Ted Pettentool: It's the Toolbox here for EBW World, right here on X! Stop that doom scrolling, and start...Tool..scrolling?

Tick: We're on the way to Demon Boogie, but we had an awesome show at the Battle Dome! 

Tock: Indubitably! 

Tick: I agree! 

Tock: Concordantly!

Ted Pettentool: It all started when it became official that Little Mac was cleared to compete!

Tali Mach's Office

 

Little Mac’s medical clearance lay on the desk between him and Tali Mach. He had already signed the match agreement, changed into his gear, and wrapped his hands. Tali read the clearance once more before setting it down. 

Tali Mach: You’re cleared. Can you try not to die for me?

Little Mac: I was hoping to avoid that part.

Tali Mach: Master Lu trained me. You're his best friend. He wouldn't be too happy if I let you get yourself killed out there.

Mac nodded. He understood her concern. Mike wanted everyone to see what happened when somebody in the office told him no. Mac had spent enough of his life fighting larger men to recognize the routine.

Tack Angel appeared in the doorway with Geoff Garrett beside him. Geoff carried his guitar, while Tack had the serious expression he usually wore shortly before somebody interrupted him.

Tack Angel: We need to talk about tonight.

Little Mac: If you’re here to tell me Mike’s bigger than me, I noticed.

Tack Angel: I’m here to tell you he travels in a pack.

Geoff Garrett: We’ve got two of them ourselves tonight. We’ll try to send them back with something to think about.

Little Mac: Handle your match. I’ll handle mine.

The Battle Dome crowd was already making itself heard when Apple Kid welcomed everyone to ringside. Larry Grim sat beside him with the evening’s card laid neatly on the desk. Apple checked beneath his own chair before sitting down.

Larry Grim: Looking for something?

Apple Kid: That toy.

Larry Grim: Well, since we figured out it was Big Chugga Chungus, I had it taken someplace to be worked on.

Apple Kid: Oh? Where? 

Larry Grim: Best you don't know. 

Apple Kid: Awww...I liked it better when I had all the insider knowledge. So what do we have tonight?

Larry Grim: Little Mac returns to the ring tonight against Kinniku Mike. Mike blames him for the E1 loss. Tack Angel blames Mike for just about everything else.

Apple Kid: We also have Dante Ward teaming with the man he defeated on our last show, Arsene St. Marvelous, against Marco De Leon and Daimon Kuro. And here comes a man that might even rival The Auditor for his wickedness. The lawyer to the lawyers...Whitaker Buttbottom.

Whitaker Buttbottom led Barry Dockett and Preston Payne down the aisle. Johnny and Tommy Meppu were already waiting in the ring, and neither looked interested in listening to what he had to say.

Whitaker Buttbottom: Before this match begins, my clients wish to establish that participation does not constitute acceptance of any future unfavorable decision.

Johnny Meppu: Are you wrestling or chasing an ambulance?

Tommy Meppu: We're going to kick some lawyer ass, gramps. If you don't like it, stay out of the ring, then.

Whitaker lowered the microphone and looked offended that the solution had been so simple.

1. Tag: Johnny Meppu/Tommy Meppu vs. Barry Dockett/Preston Payne
-Johnny opened against Barry and immediately spoiled Legal Limit’s attempt to dictate the pace. Barry caught a wrist and began explaining something to the referee, only for Johnny to reverse the hold, pull him into an arm drag, and send him sliding toward his corner. 

The Meppus kept their tags quick and their attacks simple. Tommy entered with a strike to Barry’s trapped arm, Johnny followed him out, and the brothers maintained control without giving Whitacker much to complain about. That did not stop him. When Tommy landed a clean dropkick, the manager stood beside the timekeeper and demanded clarification on whether both boots had been inspected.

Preston changed the match by making a blind tag just before Tommy sent Barry into the ropes. Tommy ducked Barry’s return and turned straight into Preston’s clothesline. Legal Limit dragged him toward their corner and began cutting off the ring, Barry leaning across the ropes to distract Johnny while Preston drove a knee into Tommy’s back. Every time Tommy found room to crawl, one of them put a body between him and his brother.

Tommy nearly escaped after a jawbreaker, but Barry caught his ankle and pulled him backward. Preston tagged in, dropped an elbow across the lower back, and covered for two. The frustration started showing in Tommy’s face. He could see Johnny reaching for him, hear the crowd urging him across, and still could not make those last few feet. Instead of trying another desperate crawl, he planted himself when Preston attempted a suplex and fought the lift. A second attempt failed too. Tommy drove a knee into Preston’s stomach and finally broke free.

Johnny’s tag brought the crowd up. He knocked Preston down, caught Barry coming through the ropes, and sent both members of Legal Limit into opposite corners. A running attack caught Preston squarely, and a quick cover forced Barry to break the count. Tommy intercepted Barry and drove him outside, leaving Johnny with the legal man. The Meppus were moving together again, and Whitacker hurried around the ring.

Johnny tagged Tommy back in after setting Preston up near their corner. Tommy climbed while Johnny turned to stop Barry’s return. Whitaker chose that moment to climb onto the apron with his folder open, demanding the referee examine what he called an unauthorized substitution. The referee moved toward him. With the official’s back turned, Whitaker reached behind the corner post and yanked Tommy’s boot, dropping him hard across the top turnbuckle.

Johnny saw it and lunged toward the manager, but Barry caught him from the floor and pulled him off the apron. Preston dragged Tommy out of the corner before he could recover, delivered The Verdict, and hooked the leg. Whitacker was already back on the floor with both hands raised when the referee counted three.
Winners: Barry Dockett/Preston Payne[o] via The Verdict to Tommy Meppu -> Pin

Johnny slid back in too late and chased Legal Limit out of the ring. Whitaker gathered his clients and retreated up the aisle, talking rapidly while Preston grinned over his shoulder.

Whitaker Buttbottom: A clean decision! An excellent example of due process!

Backstage, Tick and Tock had positioned Ted Pettentool between them for an update on Little Mac’s preparations. Ted had managed three words before Zyro Kurogane and Molly Serrano walked into the interview area.

Zyro Kurogane: You can talk about the main event later. I’m about to give you something worth discussing.

Ted Pettentool: We were discussing a former world champion returning to the ring.

Zyro Kurogane: Good. You’re all warmed up then.

Molly smiled while Zyro adjusted his wrist tape. 

Zyro Kurogane: Trevor won the tournament. Fine. I won my block, and I didn’t come here to spend the rest of the year watching him celebrate. Goemon gets the reminder tonight.

Tick: Does Goemon know he’s a reminder?

Tock: He thought he had a wrestling match.

Molly Serrano: Zyro intends to make it memorable.

Zyro Kurogane: Goemon! Eyes on me, dude! This ain't Edo! This ain't a wacky caper, with aliens, vampires, and sexy ladies, other my short stack here of course. You're not in Konami land right now. You're in MY house, and I'm going to let it rip, because ZYRO-K! BEY-BEEEEEY!

Zyro left before Ted could ask another question. Ted watched him go and returned his attention to the twins.

Ted Pettentool: As I was saying—

Tick: We’re out of time.

Ted gave them a tired look.

2. Singles: Zyro Kurogane vs. Goemon
-Goemon refused to play the part Zyro had assigned him. He caught Zyro reaching during the opening exchange, turned him through a wristlock, and tripped him onto his back. Zyro rolled clear and rose with a smile that looked a little less comfortable than it had during his entrance. Goemon beckoned him forward.

Their next exchange was faster. Zyro slipped behind, Goemon broke the grip, and both men hit the ropes before Goemon caught him with a sharp arm drag. Zyro landed on his feet out of the second attempt and spread his arms toward the crowd. Goemon promptly dropkicked him through the ropes.

Molly stepped aside as Zyro landed at her feet.

Apple Kid: That part might make the highlight reel too.

Larry Grim: Depends who edits it.

Zyro returned with more purpose. He stopped reaching carelessly and began attacking Goemon’s balance, forcing him to turn before snapping a kick into the ribs. Goemon tried to answer with another arm drag, but Zyro held his footing, pulled him back up, and drove him down with a hard suplex. He followed with a low running strike and covered for two, watching the referee’s hand closely before deciding how much time he could afford to waste.

Quite a lot, apparently. He leaned against the ropes while Goemon recovered, brushed imaginary dust from his shoulder, and ducked an incoming strike with an exaggerated bow. Molly applauded the escape but pointed sharply when Goemon turned behind him. Zyro barely avoided the roll up and had to scramble out of a second pinning attempt.

That warning kept him serious for the next several minutes. He cut Goemon off with a knee, worked him down, and forced him to carry his weight through a grounded hold. Goemon fought back patiently, working a hand free and turning toward the ropes rather than wasting energy trying to throw him off. Once upright, he landed two hard strikes and caught Zyro with a sudden counter that brought the crowd to its feet. The resulting cover got a close two.

Zyro’s expression changed. Goemon sensed the opening and pressed, sending him toward the corner before charging in. Zyro slipped onto the apron, let Goemon hit the buckles, and returned with a springing attack that knocked him into the middle. He could have covered. Instead, he stood over Goemon and motioned for him to get up.

Goemon obliged with a forearm that caught him flush. Zyro staggered, laughed once in disbelief, and answered with a sharper combination that finally stopped the rally. He created his distance, hit Let it Rip, and caught Goemon before he could escape the follow up. Straight Jacket Hagen planted him in the center, and Zyro kept the cover tight through three.
Winner: Zyro Kurogane via Let it Rip x Straight Jacket Hagen -> Pin

Backstage

Backstage at the Battle Dome, Geoff found Tack testing his kicks. Makoto approached him in her ring gear. 

Makoto Angel: When you see Nimbus, leave her to me.

Tack Angel: I understand.

Makoto Angel: And stop smiling every time somebody mentions our match.

Tack immediately rearranged his expression.

Tack Angel: Right. Sharks first. Strap matches later. *drools*

Makoto Angel: *sigh* And Mike after that, if he tries anything?

That brought Tack’s attention fully back to the evening. He tightened his boots, nodded to her, and followed Geoff toward the entrance.

3. Tag: Tack Angel/Geoff Garrett vs. Shark #1/Shark #2
-Shark #1 tried to start before Geoff was ready, rushing him while the referee was still checking the opposite corner. Geoff stepped aside, let him run into the turnbuckles, and caught him on the rebound with a right hand. Shark #2 shouted instructions from the apron until Geoff turned toward him. He immediately lowered his voice.

The Sharks’ plan seemed to involve keeping Tack out of the match. Unfortunately, keeping Geoff under control proved just as difficult. He twisted Shark #1 through an arm wringer, tagged Tack, and held him in place for a clean strike to the exposed side. Tack followed with a snapmare and a kick that left Shark #1 sitting very still.

Shark #2 entered and attempted to slow things down with a test of strength. Tack accepted one hand, watched him prepare the cheap kick, and caught the boot before it reached him. Shark #2 hopped backward while trying to apologize. Tack swept the standing leg and sent him flat onto the canvas.

Geoff and Tack stayed in control by refusing to get drawn into the Sharks’ distractions. When Shark #1 shouted from the apron, the legal man kept working. When Shark #2 rolled toward the floor, they cut him off and brought him back to the middle. A brief eye rake gave the Sharks their first opening, but Geoff stopped the attempted double-team by pulling Tack out of the path of a clothesline. Shark #1 hit his own partner, and both stood arguing long enough for the crowd to enjoy it.

Tack knocked their heads together. Geoff took the tag and sent Shark #1 down with a clothesline before dropping Shark #2 with a back body drop. The Sharks finally managed to pull Geoff toward their corner, but he blocked a suplex, landed one of his own, and reached Tack without needing a desperate escape.

