[The camera cuts backstage inside a very large office style room. Dan Ryan sits back in a leather chair, reclined. On a wall is a flat screen plasma television with the night's festivities giving the owner a private screening. A knock is heard at the door.]

Ryan: It's open.... 

[The door swings open and former Intercontinental Champion Jonathan Marx steps in, composed but obviously on the brink of losing said composure. Marx takes a few steps in as Ryan leans forward to a normal seated position.] 

Ryan: Mr. Marx, what can I do for you? 

Marx: I imagine you saw the Intercontinental Title match tonight. 

Ryan: I did. Tough break. 

Marx: Right...tough break. I want a rematch, and I want it at Wrestleverse. 

Ryan: Hmm, that may be a tall order there Marxie. You see, Sebastian Dodd won the right to that title shot fair and square. 

[Marx turns his head for a moment, then turns back and locks eyes with Ryan.] 

Marx: Make it a three way dance then....as a favor to me. 

Ryan: [amused] A favor, eh? 

[silence] 

Ryan: I'll tell you what, bro. In the short time I've known you, you've managed to avoid pissing me off....so I'll do this one thing for you. Let's make it that three way dance....Jonathan Marx vs. Sebastian Dodd vs. JA for the EPW Intercontinental Title at Wrestleverse. Will there be anything else? 

Marx: [Relaxing a bit] Not another thing in the world. 

[Marx turns to walk out, but Ryan stops him short.] 

Ryan: Jonathan.... 

[Marx raises an eyebrow.] 

Ryan: Be sure in the future you remember this....favor? Understood? 

[Marx nods and walks out the door. The camera picks up a smirking Ryan as the shot fades back to the broadcast booth.] 

DT: An interesting exchange backstage has set up a huge Intercontinental Title match at Wrestleverse and one can only imagine how that match is gonna blow the roof off the Pepsi Center! 

DM: JA and Marx in the same ring is just a technicians dream come true. Throw in an up and comer like Sebastian Dodd and it's just the topping on the sundae. 

DT: Well ladies and gentlemen, this is the one we've been waiting for! 

MN: Loafy in a dress! 

DT: Indeed, Dan Ryan's twisted sense of humor comes to fruition as EPW World Champion Beast will defend the title against the reigning EPW World Tag Team Champions...while wearing a dress. 

MN: Dorothy never looked so good! 

DT: Let's go up to the ring! 

MAIN EVENT
EPW World Heavyweight Championship
Beast (c) vs. Joey Melton vs. Cameron Cruise


["Headstrong" by Trapt starts up as Cameron Cruise comes out flanked by the ever cocky Joey Melton.] 

TF: Ladies and gentlemen....this match is for one fall and is a three way dance for the EPW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!! Due to special stipulation, the World Champion must participate in the match while wearing a dress!!! 

MN: [snickering] 

DT: Oh, you're lovin' this aren't ya? 

[As the music continues to play, Melton and Cruise make their way to the ring and slide in under the bottom rope. Melton hops from foot to foot in one corner while Cruise leans back into the nearby ropes before raising his arms in the air.] 

TF: Introducing......two-thirds of this match...the challengers....Cameron Cruise.....and Joey Melton!!!!! 

[The music fades out as the sound of chanting monks comes in over the speakers. The chanting fades into the opening chords of "Figure You Out" by Nickelback, pyro erupting into the air around the stage. Moments later, Beast emerges......wearing a blue and white farmer's daughter style Wizard of Oz dress.] 

MN: AHHHHHHHH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!! 

DT: Oh man... 

DM: Hey, the champ's got some nice legs... 

TF: And their opponent....he is the EPW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!!.....BEEEEEEAAAAAAAASSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTT!! !!!!!!!!!!!! 

[Beast makes his way to the ring as the camera catches shots of Joey Melton laughing hysterically and Cameron Cruise looking a little freaked out. The Champ climbs into the ring, glaring directly at his challengers as his music cuts out.] 

MN: So uh....we gonna have a referee for this match?? 

