Post by MNB on Jun 3, 2024 20:57:33 GMT -6
WARNING:
This live event contains strong coarse language (L), and intense violence (V) which may be unsuitable for younger viewers. None of the matches you are about to watch have been predetermined. Only some of the thematic story-lines have been discussed beforehand. Accordingly, EWC and it's producers must insist that no one attempt to recreate or re-enact any match or activity performed in this live event.
The Extreme Wrestling Corporation presents
MONDAY NIGHT BRAWL
BRAWLYMPICS 2024
EPISODE #611 | JUNE 3RD 2024BRAWLYMPICS 2024
LIVE! from the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
EWC BRAWL
General Manager: Jim Connors
Assistant GM: Timothy Kahrs
Commentators: Joe Aiello & Steve 'The Predator' Bennett
Announcer: Jessica Stroup
Senior Referee: Paul Turner
Referee: Josh Daniels
Backstage Interviewer: Bob Murray
General Manager: Jim Connors
Assistant GM: Timothy Kahrs
Commentators: Joe Aiello & Steve 'The Predator' Bennett
Announcer: Jessica Stroup
Senior Referee: Paul Turner
Referee: Josh Daniels
Backstage Interviewer: Bob Murray
"I WON'T BOW DOWN" by P.O.D. blasts in the Arena
The show starts off with video footage detailing historic events over Monday Night BRAWL's history.
From episode 001 in 1997 all the way down to the last episode #610 in Calgary.
Images of previous EWC Champions are shown, starting with the very first Champion Black Ninja, then moving onto Big Mac and Steve Bennett. Sped up footage then shows a special montage of Memphis Reigns, Shadow Man, Hirsh Valentine, Jesse Nunez, Hurricane Jeff, Moses Lake, James Chambers, BDC, Jay Cee, Stray, Gladiator, The Rev, and Ruthless Aggression, all with the EWC Championship.
From there we look at the dawning of the Undisputed Championship as we know it today, with a focus on the men and women who have been a part of the red brand who have held the illustrious title including Candy, Dominic Sanders, Cyrus Black, and Stitches, before ending on the current champion following StrangleMania XIX... Xavier Reid.
Sped up footage again then takes us through to current Monday Night BRAWL Superstars: Stitches, Morgan Darkwater, Caleb Scott, Dio, Antoni Malietoa, Chelsea Skye, Emmanuelle, JoJo Rush, KU, Amis Shelton, and others making their way onto the red brand going into a historic 25th Season of BRAWL.
We then get a shot of the Champion of BRAWL:
Morgan Darkwater with the EWC Heritage Championship...and the EWC Hardcore Championship
The opening pyros blast across the stage and here we go.
We take a look outside the National Olympic Stadium ahead of a very exciting edition of Monday Night BRAWL!
We take a look outside the National Olympic Stadium ahead of a very exciting edition of Monday Night BRAWL!
A chant begins of
"MNB!"
"MNB!"
"MNB!"
"MNB!"
A thick layer of fog circles the stadium, and camera flashes repeatedly strobe the area!
The camera feed pans to different areas in the stadium and we see fans cheering in excitement!
The fans are shown smiling, laughing, and pumping their fists in excitement
as fireworks emit from each corner of the ring!
A thick layer of fog surrounds the fans from the firework display.
A thick layer of fog surrounds the fans from the firework display.
The show is live... and the excitement is at a fever pitch!
Signs can be seen all over the stadium, some reading:
"BRAWLYMPICS គឺជាកីឡាអូឡាំពិករបស់យើង។"
"ខ្ញុំចង់ជិះទូកជាមួយកាពីទែន"
"ខ្ញុំចង់រ៉ុកដូចពួកឧទ្ទាមដើម"
"SKYE សម្រាប់ជើងឯកទូរទស្សន៍ថ្មី។"
"ជើងឯកគឺនៅទីនេះ"
and "ប្រសិនបើអ្នកអាចអានរឿងនេះដោយមិនបកប្រែ អ្នកអាចទៅព្រះវិហាររបស់ខ្ញុំ"
Aiello: Hello everyone, and welcome to Monday Night BRAWL! Tonight is the 2024 edition of BRAWLYMPICS, and we are excited for our lineup tonight! I'm Joe Aiello, and I'm happy to announce that joining me at this time is my pal, EWC Hall of Famer Steve Bennett!
Bennett: Hello, Joe! Happy to be back at the booth, after ol' Jimbo and I had a chat following the show in Calgary. I promised I would be on my best behavior, and he offered me this gig back. What a show to be back at, too!
Aiello: Yessir, we have a great show in store for you, folks. Some big matches, including our Main Event – “The Renegade” Amis Shelton versus “The Rebel Star” Melinda Rhodes, going one-on-one for the first time in over six years, reigniting a bitter feud and opening up old wounds, but this time it’s for a shot at Captain Morgan Darkwater’s Heritage Championship at Brawl #612, a month from now, in the Philippines!
Bennett: That’s right! Hard to believe Captain Darkwater is still our Heritage Champion after the sheer brutal, gruelling, and frankly criminally impossible odds stacked against him back in Calgary! I thought for sure we would have a new champ in Caleb Scott – Connors and Shelton all but tried to guarantee it! But that Darkwater is one ornery, stubborn ox of an old bastard, Joe, and nothing his opponent or the special referee could do would keep him down for the 3-count in what was, arguably, one of the highlight matches of 2024 so far!
Aiello: I’m sure you’re not just saying that due to your involvement, Steve – Jim Connors definitely tried to stack the deck against Darkwater by making that title match a No DQ for Scott only, but the Captain persevered … and is it any wonder, after seeing the savage and determined lengths Morgan went to to defeat not just JoJo Rush, but Connors himself, to become the new EWC Hardcore Champion?
Bennett: Hell yeah, what a damn clinic the Captain put on that night. No one is going to forget Brawl #610 any time soon! He showed the world, foes and friends alike, just what kinda demons he had in him, and woe betide any idiot who dares to get in his way or disrespect him… and wouldn’t ya know it, Rush and Connors did exactly that. They fucked around, and Captain Darkwater made sure as hell they found out, as did Scott later that night!
As if summoned by their chatter, the lights in the arena dip to almost complete darkness as a steadily increasing drumroll rumbles throughout the PA system. Something large is slowly descending over the Extreme Tron, but it’s too dark to clearly make out what it is just yet as it lowers into place several feet above the main entrance. A loud, metallic whirring picks up, drowning out the drumroll as part of this mysterious object begins to spin, kicking up large showers of golden sparks that give us flickering glimpses of this massive object…
Suddenly, the striking opening of “The Sunkn’ Norwegian' blasts throughout the arena to thunderous, ecstatic cheers from the thousands of excited fans, as bright spotlights strike the main stage, and we finally see what this mysterious object is. For anyone who watched WrestleFest 2023, the large skull Captain Morgan Darkwater descended in for his Hardcore title match against JoJo Rush would have been easily recognisable, though now it was without its demonic horns or face-plate. The entire thing was now gleaming gold, with a gargantuan buzzsaw-blade behind it, spinning wildly and spitting sparks. Sat comfortably inside the skull’s wide open jaw was none other than Captain Darkwater himself, resplendent in all his crimson and black pirate garb, both the Brawl Heritage and EWC Hardcore title belts held aloft in his massive bear-paw of a left hand, his right holding a big frothing wooden tankard.
“ONE MORE DRINK!” he bellows at the top of his lungs in time with his iconic theme song, and throughout the arena thousands of tankards are likewise raised aloft, as the majority of fans in attendance take a drink with their triumphant champion. Froth and yellowish grog pours down his bushy beard and soaks into his jacket, but he doesn’t care – the look of absolute pride and delight in his gleaming eyes making it clear he was on cloud nine as the arena reverberates with cheers for Brawl’s larger-than-life hero.
Aiello: Speak of the Devil, and he shall appear! Though the Captain is thankfully without his demonic facepaint from last show, and looks to be in a thoroughly more amicable and joyous mood.
Bennett: Y’know, I’ll be the first to admit it – I wasn’t the biggest fan of Darkwater at first, and who could blame me? A damn pirate, parading around on this brand, this company that I love? I, like many others, dismissed him as a joke, a flash-in-the-pan gimmick I frankly couldn’t wait to see the back of him, and I thought I had gotten my wish at StrangleMania 2023… but I’ll be god-damned if the Captain didn’t come back when we all needed him most, like the fantastical hero he is, to stick a burly wrench in the House’s plans for complete company dominance, and he’s been on a tear ever since! Started the 2024 season off as our inaugural Heritage Champion, and now the aloof, arrogant, scum-sucking JoJo Rush has finally been dethroned as the EWC Hardcore Champion, with that gnarly-looking belt not sitting proudly on the Captain’s shoulders! So what if he resorted to brutal, gruesome methods to get it? Rush got what he deserved – and the rest of the House ain’t far behind!
Aiello: Some might argue that’s exactly the kind of ruthless hero this company needs, in the face of an enemy like the House, and whatever the hell Jim Connors is up to! The EWC is no place for half-measures and taking the high-road! I may not like what Darkwater did last Brawl, but dammit you gotta admire his tenacity and commitment! And the fans here are thoroughly on the Captain’s side!
By this point, the Captain has safely hopped down from the skull’s open mouth to pace the stage, holding his titles and tankard high for everyone to share in his glory. Along the sides of the ramp, much like at Mania, are a dozen cannons, six on each side, each manned by a pair of his pirate crew. As he passes between them, each pair fires off its shot, plumes of red, black and gold foil confetti blasting high overhead and into the crowds, the tailends gently showering down on the slowly swaggering Captain.
When he’s finally past the twelve-cannon salute, glittering confetti still fluttering high in the air over the cheering crowds, the Captain once again raises his tankard and starts knocking it against the tankards of those clamouring fans at ringside, drinks splashing and mixing as they eagerly share their drinks with their proud champion. This continued for a full circuit around the ring, the Captain pausing only to take drinks and photos with the fans before he makes his way over to the announcer’s table, where he sets his tankard down and picks up a microphone, which he raises to his lips as he climbs into the ring.
Darkwater: Good e’ening, Phnom Penh!! How ye all doing tonight? Welcome … to Monday Night Brrrraaaawl!
The capacity, sold-out crowd goes absolutely nuts at his greeting, filling the arena with chants!
“CAPTAIN TWO-BELTS!!
CAPTAIN TWO-BELTS!!
CAPTAIN TWO-BELTS!!”
Darkwater basks in their adulation, a title over each shoulder, the burly man smiling and nodding along to the rhythm of the chants, letting it die down naturally before continuing.
Darkwater: Let th’ Captain ask ye somethin’, Cambodia… did ye catch th’ last episode of Brawl, perchance…?
He grins mischievously as the cheers pick up again, smirking at his not so subtle joke.
Darkwater: Aye, I had a slight feelin’ ye might all have been familiar with th’ Captain’s adventures two weeks ago… an’ what a night it was fer Captain Morgan Darkwater! One filled with brutality, grit, ruthlessness an’ defiance! T’were th’ night I finally did th’ world a service, an’ put that loathsome dog, JoJo Rush, down fer good, pryin’ this glorious Hardcore title from his bloody, mutilated hands. Rush! Where'er ye might be tonight, I want ye to take a good, long hard look at yer TV screen right now, see what th' Captain holds in his hands... ye think ye were 'th' only one able to carry this weight'? Well, look at me now, an' ask yer'self this... how much weight, exactly, can those butchered hands carry now? Ye be lookin’ not just at th’ new Hardcore Champion, but th’ triumphant hero who finally slew … th’ Blight of Monday Nights.
The crowds once again pick up a chant, this time directed at the ex-Hardcore Champion, wherever he was holed up.
“GOOOOODBYE JOJO!!
GOOOOODBYE JOJO!!
GOOOOODBYE JOJO!!”
Darkwater: But ye see, whereas Rush – like th’ rest of th’ accursed House – be only after titles fer his own gain, to exert his power an’ dominance, an’ crush all before him, Captain Morgan Darkwater be quite th’ different animal indeed! Fer starters, ye all finally have someone who be proud t’be not just any champion, but yer champion. Who understands th’ blood, sweat an’ tears that go into these titles’ storied legacies, who sees them as far more than just ‘straps of leather an’ tin’, but somethin’ t’be upheld proudly, t’be defended with all of one’s heart, guts an’ determination! Somethin’ that e’eryone who steps into this ring be worthy to aspire to, but very few succeed, though all should be commended fer tryin’.T’be an EWC champion, to hold one of their great titles – much less two – be a great honour, an’ not one to take lightly or belittle, an’ definitely not a means to punish an’ crush all who would challenge ye, but to welcome those challenges! E’en challenges from those less deservin’ than others – but we’ll get to Amis Shelton soon enough.
The big man chuckles softly to himself as a sea of boos fill the arena. He hefts his titles back over his shoulders to keep them slipping off, and continues.
