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BEST OF EPW, DISC 2

DBrunkGXW

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Joined
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DBrunkGXW

Consigliere
Joined
Sep 11, 1997
Messages
4,815
Points
36
Age
48
Location
Katy, TX
Anthology (c) vs. Dan Ryan and Big Dog – Russian Roulette III - World Tag Team Titles

FIRST: Having run with the tag belts for over a year with Felix, I always enjoy watching tag matches, and this was a great one. Two legends of the sport coming in to take a shot at the champions. I almost feel like there should be a note in the video of this match to state that after the beating Wells and Tact took that they still went on to defend their titles and beat Jungle Storm later that same night, that's a couple of double tough guys right there. Big Dog and Ryan did what they wanted to do, Anthology did what they wanted to do, everyone won really.

~~~
[Bell rings]

TF: The following contest is set for ONE FALL…And it is for the EPW…WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP! [Crowd pops!]

[MUSIC UP: “Bad To The Bone” by George Thorogood and The Destroyers. The crowd pops big as Big Dog and “The Ego Buster” Dan Ryan walk onto the top of the ramp, both men in black trunks, black knee pads and ring boots, the two men walk to the ring confidently.]

TF: Making their way to the ring at a combined weight of 612 pounds…Here is the team of BIG! DOG!…And “The Ego Buster” DAN…RYAN!! [Crowd pops as the two men hit the ring, Ryan focuses his stare on the entranceway while Big Dog stretches out with the ropes.]

[Big Dog’s music fades out and the after a few moments MUSIC UP: “It Was A Good Day” by Ice Cube hits and the crowd starts booing as Jared Wells and Larry Tact, EPW World Tag Team Title Belts slung over their shoulders, make their way to the ring.]

DT: A daunting task ahead of Anthology here tonight, if they survive this match they will end up having to face Jungle Storm in a second title defense, yet they don’t appear to be intimidated at all.

MN: Well it’s an unfair situation but they are professionals and they’ll get it done.

TF: And their opponents…Representing Anthology, weighing in at a combined weight of 589 pounds…Here are the EPW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! LARRY TACT!!! AND JARED…WELLSSSSS!!! [Crowd boos as the champions hold their belts aloft and then hand them to the ref, after a moment the bell rings, Big Dog starts for his team while Jared Wells starts for the champions.]

DT: And we’re underway for the tag titles, Anthology defending against one of the biggest tag teams in this industry’s history. Wells and Big Dog lock up…Big Dog pushes Wells back a couple steps…But now Wells SHOVES Big Dog backwards!

MN: Big Dog thinks he’s going to be intimidating the tag champs, he needs to get a clue.

DT: Big Dog and Wells now trading punches in the middle of the ring, both men just hammering away on each other…Wells staggering backwards…Big Dog with a clothesline, Wells won’t drop…Big Dog backs up and goes for another clothesline…Wells ducks…Big Dog off the ropes…BIG BACKDROP BY WELLS!

DM: Big Dog is a big guy and Wells managed to elevate him and toss the big man.

MN: You two just keep doubting Anthology and time and again they just prove you two wrong. You’ll just have to accept the greatness of this group.

DT: Big Dog gets to his feet, Wells egging on Big Dog to fight him…They lock up again…Wells shrugs Big Dog off...Big Dog unloads with a series of BIG right hands…Wells staggering…Big Dog grabs wells…SLAMS WELLS TO THE MAT! [pop!] Big Dog off the ropes…DROPS THE ELBOW…NOBODY HOME!

DM: Wells and Big Dog fighting to a draw so far, will either man tag out or will they continue this battle one on one?

DT: Wells gets to his feet, he and Big Dog continue to stare at each other…Now Wells tags out to Tact…Tact in, and Big Dog thinks about what to do and he also makes the tag, bringing the former owner of EPW into the ring.

DM: It is interesting to see Ryan now back in an EPW ring, and now facing Larry Tact. This is going to be quite the confrontation.

DT: Ryan and Tact lock up…Tact muscles Tact into the corner, the ref calling for a clean break…And Ryan gives him one…They lock back up in the middle of the ring and Ryan locks on a headlock. Tact now trying to fight the hold, and he manages to turn it into a hammerlock on Ryan…Ryan fires a back elbow, and another breaking the hold and goes right back to a headlock and this time uses a hiptoss to send Tact to the mat.

DM: A big change from the brawling we saw between Wells and Big Dog, as Tact and Ryan are engaged in a technical wrestling battle here.

MN: Ryan’s just a big oaf, he should stick to throwing punches and kicks and leave this wrestling stuff to the pros. Tact will destroy him in a pure wrestling match.

DT: Tact fights and gets to his knees. Tact fights to his feet and now trying to power out of this headlock…Tact now pushing Ryan’s arms up…But Ryan clamps back down with the headlock…Tact EXPLODES with a BIG BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX! But Ryan and Tact both get up at the same time!

DM: Dan Ryan’s resume is legendary, it’s going to take more than one big move to put him down, or even keep him down for any period of time!

MN: Yeah yeah, he’s Dan Ryan he’s super impressive, he pulled babies and old women out of burning train wrecks…Whatever…

DT: Ryan and Tact staring each other down, and now Tact tags out to Wells and Ryan tags in Big Dog and we’re back to where we started, so far these teams have been evenly matched.

DM: You have to know Jungle Storm is loving this, a long drawn out battle here will clearly leave the winners in really bad shape going into the second title defense later tonight.

DT: Big Dog and Wells now back in, the men circle and now Wells catches Big Dog with a knee to the mid-section…Wells takes Big Dog and drives his head into the turnbuckle…Wells whips Big Dog to the other corner and FOLLOWS WITH A BIG CLOTHESLINE!

MN: Now we’re getting somewhere, come on Anthology!

DT: Wells whips Big Dog to the ropes Big Dog hangs on to the ropes…RYAN FROM BEHIND WITH A CLOTHESLINE!

DM: Wells didn’t see the blind tag and he paid for it big time as Ryan comes in and clocks him with a huge shot!

DT: Ryan now kicking Wells repeatedly in the ribs as he puts the boots to him…Wells picked up and driven HARD into the corner…Ryan now with a series of shoulder blocks to the gut of Wells and now takes Wells out of the corner with a BIG HIPTOSS…Muscling the big man to the ground with that throw!

MN: I dispute that they really made that blind tag! There really should be replay in wrestling!

DT: So they can catch people running in for Cruise and Anthology all the time?

MN: No, just for tags, the way umps blow all the calls in MLB but replay is only used for home runs that might be foul, that’s all.

DT: You have an answer for everything Neely. Ryan waits for Wells to get to his feet and DROPS him with a clothesline...Ryan off the ropes…DROPS THE LEG! THE COVER!

ONE!!

TWO!!

NO!!

DT: Wells rolls a shoulder off the canvas at two…Ryan grabs Wells by the leg and drags him over to Ryan’s corner where he tags in Big Dog. Big Dog with a stomp to the face and now he picks up Wells and sends him to the mat with a body slam…Big Dog to the second rope…DRIVES AN ELBOW INTO THE CHEST OF WELLS…THE COVER!!!

ONE!!

TWO!!

NO!!

DT: Wells kicks out at two again…Big Dog now pulls Wells to his feet…Wells with an eye gouge gets free of Big Dog and tags in Tact…Tact rushes in…GETS CAUGHT…BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX BY BIG DOG!
MN: What dumb luck! This guy couldn’t have pulled that move off 10 out of 9 times, yet he gets lucky there!

DT: Big Dog now with the tag to Ryan…Ryan in and both he and Big Dog just BEATING THE HELL OUT OF TACT WITH PUNCHES AND KICKS!

DM: Big Dog using all of the 5 count to get in all the damage he can in on Larry Tact!

MN: It’s more than 5 seconds, this is a mugging, get some control in there ref!

DT: Ryan now stomping away on Tact…He picks up Tact and hooks him…BIG SUPLEX! Tact crashing down to the mat. Ryan now pulls Tact to his feet and whips him into the ropes…TACT CAUGHT AND SPINEBUSTERED INTO THE MAT! Ryan admires his work for a moment before making a cover!

ONE!

TWO!!

NO!!

MN: Don’t get cocky in there “Ego Buster”…He’s not fighting some ham and egger in there.

DT: Ryan makes the tag to Big Dog who now hits the ring and as Tact gets to his feet he gets clocked with a series of right hands…Big Dog off the ropes…WAIT WELLS JUST PULLED DOWN THE TOP ROPE AND BIG DOG SENT FLYING TO THE FLOOR! The ref was tied up with getting Ryan out of the ring and he missed that!

MN: Yeah baby! That’s the tide turner we needed! Anthology’s in business now!

DT: Big Dog hit the floor like a ton of bricks on the floor and now Wells grabs him and throws him into the ring…I think he might have landed on his left arm as he’s favoring it. Tact kicking away on the injured arm and now gets Big Dog to his feet…He lifts the big man up…SHOULDERBREAKER! Tact with a cover!

ONE!!

TWO!!

NO!!

DT: Big Dog powers out…Tact slaps on an arm bar and makes the tag to Wells…Wells kicks Big Dog in the injured leg as Tact steps out and now Wells holds the arm bar…Wells YANKING on the arm of Big Dog…And he pulls Big Dog into a SHORT ARM CLOTHESLINE! Big Dog down, Wells with the cover!

ONE!!

TWO!!

NO!!

DT: Wells gives the ref a look before now going back to that bum arm of Big Dog…Wells now trying to lock in a cross-armbreaker…Big Dog trying to roll through and keep the pressure off his arm…

DM: If Wells can get that arm away from the body and extended, Big Dog’s going to be in a world of trouble, he might have no choice but to tap out.

MN: Come on Wells, get this win and get out of here, we got another match tongihtt…Show this overrated punk he’s not all he’s made out to be!

DT: Big Dog trying to fight free…BUT WELLS HAS IT!! WELLS HAS IT LOCKED IN…BIG DOG THRASHING…GETS A FOOT ON THE ROPES TO BREAK THE HOLD! [pop!]

DM: In all his effort to get the hold applied Wells wasn’t able to keep Big Dog in the middle of the ring, so when he finally did get it locked in, Big Dog was able to get to the ropes and escape.

MN: Bah, what does it take for Anthology to catch a break, this whole match as just been one freak thing after another going for Big Dog and Ryan.

DT: Big Dog trying to shake out that arm, Wells quickly to his feet…SINGLE ARM DDT ON BIG DOG! WELLS WITH A COVER!

ONE!!

TWO!!

THR-NO! NO!

DT: Wells can’t believe that wasn’t a three count, he tags in Tact who quickly puts the boots to the banged up arm of Big Dog and now gets the big man to his feet…AND LOCKS IN A CROSS FACE CHICKEN WING!!

DM: You know at this point Jungle Storm might be hoping for a Big Dog and Dan Ryan victory, what with the status of Big Dog’s injured arm, if they were somehow able to win this match, they would be in really bad shape for the second title defense later tonight.

MN: Well they aren’t going to get that, Big Dog is going to tap out to this hold and that’s that!

DT: Big Dog trying to fight out, but now Tact locks in a body scissors and falls backwards…Big Dog trapped on the mat with his arm pinned…He’s in a world of trouble now…Big Dog waving the ref off, refusing to tap [crowd clapping, trying to rally Big Dog] but how much longer can he hold out?!

MN: Not long, he’s gonna tap or he’s going to have his arm in a sling!

DT: Big Dog inching his way to the ropes, Tact fighting to keep him away…Can he get there?

DM: Every moment he’s in this hold he’s in danger of suffering a severe injury to that arm, the ropes are about a foot or so away, but can he fight through the pain to make it?

MN: Can’t the ref just stop this thing? Like a Quarterback being in the grasp or something?

DT: That’s not going to happen…Big dog fighting…AND HE MAKES THE ROPES! [Big pop!] Tact forced to break the hold..

DM: But who knows how much damage has been done here, Big Dog may be fighting with only one arm at this point.

DT: Tact gets Big Dog up and puts him in a hammerlock…AND SLAMS BIG DOG ON HIS BAD ARM! TACT COVERS!

ONE!!

TWO!!

THR-NO!! NO!!

DT: Big Dog again fights out of another pin! Tact shaking his head in disbelief.

DM: Anthology going for pin attempt after pin attempt and constantly looking for a submission, they have been looking to end this match the whole time, while Ryan and Big Dog when they had the advantage were more concerned with beating up Anthology.

DT: Tact now whips Big Dog into the corner, he charges in…NOBODY HOME! Big Dog dove out of the way at the last minute and now he has to make the tag!

MN: Bah! Tact just got frustrated by being unable to put Big Dog away and now he’s left the door open for Ryan to get in there…C’mon Tact, stop him!

DT: Tact grabs Big Dog’s leg…BIG DOG BREAKS FREE AND TAGS RYAN! [Crowd pops] and Ryan is a house of fire! Ryan firing away with right hands on Tact….Tact whipped in the corner…NEARLY DECAPITATED BY A CLOTHESLINE!! Ryan lifts up Tact…RUNNING POWER SLAM! Wells charges into the ring…BIG FOOT FROM RYAN! Wells sent to the mat and rolling to the apron, Big Dog now back in and putting the boots to Tact.

DM: This match has broken down completely and now Anthology is reeling.

DT: Wells on the outside now as both Big Dog and Ryan now beating the heck out of Wells with stomps, the ref now trying to get Big Dog out of the ring, Big Dog not listening to him…The two men whip Tact into the ropes…FLAPJACK!

MN: Come on ref! Get Big Dog out of there! This is unfair!

DT: The ref now trying to get Big Dog out of the ring…Ryan sets up Tact…HUMILITY BOMB!! BIG DOG RUSHES OVER AND NECKBREAKERS TACT AS HE’S FALLING!!

[Ref calls for the bell, bell rings, crowd buzzing]

MN: YES! YES! They got disqualified for Big Dog never leaving the ring! Screw these cheaters!

TF: The winners of this bout as a result of disqualification…AND STILL EPW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS…JARED WELLS…LARRY TACT…ANTHOLOGY!! [Crowd booing loud!]

DT: Well an unpopular decision but I’d have to say that Big Dog wasn’t leaving the ring and he and Ryan did keep up the double teaming…WAIT A SECOND! Ryan now grabbing Wells and throws him back into the ring…Big Dog kicking away on Wells…Ryan grabs him…HUMILITY BOMB NECKBREAKER COMBINATION ON WELLS!!! Anthology laid out in the ring…How on earth are they going to be ready for their second title defense later tonight against Jungle Storm?

MN: This ISN’T RIGHT…This whole thing was just a plot by Lindsay Troy to maim Wells and Tact so Jungle Storm could pick the bones and get the belts off Anthology…This is an outrage!

DT: Well after the weeks of Anthology constantly attacking jungle Storm and all other tag teams, payback has come and it’s been brutal. We’ll see what Anthology has left in the tank later as they try to keep their titles.
 

DBrunkGXW

Consigliere
Joined
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Messages
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Layne Winters (c) vs. Copycat [Ladder Match] – Russian Roulette III - IC Title Match

ROCKO DAYMON: Most people believed ladder matches were very much a 90's fad. I mean, once people started adding tables and chairs to everything by the end of the century... the ladder seemed to get written off more and more. Then these guys came around and made it significant again.

The fans of Empire Pro got a glimpse of their future in this match. I mean, if it had been anybody else climbing that ladder from what you would call my generation of wrestlers -- guys like Westcott, or Stevens, or JA... you'd expect that kind of match from any of us. But these were two relatively fresh talents trying to make their mark in this federation, and they succeeded. They had a strong, competitive match, with the power-struggle between Anthology and HOPE involved, and people will remember it for a while.

~~~~
[The footage cuts to the ringside area, where a steel ladder stands set up near the ring. Moments later, it cuts to above the ring, where the EPW Television Title still hangs several meters above the canvas.]

DT: Well gentlemen, it's been an exciting night thus far, but now it's time for some GOLD to be on the line! Next up, we have the LADDER MATCH for the EPW Television Title between the defending champion, the upcoming star "New School" Layne Winters, and the challenger, the veteran Copycat of the Anthology!

DM: This all began at our last episode of Aggression when these two men in the ring in an all-out war for the EPW Television Title. Copycat looked like he had it, but Winters kept coming back from everything he gave him, frustrating him to the point to use a CHAIR and disqualify himself!

MN: Well, he may have been disqualified, but it's not like that matters now, as he's got a SECOND opportuniy to take that TV Title to the Anthology! Although I have to wonder... why is the TV Title being defend on Pay Per View?

DT: ...you know, honestly, I don't really have an answer for that, Mike. All I know is that since this is on Pay Per View, we won't have to worry about a fifteen minute time limit. And Copycat won't have to worry about any disqualifications, as it's anything goes in this ladder match!

DM: That's right. If Copycat wanted to, he could bring ALL of the Anthology out here with him to give him the edge!

MN: But of course, he doesn’t really need it...

[The camera cuts to Tony Fatora, standing in the ring with the mic in his hand...]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen... our next event for the evening will be for the EMPIRE PRO TELEVISION TITLE MATCH!!

[The house lights dim slightly as the drum and vocal intro to "My Way" by Butch Walker plays over the PA. The EmpireTron flashes the standard Anthology video package, with many highlights showing Copycat's recent exploits in Empire Pro.]

SFX: *BOOM!!*

[Pyros DETONATE over the stage as the song enters its main riff, and striding out onto the stage in a blazing red robe is COPYCAT, posing to the booing fans around him with a very smug grin spread across his face. Confidently, he struts down the ramp to the ring.]

DM: Well, looks like he's coming to this match alone...

MN: Of COURSE he is, Dean! The Anthology don't need each other to win matches! They're all individually talented enough to do their own work, unlike MOST people in Empire Pro!

DT: Copycat has definitely turned some heads ever since his controversial debut at Wrestleverse III, but it's been smooth sailing thus far for this Anthology member! In no time, he's picked up his second chance at the TV Title, and the only reason he lost the first one was because he used a chair!

DM: Well, he couldn't put the champion away... but tonight, he may not have to! All Copycat has to in order to bring that belt to the Anthology is to climb that ladder and take it down!

DT: But it won't be any easy task...

[Playing up to the unappreciative fans around him, Copycat ascends the steps, steps through the ropes, and stands in the center of the ring where he removes his robe to show his physique to the fans, posing as fireworks go off on the corner posts.]

[Moments later, the grating guitar intro to "I Don't Know Anything" by Mad Seasons pumps through the PA. The EmpireTron shows numerous highlights of "New School" Layne Winters and Pamela...]

SFX: *BANG! BANG! BANG!!*

[Fireworks EXPLODE high overhead as the drums, vocals, and bass join the music, and "NEW SCHOOL" LAYNE WINTERS confidently strides out onto the ramp, sans title, but accompanied by PAMELA. The dysfunctional duo pose for several moments at the top of the rampway before the TV Champion and his manager come down the rampway.]

DT: The champion's out here in full force tonight, and he looks PUMPED for this title defense!

MN: Eh... there was a time when I saw a lot of good potential in this Layne Winters fella. He's got that "I don't care what you think about me" attitude set in place, and the fans hate him, which is always a plus. However... I always feel like he's missing the point.

DM: Jeez, Mike, that's surprising coming from you. I figured you'd be all about a complete Narcissist like Layne Winters.

MN: Hey, he ain't bad... but he ain't Copycat, for that matter! If Winters was as good as he claims to be, then the Anthology would have surely realized it by now and allowed him in their gang.

DT: I feel the Anthology are overlooking the talent and tenacity of this man, instead favoring already established stars. But it should be pointed out that just because Winters doesn't have a lot of experience in the big leagues, he's been wrestling for a good many years! And that lack of experience hasn't hindered him yet!

DM: This match-up is a classic case of the self-made man that is Layne Winters, who has spent many years of his life on the road, doing shows just to put food on the table, up against the more established and business-minded Copycat, who, in his mind, finds Winters to be boring.

MN: Well, he CAN be a little boring...

DT: I don't know about that, but I highly doubt we'll be bored through this match!

[Winters leaves Pamela on the outside, but not before sternly warning her that if she sticks her nose in his work, she'll be going back to the locker room with an amazing THREE black eyes. Pamela winces slightly as Winters rolls into the ring and pumps himself up to a turnbuckle, posing for the fans regardless of whether they like him or not. Satisfied with his showboating, he drops to the ring to where Copycat and Tony Fatora are waiting. Fatora raises the mic as the music ends...]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen... this contest will be a LADDER MATCH to decide the Empire Pro Television Champion! Introducing first, the challenger... hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan, and weighing in at 280 pounds... representing the ANTHOLOGY... he is "THE SMARTEST PLAYER IN THE GAME"...

CCCCOOOOPPPPYYYYCCCCAAAATTTT!!!

[The crowd BOOS LOUDLY as the Cat pumps his fists into the air and smirks to the camera.]

TF: And his opponent... from Seattle, Washington... he weighs in at 250 pounds... accompanied to the ring by his manager, Pamela Eurice... he is the EMPIRE PRO WRESTLING TELEVISION CHAMPION...

"NEW SCHOOL"... LLLLAAAAAYYYNNNEEE WWWIIIIINNNTTTEEERRRSSS!!!

[Winters pumps a fist into the air, pointing straight up to the EPW TV Title hanging above. He gets a mixed reaction from the fans, the majority of whom still don't like him, but the few fans he's made in his brief EPW career make their voices heard. With the introductions out of the way, Fatora exits the ring.]

DT: No referee in this match... just two men, the ladder, and the prize hanging high above!

MN: I wish it could ALWAYS be like that...

SFX: *DING! DING! DING!*

DT: The contest for the EPW Television Title is underway... and here comes both Winters and Copycat out of their corners, circling each other in the center of the ring... wait a second, Winters backing away! The TV Champion is LEAVING THE RING!

MN: PAH! Does this guy even have the guts to defend the belt?!

DM: Let's not be hasty here, I think Layne has something up his sleeve here!

DT: The Television Champ grabs a CHAIR!! Oh MAN, he has a plan alright, and it's called PAYBACK! Remember, it's anything goes in this ladder match!

DM: Winters sliding back into the ring -- but there's THE CAT on him immediately with a series of stomps to the back of the head!

MN: So much for THAT idea...

DT: Copycat brings Layne Winters to his feet now, and the chair gets left in the corner... and there's the WHIP to the ropes! Winters on the rebound -- runs right into an ARM DRAG from Copycat! Winters bounces right up... runs right into ANOTHER ARM DRAG!

MN: It's like the Cat is just one step ahead of him tonight!

DM: The challenger's looking good tonight... Winters trying to get up again, but Copycat slips up behind him and quickly slips on a Hammerlock! The Cat's trying to wrench that arm... but OH WAIT! He gets an ELBOW to the face from the TV Champ -- and Winters reverses with a hammerlock of his own!

DT: Winters, trying to wrench that arm... but the challenger catches him with an ELBOW to the gut, and quickly reverses with the SNAPMARE... with a LOW DROPKICK to the spine for added effect!

MN: Looks like the Cat's off to a pretty solid start, wouldn't you say?

DM: Well, it's still early in this match Mike... but for now, Copycat retains control as he brings Layne Winters back to his feet... there's another WHIP to the ropes -- wait, Winters with the REVERSAL!!

DT: Here comes Copycat OFF THE ROPES -- right into an INVERTED ATOMIC DROP!!

MN: Oh man, that is SUCH a low blow...

DM: Here comes Winters to follow up... no wait, Copycat SLID OUT of the ring!

Crowd: "BOOO!!"

DM: The Cat got out of dodge before the champion could capitalize... and now he's pointing to his head with a big smirk on his face... TAUNTING Layne Winters!

MN: You can't fool him that easily! After all, he's the SMARTEST PLAYER IN THE GAME!!

DT: Copycat plays it up to the jeering ringside fans... but maybe he shouldn't have taken his EYES off of Layne Winters, who runs himself OFF THE ROPES --

MN: Oh crap, LOOK OUT, CAT!!

DM: The Cat turns around, and here comes Winters with the BASEBALL SLIDE -- OH, but he FAKED IT!!

DT: But the Cat FELL FOR IT ANYHOW!

Crowd: "BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!"

DM: Copycat must feel like a total JACKASS right now... but instead, he plays it cool and just laughs it off...

MN: NOTHING can break that man's level of coolness...

DT: Layne Winters, the TV Champion, stands tall in the ring, beckoning the challenger back in, while the stakes continue to dangle high over the ring! What's Copycat gonna do now?

MN: Give him a minute to think, will ya?

DT: Copycat rises up to the apron... and HERE COMES WINTERS -- but Copycat quickly drops back to the floor! Get back in the ring and FIGHT already!

Crowd: "BOOOOOO!!!"

DM: The fans may not particularly care for it, but what the Cat is doing right now is brilliant strategy. He's maintaining the pace of the match and stopping Winters' momentum dead!

MN: Once again, he's the SMARTEST PLAYER IN THE GAME!

DT: Thank you for the reminder, Neely... Copycat trying to slide back into the ring again... but slides right out the minute he sees Winters coming! The TV Champion is getting frustrated now... and now he's going for the far corner -- no, he's going back for that STEEL CHAIR he brought into the ring at the start of the match!

DM: Time to put it to use... but the second he turns his back on Copycat, the challenger slides right back into the ring!

MN: GET HIM, Cat!

DT: Winters has the chair, but he turns around as soon as COPYCAT CLOSES IN --

SFX: *CRACK!!*

Crowd: "OOOOHHH!!!"

DM: OH MAN!! Copycat went for the KIT KAT KICK, but instead, he took a CHAIR TO THE LEG as the Television Champion made a last-minute baseball swing with that weapon!

MN: I thought FOR SURE the Cat had him there!

DT: Copycat holding that leg in pain now, and Winters is HOLDING UP THAT CHAIR again!

SFX: *CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!*

DT: MY GOD!! REPEATED STRIKES WITH THAT CHAIR across the LEG of the challenger!

MN: THAT'S not how you use the steel chair! Go for the HEAD! Knock him OUT!

DM: Or he could go for the legs, and hamper his ability to climb the ladder...

MN: WHAT?! That's a completely IDIOTIC strategy, if you ask me!

DT: You only say that because Copycat didn't think of it first! Winters is throwing that chair out of the ring, instead looking for a KNEEBAR on that same leg! The challenger is no doubt in a WORLD of pain right now!

MN: Obviously, a desperate and futile attempt on the part of the TV Champion to try and impair a far superior athlete...

DM: Whatever happened to all that Layne Winters love you used to have, Mike?

MN: Hey, I still regard Layne VERY HIGHLY over the bulk of our very embarrassing roster... but the way I see it, the Anthology are the VERY BEST of what Empire Pro has to offer in terms of talent and entertainment, and if "New School" Layne Winters had the same IT factor that they have, then they would have included him long ago!

DT: Wait a second... Copycat reaching over to the face of Layne Winters... and he RAKES THE EYES in order to free himself!

DM: Well, if it's anything goes, then why not?

MN: Exploiting the rules... because he is the --

DT: "The Smartest Player in the Game"... right, Mike, we get it now. Winters is rubbing the sight back into his eyes... and now he's going back to the outside, his attention on the steel ladder that will carry the winner of this match to the title suspended over the ring!

DM: But now he's left Copycat to recover in the ring... and while he did a good number on that leg, I don't know if it will be enough to keep him completely immobilized as this match goes on! Even now, we can see the Cat getting to his feet with the help of the ropes and shaking the feeling back into his leg!

DT: He better hope the feeling comes back SOON, because the TV Champion Layne Winters is now sliding that ladder into the ring, and he rolls in after it!

MN: Oh no... LOOK OUT, CAT!!

DM: Here comes Copycat off the ropes, but Winters picks up the ladder and GOES LOW --

SFX: *BAMM!!*

Crowd: "OOOOOHHHH!!"

DT: And Copycat just gets SWEPT OFF HIS FEET with that ladder!! Man, Winters went RIGHT FOR THAT LEG again!

MN: Stupid, stupid...

DM: And he isn't going to give up on that leg any time soon! He's setting the steel ladder over the KNEE of Copycat now... and boosting himself up to the SECOND ROPE!!

MN: Oh no, DON'T DO THAT!

SFX: *CRACK!!*

Crowd: "OOOOOHHHH!!"

DT: OH MAN, Layne Winters with an ELBOW DROP OFF THE SECOND ROPE... RIGHT ACROSS THE STEEL LADDER as it was PROPPED OVER THE KNEE of COPYCAT!!

DM: The champion's going ALL OUT to ensure that he isn't outlasted here tonight by the so-called Smartest Player in the Game! Now the Cat is on the mat, clutching that leg in pain, and the Television Champion is taking the opportunity to set that ladder up!

DT: Winters sees his title and now begins his ascent to reclaim it! Copycat, feeling the burn, but nevertheless aware of the situation, quickly using the ropes and his good leg to get himself off the mat! "New School" Layne Winters almost to the TOP now...

MN: Stop him, Cat!

DM: And the Cat SHOVES THE LADDER OVER!! OH MAN!! Winters saw him and hopped off just in time, avoiding a potentially nasty fall! But now the Television Champion is FURIOUS! Winters is coming after Copycat --

SFX: *SMACK!!*

DT: OH NO!! He ran STRAIGHT INTO the KIT KAT KICK!!!

MN: LIGHTS OUT for LAYNE WINTERS!! The Cat KNEW he'd push that rookie into losing his calm and making a stupid and brash move just like that, and he fell for it hook line in sinker. And you know why?

DM: Enlighten us, Neels...

MN: Because he is THE SMAR --

DT: Damnit, Neely, would you shut the hell up!!

DM: I hardly expected Copycat to pull that one off with his leg already banged up, and he definitely paid the price... but Winters looks to be out cold, and he's got the opportunity he needs to go for the gold!

DT: Copycat rises, careful not to put too much weight on that leg... and now he goes right to work, setting up the ladder in the center of the ring! He needs to HURRY, because I think Winters is beginning to stir...

DM: He IS, Dave! And now time is the issue! Copycat now making his CLIMB UP... and while he may be down one leg, he isn't wasting any time!

MN: Go, Cat, GO! Eye on the prize!

DT: Winters is almost up now... and Copycat nears the top of the ladder! The challenger REACHING UP... his fingers are only inches away from capturing Empire Pro's Television Title!

DM: Almost there... but Winters is on his feet, and immediately sees what's up! The TV Champ quickly reaches up and takes Copycat by the LEG... and he RIPS HIM off the ladder and saves his title from being taken!

MN: DAMN... so close...

DT: Winters looking for a waistlock -- OH LORD IN HEAVEN, Copycat with a SHOT TO THE JEWELS, and Winters COLLAPSES to the mat!

DM: He's lucky there isn't a ref in that ring right now, or he would have been DQ'ed on the spot!

MN: Pff...

DT: Layne Winters is on the ground in agony as Pamela looks on in astonishment! Copycat, shaking a bit more of the pain from that leg, seems eager for a little payback as he strips the TV Champion off the mat... and there's the whip to the ropes! Here comes Winters on the rebound -- and Copycat BLASTS HIM WITH A SPINEBUSTER!!

SFX: *BANG!*

DM: That shook the ring so hard, the LADDER fell over!

MN: Bah... what a flimsy piece of aluminum hardware!

DT: But right now, that's the last thing on the Cat's mind as a sinister smile spreads across his face... and bounces off the ropes... and starts STRUTTING HIS STUFF in the middle of the ring!

Crowd: "BOOOOOO!!!"

MN: HA HA!! Show these idiots how it's done, Cat!

DM: A bit of pain in the knee doesn't stop the STRAY CAT STRUT... and the Cat NAILS the elbow into the sternum of Layne Winters!

MN: BOOM, baby!

DT: A great deal of showboating on the part of Copycat, but he must be feeling very confident in himself right now!

DM: At this point, his strength is trumping the technical and submission game of the champion, Layne Winters! The Cat now pulls the dazed Layne Winters off the mat! Scooping him UP and OVER... OH MAN, JUST DRILLS HIM WITH AN INVERTED PILEDRIVER!!

MN: BANG! I hope Layne puts his "New School" nickname to work here as he learns a thing or two from this FAR superior athlete!

DT: Copycat is actually a bit SLOW to get up! I think he may have agitated that knee again with that last maneuver, but by the look of things, it was a small price to pay!

DM: That was a pretty devastating number on Winters, who now lies prone on the mat, and I think Copycat is ready to make another stab at the title hanging high over the ring! Copycat is bringing the dazed and barely conscious Layne Winters back to his feet... and HOISTS HIM HIGH INTO THE AIR with a MILITARY PRESS!!

DT: TREMENDOUS power... and I think he's got something IN MIND here! Copycat bringing Winters over to the ropes... AND HE JUST THROWS HIM RIGHT TO THE OUTSIDE!! MY GOD, HE JUST THREW HIM OUT OF THE RING LIKE A RAG DOLL!!

MN: And STAY OUT!!

DM: A smart move made by Copycat... although hampered only slightly by that hurt knee, he's removed the opposition from the ring, and now he has a free ride up that ladder!

DT: Copycat begins setting up the ladder as Pamela comes around the ring to revive Layne! Say what you want about the conflicted relationship these two have... you can't really deny her dedication to stick by her man!

MN: At least she makes herself good for SOMETHING... but it's too late now! The Cat has the ladder set up at last, and he's making his way up!

DM: Winters looks to be in a great deal of pain after being thrown from the ring onto the unforgiving ringside floor... but he nevertheless gets to his feet with the help of the apron and the support of Pamela Eurice, and sees the CAT taking another stab up that ladder!

DT: Copycat NEAR THE TOP now as Layne Winters continues to struggle, trying desperately to crawl back into the ring!

DM: The Cat is at the TOP of the ladder now, and he's in reaching distance of that title!

MN: Come on, Cat! You got this!

DT: Copycat REACHING...



...only INCHES AWAY from the belt...




...but wait... now he sees his fingers drifting AWAY! It's because the LADDER IS FALLING!!

DM: LAYNE WINTERS GOT TO HIS FEET and PUSHED IT OVER at the last second!

MN: CRAP, LOOK OUT!!

DT: The ladder is TIPPING OVER --

SFX: *CRASH!!*

DT: OH MAN!! Copycat made a VIOLENT and AWKWARD LANDING on the TOP ROPE... in a position that NO MAN would EVER care to be in!!

MN: That's just SICKENING!!

DM: A bit of poetic karma put on the Cat after he nailed that blatant low blow earlier in the match! Copycat now straddles the top rope in absolute agony, and Layne Winters is trying to fight off his OWN pain to capitalize on this opportunity!

MN: He better hope that opportunity pays off, because the Cat isn't going to let him get away with THAT one!

DT: Winters, mustering up what strength he has left to get back to his feet! The challenger did quite a number on the champion, but he is nevertheless back UP and coming to those ropes now! Winters grabs ahold of the top rope... and begins BOUNCING COPYCAT IN PLACE!!

MN: Oh, this is just TOO PAINFUL to WATCH!!

DM: Copycat is in a WORLD of HURT in the most sensitive of areas... and Winters caps it off with a BIG CLOTHESLINE on the immobilized challenger! Copycat hits the APRON and falls HARD to the ringside floor!

DT: And Pamela Eurice is RIGHT THERE to trash the challenger where he lies on the floor! In the meantime, "New School" Layne Winters knows he has a golden opportunity at hand, and begins resetting the ladder in the middle of the ring!

DM: Copycat is out of the ring, incapacitated, and he's got a clear shot to reclaim his title! Winters with that ladder set up... but wait a second, there's trouble on the outside!

DT: "Trouble" is putting it lightly, Dean! Copycat is back up, and now THREATENING Pamela!

MN: Dumb woman should have NEVER raised her voice to a man!

DT: Copycat just SNATCHED HER BY THE HAND! Good God, he's HURTING HER!!

DM: Winters SEES THIS in the ring, and the Cat is CALLING HIM OUT, threatening to injure her! Copycat's forcing the champion to decide between going for the belt or saving his WOMAN!

DT: That's just SICKENING!

MN: It's BRILLIANT, if you ask me! Cat's gotta do whatever he can to save his chances at winning the title, and if Layne Winters was stupid enough to drag that crazy broad out here, then he should have been well aware of the risks!

DT: Winters is FUMING... and he TURNS AWAY FROM THE LADDER!!

Crowd: *POP!!*

DM: The crowd is actually RALLYING behind Layne Winters now! The TV Champ is stepping through the ropes onto the apron, threatening to RIP THE CAT'S HEAD OFF if he hurts her! Winters is coming down to the floor... and Copycat SHOVES PAMELA INTO HIM!!

DT: That BASTARD!!

DM: Winters sets Pamela aside -- BUT HE GETS SWEPT OFF HIS FEET by a LARIAT from Copycat!

MN: Oh man, Winters was a FOOL for walking into that one!

DT: Copycat is pulling out ever trick in the book here tonight... now he brings Winters back to his feet and grabs him by the hair... WHOA, MAN!! The fans in the front row get their MONEY'S WORTH as Winters gets sent right over the barricade and into the ringside seats!

DM: Talk about an unfortunate turn of events for Winters, who was moments ago just about to make a climb for the Television Title suspended high over the ring, but now Copycat has quickly cleverly turned the tables! The Cat now rolls back into the ring, and goes right over to the ladder!

DT: Winters, meanwhile, pulling himself back over the barricade to the ringside area! He sees Copycat making his way up that ladder, and he's desperately trying to save his reign as TV Champion!

MN: Cat's near the TOP!! Come on, man, REACH!!

DM: Copycat's reaching UP...





...OH, had his fingers JUST GRAZE the strap and causing it to swing away!

DT: That bought Winters a few seconds as he slips back into the ring... and now he's going up the OTHER SIDE of the ladder! We could be looking at a potential face-off at the very top of the ladder here in just a moment!

DM: Winters is nearing the top, but Copycat reaching out AGAIN to grab onto the EPW Television Title...





INCHES AWAY...





NO!! Winters GRABS HIM BY THE WAIST and YANKS HIM DOWN!!

MN: Throw him off of there, Cat!

DT: Copycat struggling now, trying to shake Winters off with a series of HARD PUNCHES to the top of the head, but Winters is clinging on for dear life! Winters repositioning himself now... WWWHOOAAAAH -- !!!

SFX: *SLAAAMMMM!!!*

DM: LAYNE WINTERS JUST LANDED A BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX OFF OF THE LADDER!! *******, COPYCAT JUST NEARLY PUT A HOLE THROUGH THE CANVAS!!

DT: Talk about TURNING THE TABLES!! Layne Winters was in danger of losing his title, but with that single desperation maneuver off the TOP OF THE LADDER, he evens things up!

MN: That Layne Winters is freakin' CRAZY!! Is he looking to end a hard working man's career?!

DM: Ah, but when you think about it, the Cat's always got Hollywood to fall back on if his wrestling career ever unexpected ends...

DT: Both men lying motionless on the mat now, just completely exhausted and beat! The EPW TV Champion, Layne Winters, is the first to begin stirring... and now he's beginning to rise!

MN: Come on, Cat... it's do or die now!

DM: Winters, using the ropes, digging deep to force himself back up... and HE FINALLY MAKES IT!! With Copycat incapacitated after that DEVASTATING suplex from the top of the ladder, Winters has a clear shot at the belt!

DT: But he has to HURRY, because Copycat is reviving himself as well! The challenger looks hurt, but nevertheless understands that he can't spend too much time on the mat while his opponent is going for the ladder!

MN: You can do it, Cat! But MOVE YOUR ASS, man! He's already got that LADDER back up!

DM: Winters has the ladder set directly under the belt... and now he's making the CLIMB to the top! If Copycat doesn't recover soon, then this could be IT right here!

DT: Layne Winters is halfway up the ladder... on the outside, Pamela, and surprisingly, even some FANS in the audience are rallying behind the Television Champion!

MN: Stupid Anti-Anthology marks...

DT: Winters is at the TOP of the ladder... the belt is just HANGING ABOVE HIM...






...Winters REACHES OUT...









...only INCHES AWAYS now...











...he has AHOLD OF IT!!




...but COPYCAT'S BACK UP!! Copycat GOING TO THE LADDER... and he SHAKES THE BASE!!

DM: OH MAN, he's trying to THROW WINTERS FROM THE TOP!! But Layne's got a death grip on the top of that ladder! He can't be gotten rid of THAT easily...

MN: Oh yes, HE CAN!!

DT: Wait a second... Copycat reaching through the ropes -- and he GRABS WINTERS BY THE LEG!! Winters can't SHAKE HIM AWAY... and Copycat PULLS HIS LEG THROUGH THE LADDER!!

DM: WOW!! Layne Winters DANGLING UPSIDE DOWN on that steel ladder, as Copycat traps his legs between steps! He's got him in a make-shift tree of woe in the center of the ring!

MN: HA!! Look at THAT!!

DT: Winters is trying to free himself up... but now Copycat's setting himself UNDER the ladder! What's THIS?! SUSPENDING HIMSELF UPSIDE DOWN UNDER THE LADDER!!

DM: You wouldn't expect THAT kind of athleticism from a guy as big as Copycat! The Cat reaches over and takes ahold of the immobilized Layne Winters... and he slaps on THE CAT'S CLAW!! MY GOD, WE'RE LOOKING AT THE SCRATCHING POST APPLIED UPON THE LADDER!!!

MN: Man, that right there is nothing short of BEAUTIFUL!! Copycat's going to finish this one in STYLE!!

DT: The challenger is BURYING that claw-hold into the face of the Television Champion, and Winters has NOWHERE TO GO!! Pamela tries SLAPPING THE CANVAS to keep him awake, but I don't think it's having any effect! Layne Winters is SLIPPING FAST!!

DM: It doesn't help that he's upside down either! All that blood rushing to his head only adds to the effect! Copycat's got that hold in place, and there's NO WAY Winters is going to break out of it!

MN: Oh man, how I WISH there was a referee in that ring right now to hear him tap!

DT: Unfortunately for Copycat, he still MUST ascend that ladder and retrieve the title! But he may not have any problem doing THAT here in just a moment... unless divine intervention steps in and saves Layne Winters from this predicament!

DM: Winters looks to be slipping...




His EYES are rolling back in his head!






And the TV CHAMPION IS OUT!!

DT: Copycat has DONE IT!! All he has to do now is climb that ladder and take the title... and I think that's EXACTLY what he has planned as he lowers himself from the ladder and returns to the mat! Winters DANGLES FROM THE LADDER, completely powerless to do anything more!

MN: That's one more for the ANTHOLOGY!!

DM: Copycat climbing up the ladder now... coming to the TOP...







Copycat REACHING UP...








He's got a HAND ON THE BELT!!








DT: AND LAYNE WINTERS JUST SHOT UP!! The TV Champion meeting the challenger at the top of the ladder WITH A BARRAGE OF FISTS, and Copycat is in SHEER DISBELIEF as he tries to defend himself!

MN: How in the HELL did he DO THAT?!

DM: He was PLAYING POSSUM!! Layne Winters was just PRETENDING he was out from that Scratching Post! The Smartest Player in the Game just got OUTSMARTED by the NEW SCHOOL!!

MN: LAME!! COME ON, CAT, KNOCK HIM OFF!!

DT: Winters and Copycat going at it at the top of the ladder... but now COPYCAT is gaining the upper hand! Winters looks to be slipping, but he WON'T LET GO of the top of the ladder, no matter HOW MANY TIMES Copycat buries that fist into his face!

DM: Winters trying to fight back... but Copycat throws on a front-face lock! He's going to SUPLEX HIM FROM THE TOP OF THE LADDER --

DT: BUT WINTERS IS FIGHTING IT!! WINTERS BRACING HIMSELF ON THE LADDER!!

MN: NO, DAMNIT, NO!!!

DM: And Winters reverses with a SUPLEX OF HIS OWN --

DT: NO!! HE REVERSES WITH THE GREEN RIVER JUSTICE OFF THE TOP OF THE LADDER!!

SFX: *SLAAAMMMM!!!*

DT: MY GOD, COPYCAT JUST GOT DESTROYED!!!

Crowd: *POP!!!!*

MN: NOOOOOO!!! HOW THE HELL DID HE DO THAT?! Copycat ALMOST HAD IT!!

DM: Well, he just LOST IT!! What a TREMENDOUS REVERSAL on the part of the champion! Now he just needs to GET HIMSELF OFF THE MAT and BACK UP THAT LADDER!!

DT: Both men lying unconscious on the mat yet again, and Pamela Eurice is SLAPPING THE MAT trying to get Winters to come to! I think I see the TV Champion beginning to STIR!! Now he's trying to GET UP!! COME ON, LAYNE!!

MN: Come on CAT!!

DM: Winters is creeping back over to the ladder, struggling to both set it up and get himself to his feet! He's just too EXHAUSTED and SORE at this point to do anything else, but he's gotta go that extra mile!

DT: Layne Winters is finally back up, and begins setting up the ladder... but I see Copycat beginning to stir now!

MN: That's right, Cat! HURRY UP!!

DM: Copycat using the ropes to get to his feet BUT PAMELA JUST LEAPED IN AND JUMPED ON HIS BACK!!

MN: THE HELL??

DM: But here goes Winters, step after excruciating step up that ladder, fighting all the pain in his body in order to retrieve his EPW Television Championship! And Copycat is dragging Pamela Eurice with him!!! Unbelievable!

DT: Here's Winters, AT THE TOP of the ladder...







Winters is REACHING FOR THE HEAVENS...







He's got his HANDS ON THE TITLE, and he's trying to PULL IT DOWN...










DM: AND COPYCAT JUST PRESSED PAMELA OVER HIS HEAD RIGHT AT WINTERS!!!

MN: YESS!!!

DT: GOD NO, WINTERS SPRAWLING TO THE MAT...

SFX: *SLAMM!!*

Crowd: "OOOooohhh..."

DT: ...and HE BRINGS THE BELT WITH HIM!! HE GOT IT!!

MN: No no NO NO NOOOO!!!

SFX: *DING! DING! DING!*

[Copycat stands in the ring in utter astonishment as he looks down at the broken body of Layne Winters, the EPW Television Title clutched tightly in the champion's hands despite the horrible fall he's just taken, Pamela sprawled out beside him. "I Don't Know Anything" hits the PA once again.]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen... the WINNER of this match...

...and STILL the EMPIRE PRO WRESTLING TELEVISION CHAMPION...

"NEW SCHOOL"... LLLLAAAAAYYYYYNNNEEEE WWWIIIIINNNNTTTTTEEEERRRRRSSSS!!!

DT: What a VICTORY for this upcoming star and champion, Layne Winters!

DM: And what a DEFEAT for the Anthology! Copycat thought he'd walk away from this one as the EPW TV Champion, but much to his surprise and chagrin, Layne Winters hung in there every step of the way! Winters said earlier in the week that the Cat couldn't put him away in their last encounter, and he couldn't put him away this time either!

MN: This is a TRAVESTY, and I DEMAND an instant replay!!

DM: Winters had ahold of the belt... Copycat literally tossed Pamela into him to try and knock him down... Winters fell to the mat, and the belt came down with him. What more do you need to know?

DT: A hard-fought victory for Winters as -- wait, COPYCAT PICKS HIM UP!! Come on, what is THIS?!

DM: Copycat LIFTS WINTERS UP... JESUS CHRIST, HE HITS HIM WITH A LITTERBOMB OVER THE ROPES TO THE FLOOR!!!

DT: The match is OVER!!

MN: WHO CARES?! That punk isn't good enough to hang with Anthology, and he isn't good enough to carry that title, and Cat's going to send that message!

DM: The Cat goes to the outside and SHOVES OFF the officiating team as he continues to MERCILESSLY STOMP the victorious TV Champion on the outside! Pamela can do nothing but lay motionless in the ring!!

DT: Here come Sean Edmunds and Larry Tact down the ramp, trying to calm their fellow Anthology member down! Edmunds and Tact restrain Copycat, and FINALLY, the attack has stopped!

MN: Dang, I was hoping they'd join in... but ah well. They probably just convinced him that Cat is ABOVE that measly Television Title, and has better things to do.

DM: Pamela Eurice slowly crawls out of the ring and helps the TV Champ back to his feet as the members of Anthology disappear through entry-way... Winters clutching that Television Title close as he leans on Pamela, looking like he could collapse at any moment!

DT: But nevertheless, he holds that title HIGH IN GLORIOUS VICTORY as the dysfunctional duo limp their way back up the ramp! Copycat may walk away from this one with the last laugh, but Winters doesn't care, because he has the BELT, and that's all that matters! The battle for the TV Title may be over, but this NIGHT is FAR from finished!
 

DBrunkGXW

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“Triple X” Sean Stevens [c] vs. Marcus Westcott [Cage Match] – Russian Roulette III

MARCUS WESTCOTT: This was it. The big mack-daddy. The match to settle the score. I hadn't been on top of EPW since I'd dropped the title to Troy, which was probably one of the biggest mistakes of my career. I'd always thought I'd get a rematch after that, but it never came. Well, there was that token inclusion into that 5-way that Stevens won, but this one here at Russian Roulette, this was the big score. Finally, a one-on-one shot at taking back my title after 5 long years.

This match was all about me proving all over again that I deserved that spot. Everyone was writing me off as the old guy, the has-been, the dinner guest that's over-stayed their welcome, and I had to prove to them that I was just as good now as I was back then.

So, I'm standing behind the curtain, telling myself all this, firing myself up, listening to the crowd buzzing and trying to soak that in, and I glance over at the monitor, and it hooked me. The video package that EPW put together for this match was crazy, and my entrance... MY GOD, my entrance... what a piece of work. That entrance right there was exactly why I chose "Ladies and Gentlemen" as my theme song, and the EPW crew just knocked it right out of the park. These guys are among the absolute best in the business at this stuff. Just amazing.

The crowd is going absolutely ape****, and that right there should tell everyone why I'm still relevant in this business, and as I'm walking down to the ring and climbing inside, I'm looking at the cage, and I realized that this is really where I made my home. People watching this may not know all the names, but fans are *still* talking about the match I had in A1E with Torment in the Cell almost 10 years ago. When I beat Nemesys in the Octogon, and Stevens in the cage in TEAM, and Christian Sands in the cage to win the EPW World Heavyweight Championship... I just smiled, cause I knew I was going to be alright.

I have to give it to Stevens though... that was a wicked entrance. But then again, no one's ever accused Stevens of having an ego, have they? [chuckles] I knew he was going to pull some extravagant stuff to boost his image, so it didn't bother me, but DAMN, it did look good!

After the introductions were over, I watched Jones head over and kick the crap out of the cage door, and the cage barely moved! The EPW crew did a great job of building this thing, and I knew then that this was just what I wanted. No one was going anywhere, and if we hit that cage, it was going to be devastating. It was perfect.

I knew - hell, we all knew - going into this match that Stevens and I each had our own advantages. I brought the power and strength, while Stevens brought the speed and agility, but I knew I could keep up with him technically. I just had to pound him to death and not get caught in anything, and I think that opening sequence showed that. My tossing him into the corner, followed by the locks and reversals, and then with Sean forcing to break, he knew he wasn't going to have it easy.

He found that out very quickly after I got that headlock and rolled through into that German and then the powerslam. That was the power game working it's magic, and thinkingn about it now, I probably shouldn't have gone for the pin, as it gave him time to think and set up, and sure enough, Stevens comes back with the chops and kicks, and dammit, I don't know if there's anyone that chops like Stevens does.

I managed to fight out of the ankle work and figure four, and then the power took over. I think I nearly threw Stevens all the way across the ring with that release German, and then I found the opportunity I was looking for to use the cage. I NAILED him twice, and I shook him up good. I don't think just pounding Sean was going to do it - I'd have to knock him loopy and catch him like that for the win, but it was still too early, and Sean was able to hit that northern lights suplex out of nowhere.

That surprised the hell out of me, and then he was able to get that figure four on me again, and I was just not able to shake out the cobwebs before he got it applied. Very smart of Sean too... going back to the move after he'd gone after my ankle, and then the figure four earlier. Very old school - pick a body part and go after it. That sucker hurt like a sonofa*****, and I'd managed to pull myself on my ass close to the ropes, but I couldn't quite reach, and Sean pulled me back to the middle of the ring. Most guys will give up here, because they don't have it in them to fight all the way back to the ropes, or that mental defeat of trying to get out but failing is too much, but I knew I could get through it. It's only pain, and the World Title was on the line. There's no WAY I was going to tap out to Sean Stevens. No way in hell.

I got out of it - I managed to reverse, but of course, after being in that hold for so long, I was vulnerable, and Sean sure took advantage of it. He started beating the hell out of me, and I even ate the cage once, but I wasn't going to give up. I kept kicking out. The crowd started getting behind me again, and they gave me the strength to roll Sean out of that underhook suplex attempt, before I got one of my own. I hit that, and then hammered Sean with a big spinebuster, and the crowd tore the roof off the building. That was it, and I started pounding away on Sean, trying to wear him down, but that S.O.B. went right back to my leg, and my spine, with that modified crab.

Once again, the crowd fueled me, and I kicked Sean off. It was just enough to be able to ge me out - I took a few shots, but I held on enough to get that leg scissor on him. I knew I wasn't going to beat him with it, and plus, we were on the ropes, but I could use that and the five count to do some damage and take a bit of a breather, and it seemed to work. I threw Stevens into the cage with that back body drop into the cage, and then I don't know how I came up with that counter to the moonsault, but I caught him and threw him like a lawn dart face first right into the cage.

I thought that might have been enough, but it was Sean's turn to show his resiliency, and he kicked out. I thought I might have knocked him out there, but he was still in it. I went for the bear hug, thinking that if he's a little loopy, and I can cut his air off, it might weaken him enough, and the powerbomb would be the big finish, but the little bastard managed an amazing counter into a pin, but I still managed to roll through it and keep on the advantage. That dragon plex into the cage was a devastating shot, and I thought was going to do it, but again, Sean fought out of it, and then managed that desperation move that sent me into the cage. It stunned me long enough for him to go back to the lower body, and slap on that cloverleaf.

To be honest, I wasn't sure if I could do it. I'd been through the figure four, and the Walls of Jericoholic earlier, and man, he had this one on good. The pain was SO bad, I didn't think I could continue on, but again, here comes the crowd. Thousands and thousands of people cheering me on, begging me not to give up, and I don't even really remember doing it, but somehow I got his leg up and out of the hold, and turned him over, but I was still done. Sometimes you can get out of a hold and turn it to your advantage, but there I was, still down and vulnerable, and I think that's where Sean made his first big mistake. He should have kept going on my lower body, but he loaded up for the super kick, and it gave me time to think, and more importantly, get the hell out of the way. When I could tell he wasn't nearby, I knew he had to be working on that kick, so I kinda timed it with me rising that I pulled my head out of the way just in case, and it worked.

