WRESTLEFEST XX

[EWC]

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.

T H E  E X T R E M E  W R E S T L I N G  C O R P O R A T I O N  P R E S E N T S
A  Q U A D  B R A N D  P A Y - P E R - V I E W  E V E N T

WRESTLEFEST XX

4 DAY WRESTLING FESTIVAL

Brought to you by Under Armour, PS5 and Dr Pepper 


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DECEMBER 16TH-19TH 2022
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LIVE! from the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa

EWC WRESTLEFEST XX

Commentators: Marcus Woo & Valentina Gomez
Backstage Reporter: Ace Heart & Pepper Montana

Announcer: Nina Dobrev
Senior Referee: Toyo Yasahiro
Referees: John Dean & Niklaus Forbes

"Something In The Way" by Seether begins to blast throughout the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. The crowd gives a giant pop for the hometown band. 

Video footage detailing historic events over the EWC's history.

From March 1997 all the way down to the most recent episodes of Monday Night Brawl, Friday Night Rampage, Paramount Wrestling and EWC Prime!

Images of previous EWC Champions are shown, starting with the very first Champion Black Ninja, then moving onto Big Danny Mac and Steve "The Predator" 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, Drake, Xplode, Luke Wolfe, Natalie Young, Candy, Dominic Sanders, Cyrus Black, Melody Malone, Scorpio, Xavier Reid, Jordan Sharpe, Stitches, Ace King, Killjoy Ito, Melody Malone and recent shots of Lavender all with the EWC Undisputed Championship.

This is followed by highlights of showcasing current EWC Champions:


Lavender

Stitches

Lavender

Marcu$ $t.John

Narumi Tsutsumi

Gabrielle Visconty

Moxie

Asriel Buzzard

Callie Clark

El Pablo

The Bastards

The opening pyros hit and here we go.

The energy in FNB Stadium is insane as the crowd is absolutely electrifying in their uproar of cheers. Spotlights circle around the Stadium as the sold out 95,000 fans in attendance are shown in a wide angle shot.

The camera then zooms around the arena showing the fans in a closer look.

EWC

EWC

EWC

EWC


EWC

THAT'S GONNA LEAVE A LOT OF DAMAGE...

ALL HAIL THE RIGHTFUL KING DONG...

THE BASTARDS ARE THE ONE TRUE TAG TEAM...

GET HIM CAPT...

ROUND HIM UP JOJO...

BATTLESHIP IS MY FAVORITE GAME & WRESTLER...

TAKE US FORTH TO SALVATION...

THE ACE ALWAYS WINS...

HE'S GOT THE MOXIE, HE'S GOT THE BROADCAST CHAMPIONSHIP, HE'S LEAVING WITH THE US TITLE...

I LOVE THE SMELL OF LAVENDER IN THE MORNING, LET'S GOOOOO...

GIDEON GAGE SMELLS LIKE DOG FOOD...

Fireworks emit outside FNB Stadium and then all around the ring while a fog machine covers the venue in a red, green, orange and blue haze! Fans stand up, pumping their fists and raising signs as the camera feed pans to each one of them. One last round of fireworks blast out now, and we turn our attention to Marcus Woo and Valentina Gomez.

Woo: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the twentieth edition of the EWC WrestleFest! I'm Marcus Woo along with Valentina Gomez, here at the historic FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa where we are packed to the brim for all 4 days of action!

Gomez: Four days of action... nineteen matches all together... all culminating in a mammoth Fatal Four Way for the EWC Undisputed Championship.

Woo: That's right Valentina, these next four days are going to be insane!

Gomez: Today, Friday December 16th is Day 1 and we've got four great matches coming your way! In our opening bout, The Bastards put their EWC World Tag Team Championship on the line against King Dong & Damage Inc. You can't ask for a better way to kick off the fest than a no-holds barred exploding barbed wire death match. This is going to be insane!

Woo: That's right, that match is going to absolutely break barriers, and bones! In our second match, Captain Morgan Darkwater and JoJo Rush's feud comes to a head, with the two men clashing inside the squared circle. 

Gomez: Dominance will finally be proven in a feud that has featured heavily on Monday Night BRAWL this year. In our semi final, it's BATTLESHIP SONYA taking on Salvation, the winner of this one will be a contender to the EWC North American Championship. 

Woo: Marcu$ $t. John's coveted Champions on the Paramount Brand will have a lot of eyes on it next season, that's for sure. And our main event... It's Lavender defending her EWC United States Championship against Ace King and Moxie. These three have basically ran the US Title Scene on Rampage this season, and now they clash in one more giant bout!

Gomez: Today will be an interesting clash of styles and wrestling ideologies. Who do you have in each of the four matches Woo?

Woo: That's a tough question, but I think The Bastards will retain, JoJo Rush will upset the former International Champion, Salvation will punch his ticket to a North American Championship match and Moxie will leave the night double champion!

Gomez: Bold picks! I think I must agree with Bastards, they've got so much they want to prove and I think it will carry them to the victory. I think Darkwater gets a narrow victory, and SONYA upsets the former Broadcast Champion to get Shinijoshi into North American Contendership next season. For the main event, I think Lavender will retain this title at all costs for the momentum heading into Monday!

Woo: Folks, we are excited to bring you the hottest action here at EWC WrestleFest XX, and we want to thank you for joining us whether it's on Pay-Per-View or on EWCTV!

As if on cue, the feed then switches to an ad for EWCTV.

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WHAT IS EWCTV?

• All live EWC Pay-Per-View events (including StrangleMania, Night Of Champions, EWC Rumble, WrestleFest)
• All day scheduled live programming
• Plus, hours and hours of on-demand content & never before seen behind-the-scenes footage!
• Groundbreaking original series - See new episodes of BRAWL, RAMPAGE, PARAMOUNT, PRIME, NEXTGEN, UNCHAINED and more
• Live in-ring action, reality shows and documentaries

HOW TO ORDER

Get the award-winning EWC Network through your TV provider. Call your local TV Provider today to subscribe.
Only $7.95/month

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If you are subscribed to EWC Network through your TV Provider you can now enjoy EWC Network on your:
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EWCTV for only $7.95 USD per month

Along with being an EWCTV Subscriber, you get:
EVERY Pay-Per-View event included at no extra charge
15% off any and all EWC Merchandise from the EWC Store
20% off all tickets to LIVE EWC Shows
A free EWC Yearly Wall Calendar signed by the entire active EWC Roster

As an added bonus for all those currently subscribed including any new subscriptions
Receive a FREE copy of EWC WRESTLEFEST XX DVD and Blu-Ray combo when it's released early next year
+ free T-Shirt and Replica EWC Undisputed Championship belt.

So act now if you aren't already subscribed to EWCTV

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[EWC]

Cameras cut to a small room that has been elaborately decorated for the occasion. Front and center is the interview extraordinaire with the bushiest mustache in the business. Sitting up straight and ready for business, he fires off as soon as he sees that he's live.

Ace Heart: Good evening, Extreme Wrestling! Welcome to the greatest way to start your weekend: Wrestlefest XX! For some reason, I've been told that at eleven on a FRIDAY that I have been summoned to interview someone you'll be seeing a lot of. Two-time former International champion, held some other belt here but you can't find history on that; nevertheless, the man needs no further introduction. He is the BENCHMARK of Brawl... he is King Flip.

Ready to go in the opener, the camera pans out to show the wrestler already in his ring gear.

King Flip: Always a pleasure, Ace. I made this request because I thought we had something to talk about. Admittedly, I forgot about Dio's pre-match ritual. One hour before the match, every match, on the dot, he takes a massive shit. So he can't be with us.

Ace Heart: That's very personal.

King Flip: Oh, I'm full of shit. I don't know where he is, so you'll just be interviewing me.

Ace sighs with his head in his hands.

King Flip: Always a pleasure to see you, Ace. I remember when you were the voice of Monday ni--

Ace Heart: Ladies and gentlemen, per usual, we've got the Mayor of Blabbermouth Town trying to control the interview. What's your deal, guy? You announce a random episode of Paramount Wrestling. You've been known to do that for a match here or there, but an entire episode? That's a little strange for a wrestler to do.

Flip chuckles as he leans back in his chair. He makes eye contact with Ace as he speaks.

King Flip: This is why I ask for you, Ace. You go straight for the throat. I've always respected that about you. Something in me wants to answer your questions with more questions but I'll spare you that. I didn't find it that strange. Chris Brock didn't, either, so your social commentary is the first I've gotten about it. So... why? Well, as you may know, I had business on Paramount. I still do.

Ace Heart: Tanja Devereux, I presume?

King Flip: There'll always be others, Ace. But she's the one for now.

Ace Heart: Phrasing.

The King just shrugs. Ace Heart moves right along.

Ace Heart: You also did a special referee spot on Victor Price's last episode of Prime. How'd it feel to wear the stripes again?

King Flip: That was actually a very personal match for me to watch. We had one half of the tag champs tagging with my former tag partner, Jack Severn. First time seeing that guy since he came back, so that was nice. Gotta catch up with that guy. I'm rambling. How'd it feel to ref? Felt great to raise the hands of Iggy Swango and Dio, but I've sorta got a vested interest there right now.

Heart nods.

Ace Heart: Fascinating. Speaking of King Dong, that's the opening match! You've got an opportunity against champions The Bastards and fellow challengers Damage Incorporated. Do you have any final words before the exploding barbed-wire rope match?

King Flip: When you say it like that you make it sound like I'm going to die. And while I do go out and give the performance of my life night in and night out, I wouldn't usually speak so gravely. Now, do I have anything to say to Reidy boy? Jesus, Ace, when don't I? And little Jamie puffing his chest out wanting all the respect in the world. I could seriously take up so much time we'd have to finish this interview during the tag match.

Ace Heart: No, sir.

King Flip: Exactly. I also just can't have a good thing to say to tweedle-dee Malice and tweedle-dumb Mayhem. Ever. It's sort of out of principle. I'd get into it but, again, there's a lot there. Everything, I think, will come out during the fight. You'll see the power of Damage Incorporated. You'll see the ingenuity of the Bastards. You'll see explosions, and barbed wire, and blood, and pain, and, hell, you'll see fear. But above all you're going to see the EXCELLENCE of King Dong. The Dongs of War are set to ride into this match with nothing to lose yet everything to gain. The World's tag team championships on the line in what is effectively our third tag match if you don't include Parabellum. Now, well, all that needs to have been said has already been spoken. Now we go to war. We do what we do best. And, with any luck at all, we walk out of South Africa with those damn belts.

Ace Heart: I have so much more I'd like to discuss with you, but I know you've got that dangerous bout. Good luck out there and thank you for your time.

The two men lean toward one another shake hands.

King Flip: Thank you.

Ace turns back toward the camera.

Ace Heart: What the hell am I cutting to?

The scene fades.

[EWC]

Audio is heard but no video is seen as an unknown voice speaks.

[Unknown voice]: "Are you recording? Look, we can do this here or we can go in there, you got it"?

Marcus Woo: Valentina, what is going on?

Valentina Gomez: Are you hearing this in the truck?

The screen then appears in color and is to be a live shot.  Faint boos and cheers can be heard by the live crowd as the promo audio plays.

Valentina Gomez: Who are these guys?

Standing outside of what appears to be near where WrestleFest XX is taking place, the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, one of the brothers begins to speak.

Jimmy Evans: “Hey, Valentino...shut up and you too Sammy Chung.  I got something to say so listen up.  Extreme Wrestling Corporation…the EWC, tonight begins two things.  Tonight is the first night of WrestleFest XX but also is the first night that you all get a glimpse into what waits for you.  Who are we?  You’ll find that out soon but why we are here is what should concern you.  See, this match (Matt abruptly laughs), an exploding barbed wire rope deathmatch to determine who walks out EWC tag team champions? (Matt begins pacing back and forth as Jimmy continues) You might want to up your game a bit (Matt randomly yells like he has Tourette's or something) “Podnah!”  What my brother means is this would be a cakewalk to us so when anyone in the EWC wants a real fight then our door is open.  As far as tonight, we won’t be hard to find.  We’ll be the guys at ringside keeping an eye on what happens and who walks out as EWC Tag Team Champions and yeah, even those of you that don’t”.

Both brothers “throw up” their trademark “M1” (indicating letters “M” & “I”) hand sign.  Their Right hand forms an upside down West Side hand sign, and their Left hand extends up their index finger, before the camera fades a black screen.

[EWC]

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EWC WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
EXPLODING BARBED WIRE ROPES DEATH MATCH

Damage Inc

VS King Dong

VS The Bastards (C)

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We get our first look at ringside, where a veritable hellscape has been laid out in preparation for the first match. The traditional ring ropes are gone, replaced with tight coils of barbed wire, and electrical cable runs into each corner of the ring - linking up to boards festooned with more sharp tangles of wire, the sharp-eyed able to spot the explosive devices ready to detonate in their midst.

Woo: And here, we, go! WrestleFest XX, starting off with a very literal bang as we look to three teams eager to prove they are the omnipresent future of our tag division. Stepping between that lethal razor-wire, braving those explosives, will be Damage Incorporated, King Dong, and our reigning champions Xavier Reid and Jamie Love; worse known as The Bastards, Valentina!

Gomez: ¡Ay, caramba! It's so hot here in Johannesberg, I'm already soaked to the bone! I don't care who wins this one, I'm just here for the sweat, the blood, and the pounding!

Woo: I'm sure I speak for all the fans when I say, come again?

Gomez: I just might, Woo! Let's bring in our competitors!

Dobrev: The following match is an exploding barbed wire ropes deathmatch! Introducing first, fighting out of the Fear Factory Dojo and weighing in at a combined seven hundred and twenty five pounds ... Malice ... MAYHEM ... DAMAGE INCORPORATED!!!

Pyro explodes across the stage. The light pulses like lightning and Lacey Savage appears wearing a skull bandanna that covers her lower face. When the lightning pulses again a thick smoke rolls in, and from the smoke come two huge figures dressed in matching leather jackets that reach all the way to their matching boots. The two men are wearing full face masks that look like skulls. Each skull face is partially covered by a bandanna, outlaw style. The two men flank Lacey and they all come to stand in the center of the stage.

Removing their masks the group marches in lock step down the ramp to the ring in the shadow of Bedlam Briggs, Lacey's personal security. Once between the barbed ropes the group clusters together in a tight huddle to go over their final game plan, each member psyching themselves up for a war. Briggs gingerly holds the ropes open for Lacey before the bell rings, where she takes her place at ringside as she prepares to aid her team however she can while being shielded from harm at all times by the monstrous form of Bedlam.

Dobrev: At a combined weight of four hundred and twenty five pounds ... KING DONG!!!

The beautiful violin intro to 'When You're Evil' by Voltaire begins to play throughout the arena, reaching its peak before Dio and King Flip emerge through the curtain. Dio tugs at the collar of his leather jacket as Flip pulls back the hood on his hooded vest. From between them both strides, on unmistakable thighs, Iggy Swango! She's resplendent in a ruby red corset and a slashed skirt, throwing up twin devil horns as the King turns around, tossing a thumb overhead to point at the 'King Dong' etched into his vest. The team bumps fisted forearms and head down the ramp, stopped along the way as several overly-excited fans storm to the front and start ladening Lady Stardust with massive bouquets of roses! Wide-eyed and laughing, she feigns stumbling beneath their weight as the team continue on toward the ring.

Flip gets there first, grinning like he's not grievously injured, and all but launches himself through the barbed wire, immediately juking toward Damage Inc., who take one step toward him, uncowed. He throws up his hands, one of them wrapped in an obvious cast, laughing as Dio slides in rather more sedately, calmly sizing up his (in some ways) much larger competition before turning his eye toward the ramp.

Dobrev: And their opponents! Weighing in at a combined weight of three hundred and forty pounds ... they are the EWC Tag Team Champions OF THE WORLD ... Jamie Love and Xavier Reid ... THE BASTARDS!

As 'For The Glory' plays out as 'The Memphis Mouthpiece' Tommy Love walks out onto the stage first, he turns and points 'The Love Stick' back as his son Jamie Love walks out and then Xavier Reid. The three men stand there for a moment looking at each other but all three turn as Maria Love comes walking out, she ignores Tommy and motions for Jamie and Xavier to follow her as she leads the two towards the ring as Tommy runs to catch up with 'his' team.

All eyes are on the champions as they make their way inside, both Bastards aquiver with anticipation as they hand off their titles and bump fists, staring down the other four men with unholy daggers in their eyes.

Woo: Tensions could not be higher and I could not be happier to be here. This. is. WrestleFest!

Gomez: ¡Vamos, perras! LET'S GOOOO!!

DING DING DING

And go they do. The clear targets painted on the champions split across the ring as they wisely part ways before the oncoming tide of both other teams, Flip and the colossi of Damage Inc leading the charge as Dio takes up the rear. Jamie Love darts under the outstretched arm of Malice, hooking his neck on the way around and dropping his body weight to trip the giant into his partner, who's forced to spin into an ungainly leap toward the ropes to stop a catastrophic collision. Xavier Reid is less fortunate in escaping the International Champion, stumbling as Flip seizes HIS arm, and yanks him into a sharp bulldog lariat!

Woo: I wondered if that injury could be a problem here for King Flip, but he's already turning it to his advantage.

Gomez: He's a sneaky one, Woo. We should keep an eye on him.

Dio has meanwhile hopped over the fallen form of Malice, putting on the brakes to turn on the other side before hitting the incredibly dangerous 'rope'. He looks curtly at the bigger man, raising a brow and motioning for him to stand - which incites the behemoth to a fierce snarl as the philosopher neatly gets into his head. Seeking to take advantage, Jamie Love runs in to hit Malice with a leaping neckbreaker, but he's cut off by Mayhem, who pulls him clean out of the air, spins him across his shoulders and PLANTS the smaller Bastard with a beautiful Death Valley Driver! MALICIOUS INTENT! The crowd pop as the explosive-laden ring shudders ominously on impact...

And then Dio, waiting for neither man to recover, leap-frogs off Mayhem's shoulders and whips his lithe, powerful form into a dropkick on Mayhem, who's sent flying backwards into the barbed wire ring ropes! With a roar of pain and fury, the giant rips himself free, stomping back in to counter with a hammering lariat! Dio rolls with the tremendous impact, soaking it into a graceful kip-up, only to be cut off by both members of Damage Inc. Malice scoops him up, inverts him, and drives him down for the second time with an emphatic Jackhammer, and Mayhem comes in hot to follow up with a standing shooting star press, snarling as he keeps the philosopher down for the first pin of the match.

ONE
.
.
.
NO!

Not keen to lose his hard-won titles like that, Jamie Love drags the much larger man away, fighting gamely to slap on a guillotine before he's cut off in turn by Malice. Whatever the big man has planned next is forgotten, as a furiously dead-locked Xavier and Flip careen into the muscular mess, all five going down in a tangle of limbs perilously close to the knotted barbs at the edge of the ring.

Woo: For someone who demanded this match, Jamie Love is being positively reckless out there, Valentina.

Gomez: Unlike Flip with his estupid bandages, the Bastards know you have to crack some eggs to make an omelet!

The five men all struggle back to their feet, alternately trading strikes and locked up in holds, but all unable to split apart to prevent the incoming Dio, who sprints into a spread-eagled crossbody that forces the match to a prickly standstill as all three teams end up embraced in the slicing wire! Jamie has ended up somewhere at the bottom of this clusterfuck, and can be heard screaming as he tries to extricate himself. Dio is the only man unbloodied, but he's yanked backwards by Xavier Reid, who drops onto his back, SCRAPING it against the barbed wire in the process, bringing his right shin up to Dio's throat as he locks in a triangle choke, pulling Dio's head over his own prone form toward the ropes! Carefully freeing himself from the tangle, Flip sees this and lets out an, "Oh hell no!"

Seizing a page from his adversary's playbook, the International champion takes two steps back and dashes in, driving a punt kick right into Xavier's temple! With the grip released, Dio staggers back, swiping at his throat and casting his eyes around the ring just in time to meet the steely glare of Mayhem. The rangy wrecking ball explodes into a spinning heel kick, washing the taste from Dio's mouth, and propelling him toward the bloodied, glowering malice, who pops him up into the air and hits a massive Samoan drop...

Right onto one of the explosive boards.

KA-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!

Gomez: YES!!!

The smoke begins to clear, the ring becoming visible as Dio lies there, limbs akimbo, laid out behind the hulking form of Malice, who remains seated in a spreading pool of his own blood. Blinking the after-effects of the explosion from his eyes, Mayhem slaps his partner on one shoulder and turns toward the other competitors, who have all stopped to stare at the first eruption of the match. All except Jamie, who takes the opportunity to wriggle free, hissing through his teeth with pain as he stumbles around ringside.

Woo: Damage Incorporated with a massive, nay vascular statement as they introduce Dio to the 'exploding' aspect of this brutal match. They've done a wonderful job isolating the philosopher thus far, but they've just drawn a lot of attention their way...

Gomez: Ha! Ask Mayhem if he cares!

Indeed, the standing man is licking his lips and beckoning as Flip and Reid momentarily put aside their differences to salvage the possibility of a mutual loss, charging the other team. Ever the consummate warrior, Mayhem falls back before the assault, baiting the ferocious Reid into a flurry of strikes and then smoothly countering with a flying knee, tucking into an explosively acrobatic ball and popping to his feet on the other side of the ring, drawing a line at Flip's back as the International champion locks up with the massive Malice. Flip's canny, stomping the foot and then smoothly sweeping into a dragon screw as Malice yanks his leg up and away. The big man bounces back up, but Flipper is already on his way out of dodge, rolling beneath the bottom rope and tossing the two members of Damage Inc a jaunty double-deuce. Mayhem is charging, lined up to soar over the ropes at the cocky champion... but he's cut off with a furious SCREAM!

WHAM!! Xavier Reid explodes into the larger man's path, flipping him over into a devastating Rainham Maker! Yelling and smacking the side of his own head, he thrusts himself upright and spins toward Malice, who's ready with a boot to the midsection-- that Reid eats like it's nothing, grinning like a Cheshire cat and pointing at his jaw as he asks for another! Malice rears back a forearm to oblige...

And Xavier cuts him off with a slap across the face. That shit-eating grin only gets wider, as the big man is forced to pause, giving Reid all the opening he needs to slide around and pop up into a standing reverse Frankensteiner, driving Malice down into the smoldering wreckage of the detonated board, the singed wires still cutting deep beneath all that weight!

Gomez: That's almost four hundred pounds of MANMEAT, Woo!

Woo: It... it sure is. Xavier Reid making quite the statement, but it seems he's forgotten somebody in the process!

There's a roar from the crowd now as the burned and bloodied Philosopher re-interjects himself, coming from behind the triumphant Reid to seize a three-quarter facelock and BRUTALLY level him with the INEVITABLE! Three men are down in the ring, and as Dio transitions into a potentially match-ending armbar, on the outside King Flip gets reacquainted with the other Bastard. Jamie Love's made good on his recovery time, and slides from underneath the ring with a kendo stick in hand, getting the best two-handed grip he can as he takes out the International champ at the knees, then brings the weapon overhead and lets it fall once, twice, thrice! The dried blood along its length is familiar by now, less so the new addition of barbed wire, but it's all enough to get a chorus of boos from the crowd, who Jamie merely snarls at, before diving back into the ring to free his partner with another flurry of overhead swings to Dio.

