MNB #550 (SZN 21 OPENER) - LONG BEACH

[MNB]

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 #550 | FEBRUARY 3RD 2020

LIVE! from the LONG BEACH ARENA, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

EWC BRAWL
General Manager: Jim Connors
Commentators: Joe Aiello, Steve 'The Predator' Bennett and Max Carter
Announcer: Jessica Stroup
Senior Referee: Paul Turner
Referee: Josh Daniels
Backstage Interviewer: Bob Murray

"BZRK" by Family Force 5 blasts in the Arena







The show starts off with video footage detailing historic events over Monday Night BRAWL's history.
From episode 001 in 1997 all the way down to the last episode #549 in Lexington, Kentucky.

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: Xavier Reid, Iggy Swango, Darius, Kendrick Kross, Stephanie Matsuda, Cyrus Black, NSFW, Darius, Clay Byrd, Bosa, and Chuck Gacy.

We then get a shot of the Champions of BRAWL:

Xavier Reid with the X-Division Championship...
...Cyrus Black with the International Championship...
...and The Even Foxier Ladies of Dream Sound Revolution Part Deux with the Tag Team Championship

The opening pyros blast across the stage and here we go.



A wide aerial shot shows that the Long Beach Arena is electric for Monday Night BRAWL!

A chant begins of

"MNB!"

"MNB!"

"MNB!"

"MNB!"

A thick layer of fog circles the arena, and camera flashes repeatedly strobe the area!

The camera feed pans to different areas in the arena and we see fans cheering in excitement!

The fans are shown smiling, laughing, and pumping their fists in excitement

as fireworks emit from each corner of the ring!

A thick layer of fog surrounds the fans from the firework display.

The show is live... and the excitement is at a fever pitch!

Signs can be seen all over the arena, some reading: 

"BACK BACK IN CALI CALI"

"IT FEELS LIKE IT'S BEEN YEARS SINCE WRESTLEFEST"

"ALWAYS BET ON THE BLACK BYRD...OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT"

"WE OUT HERE BRAWLIN AT THE BEACH"

"TIME TO KICK OFF SZN 21!"

and "THE X IN X-DIVISION STANDS FOR XAVIER REID"

The camera pans around the Long Beach Arena once more. We arrive at the announcers' table where Joe Aiello, Max Carter, and Steve Bennett are standing by.

Aiello: Good evening, folks, and welcome to Monday Night Brawl! We kick off a new season with the five hundred fiftieth edition of the red brand, and what a show we have in store for you tonight!

Carter: We kick things off with a triple threat match between some of our newest superstars as Bosa, Maverick, and Drago Santiago face off to see who wins their official Brawl debut!

Bennett: After that, we see the first of two X-Division matches tonight as newcomer Chuck Gacy looks to make a statement taking on the returning Stormy Taggert in what should be one helluva match! From there we'll watch Darius and Kendrick Kross face off once more, with Darius looking to finally get a win over the former X-Division Champion...speaking of former champions, Stephanie Matsuda teams up with Samantha Hamilton in what oughta be a hard-hitting affair as they take on NSFW!

Aiello: And wrapping up the evening, we'll see a triple threat with major implications for all involved between Clay Byrd, Ace King, and Cyrus Black, before we head to our main event in a clash between Brawl's X-Division Champion and Rampage's United States Champion...Xavier Reid takes on Scorpio in an X-Division war! When we come back, we'll hear from one of our newest superstars before kicking off the in-ring action here on Monday Night Brawl!

Fade to the EWCTV advertisement.

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We return from commercial to the backstage area. The fans are heard in the distance, cheering with excitement. Standing with a microphone in hand, Bob Murray smiles as he stands in front of a locker room door. On the door, a nameplate reads: BOSA. Nodding his head, Murray begins to speak with an excited tone:

Murray: It's always a momentous occasion when a new talent arrives on Brawl. It's an even grander occasion when that talent arrives to so much fanfare, that he has the entire industry buzzing with excitement. Recently, a well-known Professional Magazine has named this man as the top three-rated rookie with other critics agreeing with the sentiment. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce you, to Brett Bosa… 

The fans begun to cheer loudly as the door opens. Stepping through the doorway, Bosa smiles as he looks shocked at the fan reaction. Scratching his chin, he nods his head in respect to the fans before glancing at Bob Murray.

Murray: Welcome to Brawl.

Bosa: Thank you. It’s an honor to be here.

Murray: Tonight, you step into the ring for the first time on Brawl, and begin your journey as a EWC Superstar. How do you feel right now?!

Bosa adjusts his posture as the fans begin to cheer once more.

Bosa: I feel like this is the start of something big. Since I was in my teens, I have searched for my calling in life. Even in the military, as I proudly served my country, I would often sit on the hills of Afghanistan and ask myself what life would have in store for me when I returned to the states. I had no idea that life would place me right here, in front of the EWC Nation! From the minute that I stepped through the arena doors, I have felt without a shadow of a doubt… that I belong here.

The fans scream and begin to chant: “BOSA…. BOSA…. BOSA!”

Murray: You seem to already have a great deal of support from the fans here.

Bosa nods his head and adjusts his elbow pad.

Murray: Tonight, you step into the ring with not just one, but two opponents in Drago Santiago and Maverick. Any thoughts on your match?

Bosa: Absolutely. Look, there is no doubt in my mind that tonight is going to be an absolute war out there in that ring. If there is one thing that I know, however, is what it's like to be on the battlefield. I respect both of those men that I will face tonight, but don’t mistake that respect for weakness. Once that bell is rung, I am going to separate myself from the pack and earn my spot here in the company. Win, lose, or draw…. As long as I do some damage, I am doing my job. The thing though is that my shoulders don’t even have to touch that mat for me to lose tonight. I am aware of that. I will just have to be extra vigilant out there. I will have to raise the damn bar. I am prepared for that.

The fans erupt as Bosa finishes his sentence.

Murray: WOW… I haven’t seen a fan reception like this in years. They obviously see something in you. Anything that you want to say to them?

Bosa: Thank you for believing in me. I may not win every match. I may fail. What I won’t ever do is give up. I can hear every one of your cheers out there. I feel them. I will use that support tonight and let it fuel me as I do some damage in that ring. Your faith in me is recognized.

Bosa grabs the microphone from Murray’s hand and looks into the camera.

Bosa: Drago… Maverick… Tonight, the faithful and I are going prepared for war. Three of us enter that ring, but only one will leave as the winner. It’s going to come down to who wants this match more…. And nobody…. Nobody wants that win more than me. I will prove it to you.

Bosa hands the microphone back to Murray and walks away as the fans scream with approval.

Murray: The Faithful? I like that. Let’s get back to ringside.

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NEWCOMER SHOWCASE!
[TRIPLE THREAT MATCH]

Bosa
VS Maverick
VS Drago Santiago

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Aiello: A big statement from Bosa ahead of our opening contest, as he and two of our newest Brawl superstars square off in their debut on the red brand!

Bennett: Bosa's got a lot of heart and a lot of attitude coming into this match, but he's also got to contend with a couple tough sons o' bitches in Maverick and Drago Santiago.

Carter: All three were impressive at Thunder, but only one of them will come out on top with the spotlight on them tonight!

Stroup: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Joining us first, from San Jose, California, weighing in at 220 pounds ... BOSA!

The camera pans slowly towards the stage area as we see the shadow of a large man behind a shaded white wall. "Indestructible" by Disturbed begins to play loudly as the fans stand up and cheer. After a moment, Bosa blasts through the wall with a kick! The crowd completely erupts as Bosa walks through the freshly made hole in the wall! Not stopping, he walks towards the ring, his face beaming equal parts determination and anger.

Stroup: And his opponent, from Wexford Town, County Wexford, Ireland, weighing in at 195 pounds ... MAVERICK!

The intro to the Junkie XL Remix of Inception by Hans Zimmer begins as the lights dim to near darkness, leaving very little light to shine around. Once the beat kicks in, the lights don a purple shade as we see Maverick stand upon the stage in his ring gear and a black jacket, opened and the hood over his head. He looks out to the crowd before making his way to the ring.

Stroup: And their opponent, now residing in NYC, weighing in at 215 pounds ... DRAGO SANTIAGO! 

"We Appreciate Power" by Grimes begins to blast from the arena's speakers, perfectly synced to the red blaring lighting replacing white. The light of the screen dies, and red lighting blasting across the stadium reveals Santiago standing at the stage entrance. Per rising, Drago 's stoic, scowling face looks over the crowd, the referee, and his opponent. He ignores hands reaching forward from the crowd for high fives, knocks posters out of the way, and taunts the crowd on his way to the ring.

Aiello: Here we go with the first match of 2020 for Monday Night Brawl!

DING DING DING

The bell rings and Drago and Maverick immediately go after Bosa, looking to take him out of the equation with a flurry of offense that sends the Samoan Warrior to the outside! The alliance turns out to be only temporary as Drago clocks Maverick with a right hand that drops the Prince of Immortality to the canvas before Bosa comes back in! Drago and Bosa exchange punches before Drago sends Bosa to the ropes, but Bosa ducks under a clothesline attempt and hits one of his own on the rebound! The crowd cheers for Bosa, who follows up with a stomp to the midsection before picking Drago up...but Drago catches him by surprise, grabbing Bosa by the hand as he goes to work on the fingers!


Aiello: Drago's trying to break Bosa's damn fingers! Come on ref, do something to stop this!

Bennett: Joe, why do you insist on yelling? The ref is admonishing Drago for his actions, that's the best he can do in this situation!

Carter: That's a fair point Steve, triple threat rules means there are no disqualifications...but still!

In what could be seen as a saving grace for Bosa, Maverick breaks this up with a spinning back kick that sends Drago flying! Bosa back to his feet, as Maverick turns his attention to the more immediate threat. The two men exchanges punches before Bosa sends Maverick to the corner, charging at full speed...but Maverick dodges at the last second, forcing Bosa to drive his own shoulder into the ring post! Maverick takes advantage of the flub by rolling Bosa as the ref drops to count the pinfall: ONE! TWO! ...NO!!! Drago just stopped the pin attempt, kicking Maverick square in the back!


Aiello: What a close call here, Maverick nearly getting the pin but Drago refuses to let this match end so easily!

Bennett: It's like I said earlier, these are three tough sons o' bitches! Drago's got that look in his eyes like he's ready to do some real damage!

