?

The motel room stank of sweat, dollar bills, and cigarette smoke. A crimson glow bled through the thin curtains, casting the cheap wallpaper in an off-putting hue. Dougie Mach—Dynamic Dougie to the EBW faithful—sat on the edge of the bed in his underwear.

Rhea Rampage whistled to herself as she cleaned up in the shower, her silhouette shifting behind the cracked door. Dougie leaned forward, knuckles on his knees, staring blankly at the patterned carpet. A twitch caught his eye. Something buzzed.

He turned his head slowly. The power socket near the TV flickered once.

Then again.

A whisper coiled out from it, not in words exactly—more like thoughts wrapped in static.

He rose to his feet in a daze, footsteps soft against the carpet as he moved toward the socket. His hand hovered inches from it. Eyes glazed. Mouth slack.

A crackle. A jolt.

He flew back like a rag doll, spine arching midair before crashing hard against the bedframe. The room fell silent again, save for the soft rush of water shutting off in the bathroom.

Rhea stepped out moments later, wrapped in a towel, hair damp. She froze when she saw him sprawled out on the floor, chest rising and falling slowly.

Rhea Rampage: You know, eventually we're going to have to tell people we're still seeing each other, and that I want back IN to EBW or- Doug Doug?! Doug Doug! What's wrong? Wake up!

His eyes opened, wide and vacant. No swagger. No smirk. No trace of the Dynamic ginger showman who had strutted into the room.

He blinked.

Dynamic Dougie: Hello.

She stared at him, confused and a little afraid. He was breathing. He was awake. But something was off.




Tommy Dukes: Welcome to Renegade Arena in Saturn City! We are LIVE for Havok, as EBW's 20th year kicks off, and what a night it's gonna be for the Renegades! Cade Yaggis is being put to the test in the main event, as the crazed grappler Amigo wants his spot. You gotta be a pillar to challenge for the big prize, and NEW World Champion Sal Paradise and Amigo are "old friends" with a score to settle. 

Nerma: Paula was unable to win the Women's World Championship from Heather Mach last night, but she will try to rally a comeback in our opening match tonight, as she teams with the Women's World Tag Team Champions Hope Mach and Ripper Ja- 

Boomtown: Stop the music! Shut it down! Shut it AAAAALL down! 

FORMER World Champion Boomtown came out to a chorus of boos. Anger dripped from him as he tightly gripped the microphone. 

Boomtown: Let me make something perfectly clear to everyone in this arena and everyone watching at home. What happened at Victory Explosion wasn't a LOSS. It was THEFT! HIGHWAY ROBBERY orchestrated by the same man who claimed to "make me who I am." "I taught you everything you know, kid." That's what Sal Paradise keeps saying, right? Well, you didn't teach me how to spot a SNAKE in the grass! You didn't teach me to watch my back when a WASHED-UP FOSSIL decides his legacy is more important than the future of this business! And YOU, Little Mac! You pencil-pushing COWARD! Where's my rematch clause? Where's the justice? I carried this company on MY BACK as YOUR champion, and you can't even give me the common courtesy of an immediate rematch? Let me tell you something about Boomtown. I don't BEG. I don't PLEAD. And I sure as HELL don't wait in line! I am the RIGHTFUL World Champion, and everyone in that locker room KNOWS IT! So Sal Paradise... "mentor"... "legend"... THIEF. Enjoy your little moment. Polish that belt while you can. Sleep with it. Take it to dinner. Hell, MARRY IT! Because your honeymoon period ends RIGHT NOW. You didn't beat Boomtown. You woke something up that you can't put back to sleep. And when I take back what's mine - and I WILL take it back - there won't be any "respect" left. No "student and teacher" moment. Just me, standing over what's LEFT of your broken legacy. And another thing, I-

Suddenly, Zyro Kurogane appeared from the back and attacked Boomtown. The crowd cheered as Shogun Steel laid into Boomtown, until Hotlanta and Generator came out to make the save. Then Team Samurai ran out, and they got into the fray. Security had to come out en masse to split the two teams up. 