Xavier Reid crawls away, clutching at his shoulder, as Love frantically darts this way and that, keeping his eyes on both members of Damage Incorporated. It's a comical sight as they rise up, towering over the man who stands between them and the coveted titles. Jamie is fired up, but completely unperturbed, taking a swing first at Malice, and then at Mayhem, daring them to try it.

Gomez: You know, I don't normally like short men, but...

Woo: Oh, come on, even you can't possibly be this bad!

Gomez: I'm joking! It could be worse, though. I could have a thing for King Flip.

Valentina shoves her fingers down her throat and makes an unpleasant choking noise, as the ol' CHK makes his way over to the announce table, waggling his eyebrows at the protesting Latina before he ducks beneath the table and rummages around for something.

Gomez: Wait! No-no-no-no-NO! ABSOLUTELY NO--

Valentina's mic cuts out, at roughly the same moment as there's a loud scuffle up in the ring and...

KA-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!

Woo: We have some technical difficulties, but BY GOD! Damage Incorporated and the Bastards have their own problems!

Flip: Oh boy, don't they just.

On replay, we witness Jamie Love finally succumbing to the combined pressure of Mayhem and Malice, scurrying away with his kendo stick flung at the former as the larger of the two chases after him only to get cut off by Xavier Reid. Wild forearms pepper the big man, who shrugs them off and makes a grab for Reid, only for his eyes to widen as Xavier out-grapples him and manages, with a little assistance from Jamie, to haul him up onto his shoulders and stagger toward the corner. Love cuts off Mayhem with a dropkick to the knees as Reid SLAMS Malice against the wire-wrapped turnbuckle, which detonates on impact! Bodies go flying from the explosion...

Dio has escaped the worst of it, and is the only man able to evacuate the ring as smoke pours from the expended IED, met on the outside by a wide-eyed Iggy Swango, who does her best to juggle far too many roses and her hunky boyfriend as the pair of them head over to join Flip at the announce table, where he's doing his best to ignore the scathing glare and hissed expletives of Valentina Gomez as he tucks into a fresh slice of wholewheat toast. It might otherwise have been a sedate and pleasant scene, if not for all the bodies littering the ring.

Malice has caught by far the worst of it, his broad back sliced to ribbons, skin blackened and cracked from soaking the discharge. Jamie Love is nearby, crawling away on his forearms, looking like he's dodged a whole storm of bullets, his hair frazzled, while both Mayhem and Xavier Reid have escaped to the apron, taking a few more cuts in the process but both able to slither out to ringside.

Another round of toast pops up, and Iggy Swango bounces excitedly, Dio ever the gentleman as he tears a piece in half and feeds it to his beau, before shoving her aside as the scorched form of Mayhem whirls toward the table. Roses go flying, and Dio snatches a bouquet from the air, whipping it at the lethal martial artist, who smashes it aside and spins into an elbow strike that misses by a whisker. Despite his own injuris, the Philosopher adroitly ducks, weaves, and then explodes into a standing dropkick, launching Mayhem up and over the announce table!

Feedback squeals as Marcus Woo rips off his headset and bails out, Flip and Valentina not so lucky - especially in the latter case, as the ol' CHK is flung into his most impassioned hater, at least rather chivalrously twisting to ensure he's the one who lands on the other side of the barricade, with her looking absolutely HORRIFIED in his arms. A series of slaps and protests ring out, as on the other side Dio and Mayhem rise up throwing bombs at one another, the larger man getting the upper hand, bundling Dio up and depositing him spine-first with an hellacious backbreaker onto the overturned table! A snarl on his lips, Mayhem bends over to pull him up and lay in more punishment...

...only to be cut off by the flying form of Iggy Swango, her patented Buns of Steel (tm) slamming the big man flat as she executes a beautiful split-leap and lands ready to help up her boy. Dio is rattled, but seems more concerned about her, shouting a warning that comes a beat too late as Xavier Reid interjects himself, yanking Lady Stardust back by the hair and bodily Bieling her over the barrier into the crowd! They come together to catch her, crowd-surfing the rock starlet to safety, but Reid's already turned away to deal with Dio.

He's met with a whiplash STO, keeping him down long enough for Dio to catch his breath against the barricade. King Flip surfaces behind him, gasping as he fights his way past Valentina, and the two briefly exchange words, the Philosopher carefully measuring the recovering Mayhem as Flip clambers onto the barrier, still glancing warily backwards as a string of Spanish profanities fly up at him.

Mayhem stumbles upright, and Dio is THERE, dashing through the wreckage to hit the LAERTIUS EFFECT! He rolls aside, already starting to pull up Xavier Reid as King Flip comes spinning off the barricade, barely escaping the clawlike hand of Valentina Gomez as he spins through five hundred and thirty degrees to drop his own leg across Mayhem's stricken throat! THE ROYALAERTIUS EFFECT!

There's no time for anyone to catch their breath; a beat later, Dio strikes the stunned Reid with an atomic drop, and Flip rolls right on into a running high knee, taking out their second opponent with BEND THE KNEE! The entire crowd is on its feet!

And so is Marcus Woo, who's at least managed to find his abandoned headset.

Woo: It... it's absolute chaos at ringside, folks, as King Dong put their mark on the tag division and Iggy Swango sails off into the sunset. My partner--

Gomez: THIS IS BULLSHIT! I'm going to kill him someday, on this I swear!

Meanwhile, in the ring, a very game Jamie Love locks up with Malice and manages to take him down, working in an armbar only to find the behemoth seemingly impervious to his usual brand of pain. He transitions to a crucifix, drops some meaty elbows, and then shifts one last time to try and cinch in the Love Attachment! It's a beautifully savage display of chained holds, but the size difference is damn close to obscene, and with a growl the Immovable Object gets to one knee, and then stands, with Jamie Love hanging off him, his face reddened and chest tight as he struggles for air, turning toward one of the undetonated turnbuckles...

And driving his diminutive passenger backwards.

KA-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!

Johannesberg continues to absolutely lose their minds as this third detonation commences, this time with the wily form of the littlest Love sandwiched between a bundle of explosives and a very, very hard place. Malice is flung forward, bouncing heavily off the canvas as Jamie collapses in a smoldering pile, the barbed wire dragging against his charred skin as the smoke slowly clears from the corner in which he lies. Flip and Dio are wide-eyed at ringside, puffing out their cheeks and checking on their other two opponents as they split up and divide the ring, seeking to flank and pin Malice before he can - somehow, someway - recover from this latest catastrophe.

Woo: I'm starting to wonder if anybody's leaving this one alive, if anyone's going to get those title belts!

Gomez: So long as it's not that piece of shit! That bastardo! That--

Woo: You have to got to take that man off your mind! There's two Bastards out there, and he's neither of them.

The other Bastard is on his feet, and scoops up Jamie's abandoned kendo stick as he enters the ring behind Dio. The Philosopher eats a sharp crack across the back, as Flip is in the process of bundling up Malice...

ONE
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TWO
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CRRRRACK!

Perhaps with a sixth sense for Xavier Reid's particular brand of bullshit, Flip unhooks the big man and rolls clear, letting the wire-wrapped kendo stick fall on Malice as he stumbles to his feet and keeps going, barely putting on the brakes before he hits the barbed ropes. Not content to let him remain there, Reid lets the weapon fall and starts forward. King Flip sways to one side, and attempts to sweep the leg, but Reid leaps over and responds with a deft rolling wheel kick. Flip's flattened out momentarily, and with a cruel grimace Reid lands beside him and immediately isolates the injured hand, straddling his hated foe as he clamps on a torturous wristlock, reaching through the bandages to bend back the damaged fingers. Flip is agonized, but fights back, and Reid's forced to ease off the hold to instead plant him flat with a knee to the throat, using this point of leverage to get upright and start simply stomping Flip in the face, over and over! FUCK YOU STOMP!!

Dio attempts to intercede, but is launched sideways as a small humanoid barrels into his midsection!

Woo: ZOMBIE JAMIE LOVE, OUT OF NOWHERE!

Gomez: Eat his brains! I bet they're delicious!

Love indeed looks terrible by this point, his skin pale where it's visible around the burns, his hair burned and discolored, but he hits Dio with a twisting double-leg, reaching up to grind a forearm into his throat as he gets up his hips and begins to twist, wrenching the Philosopher unprettily, but very effectively into the LOVE LOCK!

Woo: Dio has taken profound damage to the spine; this could easily put him away, and see the champions retain.

They may be nothing but barbed wire, but Dio is fighting toward the ropes anyway, clawing for any kind of handhold that might help extricate him from the tenacious and desperate clutches of Jamie Love, who sits back all the harder into the hold, letting out an unruly scream as he digs deep into his reserves - fighting like the champion he's become, against all the odds. Reid continues to drive his feet into Flip's face until he can't drive them any more, gasping and collapsing on top of his long-time opponent. Malice is still down...

But Mayhem isn't.

With Love sunk deep into Dio, the rangy warrior slides into the ring and springs at the burned Bastard, so fast and fluid that he's striding into his move before Jamie can do anything about it, and his knee impacts Love's face like a gunshot! THE DEAD SLEEP!!

The Shining Wizard puts him down, and as Jamie's clutch on Dio goes limp, Mayhem spins out and drags him away, fighting physics and his own battered form to lock in the crossface, turning the tables on the submission artist who's now under the same threat, his title slipping away! Reid peels away from Flip, who starts to pull himself upright, wheeling around to land a sharp kick to the back of Mayhem's head!

Love is relinquished, but the larger man isn't quite out, clutching at his ringing skull as he stumbles to his feet, turning to block the follow-up strike with a raised forearm, then striking with a fierce teep that sends Reid sprawling against the barbed ropes! He struggles to escape, his arm entangled, only to get pulled abruptly off by a recovered Malice, who yanks him unceremoniously into a German suplex--

--where he's met on the way down by Mayhem, who DIVES beneath the hurtling Bastard, both knees slamming against his spine!

Gomez: YES! TOTAL ANNIHILIATION!

Woo: This looks bad for the champions, but can Damage Inc. put them away for a second time and finally seize those titles?

Gomez: Of course they can!

Reid has barely bounced off the canvas when Malice slams down upon him, hooking the leg for the pin. Flip and Dio are up in opposite corners, staring at one another and then at this unfolding situation. Dio pounces on Jamie Love as Flip charges at Mayhem, who's playing sentry. Flip ducks under a roundhouse kick, and springs into a silky-smooth flying headscissor that sends Mayhem tumbling!

ONE
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TWO
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NO!!!

With a desperate yell, Flip jerks the gigantic Malice up in a deadlift that sends a thunderous eruption of noise through the stadium, just as Dio slams an exhausted Jamie Love back into the corner and wheels around, ready to dropkick the behemoth out of his partner's straining clutches. Malice goes down, and both members of King Dong turn toward Mayhem, who darts a furtive glance between them. Flip starts forward, baits the intimidating warrior in, and then spins away, rolling to the outside of the ring as Dio pounces, hitting a smart scissor-leg takedown that introduces Malice face-first to a charred board tangled with wire. From there, he crosses one leg over the other and pulls back on the ankle, locking in the BEHOLDEN! Mayhem looks to be in trouble, but is fighting furiously, clawing his way across the ring...

Xavier Reid is up, and moves toward this scene, only to get cut off by an unidentified flying object!

Woo: Is that... our toaster?

Gomez: OH, COME ON!

The heated metal zings off the tag champ's skull, and as he stumbles Flip slides back into the ring, going for a one-armed schoolboy on Reid!

ONE
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TWO
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KICKOUT!

Reid kicks out emphatically, just as Mayhem reaches out on the other side of the ring... and grabs onto the barbed wire rope! Blood bubbles between his fingers as he grips tightly, using the leverage to painfully turn himself over, extricating a single leg that he uses to kick Dio in the face and escape the painful hold! The Philosopher backs off, joining his partner in the middle of the ring. Mayhem pulls himself to the outside as Xavier does a half-circle, looking across at the ring at his partner, who's knelt in the opposing corner, grimly smirking. They communicate silently, then move to split up King Dong, who both stand armed; Flip with a wire-wrapped bat in his uninjured hand, and Dio working the toaster by its plug like a crippled nunchuk. Jamie lunges first, and almost eats the kitchen appliance, weaving to one side only to catch the upswing of Flip's bat, the barbs ripping a chunk out of his cheek! Love drops to a knee, clutching his gushing face, and Reid takes the opportunity to use him for a boost, stepping into, spinning and flipping over Dio to hit a modified sit-out piledriver!

Reid shoves his dazed foe away rather than go for the pin, as Flip steps in with a big swing for vengeance, the baseball bat barely whiffing as Xavier flies back, pinwheeling his arms for balance and - in seeming panic - going for a sharp kick right to the injured hand!

Losing his grip on the bat, Flip's pained expression is all the invitation Reid needs to step forward and seize a headlock, gesticulating to his bloody well-done steak of a partner, who scowls as he joins his partner in hooking up the International champ...

For a delayed vertical suplex into the undetonated corner! Flip's back impacts barbed wire, and also strikes the waiting explosive!

KA-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!

The ring has withstood multiple high-impact eruptions, but this time, as the sparks fly and gouts of smoke emit, it shudders and gives way, lurching to one side and pitching silhouetted bodies into an ungainly slide toward the outer edge. Barbed wire ropes hang limply, and the scene is one of utter devastation, frames of all sizes scattered across the off-kilter canvas...

Only one remains aloft, that of King Flip, who can be seen hanging limp over the jagged ropes as the smoke begins to clear.

Gomez: Is he dead?

Woo: You'd like that, wouldn't you? That man is a champion, Valentina!

Gomez: I think he's dead.

A couple of bodies stir, one from the floor, where the massive frame of Malice has landed. His chest is heaving, malicious eyes gleaming out across the crowd as he turns toward the other competitors and lets out a bellow. His cry is answered by another, higher-pitched but no less devout, as Jamie Love clambers to his feet second. There's no sign of Xavier Reid, or of Dio...

But Mayhem comes sliding off the edge of the collapsed ring a moment later, and Love is surrounded.

Woo: I think Jamie Love might be dead!

Both members of Damage Incorporated are grinning, as Malice firmly double-legs Jamie Love into the collapsed ring post, the final explosive lying there but refusing to detonate to a moment of confusion. Jamie beats against the brute's back, desperately trying to isolate a shoulder and arm as he's scooped up for a second time and then spun around, twisted into the piledriver position. There's a yell of outrage, and Xavier Reid springs over the fallen ring, half-running, half-sliding down only to be cut off by Mayhem, who's a house of fire! A standing Spanish fly on the protruding edge of the apron levels out Reid, and the big man bounces straight up and leaps onto the nearby corner post, which is jutting out like the prow of a ship. He balances carefully, turns toward his partner...

And hammers the nail, leaping to hit a perfect slamdunk on Jamie Love, assisting his partner in spiking the Love Child's skull into the unyielding surface outside the ring! Malice unleashes another bellow, that becomes a laugh as he makes the cover.

ONE
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TWO
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.
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TH-REE!!!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: Your winner, via pinfall, and the NEW EWC Tag Team Champions of the World ... DAMAGE INCORPORATED!

Mayhem is already on his feet, both arms raised in satisfaction as he watches his partner's back, but as the crowd surges in response to the final call and their music hits, Damage Inc. stand together like the titans they are. Xavier Reid is barely moving, Jamie Love is a broken man, and Flip is still dangling like a butcher bird's victim on the barbed wire two dozen feet away. There's an awkward moment where Dio stumbles around the edge of the ring, still smoldering slightly from the last explosion and now also covered in a tangled, bloody mess of broken rose stems and torn petals, but it's soon swept away as Lacey Savage sets upon her boys, tying the straps to their waists and leading them on a victory lap of the shattered ring. They're scratched, bruised, and burned, but Damage Inc. reign supreme.

Woo: I hate to say it, but King Dong called this one; if Malice and Mayhem could isolate Jamie Love, they win every time. They took those words to heart, they brought destruction, and they put the nail in the coffin for the Bastards. Lacey Savage has never looked more smug.

Gomez: That's my girl! Those are my boys! The Bastards brought all they had, Woo, but it just wasn't quite enough. Dio and King Flop showed they can work as a team, but in the end it's all about size and experience.

Damage Inc. reach the head of the ramp, posing one last time with their titles, and an air of utter superiority, along with a cheeky blown kiss from - indeed - a VERY smug-looking Lacey Savage, but as they turn to leave they're met by another figure striding from the back. Dimitri Graves is dressed as snappily as always, his manner the equal to Lacey's as he pauses, and looks Damage Incorporated up and down.

With a damning smile and a single shake of his head, he brushes past - watched with a scowl by Lacey Savage - and heads down the ramp to the carnage at ringside, where Jamie Love is somehow, someway, clambering back to his feet in spite of everything. His Love Club shirt is hanging in tatters, as burned and bloodied as he is, and it's with a warmer, yet still reptilian smile, that Graves produces from inside his blazer another, neatly-folded shirt. He shakes it out and holds it up. Emblazed on the front: 'THE HOUSE'.

Jamie glares at Graves, glares at Xavier Reid, who scowls back, and then rips off the tattered remnants of his garment, throwing the pieces of it to the ground before pulling on the peace offering. Graves nods approvingly, and turns on his heel, heading back up the ramp. Jamie hesitates, looking back one last time at Xavier, and then making brief eye contact with Dio, who raises an eyebrow. Love hawks and spits a mouthful of blood and phlegm on the ground between them, before moving to follow Dimitri Graves into the back.

He passes the paramedics, rushing to tend to the remaining competitors...

Woo: I think it's safe to say, we have just witnessed the end of an era. Not only have they lost the titles they fought so hard for, but the Bastards are no longer a unit. They've been hunted to extinction, and Jamie Love appears to have joined The House.

Gomez: You think so? Maybe he just needed a new shirt and Dimitri Graves is a good-hearted man, Woo, you think about that?

Woo: Sure, Jan. Let's also not forget that in spite of everything, in spite of all this, Xavier Reid and King Flip have only a day to recover before they're due to rip each other apart over that International Championship...

Gomez: ¡Ah, Dios mío! He really might die!

Woo: Could you try to sound a little less happy about that?!

The camera feed fades out  

[EWC]

Though Day 1 of WrestleFest XX is already in full swing, the feed shifts to a much quieter place, though it also features a number of smaller groups, some of whom roam through the area, while others dig carefully into the ground in marked sites. The camera does a slow upward tilt to a walkway above, where longtime EWC stalwart Ace King leans over the railing in silent contemplation as he sports a traditional safari outfit.

Ace King: WrestleFest… It’s easy to only see it as being the end, and yet we find ourselves in a place that’s seen more beginnings than perhaps anywhere else on Earth, for this…

He gestures down to some of the ongoing digs below.

Ace King: …is the Cradle of Humankind. People flock here to marvel at the wonders of evolution, often left in disbelief at how so many of our ancestral journeys could have started here millions of years ago. And yet…

Ace closes his eyes briefly, trying not to become too affected by what’s happening around him.

Ace King: And yet, I’d be foolish to not see how modern eyes view me. Right around this time last year, I was the one to be held up against, and now? I’m staring down the barrel at two people who very much see me as a relic of the past, just waiting to pick my bones apart in the middle of the ring tonight and leave me to rot before the people of Johannesburg.

There’s an air of defiance to Ace’s words as he stands up a little straighter, pulling down on his shirt to smooth it out before purposefully striding forward.

Ace King: Of course, those same bones help fertilize the ground, which in turn helps flowers to take root before they eventually find their bloom. It took a while for our esteemed double champion to emerge from the darkness, but once she did? The growth trajectory has been something to behold, it really has. How did she do it, you ask? Largely by taking a page out of the book of so many other great champions in keeping her feet firmly planted in the soil, allowing herself to grow into what she’s become.

‘The Gambler’ nods along respectfully, though his expression has planted the seeds for a change in tone as he approaches a winding stairwell.

Ace King: Alas, this particular Lavender got a bit too comfortable and decided to branch out, thereby becoming a weed, putting herself in places she wasn’t wanted… Or in her case, making proclamations she can’t begin to understand. What happens when weeds become problematic? They get exterminated. Who knew six weeks as the Undisputed Champion is all it takes to become an insufferable shell of herself? At any rate, the circle of life continues, and with all the artillery we’ll have to inflict damage upon each other, her own arrogance is the one most likely to backfire. One way or another, the death bloom for her reign as the United States Champion will come tonight… I hope she doesn’t leave Night 1 of WrestleFest as a disappointment.

There’s an almost syrupy anger to his final word as he makes his way down the steps toward one of the dig sites.

Ace King: With that all being said, she at least has one saving grace the other party to this match can’t lay claim to: A backbone. I sure don’t have to be here to make that point, because Mr. Egan’s decided to take that task upon himself. That’s why he had to wear the hoodie when he attacked me from the crowd in New York, right? To make it that much more surprising to the average person as they find out he’s never had a spine to begin with?

Ace can’t help but roll his eyes as he reaches the ground and steps toward a busy dig site, a curious expression on his face.

Ace King: This is another guy who, despite still not being old enough to buy a beer in America, thinks it wise to view me as a fossil. He may have broken his wrist not too long ago, but his season’s been more characteristically defined by broken promises. He may have knocked me out of the BORT, but did he win it instead? Nope. He may have eliminated me from the Rumble, but did he go on to win it? Nope. Thanks to either of those losses, could he have fulfilled a prior guarantee of going to YoungBlood as the Undisputed Champion? Nope… but at least the prick actually competed this year, I guess, after having it beaten into his skull that he wasn’t good enough to be picking and choosing one year ago.

With one final look at the dig site, Ace turns away and steps toward the Zulu fighting stick from his previous promo, which sits in the corner of the shelter.

Ace King: Of course, he’s had ways of picking and choosing his spots so he wouldn’t have to look me in the eyes at any point, but now? There’s nowhere for him to run, and the sad thing is he’s asked for all of this. If everybody’s got a plan until they get punched in the mouth, I’d love to see what comes up with after being bludgeoned to within an inch of his fucking existence with whatever weapon I can get my hands on. I’d love to be part of the civilization to discover that set of ruins one day, though it’s a shame they won’t be able to identify the skull.

Ace reaches out and grabs the fighting stick, holding it tightly as he raises it aloft.

Ace King: It’s often said that Father Time is undefeated, but tonight? Lavender and Moxie will leave defeated, and just over three years after I lost it at this very event, I will hold back the hands of time and leave WrestleFest as the United States Champion once again. Bet On It.

With a defiant smirk on his face, Ace jabs the end of the fighting stick deep into the ground, knowing that nothing more needs to be said.

[EWC]

Gomez: Reid and Tommy Love might be upset with what happen down there inside of that ring but Jamie Love still had a great season. Even though he didn’t get the HBO Broacast Championship and lost his shot for that title against his brother Jason Hunter... he still became a champion and he shouldn’t hang his head down at all... but he also struck gold tonight when this happened earlier in the parking Lot.

Woo: Which I can't believe actually did happen...

