Aggression 2 - Pittsburgh, PA - 2/1/04

[DBrunkGXW]

Live from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA [Fade in from black. The sounds of "Clubbed to Death" by Rob Dougan cue up as a video montage of Pittsburgh, PA is played. Shots roll through of the three rivers, the steel mills that are still operating, and blue collar workers of all sort putting in their fair share. A man with a deep voice speaks over the vignette.]

V/O: Without effort, there is no reward. Without pain, there is no gain. Tonight, several men make their way towards the highest honor wrestling has to offer… the World Heavyweight Championship. TONIGHT… Pittsburgh, PA gets a dose of EMPIRE… PRO… WRESTLING.

[Just as the voice over finishes, the screen goes to black and "Clubbed to Death" 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 unknown 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.

[Fade in from the vignette to a shot of the newly designed David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. Thousands upon thousands stand on their feet as fireworks shoot off from the Empire set. The theme song continues to blare over the system as the cameras pan across the audience. Signs are spotted everywhere, some of them read: “Dan Ryan Will Eat You”, “Rob Sampson: Next World Champ”, “Pittsburgh loves TROY DOUGLAS”, and others…]

DT: Welcome… to Empire Pro Aggression!!!

[The cameras cut to Dave Thomas and Mike Neely, who are seated at their familiar commentators’ table, smiling and joking with some of the nearest fans.]

MN: (adjusting headset) Whoah nelly is it going to be a good one tonight!

DT: Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got tons of great matches scheduled here, the majority of which include first round bouts in the World Title tournament!!! That’s right folks, it all starts here in Pittsburgh!! Now our…

MN: Wait, Dave, I’ve got somethin’ goin’ on in the back…

DAN MEETS PAUL ​

[Cut backstage inside a dressing room. The camera pans over to show 'The Ego Buster' Dan Ryan shuffling through some belongings. There's a knock on the door, but Ryan doesn't react....

Another knock....

Another....

Finally the door simply opens, revealing the knocker to be Empire Pro CEO Paul Freeman.]
Freeman: "Is there any reason why you didn't answer the door?"

Ryan: [Not looking up] "Nope."

Freeman: "Ok. Let's try another one. What's this I hear about you saying you might not compete tonight? And defacing an Empire Pro banner during a promo to boot?"

Ryan: [Walking to within inches of Freeman] "First of all....don't barge into my dressing room unannounced. Secondly, I'll do.....whatever I feel like doing....when I feel like doing it. And as far as tonight's match goes, as soon as you make some changes in the way you plan on conducting this....tournament....I'll be happy to raise the star power in this place by ten fold by competing in it."

Freeman: [Taking a step back with a sigh] "Look, when our owner hired me for this position he made it clear that you....along with the others on our roster.....would be willing to be a part of this thing from the ground up. He said you expressed interest in making a clean start with a new company. I wasn't expecting any demands from you....not to this extent. Truthfully Dan...I'm as accomadating as I can be most times....but I'm afraid I'm gonna have to order you to wrestle this match tonight. We can deal with your issues at another time."

Ryan: [Smiling] "I don't think you understand...."

Freeman: [Getting angry, moving closer to Ryan] "No, I don't think YOU understand. You'll be in that match tonight....like it or not."

Ryan: [chuckling] "Or what?? You'll fire me? Gimme a break...."

Freeman: "I don't care who you think you are, Ryan.....get in the ring.....or you're outta here."

[Ryan eyes Freeman warily for a moment or two, then abruptly picks up his bags...]

Ryan: "Then I guess I'm outta here."

[Freeman's face briefly registers shock, as Dan Ryan slings his bag over his shoulder and walks out the door.]

[Cut back to Dave and Mike, who are looking at each other in complete shock. The fans are booing heavily.]

DT: Did that…


MN: DAN RYAN JUST QUIT?!?!

DT: What’s going on here? Dan Ryan’s scheduled for a match tonight against Adam Benjamin and Rocko Daymon!

MN: Ryan’s been actin’ really weird lately… I just don’t get it. Now he says he’s quitting? What the hell?

DT: Your guess is as good as mine, Mike. Wow, that’s incredibly shocking news… I don’t even know what to say.

MN: Just get to the first matchup, Thomas, we can’t just stop the show.

(Editor's Note - Covert Ops vs. The Assassins lost due to old website formatting issues)

 

[DBrunkGXW]

FREEMAN BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ​

[Cut to backstage as an Empire Pro crew member stands with Paul Freeman, CEO of Empire Pro Wrestling.]

Interviewer: "Mr. Freeman, we understand that you're on your way to the ring to present to the world the person who put up the money that made Empire Pro possible. Can you give us any hints as to who this person might be?"

Freeman: "As a matter of fact, I couldn't if I wanted to. The entire process of hire that led to my being made CEO of the company was done through agents and lawyers and in fact, I haven't yet met the man face to face. So I couldn't give you his name....hell, I couldn't pick the guy out of a lineup."

Interviewer: "You have no idea who it might be?"

Freeman: "None whatsoever. Now, I'm gonna have to cut this short. It's time for me to get out to the ring."

[Freeman exits screen right]

Interviewer: "Back to you, Dave!"

[The camera cuts back to Dave Thomas and Mike Neely who are shuffling through their papers. Dave looks up and addresses the camera.]

DT: Well ladies and gentlemen, apparently Paul Freeman is coming out here to tell us who, in fact, pays our checks!

MN: I have my own thoughts and theories on this…

DT: Well let’s here ‘em Mike…

MN: Some sources are saying it could be Ed Brown. Others are saying it might be Dupree or Merritt. I have no idea… but I know it’s going to be something big.

SURPRISE SURPRISE ​

[The Empire Pro Wrestling logo flashes rapidly on the screen to hard driving guitar riffs trumpeting the arrival of Empie Pro Wrestling's CEO, Paul Freeman.]

[SFX: Crowd pop]

[Freeman smiles and slaps hands with fans as he walks down the ramp and climbs the steps into the ring. A ring attendant hands him a microphone which he raises to speak into as the music dies down.]

Freeman: "Welcome to Empire Pro Wrestling!!!"

[SFX: Crowd pop]

Freeman: "I hope you're all enjoying the night so far. Before we get started, it's only fair to get something out into the open. 'The Ego Buster' Dan Ryan will not be performing tonight....."

