Post by MNB on Jul 23, 2018 20:29:11 GMT -6
WARNING:
This live event contains strong coarse language (L), and intense violence (V) which may be unsuitable for younger viewers. None of the matches you are about to watch have been predetermined. Only some of the thematic story-lines have been discussed beforehand. Accordingly, EWC and it's producers must insist that no one attempt to recreate or re-enact any match or activity performed in this live event.
The Extreme Wrestling Corporation presents
MONDAY NIGHT BRAWL
EPISODE #512 | JULY 23RD 2018LIVE! from the Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
EWC BRAWL
General Manager: Victor Price
Assistant General Manager: Roger "Doc" Hollister
Commentators: Joe Aiello, Steve 'The Predator' Bennett and Max Carter
Announcer: Jessica Stroup
Senior Referee: Paul Turner
Referee: Josh Daniels
Backstage Interviewer: Ace Heart
General Manager: Victor Price
Assistant General Manager: Roger "Doc" Hollister
Commentators: Joe Aiello, Steve 'The Predator' Bennett and Max Carter
Announcer: Jessica Stroup
Senior Referee: Paul Turner
Referee: Josh Daniels
Backstage Interviewer: Ace Heart
"Thunderstruck" by AC/DC blasts in the Arena
The show starts off with video footage detailing historic events over Monday Night Brawls Nineteen year history.
From episode 001 in 1997 all the way down to the last episode #511 in Oakland, California.
Images of previous EWC Champions are shown, starting with the very first Champion Black Ninja, then moving onto Big Mac and Steve Bennett. Sped up footage then shows a special montage of Memphis Reigns, Shadow Man, Hirsh Valentine, Jesse Nunez, Hurricane Jeff, Moses Lake, James Chambers, BDC, Jay Cee, Stray, Gladiator, The Rev, Ruthann Hunter, Ashton Drake and then Xplode all with the EWC Championship.
Sped up footage again then takes us through to current Monday Night Brawl Superstars: Kendrick Kross, Dominic Sanders, Justin Matthews, David Scott, Griffin Hawkins, Nostalgia, Orianna Johnson, Morgan Darkwater, Amis Shelton, Andrew Jackson, Anthony Grunge, Donkey Punch, Bishop Church, Mike McGuire, Emma Louise, Rob Garcia, Natalie Young, Vannah White, Nick James, Young Sinatra, and Happy.
We then get a shot of the Champions of Brawl:
Bishop Church with the Television Championship
Nostalgia with the X-Division Championship
Dominic Sanders with the International Championship
and finally...
Luke Wolfe with the Undisputed Championship
The opening pyros blast across the stage and here we go.
The energy at the Staples Center is electrifying.
A high-shot camera shows the electricity the fans have brought to the arena tonight.
The crowd is emotional tonight. Some fans can't contain their excitement for the show.
The energy at the Staples Center is electrifying.
A high-shot camera shows the electricity the fans have brought to the arena tonight.
The crowd is emotional tonight. Some fans can't contain their excitement for the show.
A chant begins of
"MNB!"
"MNB!"
"MNB!"
"MNB!"
The fans are shown smiling, laughing, and pumping their fists in excitement
The show is live... and the excitement is at a fever pitch!
Signs can be seen all over the arena, some reading
"GIL GRIFFIN IS MY HERO"
"FSWhy?"
"Nostalgia 4:20"
"VANNAH IS DELICIOUS"
"Monday Night BRAWL"
"EWC4LIFE"
and "Kiss Me Grungey"
A thick layer of fog circles the arena, and camera flashes repeatedly strobe the area!
The camera feed pans to different areas in the arena and we see fans cheering in excitement!
The fans are shown smiling, laughing, and pumping their fists in excitement
as fireworks emit from each corner of the ring!
Some fans had so much fun in Oakland that they made the trip down south for an encore.
A thick layer of fog surrounds the fans from the firework display.
Some fans had so much fun in Oakland that they made the trip down south for an encore.
A thick layer of fog surrounds the fans from the firework display.
The show is live... and the excitement is at a fever pitch!
Signs can be seen all over the arena, some reading
"GIL GRIFFIN IS MY HERO"
"FSWhy?"
"Nostalgia 4:20"
"VANNAH IS DELICIOUS"
"Monday Night BRAWL"
"EWC4LIFE"
and "Kiss Me Grungey"
As the camera pans around the Staples Center once more, it finally comes to a stop at the stage. Suddenly, "My Way" by Limp Bizkit begins playing. Monday Night BRAWL General Manager Victor Price steps out from the back to a mixed reaction. He starts making his way down the ramp to the ring. He stops on the way to greet a few of the fans.
Aiello: Hello, everyone! Welcome to Monday Night BRAWL live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles! Looks like we aren't going to waste any time here tonight.