Zyro Kurogane: Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone else thirsting over the Shogun of Sexy... Zyro Kurogane is IN THE HOUSE!Now, I was backstage doing what I do best—making the ladies swoon—when I heard the most PATHETIC sound. At first, I thought someone was torturing a cat, but no... it was just Boomtown crying about his little championship boo-boo! Let me tell you something about respect, Boom-Boom. I've been watching you strut around here like you're God's gift to wrestling when the only thing you've gifted us is the pleasure of watching Sal Paradise kick your ass! Meanwhile, the REAL draw around here—the man who sells more merchandise in a day than you've sold all year—is standing right here with Shogun Steel and Sex Appeal, and I gotta tell ya, it felt good to LET IT RIP just now! Oh-ho, I've been waiting for that! You and me Boomtown! It's coming!

Boomtown: I'M NOT AFRAID OF YOU! HOW DARE YOU ATTACK ME! YOU WANT TO FIGHT?! YOU'RE GONNA GET A FIGHT! LET ME GO! I WANT A PIECE! 

Zyro Kurogane: I want the whole thing, cause I'm ZYRO-K! BEY-BEEEEEY!

EBW: Havok "Year 20 Begins!"
Renegade Arena, Saturn City
ENT

1. Lady Renegades 6-Woman Tag: Paula/Hope Mach/Ripper Jane vs. Val Dorado/Darkness Aoi/Mitra Lennox 
-The Lady Renegades trio brought the crowd to their feet from the opening bell! Paula started things off against the devious Val Dorado, who immediately tried to goad Paula into a corner trap where Darkness Aoi was waiting to land a cheap shot. Paula caught on quickly, reversing with a hurricanrana that sent Val flying!

Hope Mach tagged in with explosive energy, hitting a series of lightning-fast suplexes on Darkness Aoi, who responded with brutal closed fists whenever the ref's back was turned. The crowd booed mercilessly as Aoi's team utilized quick tags and underhanded tactics to isolate Hope in their corner.

The turning point came when Ripper Jane finally got the hot tag! The crazed monster bulldozed through Mitra Lennox with devastating clotheslines and a spine-rattling spinebuster! The crowd erupted as Ripper cleaned house, even fighting off interference from Val Dorado with a Hell Claw and a wicked backhand that sent her tumbling to the floor!

In the chaotic final moments, Mitra attempted a Powerbomb on Hope, but Paula intercepted with a perfectly timed missile dropkick! Jane followed with a top-rope moonsault that left Mitra dazed! Seizing the opportunity, Paula locked in the Sharpshooter in the center of the ring! Despite Darkness Aoi and Val Dorado trying to break it up, Ripper Jane kept them at bay with thunderous forearms! Mitra had no choice but to tap out as the crowd exploded with approval!
Winners: Paula[o]/Hope Mach/Ripper Jane via Sharpshooter on Mitra Lennox -> Submission

After the match as Paula was letting up on the Sharpshooter, she was suddenly blindsided by Heather Mach, who hit the Backstabber and the Machbuster before Hope and Jane could get into the ring to chase her off. 

Nerma: Whoa! I think Paula was busted open by the Machbuster! Ouch! Judas Wolf is really twisting that knife! You'd think after Victory Explosion she'd be happy. 

Tommy Dukes: Not until Paula is out of the business I guess? What a way to kick off Havok tonight. Zyro-K attacked Boomtown, and now we have Heather attacking Paula. It's all over the place! Great match though! Great action! Tremendous effort, which encapsulates Havok, especially going into EBW's 20th year! None of the silliness of "the other guys"! We're ALL action! 

Nerma: You realize what you've done right? 

Tommy Dukes: Hmm? 

Backstage

In a cramped backstage lounge area. Carter Grayson, Christy Angel, Alison Chains, and Jackson Kain were sprawled on worn-out couches. They were passing around sodas when Dr. Pin A. Colada burst through the door dramatically. 

Dr. Pin A. Colada: THERE you all are! The chosen ones! Destiny has brought us together!

Carter Grayson: Sir, you asked for us to be here. 

Dr. Pin A. Colada: [rushes over, starts handing out colored wristbands] Red for Carter, Pink for Christy, Yellow for Alison, and Black for Jackson! Quick, put these on before it's too late!

Jackson Kain: ...I've been here before...but just for the sake of the argument...what are these?

