Post by PARAMOUNT on Jul 24, 2024 21:33:07 GMT -6
The Extreme Wrestling Corporation Presents
“Superstar” by For Squirrels begins to blast over the arena speakers as our feed comes to life...
The fans packing the Avicii Arena tonight all come to their feet. Further explosions rock the very foundation of the arena as a large video screen is lowered from the rafters, stopping 15 feet above the ring! Everyone in Stockholm knows that the self-proclaimed greatest show on Wednesday night is about to begin and they cheer accordingly! The heavy riffs from 'Superstar' continue to blare over the arena, setting the tone for what is to come later on this evening.
** THE PINNACLE ARRIVES IN THE ELONGATED COUNTRY **
EPISODE #47
EPISODE #47
JULY 24TH, 2024
LIVE! from Avicii Arena - Stockholm, SwedenWARNING: This live event contains strong coarse language (L), and intense violence (V) which may be unsuitable for younger viewers. None of the matches you are about to watch have been predetermined. Only some of the thematic story-lines have been discussed beforehand. Accordingly, EWC and it's producers must insist that no one attempt to recreate or re-enact any match or activity performed in this live event.
“Superstar” by For Squirrels begins to blast over the arena speakers as our feed comes to life...
The scene immediately cuts to a pyro show erupting on the outside of the Avicii Arena!
Then a cut to another, equally explosive show on the inside!
Then a cut to another, equally explosive show on the inside!
The fans packing the Avicii Arena tonight all come to their feet. Further explosions rock the very foundation of the arena as a large video screen is lowered from the rafters, stopping 15 feet above the ring! Everyone in Stockholm knows that the self-proclaimed greatest show on Wednesday night is about to begin and they cheer accordingly! The heavy riffs from 'Superstar' continue to blare over the arena, setting the tone for what is to come later on this evening.
IT'S ALL I WANT, IT'S ALL I NEED
IT'S ALL I SEE, IT'S ALL I BREATHE
IT'S WHAT I AM, IT'S WHAT'S I KNOW
IT'S WHAT I FEEL, IT'S WHAT I BLEED!
IT'S ALL I SEE, IT'S ALL I BREATHE
IT'S WHAT I AM, IT'S WHAT'S I KNOW
IT'S WHAT I FEEL, IT'S WHAT I BLEED!
On the Extreme-Tron, this episode of Paramount Wrestling begins with its opening video montage detailing many of the historic events that have taken place in the five-year history of Future Stars of Wrestling, setting the tone for the history of the Orange brand. From past champions like Jason Hunter, Dixie Dubois, Amis Shelton, Magdalena Lockheart, and Otaki all standing underneath an old FSW logo to the more current Future Stars Champions like Xavier Reid, Cletus Franklin, Melody Malone, Robina Hood, Robbie Rayder, Stitches, Candy, and Wes Walker tearing down that mold, showing the Paramount Wrestling Logo...
As more pyro goes off the Paramount Wrestling logo appears and flashes of the roster appear on the screen such as Next Level, Ibuki Ito, Amber Lisa, Shaker Jones, Rick Rampage, Apollo Polamalu, Adriana Aquilla, Emma Louise, 3Pac, FBG, and Raca Jakodi. The final images shown are a montage of Xavier Reid, the EWC Undisputed Championship draped across his chest as he sits atop the Insanity Cage at Night of Champions XXI, Morgan Darkwater with the EWC Hardcore Championship slung over a shoulder, and the EWC Heritage Championship over the other, El Pablo with the EWC International Championship and EWC North American Championship draped across his chest Criss-Cross style as he guzzles a packet of skittles, The Lad proudly sporting the EWC United States championship around his waist and the EWC Television championship over his right shoulder, the Heat Packers holding the EWC World Tag Team Championships aloft, and finally Tanja Devereaux with the Dynasty Championship clutched to her chest
The camera pans around the loud and out of control audience. As the fireworks continue to explode, the fans chant and cheer! Cameras pan around the arena to catch some of the signage that many fans have brought to Avicii Arena with them here tonight. The Paramount Wrestling fan-base is as adamant about having their voices heard now as ever:
"Stockholm visits the crossroads tonight!"
"Champ Champ VS THE Champ: We all win!"
"LOVE CLUB NO. 1"
"Rick is going to go on a Rampage tonight!!!"
"WE WANT BUNNY LOVE!!!"
"PAR-A-MOUNT!!!"
"PARA-A-MOUNT!!!"
"PARA-A-MOUNT!!!"
"PAR-A-MOUNT!!!"
"PARA-A-MOUNT!!!"
"PARA-A-MOUNT!!!"
"PAR-A-MOUNT!!!"
The lights come back to full and the fans offer one last rousing cheer at the opening festivities. Tonight's announcers are on standby and ready for the show to begin.
Watson: God kväll från Stockholm! Good evening and welcome to Paramount Wrestling! We are live from Stockholm, Sweden tonight for the 47th episode of Paramount! I am Tim Watson, and with me as always is Cid Sydney! How are ya Cid?
