EWC PRESENTS: STRANGLEMANIA XVIII

[EWC]

FREEVIEW SHOW

written by Queen Melody

Fans are still filing into Estadio Monumental U Marathon in preparation for Stranglemania XVIII as cameras pan to a booth containing the NextGen general manager Summer Johnston, and former Prime announce team turned NextGen team, Hayley Kushnir and Marshall Evans.

Evans: Long time no see EWC nation!

Kushnir: It feels like it’s been forever since we’ve been in the booth, and it’s so great to be back here, in front of all of these fans, celebrating StrangleMania once again.

Johnston: You guys, I could not be more excited for tonight. Last season NextGen really showed out and put on a tremendous season and we’ve seen so many people make the move onto the main roster. This years’ crop is already making waves and we’re going to give the EWC faithful a sneak preview of what they can expect on May 25th when we kick off season 2 of NextGen live from Los Angeles, California.

Evans: This is so special to see, and I can’t wait to let everyone else in EWC see what’s coming.

Kushnir: We don’t have to wait too long, because our first match tonight LIVE on the StrangleMania Freeview is going to feature the upstart Viper going one on one with Gambit sensation Scrappy Coco.

Scrappy Coco is already waiting in the ring as “Viper” by Derivakat begins to play and the Poison Princess Viper makes her way to the ring.

The bell sounds and they square off. The crowd is really into their first taste of competition tonight as Viper darts in for a grapple, but Coco evades with a wag of their finger. Viper tries to strike again, and this time Coco ducks their big boot attempt. Coco feigns licking their paw, but as they do they’re met with a stiff forearm from Viper that catches Coco off guard and sends them stumbling back toward the ropes. Viper is firmly in control now, an irish whip sending Scrappy across the ring only to be met on the rebound by a leaping Viper coming down with a hurricanrana. Coco is down, Viper goes for the pin but only gets a 2 count. Viper stays atop the challenger, rolling Scrappy onto their stomach and locking in a cobra clutch! Coco fights with all their might, eventually pulling both of them to the ropes where Viper breaks reluctantly at 4.999. Scrappy gets to their feet, willing themselves back into it as they look for their Roaring Elbow! Viper ducks, sending Coco spinning before she drives her thumb into the throat of Scrappy Coco - the Rattlesnake bite! Coco doubles over, struggling to breathe before Viper hooks their head and delivers the Poison Kiss for the 1, 2, 3.

Kushnir: A decisive victory for Viper tonight, she might shock a lot of people this season on NextGen.

Evans: Hayley there was almost a hundred pound difference between these two, and Viper played to her strengths. She struck quick and didn’t let ol’ Scrappy get their… paws on her for long.

Johnston: We’ve been on the air for ten minutes and that might be the worst pun of the night Marshall..

Hayley: How do you think I feel…

Marshall: Don’t worry ladies, we’ve got more action coming up because our next bout puts El Gran Azul one on one with another promising NextGen talent, Brandon Abstract!

As El Gran Azul finishes his climb into the ring, “Vibeking” by Phear Phace begins to play and Brandon Abstract makes his way to the ring.

Abstract comes out of the gate strong, feigning a handshake to the innocent El Gran Azul. The handshake turns into a ripcord knee strike and Azul slumps into Brandon. Abstract doesn’t have much choice, the extra hundred pounds on Azul giving him trouble before he rotates and side steps letting El Gran stumble into the corner in his daze. Abstract runs in, leaping up and hitting an enziguri before grabbing Azul and using his momentum to shove him forward and out of the corner. Abstract climbs up onto the turnbuckle, looking for a diving elbow but Azul rolls to safety and Abstract hits the mat hard. El Gran Azul gets to his feet, picking up the offense on Abstract until he goes for his own top rope attempt with Ole! Abstract smartly evades contact and gets back to his feet before continuing his onslaught with Azul. Following a flurry of offense, Abstract hits a running knee strike, bringing Azul back down to the mat. He grabs hold of him with the Abstraction, locking in the Muta Lock but before Azul can tap out the official calls for the bell as the time limit has expired.

Johnston: Absolutely stunning display, I wish this match could’ve gone on longer. Great news is, at our season premiere there will be no time limit finishes, because someone is going to walk out with the win.

Marshall: Well I hope people don’t walk, but run to their seats because we’re about to get to the NextGen Stranglemania Freeview main event.

Kushnir: Doug in a Barrel takes on Eddy the… Wild Mage? I don’t..

Johnston: I’ve tried to figure it out.. Best not to ask.

Marshall: He’s WILD, obviously!

Doug in a Barrel has barely made it to the ring as “Final Boss Chan” by Camelia begins to play and a man clad in a robe and wide brimmed wizard hat appears on stage.

Kushnir: Oh no..

Eddy makes his way down to the ring, disrobing to an audible gasp from the crowd ringside. Doug slaps his barrel in response as the bell sounds and we’re off. Eddy starts off trying to throw anything he can at the barrel-clad Doug, a bevy of closed fists just thunk hollow on the barrel before a high dropkick sends Doug onto his back, flailing like a turtle. Eddy looks bewildered, like he doesn’t know how to even go about pinning Doug in his barrel, and instead sends a rain of stomps down onto Doug. Eventually Doug gets to the ropes, forcing a break as the ref pushes Eddy away and lets Doug get to his feet. Doug gets back up, not without difficulty, and as Eddy looks ready to approach again, Doug drops down and sinks into his barrel! Eddy looks positively bewildered, trying to coax out Doug with a combination of threats and kicks to the barrel but Doug won’t budge. Finally, Doug pokes at Eddy thru a hole in the front of the barrel and Eddy leaps about five feet into the air in terror. Doug pops back up, certain he’s found the weak spot in Eddy’s game. Eddy turns and Doug looks for the Barrel Roll, but Eddy’s wiry frame manages to slip through and lock himself around Doug’s upper body before summoning an ungodly level of drug-induced strength - Booming Blade! The barrel shatters in the ring, revealing Doug to… ONLY be wearing the barrel before the camera feed cuts out and the at home audience is met with audio only as the official’s hand slapping the mat for the three count is all that can be discerned between the crowd’s horrified cries and the sound of Hayley dry heaving in the booth.

Kushnir: Well… wild or not, Eddy got the job done tonight

Evans: Doug is probably really grateful for what’s left of that barrel right now.

Johnston: I kinda wish we had more barrels right now, if I’m being honest..

Hayley: Maybe we need to reevaluate the dress code here in EWC..

Evans: Regardless of barrel status, if you enjoyed what you saw tonight then tune in LIVE on your provider of choice, Showtime, TSN, Sky Sports or your tried and true EWCTV network on May 25th to check out all three of these competitors and more, capping off with a tag team main event you will NOT want to miss! For EWC NextGen, I’m Marshall Evans.

Kushnir: I’m Hailey Kushnir

Johnston: And I’m Summer Johnston… stay tuned EWC Nation, because StrangleMania XVIII starts? Right now.

The cameras fade from the booth and lead to the video package to introduce StrangleMania in 3…. 2…….

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WHAT IS EWCTV?

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

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.

EWCTV for only $7.95 USD per month

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

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

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

[EWC]

DING...

DING...

DING...

DING...

DING...

DING...

DING...

DING...

DING...

DING...

Standing in the ring is currently President Mac who is flanked by Jim Connors, Grizzly Duggan, Chris Brock and Jordan Sharpe. They all hold a different picture of Iggy Swango. The entire EWC locker-room stand on the stage, even some not booked for tonight's show.

Dobrev: Iggy Swango has left the physical realm and has gone home to the cosmos where she is writing her next album. StrangleMania XVIII is dedicated in her honor. We know she's smiling down on us and using our triumphs and tribulations as song material. We didn't deserve her, but that doesn't mean we can't miss her every day. Tonight we would like to announce Iggy Swango is going into the EWC Hall Of Fame at Night Of Champions alongside the current class. Now please bow your heads for second moment of silence.
























































































































Dobrev: Write us a classic my friend. Write us a classic.

WARNING: This live event contains strong coarse language (L), and intense violence (V) which may be unsuitable for younger viewers. None of the matches you are about to watch have been predetermined. Only some of the thematic story-lines have been discussed beforehand. Accordingly, EWC and it's producers must insist that no one attempt to recreate or re-enact any match or activity performed in this live event.

The Extreme Wrestling Corporation presents

STRANGLEMANIA XVIII
Brought to you by Under Armour, PS5 and Dr Pepper

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APRIL 10TH 2023
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LIVE! From the Estadio Monumental U Marathon in Ate District, Peru

STRANGLEMANIA XVIII

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

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

"Legends Are Made" by Sam Tinnesz begins to blast throughout Estadio Monumental U Marathon, in Peru.


"I’ve got that lightning inside me

son of a god

I’m like a titan that’s rising

oh just you watch

I’m stepping into fate

there is no time to waste"

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

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

Images of previous EWC Champions are shown, starting with the very first Champion Black Ninja, then moving onto Big Danny Mac and Steve "The Predator" Bennett. Sped up footage then shows a special montage of Memphis Reigns, Shadow Man, Hirsh Valentine, Jesse Nunez, Hurricane Jeff, Moses Lake, James Chambers, BDC, Jay Cee, Stray, Gladiator, The Rev, Drake, Xplode, Luke Wolfe, Natalie Young, Candy, Dominic Sanders, Cyrus Black, Melody Malone, Scorpio, Xavier Reid, Jordan Sharpe, Stitches, Ace King, Ibuki Ito, Melody Malone a second time, and Lavender  all with the EWC Undisputed Championship.

This is followed by highlights of showcasing current EWC Champions:


Melody Malone

El Pablo

Damage, Inc.

Lavender

King Flip

Marcu$ $t. John

Scorpio

Melinda Rhodes

Moxie

Sally Talfourd

Callie Clark

The opening pyros hit and here we go.

The energy in Estadio Monumental U Marathon is insane as the crowd is absolutely electrifying in their uproar of cheers. Spotlights circle around the Stadium as the sold out 105,000 fans in attendance are shown in a wide angle shot.

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

EWC

EWC

EWC

EWC


EWC

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

Woo: It is a somber night here in Ate District Peru as EWC is in mourning, but that is not going to stop us from bringing you all the grandest and perhaps most violent event in all of combat sports... Ladies and Gentlemen, WELCOME! To StrangleMania! I am Marcus Woo, with me as always for these big events, she is Valentina Gomez! Buenos Noches Valentina! 

Gomez:  We are here in beautiful Peru Marcus for what is sure to be an intense evening for more than one reason. We have an absolute banger of a card lined up for you all tonight! You just saw the free-view preview with the stars of NextGen, but our first match of the night is sure to be bloody brilliant and l mean bloody literally as the HELLEVATOR returns to StrangleMania as we will see 11 of EWC's finest due battle in that hellacious trip to the top of a local skyscraper before someone is THROWN OFF the top of that sumbitch! 

Woo: And if that's not enough bedlam, Then the Glass table grudge match between King Flip and Tanja Devereaux is sure to wet your whistle! These two have been going back and forth since The Rumble PPV last year and tonight they finally squash their beef in the ring! 

Gomez:  Chris Page and Phoenix Winterborn then do battle in perhaps the most tame match of the night as they fight in a kiss my ass match! Someone is meeting Mr. Brown Eye tonight! 

Woo:  Captain Morgan Darkwater and JoJo Rush over on Brawl will also settle their differences potentially once and for all? All we know is somone WALKS THE PLANK tonight! Then over on Prime, Assistant to the GM, Faith Rivers presents the first ever Faithful Scramble as 5 of Prime's best go at it for the right to face AMC Broadcast champion Callie Clark next! 

Gomez:  Speaking of Broadcast champions, while Callie has her hands full taking on Scorpio later tonight in a BARBED WIRE ROPES match for the Indy Championship, the other 3 Broadcast champs take each other on in an Triple Threat No DQ Match. Will Moxie continue to dominate? Can the Last Magician Sally Talfourd pull a trick out of her hat? Or will Melinda Rhodes show that experience may be all you need to survive at StrangleMania? 

Woo:  The EWC North American title is on the line when Champion Marcu$ $t. John Takes on Salvation! Salvation won this right at WrestelFest back in December so this one should be good! After that, the Tag Team Division will see red... or maybe blue flames? Two teams from Prime, Shinjoshi's Bloody Sureyazu and the current EWC World Tag Team Champions Damage Inc. compete in a FLAMING TABLES match! 

Gomez: Then we revist possibly one of the hardest hitting rivalries in recent EWC history... "The Gambler" is looking to plant his flag as still being the ACE of EWC, but Ibuki Ito may take offense to that.. So they will settle it in a Falls Count Anywhere match!

Woo: and we're not done there either! The EWC United States title will be on the line in a Cage Match when the quiet princess Lavender defends again the loner Mercenary. Will Merc finally capture his first EWC title? Then the International championship is on the line as tag team partners Dio and King Flip fight each other in a RULES SWAP match! 

Gomez: It wouldn't be StrangleMania without the X-Division championship on the line, and this time there's brothers involved! Xavier Reid takes on the mythical reign that his brother El Pablo is one as X-Division champion in a WEAPONS-X Match! and in our Main Event, the Legend of the Ring tournament comes to its conclusion as the four finalist from each brand take each other on in a No DQ match.. Oh and by the way, the UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONSHIP will be on the line as well! Stitches takes on Prime's Narumi Tsutsumi, Paramount's Marcu$ $t. John and the Queen herself, EWC Undisputed champion... Melody Malone!!!

Woo: We have all of that and SO MUCH MORE! right after these words about EWCTV... DON'T GO ANYWHERE.

Both commentators turn into the shot to show that they are wearing arm bands that simply say" #FB" as the camera fades to commercial...

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WHAT IS EWCTV?

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

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.

EWCTV for only $7.95 USD per month

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

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

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

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Brawl - Caleb Scott, Chelsea Skye, Darius, Dustin Holt, Elissa Bradley
Rampage - Andrea Hernandez, Ruthless Aggression
Paramount - Nika Kosov, Sonya, Sueñe El Molde
Prime - Saidie Sharpe

MATCH WRITER: Stitches

The elevator comes to a stop on the ground floor with the sound of a ding, the elevator has entrances on both the left and the right side and is large enough to fit a large capacity of bodies. From the door to the left side Elissa Bradley enters the elevator with a barbed wire bat pressed against her shoulder, she takes a few seconds to survey her surroundings before the door to the right opens and Chelsea Skye walks into the elevator, also brandishing a barbed wire bat. The two look at each other and then their chosen weapons before they start swinging wildly as the elevator ascends. The two of them connect with shot after shot in the center of the elevator, each striking letting off a cracking sound that echoes throughout the elevator. Chelsea Skye lines up for one ferocious strike with her barbed wire bat and manages to knock the other barbed wire bat out of the hand of Elissa Bradley. Elissa Bradley scrambles to retrieve her bat as Chelsea Skye swats wildly at her with her own bat, slamming the weapon down upon the floor of the elevator. Elissa Bradley reaches out towards her weapon but Chelsea Skye kicks it across the elevator and against the nearby door which starts to open as the next competitor arrives.

Nika Kosov looks down at the barbed wire bat at her feet and then across at Elissa Bradley who is still scrambling to retrieve her weapon. A wicked smile spreads across her face as she kicks the barbed wire out of the elevator as the door starts to close. Nika Kosov looks down at her gloves, the only weapon she needs in this fight. Chelsea Skye turns her attention away from Elissa Bradley momentarily and focuses on Nika Kosov, this gives Elissa Bradley the opportunity to stand to her feet. The two of them stare at Nika Kosov and then at one another and with a nod decide to team up for the sake of Brawl allegiance. Realising she is in trouble, Nika Kosov starts swinging for the fences, landing a vicious strike into the abdomen of Chelsea Skye, stunning her temporarily. Elissa Bradley charges forward but Nika Kosov shoves her into the wall of the elevator. With Chelsea Skye down, Nika Kosov delivers a stiff kick to the back of the elbow still holding the barbed wire bat and Chelsea Skye immediately drops it, wincing in pain. This slight distraction allows Elissa Bradley to come up behind and lock in the No Mercy. Neither women drop, instead Nika Kosov backs Elissa Bradley into the elevator door and continues to do so until the sound of a ding can be heard and the doors open. Chelsea Skye is back to her feet now and charges at both Nika Kosov and Elissa Bradley, spearing them both out of the elevator.

Woo: What a spear by Chelsea!

Gomez: That it was but the focus now turns to those hit by it. Do they have enough left to get back into the elevator?

From the other side of the elevator Saidie Sharpe enters with a half-eaten bucket of movie popcorn in her hand. She shovels popcorn into her mouth as she watches as the three other women scramble to get back into the elevator. Chelsea Skye is the first back in, having speared the other two outside but not gone very far herself. Elissa Bradley and Nika Kosov are back to their feet and about the same time and scratch and claw to get back into the elevator. The two reaches the door and start to fight. The elevator door starts to close and Elissa Bradley dives in, Nika Kosov attempts to get through the door also but it is too late, the elevator ascends without her. Seeing Chelsea Skye and Elissa Bradley staring from across the elevator, Saidie Sharpe stops eating her popcorn mid-mouthful and throws the remainder of the bucket at Elissa Bradley before laying into Chelsea Skye with some heavy-handed strikes. Chelsea Skye backs up against the elevator wall as Saidie Sharpe continues to lay in the strikes. Elissa Bradley wipes popcorn from her face and charges towards Saidie Sharpe, driving a forearm into the back of Saidie Sharpe. Chelsea Skye attempts to take advantage of Saidie Sharpe but cops a forearm right in the jaw from Elissa Bradley. This takes her back a bit as Elissa Bradley simply shrugs her shoulders and continues to beat down on Chelsea Skye as the elevator comes to a stop and the doors open.

Andrea Hernandez enters the elevator with a steel chain wrapped around her fist. She sees both Saidie Sharpe down and Chelsea Skye down with Elissa Bradley standing tall over Chelsea Skye. The two of them look at each other briefly before Andrea Hernandez advances towards Elissa Bradley, throwing a wild chained fist. Elissa Bradley ducks under the fist and stumbles momentarily, falling to her knees and at the mercy of Andrea Hernandez and her chained fist. She takes a quick glance over the elevator and notices the barbed wire bat nearby, Elissa Bradley lunges for the barbed wire bat as Andrea Hernandez attempts another strike with her chained fist. Elissa Bradley grabs the barbed wire bat and uses it to block a third fist from Andrea Hernandez. In the opposite corner of the elevator both Saidie Sharpe and Chelsea Skye are back to their feet and taking turns smashing one another's face into the side of the elevator. Saidie Sharpe manages to gain the upper hand by smashing the crown of Chelsea Skye's head against the elevator. Saidie Sharpe takes a moment to breath before she reaches into her pocket and retrieves the actual weapon she had brought to the match; a shiv. Saidie Sharpe clutches onto the shiv and grabs Chelsea Skye by the back of the head before she drives the sharp end of the shiv into Chelsea Skye's forehead, scrapping it across the skin as blood starts to pour from the wound. Chelsea Skye cries out in pain as the elevator dings once again and the doors open.

Distracted by the new arrival, Saidie Sharpe turns her attention away from Chelsea Skye momentarily only for Chelsea Skye to rake her eyes. Saidie Sharpe drops the shiv in the process as she goes to rub her raked eyes with her hands. The shiv tumbles across the floor and slips down a small crack between the elevator and the door. Ruthless Aggression enters the elevator with nothing more than her years of experience as the shiv disappears forever down the elevator shaft. Ruthless Aggression assesses her surroundings momentarily but is met by a flurry of offense from both Elissa Bradley and Andrea Hernandez who turned their attention away from one another for a moment to focus on the newly-arrived Hall Of Famer. Chelsea Skye, blood gushing from her forehead, takes her opportunity to attack the blinded Saidie Sharpe as the two brawl in one corner. Ruthless Aggression fights off the advances of Elissa Bradley and Andrea Hernandez in the other corner but, despite her best efforts, is struggling against the two on one onslaught. Eventually though she manages to wrestle the barbed wire bat from Elissa Bradley. Ruthless Aggression uses the barbed wire bat as a threat, backing Elissa Bradley into a corner as Andrea Hernandez advances with her chained fist clenched. Ruthless Aggression backs into the middle of the elevator, bumping into Saidie Sharpe who has also backed herself into the middle of the elevator. The two of them turn around to face each other as the elevator dings and stops on the next floor.

Woo: Now this is a match I'd like to see more off!

Gomez: Don't get too attached to that one. That door is about to open and we're gong to have more arrive with bloodshed on their minds.

As the five women continue to brawl the door to the elevator opens and Darius walks in dual-wielding two baseball bats, one pressed against each shoulder. Elissa Bradley is elated to see Darius, rushing to his side where Darius hands her one of the baseball bats. The other four women abruptly stop fighting one another and glare over at Darius and Elissa Bradley staring back at them with baseball bats in hand. Chelsea Skye precariously reaches down and retrieves her barbed wire bat - which Ruthless Aggression had dropped during the previous scuffle - and Andrea Hernandez wraps the steel chain back around her fist. The two of them retreat to one corner of the elevator, all the while continuing to stare at Darius and Elissa Bradley. Saidie Sharpe and Ruthless Aggression retreat to the other corner of the elevator - the odds ones out - unarmed against their weapon-wielding opponents. This ends up being to their advantage, however, as the two weapon-wielding alliances focus their attention on one another, swinging wildly at one another with baseball bats and steel chains as Saidie Sharpe and Ruthless Aggression watch from their respective corner. The two of them turn their heads towards one another and contemplate whether they should fight each other before deciding against it, taking full advantage of the opportunity to take a break whilst their other four opponents wear each other out. The elevator continues to ascend as the hellacious battle rages on.

The elevator continues to ascend upward as the six competitors remaining in the match continue to scratch and claw to remain in the elevator. Since Darius entered the elevator, it had stopped at several floors, only for the doors to open and no one to enter, prolonging the period of time between the next entrant. Finally the elevator stops, the doors open and a new opponent steps into the elevator, Sueñe el Molde. As Sueñe el Molde enters the elevator, in the background there is a glimpse of what appears to be the bodies of twin brothers Johnny and Ronny Blades, lying sprawled across the floor with a steel chair placed rituatlistic across each of their bodies. The elevator door closes on the scene of their lifeless bodies as it continues to ascend. Sueñe el Molde stares across the elevator as the other six competitors continue to fight one another and picks his moment, joining in the foray with Ruthless Aggression and Chelsea Skye. Chelsea Skye is still bleeding profusely from the cut sustained from Saidie Sharpe and her energy is starting to drain. Sueñe el Molde attacks Ruthless Aggression with a back forearm, doubling her over, this gives Chelsea Skye a reprieve who backs up into the elevator wall as Sueñe el Molde and Ruthless Aggression continue to fight one another. Suddenly, the elevator door opens and from across the elevator Elissa Bradley sees her opportunity to strike, with one swift shot to the abdomen from her baseball bat, Elissa Bradley connects with the already stunned Chelsea Skye and then throws her out of the elevator. Chelsea Skye collapses outside the elevator.

The beautiful battleship, Sonya, enters the elevator from the other side. The doors close on the elevator and it continues to ascend without Chelsea Skye. Sonya enters the foray, choosing her spot and going after Sueñe el Molde whilst Ruthless Aggression and Saidie Sharpe focus their attention on Darius and Elissa Bradley. Sonya entered the elevator with a steel chair and instantly uses it on Sueñe el Molde, realising her opportunity to show more of a mean streak is now inside the hellacious elevator structure. Meanwhile across the elevator Andrea Hernandez is back to her feet and swinging her steel chain around wildly, clocking anyone her dares stand within her vicinity. At first it is Ruthless Aggression, then Elissa Bradley, Darius tries to stop Andrea Hernandez but she swings wildly at him too and he backs away from her advances, checking up at Elissa Bradley instead. Saidie Sharpe tries to spin Andrea Hernandez around but gets clocked directly in the forehead with the steel chain from Andrea Hernandez, the pointy part of one of the steel links penetrating Saidie Sharpe's forehead. Blood starts to flow from Saidie Sharpe's forehead as she backs away. Andrea Hernandez turns around to find another opponent but is met by Sonya who had seen her flurry of offense unfold and decided to stop it. Andrea Hernandez swings wildly but misses Sonya. Sonya swings wildly with the steel chair in her hand and connects with the small of the back of Andrea Hernandez. Andrea Hernandez doubles over as Sonya connects with another shot to her back. Suddenly the ding sound of the elevator emits throughout and the doors open.

Woo: I felt that one in my back!

Gomez: It may have been a vertabre that used to be in Hernandez's back.

Sonya sees her opportunity and throws Andrea Hernandez out of the elevator. Still though, Andrea Hernandez continues to fight, crawling her way back towards the elevator as Sonya stands in the doorway, blocking her path. As Andrea Hernandez crawls towards Sonya she looks up at Sonya who smiles a beautiful, yet devilish smile. Sonya brings the steel chair down across the back of Andrea Hernandez once more, waving goodbye to her as the doors close and the elevator starts to ascend again without Andrea Hernandez. From the other side of the elevator Dustin Holt has entered with a silver plated, diamond tipped baseball bat which he presses into the throat of Saidie Sharpe who is knelt down in the corner of the elevator tending to the gash on her forehead. Meanwhile, in the centre of the elevator Sueñe el Molde has produced a bag of thumbtacks from his back pocket. Sueñe el Molde starts spreading the thumbtacks across the elevator floor as several competitors back away. The thumbtacks spread even further with every jolt of the elevator. Elissa Bradley is first to confront Sueñe el Molde who connects with a standing Dream Crusher (Pentagon Driver) to her directly into the thumbtacks. Darius sees this and swings wildly at Sueñe el Molde with a baseball bat, only to miss and be caught by Sueñe el Molde who deliver Darius into the thumbtacks, also with a standing Dream Crusher. Sueñe el Molde starts to fire up as he is motivated by the screams of Elissa Bradley and Darius who are picking thumbtacks out of their back. Dustin Holt also swings wildly at Sueñe el Molde with his customised baseball bat and meets the same fate as Darius. Ruthless Aggression and Sonya, seeing the onslaught from Sueñe el Molde, decide to double team him, pressing him up against the corner of the elevator and away from the thumbtacks.

The elevator door opens and in enters Caleb Scott from the same side that Ruthless Aggression and Sonya have Sueñe el Molde pressed up against the wall. The three of them shuffle a hyper-active Sueñe el Molde over to the open door and attempt to shove him out but he refuses to budge. From nearby, Elissa Bradley and Darius are back to their feet now and, with baseball bats in hand, they swing at the pile of bodies pressed up against the open elevator door. Caleb Scott ducks under and rolls out of the way and Elissa Bradley and Darius connect with Sonya and Ruthless Aggression respectively who thumble outside the elevator. Sueñe el Molde still stands in the entranceway, attempting to get back in but Saidie Sharpe charges at him, connecting with a vicious blow from the steel chair brought into the elevator earlier from Sonya and Sueñe el Molde collapses outside the elevator. The doors start to shut and the elevator ascends without Sueñe el Molde, Ruthless Aggression, but Sonya manages to make it back in just in time. The only competitors remaining are now Sonya, Elissa Bradley, Darius, Dustin Holt, Caleb Scott and Saidie Sharpe who all back up into a respective corner with Elissa Bradley and Darius occupying one respective corner and Dustin Holt standing to one side with his baseball bat pressed against his chest. The three competitors wielding baseball bats, Dustin Holt, Elissa Bradley and Darius, step to one side of the elevator as the other three step to the other side. All six competitors meet in the middle of the elevator as the elevator ascends to the final floor.

Elissa Bradley and Darius swing wildly at Caleb Scott and Saidie Sharpe respectively but miss their shots. Saidie Sharpe kicks the baseball bat out of Darius' hand whilst it is planted into the ground and Caleb Scott forcefully yanks the baseball bat out of the hands of Elissa Bradley. Meanwhile, elsewhere Sonya is ducking and weaving around the wild swings of the baseball bat by Dustin Holt. Suddenly the baseball bat gets wedged into one of the elevator rails, Dustin Holt tries to yank it back out but realises Sonya has started to go on the offense. Dustin Holt ducks under a clothesline from Sonya before abandoning the baseball bat and laying in shots to Sonya with his fists instead. The two of them trade strikes between one another. Darius has Saidie Sharpe pressed up against the elevator wall nearby as he attempts to gouge at the gash in Saidie Sharpe's forehead. Unbeknownst to him, Caleb Scott has Elissa Bradley floored with a baseball bat in hand. Caleb Scott brings the baseball bat down hard, crushing the right hand of Elissa Bradley before swiftly striking the left hand as Elissa Bradley tries to shake the pain out of her right. Hearing her cries, Darius abandons Saidie Sharpe and starts to attack Caleb Scott instead. Across the elevator Dustin Holt has managed to grab Sonya's steel chair and is now swinging that at her but Sonya is ducking around his strikes. Eventually though Dustin Holt lands one good blow to the back of Sonya and she doubles over. Dustin Holt goes for a second shot but Sonya kicks him in the knee caps, bringing Dustin Holt down to his knees. Suddenly the elevator door opens at the rooftop and Saidie Sharpe quickly scrambles out of the elevator. Sonya and Dustin Holt get back to their feet but are met with a baseball bat to the side of the head each from Darius and Caleb Scott respectively. Caleb Scott quickly exits the elevator. Darius picks up Elissa Bradley who is still trying to shake the pain out of her hands and Darius drags Elissa Bradley out of the elevator, leaving behind the unconscious Sonya and Dustin Holt as the elevator doors close and the elevator heads back down.

Woo: We are left with our final four!

Gomez: They made it to the top now they are about to take the express route back down!

Four competitors made it out onto the rooftop; Saidie Sharpe, Caleb Scott, Darius, and by the skin of her teeth, Elissa Bradley who has survived since the first floor. Realising the situation they are in, Saidie Sharpe and Caleb Scott decide to allign with one another to combat Elissa Bradley and Darius. Saidie Sharpe goes after Darius and Caleb Scott continues his onslaught on Elissa Bradley. Unable to use her fists, Elissa Bradley resorts to shoving and kicking Caleb Scott to keep him away, but this serves to be problematic as Caleb Scott downs Elissa Bradley and connects with the Final Resting Place. Caleb Scott drags Elissa Bradley over to the edge of the rooftop and positions her against the edge, backing up a few feet he charges doubles Elissa Bradley to punt her off the rooftop but she moves out of the way and Caleb Scott stumbles over the edge, managing to grab onto the edge of the rooftop with both hands. Elissa Bradley leans over the edge of the rooftop and tries to dislodge Caleb Scott's hands. Realising he is about to slip, Caleb Scott lunges upward and grabs Elissa Bradley by the throat, pulling her over as he falls to the ground below. Elissa Bradley slips over the edge of the rooftop but is caught by Darius. Darius holds onto Elissa Bradley as she dangles over the edge of the rooftop. Elissa Bradley is in agony at this point as Darius' grip around her hands further intensifies the pain shooting through her hands. Saidie Sharpe sees Darius holding onto Elissa Bradley and approaches just as Elissa Bradley loses her grip and falls from the rooftop. Darius cries out to Elissa Bradley as she falls to the ground below, only to turn around right into a Sparkling Witch (Shining Wizard) from Saidie Sharpe. Darius tumbles over the edge of the rooftop and falls to the ground below.

