Posted by EPIC Producers on May 26, 2020 0:45:52 GMT -5
JC Keeton vs. Wyldeside, Eli Hix, and Maverick
The Amazon Prime logo appears before fading into the SPLAT! Logo once the logos fade “Epic” by Faith No More plays. Bridget Lewis-Killings sits behind a desk with a giant screen behind her. As the music fades she smiles and the camera zooms closer as she begins to speak.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Chaos! I’m your host Bridget Lewis-Killings. We are just one week away from Mayhem: Devil’s Due and as has become the tradition around here each show before a Pay Per View is themed. Tonight’s theme is UNITY and we open with a united RI5EN minus Graham Baker who we’ll see in the main event as they try to deny JC Keeton the chance to compete. Can the second generation star defy these odds that have been hugely stacked against him in this Gauntlet match? Let’s find out right now with our opening contest.
The screen behind her flickers to life as the image on it now fills the scene. That image is JC Keeton, with a focused smile bouncing on his heels as he waits for his first opponent. “Wildside” by Motley Crue brings the Wylde Brothers to the ring and it appears Lucas will be starting as the largest member of RI5EN hops on the apron. As Lucas goes to step between the ropes JC drop kicks him back out of the ring and the bell sounds. Using his speed JC kept the larger man at bay for the early going but Lucas caught him in midair on attempted Springboard Cutter and planted him on the back of the head with a belly to back and rolled through into a pin but JC reversed it and shockingly eliminated Lucas. Ethan was immediately on the apron protesting that JC was holding the tights to the referee but JC brought him over the top rope and pulled him into a Cutthroat Saito Suplex. JC would control the match until Lucas, who continued to lurk at ringside grabbed JC’s ankle allowing Ethan to turn the tides in his favor. Dizzie and Celina del Anil make their way out fed up with Lucas interfering on his brother's behalf. Lucas marched up the ramp to meet them both and Dizzie sidestepped his clothesline while Celina hits a Hurricanrana. While the referee is distracted by Celina and Lucas, Dizzie hops up on the apron and nails a stiff forearm to the jaw of Ethan who staggers back right into Ode to the Outlaw from JC who makes the cover to eliminate Ethan. As JC celebrates Eli Hix slithers into the ring behind him and nails him with Twisted & Gifted and makes the cover but JC kicks out at the last second. Hix methodically picked apart JC who was already 28 minutes into the match and looked to be really slowing down. Eli went to finish JC off and end his bid to return from suspension early hitting Faceless but the ref was too close and as Hix drove JC into the mat his foot came up and caught the ref in the junk and he rolled out to the floor. JC was out of it but there was no referee to count so Hix decided to inflict more damage pulling a staple gun from under the ring. Before he could use it though the crowd erupted as Violence Champion Drake Connors came sprinting down the ramp and kicked the staple gun out of Hix’s hand. Drake snatched the gun up off the mat and Hix smiled and stuck out his tongue. Drake just shrugged and stapled the psychopath in the tongue. With blood pouring from his mouth Hix frantically tried to get the staple out and Drake hooked him up and dropped him with The Ring of Cocytus. With Hix incapactiated Drake stood between him and downed JC after a moments hesitation Connors dragged JC over and placed him on top of Hix before rolling out of the ring and tossing the referee back in where he counted the pin and Keeton eliminates Hix. Connors claps his hands as he back up the ramp but backs right into the chest of the final competitor in the match the Elite Champion Maverick. They lock eyes momentarily but no words are spoken between the two as Mav makes his way to the ring. Maverick stands over JC who at this point is just beat to a pulp and Ryan digs his toe into the ribcage of JC. He then slaps him in the side of the head and JC seems to wake up as he sweeps the legs of the Elite Champion and mounts his chest delivering a flurry of punches but the fresher man catches a punch and rolls him into a an Armbar. Although JC was able to make the ropes Maverick remained in control putting on a truly Elite display and arrogantly toyed with JC before deciding to go for the finish with His Blade but Keeton slipped out and rolled him up with a handful of tights shades of how Mav beat him at Chaos 3 and the referee counts the 1...2...3!
Bridget Lewis-Killings: What a way to kick things off and after a grueling 51 minutes and 7 seconds JC Keeton is officially unsuspended but who will he face at Mayhem: Devil’s Due?
You’ll Find Out When You Find Out
A disgruntled Mav rolls to the floor and makes his way up the ramp absolutely furious as JC Keeton remains in the ring barely able to stand. It’s at this time that “Reckless” by Lacuna Coil begins to play on the sound system, EPIC co-owner Analicia Morales-Connors making her way onto the stage shortly after, microphone in hand. She quickly signals for her music to be cut off and looks over at the battered but victorious JC from afar raising the mic up once the music stops.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Let me be the first to congratulate you on your hard fought, albeit slightly controversial win here tonight. You see some people may think of what I did with this match as cruel but when you want to groom the best, and get the best out of them, you need to push them beyond their limits to see if they truly have the drive to succeed. That is what this was and what will continue to happen until we see the real JC Keeton emerge from his shell. However, I am a woman of my word so your suspension is lifted for good as of now and you will be taking part in our huge Mayhem: Devil’s Due event next week.
The fans in the arena can’t help but cheer the announcement, Analicia giving them a moment before continuing.
Analicia Morales-Connors: The question now is, who is it that JC will be facing? Obviously it’s not Graham Baker as he has a World Title match to compete in. It’s not any of the other members of RI5EN as they’re all booked. No you see, I have something special in mind. A couple weeks ago we made an announcement that we had a monumental signing on our hands here in EPIC. One that would shake the company to its very core, only to rebuild it as something even greater and we weren’t lying. This individual’s accolades would take the rest of the night to go through but I know his in ring performance at Mayhem will more than eclipse any words I could say. This JC, this is who you will be facing. So you better bring your best because if you even wish to last five minutes with this person, you’re going to have to work even harder than you did tonight. Good luck child, you’ll need it.