Once Stevens jammed his leg by kicking the cage, I knew I had my shot, and immediately went for the Cradle. Only thing is, my back was so messed up from all the damage in this match that I couldn't apply it properly - I couldn't bridge all the way over, and therefore, it wasn't that effective. Sean broke out of it.

Man, my back was just done. My legs were like rubber. I couldn't even stand up. Sean did such a masterful job of working my lower body, that I couldn't even get to my feet. We were both tired, and I needed a breather. Stevens knew I was in trouble, but my only way out was to make him think I was pretty much dead and buried. It took Sean a while to get up, and I acted like I needed the ropes, but it was all arms. I was trying so hard to just relax and rest my back and legs, and then out of nowhere, he pulls out the Dynastic Cycle, and just about everyone in pro wrestling put a bullet in me at that point. Thing is, Sean was so tired and worn out at that point, it was like my Cradle. It was on, but wasn't totally effective, so I was able to take more of a break. I worked it. I screamed. I flailed, then just died. Jones was checking on me, but I'm resting. He does the whole "lift the arm, let it drop three times" thing, but this is an epic World Title match. Jones is even taking his time. He doesn't want to end it this way unless he has to. Meanwhile, the crowd's going beserk, and I'm feeding off of them. I'm hulking up inside, brother [chuckles], and I busted out of the hold and took over, going for the Absolution to end things, but even though I was able to mind-f*ck Stevens, it still wasn't enough. My legs couldn't take it, and I went down.

But I was still fighting. I wasn't done. And then came the superkick that nearly took my head off. Sean DRILLED me with that one, but I wasn't going to give up as long as I was conscious. I kicked out, and that fired me up, man. He nailed a second one, but didn't turn the lights out. I managed to kick out, and then it's like I went on autopilot. He drilled a third kick, and at this point I've done what no one else has been capable of, and get out of not one, not two, but three X-Factors! I popped right back up and blew Sean's mind. I blocked the fourth one, and drilled him with an Absolution, and now it was Sean's turn to defy the odds and kick out.

This was probably the greatest finish in the history of pro-wrestling. I hit this Absolution from the top, and Sean's lucky to be ALIVE, let alone kick out. But he blocks it, and somehow I GORE him out of the air while he's trying to missile dropkick me. UNREAL. Then this is a testament to Sean's tenacity, as he's able to roll me up right after being gored and get right back up and nailed a FOURTH X-Factor, but a testament to my own heart, I didn't even go down. I hit the cage, and Sean nails the X-Terminator, and brother, that was all I could take. Hell, it was all Sean could take, as he barely got over to cover me, but I was out, and there was the three count.

It was all over. I'd lost the match, but dammit, I could come out of there with my head held high. We'd just put on probably the greatest match anyone has ever seen, and while I didn't win, and while I practically hated Sean's guts going into this match, I had to show him the respect for doing what he did in that ring. I had to give him his due - he sure earned it.

I'm going to look back on this match with a lot of fondness. Again, while I didn't win, I certainly did what I came out to do and prove to everyone that I wasn't just an old relic taking up space in the back. I still belonged, and I'd just put on the greatest match ever seen.

I'm going to remember that match until the day I die.

~~~
[Black.]

[Fade in... and the image is of Houston, Texas, at night, some five odd years ago. The voice of commentator Dave Thomas can be heard over the voice-over...]

DT V/O: Welcome one and all to Houston, Texas and Empire Pro Wrestling’s Russian Roulette!!! Months of buildup has led to this night...

[Cut to the opening minute of the event's main event, as a younger Marcus Westcott stands in his corner, proudly bearing the EPW World Title on his shoulder. He looks questionably across the ring... the masked individual known then only as DIS.]

DT V/O: ...where Beast will face off with the mysterious Dis for the EPW World Heavyweight Championship!!

[Cut to within the office of then-owner, Dan Ryan, looking across his desk at Beast.]

DR: I’ll make a promise to you. I won’t be involved tonight. In fact, I won’t be anywhere near the ring or do anything whatsoever to affect the outcome of this match once you leave this room.

[A PANG pierces the soundtrack. Cut forward a few seconds, the footage washed out in black and white... and Beast is on the ground, being brutalized by Boogie Smallz.]

[A quick cut forward, and he is being manhandled in the ring by Dis. Ryan's voice continues...]

DR V/O: You see…CHAMP. This one is for all the marbles.

[Cut to a shot of Beast perched upon the top rope, holding his belt high after a victory...]

DR V/O: I’ve given you every opportunity to be the sort of champion you have the ability to be.

[Cut to a shot of Beast in the ring with his long-time rival, Christian Sands...]

DR V/O: I’ve thrown you a bone in many a situation to try and allow the Beast inside to come out and play.

[Cut to a shot of Beast walking to the ring with a grave and determined expression fixed on his face...]

DR V/O: You wanted to be a big tough guy and go it solo -- so now -- we’ll see how you respond when the pressure is really on -- and once and for all we’ll know if you’ve got what it takes to survive in this business.

[Back to that fateful night in Houston, in the ring with Dis...]

DR V/O: Good luck out there, champ. I’ll be watching you...

[Beast goes for a powerbomb... when unexpectedly, Dis rolls through with a Sunset Flip -- catches the ropes when the referee isn't looking -- and picks up the three count, ending the champion's reign and making professional wrestling history. The chattering of the commentators from the match cues in...]

DM V/O: MY GOD WHAT AN UPSET!!! DIS JUST STOLE THIS MATCH RIGHT OUT OF THE BLUE!

[Cut to Beast's expression as he sits up and it dawns on him that he has tasted defeat...]

DT V/O: AND LOOK AT THE SHOCK ON BEAST'S FACE!

[Cut to the fateful moment where Dis strips the mask off... revealing LINDSAY TROY's face.]

DT V/O: JESUS CHRIST ON A F*CKING POGO STICK LINDSAY TROY WAS DIS ALL ALONG AND NOW SHE'S THE NEW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!!

[The image of Marcus "Beast" Westcott's face is one of anguish and defeat as the image fades to black...]

[The confident and smug voice of EPW's World Heavyweight Champion rings out.]

SS V/O: I am Sean "Triple X" Stevens.

[Cut to a shot of "Triple X" Sean Stevens from two years ago. It's one of the few times he's ever been seen without the title, because this precedes that moment in EPW history.]

SS: I am the Greatest Wrestler on the Planet, the "Blue-Eyed Badass", and the undisputed "Champion of Planet Earth". I am a wrestler, I am a fighter, I am a warrior, and the 2007 King of the Cage.

[Cut to the view sweeping over the city of Atlanta, Georgia, circa 2007. The voice of commentator Dave Thomas can be heard on the voice-over.]

DT V/O: Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia!! I’m Dave Thomas along with Dean Matthews and Mike Neely and as our esteemed soon to be once again owner just said...

[Cut to an image of then-champion, Joey Melton, going facing his estranged ex-wife, Lindsay Troy, and the recent EPW fireball contender, Sean Stevens.]

DT V/O: ...this is Russian Roulette!!

[Cut to footage from the match, including the numerous interferences by Ice Tre and Joey Melton's twin brother.]

SS V/O: ...and, when the night is done? I'll add one more title to my resume:

[Cut to the final moments of the match, as Stevens nails Melton with the X-Terminator, picks up the three count, and stands victoriously in the ring.]

SS V/O: EPW World Heavyweight Champion.

[Cut back to the intro of the Pay Per View event, as Sean Stevens smugly stands before the camera, predicting future events.]

SS: Deal with it.

[Cut to black.]

[CUE UP: "New World Symphony" by Antonin Dvorak. A second later, the action cuts across the screen in a quick highlight reel recapping the last two years of dominance of "Triple X" Sean Stevens. Of note is his being walked out to the ring on an elaborate throne carried by eight men, kicking the dangling bodies of both Rocko Daymon and Stalker from a third story window, coming down the collapsing side of a cage wall with JA, and, of course, holding up the EPW World Heavyweight Title in glorious victory during the conclusions many of his matches...]

"Dan Ryan called."

[Cut to a shot of "Cocky" Craig Miles sitting in a wheelchair with a brace around his neck...]

CM: He said he would do whatever it takes to square this away as not only a businessman, but an honorable competitor.

[Cut to a shot of Anarky and Beast -- now known as "THE MECCA" Marcus Westcott -- staring at each other in the ring.]

CM V/O: ...you both will fight for the #1 contendership to Shauna Stevens’ EPW World Championship.

[Cut to a shot of Marcus Westcott walking to the ring on the night of Wrestleverse III...]

CM: V/O: In hindsight, Marcus…you COULD have saved me. You COULD have put the grudge aside and stopped some cocaine nosejobbed lunatic from ENDING my career…but you didn’t.

[Cut to the final moments of the match. Both men lie motionless on the mat. Ice Tre pulls Westcott over Anarky. On the stage, Craig Miles, from the confines of his wheelchair, smiles. The three count is made. The contender is determined.]

[Cut to an image of "Triple X" Sean Stevens out for a night on the town, in the finest clothes, escorting a pair of fine young ladies to his cherry-red sportscar. The voice of Marcus Westcott can be heard in the background...]

MW V/O: Sean Stevens? He's not in the EPW driver's seat. He's sitting the back of the limo, enjoying the finer things in life SO much he can't even be bothered to show up.

[Cut to Westcott at his home, during a promo. He continues the statement.]

MW: I'M the guy in the black Hummer that comes along, runs him over, and takes his World Title.

[Cut to Marcus Westcott standing in the middle of the ring at Aggression 46, on the mic...]

MW: I've got a challenge waiting for you, Sean. We all know you like to strut your stuff and tell everyone who'll listen that you're God's gift to professional wrestling, although we all know there's ONE MAN around here you've never been able to beat one on one.

[Cut to the image of the modified EPW steel cage, a black metal hybrid of steel bars and wire mesh, fitted specially to have a roof preventing ANY escape...]

MW V/O: Marcus Westcott vs. Sean Stevens for the EPW World Heavyweight Championship inside a steel cage...

[Cut to EPW World Heavyweight Champion "Triple X" Sean Stevens in the office of Lindsay Troy, feet defiantly propped on her desk.]

SS: I haven't been focused in months. But, I was still good enough to retain my belt, and that's all that matters.

LT: Well, you better get focused really fast, or else Westcott's going to make you the FORMER two-time EPW Champion.

[Stevens scratches his head.]

SS: ...who?

[Cut to a slow motion shot of Marcus Westcott leaving the ring after a hard-fought win later that night. He's met with a POWERFUL X-Factor as soon as he reaches the entry-way, given first hand by the champion.]

SS V/O: I am your champion, I am your leader, and I am your King. Cherish me, honor me, bow down, and worship the ground that I walk on.

[Cut to the following Aggression. A somewhat banged-up Sean Stevens comes down to the ring following yet another big win for Westcott.]

DT V/O: Will we see a preview of Russian Roulette right here?

[Cut to both men GOING AT IT in the ring, with Westcott winning the exchange.]

MW V/O: And when Russian Roulette is over, I will be the one left standing in that cage! I will be the King of the Cage, just like I've been twice before, Sean, and I... WILL... BE...

Crowd: "WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!!"

[As Stevens stands in stunned discourse outside the ring, Marcus Westcott stands tall on the inside, holding the EPW World Heavyweight Title defiantly over his head.

MW V/O: THE EPW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!

[Flashback to earlier in his career, as he hoists the EPW World Heavyweight Title over his head.]

[Fade to black.]

[When the video feed returns, the commentators sit with enthusiasm at the table.]

DT: Russian Roulette has been a very HISTORIC Pay Per View event in the history of Empire Pro, and we may very well see history being made again tonight!

MN: The odds are heavily in Sean Stevens' favor. BEASTcott has a track record of LOSING at this event...

DM: But if you follow another trend, Neels, you'd see that the title has always CHANGED hands at every Russian Roulette!

DT: Will that trend continue tonight? There's no doubt as to where "Triple X" Sean Stevens' abilities lie. He's defended the belt against consistent challengers. But lately, some have said he's been getting SOFT due to his time at the top.

DM: Cocky, even. Stevens even ADMITTED in the promos leading up to this match that he was half-expecting a loss at this point in his career.

MN: Bah, that's just him being merciful. There's NO WAY "The King of the Cage" is going to let himself lose the belt to the Wrestler Formerly Known As BEAST!

DT: You can see the cage itself being suspended now above the ring...

[The camera angle shifts to the rafters, where the cage hangs, suspended by several pulleys. It gets a good look at the structure from a variety of angles...]

DT: The challenger specifically requested this type of cage constructed for this match! It's like a traditional steel cage, but with the roof implemented as though it had the confines of a cell! But there is NO ESCAPING this cell! With walls reinforced with steel bars and mesh fencing, this is a VERY unforgiving environment!

DM: And both men are going to beat the living TAR out of each other once they're trapped inside there! Again, just to review the rules... the only way to win is by pinfall or submission! There are NO DQs or escapes allowed in this match! The official is there to basically do nothing more than make rope breaks, count pinfalls, or look for taps!

MN: How much are we paying those penguins again...?

[Back to the guys at commentary.]

DT: Well, Westcott has disputed that before Sean Stevens laid his claim to the sacred cage, HE was the man known for being dominant within the steel cell! Tonight, the TRUE King of the Cage will stand triumphant at the end of the battle!

DM: And with Tony Fatora standing in the ring, I'd say it's about time we got down to that battle!

[The camera zooms in on Tony, smiling proudly with the mic in hand as he stands in the center of the ring.]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to the MAIN EVENT of RUSSIAN ROULETTE 2009!!

[The house lights cut to black, and the fans SQUEAL!! White light washes over the arena as the EmpireTron fades to the image of a snowstorm blowing across the Canadian tundra. For a few moments, nothing but the sound of blowing wind can be heard...]

[CUE UP: "Ladies and Gentlemen" by Saliva. As the introductory guitar riffs play, the audience POPS EXCITEDLY!! Through the blowing gale of snow, we see the form of something seemingly INHUMAN... indecipherable between a winter wolf or a polar bear... but all BEAST.]
"Ladies and gentlemen please
"Would you bring your attention to me
"For a feast for your eyes to see
"An explosion catastrophe!

[The silhouette draws nearer... and the form becomes the MASSIVE FRAME of a man! Emerging through the snow is the fierce gaze of "THE MECCA" MARCUS WESTCOTT as his name scrolls past his image.]

"Like nothing you've ever seen before
"Watch closely as I open this door
"Your jaws will be on the floor
"After this you'll be begging for more!"

[Spotlights transfix upon the entry-way as the curtain tears aside and MARCUS WESTCOTT steps out onto the stage to a BOOMING pop from the fans! He stands there on the ramp for a few moments, letting the audience soak in his entrance, looking good in his black leather tights. All the while he quivers with ferocity as his gaze pans from one end of the arena to the next.]

"Welcome to the show...
"Please come inside!
"Ladies and Gentlemen!"

[As the song reaches its chorus, Westcott pumps both fists in cue with a blast of pyros shooting off both sides of the stage.]

SFX: *BOOM!!*

"DO YOU WANT IT?"

SFX: *BOOM!!*

"DO YOU NEED IT?

SFX: *BOOM!!*

"LET ME HEAR IT!

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!"

[The crowd POPS WILDLY as Westcott makes his way down the ramp, slapping hands with the fans leaning eagerly over the guardrail.]

DT: The former World Heavyweight Champion and Empire Pro Legend MARCUS WESTCOTT looks better than ever here tonight!

MN: Which isn't saying much. How exactly did he qualify for a TITLE SHOT again?

DM: He beat Anarky to earn the spot in tonight's main event when Craig Miles threatened to sue our federation on some bogus liability charges. Of course, that victory was heavily credited toward Ice Tre... presumably working under the direction of Miles.

MN: ...so what you're saying is, I have "COCKY" CRAIG MILES to thank for this GOD-AWFUL CHALLENGER to the greatness that is our World Heavyweight Champion? It's like he sent Westcott here to SABOTAGE this Pay Per View event with his black-hole of charisma and bacony Canadian stink!

DT: Listen Mike... regardless of HOW Marcus Westcott came to be here tonight, he is the next man in line for the champion to PROVE HIS WORTH as the icon of this federation!

DM: Westcott is no stranger to being the World Heavyweight Champion, nor is he any stranger to the cage! He may not be walking into the ring tonight with the belt, but there are THOUSANDS of fans across the globe that felt he never lost step as the centerpiece of EPW!

DT: Westcott is looking at this match as his prime opportunity to regain his former glory at the top of the EPW mountain! Could we be on the verge of seeing a SECOND era of Westcott??

MN: By Lord Odin's Raven, Dave, don't dare SPEAK such heresy in my presence! And never again remind me of the DARK AGES of this federation...

[As Westcott comes to the bottom of the ramp, his gaze becomes transfixed on the cage hanging high from the rafters. With a confident smile on his face, he rises to the apron, perches himself upon the turnubuckle, pumps up the fans, and drops to the canvas. As he's stretching against the ropes, his music fades out...]

[...and the lights suddenly cut to black...]

[On the EmpireTron, the silhouette of a man emerges from shadows... and the voice of a gladiator rings out...]

"AND THE PROPHECY READ THAT ONE DAY, LIKE THE PHOENIX THAT ROSE FROM THE ASHES, THAT A BOY WOULD BE BORN UNTO A FAMILY IN THE SLUMS!"

[The figure steps forward... and a younger "Triple X" Sean Stevens steps out of the entry-way during his first World Heavyweight Title match at Wrestleverse II.]

[Following this, we get a slow-motion montage of all of Sean Stevens' exploits in his mere three years at the pinnacle of professional wrestling entertainment. He lands an X-Factor on The First. He nails the X-Terminator on JA. He cleans out Rocko Daymon with a Five-Star Frogsplash.]

"THIS BOY WOULD GO ON TO USE THE KNOWLEDGE HE GAINED, WHILE FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL IN THE STREETS TO BECOME A GREAT LEADER!"

[At the end of the montage, he stands triumphant at the end of Wrestleverse III, holding the EPW World Heavyweight Title over his head.]

"AND IN TIME, THAT BOY WOULD GROW TO BECOME..."

[One final image shows Sean Stevens seated mightily upon a throne, bearing a decorated crown, the World Heavyweight Title, and sitting within the confines of a cage.]

"KING!!

[The EmpireTron goes black and spotlights illuminate the stage. All eyes transfix on the entry-way as the song continues building...]

"Time to ride, n*****!"

*BOOOMM!!"

[A CTHONIC DISPLAY of PYROTECHNICS SHAKES the arena as EXPLOSIONS light up the stage! The audience is SWAYED with shock and awe as a livid inferno takes up the entire entry-way! Then, to add to everyone's amazement... the entire STAGE begins to SPLIT APART!]

DT: What the hell...?

[Hydraulic lifts cause both sides of the stage to simply slide away off-stage, revealing the entirety of the black curtain cutting off the backstage area, and the rampway meanwhile slides down flat along the concrete floor. Emerging through the black first is a GRILL and SET OF HEADLIGHTS... and everyone watches in STUNNED ASTONISHMENT as a pearl white STRETCH LIMOSUINE pulls into the arena!!]

DM: You gotta be KIDDING ME!!

DT: Never in ALL MY YEARS have I -- oh, would you LOOK AT THAT!!

[The curtains are drawn aside the end part of the vehicle emerges from between the two flaming halves of the stage. The roof has been cut away to make room for a wire-framed dais made of gold, bearing half a dozen bikini-clad supermodels and one marble throne. Upon the seat sits Empire Pro's own "King of the Cage", "TRIPLE X" SEAN STEVENS, elaborate crown held over his long golden locks, World Heavyweight Title proudly displayed on the shoulder, and a custom set of regal Ray Bans that reflect the SUPERNOVA of flash photography now occurring in the arena. As "King Back" by T.I. continues to blare through the PA, the procession upon the limousine slowly makes its way toward the ring.]

[Overhead, pyrotechnics cause fire to rain from the heavens, heralding the arrival of the EPW World Heavyweight Champion.]

*BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOOOMMM!!!*

MN: OH YEAH, the KING IS BACK, baby! Talk about an ENTRANCE!

DT: I am just SHOCKED beyond WORDS right now! What a FLAGRANT display of ego on the part of the champion!

DM: You may be right, Dave... but the fans seem to be eating it up!

[As the limousine stops at the foot of the ring, Stevens boldly rises from his throne, standing for several moments and staring directly at his opponent in the ring while the audience cheers WILDLY all around them! Then, with his entourage of beautiful women in tow, he traverses the top of the vehicle. A pair of ladies hold open the ropes for the champion as he steps inside, his sunglasses never leaving sight of the other man standing in the ring.]

DT: The champion has arrived in style... but Marcus Westcott doesn't look the least bit intimidated!

MN: Audacious peon!

[The champion's female servants tend to his fur-lined cape, crown, and shades and make their exit from the ring. All that is left is the champion in his ring gear, neon blue long tights with black "XXX" motifs on the legs and rear, the World Heavyweight Title, and a brand new 100% cotton "Hail to the KING, Baby!" t-****. As he stares for several moments into the yes of the challenger, a smirk crosses his face. He looks skyward, points to the cage, and motions for it to be brought down.]

[As if swayed by his command, it begins to descend. The fans POP WILDLY!!]

DM: Here it COMES!!

[As it lowers, Stevens hands the belt to senior official Pat Jones as Tony Fatora gets on the mic again.]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen... this contest is an ENCLOSED STEEL CAGE MATCH for the EPW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TILE!! The winner of this match will be the first man to successfully perform a pinfall, submission, or knock-out!!

[He motions to Westcott.]

TF: Introducing now the competitors in tonight's World Heavyweight Title match! First... THE CHALLENGER... hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada... he weighs in at 285 pounds, and is the FORMER Empire Pro World Heavyweight Champion... "The ALPHA MALE"... "The APEX PREDATOR"...

HERE IS "THE MECCA"... MMMMMAAAAARRRRCCCUUUUSSSS WWWEEEEESSSSTTTCCCOOOOOTTTTT!!!

Crowd: *POP!!*

[Westcott pumps his fists HIGH into the air as the fans cheer him on! Meanwhile, the steel cage comes into place over the ring. The crew gets to work on fastening it down and making sure it's securely bolted to the ring. Meanwhile, Fatora directs our attention to the champion...]

TF: And his opponent... from Orlando, Florida... weighing in at 243 pounds... he is the EMPIRE PRO WRESTLING WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION...

"The BLUE-EYED BADASS"... "PLANET EARTH'S CHAMPION"... "The KING of the CAGE"...

"TRIPLE X"... SSSSSSEEEEEEEAAAAANNNNN SSSSSSTTTEEEEVVVVEEEENNNSSSSS!!!!!!

[The champion draws a TREMENDOUS, if mixed, reaction from the capacity crowd, and gives them a final opportunity at flash photography as he removes his t-shirt and hands it over to the timekeeper waiting nearby.]

TF: The governing official for this match... Empire Pro Senior Official, Pat Jones!

[Fatora turns off his mic and exits the cage through the single open door. Pat Jones raises the EPW World Heavyweight Title to all four sides of the arena, proudly displaying the stakes of the match to the fans, before handing it over to the timekeeper, who also exits. When it's down to Stevens, Westcott, and the referee alone in the cage, the remaining officials on the outside close the door and seal it with heavy cross-bolts. Jones tests its durability from the inside by kicking it several times. The cage hardly shakes, ensuring that it's properly reinforced.]

DT: We've waited a long time for this match-up, and now it's finally come! Who will be triumphant in the steel cage? EPW's OLD champion or their NEW one?

[Jones checks with Westcott, then the champion, checking both for foreign objects and ensuring everything is squared away.]

DM: Senior official Pat Jones gives the signal to the timekeeper...

SFX: *DING! DING! DING!*

DM: ...and the FIGHT for the EPW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE is OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY!

DT: Here we go! The challenger steps out of his corner... the champion strides out of his... and both men begin circling in the middle of the cage, looking absolutely PUMPED and ready to go to war!

DM: And would you just look at the champion, SEAN STEVENS! He's STILL talking trash, right to Westcott's face!

MN: No doubt reminding ol' FURBALL of just how LUCKY he is to be in the main event of an Empire Pro Pay Per View once again!

DT: A sneer spreads across the face of the former champion... and both men just COLLIDE into the opening lock-up, and THERE THEY GO!

Crowd: *POP!!*

DM: Stevens and Westcott are simply WRANGLING each other all over that canvas as both men vie for the upper hand! Marcus might have a slight edge in strength with that MASSIVE BUILD of his, but the champion Sean Stevens is implementing some IMPRESSIVE legwork, and he isn't giving the challenger an INCH!!

DT: Westcott with a SNARL as he just SHOVES the champion into the corner! I have no doubt we'd be seeing a bit of the old BEAST come out in that cage!

MN: Hopefully, we'll see some of that old STUPIDITY of his too!

DM: The cunning champion, Sean Stevens, massaging that chiseled chin of his with a smirk as he weighs in on the steaming challenger, Marcus Westcott... and without warning, he POPS FORWARD for ANOTHER lock-up!

MN: Alright, tough guy, let's try that again!

DT: Both of these men are nothing short of FEROCIOUS as they tear into each other with the collar-and-elbow tie-up! Westcott, trying to use that POWER advantage of his once again... but wait, Stevens SIDESTEPS, and quickly catches the challenger with a WRISTLOCK!

DM: Quick thinking on the part of the champ, as he now wrenches the shoulder of Marcus Westcott... but Westcott, not missing a beat, is just as quick to make the REVERSAL!

MN: Damn Canadian technical background!

DT: Westcott's long boasted a perfect balance of strength and wrestling finesse! He wrenches the arm of the champion... but now Stevens, using that SPRY AGILITY of his, FLIPS OUT OF IT, and REVERSES with a SHARP TWIST! The champion threw the challenger over onto his BACK with that one as he kept his hold on Marcus Westcott's wrist!

DM: Stevens quickly transitions to an armbar, and he's got a good GRIP! But Westcott catches him by the left ankle -- and THERE'S THE TRIP!! Stevens hits the mat, but still works that hold on the right arm of the challenger!

DT: Westcott may not have broken free by that trip attempt, but he nevertheless has the leverage on his side! Marcus Westcott, BACK ON HIS FEET -- and the champion SLIPS AWAY before Westcott could make a potentially damaging reversal!

DM: Smart thinking on the part of the champ.

MN: I'd call it BRILLIANT thinking! Sean Stevens is fully INCAPABLE of shooting himself in the foot! That's more than can be said about SOME people in Empire Pro...

DM: Stevens back to his feet, but Westcott PRESSES FORWARD and slaps the champion into a side headlock! Probably not such a good idea...

MN: Oh man, he walked right into that, hook, line, and stinker!

DM: That's "sinker", Mike... now here's Stevens, bracing his heels and reversing with the BACK SUPLEX --

DT: BUT WESTCOTT ROLLED THROUGH and landed on his FEET! Maybe it was STEVENS who walked into the trap!

MN: Ah, baloney! He just threw that Canuck a little too far. They're lighter over there, north of the border, you know...

DM: Westcott going for the hook from behind, and Stevens can't react in time... and he NAILS THE CHAMP WITH THE GERMAN SUPLEX!!

Crowd: *POP!!*

DT: OH MAN, that just put the crowd ON THEIR FEET!!

DM: The champion springs right back to his feet but runs straight into a ROARING POWERSLAM FROM MARCUS WESTCOTT!! GOOD GOD, LOOK AT THAT EXPLOSIVE POWER!!

Crowd: *POP!!*

DT: A TREMENDOUS combination of maneuvers on the part of the challenger, and he immediately hooks the leg for the pin! First attempt in this WORLD TITLE MATCH!

One!

DM: And the World Heavyweight Champ makes a QUICK kickout!

DT: Oh man, I was SURE he was knocked out there for a moment!

MN: Christ, Dave, what program have YOU been watching for the past year? Since when does SEAN FRIGGIN' STEVENS go down within a matter of MINUTES!

DM: No quick win there, but Westcott is nevertheless focused on WINNING!

DT: Westcott, undeterred, rises back to his feet... but here comes Stevens up with him! Stevens with a HARD CHOP TO THE CHEST, knocks "The Mecca" off balance!

SFX: *SMACK!!*

Crowd: "WHOOO!!"

SFX: *SMACK!!*

Crowd: "WHOOO!!"

MN: Some good ol' fashioned NAITCHA BOIIEEE knife-edge chops, turning that hairy barrel chest of Marcus Westcott's into a nice, rich Canadian bacon pink!

DM: Stop creeping me out, Neels...

DT: Westcott being backed up into the corner now, and Stevens wastes no time going RIGHT INTO HIS MIDSECTION with a series of HARD kicks! Westcott... dropping to the MAT NOW!! Stevens continues STOPPING, not relenting for ANYTHING! He's KICKING A HOLE through the chest of the challenger, Marcus Westcott!

DM: Remember now, it's NO HOLDS BARRED in that sealed cage! Sean Stevens could go ALL NIGHT kicking Marcus Westcott while he's down, because Pat Jones' only job in there is to look for the pin or submission!

MN: Wouldn't be such a bad main event, huh? Just thirty solid minutes of Sean Stevens kicking Marcus Westcott while he's down. By Lord Odin's Raven, just THINKING about it...

DM: Damnit, Neels, I said STOP CREEPING ME OUT.

DT: Westcott is reeling in pain... and now Stevens gains the opportunity to set the right leg onto the bottom rope, and he begins MERCILESSLY STOMPING AWAY at the ankle!

MN: That's right... FOCUS FIRE! You know, the best way a hunter tracks down a BEAST in the wild is by maiming its mobility, and slowing it down!

DM: That could be the strategy sought by Sean Stevens... and now the champion, opting for that right leg and dragging Marcus Westcott to the center of the ring! Stevens... looking for the FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK on the CHALLENGER --

DT: But Westcott BOOTS him off! He's FIGHTING BACK! Marcus Westcott, rolling over onto his feet... but here comes Stevens with a FLYING FOREARM -- BUT WESTCOTT DUCKS!!

DM: Westcott CATCHES STEVENS into a waistlock... and WHIPS HIM ACROSS THE RING with the RELEASED GERMAN SUPLEX!!

DT: WHAT a COUNTER!

MN: What a CROCK!!

DM: Stevens is scrambling to his feet... but Westcott slips behind him! Westcott taking Stevens by the HAIR and the TIGHTS... running him to the ropes -- AND HE THROWS HIM RIGHT INTO --

SFX: *CRASSHH!!*

Crowd: "OOOOOoooohhh..."

DT: GOOD GOD, the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION was just thrown FACE-FIRST INTO THE WALL of that CHAIN-LINK STEEL CAGE!!

MN: Damnit... only the KING busts the steel cage's cherry!

DM: Stevens is BLEARY-EYED as he drops to the mat... and Westcott is on him IMMEDIATELY, pulling him back to his feet! There's the challenger, with a HARD WHIP on Stevens...

SFX: *CRASSHH!!*

DM: ...AND STEVENS GOES OVER THE ROPES AND HITS THE CAGE!! The World Heavyweight Champion is REELING...

DT: And Westcott doesn't even stop MOVING, just now bouncing off the ROPES -- and nearly DECAPITATES STEVENS with a HUUUGE CLOTHESLINE!!

DM: The challenger is REALLY taking it to Stevens now! He's using the environment to his advantage, and it's putting a toll on the body of the champ! I dare say, he's making a FOOL of the KING in his own damn COURT!

MN: That's BLASPHEMY, Dean... and if the KING heard you say that, you'd be FIRST IN LINE to the guillotine!

DT: Stevens is DAZED ON THE MAT, and here goes Marcus Westcott, hooking BOTH legs for the cover!

One!


Two -- NO! Almost a two count, but Stevens powers out as soon as he can!

DM: Stevens might have taken a beating from that last series of moves, but he's doing a tremendous job of staying alert! As soon as he finds himself in a pin situation, he kicks out without hesitation!

MN: Well hey, Stevens has GREAT conditioning, and it's still early in this match. He might have taken a couple of hard bumps into that cage, but he's HARDLY as banged up as you think he is!

DT: The challenger, nevertheless aggressive, flips Stevens over and scrambles around to slap on a front face-lock! Westcott is SQUEEZING THE LIFE out of the champion with that lower forearm!

MN: Hey, come on, that's a BLATANT CHOKE!

DM: There's nothing the ref can do about it, Neels! But maybe there's something STEVENS can do to help himself! Stevens sets his feet in place... AND COUNTERS WITH A NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!!

DT: And he BRIDGES for the PIN!

One!



Two! And a quick kickout from Marcus Westcott!

MN: Westcott got LUCKY there...

DT: Both men back to their feet... and here's Marcus, looking for a TAKEDOWN -- but Stevens SPRAWLS on top of him! Westcott, now, trying to bull him into the corner, but Stevens is using that fancy legwork of his to keep the fury of the BEAST at bay!

DM: Great show of agility and footwork on the part of the champion, and that's doing wonders in defending himself against the strength and tenacity of Marcus Westcott!

DT: Westcott's strength, finally gaining some direction, and now Stevens is being backed into the corner... no wait, he hops to the SECOND ROPE -- COUNTERS with a SUNSET FLIP!!

ONE!

TWO!

NO!! The champion almost sneaked away with it right there!

MN: There was NOTHING sneaky about that! He ropes Westcott right into that, and it was BEASTcott's dumb luck that got him out of that!

DM: Westcott kicked out, but... the champion kept control of the LEGS!

DT: Oh no, Westcott could be in a REAL predicament here! Stevens is trying to wrangle him closer to the center of the ring! He's going for the FIGURE FOUR again... and this time, he HAS IT!!

MN: Oh YEAH, Sean! Bust that leg in HALF!

DM: Stevens has the famed submission hold locked in place, and Westcott is in EXCRUCIATING pain! We've seen World Titles change hands MANY TIMES in the sport of professional wrestling to this very move!

DT: It's still rather early in this match... and as the camera zooms in on the face of Marcus Westcott through that wire mesh, we can see him GRITTING HIS TEETH to fight off that pain!

DM: The challenger IS a veteran! He's been in this position before, and he knows just how to react! First thing to remember: DON'T PANIC! As long as Westcott ignores that pain, he can take the time to think of a way out!

MN: He isn't thinking ANYTHING right now, Dean! No doubt, the only image going through his mind is that BONE just SNAPPING like a twig! Stevens has that BEAUTIFUL Figure Four locked in tight! Makes me think of the good ol' days when Joey Melton was in his prime!

DT: Westcott, keeping his shoulders off the mat... trying to FAN BACK now and scoot his way to the ropes! Stevens is trying to keep him pinned down, but he can't COMPETE with that HUGE upper torso mass of "The Mecca"!

DM: Westcott's inching CLOSER and CLOSER... and Stevens KNOWS he's going to lose this! Westcott's only a few INCHES away... and he LUNGES for the bottom rope --

DT: NO! HE MISSED IT!!

MN: HA HA!!

DM: And Stevens PULLS HIM BACK to the center of the ring! He went all out there, but Stevens yanked him BACK the moment he lost his positioning on the mat! Marcus Westcott is RIGHT BACK where he started, trapped in a figure four as Sean Stevens MERCILESSLY rends away at that lower leg!

DT: Senior official Pat Jones asking Westcott if he'll tap, but Marcus SHAKES HIS HEAD! He's come TOO FAR to give in now!

Crowd: "WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!"

DT: This capacity crowd is getting behind the challenger now... and Westcott's FIGHTING the pain!

MN: NO!! GIVE IN, Marcus! EMBRACE the sweet ripe bosom of defeat!

DM: Westcott's TENSING THE MUSCLES in his leg... and now he's TRYING TO TURN HIMSELF OVER!! He could REVERSE this submission hold right here if he successfully flips himself over with his legs tangled in the Figure Four!

DT: Stevens FIGHTING IT... but Westcott is TOO STRONG!! WESTCOTT REVERSES!!

Crowd: *POP!!!*

DT: Sean Stevens is LOUDLY GROANING in PAIN, and he FINALLY RELEASES his hold on the legs of the challenger, "The Mecca" Marcus Westcott!

DM: The champion is quick to roll up off the mat... but Westcott's a bit slower to get up! I don't blame him, after taking that kind of punishment to his leg!

MN: Oh, believe me... the punishment hasn't even BEGUN yet!

DT: Stevens advancing, and Westcott isn't even on his feet... he tries to boot the champion away, but Sean grabs him by both boots, and now he's trying to DRAG HIM back out to the center of the ring!

DM: And Westcott says... HELL NO!! BIG SHOVE with both feet, and Stevens FLOPS over to his back! Westcott, using the ropes to get up -- but Stevens SPRINGS RIGHT BACK ONTO HIS FEET!

Crowd: "WHOAAAH!"

MN: TEXTBOOK STEVENS!!

DT: Westcott back up -- GETS HIT with a BOOT to the gut -- OH NO!! PUT RIGHT DOWN with a SWINGING NECKBREAKER from the champion!

DM: That leaves Westcott stunned on the mat! The champ REALLY connected the back of the head over his shoulder!

MN: The kind of precision you see only in the BEST...

DT: Stevens back to his feet now... getting a little PAYBACK as he stomps away at the face and chest of Marcus Westcott like he were a DOG!

MN: Well, he IS mangy...

DM: Here goes Stevens into the ropes... NAILS the jumping elbow drop right across the sternum of Marcus Westcott!

DT: And he hooks BOTH LEGS going for the COVER!

One!

Two!

Westcott POWERS out! Not gonna get him with THAT one!

MN: Well, the ref took a second to get there...

DM: Stevens doesn't break stride, getting back to his feet and bringing the dazed Marcus Westcott up with him. There's the KNEE STRIKE to the gut to double the challenger over...

DT: The champion, with a standing head scissor on Westcott! Plants his feet and lands a SNAP POWERBOMB -- AND TRANSITIONS RIGHT INTO A JACKNIFE PIN!!

ONE!

TWO!

NO!! Westcott AGAIN shoves the champion off with that powerful strength, and shows that it's going to take a lot more than that to keep him down!

DM: I think the champion still has a bit more up his sleeve, though! He's got Marcus Westcott up again already, and the challenger can hardly catch his BREATH at this point!

DT: Stevens has Westcott by the NAPE!!

SFX: *CRASH!!*

Crowd: OOOOoooohh...

MN: OH YEAH!!

DM: He RAMMED HIM RIGHT INTO THE CAGE!!

DT: Westcott reeling on his feet, holding his face... and here comes Stevens from behind with THE ROLL-UP!!

ONE!!


TWO!!


NO!! ANOTHER strong kickout made by the challenger! He STILL survives!

MN: He can linger in there for as long as he wants, cause right now, I couldn't be any HAPPIER watching the champion work his magic!

DM: What's important to note is that while Westcott is kicking out of every pin attempt, Stevens controlled his lower body with EVERY one, forcing him to USE UP a lot of that important energy in his back and legs! The champion NEEDS to impair his opponent any way he can if he hopes to successfully keep the BEAST at bay!

MN: And that's from our EXPERT on pro wrestling, Dave!

DT: "The Mecca" Marcus Westcott came into this match with all the fire, strength, and passion one would need to topple the mighty "Triple X" Sean Stevens... but right now, it looks like Stevens is counter-acting that tenacity with a good deal of strategic wrestling, setting the pace of this match into one that favors Empire Pro's own "King of the Cage!"

DM: With every kick out, you're seeing more and more emotion build up in the face of Marcus Westcott, and this crowd is SERIOUSLY starting to get behind him now! He's getting the drive to fight on, but STILL, Sean Stevens has control of him! The champ, with the BUTTERFLY LOCK... going for the DOUBLE-UNDERHOOK SUPLEX --

DT: But Westcott SANDBAGS IT! Westcott, makes the REVERSAL with the ARMS STILL LOCKED... and he ends up ON TOP OF THE CHAMPION as his SHOULDERS HIT THE MAT!!

ONE!


TWO!


WHOAAH!!

DM: AMAZING show of dexterity, strength, and prowess on the part of Stevens as he PRESSES HIMSELF off the mat with his ARMS LOCKED and MARCUS WESTCOTT right on top!

MN: He sure knows how to put on a show, huh?

DT: A bit TOO showy, if you ask me... but now it's a challenge of STRENGTH as Westcott POWERS over and twists Sean Stevens back into position! Now it's STEVENS trapped in the butterfly lock, and Westcott... GOES FOR THE DOUBLE-UNDERHOOK SUPLEX!!

DM: AND HE NAILS IT!!

MN: Bah... talk about ruining a great moment.

Crowd: *POP!!*

DT: Tell that to these FANS, Mike!

MN: Dave, we're in ST. LOUIS!! These people know NOTHING about good athletes! I mean, they look up to the friggin' Rams! The RAMS, Dave!!

DM: Well, we're watching a whole different ball game here right now in that sealed steel cage! Marcus Westcott takes a second to shake off the beating given to him earlier by the champion... but here comes Stevens back to his feet in the meantime! The champion, runs off the ropes...

DT: ...and here's WESTCOTT with a RAGING CLOTHESLINE out of NOWHERE -- OH MAN!! Stevens BARELY ducked it!

MN: Fashionably late...

DM: Stevens on the rebound now... wait, NO!! DROPPED RIGHT INTO A SPINEBUSTER BY "THE MECCA"!! Marcus Westcott JUMPS to his feet and he's ROARING at the crowd, and they're ROARING back!

Crowd: *POP!!*

MN: Like a disobedient mutt, yapping away in his cage...

DT: You better watch what you say, Mike, because if Marcus Westcott keeps up THIS pace, you could be seeing a new CHAMPION before this night is through!

MN: Dave, PLEASE... regardless of whether or not Marcus BEASTcott walks out of that cage the winner or not, "Triple X" Sean Stevens IS and WILL ALWAYS BE this federation's one, true champion!

DM: That champion is right lying dazed on his back... and the challenger wastes no time going for the mount over the chest, and Marcus Westcott FEROCIOUSLY blasts into the face of Sean Stevens with a BARRAGE of fists!!

DT: There's NOWHERE for Stevens to go, and he is being literally POUNDED in the middle of the ring!

MN: Not so fast!

DM: Wait a sec... Stevens uses his legs to hook Wesctott's ARMS --

DT: Right into the ROLL UP!!

ONE!

TWO!

Westcott KICKS OUT!! He wasn't gonna be fooled by that one!

MN: DAMN... I thought he had it!

DM: Stevens controls the legs, and Westcott can't get up! Wait... another submission attempt!

DT: Oh no, Stevens is looking for a BOSTON CRAB! Westcott trying to FIGHT IT, but the champion's already got the leg over!

MN: Just when you think you've gotten away... he REELS you right back in!

DM: Does he got him? ...I think HE DOES!! Yes, WESTCOTT GOES OVER, and if you ask me, given that elevated hyper-extension, it looks as though Stevens has a LIONTAMER -- or rather, THE WALLS OF JERICHOHOLIC -- applied instead of a standard crab!

MN: Man, haven't seen Stevens whip this one out in FOREVER! Look at Westcott try to SQUIRM FREE!

DT: The challenger, finding himself in another submission predicament, and this time, he isn't ANYWHERE near the ropes! But he is INDEED fighting this elevated crab hold!

DM: If anything, the struggle will negate the pain he's feeling...

MN: Weren't you the one that said the first thing to remember when you're in a submission hold is "Don't panic"?

DM: Look, there's a difference between "panic" and "react"... and if you measure the reaction of Marcus Westcott right now, you'd see what's going through his head.

MN: Besides "Ouch, ouch, my spine"?

DT: Westcott, pressing down on the mat... I think he's trying to POWER OUT!!

DM: Can he make it?!

MN: Pff... NO!

DT: Westcott DIGGING DEEP... and it looks like Stevens is having a HARD TIME managing that grip!

Crowd: "WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!!"

DM: He's using a TREMENDOUS amount of that lower body strength now, but he really doesn't have a choice! It's sink or swim!

MN: And how well you think he's gonna swim with a broken back?

DT: Stevens STRAINING, but Westcott...

...

Crowd: *POP!!*

WESTCOTT BREAKS FREE!! Oh man, Stevens is sent SPRAWLING to the canvas as the challenger HEROICALLY breaks out of the Walls of Jerichoholic!

DM: Man, I ALMOST didn't think he had enough left in him!

MN: Well, he might have MAGICALLY busted out of that... but if he did have that much left in him to get there, then I can guarantee he doesn't have any more! Look at him! He can barely GET UP!

DT: Westcott visibly SLOW as he rises, and with the help of the ropes... and the champion nimbly gets back to his feet, and advances again!

DM: The challenger needs to recover, but there's nowhere to run and nowhere to hide in the steel cage!

MN: And that's something we can ALL be thankful for!

DT: Stevens back on his feet, and Westcott is too hurt to get to his own... the World Heavyweight Champion, now, STOMPING Marcus Westcott while he's down!

DM: Westcott's in a real predicament now! He's flat on his back, hurt beyond all belief, and now -- OH WAIT, HE CAUGHT STEVENS BY THE LEG!! Westcott TRIPS STEVENS TO THE MAT!!

Crowd: *POP!!*

MN: What the HELL?!

DT: Stevens is too SURPRISED to even REACT! Westcott slaps on a SIDE LEGSCISSOR!!

Crowd: *POP!!*

DM: HA!! Looks like the challenger's willing to play the submission approach as well!

MN: What is this bumbling idiot DOING?! He's RIGHT NEXT to the ropes!

DT: Stevens takes ahold of the bottom rope, but Westcott's a bit reluctant to break that hold right away!

DM: Pat Jones giving him the warning count now... one... two... three... and he releases!

MN: Just what was the point of THAT?!

DM: He slowed Stevens just a bit, and at the same time gave himself an opportunity to catch his breath! Look now... Westcott, using the ropes, quickly PULLING himself to his feet, and Stevens rises to a limp! Stevens looking HOT!!

DT: Emotions are running high, and the champion has nearly SNAPPED at this point! He POUNCES upon Marcus Westcott -- WESTCOTT REVERSES WITH THE BACK BODY DROP --

SFX: *CRASSH!!*

Crowd: *POP!!!*

DT: OH GOD, OVER THE ROPES AND RIGHT INTO THE STEEL CAGE!! The World Heavyweight Champ just landed in a HEAP between the ropes and the cage wall!

MN: Of ALL the DUMB LUCK...!!

DM: What a REMARKABLE TURNAROUND made by the champion! It looked like he was quickly LOSING it there for a few minutes, but in just a single EXPLOSIVE act, tears right back into this competitive match!

DT: Stevens is using the cage wall and the ropes to get back to standing, but he's caught in a fairly narrow space! And Westcott's WAITING FOR HIM!

MN: Oh no... LOOK OUT, SEAN!!

DM: Westcott CHARGING FORWARD along the ropes -- OH!! Stevens BARELY ducked the short-arm lariat attempt by the challenger! Westcott turning around now -- but here's THE CHAMPION, grabbing that cage wall and LIFTING OFF -- no, SPRING-BOARDING OFF THE ROPES -- RIGHT INTO A MOONSAULT!!

DT: But WESTCOTT CATCHES HIM!! HE PLUCKED HIM RIGHT OUT OF THE AIR!!

Crowd; *POP!!*

MN: Man, that would have been SO MUCH MORE entertaining if Sean had landed that simply AMAZING move!

DT: Flashy though it was, Stevens is about to PAY for his mistake as he hangs struggling over the massive shoulder of Marcus Westcott! And now the challenger is looking for some DISTANCE!!

MN: Come on, PUT HIM DOWN!

DM: Westcott CHARGING FORWARD with a RUNNING POWERSLAM -- NO!! He HITS THE BRAKES and just TOSSES HIM OFF --

SFX: *CCRRAAASSSHHH!!!*

Crowd: *POP!!!*

DT: MY GOD, what a VIOLENT ROCKET LAUNCHER into the CAGE WALL!! Marcus Westcott is just MANHANDLING the champion in that ring!

DM: And using that unforgiving environment to his advantage! Westcott seems intent on proving that Sean Stevens isn't the ONLY cage aficionado in Empire Pro.

MN: How DARE he try and upstage the KING!

DT: Westcott drags the limp body of Stevens back through the ropes... and he goes for the COVER! THIS COULD BE IT!!


ONE!



TWO!




NO!! Stevens made the kickout!

DM: I was almost worried the champ blacked out there for a moment! It looked as though he went HEAD FIRST into that steel wall, and could have potentially suffered a concussion!

MN: All in a day's work for being the VERY BEST in this industry. It might have LOOKED like he was in danger, but I assure you, he was WELL protected. Sean Stevens knows how to create DRAMA...

DT: Here's Westcott, stripping the champion off the mat... slaps on what looks like an inverted hammerlock -- AND LIFTS HIM OFF HIS FEET with a BEARHUG!! Wow, if that's an act job, then Sean Stevens deserves the OSCAR, as his face contorts in pain under the strain of that innovated submission hold!

DM: Westcott hasn't forgotten his own submission game, and you seem him there mixing a bit of his technical background with his brute strength advantage! He controls the champion's dominant arm, and at the same time, literally SQUEEZES the life out of him as Sean Stevens is trapped in those big Canadian pythons!

MN: I'm telling you... he's selling it perfectly right now.

DM: You HOPE he is, anyway!

DT: Stevens is refusing to tap... but I think Westcott's got something ELSE in mind now! He's leading the champ over to the corner... and RAMS HIM IN THERE BACK-FIRST!!

DT: The champion appears to be favoring that shoulder as he tries to climb back through the ropes... and already, Westcott is upon him, bringing him through the rest of the way! There's the BIG FOREARM across the back of the neck to leave the World Heavyweight Champ stunned on his feet!

DM: Westcott's gonna look to follow through here... and HE DOES!! Lifting the champ up with A POWEBOMB -- OH WAIT!! Stevens is STUCK in mid-air!

MN: He caught the TOP OF THE CAGE!! HA!! THERE'S using your environment to your advantage!

DT: Marcus Westcott is trying to tear Stevens down, but the champion has a DEATH GRIP on that steel mesh lid! The challenger can't bring him down and complete the powerbomb!

DM: Wait a second... Stevens tensing his LEGS, and I think he's got a hold of WESTCOTT'S HEAD!!

MN: You're damn RIGHT, he does! "Triple X" Sean Stevens has a hold of EVERYBODY'S HEAD!

DT: Wait a sec... Stevens RELEASES -- goes RIGHT INTO A VICTORY ROLL with the CHALLENGER'S SHOULDERS ON THE MAT!!


ONE!



TWO!




NO!! Westcott POWERS OUT, ROLLS UP, and now STEVENS' SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!!


ONE!



TWO!




NO!! Almost...

MN: Oh, that was BARELY two and a half, Dave...

DM: Westcott's You can see the strain on his face, though! Stevens is forcing him to use those legs on every kickout, and eventually, that's going to take a toll on the power game of the challenger.

MN: It's like there's a ticking time-bomb in his lower back!

DT: Westcott feeling the burn, but up to this point, he's fought his way through every challenge and remained strong! Now, he DOMINATES this match, and no matter what the champion tries in order to regain the momentum, Westcott's kept at least one step ahead of him!

MN: Time to play catch-up...

DM: Here's Stevens back on his feet, and he meets Westcott... going for a BOOT TO THE -- OH NO, it was CAUGHT by Marcus Westcott! Look for the ENZIGURI here -- NO!! Westcott SPINS HIM AROUND before he can react... slaps on the Full-Nelson -- AND FOLLOWS THROUGH WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX --

MN: ACK!!

SFX: *CCRRAAAASSSSHHH!!!*

DT: OH GOD, THE CARNAGE!! FULL-NELSON SUPLEX by WESTCOTT into the STEEL CAGE!! The champion SEAN STEVENS is nothing short of a TANGLED MESS between the ropes and the cage wall!

Crowd: *POP!!*

DM: What a BRUTAL DISPLAY of RAW POWER!! Westcott, not wasting ANY TIME, catches the champ by the leg, and I think he's going for the cover! I don't think Stevens is coming back from THAT...

MN: Come on, Sean!

DT: Marcus Westcott HOOKING THE LEGS...



ONE!!




TWO!!





THR -- NO!! KICKOUT MADE by SEAN STEVENS!!

MN: HA HA!! I KNEW it!

DM: Only temporary disappointment on the face of Marcus Wescott now, as he bring Stevens back to his feet... but wait, here comes WESTCOTT -- OH NO, Stevens YANKS HIM BY THE TIGHTS --

SFX: *CRASSH!!*

DM: And WESTCOTT JUST WENT HEAD-FIRST THROUGH THE ROPES INTO THE CAGE WALL!!

DT: OH MAN!! A DESPERATE COUNTER by the champion might cut this dominant offense of the challenger short!

MN: Nothing desperate about that move, Dave! Marcus Westcott was stupid enough to defiantly walk right up to the KING of the CAGE without protecting himself, and he paid the price for it!

DM: Westcott, shaking his head, trying to get himself back into it... but Stevens has him BY THE LEGS, and he's dragging him back to the center of the ring!

DT: Oh no, not ANOTHER SUBMISSION ATTEMPT!!

MN: Yes, YES!!

DT: What's he going for here?!

DM: Westcott, still too stunned to fight back... and Stevens crosses his legs over, looking for A CLOVERLEAF!! And he LOCKS IT IN!!

DT: Oh man, and WHAT a Cloverleaf it is! That extension, and the leg over the back of the head... "The Mecca" Marcus Westcott is in a SERIOUS amount of pain now! And if you ask me, that doesn't look like any REGULAR Cloverleaf!

MN: No sir, that is the TACOMA CLOVERLEAF, courtesy of Rocko Daymon! And given the number Sean's done on Furball's lower end through this entire match, I don't think it will be long before he taps!

DM: I seem to be noticing a pattern here! Right now, Stevens is going for the favored submission hold of his old rival, Rocko Daymon! And earlier in this match, he tried both the figure four leglock and the Liontamer!

DT: The finishers of Joey Melton and Jerichoholic Anonymous respectively! I think you're RIGHT, Dean! "Triple X" Sean Stevens is dishing out the finishers of former Empire Pro World Heavyweight Champions!

MN: More specifically... the champions that SEAN STEVENS has PERSONALLY OVERCOME! You can expect after BEASTcott finally gives in to THIS one, he can tack on the JUDAS CRADLE to his repertoire!

DT: I don't know if I should call this strategy smart thinking or flagrantly audacious... but however you look at it, it's doing a number on Marcus Westcott, as he now struggles against the TWISTING PAIN deep in his lower back and legs!

DM: At the same time, it gives the champion a moment to rest up! He took a HELLACIOUS BEATING at the hands of the challenger! In fact, I see a few of those long golden locks on the back of his head turning RED!

MN: Oh damn, it's GINGERITIS!! QUICK!! Get me some TANNING LOTION and SILLY PUTTY... STAT!

DT: Or he could just be bleeding from the cut on the back of the head sustained from one of the many times he's been driven into the walls of that cage!

MN: My God, the champ's HEAD IS SPLIT OPEN!! Somebody, get that damn cage off of there! Call an ambulance!

DM: I don't think anybody's gonna buy that one, Neels... but in the meantime, the champion's grip on the legs of Marcus Westcott have NOT faltered! Westcott CONTINUES to refuse to submit, but the pain hasn't subsided a BIT!

Crowd: "WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!!"

DT: Is he going to break out AGAIN?!

MN: There's NO WAY...

DM: I might have to agree with Neels on that one, Dave! Westcott had a harm time as it was just breaking out of the Walls of Jerichoholic he was caught in earlier. In that time, he's continued to use up his lower body strength, and I just DON'T think he has it in him to power out of yet another submission hold!

DT: Well, while the two of you might have lost your faith in the abilities of one of this federation's most ESTEEMED former champions... these FANS certainly haven't! This capacity crowd is trying to rally behind the challenger now, and Westcott is DIGGING DEEP!!

MN: Come on, just TAP OUT and let us all go home!

DM: Westcott's gotta work under an INCREDIBLE amount of physical duress right now! Nevertheless, he SHAKES HIS HEAD as Pat Jones practically BEGS him to tap out...

DT: DON'T TAP, MARCUS!! YOU'VE COME TOO FAR!!

DM: Westcott REACHING OUT... this COULD BE IT...

...

...

NO!! HE GRABS STEVENS by the LEG pressing down over the back of his head!

MN: Hey, HEY!! HE CAN'T DO THAT!!

DT: AND WESTCOTT JUST BREAKS FREE!! He SWEPT STEVENS TO THE MAT when the champion LEAST EXPECTED IT!!

DM: Stevens thought he had it WON there, and perhaps that caused him to let down his guard! That was one fluid TWISTING motion that caused him to break free of that Cloverleaf lock, but no doubt, it came at a PRICE!!

MN: Oh yeah... somebody BETTER pay for that!

DT: Westcott still bears the expression of TREMENDOUS PAIN, and is slow to get to his feet! Stevens up, and... remarkably CALM!

MN: That's right! He can smell the end of this coming!

DM: Stevens is getting some distance now... he's just WAITING for Westcott to rise... and now he's LOADING UP THE BOOT!!

MN: OH YEAH!! He's MADE THE MEASUREMENTS!! He's CALCULATED the EQUATION!! He carried the three and found the exponent... but all that's left now is that random variable! More specifically, THE X-FACTOR!!

DM: ...you must have been on the Math team in High School, Neels...

MN: How did you KNOW?!

DT: Westcott almost up now... and Stevens is just STALKING him! I don't think Marcus even knows what he's about to FACE! He's going to get his HEAD KICKED RIGHT OFF!!

DM: Westcott... ON HIS FEET... here comes STEVENS with THE X-FACTOR!!!

DT: WESTCOTT DUCKED!!

SFX: *CRASH!*

Crowd: *POP!!!*

DT: AND STEVENS JUST KICKED THE WALL OF THE STEEL CAGE!! The champion on the MAT, clutching his leg in PAIN!! Marcus Westcott's lightning-fast reflexes helped him dodge a SERIOUSLY FATAL bullet, and now he's got the chance to regain control of the match!

DM: Westcott knows it's all or nothing now! He sees Stevens clutching the leg, and he knows what he has to go for! Westcott LIMPS over to the champion... and he takes him by the legs! He's going for the Nagata lock... AND HE BRIDGES OVER!!

DT: IT'S THE JUDAS CRADLE!! MARCUS WESTCOTT HAS STEVENS LOCKED IN THAT INESCAPABLE SUBMISSION HOLD!! HE'S ON THE VERGE OF RETAKING THE TITLE!!

MN: OH MAN, NO WAY!!

DM: Wait a second... Marcus couldn't bridge all the way! Look at his FACE! I think Stevens is FIGHTING that hold, and Westcott just doesn't have enough left in him to keep the lock in place!

MN: Yes, YES!!!

DT: Harrowing predicament for BOTH men now! Westcott needs to bridge back all the way in order to put that hold into maximum effect, but Sean Stevens is FIGHTING FOR DEAR LIFE!!

DM: The champion might have done too much to the lower body of Marcus Westcott with the numerous submission holds he's attempted! Westcott... is LOSING IT!!

DT: NO!! Westcott TRYING TO HANG ON...

...


...



...




AND STEVENS BREAKS FREE!! SEAN STEVENS BROKE OUT OF THE JUDAS CRADLE!!

MN: WOO-HOO!!! He's STILL IN IT!!

DM: Westcott is undeterred... here he comes again, taking the legs of an exhausted Sean Stevens, and WRAPPING THEM AGAIN into the NAGATA LOCK... but now he's trouble getting himself over the whole way!

DT: Stevens is FIGHTING IT AGAIN!! The champion is showing a bit of his OWN never-say-die attitude in the ring tonight! And Westcott is trying with EVERYTHING HE HAS to sink the hold in and finish him off, but there's just been too much PUNISHMENT inflicted on his legs and lower back through the course of this match!

DM: He doesn't have the lower body strength to finish him off with the Judas Cradle! That may have been Stevens' agenda from the get-go... to use all the favored submission holds of his defeated opponents as a means of taking out Marcus Westcott's own submission game!

MN: Brilliant wrestling strategy, if you ask me!

DT: But Marcus Westcott hasn't given up yet! He knows this is the BEST CHANCE HE'LL HAVE to put this one away!

MN: Forget it! You've FAILED! Go back home to Canada, where being SECOND BEST is acceptable!

DM: Westcott trying to WORK HIS WAY AROUND...

...



...




...


NO!! STEVENS BREAKS FREE!! Westcott's legs buckle, and he SPRAWLS TO THE MAT!!

DT: DAMNIT... he was SO CLOSE!! Both men are left lying on the mat, too exhausted to even STAND at this point! How long has this war waged on? What toll has it taken on their bodies? And most importantly, after coming this far, who has it IN HIM to go that extra mile?

MN: As if you really needed to ASK at this point...

DM: Stevens starting to rise... Westcott, attempting to, but he's too shaky in the legs! They must feel like RUBBER at this point! The challenger, now, crawling to the ropes and trying to use them to get to his feet... but STEVENS HAS HIM!!

MN: Time to END THIS!!

DT: The champion is setting the challenger up in the middle of the ring! I think he's got ONE MORE submission on his mind! He's crossing the legs over... he's going for THE SHARPSHOOTER!!

DM: By God, a SHARPSHOOTER on a CANADIAN?! If we were north of the border, these fans would be RIOTING!!

MN: I can't think of anything else on this world that makes me HAPPIER than watching a Canuck tap to should RIGHTFULLY be called the SCORPION DEATHLOCK!!

DT: Stevens has Westcott set... TURNS HIM OVER... AND THERE'S THE BRIDGE!! That's no Sharpshooter, that's LINDSAY TROY'S DYNASTIC CYCLE!!! MY GOD, LOOK AT THE ATHLETICISM OF THE CHAMPION!!

DM: That's a technique I thought only LINDSAY HERSELF could pull off in this industry!

MN: Sean Stevens is like the SHANG TSUNG of professional wrestling! He can use EVERYBODY'S moves!

DT: Marcus Westcott is in UNFATHOMABLE PAIN!! He is just SIMPLY SCREAMING IN AGONY RIGHT NOW!!

DM: Senior Official Pat Jones on his knees, close to the challenger's face... he's LITERALLY BEGGING HIM to TAP!! You KNOW when the referee WANTS to just END THIS for YOUR SAKE, you're in a BAD POSITION!!

DT: The eyes of "The Mecca" Marcus Westcott are WIDE OPEN and practically ON FIRE!! If he doesn't TAP, then how much further will he go before it's LIGHTS OUT!!

MN: FLAWLESS VICTORY!!

Crowd: "WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!!"

DM: I don't know HOW Westcott can hang on at this point... wait a second, he's REACHING OUT!!

MN: FINISH HIM!!

DT: PLEASE, MARCUS, DON'T TAP!!!

...




...





...




...

It... IT GOES LIMP!!

DM: Looks like his eyes just rolled back into his head! He could be UNCONSCIOUS... but I can't tell!

MN: Ring the bell, Jones, come on!

DT: Pat Jones first has to determine if Westcott is UNRESPONSIVE!! Stevens practically BARKING at the referee, telling him how to do his job!

MN: Come on, MOVE IT!

DM: Jones holds Westcott's arm over the mat by the wrist...

...

IT DROPS!

MN: That's ONE!!

DT: Come on, Marcus, FIGHT BACK!!

DM: Jones holding that arm out again...

...

IT HITS THE MAT A SECOND TIME!!

MN: One more to go, and Stevens walks out of the cage the WINNER!!

Crowd: "WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!! WEST-COTT!!"

DT: YOU CAN DO IT, WESTCOTT!!

DM: Pat Jones, lifting that arm up again...

...

...

Crowd: *POPP!!!!*

DT: AND WESTCOTT JUST COMES BURSTING RIGHT OUT OF THE SHARPSHOOTER!! HE WASN'T UNCONSCIOUS AT ALL!!

DM: HE WAS PLAYING OLD-SCHOOL POSSUM!! Sean Stevens LET HIS GUARD DOWN when he thought Westcott was OUT COLD!!

MN: I can't believe it! That hoser's got BATTERIES up his backside, or something!

DT: "The MECCA" Marcus Westcott is ON HIS KNEES and ROARING!! But here comes an angered "Triple X" Sean Stevens from BEHIND!

LIFTING HIM UP FOR THE X-TERMINATOR --

DM: WESTCOTT SLIPPED OUT!!

MN: What the HELL?!

DT: Westcott with the chance to CAPITALIZE!! He takes the champion, Sean Stevens, by the arm... going for the PUMPHANDLE LIFT -- into THE ABSOLUTION 2K4!!!

DM: HIS LEGS BUCKLED!! HE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH STRENGTH LEFT IN HIS LEGS... and instead of SEALING THE DEAL, Westcott DROPS Stevens... and now the champ has a moment to regroup!

DT: No, LOOK OUT, MARCUS!!

DM: Westcott up to his feet -- TURNS RIGHT INTO AN X-FACTOR FROM THE CHAMPION!! SEAN STEVENS JUST KNOCKED HIM RIGHT INTO NEXT TUESDAY!!

DT: G*DDAMNIT, NO, HE WAS SO CLOSE!!!

MN: And THAT'S ALL, folks! Well guys, it was a great night, we saw some good matches... and what a way to finish things off, huh?!

DM: The match isn't even OVER yet, Neels!

DT: Here's Stevens with the COVER...





ONE!!!







TWO!!!










THREE --

WESTCOTT KICKED OUT!! MY GOD, I DON'T BELIEVE IT, HE KICKED OUT!!

Crowd: *POP!!!*

MN: Wait, WHAT?!

DM: What TREMENDOUS SURVIVABILITY on the part of the challenger! He took a straight SUPERKICK to the head and STILL managed to get his shoulder off the mat!

MN: Obviously, Pat Jones is DRAGGING THE COUNTS OUT! But hey, no problem! Stevens was prepared for this! He even said this week he expected Westcott to kick out of the X-Factor! And now he's just gonna pick him up and KEEP KICKING HIM until he learns to stay down!

DT: Stevens getting Westcott up... and Westcott can hardly STAND! Wait a second, NOT AGAIN!!

DM: TOO LATE!! STEVENS WITH X-FACTOR NUMBER TWO!! Westcott VIOLENTLY SPRAWLS ACROSS THE MAT!!

MN: And STAY DOWN!!

DT: ...but Marcus Westcott WILL NOT stay down! ALREADY, he's trying to get up!

DM: My God, he probably has no idea where he is...

DT: Stevens pushing Westcott back to the mat, and HOOKING BOTH LEGS for the COVER...





ONE!!!






TWO!!!









WESTCOTT POWERS OUT!! MY GOD, HE'S JUST KICKED OUT OF TWO CONSECUTIVE SUPERKICKS!!

DM: What is keeping this man GOING?!

DT: I have NO IDEA, but Stevens is beginning to show his FRUSTRATION NOW!!

MN: You'd be pretty pissed off TOO if you just plugged this guy in the head TWICE and he keeps getting up, completely DESTROYING your image!

DT: Westcott BACK ON HIS FEET... and Stevens steps up... FOR A THIRD X-FACTOR!! MY GOD!! Westcott HITS THE MAT... and POPS RIGHT BACK TO HIS FEET!!

Crowd: *POP!!!*

MN: WHAT THE HELL -- ?!

DM: By Jove, he's like some sort of CANADIAN SUPERMAN!!!

DT: Westcott ON HIS FEET as though nothing even hit him, shaking his head and GRAVELY staring holes into the champion, Sean Stevens, who stands there completely DUMBSTRUCK!! The BEAST is AWAKENED in Marcus Westcott!!

MN: Oh CRAP!! REVENGE OF FURBALL!!

DM: Stevens GOING FOR ANOTHER X-FACTOR... but WESTCOTT JUST CATCHES HIM BY THE FOOT and stops him DEAD IN HIS TRACKS!!

Crowd: *POP!!*

MN: That's not good...

DT: Westcott REELS STEVENS IN -- RIGHT INTO THE ABSOLUTION TWO-KAY-FOUR!! HE NAILED IT!!

Crowd: *POP!!!*

MN: NOOOOO!!!

DM: WHAT A TREMENDOUS REVERSAL by Westcott, and CRUCIAL, given how late it is in this match!

DT: Westcott NAILED THE FINISHER, and MAKES THE COVER!! THIS IS IT!!







ONE!!!








TWO!!!










THREE -- !!!

DM: STEVENS KICKS OUT!! Pat Jones was at TWO POINT NINE, but the champion KICKED OUT at the VERY LAST SECOND!!

MN: OH YEAH!! THAT'S what I'M talkin' about!!

DT: Marcus Westcott CAN'T BELIEVE IT!! What does it TAKE to keep down someone like the EPW World Heavyweight Champion, "Triple X" Sean Stevens?!

MN: He's the VERY BEST IN THE INDUSTRY, Dave, and he's showing it here tonight!

DM: But Marcus Westcott is intent on proving that wrong! Westcott is ready to go that extra mile! He brings Sean Stevens back to his feet... looks into the crowd... and he points to the TURNBUCKLE!!

Crowd: *POP!!!*

DT: And THEY WANT IT!! ABSOLUTION 2K4 FROM THE TOP ROPE!!

MN: Oh, screw their opinion!

DM: Westcott now, leading Stevens to the turnbuckle... now the former champ going up top! Hooks Stevens' arm... and there's THE PUMPHANDLE LIFT!

DT: HE'S GOT HIM IN PLACE...

...

... BUT STEVENS IS FIGHTING IT!!

MN: YES!! FIGHT, SEAN!! SHOW 'EM WHO THE KING IS!!

DM: Stevens is GRIPPING THE CAGE CEILING!! Westcott CAN'T PRY HIM DOWN FOR EVERYTHING, and now the champion's trying to SHAKE HIM OFF!!

DT: AND HE DOES!! Westcott is sent CRASHING TO THE MAT!!

MN: Come on, Sean, PUT THIS ONE AWAY!!

DM: Stevens, readjusting himself on the top rope, and meanwhile, Westcott powers up to his feet... Westcott turning around -- AND HERE'S STEVENS OFF THE TOP WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK --

DT: AND THE CHAMPION JUST GETS BATTED OUT OF THE AIR WITH A HUGE GOOOOOORRRREEE FROM THE CHALLENGER!!! Marcus Westcott just EXPLODED OUT OF NOWHERE with that move, and Sean Stevens is lying prone on the mat like he just got ran over by a BUS!!

DM: Westcott KNOWS HE'S GOT IT NOW!! He walks over to Stevens and gets him to his --

DT: STEVENS WITH A SMALL PACKAGE OUT OF NOWHERE!!



ONE!!!





TWO!!






NO!!! WESTCOTT KICKED OUT IN THE NICK OF TIME!! I thought FOR SURE Stevens was about to steal it right out from under him!

DM: Both men scrambling to their feet! Westcott NEEDS to make a move here!

MN: COME ON, SEAN!!

DM: Stevens POPPING UP TO HIS FEET --

Crowd: "WHOA!!"

DT: X-FACTOR FROM STEVENS!! G*DDAMNIT, LIKE A BULLET RIGHT OUT OF THE DARK --

SFX: *CRASH!!*

DM: And WESTCOTT BOUNCES RIGHT OFF THE CAGE like a PINBALL -- right back INTO STEVENS!!

DT: AND STEVENS NAILS THE X-TERMINATOR!!!

SFX: *...utter silence...*

DT: ...JESUS CHRIST, talk about a GRAND SLAM of FINISHERS!! Both men now lying MOTIONLESS on the mat as the CALM finally sets in after this all-out WAR within the cage!

MN: The champ is beginning to STIR! Come on, Sean, it's been a long night, but all you have to do is put your arm over his chest, and we can call it a night!

DM: Stevens ROLLING OVER now... DRAGGING HIMSELF inch by agonizing inch across the canvas! He needs to FINISH THIS for once and for all!

DT: The champion DRAPES THE ARM across the chest of MARCUS WESTCOTT...







ONE!!!









TWO!!!













THREEE!!!

SFX: *DING! DING! DING!*

[CUE UP: "King Back" by T.I. The entire capacity crowd stands in STUNNED SILENCE as both men continue to lie in the very center of the cage on their backs, chests heaving as they stare blankly into the house lights above. After a moment to let the reality sink in, Tony Fatora stands up and raises the mic, allowing his booming voice to ring out through the entire arena...]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen... the WINNER of the MAIN EVENT of RUSSIAN ROULETTE 2009...

...AND STILL THE REIGNING EMPIRE PRO WRESTLING HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD...

"TRIPLE ECKS"...

SSSEEEEEAAAAAAANNNNNNN SSSSTTTTEEEEEVVVVEEEEENNNNSSSSS!!!!!

[Pat Jones calls over to the ring crew to release the locks set on the cage door, where the rest of the officiating team and EPW's medical staff stand waiting to check on both combatants. With the snap of a few tumblers, the locks pop, and the door swings open. In moments, the cage is filled with members of EPW's officiating team as they split in to two groups and check on both men.]

DT: Ladies and gentlemen... I am absolutely MOVED BEYOND WORDS at this moment, given the match we just witnessed! Never in all the years I've been a part of Empire Pro have I seen two contenders go at just like that it in the steel cage!!

DM: Truly a match that will be remember for many years to come! Both men went through HELL in that cage, knowing the prestigious EPW World Heavyweight Title was on the line! Many expected the champion to ultimately go down in the end, but defying all odds set against him once again, he came out VICTORIOUS!!

MN: DAMN RIGHT, he did! F*CK all the posers! F*CK all the critics! F*CK all the people out there who fake their way at being the real deal!! "TRIPLE X" SEAN STEVENS is the REAL DEAL, Daddy-O, and nobody's need any further proof than what they just saw in that ring! The KING OF THE CAGE is BACK, B*TCHES!!

DT: But still, a great deal of credit goes to the challenger, who many though wasn't up to snuff! When the champion smugly thought he could ignore him, he stood up for himself and made a STATEMENT there in the ring! There were times in that ring where I honestly THOUGHT he had it!

DM: There's no question that "The Mecca" Marcus Westcott fought his heart out here tonight! In another time and another place, he was the man at the very HELM of Empire Pro, and the federation owes him a great deal for that! But while he may be a great influence on this fed's PAST, tonight, SEAN STEVENS stands as its PRESENT and FUTURE!!

[After many long moments of trying to bring both competitors back to, Sean Stevens finally rises to his feet... surprisingly drawing a POP from the fans. As it sets in that he is victorious, he pumps BOTH FISTS into the air and pivots around to show himself to all four sides of the arena!]

[Meanwhile, the team of officials escort the defeated Marcus Westcott from the ring, who holds his head in clear disappointment, knowing he put everything on the line in the cage. The officials try to lead him up the ramp, but instead, he shakes them away, and walks on his own power over to the timekeeper before Pat Jones can get there to retrieve the champion's title...]

DM: Wait a second, what's THIS! Westcott just took the World Heavyweight Title from the timekeeper!

MN: Oh man, what a SORE LOSER!!

DT: Don't be so quick to judge, Mike! Westcott... on the verge of TEARS, but nevertheless proudly steps back into the ring through the cage door with that belt in his hands!

[Stevens stands ready for anything as Westcott approaches him, and, quite respectfully, hands over the title. Stevens looks over his belt for a moment, recounting just how much it means to him and his career, before retaking it and slinging it over his shoulder.]

MN: KICK HIM IN THE BALLS, Sean! And wipe that STINK from that title!

[The men keep their respect to each other to a simple handshake, and without a word spoken, Marcus turns the EPW icon to the cameras and holds up his arm in victory!]

Crowd: *POP!!!*

MN: LAME.

DT: A TREMENDOUS show of sportsmanship, from the former champion to the current champion! These men had one HELL of a match together, and they know it!

[Westcott leaves the cage and walks alone back up the ramp, his face a collage of different feelings. Sean Stevens, in the meantime, refastens his belt and exits the cage... and begins CLIMBING UP THE SIDE...]

Crowd: "TRIP-LE-ECKS!! TRIP-LE-ECKS!! TRIP-LE-ECKS!! TRIP-LE-ECKS!!"

DM: I never thought I'd see the day, but it's FINALLY come! The fans of Empire Pro are finally GETTING BEHIND the World Heavyweight Champion!

MN: Oh, that's right! Everybody wants to hop on the bandwagon NOW that they all realize what a BADASS he is!! A BLUE-EYED BADASS, at that!

DT: Love him or hate him, "Triple X" Sean Stevens is THE icon of Empire Pro Wrestling, and STILL PROUDLY BEARS the EPW World Heavyweight Title! Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a HELLACIOUS night, capped off with a very HELLACIOUS main event! But now we've come to the CONCLUSION of Russian Roulette! We'll see you again at Aggression 48! Until then, signing off for Dean Matthews and Mike Neely... I'm Dave Thomas! Have a good night!

SFX: *BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOOOMMM!!!!*

[Pyrotechnics EXPLODE overhead in brilliant display as "King Back" continues blaring through the PA! Triumphant and nigh god-like, the EPW World Heavyweight Champion, "Triple X" Sean Stevens, stands TALL on the very top of the steel mesh cage he just conquered, holding his TITLE high into the air over a LIVID SEA of fans screaming his name! On this image, we fade to the EPW logo...]
 

DBrunkGXW

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Beast vs. Dan Ryan - Aggression 1

MARCUS WESTCOTT: This, to me, was a huge match. The first night of Empire Pro. The dawn of a new era, and I was bound and determined to make this MY era. All of us were starting on the ground floor, all of us on an even keel, and while I'd never faced Dan Ryan before, I certainly knew of his reputation, and I knew that if I came up huge on the very first night of Empire Pro with a win against him, that I was going to be one of the stars of EPW.

Unfortunately, even the best laid plans of men can sometimes go awry. Knowing Dan Ryan like I do now, I *never* would have fell for that stupid test of strength, but I managed to have the awareness to bust out of it and nail Ryan with perhaps the best clothesline I've ever thrown. It's like hitting the sweet spot on a golf ball, or connecting with a fastball just perfectly. It just feels right. I don't think I've ever flipped a guy his size like that, so that was awesome.

I hit a couple more moves, and thought I was going to start to really take control and really have a shot at winning that match, but as much as I can't stand the guy, Dan's resilient, and that release dragon suplex he hit me with was nothing short of a miracle. I thought for a moment the way I came down on my neck and back of the head, I thought I felt something pop, and I was done for, but Dan's a pro, and I knew he wouldn't let me get hurt like that.

Then after the crazy spinebuster - we're a couple of really big guys, and I planted him really hard on that one - I thought we might literally go through the canvas, and then the clothesline incident, I was able to get him set up for the Absolution, and I thought it was over, but no one's ever turned that around like Dan did. Most guys will try to back drop you over, so I was ready for that, but Dan's that good - he went for the legs and put me in that figure four, and I thought my knee was going to explode, especially after he wouldn't break right away.

But then the fans got behind me, and I started feeding off that energy, and even while Dan was able to land that ginormous overhead belly to belly, the adrenaline started flowing, and I eventually got that spear, and fought my way to the full nelson/sharpshooter combo out of nowhere, and here I really thought it would be over, but I underestimated Ryan's core and leg strength. The guy's an animal, and THEN, after all this, they guy goes for a friggin' moonsault. Wow.

But I was able to fight him off and get that sleeper on him. I didn't know what the hell, but maybe Dan was gassed, maybe he was hurt and didn't tell me, but I'm really *getting* to him with this sleeper.

I gotta stop here though. As great as Dan is, and like I said before, if I knew then what I know now about him, is his weakness is his ego, and he'd rather screw with you than beat you. I had NO idea he was messing with me this whole time, but again, that's just a testament to how this guy can beat you with mind games.

I got the official win that night, and no matter how I tried to spin beating Dan Ryan over the years after that, Dan Ryan was the one that got the best of Beast that night despite what the record books say. It may have been the first night of EPW, but it was a historic occasion as this marked the start of four years of Ryan doing his absolute best to mess around with me. It was all in that final shot, of Dan standing there with the thumbs up and that sarcastic friggin' grin on his face, and me standing there angry like he'd just murdered my family. That image would replay itself many times over the years.

While it wasn't the result I wanted, obviously, it was certainly a defining moment in mine, Dan's, and EPW's history.