[SFX: Loud boos]

Freeman: "We're trying to work out some details with his contract. Don't worry, you'll still get Rocko Daymon and Adam Benjamin in it's entirety....and I'm absolutely positive that you'll get one hell of a match from those two."

[SFX: Mixed cheers and boos]

Freeman: "However, on to brighter affairs. I have the distinct pleasure of introducing to you...the man who made this all poss....."

[Freeman is interrupted by the opening riffs of "Zero" by Smashing Pumpkins]

[CUT TO: Paul Freeman in the ring, his eyebrows furrowed in annoyance.]

[CUT TO: 'Ego Buster' flashes across the screen in rapid contrasting black and white. CUT TO: Dan Ryan gorrilla presses Kevin Powers from inside the ring to the floor below. CUT TO: The word "YOU" flashes on the screen. CUT TO: Dan Ryan throws 'Living Legend' Mark Windham from the second level of Key Arena down to the first level. CUT TO: the word "ARE". CUT TO: Dan Ryan clotheslines 'Cocky' Craig Miles, nearly taking his head off. CUT TO: the word "BUSTED" CUT TO: rapid shots of Dan Ryan pulverizing opponents with the Humility Bomb, a last ride power bomb landing high angle on the neck.]

[Ryan steps out onto the stage in street clothes, to a loud reaction and raises his arms high....eyes fixed on Freeman.]

[As the music continues, Ryan makes his way to the ring never taking his gaze from Freeman....and rolls under the bottom rope. Ryan steps to within a foot of Freeman and sticks a hand out to the side. A ring worker slides in the ring and hurriedly hands him a microphone. Ryan smiles and turns, pacing around the ring in front of Freeman.]

Ryan: "Where's this owner of yours, Freeman?"

Freeman: "Actually Dan...."

Ryan: "Shut up. The question was rhetorical. As a matter of fact, Paul....I think the fans out here deserve to know the truth of the situation."

[Freeman makes a "what are you talking about?" motion]

Ryan: "Oh yeah....oh yeah, you know what I'm talking about. You know. You know damn well that you're tryin' to play mind games with me runnin' these ridiculous three way dances in what goes for a World Title tournament around here....you know that you're tryin' to stack the odds against the only man these fans even give a damn about seeing."

Freeman: "Look Dan, this is not the time or place for this discussion. The owner is gonna be out here any moment and...."

Ryan: "Great. Perfect. That's perfect. Get the man out here. He needs to hear this too. I'm sure he'd like to know he's got an incompetent jackoff running his company into the ground in two shows or less. Get him out here!"

Freeman: [Losing his cool] "You know what?! Screw it!! I don't care who you are!! You're not ruining this for me!! Security, get this man out of my ring!! Ryan, you're FIRED!!!"

[SFX: Crowd pops huge]

[Security surrounds the ring and begins to climb in, approaching Ryan....who smiles.]

Ryan: "Well....there's only one problem with that, slick."

[Freeman glares at Ryan]

Ryan: "...You don't have the authority to fire me."

Freeman: [Annoyed even more, if that's possible.] "IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED....I RUN THIS SHOW.....I RUN THIS COMPANY.....AND IF I SAY YOU'RE FIRED....YOU'RE FIRED!!!"

[Crowd pops again]

[The security personnel begin to approach Ryan once more, but Ryan holds up a hand.]

Ryan: "You might wanna rethink that decision, Paul.....are you sure you have the authority to fire me?"

Freeman: [At his wits end] "As a matter of fact, Dan....with the exception of the owner of this company....I have the right to fire whomever I choose...so for the last....time...."

Ryan: [leaning in as if he didn't hear] "I'm sorry...except for who??"

Freeman: "Except for the...."

[Freeman stops short...]

Freeman: "...the owner..."

Ryan: 'Yeah....the owner."

[Freeman looks like someone just kicked his dog as the arena gasps in shock.]

Ryan: "You know, Paul. When I laid down the money to hire you....your agents never mentioned how uptight you are."

[Freeman stands dumbfounded, unable to speak.]

Ryan: "What's wrong, Paul?"

[Ryan puts an arm around Freeman as the CEO just looks straight ahead.]

Ryan: [Snapping a finger] "Oh, I get it. You're worried about your job. I'm not gonna fire you, Paul. You see, I was just having a bit of fun with ya. You do realize of course that I can't go around putting myself into position to carry my own World Title don't you? I mean, what sort of owner would push himself in the ring?"

[Ryan smiles and continues once again pacing around the ring]

Ryan: "And of course, I could go pin Beast and hurt the marketing potential of one of my brightest stars. I mean hell....if I go ahead and beat the kid....there's one of my possible future champions....poof!....humiliated right off the bat. Now what self-respecting fan would cheer for him at that point?? Losing to a pencil pusher??"

[Smirk...]

Ryan: "And of course, I have the utmost confidence in the ability of Rocko Daymon and of Adam Benjamin of putting on one hell of a show tonight. In fact....I understand Beast was planning on being at ringside during that match to have a looksee at me in action. Well, I'm afraid I can't oblige him in providing him a free moment in scouting but I'd like him to go ahead and do the commentary anyway. After all, he's oh so entertaining.....you know me...anything to pop a buyrate."

[Ryan comes to a stop in front of Freeman and reaches out to put a hand on Freeman's shoulder.]

Ryan: "But Paul, I'm afraid I can't let your tone with me earlier tonight go unpunished. I'm gonna let you keep your job. In lieu of firing you, I'm gonna give you a taste of what type of pressure we competitors go through on a night to night basis. So next week, you're gonna have a match."

[Freeman seems to 'snap out of it' and focuses on Ryan for the first time, mouthing the word "me?"]

Ryan: "I'm gonna scrounge you up an opponent and you're gonna make your in-ring debut, live next week! But for now...I have business to attend to....and so I must bid you, Paul...." [Ryan motions to the crowd] "And all the fans of Empire Pro Wrestling.....farewell....."

["Zero" by Smashing Pumpkins starts back up as Ryan exits the ring and begins his way back up the ramp, glancing over his shoulder one last time as he goes through the curtain. CUT TO: Freeman in the ring looking angrier and angrier. FADE to commercial.]

Rob Sampson vs. Suicide vs. Tommy Mayhem ​

(Editor's Note - more formatting issues - <sigh>)

 

[DBrunkGXW]

SAMPSON VS. SUICIDE VS. MAYHEM CONT. (Joined in Progress)​

DT: OH! What a piledriver by Suicide and Sampson!