Darkwater: But th’ Captain hears th’ naysayers, mark my words! He hears people callin’ him a hypocrite, a power-hungry old bastard who be selfishly figthin’ to keep these titles – an’ all the accolades an’ recognition that come with ‘em – from th’ younger, more deservin’, more talented generations in this business. Bull an’ poppycock! I be no misanthropic neanderthal with a God complex, nor some self-proclaimed Golden Boy with a chip on his shoulder large enough to park a Buick. I’m not some Jack of th’ Club who cannae keep his own House in order fer ten damn minutes ‘fore they start fallin’ out again … I be no swamp thing witch, an’ I sure as hell not be whate’er that Hauntin’ Curse is! Nay! I be Captain Morgan Darkwater, th’ Brawlin’ Buccaneer, an’ there be no one in th’ world like me!
He marches over to the corner of the ring and leans back against it with a satisfied sigh, his elbows resting on the top-rope as he looks back up the ramp to the main-stage, where his golden buzzsaw-skull has now been lifted back up just enough for the Extreme Tron to be mostly visible, showing a close-up of the man himself, the light dancing off the faceplates of his two titles. He pats the Hardcore title fondly.
Darkwater: Aye, this looks much better o’er th’ Captain’s shoulders than in some hillbilly blackhat’s darn fridge, wouldn’t ye agree? But I digress … Captain Morgan Darkwater be a champion who lives fer th’ legacy – not solely his own, but those of th’ titles he proudly holds an’ defends. Win or lose, I fight tooth an’ claw to put on a spectacle that will last in th’ hearts an’ minds of each an’ e’ery one of you fans watchin’. Ye fans who have been with th’ Captain since Day One, who embraced his wild ways an’ life wholeheartedly, nay questions asked, who knew th’ Captain were far more than a gimmick! Ye who were with him e’ery step of th’ way, from th’ highest of highs to th’ lowest of lows… e’en when th’ Captain wasn’t able to be an active part of this company, there wasn’t a day that went by when he didn’t feel that love, that energy, an’ it helped him make the wild return ye all be experiencin’ to this very day! So believe me when I say, Captain Morgan Darkwater is a champion of th’ people – his people, his motley crew!
More cheers and drinking, fans clashing their tankards together and just sharing this exuberant moment together, coming together under the Captain’s flag.
Darkwater: I see ye all be enjoyin’ yer complimentary drinks, an’ it warms this old pirate’s heart to see so many tankards raised high in celebration of his efforts an’ triumphs. To think, near th’ end of 2022, I was certain that WrestleFest would be my final match, that th’ Captain’s glories were firmly in his past, that retirement were all he was good fer… if I could meet that Morgan now, I’d kick his ass into shape! But actually, it be okay to have those doubts, to not always feel ye be livin’ up to yer potential… what matters is that ye don’t give in to them, that ye take them in yer stride and push past them, prove them wrong, an’ be th’ best version of yer’selve ye can be! If ye can do that, if ye can fight that tough fight, day after day, then ye be a champion in my eyes.
He sits himself up on the top rope, rolling his neck and grimacing slightly at the crunching he seems to feel.
Darkwater: Don’t get me wrong, there nay be a soul in this company who wonders how this old sea dog can still be kickin’ ass at his age more than th’ Captain himself! E’ery day, I feel my age more an’ more, feel th’ consequences fer my hardcore actions an’ death-defyin’ stunts stackin’ up, an’ I know e’en I cannae keep this up fer’ever… but dammit, as long as this heart of mine’s still beatin’, this body still willin’, an’ all ye are still cheering, then Captain Morgan Darkwater marches on! Who’s with me?!
He almost flinches at the tumultuous roaring of the crowd, not a single soul in the audience seems to want to see his journey end any time soon. He chuckles and smiles fondly.
Darkwater: Glad to hear it! ‘Cause th’ Captain is goin’ to need all th’ support he can get goin’ forward. Until now, he just had to concern himself with whoe’er Jim Connors decided to throw at him an’ his Heritage title next. But now he has a target on his back that be larger than e’er, one that damn-near anyone in th’ EWC can take aim at, if they have th’ guts an’ grit to take on th’ Captain in a Hardcore match. Ye see, th’ Captain, he took a look-see at the Contenders list fer this new title of his after he won it in such spectacular fashion last show, and ye know who he saw? A man he just beat, a man who beat him, an a livin’ dead girl – quite th’ wild little ensemble! One of them already knows what an entirely different beast a defendin’ champion Darkwater can be, an’ failed to overcome that particular beast. Will Ashe fair any better? Will Anderson be able to go 2 an’ 0 against th’ Captain, and take this Hardcore belt from him? Or will the rules bamboozle him like he did Rush, an’ will his first opponent fer this belt be someone else entirely? Who knows? Th’ one thing Captain Darkwater knows fer certain is this – whole’er it might be, I hope an’ pray they be ready to give e’erythin’ they have, all their blood, sweat an’ tears, to win this esteemed title… what I did to Rush may have been personal, but don’t let that fool ye; th’ Captain be more than willin’ to go to such extreme lengths again if it means cementin’ himself as one of th’ greatest Hardcore Champions of all-time.
The Captain hops down from the ropes, bounces lightly on his heels, and starts slowly pacing the ring once more.
Darkwater: Aye, th’ Captain is lookin’ to cement his legacy, he’ll be upfront about that, but make nay mistake! I don’t do it solely fer a sense of accomplishment, nor th’ accolades, th’ fame, th’ power. Unlike some champions, Captain Morgan Darkwater does e’erythin’ he does fer each an’ e’eyone of ye, to give ye yer money’s worth when ye pay to see him perform in this ring, to make sure ye all go home with hearts burstin’ with passion fer this sport, minds overflowin’ with memories that will last a lifetime… ‘cause, in th’ end, that’s what it be all about. Titles, records? Just statistics in a book. Th’ fond memories, th’ awe-inspired impressions left upon all of ye? That be how men like th’ Captain become legends – without all of ye, none of us mean a damn thing, we just be a bunch of idiots beatin’ th’ livin’ hells outta each other. It be yer cheers, yer boos, yer intensity, yer energy, yer unbridled passion an’ adulation that give any of this meanin’. Ye be called the EWC Universe ‘cause ye be e’erything, an’ don’t ye forget it!
“Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh…”
The champion is cut off by “Da Da Da” playing over the PA, getting the crowd somewhat riled up for the arrival of BRAWL General Manager Jim Connors as he steps onto the stage, wearing a neck brace after the attack in Calgary as he struggles to move his head around to look at the decor. The GM has a microphone in hand, and makes good use of it as he begins to speak.
Connors: Well, Cap’n, this is…quite the set up you’ve got, here.
Darkwater: Ye like it, Connors? I thought it would be nice to make a real spectacle. Much better than some tacky banners with me face on them, wouldn’t ye say…?
The Captain is all smiles, but it’s not hard to see the cold malice burning in his eyes, the large man naturally cautious of Connors. Jim can’t help but chuckle at that as he makes his way down the ramp amidst some boos from the crowd, none too pleased to see the GM after what went down two weeks ago. Connors ignores their rejection, reaching ringside where he moves to the ring-steps, only to hesitate as he locks eyes with the Captain. With the memories of what happened the last time clearly fresh in the man’s mind, he tilts his head curiously to one side, as if weighing up his options. The Captain seems to read this suspicion and steps forward to sit his weight on the middle rope, opening it up for the GM to enter, beckoning him inside with a friendly smile. After a long pause, Connors finally climbs the steps and slips through the ropes to enter the ring. He speaks once more, showing off as best a smile as he can.
Connors: Well, uh, champ…first of all, congratulations on not only defending the EWC Heritage Championship but cashing in the Bayou Blast Briefcase and winning the EWC Hardcore Championship. Look at ya, Cap’n…all decked out in gold. Ya love to see it. Give it up for your BRAWL double champion, Captain Morgan Darkwater!
The crowd cheers despite the clear contempt in Jim’s voice. Darkwater takes an exaggerated bow, his piercing gaze never leading the GM.
Darkwater: Thank ye kindly, one an’ all… an’ how about a round of applause fer th’ ex-Hardcore Champion, Jim Connors – who, might I say, is lookin’ mighty dashin’ tonight. Did ye do somethin’ with yer suit, or…?
He gestures vaguely around his neck, eyeing the brace as his Chesire Cat grin dares Connors to say anything in retaliation as the crowds break out into smaller, mocking cheers and whoops. Jim tries his best to keep a smile despite this, as he continues.
Connors: Well, after a wild night at Uprising, we have quite the shakeup heading into Night of Champions! Later tonight, we’ll be hearing from our champ and from Cosmo Goldworthy, and boy howdy am I thrilled to see the red brand with the advantage going into the Great Debate, after Goldworthy’s loss to The Lad bringing the man with the money coming in here without the EWC United States Championship.
Darkwater: What? Th’ House’s Golden Child lost? Why, he almost ne’er loses… almost ne’er.
The crowd gives this a mixed response, still cheering Morgan for being a double champion, as well as recalling his hard-fought victory over Cosmo, but also booing as they make note of where the GM’s coming from with that final remark. Chances were, if Connors was this happy about something involving the Captain, it wasn’t going to be entirely good.
Connors: Speaking of championships, I did wanna come out here to address the business of title defense, Cap’n. I’m proud of you for being champion, but you already know the target on your back that comes with it…especially with two of the things!
This leaves something of a smirk on Jim’s face, something the crowd picks up on immediately as they go right back to booing as the Captain lifts the two championship titles up into the air.
Connors: Night of Champions sees our singles champions step into the Insanity Cage, where only one will come out as truly the Undisputed Champion of EWC…but after that? We’re right back in business with seeing the rest of the titles defended.
Jim leans in close, giving the Captain something of a glare as he continues.
Connors: And believe me, Cap’n, whether you come out of that cage as EWC Undisputed Champion or not, you WILL be expected to defend the belts you’ve got now.
Darkwater: Why Connors, ye say that like ye expect me to hide from any challengers, rather than meet them head-on! It’s like ye don’t know me at all… when has th’ Captain e’er run from a fight? Though now that ye mention it, that Insanity Cage match…fer th’ Undisputed Championship… that does indeed have my full attention right now. After all, what’s better than bein’ a double champion, if not th’ Undisputed Pirate King of EWC?
The crowd cheers at the idea of their triple-crown Captain, as well as the looming promise of future Heritage and Hardcore title matches, even if they suspect something up the GM’s sleeve.
Connors: There is the matter of the EWC Hardcore Championship, something being discussed among the board as we watch competitors across all four of our main brands vying for the right to challenge…but I want to address OUR championship, the EWC Heritage Championship. There is no rest for the wicked, Cap’n, and as you already know the winner of our main event tonight between Melinda Rhodes and Amis Shelton, and–
Darkwater: Ahhh, yes… good old Amis ‘Failin’ Upwards’ Shelton! He failed to beat th’ Captain fer th’ Heritage Championship at StrangleMania in Wembley. He failed to screw th’ Captain out of that very same title last Brawl at Calgary… He e’en failed to make an’ ally of Caleb Scott! Yet he gets one little win o’er Goodman, an’ that seems good enough to put him back at th’ top of title contendership, rather than outright givin’ Rhodes a chance to test herself against her old friend, with gold on th’ line. Ye know, Connors, if I were a suspicious man – perish th’ thought – I’d think ye were handin’ Shelton as many opportunities as ye can get away with, rewardin’ Price’s old lapdog with e’ery last scrap off th’ table ye can snatch away from better, deservin’ folks… But that would be scandalous, wouldn’t it? Dare I say, an’ abuse of yer powers – but ye have ne’er done such a thing, have ye…?
The Brawl GM didn’t get a chance to answer as the opening riffs of “Futureproof” by Nothing but Thieves hits the speakers. The crowd responded with a chorus of deafening boos as the self-proclaimed greatest of all time enters from behind the curtain, embracing the strong reaction he has generated. Amis Shelton is already dressed in anticipation for his main event match much later into the show and with a microphone already in hand he stops at the edge of the stage, eyeing both men stood inside the ring. The music fades but it takes a little longer for the crowd to settle.
Amis Shelton: Oh my god Darkwater, I was listening backstage to your little sob story and all I could think was ‘Is this guy for real?’ You’re standing right there spewing crap about feeling your age and the toll that this business has taken on you. Well here’s a fuckin’ reality check for you, old man. Nobody gives a damn about your aches and pains.
The crowd interrupted with more boos for Shelton, who doesn’t look pleased.
Amis Shelton: Seriously? Amis Shelton flies all the way to the middle of bum-fuck nowhere and you boo him? The greatest attraction since the Angkor Wat and this is how you treat me? You’re all just as backwards as your country. I mean, really, do you even have proper wrestling here? Or are you too busy living in the shadow of your own history? You probably think cheering for a washed-up pirate is the height of excitement huh?
The boos intensify which only garners a chuckle from the cocky superstar who then turns his attention back to the men in the ring.
