PARAMOUNT WRESTLING #28 - DALY CITY
Feb 22, 2023 21:22:39 GMT -6
Lizzy and "Headhuntress" Aiya like this
Post by PARAMOUNT on Feb 22, 2023 21:22:39 GMT -6
The Extreme Wrestling Corporation Presents
“Superstar” by For Squirrels begins to blast over the arena speakers as our feed comes to life...
The fans packing the Cow Palace tonight all come to their feet. Further explosions rock the very foundation of the arena as a large video screen is lowered from the rafters, stopping 15 feet above the ring! Everyone in Daly City knows that the greatest show on Wednesday night is about to begin and they cheer accordingly! The heavy riffs from 'Superstar' continue to blare over the arena, setting the tone for what is to come later on this evening.
** Season 24 Begins! **
EPISODE #28
EPISODE #28
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2023
LIVE! from the Cow Palace - Daly City, CaliforniaWARNING: 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.
“Superstar” by For Squirrels begins to blast over the arena speakers as our feed comes to life...
The scene immediately cuts to a pyro show erupting on the outside of the Cow Palace!
Then a cut to another, equally explosive show on the inside!
Then a cut to another, equally explosive show on the inside!
The fans packing the Cow Palace tonight all come to their feet. Further explosions rock the very foundation of the arena as a large video screen is lowered from the rafters, stopping 15 feet above the ring! Everyone in Daly City knows that the greatest show on Wednesday night is about to begin and they cheer accordingly! The heavy riffs from 'Superstar' continue to blare over the arena, setting the tone for what is to come later on this evening.
IT'S ALL I WANT, IT'S ALL I NEED
IT'S ALL I SEE, IT'S ALL I BREATHE
IT'S WHAT I AM, IT'S WHAT'S I KNOW
IT'S WHAT I FEEL, IT'S WHAT I BLEED!
IT'S ALL I SEE, IT'S ALL I BREATHE
IT'S WHAT I AM, IT'S WHAT'S I KNOW
IT'S WHAT I FEEL, IT'S WHAT I BLEED!
On the Extreme-Tron, this episode of Paramount Wrestling begins with its opening video montage detailing many of the historic events that have taken place in the five-year history of Future Stars of Wrestling, setting the tone for the history of the Orange brand. From past champions like Jason Hunter, Dixie Dubois, Amis Shelton, Magdalena Lockheart, and Otaki all standing underneath an old FSW logo to the more current Future Stars Champions like Xavier Reid, Cletus Franklin, Robina Hood, Robbie Rayder, Stitches, Candy, and Wes Walker tearing down that mold, showing the Paramount Wrestling Logo...
As more pyro goes off the Paramount Wrestling logo appears and flashes of the roster appear on the screen such as Ibuki Ito, "La Belicista" Isabella, "The Wicked" James Keaton, "The Beautiful Battleship" Sonya, Jadyn Keem, "Salvation" Salvador Serenity, Tanja Devereaux, The Kernel Masters, Shaker Jones, "The Last Magician" Sally Talfourd, Emma Louise, Nika Kosov, and Suene el Molde. The final images shown are a montage of Marcu$ $t. John and the EWC North American championship high over his shoulder, and then El-Pablo swimming in a pool of Skittles, the EWC X-Division championship diagonal across his chest.
The camera pans around the loud and out of control audience. As the fireworks continue to explode, the fans chant and cheer! Cameras pan around the arena to catch some of the signage that many fans have brought to The Cow Palace with them here tonight. The Paramount Wrestling fan-base is as adamant about having their voices heard now as ever:
"PARAMOUNT WRESTLING: THINK DIFFERENTLY! "
"THE TECHNICOLOR TECHNICO STILL RULES THE X-DIVISION"
"LEGENDS ARE BORN ON PARAMOUNT"
"PARAMOUNT WRESTLING: HOME OF THE TAG TEM DIVISION IN EWC"
"CAN ANYONE BEAT M$J?! "
"PAR-A-MOUNT!!!"
"PARA-A-MOUNT!!!"
"PARA-A-MOUNT!!!"
"PAR-A-MOUNT!!!"
"PARA-A-MOUNT!!!"
"PARA-A-MOUNT!!!"
"PAR-A-MOUNT!!!"
The lights come back to full and the fans offer one last rousing cheer at the opening festivities. Tonight's announcers are on standby and ready for the show to begin.
Watson: SESON 24 HERE WE ARE! Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to the Pinnacle of Professional Wrestling... Welcome to Paramount! We are coming to you live from Cow Palace in Daly City California and Live on the NEW home of Paramount Wrestling, Apple TV+! . My name is Tim Watson and with my as always is Cid Sydney.
Sydney: It's about time that my work/life balance includes technical support! Thanks for the tech upgrades Apple! You're going to see a lot of little changes throughout the night here folks as we settle in with our new streaming partner, but the action in the ring remains as hot as ever and tonight is no different! Starting things off right away we have a glimpse at what the Tag Team Division will look like post-Southern Express as three hot teams go at it. The Kreul Masters take on Next Level and representing Prime, The Shinjoshii team Bloody Sureiyazu!
Watson: And it you like tournaments, the final two matches of round one in the company-wide Legends of the Ring tournament take place tonight! First up, we will see "The Last Magician" Sally Talfourd look to make the third time the charm as she takes on North American Champion Marcu$ $t. John!
Sydney: And then not to be outdone, the X-Division is on display as Salvation takes on Monday Night Brawl's Xavier Reid! Reid coming home to the orange brand, looking for a fresh start as he seeks to win his chance at his brother, the longest reigning champion in X-Division history, El Pablo!
Watson: Then we go back to the Legends of the Ring Tournament as we get a bit of a WrestleFest rematch when X-Division champion El Pablo takes on Ibuki Ito. And then in the main event, we will be crowning a NEW champion as in the offseason, Asriel Buzzard, without warning, vacated the CW Broadcast championship. As the saying goes though, out with the old, in the new as Tanja Deveraux gets her won opportunity at the Broadcast title against Adriana Aquilla to decide who will become Apple TV + Broadcast Champion!
Sydney: We have all this and SO MUCH MORE! Our first match of the night will be coming up right after this quick message from EWCTV. Don't go anywhere .. Paramount Wrestling action will be back in exactly 1 minute
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 WRESTLING, EWC PRIME 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
Only $7.95/month
WATCH ONLINE
If you are subscribed to EWC Network through your TV Provider you can now enjoy EWC Network on your:
PC, Laptop, Playstation, mobile app, or tablet.
PC, Laptop, Playstation, mobile app, or tablet.
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
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 prior to midnight [ENTER DATE]
Receive a FREE copy of STRANGLEMANIA XVIII DVD and Blu-Ray combo when it's released later this year
+ free T-Shirt and Replica EWC X-Division Championship.
Receive a FREE copy of STRANGLEMANIA XVIII DVD and Blu-Ray combo when it's released later this year
+ free T-Shirt and Replica EWC X-Division Championship.
So act now if you aren't already subscribed to EWCTV
Lisa Goldrush: Mind if I take a moment of your ladies’ time?
”Headhuntress” Aiya: It’s gonna have to be real fast. We’re first up, you know?
Lisa Goldrush: Of course, which is why I’ll get right to the point. Any words for either of your opponents?
Aiya smirks as she glances backwards at Narumi before looking back towards Lisa again.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: I don’t know who was sadder to listen to, but they were both full of shit. The only thing I didn’t expect was learning Next Level decided to join up with The House. But just about everything else? Yeah, not surprising. I mean, first King Flip decided to voice his thoughts in believing we don’t really give a shit about Megumi, so of course someone would be dumb enough to think Narumi sold me out.
Aiya rolls her eyes at the thought.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: First off, if I wanted to sell myself off in any form or fashion, there’s tons of Red Light Districts back in Japan. But more importantly … did that fight seriously look like it was arranged or pre-determined so I was set up to lose? If anyone still wants to say yes, then they’re blind idiots. We both wanted to win. That said, if I had to lose to anyone … it’s much better that it happened with someone honorable like Narumi as opposed to Scorpio or Jack. But no, we both beat each other as badly as we did because we both wanted to win.
Narumi nods
Narumi Tsutsumi: They have to be kidding me with all this stuff. Why are people always so obsessed with making up our motives and intentions? We’re very vocal people, if we felt certain ways we’d say it ourselves. If you listen to these other teams, you’d think we just showed up to win the tag team championships in our sleep and we’re planning to get out of dodge as soon as possible. Even accusing us of thinking tag team wrestling is easy. Say what you will about us, but we’ve been around the EWC long enough to see “real” tag teams come and go at the drop of a hat after they realize how difficult the competition here is.
Narumi makes a disappointed face.
Narumi Tsutsumi: Don’t attach your or anyone else’s motives or insecurities about the tag division on us. I used to manage a tag team back in Japan before coming to the EWC, I’ve been in the EWC tag division for almost two years, we respect the division and how long we stick around in it doesn’t have a sunset date. And those two teams can whine about what real tag teams are, but they ought to remember we’re the actual tag team that have been putting in the work here in the EWC the longest of the three of us and we’ve actually won on the main roster. We have brought more eyes to this division than our opponents, and for our fans we will continue to do so by fighting in that ring! The way those two talked, you’d think we haven’t had matches. Though, it was funny hearing Next Level give Kruel Masters the same diatribe the Kreels gave us, looks like your considered two singles stars too Kreels.
Narumi laughs. Lisa looks between the two before one more question seems to come to her head.
Lisa Goldrush: Is there one team that’s grabbed your attention in any form or fashion?
Aiya doesn’t miss a beat as she speaks up.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: Next Level and no …
She quickly raises her right index finger up.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: It’s not because they’re with The House. They could be with The Love Club or trying to revive America’s Most Hated for all I give a shit. There’s something more dangerous than their affiliation that grabbed my attention .. but I admit, it did legitimately impress me. It’s the fact they definitely did more research than the Kreels. I admit, I may have hit Kolby too hard last time at Unchained, but for him to be foolish enough to think he can beat me so badly he won’t break out in a sweat?
Aiya snickers as she shakes her head.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: They’ve already started this match with the wrong foot. Next Level may have been dumb enough to assume I got sold out by my partner, but they took more time into seeing what we’re capable of. And because of that and only that reason, they definitely have my attention. But … as we already stated in our promo. Neither have won Triple Threats before. We already know how to do these songs and dances. If either of them wanna step up and prove us wrong, well … put up or shut up time is coming up pretty damn fast.
But … one last warning.
Aiya smirks as she places her arm over Narumi’s shoulder.
”Headhuntress” Aiya: There is literally one thing about our match you both missed, and that’s the fact it was only a singles fight. And I’ve been in the same state, so no jet lag. All the advantages you think you see? They’re not really there. I’m honestly not as beat up or weakened as Next Level would like to assume. Though even if I’d faced Narumi under X-Division rules? I've shown time and time again that I can go through numerous, brutal fights and still pick up wins.
Narumi smirks a mischievous smirk back at her partner.
Narumi Tsutsumi:You pick Next Level over the Kreels? I guess I won’t disagree, looks like the House also picked them out for being possibly better than the Heat Packers as we saw on Prime. But regardless, making a mess of the House’s plans remains what Shinijoshi does best. Let’s see how good they are.
The duo bid Lisa Goldrush goodbye and hit the Shinijoshi double deuce’s pose as the camera fades to ...
The Kruel Masters can be seen walking towards the ring when stopped by one of the production assistants.
Production Assistant: Can I get you two to stand right here?
Kolby gives him a look as Daphne cracks her knuckles.
Kolby Kreel: We’re busy.
Kolby says in a stern, low voice while brushing past him. Daphne shakes her head as they disappear down the corridor. The camera fades to...
The camera cuts to the talent only private parking lot at the back of the Cow Palace where a black Hummer limousine cruises smoothly to a halt.
Exiting the front seat the driver hurries around to the passenger side opening the middle door for the occupant inside.
![]()
The gigantic form of Bedlam Briggs steps out to loom over the diminutive driver. Dressed to the nines, he makes his way to open the rear passenger door to allow a pair of long legs in spiked dominatrix heeled boots to step out onto the blacktop. Lacey Savage, the manager of the new EWC Tag Team Champions, is helped out of the limo by her bodyguard. She is followed closely by The Champions themselves, similarly dressed in their Sunday best, each with a title belt perched prominently over their shoulder.