MN: That’s SUICIDE driver, Dave.

DT: Right.

[Sampson comes firing in with some hard chops to Suicide’s chest. The fans scream whooo as each one connects, and a sickening set of SMACKS is heard echoing throughout the building. Suicide is forced against the ropes, where Sampson then performs a hard clothesline to put him over the top rope. Suicide spills out to the floor, and Sampson immediately puts his attention towards Mayhem. Rob goes over and lifts Mayhem to his feet, locking him up with a double underhook. He then turns the move into a backbreaker, which causes Mayhem to scream out in pain. Sampson makes a cover. 1….2….kickout by Mayhem.]

MN: You know, I’m not really sure if Mayhem can take much more of this abuse.

DT: He’s definitely in a world of pain right about now, Mike.

[Sampson gets to his feet and firmly drops a leg across Mayhem’s throat. He repeats the process one more time, and goes for a third. Suddenly, Sampson sees something out of the corner of his eye, and turns around to realize that Suicide is on the apron. Rob runs full steam at the ropes where Suicide awaits, but he is quickly sent over the top rope as Suicide pulls it down. Sampson goes flying to the floor and Suicide uses the opportunity to mount an offense. He slings himself up to the second rope, bouncing off with an asai moonsault that connects squarely with Sampson on the outside. The fans in the arena start to chant EPW… EPW… EPW.]

DT: What a move by Suicide!!! Did you see that Mike?

MN: You’re damn right I did… Suicide’s gonna’ end up wreckin’ himself one of these days if he isn’t careful.

DT: Well his name IS Suicide, Mike.

MN: Thanks for stating the obvious, DAVE.

[Mayhem is slowly recovering inside the ring, holding his ribs as Suicide and Sampson begin to duke it out on the outside. Suicide slams his fist into Sampson’s face, only to receive one as well. The two trade blows back and forth, until finally Suicide comes out on top. He whips Sampson straight into the nearest set of steps, causing them to break apart. The fans cheer wildly as Suicide then starts to lay some kicks into the side of Sampson’s head. Suicide picks Sampson up and tosses him back into the ring, quickly following him.]

DT: Suicide is really taking it to Sampson here!

MN: What’d you expect him to do?

[Mayhem decides to stomp a few kicks into Sampson’s backside as Suicide follows him in. Both Suicide and Mayhem then toss Sampson to the ropes, and upon his return, they perform a double clothesline that sends Mr. Main Event straight to the mat. Mayhem throws his hands in the air to acknowledge the crowd, but in that split second, Suicide uses it to his advantage. He hoists Mayhem up and performs a wicked Burning Hammer that ignites the crowd. The fans start to go insane, but as Suicide is about to make the cover on Mayhem, Sampson uses all of his energy to perform a shining wizard. Suicide stumbles backwards and Sampson dumps him through the ropes. Sampson then pounces on the fallen Mayhem, going for a pin. 1…..2….3!!!]

DT: And Sampson just stole the pin from Suicide!!!

MN: HA! Bottom line is, Mayhem’s eliminated from the tourney!

DT: Wait, what’s going on?

[As “Biggest and the Best” plays through on the sound system, Sampson’s hand is raised by the ref. Suicide slowly gets up off the floor and slides in under the bottom rope, slowly getting in Sampson’s face. Sampson drops his hands and looks into the eyes of Suicide, neither man flinching or budging one inch. After a few seconds, the whole while the crowd cheering insanely, Suicide extends his hand. Sampson looks around and eventually extends his, and the two men shake in a show of sportsmanship. Suicide then turns his back and exits the ring as Sampson celebrates.]

WINNERS: Rob Sampson and Suicide

DT: Wow, Suicide and Sampson completely dominated Mayhem in that matchup… looks like Tommy has to throw his hat into the IC title race.

MN: Could you elaborate on that, Davey?

DT: Well, the losers of the three way matches will automatically be entered into two fatal four way matches. The winners of those matches will face each other at Black Dawn to determine the Intercontinental Champion.

MN: Sounds good, chief.

DT: Ok guys, I’m being told we have something from the back…

DAYMON PREPARES ​

[Fade backstage, outside the door of a dressing room with a nameplate that simply reads "DAYMON". The door opens, and Rocko Daymon, geared in his cut-off jeans, pads, and boots, steps out, looking prepared to wrestle. In his hand, he carries a gym bag. Following him is his wife and manager, Caitlyn Daymon. The camera tracks backward for a few moments, following their movement. Suddenly, they are stopped by Empire Pro's premiere backstage reporter, Kenny Lombardo, who eager approaches them while holding a mic.]

KL: Hey, Rocko Daymon! I'm Kenny Lombardo... the backstage reporter.

[Without saying anything, Rocko shakes his hand, welcoming the introduction. He looks over his shoulder to his wife.]

RD: You go on ahead.

[She nods, and he hands her the gym bag. As she moves on down the hallway, Rocko puts his attention back on the reporter.]

RD: Anything I can help you with?

KL: Well, any words before your match later tonight?

RD: Why not? What do you want me to say?

KL: How about last week, against Christian Sands? I mean, it was pretty obvious that you got cheated...

RD: Well, yeah... you could say it that way. But still, I lost, and that's life, Kenny. But what goes around comes around.
KL: So, tonight... you, against Adam Benjamin and Dan Ryan. That's some tough competition you've got there. Think you can handle it?

RD: I can handle it. Against either of these guys one on one, I'd have quite a challenge on my hands. But put the two of them together, and I think my chances are better. I've been training at my local gym for the past week, going against many sparring opponents in the ring. Mostly, the guys who are mat technicians or powerhouses. And after a week of getting a feel for the wrestling styles of Adam Benjamin and Dan Ryan, I would say I'm prepared.

KL: I see. Is there any kind of strategy you plan to take with you into the ring?

RD: Not really. It's mostly wait, watch, and react for me. I'm gunning to elimate Benjamin early on in this tournament, because I know if he ever had an opportunity to get further, he would take it. If I oust him in the first round, I won't have to deal with him later. But, there's always the possibility that Ryan and Benjamin might team up to go after me. If it comes to that, then I will keep on my toes, and defend myself as well as I can. However, I don't intend to be eliminated from this tournament simply because either of my opponents choose it to be that way.

