Posted by EPIC Producers on Apr 19, 2020 23:22:33 GMT -5
We open to the sounds of a voice over as rapid fire pictures of the stars of EPIC flash on the screen.
Voice Over: 10 years ago Elite Performers in Combat was born and it took the wrestling world by storm.
Highlights show a much younger Robert Quinn in an EPIC ring 10 years ago surrounded by unknown wrestlers except for the very recognizable “Hungry” Jack Swanson.
Voice Over: Greed prevented EPIC from reaching the level that many predicted but six weeks ago it returned with even more momentum than the first time.
Clips of the first two CCW shows and the first six EPIC shows are played.
Voice Over: Tonight the battle lines have been drawn and champions will be crowned in this the new era of EPIC...WELCOME TO REBIRTH!
Ryan Shane vs. Graham Baker
The intro package moves immediately into the hotly contested opening match between Graham Baker and Ryan Shane, as Shane opens up on Baker with a knee lift to the skull followed up with a dropkick into the corner for a quick one-and-a-half count. Baker manages to pull himself back to his feet and duck a switch Lariat from Shane, before Shane puts the pressure back on Baker with another dropkick followed up by a double underhook suplex for a quick two-count. Baker tries to recover, but Shane goes for a slingshot suplex, causing the two men to go blow for blow. Baker and Shane trade big moves, with Baker countering another slingshot suplex out onto the apron before hitting Shane with a Brainbuster to the outside. He rolls Shane back in, but only gets a two. Shane, on the other hand, hits a big Air Shane followed up by a Someday Snap, but he only gets a close fall off of it.
Baker and Shane continue to trade harsh, stiff strikes in a match that appears to be growing more and more violent by the moment, until Baker goes for his 1789 Spinning Pumphandle Tombstone, but Shane manages to counter with a superkick followed up by a knee lift to the head. He shoves Baker back into the ref, who collapses, while he looks to set Baker up for the Shaning Wizard, but as he steps back, the lights in the arena go out…
...and when they come back up, three men in masks are surrounding the ring! They come up on the apron as Baker pulls himself up, and he and Shane go back to back, looking around themselves. The men pull their masks off, revealing Wyldeside and Eli Hix, Hix with a chair in hand! Baker glances back to Shane, who’s fixated on Wyldeside, and Hix tosses a chair to Baker, who whirls around and NAILS SHANE IN THE HEAD WITH IT! Baker drops the chair and looks down at Shane as Wyldeslide slide in, and Baker pulls Shane up, mouthing something inaudible to the crowd before he throws Shane to Wyldeside, who hit the Wylde Ride on Shane! Shane’s lain out as Baker drags him to the center, covering Shane for the pin, and the win. We hear Bridget Lewis-Killings as the scene stays with the action.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: And with that the first match is in the books here at EPIC’s REBIRTH as Graham Baker with plenty of help defeats Ryan Shane in 17 minutes and 12 seconds. We’re going to stay here though as this new alliance appears to be far from finished.
Post-match, Baker motions to Wyldeside and motions for a table, while Hix comes into the ring, holding Shane back. He keeps a hold on both of Shane’s arms, keeping him in a surfboard position sniffing his hair while Baker directs traffic for the table. He grabs a microphone from the outside, and listens to the booing of the crowd.
Graham Baker: So this is it, huh? This is the reception I get, the reaction I deserve for doing what needed to be done, for purging the company of filth like Ryan Shane. Of old nut-hangers like Shane, who want to latch onto someone like me, the next big thing, and ride us to the top.
Baker cackles as he’s almost drowned out by boos..
Graham Baker: Bullshit. I don’t want to hear anything about the Ryan Shanes of the world, about the Daniel Dreams-I only care about people like myself-young, hungry, willing to kill for the company, kill to build our fuckin’ rep. Eli Hix, Wyldeside, these are some of the premiere talents being held down by old fucks like Ryan Shane. Well, no more.
Baker motions for Shane to be brought over, before he grabs Shane in a powerbomb position. He chuckles, and Wyldeside join in helping Baker haul Shane up-TRIPLE POWERBOMB through the table! Baker looks down at Shane, and grabs the microphone.
Graham Baker: As one man falls, another will rise. Later, Shane.
‘blood//water’ plays out through the arena as Baker rolls to the ropes, pulling himself through and rolling to the outside as he and his newfound companions head backstage where...
We’ll Be Watching
El Diablo Blanco pulls up to the Chaos Complex in his Ford Escape. As he gets out of the vehicle and grabs his bags from the trunk, he is met by one of the always present Taco Bell Executives who is eyeballing his vehicle.
Taco Bell Executive: You know what, El D? There’s something about this vehicle that just doesn’t quite suit you.
El Diablo closes the hatch of the trunk and walks over by the executive as they look at his Escape.
El Diablo Blanco: What’s the problem? The wife and kids have taken this bad boy from damn near one side of the country to the other.
Taco Bell Executive: I just can’t quite place it… Oh wait, I’ve got it.
The executive goes into his suitcase and pulls something out. He walks over to the car and slaps a giant Taco Bell decal right on the side of the vehicle.
Taco Bell Executive: There you go. Doesn’t it look majestic.
El Diablo Blanco: Um, yeah. Looks great, Brother. Listen, I got to get in there and get ready for tonight.
As El Diablo turns and heads towards the arena with his bags in tow, the executive stops him again.
Taco Bell Executive: Listen, El D. While I got you here there is something we’d like to discuss with you.
Before the executive can move onward he looks down and sees the EPIC Violence Championship that El Diablo Blanco sported in his video promo aired throughout the week. Distracted, he reaches down and grabs the title which is obviously made of plastic and has a piece of paper taped to the top.
Taco Bell Executive: Wow, I didn’t think EPIC was going to be that strapped for cash. I mean they have the Amazon Prime distribution deal and now that we’re sponsoring their pay per view they should have enough funds to afford something better than this crappy thing.
El Diablo snatches the title belt back from the executive.
El Diablo Blanco: This isn’t the actual Violence Championship, Brother. My Little Diablitos at home made this for me. This symbolizes why I go out there each week and put my body on the line. Those girls represent the Diablo Nation. They are the heart and soul, Brother, and ain’t no one going to discredit their love by making me my very own championship.
Taco Bell Executive: I’m sorry. I got off track. Please, El D. There are very important matters to discuss about tonight.
El Diablo is clearly upset at this interaction with the Taco Bell Executive.
Taco Bell Executive: I want you to keep this on the hush hush but some of us over there at Taco Bell have been talking and we think it’s best you throw the fight tonight. You know, lay down.
El Diablo Blanco: Whatchu talkin’ bout, Willis? El D doesn’t lay down for no man. El D is the one that stands up to his oppressors; not cower.
Taco Bell Executive: We understand where you’re coming from. It’s just, you’re now the face of this new line of burrito for us and for you to get injured or even disfigured it wouldn’t be best for the brand. That’s why we think it’s time to move away from the Violence Division.
El Diablo Blanco: You must have hit that wacky tobacky one too many times today, Brother. You want me to leave the Violence Division? You signed me to a sponsorship. You named a burrito after me. All because of what I’ve done in the Violence Division. And disfigured? I wear a mask, Brother! Who cares if I’m ugly? Now, seriously, I need to go get ready for my match.
As El Diablo turns and walks towards the building the executive can be heard yelling out to him.
Taco Bell Executive. Think about what I said. It’s best for business. You wouldn’t want to have that sponsorship disappear now would you?
El Diablo stops in his tracks, thinking about what the executive just said to him. He runs his hand over his mask and lets out a deep exhale. After a pause, and his head hung low, El Diablo continues his walk towards the building.
Taco Bell Executive: You got to think about your family, El D. I’m sure they don’t want you to light yourself on fire each week or dive out of the rafters. We’ll be watching. Taco Bell is always watching.
El Diablo just kept walking, opening the door and entering the Chaos Complex.
Rights to be called "The Greatest Siblings in EPIC"
The Dalmons vs. Wyldeside
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Ladies and Gentlemen my name is Bridget Lewis-Killings. REBIRTH is off to a fast start and I’m happy to be with you tonight giving you all the analysis and highlights from all the action. Our next match was to finally settle who was the best set of siblings in EPIC. Wyldeside has been quite impressive since debuting. They were even able to pick up a win over Hungry Jack and JC Keeton. The Dalmons haven’t had as much success but that didn’t stop them from staking their claim as the best. Both teams offer something different, and after tonight only one team can truly be considered “The Greatest Siblings in EPIC”.
The screen behind Bridgit turns from black and starts to display highlights of the tag team match. Before the match began Ethan and Lucas Wylde were joined on the stage by Graham Baker and Eli Hix but after a brief discussion and a fist bump between Ethan and Baker the Wylde brothers made their way to the ring alone. Once the bell rang The Wyldes used quick tags to keep control over Landon Dalmon. Lucas gets a near fall with a powerslam. Ethan is then close to ending it with a figure four but Landon is able to reach the ropes. The tags continue as Landon is isolated from his corner. The male Dalmon is finally able to turn the tides with a quick bulldog on Ethan. A springboard spinning heel kick by Lizzy gets a two count. She tags back in her brother and he hits a swinging neck breaker. Lucas back into the match and manhandles Landon sending him hard into the turnbuckle. The Dalmons do their best to regroup and all four participants end up in the ring at once. Wyldeside goes for Wylde Ride (shatter machine) but Landon is able to to fight out of it and hit a superkick on Ethan. Lucas then goes after Landon and they both tumble over the top rope. This leaves the two legal wrestlers in the ring. Ethan is trying to recover from the superkick when Lizzy hits Mixed Drinks (glimmering warlock) for the three count at 14 minutes and 12 seconds.