With a camera operator in tow Lisa Goldrush comes up to welcome Damage Incorporated to Paramount Wrestling.
Lisa Goldrush: We're here where the new Tag Team Champions Malice and Mayhem have just made their surprise arrival at the Cow Palace for the Season 24 premier of Paramount. Gentlemen welcome to the show. Damage Incorporated isn't booked on the card so can you please tell our audience what brings you here tonight?
Lacey leans in with a less than authentic smile for Lisa to address the question.
Lacey Savage: Lisa, DARLING, how nice it is to talk to you again. The answer to your question is quite simple actually. Damage Incorporated are now the faces of the EWC Tag Team Division. As the top of the division Damage Inc needs to be where the tag team action is taking place. Well, so far, there haven't been any tag team matches on Brawl. There hasn't been any tag team action on Rampage. On Prime? None at all. Which brings us to Paramount where we, like the rest of the world, will be treated to a Triple Threat Tag Team Showcase. Three teams stepping up to the plate to be noticed. Three teams with the nerve to compete to be the next in line. These teams are of great interest to us, so we'll be watching very closely to see what they're all about.
Malice leans in to speak.
Malice: We're especially interested in Bloody Sureiyazu. Aiya and Narumi are possibly the most dangerous pairing out of all of the Shinijoshi offshoots. We want to get a look at that threat up close and personal.
Lisa Goldrush: We're here where the new Tag Team Champions Malice and Mayhem have just made their surprise arrival at the Cow Palace for the Season 24 premier of Paramount. Gentlemen welcome to the show. Damage Incorporated isn't booked on the card so can you please tell our audience what brings you here tonight?
Lacey leans in with a less than authentic smile for Lisa to address the question.
Lacey Savage: Lisa, DARLING, how nice it is to talk to you again. The answer to your question is quite simple actually. Damage Incorporated are now the faces of the EWC Tag Team Division. As the top of the division Damage Inc needs to be where the tag team action is taking place. Well, so far, there haven't been any tag team matches on Brawl. There hasn't been any tag team action on Rampage. On Prime? None at all. Which brings us to Paramount where we, like the rest of the world, will be treated to a Triple Threat Tag Team Showcase. Three teams stepping up to the plate to be noticed. Three teams with the nerve to compete to be the next in line. These teams are of great interest to us, so we'll be watching very closely to see what they're all about.
Malice leans in to speak.
Malice: We're especially interested in Bloody Sureiyazu. Aiya and Narumi are possibly the most dangerous pairing out of all of the Shinijoshi offshoots. We want to get a look at that threat up close and personal.
Mayhem takes his turn at the mic.
Mayhem: On the surface Next Level looks like a pair of capable young bucks, but apparently they just aren't capable enough to go it alone in the big, bad EWC.
Malice: Instead of putting in the work like real men these two pathetic prime examples of Generation Me decided it would be easier to try to cut the line by becoming Jack Severn's elite little House boys instead.
Mayhem: Now we've not yet had the personal misfortune of meeting these two cuck boys because we were unable to make it to Clash at the Colosseum, but from what Dalilah tells us they had a hard time keeping Scorpio down with help from The Heat Packers. These two J-Brones say they're here to save tag team wrestling in the EWC. Well tell me boys, what are you saving it from exactly? From US maybe? Yeah, good luck with that one kids. Because that House you're in may look nice now, but once all the enemies they've managed to make come a'knocking, it'll look like a bloody House of Horrors.
Malice: And as far as The Kruel Masters go, well, we don't really know so much about them.
Lacey: I believe they're a husband and wife duo. The Kreels.
Mayhem: The Dungeons & Dragons weirdo and the cosplay chick? Shouldn't he be busy modding her Twitch chat or managing her Onlyfans account instead of trying to play wrestler? Where do they find these people?
Lacey: NEVERTHELESS we will be watching all of these teams very closely to get an idea about any future competition. Now that we've answered your question Lisa Dear we've got a V.I.P. box to get to because I desperately need a drink. And I believe Paramount has a show to do, does it not? Again, so very nice to see you again.
Stepping in front of Lacey Bedlam Briggs rudely clears Lisa and her cameraman out of the way as the manager and her champions sweep by them to go and watch the show from their luxury accommodations. The camera cuts too...
TRIPLE THREAT TAG TEAM SHOWCASE
The Kruel Masters
VS Bloody Sureiyazu
VS Next Level
We return to ringside where the capacity crowd is going absolutely insane. EWC chants fill the Cow Palace as Matt Mercer slides into the ring.
Watson: Ladies and gentlemen, it is really deafening here and I can only imagine how this crowd is going to feel when three hungry tag teams collide here in just a few moments. We just heard from the EWC World Tag Team champions, Damage, Inc. and it is clear that they know what these fans know... Tag Team wrestling will always be a priority here on Paramount! Let's get our first match started. Take us away Isabella Starr!
Starr: The following match is triple threat tag team showcase... Joining us first, from Santa Clarita, California, at a combined weight of 415 pounds ... NEXT LEVEL!
Lights begin to pulsate over the crowd as the voices of both members of Next Level come over the PA system “We are.. The NEXT LEVEL!”
The sound of a guitar riff begins over the PA before “FIGHT!” is yelled out and ‘2nd Sucks’ by A Day to Remember begins to play. Both members of Next Level come out onto the stage, giving each other a fist bump as they cross paths and motion out to the crowd before they make their way down the ramp.
Starr: Introducing from Shinjuku and Kyoto Japan respectively, weighing at a combined weight of 262 pounds and representing The Shinijoshi, they are … NARUMI TSUTSUMI AND “HEADHUNTRESS” AIYA! ...BLOODY SUREIYĀZU!
As ‘Gurenge’ blares over the PA system, both Narumi(in her oni mask) and Aiya emerge from behind the curtains to a pinkish red fog. Aiya chillingly studies the arena with her gaze while Narumi makes spooky ghoulish gestures closely behind her. When Narumi steps up to stand beside Aiya she removes her mask and both women smirk at each other and then towards the ring with ill intent. Aiya saunters forward down the ramp while Narumi hops behind her sticking her tongue out at the camera. Aiya enters the ring through the top and middle rope while Narumi follows sliding under the bottom. Aiya leans against the corner staring forward while Narumi stands up to whisper in her ear as they go over the game plan while waiting.
Starr: And their opponent, from The Core Spire, weighing a combined 398 pounds ... THE KRUEL MASTERS!
The lights in the arena goes black as the opening chords of "Rest In Peace" by Dorothy start echoing through the system. A video package begins to play as red smoke fills the stage. A single stage light shines through the smoke as Kolby and his wife Daphne step through the smoke. Daphne is holding a dice tray as Kolby rolls a D20. They both look at the dye before moving forward down the ramp. The both slide into the ring as Kolby posts himself up onto the nearest turnbuckle. Daphne stands next to him with a smile on her face as the song slowly starts to fade.
DING DING DING
Next Level and Bloody Slayers make their way towards the center of the ring as Kolby and Daphne just watch from their corners. Both teams begin to jawjack each other before Mark hits Narumi with a straight right to the face. Aiya answers with a strong knife edge chop across his chest. The chop echoes throughout the Cow Palace as Brian connects with a hard forearm to the side of Aiya’s head. Narumi fires back with a knife edge chop of her own as Brian staggers back a bit. Narumi follows the chop up with a quick strike combo before finishing it off with a step up enziguiri. The final blow knocks Brian down to the canvas as Mark comes in behind Narumi and grabs her around the waist. He goes to throw her over head but Aiya manages to grab her feet and helps her down. Mark turns only to get hit with stereo dropkicks that send him out of the ring.
Narumi and Aiya get back up to their feet but as they turn they get blasted by a double clothesline from Kolby Kreel. He doesn’t stop there as he picks Narumi up off the canvas and sends her flying across the ring with one toss. Aiya is just getting back up to her feet where she is met with several body shots before getting popped with a quick right hook. Aiya is still staggering as Daphne grabs Aiya by the arm and throws with a Judo style hip toss.
After Daphne gets up to her feet, she takes off towards one side and shoots herself through the middle ropes. She catches Mark getting up with a suicide dive. The back of Mark’s head bounces off the steel guardrail as Brian is still in the ring. He gets up, springs off the ropes and lands with a moonsault right on top of Daphne.
Watson: There is no love lost between these three teams, that is very apparent here in the opening moments.
Sydney: Well they aren't here for a play date Tim, each of these teams is here to stake their claim as the first challengers to Damage, Inc. and the EWC World Tag Team championships!
Kolby is left standing in the ring as he latches his hands around Aiya’s waist. He goes to lift her off the mat only to get hit with a dropkick to his knee. Narumi quickly gets up and strikes with another dropkick which causes Kolby to drop to a knee. Aiya eventually breaks free from his grip as she twists his arm before driving her knee upside his head. Kolby drops to the canvas as Aiya goes for a quick cover.
ONE...
TW-
Kolby powers his way out of the cover by throwing Aiya across the ring. Aiya quickly bounces back up to her feet as Kolby is trying to get back up to his. She is about to charge at him until someone grabs her by the foot. That someone just happens to be Brian who drags Aiya out of the ring. He connects with a quick uppercut then another uppercut. After the second uppercut, he grabs her by the tights and throws her into the guardrail. As Brian is focused on Aiya, Daphne shoves Brian face first into the steel ring post. Brian bounces off the ring post as Daphne sidesteps Narumi and she shoves Mark right back into the guardrail.
As Narumi is getting up to her feet, Daphne grabs her and throws her right back into the ring. Daphne slides back into the ring as Narumi is getting up to her feet. Narumi lands a palm strike across Kolby’s chest then another palm strike. She goes to connect with a spinning back fist only for Daphne to duck it. Narumi spins again only for Daphne to catch her arm and connects with a Dispel Magic. Daphne rolls Narumi over and hooks the leg.
ONE...
TWO...
THRE-
Right as Mercer is about to strike for a three, a bloody Brian comes flying off the top rope and lands with an elbow drop directly onto Daphne’s back.
Watson: WHAT AN ELBOW BY MARK!! Next Level showing why they feel they can take over as THE team here in EWC.
Sydney: Bobby and Jimmy they are not, but hot damn was that impressive!
Brian quickly pulls Daphne up by her hair and throws her out of the ring. Kolby grabs Brian by the shoulder and lands a couple rights to his face. After that, Kolby latches his hands around Brian’s throat and lifts him up high. Kolby is looking for Welcome to the Dungeon but Mark manages to chop block Kolby’s knee. Kolby drops down as Brian and Mark size him up. They point right at him before hitting stereo superkicks which knocks Kolby out. Mark and Brian celebrate a little but it gets cut short when Aiya comes springing off the ropes and strikes with a crossbody. Aiya rolls through as Narumi comes springing off the ropes and lands with a phoenix splash onto Brian. Mark is slowly getting up when Aiya nearly takes his head off with a strong roundhouse. Mark falls onto his back as Aiya goes for the cover on a still downed Kolby Kreel.
ONE...
TWO...
THREE!!!
DING DING DING
Starr: Here are your winners, via pinfall BLOODY SUREIYĀZU!
The crowd erupts as Aiya and Narumi have their arms raised. Daphne and Kolby are sitting on the arena floor while seething.
Watson: Narumi and Aiya proved tonight that even after a respectable battle on Prime they are a strong team. Next Level might want to avoid The House for a while.
Sydney: No team should feel bad about their performance here, all three looked to be in top form, even after that hellacious match that Aiya and Narumi had Sunday night on Prime.
Narumi and Aiya exit the ring as Next Level are just now getting up. They are staring a hole into The Kruel Masters as they slink through the crowd.
Watson: I don't think we have seen the last time that Next Level and The Kruel Masters will be in the ring against each other... Stay tuned folks, we'll be right back after a sneak peek at some upcoming Apple TV + shows and movies!
Camera cuts to ...