Tossing the microphone to a nearby attendant, Analicia walks off the stage and towards the back as “Reckless” by Lacuna Coil plays once again before the feed switches over.
Ryan Castle vs. Onyx
Bridget Lewis-Killngs: This match-up has me excited. Onyx has been struggling to get over the hump as of late here in EPIC, and that will get no easier here as he goes up against a debuting Ryan Castle. Castle, a former All American out of Boise State has been a fast rising sensation on the independent scene, wowing audiences with his unorthodox and unnatural combination of power and agility, coupled with a unique charisma that seems to just draw in audiences. Let's take you mid-action and see how this plays out.
Cutting to the ring, the veteran Onyx has Ryan Castle in the corner unloading a series of rights and lefts. Then he unloads a knee to the midsection over and over, repeatedly as he tries to take the breath out of Castle. Onyx backs up and shoots Castle to the opposite corner and trails him in, only to have Castle somehow manage to leap to the middle rope and springboard backward with a twisting lariat as he nearly takes the head of Onyx off and the crowd roars for the Blue Chipper. Castle grabs the 270 pound man and presses him above his head and holds him there, walking around the ring. Then he drops down to his shoulder and powerslams him with authority as the ring shakes and the crowd roars. Castle turns and plays to the crowd, creating a growing reaction. When he turns back around, Onyx is back at a base and hits a clothesline as he drops Castle. Then he bounces the ropes and comes back with a leg drop across the throat of Castle. Castle shocks the crowd by kipping back up to his feet, then hits a textbook dropkick on Onyx. When Onyx gets back up, Castle kicks him to the gut and then spikes him with a double underhook suplex. Castle aids Onyx to his feet, whips him into the back ropes as he hits the side rope and rebounds back, hitting a powerful running shoulderblock on Onyx, nearly removing him from his boots, a move he calls Crackback. Castle pins and the official counts the three count as Ryan Castle picks up a win in his EPIC debut.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: An impressive victory there in 8 minutes 19 seconds for Ryan Castle in his debut match with the company. Onyx gave him a challenge but the rising star had an answer for every part of it. Castle’s night wouldn’t end just yet however, as we’re about to find out.
Asylum
After the match Castle stands in the ring while his music, “Attention Attention” continues to play for the hot crowd. Castle plays to adoring fans. Then the lights shut off in the arena. For a good twenty seconds the entire place is blanketed in darkness. Then a spotlight appears on Castle, who looks around confused. That’s when a voice is heard over the public address system.
Damien Maddox: Don’t look behind you, that’s too obvious.
A spotlight appears on the entrance ramp where Damien Maddox walks out, a microphone in one hand and his rod in the other.
Damien Maddox: Maybe I’m crazy, maybe I have no clue what I’m doing. Or maybe I know exactly what I’m doing, Ryan. But you’re marked. Someone needs to be made an example of, so the people here have an inkling what they are dealing with, and it just so happens, you are the poster boy.
By now Damien has made his way to ringside. Before climbing in he grabs a chair and tosses it into the ring over the top rope then rolls into the ring himself.
Damien Maddox: Never fear, I don’t plan to attack you here. You have my word, I won’t lay a hand on you. I’m here tonight to be a fair man. I plan to cause you intense pain and fear over the coming weeks. However, before I do, I thought I’d give you a chance. Take the chair and hit me with it. Crown me on top of the head as hard as you can. Get your one shot in.
Castle stares at Maddox, to the chair, then to Maddox.
Ryan Castle: I’m not hitting you in the head with that chair.
Damien Maddox: Do it. Grab it up, feel the steel in your hands, and then unload it.
Ryan Caste: You’re crazy.
Damien laughs with a twisted grin on his face.
Damien Maddox: I think that’s been established. Now do it, you pussy. Pick up that fucking chair and hit me with it. Are you too much of a pussy? That’s why you’re here isn’t it? Because you couldn’t make the tough decisions. Instead of being a man and rehabbing an injury you ran like a coward, like a scared child afraid of failure, pissing away a prominent career in football to come to wrestling and become a cliché. You’re a fucking cliché, you hear me! You’re here because what you are is a born loser who can’t....
About that time Ryan slams the chair down hard on the head of Damien, the chair bending around him as he busts open and starts bleeding, falling to the canvas in a heaping pile. With the microphone still in hand somehow, his eyes now glazed over, Damien talks from the mat.
Damien Maddox: Thank you. Now I’m a man of my word...and...I’ve given....others...my word....Meet Lynx and Killian.
Two men climb in the ring behind Ryan Castle, both flanking him. One stands about six foot three inches, completely tattooed up, with a twisted clown face paint on, his hair dyed red. The other man stands approximately six foot tall, has long black curly, a thick beard that’s pulled into a band below his chin, and his face painted white with black around his mouth running down to his chin, around both eyes. Castle assesses them and goes right for the larger man, hitting a hard right hand, but then he’s kicked in the back of the knees from behind from the smaller of the two. With Castle down on the ground, both men start to lay boots to him, slamming into the ground over and over. Then the clown painted man mounts him, grabs a handful of his hair, and throws repeated closed fists at him, time after time.
Clown paint climbs off then takes a handful of hair and rolls him over, holds up his head. The other man runs, leaps, and curb stomps him into the mat. Damien, who’s now leaning against corner turnbuckle, seated, holding his bleeding head, watching, laughs. Then he crawls over to the fallen Castle, takes his hand from his wound and draws an oval with a cross going through in his own blood on the back of Castle. Then he speaks into the microphone once more before cutting away.
Damien Maddox: I’m a man of my word...and I also gave Lynx and Killian my word...welcome to Asylum!!
A Tiggerific Surprise
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Please join me at this time in welcoming the one and only, Super Tiger.
Super Tiger walks into the frame and smiles.
Super Tiger: Thank you very much for having me! I’m excited to be here!
Bridget Lewis-Killings: So, you have a tag team match tonight against Team Angel Kash. You seem to know who your tag team partner is, but the rest of us have been left in the dark. Would you be willing to share with the rest of us who that is?