Dr. Pin A. Colada: Your Soda Morphers, of course! With these you'll crack open the soda bottles, and you'll transform into the SODARANGERS....2.0!

Alison Chains: The...who and the what now? Sodarangers?

Dr. Pin A. Colada: Yes! Earth's last line of defense against the Kidney Stone Army! They're slow but relentless, and they're coming for us all! They move across the urinary tract of humanity, and they need to STOP EXISTING!!!

Carter Grayson: Sir, are you feeling well? 

Christy Angel: Did you spike the water cooler, Alison? Again...Alison?

Alison Chains: Probably. 

Dr. Pin A. Colada: Look! You, Carter, will pilot the Cherry Cola Zord! Christy, the Strawberry Fizz Cruiser! Alison, the Lemon-Lime Striker! And Jackson, the Blackberry Bomber! As soon as I BUILD them that is. I'm struggling to find funding. I started a Go Fund Me and-

Jackson Kain: The ONLY Doctor I'm willing to do this with is Degress, and you're no Degrees, pal. 

Dr. Pin A. Colada: BUT! BUT! BUT! TOGETHER you'll form the MEGA SODA MECH! It's the only thing powerful enough to dissolve the Kidney Stone General! The Kidney Stones are advancing! *checks watch* At approximately 0.02 millimeters per hour!

Christy Angel: So we have... what... a few decades before they get here?

Dr. Pin A. Colada: When you morph, you'll gain extraordinary powers! Super strength! Carbonation blasts! The ability to never go flat under pressure! I need a new set of heroes-

?: Why? 

Dr. Pin A. Colada: Huh?

Dr. Pin A. Colada turned around to see Geist Corporation CEO Blake Faust standing behind him. 

Dr. Pin A. Colada: D-Do I know you? I feel like I know you! 

Blake Faust: I'm sort of a big deal? Name's Blake Faust. You could say I'm the SOUL of the company? 

Dr. Pin A. Colada: *gasp*

Blake Faust: What are you doing here? What happened to the Sodara- *clears throat* If you'll excuse me guys, I need to have a talk with the Doctor. 

Jackson Kain: Yeah, I have a match to get ready for. I have no idea why I even showed up. Guy just assumes I'm willing to transform into a superhero. 

Carter Grayson: Been there, done that? 

Jackson Kain: You know it. 

Carter Grayson: Same, but now I wish to be a hero of the ring, using my own power. 

Jackson Kain: Oh cool. Wait…who are you?

2. Singles: Dynamic Dougie vs. Flying Man 
-This match was as bizarre as it was entertaining! Dynamic Dougie wandered to the ring looking completely disoriented, barely acknowledging the crowd's cheers or even seeming to realize where he was. Flying Man, ever the professional, offered a respectful handshake that Dougie stared at for a full ten seconds before becoming distracted by a turnbuckle pad.

Flying Man controlled the early going with technical precision, hitting a beautiful tope suicida followed by a springboard crossbody for a near fall. But every time Flying Man seemed to have Dougie's number, something strange would happen – Dougie would trip over his own feet only to accidentally headbutt Flying Man, or stumble while dodging a move and inadvertently counter with a perfect arm drag!

The crowd was in stitches as Dougie appeared to be counting ceiling tiles while Flying Man set up for a Flying Press. Just as Flying Man launched himself from the top rope, Dougie suddenly looked up, got startled, and moved slightly – causing Flying Man to crash and burn!

With Flying Man struggling to his feet, Dougie finally seemed to remember he was in a wrestling match. With a sudden flash of lucidity, he hit a picture-perfect Dynamic DDT seemingly out of nowhere! 1-2-3!
Winner: Dynamic Dougie via Dynamic DDT -> Pin

Nerma: Wow, that Dougie is really coming alive! It's like a whole new side of him! 

Tommy Dukes: Y-yeah? Ya know, I take back what I said earlier. A little silliness amidst the action is fine by me.

Nerma: What do you mean? 

Tommy Dukes: What do you mean what do I mean? 

Nerma: What do you mean what do I mean what do you mean? 

Tommy Dukes: …Do we have a cutaway? We do? Great. Let's do that.