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, of the Hellevator Match SAIDIE SHARPE!

Woo: After an absolute war, Saidie Sharpe stands victorious as the last one standing here at StrangleMania! 

Gomez: They put themselves through hell in a bid to reach heaven! Some of them put up a good fight and could easily have won this but it just wasn't their night tonight! 

Woo: That was just a taste of the brutality on hand tonight. Up next we have a Glass Table Match! 

Gomez: And I'm being told that we can go now to Ace Heart now as he's caught up with one of the participants in that match. Over to you Ace..

Camera cuts to the backstage area and Ace Heart. 

The scene opens with Ace Heart standing backstage with a big smile and an even bigger mustache. He proudly raises his microphone after a quick adjustment of his tie.

Ace Heart: Good evening, Extreme Wrestling Corporation, and welcome back to the locker rooms. What a hell of an evening we've had so far and we've just barely started to begin... or, yeah! Tonight, a big part of those violent exchanges is the man I've got with me now. He's a three-time and current International champion, a former champion in nearly every company he's been in, you know him recently as 'The Benchmark of Brawl' but I will forever know him as the man who buried Brett Black. Ladies and gentlemen, please, put your hands together and rise to your feet for the one, the only... the King Flip.

EWC cameras pan back as International champion King Flip walks into view to a big pop. He adjusts the championship on his right shoulder with a smile, flattens out the Brawl-red tie that matches his sport coat and slacks, and shakes hands with the greatest interviewer in the business.

King Flip: Wow, hell of an introduction. Thank you, Ace.

Ace Heart: Of course! Hell of an introduction for a hell of a man and, y'know what, I'm just going to dive right into it. You're a very busy man this season and I'd like to respect your time. First things first: what's the deal with Tanja Devereaux, stealing the Apple TV+ Broadcast championship, and overall being a major pain in the ass for Paramount General Manager, Chris Brock?

The King's eyes widen a moment as he listens to the increasing weight of the question. With a light chuckle, he shakes his head and places a calm hand on the shoulder of Ace Heart.

King Flip: I'm glad you asked, Ace. Tanja Devereaux stuck her nose in business she didn't belong in. She wants to talk about ME doing such a thing without ever even so much as acknowledging her wrongdoing in this same manner. It's fascinating, really, but not all that surprising. Draco Lazarus is out here doing the very same motherfucking thing. Did you hear him in his promo for StrangleMania? Speaking about how he had me, blah blah blah, if only Chanel wasn't involved, blah blah blah. I'm tired of the drivel, the worthless banter against me and my name. So, you want to fight me? You want to get in my business? Expect to be given the same treatment back maximized to a million. Treat me good, treat you better. Treat me bad, treat you worse. I've lived by that mentality a long motherfucking time, Ace Heart, and I'm not about to look a gift horse in the mouth and stop now.

Ace looks like he wants to interject, raising a single finger, but he ultimately keeps his mouth shut as Flip continues.

King Flip: I sent that son of a bitch back to Prime was his piss-stained tail tucked sorely between his legs. Tanja Devereaux will be no different. The object of the match is to be the first person to send your opponent through a Goddamn glass table. But if I'm being honest with you, Ace? That's not my goal at all. My objective is simple: embarrass Tanja Devereaux. Send her back to Paramount with a little wisdom that YOU. DON'T. FUCK. WITH. THE KING.

Flip bellows into the microphone, slamming his forefinger into the International championship with each paused roar of a word. He stands there a moment, as furious as any man has ever been, as Ace Heart tugs at his own tie for a second. The interviewer extraordinaire pulls it together with a swift clearing of his throat.

Ace Heart: You are of course referencing the X-Division championship match against El Pablo last season, Tanja defecting against the green brand and showcasing this during your match against the Paramount champion. An interesting choice, surely a bold move against any man, and you plan on redeeming yourself against such a transgression. A valiant cause! But why steal Paramount's Broadcast championship? Why is King Flip being such a thorn in Chris Brock's side about this?

Ace gulps as Flip lets out an exhale and stares him down with malice. Then, as if in a snap, Flip chuckles and pats Ace on the back wholeheartedly several times over. Ace nervously lets out a light laugh of his own and once again Flip snaps. He's right back to serious and looks like he could punch Ace in the jaw right now. Instead, he just waits for Ace to stop laughing before he speaks.

King Flip: Perhaps I haven't been perfectly fucking clear, Ace. I stole their Broadcast championship to send a message. Chris Brock needed to know that King Flip would not stand idly by while his roster tries to use me as a springboard. Do you think we'd have this match tonight, a violent glass tables match, if I hadn't stolen the Broadcast championship?

Ace looks like he's going to answer but Flip cuts him off.

King Flip: Rhetorical fucking question, Ace. It doesn't matter if the match would've been booked anyway. I stole that championship to make CERTAIN I had Chris Brock's attention. And it is WITH that attention that I got myself this opening contest against Tanja Devereaux. With that? A message. There isn't a competitor on the X-Division roster that can keep up with the level of malicious animosity I belt out on any given evening. El Pablo may have been the better man any time we've clashed. He may be the best Goddamn X-Division champion this business has ever seen. But I'll be damned if I don't do everything in my power to put his name to the test every opportunity I get. And this? Well, this furthers that goal. Stealing the ATV+ Broadcast championship furthers that goal. Getting Chris Brock's panties so twisted that he starts getting involved in King Flip's affairs... believe it or not... furthers that goal.

Ace Heart: Damn. Alright then.

Ace Heart lets that answer sit for a moment before moving on to the next question.

Ace Heart: Draco Lazarus, Tanja Devereaux, Chris Brock... Sheesh, there isn't a basket that King Flip doesn't have his hand in right now! Am I correct in remembering that you've even gotten yourself into an extended struggle with Rampage superstar, and number one contender to Lavender's United States championship, Mercenary?

Flip's cheeks puff out as he slowly exhales for a moment before verbalizing his feelings.

King Flip: The Outlaw, yeah... we've, well, it's a tough cookie to crack but I'll just come out and say it. I went a little too far with something I said after feeling a certain type of way about the way he went a little too far with something he said. So it's he said, he said, and here's the wild wrinkle. Neither of us are wrong for how we feel, nor are we in the wrong to want to right that against one another. And if I'm being completely honest with you, Ace? I believe him when he says that I took what he said out of context. I was deep in my feelings about the death of my friend and, like Eminem when you mention his fucking daughter, just HEARING her name immediately put me in the red. I was furious. So then I went and said some shit about Mama Mercenary. Something I will once again go on the record and state that I was wrong. I fucked up. I went too far, said too much, and went and put my foot in my mouth. So Mercenary, rightfully, wants to beat the shit out of me.

The King adjusts his championship, looking from the camera to Ace Heart.

King Flip: And I welcome the challenge.

Peru explodes, applauding and cheering for the propective future of the feud between King Flip and Mercenary. Flip continues.

King Flip: I wish nothing but luck to Mercenary as he faces Lavender tonight. Hell, maybe the mad lad'll finally do it. Maybe he'll walk out with the UNITED. STATES. CHAMPIONSHIP.

The crowd cheers even louder.

King Flip: But either way, Ace, the facts remain the same. There will in fact be a return to the King Flip Mercenary exchange, we're far from done beating the dog shit out of each other, but there's a handful of other things both of us have before us to keep us busy in the meantime.

Ace Heart: That's the truth, for sure. Speaking of which, tonight! In a 'Rules Swap' Match for the International championship...

Flip puts up his left hand to non-verbally stop Ace Heart in his tracks. The fans explode in jubilation once more. The King looks off into the distance as the reaction from Peru gets more and more voracious. He allows it to reach its crescendo before finally turning back to Ace and saying something rather matter of factly, his right hand extended as if ready to shake with Ace Heart.

King Flip: With all due respect, Ace, I'm going to stop you right there. I don't want to talk about that.

Flip shakes hands with Ace Heart, both men giving a smile and a nod of acknowledgement as they go their separate ways. A milli-second later! The King is but a half step away from his previous position when Melinda Rhodes comes into view from stage right. Peru blows up in excitement, a "BRAWL!" chant quickly spreading throughout the arena as the FX Broadcast champion stands toe to toe with the International champion. With the camera panning backward to better set the scene, Flip extends an open hand and a smile. A murmur flows through the crowd in anticipation of that to come. Flip shoots a wink at the camera.

King Flip: It is an undeniable feat to secure a championship for the second time, Rebel. Congratulations and, of course, good luck in your match tonight for a shot at, well...

He draws back his extended hand to adjust the International championship on his shoulder, pulling it into his left hand down to his side, then returns his right outwardly with a smile.

King Flip: Good luck.

A mix of chants have begun to buzz through the crowd, predominantly "Let's go, Rebel!" and "C-H-K!" picking up the most steam. She looks at his hand for a moment, her brow quirked. The Rebel Star steps passed the hand and gets in close to Flip, practically invading his personal space with a Cheshire grin.

Rebel Rhodes: Oh Flip, if only you hadn't told the world how little you thought of me, riling me up but good. You got in my head just enough to fuck with me and that's why you're still the International Champ right now. You targeted my ego and pride, my one true weakness and yet, if you hadn't, I'd maybe not have realized it. It's a hard shatter point to beat, but tonight, if I beat three fellow champions in a triple threat...

Her eyes are locked intensely with his, never once blinking. Flip on the other hand has blinked at least a few times.

Rebel Rhodes: I'm coming straight for you.

Flip's face sort of drops to the ground a little as he smiles, takes a full step back, and straightens himself up.

King Flip: If you'll remember, I also told the world that this nameplate could see the Ol' R-R on it once again, but I for one am glad to have brought out some fire from within you. We all very well need it on nights like these. I don't wish you luck because I think you need it, Rebel. I wish you luck because I welcome the challenge. Just... try to make it happen before the damn invasion show this time, hey?

As he speaks, Flip has inched close enough to the FX Broadcast champion to get off a playful pat on the shoulder. A hand he doesn't dare let linger lest he want it removed, he continues.

King Flip: I want the Brawl champions to be able to send those Goddamn green champs packing this year. It really did wind my weasel that the defense happened on that night and, hell, maybe some of that bled into my promo against you. BUT!

He throws a forefinger into the air.

King Flip: This could all be bullshit. Hot air between two competitors. I've still got Dio tonight...

Peru cheers for Dio. Flip looks around quizically for a moment.

King Flip: Before that I've got Tanja Devereaux...

Peru boos for Tanja. Flip smiles and nods as he catches on.

King Flip: Wa'hell I can't take it away from you either. A triple threat match against--

Rebel Rhodes: -Moxie and Talfourd. Two great champs that also got alot to prove too. Each one of us dropped our Broadcast belts at least once and are coming back from that. I'm gonna' take it a step further than them though. Hell or high water, King Flipper, we got a score to settle and my name to put on that belt you're holding...

Mel taps that championship belt on Flip's shoulder.

Rebel Rhodes: ...a second time and the first step is here, in front of this Peruvian crowd in ATE-VITARTE!

She puts her finger up, just as he did, and in perfect time with the cheap crowd pop at hearing the proper local name of the Ate District. A mischievous twinkle glimmers in her eye for a moment.

Rebel Rhodes: Been looking forward to round two for awhile... ain't no teams behind me, no heavy bullshit on my mind, just two feet, two fists, and a forehead looking to collide with whatever's in front of me and don't you dare let Tanja walk off with that belt to get out of it either!

The Rebel then boops his snoot with her thumb before exiting the scene, stage left. Peru is in an uproar at this point, a loud and emphatic "Re-bel Rhodes!" chant having taken up full steam throughout the arena. Flip stands there, dumbfounded, for almost half a minute before he calls out to a far gone Rhodes.

King Flip: Yeah, well... I hope Moxie and Sally Talfourd put you through the ringer! Yeah! Yeah...

He looks around for a second.

King Flip: I gotta get the hell out of here.

Peru applauds as the scene finally fades, King Flip walking off stage right.

GLASS TABLE MATCH

Non-Title Grudge Match

Tanja Devereaux
VS King Flip

MATCH WRTIER: The Mad King

We return to ringside where Dobrev waits to call the next match.

Woo: What a night! And guys and gals, we've only just started rolling out the action for Stranglemania. Coming up next, we've got a contest between two competitors that... just can't seem to stay out of one another's business. Tanja Devereaux, who spent most of last season as a Rampage superstar, decided to show her true colors so to speak one night not too long ago. On this particular night, King Flip was challenging El Pablo for the X-Division championship, and Tanja Devereaux sided with the orange brand by brandishing one of their shirts while assaulting King Flip in the middle of said contest. Since then, King Flip has come into this season with one goal: get a match against the woman that cost him the X-Division championship.

Gomez: I don't think he'd put it like that, but I probably wouldn't like the way he'd put it either. King Flip weaseled his way into securing this violent match-up, putting their lives on the line, because of a disagreement? They're going to kill themselves! Glass tables aren't any joke and neither Tanja nor Flip are so inhuman that they don't hurt and that they don't bleed. This isn't going to be a wrestling match. It's going to be a bloodbath.

Woo: And that's about the long and short of it. Take it away, Dobrev!

Dobrev: The following contest is a Glass Tables Match scheduled for one fall. Joining us first, being accompanied to the ring by Celeste, from New Orleans, Louisiana, weighing in at 115 pounds ... The Wicked Witch of the Bayou TAAANJAAA DEEEVEEEREAUX!

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


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

Dobrev: And her oppo--

Chanel: Nahhhh, you good.

Her voice comes through the PA system before Chanel walks through the curtain, mic in hand, to a small pop from the crowd. Nina Dobrev looks about confused.

Chanel: Ladies and gentlemen...

K I N G F L I P zooms from right to left across the EXT and is followed swiftly by a massive red pyro.

Chanel: Her opponent, hailing from the land of money and fame, weighing in at 220lbs... He is YOUR International champion... The Benchmark of Brawl KIIING FLIP!

'Machinegun' begins to play as the man in the hooded vest, head low, emerges from the curtain. He gets to the edge of the rampway when he lifts his hood to reveal that arrogant half smile. The lyrics chime in as he unbuckles the vest, walking slowly down the ramp with his eyes locked in on the ring. The crowd reaches down the aisle, catching a high five here and there as Flip makes his way down. Chanel catches the flung vest of the King just before he slides into the ring with his title in hand. King Flip positions himself upon the second turnbuckle and lifts the International championship slowly into the air as the lyrics continue. A few moments of this pass until the theme fades and the champion hands his belt to his manager, stretching out in his corner while staring down his opponent.

Woo: When you sat down with your popcorn and you paid for this Pay-Per-View, you paid to see a certain level of insanity. This will have all that and more... and here we go!

DING DING DING

Tanja strikes first, going for a roundhouse kick, but Flip rolls under the assault. The King gets right back to his feet but it doesn't look like Tanja is his target. He leaps over the ropes and collides with Celeste, Tanja's spiritual advisor. Both go crashing to the thin padding outside the ring while Tanja turns around and glimpses the damage. The Bayou Witch quickly ejects from the ring and gets involved in what turns into an all out brawl, Chanel coming around the corner and all four getting licks in in the fight. Peru explodes in appreciation as King Flip, Tanja Devereaux, Chanel, and Celeste all exchange blows for near a minute. King Flip connects with a vicious headbutt that crumples Celeste just as Tanja Irish whips Chanel into the steel steps in a harsh crash. The two competitors turn to one another, this time Flip being unable to roll under the coming roundhouse kick. Flip hits the ground and tries to get up fast enough to clap back. Meanwhile, Tanja had gotten herself upon the ring apron and waits for her moment to leap. Tornado DDT plants King Flip face first into the ground. Tanja is slow back to a vertical base with everyone around her fighting to remain conscious at all. Devereaux grabs the steel steps, disconnecting them from the corner and pulling the top two steps off. She tosses them aside and stalks the fumbling manager, saying something to herself too quietly for the camera to pick up. She seems to be speaking to King Flip and Chanel but neither are able enough to reply in any way. The Bayou Witch gets into position and the crowd bellows in jubilation as the echo of Chanel's back connecting with the steel steps clangs out. DEATH'S CALL! Tanja hits her swinging reverse STO, blasting Chanel into the steel steps. She stands with a smirk now ready to turn her attention to an on-all-fours King Flip.

Woo: Aside from the opening suicide dive from King Flip, the entire opening moments of this fight have been all Tanja Devereaux. The Death's Call finisher on Chanel, planting her savagely on the steel steps. If she keeps this up she will walk out leaving the International champion in a pile of glass without a doubt.

Gomez: She did claim this as her domain, Woo. As much as I'd like to say that's true, we've all seen King Flip in these situations. He always finds his spot like a damn snake in the grass. Look! He heard his sister's head bounce off those steps, he's halfway up already. Don't get too confident, Tanja. Kick his ass but don't get too confident.

Devereaux has procured a kendo stick from underneath the ring. King Flip has pulled himself to the announce table, clutching it by the top and side to pull himself vertical. WHACK! Tanja comes in from behind, striking down with the kendo stick against the back of the King. He winces and yells out but doesn't drop away from or let go of the announce table. Tanja winds back. WHACK! The kendo stick splinters against King Flip's back. A welt quickly shows on the skin as Flip refuses to break. His legs look as if they'll give at any moment, Tanja once again winding back with her weapon. WHA-CAUGHT! Flip barely spins around in time, leaning against the announce table as he catches the kendo stick in his hands. Tanja tries to pull away but Flip finally gets an offensive kick to the midsection. He pulls Tanja forward by the stick and grabs her by the back of the head. Flip slams her face into the announce table and about falls over from the force of it. Tanja bounds off the table and leans against it, grabbing for her forehead a moment as her opponent stumbles to the side. Flip grabs the ring bell attendant by the collar, this poor chubby kid looking like he'll shit his britches any moment, and pulls him into the action. Flip lets the guy go and the poor lad accidentally bumps into Tanja Devereaux. Thinking this is her opponent, she lashes out and snatches him up before she can clear her eyes of sweat. Dragon suplex sends the ring bell attending soaring onto his neck and flopping around on the ground like a fish out of water. Flip, meanwhile, folds up the chair this kid was sitting in and waits for Tanja to get up and realize her mistake. She turns around. CRACK! King Flip blasts Tanja Devereaux in the face with the steel chair, turning around and getting into position beside her to follow up. CRACK! The chair comes thundering down on her back as she gets on all fours on the ground. Flip kicks Tanja in the midsection, rolling her onto her back as he brings himself upon her on bended knee. Flip brings the chair by the edge to her throat, choking the life out of Tanja Devereaux as the crowd still can't decide which superstar to fully back.

Gomez: See! I told you, he's a snake. Somebody get some medical personnel out here for the ring bell guy, what the heck!

Woo: International champion King Flip taking some strikes from a kendo stick before finally turning things around. He got the best of the situation at hand and looks to take this fight to the next level. He's got Tanja by the throat with that steel chair. He's taking the life out of her right before our eyes. This isn't how you win the match, Gomez, this is how you kill you opponent. Live on Pay-Per-View!?

Gomez: Both Flip and Tanja have both shown that this is beyond just any other hardcore match. This is personal between these two and I don't think either one of them walks out of here quite the same as they entered.

Devereaux connects with two, three, four flailing kicks to the back of the head of the King. He finally lets go of the chair, stumbling toward the announce table and dropping to one knee. Tanja chokes and coughs while shoving the chair off and rolling to one side. Flip excuses himself underneath the announce table, crawling under Woo and Gomez to a big pop from the crowd. Peru blows up when they see it: The Stranglemania toaster! King Flip unplugs one of the television units in the announce table and plugged in the toaster, stepping back and stalking down for a second with the screen. It isn't Tanja who takes the hit, however, as Celeste finally begins to stumble toward her ally. WHAM! Flip nails Celeste with the television unit to the head, knocking the poor woman out cold. He drops the unit but can't turn around without catching a swift boot to the face from Tanja Devereaux. Flip fires back. CROWNING MOMENT! Signature pele kick connects with the dome of Tanja Devereaux before she can come back with a second strike. This exchange leaves both a little off kilter for a second. They stumble into a grapple, Tanja getting a quick boot to the midsection of the King. She grips him tight and lifts in a tiger suplex. Flip reverses! He spins up and lands on his feet and both turn toward another grapple. This time it's Flip on the offensive end. He spins her about. German suplex, but no! Tanja gets the boot up, blocking the suplex. Flip pelts down with stiff forearms to break the will and strength of his opponent. He goes for the German suplex again and all over again Tanja Devereaux blocks with the boot. She blasts him in the nose out of nowhere, driving her head backward right into his face. He stumbles back and she turns around. Another grapple. Northern lights suplex from Tanja has Flip in the air with his legs flailing all around. Just enough in fact to bring him back down to the ground unsuplexed. Flip breaks the grapple. SMACK! Tanja slaps the taste out of Flip's mouth, sending him stumbling back, then slams him to the ground with authority after connecting with a dragon suplex.

Woo: What a struggle between these two competitors. Neither wanting to give the other any leeway there, it looked like it wasn't going to be either one walking away from that grapple that better foe. But take a look a this, Tanja Devereaux with a beautiful dragon suplex that plants the King down hard. Meanwhile, is... is that toaster getting hot?

Gomez: It's overheating, Woo, what am I supposed to do? I can't unplug it. That JACKASS Flip comes over here, plugs this old, dented, janky thing in and then gets his butt kicked! If this thing catches fire I'm getting the hell out of here. I don't get paid enough for this.

Tanja has once again taken to going underneath the ring, this time finally pulling out the weapon in question. The glass table. Peru hems and haws in boos and cheers collectively, Tanja mostly ignoring them as she props the table up against a corner of guardrail. The King has stumbled forth toward the ring announcer's table again. He has barely gotten himself up when Tanja grabs him by the back to the head. Down goes Flip's face into the announce table. His left arm flails out and he grasps the toaster by the cord, unplugging it before yanking it out as Tanja comes back for more offense. BZZZ! The Stranglemania toaster pings off Tanja's dome. She goes stumbling back into the ring apron. Flip winces as he turns and flings the toaster out like a mace. CRUNCH!! It bursts into a thousand pieces as King Flip flings it as hard as he can into Tanja's head once again. She, however, gets the hell out of dodge in time and the toaster sees its final moment. Exploding in a cacophony of hot metal shards, errant sharp pieces of plastic, and whatever toast crumblies lived at the bottom of the toaster, all blast off in all directions. Both competitors wince and pull away. They roll on the ground and quickly get rid of any debris as they return to vertical bases. Tanja Devereaux with a devastating right forearm to the face of King Flip. He stumbles back to the guardrail, using it to inch and step away from his opponent. She comes in for another but Flip fights back with a knee to the midsection, a rake of the eyes, and a yank of the hair so hard it sends Tanja Devereaux bouncing off the padding by the back of her head. The crowd does not appreciate this but King Flip hasn't the time for it. He grabs his midsection as he draws nearer to the glass table, pulling it down from its position against the guardrail. Tanja comes up from behind and in what would usually be a menacing low blow out of nowhere from Flip, the maneuver just doesn't have the same effect on a lady. She nails him in the back of the head with a wonderfully timed spinning kick and follows up with an STO backbreaker. The table almost falls over and breaks in the brocess but Tanja saves it at the last second. The Witch pulls the table up and opts to slide it into the ring before returning to her opponent left on the floor. Just then, Chanel comes crawling out from underneath the ring and makes an attempt at Tanja Devereaux. She jumps on the wrestler's back, screaming and wailing as she grips what looks like a headlock. Tanja quickly dispatches her with a snapmare to the ground and kicks her square in the small of her back for good measure afterward.

Woo: Wow, well. Goodbye, StrangleMania toaster. Maybe next year we're have a waffle iron, instead!

Gomez: Tanja Devereaux once again on top of the action. She avoided that hot toaster, has King Flip right where she wants him, and Chanel is completely out of the picture. All she's gotta do is set that table up in the ring and put King Flip through it.

Woo: The action has been back and forth all night, this match notwithstanding. These two hate each other. You can see it in the way they fight, the way they hit one another, the way this match has gone from start to, well, where we are now. It looks like we may soon know the conclusion to this contest but I for one couldn't tell you who's conclusively got it, Gomez. I'm at the edge of my seat!

Devereaux is back in the ring and set has the glass table set up perfectly in the center. Flip is just able to stand again, bracing himself on the ring apron, when that chubby ring bell attendant comes rushing at him. The kid shoulder blocks him into the ring post, grabs Flip, and rolls him into the ring all dazed and confused. The ring bell attendant throws their arms up to a huge pop from the crowd as they back away up the ramp with medical personnel. Tanja turns to see Flip stumbling around. He pulls on the ropes to gain some balance but nothing he does can stop what's about to happen. HOODOO! Tanja hits a picture perfect straight jacket neckbreaker, a signature maneuver for her, then stands up and opens her arms out to the mixed reaction from the crowd. They haven't decided whether they'd rather chant "Let's go, Devereaux" or "C-H-K" all night, but they still love the action nevertheless. The Cajun Queen grasps her opponent and lifts him to a vertical base. Flip elbows Tanja in the gut and takes a knee to his gut in return, her grip unwavered by the assault. They draw nearer to the glass table and once again Flip makes a move to fight back. He thumbs Tanja in the eye and stumbles back after a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOUD chop to the chest. Flip rushes forward and gets caught with a roundhouse - no, he catches it! She tries to come around with the other leg, but Flip ducks it. She spins. THE BEHEADING! Flip with the spinning impaler out of nowhere, crashing Tanja through the glass table! It's over!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, of the Glass Table Match KING FLIP!

Flip looks around for a moment, looking for the safest way to get up without doing more damage. Always aware that he still has a match later tonight. He slows gets to his feet as his hand is raised, but his other hand immediately wraps around his ribs, showing that he did not, in fact, leave this match unscathed. 

Woo: Son of a bitch he did it! 

Gomez: Did he not say that if you insert yourself into his business, he will whip that ass? That is exactly what the King just did!  

Woo: Now wait a minute Valentina, Flip won the match yes, but Tanja doled out a hell of a lot of punishment in this one. Flip is not going to be 100% going into his Rules Swap match later tonight

Gomez: It won't stop Flip from trying to kill himself to retain the International Championship later tonight! I am looking forward to that one! We'll be right back folks, the Kiss My Ass match is up next! 

Camera cuts to ...

We open to backstage as Crème de la Crème is walking through a corridor dressed to the nines as always. She swishes her pink gown and gets a slight pop from the crowd before she stops in front of a dressing room door. She raises her fist to knock on it, before changing her mind and just barging her way in. The camera pans to show a slightly surprised Dalilah Ashe as Crème raises a drawn-on eyebrow and leans against the door.

Crème: Oh so you ARE appearing at shows now? I was a little concerned…

Dalilah looks up from strapping up her boot, she greets Scorpio's manager with an inquisitive tilt of her head.

Dalilah: Hi... I… what?

Crème: You must have missed the bit last Prime where I was knocked out and Scorpio was being wrapped in barbed wire by The House? You see darling it would have been just lovely to have a little back-up from an ally out there… hell even Melody Malone dragged her cellulite-riddled ass out there at one point… but from our very own Dalilah?

She shakes her head.

Crème: Absolutely nothing.

Crème stares The Last Temptation down as Ashe pushes herself up from the chair and takes a few seconds to gather her thoughts. Her answer comes with a wide-eyed expression of ignorant innocence.

Dalilah: I was in the trainer's room getting checked out after my match. I wasn't watching a monitor. I didn't know anything about Scorpio being in trouble until after the attack already happened.

The drag queen manager sighs, clearly not convinced by her answer. Dalilah wrung her hands and chews nervously on a chipped black thumbnail. She submissively crosses the room with her eyes lowered to stand close to Crème. She takes a strand of the drag queen's wig lightly between two fingers so she can admire the texture of the hair.

Dalilah: Pretty.

She remarks absently to nobody in particular. Crème cringes a bit at the presumptuous violation of her personal space. Dalilah smiles at her wistfully.

Dalilah: Surely you don't think that I would just abandon Scorpio in his time of need? Not after everything he's done for me. That would be...

Her smile widens to a distinctly creepy width.

Dalilah:... Just ridiculous.

Crème takes an uncomfortable step backwards.

Crème: I’m going to take you at your word, and choose to give you the benefit of the doubt that those hungry eyes aren’t staring at your Indy Championship shot and willingly letting YOUR Prime Minister pick up injuries for you to take advantage of. That would, of course, be ridiculous?

The two have a tense stand-off as Ashe looks Crème up and down still smiling. Her silence is deafening as Crème shakes her head.

Crème: Well you better put that shot right out of your mind. If The House try and pull any stunts tonight we’re going to need all the muscle we have out there… that includes YOU. Ok?

Dalilah: Absolutely. OF COURSE! There's strength in numbers after all.

Her smile starts to fade.

Dalilah: Even IF that strength doesn't always work to your advantage.

Crème gives a single “hmmph” before turning on her glittering heels intending to make her exit. Once her back was turned to Dalilah The Beautiful Tragedy's body language changes into something distinctly predatory. Her shoulders round and her hands clench into claws. The camera follows Crème out the door before panning back to Ashe. The Last Temptation’s lips curl into a devious little snarl as we fade out.

Woo: Some tension between Scorpio and his… I guess former Deputy Prime Minister? Do you believe Ashe’s assertions that she’s got the Indy Champion’s back?

Gomez: Maybe for now she does but that’s a ruthless woman who’ll do whatever it takes, I’m not buying it, and I don’t think Crème de la Crème does either!

At the Lima Port, JoJo and Next Level stand around a table with a rough drawing of the Winds of Fortune.

JoJo: When Ah give the signal, you two rappel up from y’alls boat, then after that the plan is Ah’m gon’ beat he brakes off of Darkwater.

Mark: Okay, and what is the signal going to be exactly?

Before JoJo could fully answer, Tori Taylor approaches the three, her eyes like daggers at the Blackhat.

JoJo: You bois go and get on that boat and head out.

Brian: But we never got the sig–

JoJo: Go on and git!

JoJo shoos off Next Level who gritty away to their boat and drive off to the match.

JoJo: Ah hope yer not here to try n’ talk me out of this fight.

Tori throws a sharp punch at JoJo who takes it and whips his head right back in place.

Tori: Do you think I don’t know what you’re doing Jon? There’s no way your shoulder is ready for a fight like this. You’re trying to get yourself killed out there!

JoJo: Do you think Ah don’t–

Tori interrupts JoJo with another punch, clearly furious.

Tori: You can’t just cut people off like that! You’re acting like a selfish prick!

JoJo: You don’t think Ah know that? Ah had to–

JoJo caught a third punch and barked.

JoJo: Will you stop that!?

JoJo wrestles with the fist before Tori concedes and drops the punching. JoJo continued where he left off.

JoJo: What do you want to hear, Tori? That yer right, and Ah’m lettin’ mah pride lead me into a deathtrap? This ain’t mah first rodeo! Ah ain’t stupid enough to think it was gon’ be good fer mah health to fight a pirate on a pirate ship that’s in the middle of the got-dang Pacific. But Ah don’t know any other way to be! He rejected all mah offers fer peace. Just like how Ah’m gettin’ mahself clean of the booze, Ah’m gonna free mahself from Morgan Darkwater.--

The helicopter tasked with flying JoJo to his match begins its takeoff procedures, the blades spinning slowly but picking up in speed and getting louder. Which required JoJo and Tori to shout over the roaring helicopter engine.