The Dalmons then take off through the crowd before Wyldeside can retaliate.
Bridgit Lewis-Killings: It was a tough battle for sure but at the end of the day The Dalmons are officially “The Greatest Siblings in EPIC”. I’m sure we’ll be hearing about it for weeks to come.
Yummy War Prep!
Terra Mason: I got a special delivery for the awesomely epic Super Tiger RISA that I swear isn’t a trap or a trick, but can’t promise isn’t a ruse based on consumption!
The door opens, and RISA pokes her head around the giant package, a pop coming from the crowd in the arena.
RISA: Ruse based consumption? Did you bring me something to eat?
Terra couldn’t help but flash a cheeky smile before answering her close friend.
Terra Mason: Weeeellll I might have. Or I might have brought you everything I could carry to eat! I call it a celebration befitting a homie who is going to be the next EPIC Violence Champion!
Terra giggles as she pulls off the purple sheet revealing a gigantic Easter basket that is literally almost the same size as both of them. It is beautifully decorated with giant eggs that can be opened to reveal surprises, oodles of chocolate and the icing on top, a person sized chocolate rabbit with an edible bow made of frosting. Terra admires the basket for a second before looking back over to RISA with a smile.
Terra Mason: I might have gone a bit overboard.
RISA looks over the basket, eyes wide. Her mouth waters just a little bit before she grins, heaving the basket into her hands.
RISA: Well come on in here Turtle! We gots lots of candy to eat!
The Super Tiger giggles softly as she drags the giant basket into her locker room, exhaling when she stops and wiping the sweat from her brow.
RISA: Don’t be shy! Dig in!
Terra Mason: Yaaaaaay! You are the best for sharing!
Happily skipping inside of the room, Terra pokes her head out a second to make sure the coast is clear before shutting the door behind them. She laughed a little before grabbing a giant egg and popping it open to find chocolate eggs in the egg. She grabs a few and hurriedly tosses them in her mouth. She eats them with glee before looking back over at RISA.
Terra Mason: So I wanted to stop in and show my love and support just like you did for me on my special day! If Quinn and Ana weren’t all like only the egg hunt participants can be around, I totally would have been there in person to cheer you on too! I’m seriously happy for you and know you got what it takes to blind those boys with your super speed and win the day!
Risa smiles wide, reaching into the basket and taking an egg for herself. She opens it to find a whole smorgasboard of jelly beans. She pops a handful into her mouth with glee.
RISA: You know what Turtle? We’ve gotten super duper close ever since I came to EPIC. It’s been a really great experience getting to know you! How could I not share my candy with you after all?
RISA sees something in the basket that catches her eye, and she gets a little grin as she takes up the aluminum can, shaking it a bit.
RISA: Why on earth is there a full can of whipped cream in here?!
Terra smiles from ear to ear before letting out a fake evil laugh, grabbing a green glitter egg that holds inside it another full can of whipped cream.
Terra Mason: Muahahahaha! This was the ruse! See RISA my tigery friend, this is the moment everyone has been waiting for! Everyone has been thinking it and I am sorry to say it is true! While it is very true what you said about us getting close, it is also finally time for my big heel turn! You see I have aligned with the forces of evil to cover you in whipped cream so you will still totally win the title, but be the tastiest champion in history! This is also your evil coming out party too, I forgot that part.
Terra can’t hold in her laughter anymore as she shakes the can like a madwoman and squeezes, whipped cream getting on RISA’s face. The Asian blinks in surprise, her mouth slightly agape as the dessert topping hits her. It doesn’t take long, however, before she begins to shake the can in her own hand.
RISA: You’ve made a mistake, my dear Terra. For you see, when it comes to food fights, I have no equal!
Risa laughs, pointing the can at her friend and depressing the nozzle, white, air filled sugary cream flying into Terra’s face and all over her chest.
RISA: We shall see who wins this day, you dastardly fiend!
Terra looked down at her chest in shock for just a second before taking some of the whipped cream onto her left index finger and putting it in her mouth, rubbing her tummy with glee as she eats it. She manages a second sneak attack though, grabbing some off her chest and tossing it at RISA before she shakes her can some more and squeezes. She ends up getting some all over her chest and even a bit on her hair. Terra laughs evilly once again.
Terra Mason: I may be a dastardly fiend my friend but I am one the people deserve! Give in and join me!
RISA grins evilly, standing up and taking her own bite of whipped cream before reaching into the minifridge in her locker room and coming back, hand hidden behind her. She pounces on Terra, straddling the woman's chest before revealing her secret weapon… chocolate sauce!
RISA: You left me no choice Turtle! I’m sorry it came to this!
Risa uncaps the sauce, upending the bottle before squeezing out the cold liquid, watching as it streams down onto Terra as the Super Tiger giggles. Terra giggles herself but then starts to act all shocked and feigns misery.
Terra Mason: Noooooooooo! How did you know chocolate is my one weakness? I’ll repent if you let me have the rest of the bottle to have before my match.
Terra shoots a wink up to RISA.
RISA: Have it how? You want me to squeeze out the rest on ya? Or you want it still in the bottle?
Risa giggles, standing up and pulling Terra into a sitting position.
RISA: Here ya go Turtle!
Terra laughs as she takes the bottle and stands up herself. She finally settles herself after her giggle fit and looks over at her friend.
Terra Mason: Thanks Tiggy! My brief go as a baddie showed me that crime doesn’t pay but it sure tastes delicious. So I’m not sure if you checked any other eggs but I also put in a few things that can help you out tonight. You have a tough match ahead of you but such an awesome chance too.
Risa raises an eyebrow before going to the basket, taking out the eggs and shaking them before opening each of them in turn.
RISA: Terra… what’d you do?
Terra Mason: Nothing too crazy, I just thought I’d help out a friend who’s about to head into a super important match with three guys who have basically been killing each other for over a month for that championship. I know you gave Danny a run for his money but after seeing all that went down in that gauntlet, in the replay since Franky decided to be a douche, I knew that I had to step in and give you some fun tools.
Risa grins, though none of said tools are ever seen on camera.
RISA: Thanks Turtle! I’ll make sure I use all of them to my advantage in my quest to show everyone that even though I’m small, I’m more than capable of holding my own even in the most dangerous types of matches!
Terra Mason: That’s the spirit Tiggy!
The two friends share a high five before the feed switches over, the scene fading.
#1 Contender for the Chaos Championship
Dragan Hill vs. Celina del Añil vs. Angelica Ruiz-Meyer
Bridget Lewis-Killings: We bring things back to the ring now following those antics to determine the number one contender for the EPIC Chaos Championship which will be decided later on tonight. Who will be the first in line for a title shot between upstart Celina del Añil, “The Prodigal Son” Dragan Hill, and the ring veteran of the contest Angelica Ruiz-Meyer? Take a look and find out.
The feed switches to the ringside area where we see all three competitors staring at each other, as the bell sounds. Hill and Celina exchange a few words which is all the crafty veteran Angelica needs to take advantage, first rolling up Celina for a quick cover and then Dragan, both kicking out at one. The two then double team Meyer to the surprise but elation of the fans before tossing her out and focusing on each other. The two trade moves and holds back and forth, Hill getting close calls with various suplexes and a vicious back elbow. On the other end Celina gets some close calls with a Rolling Cutter, Crucifix pin, and Caída de Actitud (Snapmare Driver) which gets broken up by Angelica. Meyer takes her down with a Gutwrench Suplex for another two count, which gets broken up by Hill. Dragan picks Angelica up for The Rapture, but Celina recovers in time to stop him mid move with a chopblock, following up with a basement dropkick to the head. The end comes when Celina takes advantage after hitting the basement dropkick on Dragan and goes back to work on Meyer, looking to end things as she hits her with the Angelic Tribute (Snap Single Underhook DDT) and goes for the cover. However before the official can start a count, Dragan grabs the young lady by her long locks and tosses her hard into the corner shoulder first. Hill then hooks the leg on Angelica and is able to get the pin, Celina barely a half second too late to try and break it up.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: While some may see the tactics as a bit, sneaky, anything goes in a triple threat match. After an impressive showing by all three competitors, it’s Dragan Hill who wins the match by pinfall at 16 minutes and 22 seconds.
On Edge
The camera feed switches back to the backstage area where we see the masked Moros walking along the halls. He has his hood up, head a little down with what can be described as a serious expression on what can be seen of his face. He finally makes it to the door of the locker room area and opens it, stepping inside. He heads over cameras panning around to see that he’s approaching his opponent for the night Muru. Stopping once he feels he’s gotten close enough to the seated veteran he speaks up.
Moros: Hey, we need to talk about something before things go down tonight.
The veteran Muru looks up at the masked rookie. The usual happy look is gone from his face.
Muru: I'm sorry kid, now is not a good time.
Moros: Look, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to push but it’s just with everything that’s gone down so far tonight, I’m a bit on edge. I need to know that no shady stuff is happening when we’re out there. Give me that and I’ll be out of your hair until match time.
