Goldworthy: So I’m going to get out of here, enjoy my victory, enjoy kicking out Jamie Love and see the betting odds on Jason Anderson ever getting a United States Championship shot, which I presume are one in a million odds. You can enjoy this main event all you want, but I appreciate you coming to me because these people really do need a reminder of who runs this place around here.

Cosmo points to himself.

Cosmo Goldworthy: It’s ME. And I’m going to make sure that not a single person ever forgets that. If I gotta be out there for forty minutes every goddamn week, I will. If I gotta take on everyone in the roster one-by-one and beat them, I WILL. But I’ll tell you this, I’m stepping on necks and I’m cutting heads, because regardless of who wins in this main event? You all know who the real headliner is, the real main eventer, the real forefront, it’s Cosmo Goldworthy and it always will be.

Cosmo nods to Dimitri, who steps into the limo and keeps the door for him. Cosmo is contemplating stepping in, then turns back to Candice.

Cosmo Goldworthy: And if Sally Talfourd, Mercenary, or by god, somehow if he wins at StrangleMania, Xavier Reid ever wanted the smoke? Tell them I’m here and waiting. But just know that they ain’t ready for that, and neither is the brass because they wouldn’t know what to do if they saw me walkin’ ‘round here with three championships.

He chuckles to himself, showing Candice a peace sign as he steps into the limo and closes the door shut. The limo speeds off as soon as Cosmo gets in, leaving a trail of smoke, and leaving Candice utterly bewildered as the camera cuts away..

MAIN EVENT | MATCH #5
The Mercenary
Vs Sally Talfourd
(EWC Undisputed Championship)

---

Chriqui: The following match, set for one fall, is for the EWC Undisputed Championship! Introducing first….

Black Label Society's Fire It Up blasts over the PA.  A flashing red strobe lights the stage as the rest of the room goes dark.

Chriqui:  "And now hailing from West Oakland California  He is the EWC Outlaw.  He is:

The Mercenary

Mercenary swaggers out onto the stage with his face hidden behind a hard tactical mask painted to look like The Punisher's iconic skull logo.  His eyes inside the mask scan the crowd. He crosses both arms, gloved fists clenched, across his chest and under his chin. The pose resembles a skull and crossbones. To either side of him the stage explodes in motes of red and orange flame.

Removing the mask the big man salutes the crowd and stalks towards the ring at a steady pace filled with menace and a deadly purpose he climbs between the ropes and walks to the corner where he throws a few shadow punch combos at the turnbuckle before turning with his back to the corner, his arms crossed again across his chest to glower in his opponent's direction and wait for the bell to give him the sign to come out swinging.

Chriqui: And the opponent…

The buzz of the crowd falls as the lights fade down and everyone finds themselves in darkness. After a moment of nothing, there's the crackling of an old recording, and then a voice, distorted, warped and deep:

If you’re going to try, go all the way.

There is no other feeling like that.

The Extreme-tron begin to flicker to life with old reel of film showing various clips from home videos, shots of children, mountains rising in the distance, bygone relics of a person's life. Underneath it all, the sound of a heart beating, a steady rhythm.

You will be alone with the gods

And the nights will flame with fire.

The Extreme-tron continues to flicker with the images of an era bygone. The final clip comes to focus on a figure - a woman - standing silhouetted by bright lights with her back to the audience, alone.

You will ride life straight to perfect laughter,

It’s the only good fight there is.

There's a pause, the only sound a beating heart, and then the beginning of 'Lacrimosa' by Mozart (remix by Krutikov Music) comes across the PA, the music swelling across the arena. The fan's reception is a mix of cheers and boos. The Extreme-tron still shows the silhouette of a lone person standing in the shadows.

Then, mirroring that shot, a sole spotlight fades in at the top of the ramp, and we find 'The Last Magician' Sally Talfourd with her back to the arena, a perfect replica of the silhouetted figure. The crowd gets louder as Sally turns to face the crowd as the first crescendo of the music hits, her arms outstretched and her head bowed. Around her waist, the Undisputed Championship belt.