Tack entered with a spring in his step. He drove Shark #2 across the ring, caught him coming back, and slammed him hard enough to make Shark #1 reconsider coming through the ropes. Geoff solved that hesitation by meeting him at the apron and dragging him into position for The Stroke. Shark #1 went down, leaving Tack alone with the legal opponent.

Shark #2 tried to wriggle out of the first lift. Tack kept the wrist. The crowd rose as he pulled him back in, secured the grip, and delivered the WRIST CLUTCH Star Driver. Geoff stood guard while Tack covered.
Winners: Tack Angel[o]/Geoff Garrett via WRIST CLUTCH Star Driver to Shark #2 -> Pin

Tack rose and pointed toward the back while Geoff retrieved his guitar. Neither man lingered over the fallen Sharks. They had done what they came to do, and Tack had not forgotten who was wrestling later.

In the locker room, Mike watched the result without commenting. Darkness Aoi leaned against the wall beside him, while Nimbus Tenebrae smiled at something. Mike finally switched the monitor off.

Kinniku Mike: They can beat the Sharks all night. Doesn’t change what I’m doing to Mac.

Darkness Aoi: He wants everybody to see that he’s still tough.

Kinniku Mike: He doesn't have what I've got. He doesn't have the STRONG TITS! He doesn't have BDSM! He isn't going to be the face of this new EBW. I AM! It's mine for the taking! I spent too much time trying to corral that little bastard of mine. I tried playing the "good guy", but this is what I am! This is what I've always been! I want to thank you two for bringing that back out of me. I will take out EBW's bosses, starting with Mac!

Nimbus looked up.

Nimbus Tenebrae: And Tack will be watching.

Mike’s smile returned.

4. Tag: Dante Ward/Arsene St. Marvelous vs. Marco De Leon/Daimon Kuro
-Marco stepped onto the apron as soon as Arsene entered, leaving Daimon to begin. Arsene watched him go but resisted the urge to follow. He circled Daimon, worked through the opening tie-up, and brought Dante in after gaining control of the arm. Dante drove a shoulder into Daimon’s chest and forced him backward, making it clear that his respect for Arsene had not softened anything about the way he intended to wrestle.

Daimon absorbed the early pressure and answered with a heavy forearm. Dante returned it, and their exchange became the first real test of the match. Neither wanted to yield the middle. Daimon tried to turn it into a clinch, but Dante shoved him away and caught him with a powerful takedown for two.

Marco entered only after Daimon created an opening. He clipped Dante from behind during a rope break and immediately began directing the referee’s attention toward Arsene. It bought Daimon enough time for another strike, and the heels settled into the kind of orderly cheating their opponents had expected. The difficulty was stopping it while also protecting yourself.

Dante weathered the isolation without wasting much motion. He covered up, forced Marco to work for every hold, and nearly caught him with a sudden lift that sent Marco scrambling toward the ropes. Daimon tagged in to keep control, but Dante blocked his next attack and drove through him with a clothesline. Both men went down. Arsene reached as far as the tag rope allowed.

The tag came clean, and Arsene went straight to work. He knocked Marco off the apron before turning on Daimon, striking quickly and keeping his feet moving. Marco reentered illegally and found himself caught between both opponents. Dante drove him back outside while Arsene rolled Daimon into a near fall.

The match opened up as all four men began finding opportunities. Dante caught Daimon with a heavy slam, Marco broke the cover, and Arsene chased him only as far as the ropes before returning to his corner. That restraint earned an approving nod from Dante. When Arsene became legal again, Marco finally accepted the tag opposite him.

Their exchange was sharp and angry. Marco slapped him during a break. Arsene answered with a forearm instead of an argument and forced him backward. A quick counter brought Marco down for two, and Arsene stayed close enough to deny him an easy exit. For the first time all evening, Marco looked worried about being caught.

Daimon stepped through the ropes as Arsene prepared another attack. Dante entered to intercept him, and the referee turned to force both illegal men out. Marco drove a thumb into Arsene’s eye the moment the official looked away. Arsene stumbled backward, one hand over his face. Marco caught a fistful of his waistband, dragged him away from the ropes, and delivered the Lion Driver ’9X.

Dante saw the cover and tried to break away, but Daimon clamped onto his leg from the apron. The referee dropped beside Arsene, unaware of what had created the opening, and counted three.
Winners: Marco De Leon[o]/Daimon Kuro via Lion Driver ’9X to Arsene St. Marvelous -> Pin

Dante kicked free a moment too late. Marco rolled out immediately and backed toward the aisle, pointing at Arsene while Daimon joined him.

Marco De Leon: Again! Every time you think you’ve figured it out!

Before the main event, Ted caught Little Mac at the entrance. Mac rolled his shoulders and kept moving while Ted walked beside him.

Ted Pettentool: Mike says this is about accountability for the E1 switch. Do you regret accepting the match?

Little Mac: Ask me tomorrow. Everything hurts more tomorrow.

Ted Pettentool: Any last message for him?

Mac stopped at the curtain.

Little Mac: He wanted me out from behind the desk. Here I am.

Mike entered first with Aoi accompanying him to the aisle. He climbed into the ring and stood in the center, refusing to move while the referee spoke to him. Mac received a warmer welcome than he seemed prepared for. He paused at the bottom of the steps, looked around the Battle Dome, and nodded before climbing through the ropes.

5. Singles: Kinniku Mike vs. Little Mac
-Mike offered the first lockup with a grin. Mac ignored it, circled, and made him turn. Mike reached again, this time faster, but Mac slipped outside the arm and struck him in the body before moving clear. The crowd responded immediately. Mike looked down at the spot where he had been hit, more insulted than hurt.

He charged on the next approach. Mac ducked, let him reach the ropes, and landed another short combination when he turned. The older man was not trying to match Mike’s strength. He was making him reset, forcing him to take extra steps and pay for reaching. Mike’s grin disappeared after a third clean attack to the body.

Apple Kid: Mac’s making him work for the contact!

Larry Grim: Mike expected a demonstration. Mac came for a match.

That strategy worked until Mike stopped chasing. He cut off the ring, let Mac circle toward the corner, and caught him as he tried to slip past. One hard shoulder drove the air out of Mac. Mike held him there and delivered another before throwing him into the middle.

The change was immediate. Mac took longer to stand, and Mike noticed. He brought him up, slammed him down, and covered with a forearm across the face. Mac kicked out at two. Mike looked toward the crowd and shook his head as though their encouragement had somehow offended him personally.

He dragged Mac up and sent him hard into the buckles. Mac’s knees bent on impact, but he stayed upright. Mike closed in, pressing a forearm beneath his chin while the referee counted. He released at four, stepped back, and demanded that Mac change something now.

Mac answered with a short strike to the stomach. Mike hit him down for it.

The punishment continued, but Mike kept interrupting his own advantage to talk. He wanted Mac to understand, wanted the crowd to understand, wanted the entire company to understand how offended he was. Mac used those pauses to breathe. When Mike tried to pull him into another lift, he lowered his weight, caught the wrist, and twisted free far enough to land a solid shot beneath the ribs.

Mike folded slightly. Mac hit the same spot again.

For the first time, the larger man backed away because he needed to. Mac followed carefully, guarding his head while working the body. His legs were slower now, and he knew he could not afford a wild charge. He waited for Mike’s swinging response, ducked it, and drove a short uppercut into the opening. Mike stumbled against the ropes.

The Battle Dome rose as Mac pressed him. Another body shot landed, followed by a clean strike that put Mike on one knee. Mac caught him as he tried to stand and folded him into a tight cradle.

One. Two. Mike kicked free hard enough to throw Mac away.

Apple Kid: He nearly had him! Little Mac nearly caught him!

Mike got up furious. Mac was still rising when he grabbed him, forced him into the corner, and started positioning him for the Muscle Buster. Mac clutched the top rope and refused to come loose. Mike pulled again. Mac struck him across the side of the head, dropped onto his feet, and shoved him backward into the referee’s path without knocking the official down.

As Mike turned, Mac caught him with another short, clean combination. Mike staggered toward the ropes, and Mac followed.

Daimon Kuro slid into the ring behind him.

The referee saw the first blow land across Mac’s back and immediately called for the bell. Marco entered from the other side, joining Daimon as Mac dropped to a knee. Mike leaned against the ropes for a moment, breathing hard, before pushing himself forward to take part.
Winner: Little Mac via DQ

The decision barely registered with Mike. He drove a boot into Mac’s side while Daimon held him down, and Marco shoved the referee away from the group. The Sharks appeared at ringside, still moving stiffly from their earlier defeat but eager to make themselves useful when the numbers favored them.

Tack hit the aisle at a run.

Shark #1 turned in time to take a forearm that sent him against the barricade. Tack slid beneath the bottom rope and drove straight into Mike, knocking him away from Mac. He struck him again before Daimon could reach him, forcing Mike into the corner while Marco tried to grab Tack from behind.

Geoff arrived close behind, guitar in hand. Marco saw him and released Tack immediately. Magnum PT and Point Man followed, cutting off the Sharks and giving Geoff room to enter. The threat of the guitar was enough to send Marco through the ropes; Point Man pulled Daimon off balance as he tried to follow, and PT made sure the Sharks could not climb back in.



Tack kept hitting Mike. The anger he had held through the evening finally had somewhere to go, and Mike struggled to cover up against it. Tack caught his wrist as he tried to escape and pulled him back toward the middle.

Aoi grabbed Mike’s other arm from the floor. He used the assistance to wrench himself loose and drop beneath the bottom rope before Tack could secure the Star Driver. Tack followed as far as the ropes, breathing hard while Mike backed away with the rest of BDSM.

Mac sat against the opposite turnbuckles. Geoff crouched beside him while the referee checked his ribs. Tali reached ringside with the medical staff, and Mac raised a hand to show that he was alert.

Tack stayed by the ropes until Mike and the others disappeared through the entrance. Only after they were gone did he turn to help Mac out of the ring.

Last edited by Machismo (10/17/2026 2:03 am)

Ted Pettentool: Welcome to your EBW News Update on X! I'm the Toolbox and...I'm all by myself apparently. Tick and Tock went to make a clock I guess. Said they had to monitor a situation in the Dusty Dunes Desert? I never have any clue what they're doing, but the Tedster is here to give you some amazing updates! Phase 1 of rebuilding the NEW EBW has been completed! By using EBW World and EBW on X to promote live shows and minor touring, we saw sold out crowds that are hungry for a return to form, and now what the competition is now providing. The competition being an important part of this story, and because of the law suit that we just WON I can talk about them a little. So after Victory Explosion, a company that bought into EBW named Axis Nova tried to pull a power play, a hostile takeover behind the scenes. They locked a bunch of stars into long term deals, and tried to completely own the rights to EBW and everything associated with it. Cue Howard Lincoln, who helped Little Mac and Tali Mach take back what we have, and force a split with the competition, now known simply as Havok. Axis Nova created a company known as BKO Group to supervise Havok, which tried to add an additional show called Xcite, and THAT is where Howard got them! They wanted OUR show! They wanted OUR legacy! Imagine a company swallowing up everything in sight and reproducing cheap copies that dim the light and the kill the joy and spirit of wrestling. Tali and Mac couldn't handle that! They just couldn't! They sent Howard after them, and they WON! That's why, coming soon to X is the return of...