Amis Shelton: Morgan you can stand there and parade those two titles around all you want, it doesn’t mean a damn thing because from what I remember it was you who was lying on the mat with your ass out cold and me with that Heritage Championship up high. You want to talk about being the Undisputed Champion though? Well, now we’re getting delusional. Let’s get real for a second, the only reason you’re even a champion at all is because of sheer luck, you know, the bare-breasted figurehead and the dolphins swimming alongside the ship type of luck. The truth is, you’re just an old seadog who’s been hanging on by a thread for far too long. That luck? It’s about to run out and you’re looking at the guy holding the damn scissors.
Amis paces a short distance back and forth on the edge of the stage as Darkwater holds up his Heritage title, driving it home exactly who the champion was, with a hard-set expression that told Shelton no amount of bitching or insults was changing that any time soon. Shelton carries on, undeterred.
Amis Shelton: You say Jim Connors is giving me opportunities I don’t deserve? That’s rich coming from a guy who’s clearly overstayed his welcome. I’m not here because of handouts, old man. I’m here because I’m the best damn wrestler in this company, and deep down, you know it. In fact, you believe it so much that you’re actually trying to make everyone believe that Melinda Rhodes, a woman who’s done jack fuckin’ shit, deserves a shot at that title over me. It’s not because she’s a ‘dear friend’ like you say but because between me and her; you can definitely beat her.
Amis shakes his pointed index finger as the crowd respond with ‘oohs’ and more boos.
Amis Shelton: You love to bash guys like JoJo Rush for being self-serving? Pot, meet fuckin’ kettle. What do you think you’re doing by clinging to those titles? You’re scared, Darkwater. Scared because deep down, you know your time is up. You know you can’t keep this up forever, and that forever is a lot closer than you think. You talk about wrestling for the fans. Newsflash Grandpa, this isn’t a charity – while you’re off playing Peter Pan with your fan club, I’m going to be out here in the main event, doing the only thing that matters. Winning. So instead of pandering to these pathetic losers, you should be focusing on the man who’s coming for you next. It’s time for a new era, and it starts with me beating seven shades of shit out of Melinda Rhodes and then taking that Heritage Championship off your decrepit hands. Face it, Darkwater your days as champ are numbered.
Amis raises his free hand, making a 0 shape with his finger and thumb.
Amis Shelton: And you, Phnom Penh, try to keep up. This isn’t your little local circus this is professional wrestling, and you’re in the presence of the greatest of all time. The next time that we come back to this shithole, which I hope isn’t any time soon, that Heritage title is going to be around my waist because there’s only one man who can say that they’re the future of this show, this company and the entire wrestling industry. One man who’s going to rob this Pirate blind for every piece of gold that he has, the Renegade, the Immortal Legend himself! You’re all living in Amis Shelton’s world now, and don’t you forget it.
The Captain seems to mull this over, his lips pursed as he nods his head slowly, letting the heated crowd's boos for Shelton naturally die down before responding.
Darkwater: No, no, he raises some good points, believe it or not… Aye, Shelton, I know even th’ big, bad Captain Morgan Darkwater cannae be doin’ this dance fer'ever, that it be a young people's game, an’ that age-gap be gettin’ larger an’ larger with each passin’ year. But ye know what? That suits th’ Captain just fine, he be more than happy t’be at th’ top of his game so late in life, not only ‘cause it let's guttersnipes like ye, an’ brash talents like Mr Goldworthy underestimate th’ Captain again an’ again, often to their detriment, but it also makes a shinin’ example to millions around th’ world that ye ne’er be too old to chase yer dreams, nay matter how wild they may be, or what cantankerous naysayers such as yer’self would have to say about it! Do I pay fer that, physically? Aye, I sure as hells do… do I make fools like Amis Shelton pay for it ten-times more? Ye best believe it!
This elicits a cheer from the crowds, both glad to see Shelton put in his place, and with chants of “Fight Forever!” directed at the Captain.
Darkwater: Ye say no one cares about this old man’s aches an’ pains, hmm? That it doesn’t matter that I hold not one, but two titles, because ye managed to knock me out? I know revisionism is nothin’ new to arrogant Americans such as yer’self, Shelton, so let me remind ye an’ e’eryone here just how ye knocked me out in Calgary – ye most certainly took notice of th’ Captain’s aches an’ pains, havin’ helped Caleb Scott wear him down in th’ most brutal, most punishin’, most unbalanced forty-plus minutes of his life, before ye took his Heritage title, and beat him round th’ head with it! Because it was, and still is, th’ Heritage title of Captain Morgan Darkwater, despite yer best efforts! I went into that match champion, an’ I came out champion. Whereas ye went into that match with one enemy, an’ left with two, like only Amis Shelton can.
Cheers and jeers fill the arena as Connors tries to get control of the situation, only to be shoved aside by the Captain, who shoots him a warning glance as he nods towards the brace around his neck. His message is clear: interrupt, and get more of the same.
Darkwater: Aye! I may very well have th’ Devil’s luck right now, but only a fool would give it all up whilst he’s crestin’ that wave, to keep yer sailin’ analogy goin’... an’ if that tidalwave should carry th’ Captain to the Insanity Cage match, an’ come crashin’ down on Xavier Reid, snatchin’ his most treasured possession from his clutches, whilst pullin’ all others into its riptide, so th’ Captain comes away th’ Undisputed Pirate King of th’ EWC? I’d say that’s more than luck, Shelton lad – that be destiny manifest!
The Cambodia crowd are quick to pick up this new moniker, drowning out anything Shelton tried to fire back.
“PIRATE KING!!
PIRATE KING!!
PIRATE KING!!”
Darkwater: So ye see, Shelton, I be not afraid of steppin’ into that triple-tiered Insanity Cage with six other singles champions an’ th’ Undisputed Champion himself, but filled with excitement an’ vigour! So what makes ye think he be scared of ye, or Scott, or anyone else who’s goin’ to come gunnin’ fer either of his titles? Th’ Captain be afeared of nay man or woman – he be what they should fear! Ye want to throw my age back into this? Think of it thus: compared to Captain Darkwater, e’eryone be riskin’ their lives an’ careers when they go as hard as he does. Me? I got absolutely nothin’ to lose, an’ e’erything to gain by goin’ all-out, time an’ time again! So I will keep on comin’ out here, raisin’ hell, kickin’ ass an’ defendin’ both these championships with e’erything I got! When I suggested it be Rhodes who were more deservin’ of a shot, that were just me tryin’ to be a gracious, proud champion, eager an’ willin’t to give e’eryone a fair go at the Heritage title, an’ not just th’ same whiny man-child, or edgy, bat-weildin’ psychopath… but fine! Ye think Captain Morgan Darkwater be scared of ye, Shelton boy? How about this, then – since ye were so happy with th’ Main Event bein’ changed last-minute before, I propose this! Tonight’s Main Event is now a Triple Threat match, with Shelton, Rhodes… and Captain Morgan Darkwater! Fer th’ Brawl Heritage Championship!
This throws the packed crowds into a frenzy, the camera snapping between angles and shots to see them jumping out of their seats at this unexpected alteration. Amis Shelton also looks eager to prove himself a lot sooner than expected, beckoning the Captain to “Come and Get It!” But this time, Jim Connors manages to find his nerve, stepping in front of Darkwater to cut him off.
Connors: How about you don’t go about calling your own title matches, Morgan, and leave that kind of thing to me, huh? It is my job, after all – no, I’m sorry to all the excited fans out there, but there will not be any changes to tonight’s Main Event for #1 Contender. It will be Melinda Rhodes, versus Amis Shelton, with Captain Morgan Darkwater… barred from ringside! Dammit, Captain, don’t you know what a “Title Freeze” even means?
Darkwater: Aye! Apparently, it be an excuse fer loudmouth dogs like Shelton here to accuse proud champions such as myself of bein’ desperate, gutless cowards! But fine! If I can’t have th’ pleasure of kickin’ th’ smug grin off his face later tonight, then how about he comes down here right now, an’ sees just how ‘scared’ of him th’ Captain is! Surely th’ so-called Greatest of All-Time isn’t worried an old man will be challengin’ enough to weaken him before he meets th’ Rebel? Or maybe he be exactly what e’eryone here knows him to be – a record so old an’ broken all we be hearin’ is screeches an’ squawks!
This seems to rile up Shelton past his typical grandstanding – whether the Captain’s words finally struck a chord, or whether he was just eager to deliver a vicious beatdown, he starts marching down the ramp towards the ring, yelling at Morgan to “Keep talking shit, old man!”
Connors: Whoa now! Security? Security! Do your dang jobs and get out here – I didn’t bar Darkwater from ringside during your Main Event just for you to come to blows now, Amis, so cool off dammit!
At his summons, half a dozen large men in black shirts rush out from backstage, intercepting Amis at the foot of the ramp, pushing him back as the Captain leans casually against the ring-ropes, a satisfied grin on his face as he shoos Shelton back up the way he came.
Connors: Don’t look so smug, Captain, and don’t forget you’re barred at ringside for the Main Event! In fact, why don’t you just go home?
Darkwater: Ye would have yer returnin’ Champion leave so soon? Nay! I think I will stick around, enjoy myself some backstage, have a grand old time… who knows who I might run into?
He casts a mischievous, suggestive smirk back up the ramp as Shelton is shoved back through the curtain, and we fade to an advert for EWCTV.
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We cut backstage to find Melinda Rhodes seated in a quiet spot in the back, a bit removed from everyone. She's wearing prescription rainbow framed glasses in honor of pride month, looking into the camera with a bit of disappointment on her face. The Rebel Star is geared up, ready to go for the night's festivities.
REBEL: "What am I Rebelling against?" Amis asked in his pre-show promo. It's a good question... I have a pretty good answer, I think... You wanna' know what I'm rebelling against, Amis Shelton? I'm rebelling against tool bags like you, rebelling against corrupt managers like Jim Connors or Victor Price, rebelling against factions that keep people down with brutal thumbs, rebelling against broken systems that don't work for everyone....
She leans forward a bit.
REBEL: People like you are what's wrong with professional wrestling in general, but I guess it wouldn't be interesting if there wasn't the fostering of conflict. Gotta' have something to go to war over and that's what our match is gonna' be tonight, war. Every word you said? There's truth to it, I gotta' admit. Thing is, you made the same mistake against Darkwater one on one. You looked at the past as the present and were all like, "You can't win, I know your every move."
Mel snickers a bit.
REBEL: Future Proof means you ain't looking to the past, but guarding against the future. Only problem with that is that the past is an old tale. I did the same thing when I first came back from my injury. I was leaning so heavy on the nostalgia train that I suddenly found myself making those same mistakes and I had to pump the breaks and rethink shit. You're talking about taking my head off, saying I'm fragile and weak.
Her eyes roll so hard on the mention of fragility and weakness.
REBEL: You’re just doing to me what everyone’s done to me over my entire career man, get a shovel and throw dirt on me in a grave. Once upon a time, you stated that I was Undisputed Champion material, but you know what? You’re damn right I am. The only thing that stopped me was me. Nobody else. I’m the one who threw away her fucking shot out of a misguided notion of respect for somebody who turned out to be a huge fucking douche canoe.
Scoffing, she shakes her head.
REBEL: It wasn’t losing to you or anyone that ruined me. I’m the one who pissed away her career, got herself disgraced and kicked outta EWC and for what? My own goddamned ego and pride. You beat somebody in 2018 who’s head wasn’t screwed on straight, didn’t have her priorities right, and wasn’t even training properly because I was too busy being all about me me me and mine.
She clasps her hands together and gets a little bit closer to that camera.
REBEL: *talking in a low voice now* You might win tonight. You got conviction on your side, I gotta’ give you that much. You’re driven to drive me into the ground and finish the job your words started in that promo. Thing is that if I beat you, then by your own damn words you got beat by a big piece of shit. If you win? Oh well, you beat a big piece of shit. What's that do for you? Not a fucking thing. You ain’t Future Proof and I ain’t defined by my past. See you in the ring tonight, asshole.
With a middle finger raised, she flips the camera the bird and then rises and steps out of frame.
We return to ringside where the fans are eager to see some violence in the form of our opening match!
Aiello: What a wild start to BRAWL tonight folks, with the animosity between Amis Shelton and Morgan Darkwater brewing and Melinda Rhodes making a statement ahead of our main event...but right now, we take it to the ring for this hardcore match between Narumi Tsutsumi and Caleb Scott!
Bennett: Two tough as nails competitors looking to prove themselves, and each looking to get a step closer to challenging for the EWC Hardcore Championship down the line! This is gonna be a brutal one, folks!
Stroup: The following match, set for one fall, is a Hardcore Match! Joining us first, making her way to the ring, weighing in at 125 pounds, from Shinjuku Japan.......she is The Grade Two Yoka… NARUMI TSUTSUMI!