Little Mac's Office

The Lakitu reached Little Mac's office in the middle of a loud shouting match with Boomtown. 

Boomtown: YOU DIDN'T GIVE ME A REMATCH! 

Little Mac: NOTHING IS GIVEN HERE! YOU NEED TO EARN IT! 

Boomtown: EARN IT?! I'VE EARNED EVERYTHING I GET…EXCEPT THAT DISRESPECTFUL ATTACK EARLIER! YOU GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT?! 

Little Mac: Maybe if you were the champ, you'd be able to call the shots on that. I did say the belt comes with clout, but you don't have that clout anymore! Sal Paradise won it, and he's going to address everyone later on. I'm thinking about giving Zyro what he wants, but I'm thinking about other stuff too. I've got my hands full, and I don't have time to deal with you. You're going to find out the hard way that you're not the top dog anymore. Don't like it? Work your way back up. That's all I can tell you. Now get out there. You have a match, and it's next. *sigh* 

Boomtown: …I'm not done. This is far from over. 

Little Mac: Oh, I'm sure about that. Hey, let's talk about incentive. I got one for this match. You tell Hotlanta and Generator, that if you actually pull this one off, they'll get a tag title shot against your new best pal and Dragon Shiryu on The Storm. Now get out of here!

Suddenly the phone rang. 

Little Mac: *on the phone* Hello? Oh hello Tali. What can I do for you? Want to trash talk about Collision? It's us vs. you, and I'm already dealing with anarchy in my office, so why not a little more eh? I- Oh? Oh. I see….interesting. Tell me more.

3. 6-Man Tag: Takumi Inui/Jackson Kain/Mav Valentine vs. Boomtown/Hotlanta/Generator
-High-octane action from the start as Mav Valentine and Generator set a blistering pace! Generator, playing to his cockiness and high energy, kept interrupting Valentine's offense with low blows and eye rakes whenever the referee was distracted. He cackled as he wanted to make Team Samurai pay for mocking Boomtown. The crowd showered Boomtown's team with boos as Hotlanta tagged in and began taunting the audience before hitting Valentine with a vicious suplex.

Takumi Inui turned the tide with his renowned striking ability, landing a flurry of kicks that had Hotlanta reeling. When Jackson Kain tagged in, the arena thundered with approval as he unleashed his power game, hitting a massive fallaway slam on Boomtown followed by a picture perfect elbow from the top. 

The match broke down into chaos when all six men ended up in the ring. Inui hit his signature Roundhouse Knockout on Generator! Valentine landed a spectacular Shooting Star Press on Hotlanta! The crowd was on their feet thinking the face team had it won!

But in a shocking turn, Boomtown blindsided Jackson Kain with a low blow behind the referee's back. Before Kain could recover, Boomtown hit his devastating finisher "Here Comes the Boom" The ref counted three as the crowd expressed their outrage at the heels' underhanded tactics. Boomtown, Hotlanta, and Generator celebrated with excessive arrogance, drawing even more heat from the incensed fans!
Winners: Boomtown[o]/Hotlanta/Generator via Here Comes the Boom on Jackson Kain -> Pin

Tommy Dukes: Boomtown's team with the win, and that means Hotlanta and Generator get a World Tag Team Championship match against Zyro Kurogane and Dragon Shiryu on The Storm. You won't want to miss that. 

Nerma: And you know earlier, Little Mac brought up Collision. It's going to be Xcite vs. Havok, and it's matches like this where you wonder whomst've you want to be champs going in. I mean think about it. We're going to be crowning Super Champions for the first time, and I'd love for the first Super Champions to be Havok Renegades. Do we want an explosive and beloved team, or a team that will do anything and everything to win? Something to think about.

Backstage

Lindy Moseby was backstage, hitting the griddy for absolutely no one, when Dynamic Dougie walked up, nearly stumbling, and slightly drooling. 

Lindy Moseby: Well look at what we have here! It's "Dynamic" Dougie Mach! 

Dynamic Dougie: Dougie Mach. 

Lindy Moseby: You've been on a roll, haven't you? I mean you beat Mav Valentine on two occasions, and you just got a big win over Flying Man. That might even lead to a match with Ness! You're hitting it big, Mr. Jackpots. 

