Empire Pro Aggression

DT: It sounds like Kenny Lombardo is backstage looking to get a word with Fusenshoff before his confrontation with “The Dragon” Karl Brown tonight.

[The scene opens with Kenny Lombardo looking a little nervous. He seems anxious about knocking on Fusenshoff’s locker room door. He straightens up, takes a deep breath and knocks. Almost instantly he puts his ear to the door in anticipation. After a moment the door opens slowly, but deliberately, as Fusenshoff comes into view and there’s a big pop. ]

[He looks at Kenny for a moment as the two meet eye-to-eye. There isn’t a word said as Fusenshoff turns his back and walks into what looks like a hockey locker room. Fusenshoff takes a seat on the bench in the middle of the room. No duffel bag, no booze, just Fusenshoff already in his usual attire. Kenny stands over him like a reporter talking to an athlete after a game. Fusenshoff has his head down, seemingly in deep thought.]

Kenny Lombardo: “Hello Fusenshoff. I was hoping to get a few sound bites before you take on “The Dragon” [another huge pop] tonight.”

[Fusenshoff says nothing once again. He just sits upright and looks at Kenny, awaiting the next question. Kenny takes a hint.]

Kenny Lombardo: Okay, umm. Aggression 50 is shaping up to be the biggest TV event in EPW’s storied history. Do you think that has anything to do with Karl Brown picking now to come back?

Fusenshoff: “I don’t think there’s any question about that Kenny. Karl held the Intercontinental Title for nearly two years. He won the first ever TEAM Invitational tournament. Only three men can make that claim: Dan Ryan, Mike Randalls and Karl Brown. Something else that goes unnoticed sometimes is the fact that Lindsay Troy, arguably EPW’s greatest World Champion, was the top champ while Karl held the IC title.”

Kenny Lombardo: “What does that have to do with Karl Brown?”

Fusenshoff: “Only one wrestler stood between Karl and the top spot. She may have been the best EPW has seen. If he hadn’t left we could be calling him EPW World Champion right now.”

Kenny Lombardo: “Is that a shot at Sean Stevens and Anthology? You’ve certainly been grappling with those guys a lot lately and have reason to dislike your former Fallen stablemate.”

Fusenshoff: “What?! No. I’m saying Karl is main event-caliber talent and this is the biggest Aggression ever in a fed that he dominated in. No wonder you’re not on the air much anymore.”

[Kenny is a bit taken-aback. The hostility is surprising coming from Fusenshoff of all people.]

Kenny Lombardo: “Sorry for going off-topic. Next question… why do you think Karl called you out for his return?”

Fusenshoff: “I can’t answer that; ask him. I will say that Karl is a wrestler I’ve wanted to challenge myself against for years.

Kenny Lombardo: “And once this is over, what’s next for you? You’re free from Stalker and The Fallen. You may still hold ill-will against Rocko Daymon who hit you with a weapon the night you lost your TV title. Stalker’s new stable might have cost you an IC title shot. You’ve worked with HOPE and against Anthology on a couple shows lately.”

Fusenshoff: “You just said a whole lot Kenny. To clarify, I can’t touch Stalker. Rocko didn’t intentionally do anything and I hold no ill-will. HOPE seems to be doing just fine on their own and Anthology has enough on their plate.”

Kenny Lombardo: “What about with Brown? Could we see you two together in tag team competition someday? Do you see a possibility of this match being the beginning of an ugly feud?”

Fusenshoff: “I competed in the Kings of The Cage tournament about twenty months ago and it was a disaster. Generally speaking, I don’t play well with others. It’s not likely Karl and I will be at each other’s throats after this either.”

Kenny Lombardo: “So you have nothing on the agenda.”

Fusenshoff: “I plan to be booked every week like clockwork and will come out expecting to fight until my limbs catch fire and won’t move anymore- or I win. It’s the one and only constant you can always expect from me, no matter how entangled I get in the drama of professional wrestling.”

[There’s a moment of silence as Kenny lets Fusenshoff’s final words sink in.]

Kenny Lombardo: “Thanks for your time Fusenshoff.”

[The scene fades quickly as Fusenshoff bows his head once again and Kenny leaves the locker room, closing the door behind him.

A few seconds pass, and Karl Brown is coming down the hall on his way to his dressing room for final preparations.]

KL: Karl, we’re seconds away from the opening bell, what’s going through your mind?