Ted Pettentool: That's right! It's the return of Xcite! The show that changed everything is back! It'll resume its place as the flagship for EBW, and the Onett Battle Dome will play host just like it did twenty years ago! It'll be airing LIVE on X AND Geistbook! We're really strengthening that bond with Geist Corporation, who ALSO do not care for Axis Nova, with Geist CEO Blake Faust himself saying "I believe they're secretly monsters from the future, and I'm going to transform a bring them down." OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT! I'm paraphrasing, because I didn't really understood what he meant by that! Haha, he's always a kidder! Anyways, this restructuring is a HUGE relief to talent like Tack Angel who said "If I have to keep up this southern 'rassling format, I'm liking to throw myself in the wheat thresher willingly." OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT! He was...saying a lot of things...ANOTHER KIDDER! Haha...ha. For the opening show we will kick off with Christy Angel, Morgan Le Fey, Mimi Starlight, and Darkness Aoi battling it out in a four way match. We have two established talents, including the last Women's Super Champion in Christy Angel, but they you have Morgan and Mimi, who are...off kilter...which is PERFECT for EBW. Have YOU pondered the orb today? I only have a magic 8-ball, and it keeps telling me to ask again later! Then, Dan Club will take on the BDSM stable. I'm surprised it's not The Auditor's monster squad since they lost the tag titles to Dan Club, BUT I think I know why, and we'll see in the main event. Before that though, X Champion Ness will team with Rise and Grind as they take on Boomtown and the Legal Limit. Hope they dotted the t's and crossed the i's. Wait...I messed that all up. In our main event, the MEGA DUDES will be in action, as they take on the combined titanic ant like forces of EBW Champion Vargas Wargrave and Kinniku Mike. This leads me to believe that they will have The Auditor helping on the outside with Snakebite and Harrow, BUT...I THINK that was anticipated because Howard Lincoln personally made a phone call, and something we have [TACK!] already promised is being delivered. The special guest enforcer for the tag bout is none other than the mysterious hero of Metro City, IT'S JIBAAAAAN!

EBW: Xcite
Battle Dome, Onett
X and Geistbook

1. Women's 4-Way: Christy Angel vs. Morgan Le Fey vs. Mimi Starlight vs. Darkness Aoi 
2. 6-Man Tag: Bashin Dan/Jammer/Benjamin vs.  Marco De Leon/Daimon Kuro/Shark #2
3. 6-Man Tag: Ness/Grind/Java Coffington vs. Boomtown/Preston Payne/Barry Dockett
4. Tag: Trevor Mach/Tack Angel vs. Vargas Wargrave/Kinniku Mike Special Guest Enforcer: Jiban

Ted Pettentool: We really need to thank Howard Lincoln for that and many other recent victories that is allowing EBW to reorganize into the power house of wrestling that it truly is. Though I hear that some within EBW are actually agents of Axis Nova, here to help destroy what we've built! I wonder how Howard is going to deal with them!

EBW Offices - Onett

Howard Lincoln was busy going over his battle plan to help him battle the evil ninjas known as "Tengen". Suddenly, his phone began to ring. 



Outside, a poorly disguised Tad Blinko was standing in a bush, making the phone call.

Howard Lincoln: Go for Howard. 

Tad Blinko: *cupping his hand over his mouth* Yesh, thish ish....who I am ish not important, but what ish important ish that you have made powerful people very very angry, and you will shtop your actions at once or elsh. 

Howard Lincoln: ...I will not be threatened by some ineffectual, privileged, effete, soft penis debutant. You want to start a street fight with me, bring it on, but you're going to be surprised by how ugly it gets. You don't even know my real name. I'm the fucking lizard king, bitch.

Howard hung up the phone and continued his important work, while Tad Blinko was seen by the Lakitu running off in fear, having pissed his pants.

-

Ted Pettentool: Haha! That Howard Lincoln, what a kidder! Anyways, here is the updated card for Demon Boogie!

EBW: Demon Boogie
Battle Dome, Onett
X Premium

1. EBW Tag Team Championships No Rules: Bashin Dan(c)/Jammer(c) vs. Snakebite/Harrow
1. Women's Strap Match: Nimbus Tenebrae vs. Makoto Angel 
2. EBW X Championship: Ness(c) vs. Boomtown 
3. Demon Boogie Battle Royale: Dante Ward vs. Marco De Leon vs. Arsense St. Marvelous vs. Benjamin vs. Graveshift vs. Picky Minch
4. Singles: Tack Angel vs. Kinniku Mike
5. No Rules Women's Singles: Ripper Jane vs. Alison Chains 
6. EBW Championship: Vargas Wargrave(c) vs. Trevor Mach

Last edited by Machismo (10/21/2026 1:45 am)

Tick and Tock sat behind the studio desk while Ted Pettentool tried to find room for his notes between two plastic pumpkins. Behind them, the monitor displayed the Demon Boogie graphic, with Joe Bob Briggs smiling beneath the event’s title.

Ted Pettentool: Welcome to EBW World! Demon Boogie is next week, and we’ve got three matches from right here at EBW Studios to get through before we discuss a Halloween night at the Battle Dome!

Tick: Championships, grudges, and Joe Bob Briggs explaining why the second movie in a series is secretly the best one.

Tock: Sometimes that's right, but not always.

Tick: How so?

Tock: Halloween 2? 

Tick: Oh right.

Ted Pettentool: First, Morgan Le Fey brought her orb to ringside. Unfortunately for Morgan, somebody else showed up too.

1. Women's Singles: Morgan Le Fey vs. Mimi Starlight
-Morgan kept Mimi waiting while she carefully positioned her orb on a folded cloth outside the ring. Mimi leaned against her corner and watched Morgan adjust it twice, apparently dissatisfied with the angle. Once the bell rang, Morgan was considerably less delicate with her opponent. She caught Mimi in a side headlock, pulled her hair to stop an escape, and smiled innocently when the referee moved around to investigate. Mimi answered with a shove into the ropes and a pair of quick arm drags, forcing Morgan to retreat to the corner with her smile gone.

Mimi tried to keep the pace moving, but Morgan caught her charging in and drove her shoulder-first into the turnbuckles. A short clothesline earned two, followed by a grounded armbar that Morgan made worse by digging her knuckles into Mimi’s ribs whenever the referee checked her shoulders. Mimi fought upright and escaped with forearms, only for Morgan to yank her backward by the hair. The referee caught that one. Morgan argued that Mimi had fallen, an explanation that became less convincing when Mimi pointed to the hair still caught between her fingers.

Morgan ducked through the ropes while the referee checked on Mimi and reached for the orb. She had barely lifted it when she noticed Graveshift standing a few feet away. He hadn’t touched her belongings or made any move toward her. He simply stood there, watching. Morgan froze with the orb against her chest, her eyes traveling up to his face. When Graveshift took one slow step closer, she hurriedly put it back on its cloth and scrambled into the ring.

Mimi was waiting. She ducked Morgan’s panicked swing and dropped her with a sharp kick, leaving Morgan flat on her back near the corner. Mimi climbed quickly, checked her footing, and launched into the Starlight Splash. Morgan folded beneath the impact, and Mimi hooked her leg for the three-count. As Mimi celebrated, Morgan rolled toward her orb, saw that Graveshift was still beside it, and decided she could collect it later.
Winner: Mimi Starlight via Starlight Splash -> Pin

Back at the desk, Ted watched the replay of Morgan abandoning her prized possession.

Ted Pettentool: Mimi took advantage of the opening, and Morgan’s attempt to cheat cost her the match!

Tick: Graveshift didn’t even have to do anything.

Tock: He’s very efficient, and very scary.

Ted Pettentool: You know what is scary to me? Corporate espionage. 

Tick: What a transition! 

Tock: I'm impressed. Do go on. 

Ted Pettentool: EBW camera picked up a spy within the company, in a failed attempt to threaten Howard Lincoln. 

Tick: No one threatens Howard Lincoln. 

Tock: He saved Tetris from the communists.

Ted Pettentool: It was Tad Blinko, a man whose life fell apart...in no small part due to his association with...*sigh* my Alison, but he seemed like he was trying to get back into things with some matches, but it is clear he's still not in the best head space...

Backstage

Tali Mach: Tad, we need to talk. 

Tad Blinko: ...Tali Mach? Is it my lucky day to get lucky? I always thought you might have an "eye" out for me. Haha! Get it? Because...eye. I lost my eye...and got burned...haha. 

Tali Mach: You left the priesthood, became a drug addict, got both of your legs broken, and narrowly survived burning to death, only to come back here, get offered a job and immediately try to stab us in the back. I mean I shouldn't even let you wrestle. Look at you! Your legs are still in those braces-

Tad Blinko: They get regularly infected too. 

Tali Mach: And you have pills literally falling out of your pocket. 

Tad Blinko: A doctor prescribed them...I don't know which doctor, or to whomst've, but I found them in the trash, so they're mine. Haha!

Tali Mach: We need you to NOT spy on us or try to undermine us, or else, I will find the strength to get out of this chair myself and kick your ass. Understood? 

Tad Blinko: Well how am I so supposed to live? Sell myself on the street? That market is drying up. They call me..."used goods". *sniff* 

Tali Mach: We want to put you to work in other ways. 

Tad Blinko: Oh I'm sure you d-

Tali Mach: Stop unzipping your pants. We could use a double agent to-

Tad Blinko: You think I need your pity? I know what I'm doing, lady. Watch me beat Zyro Kurogane's ass, and THEN...maybe I'll get some respect around here! 

Tali Mach: That won't be happening.

2. Singles: Zyro Kurogane vs. Tad Blinko
-Tad offered a handshake. Zyro looked at his hand, looked at his face, and backed into his corner. Tad nodded as though this had been a useful exchange and began circling when the bell rang. His first attempt at a lockup ended with Zyro slipping behind him and throwing him to the mat. His second ended with a kick to the stomach. By the third, Tad had decided to try something else.

That something was a wild clothesline, which Zyro ducked easily. Zyro caught him coming back with a dropkick that sent Tad tumbling into the ropes, then pulled him upright before he could crawl outside. Tad managed one desperate forearm to the chest. Zyro glanced down at the spot, and Tad immediately regretted drawing his attention to it.

Zyro drove him backward with a short combination, caught both arms, and hauled him into the Straight Jacket Hagen. Tad landed hard and offered no resistance when Zyro covered him. Three counts later, Zyro was already getting to his feet. He hadn’t needed Let it Rip, a second attempt, or much of a warm-up.
Winner: Zyro Kurogane via Straight Jacket Hagen -> Pin

Zyro took a microphone while the referee checked on Tad. He barely glanced at his fallen opponent before addressing the studio audience.

Zyro Kurogane: People. There no market for ex-World Champions. I took the World Championship around the world, and I hit up all the places everyone else was afraid to go. I did that! Where did it lead me? Some stuffy assholes staging a corporate takeover, and now I'm here, mercy killing this job boy. You're looking at a man walking on the edge of life itself! I have a short stack to answer to. I have money coming to me, that I'm already spending in my head. That championship money. I have to live every day knowing I'm an ex-champion, and ex-champions don't float in this society, especially when you're as talented as I am. I am Shogun Steel and Sex Appeal! Look at me! See this Beyblade! It cost more than your car! That's what I'm used to. That's what my gal is used to! I'm going to get it back! I'm coming for whoever holds it, and I will see you VERY soon!

Ted Pettentool: Zyro has confidence to spare. So you might all know that Alison is currently trying to clean herself up for her match with Ripper Jane at Demon Boogie. I'm very proud of her. I haven't talked to Christy in a few days though, so how is she? Well, she's been better. Apparently we know? You're gonna roll it?! WAIT NO! I WAS THERE! NO!

Christy Angel's Room Apartment

Purple and pink LED strips glowed around the monitor. Posters covered the walls. She was cross legged in an oversized smelly hoodie and nothing underneath, headset on, controller in hand, fully locked into a ranked match.

Christy Angel: *leaning forward* Push mid— push mid- don’t feed, you absolute—

Her phone lit up on the desk with a soft vibration. She glanced at it, saw Cade’s name, and her stomach dropped. She paused the game without even thinking, pulled the headset off, and opened the message.