Prior to going to commercial, the camera cuts backstage. There is the regular hubbub and too-ing and fro-ing all held together with the frenetic energy of Paramount’s first show of the season. It’s in amongst this excitement we find the ever reliable Lisa Goldrush, mic at the ready.
Lisa Goldrush: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time I’d like to welcome Paramount’s own Magician - Sally Talfourd.
Into the shot steps Sally, geared up for her match, the buzz and anticipation clearly having infected her too. She beams a smile and moves with a nervous energy.
Lisa Goldrush: Sally, welcome back and welcome to the new season.
Sally Talfourd: Lisa, thank-you so much. I cannot say how excited I am to be here. The whole lead up to Paramount’s return has been enthralling, enchanting … just completely spellbinding! I’m just happy to be part of all this.
Lisa Goldrush: That wasn’t a forgone conclusion, was it? After all, towards the end of last year you yourself were talking about perhaps walking away from EWC.
Sally nods, a solemn tone taking over the moment.
Sally Talfourd: That’s true, that’s true. Last year had its ups and it had its downs and I am brave enough to admit that the downs go to me. It happens to all of us, right?
Lisa Goldrush: So what changed?
An enigmatic smile crosses Sally’s face as she meets Lisa’s eyes.
Sally Talfourd: The Magic, Lisa. The Magic returned.
Lisa Goldrush: Is that … do you mean you found that spark again? That motivation?
Sally Talfourd: No, this is something more. Something I’d lost and have found again. It was with me before and it’s come back to me. And it helped me to realise wins and losses, ups and downs … they are all part of something bigger. Something transcendent. Something magical.
There’s a moment where Lisa has to process this. Sally, unperturbed by it all, stands up a little straighter and smiles a little wider.
Lisa Goldrush: Ok. Right. So … how has this helped with your preparation for tonight? You step into the ring again with Marcu$ $t John in this first round for Legends of the Ring. Has all this magic changed your approach? Your planning?
Sally Talfourd: Maybe. I’m not sure. I mean, I flew in a week and a bit ago from home. I’d been going to the gym, training, fixing that diet. All that stuff. Then there was hours and hours of matches to watch and planning to do. So I wouldn’t say much changed in that regard.
Lisa Goldrush: And so what’s changed?
Sally steps in close to Lisa. She wraps an arm around her shoulder, getting up close and personal.
Sally Talfourd: That, Lisa, you will have to wait and see.
Sally holds onto Lisa a little longer then slowly peels herself off, not breaking an intense stare she’s locked in on. The shot holds on Lisa for a moment longer before cutting to Tim Watson and Cid Sydney ringside for the next match.
As the show returns from commercial break, the crowd is buzzing waiting for the Paramount portion of the Legends of the Ring Tournament to start. Before Sally or M$J’s music can hit though, we are taken to the backstage area where Marcu$ $t. John is standing. He stands there emotionless with the North American Championship over his shoulder. He looks up towards the sky with the same blank look on his face before leveling his eyes with the camera once again. A smile starts to slowly creep on his face.
M$J: Every man, woman, and psychopath in this tournament has the same dream. To advance and get to the point where they can challenge for the EWC Undisputed Championship. This dream will fix every problem the winner has or so everyone thinks. Some people have felt this dream and made it a reality; some people have come so close that they can taste it. Being the champion of everything and everyone will make life so much better, or will it?
Marcu$ takes out a One Hundred Dollar bill and sets it on fire with a lighter before watching it burn. He drops it on the ground and stomps it out and stares down at the ashes.
M$J: The funny thing about dreams is that they aren’t real. You have to wake up from that dream and live in your own reality. People associate me with money. That’s all they see, they don’t see the man, the father, they don’t even see one of the most improved wrestlers on this roster, no this company. That’s my reality. I know it and understand it and no matter what I have done to this point, most people just see the two-dollar signs. That’s about to change though. After I win, match by match people will realize I am more than just a flashy catchphrase, a cute nickname, a false King or Queen, or any other ridiculous thing that the people that inhabit these locker rooms think of. My foundation begins tonight, and that foundation will be and remain undisputed. Unfortunately, Sally has to be the first person to find this out. See I’m not worried about the dream of being Undisputed Champion because I will make it a reality. Tonight, two people’s dream will go up in smoke and reality will hit them. But I’m already living in it. Winning this tournament won’t cure everything. In all honesty, most people aren’t built to carry a championship let alone the Undisputed.
He takes the North American Championship off of his shoulder and stares at it before putting it around his waist.
M$J: A dream huh? Carrying this championship is more like a nightmare. You’re constantly chased by everyone on your brand and I love it! Marcu$ $t. John will never be hunted. I don't want to be chased just by everyone on Paramount, I want to be chased by all of the EWC. I will do the hunting regardless of who steps in my way. Tonight, that prey is The Last Magician and after that I have no preference on who comes out on top in the next tournament match. Sally your dream will be set ablaze, but hopefully a phoenix rises from the ashes. Hopefully you let tonight fuel the rest of your season and maybe, just maybe we meet again with stakes just as high. Your dream will be crushed tonight though and that’s just a reality that you’ll have to get ready for.
He walks slowly away from the camera headed towards the entrance of the arena humming Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Marilyn Manson as his match is up next.
LEGENDS OF THE RING SWEET 16 MATCH
NON-TITLE
Sally Talfourd
VS Marcu$ $t. John
We return to ringside where the crowd is already running hot. Tim Watson and Cid Sydney are standing by.
Watson: Welcome back to the Cow Palace here in Daly City, folks! We are about to kick off the final two matches of the Sweet 16 bracket for the 2023 Legends of the Ring tournament! Let's get to the ring. Take it away Isabella Starr!
Starr: The following match is for one fall, and is a first round match in the LEGENDS OF THE RING tournament.
The lights turn blue and red. 'TroubleMaker' hits the speakers. The song bursts to life, out races Sally to the front of the stage. Raising her hands to the crowd, she kicks her leg and heads towards the ring, slapping hands with the crowd.
Starr: Making her way to the ring this evening, weighing in at a sublime one-hundred and forty pounds, standing in at five feet and eleven inches of perfection, this is 'THE LAST MAGICIAN' SALLY TALFOURD!
Sally stands at the base of the steps to the ring, waving to the crowd, then dashes up the steps, hoists herself over the top and strides to the center of the ring.
Starr: Coming to the ring at 6'1" and weighing two hundred and ten pounds, it's The Young Mogul, the North American champion, MARCU$ $T. JOHN!
"Fast Lane" blasts through the arena by Bad Meets Evil. M$J slowly walks out onto the entrance ramp and soaks in the cheers. He pumps up the crowd more before posing on the center of the entrance ramp. He walks down to the ring slapping fans hands with a huge smile on his face.
He stops right before he gets to the ring and listens as he hears cheers that he is getting from the crowd. He walks around the ring and high fives anyone who has their hands out. He jumps up on the apron and wipes his feet before he enters the ring and poses in the middle of the squared circle as a light shines a hundred dollar bill in the center of the ring with his face on it.
Pyros hits as "Fast Lane" by Bad Meets Evil ends.
DING DING DING
Both warriors shake out their digits and stride forward, teasing a grapple only to break apart almost immediately. Sally is wearing a big grin as she spins around, putting out a hand to offer a handshake - in a bit of a turnaround from their first bout in Singapore. The crowd pops early, and the Last Magician is caught off-guard as she walks into a hand that's already been extended - for the same esteemed gesture, their hands locking as each smiles across at the other. The heat from the crowd rises to a peak, and the two fan favorites respectfully back up before re-engaging.
$t. John shoots for an arm wringer, but SalTal is able to flip neatly through, reversing into a hammerlock and driving her opponent toward the turnbuckle. He gets a leg up, using his greater strength to extricate himself and seize a headlock - looking to hit a counter bulldog on Sally - but she's breathlessly equal to it, popping her head free and giving him a double-palmed shove in the back. He takes the momentum and keeps going, hitting the opposite corner and starting to slingshot himself around using the ropes, only to be seized from behind; Talfourd is right there, dumping his feet back on the canvas and then twisting him with an underhook into what seems to be a corkscrew neckbreaker!
The champ denies it by going with it once again, the pair of them leaving their feet for a moment then just barely righting themselves and spinning to face one another, each with their guard up and eyes wide. A stalemate!
Sydney: Woof! I feel dizzy.
Watson: The entire arena is on their feet! They can't get enough of this!
Sally breaks it, darting out then in, snapping on a Japanese arm drag. Marcu$ hits the deck, the breath exploding from his lungs, but he rolls through as his opponent gives chase, skidding around into a pumping superkick--
--that's beautifully intercepted by the playful Magician. She holds him hopping in place as she ducks to one side, steps over his leg and takes the pair of them down with a sharp rotation of the hip, locking in a cross-face as easy as breathing, threatening early with an STF!
Watson: Sally Talfourd silencing anyone who believes she's missed a step, overcoming a lightning exchange of techniques to impose her authority over the North American champion. Could this be her night, Cid?
Sydney: It always could be. But the same's true of the Young Mogul.
As if on cue, $t. John manages to roll out from under Sally, relieving the pressure on his leg, winding an elbow up and around to pop her arm free of his jawline. With a hoarse yell of pain, he leans into the pressure, driving a palm up into the Last Magician's own jaw, forcing her from on top of him before slithering free and back to his feet. He turns in a bit of a panic, sensing her tenaciously incoming in spite of the blow, and brings up his arms defensively - sliding his hands through hers on onto her wrists, falling back with a leg raising...
The Eat Defeat he tries for isn't gotten, as Sally smartly sweeps his leg early, sending Marcu$ crashing onto his back! Eyes wide, she scrambles to take side control, attempting to isolate an arm only to eat a knee to the skull! The Young Mogul spins on his back, getting his legs beneath him and coming up with a roar underneath Talfourd, slinging her up onto his shoulders in a stunning display of core strength that sends a conniption through the crowd.
She's felt this one before; but this time, he delivers the Death Valley Driver with simple brutality into the canvas, rather than the more hellacious tangle of barbed wire she suffered at Night of Champions. Still, it's enough to get the job done, and SalTal remains down for the moment as Marcu$ rolls to his feet and heads into the corner, playing to the crowd with a breathless grin before turning and sighting down both arms at the rising woman. He pulls himself up onto the turnbuckle, then launches himself in one smooth motion, flying into a Meteora--
That the groggy Sally MAJESTICALLY intercepts, using the weary springs in her long, long legs to meet him in mid-air, dragging him down into a double knee facebreaker of her own; the EITHER OR! He starts to roll away on instinct, but she seizes the man and drags him back in, stepping into a prawn hold!
ONE...
TWO...
KICKOUT!
Watson: She promised to show us the Magic, and in spite of the very real and present threat of Marcu$ $t. John, Sally Talfourd is doing exactly that.
Sydney: She's taking some pretty Magical damage herself, though. They're tit for tat, if you ask me.
The North American champion is back on his feet, but Sally has remained in a crouch facing him, watching him warily, her long, dark hair strewn across her face. He spares her a grin, running a hand back over his shaved head as he points at his eyes, then hers, garnering a fresh surge of appreciation from the crowd. She's somewhat steely by comparison, and it's with a shrug that $t. John lunges forward, baiting her to shoot as he approaches; then dancing to evade, sending her right on past him. She struggles to recover, turning right into a brisk leg lariat! She falls backwards, sprawling out to roll back to her feet, only for the follow-up spinning heel kick to waffle her against the corner post! Her skull rebounds, and she stumbles out into a big powerslam! She's bundled up for the cover!
ONE...
TWO...
KICKOUT!
Sally doesn't just get the shoulder up, she snakes out a long leg and yanks $t. John into a headscissor before he can get to his feet, leaning over his stricken form to grind an elbow into the ribs, free up an arm and then transition abruptly out into a fully-extended armbar! The crowd explodes at the reversal in fortune, as the champ bucks off the mat like a freshly-landed fish, attempting to vigorously launch the pair of them closer to the ropes! His own vigor betrays him, and he screams in pain, hurling out a hand to close it upon the bottom rope on his second try, Talfourd latched on like a piranha, her body stretched out along his agonized limb. The official drops to administer a count, calling for the break...