Carter: That's right. Our General Manager Victor Price is on his way to the ring! We haven't seen him since, what... Minneapolis?
Aiello: That's correct. It's been about six weeks since we've seen him here on BRAWL. "Doc" Hollister has been running things... and pretty smoothly, might I add.
Bennett: You brown-nosin' son-of-a-bitch!
Aiello: Always nice to see you, Steve. Did you bring your pillow this week?
Bennett: Is NSFW wrestling?
Aiello: Yes.
Bennett: Then you're damn right I did!
By this point, Price has gotten to the ring and has a microphone in hand. He waits for the crowd to settle down and his music stops before he brings the microphone to his mouth.
Price: The Staples Center! One of the top destinations every year! And you people thought Victor Price wasn't going to be here? You're sorely mistaken! But I'm not going to beat around the bush. No no no! I am going to cut right to business because I've got something to get straight and settle right now! "Doc" Hollister... get your ass out here!
The crowd cheers at the mention of "Doc's" name. After a few seconds, "American Idiot" begins playing and the crowd goes nuts.
Aiello: Well, it certainly sounds like the boss isn't happy with his assistant now does it?
Bennett: Would you be? He's been upstaged by the rookie for weeks!
"Doc" Hollister appears on the stage and begins walking down to the ring. He climbs up the steps and gets into the ring with Price.
Aiello: Upstaged may be an accurate statement, Steve. And things are heating up here!
The music fades and Price stands there staring at "Doc" in the face, who is not intimidated by his much bigger boss. Finally, Price raises the microphone to his mouth.
Price: "Doc" Hollister. Well, well, well. By the looks of things, you pretty much have this show covered, now, don't you? You've been lighting everything on fire, right?! Well, I'll tell you what. I'm not going to let you upstage the boss! You've been making me look bad for weeks, now, and I'm about sick of it! That's why I am here. I am going to make sure that this show runs damn smooth and under MY watch!
The crowd boos, disagreeing with Price's statement.
Aiello: I mean... I have to disagree. Things have been great since the last time we saw Price!
Bennett: Don't you disagree with the boss! It's been awful!
Carter: NOW who's the brown-noser?
Bennett: Shut up!
Price: Now listen up and listen good! Not everything has been sunshine and rainbows! One thing I don't particularly like is that you've been running around calling this YOUR show. It's NOT your show! It's MY show! And if you have a problem with that...
Price is interrupted when "It's all About the Benjamins" by Puff Daddy begins playing. Price and "Doc" both turn their attention to the stage as a younger man pops out onto the stage. He looks out to the ring before gazing out into the crowd.
The crowd doesn't react much, not knowing who this guy is. He's got a microphone in his hand and he looks around the crowd.
Bennett: Now who in the hell is that?
Aiello: I couldn't tell you, Steve.
Carter: I have no earthly idea, either!
The man pulls the microphone up to his mouth as the music quiets.
Man: Yo yo yo! What's happenin L.A.?!
The crowd reacts at the cheap pop.
Man: My name is Je'Mario Unger! And I'm da next big thing round here! An I've come to da EWC to represent da next big superstar! I am a manager for hire an I am gonna represent your next EWC Undisputed Champion! Who is it? I dunno! But I'm gonna find him or her! Yeah that's right! I'm gonna take somebody to da top and I am gonna be da reason that they are all over your shows and television screens. That's a fact, Jack! In fact, I already done got a couple calls this week! I'm gonna get somebody right! I aint get to this point by my good looks baby. Nah! I got here cuz I'm a hustla homie! I know how to play da game! Just you find out! Ya dig? Ha HA!
Price: WHOA!
Unger lowers his microphone for a second.
Price: I don't give a damn who you are or what you're doing here. Don't you EVER... EVER! Interrupt me on MY show again! Security! Get this clown out of my building!
The crowd cheers as three security officers come out from the back.
Unger: Yeah. ALWAYS tryin to hold me down! That's what they been doin all my life! Don't you worry Mr. Price. I'll see you again! This aint over!
The security officers force the microphone out of his hand and escort him to the back. During the commotion, "Doc" has grabbed a microphone.
"Doc": Oh... it looks like YOUR show is going SOOOOOOOOO well.
"Doc" has a giant grin come across his face and steps out of the ring as "American Idiot" begins to play again. He makes his way to the back as an irate Victor Price begins to stomp around the ring. He throws the microphone and exits the ring, as well, making his way to the back.
Aiello: Well... that was an interesting way to kick off this show from Los Angeles.
Bennett: I liked that Unger guy! Bring him back out! He had swag!
Carter: Swag, Steve?
Bennett: What? I'm hip! Don't let that McGuire tell you otherwise!
Aiello: Regardless, we've got quite the night for you folks. We...
‘Monster’ hits the sound system…
Bennett: NOW WHAT?!