Karl: Fuse is a tough competitor, and this should be a challenge.

KL: But what’s your strategy going to be? I saw you earlier watching tapes.

Karl: Of course I’ve been watching tapes. I’ve studied Fusenhoff carefully, I’ve seen what he likes to do in the ring and I know he’ll try some of those, but he’s never faced anyone like me. Just like he’s going to challenge me, I’m going to challenge him and if he wants to win, he’s going to have to show everyone something new. This one’s not going to come down to who wants it more, but whose body is able to keep up with that drive, that desire. I respect Fuse as a man and as a wrestler but in that ring, there is no respect, there are no friends, it’s two men fighting it out and forcing each other beyond known limits.

KL: Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Karl: Only this – fans, don’t leave your seat. You don’t want to miss this.

[Karl walks out of shot]

KL: Back to ringside.

Fusenshoff vs. Karl "the Dragon" Brown

DT: Welcome to the fiftieth edition of Aggression, ladies and gentlemen! And if you think this show has been big, just you wait because we’ve got a good one!

DM: You got it! Karl “The Dragon” Brown surprised us all with his appearance on Forty-Nine and made an open challenge to the former two-time EPW TV Champion Fusenshoff! Fuse accepted and now we’ve got a battle between two world-class athletes!

DT: Nothing on the line here, no titles, no grudges, just pride!

MN: Ugg… just wake me when this is over, I thought we were supposed to have action!

DT: Guys, let’s take it to ringside for introductions!

[The bell rings as the ring announcer gets ready for the contest.]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and will have a thirty-minute time limit!

[MUSIC UP: “Wherever I May Roam” by Metallica. The opening Indian-scale guitar riff ends…T-T-T-T-T-T-BOOOOOOM!...fireworks mark the end of the drums, as the song kicks into high gear. Shortly after, FUSENSHOFF walks out methodically, staring ahead as he makes his way to the ring, focused as ever.]

TF: Making his way to the ring…He hails from KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA and weighs in tonight at 263 pounds… THIS… IS… FUUUSSSSSSENNNNNNNNSHHOFFFFFF!

DT: Great reaction here for Fusenshoff! He hasn’t looked any better than he has right now, and he’s going to need everything in his tank if he’s going to walk out of here with the win over his opponent!

MN: Let’s hope this is as quick as possible! I got 35 on red and if I’m not there when they roll that sucka, there’s gonna be hell to pay!

[In the ring, Fusenshoff bounces off both sets of ropes to get himself ready for what could be a definite masterpiece match-up. Whipping off his wifebeater and tossing it into the crowd, the Canadian native stalks around the ring as his music cuts.]

TF: And his opponent…

[The lights cut out seconds before “Rainmaker” blasts over the PA. As soon as the guitars kick in, green and white lights flash around the arena. The Hoff’s opponent hasn’t even made it out to ringside yet, but that doesn’t stop the very lively Sin City crowd from making a ruckus for the return…]

TF: Making his way to the ring, from Nottingham, England…

[Without fail, “The Dragon” steps out from behind the curtain as the lyrics kick in, taking a quick look around the arena before walking to the ring, high-fiving fans. He appears almost taken aback by the sheer favorable response he’s getting, but doesn’t let it completely overwhelm him. This is a big moment… his first EPW match in at least two years and now, the former EPW World and Intercontinental Champion is about to be embroiled in what could be a show-stealer.]

TF: Weighing in at 211 pounds… THIS… IS… KARRRRLLLLLLL “THE DRRRRRAAGGOOOOOOONNNNN” BRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWNNNNNNNN!!!

[When he reaches the ring, he vaults over the top rope and stands on the middle rope, pointing out at and saluting the fans. Leaping off the top rope, he immediately shuts out the crowd when he sees the determined glare of Fusenshoff starting back at him. Nodding, he takes off his black jacket and tosses it off. Tonight, he favors the color of red with a black dragon running up and down the sides of his trunks.]

DM: We’re going to be in store for something amazing, no doubt. We saw Karl “The Dragon” Brown make the challenge to Fusenshoff for this match and accepted without hesitation. Dave, what do you make of this match?

DT: Well, this is going to come down to several factors Karl “The Dragon” Brown undoubtedly has the speed and the in-ring experience, but he’s also been away for a couple years so ring rust could come into play. Meanwhile, Fusenshoff has been wrestling for a good while now looking as good as he’s ever been. He favors more of an in-your-face approach as opposed to Karl’s technical stylings, so we’ll see who gets the advantage.