Muru: I'm not sure what to say. The fact that you're even questioning if I have anything "shady" planned shows that after everything you still don't trust me.
Moros: It’s not that... I mean yeah I’m paranoid but don’t think it’s that you’ve done or said anything that has led me to feeling this way. It’s nerve wracking, before what happened to start the night, I just had the pre-super important match jitters. I don’t really know the guy too well that got put through all that but I don’t think he deserved it.
Muru: He didn't deserve it!
Muru stands up and faces the young wrestler.
Muru: I know Ryan Shane can be a bit of an asshole, but that attack was unprovoked. He's my family and I should have been out there. It just happened so quick and out of nowhere. What happened is on me, I should have had his back.
Moros takes a half step back and turns his gaze away for a moment. Looking back at Muru, he lets out a sigh before responding.
Moros: I...I didn’t know you guys were family. I swear if I did, I wouldn’t have even thought...don’t put blame on yourself for what happened to Ryan Shane. The only ones at fault are the guys in that group and that egotistical prick Baker. I’m sorry I let my mind get clouded.
Muru: It's ok, I'm on edge myself. What if I'm next? What if they target you? We should be getting ready for one hell of a match and instead we have to keep our heads on a swivel. When I see Baker or any of those guys they're going to pay for what they've done. If they even think about showing up in our match…
Moros: If they do we’ll take them out together and get payback for your family. If there’s one thing that means the world to me, it’s my own so I know the anger that’s building up inside you. We’re not going to let those snakes get away with anything else tonight or any other night. But I feel like it’s not enough to just say it.
Sighing again, Moros turns away.
Muru: It's a start…
The veteran lets out a sigh of his own.
Muru: I appreciate it kid. Thanks for having my back. Now you try and get focused. We have a big match tonight. If anything happens we'll show them exactly what we're capable of.
Skipping the Hugs
Dr. Dinglenüt: Now those were all the pre-match instructions I had to give. I double checked the taped wrists to make sure they were suitable for the next step and just need one last confirmation before we dip them in the glue and glass.
Dizzie: I know you just doing your job doc but I think you got me saying yes about a hundred times already. But to get things going you bet I’m gonna say yes again, let’s do this.
Nodding, Dr. Dinglenüt grabs Dizzie’s wrists, one at a time, first dipping them in the glue and then in the shards on glass. Following completion, Dizzie gives a quick thanks to the doctor before stepping out of her office, looking down at the glass. She stays focused in her gaze before feeling a tap on her left shoulder.
“Hey you…”
She turns to see JC Keeton, geared up himself and looking if prime condition for the main event. He looks down at her hands, the light causing the glass to shimmer as it hits it.
JC Keeton: You look ready to go. I just wanted to say that a lot of guys, hell any guy probably would try to talk you out of this but you know I ain’t gonna do that. I’ve had too many people tell me I can’t do this or I can’t do that whether it’s dunk a basketball in 7th grade or survive cancer twice, or more recently win the CCW Platinum Championship.
He reaches out and strokes her cheek with his thumb.
JC Keeton: Looking at you has made me smile more than just about anything…
He trails off and she can see the concerned look on his face even though he’s not vocalizing it.
Dizzie: I know you wouldn’t try to do that, knowing how much it means for me to show I ain’t just here to look pretty and skate by on a simple path. Hell neither of us ever really had that so why start now when we got the chance to show ourselves to the world. But at the same time…
She pauses for a moment, trying her best not to overthink things but then manages a smile before continuing.
Dizzie: At the same time, me going this way, I know it’s gonna bring about concern just like how I feel it deep down when you go head first into crazy. But for you to support me, combating that each time I step into the cage for a fight, into a ring or in tonight’s case into a glass cell…it means more than I can say with words. If I didn’t already have glass on me bet I’d be giving you a real tight hug right now but we gotta have you in top shape for your big match.
JC Keeton: It’s probably for the best that we can’t hug right now cause I can’t promise I’d let you go. I ain’t gonna watch, I hope you’re ok with that. I just know that if I see what I know you’re gonna be willing to put yourself through my mind won’t be right.
Dizzie softly nods, showing her understanding, offering a reassuring smile as well before speaking up.
Dizzie: I know. Hell if we flipped it around, I know I’d feel the same way. I never wanna be the cause of you losing focus or your way. I’d even get it if you never wanna watch the replay. It ain’t gonna be pretty at all. But despite you not being able to see it, I know deep down I got you with me at all times, same like you got me. Once I don’t look so busted though, we gotta have ourselves a celebration.
He smiles and nods.
JC Keeton: You know it, I just want you to go out there and mess up Connors till he has to stay home and be a house husband. Or at the very least has to take a break from bad mouthing me in his little talk show for a few weeks.
Dizzie: No worries babe, friendly competition or not, best believe I’m gonna mess him up as best as I can. I’ll pop him one special for you though. Now I gotta get going since I’m up next but I’ll see you soon.
Looking as if she was going to reach out she stops as soon as she glances down at her hands. Instead she quickly steps on her tip toes and gives him a quick peck before walking off to the gorilla position.
Double Hell Deathmatch
Drake Connors vs. Dizzie
Bridget Lewis-Killings: What was a simple, yet rarely seen caring display leads us into the next bout which sees Dizzie take on Drake Connors in a match that I honestly can’t even properly describe despite the reveal. Both competitors have been very public with their preparations for the match, let us take a look and see what the result of their work was.
Focus shifts over to the monitor which brings us the feed of the sure to be insane deathmatch. Drake and Dizzie, Drake hopping and loosening up, his wrapped hands covered in glue and crushed glass, Dizz cracking her neck from side to side, her fists similarly wrapped, stand in their corners, a definite air of tension rocking the air of the arena as the glass cell is lowered ponderously into position. Once the cell is locked down, the ref barely has time to call for the bell as Drake and Dizz explode across the ring at each other, Drake using superior reach to attempt strikes, Dizz using superior speed to close in and attempt several grapples, which Drake rolls out of, locking in his own grapples, which Dizz rolls out of. They break forcefully, each staring at each other, appraising, then Drake goes for a leaping roundhouse kick, which, Dizz ducks under, grabbing his planted foot and going for a heel hook which Drake counters perfectly with a roll and a short snap kick to Dizzie's chest, staggering the smaller woman back. Drake can be clearly seen to mouth the words "fuck it" as he charges hard across the ring and spears Dizzie, both of them slamming into the barbed wire, which explodes with electricity, and fire, stinging them both as they land on the planks around the ring which also explode, sending splinters and shrapnel flying, burying into flesh and cracking spots on the glass cell. The chants of "Holy SHIT!" fly as they stand up, not seeming to mind that they're bleeding. They both grin as Drake wades in, switching up his fighting style to one more reminiscent of boxing, firing rapid punches which Dizz blocks, accepting the slashes on her forearms, to fire her own punches into Drake's midsection, slicing his abs up. Drake breaks her defense by slapping her hands out wide, and with a simple sidekick forces her back a couple of feet, right onto a landmine, which instantly explodes, peppering her with more shrapnel and banging her back hard into the glass cell, cracking the glass further. Drake charges at her again, but she steps forward and rolls him into a perfect throw at the damaged section of the glass cell, which shatters and sends him through, cutting him severely in a few places. The "Holy SHIT!" chants start up again as Drake stands to his feet, and sees the bucket of weapons waiting to be used. He quickly selects a bokuto, a wooden katana, and turns as Dizzie approaches, smacking her hard between the eyes with the wooden blade. Dizzie's eyes cross, and she is clearly dazed as she staggers to the weapons bucket, while Drake kneels to catch his breath and irritably swipe blood from his eyes. Dizz grabs the bucket, paws through the weapons, and with an "A-HA!" pulls out a pair of wooden tonfas, spinning them with a flourish before settling the striking parts on her forearms. She smirks a bit as Drake settles into a traditional Bushido stance, patient as the devil, waiting for her to make the first move.