Sydney: The views are scenic and the companions are beautiful Tim! It's great to be back for another night of competition on the Pinnacle of Professional Wrestling! We have four big matches for you tonight as we steam ahead toward not only the historic 50th episode of Paramount, but also the mammoth brand warfare pay per view known as PARABELLUM. Opening things up tonight we have a match with Dynasty championship implications as Rick Rampage takes on Ibuki Ito for contention of the belt currently held by Tanja Devereaux. Will Rick get his rubber match, or will the ACE of Paramount go after another EWC Championship?
Watson: Then we have the Dynasty champion herself, the voodoo queen herself takes on Shaker Jones! Can shaker pull of the win and possibly get himself in line for a championship match? Or will he be taken again to the crossroads?
Sydney: In our Semi-Main Event it's the Champ Champ versus THE Champ as Los Hermanos Voldando, El Pablo and Xavier Reid, do battle in a champion versus champion showdown! A win for El Pablo could cement him a chance once again at the EWC Undisputed championship. Can he get the job done, or will the Undisputed Champion prove once again why he can never be counted out?
Watson: And in our main event of the night, It's Lad Morales' finally EWC Television championship defense. If he wins here tonight he will have to relinquish the championship to the winner of Caleb Scott versus ZERO at Hardcore Revolution in 9 days, but standing between those two men getting a championship opportunity is the big man, The Mercenary. He has come back to Paramount to try to add another championship title to his resume. Can Lad defeat the big man? We're going to find out tonight!
Sydney: We have all this and SO MUCH MORE! Our first match of the night will be coming up right after this quick message from EWCTV. Don't go anywhere .. Paramount Wrestling action will be back in exactly 1 minute
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SINGLES MATCH
FOR DYNASTY CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENTION
Rick Rampage
VS Ibuki Ito
We return to ringside where Tim and Cid are standing by!
Watson: Welcome back to Stockholm, folks! We are ready for our first match of the night and we are starting off with a big one! Rick Rampage... Ibuki Ito... Dynasty Championship contention on the line. Let's get to it Isabella Starr!!!
Starr: The following match is set for one fall! Joining us first…
'Burn' by Three Days Grace begins to play over the PA-System. Rampage comes out, taunting the fans as they boo him. He makes his way down the ramp quickly, sliding into the ring and making his way over to the corner. Rick climbs up onto the second buckle, tossing his arms into the air.
Starr: Now in the ring, hailing from New York, New York...He is The GOLDEN BOY... RICK RAMPAGE! !
Starr: And the opponent, residing in Daly City, California and weighing in at 235 pounds... IBUKI ITO!
‘The Prodigal Son’ Buddy Love walks out onto the stage and raises his arms into the air as the lights fade out. He jumps up and down as ‘Deeper Deeper’ begins to play. A strobe light circles around the stage as a single white spotlight hits the stage where Ibuki is standing, his back facing the ring, his arms stretched out and his head down. He swings around to face the ring as Buddy Love runs up and stands next to him. After a quick word the pair start to walk towards the ring, Buddy runs ahead and charges up the steps and holds open the ropes for Killjoy to step through. Ibuki walks to the center of the ring, extends his arms and tilts his head back to soak everything in.
DING DING DING
Rampage charges at Ito and rams a knee into his gut that doubles Ito over. A forearm to the back knocks Ito to the mat. Rampage boots Ito in the ribs before dragging him to his feet and throwing Ito into the corner. Rampage drags Ito’s face across the top rope. Rampage takes a moment to lean Ito’s throat across the top rope until the referee forces a break. Rampage thumps a right hand into Ito’s ribs when the ref turns the other way. Rampage drives Ito to the mat with a DDT. Ito manages to roll to his feet but Rampage lifts him and drops him to the mat with an Alabama Slam. Rampage makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Ito rolls a shoulder off the mat to break the count. Rampage is on his feet yelling in the face of the referee. Ito spins Rampage around and lifts him up for a fireman's carry before dropping Rampage across his knee. Ito slips to the top turnbuckle and comes crashing down with a double foot stomp. Rampage tries to get to his feet. Ito grabs him and rings him crashing to the mat with a sitout last ride. He leans into cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Rampage pushes his way free breaking the count.
Watson: So near yet so far!
Sydney: For both! Rick Rampage may not like the speed of the count but it was a massive slam that make the ring shake!
Ito rolls to the apron as Rampage gets to his feet. Ito flies into the ring hitting a Kushu that smacks into Rampage knocking him to the mat. Ito hooks the leg.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Rampage lifts his shoulder as high off the mat as he can to break the count. Ito gets to his feet as Rampage slowly gets to his. Ito swings for a Konbanwa. Rampage ducks it and runs off the ropes. Rampage runs through Ito with The Rampage He makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO! KICK OUT!
Ito rolls to his side breaking the count. Rampage punches at the mat in frustration before getting to his feet and booting Ito in the ribs.
Watson: Rick Rampage getting very frustrated with that kick out!
Sydney: Understandable! I thought it was over and looking around at this sea of fans we have in tonight, a good number of them thought this over after that!
Rampage lifts Ito to his feet and drives him to the mat with a Rising Star. He makes a cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THR… NO!