KL: It seems as though elimination this early in the tournament would put a damper on your start in Empire Pro, what with last week's defeat.

RD: Yeah... you couldn't be more right. Fact is, I'm tired of losing. I'm going to do everything I can to survive this first round, and move on. I'm not in this match simply for the title, or the bragging rights... I'm here to win. A simple victory would mean a lot to me... it could be the point where things turn around for me. With that said, no matter what Dan Ryan or Adam Benjamin plan to bring, I'm bringing something more... I aim for victory.

KL: Well, good luck to you tonight, Rocko. And thanks for spending some time with me.

[Kenny turns back to the camera.]

KL: This is Kenny Lombardo, going back to you guys by ringside!

[Fade to Dave Thomas and Mike Neely at commentary.]

DT: Wow, I don’t think Rocko knows Ryan isn’t wrestling here tonight! I wouldn’t want to be the one to tell him.

MN: I bet you he’s as giddy as a school girl, man. Would YOU want to face Dan Ryan if you didn’t have to?

Karl Brown vs. Christian Sands vs. Jonathan Marx​

DT: Well ladies and gents, up next is probably one of the most anticipated matchups of the evening…

MN: That’s right, we’ve got Christian Sands taking on Jonathan Marx and Karl Brown. All three men were quite vocal this past week, let’s see how they do in between the ropes.

[The arena is bathed in darkness seconds before "Rainmaker" blares out, causing a cascade of green and white lights to flicker across the arena in time to the music and pyro to explode from the side of the stage. With the first words, Karl Brown steps through the curtains, looking around at the crowd. He high-fives fans either side of the aisle, stopping for autographs along the way, as he walks to the ring. Circles the ring once, then vaults over the top rope, standing on the second rope, arms aloft, saluting the fans on each side of the ring, before waiting in the centre of the ring for his opponent.]

MN: Karl Brown’s made his way down to ringside…

DT: He’s got great talent, Mike.

MN: Yeah but is he talented enough to stay alive against Marx AND Sands?

DT: We’ll see…

["Only Happy When It Rains" by Garbage cues up and Marx walks his way out from the back. He eyes up Brown, who is waiting casually in a corner of the ring, but the two do not engage each other.]

DT: Marx is a great technician, he could go far in ANY tournament.

MN: Yeah, but he’s also a di…

DT: FAMILY SHOW…

MN: … distinguished gentleman.

DT: Good call Mike.

[The haunting strains of "Dark Machine" by Paul Oakenfold cue up, and the lights in the arena go out; the GlobalTron 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 to await his opponent.]

MN: Damn, Christian Sands is NOT a man I would want to mess with.

DT: He’s being picked by many to go incredibly far in this tournament, if not win it all.

MN: THAT remains to be seen.

[Just as Christian’s music dies out, the bell rings and all three men start to circle each other. Sands looks over to Brown, then makes a motion towards Marx. Brown nods, and the two men lock arms, as if going for a double clothesline on a surprised Marx. However, Sands instantly pulls Brown back towards him and nails him with a short arm clothesline. The fans boo heavily for Sands’ sneakiness, but he looks out to them, brushing off his shoulder. He smirks slightly, and waits for Brown to get to his feet. Karl gets up holding his back and Marx is quick to use the opportunity to his advantage. Brown turns around just in time to catch a dropkick to his face. As he hits the mat hard, Sands and Marx each grab one of his legs, performing a devastating wish bone. The fans boo heavily.]

DT: Ouch, and Karl Brown isn’t doing to well in the early goings…

MN: That’s because he’s in the ring with two of the better technical wrestlers in our business.

DT: That’s an excellent point, Mike… but Brown is no slouch in that department either.

MN: Yeah, but right now, I don’t think he can argue with me.

[Sands backs off, letting Marx drop an elbow hard into the inside of Brown’s thigh. Karl holds his leg, but Marx performs the move once again.]

DT: Marx is opting for the legs here, Mike.

MN: He knows how to work them… that’s for sure.

[Sands makes a motion that he wants some of Brown, and Marx is much obliged to let him join the melee. As Marx holds off, he turns his back for a second, thinking that Sands is going straight for Brown. When he does this, Sands rushes up behind him and tosses him back with a release german suplex. Some fans in the crowd laugh as Sands gets up smirking, but most of the crowd is booing his heelish actions.]

DT: Sands is playing a dangerous game.

MN: He’s walkin’ that razor’s edge, Davey. But then again, that’s often the best way to go!

[Brown is up by this point, and approaches the smirking Sands from behind. He grabs Christian’s hand, attempting to swing him around. When Sands turns, he immediately goes for a clothesline. Brown ducks, using this to set up a quick T-Bone suplex. Sands bounces off the mat and Brown is quick to pursue.]

DT: Brown on the offensive here.

MN: Sands is such a smartass, this might just come back to haunt him.

[Brown is quick to grab Sands around the waist, where he promptly sends him over backwards in a release german suplex of his own. The fans erupt for Brown’s efforts.]

DT: Brown just tossed Sands halfway across the ring!

[As Sands comes crashing down next to Marx, he is immediately locked up in a figure four leg lock. The fans applaud the application of the move by Marx, and he cinches it in as hard as he can.]

DT: Marx applies a figure four! Brown and Marx are actually working together!

[Brown drops an elbow across Sands’ chest, then another. He is about to drop another one, when he suddenly dropkicks Marx in the face. The impact of his boots against Marx’s face makes a sick smack. The fans applaud Brown’s move.]

MN: There ya’ go, two birds with one stone.

[Marx releases the hold and grabs his face in pain. As soon as he gets to his feet, he and Brown lock up. Brown takes Marx face first to the mat with a drop toe hold, then floats over into a side headlock. Sands is quick to join the fray, and applies a headlock to Brown as well. All three men are linked together in the center of the ring…]

DT: Headlock on Marx… no… on Brown!

MN: Triple whammy… hell yeah! Who wants noogies?

[Marx works his way up to his feet, then throws an elbow into Brown’s midsection. He fights off the hold, then bounces to the ropes. On his return, he performs a double ddt that takes down both Brown AND Sands. The fans applaud the move, and Marx is the first to his feet.]

DT: Great double ddt by Marx there.

MN: I’m likin’ the pace of this match, Davey.