In the Parking Lot a long black limo arrives the door swings open and it was Sara grinning ear to ear while she toss her long braids to the side holding the tag team title. Soon you saw the next person coming out of the limo was no other then Jamie Love. Sara place the title over his right shoulder while the two place a soft kiss but Jamie could feel eyes on them. They both look to see who was in front of them and it was Diana, Chris and Sloth. Jason’s Hunter friends glaring over at them.

Jamie smirks a bit looking over at them as he slam the car shut. He stood there glaring right back at them. Sara was getting ready as she notice Diana walking over to slowly. They both just stare at each other glaring each other then when Diana show a smile. Sara couldn’t believe as the two best friends hug each other. Diana stood right next to her while Chris and Sloth slowly with a bit of regret walking over to Jamie glaring at him. Jamie just grins at them waiting to see what will happen as they stood next to him on his left side.

Jun now comes into the picture offering his hand out to Jamie with a bit of low groan in his voice as you could tell he regretting this.

Jun Yao: We here to help you with anything Boss.

Jamie shook his hand with a bit of a grin while Sara and Diana start to catch up while Jun was walking ahead with his shades on his face not looking happy with both Chris and Sloth running their hand into hair while they closed the door to the arena going inside of the arena with him.

Back at ringside Woo and Gomez look very shocked at what they just saw, unsure how to react. They both look at each other still a bit stunned and look back into the camera.

Gomez: Jamie Love is the new Boss of the Club, it looks like!

Gomez and Woo again look at each other in shocked as they look down at their notes.

Woo: Does this mean Jamie Love have full control of everything of Jason’s? How the hell didthis happen...

Gomez: This just give us more questions which we are hoping next season or maybe the next three days we can get an answer to.

[EWC]

We return to ringside where we see our announce team.

Woo: WrestleFest is blowing up on social media, let's have a look at some of them.

[EWC]

---

---

SINGLES MATCH

Captain Morgan Darkwater

VS JoJo Rush

---

---

We return to ringside where we see the announce team.

Woo: Up next we have Captain Darkwater versus Jojo Rush. Does Darkwater take JoJo's offer and take a dive to fight another day?

Gomez: If you ask me, Woo. I think JoJo is playing mind games for an advantage.

Dobrev: The following match is a standard singles match, Joining us first, residing in Seattle, Washington and weighing in at 255 pounds ... JOJO RUSH!

JoJo approaches the stage and points a finger gun toward the ring. When JoJo "fires" the finger gun pyro explodes behind him around the X-Tron. JoJo approaches the ring keeping his attention focused on the task at hand, ignoring jeers and boos. Once in the ring, JoJo stares directly at the hard cam and points another finger gun, and fires it once more.

Dobrev: And the opponent, hailin' From the Grand Line and weighing in at 397 pounds ... CAPTAIN MORGAN DARKWATER!

Spotlights whip across the crowds, coming to rest on handfuls of Morgan's crew - each pirate dressed for trouble - as they make their way through the fans towards the ring, tankards in hands, yelling and drinking in time with the lyrics "One More Drink!", enjoying their grog with exuberant fans (who don't seem to mind getting splashed with the questionable alcohol), before finally climbing over the barriers to surround the ring, whipping the fans into a frenzy before the lights finally cut to the mainstage...

The spotlight rises on Morgan, sat on an elaborate throne, the back above his head an ornate skull-n-crossbones. He's sat there, stoic and calm, hands resting on the pommel of his cutlass "Black Betsy" as it rests, point first, on the toe of his thick black boots. As the cheers from both his crew and fans rise, he raises the cutlass along with it, holding it high above his head as fire erupts from the eye-sockets of the skull, and continue to burn fiercely as he slowly stands, sheathes his sword, cracks his knuckles and neck, smirks with a devilish glint in his eye... and pounds his open palm to the erruption of pyros!

The Brawlin' Buccaneer marches down the ramp, high and low fiving fans along the way, and snatches two tankards from the outstretched hands of his crew, raising them high for all to see, and pours them both into his open mouth at once, frothy brown liquid absolutely drenching the hulking man as his crew finish their drinks as well. Tossing the tankards into the crowds, Morgan jostles and roughhouses with his men, practically fighting his way through them as he climbs into the ring, truly pumped up and ready to fight like never before. Disrobing his coat and detaching his sword from his belt, he hands them to a crewman before gesturing for them all to leave, and they scurry back up the ramp, taking his throne with them, leaving the Captain alone in the ring, a devilish grin on his roguish features as he waits for the starting bell.

DING DING DING

JoJo and Morgan Darkwater start the match with a stand off. Both men approach each other in the middle of the ring, dead silent. JoJo now barks at Morgan, demanding that he lay down and take the defeat. Morgan appears to be contemplating the offer. JoJo points down to the mat, which sparks Morgan to look out to the crowd, asking for their input on the matter. The crowd responds in kind with a wave of boos. JoJo's attention is undivided, focusing entirely on staring Morgan down.

Woo: This feud has been building for months now, and this match is going to be an absolute war. 

Gomez: I agree there, these two BRAWLstars are going to tear it down. 

Morgan lets out a dejected sigh and lowers himself down to the mat, he lays out flat on his back and waits for JoJo to make the pin. The boos only growing louder with each passing moment. The boos are deafening but it elicits no response from JoJo, he looks out to the crowd and plants a boot on Morgan's chest. The ref makes the pin

One
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.
.
Two
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.
.
Thr-- No!

Morgan reaches up and snatches JoJo into a schoolboy pin! The air is sucked out of the arena as the crowd watches the pinfall!

One

.

.

.

Two

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.

.

Thr-- No!

JoJo kicks out of the pin and both me quickly stand back up. Morgan snickers right in JoJo's face who returned the mocking laughter with daggers. JoJo shakes his head disapprovingly at the pirate before charging straight at Morgan! The two connect and lock up, throwing a flurry of blows for what seems like an eternity. Eventually, Morgan wins the exchange by wrenching JoJo into a headlock. Morgan then launches JoJo off the ropes, JoJo then fires off the ropes and attempts to hit a shoulder press, Morgan ducks under and waits for JoJo to bounce back at him. JoJo instead catches himself and delivers a stiff right hand to Morgan's chin, causing him to recoil back a single step before glaring JoJo down. Darkwater steps back and smacks himself on the jaw, showing the world that he came here for a fight.

Woo: Darkwater is pumping himself up by punching himself in the jaw, hard enough to knock out most men. 

Gomez: But the Good Captain, he ain't most men!

The two reach for each other and grapple for position. Morgan wins control by twisting JoJo's arm up and goes for the corner to walk the plank. JoJo counters by kicking his own feet out and falling to his back. Which while causing damage to JoJo's shoulder, it causes the pirate to lose his footing and falling with his legs between the ropes. The crowd groans in audible pain with Morgan himself in immense pain. Morgan slowly lowers himself from the ropes to standing on the apron. Meanwhile, JoJo bounces off the ropes to pick up enough speed to launch himself at the corner closest to Morgan. JoJo launches off the corner and over the ropes and manages to catch Morgan's head in a bulldog directly into the apron with JoJo falling hard to the concreate! The crowd explodes at the reckless display!

Woo: That's going to leave a mark!

Gomez: Maybe even a concussion!

Morgan falls to the floor with both men laid out in pain. JoJo is the first to rise up to his feet and attempts to drag Morgan back to his feet. The ref stays in the ring and begins the ten count. At the count of three, JoJo gets Darkwater up to his feet and charges the pirate into the apron to soften Morgan up for a stiff throw into the barricades. JoJo wastes little time in pursuing after Morgan and uses Morgan's hair to bring Darkwater back to his feet so the Pirate can be rolled back into the ring. The count reaches 7 before JoJo rolls Morgan into the ring. JoJo climbs to the apron and tugs at his elbow pad, indicating he is going for Eli's Uppercut (springboard European Uppercut)! Morgan stirs to his feet, which prompts JoJo springboard into the ring. JoJo goes for the attack but Morgan surprises JoJo with his quickness and wraps a hand around JoJo's neck. In a massive display of strength, Morgan flawlessly executes a Hangman's noose by hoisting JoJo up and over the ropes and into the ring! Morgan goes for another pin.

One

.

.

.

Two

.

.

.

Thr-- No! JoJo puts a foot onto the rope!

JoJo groans and stumbles back up to his feet with assistance by the ropes. Morgan is there waiting for him and attempts to hoist JoJo up in a Keelhaul Slam (Wrist-Clutch Burning Hammer) but JoJo slips out midway through the attack and lands behind Morgan. JoJo then wraps his hands around Morgan’s waist and throws him up and over with a German Suplex! JoJo holds on, rolls through and hoists Morgan up for another suplex! The crowd cannot help but awe at the display of strength! JoJo struggles to get Morgan back up for the third and final German, but manages to launch Morgan with the last suplex. Morgan splays out on the mat but JoJo does not go for the pin, he lays on his back instead to catch his breath. The ref begins a double down ten count.

Woo: This match could end right here, right now. 

Gomez: Both men have given their all, no shame in that!

JoJo gets to his feet and drags Morgan by the leg to the middle of the ring. By the time Morgan comes to, he finds JoJo on top of him in The Hog Tie!(STF) Morgan groans loudly in pain, the hold on Morgan’s right knee is locked in tight. So instead, Morgan props himself onto his elbows and drags himself. The pain is overwhelming, but Morgan continues crawling and reaches out for the rope. He makes one last push and gets the rope! The ref counts to “four” before JoJo releases The Hogtie. The crowd cheers loudly for Morgan while JoJo sits against the ropes. Clearly frustrated that Morgan escaped the submission.

Woo: JoJo thought he had it, I did too!

Gomez: You have to wonder how much each man has left in the tank. 

While Morgan recovers on the ground, he hooks his arm around the bottom rope. JoJo slaps the back of Morgan’s head, the Blackhat shouting “useless!” Fans boo loudly from the shameful unsportsman like conduct from the previous baby face. The ref counts to four before eventually pulling JoJo off to warn the Blackhat about the rules. Morgan catches a second wind and shoots straight back up to his feet and slams his forehead against JoJo’s, the two stand off like rams while the crowd erupts in cheers. Morgan swings first by landing a solid chop across JoJo’s chest. JoJo fires back with a chop of his own, th crowd wooing and aweing as the two exchange chops. The chops get louder with each following chop. Morgan chops JoJo hard enough to break skin causing JoJo to bleed. JoJo cocks back and adds as much mustard as he could on the chop. Morgan’s chest starts bleeding as well from the chops!

Woo: Those chops have busted open Morgan's chest, gives me flashbacks to Grizzly Duggan Vs Jamie Love. 

Gomez: Both these men are fighting like a full grown Grizzly bear right now!

Morgan steps back to add that bit of extra oomph into the chop but JoJo nails the exposed left knee with a basement dropkick! Morgan buckles and goes to a knee. JoJo points a finger gun and fires it at Darkwater before bouncing against the ropes to throw a Bull Rush Lariat (Left-armed lariat). Morgan counters the move by stepping in and throwing JoJo onto Morgan’s shoulders. Morgan locks in Th' Rack(Torture Rack). The crowd cheers wildly as JoJo struggles to break free from the hold. Unfortunately for Morgan, his knee gives out and buckles, JoJo pounces on the opening by slipping out of the hold and targeting the knee directly with a stomp. Morgan buckles in pain which leaves an opening for JoJo to plant a boot right into Morgan’s ribs! The swash-buckler falls to his hands and knees. JoJo goes for the Curb Stomp but Morgan is too strong and uses his hands to keep his head from being slammed into the mat. The Brawling Buccaneer grits his teeth, then sweeps JoJo off his feet and onto his back. Morgan sweeps JoJo off his feet and goes for a pin.

One….



Tw– Kickout!

Woo: Giant kickout!

Gomez: That's huge!

JoJo sizes up Morgan for a finish. JoJo drags Morgan up to his feet and then goes for Morgan’s finisher, the Anchor Drop (Bastard Driver). JoJo manages to almost get Morgan in position, but Morgan kicks and struggles his way back to a standing base, but in the chaos, a stray boot by Morgan hits the referee right in the temple, knocking the ref out cold! Morgan can't see it and nails the Anchor Drop on JoJo! The pin is locked in with the crowd counting well past three, but there is no referee to make the count. Morgan looks around in desperation to see that the ref is out cold. Morgan releases the pin and checks on the referee. The X-Tron cuts from the match and to a live feed of Jack Severn! At the entrance ramp is The House’s very own, Tori Taylor with the bodyguard holding a leather jacket branded with The House’s logo. Morgan watches the X-Tron while keeping his other eye on Tori as she approaches the ring.

Severn: HELLLLOOOOO MR. DARKWATER!!! How are ya, you filthy scoundrel? Sorry I can't be here in person to give it, I'm busy training to save my career, but I have a GIFT for you! Think of it as a 'thank you' for your help last season. You don't remember, do you? When you wanted little ol' me to be in your little Reavers club? You said you had my back when I fought Bosa. And of course you show up after the match, after I already lost, and then you send two of your henchmen without actually helping me yourself... AND THEN CALL THEM OFF AS SOON AS THEY GET HIT!? WHAT KIND OF HELP WAS THAT!? And to my recollection, you stopped talking to me when I started losing.... AFTER YOU LEFT ME TO GET MY ASS KICKED! Now, since this is the season of giving, I've taken it upon myself to construct a naughty or nice list of sorts, and well, that wasn't very nice at all, Morgan. But look, I'm forgiving! Which is why I have this gift for you...

Tori climbs onto the apron and extends the jacket out to Morgan. Morgan, takes hold of the jacket and is shocked to see that the name “RUSH” is written on the jacket. Before Morgan can react, JoJo takes his belt buckle and bludgeons the back of Morgan's weakened knee!

Severn: The gift of knowing how an empty promise feels. You see, I've got a little club of my own now, and you're simply not good enough to join. But I know who is... Merry Christmas, Morgan!"

Once Tori clears the apron, JoJo shoots of the ropes to gather enough speed to crush the kneeling Darkwater with a Bull Rush Lariat! The hit spiked both men, but especially Darkwater into the canvas with a disgusting thud. Both men are laid out on the mat with the ref finally coming too. JoJo musters the energy to crawl towards Morgan and flips the Pirate Captain onto his back. Exhausted, JoJo collapses in a heap. The ref begins a double count-out!

ONE
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
THREE
.
.
.
FOUR
.
.
.
FIVE
.
.
.
SIX
.
.
.
SEVEN
.
.
.
EIGHT
.
.
.
JoJo is stirring
NINE
.
Darkwater tries to stand but falls
JoJo is, HE FALLS TOO!
TEN!!!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, via double countdown referee TKO... A NO CONTEST!

Both men and the referee lay out on the mat until Tori steps in to help JoJo back to his feet. JoJo takes hold of the Jacket and looks it over, clearly contemplating the offer. JoJo stands over Morgan Darkwater and puts on the jacket, indicating fully that his allegiance is with The House

Woo: These two absolutely went. To. War, but this feud will continue into 2023!!!

Gomez: One of Monday Night BRAWLS Marquee feuds just got even more interesting with the addition of The House in the fold now. .

Woo: I couldn't agree more, I think we'll be talking about this match for a long while and the implications that come from it. 

Gomez: Don't go anywhere folks, more WrestleFest action coming your way!

We fade out...

[EWC]

The camera cuts backstage where one half of the former EWC Tag Team Champions Xavier Reid is getting looked over by the WrestleFest EMT’s after his brutal tag team championship match earlier this afternoon. The medic has him follow the light as he shines it to the left and then to the right. There is a small knock on the door and then it slightly opens and Bunny Love peaks her head in. Seeing the bruised and battered Xavier Reid she enters the room to check on him

Bunny Love: I just wanted to make sure you are ok after that match…I’m sorry…I know how much those championships meant to you…

Xavier just looks at her, showing now emotion on his face as she walks close to him

Bunny Love: You worked so damn hard to win those belts off of us, I know you wanted a lengthy run as the tag team champions…I’ve been in your shoes and I know how much this sucks for you and then for my brother…

Bunny pauses as Xavier pushed the EMT away from him

Xavier Reid: I’m going to fucking kill him…

Bunny Love: Xavier…

Xavier Reid: Don’t Xavier me…he’s a dead man…he walked out on me Bunny, walked on on The Bastards, just walked away after HE WAS PINNED…after he lost that match and while who, Dimitri Graves…that fucking piece of shit…

There is another knock at the door and the pair look up to see the face of Tommy Love. His face has no real emotion as he peeks his head into the room and looks at Xavier…

Xavier Reid: Were you in on this?

Tommy steps into the room and shakes his head

Tommy Love: Are you seriously asking me that Xavier?

Xavier goes to stand up by Bunny pushes down on his shoulders forcing him back down on the bed

Bunny Love: We are seriously asking you that Tommy…

Tommy Love: That’s DAD to you sweetheart…

He smirks but Bunny isn’t having it

Bunny Love: Don’t get cute with us or I’ll stand aside and let Xavier slam you against the wall and beat it out of you…

Tommy looks from Bunny to Xavier and than back at Bunny

Tommy Love: Why would I turn on Xavier?

Bunny Love: Why would you turn on Bobby and Jimmy…or Chico and Eddie…they were your friends and you left The Rat Pack to join up with the Austin City Angels…

Tommy Love: That was 30 years ago…

Bunny Love: Yeah, well history has a way of repeating itself in our business…so what, is The Love Club out and The House in?

Tommy Love: Listen here little girl, I AM THE LOVE CLUB, I’m the one that started all this for you and Buddy…I’m the one that brought all this talent into The Love Club, Xavier, Samantha Hamilton, The Southern Express, Killjoy…Jamie…

Xavier Reid: I BROUGHT THAT LITTLE SHIT STAIN IN…NOT YOU…it was me that handed him that Love Club t-shirt when you wanted nothing to do with him, when you were doubting if he was even really yours and gave him a place with us…I made him a member of The Love Club with that shirt…the same shirt he just tossed aside out there tonight like it meant NOTHING to him…I’m the one that took him under MY WING…that went to him to tag up when Samantha had to step back to have the twins…I MADE HIM A GOD-DAMN CHAMPION AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET…

Tommy looks a bit uncomfortable

Tommy Love: Well, if it makes you feel any better I owe Eddie Ace $1k, I had YOU turning on Jamie…never thought the kid had it in him…

Tommy smiles but quickly drops it from his face when he sees Xavier isn’t in a joking mood

Tommy Love: Listen, I’ll talk to him…

Xavier quickly stands up, before Bunny can push him back down and Tommy takes a few steps back as he looks at Xavier

Xavier Reid: NO…there is nothing Jamie can say that’s going to undo this…he wants to team with Jack Severn, he wants to be a part of The House…he can go…FUCK HIM…he’s not with us than he’s against us and I’m going to hunt that little shit down next season and make him BLEED for this, I’m going to teach him a lesson…if you turn on me then you better put me out of the business because if you don’t…I’LL PUT YOU OUT OF THE BUSINESS…

Tommy holds up his hands towards Xavier

Tommy Love: Xavier, please…he’s my son, I can fix this…

Xavier Reid: This can’t be fixed Tommy…not with words…

Bunny Love: He fucked us, fucked Xavier…after all he’s done for him and for what, Jack Severn, seriously…The House are a joke, a Indy Stable…he left a mansion to go live in a trailer park…he turned his back on a Grand Slam Champion for what, a guy that choked on a dick every time he challenges for a championship…he turned his back on YOU for who, Dimitri Graves…

Tommy looks down at his feet and then back to his daughter

Tommy Love: Honey, Jamie didn’t drop me or your mother…we are still his managers…

Xavier and Bunny glare at Tommy Love

Xavier Reid: Excuse me…

Bunny Love: What…

Tommy Love: He didn’t fire us…he just ended his partnership with Xavier, we are still his managers…

Bunny Love: So what, we are now The House of Love, The Love House…

Tommy shakes his head

Tommy Love: There hasn’t been any talk about a merger…there is The House and there is The Love Club, I’m still Xavier’s manager, I’m still Samantha’s manager…the manager of The Xtreme Ravagers…AND I’m still the manager of my son Jamie Love, who just so happens to be in The House now I guess…it all just happened and we will figure it all out I promise you both…

But Tommy stops talking as Xavier drops the bag of ice and walks up to Tommy smiling at his manager

Xavier Reid: You go to him Tommy, have a nice holiday with you son and you two figure it all out but know this…next season, I’m coming back to bring the entire House down…and if you happen to be in The House when I do well…you’ll be collateral Damage…Jamie Love is a dead man walking…you go to him and you tell him that…I’m coming for him and when I get my hands on him…you will have one less child to worry about…

Xavier smacks Tommy on the side of the cheek twice as he exits the medical tent. Tommy looks at Bunny who just shrugs

Bunny Love: Your bastard fucked with the OG Bastard…guess my portion of the family estate is about to go up…I wish the three of you luck but a little advice, I wouldn’t be around when Xavier finds Jamie…

Bunny smiles at her father and runs off after Xavier as the camera fades out

[EWC]

It’s still a warm day in Johannesburg, South Africa as Alyson Cross is seen wearing an Eva Under Fire T-shirt, cut off shorts and her hair in a ponytail. Her best friend Natasha Bankcroft is holding a large teddy bear while trying to keep up with Alyson.

Natasha Bankcroft: Where are we going now Aly?

Alyson Cross: I don’t know Nat. This is my first time at WrestleFest.

Natasha’s arms are starting to feel heavy as Alyson stops mid stride when a couple of young fans stop while holding autograph books. Alyson takes time out to talk them while signing their autograph books and taking pictures with them. Natasha smiles at the young fans while looking at her friend.

Natasha Bankcroft: I am surprised you’re not showing off the Dog Pound Wrestling Women’s championship. 

Alyson Cross: I would have but I felt since this is an EWC premium event that I shouldn’t promote another promotion besides I’m having a blast talking about my experience thus far in EWC. 

Natasha Bankcroft: So when does the Eva Under Fire concert start?

Alyson raises an eyebrow at Natasha before shaking her head.

Alyson Cross: They aren’t scheduled to perform any time this weekend. However, I am very excited to see Ice Nine Kills on Saturday but later tonight I have a radio interview with the local sports radio station here in Johannesburg. 

Natasha Bankcroft: So what are we doing now?

Alyson Cross: I’m think we play a round of laser tag before meeting up with Ashlynn and Jasper.

Natasha nods her head as the two ladies continue to walk around the festival as the camera cuts away.

[EWC]

Narumi Tsutsumi and Jaydayne Pendragon are found backstage. Jaydayne is seated calmly with his eyes closed, almost as if trying to meditate, but clearly not being able to as Narumi energetically hovers around him pointing to the camera.

Jaydayne: I am still not aware why it is you brought me all the way here.

Narumi: Well, I have a time slot today for this big Wrestlefest night! …And I kinda just realized I sort of said most of what I had left on my mind during the Prime finale and my Wrestlefest promo, so why not use this time to promote my little cousin? Neither a former EWC champion nor the insane could stop him. My cousin has never known defeat in the EWC!

Jaydayne: …….I only had two matches here. I’m not even sure I’ll be employed with the EWC next year. My main mission was to find out what was going on with your little siblings in Mexico, but I couldn’t find them. Still, you should be more concerned about what kind of vile things they’re up to.