MN: Fusenshoff kicks ass in five, then we can all watch Sean Stevens walk outta here against Heath Ledger’s cousin, The First!

[SFX: DING DING!]

[Both men circle one another, seemingly waiting for the other man to make that very pivotal first move that will set the pace for the entire match. Fusenshoff goes in for a grapple, but IMMEDIATELY, The Dragon heads right into a Schoolboy!]

ONE!

TWO… NO!

[Rolling back up to his feet, Fusenshoff seems taken off-guard by the quick approach that his opponent takes. He tries to go in for another tie-up, but The Dragon is already there once again, ducking under the clothesline and rolling him up into another modified Cradle Pin!]

ONE!

TWO… NO!

[Brown runs off the ropes and tries for another quick assault to rattle his opponent, but Fuse hits the brakes and knocks him down with a big Shoulder Block. Getting himself a run off the ropes, Fusenshoff looks to collect on the momentum, but The Dragon kips up to his feet and takes him down with a quick Arm Drag! Fusenshoff is back on his feet again and walks right into a quick Cross Body Block!

Rolling back onto his feet, Karl waits for Fuse to make it back to a vertical base and whips him into the corner. Fusenshoff bounces backwards as The Dragon tries for another assault, but he quickly adjusts himself and spins him into a big cradle before DROPPING him with a high-impact swinging neckbreaker!]

[The fans give a nice reaction for the beautiful counter to The Dragon’s fast-paced offense. Moving right into dropping bombs, Fuse drops a few big elbow drops right into the chest of The Dragon before pulling him up to his feet and hurling him into the corner. A few mudhole stomps take the wind right out of his sails before he gets driven down, courtesy of a picture-perfect Pendulum Backbreaker! The crowd groans from the impact as he goes right into the cover.]

ONE!

TWO!

THR… NO!

[Right when he realizes that the move doesn’t put Brown down, he moves right into a quick modified Surfboard submission, pulling on both arms while driving a big knee into the back. Pulling backwards, Fusenshoff doesn’t relent on the early attempt at the submission hold.]

CROWD: DRA-GON! DRA-GON! DRA-GON! DRA-GON!

[Getting firmly in the corner of the former multiple-time EPW title holder, The Dragon starts to kick back up to his feet, and slowly gets to one knee. The pain being inflicted on him is evident on his face, but he manages to get to both feet and does a flip forward, using both feet to kick Fusenshoff right in the chest!]

[Free of the deadly submission hold, a pair of sharp kicks greet Fuse in the gut and stun him for the moment. The Dragon runs off the ropes, but Fusenshoff grabs him by the head and hurls him right over the top…]

DM: NO! Karl grabs the top rope! What’s he gonna do here?

DT: OH, NO, AND THERE GOES FUSENSHOFF! HE TRIED TO ATTACK HIM, BUT HE GETS TOSSED OVER THE TOP ROPE!

[Sure enough, a charge from Fuse doesn’t end well as he ends up dumped right out on the floor! Brown heads back into the ring and paces around for a moment, noticing the reaction. Grinning from ear-to-ear, he grabs ahold of both ropes and slingshots himself right out to the floor…

MN: CRASH AND BURN! SPLAT!

[What Mike Neely refers to is Fusenshoff ducking out of harm’s way, leaving The Dragon to hit nothing but mat on the outside. Clutching his chest in pain from the impact, he tries to will himself to his feet, cursing himself under his breath for the failed high-risk offense. When he turns around, a Somersault Apron Dive from Fusenshoff finds its mark right across the body of The Dragon!]

DT: WHAT A MOVE RIGHT THERE!

DM: It’s not often that you’re actually going to see Fusenshoff bust out some high-risk offense, but it looks like he’s busting out all the stops to walk away victorious here on Aggression 50!

CROWD: FUSE! FUSE! FUSE! FUSE! FUSE!

[Wasting zero time, Fuse gets back to his feet and hurls Karl Brown back underneath the bottom rope. The BC, Canada native follows him back into the ring and hooks both legs for the cover.]

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

[Fusenshoff grimaces a little bit, sure that the combination of dives on the outside would score him the victory, but he doesn’t appear deterred. Rather, he looks more determined than ever to get back into this match. Scooping up The Dragon, he gets himself a very good run across the ring before drilling him back-first into the canvas with a Running Powerslam!]

