Aggression 1 - Washington, DC - 1/20/04

[DBrunkGXW]

Empire Pro Aggression Week One
Live from the MCI Center in Washington D.C. ​

[Fade in from black. The sounds of "Komit" by Juno Reactor cue up as a video montage of Washington D.C. is played. Shots roll through of the White House, the American flag displayed proudly outside of a downtown building, the Capitol Building, and several of the memorials. A man with a deep voice speaks over the vignette.]

V/O: For over two hundred years, this nation has been preserved through the will and character of its people. Now, just as the citizens of this country have pulled together to ensure the survival of freedom, several men have come together to keep their own dreams alive. Dreams of superiority... Dreams of excellence... Dreams of building an empire. Tonight... Washington D.C. experiences... EMPIRE PRO WRESTLING!

[Just as the voice over finishes, the screen goes to black and "Komit" dies out. "Imperial March (Rage Against The Machine Remix) cues up. Several clips are played through, visual effects of gray smoke surrounding them.

Cut to: Christian Sands hitting the Sand Blaster on an unsuspecting opponent.

Cut to: Karl Brown nailing someone with The Dragon's Bite ddt.

Cut to: Jonathan Marx slapping an intense STF on an unknown individual.

Cut to: Adam Benjamin knocking the absolute bejesus out of an opponent with a shining wizard.

Cut to: The Crimson Calling destroying their opponent with a Crimson Crasher.

Cut to: Beast delivering a high impact Tiger Driver '91 to an unnamed man.

Cut to: Dan Ryan, an evil grin on his face, stomping his massive frame towards the camera.

The Introduction​

Fade in: The interior of the MCI Center. Thousands of fans are going absolutely wild as the Empire theme blares over the sound system. Many fans hold signs... some of which read "Diamond is Forever!", "Empire... the Next Dynasty", "Rocko Daymon 4 Life", "Blitz are the ****z", Killjoy 3:16 Here Comes The Mayhem", and others. The roar from this capacity crowd is deafening, but their cheers are almost drowned out when a huge set of pyro goes off near the Empire Pro set. The camera starts at the base of the black steel ramp, tilting upwards to reveal the structure at the end of it. A large screen framed in a steel tribal design continues to play the Aggression intro as spotlights on either side of it search the crowd. A wall of fireworks explodes from the sides of the ramp, shooting straight up into the middle of the arena, igniting even louder pops from the fans.]

Dave Thomas: Ladies and gentlemen, you'd have to be here to believe it, but this is quite possibly the most amazing sight I've ever seen!!! THOUSANDS of fans have turned out tonight for the very first edition of Empire Pro AGGRESSION!

[The camera cuts to Dave Thomas and Mike Neely, who comfortably sit behind their ringside commentators' table. Both men are grinning ear to ear, looking at the spectacle around them. Thomas continues to speak to the camera while Neely suddenly stands up on his chair to ignite the fans behind him. He makes a "get up" motion and a large majority of the people he's looking at react by standing to their feet and screaming.]

DT: I'm Dave Thomas, and that colorful individual you see next to me is none other than the ever popular Mike Neely. Folks, this is an absolutely amazing experience, I can't even begin to tell you how proud we are of the already growing Empire fan base! Welcome to week one of Aggression, everybody!

[Thomas chuckles slightly as the grinning Neely sits down in his seat again, grabbing his headset and turning it on.]

MN: Did I miss anything, Davey?? This thing on?

[After a second or two, Neely has the headset on and begins speaking into it.]

MN: Hello out there in TV land! I'm your host Mike Neely and...

DT: Mike I already did the intros...

MN: Oh, right...

DT: And since when did you become host?

[Thomas starts to laugh slightly.]

MN: Ever since the fed heads found out you really weren't the Wendy's guy. God, that guy would have been great...

DT: Folks we've got an incredible card lined up for you tonight, and I think it's safe to say this is going to be one blockbuster show! Rumor has it some groundbreaking events are going to take place, and if what I've heard is true, you're all in for a treat!

MN: That's right ladies and gentlemen, it's been determined that the World Heavyweight title has been given to me as a welcoming gift!

DT: In your dreams, Neely.

MN: No but seriously, this is shaping up to be a hell of a show! You see the lineup?

DT: Funny you should mention that... I've got it right here in front of me! Ladies and gentlemen, first up we have Mike Diamond taking on Karl...

[Before he can finish his sentence, Thomas is cut off by the sounds of "Everyday People" as performed by Pearl Jam. The cameras cut to the ramp where Paul Freeman, CEO of Empire Pro, emerges from the back. The fans give him a decent pop and he acknowledges a few of them with a couple waves. Paul hops off the ramp halfway down to the ring, going up to the barricade and shaking hands with several of the fans in the front row.]

DT: Ladies and Gentlemen, the CEO of Empire Pro is in the house!

MN: There's the man who paid for my new 54" plasma screen!

DT: Haha, well Mike, Paul Freeman's here and it looks like he's in a great mood! That always means good news is in store!

[Freeman eventually makes his way to the ring, and receives a small ovation. He thanks the fans for their appreciation, and asks for a microphone, which is quickly given to him.]

PF: Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready for some Aggression?!?!

[The fans pop at the remark.]

PF: I don't know about you guys, but I’m lookin’ forward to one HELL of a show! We’ve got some great matchups in store for you this week, and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

DT: He’s right on that one, Mike!

MN: Damn, this is going to be so sweet…

PF: Now ladies and gentlemen, let me get a few things out of the way. I’d like to clear the air on a couple subjects. YES… what you have heard is true. We are indeed looking for more wrestlers, and it’s been rumored that we have talked with various stars around the international circuit. One of those stars IS Nate Logan… or Zero, as you might know him.

[The announcement brings a good pop from the crowd.]

PF: We are currently in negotiations with Mr. Logan, and things look promising. That’s all I’m going to say for now.

DT: You hear that, Neely? Zero might be comin’ to Empire!

MN: Kid’s a talent, that’s for sure….

PF: Also, I’ve noticed that several internet sites have expressed concern over the financing for Empire’s recent launch. Now I’m not at liberty to say the exact situation at this point in time, but I CAN tell you that next week on Aggression, you’ll meet the man behind all of this! I’ve personally requested that this individual show up and make an address to the fans of Empire. I think you guys deserve it… so there ya go!

DT: Next week on Aggression we’re going to meet Empire’s benefactor, it appears!

MN: So Freeman DIDN’T pay for my plasma television? Get out of the ring ya’ bum!

DT: Mike, that’s not very nice…

PF: Fans, I’d also like to state that it has been determined how the World and Intercontinental titles will be disputed. In a one of a kind tournament, we will see 12 men square off in 4 three way dances, right here on Aggression next week!

[The fans pop for the news.]