The arena goes dark with colourful decals appear on the video entrance as ‘Icon’ by Twice plays while the silhouette of a magical girl transformation occurs behind a dropped curtain. Narumi then bursts out of the curtain in a slightly muddy stained green chibi oni printed boiler suit and her kanabo called Yorujubo in her right hand. Narumi flashes a thrilling, almost devious, smirk as she points the yokai club towards the ring and slowly slinks down the ramp. She leaves her club on the steps after giving a little prayer/whisper at the club and she enters the ring and slowly lifts her hand up to the air and makes whatever grade number of yokai she is with her finger(s) and then points her number hand at the ramp or opponent.
Stroup: And the opponent, from St Cloud, Minnesota and weighing in at 225 pounds... CALEB SCOTT!
The lights shut off, flooding the crowd in darkness as the tension begins to rise.
The screaming vocals tear through the venue with white lights flickering to the beat. A spotlight shines from above the ring to the stage, revealing Caleb Scott in his leather jacket with a hood pulled over his head. He takes a brief look around at the crowd before walking down the ramp as the white lights continue to flicker. Caleb walks up the steps and enters the ring. Standing in the middle of the ring, Caleb slowly begins to raise his arms to the side.
The tension builds as he brings his hands up, and grips onto his hood.
Caleb throws his hood back and extends his arms to the side.
They meet in the middle of the ring where Narumi chops Caleb across the chest. She chops a second time. Nothing. Caleb lashes out with a clothesline but Narumi ducks it and whips Caleb off the ropes. Narumi runs off the opposite ropes and they meet in the middle where Narumi leaps into a rear view knocking Caleb down. Narumi hooks the leg.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Caleb lifts a shoulder off the mat to break the count. As Narumi gets to her feet, Caleb rolls from the ring. Narumi goes to follow him from the ring but he smacks her in the shoulder with a baseball bat. Narumi clutches at her shoulder as Caleb slides into the ring. He smacks her in the gut with the bat. Narumi looks in pain as she stubbornly tries to stay on her feet. Caleb runs at her hitting a spear. He makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Narumi rolls a shoulder from the mat to break the count.
Aiello: What a kick out! Her gut and ribs must be screaming in agony right now!
Bennett: So is mine but that might just be hunger
Caleb gets to his feet and grabs the bat. He brings it down across Narumi’s back. She drops to the mat as Caleb rolls from the ring. He reaches under the ring and pulls out a light tube and rolls into the ring. Narumi is dragging herself to her feet. Caleb pulls back with the light tube but Narumi manages to block it and she pulls it from his hand. She smashes the light tube over Caleb’s head and he drops to the mat. Narumi pulls herself to the top rope and she dives hitting Queen Me! She makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Caleb just manages to roll to his side breaking the count. Narumi pulls herself to her feet and runs off the ropes looking for an Onigokko. Caleb manages to counter with Grim Death. Caleb drops onto Narumi grabbing a leg.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Narumi rolls to her side breaking the count.
Aiello: From the jaws of defeat!
Bennett: What one? Caleb Scott who would surely have been finished at Narumi hit the palm strike? Or Narumi Tsutsumi who somehow managed to kick out after Caleb Scott damn near made her a permanent part of the ring?
Caleb rolls from the ring and pulls out a glass table and slides it into the ring. Caleb sets up the table before lifting Narumi up onto his shoulders. Caleb carries her to the table and prepares for a Grave Plot. Narumi manages to slip off his shoulders. Narumi grabs him by the arm and twists Caleb into Paymon. Caleb springs back and crashes through the glass. Narumi dives atop of Caleb. The referee counts.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall NARUMI TSUTSUMI!
Narumi lays on the mat with an arm raised in the air in victory. She rolls from the ring taking the bat with her. Narumi slowly heads up the ramp using the bat as a makeshift walking stick.
Aiello: After a baseball bat to the back and the gut, Narumi Tsutsumi is struggling to walk but she takes away the victory here tonight as she goes!
Bennett: We saw Caleb Scott when he pulled the table from under the ring and we could see his intentions! Had he been successful with those intentions, he would surely have won this match!
Aiello: I can't help but wonder if this has secured Narumi a place at the proverbial table, when it comes to the EWC Hardcore Championship! When we come back, we will find out who takes a crack at the EWC Television Championship as Rotten Mark Keaton takes on Chelsea Skye!
Camera cuts to...
We return backstage to find the Heritage and Hardocre Champion, Captain Morgan Darkwater, making his way down the halls, followed by a camera. He’s stopping to interact with talent and staff, who are shaking his hand and clapping him on the shoulder, but their conversations don’t carry to the camera. It’s not until he rounds a corner and almost runs straight into a man that either of them can be heard.
The Lad: Whoa, whoa, sorry ‘bout that.
Lad makes sure to note that he was the one at fault for the collision.
The Lad: Huh, must be fate. You were the man, erh, the captain I was lookin’ for.
Darkwater: Oh, indeed? I’ll admit, ye have my curiosity, Lad… lad…
The Captain’s voice trails off, the confusion clear in his tone and eyes as he struggles to figure out how to properly address the US and Television Champion, before he shrugs his broad shoulders, smiles broadly, and continues.
Darkwater: What a pleasant surprise to see ye gracin’ us with yer presence, Lad, an’ so soon after yer glorious victory o’er Goldworthy! Congratulations on th’ title win – ye be makin’ quite th’ name fer yer’self, an’ in such a short time! Why, there be so much gold in this hallway right now, ye would think King Midas himself were walkin’ about!
Lad chuckles at the compliment before motioning to the two championships that he had on his shoulders.
The Lad: I guess I happen to be following in your footsteps. Good work getting that Hardcore Championship off JoJo. One less stranglehold the House got on things around here.
Darkwater:Aye, an’ not a moment too soon! With ye snatchin’ that US title from Goldworthy, th’ House be slowly but surely losin’ their death-grip on th’ EWC… e’en when their accursed Severn retains, he finds himself beset upon by a bitter Cosmo. Th’ cracks in th’ House’s foundations are startin’ to spread, an’ it be up to th’ likes of us to keep pilin’ on th’ pressure.
The newly crowned double champion wags his finger in the air, as if to grab the subject and keep it there.
The Lad: That’s just it. The reason why I’m glad to see ya. It’s because of what’s coming up. The Insanity Cage is gonna definitely be a time where the House’s trying to take a full grip on the Undisputed Title and the company. So they’ll make sure that they can keep piling on the pressure on us. So, uh, can we call a truce? Or make up a team? Avengers this stuff out?
Darkwater: Avengers…?
It’s clear the large pirate has no idea what The Lad is referencing, but the younger champion’s intentions is clear, giving Darkwater reason to pause and stroke his thick, dark beard in thought.
Darkwater: Hmm, it hasn’t escaped my notice that e’en without Rush or Taylor, th’ House are still goin’ into th’ Insanity Cage with a slight numbers advantage. Though seein’ how things ended at World Wide, I struggle to see Severn or Goldworthy gettin’ along, much less puttin’ one ahead of th’ other when th’ Undisputed Championship is on th’ line, if not th’ very leadership of th’ House. But that’s not to say the surly bastard an’ his Golden Boy won’t at least try an’ put their diff’rences aside if it means denyin’ us that ultimate prize… but I would be an’ old fool not to accept any allies in this fight I can find, especially one so invaluable in my war against th’ House…
He repositions the Heritage and Hardcore titles over his broad shoulders, and extends his hand for The Lad to shake. When he goes to shake it, however, the Captain grasps his hand tightly and pulls The Lad in closer, staring him down coldly but calmly.
Darkwater: But make nay mistake, Lad – th’ Captain will watch yer back if ye watch his, an’ together we can keep th’ House in check. But when it comes to th’ ultimate goal of th’ Insanity Cage, that EWC Undisputed Championship? Th’ Captain is helpin’ nay man or woman to achieve that victory, an’ he will step o’er th’ competition without mercy or hesitation to reach th’ peak of this business… an’ would expect ye t’be th’ same. If we can agree on that, then I think we’ll get along swimmingly, Lad.
Lad, now more emboldened by recent affairs in the company, stares at Darkwater with the respect he has carried since arriving.
The Lad: There’s a difference between helping each other get to the dance and helping each other at the dance. I wouldn’t expect ya to. May the best man win. As long as it’s not the House, right?
Morgan maintains his tight grip, looking The Lad up and down as if to get the measure of the man. Finally, his expression softens into a warm smile, and he nods as he releases the handshake.
Darkwater: Aye, agreed … anyone but th’ House…
It’s at that point that the Rebel Star herself, Melinda Rhodes, happens by the two at the conclusion of their discussion.
Rebel: Sup, Gentlemen.
The Captain brightens up immediately in the present of his close friend, smiling broadly as he addresses her.
Darkwater: Melinda! Long time no see! Perfect timin’, The Lad an’ I were just talkin’ about how much we hate th’ House, an’ how it be high time their walls come tumblin’ down. I happened to capture yer little declaration of war last show, good stuff!. I trust ye approve of how I handled Rush that night? One down, as they say …!
Lad, only familiar with Melinda through the Hellevator, swaps his attention between the two. Trusting Darkwater, he nods in her direction.
The Lad: And the more people against them the better, I say. Nice to have ya onboard if that’s the case.
Darkwater: Aye! If there be one person I trust in this entire company to have my back, it be Rhodes here – Rebel by name, but loyal to a fault. We couldn’t ask fer a better ally. But speakin’ of allies, I would readily accompany ye later tonight, Mel lass, had Connors not barred me from ringside. Best I can do is look out fer any snakes backstage that might try an’ interfere… but I trust ye have what it takes to put that blusterin’ lowlife Shelton in his place!
Mel nods her head to the both of them.
Rebel: It’s all good, Morgs. People show up? I’ll do everything in my power to shitkick a few bitches if I have to. As for Famous Amis, yeah we’ll see how it goes. The House on the other hand…? Yeah, we huffin, puffin, and blowin the house down. I’m with ya.
The Captain looks from one to the other, from an old friend to a new ally, and nods his head with a satisfied smile as he slowly raises one fist up before them. Mel is first to catch on, following suit, with Lad bringing his fist up last, and all three knock together as they lock eyes with a shared determination, and nod.
All: Screw the House!!
With that, we move to commercial break.
REBEL: "What am I Rebelling against?" Amis asked in his pre-show promo. It's a good question... I have a pretty good answer, I think... You wanna' know what I'm rebelling against, Amis Shelton? I'm rebelling against tool bags like you, rebelling against corrupt managers like Jim Connors or Victor Price, rebelling against factions that keep people down with brutal thumbs, rebelling against broken systems that don't work for everyone....
She leans forward a bit.
REBEL: People like you are what's wrong with professional wrestling in general, but I guess it wouldn't be interesting if there wasn't the fostering of conflict. Gotta' have something to go to war over and that's what our match is gonna' be tonight, war. Every word you said? There's truth to it, I gotta' admit. Thing is, you made the same mistake against Darkwater one on one. You looked at the past as the present and were all like, "You can't win, I know your every move."
Mel snickers a bit.
REBEL: Future Proof means you ain't looking to the past, but guarding against the future. Only problem with that is that the past is an old tale. I did the same thing when I first came back from my injury. I was leaning so heavy on the nostalgia train that I suddenly found myself making those same mistakes and I had to pump the breaks and rethink shit. You're talking about taking my head off, saying I'm fragile and weak.
Her eyes roll so hard on the mention of fragility and weakness.
REBEL: You’re just doing to me what everyone’s done to me over my entire career man, get a shovel and throw dirt on me in a grave. Once upon a time, you stated that I was Undisputed Champion material, but you know what? You’re damn right I am. The only thing that stopped me was me. Nobody else. I’m the one who threw away her fucking shot out of a misguided notion of respect for somebody who turned out to be a huge fucking douche canoe.
Scoffing, she shakes her head.
REBEL: It wasn’t losing to you or anyone that ruined me. I’m the one who pissed away her career, got herself disgraced and kicked outta EWC and for what? My own goddamned ego and pride. You beat somebody in 2018 who’s head wasn’t screwed on straight, didn’t have her priorities right, and wasn’t even training properly because I was too busy being all about me me me and mine.
She clasps her hands together and gets a little bit closer to that camera.
REBEL: *talking in a low voice now* You might win tonight. You got conviction on your side, I gotta’ give you that much. You’re driven to drive me into the ground and finish the job your words started in that promo. Thing is that if I beat you, then by your own damn words you got beat by a big piece of shit. If you win? Oh well, you beat a big piece of shit. What's that do for you? Not a fucking thing. You ain’t Future Proof and I ain’t defined by my past. See you in the ring tonight, asshole.
With a middle finger raised, she flips the camera the bird and then rises and steps out of frame.
THE HARDCORE TUG-O-WAR!
SINGLES MATCH, HARDCORE RULES
Narumi Tsutsumi
VS Caleb Scott
SINGLES MATCH, HARDCORE RULES
Narumi Tsutsumi
VS Caleb Scott
We return to ringside where the fans are eager to see some violence in the form of our opening match!