Christy Angel: *reading text* To my dearest Christy. The sea is ever changing. The water moves in and out, the tides break against the washed sand. Some boats stay docked, some sail away, and as I look at the array of boats and ships and sailors and scallywags, I think about us, you, me, I think about how we all drift as people. Recently, I came across a bird, a blue bird, we had what I would call a nice bond. I would go to the park, and bring bread and bird seed, and he would eat it. One day, around noon, I remember it was noon because it was lunch time, I went to the spot this bird and I, Blue is what his name was, would meet every week. He wasn't there...I went back again, and he wasn't there, I called him, and texted him, but he wouldn't text back. I went back weeks later and he wasn't there. About two months later, I SAW HIM! He was out near a new spot, with bright colors, like his blue coat, and he saw me, and flew away. It was then I realized that when I let him go, he flourished, when he stopped coming around he grew and got more and more stronger for it, that bird isn't a bird at all, it's a metaphor for you and I, that story was a metaphor, I am that bird. That actually happened, but it's also a metaphor. It's both of those things. Some ships sink, some drift, and as the ACE of Havok, I'm gonna sail, hopefully with a new boat. Just to be clear, the boat is not another woman, it would be an actual boat. In closing, you taught me many things, you are so much woman. I'm gonna have to flap my wings, my beautiful blue wings, and sail away.

Tears came fast. She stumbled over to her bed, grabbed the framed photo of Cade she kept on the nightstand, and clutched it against her chest. Her other hand fumbled in the drawer.

An hour later, outside the door, footsteps approached. Tack Angel and Ted Pettentool came to check on her after Makoto texted that she heard Christy bawling over something.

Tack Angel: Just be gentle. She’s probably upset.

Ted Pettentool: Right. Whatever it is, we need to keep it light. I want to do this for Alison.

They open the door.

Both men freeze in the doorway.



Christy Angel: *sobbing* *buzzing* ALL BY MYSELF! DON'T WANNA BE! ALL BY MYSELF! CAAAAAAADE!!!!

The door was quickly shut, but they only made it ten more steps before Tack doubled over and threw up hard into a laundry basket sitting against the wall. The sound of it set Ted off. He turned, braced one hand on the opposite wall, and vomited until his eyes watered.

Tack Angel: So...that was my daughter's O-face....*vomits violently*

-

Ted Pettentool: ...I told you not to do that! Steve! I know it's X and not network television, but BOUNDARIES! That's Alison's friend! *sigh* Our final match features the EBW X Champion in non-title action against Picky Minch. Let's...let's take it to the main event match.

3. Non-Title Singles: Ness vs. Picky Minch
-Picky came out aggressively, knowing he couldn’t afford to give Ness time to settle into the match. He pressed the champion into the ropes, landed a clean forearm on the break, and followed with a running dropkick for an early two count. Ness sat up rubbing his jaw, looking more impressed than offended. Picky stayed on him with a headlock takeover and kept his weight low, making Ness work to regain his feet.

Ness escaped, but Picky surprised him with a small package for another two. That brought the champion fully into the contest. Ness caught Picky’s next rush, turned him over with an arm drag, and began controlling the exchanges. Picky still fought for every opening, blocking a suplex and landing a body shot before Ness caught him with a crisp dropkick. The match had become exactly the kind of test Picky needed, difficult, competitive, and against someone who punished every mistake.

Boomtown appeared at ringside clapping loudly.

Ness noticed Boomtown but kept his attention on Picky, countering another pinning attempt and sending him toward the corner. Picky caught himself against the turnbuckles as Boomtown climbed onto the apron. The referee moved to order him down, and Ness turned just long enough to tell him to leave. Boomtown stepped through the ropes instead.

Picky tried to get between them, furious that his match was being interrupted, but Boomtown shoved past him. Ness advanced, ready for a fight. Boomtown caught him with a sudden kick and hit Here Comes the Boom! in full view of the referee. The bell rang immediately, drawing boos from the studio crowd as Boomtown sprang up and spread his arms over the fallen champion.
Winner: Ness via DQ

Picky grabbed Boomtown by the shoulder and demanded to know what he was doing. Boomtown pulled away, slipped out of the ring, and backed toward the entrance with a grin. Ness rolled onto one elbow, glaring after him.

Boomtown: BOOM! I cant get to you at any time and any place!

The Demon Boogie graphic returned behind the desk. Ted gathered his notes while Tick quietly reclaimed the pumpkin with the clock inside.

Ted Pettentool: Next week, we head to the Onett Battle Dome for Demon Boogie, hosted by Joe Bob Briggs! Vargas Wargrave defends the EBW Championship against E1 Climax winner Trevor Mach in their fourth meeting. Trevor won the tournament, but Vargas still has the championship, and neither man intends to leave this unfinished.

Tick: Tack Angel wants Kinniku Mike without another excuse or another ambush. Makoto Angel gets Nimbus Tenebrae in a Strap Match, where running away becomes considerably more difficult.

Tock: Dan Club defend the EBW Tag Team Championships against Harrow and Snakebite under No Rules. The Auditor wanted that stipulation. Bashin Dan and Jammer intend to make him regret it.

Ted Pettentool: Alison Chains is preparing for Ripper Jane with a clear head and a score to settle. Zyro is looking to win the Battle Royale, Christy Angel still wants Darkness Aoi, and after tonight, I wouldn’t recommend standing between Ness and Boomtown.

Tick opened the candy pumpkin and offered it to Ted. Ted hesitated, checked inside, and finally took a piece.

Ted Pettentool: Halloween. The Battle Dome. Demon Boogie. We’ll see you there!

Tock: That one’s been in there since last Halloween.

Ted stopped unwrapping it.

Last edited by Machismo (10/24/2026 4:07 am)

Backstage

Tali Mach was wheeling herself around backstage with a big smile on her face. She seemed happier than she'd seemed in a long time. That was until she rounded a corner and saw someone she wasn't expecting. 

Tali Mach: You? I thought you were dead or in prison.



Big Chugga Chungus: The news about my death was greatly exaggerated. The news about my imprisonment...was understated, but I madea deal with the DA. Then I got turned into a-

Tali Mach: Yeah, I really don't care. What do you want? I was in a great mood before you...congealed. 

Big Chugga Chungus: I'm back! I'm here! I'm ready to join EBW again and-

Tali Mach: No. 

Big Chugga Chungus: Oh come on! Please! 

Tali Mach: Absolutely not! Why would I ev-

Suddenly, Tali's cellphone rang. 

Tali Mach: Go for Tali? What? Jenny? What's going on? Jammer? What about Jammer? HE BROKE UP WITH YOU?! That son of a- what did he say? He texted you? He broke up with over text? Send it to me. *reading text* To my dearest Jenny. The sea is ever changing. The water moves in and out, the tides break against the washed sand. Some boats stay docked, some sail away, and as I look at the array of boats and ships and sailors and scallywags, I think about us, you, me, I think about how we all drift as people. Recently, I came across a bird, a blue bird, we had what I would call a nice bond. I would go to the park, and bring bread and bird seed, and he would eat it. One day, around noon, I remember it was noon because it was lunch time, I went to the spot this bird and I, Blue is what his name was, would meet every week. He wasn't there...I went back again, and he wasn't there, I called him, and texted him, but he wouldn't text back. I went back weeks later and he wasn't there. About two months later, I SAW HIM! He was out near a new spot, with bright colors, like his blue coat, and he saw me, and flew away. It was then I realized that when I let him go, he flourished, when he stopped coming around he grew and got more and more stronger for it, that bird isn't a bird at all, it's a metaphor for you and I, that story was a metaphor, I am that bird. That actually happened, but it's also a metaphor. It's both of those things. Some ships sink, some drift, and as the ACE of Dan Club, I'm gonna sail, hopefully with a new boat. Just to be clear, the boat is not another woman, it would be an actual boat. In closing, you taught me many things, you are so much woman. I'm gonna have to flap my wings, my beautiful blue wings, and sail away. All of those metaphors really got away from him, didn't they? Weird, I heard Christy saying something about that happening that sounded very similar. Well damn. I'm sorry, Jen. I'll make sure he pays for that for you. Bye.

Tali sighed as she hung up and looked up and the grinning Chungus. 

Tali Mach: What's that look for? 

Big Chugga Chungus: ...Just happy to hear that Jammer is single again! Now we can team up for tail! Haha! Yeah! 

Tali Mach: Does he know you're back?

Big Chugga Chungus: Not yet! 

Tali Mach: ...And he would just "looooove" if you were here every week. Alright, Chungus. You're hired!

Big Chugga Chungus: Huzzah!

Tali Mach: *sigh* That'll show him how vindictive I can be. I'm even willing to rehire Chungus McChud over here. 

Chungus McChud: Chungus McChud! I like that. I'm Chungus McChu-

Tali Mach: OH GOOD FOR YOOOOOU!




Larry Grim: Welcome back to the Onett Battle Dome! It's Xcite time, LIVE on X and Geistbook! I'm the Skeleton Man, Larry Grim! 

Apple Kid: And my hair has a stem, and I wear red, so I'm Apple Kid! I always preferred strawberries. Don't tell anyone. 

Larry Grim: Everyone is watching. 

Apple Kid: Well don't tell anyone else. 

Larry Grim: You got it. 

Apple Kid: Thanks! 

Larry Grim: It's going to be a huge night for us in EBW! We're on the eve of Demon Boogie, and that means an amazing main event for you tonight. The Mega Dudes are teaming with X Champion Ness to take on EBW Champion Vargas Wargrave, Kinniku Mike, and Boomtown. The forces of good and evil and colliding before Demon Boogie, with guest host Joe Bob Briggs! Before we get to that titanic ant sized match, we have a debut for you tonight, with the arrival of a kickboxing expert, who has earned the moniker "The Chickboxer". Her name is Roxy Dux!



Apple Kid's jaw dropped. On the monitor in front of him, Roxy Dux drove a kick into a heavy bag, reset her stance, and hit it again hard enough to make the chain rattle. Larry Grim glanced from the screen to his broadcast partner, who was leaning forward with his mouth hanging open. A small drop of drool landed on the corner of Apple Kid’s notes.

Larry Grim: You’re getting the main event wet.

Apple Kid wiped his mouth with his sleeve and tried to sit normally.

Apple Kid: That is an impressive new acquisition for EBW. "The Chickboxer", Roxy Dux. Look at the strength. The conditioning. The "thighs.

Larry Grim: You nearly made it through that.

Apple Kid: I’m a thigh guy, Larry. I’ve never hidden that about myself.

Larry Grim: You might want to start. Your girlfriend’s here.

Apple Kid straightened so quickly that his headset slipped over one eye. He caught it, checked the aisle, and reached for the rundown he had been ignoring.

Apple Kid: Minako’s HERE? Tonight? In this building?

Larry Grim: Yes. The grand return of the Sailor Sensations! They’ll be in action tonight. It’s on the sheet you’ve been drooling on.

Apple Kid: I was studying Roxy’s offense so I could warn Minako! That’s preparation! That’s being a supportive boyfriend!

Larry Grim: You wrote thighs three times.

Apple Kid: LET'S SEE HER IN ACTION!

EBW: Xcite
Battle Dome, Onett
X and Geistbook

1. Women's Singles: Roxy Dux[Debut] vs. Sharkette 
-The opening contest introduced EBW fans to Roxy Dux, a hard hitting kickboxer who had earned herself the nickname "The Chickboxer". Roxy entered the Battle Dome wearing kickboxing inspired ring gear, drawing plenty of attention to her powerful physique, particularly her muscular thighs. Sharkette was less than impressed with the newcomer and made a point of laughing at her during the introductions. Roxy responded by casually stretching against the ropes, seemingly unconcerned with her opponent's attitude.

The bell rang, and Sharkette immediately attempted to intimidate Roxy by shoving her backward. Roxy barely moved. Sharkette tried again, prompting Roxy to deliver a sharp kick to her outer thigh that made her stumble. Sharkette charged, only for Roxy to sidestep and connect with another kick, this time to the ribs. The newcomer followed with a quick combination of punches that sent Sharkette retreating into the corner. Roxy attempted a running knee strike, but Sharkette moved aside and caught her with a clothesline as she turned around. Sharkette quickly took advantage, stomping Roxy down before dragging her toward the center of the ring for a snap suplex and a two count.