Narumi shakes her head, and then puts her hand beneath her chin to pose being in deep thought as a jest.

Narumi: You hear that folks, my cousin is slipping back to his unemployed ways! I need your help with a new agenda! Campaign get Jaydayne a job 2023! Call your Brawl, Rampage, and Paramount representatives and tell them to sign the dragon!

Before Jaydayne can respond, Narumi actively steps closer to the camera.

Narumi: Do you know dragons are considered kami in Japan? Some are audacious enough to consider kami cooler and on a higher tier than yokai, due to their stuffy holy status! Naturally, I disagree with anything being superior to the yokai, but isn’t it exciting to have such a dragon around the EWC?

Jaydayne: You know I don’t share the family obsession with creatures of myth, don’t give the EWC people the wrong impression. It’s just a last name my pa saddled me with. And refrain from promoting the idea I’m some sort of vagabond, you are aware I run a dojo and spend my time with purpose.

Narumi laughs and continues anyways.

Narumi: Yes, he is a dragon, with the blood of the Tsutsumi running through his veins! And my family is only getting started! During the EWC break, I have a feeling you’ll all be able to get your hands on more subbed content of our family docu miniseries that was released over the summer, Yōkai Todokeru!

Before Pendragon can voice the fact she made this series while he was detained without his approval Narumi waves goodbye at the camera as Wrestlefest continues.

[EWC]

---

---

SINGLES MATCH

NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENTION ON THE LINE

SONYA

VS Salvation

---

---

We return to ringside where commentary is standing by!

Woo: Up  next we have a match with some major implications for next season, as Salvation takes on SONYA to get into contendership for the North American Championship!

Gomez: Did you just yell out her name?

Woo: What?

Gomez: Never mind. Definitely agree with you Marcus, this one could be a barnburner!

Dobrev: The following match, set for one fall, is a contenders match for the North American Championship. Joining us first, from the Mystic River and weighing in at 285 pounds, he is ... SALVATION!

"Falling Away from Me" by Korn erupts throughout the speakers as Salvation walks onto the stage. Salvation smiles wide, waving to the crowd as he makes his way out. Stopping halfway onto the stage, and turning, pointing with his Walking stick to Sienna Wolf making her way onto the stage. Salvation turns back to the fans throwing "Spock Signs" to the crowd with one hand, raising his walking stick with the other, then starts to jog down the aisle, high-fiving fans. Sienna follows down the ramp, also exchanging high fives and fist bumps along the barricade then stops at the ring. Salvation makes a loop around the ring, exchanging fist bumps and high-fives before sliding under the ropes and into the ring. He bounces off the ropes and few times before heading to his corner, handing over his walking stick to Sienna Wolf, then starts stretching.

Dobrev: And the opponent, residing in Honolulu, Hawaii and weighing in at 150 pounds, The Beautiful Battleship ... SONYA!

As the first few notes of "Rusalka" play over the loudspeakers, Sonya stands just a few feet away from the entrance way, the cameras picking up her peaceful expression and smile. The song kicks into high gear and she makes her way to the ring with determined eyes and calm demeanor, stepping into the ring and performing her signature pose in the corner.

DING DING DING

Sonya runs at Salvation for a running big boot but Salvation sidesteps her and grabs Sonya around the waist and lifts her into the air before bringing her to the mat with a sideslam. Salvation chops Sonya hard across the chest and grabs her in a side headlock. Salvation wrenches on the hold but Sonya is able to back against the ropes. Sonya pushes Salvation off the ropes but Salvation knocks Sonya down with a shoulder block. Salvation runs again at Sonya but Sonya grabs Salvation with an inverted atomic drop. As Salvation clutches the affected area, Sonya climbs to the top turnbuckle and throws herself at Salvation with a dropkick that knocks him to the mat. Sonya runs at Salvation for a clothesline but Salvation ducks. Sonya cracks Salvation with a knife edge chop to the chest before charging at him. Salvation grabs the back of Sonya’s head and launches her over the top rope.

Woo: Good thing this isn’t The Rumble or Sonya would be out.

Gomez: She may well be out if this ends in a brawl on the outside of the ring.

Salvation steps through the ropes to follow Sonya to the outside. Salvation grabs Sonya and rams her into the barrier. Sonya staggers away Salvation turns to grab Sonya but she grabs Salvation and throws him into the ring steps with a crash. Sonya handstands on the steps before ramming her knees in to Salvation’s face. She picks him up off the ringside mat and rams his face into the ring apron. Sonya grabs Salvation but Salvation counters with a leg sweep into the barrier. Salvation pulls himself to his feet and rolls into the ring to break the count before rolling right back out. Salvation pulls Sonya to her feet but she Irish whips Salvation into the ring apron. Sonya runs at Salvation but he back drops her over the top rope. Sonya holds onto the rope and throws herself over it with a plancha crashing down on Salvation. Sonya grabs Salvation and rolls him into the ring. She rolls in after him and makes a cover.

ONE…


TWO…


THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Salvation gets a shoulder off the mat breaking the count.

Woo: Close but not close enough.

Gomez: Having to roll him back into the ring may be what saved this match for Salvation

As Salvation gets to his feet, Sonya runs at him cracking him with a knee lift. She grabs his ankles and jumps over them into a jacknife pin.

ONE…


TWO…


THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Salvation lifts himself off the mat and twists into a pulling piledriver. Sonya rolls to the mat and lays motionless. Salvation makes a cover.

ONE…


TWO…


THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Sonya raises a shoulder off the mat to break the count. She pulls herself to her feet but Salvation grabs her. Salvation takes her over with a snap suplex. Sonya staggers to her feet where Salvation lifts her for a bodyslam that he transitions into a Malpraictice that drives Sonya to the mat. Salvation hooks the leg.

ONE…


TWO…


THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Sonya raises an arm high off the mat. Salvation grabs at Sonya’s legs and tries to twist her into an Entanglement. Instead, Sonya counters rolling Salvation up in a small package. The referee counts.

ONE…


TWO…


THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Salvation manages to power out and get to his feet. Salvation walks into a Clean-Up Hitter. Salvation staggers and falls through the ropes to the outside.

Woo: Salvation is down and lying in a heap at my feet here at WrestleFest!

Gomez: Falling to ringside may have delayed a win but will Sonya settle for a count out? After all a win here, by any means, puts her in contention for the North American Title.

Rather than settle for the count out, Sonya heads outside the ring. Sonya lifts Salvation to her feet but he elbows her in the gut and lifts her into a white noise position. He runs at the corner and rams her, spine first, into the ring post. Sonya lays on the mat clutching her lower back as Salvation rolls in and out of the ring. He drags Sonya to her feet and Irish whips her to the corner post. Sonya reverses it sending Salvation into the post and spinning around. He rolls into the ring and gets to his feet. He looks dazed as he raises his fists waiting for Sonya to get into the ring. Sonya slips in to the ring behind Salvation. She grabs him around the waist and lifts him hitting an Everest German. The referee counts.

ONE…


TWO…


THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Salvation just manages to raise a shoulder up off the mat. Both pull themselves to their feet where Sonya walks into Hello Nurse. Salvation drops onto her to make a cover.

ONE…


TWO…


THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Sonya rolls to her side breaking the count.

Woo: How much does she want to get a shot at the championship? Most would be out cold and dreaming of the holidays after that!

Gomez: That’s the pull of championships in EWC. This roster are willing to put themselves through all kinds of hell just for a shot at a championship.

Both slowly get to their feet. Sonya grabs Salvation and whips him to the corner but Salvation reverses it sending Sonya into the corner. Salvation climbs the turnbuckles and starts with ten punches. Five punches in and Sonya staggers out of the corner holding Salvation. Before she can hit anything, Salvation slips off her shoulders. Sonya turns into a second Hello Nurse. She drops to the mat landing on her front. Salvation applies a Foxhole. The referee checks Sonya but she is unresponsive.

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, via submission SALVATION!

Salvation releases the hold and leaps to his feet. He holds his arms in the air in victory before climbing to the turnbuckles and making a championship motion around his waist. Sienna Wolf stands behind him applauding his victory before handing him back his walking stick.

Woo: A huge win for Salvation here. This now places him in the path of the North American Champion and I can’t wait. That should be a great match!

Gomez: Sonya gave it her all and I thought she was going to win it all. Maybe if she hit that powerbomb at the end, she would but not many can continue after two hard superkicks.

Camera cuts to more of the festivities around the area...

[EWC]

We open up outside at a food truck. KU is being handed a burrito and a glass bottle of Pepsi. He turns and smiles at the camera while raising the Pepsi for a toast.

KU: Damage Inc, I tip my hat to you. You both earned my respect over the course of your rivalry... you helped Toni and I put Tag Team wrestling back on the map for Monday Night BRAWL. Godspeed with this reign, go out there and beat Southern Express' reign, I dare you... but just know, should you step in the ring with me again, I won't hesitate to hurt you both and cause them little toys to be vacated.

KU gives a nod and then takes a big gulp from his Pepsi.

KU: JoJo and Morgan, hats off to you. You took the spotlight and really showcased the BRAWL roster. Great work boys.

KU takes a bite out of his burrito and washes it down with a sip of Pepsi.

KU: And since I know you're watching Jack. You keep adding people to your little stable, but it doesn't matter. After I beat you Monday, after I kick your teeth down your throat.. you'll be fired. Never seen again. It's a crying shame one of the last things you do in the EWC is let Jamie Love in your little group. You once showed so much promise and now you're just a shell.

KU spits on the ground, takes another bite of his burrito and walks past people begging for an autograph.

[EWC]

The cameras open up to a dark room, with a huge round table in the center. Across the center of the table are seven different bottles of hot sauce, and one by one various members of the EWC start to walk into the room to take a seat. From EWC superstar hopeful Sunny Skye, to EWC Hall of Famer Ruthann Hunter, and everyone in between, the table quickly fills with five different EWC members along with the host - Sean Evans. As everyone takes their seat, the host speaks up with a wicked grin.



Sean Evans: Welcome to the show with hot questions and even hotter wings - and we’re at the hottest event of the season - EWC’s Wrestlefest! A four day wrestling extravaganza, and here at my table I’ve got a lovely spread here… two ladies, three gents, all certified EWC superstars. We’ve got, coming up from the EWC’s minor leagues, NextGen bombshell Sunny Skye! Any relation to Chelsea Skye?

Sunny smiles brightly, waving to the camera a bit before wrinkling her nose and shaking her head.

Sunny Skye: No relation! Sorry to whoever DM’d me on Instagram for that uh… sales pitch.

Sean Evans: We’ve got from EWC’s flagship show Brawl, Antoni Maleitoa and JoJo Rush!

JoJo gives a tip of his cap and Antoni grins, looking at the spread in front of them.

Sean Evans: From Prime we’ve got Jack Severn!

Jack Severn: How much am I getting paid for this appearance?

Jack quips, leaning back in the chair as Sean turns to the final guest.

Sean Evans: And last, but certainly not least, we’ve got EWC Hall of Famer, member of Rampage, and one of my all time favorites, Ruthann Hunter!

Ruthann gives a wave, pausing to give Sunny a quick hug from behind before she takes her seat.

Sean Evans: Now you all know how this works. We’ve got seven different hot sauces here, everyone’s got a plate of wings, and we’re going to go around and ask folks some questions while we dig in. So everybody, grab your first wings and this question is for Jack and Sunny. What’s the biggest challenge traveling like you do for EWC?

Everyone tears into their wings, seemingly pretty satisfied with the ‘least’ hot of the hot sauces. Sunny goes first, putting down her half eaten wing before she speaks up.

Sunny Skye: You know, this is my first real big event that I’ve been a part of. Since I’ve been with NextGen, we’re doing a lot of work back in the States all the time and so this is totally new to me. I’m… pretty sure I packed too much honestly. So if I win tomorrow, and earn myself a main roster contract I’m gonna need to get better at learning what to bring with me.

She laughs to herself, almost looking sheepish with the rest of the seasoned veterans around her before JoJo speaks up.

JoJo Rush: Ah absolutely can't stand flying, Ah've done flown all around the world and Ah still ain't used to it.

Jack rips into his wing, shrugging his shoulders before answering.

Jack Severn: This ain’t nothing. And I’d say the biggest challenge is sometimes I won’t have my private jet available and I’ll have to go first class like a normie. Terrible experience.

Sean Evans: Sauce number two, we’ve got a question for you JoJo and Antoni. If you could have a dream match, what would it be? Anybody, anywhere, any stipulation?

As everyone reaches for their wings, Antoni tears into the wing, taking a moment to savor the taste.

Antoni Maleitoa: That is a damn good question... I've been lucky enough to have many great encounters in my time here in EWC, and I have to say that my lone encounter with Ace King was probably the biggest highlight in terms of high-stakes matches because of the history leading up to it. The man is a sure fire 1st ballot Hall of Famer and so if I was going to take it up a notch, as i'm sure these wings are about to to do me, I would say that I need to go even higher up the ladder.... El Pablo is on an absolute tear right now, the likes of which may only be 2nd to Ace's 777.. So give me El Pablo in a lucha-libre rules match.

Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, JoJo nods in agreement with Antoni as he reaches for another wing.

JoJo Rush: Definitely. Give me El Pablo in a Texas Bullrope match!

Sunny Skye: What did that poor guy do to you two?!

She laughs, finishing off her chicken wing.

Sean Evans: We still good? Everybody alright?

Everybody nods, as we move on to the third wing.

Sean Evans: So the proverbial ‘elder statesmen’ here, Ruthann, this one's for you. What’s one of the biggest misconceptions people have about you or about this profession?

As they all dig in, she makes a bit of a contemplative face before she speaks up.

Ruthann Hunter: That I am still not good enough to be inside of that ring... which truly hurt me because of how hard I worked to show I am. Many years it took me to come to realize for myself how good I am inside of that ring. I feel during my return this year I showed that, and now people respect the things I have done not only inside of that ring but outside of it. Which truly makes me feel great inside...

Sunny looks kind of starstruck as Ruthann answers, and Antoni nods a bit along with her.

Sean Evans: Alright we’re about halfway through… and so we’re back to the front of the line. Sunny & Jack, name something you hate about this business.

Jack takes his next bite, getting a bit flushed but playing it cool before he tosses down the wing and wipes his mouth.

Jack Severn: Ace King. That’s it.

Sunny coughs, looking a little taken back by the heat coming from the wings as she tries to answer.

Sunny Skye: Oh gosh… gah, okay that’s starting to uh… tickle. Okay, so I think for me, it’s how many people think what we do is easy. I hate the illusion that everyone is rich and running around living the high life, because it really paints us in a weird light. I’m not even on the main roster, but I’ve gotten messages and DMs from people who think I can cover their medical bills, or that I have some kind of an inside track with people to pitch ideas or sell something and nine times out of ten, I’m bruised up and sore and exhausted and none of the things they’re expecting. Like this is hard!

This time, Ruthann nods to Sunny’s answer as she tries to finish her chicken wing.

Sean Evans: Heating up now! JoJo and Antoni - this one came in from the EWC mailbag for you. What would you be doing if you weren’t a pro wrestler?

As they all dig into the fifth wing, JoJo looks more interested in the chicken than the host.

JoJo Rush: Shoot, Ah'd work the ranch again somewhere quiet. Maybe North Dakota.

As JoJo picks the meat off the flat, the host turns to Antoni. Toni takes a small bite at first, not sure of how hot it is, but quickly inhales the rest of the wing and asks for another.

Antoni Maleitoa: Simple, I'd probably still be bare knuckle fighting in Ireland, but then I wouldn't have done so many things in my life, including reconciling with my family and meeting my better half. EWC has been the catalyst for all of that.

Toni finishes the second wing then takes a deeper breath than normal. Ruthann coughs and wipes at her running nose with a napkin.

Sean Evans: Keeping with that theme, Ruthann, what’s your favorite thing outside of pro wrestling? We’re almost there, you guys got this.

Antoni, JoJo and Jack all tear into wing number six as Ruthann and Sunny both take a bite and look at each other. Sunny barely takes a bite, chewing for a moment before she reaches for the glass of milk in front of her.

Sean Evans: I thought you lived in Brazil?!

Sunny Skye: We do FLAVOR, not heat!

Ruthann looks like she’s humming to herself, trying to distract from the heat as JoJo reaches over, stealing what’s left of Sunny’s wing before chowing down.

Ruthann Hunter: Phew… alright. Favorite thing outside of pro wrestling. I love being a grandmother and mentor to others. Angel... Angel... Angel has my heart and me wrapped around my finger and watching how she is growing into a beautiful young lady takes my breath away every time I am with her. To actually be honest I never truly thought people would believe I actually love to help in some way. It makes me feel really honored to see people truly trust me and look at me as a mother figure... a friend... someone they could trust. To get to pass what I learned from the man himself Roddy Pipper to others. It feels great!

Sean Evans: Alright everybody…. It’s been a pleasure to have you all here, and we’ve got the final boss - the last dab Apollo. No judgement if you reach for the milk, water, whatever. And as we wrap it up today, we’re only on day one of Wrestlefest, guys where are you on a scale of one to ten, how hyped are you guys right now for the show?

Sunny Skye: For the show? Absolute ten. For this? Like… a two.

She laughs, everyone toasting their wings in the air before tearing in. Sunny immediately coughs, almost spitting the chicken out as Ruthann puts both hands on the table with her eyes widened.

Ruthann Hunter: I am ready and excited for Wrestlesfest this year. It is more than a 10 and to especially to be part of how it is now. I feel it makes it even more exciting and give everyone a chance now to have that WrestleFest moment then some of us back then. The last time I actually was in one was 2015...so it took 7 years later for me to actually be on the Wrestlesfest Card. Which I am very excited about and to have my last match on Sunday at Wrestlesfest sound perfect to me..

It's the moment of truth, Antoni looks at this delicious hunk of awesomeness and takes a breath. Throwing caution to the wind, he dives in and takes a big bite, immediately feeling the sting of the heat on his togue. He picks the bones clean before answering.

Antoni Maleitoa: Well of course I am looking forward to seeing KU beat the piss out of Jack here. Sorry man, but I have to go with my tag partner. Other than that, pick a match and I'm hyped for it. Every match has so much at stake and as usual, EWC has put together an absolute banger of a show. A four day wrestling festival.. Who would have thought it would work?

Antoni takes a deep breath, attempting to not succumb to the heat of the meal he just completed.

Antoni Maleitoa: Fuck that one was pretty spicy, not going to lie.

He chuckles a bit.

Antoni Maleitoa: Oh, and I am DEFINITELY looking forward to seeing The Southern Express again. Don't think we haven't forgotten about you two Bobby and Jimmy.

Antoni grabs a napkin and wipes his brow of the sweat that has now formed. JoJo looks at Antoni before gnawing at the chicken on his wing, eventually just sucking at the remaining bone.

JoJo Rush: One.

He says flatly, as the rest of the table gives him a quizzical glance. Jack pounds a fist on the table, trying to not scream before blurting out his answer to the crowd.

Jack Severn: TEN I GUESS

JoJo reaches for Jack’s last chicken wing, before Jack smacks his hand and both Antoni and Ruthann laugh as the camera pans back to the host one final time.

Sean Evans: Ladies and Gentlemen, there you have it - we’re live here in Johannesburg and we’ve got one more match coming up tonight, the main event of day one, we’re gonna see Ace King, Moxie, and Lavender go head to head to head in a Fans bring the Weapons match for the United States championship. Sunday you’ll see our friends here Sunny Skye and Ruthann Hunter in competition, and on Monday on the final night, Jack Severn will be in action in that match Antoni mentioned earlier - it’ll be a phenomenal show. For First We Feast - I’m Sean Evans, this is EWC, and enjoy the rest of the show!

The cameras fade out - leading us back to FNB Stadium...

[EWC]

A stage outside FNB Stadium is now crowded with people, none of which now what is about to come until EWC Hall of Fame and Rampage General Manager Grizzly Duggan walks out. The crowd starts to go nuts!

Duggan: JOBURG, MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!

The crowd obliges, continuing their voracious cheers. 

Duggan: It is my honor introduce to you THE GREATEST BAND OF ALL TIME.... South Africa's own.. SEETHER!!!!!!

The crowd loses it at the introduction of their hometown band. The group comes out for what looks to be an acoustic set before launching into their song. 

While the band plays, Tweets about the event begin to show at the bottom of the screen:

[EWC]

The camera cuts to a tent out on the grounds of the FNB Stadium where we find a crowd of what looks like a thousand or so people who have crammed themselves into the tent for what seems to have become a Friday night tradition here at WrestleFest, The Doug Robinson Show. The crowd all waits in excitement to see what shit show goes down this year and jump to their feet as Doug Robinson walks out onto the stage and waves out to the crowd that has joined him here tonight.

Robinson: WASSSS UPPPP SOUTH AFRICA!!!

The fans snap back with…

Crowd: WASSS UPPP DOUG!!!

Doug pumps his arm, Arsenio Hall style as he walks to the center of the stage and curtsies to the crowd

Robinson: Welcome one and all to The Doug Robinson Show, I am your host, ‘Dangerous’ Doug Robinson and against my BETTER judgment I have returned once again to WrestleFest because I’m a whore for the ratings…

This draw a laugh from the crowd that’s gathered

Robinson: For those that familiar with me and maybe just staggered in her because they are a little drunk or because the Chelsea Skye kissing booth line was too long allow me tell you a little about myself. I was a former manager in the late 70’s and early 80’s and then transitioned behind the scenes as a GM and head booker before striking it gold with my own wrestling talk show on Sirius XM radio Monday through Friday from 9am to noon and let me tell you I was racking in the bucks…that was until I first came to WrestleFest back in 2019 to interview my ‘good friend’ Tommy Love…you all remember that happened that night right?

There is laughter from the crowd as one member yells out ‘#SEEDING’ causing Doug to just shake his head

Robinson: #SEEDING, that’s right. That little fucking degenerate spend the later part of 2019 jerking off anywhere and on anything he could get his hands on and you people LOVED IT, which forced me into having to interview him and things were going great until the asshole pulled out his dick and the EWC cut the feed. As for me, well Sirius was pissed and fired me!!!