~~~
DT: Well folks, regardless of what just happened, the show must go on.

MN: You mean to tell me that WASN’T the main event??? How the hell are we gonna top that???

DT: When you’ve got these two in a ring together, I’m willing to bet ANYTHING can happen, Mike!!

[The arena lights fade down to darkness, then slowly come back up in deep blue as the sound of chanting monks fill the arena, and the video screens light up with "BEAST" flashing in different styles and colors of text, mixed in with video clips of Beast executing various moves on his opponents. The chanting monks play for about 15 seconds, then fade into Nickelback's "Figure You Out", and as the opening guitar chords hit, a blast of red and white pyro go off around the stage area, then Beast walks through the smoke down the ramp and to the ring. Once in the ring, Beast salutes the fans by touching his fist to his chest over his heart a couple times before raising his hand in the air.]

MN: Awww damn, Beast looks pumped tonight! Hell yeah!

DT: This is gonna be a good one Mikey, I can tell already.

MN: Don’t ever call me Mikey. EVER.

[Lights go out and strobe effects start with the opening riff of "Zero" with the "EB" Ego Buster symbol flashing across the screen. Ryan walks to the ring with his eyes fixed on Beast as the music plays.]

DT: Would you listen to these fans? They’re going crazy! You might not like him, you might hate him, but everyone knows Dan Ryan!

MN: He commands some respect. Ladies and gentlemen, this guys built like a freakin’ mack truck.

DT: And the thing is, Beast is no lightweight, either!

MN: Hell no… you realize we have well over 600 pounds in that ring right now as we speak???

[The bell rings and Ryan smirks in Beast’s direction. Beast doesn’t look too flattered, and shrugs it off. Both men circle each other, getting ready to attack. The two draw closer, and Ryan raises his hand for a test of strength. Beast looks to the fans, then raises his hand to meet Ryan’s. The two men then go to lock the other hand, but Ryan nails Beast with a knee to the stomach.]

DT: You never know whether or not you can truly trust Dan Ryan.

MN: Who would bother to have a test of strength with the man in the first place?

DT: Beast would… he’s an incredibly strong individual. I bet he could even take Ryan down…

MN: That remains to be seen, Davey.

[As Beast is doubled over, Ryan continues to throw some tremendous knees into his midsection. After a few more, he picks Beast up onto his shoulder and executes a ring shaking spinebuster. Ryan adjusts his elbow pads, then waits for Beast to get back up.]

DT: Beast isn’t going to stay down…

MN: I wouldn’t expect him to… he’s headlining an Empire show!

[Ryan walks over to the recovering Beast, but is quickly hit with some solid shots to the ribs. Beast then focuses his attention to Ryan’s head, slamming his fist into the side of it several times. Beast then whips Ryan to the ropes, and on the return, delivers the stiffest clothesline of the night. Ryan does a complete flip in the air, landing hard on his side. The fans pop hugely for the event.]

DT: Beast just knocked Dan Ryan out of his boots!!! I’ve never seen somethin’ like that before!

MN: Told ya, this guy’s a powerhouse…

DT: But you just said…

MN: Shhhh… watch the match.

[Beast hoists Ryan up to his feet slowly, then performs a solid sidewalk slam on the CSWA champion. The fans cheer as Beast makes the cover. The ref counts…. 1…2…kickout by Ryan. Beast lets Ryan get up to his feet, and then performs a collar to elbow tie up. Beast ends up performing a go-behind, but Ryan struggles and then does one of his own. After this exchange, Ryan sends Beast flying backwards with a release dragon suplex. The ring shakes yet again as the big man comes crashing down on his head and neck.]

DT: A picture perfect dragon suplex there by Dan Ryan!

MN: He sure knows his moves…

[Ryan goes over to cinch on a headlock, wrenching it in as tightly as he can. After a few seconds, Beast delivers some elbows to Ryan’s side. After two or three more, Ryan finally releases, and Beast pushes him away. As Ryan comes charging back at him, Beast executes a destructive spinebuster of his own, which plants Ryan firmly in the middle of the mat. He goes for a cover.]

DT: And Beast shows he can do it too! What a display of power!

MN: There’s the cover… 1…2…kickout by Ryan!

[Beast lifts Ryan up, then sends him towards the ropes. Beast ducks the clothesline attempt by Ryan, but on the return, both men hit one. They lie in the center of the ring, facing the arena ceiling. The ref begins his count. 1….. 2…. Both competitors are up.]

MN: These guys are freaking machines.

DT: What’s going to keep either man down?

[Beast lays a couple hard chops into Ryan’s chest, but his last attempt is caught by Ryan’s hand. Dan then clutches Beasts’ wrist, lifting him up onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry like position. Beast slips down behind Ryan however, and turns him around, kicking him in the gut. He then applies a standing headscissor, signaling to the fans it’s time for Absolution. The begin to go wild.]

DT: I dunno Mike, I think it might be too early for this…

MN: I think you’re right man…

[Ryan takes Beast’s legs out from under him, and then quickly applies a figure four leg lock. He drops to the mat as Beast screams out in pain. The referee asks Beast if he wishes to give up, but the big man says nothing of the sort. After a few moments in the hold, Beast is able to power his way to the ropes, where he holds on until Ryan breaks the hold. Ryan doesn’t do so immediately, however, and the ref gets on his case about it.]

DT: Come on Ryan, you know better…

MN: The man’s a freaking 8 time champion, Dave… be quiet.

[Ryan backs up, waiting for Beast to recover. Soon thereafter, Beast comes flying at Ryan, only to be taken over in a huge overhead belly to belly suplex. When Beast hits the mat, however, he bounces right back up and comes back for more. Ryan goes for the move again, but isn’t quick enough. Beast spears him to the mat and lays a few punches into Ryan’s jaw. The fans are going wild again.]

DT: Beast on the offensive here!

MN: He’s got some strength behind those punches!

[Ryan starts to fight back, and hits a hard right to the side of Beast’s head. He pushes the big man off of him, then gets to his knees. After that, Ryan lifts Beast up with him, kicking him in the midsection. He hooks both of Beast’s arms, taking him over with a double underhook suplex. Ryan quickly makes a cover. The ref counts. 1….2…. kickout by Beast.]

DT: Wow, the way this one’s going, I doubt either man’s going to be pinned!

MN: It’s gotta’ end sometime, Davey.

[Both men are up to their feet immediately, and Ryan goes for a clothesline. Beast ducks, then comes up behind Ryan to lock on a full nelson. Lifting the bigger man in the air, he puts Ryan straight to the mat with a ferocious full nelson slam, but doesn’t give him any time to rest. While Ryan’s legs are still up in the air, Beast applies a sharpshooter, flipping it over and putting pressure on Ryan’s back.]

DT: What a combo there by Beast!

MN: The man knows HIS wrestling, too.

[Ryan refuses to submit, and eventually kicks out of the hold. Beast goes flying to the ropes, but attempts to come back immediately. Ryan kicks him off a few times, and then quickly gets to his feet. Beast goes for a right hand, but Ryan ducks and puts a hand up to his throat. As quickly as he can, he lifts Beast high into the air and slams him down with a high impact chokeslam. The fans boo as Ryan falls to one knee.]

DT: Great chokeslam by Ryan! Wait, where’s he goin’ now?

[Ryan gets up to his feet, then slowly ascends the turnbuckles. He makes it to the top, then drops down to his ass, splitting his legs for a moonsault. He squarely connects on the maneuver, and a few fans in the audience shout “holy ****’. Ryan goes for a pin. 1….2….kickout by Beast.]

MN: Holy crap… did you just see that???

DT: Ryan’s a versatile man, Mike. He’s also been known to do a normal moonsault as well.

MN: Yeah… but HOLY CRAP.

[Ryan breathes heavily as he attempts to hoist Beast back up. He positions him for a suplex, then lifts him high into the air, slamming the big man down to the mat with as much force as possible. He goes for another quick cover. 1….2….kickout by Beast.]

DT: It’s never say die for Beast!

MN: Man, I’m tellin’ ya, these guys scare the living crap out of me.

[Ryan lifts Beast up sets him between his legs. Then he heaves Beast up onto his shoulders, only to receive a few punches to the face. Ryan falls backwards, and Beast comes crashing down on top of him in a sitting position. Beast hooks the leg for the cover. 1…. 2…. Kickout by Ryan.]

DT: This one’s going back and forth, Mike…

MN: Your guess is as good as mine as to who’s gonna’ win, Davey.

[Suddenly, Beast applies a sleeper hold to the fallen Ryan, and cinches it in as tightly as he can. Ryan struggles to free himself, but Beast draws him back to the center of the ring. He wears Ryan down, pushing his foot into the back of Dan’s leg. Once on the mat, Beast works even harder to ensure that Ryan’s not going anywhere. The ref goes over to Ryan, who’s eyes are slowly closing. The ref raises Ryan’s hand in the air, then drops it to the mat. He signals one to the crowd. He does this again, and the hand drops. He goes for a third time. The camera changes to a shot of Ryan’s face as his hand is raised, and we can see him smile right before he drops his hand to the mat. The referee calls for the bell, and the match is rewarded to Beast. The fans are going crazy…]

DT: Did you see that??? Did you just see that??? I think Ryan just let his hand drop on purpose!

MN: What? Nooo… why… uh… what?

WINNER: BEAST

[Beast gets up to celebrate, unaware of what just happened. Ryan gets up behind him as well, crossing his arms. Beast turns around to look at Ryan, and notices the replay of what just happened on the big screen behind him. The fans in attendance start to boo at Ryan as the entire replay rolls through. Ryan stands there with a huge smirk on his face, staring directly into the eyes of Beast, who is visibly aggravated. Beast starts to show signs of anger, clenching his fists together, but Ryan is quick to roll out of the ring and walk to the back. He walks up the ramp backwards as Beast’s music plays over the speakers, clapping for the big man still in the ring. He flashes a thumbs up sign, then walks back through the curtain, the whole time the fans booing him wildly. Beast stands enraged in the center of the ring.]

DT: What the hell just happened??? Folks… I’m sorry… but we’re out of time!!

MN: Did we just get jipped?

DT: We were all just fooled by that damn Dan Ryan!!

MN: I’m lost….

[Fade to black as the Empire Pro copyright information comes on the screen.]
 

DBrunkGXW

Consigliere
Joined
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Messages
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Age
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Location
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Beast vs. Adam Benjamin – Aggression 18

DT: Alright, Empire Pro fans, we're back from commercial, and quite frankly, I needed the break.

DM: That last bit too much for you, Thomas?

DT: I don't know how to explain it, but...

MN: (handing Thomas something) Here you can use my rag. This part right here is still clean.

DT: AHHRRG!

MN: What??

DT: You’re truly disgusting. You know that, right?

MN: Magic happens when it's a fine woman like that comes out, baby! Even if she's with Big Loafy.

DT: Whatever you say, Neely, but I'm geared up for this next match. Folks, it's time for Benjamin/Beast III, and this is a match that many have been waiting for for quite some time.

MN: You mean people are actually interested in seeing Big Loafy wrestle? You gotta be kidding me!

DM: Actually, I'm with Dave on this one. These two men have met twice before, both times while Beast held the EPW World Heavyweight Championship, and both matches were classic wrestling matches with fantastic action. These two are gold in the ring together.

DT: That's exactly what I was getting at. Let's go down to the ring to Tony Fatora, and let's get this one started!

(The camera cuts to the ring with Tony Fatora holding a microphone. He takes his finger off of his ear piece, and raises his mic.)

TF: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is scheduled for one fall.

(CUE UP: "Lose Yourself" by Eminem.

The crowd lets out a big round of cheers as "Yours Truly" Adam Benjamin makes his way slowly to the ring. Adam is wearing two English flag bandanas - one that covers his head and the other that covers the lower part of his face revealing only his stone cold eyes. The camera picks up a sign from a fan in the front row that says "WELCOME BACK, ADAM!")

TF: Introducing first... he hails from the United Kingdom, standing six feet, four inches tall. He weighs in at two hundred and forty five pounds... he was the inaugural EPW Intercontinental Champion... he is... ADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM BENNNNNNNNJAMIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNN!!

MN: I don't know about you guys, but I think Adam's finally due to beat Loafy. He's taken him so far in the last two outings, coming SO close to winning the EPW World Heavyweight Championship, and this match, while not for the title, has got to feel like some measure of vengeance for Benjamin.

DM: Neely, are you feeling ok today?

MN: Yes, why?

DM: That was actually very insightful. And unexpected, coming from you.

MN: I'm not JUST about the good looks, you know.

DT: Obviously, Neely, but regardless, you're absolutely right. Benjamin has GOT to shake the Beast from his back, and you might be right - Adam's coming back from a bit of a break. He says he's fresh, focused, and ready. He'll be giving it all to Beast tonight.

(Adam makes his way into the ring and stands firm in his corner waiting for the bell to ring.)

TF: And, his opponent...

(The sound of chanting monks fill the arena, and the crowd gets to its feet.

CUE UP: "Figured You Out" by Nickelback. Beast steps out onto the stage area, accompanied by his lovely girlfriend Jessica , and the crowd lets out a thunderous pop! Beast takes a moment to acknowledge his fans before continuing down the ramp to the ring.)

MN: Wow, is she HOT! You know what I'd do to her? I'd-

DT: Not on a family show, you wouldn't. Besides, I'd think Beast would kick your ass. Beast looks focused, guys, and with good reason. He needs to come out and impress Dan Ryan to get another shot at the title that he was screwed out of by Lindsay Troy at Russian Roulette.

DM: And that's why I think that Beast is going to come out on top of this one tonight, guys. Not only is he fighting for himself, but he really wants to stick it to Dan Ryan, and I think we're going to see Beast take this match tonight. That being said, it's going to be a wicked match.

(Beast and Jessica get to ringside, and Beast steps up to the apron, and holds the ropes open for Jessica, who enters the ring. Beast follows, and turns and raises his arms to the crowd, which gets him another round of cheers. The official takes a couple moments to talk to both men, and then Jessica leaves the ring as the official calls for the bell!

SFX: DING! DING!)

DT: Alright folks! Beast/Benjamin III is about to happen! Hang on to your seats!

(Beast and Benjamin come out of their corners, and start circling slowly around the ring. The two men then stop, wiggling fingers in preparation, then lock up like a couple of rams colliding in the mountains.)

MN: Have you ever felt the ring move when two guys locked up before?

(Beast and Benjamin each struggle for the advantage, but Benjamin suddenly makes a standing switch, and tries to take Beast down, yet the former Champion swings a couple of back elbows to try and get Benjamin off of him. Benjamin ducks the elbows and lets go of the waist lock to get out of trouble, and the two men spin around and face each other and stare each other down.)

DM: There's a stalemate to start things off!

(Beast and Benjamin stare each other down again, each man looking for a hole to break through, and they move to lock up again, but this time it's Benjamin who reaches and out and takes Beast down with an arm drag. Beast crashes to the mat, and immediately gets to one knee, looking at Benjamin. Beast gets back to his feet, and once again, stares at Benjamin. Jessica claps her hands on the outside, and Beast and Benjamin head in for another lock up, and this time Benjamin sidesteps and takes Beast over with a hip toss!)

DT: But Beast gets right back up, and there's another arm drag from Benjamin! Beast is back to his feet! Another arm drag! Beast is up again! A THIRD arm drag from Benjamin!

DM: There's a leg drop from Benjamin, and he goes for a quick cover!

ONE!

DT: WHOA! Beast just pressed Benjamin three feet into the air! What a kickout!

DM: There's no way Benjamin is beating Beast with that. We've seen Beast take pounding after pounding, and the man just doesn't quit. You're going to need much, much more to beat him. But Benjamin just made a statement there, folks! He just told Beast that he's here to wrestle and wrestle hard, and you'd better keep up!

DT: I'm thinking Benjamin was trying to surprise Beast and throw him off his game, and Dean, it almost worked!

MN: That would have been awesome to see Benji beat Big Loafy in under a minute!

(The crowd cheers as Beast presses Benjamin off of him, and both men quickly get to their feet. Beast looks surprised, and Benjamin has a small smirk on his face. Beast smirks back, and motions for Benjamin to bring it on. The two men lock up again, and this time they struggle for position for several moments, before Beast rears back and shoves Benjamin to the canvas!)

DT: And there's a power display from the former World Champion!

DM: Beast's a strong boy. There's only a couple men here that could match him, I think.

MN: But it looks like Benji's going to try again!

(The two men lock up again, one more time working for position, and once again, Beast rears back with a growl and shoves Benjamin to the canvas, and Benjamin bounces and rolls over backwards! Benjamin immediately gets to his feet and charges Beast, but Beast manages to scoop Benjamin up and slam him down to the canvas hard! Benjamin bounces into a sitting position and clutches his back, his face showing a little discomfort, but the Englishman still manages to get right back to his feet. Now it's Beast's turn to smirk at Benjamin!)

DT: And I'm guessing that's Beast speaking back to Benjamin, Dean?

DM: That's exactly right, Dave! Beast just told Benjamin that he's bigger and stronger, and if you want to play that game, I'll drive you through the canvas. You'd better find another way!

(Beast and Benjamin walk to the center of the ring, and rather than lock up, the two men start talking a bit of trash back and forth. The two continue on for several moments as the crowd buzzes, wondering when they're going to explode, then Benjamin points to the ropes. Beast smiles and points to the opposite ropes. Adam nods, and both men take off, Benjamin takes off and hits the ropes, and Beast follows suit, heading 90 degrees to the opposite ropes, and both men are charging across the ring!)

DM: OLD SCHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

DT: It's an old fashioned criss cross!

(The crowd follows Dean's lead and lets out a big yell of "OLD SCHOOL!" as Beast and Benjamin run the ropes. They make several passes, and suddenly Benjamin staggers his steps a bit, setting his timing, and then leaps to the top rope and springboards back, twisting through the air, and the crowd cheers as he levels Beast with a monster dropkick!)

DT: What a maneuver from Adam Benjamin! I don't think I've ever seen anything like that before!

MN: Who thought we'd ever see that from an Englishman?

DT: Beast gets back to his feet now, and Benjamin charges in with a clothesline! Beast ducks! Benjamin hits the brakes and throws a back kick at Beast! Beast catches Benjamin's foot, and looks to go for an ankle lock, but Benjamin twists and pushes Beast away with his feet! Benjamin gets back to a vertical base! Beast with a kick to Benjamin's guts, and hoists him up - powerbomb on the way! NO!! Benjamin held on to Beast's head! There's a couple punches from Benjamin! Benjamin staggers the big man! Benjamin flips backward, looking for a hurricanrana, but Beast holds on and places Benjamin into a Boston crab! Outstanding!

DM: What a display of back and forth action between these two!

(The crowd pops at the display from the two men, and Benjamin's yells of pain begin to fill the arena, and the official leaps into position to see if Benjamin wants to submit! But he doesn't, and soon manages to break the hold by grabbing on to the bottom rope! The official asks Beast to break the hold, and Beast gets to his feet, and lets go long enough to break, but then grabs Benjamin's foot again and yanks him away from the ropes, yet Benjamin manages to hop up to his foot, and stands there with Beast holding his foot. Benjamin leaps into the air...)

DT: HUGE enziguri from Benjamin!

Beast falls to his knees, then collapses on the canvas, and Benjamin goes for a pin!

ONE!

TWO!

DT: Beast with another strong kickout!

DM: This is looking to be a hell of a match guys. Every time Beast knocks Benjamin down, he gets back and finds a way to take over. But every time Benjamin gets a hold of Beast, Loafy finds a way to wrestle toe-to-toe with Benjamin and ends up taking over himself!

(As Beast gets back to his feet, Benjamin nails him with a chop, and Beast clutches at his chest as the crowd yells WHOOOOO! Benjamin lands a couple more chops that drives Beast back to the corner, where Benjamin follows him in and lands a monster European uppercut that stuns the big man. Benjamin leaps up to the second rope, and starts landing a series of shots to Beast's forehead! The crowd counts along as Benjamin pounds away at Beast!

ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!

Beast wobbles a bit in the corner...)

DT: WHAT A TORNADO DDT OUT OF THE CORNER BY BENJAMIN!! THERE'S A COVER!

ONE!

TWO!!

DT: KICKOUT!

DM: And Beast kicks out again! Benjamin pulls Beast to his feet, and nails a couple right hands, then steps back and nails Beast with a clothesline!

DT: But Beast doesn't go down!

DM: There's another clothesline! Beast is back to the ropes! Benjamin steps back as Beast leans on the ropes, a small look of frustration on his face, and Benjamin charges and nails a third clothesline, and he knocks Beast over the top, and the big man crashes to the floor outside!

MN: Benji almost took his freakin' head off!

DT: I might be mistaken, but I think Benjamin's starting to feel a little frustrated here.

DM: You might be right, Dave. He's not looking too happy, about Beast stalemating him or besting him in some of these exchanges.

(On the outside of the ring, Benjamin follows Beast out to the floor, and pulls the former EPW Champion to his feet, and slams his head down into the ring apron! Beast bounces off, and Benjamin grabs him by the hair, and once again slams Beast's head into the ring apron! Beast bounces off the apron again, and Benjamin whips Beast into the steel ring post! The crowd OOOOOOOOH's as Beast slams into the post and collapses onto the floor!)

DT: This is a little unorthodox from Benjamin, guys. We rarely see him take it outside the ring.

DM: I think that he knows he has to wear Beast down quite a bit if he's going to beat him. Benjamin rolls Beast back into the ring at the count of 8, and rolls in himself. Benjamin then heads for the corner, and gets up to the top rope. As Beast slowly pulls himself back to his feet, Benjamin flies off the top rope, and absolutely drills Beast in the face with a flying reverse elbow!

DT: Beast is down! And here's a pin by Benjamin!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!!!

DT: NO!! BEAST KICKED OUT!

The crowd cheers and Jessica celebrates as Beast kicks out!

DM: Man, that was close!

(Benjamin looks up at the official and holds up three fingers, symbolizing the three count, but the ref shakes his head no, he definitely saw Beast's shoulder come up off the mat! Benjamin slaps the mat, and pulls Beast up to his feet again. Benjamin starts hitting some chops, once again drawing WHOOOO's from the crowd!)

DM: You can hear those shots all through the arena!

DT: Benjamin's hitting hard, tonight! But wait a minute, what's going on here?

(All attention turns to the top of the ramp as EPW Owner Dan Ryan has appeared, and he makes his way down the ramp!)

MN: It's the big boss hoss!

DT: Most likely come to see Beast perform and see if he's deserving of that title rematch!

(Ryan reaches ringside just as Benjamin whips Beast to the ropes, and hits an outstanding overhead capture suplex!)

DM: You've gotta be kidding me! Benjamin just tossed Beast three quarters of the way across the ring! What a maneuver!

DT: And there's a low dropkick right to Beast's face as he's seated!

MN: There's a hook of a leg! Loafy's done!

ONE!

TWO!

THR-KICKOUT!!

(The crowd cheers as Beast kicks out! Jessica is shown clapping her hands, as is Dan Ryan, although the look on his face is very serious. Benjamin then returns to his feet and stomps away at the back of Beast's head and neck, before picking up the former Champion, and planting him right back into the canvas with a front Russian leg sweep! Benjamin pulls Beast up again, and grabbing his head, slowly turns him around, readying for a Rick Rude-style neckbreaker.)

DT: Benji's really targeting the head and neck of Beast right now!

DM: He may figure that the only way to beat Beast is to knock him silly long enough to get the pin!

(Benjamin finally gets Beast into position, but suddenly Beast reaches up and grabs Benjamin's arm! He starts pushing Benjamin's arm away, yet Benji fights to keep his hold on Beast's head! The crowd gets behind Beast, as does Jessica and Dan Ryan, who are all stamping the floor, and the arena thunders as everyone urges Beast to get out of the maneuver!)

MN: I think I'm gonna be sick. All these people cheering for Loafy.

DT: Beast is still trying to power his way out of this to avoid the big neckbreaker! He's got Benjamin's arm just above his own head, his arm trembling with the effort!

DM: Finally, Beast pushes Benjamin's arm away! This crowd is going nuts!

(Beast shoves Benjamin's arm up and away, causing Benjamin to spin around. Beast punches Benjamin in the face, and the crowd pops as Beast levels Benjamin with a stiff, stiff clothesline!)

DT: And both men are down! The official is administering the count!

ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN!

DM: They're both up! Benjamin takes a swing at Beast, but Beast blocks it! He fired back with one of his own and snaps Benjamin's head back! A second shot by Beast! A third! A fourth! Beast whips Benjamin into the ropes, and the crowd cheers as the new age technician rebounds right into an old age big boot from Beast!

DT: Benjamin eats a size 16 leather sandwich, and he's down!

(Beast pulls Benajmin up, and executes a picture perfect stalling suplex! He continues his offense by bringing Benjamin back up and whipping him to the ropes. Benjamin rebounds right into a huge sidewalk slam from Beast! Beast shouts out to the crowd, who cheer back as he pulls Benjamin up, wraps his arms around him, and hoists him up...)

DM: Oh man, what a monster back breaker there from Beast! He's concentrating on Benjamin's back, to try and take away some strength and flexibility that aids Benjamin in that pure wrestling style of his!

DT: Wait, there's Beast with a cover!

MN: NO!

ONE!

TWO!

DT: KICKOUT! Benjamin kicks out!

(Beast gets to his feet and backs away across the ring, getting into a crouch position as he waits for Benjamin to rise. The crowd starts buzzing, as they know what's coming up next! Beast yells at Benjamin to get up, and as he does, Beast explodes across the ring and the crowd erupts into cheers as he spears Benjamin violently down to the canvas!)

DT: GORE!! GORE!! GORE!!

DM: Beast nearly cut Benjamin right in half with that spear!

DT: There's a cover! This one's gotta be over!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DT: NO!!! NO!!! ADAM BENJAMIN KICKED OUT! HE KICKED OUT!

MN: Big Daddy E is still in this one!

(Beast pulls Benjamin to his feet, and whips him to the ropes. Benjamin rebounds, and leaps through the air...)

DT: FLYING FOREARM!

DM: BUT BEAST DUCKED!

MN: BIG DADDY JUST WIPED OUT THE REFEREE!

DT: BEAST BOOTS BENJAMIN IN THE GUTS!! OHHHH NOOOOOOO!!! WHAT A POWEROMB!!

DM: I think there's an indent in the mat where Beast just planted Benjamin!

DT: But Beast doesn't know the referee's out! He's making the pin!

But there's no count, so the crowd counts!

ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Beast then realizes that there's no official, so he gets up and looks around. Seeing the official sprawled out in the corner, and he goes to check on him. As he does, Dan Ryan reaches into his pocket, and throws a rolled up chain into the ring!

DT: Uh-oh, looks like Dan Ryan is continuing to press Beast into "doing what it takes!"

(Beast turns around to go back to Benjamin, and then sees Dan Ryan at ringside - and the chain lying a couple feet away. Dan and Beast stare at each other a moment, then Beast watches as Dan Ryan's eyes move slowly over to the chain, and then back to Beast. Beast looks at the chain, and back to Ryan, and over to Benjamin. Beast then looks back to Ryan, and shakes his head. Ryan points at the chain and tells Beast to use it on Benjamin!)

DT: And here we go guys! Dan Ryan still is after Beast to take advantage of his situations, but Beast continues to refuse to have anything to do with it!

MN: Is Beast stupid or what? He'll get what he wants if plays ball with Ryan! I don't understand!

DM: Some people just won't sell out, Neely, but I guess we discovered that you have a pretty low sale price.

MN: You'd be surprised what I'd do if I was a wrestler and had a World Title shot being dangled like a carrot in front of my face.

DT: Wait a minute, guys! Take a look at what's going on inside the ring!

(Back inside the sqaured circle, Benjamin has gotten back to his feet, and grabbed the chain off the canvas that Dan Ryan had thrown there earlier, and is now wrapping the chain around his fist! Jessica is yelling at Beast to turn around, and the crowd is yelling as well. Beast turns around, but it's too late! Benjamin cocks his hand back, and nails Beast right between the eyes!)

MN: YEAH BENJI!!

DM: WHOA! BEAST WENT DOWN LIKE HE'S BEEN SHOT!

(The crowd erupts into boos, and Benjamin unwraps the chain from his hand, and tosses it out of the ring! He stands over Beast, just looking down at him! Beast is split open, a rivulet of blood running down his face!)

MN: There, Beast! That's how you get things done! Get the official, Benjamin!

(Benjamin stands there a couple moments longer, looking down at his hand, as if he's thinking about what he's done, but he soon pushes the thoughts aside, and heads over to revive the official! With a couple slaps to the face, Benjamin gets the official to stir, and point over at Beast! The ref nods, and Benjamin goes to make a rather nonchalant cover, lying with his back over Beast's chest! The official shakes out the cobwebs, and begins to crawl across the ring to make the count!)

DT: DON'T LET THIS MATCH END LIKE THIS!

(The official reaches Beast and Benjamin, and slowly raises a hand to make a count! Benjamin pumps his fist in the air with each slap of the official's hand!)