JoJo: Once and fer all, even if it kills me. This is the only thing Ah can do– it’s the only thing Ah can do right. If Ah don’t do this now, then Darkwater will only come back fer more, and if he ended up hurtin’ you– hurtin’ you all–

Tori: WHAT?

Tori screamed. Not out of shock, but because she just couldn’t hear JoJo over the helicopter engine.

JoJo: AH SAID AH’M GON–

The engine is in full speed and not it was impossible to hear anything but the helicopter blades spinning.

JoJo: WE’LL TALK LATER.

JoJo yells at the top of his lungs before leaving the port via helicopter. Leaving behind a disappointed Tori Taylor who shakes her head in disbelief. 

KISS MY ASS MATCH

Chris Page
VS Phoenix Winterborn

MATCH WRTIER: Dominic Sanders

We return to ringside where we get set for the next match.

Woo: Up next we have the 'Kiss My Ass' match. Valentina, this one has brewed quickly over on Friday Night Rampage.

Gomez: It sure has. All because of a little run-in and a little lingering tension. Dominic Sanders and Chris Page bumped into Phoenix Winterborn backstage at the last Friday Night Rampage. It went from an insult-hurling confrontation to a scuffle and then to a challenge, which was quickly accepted and made official by Grizzly Duggan.

Woo: Let's go to Nina Dobrev in the ring with the rules of the match!

Dobrev: The following match is the "Kiss My Ass" match, in which the loser of the match must physically kiss the winner's ass! Joining us first, from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 223 pounds ... PHOENIX WINTERBORN!

The chorus of 'Rise of the Phoenix' kicks in, as Phoenix throws back the hood of his sleeveless jacket, pointing out towards the crowd, who is in the midst of racous cheers for him. Marissa Davidson appears by his side, resting a hand on his shoulder, her other hand running through her hair as the duo make their way towards the ring, interacting with the fans scattered along the rampway. As Phoenix hops up onto the apron, he waits for Marissa to climb the ringside steps before sitting on the middle rope to let her in, before rolling in himself and running towards the opposite turnbuckle, throwing him arms out for the crowd while his music dies down.

Dobrev: And his opponent, from Zyzzx, California, being accompanied by EWC Hall-of-Famer Dominic Sanders and weighing in at 227 pounds ... 'THE ELITE' CHRIS PAGE!

"Stepped On" by Hurricane Chris begins to blare over the speakers throughout the stadium. The crowd bursts into boos as "The Elite" Chris Page and Dominic Sanders step out onto the stage. Page wears his signature yellow and red tights while Sanders is in a sharp navy blue suit. Sanders has a microphone in his hand. They look around in disgust at the crowd who, clearly, does not appreciate greatness. Sanders whispers something in Page's ear and Page chuckles. They begin to make their way down the ramp and the music fades as Sanders begins to speak.

Sanders: Now that's not the kind of response a legend and his cousin should be receiving.

The crowd boos even louder.

Sanders: Pathetic. Now, Phoenix. I hope you read the fine print. Because, yes... this is a 'Kiss My Ass' match. But the match, itself, is not just any match. This match will be held under No Disqualification rules!

The crowd lets out a little cheer to this news. Winterborn smirks inside of the ring. He walks over to Nina Dobrev and grabs the microphone as Sanders and Page continue to the ring.

Winterborn: That's cute, Sanders. Well, I did read the fine print. Which is why I got a little bit of insurance of my own.

Sanders and Page stop at the bottom of the ramp looking confused for a second. Suddenly, "Omerta" by Lamb of God begins to play. The crowd cheers as Grizzly Duggan comes out onto the stage. He stands there with a microphone in his hand. Winterborn smirks as Sanders and Page both stare up the ramp at Duggan.

Duggan: Yes. This will be a No Disqualification 'Kiss My Ass' match. But, in the interest of fairness... Dominic Sanders is BANNED FROM RINGSIDE!

Sanders and Page begin throwing a fit as the crowd roars in approval. Sanders begins walking up the ramp towards Duggan with his arms to his side in disbelief. The crowd continues to roar as Phoenix Winterborn slips out of the ring and digs a kendo stick out from underneath the ring. He slips up behind Page and cracks him across the back with the kendo stick! Page drops to his knees and arches his back in pain.

Woo: Dominic Sanders and Chris Page tried to pull a fast one on Winterborn but it was Winterborn who bit them in the ass.

Gomez: Phrasing!

The referee calls for the bell!

DING DING DING

Still outside of the ring, Winterborn reaches over Page and drapes the kendo stick across his throat, beginning to choke him with it. Page struggles up to his feet and tries to fight Winterborn off, but Winterborn drills him with a kendo stick assisted backstabber! Page grabs at his throat as Winterborn pulls the kendo stick away. Winterborn gets up to his feet and cracks the kendo stick down across Page's ribs. Page turns over onto his stomach and crawls over towards the ring. Winterborn cracks the kendo stick hard across Page's ass!

Woo: Winterborn showing that veteran experience here early on! He's literally beating his ass with a kendo stick!

Gomez: I'm sure Dominic told Chris to take a few licks, feel out Phoenix and then pounce!

Woo: PHRASING!

Winterborn drops the kendo stick and rolls Page into the ring. Winterborn goes and digs underneath the ring apron once more, this time looking for more weaponry. Page continues to roll and rolls out of the ring on the opposite site. Winterborn grabs a table from underneath the ring and pulls it out to the crowd's approval. He slides the table into the ring and looks, seeing Page is gone. Winterborn walks cautiously around the ring towards the announce table. He clears the corner and, as he does, Page leaps out from behind the timekeeper's table with the ring bell and drills Winterborn in the side of the head! Winterborn's temple begins to gush blood. Page grabs Winterborn and pulls him up to his feet. He sends Winterborn hard into the ring post, causing him to collapse to the ground on impact. Page slides into the ring and gingerly gets to his feet. He goes to the corner and starts to untie the turnbuckle pad. He rips it off and tosses it aside. Winterborn is up and he grabs Page's feet. He trips Page onto his back and pulls Page's legs hard towards the ring post, causing him to drive crotch-first into the metal to the oooooh's of the crowd! Winterborn wraps Page's legs around the ring post and drops into a Figure Four, trying to get him to submit!

Woo: That cut on Winterborn's temple looks nasty! He might want to have medical look at that, but I think Chris Page may not ever have children after that shot! 

Gomez: That was most certainly NOT what Chris Page wanted to do here tonight. 

Woo: That's what she said!

Winterborn, realizing Page is not going to submit, releases the hold. Winterborn gets up and slides back into the ring. He sets the table up into the opposite corner. Winterborn walks back over to Page and picks him up off of the ground. Winterborn goes to Irish-whip Page to the table, but Page puts on the brakes and turns it into a short-arm clothesline. Page drives the heel of his boot into Winterborn's bloody temple. Page exits the ring and goes underneath the apron, pulling out a ladder! He slides the ladder into the ring and slides in after it. He pulls Winterborn up to his feet and then up onto his shoulders. Page delivers a rolling Death Valley Driver onto the ladder, his head hitting the ladder, as well.

Woo: DIOS MIO! What a maneuver! Death Valley Driver rolling onto the ladder, but Chris Page took a nasty shot to the head as well! 

Gomez: That's a rookie move there Marcus. You always have to protect your head out there. Both of them! 

Both men struggle to get off of the mat as the crowd is purely behind Phoenix Winterborn. They both stumble up to their feet and Page delivers a right hand. Then one from Winterborn. Then Page. Then Winterborn. The crowd is into the match with "BOO" and "YEAH!" between each blow. Winterborn gains the upper hand and pushes Page into the table. Page is leaning against the table as Winterborn walks over and grabs the ladder. He picks it up and hurls it at Page's face! Page ducks and the ladder smacks the wood of the table and crashes to the mat at the base of the leaning table. Page charges at Winterborn and shoves him into the exposed turnbuckle. The back of Winterborn's head smacks the metal and Winterborn drops to his chest on the mat.

Woo: Oh My God, Pheonix Winterborn might be dead! 

Gomez: Holy shit! That was a nasty collision with the exposed turnbuckle! 

Page picks Winterborn up off of the mat and drags him over towards the table. Page locks Winterborn up and delivers the T-Bone Suplex, aka the Funky Town, through the table! Winterborn falls downward head-first onto one of the ladder's rungs. Page, whose back hit the ladder as well, gets up to his knees wincing and holding his back. He crawls over to Winterborn, moves some of the wood shrapnel, and covers Winterborn.

ONE...





TWO...



THREE!!!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, via pinfall ... 'THE ELITE' CHRIS PAGE!

Page gets up to his feet and the referee raises his hand. The referee's hand is smacked away by Dominic Sanders, who quickly made his way to the ring once the match was over. Sanders raises Page's hand in victory before the two take a look down at Winterborn. Sanders grabs Winterborn by the bloody head and lifts him to his knees. Page laughs and pulls down the back half of his tights. Sanders yells something at Winterborn and laughs before shoving Winterborn's face right into Page's right cheek, smashing his face all up in Page's ass. He drops Winterborn, who falls back down to the mat. 'Stepped On' plays throughout the stadium. Page and Sanders share a laugh as they leave the ring and make their way to the back.

Woo: That was quite the match, Valentina. Chris Page proved, again, why he is 'Elite.'

Gomez: It's absolutely disgusting to me that Dominic Sanders still found a way to humiliate Phoenix Winterborn after all of that. What a jackass!

Woo: It was more of a pale white ass that Pheonix ended up seeing tonight... I really hope he is ok after this one! 

Gomez: We are just barely getting started here tonight in Peru EWC Nation, so stay right there as someone WALKS THE PLANK next!

Camera cuts to ...

We open to a locker room adorned in glittery décor and the crowd give a pop knowing it has to belong to the Indy Champion. As the camera turns Scorpio is pacing the room, the Indy Championship on one shoulder and some physio tape on the other. Crème de la Crème is sprawled on a chaise scrolling her phone.

Scorpio: And you’re buying that we have Dalilah’s support?

Crème: Darling I would advise caution where that one’s concerned, the shot at your title is a tempting prize that would sway even the most devout of “fans”. But I think for tonight she’s on our side… we can count on her.

Scorpio: Three of us, eight of The House…

Crème: Let’s be honest you count for at least four of them.

This brings a smile to the S-Factor’s face before he sips at some bottled water.

Crème: But I’ve had the same concerns. And ideas.

Scorpio: Ideas?

Crème pushes herself off of the chaise longue and taps Scorpio’s championship. She gives him a wink and purses her heavily-glossed lips.

Crème: Leave it with me baby. We’ll have some back-up…

She swishes her gown and heads out of the locker room as Scorpio sighs and settles into a chair. We cut back to ringside very quickly.

Woo: Looks like Crème de la Crème is out to even the odds against The House, who do you think she’s got in mind?

Gomez: Scorpio’s burned a lot of bridges these past few years, so presumably a janitor who’s never heard of him?

WALK THE PLANK MATCH

Captain Morgan Darkwater
VS JoJo Rush

MATCH WRTIER: JoJo Rush

From 200 nautical miles away, Morgan Darkwater awaits on the Winds of Fortune to face JoJo Rush in a Walk the Plank match.

Woo: People once wanted these two to form a tag team. But now they face off in a dangerous Walk the Plank match out in International Waters.

Gomez: There’s no doubt that Morgan has thrown many a man off a plank, but this is perhaps the first time it was ever this personal. JoJo better have grown some sea legs and fast.

Dobrev: The following match is a Walk the Plank match. The first competitor to be submerged in ocean water loses the match. Rappelling in first, from The Badlands, weighing in at 270 pounds ... JOJO RUSH!

A noisy helicopter hovers over the ship, then a long stretch of rope falls from the chopper to the ship deck. JoJo Rush fast-ropes off the Helicopter armed with a cavalry sword.

Dobrev: And his opponent, Hailin' From the Grand Line, weighing in at 397 pounds ... MORGAN DARKWATER!

Darkwater emerges from the Captain’s Quarters. After closing the door behind himself, Darkwater draws his sword and points it straight at JoJo

Woo: Ladies and Gentlemen: We are about to watch a Cowboy and a Pirate swordfight.

Gomez: Let’s. Fucking. Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

DING DING DING

Darkwater: Do ye even know how to use that thing, JoJo?

JoJo: Pointy end goes towards the thing Ah want to kill, yeah?

The two men approach each other at the deck and circle one another. Both men kept their swords up and guarding against whoever made the first strike. The clouds quickly turn dark and brooding. Thunder cracks in the distance, followed by heavy rain. Both men stare each other down.

Darkwater: I be surprised you don’t have yer scurvy dogs backin’ you up.

JoJo: Well– don’t be surprised.

JoJo then stops pacing to whistle loudly. Then, he stood in place and confidently waited. After a few awkward moments, JoJo clears his throat, and JoJo whistles again, but still, nothing happens. JoJo steps away from Darkwater and yells over the side of the boat.

JoJo: You numbskulls were supposed to show up after the signal!

Mark: You didn’t tell us the whistling was the sign!

JoJo: Get on up here!

JoJo steps away from the side of the ship and sighs. Grappling hooks hit the side of the Winds of Fortune, then Mark Paulson and Brian Knight of Next Level join JoJo at his side, dressed as pirates and armed with swords. Darkwater could only laugh at the awkward display. Morgan sticks two fingers into his mouth and rips a loud whistle. Then within moments, JoJo and Next Level found themselves surrounded by Morgan’s Pirate crew. All are equipped with swords.

Mark: Oh, you’re right. That would have looked really cool.

JoJo: Shut up and fight!

JoJo, wasting no time, charges directly at Darkwater and swings his sword wildly at Darkwater. Darkwater, in return, backs up and parries each strike. He would return with strikes that JoJo dodges or deflects with his blade, meanwhile on the other side of the ship. Next Level does their best to fight Morgan’s crew.

Morgan, tired of fighting on his backfoot, presses forward. Swords clash and grind with both men struggling to win out. JoJo and Morgan roar at each other before Morgan lands a powerful headbutt! JoJo staggers back just enough for Morgan to kick JoJo square in the gut with a front kick down to the crew deck. JoJo tumbles hard down the stairs. Darkwater leaps from the deck and directly to JoJo, who rolls out of the way and back to his feet.

The Blackhat is on his back foot, spending more time retreating through the crew deck and deflecting powerful swings from Darkwater. JoJo tries to swing his blade but gets it caught in a wooden beam. Darkwater cleaves right through that beam to attack JoJo, who ducks just in the knick of time. The blade slices off more than a handful of hair from the top of JoJo’s head. JoJo pulls his sword back and quickly thrusts it directly at Morgan. The blade sinks into the meat of Morgan’s shoulder. He roars in pain but breaks off the blade from the handle, rendering it useless.

Darkwater forces JoJo to retreat to the mess hall. JoJo rushes to the end of the mess hall and heaves a chair at Darkwater, who ducks it. But on his way back up, he sees JoJo exerting all his strength to toss a massive table at Darkwater, who has no choice but to tuck his chin and turn to take the brunt of the table with his shoulder. When Morgan shrugs off the table, the brawlin' buccaneer sees JoJo darting to the kitchen. He follows after, yelling and cursing the Outlaw for being a coward. But the moment he steps into the kitchen, the side of Morgan’s head becomes acquainted with a cast iron frying pan. He staggers to the side but swings out at JoJo in defiance, but JoJo ducks low and targets Morgan’s knee with a decisive strike with the pan. Morgan goes to a knee, and JoJo winds back and slams the pan right into the blade, jutting from Morgan’s shoulder. Morgan screams in pain, but JoJo wastes no time dropping the pan, and planting Darkwater’s head into the cast iron, knocking him out cold.

JoJo lets out a sigh of relief. Wiping the sweat from his brow, JoJo begins dragging Darkwater to a window to toss the man off the ship. But JoJo’s weakened shoulder slows him down enough for Morgan Darkwater to come to. Darkwater catches himself on the window frame and fights like hell to keep himself on the ship. Darkwater lands a stiff kick to JoJo’s head, sending him backward. Morgan gets back to his feet and charges JoJo into several barrels of grog. On the way down, the back of JoJo’s head smacks against the spout of the last barrel of grog. Causing it to freely pour. Morgan is the first to get to his feet. JoJo rolls on the ground holding his shoulder in pain. Morgan shakes his injured knee to ease the pain as he staggers to reclaim his sword. But Morgan sheaths the blade and then promptly grabs two mugs. He fills both mugs and places the mug beside the writhing JoJo.

Darkwater: Drink up, Rush.

JoJo: Ah’ve been tryin’ to cut back.

JoJo says through pained breath, but regardless he grabs the mug and raises it up to the standing Morgan.

Darkwater: Enjoy it. It might be the last drink ye ever ‘ave.

JoJo chuckles and knocks the grog back and then wipes his lips dry. After Darkwater finishes his grog, he throws the mug right at JoJo, and the metal mug smacks hard against the bridge of JoJo’s nose, both knocking him out cold and breaking JoJo’s nose. Darkwater drags JoJo by the collar up the stairs and back to the top deck. The top deck is a war zone, with half the crew putting out literal fires and the other half sword fighting with Next Level. The fire started after lightning struck the ship, catching the wooden frame ablaze. Darkwater reaches the plank, takes hold of JoJo’s neck, and deadlifts him up high. The choking brings JoJo back to life, who then frantically kicks and struggles from the top of the move. JoJo breaks free but lands on the plank. Morgan unsheathed his sword and aimed it at a defenseless JoJo. JoJo stands his ground and hastily whips out his belt as a weapon. Morgan laughs and thrusts his blade at JoJo, but the Cowboy knocks the blade off course using his belt as a makeshift whip. Morgan looks shocked but continues cutting and lunging at the Cowboy, who manages to deflect each strike with a leather belt and a metal belt buckle. With nowhere else to go, JoJo rushes straight towards Darkwater and manages to dodge the blade and layout Morgan with a Rush Buster onto the ship deck, splintering the frame underneath.

JoJo crawls away and stays on his hands and knees to recover. The fire reaches the crew decks of the ship and down into the kitchen. The fire sparks the spilled grog, causing a massive explosion! The entire ship shakes and rocks everyone on board. The ship dramatically tilts into a rapid descent into the waters. The crew runs for the life rafts.

Esmerelda: MORGAN!

Esmerelda cries out for her husband. She reaches out and begs for him to get to the life rafts.

Morgan: GO!

Morgan shouts back to his wife. Who reluctantly joins the rest of the crew in the life rafts. Both members of Next Level throw down their swords and gritty their way back to their inflatable boat. But they stay close to the ship, ready to catch the House Enforcer. Speaking of which, JoJo and Darkwater fought against both each other and the steep incline. Morgan is the first to reach the top of the sinking ship.

Morgan: It’s over, Rush. I have the high ground.

JoJo: You underestimate mah powah!

Morgan: Don’t try it.

JoJo sprints up the incline and hits Darkwater with a Bull-Rush Lariat. But the impact did more damage to JoJo than Morgan, with several stitches popping in his back. Both men crawl up to their knees, unable to fully stand. But both men still fire punches back and forth. The punches were slow and clumsy. But eventually, they picked up in speed, then both men held onto the back of each other’s head and kept swinging. Morgan wins out in the slugfest and retakes hold of JoJo’s Rush. JoJo claws at Morgan’s grip, but he can’t break free. Darkwater stares JoJo right in the eyes and lifts him up for a chokeslam off the ship, but Morgan doesn’t aim for the water, but for Next Level, who catches JoJo into their boat. Keeping him safe from elimination!

JoJo: NOOOOOO!

Despite being utterly exhausted, JoJo tries to fight to get back onto the boat to finish the match, but Brian Knight successfully keeps JoJo down on his back. JoJo can only lie on his back and stare Darkwater down. Morgan stands stoically at the end of his boat. Morgan Darkwater goes down with the ship.

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, via elimination JOJO RUSH!

JoJo: Let me go, Ah need to beat ‘em! AH NEED TO BE THE ONE WHO PUT’S EM AWAY.

Brian: IT’S OVER, JOJO, IT’S OVER!

JoJo struggles fruitlessly until eventually passing out from the injuries and exhaustion. With the match over, Morgan’s crew retrieves their Captain and pulls him onto the raft. The House drives off into the sunset in victory.

Woo: The Captain went down with his ship. You have to wonder if Morgan did what he did as a point of honor as a Captain or to deny JoJo a real victory.

Gomez: Do you want to be the one to tell JoJo that he didn’t win that match, Woo? Be my guest!

Woo: Yea that certainly won't be me! This PPV has taken quite the turn folks, and next we have the first ever Faithful Scramble...but it seems we have some commotion going on backstage! 

Camera cuts to ...

We cut to a locker room as Gabrielle Visconty steps out ready for her AMC Broadcast Championship contendership match. The crowd given an energetic cheer for Gabi Vee as she begins to walk down the corridor. As she turns the corner the screen is filled with a glittering gown and as we pan back we see Crème de la Crème in her way. Gabi looks a little taken aback as she blinks and looks Crème up and down.

Visconty: Uh, hey…?

Crème: I won’t keep you long Gabrielle, you’ve got an important match to get yourself to. Now… consider me an ambassador of sorts on behalf of the former Prime Minister…

Visconty: An ambassador? God you do love your ‘leadership’ metaphors huh?

Crème: We prefer to call them ‘titles’. Speaking of tonight’s a big opportunity for you, a chance to get your very own title…

Gabi remains silent but a small twitch in her lip suggests she wants Crème to go on.

Crème: A shot at Callie’s title, undoubtedly The House won’t want to risk a powerful and formidable opponent going against her, just the same as they’ll be looking to ensure she walks out of tonight as the Indy Champion. Needless to say Scorpio has no intention of that happening, as I’m sure you’ve every intention of being the one to take her on. So… sounds like we have a mutual goal…

Visconty: Isn’t Scorpio’s one and only Prime ally literally in the same match as me? Dalilah and I aren't exactly friends by any means...

Crème: A delicate political situation, one we are keeping close tabs on. And with The House growing in its influence another ally seems a sensible move for both you and the former Prime Minister. So… how about it Ms Visconty?

Visconty: Why me? What guarantee do I have that the old Scorpio isn’t going to turn on—

Scorpio: You have my word.

Both Gabi and Crème spin around as we see Scorpio watching the pair of them. He steps forward and rests a hand on Gabi’s shoulder. Her expression shows her curiosity.

Scorpio: I know many wouldn’t take me at my word, but you and I are pretty fucking similar. I’ve been a fan of Gabi Vee since I stepped foot here in 2019, and I daresay the feeling is mutual. So what do you say Gabi… I’ve got your back… you’ve got mine… and we keep The House from dictating how our brand goes?

He drops the hand on her shoulder and offers it to her. The crowd begin to murmur some cheers before Vee smiles broadly and shakes it. Scorpio returns the smile as Crème nods her head.

Visconty: Agreed.

Scorpio: Best of luck out there Gabi Vee, I’ll be watching closely…

Visconty: Same to you.

The scene fades out as the fans are cheering this new alliance.

Woo: It was Gabi Vee! It looks like The Prime Minister has a new friend and The House must be going into panic planning!

Gomez: I daresay Dalilah Ashe will be interested to see this development with her own opponent too…

FAITHFUL SCRAMBLE

#1 Contendership For the AMC Broadcast Championship


Dalilah Ashe
VS Draco Lazarus VS Gabrielle Visconty
VS Jack Severn VS Lila Rue

MATCH WRTIER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em

We return to ringside where The Faithful Scramble is set to begin! 

Woo: Its time to find out who get the next shot at the AMC Broadcast Championship over on Prime! 

Gomez: My money is on Jack Severn Woo.. You never bet against the house!

Woo: Oh that joke was terrible! 

Dobrev: The following match is the Faithful Scramble Match with the winner to become number one contender for the AMC Broadcast Title. Introducing first...

The theme from the classic film, Jaws, begins to blare over the loudspeakers. Eventually a tall, thick man dressed as a Medieval Jester comes out with a trumpet in hand. This musically inclined Managor, dressed as a Jester stops at the top of the ramp and begins playing a melody that sounds like it could be a royal introduction as a man wearing a Golden Dispensaries T-shirt makes his way onto the stage.

The unusually large Managor Jester continues down the stage, walking around the stage, continuing his tune until the man in the Golden Dispensaries T-shirt enters the ring. The noticeably tall Jester then joins the other man in the ring. The royal melody begins playing again, this time a ring of fire forms on the stage. With his arms spread, the former EWC Champion walks into the ring of fire. Boos fill the arena one of the most annoying EWC competitors to ever compete makes his way to the ring.

Worchester Squire: EWC fans around the world. It is your honor and pleasure for me to announce the return of Draco of House Lazarus, First of his name. The Breaker of Chains, Bringer of Nightmares, Ruiner of Careers, Winner and Defender of Titles, The One True Most Hated King of EWC Television.

Draco Lazarus’ head couldn’t possibly be higher. Making his way down the ring, hands on the collars of the Golden Jacket, his nose looking down on the few hands reaching out for high fives he ignores walking to the ring. The height advantaged Jester holds the ropes open for Draco to climb through. Draco struts around the ring for a bit before handing the Golden Cane off to Managor in his corner.

Dobrev: And the opponents, first residing in Honolulu, Hawaii and weighing in at 120 pounds... GABRIELLE VISCONTY!

The lights in the arena dim as a single spot light shines down on the entrance. BLACKPINK's "Shut Down" begins to play as the EXTREME-TRON lights up to display G A B I V E E ! ! ! before the lyrics to “Shut Down” begin to scroll across it.

It's not a comeback since we've never left

Heads turn, careful, you might break your neck

Pink ice drip, drip, drip, freeze 'em on sight

Shut it down, what, what, what, what?

It's not a game since we've never lost

Bark, because the leash on your neck is mine

Pedal to the metal, we go two-zero-five

Shut it down, uh-uh, uh-uh

Gabrielle Visconty runs out of the back and stops at the top of the ramp, followed a second later by Buddy Love. Her blue eyes scan over the area as the fans welcome Gabi Vee with cheers. A huge grin spreads across her face before her and Buddy walk down the ramp and towards the ring. The lyrics continue to follow along on the X-Tron.

Nah, you don't wanna be on my bad side, that's right, I'm slidin' through

Bunch of wannabes that wanna be me, me three if I was you

Been around the world, pearls on ya girl, VVS's we invested, uh

Need a lesson, see the necklace, see these dresses

We don't buy it, we request it, uh

A rock star, a pop star, but rowdier

Say bye to the paparazzi, get my good side, I'll smile for ya

Know it ain't fair to ya, it's scarin' ya like what now?

BLACKPINK in your area, the area been shut down

It's a shutdown

Gabi slaps hands and interacts with the crowd before she hops up nimbly onto the edge of the ring to grin out at the crowd once more. Gabi turns and springboard herself gracefully into the ring, then ventures over to her corner where Buddy has taken his place outside the ring. The two share a brief conversation before Gabi turns her attention back to the ring.

Dobrev: From Brooklyn, New York and weighing in at 128 pounds... LILA RUE!

The moody intro to 'Sip Sip' by BRKLYN plays out as gold and purple smoke pours across the stage, spotlights whirling lazily until they come to rest on the sensuously-strutting figure of Lila Rue. Her hips twitch like a pendulum. "Put your drinks in the air if you're vibing with the--" And her faithful contingent arrayed along the entrance ramp let out a roar as she begins to hypnotically crab-dance down the ramp, at each side pausing to snatch a shot glass from the eager fingers of a fan, downing it in the same motion she uses to whirl away. At the bottom, she feigns a drunken stagger in time to the music, catching herself with a graceful flourish and a broad, sensationally-charismatic grin before leaping split-legged onto the apron, oozing underneath the bottom rope. She comes up skipping and dancing, peeling her hat off to frisbee it into the cheap seats to another appreciative pop.

Dobrev: And now introducing the Most Dangerous of The Deadly Sins. She is the Beautiful Tragedy of the EWC, The Last Temptation:

DALILAH ASHE

Ready For Combat by Icon For Hire begins to play and a purple glow illuminates the arena and a violet mist rises from the stage bringing with it the smell dying roses. The curtain parts as Dalilah Ashe appears wearing a crown of black roses and thorns which prick her pale brow bringing small drops of dark red blood. She opens her arms to hold the crowd in the long cold embrace of her contempt.

Cocking her head to one side and holding her arms stiff at her sides she begins a long zombie walk to the ring, followed closely by her handler Lacey Savage who herself walks in the shadow of her bodyguard Bedlam Briggs. Climbing stiffly up onto the apron Dalilah looms over the audience like some ancient icon of sex and death. She sneers down at them, slowly wetting her painted lips with the tip of her tongue before throwing her head back and screaming like a banshee. Sliding between the ropes with an evil expression she stares down her opponent with a look of contempt and nothing but bad intentions.

Dobrev: And finally, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and weighing in at 220 pounds... JACK SEVERN!

'15 Minutes' by Shattered Skies hits as Jack walks down to the ring once the lyrics start, smiling with the utmost confidence in his face. He claps for himself, mocking the crowd, as he walks all the way down to commentary, asking them who they think is going to win, angrily throwing a water bottle when they don't answer. Once in the center of the ring, he relishes in the crowd's hatred, mocking them and their heroes. He leans up against the ropes with one foot on the middle rope, screaming maniacally at the hard camera about how he's going to win and step closer to his destiny. He throws off his jacket, fired up.

DING DING DING

Draco smacks Severn with a right hand and they start to brawl. On the other side of the ring Visconty does the same to Rue. Ashe stands in the middle of the ring looking at the fights happening around her. Severn is knocked from the ring and Draco follows. Draco grabs Severn and smacks his head on the timekeeper’s table. Draco runs for a bulldog but Severn is able to counter it by dropping Draco onto the ringside barrier. Before hitting a clothesline that drops Draco to the ringside mats. Draco gets to his feet and lashes out with a low kick to Severn. At that exact moment Severn lashes out with a similar low kick to Draco. Both drop to their knees in pain. In the ring. Visconty whips Rue off the ropes and takes her to the mat with a frankensteiner. Before she can follow up her attack, Ashe runs at Visconty hitting a clothesline. Visconty turns her attentions to Ashe but gets blindsided by a forearm from Rue. She whips Visconty off the ropes and drops her to the mat with a rear view. Before she can mount an attack, Ashe again gets involved this time ramming the point of her elbow into Rue’s forehead. Rue staggers and Visconty jumps looking for another frankensteiner but Rue counters with a powerbomb. Ashe grabs Rue hitting a Cactus DDT. She makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Rue gets a shoulder off the mat to break the count. She gets to her feet but Ashe runs at her hitting a flying headscissor takeover that sends Rue rolling from the ring. Visconty hits her with a clothesline knocking Ashe to the mat but Rue pulls Visconty from the ring and throws her into the barrier. Draco slides into the ring. Ashe runs at him but Draco lifts her up into the air and drives her back to the mat with an Alabama Slam. Ashe gets to her feet but Draco smacks her with an uppercut. Ashe charges at Draco who counters with a backdrop. Ashe lands on her feet but Draco spins her and drives her to the mat with a DDT. Ashe uses the ropes to pull herself to her feet. She cracks Draco with a spinning backfist followed by a spinning neckbreaker. Ashe takes a few steps back and runs at Draco cracking him with a V-trigger knee. She steps back for a second one. From almost nowhere, Nevaeh arrives and pulls Ashe from the ring and drops her with a DDT on the ringside mats. Nevaeh rolls Ashe back into the ring and motions for Draco to make a cover. He does so as Nevaeh heads back up the ramp.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Jack Severn dives into the ring to break the count. Ashe rolls out the ring as Severn takes Draco to the mat with a butterfly suplex. Draco gets to his feet but walks into a knife edge chop. He staggers back but then charges. Charges right into a superkick anyway. Severn takes him to the mat with a uranage and makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Draco rolls a shoulder off the mat to break the count.