Doug shakes his head, still pissed off at what happened

Robinson: But I landed on my feet, I always do and I used what happened to launch a new Podcast, one I spun as ‘Too Dangerous For Sirius’...I became Wrestling’s first ever Shock Jock and came back to WrestleFest for my revenge on ‘The Memphis Mouthpiece’ and the first ever Roast of Tommy Love, which sounded better in my head. I paraded out his ex-wives, Julie, April and Maria, his former old friends Chico Volando, Bobby Rose and Jimmy Lane, his kids, Buddy, Bunny and Jamie and even Gabi Visconty to roast his ass BUT…

Doug sheepishly smiles

Robinson: You can’t shame a man that doesn’t have regret…he got so pissed off he dropped his pants again and treated the fans of Italy to a full moon…well my advertisers were pissed I didn’t make him cry and I lost the shock and awe that my Podcast had become and well…they dropped me…

Doug shakes his head

Robinson: But all wasn’t lost, sure I was unemployed for a few months but like herpes you couldn’t get away from me. I was hired by Barstool and The Doug Robinson Show once again had new life and once again I was invited back to WrestleFest where I thought I had Tommy right where I wanted him. He had just found out that his daughter Bunny was getting railed by Tommy’s client Xavier Reid and I brought him on to bring that up…that asshole tried to marry them right here on the show, which didn’t go over at all…they split and I made one little joke about his daughter getting bent over and Tommy flips out, cracks me in the head with The Love Stick knocking me out cold. When I wake up I’m soaking wet and found out that fucker pissed all over him..well Dave Portnoy wasn’t happy about that so goodbye Barstool, SO…one might be wondering, ‘what is old Doug Robinson up to these days’, WELL, I signed with Spotify like the chick from Call Me Daddy…well, truthfully I had a few pics of her from bathroom camera and made her get me the deal but whatever, I am employed and back at WrestleFest at the REQUEST of my guest tonight, where I’m sure he’s going to say he’s sorry for all the shit he’s put me through the last few years…plus he promised me the PornHub bikini that Gabi Visconty once wore…so without any further udo, please welcome back to The Doug Robinson Show, the one and only…TOMMY LOVE!!!!

Tommy walks out onto the stage, the black string bikini in hand as Doug’s people flash up a picture of Gabi in the bikini

The crowd pops for the reminder as Tommy smiles and hands Doug the bikini and he takes a sniff of it and smiles

Robinson: It smells like I imagine she would smell…

The two men smile and Doug extends his hand to the chair opposite his and the two men take their seats.

Robinson: Welcome back to the show Tommy, let’s try and not get me banned from Spotify…I’m running out of avenues to peddle my shtick!!!

Love: I make no promises Doug, I just let the wind take me in the direction of God’s plan for me.

Robinson: Listen, that crap didn’t work on Julie when you said it was ‘God’s plan for you to fuck that ring announcer or the time she caught you with that bartender in Tampa…

Love: Hey, who am I to argue with the Big Man’s plan…sometimes he wants men to be faithful and other times he wants them to upgrade their flat wives for ones with C-Cup and then upgrade the C-Cups to Double D’s…I’m yet just a child of God and his grand plan for this world…

Tommy smirks as Doug just shakes his head

Robinson: Right…well things have been interesting on your end since the last time we were together, at the end of last year’s WrestleFest The Love Club was sitting pretty, you had the EWC Undisputed Championship, the International Championship, the US and HBO Broadcast Championships and the EWC Tag Team Championships all under The Love Club banner, you made a case for being the most dominate stable in the business and maybe even the best stable in the history of the EWC and then 2022 kicked off and it all went to hell…Xavier lost the International Championship to Gabi Visconty in his hometown of Edmonton…

Love: And then won it right back at StrangleMania…

Robinson: Only to lose it to King Flip at Hardcore Revolution, Samantha had to hand over the HBO Broadcast Championship to start the season and then had to hand over the US Championship when she found out she was pregnant…

Love: WITH TWINS, Alexander Damien and Cersei Lyssa, they are adorable and their mother is going to come back and be a monster in 2023…

Robinson: The Southern Express lost the EWC Tag Team Championships to…

Love: The Bastards so that was a push…

Robinson: But after the events earlier today The Bastards seem to be over so you lost them as a tag team…Killjoy…

Love: Ibuki…

Robinson: Whoever, lost the Undisputed Championship to Queen Melody Malone, Ruthann and Jason Hunter fired you…

Love: But hired Buddy so they are still here and we add that fucking Gremlin Gabi back and so is the FX Broadcast Champion so…

Robinson: My point is 2022 hasn’t been the year of LOVE has it…I mean you went from the penthouse to the fucking outhouse all in less than a year…

Doug smiles, enjoying seeing Tommy and his stable fail but Tommy shakes it off

Love: Listen, fuck that…we are NOT in any outhouse, The Love Club is still the most dominate group in the EWC, who’s better…The House, nope…Shinijoshi…please…from top to bottom The Love Club is made up of the best the EWC has to offer, CHAMPIONS and at the highest level…years from now The Love Club will be the stable all other stables are judged by and that’s all thanks to one man…ME!!!

Tommy smirks as he pats himself on the back with his right hand

Love: You realize that people come to the EWC HOPING to leave the type of mark that I have on this company…I could make the case that I have been one of the most dominant members of the EWC since the day I walked through the door…

Robinson: You really are full of yourself aren’t you Tommy…

Love: Am I? Let’s look at FACTS Doug, under me Killjoy Ito became a TWO-TIME EWC TV CHAMPION, a EWC INDY CHAMPION, won the PRIME G1…I was Samantha’s manager when she won BOTH of her EWC US CHAMPIONSHIPS, as well as the HBO BROADCAST CHAMPIONSHIP…with me as his manager my son Jamie Love became a EWC TAG TEAM CHAMPION and became the FIRST LOVE to win a championship as a wrestler…and Xavier Reid had me by his side when he won the EWC INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ALL THREE TIMES, I was his manager when he broke nearly all the records as the International Champion, I was ringside and helped put together the game plan the night be won the Power Struggle Match and became the EWC UNDISPUTED CHAMPION and I helped him beat EWC’s Greatest Tag Team in The Southern Express to win the EWC TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS and become a EWC Grand Slam Champion…

Robinson: Yeah…it was all you, all of their success was YOUR DOING…

Love: Just because you were a shitty manager don’t crap on my accomplishments, the way I look at it Doug I am the FIRST EVER EWC GRAND SLAM MANAGER, Xavier’s Undisputed Championship, Samantha’s US Championship and The Bastards Tag Team Championships…name one other manager that’s done that…

Doug shakes his head, as if he understands now why Tommy wanted to do this interview

Robinson: Is this another one of your pitches to win the EWC Manager of the Year?

Love: Oh, you saw my advertisement on Rampage did you?

Robinson: I did and it was fucking sad…even for you, to go out there and beg for votes…my vote is for Buddy by the way…

Love: Like it matters what you think Doug, you are nothing more than a talking head that needs me to be relevant in the wrestling business…listen if I wasn’t willing to do your show these people wouldn’t be here…they are here to see what I’m going to do not what you are going to say so shut your mouth and let me explain WHY I’m out here tonight…

Tommy stands up as Doug flips him the middle finger. Tommy walks to the edge of the stage to get a good view of the crowd here tonight, he looks right into the camera to make sure those watching in the back catch every word he says

Love: YES, I went on Rampage to make my case for the 2022 EWC Manager of the Year and when I got back to the hotel and thought about it I said, ‘Tommy, you need to aim higher’ and that’s just what I’m going to do tonight…you see you all heard me run down the list of accomplishments I’ve had here in the EWC, what the stable I created have done here in the EWC…I’ve made more of an impact here in the EWC than most…hell what I’ve done here in the EWC has been HALL OF FAME WORTHY!!!!

The crowd perks up as Tommy smiles

Love: That’s right, I’m talking about the EWC Hall of Fame, I’ve looked at the list and I see people in there that haven’t done HALF of what I’ve done here in the EWC, you have superstars yes, wrestlers that have won championship but you also have contributors, you have Mac the President, you have Grizzly Duggan, the Rampage GM, you have tag teams and singles wrestlers but you DON’T HAVE ANY MANAGERS AND I SHOULD BE THE FIRST ONE INDUCTED INTO THE EWC HALL OF FAME…ON THE NEXT BALLOT…I know how this works, votes will be cased in the days coming and sure, it would be easy to name Jordan Sharpe, The Southern Express BETTER BE INCLUDED but I DESERVE MY PLACE IN THE HALL OF FAME…it’s time to recognize what I’ve done here for the EWC, I’ve been the talk of this company for years now, brought eyes to this company and it’s MY TIME to be honored…

Tommy smirks as he nods

Love: Love me or Hate me you all know I push the needle like no other but I also have the resume to back it up and YOU ALL KNOW THIS…it’s time to include me with the greats of the EWC and make sure the name Tommy Love lives forever…don’t fuck this up, do what’s right because God help EVERYONE in the EWC if you pass me up, if you ignore me…you think I was disgusting and gross before this…well you haven’t seen anything yet but pass me over and I’ll wage a disgusting war on the EWC until this wrong is made right…don’t believe me…well, Doug…

Tommy takes out his phone and types away and smile

Love: Check your phone…

Doug looks at Tommy, who turns and sees ‘The Memphis Mouthpiece’ smiling. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone and clicks on his message…he looks at the screen for a moment and then drops his phone to the floor and runs off stage as he wipes his tongue on the back of his hand as he gags. Tommy smiles as if he’s won the lottery

Love: Rule #1, never leave your drink unattended, even when a smoking hot young lady winks at you and asks you to dance…it’s too good to be true and gives me time to grab your drink and add my boys as flavor…tell me Doug, ‘how do my swimmers taste’...you’ve been #SEEDED and YOU ALL WILL BE SEEDED IF MY NAME ISN’T ON THAT HALL OF FAME LIST, you’ve been warned, don’t make me #SEED you all…

Tommy waves a warning finger at the camera before smiling and taking a bow to the crowd who have fallen silent and have become worried about Doug Robinson as the stage hand motions for the feed to end.

[EWC]

The EWC cameras open up on the concourse as there’s a crowd of people watching as security is clearing a path. Melody Malone walks with a pair of sunglasses covering her face and an oversized luxury handbag in hand with both Rory and Rachel flanking her. As they reach an entrance into the actual crowd, they’re cut off by Ace Heart who comes into view.

Ace Heart: Melody!

Malone pauses, removing the sunglasses as Ace slides up with a microphone in hand.

Ace Heart: It’s night one of Wrestlefest, you’re not scheduled until Monday. What are you doing down here before the main event?

Rory: You’re cutting right to the chase aren’t you?

Melody Malone: I shouldn’t be surprised to see you here Ace. What's unfortunate though is that you and everyone else must’ve forgotten about my deal with Draft Kings during BORT. The winner of the pool is here at Wrestlefest, as guaranteed, and what better to do than enjoy the main event of night one, a United States championship match, alongside yours truly? I mean, it's poetic that we’re going to be sitting ringside for the United States championship match. Given the entire point of BORT, we’re effectively getting a BORT finals rematch along with the interjection of one of the most prolific United States champions in EWC history.

Ace Heart: Is this your way of saying you’re keeping an eye on the United States championship scene?

Melody Malone: This is me saying that I’m going to be ringside, enjoying a match. I have no need to keep an ‘eye’ on the United States championship when I’ll be winning the Undisputed championship back on Monday.

Rory: We’re just going down there as fans…

Rachel: Exactly. Just fans…

Rachel and Rory both grin, and Melody adjusts her handbag over her arm with an innocent smile creeping over her face.

Melody Malone: Big fans. Now if you’ll excuse us…

Malone exits, Rachel and Rory following behind as Ace stands there with a puzzled expression on his face. He pulls a folded piece of paper from his pocket, wincing before it flutters to the ground.

Ace Heart: This can’t be good…

He walks away, the camera panning down as it reveals the main event of the night in bold letters

Fans Bring the Weapons.

The cameras fade out, but not before airing an ad from Malone's current Crown Royal campaign.

[EWC]

---

---

EWC UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP

NO DQ - FANS BRING WEAPONS

Ace King

VS Moxie VS Lavender (C)

---

---

We return to ringside where a shimmer of heat envelops the roof of the stadium, the crowd at fever pitch, and brandishing an eclectic array of weapons, tools, and improvised torture implements in order to facilitate the next, and final match. The camera sweeps over the crowd before lingering on a familiar face in the front row; Queen Melody, resplendent as always, self-satisfied as ever.

And holding, in her regal hand, a glinting bottle of Crown Royal. Other brands are available, but they're almost certainly inferior.

Woo: Well, we hope you didn't blink and miss a thing, because we're here! Friday's main event, on the first day of WrestleFest XX. We started with a bang, and we might be finishing with a new United States Champion as the apex predators of Friday Night Rampage collide. Ace King. Moxie. Lavender. One already legend, another well on her way, and perhaps the greatest pure wrestler of his generation. After Moxie inserted himself into the conflict between Ace and Lavender, throwing confusion into what should have been a very certain situation with a very definite ending... There's no safe or easy way to call this one. Who's your money on, Valentina?

Gomez: I don't get paid enough to bet against the Gambler, and Lavender's beaten almost everybody worth beating... but it's got to be Moxie's time. He came up short last year, but he's fought his way back to the top, he showed these two they can't afford to forget him, and he's not a man who falls down twice.

Woo: You're right on all counts, but anything could happen, and either way, you do not want to miss this!

Gomez: ¡sí! I've got goosebumps, and not only because of all the beautiful implements I can see our fans waving around. They've brought the weapons for this one, but these three competitors are bringing the PAIN! Three of the four B.O.R.T. semi-finalists, with beef on all sides? Ahahaaa! They're going to HURT each other!

Dobrev: The following match is a no disqualification, 'fans bring the weapons' match, and is for the EWC United States Championship!

"THE ACE OF SPADES! THE ACE OF SPADES!!!"

The signature Motorhead anthem rips through the FNB Stadium, and the crowd starts cheering. As the drums kick in, pyro goes off up and down the ramp. Once the guitars hit, a plume of fire goes up on either side of the ramp as Ace King rises to the stage from a platform, looking out at the crowd and nodding in appreciation.

Dobrev: Making his way to the ring, FROM Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at two hundred and thirty five pounds... THE GAMBLER... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINGGGGGG!!!

A thin smile crosses Ace's face as his weathered eyes look out at the crowd, pausing for a few more seconds on the platform before casually making his way down the ramp toward the ring, his arms outstretched for fans on either side of the barricade. He stops a few steps short of the ring, then dives in under the bottom rope as red pyro explodes off each turnbuckle. Ace spins up to one knee, then takes another appreciative look out at the crowd before getting back to his feet and turning his attention to the entrance ramp, his game face firmly on.

Dobrev: And his opponent, from London, England, weighing in at two hundred and two pounds ... MOXIE!

The Gracious Few's 'Honest Man' hits the speakers, prompting the lights to dance around the arena with an ominous red glow. Moxie emerges from behind the curtain. He marches to the end of the stage and glares at the capacity crowd surrounding him. Raising his fist to his jaw, Moxie lets out a roar and walks down the aisle, ignoring the paying spectators and their flourished weapons.

He slides underneath the bottom rope and rises to his feet in the middle of the ring. Moxie faces the crowd before snapping back to face the camera, emphatically raising both clenched fists high above his head before slowly descending them in stereo to both sides of his jaw.

A video package starts to play with 'The Sense Of Me' by Mud Flow playing in the background which highlights the career of Lavender up until this point, highlighting both the highs and the lows of her career. The video package shows her victorious debut against Latoya Hixx and her loss against Robbie Rayder to follow, the bloody war she fought against Shelley Silver at Uncensored in the Taipei Deathmatch along with quick highlights of her matches against Ace King, Bishop Church, and Grizzly Duggan, among others. The video package showcases her draw against Cyrus Black and the subsequent victory to follow. The video package highlights her fleeting run on Prime, mainly showcasing her matches against Faith Rivers and Jonty Kelly along with her winning the Television Championship. Finally, the video package showcases her return to EWC along with her run back on Rampage, winning the United States Championship, winning the BORT, and eventually winning the Undisputed Championship. As the song breaks down into the outro the video package ends and goes into a live feed of Lavender standing behind the entrance curtain with the United States Championship resting over her shoulder, ready to make her entrance.

Dobrev: And their opponent, weighing in at one hundred and thirty two pounds ... she is the EWC United States Champion AND the EWC Undisputed Champion ... ladies and gentlemen ... LAVENDER!

Suddenly the lights go out in the stadium, being replaced with a single spotlight shining down upon the center of the stage where Cellar Darling appears to perform 'Challenge' live. The lights flash in time to the intro until the first vocals hit. As the vocals hit smoke billows from behind the curtains, and another spotlight shines down upon the center of the stage alongside the singer. The lights come back on shortly afterward and out walks Lavender with the United States Championship over one shoulder and the Undisputed Championship over the other as she stands underneath the other spotlight. She looks out across the crowd as the crowd erupts into cheer. A smile creeps across her face as she embraces their warm welcome.

Lavender starts to make her way down to the ring with a calm and cheerful demeanour as her spotlight hovers overhead. The singer follows closely behind her as she continues to sing, her spotlight also hovering overhead. As Lavender reaches the bottom of the ramp she walks over to the steel steps, walks up the steel stairs, and enters the ring as the song breaks into a riff. Lavender then climbs the nearest turnbuckle and holds her arms up high in the air with the United States Championship in one hand and the Undisputed Championship in the other hand as the singer breaks back into the vocals. Lavender accepts the warm adulation from the crowd as the singer finishes her vocals and the song comes to an end. Lavender steps down from the turnbuckle and waits for the match to commence as the crowd cheers for the performance.

Woo: We've said it before, and we'll say it at least one more time; what a season it's been for Lavender. She's holding all the gold her shoulders can carry, and now she's facing two men burning with the need to lighten that load. She's beaten them both before... but can the Silent Princess do one more seemingly impossible thing, and beat both Moxie and Ace King at the same time?

DING DING DING

By their reactions at the outset of the match, one could be mistaken for believing Moxie the wily veteran; both Ace King and Lavender are shaking with anticipation, pacing back and forth and ready to explode forth as the bell rings. The British brute hands back, arching his brows as he watches the two lock up, Ace quickly out-muscling the double champeen and dropping her with an arm drag he forestalls, catching her on the way down with an arm about the neck, and pulling her straight into an exclamation point of a snap suplex!

Lavender rolls through, turning a little too late to do anything about the Full House kick that catches her in the temple a heartbeat later, Ace flowing into the motion like a man ten years his junior. His expression is intense, focused, burning as he steps over the Silent Princess toward Moxie, who smirks and rolls his neck from side-to-side, faking a lock-up then side-stepping instead, to snap a calf kick into the former multi-time champion. Ace stumbles, but turns it into a spin, driving forward to hit a slingblade, then hitting the ropes as Moxie rolls back to his feet, wiping a hand across his mouth. Lavender shares a glance with the younger man, and they reach a momentary accord, stepping in as one to intercept King with a pair of kicks, then scooping him for a tandem suplex!

Lavender flows to her feet, but Moxie smartly chop blocks her, then dives at Ace, double-legging him to the canvas and fighting to seize control of an arm. King resists him every step of the way, trying to spin into a Fujiwara that Moxie arches and kips out of, twisting into an enziguri before the other man can recover. Lavender flows in, smooth as butter, and heaves Moxie backwards with a beautiful release German, sending the Brit clean over the top rope before she drifts back to vertical base, turning gracefully to face the Gambler.

King scowls, and Lavender scowls right back, bitterness twisting her pale face as she slams a forearm into his jaw. He eats it, drops and surges forward, spearing her back into the corner, posturing up just to nail a European uppercut that rings like a gunshot! Lavender's head bounces off the turnbuckle, and Ace does not relent, seizing the top rope as he whips kick after brutal kick into her midsection. The response from the crowd is decidedly mixed, but there's a pop on mere principle as King pulls his victim up high, and hooks her up for a Blue Thunder Bomb into the corner! Lavender ragdolls onto the canvas, and Ace points out to the crowd, shielding his eyes as he looks for a weapon.

Woo: How about that? 777 versus the Silent Princess, we've seen it before but never quite like this.

Gomez: Ace King found his EDGE again, Woo! He's CRAZY! I'm all fired up right now!

Moxie's way ahead of the Gambler, scouting along the front row for something that takes his fancy. He's already taken and disdainfully discarded a child's plastic battleaxe, two signs in support of Lavender, and a pair of crutches that may or may not actually have been brought for use as a weapon, and is currently thoughfully weighing a well-loved sand wedge. The fan is trying to tell him about the golf club, which Moxie finds incessantly annoying, braining the poor man with the weapon before tossing it onto the 'maybe' pile and looking down the line of the crowd... until his gaze alights on Queen Melody. She arches a brow, takes a meaningful gulp from her whiskey bottle, and turns away. With a shrug, the Brit settles for what he's got, scooping up the golf club and rolling back into the ring...

Just as Ace King, on the other side, gets back with his own weapon; it's a familiar one, even. A long, knobbed stick festooned with red, white, and blue tribal decorations, a single star gleaming on the business end.

Gomez: Where did he get that? Shouldn't the fans be bringing the weapons?

The enigmatic smile on the lips of a hooded woman in the front row is giving nothing away.

Woo: I think it, uh, might have been brought by his biggest fan, Valentina.

Gomez: Qué?

Moxie doesn't look impressed, hefting his own weapon and stepping in for a decidely un-golflike swing at King's shins. The Gambler dances backwards, whipping his Zulu fighting stick around in a two-handed grip and swinging for the fences, grunting as the power of his swing meets the midsection of the golf club. Pushing back with both his own hands, Moxie steps forward into a teep, driving the Gambler back toward the ropes. They clash sticks a couple more times, before youth wins out over experience, the prodigious Brit going low with a callous snarl, kicking the other man's weapon away as he slips behind, and hooks the head of the club around the throat, seizing a choke hold that has King on his knees and gasping in seconds. Nobody immediately notices Lavender sliding back in, the Silent Princess true to her name as she interjects herself with a subtle snap. Moxie looks down at a metallica gleam, at the handcuff dangling from his opponent's wrist...

And then Lavender kicks him in the face. The golf club falls, and she snatches it up, letting Ace King fall past her as she lifts the weapon and swings it over and over again, driving the Brit against the ropes. One of the blows elicits a sickening crunch as she breaks his nose, blood spattering the mat as Lavender divests herself of the now-bent and mangled sand wedge, and yanks Moxie forward into a Michinoku Driver right next to the recovering Ace King! The US Champion catches her breath, smiles, and then secures the other half of the cuffs to Moxie.

Gomez: AHAHAHAHA!

Woo: An interesting strategy from Lavender, who's tethered her opponents together. I can't tell if this is insanely smart or just... a little insane...

Gomez: Can't it be both? It's about time she embraced the madness!

The crowd react explosively once they cotton on, and Lavender beams at them, shrugging with an unspoken 'oops' as King and Moxie both try to struggle to their feet only to fall down together. They match glares, and then the more feral, blood-soaked Moxie simply slams his forehead into the former Undisputed Champion's nose, another squelch of cartilege resounding before the young street fighter starts working away as he does best, entangling the cuffed limb and starting to pull back the fingers. His own injuries hold him back slightly, but his teeth grit and he works through the pain, as the reigning champion watches on with slow, calming breaths.

Ace King screams, and fights back before his bones can yield to the punishment, twisting to drive a knee into the midsection, then risking his own body as he uses his trapped arm as a lever, forcing Moxie onto his knees and kicking out to nail a modified facebreaker, driving the Brit's broken face into the canvas. Grabbing the back of his head, Moxie's arm following his own, the Gambler smashes him repeatedly into the floor of the ring, then with a roar hauls him up and over his shoulders, standing to his full height with a look of indignant daring at Lavender.

Throwing up her hands, the Silent Princess stares right on back, and King follows through, lifting Moxie as far as he can out of the torture rack; which is exactly far enough to drive him down clean and hard with the BLACKJACK BOMB! Johannesberg goes wild!

Ace looks wary as he goes for the cover.

ONE...