Drago and Maverick go at it now, trading blows before Maverick sends Drago to the outside with a clothesline over the top rope before turning his attention back to Bosa...CHIN CHECK! Bosa came running at Maverick off the ropes, connecting with a hard lariat that sends Maverick spinning before crashing to the canvas! The crowd is fully behind Bosa as he picks Maverick up over his head...BAY AREA BOMB! Bosa drives Maverick into the canvas with that crucifix powerbomb, and that's gotta be it as he makes the cover! ONE! TWO!! THREE!!!

DING DING DING

Stroup: Here is your winner, via pinfall... BOSA!

The ref raises Bosa's arm in victory, an angry Drago glaring at the Samoan Warrior from the outside as we cut back to commentary.

Aiello: What a match to kick us off tonight! All three men looking to make a statement in our season opener, but Bosa's the one picking up the win!

Carter: He looks primed to take that first step toward title contention with a big win that leaves Drago and Maverick scrambling to look for momentum going forward!

Bennett: I think this kid's alright, but you can see that Drago ain't happy about it. I gotta feeling this won't be the last we see of these two, and Maverick is gonna want to avenge this loss as soon as possible!

Aiello: Well folks, that's just the start of what looks to be an exciting night of action here in Long Beach. When we come back, the action is only going to get more violent as Chuck Gacy takes on Stormy Taggert in X-Division action!

Camera cuts to ...

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The camera cuts backstage inside the Long Beach Arena where we see Bob Murray

Murray: Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome my guest at this time ‘The Memphis Mouthpiece’ Tommy Love

The camera pulls back to show Tommy standing next to Bob with a smile on his face. The crowd outside inside the arena welcome the 2019 Manager of the Year with boos

Murray: Well not the warmest welcome to Brawl Tommy…

Love: Like I care what the people of Long Beach think, I mean if it was LA then maybe I’d give a damn but Long Beach is a shit hole and I think the EWC could do better…but my real issue is how the hell doesn’t Brawl have some nice piece of ass backstage doing these interviews, say what you want about them but I Prime has Jenna Salvatore and FSW has Lisa Goldrush and the ‘main brands’ is a god damn sausage fest backstage…

Murray: Hey, some might think I’m a nice piece of…well you know

Love: This is a family show Bob, we don’t need to hear about the odd relationship you have with your sister…

Murray: Now wait one second now…

Love: No Bob I don’t have a second to explain to you how wrong it is to do the thing you and your sister do behind close door, I have more pressing issues to address and that would be Gabrielle Visconty!!!

The Brawl fans cheer as a picture of Gabi pops on the screen before going back to Tommy and Bob

Love: I have dragged my ass to Long Beach to sit down with Brawl GM Jim Connors and the Brawl medical staff to hand them these…

Tommy holds up a binder of paperwork

Love: Gabi’s clean bill of health from our doctors and inform GM Connors that Gabi Vee is ready to make her 2020 Brawl debut!!!

The fans once again cheer this news

Love: I’m not going to sugarcoat things, it’s been a struggle to get her back and I’ve had to do some of the best work in my LONG career to keep her on track…

Murray: Now Tommy there was a report circulating that Gabi failed her medical exam a few weeks ago…

Love: Rumors, I’m sure put out in the media by some of the bitches here on Brawl in hopes of slowing her down and keeping her off TV until they got back on track…

Tommy lowers the paperwork

Love: Let’s face it, each and every one of the Brawl roster knows just how much of a threat Gabi is for the gold around here and now that she added me into her corner well it’s a given she will be a EWC Champion in 2020 and should be in the conversation not only for the International Championship but also the US, X and Undisputed Championship, hell she should Main Event StrangleMania this year, just think about the story we could tell, spunky up and comer losses her parents and almost her own life and fights back to win the Undisputed Championship on EWC grandest night…oh the media would eat that up…

Murray: Come on now Tommy, it sounds like you are trying to cash in on Gabi’s tragedy…

Love: Nothing could be more wrong you oaf, look around this place and tell me who’s more worthy, Cyrus Black, we just saw that at WrestleFest, StrangleMania is the BIGGEST show of the year so why would we run back the main event of WrestleFest there, Xavier Reid, we saw that last year no thank you, Kendrick Kross come on now, next, Ace King…how many times do we need to see that match, what would it be the 20th time Ace challenged for it, Melody just beat Scorpio at YoungBlood, Samantha Hamilton isn’t worthy and Stephanie Matsuda has proven time and time again in 2019 she can’t hang with the best of the EWC, Gabi Vee is the logical choice, there is nobody stronger and more brutal than her in this company…

But Tommy stops mid sentence when a kendo stick taps him on the shoulder

“Excuse me”

Tommy and Bob both turn around to see Stephanie Matsuda

Love: No excuse me I’m doing an interview here, I’ll take a picture with you afterwards, sorry about that, my fans can be a bit rude sometimes…

Matsuda: I thought I just heard you say…

But Tommy pushes the kendo stick off his shoulder

Love: You heard me right, ‘War Queen’, there is a new ‘baddest gal’ on Brawl and she returns next week, GABI VEE!!! So you can take that kendo stick and use it as a bedroom toy with…

But before he can finish that sentence Stephanie cracks him across the head with the stick dropping ‘The Memphis Mouthpiece’ to the ground, Stephanie drops down and puts the kendo stick across his throat.

Matsuda: Now, what were you saying there, I can’t quite hear you

Tommy struggles to speak as Stephanie continues to push down on this throat, she turns her head and ear towards Tommy’s mouth, she pulls back a little to allow him to speak

Love: Next week…Gabi is back…she’s going to make you pay…TLC…

Matsuda: Is that a challenge?

Love: She’s going to make you pay…

Stephanie smiles

Matsuda: I welcome the challenge, see you both next week

Stephanie pushes Tommy down as she gets to her feet and gives him one last poke with that kendo stick to his chest as she walks away, Tommy grabs at his throat and he straightens his glasses. Bob looks down at him and is just about to offer him a hand when a EWC Staff member walks up with an ‘interesting’ looking young lady

EWC Staffer: This girl, Hazel, said you ordered her Tommy?

Murray: Tommy, you can’t bring a hooker in here

Hazel: I’m not a hooker idiot, I’m a dancer…so who just got married?

Tommy smiles and gets to his feet

Love: She’s for Ace, dude got married in the off season and we didn’t get to throw him a bachelor party, it’s the least we could do, $10 bucks each, from everyone…come on

Tommy extends his hand and Bob and the Staffer both reach into their pockets and pull out a Hamilton

Love: Good, now if you could please show her to Ace’s locker room and let her in and honey, make it classy, poor bastard only gets to have sex with one women the rest of his life…or until she leaves his ass, make sure he enjoys it now go on…

Tommy gives her a slap on the ass and smiles

Love: I’m really going to enjoy my time here on Brawl, now…where is Clay Byrd’s locker room, I got a little something for him as well…

Tommy turns and looks into the camera and smirks as we cut to a commercial break.

As Brawl comes back from commercial break, the camera zeroes in on a special guest sitting in the front row.

Aiello: Well look at that! It seems that Prime superstar and California’s own Silver Ann Gold has decided to pay us a visit!

Silver beams and gives the camera a wave. Her arms are covered in glittery gold and pink jelly bracelets and she’s clad in a Kilt Bros. t-shirt.

Bennett: I don’t like this one bit. I bet Prime sent the little tramp to spy on us and see how a real show is done!

Carter: Do you ever think before you open your mouth?

Aiello: Anyway, we’re about to see more of the best action EWC has to offer, so let’s go to the ring!

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KICKING OFF THE SEASON WITH FLAIR (AND VIOLENCE)!
[SINGLES MATCH - X-DIVISION RULES]

Chuck Gacy
VS Stormy Taggert

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We return to ringside where Jessica Stroup stands ready for the next match.

Aiello: Coming up next is an X-Division contest between two people looking to make their mark - Chuck Gacy and Stormy Taggert!

Bennett: Chuck's probably one of the meanest sumbitches in the business but he might crack under the pressure of a sold out BRAWL crowd. Stormy's been here, done that before so my money's gonna be on her comin' out of this with her hand raised.

Carter: Either way, I'm sure this one is going to be a testament to exactly what it takes to be apart of EWC's most violent division!

Stroup: The following match is an X-Division rules match! Joining us first, hailing from the 718, weighing in at 234 pounds ... he is a bad mother fucker, CHUCK GACY!

"Bring Da Ruckus" by Wu-Tang clan hits and Chuck immediately comes tearing through the curtain to the sound of the crowd showing their appreciation for the bloodbath that was most likely to ensue. There's no stopping on the stage and instead, he starts down the ramp shouts back inaudibly at the crowd as he slaps some of the outstretched hands along the ramp and barricade in his hasty pace down to the ring. Instead of climbing in, he roots around under the apron and starts the search for weaponry to toss into the ring.

Stroup: And his opponent, from Greenwich, New Jersey, weighing in at 155 pounds ... STORMY "THE BRIDE" TAGGERT!

‘Black Wedding’ by In This Moment begins to play, the arena bathed in a dim purple light. A figure emerges on the stage dressed in a flowing black gown, face covered in a black veil and holding a bouquet of black roses. Slowly moving to the top of the ramp, she stops until the piano comes in, tossing the bouquet into the crowd and shedding the veil and gown, dressed in a tight form fitting white singlet with a few carefully placed cuts to show off her figure. She tosses her head back, letting out a scream before racing down the ramp to the ring, sliding in beneath the bottom rope, coming to a stop in the center of the ring. She holds her arms out, glaring out at the crowd before springing up to her feet and moving to her corner, banging her forehead against the turnbuckle three times before turning to stare down Chuck, who was in the process of climbing back into the ring after tossing in a barbed wire board and a few chairs.

Aiello: Here we go folks! New year, new season, X-Division! 

DING DING DING

 
As soon as the bell rings, Stormy and Chuck march to the center of the ring. There's an inaudible exchange of words that comes to an end with a slap across Chuck's face from Stormy which is answered with a slap of his own.

Aiello: These two fired shots at each other before they even showed up tonight, Stormy telling Chuck that she was going to make an example out of him and Chuck letting Stormy know he'd rather die than let her get a win! Looks like that exchange is being continued here tonight!

Bennett: Stormy's smart, trying to get that dumb convict all riled up so he makes a mistake.