She charges, swinging the tonfas with deadly precision and accuracy, but Drake is the consummate swordsman, and is able to block every blow, much to Dizzie's frustration. In her frustration, she makes a misstep, and Drake utilizes the opening to strike her a hard blow to the midsection with the bokuto, spin around behind her as he retracts the wooden blade, and slams her between the shoulders with a savage cut of the wood blade. Dizz staggers forward and once again, Drake levels a savage and simple side kick into her back, sending the small, fiery woman slamming face first into the damaged glass cell, which cracks with the impact. Concern on her face, Dizz spins to find Drake in an aggressive Bushido stance, and suddenly she finds herself on the defensive, picking off almost every attack, though those that got through were savage and powerful, rocking her world with every impact. Drake is in full on smirk mode as he realizes he is the superior weapons master, which angers Dizzie. Her temper getting the better of her, she attempts to switch to a more aggressive stance and mode of attack; a mistake, as Drake deflects her raw and powerful attack, she staggers off balance into a savage knee to the gut from Connors, which steals her breath and forces her several inches up off of the ground. Drake shoves her away, and nails a picture perfect high standing dropkick, which sends Dizzie through the glass cell on a solo trip, where she lands on her backside on an exploding, electrified plank. Drake charges in, clearly intending to finish her off, when all the damage to the glass cell takes its toll and the whole shebang collapses into shards of glass. Thankfully Quinn was smart enough to install bulletproof clear plastic barricades just for this match, or the audience would also be getting sliced to ribbons. Drake and Dizzie are buried under a seeming mountain of shattered glass, which sets off explosions and bursts of electricity all around them. The ref (who is also bleeding profusely now), has no choice but to begin a ten count. Just as he reaches 8, the pile of glass where Drake and Dizzie were last seen shifts, and Drake, bloody, bleeding like a stuck pig, a large shard of glass stuck in his back, pushes his way up to a vertical base, using his bokuto as a cane to stay standing. Breathing hard, he watches Dizzie, who was beneath him, start to stir, but it's too late. The referee reaches a ten count, and the bell rings, Drake declared the winner. As "The In-Between" by In This Moment blasts from the PA, Drake reaches down and helps a bleary, bloody, bruised Dizzie to her feet, as EMTs rush to attend to them. The crowd is going bananapants crazy as Drake raises Dizzie's arm, declaring this her victory as well. He then throws her arm over his shoulder and limps over to the twin gurneys, getting her sorted before he lays stomach down on his. They are taken away to a waiting ambulance as the scene goes back to Lewis-Killings in the studio.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: All I can honestly say after that match is wow. Both athletes put on an intensely brutal contest which did end up with them needing to be transported to the local hospital following the 62 minute encounter. EPIC promises to provide an update on both their conditions as we receive them. However, while that match was jaw dropping, it just marked the halfway point of REBIRTH, so let us continue to take a look at the night’s events.
Heal up quick, Drake.
Watching from the Gorilla Position Robert Quinn looks horrified as two of his biggest stars just took years off their lives. He picks up a small two way radio and hits the button but before he can speak into it his cell phone rings.
Robert Quinn: I take it you saw what just happened?...Yes anyone is available for the Violence Division...You want Connors as the next Violence contender no matter who leaves with the title...I understand, I’m sure we can swing that but it could be a while before he’s able to....You’ve never even met the guy how can you be so sure?...Well I’ll have them inform him at the hospital he’ll be fighting for the Violence Championship next week on Chaos.
Quinn just shakes his head as he hangs up the phone and picks the two way radio back up but appears to have forgotten why he picked it up to begin with.
Pet the Bunny
Eli Hix sits by himself in a dark corner of the Chaos Complex with his bunny, his very very dead bunny sitting on his lap as he strokes its fur large clumps just fall out. Offbeat skips can be heard nearby and a pan out reveals Terra Mason making her way to the same corner. However she quickly stops in her tracks a few steps away from Eli. Opening her eyes she looks around before turning her attention to Hix.
Terra Mason: My it’s awfully crowded here tonight. Normally I come here to get away from as many as I can but I guess we can share. Oh is that a bunny?!
Hix looks up and nods his head, continuing to pet the reallly fucking dead, rotten, decaying rabbit. Flashing a gleeful smile, Terra drops to her knees and gently places her hand on the ridiculously obvious dead rabbit. She pets the bunny and her giddy smile turns into a warm one as she looks back to Eli.
Terra Mason: Your bunny is so adorable. You must be a really good owner, I’ve never seen a rabbit so peaceful and still.
Hix looks at her with bewilderment, not sure if she’s naive, dumb, or crazier than him.
Eli Hix: Oh, he’s dead. He has been for a week.
Terra looks a bit surprised and keeps her hand still on the rabbit, noticing it’s not breathing. She nods before slowly pulling her hand back.
Terra Mason: It seems you are right. It’s incredibly sweet of you to care for the bunny after death. I hope I look so peaceful and have the same when I’m dead. Although I would request a vanilla or chocolate scent and hope it’s okay.
Eli Hix: I’ve tried to bathe him but the stenche just gets worse. He’s the first pet I’ve had since...well that’s probably a story for another time. You look familiar, have we met?
Terra Mason: I can tell you’re doing your absolute best and that’s what matters. As far as looking familiar…I have to look at you really carefully and see if that’s okay.
Poking her nose as if she’s adjusting glasses, Terra leans in a little closer, looking at Eli, to his left, right, up and down until she gets an idea and decides to voice it.
Terra Mason: I think the answer is yes. Now it’s hard for me to do digital de-aging in my mind but I think we met when we were younger. If my mind eye is right you didn’t have tattoos and neither did I. But I’ve heard people call you Eli or Hix and the person I’m thinking of is Charlie. My name is Terra but I think back then most people called me puffy because I had puffy cheeks.
His eyes grow wide, and the closest thing to a real smile that he can produce forms as he stares at her for what seems like thirty seconds before speaking.
Eli Hix: I was Charlie. Charlie went away. I miss Charlie sometimes, they try to make me forget him with their evil medicine but little bits of him are still buried in me. You were so nice to me when I was Charlie, no one was ever nice to Charlie.
Hearing his words and seeing his smile caused one to form on Terra’s face as well. She didn’t know exactly how to express her joy and excitement so she opted to bounce a bit on her knees before responding.
Terra Mason: Of course I did my best to be nice, we were friends! I’m sorry they made Charlie go away, maybe he can come back sometimes and we can get to know each other again. I would like to know you too and have you know me! A lot of people have been saying recently that I might need help but I promise to be the best friend I can again. But only if you’d like though, I don’t want to overstep or make you feel uncomfortable. I know I sometimes do that and then get left to be by myself for a while.
He smiles again, this time a big genuine from the heart smile.
Eli Hix: I can’t think of anything I’d want more than that.
Terra Mason: Then it’s settled! I’m so happy we’re going to be friends again. I’ll eventually have to get up because I have a match against a mean jerk but if it’s okay, I’d like to stay here with you until then. We can hang out after too!
He nods almost sheepishly.
Eli Hix: I’d like that. I just hope you’ll still like me after the bad things I’m going to do. But we all do bad things SOMETIMES don't we?
Terra Mason: It wouldn’t be fair for me to dislike you because of some bad things you have to do. I’ve done things too, we all have, just like you said. As long as you are my friend, I will be your friend. That’s my promise and I take those very seriously.
Terra can’t help but smile again, feeling a strange sense of joy she hasn’t in a while. The two stare at each other for a bit as the scene fades and the feed switches back over.
ŌKAMI NO AME vs. Nanners
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Well now, following that unique meeting, we turn our attention to the next match, which features the debut of Ōkami no Ame as he faces off against the highly controversial Nanners. Nanners is looking to get his first win tonight while Ōkami no Ame is looking to impress and gain a debut victory. Which one will be successful? Let’s take a look and see.
Bridget turns the focus to the monitor which shows the highlights. Before the ref can even call for the bell, Nanners goes, well, bananas and attacks Ōkami with vicious punches, swinging for the fences as the masked mystery man covers up, his shoulders seemingly bobbing in pain. Thinking he FINALLY was going to get a win, Nanners stops his assault to play to the crowd, who boos him and he verbally assaults them as Ōkami drops his defensive stance and it can be seen that his shoulders were bobbing because he was laughing very, very hard. Nanners seems to sense something going on behind him, because he spins around in shock to see Ame laughing at his attack. The banana becomes incensed and charges at Ame, only to catch a fast and furious Todoroku Ikari, which rocks Nanners and allows Ame to nail the Taifu no Tsuisuta (modified S.T.O.), for the pin and the three count!
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Quite a dominant showing there by Ōkami no Ame who picks up the win at the 4 minute 8 second mark against what I suppose can be described as a game Nanners here tonight. From there we return things to the backstage area, as EPIC REBIRTH continues.
Movin’ On Up
The Dalmons are walking after their match. They are not on the first floor but instead on one of the upper levels. It’s one of the areas that the on air talent usually don’t have access to. Landon holds his sister’s hand as he leads her. The look on her faces is one of slight annoyance.
Lizzy Dalmon: Where are you taking me brother? The limo is waiting and we have a celebration to attend. Don’t you think I deserve to have a little fun tonight?
Landon Dalmon: Of course you do sis, and I promise there will plenty of time to do all sorts of things. I just have a surprise for you first.
Lizzy Dalmon: The last time you had a surprise for me, we changed the lives of that mother and daughter forever…
Landon Dalmon: All we did was stoke a fire that was already there. If anything we did them a favor. It was a six…
Before he can finish his sentence, Lizzy clears her throat and points at the camera.
Landon Dalmon: I think we can agree everyone involved had a good time.
As they continue to walk the upper corridors of the Chaos Complex, they finally come to a door locked by a keypad.
Landon Dalmon: Your surprise is beyond this door…
He punched a code into the keypad, making sure to hide the numbers from the camera’s view. Landon opens the door and lets Lizzy enter first. It’s a luxury suite just for the two of them.
Lizzy Dalmon: This is pretty nice brother…
Landon Dalmon: I figured we needed a place of our own. We shouldn’t have to mingle with the rest of the trash on the roster. We deserve...you deserve better than that.
She leans in and gives her brother a small kiss on the cheek.
Lizzy Dalmon: I love it! It’s perfect. You are too good to me brother.
Landon Dalmon: You deserve it…
He looks into her eyes and has to fight his urges.
Landon Dalmon: We have our own private dressing room, complete with showers. Also a fully stocked bar and look at how comfy this furniture is.
She walks over to the big window at the front of the suite. When she looks out the window she can see the crowd of the Chaos Complex below.