PF: The individuals who are pinned in those matches will be entered into the IC bid, and the winners will continue on to face each other in the next round. A bracket will be introduced following our show! Guys, let me just say from the bottom of my heart that we couldn’t do all of this, ANY of it, without your help and support. We here at Empire would like to thank all of you, and I’m sure I can vouch for my entire roster when I say that. I would also like to thank the talent… because you guys are what’s going to set Empire apart from the rest! You’ve busted your asses to be where we are now, and for that, you deserve all the thanks in the world!

[The fans start to applaud. A small chant of EM-PI-RE starts to break out.]

PF: But that’s enough from me, folks… I’m going to let these guys do their thing! I’ll see you all later on in the evening, I’m sure!

[With that, the fans applaud and “Everyday People” cues back up and Freeman exits the ring. He walks over to Neely and Thomas, shaking their hands before heading to the back.]

DT: Well folks, I can honestly say, Freeman’s one of the nicest bosses I’ve ever had…

MN: He still doesn’t pay our checks though…

DT: Regardless, MIKE, he’s still a nice guy.

MN: Sure, but I would be too if you put me in charge of this place.

DT: Alright, well we’ve got a great show ahead of us folks, let’s get right to the action….

Mike Diamond Vs. Karl "The Dragon" Brown​

(Editor's Note - First part of this match lost due to formatting)

MN: NO! Diamond kicks out at 2 and 3 quarters!!!

DT: I thought it was over!

MN: Don’t count Diamond out, Davey!

DT: That had to be devastating to Diamond’s neck! How is he still going!?

MN: He’s workin’ for Empire, isn’t he?

DT: Good point!

[Brown looks slightly frustrated, but is quick to continue his attack. He lifts a limp Diamond up to his feet, tossing him back to the mat with a vicious t-bone suplex. Diamond gets up slowly, and is then hit with a swinging neckbreaker. He lies motionless for a few moments, then stirs to get to his feet once more. Benjamin comes flying at him to go for a running version of the move. Diamond uses a good deal of his strength, however, and delivers a solid clothesline that knocks Brown straight to the mat. Seeing that this is his opportunity to take the match back, he applies an intense figure four leg lock. Brown screams out in pain as Diamond does all he can to apply the move even harder. Brown sits up to try and swing at Diamond, but hits nothing but air. After several moments, Brown flops back to the canvas, and the ref makes a count. 1…2… Brown pulls up at the last second. A few more moments pass and the same thing is repeated.]

MN: He’s got Brown where he wants him!! This has to be wearing him down!

DT: What a vicious figure four by Mike Diamond! He’s tenacious in his assault on Brown’s legs!

[After a few more moments pass, Brown starts to slide towards the ropes, using his hands to push. The fans start to chant “DRA-GON DRA-GON”. Eventually, Karl makes it to the ropes and the ref forces the break. An exhausted Diamond tries to recuperate from the move, while Brown holds his knee in pain. Diamond is the first to his feet, and slowly makes his way over to Brown yet again. As he goes to lift up Karl’s legs one more time, he receives a boot to the face. He attempts again, and gets yet another boot. Suddenly, Brown pops up and starts to lay into Diamond with some hard knife edged chops.]

MN: Brown’s coming back yet again!

DT: This match has had some great back and forth action in it!

[Diamond is rocked with another chop to the chest, and is quickly snapped over into another suplex. This time Brown repeats the move a second time, swinging his hips to complete it for a third as well. Brown then limps over to the corner, ascending the turnbuckle.]

DT: What’s he gonna do?? He’s got a bad leg, he could easily fall….

MN: This could be super-sick, Thomas, shut up….

[As Diamond slowly gets to his feet, Brown leaps off of the top with a somersault and lands on Diamond’s shoulders. He then throws his body back into a hurricanrana, holding on to the move for a pin attempt. The fans ignite for the move, one of the biggest pops of the night thus far.]

MN: Holy bejesus! Did you see that Dave? A dragoncanrana!! That was absolutely perfect!

DT: Brown with a great maneuver here on Diamond! He’s going for a cover! 1…. 2….KICKOUT BY DIAMOND!!!

MN: Damn, that was close!!

[Brown immediately picks Diamond up to his feet and sets him up for a dragon sleeper. Then, without hesitation, Brown turns the move into a reverse impact DDT… also known as the Dragon’s Bite.]

DT: DRAGON’S BITE!!

MN: Oh damn, that move looks painful as sh…

DT: Family television, Mike!

MN: Right!

[Brown quickly pounces on the fallen Diamond and makes a quick cover. The ref drops to make the count. 1….2….3!]

DT: Brown pins Diamond!!! What a matchup!

MN: Wow, that was great… they looked evenly matched in there!

WINNER: Karl “The Dragon” Brown

DT: Well ladies and gentlemen, what a matchup that was! I’m sure both men will continue to stir things up here in Empire, they’re two highly talented individuals!

MN: A great way to open the show, Davey. What’s next?

DT: Let’s see here…

[The cameras cut to Thomas and Neely at their announcers’ table. Thomas leafs through the papers in front of him before speaking. Neely looks back at the fans and continues to try and spark some commotion. Thomas finally finds the right paper…]

DT: Folks, up next we’ve got Killjoy Tommy Mayhem taking on “Yours Truly” Adam Benjamin! Killjoy Tommy Mayhem vs. "Yours Truly"Adam Benjamin MN: This one shows a lot of promise Dave. These two are extremely talented, and I wouldn’t be surprised if either man made his way through the ranks quite rapidly.

DT: Mayhem’s trained in the infamous Reeves’ Ringers facilities, and has been put through quite a lot to get where he is today. Benjamin’s been stirring things up in various promotions lately, and was Major Championship Wrestling’s Champion at the time of the league’s closing.

[Let the Bodies hit the floor cues up. Killjoy Tommy Mayhem makes his way to the ring. Tommy is wearing blue jeans and no shirt, The scars on his upper body stand out in the arena lights. Tommy slides in under the bottom rope. Tommy slowly gets up to his feet and leans into the top turnbuckle. He gets ready for Benjamin, but doesn’t have to wait very long before Loose yourself by Eminem begins to blast. "Yours Truly" Adam Benjamin makes his way slowly to the ring. Adam is wearing two English flag bandana's one that cover his head and the other that covers the lower part of his face revealing only his stone cold eyes. Adam makes his way into the ring and stands firm in his corner waiting for the bell to ring.]

DT: Wow, both of these men looked primed for a fight here, Mike!

MN: They better be, these people paid good money!

[The bell rings and Benjamin approaches Mayhem. Both men extend their arms, telegraphing the collar to elbow tie up that soon follows. From that position, Benjamin executes a hammerlock and ends up behind Mayhem. Mayhem reverses this, and instead of applying it on Benjamin, slams a clubbing blow into the back of his head with a forearm.]