And then pulls himself up as Lavender moves forward, dragging the insensible Moxie across the mat. The champ gives pursuit, and there's not much Ace can do but back away - assisted in his efforts by a big shotgun dropkick that drives him into the corner, the power of the impact snapping his backs with such force that Moxie's pulled half off the ground. It's perfect; how could she not? Lavender rolls to her feet, tosses her hair over her shoulder, and then dashes back in, clearing the downed Brit to hit a Poetry in Motion that has Johannesberg erupting!

Dragging Ace out across Moxie, she very gamely tries for the pin on the pair of them...

ONE...




TWO...



KICKOUT!

Gomez: Unlucky!

Woo: Sure, we'll go with that.

The Gambler puts the most into it, but Moxie's alive, too; and as Lavender wisely slides from the ring in hunt of another weapon, it's the latter who manages to find his feet first, only somewhat raggedly driving a trio of forearms into his opponent. He goes for a roundhouse kick to punctuate the combo, but King manages to raise his cuffed arm to block. With serpentine speed, Moxie snaps his leg back and goes behind, underneath the raised arm, the chain between them jangling furiously as he locks in and explodes back toward the center of the ring with a tiger suplex, bridging into the pin!

ONE...




TWO...




KICKOUT!

While Ace gasps for breath, Moxie takes the opportunity to fixate on the cuffs rather than pile on the punishment, closing his shielded teeth on the chain and wrenching at it like a caged animal, blood still spilling out of his nose to coat the shiny metal. He snarls, tightens his jaw, and actually succeeds in breaking the cuffs, falling backwards from the momentum of the break as Lavender slides back in, armed with one of the signs discarded by Moxie; it reads 'Lavnder's my HERO' in multi-colored crayon. The double champion brings the sign down over Moxie's head, leaving it hanging from around his neck with a grimace of apology to a little girl in the row, who simply squeals in delight.

Ace King makes his escape, crawling across the ring and laying a hand back on his fighting stick, stumbling upright in time to meet the oncoming Lavender with its butt, weaving to one side to bring the other, more deadly hand down into her spine! The impact is awful, pain rippling visibly through the champ's body as she collapses from the blow, which also splits a crack in the stick's shaft.

The Gambler tosses it to ringside, and raises his arm for another weapon. The crowd oblige.

Woo: It's raining in Johannesberg!

Gomez: This is my kind of rain, Woo!

A whole thunderstorm of nonsense showers the ring, from folded chairs (emblazoned with various names and even a 'HI MOM!'), bullwhips and bicycle chains to baseball bats, tonfa, a signed Springboks rugby ball, two mall ninja swords, a small Boerboel puppy named Jacques, a decommissioned MAC-10, and a highly-collectible, numbered porcelain bust of El Pablo, which Ace King catches in both hands. He locks eyes with the cold, dead stare of his tag team partner's visage, then shrugs and pitches it at the back of Lavender's head. It shatters on impact.

Woo: By God! That was worth at least fifty thousand South African rands!

Moxie tears the sign off his head, looking anything but pleased with the situation as Jacques investigates his left boot and moves to cock his leg. The Brit doesn't quite kick the puppy, but he definitely thinks about it, before scooching his would-be soiler to one side and darting across the ring, snatching up a well-greased bicycle chin en route and lashing out with it to catch Ace with a stinging blow across the cheek. A welt of blood and grease appears, but on the second strike the Gambler catches the chain and yanks it toward him, meeting the stumbling Moxie halfway with a leaping clothesline, retaining control of the chain as he lands and calls turnabout fair play, winding the angular links of the chain up under Moxie's throat and hauling back, pulling him into an assisted Dragon Sleeper.

Moxie's resistance is curtailed with a kick to the back of the knee, and a further wrench of the chain, a gurgling choke emitting from the younger man before he's pulled up and over, reverse-suplexed into the ropes, slingshotting off only for Ace to adjust in mid-air and drive him down with a modified brainbuster on the pile of paraphernalia kindly donated by the EWC faithful!

Slithering free of the mess himself, Ace finds his feet just in time to meet the recovered Lavender, who's bleeding profusely from the scalp but is quick-witted enough to go beneath his instinctive strike, hooking the opposite arm and slamming a knee to the midsection, spinning out into an improvised facebreaker that snaps his arm snugly into a Fujiwara armbar! The Gambler is caught in the middle of the ring!

Woo: And just like that, she has it locked in.

Gomez: He's going to tap! Lavender's done it!

Agonizing moments pass, the crowd rallying behind Ace King on pure principle as he KEEPS FIGHTING! His arm is alternately red and white, veins bulging, his shoulder contorted horribly as he bends against the hold, twisting around inch by inch, as Lavender starts to doubt herself, gritting her teeth and trying to deepen the hold that's already fully locked. Perhaps she gasses, or perhaps the Gambler is just that determined not to lose; he keeps on turning, forcing Lavender onto her back, her legs kicking to try and capture him around the upper torso, but he rears up and stacks up on the champion, his arm hanging limp as he rains down fierce hammer blocks with the good arm. Again and again Lavender's bleeding scalp bounces off the canvas, and finally Ace King frees himself, falling onto three of his four limbs, gasping for air.

"THIS IS AWESOME!" clap-clap-clapclapclap "THIS IS AWESOME!"

It's the champion's turn to crawl away, but she's dragged to her feet by Moxie, who's scavenged up a pair of brass knuckles that have been helpfully marked, 'M O X Y' in Rampage green sharpie. Twisting up a handful of Lavender's hair, he jerks her upright and drives the weapon into her exposed cheekbone, splitting open an ugly gash that disquiets the crowd. With a sneer toward them, Moxie aims another blow for the jaw, spinning Lavender off her feet - or it would, if he didn't keep hold of her hair and sling her toward the corner post instead, putting his whole body weight behind the toss. She strikes it side-on, body folding horribly around it, before she falls out onto the apron and slowly, limply flops to ringside. Moxie leaps onto the middle rope, one fist grinding into his own jaw as the beknuckled hand draws a thumb across his throat, but the showboating costs him; Ace King bounds up behind him, secures a half-nelson, and arches backwards, dropping the prodigious brute right onto his head! Moxie is SPEARED into the canvas, hanging vertical for a moment before he crashes down into the piled weapons, sharp edges pressed against and through his skin as he falls bodily. King's taken his own share of punishment, and is slow to capitalize, trying to push himself up one both arms only for the injured one to give way, shaking and useless. The crowd chant him on, and he makes the cover...

ONE...




TWO...





KICKOUT!

Gomez: WHAT!!

Woo: At two point nine nine nine, Moxie says no! He's not going to fall down twice!

Neither man looks great, but as soon as Moxie kicks out, he falls still again, just the faint rise and fall of breath in his body as his system frantically tries to reboot. Ace King shakes his head, stumbling upright, looking to the outside of the ring...

Where Lavender stares back. Her long hair is a mess, raven's-wing slick with patches of blood, crimson dribbling in a troubling river from the open wounds caused by Moxie. She starts forward, and then has to catch herself with one hand on the barricade, a hand going to her brow, soaked with sweat and shaking as she mouths, "No, no, no..."

Woo: I'm not sure what's happening to the champion, but this doesn't look good...

"Ahem."

If ever a more subtle sound rang like a gunshot in a packed arena, it hasn't been recorded. Lavender straightens up in shock, and turns as she sees the all-too-familiar form of Melody Malone step daintily over the barricade, doing - of course - absolutely nothing to dent her natural regality as she pauses to take a deep swig of Crown Royal. The dregs remaining in the bottle slosh as she lets it fall against her hip, swaying toward Lavender, who snaps out of her revery and darts forward--

--right into an eighty proof mist as the once and future Queen exudes her mouthful right in her usurper's eyes.

"Remember," barks Melody toward the ring, wiping at the edge of her mouth with a thumb. "You owe me, asshole." And then, she swings the shapely, mostly-empty bottle against the blinded Lavender's temple. Glass shatters, and it does so beautifully - a moment the advertisers can frame in glorious 4K, sixty frames per second - dropping the US champion and the Undisputed champion all at once. To her credit, Lavender also falls beautifully; but she falls just the same, and with a satisfied smile Melody dusts off her hands and slips back to her seat at ringside. Ace King snaps out of his own revery, nothing but desperation and the weight of opportunity in his eyes, slipping out of the ring and starting to drag Lavender back inside.

Woo: Surely it can't end like this, this isn't how Ace King wants to win back his title...

Gomez: He's gotta do what he's gotta do, Woo.

Woo: We at least shouldn't be surprised that Queen Melody would pull something like this.

Gomez: She's just looking out for her own interests! Besides, she's a fan and she brought a weapon! This is fine!

Woo: Sometimes I think we have very different definitions of 'fine'.

Ace is about to go for the pin, but thinks better of it, perhaps because the crowd are raining down a torrent of boos. At ringside, Melody snaps open a conveniently-placed parasol to shield herself from the rain of trash that comes her way from the cheap seats. Lavender hasn't yet moved under her own power, blood pooling as she lies in place for the cover that never comes - because the Gambler has another problem to deal with. Moxie stands in the far corner, a hand on the ropes to either side, hunkered down as if to bull rush Ace, but waiting until the other man locks eyes with him. Both have a glazed, distant quality, but neither man is going to yield.

King rises to his feet, steps over the insensible form of Lavender, and beckons Moxie on to a surge of appreciation from the crowd. His name rises once more on their lips as he lunges forward, met halfway there by the Brit, each grabbing the back of the others' head and lashing out as they enter a brisk, stiff hockey fight! It doesn't last long, just enough for the cheers to hit their rational limit, and it's Ace who breaks it first, blocking with his hurting arm as he drives forward and attempts to yank Moxie across his shoulders with the other. Dropping his weight, Moxie blocks, and brings down a scything elbow to the back of the head, then surges into a knee strike to the face that spins Ace from his feet. Dropping low, Moxie snatches up a bullwhip and cracks it experimentally, giving an appreciative smirk at the sound.

The second time, it comes down across the Gambler's back. Ace King writhes, gritting his teeth, raising his injured arm again to try and intercept the next blow - but it whips past and stings his cheek. Covering up as best he can, he wriggles forward, getting close enough that Moxie has to abandon this mid-range assault, instead trying to secure a deadlift grip on his nemesis.

Ace drops his weight, twisting to stagger Moxie off-balance, sweeping the leg then floating over into a bulldog choke. His arm's too weak to maintain it, and Moxie's able to surge to his feet, shoving Ace toward the ropes. The Gambler's able to put on the brakes and slip through the middle rope, turning to face the other man as he rushes in. A shoulder slams between the ropes, and then Ace King straightens up, slingshotting himself over the top, diving, soaring into a beautiful front flip piledriver! WILD CARD!!

Against all reasonable odds, Moxie looks to still be fighting as the count is made...

ONE...




TWO...




NO!!!

The crowd absolutely EXPLODES! The ring might just fall apart again, as the shockwave runs through the arena! At the last microsecond, a blood-soaked Lavender plows into both men, breaking up the pin and sending all three bodies through the assorted rubble in the ring. Moxie flops to one side, Ace trying to stumble upright on the other only to faceplant. Lavender's own tumble carries her a few feet further before, wild and flailing, she careens to one knee and then back to her feet, STAMPING over to the Gambler and YANKING him upright with a hand on each side of his head. She mutters something that doesn't quite get picked up over the noise of the crowd.

Gomez: What'd she say, what'd she say?!

Woo: I think she said, 'disappointing'.

An arm loops around Ace, yanking him into a sharp DDT. His skull bounces off the back of a garishly-painted chair, as Lavender jumps up to straddle him, a foot on either side, hauling him up into position before hooking a leg around each arm, nailing a Crash Landing! She turns him over, but rather than maintain the pin she SCREAMS as she uses every fibre of muscle in her body to pull the much larger man aloft, getting her legs beneath her and snatching him from the air to shock and awe from the crowd as she finishes with an enormous AMITY AFFLICTION!!

Lavender all but collapses into the pin, her entire frame shaking with the effort...

ONE...




TWO...




KICKOUT!!!

Shock, and then silence, as Ace King flops out of the cover, and Lavender falls in the opposite direction, dishevelled tendrils of blood-soaked black hair arrayed in a dark halo around her as her pale limbs lie trembling. The only competitor moving is Moxie, who's barely managed to crawl over into the corner where he lies with his head upright against the post, glazed expression glaring balefully at his insensate foes. Slowly, the crowd take their sides, cheers resurging at the first sign movement from Lavender and Ace, the former pushing herself up on all fours, the latter finding his knees as Moxie finds the wherewithal to stand. Lavender stares at Ace, and Ace stares at Lavender.

The Silent Princess extends a finger, letting it drift between herself and King as she mouths, "You and me."

Neither of them seems to love it, but as Moxie closes in there's an accord, and in tandem they stumble upright. Ace goes for Moxie, Moxie goes for Ace, and Lavender holds herself back for just an instant, watching as the Gambler eats a hard stomp to the gut, is seized by the groin and neck, RIPPED up and over, and brought crashing down by Moxie's Endgame! The British brute tries to propel himself upright in time, but the match has taken its toll, and Lavender is able to scoop a chair from the ground, swinging for the goddamn fences at that sneering face as it turns toward her. CLANG! Blood flies in a mist as the steel slams into Moxie, and pitches him back to the canvas.

The back of the chair bears the legend, 'HI MOM!'

Dropping her weapon, Lavender desperately drags Ace King to the edge of the ring, kicking him out under the ropes...

She almost falls as she heads back to Moxie, grabs him by an arm and leg, drags him to a clear space in the middle of the ring, and then forces herself every last step of the way to the corner post, which she scales in a desperate scramble. Her pupils are dilated, pale skin drenched in sweat, streaked in blood both fresh and dried, but with one, scathing look down to a figure at ringside, she makes it to the top, balancing carefully. Moxie hasn't moved. Lavender looks heavenward, murmurs something unheard, and takes flight, twist-turning into a picture-perfect, under the circumstances impossibly-graceful rotation...

Gomez: Th-That's Richard Garcia's move!

Woo: The United States Champion, with seemingly nothing left to give, hits a Phoenix Splash in tribute to her former partner!

It's so emphatic, she almost flies clean off her target, flopping down a second time as she bundles Moxie up into a pin, an involuntary sob leaving her body as the adrenaline begins to abruptly crash. The count begins...

ONE...




TW-- NO!!!

Ace King LUNGES under the bottom rope, dragging Lavender off the prone form of Moxie and straight out to ringside, unceremoniously hurling her over the barricade into the crowd before he rolls in, deep lines of exhaustion etched on the Gambler's face as he bends over Moxie and scoops up that limp, battered form, for one last Blackjack Bomb. He can't maintain the torture rack for long, his one good arm just about having the strength left to swing Moxie out for the final, emphatic collision, the ring shaking as the crowd roars... and the cover is made...

ONE...




TWO...




TH-REE!!!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: Your winner, via pinfall, and the NEW EWC United States Champion ... ACE KING!

Everybody is on their feet, any remaining weapons flung into the air and raining down at ringside as the crowd is unified in celebrating a hard-fought victory; only a few remain fixated on Lavender, who lies shattered and bleeding in the front row as Ace King slowly stumbles to his feet, keeping himself up using the ropes as he lets the din wash over him. He scans the crowd, the profound weariness in his face yielding to a timeless smile, twisting in only faint bitterness as he meets the smug stare of Queen Melody. She says nothing, mouths nothing; she doesn't have to. Ace knows. But, with a shake of his head he looks away, allowing the official to raise his arms, accepting his title - one more reign, one more triumph for the greatest United States Champion of all time.

Woo: He left nothing behind in that ring, and despite the interference of Queen Melody, he took his victory honorably. Moxie took him to the limit, Lavender pushed him past it, and once again, the Gambler is our United States Champion! For all the setbacks he's suffered this year, it must feel pretty good to be Ace King right now.

Gomez: He chickened out, Woo! He should have pinned the champion! Boo, I say.

Woo: I firmly disagree. Ace wanted to earn this, and earn it he did. He's back where he belongs.

Gomez: Just like our Queen plans to be.

Woo: Melody Malone may just be the dirtiest player of this game, and I only hope Lavender has enough left to fight back on Monday night. At this point, it would be a travesty if 'our Queen' reclaimed her throne. But we've got a long way to go before we find out just how far she'll go to win. For now, Moxie, Lavender, and Ace King have set the bar - how much further can we raise it over the next three days?

Gomez: All I know is that we are totally out of time folks! Day one of WrestleFest XX is in the books and I for one cannot WAIT to be back here tomorrow! Until then, let's keep this party going!!!

The scene fades on Ace King standing on the middle turnbuckle of a corner of the ring, the EWC United States Championship proudly around his waist.

[EWC]

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.

T H E  E X T R E M E  W R E S T L I N G  C O R P O R A T I O N  P R E S E N T S
A  Q U A D  B R A N D  P A Y - P E R - V I E W  E V E N T

WRESTLEFEST XX

4 DAY WRESTLING FESTIVAL

Brought to you by Under Armour, PS5 and Dr Pepper 


---------------

DECEMBER 16TH-19TH 2022
---------------

LIVE! from the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa

EWC WRESTLEFEST XX

Commentators: Marcus Woo & Valentina Gomez
Backstage Reporter: Ace Heart & Pepper Montana

Announcer: Nina Dobrev
Senior Referee: Toyo Yasahiro
Referees: John Dean & Niklaus Forbes

"Something In The Way" by Seether begins to blast throughout the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. The crowd gives a giant pop for the hometown band. 

Video footage detailing historic events over the EWC's history.

From March 1997 all the way down to the most recent episodes of Monday Night Brawl, Friday Night Rampage, Paramount Wrestling and EWC Prime!

Images of previous EWC Champions are shown, starting with the very first Champion Black Ninja, then moving onto Big Danny Mac and Steve "The Predator" 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, Drake, Xplode, Luke Wolfe, Natalie Young, Candy, Dominic Sanders, Cyrus Black, Melody Malone, Scorpio, Xavier Reid, Jordan Sharpe, Stitches, Ace King, Killjoy Ito, Melody Malone and recent shots of Lavender all with the EWC Undisputed Championship.

This is followed by highlights of showcasing current EWC Champions:


Lavender

Stitches

Ace King

Marcu$ $t.John

Narumi Tsutsumi

Gabrielle Visconty

Moxie

Asriel Buzzard

Callie Clark

El Pablo

Damage Inc

The opening pyros hit and here we go.

The energy in FNB Stadium is insane as the crowd is absolutely electrifying in their uproar of cheers. Spotlights circle around the Stadium as the sold out 95,000 fans in attendance are shown in a wide angle shot.

The camera then zooms around the arena showing the fans in a closer look.

EWC

EWC

EWC

EWC


EWC

Fireworks emit outside FNB Stadium and then all around the ring while a fog machine covers the venue in a red, green, orange and blue haze! Fans stand up, pumping their fists and raising signs as the camera feed pans to each one of them. One last round of fireworks blast out now, and we turn our attention to Marcus Woo and Valentina Gomez.

Woo: Hello ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Day 2 of WrestleFest! Let's take a quick look at the various fan signs in attendance!

KOLBY IS KOOL...

TANJA PUT A SPELL ON ME...

ADDY GOT ME MORE HYPED THAN SOME ADDERALL...

THE PHOENIX IS MORE MIGHTY THAN THE BEAR...

GRIZ GO BRRRR...

HUNTER? I BARELY EVEN KNOW HER...

#CLARKGOTSPARK

X GONNA GET YA. YA BEING HIS TITLE BACK...

DARKWATER GONNA DROWN YALL...

FLIP THE SCRIPT KING...

THIS IS NO LAUGHING MATTER...

GIDEON GAGE SMELLS LIKE DOGFOOD...

Gomez: Some fun signs there. Tell me Woo, how did you enjoy Day 1 of WrestleFest?

Woo: I had a blast, I think I got some bad chili from a foot truck, but outside of that just the best. Let's recap the results of yesterdays show shall we!

Gomez: In our opening bout, Damage Incorporated did the unthinkable and won the EWC World Tag Team Championship, proving that dreams do come true if you never give up.

Woo: And in that match, we saw Jamie Love betray his tag team partner for The House.. I did NOT see that one coming.

Gomez: And that wasn't the only House interference on the day, as in our second match JoJO Rush would join The House in the midst of battling Morgan Darkwater to a brutal double knockout TKO.

Woo: In our semi final match, Salvation defeated Battleship SONYA to become a contender to PARAMOUNT's coveted North American Championship... and in our main event, Ace King reclaimed the United States Championship by pinning Moxie.

Gomez: Also on the show we heard from KU, Tommy Love, Moonshine Inc, Melody Malone... who also played a part in that main event.. and much more. If you missed the action, go watch the VOD on the EWC Network.

Woo: And now for tonight's four matches. In our opening bout it's Kolby Kreel VS Tanja Devereaux VS Addy Aquilla, the winner get's an CW Broadcast Title Match at the PARAMOUNT Premiere. Who do you have for this one Gomez?

Gomez: I think I've got Tanja in this one, she's rediscovered herself since coming to PARAMOUNT and I think that flame will carry her to a title match with Asriel Buzzard.

Woo: A RAMPAGE rematch with a fresh perspective, I like the sound of that. I think I'm going with Addy myself. She's been chugging away and grinding it out on PARAMOUNT for so long now, I think 2023 will be her year. As Damage Inc showed us, dreams do come true.

Gomez: Reasonable take. And in our second match, it's Grizzly Duggan taking on Phoenix Winterborn in an I Quit match. If Winterborn loses, Grizzly can fire him from RAMPAGE. If Winterborn wins, he gets an HBO Broadcast Title Match at the RAMPAGE Premiere. Who do you have Woo?

Woo: I think it's grounds for being fired if I don't back a boss... so Grizzly!

Gomez: I think I am actually going with Winterborn here, Grizzly is a powerhouse to be feared but Winterborn doesn't know how to say die.

Woo: That is true, that's a fine pick. RIP your job... And then our semi final, it's Headhuntress Aiya Versus Showtime Broadcast Champion Callie Clark, the winner will be the #1 contender to the Indy Championship. Who do you have Gomez?

Gomez: For this one, I think I am going to have to back Aiya. Callie is on a roll, but Aiya is just a straight killing machine and I don't know if Callie can handle that heat.

Woo: I actually think Callie might have this one, The House has given her a renewed sense of urgency, and after gaining two new members the pressure is on to perform or get kicked aside.

Gomez: And then our main event, it's Stitches defending his International Championship against Xavier Reid, Morgan Darkwater and King Flip. Who do you have Woo?

Woo: For this one, this is a tough one.. but I think I am going with Morgan Darkwater. He did the double knockout TKO yesterday, and I think he's going to push himself to come back and win the International Championship and then challenge JoJo Rush for a title match at the premiere.

Gomez: Oooh, bold prediction Woo. I am going to back Stitches here. I think The Carnival Clown is just someone you should always back, because he's consistently one of the most deadly people in this company.

Woo: That's a good prediction there Gomez. Well folks, don't go anywhere as WrestleFest XX Day 2 is coming to you real soon!

[EWC]

The cameras fade inside the dressing room of Kolby Kreel as he sitting in front of a mirror. His wife Daphne is running a comb through his long hair. Kolby has his fingers underneath his chin as his lips are curled into a half smirk half grin.