Chriqui: Ladies and gentlemen, making her way to the ring ... she is the EWC Undisputed Champion ... 'The Last Magician' .......... Sally Talfourd!

Sally lowers her arms, raises her head, and makes her way down the ramp. The spotlight follows her as she makes a direct line to the ring. She climbs the stairs and walks to the midpoint of the side, bowing her head, then pulling the EWC Undisputed Championship from her waist to hold it up to the fans in the shadows who are a combination of love and hatred. Stepping through the ropes, Sally takes turns on the posts posing with the belt, climbing them with a before stepping to the centre, and with a flurry and a twirl unwraps her hanbok, handing it over the ropes to the crew along with her belt and then takes up position in her corner of the ring, stretching her legs on the ropes and readying herself for the match.

DING DING DING

Both tentatively circle each other. Mercenary lunges at Sally but she ducks his outstretched arms and runs off the ropes. Sally knocks Mercenary down to the mat with a spinning heel kick. She grabs Mercenary and dumps him into the corner. Sally chops him in the chest before whipping Mercenary to the opposite corner. Mercenary reverses it sending Sally hard into the corner. Sally rebounds right back out clotheslining Mercenary but he’s unaffected. Mercenary smacks Sally with a forearm smash that drops her to the mat. Mercenary lifts Sally to her feet and launches her across the ring with a fallaway slam. Sally staggers to her feet where Mercenary lifts her off her feet before bringing her to the mat with an Alabama Slam. He rolls over and hooks the leg.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Sally lifts a shoulder up off the mat to break the count. Mercenary lifts Sally to her feet but she pushes him away and smacks at Mercenary’s thigh with roundhouse kicks. A dropkick to the back of the knee drops Mercenary to the mat. Sally spins on the balls of her feet and smacks a seated Mercenary on the side of the head with a heel kick. She runs off the ropes and brings him to the mat with a running blockbuster. Sally hooks the leg as she makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Mercenary rolls a shoulder from the mat to break the count.

KD: Close but no cigar there!

P-Dug: Both starting well and I love to see it!

Sally grabs the raised arm and wrenches it into an armbar. Mercenary tries to get to his feet but Sally manages to transition into a fujiwara armbar and takes Mercenary to the mat. Mercenary screams in pain as Sally pulls on the arm. Mercenary manages to drag his way to the bottom rope. A hand on it breaks the hold. Sally releases as Mercenary cradles his arm. Mercenary gets to his feet as Sally fires at him with a superkick. Mercenary manages to block it and pushes her leg away. Sally spins on the balls of her foot and cracks Mercenary in the arm with a dragon whip. Mercenary drops to the mat holding his arm. Sally locks in a half nelson but Mercenary manages to fight her off with right hands. Mercenary gets to his feet but Sally charges hitting Lights Out. She makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Mercenary rolls to his front breaking the count.

P-Dug: He got out of that but how long can he go with a bad arm?

KD: In a normal match, he might get away with it but this is for the Undisputed Title, If he can’t get back into the match soon, it may not last much longer.

Sally gets to her feet and stomps on Mercenary’s arm before dropping on it with a leg drop. Mercenary grabs his arm as he gets to his feet. Sally charges but Mercenary knocks her down with a big boot. Sally rolls to her feet but Mercenary grabs her and takes Sally to the mat with an evenflow DDT. Sally grabs the ropes and drags herself to her feet. However she turns into a Saturn Driver from Mercenary. He makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Sally rolls to her side breaking the count.

KD: How in the hell do you kick out of a Saturn Driver?

P-Dug: The Undisputed Championship is on the line. They’re going to keep on going unless they’re unconscious!

Mercenary gets to his feet and he grabs Sally by the throat. Mercenary lifts Sally from the ground, into the air and back to the mat with a Death Stroke. Mercenary makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Sally just manages to raise a shoulder from the mat breaking the count. Mercenary pulls Sally to her feet. Before he can do anything, Sally jumps grabbing Mercenary and driving him down to her knees with Either Or. Mercenary drops back to the canvas. Sally crawls into a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Mercenary lifts a shoulder to break the count. Both lay on the mat.

P-Dug: What a match this has been!

KD: And it’s not over yet!