DT: Mayhem’s not the most technically sound individual in the world…

MN: But he can sure whip some ass!

[Mayhem bends down to pick Benjamin up off of the mat, then sets him in a standing headscissor. Benjamin lifts up, however, and performs a back body drop that causes Mayhem to hit the mat hard. Benjamin quickly floats over to Mayhem’s arm and applies a standard armbar. Mayhem refuses to submit, though, and soon Tommy is back up to his feet. Mayhem fights Benjamin off, then tosses him to the ropes, hitting a vicious clothesline on his return. He goes for a cover. 1…2….kickout.]

DT: Mayhem’s looking for the victory early here… and he wont get it.

MN: You’re not going to beat Adam Benjamin with a clothesline, that’s for sure.

[Mayhem lifts Benjamin to his feet, then forms a clasp with his hands around Adam’s back. In one fluid motion, he sends Benjamin up and over with a head and arm suplex that shakes the ring. Benjamin holds the back of his head, but is quick to try and recover. He gets to his feet in time to see Mayhem coming at him, and throws a couple fists to his face. The two start trading blows, and eventually Benjamin gets the advantage with a hard right. Benjamin sets Mayhem up for a vertical suplex, but it’s quickly blocked. Benjamin is then lifted into the air by Mayhem for a vertical suplex of his own. However, when Benjamin is vertical in the air, he shifts his weight backwards, coming back down in the same motion he went up, only faster. Towards the tail end of this, he executes a quick snap suplex that puts Mayhem on the canvas. Benjamin makes a quick cover…]

DT: WHAT A REVERSAL! Benjamin’s got the cover… 1…2…kickout!

MN: Benjamin’s got great skills in that ring.

[Mayhem recovers slowly as Benjamin starts to work on his body with a few stiff kicks. Benjamin then lifts Mayhem to his feet, throwing some hard knife edged chops into his chest. The fans in the crowd start to cheer “WHOOOOO”. Benjamin works Mayhem back to the corner, where he eventually lifts him up onto the top turnbuckle. Benjamin, who is about to go for a superplex, is knocked off guard by a few shots by Mayhem. As the two rumble on the top rope, Mayhem locks on a front headlock. He jumps off the turnbuckle, twisting in the air, executing a tornado DDT. The move gets a good response from the Empire crowd, and Mayhem quickly makes a cover. 1…2… kickout.]

DT: Some great back and forth action here!

MN: You got that right, Dave!

[The fans applaud for Benjamin, who is again up on his feet. Both men lock up once more, this time Mayhem uses his strength to push Benjamin hard into the corner. Mayhem then rushes at Benjamin, but Adam executes a picture perfect arm drag takeover. Benjamin then jumps to Mayhem’s legs, locking on an ankle lock. Mayhem refuses to submit, and after a few moments, he reaches the ropes.]

DT: Mayhem’s lucky he got a hold of the ropes there! Benjamin had that ankle lock cinched in pretty tightly.

MN: This Mayhem kid’s one tough S.O.B. though…

[Benjamin is up to his feet first, but Mayhem quickly lays a couple shots into his gut to double him over. He then stands to his feet, kicking Benjamin the stomach. Pulling Benjamin between his legs, Mayhem then executes a hard piledriver that puts his opponent flat out on the mat. Mayhem then gets on top of Benjamin’s chest, laying into his face with hard rights and lefts. Mayhem is able to switch positions with him, though, and ends up on top. Benjamin then applies a leg grapevine, pulling back as hard as he can. Mayhem cries out in pain as he reaches for the ropes, but gets nothing.]

DT: Ohhh, this could be crucial, ladies and gentlemen… Benjamin’s got a leg grapevine locked on in the center of the ring.

MN: Mayhem’s not tappin’ though… WAIT… YES HE IS! HE TAPPED!

DT: Oh Mike, he was not. Quit playin’ with our viewer’s minds…

MN: Oh but it’s so fun…

[Mayhem lifts his free leg up to push his boot into Benjamin’s face, then kicks as hard as he can. This causes Adam to release the hold, and Mayhem to escape. Both men get to their feet, and Benjamin is the first to strike, going for a quick clothesline. Mayhem ducks, then hits a hard clothesline of his own that almost knocks Benjamin out of his boots. However, when he goes to pick Benjamin up, Mayhem is rolled up in surprise small package. The ref counts. 1…..2….kickout.]

DT: I thought he had him there, Mike.

MN: You know, it’s not impossible for one to win like that. You can really catch your opponent off guard and pin him in an instant.

DT: 3 seconds, actually…

MN: You know what I mean, dork.

[Benjamin and Mayhem quickly get to their feet, and this time Mayhem goes for yet another clothesline. Benjamin ducks, coming up behind him, and then executes a release german suplex that puts Mayhem down on the back of his head and neck. This gets a great reaction from the crowd, but Benjamin wastes no time going after Mayhem, who is folded up in the middle of the ring. Benjamin stomps at the inside of Mayhem’s thighs, weakening his legs for yet another submission. He goes for a texas cloverleaf, but Mayhem quickly frees his already damaged legs.]

DT: That is one spot Tommy Mayhem does NOT want to find himself in.

MN: Benji’s been workin’ the legs pretty good this match, we’ll have to see if that factors into the outcome…

[As Mayhem pushes Benjamin off of him, he backs himself up and gets to his feet. Benjamin is relentless though, and charges at Mayhem once more. In an instant, Benjamin is locked up in an overhead belly to belly suplex, which Mayhem uses to toss Benjamin up over the ropes! As Benjamin sails through the air, he comes crashing down on the timekeeper’s table, cracking it in half. Some fans in the seats start up a “holy ****” chant. Benjamin holds his back in pain as Mayhem raises his arms to the crowd. He gets mostly boos, but a few hardcore freaks out in the audience cheer heavily for him.]

DT: OH MY GOD!!! Benjamin just went up and OVER the ropes with that belly to belly suplex!

MN: And ended up going through a table as well! DAMN… now that’s rough!

[Mayhem goes through the ropes and jumps down to the arena floor, picking up the beaten Adam Benjamin. He rolls him back into the ring, then pursues him just as quickly. After a few moments, Mayhem lifts Benjamin to his feet, getting behind him to apply his finisher, the Buzzkill.]

DT: This could be it… we may be seeing the Buzzkill tonight!

MN: That’s a katihajime choke out for you new viewers out there!

[As Mayhem goes to perform the maneuver, Benjamin reverses and gets behind Mayhem. A shock to both the fans and Mayhem, Benjamin executes a vicious german suplex. Then another. Then another. On the third, Benjamin wrenches back with all his might and completely flips Mayhem in midair, causing him to land on his stomach.]