Lizzy Dalmon: It’s not as private as I had hoped…
Landon Dalmon: Oh don’t worry about that. We can see out, but no one can see in. I know you don’t mind putting on a show, but these people don’t deserve you.
She smiles at her brother.
Lizzy Dalmon: I guess we can be a little late for the party.
This makes Landon smile back at her.
Landon Dalmon: What do you have in mind?
Lizzy Dalmon: Why don’t you pour us a drink. I’m going to check out the showers.
As she heads to their private locker room the camera begins to follow. Landon isn’t very happy about that.
Landon Dalmon: Where do you think you’re going? The EPIC cameras are not allowed in there. Why don’t I show you out?
He quickly ushers the camera out of the suite before slamming the door.
All Eyes On Me
Daniel Dream, wearing a black hoodie from the neck down, appears seated backstage.
Daniel Dream: When I first signed with EPIC...I had HOPE of smiling, playing video games with men or women backstage.
Daniel shakes his head.
Daniel Dream: Bullshit has happened since then. So this is what it looks like, hmm? I have to win The Violence Championship that I should never have lost against three other players. It is what it is.
Daniel lowers his head and stares at the floor.
Daniel Dream: The company ref’s vision glitched, the glitch was taken advantage of, and the company screwed me after I won The Violence Championship. The ref cost me The Violence Championship. However, I'm sure it was just a minor oversight.
A replay shows Daniel Dream failing to win back the Violence Championship off a DDT ontop a limo’s roof before showing Daniel tapping out after being locked in Madman’s Heelhook. The scene cuts back to Daniel backstage, he raises his head and shakes it again.
Daniel Dream: As you can see, I lost my first opportunity to win back The Violence Championship. The Ultimate Madman tried to take out my leg, we know the games you play, and now fun time is over. Because when you look into these eyes...understand that these are not just the eyes of The EPIC Gamer, adopted son of Lee Matthews. These are the eyes of an ultimate hardcore wrestler full of despair, I had no choice but to do this.
A replay shows Daniel standing up a bunch of fluorescent light tubes in the corner and hits a Cartwheel Death Valley Driver on El Diablo through them.
Daniel Dream: I put El Diablo through light tubes with Do A Barrel Roll, but just before I won back The Violence Championship he SPIT in my eyes. El Diablo metaphorically and literally spit in my face to win The Violence Championship. I’ll just have to make the most of my next opportunity. I will definitely have to make my next opportunity. I now see that my tactics were “extreme“, I do not need to resort to tactics such as putting El Diablo through light tubes. I just need the power of the gamers behind me. All eyes on me.
Daniel Dream's face appears from the side, out, but he turns around and slightly smiles at the camera.
Violence Championship
El Diablo Blanco vs. Risa vs."The EPIC Gamer" Daniel Dream vs. Kyūkyoku no Kyōjin
Again we move to Bridget in the studio as the sounds of a car crash lead us back in.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: As we just saw “The EPIC Gamer” Daniel Dream is ready to win back the Violence Championship from El Diablo Blanco but he’ll also have another former champion in Kyūkyoku no Kyōjin as well as Risa who was added to the match after winning the controversial EPIC Easter Egg Hunt to contend with. The Violence Championship has been the only championship sought after in EPIC and has been a focal point of our events bringing in big time sponsor Taco Bell who have named their Flamin’ Diablo Burrito after El Diablo’s fiery victory on March 23rd. Let’s look at how this one went down.
The match starts hot and heavy as the two Japanese stars pair up and wrestle while the champion and Daniel Dream brawl. Diablo gets a quick start, so Dream bails and grabs a chair. El D gets it from him and legdrops it on his face. Dream rolls out to the floor, where Madman meets him and gets suplexed onto a pair of wooden pallets and a garbage can. Diablo rolls out on the other side and searches under the ring and finds a barbed-wire covered 2×4. The ref gets in his way, so Risa steals it and delivers some shots with it. El D hits a Powerbomb onto the barricade on Risa and then retrieves his 2×4. He drops an elbow with it, and then bludgeons Risa with it, drawing blood. El D tries the piledriver through a table, but she wiggles free and hits a facebuster through the table. Later in the match with everyone back back in the ring covered in, and El D slingshots Dream into the post, then rams him face-first into a roll of barbed wire and it sticks to Daniel’s face. Diablo looks to the front row and sees the Taco Bell Executive from earlier but goes for the pin anyway. It gets two. Madman tosses Risa over the top with a hiptoss over the top onto the stairs, right on her knee. Dream sees her holding her knee appearing to see this as an opportunity but before he can get out of the ring Madman and Diablo start working together and Daniel manages to get them both onto his shoulders before Risa comes back in slowly favoring her knee and Dream scoops her up as well The EPIC Gamer" Daniel Dream walks half way across the ring, cartwheels, and landing them on their back. A triple Do A Barrel Roll, named after the recently departed Rick May. He doesn’t know who to pin first and chooses Madman who kicks out immediately. Daniel rolls to the floor and pulls Risa out and he works on that knee, then finds a pair of handcuffs and tucks them into his tights. Dream picks up the stairs and charges at Risa, but El D dives over between the two just in time to drop toehold him and Dream goes face-first into them. Madman finds a chair and joins the others on the floor wearing them all three out with vicious shots one looks to momentarily KO the champion but he eats a Superkicks from Risa who is an absolute bloody mess. As the match continues some major separation between the four competitors occurs prompting an additional referee. Dream and Madman have fought into the Upper Levels of the Chaos Complex where they are right outside The Dalmons brand new suite. Daniel begins to ram Kyu into the door of the suite damaging the door and staining it with blood. At ringside right in front of the Taco Bell Executives El Diablo has a table setup and a pile of chairs on the table with Risa laying on the pile. We go to a split screen with the wrestlers paired off and El Diablo climbs back into the ring and to the top rope looking down at Risa before locking eyes with the Taco Bell Exec. On Dream and Madman’s side they have somehow made it onto the roof of the Chaos Complex and Dream has Madman hooked up as they stand on a skylight and he hits PRO GAMER MOVE through the skylight! At the same time El D leaps off with Feeling Froggy putting Risa through the table with all the chairs on it. He ignores the pleas to “Do the right thing!” from the Exec and pins her. Dream knocks the glass off of himself and Madman is clearly out as Daniel looks around the suite that is filled with Executives from Amazon watching the show. The referee drops through the skylight next to them as Dream makes the cover but it’s too late as the original referee has counted El Diablo’s pinfall on Risa to retain his title.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: What a match! El Diablo Blanco is STILL the Violence Champion despite the best efforts of Taco Bell to get him out of the division he has truly put on the map, your official time is 48 minutes 3 seconds.
Big Match Breakdown
We return to Bridget in the studio, seated on either side of her are two men, one recognized by fans of EPIC’s first run in 2010 as former EPIC Color Commentator Jasper Clarke, while the other man would only be recognized by wrestling or music historians.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome two of EPIC’s newest on air signings who will be serving as analyst and panel contributors. The man to my left may look a little different than the last time he was seen on EPIC programming but he served as my partner in crime at the announce table when EPIC originally launched. Please welcome, Jasper Clarke!
Jasper motions as if he’s tipping his hat.
Jasper Clarke: Thanks, sugar. I’m glad to be sittin’ next to you again after all these years. I’ll try not to flirt as much as I did back in the day cause your husband is a scary scary man.
Bridget immediately tries to move away from the subject of her personal life, turning her attention to man to her right.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: And the man sitting to my right may not be as recognizable to EPIC fans or had the in ring success as Jasper, but he was known in his in ring days as “Hard Rock” Cody Rush. His works as a motivational speaker and broadcaster, as well as the front man for the band Downshift who’s 1991 song “Feed the Need” was a surprising #1 single. Welcome to the EPIC team, the host of the highly successful music and wrestling podcast “One Hit Wonder”, Ray Grant.
Bridget turns to Ray who has an enthusiastic smile.
Ray Grant: Bridget you have no idea how HYPED I am to be a part of this brand. This company and this product has been a topic of my show every week for the last six weeks and to make my debut on the biggest show yet is mind blowing.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Well gentlemen let's tell the fans what you’re going to be doing tonight.
Jasper Clarke: We’re gonna do what we call “The Big Fight Breakdown”, we’re gonna look at the main event from all angles and give you a few facts about the wrestlers in the match you might not know.
Ray Grant: That’s right Jasper, things like did you know that JC Keeton is not only a second generation wrestler but both of his biological parents held World Championships? He has a chance tonight to do so earlier in his career than his legendary father Jake Keeton.
Jasper Clarke: Well Ray let’s not just talk about it let’s show y’all some of the facts about these guys and what we think are their keys to victory tonight. Since you started with JC let’s look at the stats and facts for him first.
They all three turn their attention to the screen behind them as a graphic of JC Keeton is shown with his height and weight bullet pointed - “6’1” 217lbs”
Ray Grant: At 6’1” and 217lbs Keeton will definitely be at a disadvantage when it comes to size both in height and weight. What he will have because of this is a serious speed advantage. Do you have anything to add Jasper?
Jasper Clarke: Just not to underestimate the power this kid has, he’s built like a brick shithouse and pound for pound possibly the strongest person on the whole damn roster. Let’s look at the next stat.
The next bullet point on the graphic shows,”Recorded a then record 33 inch vertical leap for a 15 year old as a high school sophomore.”