Woo: Almost a three count there!

Gomez: I disagree. It’s way too early. Everyone in this match has a lot more in the tank.

Severn gets to his feet but gets knocked down with a big boot from Rue. Draco rolls from the ring as Rue hits Severn with forearm smashes and whips him off the ropes. Rue takes Severn to the mat with a jumping calf kick and runs at the ropes. She handsprings off the ropes and flies back dropping on Severn with a legdrop. Severn staggers to his feet but Rue drops him with a spinning heel kick and makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Severn rolls to his side breaking the count. He rolls to ringside. He grabs a drink from a fan and tosses it into the face of a child. Fortunnately the child ducks. Not as fortunate was the one behind. Severn laughs at the events unfolding before him as he grabs Visconty and rolls her into the ring. Visconty grabs Rue for a school girl. Rue rolls right out of it but Visconty takes her to the mat with a spinebuster. As Rue gets to her feet Visconty steps through the ropes to the apron. Visconty uses the top rope to slingshot into the ring and hit Rue with a bulldog. Rue slowly gets to her feet but is driven back to the mat with a tiger driver. Visconty takes a few steps back and runs at Rue hitting a no hands cartwheel splash. She hooks the leg.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

From ringside, Ashe pulls at Visconty’s ankle breaking the count. Visconty grabs at Ashe and drags her into the ring bringing forearm smashes down onto Ashe’s back and shoulders. Visconty pulls Ashe to her feet and attempts a bulldog. Ashe pushes away and runs at Visconty who pops Ashe into the air and smacks her with a European uppercut. Ashe staggers to her feet but Visconty grabs her hitting an Idjitbuster. She bridges into a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Jack Severn dives in breaking the count.

Woo: So close to a win right there!

Gomez: If this was a one on one match, this may have been over right there. But it isn’t, so it’s not!

Visconty gets to her feet and smacks Severn with a forearm smash that staggers him back off the ropes. Severn rebounds and cracks Visconty with a lariat. Visconty tries to pick herself up off the mat but Severn grabs her and tosses her into the corner with a buckle bomb. Visconty drops to the mat. Severn climbs to the top turnbuckle as Visconty drags herself to her feet. Severn dives at her hitting a Codebreaker. Visconty flies backward and crashes to the mat where Severn makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Rue dives in breaking the count. Severn gets to his feet as Rue ashes out with a right hand. Severn ducks it but he turns and eats a dropkick knocking him to the mat. Severn rolls to his feet and runs at Rue with a big boot. Rue catches his foot and counters it into a dragon screw. Rue runs at Severn and rolls into a Glittercrash. She makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Draco shoves Rue out of the ring and makes a cover off his own.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Rue slides back into the ring and legdrops the back of Draco’s neck breaking the count.

Woo: Some coming so, so close here.

Gomez: Close? Yes. However they really need to solve that multi person problem or we may still be here come June third!

Rue hits Draco with right hands and forearms. A punch to the gut drops Draco to his knees. Rue lifts her hand read for another punch but Draco raise his arms and covers his face yelling “Please don’t, I didn’t mean it!” Rue looks down at him with a raised eyebrow as her hand slowly lowers. Draco dives at her hitting a clothesline. She gets to her feet but walks into a Goldeneye. Draco rolls her over and makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Ashe dives into the ring and drags Draco off Rue and breaking the count. Draco gets to his feet and hits Ashe with a clothesline. It doesn’t knock her down but she is dazed. Draco whips Ashe off the ropes. She rebounds, ducks a clothesline and hits a front flip stunner. Draco stumbles around the ring and is easy pickings for Ashe to hit a Brutus Blade. She makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Severn, Rue and Visconty all dive in to break the count.

Woo: So close again for many in this match.

Gomez: And there in lies the problem? How in the name of the wrestling gods can you pick up a victory when there’s up to three opponents there to stop you?

A full on brawl breaks out between all five. Draco clotheslines Visconty over the top rope. She lands on the apron and climbs to the top turnbuckle. Visconty throws herself at Draco with an Angelrana. The referee counts.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Rue runs and breaks the count by hitting Visconty with a Last Dance. She makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Severn blasts Rue with The Silencer breaking the count. Rue rolls to the mat where Severn makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Ashe crashes down on Severn with a Descending Angel to the spine. She covers Severn.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Visconty crashes down onto Ashe with The Falling breaking the count. With everyone down, Visconty covers Rue. The referee counts.

ONE…



TWO…



THREE!!!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, via pinfall GABRIELLE VISCONTY!

Visconty slides out of the ring and leaps at the crowd. They catch her and the all celebrate her victory as she crowd surfs her way to the locker room area.

Woo: Gabrielle Visconty has won this one. She is the number one contender for the AMC Title!

Gomez: In the ring is a collection of bodies. Far too many to mention one by one but each one came as close as they could to victory here tonight on many occasions. This could have gone to anyone and it could have gone all night.

Woo: One thing is for certian though Valentina.. Prime is one HELL of a run right now and it is can't missing wrestling! 

Gomez: I'll agree with you there. Speaking of can't miss, the Broadcast champions Triple Threat is up next and you will NOT want to miss that! 

Camera cuts to ...

The lights start to go on and off inside the arena.

"No Excuses" came blasting over the speaker as smoke appears on the ramp. Up on the EXtreme Tron appears a picture of Jason Anderson “The Boss” The crowd starts to go crazy. Coming out of the smoke you see Jason Anderson but he not alone coming out with him was Angel his daughter. Angel was wearing a cute dress that was in the colors of Rampage with all the roster pictures on it. Jason was wearing black Hugo Boss Suit wearing black gloves with black shoes. He spins around on the spot as Angel winks over at her dad. They both start walking down the ramp together. They start slapping some of the fans' hands playing towards them a bit.

Angel and Jason were playing towards the crowd while Dave and Diana were walking behind with a bit of a smirk watching them. Jason and Angel stop at the bottom of the ramp looking at each other while giving each other a little handshake. He placed a kiss on the top of her head while the crowd was cheering him. Angel climbed over the railing towards her seat while Jason got inside of the ring. He smirks looking out to the crowd getting the cheer as he smirks a bit pulling out a microphone while Dave and Diana stand inside of the ring looking up at the ramp.

Jason Anderson “The Boss”: Well, it looks like there are a few things I need to address....Well let me tell you a little story....

He grins with a bit of a smirk.

Jason Anderson “The Boss”: A woman met a man from her past who she once loved. This man made her believe he truly loved her and was helping her to believe in herself. They together can make their dream of becoming the King and Queen of wrestling come true. Inside of his mind and heart just maybe a tiny bit he believed he truly loved this woman. Or he just felt guilty for leaving this woman and his son so long ago. We will never know his true feelings... or if they ever were real but her protector.. Her son truly believed the man was full of shit!

He smirks a bit, licking his lips moving his head to the side and then shrugs a bit.

Jason Anderson “The Boss”: Her protector knew she was just like Icarus and wear her heart on her sleeves. His father thought the son was a bit just like his mother where he could pull the wool over his eyes. He did a bit when he pulled on his son's heart strings. Fool the son believe he was asking for his mother hand in marriage out of respect because he grow up at a early age to make sure no one would hurt his mother. The son desperately want to believe him maybe because he always want his father in his life. Also because he never saw his mother truly happy before so he tried to make peace but in the back of his mind. There was something telling him not to trust him. Keep your distance but when his father got sick. He started to feel guilty for keeping that distance. Till the point the son believes going into the dark world he would be able to find a cure for his father's sickness.

He rubs his chin a bit.

Jason Anderson “The Boss”: The son.. The fighter.. The family protector just couldn’t keep from feeling like something isn’t right. Just maybe his father just got tired of hiding this secret or felt he would be dead anyway once they learned the truth. The thing is people have to realize you can keep things buried that you hope would never come out of the grave. They always found a way out. I will always figure out the truth about things.

Jason opened his coat a bit running his hands over his head as the fans were listening closely. Jason looked extremely upset as he looked into the camera.

Jason Anderson “The Boss”: So, The man's sins got exposed but now the question is this....where do my mother and I stand... My mother has her view on the matter but as it goes for me. Just like you would NEVER ACKNOWLEDGE me why should I ACKNOWLEDGE you.

Crowd: OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Woo: What is Jason hinting here....

Gomez: It sounds like... him and his mother.... Don’t want to have nothing to do with the Hunter name anymore.

Jason Anderson “The Boss”: Why should I ACKNOWLEDGE you because it wasn’t you who got me where I am today! It wasn’t you who sat across from me inside the training ring at midnight teaching me how to take a bump at the age of 13... it wasn’t you who took turns watching over my daughter at night when I become a father at 16 year old....it wasn’t you who help me become the FSW Champion. My mother didn’t have the heart to tell you about our secret training sessions she would have on the side with me. It wasn’t because of your last name I became the HBO Champion last year inside of this ring or made it to Night of Champions!

Crowd: JASON!!! JASON!!!!!!

Jason waited for them to quiet down as he brought the microphone back to his mind.

Jason Anderson “The Boss”: The blood you truly want everyone and include me to believe is pure gold is actually poison that can cause damage and hurt ones you fool into thinking you care about. The only person you care about is yourself but there is one thing you taught me. You taught me how NOT to be a father and till the day I die I am going to make sure my daughter has reasons and is proud to call me her father! So people might want me to stand here in the glory and honor of Season 24 wearing your name as a badge. You use your “father” last name to try to get back at him and I am going to make sure this is the day the name Hunter dies here at EWC because the last name I will be carrying is the lowly woman you truly saw my mother as. The woman who you deceives in so many ways. The woman you felt was nothing and knew she would never see what others saw what you truly were. The day you use her.. And the day you use me is over...The woman whose heart was just too full of goodness that you hurt deeply. Even down in your grave you have given her pain. I am watching how she is not letting what you have done to her... to us.. To your so-called family ... get to her... she shows me what is true strength... and what is true and real honor is... so why not be Jason Anderson “The Boss”... she killed the Prince of Wrestling to help something better to rise above the dirt you have left behind. Now “The Boss” has business and he is coming after you... Jamie Love... it is because on October 15th 2022 till March 15th 2023 I have been sitting in jail for 151 Days behind bars. I was counting down the days I would get out to get my hands on you for what you have done.

He smirks a bit.

Jason “The Boss'' Anderson: Yes, you can do whatever you want with me but when it comes to family... when it comes to my daughter, when you have crossed the line. Just like how that idiot Roo Poo made the mistake of attacking me in front of my daughter's eyes. Have you ever wondered... what happened to him? Why is he not around anymore? Now I believe it is time for you to learn the answer to that question but I want you to sit there and believe your new “Family” is going to protect you from me. Jamie Love... you might believe you have Xavier Reid coming after you but I WILL GET MY RECEIPT! One way or anything you will pay my brother! You will pay what you owe The Boss and that will be your blood on my fingers once again. See you soon! Oh and Moxie... Amis... I hope to see your two soon.”

Jason smirks as he flip the microphone out of his hand while “No Excuses” start blasting in the background while it cut to the back where Jamie Love was watching everything from his locker room with a bit of a smirk of his own.

TRIPLE THREAT BROADCAST CHAMPIONS MATCH

NO DQ
Winner receives a shot at their brands top title!

Melinda Rhodes (FX)
VS Moxie (HBO) VS Sally Talfourd (ATV+)

MATCH WRTIER: Calamity Nguyen

We return to ringside where a brief lull has brought the crowd back in their full, baying force.

Woo: Hold onto your drinks and your snacks, folks, because we are settling in for a longer haul and a crazier, more violent time in the second half of our show. Next up, a clash of champions already crowned!

Gomez: A contest of technical wizardry, and maybe actual wizardry, Woo! Moxie versus Talfourd, with the rogue, unpredictable element of the wily Rebel Rhodes stirring up all that technique with a brutality that's all her own. Three champions enter, but only one is going to leave with a shot at their brand's top title! Heads are going to ROLL!

Dobrev: The following match is a triple threat, with no disqualifications! Joining us first...

The lights drop to a dim blue only to brighten to a bright red as "The Steeple" by Halestorm plays over the P/A speakers. With a pyro explosion, the Rebel bounds from the curtains and onto that stage with a wicked grin. She sports her ring gear, a red leather vest with her winged star logo, aviator shades, and fingerless gloves. On her shoulder rests the FX Broadcast Championship. Mel pauses in the entryway, holds up a finger, and then runs back into gorilla - hauling back into view behind a weapon-laden shopping cart! She pushes it down the aisle, taking her time and rocking with the fans in attendance. She pauses for high-fiving fans, giving hugs to kids, and one lucky fan's child ends up with a parting gift, her chrome aviator shades getting placed right on the kid's face.

Dobrev: Hailing from Rome, Georgia, she stands at 5' 11" and weighs in at one hundred and forty five pounds ... she is your FX Broadcast Champion ... "THE REBEL STAR" MMMMMMEEEELLLLLLIIINNNDDDAAAA RRRRRHHHHOOOODDDDDEEESSS!!!

After making the rounds at ringside, pumping up the front row fans, Rhodes selects a bright red aluminum baseball bat from her cart and slides under the ropes, popping up and running to the far turnbuckle, hoisting her weapon in the air while headbanging to her music. She then turns and runs to the opposite side, arms out at her sides as she shouts "COME ON!!!!" to the fans, working them up just a little bit more. She hops down and hands her belt off in the corner. Turning, Mel removes her vest, holding her bat ready as she waits for her opponent.

Dobrev: And her opponent, from London, England, weighing in at two hundred and two pounds, and accompanied to the ring by Amis Shelton ... he is your HBO Broadcast Champion ... MOXIE!

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

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

Dobrev: And their opponent...!

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

"Ladies and Gentlemen!"

"Your act at this time!"

The Extreme-tron begin to flicker to life with an old reel of film showing various clips of magicians performing, shots of crowds smiling and laughing, point and wondering. All, of course, in silence.

"Sights of wonder and amazement!"

"A spectacle that will confound and amuse your mind!"

The Extreme-tron continues to flicker with the images of an era bygone. The final clip comes to focus on a figure standing alone on a stage, the back to the Extreme-tron, obscured by the shadows.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!"

"The Last Magician!"

There's a pause, and then the beginning of ‘Troublemaker’ by Troublemaker comes across the PA, the whistling first cutting through the silence then drowned out by the fans’ cheers. The Extreme-tron still shows the silhouette of a lone person standing in the shadows.

Then, mirroring that shot, a sole spotlight fades in at the top of the ramp, and we find 'The Last Magician' Sally Talfourd with her back to the arena. The crowd gets louder and then, as the music kicks in, Sally turns to face the crowd, her arms outstretched and her head bowed to everyone.

Dobrev: Ladies and gentlemen, making her way to the ring, your Apple TV+ Broadcast Champion, 'The Last Magician' ... SALLY TALFOURD!

Sally lowers her arms, raises her head, and makes her way down the ramp. Fans rush to the railings. She makes a direct line to the ring, pulling herself up to apron, looks around to the fans before she steps in. Sally takes turns on the posts, climbing them with a raised fist before stepping to the center, and with a flurry and a twirl unwraps her hanbok, handing it over the ropes to the crew and then takes up position in her corner of the ring, stretching her legs on the ropes and readying herself for the match.

Woo: She may be the champion without a belt, but SalTal looks ready to bring her reputed 'Magic' to the fray. Can Moxie's impure-hearted peerless wrestling, or the hardcore acumen of Melinda Rhodes prevail? The world holds its breath.

DING DING DING

Nobody has to wait long for violence to ensue. Rhodes crosses the ring in a blur, decking both her opponents with the aluminum bat as the crowd lose their collective minds! Moxie covers up, weaves underneath, and shoots for a takedown, as Sally retreats to the corner, breathing hard and shaking out her bruised leg. Rhodes sprawls to avoid being taken to the canvas, driving the handle of the bat repeatedly into Moxie's back, only to have her arm wrenched painfully via a tight underhook, her face turned toward the mat as the British prodigy takes control, twisting her elbow inward and starting to work on the veteran's fingers with menace in mind.

The bat bounces away as it's released from stricken fingers, and bumps up against Sally's boot. She glances down at it, and then looks out to the crowd - who cheer her on, encouraging her to pick up the weapon and go to town. She locks eyes with a fan, who is flourishing a sign that reads, 'The FLIBBER GRIBBER GIRL' then, with a distracted frown, bends to knock the bat to ringside, opting to instead move in and look for a way into the grapple.

Moxie has three fingers bent all the way back, and Rhodes is straining to extricate herself, teeth gritted. He stomps on her knee, and she hisses in pain, but fires back with sharp punches to the ribs that are curtailed as Sally seizes this arm, and works on behind it behind the other woman, with a bit of an apologetic look. Shaking her head, Rhodes rolls her eyes and then rolls her entire body up and over, using Talfourd as an improvised support to flip and free herself from Moxie with a painful snap. She lands on one knee, her other arm still clutched by the Paramount star, who presses her to her feet with a hammerlock, and then bends her back with a chinlock to apply an inverted snap suplex!

Rhodes goes down with a crunch, but is released as Sally wisely relinquishes the bridge to avoid a stomp by Moxie, who pursues her with a flurry of strikes. A jab catches her on the jaw, and spins her halfway around. Seizing another underhook, the Brit tries to lock in a vertical standing armbar, perhaps transition to an octopus hold - only to be soundly denied by the technical mastermind, who winds her other hand through to capture a leg, off-balancing Moxie and using the purchased distraction to reverse into a deep chinlock. He keeps the underhook, however; and is able to twist Sally painfully over, extricating himself from her hold and drilling her flat with a modified small package driver!

Woo: Counter within counter, these two proving they have their reputations for good reason.

Gomez: But it's Moxie who comes out on top, Woo. This man won't be denied!

Sally kicks out at one, rolling to her feet and dropping low to avoid the impulsive charge of Moxie, sending him over the top rope to his knees. Before he can shake off the cobwebs, the waiting Rebel Rhodes - who has recaptured her scattered bat - is ready to swing for the fences. CLONK! The aluminum visibly dents as she drives it across the side of his skull, sending the Rampage champ sprawling. Before he can even start to recover, Rhodes discards the damaged weapon, hauls him upright, and leaps forward with his head entrapped...

Driving him face-first into the shopping cart full of weapons! It topples over, spilling barbed wire, hubcaps, lengths of 2x4 and all other kinds of goodies across the Brit's battered form. Melinda slides to her feet, but turns right into the flying form of Sally Talfourd, who times her reintroduction perfectly; coming off the top rope into a headscissor takedown that sees Rhodes driven skull-first into the barricade! Sally pauses to take a breath against the apron, before darting toward Moxie, who is thrashing his way clear of the pile of weapons, painfully yanking a coil of barbed wire from around his throat. Before he can finish the task, Sally's grabbing him and falling backwards...

Nailing an emphatic double knee facebreaker! EITHER OR! The barbed wire coil shudders and shakes as Moxie rebounds from the blow onto his side, both women trying to grab him at once and pulling him in different directions. Rhodes is still half-stunned, and stumbles as Moxie grits his teeth and yanks against the pressure. This sends her slamming into Sally, the pair of them crashing down on the shopping cart as Amis tosses Moxie a length of 2x4 and starts barking instructions.

Moxie glares at him, but sets to anyway, bringing the length of wood down onto both Talfourd and Rhodes until it snaps across the ribs of the former, leaving him with a short, fairly useless stick. He flings this blindly out into the crowd - carelessly braining a fan holding aloft a sign that reads, 'SniXle jiXle girl!' The sign falls to ringside, beside Sally who is struggling to get onto all fours as Moxie pulls Rebel Rhodes to her feet, hooking her up for a body-shuddering vertical suplex to the floor, then rolling through to pull her up again, turn toward the apron, and drop her with absolute brutality onto the unforgiving surface - nailing MOXIE'S CRASH LANDING!

The crowd 'oooh' in sympathy, as Rhodes collapses in a heap onto the outside, Moxie roaring and beating at the side of his own head as he turns to hunt around for his other opponent. Sally is ready and waiting, driving the fan's fallen sign over the top of his head in a 'hardcore' assault that's more comical than truly effective - but it absolutely blindsides the Brit, who's expecting to receive a heavy blow and just ends up wearing a cardboard ruff.

Sally can't help but laugh, and this infuriates the wrestling prodigy, who lunges at her, only to be soundly countered into an arm wrench, flung first against the barricade and then out toward the apron as he struggles against the hold-- only to be yoinked back into a short-arm clothesline that flattens him out, gaining a tremendous pop from the crowd!

The Korean bounds to her feet, finds herself a fish out of water on the outside of the ring, and opts to dive back under the bottom rope, finding plenty of time to work the crowd while her opponents climb to their feet.

Woo: An unorthodox strategy by the magical girl, but it was undeniably effective, and she has the crowd firmly on her side.

Gomez: Perhaps that's the real magic, Woo? Either way, Moxie isn't impressed. She's painted a target on herself.

Indeed, Moxie has whirled toward the ring and is immediately making a beeline for Talfourd - but Rhodes is close enough to grab him by the leg and drag him back out, wildly swinging a metal trashcan lid in her other hand, bringing it repeatedly down on the younger man, finally losing her grip and opting to instead stomp a mudhole through him on the outside, throwing up devil horns to the crowd before finishing with a big running knee drop that finally busts Moxie open! This only seems to awaken the beast, and he SURGES to his feet, driving himself face-first up against Rhodes, who meets him forehead-to-forehead, before going for a surprise cutter! SHOT THROUGH THE-- no!

Moxie SHOVES her away, scouting the move, and stops her momentum dead with a stiff forearm to the back of the skull! Rhodes is driven to one knee, and he steps around, whirring into a brutal roundhouse kick, then turning and dragging the entire frame of the fallen shopping cart up and over, the remaining weapons tumbling out of it before he brings it down onto the fallen form of Rebel Rhodes! It's a noisy collision that leaves the cart battered and dented, and Moxie sneers at the veteran in passing as he makes his way back into the ring - and the waiting clutches of Sally Talfourd.

They lock up, but Moxie's had enough with trying to out-counter the Last Magician. He drives in with a headbutt instead, stunning her and spinning to toss her through the middle rope. He catches her halfway through and pulls her up and over, into a triangle choke that pulls her throat against the steel cable! Amis looks positively delighted at ringside, cheering the painful technique on as he keeps a foot atop the cart pinning Rhodes, who snatches furiously at his other leg, trying to free herself. Meanwhile, the official asks for the submission.

SalTal is making choking, gurgling noises, but absolutely refusing to quit, and after an uncomfortable few moments Moxie is forced to release her as a foot slips out. He storms upright, and tries to catch Sally's trailing arm, pulling her back in for another hold, but she drops and slides under the bottom rope, then between Moxie's legs. Her face is red, her eyes streaming with pained tears, but in spite of the obvious pain she slides to standing right into a half-nelson, twisting Moxie around to face the center of the ring and then falling backwards - driving him off the ropes with a rebound suplex to bring his larger form crashing down, just shy of a pinning predicament.

But Talfourd has something better in mind, kicking her legs up and over, transitioning to a beautifully-creative half-nelson crossface. Moxie's wide-eyed and straining toward the ropes, able to use his greater strength and mass to grab on and find the extra leverage to force Sally from on top of him. He pays the price, though, looking no better than his opponent did moments before as he escapes to ringside. In the same moment, there's a ROAR from across ringside, and Rebel finally frees herself from the cart - and from Amis, who's sent stumbling as she powers out, snatching up a kendo stick as she rolls to her feet and pursuing Moxie's mentor across the outside!

Woo: Sally Talfourd and Moxie have done a number on one another, and it looks like Rhodes is about to do one on Amis Shelton. That no-DQ rule cuts in every direction!

Gomez: Jajaja, look at him run! Turnabout is fair play, Woo!

The first strike of the kendo stick gets a profound response from the crowd, who only grow louder as Rhodes brings Amis to his knees and keeps driving the weapon time and again into his back, leaving bloody lacerations before she's done doling out punishment! Grinning ear-to-ear, she gives one final whack and lets the stick fall on top of the groaning man, turning with her arms spread to soak in the appreciation of the crowd - and coming face-to-face with Moxie, who snaps out a jab that sends her stumbling. She covers up and manages to weave under a second, before responding with a flurry of blows to the gut, sliding to Moxie's flank to finish the combination with a cross to the jaw! His mouthguard is sent flying as she nails the blow, driving the prodigious fighter against the apron.

WHAM! Sally hits him from the other side with a baseball slide, tumbling out of the ring alongside Rebel Rhodes. The two eye each other warily, coming to a nonverbal agreement as they move to hook up Moxie a moment later, driving him up and over into the apron with a double team suplex that delights the fans at ringside!

Straightening up, Rhodes offers an only somewhat-wary fistbump, and the Last Magician accepts it, darting a furtive smile to the other woman before throwing caution - and allegiance - to the wind, dropping down low to tackle her to the floor! Sliding into mount, she hunts for a key lock but can't quite sink it in, Rebel bucking her hips and twisting before returning fire with a couple of vertical punches that force Sally to fire back with strikes of her own.

Able to weather these easily enough, Rhodes bucks again and throws the smaller woman off, catching her halfway to her feet with a swinging neck breaker, then floating over to pull her bodily off the ground and straight up into a vertical suplex position! Sally fights back, dropping an elbow to the skull and contorting to drop from the air behind Rhodes. Butterflying one arm, she pulls her opponent around, looking out at the crowd with a breathless nod, before spinning into a beautiful corkscrew neckbreaker! LIGHTS OUT!

Woo: 'Anything you can do, I can do better.' How do you solve a problem like Sally Talfourd, Valentina?

Gomez: I'd probably just blow her up, Woo. Bang bang boom!

Rhodes is tough as old nails, crawling away before Sally can further capitalize, forcing the other woman to pursue her around ringside. She turns, scrapes up a handful of nuts and bolts from the debris of her cart, and hurls them at SalTal - who covers her head with her arms, stumbling forward. Rhodes swings up into a crouch, and when Sally uncovers herself and meets her eye, throws her hands forward a second time. FWOOOSH! Flash paper ignites, and the Last Magician is suddenly the recipient of a blazing fireball, her hair igniting as she spins away with a dismayed shriek. The flames are still licking around her as Rhodes sets off like a sprinter, darting upwards and forward--

Gomez: Just like that!

--to catch Sally Talfourd with a SHOT THROUGH THE HEART! There's a puff of smoke and a thudding collision as she's driven to the floor, and Rhodes goes for broke, trying to flip over and apply the Rebel Star Slayer on the outside of the ring.

But Moxie's been waiting for his chance to get back into the contest. Melinda straightens up right into a superkick from the HBO Champ, who isn't letting her fall from the blow - stepping around and hooking her up for a Tiger Suplex, laying her out before diving to scoop up a steel chair before Sally Talfourd can recover.

He spins around, brandishing the weapon in front of him, but the Last Magician - dazed and burned, but not broken - is halfway to her feet, and flings herself forward into a single-leg dropkick that slams against the chair, and slams the chair against Moxie, sending him flipping backwards into the tangled mess of Rhodes' collection of weapons. SalTal lands on her back, heaves in a breath, and then kips up to a pop from the crowd; but Moxie is just as determined to remain upright, and comes roaring from the wreckage with a bloody-minded clothesline that immediately turns Talfourd inside out!

Shaking his head angrily, Moxie presses a fist to his jaw, snarls at the crowd, and then scoops up the Korean, bundling her up onto the apron, sliding her halfway into the ring with her head dangling out over the edge. Sizing her up, he takes a couple of steps backwards, scrapes his foot across the floor--

--and is immediately set upon by Rebel Rhodes, who drives him down beneath her weight, a flash of metal in her hand as she brings something up to his forehead and abruptly snaps her fingers against a trigger. Ker-chunk, ker-chunk, ker-chunk! She drives three staples into Moxie's skull! He screams in pain, and she mounts up, flourishing a dollar bill in her other hand, which she presents proudly to the crowd before leaning forward and stapling it to the Brit's forehead!

Sliding to her feet, Rhodes throws up her arms - receiving the adoration of the crowd, and then turning toward the ring, where Sally is squirming to her feet. With a shake of her head, 'hell no', Melinda dives beneath the bottom rope, straightening up behind the Last Magician with another dollar bill in her hand; which she slaps against the other woman's ass, bringing the staple gun into play again, and ker-chunk securing the faded green decoration in place!

Woo: Rhodes is on a rampage!

Gomez: No, Woo, she's on a Brawl!

Rhodes sends Sally on her way with a firm kick to the stapled bill, sending her through the middle rope onto the apron, then diving to the corner where she swiftly unlaces the turnbuckle pad and hurls it out toward the crowd with a grin and a snap-point to the kid who catches it. She's got half an eye on her opponent, though, catching Talfourd as she comes running back in, dropping low and scooping her up and over to bring her face-first into the exposed corner! There's a gout of blood, and Sally stumbles backwards - but doesn't go down, ducking under an attempted follow-up by Rhodes, hooking her in a three-quarter facelock and running at the same, exposed corner...

At the last second, Sally springs from her feet, leaping over the post onto the outside of the ring and driving Rhodes into a similar face-first collision to her own! The trifecta is complete; everybody's busted open, and the crowd is raging back and forth, chanting for all three competitors as brand pride ignites throughout the arena.

The crimson-masked Moxie is on his feet with the caned and pained Amis, his mentor pulling staples from his flesh as the prodigy scowls over at Sally Talfourd, who's catching her breath on the apron, wiping the blood from her own eyes as she struggles to split her attention between both her opponents - aware they're both still very much a danger. Melinda is pulling herself up in the far corner, grinning in spite of - because of - all the bedlam and blood, lifting both arms to point a finger gun at each of her opponents and mime pulling the triggers, her grin only getting wider.

Shoving Amis away suddenly, Moxie erupts forward into the ring, and Rhodes strides forward to meet him.

BAM! RHODES KILL! Rebel bursts into her signature spear, driving Moxie halfway through the ropes, but he hooks an arm and holds on, seizing a guillotine to stop his opponent from escaping - clearly stunned by the blow but keeping his wits regardless, nothing but pure British steel as he forces himself to straighten up, hauling Rhodes up with him in spite of her struggling! She hooks a hand in his tights, squirms and lands on her feet, but he pulls her up and over with a pumphandle, growling as he spins out and falls backwards, dropping the FX Broadcast Champ with MOXIE'S ENDGAME!

The ring quakes on impact, but Moxie has no time to press in for the cover, because Sally Talfourd is diving off the corner post, going for what transpires to be a flying NOTHING as she tucks into a roll instead, going under an attempted counter and catching Moxie as he turns, whipping her slender body into a stunning headscissors armbar! LAST SUMMER!! With a passionate yell, the Last Magician wrenches back on the hold, entrapping her prodigious foe completely in the center of the ring! Out of absolutely nowhere, Moxie is in a world of trouble, and Rhodes is stirring, dragging herself to the outside as he ails and starts to sink to one knee, the official looking for the submission as he roars in pain, blood dripping from his chin. He's fighting, straining, but his eyes are rolling into the back of his skull as Sally tightens her grip...