OOOOOOOOOOONE!

MN: SLOW COUNT!

TWOOOOOOOOOOO!

MN: COUNT FASTER!

THREE!!!!!!!!!!!

DT: NO!!! NO!!!! NO!!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, BEAST KICKED OUT!!! BEAST KICKED OUT!!!!

(The sold out crowd leaps to their feet and a thunderous pop fills the arena! Jessica wipes away tears as Beast just barely gets the shoulder up!)

MN: HOW IN THE (FCC) DID HE DO THAT?!??!?!

DM: Good thing the censors are on the ball tonight!

(Benjamin rolls over to his knees, and slaps the mat three times, and holds three fingers up to the official! The official holds up two fingers, and simulates getting his shoulder off the mat! Benjamin gets to his feet and grabs the official by the scruff of his shirt with both hands, and starts yelling at him about the slow count! The official tries to explain that he was knocked out, and did his best!)

DT: Oh, this is just wrong!

DM: Folks, I believe we're seeing the systematic destruction of Adam Benjamin.

(Benjamin shoves the official back, as Dan Ryan looks on with interest, and Benjamin turns around and puts his hands to his head, and stomps around the ring for a moment, before sliding under the bottom rope and out of the ring.)

DT: What's he up to now?

(Benjamin heads over to the time keepers' table and shoves the time keeper off his chair, and takes the chair and heads back towards the ring. He slides under the bottom rope with the chair, and heads back towards Beast. The official starts yelling at Benjamin not to use the chair, cause if he does, he'll be disqualified!)

DM: Adam Benjamin has a decision to make here, guys! Either toss the chair and try and finish the match, or use it and get disqualified! Perhaps even fined for such a blatant disregard for the rules!

(The crowd starts yelling at Benjamin to not use the chair, and Jessica pleads with him from the arena floor to not hit Beast!)

DT: DON'T DO IT BENJI!

MN: WAFFLE BIG LOAFY! DO IT!

(Back in the ring, Beast starts to get to his feet, and Benjamin winds up with the chair, and thinks about it for a moment...)

DT: What's he gonna-

CRACK!!

DT: YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!

MN: YES!! YES!!

(The fans leap to their feet and fill the arena with boos!)

DM: ADAM BENJAMIN JUST WAFFLED BEAST WITH THAT STEEL CHAIR!!!

SFX: DING! DING!

DT: And the official has just disqualified Adam Benjamin!

TF: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match... by disqualification... BEAST!!!

(Dan Ryan stands shocked on the outside of the ring, and Benjamin stands over Beast, still holding the chair in his hands.)

DT: Adam Benjamin, you filthy sonofa-

CRACK!!

DT: HE JUST NAILED BEAST AGAIN WITH THAT CHAIR!!

MN: I LOVE ADAM BENJAMIN!

CRACK!!!

MN: MWEEEHEEHEEEEEEE!!!

DM: HE NAILED HIM AGAIN!

DT: ADAM BENJAMIN HAS JUST SNAPPED AND BEAST IS BLEEDING LIKE A STUCK PIG!!

SFX: DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!

(The boos in the arena intensify five-fold, and Jessica has had enough! Jessica slides into the ring, and just as Benjamin winds up to deliver another shot, Jessica throws herself on top of Beast, attempting to shield him with her body! Benjamin hesitates for a moment, then yells at her to get out of the way, but she refuses! Benjamin has had enough, and he grabs Jessica by the arm, and pulls her off of Beast and up to her feet! Jessica pleads with Benjamin not to do any further damage! Benjamin steps back...

CRAACCCKKKKK!!!)

CROWD: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

DT: THE SONOFA***** JUST NAILED THE LOVELY JESSICA WITH THAT STEEL CHAIR!!

MN: ADAM'S MY NEW HERO!!

DT: This is just sick!! What the hell has gotten into Adam Benjamin?!?!

SFX: DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!

(Suddenly, a swarm of officials come roaring out of the back and come racing down the ramp! Benjamin slowly backs away as the officials hit the ring and swarm him to keep him from attacking any further!)

DT: Look at the chaos in the ring! Beast is out cold! Jessica isn't moving! Beast's entire face is covered in blood! Adam Benjamin has made a statement here tonight! Folks, I hate to leave this scene, but we've got to go to commercial! And it's about time! Back right after this!

(Cue up a commercial for the movie of the week, "Their Eyes Were Watching My Godmother's Bust.")
 

DBrunkGXW

Consigliere
Joined
Sep 11, 1997
Messages
4,815
Points
36
Age
48
Location
Katy, TX
Lindsay Troy [c] vs. Kin Hiroshi – Aggression 26 - EPW World Title

KARL BROWN: I still can’t believe this one was on the same show as IrishRed against Wong Pei! It was another main event on Aggression that I think almost any fan would’ve gladly paid to see main event Unleashed. It was a weird dynamic, Kin was like me normally the smaller one in a match but he got a chance to show his strength off, and Lindsay’s Lindsay. I remember she was in the story with Windham, and I actually laughed at Neely early on. Rare for me to laugh at him [he laughs]

Anyways, they made a quick start which you’d expect from these two. I loved how Kin used some pretty original counters, like the Samoan Drop out of the armbar he was in. You also got a real sense of urgency, wanting to win as soon as he could with three very early quick covers. Lindsay taking control off the leg-trip was good, but I felt a little early. I’d’ve liked to see her in trouble a bit more there. Nice Indian Death lock, though, we don’t see that on it’s own anywhere near enough.

Some very high impact moves in this one, too. One thing I know from working with both of them is that they will hit you hard – not to hurt you but just make it look real. I love that style even if it leaves you sore the next morning, and Kin hitting the leg lariat in the corner? You can tell Lindsay was a little winded there.

One thing I really liked, that I think Dean picked up on, was how they built the match around Kin taking Lindsay’s aerial game out by targeting her back. Not many people can do that as you tend to think the leg’ll be the focus but the back’s just as important.

You got some real speed treats in this one, too. I think Lindsay and Kin put on one of the best non-mega-spot filled athletic matches. The nearfalls sequence towards the end and the sudden suplex meant Kin ended up looking good even with the loss and it showed that Lindsay had some tricks up her sleeve. A lot of times you see finishers always ending matches but this one didn’t have any. Some people might not’ve liked the ending but, different opinions.

~~~
DT: We’re back and it’s time for the main event.

DM: This is big, and with what took place just moments ago it takes on extra significance.

DT: Let’s go up to the ring to Tony Fatora!

TONY FATORA: The following main event contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the Empire Pro Wrestling WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, the challenger.

[CUE UP: “Sigillum Diaboli” by HIM]

TONY FATORA: Weighing in at two hundred and thirty five pounds, he hails from Tokyo, Japan, and is the current Number One Contender to the World Heavyweight Championship… KIIIIIN… HHHHIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOSSSSSHHHHHHIIIII!!!

DT: Here he is, the man who came oh so close at Unleashed to walking away with it all, getting another chance at the title. Listen to this reaction!

MN: No way he’ll win - he can’t even get the company’s name right!

DM: And he’s almost as big a suck-up as Mike is.

MN: HE IS NOT!... erm… I AM NOT!

DM: Sure.

[CUE UP: “Chip Away the Stone” by Aerosmith]

TONY FATORA: And the opponent, weighing in at one hundred and seventy three pounds, she hails from Tampa, Florida, and is the REIGNING and DEFENDING EMPIRE PRO WRESTLING WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION… THE QUEEN OF THE RING… LLLLLLIIIINNNNNNDDDDSSSAAAAAYYYY… TTTTTTTTRRRRROOOOOOOOOOYYYYYYYYYY!!

MN: Windham.

DT: Listen to this reaction for the champion! The crowd on their feet as Lindsay Troy

MN: Windham.

DT: makes her way to the ring.

DM: Keep saying “Windham” and she’ll kill you, you know.

MN: But she is married to him.

DT: For how much longer remains to be seen, but Lindsay’s got to put that out of her mind right now, as Kin Hiroshi is one tough competitor, and he’s not going to go down without a fight. But you gotta wonder how much that last encounter with the Highland Park Social Club took out of the champion.

DM: If I know Lindsay, she’s not going to let what’s going on outside distract her - she might even imagine that she’s in there with Troy Windham and take out even more of her aggression.

MN: So she’s fantasizing about him as well as sharing his bed? Joey Melton’s not gonna like that.

DM: Sometimes, I wonder about you, Mike.

DT: Well, we don’t have to worry about the match, as there’s the bell, and Kin Hiroshi charged straight in with a shoulder block! Lindsay Troy back up, and Hiroshi with a side headlock, but Lindsay quickly sending him off the ropes, and a BIG leg lariat to take him down! Picking him up, hard slam, and a running Senton splash!

One…

TWO!!

Kickout by Hiroshi, and Lindsay Troy is really going full out here, not giving him any chance to rest as she goes for a snapmare takedown!

DM: Hiroshi rolling out of the headlock into an arm bar, and he’s going to look to slow this match down a little, keep Lindsay grounded.

DT: Lindsay Troy in the arm bar, but she’s back on her feet, slapping her shoulder… forward backward NICE counter to flip out of the hold, and she takes Hiroshi down with an arm-wringer! Fast paced action here in the opening seconds of this match, and it’s Lindsay Troy in control with an arm-bar now!

MN: …

DM: No comment from you, Mike?

MN: How quick were they moving?

DT: Very. These two are trained athletes, both very proficient in different disciplines, and giving us so far an entertaining match up. Kin Hiroshi in trouble on the canvas though, as Lindsay’s pulling back on the arm.

DM: When you get two people as good as these two, the match can either be very long, or very short - one mistake can be huge in this match.

DT: I can’t see either making many mistakes tonight though. Kin getting to his feet, still in the arm bar, but he’s turned in to face Troy

MN: Windham.

DT: Thanks Mike. Kin Hiroshi pushing Lindsay’s chin back, trying to force her to the ropes… NO! Kin Hiroshi ducks down quickly, hoists Lindsay onto his shoulders, and just DRIVES her down with a Samoan Drop!

DM: Nice move there! He made her think he was trying to sling-shot her off the ropes, so she wasn’t expecting to have the wind driven out of her by two hundred and thirty five pounds of Kin Hiroshi against her torso.

DT: Hiroshi is not relenting though! This title opportunity means a lot to him, so he’s right back on the attack with that scoop slam into a cover.

One…

TWO!!

No! Lindsay Troy kicking out with ease at the two there, but Hiroshi just drops his fist straight down across her forehead before she can get to her feet! The cover again

TWO!

Another kickout by the champion. Hiroshi is in total control right now!

DM: And he’ll stay there for a while if he keeps hitting moves like that. BIG brainbuster on the champion!

DT: One…

TWO!!

Another kickout by Lindsay Troy!

DM: All these kickouts are just going to wear her down. Kin’s been smart in keeping her away from the ropes - it takes more energy to kick out than to slide your foot under the bottom rope.

MN: The kind of thing a weakling champion would do.

DT: Lindsay Troy is not a weakling champion, Mike.

MN: Windham. And she’s no REAL Troy Windham. Only a pretend Lindsay Troy-Windham.

DT: Whatever you say, Mike. Kin Hiroshi picking Lindsay up again, but Lindsay with a single-leg take down! Locking in a leg-lock on the canvas, I don’t think Kin was expecting that, Dean.

DM: Definitely not. Just like how Hiroshi tricked Lindsay into thinking he was going to send her off the ropes before he used a Samoan Drop, Lindsay Troy was limp when Kin was picking her up, but used that to get close enough to take him down into a leg lock. The crowd are showing their appreciation right now with Lindsay in control, but this has been a fast paced match so far. I wonder how long they can keep it up.

DT: I don’t know that, but Lindsay Troy is cinching in that leg lock - look at the grimace on Kin Hiroshi’s face! Lindsay with her legs locked around Kin’s, and the former Muffin company owner is in a lot of pain out there!

One…

TWO!!

No! Kin Hiroshi letting his shoulders touch the canvas there, and almost getting pinned because of the pain!

DM: That’s a very real threat in a lot of submission holds - people don’t realise that. I’ve seen people pinned from here more times than I care to count.

DT: Hiroshi is trying to get out of this hold, grabbing a handful of hair, but senior referee Pat Jones is right there to stop it. Hiroshi laying back, but it looks like Lindsay’s switching the hold. She’s let go of the leg, only to move herself to the other side of it and reapply it.

DM: Just wait a second.

DT: Lindsay Troy grabbing the other leg of Hiroshi, wrapping it over his own ankle?

DM: Wait for it.

DT: AND SHE’S SWITCHED POSITIONS! INDIAN DEATHLOCK ON KIN HIROSHI!

DM: Told you. Lindsay saw she wasn’t going to get the submission through the leg-lock, so she’s trying an Indian Deathlock. You’d normally see this hold as a reversal of the figure four, but this way she’s also got the chance of getting a pinfall.

DT: Hiroshi is yelling at the ref that he’s not going to give up, but he’s yelling even more when Lindsay slaps her hand down on her leg, tightening the hold for a split second!

DM: It’s one of the most painful holds there is, but it’s not as simple to put on as, say, a sharpshooter. More often than not, it’s taught as I said for getting out of a figure four.

DT: I can tell from here that it hurts, but Kin Hiroshi is still not going to give up!

MN: But he’s fighting a Windham! A TROY-Windham! He won’t have a choice.

DT: I sure hope for your sake Lindsay doesn’t watch this match back later. Lindsay Troy leaning over Hiroshi now.

MN: *drool*

DT: And she’s released the deathlock to go into a side headlock on the canvas! Great switch there by the champ.

DM: And great timing there by the stage-hand to bring the tissue to the drooling Neels.

MN: HEY!!!!!

DT: Lindsay Troy trying to wrench the neck of Kin Hiroshi, but Hiroshi’s getting to his feet, and out of the hold with an arm-wringer! Lindsay got out of that hold earlier, but Kin’s not giving her the chance to this time, pushing her back to the ropes, hard Irish whip across the ring, and a duck down by Hiroshi. Lindsay Troy on the rebound, Hiroshi with the leap frog, Lindsay building up more momentum TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER!! LINDSAY TROY JUST BENT IN HALF ACROSS THE KNEE OF KIN HIROSHI!!

DM: VERY well executed move! He let her build up her speed off the ropes, and then used that to hit one of the best backbreakers I’ve seen in a long long time.

MN: That’s one way to slow her down.

DM: I think her flexibility will have taken some of the impact out of it, but it’s still got to have hurt.

DT: And Kin Hiroshi is using the time to shake his legs, get the blood flowing again, as he picks Lindsay Troy up, and nails her with a hard chop to the chest!

MN: She’s got padding.

DT: She’s really going to hurt you too. Hiroshi with Troy by the hair, forcing her back into the turnbuckle, and a knee to the gut doubling the champ up! Twisting the arm now, and an Irish whip across the ring! Troy landing hard in the corner, Hiroshi charging in AND CONNECTS WITH A SPINNING LEG LARIAT IN THE CORNER!

DM: Kin Hiroshi’s definitely going all out tonight to try and win, and who can blame him? In Empire Pro, there are that many great competitors you never know when your next chance will come. With the roll he’s on, Steven Shane could be in line for a title versus title shot.

MN: So could Wong Pei.

DT: I doubt that one, Mike, but Kin Hiroshi just dropped a knee across the throat of Lindsay Troy after she slumped out of the corner. Going for the cover

One…

TWO!!

KICKOUT just before Pat Jones could bring his hand down for the three count.

DM: High impact moves are a trait of Hiroshi’s, mixing in all the best wrestling styles from around the world in a unique style.

DT: It’s certainly unique, as he rolls Lindsay onto her stomach. Putting his knees in her back now… BOW AND ARROW SUBMISSION! BOW AND ARROW SUBMISSION! NO! Lindsay Troy was too close to the ropes as Hiroshi tried to lock in that bow and arrow. Pat Jones is calling for the break, and Hiroshi wisely releases the hold at the count of four.

MN: Of course - he can’t win the title if he’s DISQUALIFIED. Dork.

DM: Name calling aside though Mike, Kin Hiroshi is really in control right now, scooping Lindsay up and driving her down on her ribs across his knee.

DT: One

TWO!!

Kickout again by the champion, but you’ve got to wonder how much pain all these blows to the back are going to cause.

DM: A lot. What the added bonus is

DT: JACKHAMMER!

One…

TWO!!

Kickout! Sorry, Dean, you were saying?

DM: No problem. The more pain Lindsay’s back’s in, the less likely she’ll be to try an aerial move that requires a twist – twisting in mid-air will hurt her back more if it’s injured.

DT: And it certainly looks like Hiroshi is focusing on the back, as he rocks Lindsay with a right hand, and pulls her up in a bear-hug! Not normally something you’d expect from a two hundred thirty five pounder, but when your opponent is one hundred seventy, it’s probably very effective.

MN: And you say Lindsay will kill me if she replays this match – you just said she was a hundred seventy.

DT: Pounds, Mike. Pounds.

MN: Is that a new burger? To beat BK’s stacker quad?

DM: God, if you’re up there, please give Mike a sense of humour.

MN: I heard that.

DT: You’re not God, Mike. I think Lindsay might be asking for some help though, as for the last few minutes, Kin Hiroshi has been focusing on her back, trying to wear down the champion to the point she can’t walk without screaming!

DM: And he’s got that bearhug locked in tight. With Lindsay off the mat, he’s able to position his arms differently, increasing the pressure by driving his shoulder in her solar-plexus, with his fists squarely in her spine squeezing the air out. If you’ve ever been hit in the solar-plexus and lived, you know how painful it can be.

DT: Lindsay Troy trying desperately to take some deep breaths, but Kin’s just squeezing tighter and tighter. Is there any way out of this hold, Dean?

DM: A few, but the only one that might work for Lindsay right now depends on if she can release some of the pressure. I’m sure Lindsay knows how to get out of this one, but putting the theory into practice in wrestling is very difficult.

DT: Lindsay’s telling the referee she’s not going to call it quits, but Kin shifts her position back up – he’s not going to let go, is he?

DM: I don’t know. Mike thinks he’s God, ask him.

MN: Well *zap* OW!!!

DM: Well, that answers that question. Mike’s not God.

DT: But Lindsay Troy is starting to look out of it in there! She’s been in this hold a while now, and Hiroshi’s not letting up. The referee checking Troy’s arm… doesn’t drop, this match continues.

DM: Maybe she’s waiting on Kin to get sick of this hold. I’ve seen that done too.

DT: Kin Hiroshi shifting her weight again… LINDSAY WITH A DOUBLE HAND CLAP!! SHE’S FREE FROM THE BEARHUG! Quickly back off the ropes… OCTOPUS BY HIROSHI!! Just as she gets out of one submission hold, Kin Hiroshi just as quickly puts her in another one!

DM: It was a good move though – she felt Kin letting go to shift her weight, and clapped her hands behind him – her arms hitting the sides of his head caused him to let go. But the octopus submission… not the kind of hold you want to be put in after a bearhug.

MN: Looks like something out of the Karma Sutra. I bet Melton’s taking notes.

DM: It may look weird, but this variation of the abdominal stretch is no joke – apart from damaging the side, it works on the neck as well.

DT: But Hiroshi doesn’t seem able to apply much pressure!

DM: He’s a little off-balance – that’s the problem putting this hold on.

DT: Kin Hiroshi trying to pull back on Lindsay’s arm… no, he’s giving up. Looking for an Irish whip, reversal STRAIGHT INTO ANOTHER OCTOPUS! LINDSAY TROY RETURNING THE FAVOUR, and the crowd are going wild!

DM: Didn’t see that one coming.

DT: Lindsay Troy with the octopus on Kin Hiroshi, but Hiroshi’s trying to fight out of it… trips Lindsay by hooking her standing leg! Drops the elbow, but nobody home! Champion and challenger back to their feet, Troy with a kick to the gut… FISHERMAN’S BUSTER!!

One…

TWO!!

THNO!! Kin Hiroshi still with the wherewithal to kick out, and Lindsay Troy looks in bad shape!

DM: After all the punishment’s she’s had, I’m not surprised. Kin’s slow getting up though, still suffering the effects of that Indian deathlock earlier.

DT: Lindsay Troy trying to pull herself up using the ropes, but Hiroshi’s up first. Charging in… BACKDROP! NO!! Kin Hiroshi landed on the apron!! Troy turning round, and Hiroshi with a shoulder to the gut through the ropes! Hooks her in a front face lock… he’s not going for what I think he is is he?

DM: Looks like. If he hits it, I’ll put money on this match being over.

DT: Kin Hiroshi trying to SUPLEX the champ to the outside!! Lindsay blocks it, but Hiroshi trying again… blocked… Lindsay tries the suplex! Blocked by Hiroshi!! Hiroshi… almost… DROPKICK SENDS HIROSHI TO THE OUTSIDE!!

DM: Now’s the chance she’s been looking for!

DT: Lindsay Troy down on her knees in the ring, gasping for air, as Kin Hiroshi is out on the floor trying to shake the cobwebs from the picture perfect standing drop-kick to the jaw! Pat Jones asking Kin if he’s OK, and starts the count!

DM: Lindsay’s back to her feet – there’s a reason she’s only not won one match here since Russian Roulette, and a large part of it is her resilience.

DT: She’s breathing heavily though – no Mike.

MN: What?!?!

DT: I know you too well. Unfortunately. Pat Jones now up to five, and Kin’s leaning against the ring apron, trying to pull himself up. Lindsay charging in…

DM: Plancha time.

DT: NO IT’S NOT! Kin Hiroshi just dropkicked thin air, as Lindsay stops herself at the ropes! If she’d gone over she’d’ve been hit with a dropkick… PLANCHA!! Lindsay Troy with a plancha over the top rope after feinting it, putting Hiroshi off guard! What a match this is!

MN: The crowd sure like it, and so do I!

DT: Both competitors on the outside, but Lindsay’s up quickly! She’s still holding her back, but she picks up Hiroshi, tossing him back inside

MN: Oooooh yeeeeah!

DT: BAD MIKE!! Lindsay with the cover…

One…

TWO!!

KICKOUT! Kin Hiroshi STILL managing to kick out after a dropkick to the jaw and Air Lindsay!

DM: I want to know how much damage that did to Lindsay’s back though

DT: However much it did, she’s not slowing down. Picking Kin up, and a hard chop across the chest! A stinging right rocking him into the corner… hard Irish whip in… YAKUZA KICK in the corner! Lindsay Troy showing off her flexibility with that Yakuza Kick right in the corner, snapping Hiroshi’s head back!! Bringing Hiroshi out… DDT!! Floatsover

ONE!!!

TWO!!!!

THR…NO!! Pat Jones showing us just how close he was there, but no fall!

DM: After being spiked like that, most people would’ve lost. Shows the determination of Hiroshi tonight.

DT: Lindsay Troy though in control, pulling him to the centre of the ring by the leg… FIGURE FOUR!! Joey Melton’s signature move being applied by Lindsay Troy!

MN: Windham.

DT: Can it, Mike. Kin Hiroshi is screaming in there from the figure four!

DM: Going back to working on the legs - just as Kin thought his legs were safe, Lindsay goes right back with a very painful hold!

DT: Hiroshi’s grabbing at the ropes, but he’s in the middle of the ring! Kin Hiroshi trying to break the hold and keep his shoulders off the mat at the same time, but Lindsay’s just applying more and more pressure!

DM: His only hope is to turn it.

DT: I think he’s trying to, but Lindsay just applies more pressure to keep the hold locked in! Lindsay Troy now releasing the hold, but drives an elbow into the inner thigh of Hiroshi! I think she realised she wasn’t going to get the submission, as she’s now picking Kin up, and a quick kick to the gut there. THROWING him face first into the corner! Irish whip across the ring, charges in… MONKEYFLIP! NO!! Hiroshi able somehow to land on his feet! Hip toss by Hiroshi, Troy getting to her feet… HURRICANRANA BY THE CHALLENGER!!

One…

TWO!!

REVERSAL!

TWO!!

THRNO!! Kin Hiroshi kicking out of the reversal, and catches the champ with a standing drop kick!! How are these two still going at this pace?!?

DM: Adrenaline. You get a lot of it when you’re in the ring.

DT: Hiroshi stalking Lindsay… BIG gutwrench suplex.

One…

TWO!!

THRNO!!! Lindsay’s turn to kickout just before the three! Hiroshi picking Troy up, and he rocks her with a hard right hand! LINDSAY FIRES BACK!! Kin with a right… Lindsay with a right… Kin with a right BLOCKED!! Lindsay Troy fires back BUT IT’S BLOCKED!!

DM: Double Drop-kick!! Both had the same idea, and they both just hurt themselves when they landed from the double drop-kick! That’s one way to end a stalemate in a fist fight I suppose.

DT: Both competitors up to their feet, looking groggy out there now. Lindsay pushing Kin back to the ropes, Hiroshi with the reversal on the Irish whip, Lindsay ducks under the clothesline… SUNSET FLIP!!

ONE!!

TWO!!!

REVERSAL!!

ONE!!

TWO!!

REVERSED AGAIN!!

ONE!!!

TWO!!!

THREENO!!! Kin Hiroshi barely managing to get the shoulder up there!! How much longer can they keep going?

DM: Why do you keep asking that? It’ll go as long as it goes.

DT: Lindsay Troy picking Hiroshi up HARD RIGHT BY HIROSHI! Kin Hiroshi with Lindsay Troy in a standing headscissors HE’S SIGNALLING FOR N.F.M!!

DM: This’ll do it.

DT: Kin Hiroshi locking his arms around Lindsay… BACKDROP INTO A BRIDGE BY THE CHAMP!!

ONE!!!

TWO!!!

THREE!! THREE!! LINDSAY TROY HAS WON IT!!

[sfx: *ding ding ding ding*]

TONY FATORA: Th’ winner of this match… and STILL Empire Pro Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion… The Queen of the Ring…. LLLLLLLIIIIIIINNNNNDDDDDDSSSSAAAAAYYYYYY… TTTTTTTTTRRRRRRROOOOOOOYYYYYYYYYY!!

DT: Huge win for Lindsay Troy and she is still the World Heavyweight champion!! Look at this!!

[The camera catches Richard Farnswirth stepping out onto the stage just staring a hole in the champ. Troy just slaps the title around her waists and raises a middle finger….slowly to a big pop from the crowd. Farnswirth smirks and nods his head, backing off through the crowd. The camera focuses in on Lindsay Troy climbing the turnbuckles and gesturing to the crowd to a huge pop….]

[FADE TO BLACK – Copyright info.]
 

DBrunkGXW

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Forsaken [c] vs. Troy Douglas [c] and Larry Tact – Aggression 37 - World Tag Titles

[CUT TO: Copycat sitting in front of an EPW backdrop.]

COPYCAT: It's interesting just to see the makeup of this match. You've got an old hand in Troy Douglas. You've got Larry Tact and Felix Red, a couple of guys who've been doing this for a long time too, and then you've got a relative newcomer in the First. You'd never have guessed a year and a half ago that out of these four guys, it'd be the First who'd be one of the two hottest names in EPW, and that the other three of them would be gone. Also enjoyed the announcers referring to Tact as a newcomer – I know he was a newcomer to EPW at the time, but having known Larry for as long as I have, it's weird anytime I hear a guy like him referred to as a “newcomer.”

I was always impressed with how well the First fit himself into Felix's dynamic while still being able to do his own thing. Felix has a unique style about him, and when other guys try to work with that, they tend to do one of two things: imitate him exactly, either seriously or in parody, or just completely ignore what the guy is trying to do. I worked against Felix a few years back when he was teaming with three other guys, and he always seemed like the odd man out, the only one who couldn't really elucidate just why he wanted to destroy Copycat. They usually have such good reasons, you know? First played off him perfectly, and it's that sort of thing that you have to look closely at when you think about how far he's come in the last year and a half.

I like here how Larry is able to work that mat-based technical style on First. First is one of those guys who's always on his feet, and you can see in Larry's eyes how he's trying to keep First off his feet as best he can. Larry can work that style against anyone, obviously, but he does it so purposefully against First. It's funny, too, because I had a big match against Larry a few years back, and it's really a testament to how solid a technical foundation he has that he can work the same style against First that he worked against me – I was about 300 pounds at that point, which puts me up almost a buck-fifty on First, but Larry makes it look good either way.

You have Larry being reluctant to cooperate with Douglas here, and even though Douglas and Larry were never really on the same side here, you can sort of see in Larry's reluctance to tag Douglas in the sort of attitudes that would eventually form the foundation of Anthology – Larry is a seasoned guy, and he's saying Douglas isn't in his league, maybe even resenting a little that he's paired with him. Compare that to Larry's title shot alongside Jared Wells a few months later, and you can really see the difference in dynamics.

~~~
DT: Ladies and Gentleman, huge news for next week but we’re not done yet. Let’s go up to Tony Fatora….it’s MAIN EVENT TIME!!

MN: And it’s ANOTHER DAMN TAG MATCH!!

DT: Well what’s wrong with that? We’ve seen nothing but great tag team events all evening as a way of showcasing Empire Pro’s tag scene, but right now, we’re going to catch a glimpse of the CREAM OF THE CROP, as the vaunted Tag Team Champions, THE FORSAKEN, defend against the pairing of newcomer LARRY TACT and the Intercontinental Champion TROY DOUGLAS!

[Cut to the ring, where Tony Fatora is standing inside.]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen… our next event is a TAG TEAM MAIN EVENT for the EPW TAG TEAM TITLES!

[The lights begin flickering WILDLY as the opening beats of "Pieces" by Hoobastank sound throughout the arena.]

"TURN AROUND AND PICK UP THE PIECES!"

[A BURST of black and gold pyro goes off as Larry Tact steps through the entrance, observing momentarily before heading down the ramp.]

TF: Introducing first… from Manhattan, New York… he weighs in at 260 pounds… HE IS… LAAAAAARRRYYYY TTTAAAAAACCCTTT!!!

MN: The man is simply TACTILIZING!

DM: That’s not a word, Mike.

MN: Well, it oughta be!

DT: The highly acclaimed LARRY TACT had a successful debut at the last Aggression, and tonight he finds himself in the main event, amid the resurgence of Empire Pro’s tag team hooplah!

MN: I guess the man’s just destined for great things. Can I imagine him with EPW gold around his waist? I sure can.

DT: That dream might be a reality tonight, Mike. Who knows?

[Seeing a couple fans mouthing off along his way, he takes a moment to spit on his own hand before attempting to SLAP a couple fans across the face. Tact smirks, then proceeds to the ring steps and ascends them. He enters the ring and climbs a turnbuckle, pointing to himself and opening his arms to receive their reaction. Coming back down to the canvas, he stretches using the ropes. After a moment, “You Know My Name” by Chris Cornell hits the PA, and the booing fans are IMMEDIATELY CHEERING WILDLY!!]

TF: And his partner… hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, and weighing in at 260 pounds… he is the EPW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION… HE IS… TTTTRROOOOOOYYYY DOOOOOOUUUGGLAAAASSSS!!!

[Three LOUD CANNON BLASTS erupt on the stage, and as the smoke clears, Douglas BOUNDS onto the stage and pumping up the fans while bearing the IC Title around his waist! Slapping hands with his admirers by the barrier, he makes his way to the ring.]

DT: This capacity crowd is ON THEIR FEET, hailing the entrance of the Intercontinental Champion, TROY DOUGLAS!!

DM: He’s still hot after winning the IC Title at Black Dawn, and tonight, he may very well become a champion! Probably a good thing, because I recall his tag partner saying he was AFTER his Intercontinental Title!

DT: That should create an unusual dynamic between these two partners. Can they coexist to overcome the champions?

DM: Hard to say, Dave. Douglas and Tact have proven themselves as expert singles wrestlers, but against the team with the kind of hustle and cunning as the Forsaken? Let’s just hope they hit it off well.

[After stepping through the ropes, Douglas scales a couple turnbuckles to pose with the title around his waist through a handful of photo opportunities. When finished, he hands the belt off to the timekeeper outside and goes to his corner, greeting Tact for the first time. They exchange inaudible words before “Agenda Suicide [Fake Agenda Mix]” by The Faint hits the PA. While generally mixed, a very core following within the fans POP EXPLOSIVELY!]

TF: And their opponents… weighing in at a combined weight of 435 pounds… accompanied to the ring by GOTHOPOTIMUS, they are the EPW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS… please welcome, the team of THE FIRST and FELIX RED… THEEEE FOOOORRSSAAAAAAKKEEEEENNN!!!

[The First slinks out of the curtain first, hair spilling over his face while his head is hung low. Felix Red and Gotho soon follow him out, with Red interacting a bit more with the fans in his usual way.]

DT: Perhaps one of the more ALTERNATIVE teams to come through EPW’s ranks, yet very successful in the short time they’ve been around! Few believed the team of Felix Red and The First would carry the titles past Black Dawn, but they did, and are here to prove tonight that they STILL can!

DM: I gotta admit… while I’m not crazy about a brawler like Felix or a spot-monkey like The First, these two are a legitimately deadly duo. They don’t give off that “superstar” appeal that you see in most of today’s mainstream wrestling, and I think it’s that low-key approach that helps them succeed against such opponents.

MN: “Low-key?!” Man, just look at their HAIR!! There’s nothing low-key about that! Did security pat these guys down at the door? They might have concealed weapons!!

DT: Relax, Mike…

[The both slip into the ring, leaving Gotho on the outside, while The First pulls himself into the corner to sit and Felix sits on the adjacent turnbuckle, not really showing themselves off to the fans as the previous champion did. When the music ends, they go to their respective corner and hand the belts off to Pat Jones, who holds them high over his head and displays them to all four sides of the arena before handing them off the timekeeper. After both teams talk it over, Douglas and The First are left sharing the ring.]

DT: Looks like the Intercontinental Champion will start this one off while The First steps in on behalf the Forsaken.

MN: Great… Megatron versus that annoying kid who got banned from the mall for skateboarding outside the Banana Republic!

DM: There’s an obvious difference in size and strength between the two men standing in the ring. Senior official Pat Jones calls for the bell, and our main event for the EPW Tag Team Titles is underway!

DT: Douglas advancing… The First steps up to meet him… and there’s the collar-and-elbow tie-up! The First has to compete with Douglas’ advantage in strength… and Douglas gains the initial advantage by slapping on a hammerlock! Oh, but not so fast… The First slips out of the hold and slaps on one of his own!

DM: The First is definitely going to use that agility of his while going toe to toe with a guy like Douglas… but does he have the arm-strength to keep Douglas at bay?

MN: He’s a TOOTHPICK, Dean!

DT: There’s Douglas with the reversal, again working the arm of The First in that hammerlock… but the Tag Team Champion bites back with an elbow to the face! There’s a second, and The First breaks free, going right into the ropes… NO!! Put to the mat with a standing shoulder block from Troy Douglas as he came back!

DM: And now the IC champ is looking to capitalize as he sends himself into the ropes… here’s The First back on his feet… DEFTLY ducks a running clothesline from Douglas, and sends himself back into—no, UNDER the ropes, and onto the apron!

DT: Here’s The First, boosting up to the top rope AND DIVING INSIDE WITH A DROPKICK that catches Troy Douglas off-guard and sends him to the mat!

MN: Man, he’s a springy bastard!

DM: It’s that kind of agility that keeps The First with an advantage over larger and stronger opponents like Douglas!

DT: The First, lighting-quick, runs against the ropes… CATCHES DOUGLAS IN THE FACE with a running dropkick as the IC Champion was pushing himself to his feet!

DM: And now the element of teamwork comes into play as The First tags in Felix Red! The First takes ahold of Douglas’ leg, allowing his partner to land a STIFF KICK into that exposed thigh!

DT: Douglas is in trouble now, as Red slaps on a front-face lock and clinches that forearm across the neck. The IC Champion is no slouch in the ring, but tonight he’s up against two of Empire Pro’s brightest tag team talents!

MN: Bright, if not a tad loopy…

DM: I think Felix would take that as a compliment. Here’s Felix with a KNEE into the sternum of Troy Douglas! There’s a SECOND, so hard that Douglas’ feet left the mat! It’s like Red is just PUNISHING the IC Champion.

MN: Yeah, and I’m right there with him! PUNISH HIM, Felix! Beat his ass for boring me to tears all the time!

DT: OH WAIT!! Douglas with the COUNTER, just SANDWICHING Felix Red into the corner with a shoulder thrust to the ribs! Douglas finally manages to slap out of that facelock, and puts a KNIFE-EDGE CHOP right into the chest of Felix Red!

DM: Douglas has him right where he wants him… pulls back, and OH MAN, ANOTHER CHOP that just RINGS THROUGH THE ENTIRE ARENA!! Looks like the IC Champ is doing the punishing now!

MN: Meh…

DT: Here’s Douglas looking for the Irish Whip to the other corner… and FELIX CONNECTS!! Felix, stumbling away from the turnbuckle and holding his back… left wide open as the IC Champ BOLTS FORWARD AND FLIPS HIM THROUGH THE AIR WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!

DM: WOW!!

MN: Nearly knocked the hair dye out of his dreadlocks!

DM: Looks like Douglas ignores the opportunity to make a tag to Larry Tact, instead hooking the leg for the pin!

DT: First cover in the main event!

One!

Two!

And Felix Red kicks out!

DM: Good opportunity to make a tag… but Douglas seems to prefer wearing Felix down on his own! This might cost him later, Dave.

DT: Well, the IC Champion has always been very sure of his own abilities… such as right now as he brings the Tag Team Champion Felix Red to his feet… looking for a VERTICLE SUPLEX—but FELIX slips down his back… and DASHES to his corner to tag in The First!

MN: BUTTERFINGERS!

DT: Here comes Douglas—NO!! Stopped with a Drop Toe Hold by Felix that causes him to fall onto the second rope—and THE FIRST, with BOTH LEGS, simply BLASTS the IC Champion back into the ring! A superb double-play on the part of the Forsaken!

MN: That’s why they carry the BELTS, amigos!

DM: Troy’s gotta be kicking himself now about failing to make that tag when he had the opportunity… but on second thought, it looks like he’s getting his fill of kicks from THE FIRST who uses those whip-like legs to keep the IC Champ on the mat! Larry Tact is still standing there in his corner, looking bored, waiting to get in on this match.

DT: Looks like he’ll have to wait longer as the Forsaken seek an early advantage by chipping away at the weakened Troy Douglas! The First pulling Troy Douglas back to his feet… and there’s the whip to the turnbuckle!! OOH!! Douglas connected hard, and now he comes staggering out as The First goes into the ropes—AND OFF OF THEM WITH A SPRINGBOARD CROSS-BODY BLOCK!! He hooks the legs for the pin!

One!

Two!

And the Intercontinental Champion kicks out!

DM: He isn’t going to last much longer if he doesn’t tag Tact into this match. Douglas is a tremendous talent when working on his own, but I’m not sure if he’s aware of the element of teamwork in this tag contest.

DT: Couldn’t agree with you more, Dean. Douglas picking himself up off the mat… catches a KICK to the ribs from The First—but THE FIRST COUNTERS with a Reverse Enziguri, knocking the IC Champ back into his own corner where Tact promptly tags himself in!

MN: There’s teamwork for ya, Dean!

DM: Not quite what I had in mind, but a great opportunity for the team of Douglas and Tact to continue their ambitions at being tag team champions. The acclaimed Larry Tact steps inside, and catches The First with an ARM DRAG as he ran to intercept him! He threw the lighter man with EASE!

DT: The First pops back to his feet… but ANOTHER Arm Drag puts him to the mat! Larry Tact is coming into this match like a house on fire!

MN: David Koresh style!

DM: The First back on his feet, but telegraphs a blow that Tact easily counters into a standing Armbar… watch his leg here… grapevines The First’s left leg, and FORCES HIM FACE-FIRST to the mat! Tact keeps moving, transitioning The First over onto his back but keeping that arm in place… right into a modified Cross Armbar! That’s unbelievable strain on The First’s shoulder!

MN: Man, I’m glad I got the human wrestling dictionary over here, otherwise I’d just be calling this action as, “Yeah, he’s got him in a hold. It looks like it hurts.”

DM: Obviously, Larry Tact has built his reputation on being a solid technical wrestler, and he’s got the right size and strength to be a physical force in the ring, to deliver all those big ring-shaking slams you mark over all the time.

MN: Awesome! I’m a fan, you’re a fan!

DM: My God, we agree on something!

DT: I better call my late Uncle Roy to see how the weather is down there and if, in fact, Hell TRULY has frozen over! In the meantime, The First continues to fight the pain in his arm as Tact continues to keep that Armbar held in place! The First is refusing to submit to this, but how much longer can he hold out?

MN: Say Dave, how can you call your Uncle Roy if he’s dead?

DT: Nevermind, Mike. I was making a metaphor. Just shut up and watch.

DM: Wait a second, sounds like the FANS are coming to the support of the Tag Team Champion! The First on his side, giving his legs the leverage they need to work himself onto his legs! The First trying to make something happen… but Tact FORCES him back to the mat!

DT: Oh, but The First doesn’t stay down for long this time! He’s back on his feet, and Tact’s got that arm locked in his grasp like a VICE! But a SHOT TO THE FOREHEAD from The First’s free arm causes him to break the hold, and The First ESCAPES that torturous submission hold!

DM: But at what cost? Being in the size and strength disadvantage, The First needs every limb at his disposal!

MN: Eh, he’s got three or four more he can burn through. Don’t these goth kids regenerate? You know, they cut themselves all the time…

DT: Tact back up, and catches The First while he was busy rubbing the pain out of his arm! There’s a FOREARM to the lower back that keeps the Tag Team Champion hurting, and Tact goes right back to that arm by taking his wrist and giving it a TWIST!

DM: Tact is playing it very simple and reserved right now. He has the power and ability to throw The First around the ring like a rag doll, but he’s withholding that strength to give his opponent an extra dose of pain!

MN: I thought he was a masochist!

DT: Looks like it’s working effectively with—oh wait, The First flips over and REVERSES the arm wrench, sending Larry Tact flipping to the mat! Wait, keeps ahold of the arm—and SMASHES a defenseless Larry Tact into the mat with a standing Senton Splash!

DM: A great turnaround for the Forsaken, and The First goes right over to his own corner, and makes the tag to a grinning Felix Red! Tact and Red are hardly strangers in this sport, Dave.

DT: Well it looks like they can carry their familiarity of one another into the EPW ring!

DM: Felix steps in as Tact comes to his feet and tells him to bring it! Both men CRASH into the tie-up! It’s a regular battle of strength!

DT: Tact overpowering, forcing Felix right into the corner! Pat Jones calls for the break, and there’s the release… AND TACT STRIKES—NO!! Felix QUICKLY got out of the way before Tact could land a cheap shot like that!

MN: Come on, he can’t wait around forever!

DM: Felix meets Tact with a BOOT TO THE GUT as he turns around… follows through with a ROLLING DDT, and quickly hooks the leg for the cover!

DT: Could this be it?!

One!

Two!

NO! Larry Tact kicks out! He’s hardly taken a beating yet!

DM: That may change in time with Felix Red in control. Red has Tact back to his feet, and there’s the whip to the—no, TACT REVERSES, sending Felix into the ropes! Here’s Tact looking for the Back Body Drop—BUT FELIX CATCHES HIM IN THE FACE with a FLIPPING BICYCLE KICK!

DT: Incredible display of athleticism on the part of Felix Red… and in a remarkable display of brutality, he just DECKS TROY DOUGLAS RIGHT OFF THE APRON!! Now Felix is just standing there with a sadistic grin on his face! What did Douglas do to provoke that?!

MN: His presence is a talent vacuum, Dave! Come on, we’ve been watching the guy for how long? You’d THINK you’d have it figured out by now…

DM: Tact is back on his feet, but Felix is there to meet him with a SHARP KICK to the side! Felix follows through, right into a HIGH KICK into the chest of Larry Tact that knocks him back into his team’s corner! A grappler like Tact is naturally going to have a hard time with a striker like Felix Red when he’s on his feet and moving too fast to react!

DT: Wait a second, here comes an incensed TROY DOUGLAS, sliding into the ring and looking for revenge! But PAT JONES is immediately there to stop him, ordering him back to the apron!

DM: And the Forsaken go right to work with the DOUBLE-TEAMING while Pat Jones has his back to their corner! The First has Tact’s arms wrapped back around the steel post while Felix Red just goes INTO HIM with a BARRAGE of Shotokan Kicks!

MN: He learned that move from Chun Li!

DT: Textbook double-teaming, and you have to wonder if Felix Red knocked Douglas off the apron just to get him angry so they could have this opportunity!

DM: I wouldn’t put it past him. Felix Red is notorious for pissing off his opponents, and Troy Douglas doesn’t appear any different. But it looks like the referee has finally coaxed Troy back onto the apron, and turns back to the action just in time for The First to resume his place on the apron as if nothing ever happened.

DT: There’s the tag to The First, but Felix is going up to the second rope, and The First is going to the near corner. Here’s Felix OFF THE TURNBUCKLE WITH A TORNADO DDT ON LARRY TACT… and THE FIRST COMES OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH A GUILLOTINE LEGDROP to follow it up!! The First quickly going for the pin!

ONE!

TWO!!

NO!! Broken up by Douglas, who immediately goes after Felix, but the Tag Team Champion is already in the ringside area, leaving Pat Jones to order him out of the ring once again!

DM: The IC Champ has GOT to get his head screwed on straight! He’s testing the ref’s patience, and look now, as Felix slips back into the ring and holds down on the legs of the prone Larry Tact… Douglas’ distracting the referee is playing right into the Forsaken’s advantage!

DT: Here’s The First jumping back to the top rope, AND COMES SAILING THROUGH THE AIR WITH A MOONSAULT!! Man, Douglas is KILLING Larry Tact in there!

MN: It’s a real bummer to see a solid talent like that get weighed down by a loser like Troy Douglas…

DT: To be fair, the two of them aren’t a regular tag team, and they ARE going up against the Tag Team Champions. Even so, Troy Douglas is demonstrating little discipline and patience. He’s finally back on the apron, and Felix Red slips to the outside once again, as The First makes the cover and Pat Jones makes the count!

ONE!!

TWO!!

THR—OH NO, Tact with the kickout! It’s truly remarkable that he’s able to survive the Forsaken working in tandem!

MN: No thanks to Megatron over there…

DM: The First makes the quick tag back to Felix Red, and goes to bring Larry Tact back off the mat. Felix standing ready in his corner, and The First delivers Tact with an Irish Whip—RIGHT INTO A SPINNING HEEL KICK—

DT: NO!!! Tact DUCKED the Spinning Heel Kick from Felix Red!! Felix turns around… and gets BLASTED IN THE FACE with a HARD BACK ELBOW from Tact! Here comes The FIRST to his partner’s aid!!

DM: And he’s met with an ELBOW TO THE FACE of his own! Tact is fighting back! Now he boots The First onto his shoulders in the Fireman’s Carry position! Wait, Felix Red coming back to put a stop to this… and he’s DOUBLED OVER with a BOOT TO THE GUT! Here comes The First off of Tact’s shoulders—OH MAN!!

DT: AND TACT DROPS THE FIRST into a STOMACH BUSTER with FELIX RED’S HEAD between GUT AND KNEE!! What a TREMENDOUS double play that leaves The First rolling out of the ring, clutching his abs, and Felix Red lying prone on the mat! Just like that, Larry Tact tears down the Forsaken’s momentum!

DM: Now would be an excellent time to tag in the waiting Troy Douglas with his arm hanging over the ropes… but Tact just looks at him, and IGNORES him! Can’t say that’s a wise move there…

MN: Who gives a damn about it being a “wise” move?! It was a BOLD move! It’s there to make a statement! In that statement, Larry Tact is telling Troy Douglas, “SCREW YOU, I’m better off without you! I’LL win the titles!”

DT: I think Mike has a point there, Dean, although I can’t help but wonder how these two will take the Tag Team Titles unless they can cooperate! Regardless, Larry Tact back in control as he brings Felix Red back to his feet… has him in a standing head-scissor… and just CRUSHES Felix with a SNAP POWERBOMB—right into a PRAWN HOLD!

ONE!!

TWO!!

NO!! A desperate kickout from Felix Red, and the Forsaken keep their titles from slipping away!

DM: Well, if Tact can keep up this kind of offense, I guess he CAN win without Douglas’ help… but it won’t be easy.

MN: Leave “easy” for punks like Megatron over there who can only win titles when their opponents have morality issues. Larry Tact doesn’t need “easy” to be a badass!

DT: Tact still in control, brings Felix Red to his feet… going for the whip—REVERSED BY FELIX!! Wait, Douglas with the BLIND TAG as Tact bounces off the ropes!!

DM: Here’s Felix with a SUPERKICK—DUCKED BY TACT, who counters with a ROLLING TOE HOLD—STRAIGHT INTO A PIN!!

DT: But he’s not the legal man! Pat Jones is trying to explain this to him as Troy Douglas tears into the ring, practically SHOVES his partner to the side, and delivers a barrage of fists to Felix Red’s face while he’s down! Larry Tact looks PISSED!!

MN: As well he oughta be! Troy Douglas just RUINED his freakin’ ring-mojo! Tact was about to win the titles right there!

DM: I dunno about that, but Tact is looking very irritated as he goes to the apron per Pat Jones’ request, leaving Troy Douglas in the ring with Felix Red. While I feel Tact needs to rest up, I don’t think he appreciated Douglas volunteering himself back into this match.

DT: Douglas taking the control on behalf of his team… brings Felix Red to his feet, and hooks him around the waist… GERMAN SUPLEX with a BRIDGE!!

ONE!!

TWO!!

And Felix kicks out!

MN: Maybe Troy just wants the pinfall for himself! Makes sense, you know? He uses a SUPERIOR talent like Larry to go in to wear down the Forsaken, but just slips in at the last second to steal all the glory, so he can go around and say, “Yeah, I won the Tag Titles on my own!” Man, what a selfish, egoist prick!

DT: I wouldn’t go as far as to make an assumption like that, Mike. Douglas wasn’t happy when Felix took that cheap shot at him earlier, and now he’s here to settle the score. Douglas with the Tag Team Champion back to his feet… there’s a whip to the ropes—and Felix MAKES THE TAG to The First as he comes running back!

DM: Here’s Douglas with a LARIAT—and Felix DUCKS, SLIPPING under the ropes to the outside! The First setting himself onto the TOP ROPE!! Is Troy even aware the tag was made?!

DT: I don’t think so, Dean! He’s looking to Felix Red, who points to his corner, where The First is perched and waiting… Douglas turns around—AND THE FIRST COMES OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH A DIVING HURRICANRANA!!! What a DEATH-DEFYING MANUEVER!!

DM: Executed with perfection, with the assistance of Felix Red! It’s that kind of teamwork that brought those two to the tag team titles!

MN: I bet Douglas wishes he hadn’t jumped in on his own now!

DT: Larry Tact can only shakes his head from his place on the apron… and The First makes the cover! Could this be it?!

ONE!!

TWO!!

THR—NO!! The Forsaken were HALF A SECOND AWAY from retaining their titles, but Troy Douglas stays alive!

DM: Alive, but banged up, and against the tandem of The First and Felix Red, he may not—OH, THE FIRST WITH INESCAPABLE TORMENT OUT OF NOWHERE!!

DT: HE’S GOT DOUGLAS LOCKED IN PLACE!!

ONE!!

TWO!!

OH, HE’S GOT THE ROPES!!

MN: Bah…

DM: I thought for CERTAIN that Douglas wasn’t getting out of that one! But the Intercontinental Champion keeps his chances for victory alive, and is given the opportunity to recover as he has ahold of the ropes! The First goes to his corner to tag in Felix Red…

DT: …and there goes Douglas, diving to his corner to make the tag!

MN: COME ON, LARRY!! Show him how it’s done!

DT: Wait a minute, Tact just DROPS TO THE FLOOR!! He REFUSES the tag!

DM: Oh man, you can’t leave a man hangin’ like that! I guess Tact has decided he’s had enough of Troy Douglas in this match!

DT: Oh, come on… Douglas’ behavior has been questionable, but the TAG TITLES are on the line here!

MN: BULLCRAP!! Larry Tact has nothing to gain by carrying Troy Douglas on his shoulders! Carrying the EPW Tag Titles with THAT worthless CHOKE ARTIST would only hold him down!

DM: Douglas having some words with Tact, but maybe he should bring his attention back to—TOO LATE!! Felix Red jumps the IC Champ from behind, sets him onto his shoulders—

DT: ECSTASY IN AGONY!!! HE JUST TOTALLY BLINDSIDED TROY DOUGLAS WITH THAT DEVASTATING MOVE!!

DM: Troy Douglas is in a bad place, and Felix makes the tag back to The First—who IMMEDIATELY goes to the top rope—

DT: CUT THE THREAD!! WHAT a DOUBLE KO from the FORSAKEN!! It’s ALL OVER for Troy Douglas as The First makes the cover!!

ONE!!


TWO!!!



THREE!!! THE CHAMPIONS RETAIN!!

[“Agenda Suicide” hits the PA as The First pops back to his feet and slaps hands with Felix Red. Pat Jones holds up their arms in victory as a disgusted Larry Tact goes back up the rampway.]

DM: Well THERE’S one for the FTV Highlight Reel! The Forsaken came out tonight and proved WHY they are the Tag Team Champions!

MN: Oh, stop stroking them off, Dean! The Forsaken won because TACT wisely backed out of this match at the last minute. Not that I blame him, because he probably realized that failure was imminent with that CHOKE ARTIST Troy Douglas!

DT: I’d have to disagree, Mike. It seemed to me that the reason why Douglas and Tact couldn’t cooperate was instigated by the Forsaken, who took advantage of the rift between teammates and used their advantage in teamwork to pull out the win here tonight!

DM: Either way, with the performance by the champions we just witnessed, you really have to consider the state of the Kings of the Cage Tournament, which is well underway. While the four remaining teams will push themselves to their very limits to earn the title of Kings of the Cage, their greatest challenge will certainly lie in the two men standing tall in the ring, who stand at the end of the road!

DT: This has been a TREMENDOUS evening for EPW’s Tag Team scene! With the Kings of the Cage Tournament past the first round, what lies next for the Tag Team Champions, the Forsaken?

[With their titles returned to them by Gothopotimus, The First and Felix Red scale opposing turnbuckles and present their belts to the cheering fans while Pat Jones assists Douglas from the ring and to the back.]

MN: Sitting on their ass and waiting for someone to mount a challenge would be my guess.

DT: Folks, that’s it for tonight!! For Dean Matthews and Mike Neely…..we’re outta here!
 