Jasper Clarke: Now leaping ability ain’t always something that gets taken into account when it comes to wrestling but when you got the God given ability JC Keeton has to jump clean out of the gym that has to be taken into consideration. Big Ol’ Hungry Jack probably ain’t got a 4 inch vertical.
Ray Grant: I’ll give the big man more credit than that but you have to believe if JC’s vertical was recorded at 33 inches 7 years ago he’s probably added a good 10 inches onto that. We’re talking NBA level leaping ability from a professional wrestler. That’s special. Next up the fact we brought up earlier.
The “Both Father and Mother Held World Championships” bullet point pops up on the graphic.
Ray Grant: While lineage doesn’t alway mean anything in this case having an 11 time World Champion as your father and one of the most promising female competitors of the late 90’s who’s life was tragically cut short as your mother can’t hurt in JC’s case.
Jasper Clarke: I’ll have to disagree with you there, his Daddy was an overrated hack who got lucky and his Momma was a junkie who died with a needle in her arm. I think who his parents are have hurt him more than they’ve helped.
Bridget and Ray both seem a little speechless at the brash and inappropriate comments Jasper just made.
Jasper Clarke: We movin’ on then? What’s our final fact about JC Keeton?
The last bullet point shows up and reads, “Made His In Ring Debut In 2016”.
Jasper Clarke: With only four years under his belt I gotta feel like this is gonna hurt JC going into a match like this, might be a case of too much too soon for the 22 year old. What do you think partner?
Ray Grant: I’m not sure the length of a person's career necessarily means they have less experience. Outside of EPIC and a few other places over the years has Jack Swanson even wrestled as many matches as JC Keeton? Jack is the EPIC Original but JC is putting in work all over the world especially since December of last year. Reps mean something. Let’s move on to “Hungry” Jack Swanson now.
The graphic behind the team switches to an image of Jack with the first bullet point being his height and weight, “6’6” 400 lbs”.
Jasper Clarke: I said earlier that JC Keeton may be the strongest pound for pound wrestler on the EPIC roster. If anyone is going to give him a run for his money it's Hungry Jack. You're not going to find many men who are able to throw their weight around like Swanson.
Ray Grant: At 6'6" and 400lbs, they don't come much bigger. What he lacks in overall speed he makes up for it in quickness. His hands are used to moving at fast speeds and they pack quite a punch. It could come down to one well placed fist to the jaw to end the match.
The second bullet point reads "Over a decade into his second career".
Ray Grant: Now I know I said that the length of a person's career isn't always a good measuring stick of what people can do. I'm still not sure Jack has an edge in experience. What I do know is that he went toe to toe with guys like Ryan Shane and EPIC's own Director of Violence Captain Howdy. Those are matches he won by the way.
Jasper Clarke: I've seen Hungry Jack wrestle first hand. I was there when he took EPIC by storm. I still remember him winning the Chaos championship. The thing is Swanson wasn't a young guy back then, and he isn't getting any younger. Now in his mid forties you have to wonder just how much longer he can stay competitive.
Just as he finishes his sentence the third bullet point pops up "World Record Holding Competitive Eater".
Ray Grant: I don't think being competitive has ever been an issue for Hungry Jack. The guy likes to compete, and he likes to win. It's something he's used to. I'm not sure if you know this Jasper but Swanson basically started wrestling on a whim. He thought at his size no one could stop him. I don't think he's been proven wrong. I doubt anyone would say otherwise to his face.
Jasper Clarke: While you are correct when you say Jack is a tough competitor, you have to wonder how much in ring competition he's really had as of late. I know he's an EPIC original and is claiming to be the face of the company. One just wonders how long that can last and if his friendship with Robert Quinn might be paying off.
Ray Grant: You're forgetting one of the most important accolades in the life of "Hungry" Jack Swanson. He's also the Guinness Book of World Records holder of the largest ever recorded dump.
Jasper Clarke: I'm not sure what advantages that gives him in this match.
Ray Grant: It's just funny Jasper. I'm just trying to cover all the bases.
The last bullet point appears on the screen "Dinner Is Served".
Ray Grant: As much as he has accomplished in his career, this is still the first time Jack Swanson has had the chance to be a World Champion. I think he knows that time probably isn't on his side. He might not get many more chances.
Jasper Clarke: I think that's something we can both agree on. That's why I think he's going to pull out all the stops. JC Keeton is going to have plenty of chances in his career. This might be Jack's only invitation to the table.
Ray Grant: We can’t forget that Keeton will be walking into the match the first, last, and only Crisis Core Wrestling Platinum Champion. While it isn’t called the World title it was the most prestigious title in that promotion and he worked hard to win it, Swanson just showed up and because he was here the first time gets a shot to be the first World Champion. I think that should wrap up the stats and facts, it’s time for predictions. Since you are the host with the most, we’ll let you give yours first.
The graphic switches to one with Swanson on the left and Keeton on the right. Down the middle are the names of the panelist.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Even though I’ve watched JC grow up and still consider myself his Aunt, I have to go with my loyalty to EPIC and just my gut feeling that Jack Swanson, the EPIC Original, will leave tonight as World Champion. Jasper, who is your pick?
Jasper Clarke: As we just broke down, there’s plenty of reason and a lot of people who think JC Keeton will become the World Champion but I ain’t one of them. I was here day one and so was Jack Swanson. I never been his biggest fan but if it’s a choice between him and a kid with the last name Keeton no matter how talented that kid is I’m picking Jack 10 times out of 10. Looks like the new guy is up last, make it 3 for 3 Ray.
Ray Grant: I’m afraid not. I’m grateful to Robert Quinn for providing me the opportunity to work with the company but I’m not drinking his Keeton hate Kool-Aide he’s sold the two of you. I think JC Keeton has a bright future and tonight he becomes the first ever EPIC World Champion.
The graphic shows “Swanson” under Lewis-Killings and Clarke’s names and “Keeton” under Grant’s name.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Well there you have it the first edition of the Big Match Breakdown and even more reason to look forward to tonight’s main event.
Frank Lowe vs. Terra Mason
Bridget Lewis-Killings: That definitely set up an interesting tone going into the remainder of the night. Up next action wise is a bit of a grudge match with Terra Mason taking on...Frank Lowe. Following his heinous attack last Chaos, Terra is sure to be looking for payback. Let’s take a look and see whether or not she is successful.
The monitor shows us a feed of the ringside area, the bell barely ringing before the two charge at one another. Terra uses her speed advantage to get the early control, striking while easy circling Frank which frustrates the more burly competitor. Mason gets a few nearfalls with a Single Leg Facebreaker, Leg Trap Sunset Flip, and Tornado DDT but is finally cut off with a knee to the gut followed by a huge Belly-to-Belly Suplex. Frank keeps on Terra for a bit, nailing her with a few more Suplexes, and a Jumping Fist Drop before his expression changes as she kicks out. Lowe goes to bust her open with mounted strikes, but before he can land the blow Terra wiggles free, briefly locking in the Kupo-Klutch (Gargano Escape) but Lowe desperately uses his taller frame to reach the ropes with his leg causing the break. Terra looks to maintain control but Frank cuts her off with a cheap rake of the eyes which brings her back down. Frank takes his time setting yanking Terra up by the hair, looking for the Sit and Spin (Full Nelson Bomb into the Stock Lock) but this backfires as Mason is able to break the grip, bringing herself down and then pushing up to grab and rattle Lowe with a Wheelbarrow Stunner. The finish comes when Terra follows up and goes for the Leonhartsault (Quebrada/Lionsault) but it’s scouted, Frank rolling away at the last second, with him managing to grab hold of a leg as he does. Lowe then rolls her up, hooking her shorts and using the ropes for leverage to get the three count much to the shock and disapproval of the sold out crowd. He rolls out of the ring onto the floor to recover as Terra looks on surprised, arguing with the official briefly before noticing Lowe’s celebration begin.
It looks as if a switch has flipped inside Terra as she lets out a scream before charging, leaping and taking out Frank with a Suicide Dive which gets a pop from the fans. Letting out a laugh she then looks under the ring for a second, pulling out a steel chair. Terra yells out that “It’s time for MY REWARD motherfucker!!” Taking in a deep breath before cracking the chair clear across the head of Lowe, busting him open which again gets a roar of approval. Frank’s wife Lacey tries to slowly approach and cause separation but gets screamed at for her troubles which startles her. Terra holds up her finger as if to say wait a minute before bending down. Wiping some of the blood from Lowe’s head, she proceeds to wipe it across her chest before motioning to Lacey that she’s welcome to check on her fallen spouse now which she nervously does. Terra once again begins to laugh, tugging at her hair a bit before making her way to the back.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: While I’ll reserve my judgment on the victor in the match, I do want to direct attention back to the monitor as this wasn’t the end of things when it comes to the aftermath.
The Harbinger’s Cry
Cameras continue to follow Terra Mason as she enters the backstage area. Shoving through a couple of producers in the gorilla position, she marches down the corridor, kicking at random equipment chests and looking as if her heart was about to rip out of her chest.