DT: Oh my god… what’s gotten’ into Adam Benjamin???

MN: The man just went through a table… and he’s freakin’ pissed!!

[Benjamin backs up to the ropes, then waits for Mayhem to stir. As he does so, Benjamin comes flying at him, nailing a wicked shining wizard. The fans in the audience let out an “ooooooooohhhhh” as Benjamin’s knee cracks Mayhem in the head, crumpling him to the mat. Benjamin falls on top of Mayhem, hooking the leg. The ref counts. 1….2….3!]

DT: Benjamin’s done it!! He’s beaten Killjoy Tommy Mayhem to win his first match here in Empire Pro!

MN: A damn good match by anyone’s standards. I’m lookin’ to see how well both these guys do in the future.

DT: One thing’s for sure, something must’ve clicked inside Benjamin when he went through that table. Let’s take a look at that again…

[The feed switches to a replay of Benjamin flying over the top rope to the outside, landing squarely on the table, going through it. It is again played from a different angle.]

DT: Wow, you’ve gotta’ have some determination to come back from that!

MN: Benjamin’s looks like he could be a huge threat here.

Winner: “Yours Truly” Adam Benjamin DT: Folks, I’m being told by the boys in the back that we’ve got a few tidbits of information to tell you here…

[The camera cuts to Thomas and Neely at their table. Thomas holds his headset, then relays the information. A few fans in the background are tossing around a beach ball.]

DT: The details of Freeman’s World and IC title tournaments have been revealed in full. As the competitors advance through the tournament, they will be randomly entered into 2 fatal four way matches. The winners of these matches will meet each other to determine who is the Intercontinental Champion on the same night as the World Title finals.]

MN: That’s right ladies and gentlemen, I’m also being informed that the pay per view… which is entitled “Black Dawn”…

 

[DBrunkGXW]

Blitz vs. The Crimson Calling (Cont.)

(Editor's Note - This match also cut short due to formatting issues with the old site)

[Max drops a hard elbow on Black’s chest, and then another. He lifts Black up to his feet, but receives a chop to the chest for his efforts. Black hits a few more, then sends Max off of the ropes. When he returns, Black nails him in the face with a beautiful dropkick. Black tries to quickly get to a nearby corner, ascending the turnbuckles as Max gets to his feet. After Max stands up, Black leaps off the top rope, performing a diving hurricanrana that sends Max headfirst into the mat. The move gets a great pop from the fans.]

DT: What a hurricanrana by Black there!

MN: You don’t see too many individuals with that kind of speed and prowess, Dave.

[Black gets up to his feet, going to his corner to meet Ivan. He tags the big man in, and both men pursue Max. Jecht tries to get into the ring, but the referee holds him back to prevent any chaos. As the referee’s back is turned, Ivan and Black work in tandem to execute a high velocity chokeslam. Ivan lifts Max up into the air, then Black comes sailing off the ropes to help him out with the chokeslam. Max hits the canvas hard, and Ivan goes for a cover. The referee runs over to shoo Black out of the ring, and to count the cover. 1…2….Jecht runs across the ring and lays a boot into the back of Ivan’s skull. He then returns to his corner.]

DT: Ooohhh, that was a close one! That high velocity chokeslam looks like it has a wicked impact!

MN: Just imagine a chokeslam, Dave. Now imagine that coming from some big freaking Russian and his crazy ass partner in crime.

DT: Yeah, that’s gotta’ hurt…

[Ivan lifts Max up to his feet, whipping him hard to the ropes. When Max returns, however, he puts a great deal of his momentum behind a powerful flying clothesline that knocks Ivan to the mat. Both men begin to slug it out on the canvas, exchanging blows right and left. Ivan gets on top and lays into Max, then the move is reversed. Max hammers away as hard as he can, drawing blood from Ivan’s nose and mouth.]

DT: Max is going ballistic in there!

MN: That’s what Empire’s all about, Davey!!!

[Max lifts Ivan to his feet, then slams him down on top of his own knee to perform a backbreaker. He goes for a cover. 1…2…kickout by Ivan. Max picks Ivan up yet again, this time going for a suplex. Max gets Ivan set up, but the attempt is soon blocked. He tries again, yet the results are the same. Instead of him going for it a third time, Ivan performs a high vertical suplex of his own, taking Max straight to the mat again. The large Dalkichev stands high over the fallen Max, and slowly picks him up to his feet. Ivan then lifts Max high up onto his shoulders, preparing to slam him down with a powerbomb. After a few seconds of stalling, Max starts to lay into Ivan’s face with some hard punches. But before he can counter the move, Ivan slams Max to the mat with a rough sitdown powerbomb that shakes the ring. The fans “oooooh” as they watch Max’s head slam off the mat.]

DT: Oh my god! Did you see that?!?! Something didn’t go right there, Max just landed hard on the back of his neck.

MN: Oh man, that’s not what we need. I hope that guy’s all good…

DT: Let’s see a replay of that, shall we?

[The shot splits in half, one side sticking to the live action, the other showing the high impact powerbomb that just occurred. We can clearly see Max’s head and neck impact the mat with incredible force. Cut back to a normal shot. Dalkichev rolls backwards out of the move, breathing heavily. Jecht reaches his hand in to the nearly unconscious Max, making the tag. As Jecht comes flying across the ring, he nails a hard clothesline on Ivan. Ivan falls, but gets right back up. Jecht hits yet another clothesline. The process is repeated one more time before Ivan finally stays down. Jecht then lays into Ivan’s head with some more punches, wearing him down in preparation for his next move. After pulling Ivan back to his feet, he uses all his strength to hoist the big man up in a tombstone piledriver position. He starts to wobble from Ivan’s massive weight, and decides to quickly drop him on his head. He goes for a cover, hooking the leg. 1…. 2….kickout by Dalkichev.]

DT: What a tombstone piledriver by Jecht!! I didn’t know if he could get Ivan up or not!

MN: Well, Ivan IS one big mother fu….

DT: Family Show!!!

MN: …funlover… but I’m sure Jecht’s got the strength to take care of it.

[After Ivan kicks out, Black comes sailing off the top and hits a diving fame-asser on the startled Jecht. His face smashes against the canvas, and all three men lay on the mat motionless. Max, who is still recuperating from the vicious bump he took earlier, tries to get into the ring at a very slow pace. He is halfway between the ropes when the referee pushes Black back to his corner. Ivan struggles to lift Jecht to his feet, but is able to do so in a short amount of time. Ivan then lifts Jecht up onto his shoulders, slamming him hard to the mat with a devastating death valley driver. He goes for a cover. 1….2….kickout by Jecht.]

DT: Man, what brute strength Dalkichev’s got!

MN: You got that right… but both members of Blitz are powerful in their own right!