Moxie falls forward, with Talfourd on top of him, but the bell isn't ringing. Desperately, she rolls him up for the pin!

ONE...



TWO...



TH--- NO!!!

On the cusp of victory, Sally's yanked from on top of Moxie, her eyes wide amidst a spreading crimson mask as Rhodes pulls her to her feet, and swings something at her head - a small hessian sack. It bursts on impact, and Sally's showered in shiny nickels as she wavers and falls, crashing down senseless as Rebel unleashes a bellow to the cheering arena, slamming her fists against her breast and throwing up the devil horns! In a whirl of motion, she scoops Moxie up, and bum rushes him between the ropes, then dives atop Sally Talfourd, on her back and punching the air with the count!

ONE...



TWO...



TH-REE!!!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, via pinfall ... MELINDA RHODES!

On the outside, Amis has pulled Moxie to his feet and is slapping him alert in frustration and dismay, gesticulating toward the ring where Rebel Rhodes is grinning and laughing, stumbling to her feet stained in blood and dripping with sweat. Her music is all but drowned out by the crowd as she gestures around her waist and points to the heavens - promising her impending ascension, before she slowly winds her arm down, finger points out toward Moxie. 'Bang', she mouths, and the Brit spares her a furious scowl, shoving Amis away before marching toward the back. Melinda just laughs all the harder, wiping the slick of blood from her face before accepting her belt and hoisting it in the air. Before long she moves to check on the fallen Sally, pulling her to a seated position and offering her a firm shake of the hand to a renewed explosion of appreciation from the crowd.

Woo: All's fair in love, war, and the pursuit of championship gold as Melinda Rhodes secures herself a shot at the International Championship! We've got a long way to go before the end of StrangleMania, but we may be catching an early glimpse of the future of Monday Night Brawl.

Gomez: She out-brawled Moxie, and out-smarted Sally Talfourd to earn this shot, and you can bet King Flip just got a wake-up call. This has been a long time coming for Rebel Rhodes! What a huge win! This is what happens when you come prepared, Woo!

Woo: She was up against all the technical acumen it's possible to be up against, and plenty of experience and cunning from a reputable peer in SalTal, who looked to have the prodigious Moxie on the ropes - but the Last Magician couldn't summon up the magic necessary to deal with a good old-fashioned bag of nickels.

Gomez: We decided the EWC North American championship in the next one folks, right after this! 

Camera cuts to ...

CAR TRUNK MATCH

For the EWC North American Championship!

Salvation
VS Marcu$ $t. John

MATCH WRTIER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em

We return to ringside where a giant classic cadillac with a trunk that could fit three bodies is being positioned at the bottom of the entrance ramp. 

Woo: Opening comments

Gomez: Opening comments

Dobrev: The following match is a Car Trunk Match where the only way to win is to place your opponent in the trunk of a car. And it is for the EWC North American Title. Joining us first, the challenger, 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.

Dobrev: And the opponent, coming to the ring at 6'1" and weighing 210 pounds, the EWC North American Champion, it's The Young Mogul... 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

Salvation starts by hitting Marcu$ with a right hand. More right hands back Marcu$ back into the corner. Salvation sends Marcu$ across the ring with an Irish Whip and he hits the corner hard. Marcu$ staggers out of the corner where Salvation grabs Marcu$ in a headlock before punching him hard. Marcu$ spins and Salvation grabs him. Salvation lifts him for a side suplex but he pushes Marcu$ and Marcu$ lands face first onto the mat. Salvation places a foot on the back of Marcu$$’ neck and drops on it with a legdrop while driving an elbow into his back at the same time. Salvation lifts Marcu$ off the mat and dumps him into the corner. Salvation rams knees into his gut and a back elbow before whipping Marcu$ off the ropes. Marcu$ leapfrogs over a ducking Salvation and drops him to the mat with a clothesline, a body slam and a hip toss. Marcu$ runs off the ropes and leaps for a Lou Thez Press but Salvation counters with a spinebuster and an elbow drop to the chest. Salvation runs off the ropes but rebounds into a spinning heel kick. Salvation staggers to his feet and stumbles into the corner. Marcu$ runs at him hitting a corner clothesline. Marcu$ takes a few steps back and hits a second corner clothesline. Marcu$ steps back and runs for a third but Salvation gets his feet up to block. Marcu$ grabs the raised feet and drops Salvation with a powerbomb.

Woo: Both men down in the ring right now.

Gomez: Salvation will be happy right now that this can not end on a pinfall or this may have been over after that powerbomb.

Both men roll from the ring. Both reach under the ring and pull out a chair before rolling back into the ring. Both look at the other for a second before a chair duel breaks out. The sound of clashing steel echoes through the stadium as chair collides with chair. Salvation catches Marcu$ in the ribs and Marcu$ drops to the mat where Salvation brings the chair down across his back three more times. Salvation throws the chair down and pulls Marcu$ to his feet. He drops Marcu$ with a snap suplex onto the chair. Salvation pulls Marcu$ to his feet and drops him onto the chair with a Malpractice. Salvation walks around the ring as Marcu$ drags himself to his feet. Salvation lashes out with Hello Nurse dropping Marcu$ to the mat once again. Salvation exits the ring and drags Marcu$ out. Salvation leans Marcu$ against the apron and hits a right hand to the jaw. A second one is blocked by Marcu$ who dishes out a barrage of his own right hands. Marcu$ whips Salvation into the ringside and scoops him up hitting a bodyslam. Marcu$ climbs to the apron and leaps at Salvation hitting a Lou Thez press and a series of forearm smashes. Marcu$ again climbs to the apron and this time he drops onto Salvation with an elbow drop. Marcu$ pulls Salvation to his feet and whips him into the ring post. Salvation smacks into the post and drops to his hands and knees. He crawls towards the ramp. Marcu$ smacks him across the back with a chair. Salvation pulls himself to his feet and he runs at Marcu$ who spins him with a Powerslam at the foot of the ramp. Both lay on the ground.

Woo: Both giving it their all here!

Gomez: Sadly, for them, they’ll need to give a little more here. Victory is in sight but who has the fortitude to take it?

Both are on their feet. Marcu$ lashes out with a right hand. Salvation hits one of his own another staggers Marcu$. Salvation charges at him but Marcu$ grabs Salvation’s arm and spins him into an Eat Defeat. Marcu$ pulls Salvation to his feet and leads him to the top of the ramp where a car is parked. He throws Salvation at the car and he hits off it’s side. Marcu$ goes for a right hand that Salvation ducks. Salvation grabs Marcu$ and throws him onto the side of the car with a Russian leg sweep. Marcu$ drops to his knees where Salvation boots him in the ribs. Salvation grabs Marcu$ and leads him to the back of the car but Marcu$ grabs the back of Salvation’s head and smacks his face off the car. Salvation drops to the ground clutching his face. A close up camera angle shows us blood is pouring from the bridge of his nose. Marcu$ runs hitting a Money Stomp. Marcu$ grabs an arm and drags Salvation to the back of the car. He reaches to lift Salvation but Salvation kicks Marcu$ in the head. Marcu$ clutches his head as Salvation grabs him and drops him onto the car with a side suplex. Marcu$ rolls to the ground. Salvation pulls him to his feet and hoists Marcu$ onto his shoulder. He carries Marcu$ to the side of the car and lawn darts him into the window of the back seat.

Woo: OH MY GOD!!!

Gomez: There is blood and glass all over the back seat of that car. Victory could just be a formality at this point.

Salvation pulls Marcu$ back out of the car. Marcu$ drops on the ground and we see the blood flowing from the cuts on his face and head. Salvation drags Marcu$ to his feet and applies a front facelock to drag him to the back of the car. Salvation opens the trunk and slams Marcu$ into it. Salvation pulls the trunk down but Marcu$ stops the door fully closing with an arm. Marcu$ pushes the trunk open and punches Salvation away. Marcu$ gets to his feet and leaps at Salvation with a blockbuster. Both pull themselves to their feet. Salvation runs at Marcu$ who ducks a clothesline before scooping Salvation up onto his shoulders. Marcu$ opens the trunk of the car and drops Salvation into it with a Death Valley Driver. Marcu$ brings the door down but Salvation stops it with a leg. Marcu$ opens the trunk and punches at Salvation who punches back at Marcu$. Salvation reaches up and grabs at the door and pulls it down on the back of Marcu$. He drops to the floor clutching the back of his neck as Salvation climbs out of the car. Salvation grabs Marcu$ and places only his head and neck in the car before bringing the trunk door down on him. Twice. Marcu$ rolls around on the floor in pain. He pulls himself to his feet with one hand holding the back of his neck. Salvation runs hitting a Spear followed by a Moonsault from the trunk of the car for the full Phasing. Both lay on the ground from the impact of the Moonsault.

Woo: What more can or will these two do to each other?

Gomez: I don’t know! I’m not even sure if I want to find out or not!

Both slowly get to their feet. Marcu$ grabs Salvation and hits a snap suplex. He grabs Salvation for a second one but Salvation punches at his ribs to break the hold. Marcu$ drops to his knees. Salvation drags him to the side of the car and opens the back door. He opens the back door and places Marcu$’ head in on the seat and slams the door. Marcu$ drops to the ground. Salvation drags him to his feet and lifts Marcu$ onto his shoulders. He opens the door, bodyslams Marcu$ into the trunk and slams the door down shut.

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner and the NEW EWC North American Champion... SALVATION!

The referee hands the championship to Salvation. He climbs onto the top of the car and holds his newly won championship high above his head in celebration. He steps down from the car and stomps on the trunk where Marcu$ still lays.

Woo: We have a new champion here at StrangleMania and his name is Salvation! This was an absolute war that both men went through!

Gomez: That it was. Marcu$ $t John was a great champion but all good things come to an end. He fought valiantly here tonight but not many people get up after getting their head slammed in a door. Marcu$ was one of them. However I applaud him for tonight and for his reign as a whole

Woo: M$J still hast that Main Event for the EWC Undisputed championship and the Legend of the Ring title to fight in. One has to wonder if he is not going to be at an extreme disadvantage in that one now. 

Gomez: We shall see Marcus, but right now all we know... is that Wednesdays just got SAVED... And up next we will see the Tag Team titles on the line in a FLAMING TABLES MATCH!!!

Camera cuts to ...

We open up backstage to Bloody Sureiyāzu’s locker room. A closer zoom up reveals Narumi and Aiya are sitting beside each other, watching the ending of Damage Inc’s most recent promo. Aiya sighs as she weakly chuckles, shakes her head, and then looks over at Narumi.

”Headhuntress” Aiya: Wouldn’t it have been obvious enough that after winning the fatal four way at Rampage #510 that we do not hate each other for the unfortunate match up regarding the Legends of the Ring tournament? Like, seriously, I know they have a lot of brawn, but I thought they had some brains in there. Why do people keep thinking this? I don’t fucking understand it at all …

Narumi also shakes her head and looks down annoyed.

Narumi Tsutsumi: Indeed. It’s not like we picked out the order of Legends of the Ring, and both of us are mature enough to understand this tough sport where sometimes you have to fight battles that aren’t personal. I get real tired of everyone questioning our motives and saying we don’t take this tag division seriously…despite us being one of the teams with the most matches this season. And then, one of my opponents in the main event accuses wrestling to be simply a hobby for me. I reigned 419 days and 10 defences as Indy Champion in some of the most hardcore matches in wrestling just to mess around as a rich person in a sport I don’t care about?

Aiya flashes Narumi a sly smirk.

”Headhuntress” Aiya: You looked damn good doing so at least.

She stifles a chuckle as she shakes her head, a more stoic expression swiftly returning.

”Headhuntress” Aiya: Yeah, no. I don’t get that logic at all.

Aiya looks up, now staring at the camera.

”Headhuntress” Aiya: Is that a really horrible way of handling your losses this season so far? Trying to find something or someone else to blame it on? You know, like how you guys did with Dalilah back when we met at Prime 99? I hate to say it, but that logic doesn’t matter and you two should know that. It was still Damage Inc + Dalilah Ashe vs. Shinijoshi and who got pinned? A member of FEUD, not us. That’s not a silver lining much nowadays … come on …

Narumi smirks.

Narumi Tsutsumi: These are the same guys who sent a statement to 3pAC about how they technically don’t have a loss because they weren’t pinned in their triple threat match. Which I understand is true towards the EWC stats, but when I’m in a match and don’t walk out the victor, I’m not exactly happy about it. But I do appreciate the respect they showed us, I’ll even ignore what they said about us abandoning our other partners because they simply couldn’t understand things that aren’t their business, but is another reason people shouldn’t make assumptions about people’s unspoken motives. I focus on what happens in that ring and what people actually say, and tonight everyone best believe Aiya and I will do our best towards making our careers legendary.

Aiya nods firmly in agreement.

”Headhuntress” Aiya: Luckily for you guys, I agree fully about the respect part. That absolutely was noted and appreciated from me. There’s a lot I also could ignore. But when it comes to things like not just our motives, but spouting the same nonsense The Southern Express repeatedly attempted to about how only teams devoted solely to the tag division should be holding those titles? Nah, that definitely doesn’t sit well with me. It’s exactly why I listed a good handful of names of other teams who have been able to hold not only the tag team titles, but typically another one as well. In fact, at least one - if not both - members of some of those units have been double champions.

So sorry to disappoint you, Damage Inc. But we’re not going to ‘stay in our lane’ like how the Express tried to tell other opponents numerous times before. If anything, we’re stepping over the proverbial line in the sand and will continue to find ways to prove ourselves, through any and all means, regardless of how tonight plays out. So get used to seeing us again because we’re not going anywhere … except out to the ring to see about leaving as …..

Aiya & Narumi: THE NEW EWC TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!

Narumi then picks up her shinai seated next to her, and winks while speaking the following.

Narumi Tsutsumi: And then after that you lovely fans won’t be seeing the last of me, as I’ll be back out again soon for the Undisputed Championship too!

Both women rise to their feet, and shinai in hand Narumi joins Aiya with hitting their double deuce sign as the show continues.

FLAMING TABLES MATCH

For The EWC World Tag Team Championship!


Bloody Sreiyāzu
VS Damage Inc

MATCH WRTIER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em

We return to ringside where Paramedics are now standing by as someone is about to be set on fire!

Woo: the EWC World Tag Team Champions have had their share of brutal wars, but this one might be the biggest yet. Shinjoshi's Bloody Sureiyazu has an offense unlike anything those big meaty men from Damage Inc have ever seen!

Gomez: This is going to be a blood bath no matter what happens Woo, and i'm here for it! SET SOME SHIT ON FIRE ALREADY!!!

Dobrev: The following match is a Flaming Tables Match for the EWC Tag Team Titles. Joining us first, 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.

Dobrev: And the opponents, Introducing first, fighting out of the Fear Factory Dojo and weighing in at a combined 725 pounds… Malice… MAYHEM… Your EWC Tag Team Champions:... DAMAGE INCORPORATED!

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

Removing their masks the group marches in lock step down the ramp to the ring in the shadow of Bedlam Briggs, Lacey's personal security.  Once between the ropes both Malice and Mayhem brandish their title belts before huddling up to go over their final game plan, each member sizing up their opponents and getting ready for a war. Briggs holds the ropes open for Lacey before the bell rings where she takes her place at ringside where she prepares to aid her team however she can while being shielded from harm at all times by the monstrous form of Bedlam.

DING DING DING

Malice charges at Narumi hitting her with a clothesline. On the opposite side of the ring, Mayhem runs at Aiya hitting a clothesline. Malice chops Narumi hard across the chest and whips her off the ropes. He pushes her into the air taking her to the mat with a pop up Samoan Drop. He lifts Narumi onto his shoulder for a running powerslam but Narumi slips off Malice’s shoulders and shoves him into the corner. Narumi stings Malice with knife edge chops to the chest. Narumi runs hitting Malice with a corner splash while also ramming a knee into his jaw. Narumi takes a few steps back and runs at Malice hitting him with a rear view that drops him to a seated position in the corner where he is easy prey for a bronco buster. Narumi lashes out with a roundhouse kick that Malice blocks taking Narumi to the mat with a northern lights suplex. Malice runs for a spear but Narumi leapfrogs him and runs off the ropes. Malice scoops her up hitting a gorilla press slam. Narumi staggers to her feet and stumbles into the corner. Maice charges at her but Narumi jumps through the ropes to the apron just as Malice runs into the now empty corner. Narumi grabs Maice and brings him down over the top rope. He staggers and coughs as Narumi climbs to the top turnbuckle. She leaps for a poisonrana but Malice counters driving Narumi to the mat with an electric chair drop.

Woo: Good idea, shame about the landing, she may have to settle for bronze.

Gomez: More like black and blue after that.

While we’ve been focused on Malice and Narumi, the fight between Aiya and Mayhem has gone to the outside of the ring. Aiya leaps from the steps at Mayhem for a coup de grace but Mayhem rolls out of the way and Aiya lands on nothing but her own feet. Mayhem boots her in the gut and positions Aiya for a package piledriver. Somehow Aiya manages to break free and she spins Mayhem with a code red on the floor. He strugles to his feet. Aiya runs at him with a dropkick that sends Mayhem crashing through the ringside barrier. Aiya tries to lift Mayhem but he backdrops her onto the hard floor. Mayhem throws a fan from their chair and smacks Aiya across the back with the chair. Mayhem gets into the ring with Malice and Narumi. Malice lifts Narumi into a Hart Attack position but Narumi leaps from his grasp and down onto Mayhem with a cross body. Narumi fires a superkick at Mayhem once he is back on his feet. He catches her foot to block the move and tosses her foot away. Narumi spins on her other foot and cracks Mayhem with a dragon whip. She runs at Malice and leaps over him and brings the back of his neck down onto the top rope. Narumi again climbs to the top turnbuckle and dives at Malice. This time she hits a hurricanrana that brings Malice down onto Mayhem. Narumi turns to Malice but he’s on his feet and he blasts Narumi with a clothesline. Malice peels her of the mat and holds Narumi in a full nelson as Mayhem gets to his feet. Mayhem superkicks Narumi and Malice takes her over with a full nelson slam. Malice instructs Mayhem to get a table. He heads outside and under the ring. Mayhem pulls out a table and slides it into the ring. They position the table in the ring as Malice holds up a box of matches. Aiya rolls into the ring with a chair in hand. Mayhem dives out of the ring. Aiya catches Malice on the shoulder as he exits on the other side of the ring. Mayhem tries to sneak in behind Aiya but she turns and smack him in the side of the head with the chair. He falls to the mat and drops to ringside. Malice slips in the other side but Aiya drives the chair into his ribs doubling him over. Aiya drops the chair to the mat and drives Malice down onto it with an X-Factor.

Woo: Had pinfalls counted in this match, it could have been over right there.

Gomez: Could? Maybe but I don’t believe it would. Get it? Wood? It’s a tables match!

Aiya helps Narumi to her feet. Narumi runs off the ropes and Aiya lifts her into a gorilla press and drops her onto Malice. Aiya runs off the ropes and hits Malice with a shining wizard. Malice rolls from the ring. Mayhem rolls in the other side and clotheslines Narumi knocking her to the mat. Mayhem grabs Aiya and throws her head first into the corner. She drops to the ground where Mayhem puts the boots to her with mudhole stomps. Narumi charges at Mayhem but runs into a hard shoulder block and drops to the mat. She gets to her feet and signals a request for one more go. Mayhem grins and seems agreeable. Narumi again runs and again runs into a shoulder block. This time as she goes down, she drags Mayhem to the mat with her in an arm drag. Narumi grabs at Mayhem’s left arm holding it in an armbar as Aiya runs at him hitting a dropkick to his shoulder. Mayhem clutches at his shoulder but gets to his feet. Narumi grabs the chair and throws it at Mayhem’s shoulder he drops to the mat clutching his shoulder. Narumi grabs the arm in another armbar while also wrapping an arm around Mayhem’s neck holding him in a dragon sleeper as he lays on his front on the mat. Again, Aiya comes running in with a dropkick. Mayhem drops to the mat. Malice slides into the ring and runs through Aiya with a spear. Narumi charges at him but he takes her over with a back drop. He blasts her with forearms to the back and shoulders before lifting Narumi to the top turnbuckle. He grabs Narumi and drives her to the mat with a muscle buster. Malice drags her to her feet and throws Narumi at the corner. She hits the corner hard and slumps to the ground where her head rests on the bottom turnbuckle. Malice turns his attentions to the table that he sets up in the middle of the ring. Aiya runs at him but, with just one hand Malice grabs her and smacks her head on the table. Narumi is back on her feet she runs at Malice with a clothesline. He ducks it and smacks Narumi with a savate kick. Malice grabs Narumi and tosses her over the top rope to the outside. Malice then hits Aiya with a suplex as Mayhem rolls into the ring holding a small, yellow, plastic bottle.

Woo: I know what that bottle is, this can not be good.

Gomez: Good or not, it IS the stipulation of the match! You wanna go home as a Tag Team Champion, then tables, and to a lesser extent opponents, need to burn

Malice grabs Aiya as Mayhem pulls himself to the top turnbuckle. Malice then positions Aiya and they drive her to the mat with a NailGun. Mayhem tosses a plastic bottle to Malice and lifts one of his own they both spray the table with the liquid. Mayhem holds a book of matches into the air. Before he can tear one out and scratch it’s head, Narumi springs into the ring with a dropkick to Mayhem’s back that knocks him into Malice sending Malice rolling out of the ring. Narumi smacks at Mayhem with forearms and runs at him for a cross body. Mayhem catches her in mid air and bodyslams Megumi down onto Aiya. Mayhem lifts Narumi up onto his shoulders for… something but she slips off his shoulders and brings him to the mat with a fameasser. Malice is back in the ring. He knocks Narumi down with a clothesline. He turns around as Aiya runs at him hitting a spear to his ribs. Malice isn’t down for long. He’s back on his feet and he grabs Aiya. Before he can do anything, Narumi gives him an Improper Offering right to the eyes. Malice can’t see. He swings wildly with right hands that hit nothing before Aiya and Narumi backdrop him over the top rope to the outside floor. They turn their attentions to Mayhem and there is No Fighting Back for him as they lash out with a series of kicks, strikes and elbows.

Woo: They are kicking all kinds of ass here at StrangleMania.

Gomez: They have to. They also need to be quick. The pace quickens and it benefits Bloody Sureiyāzu. The pace slows and it favors Damage Inc.

Narumi and Aiya lash out at Mayhem with Midnight Kill. Mayhem catches a kick from Aiya and throws it into Narumi. She is sent flying from the ring but lands on her feet on the outside of the ring. That is until she gets blasted by a Clothesline from Malice anyway. Inside the ring Mayhem hits one of his own to Aiya. Malice slides into the ring as Mayhem picks up the book of matches and sets the table alight. Malice slips to the second turnbuckle as Mayhem lifts Aiya from the mat. He lifts her onto Malice’s shoulders. Malice climbs to the top turnbuckle as he prepares for a powerbomb. At the last second, Aiya counters with a hurricanrana that sends Malice through the burning table.

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winners and NEW EWC Tag Team Champions BLOODY SUREIYĀZU!

Narumi rolls in to the ring with the Tag Team Titles and hands one to Aiya who is leaning on the top rope in a bid to stay on her feet. They hold the Tag Team Titles high in the air as officials, Lacey Savage and Mayhem tend to Malice behind them.

Woo: What a match! What a fight! With the smoke quite literally clearing, Narumi Tsutsumi and “Headhuntress” Aiya are the new Tag Team Champions!

Gomez: When Malice had her up there for the powerbomb, I thought this was going to be a title defense. That’s how close this match was. Damage Incorporated were good Tag Team Champions and I believe a rematch at the titles can not be far away. I just hope Malice heals up well first.

Woo: Well, Damage Inc did not have that all important Succ Def to guarantee themselves a rematch, but I am sure they will battle back and earn one! 

Gomez: You definitely do Succ Def Woo.. You definitely do.... ANYWAY! We're only about halfway through the night, up next Ace King and Ibuki Ito renew the rivalry that everyone enjoys to watch! 

Camera cuts to ...

The camera cuts backstage inside the Estadio Monumental U Marathon where we find Pepper Montana standing by.

Montana: Ladies and gentlemen please help me welcome at this time, ‘The Prodigal Son’ Buddy Love!!!

The camera pulls back a little to show Buddy Love, dressed in a jacket and bow tie, as he smiles and laughs at Pepper…

Love: You know Pepper, when I first started managing here in the EWC and was told I was doing an interview with Pepper Montana I got all excited and made sure my hair was nice and sprayed on some extra cologne to smell all nice because I thought you were a GIRL!!!

Buddy doubles over laughing uncontrollably as Pepper looks on…

Montana: Yeah, it was a rather common mistake made by people around here…

Buddy, still laughing, looks up at him through watery eyes…

Love: I mean…who names their son Pepper…

Montana: I don’t know, who names their son Buddy???

Buddy stands up, the laughing stops as he looks at Pepper Montana…

Love: That’s really mean Pepper…I’m named after a close personal friend of my fathers, Buddy Stevens…

Pepper blinks and realizing he’s in the wrong and tries to walk it back…

Montana: Buddy I’m…

Love: No, I mean my father and Buddy Stevens were really close, they use to ‘tag team’ back in the day…funny thing is I’ve never seen them together in the ring but they racked up a lot of ‘wins’ he said back in the day…

Pepper puts his hand over his face, trying not to laugh at Buddy…

Love: But my point is people thought you were a chick and yet you are a dude…I just think that’s funny but your lack of professionalism isn’t funny Pepper…I’m a guest, I was willing to do this interview with YOU and not Ace Heart and then you come out here and make fun of my name…

Montana: Buddy…

Love: No, that hurts and for you to do that tonight of all nights…StrangleMania…the show of shows, our Super Bowl, our Daytona 500, our Masters…our 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest…this is such a HUGE night for us, for me…I have THREE clients on this card, Ruthless Aggression, Gabrielle Visconty and Ibuki Ito and you are out here making fun of my name…

Montana: Buddy, I’m sorry…

Buddy smiles and slaps Pepper on his back…

Love: Thanks Pepper, it’s very big of you…now about tonight…last year the fans of the EWC were left wanting more, like when you eat Chinese food, it’s super cool for a bit but 5 mins after you’re done you are hungry again right…and that’s what last years draw between Ibuki and Ace King, our fans were left with a TIE, in the Main Event of StrangleMania when the Undisputed Championship was on the line…a TIE, it’s like kissing your sister…

Montana: I hear kissing your sister is pretty cool…

Love: Yeah, I’ve read for a ‘good time’ you should call her…well at least that’s what a bunch of bathroom stalls in my hometown said…

Pepper once again tries to hide his laughter with his hand…

Love: You heard them last season, chanting ‘Let Them Fight!!!’ they wanted an overtime period and that’s just what we are giving them now, a conclusion to last year’s StrangleMania and sure the Undisputed Championship isn’t on the line and yeah, I’ve seen the talking heads say that this is a ‘throw away match’ because the EWC didn’t have anything else for them since they lost in the Elite 8…this match mean something to Ibuki and I’m assuming it does to Ace as well so sit back and watch as they STEAL-THIS-MANIA!!!

Buddy laughs at his play on words…

Love: But don’t take my word for it, here is the man himself to say a few words…

Buddy stretches out his arm and points as Ibuki Ito walks into frame…

Montana: Ibuki…

But Ibuki holds up his hand, cutting Pepper off…

Ito: Pepper, with all due respect…tonight marks the third straight year Ace King and I are facing off on the grandest stage, two years ago I walked out with the X-Division Championship when I beat Ace and Wes Walker…last season Ace and I fought to a draw in the Main Event with the EWC Undisputed Championship on the line and tonight…the two of us fight in a Falls Count Anywhere…

Montana: BUT with no championship on the line…

Ito: Pride is on the line Pepper and can you honestly stand there and tell me that the winner of tonight’s match doesn’t walk out an instant top contender for the Undisputed Championship…maybe even becoming the #1 Contender with the brand ppvs on the horizon…that’s the importance and what’s on the line here tonight…not to mention setting the tone for the rest of the season…

Ibuki looks at Buddy and then back at Pepper…

Ito: Last season, for me, it was all about the EWC Undisputed Championship, I was more EWC than Paramount…my focus was on trying to be the best in the EWC and I neglected my brand…it was an eye opener to lose to Marcu$ $t. John in Paramount’s Elite 8 and he’s representing Paramount tonight and rightfully so…he’s been the face of Paramount and I’m setting out this season to change that…I’m going to refocus my attention on my brand, I’m going to make a push for the North American Championship and take my place at the top of my own brand…

Buddy rubs his hands together…

Ito: But that’s tomorrow, tonight Ace King and I will embark on Round 3 and will tear this place apart…I know he’s down, off to a terrible start to his season and questioning his place in the EWC and wondering if he fits anymore but me…I know my place, I know I belong and when it comes to StrangleMania I know I’ve had his number here…I’m here tonight in Peru to make a statement, to remind the people of the EWC just who I am…I’m ready to put my body through hell once again in order to beat Ace King…Falls Count Anywhere, it’s time to remind people why I am a two time X-Division Champion and what better way than to beat Ace King out in the walkway in front of the merch stand amongst the fans…

Ibuki pauses for a moment…

Ito: I respect Ace King, I always have and always will…he’s a icon here in the EWC and in the business and I have a chance tonight to end our feud with a statement win…that’s what tonight is for me, to beat him and move past him here in the EWC and show everyone that I’m here and ready to make my 2023 push!!!

Ibuki walks off camera as Buddy smiles at Pepper Montana, he gives him a wink and follows Ibuki off camera…

We are in another part of the backstage area, this time with King Flip bandaging his own midsection with a little assistance from his manager behind him. The King winces many times through this process as we watch on for what feels like a minute before anything else goes on. Peru fires up as from stage left comes Chris Brock with a nice, big smile on his face. Flip scoffs as he makes the final tightening pull on the bandage, bracing it into place with a small metal clasp.

King Flip: To what do I owe the pleasure, Chris Brock? Before you speak, brother, know that your words carry weight with them. Make them important.

Flip tosses the roll of medical tape into the air and Chanel steps back to catch it, further walking away from the stemming level of aggression between the International champion and the General Manager of Paramount.

King Flip: Actually... let me guess. This should be fun. You enjoyed watching me beat the shit out of Tanja Devereaux so much that you want to pay me to do it to Darna Dare and get your Apple TV+ broadcast championship back?

The crowd 'oohs' and 'ahhs' at the prospect of King Flip and Darna Dare dancing once again. Chris Brock appears unmoved.

King Flip: No? Okay. Another guess! Chris Brock is just fascinated with King Flip's... drip. You want to know who I get these gorgeous burgundy suits?

Peru laughs and cheers, breaking out a "King Flip drip!" chant as Chris Brock remains unflinchingly unimpressed.

King Flip: Still no? Ahem. Well... ONE LAST GUESS! Okay. This isn't about the violence of the glass tables match. This isn't about me flossin' and glossin'... hmm. Hmm. HMMMMM.