Sharkette began targeting Roxy's legs, apparently hoping to take away her most dangerous weapons. She trapped Roxy in a single leg crab, but the debuting wrestler managed to reach the ropes. Sharkette refused to release the hold until the referee reached four, drawing boos from the audience. After pulling Roxy back to her feet, Sharkette attempted another clothesline, but Roxy ducked beneath it and answered with a brutal series of kicks to the body. The sound of the impacts could be heard throughout the Battle Dome.

Roxy caught Sharkette with a spinning back kick to the stomach, doubling her over before delivering a powerful knee to the chest. Sharkette stumbled into the ropes and bounced forward, swinging wildly. Roxy leaned backward to avoid the punch, planted her supporting foot, and whipped her other leg upward with a devastating head kick!

The impact sent Sharkette crashing to the canvas. Roxy dropped across her chest and hooked the leg as the referee counted three.

Roxy rose to a strong reaction from the audience, flashing a confident grin while the referee raised her hand. She gave the crowd a brief demonstration of her flexibility with a high kick before stepping through the ropes. Sharkette remained on the mat, clutching the side of her head.
Winner: Roxy Dux via Head Kick -> Pin

Backstage

Vargas Wargrave stood beside a stack of equipment cases with the EBW Championship secured around his waist. Kinniku Mike had spent the last several minutes explaining what he intended to do to Tack Angel, while Boomtown kept checking his phone and occasionally nodding as though he were paying attention. Vargas finally held up a hand.

Vargas Wargrave: We’ve all got people getting in our way. Mach. Angel. Ness. Every time one of us has something handled, another one turns up. We can keep letting that happen, or we can do something about it.

Kinniku Mike: I don’t need somebody handling Tack for me.

Vargas Wargrave: Good. You handle Tack. Keep him out of my business while I deal with Trevor.

Boomtown pocketed his phone and stepped closer.

Boomtown: And when Ness comes running over to play hero, he gets me. I like it. Three major stars pooling their resources. We’ll need a name. Something that fits on a shirt without wrapping around the armpits. Something for my Shark Robot merch page.

Kinniku Mike: We don’t need a shirt.

Boomtown: That attitude is why you need me.

Mike ignored him and looked down at the championship. Vargas noticed immediately, resting a hand against the center plate.

Kinniku Mike: Let’s get something straight before anybody starts shaking hands. I’ll work with you. I’ll help put the Mega Dudes down. But I still want that belt.

Boomtown: Same. Obviously I’ve got unfinished business with Ness, but I’m not putting a ceiling on myself. That thing would look incredible on me.

Kinniku Mike: You’d have to get through me first.

Boomtown: We’ve been a team for about twelve seconds.

Vargas stepped between them, his expression unchanged. He had expected ambition. He would have trusted either man less if they had pretended otherwise.

Vargas Wargrave: You want what I have? Win enough matches to earn a shot. Until then, remember whose name is on it. At Demon Boogie, Trevor Mach gets his chance. I intend to leave with this still around my waist, and then I'll be done with him, and you two can deal with the man who put down the Wild Wolf FOR GOOD!

Mike considered that before extending his hand. Vargas took it, and Boomtown placed his hand over theirs while holding his phone up with the other.

Boomtown: Hold that. We need an announcement picture.

Kinniku Mike: Take the picture before I break your phone.



Boomtown took it. Vargas released the handshake first and walked away, leaving the other two watching the championship disappear beneath the back of his coat.

Boomtown: For the record, I wasn’t kidding about wanting it.

Kinniku Mike: Neither was I.

-

Larry Grim: I guess the trio of terror there are all on the same page for at least tonight. 

Apple Kid: That's a monster team, but EBW has a LOT of monsters, like Graveshift. The crazed giant is up next against Tony Wonder, and you have to "wonder" if his magic is running out. He's been on a winning streak, but that was then. This is the NEW EBW, and he's going up against someone who I'm told has The Auditor's attention. Let's go!

2. Singles: Tony Wonder vs. Graveshift
-Tony Wonder arrived for his match in an unusually cheerful mood. His undefeated streak, which had survived through an increasingly ridiculous series of circumstances, remained intact, and he seemed convinced that destiny was personally looking after him. Graveshift, meanwhile, entered with Mimi Starlight accompanying him to ringside. Unlike Tony, Graveshift had little interest in entertaining the audience. His attention was fixed on the match until he noticed The Auditor standing near the entrance, silently observing.

Mimi noticed him as well and immediately approached the imposing figure. She demanded that he stop bothering Graveshift, insisting that he had done nothing to deserve the constant surveillance. The Auditor offered no response, keeping his attention fixed on the ring.

The bell sounded, and Tony cautiously approached Graveshift for a lockup. Graveshift easily overpowered him, driving him into the corner before releasing him cleanly. Tony attempted to laugh it off, only to find himself on the receiving end of a hard shoulder tackle. He rolled outside to regroup, taking several moments to straighten his ring gear before climbing back inside.

Tony enjoyed a brief advantage when Graveshift missed a charge into the corner. He connected with a running bulldog and scrambled into a cover, but Graveshift kicked out almost immediately. Tony attempted a second maneuver, only for Graveshift to catch him around the throat and lift him off his feet. The audience began cheering in anticipation of a decisive finish.

Outside the ring, however, Mimi's argument with The Auditor had attracted another visitor.

Snakebite emerged from behind the entrance curtain, making a slow, threatening approach toward Mimi. She backed away, warning him to stay where he was. Snakebite continued forward, clearly enjoying her reaction, while The Auditor stood motionless behind him.

Graveshift immediately released Tony and turned toward the commotion. Upon seeing Mimi in danger, he stepped over the ropes and dropped to the floor. Snakebite stopped smiling as Graveshift advanced on him. The two men stared one another down before Snakebite backed toward the entrance, gesturing for Graveshift to follow.

Graveshift instead positioned himself between Snakebite and Mimi, making it clear that he wasn't going anywhere until she was safe. The referee began counting, but Graveshift paid him no attention. Mimi tried explaining that he needed to return to the ring, though it was already too late.

The referee reached ten and called for the bell.

Tony Wonder, who had been lying on the canvas recovering, immediately sat up with a startled expression. He looked at the referee, then at Graveshift, and finally pointed at himself in disbelief. When the referee raised his hand, Tony erupted into celebration, dropping to his knees and thanking whatever supernatural force continued to protect his remarkable winning streak.

At ringside, Graveshift barely acknowledged the result. He kept watching Snakebite and The Auditor as the two disappeared backstage. Mimi apologized for costing him the match, but Graveshift simply placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and accompanied her out of the arena.

Tony continued celebrating as if he had just captured the EBW Championship.
Winner: Tony Wonder via Count Out! 

Larry Grim: Wow! Tony survived! And he won! 

Apple Kid: I want to know who stole his cursed luck, and what's happening to that poor bastard. 

Onett Street

Tad Blinko limped his way towards an old lady with a purse, and tried to steal it from her. 

Tad Blinko: GIVE ME THAT PURSE YOU OLD BA-



Tad Blinko: OH SHIT! AHHHH!

Backstage

Trevor Mach received a huge reaction as he made his way towards his dressing room. Suddenly, he was stopped by his young son, Justice.



Justice Mach: Dad! Dad! 

Trevor Mach: Hey, kiddo! I love when you come to the shows, but Dad has to get ready. It's almost time for one of the biggest- 

Justice Mach: I brought you something! 

Trevor Mach: Huh? What do you have there? 

Justice Mach: You should wear this! I brought it for you! 

Trevor Mach: That? 

Justice Mach: YEAH!

Trevor Mach: ...Heh...why not?

-

Larry Grim: I wonder what that was all about? 

Apple Kid: No idea, but up next, my lovely lovely lovely and very sexy Minako is back in action! I love you Minako!

Larry Grim: That's right. The Sailor Sensations are back to back up Makoto Angel as she returns to the ring. She is taking on Nimbus at Demon Boogie, but tonight, the battle is against the Velvet Riot Cabaret Wrestling Club! We're very glad to have both sides here tonight, as EBW rebuilds a strong women's division! Let's do it to it!

3. 6-Woman Tag: Makoto Angel/Minako Aino/Rei Hino vs. Ayame Nocturne/Hana Ironveil/Mika Rave
-The Sailor Sensations made their return to EBW competition against three representatives of the Velvet Riot nightclub's Hostess Club. Makoto Angel received a particularly enthusiastic welcome, accompanied by Minako Aino and Rei Hino, both eager to make an impression in their return to the ring. Their opponents entered together, with Ayame Nocturne leading the group, Hana Ironveil providing its power, and Mika Rave dancing her way down the aisle.

The match began with Minako and Mika exchanging wristlocks and reversals at a rapid pace. Minako rolled through an attempted arm drag and countered with one of her own, but Mika immediately performed a handspring to regain her footing. Both women attempted dropkicks simultaneously, landing on the canvas before quickly springing back up. The opening exchange earned applause from the audience as they returned to their corners.

Rei tagged in and immediately found herself facing Ayame. The two women approached their confrontation more aggressively, exchanging sharp forearm strikes in the middle of the ring. Rei gained the advantage with a spinning heel kick, but Ayame absorbed the impact and retaliated with a stiff kick to the chest. Rei responded with another forearm before whipping Ayame toward the ropes and catching her with a beautifully executed snap powerslam for a two-count.

Hana Ironveil entered next, using her superior strength to change the pace of the match. She caught Rei attempting a crossbody and converted it into a fallaway slam, sending her rolling toward the Hostess Club's corner. Hana followed with a series of shoulder blocks before tagging Mika, who leaped over the ropes and connected with a diving double stomp to Rei's back. Mika immediately covered her, but Minako rushed in to break the pin.

The Hostess Club began utilizing quick tags to isolate Rei, with Ayame applying submission holds while Hana and Mika attacked whenever the referee's attention wandered. Rei fought desperately to escape, finally countering a charging Mika with a sudden enzuigiri. Both women collapsed, crawling toward their respective corners as the audience began clapping.

Rei reached Makoto first.

Makoto exploded into the match, leveling Mika with a clothesline before knocking Ayame off the apron with a running forearm. Hana stepped through the ropes to intercept her, but Makoto caught her with a kick to the stomach and an impressive belly-to-belly suplex. The crowd erupted as the powerful Sailor Sensation stood over Hana, challenging her to get back up.

Hana obliged, and the two women began exchanging increasingly brutal strikes. Hana connected with a stiff forearm that rocked Makoto backward, but Makoto responded with a thunderous chop across the chest. Hana attempted another forearm, only for Makoto to duck and catch her with a Hagen suplex. Makoto maintained her grip and rolled through, attempting a second German, but Hana grabbed the ropes to prevent it.

Ayame returned to break the hold, drawing Minako into the ring. Minako caught Ayame with a flying headscissors before sending her outside. Mika attempted to capitalize with a springboard attack, but Rei intercepted her with a dropkick in midair. With all six women involved, the referee struggled to restore order.

Minako and Rei combined to send Ayame and Mika tumbling through the ropes before charging across the ring and delivering simultaneous dives onto their opponents. Inside, Makoto hoisted Hana onto her shoulders, attempting to finish the match with a powerful slam. Hana escaped behind her and delivered a German suplex of her own, bridging into a pin that brought the crowd to its feet.

1-2-Makoto kicked out!

Both women struggled upright and began exchanging forearms again. Hana attempted a lariat, but Makoto ducked and struck her with a vicious high kick. Hana staggered backward, allowing Makoto to lift her for another finishing attempt.

Before she could complete the maneuver, Nimbus Tenebrae came charging down the aisle!

The green-haired wrestler slid beneath the bottom rope and attacked Makoto from behind, striking her across the back and knocking her to the canvas. The referee immediately called for the bell as Nimbus continued attacking her fallen rival.