And the Last Magician clings on past the last second, forcing a physical intervention, the pair of them torn apart, $t. John rolling away clutching at his arm as Sally stares past the official's insistent arm, looking a little dazed.
Watson: An uncharacteristic display from Talfourd there.
Sydney: Jeez, Louise. She's gotta watch that kind of behavior; it's great to be opportunistic, but she can and will get herself disqualified. Fight smarter, not harder, kids!
The match resumes as if nothing untoward has happened, and though $t. John is favoring his injured arm, he's able to move just fine, tying up with Sally and briefly gaining the upper hand with a side headlock, but she's able to slam him to the mat, hunting for another armbar that sees the pair of them stumble right back to their feet. He drives a kick to the thigh, but she returns fire with a forearm, then grabs the same arm, wrings it out, and follows up with a brisk short-arm clothesline, slamming $t. John to the canvas, then immediately leaping toward the nearest set of ropes. She lands with perfect poise, gripping the top rope and springboarding into a moonsault! HIGH HOPES!!
She gets all of it! Her eyes are wide in the instant before her hair falls across her face, and she makes the cover.
ONE...
TWO...
THR-- KICKOUT!!
It's AGONIZINGLY close, and it shows on $t. John's expression as he rolls free, clutching his ribs with the undamaged arm as he staggers upright into the corner. Sally looks shocked, and - feeling her opponent clamber to his feet - opts to slip to the outside, the crowd in an uproar at the near-fall as she comes face-to-many-faces with them.
Watson: She's got the fans on her side. If she can just keep this advantage, she may put the champ away in moments!
Indeed, her name is upon thousands of lips, and it seems to affect the Last Magician deeply; her expression glazed as hazel eyes wander the ringside area, brushing through eye contact with a dozen people as she stumbles toward them, a hand raising and shifting across the barricade into the morass of humanity.
Sydney: Uh. Is she okay?
Dexterous fingertips brush the arm of a fan, but Sally is looking straight through them - at once physically present and a thousand miles away. The bizarre look on her face is only wiped clean as her opponent comes diving over the top rope, stealing a good portion of the crowd back into his corner as he whips out a second spinning heel kick, this time in mid-air, his boot impacting the back of Talfourd's skull. She falls forward against the barricade, $t. John able to land on his feet with a bit of a stumble, only to round and scoop the woman up across his shoulders. He's going for another Death Valley Driver, but she manages to slither free at the last second, grabbing an underhook from behind, twisting the champ around and into a move she couldn't quite get all of earlier...
LIGHTS OUT! This time, the corkscrew neckbreaker leaves the man down and out, and SalTal takes a breath before breaking the official's count. As she slides back out of the ring, however, Marcu$ is waiting, sweeping both legs, then rolling upright and straight into a MONEY STOMP on the downed woman, driving both feet into her sternum! With the crowd roaring in his ears, he points to the nearby corner post, springing catlike from the apron to the top, and turning with his arms raised high before launching himself into an outrageous amount of air time!
He CRASHES down with a Frog Splash, bouncing right up to his feet with a wild whoop that re-awakens the sold-out arena!
Watson: This is all well and good, but our North American champion needs to take this back inside the ring.
Inside he goes, muscling SalTal up beneath the bottom rope and pausing to take an exaggerated breath and wipe his brow - getting a laugh from the crowd - before following her in. She's halfway to her feet, a little out of it but very gamely twisting to intercept with a desperate forearm strike - that he flows beneath, winding his arms through and YOINKING the Last Magician into the very center of the ring, picking her up off her feet before slamming her down with the MILLION DOLLAR DREAM locked in!
Sydney: This is what he put her away with last time. It's over.
Or... seemingly locked in. A conniption runs through the Cow Palace as Sally Talfourd slings an elbow over the top, drives a heel back into $t. John's ankle, and uses the momentary opening to thread her own arm up and around, stepping through the champion's flank to the rear with a gasp and smile as she bends him backwards. He's struggling, so she drives a knee to the outer rhomboid, then FLAWLESSLY snaps from a reverse sleeper to a rear chinlock, whipping the North American champion into a swinging reverse STO! THE OUTRO!!
He impacts face-first, then flops onto his back, pain and shock on his expression, as the Last Magician floats into cover!
ONE...
TWO...
TH--KICKOUT!!!
Sally can't believe it, and by the look of him neither can Marcu$ $t. John, rolling toward the outside, limbs barely responding as he slithers onto the apron and seats himself, slumped against the ropes and staring. The crowd is stomping, clapping, chanting both wrestlers' names, split completely down the middle as each of them try to recover. Unsurprisingly, Talfourd is first to her feet, moving toward the apron, reaching over only to be yanked forward into a desperate overhead kick by M$J - who almost falls clean to ringside after delivering the blow. He's shaking all over...
But he manages to stand, his good arm gripping the top rope, vaulting over only to land ribs-first into a roundhouse kick from SalTal, who moves in to secure a headlock! He fires back, driving a fist to the midsection, battling for supremacy as they stagger into the middle of the ring, locked together, fighting like alley cats--
--and then it's the champ who comes out on top, reversing the hold, heaving Sally Talfourd up and over...
And releasing her at the apex, kicking out his legs and bringing up his knees to catch her falling form with both knees!
BANKRUPT!!
Sally's long limbs are like noodles as she crashes down, and M$J floats into the cover with a pronounced gasp!
ONE...
TWO...
TH--REE!!!
DING DING DING
Starr: And your winner, via pinfall MARCU$ $T. JOHN!
Nobody seems more shocked than the man himself, but there's an outpouring of excitement and admiration from those in attendance as he flops out of the cover and onto all fours, staring first at the downed Talfourd, whose face is covered by her hair. It's a moment before Marcu$ looks to the crowd, and laughs - an astonished sound that drags him back to reality, and it's with a characteristically confident grin that he stumbles upright and has his arm raised, his title returned to him, before climbing each turnbuckle in turn - posturing for the fans.
Watson: A hard-fought battle here in the Cow Palace, by two of the best wrestlers on Paramount, who know each other almost intimately by this point. In the end, despite all the efforts of an incredibly game Sally Talfourd, it's our North American champion who pulls out one more uncanny maneuver and scores a monumental win tonight!
Sydney: She had a couple of strange lapses, but the Last Magician gave as good as she got. Marcu$ $t. John is coming off a banner year, the title over his shoulder, and the pendulum just swung his way tonight.
Sally's halfway to her feet, posted up on one arm and still breathing heavily as she looks up and meets the gaze of the champion, who's retrieved a mic from ringside and is raising it to his lips with a steady smile.
M$J: They call you the Last Magician, and I've come to understand why. This match, this tournament, means everything to me, to my career, and to the title on my shoulder. I was ready for this. I was ready for you. But you got punched in the mouth and you had a plan. Make no mistake - I'm still the present of Paramount, but you proved that you're the future. Whenever you're ready, this title is waiting for you. Pick yourself up, and come get it, Sally Talfourd.
Watson: Strong words from a strong champion. What a show of respect here from $t. John! I'm certain these two will meet again, but for now, it's the Young Mogul, Marcu$ $t. John, who advances to round two of the Legends of the Ring tournament!
Camera cuts to ...
The camera cuts backstage inside the Love Club locker room where Xavier Reid is seated, putting on his wrestling boots as his manager ‘The Memphis Mouthpiece’ Tommy Love straightens his tie in the mirror. There is an odd silence in the room between the two men that is broken when the door to the room flies open. Tommy jumps back from the mirror, startled by the intrusion of the newly signed tag team, the 3pAC, who won their Paramount contract last night on Gambit. Deimos, ‘Little’ Danny, who is carrying a black bag and Bunny Love. The duo look around the room in awe as Xavier smiles and stands up.
Xavier Reid: Boys…
He walks over to them, slapping the hand of ‘Little’ Danny, who tosses the black bag on the bench, and then pulling him in for a hug and then doing the same to his podcast buddy Deimos.
Xavier Reid: Congrats on the win over No Regerts and claiming that Paramount contract, I knew you had it in you…
‘Little Danny’ shrugs as he once again looks around the room.
‘Little’ Danny: Really…because I thought we’d fall flat on our faces…
Deimos grabs ‘Little’ Danny by the shoulders and shakes him laughing.
Deimos: This guy right…it was never in doubt Xavier…
Bunny Love: Yeah, thank god we were facing hacks and now a ‘real’ tag team…
Deimos: Well according to those Paramount contracts we just signed we are a ‘real’ tag team and The Love Club’s next tag team champions of the world…
Tommy, hearing this news about The Love Club, turns and faces the 3pAC shaking his head.
Tommy Love: Now wait just a fucking second here…who said you two were IN The Love Club?
Deimos looks at Tommy and then at Bunny and then back to Tommy with a puzzling look on his face.
Deimos: Well first off, Bunny Love is our manager now and she is in The Love Club so…ergo we are in The Love Club…
‘Little’ Danny: That makes sense…
Tommy shakes his head as ‘Little’ Danny continues to look around the room.
Tommy Love: That’s not how it works idiots and WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH HIM…are you looking for your escape route…
‘Little’ Danny: No…the shitter…
Xavier smiles as Bunny shakes her head, can't believing this is her life now…Xavier points to the back of the room and ‘Little’ Danny skips off towards the bathroom as Deimos looks back at Tommy Love.
Deimos: What do you mean that’s not how it works, how can she manage a team and that team not be members of The Love Club…what is there some sort of initiation we have to go through…jerk off a cow, shit on Jordan Sharpe’s desk…OH I KNOW, we have to SEED-OFF on Grizzly Duggans hotel towels…
‘Little’ Danny: The key is getting into the room early so that shit dries before they have to use them…
They all look around as ‘Little’ Danny comes walking out of the bathroom carrying multiple rolls of toilet paper and drops them in the black bag on the bench as Tommy Love looks at him shaking his head.
Tommy Love: What the fuck are you doing? Stealing toilet paper…
‘Little’ Danny nods his head.
‘Little’ Danny: Yeah…you know how much this shit costs these days…don’t worry, I left one roll in there for you…
‘Little’ Danny walks back to the back of the room as Tommy watches and is only brought back when Deimos snaps his fingers in front of Tommy’s face.
Deimos: I’ll do whatever but maybe we leave Chris Brock out of this…seeing as he just signed us…
But before Tommy can say anything Xavier speaks up.
Xavier Reid: Don’t worry about it Deimos, of course you are in The Love Club and that’s why I asked you two to come find me tonight…
‘Little’ Danny comes walking back in, this time carrying a bunch of towels and tosses them into the bag as well.
‘Little’ Danny: What do you need Xavier, you know we owe you for getting this gig…
Deimos: Well easy there tiger, he got us a chance but we did all the real work…
Bunny smacks Deimos in the back of the head.
Bunny Love: YOU HAVE LIVED IN HIS HOUSE FOR THE PAST 5 PLUS YEARS…YOU WILL DO ANYTHING HE ASK YOU TO DO!!!
Xavier Reid: Listen guys, you saw what happened on Brawl…
Deimos: Yeah, you got your ass jumped like a bitch by JoJo Rush because that guy’s…
Deimos points at Tommy Love.
Deimos: Pull out game is weak as shit and he fathered a bastard by the name of Jamie…
Not wanting to be outdone ‘knowing things’, ‘Little’ Danny jumps in…
‘Little’ Danny: That bastard turned his back on you and jointed that shitty ass group called The House and even though that douche said you were ‘off limits’ they showed they respect him about as much as I respect my douchebag manager Kevin at Burger King as said ‘fuck you’ and jumped you anyways the same way I spit on the burgers of people who piss me off…
Deimos: And instead of beating JoJo The Assclown in the head with his Love Stick like he was some two-bit whore he picked up on Melrose, he just stood there and allowed it all to go down which begs the question…is he really in The Love Club?
Deimos and ‘Little’ Danny look at Tommy for an answer but he’s fuming pissed and starting to get red in the face.
Tommy Love: First off, may she rest in peace and all but that bitch wrapped her legs around me for dear life, there was no breaking that leg-lock of death, secondly JoJo is going to get a talking to about that happened at Brawl and I promise…hand to God…it will NEVER happened again and thirdly...YOU TWO FUCKS ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE LOVE CLUB!!!