Dynamic Dougie: Mr. Jackpots….Dougie Mach. 

Lindy Moseby: Ya know, I saw who dropped you off here today. That was Rhea Rampage I saw, wasn't it? 

Dynamic Dougie: Rhea gives two rides. 

Lindy Moseby: Oh, I'll bet she did! So you two are still an it- oh there he goes. Just…sort of wandering off. Hey, it's Christy Angel! I'm gonna follow her, as she's following Cade Yaggis! 

Christy Angel: Cade, wait up! 

Cade Yaggis: Christy! There you are. I was looking for you. 

Christy Angel: And I'm always watching you. 

Cade Yaggis: Huh? 

Christy Angel: I want to tattoo your name on the inside of my eyelids. 

Cade Yaggis: …Alright, I can't pretend I didn't hear that one. 

Christy Angel: I'm just nervous, and flop sweaty, and I probably smell. *smells armpits* I dunno. 

Cade Yaggis: Relax! Everything is alright! 

Christy Angel: I was uh…just worried that you thought I came on too strongly? 

Cade Yaggis: Not at all. I am totally into…whatever it is…that YOU are. I can't put a name to it, but it's distinctively you, and that's great. 

Christy Angel: Yeah? 

Cade Yaggis: Yeah. I absolutely want to talk about this more, but I have to get ready for my match tonight. Amigo cost me, and I'm going to make him pay for that. 

Christy Angel: Good luck!!! 

Lindy Moseby: Wow, you guys are hitting it o-

Christy Angel: HE'S MINE! 

Lindy Moseby: AH! I know that! I totally know that! 

Christy Angel: Good….good. 

Lindy Moseby: But I mean, we can share right? 

Christy Angel: NO! Jeez! How many of the women around here are lecherous degenerates?! I'm not like that! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to goon to the picture of Cade I took sleeping on the plane. WHY AM I SAYING THESE THINGS OUT LOUD! Is it an Angel thing!? Is it like how I can't wink?! I CAN'T WINK LINDY! WHY CAN'T I WINK?! I-

Christina Angel: Christy. 

Christy Angel: It's you! What are you doing here?! 

Christina Angel: I uh…I still work here. 

Christy Angel: Oh right. 

Christina Angel: I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to say congratulations for winning at Victory Explosion. I also wanted to say thank you for putting aside our differences for Dad's wedding with Makoto. 

Christy Angel: Is it weird having a mother-in-law that's about your age? 

Christina Angel: A little…but it's an improvement over what we had. 

Christy Angel: Agreed! Christina, I just want to be able to be me…whatever form that takes. I don't need you controlling my career. 

Christina Angel: Nor will I try. However, after the match we had, I can see just how much potential you truly have. You are meant for bigger and better things. You could be Women's World Champion. Though, you might have to challenge me for that. You fired me up. I'm ready to really launch head first back into my career, and Judas Wolf had better be ready. 

Christy Angel: Well good luck with all that. We're good, Christina, really we're good. Now have you figured out how to wink yet? 

Christina Angel: No! It's weird right?! 

4. Singles: Subculture vs. Picky Minch
-A clash of fan favorites had the crowd divided from the start! Picky Minch entered with purpose, wishing to best his former stablemate. Subculture's entrance was minimalist and intense, setting up the style clash perfectly.

The match started technically sound, with chain wrestling exchanges showing both men's fundamental skills. Picky Minch demonstrated surprising agility for his stocky frame. Subbie was expecting him to keep it grounded, but he shocked everyone by hitting a beautiful tope con hilo to the outside that brought fans to their feet! Not to be outdone, Subculture responded with a modified leg sweep into a neckbreaker that got a close two-count!

As the match progressed, both men dug deeper into their arsenals. Minch hit a thunderous Brainbuster that nearly secured the victory, but Subculture kicked out at 2.9! The crowd was absolutely electric as these two faces pushed each other to their limits with respect clearly evident despite the intensifying competition.