[Brown rolls backwards as Sands rolls to the side, and Marx rises to his feet. Marx approaches Brown, laying into his chest with some well placed chops. Brown is worked back to the ropes, and Marx uses the opportunity to go for a tie up. He then performs a go behind, and segues that into an octopus hold. The fans applaud, but Sands isn’t phased by their appreciation. He bounces to the far ropes and comes flying in with a vicious spear to the rips of Karl Brown.]

DT: OHHH… spear by Sands!

MN: And Brown is on the mat after that one.

[Marx gets a pissed look on his face and immediately ties up with Sands. After a few moments of struggle, Sands comes out on top and executes a go behind. He goes for a chicken wing suplex, and bridges for the pin. The referee counts. 1….2…kickout by Marx.]

DT: I thought he had him on that one!

MN: That’s not a move you see everyday…

[After kicking out, Marx gets to his feet slowly. In an instant, he is immediately taken down with a hard armbar. Sands wrenches back as hard as he can, and Marx cries out in extreme pain. As he does this, a recovering Brown gets up and applies a dragon sleeper to Sands. This forces him to release the hold on Marx who is holding his shoulder weakly.]

DT: Brown’s got the dragon sleeper on Sands here!

MN: I don’t know how Sands is going to get out of this one.

[Marx backs up and decides to take a breather from the action, still slightly nursing his arm and shoulder. Brown continues to put pressure on with the dragon sleeper, and after a few moments, the ref checks Sands’ hand. It goes down once. Twice. On the third, Sands reaches up and holds it in the air. He starts to edge towards the nearest corner, which is not too far away.]

MN: Sands trying to break the hold…

[Instead of just getting to the ropes to force the break, Sands (still in the dragon sleeper), uses the turnbuckles to walk upwards, then flip over Brown. Stunned, Brown isn’t quick to turnaround, and Sands uses the few split seconds to grab him by the wrist and execute a cobra clutch bomb… also known as the Sandblaster. He goes for a cover. 1….2…. 3! But Brown’s foot was on the ropes before the referee’s hand hit the mat.]

 

[DBrunkGXW]

DT: Can you believe that??? What an excellent move by Sands!

MN: I’ve never seen anything like that…

[Marx sees his opportunity and walks over the downed men. He then seizes it by flipping the downed Brown over and applying a bow and arrow submission, which causes Brown to scream out in agony. Sands backs off slightly, assessing the situation. Then after a few moments, he starts to slowly climb the nearest set of turnbuckles.]

DT: What is Sands doing???

MN: He’s goin’ up top ya’ dope.

DT: I see that… but wha…

[Before Thomas can finish his sentence, Sands comes flying off backwards with a beautiful moonsault that connects solidly on Brown and Marx. The fans applaud Christian’s move, and he uses his last bit of energy to cover Marx. 1….2….kickout by Marx.]

DT: A MOONSAULT FROM SANDS!

MN: Damn, that boy can fly too? What CAN’T he do?

[All three men slowly get to their feet, but Sands and Brown are the first up. Brown comes charging towards Sands, and at the last second, he ducks, lifting Karl up onto his shoulders with a fireman’s carry. Brown struggles slightly, and Marx uses this to his advantage by kicking Sands’ legs out from under him, causing him to fall face first. Brown’s weight falls squarely across Sands’ back and head, almost like a vicious DDT. All three men lay motionless for a few seconds, but after a few chants from the crowd, they start to stir. Marx uses the ropes to pull himself up, and Brown is soon to follow. Sands scoots backwards, attempting to gather his thoughts. Brown and Marx tie up, and this time Marx performs the drop toe hold.]

DT: Who can tell where this one’s gonna go, Mikey?

MN: Don’t look at me, man.

[As Brown’s face smashes off the canvas, Marx sets him up and applies his patented STF. Brown starts to scream out in pain, and raises his hand in the air. He refuses to tap however, and this only forces Marx to apply the hold even harder. Some chants for Brown start up on the outside.]

MN: He’s got the stf locked on!!! It’s over for Brown baby!!!

[Sands looks over the situation, and just as we think Brown is about to tap, he breaks up the submission with a sharp kick to Marx’s ribs. Marx holds his side, then gets in Sands’ face.]

DT: You’ve gotta’ wonder why he did that, Mike…

MN: I’m guessing he wants Brown in the second round? I don’t know, he was so close to tapping out….

[While Marx is shoving Sands and yelling in his direction, Sands points behind Marx towards Brown. When Marx turns around, however, he sees that Karl is still laying in pain on the mat. With a surprised look on his face, he is quickly forced to the mat by a Sand Blaster at the hands of Sands. Christian then drops down on top of Marx and hooks the leg. 1….2….3!!! The fans boo at Sands’ tactics. Christian, however, smirks, then rolls out of the ring, pointing to his head.]

DT: Can you believe that?? Sands has got to be one of the slyest individuals this side of the Mississippi!

MN: He’s SMART, Thomas. Who would have thought the ol’ “hey look over there” tactic could be applied today?

[Brown rolls off of the apron, holding his neck, but smiling slightly as he walks to the back. The camera focuses on Marx’s face as he starts to regain his bearings. A look of frustration crosses his features, and his stare is soon directed straight to the entranceway, where Brown and Sands just left. Cut to commercial.]

WINNERS: CHRISTIAN SANDS AND KARL BROWN

Beast vs. Troy Douglas vs. Mike Diamond ​

[Fade in from commercial. 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.)

DT: This match could certainly be interesting. Beast has opened a lot of eyes already here in Empire.

MN: Isn't he one of the X-Men? Cyclops! Gambit! Jean Grey!

DT: Oh, you.

("Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin hits, and Troy Douglas just walks to the ring.)

MN: Ooh, what a spectacular entrance. Does this guy even have a personality, Burgerman?

DT: "Burgerman"?

MN: Oh, shut up and give me an Extra Value Meal.

DT: As if you need one.

MN: Wha - HEY! I resent that!

(“Diamond Is Forever” by Jay Z blasts over the PA system as out walks Mike Diamond to a chorus of boos... He stands on the entry way sucking it all in with a smile and then walks down to the ring. Diamond comes up to the apron and hops up on it and climbs through the ropes as he looks ready for action...)

MN: Bro, Diamond's packin' the Jigga.

DT: The what?

MN: You know. Jigga Man. Young HOVA.

DT: ...

MN: ...Jay-Z.

DT: Oh. Huh. Excuse me if I don't get into the "gangster rap" thing.

MN: You're so square, bro.