The fans hit their feet, cheering for the Southern Belle that is about to emerge. Natalie Young doesn’t keep them waiting for long, emerging from behind the curtain in a nice pair of tan-colored slacks and a floral blouse, the majority of the burns to her face having healed. Pausing at the top of the ramp, the blond’s gaze skims over the crowd as she absorbs the energy the fans are putting off--a smile eventually gracing her lips as she raises a hand to wave in thanks.
Aiello: Oh my! This is first time we’ve seen Natalie Young since Scars and Stripes and the thirty bloody minutes she survived. Luke Wolfe may have retained the championship but there was certainly some controversy in how he did it.
Bennett: I see no controversy. You sons of bitches want to make something out of nothing.
Carter: A fireball to the face is nothing? I wouldn’t believe that as just desperation but this is the first time Luke Wolfe has done this in regards to the Undisputed Championship.
Making her way down the ramp, Young slaps the hands of the fans on both sides of the aisle as best as she can… though once she reaches the bottom of the ramp? She’s speeding up and sliding into the ring, getting nimbly to her feet despite the high heels she’s wearing. Rather than mounting the turnbuckle and playing more to the crowd, however, Natalie instead walks over to one side of the ring, accepting a microphone from an A/V tech with murmured thanks. As her music fades, she wastes no time in bringing it to her lips.
Natalie Young: Good evening, Los Angeles!
...and of course, the cheers spike after that greeting. The Southern Belle shakes her head, amusement clear in her tone.
Natalie Young: I know, I know… I shouldn’t have gone with such a cheesy greeting, but if I’m being honest? Right now, I need to hear that support from you--and I am beyond grateful that you’re willing to give it to me. So from the bottom of my heart, just let me say that if you’re here in the arena or watching at home… thank you. With that being said, I also have something else to say; I’m sorry, BRAWL. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to bring the EWC Championship back with me to where it belongs.
A pause; after taking a deep breath and soaking up a bit more of the crowd’s cheers even in the face of her admitting her shortcoming, she continues.
Natalie Young: You’ll note that I didn’t refer to it as the Undisputed Championship because… well, let’s be honest, here. While Luke Wolfe did beat me, he sure didn’t do it cleanly. No, even though I went into that Iron Man match injured after suffering quite the beating at the hands of Captain Morgan Darkwater, Luke couldn’t get the job done without quite literally bringing the closest thing he could to the Hell he promised with that fireball to the face. He was so scared, so terrified that I was better than he was even when I wasn’t at a hundred percent… that he dipped into his bag of tricks for something that he would have been disqualified for had the referee seen it. But you know what? It’s okay that the referee missed it. Know why?
The Southern Belle steps closer to the camera that’s joined her in the ring, her gaze boring holes into the lens.
Natalie Young: Because the rest of the world saw it, Luke--and we’re all going to hold you accountable for your sins.
Nodding to affirm her point, Natalie’s tone sharpens as she continues, intensity dripping off of her each and every word as she allows that competitive spirit burn all the brighter.
Natalie Young: Yes, that’s right… I’m not willing to sit here and let you lie your way out of this one. I’m not going to sit here and nod my head and agree with every last ounce of--of bullcrap that you’ve spewed go unanswered because we both know how dishonest you’re being. If you respected me, after all, you would’ve owned just what you had to do to beat me--but you didn’t, now did you Luke? No, you had the audacity to strut your way down the ramp at RAMPAGE, climb into that ring, and talk like you didn’t need to cheat in order to get the job done. You were willing to rely upon the rule of what happens to a championship in the event of a match ending in a disqualification to retain the EWC Championship. And do you know what that makes you?
A pause; Natalie all but snarls her next two words.
Natalie Young: A coward.
And on those two words… the BRAWL fans come unglued with cheers, rallying around the Southern Belle’s rightful assessment of the man she is refusing to yield to.
Aiello: Strong words from the former number 1 contender. Stronger accusation here… and I can’t help but think that she’s got a point.
Bennett: What a load of bull. She didn’t have what it takes to get it done, son. She blew it and now she’s out here calling Wolfe a coward? Pathetic.
Carter: No, I get it. They spent all that night beating the holy Hell out of each other and it ended the way it did. Luke wrote it off as the cost of business. Don’t you feel that is a little suspect, Steve?
Bennett: Watch your mouth around me, kid. I mean what I said. Luke did what he had to and it’s not his fault that Natalie didn’t have to gumption to do it to him first.
Allowing the fans to settle down a little, the Southern Belle continues--eyes blazing with conviction and fury both.
Natalie Young: And Luke, you’re going to be reminded of your cowardice everywhere you go until you do the right thing and give me the rematch that I deserve. Remember what I said about the world holding you accountable? I’m not the only one you wronged. You wronged each and every fan that spent their hard-earned money to be in attendance at Scars and Stripes and to subscribe to EWC.TV by denying them the fair match that they deserved to see. So you know what? Everywhere you go, every appearance you make and every match you wrestle, the simple truth will follow you just... like... this.