Super Tiger grins, nodding enthusiastically.
Super Tiger: Of course! See, I’ve kept it a secret until now. See, my partner… she’s PRETTY well known, and I didn’t want people barraging her with questions and things like that. But now? Tonight? Of course! You see, my tag team partner tonight is none other than the Rising Phoenix herself, my personal trainer, the one and only Bobbi Jackson!
The beautiful blonde comes into frame, her smile sparkling.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Well I can’t say anyone predicted this! Bobbi Jackson, everyone!
Bobbi Jackson: When Tiger called me up and told me she was having issues with Angel Kash. I couldn’t say no. Kash and I have a history and if she’s messing with one of my friends, then it means the two of us aren’t quite finished yet either. I’ll always have my friends back.
Super Tiger: See. When I was told I needed a tag partner, only two people came to mind. Of course, I’m sure everyone assumed I would bring in Arley Kirk, and Kawaii Trash Pandas GO would take on Team Angel. I, however, chose to team with someone nobody expected!
Super Tiger and Bobbi Jackson share a hug before turning back to the camera.
Super Tiger: I hope you’re ready Angel Kash, because nobody can ever really prepare for Bobbi Jackson!
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Well folks there you have it! Good luck in your match tonight you two!
Super Tiger & Bobbi Jackson vs. D.D.S.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: With the shocking reveal of Bobbi Jackson as her tag team partner, Super Tiger is all set for her upcoming match which will see her and Bobbi take on Angel Kash’s handpicked team of D.D.S. Will Tiger be able to secure the match she’s been wanting for weeks? Let us take a look and find out.
The bell rings, Super Tiger and Emmie Moore starting the match. Emmie comes out of the corner, and Risa sprints forward, leaping and doing a hurricanrana, swinging around and launching her into her team’s corner. The luchadora claps her handed, nodding her head as she steps away. Emmie gets to her feet with a huff, sprinting forward and throwing an elbow. Risa cartwheels under the strike, executing a back handspring into her corner. She runs up the turnbuckle, tagging in Bobbi Jackson as she does, before leaping back and drop kicking her opponent. Bobbi comes out, pulling Moore to her feet and setting her up before driving a superkick into her face, grabbing her opponent by the ankles and applying the Trial By Fire submission! The sharpshooter locked in, and the referee distracted, Angel Kash pulls Super Tiger off the apron, causing her to turn and get slapped in the face! Bobbi releases the hold, coming over to admonish Kash. This allows Emmie Moore to tag her partner. Jackson turns around and takes a stiff kick from Natalie Shelby.
Shelby grins, pulling Jackson to her feet. She throws a couple of strikes into Bobbi before hitting the ropes, coming back off the rebound. Jackson throws a hard lariat, dropping Natalie to the mat. Super Tiger is back on the apron, and Bobbi comes over, tagging in her partner. Risa leaps to the top turnbuckle, executing a moonsault and going for a pin. It’s broken up by Moore, but she’s caught by Jackson, who catches her with a boot to the stomach, hooking her and executing the Phoenix Landing! Risa applies the Tiger Tamer submission, forcing Natalie to submit!
Bridget Lewis-Killings: In a hard fought contest, the team of Super Tiger and her mentor Bobbi Jackson came out victorious against D.D.S in 11 minutes 49 seconds. This means that at Mayhem: Devil’s Due it will be Super Tiger taking on Angel Kash in a two out of three falls match. While I’m sure the Trillion Dollar Princess is less than pleased with this, it is sure to be a great match.
The Game Begins
In the backstage area, there is an almost eerie silence as the lights inside of a closet click on. After a second, they click off again. Another pause, and it clicks on again. Staying on just a touch longer this time, it turns off. There is a much longer pause now as the door eventually opens. From out of the closet steps the young man we have come to know as Skag. However, his face is bereft of his usual half paint. He looks confused as he finds a mirror. As he looks in it, cold sweat pours down his face.
Skag: He isn't here. He's gone.
Skag purses his lips and walks back over to the closet. He is about to close the door when he pauses. This pause is so long that we almost forget what we're watching. However, just before it becomes annoyingly long, the door opens. Skag walks out from behind the door with a sadistic look on his face. He has a small bag in his hand as he goes to the mirror once more. He pulls out a tube of white face paint and he begins to put it on with sloppy, yet deliberate strokes of the fingers. He makes it seem effortless as he begins brushing the black on, giving his usual half skull appearance. Part way through, his ears literally perk up and his blue eyes wander over toward the door leading to the locker room changing/showering area. The lip of the skull side curls into a half smile as a deep, guttural chuckle comes out from his stomach.
Skag: Let the depravity disembark.
Just as the words escape him, a banging sound of a fist meeting the locker room door is heard, followed soon after by it swinging open. A second’s worth of a pause passes before someone steps inside, quick to slam the door behind them, his body turning and revealing himself as Maverick. The expression on his face is one reflective of what transpired earlier in the night, anger, disappointment, and a hint of something else that can’t be described. He leans his back against the nearest wall, but just before he can slink down against it, he stops. His gaze shifts over to the other man in the room, causing Mav’s guard to go up.
Maverick: What the fuck do you want? Looking to get a jab in as well?
Skag saunters over to Mav and kneels down to get near eye level with him. He lets out a soft "shhhhh" before turning his head slightly.
Skag: Stilles kind… that is over now. Karma is a cruel mistress. Perhaps it is why we have chosen to stray from the female energy altogether.
Skag makes it more awkward by leaning in and huffing at the side of Mav's neck, as if to taste the disappointment dressed in rage.
Skag: That's good.
Skag offers a wicked smile in return. A snarl is the initial rebuttal offered by the young Maverick before he tries to shake away another less obvious feeling.
Maverick: Karma? That was not karma, that was bullshit and if you even try to say otherwise, I will gladly fucking toss you from one end of this room to the other. I’m not in the mood to play right now. You’ll get enough of that later. Now back up, and don’t make mention of...personal matters again.