Deimos looks over at ‘Little’ Danny and nods and they both unzip their jackets to show Love Club T-Shirts.
Deimos: Well we’re wearing the T-Shirts so the joke is on you…
‘Little’ Danny: Yeah, you don’t see people wearing a Burger King Uniform if they don’t work for Burger King so…we are Love Club members old man…
Xavier Reid: I want to make damn sure what happened at Brawl doesn’t happen again…here tonight or ever so I’m asking you both…have my back…watch it while others…
Xavier looks over at Tommy and then back at Deimos and ‘Little’ Danny.
Xavier Reid: Are preoccupied with more important things than the man that hired him when he was banned from Brawl…
Tommy Love: Xavier…
But Deimos steps in front of Tommy.
Deimos: You are the brother I always wanted Xavier…of course we will watch you back unlike this turncoat…
‘Little’ Danny: Yeah, hell we’ll even go to Rampage and gut that bitch Jamie Love…you just say the word and I have my shank…
‘Little’ Danny reaches down into his boot and pulls out his shank that’s a melted down Burger King plastic spoon with the handle layered in black tape.
Xavier Reid: No need for that, Jamie is mine…I just want you on the lookout for any other member of The House that might be lingering around looking like they are up to no good ok…I need my full focus on Salvation tonight…this X-Division match is the start to my path back to the championship and I don’t need to get fucked out of it by those dipshits…
Deimos: We got your back buddy…
‘Little’ Danny: Yeah, and if the old man doesn’t do his job out there tonight we’ll gut him before he makes it back through the curtain…got it…
‘Little’ Danny motions the shank towards Tommy who jumps back.
Xavier Reid: Good thinking…watch him out there…thanks guys…
Xavier pats the 3pAC on the shoulders and smirks at Tommy as he heads towards the door.
Cameras pan backstage to a mixed reaction as Brawl's International champion, King Flip, comes to view on screen. He appears to be in a hallway of individual locker rooms by the looks of it as the cameraman stages himself behind the champion. The Brawl-red suited up Flip is nonchalantly looking from star to star on these door's as if to scan for a particular name. He comes into a stage hand in the middle of carrying something. The King stops him, whispers in his ear, and the stage hand gives some inaudible directions. Flip pats this guy's back so hard he nearly drops his stuff, but the champ is on the move. Our camera guy has a hard time keeping up as this goes on for almost a minute. Huffing and puffing, the camera catches up to Flip who is standing in front of the locker room door that reads 'Tanja Devereaux' on the star. He's about to knock when the door slowly and mysteriously opens. He peers back to the camera shakily before trudging ahead, pushing the locker room door open the rest of the way. The camera comes in behind Flip where we find Tanja Devereaux talking with the muscular enforcer of sorts from her promo, Lucien.
King Flip: Tanja. Fucking. Devereaux. Main eventer! World class athlete. A little spooky. How are you feeling about your match tonight against crowd favorite, legend-in-the-making, 'Lo Divino' Adriana Aquilla? Do you feel... prepared for the evening's festivities?
Tanja stopped talking with Lucien and she turned to face Flip and his loud and forceful words and questions.
Tanja Devereaux: We are feeling humbled but very confident for our match against Adriana. Why would we reveal to you our secrets and plans for our match? Should we do that, there is nothing stopping you from revealing them to Adriana afterwards. The plans we have will be a brutal one for Adriana and that is all that we will said.
Tanja rolled her eyes as she watched Flip adjust his sport coat, then the International championship resting on his right shoulder. He looks to Tanja with a smile. Lucien remained silent in the process but Tanja sighed while she was forced to listen to Flip.
King Flip: Oh, I didn't ask about your plans. I can tell that this is something that needs to be seen. I mean this as sincerely and legitimately as anyone human being has ever been to another, Tanja Devereaux. I hope you get whatever it is you're looking for out there. Do so with haste as you'll find ringside none other than the International champion...
The crowd gives a mixed reaction. Tanja rolled her eyes as she listened to Flip's attempt of being humble and trying to be a hype man.
King Flip: I'd like to cheer you on tonight. It's no secret I'm a massive fuckin' MARK for Adriana Aquilla. I came to her side when Xavier Reid got hysterically reckless. I've been a well-documented proponent, let's say, but hey. I'd still like to be there -- not see it on one of the telecasters back there or on tv at home -- to look you in the eye as the evening unfolds before you. Call it gifts for being so ever present in a championship match you had no business being involved in. Hm?
He stands confidently, smile on his face.
Tanja Devereaux: You can try an antagonize us all you want for being a friend of the self proclaimed Lo Dovino, being as you came to save her. No Divine being should need help from a mortal. Guidance from mortals is not unusual but the saving of a life should not be involved. Our gifts are of a well rounded skill set, our cunning and psychological ways will always keep someone on their toes.
King Flip: Oh, Tanja. I don't want to antagonize you. And surely I won't be in your way tonight. What I want from you, as a matter of fact, has very little with the championship on the line, the match itself, or Aquilla. What I want from you, little Tanja... well, we've got time. Just focus on your opponent and getting your name etched on the little nameplate they'll put on the Broadcast championship. Relish in whatever the outcome may be. What I want? Trust me, darling. You'll see.
The King gives Tanja a simple pat on the shoulder with a nod. Tanja narrows her eyes when Flip place a hand on her shoulder and Lucien is heard growling loudly in the process.
King Flip: See you out there. The f- down, boy.
He turns to the exit of the locker room. She motions to Lucien to back away as she returns her eyes to Flip, watching him walk out. The King stops at the entryway and turns around as Tanja responds to him one last time.
Tanja Devereaux: Watch who you cross fool. We are not someone to play jokes with as you may receive a gris-gris of bad luck when you least expect it. We plan to gain a few accolades in the new year of Paramount with the Broadcast title. No matter the outcome, do not think you will be getting off scot free as we will be keeping an eye on you.
Lucien stepped forward and grabbed Flip and forced him out of the door as Tanja gives a sing song chuckle before she grabs her leather coat and heads out of her locker room. The camera stays behind a moment as the sound of Tanja's 'music' fades while the two long leave the scene. Flip stands there, a somewhat stupid smile on his face, as he watches them. A few seconds go by before he softly speaks to the camera.
King Flip: What I think we have here... is a failure to communicate.
The scene fades with King Flip slowly backing away, still watching Tanja and Lucien.
SINGLES MATCH
X-DIVISION RULES
Xavier Reid
VS "Salvation" Salvador Serenity
We return to ringside where the crowd is thirsty for the carnage they are bout to witness!
Watson: If you're just tuning in, you've missed so much already but things are about to go to 11 as they say. The EWC International Champion King Flip is here tonight, and as you just witnessed, he has his sights set on Tanja Devereaux! Right now, though, Our first X-Division match of the season here on Paramount is about to happen!
Starr: The following match, set for one fall, is to be contested under X-Division Rules. Joining us first, from the Mystic River and weighing in at 285 pounds ... 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.
Starr: And the opponent, residing in New York City and weighing in at 220 pounds ... XAVIER REID!
The spotlights inside the arena start to flash around the crowd as 'Papercut' starts to play out. Xavier Reid walks out onto the stage and pulls his t-shirt off and drops it on the stage. His manager, ‘The Memphis Mouthpiece’ Tommy Love follows him out onto the stage, waving 'The Love Stick' around. Xavier walks to the front of the stage and crosses his arms into an X in front of his chest and smirks as Tommy follows from behind and acts as if he’s going to hit the camera with the ‘Love Stick’. Tommy points to the ring and Xavier marches up the steps and steps into the ring, goes to the far corner and jumps up to the second rope and looks out over the fans as Tommy Love walks towards the referee, already complaining about something trying to influence the referee or at least bully him into giving them the advantage.
DING DING DING
Reid charges at Salvation for something but Salvation scoops up Reid and hits a sidewalk slam. Both get to their feet where Salvation hits right hands that back Reid into the corner. Salvation lashes out with a right hand that Reid ducks. He hits Salvation with a right hand that staggers him backward. Salvation charges but Reid pushes Salvation off the ropes and takes him down with a back body drop. Salvation rolls out of the ring and grabs a chair. Reid steps through the ropes but Salvation smacks him in the shoulder with the chair sending him rolling back into the ring. Salvation slides into the ring and drops the chair to the mat. Salvation grabs Reid and rolls him to the mat with a snap suplex onto the chair. He covers Reid.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Reid gets a shoulder off the mat to break the count. Reid gets to his feet as Salvation grabs the chair. Salvation takes a swing but Reid ducks and leaps taking Salvation down with a reverse frankensteiner. Salvation rolls out of the ring. Reid climbs to the top turnbuckle and throws himself at Salvation with a cross body. Both get to their feet and Salvation runs at Reid. He counters with a back drop into the steps. Reid pulls a kendo stick from under the ring and cracks Salvation across the back with it. Reid pulls Salvation to his feet and throws him, back first, into the ring apron before rolling Salvation into the ring. Reid slides in after him and makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Salvation rolls to his side breaking the count.
Watson: I don’t know how Salvation kicked out of that! My back hurts just watching him get slammed into the ring apron.
Sydney: They’re made of strong stuff here in EWC.
Reid lifts Salvation to his feet and up for a suplex. Reid drops Salvation onto the top turnbuckle and drops Salvation for a C.T.E. Salvation flops to the mat where Reid makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Salvation gets a shoulder up as he rolls to his front. Reid rolls to the outside and grabs the kendo stick. He rolls back inside the ring but Salvation dives at Reid grabbing his legs for a takedown. Salvation unloads on Reid with right hands. Salvation picks up the kendo stick and cracks Reid in the ribs and back with it before driving Reid to the mat with a Malpractice. He covers Reid as the referee counts.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Reid rolls to his side to break the count.
Watson: That was about two and seven eighths!
Sydney: That one eighth still means that Xavier Reid is still in this match.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
DING DING DING
Starr: And your winner, via pinfall XAVIER REID!
Reid rolls out of the ring where Tommy Love has to grab him before he falls down. Reid raises an arm in celebration as he leans on Tommy as they head up the ramp.
Watson: He can barely stand but he walks away with the win here on Paramount and a big win it was too.
Sydney: Salvation gave Xavier Reid an absolute beating tonight. The season is still young, Salvation didn’t get the result he wanted but on this performance it won’t be too long until he does. Remember that Salvation won a contenders match at WrestleFest for the North American Championship, so he has to take what he learned here tonight and apply it to the next one. It won't be too long until Marcu$ $t. John might be staring him down in a title match!
Watson: We still have two major matches left folks, we will be right back!
Camera cuts to...
The ad opens with a shot of a small, quaint general store on the corner of a quiet street. It's an old, weathered building with peeling paint and crooked shutters. The sign above the door is faded and hard to read, but the letters spell out "Oddities and Curiosities" in ornate script above a much simpler “Curiosities Corner”. A group of people are gathered outside, peering through the window at the various items on display. The windows are dusty and filled with strange, mismatched items, such as old dolls with missing eyes, antique medical instruments, and taxidermy animals posed in odd positions.
Narrator: "Welcome to Curiosities Corner, where everything you need is just a step away."
The camera zooms in on the sign above the door, which reads "Curiosities Corner" in bold, black letters.
Narrator: "We've got everything you could ever need, from fresh produce to household essentials."
The camera cuts to a shot of the store's interior, which is filled with a wide variety of items. A man is browsing the shelves, looking at a jar of pickles.
Man: "What is this place?"
The camera cuts to a shot of a woman at the checkout counter, ringing up a customer's purchase.
Woman: "Oh, this place has been around for ages. It's got all sorts of things. You never know what you'll find."
The camera cuts to a shot of a shelf filled with old dolls and figurines, some of which are missing limbs or have cracked faces.
Narrator: "We've got a little bit of everything, even some things you didn't even know you needed."
The camera cuts to a shot of a man holding a creepy-looking doll with a cracked face.
Man: "Uh, I think I'll pass on this one.”
The man continues browsing the shelves, his eyes scanning the various items on display. As he picks up one item after another, the camera zooms in on each object. A jar filled with pickled eggs, each one a different color; a collection of antique teapots, each one more ornate than the last; a jar of homemade jam, labeled "Mystery Flavor.” As the man continues to browse, the camera cuts to a shot of the store's owner, who is watching him with a curious expression on her face.