A clearing of her throat.
Natalie Young: Luke’s a co-ward!
She claps five times.
Natalie Young: Luke’s a co-ward!
Another five claps--and by now, the fans are joining in.
Fans: LUKE’S A CO-WARD!
The chant builds momentum, reaching deafening levels as the Southern Belle falls silent, letting the fans carry her message far and wide with a serious expression.
Aiello: What a turn of events here. Folks, we saw this during the match. Luke came into that night as a fan favorite but as the match went on--those cheers began to dissipate, especially with how he chose to retain the EWC Undisputed Championship. I don’t think he ever expected Natalie to call him on it, much less for the fans here to join her in holding him accountable.
Eventually, the Southern Belle is motioning to the crowd--slowly but surely getting them to quiet down. Natalie brings the mic back to her lips once they’ve gotten down to a dull roar, her voice enough to quell things the rest of the way.
Natalie Young: I’m not afraid of you, Luke, and I’m not afraid of making you face the consequences of your actions. So what’s it gonna be? It’s your call… Cowardly Wolfe.
Dropping the mic, ‘Monster’ hits the sound system as Natalie makes her way to a turnbuckle, climbing up on it to play to the crowd as they roar their support of the blond.
Aiello: What a strong statement made by Natalie Young here tonight.
Bennett: She's got no business being out here! She can't just call out the champ like that!
Carter: Oh stop that, Steve. She has every right to be out here and to say what she said!
Aiello: In any event, I'm going to see if I can get this out this time. Let's try take number two, shall we? We've got a great night ahead of us! We've got FSW action! We've got tag team action! We've got a number one contender match for the Television Championship. We've got Rampage superstars. We have celebrities! Superstar athletes! This evening is sure to be jam-packed! Let's go to FSW announcer Stan Gordon, who is in the ring to kick things off!
FSW SINGLES MATCH
Gordon: The following contest is for one fall, and is a Future Stars of Wrestling Match! This contest will have a ten minute time limit! Introducing first...
"Hate Me Now" begins to play as Marquee walks out onto the rampway. Behind him a shower of purple pyro comes from the floor up. At this point Marquee bends down to one knee, points at himself, and shakes his head up and down.
Gordon: From Miami, Florida... weighing in at 231 pounds... MARQUEEEE!
Marquee walks inside the ring and stands on each corner as he listens to a chorus mixture of cheers and boos from the crowd.
Aiello: Here comes the young man they call Marquee.
Carter: He had an absolute barn-burner with David Scott on the last Uprising show, who will also be in action tonight.
Bennett: David Scott? You mean to tell me that guy is on FSW too?
Carter: That's right.
Bennett: Damn, son! He's everywhere!
The music fades out. "I will Show You" by Ashes To New blasts throughout the Staples Center. The crowd raises to their feet in jubilation. Matt Angel walks out and with his arms raised he walks down the ramp way high-fiving the fans.
Gordon: And his opponent... from LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA!
The crowd roars loudly.
Gordon: Weighing in at 180 pounds... MAAATT ANGEEEEL!
Aiello: And here comes the hometown Matt Angel!
Carter: Angel has been doing pretty well for himself over on FSW. Two weeks ago he won a triple threat match against Dirk Buchanan and Mark McNair, who wasn't too long ago facing off with Xavier Reid for the FSW Championship!
Aiello: Speaking of Xavier Reid, let's not forget that Angel defeated Reid not too long ago!
He jumps onto the apron and climbs the turnbuckle and also celebrates cheering to the fans. He hops into the ring and the music fades.
The two men circle the ring. Marquee walks towards Angel. Angel thinks he is going to lock up in a collar-and-elbow, but Marquee quickly dropkicks Angel in the right knee. This sends Angel to the mat. Marquee gets up quickly and stomps on Angel’s back. After about four stomps, Marquee picks Angel up off of the mat and delivers a snap suplex. He floats over into a cover.
1
2
Kickout by Angel.
Marquee lifts Angel off of the mat and Irish-whips him into the corner. He follows and leaps, looking to drive a knee into Angel’s face. Angel ducks out of the way and Marquee knees the top turnbuckle.
Aiello: No one there for Marquee.
Angel stands behind Marquee and wraps him up, delivering a release German Suplex. Angel kips up to his feet and turns towards Marquee, who landed on the back of his head. Angel walks over to Marquee and lifts him off of the mat. He wraps him up and hits a textbook overhead belly-to-belly suplex. He hurries over for the cover.
1
2
Marquee kicks out just before the three.
Carter: Some great suplex-action being shown by Matt Angel.
Bennett: This match is already more entertaining than an NSFW match!