DBrunkGXW

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Marcus Westcott vs. Jared Wells [c] – Aggression 46

FIRST: This match is just brutal, just two big guys beating the hell out of each other, I mean this is what I want to see when I picture Jared Wells and Marcus Westcott, just two bulls not taking a backward step. Add in Stevens coming in to build up his match with Westcott, and you have a match with a real big time feel to it.

~~~
[Returning from commercial, the footage fades in on Dave Thomas and Mike Neely sitting alone, looking proud and professional at the ringside commentary table.]

DT: Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, as we draw near the conclusion of tonight’s Aggression!

MN: You mean Jared Wells Appreciation Night!

DT: …right, anything you say, Mike.

MN: Man, it’s GREAT not having Dean here with his BORING wrestling encyclopedia-ness, agreeing to every freaking thing you say. Now that it’s just you and me, it’s as if the playing field’s been leveled! It genuinely feels for the first time in years that I can STEP UP and SAY SOMETHING again!

DT: Mike, just because it’s only you and me doesn’t make half of your notorious babbling any less nonsensical than it already is…

[The arena lights dim to black, and the crowd POPS with anticipation! The opening of “Ladies and Gentlemen” by Saliva chitters in over the PA, and…]

*BOOM!!*

[A BIG red and white pyro EXPLODES over the stage! As the song suddenly BLASTS into a heavy rock beat, a frenetic highlight reel of Marcus Westcott kicking ass in the ring flashes across the Empire-Tron. Tony Fatora, standing in the ring, continues announcing as the eponymous opening lyrics.]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen… welcome to our MAIN EVENT of the evening! Now introducing the first competitor… hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada… he weighs in at 285 pounds… he is the FORMER EMPIRE PRO WRESTLING WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION… and the CURRENT NUMBER ONE CONTENDER… HE IS…

“THE MECCA”

MMMAAAAARRRRRCCCUUUUSSS WWWEEEESSSSTTTCCCOOOOTTTT!!!!!!

[“The Mecca” Marcus Westcott emerges from the smoke on the stage to a BIG pop from the fans, and proudly makes his way down the rampway. He slaps hands with a few fans on his trip to the ring, but mostly plays it cool.]

DT: The number one contender is now coming to the ring, and it sounds like he’s building some support from the Empire Pro fanbase!

MN: This guy’s the number one contender?! Dang… sometimes I forget. But good thing he’s GOT that support from those idiot fans, because he’s going to NEED IT when he meets the Champ!

DT: Marcus Westcott, a former champ himself, does indeed have a date in the ring with the seemingly unstoppable “Triple X” Sean Stevens, and a win tonight will give him a LOT of momentum going into that title match!

MN: Look, regardless of this so-called “momentum”, Marcus Westcott’s time is over. It died when BEAST died, if you ask me! And I’m NOT ALONE in this opinion!

DT: You’re right… you AREN’T alone in that sentiment, Mike. But I know Westcott is coming out here tonight to prove all of you to be WRONG!

MN: Well, he’s certainly welcome to try…

[Westcott ascends to the apron and plays up a bit for the fans, not really seeming to care as to whether they love him or hate him. He does, in fact, draw some very supportive cheers from the crowd! Moments later, the lazy rhythm of “It Was A Good Day” by Ice Cube begins playing on the PA, and the fans go WILD! On the Empire-Tron, the Anthology logo briefly passes by, the follows with a highlight reel of Jared Wells in the ring and posing cockily for the fans.]

TF: And his opponent… hailing from Baltimore, Maryland… he weighs in at 254 pounds, and is ONE HALF of the EMPIRE PRO TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS… HE IS…

“YOUR DADDY”

JJJJAAAAAARRREEEEDD WWWEEELLLSSSS!!!!!!

[Wells tears the curtain aside and steps out onto the stage to a HUGE ovation from the local fans! He takes a moment playing up to the crowd for a bit before turning around and flexing both arms, where the word “DADDY” is scrawled across the seat of his tights. Around his waist, he proudly bears his EPW World Tag Team Title. Working the crowd, he strides down the ramp, all the while being rained upon by bras thrown from the crowd…]

MN: Man, hear THAT ovation from this hometown crowd!

DT: Wait a sec… we’re in Chicago!

MN: HELLO! EARTH TO DAVE! OF COURSE we’re in Chicago!

DT: But Jared Wells is from Baltimore! How in the hell can CHICAGO be his hometown??

MN: Well… hey, come on! Yeah, he’s FROM Baltimore, but… he still REPRESENTS this city! They’ve been LOYAL to the Bastard Son for many years, so much that he might as well say he was a full-fledged Chicagopher!

DT: “Chicagopher?” Nevermind… so long as he represents the good people of Chicago on this night, over the nefarious crew who call themselves the Anthology. By the way, there’s a bra on your head.

MN: I know, I put it there!

DT: …would you take it off, please? You’re… creeping me out.

[Wells climbs the apron, pumps up to the second rope, and flashes the crowd his signature pose, buffing up and sending strobes of flash photography through the crowd. Young girls and milfs alike SQUEAL around the front row and reach out to touch his physique, but are restrained by a pair of bodyguards being sandwiched between the mob of Wells-worshippers and the guardrail. The music cuts out as Jared dresses down and sets his title aside for the timekeeper. Westcott, meanwhile, paces in a steady circle in his corner like a caged animal.]

DT: Jared Wells has certainly got the attention of this audience here tonight… but look at the intensity we’re seeing in the former champion Marcus Westcott now, even before the match has begun!

MN: He’s going through ANXIETY, Dave. Chicagophers HATE Canuckians!

DT: Bah… well, Mike, however you may see it, I tend to think that Marcus Westcott on proving something here tonight, and Jared Wells Appreciation Night be damned, he’s NOT going to be overlooked!

MN: No, but he WILL be HUMILIATED!

[Senior Referee makes the final checks on both competitors before being assured everything is squared away. Satisfied, he cues for the bell.]

*DING! DING!*

MN: And AWAY WE GO!!

DT: Both men out of their corners, and step right into the opening lock-up! Marcus Westcott, using his impressive STRENGTH, tries to force Wells into the corner… but Wells comes back with his OWN strength and turns it around on the number one contender!

MN: Oh no, DADDY don’t play THAT game! Wells ain’t the biggest cat on the block, but he ain’t quite a LIGHTWEIGHT either!

DT: Here we go, Marcus Westcott slips his arms inside and quickly slaps a hammerlock onto the right arm of Jared Wells! Westcott, using that strong grip to STRAIN the wrist!

MN: BAM! He got an elbow right to the face for that one! Thinks he can target the ARMS, can he!? Daddy don’t play THAT game EITHER! Here goes Wells into the ropes…

DT: Westcott slaps the feeling in his face and comes back to his senses… now he braces himself for a RUNNING SHOULDER BLOCK—OH MAN! The COLLISION sends both men to the mat!

MN: An action is always met with a greater or equal reaction. I think Albert Einstein said that.

DT: Try Newton, Mike… Wells and Westcott up at the same time… Marcus going for another tie-up, but Jared catches him with a boot to the gut! Wells hooks him for the suplex… no wait, Westcott is FIGHTING IT! Westcott looking to REVERSE!!

MN: But Wells is fighting THAT, too! Westcott has no choice but to break off and step back! Man, it’s BEAUTIFUL! Westcott thinks he can superman his way through this match just because of how BIG and BUFF he is, but Jared is proving he’s no SLOUCH in the brawn department!

DT: Both men a bit hesitate for a moment as they look the over with calculating focus. No doubt, they’re realizing they are almost at equal levels of strength and need a different approach to defeating their opponent other than overpowering them!

MN: Fortunately for Jared, he’s got an advantage in BRAINS! And with that… he’s got BALLS! Here, THIS is what I’m talking about! Wells putting his hand into the air and nodding his head!

DT: Oh boy… another damned Clash of the Titans… but the crowd WANTS TO SEE IT HAPPEN, and Westcott is locking hands with Wells and going for it! Both men CHALLENGING each other’s limits as they try to push the other over!

MN: WELLS IS WINNING! WELLS IS WINNING!

DT: …no, Mike, he’s drifting BACK! WESTCOTT is winning this face-off! Wells visibly TREMORING as he is bent further and further back on his knees, and Westcott doesn’t seem to be RELENTING!

MN: Oh damn, COME ON, Jared! Didn’t you remember the juice this morning?!

DT: Let’s not get into that, Mike… Wells only INCHES above the mat now, but… wait, Wells RISING… Westcott suddenly looking WORRIED as the strength of JARED WELLS works its way back up, and both men are right where they started!

MN: But NOT for LONG! WELLS putting WESTCOTT over now!

DT: At least you’ve got it right this time… both men, deadlocked in a duel of brawn, and now the number one contender having to DIG DEEP to prevent himself from being driven back any further!

MN: OH!! Wells just KNEED HIM in the side! That was PERFECT! And it was just what he needed to set Westcott up for a NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!!

DT: Wells BRIDGES for the PIN!

ONE!

TWO!

And Westcott kicks out! A sneaky tactic from Wells, but not enough to keep the number one contender down for the three!

MN: Bah, that wasn’t sneaky… Wells was just getting BORED. Westcott and boredom go hand in hand.

DT: Oh man, Wells beginning to STOMP Westcott on the mat before he has the chance to even stand up! So what does Wells go hand in hand with? Kicking you while you’re down??

MN: Actually, he’s synonymous with EXPERIENCE and CRAFTINESS… trains of thought that furball could NEVER reach on his own mental power!

DT: Wells dragging Westcott to the ropes, and setting the number one contender over the bottom rope… and PRESSING his FOOT DOWN onto his BACK! He’s CHOKING THE LIFE out of Marcus Westcott while he POSES SMUGLY for his fans! You call that CRAFTINESS?!

MN: He’s WINNING, ain’t he?!

DT: Wells finally steps off of Westcott as Pat Jones reaches the count of four… the referee, giving him a stern warning, but Wells blows him off and now brings the number one contender back to his feet… NO! Westcott bites back with a SHORT-ARM CLOTHESLINE!

MN: Now how in the hell did he do that?!

DT: We can’t forget that Marcus Westcott is a FORMER World Champion, Mike, and capable of some very amazing feats! Westcott beckoning Wells back onto his feet, and up comes the Bastard Son… and walks right into a SCOOP SLAM from the number one contender! He’s getting this crowd back on HIS side!

MN: Bah, those fickle morons! Daddy’s in a tight spot, but hey, that’s nothing new to HIM, if you get my drift! Westcott bringing him back to his feet… no, Wells just suddenly TACKLES HIM to the mat! Looks like HE’S capable of some amazing feats himself!

DT: This back and forth action continues as Wells mounts the chest of Marcus Westcott and LETS HIM HAVE IT! The fans of Chicago showing their SUPPORT for Jared Wells as he POUNDS AWAY at the face of the number one contender! But wait, Westcott BLOCKS, and pops Wells OFF with a quick counter!

MN: DAMN that tricky Transformers-worshipping caveman! Wells getting off now—oh crap, WESTCOTT GOT HIS ARM and slaps on a WRIST TWIST!!

DT: That’s an ARMBAR, Mike!

MN: WHATEVER, I happen to think “Wrist Twist” sounds better! At least it RHYMES!

DT: Wells in reach of the ropes, and he doesn’t waste a SECOND getting that bottom rope and forcing Westcott to break the hold! Westcott wants to work those arms and strip some of the strength out of Wells’ gameplan, but thus far, he hasn’t found the opportunity to get his licks in!

MN: Hopefully, he NEVER will! Fuzzball back up… and Wells on his feet as well, telling the fans its no sweat!

DT: Wait now, Wells makes the mistake of turning his back on Westcott… here comes MARCUS with the ROLL-UP FROM BEHIND!

ONE!

TWO!

And Wells kicks out! Maybe in the future, he should pay less attention to his fans and more on his opponent!

MN: BAH! Westcott thought he could sneak away with it there, but there was NO way he was going to fool Wells with that one! Believe me… DADDY’S got it covered!

DT: Would you STOP calling him DADDY!

MN: Westcott up, but BAM!! He walks right into a BACK ELBOW from Wells! Westcott left REELING, and Jared just measures him and—

*SMACK!!*

Crowd: WOOO!!

MN: HYOOGE knife-edge chop to the chest of the number one contender!

DT: The tag champion Wells is using his brawling skills to pull ahead! Now he grabs the hurt Westcott by the arm… and lays a KNEE into those ribs! THERE’S A SECOND, and Westcott doubles-over!

MN: Wells with the hook around the waist… THROWS WESTCOTT TO THE MAT with a GUTWRENCH SUPLEX!!

DT: Westcott holding his midsection after the impact, but Wells moves ahead, hooking the legs for the cover!


ONE!


TWO!


And Westcott KICKS OUT! Now can he come back?

MN: NO DICE! Westcott EATS a boot from Jared, and gets an ELBOW DROP buried into his CHEST for good measure! Wells is just going to PUMMEL HIM into the canvas from this point on!

DT: Wells bringing the number one contender to his feet… no, throwing him into the TURNBUCKLE!! OH!! Marcus Westcott went between the second and third ropes and his shoulder collided with the steel ring post!

MN: ZING!!

DT: Westcott in a WORLD of pain right now, but Jared Wells keeps up the pressure… now he’s setting the number one contender into the tree of woe! Walking a distance up the ropes now… what does Wells have planned here?

MN: Something BIG, I hope! Jared Wells, bouncing OFF THE SECOND ROPE—OH MAN!! And he just KICKS IN Westcott’s crooked Canadian teeth with a MISSILE DROPKICK!! There’s still a bit of the ol’ high-flyer in Jared Wells after all!

DT: Wells has these Chicago fans PUMPED and ROWDY, and now he makes the COVER!


ONE!


TWO!

KICKOUT by Westcott! The number one contender is still hanging in there, but Jared Wells is DEFINITELY proving here tonight that he himself is a force to be reckoned with!

MN: That was his point from the get-go, Dave! And it only gets worse from here on out for Marky-Mark… here’s Wells, bringing him back to his feet—wait, WHAT HAPPENED?!

DT: WESTCOTT WITH THE SWEEP! Wells didn’t see that coming, and now Westcott looking for an ANKLE LOCK!

MN: THAT CRAFTY CANUCK!! Wells just KICKS him away, and rightly so!

DT: Westcott’s potential turn-around just got cut short, and now Wells scrambles to his feet… Westcott looking to grapple, but he gets PLASTERED with a hard European uppercut by Jared Wells! The veteran brawler and Tag Team Champion isn’t giving the number one contender a SECOND to even recuperate!

MN: He’s the kind of man that goes right for the THROAT! Westcott reeling like a fool… and Wells holds his head down… there’s a FOREARM SHOT to the back, and The Wrestler Formerly Known As Beast drops to his knees!

DT: Wells takes ahold of Westcott… lifts him UP—AND BACK DOWN ACROSS THE KNEE with the RIBBREAKER!! Westcott’s taking all that damage to the body, and it could affect his conditioning as this match lingers on! But Jared Wells is showing no signs of slowing!

MN: No slowing down at this point, Dave! Jared Wells is in the main event, and fully prepared to show that he can fight on ANY level! Wells running to the turnbuckle… up to the second rope… PUMPS THE GUNS FOR THE FANS…

DT: Oh my…

MN: Wells OFF THE TURNBUCKLE with the FLYING ELBOW… and he NAILS IT!! Marcus Westcott took all of that right into the STERNUM!

DT: Wells is riding high with every successful strike! Here he goes for the cover once again!



ONE!



TWO!



TH—KICKOUT! Westcott’s NOT OUT OF THIS YET, and many fans in the audience are HAPPY to see this match continue!

MN: Well yeah, watching Jared make a buffoon out of Westcott IS pretty entertaining…

DT: I’d rather think they were entertained by this MATCH as these two competitors continue to give their all in this exhibition main event for THEIR satisfaction! Jared Wells still maintains control of the action… now he’s bringing the number one contender to his feet. Westcott gets WHIPPED to the corner… and he CONNECTS HARD!

MN: Alright, here we GO… Wells charging after him… GOING FOR THE BIG SPLASH—AAAAH, WHAT THE CRAP?!

DT: Westcott JUMPED OUT OF THE WAY, and Wells got a good MOUTHFUL of that top turnbuckle! The Tag Team Champion staggering out of the corner… WHOOOAAA MAN, HE JUST GOT PLASTERED WITH A SPINEBUSTER FROM WESTCOTT! WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?!

MN: That’s IMPOSSIBLE! Westcott’s been getting HAMMERED all this time! He should be OUT FOR THE COUNT by now!

DT: You forget that Marcus Westcott is a VERY resilient competitor, Mike! He can take UNTOLD amounts of punishment and come back for more! You just know Sean Stevens is watching this match closely in the back, likely wondering how FAR he’ll have to go keep the number one contender from claiming his title!

MN: Fat chance of THAT happening! Wells is a tad dazed on the mat right now, but I assure you, loyal listeners, he is NOT OUT! Not by a LONGSHOT! Oh sure, Marcus Westcott might be hooking the legs right now… but this is ALL a part of Jared Wells’ strategy!

DT: OH MAN!! Westcott flips Wells to the mat with a SLINGSHOT!!

MN: AH… uh, but I assure you all, that Well is STILL in full control of what is happening! This is just all part of the show!

DT: Nobody’s buying it, Mike. Marcus Westcott still has ahold of the legs of Jared Wells… locks them in place, and bridges over with the STF! SUBMISSION ATTEMPT made by the number one contender!

MN: OH MAN… something’s gone WRONG here! Marcus Westcott has some sort of inverted back-to-back CHINLOCK applied! Jared Wells could be in a REAL pickle here!

DT: I’LL say! The former champion STRAINING that hold with EXPERT precision and form, and Jared Wells looks to be in a LOT of hurt! Wells reaching out for the ropes, but it’s NOWHERE in sight!

MN: Damnit… that idiot WESTCOTT couldn’t have picked a worse place!

DT: But all the BETTER for him! Wait a second… Wells trying to shift his weight and roll Westcott off balance! Marcus is trying to hold it in place, but Wells is putting up a TOUGH STRUGGLE!! Westcott CAN’T HANG ON!!

MN: WOOHOO!! Wells breaks FREE!

DT: Wells trying to get out from under Westcott, but the number one contender STILL has that leg! Westcott with a KNEE CRUSHER!!

MN: AAAH, that hurt just looking at it! Wells NEEDS that knee for when he’s pleasing all these Chicagopher MILFS tonight!

DT: Westcott appears methodically working the limbs of Wells, specifically the legs on which the Tag Team Champion stands! If he couldn’t manage in the power game, I suppose he’ll make do with SUBMISSIONS! Here he is again with Wells’ weakened leg… hooking it now for a HALF CRAB!!

MN: DAMN!! Wells is getting MAULED in there! But nevertheless, he isn’t showing signs of GIVING UP! The ref asking if he’ll submit, and Wells just tells him “STEP BACK, JACK!!”

DT: He didn’t say that, Mike…

MN: Well that’s what he WOULD’VE said if he wasn’t in EXCRUCIATING PAIN, Dave!! But what’s important here is that Jared is FIGHTING that pain! Westcott’s putting everything he’s got, but Wells is NOT giving in!

DT: Wells is trying to drag himself to the ropes… Westcott’s digging his HEELS into the canvas to prevent him from getting any further! Jared Wells is doing EVERYTHING he can to touch those ropes, but I think the trained poise of “The Mecca” isn’t going to BUDGE!!

MN: By ZEUS’ BEARD, Wells is TRAPPED! But nevertheless, he won’t GIVE UP! Westcott’s finally REALIZING this… and MERCIFULLY, he releases the hold and allows Jared Wells to drop to the mat and catch a breather!

DT: That leg of Jared Wells can’t be doing well as he holds it… but now we’re beginning to see the killer instinct in Marcus Westcott, looming over Wells and STOMPING AWAY at that leg! Westcott’s doing everything he can to leave his opponent maimed and vulnerable!

MN: Oh man… the biggest crime that is occurring right now is that the more punishment Jared Wells takes, the fewer ladies he’ll be able to PLEASE tonight! But hey, maybe he’ll personally ask ME to help him take up some of the leg work!

DT: Only in your wildest dreams, Mike! Back to the action in the ring… Westcott stalking the blind spot of Jared Wells as the Tag Team Champion attempts to rise to his feet with the help of the ropes!

MN: LOOK OUT, JARED!!

DT: I think he’s TOO LATE!! Wells pivoting around… and Westcott NABS HIM the instant he turns to face him, lifting him by that leg and DRIVING HIM TO THE MAT WITH A CRADLE SUPLEX!!

MN: OH MAN, I never even knew that move EXISTED!!

DT: Wells in PHENOMENAL pain, and perhaps PHENOMENAL shame, as Westcott goes for the COVER!



ONE!!



TWO!!



NO!! Jared Wells kicks out!

MN: PHEW!! Admittedly, my heart skipped a beat there… but of COURSE, I shouldn’t be too quick to forget that this is just ALL part of the show—masterfully constructed by JARED WELLS, of course!

DT: Right, whatever helps you sleep at night, Mike…

MN: Five shots of Scotch and half a ladder, thank you very much!

DT: Too much info on Mike Neely’s personal life… back to the action! Westcott is still in control of the match… depending on who you ask, of course. The number one contender has Jared Wells back on his feet… and there he whips him to the ropes! Wells is running a tad SLOW on that weakened leg of his…

MN: …but maybe that’s a GOOD thing as Westcott telegraphs a back body drop! Wells grabs him by the head—AND DROPS HIM WITH A SWINGING NECKBREAKER!!

DT: OH MY!! Could Jared Wells be turning it around on Marcus Westcott?! We saw the number one contender have a difficult time earlier in this match when the Tag Team Champion was allowed to gain momentum!

MN: Oh yeah, it’s going to be a DIFFICULT time for him for sure! Wells on his feet… running into the ropes with the grace of a MONGOOSE!!

DT: A mongoose with GLUE on its paws, if you ask me! Wells on the rebound… but Marcus Westcott catches him with a BIIIIG POWERSLAM!! OH MAN, they could FEEL THAT up in the NOSEBLEED SECTION, I’m sure!

MN: Ah man… Jared Wells is SO off his game right now! I think its because Marcus Westcott has bored this crowd into SILENCE!!

DT: I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mike… it seems to me like Marcus Westcott’s got quite a bit of them on his side here tonight!

MN: Yeah, I don’t actually hear any of them…

DT: Westcott’s beginning to DOMINATE Jared Wells in that ring! Wells groggily trying to get to his feet, but Westcott is right there behind him… the number one contender has him by the waist… SLAMS HIM TO THE MAT WITH THE GERMAN SUPLEX!! HE BRIDGES THE PIN!!



ONE!!



TWO!!



TH—NO!! Wells managed to kick out! He’s hanging in there by the skin of his teeth!

MN: Oh, BARELY, Dave! That was CLEARLY a TWO point ZERO ZERO ONE SECOND count! I had it measured PERFECTLY in my head! Wells is back on his feet with the help of the ropes…

DT: But now he’s being STALKED by the Marcus Westcott… here comes Westcott—WITH THE GORE!! OH NO!! WELLS SLIPPED OUT OF THE RING as soon as he saw him coming! He knew EXACTLY what would have happened if he had been half a second too late!

MN: Yeah! Marcus Westcott would have been in SERIOUS trouble then!

DT: Westcott stepping up to the ropes—but Wells reaches in, takes him by the ankle, and TRIPS HIM! Oh no, Wells dragging Westcott to the outside, and now he’s BRAWLING WITH HIM in the ringside area!

MN: YEAH, HERE WE GO!! Wells throwing some SERIOUS RIGHTS AND LEFTS, and Westcott doesn’t know HOW to defend himself! He’s fighting on the level of a scrapper and CAN’T STAND on his own two feet!

DT: Let’s not be HASTY here, Mike! Westcott’s hair being manhandled by Wells while senior official Pat Jones tells the competitors to get back in the ring! The Tag Team champion is leading him to the GUARDRAIL! Wells driving Westcott FACE-FIRST—NO!! Westcott got the LEG UP!! The number one contender drives JARED WELLS FACE-FIRST INTO THE GUARDRAIL INSTEAD!!

MN: Oh WHAT the HELL?! Jared Wells should be turning this thing AROUND by now! Westcott’s taking him by the arm… no, not the whip into the STEEL STEPS!! Oh my God, he’s GOING FOR IT—NO WAIT!! WELLS REVERSES!!

*CRASH!!*

DT: OH MY!! Marcus Westcott just went VIOLENTLY into those steel steps! But perhaps the damage has already been done to Jared Wells, who appears to have a slight cut on his brow thanks to that introduction to the guard rail…

MN: Oh, THAT little thing?! That ain’t ANYTHING! It was totally worth Jared getting an up-close glimpse of that front-row hottie’s CLEAVAGE! Besides, chicks dig scars…

DT: Wells rolling Westcott back into the ring as Pat Jones reaches seven… plenty of time left on the clock, but neither man is willing to risk being counted out for no good reason at this point! Here’s Wells, draping the arm across the chest of Marcus Westcott!!



ONE!!



TWO!!



THR—OH, AND WESTCOTT KICKS OUT!! The audience is GOING WILD as this match continues!

MN: Oh man… I think it’s about time Jared put this one AWAY, if you ask me! Wells bringing Westcott to his feet—wait, Westcott GETS ALL TANGLED UP and they ROLL OVER TOGETHER!!

DT: That’s a SMALL PACKAGE BY WESTCOTT!!


ONE!


TWO!


THREE—OH, BUT A NEAR KICKOUT by Wells! Westcott almost STOLE IT right there! And Wells promptly delivers a HARD KICK to the ribs as soon as he’s back on his feet for THAT near upset!

MN: Yeah, REMEMBER THAT FEELING, you furry punk?!

DT: Wells continues with the stomps… but WAIT! Westcott CATCHES HIM by the leg! Westcott BACK TO HIS FEET, and he’s got the SAME LEG he was working on before!

MN: OH MAN!! Westcott DROPS Jared with a weird twisty thing!

DT: That was clearly a Dragon Screw, Mike! Does Dean have to be here ALL the time to explain wrestling to you?

MN: SHH!! Let’s speak no more of Dean… right now, Jared Wells may have agitated that leg again, because he appears to be holding it while on the mat! I’m certain he’s just FAKING, though… to give his opponent the impression that he might actually be doing some damage!

DT: If that’s an act, then give Jared Wells the Oscar! Because if he isn’t playing possum now, then he’s going to be in SERIOUS TROUBLE, as Marcus Westcott stalks him for THE GORE!! Wells has his BACK TURNED TO HIM!!

MN: Don’t turn around, Jared… whatever you do, DON’T TURN AROUND!!

DT: Westcott CHARGES—OH MY GOD, HE GORES OUT THE BACK OF JARED WELLS’ LEGS!! THE TAG TEAM CHAMPION JARED WELLS was just sent FLIPPING THROUGH THE AIR like a RAG DOLL!!

MN: ACK!! NOBODY TOLD ME they were going to be using WIRES in this match! That looked like some SERIOUS John Woo stuff!

DT: Jared Wells could have been completely DEBILITATED as Marcus Westcott put the brunt of that impact into his weak point… and now Westcott’s moving forward! Westcott taking ahold of both legs and FLIPPING OVER for the JACKNIFE PIN!!



ONE!!



TWO!!





THREE—NO!! WELLS KICKS OUT!! He ALMOST didn’t have the leg strength for that!

MN: Oh NOOOO, Dave, you’ve got the wrong idea! He’s just trying to make it seem dramatic!

DT: The fans are going wild now as Marcus Westcott CONTINUES to wear down those legs of the Tag Team Champion! Westcott setting Wells into a REVERSE FIGURE FOUR—HE COULD GE GOING FOR THE JUDAS CRADLE!!

MN: But Jared’s not going to LET THAT HAPPEN!! Wells is twisting around and delivering some HARD FOREARMS to the exposed head of Marcus Westcott while he has a clear shot at it, and a HARD ONE across the ear knocks him back! Talk about getting DENIED!! Absolutely NOBODY makes a ***** out of DADDY!

DT: Westcott, still determined to PUT THIS ONE AWAY! He’s got Wells back on his feet and he’s putting on the pump-handle hold! Wells lifted UP—NO WAIT! HE SLIPS DOWN HIS BACK!!

MN: Westcott can’t react in time! Wells LIFTS HIM UP and SLAMS HIM with a BACK SUPLEX!! OH YEAH, baby! Daddy’s STILL in this!

DT: But nevertheless, looking a bit HURT as he makes it to his feet! Those legs looked like they were about to BUCKLE!

MN: Jared Wells knows how to draw emotion from a crowd… unlike WESTCOTT, just now rising to his feet! There goes Jared into the ropes… WHO-HO-HOA MAN, Wells damn well nearly CLOBBERED HIS HEAD OFF with a SPINNING POLISH HAMMER!!

DT: Westcott HITS THE MAT, and HE IS OUT!! Wells LOOKING FOR THE COVER, AND THE WIN!!




ONE!!




TWO!!






THRE—OH NO, Westcott KICKED OUT! I was SURE he was unconscious!

MN: That THICK SKULL of his must be protecting him! But DADDY’S the MASTER of thickness and ply! Jared Wells looking to put this match away now, as he brings the so-called number one contender to his feet… there’s the WHIP to the corner, and Westcott CONNECTS!!

DT: Westcott STILL looking bleary from that big shot to the head… here comes WELLS—JARED WELLS LANDS THE BIG SPLASH!! MY GOD, Marcus Westcott just got CRUSHED in the corner!

MN: Listen to those fans NOW, Dave! They’re HOT for Jared Wells! And Wells is GIVING THEM a fight they’ll long remember! Wells bringing Marcus Westcott up to the TOP ROPE now! It’s time to go ALL OUT! It’s time to FINISH THIS thing and lay claim to some of that fresh BOOTY out in the front row!

DT: Oh my, potentially HIGH RISK MANUEVER COMING UP! Wells trying to HOOK the arms of Marcus Westcott, but… he doesn’t have the LEG POWER to lift him off the turnbuckle! Wait, now Westcott is FIGHTING BACK!!

MN: OH NO!! JARED WELLS is HANGING ON FOR DEAR LIFE lest he fall from the turnbuckle! But he’s not BACKING DOWN!! YES!! HE BLOCKS one from Westcott, and BAM!! A BIG forearm reminds EVERYBODY who’s the BOSS of this match!

DT: Westcott stunned now, but can Wells manage to get him over? Wait a second, he’s hooking the arms… I THINK HE’S GOING FOR IT!!

MN: OH YEAH!! OH BABY!! BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX FROM THE TOP ROPE!! THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL!! THAT WAS TEXTBOOK JARED WELLS!!

DT: What a TREMENDOUS thing to witness! Marcus Westcott is lying sprawled out and unmoving on the mat, and Jared Wells is slow to get over to him, on account of his legs being in PHENOMENAL pain! To be fair folks, after taking a GORE to the back of his KNEES, I’m surprised he’s able to move at ALL! NOW he drapes the arm across the chest of WESTCOTT! Is this IT?!





ONE!!





TWO!!







THREE—OH MY GOD, WESTCOTT KICKED OUT!! SOME HOW… SOME WAY… Marcus Westcott is taking ALL this punishment and coming back for more!

MN: BAH, I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!! Well, it’s time for Jared Wells to do something he obviously WON’T come back from! DADDY bringing the number one contender and ancient champion of Empire Pro to his feet… and bending him BACKWARDS!! Jared Wells is going for THE RAGE BOMB!! HE LIFTS WESTCOTT UP—

DT: BUT HIS LEGS CAVE IN!! He couldn’t HOLD HIM UP LONG ENOUGH!!

MN: WHAAT?!

DT: Marcus Westcott ROLLS FORWARD, and Wells gets TANGLED WITH HIM—wait, WESTCOTT ENDING UP ON TOP with the LEGS HOOKED!! WHAT A ROLL-UP!!






ONE!!!






TWO!!!








TTHHRREEE!!! Marcus Westcott has DONE IT!!

DT: AAAAAaaaahhh, DAMNIT!!

*DING! DING! DING!*

[The fans POP LOUDLY as “Ladies and Gentlemen” plays over the PA and Westcott rolls off of Jared Wells, looking exhausted and hardly capable of staying conscious. Wells shoots up immediately, but suddenly realizes he’s too late, and SLAPS the mat in frustration!]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner by pinfall… “THE MECCA”… MMMAAARRRCCCCUUUSSSSS WWWEEESSSTTTCCCOOOOOOOTTTT!!!!!

DT: A BIG WIN for the number one contender Marcus Westcott as he walks into RUSSIAN ROULETTE to fight the WORLD CHAMPION for the belt!

MN: Oh, HE GOT LUCKY tonight, Dave! OBVIOUSLY, Jared Wells GAVE him that win to give him that little EGO BOOST he needs going into the most important match of his career! That’s why Jared Wells is THE MAN!

DT: Jared Wells certainly DID put up a challenge worthy of this main event here tonight! He put up a VERY REMARKABLE effort and made this entire match one, long, grueling back and force clash of super powers! He was CLOSE, but… unfortunately not quick enough for the poise and innovative excellence of “THE MECCA”!!

[Westcott painfully makes it back to his feet and allows his arm to be raised by Pat Jones as his name is announced to the crowd, earning a BIG FACE POP in return. He smiles and appears proud and confident celebrating his main event victory alone in the ring. Jared Wells, having exited to the ringside area, comically grieves his loss, and makes his way to the coddling ringside female fans to seek comfort. It becomes obvious that the entire capacity crowd is CHEERING, for BOTH competitors.]

MN: Oh yeah… no kind of ass like SYMPATHY ASS! I suppose THAT was his angle all along!

DT: I have the feeling Jared Wells will move on from this disappointment and remember the, uh, “finer points in life.” But right now, the moment belongs to the triumphant NUMBER ONE CONTENDER! He had a HELL of a match tonight and put up one HELL of a fight to earn the victory! The question now is… will it be enough to defeat the CHAMPION, “Triple X” Sean Stevens??

MN: Well, why don’t we ask him! He’s coming down the ramp now!

DT: Mike, I was just posing a rhetorical—OH, BUT SEAN STEVENS IS COMING DOWN THE RAMP!! STEVENS IN THE RING, and HE HAS HIS BELT!! LOOK OUT, Marcus!!

*CRACK!!*

Crowd: BOOOOOOO!!!!

[The camera catches a shot of Jared Wells on the far side of the ring area, arms draped around and among several fans of the female persuasion where he sees Stevens clock Westcott and laughs.]

MN: HA HA, OH YEAH!! What a PERFECT WAY to ruin that idiot’s party! The World Heavyweight Champion “TRIPLE X” SEAN STEVENS just ran into the ring and CLOCKED that so-called number one contender IN THE FACE with his very title! That will be the CLOSEST Marcus Westcott ever gets to THAT belt AGAIN!

DT: What a DISGRACEFUL and INSULTING ACT by “TRIPLE X” SEAN STEVENS!! The World Champion, sending a MESSAGE to his future opponent as he stands victoriously in the ring! Will Marcus Westcott AVENGE this insult at Russian Roulette?!

MN: Not a CHANCE! This is simply a sign of things to come!

DT: Ladies and gentlemen, we are OUT OF TIME tonight! Many things occurred tonight, and it will no doubt all come to a HEAD at our Pay Per View event! Don’t forget to join us LIVE for RUSSIAN ROULETTE to see how it all comes down! For Mike Neely, and Dean Matthews, who unfortunately could not be with us for most of this show, I’m Dave Thomas… GOOD NIGHT!

[“King Back” triumphantly booms through the PA as “Triple X” Sean Stevens, smugly holding his title, stands over the fallen body of “The Mecca” Marcus Westcott, looking cocky and triumphant in the wake of his actions. The fans BOO LOUDLY as they watch this. The camera fades to the EPW logo…]
 

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Rocko Daymon vs. Kin Hiroshi vs. JA [#1 Contender’s Match] – Aggression 35

KARL BROWN: The culmination of a long number one contender series. JA I’ve got a lot of respect for after the IC match I worked with him, Kin’s solid in the ring and a hoot, and Rocko’s one of those guys who you know something interesting’s going to happen, whenever he’s in the ring. I was a little disappointed that the contendership was up in the air as much as it was, and I remember one of the fan-site writers echoing that sentiment, but you put these three in the ring together and you’re getting the best. I think these three were the best in-ring performers on the roster at the time, but that’s just me.

Going into this match, you also had the story between Sean and Rocko that’d been a huge part of the shows – I think for a lot of people it would’ve meant that Rocko losing would’ve been a bad move, but JA and Kin are no slouches either and both at the time were fully deserving of title opportunities. I don’t think I can remember another time where you had three people who you could very easily say were head and shoulders above the rest of the roster without titles.

The guys behind the desk did a great job building this one up, even if they didn’t need to – before hand you had these three in a nice promotional war, not the most hectic but some of the best spots I’ve seen.

Kin did something I wasn’t expecting early on, turning on JA after the Irish whip. It was a nice spot, and it changed the dynamic from their previous matches I thought. Lots of reversals, and the way they switched up, moving from sequence to sequence and giving the third guy a chance to rest up a bit showed how a triple threat should be done. JA got to show his speed and that double headlock into the bulldog spot was brilliant. A lot of younger guys you see in the indies forget how one spot like that, something different, can make a match and how you don’t need to rely on the typical tower-of-doom superplex powerbomb bit.

Speaking of powerbombs, I actually thought Rocko took that dump to the outside well. A great thing about Rocko is how he takes bumps safely, he sells so well that he doesn’t know how to take a bump badly. He gave JA and Kin a good amount of time together, and it meant Kin was able to execute the best Dragon suplex I’ve ever seen.

Kin I think had some great offence after that, it looked like he might’ve rattled Rocko with the springboard, and the diving headbutt… it’s one of those moves I have concerns about. If you don’t actually hit it looks phoney, if you do hit you scramble your own brains. So double-edged, I’m just glad Kin didn’t hurt himself.

I liked how Rocko broke up a pinfall, putting JA’s foot on the rope. This eventually led to Rocko being allowed to use his strength with Kin juicing which you don’t often see on free TV. It added to the drama.

Rocko stayed in control with some great offence, really pulling back on the Cloverleaf and showing a good amount of power to ground and pound JA and Kin, up until the Karelin Driver out of nowhere. The impact Rocko had meant the slow crawl to the pin and Kin barely breaking it up was one of the best spots in the entire match, real nail-biting stuff. I think it’s there they started to take it home, with big moves and nearfalls you won’t see all that often, it was a Pay Per View main event on free TV, one of Empire Pro’s strengths. JA really sold how groggy he was after that somersault piledriver, and I think despite the… amount of stuff we’d seen between Rocko and Sean in the weeks prior, they made this match so close that you could easily have seen JA or Kin getting the win. As it was we had Rocko winning and the inevitable and needed match with Sean, but this match, easily one of the best triple threats there’ve been.

~~~
[“Death is this Communion” hits the PA as the lights around the stage switch to the red filter. The audience lets out a HUGE reaction!]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a triple threat match set for one fall, and will determine the rightful Number One Contender to the Empire Pro World Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first, from Tacoma, Washington… weighing in at 243 pounds… HERE IS… ROOOOCCKOOOO DAAAAAYYYMOOOONNN!!!

[Daymon steps through the entry-way, noticeably alone. He acknowledges the cheering fans but briefly before making his way to the ring, a sober, determined look on his face.]

DT: Rocko Daymon has arrived, obviously alone, and he is looking ready for action tonight!

DM: I’ll say… after Stalker mercilessly tear up his wife like that while he could only stand back and watch, I’m sure he’s willing to go to any lengths to win tonight.

MN: And if he LOSES, then he just looks like a moron! THAT’D be pretty awesome.

DT: Daymon, obviously, is very motivated to win. He’s had a tumultuous last few months with the champion, Sean Stevens… and he’s looking to settle things at Black Dawn with the title on the line.

[Daymon slides into the ring and goes to a corner. “Eat The Rich” by Fozzie hits the PA as the silhouette of an intensely flexing man before a wall of lights appears in the entry-way. The fans COME TO THEIR FEET chanting the obvious two letters.]

TF: And introducing next… from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania… weighing in at 219 pounds… HERE IS… JAAAAAAY AAAAYYYYEEEE!!!!

[HUGE pop as pyros light up the stage and JA bounds onto the ramp! Playing up to the fans, he confidently makes his way to the ring.]

DT: A HUGE ovation for Jerichoholic Anonymous as he comes to the ring!

DM: You want to talk about motivation… THIS man is the definition of motivation in this match! Daymon might have his out-of-the-ring tiff with Stevens, but JA is the man who knows he has something to settle with the champion in the ring.

MN: Yeah, cause he couldn’t settle it the last TWO times…

DT: JA is very much at the top of his game, and tonight, he may very well gain his ultimatum against the nearly unstoppable champion!

[JA valiantly hops into the ring, continuing to work up the crowd while taking stone-like off glances to Daymon across the ring. “Wings of a Butterfly” by H.I.M. drifts over the PA, and the audience CHEERS WILDLY as a train of MUFFINS crosses over the Empire-Tron!]

TF: And finally… fighting out of Seattle, Washington… he weighs in at 240 pounds… HE IS… “THE MUFFIN MAN”… KIIIIIN HIIIIRROOOSSHIIII!!!

[Pyros EXPLODE over the stage as Kin Hiroshi boldly steps out onto the stage and gets a MASSIVE ovation from the fans in attendance! Eyes focused on his opponents, he casually makes his way to the ring.]

DT: Last, but CERTAINLY not least, comes the notorious Muffin Man from the Land of the Rising Sun!

DM: Hiroshi’s climbed a hard road to make it to this point! He’s here to prove that he has just as much motivation as both these guys, and he doesn’t need to ride on any rivalry to prove why he’s the better man to go to Black Dawn!

MN: They take that crap seriously back where he’s from, you know?

DT: Without rivalry… without anybody in his corner… Hiroshi has earned everything on his own up to this point. A win tonight would mean more than just a title shot… but also give the champion Stevens something to think about while much of his attention is devoted to the other to.

MN: Come on, you really think Sean Stevens WATCHES any of these guys?

[Hiroshi slides into the ring and poses for the fans a few times before going to his corner. The referee begins making his final preparations.]

DT: I’d like to remind the viewers at home that this match is set for NO disqualifications… and NO interferences are permitted. These men will settle this match on their own.

DM: That’s the way it was meant to be.

MN: So basically, I’m going to be falling asleep through this, right?

DT: I doubt that very much, Mike. These men have long been plagued by errors and shady calls… but tonight, an undisputed superior will rise above the others. That man will meet the champion at Black Dawn… and it looks like we’re ready to get this underway!

[The bell rings… and all three men advance to the center of the ring.]

DT: The quest to crown the Number One Contender concludes TONIGHT, and here we go! All three men meeting up in the middle, and THE FISTS START FLYING!! No need to dilly-dally; they’re getting right to the POINT!

DM: It’s a three-way brawl, and no man is showing signs of letting up! But now here’s DAYMON being forced back… and it looks like Hiroshi and JA are focusing solely on him!

DT: We saw this kind of double-teaming when these three met at Russian Roulette, and it did well for JA and Hiroshi to take Rocko out early on… now Daymon’s up against the ropes… there’s the double-whip, sending Rocko across the ring—and Hiroshi just SHOVES JA after him! No alliances here…

DM: Now it’s JA in Daymon’s sights as he comes off the ropes… BIG CLOTHESLINE puts the Anglo Luchadore to the mat! And now it’s HIROSHI, KICKING DAYMON to the mat with a wheel kick!

DT: We’ve got some fast-paced action early on in this main event!

MN: Yeah… none of that technical crap that Dean-O oozes over all the time.

DM: Don’t be naïve, Mike; setting the pace is an important part of competing in a match. Speaking of, we’ll now see if Kin Hiroshi can manage this match to his liking, now that he finds himself with an early opportunity…

DT: Here’s Hiroshi on JA as he comes to his feet, and pushes him into the corner… there’s the Irish Whip—and JA just BUTTS HEADS with Rocko Daymon as he comes to his feet, and both men drop to the mat! Hiroshi’s doing well thus far in managing both opponents at one time…

DM: We’ll see how long he can keep it up… Hiroshi, again opting for JA as he brings him to his feet again… working the shoulder with a textbook arm wrench, and there’s the SWEEP to the back of the legs that puts JA back on the mat! Now it’s Hiroshi going for a Fujiwara ARMBAR!! Oh man, here it goes!

MN: Oh man, there HE goes…

DT: JA fighting the submission hold… and he gets a save from Rocko Daymon, back on his feet, strips Hiroshi off… and now he has a chance to make a move as he grabs Hiroshi around the waist! Hoists him up looking for a GERMAN SUPLEX—and HIROSHI flips to his feet!

DM: Here’s Hiroshi with the reversal… wait a minute, JA back up… and Rocko DROPS TO THE MAT as JA BLASTS HIROSHI with a running Cross Body Chop!

DT: Hiroshi is down, but now Daymon and JA rise together… here comes Rocko with a Clothesline—and JA quickly reverses with a hiptoss! Daymon, back on his feet as if he didn’t even feel it… and JA drops him again as he charges forward with a DROP TOE HOLD!!

DM: Daymon’s getting reckless… he wants to go for hard-hitting attacks, and JA is just picking him apart! Daymon up again… here’s Rocko with another lariat attempt—and JA ducks, following with a FLOAT-OVER DDT!!

MN: OOH… nighty-night, Rocko.

DM: And you thought wrestling couldn’t be fast-paced…

DT: That move left Daymon limp on the mat, and now here’s JA with the cover…

One!

Two!

NO!! Hiroshi with the save! And now with JA on the mat, Hiroshi mounts him and settles for the ground-and-pound! Hiroshi, getting in some HEAVY shots, and JA is suffering for it!

DM: Am I the only one who finds it odd how much MMA is being integrated into wrestling these days?

MN: Hell no! Wrestling needs MORE of that, damnit! It’s the only thing that keeps me INTERESTED anymore, when those beautiful things are bouncing all over the place!

DM: …what the HELL are you talking about?

MN: Massive Mammary Action! You know, “MMA?”

DM: Nevermind, Mike… let’s just focus on the MIXED MARTIAL ARTS happening in the ring… JA trying to escape the wrath of Hiroshi, but now Hiroshi is nudging him toward the corner! JA is in a bad situation now… Hiroshi has him sitting against the bottom turnbuckle, and there’s nowhere for him to go!

DT: This could be bad for the Anglo Luchadore… Hiroshi rising to the second rope… OH MAN, COMES OFF WITH A DOUBLE-STOMP to the STERNUM of JAY AYE!!

MN: Instant lung deflation.

DT: Here’s Hiroshi again climbing the second rope for ANOTHER stomp… but ROCKO DAYMON, back on his feet, ATTACKS him from behind with a Double Axe-Handle! Rocko’s got the opportunity he needs now… and he RIPS Hiroshi out of the corner and flat on his back!

DM: Hiroshi up… and a RUNNING KNEE LIFT from Rocko puts him back down! Now it’s JA coming to his feet in the corner… and Rocko with a RUNNING CLOTHESLINE, sandwiches him in place before he can make a move! Daymon works well in these fast-paced, high-intensity situations, and now he’s routing for his first major offensive in this match!

DT: You might be right there, Dean-O… Hiroshi looking a little wobbly as he comes back to his feet, but Daymon’s charging at him like a steaming locomotive! Rocko with a SPINNING BACK ELBOW that catches Hiroshi in the jaw and sends him flailing to the mat! He is UNSTOPPABLE!!

DM: I can’t say it’s my cup of tea, but… it’s got the crowd going, at least. But wait, here’s JA back on his feet and placed in the corner! Here comes DAYMON…

DT: Rocko with the BACK-FIRST SPLASH—and JA DIVES TO THE SIDE!! Daymon just connected BACK-FIRST with that turnbuckle, and he falls to his knees in pain! I think he got a little carried away with himself there…

MN: Hey, the guy’s had a bad night… there’s NO QUESTION that he wants to win this, so give him a break!

DM: What makes you think Hiroshi and JA don’t want this just as bad? Here’s JA, now, bringing the stunned Rocko Daymon to his feet, and he hooks him around the face… BACKBREAKER—OH MAN, INTO A REVERSE S-T-O!! What the HELL WAS THAT?!

DT: Innovative move from JA, and he makes another pin attempt on Rocko Daymon…

One!

Two!

And DAYMON kicked out of that one! Rocko survives, but JA maintains control…

DM: We’ll see how long that lasts as Hiroshi comes back to his feet and approaches the Anglo Luchadore… there’s the collar and elbow tie-up! JA, sinks his arms around Hiroshi’s head, and slaps him into a side headlock! Great form on the part of the Anglo Luchadore…

DT: Hiroshi trying to break free, but JA has his arm tightly wound around his head!

MN: Well, let’s see how well he manages to keep that hold when Daymon comes back to join the fray.

DT: Daymon, back on his feet, and approaching JA… but OH!! JA saw him coming and met him with a boot to the gut! And now he uses his FREE ARM to slap a headlock onto ROCKO!! Where is he going with this?!

DM: I dunno, Dave… handling one man is hard enough, but two? Maybe JA’s bitten off more than he can chew, although for the time being, he’s got both opponents at bay, and the FANS are mounting behind him!

MN: It ain’t gonna last…

DT: I think you’re right, Mike… for once! Here’s Rocko and Hiroshi, lifting JA OFF THE MAT with a DOUBLE Back Suplex—BUT JA FLIPS BACK and lands on his FEET!! And the Anglo Luchadore with a STEREO OPEN-HAND BULLDOGS on BOTH Hiroshi and Daymon!! EXCELLENT innovation on the part of JA, who now clearly holds an advantage over both of his opponents!

DM: JA is fired up, and thus far, neither Hiroshi’s technical skill nor Daymon’s power approach have had ANY effect on trying to slow him down!

MN: MAN, I knew it was a bad idea for the soda machines in the back to be carrying all those cans of Pepsi Max!

DT: The Anglo Luchadore is still in control of this match, and he may very well earn his spot against the champion Sean Stevens if he continues this kind of momentum! JA has both men by their heads, and brings them to their feet… a CHEER TO THE AUDIENCE gets them WILD… and delivers a DOUBLE-WHAMMY on both Kin Hiroshi and Rocko Daymon!

DM: Daymon just flopped to the mat… but Hiroshi’s still on his feet, reeling! Now JA’s putting his attention on him as he delivers a kick to the side—AND FOLLOWS THROUGH with the ENZIGURI!! Hiroshi was put down with that one…

DT: You could almost hear the smack of JA’s foot against Hiroshi’s skull resonating through the entire arena… but JA not letting up for a second! He runs to the corner… boosts up, and FLIES OFF WITH A SPLIT-LEGGED MOONSAULT!! HE NAILS IT!!

DM: JA goes back to his high-flying roots, and Kin Hiroshi took ALL OF THAT in the chest!

MN: Looks like JA took a little with him as well. Look at him rolling on the mat clutching his ribs… you know, those high-flying moves are real crowd pleasers… but is it worth the self-sacrifice?

DT: OF COURSE it is, Mike! ANY of these men will go to ANY lengths to headline Black Dawn for a shot at the World Heavyweight Title. Self-sacrifice is what brought them this far, and the man that gives just that extra bit more here tonight will go on to become the number one contender!

DM: JA, a little shaken up… but he crawls over the wounded body of Kin Hiroshi, and hooks the leg for the cover!

ONE!

TWO!

THR—NO!! Hiroshi with a kickout before the referee could make the count of three. “The Muffin Man” is looking in bad shape in there…

DT: Jerichoholic Anonymous is certainly doing a number on him… and now as this match drags on, exhaustion is quickly setting in. Hiroshi needs to make a move soon if he wants to continue his quest to Black Dawn!

DM: Rocko Daymon, looking groggy, has made it back to his feet in the corner… and now JA is taking the opportunity to bring Hiroshi back up to his feet… he grabs him by the arm… there’s the Irish Whip to the CORNER—and HIROSHI AND DAYMON COLLIDE!! Looks like Daymon got the worse part of that as he comes stumbling out of the corner, leaning on the ropes…

MN: He isn’t doing much better than Hiroshi right now.

DT: And here comes JA on Hiroshi once again with a SPINNING HEEL KICK—and Hiroshi DUCKS—and DAYMON is the one in the line of fire!! He goes RIGHT TO THE MAT after taking that powerful hit right to the face! And now Hiroshi has the opportunity to make his move…

DM: JA spins around… but HIROSHI meets him with a boot to the gut! Hiroshi with a front-facelock… hooks the leg… lifts him UP AND JUST DRILLS HIM WITH A FISHERMAN BRAINBUSTER!! MAN, it looked liked JA was just turned into a human accordion as all of his weight came down on the back of his head and shoulders!

DT: Meanwhile, KIN HIROSHI shows that he’s still in this match! He’s got a hard road ahead of him, though…

MN: I’ll say. After that beat-down at the hands of JA, the Muffin Man looks as if he’d keel right over if somebody farted next to him…

DT: Let’s hope THAT never happens any time soon… Hiroshi back up, and he meets Rocko Daymon as he comes to his feet… pushes him against the ropes, and there’s the whip across the ring! Hiroshi, looking for a HURRICANRANA—!!

DM: DENIED BY DAYMON, as he refuses to be flipped over on his back! Hiroshi in a tight spot now as Daymon holds him on his shoulders… Daymon running to the ropes, looking for a POWERBOMB TO THE OUTSIDE—OH NO, HIROSHI GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE AND DRAG’S ROCKO TO THE OUTSIDE!!

DT: An UNBELIEVABLE counter by the Muffin Man… and now he has JA all to himself! JA almost to his feet… but Hiroshi slips back into the ring, and there’s a BULLDOG that puts him back on top of JA!

DM: Jerichoholic Anonymous seemed to do well as he took down both men at once with a variety of innovated moves… but can Hiroshi gain an edge by working away at the presumed weaker man?

DT: What makes JA the “weaker” man?

MN: Because it’s JAY-AYE, duh! The guy wears a mask like some fruity Frenchmen…

DM: Actually, I was referring to JA having spent all that stamina and energy controlling the last few minutes of the match… and now with Hiroshi in control, he’ll soon be looking to his reserve tanks, if he has any!

DT: Hiroshi is indeed in control, as he waits for JA to get to his feet, and puts him DOWN with a textbook Japanese Armdrag!

MN: The best thing off that island, other than Playstation 3 and MXC.

DM: Hiroshi looks to be trying to transition to an armbar… but JA wrestling back, and both men come to their feet, grappling toe to toe!

MN: Try to keep the snake in your pants, Dean-O.