DT: This is a clash of the titans!

[Still controlling Jecht, Ivan attempts to repeat the move. He goes for another fireman’s setup, but Jecht reverses it into a ddt that sends the big man head first into the mat. He slowly gets to his feet, hoisting the worn down Ivan with him. Ivan goes for a hard right, but misses. Jecht kicks him square in the gut, doubling him over. He then performs a beautiful tiger driver that completely rocks Ivan hard. The fans clap for the move, but both men lay motionless in the ring. Jecht makes it to his feet after a few seconds, but as soon as he turns around, he receives a stiff standing side kick to the jaw at the hands of an interfering Black.]

MN: Wow, did you hear the smack on that one?

DT: What a kick by Black!

[Max, who has gotten his bearings back somewhat, charges into the ring. Black’s prepared for him though, and braces for an impact. Max then hits a powerful clothesline on Black, sending both men up and over the top rope to the floor. The fans get to their feet as both men land hard on the cement. Inside the ring, Ivan is back up to his feet. He slowly works Jecht with some blows to the head, then performs a go-behind. Seeing that Black has gained a small advantage over Max on the outside, Ivan signals to him that it’s time to end it. Ivan lifts Jecht up on his shoulders while Black scales the turnbuckles from the outside. As Dalkichev brings Jecht in close, Max reaches under the bottom rope as a last ditch effort to trip Ivan. Ivan kicks at him a few times before Black finally notices that Max is up to his feet. With a swift motion, Black comes sailing off the top rope to the outside, performing a somersault plancha. He hits it squarely on Max, and both men hit the floor with a thud.]

MN: Holy crap! Somersault plancha to the outside!!!

DT: Both men are down!! Jecht is trying to battle his way off of Ivan’s shoulders now!!!

[Jecht lays into the top of Ivan’s head a few times, then manages to slip down his back. He grabs one of Ivan’s arms and spins him around as quickly as possible, kicking him in the gut. As Ivan is doubled over, Jecht sets him up for what looks to be a last ride powerbomb. The fans start cheering wildly.]

MN: Oh man, he’s signaling for it! There’s no freaking way!!

DT: Is he really gonna do it??? Can he deliver the Jecht Bomber to Ivan???

[At that instant, Ivan battles out of the move, again executing a go behind. He again lifts Jecht up onto his shoulders, preparing him for the Crimson Crasher. He walks towards the corner, but Black is nowhere to be found. Suddenly some of the fans start cheering as we see Black climbing up the outside of the ropes in what appears to be slow motion. After several moments, with Jecht battling to try and free himself the whole time, Black grabs a hold of Jecht and performs a super uranage slam, driving him to the mat as hard as he can. The fans “ooooh” and “ahhhh” as Black hits the canvas with him, and is then pulled to the outside by a now recovered Max. Max lays into him with all his might, but Ivan has the cover on Jecht inside the ring. The ref counts. 1…2….3!]

DT: CRIMSON CRASHER!!! And the Calling win this one!!

MN: Don’t tell that to Max, he’s whipping the bejesus out of Black!!

DT: We might need someone to come down here and separate these guys!

[The bell rings, and eventually all four men are separated by the event staff. Max attempts to help Jecht to the back as Ivan and Black hold their hands high in the ring, still visibly exhausted by their victory.]

WINNERS: THE CRIMSON CALLING

DT: What a tag team matchup!!! Both of those teams looked hungry for a win, Mike, who knows what could come next for either of them?

MN: I don’t know, but I’ll tell ya’ one thing… It would have been freakin’ sweet to see Jecht try and Jecht Bomber the big man. Maybe it’ll happen down the road… who knows.

The Meeting ​

[CUTTO: The arena hallways. The crowd cheers as Rob Sampson steps out of his dressing room and walks a few feet down to the vending machine.]

SAMPSON: Hey, cool, they've got Evian.

[As Sampson inserts a few coins into the vending machine, he is brushed by someone who walks by. Sampson looks over his shoulder, and the camera pans over to bring Christian Sands into the shot. The two exchange a long look and a nod.)

SAMPSON: ...Chris.

SANDS: Rob.

[With that, Sampson turns and purchases a bottle of Evian. He offers Sands one last nod before walking off. Sands, meanwhile, stands there, casting a hate-filled look after Sampson that could make rocks cower in terror. Cut back to Dave and Mike.]

DT: Wonder what that was all about?

MN: Sampson bumped Sands… what a lack of respect.

DT: You mean Sands bumped Sampson?

MN: That’s not what I saw.

DT: Whatever… let’s get to the match!

"Mr. Main Event" Rob Sampson vs. "Gentleman" Jonathan Marx ​

[The arena lights are dimmed as Clawfinger's "Biggest and the Best" begins to play. Strobe lights flash all around the entrance stage and above the ring as Rob Sampson strides out from the back. While walking to the ring, he slaps hands the fans standing along the aisle, pointing out signs that feature his likeness or bear epithets of praise for him.]

DT: If you've ever needed an example of the kind of great talent Empire Pro Wrestling has on its roster, Rob Sampson is it. The man is one of Global X-Treme Wrestling's biggest stars and has an unfathomable amount of talent.

MN: Sampson? If you cut his hair, does he lose his power? Heh!

DT: No, that's Samson with no P.

MN: Psheeeeew. Right over your head.

[CUE UP: "Only Happy When It Rains" - Garbage. The crowd offers a decidedly mixed reaction as Jonathan Marx walks to the ring.]

DT: Speaking of great talent, Jonathan Marx has made quite a splash all over the world lately and recently won FWI Magazine's Rookie of the Year Award!

MN: He's an ignorant prick, that's what he is. Imagine, comparing Sampson to... some Van Damme guy from some bush-league.

DT: We'll see if Marx has adequately prepared for Sampson's offense.

[SFX: *DINGDINGDING* - Bell rings.]

[The two men circle briefly. Marx moves in and goes for a lock-up, smirking. Sampson meets him and immediately executes a go-behind, snagging a tight hammerlock. Marx attempts to reverse it into an arm wringer, but Sampson drops down and pulls both of Marx's legs out from under him, vaulting over to go for an armbar. Marx rolls over to avoid it, and Sampson sits on Marx's back, ruffling his hair playfully before backing off and coming to his feet. Marx gets to a knee and stares at Sampson in frustration; Mr. Main Event grins back.]

DT: Looks like Jonathan Marx got a bit more than he bargained for with that exchange! He was expecting a high-flyer and got some great chain wrestling from Sampson!

MN: The egg's on Jon's face, I tells ya.