Rampage decides he wants to inflict more punishment on Ito and pulls him to his feet. Rampage positions Ito for a Golden Driver. As he leaps for it, Ito manages to counter with a back drop before falling against the ropes. Rampage gets to his knees as Ito turns. He runs at Rampage hitting a Kettei-Da. He makes the cover. The referee counts.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
DING DING DING
Starr: And your winner, via pinfall IBUKI ITO!
Ito quickly gets to his feet and falls backward through the ropes in his effort to separate from an obviously angry Rick Rampage, luckily Ito manages to land on his feet. He raises an arm in the air in victory before slowly heading up the ramp.
Watson: What can you say about that one! Ibuki Ito heads to the back in clear pain but he takes the victory here in part for having the presence of mind to counter the Golden Driver with a backdrop!
Sydney: Certainly. If Rick Rampage was frustrated with the kickouts, he is going to be pissed at himself. He hit the Rising Star and it looked to me like a clear win and yet Rick Rampage felt he needed more. Doing so cost him! This match was his for the taking!
Watson: We are just getting started here tonight folks, do NOT go anywhere!
Camera cuts to ...
NON-TITLE SINGLES MATCH
Shaker Jones
VS Tanja Devereaux
We return to ringside where the fans are buzzing with anticipation for what’s to come.
Watson: Welcome back folks! We are about to see Shaker Jones take on Tanja Devereaux. Last week, Shaker lost in a grueling match to Rick Rampage, but a win here tonight could shoot him right up the ranks.
Starr: The following match is scheduled for One Fall. Joining us first, from Inglis, Manitoba, Canada, weighing in at Two Hundred and Twenty-Five pounds ... SHAKER JONES!
“Spicy McHaggis Jig” by Dropkick Murphy’s begins to play over the PA-System as Shaker Jones enters through the crowd behind the announce team, bobbing and weaving through the different aisles and rails. Shaker hops over the ringside barrier and slides into the ring.
Starr: And his, from New Orleans, Louisiana, weighing in at One Hundred and Fifteen pounds, She is the EWC DYNASTY CHAMPION... TANJA DEVEREAUX!
Pyros hit as Videos of bustling crowds of New Orleans appear on the tron as the dark and melodic tones of "Voodoo" by Godsmack blasts. Tanja comes out onto the top of the ramp in a style compared to Gail Kim during her early time in TNA before heading down the ramp with Celeste St. Laurent coming behind her to the ring as Tanja's black leather coat flows at her feet while the boos from the crowd fills the arena. She hisses at those at ringside while coming down to the ring.
Tanja walk up towards the ring and enters via under the bottom rope and jumps onto the middle turnbuckle. She poses as she does her usual taunt with a hand and arm in the air as "Voodoo" continues to play. Tanja steps off the turnbuckle as she removes the leather coat as "Voodoo" fades.
DING DING DING
Shaker attacks quickly, rushing towards the Champion who quickly dodges out of the way, but not before landing a quick kick to the abdomen of Shaker. The bigger competitor keels over as Tanja rushes the ropes and comes back, landing a bulldog onto her opponent. As Shaker crashes to the mat, he quickly rolls out, trying to regain his composure as he walks around the outside of the ring. Tanja begins to stalk him and before the referee can even begin the count, she rushes the ropes and leaps over them. Shaker adjusts in just a split second and helps the champion on her way as she crashes into the barrier.
ONE!
Shaker lifts Tanja up and begins to land one blow after another.
TWO!
He lifts her up the rest of the way and then tosses her back into the ring, quickly following behind her. Shaker pops up to his feet, making his way over towards the downed champion. He lifts her to her feet and then plants her back down with a DDT. Shaker slowly gets to his feet and then goes for a handspring back elbow, but Tanja rolls out of the way. As she does, she sees Shaker doing the same. The two begin to circle one another as they get ready for their next attack.
Watson: A little back and forth here to start off, The champion is feeling out Shaker and Shaker is looking for an opportunity.
Sydney: I always love this part of the match, when both fighters are just looking for that ONE thing to zero in on.
Shaker begins to move in and goes to lock up with Tanja, but she ducks out and tries to attack him from behind with a few quick elbows that send him stumbling into the ropes. The bigger man turns around to face the champion who is now charging. As she charges forward, she does so right into The Boomstick. Tanja hits the mat hard, and Shaker goes for the cover.
ONE!
KICKOUT!
Shaker gets to his feet first, pulling Tanja up, but she begins to fire away with punches to his abdomen, forcing him to let go. The champion rushes towards the ropes and comes bouncing back with a Dropkick. Shaker stumbles backward into the ropes and then comes stumbling forward as he walks right into The HooDoo. As Shaker Jones gets planted down into the mat, Tanja rolls over and makes the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
Watson: Tanja almost got the wind here, but Shaker not going down easily!
Sydney: Tanja showing why she is the Dynasty champion here, putting her skills on display here in Sweden!
Tanja quickly gets to her feet and begins to stomp down on top of her opponent. She stands there for a moment and then signals for him to get up before summoning up some extra strength. Shaker begins to slowly stumble to his feet and then over towards Tanja, who lifts him up for the Voodoo. She pauses there for a moment looking out towards the crowd before her eyes roll into the back of her head as she lands the move and immediately goes for the pin.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!!