Carter: The X-Division's always been one to cause a lot of friction between the people that put their bodies on the line for the strap. I think the talking's about done!

The slap exchange quickly turns to a volley of punches back and forth. Both Chuck and Stormy swing for the fences, neither one flinching or backing down until Stormy belts Chuck between the legs with a strong kick! Chuck grabs for his crotch and doubles over, only for Stormy to lift his head just enough to rake his eyes!

Aiello: Stormy wasting no time in trying to throw Chuck off his game early! It's a match like this where her penchant for being a sore loser comes in handy.

Bennett: Just call it what it is, smart. Stormy's hitting all the weak spots first to try and handicap Gacy. 

Carter: Taggert got room to breath here and she's making the most of it!

Just as Max said, Stormy picks up one of the objects Chuck littered the ring with - a steel chair - and sizes up a shot right on Gacy's back. A loud crack sends him to his knees. Wasting no time, Stormy keeps the chair in hand and gets in front of Chuck. She raises the chair once more and brings it down right on top of Chuck's head with a sickening thud! Chuck falls forward, his body a crumpled mess on the mat.

Aiello: Hit fast, hit hard! The strategy seems to be working for Stormy!

Bennett: She's quickly making that promise of leaving him a bloody and battered bitch curled up in a ball on the mat a reality and I love it!

Carter: I wouldn't be so confident in that, Steve. There's a reason Chuck's in the X-Division. It's going to take more than a chair shot and a kick in the balls to keep him down.

Stormy drops the chair to lift Chuck up by the head. Once he gets to a knee, he sees a window of opportunity and dives right through; he throws a hard straight right between Stormy's legs, then throws a barrage of punches at her bread basket until she lets go. Once to his feet, he grips Stormy by the hair and lets rip with a strong headbutt on a collision course with Stormy's forehead that's punctuated with the sickening crack of bone-on-bone.

Aiello: What a resounding headbutt!

Bennett: That's why you should really go for the mush with those. Then again, I don't think Chuck's got anything up there to damage so this might work for the sumbitch.

Carter: Any normal person would be out after a shot like that!

Chuck takes up the chair that Stormy had used on him just moments prior and fires a shot across the side of her head! Stormy goes down to the mat and Chuck follows to pick up the pieces, only to catch Stormy's thumbs in the eyes! Chuck bellows in pain and Stormy uses the opening to get him down on the mat. While he's down, she goes for yet another one of the assorted items chuck threw into the ring - a plywood board with barbed wire stapled to it.

Aiello: Barbed wire! They're turning it up a few notches here, folks!

Bennett: Pretty sure that sumbitch Gacy underestimated how vicious "The Bride" really is!

Carter: Big risk, big reward! Bringing something like that into the ring always has a chance to backfire on you, and it looks like it's going to do just that on Chuck Gacy!

Stormy sets the board up in the corner and then gets Chuck to his feet. Using the haze that the thumbs to the eyes put Chuck in, Stormy backs up into the opposite corner, sprints at Chuck, then hits a huge dropkick that sends him flying through the board! Chuck scrambles to pull himself free from the barbed wire while Stormy takes hold of a loose end and rips a section of said wire free from the board.

Aiello: Stormy Taggert's put blood in the water and it looks like she wants some more!

Bennett: I don't know what she's planning now, but I think I'm gonna like it. 

Carter: Ladies and gentlemen, this is what the X-Division is all about!

Chuck gets to his feet and wipes some of the blood that'd trickled down over his face from his collision with the barbed wire while Stormy wraps the wire she separated around her fist. Stormy waves Chuck on with a devious smile and not to be outmatched, Chuck snatches some of the wire that came with him off of the board around his fist before meeting Stormy in the middle of the ring. Unlike their previous nose-to-nose encounter, no words were exchanged before they let loose with a bevvy of heavy-handed shots! During the volley, both Stormy and Chuck end up with their foreheads punctured and ripped, blood running down both of their faces.

Aiello: These two are relentless! Shot for shot! 

Bennett: Stormy's going toe-to-toe with Chuck! Those sumbitches are nuts!  

Carter: Stormy Taggert and Chuck Gacy are out here defining the word "extreme" for everyone else in the back!

Chuck puts an end to the exchange with a big Polish hammer that puts Stormy to the mat. While she works on gathering her bearings, Chuck uncoils the wire from around his hand, rolls out, and roots around under the ring for a moment until he slides out a sheet of glass! He slips it carefully into the ring and rolls back in.

Aiello: Chuck Gacy is trying to make sure Stormy Taggert's first match of the season is her last match!

Bennett: These two knew what they were signing up for. Stormy wants it, Chuck's gonna bring it. Ain't over yet though.

Carter: Stormy's lying in wait!

As soon as Chuck gets to his feet, he's met with a Trach-Check from Stormy with her barbed wire-wrapped fist! Chuck goes down, sputtering as he collapses against the ropes. Stormy decides to take advantage of Chuck's haul and sets it up in the corner. Just as she turns him around to go get her opponent, he managed to get to his feet and was up just in time to boot her in the gut and lift her into the powerbomb position!

Aiello: Chuck Gacy has a really misleading names for this one - he calls it the "Backbreaker" but isn't actually a backbreaker.

Bennett: Jesus Christ, he's a simple guy. He clearly isn't some sort of technical genius so maybe he calls it that because it breaks people's backs.

Carter: He's got you there, Joe.

Chuck takes a few steps forward while Stormy takes a last few shots to the top of his head out of desperation. She tries to hold on when Chuck launches her, but it's to no avail. She goes crashing through the glass and into the turnbuckle with a pop both of glass and the crowd. She howls in pain and ends up sinking all the way to a seated position in the corner. Chuck rips a longer piece of wire from the board, wraps his arm in it, then heads to his dazed opponent. He snatches her by the hair, slaps her to shake some of the webs and remains upright. Chuck hits the ropes and there were Shots Fired! The clothesline takes Stormy down and Chuck dives on top of her for the 3!

DING DING DING

Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall Chuck Gacy!

Chuck spits on Stormy and rolls her out of the ring with a few kicks.

Aiello: What an explosive end to a violent contest!

Bennett: Chuck Gacy just introduced us to what I'd like to call a "good ol' fashioned prison yard brawl".

Carter: Two people enter, one gets tossed out for the efforts and the other walks out on their own two feet! What a hell of a match to debut the X-Division with for the twenty first season of EWC!

Aiello: Don't go away folks, in just a moment we'll be seeing a singles contest with some big implications as Darius faces off against Kendrick Kross!



We move to a commercial break.

As Brawl returns from commercial, the crowd offers a polite cheer as Ace King traverses his way through the backstage area, still not looking quite like himself. He slows down to admire photos of some of the artists who have played the building, his hand running along the wall as another one taps his shoulder.

Voice: Ace, I was wondering…

‘The Gambler’ slowly turns around with a confused expression on his face, only to find himself staring at BRAWL’s Bob Murray. Ace sighs heavily once he connects the dots, leaving Murray a bit apprehensive.

Ace King: Wondering what?

Bob Murray: Well… Wondering where your head’s at right now, I suppose.

Ace closes his eyes, practically knowing what was going to come out of Murray’s mouth before he did. After a few seconds of silence, Ace turns his attention back to the photos on the wall.

Ace King: It’s amazing, isn’t it? So many big names have walked these same halls we occupy… It’s enough to make anyone feel small. It’s a feeling I’ve grown somewhat accustomed to over the holidays.

‘The Gambler’ puffs some air out of his cheek before turning his attention back to Murray.

Ace King: Tonight, with Cyrus Black and Clay Byrd standing across the ring from me… I’m just another guy, particularly as it relates to the force field that is the International Championship. Once I step through those ropes, I’ll be operating in my own little world. What’s going to happen when I’m there? Honestly, your guess is as good as mine, but I know one thing... Either way, I've got nothing to lose anymore. 

Ace goes eerily quiet; after a few seconds, Murray gets the hint and heads off in the other direction. ‘The Gambler’ takes a seat on a nearby bench to think things over; as he does, a small layer of fog starts to rise from the floor, leaving the former United States Champion looking worried and confused as we cut to…

---

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LOOKING FOR MOMENTUM!
[SINGLES MATCH]

Darius
VS Kendrick Kross

---

---

Aiello: What a night it has been so far, folks! We aren’t done yet though, it’s time for our next match!

Bennett: An old rivalry rekindled; two tough sons of bitches who’ve kicked each others asses before are about to do it again! Darius vs Kendrick Kross; Round three!

Carter: This match is a big one for these two men tonight; Darius has lost to Kross twice in the past, but he is also one a small winning streak right now, unlike Kross who is currently on a three loss streak. Can Darius finally beat Kross and keep the momentum going? Or will Kross beat Darius once again and break his streak in the process? It’s time to find out!

"Let's burn it fucking down!"

Flames erupt from the floor on the ramp, followed by plumes of thick white smoke that covers the stage. Darius and Elissa Bradley emerge from the smoke, hand in hand, and look around the arena with smirks on their faces.

Stroup: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Elissa Bradley, he is from Albany, New York, weighing in at 265 lbs ... DARIUS!

Darius hypes himself up, throws both hands into the sky with devil horns, then rushes down the ramp and rolls into the ring. He leaps onto one of the turnbuckles and harasses the crowd for a moment, then throws his hands into the sky once again as Elissa gets into the ring with him. Darius reaches down and takes a microphone that is handed to him, then leaps down into the center of the ring, pulling Elissa close to his side as he begins to speak.

Darius: Ladies and gentlemen … Welcome to the season premiere of Monday Night Brawl! The REAL start of the show is about to happen … But before we get there, I think it’s time for me to make a couple of announcements. As you all know by now, I’ve enlisted the help of someone very near and dear to me. Someone who has been keeping me on track and has been making sure I stay true to who I am and what I do. I want you all to meet the ever so lovely … Elissa Bradley.

A bit of crimson decorates Elissa’s face upon being publicly praised by Darius. She takes a deep breath and slowly looks among the crowd. Suffice to say, it’s fair to guess this is the first time in a long while she’s been in front of a huge audience close to this sort of size.

Elissa turns and nods to Darius, signaling she’s done indulging in her fifteen seconds of fame and implying she - and the EWC viewers - are ready to hear the rest of his announcements.