Owner: "Finding anything interesting?"
Man: "Yeah, actually. This place is full of surprises."
The scene ends with the sound of the store's creaky wooden floors, as the man continues his exploration of the store's offerings.
Narrator: "Curiosities Corner, where you can always find the unexpected. Come and see what we have in store for you."
The camera fades to black as the sound of the store's creaky wooden floors fills the air. the camera cut to...
Narrator: "Welcome to Curiosities Corner, where everything you need is just a step away."
The camera zooms in on the sign above the door, which reads "Curiosities Corner" in bold, black letters.
Narrator: "We've got everything you could ever need, from fresh produce to household essentials."
The camera cuts to a shot of the store's interior, which is filled with a wide variety of items. A man is browsing the shelves, looking at a jar of pickles.
Man: "What is this place?"
The camera cuts to a shot of a woman at the checkout counter, ringing up a customer's purchase.
Woman: "Oh, this place has been around for ages. It's got all sorts of things. You never know what you'll find."
The camera cuts to a shot of a shelf filled with old dolls and figurines, some of which are missing limbs or have cracked faces.
Narrator: "We've got a little bit of everything, even some things you didn't even know you needed."
The camera cuts to a shot of a man holding a creepy-looking doll with a cracked face.
Man: "Uh, I think I'll pass on this one.”
The man continues browsing the shelves, his eyes scanning the various items on display. As he picks up one item after another, the camera zooms in on each object. A jar filled with pickled eggs, each one a different color; a collection of antique teapots, each one more ornate than the last; a jar of homemade jam, labeled "Mystery Flavor.” As the man continues to browse, the camera cuts to a shot of the store's owner, who is watching him with a curious expression on her face.
Owner: "Finding anything interesting?"
Man: "Yeah, actually. This place is full of surprises."
The scene ends with the sound of the store's creaky wooden floors, as the man continues his exploration of the store's offerings.
Narrator: "Curiosities Corner, where you can always find the unexpected. Come and see what we have in store for you."
The camera fades to black as the sound of the store's creaky wooden floors fills the air. the camera cut to...
The camera cuts backstage inside the Cow Palace as ‘The Prodigal Son’ Buddy Love is on his phone.
Love: Yes, we are very excited to be joining Prime and are looking forward to our debut match against ‘Headhuntress’ Ayia, Sally Talfourd of Paramount and JoJo Rush of Brawl in the Multibrand Maritimer Bar Fight…
Buddy pauses, waiting for the person on the other end to finish their response as he nods.
Love: We have seen JoJo many times on Brawl, with Gabi calling it home for as long as she did and I’m here in Daly City tonight to scout Sally Talfrourd in her Legends of the Ring match with Marcu$ $t. John…
But from behind Buddy, Lisa Goldrush smirks and adds in…
Love: Yes, we are very excited to be joining Prime and are looking forward to our debut match against ‘Headhuntress’ Ayia, Sally Talfourd of Paramount and JoJo Rush of Brawl in the Multibrand Maritimer Bar Fight…
Buddy pauses, waiting for the person on the other end to finish their response as he nods.
Love: We have seen JoJo many times on Brawl, with Gabi calling it home for as long as she did and I’m here in Daly City tonight to scout Sally Talfrourd in her Legends of the Ring match with Marcu$ $t. John…
But from behind Buddy, Lisa Goldrush smirks and adds in…
Goldrush: And be in the corner of Ibuki Ito as he faces the X-Division Champion El Pablo…or are we solely focused on Gabi’s career these days Buddy?
Buddy jumps and turns around to see a smiling Lisa Goldrush, he looks at her and then the phone.
Love: Um, listen, can we finish this a little later…maybe when I get back to the house…thanks…
Buddy smiles as he shoves his phone into his pocket and looks at Lisa.
Love: I am not solely focused on Gabi’s career…that was just an interview about Gabi’s move to Prime so I was hyping her and let me say, I know everyone fears Aiya but Gabi is not stranger to bar fights…do you remember the brawl she was in on the eve of her match against Xavier last season? Add in the fact this is her first chance to make an impression on Prime AND a chance to send JoJo Rush back to Brawl and Timothy Kahrs with a loss handed to him by the person he fired…
Lisa smiles at Buddy.
Goldrush: You really know how to hype her up don’t you Buddy…
Love: I know how to hype up Ibuki as well Lisa, listen I heard El Pablo and I heard what he said about me, how I would bring ‘he lost’ at WrestleFest, being that it was El Pablo that was pinned by Queen Melody Malone and how technically Ibuki didn’t lose…
But before Buddy can finish that statement the pair hear a voice that makes them look around.
Ibuki: No…I lost!!!
The camera pulls back to show Ibuki Ito standing there in a tan robe and black trunks and boots. Gone are his colorful robes of Killjoy. He shakes his head at the pair as he rubs his hands.
Ibuki: I lost…there will be no sugarcoating things for trying to find a silver lining in defeat. I had a chance at the end and I lost focus, I was too caught up in my own move that I didn’t see the opening I gave Melody and my face paid the price…
Ibuki reaches up and pushes on the bridge of his nose as Buddy looks at Lisa Goldrush.
Love: Please tell him his nose looks fine…
But before Lisa can give Ibuki a compliment on his nose he continues.
Ibuki: I was right there in the end, ever so close to recapturing the EWC Undisputed Championship and I lost…I don’t take any joy in not being the one that was pinned, it didn’t matter if I was the one pinned or laid out outside of the ring…Lavender, El Pablo and myself ALL lost that match and it’s because of that loss the fire inside me is still burning white hot…I want to win back that championship and that quest starts right here tonight against El Pablo…
Buddy smiles as he grabs Lisa’s arm to get her attention.
Love: Who I grew up rooting for Lisa, El Pablo was my all time favorite wrestler as a kid and not just because our dad’s were friends…I once went trick or treating as El Pablo when my mom made me one of his masks…it pains me to have to face him here tonight but that’s the business we are in…
Ito: How can you not be a fan of El Pablo, what he’s done as the X-Division Champion has been historic, it’s what all champions dream of, rewriting the record books as champion. Tonight marks the 513th day as X-Division Champion, that’s the second longest reign in the history of the EWC…264 days shy of 777 days set by Ace King…a record nobody thought would be threatened but here is El Pablo doing just that…how can you not be rooting for him…
Lisa looks at Ibuki and raises an eyebrow.
Goldrush: I feel a but coming…
Buddy laughs.
Love: That’s what she said…
Ibuki looks at Buddy who mouths ‘sorry’ and then looks back at Lisa.
Ito: BUT…he’s was right in his assumption, the Legends of the Ring isn’t an X-Division style match…it’s not even the violent match the Legends of the Cage was, this isn’t his bread and butter match where he’s a record setter, this is a tournament style format and Lisa, I have proven that I’m the ultimate Tournament Fighter here in the EWC…
Goldrush: You are of course talking about the Prime G1 and your run in the Legends of the Cage…
Love: And his run with Gabi Visconty in the Super 16 Tag Team Tournament at Brawl #555 where they made it all the way to the semi-finals having never tagged together before…
But Ibuki ignores Buddy drop in.
Ibuki: I know he points to our match at Paramount #004 and the win he had over me as proof that he ‘can beat me’, showing what a ‘motivated’ El Pablo can do when he has his mind set on something so what…your mind wasn’t set on winning the Undisputed Championship at WrestleFest…you also failed to mention that match was on the heels of me beating Ace King and Wes Walker at StrangleMania to win back the X-Division Championship in one of the most brutal matches of the night…but please, spin the events as best to shed you in the positive light El Pablo…
Love: And to be fair Lisa Ibuki is a different person these days…no longer…
But Ibuki covers his mouth with his hand.
Ibuki: I am a man who’s tasted more than ‘the rainbow’ here in the EWC, I’ve been to the top of this company and I want to be back at the top…standing in my way tonight is El Pablo, he is the first roadblock for me on my quest back to the main event at StrangleMania and that Pink Squirrel is about to become roadkill here tonight in Daly City…
Ibuki removes his hand from Buddy’s mouth and walks off camera leaving Lisa with a silenced Buddy Love as the camera fades out.
LEGENDS OF THE RING SWEET 16 MATCH
NON-TITLE
Ibuki Ito
VS El Pablo
We’re back at the commentary table with Tim Watson and Sid Sydney.
Watson: Cast your minds back to Paramount 24, last season in Saitama. The last time we saw James Keaton in an EWC ring was at this event, where he suffered his second loss in two matches against Ibuki Ito.
Sydney: Indeed, since last September there hasn’t been a public appearance of ‘The Wicked’ and there were rumors back then of all sorts of things.
Watson: When it comes to September onwards, we at Paramount have not had any formal contact with James Keaton. There were rumors of James Keaton making an appearance tonight, but it appears that those were greatly exaggerated. However, we have received word that there has been some sort of movement on that front?
Sydney: It seems like there’s been something in the mix between seasons, as we’re receiving footage from Japan. Have you seen this yet?
Watson: I haven’t, but from what I understand this has been greenlit by Paramount higher-ups. It’s not hard to imagine that there are some who are interested in the fate of ‘The Wicked’.
As if taking instruction, there’s an immediate cut from the commentary table to some pre-recorded footage.
The imposing figure of Jocelyn Gage fills the screen as some shaky footage shows her setting up a tripod in what appears to be a busy Tokyo street. There’s a bit of shock on her face as she realizes the camera has been recording before she intended to.
Jocelyn: Skeen! I pressed the button!
The less-imposing (but athletic nonetheless) figure of John Gainsborough enters from the side and examines the camera, confirming the obvious.
Gainsborough: Yep, you’re on…
Jocelyn: Oh my days Paramount, we’re in Tokyo! And I betcha wanna know why your regular viewing now has
Gainsborough: (off camera) I’d be surprised since you’re not officially on any roster this season.
Jocelyn: Last year, I came here to Do Da Ting. And I was so close to being da U-B-G of NextGen. Free!
Gainsborough: U-B-G?
Jocelyn: Undisputed Best Girl of course!
Gainsborough: Pretty sure that’s gimmick infringement on multiple levels.
Jocelyn: Not da time, not da ting… Besides, last year was me Doing Da Ting. This year is about FINDING Da Ting.
Jocelyn pauses and smiles.
Jocelyn: And I’m gonna find ‘Da Wicked’ and slap him back to the main roster!
Gainsborough sighs at this and uses the opportunity to speak.
Gainsborough: That might not explain things for those at home. As you can see, we’re effectively on the other side of the world on a mission that nobody else took up. Given Jocelyn’s… let’s call it propensity to agree to terms that don’t necessarily benefit her, we’re now in Japan picking up the trail of James Keaton. Apparently someone (He points at Jocelyn) thought this was a good idea for us to try and find a man who has a history of disappearing into the dirt when he doesn’t want to be found.
Jocelyn: It’s weird though.
Gainsborough: I’m used to it. Just look at his history.
Jocelyn: I’m not. And you know there’s been some serious tings going on in his head.
Gainsborough: Perhaps, but we’re not private investigators.
Jocelyn: You know him better than any detective, besides, this is a way for me to do more than I have been. I’m hitting a plateau and this gives me a chance to go further.
Gainsborough: I still think NextGen is your best chance to smooth out the rough edges and become what you think you can be.
Jocelyn: Can’t smooth out the edges without putting all the pieces together, gotta find da ting to do da ting for real.
Gainsborough: Uh, yeah? (looking at the camera) As for why we’re in Tokyo instead of Saitama?
Jocelyn: I wanna meet da Yakuza and ting.
Gainsborough: Wait, you told me you wanted to get inspired.
Jocelyn: Yeah, by testing my strength against the streets.
Gainsborough: I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.
Jocelyn: I can’t believe you agreed, my guy. (Jocelyn winks to the camera) This is Jocelyn Gage, Finder of Tings signing out!
The footage cuts out and we’re taken back to commentary.
Sydney: I’m not quite sure what to make of that.
Watson: I guess there’s going to be more to this story as it develops. Right now though, we are ready to kick off this Legends of the Ring match, which is also a pseudo-rematch from WrestleFest!