Both drag themselves to their feet. Mercenary grabs Sally and lifts her for a Grave Breaker. Somehow, Sally manages to roll into an arm drag pulling Mercenary to the mat with his bad arm. Mercenary clutches his arm as Sally springs off the middle turnbuckle. She crashes down onto Mercenary with a High Hopes. She hooks the leg while holding his bad arm with a knee. The referee counts.

ONE…



TWO…



THREE!

DING DING DING

Chriqui: And your winner, via pinfall and STILL EWC Undisputed Champion... SALLY TALFOURD!!!

Sally sits on the mat looking at the championship as she holds it in her hands. She clutches it to her chest as she gets to her feet. Sally holds the Undisputed Championship in the air in victory but it causes her to stumble and fall against the ropes.

KD: And STILL…! This was a hell of a match and Sally Talfourd has emerged from this war defending the championship. Damn this was a hard fought one!

P-Dug: On several occasions in this match, Mercenary was a hair away from the championship. He will be furious at the loss but he should take some comfort in knowing how close he came. He went down fighting!

‘Papercuts’ plays out as Sally looks towards the stage, Xavier Reid walks out clapping his hands as he nods, very similar to the nod he gave Sally at WrestleFest, and smiles as he looks at his StrangleMania opponent. Bunny Love walks out onto the stage behind him and whispers into his ear before locking eyes on Sally…

KD: Could we be getting a preview of the Main Event of StrangleMania right here tonight at the Season Premiere of Rampage?

P–Dug: Sally has been through a war here tonight and just defended the EWC Undisputed Championship,

Xavier smirks as he looks at Sally who holds up the EWC Undisputed Championship showing no signs of backing down. Bunny steps forward and points down to the ring before raising her hand and pointing over Sally’s head and up into the stands…

KD: What is Bunny pointing at?

P-Dug: You have to be kidding me…

The camera cuts to the upper section of Croke Park where we see Deimos and ‘Little’ Danny walking down the steps heading towards the rail…

KD: What are those two goofs doing?

P-Dug: Maybe they will fall over the rail and do Apple TV a solid…

Deimos and ‘Little’ Danny reach the rail and reveal a banner that reads: STRANGLEMANIA over the rail…the camera cuts back to Xavier and Bunny who just smile before turning and walking back off stage…

Camera cuts to ...

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END SCREEN

..................................................................................................................

SEGMENT WRITERS

Cosmo Goldworthy/Jack Severn
Mercenary/Sally Talfourd
Mercenary/Vin Havoc
Cosmo Goldworthy/Jason Anderson
Jason Anderson/Mercenary
Jason Anderson/Alexander Umbra
Cosmo Goldworthy
Xavier Reid

..................................................................................................................

MATCH WRITERS

MATCH ONE
WRITER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em

MATCH TWO
WRITER: EWC Staff Assistant: Berto

MATCH THREE
WRITER: Cosmo Goldworthy

MATCH FOUR
WRITER: Jack Severn

MATCH FIVE | MAIN EVENT
WRITER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em
..................................................................................................................


RECAP OF WINNERS

Young Justice
Vs Silent Discotecnicos
(Non-Title)
WINNER(S): Silent Discotecnicos
...

Jason Anderson
Vs JoJo Rush
(Non Title, Hardcore)
WINNER(S): JoJo Rush

...

Luke Saito
Vs Cosmo Goldworthy
(Non Title. 15 Minute Iron Man Match. Winner Advances To Rampage 523 Fighting Spirit Title Match)
WINNER(S): Cosmo Goldworthy Advances

...

Vin Havoc
Vs ZERO
(15 Minute Iron Man Match. Winner Advances To Rampage 523 Fighting Spirit Title Match)
WINNER(S): Vin Havoc Advances

...

The Mercenary
Vs Sally Talfourd
(EWC Undisputed Championship)
WINNER(S): Sally Talfourd Retains Championship
...


...............................................................................................................…

MVP OF THE NIGHT: Sally Talfourd
MATCH OF THE NIGHT: The Mercenary Vs Sally Talfourd

© THE EXTREME WRESTLING CORPORATION 2024

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