DT: You know, I hadn't noticed the lack of an official in there. Well....well there's someone now giving Tony Fatora some sort of message in his ear. I wonder what's going on with that.... 

TF: Ladies and gentlemen, I've just been informed there will be a SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE FOR THE MATCH!! 

[SFX: Loud pop at the announcement - a camera shot catches Beast frowning deeply as he looks up at the entranceway.] 

["Heartbreaker" by Led Zeppelin comes over the speakers.] 

MN: Um, fellas...I think Beast's bad night just got a whole lot worse.... 

[Beast's eyes go wide as none other than The Queen of the Ring, Lindsay Troy steps out on the platform, a HUGE grin on her face.] 

DT: Lindsay Troy is the guest referee?!? How much is Dan Ryan gonna stack the deck against our World Champion??? 

[Troy, wearing referee stripes comes to the ring and climbs in. Troy proceeds to check over Melton and Cameron Cruise for foreign objects. Troy lightheartedly strolls over to Beast, smiling the entire way - a hole being stared through her by the champ. Troy checks over Beast, then to complete the check gives him a hard slap on the ass.] 

MN: AHHH HA HA HA HA HA!!! THAT WAS GREAT!! 

[Beast fumes, his face turning red as Troy backs away holding a finger up to warn him.] 

MN: Oh my God! I can't get over big loafy in that dress! This is classic!! 

DT: The champ looks none too pleased with the situation and I doubt it helps that Dan Ryan has thrown salt into the wound by allowing Lindsay Troy to referee the match. 

DM: Beast better be more concerned with the fact that he has one of the greatest competitors in the history of the sport in the ring with him tonight. Of course, there's Joey Melton also. 

MN: Eh? 

DM: Joke, dumbass. 

DT: The bell rings and this one is officially underway! Melton is leaning up against the ropes on one side and motions Cruise to go ahead. Beast crouching forward, hands on his knees ready for action. 

MN: Not to mention ready for the prom.... 

DT: Cruise decides to step forward and begins a slow circle around the champ, who circles in kind only giving a cursory glance to Joey Melton now in one corner. 

DM: Melton's a smart man. He's not a spring chicken anymore, so he knows stamina could be an issue. 

MN: Or else he's turned on from Beast in a dress and wants to take some time and let his woody go down. 

DT: Nice mental image there.... 

MN: You're welcome! 

DT: Cruise and Beast with the lockup.....Beast takes the advantage and turns Cameron into a headlock....Cruise pushing Beast back into the ropes and holds there as the ref steps in and calls for the break. 

DM: Cam won't be able to overpower Beast, so he might as well give up that ghost right now. 

DT: Cruise and Beast with another lockup and once again Beast takes the advantage, pushing Cruise back against the ropes. The ref calls for the break again and gets one as Melton starts berating Cruise.... 

MN: The kid can't even win a lockup! Sheesh! 

DT: Lockup one more time and this time Cruise slips around to a go-behind position. He tried to lift Beast up, but can't....Beast with the reversal into a go-behind of his own....Cruise drops to the mat and slips between the legs of the champ and sweeps his legs out from under him! 

DM: Nice quickness shown there from Cruise. 

MN: Ha! Cruise did something right and Melton's not even looking! 

DT: Indeed, Melton seems to be spending more time trying to get Lindsay Troy's attention at the moment. Cameron Cruise stays on the champ, criss-crossing his legs and locking in an STF! 

DM: This sort of STF isn't really intended to be a submission maneuver, but it will definitely put some pressure on the back and neck area of Beast to possibly soften up for bigger and better things. 

DT: Troy kneels down and asks Beast if he wants to give it up, which he naturally declines as Cruise pulls back on his neck. 

MN: It looks to me like Cruise is confused by the dress and might be trying to get him some...[Neely begins screaming] Hey Cam!! It's not really a woman!! 

DT: Beast now managing to get an arm out close to the bottom rope and manages to get hold of it for the break. 

DM: That's what it's there for. 