Minako and Rei rushed back into the ring, but Nimbus managed to knock both women aside. Ayame, Hana, and Mika initially watched in confusion, furious that their competitive match had been ruined. When Nimbus shoved Mika out of her way, the Hostess Club finally had enough.

Ayame struck Nimbus with a forearm, allowing Minako to grab her from behind. Hana followed with a clothesline, and Rei delivered a kick that sent Nimbus stumbling backward. Makoto recovered in time to join the others, and all six women surrounded the intruder.

Nimbus glanced around, apparently realizing that she had made a serious mistake. As the women advanced, she slipped between the ropes and retreated up the entrance ramp. Makoto attempted to follow, but Minako and Rei held her back while Ayame shouted angrily toward the entrance.

The Sailor Sensations were awarded the victory, though neither team appeared satisfied with the outcome. Ayame approached Makoto afterward, and the two exchanged a brief handshake. Whatever differences existed between the Sailor Sensations and the Hostess Club, they had found one thing they could agree on.

They weren't particularly fond of Nimbus Tenebrae.
Winners: Makoto Angel/Minako Aino/Rei Hino via DQ 

Larry Grim: Dammit! Nimbus Tenebrae causing more problems for the Angel family, and now she's made enemies of Velvet Riot and of course the rest of the Sensations. 

Apple Kid: What a mess! They're wanting to continue fighting it out, but they'll have to wait, because it's time for our main event, the last stop before Demon Boogie! The Mega Dudes and Ness take on the trio of terror, and we're told we're kicking off with a bit of a surprise!




Larry Grim: What?! 

Apple Kid: Well that's a new theme for-

Larry Grim: Apple! Look! 

Apple Kid: He's...

Larry Grim: HE'S BACK! 

Apple Kid: Uh-oooooh! 

Larry Grim: And might I say...he's looking VIEWTIFUL! 

Apple Kid: Trevor Mach is back in black...and red...and the flames! It's all back! 

Larry Grim: What's old is new again! The Bad Man is about to cause some trouble in our MASSIVE main event!

4. 6-Man Tag: Trevor Mach/Tack Angel/Ness vs. Vargas Wargrave/Kinniku Mike/Boomtown
-Trevor stood at the entrance for several moments, soaking in the reaction before making his way toward the ring. He removed his sunglasses at ringside and tossed them aside, revealing that he was more than ready for the fight ahead.

The two teams gathered in their corners, and Trevor immediately demanded to start against Vargas. The champion initially seemed willing, stepping toward the center of the ring before exchanging a few words with his partners. Vargas smiled and stepped back through the ropes, allowing Boomtown to begin instead.

Trevor looked thoroughly unimpressed.

The bell rang, and Trevor locked up with Boomtown, quickly working into a side headlock. Boomtown shoved him toward the ropes and attempted a shoulder tackle, but Trevor barely budged. Trevor challenged him to try again, resulting in another collision that sent neither man down. Boomtown grew frustrated and attempted a third charge, only for Trevor to sidestep him and connect with a dropkick that knocked him flat on his back.

Boomtown scrambled to his feet and charged again, but Trevor caught him with an arm drag and immediately applied an armbar. Tack reached over the ropes, eagerly requesting a tag, and Trevor obliged.

Tack entered to a loud reaction, twisting Boomtown's arm before delivering a stiff chop. Boomtown retaliated with a punch to the stomach and managed to reach his corner, where Kinniku Mike demanded the tag.

Mike stepped through the ropes and immediately went nose to nose with Tack.

The two men had plenty of unfinished business following the E1 Climax, and neither appeared interested in wasting time. Mike shoved Tack backward, prompting Tack to return the favor with considerably more enthusiasm. Mike threw the first punch, and the two began exchanging heavy blows in the center of the ring.

Tack gained the advantage with a series of forearms before attempting to lift Mike for a suplex. Mike blocked the maneuver and powered Tack backward into the corner. He followed with a series of shoulder strikes before attempting an Irish whip, but Tack reversed it and charged in with a clothesline. Mike staggered forward into a snap suplex that brought the audience to its feet.

Tack attempted a cover, but Mike kicked out at two and immediately rolled toward Vargas.

The champion entered for the first time and demanded that Tack stand up. Tack happily obliged, though Vargas caught him off guard with a brutal forearm to the jaw. Tack stumbled backward before returning fire with one of his own. Vargas smiled and invited another strike, prompting Tack to connect with a chop that echoed throughout the building.

Vargas responded with a harder chop.

Tack fired back.

Vargas finally ended the exchange with a vicious knee to the abdomen before sending Tack into the ropes and catching him with a powerslam. The champion covered him, but Tack kicked out at two.

Vargas dragged Tack toward his corner and tagged Boomtown, who quickly began stomping the fallen wrestler. Boomtown followed with a running elbow drop and attempted another cover, but Tack escaped. When Boomtown attempted to pull him upright, Tack caught him with a sudden jawbreaker and stumbled toward Ness.

Ness received the tag and immediately went after Boomtown.

The two men had developed considerable hostility toward one another, and Ness wasted no time reminding his opponent of it. He connected with a running forearm, followed by a second that drove Boomtown into the ropes. Boomtown attempted a desperate clothesline, but Ness ducked beneath it and caught him with a spinning back kick to the stomach. Ness followed with a bulldog and covered him.

1-2-Boomtown escaped!

Ness grabbed his opponent and attempted to pull him back into the center of the ring, but Boomtown managed to rake his eyes while shielding the action from the referee. Ness stumbled backward, allowing Boomtown to connect with a clothesline before tagging Kinniku Mike.

Mike immediately went to work, delivering several clubbing blows across Ness's shoulders before lifting him into a delayed vertical suplex. He held Ness upside down for several seconds, displaying his strength to the disapproving audience before dropping him hard onto the canvas.

Mike covered him, but Ness kicked out.

Vargas tagged in and continued the assault, targeting Ness's back with a series of knees before applying a rear chinlock. Ness struggled to escape, eventually fighting upright and delivering several elbows to the champion's midsection. Vargas attempted to pull him back down, but Ness slipped free and connected with a dropkick that sent the champion staggering backward.

Ness began crawling toward his corner, but Vargas caught his ankle.

The champion dragged him back and attempted another hold, only for Ness to roll through and send Vargas crashing shoulder-first into the ring post. With both men down, the crowd began roaring for Ness to make the tag.

Vargas reached Mike.

Ness reached Trevor!

Trevor exploded into the ring, ducking beneath Mike's attempted clothesline and connecting with a flying forearm. Mike staggered but remained standing, prompting Trevor to deliver another strike. Mike attempted a punch, but Trevor blocked it and answered with several hard forearms before sending him into the ropes.

Trevor caught Mike with a spinebuster that shook the ring.

The crowd erupted as Trevor jumped back to his feet and turned toward Vargas, openly challenging the champion to enter. Vargas stepped through the ropes, forcing the referee to intervene while Mike recovered. Trevor briefly took his attention away from Mike, allowing the larger wrestler to attack from behind.

Mike delivered a clubbing forearm and attempted to lift Trevor into a powerbomb, but Trevor fought free with several punches. He landed behind Mike, pushed him toward the ropes, and caught him with a running knee to the stomach. Mike doubled over, allowing Trevor to connect with a swinging neckbreaker.

Trevor covered him.

1-2-Vargas broke the pin!

Tack immediately entered and tackled Vargas, sending both men tumbling through the ropes to the floor. The referee shouted at them to return to their corners, but neither appeared particularly interested in listening. Vargas caught Tack with a forearm outside, prompting Tack to return fire with a chop. The champion attempted to whip Tack into the barricade, but Tack reversed it and sent Vargas crashing against the steel instead.

Back inside, Trevor attempted to capitalize on Mike's weakened condition, but Mike caught him with a sudden lariat that turned him inside out.

Mike covered Trevor.

1-2-Trevor kicked out!

Mike angrily complained to the referee before dragging Trevor toward his corner. Boomtown tagged in and quickly climbed the turnbuckles while Mike held Trevor in position. Boomtown attempted a diving attack, but Trevor managed to break free, causing Boomtown to collide with his own partner.

Trevor dropped to one knee as Mike rolled outside.

Boomtown staggered toward him, only to receive a hard right hand. Trevor delivered another punch before attempting an Irish whip, but Boomtown reversed it and caught him with a running shoulder tackle. He followed with a heavy elbow drop and covered Trevor.

1-2-Trevor escaped again!

Boomtown slammed his fists against the canvas in frustration. He pulled Trevor upright and attempted a powerbomb, but Trevor countered with a back body drop. Both men struggled to regain their footing as the audience began chanting Trevor's name.

Boomtown managed to tag Vargas, who stepped through the ropes and immediately charged toward Trevor. The two men collided in the center of the ring, exchanging hard forearm strikes. Trevor initially gained the advantage, rocking the champion with several consecutive blows before attempting a running attack. Vargas caught him with a boot to the face and followed with a powerful German suplex.

Trevor rolled onto his stomach, but Vargas refused to let him recover.

The champion pulled Trevor upright and attempted to set him up for the Warhammer, but Trevor desperately fought against the maneuver. He managed to escape, spinning behind Vargas and attempting a German suplex of his own. Vargas blocked it and delivered a back elbow before charging toward the ropes.

Trevor met him with a running knee!

Vargas staggered backward, but Trevor couldn't capitalize before the champion rolled outside to recover. The crowd booed as Vargas leaned against the barricade, holding his jaw.

Trevor approached the ropes and challenged him to come back.

Vargas shook his head and slowly returned to his corner, where Boomtown demanded another tag.

The match continued with Tack and Kinniku Mike reentering, renewing their increasingly violent exchange. Mike attempted to overpower Tack with a series of short-arm clotheslines, but Tack absorbed the punishment and fought back with stiff chops. Both men attempted simultaneous clotheslines, colliding in the middle of the ring and collapsing onto the canvas.

Their partners shouted encouragement as they crawled toward their respective corners.

Mike tagged Boomtown.

Tack tagged Ness.

Ness charged into the ring, catching Boomtown with a running clothesline before knocking Vargas off the apron. He turned toward Mike and caught him with a dropkick that sent the larger wrestler stumbling through the ropes.

Boomtown recovered and attempted to attack Ness from behind, but Ness ducked and caught him with a spinning kick. He followed with a running bulldog and covered him.

1-2-Boomtown kicked out!

Ness immediately climbed the turnbuckles, preparing to finish the match, but Vargas climbed onto the apron and distracted the referee. Mike took advantage by grabbing Ness's ankle, preventing him from completing his attack.

Tack charged around ringside and tackled Mike, sending both men crashing against the barricade. Ness kicked Mike away and finally launched himself from the top rope, but Boomtown rolled aside. Ness managed to land on his feet, though Boomtown caught him with a sudden clothesline.

Both men collapsed.

Boomtown crawled toward Vargas, but the champion was still arguing with Tack outside the ring. Mike attempted to climb back onto the apron, only for Tack to drag him down and continue their fight.

With nobody available to receive the tag, Boomtown turned back toward Ness.

Ness desperately crawled across the canvas and reached Trevor's outstretched hand!

Trevor entered as Boomtown charged forward, catching him with a powerful right hand before whipping him toward the ropes. Boomtown attempted a clothesline, but Trevor ducked and connected with a sharp kick to the midsection. He followed with a snap suplex and immediately rolled back to his feet.

Trevor backed toward the corner, watching as Boomtown struggled upright.

Outside, Vargas realized what was happening and attempted to slide back into the ring, but Tack intercepted him with a running forearm. Ness caught Mike with another dropkick, preventing him from interfering.

Boomtown staggered toward the center of the ring.

Trevor charged!

KNEE TRIGGER!