[A bit tentatively, Marx moves to lock up again. Sampson seems to reciprocate, but slugs Marx at the last second. The blow surprises Marx and knocks him back a few steps. The Gentleman retaliates with a right of his own, but Sampson catches the arm and pulls Marx into an armdrag. Marx gets up and rushes Sampson, only to eat another armdrag. A third armdrag from Sampson soon follows, and Marx rolls down to the floor to regroup.]

DT: Sampson unloading the tight arm drags! Looks like he's got Marx off balance in the early going.

[Sampson quickly slides down to the floor and takes Marx from behind with a few clubbing blows, staggering him. Grunting, Sampson takes Marx by the arm and Irish-whips him towards the ring stairs. However, Marx quickly reverses, sending Sampson caroming into the steps with an impact that jars them loose!]

MN: Ooh, he's gonna feel that in the morning!

DT: Marx sending Sampson right into that cold, unforgiving steel!

MN: Maybe it's Sampson who's got the omelette-face now.

[Taking a breath, Marx drives a few right hands into Sampson's head, then rolls him back into the ring, following him. Sampson staggers to his feet, and Marx wraps him up to launch him with a rough overhead suplex, swinging over into a pin!]

DT: Marx with the cover off the belly-to-belly! One - two - Kickout by Sampson!

MN: Come on, a belly-to-belly hasn't been a finisher since Gabriel Bane still wrestled for GXW.

[Pulling Sampson off the canvas, Marx whips him into the ropes and throws a clothesline. Sampson ducks it and comes back with his own clothesline, which Marx ducks. As Sampson rebounds, Marx steps forward and pushes him into the air before catching him and slamming him down back-first to the canvas!]

DT: OH! Marx with a big spinebuster!

MN: The kid may be a pretentious jackass, but he's adaptable. He wasn't expecting Sampson to be like he is, but he's hanging in there.

[Holding his back, Sampson gets to his feet. Marx steps in behind him and slams him in the back with a pair of hard forearms, knocking Sampson to his knees. From there, Marx drops an elbow on him to flatten him.]

DT: Marx working on that back of Sampson, trying to keep him down on the canvas.

[As Sampson rolls over, Marx kicks him in the gut and goes for a spinning toe hold; however, Sampson gets his other foot up against Marx's thigh and pushes, knocking the Gentleman down. Sampson immediately rolls to his feet, as does Marx. However, it's Mr. Main Event who scores with the next blow, kicking Marx in the gut before drilling him with an exploder suplex '98!]

DT: EXPLODER by Sampson! What a move!

MN: Marx just got DRILLED! I'm surprised we can't see little birdies circling his head going "Cheep cheep! Cheep cheep!"

[Holding his head, Marx comes to his feet and turns towards Sampson, who immediately snaps him up, hooks a leg, and cracks him with a stiff fisherman's neckbreaker. Immediately, Sampson picks Marx up and follows up with a hangman's neckbreaker, rolling over for a pin.]

DT: Series of neckbreakers by Sampson, and there's a cover! One - two - Oh, Marx got the shoulder up!

MN: Jon's head has got to be spinning right now.

[Sampson punches Marx in the face a few times, then pulls him off the mat, underhooking his arms; however, Marx manages to break free and pull Sampson's legs forward, knocking him onto his back. From there, Marx launches Sampson into the corner with a catapult, bouncing Mr. Main Event's face off a turnbuckle!]

DT: Oh, there's the slingshot by Marx, breaking the double-underhook!

[Taking a second or two to scout the situation, Marx charges into the corner for a running splash; however, Sampson gets a foot up to catch Marx. Sampson promptly moves in and grabs the double-underhook again, taking Marx over with a butterfly suplex. He holds the double-underhook in and delivers another butterfly suplex before seguing into a DDT from the butterfly position!]

DT: What a combo by Sampson! Two butterfly suplexes and a double-arm DDT!

MN: Marx is so dead right now.

DT: Sampson's covering him! One -

TWO -

NO, so close! Marx JUST managed to kick out!

MN: Resilient, ain't he?

[Grabbing Marx by the arm, Sampson jerks him to his feet and boosts him up in a spinebuster position. However, Marx reacts on instinct, twisting to take Sampson down with an armbar. He immediately clubs at Sampson's back and wraps him up in a tight grounded octopus hold!]

DT: Octopus lock by Jonathan Marx! He reversed what looked to be a spinebuster from Sampson!

MN: Resilient, technically sound... and an ass. Well, at least he adapts.

DT: Sampson looks like he's fading! Marx is one of the most technically-sound competitors we have in Empire Pro Wrestling, and once he gets you in his clutches, it's hard to break free.

MN: As you can see.

DT: Hold on, Sampson's trying to edge closer to the ropes - NO, Marx rolls over and puts him in a bow-and-arrow lock!

MN: Oh, shoot.

DT: Sampson's back is being stretched here, but he's trying to break free!

MN: He's straining-

DT: He's out!

[Breaking free of the bow-and-arrow, Sampson rolls over onto his hands and knees - well, onto one hand. The other one's holding his back. Scowling, Marx comes to his feet and advances on Sampson. However, Marx finds himself eating boot polish as Sampson reacts on instinct, drilling him with a brutally stiff superkick!]

DT: THERE IT IS! The Show Stopper!

MN: Marx ate foot!

DT: Sampson's not covering!

[Taking a breath, Sampson reaches up with one hand and signals to the crowd, who roar in approval. With that, Sampson heaves Marx off the mat and into an inverted fireman's carry, dropping him on his head with an inverted Death Valley Driver!]

DT: HEADLINER!!! HEADLINER!!! SAMPSON'S FINISHING MOVE CONNECTS!!!

MN: HE DRILLED HIM!!!

DT: SAMPSON'S GOT THE COVER -

ONE -


TWO -



THREEEEEE!!!

[SFX: *DINGDINGDING* - Bell rings]

WINNER: “Mr. Main Event” Rob Sampson

DT: Sampson wins this one!!! What a great technical show these two put on!

MN: Damn right, I’d like to see these two go at it again sometime!

DT: I’d be all for it, that’s for sure!

 

[DBrunkGXW]

The Phone Call ​

[Cut to Paul Freeman’s office, where he sits talking on his cell phone. He listens to whomever’s on the opposite end of the line, then speaks.]

PF: Well, have you made a decision?

[Pauses.]

PF: Come on, I already told you the sum.

[Pauses.]

PF: Alright, alright… we’ll work it all out, I promise.

[Pauses.]

PF: We’d love to have you here, man. The show’s going over real well…

[Pauses.]

PF: Just have your people contact my people. I’d like to get a meeting arranged for sometime this week. We’re going to Pittsburgh for the next show, hope we can get together.

[Freeman notices the camera and stands up to shut the door. Cut back to Dave and Mike.]

DT: Freeman seems to be in negotiations with someone!

MN: Wonder who it is? Better be worth the trouble, that’s all I gotta’ say.