DT: Beast to a knee now as Cruise goes over to Melton and slaps him on the back. An incredulous Melton reluctantly gets into the ring and flashes Cruise a dirty look before strutting around the ring and throwing a wink in Lindsay Troy's direction. Troy, for her part merely frowns and waves him toward Beast. 

[The ringside mic catches Troy's voice..] 

Troy: Get over there, Joey! I'm taking this very seriously and you better too if you know what's good for you! 

DT: Melton just shrugs as Troy steps over to a kneeling Beast and slaps him on the backside!! 

MN: HA!! Did you see that?? 

[CUT TO: Troy laughing as Beast glares at her, incensed.] 

DT: Lindsay Troy obviously playing mind games with her ex... 

MN: It's the dress, man. It begs to be mocked. 

DT: Beast up now trying hard to ignore Troy as he approaches Melton....here's the lockup....Beast uses that power to push Melton back against the ropes as Troy calls for the break....Beast obliges AND JOEY MELTON JUST SLAPPED BEAST ACROSS THE FACE!!! 

MN: WHOA!! 

DT: Melton ducks and runs immediately under the bottom rope as Beast surges forward after him!! Beast through the ropes now giving chase....and RIGHT INTO A CAMERON CRUISE SUPERKICK!! 

DM: Beast didn't see Cruise sneaking around and he got caught flush on the jaw! 

DT: Melton now laying kicks into the champ on the floor! Melton pulls him to his feet and rolls him quickly back into the ring! Beast trying to get to his feet....Melton from behind....belly to back suplex!! Melton quickly going for the figure four and Beast scrambles to the ropes and to the outside for a breather!! 

DM: You've gotta be on your toes with Melton. If he gets the figure four locked in, it's all over. He's been making people submit to that hold for fifteen years, including our illustrious owner just this summer. 

DT: Beast taking a moment to catch his breath....and finally begins a slow climb into the ring. 

DM: Joey Melton is a goofball sometimes, but there's a world of ability behind the act. The champ better keep on his toes. 

DT: Beast now back in the ring and locks up with Melton....Melton ducks and slips around the back....Beast swings an elbow, but Melton ducks!! Melton backs into the ropes and comes off ONLY TO HAVE HIS HEAD PRACTICALLY SEPARATED FROM HIS TORSO BY A VICIOUS CLOTHESLINE!!! Joey Melton is reeling and now reaches out and tags Cameron Cruise! 

DM: The hell? I don't think Melton realizes where he is right now. 

MN: Nothing like a power display from a big man in a skirt. 

DT: Cruise in and runs the ropes....Cruise ducks a clothesline and hits the other side....flying shoulderblock!! Beast stumbles back into the ropes but manages to keep his composure and comes back toward Cruise!! Cruise leaps up....HURRICANRANA!!! CRUISE BRIDGES BACK!! 

ONE!! 

TWO!! 


NO!!! 

MN: Oh man, my life just flashed before my eyes. 

DM: We almost had a new champ! 

MN: No, I mean I don't think Beast is wearing underwear. 

DT: Beast making it to his feet....Cruise hits the ropes again...and catches Beast with a dropkick to the face as he comes up! Cruise starting to take control! 

DM: You know, Cameron is doing what Melton tried to do early on...take control by using his speed advantage. I'm not sure Melton has all that much speed left anymore. 

DT: Cruise over to Beast again as Melton continues to lie low in the corner....it looks like Melton's complaining to Lindsay Troy, but Troy is saying there's nothing she can do... 

MN: I'm sure I could find somethin' for her to do... 

DT: Cruise pulling Beast to his feet....whipping Beast across the ring....reversal!!...Cruise hits the ropes....powerslam from the champ!!! Here's the cover!!! 

ONE!! 

TWO!! 

JOEY MELTON MAKES THE SAVE!! 

DT: Beast back up quick!! Right hand to Melton!! Right hand to Cruise!! Right Melton! Right Cruise!! 

MN: Loafy on fire! 

DT: Beast takes both by the hair and slams their heads together!!! Both men go down!! 