Aiello: What a wild start to BRAWL tonight folks, with the animosity between Amis Shelton and Morgan Darkwater brewing and Melinda Rhodes making a statement ahead of our main event...but right now, we take it to the ring for this hardcore match between Narumi Tsutsumi and Caleb Scott!
Bennett: Two tough as nails competitors looking to prove themselves, and each looking to get a step closer to challenging for the EWC Hardcore Championship down the line! This is gonna be a brutal one, folks!
Stroup: The following match, set for one fall, is a Hardcore Match! Joining us first, making her way to the ring, weighing in at 125 pounds, from Shinjuku Japan.......she is The Grade Two Yoka… NARUMI TSUTSUMI!
The arena goes dark with colourful decals appear on the video entrance as ‘Icon’ by Twice plays while the silhouette of a magical girl transformation occurs behind a dropped curtain. Narumi then bursts out of the curtain in a slightly muddy stained green chibi oni printed boiler suit and her kanabo called Yorujubo in her right hand. Narumi flashes a thrilling, almost devious, smirk as she points the yokai club towards the ring and slowly slinks down the ramp. She leaves her club on the steps after giving a little prayer/whisper at the club and she enters the ring and slowly lifts her hand up to the air and makes whatever grade number of yokai she is with her finger(s) and then points her number hand at the ramp or opponent.
Stroup: And the opponent, from St Cloud, Minnesota and weighing in at 225 pounds... CALEB SCOTT!
The lights shut off, flooding the crowd in darkness as the tension begins to rise.
“Are you buried alive!?!”
The screaming vocals tear through the venue with white lights flickering to the beat. A spotlight shines from above the ring to the stage, revealing Caleb Scott in his leather jacket with a hood pulled over his head. He takes a brief look around at the crowd before walking down the ramp as the white lights continue to flicker. Caleb walks up the steps and enters the ring. Standing in the middle of the ring, Caleb slowly begins to raise his arms to the side.
“I can’t stop, my path is set.”
The tension builds as he brings his hands up, and grips onto his hood.
“All I know is violence!”
Caleb throws his hood back and extends his arms to the side.
DING DING DING
They meet in the middle of the ring where Narumi chops Caleb across the chest. She chops a second time. Nothing. Caleb lashes out with a clothesline but Narumi ducks it and whips Caleb off the ropes. Narumi runs off the opposite ropes and they meet in the middle where Narumi leaps into a rear view knocking Caleb down. Narumi hooks the leg.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Caleb lifts a shoulder off the mat to break the count. As Narumi gets to her feet, Caleb rolls from the ring. Narumi goes to follow him from the ring but he smacks her in the shoulder with a baseball bat. Narumi clutches at her shoulder as Caleb slides into the ring. He smacks her in the gut with the bat. Narumi looks in pain as she stubbornly tries to stay on her feet. Caleb runs at her hitting a spear. He makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Narumi rolls a shoulder from the mat to break the count.
Aiello: What a kick out! Her gut and ribs must be screaming in agony right now!
Bennett: So is mine but that might just be hunger
Caleb gets to his feet and grabs the bat. He brings it down across Narumi’s back. She drops to the mat as Caleb rolls from the ring. He reaches under the ring and pulls out a light tube and rolls into the ring. Narumi is dragging herself to her feet. Caleb pulls back with the light tube but Narumi manages to block it and she pulls it from his hand. She smashes the light tube over Caleb’s head and he drops to the mat. Narumi pulls herself to the top rope and she dives hitting Queen Me! She makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Caleb just manages to roll to his side breaking the count. Narumi pulls herself to her feet and runs off the ropes looking for an Onigokko. Caleb manages to counter with Grim Death. Caleb drops onto Narumi grabbing a leg.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Narumi rolls to her side breaking the count.
Aiello: From the jaws of defeat!
Bennett: What one? Caleb Scott who would surely have been finished at Narumi hit the palm strike? Or Narumi Tsutsumi who somehow managed to kick out after Caleb Scott damn near made her a permanent part of the ring?
Caleb rolls from the ring and pulls out a glass table and slides it into the ring. Caleb sets up the table before lifting Narumi up onto his shoulders. Caleb carries her to the table and prepares for a Grave Plot. Narumi manages to slip off his shoulders. Narumi grabs him by the arm and twists Caleb into Paymon. Caleb springs back and crashes through the glass. Narumi dives atop of Caleb. The referee counts.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall NARUMI TSUTSUMI!
Narumi lays on the mat with an arm raised in the air in victory. She rolls from the ring taking the bat with her. Narumi slowly heads up the ramp using the bat as a makeshift walking stick.
Aiello: After a baseball bat to the back and the gut, Narumi Tsutsumi is struggling to walk but she takes away the victory here tonight as she goes!
Bennett: We saw Caleb Scott when he pulled the table from under the ring and we could see his intentions! Had he been successful with those intentions, he would surely have won this match!
Aiello: I can't help but wonder if this has secured Narumi a place at the proverbial table, when it comes to the EWC Hardcore Championship! When we come back, we will find out who takes a crack at the EWC Television Championship as Rotten Mark Keaton takes on Chelsea Skye!
Camera cuts to...
We return backstage to find the Heritage and Hardocre Champion, Captain Morgan Darkwater, making his way down the halls, followed by a camera. He’s stopping to interact with talent and staff, who are shaking his hand and clapping him on the shoulder, but their conversations don’t carry to the camera. It’s not until he rounds a corner and almost runs straight into a man that either of them can be heard.
The Lad: Whoa, whoa, sorry ‘bout that.
Lad makes sure to note that he was the one at fault for the collision.
The Lad: Huh, must be fate. You were the man, erh, the captain I was lookin’ for.
Darkwater: Oh, indeed? I’ll admit, ye have my curiosity, Lad… lad…
The Captain’s voice trails off, the confusion clear in his tone and eyes as he struggles to figure out how to properly address the US and Television Champion, before he shrugs his broad shoulders, smiles broadly, and continues.
Darkwater: What a pleasant surprise to see ye gracin’ us with yer presence, Lad, an’ so soon after yer glorious victory o’er Goldworthy! Congratulations on th’ title win – ye be makin’ quite th’ name fer yer’self, an’ in such a short time! Why, there be so much gold in this hallway right now, ye would think King Midas himself were walkin’ about!
Lad chuckles at the compliment before motioning to the two championships that he had on his shoulders.
The Lad: I guess I happen to be following in your footsteps. Good work getting that Hardcore Championship off JoJo. One less stranglehold the House got on things around here.
Darkwater:Aye, an’ not a moment too soon! With ye snatchin’ that US title from Goldworthy, th’ House be slowly but surely losin’ their death-grip on th’ EWC… e’en when their accursed Severn retains, he finds himself beset upon by a bitter Cosmo. Th’ cracks in th’ House’s foundations are startin’ to spread, an’ it be up to th’ likes of us to keep pilin’ on th’ pressure.
The newly crowned double champion wags his finger in the air, as if to grab the subject and keep it there.
The Lad: That’s just it. The reason why I’m glad to see ya. It’s because of what’s coming up. The Insanity Cage is gonna definitely be a time where the House’s trying to take a full grip on the Undisputed Title and the company. So they’ll make sure that they can keep piling on the pressure on us. So, uh, can we call a truce? Or make up a team? Avengers this stuff out?
Darkwater: Avengers…?
It’s clear the large pirate has no idea what The Lad is referencing, but the younger champion’s intentions is clear, giving Darkwater reason to pause and stroke his thick, dark beard in thought.
Darkwater: Hmm, it hasn’t escaped my notice that e’en without Rush or Taylor, th’ House are still goin’ into th’ Insanity Cage with a slight numbers advantage. Though seein’ how things ended at World Wide, I struggle to see Severn or Goldworthy gettin’ along, much less puttin’ one ahead of th’ other when th’ Undisputed Championship is on th’ line, if not th’ very leadership of th’ House. But that’s not to say the surly bastard an’ his Golden Boy won’t at least try an’ put their diff’rences aside if it means denyin’ us that ultimate prize… but I would be an’ old fool not to accept any allies in this fight I can find, especially one so invaluable in my war against th’ House…
He repositions the Heritage and Hardcore titles over his broad shoulders, and extends his hand for The Lad to shake. When he goes to shake it, however, the Captain grasps his hand tightly and pulls The Lad in closer, staring him down coldly but calmly.
Darkwater: But make nay mistake, Lad – th’ Captain will watch yer back if ye watch his, an’ together we can keep th’ House in check. But when it comes to th’ ultimate goal of th’ Insanity Cage, that EWC Undisputed Championship? Th’ Captain is helpin’ nay man or woman to achieve that victory, an’ he will step o’er th’ competition without mercy or hesitation to reach th’ peak of this business… an’ would expect ye t’be th’ same. If we can agree on that, then I think we’ll get along swimmingly, Lad.
Lad, now more emboldened by recent affairs in the company, stares at Darkwater with the respect he has carried since arriving.
The Lad: There’s a difference between helping each other get to the dance and helping each other at the dance. I wouldn’t expect ya to. May the best man win. As long as it’s not the House, right?
Morgan maintains his tight grip, looking The Lad up and down as if to get the measure of the man. Finally, his expression softens into a warm smile, and he nods as he releases the handshake.
Darkwater: Aye, agreed … anyone but th’ House…
It’s at that point that the Rebel Star herself, Melinda Rhodes, happens by the two at the conclusion of their discussion.
Rebel: Sup, Gentlemen.
The Captain brightens up immediately in the present of his close friend, smiling broadly as he addresses her.
Darkwater: Melinda! Long time no see! Perfect timin’, The Lad an’ I were just talkin’ about how much we hate th’ House, an’ how it be high time their walls come tumblin’ down. I happened to capture yer little declaration of war last show, good stuff!. I trust ye approve of how I handled Rush that night? One down, as they say …!
Lad, only familiar with Melinda through the Hellevator, swaps his attention between the two. Trusting Darkwater, he nods in her direction.
The Lad: And the more people against them the better, I say. Nice to have ya onboard if that’s the case.
Darkwater: Aye! If there be one person I trust in this entire company to have my back, it be Rhodes here – Rebel by name, but loyal to a fault. We couldn’t ask fer a better ally. But speakin’ of allies, I would readily accompany ye later tonight, Mel lass, had Connors not barred me from ringside. Best I can do is look out fer any snakes backstage that might try an’ interfere… but I trust ye have what it takes to put that blusterin’ lowlife Shelton in his place!
Mel nods her head to the both of them.
Rebel: It’s all good, Morgs. People show up? I’ll do everything in my power to shitkick a few bitches if I have to. As for Famous Amis, yeah we’ll see how it goes. The House on the other hand…? Yeah, we huffin, puffin, and blowin the house down. I’m with ya.
The Captain looks from one to the other, from an old friend to a new ally, and nods his head with a satisfied smile as he slowly raises one fist up before them. Mel is first to catch on, following suit, with Lad bringing his fist up last, and all three knock together as they lock eyes with a shared determination, and nod.
All: Screw the House!!
With that, we move to commercial break.
The camera cuts backstage as ‘The Prodigal Son’ Buddy Love walks into the National Olympic Stadium from the parking lot whistling and singing a tune.
Love: If you want my body and you think I’m sexy come on sugar let me know…
Buddy spins around and continues to sing.
Love: If you really need m, just reach out and touch…oh Bob!!!
But as Buddy finishes his spin he comes face to face with Brawl’s Bob Murray, who looks a bit puzzled at the Paramount manager…
Murray: You know…when they told me that Buddy Love had just arrived in the parking lot I was sure I heard them wrong. I thought they meant to say BUNNY LOVE, she is the manager of the Undisputed Champion Xavier Reid because Buddy Love wouldn’t have any business being here on Brawl and yet…here you are.
Buddy smiles at Bob Murray.
Love: Well hey, some say I am a lot prettier than my sister Bunny…
Murray: Your mom doesn’t count Buddy…
Love: Fair enough but for those that say I have no business being here on Brawl I would say ‘not so fast my friend’...
Buddy holds up a finger in Bob’s face.
Love: I’m not sure THOSE people were watching this past Wednesday night’s Paramount exclusive ppv Uprising because in the Main Event my man, Ibuki Ito dropped Marcu$ $t. John right on his head with the most lethal finisher in the business, Shi and Marcu$ went right off the train and made Ibuki a Two Time North American Champion and…
Buddy raises his other hand and holds up the finger on that hand to match his other hand…
Love: Reserve his place inside the Insanity Cage June 24 at Night of Champions and it’s THAT match that brings me here tonight Bobby Boo…
Buddy lowers both of his hands and smiles at Bob Murray…
Love: This is a WORK trip for me, a scouting trip if you will because TWO of the champions that will be joining Ibuki inside that demonic structure will be in action here tonight, the Fighting Spirits Champion Cosmo Goldworthy and the Hardcore & Heritage Champion Morgan Darkwater and I’m going to have a up close look at both of them, taking notes and looking for their weaknesses in order to give my guy the best chance to walk out of Night of Champions as the NEW EWC UNDISPUTED CHAMPION!!!