Angel pops up to his feet and walks over to Marquee. Marquee positions himself between Angel and the referee and delivers a knee right to Angel’s groin. The referee sees it as a knee to the stomach, so there will be no disqualification. Angel drops to the mat like a sack of potatoes and the crowd boos Marquee for what he did to their hometown boy. Marquee reaches down and picks Angel up by the ear. He starts yelling at him as the referee begins a count for Marquee to release his ear. Marquee releases Angel’s ear and stares down the referee. As he turns his attention back to Angel, Angel rolls Marquee up in a small package.
1
2
Kickout by Marquee.
Aiello: Matt Angel almost caught Marquee sleeping there!
Bennett: Sleep! That’s a great idea!
Carter: Not again…
Marquee is quick to his feet as he lays the boots to the back of Angel’s head. He pulls Angel up to his feet and twists Angel’s arm. He drops an elbow down into Angel’s shoulder. Angel falls to both knees. Marquee holds this for awhile, putting extra torque on the shoulder when necessary. The referee continues to ask Angel if he submits, which prompts quick "no" responses. Finally, Marquee talks a little trash as he releases the wrist and lets Angel get to his feet. As Angel gets to his feet, Marquee delivers a hard knife-edge chop to Angel’s chest. Angel, feeling a surge of energy, almost shrugs the move off as he bends down and picks Marquee up, delivering an inverted atomic drop that has Marquee doubled over in pain.
Aiello: This has been a great back-and-forth match by these two Future Stars!
Carter: And right now we are sitting at eight minutes and approaching the end of the ten minute time limit.
Angel bounces himself off of the ropes and swings, looking to deliver a clothesline. He connects and turns Marquee inside-out. Marquee looks at the crowd, who is wildly behind him. He pulls Marquee off of the mat and shoves his arm between his legs. Angel grabs the other arm and lifts Marquee up in a pumphandle into The Fallen! He covers!
1
2
3!
“I Will Show You” begins to play again as Matt raises his arms in victory. He climbs up to the 2nd turnbuckle in one of the corners and celebrates with the hometown crowd.
Aiello: What a match! Matt Angel came away with the victory here tonight!
Bennett: Marquee got robbed!
Aiello: Ah, Steve! You’re awake!
Bennett: I never fell asleep! I just said it was a good idea!
Carter: Like you said, Joe, that definitely was a heck of a match by these two. I’m looking forward to the rest of the night! Folks, we will be right back after this commercial break!
Aiello: Hello, everyone! Welcome to Monday Night BRAWL live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles! Looks like we aren't going to waste any time here tonight.
Carter: That's right. Our General Manager Victor Price is on his way to the ring! We haven't seen him since, what... Minneapolis?
Aiello: That's correct. It's been about six weeks since we've seen him here on BRAWL. "Doc" Hollister has been running things... and pretty smoothly, might I add.
Bennett: You brown-nosin' son-of-a-bitch!
Aiello: Always nice to see you, Steve. Did you bring your pillow this week?
Bennett: Is NSFW wrestling?
Aiello: Yes.
Bennett: Then you're damn right I did!
By this point, Price has gotten to the ring and has a microphone in hand. He waits for the crowd to settle down and his music stops before he brings the microphone to his mouth.
Price: The Staples Center! One of the top destinations every year! And you people thought Victor Price wasn't going to be here? You're sorely mistaken! But I'm not going to beat around the bush. No no no! I am going to cut right to business because I've got something to get straight and settle right now! "Doc" Hollister... get your ass out here!
The crowd cheers at the mention of "Doc's" name. After a few seconds, "American Idiot" begins playing and the crowd goes nuts.
Aiello: Well, it certainly sounds like the boss isn't happy with his assistant now does it?
Bennett: Would you be? He's been upstaged by the rookie for weeks!
"Doc" Hollister appears on the stage and begins walking down to the ring. He climbs up the steps and gets into the ring with Price.
Aiello: Upstaged may be an accurate statement, Steve. And things are heating up here!
The music fades and Price stands there staring at "Doc" in the face, who is not intimidated by his much bigger boss. Finally, Price raises the microphone to his mouth.
Price: "Doc" Hollister. Well, well, well. By the looks of things, you pretty much have this show covered, now, don't you? You've been lighting everything on fire, right?! Well, I'll tell you what. I'm not going to let you upstage the boss! You've been making me look bad for weeks, now, and I'm about sick of it! That's why I am here. I am going to make sure that this show runs damn smooth and under MY watch!
The crowd boos, disagreeing with Price's statement.
Aiello: I mean... I have to disagree. Things have been great since the last time we saw Price!
Bennett: Don't you disagree with the boss! It's been awful!
Carter: NOW who's the brown-noser?
Bennett: Shut up!
Price: Now listen up and listen good! Not everything has been sunshine and rainbows! One thing I don't particularly like is that you've been running around calling this YOUR show. It's NOT your show! It's MY show! And if you have a problem with that...