DING DING DING
Starr: And your winner, via PINFALL TANJA DEVEREAUX!
Shaker slowly rolls out of the ring and begins to make his way into the back as Tanja is handed her EWC Dynasty Championship belt, lifting it high into the air as she celebrates her win.
Watson: Shaker gave it all he had tonight, left it all out there, but it just wasn’t enough to take down Tanja Devereaux.
Sydney: Tanja is our champion for a reason; but yes, great effort from Shaker Jones tonight.
Watson: From contention, to the champion... The Dynasty title scene is heating up, but so it Paramount here in Stockholm. We'll be right back folks!
Camera cuts to ...
NON-TITLE SINGLES MATCH
El Pablo
VS Xavier Reid
We return to ringside where that fans are ready for our next match between the two half brothers.
Watson: Welcome back to Paramount Wrestling folks! You are in for an epic battle here. El Pablo and Xavier Reid have so much history and three championship belts between them. Oh and they're also brothers! Get ready for an all out war here tonight folks!
Starr: The following match is scheduled for One Fall. Joining us first, from Puebla City, Mexico, weighing in at One Hundred and Eighty pounds he is the EWC International Champion and the EWC North American Champion ... EL PABLO!
A cry of “VIVA LA RAINBOWLUTION!!!” leads to ‘Party Hard’ by Andrew WK hitting the soundsystem and the stage and ringside area being bathed in flashing, flickering, brightly-coloured lighting. As the main hook hits, El Pablo bursts through the curtain, playing to the fans and chugging Skittles like a Steveweiser as his brother Vertigo follows slowly behind, stoic and silent. Pablo charges down the ramp and slides under the ropes into the ring, before running up the turnbuckle and tossing a couple of fistfuls of Skittles out into the adoring crowd as Vertigo belatedly takes up his position on the outside. After offering up a final salute, Pablo throws up the Shinijoshi double deuces then hops back down to the canvas, bumping fists with Vertigo and performing a few final stretches as his music fades.
Starr: And his, from New York City, weighing in at Two Hundred and Twenty pounds. He is the EWC UNDISPUTED CHAMPION ... XAVIER REID!
The spotlights inside the arena start to flash around the crowd as 'Papercut' starts to play out. Xavier Reid walks out onto the stage and pulls his t-shirt off and drops it on the stage. Xavier walks to the front of the stage and crosses his arms into an X in front of his chest and smirks. Xavier walks towards the ring, climb up the steps and into the ring. Xavier goes to the far corner and jumps up to the second rope and looks out over the fans.
DING DING DING
The two men begin to circle one another, sizing the other up as they move around the ring. El Pablo makes the first move as the two lock up, but quickly break and push away from one another and begin to circle once more. Xavier makes the next move, locking up with El Pablo, but the two men break the hold once more and go back to circling the ring. The two men eventually converge and lock up again, this time Xavier moves and transitions into a head lock. He begins to wrench away, but El Pablo quickly pushes out, sending Xavier stumbling forward.
Xavier turns around and is met with a dropkick that sends the champion down hard to the mat. El Pablo pops back up to his feet and makes his way over to the fallen Champion and goes for an elbow drop, but Xavier rolls out of the way and gets back to his feet as Pablo gets back to his once more. Pablo quickly rushes toward Xavier, but the champ side steps and Pablo runs right into the ropes. He stumbles backward right into a Standing Reverse Frankensteiner from Xavier Reed. The Champ stands to his feet and begins to taunt the crowd a little as he turns his attention back to his downed opponent.
Watson: Xavier Reid showing a bit of confidence here tonight. In the lead up to this match, he talked about needing to control his rage and so far he is doing just that.
Sydney: Don't count out the sheer magnitude of the rage that flows through Reid though, it will come out somewhere I am sure!
Xavier lifts El Pablo up off the mat, but the Pablo hits him with a solid knee to the gut and then follows it up with a few blows to the side of the head. Xavier begins to stagger as his opponents makes his way up to his feet. Pablo lands a few more big strikes that sends Xavier stumbling backward and then forward, right into a Standing Spanish Fly that El Pablo then rolls right into The Tijuana Crabcake. Xavier begins to writhe in pain as he does everything he can to hold on, the referee getting down right in front of him, waiting to see if he will tap. Xavier manages to push himself up and then is able curl under the hold and get onto his back and then heel kicks El Pablo in the face.
Pablo stumbles back as he lets go of Xavier, who quickly pops to his feet. The Champ rushes forward as El Pablo bounces off the ropes, but he manages to duck under a lariat from Xavier. The Technicolor Tecnico quickly turns to take advantage but is met with a Pele Kick to the face. Pablo stumbles and falls onto his back as Xavier gets up, hyping himself up for something bigger and he gets his opponent lined up in his sights. Pablo gets to his feet and walks right into a ‘Love’ Shot as Xavier goes for the cover.
One!
TW...KICKOUT!
Watson: The Love Shot out of nowhere here, but it's not quite enough to get the job done against the leader of the Rainbowlution!