The climax came after Minch attempted a bridging Hagen Suplex. Subculture rolled through and immediately fired back with his KO Punch – a staggering blow that rattled Minch! Before Minch could recover, Subculture seamlessly transitioned into his Counter Culture finisher! The pinfall came moments later as Subculture earned a hard-fought victory. Both men embraced post-match to thunderous applause.
Winner: Subculture via KO Punch x Counter Culture -> Pin

The arena lights dimmed as "Paradise City" by Guns N' Roses hit. The crowd erupted as World Champion Sal Paradise emerged through the curtain, the gleaming World Championship belt proudly displayed over his shoulder. Unlike his usual understated entrances, tonight he took his time, soaking in the overwhelming response from the fans. The ring had been decorated with a plush red carpet, two leather chairs, and a small table with champagne on ice.

Sal Paradise: Paradise City is officially OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

The crowd chanted for Sal as he held the championship high above his head.

Sal Paradise: You know, for years I've been telling anyone who would listen that this business isn't about flash... it's not about talking the loudest... it's about SUBSTANCE. It's about HEART. It's about getting knocked down nine times and getting up TEN! Just when you think I couldn't be any deader, I'll come right back, one better!

Fans chanted "YOU DESERVE IT!" as Sal looked genuinely moved.

Sal Paradise: Thank you. Sincerely. When they say I'm the People's Choice, I feel that. I hear that. But at Victory Explosion, I made a choice too. I chose to win this—not just for myself, but for every single one of you RENEGADES out there! Experience doesn't expire, folks. And neither does HUNGER. Now, I know there's a certain... snot-nosed punk running around backstage throwing what can only be described as a championship-sized temper tantrum.

The crowd booed at the mention of Boomtown.

Sal Paradise: Yeah, my thoughts exactly. Look, I taught that kid everything he knows. But clearly, I didn't teach him everything I know. Will Boomtown get another shot someday? Sure. When he grows up. When he learns some respect. When he understands that being a champion isn't about YOU—it's about THEM. But today isn't about Boomtown. Today is about celebrating with all of you. Today is about enjoying this victory that WE earned together. I want to pop open this bubly! Who's old enough to drink!? Be honest now! I might not have enough for everybody! Ya know, Sal Paradise doesn't rest on his laurels. No sir. I'm going to be the first-ever SUPER Champion in this company's history. That's my promise to you. But before that... I'm going to do something Boomtown never had the guts to do. I'm putting this championship on the line NEXT WEEK on Havok! That's right! The winner of Subculture versus the winner of this week's main event gets a shot at THIS! And I know Zyro "Shogun Steel and Sex Appeal" Kurogane has made it crystal clear he wants a piece of Boomtown. I respect that Zyro-K. I'd give you the shot. You won the Victory Explosion match, and you earned it, but if this is the path you want to take, don't let me stop ya! I can't wait for next week. You worried? You worried that the People's Choice might lose it all before Collision. On the contrary, it's gonna be just another day in Paradise! 

Tommy Dukes: Wow! Did you hear that? Sal Paradise putting his newly-won championship on the line next week!

Nerma: That's why he's the People's Choice! Unlike Boomtown, Sal Paradise is a fighting champion from day one!

Tommy Dukes: Paradise City is open for business, and business is BOOMING!

Backstage

Security was surrounding Heather Mach as he had to be pulled off of a bleeding Christina Angel. Hope Mach and Ripper Jane ran to her defense. 

Heather Mach: You think I don't have ears bitch? You think I don't hear things?! I put down Paula, and you're next! You were beaten by your loser sister! What chance do you think you have against me!? WHAT CHANCE DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE?!

5. Pillar Decision Bushido Rules: Cade Yaggis vs. Amigo
-Main event time! This Bushido Rules match (no rope breaks, no leaving the ring, victory by pin, submission, or referee stoppage) was pure brutality from the opening bell! Cade Yaggis, the honorable warrior, bowed respectfully before the match while Amigo spat in his direction, laughing as he put in his mouth guard, establishing the stark character contrast.

Yaggis started strong with technical wrestling, working methodically on Amigo's left arm with precision joint manipulation. The crowd rallied behind Yaggis's approach, but Amigo quickly changed the complexion of the match with a hidden foreign object he'd smuggled to the ring! The referee missed it entirely as Amigo stunned Yaggis with a shot to the temple.