Darius: Now you’ve seen her with me mention her every now and then. I figured this was the perfect time to bring her into the picture … Especially since Mr. K2 decided to get a … “manager” of his own. I wouldn’t put it past him to hide behind her … As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t put it past him to try to use her to his advantage.

Darius looks to Elissa, who rolls her eyes at the thought.

Darius: That won’t fly with us, will it?

Elissa quickly shakes her head, leaning forward and speaking into the mic.

Elissa Bradley: Not at all. In fact … here’s your only warning. Nina was her name, I believe, according to her app on the EWC site? The second you get in … whereas you want to learn how to fight?

Elissa points to herself.

Elissa Bradley: Sweetie … I already know how to fight. And I am not afraid to get down and dirty. So regardless of whether you’re just ‘doing your job’ or whatever the fuck excuse you wanna use? You try to ruin the match? I’ll break your face, and probably a joint and more. It’s that simple. So do yourself a favor … and watch. Be smart.

Darius just laughs loudly and stomps his foot into the ground a few times.

Darius: You see what I mean?! This is exactly what I needed, just a big boost to the … Everything I guess! Which leads me to my next announcement … Last season wasn’t my best, that is no secret … But this season WILL be different. I already have goals set and I plan on working towards those goals … Starting tonight.

After I beat Kross tonight, I’m going to make my way over to our lovely GM’s office and have a nice little chat with’em. I think it’s about time that I get some opportunities again and I’m not going to wait for them to decide when I get them … And no, I’m not talking about the X-Division championship. The X-Division is my home but I competed for that opportunity one too many times last season. I want something new, I want something different … I want ...

Darius lowers the microphone for a moment, takes a few steps forward, and leans on the top rope. He looks directly into the camera, slowly raises the microphone to his lips …

Darius: The Undisputed Championship. I’m not asking to have a shot handed to me like Kross is with the International Championship … No, I’m just asking for the chance to EARN that right … No, I’m not asking. It’s going to happen, but first I need to handle this pathetic excuse of a performer. Get him out here.

Darius tosses the microphone to the outside, whispers something to Elissa, then holds the ropes for her so she is able to exit the ring.

Aiello: Wow! Those are some announcements for sure!

Bennett: I like the new chick he has with him … Maybe she’d be more interested in a decorated Hall of Famer!

Carter: Don’t be gross and don’t overlook the OTHER announcement; Darius has staked his claim; he wants to earn a shot at the Undisputed Championship; something he failed to do against Kross last year!

The slow picking part of So Cold plays as the lights flash white site with each pick. As the first two words of the lyrics 'Crowded Streets' start the white spotlight shines down on Kendrick who is standing there with his black jeans and black and white Kross T-Shirt and leather jacket. Kendrick walks down, the spotlight gone with the arena lights red and others flashing silver.

Stroup: And now, being accompanied to the ring by Nina Cortez, he is from Chelsea London, weighing at 215 Pounds … KENDRICK KROSS!

Kendrick slowly continues his descent down the ramp ignoring any fans that try to touch him. He just shakes his head at signs that read 'Kendrick Sucks' and other various signs. He reaches the bottom of the ramp and stops as he lets a small smirk out and he takes a breath. He closes his eyes before opening them and walking forward taking a left towards the steps. He hops over the top rope and onto the second turnbuckle looking out into the crowd before jumping down and walking to his corner.

Aiello: Both competitors have their newly acquired managers on the outside, will they play a part in tonight’s matchup?

Bennett: I hope they fight!

Carter: Well Elissa Bradley made it very clear that she is ready to fight if Nina Cortez tries anything funny … So you may get your wish!

DING DING DING

Kross charges Darius as the bell rings, tackling him into the turnbuckle with relentless force. Kross lands multiple rights and lefts into Darius’ midsection, eventually bringing the bigger man down to a knee in the corner. Kross drops a few kicks down onto Darius, then picks him up from the mat and whips him to the opposite turnbuckle.

Kross then flies forward at Darius, connecting with a sickening flying forearm in the corner! Darius nearly drops to the mat, but Kross brings Darius’ head under his arm, hops up onto the middle rope, spins in the air, and plants Darius head first into the mat with a tornado DDT! Darius tries to sit up but Kross spins on his heel and kicks Darius right in the jaw, knocking him down to the mat! Kross then dives down onto Darius and hooks a leg!

ONE!

TW- Darius gets the shoulder up!

...

Aiello: Kross has total control right now, he isn’t going to let Darius win here tonight!

Bennett: Ahh I wouldn’t be so sure, once Darius catches his breath … Kross is done for!

Carter: That’s if Kross allows him to catch his breath!

Kross kips-up, turns to Darius, lifts him up from the mat, and whips him into the corner once again. Kross runs to the opposite turnbuckle, rebounds off from it, then flies at Darius with another forearm into the corner … but Darius pulls himself out of the way with the ropes! Kross hits the turnbuckle headfirst, getting dazed in the process, but Darius wastes no time as he rolls up Kross from behind and goes for the win!

ONE!

Kross kicks out before two! Darius mounts over Kross, grabbing a handful of Kross’ hair in the process with his left hand while reigning stiff right shots into Kross’ face over and over again. The referee pulls Darius away, telling him to stay off the hair, but Darius just shrugs the warning off. Darius runs as Kross as he sits up and drives his boot directly into the center of Kross’ face, knocking him back down to the mat, leading to Darius dropping onto Kross and hooking both legs for a second pinfall attempt;

ONE!

TW- Kross gets his shoulder up!

Darius sits up and yells at the referee to count faster before getting to his feet. Darius picks Kross back up to his feet, but Kross lays a sickening chop across Darius’ chest and then continues the assault as he manages to stand to his feet. Kross grabs Darius by the arm and Irish whips him to the ropes; Darius rebounds and attempts to spear Kross, but Kross leapfrogs over Darius, which leads to Darius rebounding off from the ropes again, but this time eats a Pele kick from Kross!

Darius drops to a knee in a daze, then Kross steps up onto Darius’ knee and drops him with a step-up enziguri! Darius slumps to the floor, seemingly out cold, so Kross hooks a leg and goes for the win!

ONE!

TWO!

… As the referee is about to reach three, Elissa Bradley reaches into the ring, grabs Darius’ hand, drops it onto the rope, and then she ducks below the apron!

TH- The referee stops and points at Darius’ hand on the rope, breaking the pinfall!

Aiello: Oh come on! Kross had that won!

Bennett: He clearly didn’t! Darius grabbed the rope!

Carter: It’s quite obvious that Elissa assisted Darius there … And I don’t think Nina took too kindly to that!

As Kross argues with the referee in the ring about Elissa interfering, Nina has made her way over to Elissa with a very heated intent, but Elissa shows no signs of backing down. Both women get in each others faces, which leads to Kross leaning over the top rope, yelling at Elissa to back off. While he’s distracted, Darius slowly slithers to the furthest turnbuckle, perching himself in the corner with a hungry look in his eye, then charges full speed towards Kross …

But Kross hears him coming; Kross turns quickly, bringing his knee up as Darius attempts another spear, thus making Darius run head first into Kross’ knee, but the impact is still enough to send both men through the ropes and to the outside, nearly hitting the women on the way out! Elissa checks on Darius while Nina checks on Kross, and the referee begins the ten count!

Aiello: Things are starting to get messy!

Bennett: Come on, ladies! Show these boys what a REAL fight looks like!

Carter: Focus on the match! Kross has had control for most of the match, this could be a sign of things to come!

...

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

Kross starts to pull himself up with the ring barrier while Darius pulls himself up with the ring apron.

FOUR!

FIVE!

Kross makes his way over to Darius and attempts to pick him up, but Darius drives the point of his elbow into Kross’ gut! Kross doubles over as the air is knocked out of his lungs, but Darius give him no time to recover as he grabs Kross by the head and chucks him into the steel ring steps!

SIX!

SEVEN!

Darius runs at Kross and drives his knee into his face against the steps and then rolls back into the ring!

EIGHT!

NINE!

Before the referee reaches ten, Nina Cortez jumps into the ring and gets into the referees face, yelling curse words at him, all while slowly backing him into a corner. Darius yells at the referee, telling him to eject Nina, but he is too busy trying to get her away from him. After a few short moments, Elissa comes in from out of nowhere and spears Nina away from the referee! The two women begin to brawl on the apron and eventually fall to the floor, so the referee and Darius turn to where Kross was to finish the ten count …

But Kross has made it back into the ring and plants a stiff super kick right onto Darius’ jaw! Darius spins around and falls into the ropes, his body hanging over the middle rope in the process. Kross runs to the ropes, springboards, spins around, and hits Darius with a wrecking ball dropkick from the outside, sending Darius flying back to the center of the ring! Kross then dives down onto Darius and goes for the pin!

ONE!

TWO!

TH- Kickout!

...

Aiello: How in the world did he kick out of that!?

Bennett: Because he is a tough son of a bitch, that’s why!

Carter: This has been a lot of - WOAH WOAH WATCH OUT!

Before Carter is able to finish his sentence, Elissa chucks Nina over the announcers table and right into Carter’s lap! She flips Nina off, then storms back to ringside as Kross now has Darius in one of the corners. Kross lays a few shots into Darius’ gut, then hoists him up onto the top turnbuckle. Kross climbs to the middle rope and tries to reign fists down onto Darius, but Darius stops the first shot and retaliates with a sickening headbutt!

Darius then punches Kross in the gut, then shoves him down to the mat below! Darius sits on the top turnbuckle for a moment, looks around at the crowd, shrugs, then actually stands on the top turnbuckle. He shrugs one more time, then leaps from the top rope with a picture perfect elbow drop, driving the point of his elbow into Kross’ heart! Darius then covers Kross and goes for the win!

ONE!

TWO!

TH- Kickout!

Darius sits up on his knees, visibly frustrated as he is unable to put Kross away yet. Darius mounts over Kross once again, but this time begins to choke him with his hands! The referee tries to pull Darius away, but Darius won’t let go, so the referee starts the five count!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

Darius releases Kross before five, throwing his hands up in the air as he laughs and gets to his feet. Kross rolls onto his side, grabbing his throat and coughing loudly as the referee checks on him. Elissa claps for Darius on the outside and he gives her a bow, but then Darius gets something splashed onto his back; he slowly turns and sees Nina gingerly standing on the outside with a now empty cup in her hand. She tosses the cup at Darius, then turns to see Elissa charging at her, so she runs the opposite direction.