Skag bites at the painted portion of his lips and let's out a groan. However, he gives Maverick space of an extra foot or so.
Skag: This sounds like a fun way to spend a Monday. But I can tell your ego has been bruised enough for one night. You look almost like your partner, the way the bruise is so apparent against that yellow skin of your belly. Too bad he didn't save a spot for me.
Skag straightens his head out, still crouched down at Mav's level. Maverick’s expression shifts, showing the level of anger inside him building up. Despite his prior warning, he himself slides a little closer to Skag, closing the distance between the two once again as he stares daggers into his eyes.
Maverick: You mind saying that shit to me again?! Don’t think for a second that anything of mine is bruised by such bullshit. I will gladly put some actual ones on you since you don’t seem to be listening when I say to back off those matters. Last chance to seriously back up.
Skag, while not literally backing off, does hold his hands up in surrender for a moment. He then drops them back to his knees as he continues to stare into Maverick's eyes.
Skag: You're fun. I like you, kind. Not in a way where I will spare your feelings for your shortcomings. Twice in one night. All on top of your boyfriend's work visa expiring and him having no choice but to return to his xenophobic, self hating culture. I truly feel sorry for you. But not enough that I am going to not still try to have my fun with you.
Without much warning, aside from a forced huff, Maverick grabs Skag by the neck, forcing the two up to their feet as he backs him into the wall. Pure rage is shown in his eyes now as he tightens the choke. Aside from the natural bugging of the eyes, Skag is smiling, cool in nature. He puckers his lips and blows out a kiss.
Maverick: Don’t you fucking talk about Hayato ever! You don’t talk about him, look at him, any fucking thing! You know nothing and he isn’t going anywhere! You shut the fuck up, or I will fucking end you!
With each word spoken, more cracks in the armor of Maverick were shown, his voice, though still fueled by anger, sounded more like cries of a youth. Skag’s smile and gesture did nothing but make him tighten his grip, his body shaking ever so slightly as if preparing for what to do next. Skag bites at his bottom lip, even going as far as to cross his legs over himself to conceal the very different vibrations going through his body. All while he is still gagging from the pressure applied to his throat. However, just as his eyes start to roll back, partly from pleasure, but mostly from lack of oxygen, he kicks Mav in the stomach and as quick as lightning, he trips Mav up so that his head hits the wall. He then returns the favor, turning Mav over and wrapping his hands around Maverick's throat.
Skag: I have not felt so alive ever. Our little trist will remain in my mind for a long time. Each time I choke someone in the throes of pleasure, I will see your face. This same one you are making right now. And I will be consumed by the pleasure I feel, over and over and over again, kind.
Skag almost seems to squirm as he tightens his grip, only for Maverick to push at the back of Skag's head with such force that Skag's face collides with the painted brick. As Skag sinks, a streak of blood goes down the wall. He turns to look at Mav and he lets out a sigh as he shudders. Following a quick albeit telling stare, Maverick goes down to meet Skag’s level, clenching his fist and laying in a few stiff shots, wild initially, but then centered with the goal of more blood. He finally relents when he sees the busted nose of Skag and gets back to his feet, slightly staggering as he was still recovering. The rage still present in his eyes, he can’t help but show a sinister grin.
Maverick: You know...this only pissed me off even more right?! You know that these types of games, they’re going to end with many more nights of you down at my feet, dazed. Whether you like it or love it you sick fuck, you just entered a game you can’t win. I’ll be sure to give you another lesson later if you can make it to the ring. I will be the end of you.
Skag's eyes blink several times as his lips quiver into a joyful smile. His breaths come through an irritated esophagus, wheezing some, but as he exhales, there is a giggle of pleasure. Maverick steps over him, kicking back into Skag's lower ribs as he opts to leave the locker room area. Skag reaches up and tweaks his nipples, causing his face to twist into pain before returning to pleasure. He then goes almost completely limp bodied except his heaving chest. We fade on the sick smile beneath the blood and paint.
Beloved
The cameras cut backstage where an angry, unfocused, and clearly disturbed Mav is roaming the halls. He stops when his path is blocked by a familiar form: That of Hayato Sagara, his fiancé. Hayato has a look of concern on his face, because Mav is out of sorts and clearly not himself. He places a hand on Mav’s shoulder and speaks in a soft tone of voice.
Hayato Sagara: Are you okay? What’s wrong, babe?
Maverick: I..I don’t know. First this asshole fucking cheats me out of a...then, then this fucking sick ass weirdo and now I have this stupid tag match and I...I just fucking can’t..
Maverick turns his gaze away from Hayato, starting to shake ever so slightly. He looks back, however his expression is one that can’t be described in just one word. Hayato speaks with compassion clear in his voice.
Hayato Sagara: Mav, honey, calm down. Look at me, okay? What weirdo? I know what JC did, but what’s this weirdo stuff? I was looking for you after what happened with JC so I did not see what happened on the monitors or anything.
Maverick: So you know how last week or whenever it was that I had that stupid Twitter crap with Skag? Well...we finally came face to face. Of course the asshole approached me after the damn stupid JC bullshit and...well it was very weird. Like taking in my scent, getting off on being choked, and liking getting his face busted up by me weird. I.. I don’t really know what to think. I’m sure it’s just mind games but...him mentioning you, mentioning personal feelings, desires..it got me.
Many emotions flicker across Hayato’s face, but one expression settled in: Righteous anger.
Hayato Sagara: I think I’m gonna go slap Skag. No, never mind, he’d probably like that. But someone needs to teach him that you’re MY man, and you’re off limits to whatever sad, masochistic bullshit that gets that loony weasel nipple off. Nobody messes with my Maverick… But that’s probably what that whack job llama’s elbow wants. A violent reaction from me so he can get his jollies. So forget it, forget him. You need to focus on the here and now, my darling. You’ve got a big tag match coming up with a guy who might be even stranger than Skag; that Nanners buffoon.