The running knee connected flush against Boomtown's jaw, sending him crashing backward onto the canvas. Trevor immediately dropped across him and hooked both legs.

1-2-3!

The Battle Dome erupted as the referee called for the bell!
Winners: Trevor Mach via Knee Trigger to Boomtown -> Pin 

Trevor rolled away from Boomtown and sat on the canvas, breathing heavily while the audience celebrated. Ness quickly joined him, followed by Tack, who had finally abandoned his ringside fight with Mike.

The referee raised Trevor's hand as Go Mach! chants rang throughout the building.

Vargas stood outside the ring with his championship belt, staring at the victorious Trevor. The champion looked furious that his team had been defeated, though he had managed to avoid being pinned himself. Mike remained near the barricade, exchanging angry words with Tack, who happily shouted something back before celebrating with his teammates.

Trevor climbed the turnbuckles and raised his arms, drawing another enormous reaction from the audience. He glanced toward Vargas and motioned around his waist, making it clear that the EBW Championship remained his ultimate objective.

Vargas slowly raised the title in response.

Trevor smirked before climbing down and joining Tack and Ness in the center of the ring. The three men raised their arms together as Xcite came to a close, with the champion watching from the aisle.

Last edited by Machismo (Yesterday 11:49 pm)

Earlier today...

Office of Little Mac

Trevor Mach’s championship victory had given him plenty to celebrate, although the man himself looked less enthusiastic when he arrived backstage after hearing what was being asked of him. Little Mac stood with a striped referee shirt folded under one arm. Trevor looked at the shirt, looked at Mac, and back to the shirt. 

Little Mac: Before you say anything, Nimbus requested you personally, and Makoto insisted, because it's the only way.

Trevor Mach: That makes it worse. That makes it so much worse!

Little Mac: Nimbus agreed to the rematch on the condition that you officiate. But she made it clear she wanted to humiliate Makoto. They had a Strap Match, not she wants...something different. It's going to be recorded in an empty arena BEFORE the show. That was the only way we would allow it. I don't want Makoto to be embarrassed either, but she is insisting.

Trevor Mach: Lord help me.

Little Mac: It's nothing you haven't seen before. Besides, you already signed the agreement.

Trevor stopped and took the sheet Mac offered him. He read it twice, finding his signature beneath a paragraph that had been folded out of sight when he signed.

Trevor Mach: You said this was the release for my championship photograph.

Little Mac: It was a multipurpose release.

Trevor Mach: You’re a multipurpose little bastard!

Little Mac: Dollar in the swear jar? 

Trevor Mach: Damn right! 

Little Mac: Better make it two.




Apple Kid: Welcome to Xcite! Demon Boogie gave us new champions, settled some grudges, and created some new ones! Don't all the classic shows do that?

Larry Grim: Trevor survived Vargas Wargrave to win the championship. Tonight, he rediscovered the responsibilities of leadership.

Apple Kid: Refereeing a... Strip Match?

Larry Grim: Uh...yeah. That's what happened. Xciters, this is on X and Geistbook. The rules are far more lax, and Makoto...she wanted a rematch with Nimbus. Nimbus agreed if it was a "Strip Match" and she insisted Trevor Mach officiate it. 

Apple Kid: They have some history or something?

Larry Grim: Trevor told me once that every time he looks at her, it feels like getting the wings ripped off his back all over again. I have NO IDEA what he means by that. 

Apple Kid: ...Probably a sexual metaphor. 

Larry Grim: He's a good Christian man! 

Apple Kid: Yeah? But he's also THE BAD MAN once again, so you never know WHAT you're gonna get!

Larry Grim: Well I know what we're going to get next. After Demon Boogie, both Marco De Leon and Kinniku Mike are at odds, with both suffering losses for the BDSM group. Tonight, they'll both put up or shut up in singles action. We have the footage of the uh....Strip Match...from earlier today. Then, we have the big main event, pitting Dan Club against FORMER EBW Champion Vargas Wargrave and The Auditor's other monsters. We also know that AFTER Demon Boogie, The Auditor went recruiting again.

Backstage

Graveshift stood beside a stack of equipment cases, watching the crew carry things, as he breathed heavily and angrily through his mask. The Auditor approached with his hands folded behind his back. He inspected Graveshift with quiet interest, taking his time before speaking.

The Auditor: You intervened on behalf of men who fear you. An interesting arrangement. Tell me, did their gratitude survive once you were close enough to touch?

Graveshift turned toward him without answering. The Auditor seemed perfectly comfortable with the silence.

The Auditor: Harrow and Snakebite have found purpose in my company. You could find the same. There would be no need to soften yourself for the comfort of others. No expectation that you apologize for what you are.

Mimi Starlight: Leave my friend alone.

Mimi approached carrying two bottles of water. She handed one to Graveshift and remained beside him, meeting The Auditor’s stare. His attention moved from her to the unopened bottle in Graveshift’s hand.

The Auditor: Your friend? Forgive my curiosity. What exactly is the basis of this attachment? Gratitude for services rendered? A fascination with something dangerous?

Mimi Starlight: We spend time together. I talk to him. He listens. You should try that sometime without offering somebody a miserable new job.

The Auditor: You mistake recognition for recruitment. There is suffering in him. Violence. I offer an environment in which those qualities would be understood.

Mimi’s expression grew serious. She moved a little closer to Graveshift, making no attempt to pull him away or answer on his behalf.

Mimi Starlight: Everyone deserves love and friendship. That includes him. Graveshift is my friend, and he doesn’t need to be a monster just because you say he does.

The Auditor: Affection is a fragile protection against one’s nature.

Mimi Starlight: Good thing I’m not trying to protect myself from him.

The Auditor studied her for a moment before returning his attention to Graveshift.

The Auditor: And you? Are you content to let her define you?

Graveshift stepped forward. He placed one hand against The Auditor’s chest and firmly moved him out of their path. With his other hand, he picked up Mimi’s bag from the equipment case.

Mimi smiled and walked beside him toward the locker rooms.

Mimi Starlight: He makes his own decisions, too.

The Auditor remained where Graveshift had left him, smoothing the front of his clothing.

The Auditor: Very well. We shall leave the matter open.

Graveshift stopped long enough to look back. He reached for the nearby door and shut it in The Auditor’s face.

1. Singles: Marco De Leon vs. Magnum PT
-Magnum PT entered with enough confidence to suggest he had personally sold every ticket in the building. He stopped to smooth his mustache, offered a wink to the front row, and climbed into the ring while Marco watched from his corner. Marco had heard enough jokes about the Sharks taking his team’s losses. Tonight, he wanted somebody else to leave embarrassed.

PT made that difficult early. He slipped a waistlock, caught Marco with an arm drag, and followed with a shoulder tackle that sent him rolling toward the ropes. When Marco returned with a hard forearm, PT answered with two of his own and a scoop slam. He paused over his fallen opponent to give his mustache another adjustment, which proved to be the first decision Marco could punish. A kick caught PT behind the knee, and Marco dragged him down before driving an elbow into the side of his head.

Apple Kid: Magnum had things going his way until he stopped for maintenance.

Larry Grim: The mustache will survive. I’m less certain about everything attached to it.

Marco worked with increasing spite, grinding PT’s face against the canvas and breaking only when the referee reached four. PT fought upright and tried to turn the match back into a brawl, forcing Marco into a corner with body shots. A running clothesline connected, and PT pulled him out for the Mustache Ride. Marco slipped free before PT could settle his grip, shoved him chest-first into the turnbuckles, and struck him across the back of the head.

PT staggered out into Lion Untamed. Marco secured the hold and dragged him away from the ropes, tightening his grip whenever PT tried to crawl. PT managed to get one knee beneath him, but Marco flattened him again. The referee crouched beside them, asked for a response, and finally called for the bell when PT could no longer defend himself.
Winner: Marco De Leon via Lion Untamed -> Referee Stoppage

Marco held on for another count before releasing PT. He rose to his feet, brushed his hands together, and leaned toward the ringside microphone.

Marco De Leon: Find somebody else to laugh at. For those who don't know, my name is Marco De Leon. I ALLOWED Kinniku Mike to run BDSM, but do you think I'm just going to stand around and let me give me orders after his FAILURES! I could beat Tack Angel. I can beat anybody in that locker room. I WILL be the Dark King of EBW!

Backstage

Hope Mach hadn't been backstage at an EBW show in quite some time, and the moment the fans saw her on the big screen, you could hear the loud cheers all the way from the back. 

Unfortunately, she wasn't the only person wandering backstage.

Kinniku Mike had just finished speaking with a member of the production crew when he noticed Hope approaching. The enormous wrestler was wearing his usual black leather jacket and sunglasses, which he removed when he recognized the young woman. A crooked smile spread across his face as he stepped into her path.

Kinniku Mike: Well, well, well! If it ain't another member of the Mach family! Damn, girl! When the hell did you grow up looking like THAT?

Hope stopped and looked up at him. 



Hope Mach: *signing* Excuse me? Do I know you?

Kinniku Mike: Kinniku Mike, baby! The biggest, baddest, most sexually gifted son of a bitch in professional wrestling! I knew that asshole had a gorgeous wife, but I didn't know his daughter had grown up to have a body like yours!

Hope's expression immediately soured. She had understood every word, and judging by Mike's grin, he was quite pleased with himself.

Hope Mach: *signing* That's gross. Just gross.

Kinniku Mike: Aw, don't be like that, sweetheart. I'm giving you a compliment! You oughta be thanking me. Not every woman gets the attention of a magnificent specimen like Kinniku Mike!

Hope shook her head and attempted to walk around him, but Mike shifted sideways to block her path again.

Hope Mach: *signing* I'm looking for my parents. Can you move, please?

Kinniku Mike: Your parents? Shit, forget about them! Why don't you come back to my locker room instead? I'll show you what a REAL man looks like without all these clothes getting in the way!

Hope stared at him in disbelief. Mike took her silence as an invitation to continue.

Kinniku Mike: Hell, I'll even let you touch the merchandise. You ever been with a guy built like me? Because I guarantee you ain't gonna be thinking about anybody else after one night with the Muscle Machine!

Hope Mach: *signing* Are you actually being serious right now?

Kinniku Mike: Dead serious, baby! I got muscles in places you wouldn't believe. And believe me, sweetheart, I know how to put every single one of 'em to work!

Hope rolled her eyes and made another attempt to leave. Mike laughed, leaning closer as she turned back toward him.

Kinniku Mike: What's the matter, gorgeous? Cat got your tongue? Or do I gotta sweet talk you a little more before you let me get those pretty legs wrapped around—

Hope Mach: *signing* Stop!

Her voice was firm enough to interrupt him. She stepped backward, putting some distance between them.

Hope Mach: *signing* First of all, I'm married. Second, I'm deaf, so if you're going to insist on talking to me, you need to actually face me so I can read your lips. And third, I have absolutely no interest in whatever disgusting thing you were about to suggest!

Mike blinked before bursting into laughter.

Kinniku Mike: Well, shit! I forgot that you're deaf! That's even better! I can say all kinds of filthy things in your ear, and you won't even know what the hell I'm talking about!

Mike laughed at his own joke, although Hope wasn't particularly amused.

Hope Mach: *signing* You're an asshole.

Kinniku Mike: And you're a mouthy little bitch, ain't ya? Tell you what, sweetheart. You come spend a night with Big Mike, and I'll have you making so much noise that everybody in this damn building will hear you, even if you can't!

Hope's disgust was evident. She started to sign something, thought better of it, and instead raised her middle finger directly in front of Mike's face.

Hope Mach: How's that? That's one sign I'm pretty sure you understand.

Mike's smile disappeared.

Kinniku Mike: Oh, you think you're funny, huh? Listen here, you little—

A hand suddenly landed on Mike's shoulder and spun him around.

Bashin Dan stood behind him, his red hair slightly disheveled and his expression one of barely controlled fury. He had come looking for his wife after learning she was backstage, and the sight of Mike blocking her path had immediately caught his attention.