Aiello: Can we get these two ejected already!? It’s almost like they were given instructions to interfere!

Bennett: Can you blame them!? This match is a big deal; both of these guys need this win!

Carter: You just like seeing the girls fight! I didn’t appreciate getting involved in it!

Bennett: Shut up, you lucky bastard!

Darius laughs at Nina as she runs from Elissa, but as he is distracted, Kross has managed to pull himself to his feet in the opposite corner, taking a moment to catch his breath. Darius turns and sees Kross standing, then both men run at each other, meeting in the center of the ring where a brawl breaks out between them!

Each shot Darius lands, the crowd boos, while each shot Kross lands, the crowd cheers. In the end, Darius manages to get the upper-hand as he ducks one of Kross’ shot and then thuds Kross in the eye with his thumb! Kross stumbles back and falls into the ropes, so Darius takes advantage and whips Kross into the corner. Darius then presses Kross up into the corner, spits in his face, then starts to land multiple elbow shots each stiffer than the last, into Kross’s head, eventually following up with a rolling elbow into the corner!

Kross starts to drop to the mat, but Darius catches him before he falls, placing Kross back up against the turnbuckle. Darius slowly backs away and crouches down in the middle of the ring, yelling at Kross to come at him. Kross starts to stumble forward, shaking the cobwebs from his head, but then is quickly brought down as Darius lunges forward, connecting with The Hunter’s Mark! Darius shakes his head enthusiastically, then hooks both of Kross’ legs for the win!

ONE!

TWO!

Nina tries to reach into the ring, but Elissa grabs her by the hair and slams her down to the floor!

THREE!

DING DING DING

Stroup: Here is your winner via pinfall … DARIUS!

Darius sits up, a wide grin slowly spreading across his face as he looks down at Kross on the mat. Elissa slides into the ring and helps Darius up to his feet, raising his hand in the air with a large smile on her face.

Aiello: My god, what a mess that was, but in the end, Darius FINALLY stands tall and has claimed a victory over Kendrick Kross … With some help from his new manager of course.

Bennett: HEY! Kross had PLENTY of help too!

Carter: Well boys, the referee didn’t see any of the fowl play happening … So they both got away with it. What matters now is that Darius has won, continuing his win streak and finally beating Kross. Now I guess he begins his quest to go after the Undisputed Championship!

Aiello: Time will tell, for sure. In just a moment we transition to tag team action as Stephanie Matsuda and Samantha Hamilton team up to face NSFW!



We move to a commercial break.

Back from commercial, we head to the backstage area where Bob Murray is seen standing by.

Murray: What a show it has been so far tonight, folks! I would now like to take a break from our action packed night to bring you an interview from a man who has some rather ambitious plans for the new season! Please join me in welcoming my guest at this time ... Darius!

Darius walks into frame with Elissa Bradley, his arm tucked snugly around her waist.

Darius: Yeah, how's it going, Bob? Can we make this quick? I've got some things to take care of.

Murray: Of course, of course! I just have a couple of questions for you tonight. The first question is simple, how are you feeling after your match with -

Darius reaches up and lowers the microphone away from Murray's face, shakes his head no, then slowly raises the microphone to his own lips.

Darius: Nope. We aren't talking about that. That chapter is said and done, I'm moving on to bigger and better things. I will no longer let that ghost haunt me.

Murray nods his head with acceptance.

Murray: Fair enough, okay! So my second question is this, how do you plan on getting a chance to earn a shot a the Undisputed Championship? Are you just going to march into Conners' office and DEMAND a number one contenders match? Do you have something else in mind? What are your plans exactly?

Darius looks to Elissa, chuckles a bit, then looks back to Murray.

Darius: I'm glad you asked! You see, Bob ... I do in fact plan on marching into our lovely general manager's office ... But I ... Don't ... Uhh?

Darius and Elissa's faces twist into a look of confusion as they look past Murray, their focus locking onto someone that is out of frame.

Darius: Who the hell are you?

The camera slowly pans back, bringing Drago Santiago into the frame.

Drago: No, no, no, don't worry about me. I'm fine. But you. It doesn't feel the same...

Drago frowns from cheek to cheek and groans out loudly while he steps in forward, with his arms clasped behind his back, and his body language in a slump.

Drago: You're doing it improperly. I wanted to see it.

Drago's hands raise to fold behind his head while he steps forward so he's better in the view of the camera, standing next to Murray. Frustrated, the pale man speaks.

Drago: I'm Drago Santiago. I fought Maverick tonight. You might remember his ribcage. You shattered it. I wanted to observe the man who beat him in his element... and that was easy. Your face was one of the most prominent on the last season debut, yes? You don't care what others think, you've got a hardcore streak and all you care about is pain and breaking men, and now you're talking about is chasing gold? Baseball bat swinging extreme fighter falling in line over the course of a year...

Both of Drago's bandage wrapped hands raise while he shrugs his shoulders, looks to Elissa, then looks to Darius.

Drago: ...I don't get it. Is this a new component of hardcore 'wrestling', or something?

Darius scoffs loudly, taken aback by the statements made by Drago.

Darius: Just who the hell do you think you're talking to? "Fallen in line"? You've got to be joking; I don't follow anyone or anything. I make my own path, I do whatever I damn well please. What gives you the right to try to judge me for what I want? You roll up in here and act like you think you know me. You don't know shit, kid.

Darius looks to his side and sees a pile of chairs stacked along the walls. He reaches over, grabs one of the chairs, and pulls it close to his side.

Darius: You clearly do know some things at least ... You know what I can do to people ... which makes me question how sane you are. Who in their right mind would approach a man who is known to be VERY proficient with foreign objects and utilizes that very skill set to inflict as much pain as humanly possible?

Darius looks to the chair in his hand and tightens his grip, then slowly brings his glance back to Drago, a snarl sprawled across his face.

Darius: I could just crush your skull ... right here, right now. One swing and this little conversation will be over ... but I'm not going to do that.

Darius loosens his grip on the chair, chuckles softly, and turns his snarl into a cocky grin.

Darius: You obviously want something, maybe a chance to prove yourself in a match against me, yeah? I'll tell you what, my schedule for next week's show is pretty clear as far as I know, and I already planned on visiting Conners ... So why don't I head over there and let him know that you and I will be facing each other next week on Brawl!

And since you want to bring up who I am and what I do ... Let's make it an X-Division rules match. I'll show you what a hardcore wrestler is. I'd love to introduce you to my bat, I'm sure you'd get along just fine. What do you say, kid?

Drago's head tilts as the grip on that weapon dissipates into a grin, which earns another groan from the One-Winged Angel.

Drago: 'I make my own path,' he says, while chasing the gold belts dangled in front of him at the whims of his master. I'm already crestfallen, I'm afraid. Is this the remnants of this wild animal? Will this be me, the next season opener? Going from attacking staff to 'threats' of begging for a larger portion from the hand that feeds me? 

Drago's eyes dart around to the bunch, then he throws his hands up in the downright absurdity of it all. 

Drago: I'll fight you, but on my terms. Standard match. I'm sure it'd feel comfortable for you being X-Division rules-

While stating this, his eyes dart from the chair in Darius' hand, then the woman next to him.

Drago: -but it's obvious that you've surrounded yourself with props already. That's useless to me. I've got no desire to do your brand of 'wrestling'-

Drago says, air quotes and all.

Drago: -because I've got a point to prove. I'm not afraid to approach you when a potential weapon is nearby specifically because I did my homework. You might want to do yours, and see what happens to people who turn their eyes away from me. And yes, I know what you can do... Well, could do. I also know that I can't scare you off with a threat to cave your skull in or whatnot, so let's set those talking points aside, yes? I'd rather evoke fear by contrast, by being capable of doing something you can't.

With a hand raking through his hair, Drago steps forward to look Darius directly in his eyes.

Drago: I know who you used to be. You'll know fear when I make you know it too.

After a tense few seconds of this locked-on glare, Drago steps back, huffs, and backs away. Darius grips the chair in both hands tightly once again and slowly starts to approach Drago from behind, but Elissa pulls him back. He spits in Drago's direction and slams the chair against the wall before yelling out.

Darius: YOU'RE ON! I'll see you next week, you little shit!

Elissa leads Darius away from Drago and begins to direct him in the opposite direction, but not before Darius shoves Murray down to the floor in a fit of anger. The camera focuses on Murray before we cut to...

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THE SPONSOR-MANDATED TAG BOUT!
[TAG TEAM MATCH]

NSFW
VS Stephanie "Cloud" Matsuda & Samantha "Titaness" Hamilton

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We return to ringside where both teams are already in the ring after the commercial break.

Aiello: Welcome back to Brawl. As Connors likes to put it, here’s your mandatory tag team fix and this one is intriguing.

Bennett: It’s intriguing that Matsuda had to partner hop to even dare to take on NSFW again.

Carter: What a ridiculous statement. Samantha and Stephanie have known each other for a long time. It’s logical for them to team up here tonight.

Stroup: The following match is a tag team contest. Joining us first, already in the ring, weighing in at a combined 400 pounds ... MIKE MCGUIRE AND BISHOP CHURCH, NSFW!

Church and Mike converse in the corner, their mouths shielded away from the cameras with their hands.

Stroup: And their opponents opponent, weighing in at combined 277 pounds ... SAMANTHA “THE TITANESS” HAMILTON and STEPHANIE “CLOUD” MATSUDA!

The former opponents, current friends and War Mongers look ready to take on their 1st challenge as team.

Aiello: Here we go! All important jockeying for position in the red hot tag team division commences right now!

DING DING DING

The match starts out with Church and Matsuda. Very quickly, the big man asserts his power advantage with a shoulder tackle and then slows the match down a reverse waistlock, frustrating the War Queen in the middle of the ring. Church narrowly avoids an elbow to the temple and gut wrenches Matsuda in the air. Stephanie flips out of the suplex attempt and lands on her feet. She steps up on Bishop and looks for an enziguri but Church ducks … but Stephanie kicks back as she turns over and creates some separation. From there, she’s able to tag in Hamilton.

Aiello: This Friday Night Rampage star has been known to powerbomb opponents twice her size, you have to think she wants that tonight.

Bennett: Who the hell cares what she wants?

Carter: This sold out crowd does, Bennett. Samantha has a never die attitude and the crowd loves her for it.