Maverick: You just had to remind me that I’m tagging with a fucking banana.
For the first time since the night got started, we see a glimpse of the usual Mav, as he chuckles slightly and shows off that smirk of his. It quickly fades though as he continues.
Maverick: And that he is one of my opponents. Please tell me you brought stuff for later tonight. I don’t think I’m going to end up faring so well up there after I’m done.
Hayato nods, glad to see that wild, haunted, unfocused expression leave Mav’s face, even if for a short time.
Hayato Sagara: I’ve already got hot sake waiting for when you’re finished with everything tonight.
Hayato smirks a bit, which brings a grin to Mav’s face.
Hayato Sagara: I even rented us a stretch limo so we won’t have to catch a ride home with Drake-san and Analicia-chan. It’ll be just the two of us. Picture it. You, me, hot sake, good music, and a driver who can’t see what we’re getting up to in that backseat. I know how to make sure my man has a relaxing evening after a hard night’s work.
Mav’s eyes widened for just a second but it’s only to show how surprised and pleased he is with his fiancé’s gesture.
Maverick: Damn you know how to spoil me. Almost makes me wish I was good at all that romantic stuff too. But yes, as soon as I’m done doing what I have to do on this stupid show, I’ll get to doing what I want to do with the one person who matters most.
Hayato smiles, and the smile lights up the room, and even gets a responding half-smile from the moody Elite Champion. Hayato then kisses him passionately on the lips, stroking Mav’s face tenderly. Breaking the kiss, Hayato looks deeply into Mav’s eyes.
Hayato Sagara: For luck, my beloved Ryan-kun.
He leaves a stunned, blushing, smiling Mav as he goes off to wait in the limo for his man to finish his night’s work as the scene cuts back to the studio.
Maverick and Nanners vs. Skag and Dragan Hill
Bridget Lewis-Killings: EPIC Unity continues with what can very easily be described as a strange bedfellows match pitting the four men set to face off for the Elite Championship against each other in teams. Challengers Dragan Hill and Skag on one side versus fellow challenger Nanners and the Elite Champion Maverick. With the champion having already been in action once tonight, he’s at a disadvantage physically and perhaps mentally too. However he’s not the only one going into this match at less than one hundred percent as the man he attacked earlier Skag is as well. Which team can work together long enough to come out victorious and get some much needed momentum? Let’s find out.
The feed on the monitor takes us to the ringside area where we see Nanners mid-lockup exchange with Dragan Hill who is starting the match for his team. The banana man is trying his best to keep pace but is easily outclassed to the point where out of frustration, Maverick smacks him upside the peel to tag himself into the contest. He surprises Hill with a wicked Saito Suplex before going in with his offense on his future challenger. A desperation kick and Teardrop Suplex lead Hill to be able to tag in Skag. Rather than go right after the champion, he waits, savoring the moment where they meet face to face before they go after one another. Both men show their incredible athleticism and counter expertise, neither gaining the advantage until Maverick breaks out of a Hurricanrana turn pin attempt by Skag, rolling up and catching him with a crisp kick to the side of the head. Needing space, Maverick grabs Skag and tosses him out of the ring. Just before he hits the floor below, Dragan sneaks in a tag. Hill goes to club Maverick from behind but the champion senses it coming and reverses at the last second, grabbing Hill and spinning him around. Mav is then able to drop Hill with Her Song (Kudome Valentine) but just as he’s going for the pinfall attempt, he sees Skag rise from the heap he left him in, his sick smile driving Maverick over the edge. Nanners with some shocking awareness slapped the back of Maverick just before the champion went charging, diving out of the ring to take down the taunting Skag. Hill is slowly stirring, but before he can get himself together Nanners nails him in the gut with a kick, dropping him right after with That's Appealing (X-Factor), surprising the cheering crowd by getting the pinfall victory.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: For the second straight week the banana man has done it, scoring another upset and leading his team to victory at the 11 minute 14 second mark. However things didn’t exactly wrap up there as we’re about to see.
Not So Appealing After All
Hearing the bell ring to signify the end of the match, Maverick gets back to his feet, looking in disbelief as Nanners has his arm raised. However instead of smiling, the young champion looks as if he’s about to explode. Grabbing the downed Skag, he tosses him face first into the ringpost and then slams his face repeatedly on the steps. Digging under the ring, Maverick pulls out a black steel chair, a sadistic smile coming across his face. He takes one whack at Skag’s head, the camera catching Mav yelling “This is all your fucking fault!”
The young champion then slides in the ring, watching as Nanners is still celebrating his victory like he just won the entire world. His attention is quickly shifted to Hill who is stirring once again. Without a second’s thought Maverick swings, cracking the head across his face, busting him open which causes Nanners to stop what he was doing to look at his partner. Maverick lets out a laugh before switching his grip on the chair so that it’s just in his right hand, using his left to pat the shoulder (?) of Nanners, even going as far as raising his arm, much like the official did earlier. Dropping it rather quickly, Mav gives the floor to the newly fan favorite fruit. Just as it looks like Maverick is heading out of the ring, he regrips the chair with both hands and whacks Nanners in the back of the peel, the crowd showing their displeasure in loud fashion. The champion finally drops the chair, sliding out of the ring and snatching his title from the ring attendant as officials come out to make sure he stays away from the mess of challengers he left.
Celina del Anil and Dizzie vs. J2 and Mercy Payne
We return to Bridget in the studio.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Our budding tag team division has been on full display tonight and next up we have on of the three teams who will be fighting for the brand new titles in just one week as Dizzie and Celina del Anil take on the new team of J² and Mercy Payne. The new comers came up short last week but looked impressive against the Kaiju Krushers. Can they turn the division on it’s head and upset the established team? Let’s take a look at how it went down.