[The crowd reacts loudly with boos as Christian Sands steps out on the main stage and begins a slow walk down to the ring.] 

DT: What the hell is Christian Sands doing out here?? 

DM: It only gets worse for the champ. 

DT: Sands makes his way to ringside as the competitors inside offer only a casual glance, including Lindsay Troy who frowns but quickly turns her attention back to the action....Beast on top of things....he goes to Melton....Melton to his feet, whipped to the ropes....tilt-a-whirl backbreaker!!! Cruise is up and gets PRESSED UP OVER THE HEAD OF THE CHAMP AND SLAMMED TO THE MAT AND BEAST IS FIRED UP!!! 

DM: If either Melton or Cruise plan on making a run at this, now would be a good time. 

DT: Beast over to Melton and he starts to pull him up by the hair...Melton with a thumb to the eyes!!! He locks him in and snaps him over with a quick snap suplex!!! Melton out of nowhere!!! 

DM: A desperation move but a good one!! 

DT: Beast is lying stunned on the mat but Melton isn't doing much better and.....HEY....What's Christian Sands doing??? 

[A camera shot catches Sands shoving the timekeeper over and taking his chair from him. Sands climbs into the ring and perches himself behind Joey Melton, crouched down and preparing to blast him with the chair.] 

DT: Sands in the ring with a chair!! Melton hasn't seen him yet!! Cruise is down!! Beast is down!! Melton is just coming to his feet!! 

[A loud pop erupts as EPW Owner Dan Ryan bursts onto the stage in a full sprint down to the ring and slides in just as Joey Melton turns around and Christian Sands swings, but is STOPPED SHORT as Dan Ryan steps in between and holds both hands up to block the blow.] 

DT: DAN RYAN STOPPED CHRISTIAN SANDS FROM HITTING JOEY MELTON WITH THAT CHAIR!! RYAN SHAKING HIS HEAD AND WAGGING A FINGER TELLING SANDS TO STAY OUT!! RYAN NOT WANTING ANY INTERFERENCE IN THIS....OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

MN: I can't believe it!!! 

DT: DAN RYAN JUST LEVELLED JOEY MELTON!!! THE OWNER JUST KNOCKED MELTON INTO NEXT WEEK!!! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!?!?! 

MN: Look at Cameron!! 

DT: CAMERON CRUISE CAN'T BELIEVE IT!! HE'S TO HIS FEET AND HIS EYES ARE WIDE IN SHOCK!!!! HE'S STARING AT THE OWNER!! DAN RYAN LOOKS DOWN AT MELTON WITH A DISGUSTED LOOK ON HIS FACE AND SIMPLY CLIMBS DOWN OUT OF THE RING!! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!?! 

DM: Look at Christian Sands and Lindsay Troy!! Even they don't seem to know what's going on!! 

DT: Sands rolls out of the ring!! Lindsay Troy is trying to restore some order!! 

[Behind Cameron Cruise, Beast unexpectedly kips up to a thunderous crowd pop.] 

DT: BEAST IS UP!! CAMERON CRUISE TURNS AROUND....ABSOLUTION 2K4!!!!!! 

DM: BEAUTIFUL!!! 

DT: BEAST WITH THE COVER!!!! 

ONE!!!! 

TWO!!!! 

THREEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[SFX: Bell rings.] 

TF: The winner of the match....and STILL EPW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!!!!....BEEEEEEEAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTT !!!!!!!! 

DT: What a strange finish to an amazing night of action!!! 

DM: Bottom line, Beast hangs onto the title going into Wrestleverse, but who will he defend it against?? Better yet, why did Dan Ryan take a shot at Joey Melton? 

MN: More big loafy as champ...yippee. 

DT: All of these questions and more hang in the balance as we head to Wrestleverse....for Mike Neely and Dean Matthews this is Dave Thomas....we'll see you all in Denver!!!! 

[The camera catches a final shot of Dan Ryan on the stage staring at the ring, then a switch to Beast in the ring - title around his waist and glowering at the owner. Copyright info appears on the bottom of the screen and we Fade to Black.]


FIN