Terra Mason: Motherfucker!! Wait a minute, if the time of my reward has passed, it’s happening. It’s HAPPENING! Soon the player cards will be shown in full but the veiled one will still stand back. He will let THEM crumble so the hunger is satisfied for the time being. Then things will get worse, or perhaps better. I have to warn but I can’t! I can’t! I can’t breathe...no air…
Terra clutches at her chest before dashing down the halls, looking around at each of the downs and yelling at them until she seems to find the one she’s looking for and yanks it open as hard as she could. A few of her colleagues can be seen with concern on their faces but Terra is in another world, her eyes darting all over the room until she spots her bag. She rips it open, rummaging like a mad woman, tossing items around until she picks up the whole thing and throws it against the wall. She then turns and goes to leave but finally notices the others around them and calls out.
Terra Mason: You don’t see! None of you see the truth! But how can I even when my pages are all TORN! Get the fuck AWAY from me!
Pushing the door open once again she looks around her, swatting a few times before continuing her march.
Terra Mason: NOTHING! There is nothing! It was taken, I was TAKEN!
Grabbing and tossing a roll of cables, Terra begins to cry uncontrollably. She doesn’t stop her quick pace, out of nowhere grabbing at her own gear top and ripping it off, thankfully her black bra underneath staying on. A concerned crew member calls for her to calm down which causes her to finally stop, her expression changing to a more confused one now.
Terra Mason: Calm….down? Air, I just need to get some air. That’s all…
Terra eyes the exit in the distance and makes her move. Another door can be heard swinging open rather roughly, cameras turning to see EPIC co-owner Analicia Morales-Connors and physician Dr. Ausfhart rushing down the hall in pursuit.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Hurry the fuck up doc, you got what I said right?! With your strongest stuff?
Dr. Ausfhart: Yes Mrs. Connors, but are you sure that...
Analicia Morales-Connors: Nope, no! You shut up now, don’t question a damn thing I say and fucking shoot!
Analicia slows her pace slightly so the doctor gets in front, pulling out an odd looking weapon and firing it in Terra’s direction. The camera catches what appears to be a dart hit Terra in the neck. She doesn’t miss a step, grabbing and yanking it out, tossing it to the side as she’s determined to get to the exit. Her continued running alarms Ausfhart, but then she finally starts to slow, her running turning into walking before she falls to her knees. She still moves forward, slowing to a crawl, before she finally crashes, passing out from what was clearly a powerful sedative. Analicia shoos the doctor away once she reaches Terra, looking down at her with actual concern on her face.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Jesus Terra, what the hell do we do now?
Footsteps can be heard just then, Analicia looking and stepping to the side. The camera pans to show Graham Baker who eyes the boss before bending down and carefully taking Terra into his arms. He stands up, picking her up in the process, before turning back to Analicia with a confident smirk.
Graham Baker: Don’t worry boss, I got this.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Good.
Analicia turns and walks away, the camera catching a quick glimpse of Baker whispering something inaudible to the unconscious Terra in his arms as the scene fades out.
Chaos Championship
Moros vs. Muru
Bridget brings the attention back to the monitor which fades into the full view of ringside. The referee is handed the EPIC Chaos Championship, showing it to both men who stand in respective corners before raising it for all to see, the fans erupting as the bell then rings. Both men circle each other but before they can lock up, Moros puts his hand up, halting things, extending his hand for a handshake. This brings a smile to Muru’s face as the two finally shake hands. They break and then get into the match, exchanging holds and moves at a quick pace before the veteran Muru gets the advantage after rolling through a side headlock, hitting a Neck Snap in quick succession, capping it off with a Front Dropkick right to the masked face of Moros. The young man rolls over underneath the bottom rope, checking his nose but before he can try and recover, he’s hit with a Baseball Slide that sends him to the outside. Muru follows up with a Suicide Dive to Moros on the outside but the attempt is cut off at the last split second with a Jumping Knee which causes the veteran to crash hard. Moros keeps checking on his nose finally having an audible “Oh fuck it” caught by the cameras before he rips his own mask off. The crowd is taken back seeing his face clearly for the first time, the young man wiping the blood coming from his nose onto his glove, stomping on Muru a few times as he does. He then grabs hold of Muru, tossing him into the corner post, then back in the ring where he follows up his offense with a Springboard DDT for a close two count. The frustration is evident in Moros as he takes a far more aggressive approach, going as far as to nail a wicked Hair Pull Curb Stomp which was preceded by a few slaps to the back of the head. He gets more close calls with a Double Chickenwing Gutbuster, Kip-Up Hurricanrana, Yoshi Tonic, and Tilt-a-Whirl Piledriver. The final nearfall was enough to make Moros get really pissed off, yelling at the referee before kicking the bottom rope. He tries to shake off the frustration, climbing up to the top. Moros flies with a gorgeous Corkscrew Senton but Muru gets his knees up at the last second, the impact taking a lot out of the young man who just crashed badly. Muru, while still reeling from earlier is able to maintain control, nearly getting the victory himself after a Reverse DDT, Death Valley Driver, and the Knee To Nose Basis (Diving Double Knee Attack) which Moros was barely able to kick out of, his nose beginning to bleed again from the stiff strike. Sensing he could end things, Muru takes to the top, fans on edge as he could nail the Muru Splash (Frog Splash) but then the lights go out in the arena….
The lights come back on, now with each of the four members of the group from earlier surrounding the ring. Muru looks to try and dive out onto at least one of them but Moros, who’s now somewhat recovered, stops him, trying to cool his temper. Muru keeps trying to break away from Moros’ grip as the young man desperately tries to get him to stay focused on the match. After getting hit with a Back Elbow, Moros finally snaps, the camera catching him yelling “¡No me ignoran hijo de puta!” Moros grabs a hold of him shortly after and drives him down roughly on the back of his neck with Her Song (Kudome Valentine) looking quite emotional as he covers him for the pin and win. The official hands the young man the EPIC Chaos Championship belt, which he slings over his shoulder, but any moment for celebration is cut off by Baker, Hix and Wyldeside entering the ring. Baker steps up to Moros, the two just about nose to nose. The two stare each other down intensely, waiting for one to make a move. Suddenly Moros raises his right arm, making the infamous finger gun and turning his head towards the fallen Muru with a devious smile on his face. The gun is then pointed and Moros yells out “Bang! You’re Dead.” As if on cue, Hix exits the ring, digging under and grabbing a steel chair as Wyldeside lay out Muru with the Wylde Ride. While the brothers look at their handiwork, Moros and Eli Hix stare at each other, Hix dropping the chair down onto the mat. Moros smirks before miming a face being ripped off. Muru is then yanked up by the hair and put into a straitjacket position. Hix takes in the air before smashing the head of Muru with Faceless (Straight Jacket Curb Stomp) drawing blood as a result which brings a smile to the faces of all five men. Moros then takes the Chaos Championship off his shoulder and stares at it before raising it. The now group of five then make their exit as the fans voice their displeasure.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: An emotional end to a hard hitting contest comes at the 28 minute, 36 second mark as Moros takes a somewhat distracted Muru down for the pinfall victory. Now while this is an incredible crowning achievement for the young man, what happened after this is far more telling when it comes to the new Chaos Champion. I will refrain from providing insight on my thoughts for professional reasons. But our cameras didn’t stop there as there much more to be seen. Let’s have a look.
Final Preparations
We move to the locker room area just prior to the Main Event. Graham Baker sits on a bench as a pumped up Ethan and Lucas Wylde bounce around in front of him. Over in the corner Eli Hix sits in a dented steel chair, petting his bunny with a blank stare on his face.
Ethan Wylde: We’re running this shit! None of them ever saw it coming either. Just one more piece to the puzzle. Your plan is working perfectly, Dad. You think your boy Keeton is gonna join up with us?
Baker pauses for a moment as if in thought, before nodding.
Graham Baker: Can’t see why not. I made his boy Ryan Shane look like a fuckin’ clown out there. Cut Above should stick together, and plus, we’re giving him the strap that he truly does deserve. Think about it, Ethan-you’d join up with us, right? You know the alternative.
Before Ethan can respond Lucas chimes in.
Lucas Wydle: Damn right, an Arm Bar Academy ass whoopin’ courtesy of Old Dad and his two top students.
At this point Hix, feeling left out and confused speaks up.
Eli Hix: I never knew my Dad, can he be mine too?
Just as the three other men look to try and answer, the room door swings open and shuts quickly. Stepping into frame is the brand new Chaos Champion Moros, sans mask. He eyes everyone for a second before speaking.
Moros: Looks like you all were having quite the little party but I think we should keep the focus on business for now. Everything has gone according to plan so far but this last variable is a troubling one.
Baker looks to Hix for a moment, but pauses. He looks at Moros, and nods.
Baker: Come on, son. I know this is gonna go well. Everything else has, right? Keeton’s gonna see this team and feel some type of way, he’s gonna have no choice but to party up with us! Plus, it’s like I said-we’re handing him that belt. The big one-the biggest prize in EPIC!-on a silver platter. You really think he’s gonna turn us down?
Baker scoffs.
Baker: Because I sure as hell don’t.
Baker waits for Moros to plead his case, while looking to the others in the room.
Moros: I wish I could be confident in his choice like you but you have to admit he’s proven to be a bit on the...small-minded side in the past. However you do have a solid point and you seem to know him better than we do. Either way I like the party that’s been created between us. Keeton would add...something to it. Another champion at least.
Moros can’t help chuckling as he looks at the Chaos Championship on his shoulder.