Bridget turns her attention to the screen as we pick up the match post introductions. Mercy and Dizzie start the match and the two hard hitting MMA based ladies circle each other throwing hands, feet, and even some flying submission attempts but remain at a stalemate for the first two to three minutes until J² tags himself in to Mercy’s dismay. Dizzie turns to Celina who has her hand out and she tags in. She charges in for a lock up but he catches her with an Armdrag to a sitting position and follows it up with a series of kicks to the back of the neck. From there frequent tags allow J² and Mercy to isolate Celina but they’re unable to put her away before she makes the tag to Dizzie who drops Mercy with a huge Spinebuster before hitting a Rolling Kneebar on J² who was the legal man. Payne saves her partner but this brings Celina back into the ring and a Payne Killer from Mercy but Dizzie catches her from behind and dumps her out of the ring. Jonny spins Dizzie around and whips her into the ropes looking for 3 Squared but she counters it into The Zhou Trap and he taps almost instantly.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: In a hard hitting face paced tag team contest Dizzie and Celina go into Mayhem with momentum on their side as they defeat J² and Mercy Payne in 9 minutes 58 seconds.
Defiance
We cut backstage in the Chaos Complex as the cameras catch El Diablo Blanco and the Taco Bell Executive in the middle of what appears to be a heated argument.
Executive: You've already bent the rules time and time again, El D. You've got a very specific contract that you follow what our marketing department says. You were supposed to drop the Violence Title and yet you continued to defend it. You aren't supposed to win the World Title but what did you do? Your need to impress this "Nation" of yours does not align with our needs. You've gone off the rails too many times and we see what it cost you last week against Graham Baker and RI5EN. Taco Bell isn't taking anymore chances with you. You want to wrestle? You want to be the World Champion? Well, we're using our sponsorship clause and we're going to veto the no disqualification match tonight. We didn't sign off on that so it's being changed to a standard tag team match. We need to protect OUR property.
El Diablo is pissed off like we've never seen him before. He is face to face with the Executive pointing his finger straight into the chest of the Executive.
El Diablo Blanco: You listen here, Brother. I don't care anymore what your analytics department says. Since you guys signed me and I went back to doing what I do best, we've sold more burritos than ever, Brother. Last week at The Triad Challenge you all made more profit in one night than the last few months. That's because I've brought hope to the world. I've shown that the common man can rise up. I refuse to be held down anymore, Brother. So you can take my contract back to your lawyers and slap me with a penalty all you want. Tonight? Tonight, you're not going to do a damn thing about changing this no disqualification match into anything other than what it already is. You have no other choice but to just DIG IT!!!
The Executive is floored. This is the first time that he hasn't been able to bully El Diablo Blanco into doing what he has wanted. Jaw dropped, the Executive has nothing to say as El Diablo just walks away making his way through the curtains and out to the ring.
The opening instrumental to "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?) by Ylvis starts playing over the loud speakers as the crowd starts bouncing along to the music.
Dog goes "woof"
Cat goes "meow"
Bird goes "tweet"
And mouse goes "squeek"
Cow goes "moo"
Frog goes "croak"
And the elephant goes "toot"
Ducks say "quack"
And fish go "blub"
And the seal goes "ow ow ow"
But there's one sound
That no one knows
What does the fox say?
El Diablo Blanco jumps out from behind the curtain dancing along to the music as the fans chant along with the chorus of the song. Continuing dancing all the way to the ring, El Diablo is high fiving fans all along the way. Diablo finally rolls in under the bottom rope and stands in the middle of the ring playing air guitar with the EPIC World Title to applause from the crowd for the duration of the song.
El Diablo Blanco: The last time I came out here to address all of you, My Diablo Nation, there was a bit of an… interruption… per se. The last time I was out here I got my ass handed to me and I'll be the first one to say I got my ass handed to me. Tonight, I get retribution for last week's attack but, before then, I wanted to come on out here and address all my brothers and sisters out there. You and I… we have been on a truly EPIC journey that has taken it's ups and downs. There's been hills and valleys at every turn but a few weeks ago…
El Diablo pauses for a moment to look down at the World Title. Looking sentimental, the crowd starts to cheer him along to keep going.
El Diablo Blanco: A few weeks ago I had a life changing experience that would have never been possible without all of your support.
"Devil Trigger” by Valiant Hearts starts playing to the surprise of El Diablo as Drake Connors, in streets, makes his way out once again with someone interrupting El Diablo mid speech.
Drake pulls a mic from his back pocket.
Drake: Now hold on, El D, my man. You make a fine speech, and I’mma let you finish, but let me just say that I support you and am very much part of the Diablo Nation!
Drake unzips his iconic light up jacket and reveals the brand new El Diablo Blanco t-shirt exclusively in EPIC stores now, and the fans go ballistic!
Drake enters the ring with El D, who is keeping a weather eye on Drake in spite of all the support the enigmatic superstar has shown him.
Drake: In fact, you could say I’m a fan from way back. The crazy things you did in the violence division inspired me to get more creative, leading to the truly epic match between Dizzie and I.
The fans pop over the reference to the insane match between Drake and Dizzie, or the “Double Deez” as fans had taken to calling them.
Drake: And I just wanna say one thing, brother: Tonight, I’ve got your back 100% against those ReFiveEn tools!
The fans explode into cheers as El D nods along to Drake’s speech. El D brings his mic up to his masked face and responds.
El Diablo Blanco: Well, then, I guess you and me got nothing to worry about, brother! Hix and Baker won’t know what hit ‘em! DIGGIT!!
El Diablo Blanco reaches his hand out to shake Drake's who obliges. The crowd is firmly behind this duo of champions tonight. Drake exits the ring and begins to make his way back up the ramp as El Diablo stays behind in the ring. Halfway up the ramp 'blood//water' (Tom Morello Remix) - grandson starts playing and Drake is ready to fight. He readies himself on the ramp waiting for Graham Baker and the rest of RI5EN to make their way out.
Drake Connors: Come on you pussies!