DT: BIG-TIME POWERSLAM!

MN: I’m betting that Karl Brown thinks it was a terrible idea to get back in the squared circle!

DM: Maybe, maybe not. One thing we’re seeing for sure is Fusenshoff working over that back with high-impact moves! And here’s another cover!

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

[Seeing his opponent on the ground for just a moment, Fuse goes to the second rope and tries to mount another big offensive maneuver, but shockingly, The Dragon beats him to the punch with a leaping Enzuigiri that stuns him! The fans pop for the big-time maneuver as Fuse falls forward on the mat! Clutching his back in pain, he uses the aid of the ropes to get himself back to his feet while Fuse holds his head, wondering what the hell hit him.]

[Back on his feet, he greets Fuse with several Knife-Edge Chops to the chest before running to the ropes…]

DT: FLYING FOREARM! BIG MOVE FROM THE DRAGON!

MN: Wow, I think he remembered he’s in an actual wrestling match now!

[Fusenshoff scrambles to his feet, but gets knocked back down with a big Clothesline. Once more, Fuse gets back to his feet, but this time, finds himself on the bad end of a Headscissors that sends him flying into the ropes! The crowd gets another big “DRAGON!” chant going as Brown waits for Fusenshoff to return to his feet. He tries for another big Clothesline, but Fusenhoff grabs him! An attempt at an Exploder Suplex goes nowhere as Karl elbows his way right out.]

[Karl Brown tries to whip him into the corner, but Fuse puts the brakes on and sends him for the ride in the corner overlooking the timekeeper’s table. He gets a run, but a pair of feet catch him right in the jaw! Leaving him open, Karl grabs him by the head and lets out a roar to the crowd off the second rope.]

DT: And there we go! The Diamond Dust from Karl “The Dragon” Brown! He’s getting back into this match!

DM: And right into the cover!

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

[Fusenshoff somehow finds a way to kick out of the high-impact move out of the corner, stunning Karl for the moment. Slowly sitting back up again, he grabs Fuse and tries for a suplex of some kind, but Fusenshoff gets the leg right back up and blocks. He delivers a pair of knees to the gut of The Dragon and plants him firmly into the middle of the ring with an Exploder Suplex that rattles his spine!]

ONE!

TWO!

THR… NO!

DT: That was almost three right there! Just when The Dragon thinks that he’s got Fuse off-kilter, he stays with him and brings the fight right back to him!

MN: You know, I gotta give him his due… he’s a fierce competitor and I’m seeing why he’s called The Dragon.

DM: Oh, yeah?

MN: Yeah… he’s DRAGGING ON this damn match!

[Not wanting to lose the advantage, Fusenshoff pummels the back with a couple of stiff Forearm Shots before looking for another Back Suplex, but this time Karl flips out and lands on his feet behind him! Before Fuse can register what has happened, Karl grabs him around the waist and incredibly, throws him up and over with a German Suplex with a bridge!]

ONE!

TWO!

THR… NO!

[Fusenshoff just barely manages to kick out, much to the chagrin of the crowd who thought that would do it. It’s clear that the damage Fusenshoff has done to his back is still pretty evident, but that doesn’t deter him from doing what he needs to do. The Dragon starts to go up to the top rope, but Fuse has it well scouted and rolls out underneath the bottom rope. The Sin City crowd starts to deliver a few jeers for the tactic, but it turns out to be a very smart one…]

DM: AND THE DRAGON FLIES!

DT: STRAIGHT MOONSAULT TO THE OUTSIDE AND BOTH MEN ARE NOW DOWN!

MN: Is he just stupid? His back has been abused worse than a red-headed stepchild this whole match and he’s gonna keep doing things like this?

DM: It goes to show you what kind of a competitor both of these men are! Fusenshoff won’t quit and The Dragon will go the extra mile for the win!

[The Dragon is the first man back up to his feet, but Fusenshoff isn’t that far behind. Rolling him back underneath the ropes, he follows him in and leaps into a big Somersault Slingshot Legdrop right across the throat! He hooks a leg and goes for the win!]

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

DT: Incredible! These two are just throwing bombs at each other now and they’re both just not quitting!

DM: They’ve exchanged opening holds, big moves and even saw them throw in some high-risk moves, but these two just keep fighting!