Watson: Cast your minds back to Paramount 24, last season in Saitama. The last time we saw James Keaton in an EWC ring was at this event, where he suffered his second loss in two matches against Ibuki Ito.
Sydney: Indeed, since last September there hasn’t been a public appearance of ‘The Wicked’ and there were rumors back then of all sorts of things.
Watson: When it comes to September onwards, we at Paramount have not had any formal contact with James Keaton. There were rumors of James Keaton making an appearance tonight, but it appears that those were greatly exaggerated. However, we have received word that there has been some sort of movement on that front?
Sydney: It seems like there’s been something in the mix between seasons, as we’re receiving footage from Japan. Have you seen this yet?
Watson: I haven’t, but from what I understand this has been greenlit by Paramount higher-ups. It’s not hard to imagine that there are some who are interested in the fate of ‘The Wicked’.
As if taking instruction, there’s an immediate cut from the commentary table to some pre-recorded footage.
The imposing figure of Jocelyn Gage fills the screen as some shaky footage shows her setting up a tripod in what appears to be a busy Tokyo street. There’s a bit of shock on her face as she realizes the camera has been recording before she intended to.
Jocelyn: Skeen! I pressed the button!
The less-imposing (but athletic nonetheless) figure of John Gainsborough enters from the side and examines the camera, confirming the obvious.
Gainsborough: Yep, you’re on…
Jocelyn: Oh my days Paramount, we’re in Tokyo! And I betcha wanna know why your regular viewing now has
Gainsborough: (off camera) I’d be surprised since you’re not officially on any roster this season.
Jocelyn: Last year, I came here to Do Da Ting. And I was so close to being da U-B-G of NextGen. Free!
Gainsborough: U-B-G?
Jocelyn: Undisputed Best Girl of course!
Gainsborough: Pretty sure that’s gimmick infringement on multiple levels.
Jocelyn: Not da time, not da ting… Besides, last year was me Doing Da Ting. This year is about FINDING Da Ting.
Jocelyn pauses and smiles.
Jocelyn: And I’m gonna find ‘Da Wicked’ and slap him back to the main roster!
Gainsborough sighs at this and uses the opportunity to speak.
Gainsborough: That might not explain things for those at home. As you can see, we’re effectively on the other side of the world on a mission that nobody else took up. Given Jocelyn’s… let’s call it propensity to agree to terms that don’t necessarily benefit her, we’re now in Japan picking up the trail of James Keaton. Apparently someone (He points at Jocelyn) thought this was a good idea for us to try and find a man who has a history of disappearing into the dirt when he doesn’t want to be found.
Jocelyn: It’s weird though.
Gainsborough: I’m used to it. Just look at his history.
Jocelyn: I’m not. And you know there’s been some serious tings going on in his head.
Gainsborough: Perhaps, but we’re not private investigators.
Jocelyn: You know him better than any detective, besides, this is a way for me to do more than I have been. I’m hitting a plateau and this gives me a chance to go further.
Gainsborough: I still think NextGen is your best chance to smooth out the rough edges and become what you think you can be.
Jocelyn: Can’t smooth out the edges without putting all the pieces together, gotta find da ting to do da ting for real.
Gainsborough: Uh, yeah? (looking at the camera) As for why we’re in Tokyo instead of Saitama?
Jocelyn: I wanna meet da Yakuza and ting.
Gainsborough: Wait, you told me you wanted to get inspired.
Jocelyn: Yeah, by testing my strength against the streets.
Gainsborough: I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.
Jocelyn: I can’t believe you agreed, my guy. (Jocelyn winks to the camera) This is Jocelyn Gage, Finder of Tings signing out!
The footage cuts out and we’re taken back to commentary.
Sydney: I’m not quite sure what to make of that.
Watson: I guess there’s going to be more to this story as it develops. Right now though, we are ready to kick off this Legends of the Ring match, which is also a pseudo-rematch from WrestleFest!
Starr: The following match, set for one fall, is a Legends Of The Ring tournament match! Joining us first, residing in Puebla City, Mexico and weighing in at 180 pounds ... EL PABLO!
A cry of “VIVA LA RAINBOWLUTION!!!” leads to ‘Party Hard’ by Andrew WK hitting the soundsystem, as the stage and ringside area becomes bathed in flashing, flickering, brightly-coloured lighting. As the main hook hits, El Pablo bursts through the curtain, playing to the fans and chugging Skittles like a Steveweiser while the X-Division Championship belt glistens around his waist. He charges down the ramp and slides under the ropes into the ring, then runs up the turnbuckle and holds the title belt high above his head to another pop from the adoring crowd. After offering a final salute, he hops back down to the canvas, handing his belt to the referee and performing a few final stretches as his music fades.
Starr: And the opponent, residing in Daly City, California and weighing in at 235 pounds ... IBUKI ITO!
‘The Prodigal Son’ Buddy Love walks out onto the stage and raises his arms into the air as the lights fade out. He jumps up and down as ‘Deeper Depper’ begins to play. A strobe light circles around the stage as a single white spotlight hits the stage where Ibuki is standing, his back facing the ring, his arms stretched out and his head down. He swings around to face the ring as Buddy Love runs up and stands next to him. After a quick word the pair start to walk towards the ring, Buddy runs ahead and charges up the steps and holds open the ropes for Killjoy to step through. Ibuki walks to the center of the ring, extends his arms and tilts his head back to soak everything in.
DING DING DING
Pablo charges at Ito who stops him with a boot to the gut. Ito chops Pablo hard across the chest and lifts him for a side suplex. Pablo rolls over Ito’s shoulder to escape and runs off the ropes. Pablo ducks an Ito clothesline, hits off the opposite ropes and cracks Ito with a spinning leg lariat that knocks Ito to the mat. Pablo runs up the turnbuckles and crashes down onto Ito with an elbow drop. Pablo runs off the ropes. Ito attempts to counter with a backdrop but Pablo manages to spin Ito with a code red. Pablo almost folds Ito in half as he makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Ito pushes his way free breaking the count. Pablo lifts Ito to his feet but Ito lifts Pablo onto his shoulders and gets to his feet. Ito drops Pablo across his knee with a gutbuster. Pablo clutches his gut before getting to his feet where he walks into a big boot. Ito scoops Pablo up and hits a powerslam. Pablo pulls himself to his feet but Ito grabs him. Ito lifts Pablo up for a last ride and crashes Pablo to the mat with a sit out powerbomb. He puts his feet onto Pablo’s shoulders as the referee counts.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Pablo rolls to his side breaking the count.
Watson: He damn near put El Pablo through the ring and STILL El Pablo kicked out!
Sydney: He got a shoulder up but Ibuki Ito is likely to rip it off and beat El Pablo with it if it gets him to the next round.
Ito is on his feet as Pablo slowly gets to his. Ito cracks him on the back of the head with a Konbanwa. Pablo drops to the mat. Ito rolls him onto his back and hooks the leg.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Pablo just manages to lift a shoulder off the mat to break the count. Ito lifts Pablo to his feet and attempts a suplex. Pablo blocks it and reverses it into Dragonfishin’. He pushes Ito over and covers him.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Ito rolls to his side to break the count.
Watson: That would have been catch of the day if that Dragonfishin’ had bagged the big fish that is Ibuki Ito.
Sydney: El Pablo needs a lot more on his line than a bag of candy if he wants to take down Ibuki Ito.
Pablo climbs to the top turnbuckle and leaps for an R.P.M. At the last second, Ito rolls to the side and Pablo crashes to the canvas. Ito runs at Pablo and cracks him with a Kettei-Da. He falls onto Pablo as the referee counts.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
DING DING DING
Starr: And your winner, via pinfall IBUKI ITO!
Buddy Love slides into the ring as Ito walks to the center of the ring, extends his arms and tilts his head back to soak everything in.
Watson: A big win for Ibuki Ito. He damn near kicked El Pablo’s head off and he now moves on to the next round of the Legend Of the Ring Tournament
Sydney: Credit where it’s due, El Pablo gave a hell of a fight. Tonight could have easily have gone his way and I believe that it would have if he had connected with his corkscrew moonsault.
Watson: When the competition is this good, we all win! Still to come is our main event for the Apple TV + Broadcast Championship!
Camera cuts to ...
SINGLES MATCH
FOR THE APPLE TV + BROADCAST CHAMPIONSHIP
Adriana Aquilla
VS Tanja Devereaux
Watson: Welcome back, folks! It is finally time for our Main Event! Two woman, two warriors of the ring are about to do battle for the right to be the workhorse of Paramount Wrestling! This championship is defended at every Paramount show and its holder has to be ready for any and all challengers! Will the divine inspiration of "Lo Dovino" allow to to capture her first EWC championship? Or will the Bayou Witch stake her claim to the Orange brand? We are about to find out, so let's go to the ring!
Starr: The following match is for one fall, and is for the Apple TV + Broadcast Championship.
The opening riff to "Iron" by Within Temptation hits the speakers and the crowd comes to their feet as the lights flash around the arena before finally, Adriana comes out from the back ready for her big match.
Starr: Joining us first, from San Francisco, California, she is ... "LO DIVINO" ADRIANA AQUILLA!
Adriana makes her way down to the ring mouthing the lyrics to her theme song along the way, as she enters the ring she removes her jacket before yelling out "THE WAR IS COMING" in time with her song before jumping over the top rope and rolling into the ring before posing on one knee with her arms outstretched at her sides..
There's a fresh pop from the crowd as her music fades, and a second figure comes scampering down the ramp like he's running late - the cheer swelling as the fans start to recognize the reigning International Champion, King Flip!
Sydney: Why, oh why, is that asshole here?!
Starr: And her opponent!
I'm not the one who's so far away
When I feel the snakebite enter my veins
Never did I wanna be here again
And I don't remember why I came
Pyros hit as Videos of bustling crowds in various locations of New Orleans appear on the Extreme-Tron as the dark and melodic tones of the intro to "Voodoo" by Godsmack 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 hisses at those at ringside while coming down to the ring.
Candles raise my desire
Why I'm so far away
No more meaning to my life
No more reason to stay
Starr: Coming to the ring hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana; she is the Bayou Witch, TANJA DEVEREAUX!
Voodoo, Voodoo
Voodoo, Voodoo
Voodoo, Voodoo
Voodoo, Voodoo
(Voodoo, voodoo) So far away
I'm not the one who's so far away (voodoo, voodoo)
I'm not the one who's so far away (voodoo, voodoo)
I'm not the one who's so far away
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 "Voodoo" continues to play. Tanja steps off the turnbuckle as she removes the leather coat and throws it into a random corner as "Voodoo" fades.
Watson: Devereaux looking particularly dangerous tonight, but "Lo Divino" is a fighter through and through. Both competitors are raring to go, and claim their first taste of championship gold here on Paramount.
DING DING DING
Adriana Aquilla is beyond keen to seize her opportunity, getting the crowd behind her immediately as she surges forward into a flurry of forearms and a rebound dropkick that has Devereaux stumbling into the ropes, and Addy bouncing to her feet with a spirited roar! Tanja is wearing a cutting, humorless little smirk, wiping at her mouth as she bounces against the ropes and looks to rally back with a vengeful axe kick, her heel sweeping upwards----and then the woman stumbling, as her rooted ankle is swiped at from outside the ring. She twists around, snarling, coming face-to-grinning-face with the International Champion, who throws her a cheeky shrug as she steps back to avoid her hand, snatching between the ropes. This distraction pays off for Lo Divino, who comes rushing in with another dropkick between the shoulder blades, sending the Bayou Witch tumbling over the ropes to the outside!
Stomping the canvas, Addy throws an arm out to the crowd and cajoles them into stomping along with her, running off the opposite set of ropes to launch, headlong and spirited, into her signature plancha suicida-- AIR ADDY!
WHAM.
She goes from a hundred miles an hour to a rough landing, as the deeply unamused Devereaux spins and rocks into a savage roundhouse kick across the bows, slamming Aquilla into the floor. Again, she throws up her leg into an axe kick, and this time brings it down with crushing force across the spine, shooting a hard glare to King Flip before scooping up the other woman up and setting her up for a spinning slam into the apron!