Bob shakes his head…
Murray: Buddy, Cosmo and Morgan AREN’T WRESTLING TONIGHT…they are debating!!!
Buddy looks at him confused…
Love: Wait a second…are you telling me I flew all the way to Cambodia just to watch them talk?
Bob tries not to laugh at Buddy…
Murray: Looks that way Buddy…
Buddy shakes his head in disgust.
Love: You have to be kidding me, I could have watched them flap their gums from my house but whatever, I’m here so I’ll make the most of it and since we are all about ‘the talking’ here tonight let’s spits some facts Bob, Ibuki Ito has been the most dominant wrestler here in the EWC over the past year, there is no denying that. He’s beaten champion after champion and he wrote the wrong that happened at StrangleMania at Uprising and took back the championship he carried to the ring when he beat the then X-Division Champion El Pablo, the then Apple TV+ Champion Sally Talfourd, the then Indy Champion and apple of my eye Gabi Visconty, the Undisputed Champion Xavier Reid and the then HBO Broadcast Champion Cosmo…
But Buddy stops talking as he sees four men approaching from behind Bob Murray. As the men draw closer we see it’s none other than Cosmo Goldworthy, Bruce Booth and Mark Paulson & Brian Knight of Next Level.
Love: Goldworthy…
Cosmo notes Buddy's change in expression once The House are in his presence and he simply chuckles.
Cosmo: What's the issue, huh? Cat got your tongue? Listen Buddy, I come as a man of respect. It is true, Ibuki Ito defeated me many moons ago. But to be honest? I prefer when it comes out of his mouth. When you're the one yapping off, it just...
He taps his lips with his fingers, trying to put a word on what the problem is. That's when Bruce Booth speaks up for Cosmo, holding his Primetime Briefcase in his hands.
Bruce: It just doesn't make any sense! Look at this guy. Here he is, bragging about something that another man did because he's incapable to do anything on his own!
Before Buddy can stand up for himself and say anything, Cosmo jabs him in the stomach with his finger, moving forward.
Cosmo: Calm down. Let me talk. Here's the thing, Buddy. I think I've gotten soft these last couple of months. Wouldn't you agree? I mean after all, I did lose to The Lad at Uprising. After all, I was this close to walking into the Insanity Cage match with TWO championship belts but all I have to my name is one. I defeated Xavier Reid and instead of getting to talk to Bunny about how I'm going to crush her boyfriend again at Night Of Champions, and if he somehow retains; then I'll just meet him in a one on one on the Paramount after the PPV! But instead..
Cosmo looks Buddy up in down in sheer disgust. He hates everything he sees.
Cosmo: I get her useless idiot, mistake of a birth, brother?! I mean, are you dense? Why would you come to the show alone? There's a reason it's just us four and my manager, Dimitri Graves is off somewhere safe, waiting for my debate to begin later in the night. But then again, you can't quite count on The Love Club to be an actual CLUB can you?! Buddy. I'm tired of being "safe". I'm tired of letting other people walk over me. So if Ito has a problem? If Reid has a problem? Let them know that I'll take both of their championships in an instant.
He gets in Buddy's face, adjusting his Fighting Spirit Championship.
Cosmo: I know they say "pick on somebody your own size", but clearly? You talk like you are my size. Let's silence you. Boys. Get 'em.
Mark Paulson and Brian Knight walk behind Buddy and grab him by the arms as Bob Murray is shoved out of the way. Buddy starts to squirm, trying to get free as the camera fades out.
A SHOT(PUT) AT TELEVISION GOLD ON THE LINE!
SINGLES MATCH, WINNER EARNS SHOT AT THE EWC TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
Rotten Mark Keaton
VS Chelsea Skye
SINGLES MATCH, WINNER EARNS SHOT AT THE EWC TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
Rotten Mark Keaton
VS Chelsea Skye
We return to ringside where fans gear up for our next contest.
Aiello: Curious statement from Buddy Love, visiting on behalf of Ibuki Ito as we roll on with our next match!
Bennett: After seeing The Lad win the EWC United States Championship at PARAMOUNT's exclusive Uprising pay-per-view, there a giant question mark over the EWC Television Championship scene...and we're about to fill in one of the blanks as Rotten Mark Keaton visits from PRIME to take on Chelsea Skye, with the winner earning a future shot at the belt!
Stroup: The following match is set for one fall. Joining us first, from Chicago, Illinois and weighing in at 123 pounds... CHELSEA SKYE!
The Opening riff to "Reborn Through Failure" hits the speakers and Chelsea comes out ready for action, she makes her entrance and poses for the crowd once she's in the ring
Stroup: And the opponent, residing in The Hell Dimension and weighing in at 235 pounds... ROTTEN MARK KEATON!
Fog covers the stage as Hole by Royal Blood begins. A large ring of fire lights up on the stage floor. A black coffin rises out of the hole inside the fire with the letters -RMK- scratched roughly on the front in red lettering. The coffin continues to rise until it's floating five feet above the fire. The music stops for a second and the coffin drops hard to the ground, a huge fireball explosion erupts behind the coffin and the lid breaks to pieces as the music starts again. Red eyes glow from the darkness of the coffin then the smiling demon mask of Rotten Mark Keaton is seen as it climbs out, wearing a top hat and dress coat with blue jeans and black gloves. RMK walks to the ring, arms swinging happily, he's not acknowledging the crowd at all as he climbs in the ring. He removes his dress coat and starts pacing around, waiting for the match to begin.
DING DING DING
Chelsea chops Keaton across the chest. Nothing. He just stands there. Chelsea chops him again. Keaton shoves Chelsea back and she rolls to her feet. Chelsea runs off the ropes and leaps at Keaton with a flying clothesline knocking him down. Keaton gets back to his feet but he is rocked by forearms from Chelsea. She whips him into the corner and follows him in with a dropkick. A superkick knocks Keaton down where Chelsea hooks the leg.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Keaton lifts an arm off the mat to break the count. Chelsea lifts him to his feet but he quickly counters with a hip toss. He leaps for a legdrop but Chelsea rolls to her side to avoid. Chelsea runs off the ropes but Keaton catches her and he launches Chelsea across the ring with a snap belly to belly suplex. Keaton grabs Chelsea and tosses her back across the ring with a gutwrench suplex. He makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Chelsea rolls a shoulder off the mat breaking the count.
Aiello: So close right there!
Bennett: I thought that was a three right there but then I thought it was a three after the superkick so what do I know?
Keaton gets to his feet and grabs Chelsea locking in a Throne Of Mammon. Chelsea can not scream in pain from the position she is in. Chelsea tries to reach the ropes but she can’t. Tries to fight her way free she can’t. Chelsea leans forward as she begins to fade. She manages to use the last of her energy to roll Keaton forward breaking the hold. Chelsea slowly gets to her feet but walks into a big boot from Keaton. He makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Chelsea rolls to her side breaking the count. Keaton pulls Chelsea to her feet and smacks her with a back elbow before whipping her off the ropes. Chelsea rebounds and leaps into For Justin taking Keaton to the mat. She grabs both legs as she makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Keaton manages to roll over onto his side breaking the count.
Aiello: I thought she was going to sneak that one!
Bennett: Sneak? Chelsea Skye saw an opportunity to hit one of her big moves that got her back into the match and could have won it for her and you say ‘sneak’!
Chelsea gets to her feet and runs off the ropes as Keaton gets to his feet. Chelsea clatters into him with a Spear. Chelsea climbs to the top rope and leaps for Skye’s The Limit. At the last second, Keaton rolls to his side and Chelsea crashes to the mat. Keaton gets to his feet and grabs her locking in a Reverse Exorcism. Chelsea tries to reach the ropes but the energy drains from her rapidly. With the last of her energy, she taps.
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winner, via submission ROTTEN MARK KEATON!
With his arms swinging happily, Keaton walks around the ring. He rolls from the ring and re-enters his coffin.
Aiello: That was a wheel-ly good win for Mark Keaton here on Brawl! Wheel-ly good! Get it!
Bennett: That was more rotten than Mark Keaton! Chelsea Skye said the Skye’s The Limit but it was the collision with the ground that finished her off. She had a hell of a match and could have gotten the win herself but I expect her to bounce back soon but I take my hat off to Mark Keaton picking up the win!
Aiello: That will definitely be interesting to see what he's capable of when that title bout goes down! Folks, we're taking a quick break but when we come back, Jim Connors has promised us a Great Debate ahead of Night of Champions XXI that sees Cosmo Goldworthy and Morgan Darkwater face off in what could be a war of words! Don't go away!
We move to a commercial break.
THE GREAT DEBATE!
TWO CHAMPIONS STATE THEIR CASE AHEAD OF THE INSANITY CAGE @ NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS XXI
Cosmo Goldworthy
VS Morgan Darkwater
TWO CHAMPIONS STATE THEIR CASE AHEAD OF THE INSANITY CAGE @ NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS XXI
Cosmo Goldworthy
VS Morgan Darkwater
We come back from the break to find the ring all set-up for the Great Debate, with a black carpet rolled out over the mat and a desk set between two podiums, one red and one green, both slightly turned to face each other. The BRAWL General Manager is already in the ring, sat behind the desk, microphone in hand.
Connors: Ladies and gentlemen, with the Insanity Cage match only twenty-one days away at Night of Champions XXI we are gearing up for the singles champions of the EWC to collide, all looking to prove they are truly the Undisputed Champion!
This gets a good pop out of the crowd, drawing a smile on Jim’s face as he continues.
Connors: Now, with that in mind, it is time for the Great Debate! I extended the invitation to two of our finest champions going into the Insanity Cage. The first of these, a man who has been on an absolute tear as EWC’s United States and Fighting Spirit Champion. Even with a rough night at Uprising, there’s no denying his status as a standout in this company. Folks, please welcome from Friday Night RAMPAGE…Cosmooooooo Goooooldwoorthyyyy!
The opening riff of “Money On My Mind” reverberates throughout the building as Cosmo Goldworthy marches out from the back, dressed to the nines in a beautiful jet black suit. As always, he’s sporting Cartier shades and his Armani watch. Behind Cosmo is his manager, Dimitri Graves who proudly holds the EWC Fighting Spirit Championship. Cosmo looks to the jeering crowd and rolls his eyes, not focused on their reactions; especially after Uprising. He looks to be in a sour mood for obvious reasons, but still powers up to the steps and enters the ring, looking Connors up and down. He tried to be on good terms with him before but it didn’t go so well, so he simply ushers Dimitri over to the green podium and awaits his debate opponent.
Connors: And representing Monday Night BRAWL, he is the inaugural EWC Heritage Champion, and the man who overcame his demons in the form of JoJo Rush in Calgary to become the new EWC Hardcore Champion…Captain Mooooorgaaaaan Darkwaterrrrrr!
As if on cue, the buzzsaw behind the giant skull hanging from the mainstage whirrs loudly back into life, firing off fresh sparks as “The Sunkn’ Norwegian” strikes up over the arena’s PA system to the cheers of everyone in attendance, their tankards once again raised high as out strides Captain Morgan Darkwater. Still dressed in full black and crimson pirate garb, with the Brawl Heritage and Hardcore championships resting comfortably over his broad shoulders, he unsheathes his cutlass and raises it high with a triumphant warcry, and marches down the ramp. Climbing into the ring, he swaggers past Cosmo and Connors, offering them a curt nod each, sets his championship titles down atop the BRAWL-red podium, and stands behind it with a impish grin.
Connors: Gentlemen, thank you both for agreeing to be a part of this debate tonight.
Darkwater: Th’ pleasure be all mine, Connors. Ne’er let it be said th’ Captain of th’ Flagship is not hospitable an’ welcomin’ to all weary, troubled travellers. An’ let’s face it, after th’ nights he’s had at Uprising an’ World Wide, I daresay Mr Goldworthy could do with th’ friendly distraction tonight.
Cosmo doesn’t react to the mention of Uprising, but does slightly chuckle after Darkwater mentions ‘World Wide’.
Cosmo: I tell you what. This is much better than being in the same proximity as Jack Severn so I’ll humor you a bit, Darkwater. I DO appreciate the friendly distraction!
Darkwater: Well, welcome! Mi flagship es tu flagship… Esmerelda has been teachin’ me Spanish. But I see ye didn’t come alone, did ye now? Dimitri Graves! How are ye, ye smarmy, connivin’ bastard, good to see ye! Honestly, I’m surprised to see ye at Cosmo’s side, after th’ hurt he put on yer original client Jack Severn at World Wide … but then again, things ‘tween ye an’ Severn have not been cheery fer a long, looong time, have they now?
Dimitri glances at Darkwater, raising an eyebrow. Cosmo pats him on the back, not caring if his manager gets involved in this debate to clear his name up.