CROWD: THIS IS AWE-SOME! Clap-clap-clapcclapclap! THIS IS AWE-SOME! Clap-clap-clapcclapclap!

[The crowd is now completely engrossed in this incredible back and forth contest, but neither man pay attention to the crowd any longer, instead hoping for the victory. Karl whips at his chest with a few more Chops, knocking the wind out of Fusenshoff, but Fuse returns fire with an open-handed Chop of his own. The two continue to beat each other mercilessly with no end in sight, but finally, Karl gets the advantage with a fast barrage of kicks thrown in for good measure.]

[Karl goes for a big running move off the ropes, but Fusenshoff counters and rolls through, looking for what appears to be a Double Underhook Powerbomb-style maneuver, but Karl breaks free and rolls him up into the Jackknife!]

ONE!

TWO!

REVERSAL!

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

[The Dragon goes for a backslide, but Fusenshoff’s strength wins out in this particular exchange, pulling him downwards into a pin!]

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

[The Dragon goes for one more big-time move, but gets rolled up into a Small Package from Fusenshoff!]

ONE!

TWO!

REVERSAL BY THE DRAGON!

ONE!

TWO!

REVERSAL BY FUSENSHOFF!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

[The camera cuts to the look on the faces of both men, almost both painted in disbelief that this match is still going on!]

CROWD: COME ON, DRAGON, LET’S GO, FUSE! COME ON, DRAGON, LET’S GO, FUSE!

DT: The crowd is loving every moment of this! I’m thinking that it’s safe to say that Karl “The Dragon” Brown has shaken off that ring rust!

MN: Give it time, he’ll rust out quicker than the Tin Man in a monsoon!

DM: Fusenshoff is just relentless! He kicks him in the stomach and takes him to the ropes… NO! SPRINGBOARD HURRICANRANA INTO THE COVER!

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

[Just barely, Fusenshoff kicks out and powers The Dragon off him. Karl drills him with a Side Forearm shot and tries for another whip, but Fuse stops him in mid-move and kicks him in the side. He tries for the Double Underhook, possibly looking for the Powerbomb, but Karl snaps his way out of it. Fuse goes in for the Short-Arm Clothesline, but The Dragon ducks and goes in for another backslide pin attempt… he got it… NO! ROLL THROUGH BY FUSENSHOFF!]

DM: THAT’LL DO IT! Beautiful series of counters ending in the Sit-Out Tiger Bomb!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE… KICK OUT!

DT: That was Fusenshofff’s second or third attempt before finally connected with the Underhook Powerbomb! I don’t know how The Dragon kicked out!

MN: He’s just not going to die, will he?!

[Fusenshoff takes in heavy breaths, silently wondering what the hell the right combination would be to score what could be the biggest win of his EPW career. The Dragon rolled out of the path of harm and used the corner to pull himself up. Fuse sees him and goes for a Body Avalanche, but The Dragon gets a boot up out of nothing more than desperation.]

[The Dragon heads out to the apron and starts to ascend the buckles looking for his next big move, but Fusenshoff still has the bearings to strike him with a big right hand. Simple, but it does the job of stunning him. He climbs up to the second rope and looks to be going for a Superplex. Karl sees this coming and tries with all his might to fight free, throwing a couple right hands and even a desperation headbutt to keep himself from taking a deadly plunge. Seeing the crowd come to life again, The Dragon has him right where he wants him.]

DT: OH, MY LORD! THE SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! FUSENSHOFF’S HEAD AND BACK JUST GOT DRILLED THROUGH THE MAT!

MN: WOW! I’M SURPRISED THEY BOTH AREN’T FALLING ALL THE WAY TO CHINA!

DM: BUT THE DRAGON DOESN’T HAVE IT IN HIM FOR THE QUICK COVER! HE’S CRAWLING! AND THE CRADLE!

ONE!

TWO!

THREEE….!

DT: YES! WAIT… NO! The referee was about to call that three-count, but he’s waving at the timekeeper!

DM: Close fall! But he’s letting us all know that was a CLOSE two, but a two-count nonetheless!

[The Dragon’s eyes go wide, damn sure that he had the three-count, but the referee tells him with two fingers that this match is still very much on. The Dragon takes him by the back of the neck and hooks him, possibly looking for that killing blow that he calls the Dragon’s Bite, but Fusenshoff has enough wherewithals to shove him back towards the ropes and send him flying into the corner! He staggers forward…]

DM: WHISKEY BOMB! HE GOT HIM! THAT WHISKEY BOMB HAD SOME MAJOR IMPACT!