King Flip gets uncomfortably close to Chris Brock as he jovially 'hmms' with increasing intensity, brandishing his chin with a cartoonish rub. He throws his forefinger up.

King Flip: Aha! Of course... of cooooooourse, Chris Brock. You should've said something sooner.

The International champion throws his left arm around Chris Brock and turns them both toward Chanel in the background. She was still busy getting the King's things together to get ready for the next match, not realizing at first that these guys are now looking at them.

King Flip: I would be proud to call you my brother-in-law, Chris Brock.

Chanel: Wait, what?

Finally, Chris Brock responds.

Brock: You're obviously in a mood tonight Flip, what with calling out the entire EWC locker room and then getting brutalized by Tanja Deveraux... so I will cut right to it. I came to discuss your upcoming appearance on Paramount.

Flip and Chanel both look at Brock like he's talking gibberish.

Brock: No? Yea didn't think so.. See, you really need to learn to read a contract before you sign it. You remember the one that gave you this match against Tanja that you so wanted? Yea, you also agreed to be in a match on Paramount this season. A match "of the General Manager's choosing" is how the contract reads in fact.

The atmosphere changes quickly as the audience erupts at the news. Flip, on the other hand, removes his arm from around the General Manager with a look of great emotional distress. He places his right hand above his heart.

King Flip: Chris Brock! I! Am wounded!

He cries out, shakily dropping to one very exaggerated knee.

King Flip: Hearken to the day, mine brethren that thou wouldst injure mine heart and soul ove-

The General Manager remains unmoved by Flip's antics, so he cuts them short. The King stands up and dusts himself off a bit before continuing.

King Flip: Well, that's just rude, Christopher Louis Brock. I don't know why you would do that to me, but, on the other hand, Buddy Love was very rude to me when last I visited. Perhaps it's high time I make a return. Anything else?

He opens his hands, as if to non-verbally say he's open to anything else the General Manager may have to throw his way.

Brock: Wait, you think my middle name is Louis?!

no one answers that question.

Brock: regardless, no. that's all I have for you. I will leave the mystery of who you will be facing and what kind of match it will be in up in the air for now. Oh and Flip, good luck against Dio tonight. You're gonna need it after that match with Tanja.

Brock walks off, leaving Flip and Chanel to stare dumbfoundedly at one another for a moment. You hear the locker room door shut on his way out. At which point Flip slams his balled right fist into the locker nearest him two, three, four times over before stopping in a huff. He mocks the Paramount General Manager.

King Flip: 'Good luck against Dio tonight.' That son of a bitch, the fucking snake, he's going to pay for that. I told him. You HEARD me tell him.

Chanel: You told a mothafucka.

King Flip: I TOLD HIM... and yet he still weasels in here like he's Bobby Heenan himself. The mad lad. I'd tip my hat off to him if I didn't want to shove it down his Goddamn throat. But I told him... his words carried weight. Now with them he will make the ultimate payment.

Chanel: Flip, what the hell are you--

King Flip: I've got to go see a guy. Yeah. See a guy about a thing.

After an exchange of utter nonsense, Flip now exits the room and we focus on a very bewildered Chanel before fading away.

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE

A Rivalry Revisited!


Ace King
VS Ibuki Ito

MATCH WRTIER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em

We return to ringside where the rubble of the Tag Team match has been cleared and the fans are rabid for more violence! 

Woo: Chris Brock already kicking Flip while he's down and injured!

Gomez: Sometimes this happens.. When you fuck around, you find out! Speaking of finding out, we're about to find out who will win this Falls Count Anywhere Match!

Dobrev: The following contest is a Falls Count Anywhere Match! Joining us first, 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.

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

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

Dobrev: Making his way to the ring, from Las Vegas, Nevada and weighing in at 229 pounds... He is THE GAMBLER... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINGGGGGG!!!

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

DING DING DING

King opens with a European uppercut that staggers Ito. King grabs him and rams him head first into the turnbuckles. King then dumps Ito into the corner and unloads with kicks to the gut that double him over. King grabs Ito hitting a DDT. King makes a cover.

ONE…



TW… NO! KICK OUT!

Ito gets an early shoulder up to break the count. King rags him to his feet and tosses him through the ropes to the floor. King follows but Ito is on his feet. Ito catches King with a series of right hands before whipping King into the ring apron. Ito grabs King for a suplex but King reverses and suplexes Ito into the ring steps. He lifts Ito to his feet but Ito shoulder barges King over the ringside barrier. Both men punch, fight and brawl as they head though the crowd and up the steps to the concourse. Ito whips King into a merchandise stand and grabs an Emma Louise shirt. Ito tears it in half and wraps it around King’s head and neck. He pulls at it as tight as he can with one hand and punches King with the other. Ito then tosses King into a popcorn stand that explodes on impact sending glass and popcorn everywhere. Ito makes a cover as King lays on the ground.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

King gets a shoulder up to break the count. Ito pulls him to his feet and tosses him through a set of doors.

Woo: Where the hell are they going now?

Gomez: Don’t care. I just hope they don’t come down here and fight on our desk.

The doors lead to a staircase. King is already one flight down as a result of being thrown through the door and falling down them. Ito runs down most of the steps and leaps at King hitting a clothesline that sends King back against the wall. Ito grabs him and attempts a piledriver but King reverses it and backdrops Ito onto the stairs. King makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Ito gets a shoulder into the air to break the count. King pills Ito to his feet and smacks his head against the wall. Ito staggers down the last few steps. King lifts him and bodyslams Ito on the floor. Ito sits up but King dropkicks him in the back of the neck, head and back. He makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Ito rolls a shoulder off the ground to break the count. King drags Ito to his feet and throws him through another doorway.

Woo: Oh for fu… Now where are they going?

Gomez: Where they damn well please. Who is going to stop them?

The door takes them outside the stadium. They exchange punches on a small platform. King boots Ito in the gut and powerbombs him back first onto the rail. King clotheslines Ito onto the platform and makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Ito gets a shoulder off the platform to break the count. King pulls him to his feet but Ito catches him with right hands that have him staggering down the steps and into the parking lot. Ito whips King into a parked car and runs at him. King ducks and backdrops Ito onto the hood of the car. King turns and hooks the leg.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Ito rolls to his side to break the count. Ito slides off the car hood. King cracks him on the side of the head with a Full House. Ito drops to the concrete as King makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Ito lifts an arm of the ground and holds the door handle to keep it in th air.

Woo: So close there. I thought that was it.

Gomez: So did Ace King. Only one that didn’t was Ibuki Ito.

Ito uses the car to pull himself to his feet. King grabs him from behind in a waistlock but Ito counters with a side headlock and drives King’s head through the passenger side window. Ito lifts King onto the hood and then the roof of the car. Ito grabs hold of King and drives him into the car roof with a Tobidashi Naifu. He rolls King over and makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

King rolls to his side to break the count. He keeps rolling and rolls all the way to the floor. Ito leaps for a splash but hits nothing but tarmac as King rolls to the side at the last second. King rolls over and makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Ito rolls King up in a small package.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

King pushes his way free to break the count.

Woo: So close for both men here! I don’t know what is left for them to do!

Gomez: As soon as they work it out, I’m sure we will find out.

King is on his feet first. He reaches into the car and pulls out the steering wheel. King cracks Ito in the gut with it dropping him to one knee. A second shot to the side of the head drops him to the ground where King makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THR… NO! KICK OUT!

Ito rolls to his side breaking the count. King pulls Ito to his feet and drags him to the roof of the car. King lifts him for a Blackjack Bomb but Ito slips out of his grip and kicks the back of King’s knee. Ito cracks King on the back of the head with Konbanwa that knocks King from the car roof to the ground below. Ito slides down the front of the car and makes a cover.

ONE…



TWO…



THREE!!!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, via pinfall IBUKI ITO!

Ito lays on the ground for a moment before slowly getting to his feet. He staggers but the referee is able to hold him steady. Ito leans on the referee as they head back to the arena. EMTs rush to King as he lays in the parking lot.

Woo: This tour of the arena became a tour of pain for both men but Ibuki Ito has come out victorious. That was a fight.

Gomez: They went through windows, stairs, popcorn, doors and cars. This was indeed a fight. Ace King came close to winning this, in fact there were times I thought he had won it but this wasn’t his night. I believe it will be again sooner than later though.

Woo: This is defenitely one of those "Fight Forever" scenarios with Ito and King...

Gomez: The question now is going to be can Mercenary fight long enough to capture EWC Gold? The United States Championship is on the line next!

Camera cuts to ...

The cameras open up backstage, Ace Heart on the hunt for his next sound byte as he spies a familiar door up ahead. His eyes light up, leading the camera crew toward his destination. He stops, turning toward the trailing team and turning on the broadcaster charm.

Ace Heart: Folks, we’re standing outside of Melody Malone’s locker room, hoping to get a word with her regarding the news we heard earlier tonight an-

The door opens, and instead of the Queen, Ace Heart is greeted by both Rory and Rachel standing shoulder to… forehead. Despite the size difference, Rachel’s shoulders are squared confidently attempting to look just as tall as the Scotsman as she looks expectantly to Ace.

Ace Heart: Miss Howard, I was hoping to get a word with Melody Malone in relation to…

His voice trails off, looking at the hulking man standing beside Rachel. His stare is intense, having been paired up with the duo of ladies throughout the depths of the tag team reign. Rory doesn’t speak, however, and it’s Rachel who takes the reins.

Rachel Howard: There will be no interview with Miss Malone. She’s heard the news, like we all have… and she is asking that everyone respect her privacy at this time. Iggy was her tag team partner, but Sondra was her best friend.

Rachel’s words trail off, a look of disappointment and regret seeping across her features before she takes a shaky breath and continues.

Rachel Howard: I speak for Melody, Rory, and everyone at Royalty Holdings LLC that we’re heartbroken by the news and ask that everyone live their life like she would have. Carefree. Unashamed. Loyal… excuse me..

She appears overtaken by emotion, darting back through the locker room door as Rory looks from the door to Ace sternly.

Rory Hyland: Really think you ought to go…

The big man turns, entering the room behind him carefully as to not expose the occupants inside before closing it and Ace Heart frowns, but gives an understanding nod before the cameras focus on the door marker with Malone’s signature crown on it and we cut back to ringside.

CAGE MATCH

For The EWC United States Championship


Mercenary
VS Lavender

MATCH WRTIER: Daphne Kay

We return to ringside where Kat Dawkins is just entering inside the ring as the fifteen foot high steel cage slowly begins to descend down towards the ring.

Woo: StrangleMania has been incredible but now it’s time to see two individuals step inside the fifteen foot high steel beast.

Gomez: Lavender would have a champion’s advantage but not tonight. I have a feeling we will crown a new United States Champion here tonight.

Dobrev: The following match is a steel cage match and it’s for the EWC United States Championship. Joining us first, from West Oakland, California, weighing in at 365 pounds ... MERCENARY!

Black Label Society's Fire It Up starts to play as Mercenary rolls out onto the top of the stage astride his custom Harley Davidson. Pausing he salutes the fans with a raised fist before taking off his signature shades and tossing them out to a lucky fan.

Revving the engine while holding the brake Mercenary burns out before rolling down the ramp in a cloud of smoke. Parking the bike at ringside he stomps up the steps, steps through the ropes and again salutes the audience before throwing some shadow punches and preparing for a fight.

Dobrev: And his opponent, from Seattle, Washington, weighing in at 132 pounds, she is the EWC United States Champion... LAVENDER!

The lights go out as 'Challenge' by Cellar Darling begins to play. The lights flash in time to the intro until the first vocals hit. As the vocals hit smoke billows from behind the curtains and a spotlight shines down upon the center of the stage. The lights come back on shortly afterward and out walks Lavender. She looks out across the crowd as the crowd erupts into cheer. A smile creeps across her face as she embraces their warm welcome.

Lavender begins to make her way down to the ring with a calm and cheerful demeanour. As Lavender reaches the bottom of the ramp she walks over to the steel steps, walks up the steel stairs, and enters the ring. Lavender then climbs the nearest turnbuckle and holds her arms up high in the air to accept the warm adulation from the crowd. Lavender steps down from the turnbuckle and waits for the match to commence.


Woo: Both competitors are feeling the cage as the door is finally shut.

DING DING DING

The bell sounds as Lavender steps out of her corner in a partial crouch stance while keeping her eyes trained on the larger opponent. Mercenary takes a few steps toward her as he swings at her. Lavender ducks her head in the opposite direction as Mercenary continues to swing and miss. As Mercenary is starting to show a little frustration, Lavender catches him with a quick dropkick to his kneecap. Mercenary drops down to one knee as Lavender comes bounding off the ropes. She manages to catch him with a hip attack which rocks him just a little.

Lavender runs toward the ropes looking to connect with a second hip style attack but Mercenary grabs her around the lower half of her body and drops her right down with a side walk slam. An audible gasp escapes from the audience as Mercenary picks Lavender up by her throat and chucks her into the nearest corner.

Lavender’s back smacks hard as Mercenary follows it up with multiple back elbow strikes followed by a few corner stomps. Mercenary runs toward the adjacent ropes and comes back with a vicious face wash nearly taking Lavender’s head off in the process. Mercenary drags Lavender out of the corner, gets on top of her while placing his forearm across her cheek in a pinning combination.

One...




Tw……

Lavender kicks out before the count of two as Mercenary wraps his hand around her throat.

Woo: Mercenary bringing that aggression that he is known for right out the gate tonight. 

Gomez: But will he remember what Ruthanne taught him back in New York? That may prove to be the deciding factor here tonight. 

As Mercenary has his hand wrapped around Lavender’s throat, he goes to lift her up but she catches him in the face with a quick jab. Lavender continues to jab him repeatedly before he places her back down onto her feet. Before she could do anything, Mercenary slams his head into hers which sends her reeling backwards. Mercenary shakes his head as he thinks Lavender is an easy target.

Lavender is leaning against the ring ropes as she hears Mercenary running towards her. At the last possible second, Lavender sidesteps and sends Mercenary face first into the unforgiving steel. Mercenary turns to face her as Lavender grabs him by the head and rams his face repeatedly into the steel cage wall.

Woo: Lavender showing a vicious side here now as well! The silent Princess is not just all bark and no bite that is for sure! 

Gomez: Mercenary better be careful, he gets busted open and bloodloss will slow him down even more! 

Lavender let’s out a primal scream before wrapping her arms around Mercenary’s waist. She tries to pop her hips looking for a snap German Suplex but Mercenary blocks it. Lavender starts laying in forearm shot after forearm shot into the square of his back as she goes for it again. Mercenary continues to block it with a quick back elbow to her face.

The shot staggers her a bit as Mercenary goes for a clothesline but Lavender catches him in a drop toe hold and floats over into a side headlock. Lavender is squeezing with all of her strength until Mercenary gets onto his hands and knees. Lavender is trying to keep her grip when he stands straight up with her draped over him. Lavender is using every strike in her arsenal but Mercenary gets her in front of him. He placed both hands around her throat before tossing her back first into the steel cage. Lavender shouts as Mercenary begins to bounce her head off the cage wall like a basketball.

Woo: JESUS CHRIST! Just a reminder that EWC Is not for the feint of heart folks!

Gomez: He's dribbling her skull against the cage! YESSS!!!!

Lavender is holding the back of her head as Mercenary drapes her over the ring ropes. He starts hammering heavy blow after heavy blow before pulling her back into the ring. Right as she is in the ring, he hoists her up onto his shoulders but she lands three perfectly placed elbow onto his forehead. Lavender sneaks down the back and once again shoves Mercenary right into the steel cage. Mercenary rebounds off the cage as Lavender comes bouncing off the ropes and lands a reverse neckbreaker. Lavender slowly gets back up to her feet.

After taking a few quick breaths, she bends down to pick Mercenary up to a seated position. Lavender backs up up a bit looking for a sliding clothesline but finds herself once again in Mercenary’s hand. He gets up to his feet and flings her across the ring. She lands hard on her back as he stumbles toward her.

Woo: This might be all she wrote for Lavender. Mercenary is not giving up tonight folks, he is dialed in a way we have not seen him before. 

Gomez: it ain't over yet Marcus! 

Lavender reaches her hand out and pulls herself up by the ring ropes as Mercenary gets to her and slams multiple fists into her abdomen. Lavender grunts as Mercenary gets her into a full Nelson before slamming right back down onto the canvas. He immediately goes for the cover.

One...



Two...



Thr…..

Lavender kicks out at the last second. Mercenary sits up asking the referee for confirmation. As he turns his focus back towards Lavender, she hooks him in her Fragile Serene submission. Mercenary is trying to fight it but ultimately taps before passing out.

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, by submission and the still EWC United States Champion LAVENDER!

Lavender releases the hold before getting back up to her feet. She steps out of the cage and is handed her title belt. She walks up the ramp right as Mercenary is just beginning to stir.

Woo & Gomez: NO FUCKING WAY!

They both look at each other dumbfounded for a moment. 

Woo: Lavender once again successfully defends the EWC United States Championship.  We all thought Mercenary had this one, but Lavender is quickly amassing one of the most dominant United States title reigns in recent history! Mercenary gave her fight but her tenacity is second to none.

Gomez: I personally think that was bad officiating but what do I know. Mercenary had her beat and she got lucky. I really hope someone wipes the floor with her real soon.

Woo: Four more matches left fols and the next one is a DOOZY! It's a rules swap match!


Camera cuts to ...

The camera cuts backstage inside The Love Club where we find Xavier Reid pulling his shirt over his head and then reaching into his open black bag and pulls out a roll of tape. He looks up into the mirror and sees Bunny Love sitting in a chair watching him get ready. She flashes a soft smile at him causing him to turn to face her.

Reid: You worried?

Bunny looks at him and nods…

B. Love: I’d be crazy not to be Xavier…you are about to step into a match…a Weapons X Match, which is violent as hell under normal circumstances but then you add in you’re facing a man that has re-wrote the X-Division Championship record book…a man that’s been champion for 560 days if my math is correct, a man that has defended that championship 5 successful times…in some of the most crazy matches the EWC has to offer…a man that won inside the Insanity Cage just to add another feather in his cap and OH BY THE WAY…just happens to be your brother…a brother who you’ve had ‘a bit of history’ with…

Xavier smirks at her as he starts to tape up his wrists.

Reid: ‘Other than that, how was the play Mrs. Lincoln’…

Xavier tries not to laugh as Bunny gets to her feet, not appreciating being made fun of…

B. Love: I’m being serious Xavier, this is going to be brutal tonight…I get the feeling that the two of you aren’t going to rest until one of you is dead…I know nobody ever wants to lose a championship but I have to think YOU are the last person El Pablo wants to lose to, that YOU are the last person he wants ending this run…that YOU are the last person he wants to end his run and he will be willing to say ‘fuck tomorrow’ just to make sure he walks out of this place as the champion even if it means there is no tomorrow for him…

Xavier mills that over for a min or two and nods in agreement before Bunny continues…

B. Love: And then there is YOU…coming off last season, being as bad as it was a win here tonight, being the guy that ends this run…it will make EVERYONE forget about that lack luster 2022 and I know, you are off to a good start, wins over Salvation, Darius, Capt Morgan Darkwater, King Flip and Darna Dare…you have knocked off some big names early in this season and Brawl is going to have to recognize this moving forward BUT…

Bunny walks up and puts her hands on Xavier’s shoulders…

B. Love: I remember how invested you were when you tried to end Ace King’s streak…I remember watching from afar and seeing what it took out of you when you came up short and that’s just when you were facing a man you didn’t like…

Reid: This is different…

B. Love: Is it…

Xavier wraps his arms around Bunny and brings her in a little closer to him…

Reid: Against Ace it was personal, on my first night back in the EWC he made a point to show up at FSW to confront me…I wanted to end his run to be a dick…it was personal to me…this isn’t the same…

B. Love: Xavier, you can’t tell me this isn’t personal…

Reid: It’s not the same thing, YES, ok this is personal but it’s because I want his respect, ok…I do…you don’t get it, you’re ‘daddy’s princess’ and I don’t say that to slap you in the face, it’s just fact but me…I have always been the blacksheep and I get it, I brought 99% of that onto myself…I can’t blame them for not knowing about me but I pushed him Bunny…I took him to a draw and he acted like it was NOTHING…to pad his own ego he ran me down…THAT was a slap in my face and now I need to show him that I can beat him…that I can be just as good as him in the X-Division…that I can be the guy that ENDS all this for him…he can mock me and say ‘I believe I have the advantage’ in this match because I was in the first Weapons X Match but he’s right…I have been in this match and it does give me an edge…how couldn’t it…I have experience in this, I know what works and what doesn’t and I won a X-Division Championship in this very match…add to that, I was trained and prepped by Volando’s to succeed in this match…I have had a view into how El Pablo would approach this match…plus…

T. Love: He has me!!!

Bunny and Xavier turns to see ‘The Memphis Mouthpiece’ Tommy Love standing in the doorway wearing a huge smile on his face.

T. Love: How many times have we been counted out before Xavier? NOBODY thought we could win the Power Struggle Match at Night of Champions, it was all about Ace King and we let that egomaniac do all the hard work and snuck in at the end to win the Undisputed Championship…at the Rumble NOBODY thought we could beat Scorpio, hell he call you an ‘unworthy’ champion and yet we made it up the ladder and took the championship…inside the cage in Spain people thought it was Flip’s time to become the International Championship and yet we beat his ass…NOBODY gave you and Jamie a chance against The Southern Express…

Tommy smiles at Bunny and doesn’t look at Xavier, who’s teeth grind at the mention of Jamie Love…

T. Love: And Xavier walked out as a Grand Slam Champion…nobody thinks Xavier can win tonight, they think this is going to be another El Pablo defense and maybe it will be but they are all counting you out before the bell even rings and LET THEM…

Tommy continues to smile as he walks into the room towards his daughter and client…

T. Love: El Pablo knows he’s in for a fight tonight…deep down he knows you aren’t going to just roll over and that you are coming to take his soul out there tonight…Jesus, how selfish is your brother that he can’t even let you have a few moments with your father…he couldn’t stand you being close to him and I’m not shocked…hell look at Vertigo, the poor bastard is mute and could have used having Chico around but Pablo said, ‘fuck him’ and dominated your father’s life and time…had he not maybe Verigo would have talked but the fact is all those Volando’s turned on your brother because it always had to be about him…they were all tired of playing second fiddle to him and now he’s trying to keep you down because YOU are a threat to him…

B. Love: Dad…

Tommy ignores Bunny and edges his way in between her and Xavier so that he’s standing in front of Xavier…

T. Love: If you want his respect Xavier you are going to have to beat it out of him…you are going to have to take his championship…you are going to have to END HIS RUN AS X-DIVISION CHAMPION…you need to brutalize him, leave him a bloody and broken mess because anything less and he will mock you forever…

Tommy nods at Xavier…

T. Love: You know how to win this match, how to target El Pablo and now you just need to go out there and do it…enough of this sappy shit, sorry Bunny but we need Xavier to be a killer…we need to get his mind right and ready to do whatever it takes to put his brother down…so…

Tommy motions towards the door and looks at Xavier…

T. Love: We need to head out, just the two of us and get your mind ready and go over a few last min things…come on kid…

Xavier looks at Tommy and then at Bunny who nods at him that it’s ok…he looks back at Tommy and nods and the two men make their way towards the door but before they leave Bunny says…

B. Love: Xavier…good luck out there!!!

Xavier looks at her and smiles as Tommy grabs his arm and drags him out of the locker room as the camera fades out.

[EWC]

RULES SWAP MATCH

For The EWC International Championship!


Dio
VS King Flip

MATCH WRTIER: FN'R

We return to ringside and cut over to the commentary booth. 

Woo: Up next we have a Rules Swap Match for the International Title!

Gomez: A Rules Swap Match?

Woo: Yes. A Rules Swap Match where the stipulation of this match between Dio and King Flip will... flip by the touch of a button

Dobrev: The following match is a rules swap match for the EWC International Championship. Joining us first, from Seattle, Washington and weighing in at 205 pounds ... DIO!

The lights dim down, and a voice comes over the PA system.

”I am your Crux.”

The phrase kicks off the sounds of “Change (in the house of flies)” by the Deftones as Dio emerges from the curtain and stands atop the stage. He surveys the crowd, tugging at the collar of his leather jacket before heading down toward the ring.

Dobrev: And his opponent, from The land of money and fame and weighing in at 220 pounds, the International Champion... KING FLIP!

K I N G F L I P zooms from right to left across the EXT and is followed swiftly by a small pyro. 'Machinegun' begins to play as the man in the hooded vest, head low, emerges from the curtain. He gets to the edge of the rampway when he lifts his hood to reveal that arrogant half smile.


The lyrics chime in as he walks slowly down the ramp with his eyes locked in on the ring. He slides into the ring and leans against the turnbuckle with arms agape as his theme plays. He turns to his opponent ready for the action to start as his theme fades.

DING DING DING

A tone begins to play as a virtual wheel spins on the Xtreme-Tron. The wheel suddenly stops on SINGLES MATCH. Dio and Flip shake their heads, and then proceed into a shoulder/collar tie-up. Flip seems to have no trouble twisting Dio into a wrist-lock and then ripping him forward into a short-arm lariat. Dio rolls to his hands and knees and pushes himself up, but Flip grabs on a waist-lock and tears backwards into a German suplex. Dio seems completely out of this match. King Flip drags Dio up by his wrist and sends him into the ropes, Dio rebounds off into a dropkick from Flip. Flip goes for a cover, Dio gets his shoulder up before a one count. King Flip drags Dio up and sends him into the ropes again, this time Dio jumps into his own dropkick before King Flip can. Flip is back up to his feet, Dio hits another dropkick before he can find his base. Dio gets to his feet and spins in a circle to gather momentum into an elbow smash against the back of Flip’s head that sends him into the corner that houses the button. Flip presses the button and the virtual wheel begins to spin… LAST MAN STANDING MATCH.

Woo: An early turn to the violence here at StrangleMania!

Gomez: Can you keep any of these two down long enough to win under Last Man Standing rules? 

Flip turns to Dio, shakes his head, Dio shakes his head. Flip hits the button again… INFERNO MATCH! Flames shoot up around the ring and jump scare Flip who jumps into Dio’s arms, and then Dio does him the courtesy of dropping him on his head with an Uranage! Dio jumps over Flip’s body and hits the button himself. BLINDFOLD MATCH! Dio looks around confused as two people slide into the ring and put a blindfold over his eyes and Flips eyes. Then the people spin the champion and challenger around in circles until they are properly dizzy!

Woo: Reminds me of the birthday party I had when I was ten. 

Gomez: Please don't go getting nostalgic on me! Please!

Dio and Flip stumble around the ring a bit, throwing punches at thin air before backing into each other. They feel their way to turning and facing the other, and then they start to throw punches… most of the punches miss, but the crowd is loving this! Finally Dio kicks Flip in the stomach and then grabs his head to irish-whip Flip into the ropes, during the move however Flip’s blindfold falls off and he’s able to take-a-back and rip Dio up and down into a belly-to-back suplex. Flip gets Dio to his knees and then he lands a snap-DDT. Dio is spiked on his head, and the impact flips him over onto his feet into the corner where his head hits the button… ARMS HANDCUFFED BEHIND BACK MATCH! The same people from earlier enter the match and handcuff Dio and Flip’s arms behind their back. They also pull the blindfold of Dio’s head. Dio and Flip look at each other confused, but then begin to throw kicks. Flip kick, Dio kick, Flip kick, Dio kick. Dio has enough of this and jumps into a dropkick that lands flush on Flip’s jaw. Flip falls lack a sack of puppies. Dio pulls himself up and headbutts the button again.

BUCK NAKED MATCH! Dio looks around as the crowd gives a mighty pop. Chanel on the outside yells “NO ONE TOUCH THAT BUTTON”... The men’s hands are freed and Flip instantly tries to rip Dio’s pants off. Dio grabs Flip’s sides and pulls him up into a gut-wrench, he goes for a powerbomb but Flip weasels down and then he steps up into the corner and moonsaults off the button into Dio. While the wheel spins, Flip pulls Dio up into a lariat and then he spingboards off the middle rope into another moonsault. Flip hears a click as a handcuff is fastened around his wrist, and then Dio’s wrist. HANDCUFF MATCH! Flip pulls Dio up by the cuffs, but Dio explodes into a STO that drops Flip. Dio rolls Flip over and brings his arm up around his own throat and then he begins to choke Flip out! Dio’s eyes look distant, maybe darker. After a few seconds of choking Dio rolls Flip over and goes for a cover.

ONE!



TW… KICKOUT BY KING FLIP!

Dio drags Flip up and slaps the taste of his mouth, again, and again, and again. Another STO! Another cover.

ONE!



TWO… KICKOUT BY KING FLIP!

Woo: So close to a three right there! 

Gomez: He got his shoulder up but after those slaps, I think his jaw is still on the canvas! 

Chanel climbs onto the apron and hits the button… SUBMISSION MATCH… Chanel quickly hits the button again… TABLES MATCH. Dio smiles at her and as soon as he’s uncuffed he bolts for her. Chanel runs up the ramp and to the back. Dio grabs a table from under the ring and sets it up. Dio grabs the flammable bar that lit up for the inferno match and he breaks it off the apron before bumping the fluids on the table. Dio grabs a cigar from a man in the front row and drops it on the table to a large fire! Dio rolls into the ring and catches Flip with another discus elbow as he stands. Dio pulls Flip up and into Tranquility! The double underhook DDT! Dio drags Flip to the outside of the ring and lifts Flip up into a powerbomb, as Flip is coming down into the flaming table he reverses it and sends Dio over the table with a Hurricanrana. Dio hits the padded concrete and rolls to his feet. Flip jumps off the table and floors Dio with a dropkick that sends him through the barricade. Flip wags his finger in the air and says "dangerous" before flipping the table over and letting the ref use an extinguisher on it. Flip jumps up onto the apron and presses the button.

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE. Flip rushes Dio and goes for the cover, Dio is out at one! Another cover, another kickout, another cover, another kickout. Flip punches the ground and gets to his feet, he drags Dio to his knees and then Irish-whips him up into the corner post and Dio is clotheslined by the impact! Dio gets flipped inside out and lands on his stomach. As Dio pulls himself up, Flip flies in with a dropkick to the base of Dio’s skull. Cover!

ONE!


TWO!


TH… KICKOUT BY DIO!

Woo: How is he still moving after that dropkick? I thought he was out! 

Gomez: So did everyone in this stadium not named Dio. All I know is he DID kick out!

Flip drags Dio up and then spins around before jumping into a pele kick that connects to the same area as the dropkick did. Dio falls flat. Flip drags Dio up and slams his head into the apron, once, twice, thrice. Flip rolls Dio into the ring and then he hits the button. FIRST FINISHER WINS MATCH! Flip smiles as he climbs the ropes and jumps in for K.I.N.G, but Dio rolls out of the way! Flip hits the canvas hard and pulls himself up to his feet. Dio uses the ropes to pull himself up and then he stumbles into Flip. The two begin to exchange punches and slaps. Flip punch, Dio slap, Flip headbutt, Dio forearm, Flip slap, Flip European Uppercut, Flip lari… Dio ducks and jumping neckbreaker! Dio keeps Flip’s head and he pops his hips to roll over and pull Flip up. Dio shoves Flip’s head between his legs and goes for the Laertius Effect, but Flip turns it into a Fliptastic! Flip jumps up to his feet and then hits the ropes, Dio rolls up and tries to stand but gets blasted with a lariat to the back of his head. Dio falls forward under the bottom rope, and Flip falls backwards exhausted. Stitches comes out from nowhere and grabs Dio’s head, Stitches pulls Dio out of the ring and lands Sound Of Silence DDT! Stitches rolls Dio back into the ring. Flip crawls to the ropes and pulls himself up and over, and then another attempt at K.I.N.G… This one lands!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, via hitting his finishing maneuver first, AND STILL EWC International Champion KING FLIP!