Sydney: These two men are decorated champions, brothers who have spent so much time in the ring together, they've got each other scouted so well.
Xavier Reed sits up, looking over at his half-brother who was slowly getting to his feet. The Champ stands to his feet and dodges a punch attempt from El Pablo and then lands one of his own. He throws another and another, knocking El Pablo back a few steps before finally sending him up over the top rope and onto the ring apron. Xavier smirks as he rushes forward but is met with an elbow from El Pablo that sends him stumbling back. El Pablo leaps up and then springboards himself forward, but Xavier counters with The BEAST Slayer and goes for the pin.
ONE...
TWO...
THREE!!!
DING DING DING
Starr: And your winner, via Pin Fall XAVIER REID!
Xavier Reid quickly hops up and begins to celebrate, EP rolls to the corner and gets to his feet. both men call for their championship belts.
Watson: WOW, what a match from these two brothers and champions. They both left it all out there in the ring and dare I say that we almsot say a more... reserved Xavier Reid here tonight?!
Sydney: We definitely saw a side of Reid that we have not seen in a long time. Dare I say that winning the Insanity cage may have made Xavier Reid even MORE dangerous as a champion?!
Both men get their titles and just stand there, staring each other down. Xavier takes a step forward and offers a handshake to his brother. El Pablo is hesitant for a moment, but grabs his bothers hand and shakes it as a show of respect.
Watson: Two brothers showing each other some love, nothing better folks. Could you imagine what would happen if these two decided one day to be on the same team?
Camera cuts to ...
We go to the back where the Camera finds Lisa Goldrush in Paramount's gorilla position. It follows her as she approaches the Mercenary going through his pre-match warm up ritual, throwing punch combinations and pacing back and forth like a lion at the local Kolmården Zoo.
Goldrush: I'm here with the challenger for The Lad's final match as the EWC TV Champion. After seven successful title defenses, tonight the man who won the Television Title in his main roster debut, will be giving Mercenary the opportunity to break his undefeated singles run as champion.
Win or lose, after tonight Lad Morales will be relinquishing the belt to concentrate on re-creating that same kind of success as the reigning and defending United States Champion.
Tonight Mercenary, either you'll be going home with the belt, or it will be vacated for a title match at Hardcore Revolution. In light of The Lad's time with the title, what do you think the likelihood is that you'll go home happy?
Merc shot her a sidelong glance.
Mercenary: Lisa, the last time I came to Paramount it was to lay everything out on the table. I told the world that I was gonna win The B.O.R.T. and earn back somethin' that I was already owed in the first place.
Goldrush: You're referring to a re-match for the United States Title?
Mike nods a grave confirmation.
Mercenary: Exactly. I made my intentions known. Crystal clear. Out in the open and for everyone, including The Lad, to see.
The crowd cheers at the mention of the popular United States Champion.
Mercenary: Now I said what I said, and I did my damnedest to show a shit ton of respect for the champion. But clearly, a few things I said left Lad a little chapped in the ass.
He shrugs it off with an irritated chuckle.
Mercenary: You know those New York guys Lisa. They take a beatin' a helluva lot better than they take a compliment.
Mercenary uses his palm, pressed against to the side his head, to align the vertebrae in his neck.
Mercenary: If you really wanna know, I was wantin' to be the one who took that U.S. Title from Cosmo Goldworthy. But The Lad got to him first, and I can't say I wasn't disappointed. So maybe that was the tone he got all riled up about. So, to make damn sure that you get my meanin' Mister Morales... If it's okay with you... I'd like to take a minute to make a few more things clear.
He lifts the index finger on his gloved right hand, jabbing it at the camera.
Mercenary: One: I never implied that my bad track record with titles was your fault or your problem. I've never passed that buck before and I ain't about to start makin' excuses for it now. And tonight, I intend to go a long way towards balancin' those scales, when I become the first black mark on your perfect TV Title run.
He throws up a second finger.
Mercenary: Two: I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your last match as the champion. And I definitely don't see winnin' the TV Title from you as a downgrade. But I don't plan on watchin' your final bow from flat on my back. So to answer your question Lisa, I think that after tonight, ZERO and Caleb Scott are gonna be damned disappointed.
He glares confidently into the camera.
Mercenary: Their match ain't gonna be a title match at Hardcore Revolution. Because tonight I'm gonna very respectfully end The Lad's undefeated singles run with that TV Title.
From beyond the curtain 'Fire it Up' by Black Label Society starts to play him into the arena. Merc nods at Lisa and, with a deep breath, he heads off to fight a war for his future.
Isabella Starr: Ladies and Gentlemen. Our next contest is the main event fight for The Lad's Television Championship! Introducing first, weighing in at 360 lbs, and fighting out of West Oakland California... He is the challenger: The EWC Outlaw... He is: The MERCENARY!
Mercenary swaggers out onto the stage with his face hidden behind a hard tactical mask painted to look like The Punisher's iconic skull logo. His eyes inside the mask scan the crowd. He crosses both arms, gloved fists clenched, across his chest and under his chin. The pose resembles a skull and crossbones. To either side of him the stage explodes in motes of red and orange flame.