(SFX: *DINGDINGDING* - Bell rings.)

DT: Actually, I'm human-shaped, but we're under way here!

(The three competitors size each other up for a moment. Douglas and Beast exchange a long look... then lock hands and KILL Diamond with a double clothesline!)

DT: Oh, down goes Mike Diamond! Looks like Beast and Douglas see him as a weak link!

MN: Of course they do! He's the littlest dog in the fight!

(Diamond staggers to his feet, reeling; Douglas quickly moves in and hammers him with right hands before whipping him into Beast, who crashes Diamond down to the canvas with a rough powerslam. Bouncing off the canvas, Diamond rolls to a knee, only to eat a big boot from Douglas. Beast immediately capitalizes by picking Diamond up and slamming him to the mat with a flapjack.)

DT: Both Beast and Diamond seem to realize that they need only eliminate one man in this match in order for both of them to progress.

MN: And it looks like little Mikey's it!

(Stumbling to his feet, Diamond flops into a corner, where Douglas charges at him; however, Diamond gets a boot up to block. Or not - Douglas grabs the leg and pulls Diamond in by it, hurling him with a capture suplex. A waiting Beast picks Diamond up and chops him brutally, then lobs him across the ring with a harsh belly-to-belly suplex. Douglas quickly rolls over Diamond for a cover.)

DT: And there's a cover! One - two - NO, kickout!

MN: Diamond's still in this bad boy!

(Not deterred in the slightest, Douglas pulls Diamond up by the hair and hits a swinging neckbreaker, following up with a running powerslam as Beast reclines on the ropes and watches. Douglas lifts Diamond again and sets him up for a suplex, but Diamond floats through and pushes against Douglas' back, sending him stumbling forward to slam awkwardly into Beast! The two men fall back from each other, and Beast gives Douglas an angry look.)

DT: Uh-oh.

MN: Hah! Diamond turned the tables!

DT: I think Beast thinks Douglas did that intentionally!

(Douglas blinks and points at Diamond, but that doesn't stop Beast from decking him with a MONSTROUS clothesline! With a grunt, Beast brings Douglas up again; however, he spots Mike Diamond moving towards him and whips Douglas into him, sending both opponents tumbling to the mat in a heap. Beast then advances and pulls Diamond off the mat, dropping him on his neck with a high-angle back suplex!)

DT: OUCH! Devastating backdrop suplex from Beast!

MN: Man, Beast is a monster. X-Man or no, I wouldn't want to mess with THAT mothaf-

DT: FAMILY SHOW!

MN: -fluffy duckling!

(At this point, Diamond looks noticeably out of it. Seeing this, Beast picks him up again and shoves him into a corner, chopping him several times before dropping him on his neck with a hard vertical suplex. He quickly rolls over Diamond for the cover.)

DT: There's the cover by Beast - One - TWO - No, Diamond kicks out!

(Undaunted, Beast drags a limp Diamond to his feet and presses him into the air. However, Troy Douglas moves in at that moment and kicks Beast in the gut, causing him to drop Diamond on the mat awkwardly. Douglas hooks Beast up and delivers a stiff implant DDT, following up with a pair of elbow drops to keep him down.)

DT: Troy Douglas on the attack now, taking it to beast with the implant DDT!

MN: Looks like he's pretty fired up.

(Intensity flickers in Douglas' eyes as he elbow-drops Beast again, then moves in and lifts the limp Diamond into the air, hitting the press-slam Beast was looking for. Immediately, he picks Diamond up again and delivers the Broken Dream faceplant suplex!)

DT: BROKEN DREAM!!! THIS IS IT!!! COVER -

ONE -


TWO -


NO, BEAST BROKE UP THE COUNT!!!

MN: Why'd he do THAT? He would've advanced anyway!

(Both Beast and Douglas come to their feet and stare each other down. After a moment, Beast snorts and picks up Diamond, hooking him up and drilling him with the high-angle underhook piledriver known as the Absolution!)

DT: OH!!! THE ABSOLUTION CONNECTS!!! COVER BY BEAST -

ONE -


TWO -


DOUGLAS PULLED DIAMOND OUT FROM UNDER BEAST!!!

MN: Now what's HE thinking?!

(Again, Beast and Douglas stare at each other. Douglas then picks the utterly lifeless Diamond up and prepares for another Broken Dream, but Beast reaches over and clubs Douglas in the head, then throws him to the outside of the ring before hooking Diamond up and dropping him with another Absolution!)

DT: A SECOND ABSOLUTION, AND DIAMOND IS COMPLETELY DEAD!!! COVER BY BEAST -

ONE -


TWO -


THREEEE!!!

(A second too late, Douglas slides into the ring, only to watch Beast rise and wink at him.)

MN: Beast pulled it off!

DT: But it could've been either man! It came down to one-upsmanship, and Beast won out this time!

WINNER: Beast

Rocko Daymon vs. Adam Benjamin ​

DT: Folks, it has been one HELL of a night here on Empire Pro… and I’d just like to say that we’re very thankful you’ve chosen our broadcast on this evening!

MN: As usual, we’re going to do our best to finish this show up with a bang. Who better to do it than Rocko Daymon and Adam Benjamin? These two have been at each other’s throats all week!! This one could get ugly… incredibly ugly.

DT: To say the least!

(The house lights dim as the EmpireTron flickers to life. Revealed is a
figure wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled over his head, his
back to the viewer. On his back is the twisted symbol associated with the Daymon
legacy. The opening bass drone of "Capricorn (A Brand New Name)" by 30
Seconds to Mars fades in as words scroll upon the screen, reading "THE LEGEND LIVES ON.")

(Then, as the music kicks into it's grinding electric guitar riffs and
spacial effects, the stage becomes a livid display of red and white lights. A pyro
explodes before the entrance, sending smoke upward in the shape of a mushroom
cloud. After a few measures, Jared Leto's forlorn voice begins as the man of
the hour, Rocko Daymon, confidently strides out onto the stage, clad in his
black pads and boots and denim cutoff jeans. He is strapping on a pair of
fingerless gloves. A fraction of a second behind him follows his manager, Caitlyn
Daymon. The two stand at the top of the ramp for a moment, gazing over the mass of screaming fans around them, allowing their presence of sink in.)

"So I run, hide, tear myself up,
"Star again with a brand new name,
"And eyes that see into infinity."