The team and Hamilton and Matsuda work well together in their first bout showing that there is no chemistry there. Even as Church thwarts a powerbomb attempt, by stalling and back body dropping Hamilton, The Titaness rolls quickly to her corner to tag in Matsuda who springboards off the top rope with a dropkick that sends him spralling back into the NSFW corner.

Aiello: NSFW is on their heels tonight.

Bennett: This is the good ole rope a dope strategy, don’t believe me? Just watch and see.

Carter: The only dope out here is you, Bennett.

Mike tagged in and looked to get things going again for NSFW but Matsuda catches a charging Mike with a deep arm drag before tagging back in Hamilton. The Titaness comes in and knocks Mike off their feet with a clothesline and as they get back up again, scoops and slams and then drops an elbow for a two count. And that’s how this match continued for several moments. Mike and John manage to reverse at several key moments but the newly aligned tag team really shine in individual efforts. While Bishop managed to catch Hamilton coming off the top rope with an overhead belly to belly suplex, Matsuda saved the day with a well placed dropkick. Later on, Stephanie securities a two count on Mike with Final Heaven and despite Mike fighting back and getting Church back in, Stephanie avoids a DDT attempt, tripped up Church, and after a blind tag, Hamilton nearly cut the big man in half with a devastating spear!

Aiello: The War Mongers on the other hand look prime and hungry. They are doing exactly what they promised. With the returning Malietoa, they could turn some heads in 2020.

Bennett: That guy? He’s a soft son of a bitch and he knows it. Heard that all he did was stub his toe.

Carter: You get really stupid sometimes, Bennett. Eyes on this match. Hamilton and Matsuda look amazing tonight.

Mike saved the match though. It’s at that point, NSFW retreated. Church rolled out of the ring, near the entrance ramp and Mike followed him. Church favored his midsection after that nasty spear and Mike didn’t look too happy about it. But there is no rest for the wicked as the War Mongers climb to each turnbuckle, looking down on NSFW. They look at each other and nod and then leap off with stereo diving crossbodies! The crowd pops chanting Holy Shit at the impressive showing from the War Mongers! The referee notes that legal participants Bishop Church and Samantha Hamilton are both out of the ring and starts the ten count! The War Mongers are aware of this and battle to position, pulling both competitors to thir feet. Stepahnie tried to whip Church into the ring, but he reversed and then shouldered her back into the hard part of the ring apron. And as Sam pulled up Mike, the redhead jammed a thumb right into the Titaness’ eye and drops her with close range forearm to the side of the head.

The referee is up to four now.

NSFW turns their collective attention to Matsuda. Mike grabs a handful of azure hair and shoved her towards Church where he is waiting with a big boot for her troubles. Hamilton blindsides Church with a clothesline and knocks him into the barricade. Mike is on her instantly and the two exchange blows. Fists fly for a moment and looks like Mike was primed for a Knockout blow but Sam blocks the right hand and grabs Mike by the throat, lifting her up for a chokeslam…

Official Paul Turner is up to six!

Mike fought out of it with a sharp elbow to the side of the head and lands on her feat but is immediately taken out with nasty Blasian Suplex from The War Queen!

And seven!

Stephanie quickly helped Sam to her feet and pushed her to the apron. Sam instinctively climbed up to the apron…

Eight!

Only for Church to grab her from behind and heave her off the ring apron into Matsuda with a release German suplex…

Nine!

Church barely rolled into the ring…

Ten!

DING DING DING

Stroup: And your winner, via count out NSFW!

At first in the crowd is in shock but as Church gets to a knee in the middle of the ring, they begin to boo. A sly smile shows on Mike’s face as they recover by the barricade. Hamilton and Stephanie help each other to their feet as they are mutually disgusted in how this match ended.

Aiello: Wow, just wow!

Bennett: A win’s a win, son!

Carter: Since coming back, NSFW hasn’t done a damn thing. They’re lazy and they stole one tonight … again!

Aiello: NSFW once again proving they'll do anything not only to win, but to validate their mission statement. Up next we have a big triple threat match between Clay Byrd, Ace King, and Cyrus Black! Three men coming into the season with something to prove, who will come out on top?

Camera cuts to ...

---

Backstage, we find ourselves in the office of Jim Connors, a smile on the face of the Brawl General Manager.

Connors: Hey folks, hope you're all having a great time at the season opener of Monday Night Brawl! I have some news regarding our next show, for as you may have seen we already have one hell of a card shaping up! Earlier tonight we saw the challenge laid out by Drago Santiago, and it is officially signed...Drago Santiago takes on Darius in just a couple weeks!

A mixed reaction to the news from the crowd, excited for the match but clearly not thrilled with the competitors.

Connors: That's not the only big match in store, though...you see, I just had a chat with Tommy Love, who has informed me that Gabrielle Visconty will be back in action when the red brand rolls into Los Angeles, and has issued a challenge of her own...so, in a couple weeks we'll see Gabi Vee take on the War Queen, Stephanie Matsuda!

The crowd cheers for this announcement, much to the delight of the GM as we cut to commercial.

---

---

WHEN YOU COME AT THE CHAMP, YOU'D BEST NOT MISS!
[TRIPLE THREAT MATCH - NON-TITLE]

Clay Byrd
VS Ace King
VS Cyrus Black

---

---

Back from commercial, we return to ringside where Jessica Stroup is standing by to announce the competitors of our next match!

Aiello: Just as we promised, a match between three major players as Clay Byrd, Ace King, and Cyrus Back face off!

Bennett: These three have a chip on their shoulder from WrestleFest, and only one of them will be able to brush that chip off tonight!

Stroup: The following match is a Triple Threat Match! Joining us first, from Las Vegas, Nevada, ACE KING!

"Ace of Spades" hits and Ace King emerges from the curtain. Ace looks thinner, and doesn’t acknowledge the fans on the way to the ring.

Stroup: And their opponent, from Plainview, Texas... CLAY BYRD!

The harmonica hits and Clay Byrd emerges from the back into a white spotlight. He walks to the ring, removes his black duster and cowboy hat while the announcer continues.

Stroup: And their opponent, he is your INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION from Carson City, Nevada... Cyrus Black!

"Like A Prayer" begins playing as Cyrus emerges from the back, his International title wrapped around his waist. Cyrus approaches the ring.

Aiello: Here we go, this one should be interesting. Clay and Cyrus, Ace and Cyrus, lots of storylines here tonight!

Bennett: They should gang up and kill Cyrus! Makes a lot of sense to me…

Carter: No way Ace King and Clay Byrd are going to get along that well in the ring. Especially after Clay calling them all losers.

Bennett: They are losers Carter! They are losers!

DING DING DING

The match starts with all three men slowly pacing around the ring. Cyrus slides in at Byrd who side steps, quickly Ace takes a shot at a single leg at Cyrus that Black sidesteps. Cyrus finally takes a stab at Ace and manages to grab a single leg. Byrd is on the two men quickly. Throwing right and left hands, Cyrus lets go of Ace’s leg and covers up back to the corner.

Ace is quick to react, sticking a quick combination into the side of Byrd’s head. Ace goes to the ropes and comes back at the stunned Byrd. He hits him with a sling blade before rolling up and going to work on Cyrus in the corner.

Black finally takes some initiative pushing King away. As Ace comes back towards him Cyrus is able to get Ace King into the clinch. Turning him up over his head with a belly to belly suplex. All three men slowly stagger to their feet and the match resets.


Aiello: What a display here! All three men are fighting quickly.

Bennett: Clay’s just got get ahold of one of those little guys and ring their necks.

Carter: Bennett, I’m pretty sure they know that, and are gonna stay as far away from him as they can.

All three men once again test each other out. Eventually Black and Byrd begin throwing right hands, King dives into the fray throwing right hands of his own. Byrd manages to get his hands around Black’s throat while King takes shots at Black.

Byrd tosses Black by his neck across the ring into the corner. King takes the opportunity to sprint from the far rope and drop kick Black in the face. He rolls out of the way as Byrd comes roaring in and spears Cyrus back into the corner.

King and Byrd come to their feet and both begin trading remarks and hands. The two stand in the ring and go back and forth with forearm shots. Eventually Byrd gouges King’s eyes just as Ace started to pick up the advantage. Byrd drives the smaller man into the turnbuckle and begins laying into his midsection with knees, while choking him with his forearm.


Aiello: For a minute there Bennett I thought they had heard you.

Bennett: Clay just knew you can’t trust a Gambler! Now he’s got them both reeling!

Carter: I wouldn’t bet the house on Big Texas just yet.

Black comes flying across the ring and manages to drop kick Clay in the back of the knee. The big man releases his grip on King and drops to one knee. Black takes a step back and goes for a Blackout Kick, but Clay manages to duck under the kick.

Cyrus quickly followed the missed kick up with a stomp to Byrd’s back. Black has the bigger mans back and quickly went to work chopping the big man down with multiple kicks to the back of his legs. As Ace King continues to recover in the corner Cyrus locks in a sleeper hold to try to put the big man down on the mat.

King notices the submission in place and takes his shot at Black. King wraps his arms around Blacks midsection and manages to get Black up and over for a German suplex. King rolls through and tries for another, but Cyrus reverses and manages to plant King with a German suplex of his own.


Aiello: What incredible agility from our International Champion.

Bennett: Here comes Byrd again!

Carter: You really love everything from Texas, don’t you?

King quickly comes to his feet and manages to drop Clay Byrd with a drop toe hold. Clay smacks the mat and spins up to his feet. All three men briefly pause before getting to their feet. Clay takes a run at Ace, who sidesteps him as he plows into the corner.

As Ace turns around, Black is also running at him. Ace reacts and hits him with a High Roller. Cyrus rolls out of the ring. Ace turns back to Byrd and hits him with a Black Jack Bomb!

1…

Aiello: Thats it!

2..

Bennett: No! He can’t win!

…
Carter: What a start to the season for Ace!

3!

DING DING DING

Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall ... ACE KING!

The crowd cheers as the ref raises Ace's arm in victory, an irate Cyrus Black looking on from the outside as we cut to commentary.

Aiello: What an amazing match, and what a win for Ace King!

Bennett: I can't believe it, Ace pulled through! Now he can set his sights anywhere he damn pleases!

Carter: You gotta wonder if Ace will stake a claim in a different title picture now, if maybe he'll move on from Scorpio and focus his attention elsewhere.