DT: JA looking for a headlock—NO!! Hiroshi slips him into a FULL-NELSON… and STRAIGHT INTO A DRAGON SUPLEX PIN!!

ONE!

TWO!!

NO!! JA with the kickout…

DM: A near fall, but Hiroshi has this match going at his tempo… but maybe that will change as Rocko Daymon climbs onto the apron to reenter the ring. Daymon, taking a moment to catch his breath…

DT: Uh-oh, spotted by Hiroshi! Here’s the Muffin Man to the ropes—SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK to the FACE of the unsuspecting Rocko Daymon, who was sent back to the outside!!

MN: Man, that dumbass…

DM: Hiroshi really got a charge out of the fans with that one… and once again, Hiroshi controls the ring. Now he’s getting JA to his feet once again, continuing to work on the wearying Anglo Luchadore…

DT: There’s a whip to the ropes—but JA with the REVERSAL!! Hiroshi coming back, and JA sets him up for a MONKEY FLIP—but HIROSHI with a somersault, and HOOKS BOTH LEGS FOR A COVER!!

ONE!!

TWO!!

THR—NO!! Broken up by Rocko Daymon, who was just quick enough to slide into the ring and disrupt the pin.

MN: That guy’s got the timing up an unwanted pregnancy…

DT: I’m sure Hiroshi feels that way too, but now Daymon is wrestling him back to his feet… Daymon looking for a Russian Legsweep—but KIN HIROSHI breaks free with an elbow to Daymon’s face!

DM: And Hiroshi, with a LARIAT, sends Rocko back to the outside as he was reeling back against the ropes! Man, Hiroshi really looks to be annoyed with Rocko’s interruptions…

MN: Well wouldn’t you be annoyed if you had victory within the palm of your hand and some shmuck keeps ruining your vibe?

DM: …to be honest, yeah, I think I would.

DT: Back to the action, as Hiroshi gets JA back to his feet. The Anglo Luchadore hasn’t been looking to good over the past few minutes as Kin Hiroshi wears him down at every opportunity. How much longer can he hold out?

MN: You’d be surprised. You see, the mask cuts off the circulation to his brain, so he really doesn’t even feel the first ten or fifteen minutes of pain.

DM: Even if that WERE true, he’d be lightning quick compared to YOU, Neels.

DT: Hiroshi bringing JA back to his feet… and JA STRIKES BACK with a Knife-Edge Chop!

DM: Might be some life left in him after all!

DT: But KIN HIROSHI with a CHOP of its own, and he had some HEAT on that one! JA stunned, and Hiroshi lifts him up… and PLANTS HIM with a MICHINOKU DRIVER!!

DM: Man, he’s just going for the throat now! I don’t know HOW JA’s going to come back from that one…

MN: HEY, are you saying I’m slow?

DM: That was ten seconds ago, Mike. Where the hell have you been?

MN: …Alaska.

DT: At any rate, Hiroshi, neglecting a pin… perhaps he has something else in mind? He looks to the turnbuckle… yes, there IS something on his mind! He’s going RIGHT TO THE TOP!!

DM: Uh-oh… this might be a risky move. Why give your opponent that kind of opportunity when you’d been doing so well thus far?

MN: Because he’s an idiot, Dean. Haven’t you figured that out yet?

DT: Hiroshi perched on the very top rope… and JA laid out in front him… Hiroshi comes FLYING OFF… NAAAAILLZZ the DIVING HEADBUTT!!

[Crowd PAWPS!!!]

DM: OH MAN, A DIRECT HIT!! Right into the STERNUM of Jerichoholic Anonymous!! That might be it!!

DT: Here’s Hiroshi with the COVER…

ONE!!

NO WAIT… the referee spots ROCKO DAYMON putting JA’s foot on the bottom rope!! Daymon, on the outside, SAVES what could have been a match-ending fall!

DM: I like to think that JA would’ve kicked out of that on his own strength… but Rocko Daymon obviously wasn’t taking any risks, and didn’t have the time to go back into the ring. And now it looks like Kin Hiroshi is FED UP with him!

DT: Looks like you’re right, Dean… here’s Hiroshi, bouncing into the ropes… and BLASTS ROCKO IN THE FACE with a BASEBALL SLIDE!! And now Hiroshi is bringing the fight to Daymon on the outside!

MN: I guess now he’ll regret putting a stain on the Muffin Man’s work…

DM: I dunno… Hiroshi really needs to be focusing on the man on the ring.

DT: Hiroshi bringing Rocko back to his feet… VIOLENTLY shoves him into the steel barricade by his hair! Hiroshi proceeding to pummel the back of Rocko Daymon as he hangs sweating and exhausted over the barricade right in front of the front-row seats.

MN: Heh heh… have a lick, kids! Take it home as a souvenir!!

DT: Hiroshi taking Rocko by the arm… there’s the WHIP to the STEEL CORNERPOST—NO, ROCKO WITH THE REVERSAL, and KIN HIROSHI GOES HEAD-FIRST INTO THE STEEL POST!!

DM: Misjudged Rocko’s strength there… wait, is that what I think it is…?

[The camera gets a shot of Hiroshi’s face while he lies on the outside floor. A cut has formed in his forehead where his skin broke as he connected with the steel.]

MN: Yep! We got a BLEEDER here, folks!!

DT: Daymon bled nearly buckets in their last foray… and it looks as though tonight, it’s the Muffin Man’s turn to bleed! Daymon getting Hiroshi back to his feet, and takes him around the waist. Looking for a Gutwrecnh Suplex here?

DM: Possibly so, as Daymon lifts Hiroshi UP—AND DROPS HIM ACROSS THE APRON!! OH MAN, HIROSHI LANDED ON HIS BACK!! What a SICKENING collision!

DT: Daymon has been unwillingly left out of this match for the past few minutes while Hiroshi worked on JA… and now he’s come back with a vengeance! Rocko now bringing Hiroshi up to his feet. What does he have in store for him next?

MN: Put his ass through a table! DESTROY HIM! Just… do it far away from here, please?

DM: Wait, inside the ring, here’s JA!!

DT: OH MY GAAWWDD!! JERICHOHOLIC ANONYMOUS CLEARS THE ROPES… and CLEARS THE COMPETITION with a BEAUTIFUL rope flip plancha to the outside! Neither Daymon nor Hiroshi saw that coming, and the Anglo Luchadore has a chance to come back in this match!

DM: I nearly thought he was OUT of this match… but shame on me for every doubting him!

DT: JA back in full control, rolling Rocko Daymon into the ring first… and follows with Hiroshi, as Daymon comes to his feet! JA up to the apron, and here he comes into the ring with a SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICK—OH NO, DAYMON CAUGHT HIM!! JA hits the mat HARD, and now Daymon looking for a TACOMA CLOVERLEAF!!

MN: “Tacoma” Cloverleaf… how that’s different from the TEXAS variety, I’m not sure. Just call it a damn Cloverleaf!

DM: Oh no, bad position for JA!! He looked to be routing a comeback, but now he finds himself on the verge of SUBMISSION as Rocko gets him over onto his belly! You don’t see many tap-out attempts in a triple threat match, but fans, after that cut to the head, Hiroshi is in NO condition to come to the save of JA at this point!

DT: JA squirming, clawing, fighting it for everything he’s got… he’s near a set of ropes, but can he make it? More appropriately, does he have enough STRENGTH to get that far??

DM: Good question, Dave… while JA was losing strength at the hands of Kin Hiroshi, Daymon was gaining his own while outside the ring, away from the action! Daymon—amazingly enough—has that move locked in as if he was a mat wrestling PRO! I don’t see JA getting out of this one…

[The fans are CHEERING WILDLY, some in support of Daymon’s near victory, and others trying to mount behind JA!]

DT: Jericoholic Anonymous, RIPPING his fingers into his mask as he tries to hold back the pain shooting through his legs and lower back right now… and… my God, I can’t believe I’m seeing this, he’s MOVING to the ropes!!

DM: Daymon’s trying to plant him… but he can’t get the traction he needs!

MN: Damn tread-less wrestling boots!!

DT: JA feet away… INCHES… CENTIMETERS…

MN: PICOMETERS…

DT: HE’S GOT IT!! JA REACHES THE BOTTOM ROPE!!

DM: Unbelievable!

DT: It seems as though Rocko Daymon can hardly believe it himself as he releases the hold, and leaves JA on the mat to recover while turning his attention to Kin Hiroshi. Hiroshi coming to his feet… and CATCHES ROCKO with a shot to the mid-section… followed by a second! Hiroshi back on his feet now, NAILS Rocko with a right hand… and Daymon hits him with a RIGHT OF HIS OWN as if he didn’t feel it!!

DM: Hiroshi might soon regret opting to trade blows with a natural brawler like Rocko Daymon!

MN: Everybody knows that as a child, Rocko Daymon tried to eat a bee-hive, and has a steel jaw as a result of the bodily injuries he suffered.

DT: Hiroshi comes back with another… and DAYMON with an even heavier counter!! Daymon with a SECOND big right hand… and a DISCUS PUNCH that just levels Kin Hiroshi to the mat!

DM: Daymon is PUMPED, and so is the crowd!! Rocko, switching targets, goes back to JA, who is just now making it to his feet with the help of the ropes…

DT: Given what JA has gone through, does he have enough to stop Rocko Daymon’s unyielding momentum? Daymon has JA from the side…

MN: Looks like that’s a NO, Dave…

DM: RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP from Daymon! Holds on as he brings JA up again… and drops him with a SECOND!!

DT: Up again for number three… and he NAILS IT!! JA, BARELY has the strength to resist him, and now Daymon goes for the cover…

ONE!!

TWO!!

THR—NO!! JA with the NEAR kickout!!

DM: I am simply amazed at the fortitude of JA… he’s gone under a lot of damage… put his body on the line in a lot of cases… and he’s STILL hanging in there!!

DT: JA is still in this fight… although he may have to wait a while longer until he gets another chance to make a serious impact, as Rocko Daymon gets him to his feet and dumps him into the Tree Of Woe in the corner, and again puts his attention on Kin Hiroshi!

MN: JA can “HANG OUT” in the meantime…

DT: Clever, Mike. Seriously, you should write for the Daily Show, or something…

MN: You think I have a shot?

DT: NO.

DM: The Muffin Man looks a little groggy after that haymaker to the face as he comes back to his feet… and turns right into a BOOT TO THE GUT, delivered by Rocko Daymon… and Daymon with a DOUBLE-ARM DDT!!

DT: Daymon is SERIOUSLY cleaning house in that ring… he’s beating JA and Kin Hiroshi into PULP, and showing no signs of slowing down.

DM: But he can’t put them down for the three, Dave. JA and Hiroshi are proving to be TOO determined to win this one!

DT: We’ll see if Rocko Daymon can finish it here as he hooks the leg and covers Kin Hiroshi…

ONE!!

TWO!!

THR—AWW, NO!! HIROSHI WITH THE KICKOUT!! Rocko can HARDLY believe… and neither can many of these fans!!

DM: I don’t know who they’re cheering for, but they’re enjoying this either way!

MN: These people will like anything their spoon-fed…

DT: What an incredible match-up we’re witnessing here tonight… but only ONE man can go on to compete for the title at Black Dawn! Right now, with his dominance in the ring, Rocko Daymon is the clear front-runner… but he’ll have to put forth even more than what he’s giving to put either one of these equally determined athletes!

DM: Looks like he’s finally coming to that realization, Dave, as Rocko Daymon brings a wearied Kin Hiroshi to his feet… there’s the whip to the turnbuckle! You know what comes next!

DT: Daymon charges in… and NAILS HIROSHI with the BACK-FIRST SPLASH!! Hiroshi’s in TROUBLE!!

DM: He might have some help, as JA finally tumbles out of the turnbuckle… but Rocko’s already looking to finish this off, as he yanks Hiroshi out of the corner by the arm, DRAGS him back into a well-placed KICK TO THE GUT… and he HOOKS BOTH ARMS FOR THE BRAIN ROCKER—

DT: But JAY-AYE MAKES THE SAVE!! JA, with a BIG diving clothesline, just knocked Rocko Daymon to the mat and saved Kin Hiroshi from being finished off!

MN: Where the hell did he come from?!

DM: You should know better by now than to underestimate the ability of the ANGLO LUCHADORE!

DT: Daymon getting back off the mat… but here’s JA, grabbing him around the waist—

AND JUST PLANTS HIM WITH A KARELIN DRIVER!!

DM: HE DID IT!! He STOPPED Rocko Daymon dead in his tracks! Now all he has to do is make the COVER!!

MN: What a lucky break…

DT: JA, almost has this one in the bag… now he is slowly crawling to Daymon, who lays flat on his back… and now Kin Hiroshi is working his way up onto his knees! JA’s gotta finish this one quick!

DM: JA only has the strength to drape an ARM across the chest of Rocko Daymon!

DT: Good enough!

ONE!!!




TWO!!!







THREE—OH NO, HIROSHI BREAKS IT UP!!

DM: DAMN!! So close…

MN: Close doesn’t cut it, Dean. Or have you forgotten?

DT: Kin Hiroshi, fighting exhaustion and BLOOD LOSS, saves this match from slipping through his fingers… but does he have enough to put either of these men away?

DM: We’ll find out soon enough… here’s Hiroshi back to his feet… and JA as well… and JA steps in with a KNIFE-EDGE CHOP across the chest of Hiroshi… and Hiroshi FIRES BACK with one of his own!!

DT: Both men, once again EXCHANGING hard chops across the chest! I haven’t seen pectorals get THAT red since Mike visited the salon to get waxed.

MN: Oh Walken, don’t remind me…

DT: Here’s JA with ANOTHER chop… and HIROSHI returns… and puts in ANOTHER… and a THIRD IN A ROW!!

DM: Hiroshi’s getting the edge!

DT: Hiroshi with ANOTHER chop—NO!! Blocked by JA… and Hiroshi BITES BAT with a boot to the gut!

NAGASAKI FAT MAN!!!

DM: WHAT A SUNSET FLIP PILEDRIVER!! JA is OUT like a LIGHTBULB, and Kin Hiroshi is MOMENTS AWAY from earning his spot at Black Dawn!

MN: COVER HIM, you idiot!!

DT: Hiroshi barely has the strength to finish this off… but he drapes himself across the chest of JA, and HERE IT IS!!




ONE!!!






TWO!!!








THREEE—NO, NO NO NOOO!!! JA WITH THE KICKOUT!! JA KICKED OUT!! How in the HELL did he do that?!

DM: That masked man is UNSTOPPABLE, I tell ya! Hiroshi executed that move perfectly, but JA is just TOO RESILIENT to be let himself be put down!

MN: I’m telling you… the mask pads his head. His actual head is really small… like the size of a grapefruit. Believe me, I’ve SEEN it.

DM: …liar.

MN: Okay, I’m just pulling your leg, but MAN, could you imagine a person like that? What a freak they’d be!

DT: Hiroshi looks simply disheveled right now… but now he’s prepared to finish this off! He knows what he’s gotta do, and now as he lifts JA off the mat, he’s prepared to do it!

DM: You can’t mean… HIROSHIMA’S LITTLE BOY??

DT: The very same, Dean!! Hiroshi hooking JA from behind, and lifts him onto his SHOULDERS!! HERE WE GO!!

DM: JA’s going to be FINISHED after this!!

DT: NO!! JA struggling… he’s trying to break free!! Hiroshi having trouble keeping him in place!!

MN: ABORT! ABORT!!

DT: Here’s Hiroshi going to the ropes… and TOSSES JA off his shoulders!

DM: WHOA!! JA lands on his feet on the apron… and grabs Hiroshi by the head for a JAWBREAKER—

DT: TOO LATE!! ROCKO DAYMON with a RUNNING HAMMERBLOW to the back of Kin Hiroshi, and both men at the ropes BUTT HEADS!! JA was just sent TUMBLING to the outside, and now a dazed Kin Hiroshi turns around… right into a BOOT TO THE GUT—

BRAIN ROCKER!!!

DM: OH MAN!! DAYMON, with that SIT-OUT DOUBLE-UNDERHOOK FACEBUSTER, just BURIED Kin Hiroshi into the mat, and now he’s in a position to WIN this!! Where’s JA!?

DT: JA still on the outside as Daymon… wait, not going for a pin? Now he’s mounting Hiroshi across the back…

DM: What the HELL is he doing?!

DT: Daymon going for a Camel Clutch? NO!! GOES FOR A GEDO CLUTCH!!!

DM: WOW!! JA trying to make it into the ring for a SAVE!!

DT: Here’s the pin…


ONE!!!





TWO!!!



THREEE!!!!

[The bell rings JUST as JA knocks Daymon off of Hiroshi… but is just a second too late. “Death Is This Communion” hits the PA as the referee helps the victorious Daymon to his feet. JA slaps the mat in frustration while Kin Hiroshi recovers on the mat.]

TF: Here is your winner… and OFFICIAL Number One Contender…

RROOOOCCKOOO DDAAAYYYYMOOOOOONNN!!

DT: What an UNBELIEVABLE VICTORY for Rocko Daymon! I had almost written him off after he was put away by JA, but Daymon pulled out all the stops and came back to win this at the most opportunistic moment!

DM: And did so with a little flair. He may have been anticipating Hiroshi kicking out of the Brain Rocker, which ISN’T outside of the Muffin Man’s power… but instead, Daymon opted for that innovated Gedo Clutch pin, and sealed the deal.

MN: Well, Dean, the guy you DIDN’T want to win ended up winning. How does that make you feel?

DM: Ugh… you know, Mike, even though I’m admittedly a bigger fan of wrestling talents like JA or Hiroshi… I can at least say I enjoyed the entirety of this match, and the performance put forward from all four men. Considering all that, I’ll just leave it by saying they’re all winners in my book.

DT: Completely true, Dean. This was an EXHAUSTING match, and all of these men wanted victory like nothing else! But TONIGHT… Rocko Daymon has earned his spot at Black Dawn against the champion, Sean Stevens, and considering EVERYTHING that’s gone done between them recently, I’d say he deserved this victory every step of the way!

MN: Imagine how much of an ass he’s going to feel like after Stevens whoops him…

DM: Wait a minute, speaking of…!

[The cheering audience suddenly begins to BOO as the camera pans over to the stage… where the champion himself, SEAN STEVENS, appears, wearing a wry smile and carrying the belt over his shoulder. In the ring, Rocko Daymon stares daggers back into him.]

DT: The animosity between these men is unprecedented! Sean Stevens has been the thorn in Daymon’s side for many months, and when these two collide at Black Dawn, we can nothing short of ABSOLUTE PANDEMONIUM!

DM: No doubts about that, Dave… and considering what went down earlier tonight with Caitlyn Daymon, I’m sure Rocko feels pretty damn good about—

MN: OH, HE AIN’T FEELING GOOD NOW!!

DT: WAIT!! WHAT IS THIS?!

[The boos SPIKE as STALKER, having emerged practically unseen from the crowd and slipped into the ring, begins ASSAULTING Rocko Daymon from behind! Almost as soon as Daymon has been put to the mat amid a flurry of strikes from his nemesis, Stevens comes sprinting down the ramp…]

DM: Oh no… this is going to get UGLY!!

MN: I smell a beatdown!!

DT: The alliance between Stalker and Stevens is apparently STILL in tact, as the World Champion slides into the ring, and now BOTH men ruthlessly attack the new number one contender! Either they’re sending a clear message or they’re not going to give Rocko the chance to even MAKE IT to Black Dawn!

DM: Here’s Stalker bringing Daymon off the mat… and THROWS him to Stevens—WHO JUST PASTES HIM ACROSS THE FOREHEAD WITH THAT GOLD TITLE!!

[The arena becomes a FLOOD of boos as Stevens stands over Daymon, holding out the belt for him to see, and SPITTING ON HIM while he’s down!]

DM: Rocko has no help here…

DT: OR MAYBE HE DOES!! HERE’S JA AND HIROSHI TO THE RESCUE!!

[The audience POPS TREMENDOUSLY as Hiroshi and JA, suddenly forgetting their disappointment, come to the aid of Rocko Daymon by going toe to toe with his attackers!]

DT: HERE WE GO!! Chaos in the ring, as Hiroshi lays into the face of Stalker and JA goes after the champion!

MN: What a bunch of crap! They wouldn’t be doing this if they didn’t have strength in numbers!

DT: Only four men are standing, Mike! Learn to count!

MN: I know how to count! Kinda have to, at the dog tracks…

DM: And a HASTY RETREAT is made before Stevens of them can suffer any more damage! It’s JA and Hiroshi standing tall in the ring now!

[Trash talking is exchanged between both sides, with both Hiroshi and JA giving the “finger-point of death” to the champion, who merely waves them off and goes back up the ramp with Stalker in tow, holding up his title for the thousands of booing fans in attendance. Back in the ring, JA and Hiroshi turn their attention to Rocko Daymon as he struggles to get to his feet. After a moment’s hesitation and exchanging a glance, both men stoop down and help him to his feet.]

DT: There’s a sign of sportsmanship right there…

DM: It may not be a handshake or a simple good luck… but JA and the Muffin Man at least know a little thing called respect.

MN: Respect is for losers… and they lost tonight, so no surprises there.

DT: Obviously, JA and Kin Hiroshi, even after tonight’s setback, aren’t completely turned away from the prospect of competing for the EPW World Heavyweight Title… but they’ll have to wait for their time to come, because tonight, all eyes are on ROCKO DAYMON as he goes into Black Dawn with a momentous victory here tonight!

[To “Death Is This Communion”, Daymon climbs the turnbuckle, pumping his fist into the air for the sea of roaring fans around him. JA and Hiroshi separately exit the ring and go back up the ramp.]

DT: Ladies and gentlemen, we’re about out of time here tonight… we hope you enjoyed the show we had tonight!

DM: It was quality water-cooler talk, that’s for certain.

MN: Eh, it was so-so…

DT: Our next stop is BLACK DAWN!! We hope to see you there for what’s turning out to be quite an event! Until then, I’m Dave Thomas… and on behalf of my partners Mike Neely and Dean Matthews, I’d like to wish you all watching out there a good night!

DM: Drive safe!

[Fade to black.]
 

DBrunkGXW

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Marcus Westcott vs. Felix Red vs. Anarky – Aggression 42

[CUT TO: Copycat sitting in front of an EPW backdrop]

COPYCAT: Marcus Westcott getting revenge is kind of the theme of this match, and as cheesy as it sounds, I can see parallels, because at this point – right before my own EPW debut – my last feud had basically been with Felix Red and Anarky. And also a bunch of other guys, but that's a whole 'nother story. So that really helped put me in the shoes of the good guy in this one. I know Felix is a babyface too, but you can't deny that Westcott is supposed to be the hero here.

I admit I had a tough time figuring out what Craig Miles is doing here. That old “referee just screwing with everybody” bit is funny, but you don't get to see much of a payoff on it, and it kind of goes against the idea that Miles is a smart guy that he's trying to pull this on Anarky, a.k.a. Captain Kill Everybody. I've been in that ring with Anarky a bajillion times, and one thing you always have to sell is that even if you're messing with his head – which I did all the time – you just don't leave him an opening.

Kendo sticks! Barbed wire gloves! Blowtorches! Thumbtacks! Chairs! Tables, sometimes on fire! Hey, better them than me.

No one can do sidekicks like Felix Red. There are a lot of guys who do sidekicks really well – Sean Edmunds and Shawn Hart always come to mind – but it amazes me how Felix can get people like Gothopotamus to go along with his schtick so instinctively.

~~~
[FADEIN: The rampway as "Sleep Now In the Fire" by RATM is playing, "Cocky" Craig Miles walks out, wearing a black and white striped ref shirt with the sleeves cut off, black pants, and his tool belt full of various and sundry objects. Miles swaggers to the ring as much of the crowd is jeering him.]

TF: Introducing first our special guest referee for this No DQ Street fight...COCKY! CRAIG! MILES!!! [Crowd gives a shower of boos to Miles who smiles wickedly]

DT: This match will be a war, that much is clear. These four men were all in the same match, in quite different rolls at Unleashed, where Craig Miles betrayed Marcus Westscott, leading to his defeat at the hands of the Forsaken, via a pinfall counted by Anarky.

DM: This is really a second chapter in some ways of that contest, and who knows what to expect.

MN: I know what to expect! Carnage! This is going to be amazing!

[MUSIC-UP: "More Human Then Human" by White Zombie. Anarky, wearing his trademark skull face-paint, ripped jeans, a black leather jacket, black Napalm Death T-Shirt, and black wrestling boots. He carries a baseball bat to the ring in his hands, which are in gloves that are covered in barbed wire.]

TF: "Introducing first..Weighing in at 245 pounds...AN! RRRRR!!!! KEY!!!!!"

[The crowd boos loudly as Anarky enters the ring, where he is almost instantly confronted by Miles who's got a small flashlight]

DT: What in the world is Craig Miles doing?!

MN: He's flashing the light up Anarky's nose looking for coke! Ha ha! That Miles is a genius!

DT: Anarky pushes Miles away, Miles now tugging on his ref shirt and giving Anarky the business.

[Before anything more can happen between between the two men suddenly "Never Wanted To Dance" by MSI, the TBM Remix hits over the PA. The crowd pops as Felix Red, wearing a black Dresden Dolls T-Shirt, black dickies, sneakers and his EPW World Tag belt, comes out from the curtain, he is flanked by Ryoko, her hair dyed black, she is wearing a black top with a deep purple jacket and dress cut at the knee, she carries a small purple purse with her. Gotho follows on the other side wearing a black school girl outfit with his hair in pigtails, attempting to look as much like Lyn-Z from MSI as any 340+ pound man could. Gotho does some dancing for a little bit, then starts to cry. Felix cuffs him on the back of the head to get him back towards walking to the ring.]

TF: Introducing his opponents, first, being led to the ring by El Gothopotamus and Ryoko, weighing in at 230 pounds, he is one half of the EPW World Tag Team Champions...FELIX!!!! RED!!!!"

[The crowd pops as Felix gets in the ring, he takes his belt off and looks like he's ready to use it as a weapon. When "Ladies and Gentleman" by Saliva hits, Marcus Westscott charges to the ring at a dead run. His arms are taped up, he's wearing a plain white wife-beater and faded blue jeans over his white wrestling boots, he hits the ring and begins attacking!]

[Bell rings]

DT: Westscott with that Kendo Stick to the head of Felix! And a shot for Anarky! Felix now being worn out with that stick and he rolls to the floor...Anarky gets CRACKED by the stick and he too goes to the floor...Westscott now screaming in the ring, and he winds up at Miles...But holds off!

MN: If Beast knows what's good for him, he won't hit Miles, he knows his match at the PPV with Miles will be off if he does!

DT: You owe a dollar to the "Don't call him Beast" fund Mikey...Miles smirking, flashing that MILES-WIDE grin at Westscott, who turns to look at as Felix is getting in the ring...OH MY! Miles just used a staple gun on the back of Westscott's head!

DM: There isn't a lot Westscott, or really anyone can do about Miles's antics, since he is in charge of this match as referee.

DT: Felix now back in the ring and stomping on Westscott, who's prone from that staple shot to the head...Felix measuring Westscott and a THRUST KICK by Felix Red drops him to the mat, Felix covers...And Miles is pulling out a cigarette and lighting it up...He's just smoking in the corner, ignoring the pin!

MN: You ever smoked? Sometimes you need a fix, everything else can wait!

DT: Felix gives up on the pin and stalks over to Miles, who just blows smoke in Felix's face...WAIT ANARKY WITH A ROLL UP ON FELIX!

ONE!

NO!

DT: Miles with a really slow count there also on Felix...Who knows what games he's playing here.

MN: I do, he's hoping for carnage, and I love it!

DT: Westscott has gone to the floor, he's looking under the ring and he's got a table...He throws that table into the ring...And now he's got another one and he slides THAT one into the ring also!

MN: I'm liking this already!

DT: Anarky trying to rake at Felix with those barbed wire gloves...Felix fighting with Anarky and he's taken off one of Anarky's gloves, but Anarky manages to cut up Felix with his other gloved hand!

DM: This fight is going to be a true test of wills, and all these men have so much hatred of each other that nobody's going to go down without taking a great deal of abuse!

DT: Westscott has one table set up in the corner and now he's got the other table unfolded and set up in the middle of the ring...Westscott charges into the corner and CRUSHES BOTH MEN into the corner...He drives a couple of headbutts into Anarky's skull and Anarky falls to the mat, Felix now grabbed by Westscott who HIPTOSSES HIM THROUGH THE TABLE PROPPED UP IN THE CORNER!

[Crowd buzzing!]

DT: Westscott wastes no time and quickly gets Felix back up...He scoops him off the ground...SPINEBUSTER THROUGH THE OTHER TABLE!!!!

{HOLY SH*T! Chant!]

DT: Felix just got DESTROYED! The cover!

ONE!!

TWO!!!

NO!!

DT: Anarky breaks it up! And I must say, that was a faster count then we've seen out of Miles!

MN: He's like Pedro in his prime, changing speeds, working all sections of the zone, it's a masterpiece!

DT: I don't think counting to three is the same as pitching in the bigs Neely...Anarky stomping away on Westscott who's trying to get up...Anarky now driving Westscott to a corner and GRINDING that barbed wire glove in Westscott's face! Westscott howling as his flesh is being ripped open.

DM: Anarky, I know he's lost that baseball bat he had at the start, but of the three men, he's clearly come loaded for bear in this fight.

DT: Felix now over and he's got Felix's other glove and now ANARKY is having the barbed wire driven into HIS scalp! Anarky flailing, trying to get free of Felix...Felix drops the glove and grabs Anarky...UNPRETTIER ON THE GLOVE!! Anarky thrashing on the mat in agony! Felix covers!

ONE!!
TWO!!
NO!

DT: Westscott with the save on what was a lightning like count from Miles...Westscott now kicking the hell out of Felix and now Felix is tossed over the top to the floor!

MN: Good, get the tiny guy out of the way and let these two maul each other for a while!

DT: Anarky and Westscott now trading shots on each other, big right hands by both men...OH ANARKY GOES LOW ON WESTSCOTT! Westscott falls to the mat in agony.

DM: There is no rules here, these man can do anything they want and clearly they are going to!

DT: Anarky now standing over Westscott...OH MY! MILES JUST LIT A SMALL BLOWTORCH AND SHOT ANARKY WITH THE FLAME! Anarky cutching at his face, he could be blinded!

MN: You gotta love Craig Miles! You have to!

DT: I don't think any of the men in this match would agree with that, wait a minute! Felix is to his feet on the outside and now he and Gotho are getting out a table...The table set up now on the floor...Felix into the ring and he grabs Westscott and pulls him to the floor...Felix and Gotho now hammering Westscott with right hands...Now Felix puts Westscott on the table...Ryoko runs over and grabs Westscott's arms, Gotho has his legs...Felix slides into the ring...Off the ropes...NO HANDS PLANCHA FROM THE RING TO THE FLOOR DRIVING WESTSCOTT THROUGH THAT TABLE!!!

[Competing "HOLY! SH*T!" and "EPW" chants break out! The camera pans to Ryoko checking on Felix.]

MN: You know, for someone who really doesn't want to be here, Ryoko isn't acting like it.

DT: The relationship between Felix and Ryoko is something we could spend hours trying to figure out, what matters right now is Anarky getting his wits about him and he's to the floor and he grabs Westscott and throws him into the ring...Ryoko and Gotho now toss Felix in...Anarky goes for the cover on Westscott as Felix throws an arm over his chest...Now Miles jumps on top! What is he doing?!

[MIles yells "PILE ON!" as Anarky glares at him]

MN: Man this guy is a card! Miles is working these fools like a speed bag!

DT: Anarky throws Felix off Westscott and stomps on Felix a couple times, he now goes to the outside...What's he doing now?

MN: Whatever it is, I think they aren't bleeding enough, so I hope it brings the gore!

DT: Anarky's got a bag and now he's back in the ring...He opens the bag...OH LORD...IT'S THUMBTACKS!!!

[Crowd buzzing!]

DM: The brutality of this match just keeps getting more and more intense as things go on. This is getting scary!

DT: Anarky now gets Westscott up and stands him near the tacks...A right hand...Another one...Westscott staggering...another shot...He's almost fallen over...WAIT! WESTSCOTT GRABS ANARKY...BACKDROP INTO THE TACKS!!!

MN: Oh man, this is amazing!

DT: Anarky screaming as he rolls to the floor in agony...Felix is up...Westscott kicks him in the stomach and now he hooks him...Oh no...OH NOOOOO...POWERBOMB ON FELIX RED INTO THE TACKS!!!!

MN: On the humanity! Thank goodness I'm TiVo'ing this show!!

DT: Westscott covers!

ONE!!!


TWO!!!


NO!!

DT: Ryoko just reached in and gouged Westscott in the eye...Of course Miles took his sweet time getting around to counting...Westscott goes outside after Ryoko, Gotho tries to get in the way, and he gets DECKED for his troubles...Westscott now chasing Ryoko around the ring...ANARKY BLINDSIDES WESTSCOTT WITH A CHAIRSHOT! Right as Westscott was turning that corner to get after Ryoko, Anarky just sprung up and BELTED Westscott with that chair!

DM: Ryoko unwittingly giving Anarky the advantage there, meanwhile in the ring Felix is getting to his feet...and Miles looks like he's sizing him up...HE JUST BREATHED FIRE AT FELIX!!

MN: Whiskey + Fire = DRAGONFIRE!!! Oh he's the cock of the walk! Dance little puppets, dance on the strings of the puppetmaster Craig Miles!

DT: You want me to give Miles the note saying you like him or you going to meet him after history class and tell him yourself Neely?

MN: Hey, you got to respect genius.

DT: Anarky now has the run of the place with Felix burned and Westscott just about knocked out...Anarky rolls Westscott into the ring...He now drags him away from the ropes and covers...

ONE!!



TWO!!!!


THR---NO! NO!

DT: Miles with an OUTRAGIOUSLY SLOW COUNT there on Westscott and Anarky is livid...Anarky and Miles now jawing...Anarky with a right hand! Miles...Staggers back and falls to the floor...Now he's laying outside the ring like he's been shot...This is a joke!

MN: He knocked out the ref! Anarky's going to be looking at fines, a suspension...He might never work in this business after that horrific act!

DT: Miles contines to ham it up laying there on the floor...Now Anarky going to the outside...He's got another table and he slides it into the ring...Anarky sets up that table in the middle of the ring now...And now he's got Westscott and he's setting him up in the corner...Oh lord...He's gonna Super Bomb him through the table!

DM: This match has seen so much and now perhaps this is what it will take to end this battle.

DT: Wait a second, Gotho now in the ring, he's taking a couple punches at Westscott and telling Anarky to wait a second...Oh lord...Gotho just pulled out LIGHTER FLUID from that school girl vest he was wearing...He's spraying down the table...Now he's got some matches...THE TABLE IS ON FIRE!!!

MN: YES!! KILL WESTSCOTT!!!

DT: ANARKY OFF THE TOP ROPE...SUPERBOMB THROUGH THE FLAMING TABLE!!!!!

[Crowd explodes...LOUD "HOLY SH*T!" chants!]

DT: That HAS to be it...But Miles is still on the floor faking his injury from that punch by Anarky.

MN: See, Anarky did it to himself, he's got nobody else to blame!

DT: Anarky back to his feet and now he's going outside to get Miles who's now pretending to be using the steel steps to get to his feet...Anarky yelling at Miles, who reacts by drunkenly staggering away from Anarky...OH LORD! FELIX RED OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A CHAIRSHOT ON ANARKY, CRUSHING ANARKY'S SKULL INTO THE RINGPOST!!!

MN: Westscott dead, check, Anarky dead, check...Now if Miles could just take care of Felix, this would be perfection!

DT: Miles now quits his games and looks fine...Felix staggers into the ring...This match has taken just about everything from these three men. Felix waiting on Westscott to get up...He's measuring him...Westscott up...IMPALER DDT INTO THE WRECKAGE OF THAT TABLE...Oh man...Westscott has been put through hell here...And now Felix isn't content to pin him...No...He's hooking Wescott up...ANTI-LIFE EQUATION! He's got that Regal Stretch locked in on Westscott!

DM: With Miles making up the rules as he goes along on these pins, it's not a bad idea to think submission, of course he's attacked everyone in the fight, he might just attack Felix if he feels like it to break the hold.

DT: Miles now getting in the face of Westscott, he's giving him the business, he's telling Westscott to tap, to be a quitter...Now he's BEGGING Westscott to tap out, he wants to see it happen...Wait, Anarky's starting to get into the ring, he's got that bat he brought with him at the start of the match.

MN: I hope Anarky breaks this up before that wimp Westscott taps out...I want to see the slaughter continue!
DT: Anarky in the ring with the bat...OH MY GOD!!! OH GOD NO!!! HE JUST BROKE THAT BAT OVER CRAIG MILES'S HEAD!!! MILES IS MOTIONLESS!!!
[Crowd goes from buzzing to a kind of shocked silence]

MN: Is...Is...He...Dead?

DT: Felix getting in Anarky's face, Anarky threatening Felix with the shards of that bat...WAIT! WESTSCOTT WENT LOW ON FELIX RED! Felix crumples to the mat and rolls to the outside...Westscott now giving chase to Felix...Westscott now peppering Felix with right hands...Felix rocked back into the steel steps...Westscott now DRIVES him into the steps! Felix now staggering towards the ramp...Westscott grabs a chair...AND CRACKS FELIX WITH IT! Felix staggers INTO ANOTHER SHOT! Felix down...Westscott swings again...Ryoko grabs the chair! Westscott turns onto her...Felix grabs him from behind and fires a couple right hands!

DM: Again Ryoko going above and beyond the call of duty to help Felix!

DT: Westscott staggers back...AND LANDS ANOTHER CHAIRSHOT!! Felix dumped to the ramp...

MN: What is Anarky doing?!

DT: Oh lord...Anarky has Felix's tag belt and he's wrapped it over his shoulder...He pulls Miles up...Miles is limp...ANARKY WITH A CHAOS BREAKER ON THE BELT!!!! This is INHUMAN...Miles was knocked cold by that shot with the bat...Why...Why is Anarky continuing this attack?

DM: Clearly the comments between these two men before this match set something off in Anarky, who's basically gotten this match thrown out by his beating on Craig Miles!

DT: Westscott meanwhile continues to chase after Felix and strike him with that chair whenever he can, they are up on top of the rampway now...Ryoko's beggng Felix to leave, grabbing at his arm...Felix pulls himself away from her to land a series of punches on Westscott...Westscott counters with a headbutt...AND A HUGE CHAIRSHOT! Felix topplies to the ground...He's trying to get to his feet even still!

DM: Felix is like a punch drunk fighter, he has no idea where he is or what he's doing, but he wants to keep fighting anyhow.

MN: Well if he does he's gonna end up on the slab next to Miles in the coroner's office.

DT: Meanwhile back in the ring, Anarky' ripped some of that barbed wire off one of his gloves...and now he flips Miles onto his stomach...AND LOCKS ON A CROSSFACE!!!! HE'S GOT THAT BARBED WIRE ACROSS MILES' FOREHEAD AS HE'S RIPPING BACK ON MILES'S NECK!!!

DM: Miles isn't screaming or fighting this...Miles needs help...We need help out here NOW!

DT: Meanwhile on the rampway Felix continues to try to fight Westscott, who's more then happy to continue beating him with the chair...Ryoko continues to struggle with getting Felix away,,,Felix pulls free...INTO ANOTHER CHAIRSHOT!!! Felix out on his feet...Westscott backs up a bit...THE BIG WIND-UP!!!! THE CHAIRSHOT!!! NO!! GOTHO GRABBED THE CHAIR!!!

MN: The little flunky earning his pay!

DT: Westscott glaring at Gotho, Felix now again being grabbed by Ryoko to leave...He's fighting her...WAIT...WHAT IN THE...Ryoko just pulled Felix towards her and...She's kissing him!

MN: I'll never understand women...Never...

DT: Ryoko and Felix embracing and now she's leading him to the back...

MN: Back to her hotel room...

DT: Gotho meanwhile hits Westscott with the chair...NO EFFECT! Westscott...RIPS the chair away from Gotho...And now grabs him...HE THROWS GOTHO OFF THE RAMP AND THROUGH A TABLE!!!

MN: Maybe he'll be the one they autopsy after Miles.

DT: Westscott on the ramp now looking into the ring as three security guards are trying to break Anarky's grip on Miles...Westscott doesn't appear to be to upset about this turn of events.

DM: Miles left Westscott to the wolves at Unleashed where he was beaten by the Forsaken, I doubt Miles can expect a helping hand in his moment of need here.

DT: More security piling into the ring...They finally pry Anarky's hands from Miles...Anarky being held down...They got those plastic zip tie things, using them as a form of handcuffs on Anarky who's screaming and fighting as they are literally dragging him from the ring! Anarky fighting even with his arms pinned behind his back, kicking at anyone he can...This is demonic...Anarky's lost his mind!

MN: Did he ever have one before?

DT: We need EMT's! We need an ambulance...My God...This is...Inhuman...
[The camera pans to a shot above Craig Miles as EMT's get into the ring, with the mat area around his head turning red as blood pools around his head.]
 

DBrunkGXW

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Troy Douglas [c] vs. Cameron Cruise – Aggression 42 - Intercontinental Title Match

KARL BROWN: Two guys I've worked with. This was one of the first shows I'd seen live as it went out in a long time, and it was good to see these two get given time to play with. Larry Tact on commentary was a nice touch as Anthology really kicked off then.

Cameron and Troy are very evenly matched, stylistically they're a good fit, and they're two people who I've always had fun watching. Troy was the strong champion going into the match and Cameron had the whole Anthology thing going on, plus the way he lost the title the first time round I think added a lot of intrigue.

I really liked how they started off with the technical base, Troy working on the back with the camel clutch and Cameron going more for the neck. Troy's known for his sharpshooter and End of the Road, you've got Cameron with the Shipwreck and Reality Check. I was confused when they went for the blocked End of the Road so early, but that Shipwreck from the top rope... that looked incredibly painful! I had my hand on the back of me neck just watching it.

Troy kicking out then was... I think the way they both landed could sell it, but it was one of those things where it really looked like it should've ended the match there and then? Anyways, Cameron losing it there was a very nice touch, he's for me one of the often under-rated guys. Troy's always been great, and his selling of the neck was very realistic - I wouldn't be surprised if he was legitimately hurt but wanted to carry on to give the fans their money's worth. The Northern Lights nearfall was so close, too; I'm normally pretty good at seeing the shoulder come up but that was such a close call that Cameron deserves special mention. Great timing.

Not having Larry get involved physically, was odd. It's normal for the special colour-commentator to get involved, but I think Cameron and Troy deserved the clean finish they had, and Troy does deserve a lot of credit for carrying on after the first Shipwreck. Cameron I think went on to have one of if not the best title reign with the IC, and Troy made sure he got off to the best start.

~~~
DT: Welcome back to Aggression, everyone! It's just about time for Troy Douglas to put his EPW Intercontinental Title on the line, against Anthology's own Cameron Cruise. Anything to say before this one gets started?

DM: Cameron Cruise has looked solid in his matches, and as focused as I've seen him at any point in the past year. But Troy Douglas hasn't backed down from any challenge, defending against everyone, and he's held that belt for a long time now. He's done a lot of good for the Intercontinental Title, and made it clear you need to be at the top of your game to have a chance of taking it from this Champion. Whenever you get two guys at the top of their games in the ring, it should be a great match.

MN: Screw that, Douglas and his reign of dooming the Intercontinental Title are finally going to get killed off! And who else could do it but a member of Anthology?

DM: Wasn't it another member of Anthology who failed to beat Douglas at Unleashed?

MN: Everyone has an off day, and every Megatron has a lucky one.

DT: I think Troy Douglas is well past the lucky stage, Mike. As impressive as the roll Cruise and Anthology have been on, he's going up against a Champion whose reign has endured many challenges, and eaten up time on the calendar. Let's leave it at that and hand things over to Tony Fatora for the introductions!

TF: The following contest is scheduled for one fall... and is for the EPW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

["Pieces" by Hoobastank. Larry Tact walks down the ramp, ignoring the boos from the crowd and bypassing the ring, heading instead towards the announce table.]

DT: What's this? I know one member of Anthology is in this match, but it isn't Larry Tact...

MN: He must have heard what you said about his losing to Dougie and got pissed off. Dean, you're a dead man!

DM: I was just stating facts. I didn't actually name names.

DT: It seems Tact is heading this way, Dean. Looks like we may need to make some room, at least.

DM: Easier said than done, with Mike here.

MN: Hey, it's not my fault the diet pills I bought were a year past expiration!

[Tact takes up a chair and sits at the announce table.]

DT: Welcome, Larry. Here to watch your fellow Anthology member try and get some gold?

LT: That's right.

DM: Is that all?

LT: What is that supposed to mean?

MN: Dean's clearly got some personal problems with you, Larry!

DM: Mike, that's not true at all! I just noticed Anthology seems to be operating in pairs, at least.

LT: We're not afraid to show our strength. Right now, though, it's all about Cameron becoming the new Intercontinental Champion, and nothing more. I just wanted a ringside seat for Anthology's first title victory.

MN: Who wouldn't!

["All These Things I Hate [Revolve Around You]" by Bullet For My Valentine. Cameron Cruise hears the boos of the crowd as soon as he steps out from behind the curtain, staring at the ring as he walks down the ramp.]

TF: Introducing first, the challenger, hailing from Jacksonville, North Carolina! He stands six feet, three inches tall and weighed in at 263 pounds! He is a former EPW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION... one of the founding members of THE ANTHOLOGY.... CAMMMMERRRROONNNNNN CRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUIISSSSSSEEE!!!!!

DT: Cruise hears it from the crowd, who are solidly behind the Intercontinental Champion.

MN: What fools.

LT: Cruise eats it all up. He's ready for this match, and he'll thrive here. It's been a long time coming.

["You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell. After the first ten seconds play, a series of three loud cannon blasts goes off! As the song cuts to the first chorus, Troy Douglas steps onto the ramp, the EPW Intercontinental Title around his waist, to a MONSTER POP from the crowd!]

TF: And now, introducing... from Greensboro, North Carolina! He stands six feet, five inches tall, and weighed in at 260 pounds! He is the man at the End of the Road... the reigning and defending EPW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION! TRRROOOOOOOOOOOOYYYYYYY DOOOOUUUUUUUGGLLLLAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

[Douglas makes his way down to the ring and enters, climbing each turnbuckle and holding the IC Title up to the cheers of the crowd!]

DT: A Champion EPW can be proud of, Troy Douglas.

LT: Don't speak for everyone, it's not your place.

DM: You seemed to be locked in on Douglas when you first arrived here, Larry, but of late you attacked Sean Stevens. Any reason?

LT: I was asked by Anthology to get in on the six-man tag with Stevens involved, and then I took advantage last week in striking him when the opportunity arose. I did what I had to do. If a message was sent, all the better.

DM: Some might call that, 'biting off more than you can chew.' You haven't even tasted EPW gold yet, and you're going around attacking the EPW World Heavyweight Champion?

LT: I'm well aware of what I'm doing, and what he's got. I don't do anything without a purpose, and I definitely didn't come here so I could lay back and play with anyone who happened into the ring against me. I came here to compete at the highest level, which means there's plenty of reason, and pounds of gold, in attacking Stevens. Besides, I beat Troy before, and Cameron here is about to take the only thing worth recognizing him for.

DM: I wouldn't be too confident. There's no question that Troy Douglas has the tools to make it all the way to the top. You should know that pretty well, having competed with him. In fact, sitting here at ringside, and knowing what happened at Unleashed, I'd think it would make you want to be the one going for the title right now.

LT: I wouldn't have turned down the chance. But if Anthology will be getting gold, I can look forward to this for now. It'll be satisfying seeing Cameron show you that he's also got what it takes. He'll give a demonstration by beating Troy tonight.

MN: Douglas was just holding onto his belt while Anthology came together, right?

LT: Sure, that's one way of looking at it. And once Cameron gets the strap, I can adjust my sights, elsewhere, for more Anthology gold that EPW will contribute, like it or not.

DT: As Cruise and Douglas meet center ring, it's clear that confidence is not something lacking in Anthology.

LT: Of course not.

DT: The bell rings, and we're officially on our way in this Intercontinental Title match! Douglas and Cruise exchange words as they continue to stare at each other. Now it's Cruise with a forearm, but Douglas blocks and returns with his own! Cruise backed into the ropes by two more, and then whipped to the ropes. Cruise ducks under a clothesline... returns with a Cross Body... caught! Troy Douglas heaves Cruise up and over with a Fallaway Slam! What strength!

DM: Cruise is no small man, but Douglas showing right away that his powerful frame is not just for show.

DT: Douglas with a club on the rising Cruise before picking him up, then works on the stomach with some knees to the stomach. Douglas not letting Cruise even get started as he whips him into the corner and immediate follows in with a forceful clothesline.

DM: Getting the momentum early on can lead to a quick match. I'm sure Troy wouldn't mind that.

MN: Cruise would!

DT: Douglas whips Cameron to the opposite corner and follows in, but Cruise with a boot up! He quickly comes back out with a boot to the guts, and hits several forearms to the face of Troy Douglas. He rolls the Champion with a neckbreaker, quickly follows up with an elbow to the sternum and then another! Cruise backs up to the corner and mounts the second rope... Douglas gets back up and Cruise lands a dropkick! Now the first cover of the match....


ONE!



Kickout at TWO!


DT: Troy Douglas refuses to give the title up this early.

LT: That wouldn't have been worth walking down here for.

MN: But Cruise has taken the momentum, it's only a matter of time before the celebration!

DT: Cruise is waiting for Douglas as he stands, and lands a clean forearm to the face... but Troy returns it with one of his own! Cruise returns, as does the Champion again! And Troy with another! He comes in close with a knee to the guts of Cruise, then locks an arm around the challenger's head and flips him over onto the mat. Douglas mounts Cruise's back as he tries to stand, and starts landing fists right to the temple!

DM: What was that about Cruise having taken the momentum?

MN: Cruise might be used to this kind of punishment from Beau Michaels, but this doesn't look so good in the ring!

DT: Douglas applies a camel clutch, and the referee checks to make sure it's no choke, but it's all legal.

MN: Choking now? Is he trying to distract poor Cameron with flashbacks to Beau's bed tricks??

LT: From what I've heard, those rumors have only been confirmed by Beau. But everyone knows how he mixes and matches reality and fantasy, as much as Jared Wells does with women.

DM: For Cameron's sake, we can only hope that sully picture is true.

DT: Douglas sees there's no quit in Cruise at the moment, and he releases the hold with one parting blow to the head of Cruise. Now a cover by Douglas...


ONE!



TWO!



KICKOUT!


DT: The Champion gets the challenger to his feet and runs him into the corner with a shoulder charge! But Cruise looks to get out with clubbing blows to Douglas's back, and he gets a moment to elevate himself up to the second rope! Douglas lifts his head and takes a forearm, then another by Cruise, who hooks the Champion... BULLDOG from the second rope! Cruise hits it and makes a cover...


ONE!



TWO!



KICKOUT!


DM: Nice move there by Cruise, turning his defense into offense.

MN: That's just what Anthology does, turn the tables like that!

LT: That's only the beginning.

DT: Cruise seems to be getting ahold of things, as he lands a swinging neckbreaker on Troy Douglas, followed by knees to the neck. He lifts up Douglas and drops him with a double underhook Suplex. He lifts Troy up again and hooks the arm for a Suplex and.... Douglas with a block! Troy finds Cruise's midsection and breaks free after a couple hammerblows to the ribs. Cruise is momentarily stunned and Troy hits the ropes... RRROOOOOAAARRRING ELBOW! MISSES! Cruise evades and Douglas turns, clothesline! No Douglas ducks under and goes for a running knee. Cruise somehow rolls over the knee and counters with a roll up!


ONE!



TWO!



TH-- NO!


DM: That looked like it caught Douglas off guard a little.

LT: Wouldn't you be, if you expected to have your opponent down, and ended up the one in a predicament?

MN: The only thing Dean knows how to knock down is drinks! hahaha!

DM: Now Neels, don't go projecting your problems onto others again.

MN: ...I'll get you.

DT: Both men are up, and Cruise is countered as he goes for a quick arm wringer! Douglas spins Cruise back around and this time connects with the knee to Cruise's guts! Cruise doubles over from the force, and Troy wastes little time as he lifts the challenger up into a military press... and brings him down into a European Uppercut!

DM: Strength and timing lead to a smooth combination for the Intercontinental Champion. Can he follow it up?

DT: Looks like he's about to do just that as he picks Cruise up and sends him into the ropes.... Cruise tries to stop himself but can't, and receives a spinning kick to the guts, then another running knee!

MN: If I were Cruise right now, I'd hurl after all these knees and kicks to my stomach.

LT: That's why he's competing for the title. You just stay right here at the announce table.

DT: Douglas lifts Cruise in a Fireman's Carry, then drops him with a Gutbuster! I can't imagine Cruise is feeling too good after that one.

MN: Don't hate, Thomas! Like Larry said, I'm here to protect Anthology from you two haters to my left!

DM: Score another poor attempt at slang for Neels.

MN: Hey yo. I'm just pimpin' support for my boys, Anthologyyy!

DM: Never do that, Neels. Not you. Ever.

MN: Okay yo.

DM: *sigh*

DT: Cruise whipped against the ropes.... THERE is the RRROOOARRING ELLLBOOOOWW CONNECTS! Cruise staggers back into the ropes though... only to be brought down hard with a SPINEBUSTER! Douglas looks pumped and the crowd agrees!

DM: How's that seat, Larry? Feeling a little hotter now?

LT: I'm a believer that, at times, you just need to weather a storm, and wait for a chance.

MN: In other words, it isn't over yet!

DT: Douglas may have drastically different ideas, as he brings Cruise to a corner, and now to the second rope. Could this be the End of the Road for Cruise and Anthology's hope for gold tonight?

DM: The End of the Road is just that, so Cruise had better do something.

DT: Douglas up to the second rope. He has Cruise hooked! No, Cruise won't let him as he keeps an arm free, hitting Douglas in the midsection! Cruise elbows Douglas off the second rope... but the Champion lands on his feet and hits a boot to the face of Cruise! Douglas goes back up to the second rope, but Cruise goes to the top rope! They're exchanging blows.... Douglas is up to the top as well!

DM: Here we go!

LT: Show him how much you want it, Cameron!

DT: Douglas gets a good shot in! He wants to end the match right here!

DM: Cruise is going to regret going to the top rope.

MN: NOO!