(As the first verse begins, Rocko and Caitlyn make their way down the ramp at
an assertive pace. Rocko slaps the hands of many of the fans reaching out
over the barricade as his wife and manager patiently waits his every step. Upon
reaching ringside, Rocko turns to his wife, pecks her on the forehead, and
rolls into the ring. He comes to his feet, pacing from corner to corner like a
caged animal for a few moments. And when the initial adrenaline of the entrance
has eased, he quietly goes to his corner and sits down on his knees, putting
his mind into an intense state of focus.)

MN: AHAHAHAHA! The legend lives on... Pff! If Rocko's a legend, I'm Eli Flair.

DT: Well, if you're an SCW fan Rocko Daymon IS something of a legend - a former Superior Champion and holder of many other titles.

MN: You mean Gaymon, don't you? Caitlyn deserves so much better. She could sit on my co-

DT: -Family show!

MN: Copper Top Battery! Duracell! You can't top the Copper Top!

(Loose yourself by Emiem begins to blast as "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: Regardless of my colleague's potty-mouth, this match promises to be a spectacle! Adam Benjamin is one of the most technically sound young wrestlers on this roster, and Daymon's no slouch himself.

MN: Isn't Daymon a type of Digimon?

DT: Oh, cut it out.

MN: No way, man! I'm the only thing keeping people from falling asleep! What, you think they tune in to listen to YOU? "Oh... he hits a suplex... wow... exciting..."

DT: Now that's just rude.

(SFX: *DINGDINGDING* - Bell rings.)

 

[DBrunkGXW]

MN: Chow time! Hey Dave, gimme a burger and some Biggie-sized fries!

(Daymon and Benjamin circle for a moment, sizing each other up. Rocko takes the first move, looking to rush Benjamin with a big right hand, but Benjamin snaps him to the mat with a drop toe hold and swings around to Rocko's legs. Rocko attempts to kick him free, but Benjamin grabs both legs and swings them into the mat, smashing Rocko's knees off the canvas. As Rocko rolls over to try and get up, Benjamin begins kicking him in the right knee.)

DT: Benjamin going right to work here, singling out the leg of Rocko's.

MN: I wonder how many rhymes I can think of for the name Daymon.

(Bringing his left leg up, Rocko manages to kick Benjamin in the gut to shake him off. Benjamin falls back into the ropes and comes back with a running elbow, catching a rising Rocko across the back to bring him down again.)

DT: Ooh! Daymon was trying to get up just as Benjamin hit him!

MN: Faymon.

DT: No, his name's Daymon.

MN: Graymon.

(Not wasting a moment, Benjamin pulls Rocko up by the hair and delivers a few knife-edged chops, drawing boos from the crowd. From there, Benjamin delivers a few low kicks to Rocko's right knee before hooking the leg up for a dragon screw, but Rocko reaches out and clubs him in the head, stunning the young Englishman.)

DT: Rocko countering the dragon screw in a simple but effective manner!

MN: Maymon. Sounds like Mormon.

DT: Stop.

(Benjamin retaliates with a sharp chop, but Rocko just slugs him a few more times, knocking him to a knee. From there, Rocko pushes him to the canvas, lunging after him to straddle his chest and hammer him in the face with stiff right hands. He eventually rolls to his feet, bringing Benjamin up to hit him with a crisp neckbreaker.)

DT: Big neckbreaker from Rocko, taking Adam Benjamin down!

MN: What? No more CLUBBING BLOWS?

(Holding the back of his neck with one hand, Benjamin comes to his feet, but Rocko nonchalantly kicks him in the face to knock him down again. Immediately, Benjamin regains his footing, only to eat a few more rights from Daymon; however, Yours Truly remains standing this time.)

DT: Benjamin being hammered by those meaty fists of Daymon!

MN: I've got a meaty something for his woman. Mmm-mm, look at those buns. A perfect fit for my ballpark frank.

DT: Would you care to take a cold shower?

MN: Hell naw, man! I'd rather make more sex jokes about Caitlyn. Damn, what a booty!

(Scowling at Benjamin's resilience, Rocko throws a few more punches, slugging Benjamin down to one knee. From there he sets him up and slams him to the canvas with a rough DDT, rolling over for a pin.)

DT: There's the cover by Rocko! Could be it - No, only a 2 count!

MN: He's a two-second man. Not like me. As Caitlyn will soon be able to attest to. The Mikeinator can go ALLLLL NIGHT!!!

DT: ...That's just disturbing.

(Dragging Benjamin up by the hair, Daymon sets him up and takes him over with a hard snap suplex. As Benjamin reels on the mat, Rocko drops a leg across his neck, then punches him in the side of the head repeatedly. From there he picks Benjamin up and punches him again, then bounds off the ropes for a spear; however, Benjamin gets his foot up and SMOKES Rocko in the face with a kick on the rebound, sending him flipping awkwardly to the mat!)

DT: OH! Benjamin just kicked Rocko in the teeth, using his own momentum against him!

MN: Benjamin's my dogg, bro. He's got my back. Me and Benji, we're tight.

DT: Sure - oh dear, looks like the kick drew blood just above Rocko's left eyebrow!

(Indeed, a trickle of blood runs down the side of Rocko's face as he comes to his feet. He attempts to tackle Benjamin, but gets taken down by a swift leg clip. Benjamin immediately goes to work, dropping a pair of knees and an elbow across Rocko's right knee. He then drags Rocko towards the ropes, rests his right leg on the middle rope, then straddles the leg and jumps to drop his weight on the leg!)


DT: Benjamin diligently going to work on that leg of Rocko's! Sound strategy - if he can take the leg out he'll cripple Rocko's rush-brawling ability.

MN: Maybe if he can't walk his woman will dump him and find her way to my backseat.

(Pulling Rocko off the mat, Benjamin hooks him up by the leg and lifts him into the air, dropping him on his bad leg with a brutal shinbreaker; Rocko howls in pain at the impact and collapses. Benjamin, however, is relentless, dropping another elbow across Rocko's leg before picking him up and delivering the dragon screw he was looking for earlier.)

DT: Dragon screw takes Daymon to the mat as Benjamin takes full control of the match!

MN: Like I said, Benji's my dogg. He knows how to take care of biznass.

DT: He's certainly taking care of it now.

(Delivering a few more hard stomps to Rocko's knee, Benjamin drops a leg across it before slapping Rocko in a brutal side leg lock. Rocko yells out in pain as Benjamin cinches in the hold.)