What followed was a clinic in dastardly work as Amigo targeted Yaggis's head and neck with vicious precision. Yaggis showed tremendous heart, fighting back with explosive suplexes and a near-fall after a running knee strike! The crowd thought Yaggis had it won!

Amigo, ever the opportunist, feigned an eye injury to gain sympathy from the referee. When Yaggis sportingly backed off, Amigo struck with a low blow that left Yaggis vulnerable. With sadistic focus, Amigo unleashed his Hagen Suplex Barrage – a series of consecutive Hagen suplexes with increasing velocity and angle, each impact more devastating than the last.

By the eighth suplex, Yaggis was clearly out cold and unable to protect himself. The referee made the difficult decision to stop the contest, awarding the victory to Amigo via referee stoppage. Amigo celebrated with exaggerated arrogance, kicking Yaggis while he was down and drawing intense hatred from the crowd. Christy Angel and medical personnel rushed to check on Yaggis as Amigo pulled the Lakitu close as he shouted "YEAH!" directly into the camera to close the show.
Winner: Amigo via Hagen Suplex Barrage -> Referee Stoppage 

A Lakitu followed  Zyro Kurogane as he strode through the backstage area, still amped up from his attack on Boomtown. His knuckles were taped but visibly bruised. Several wrestlers and staff members gave him a wide berth as he passed. He reached his locker room and was about to enter when a voice called out.

Little Mac: Quite a statement you made out there tonight, Kurogane.

Zyro Kurogane: Just doing the world a favor. One less Boomtown promo to sit through.

Little Mach: Heh. Walk with me. You've been making waves since you arrived, Kurogane. Impressive matches. Vicious promos. That little stunt tonight. The fans are responding. They love what you do. 

Zyro Kurogane: I didn't ask 'em to. I wasn't going to play nice to win them. If they want ride with Shogun Steel and Sex Appeal then they're welcome to. I can't say I blame them. You should want to always ride with the best. 

Little Mac: Confidence. I like that. But I'm curious—why waste your time with Boomtown? He's not the champ right now.

Zyro Kurogane: He took shortcuts.

Little Mac: So did you. 

Zyro Kurogane: Stabbed his mentor in the back. 

Little Mac: So did you.

Zyro Kurogane: Got handed opportunities he didn't earn. 

Little Mac: So did you. 

Zyro Kurogane: Yeah, but I did it all with style! That's commonplace around here. It's expected. The new hotshot comes in, goes after the alphas, and assumes his spot. My spot involves taking his spot, and keeping him from having that spot. 

Little Mac: Or... you could skip the appetizer and go straight for the main course.

They reached a private office area. Little Mac opened the door and gestured for Zyro to enter.

Little Mac: I have a golden opportunity for you, Kurogane. Something worthy of your... talents.

Inside the office, Little Mac poured two glasses of expensive whiskey. He handed one to Zyro.

Little Mac: You're a bit of a bastard Kurogane. You're cocky, you're arrogant, and you have no problems breaking the rules or blindsiding your enemies. 

Zyro Kurogane: Yes, that's my highlight reel. Get to the point, Mac.

Little Mac: I had an offer thrown my way. An offer that's worth a lot of money. A united team of misfits, ne'er-do-wells, and rules breakers. Outcasts and assholes. You fit some of those criteria. You fit most of them actually. That's why I think you'll be perfect to lead a team. 

Zyro Kurogane: Tempting, but I've got unfinished business with Boomtown. 

Little Mac: Your grudge is small potatoes right now. I'm more than happy to let you two tear each other apart in time, but I'm offering you filet mignon.

Zyro Kurogane: My answer is no. Boomtown first. Then we can talk about opportunities. 

As Zyro turned to leave, the door opened. The distinct sound of a wheelchair filled the room. Boss M's rollsed into the office. Her wheelchair was customized with chrome details and the Xcite logo. 

Boss M's: Leaving so soon, Kurogane? That's not like you. I thought you always finished what you started.

Zyro Kurogane: Boss M's. Interesting to see you on Havok territory.

Boss M's: Business knows no boundaries, especially when it's good business. Let me fill you in on the details before you decline.

Zyro Kurogane: .....

Last edited by Machismo (Yesterday 4:17 am)