Win or lose, after tonight Lad Morales will be relinquishing the belt to concentrate on re-creating that same kind of success as the reigning and defending United States Champion.
Tonight Mercenary, either you'll be going home with the belt, or it will be vacated for a title match at Hardcore Revolution. In light of The Lad's time with the title, what do you think the likelihood is that you'll go home happy?
Merc shot her a sidelong glance.
Mercenary: Lisa, the last time I came to Paramount it was to lay everything out on the table. I told the world that I was gonna win The B.O.R.T. and earn back somethin' that I was already owed in the first place.
Goldrush: You're referring to a re-match for the United States Title?
Mike nods a grave confirmation.
Mercenary: Exactly. I made my intentions known. Crystal clear. Out in the open and for everyone, including The Lad, to see.
The crowd cheers at the mention of the popular United States Champion.
Mercenary: Now I said what I said, and I did my damnedest to show a shit ton of respect for the champion. But clearly, a few things I said left Lad a little chapped in the ass.
He shrugs it off with an irritated chuckle.
Mercenary: You know those New York guys Lisa. They take a beatin' a helluva lot better than they take a compliment.
Mercenary uses his palm, pressed against to the side his head, to align the vertebrae in his neck.
Mercenary: If you really wanna know, I was wantin' to be the one who took that U.S. Title from Cosmo Goldworthy. But The Lad got to him first, and I can't say I wasn't disappointed. So maybe that was the tone he got all riled up about. So, to make damn sure that you get my meanin' Mister Morales... If it's okay with you... I'd like to take a minute to make a few more things clear.
He lifts the index finger on his gloved right hand, jabbing it at the camera.
Mercenary: One: I never implied that my bad track record with titles was your fault or your problem. I've never passed that buck before and I ain't about to start makin' excuses for it now. And tonight, I intend to go a long way towards balancin' those scales, when I become the first black mark on your perfect TV Title run.
He throws up a second finger.
Mercenary: Two: I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your last match as the champion. And I definitely don't see winnin' the TV Title from you as a downgrade. But I don't plan on watchin' your final bow from flat on my back. So to answer your question Lisa, I think that after tonight, ZERO and Caleb Scott are gonna be damned disappointed.
He glares confidently into the camera.
Mercenary: Their match ain't gonna be a title match at Hardcore Revolution. Because tonight I'm gonna very respectfully end The Lad's undefeated singles run with that TV Title.
From beyond the curtain 'Fire it Up' by Black Label Society starts to play him into the arena. Merc nods at Lisa and, with a deep breath, he heads off to fight a war for his future.
Isabella Starr: Ladies and Gentlemen. Our next contest is the main event fight for The Lad's Television Championship! Introducing first, weighing in at 360 lbs, and fighting out of West Oakland California... He is the challenger: The EWC Outlaw... He is: The MERCENARY!
Mercenary swaggers out onto the stage with his face hidden behind a hard tactical mask painted to look like The Punisher's iconic skull logo. His eyes inside the mask scan the crowd. He crosses both arms, gloved fists clenched, across his chest and under his chin. The pose resembles a skull and crossbones. To either side of him the stage explodes in motes of red and orange flame.
Removing the mask the big man salutes the crowd and stalks towards the ring at a steady pace filled with menace and a deadly purpose he climbs between the ropes and walks to the corner where he throws a few shadow punch combos at the turnbuckle before turning with his back to the corner, his arms crossed again across his chest to glower in his opponent's direction and wait for the bell to give him the sign to come out swinging.
The camera cuts to the champion as he treks through the backstage area. In honor of the Television Championship, Lad walks with it alone. The United States Championship was left behind, but a double champion Lad Morales remains. As he makes his way, he decides to give some words in similar fashion as his opponent on the evening.
Morales: It seems that Merc and I have some disagreements to work out tonight. But before that, I wanna say to you, big man, welcome back to Paramount. I hope you enjoyed walking through your old stomping grounds. You did a lot for this place when it was coming up as the developmental brand. But now? It's the brand. We'd love to have you back, but we gotta make sure about one thing first. You and I? We got more problems than where we started. It's not just about the United States Title match that you gotta earn.
The crowd's excitement elevates as he draws closer to the noise.
Morales: You took the time to run down supposed hypocrities in my character? Like how I didn't judge Ashe for her what she does but I did so against Raca? Or how I said I would tear Caleb Scott apart, but not somebody else? That's a quick and dirty way to summarize the things I had to say. When really, bud?
Lad cracks his neck.
Morales: They are dangerous people with dangerous intentions. Jakodi was a man who used God to justify his violent tendencies. Caleb has threatened to destroy people all for the sake of fun. So you disrespect me for standing against them with every ounce of rage I have? I don't like bad people, Merc. I never have. I never will. And I don't like people who try to discredit my character. It's all I have at the end of the day. So for you to do that but to back with the idea that you respect me?
The champion stares at the final curtain with a hardened glare.
Morales: You must be out of your damn mind.
Lad makes sure the Television Championship is strapped nicely around his waist.