DT: Benjamin's got the side leglock on Rocko in the center of the ring!

MN: Woot! Cripple him, Benj-Daddy!

DT: Rocko's in a dire predicament here! He's got to break the hold or make it to the ropes!

MN: Or he could tap out, which I'd find cool.

DT: He's trying to make it to the ropes, but Benjamin's not letting him! He's pulling him back!

MN: Good-

DT: Wait, Rocko trying something less subtle - he's got ahold of Benjamin's boot and he's BENDING it BACKWARDS as if to break Benjamin's toes! Benjamin breaks the hold!

MN: Now THAT'S a unique counter...

(Gritting his teeth, Benjamin grabs Rocko's leg and stops it again, then walks over and stomps on his hand, drawing a yell from the former Superior Champion. Immediately, Benjamin drops and hooks Rocko's legs, clamping him in a Sharpshooter!)

DT: Oh my, Benjamin's got the Sharpshooter locked in-

MN: RING THE BELL!!! RING THE BELL!!!

DT: Uh, Rocko hasn't tapped out yet.

MN: Ah, I know. I'm just messin' wit' ya. But he's gonna tap out, I think. Look at him squirm. Heh. Sucker.

DT: It's very possible that Rocko could tap here! Benjamin's got him locked in the Sharpshooter in the center of the ring!

MN: Aww, look at the baby trying to make the ropes.

DT: Rocko's trying to crawl to the bottom rope to break the hold!

MN: He's crawling towards Caitlyn. I would too.

DT: Benjamin pulling him back - NO, Rocko grabs Benjamin's leg with one hand and pulls it out! Benjamin takes a tumble and the hold is broken!

(Both men fall to the canvas, but are up by the count of four. Benjamin throws a stiff kick to Rocko's knee, dropping him to the other knee, but Daymon springs forward and spears Benjamin to the canvas, pounding at him with devastating punches! From there, Rocko comes to his feet and brings Benjamin with him, then drops him with a double-underhook DDT!)

DT: Double-arm DDT! Rocko's mounting a comeback here and these fans are solidly behind him!

MN: Losers! They oughta back my dogg A-Benj.

(Benjamin stumbles to his feet, holding his neck with his hands as he falls into a corner, where Rocko promptly flattens him with a running splash!)

DT: PHANTOM TRAIN BY ROCKO!!!

MN: Oh, he's the ghost of Thomas the Tank Engine!

(As Benjamin reels from the impact of the splash, Rocko yanks him out of the corner and sets him up double-underhook style; however, Benjamin pulls out Rocko's legs and rolls him up for a bridgepin!)

DT: BRAIN RO- BRIDGE!!! THIS IS HOW BENJAMIN BEAT ROCKO LAST TIME -

ONE -


TWO -


THREE!!!


...NO!!! DAYMON KICKED OUT!!!

MN: I guess you CAN teach a dumb dog new tricks.

DT: Rocko's not about to fall for the same move twice!

(The look on Benjamin's face betrays his surprise. He pulls Rocko to his feet, but gets snapped up by the former Superior Champion and absolutely DRILLED with a T-Bone suplex so vicious that it'd break a lesser man's neck! Benjamin bounces off the mat and begins to slowly regain his footing, but Rocko moves in and clobbers him with a jumping piledriver!)

DT: Rocko's on the attack! Trying to put Benjamin out of commission!

MN: To quote NBA Jam... HE'S ON FIRE!!!

(Taking Benjamin by the arm, Rocko whips him into the ropes and hits him with a running tackle, then throws him into a corner and smashes him with a Phantom Train! Signalling the roaring crowd, Rocko hooks Benjamin up and drills him with the Brain Rocker!)

DT: THERE IT IS!!! THE BRAIN ROCKER!!! THE COVER -

ONE -


TWO -




THREEEE!!! ROCKO DAYMON EVENS THE SCORE!!!

MN: BOO! HISS! I demand a recount!

(SFX: *DINGDINGDING* - Bell rings as Rocko raises his hands in victory.)

WINNER: Rocko Daymon

[As Rocko gets to his knees with a smile on his face, the referee raises his hand. After a few seconds of his music playing through, it is suddenly cut off by the voice of Paul Freeman.]

PF: Wait… please stop the music….

[Freeman appears from behind the curtain at the top of the ramp, holding a piece of paper in his hand. The cameras focus on his grim facial expression, then to Rocko’s, which is one of complete uncertainty.]

PF: I’m sorry everyone… I’m sorry for this intrusion, but this is quite important. With my “boss”…

[Freeman rolls his eyes.]

PF: … having left the building, I’ve decided to change things up a little bit. Seeing as how I think it’s incredibly unfair to the other competitors of this tournament that you receive an undeserved BYE next week, Rocko…

[The fans cheer at the suggestion. The cameras catch Daymon and Benjamin’s reaction.]

PF: … I’ve decided to make a minor adjustment. You see… there may be repercussions to my actions on this one, but I’ve got to do the right thing. Momma’ Freeman raised a fair and honest boy… and NOTHING has changed since then. Therefore, Mr. Daymon, you WILL have an opponent next week!

[The fans offer a mixed reaction to Freeman’s claim.]

PF: I don’t mean this as a detriment to your world title bid Rocko, but honestly, all of the other competitors are required to face an opponent next week, as they weren’t afforded the luxury of a drop-out THIS week. Just because Dan Ryan OWNS this place, it does NOT mean I will allow these type of things to go down! Benjamin, you will be entered into one of the Intercontinental fatal four ways, as was specified. Daymon… after searching for a suitable replacement, I’ve only come up with one man. On the next Aggression, Mr. Daymon… for a chance to go to the semi finals… you will face….


[The crowd grows silent in anticipation of Freeman’s words….]

PF: … MAELSTROM!!!

[The crowd ignites as the cameras lock on to Daymon’s face. He looks at Freeman with a stare of determination, his gaze never wandering. The two lock eyes, and the cameras go back to Freeman, who is mouthing the words “I’m sorry, Rocko…”]

DT: OH MY GOD!!! OH MY GOD!!! MAELSTROM!!! HERE IN EPW!!!

MN: I can’t believe it!!! You have got to be freakin’ kiddin’ me!!!

[Fade to black on Daymon, who is looking at the mat in thought. The fans in the arena are going insane at the news.]