Dimitri: With all due respect, Mr. Darkwater, I wouldn’t quite deem that as ‘being your business’ to speak about. However, my choice to join forces with Cosmo Goldworthy was deliberate. He is everything that Jack Severn is not, and World Wide is just one of the many necessary decisions that Cosmo has to take upon in order to make The House the strongest it's ever been en route to Night Of Champions, when he wins the Undisputed Championship.
Cosmo nods, agreeing with Dimitri. It was necessary to attack Severn, at least, in their eyes. The Captain, however, seems less than convinced, and more bemused than anything else about the events he had watched transpire at the end of that particular PPV.
Darkwater: Aye, well say what ye like about that rat Severn. Lord knows, I have recent stab-wounds that mean I don’t owe him any shred of respect or decency, an’ I won’t lie when I tell ye it put a smile on th’ Captain’s face to see young Cosmo there put a beatdown on his old mentor an’ master. Bravo, I say!
He gives Goldworthy a short round of applause, five slow claps in total.
Cosmo: I’m flattered. But– watch the phrase “mentor and master”, Jack Severn ain’t teach me nothing. He ain’t my senpai. When I joined The House, it was because he wanted to hop on the Cosmo Goldworthy bandwagon, and take advantage of the success that myself and Bruce found on our own. I’m my own man. There’s a reason why I’ve got a victory over Jack, JoJo and Callie. Of everyone in The House, I am undoubtedly the best. The only thing I can count on our Jack to teach me is not being a total disappointment in this group. But y’know, Darkwater. You’ve gotta watch your back at all times in Insanity Cage, but wouldn’t it feel good to eliminate one guy from the pool? A false prophet who’s trying to take the crowd support for himself when YOU are a good man who’s been honorable for a long time– well, ignoring your cash-in on JoJo.
Darkwater: I thought ye were referring to Rush! But nay, I think I see where ye be goin’ with this, an’ whilst ye speak true about it bein’ a cutthroat affair inside that Cage, it will not be my first time in such circumstances, Goldworthy. Though th’ Captain didn’t exactly fare well in the Champions match at StableWars 2017, he did learn a fair bit about what to expect should he e’er find himself in such a situation again… an’ that’s whilst it would indeed be wise to focus on individual threats rather than allowin’ yer focus to be constantly divided, it shouldn’t come at th’ expense of keepin’ an eye on others. So whilst it would give me th’ greatest pleasure to repay Jack fer how he left me on that island, ye would be wise not to think ye can use such an opportunity to sneak the victory out from under me. But regardin’ yer dear old buddy JoJo… how is th’ big lummox, by th’ way, healin’ up nicely? I was considerin’ sendin’ flowers… Forget Me Nots, prob’ly.
Cosmo rolls his eyes, brushing off Darkwater’s joke.
Cosmo: He’s not a flower guy. Listen, I’m an open man. I ain’t gonna sneak no victory underneath you, because when it comes to the Undisputed Championship? Everything I do will be straight forward. And as for you, what? Is there really a problem with playing a little divide and conquer, taking care of a common enemy and going after one another?! Because I’ll beat ‘ya to the punch, Darkwater. I’m aware that you’re the one in this ring with a victory over the other. I congratulate you for that. But everyone knows what I’ve done since then. Everyone knows how I walked out of StrangleMania with a victory over Vin Havoc, Mercenary and Lavender in two different matches. You can say whatever you want about me, but I earned my double champ status so I have ZERO problem letting go of my United States Championship! JoJo may be in hell, but it’s easy to play up a victory when you know that you beat a guy that was never in condition to wrestle that night in the first place.
The Captain’s eyes widen slightly at this thinly-veiled insult and challenge of his status as double-champion, his head slowly tilting to one side as his eyes narrow, and when he speaks again his tone is cold, his words slow and methodical, carefully chosen.
Darkwater: Tell me something, Cosmo Goldworthy … When JoJo Rush killed Darna Dare in such a spectacular an’ messy fashion, where were ye? When th’ House done away with Jamie Love not once, but twice, where was yer righteous side then? When Rush buried El Pablo alive, when he struck my own wife across the head with a baseball bat, an’ when Severn drunkenly beat his old friend to death, where was th’ high an’ mighty Cosmo Goldworthy, hmm? All this time, th’ House has been allowed to run riot throughout th’ EWC, cuttin’ a brutal, often murderous path through all who dare stand against them, and not once have ye or any of yer ilk shown any signs of regret or conscience about yer actions, all swaggerin’ about under th’ pretense of ‘Might Makes Right’, that ye all be a law unto yer’selves… but th’ moment one of yers finally finds themselves on th’ wrong-side of an ambush, a violent assault, an’ a partcularly nasty pair of blades, that’s when ye speak up, where ye dare to try an’ take th’ high road? Nay Sir… ye don’t get the privilege of that.
As the crowd cheer on the Captain, Connors looks over his notecards, muttering to himself as he tears up one card after the other, shaking his head all the while.
Connors: Gentlemen, this is all very, uh…riveting…but I’ve asked you both to engage in a debate, and by gum we’re gonna have a debate! I So, let’s get down to brass tacks.
Jim looks at his first notecard, shifting his gaze between the card and both men at their podiums. A very keen eye can spot Connors mouthing the question on the card about “what is one’s idea of a perfect date” before tearing the card up, choosing to read the second card instead.
Connors: Gentlemen, the upcoming Night of Champions pay-per-view marks the twenty-first of its kind in the history of this company. What does it mean to go into this event AS champion? Cosmo, you have the floor first.
Cosmo squints his eyes, leaning against the podium as he ponders that question.
Cosmo: At last year’s Night Of Champions, I competed in my first one-on-one match on PPV. Not only that, but it was against Andrea Hernandez for the HBO Broadcast Championship. My first title win, and I haven’t looked back since then. So y’know, it’s poetic that I walk into Night Of Champions with the Undisputed Championship in my sights. I mean, after all, I’ve had some sort of championship in my possession for the last 288 DAYS. I am the longest tenured champion out of everyone in that match. That’s an undeniable fact. So you know what it means to go into this event as champion? It’s full circle. Full circle to the crowning moment of my career. One championship of many, as evidently, I’ve gone on to be a three-time champion in under a year of being here. IN FACT! It was two days ago where I officially marked a full year as part of the EWC roster. A year later, and I’m ‘bout to leave as the Undisputed Champion and the face of this place because if there’s anyone who needs to represent this company to the fullest? It’s Money Motherfuckin’ Mo, and you can bank on that.
The crowd responds in kind, those in favor of the Fighting Spirit Champion giving their approval while others boo as Connors just nods his head.
Connors: These are…fair points, Mr. Goldworthy. Captain, the floor is yours.
The Captain’s barrelled chest swells slowly as he takes a deep breath, then exhales through his nose as he rolls his shoulders, hands coming up to tug at the collar of his sweeping crimson jacket. When he stoops down to retrieve the podium’s microphone once again, he wears a thin, tight smile, and sighs softly.
Darkwater: Thank ye, Connors… Well, ne’er let it be said that Captain Morgan Darkwater be too proud to give a man his dues. I’ll be th’ first to admit ye have had one hell of a stellar first-year here, Cosmo Goldworthy, perhaps th’ best of any risin’ talent in this company – nay, this business – in recent history. Why, I can only think of one young newcomer who shows th’ possibility of bein’ a wunderkind like yer’self an’, well… I’m sure I don’t need to mention his name, what with th’ US title match still fresh in yer mind. There was a time when I had some respect an’ admiration fer ye, Goldworthy, I ne’er shied away from admittin’ that – ye were damn near th’ only member of th’ House th’ Captain had any respect fer, an’ whilst on a personal level that may no longer be th’ case, on a professional level I continue to follow an’ admire yer career with great interest.
The crowd cheers for this as Connors gives his home-champion and odd, incredulous look. If he had been expecting Morgan to tear Cosmo down, he seemed sorely disappointed, as the Captain hadn’t really answered the question at all. He goes to discard the card, and opened his mouth to move proceedings on, only to be stopped by a raised hand from the Captain.
Darkwater: I wasn’t done, Connors, did that sound like I had answered yer damned question? Nay, I was merely layin’ th’ foundations of respect, makin’ it abundantly clear I’m not dismissin’ or belittlin’ our guest here when I say his years, his championship tenure, his records, none of them mean squat when steppin’ into an Insanity Cage with many other champions, some who would care a damn sight less fer his facts an’ accomplishments than Captain Darkwater. But ye want to talk accomplishments, Goldworthy? Ye may look down on th’ Captain fer how he went about procurin’ th’ Hardcore title from yer Housemate JoJo Rush, that it makes me somehow less of a champion fer cashing in on a man wholly unprepared to defend his title, in no fit state – physical or mental, if we are bein’ honest – to fight for it… an’ fine, ye be entitled to yer opinions. But let me remind ye exactly how I got to be able to get to that point, lad. When Captain Morgan Darkwater entered and overcame th’ very same Blast th’ Bayou Deathmatch tournament that th’ esteemed “Money Mo” couldn’t survive… an’ so shortly after th; Captain’s return, too, when he stepped up to take on none other than yer’self an’ Booth, with King Flip by his side, which he also won in spectacular fashion. Then he would go on to beat Sally Talfourd at her own game – th’ last man to score a victory o’er her before she became Undisputed Champion. An’ sure, whilst I may have stumbled against Rush that first time, then Severn, I returned to form this year, bein’ crowned th’ inaugural Heritage Champion in th’ Brawl season premiere, beatin’ yer’self, an’ only losin’ once, to Jason Anderson. So when ye speak of accomplishments, Cosmo Goldworthy, don’t be so quick to dismiss those of Captain Morgan Darkwater – especially when ye remember, he did all this with just one good leg!
The crowd cheers as the Captain brings his left leg up to plant his prosthetic up onto the podium, grinning wildly as he gives it a playful rapping with the microphone. POK POK POK.
Darkwater: So what does it mean fer th’ Captain, goin’ into the Insanity Cage as double-champion? It means th’ world to him, naturally, a great honour t’be representin’ not just his glorious red-brand, but th’ very spirit of Hardcore upon which this very company is founded. But more than that, it means th’ chance to finally realise his career-long dream, to complete his collection of gold with th’ Undisputed Championship, to become th’ Undisputed Pirate King of EWC, an’ usher in th’ new Golden Age… somethin’ ye an’ I seem to share, albeit if we have diff’rent definitions of what exactly warrants such a “Golden Age”... but don’t get it twisted! This be not solely about fulfillin’ one’s own desires, but what such an accomplishment means. For ye, it be about provin’ that ye can back that big, proud mouth of yers up, that ye really be as good as ye claim, and fair play. To th’ Captain, it be about provin’ to himself, as well as th’ rest of th’ world, that he’s still got what it takes, age be damned, an’ can make 2024 a year that will live on fer’ever in the hearts an’ minds of th’ world fer lifetimes to come when people think of Morgan Darkwater, Captain of th’ Flagship!
The crowd really has a pop for this, showing their appreciation as Connors nods his head once more…and proceeds to tear up the rest of his notecards.
Connors: Well, gentlemen, I had a suspicion I knew where this debate was heading, so I’m declaring a draw for the sake of my sanity. Thank you both for being here tonight, and uh…
Cosmo speaks into the mic, cutting Connors off.
Cosmo: Hey hey, hold on. Don’t we have enough happy endings around here? I get it. You’re defending your show, Darkwater, but I don’t think you understand that you’re in my way. You can flaunt all that you’ve done in the past and that’s good and well, but it’s a completely different story when we step into the Insanity Cage. You can do ALL of those things on one good leg, but when you get battered in there by everyone, but specifically me? Then what? Now you got no legs. Now everything that you try to drag me down for doing, it’s now up to you to do your best and back up. Connors. I appreciate what you’re doing here. In fact, I’ve tried my hardest to be a man of respect but it seems apparent that the Captain here ONLY cares about himself! What a twisted tale that’s turned out to be! I hate to hijack this whole thing, but don’t worry about declaring a draw, or anything of that nature.
Cosmo starts to move away from the podium, bringing the microphone closer to him as he looks at Darkwater.
Cosmo: There’s more riding into this for me, than for you. None of this is about the kind of man I am, because I’m very honest ‘bout who I am. I’m ready to torture and pillage every single champion in that cage if I HAVE to. I ain’t hiding behind nothing. I don’t need these people. I don’t need to be called everything but ‘the very best’, because in order to be the best you’ve gotta beat the best and that’s exactly what I’m going to do at Night Of Champions. And that’s what really gets me with you! I’m tired of you, I’m absolutely sick of everything that you bring to the table and it ain’t personal! I’m talkin’ ‘bout for the betterment of this company. You’re a strong man. A lot stronger than many of the billions of people on this planet... But you ain’t superman. You can be broken. I have watched you be broken! And look at you right now. You ARE broken, and you don’t even know it. Your body has taken a toll time and time again. Who’s going to be carrying this company on its back in five years, because I can tell you now that it certainly won’t be Captain Morgan Darkwater. And that’s my thing with all of you. You’re all selfish. Not willing to step back and let the future thrive, but I suppose that’s a great allegory for the world as a whole, ain’t it?