Morales: Will there be anything of the good man left when I become Undisputed Champion? I'd like to think so. But I can't walk through life letting the evil of other men stop me from being the best I can. If I don't fight fire with fire, I'll get burned. And if I don't confront disrespect with the same energy, then people like you are going to think they can walk over me.
With one final sigh, Lad readies to storm out.
Morales: Don't let what I'm about fool you. Yeah, I'm a New York boy, born and bred, and you missed the best part about us. We know bullshit when we see it.
Morales: It seems that Merc and I have some disagreements to work out tonight. But before that, I wanna say to you, big man, welcome back to Paramount. I hope you enjoyed walking through your old stomping grounds. You did a lot for this place when it was coming up as the developmental brand. But now? It's the brand. We'd love to have you back, but we gotta make sure about one thing first. You and I? We got more problems than where we started. It's not just about the United States Title match that you gotta earn.
The crowd's excitement elevates as he draws closer to the noise.
Morales: You took the time to run down supposed hypocrities in my character? Like how I didn't judge Ashe for her what she does but I did so against Raca? Or how I said I would tear Caleb Scott apart, but not somebody else? That's a quick and dirty way to summarize the things I had to say. When really, bud?
Lad cracks his neck.
Morales: They are dangerous people with dangerous intentions. Jakodi was a man who used God to justify his violent tendencies. Caleb has threatened to destroy people all for the sake of fun. So you disrespect me for standing against them with every ounce of rage I have? I don't like bad people, Merc. I never have. I never will. And I don't like people who try to discredit my character. It's all I have at the end of the day. So for you to do that but to back with the idea that you respect me?
The champion stares at the final curtain with a hardened glare.
Morales: You must be out of your damn mind.
Lad makes sure the Television Championship is strapped nicely around his waist.
Morales: Will there be anything of the good man left when I become Undisputed Champion? I'd like to think so. But I can't walk through life letting the evil of other men stop me from being the best I can. If I don't fight fire with fire, I'll get burned. And if I don't confront disrespect with the same energy, then people like you are going to think they can walk over me.
With one final sigh, Lad readies to storm out.
Morales: Don't let what I'm about fool you. Yeah, I'm a New York boy, born and bred, and you missed the best part about us. We know bullshit when we see it.
With that, Lad Morales walks through the curtain...
SINGLES MATCH
FOR THE EWC TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
The Mercenary
VS Lad Morales
Starr: And his opponent, from HELL’S KITCHEN, NEW YORK, weighing in at Two Hundred and Twenty-Three pounds, he is the EWC Television Champion and the EWC United States Champion ... Lad Morales!
After the call, Lad starts his trek down the ramp. He continues to roll his joints, making sure nothing can lock up before the match begins. He holds his hand out, slapping the outstretched hands of the EWC faithful. It comes to an end when he makes it to the end of the ramp. There, he reaches up and takes off his towel, setting it along his shoulders. He gives a quick, quiet prayer to Father Almighty before he heads for the ring steps.
Cleaning his feet first, Lad spins into the ring. He stops on the ropes closest to the hard camera and lifts a finger high. As he makes his way to his neutral corner, he gives up his Television Championship for the last time and gives thanks to the referee. Once in his corner, Lad swiftly squats and rises. His focus then settles on the match at hand.
Watson: Welcome back to Paramount wrestling! Up next is our main event and it is sure to excite. Lad Morales will be placing his EWC Television Championship on the line against for the final time against none other than Mercenary.Watson: Welcome back to Paramount wrestling! Up next is our main event and it is sure to excite. Lad Morales will be placing his EWC Television Championship on the line against for the final time against none other than Mercenary. Quite the size mismatch here, but that’s never stopped Lad Morales before. Get ready folks, this one is going to be crazy.
DING DING DING
Mercenary comes out first, going on the offensive right away as he tries to start things off with a massive Lariat, but Lad Morales ducks under and quick goes to the ropes and comes bouncing back and leaps into the air as Mercenary turns around, and lands a massive Polish Hammer. Mercenary stumbles back a few steps and then stops. The massive man rubs his face for a moment as he just stares down Lad Morales, who has a slightly shocked look on his face. Lad moves forward, but Mercenary shoots and grabs both of his legs and lifts Lad Morales up and then slams him down with a massive Alabama Slam.
Lad rolls across the ring and stops at the ropes, using them to pull himself up. As he does, Mercenary comes charging, but The Lad drops and pulls the top rope down, sending the Mercenary tumbling all the way down to the floor outside of the ring. Lad Morales quickly pops to his feet and rushes to the other side of the ring, bouncing off the ropes and comes back as Mercenary has gotten to his feet. Lad leaps and hits a Suicide Dive to the outside of the ring, finally knocking Mercenary down to the ground. The referee begins the count.
ONE...
TWO...
Both men stumble up to their feet, Mercenary taking quick control with a few punches to the skull of the champion.
THREE...
Mercenary locks up with Lad and hits a massive T-Bone Suplex.
FOUR...
FIVE...
Mercenary gets to his feet and pulls Lad Morales up, tossing him into the ring.
SIX...
Mercenary uses the ropes to pull himself up onto the apron and then steps over the top rope and into the ring.