DT: Wait, Cruise is battling still... headbutt to Douglas's leg! The Champion's leg slips, but Cruise keeps him from falling back, and pulls him in!

DM: What's he doing?

DT: Cruise is lifting up Douglas.... OH MY!!

MN: YES!

DT: SHIPWRECK! CAMERON CRUISE just did it, hitting SHIPWRECK FROM THE TOP ROPE!!!

LT: Just pin him and the celebration begins, Cameron!

MN: Do it!

DT: Both men are down after Cameron Cruise hits the Shipwreck from the top rope!

DM: That may have been a desperation move on the part of the challenger, but I have to think the Champion took the brunt of the damage.

LT: Call it what you want. Anthology is about to claim the Intercontinental title.

DT: Cruise rolls over... he hooks the leg!


ONE!



TWO!



THRE-- NOO!!

DT: TROY DOUGLAS KICKED OUT! OH MY! He kicked out of the Shipwreck from the top rope!

LT: Meh.

DM: Look at the face of Cruise, he's shocked!

MN: I call shenanigans! That count was clearly in favor of Dougie, there's no way he could have kicked out of that!

DT: Somehow he did it, and Cameron Cruise is yelling at the referee, but there's no changing his mind. Cruise goes back to Douglas and lays in the boots to him, hammering away with fists to the face of the Champion. The referee puts in a five count, and Cruise barely stops before five, and gets a stern warning!

DM: If he lets his emotions get to him, he'll be disqualified, and even more upset.

LT: He's still got a golden opportunity. Douglas is weakened, just finish him!

DT: Cruise is getting himself back under control, and lifts Douglas up, who does look like he's struggling. Cruise whips Douglas to the corner, and he comes in with a running clothesline. Now he mounts the second rope and lands heavy punches to Douglas's head, as the crowd expresses its displeasure!

LT: I doubt he can hear them right now. He's locked in to finish this.

MN: Who cares what those idiots think, anyway?!

DM: You should. They help pay you to sit here and make comments like those.

MN: Everyone loves hearing what I have to say.

DM: Right.

DT: Cruise gets off the ropes and brings Douglas out to the middle of the ring. Looks like he wants to finish it right here, as he boots Douglas in the guts, hooks the head... High Impact DDT?

LT: That's ri--

DT: NO! The Champion counter Cruise into a NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX! COVER!!

[Tact stands up from his seat.]


ONE!



TWO!!



THREE!!!


MN/LT: NO!!

DM: YES!

DT: Wait, SHOULDER UP! Cruise had a shoulder up in the last second!

DM: That was razor close.

MN: No way, the referee just saw Cruise's shoulder way late! Heresy!

DM: That seat too hot to sit in now, Larry?

LT: Shut it. I just wanted to make sure the referee made the tactful call.

[Tact sits back down.]

DM: Right.

DT: Cruise is the one getting up first, as Douglas still looks somewhat limited. He's getting up as well, but slower. Cruise steps back to the ropes, then goes off them for an added burst and charges at Douglas! The Champion looks to counter with a Spinebuster!

LT: Didn't get under him.

DT: Cruise stops the Champion with a knee to the head as he bent a moment too soon to lift the challenger. Cruise quickly hooks Douglas's head and hits a High Impact DDT!

MN: Yes!

DM: Douglas tried to cover his damage by making his move a moment earlier, and that early movement gave him away.

LT: In another moment, it's going to have cost him the strap.

DM: Hm, deja vu moment.

MN: Just wait and see!

DT: Cruise isn't taking any chances this time. He brings Douglas up and sets him in place.... REALITY CHECK! He hits it perfectly on the Intercontinental Champion!

LT: FORMER Intercontinental Champion in...

DT: Cover by Cruise, could we see a new Champion?


ONE!



TWO!!



THREE!!!


DT: That's it, it's over! We have a new EPW Intercontinental Champion!

TF: The winner of the match... and NEEEEW EPW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION.... CAAAMMEEEERRROOOONNNN CRRRUUUUUIIISSSEEE!!!!!

MN: Anthology has claimed their first title in EPW!

LT: Looks like Cameron beat me to the punch. I'll have to find my EPW gold elsewhere.

[Tact stands and goes into the ring, taking the Intercontinental Title from the referee and shoving him away. He hands it to Cruise and they celebrate in the ring.]

DT: As Mike pointed out, Anthology has staked their claim to EPW gold, after Troy Douglas did what he could to keep from being dethroned.

DM: I really thought Troy was going to comeback after he kicked out of the Shipwreck, but it wasn't to be. Anthology has the Intercontinental Title in their camp, now, which makes things even more interesting between themselves, the Fallen, and the Forsaken.

MN: Anthology will be breaking out the ho's and the booze for Cruise tonight!

DM: You only wish you could be apart of it.

MN: Hey, maybe Larry will send me an invite, after seeing my masterful skills on the mic!

DM: I think not.

DT: Troy Douglas is on the mat and holding onto his neck right now. You have to wonder if he came down a little too hard on the next because he is NOT getting up.

DM: Well, he took the Shipwreck twice and that’s a devastating move to take just once.

DT: In any case, we do have a new EPW Intercontinental Champion, and his name is Cameron Cruise! More EPW action after a quick break.

MN: God help us all.
 

DBrunkGXW

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Stalker vs. Kin Hiroshi – EPW/NEW Wrestlestock - Street Fight

[BOOM!!! Pyro erupts and the crowd roars as we fade in on Dave Thomas, Dean Matthews and Mike Neely. On a split screen, we see Dean Julius, Nick Jive and Tom Gheorghe sitting at their own table, around the corner of the ring from the EPW crew.]

Dave Thomas: Hello ladies and gentlemen!! Welcome to Giants Stadium!! The weather is great, there’s an amazing capacity crowd on hand and this is Wrestlestock!! It is my distinct pleasure to introduce the usual EPW suspects….Dean Matthews and Mike Neely…

[Neely gives a short half salute.]

Dave Thomas: ..as well as the representatives from our NEW counterparts…Dean Julius, Nick Jive and Tom Gheorghe!!

Julius: We’re indeed very happy to be here, Dave! What a night for both companies with titles on the line and simply a showcase of the best each company has to offer!!

Dave Thomas: You’ve got that right…we’ll be switching off with the NEW guys throughout the night as our respective matches come up, but for right now…we’re gonna get this one underway with the debut of EPW’s own….Stalker….taking on wrestling superstar…the one and only Kin Hiroshi!!

[“Did My Time” by Korn blares over the PA as the arena goes to black.]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen… our FIRST match for tonight’s WRESTLESTOCK PAY PER VIEW EVENT is a special open challenge match set for one fall! INTRODUCING FIRST… hailing from parts unknown and weighing in 224 pounds… making his EMPIRE PRO WRESTLING DEBUT… PLEASE WELCOME… SSSSSSSTTAAAAAALLLLKEEEEERRRR!!!

[The lights come up and the crowd pops as Stalker steps through the entry-way in his regular street clothes, carrying a garbage can full of weapons in one arm. As he reaches the ring, he begins tossing random weapons into the ring before setting the garbage can to the side.]

MN: My God, the man brings a garbage can full of weapons to the ring… can he be any more of a stereotypical garbage wrestler?

DT: Stalker’s no stranger to the ring, but this is his first appearance in front of an EPW crowd. And on a night like WrestleStock, I bet he’s meaning to make a GREAT impression for this crowd!

MN: Meh… I’m sure he’ll be squashed as most faceless new guys are…

DM: I’m not particularly fond of his kind of wrestling—“garbage” wrestling, as Mike puts it, which isn’t too far from the truth, in my opinion. But I’ll give this guy the benefit of the doubt…

DT: This match is run under HIS rules, so he has a chance to show where his strengths lie to this audience…

MN: But he’s got one hell of an opponent to get through first!

[Stalker slides into the ring and sits in the corner. As he does, the ring lights go to black again. “Sigillum Diaboli” by H.I.M. plays over the PA, and the crowd EXPLODES as a highlight package of “The Muffin Man” Kin Hiroshi plays over the enormous StockTron hanging over the stage.]

TF: And his opponent… hailing from Tokyo, Japan and weighing in at 235 pounds… he is known as “THE MUFFIN MAN”… HE IS… KKKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNN HHIIIIIIIRROOOOOOSSSHHHHIIIIIIII!!!!!!

[Hiroshi BOUNDS through the entry-way to a magnificent pyro, signaling ANOTHER massive crowd pop! Playing to the fans, who both love him and hate him, Hiroshi makes his way down the ramp.]

MN: Here he comes… the MUFFIN MAN!! Easily one of the most legendary figures in professional wrestling history!

DT: Stalker was the only man to come forward and accent Stalker’s open challenge… and he did it because, allegedly, an Empire Pro Pay Per View event wouldn’t be a spectacle without him!

DM: Can you sit there and say he’s wrong, Dave? Love him or hate him, Hiroshi knows how to wrangle an audience.

[Hiroshi rolls into the ring and eyes the weapons somewhat smugly as he rises to his feet.]

DT: These two have had quite a war of words over the weeks preceding the event… and I’m sure both of them are VERY eager to settle the matter of who the better man is!

MN: I hope Hiroshi kicks his teeth in and makes him run from this arena crying!

[The referee makes the final checks and cues the bell.]

DT: The bell rings… and WRESTLESTOCK is OFFICIALLY underway!

MN: Yippee!!

DT: Looks like Stalker’s starting this off by wielding a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire. This guy seems to want to get straight to the point, but Hiroshi is wisely keeping his distance…

DM: Stalker steps in for a swing… but Hiroshi nimbly circles around to the other side of the ring! He obviously doesn’t want that bat to end up going into his head.

DT: Being more of a standard professional wrestler, I think it’s safe to say that Hiroshi is out of his element in this match… and he knows it.

MN: Not that any of that’ll matter to the Muffin Man. He’ll find a way…

DM: Stalker advances with the bat again… but Hiroshi QUICKLY moves around to the far corner, shaking his head to his opponent!

DT: Hiroshi’s playing keep away until he can think of a strategy…

[The crowd, growing anxious and ready to see some action, begins to boo and throw trash toward the ring.]

DT: He’s GOT to do something soon! These fans came to see some ACTION!

MN: Give the man time, Dave!

DM: He obviously didn’t expect this “hardcore” freak to come in swinging illegal objects around like any hack of his kind…

DT: Now Stalker’s getting frustrated… he steps in for a BIG SWING—but Hiroshi rolls out of the way, and his hands find a KENDO STICK! Stalker spins around and goes for an overhead smash—but Hiroshi brings the Kendo stick up over his head and blocks the attack!

DM: Hiroshi back on his feet… Stalker goes for another swing, but Hiroshi PARRIES and lands a shot with that Kendo stick across his opponent’s shoulder! Stalker winces in pain, and Hiroshi follows up with a shot across the back! ANOTHER across the back of Stalker’s head puts him to the mat!

MN: Yep… this one looks like it’s already in the bag. Already, we can see Hiroshi dominating the match.

DM: It’s barely started, Mike.

MN: And it will be over very soon. So much for this “new talent” in Stalker. I guess the guy should go back to the gym and learn how to wrestle…

DT: Hiroshi getting behind Stalker, and brings the Kendo stick across his neck to CHOKE HIM—but STALKER COUNTERS by leaning forward and dumping Hiroshi over his shoulder! Stalker takes hold of the Kendo stick and WRESTLES it out of Hiroshi’s hands, and before he can react, BLASTS the Muffin Man over the face with his own weapon!

MN: Oh, now what the hell is this?!

DM: Stalker follows up with a SECOND while Hiroshi is down! And a THIRD! A FOURTH! My God, this man is relentless!!

DT: Now Stalker gets Hiroshi back to his feet… stands at his side and holds the stick over his chest—AND DROPS HIM with a Russian Legsweep using that Kendo stick for leverage!

[Crowd cheers!]

DM: Looks like the new guy knows how to wrestle after all! Now he’s tossing the Kendo stick aside and going for a steel chair! He sets it up in the middle of the ring, and now he’s picking Hiroshi up onto his feet…

DT: What’s he got planned here? Stalker takes Hiroshi by the arm, and whips him into the ropes… and hits him with a DROP TOE HOLD ONTO THE CHAIR!! MY GOD!!

DM: There’s a hardcore favorite…

MN: *cough-cough*RIP-OFF!!*cough-cough*

DT: Stalker hooks the leg for the cover!

One! Two! NO!! Hiroshi kicks out!

MN: It’s gonna take more than that to put the Muffin Man down!

DT: Stalker back on his feet, and now he picks up the chair and waits for Hiroshi to rise! Hiroshi slowly gets back up with his back to his opponent… Stalker waits for him to turn around, and steps in for a CHAIRSHOT—

DM: BUT HIROSHI DUCKS!! Stalker spins around—AND HIROSHI CATCHES HIM WITH A HEEL KICK INTO THE CHAIR!! The chair SMASHES Stalker’s face, sending him to the mat!

DT: Hiroshi back on his feet… runs to the ropes before his opponent can recover… and goes AIRBORNE with a MAGNIFICIENT Asai Moonsault that hits Stalker across the chest!

Hiroshi goes for the quick cover! One! Two! But Stalker kicks out!

DM: The new guy is still showing strong, in spite of being caught off guard by Hiroshi’s speed.

MN: That’s what makes the Muffin Man superior to most.

DT: Hiroshi brings Stalker to his feet and hooks him for a Snap Suplex… but Stalker stands his ground and tosses Hiroshi back-first to the mat! Stalker capitalizes with a BOOT to Hiroshi’s chest to keep him on the ground!

DM: Now he’s going for that garbage can he brought to the ring! Stalker sets it up on the ground… but Hiroshi’s back on his feet using the ropes and waiting for him to turn around!

DT: Stalker turns, and Hiroshi comes RUNNING AT HIM—but STALKER catches him with a POWERSLAM into that steel garbage can! He nearly FLATTENED it upon impact!

MN: This whole “hardcore” thing is ridiculous! Kin Hiroshi is a PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER!

DM: All the same, he agreed to be in this match…

DT: Stalker is in control. He picks up the garbage can and sets it standing in the corner! Now he’s lifting Hiroshi off the mat and onto his shoulder… and deposits him into the garbage can! What’s he got going on now?

DM: I don’t know what he’s thinking, but Hiroshi is immobile while being stuck head-first in that trash can! His legs can be seen coming out of the top, but… wait a minute, Stalker’s moving to the opposite corner! He runs in!

DT: LOW DROPKICK FROM STALKER INTO THE STEEL GARBAGE CAN WHILE HIROSHI IS STILL INSIDE OF IT!! MY GOD, that was devastating!

MN: This is ATROCIOUS!! I can’t stand seeing Hiroshi being ravaged by that bum!

DT: Now Stalker is dragging Hiroshi out of that trash can, and he’s going for a Yield sign!

MN: The Yield sign is SO less cooler than the Stop sign…

DM: Stalker’s waiting for Hiroshi to get to his feet… and Hiroshi makes it to his knees, looking groggy after that last hit! Stalker steps in with the Yield sign held over head… and brings it CRASHING DOWN onto Kin Hiroshi’s head!

DT: MY GOD!! Say what you want about hardcore wrestling, whether you like it or not… this Stalker sure knows how to get down and dirty when he needs to!

DM: Maybe that can give him the edge against an accomplished professional wrestler like Hiroshi.

MN: Hey hey… NOBODY gets the edge over Hiroshi!

DT: Stalker sets the sign down into the middle of the mat, and now he’s bringing Hiroshi to his feet! He brings him toward the sign and sets him up for an EVENFLOW DDT—BUT HIROSHI COUNTERS with a Northern Lights Suplex out of nowhere!

DM: The Muffin Man saved himself on that one. I don’t think he would have gotten up from a straight DDT on top of that steel sign…

MN: You doubt the Muffin Man, Dean?

DM: Dare I?

DT: Stalker back on his feet, and finds Hiroshi catching a breather at the ropes… Stalker runs after him, but Hiroshi counters with a BACK BODY DROP that sends his opponent CRASHING down to ringside!

DM: Stalker on his back, dazed, but not too hurt… he gets to his feet and dusts himself off, but Hiroshi, back in the ring, hits the other set of ropes for momentum… and comes GLIDING THROUGH THE AIR OVER THE ROPES WITH A CORKSCREW PLANCHA THAT COMES CRASHING DOWN ONTO STALKER!!

[Crowd POPS!!]

DT: WHAT an impressive aerial procedure!

MN: Hiroshi does stuff like THAT out of habit!

DT: Hiroshi slowly gets back to his feet, and Stalker is lying on the ground dazed. Hiroshi comes up to the ring apron, and now he’s waiting for his opponent to rise. Stalker slowly gets up… turns around, and Hiroshi comes running along the apron and BLASTS him with a Missile Dropkick to the face!!

DM: Hiroshi is sticking to his guns and keeping Stalker winded with a series of quick and relentless strikes. Now he brings Stalker to his feet, and takes him by the arm. There’s the WHIP—

DT: BUT STALKER REVERSES, and sends Hiroshi CRASHING into the steel steps!!

MN: WHAAAT?!

DM: Apparently, Stalker is going to allow himself to be winded. Hiroshi put on a lot of pressure, but the new guy can handle pain surprisingly well!

DT: Now Stalker is in control with Hiroshi stunned… he takes him by the head, and rams him HEAD FIRST into the steel pole at the corner of the ring! Stalker hooks him from behind and NAILS him with a Side Russian Legsweep into the ring apron!

DM: Stalker knows how to use the environment to his advantage… I’ll give him that much.

DT: Stalker takes Hiroshi by the head and SCRAPES HIS FACE across the edge of the ring! He follows up with a HIP TOSS that puts the Muffin Man on his back! And now he’s reaching under the ring… and he pulls out a pair of light tubes!

MN: Now who in the HELL was dumb enough to keep those under the ring for that maniac to get to?!

DT: Stalker has one in hand, held like a baseball bat, and he patiently waits for Hiroshi to get to his feet. Hiroshi turns around… and OH MY GOD, STALKER JUST NAILED HIM OVER THE FACE WITH THAT FLOURESCENT TUBE LIGHT!! How UNBELIEVABLY brutal!

DM: And now he’s got another one at his disposal! Stalker props Hiroshi against his knee, and now he’s CHOKING HIM with the other light tube!

DT: Hiroshi’s in a pretty bad position… I can see by his face that he already seems to be losing consciousness!

MN: Come on, Hiroshi, this guy is beating you with a LIGHT BULB!!

DT: OH WAIT!! Hiroshi’s fighting back! He’s made back onto his feet, but Stalker continues to keep that long light tube pressed up against his neck! But Hiroshi PUSHES HIS WEIGHT FORWARD and dumps Stalker on the floor at his feet… and SMASHES THE LIGHT TUBE OVER HIS HEAD!!

DM: An eye for an eye, and Hiroshi looks to be in control again! Now he’s picking up an electrical cable used by the camera crew at ringside… and wrapping it around Stalker’s throat! He’s choking the life out of HIM now!!

MN: THAT’S RIGHT!! Fight fire with fire, Muffin Man!

DT: Hiroshi’s tying that cable around Stalker’s throat like a noose! Now he gives it some slack… and WHIPS STALKER AROUND FACE-FIRST INTO THE STEEL GUARDRAIL!!

DM: Looks like Hiroshi can be a little hardcore himself… Hiroshi, now, taking the extra slack from that electric cable and WHIPPING STALKER ACROSS THE BACK!! My God, it’s like being lashed with a LEATHER WHIP!!

DT: Stalker’s taking a beating… but he suddenly turns around and CATCHES THE CABLE with his FOREARM—AND DRAGS HIROSHI STRAIGHT INTO A FALLAWAY SLAM OVER THE GUARDRAIL!!

[Crowd pop!]

DM: Looks like this match is spilling into the crowd…

DT: Hiroshi looks stunned, but he’s back on his feet… and he turns around just in time to see Stalker perched on the guardrail, WHO LEAPS OFF AND NEARLY DECAPITATES HIM WITH A FLYING LARIAT!! And now… I can’t see them, as the fans surround them!

MN: Somebody get another damn camera crew over there!!

[We cut to a shot from another camera, revealing security guards pulling back the fans and keeping them at bay. We find Stalker straddled over Kin Hiroshi’s chest, laying into him with a series of heavy rights!]

DT: And Stalker is back on top and laying in the hurt!

DM: Now he pulls off and disappears into the audience… where the hell is he going? Hiroshi gets to his hands and knees to catch a breather… but Stalker reappears, and he’s got the POPCORN VENDOR’S TRAY IN HIS HANDS!!

DT: OOH!! STALKER BRINGS IT DOWN ON HIROSHI’S BACK, and the tray EXPLODES into popcorn and splinters!

MN: He didn’t even pay the $2.50 for that popcorn! Granted, neither would I, knowing how the front office overprices everything…

DM: Stalker is in full control now… he lifts Hiroshi off the floor… hooks him around the waist… and BLASTS HIM WITH A SNAP POWERBOMB ONTO THE CONCRETE FLOOR!!

DT: MY GOD, he could’ve easily BROKEN HIS BACK or SNAPPED HIS NECK with that move!! Stalker falls on top for the cover!

ONE!!

TWO!!

NO!! Hiroshi with the kick-out…

DM: Stalker’s back on his feet, and bringing Hiroshi up with him… and Stalker lifts him up to his shoulders going for the SAMOAN DROP—but Hiroshi SLIPS DOWN HIS BACK and shoves him away!

DT: Hiroshi reaches for a nearby fan and rips something out of his hand, as Stalker comes running back… and Hiroshi THROWS—a GIANT FOAM FINGER?!

[Stalker comes to a stop as the foam finger harmlessly bounces off his face. His momentary surprise, however, gives Hiroshi the opportunity to bolt forward like lightning!]

DT: KIN HIROSHI WITH A SUPERKICK!! MY GOD, THAT CAME OUT OF NOWHERE!!

DM: Looks like Hiroshi was just reaching for the first thing his hands could find when he plucked that giant foam finger off the fan… but the momentary distraction was all he needed.

MN: You make it sound like that was just a chance of luck, Dean. That wasn’t luck. That was a calculated plan that Hiroshi pulled off PERFECTLY!!

DM: Whatever, Mike…

DT: Both men have been brawling DEEP into the ringside area… and now Hiroshi, with Stalker’s hair in his hand, is leading his opponent toward one of the entry-way gates. Looks like security has thankfully closed it off from traffic for the safety of the fans…

DM: Hiroshi with Stalker by the head… rams him HEAD-FIRST into the brick wall of the entry tunnel! Hiroshi spins him around and measures him up… and proceeds to BLAST HIM WITH A QUICK SERIES OF KICKS TO THE CHEST AND FACE USING HIS RIGHT LEG!! Stalker gets sent to the floor… Dave, how many kicks was that?

DT: About eight, Dean. To strike that quick and powerful is quite impressive.

MN: I counted 43. They were just too fast for you guys to see.

DT: Hiroshi takes Stalker by the arm, and there’s the IRISH WHIP down the tunnel, and Stalker disappears around the corner! Hiroshi goes back to follow and… can we get another camera crew back there or something?

DM: This match is spilling all over the place, it seems…

[We cut to a new angle showing Hiroshi coming around the corner, and suddenly Stalker darts into the frame wielding FIRE EXTINGUISHER!]

DT: AND STALKER JUST LEVELS KIN HIROSHI WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER!! Where the HELL did he get that?

DM: Must’ve pulled it off the wall. I don’t think Hiroshi saw that coming…

[Stalker brings Hiroshi back off the mat and snapmares him toward a merch display that includes a wooden table bearing stickers and other objects, and a large backdrop displaying different sizes of t-shirts.]

DT: Both men are now fighting in front of the EPW merchandise table… Stalker brings Kin Hiroshi back off the floor, and DROPS HIM AGAIN with a Scoop Slam! Stalker turns toward the merchandise booth, and reaches down under the table… oh my God, what does he have?

[The crowd lets out a collective “EEEWWWW!!” noise.]

MN: THAT’S A BEAU MICHAELS ACTION FIGURE!!! And it’s a two-in-one, if you catch my drift…

DM: Please tell me Stalker can find some OTHER function for it…

DT: And Stalker BLASTS Kin Hiroshi across the face with that Beau Michaels action figure! My God, is that thing VIBRATING?!

[In disgust, Stalker tosses the action figure aside and reaches under the table again. He picks up an unmarked cardboard box and shakes it near his ear. The jangle of metal can be heard within.]

DT: Oh no, what does he have now?

DM: Stalker rips the box open and dumps its contents over the table… and it’s a bunch of EPW PIN BUTTONS!!

MN: Cheap as hell, but sold at two bucks a pop, no doubt.

DT: Stalker goes back to Hiroshi and lifts him off the floor… UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS… AND OH MY GOD, STALKER BRINGS HIM DOWN INTO A REVERSE DDT THROUGH THAT TABLE COVERED IN METAL PIN BUTTONS!!

[Crowd POPS!!]

DM: JESUS CHRIST!!

DT: Stalker with the cover…

ONE….



TWO……….




THR—NO!! Hiroshi KICKS OUT AGAIN!!

MN: Like I said, the Muffin Man can put up with ANYTHING thrown his way… including garbage wrestling.

[Stalker slaps the ground in frustration and picks Hiroshi back off the ground, locking his head under his arm. Hiroshi’s back reveals numerous metal buttons sticking out of it, bearing the “EPW” logo!]

DT: MY GOD, HIROSHI’S GOT THOSE METAL PINS STUCK IN HIS BACK!!

DM: At least he’s showing his EPW spirit…

MN: Shut up, Dean! He’s gonna need TETNUS shots now!!

DT: Stalker has Hiroshi ready for a suplex… and LIFTS HIM UP—but HIROSHI stalls his weight, and COMES DOWN BRINGING STALKER INTO A TORNADO DDT INTO A PILE OF CARDBOARD BOXES!!

[With a moment to himself, Hiroshi angrily pulls the buttons out of his back.]

DT: Hiroshi back in control… he lifts Stalker out of that pile of boxed merchandise, and… it looks like a t-shirt has lodged itself over Stalker’s head!

[Hiroshi brings Stalker to his feet, turns him around, and pulls back for a big right hand… and suddenly hesitates when he notices that the shirt pulled over his opponent’s face is one bearing the face of “The Queen of the Ring” Lindsay Troy. The crowd EXPLODES!!]

Hiroshi: Ah… I can’t destroy something so beautiful.

DT: AND HIROSHI SETTLES FOR A SIDEKICK TO THE MID-SECTION that knocks Stalker THROUGH the merchandise backdrop!!

DM: Hiroshi follows after him through the hole in the backdrop… and he meets Stalker rising to his feet. He takes him by the hair, and TOSSES HIM INTO A SET OF DOUBLE-DOORS—and this match spills out into the PARKING LOT area!

DT: Looks like they’re going into the loading bay area… can we get another camera back there?

[Cut to a part in the parking lot area where the trucks that normally carry ring and stage equipment are currently parked. We find Hiroshi leading Stalker by the hair toward a trailer.]

DT: Hiroshi in control, looking to put Stalker’s face into that steel trailer—but STALKER GETS A FOOT UP, and instead, he shoves HIROSHI face-first into the trailer! Stalker quickly bends forward and lifts Hiroshi up for a SAMOAN DROP, AND SLAMS HIM DOWN TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR!!

DM: Things can only get ugly from here on out. Both men have fought their way from the ring to the parking lot… they’re beaten, they’re bruised, and NEITHER is showing signs of weakening!

MN: LIAR!! Look at how DRAINED Stalker looks…

DM: Yes, he certainly looks “drained” as he peels Hiroshi off the mat… takes him by the arm… and WHIPS HIM INTO TRACTOR TRAILER!!

MN: Bah…

DT: Stalker keeps hold of the arm, and WHIPS HIROSHI INTO ANOTHER NEARBY TRAILER!! Hiroshi is being bounced between them like a pinball!

DM: Stalker brings him in as they come around the end of a trailer… sets up into a SUPLEX position, and NAILS HIROSHI WITH A SCREWDRIVER INTO THE ASPHALT!!!

DT: Hiroshi is taking BRUTAL punishment now that Stalker has him in an environment he’s more familiar with…

MN: That’s bullcrap, Dave. Hiroshi’s just rope-a-doping until this garbage wrestler gives him an opening…

DT: Stalker hooks the leg for a cover!

ONE!!


TWO!!



THREE—OH NO, Hiroshi kicks out at the last second!

DM: That was a close one, Mike… you sure he’s just playing possum?

MN: Uhh… look, it’s a well-known fact that Hiroshi is just as good a SHOWMAN as he is an athlete! He’s just giving the match a little dramatic flavor. You know, to keep fans from being bored to tears while “Hardcore Hack” does his thing…

DT: Stalker has Hiroshi back to his feet and brings him to the back-end of a trailer, where the doors are open! Stalker lifts Hiroshi up and sets him face-up into the bed of the trailer, but leaves his head hanging off the edge!

DM: What’s he got planned here?

MN: Uh-oh!

DT: Stalker climbs into the trailer… and JUMPS OFF WITH A GUILLOTINE LEG-DROP OVER HIROSHI’S HEAD WHILE IT’S HANGING OUT!! JESUS CHRIST, he could have BROKEN HIS NECK! He could have DECAPITATED him!!

DM: Stalker is in full control… and he sets Hiroshi up again, laying face-up in the trailer with his head hanging out! And now he climbs in, looking for a SECOND leg-drop!

DT: And Stalker JUMPS OFF—AND HIROSHI SITS UP JUST IN TIME, causing Stalker to HIT the asphalt, ass-FIRST!

[Crowd OOOHS!!]

MN: WOO-HOO!! And that was clever play on words, Dave.

DT: Stalker reacts in AGONY and painfully gets to his feet… and he turns to the open bed of the trailer JUST IN TIME to see Kin Hiroshi BLAST HIM IN THE FACE WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK FROM INSIDE THE TRAILER!!

DM: The Muffin Man comes back SWINGING!!

DT: Both men rise at the same time… and Hiroshi goes for a standing side-kick—which Stalker CATCHES—and HIROSHI FOLLOWS THROUGH WITH THE ENZIGURI!!

DM: Hiroshi’s in full control, but DAMN did he take a beating!

MN: His tank is barely at the halfway point, Dean. Whereas Stalker looks like he’s already out of gas…

DT: Hiroshi grabs a handful of Stalker’s hair and drags him to his feet… and now it looks like he’s leading him to a set of doors that lead BACK into the arena!

DM: The Muffin Man knows he’s out of his element, so he’s taking this fight back to familiar grounds.

DT: Hiroshi WHIPS Stalker into the doors by the hair… and Stalker falls into the KITCHEN!!

[Hiroshi enters, quickly followed by the camera crew. We can see the kitchen staff looking to the action in alarm, and they quickly move clear of the brawl.]

DM: Well, so much for “familiar grounds”.

DT: Looks like Hiroshi will take what he can get… he takes Stalker by the head and DRIVES HIM FACE-FIRST into the row of refrigerators on the near wall! Hiroshi follows up by slipping Stalker’s head under his arm… and delivers a FLOWING REVERSE SUPLEX, dropping Stalker on the PREP TABLE!!

MN: Time to see what “Iron Chef” Kin Hiroshi can cook up today!

DT: There’re already a lot of food ingredients and kitchen ware on the table… and Hiroshi starts off by taking a handful of minced onions and RUBBING IT INTO STALKER’S EYES!!

MN: That’s just there to add flavor…

DM: It looks damn painful if you ask me… but now Hiroshi reaches for a PIZZA CUTTER!! MY GOD, HE ROLLS IT ACROSS STALKER’S FACE, DIGGING DEEP INTO HIS FOREHEAD!!

MN: That’s not blood. It’s spaghetti sauce.

DT: Hiroshi nabs a pinch of salt… and RUBS IT INTO THE OPEN WOUND!!

DM: That’s INHUMAN!!

MN: It gives it FLAVOR, Dean! This is the best Stalker’s EVER looked, I bet!

DT: Hiroshi goes for the… my God, he just picked up the CHEESE GRATER!!

DM: JESUS CHRIST, Kin Hiroshi just GRINDS that cheese grater across Stalker’s face!!

MN: Stalker a la Hiroshi!

DT: Hiroshi clears off the table… and now he’s climbing up! Oh no, what’s he got planned now?

DM: Hiroshi gets Stalker back to his feet… hooks him, and delivers a FISHERMAN SUPLEX OFF OF THE PREP TABLE!!

MN: This one’s OVER!!

DT: The Muffin Man bridges for a cover!

ONE!!




TWO!!!






THREE—OH NO, WAIT, STALKER GOT HIS SHOULDER UP!!

MN: WHAT?!?

DM: HOW is Stalker still kicking and breathing after all that punishment?

DT: I gotta say, I’m really surprised with Stalker’s debut performance! Hiroshi is giving him EVERYTHING that isn’t nailed down, and he’s STILL coming back for more!

MN: The fool just doesn’t know when to stay down. Doesn’t he know that Hiroshi is practically MAKING his entire EPW CAREER in this single match?

DT: Hiroshi is looking frustrated now as he turns and opens a cupboard… and he’s got hold of a ROLLING PIN! He waits patiently as Stalker SLOWLY pushes himself to his feet… and BLASTS HIM OVER THE FACE the minute he’s off his knees! Stalker hits the floor again…

DM: …and once again, he slowly pushes himself up to his feet! This guy’s got SPIRIT, I’ll give him that much!

DT: Now Hiroshi grabs hold of a FRYING PAN!!

MN: Rather appropriate when dealing with a Looney Toon like Stalker…

DT: Stalker slowly back onto his feet… and Hiroshi BLASTS HIM OVER THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH THAT FRYING PAN!! And Stalker drops to his knees this time!!

DM: I’m surprised he didn’t go down! Stalker just looks BEAT but… he STILL pushes himself to his feet!

MN: Un-freaking-believable…

DT: Stalker’s using the counter for support as he slowly inches his way away from Hiroshi… but the Muffin Man has other things in mind, as this time he picks up a CROCK POT!!

DM: Man, that thing looks heavy… and Hiroshi lifts it up over his head, and DROPS IT OVER STALKER’S BACK!! MY GOD, that looked painful…

DT: BUT STALKER’S STILL ON HIS FEET!! He’s just soaking it all up… and eventually, he’s going to snap!

MN: Not if the Muffin Man has any say in it! Watch, next he’ll grab the kitchen sink!

DT: Stalker’s starting to tense up as he gains his second wind… but Hiroshi grabs a hose out of a nearby rinsing sink, and proceeds to wrap it around Stalker’s throat! My God, he’s going to choke the LIFE out of him!

MN: Serves him right! He should have stayed down when he KNEW it was over!!

DM: Stalker’s light is fading fast… but what’s he reaching for over there on the stovetop? Did somebody leave CHILI on the burner!?

DT: Stalker grabs hold of the sauce pan… and TOSSES THAT SCALDING CHILI INTO KIN HIROSHI’S FACE!!

MN: NO!! CHILI!! The Muffin Man’s ultimate weakness! How did that jobber KNOW?!

[Crowd POPS!! Hiroshi releases the hose and turns to the camera, frantically clawing at his face as he ROARS in pain!]

DT: Doesn’t look like there’s any permanent damage, but Hiroshi is PISSED! He turns around, and Stalker has a cookie sheet—no, a MUFFIN SHEET!! AND STALKER JUST PASTES KIN HIROSHI OVER THE HEAD WITH THAT MUFFIN SHEET!!

[Crowd EXPLODES!!]

MN: WHAAAAT?! You can’t hit the MUFFIN MAN with his OWN KITCHEN UTENSIL!!

DM: Hiroshi is reeling on his feet… and Stalker takes him by the arm, and DUMPS IT INTO THE DEEP FRYER!! JESUS CHRIST, HE’S GOING TO TURN HIS HAND INTO A FRENCH FRY!!

DT: Stalker reaches around his head… and RUSSIAN LEGSWEEPS HIM TO THE FLOOR!! Keeps the hold locked in, and brings Hiroshi to his feet… a SECOND RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP!!

DM: Up for a THIRD!! And he HAMMERS Hiroshi with full force on that last one!!

MN: This… this can’t be HAPPENING! It’s supposed to be OVER by now!

DT: Stalker drags Hiroshi over to the oven and opens the door… and sets Hiroshi’s head inside… and PROCEEDS TO SLAM THE DOOR ON HIS HEAD!! ONCE!! TWICE!! THREE TIMES!! FOUR!! MY GOD, HE WON’T STOP!!

DM: FINALLY, the door BREAKS off… and now Stalker uses it OVER HIROSHI’S BACK!!

DT: I’m surprised to see that Stalker is still in this match… and now, beyond ALL belief, he’s once again in full control, taking Kin Hiroshi to his very limit!!

DM: Now Stalker is getting Hiroshi back onto his feet… and it looks like he’s leading him over to a catering cart! Stalker takes Hiroshi by the neck… lifts him up and CHOKESLAMS HIM ON TOP OF THE CART!!

DT: Stalker gets behind the cart and gives it a HARD SHOVE… and it goes rolling into an OPEN SERVICE ELEVATOR!! And Stalker goes lunging in after him just as the doors close!

MN: DAMNIT!! What the hell is going on in there?!

DM: Up to the second floor! Come on, camera man! Get your fat ass in gear!

[The camera, frantically shaking, leads through a door to the side, up a quick flight of stairs, and bursts into the second floor hallway as the elevator doors come sliding open…]

DT: And the catering cart comes rolling out with Hiroshi and Stalker BRAWLING ON TOP!!

DM: Hiroshi catches Stalker off guard with a GOUGE TO THE EYE, and knocks him to the floor! Hiroshi comes to his feet on the cart as Stalker slowly rises… and Hiroshi jumps off and catches his opponent with a FLYING LEG LARIAT!!

MN: FINALLY, my man is fighting back!!

DT: Hiroshi jumps up onto the cart again, looking for a moonsault… but Stalker kicks the cart out from under him and he goes TOPPLING to the floor!

MN: DAMMNIT!!

DM: Stalker brings Hiroshi back onto his feet and puts him up against the wall… and proceeds to lay into his mid-section with a SERIES OF BODY BLOWS!! Hiroshi looks WINDED!!

DT: He’s in trouble now, as Stalker takes him by the back of the head and runs him HEAD-FIRST through a set of double doors! What room is this fight spilling into now?

DM: It’s the VIP room! That’s where the events more esteemed and high-class guests lounge and watch the show.

MN: Oh, what, WE’RE not high-class?! What the hell…

[The camera follows Stalker into the room where a group of men in suits come to their feet and watch the fight from where they are. Behind them is a big-screen TV showing the exact same image. Two men stand prominently ahead of the crowd.]

DT: Wait a minute, that’s ELI MANNING from the New York Giants and CHAD PENNINGTON from the New York Jets!! They’re hometown quarterbacks!

[TREMENDOUS POP from the crowd!!]

MN: Great… we’re down here with these smelly fans, and those two HACKS are up there in the VIP room!

DM: And they’re getting a first-hand look at the action between Stalker and Kin Hiroshi! Stalker’s still in command… Stalker takes Hiroshi by the head… twists him around… and DROPS HIM WITH A NECKBREAKER!!

DT: I don’t know how much more punishment Hiroshi can take! Stalker is now going for a potted fern in the corner… he lifts it off the floor, and DROPS IT OVER KIN HIROSHI’S BACK AS HE TRIES TO RISE!!

MN: The Muffin Man HATES nature. I’ll gives this garbage wrestling piece of garbage one thing: He knows his opponent’s weaknesses!

DT: Stalker brings Hiroshi back to his feet and leads him toward the crowd of VIP guests, who quickly clear away from the action… now both men enter a clearing between a set of sofas facing the big screen TV, and there’s a coffee table at their feet!

DM: I think I know where this is going… Stalker is bringing Hiroshi alongside the coffee table… but HIROSHI fires back with a chop across the chest! Another chop! A third—but STALKER PUTS HIM DOWN with a discus elbow to the face!

DT: It’s almost as though the man has become numb to pain! Stalker picks Hiroshi up off the floor… and clears off the coffee table!

MN: Uh-oh, I don’t like where THIS is going!

DT: Stalker stands on top and sets Kin Hiroshi up in a leg-scissor headlock… lifts him up, AND DRILLS HIM THROUGH THAT GLASS COFFEE TABLE WITH A CRADLE PILEDRIVER!!! MY GOD, WHAT DEVASTATION!!

MN: HE CAN’T DO THAT!! Isn’t it against the rules?

DM: Anything goes in Stalker’s matches, I guess…

DT: Stalker drapes the arm over Hiroshi’s chest for the cover……


ONE!!!





TWO!!!






THREE—OH NO, HIROSHI KICKS OUT!!

DM: WHERE DOES HE FIND THAT KIND OF STRENGTH?! Stalker damn well nearly gave him a CONCUSSION with that move!!

MN: The Muffin Man CAN’T BE KILLED, Dean!

DT: This match continues even further as both been lay exhausted amid a small crowd of VIP guests, including TWO NFL quarterbacks… and now Stalker is getting himself to his feet, while Kin Hiroshi shows faint signs of life!

DM: How much longer can either of these individuals go on? I gotta say, I wasn’t expecting much out of this match from the beginning, but man, WHAT A WAY to kick of Wrestlestock!

DT: You got a point there, Dean. Stalker is back on his feet while Hiroshi is on his knees, and… wait a minute, Stalker just took something out of the hands of New York Giants quarterback ELI MANNING!!

DM: It was his drink!

MN: Good. What is Eli, anyway, like… 15 years old? That kid shouldn’t be drinking.

DT: Stalker turns and sees Hiroshi back on his feet… and drops the drink at Hiroshi’s feet! What is he doing?

DM: Stalker reaches over to CHAD PENNINGTON and… takes his cigar! And he tosses it to Hiroshi’s feet and—OH MY GOD, HE JUST LIT KIN HIROSHI ON FIRE!!

[Crowd GASPS!!]

DT: Hiroshi jumps out of the POOL OF FIRE at his feet, but his RIGHT LEG is already a BLAZING INFERNO!! My God, somebody put him OUT!!

MN: That is a BURNT MUFFIN MAN!!

DM: Hiroshi is frantically kicking to extinguish that fire, but Hiroshi tries to grab him from behind… and Hiroshi bats him away with an elbow to the face.

DT: Hiroshi turns around… and delivers a FLAMING ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE FACE OF STALKER!!

DM: OH MY GOD, IT KNOCKED STALKER BACK HEAD-FIRST INTO THE BIG SCREEN TV!! STALKER’S HEAD just BURIED ITSELF into that big screen!!

[Crowd EXPLODES!!!]

[Pandemonium ensues as the TV in the corner sparks and smokes and eventually goes dead. Stalker jerks violently in the process as though being electrocuted. Meanwhile, Chad Pennington thankfully grabs a vase filled with water and douses the flaming leg of Kin Hiroshi. Eli Manning and another VIP pull Stalker from the TV revealing that his face has been blackened but not seriously burned, and the hair on the front of his head has been singed. A team of medics enter the room and split into pairs checking on either man.]

DT: My God… what chaos…

DM: Is this match going to be ruled as a No Contest then? Neither man looks capable of continuing. I don’t know the condition of Hiroshi’s leg, but Stalker just looks like he’s been through HELL and back!

MN: They can’t do a draw! Hiroshi ALWAYS finishes a match!

DT: I think you’re right, Mike. I believe one of Stalker’s specifications for this match is that there MUST be a victory by pinfall.

MN: You know… I believe the Muffin Man might have out-done Chuck Norris with that roundhouse kick.

DM: WHAT?! You can’t out-do Chuck Norris, no matter WHO you are!

MN: Yeah, but it wasn’t just ANY roundhouse kick to the face… it was a FLAMING roundhouse kick to the face… THROUGH A TV!!

DT: He may have a point, Dean…

DM: Don’t tell me you buy this crap, Dave!

[A pair of EMTs brings Hiroshi to his feet near the windows to see if he can stand on it. The other two, meanwhile, shake Stalker until he regains consciousness again. When he awakens, he immediately spots Hiroshi, and…]

DT: —AND STALKER, OUT OF NOWHERE, BLITZES ACROSS THE ROOM AND TACKLES HIROSHI THROUGH THE WINDOW!!

[Crowd POPS!!]

DT: MY GOD, this match is still going on!! But now it’s spilled outside of the VIP room!

DM: Where the hell are they? They have to be on the upper deck somewhere…

[The camera frantically searches the upper deck area for the two combatants.]

MN: Anybody see them?

DT: Wait, THERE THEY ARE, near the north end of the arena!

[The camera catches the action and zooms in, revealing Hiroshi on the run from Stalker!]

DT: WE’VE GOT ‘EM! And it looks like Stalker has Kin Hiroshi on the run!

MN: He’s not running from him, Dave! He’s just leading his prey into a trap!

DM: Must be some trap, as Hiroshi limps away from his opponent in a panic!

DT: But STALKER catches up to him and tackles him near the guard rail!

DM: Good thing that rail is in place, or these guys might fall off that tier and into the seats below…

DT: Stalker takes Hiroshi by the head and RAMS HIM straight into that iron guard-rail! And now Stalker beats him further down toward the end of the arena…

[The camera cuts to another station with a better angle. The two are nearing the section of the arena that hangs right above the StockTron standing above the stage. The extra large-scale screen reveals all of the action happening above in dramatic detail.]

DT: These two are having an all-out WAR, and it looks like the new guy may finally have Hiroshi on the ropes!

MN: There ARE no ropes for the Muffin Man, Dave!

DM: Stalker goes for a big right hook, but Hiroshi DUCKS and grabs him from behind… lifts him up and RACKS HIM OVER THE STEEL GUARDRAIL!!

MN: HA! You see?!

DT: Hiroshi takes Stalker in a collar and elbow tie-up… but Stalker brushes him off with a forearm! Stalker takes him by the head… LIFTS HIM UP WITH A VERTICLE SUPLEX and DUMPS HIM on the other side of the guardrail! Both men run a SERIOUS RISK of falling from that elevation!!

DM: You’re right, Dave. One wrong step and either of these men could fall to their doom to the stage below…

MN: Hey, I wouldn’t mind seeing this dirty PUNK’S career ending on his EPW debut. It would ensure I’d never see him again…

DT: That’s a horrible thing to say, Mike!

MN: Yeah, but it’s from the heart, and that’s what counts.

DM: Hiroshi’s back up and goes for a shot to Stalker—but Stalker BLOCKS and hits him with a jab! Hiroshi reels back and—OH MY, comes teetering at the edge of that elevated platform!!

[Crowd GASPS as Hiroshi flails his arms and regains his balance.]

DT: Hiroshi bites back with a spinning heel kick—but Stalker CATCHES HIS FOOT and sweeps his other leg!! Hiroshi falls, and rolls OFF THE EDGE OF THE UPPER DECK—

DM: BUT WAIT, Dave! Hiroshi instead rolls down on top of the STOCKTRON!!

[With everyone in the audience on the edge of their seats, Hiroshi scrambles down on top of the StockTron structure and begins climbing to the edge. Stalker quickly climbs down after him and pursues.]

DT: It’s a game of CAT AND MOUSE as Kin Hiroshi scrambles to get himself to a lower elevation, and Stalker’s keeping up right behind him!

MN: Why you gotta make it sound like Hiroshi’s being a COWARD in this, Dave? The man is just keeping this dangerous HACK at bay while he thinks of a plan…

DM: Hiroshi inches his way down the edge of the ‘Tron, and comes to the scaffold at the very bottom of the big screen!

[Adding dramatic effect, Hiroshi’s own image is blown up behind him by about ten times his regular size. Hiroshi comes to his feet on the 3’ wide scaffold at the base of the screen and tip toes to the other end, grimacing at the stage 20 feet below him.]

DT: Looks like Kin Hiroshi has run out of room to run! He’s still gotta drop six meters to the stage below… but Stalker’s now climbed down to the scaffold with him!

DM: Looks like it’s time for the final showdown! Hiroshi takes advantage of the distance across that scaffold, runs at Stalker full speed… and PUTS HIM DOWN with a front-face dropkick!!

MN: Cornering a dangerous animal only makes him more dangerous!

DT: Stalker gets back to his feet… but Hiroshi catches him with a SIDE-KICK to the mid-section, and a KNEELING UPPERCUT that shoots Stalker back and nearly falling off the scaffold!!

MN: Kin’s just going to give him a little amateur rhinoplasty is all.

DM: Hiroshi takes hold of Stalker and lifts him onto his shoulders for a TORTURE RACK—

DT: BUT STALKER SLIDES OFF before Hiroshi could pull off the H.L.B.! Stalker spins him around… boot to the gut… EVENFLOW!!! HE JUST NAILED KIN HIROSHI WITH THE EVENFLOW!!

MN: NOOOOOOOO!!!!!

DM: After THIS ENTIRE WAR, Stalker has finally sealed the deal! All he needs to do is make the cover!

DT: …but it doesn’t look like he’s done yet! He gets Hiroshi back to his feet, and now… oh no, he’s leading him to the edge of the SCAFFOLD!!

MN: He better not do what I THINK he’s gonna do!!

DM: I think he IS!! Stalker’s got the back of Hiroshi’s head, and he’s picking up speed to the end of the scaffold!

DT: MY GOD, NOT FROM TWENTY FEET ABOVE!! Stalker TOSSES KIN HIROSHI FROM THE STOCKTRON—BUT OH MY GOD, HIROSHI SOMEHOW GRABS THE BOTTOM OF THE SCAFFOLD AND REMAINS HANGING FOR DEAR LIFE TWENTY FEET ABOVE THE STAGE!!

MN: He’s hanging on by a THREAD!!

DM: Stalker tries to stomp down on Hiroshi’s hands… and now he kneels down to pry him off the scaffold—but Hiroshi shifts his legs up and they WRAP AROUND STALKER’S HEAD!!

DT: OH MY GOD, HIROSHI LEG-SCISSORS STALKER OFF OF THAT SCAFFOLD AND BOTH MEN GO SPRAWLING TO THE STAGE BELOW HIM!! JESUS CHRIST, THE BOTH OF THEM JUST FELL TWENTY FEET ONTO HARD STEEL!!!

DM: I DON’T BELIEVE IT!! They HAVE to be dead!! Somebody call the paramedics!!

DT: WAIT A MINUTE!! Kin Hiroshi’s arm VEEERRRYYY SLOWLY drapes itself over Stalker’s chest… and the referee appears from the entry-way to make the COUNT….




ONE!!!!!




TWO!!!!!!







THHHRRRREEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

WE HAVE A WINNER!!

[Crowd EXPLODES!!]

TF: The winner of this match as a result of pinfall…

“THE MUFFIN MAN”

KIIIIIIIIINNNNN HHIIIIIIIRRROOOOOOSSSHHHHIIIIIIIII!!!!

MN: WOO-HOO!! I KNEW the Muffin Man could do it!!

DT: WHAT AN UNBELIEVABLE victory for Kin Hiroshi! But I gotta say, quite an IMPRESSIVE debut from Stalker also! Both men put on one hell of a WAR, and I can’t think of a better way to start off WrestleStock!

DM: You said a mouthful there, Dave.

[On the stage, EMTs and the referee help Hiroshi to his feet, and his arm is lifted victoriously. Stalker is helped to his feet by another team of officials, but almost as soon as he’s risen, he violently shoves them away.]

DT: My God, HOW IS THAT MAN STILL STANDING ON HIS OWN POWER!!

[Stalker says something in a threatening manner to the officials, who defensively back away. Stalker limps through the entry-way and disappears.]

DM: Falls twenty feet to the stage and STILL walks out of the arena on his own. Garbage wrestling aside, that guy is one HELL of a contender.

DT: But the night belongs to the man with his arm held high. “THE MUFFIN MAN” KIN HIROSHI is victorious at WrestleStock!! He put up a hell of a fight against an opponent fighting in his own environment, and managed to not only keep up with him but inevitably out-wit him at his own game!
 