Kolby Kreel: In just an hour, the people here in South Africa are going to treated with some great action between three of the hungriest people on the Paramount roster. There is no doubt that Tanja and Addy will be gunning for me but I will be ready for them.

Kolby reaches over and pulls a dice tray in front of him. He picks up a D20 and gives it a roll. Kolby grins as he looks at the number.

Kolby Kreel: This is going to be fun.

Daphne Kreel: Are we still having our date on Sunday?

Kolby Kreel: How do you want to do it?

Daphne smiles as she plants a kiss on her husband’s lips as we cut away to shots around the festival grounds.

[EWC]

We see GAMBIT regulars Yaya Banana and Steve Lawson. They walk past the various food trucks slipping through the throng of humanity and the hubbub of noise. As they walk we hear a loud crash followed by a series of expletives. Steve and Yaya run to the source of the crash and find a woman staggering to her feet. There are rips and tears in her tights and her dress is pulled over her head exposing her underwear to the world. Steve and Yaya help her to her feet and fix her dress. She turns around and it’s Emma Louise. 

Emma: What, what, what, what are you doing? Trying to cop a feel?

Steve: No Ma'am. Just restoring some modesty.

Yaya: What happened to you to make you fall.

Emma: I,,,, I,,,, I,,,, got some fish from the Wrestle Feast Sushi van. It was nice but I don’t think it was right cooked and… 

She makes a motion with her hand of it coming back up.

Emma: I went behind the van to…. You know. I must have lost my balance and the next I know I was all arse over tea kettle.

Steve mutters under his breath.

Steve: Probably because your drunk.

Emma: I may have had one or two as part of the festev…. Fistiv…. Just to be sociableabable but I’m not as drunk as thinkle peep I am.

Steve: Hm..

Emma: And what’s wrong with getting a bit pished anywhoo? I’m not booo….

She covers her mouth for a moment and fans herself down.

Emma: I’m not on the card. Not due to compete. Not working the back for Prime….Prime.

Her eyes look into nowhere for a moment. She wipes her nose and left eye with the back of her hand and continues talking.

Emma: I’m not supposed to be anywhere. So why not have a drunk or two. I mean drink or two? There’s probby some here worse of than me. So you four boys have nothing to worry about me about.

Yaya looks for the other two while Steve waves a hand in front of Emma’s face. To prove her point. A group of people stagger by.

Emma: If you will excuse me gentlemen, it seems this party time is continues.

She dusts herself down and staggers away in the direction of the other drunks. Steve and Yaya look at each other.

Yaya: I’m never drinking again.

Steve: I’m never drinking. Nor am I going to that sushi van.

Yaya: Pasta then? Burgers? I hear there’s some kick ass ones over there.

He points to a burger van.

Steve: Anything except sushi or soylent green and I’m good.

They head off as we fade out.

[EWC]

---

---

PARAMOUNT TRIPLE THREAT

Winner Gets CW Broadcast Championship Match In The 2023 Season Premiere

Kolby Kreel

VS Tanja Devereaux VS Addy Aquilla

---

---

We return to ringside where the live South African crowd is going crazy as Linda Vine is just sliding into the ring.

Woo: Hello everyone, it’s time we start the action and boy don’t we have three very hungry wrestles ready to earn a chance at the CW Broadcast Championship at the season premiere of Paramount.

Gomez: Tanja, Addy and Kolby will enter the ring and only one will walk out with the title shot.

Dobrev: The following match is a triple threat match, scheduled for one fall Joining us first, from New Orleans, Louisiana, weighing in at 115 pounds ... TANJA DEVEREAUX!

Pyros hit as Videos of bustling crowds in various locations of New Orleans appear on the tron as "Daughters of Darkness" by Halestorm blasts on the P.A. system. Tanja comes out onto the top of the ramp in a style compared to Gail Kim during her early time in TNA before heading down the ramp with some of her black leather coat flows at her feet while the mix of boos and jeers and cheers from the crowd fills the arena. She slaps hands with a few fans at ringside before she reaches the bottom of the ramp.

Tanja walk up towards the ring and enters via under the bottom rope and jumps onto the middle turnbuckle. She poses as she does her usual taunt with a hand and arm in the air as "Daughters of Darkness" continues to play. Tanja steps off the turnbuckle as she removes the leather coat and throws it into a random corner.

Dobrev: And her opponent, from San Antonio, Texas, weighing in at 120 pounds ... ADDY AQUILA!

Iron by Within Temptation hits the speakers and the crowd comes alive as Adriana Aquilla makes her way down to the ring, she slaps hands with a couple of fans before rolling into the ring ready for her match as she removes her jacket.

Dobrev: And her opponent, accompanied by Daphne Kreel, from The Dungeon, Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 241 pounds ... KOLBY KREEL!

A twenty sided dice rolls across the X-Tron as “It’s Thursday Night” suddenly starts playing over the sound system. A man with a hooded cloak and a woman step out onto the stage. The woman is holding a book in her hand as he appears to have one hand open with the other closed. The moment “How Do you Want to do this” is said in the song, the man opens his hand as a twenty sided die appears in his hand. He holds it up as the woman starts chanting in some language. The man let’s out a chuckle before walking down the ramp as fire pops up along the ramp. He reaches the ring, rolls inside while staying in a kneeling position. He lowers his hood before tilting his head back up. A sly smirk appears on his face as he slithers to one of the corners and waits.

Woo: Here we go folks, who will get their shot at the CW Broadcast Championship to kick off next season?

DING DING DING

The match starts with all three individuals staring at each other. Tanja and Addy looks at each other before both deciding to attack the bigger individual in Kolby. Tanja strikes with a hard knife edge chop across his chest as Addy is driving her boots into his sternum. Kolby is trying to cover up as both ladies continue to beat him down. Around the fifth chop, Tanja lands a hard right across Addy’s jaw before wrapping her arms around Addy’s body and throwing her with a gutwrench Suplex.

Addy bows her back as Tanja follows it up with a knee to the small of the spine. Addy bows her back more as Tanja continues to drive her knee into the back. The moment Tanja turns back toward Kolby. She gets met with a big boot to her face. Kolby collects himself before flipping over Addy while snapping her neck back with front flip neck snap.

Woo: Yikes, look at the damage off that neck snap!

Gomez: Kreel taking control of the situation early on here, that's for sure.

Kolby pulls Addy up to her feet, looks to shoot her off only to pull her back and connecting with a clothesline that turns her inside out. He quickly drops down into a pinning attempt.

One

Tw……….

Before Linda could count two, Tanja dives into the pin with a double axe handle to the back of Kolby. She quickly gets back up to her feet and starts stomping the living hell out of Kolby. Addy works her way to a knee only for Tanja to strike her with a stiff knee to the face. Addy again falls on her back as Tanja goes for a quick pin.

One

Tw……

This time Addy manages to kick out before Linda could count to two. Tanja knows it’s going to take more as she picks Addy up and flings her toward the ropes. Addy uses her momentum to spring off the middle rope and catch Tanja with a tornado DDT. Tanja is spiked into the canvas as she rolls out of the ring. Addy quickly gets up to her feet and strikes with a picture perfect dropkick on Kolby.

Woo: What a dropkick! Addy might turn this around!

Gomez: Sounds like the crowd is agreement there, Marcus!

The crowd is clearly behind Addy as she follows up the dropkick with a sliding basement style dropkick to the side of Kolby’s head. She quickly gets back up to her feet, sprints toward the ropes, dives through the middle and second rope while driving Tanja back first into the steel guardrail. Tanja smacks the guardrail hard as Addy quickly gets up to her feet. She high fives a couple fans in the front row before delivering multiple shots to her head. Addy grabs Tanja by the head and drags her around the ring. Right as she turns the corner, Kolby comes vaulting over the ring ropes and connects with a crossbody splash onto both of them.

The crowd is going crazy as even Daphne looks shocked by what her husband just pulled off. Kolby gets up to his feet and slings Addy into the guardrail but as he turns back toward Tanja. He gets a straight forearm across his jaw followed by a quick kick to the gut. Tanja wraps her arm around Kolby’s head and drives him head first onto the bottom of the ramp.

Woo: Oh my, that might've just taken Kolby out of the equation!

Gomez: When a shot at the CW Broadcast Championship is up for grabs you gotta do what you need to!

Tanja gets back up to her feet, quickly stomps on Kolby’s back before grabbing Addy by the hand and looks to fling toward the ring post. Addy instinctively counters as Tanja smacks the ring post face first. Tanja slumps a little as Addy grabs Tanja by the air and slams her face first into the ring post again. She follows it up by tossing Tanja back into the ring. Addy looks over toward Kolby and sees he is still down. She shrugs her shoulders while sliding back into the ring.

Right as she gets back into the ring, Tanja meets her with a step off the ropes before driving her knee down onto the back of Addy. Tanja pulls Addy back up to her feet only to throw her arm over her neck and tossing her with an exploder Suplex.

Tanja gets back up to her feet with a smirk. She slowly begins to stalk Addy. As Addy slowly begins to make her way back up to her feet, Tanja continues to stalk her as Addy slowly turns toward Tanja. Tanja grabs Addy, smiles before delivering a Death’s Call. Tanja quickly goes for the cover as Kolby is just starting to come to onto the ramp.

ONE...







TWO...







THREE!!!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, via pinfall...TANJA DEVEREAUX!

Kolby finally gets to his feet as Tanja’s music is playing through the speakers. Tanja is all smiles as she is standing on one of the turnbuckles while motioning for a championship around her waist.

Woo: Congratulations to Tanja Devereaux on an excellent match to start here on the second day of WrestleFest. Kolby and Addy put up one heck of an effort but Tanja managed to pull it off.

Gomez: Let’s be honest, Tanja Devereaux had this in the bag. Kolby and Addy will be a threat down the line but that title shot goes to the Cajun Witch.

Woo: Well folks, we will see you around the festivities as WrestleFest XX rolls on...and later today, we see Grizzly Duggan make a rare appearance between the ropes as he takes on Phoenix Winterborn!

Camera cuts to shots of the festival continuing in the area ...

[EWC]

We see Victor Price standing at the food trucks.

Victor Price: Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to First To Eleven

[EWC]

We return to ringside where we see the commentary team

Woo: Social media is once again exploding today. Let's take some time out to hear what you've all been saying.

[EWC]

We see Emmma Louise sitting in the stands.

Emma: Apparently I was not in a great condition earlier this morning. I'm told there were a few of you great EWC fans were concerned for me and for my liver. As you can see I've been supplied with coffee and with some macaroni cheese. Normally, I'd be sat here and joking but I need to be serious for a minute. For the last few months I've not been my best. You may have noticed that I have not been in the ring much for the last few months. This has been why. It's one thing to not be at my best away from the cameras. To do so on camera has been a low point for me. As a result I want you to know in the new year, I will be taking steps to help my condition. Thank you.

The screen fades out.

[EWC]

---

---

I QUIT MATCH

IF GRIZZLY DUGGAN WINS, HE CAN KICK PHOENIX WINTERBORN OFF RAMPAGE.
IF PHOENIX WINTERBORN WINS, HE GETS AN HBO BROADCAST CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH AT THE PREMIRE!

Phoenix Winterborn

VS Grizzly Duggan

---

---

Dobrev: The following contest is an I QUIT MATCH! The only way to win this match is to get your opponent to say the words…I! QUIT!

"Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward

Whoever cannot take care of himself without that law is both

For a wounded man will shall say to his assailant

"If I live, I will kill you. If I die, you are forgiven"

Such is the rule of honor"

Grizzly Duggan makes his way out to the ring, he scoffs at the crowd before raising both hands high into the air as he walks down to the ring. He steps up on to the apron, and then steps over the top rope into the ring. He raises his hands. 

As Grizzly's music dies down, the lights around the arena lower, followed by a rush of men dressed up as mobsters scattering to each side of the stage. Into the middle of the stage, two men in police uniforms look at each side of the stage and mouth in time with the music “I NEED EVERYONE TO CLEAR THE AREA RIGHT! NOW!” as Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson begins playing. The policemen run away as a man and a woman step onto the stage, dressed in pinstripe suits. The female is wearing a halter top suit jacket accompanying the male to the center of the stage, while the music continues on. Removing their hats, they reveal themselves to be Phoenix Winterborn and Krys Jericho. Striking the famous lean, they come back up before Krys hands Phoenix his barbwire baseball bat before heading back to the back. Phoenix smirks, as he twirls it around in his hand, making his way down towards the ring, discarding his jacket in the process. Grizzly is standing outside the ring looking unimpressed, as Phoenix rolls in underneath the bottom rope to the adulation of the crowd. Smirking down at the Rampage General Manager, Phoenix steps back towards the corner, allowing Grizzly entrance to the ring.

Dobrev: Introducing first…from Columbia, South Carolina, weighing in at three hundred and eighty five pounds…he is the General Manager of Friday Night Rampage…GRIZZLY….DUGGAN!!!

Grizzly shrugs off the boos and jeers. 

Dobrev: And his opponent…from the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at two hundred and twenty nine pounds…he calls himself the Gatekeeper of Friday Nights…PHOENIX…WINTERBORN!!!

Phoenix goes to pose for the crowd with his bat in hand, but is suddenly taken out from behind with a forearm by Grizzly as the bell rings.

Marcus Woo: Grizzly is wasting no time as we get started with this I Quit contest. Phoenix laid out the challenge to Duggan on the season finale of Rampage, giving him an open contract to choose the match for tonight. That move, however, may cost Phoenix his home on Rampage though, for if Phoenix were to utter the words I quit tonight, Grizzly has been given every right to FIRE Phoenix from Rampage.

Valentina Gomez: Yes, but if Phoenix wins, he gets Moxie on the season premiere of Rampage in the new year! High stakes are abound for Phoenix here tonight win or lose. He asked for this though. It’s how much he loves Rampage!

Back in the ring, Phoenix’s bat has fallen out of reach from him, as Grizzly continues the from behind assault with a series of forearms to the back of Phoenix’s head while he is on the mat. Duggan stands up over him, motioning the ref to ask Phoenix. With a resounding “NO”, Phoenix rolls over on his back, attempting to kick up at Duggan, which he easily catches, and rolls Phoenix backwards almost to his feet before dropping him with a thunderous lariat. Winterborn clutches at his chest, as Duggan steps onto him, yelling at him.

Grizzly Duggan: QUIT YOU INDIE PRICK!

Phoenix Winterborn: GO TO HELL, GRIZZ!

Phoenix quickly grabs Grizzly's ankle, twisting it violently to get Duggan off of him for a moment. As he gathers himself, he suddenly goes for a dropkick to Duggan’s back, bouncing him off the ropes, and into a forearm shot of Phoenix’s into the kidney region. As Grizzly clutches at his side, Phoenix exits to the ringside area, grabbing a chair from the timekeepers area. Slamming it a few times against the corner post, he slides back into the ring as Duggan is getting his senses back. Winterborn goes to swing the chair, but Duggan simply punches it out of the way. Phoenix is dumbfounded, as Grizzly wraps his hand around Phoenix’s neck. Lifting him up for a chokeslam, Phoenix is able to slide behind, and kick out the back of Duggan’s knee. Picking up the chair, he quickly swings it at his back, making the steel connect with flesh in an echo throughout the stadium. Grizzly starts to stand up, as Phoenix swings the chair again. Now back to his feet, Phoenix tries to swing one more time, but Grizzly catches it, and yanks it out of Winterborn’s hands, causing Phoenix to turn around seconds before Duggan connects with the chair to Phoenix’s back, dropping him to the mat in a heap. After a second shot from Duggan, he picks Phoenix up, and throws him into the corner. Motioning the crowd to quiet down, Duggan lets loose with a massive chop that sends shockwaves throughout the stadium.

Marcus Woo: …And the first plate of chops has been served here on this Saturday in Johannesburg.

Valentina Gomez: Someone check on Phoenix to make sure his chest isn’t already caved in.

As Phoenix bends over gasping for air, Duggan pulls him back up, and unleashes with another chop across the chest, lifting Phoenix off his feet and down seated in the corner. Grizzly smiles down at Phoenix, pushing his large combat boot into Phoenix’s throat. He is clawing at the boot, but when the referee checks on him, he violently shakes his head no, continuing the match. After a moment more of choking Phoenix, Duggan pulls back, going back for the chair while Phoenix catches his breath. Instead of swinging the chair, Grizzly opens it up in the center of the ring. Before Phoenix can get to his feet, Grizzly ‘helps’ him by pulling him up with his hands back around the neck of Winterborn. In a surprise move however, Phoenix kicks the tip of his boot below the belt of Duggan, causing him to let go and double over. Seeing his chance, he quickly picks up the chair, and folding it to the mat. Shooting himself off the ropes, Winterborn comes back with a sliding DDT onto the top of the chair!

Valentina Gomez: Good God what a move by Phoenix! Maybe he’s a bit more craft than Grizzly has been giving him credit for!

Marcus Woo: Yes, but it’s going to take a lot more than a DDT to get Grizzly Duggan to quit this match. Regardless, Phoenix mounting a bit of offense here…

Back at the ring, Phoenix has slid outside to retrieve his baseball bat. Twirling it around in his hand as he walks back up the steps, Grizzly is starting to come back around from his head bouncing off of the chair moments before. As Phoenix raises up the bat to come down onto Grizzly, he punches up, catching Phoenix in the gut to cause him to stop the blow. Before Phoenix can react, Grizzly steals the bat away from him, and quickly slices it against Phoenix’s forehead. Winterborn drops to the mat, clutching his head. When his hands move away, blood is slowly starting to drip down his face.

Marcus Woo: Phoenix is the first one to see his blood in this matchup, but I doubt he’ll be the last to do so! He won’t take this lying down!

Valentina Gomez: If Grizzly keeps up the assault like he has been, Phoenix may not have much say in the matter.

Phoenix is on his knees, panting as he tries to regain his breath while Grizzly looks at the chair, and then back at Phoenix. Picking it up, he looks ready to swing it across Phoenix’s back, yelling at him to stand up.

Phoenix Winterborn: FUCKING HIT ME! DO IT, GRIZZLY!

Phoenix looks up at Grizzly, wiping the blood out of his eyes. With a defiant grin, he flips off Grizzly with both hands. Infuriated, Duggan lets out a guttural yell, and slams the chair right into Phoenix’s face, sending him backwards!

Marcus Woo: JESUS CHRIST! That had to have knocked Phoenix out! In all my years at this desk, I have never seen someone hate someone else so much as Grizzly does to Phoenix with that shot!

Valentina Gomez: That had malicious intent written all over it, but this match HAS to continue since Phoenix is unable to say I Quit right now!

Satisfied with his work thus far, Grizzly tosses the chair out of the ring before picking up the prone body of Phoenix, dragging him out of the ring and up the ramp. Phoenix begins to stir slightly at this point but still groggy from the knockout blow earlier. Swinging half-heartedly, Grizzly is laughing at Phoenix’s attempts to come to at this point right before tossing him into the stage with force. Phoenix crumples back into a heap, trying to grasp at the backdrop of the stage to pull himself up. While he is doing that, Grizzly goes off the the side, grabbing a pair of tables to set up on the main part of the stage. With his back turned, Winterborn has found his way to his feet, breathing heavily but looking at Duggan with rage in his eyes. As soon as Duggan turns around, Phoenix launches forward, catching him with a FireStorm out of nowhere onto the steel stage.Getting up, and yelling out loudly, Phoenix looks down at a stunned Grizzly Duggan. Then to the tables. Then to the X-Tron. Then back to Grizzly.

Marcus Woo: There’s no way…

Phoenix scrambles for a chair, quickly coming back, and connecting with two quick blows to the back of Duggan. Tossing the chair to the side, he starts to pick Duggan up and lurch him over to where the two tables had been set up. But before he can get moving, Koala and Polar Duggan rush out onto the stage to try and cut off Phoenix. Tossing Duggan to the ground, he starts swinging at the other Duggan brothers, but they quickly outnumber him, putting the boots to him. As they continue, “The Sound of Madness” by Shinedown begins blasting throughout the arena.

Marcus Woo: I knew that this wasn’t going to be a fair fight with Duggan, but who’s music is that?!

Valentina Gomez: We’re not gonna have to wait long to find out! It’s Krys Jericho!

Phoenix’s partner in crime comes bolting out form the back witha kendo stick in hand, cracking it against the back of Polar Duggan. As he cries out in pain, Koala turns his attention towards Krys, swinging with a huge clothesline, but Krys tosses the kendo stick towards Phoenix and ducks. As soon as Koala turns around, Krys jumps up, throwing her knees into his face with a codebreaker-esque maneuver.

Marcus Woo: Krys just connected with Bow Before Me, Bitch! She’s won championships all over the world with that move, and now HOPEFULLY! This can go back to being a one on one fight!

Krys rolls Koala off the side of the stage before chasing after Polar, who dashes backstage deciding that discretion is the better part of valor. With Phoenix able to get back to his feet now, Grizzly is also stirring at this point. Looking down at the kendo stick that was tossed to him moments ago, he picks it up, cracking it hard over Grizzly’s head. With another shot, Grizzly can be seen with blood on his forehead. Leaning over the table, Phoenix comes up behind him with one more hard shot to the back. Using the help of the kendo stick, Phoenix is able to roll Duggan up onto the table before issuing one final blow to Grizzly’s abdomen before tossing it to the side, and screaming out towards the crowd.

Marcus Woo: WrestleFest has always been the time of year that EWC superstars show out! Is this going to be another moment for the highlight reel? Because I have a feeling Phoenix is about to do something amazing, or it’s going to be the end of his career!

Valentina Gomez: Can I hope for the latter?

Finding a piece of scaffolding close to the tables, Phoenix grabs onto it, shaking it slightly to make sure it will hold before starting his ascent towards the bottom of the giant video screen!

Marcus Woo: This is insane! Even at the bottom of the X-Tron, that has to be at LEAST twenty feet above where Duggan is! Phoenix is willingto go to these lengths to beat Grizzly, just think what would happen if he wins, and were to face Moxie on the season premiere of Rampage!

Winterborn finally has himself in position, looking down at the still prone body of Duggan. Turning around, he smacks his hand against the screen…

Marcus Woo: He can’t be thinking Final Flight here…this could end both of them! Phoenix, NO!!

Before anyone else can react, Phoenix dives backwards off the X-Tron, crashing through Duggan and the tables with Final Flight!

HOLY SHIT… HOLY SHIT… HOLY SHIT!!!

FIGHT FOREVER… FIGHT FOREVER… FIGHT FOREVER!!!

Marcus Woo: OH MY GOD! HE’S KILLED HIMSELF, KILLED HIMSELF!

Valentina Gomez: DEAR GOD ABOVE!