DT: I’m sure it is, Mike. Alright, on to our next matchup!!

Christian Sands vs. Rocko Daymon​

DT: Man, what a war of words these two have shared this week!

MN: You got that right, and I’m sure it’s just the beginning!

DT: Either one of these individuals could easily become top man in this company, I’m really interested in seeing this one, Mike!

MN: Bring Caitlyn Daymon on down, she’s a little hottie…

DT: That’s Rocko’s wife you’re talking about, Mike!

MN: Hey, I can respect marriages…

DT: Yeah, right…

MN: I said I respect them… didn’t say I would HONOR them.

["Capricorn" by 30 Seconds to Mars plays over the PA system. Into an entourage of red lights, Rocko Daymon steps out of the curtain. He is followed by his manager and wife, Caitlyn Daymon. The two stand for several moments at the top of the ramp, gazing over the mass audience as their entrance is hailed. Finally, after sharing a glance to look into each others eyes, the Daymons stride down the ramp to the ring.]

[When they arrive, Daymon slides under the bottom rope and comes onto his knees. Caitlyn Daymon stays at ringside, finding her place. Rocko looks at the mat for several moments, thinking about his performance and the importance of the match about to take place. Then, casting all thought aside, he pushes himself to his feet and goes into his corner, ready for action.]

MN: Man, Rocko looks FIRED UP.

DT: He wants a piece of Sands, a BIG piece.

MN: Well he’s about to get it…

[The haunting strains of "Dark Machine" by Paul Oakenfold cue up, and the lights in the arena go out; the Empiratron lights up with an image of Christian Sands gazing down from a distance, his face illuminated as if by car headlights through a window. After the first fourteen seconds of the song, a red strobelight kicks in. Smoke machines begin blowing a drifting mist horizontally across the ramp as Christian Sands emerges, striding down the ramp with the mist curling about his feet. He vaults into the ring over the top rope and stretches his arms briefly before boosting himself up to a turnbuckle, seating himself there facing inward towards. Daymon.]

DT: Oh man, I can feel the vibes comin’ off of this one.

MN: Hell yeah, you see that skirt she’s wearin??

DT: Not Caitlyn, The matchup!

MN: Oh, there’s one of those going on? Right…. You just call it brother.

DT: Fine… I will…

[Daymon comes firing on all cylinders at Sands, and both men lock up. They struggle for a few moments, each trying to gain the upper hand. Finally, Daymon forces Sands to his knees, but Christian uses the opportunity to sweep his legs out from under him. When he does this, Daymon immediately rolls back and stands to his feet once more. Sands gets up to meet him, and is taken over with a quick armdrag takeover.]

DT: Some fast paced action by both these guys…

MN: …..

[Sands is immediately back up, and comes rushing at Daymon. Rocko uses his own momentum against him and sends him flying backwards with a T-Bone suplex. The fans cheer heavily for Daymon’s move, and Christian hits the mat hard. He gets to his feet, and walks around to gather his thoughts. Christian grabs a hold of one of the ropes, stretching out a little more before continuing, and Daymon looks on in anticipation.]

DT: Sands might be playing some mind games with Daymon here…

MN: ….

[Sands goes back in and the two immediately tie up once more. This time Sands executes a go behind, then he tosses Daymon backwards with a high angle german suplex. The fans react as Daymon’s head smashes against the mat. Sands gets up and smirks, shaking his hands and getting warmed up. Daymon eventually makes it back up to his feet and smirks back Sands, rushing at him once more. Daymon comes flying in with a spear, but Sands sidesteps it to cause Rocko to slam into the ringpost. Sands then grabs one of Daymon’s legs and pulls him backwards for a pinning attempt. The ref counts. 1….2…. kickout by Daymon.]

DT: Ouch, Daymon hit that post hard! He’s lucky he didn’t get busted open on that one.

MN: ….

DT: Mike, are you going to say anything?

MN: No talk… just look.

DT: [Sigh.] Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for my partner’s actions…

[After Daymon kicks out, Sands is quick to approach his legs for some submission maneuver. Daymon kicks Christian with all his might, sending him straight to the mat. Both men get up at the same time, and Daymon lays into Christian’s face with a few hard rights. Rocko then sends Christian to the far ropes, and when he returns he nails him with a tilt a whirl backbreaker, much to the fans’ liking. Instead of going for a pin, Daymon immediately slaps on a texas cloverleaf. He pulls back as hard as he can, putting as much pressure as he can on Sands’ back.]

DT: Cloverleaf by Daymon here, Sands is in some serious pain!

MN: You think if Rocko dies, I got a chance with Caitlyn?

DT: Mike! That’s horrible, man!

MN: Well… he IS kinda’ beat up…

[After a minute in the hold, Sands refuses to give in, and Daymon is forced to release it. He lifts Christian back up to his feet, sending him to the ropes and performing a strong clothesline to knock him down once more. Daymon then looks towards Caitlyn, wiping the sweat from his brow. She claps for him, then he continues on his assault. As he walks over to pick up Sands, he is hit with a rising chop by Sands. The fans scream “WHOOOO”. Then another. “WHOOO” Then another. Sands repeats the process a few more times, until Daymon’s chest is beet red.]

DT: Wow, vicious chops by Sands!

[Daymon tries to retaliate with a hard punch, but Sands ducks and grabs him around the waist. In one heave, Sands lifts Daymon up and over him with a high overhead belly to belly suplex that rocks the ring. The fans applaud the move, but Sands is relentless. He goes to the ropes, then comes firing back with a dropkick to Rocko’s face. ]

DT: Oh, kick to the teeth!!! That’s gotta hurt!

MN: You know, I have to go with Christian on this one…

DT: You’re just saying that because you want Caitlyn!

MN: So, what’s your point?

[Sands walks over and lifts Daymon up to his feet. He hoists him up in a fireman’s carry position, then drops him down into a neckbreaker. The fans “oooh” some more as Daymon holds the back of his head while Sands makes the cover. 1…2…kickout. Sands again lifts Daymon to his feet, and applies a hammerlock. Daymon reverses it though, and applies it himself. He then lifts Sands up and performs a back hammerlock suplex, dropping Christian right on his arm. The fans applaud for Rocko’s comeback.]

DT: Here comes Daymon again!

MN: Maaaaaaaaannnn….

[Daymon starts to stomp away at Christian’s face, then delivers one really strong boot to the back of his head. Christian gets up holding it, then walks right into kick to the midsection. Daymon hooks both arms, then delivers a picture perfect double arm DDT. The fans cheer for Rocko as he covers the fallen Sands. 1….2….kickout by Sands.]

DT: Near fall there! This one’s getting good!

MN: JUST QUIT DAYMON… YOU’RE WASHED UP.