MN: DING-DONG, THE DRAGON’S DEAD!

DT: AND HERE GOES FUSENSHOFF WITH THE COVER! BOTH LEGS!

ONE!

TWO

THREE…NO!

[If it was at all possible, this cover was even closer than the Sunset Flip Bomb off the top rope from earlier, but the Whiskey Bomb does NOT spell victory for Fuse. With a face something as white as a ghost, he’s flat-out shocked that Karl Brown still finds a way to kick out of one of Fusenshoff’s most devastating moves. Not knowing what to do at this point, he tries to follow through. He takes him back to his feet again, but The Dragon leaps forward and connects with an Enzuigiri to the side of the head!]

DT: Fusenshoff just had his brains rattled! And now, The Dragon’s going back to the top rope again!

DM: Fuse may not have anything left after the Whiskey Bomb. If he hits whatever he’s going for up top, this could be it!

[Perched up top perfectly, the former EPW Champion flies with incredible height with something of a Frog Splash and a Crossbody! He gets Fusenshoff right where he wants him…]

MN: WHOA!

DT: NO! HE SOMEHOW CAUGHT HIM IN MID-AIR! WE THOUGHT HE WAS OUT OF IT, BUT HE CAUGHT HIM… UP…

DM: DOMINATION! DOMINATION! HE PLUCKED HIM RIGHT OUT THE SKY AND NAILED HIM WITH THE MOST HELLACIOUS DOMINATION I’VE EVER SEEN! COVER!

CROWD: ONNNNNNNNNNE!

TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOO!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

[SFX: DING DING!]

TF: AND HERE IS YOUR WINNER OF THE MATCH…. FFFFFFUUUUUUUSEEEENNNNNSSSHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOFFFF FFFFFFF!

DM: I don’t believe it! It took EVERYTHING these two could throw at one another and it took an incredible amount of strength on the part of Fusenshoff, but he did it!

DT: Undoubtedly, this is up there with one of, if not THE biggest wins in the career of Fusenshoff! Karl “The Dragon” Brown just showed everybody why he’s reached the success he has and has shown he can hang with ANYBODY in that ring, but in the end, Fusenshoff just wanted it a little bit more!

[“Wherever I May Roam” blasts throughout the arena, but Fusenshoff is just barely able to get to his feet, still shaking from the tremendous bout he’d just had with the legendary Dragon himself. The music stops as he waits in the ring, helping a very stunned and staggered Karl Brown make it back to his feet on spaghetti legs.]

[The two simply stare at one another, without even so much as a facial expression being exchanged. After those initial awkward moments pass, Karl extends a hand out to Fusenshoff and waits for him to respond. Looking down, Fusenshoff takes the hand and the crowd goes batsh*t crazy.]

MN: BLECH!

DT: And that’s a class act right there! Karl “The Dragon” Brown wanted to see if Fusenshoff could live up to the incredible heights that others have placed upon him and it’s a safe bet he got his answer!

DM: That was just a fantastic match from beginning to end. Either man could’ve gotten the duke here, but Fusenshoff takes it here tonight! Hopefully, down the line, we get to see the rematch!

DT: Well, folks, if you think that this match was the tip of the iceberg, we’ve still got a lot more show coming up! Stay tuned!

[CUEUP: “I Don’t Know Anything” by Mad Season]

[Boos fill the arena as LAYNE WINTERS walks to the ring with ANARKY at his side. The EPW Television Title is slung over his shoulder]

DM: WAIT – hold that thought!! What’s he doing out here?

DT: Layne Winters making an unscheduled appearance, there’s Anarky too…and we’ve been seeing footage all night of Winters attacking people at random. Now I’m not sure what his beef with Brown or Fusenshoff is, but they’re on guard, likely expecting the least out of Winters.

MN: We’ve seen it before, and we’ve seen it tonight…you can’t let your guard down around this man. He’ll beat the hell out of you IN the ring, OUT of the ring, in your home, whatever. Where I come from, we just call the police, but you know how it is around here…everyone’s proud.

DT: Winters calling for the mic…

WINTERS: I didn’t ask for music, TURN IT OFF. YOU…[points at Fusenshoff] If we have business, it ain’t tonight…so hit the bricks.