Unbeknownst to Drake RI5EN have come through the crowd in full force and are putting a beating on El Diablo. The Wyldeside Brothers hold El Diablo by either side as Eli Hix charges forward delivering a swift kick to the nether region of our champion. As El Diablo drops to his knees in pain Baker comes running up quick with MKWYG. The EPIC World Champion has been left lying. Not satisfied with their work, Wyldeside have set El Diablo up for a double team powerbomb. Just as Drake turns to realize what is happening in the ring Wyldeside set El Diablo flying over the top rope with a powerbomb to the floor. Drake races down to the ring but it's too late. RI5EN have scattered out of the ring and into the crowd. He kneels over El Diablo Blanco's broken body cursing out RI5EN's name as we go back to the studio.
Daniel Dream & Terra Mason vs. Vanessa Darquesse & Angelica Ruiz-Meyer
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Our next featured match pits two makeshift tag teams together. On one end you have Angelica Ruiz-Meyer and Vanessa Darquesse, two stars who are looking to insert themselves into the title pictures here in EPIC. On the other we have the very two people who will be facing off for the number one contendership for the EPIC World Championship in Daniel Dream and Terra Mason. Will Dream and Mason be able to work together knowing what’s ahead of them at Mayhem? We turn now to the match highlights to see.
The bell sounds to start the match as Daniel Dream beats Terra in Rock Paper Scissors Gun to start the match while Angelica just steps up, not giving her partner much choice in the matter. Ruiz-Meyer and Dream lock up in the center of the ring, Dream with the size advantage pushing Angelica back but the crafty veteran ducks behind and nails a quick cheap shot to the back of Daniel’s leg. She tries to take control with a Bulldog but it’s countered into the Animal Crossing (Spinning Side Slam) which gets a quick one count that is interrupted by Vanessa who stomps Daniel. While the official yells at Darquesse to go back to her corner, Angelica and Dream both get back to their feet, exchanging strikes until Ruiz-Meyer staggers and Dream steps back, charging before he rocks her with the Superman 64 Punch (Superman Punch). Before Dream follows up, he gives a signal to Terra who readies herself in the corner. Daniel then picks up Angelica just to take her back down to the canvas with a devastating Pro Gamer Move (Double Underhook Facebuster), tagging in Terra who follows it up with a picture perfect Leonhartsault (Quebrada/Lionsault) to get the victory while Dream takes care of Vanessa so she doesn’t break up the pin.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: In rather dominant fashion, Daniel Dream and Terra Mason answered the question with an emphatic yes. The two were able to score the win against Angelica and Vanessa in a time of 4 minutes and 22 seconds. Not only that, but it looks like the two are on friendly terms heading into their huge match, which is always nice to see.
Trying My Breast
Unlike last week where he approached a shared locker room, J² approaches a door with a piece of printed paper on it that reads “Mercy Payne”. J² covers his eyes with one hand and pushes the door open with the other. He wanders into the dressing room feeling his way blindly.
J²: You decent?
As he continues to feel around blindly his hand mistakenly finds its way to groping Mercy’s left breast. Mercy takes his hand from her breast and cranks back on it hard, shoving him away in the process.
Mercy Payne: Touch me like that again and I’ll break it next time. Seriously? Am I just gonna have to kick your ass on principle now?
Jonny gasps and reaches for his hand, trying to shake it off.
J²: Chill, chill. It was an accident. I swear. I wasn’t even titillated. I was trying my breast to not see you nude. Sorry.
Her annoyance abates as she laughs at Jonny’s play on words.
Mercy Payne: How about you knock next time, alright bro? I’m not here to give free peep shows. What are you doing in here anyway J?
J²: I got you a present. I figure another tough loss, but we’re getting better out there and just meshing better. So figure it was time to make us t-shirt official.
He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a black shirt hanging from his back pocket. As he unfolds it, it meshes his logo with hers and says J-Payne on it.
She takes the shirt and looks it over.
Mercy Payne: The only way I’m wearing this is when we win. Surely you can come up with something more clever.
She lays the shirt down and gives him a serious look.
Mercy Payne: I’m not losing again because you can’t focus. Am I gonna have to let my trainer get his hands on you?
J²: Whoa whoa. Chill partner. We’re doing good. Gotta run before you crawl, you know. Besides, we’re turning heads. Jenna just got done talking to the bookers. We’ve been booked in the tag title match at the Pay Per View next week. I mean, how awesome is that?
Mercy Payne: I don’t know how you keep getting us booked but do not fuck this up. In the meantime, I’ll have CT work on a slogan. Now get outta here, I need a shower and no I don’t need someone to watch my back while I do it.
J²: Okay, partner….but….uhhhh….can I borrow the money for an uber….
As Mercy growls to herself the scene cuts away.
An Extra Hand
The camera feed switches over to a darkened portion of the backstage area where there are many cases containing production equipment stored. Seated on top of one of these cases, cross legged and with a gleeful smile on her face is Terra Mason, still in her gear from earlier tonight. Using her gear bag as a back cushion she appears very focused on a stack of quarters that is in front of her, making sure each stack is even in number, and straightened in height. Two sets of footsteps can be heard approaching but Terra doesn’t notice until Eli Hix is standing in front of her with another person hidden by the shadows behind him.
Eli Hix: I knew I’d find you here. What are you doing?
Terra greets Hix with a warm smile before pointing out the quarters in front of her.
Terra Mason: I’m just counting to make sure I’m ready for Mayhem. You see I have to beat an entire game in one night and since I haven’t done that in a while, I figured I should bring extra quarters for continues. I think eight is enough for one life. What do you think Charlie?
Eli Hix: I think if you use a whole roll and put them in your fist when you punch him in the mouth you won’t need any extras. I want you to meet someone.
The person standing behind Hix steps out of the shadows and the massive bald man covered in tattoos cast a shadow of his own that engulfs them both.
Eli Hix: This is Lennox Larue, I call him Lenny. Lenny is here to protect you because there’s going to be times I can’t be and I could never live with myself if I allowed you to get hurt Terra.
Terra Mason: You are so sweet to me Charlie. Very considerate, this is new to me still, but I’m so grateful. Hang on.