DT: He could whip your butt, and probably will if he catches you looking at his wife that way.

MN: No way, Christian’s got my back!

DT: Uh huh.

[Frustrated, Daymon gets on top of Sands and starts to hammer away at his face. After a few lefts, a few rights, and a few more lefts, Sands is able to shove Daymon backwards off of him. Daymon doesn’t take no for an answer, however, and immediately rushes Sands with another tackle. He slams his head off of the mat a few times, then goes back to the solid punches.]

MN: Holy sh…

DT: … he’s beating the crap out of Sands!

MN: Hey… I’m just gonna try and not think about that girl over there, ok? Keep my mind off of it…

DT: Good to have you back, Mike.

MN: Uh huh… yeah…

[Daymon backs up off of Sands, letting him get to his feet, and makes a “come get some” kind of motion with both of his hands. Christian darts toward him with lightning speed, spearing him up, and then through the ropes to the outside. Both men go tumbling over the apron to the arena floor, where they exchange blows back and forth.]

DT: This rumble’s gone to the floor!

MN: Hell yeah! Beat the snot out of each other!

[Sands gets the upper hand and gets up off of Daymon. He runs over to the announcers’ table and grabs a folding chair.]

DT: Hey… you can’t do that! Put that back Sands!!

MN: Go for it kid!

[Sands smirks at Thomas and turns around to go after Daymon. The referee is on the floor by this time, and starts to wrestle the chair away from Sands. Christian won’t give it up though. However, when Rocko comes into the picture, Sands lets go of the chair immediately and it flies back to smack the ref in the face, knocking him out cold.]

MN: REF BUMP!

DT: Our senior referee just got nailed in the face… BY HIMSELF!

MN: What a goober.

[Sands and Daymon continue to exchange punches until Daymon throws a kick in there and doubles Sands over. Throwing him between his legs, Daymon then pulls back and performs a jumping piledriver right on the chair that lays next to the unconscious ref. Sands’ head cracks off the steel hard, and Daymon rolls backwards to survey the damage.]

DT: Oh my god!! OH MY GOD!! Sands’ could have just broken his neck!

MN: Nevermind that… he’s never gonna’ get the chicks now with a busted up face like that! Look at him!

[The camera zooms in on Sands’ face, which is now bleeding profusely. Daymon grabs a nearby camera cable and begins to wrap it around Christian’s neck, choking him as hard as he can. The fans in the front row try to reach the two desperately, but the competitors are too focused to see anything else. After a moment or two of the choking, Sands is able to flip Daymon over him, down onto his back. Christian then gets up, grabbing the chair, looking in Daymon’s direction. As soon as Rocko stands up, Sands absolutely DRILLS Daymon with one of the most sickening chair shots ever heard or seen. A resounding CRACK echoes throughout the arena, and Daymon hits the floor like a ton of bricks.]

MN: YEAH!

DT: I can’t believe this, these two are mangling each other!!! Somebody get them back in the ring!

[Sands raises his arms, receiving boos from the Empire crowd. He attempts to revive the ref, then rolls him back into the ring. Christian then picks up Rocko and rolls him in as well, going for a cover.]

DT: Oh this has to be it… it’s over!

[The groggy referee makes a slow count. 1…. 2…..kickout by Daymon. The fans cheer tremendously.]

DT: Daymon kicks out!! Daymon kicks out!!

MN: Damn, now even HE’S busted open. This is so sweet!

[After Daymon kicks out, Sands goes back on the attack. He lifts Daymon up, quickly going for his patented cobra clutch bomb, but Daymon gets out of it, holding on to Sands’ wrist. He whips him hard to the furthest corner, then comes flying in back first, crushing Sands against the turnbuckles.]

DT: The Phantom Train! Daymon’s comin’ back!

MN: Damn, do these two ever quit?

[Daymon then grabs the staggering Sands and applies a standing headscissor. He hooks one of Sands’ arms and looks out to the audience.]

DT: This could be it!!! We’re gonna see the Brain Rocker Redux!!!

[As Daymon is about to hook Sands’ other arm, he is surprised to get a shot to the ribs. Sands backs his way out of the hold, then locks up with Daymon. He performs another go-behind, this time hooking Daymon’s wrists. With one flowing motion, he drops to the mat, hitting the Sand Blaster. The fans in the audience boo heavily as he goes for a cover on the bloodied Daymon.]

DT: Sand Blaster!!! SAND BLASTER!!! He’s got the cover….

[The ref counts. 1…. 2….kickout!!!! The fans are cheering at the top of their lungs. The referee motions for the timekeeper to ring the bell.]

DT: What the hell??? What’s going on?? That was a close count ladies and gentlemen, but I could have sworn Daymon kicked out!

MN: No way!!! Sands got the three!!! Even the ref knows that!!!

[The fans look confused, then immediately start to boo again. The timekeeper gets on the mic and is listening to the referee as he speaks.]

Timekeeper: Ladies and gentlemen… I’m being informed that Mr. Daymon’s shoulders were indeed on the mat for the pinfall! Your winner… CHRISTIIIAAAAAAAAAAAN SSSSSSSSAAAAAAAAAANDS!

[Just as this is said, another referee comes running out from the back to dispute the claim. He starts to talk to the other ref and the timekeeper…

Timekeeper: Ladies and gentlemen… I’m being told that Mr. Daymon’s shoulders were NOT… [fans start cheering wildly] on the mat when the referee made his three count, therefore, this match must continue!!!

DT: Oh my god, what an emotional rollercoaster!!! I can’t believe this.

MN: I’ve never seen anything like it, that’s for sure.

[Just as the referees finish talking to the timekeeper, Daymon walks over to the ropes to see what’s going on. As he does so, Sands comes up behind him and completely blindsides him with yet another Cobra Clutch Bomb. Daymon hits the mat hard, and this time, Sands is sure to hook the leg. One of the referees immediately comes racing in to count the pin. 1….2….3!!!!]

DT: WHAT A SNEAK!!! DID YOU SEE THAT?!?!?!

MN: AHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

DT: Did he just do what I think he did???

MN: The man is a genius!

[The fans boo heavily as Sands slides out of the ring, quickly walking to the back. Both of the referees look at each other in disbelief, but ultimately the decision is given to Sands.]

WINNER: CHRISTIAN SANDS

DT: That’s an outrage… Daymon kicked out in the first place! There never should have been any controversy!!

MN: He did not!!! And besides, Sands got the final pin and the last laugh!!!

[The audience mills around in a state of awe and confusion as a disgruntled Caitlyn Daymon tries to talk to the referees. The Daymons then head to the back, followed by the referees who are still arguing.]

MAIN EVENT: "Ego Buster" Dan Ryan vs Beast ​

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???

 

[DBrunkGXW]

[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.]