It's Addy's turn to clutch, desperately throwing out her arms to catch herself, then whipping into a headscissor takedown that slams Tanja into the apron instead, before landing in a handstand, taking several steps with her arms as the crowd cheer her on. She flips to her feet, glances over her shoulder at Tanja, and wisely dives back into the ring, ready to catch the Bayou Witch with a baseball slide before she can pursue! Determined to seize control of the air, Lo Divino points at the turnbuckle, and goes up into the high rent district, sizing Tanja up quickly--
--and flipping into a beautiful ADDY STAR PRESS, wiping her out on the floor outside the ring!
Watson: She's vowed to make this her breakout season, and it's with all the grace of her native eagle that Adriana Aquilla takes an early advantage over the Wicked Witch of the Bayou.
Sydney: Yeah, with a little help from Monday Night Brawl's top champion.
Right on cue, King Flip saunters over with a shit-eating grin, offering Addy a high-five - which she takes with a bit of an uncertain frown - and then motioning her on with a, "You got this, girlfriend!" Right out of his eternally-frustrated manager's playbook. With a muttered thanks that might be more than a little sarcastic, Aquilla starts to haul Devereaux to her feet, laying in a couple of stiff chops that get the requisite, "WOOOOO!" from the crowd. The second wakes up Tanja, and she stomps right into a stiff clothesline that rocks Addy!
Yanking the shorter woman to her feet, she grabs a double handful of hair, hissing something into her ear before hurling her into the ring under the bottom rope. Lo Divino skids painfully, but manages to turn it into a roll, coming up on her feet ready to charge back in as the Bayou Witch makes her own entrance. She catches her with another chop, getting another 'woo' from the crowd, then goes for a big superkick! Tanja darts to one side, eyes narrowed as she focuses on seizing an arm, spinning the over-extended Addy into a vicious arm trap neckbreaker! HOODOO!
Straightening up from kneeling, she throws out her arms, looking to be back in control of the match. The crowd respond in distinctly mixed fashion, plenty still chanting for Aquilla and more than a few openly jeering. King Flip bounds onto the apron, and Tanja strides forward into a Yakuza Kick that he barely slips aside from, leaving her with one leg over the ropes, spitting a mouthful of verbal venom in his direction before she disentangles herself and turns back to Addy.
Lo Divino has just stumbled upright, rubbing at her neck, but as she sees Tanja looking her way she puts on her game face, launching in a sprint at the Bayou Witch - who tries to sweep her down with a searing roundhouse kick, only for the slippery Latino to slide between her legs, and leap to the ropes behind her, springboarding into a sling blade as the taller woman turns to her face once more! Addy bounces right back to her feet, and hits a standing moonsault into a cover--
--only to be LAUNCHED off immediately, Tanja simply stomping to her feet with a smug glare. She throws out her arms, and practically INHALES the dropkick that comes her way a moment later, barely stumbling back to lessen the blow, then springing to seize Addy's trailing legs and pull her into a vicious Inverted Cloverleaf, wrenching on the hold!
Watson: Like a woman possessed, perhaps it's the dark spirits she communes with, Devereaux is taking everything that Aquilla throws at her and only coming back stronger. Lo Divino started strong, but she may be in trouble here.
Sydney: Big trouble. She needs to get out of this, Tim.
A pair of hands slam on the apron, as King Flip noisily cheers on Lo Divino, putting out a hand to beckon her toward him as she struggles desperately. Tanja tries to drag her back a little further, but with a burst of energy she scrambles forward instead, briefly off-balancing the Bayou Witch-- and just about reaching past Flip's hand to the bottom rope, denying his offer of assistance. The crowd alternately cheer and boo as the official makes the break, Tanja utterly refusing to make the break until she's forced to to avoid disqualification.
Addy stands and stretches out her legs, wincing in pain as she tries to find her way back into the match. Tanja steps in, teases a lock-up, and then pulls away at the last instant, thrashing a stinging kick into the already-damaged leg of her opponent. The crowd are sympathetic, and Aquilla shakes her head, clenching a fist to spur herself on as she gives pursuit, shooting for a beautiful single-leg dropkick that Devereaux barely evades, sliding to one side and shooting another kick into that same leg! Addy avoids this one with a tight roll, coming up with a limping hop and diving in for a waistlock she achieves - throwing her weight against Devereaux to slam her flankfirst into the corner!
The Bayou Witch slumps momentarily, and Addy leaps into the air, bringing down a flying forearm, then hitting a beautiful monkey flip out of the corner! Tanja crashes down, and rolls onto all fours, breathing deep before she turns in a crouch-- right into a DIVINE WIZARD! Addy's knee impacts her skull, and she goes for the cover a moment later...
ONE...
TWO...
KICKOUT!
Watson: A near-fall for Lo Divino, who's stalwartly refusing to take the easy way out. But you've got to think having King Flip in her corner is a boon and benefit, Cid.
Sydney: Oh, you bet. He could still play a crucial role in this, but the kid's hanging in there against a scary competitor in Tanja Devereaux. This is their third tussle in recent memory, and she might have finally figured it out.
Deveraux slips to the outside to lick her wounds, where she's immediately bothered by the International Champion. He's not recently taken a hard blow to the head, and is able to dart away before she can lay on the hurt - her mouth twisting in obvious frustration. It's another distraction that provides an opening for Aquilla, who comes running around the outside of the ring a moment later, leaping off the apron into a flying clothesline that sends Devereaux into the barricade! Addy pauses to high-five a fan, then muscles Tanja up and starts to bundle her back into the ring, taking a rake across the eyes for her efforts - slumping against the apron as she clutches at her face...
Devereaux rolls into the ring, then pulls Addy up into the ropes, wrenching her down with a guillotine that has her red-faced and choking, ignoring the official's warning as she brings the other woman in the hard way, crushing her breathless body against the canvas, and floating over for the pin.
There's no count, because King Flip has the referee engaged, loudly and insistently pointing out the shenanigans of Tanja - who growls as she straightens from Addy, grinding a forearm cruelly against her throat as she stands, and decks the International Champion with a straight punch between the eyes! Flip takes a tumble off the apron, but he rolls to his feet with a grin in spite of the pain, as Aquilla manages to pull Devereaux back into a schoolgirl!
ONE...
TWO...
KICKOUT!
Tanja goes right back to her feet, GLARING at Lo Divino, who - with her beleaguered legs - is too slow to dart away from a grapple, eating a couple of clinched knee strikes before being swept up onto Devereaux's shoulders. Stalking into the center of the ring with Aquilla stop her, the Bayou Witch sets her ice-fire gaze on Flip before sitting out into LEGBA'S SPIRIT, flattening her opponent out with the sitdown Samoan Drop facebuster. She makes the cover!
ONE...
TWO...
KICKOUT!!
Watson: There's no denying the brutality of the Bayou Witch, as in spite of the odds stacked against her she turns one near-fall into another, and this might be swinging her way now. Addy Aquilla is hurt, Cid.
Sydney: Tanja Devereaux earned this title shot beating her, and she could do it again, no doubt.
The subject clearly agrees with them, as Devereaux isn't slowing down, thrown off from the cover only to throw herself on Addy with furious forearms, beating her into the canvas, then scooping her up for a simple, violent bodyslam before hurling out her arms and lunging at the crowd - who are putty at this point, responding with a loud cacophony of boos and stomping chants that start indistinct but soon blossom into a conjoined rallying call for Adriana Aquilla, who clenches a fist as she climbs to her knees, shaking with warrior spirit as she stands...
...and is immediately hit by the full force of a Yakuza Kick as Tanja Devereaux wheels on her with frightening speed, screaming with the effort of the blow, heaving in giant breaths as she bends and scoops the other woman up for what might be the last time. King Flip sees this going down, and backs off with puffed-out cheeks, holding up his hands as Lo Divino eats an elbow to the jaw, a kick to the gut, and then is slung across Tanja's shoulders like a sack of potatoes.
From the fireman's carry, she's whipped into a swinging side slam. CITY OF THE DEAD!
By no means done, Tanja picks her up by the legs, launches her up onto her shoulders, and reaches a hand up around the nape of her neck, almost cooing at her with a dangerous tenderness... before drilling her into the mat with the one-winged angel, the ring quaking on impact. VOODOO!!
She makes the cover.
ONE...
TWO...
THREE!!!
DING DING DING
Starr: Your winner, via pinfall, and the NEW APPLE TV + Broadcast Champion, TANJA DEVEREAUX!
The foreboding rhythm of "Voodoo" fills the arena as Tanja tosses Lo Dovino down for the third time, soaring straight to her feet with arms outflung and head back, whispering a prayer to whatever spirits watch her from the rafters as the crowd responds in their mixed fashion. The belt is strapped around her waist, and the Bayou Witch sucks in a long, long breath, before her eyes fixate on the crowd, daring any of them to deny that her reign as champion has begun. A dismissive glare wanders across Addy Aquilla, as she writhes her way to the corner and stays there, recovering, but before Devereaux can make any further motions, there's a slow, booming clap from the direction of the ramp.
King Flip, a captured mic tucked under his armpit, sarcastically slow-claps the newly-crowned champion as he walks backwards to the stage, letting the microphone fall with a wail to the floor as he makes his exit, watched with a damning glare by the tall, dangerous woman still inside the ring.
Watson: Adriana Aquilla gave it her all tonight, fixing to turn a new page and start the season strong. There's little denying she did exactly that, but it's Tanja Devereaux who stands tall as our new broadcast champion, however it is VERY clear that King Flip has not forgotten what Tanja did last season that cost Flip the X-Division championship. Thoughts, Cid?
Sydney: Can't take Addy's spirit away from her, but the spirits of this Bayou Witch were just too damn strong. There's something in the air, dark and creeping, and I'm not talking about the stench left behind by the International Champion. Still, gotta wonder how she reacts to his presence here tonight - he made this a lot harder for her, Tim. She's trying to clean this place up, and she can't like his stink any more than I do.
Watson: What a ride we've been on tonight folks, but season 24 is JUST getting started. We will emanate live from Guatemala City, Guatemala in two weeks, where we will find out who the lone survivor from Paramount will be in the Legends of the Ring tournament. Thanks for tuning in, goodnight everyone!
The camera fades on a shot of Tanja Devereaux slinking around the ring, the Apple TV+ Broadcast championship over her shoulder.
END SCREEN
..................................................................................................................
SEGMENT WRITERS
"Headhuntress" Aiya & Narumi Tsutsumi
Daphne Kay
DAMAGE INCORPORATED
Sally Talfourd
Marcu$ $t. John
Xavier Reid & 3pac
The Mad King & Tanja Devereaux
Ibuki Ito
James Keaton/Jocelyn Gage
..................................................................................................................
MATCH WRITERS
MATCH ONE
WRITER: Daphne Kay
MATCH TWO
WRITER: Calamity Nguyen
MATCH THREE
WRITER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em
MATCH FOUR
WRITER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em
MATCH FIVE| MAIN EVENT
WRITER: Calamity Nguyen
..................................................................................................................
RECAP OF WINNERS
TAG TEAM TRIPLE THREAT SHOWCASE
The Kruel Masters Vs Bloody Sureiyazu Vs Next Level
WINNERS: Bloody Sureiyazu
...
LEGENDS OF THE RING SWEET 16 MATCH
Sally Talfourd Vs Marcu$ $t. John
WINNER: Marcu$ $t. John
...
SINGLES MATCH / X-DIVISION RULES
Xavier Reid Vs Salvation
WINNER: Xavier Reid
...
LEGENDS OF THE RING SWEET 16 MATCH
Ibuki Ito Vs El Pablo
WINNER: Ibuki Ito
...
SINGLES MATCH / FOR THE APPLE TV+ BROADCAST CHAMPIONSHIP
Adriana Aquilla Vs Tanja Devereaux
WINNER: And NEW Apple TV + Broadcast Champion: Tanja Devereaux
...
...............................................................................................................…
MVP OF THE NIGHT: Marcu$ $t. John
MATCH OF THE NIGHT: EPFTW! Vs Ibuki Ito
© THE EXTREME WRESTLING CORPORATION 2023