Watson: Lad came out guns blazing here and had Merc stumbling for a moment, but the big man showed pretty quickly how he can change the dynamic of this match.
Sydney: Both men are going to have to make adjustments on the go here today. If they don't, this match could end rather fast.
Mercenary walks over to Lad Morales and begins to lift him up off the mat, but Lad begins to fire off with a few open hand slaps to the face of the massive man. Mercenary begins to get fazed after a few and backs away, trying to get some distance from the champion. The Lad rushes the ropes and springboards off of them and turns around to nail Mercenary with a Roaring Elbow, the force of the attack sends him stumbling back into the ropes and over them, landing him on the ring apron.
Watson: MERCENARY OVER THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE?! I don't know many people who can do that to Mercenary!
Sydney: He got him over, but there wasn't anything that kept him down. Mercenary is already to his feet!
Mercenary begins to pull himself up, using the ropes to help himself. Lad Morales makes his way over and hits Mercenary with a few more open hand strikes, but then the big man counters and lands a few of his own, the last one sending Lad soaring backwards onto his back in the middle of the ring. Mercenary climbs over the top rope and into the ring, making his way over to Lad Morales, lifting him up off of the mat. The Lad begins to fire off a few quick slaps that staggers Mercenary for a moment, but eventually Mercenary grabs a hold of Lad and nails a vicious Punisher Suplex into the turnbuckle. He drags Lad out of the corner and goes for the pin.
ONE!
KICKOUT!
Watson: All of that and only a one count?! What is it going to to take to get the win here for Lad Morales?!
Sydney: I don't know but it's definitely going to take more than that!
Mercenary gets to his feet, and angry look on his face as he brings Lad up with him. He throws a few thunderous punches to the skull of the champion before following it up with a big Headbutt that sends Lad Morales crashing down to the mat. Lad slowly staggers to his feet, not quite knowing where he is as he stumbles around trying to regain his bearings. As he does, he walks into Mercenary who locks up with him and lifts him up for the Deadpool Drop and Mercenary goes for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
Mercenary sits up looking at the referee and begins to complain that it was a long count. He gets to his feet and corners the referee, still trying to make his case in a rather aggressive manner. The referee is just holding up his hands, pleading with the much bigger man. This goes on for a few moments until Lad Morales comes from behind, hopping up onto the back and putting Mercenaey into a sleep hold that cause him to stumble back. Mercenary falls to a seated position and Lad Morales releases the hold as he rushes to the ropes in front of his opponent and comes back, hitting The Longest Yard and immediately goes for the pin.
ONE!
TWO!
POWEROUT!!!!!
Watson: HOLY SHIT! Lad looked to have landed that kick in, but Mercenary POWERED OUT of that pin?!
Sydney: When your a big man like Merc, you have to conserve energy and choose when to use it, this was one of those moments where Mercenary needed to show he was not done yet!
Lad Morales quickly pops to his feet as Mercenary sits up and looks across the ring at the referee and then over to Lad. He slowly gets to his feet as Lad Morales rushes him. Mercenary goes for a massive Lariat, but Lad ducks under once more and springboards off the ropes and flings himself around... BLACK FLASH! The Superman punch catches Mercenary off guard, but does not drop the big man off of his feet. Lad sees this and taking the brief moment of opportunity, charges the ropes again, jumping to the middle rope then twisting and hitting a second black flash! This time Mercenary goes down to his knees. Lad cannot believe that Mercenary is still not on his back. He takes a split second to figure out his next move before running to the ropes once again.. THE LONGEST YARD!!! This time, the Penalty kick right to the head sends Mercenary to his back. Lad Morales hit Merc so hard that his momentum took him to the opposite ropes. He bounces off hard and falls to the mat. Seeing his opponent downed, he quickly crawls to throw an arm over him.
ONE...
Lad gets his entire torso over the downed Mercenary. He grabs a leg and puts as much pressure as he can on the big man.
TWO...
THREE!!!
DING DING DING
Starr: And your winner, via Submission and STILL EWC TELEVISION CHAMPION LAD MORALES!
Lad Morales gets to his feet, stumbling over to the corner, using it to hold himself up as he lifts one arm in the air. Mercenary stays on his back for a moment before rolling out of the ring. He gets to his feet on the outside, his exasperated look showing that he gave it all. He looks over to Lad, both the EWC Television and United States titles now draped over him, and nods in respect to the rookie. Lad sees his opponent and nods back.
Watson: What an incredible match. Mercenary brought the fight to Lad Morales and pushed him to his limits, but the Champion still retains.
Sydney: Indeed he does, but Mercenary shouldn’t be ashamed of his efforts here. He definitely fell victim to a long count. Both men show a small bit of respect there are the end, but we now know that come Hardcore Revolution, there WILL BE a new television champion. Who will it be? We will find out live on Pay-Per-View but for tonight, we are totally out of time here in Stockholm! Thank you for joining us and we will see you next Time in Melbourne, Australia!
Paramount comes to a close on the image of Lad Morales, finally standing straight in the corner, a championship belt over each shoulder as the crowd cheers on at the display of athleticism that they just witnessed.