Ethan Wylde: That’s a shiney belt you got there kid, but Dad’s after the big gold himself. Ain’t that right Dad?
Baker smiles for a moment, tapping Moros on the shoulder, and clapping the Chaos Championship. He rubs his shoulders.
Graham Baker: Nah, it’s alright. I want us all to feel the love, I want us all to hold gold. I want us all to win matches, you know? To solidify us.
At this, Baker leaves Moros for a moment and looks to Ethan, who’s taken a seat while Baker was talking to Moros. He crouches down in front of Ethan.
Graham Baker: What I’m after, Ethan, is a unit that can back themselves up. So tell me, please…
Baker circles around to behind Ethan, and taps the back of his chair-before he yanks it out from under him! Ethan’s launched out of his chair, and he falls to the ground as Baker folds the chair in, looking like he’s gonna swing as Lucas gets in the way, but Baker simply throws the chair back into the locker with a SMASH!
Graham Baker: Why the fuck weren’t you and your brother been able to win tonight? You told me you could handle yourselves out there, that’s why I wasn’t there. That’s why Hix didn’t come out with you, and yet, you lose to the fucking Dalmons? I picked you both because you had promise, because you came to me to be made great, and you fucking disappoint me like this?
Lucas helps Ethan up and he glares at the man who trained the two brothers.
Lucas Wydle: We ain’t in training anymore we…
Before they can say anymore, Baker cuts them off.
Graham Baker: I don’t want to hear it. Get the fuck out of my locker room...and take the boy and his bunny with you.
As there’s a momentary hesitation, Baker sighs.
Graham Baker: Do I need to repeat myself? Get out, now.
Wyldeside, heads hung exit as Hix gets up placing his bunny under his arm, it’s lifeless feet just dangle. As he’s walking towards the door, he stops and whispers to Moros.
Eli Hix: He will bleed.
Hix exits humming the Sesame Street Theme. As he leaves, Baker glances back to Moros, and walks over to him.
Graham Baker: Listen, Mav-I know you’ve got a lot of trust in that friend of yours, but I’m not sure about him. He’s a wildcard, and I don’t play well with half-measures, you feel me? If you’re not one hundred percent sold on him, I don’t know if I can trust him-and I’d rather cut him lose early.
Moros: You know I wouldn’t have suggested him if I didn’t have full faith in him. Is he a wildcard? Yes. Is he someone I can see murdering more animals while dressing them up for a tea party? Absolutely. But in his own way, he’s perfect. After he and I...connected, I saw things differently and know it’s the right call. Now even though your boys dropped the ball tonight, they can be worked on. It’s just Keeton that has me...well I won’t say too much because I know he’s your friend.
Baker: Out with it, Mav. You know I trust you.
Baker waves Moros to continue. It takes Moros a moment but he finally responds.
Moros: He’s fucking soft Graham. You know this. He’s more immature than I am and he has a couple years on me life wise. Though he talks like he has a pair on him, at the end of the day, I don’t think he has it in him. I know you do and I really want to be proven wrong but for as often as she harps on me, she’s not usually wrong when it comes to character and I get the same feeling.
Baker stops for a moment, and he nods. He’s got a barely contained thought, but he sighs, and claps Moros on the shoulders.
Baker: Alright, Mav. For both our sakes, let’s hope you’re wrong. Keeton’s good people, and he’d fit in well...but if he’s not gonna fit, he’s not gonna fit. Let’s give him the chance, and if he doesn’t, well, he’ll get what he gets. Now, let’s get walking and watch ourselves a main event, eh?
Baker looks as though he’s about to leave, and stops for a moment.
Baker: Oh, and Mav? Tell Hix to get rid of the fucking bunny. It stinks.
Baker walks out of the locker room, waiting for Moros to join him in the hall and going to regroup with the rest of his wards...
Main Event
Unification Match for Vacant EPIC World Championship
"Hungry" Jack Swanson vs. CCW Platinum Champion JC Keeton
A video package highlighting the two men in the main event brings us back into Bridget in the studio.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: It is time to crown the first ever EPIC World Champion, but if the theme so far tonight continues into this final match I’m sure the five individuals we just saw are not done. They made it clear that they want JC Keeton to win tonight whether he joins them or not, will they show up to make sure that happens or will the EPIC Original, “Hungry” Jack Swanson spoil their plans? Let’s find out right now as REBIRTH concludes!
Bridget turns to the screen for one final time as the intros for both men play in full, both getting a great amount of cheers but Swanson slightly edges the second generation star in fan support. The match begins with neither man aware of the plans Baker and his newly formed alliance have in mind. They shake hands to begin the match as the bell sounds and they lock up. Swanson shoves Keeton halfway across the ring, almost if he heard what the Big Match Breakdown guys said about how strong Keeton was as JC sits up and Jack flexes and smiles before offering his hand to help JC up. JC takes it but tries to turn it into an Arm Bar and is pulled right into an Over Head Belly to Belly Suplex. Keeton bounces off the mat right back to his feet and hits a stiff Spinning Uppercut to Jack that makes the crowd cringe at the sound and staggers the big man erasing his smile. From that point the early going was all Keeton who used his speed and a very well versed variety of striking and submission attempts, abandoning his normally suplex heavy attack in favor of a Martial Arts based game possibly showing some of Dizzie’s influence on her boyfriends game plan. An ill fated attempt at a Springboard Cutter by the CCW Platinum Champion saw him get caught in midair and the life nearly drained out of him by a massive Bear Hug from the 400 pounder. Swanson then took over splashing the smaller man in all four corners. Hungry Jack continues to use his size to his advantage. He strikes with three hard right hands (3 course meal) to the jaw of Keeton dropping him to the mat. A leg drop follows and it gets a two count with JC just getting his shoulder up under the massive appendage of Swanson. Later in the match we once again see Hungry Jack squeezing the life out of Keeton with another Bear Hug. Before the referee can call it, JC is able to break the hold with multiple claps to the big man's ears. Jack is staggering and Keeton hits the best dropkick in the business but it doesn't bring the big man down. A second one has Jack reeling but he refuses to go down. A second attempt at his trademark Springboard Cutter from JC finally has Jack to a knee. JC then hits a third dropkick right to the side of Jack's head and the big man is covered for a two count. Keeton uses his speed advantage to get quick shots in on Jack. He doesn't let up and looks to hit Youth in Motion (phenomenal forearm) but Swanson counters with a big boot out of nowhere. He isn't able to capitalize as it forces Keeton to the outside. Boos then erupts as down the ramp walks Graham Baker, Moros, Wyldeside, and a distraught looking Eli Hix without his bunny bringing up the rear. They reach ringside and Baker pats Keeton on the back and says something inaudible to him. JC looks behind Graham at the other four men before shaking it off and sliding back into the ring. He walks right into DINNER IS SERVED and Jack puts all 400lbs behind the Two Handed Choke Bomb driving every bit of air out of Keeton’s lungs as he crashes to the mat. Wyldeside grabs chairs and starts to get into the ring but Baker pulls them back as the referee counts the pin 1...2...3!!! We return to Bridget in the studio momentarily.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: “HUNGRY” JACK SWANSON IS THE FIRST EVER EPIC WORLD CHAMPION! The EPIC Original defeats a game JC Keeton in 24 minutes and 51 seconds but there would be no time to celebrate as the new champion was met by this devious new quintet and a brutal assault, all five of them swinging chairs like a pack of wolves. The real question remained: would they add a sixth member to this new seemingly unstoppable alliance? God help us if they do, Goodnight!
She once again and for the final time turns to the screen. As the canvas that has already been replaced on three other occasions is now stained with the blood of the new World Champion we see the champion on his knees in front of Baker who holds a chair, each Wylde brother holding one of Jack’s massive arms while Eli holds his head up, his eyes barely flutter. Before Baker can strike him with the finishing blow Keeton who has had time to recover steps between Baker and Swanson. JC gets nose to nose with his A Cut Above tag team partner and Graham just smiles but JC doesn’t return the gesture. Baker turns with his mouth towards Keeton’s ear and the camera clearly catches the words he says, “You’re either with us or against us, make the wrong choice and your career ends, TONIGHT.” The Aviator extends the chair in his hand to Keeton who hesitates but eventually takes it. JC turns to Jack who wouldn't even be able to hold his head up on his own at this point. JC leans down to see if Jack’s eyes are open and he stands back up cocking the chair back. He mouths the words “I’m sorry” at the man who just defeated him for the World Title before swinging the chair with everything he has in him but spinning at the last minute and caving in Baker’s skull, blood flying like it was spraying from a garden hose and Baker drops like he was shot by a .50 BMG. Before JC can even move the Chaos Champion scoops him up on his shoulders before tossing him off into a Detonation Kick, Moros almost gleefully barks at the three others who are still holding Jack to get Keeton. They all take turns hitting finishers as trash flies into the ring. His Blade from Moros is followed by Twisted & Gifted onto a steel chair from Hix, and finally Wylde Ride from Ethan and Lucas. An enraged and crazed looking Graham Baker, completely coated in blood finally makes it to his feet with assistance of Moros and Baker has Lucas Wydle whip JC Keeton towards him and Baker hits Keeton’s own move, The Ode to Outlaw on Keeton. The EPIC logo appears on the screen and the five men stand over JC Keeton and “Hungry” Jack Swanson as one final image appears on the screen and the show comes to a close.