Aiello: Speaking of Scorpio, the new United States Champion is in action up next as he faces the X-Division Champion and Brawl's own Xavier Reid in a clash of champions with an X-Division twist! Don't go away, fo--

The lights suddenly drop. Words flash across the screen accompanying Jacoby Shaddix’s vocals and a strobe pulse from the side lights.

We Waste Our Time And Wait In Line

While Nothing Changes

But Nothing Changes

UNTIL THE PEOPLE GET LOUD

The lights flare to life again as ‘Renegade Music’ continues, white pulses and lasers- notably devoid of the once-iconic green and orange- flash along with the words WE FIRST. ALWAYS. NSFW in succession on the Mactron. Mike McGuire and Bishop Church enter to a mixed reaction, the two of them walking in lockstep, affording those wearing their gear or holding NSFW signs along the entry ramp a smile or wave as they approach the ring, seemingly ignoring everyone else. The two seem hardly worse for wear from their match, though they may just be doing a good job of hiding it.

Aiello: I’m surprised NSFW is out here after that countout fiasco earlier.

Bennett: Oh, please. That pair of broads were lucky NSFW spared as much of their time on them as they did.

Carter: Funny how you changed their tune since they changed their attitude.

Bennett: Shut your yap before I shut it for you, and don’t you dare disrespect the uncrowned goddamn kings!

Bishop enters the ring first, stepping over the top rope with ease, and holds it down afterward to allow his shorter partner to follow in the same manner. Mike motions for a pair of microphones and picks them up as Bishop gestures for their music to be cut.

McGuire: Well, hello, Long Beach! How the fuck you doin’?

There’s a bit of a cheap pop for the hometown mention, but the reaction settles back into being heavily mixed afterward. The two glance around, smirking a bit.

McGuire: You guys are getting a pretty hot show so far! I mean you got to see us, there were some other matches with people who don’t matter quite as much, but hey. A good time all around, yeah? I mean, check it out, you’ve even got a local celebrity in the crowd! Long Beach, give it up for Captain Prime herself, Silver Ann Gold!

Silver stands up, a bit put on the spot, but she smiles anyway. She looks a touch nervous, but does her best to squelch it. Mike steps over toward where the young blonde is sitting, gripping the ropes and leaning towards her a bit. Bishop looms just behind, expression as stoic as ever.

McGuire: Don’t be nervous, honey! Everything’s cool. Why don’t you come on up here? We don’t bite. C’mon, see what it feels like to stand in the ring on the big show.

Though Silver seems a little hesitant at first, the crowd cheers her on and she smiles, security helping her over the barrier. Gingerly, she makes her way up the steps and into the ring through the middle rope, approaching the tag team standing in the middle. A mic is slid to her, which she picks up.

Silver: I’m… wow. Thank you guys.

McGuire: It’s cool, kid. Just drink it in. How’s that feel?

The Long Beach crowd gives Silver a hearty welcome, and any trepidation on the girl’s face falls away, replaced by a giant smile as she basks in it a little.

Silver: This is awesome! And… wow. I didn’t even think you two liked me. I didn’t even think you liked this anymore. Maybe I was wrong. Especially about you, Mr. Church.

She looks up at the man standing imposingly behind Mike, giving him a warm smile. Church nods. His posture relaxes and he steps around Mike, maintaining eye contact with Silver.

Church: Wrong about what?

The girl tucks her hands behind her back, looking rather contrite.

Silver: Those arguments we had online. Me calling you guys phonies. It was wrong of me, I was mad and I shouldn’t have said that stuff. I’m really sorry.

McGuire: Like I said before. We’re cool. We get it. The stuff you said ain’t nothing quite a few of these people have said too. That we’ve changed for the worse, we’re not the same people they used to get behind. We don’t know how to have fun anymore. So!

They lean down a little, looking the girl directly in the eye. A good deal of the harshness that’s been in the Bronx Brawler’s expression as of late falls away.

McGuire: How about we have a little fun? Wanna dance with us? C’mon, we’re a half hour from your hometown, it’s a gorgeous night, there’s all these fine people in the audience, why not cut loose a little? Just like old times.

Making a dramatic sort of gesture to the back as if in some sort of cue, a familiar, upbeat tune begins to play.

What I want, you’ve got, it might be hard to handle, like the flame that burns the candle, but the candle feeds the flame…

Hall and Oates’ ‘You Make My Dreams’ fills the arena. Mike dances to it, and it doesn’t take much prompting for Silver to join her. The big man leans back against the turnbuckle, not really dancing per se but his foot tapping along to the beat, his head bobbing a bit. Mike offers Silver their hand, which she takes, and the two dance with each other. The girl laughs, and the crowd starts clapping along. Everyone is having a great time, and all is right with the world.

Suddenly, the cheering gives way in part to confused murmuring. Someone is rushing toward the ring, but Silver doesn’t seem to notice. Mike gives her a twirl…

...right into a savage punch to the face from Chuck Gacy. The music stops, the redhead jumping back as if in surprise, hands up. Gacy doesn’t even seem to notice NSFW at all. His initial punch bloodied Silver’s nose instantly, and as he continues to assault her, an audible ‘crack’ can be heard as another of his punches breaks the girl’s nose in earnest.

Carter: This is … horrific.

Bennett: Well, fuck. Wow.

And then ‘You Make My Dreams’ starts right back up again, NSFW dancing with each other as Gacy lifts up Silver with ease, throwing the petite blonde hard into the barrier outside the ring. He’s back on her like a crazed animal, though, vaulting the ropes and stomping her ribs a few times before grabbing her by the hair, slamming her head into the steel ring steps. Silver’s mane of blonde hair is quickly becoming dyed red with blood from her broken nose and, likely, a laceration to the back of her head from where it smacked into the barrier.

Bishop Church gave his partner a twirl, and then a dip. They smirked at the carnage upside-down.

McGuire: Aw, honey, it looks like you’re in trouble. You got so many friends, how come none of ‘em are coming to save you?

Church: None of them care enough to.

The music finally, perhaps mercifully, stops. Mike and Bishop stop dancing, as well, opting instead to lean over the ropes and watch the slaughter unfold.

McGuire: Where’s Ezio DeLuca? Where’s Kyle Gautier? Where’s Jordan Freakin’ Sharpe? Oh. Okay. Maybe they have a sliver of an excuse, but what about our esteemed Queen and her consort? I don’t see Melody Malone or Cyrus Black running to your rescue. That must sting. Ain’t you supposed to be the ‘Kilt Sis’?

Almost as if in response, Gacy disturbingly rips the front of Silver’s Kilt Bros t-shirt. Thankfully, the girl has just enough wherewithal to stagger back before he tears it clean off. Gacy responds by backhanding her across the face. The boos from the crowd are deafening, as well as peppered with screams- something that just seems to make NSFW smirk all the wider.

McGuire: Oh yeah, you fuckin’ boo birds, I don’t see a single one of you coming to help either. Maybe your thoughts an’ prayers will suffice, right?

Church: This right here. This is the industry. This is the heart of it. No one “saved us” when America’s Most Hated put us in the hospital repeatedly. No Freaks and Geeks. No Ace King. No Candice Turner. None of them lifted a finger to help us. None of them asked how we were doing unless it was through a goddamn tweet. Recoil in terror all you want but this is what you wanted. It’s the same brand of barbarism delivered by the rubes of the X-Division every night.

McGuire: Remember the crown I was wearing a couple weeks back? I didn’t earn that by havin’ dance offs. I earned that- became the King of Hell- by doing this and fuckin’ worse. Not to boos and hand-wringing, but to thunderous applause, you lot of fucking hypocrites.

They snorted. Outside the ring, Silver is curled into a fetal position, bleeding profusely from the head, nose, and mouth- both from a split lip and likely internal bleeding. Gacy looks at his handiwork and grins, then dives under the ring. Rooting around a moment, he emerges and holds up the ‘treasures’ he found- a red plastic can of gasoline and a butane grill lighter. With almost childlike glee, he begins to pour the former over the trembling blonde, who yelps in pain as the flammable liquid stings her wounds.

McGuire: HOLD IT! Hold up there, Chuck, there’s no need for that. I think we’ve made our point pretty vivid-like.

Chuck stops, mid dousing, and looks at the two in the ring.

Gacy: You said fuck her up...this will fuck her up good.

Church: It’s alright. You’ve done enough.

Church steps forward, arms folded over his chest. Gacy looks down at Silver shrugs and tosses the plastic canister aside. For good measure, he levels one more kick to the ribs before leaving.

Aiello: I… can’t believe what we’ve just witnessed.

Bennett: …

Carter: We all knew NSFW wasn’t the same team they were before they left, but this… this is just sick. I can smell the blood, and the gasoline, and… just… just go to commercial. Jesus Christ.

NSFW leaves the ring and saunters down the ramp, Mike casting a satisfied looking glance over their shoulder as medical staff rushes to the ring past them. After this grisly scene, we move to a commercial break.

Back from commercial, we find ourselves in the office of a concerned Jim Connors, on the phone with someone. It's unclear what's being said on the other line, but Jim's face tells the story here.

Connors: Yes, that's right Marshall. No, I don't know what NSFW or Chuck Gacy want with Silver, but I'm gonna get to the bottom of it. I feel terrible that a guest on my show would be subject to something like this, especially when they're not even competing. That said, I appreciate you and Hayley giving the okay for one of your superstars to compete on Brawl in a couple weeks. I'm very excited to see what Faith Rivers has in store, and can't wait to finalize the details of her match. Thank you Marshall, I'll keep you posted on Silver's status.

Connors ends his call, putting his phone away before hurrying out of the office as we cut to ringside...

---

A CHAOTIC BATTLE OF THE BRANDS AND CHAMPIONS!
[SINGLES MATCH - NON-TITLE, X-DIVISION RULES]
Xavier Reid
VS Scorpio

---

---

Aiello: It's time for tonight's Main Event! Xavier Reid faces off against Scorpio in a battle of champions that takes place within the realm of the X-Division!

Carter: Reid comes off a big win at WrestleFest, becoming the X-Division Champion...but Scorpio knows what it's like to get into a hardcore mindset, so this should be an interesting match to say the least!

Bennett: Oh hell yeah, let's get it on!

Stroup: The following contest is a non-title Champion VS Champion match, contested under X-Division Rules! Introducing first...from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and now residing in New York City, weighing in at 225 pounds, the X-Division Champion...XAVIER REID!