Terra quickly turned around unzipping her bag before grabbing the quarters stack by stack and placing them inside, leaving eight outside. She slid the stack carefully in Hix’ direction.
Terra Mason: You are always so kind to me, I feel this can help you. I know you have a tough challenge at Mayhem too so I think you can use this in the way you said to win, because if I try to do that, I’ll lose. Plus now that I have Lenny, I’ll be okay. Hi Lenny, it’s a pleasure to meet you!
Leaning forward a bit, Terra offers a sweet smile to both men.
Lenny just gives a sheepish smile and kind of grunts.
Eli Hix: When Lenny was born the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and it caused him to go without oxygen for too long so he’s a little fucked up but he can talk a little bit. Lenny say hello to Terra.
Slowly Lenny gets the words out.
Lennox Larue: Hello pretty Terra.
Terra Mason: Aww you are so kind to say that! I think he’s perfect Charlie and I can’t thank you enough for everything.
All three share in a collective of sheepish smiles before the feed switches over to Bridget in the studio.
Graham Baker and Eli Hix vs. El Diablo Blanco and Drake Connors
Bridget Lewis-Killings: Now ladies and gentlemen we move on to our main event of the evening. While it is scheduled to be a Tornado Tag Team match with no disqualifications and falls count anywhere, the status for our World Champion El Diablo Blanco is still unknown so the odds are now stacked against our Violence Champion Drake Connors even more. Let’s switch the view over to the ringside area to see how this match unfolds.
We cut to ringside where Drake is just whipping off his coat as “Devil Trigger” fades from the PA, looking a little troubled as he has heard nothing of El D’s condition since taking him to see Dr. Dinglenüt. Suddenly “blood//water” (Tom Morello remix) - grandson hits the PA to a chorus of boos as the entire lineup of Ri5en steps out from behind the curtain to stand on the ramp. They walk in virtual lock step, though Mav veers off and goes to lean against the barricade, his head lowered and not meeting Drake’s eyes at all, which are glinting with a barely suppressed rage as the four members of Ri5en enter the ring and surround him. Baker jaws at Drake and apparently says something Drake doesn’t like as he snaps a fast jab into Baker’s nose, the crunch of cartilage audible as Baker staggers back, his nose bleeding, and it’s on! The other three Ri5en members attack, and Drake, utilizing all his martial arts skills, manages to fend off most of the blows for quite some time until the numbers game catches up with him and he finds himself held by the arms by the Wyldes while Hix takes some cheap shots, a sick grin on his face. He stops when Baker barks at him and clears out of the way of the bloodied Baker, who is grinning himself despite his broken nose. While Drake watches, Baker grabs his disjointed nose and straightens it with a crackle, a small flicker of pain the only indicator that it hurt. Just as Baker is about to speak to Drake again, Mav shouts, and flying down from the rafters is El Diablo Blanco with a massive Feelin’ Froggy. Drake slips out of the Wylde boys’ grip, and El D buries them and Hix. Drake and El D team up and roll the Wyldes out of the ring and turn to face Baker and a stunned Hix.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: That is the grit and the heart of our EPIC World Champion right there. Even after he was taken out, he still manages to come in when his partner needed him the most and we are back to having a tag team match!
El D and Baker tie up as a still dazed, but ferocious, Eli comes at Drake, and swinging wildly and recklessly punches that Drake deflects, mirroring the last time the two fought. There is very little in the way of actual wrestling going, more a wild brawl than anything else. El D takes Baker by surprise by breaking the tie and throwing a savage right hand into Baker’s schnozz, re-breaking it with a huge splat of blood. Drake is quickly overwhelming Hix as, at the barricade, Mav snatches a fan’s beer bottle, pops the top and takes a sip as the Wylde boys set up a table outside the ring at the corner nearest to where El D and Baker are brawling. They then enter the ring and the helpless ref can do nothing to stop them from aiding Hix against Drake. El Diablo gets Baker down on the ground and climbs the turnbuckle, going for a “Feelin’ Froggy”, but is beaned in the back of the head by a flying, half-full bottle of beer. The camera swings to a disinterested Mav who, having done his part, is walking up the ramp and going back behind the curtain.
El D falls down on the turnbuckle, smashing his “lil’ diablitos”, causing every man within a mile to wince in sympathy. Baker kips up and though fending off three men, Drake can see what’s about to happen and goes into beast mode, moving so quickly his arms and legs are blurs, but he isn’t fast enough to stop Baker from powerbombing El D onto the non-gimmicked table, which holds up under the impact. Baker rolls El D into a pin on the table and the ref begins his count. 1! Drake strikes with blazing speed, knocking Ethan Wylde down with a leg sweep! 2! Coming up from the sweep, Drake nails what looks like a shoryuken uppercut on Lucas Wylde, flattening him, then nails Eli Hix with a fast and dirty snap kick to the chin and runs fast across the ring, runs up the turnbuckle and sails out with a picture perfect corkscrew moonsault... But is too late as the ref’s hand slaps down for the 3!, the ref then yelps and leaps out of the way as Drake crashes in, shattering the table.
Bridget Lewis-Killings: A heartbreaking end to what almost turned out to be an amazing comeback from El Diablo Blanco and Drake Connors. At the 42 minute and 42 second mark though, it is Graham Baker and Eli Hix of RI5EN that take the win, although it’s more like the entire group won that one. As you can imagine, this was not the end of things. We leave you now with the aftermath, goodnight.
Drake roll out of the pile, throwing Baker off of El D, picking up the world champ and dragging him back to the barricade, where El D stands with the help of the barricade, shaky but still game, and Drake puts up his fists as four out of five of Ri5en start stalking towards them to loud boos. Suddenly, leaping the barricade is Dizzie, Celina, JC (looking a little beat up), and Nanners who is holding his peel in pain, backing Drake and El D up against Ri5en! No longer having the numerical advantage, Ri5en slinks off, though Baker and Hix seem to jaw off to Drake, El Diablo, and JC.