Dio rolls over to his stomach and coughs up some spit. He tries to pull himself up and crashes down. He rolls onto his back and looks around at the crowd, and then Flip and then Stitches. Flip is pleading with Dio, motioning his hands in a "calm down, let's talk" motion while Stitches heads to the back. Dio rolls to his belly, punches the canvas a few times and then stands up in a rage. Dio turns at Flip, and rushes him. Dio starts hitting Flip while Flip is in the corner, Chanel rolls into the ring and rushes to kick Dio in the groin. Dio falls backwards and Chanel takes the time to grab Flip's wrist and pull him towards leaving the ring. Flip clearly wants to stay and talk but ultimately heads to the back with Chanel. 

Woo: Through submissions, handcuffs and buck nakedness, King Flip has come out on top and he retains his International Title!  

Gomez: Dio gave this absolutely everything he had and on this night it wasn't enough. If there's another night between these two, it may well be a Dio night! 

Woo: This was a war with unknown stipulations but up next, we know the stipulations. It's Weapon X and it's for the X-Division Title!  

Gomez: I'm being told we can go to one of the men in this match right now! 

Camera cuts to the backstage area where we see...

The camera cuts backstage, where we find X-Division Champion El Pablo standing alone in front of a snazzy StrangleMania backdrop, dressed in a snazzier iridescent technicolour suit topped with a pair of the snazziest neon pink sunglasses that shield the eyeholes of his lucha mask from the spotlights overhead. The X-Division belt - for the five-hundred-and-sixty-first consecutive day - sits around his waist while, in his hands, the Tecnico clasps an open pay-per-view-sized packet of Skittles, from which he gleefully shovels sugar-coated candy shells as he chuckles aloud to himself.

El Pablo: I tell you what, man, they must celebrate April Fool’s late here in Peru. I mean, the very idea that I’d be getting a lecture on ‘respect’ from Xavier Reid…

Pablo shakes his head, almost in disbelief.

El Pablo: Let’s riddle ourselves this; did my dear brother show Adriana Aquilla any respect last season when he beat her so badly with a steel chair that he went from a win to a loss? Did he show Gabrielle Visconty respect through any of the five hundred interactions he seems to think they had throughout the better part of last season? He certainly didn’t appear to have a lot for the rest of his team heading into Brand Warfare at Parabellum - and, let’s not forget, this is a guy who continues to willingly associate with Tommy Love, the reason every other roster member here hesitates before kissing the faceplate of any championship previously held by a member of the Love Club!

He grimaces, casting a momentary glance down at the belt around his waist before chuckling anew as he returns his gaze to the camera.

El Pablo: He wants to talk about ‘respect’...I gave you respect, hermano! I stood in front of the world twice and told ‘em all that you were the better man! ‘You are the Pan, now!’ Did you never watch Hook as a kid? That was me showing you respect…I just also happened to suggest that, when it comes to the X-Division, that particular Señor Volando branded tequila worm might’ve turned - which, I mean…

He shrugs, looking briefly down at the belt once again.

El Pablo: …five-hundred-and-sixty-one days and counting - and I’m sorry if that offended you, Xavier, I really am - but, c’mon, hermano! Whaddya want from me? You want me to just roll over and proclaim that there’s no way I can possibly beat you? Heck, I did that for most of 2019 - which, admittedly, worked out very well for you - but this is a new era now! This is a new domain - my domain - and, while your Familia Volando crash course might’ve taught you everything you need to know about climbing over cables to retrieve a championship, the full programme forced me to find the ability to survive the most inhospitable environments; the most inhumane punishment - and, hey, maybe that won’t be enough. Maybe you will be the guy to finally bring this ridiculous reign to an end but, I promise you this, Xavier: you are absolutely going to leave the Estadio Monumental U Marathon knowing that ‘respect’ is a two-way street!

With a final fistful of Skittles, EP sighs, his expression hardening as he removes the sunglasses from his masked face.

El Pablo: Look, I’ll tell you what, Xavier; regardless of everything we might’ve said or done, will say or do, or am…saying or doing…I promise, win or lose, I’ll shake your hand before and after this Weapons X match tonight…but I want you to promise me something, too. If you win - if you bring this great Rainbowlutionary journey to an end and cement your own place in history as the first-ever three-time X-Division Champion - I will personally lay this belt across your shoulder and pass that torch right back to you…but I want you to call dad. Just…talk to him. Go for coffee or something. Let him back in. Let all of us just try and…move on, y’know? You and I don’t have to hang out - you can stay on Brawl; I can stay on Paramount; whatever. Just…give him something, alright? Out of respect.

Viva La Rainbowlution.

With that…slightly strange sign-off, EP departs, the camera lingering on the StrangleMania-branded backdrop for a moment before cutting away.

WEAPONS X MATCH

For the EWC X-Division Championship!

Xavier Reid
VS El Pablo

MATCH WRTIER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em

We return to ringside where the debris from the rules swap match has been cleared and the Weapons-X structure is being secured into place! 

Woo: Weapons-X match.... There is a reason we have had so few of these folks, they are BRUTAL!... The X-Division title will be held above the ring by two beams and the only way to win is to climb to it.. Oh and there are weapons EVERYWHERE!

Gomez: This match has favored Xavier Reid in the past, let's see if history repeats its self. 

Dobrev: The following match is a Weapons X Match and it is for the EWC X-Division Championship! Joining us first, the challenger, 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.

Dobrev: And the opponent, residing in Puebla City, Mexico and weighing in at 180 pounds, the EWC X-Division Champion... 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.

DING DING DING

Reid slaps Pablo hard across the face. It spins Pablo around and Reid lifts Pablo for an atomic drop but he plants Pablo face first onto the mat. Reid lays into Pablo with a series of right hands before stomping on Pablo's right hand. Reid climbs the structure and pulls out a kendo stick and a staple gun.Reid brings it down across Pablo’s head knocking him to the mat. Reid continues with his attack as Pablo rolls across the mat and pulls himself to his feet. One more crack to the back of the head sends him flowing over the top rope. Reid tosses the kendo stick at the downed Pablo and heads to the corner. He climbs the turnbuckles and reaches for the cables. He begins to swing his way across the cables. Pablo slides into the ring and smacks Reid in the ribs with the kendo stick. Pablo continues until Reid’s grip loosens and he crashes to the mat. Pablo lifts Reid to his feet and spins him with a code red. Reid backdrops him to counter. Reid grabs the staple gun and Pablo's left hand. One by one he fires a staple in each of Pablo's fingers as Pablo screams in pain and attempts to pull himself free. Job done, he releases his grip on Pablo who knocks Reid over. Reid rolls to his feet and dropkicks Pablo. Reid pulls him to his feet and whips Pablo off the ropes. Pablo rebounds and spins around Reid’s arm. He drives Reid to the mat with a crucifix driver. Pablo reaches into the structure and pulls out a chair. He smacks Reid on the shoulder. Reid drops to the mat clutching his arm.

Woo: Ooh! It’s not easy to climb this thing with a bad arm. Or with stapled fingers for that matter.  

Gomez: It’s not easy to climb when you have good arms and fingers either.

Pablo grabs the bad arm and brings him crashing to the mat with a single arm DDT. Pablo runs off the ropes and leaps for a body press but Reid catches him in mid air and drops Pablo on the turnbuckles with a snake eyes before ramming a shoulder into Pablo’s lower back. Reid lifts Pablo for a side suplex but Pablo rolls off his shoulders and grabs Reid hitting a jawbreaker. Reid staggers as Pablo climbs the turnbuckles and swings on the cables before dropping down onto Reid with a legdrop. Pablo pulls a chair from the structure and smacks Reid hard across the back with it twice. As Reid clutches his back, Pablo climbs the turnbuckles and leaps to the cables. Pablo swings himself along the cabling. As he reaches the championship, Reid reaches up and grabs Pablo he wrenches at Pablo's mask blinding him before grabbing Pablo by the ankles. Reid pulls and pulls at Pablo in an effort to yank him from the cables. Reid climbs up Pablo for a moment before the weight and gravity brings both crashing to the mat. Both get to their feet where Reid hits Pablo with a forearm that staggers him back to the ropes. Reid runs for a clothesline but Pablo ducks and backdrops Reid to the apron. Reid lands on his feet and hits Pablo with a clothesline that sends him over the top rope to the ringside mats. Reid leaps from the apron and crashes down on Pablo with an elbow drop.

Woo: On the outside they are their furthest away from the championship!

Gomez: However they CAN cause their opponent some damage to possibly keep them away from the championship.

Reid lifts Pablo to his feet and whips him to the barrier but Pablo reverses it sending Reid into the barrier. Reid staggers forward and Pablo clotheslines him to the mats. Pablo climbs to the ring apron and drops onto Reid with an Asai moonsault. Pablo rolls into the ring and runs off the ropes. He throws himself over the ropes at Reid with a plancha. However Reid counters with a powerbomb. Reid takes a few steps back and runs for a punt kick. Pablo ducks to avoid the kick before ramming his shoulder into Reid’s gut and driving him into the barrier. Reid staggers forward and then spins Pablo with a spinning sitout piledriver. Both lay on the mats for a moment. Reid begins to move. He uses the ring apron to drag himself to his feet and slides into the ring. Slowly he gets to his feet and looks up at the championship. Reid climbs the turnbuckles and leaps at the cables. Reid swings his way across toward the championship. Pablo slides into the ring. Reid grabs him around the neck with his legs in an attempt to sleeper him. Pablo pulls at Reid and both men crash to the canvas. Both get to their feet. Pablo falls forward and rolls into a spinning heel kick. He falls against the turnbuckles before pulling himself up them. Pablo grabs the cables and wraps his legs around them. He pulls himself along the cable and reaches for the championship. Out of almost nowhere, Reid throws a chair at Pablo that causes him to lose his grip and he crashes to the mat. Reid lifts the kendo stick for an attack but changes his mind and drops it on the mat. Instead he climbs the turnbuckles and leaps at the cabling. Reid wraps his legs around the cables and pulls himself along. Pablo smacks at Reid with the kendo stick to stop his progress. After several hits, Reid loses his grip on the cable. He hangs upside down, only attached to the cables by his legs. Pablo runs off the ropes and brings him crashing to the mat with an ace crusher. Both crash down.

Woo: That’s one way of bringing an opponent down!

Gomez: Down is one thing. At this point, it’s about getting up and staying that way!

Both slowly pull themselves to their feet. Pablo grabs Reid and whips him off the ropes. Pablo catches a rebounding Reid with a sidewalk slam. Reid gets to his feet where Pablo grabs him and rolls him with Dragonfishin’. He rolls Reid out of the ring and begins another climb. Once again, he pulls himself along the cables. This time Pablo reaches the championship. He runs his hands over the front plate. Just as he’s about to pull it down, Reid is back in the ring and he smashes Pablo with a light tube glass flies everywhere as Pablo drops to the mat. Reid rolls out of the ring and pulls a table and a bag of light tubes from under the ring. He slides them into the ring and slides in after it. He takes some of the light tubes and arranges them in a pile. Reid then grabs Pablo and drives him onto the pile with a Love Shot. Glass explodes everywhere. Reid rises from the mat and brushes broken glass from himself. Slowly, he staggers to a corner and begins a climb. Equally slowly, Reid shuffles his way along the cables. He just manages to get a finger onto the championship when Pablo smashes him with two light tubes. Both drop to the mat.

Woo: These two are having a smashing time here!

Gomez: They keep this up and they’ll be too beat up to climb anything

Pablo uses the ropes to drag himself to his feet. He sets up the table and climbs the turnbuckles. As he slowly makes his way along the cables, Reid pulls himself up and makes a climb of his own. As both make it to the middle, they very gingerly climb to their feet and stand on the unsteady ground of the cables. Pablo lashes out with a right hand. Reid ducks and pushes Pablo. He falls from the cables and crashes through the table. Xavier Reid sits down on the cables and unhooks the championship.

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner of the Weapons X Match and NEW EWC X-Division Champion XAVIER REID!

Reid sits atop the cables and holds the championship in the air. He slides to the canvas below where Tommy Love has to grab him and hold Reid steady. Reid looks down at Pablo and holds his championship high.

Woo: He looks happy here and so he should. That is a huge win for Xavier Reid and we have a new X-Division Champion!

Gomez: El Pablo will go down as the greatest X-Division champion of all time, and tonight he went out swinging! He took all the punishment that Xavier Reid could dish out and still came close to a championship defense. He came within a fingertip from victory here tonight. Xavier Reid wins here but even he will know how close it came.

Woo: Not only that, but he has to know that Pablo is coming for his rematch and possibly soon. Could we see it in Tallahassee at UPRISING later this year? 

Gomez: or even Hardcore Revolution?! Speaking of Hardcore... The Indy Championship will be defended in a BARBED WIRE ROPES MATCH after this! 

Camera cuts to ...

BARBED WIRE ROPES MATCH

For The EWC Indy Championship!


Callie Clark
VS Scorpio

MATCH WRTIER: JoJo Rush

We return to ringside moments before Scorpio defends his Indy Championship against the Showtime Broadcast Champion, Callie Clark, in a Barbwire match!

Woo: Despite the injury Scorpio sustained from Callie Clark, the S-Factor is set to defend his Indy Championship against the Showtime Broadcast Champion, Callie Clark.

Gomez: Normally, the bigger competitor would have the advantage in a match like this and say what you want about the challenger, but Callie made her own luck, and now she has a big target to focus on in a bloody affair like this!

Dobrev: The following match is a barb wire rope match set for one fall and is for the Indy Championship. Joining us first, representing The House, from New York, weighing in at 115 pounds, she is the Showtime Broadcast Champion, and now trending ... CALLIE CLARK!

A red carpet is rolled out going from the stage to the bottom of the ramp, and Bad Reputation hits as the lights turn gold in the arena. Callie comes out with Tori walking out behind her and strikes a pose showing off her Kill Bill yellow jumpsuit, complete with a katana, as pyro goes off behind her. Callie's paparazzi take pictures of her as she walks down the ramp, taunting the fans as she goes. As she reaches ringside, Tori goes ahead of Callie, holding open the ropes so Callie can step through and walk to the middle of the ring, where she strikes a pose again while winking at the camera. She then goes to her corner as the music cuts.

Dobrev: Please welcome, from London, England, weighing in at 205 lbs... 'The People's Camp', 'The Baddest Bitch On The Planet', 'The Prime Minister', he is the Indy Champion... 'THE S-FACTOR' SCORPIO!

'Rule Britannia' hits the speakers as red, white, and blue lighting flashes around the arena. The crowd begin to cheer with a few smattered boos as the image of a waving Union Jack is displayed on the X-Tron. Superimposed on this is the message "Please be upstanding for your Prime Minister". After a little while the orchestral music fades down...

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

Woo: With barbwire replacing the ring ropes and barbwire-wrapped weapons stashed all around the ring, this will be a bloodbath!

DING DING DING

Both competitors start circling each other in the ring. Callie lunges out to wrap up with Scorpio. The two jockey for position before Scorpio wins out and snares Callie in a headlock, but Callie breaks free and pushes Scorpio into a corner, where his back becomes well introduced to the sharp barbwire. Callie charges towards Scorpio and hits him square in the chin with a knee, leaving Scorpio stunned in the corner. Callie wraps up Scorpio’s injured right shoulder and wrenches the shoulder. With no rope to break the hold, Scorpio can only scream and pain and struggle to break free. Scorpio breaks free by landing some stiff strikes to the side of Callie’s head. Before Callie could react, Scorpio lands a flawless Fuck You Europe, a Ranheii! Scorpio goes for a pin.

One…

Two….

Th– kick out!

Woo: Callie not going down that easy here tonight!

Gomez: Are we still doing phrasing?!...No? Ok then!

Scorpio takes control of the match. Scorpio drags Callie back up to her feet, and plants her with a snap suplex, then connects with a standing moonsault. Then he pulls Callie back up to her feet and goes to set up for the Heel Turn. Scorpio twists Callie and lines up the boot, but the pain in his shoulder causes Scorpio to lose his grip on Callie, leaving Scorpio writhing on the ground in pain. Callie whipped back in surprise that she escaped the move but quickly capitalizes and stomps on Scorpio’s shoulder again and kicked him out of the ring. Scorpio rolls off the apron and to his feet to collect himself and to shake out the pain in his shoulder. But he looks to the ring to see Callie winding up as much speed as possible for a suicide dive, but it was a feint! She stops right before the barbwire and laughs mockingly at Scorpio, who is bracing to counter the move. But the Indy Champion takes a shocking strike from a barbwire bat to his back. The wielder? It was none other than Tori Taylor with the Heat Packers in tow!

Woo: Here comes the calvary!!!!

Gomez: DISGUSTING!!! Absolutely Disgusting behavior by The Heatpackers here! this is a title fight! 

Tori leads the Packers in the beatdown of the Indy Champion. Callie rolls out to embrace the extremely hostile crowd raining down boos on the challenger. While Tori, Brodie, and Dan rain down blows on Scorpio, Callie slides out of the ring to get her hands on a board of barbed wire that she slides into the ring. Meanwhile, Scorpio receives a heap of abuse from Tori and the Heat Packers. Dan & Brodie lift Scorpio to his knees by his shoulders. With a face covered in blood, Tori lined up the bat to take an unprotected shot to Scorpio’s face, but Callie orders Tori to stop, which Tori obliges.

Callie: I want to be the one to break his face!

Tori shrugs but steps away, and the Heat Packers roll a limp Scorpio back into the ring. Callie lays him out in the corner. Then, she wedges a chair into the barbwire and flush against Scorpio’s face. She sprints to the opposite corner, kicks off the middle turnbuckle for extra momentum, and connects to the chair with a cannonball. The move busted Scorpio wide open with an absolute gusher of a wound above his eye. Callie pulls the unconscious Scorpio from the ropes and goes for the pin.

One…

Two…

Thre– NO KICK OUT!

The sold-out crowd erupts in cheers. Callie stumbles away in disbelief. She screams at the referee, accusing the ref of not counting fast enough to her liking. The crowd switches from cheering the defiant Scorpio to booing the House as they roll into the ring to put away Scorpio for good. The House lined up Scorpio to powerbomb the former Prime Minister into the table covered in barbwire. But suddenly, the boos rapidly turn into ferocious cheers, and before the House can figure out why, all three are attacked from behind by Crème, Gabi Vee, and Daliah Ashe! The three immediately brawl with The House and chase them off through the crowd and throughout the arena. Leaving behind only the Champions. Scorpio grabs hold of the barbwire bat that Tori left behind and rolls into the ring. Seeing Scorpio armed with a weapon, Callie retreats to her corner and quickly pulls out her katana. The familiar sound of the blade unsheathing generates an audible gasp from the crowd, but Scorpio is unphased. The two scream and swing at each with their weapons, the blade meeting the barbwire up high, and both recoil back. Callie can get off another overhead strike with the lighter weapon, but Scorpio evades the swing. The blade cuts through the top barbwire like butter, but before Callie can recover, she is met with a crushing blow from the barbwire bat to her back. Dropping Callie to her hands and knees, Scorpio crushes Callie with one final swing. Absolutely flying on that second wind, Scorpio signals for the Curbstomp, the 28th Amendment, and the crowd roars in approval. Scorpio pops up to finish the stomp, but Callie pops up and catches Scorpio out of the air before promptly slamming him into the ring with an Air Raid Crash! “Holy Shit” chants erupt throughout the stadium. The counter left Callie too exhausted to immediately go for a pin, but after Callie spent several seconds laying herself across Scorpio for the pin.

One…

Two…

The– NO ANOTHER LAST SECOND KICKOUT

Woo: HOW?! HOW IS SCORPIO STILL KICKING OUT?! 

Gomez: He is the leader of Prime, he MUST defend that brand at all costs!

Callie wipes her face, she is in utter disbelief that didn’t put Scorpio away. Callie screams at the defending Champion, demanding Scorpio to give up. Callie staggers slowly to her feet, she reaches down and pulls Scorpio up to his knees by his hair. He is half-out of it, seemingly operating only on instinct. Callie steps back and lines up to put Scorpio away with an Reality Warp! V-Trigger!, but Scorpio ducks it, and snags Callie into a pin.

One…

Two…

Th– kickout!

Callie kicks out of the pin, and quickly transitions into an attempt to lock Scorpio up in Callie’s Fujiwara Armbar, Excelsior! But Scorpio fights and struggles against Callie. Scorpio manages to get his hand on the cut length of barbwire and absolutely rocked Callie with a fist loosely wrapped in barbwire. Scorpio acts fast and wraps Callie’s arm up in the barbwire, twisting her up, then falls back and perfectly plants a barbwire covered Heel Turn on Callie! Scorpio crawls to make the pin.

One…



Two…



Three!!!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: And your winner, via pinfall, AND STILL, the Indy Champion, Scorpio!

Both competitors splay out on the ring floor gasping for air. Eventually Scorpio gets back to his feet and hoists his title high over his head to a cheering Peruvian crowd.

Woo: Callie Clark was absolutely amazing tonight, Gomez. She pulled out every trick she could out of her bag, but Scorpio weathered the storm and showed the world why the Indy Champion is called ”The baddest bitch on the planet.”

Gomez: There were more than a few times I thought Callie had it, I’m not going to lie. But Scorpio better thank Gabi Vee and Daliah Ashe for the save.

Woo: Indeed, it seemed like for the first time the numbers game might actually get to The Indy champion, but he always has a trick up his sleeve!

Gomez: We are going to see what tricks Melody Malone has up her sleeve in a moment, our MAIN EVENT is still to come!!!

camera cuts to ...

LEGEND OF THE RING FINALS

For The EWC Undisputed Championship!
NO HOLDS BARRED

Narumi Tsutsumi
VS Marcu$ $t. John
VS Stitches
VS Melody Malone

MATCH WRTIER: Calamity Nguyen

We return to ringside where the heat is washing off the crowd in waves. The long night has left many exhausted, and while a few small holes have appeared among the less dedicated sections of the crowd - many more are screaming themselves hoarse as we strive toward a finale, the EWC Faithful absolutely refusing to surrender.

Woo: I can hardly believe we're here, Valentina, but we are ringside for the main event. For the culmination of the LEGENDS OF THE RING tournament. Stitches, $t. John, Tsutsumi, and the mighty, mighty Malone. It's for the Undisputed title and the biggest, brawniest bragging rights that our industry has to offer. It ALL comes down to this.

Gomez: My body is ready, Lima is ready! We all are hoping and praying that the four competitors are ready too. Narumi's been through a hell of fire and flame already, and last time we saw the former North American champion he was being wheeled out in the trunk of a car, his reign ended. We have seen a war for the tag titles, Paramount has found Salvation. What will we find now, at the end of it all? Goosebumps, Woo! That's what!

Dobrev: The following match is a no holds barred match, and is for the EWC Undisputed Championship! Joining us first, from the Carnival of Shattered Dreams, weighing in at two hundred and sixty pounds ... STITCHES!

'One Missed Call (2008) Theme' plays as the lights go dark. As the beat drops at around the thirty seven second mark the curtains are brushed to the side, smoke spewing out from behind the curtains, and out walks Stitches. A wide, red-painted Chelsea-esque grin is across the face of Stitches as he stares out at the crowd of people before him.

Stitches methodically makes his way down the ramp, staring down the crowd members who dare lean too far over the crowd barricade. As he reaches the bottom of the ramp he stops and once again looks out at the crowd of people before him. Stitches approaches the nearby steel stairs, climbs up onto the apron and begins walking the edge of the apron like a tight rope before reaching the nearby ring post. Stitches climbs up onto the second rope and throws his arms out wide for the crowd to embrace him. As expected, the crowd does not embrace a sinister-looking clown.

Stitches hops down from the rope and enters into the ring before approaching the nearby corner of the ring. Stitches turns around, facing the center of the ring and sits down in the corner of the ring, waiting for the bell to ring.

Dobrev: Coming to the ring at 6'1" and weighing two hundred and ten pounds, it's The Young Mogul ... MARCU$ $T. JOHN!

"Fast Lane" blasts through the arena by Bad Meets Evil. M$J slowly walks out onto the entrance ramp, one foot dragging as he soaks in the cheers. He takes a long breath, and rallies to pump up the expulsive crowd before posing on the center of the entrance ramp. He walks down to the ring slapping fans hands with a weary 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. His expression grows somber, focused as he turns toward the ramp...

Dobrev: Making her way to the ring, weighing in at one hundred and twenty five pounds, from Shinjuku, Japan ... she is the Onihime ... NARUMI TSUTSUMI!

Stage spotlights shine down in the dark as "The Baddest" by Raon Lee begins to play with the oni princess skipping onto the scene in a pink oni mask, her matching pink shinai slung across her shoulders. Narumi lifts a hand from the weapon and waves at the fans as the spotlight follows her. As she makes her to the ring apron, she turns to the camera to take off her mask and strikes the Shinijoshi's double deuce pose as the lights turn back on in the arena. She enters the ring to skip around and wave at the crowd, spinning the shinai in one hand.

The lights dim, but don’t go dark before the soft words of Billie Eilish begin to play over the P.A. system.

Bite my tongue bide my time

Wearing a warning sign

Wait till the world is mine

Visions I vandalize

Cold in my kingdom size

Fell for these ocean eyes

As the chorus hits, a bright flash of pyro explodes from the base of the EXT and Melody Malone stands on the stage, flanked by her personal retainer Rory Hyland. Melody stands with a crown atop her head as a spotlight follows them down to the ring.

Dobrev: Making her way to the ring, accompanied by Rory ... she is YOUR QUEEN of EWC ... MELODY MALONE!

You should see me in a crown

I'm gonna run this nothing town

Watch me make 'em bow

One by one by one

One by one by

Rory climbs onto the apron first, holding the ropes open as Melody climbs the stairs and steps through with her chin held up to keep the crown atop her head. She gives the crowd a sarcastic smile as they boo, and she gingerly removes the crown from her head and hands it off to Rory as he exits.

You should see me in a crown

Your silence is my favorite sound

Watch me make 'em bow

One by one by one

One by one by one

The lights come back up to full brightness, and Melody has her gloves tugged into place as she rakes her hair back and prepares for her opponent.

Woo: The Queen, the Undisputed Champion, is here and she did not come to play. She's danced this dance with Stitches before, and $t. John is an established legend in his own right. Narumi Tsutsumi is the secret ingredient - the thorn that's been in her side, the very palpable threat to her dominance throughout last season. Is it the Onihime's time?

DING DING DING

The atmosphere prickles and sparks, positively electric as the crowd surge behind the charge of Prime's Joshi treasure. Narumi unleashes a battle cry, footfalls stamping thunder across the stage before she rebounds off Stitches with a neat, snapping dropkick, and comes up swinging the pink shinai around her head; taking out the Young Mogul with a flurry of blows, then rounding on Malone and about decapitating her with a furious swipe! Wide-eyed and fired up, the Onihime stares out at the crowd, who echo a chant heard at last year's Rumble.

"Oh-Nee-Hee-May!" clap-clap-clapclapclap "Oh-Nee-Hee-May!"

She sucks in a breath, and turns just in time to see Stitches pouncing, whirling under his grasping arms and driving the shinai to his gut, then bringing it down across his shoulders. The clown falls to his knees, and the crowd only get louder, following the deft spin of the shinai into a conniption that utterly fails to impress the ice-cold heart of Melody Malone. One moment Narumi is on top, the next she's crashing down, as the Queen of EWC yanks her backwards into a pinning predicament, holding her for a solitary one-count before releasing her and instead snatching up the discarded weapon. She scowls at the pink shinai, then pointedly discards it over her shoulder, motioning for the Onihime to stand. Narumi barely hesitates, dashing forward with her forearm perhaps about to come into play...

And then she's flying through the air, as Malone imitates her own evasion of Stitches, but brings her weight up underneath her plucky opponent and launches her over the top rope to the outside. She straightens without her habitual smirk; her mouth instead a strained line, emotions bubbling beneath the surface as she spares a few barbed words for the discarded younger woman - their particulars lost beneath the raging tumult of the crowd.

Onihime and Queen lock eyes one last time, and then it's Malone's turn to be launched backwards, seized by the upper arm and slung toward the ropes by a recovered Marcu$ $t. John, who meets her on the rebound with a beautiful, silky-smooth Eat Defeat, emphatically introducing her jawline to his boot before popping to his feet to a surge of appreciation!

He's not wallowing in this solitary moment, keenly aware of his own mounting injuries as he rapidly turns and drops a knee across Malone's throat, then starts pulling her to her feet only to be cut off by Stitches. An attempted sidewalk slam is thwarted as $t. John wriggles free, sparing a rare rake of the eyes to send the clown stumbling, before darting in to hook the leg and pull him back into a brainbuster! He tries to float over for the cover, but Narumi slides back into the ring, hauls him off, and goes for a spinning roundhouse kick that he blocks!

The Young Mogul's eyes are wide now, as he shoves Narumi backwards and leaps into a Lou Thesz Press, crashing down atop her, stumbling off on the other side to hit the ropes, flying back across the ring with his own steps like thunder--

--right into a BEAUTIFUL DISASTERPIECE from Stitches! The crowd erupts in excited dismay as $t. John is sent sprawling, and the former Everything Champion ends up with his leg slung over the top rope, forestalling his catastrophic momentum with an easy shrug and a chortle of unkind laughter as cheers turn to jeers against him.

Woo: New breed, meet the old guard.

Gomez: Stitches has seen what's on offer and he is not impressed! You should never count out the Carnival Clown!

Tsutsumi is on her feet, waiting for Stitches to stop cajoling the crowd with his broad, sarcastic slash of a smile, looming behind him like she were the monster, meeting him with a face-washing crescent kick, then seizing him by the arm and dragging all nigh-on three hundred pounds of him to the mat! The impact is tremendous, but Stitches stomps back to his feet, sneering as he turns into a patented combination of strikes - spinning backfist, a flurry of jabs, a crouching uppercut to the beefy gut, and then a scything axe kick that plows the clown back into the canvas! The crowd's stomping and chanting almost drowns out the warning cries that have Narumi curtailing her offense, turning to face the incoming silent assassin that is Melody Malone. A kick rings out like a gunshot--

--and it's Narumi who's staggering, in spite of her wariness, a superkick from the champion catching her flush. Malone puffs out her cheeks, flinty gaze sweeping the crowd before flickering back to Narumi, and with a roll of her shoulders she opts to simply charge the Onihime, watched from one corner of the ring by the Carnival Clown as she hits his own Lethal Lariat at a pace that takes her over the top rope with Narumi! The Shinijoshi stalwart is stunned, but the pair of them somehow land on their feet, Malone throwing furious hands and feet to keep driving her prey across the outside of the ring. Back inside, $t. John is up, takes one look at Stitches starting to rise, and slides out under the bottom rope, diving beneath the ring to secure a weapon as the clown stands alone in the ring, raising his arms as if to conduct a symphony - the crowd are simply, purely loud at this point, cheering and booing lost in the perpetual wave.