Price is interrupted when "It's all About the Benjamins" by Puff Daddy begins playing. Price and "Doc" both turn their attention to the stage as a younger man pops out onto the stage. He looks out to the ring before gazing out into the crowd.
The crowd doesn't react much, not knowing who this guy is. He's got a microphone in his hand and he looks around the crowd.
Bennett: Now who in the hell is that?
Aiello: I couldn't tell you, Steve.
Carter: I have no earthly idea, either!
The man pulls the microphone up to his mouth as the music quiets.
Man: Yo yo yo! What's happenin L.A.?!
The crowd reacts at the cheap pop.
Man: My name is Je'Mario Unger! And I'm da next big thing round here! An I've come to da EWC to represent da next big superstar! I am a manager for hire an I am gonna represent your next EWC Undisputed Champion! Who is it? I dunno! But I'm gonna find him or her! Yeah that's right! I'm gonna take somebody to da top and I am gonna be da reason that they are all over your shows and television screens. That's a fact, Jack! In fact, I already done got a couple calls this week! I'm gonna get somebody right! I aint get to this point by my good looks baby. Nah! I got here cuz I'm a hustla homie! I know how to play da game! Just you find out! Ya dig? Ha HA!
Price: WHOA!
Unger lowers his microphone for a second.
Price: I don't give a damn who you are or what you're doing here. Don't you EVER... EVER! Interrupt me on MY show again! Security! Get this clown out of my building!
The crowd cheers as three security officers come out from the back.
Unger: Yeah. ALWAYS tryin to hold me down! That's what they been doin all my life! Don't you worry Mr. Price. I'll see you again! This aint over!
The security officers force the microphone out of his hand and escort him to the back. During the commotion, "Doc" has grabbed a microphone.
"Doc": Oh... it looks like YOUR show is going SOOOOOOOOO well.
"Doc" has a giant grin come across his face and steps out of the ring as "American Idiot" begins to play again. He makes his way to the back as an irate Victor Price begins to stomp around the ring. He throws the microphone and exits the ring, as well, making his way to the back.
Aiello: Well... that was an interesting way to kick off this show from Los Angeles.
Bennett: I liked that Unger guy! Bring him back out! He had swag!
Carter: Swag, Steve?
Bennett: What? I'm hip! Don't let that McGuire tell you otherwise!
Aiello: Regardless, we've got quite the night for you folks. We...
‘Monster’ hits the sound system…
Bennett: NOW WHAT?!
The fans hit their feet, cheering for the Southern Belle that is about to emerge. Natalie Young doesn’t keep them waiting for long, emerging from behind the curtain in a nice pair of tan-colored slacks and a floral blouse, the majority of the burns to her face having healed. Pausing at the top of the ramp, the blond’s gaze skims over the crowd as she absorbs the energy the fans are putting off--a smile eventually gracing her lips as she raises a hand to wave in thanks.
Aiello: Oh my! This is first time we’ve seen Natalie Young since Scars and Stripes and the thirty bloody minutes she survived. Luke Wolfe may have retained the championship but there was certainly some controversy in how he did it.
Bennett: I see no controversy. You sons of bitches want to make something out of nothing.
Carter: A fireball to the face is nothing? I wouldn’t believe that as just desperation but this is the first time Luke Wolfe has done this in regards to the Undisputed Championship.
Making her way down the ramp, Young slaps the hands of the fans on both sides of the aisle as best as she can… though once she reaches the bottom of the ramp? She’s speeding up and sliding into the ring, getting nimbly to her feet despite the high heels she’s wearing. Rather than mounting the turnbuckle and playing more to the crowd, however, Natalie instead walks over to one side of the ring, accepting a microphone from an A/V tech with murmured thanks. As her music fades, she wastes no time in bringing it to her lips.
Natalie Young: Good evening, Los Angeles!
...and of course, the cheers spike after that greeting. The Southern Belle shakes her head, amusement clear in her tone.
Natalie Young: I know, I know… I shouldn’t have gone with such a cheesy greeting, but if I’m being honest? Right now, I need to hear that support from you--and I am beyond grateful that you’re willing to give it to me. So from the bottom of my heart, just let me say that if you’re here in the arena or watching at home… thank you. With that being said, I also have something else to say; I’m sorry, BRAWL. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to bring the EWC Championship back with me to where it belongs.
A pause; after taking a deep breath and soaking up a bit more of the crowd’s cheers even in the face of her admitting her shortcoming, she continues.