DBrunkGXW

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Cruise vs. Clapper vs. Douglas vs. Marx - Black Dawn 2004 - Contender's Match

JOHN DOE: "I had many, well, more than many chances to work exclusively with Cameron Cruise in matches, I have worked with the guy maybe ten to twelve times around the circuit, but Empire Pro is where we met originally. Great guy at heart, phenomenal worker. I also had the chance to work with Troy Douglas in an Inferno match, which was a great angle we worked together and he as well a class worker, very knowledgeable of the art of wrestling, then there was Jonathan Marx, who is a personal good friend of mine worked a lot with him, we train together, just a great light hearted guy. So when I caught wind of a four way match with those three guys and Clapper, it was a match that I knew I couldn't turn off, I was next to Dan Ryan when it was booked saying "Your going to climax Empire Pro in one night with these guys. Once you go here there is no higher match that we can go!" He chuckled a bit, and it was that sort of match, oh was it that sort of match.
~~~
TONY FATORA: Th' following contest is an elimination match! The winner will become the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship! The runner-up will become the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship!

[Cue up: "Headstrong" - Trapt. The crowd pops huge as Cameron Cruise strides down the ramp, slapping hands as he passes by with his valet Mercedes Devon close behind. Cruise vaults into the ring and poses in the center, setting off a few pyro explosions.]

TONY FATORA: Introducing first, from Jacksonville, North Carolina! He weighs in at two hundred and forty-nine pounds and is accompanied by Mercedes Devon! THISSS... ISSSS... CAMMMMMEROOOOOOOOOONNNN... CRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUISE!!!

[Cue up: "Kashmir" - Led Zeppelin, evoking another big face reaction as Troy Douglas makes his way to the ring.]

TONY FATORA: From Greensboro, North Carolina! He weighs in at two hundred and sixty pounds and is a multi-time Global Xtreme Wrestling Xtreme Champion! HERE IS TRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOY... DOUUUUUUUUUGLAAAAAAAAAASSSSS!!!

[Cue up: "Only Happy When It Rains" - Garbage. The fans boo profusely as Jonathan Marx makes his way to the ring, ignoring the reaction of the crowd.]

TONY FATORA: From Princeton, New Jersey! He weighs in at two hundred and fifteen pounds and is the FW Illustrated Rookie of the Year for 2003! HERE IS "GENTLEMAN"... JOOOOOONATHAAAAAAAAAAANN... MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARX!!!

[Rather than fading into another song and lightshow, the Empire Tron comes to life, revealing Paul Freeman sitting comfortably behind his desk.]

PF: I've got an announcement to make before this match begins, concerning the fourth man. Unfortunately, Rocko Daymon won't be appearing on tonight's Pay Per View. A few days ago, Daymon announced his retirement from professional wrestling. His match against Maelstrom a week ago at Aggression may be considered his last here at Empire Pro.

Daymon released this footage from the press conference to this office days ago...

[We fade to footage of Daymon sitting behind a table, flanked by his wife and doctor, before a large group of reporters.]

RD: Professional wrestling isn't like what it was in my hey-day; it's surpassed that. I feel I don't belong. So when I'm done with my match at Revolution... I'm done for good, people. I'm announcing my retirement.

[Edit, going to later in the conference.]

RD: ...I wouldn't call it "throwing in the towel". Quite simply, I think I've done this federation a service, and my time has gone on. It's time for me to stop dreaming about reclaiming my lost fame, and handing it over to someone else.

[Another edit. We cut to Rocko reacting to a question about Empire Pro asked by Pete Penzler of the FW Torch.]

PP: What about your match against Troy Douglas, Cameron Cruise, and Jonathan Marx at Empire Pro, scheduled at Black Dawn?

RD: Yeah, well... I considered going out that way, but then again, title shots are on the line in that kind of match. I honestly didn't want to interfere with the plans of any of the other wrestlers. If I won, what use would a title shot do to me, considering I'd have left the business? I sent my letter of resignation to Freeman the other night. He was sad to see me go, but he understood. As I understand it, he's looking for a substitute for that match... but I really don't know the details.

[Fade back to Paul Freeman.]

PF: Well... I think that pretty much spoke for itself. Fortunately, Empire Pro has recently been in talks with Rocko for employing him as a member of the corporate staff, so he may not be leaving professional wrestling altogether. But... as you might suspect, it left a spot open for tonight's match. I did a lot of thinking over who I thought I could bring in to make this match just as interesting and action packed as it would be with Rocko involved... if not more. Finally, someone approached me the other day...

This man had heard the story about Rocko's retirement... had a few things to say about it... and basically, he requested to take his spot tonight. By this man's reputation with his work in GWE, I knew I had an opportunity to present one hell of a match to you fans by putting him in Daymon's place.

Therefore, without further adieu, allow me to introduce Rocko Daymon's substitute here at Black Dawn...

[The lights dim, and the stage is illuminated with red lights.]

PF: Hailing from Global Wrestling Evolution for this one time guest appearance in Empire Pro...

["South of Heaven" by Slayer begins to play. Many members of the audience begin booing.]

PF: Please welcome.... CLLLAAAAAAAPPPPEEEEEEEERRRR!!!!

[With that, GWE's own Clapper steps out of the entrance, clad head to toe in black. The bald man smoking a cigarette and bearing trademark sunglasses comes out, bearing his long trench coat. He stands on the stage for many moments, looking over the booing EPW audience, and comes down the ramp. Upon reaching ringside, he takes off his coat and shades, throws his cigarette into the face of a fan in the front row, and rolls into the ring, looking over his opponents with a sinister grin.]

DT: Oh wow, it's Clapper!

MN: ...who?

DT: Mike, ya gotta start watching other promotions. Clapper can be deemed as one of the most dangerous man in Empire Pro, during this time. Recently, he's affiliated himself with Christian Sands in a stable... definitely one guy you don't want to tick off...

MN: ...and he's here, why now?

DT: Well, a year ago, Clapper was the man who put Rocko Daymon on the shelf after a brutal match. It's interesting to see him here now, taking that same man's spot. Also, Clapper and Douglas had a HELLISH match at GWE's Battleground Britain not long ago. Clapper ended up winning after Douglas passed out from the pain, unwilling to give up. Clapper even HANDED OVER the X-treme Title after that match, respectful of Douglas' efforts...

MN: So there's a history between Douglas and Clapper?

DT: Yep. It looks like Clapper is just a thorn in Troy Douglas' side. It's going to be interesting how these two treat each other in this match.

[The bell rings. Immediately, Cruise and Marx advance on eachother and start laying in heavy blows. With the other two occupied, Clapper and Douglas take each other on, going toe to toe. It doesn't take long for both Marx and Clapper to take control of their respective opponents.]

DT: The bell rings, and here we go! Cruise and Marx taking no time to go after each other, and Douglas and Clapper are left to themselves!

MN: My money's on Cruise for this match...

DT: Really? Why so?

MN: Cause the guy's got balls!

[Marx pressures Cruise into a corner as Clapper floors Douglas onto the mat with a sweeping chop. Clapper grins sadistically as he begins working into Troy's chest with a series of heavy stomps from his black workboots. But he's suddenly surprised as Douglas catches on stiff blow and tugs Clapper down to his feet. The man in black falls onto his back, but before he can react, Douglas sets him into a side leglock. Clapper's face tightens in pain, but he shows no signs of panic.]

MN: Douglas with Clapper in a leglock... and Clapper is surprisingly taking it well!

DT: He's not a man who gets hurt easily... but look here in the corner, as Marx lays into Cameron Cruise with a barrage of punches!!

[The referee, distracted with the submission hold applied on Clapper, fails to see Marx resort to blatantly closed fists against Cameron Cruise's face. Cruise scales the second set of ropes, continuing the salvo of blows. Cruise, unable to take the beating any longer, pitches forward and brings Marx down with a powerful spinebuster! The referee's attention is suddenly divided as he sees Cruise roll over Marx. He goes to make the cover.]

DT: First cover in the match... One... two... NO!! Marx with an easy kickout...

MN: It's still too early, but don't worry... Cameron's got this in his pocket.

DT: Wait, what's Clapper doing!

[To get out of the leglock, Clapper finds Douglas' foot and gives it a twist to put some pressure on the ankle. Reacting to the pain, Douglas loosens the hold, and Clapper manages to wiggle out. Both men come to their feet at the same time. Clapper goes for a clothesline--which is immediately ducked by Douglas. Instead, Clapper runs into Cameron Cruise, who sweeps Clapper to the floor with his own lariat. He has only a moment to celebrate, however, as Troy Douglas puts HIM to the ground with a running clothesline! Surprisingly, just as he turns around to continue the offense, Jonathan Marx, on his knees behind him, hits him with a low blow out of nowhere! Marx capitalizes by coming to his feet and going for a German Suplex that rocks the ring!]

DT: WHOA!! Successive clotheslines, capped off with a German Suplex by Jonathan Marx!

MN: THAT... was crazy!

DT: It sure was... this is obviously a high velocity match. These four men both want those designated title shots... well, maybe with the exception of Clapper, who is probably just here for the game. But the determination of the other three is apparent from what we're seeing here tonight.

[Marx comes to his feet, looking around and plotting his next move. He then catches sight of Clapper coming back to his feet. Marx advances and hits the recovering opponent with an overhead rabbit punch, putting Clapper back down on both knees. Clapper reacts by going for the legs, attempting to sweep Marx to the mat. But "The Gentlemen" quickly keeps control by grabbing Clapper around the waist. Clapper tries to bull him into the corner, but Marx quickly performs a standing sunset flip, much to the amazement of the crowd, and rolls Clapper up for a quick pin.]

MN: There's Marx with the cover!

DT: One!

Twooooo...

DT: NO!! Pin broken up by Troy Douglas!

MN: Now why would he do that?

[Marx is left holding his jaw on the mat following the low dropkick delivered by Troy Douglas, who had made a quick recovery. Douglas leaves him like that as he goes into stomping the chest and face of Clapper.]

DT: Troy Douglas is taking it to Clapper! A bit of revenge for what went down in GWE!

MN: This guy's crazy!!

[Douglas finally switches from stomps to picking Clapper up to his feet. He hooks his head under his arm, and nails him with a BIG DDT that causes the fans to cheer! Douglas rolls over and hooks the leg for a pin.]

DT: Another pin attempt on Clapper...

One!

Two!

Th--NO!! Clapper kicks out...

MN: Clapper is a hard guy to put down, it seems...

[Meanwhile, Cruise comes back to his feet as he notices Douglas being kicked off of Clapper. Cruise calls for Douglas, and the two form a second of mutal understanding as they lock arms and sweep Clapper back down to the mat with a Double Clothesline! Marx comes back to his feet to get in on some of the action, but is quickly caught off guard with a low shot to the gut by Cruise followed by a hammerblow from Douglas. The two controlling wrestlers, continuing to work together, bring Marx back to his feet, take either of his arms, and whip him into the ropes. Marx returns, and gets sent for the ride of his life as Douglas and Cruise throw him into a Double Armdrag that hypes up the audience.]

DT: Great teamwork by Cruise and Douglas!

MN: Good to see these guys working together... even though Douglas is merely using Cruise's talents to get further in this match.

DT: What the hell are you talking about?

[Cruise and Douglas share a high five. Douglas then turns to continue the pressure on Marx, when Cruise, breaking the partnership bonds, unexpectedly grabs him from behind and throws him nearly the entire distance of the ring with a PAINFUL Half-Nelson Suplex! Douglas is tossed away like a rag doll.]

MN: BWHAHAHAHAHA!! So much for working together! You see, Cruise is too smart for that idiot Douglas!

DT: ...whatever, Mike...

[As Cruise comes up again, he quickly notices Marx coming back to his feet with the help of the ropes. But as he goes to take care of that, he fails to notice Clapper also recovering in the other corner. Cruise meets Marx and lays into him with a big right. Marx fights back with a chop across the chest. The two start trading blows left and right, until Clapper, seeing the situation, rushes them both and knocks the fighting pair OVER the ropes!!]

DT: CLAPPER OUT OF NOWHERE, sends Cruise and Marx to the outside!

MN: That bastard...

DT: But what, Douglas on a knee, recovering after his last fall...

MN: Eh?

[Clapper stands at the ropes for a moment, smiling proudly as he looks down at the sprawled bodies of his two opponents. He is obviously happy with his handiwork. But as he is taken up in the moment, Douglas quietly sneaks up from behind. Without warning, Douglas executes a surprises roll-up pin! The ref quickly goes to make the count.]

DT: Now it's DOUGLAS out of nowhere!!

ONE!!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

MN: OH MAN!!

DT: That's it, Clapper is OUTTA HERE!! Douglas caught him out of nowhere and made the quick pin! Man, I don't believe that! Talk about sweet revenge after the loss at GWE's Battleground Britain!

MN: Bah, good riddance...

[Clapper, back on his feet in surprise, hears the bell ring and promptly receives the news from the referee. He shakes his head in disappointment as Douglas returns to his feet. Clapper points at him with his head slightly cocked while wearing a grin, showing an obvious sign of respect to his eliminator. With that, Clapper exits the ring and goes back up the ramp. Meanwhile, outside the ring, Marx and Cruise recover after their recent spill, and immediately notice each other. Not at all mindful of being counted out, they quickly pounce on each other and commence to their previous fist fight.]

DT: Clapper's gone, and the war wages on between Cameron Cruise and Jonathan Marx!

MN: Beat the snot outta him, Cam!

[Douglas sees the fight going on, and decides to break it up. He hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring to gain momentum, and returns, flipping over the ropes with a graceful plancha. He falls on top of Marx and Cruise, laying both men out. All three men end up in a heap outside the ring. Douglas is the first to come back to his feet, bringing Cruise with him. Douglas smashes Cruise's face against the ring apron, and follows up with a WHALLOPING Side Suplex! As he gets to his feet, he's tackled by Marx and shoved up against the barricade.]

DT: Boy, this match is getting brutal! The remaining three men are going crazy outside the ring!

MN: Careful, Dave... they're coming our way!

[Marx leads a weakened Troy Douglas over to the commentary table, and pounds his head over the corner! Douglas is put to the floor, where Jonathan Marx puts a few easy kicks into his opponent's ribcage. Nearby, Cruise groggily gets to his feet. Marx brings Douglas back to his feet, takes him by the arm, and executes a whip--unknowingly running him into Cruise. Cruise has only a moment to react, but it's enough, as he catches Douglas with a back-body drop that sends him over the barricade! Following this, Cruise looks around for a moment, confused as to what cause his suddenly reflexive movement. That second of hesitation is all it takes for Jonathan Marx to put him to the ground with a standing dropkick out of nowhere!]

MN: OOH... MAN!!

DT: Jonathan Marx is definitely in control at this point! He had perfect control over Douglas a moment ago, and now he's just LAID OUT Cameron Cruise!

MN: Damnit, this ain't good... I could lose my fifty bucks!

DT: Oh, so you really DO have money on Cruise?

MN: Well yeah!

DT: Best of luck to you then, but by the way things are turning out now, you might be fifty dollars poorer by the end of this match...

MN: Nah... Cruise will bounce back.

[Marx picks Cruise back off the mat and takes him to the ring, rolling him in under the ropes. He's about to go in himself when he remembers Douglas. When he gets onto the apron, he turns around, seeing Douglas back on his feet, hopping the barricade and ready to go at it again. Both men stand in a tense staredown... waiting for the other to make the first move. The moment is ended when Cruise, forgotten back in the ring, comes to his feet and clobbers Marx in the back of the head from inside. Marx falls off the apron, tumbling down on the pads bordering the ring. As he comes to his feet, Douglas quickly capitalizes by catching him off guard and throwing him into a Swinging Neckbreaker!]

DT: WOW!! Swinging Neckbreaker by Troy Douglas! Tremendous One-Two on Marx applied seperately by Cruise and Douglas...

MN: Meh...

DT: It sounds like the fans are on Douglas' side, but by your expression, Mike, you don't share their favoritism...

MN: I root for whoever I put my money on... and the man who my money's on is currently standing in the ring...

DT: Oop, not for long! Once again, this match is turning into a free-for-all outside the ring!

[Cruise once again steps out of the ring, spinning Douglas around and hitting him with a surprising right. Douglas reels back but comes back with a punch of his own. Both men go at it for a few moments until Douglas finally gains control. He ducks a wide left by Cruise and follows through with a Shoulder Toss that puts Cruise on the mat! Douglas follows through with an elbow inside the shoulder, putting some pressure onto Cruise's arm. Jonathan Marx is back on his feet, but off in another world as he stands breathing heavily with his head down on the apron. Douglas, meanwhile, straddles himself over Cruise's chest and begins working into his face!]

DT: And now Douglas is the one in control!

MN: Damnit, Cam! You're going to make me look like an idiot! I'll be the laughing stock of the pub if you lose this match!

DT: Settle down, Mike...

[Douglas finally brings Cruise back to his feet and rolls him into the ring. He finds Marx still trying to catch his breath, and takes advantage of the moment by hitting him while not paying attention. Douglas follows up by rolling him into the ring as well, and finally, he enters.]

DT: Well, it's about time!

MN: What?

DT: The match is back in the ring!

MN: Heh...

DT: Troy Douglas is still in control...

[Douglas continues his offensive standpoint on Marx by bringing him up to his knees... BLASTING him with a Snap Powerbomb, gaining the momentum of the audience! Cruise quickly drops down and makes the cover...]

DT: Here's a cover by Troy Douglas...

ONE!

TWO!

THR--OH NO!! Cruise breaks it up...

MN: I think Marx would have kicked out anyways...

[Now Cruise takes a moment to viciously attack Douglas with a series of punches, but its quickly broken up by the referee. Instead, Cruise hooks Douglas, and nails him with a POWERFUL Impact DDT, gaining a painful reaction from the audience. Following that, he rolls into a cover...]

DT: Cover by Cruise!

ONE!

TWO!

THR--NOO!! Douglas with a kickout...

[Cruise comes back to his feet, contemplating his next move. Then he goes to Marx, looking for a little help. Marx seems willing to go along with the plot, and the two men advance on Douglas before he can so much as shake off the pain in his head. Both men pound into his head and back with successive blows, pressuring him into the corner.]

MN: Douglas is in a bad position now...

DT: Heh... I TOLD ya Cruise would bounce back!

MN: Well, what about Marx?

DT: Bah! He's just riding Cruise's coattails!

[Both men beat down on Douglas in the corner. Then, after weakening him, they both boost him up to the top rope. Cruise motions for Marx to go out a little ways, and "The Gentlemen" moves out to the center of the ring. Cruise quickly ascends to the second rope, grabs Douglas around the mid-section, and hoists him off the top rope!! Douglas comes down with FORCE into a 3/4 Neckbreaker by Marx!!]

DT: OH MY GOD!! WHAT BRILLIANT TEAMWORK BY CRUISE AND MARX!!!

MN: YEAH BABY!! Now PIN that loser!!

DT: I don't know if Douglas can get up out of that one...

MN: NOBODY can kick out of that...

DT: Here comes Marx with the cover...

ONE!!


TWO!!



THREE--OH MY GOD, DOUGLAS KICKS OUT!!

MN: WHAT?!

[The fans comes alive cheering as Douglas somehow forces himself to kick out. Marx comes to his feet in absolute surprise.]

MN: How did he DO that?!

DT: Douglas isn't giving this match up! He's going to fight on!

MN: Wait, Cruise--

DT: HUH?!

[Taking advantage of the shocking moment, Cruise spins Marx around... delivers a boot to the gut... and follows up with...]

DT: THE SHIPWRECK!! CAMERON CRUISE NAILS JONATHAN MARX WITH THE SHIPWRECK!!

MN: OH MAN!!

DT: CRUISE WITH THE COVER...

ONE!!!


TWO!!!



THREEEEE!!!

[The bell rings as "The Gentleman" Jonathan Marx is eliminated.]

MN: Oh man, I don't believe it... I had TWENTY bucks on THAT guy! I was hoping he'd at least get a shot at the IC Title!

DT: As it is, Marx was caught off guard by Cameron Cruise, and now he's OUT of this match. But DAMN, he had a hell of a showing!

MN: You got that right!

[Holding his head in pain, Marx rolls out of the ring. Back in the ring, Cruise has moved on, bringing a hurt Troy Douglas back to his feet. He hooks him into a standing leg scissor.]

DT: Cruise with Douglas... oh my God, going for another SHIPWRECK--

MN: NOOOO!!!

[To Mike Neely's dismay, Douglas reverses out of nowhere with a back-body drop! The fans begin cheering wildly with the sudden revitalization of strength in Troy Douglas! Cruise quickly comes back to his feet, going for a clothesline--only to be swept into the air out unexpectedly, DRILLED back into the mat with a Tiltawhirl PIledriver executed by Troy Douglas!]

DT: AND DOUGLAS IS BACK AND FIGHTING!!

MN: DAMNIT!! He should have stayed down when Marx laid him out!

[Douglas quickly gets Cruise back to his feet... whips him against the ropes... nearly smashes his NOSE into the back of his HEAD with a knee lift that meant nothing but business! Still in full control, Douglas gets Cruise back to his feet... whips him into the corner... and to the delight of the fans, begins to set Cruise up onto the top rope! Acting on revenge, Douglas hoists Cruise off the turnbuckle by the waist, following through with a MASSIVE 3/4 Neckbreaker, the same move he fell victim to only minutes ago, only now pulled off by ONE man instead of two!]

DT: OH MY GOD, CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!?

MN: ...NO!! I CAN'T!!

DT: Troy Douglas... has just laid out CAMERON CRUISE with the same move that nearly ended his stay in this match!

MN: *******it!

DT: Both of these men will have shots at either the IC or World Titles, depending on which man gets the final pinfall... but at this point, Douglas is on fire!

MN: Come on, Cam!

DT: Douglas with the cover...

ONE!!!


TWO!!!



THR--OH NOOO!!! Cameron Cruise KICKS OUT!!

MN: YESSSSS!!!

[Cruise makes a phenomenal kickout, wowing many fans. Douglas is obviously surprised, but doesn't miss a beat. He quickly gets Cruise back onto his feet... hooks him, and slams him back DOWN to the mat with a Faceplant Suplex!]

DT: BROKEN DREAM!! Douglas is setting up for the End of the Road!

MN: Hey, Dave...

[Douglas brings Cruise back to his feet, and takes him to the corner. The fans are suddenly in an uproar over something else however, as another person makes his way down the ramp.]

MN: Dave, look!

DT: Wait, who is that?

[The cameras turn to the entrance, zooming in on...]

DT: ...BEAST!!

MN: What the hell is HE doing out here?!

[Beast comes down to ringside, looking at the two men squaring off in the ring. Douglas comes to the corner and sets himself on the second rope, setting himself up for the End of the Road. He suddenly catches a glimpse of Beast, who smiles and delivers a small wave. That second of distraction proves to be Douglas' folly; Cruise, in a suddenly move of desperation, breaks out of the hold. Before Douglas can react, Cruise catches him across the face, and falls back with an Inverted Russian Legsweep!]

DT: REALITY CHECK!!

MN: ALRIGHT, BEAST BABY!!

DT: CRUISE ROLLS OVER WITH THE COVER...

ONE!!!


TWO!!!



THREEEEEEE!!! THAT'S IT, IT'S OVER!!!!

[The bell rings, and the referee raises the arm of Cameron Cruise. Cruise looks out of the ring to Beast, and nods once. Beast nods back, and goes back up the ramp.]

TONY FATORA: Here is your winner, and the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship... CAMEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON... CRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUISE!!!
 

DBrunkGXW

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Cameron Cruise Project vs. Highland Park Social Club [c] – Wrestleverse II

RYAN GALLWAY: Hey, I’m Ryan Gallway and this is my pick for EPW’s new Greatest Hits DVD… BUY IT, MORTALS! This next one coming up is those rapscallions of Joey Melton and Cameron Cruise aka The Highland Park Social Club vs. Slambo The Clown and Chip Friendly of The Cameron Cruise Project… *sighs… *And there goes my raging dyslexia again. Scratch that, reverse it. Anyhow, the Highland Park Social Club that ARE the Tag Team Champions get into a great skirmish with The Cameron Cruise Project that are NOT the Tag Team Champions. The Social Club’s manager, Richard Farnswirth isn’t present, which gave the CCP a fighting chance. Let’s see if those wacky kids can make the most of it, eh?

~~~
DT: The former tag team champions are coming to the ring now… but man, how is it going to affect the gameplan of the Highland Park Social Club now that Farnswirth’s out?

DM: Affects them on a lot of levels, Dave.

MN: You know, as much as I respect the brilliant minds of Highland Park Social Club, I don’t think the team had a chance against Joey Melton, regardless of who was wrestling this match.

[As Cruise and Melton pace the ring, “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin begins to play. The arena fills with boos as Chip Friendly and Slambo the Clown appear at the top of the stage. Richard Farnswirth is nowhere to be seen.]

DT: Oh, what’s this? Chipper and Slambo coming to the ring without Richard Farnswirth?

DM: I’m being told that Richard Farnswirth is being restrained backstage, as Dan Ryan has officially barred him from accompanying his team to the ring tonight!

MN: Ew… Dan Ryan’s going to have his lawyer’s in his ear for the next week after this incident.

[Chip Friendly and Slambo the Clown hit the ring and show off their titles to the booing audience in mass. After handing off the belts to the ref, they go to their corner to warm-up while Cruise and Melton say a few things to each other before the match begins.]

DT: Looks like this one is going to start off with Chip and Joey…

MN: It’s only natural that the man who finishes this match starts it off…

DT: There’s the bell! Melton and Chipper circling each other for a bit… and they lock up with a collar and elbow hold! Chip quickly overpowers and puts Melton into a headlock!

DM: Melton quickly slips out and reverses with a hammerlock!

DT: Chip counters with a blunt elbow to the face, and Joey backs off, rubbing his chin!

DM: You can always expect a great technical face-off between these two competitors.

MN: I never understood the whole “technical” thing. What matters is who puts the other guy’s ass on the floor.

DT: The two lock up again. This time, Melton gains the upper hand and goes for a hip-toss—which Chip Friendly quickly counters with an arm wrench! Melton follows through with the hold by flipping onto his back, and quickly goes for a standing Fujiwara Armbar! Friendly responds by finding Melton’s leg and going for a side leglock—but is immediately derailed with a boot to the face. Both men roll to their feet, and another face-off ensues.

MN: My God, I just went cross-eyed.

DT: Incredible performance from these two individuals! This is TRULY a test of skill!

DM: They’re evenly matched at this point. This is like watching a chess game, with every move carefully calculated and thought through. But at this point, you’ve gotta devise a plan to get the edge.

DT: The two go for another lock-up. Friendly quickly goes for a knee, but Melton catches him by the leg and immediately nails him with a low blow! OOOH!!

DM: Ouch… well, I guess when all else fails, THAT will give you the edge you need.

MN: HAHAHAHA!! That’s Joey for ya. You give him the challenge, and he thinks a way through it. That’s the ONE THING that separates him from everyone else.

DT: Melton takes a threat from the referee, and now he’s making his move… Chip back to his feet, but Melton quickly catches him with a BULLDOG!

MN: Friendly attempts to rise… but Melton quickly follows up with a low dropkick to the face!

DT: Joey Melton has officially turned this match into his favor!

MN: That didn’t take long at all…

DT: With Friendly rolling on the mat holding his face, Melton seizes the opportunity to wrap one of his legs into a single crab! Chip quickly reaches for the nearby bottom ropes as he writhes in pain. Melton ignores the referee’s first command to break the hold!

DM: The ref is giving him the count! One… two… three… four… and Melton releases the hold!

MN: My man Joey is in full control…

DM: We’ll see if he can maintain that kind of momentum with the referee giving him lip every other move…

MN: That’s just his tactic, man. Rules are simply in place so the weak have a fighting chance in this sport… a handicap on what TRUE talent really is.

DT: Chip Friendly slowly makes it to his feet while the Melton argues with the ref… and he sneaks up behind Melton with a roll-up from behind! There’s One… and Melton almost effortlessly muscles out!

MN: Whoa, WHAT—?!

DM: Both men quickly roll to their feet. Melton steps in with a clothesline—

DT: DUCKED by Chip Friendly, who bounces off the ropes and catches Melton off guard with a low sweep! Chip quickly follows up with an elbow to Melton’s back while he rises, knocking him forward into the ropes.

DM: Friendly… pushes Melton’s head down while his neck rests on the second rope, choking the air out of him!!

DT: The referee is counting… one… two… three… four… and Friendly backs off!

DM: Looks like your man is on the ropes, Mike.

MN: Horse****…

DT: What goes around comes around, I suppose.

DM: Friendly smashes his forearm over Melton’s head as he rises to his feet and leads him to his corner. He tags in Slambo the Clown and dumps Melton in the corner…

DT: Slambo steps in, and both men begin to double-team stomp Melton into the corner! Why isn’t the ref stopping this?!

DM: Cameron Cruise quickly hops into the ring to even things up, but is stopped by the referee! And now Slambo finds the opportunity to choke Melton with his foot!!

MN: That moron Cruise is just making it worse for Joey!

DT: At least he’s trying to come to the aid of his friend, Mike.

DM: The ref finally sends Cruise out of the ring, then turns around and discovers the massacre in the opposite corner. He quickly orders Slambo to stop the choke hold and tells Friendly to get back on the apron! Friendly goes outside as Slambo breaks the hold and brings Melton to his feet… and a HARD whip to the opposite corner sends Melton staggering into the center of the ring!

DT: Slambo quickly catches him with a Scoop Slam! On his feet… hits the ropes… and blasts Melton again with a Leg Drop over his face!

MN: He’s getting KILLED in there! This is preposterous!

DT: Slambo hooks the leg for a cover… ONE… TWO… Melton kicks out!

DM: Don’t worry, Mike… Melton’s not the kind of guy who goes down easily.

DT: Slambo brings the weary Melton back to his feet, quickly slaps on a waistlock from behind, and follows through with a hammering Pump-Handle Suplex! And he’s going for ANOTHER pin! One… Two… NO! Melton kicks out again!

DM: Slambo YANKS HIS HAIR with frustration! And now he’s going for another pin!

DT: Looks like Slambo’s looking to end this quick! One… Two—and Melton with a quick kick out!

MN: Stupid clown! You can’t pin Joey Melton! Well, maybe if you drop a Volkswagon on him in the right place… but even then, I’m sure he’ll somehow find a way to slip out of the hold and slap on a Crossface, or something.

DM: …wait, you’re suggesting that Joey Melton could reverse a Volkswagon being dropped on his head and lock a submission hold onto a car?

MN: A car that happens to be hurtling off the top of a parking lot, mind you!

DT: Slambo is angry that Joey Melton won’t stay down!! He begins to bring him up to his feet again… and Melton counters with a thumb to the eye! My God, the Melton-haters in the audience tonight are really letting him hear it for that one!

MN: Yeah-hah!

DM: Slambo, enraged, puts Melton back to the mat with a VICIOUS CLOTHESLINE!!

MN: Aw…

DT: Slambo nurses his eye for a bit… and now pain is replaced with fury! He quickly begins to stomp Melton at his place on the mat, and brings him back to his feet! Scoops him up... Uh-oh, Slambo looks to be going for a TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER—

DM: No, wait!

DT: No wait, Melton’s legs are kicking in the air! Now he’s falling back… and he REVERSES THE HOLD WITH A PILEDRIVER OF HIS OWN!!

MN: YEE-HAW!! THERE IT IS!!

DM: Now’s his chance to get out of the ring…

DT: Melton quickly rolls to his corner and tags in the waiting Cameron Cruise. Cruise hits the ring to an IMMENSE crowd pop, putting a recovering Slambo back down on the mat with a heavy dropkick to the face!

DM: Slambo quickly comes back up, but Cruise, keeping the momentum, hits the ropes and puts him down again with a clothesline!

DT: And now CHIP FRIENDLY is looking derail Cruise, now ascending the near turnbuckle! He’s waiting for Cruise to turn around!!

DM: Cruise turns, and Friendly leaps off with an Axe-Handle Smash—OH NO!!

DT: Friendly quickly comes hurtling to the mat in a heap as Cruise knocks him out of the air with an AMAZING Dropkick to the midsection!

[Cruise hops to his feet and whoops, getting a huge charge from the audience!]

DT: Cameron Cruise has just lit this ring on fire!

DM: Looks like he saved Melton’s ass, Mike.

MN: Wait, wait, wait… let’s get something straight. Yeah, Cruise is in control of things at the moment. But NOBODY ever saves Melton’s ass, but MELTON! Never forget that, Matthews!

DT: Friendly rolls to the floor in pain, as does Joey Melon, leaving Cruise in the ring with a staggering Slambo.

DM: Cruise quickly catches him on his feet, hooks him around the head… and follows up with a beautiful Verticle Suplex! Cruise, back on his feet, hits the ropes and lands an elbow drop across the chest before rolling over for the cover!

DT: And now Cruise with the first pin attempt for the Cameron Cruise Project… ONE… TWO… and Slambo kicks out!

DM: Cruise has him momentarily stunned, but we all know that clown can take an awful lot of punishment before he goes down…

MN: He has to, considering he’s the HPSC whipping post…

DT: Both men rise quickly after the pin is broken. Cruise catches Slambo off guard with an Arm Drag, putting the clown to the mat again!

DM: Slambo sits up, but Cruise catches him in the back of the head with a low dropkick! Slambo quickly rolls to the corner to escape the assault and manages to get to his feet before being met by Cruise with an elbow to the face! Cruise goes for an Irish Whip to the opposite corner—

DT: REVERSED BY SLAMBO!!

DM: Cruise hits the other corner with a THUD!

DT: Slambo CHARGES… but is met with a BOOT TO THE FACE! Slambo turns away, staggering… giving Cruise the chance to hit the second rope and jump off with a BULLDGO THAT NEARLY PUT A DENT INTO THE CANVAS!!

DM: Cruise rolls him over and hooks the leg for a pin…

DT: And here’s the pin! ONE… TWO… NO!! Slambo manages to kick out…

MN: Bah… if Melton had his kind of control, and came into the ring with that same level of momentum, this match would be over by now!

DM: You really think so, Mike?

MN: No doubt. Joey would have had that stupid human punching bag slapping the mat in agony by now…

DT: Cruise tries to keep the momentum going by bringing Slambo to his feet and locking on a front-face headlock, looking for a Swinging Neckbreaker—but Slambo quickly reverses it with a NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!!

DM: Cruise painfully comes to his feet, but is winded instantly with a sidekick from Slambo to the midsection that causes him to collapse on his knees! Slambo follows up with an angry knee to the side of his head that puts him on the mat, and stomps furiously until the referee orders him back!

MN: No, NO! Cruise, you idiot! Had a feeling Cruise was going to screw this up eventually. That was a PRIME moment to tag in Joey and give him the opportunity to end this thing!

DM: To be honest, Mike… Joey still looks like he’s recovering out there on the apron.

MN: Are you BLIND, Dean? Well, maybe not blind… but obviously not intelligent enough to realize that Melton’s only FEIGNING exhaustion and pain!

DM: …what?

MN: It makes his opponents think, “Hm, Joey Melton’s looking a little tired! I guess this won’t be so hard!” And then they let their defenses down, and that’s just where he wants them! Next thing you know… BAM!! He catches them when they least expect it, and it’s game over.

DM: Game over?

MN: Game over, man! Game over!

DT: If you’re done with your Bill Paxton impressions, Mike, we’ve got a match to call…

MN: You two donkey-dicks couldn’t get laid in a morgue!

DM: Shut up, Mike…

DT: Slambo waits for the dazed Cameron Cruise to get to his feet using the ropes… and quickly hits him over the back with an Axe-Handle Smash to keep him stunned! He capitalizes by spinning Cruise around and dropping him with a FRONT RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP!!

DM: Still in control, Slambo gets Cruise to his feet and takes him to his corner… and now he tags in Chip Friendly, smiling that good ol’ smile of his!

DT: Slambo holds Cruise from behind as Friendly measures him up and CHOPS him across the chest!

DM: WHOOOOO!!

DT: Why does everybody “WHOO” every time somebody chops another guy?

MN: It’s what you’re supposed to do, Dave! God, how long have you been watching this sport again?

DM: Yeah, Dave, get with the freaking times!

DT: Friendly throws Cruise into the corner where he lays in ANOTHER knife-edge chop across the chest!

DM: WHOOOOO!!

DT: Whoo.

DM: No, no, you gotta give it more emphasis…

DT: Friendly lays in a THIRD chop!

DM: WHOOOO!!

DT: Whoo-ooo-oo…!

MN: Damnit, Dave… remind me not to invite you to my Superbowl Party.

DM: Back in the ring, Friendly pries the red-chested Cameron Cruise from the corner and drops him with a Snapmare!

DT: And Chip Friendly locks on the DRAGON SLEEPER!! Cruise is in danger of tapping out!

DM: Maybe… but I think Cruise can go a little further than this…

MN: Bah… I see Cruise is doing what he does best.

DM: What’s that, Mike?

MN: Taking all the hits, naturally. He sits in there and lets the other team beat the hell out of him until they tire themselves out. That makes them easy pickens for Melton to finish them off!

DT: Cruise attempts to bring himself closer to the ropes, but Friendly keeps him centered in the middle of the ring!

DM: And now Melton, either out of urgency, sympathy, or more likely boredom, steps into the ring… and he breaks up the hold with a stiff kick to Chip Friendly’s back!

DT: The referee quickly gets in his face, but chaos ensues as Friendly pushes the ref aside and meets Melton with a shot to the face! Melton returns it, and the two start going toe to toe!!

DM: And now Slambo hits the ring to come to Friendly’s aid, but is quickly tripped up by a recovering Cameron Cruise!

DT: Uh-oh, here we go…

DM: The referee is totally losing control of this thing… he’s focused on getting Melton out of the ring, but he’s a bit tied up as overpowers Friendly in the punching war and moves him into the corner!

DT: On the opposite side of the ring, Cruise is taking a beating from Slambo. And now he takes ahold of him by the arm—

DM: —and Melton whips Chip Friendly out of his corner—

DT: —where Cameron Cruise meets him in the middle of the ring with a CLOTHESLINE!!
DM: Cruise slowly turns around… only to be HAMMERED to the mat by Slambo the Clown, who comes charging out of the corner with a running Shoulder Block!

DT: Melton quickly charges out of his own corner and levels Slambo with a dropkick!

[With three men on the ground, Melton finds the opportunity to smirk and flaunt himself to the audience, most of whom boo.]

MN: HAHAHAHA!! There he is, JOEY MELTON at his finest!

DT: Melton ignores the referee’s orders and goes to the outside. Meanwhile, Cruise and Friendly are the first to recover in the ring. As they come to their feet, Cameron quickly goes for a swinging right hook—which Friendly ducks, and quickly follows up with a BACK SUPLEX, dropping Cruise on his back near his corner!

DM: Joey Melton just looks down at him and shakes his head… and now he’s reaching out for the tag. Cruise holds out his hand… but is denied as Friendly drags him back into the middle of the ring!

DT: Nowhere to go for Cameron Cruise… you almost have to wonder why Joey didn’t do more to help him gain control of this match during his time in the ring.

MN: It’s because Melton knows that only the strong survive in this game. And until Cruise can fight back, he isn’t WORTHY of Melton’s help!

DT: Cruise coming to stand on his right leg while Friendly has ahold of his left… goes for a REVERSE ENZIGURI—WHICH FRIENDLY DUCKS!! Friendly whips into the corner by the leg… and capitalizes with a BODY SPLASH!!

DM: Friendly takes him out of the corner by the arm… looks to whip him off the ropes—but Cruise reverses, and CLOTHESLINES HIM TO THE OUTSIDE!!

DT: Friendly LANDS ON HIS FEET! Great sense of balance there… but Cruise hits the other ropes, and JUMPS TO THE OUTSIDE WITH A CROSS-BODY BLOCK ONTO CHIP FRIENDLY!!

DM: The two of them are out on the floor next to the ring while Melton watches in dismay from the nearest apron… but now Slambo is coming into the ring while he and the ref are distracted, and HE JUST KNOCKED JOEY MELTON OFF THE APRON AND INTO THE BARRICADE!!

MN: THAT IDIOT CLOWN!! He’s gonna pay for that…

DT: Slambo rolls outside, and now all four men are before us at ringside! Slambo pulls Melton off the barricade, and SLAMS his head into it again!

DM: Cruise slow to get back on his feet… but meets a weary Chip Friendly, and drops him to the lightly padded CONCRETE FLOOR WITH A SNAP SUPLEX!!

DT: Slambo rams Melton’s head into the barricade AGAIN… and for a THIRD—NO, MELTON GETS HIS FOOT UP AND BLOCKS IT!! And now SLAMBO gets his head rammed into the barricade! And Melton takes Slambo by the hair and drives him into the nearest ringpost!!

DM: On the other side of the ring, Cruise takes Chip Friendly by the arm AND WHIPS HIM INTO THE STEEL STEPS!! Now he rolls him inside…

DT: And Melton rolls Slambo into the ring… now he scales up to the apron, and he’s going to UP THE TURNBUCKLE!!

DM: Cruise up the steps to the apron… and he’s going up his OWN turnbuckle!!

DT: The Cameron Cruise Project are perched upon opposite corners, and now Chip Friendly and Slambo the Clown are coming to their feet!

DM: Cruise and Melton… with a DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK FROM BOTH RINGPOSTS!! CRUISE ON SLAMBO!! MELTON ON FRIENDLY!!

DT: THEY SWITCHED TARGETS!! SIMPLY AMAZING!!

MN: You might find this hard to imagine, but a good 90% of the reason why that looked good was because of Joey Melton.

DT: Simply unbelievable… the Cameron Cruise Project has really got this crowd going! Cruise and Melton confer briefly, and now the ref is making Melton the legal man!

MN: About friggin’ time…

DT: Melton nudges Slambo out of the ring and goes for the pin on Chip Friendly! ONE… TWO… THR—NO!! Friendly manages to kick out…

DM: Was almost over right there…

MN: In fact, I’m pretty sure Melton was behind BOTH of those missile dropkicks.

DM: You’re saying that in one Missile Dropkick, Melton took out two opponents?

MN: Sounds impossible, right? Not with Joey Melton!!

DM: You’re inflating him to the likes of Chuck Norris.

MN: Norris ain’t got **** on Melton, Dean!!

DT: Now it’s time to watch Melton work his magic… he brings Friendly to his feet, and runs him into the ropes… KNEE TO THE GUT as he bounces off, sending him FLIPPING to his back! Melton keeps ahold of the arm, and hits him with an elbow drop inside the shouler!

DM: He’s gonna work those limbs down, make them too sore and weak to be functional… as a mat wrestler, like Friendly, you’re practically crippled when you’ve got no arms to work with.

MN: Poetry in motion, fellas.

DT: Joey Melton slaps on an armbar, and Chip Friendly looks like he’s in a lot of pain! Friendly quickly tries to reposition himself to work his way out, but Melton mounts his back keeping him pinned to the mat!

DM: Friendly reaches out for the bottom rope, but Melton strains the held arm to drag him away! Friendly trying to twist himself the other way… and THERE, he managed to slip his arm out, but now Melton has him in a Scissor Leglock, and locks on a REAR NAKED CHOKE!!

DT: NO!! Friendly gets his hand up in between Melton’s arm and his neck to protect his breathing! With his free arm, he’s going for a series of elbows into Melton’s body!!

DM: Melton looses up the hold, and now Friendly tries to roll to safety… but Melton quickly snatches him with a Front Facelock! Melton catches Friendly with a knee to the gut…

MN: DRILLS HIM WITH A BRAINBUSTER!! GOOD NIGHT, FRIENDLY!!

DT: Melton goes for the pin… FEET ON THE ROPES!!

DM: But the ref doesn’t see it!!

DT: ONE……. TWO………….. THREE—NO!! Slambo dives into the ring and kicks Melton off before a successful three count…

DM: Cruise in the ring now, and he catches Slambo before the ref can order him out of the ring! Now it’s Slambo and Cruise going toe to toe!!

DT: Melton watches the mauling while the ref tries to get things in order, and meanwhile, Friendly getting to his knees… why is he edging up behind Melton…?

DM: OOOH!! THAT HURT!!

DT: Chip Friendly with a BLATANT LOW BLOW to Joey Melton while the ref was distracted!!

MN: Aw COME ON!! Whatever happened to Joey Melton’s legendary balls of gold?!

DM: Chip Friendly FLOORS Melton with a REVERSE DDT!! And now he comes upon Cameron Cruise, still in fisticuffs with Slambo… BIIIIIG GERMAN SUPLEX PUTS HIM ON HIS BACK!!

MN: No, seriously… Melton’s balls ARE made of gold.

DM: What?

MN: It’s this old professional wrestling urban legend… that when Joey Melton was first presented his CSWA World Title back in ’88, he had them melt it down and used the gold as protective plating for his testicles… making them impenetrable to any force known to man!

DM: Mike… number one, that story is the biggest piece of **** I’ve heard. Number two, gold is a very malleable metal, known to bend or break under enough duress.

DT: What in God’s name are you two blabbering about?

MN: Two things that are worlds more important than YOU, Thomas! You’re hardly worthy enough to support them on your forehead, should such an occasion arise…

DT: Back to the match… The Tag Team Champions have finally got this match in their favor. Friendly is giving commands to Slambo, who picks Melton off the mat, and CLOTHESLINES HIM OVER THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE!!

DM: Now Friendly gets Cruise up to his feet… Melton is slow to get up outside, and Friendly whips Cruise to Slambo—who hits him with a BACK BODY DROP TO THE OUTSIDE ON TOP OF MELTON!!

MN: BAH!! Deadweight…

DT: Melton pushes Cruise off of him and the two get to their feet… and now Friendly hits the ropes and comes running to Slambo!!

DM: Slambo CATAPAULTS HIM OVER THE ROPES—AND CHIP FRIENDLY COMES CRASHING DOWN ONTO THE CAMERON CRUISE PROJECT!!

DT: MY GOD, what a move!

MN: I’m not here right now…

DM: Kiss your fifty bucks goodbye, Mike. Slambo rolls out of the ring, and helps Chip back to his feet… and now Friendly goes to Cruise, and Slambo goes to Melton!

DT: Chip Friendly gets Cameron Cruise to his feet and leads him to the steel stairs he was whipped into a few minutes ago! Friendly hoists him UP—DROPS HIM WITH A FRONT-FACE SUPLEX ON THE STEEL STEPS!!

DM: Slambo is leading Joey Melton up the rampway… now that’s a steel surface, no padding at all! Slambo gets Melton up to his feet… OH MY GOD!! THE LAST LAUGH ON THE RAMPWAY!! JOEY MELTON HAS BEEN LAID OUT!!

DT: Meanwhile, the Chipper rolls Cruise into the ring and slides inside, going for the pin!

DM: Are they even the legal men?

DT: Who knows? ONE………….

TWO………………..


THREE—OH WAIT, NO!! CRUISE KICKS OUT!!

MN: He BETTER have! There’s no reason why he should blow this match!!

DT: Melton and Slambo are still having it out on the rampway!! Slambo scoops Melton up and SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH A SPINEBUSTER up on the entry-way stage!! Kinda far from the action, don’t you think?

DM: Slambo’s doing exactly what Chip told him. Keep Melton far away while he tries to finish off Cameron Cruise!

MN: Because everybody knows Cruise is the weaker link! Damn HPSC… I hate to admit it, but that’s a damn smart tactic if you want a win over Joey Melton.

DT: Back in the ring, friendly pries Cruise off the mat and whips him into the ropes… DROP TOE HOLD DROPS HIM ON HIS FACE!!

DM: Note that he’s working on Cruise’s face!! He’s setting him up for his finisher…

DT: I think you’re right, Dean! Friendly takes Cruise by the back of the head and SLAMS IT REPEATEDLY into the mat! The ref breaks it up…

DM: Back over in another state, Slambo gets Melton to his feet and locks on an arm wrench… BUT MELTON REVERSE!! And Melton CHOPS Slambo to his back!!

MN: At least SOMEBODY’S taking charge!!

DT: Melton gets Slambo back to his feet… leads him to the END OF THE STAGE—OH MY GOD!!!

*CRASH!*

DT: MELTON JUST THREW SLAMBO OFF THE STAGE AND THROUGH A TABLE!! MELTON THREW HIM THROUGH THE TABLE WITH ALL THE PA CONTROLS!!

[Feedback fills the arena. The audience moans in audial pain until it subsides. “Headstrong” by Trapt begins to play.]

MN: What the hell is going on?

DT: Obviously we’re having some technical difficulties as the body of Slambo the Clown has all but crushed our sound equipment…

[The music begins to skip, and finally goes to fuzz until somebody pulls the plug backstage.]

MN: Thank God…

DT: Our ring crew will get to work on fixing that situation… Slambo, meanwhile, is just a motionless HEAP at the bottom of the stage! Melton is taking the time to catch his breath…

DM: Back in the ring… Chip Friendly mounts Cruise’s back… AND LOCKS ON THE SMILEY FACE!!

DT: Oh no, CRUISE HAS NOWHERE TO GO!! HE CAN ONLY TAP TO SAVE HIMSELF NOW!!

MN: My God, imagine how PAINFUL that is to have him pulling back on your mouth like that! GAWD!!

DT: The ref is checking if Cruise wants to tap, but he refuses! My God, Friendly looks like he’s ripping his FACE in half!!

DM: Melton sees the trouble, and COMES STREAKING DOWN THE RAMPWAY!!

MN: HERE HE COMES!!

DT: CRUISE LOOKS LIKE HE’S ABOUT TO TAP—BUT MELTON ROLLS INSIDE THE RING!!

DM: Melton with a CLOTHESLINE to the back of Chip Friendly’s head, and breaks the hold!! He just saved this match from being over!!

MN: Thank God… Melton saves the day once again!

DT: Friendly quick gets back to his feet, but Melton catches with a kick to the gut and goes for a DDT!! Melton rolls over for the cover…

ONE……….


TWO……….


THREE—OH NO, FRIENDLY KICKS OUT!!

MN: DAMNIT!!

DM: Melton is looking to end this now! He’s taking Chipmeister by the legs… and going for the FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK!!

DT: No wait, Chip Friendly is fighting… and KICKS MELTON OFF before he can get the hold locked in!!

DM: Wait a minute, it looks like Slambo has finally recovered over by the stage… and here he comes running back down to the ring with a CHAIR in hand!!

MN: That stupid clown better not do what I think he’s going to do…

DT: Melton puts Chip Friendly to the mat with a SLINGSHOT SUPLEX… and now he sees Slambo the Clown coming into the ring with that chair!!

DM: The referee is there to stop him, and now he’s trying to pull the chair out of Slambo’s hands! Melton is prepared for the worst, and… wait, what is Chip Friendly doing?

DT: It looks like he’s pulling a pair of BRASS KNUCKLES OUT OF HIS TIGHTS!!

DM: Melton turns around… BAM!! FRIENDLY CATCHES HIM WITH A BLOW TO THE JAW WITH THAT ILLEGAL OBJECT!!

MN: OH THAT RAT BASTARD!! Chip Friendly is not friend of mine!!

DT: Friendly tosses the evidence and hooks Joey Melton’s leg for the pin!!



ONE!!!!!!



TWO!!!!!!!







THREEE—OOH NO NO NO!! CRUISE BREAKS IT UP!!

MN: OH MY GOD, I nearly had a heart attack!!

DM: Looks like Cameron Cruise isn’t all THAT worthless, Mike.

MN: He’s good when he screws his head on right…

DT: Cruise drags Friendly to his feet… and the Chipper goes for a right—BLOCKED by Cruise!! Cameron counters with a boot to the gut… and a HIGH IMPACT DDT!!

DM: Friendly isn’t looking too good… and now Melton is back on his feet, and HE’S GOING AFTER SLAMBO!! MELTON JUST KNOCKED HIM OFF THE APRON!!

DT: Cruise brings Chip Friendly to his feet… SHIPWRECK!! SHIPWRECK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING, THIS ONE IS OVER!!

DM: Melton makes the pin as Cruise goes to the outside…

DT: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!









TWO!!!!!!!!!!




TTHHHHERREEEE—OH WAIT, NO, FRIENDLY KICKED OUT!!

DM: How in the HELL did he manage to do that?!

DT: It’s no wonder these two carry the tag titles…

MN: Damnit… if it had been MELTON doing that move, this thing would be over by now!!

DM: HPSC doesn’t go down without a fight…

DT: Joey Melton can’t believe it… he sends Cameron Cruise to the outside… and now he looks to finish things off by slapping on THE FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK ONTO CHIP FRIENDLY!!

MN: Alright, IT’S OVER!!

DM: FRIENDLY HAS NOWHERE TO GO!! HE HAS TO TAP!! GOD, HOW IS HE BEARING THAT PAIN?!

DT: Joey Melton COULD END THIS RIGHT NOW!! HOW LONG WILL THE CHIPMEISTER HOLD OUT?!

DM: Wait, SLAMBO COMES INTO THE RING WITH THE CHAIR—

MN: NO!! STOP THAT STUPID CLOWN!!

*WHACK!*

DT: SLAMBO JUST TOOK OUT THE REF WITH THE CHAIR!! OH THE HUMANITY!!

*WHACK!!*

DM: SLAMBO TAKES OUT MELTON WITH A CHAIRSHOT!! Cruise hits the ring—

*WHACK!!*

DT: AND SLAMBO PUTS HIM DOWN WITH ANOTHER CHAIRSHOT!! MY GOD, SLAMBO THE CLOWN IS CLEANING HOUSE!!

MN: FOOL!!

DT: Slambo tries to help Chip Friendly to his feet, but the Chipper can barely stand on those weakened legs…

MN: El Chipperino may never stand again. Such is the fate of many who have fallen to Melton.

DT: Friendly rolls to the corner to recover, and now this match belongs to Slambo!

DM: Slambo sets the chair on the mat and brings the dazed Melton to his feet… sets him up on his shoulders… OH MY GOD, BIG DEATH VALLEY DRIVER ONTO THE STEEL CHAIR!!

MN: This CAN’T BE HAPPENING!!

DT: Melton looks like the WALKING DEAD!! Slambo gets him to his feet… OH MY GOD, JOY BUZZER!! JOY BUZZER IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!! HE DRAGS CHIP FRIENDLY ON TOP!!

MN: ****!! I HATE THAT CLOWN!!!

DM: THIS ONE IS OVER!! BUT WHERE’S THE REF?!

DT: Slambo goes to wake the ref, who is still in La-La Land after that chairshot… but now Cameron Cruise is recovering, and he picks up the chair!!

*WHACK!!*

DM: AND SLAMBO IS STILL STANDING, EVEN AFTER THAT CHAIR SHOT!!

MN: I don’t believe it…

DT: Cruise picks up the chair to strike AGAIN!!

*WHACK!!*

*WHACK!!*

*WHACK!!*

MN: OH MAN, HE AIN’T STANDING ANY MORE!!

DT: MY GOD!! IT TOOK THREE CONSECUTIVE CHAIRSHOTS TO PUT SLAMBO DOWN!! MY GOD, HOW CAN A HUMAN BEING TAKE THAT MUCH PUNISHMENT?!

MN: It’s called NOT HAVING ENOUGH BRAINS TO DAMAGE!!

DM: Cruise drops the chair… and here comes CHIP FRIENDLY OUT OF THE CORNER!!

DT: Cruise meets him with a BOOT TO THE GUT!! REALITY CHECK ON THE CHAIR!! OH MY GOD!!

DM: JESUS BUTT-****ING CHRIST!! Cruise DRAGS THE UNCONCIOUS MELTON ON TOP and WAKES UP THE REF!!

DT: HERE’S THE COUNT!!




ONE!!!!!!!!






TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!






TTTTTHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MN: YYYEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHH!!!

*ding!ding!ding!*

TF: The winner of this match, by pinfall… THE CAMERON CRUISE PROJECT!!!

DT: THEY DID IT!! CAMERON CRUISE PROJECT HAVE WON THE TAG TITLES!!

MN: THEY GOT IT BACK! I KNEW IT!!

DM: What an unbelievable match…

DT: Friendly and Slambo took it all the way, but in the end, couldn’t hold up without Richard Farnswirth’s leadership.

MN: Eh, with or without, this match belonged to Melton the entire time.

DM: Mike, Melton isn’t even awake to realize that he’s the newly crowned Empire Pro Tag Team Champion. Don’t you think Cruise deserves a little credit for making the save there in the end?

MN: That wasn’t Cruise. Joey Melton was controlling him WITH HIS MIND!!

DM: …with his mind?

MN: Yes, that’s Joey Melton’s other power, other than being a badass wrestler. Every time you see him limp in the ring looking like he’s out, he’s not really, he’s just projecting his mind into another body to do his bidding.

DM: …what the hell? Do you really BELIEVE the bull**** that comes out of your mouth?

MN: Hey, DON’T DENY the power of Melton.

DM: Why doesn’t he just do the work through his own body, then?

DT: Yeah, and shouldn’t you also account body weight into the matter? Does that make a difference in how much control he has over the other person’s body?

DM: Dave, just for one second, give me the impression that you’re NOT stupid enough to buy this ****…

DT: Well, regardless… INCREDIBLE performance from both teams, but TONIGHT, the CCP go home once again as the EPW Tag Team Champions.
 

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