The jumbo screen flickers and the picture of a sky appears on the eve of a storm, the clouds are dark and rolling across the sky quickly and with aggression. The lights inside the arena start to dim, the rumbling of a storm can be heard over the speakers as lighting appears in the clouds

The cracking of lighting grows louder and louder until two strikes hit the stage

First from the right and then from the left as ‘Papercut’ starts to play out…

Smoke rises up from where the lightning hit stage as Xavier Reid walks out onto the stage,the X-Division Championship around his waist, his arms crossed in a X over his chest as he stands at the top of the stage and looks out towards the ring.

The fans have a mix reaction as he starts to walk towards the ring, shadow boxing as he does eyes locked on the ring

Xavier bounces up and down while looking at the ground and then looks up and smirks as he heads towards the steps and slams his foot down on each step as he marches up the steps and unhooked the X-Division Championship and turns and faced the crowd and then jumps into the ring and walks to the center of the ring and lays the belt down and motions for his opponent to 'step up to the line'.

Stroup: And his opponent...from London, England, weighing in at 205 pounds...he is the United States Champion, the S-Factor, and the Baddest Bitch on the Planet...SCORPIO!

'Iconic' - Madonna feat. Chance The Rapper hits the speakers as the house lights go down, switching to a spotlight focused on the curtain. It parts, revealing 'The S-Factor' Scorpio stood behind, a hand on his hip, the other raised above his head, cutting a beautiful silhouette. He sashays forward, a long coat dripping in jewels swaying with every step. Behind him steps Crème de la Crème, Scorpio's drag queen confidant and manager. The two look to one another and nod, before Scorpio opens his coat and drops it to the floor, revealing another stunning outfit. He steps down the ramp with a confident strut, emulating that of the catwalk models of Paris and Milan, before reaching the ring. Scorpio climbs up one set of steps as Crème climbs the other, parting the ropes to allow 'The People's Camp' in. Stepping into the middle of the ring Scorpio raises one arm, and blows a kiss with the other, a smile forming on his beautifully made-up face.

Aiello: And here we go, folks!

DING DING DING

The bell rings and both men immediately go at it, exchanging punches and kicks until Scorpio gets the upper hand. He whips Reid against the ropes, hitting a spinning back kick on the rebound that sends Xavier to the corner. Scorpio continues the attack, rushing to the corner to stomp away at the X-Division Champion with a wicked smile on his face...until Xavier strikes back with a hard kick to Scorpio's leg, bringing the United States Champion down to a knee! Reid is in control now, laying on thick with the kicks before sending Scorpio against the ropes. Reid goes for a clothesline, but Scorpio ducks and connects with another spinning back kick that sends Reid clear out of the ring!

Scorpio follows close behind, refusing to let up as Reid gets back to his feet...only for Scorpio to send him crashing against the steel steps! Reid is down again as Scorpio checks under the ring, finding a kendo stick! Scorpio looks at it with a wicked smirk as he taunts Reid to get back to his feet...and as soon as Reid does, Scorpio cracks the stick against his back! Scorpio keeps swinging, and we can see the welts starting to form on the back of the X-Division Champion. Scorpio eventually tires of the weapon, dropping it before launching himself off the steel steps to hit a flying crossbody on Reid!

Aiello: Oh my, what impact from the S-Factor!

Carter: Scorpio already showing that he's not afraid to head back into the world of hardcore with those kendo shots and that crossbody!

Bennett: He ain't scared of nothin', that's for damn sure!

Scorpio is back to his feet already, checking for another weapon when he's stopped by an angry Reid, who slams the United States Champion against the ring post! Reid is now on the offensive here, grabbing the kendo stick that was used against him and taking a swing at Scorpio, who narrowly dodges it! Kick to the gut by Scorpio forces Reid to drop the kendo stick as Scorpio sends him back into the ring. Scorpio checks under the ring, finding a table this time as he slides it into the ring before heading back in himself. He lifts the table, setting it up in the corner before turning his attention back to Reid...who delivers a hard slap to the face!

Scorpio is beside himself in anger, and they end up exchanging punches and chops to the chest before Scorpio tries to whip Reid into the corner with the table...but Reid reverses, pulling Scorpio by the arm toward the table...only for Scorpio to reverse it himself, sending the X-Divison Champion crashing through the table and splitting it in half in the corner! The crowd is on their feet, chanting "HOLY SHIT" as Scorpio shoves the table's remains aside, setting Reid up on the top turnbuckle. Scorpio climbs up, looking for a superplex off the tope rope...but Xavier escapes, dropping down! X-ODUS! Reid just drove Scorpio's head into the top turnbuckle with that brainbuster! The crowd is fully behind Reid as he goes for the cover!

ONE!

TWO!!

NO!!!

Aiello: Scorpio narrowly kicks out after that X-Odus, and you can see the frustration on Reid's face!

Bennett: Scorpio ain't ready to go down just yet, Joe! He's got a ton of fight left in him!

Reid is starting to look desperate as he grabs Scorpio by the arms, stomping away at his face and head! F#@^ You Stomp! Reid is calling for the end, the crowd cheering him on as he lifts Scorpio up, running toward the corner for a buckle bomb...but Scorpio escapes! Reid turns to face Scorpio, who grabs him by the arm before dropping down...THE HEEL TURN! Scorpio just drove his own foot to the skull of Xavier Reid! Reid drops to the canvas, and Scorpio crawls over to make the cover!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!! 

DING DING DING

Stroup: Here is your winner, via pinfall ... SCORPIO!

The crowd jeers the S-Factor as the ref raises Scorpio's arm in victory.

Aiello: What a hell of a main event, we just saw these two tear into each other only for Scorpio to pick up the win!

Bennett: One hell of an effort by Xavier Reid, but the United States Champion reigns supreme tonight and shows why he was able to topple Ace King at WrestleFest!

Carter: What a match we just witnessed. Scorpio looks like he's ready for whoever becomes the first number one contender to that title!

Aiello: Absolutely, and we will see the first step toward determing his first title defense when Friday Night Rampage rolls into town on Valentine's night! In the meantime, Xavier Reid after one hell of a battle will need to center his focus on whoever earns the first shot at his title in the near future. Folks, it's been a crazy night but we have officially kicked off a new season of Monday Night Brawl! For Steve Bennett and Max Carter, I'm Joe Aiello saying so long, and good night!

The feed abruptly cuts to the parking area at the back of the arena. The cameraman keeps his distance but he’s got a quickly departing NSFW, bags in tow, in his view. They must not be aware of the cameraman’s presence, because they’re talking warmly to each other.

McGuire: I can’t wait to get home, bud. I think the guy’s gonna be coming over this week to get the placement for the greenhouse down. Measurements and stuff.

Church: That’s good.

He wrapped an arm around Mike’s shoulder. Suddenly, the shot got janky as he ducked behind a car, shooting just around the back of the car. A much larger figure steps from in between two vehicles. Church and McGuire seeing the approaching man pause, both readying themselves for a fight.

Large Figure: I ain’t been waitin’ out here for all of that. Not with the two of y’all anyway.

Clay Byrd comes into focus in the camera view.

Byrd: I was sittin’ in the back tonight, watchin’ y’all work. What y’all did to Silver, that was cold.

Mike’s eyes narrow, every muscle in the New Yorker’s frame taut as they step in front of their partner.

McGuire: How the fuck is that any of your bus--

Byrd: Nah, Gimme a moment ta finish. I was listenin’ ta what y’all said. Ain’t none o’ them friends of hers were comin’ out there to save her. Not a one of ‘em. Them good guys, they ain’t friends, and they sure as hell ain’t good guys.

The team shared a knowing look with each other, but still they kept their distance from Byrd.

Byrd: I reckon the three of us… We got some similar views on the bullshit, on the infestation BRAWL, Rampage… hell all of EWC has. From the top of the card, ta the very fuckin’ bottom.

Clay pauses

Byrd: And I’m headin’ after the source. Cut the head of the snake off and all of that.

McGuire: Ain’t you been paying attention? You ain’t us. Nobody is.

Church stepped forward, standing beside Mike now.

Church: That’s not a prerequisite or anything, though.

He pauses, considering Byrd’s words.

Church: You’re talking about them. Everybody’s promised to do what you’re proposing over the years. We probably did. What makes this different?

Byrd: Yer right Church, plenty of ‘em promised. People make a lot of promises in this business, but I keep mine. Those idiots are busy fightin’ themselves, they’re complacent, they’ve ruled the roost for so long that they don’t think anyone can hurt ‘em. They live in the echo chamber they’ve created, nobody is great but each other. Nobody can stand in their way but each other.

Mike snorts, skeptical, but still lets Byrd speak his piece.

Byrd: Puttin’ it simply. They ain’t ever been so dead set on fightin’ each other. They ain’t never been divided. I think the three of us, I think we can help each other with our mutual issues, and set this place right. Most importantly, they ain’t never had three people go against ‘em, willin’ ta take it far as we will.

The camera man slips against the pavement very audibly. The conversation between the three is interrupted, as they all turn their heads towards the source of the noise.

The feed cuts to static.

END SCREEN

..........

MATCH WRITERS

..........

MATCH ONE: MNB
MATCH TWO: @chuckgacy
MATCH THREE: Darius
MATCH FOUR: @saunders
MATCH FIVE: Clay Byrd
MAIN EVENT: MNB

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SEGMENTS

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@alex
Ibuki Ito
@littlesilverann
Ace King
Darius
@mike
@chuckgacy
Clay Byrd

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RECAP OF WINNERS

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MATCH 1
Bosa
VS Maverick (N/S)(PINNED)
VS Drago Santiago
WINNER via pinfall: Bosa

MATCH 2
Chuck Gacy
VS Stormy Taggert
WINNER via pinfall: Chuck Gacy

MATCH 3
Darius
VS Kendrick Kross
WINNER via pinfall: Darius

MATCH 4
NSFW
VS Stephanie "Cloud" Matsuda & Samantha "Titaness" Hamilton
WINNERS via count out: NSFW

MATCH 5
Clay Byrd (PINNED)
VS Ace King
VS Cyrus Black
WINNER via pinfall: Ace King

MAIN EVENT
Xavier Reid
VS Scorpio
WINNER via pinfall: Scorpio

BRAWL #550 MVP: NSFW
MATCH OF THE NIGHT: Xavier Reid VS Scorpio

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