Natalie Young: You’ll note that I didn’t refer to it as the Undisputed Championship because… well, let’s be honest, here. While Luke Wolfe did beat me, he sure didn’t do it cleanly. No, even though I went into that Iron Man match injured after suffering quite the beating at the hands of Captain Morgan Darkwater, Luke couldn’t get the job done without quite literally bringing the closest thing he could to the Hell he promised with that fireball to the face. He was so scared, so terrified that I was better than he was even when I wasn’t at a hundred percent… that he dipped into his bag of tricks for something that he would have been disqualified for had the referee seen it. But you know what? It’s okay that the referee missed it. Know why?
The Southern Belle steps closer to the camera that’s joined her in the ring, her gaze boring holes into the lens.
Natalie Young: Because the rest of the world saw it, Luke--and we’re all going to hold you accountable for your sins.
Nodding to affirm her point, Natalie’s tone sharpens as she continues, intensity dripping off of her each and every word as she allows that competitive spirit burn all the brighter.
Natalie Young: Yes, that’s right… I’m not willing to sit here and let you lie your way out of this one. I’m not going to sit here and nod my head and agree with every last ounce of--of bullcrap that you’ve spewed go unanswered because we both know how dishonest you’re being. If you respected me, after all, you would’ve owned just what you had to do to beat me--but you didn’t, now did you Luke? No, you had the audacity to strut your way down the ramp at RAMPAGE, climb into that ring, and talk like you didn’t need to cheat in order to get the job done. You were willing to rely upon the rule of what happens to a championship in the event of a match ending in a disqualification to retain the EWC Championship. And do you know what that makes you?
A pause; Natalie all but snarls her next two words.
Natalie Young: A coward.
And on those two words… the BRAWL fans come unglued with cheers, rallying around the Southern Belle’s rightful assessment of the man she is refusing to yield to.
Aiello: Strong words from the former number 1 contender. Stronger accusation here… and I can’t help but think that she’s got a point.
Bennett: What a load of bull. She didn’t have what it takes to get it done, son. She blew it and now she’s out here calling Wolfe a coward? Pathetic.
Carter: No, I get it. They spent all that night beating the holy Hell out of each other and it ended the way it did. Luke wrote it off as the cost of business. Don’t you feel that is a little suspect, Steve?
Bennett: Watch your mouth around me, kid. I mean what I said. Luke did what he had to and it’s not his fault that Natalie didn’t have to gumption to do it to him first.
Allowing the fans to settle down a little, the Southern Belle continues--eyes blazing with conviction and fury both.
Natalie Young: And Luke, you’re going to be reminded of your cowardice everywhere you go until you do the right thing and give me the rematch that I deserve. Remember what I said about the world holding you accountable? I’m not the only one you wronged. You wronged each and every fan that spent their hard-earned money to be in attendance at Scars and Stripes and to subscribe to EWC.TV by denying them the fair match that they deserved to see. So you know what? Everywhere you go, every appearance you make and every match you wrestle, the simple truth will follow you just... like... this.
A clearing of her throat.
Natalie Young: Luke’s a co-ward!
She claps five times.
Natalie Young: Luke’s a co-ward!
Another five claps--and by now, the fans are joining in.
Fans: LUKE’S A CO-WARD!
The chant builds momentum, reaching deafening levels as the Southern Belle falls silent, letting the fans carry her message far and wide with a serious expression.
Aiello: What a turn of events here. Folks, we saw this during the match. Luke came into that night as a fan favorite but as the match went on--those cheers began to dissipate, especially with how he chose to retain the EWC Undisputed Championship. I don’t think he ever expected Natalie to call him on it, much less for the fans here to join her in holding him accountable.
Eventually, the Southern Belle is motioning to the crowd--slowly but surely getting them to quiet down. Natalie brings the mic back to her lips once they’ve gotten down to a dull roar, her voice enough to quell things the rest of the way.
Natalie Young: I’m not afraid of you, Luke, and I’m not afraid of making you face the consequences of your actions. So what’s it gonna be? It’s your call… Cowardly Wolfe.
Dropping the mic, ‘Monster’ hits the sound system as Natalie makes her way to a turnbuckle, climbing up on it to play to the crowd as they roar their support of the blond.
Aiello: What a strong statement made by Natalie Young here tonight.
Bennett: She's got no business being out here! She can't just call out the champ like that!
Carter: Oh stop that, Steve. She has every right to be out here and to say what she said!
Aiello: In any event, I'm going to see if I can get this out this time. Let's try take number two, shall we? We've got a great night ahead of us! We've got FSW action! We've got tag team action! We've got a number one contender match for the Television Championship. We've got Rampage superstars. We have celebrities! Superstar athletes! This evening is sure to be jam-packed! Let's go to FSW announcer Stan Gordon, who is in the ring to kick things off!
FSW SINGLES MATCH
MARQUEE
VS MATT ANGEL
Gordon: The following contest is for one fall, and is a Future Stars of Wrestling Match! This contest will have a ten minute time limit! Introducing first...