[Fusenshoff makes a step toward Winters, only to be cut off by Anarky. Fuse shoots him a quick look, shakes his head, and turns to the ropes to exit]

DM: He has business with BROWN?

MN: You wanna know what Brown can do for him?

DM: I wanna know who pays you for those jokes.

MN: Dan Ryan.

WINTERS: As for Karl Brown…something’s been bugging me all week about you, Karl. See, tonight I sent a message to the entire locker room: AMBITION NEED NOT APPLY. I look around backstage and see a lot of new faces, some not so new- rookies trying to carve their name in the cement, veterans trying to climb the ladder…live the dream. But I’ve got dreams too, Karl, dreams and injuries. In fact, one might say I’ve got a short sleep cycle…and when I wake, well…this is all I’ve ever known. Now while that might not mean much to you, or a bunch of pseudonym-using creatures of the entertainment industry, or these mark motherf[BLEEP]kers who pay to see ‘em [immediate BOOS!]…it means something TO ME.

DM: I feel so enlightened.

DT: Where could he be going with this?

WINTERS: It’s bad enough I’ve gotta look over my shoulder at all the guys nipping at my heels, trying to take MY SPOT, or leapfrog over me to take the spot I have on reserve…and you damn well better believe that sh[BLEEP]t’s on reserve. But now…I’ve gotta open up the biggest Aggression of the YEAR so some washed up, has-been, never-was, creature of the industry…can practically f[BLEEP]king headline? [BOOS]

DT: This is ridiculous. Somebody get him OUT of the ring please!

WINTERS: Understand something, Karl. When HOPE’s in town, and most importantly, when I’M in town…you sit in the back of the bus. You don’t sit up front like Rosa Parks, refusing to give me your seat. ‘Cause I’ll beat you back the hell where you belong, guaranteed. [BOOS] Your career is an abortion, of the back alley variety. Somebody routed you out with a clothes-hanger, yet here you stand…clogging up the show so you and Fusenshoff can suck each other’s dicks with a handshake and respect. It’s vomit-inducing, embarrassing, and it could drive a person to torture small animals.

DT: Do we really have to be subjected to this?

MN: Yes. Can someone pass me a Diet Soda? I’m on calorie deficit.

WINTERS: The bottom line is, there’s not a single man in this company who could hold my water, and to show you just how f[BLEEP]king miniscule you and the rest of the locker room are, I pose a challenge to ANY MAN at Aggression 51, to get in line and face me in a gauntlet match for the EPW TELEVISION TITLE!

DM: For once, Winters and I are on the same page! Let’s get that match signed, PLEASE.

[Winters drops the TV Title at Brown’s feet]

WINTERS: Go ahead, Brown, pick it up. Accept my challenge and put that belt in your hands. [Brown looks at it, unsure] Pick it up. … PICK UP THE BELT, BROWN. [Brown looks again, still not moving] If I wanted to take you out, I’d have done it already. Now put that championship in your hands…pick up the title.

DT: What is this game Winters is playing?

[After more hesitation, Brown kneels down slowly to grab the title, prompting Winters to LAUNCH a kick right to his face! He and Anarky back Brown into the turnbuckles, stomping him out]

DT: He’s SICK! He’s absolutely SICK!

DM: I want The First to answer for this! How could he ally himself with a man like Winters? HOW?

MN: [Laughing] You guys are so stupid. Haven’t you seen the movie ‘Shane’?

WINTERS: You NEVER touch my f[BLEEP]king title, understand? [STOMP!] NEVER put your hands on my property! [STOMP!] You respect Fusenshoff, huh? [STOMP!] I beat him..respect ME, Karl! [STOMP!] RESPECT ME! [STOMP!]

[Winters pulls Brown out of the corner and sets him up for a suplex. He lifts him…holds…holds…holds…BAM! GREEN RIVER JUSTICE! Looking down at the fallen Brown, he SPITS on his face for good measure!]

DT: By far, by a MILE…the WORST attitude in EPW! I don’t know what gives him this sense of superiority, but what start out as a chip on the shoulder has grown to an ego matched by few in this company, or well…perhaps matched by only one.

MN: Hey, he’s a CHAMPION Neely! He gets to do what he wants, and you get to like it!

DT: It’s a disgrace is what it is. More after this.