It's chaos, and Stitches looks the part at the center of it, as Narumi's skull is driven into the barricade by the frantic Malone. As $t. John slides a chair into the ring, then hefts one himself, barking an order at Stitches.

The clown grins sadistically, flicking a wingtip under the proferred weapon and knocking it up into his hands as the Young Mogul slides into the ring and they begin to exchange blows! The first crash of steel on steel comes in perfect tandem with a screech from Malone, as Narumi grabs a handful of her hair and yanks to extricate herself from a chokehold against the unyielding barricade. The second collision is timed less-perfectly with the Onihime's comeback, a rapid-fire superman punch as she rises, then a deft spin into a MASTER SWORD elbow that pitches Malone against the apron!

As if spurred on by this combination, $t. John gets the upper hand on Stitches, swatting a kick into his thigh, then ducking the answering chair shot to bring him own forth in a jab to the gut that doubles over the clown. The Young Mogul is seeing red a moment later, bringing the chair down over and over onto Stitches' back, and finally into the back of his skull, the sound of splitting flesh as he finally brings low his deadly foe.

Woo: We've been witnessing brutality all day and all night, but it's clear that every blow in this main event matchup is deeply personal - this isn't just violence, Valentina. This is violence with purpose.

Gomez: ¡Sí, Woo! This is for the greatest prize in EWC. Every strike brings them just a little closer to that.

Narumi closes in on Malone, but then eats a sharp kick between the thighs as the Queen refuses to stay dazed for even a moment. There's a line of blood on her jaw from that prior elbow, which she swipes away angrily, her gaze sparkling wet but ferocious as she starts forward and leaps like a pouncing wolf, clearing the barricade with Narumi's head captured in one arm, SNAPPING the neck across the unyielding surface. Tsutsumi crumples atop it, and Malone straightens up amidst the crowd, staring into faces that would deny her, pointing at the agonized woman as she rounds into a flurry of simple, brutal hammerfists, then scoops Narumi up and pitches her at the side of the ring.

It's a big ask, but while the Onihime doesn't quite fly like a lawn dart, she does roll up against the apron, fingers clutching desperately beneath the ring as Malone coldly laughs and climbs back over the barricade.

Inside the ring, $t. John has Stitches on his knees and is fighting to lock in the Million Dollar Dream, looking for an early threat on the Carnival Clown as Malone busies herself with the perpetual upstart. Stitches fights him every step of the way, reaching back to grasp a desperate fish-hook, wrenching at the corner of the Young Mogul's mouth and using this to bend him over into a snapmare, keeping the illegal hold locked in as he fights to transition into the Cheshire Smile, sinking down onto Marcu$' back. His other hand comes around, and then he recoils as the Mogul BITES down on his fingers. Leaping to his feet, Stitches backs off, shaking the blooming blood from his hands.

CLANG! From outside comes another din of steel as Narumi meets the oncoming Malone with a surprise strike from below, driving the edge of a steel chair against her kneecap. Malone stumbles and goes down, and the Onihime makes another grab beneath the ring as she whirls to stand, going behind with a length of cable she strives to wrap around the Undisputed Champion's throat, blood smearing from the opened gash in her jawline as the other woman fights back.

Malone grabs the cable, wrenches it away from her throat, and then brings up her unassailed leg, driving the toe of her boot into Narumi's forehead. The Onihime stumbles back, and Malone spins to her feet, the knee giving way and forcing her into a hobble to capitalize on the purchased moment. She staggers past Narumi, but kicks up onto the barricade and flies off with an improvised bulldog, DRIVING the former Indy Champion jaw-first into the floor!

A moment later, there's an explosion from inside the ring as Stitches finishes up a vigorous combination on Marcu$ $t. John with a wheelbarrow suplex clean into the center! He rolls through into a cover, dark eyes hunting out Malone on the outside as the official sinks down for the first, properly-applied count of the match...

ONE...



TWO...



NO!

Malone, in a sudden panic, flies under the bottom rope into a basement dropkick that sends Stitches sprawling from the Young Mogul, coming to his feet with a chagrined smirk and an unflappably smug demeanor as Melody pops to her feet snarling bitter words to the much-reviled clown. He beckons her on, and she obliges, opening fire with a snapshot Enziguri that sets him to wobbling - but fails to drop her beyond-tough foe. She slings herself at him with another snarl, hits a jumping snapmare, then follows up with a pump knee strike that flattens him out; he falls comically, his hands crashing against the mat, an unseen grin smeared across his lips as Malone frantically makes the cover.

ONE...



TWO...



KICKOUT!

He waits until the last instant, then simply throws her off, rolling to his feet as she pulls herself up in the corner, staring him down. She charges, and he weaves aside, catching her with a punch to the back of the skull, then a sliding uppercut as she turns to face him, the blow launching her up off her feet! The Carnival Clown rises beneath her, snagging her in a bear hug and HEAVING her up over the top rope as if to make a very clear point...

Woo: What she can do to Narumi, he can do to her. Stitches is marking his territory. Calling his shot.

Gomez: And Malone is down on the outside! Down and surrounded!

Indeed, Malone starts to struggle upright, cringing in pain and finding herself between Stitches - predatorily grinning at her over the ropes - Marcu$ $t. John who's escaped to the outside and is currently eyeing her from one corner of the ring, and Narumi Tsutsumi, who is warily glancing at the other competitors as she closes in on Melody from the opposite flank. There's seemingly nowhere for the Undisputed Champion to run, but she glances wildly left and right, then snorts disdainfully as she circles away from Stitches toward the Young Mogul. This presents her back to the Onihime, but before she can do anything about it, there's a sharp crack as Rory interjects himself from behind!

A second swing of Narumi's own pink shinai brings her down, as Melody closes on $t. John with a storm of strikes - an opening trade quickly seeing her gain the upper hand on the man who's already been through one grueling match, already lost his own title. A kick slams into his skull, then another breaks his nose as Malone pushes her full weight through the follow-up blow, STOMPING her foot down only to leap straight into a CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT, pulling his shattered face into both knees! There's a gout of blood, crimson sprayed across the front of the Queen as she tosses the Young Mogul aside and rises to her feet, leaning against the apron momentarily - before a hand winds its way into her hair.

Stitches' attempt to haul her back into the ring is thwarted as she jerks forward with undeniable instinct, leaving him holding a torn clump of Malone's hair. He blinks, and slowly smiles, meeting her gaze as she spins to face him on the outside - and then he's forced to turn as a loud noise from behind heralds a second interjection by Rory! The massive Scotsman brings that pink shinai to bear once more, but Stitches is more than equal to it, ducking his head underneath then cold-cocking Malone's retainer with a forbidding punch straight to the jaw. Rory wavers, but doesn't quite go down! Stitches extricates the shinai, swings it up harshly between the legs, and as Rory doubles over he switches his grip to either end and brings Narumi's historic pink weapon down across the back of the big man's neck.

It snaps in twain, and Rory goes down, Stitches casting the broken shinai aside and moving to lock in the Cheshire Smile!

Melody's seen more than enough, though, and she's on the clown before he can wind his fingers into Rory's mouth, pulling him upright and nailing him with a pair of forearms, whipping him to the ropes and catching him with a superkick! Narumi is up, and halfway onto the apron when Melody spots her and darts forward - forcing the Onihime to drop back to ringside. Melody looks furiously from one opponent to the other, then moves to Stitches and jerks him upright, making full sure she has Tsutsumi's undivided attention before she points at the wound opened by that earlier elbow...

And spins into a MASTER SWORD of her own! Dropping the Carnival Clown like so much dead weight!

He crashes onto the canvas, and Malone fakes going for the cover, prompting Narumi to spring onto the apron and duck through the ropes. Melody's ready for her, darting forward with another solid forearm, then stepping back as Narumi hangs draped in place for an instant, bringing her in the hard way with a crushing headscissors DDT! EUPHORIA!

Woo: With all three of her opponents down, the Undisputed Champion has her choice of whom to pin, Valentina.

Gomez: Nuh uh. I don't think she's done hurting people, Woo!

The crowd rain down their displeasure, and Malone soaks it in, that odd stew of emotions briefly playing across her features before she peels away from her two fallen opponents in the ring - and the dazed Rory, who's getting shakily to his feet - sliding back to the outside and diving beneath the ring. Marcu$ $t. John is upright and taking brief sanctuary with the fans at ringside, slapping a few hands as he swipes the blood from his face and then hunts for any sign of life in his opponents - finding Malone as she straightens up, hauling a full-length mirror from under the ring with a sadistic scowl. She can't resist peering into it, seeing her own resplendent form reflected...

And it's a momentary vanity that costs her. The Young Mogul takes the opportunity wholeheartedly, sprinting around the outside into a full-force dropkick that sends the mirror crashing into Malone, and Malone into the steel steps beneath it, glass raining down on her, blood pouring from multiple cuts as she thrashes in pain. $t. John rights himself with a stumble, and goes for an ill-advised standing moonsault that-- lands flush, crushing the Queen beneath his weight!

He barely makes to his feet a second time, putting an arm out onto the apron as he heaves in a few breaths, ragged from the mounting damage of the night. The crowd rally behind him, chanting and stomping...

And then the atmosphere abruptly shifts. Confusion reigns as a figure bursts out onto the stage.

Woo: What's King Flip doing here? Has the cavalry arrived for Marcu$ $t. John?

Gomez: Ugh! We've seen enough of him tonight! Please don't make me put up with any more!

Flip is striding down the ramp to the complete confusion of the Young Mogul, who is leaving nothing to chance - retreating around the edge of the ring, as the Brawl star makes a beeline for where he was stood a moment before, cajoling the crowd with a merry grin as he moves to the fallen Malone, inspecting her with a critical eye then glancing into the ring; where Rory is already upright, and both Stitches and Narumi are stirring. It's the clown he spares the time for, rubbing his bearded chin and then bending over the bloodied Melody, tugging a shard from her cheek and flicking it away before pulling her upright and making a show of dusting her down--

--only to go behind as she blinks into action, hauling her into a German suplex on the outside! He holds onto her waist and rolls through, pulling her upright and tugging her toward the ring only to have his actions curtailed by a furious Rory, whose brogue erupts in a bellow as he drops to ringside and pursues King Flip, who releases Malone and scrambles!

Inside the ring, Narumi takes this distracting moment to ambush Stitches, who is thoroughly distracted by the attempt at eye contact from King Flip. She swoops in behind, and attempts to sweep him backwards with a snap dragon suplex, but he drops his weight and blocks the attempt, instead using sharp elbows and a stomp to extricate himself, spinning to catch her with a Dragon Sleeper! He bends her backwards, then reaches to grab the waist and pulls her up and over, suplexing her neatly into the top rope - rebounding only to release her to fall a second time, all the breath launched from the Onihime's lungs as she's poleaxed across the the taut cable and then crashes down onto the apron in a tangle of limbs. Reaching through the middle rope, Stitches pulls her in for a brutal choke, using his legs and the rope for extra leverage, Narumi red-faced and wheezing, kicking limply to try and free herself but utterly refusing to yield!

On the outside, Rory has caught up to Flip and has him cornered, corralled away from the stirring Malone. The ol' CHK begs off the big man, trying to reassure him with a few jocular words, before abruptly turning and laying him out with a Pelé kick that gets a huge roar from the crowd! Spurred on by this seeming show of support, the choking Narumi manages to fight free from Stitches, and falls to ringside, crawling away on all fours as she struggles to recapture her breath...

$t. John slides into the ring, only to stumble as Flip runs in behind and snags his ankle, sending him staggering against the ropes. Leaping up onto the apron, King Flip pulls the fallen North American champion into a rope-trapped modified octopus hold, wrenching his torso painfully backwards while locking eyes with Stitches - who watches with narrowed eyes, his stare darting away to keep half his attention on Narumi and Malone.

Suddenly, there's a SCREAM from the Young Mogul as Flip drops all of his weight into the improvised hold, and the tumult of the crowd briefly becomes a shocked silence as there's a grisly snap from the chest of Marcu$ $t. John!

Woo: Oh my God, the Young Mogul looks seriously hurt! We need some medical assistance out here!

Gomez: I THINK HE RIPPED HIS ENTIRE  CHEST OFF THE BONE!!!

Flip lets him fall, and the camera focuses on $t. John's outer chest, which is rapidly turning an ugly, blotchy color. Dropping to ringside, King Flip steps backwards, raising his arms and locking eyes with Stitches, who moves toward the downed Paramount star - whose pain is such that he's barely moving, not making a sound, just clutching at his ripped pectoral in shocked agony. The crowd explode back into life, raining down boos as they register the opportunity created for the Carnival Clown by his long-time rival. An angrily hurled soda cup bounces off the head of Flip, who swats it away with a shit-eating grin, turns back to Stitches and indicates he should take his chance!

Stitches sneers back at him, rolling the Young Mogul over with his boot, into place for a cover, locking up one wrist and grinding a forearm into his pain-stricken face.

ONE...



TWO...



NO!!

Both Malone and Tsutsumi move toward the ring to break the count - but they don't even need to interject. Against all the odds, despite all he's endured, Marcu$ $t. John manages to kick out, his eyes wide and essentially sightless as she rolls clear from Stitches and drags himself by the fingernails toward the corner, spittle frothing into the bloody mess of his face, the spreading purple blotch on his torso threatening to pull him into unconsciousness. But still, somehow, he's fighting.

Gomez: That's the spirit of a true Guerrero!

On the apron, the two women are locked together once more, trading sharp strikes, Narumi getting the upper hand momentarily and sliding a foot onto the middle rope, stepping up into a springboard forearm that almost drops Malone back to ringside-- almost. Gritting her teeth, the bloody Queen clings on, knuckles white on the top rope, and manages to drive a mocking knife edge chop into the throat of the Onihime. She strikes a mock karate pose after landing the blow, then smirks viciously, seizes the back of Narumi's head, and sweeps her from the apron...

The pair of them go down hard, but it's Malone on top and a field of broken glass below, the Onihime driven into the jagged mess with a grim finality and a wild yell from the Queen - who eats plenty of the same shit herself, shards clinging to her skin and more of her own blood spilling as she straightens up, grabs the arms and tries to finish her bloody business, hauling the smaller woman up off her face, giving her one long, lingering look at the broken mirror--

--before drilling her into it once more, with a sickening stomp to the back of the skull! QUEEN'S EXILE!!

After going through her own share of punishment earlier in the evening, Narumi Tsutsumi might be out for the count, another uncertain semi-silence wracking the crowd before they erupt against the regal form of Malone, damning her to the hell she's clearly inclined to send every one of her fellow competitors to as she straightens up, jerking a few more pieces of the mirror from her own skin and running her tongue across her lips as she stares back over her shoulder.

Coming face to terrible face with Stitches, who is slowly applauding her efforts. She holds his gaze, bending down to scoop up a long, jagged sweep of glass that's gone undisturbed by the ravaged figure of the Onihime. Wielding it like a machete, she slides slowly into the ring, pacing a semi-circle around the Carnival Clown.

All loathing from the crowd diminishes into the purity of excitement as this vaunted rematch unfolds, the Queen seeking bitter vengeance with a shattered sword in hand, the Hardcore Harlequin inviting her on with a slow beckon from his own bloodied fingers. She lunges, and he moves in kind; pumping the legs into a standing bicycle kick, attempting to catch her with a Beautiful Disasterpiece! She has it scouted, going underneath, sweeping his posted leg from under him with her own. He falls forward, and she steps in, driving the broken glass down like a railroad spike...

It shatters, but not before piercing the broad muscles of his back, leaving a twisted shard in his skin. He tries to heave himself away, but she drops her weight onto his back, shifts her crimson-leaking grip on the remnant of glass she's still feverishly clutching, and applies Stitches' own camel clutch, ripping at his mouth with one hand as the other brings her crystalline knife down in slashes across his scarred face, reaping overdue payback to the horror of the crowd! They're baying for more of the blood they've been seeing all night, but it's an unpleasant sight nonetheless, and it isn't until the shard breaks again and is fumbled from her hand that Malone stops unleashing her frustration. She falls forward, sinking her weight into a simple rear choke, gasping for air as Stitches bleeds freely into the canvas.

She tries to haul him to one side, sinking her hooks in, but his strength remains against all reason - he resists, kicking his feet against the mat, shaking his head 'no' as the official asks for the submission. Melody's put too much into her petty revenge - drawn too much blood to maintain her slick grasp. She falls aside, and he crawls to the corner opposite $t. John, chortling sickly and casting a dizzy glance over his shoulder, blood streaming down his painted face.

Woo: This is absolutely chilling. Is there anything Melody Malone won't do to remain champion?

Gomez: Turnabout is fair play, Woo. This is nothing Stitches wouldn't do. Hasn't done!

Determined to show the ailing, blood-drunk crowd something they haven't seen, Narumi is on her feet and a fountain of blood unto herself, rounding into a dynamic slide beneath the bottom rope and straightening up with a spirited roar that brings the EWC Faithful back into a positive buzz, chanting the Onihime's epithet anew as she rounds on all three of her opponents - all of whom look like catastrophes in their own way. Stitches and Malone rise around the same time, he slumped in the corner, her over the top rope. Easy prey for King Flip, who chooses to re-interject himself, only to get IMMEDIATELY pulled off the apron by Rory, one massive hand wrapped around the other man's face as he drives him clean THROUGH the barricade with a more masculine, but no less spirited roar to Narumi.

Her eyes wide, the Onihime follows this effort by rushing in on Melody, who eats a flurry of chops, then is flung into the opposite set of ropes, trailing blood in her wake only to be met by the similarly-streaked blur of Narumi, who cartwheels into a TONITRUS BOLT! The ensuing powerbomb about drills Malone through the canvas, straight into a cover.

The crowd are on their feet! Stitches jerks himself upright, and starts forward...

ONE...



KICKOUT!

Malone refuses to stay down, reverses the pin, gasping and staring at the crowd who dare to rally against her. Stitches closes in and pulls her away before the cover can commence, wrenching her fingers into an agonizing display of joint manipulation, reeling in for a stunning headbutt, then pulling her up and over into position for a Falcon Arrow. Spitting out a mouthful of his own blood, he gurns at the crowd, leaps and drops, drilling Malone with his CRIMSON ARROW!

ONE...



TWO...



NO!!

Narumi erupts into his flank with a desperation dropkick, and as he's sent sprawling she scrambles toward the corner and springs to the high rent distract, turning as Stitches stands-- and landing full impact on his chest with a double-footed QUEEN ME from the top rope! He's stomped into the proverbial dirt, and she's flung from his bulk onto her back, scrambling to meet Melody as the reigning Queen of EWC finds her feet. A hand finds her arm, and then a moment later a foot finds her jaw for the second time in this match - but this time, with feeling! Eat Defeat! PAYMON!!!

The crowd are losing their minds now, in conniptions for the Onihime as she flings herself on top of Malone, trapping her head and wrist in an elaborate pin - anyway, anyhow to keep her down for the count!

ONE...



TWO...



NO!!!

Stitches is there at 2.999, hurling himself like a limp boulder at the pile of queenly bodies, scattering Narumi who unleashes a frustrated shout and tries to push herself upright - only to be intercepted by the Carnival Clown, who drives a firm knee up into her gut, heaving her fully off the canvas into the air! In mid-flight, he winds his arms through her own and brings her up and over with a thunderous Future Shock DDT! THE SOUND OF SILENCE!!!

Silence reigns through the arena for a heartbeat, and Stitches takes that sweet moment of shock to shift into a double-arm headlock, starting to slither his legs around the abdomen as the crowd recover and then surge in a surprising show of support-- for Melody Malone? The Undisputed Champion dives across the mat, catching one of Stitches' legs and hauling it up over her neck as she straightens, looking for the Queen's Grace, but straining as she's forced to bear up both his weight and that of Tsutsumi - who's still held in place by the Carnival Clown.

He takes advantage, rolling Narumi against Malone and posting up on his arms, using this strained moment to scramble clear to the ropes, the extra leverage allowing him to yank his leg free and roll to the outside. Malone and Tsutsumi rise in a tangled mess, hair and limbs all knotted together, each trying to find a way to strike the other without unbalancing, slipping and sliding on the blood left behind on the mat by every participant...

Narumi loses her footing, and Melody pounces on the instant of weakness - DRIVING her into the corner where she slumps, momentarily dazed. The champ stumbles backwards, all the way to the opposing corner, sighting down the line at the Onihime - the crowd splitting down the middle now, some trying to rally the former Indy Champ, others giving a more mixed response that shockingly, against every known rule of the universe shifts in favor of MELODY MALONE--

--as she charges and spins, driving herself butt-first into Narumi's bloody face! The impact is tremendous!

But more than that. It's Sweet Cheeks Music. The atmosphere changes completely.

Woo: That's... that's Iggy Swango's move!

Gomez: Goosebumps...

Narumi flops uselessly in the corner, and Malone staggers into the center of the ring, staring wildly at all four corners. The Onihime is slumped. $t. John is still down and clutching at his torn pectoral. King Flip is in a pile courtesy of Rory. Stitches... slides into the ring behind her. Rory barks a warning from ringside, and Melody turns in a buttery-smooth miasma of motion, stepping into a high knee then drawing her nails down across the open gashes ripped in Stitches' face by her own untender ministrations. Even he has limits; he's stricken, she's snapping on a headlock, and with a mighty surge of effort, pulling the Carnival Clown into her clutches. All too familiar ones.

With Stitches in place, Malone locks eyes with Rory, then looks up at the rafters, and mouths three words that nobody in the world fails to translate: 'I love you.' She hauls backwards, planting her foe with the cradle DDT that was Lady Stardust's calling card; NOISE POLLUTION! The clown skids onto his spine, collapses toward the ropes, desperately clawing his way out of the ring and immediately falling on his ruined face amidst the remnants of that broken mirror. Melody straightens up, breathing hard, tears streaming down her own torn features. She turns, looking for the cover - but finds no sign of Stitches, looking across the ring at the injured form of Marcu$ $t. John.

With a sneer that's all-too-familiarly Melody Malone, the Queen lunges for her visible prey, hauls him up into position as if he were weightless - his protesting form swept into a second, exclamation point of a cradle DDT.

Woo: A second Noise Pollution!

The Undisputed Champion looks spent, pausing for breath before she turns to make the cover. There's an ERUPTION throughout the arena as a small figure blurs in to intercept her, sliding smoothly into a chokehold, flipping Malone onto her back... and Narumi Tsutsumi has the TSUTSUMI RAPPU applied in the center of the ring! Melody Malone is in serious trouble, attempting to buck free, but held in position and fading as Narumi looks out at the crowd, gritting her teeth as she sinks the hold in. Begging, pleading with the champion to finally relinquish her own stranglehold on the belt!

Melody isn't tapping, but she does begin to fade, falling limp as Narumi retightens her grip, muttering to herself, tears stinging at her own eyes now as in pure desperation she clings on to the champion.

The official bends to check on Malone, lifts her hand into the air, releases it...

It flops limply to the canvas.

He lifts it again, and again it flops, limp and useless. Shaking his head, the official tries a third time...

...and MALONE GETS HER FIST UP, knuckles white, the crowd rallying anew behind Narumi, seeing the culmination of a year's hard work fall away, seeing the battles fought and lost and sending another about to happen. Willing her to push through it-- but Malone is fighting back, throwing her fist up, trying to do anything she can to power out.

Narumi Tsutsumi shakes her head fiercely, glances across at the fallen form of Marcu$ $t. John and, still holding into Melody Malone, slides over and places herself on top of the prone body of the Young Mogul. Keeping the Tsutsumi Rappu locked in, her body straining, she covers him!

ONE...



TWO...



THREE!!!

DING DING DING

Dobrev: Your winner, via pinfall, and the NEW EWC Undisputed Champion ... NARUMI TSUTSUMI!

The announcement is being made as Melody Malone fights free from the ailing grip, thrashing onto all fours, straining to push herself up only to fall, and hear the rest of the announcement... the knowledge sinking in...

Both women scream at once. Narumi, in the pure elated delight of finally achieving her goal, of unseating the Queen of EWC - and the fallen, broken Queen, with horror and shock as her kingdom comes crashing down around her ears. As the crowd salute the new Undisputed Champion, just as they were turning in her favor - just as she'd sunk in her own, clawlike grip once again. The Onihime has forgotten about her completely, surging to her feet where her arm is raised and tears tumble down her cheeks, a happy flush overcoming the bruises and the blood, her music filling the arena and lifting the capacity crowd to fresh heights as they celebrate with her. At her coronation. At the dawn of a new legend.

Woo: This is surreal! It's been a long, hard road, filled with setbacks - Melody Malone herself, her unseating by Scorpio and the loss of her Indy Championship. But in spite of it all, Narumi Tsutsumi stands tall!

Gomez: I'm in shock, Woo! And... and I think we broke Queen Melody!

As the title is strapped around her waist, as she ascends to the turnbuckle and throws up the Shinijoshi double deuces. Unable to contain her sobs of sheer delight and quivering with the pulse of adrenaline and simple, pure ecstasy, Narumi Tsutsumi towers above a woman whose bloody, tear-stained, smeared face tells a far more grim story of its own. As one rises, another falls - and Melody falls hard, bundled from the ring into Rory's arms where she's blubbering an apology, over and over, the mics at ringside picking up the words, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

The Onihime doesn't hear it. She doesn't see it. She's celebrating, and the crowd celebrates with her, as she climbs each turnbuckle in turn and proudly presents her title - the title she deserves, the title she's earned - to the world. A MASSIVE Pyro display goes off all around Estadio Monumental as the the NEW EWC Undisputed champion tried to catch her breath in the ring after the war that she just endured. 

Woo: Folks. We've made it through blood and hellfire to stand here, at the end of StrangleMania, watching our new Undisputed Champion usher in a new era at the very top of her game. But we also salute the other competitors - the Carnival Clown, Stitches, the fallen Queen Melody, and the Young Mogul, Marcu$ $t. John, who laid his body on the line and to whom we wish a speedy recovery as the Onihime, Narumi Tsutsumi steps out as the future of the EWC.

Gomez: What a tournament! What a night! What a match!

Woo: And what a tribute to the friends we lost along the way. This bright future only serves to reflect all the beauty of the past. For everyone here in Peru , we wish you a good night. That is all from StrangleMania XVIII

The camera fades on the image of Narumi standing on the second turnbuckle, the Massive EWC Undisputed championship title around her waist, smiling a smile that may never leave her face. She has done it....

[EWC]

---

END SCREEN

WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED INTERCEPTION OR RECEIPT PROHIBITED!! 

THIS PAY PER VIEW EVENT IS THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE EXTREME WRESTLING CORPORATION. ONLY BY PAYING A FEE TO A CABLE OPERATOR OR OTHER ENTITY AUTHORIZED BY EWC INC IS THE VIEWER GRANTED A LIMITED LICENSE TO VIEW THIS PAY PER VIEW PROGRAM. THIS PAY PER VIEW MAY NOT BE RECORDED, REBROADCAST, RE-TRANSMITTED OR OTHERWISE DISTRIBUTED IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF EWC INC. FEDERAL LAW PROVES FOR CIVIL PENALTIES AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES AGAINST ANY VIOLATORS


UNAUTHORIZED VIEWERS BEWARE AND BE FOREWARNED!

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SEGMENT WRITERS

The Mad King
Russ (Scorpio)
JoJo Rush
Russ (Scorpio)
Gabrielle Visconty
Jason Anderson The Boss
"Headhuntress" Aiya
Ibuki Ito
The Mad King
Queen Melody
Xavier Reid
EPFTW!

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

MATCH WRITERS

MATCH ONE
WRITER: Stitches

MATCH TWO
WRITER: The Mad King

MATCH THREE
WRITER: Dominic Sanders

MATCH FOUR
WRITER: JoJo Rush

MATCH FIVE
WRITER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em

MATCH SIX
WRITER: Calamity Nguyen

MATCH SEVEN
WRITER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em

MATCH EIGHT
WRITER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em

MATCH NINE
WRITER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em

MATCH TEN
WRITER: Daphne Kay

MATCH ELEVEN
WRITER: FN'R

MATCH TWELVE
WRITER: EWC Staff Assistant: Em

MATCH THIRTEEN
WRITER: JoJo Rush

MATCH FOURTEEN MAIN EVENT
WRITER: Calamity Nguyen


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


RECAP OF WINNERS

HELLEVATOR MATCH
Andrea Hernandez Vs Caleb Scott Vs Chelsea Skye Vs Darius Vs Dustin Holt Vs Elissa Bradley Vs Nika Kosov(NS) Vs Ruthless Aggression Vs Saidie Sharpe Vs Sonya Vs Sueñe el Molde
WINNER: Saidie Sharpe
...

KISS MY ASS MATCH
Chris Page Vs Phoenix Winterborn
WINNER: Chris Page

...

GLASS TABLE MATCH
Tanja Devereaux Vs King Flip
WINNER: King Flip

...

WALK THE PLANK MATCH
JoJo Rush Vs Captain Morgan Darkwater 
WINNER: JoJo Rush

FAITHFUL SCRAMBLE
Winner become #1 Contender to the AMC Broadcast Championship!
Dalilah Ashe Vs Draco Lazarus Vs Gabrielle Visconty Vs Jack Severn Vs Lila Rue (PINNED)(NS)
WINNER: Gabrielle Visconty

...

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH / WINNER BECOMES NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TO THEIR BRAND’S TOP CHAMPIONSHIP
Melinda Rhodes Vs Sally Talfourd(PINNED) Vs Moxie
WINNER: Melinda Rhodes 

...

FLAMING TABLES MATCH/ EWC WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
Bloody Sureiyazu Vs Damage Incorporated
WINNERS AND NEW EWC WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Bloody Sureiyazu

...

CAR TRUNK MATCH / EWC NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Salvation Vs Marcu$ $t John 
WINNER AND NEW EWC NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPION: Salvation

...

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE MATCH
Ace King Vs Ibuki Ito
WINNER: Ibuki Ito

...

CAGE MATCH / EWC UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
Mercenary Vs Lavender
WINNER AND STILL EWC UNITED STATES CHAMPION: Lavender

...

RULES SWAP MATCH / EWC INTERNATIONAL TITLE
Dio Vs King Flip
WINNER AND STILL EWC INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION: King Flip

...

WEAPONS-X MATCH / EWC X-DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
Xavier Reid Vs El Pablo
WINNER AND NEW EWC X-DIVISION CHAMPION: Xavier Reid

...

BARBED WIRE ROPES MATCH / EWC INDY CHAMPIONSHIP
Callie Clark Vs Scorpio
WINNER AND STILL EWC INDY CHAMPION: Scorpio

...

NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH / LEGEND OF THE RING FINAL / EWC UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONSHIP
Narumi Tsutsumi Vs Stitches vs Marcu$ $t John (PINNED) Vs Melody Malone
WINNER AND NEW EWC UNDISPUTED CHAMPION: Narumi Tsutsumi

...

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

MVP OF THE NIGHT: Narumi Tsutsumi
MATCH OF THE NIGHT: Dio Vs King Flip

© EXTREME WRESTLING CORPORATION 2023