Phoenix Winterborn pulls himself up, he starts to cough up a lung and then falls back drop grabbing at his ribs. Grizzly Duggan is still motionless in the debris of the tables. Winterborn pulls himself up and lets out a triumphant scream. Winterborn limps over to Duggan while holding his ribs, he grabs Duggan’s beard and lifts Duggan’s head a few inches off the ground before stomping it back into the stage. Winterborn loses his footing and falls on top of Duggan. Winterborn mounts Duggan and goes to slap but Duggan grabs a broken piece of table and smashes it against Winterborn’s face. Duggan rolls to his stomach and uses a piece of metal off a broken table to stand. Duggan calls for a microphone. “Winterborn. I misjudged you '', Duggan then hits Winterborn over the head with the piece of metal, hard enough to snap the metal in two and hard enough to send Duggan off his feet. Duggan crawls over to Winterborn, and goes to stab him in the eye with the other half of the broken piece of metal still in his hand… Winterborn quits before Duggan can gouge out his eye. Duggan rolls off Winterborn. “I misjudged you deeply. You’re a wrestler's wrestler son. At The RAMPAGE Premiere, you can have yourself that HBO Broadcast Shot Vs Moxie.”... The crowd gives a massive pop for Winterborn while medical crews come to check on the two men, both lying motionless.

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, via forfeit GRIZZLY DUGGAN!

Woo: Grizzly Duggan has done it, he has won this match!

Gomez: But at what cost? For both men? Was this worth it?

Medical staff help Grizzly Duggan to his feet. Duggan shoves the staff off him and away from Winterborn. Duggan grabs Winterborn's arm and hoists him up onto his shoulders. 

Grizzly: Let's go get ourselves a beer, on me.

Grizzly limps off backstage with Winterborn over his shoulder. 

Woo: ☕ Men

Gomez: After trying to kill each other for months now, these two are off for a beer! And Winterborn Vs Moxie is set to main event the first RAMPAGE back. Good lord. 

Woo: And don't you go anywhere, we'll be back with more WrestleFest action!

[EWC]

Narumi is found backstage running up to her Senshi of the Blade partner Megumi.

Narumi: Megumi-chan, good afternoon! Today is the day Shinijoshi gets into the winner's circle at Wrestlefest, I just know it! It’ll be great when Aiya does Callie in, Callie’s been a thorn in our side for far too long!

Megumi waves her finger while biting on her sukonbu snack, she feels extra confident after pinning the Southern Express in the Prime Street Fight.

Megumi: Tsk. Tsk. Tsk, not Megumi. Dear friend, of course it is time for things to turn around, for my international manga arms dealing has been selling great here in this country!

Narumi: Oh right, the most wholesome wanted criminal in the world, El Grande Padre! Your mastery of urban warfare really got us over our hump with the Southern Express. It’s a shame they wouldn’t let us wrestle more nights at Wrestlefest like they did last year, you haven’t lost any group matches with us ever since your very own new form.

El Grande Padre: Narumi-chan, you spoke of Callie, she’s the reason we never got our title shot last Wrestlefest. Then she lost to the Southern Express for the titles. But we finally beat the Express, I feel like our time is coming as we have as they say have “cornered the market.”

Narumi: Right, next season the Tag Team Championships will be taken by the Shinijoshi!

El Grande Padre smiles, and then looks at Narumi’s Indy Championship.

El Grande Padre: But first we’ll see Aiya make it clear that Indy Championship will always remain Shinijoshi “turf” property. And then you take care of Scorpio tomorrow. I may have my face on wanted posters all across the globe, but in the EWC it is your face that has been on posters for the most PPVs this year to sell events, show him the reason why!

Narumi: He is a truly persistent foe, this will be my third defense against him and the fifth time we're in the ring together this year. He thinks this is the time he'll finally get one over on me, but I’ll teach him we never get complacent! He had the nerve to even say that complacent phrase about me! When people normally would go on cruise control after breaking the Indy Championship record, I only became more ravenous in my pursuit to elevate myself and the Indy Championship! Now my record of defenses have tied the greatest reigns of current and future Hall of Famers like Hawkins, Ace King, and the Southern Express! When I got the Shinijoshi together, and we do things like win Wargames, that’s all part of adding to the legacy of my title and my chase for more. Soon everyone will realize that we’re coming for it all!

Narumi does the Shinijoshi double peace sign, which El Grande Padre Megumi responds doing the same pose as the rest of Wrestlefest continues.

[EWC]

??: WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL ITS THE BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGSHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW.

The boombox blares the well known song of Paul Wright, frequently known as The Big Show, outside an McDonalds food truck. The owner of the boombox? None other than, THE FLORIDA MAN!!!

Florida Man: WELL WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN I AM BEING ARRESTED?! THIS IS AN AFRONT TO THE AMERICAN WAY! THIS IS...

Employee: Sir, This is a McDonalds. You cannot use that to purchase our food, either leave or we will call the police.

Florida Man: I DIDN'T KNOW I DIED AND WENT TO HOTEL COMMUNIST CALIFORNIA!

Employee: Sir, This is South Africa.

Florida Man: OH, TRY TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT WON'T YOU. YOU MAKE ME SICK. YOU ARE A PATHETIC PIECE OF HUMA...

The taser barbs entered Florida Man's lower back as a burly police officer then threw on a chokehold and dragged Florida Man away from the Food Truck. An EWC Lawyer follows behind, shaking his head.

[EWC]

We find ourselves in a strange location, surrounded by almost blinding lights in what appears to be a...control room of some sort.

We come closer to the center of the room, where we find none other than the Mistress of Time Itself, Aeon Khronos, alongside...Aeon Khronos?

It's a familiar face to us, one we saw prior to over a year ago...and yet, the sight of both faces in one place is a strange sight indeed, something the more recent Aeon picks up as she waves to us with a smile.

Khronos: Hello, everyone! Did you really think you'd get through a WrestleFest without a pop-in from ol' Aeon Khronos?

The other Aeon chuckles at this, as the lady continues.

Khronos: Wish I could be there at the FNB with all you lovely people, but an old friend has come calling for some help, and it's a doozy. I'll be seeing you lot at the start of the new season, assuming I--

She looks over at the other Aeon, who simply smirks.

Khronos: Er, assuming WE don't get wiped from the multiverse in the meantime.

She looks back at us with another smile and a wave, as we cut away to more of what's going on around the festival!

[EWC]

---

---

NON-TITLE SINGLES MATCH

Winner Is #1 Contender To Indy Championship

Headhuntress Aiya

VS Callie Clark

---

---

We return to ringside where a suspicious number of signs in support of 'The House' have been distributed in the crowd.

Woo: We're running hot here in the FNB Stadium, as we work our way toward an insanely stacked main event for the International Championship. But before Brawl lights up the night, we're in for two of the best of the indies as Prime superstar Callie Clark - the reigning Showtime broadcast champion - locks up with the lethal "Headhuntress" Aiya! They've been at odds this season as their respective factions went to war, and you could argue there's an advantage here to the Shinijoshi stalwart, with their collective triumph at Wargames!

Gomez: You could argue that, and you'd be right, but you can't count out the Golden Goddess. She comes to this match strapped, and seeks to expand her trophy cabinet because this match leads to an opportunity against the Indy Champion. Right now that honor belongs to one of Aiya's best friends, Woo, and you've got to think she'd be a little reluctant looking ahead to that fight!

Dobrev: The following match is for one fall! The winner will be the number one contender to the Indy Championship. Joining us first, coming to the ring from Kyoto, Japan, weighing in at one hundred and thirty seven pounds, she is one of the Shinijoshi ... "HEADHUNTRESS" AIYA!

As “Dark Seeks Light” by Yui Ninomiya plays over the PA system, a fog appears near the curtains. As it slowly fades away, we see the form of “Headhuntress” Aiya standing at the top of the ramp. She saunters down, entering the ring through the middle and top ropes. Aiya then leans against the ring, already looking as if she’s making a game plan in her head whilst waiting for her opponent to enter the ring.

Dobrev: And her opponent...

Are you ready for it?

It's me, hi....

The tron shows a clip of Callie's debut in EWC.

I promise that you'll never find another like me....

Smoke fills the stage as the tron shows the moment Callie turned her back on the fans.

There is nothing I do better than revenge.

The tron shows a clip of Callie standing tall over Bosa with the Broadcast Championship in hand. The lights turn red as anticipation builds.

Cause baby now we got bad blood.

The tron shows Shinjoshi winning War Games as Callie looks furious. The lights now go out in the arena... then a spotlight shows Taylor Swift standing on stage wearing a 'Golden Goddess' Callie T-Shirt! Fans freak out as Taylor smirks.

It's me hi, I'm the problem, it's me.

The lights now go back to normal as Taylor gives the crowd a little wave. We see a giant metal snake in the middle of the stage with it's mouth open showing it's fangs.

My reputation's never been worse...

Bad Reputation now hits and the lights turn gold as Callie rises from a lift onto the stage in the snake's mouth with Tori.

You can't spell awesome without me!

Dobrev: From New York, New York, weighing in at one hundred and fifteen pounds ... she is the Golden Goddess, AND the Showtime Broadcast Champion ... CALLIE CLARK!

Callie is dressed in a signature Taylor Swift look, and smirks to the crowd then to Taylor as she steps out of the snake's mouth, and they pose together on the stage. The red carpet gets rolled out and Callie's paparazzi snap pictures as she makes her way down to the ring with her championship wrapped firmly around her waist. Callie now enters the ring and poses with her title on the top turnbuckle. She now hops down and poses again in the midst of the ring as her music cuts.

Woo: A massive statement from the Showtime champ, who shows grace and humility as she honors us with her presence. Truly.

Gomez: I hear your sarcasm, Woo, but holy shit! That was the actual Taylor Swift! Callie's kind of a big deal!

DING DING DING

Of course, Callie hasn't come alone, and as a glaring Aiya starts toward her, she holds up a finger to forestall the violent Joshi. The Headhuntress looks like she's been fed a mouthful of something awful, pausing as she watches the Golden Goddess smugly hand her title off to Tori at ringside -- and then giving her no chance to turn around, hitting her like a ton of bricks with a leaping elbow strike, a backhand slap, and a corkscrew kick that slumps her opponent against the ropes. Aiya darts in with a determined smirk, hooking Callie up and delivering a beautiful Northern Lights Suplex, bridging up for an early pin!

ONE...




KICKOUT!

Callie's expression is familiar to anyone who paid attention during her entrance; she's furious, stumbling to her feet and answering Aiya's onslaught with a combination of strikes that open with a spinning backfist, leading to a pair of scissoring knees to the midsection, then twisting around to deliver a lightning-quick Pelé kick! The Headhuntress is slammed onto her back, turning onto a shoulder to try and roll clear, only to get dragged up by the hair and flung into the corner. Clark shakes her head fiercely, wagging a finger in the Sadistic Sakura's face, then stepping up into a high knee that drops her like a sack of potatoes. Her blonde hair is tousled, and she pauses to make adjustments, flaunting her momentary advantage as she wanders away from the corner, absolutely definitely not just needing to catch her breath.

Ever the tough cookie, Aiya's back on her feet in a couple of moments, shoving off the ropes to blindside the Golden Goddess with a roundhouse kick that she dodges by a whisker, baby blues wide. Pushing out a long, Thai-style guard, Aiya lets her blow whip past, then quicksteps into a side kick that lands flush, launching the other woman back into a crouch. The extended hand beckons, another of those trademark smirks fired along with it, and this is enough to draw the feisty Callie in, leaping toward Aiya only to be hauled across her shoulders to a surge of anticipation from the crowd!

Woo: Clark took the bait, and Aiya's looking for a finish already!

Gomez: She's not messing around!

Aiya fights to keep control, but Clark gets her legs free and spins around, deftly catching the Headhuntress' head between her ankles and whipping her down into the canvas. Aiya throws an arm out and enters a skid, coming up a three-point crouch with her gaze alert and intense - but Callie's rolled through, straight into a dash that sees her leap-frogging her opponent, hitting the ropes behind. Wise to the ways of the speed demon, Aiya's ready to drop and roll under, bouncing off the opposing ropes. They criss-cross, and Clark puts on the brakes, her boots shrieking on the mat as she reverses momentum into a sling blade!

The Headhuntress hits the canvas, and Callie bounces onto her, hooking the leg and barking at the official to begin the count.

ONE...




TWO...




KICKOUT!

Aiya gets her shoulder up and reaches through, reversing in the pin into an ankle lock, fighting to grapevine the leg before Callie can shift her weight away from the hold. The Golden Goddess twists to aim a kick at Aiya, but finds herself in a worse situation as the other woman tightens her grip, using the added torque to wrench the ankle at a horrible angle. Callie screams, and struggles toward the ropes, but she's in trouble as she reaches out and finds herself a couple of feet short. The Headhuntress is tenacious, the hold unrelenting--

--but the House always have a card up their sleeve. Suddenly, Aiya's jerked off-balance as Tori reaches out to link arms with Clark, pulling both of them toward the ropes. Rather than simply go for the break, Callie orders to keep pulling, and Aiya's forced to relinquish her grasp rather than go with them. The Golden Goddess limps slightly as Tori helps her up on the outside, and seems to be willing to take her sweet time strolling around the ring, as Aiya stares cold fire, shaking her head in disgust at the tactic.

Woo: Whether or not you approve, this is a smart strategy by the Showtime champion. She's had a taste of what the Sadistic Sakura can do, and now she's going to compose herself and come up with an appropriate response.

Gomez: Sure, it's smart, but I just want them to keep hurting each other! Aiya's so good at it!

Tori and Callie are exchanging words, the Amazonian enforcer sticking close to her woman as Aiya paces like a caged lioness. Clark nods a couple of times, and they seem to breaking apart when the savage Shinijoshi decides enough is enough, and darts toward the ropes as if she means to cleave her way between them. Tori steps in front, and with a roll of her eyes Aiya catches the top rope and vaults over, sending barely a cursory glance backwards as she braces and uncoils into a dizzying corkscrew moonsault plancha, hitting the SNAFU on Callie as she attempts to scuttle away past her bodyguard! The crowd explodes in appreciation, while Aiya extends an arm and releases her gathered momentum with a few steps up the ramp, flashing the Shinijoshi handsign before she turns just in time to see the oncoming Tori!

Showing her enviable speed, Aiya lashes out her raised hand to strike, but Tori catches it, and drives HER hand into the elbow joint, garnering a hiss of pain from the Headhuntress. Tori leans in, but whatever she's planning is cut off as Aiya hops up and NAILS the much larger woman with a headbutt. That gets another pop, and Aiya smirks, takes a step back, and flows beautifully into her trademark spinning kick; SOS! SHOOT ON SIGHT! With a sharp smack her foot floors Callie's enforcer--

--and then Clark stumbles in out of left field, with her shit just together enough to seize a waistlock and plow Aiya into the side of the ring. Frantically she strives to hook up for what might be an X-Plex against the apron, but Aiya drives a fist into her lower back, sweeps a leg, and drops down, pulling Callie face-first into the hard edge! A trickle of blood is just visible on her forehead, before she's bundled up and shoved into the ring, closely followed by the Headhuntress after a scowl over her shoulder at the downed Tori.

Woo: A positively sedentary count by our official, who clearly knows what the fans are interested in.

Gomez: Violence!

Despite the punishment she's taken, the Golden Goddess fights her way back into contention, raking the eyes and grinding a bootheel into the top of Aiya's foot, seizing an underhook to hit a passable Judo toss toward the center of the ring - creating the opening she needs to sink down after the Headhuntress and fight for an armbar! Aiya defends tenaciously, whipping her elbow into Callie's collarbone, then extending her arm to drag her to the canvas, twisting into place for an armbar of her own. Clark bucks her hips and kips up, yanking her arm out of harm's way and leaving Aiya on her back beneath her - for the instant before she shifts her posture and drops a knee right into the Sadistic Sakura's throat, exerting the downforce necessary to keep her struggling in place as she seizes the near arm and bends it cruelly against the elbow targeted by Tori. Her opponent shifts beneath her, and she answers by twisting to stand, the arm now over her shoulder.

Up it goes, and down, with a stomach-churning snap and a coarse, sharp yell from Aiya. Boos are raining down, and it's Callie's turn to smirk, as she rotates smartly in place, seizing Aiya's other arm and dragging her in close...

To hit THOR'S HAMMER! Her knee explodes against the head, and Aiya slumps into place for the cover.

ONE...




TWO...




KICKOUT!

Gomez: She almost had her, Woo! This is a beautiful performance by the Golden Goddess!

Woo: Who's side are you even on?

Gomez: VIOLENCE!

Callie slams the mat in frustration, launching to her feet to argue the count as Aiya rolls onto her side, pushing the hair from her face and blinking back the pain. She gingerly tests the injured arm, then nods as if to say 'that'll do', sliding to her feet just as Clark turns away from the official with a growl of rage. WHAM! Aiya's boot finds her gut, along with a sharp curse in Japanese. The Headhuntress grabs a handful of hair, shifts bluntly into a headlock and twists, rattling the Showtime champ with a sharp neckbreaker. She floats over into mount, tries to posture up but is launched off by a desperate surge from Clark, landing on her feet in a dash at the ropes. Still feeling the effects of the move, Callie staggers upright and looks to be easy game for the rebounding Aiya...

Until she twists, somewhat drunkenly, and lashes out with a spinning backfist that connects, staggering the Sadistic Sakura! Before Aiya can fall down or stumble away, she reaches out, isolating that arm again, driving a couple of thudding kicks up into the elbow, then whipping into another Pelé kick, striking the shoulder! The blow topples Aiya against the corner post, her head bouncing off the turnbuckle on the way down, and Callie grins fiercely, running to the opposite corner and wheeling into a sprint that culminates in a big running cannonball!

She couldn't look more pleased with herself as she bounces to her feet, laughing, soaking in the response from the crowd as she drags Aiya out of the corner and heads to the high rent district. She bounces on the ropes a couple of times, landing poised and ready to go, but pausing - impressively - in place to throw out her arms to her 'adoring' masses. The hesitation doesn't stop her whipping backwards into the Callisault, but it DOES give the Headhuntress just enough time to roll aside, leaving Clark to crash into an empty pool as Aiya slides out of the ring.

Callie is rattled, but stumbles upright with a shake of her head, looking as much irritated as hurt, her skin flushed in indignation as Aiya leans on the apron, hair falling over her face, shoulders rising and falling, apparently catching her breath. Impulsively, Clark wheels around the ring, arching beautifully over the top rope as she nears Aiya, crashing down--

--only to be snatched out of the air! Callie's eyes are wide, as the Headhuntress cries out with the effort of hefting her up into a powerbomb against the apron! The impact shakes the ring, and the Golden Goddess ragdolls onto the floor, Aiya stumbling and falling to all fours beside her.

"THIS IS AWESOME!" clap-clap-clapclapclap "THIS IS AWESOME!"

Regathering her wits, Aiya starts womanhandling Callie up to vertical base. Clark tries to fight back, but is still hurt, her struggling curtailed with a thrust to the throat, that explodes into a combination of kicks starting low and working high, the final roundhouse to the head dropping her against the apron! The Headhuntress snarls, grabbing a handful of blonde hair and slamming Callie's head against the outer edge of the ring, once, twice, and a third time! That earlier cut is re-opened, quickly coloring the Golden Goddess in crimson as the count reaches eight and Aiya bundles her back inside. Tori is back up, but is too late to intercept the Headhuntress, who stumbles warily away as she enters the ring, leaving Callie enough space to stumble upright, blood dripping profusely from her face.

Woo: This doesn't look good for Callie Clark; the more blood she loses, the further away that title opportunity is going to get...

Gomez: Don't forget about Aiya's arm, she's taken plenty of punishment as well.

Indeed, the Sadistic Sakura is massaging the aching limb, wincing as she stretches it out, limbering up as the crowd explode back and forth. Callie staggers again and almost falls, though, and it's enough to bait her bloody-minded opponent forward. It's a fakeout! Clark spins and propels Aiya toward the edge of the ring following her in to tie her up between the top and middles ropes, then wrenching the arm backwards as she drapes a leg over to apply an illegal, assisted choke! The warning is applied, and Clark breaks at the last instant, stepping back with her hands raised. Aiya clears her throat with a choking grunt, but wastes no time in lashing out, stomping straight at her opponent with a big boot that's a little slower than her usual, but proves to be just enough! Wham!

Clark eats it, and slips backwards, throwing out her arms to catch herself, then quickly covering up as Aiya pounces and begins raining down bombs with her one good arm. Callie takes a few hefty shots as she fights through the assault, struggling to pick an ankle and bring the Headhuntress crashing down next to her. She's partially successful, but Aiya only stumbles, giving Clark the space to get onto one knee. At ringside, Tori shouts a warning, as danger flashes in hazel eyes, and the Headhuntress EXPLODES into her virulent buzzsaw kick! OUT TO KILL!!

No! The warning was enough, and Callie rolls underneath, looking like she's seen a ghost as she finds her feet, and hits the ropes, streaking back in toward the Headhuntress--

--who ducks in to heave her, for the second, up onto her shoulders, looking for that Burning Hammer!

Callie gasps, blood spraying as she slips up and over, Aiya's grip failing her and that unreliable arm now grasped firmly by the Showtime champion! An expulsion of shock rings through the crowd as she drops her body weight against the stumbling Headhuntress, driving her down into the canvas, Clark on top of her with the Fujiwara armbar locked in! They're in the middle of the ring, there's nowhere to run!

Agonizing moments pass, Aiya kicking and - rarely, to Callie Clark's utter glee, screaming, but unable to escape the hold...

Against all her desires, all her instincts, the Headhuntress taps!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, via submission ... CALLIE CLARK!

Callie holds on a little longer than necessary, but as the official moves to pull her away she relinquishes the hold of her own volition, the breath shuddering in her throat as she tries to simultaneously refill her burning lungs and laugh uproariously. Aiya is clutching her arm, bitterly snarling as the announcement sinks in, and with a delirious, disbelieving laugh of her own, Tori slides into the ring to seize Clark in a massive bearhug and then hoist her up onto a shoulder. Callie, for a moment, looks like a delighted child, and then remembers herself and looks down at Tori with a shit-eating grin. "Just like I told you," she yells, before she's set down and snatches her title belt from the approaching official, hoisting it on high before ordering her bodyguard to strap it on.

The deed done, she casts one disdainful look at Aiya, who glares back, and then climbs the turnbuckle, posturing magnificently, gesturing around her waist and then pointing heavenward. Some cheer, some boo, but everybody makes some kind of noise as the crimson-masked Goddess promises the world that this is just the beginning.

Woo: There's no doubt that the Headhuntress is a fierce competitor, who drew blood and came close to victory here tonight, but it's Callie Clark who goes on to challenge for the Indy Championship.

Gomez: This was a fight, for sure! Aiya's got nothing to be ashamed of, but Callie brought the fire and stuck to her gameplan. She's sweated, she's bled, and she's earned her way to the biggest match of her career.

Woo: The other participant in which is yet to be decided, because the Prime Minister, Scorpio, and reigning champion Narumi Tsutsumi will clash in tomorrow night's main event. Either way, the 'Golden Goddess' had better hope that the House indeed always wins.

Gomez: Very true, but later tonight is all about the main event of Day Two! Four men go into battle, but only one will come out the EWC International Champion after a brutal Falls Count Anywhere affair! Will that violent clown we know as Stitches retain, or can one of King Flip, Xavier Reid, or Captain Morgan Darkwater take the belt home to end the season? We'll find out tonight!

Camera cuts to more of what's going on around the festival as WrestleFest XX rolls on...