He raises a finger, pausing.
Cosmo: With what comes being the Undisputed Champion is that you are the heavyweight champion of the world. This debate is fuckin’ stupid. I don’t need to talk your ear off anymore than I already have because what’s already known doesn’t have to be said. Night Of Champions, for the second year in a row is going to be the NIGHT. OF. COSMO. And there ain’t a damn thing you can do about it. And if you had a problem so bad? You’d hike up your big boy pants, you’d roll up your sleeves and you’d do something about it. I don’t have to invite The House to come out here – lord knows what they’re doing with the corpse of Buddy Love’s fat ass anyways. What I’m focused on is just you. You’ve gotten me a ton of times. I can admit that. There are times where I wish I could’ve just shut you up for once. But all I have to do is win the Insanity Cage. All I have to do is prove you and every other person wrong because that’s what I was born to do. Yeah I run my mouth. Yeah I’m bound to get shut up myself. But what I’m aware of is a completely different story so save me the lecture next time, oldtimer. And you know what? Since we’ve declared this debate a draw? How about I declare a winner in another way?
Cosmo pushes the podium aside, not knocking it down. Dimitri is aware where this is headed and Darkwater quickly steps off the podium to get into Cosmo’s face. The two start jaw-jacking off and are about to get heated.. And that’s when Cosmo shoves Darkwater! Naturally, the big man doesn’t go too far, and he shoves Cosmo! Cosmo staggers, but he gets right back into his face and Connors is calling for security immediately! Dozens of guards fill the ring and get in the way, separating the two men and pulling them apart before they can do anything reckless.
This pisses off the crowd immediately, who were ready to see a debate take place, but hungry for a fight! Cosmo is yelling at Darkwater, demanding him to do something and when Darkwater tries his hardest to break free, more guards come out of quite literally nowhere to try and pin him back to the turnbuckles.
“LET THEM FIGHT!”
“LET THEM FIGHT!”
“LET THEM FIGHT!”
The invading Fighting Spirit Champion, Cosmo Goldworthy is taken out of the ring and Dimitri pats him on the back, calming him down. Cosmo has a resigned expression on his face that grows into a smirk as he slowly backs up the ramp. Captain Morgan Darkwater points at Cosmo, still enraged. He takes his Heritage Championship, and Hardcore Championship and raises both up to a big pop from the crowd! Cosmo takes the Fighting Spirit Championship and raises it up to Dimitri, as the two stalwarts from their respective brands have come to a stalemate tonight.
Aiello: Things have absolutely broken down between these men!
Bennett: And I’m all for it, Joe! Let them fight!
Aiello: Folks, we’re gonna need to take a break to let things calm down here, but when we return it’s time for your main event!
Things appear to be far from calming down for all involved, but nonetheless we go to commercial break!
We cut to ringside, where a visibly distraught Joe Aiello speaks up on commentary.
Aiello: Folks, before we take it to the ring for our main event, I've just been informed that something went down backstage during the commercial break!
We cut once again backstage as we see Mark Paulson and Brian Knight drag a bloody and battered Buddy Love towards the back door leading to the parking lot as Cosmo and Bruce wipe their hands off on the jacket of Bob Murray as they smirk…
Cosmo: What an eventful day, wouldn't you say boys?! We got through a debate! Then we got our hands dirty! I hate this for you, Buddy. I mean, it's not very often that you find yourself in a "right person, right time" situation.
Bruce Booth walks over and opens the door as the Next Level chuck Buddy out of the National Olympic Stadium and then let the door slam shut.
Bruce: Deliver the message to Ibuki Ito. Flukes from last year don't matter anymore!
Cosmo, Bruce and the Next Level walk away as Bob Murray rushed to the door, opens it and see the unconscious Buddy Love.
Murray: I NEED SOME HELP OVER HERE!!! SOMEONE CALL THE MEDICAL STAFF!!!!
Bob looks down at Buddy with a look of concern as he holds his head up, waiting for the EMT’s to arrive.
RACING TOWARD A SHOT AT THE CHAMP!
SINGLES MATCH, MORGAN DARKWATER BARRED FROM RINGSIDE
WINNER EARNS SHOT AT THE EWC HERITAGE CHAMPIONSHIP
Amis Shelton
VS Melinda Rhodes
SINGLES MATCH, MORGAN DARKWATER BARRED FROM RINGSIDE
WINNER EARNS SHOT AT THE EWC HERITAGE CHAMPIONSHIP
Amis Shelton
VS Melinda Rhodes
We return to ringside where fans are eagerly waiting our main event!
Aiello: This night has been absolutely bedlam folks, especially after what we saw unfold backstage...but now, it is time for our main event!
Bennett: After successfully defending the EWC Heritage Championship in Calgary, Morgan Darkwater has been forced to stay away from ringside as we find out his next challenger...but will it be Melinda Rhodes or Amis Shelton? Let's find out!
Stroup: The following match is set for one fall. Joining us first...
I'M BACK FROM THA DEAAAAADDDDD!!!!
The lights drop to a dim blue only to brighten to a bright red as "Back from the Dead" 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. Twirling a bright red aluminum baseball bat in her hand, Mel strides down the aisle, taking her time and rocking with the fans in attendance. She's 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.
Stroup: Hailing from Rome, GA. She stands at 5' 11" and weighs in at 140 lbs.... "The Rebel Star"... MMMMMMELINDAAA RRRRRRHODESSSSS!
After making the rounds at ringside, pumping up the front row fans, Rhodes slides under the ropes, pops up and runs up to the far turnbuckle, throwing a three fingered salute while headbanging to her music. She then turns and runs to and up the opposite turnbuckle, arms out at her sides as she shouts "HEEELLLL YYYEEAAAHHH!!!" to the fans, working them up just a little bit more. She then hops down, pulls the vest off and tosses it aside, crouching low in her corner and waiting…
Stroup: And her opponent, from Springfield, Illinois and weighing in at 195 pounds... AMIS SHELTON!
As the opening riffs to Nothing but Thieves' "Futureproof" hits the speakers, the crowd almost unanimously rise to their to a chorus of boos for the imminent arrival of Amis Shelton. As soon as the first verse kicks in, Amis appears from behind the curtain with arms already raised, ready to soak in the reaction from the fans with his trademark smirk. He walks down to the ramp and hops into the ring, climbing a turnbuckle with arms aloft.
DING DING DING
Rhodes lashes out with a roundhouse kick that Amis ducks. Rhodes spins back catching Amis on the side of the head with her heel. Amis staggers where Rhodes spins him around and cracks him with a left jab. Rhodes whips Amis off the ropes and catches him on the rebound with a dropkick that knocks Amis back. He charges at Rhodes but she takes Amis over with an armdrag that she transitions into an armbar. Amis manages to roll out and get to his feet where Rhodes takes him to the mat with a Russian legsweep. Rhodes rolls to her feet and runs at Amis taking him to the mat with a DDT. She makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Amis lifts a shoulder off the mat to break the count. Rhodes lifts Amis to his feet but he lifts her into the air hitting a European uppercut. Rhodes staggers to her feet where Amis fires a superkick at her. Rhodes ducks but it leaves her open for Amis to send her across the ring with a German suplex. He makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Rhodes manages to push him way breaking the count.
Aiello: What a German suplex right there!
Bennett: What a kick out too!
Amis pulls Rhodes to her feet and rams a knee to the gut before driving Rhodes down with a snap DDT. Rhodes stumbles to her feet but Amis leaps back smacking her with a Pele kick! Rhodes falls against the ropes...but she pushes herself back to her feet just in time for Amis to hit a Superkick, knocking her down hard! Shelton makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Rhodes manages to lift a shoulder off the mat to break the count, saving herself in the match as a result. As Rhodes pulls herself to her feet, Amis hoists her up on his shoulders...and proceeds to bring her down to the mat with a Highwind Crash. Rhodes really feels the impact as Shelton makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Rhodes rolls to her side breaking the count.
Aiello: Drove her to the mat and STILL she kicks out!!
Bennett: There may a hole in the mat after the force she was driven down by!
Amis lifts Rhodes for his next attack but Rhodes counters with a backdrop sending Amis to the mat. Rhodes runs off the ropes hitting Amis with a dropkick. She keeps running leaping at the ropes and flying back hitting an Asai moonsault. Both stumble to their feet. Rhodes runs at Amis spinning him with a hurricanrana that takes the Immortal Legend down hard to the canvas. She grabs his ankles for a pin.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Amis manages to push his way free to break the count. Both roll to their feet. Rhodes runs at Amis crashing into him with a Rhodes Kill. She makes a cover after that spear, hoping it's enough to end the match as the ref makes the count.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Amis just rolls a shoulder from the mat to break things up.
Aiello: A half inch of air is all that keeps Amis Shelton in this one!
Bennett: Point is he is still in this, so this match can go either way here.
Rhodes gets to her feet and pulls Amis to his. She whips Amis off the ropes but Amis reverses. Rhodes manages to pull Amis in for a cutter! Shot Through The Heart, and Mel's to blame as she rolls him over and makes a cover!
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Amis rolls to his side to break the count. Rhodes lifts him to his feet but Amis manages to scoop Rhodes up. He launches her to the corner with a Lawn Dart. Rhodes crumples to the mat where Amis makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Rhodes gets a hand onto the bottom rope breaking the count.
Aiello: Half a count from the loss and the bottom rope is what keeps this match going!
Bennett: A foot, a hand a raised shoulder. It doesn’t matter how a count is broken, just that it IS broken!
Amis waits for Rhodes as she uses the ropes to pull herself to her feet. Amis runs for Dragoon’s Glory but Rhodes smacks him with a roundhouse kick to the side of the head that knocks Amis down. Rhodes pulls herself to the top rope and she leaps for a Rebel Star Press! NO! At the last second. Amis rolls to the side and Rhodes crashes to the mat. She staggers to her feet and doesn’t see Amis run toward her. Amis connects with Dragoon’s Glory. That bicycle knee strike did some major damage to the skull of the Rebel Star, and Shelton is all for it as he hooks the leg as he makes a cover. The referee counts.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
DING DING DING
Stroup: And your winner, via pinfall AMIS SHELTON!
Amis climbs a turnbuckle with arms aloft soaking in the reaction from the fans. He jumps down and rolls from the ring and he heads up the ramp.
Aiello: One mistake is all it takes at times. That and a good hard knee to the skull. That tends to work! Amis Shelton picking up a big win here that puts him right into contention for the Heritage Championship!
Bennett: Melinda Rhodes gave as good as she got tonight. In the end it came down to that Rebel Press. Hitting it could have picked up the win for her. Missing it lead to the loss!
Aiello: What a night, folks! We now know Amis Shelton will challenge once more for the EWC Heritage Championship, Rotten Mark Keaton is in line for a shot at the EWC Television Championship, and we have had our share of insanity heading into Night of Champions XXI and the Insanity Cage! There is plent of EWC programming left before we get there, so tune in where appropriate! For Steve Bennett, I'm Joe Aiello saying so long and good--
We cut to the stage as Amis celebrates his win, the EWC copyright screen appearing in the lower left corner...before Shelton gets blindsided by the Captain! It looks like we're getting things going early between Darkwater and Amis, who quickly fights back before turning the tide in his favor with a DDT onto the stage! Security rushes out one more time to try and break things up, but both men pull away to go back at it. Darkwater looks for a lariat, but Shelton ducks it before connecting with some hard right hands. Rhodes runs up the ramp at this stage, trying to intervene amidst the efforts of security, a sight of pure chaos to end with as BRAWL comes to a close.
END SCREEN
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MATCH WRITERS
..........
MATCH ONE: EWC Staff Assistant: Em
MATCH TWO: EWC Staff Assistant: Em
MAIN EVENT: EWC Staff Assistant: Em
..........
SEGMENTS
..........
Cosmo Goldworthy / Morgan Darkwater
Melinda Rhodes
Morgan Darkwater / Amis Shelton
Next Level / Cosmo Goldworthy / Buddy Love
The Lad / Morgan Darkwater / Melinda Rhodes
MNB
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RECAP OF WINNERS
..........
MATCH 1
Narumi Tsutsumi
VS Caleb Scott
WINNER via pinfall: Narumi Tsutsumi
MATCH 2
WINNER EARNS SHOT AT THE EWC TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
Rotten Mark Keaton
VS Chelsea Skye
WINNER via submission: Rotten Mark Keaton
MAIN EVENT
MORGAN DARKWATER BARRED FROM RINGSIDE
WINNER EARNS SHOT AT THE EWC HERITAGE CHAMPIONSHIP
Amis Shelton
VS Melinda Rhodes
WINNER via pinfall: Amis Shelton
BRAWL #611 MVP: Amis Shelton
BRAWL #611 MATCH OF THE NIGHT: Amis Shelton VS Melinda Rhodes
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© THE EXTREME WRESTLING CORPORATION 2024