"Hate Me Now" begins to play as Marquee walks out onto the rampway. Behind him a shower of purple pyro comes from the floor up. At this point Marquee bends down to one knee, points at himself, and shakes his head up and down.
Gordon: From Miami, Florida... weighing in at 231 pounds... MARQUEEEE!
Marquee walks inside the ring and stands on each corner as he listens to a chorus mixture of cheers and boos from the crowd.
Aiello: Here comes the young man they call Marquee.
Carter: He had an absolute barn-burner with David Scott on the last Uprising show, who will also be in action tonight.
Bennett: David Scott? You mean to tell me that guy is on FSW too?
Carter: That's right.
Bennett: Damn, son! He's everywhere!
The music fades out. "I will Show You" by Ashes To New blasts throughout the Staples Center. The crowd raises to their feet in jubilation. Matt Angel walks out and with his arms raised he walks down the ramp way high-fiving the fans.
Gordon: And his opponent... from LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA!
The crowd roars loudly.
Gordon: Weighing in at 180 pounds... MAAATT ANGEEEEL!
Aiello: And here comes the hometown Matt Angel!
Carter: Angel has been doing pretty well for himself over on FSW. Two weeks ago he won a triple threat match against Dirk Buchanan and Mark McNair, who wasn't too long ago facing off with Xavier Reid for the FSW Championship!
Aiello: Speaking of Xavier Reid, let's not forget that Angel defeated Reid not too long ago!
He jumps onto the apron and climbs the turnbuckle and also celebrates cheering to the fans. He hops into the ring and the music fades.
DING DING DING
The two men circle the ring. Marquee walks towards Angel. Angel thinks he is going to lock up in a collar-and-elbow, but Marquee quickly dropkicks Angel in the right knee. This sends Angel to the mat. Marquee gets up quickly and stomps on Angel’s back. After about four stomps, Marquee picks Angel up off of the mat and delivers a snap suplex. He floats over into a cover.
1
2
Kickout by Angel.
Marquee lifts Angel off of the mat and Irish-whips him into the corner. He follows and leaps, looking to drive a knee into Angel’s face. Angel ducks out of the way and Marquee knees the top turnbuckle.
Aiello: No one there for Marquee.
Angel stands behind Marquee and wraps him up, delivering a release German Suplex. Angel kips up to his feet and turns towards Marquee, who landed on the back of his head. Angel walks over to Marquee and lifts him off of the mat. He wraps him up and hits a textbook overhead belly-to-belly suplex. He hurries over for the cover.
1
2
Marquee kicks out just before the three.
Carter: Some great suplex-action being shown by Matt Angel.
Bennett: This match is already more entertaining than an NSFW match!
Angel pops up to his feet and walks over to Marquee. Marquee positions himself between Angel and the referee and delivers a knee right to Angel’s groin. The referee sees it as a knee to the stomach, so there will be no disqualification. Angel drops to the mat like a sack of potatoes and the crowd boos Marquee for what he did to their hometown boy. Marquee reaches down and picks Angel up by the ear. He starts yelling at him as the referee begins a count for Marquee to release his ear. Marquee releases Angel’s ear and stares down the referee. As he turns his attention back to Angel, Angel rolls Marquee up in a small package.
1
2
Kickout by Marquee.
Aiello: Matt Angel almost caught Marquee sleeping there!
Bennett: Sleep! That’s a great idea!
Carter: Not again…
Marquee is quick to his feet as he lays the boots to the back of Angel’s head. He pulls Angel up to his feet and twists Angel’s arm. He drops an elbow down into Angel’s shoulder. Angel falls to both knees. Marquee holds this for awhile, putting extra torque on the shoulder when necessary. The referee continues to ask Angel if he submits, which prompts quick "no" responses. Finally, Marquee talks a little trash as he releases the wrist and lets Angel get to his feet. As Angel gets to his feet, Marquee delivers a hard knife-edge chop to Angel’s chest. Angel, feeling a surge of energy, almost shrugs the move off as he bends down and picks Marquee up, delivering an inverted atomic drop that has Marquee doubled over in pain.
Aiello: This has been a great back-and-forth match by these two Future Stars!
Carter: And right now we are sitting at eight minutes and approaching the end of the ten minute time limit.
1
2
3!
DING DING DING
Gordon: Here is your winner… Los Angeles’ own… MATT ANGEEEEL!“I Will Show You” begins to play again as Matt raises his arms in victory. He climbs up to the 2nd turnbuckle in one of the corners and celebrates with the hometown crowd.
Aiello: What a match! Matt Angel came away with the victory here tonight!
Bennett: Marquee got robbed!
Aiello: Ah, Steve! You’re awake!
Bennett: I never fell asleep! I just said it was a good idea!
Carter: Like you said, Joe, that definitely was a heck of a match by these two. I’m looking forward to the rest of the night! Folks, we will be right back after this commercial break!