Bashin Dan: What the HELL do you think you're doing?

Mike glanced at Dan's hand before looking directly into his eyes.

Kinniku Mike: Get your fucking hand off me, boy.

Bashin Dan: I asked you a question! What the hell are you doing bothering my wife?!

Kinniku Mike: YOUR wife?!

Mike glanced over Dan's shoulder toward Hope, who had moved beside her husband.

Kinniku Mike: Oh, you've gotta be shitting me! This fine piece of ass is married to YOU?!

Dan shoved Mike backward.

Bashin Dan: WATCH YOUR MOUTH!

Mike stumbled half a step before straightening up. He was considerably larger than Dan, and the expression on his face suggested that he was seriously considering using that advantage.

Kinniku Mike: You got a death wish, motherfucker? You think because you run around yelling stupid shit and pretending you're some kind of hero that you can put your hands on me?

Bashin Dan: You don't get to talk to my wife like that! You don't get to corner her backstage and treat her like some piece of meat!

Kinniku Mike: Aw, what's the matter, little man? Afraid she's gonna find somebody better? I mean, shit, look at me and look at you! If she wasn't already married, I'd have her screaming my name by tonight!

Dan's fist tightened, and he stepped forward again.

Bashin Dan: Say one more word about her. Go ahead. I DARE YOU!

Mike spread his arms, inviting the confrontation.

Kinniku Mike: What's stopping you, tough guy? Take your best shot! I'll break your skinny little ass in half and send you home in a fucking ambulance! Maybe your wife can read the hospital bill when they're done putting you back together!

Dan lunged forward, grabbing Mike by the jacket and driving him backward against a stack of equipment cases. The resulting crash attracted the attention of several nearby wrestlers and production assistants. Mike immediately grabbed Dan by the collar, and the two struggled against one another as several members of security hurried toward them.

Bashin Dan: YOU THINK YOU'RE A BIG MAN PICKING ON MY WIFE?! YOU THINK THAT MAKES YOU TOUGH?!

Kinniku Mike: GET YOUR FUCKING HANDS OFF ME! I'LL KILL YOU, YOU LITTLE SHIT!

Two security guards managed to separate them just as Mike attempted to swing a punch. Dan struggled against the men holding him back, furious enough that he barely noticed Hope approaching.

Hope moved directly into his line of sight and began signing rapidly. Dan stopped struggling long enough to focus on her hands.

Hope Mach: *signing* Dan! Stop! He's not worth it!

Bashin Dan: *signing* Sorry Hope, I know you can handle yourself, but I couldn't help it. Did he hurt you?

Hope shook her head.

Hope Mach: *signing* No. He's just a disgusting pig. I handled it.

Dan looked toward Mike, who was still arguing with security on the other side of the corridor.

Kinniku Mike: Yeah, that's right! Listen to your little wife, Dan! You better keep her on a leash, too, because next time I might not be so fucking nice!

Dan immediately tried to push past the security guards again.

Bashin Dan: YOU BASTARD!

Hope grabbed his arm and stepped in front of him. She waited until he looked directly at her before speaking and signing.

Hope Mach: *signing* Dan. Look at me. Please. I love you, and I appreciate you defending me. But I didn't come here to watch my husband get suspended because some idiot doesn't know when to shut his mouth.

Dan remained tense, although Hope could see his expression beginning to soften.

Bashin Dan: *signing* He had no right to say those things to you.

Hope Mach: *signing* I know. And I told him that. It's alright. I'm alright. I'm happy to see you.

Bashin Dan: ...*signing* I'm happy to see you too.

Hope Mach: *signing* Where is my Dad? 

Bashin Dan: *signing* Yeah. About that.

Earlier today...

The Battle Dome had been cleared for Makoto Angel’s rematch with Nimbus Tenebrae. The empty seats made every complaint from Trevor Mach carry across the building. He stood between the women wishing he was anywhere else. 

Trevor Mach: Before we start, explain why this had to be me.

Makoto Angel: Because she insisted, and I insist on making her pay for what she's done. Not just to me and Tack, but to you as well.

Nimbus Tenebrae: And because I knew you would hate it.

Trevor Mach: Finally, somebody gives me an honest answer.

In a backstage room, Tack Angel sat directly in front of a monitor. Little Mac had positioned a chair beside the door and made it clear that Tack would remain there until the match ended.

Tack Angel: I should be out there supporting my wife! This is INSANE! I don't want her doing this!

Little Mac: Nimbus said she wouldn't do this unless you stayed back here. Makoto insisted that you and the Sensations stay back here.

Tack Angel: This is BOGUS! I should be out there! Up close!

Little Mac: ...You just want to watch, don't you.

Tack Angel: ...NO?!

Makoto’s voice came through the monitor before the bell.

Makoto Angel: Tack, if you leave that room, I’m going home without you.

Tack settled back into his chair.

Tack Angel: Is she a mind reader? Did I not know that?

2. Strip Match: Nimbus Tenebrae vs. Makoto Angel Special Referee: Trevor Mach

Trevor explained the agreed rules quickly: an opponent’s wrestling gear had to be removed before a pinfall could count. Nimbus was already smiling at Makoto across his shoulder.

Makoto remembered the strap match clearly enough to resist charging straight at her. She caught Nimbus’s first reach, twisted her wrist, and pulled her into a headlock. Nimbus shoved her toward the ropes, but Makoto returned with a shoulder block and stayed close, determined to prevent another match spent chasing her opponent. Nimbus escaped beneath the bottom rope, only to find Trevor pointing her straight back inside.

Trevor Mach: Empty building. Nobody to hide behind. Get in.

Nimbus returned by catching Makoto’s arm across the top rope. She attacked the shoulder she had hurt at Demon Boogie, wrenching it backward before snapping Makoto down by the wrist. Makoto grimaced and kept her elbow tucked close, recognizing the plan. Nimbus wanted her protecting that arm instead of protecting her gear. She nearly succeeded, loosening Makoto’s outer costume before Makoto rolled through the next pull and kicked her away.

Their struggle became a series of scrambles across the canvas, each woman trying to secure a grip while denying the other one. Nimbus complained that Makoto was pulling too hard, Makoto reminded her what kind of match she had agreed to. Trevor stayed low enough to watch their shoulders and high enough to avoid a boot that narrowly missed his chin.

Nimbus eventually caught Makoto near the corner and tried to repeat the shoulder first collision that had helped her win at Demon Boogie. Makoto planted her foot against the bottom turnbuckle and stopped herself. When Nimbus pulled again, Makoto turned with the movement, hooked her leg, and sent her tumbling onto her back. Nimbus scrambled up furious, leaving an opening Makoto had spent the match waiting for.

Makoto stripped away Nimbus’s loosened gear. They both began ripped off pieces of their tights. Nimbus grabbed for the discarded clothing instead of watching her opponent. Makoto slipped behind her, folded her into a tight roll up, and planted both feet firmly against the canvas. Trevor dropped beside them and counted three before Nimbus could wrench a shoulder free.
Winner: Makoto Angel via Stripped Roll Up -> Pin



Makoto released the hold and stood with a satisfied smile while Nimbus snatched up her gear and a towel from ringside. Trevor raised Makoto’s hand, tried not to look, and headed for the exit before either woman could propose another stipulation.

Makoto Angel: Tell Tack he can come out now.

Trevor Mach: He can referee the rubber match!

Nimbus Tenebrae: Absolutely not.

Trevor Mach: Look at that. We agree on something.

Back in the live Battle Dome, Kinniku Mike stood with Vargas Wargrave outside the entrance curtain. Vargas watched a replay of Trevor holding the EBW Championship while Mike paced beside him. Neither man had enjoyed Demon Boogie, and neither wanted to discuss the details.

Kinniku Mike: Everybody keeps getting opportunities at my expense.

Vargas Wargrave: Beat the man in front of you tonight.

Kinniku Mike: I don’t need advice. Besides, you lost the title. YOU need the advice.

Vargas turned away from the monitor. His white eye remained fixed on Mike long enough to stop the pacing.

Vargas Wargrave: Stay out of my way getting that championship back. You're up next.

Geoff Garrett’s entrance music interrupted them. Mike pushed through the curtain without another word.

3. Singles: Kinniku Mike vs. Geoff Garrett
-Geoff handed his guitar to the attendant and entered cautiously. Mike’s mood was obvious, but Geoff had been wrestling too long to volunteer for a test of strength. He circled away from the first lockup, kicked Mike behind the knee, and used the ropes to force a clean separation when Mike caught him.

Mike grew angrier with every retreat. Geoff drew him into a missed charge and struck the knee again, finally bringing the larger man down far enough for a swinging neckbreaker. The cover earned only one, but Geoff immediately returned to the leg. His plan was working until he tried to drag Mike toward the ring post. Mike pulled him forward instead, sending Geoff shoulder-first into the steel beneath the turnbuckles.

Apple Kid: Geoff wanted to take away the Muscle Buster by taking away Mike’s base.

Larry Grim: Sensible plan. Unfortunately, Mike brought enough base for two people.

Mike hauled Geoff into the ring and drove him down with a side slam. He pressed a forearm across Geoff’s jaw during the cover, taking more satisfaction from hurting him than from the two-count. Geoff escaped a corner avalanche and rallied with a series of punches, catching Mike with a dropkick to the damaged knee. Mike stumbled forward, and Geoff hooked him for The Stroke.

Mike shoved him away before he could deliver it. Geoff rebounded off the ropes into a crushing clothesline, and this time he could not get clear before Mike lifted him. The Muscle Buster landed in the center of the ring, and Mike hooked a leg for the decisive pin.
Winner: Kinniku Mike via Muscle Buster -> Pin

Larry Grim: It looks like they have a divide in BDSM, but both Mike and Marco won their matches tonight. I guess it's still a toss up who should be running things in their organization.

Backstage

Ted Pettentool was standing alongside the newly crowned EBW Champion, Trevor Mach. The veteran looked considerably happier than he had in recent weeks, although the bruises on his face suggested that reclaiming the championship hadn't been an easy task.

Ted Pettentool: Ladies and gentlemen, I'm standing here with the man who has once again reached the top of EarthBound Wrestling! Trevor Mach, congratulations on becoming EBW Champion again! After everything you've been through lately, how does it feel to have that championship back around your waist?

Trevor glanced at the belt on his shoulder before smiling.

Trevor Mach: You mean after what I had to do earlier today? That was awkward! But winning the EBW Championship again? Ted, I'm not gonna lie to you. It feels pretty good. You know, I've been doing this for a long time. I've won championships, I've lost championships, I've gotten my face kicked in more times than I care to remember, and I've probably made enough mistakes to fill a couple of books. But every time I start wondering whether I've still got what it takes, something happens that reminds me why I love this business. And right now, holding this championship again, I feel like I've got a whole lot left in the tank.

Ted Pettentool: And with Hunter's Moon approaching, you've certainly got plenty of challenges ahead. Do you have any particular plans for your latest championship reign?

Trevor Mach: Well, for starters, I'd like to actually enjoy it for five minutes before somebody tries to take my head off. But knowing this place, that's probably asking too much!

Trevor laughed, though his amusement quickly disappeared when a familiar voice interrupted the interview.

Vargas Wargrave: You're absolutely right about that, Mach.

Vargas Wargrave approached from the opposite end of the corridor. The former champion had a particularly unpleasant expression on his face, and Ted instinctively moved a little farther away as he stopped in front of Trevor.

Trevor Mach: Well, look who it is. You here to congratulate me, Vargas? Because I gotta tell you, you're a little late for the celebration.

Vargas Wargrave: Enjoy your jokes while you can. That championship belongs to me, and you know damn well that I'm going to take it back.

Trevor Mach: Funny, because I've got it right here, and I'm pretty sure the name on the plate says Trevor Mach. You want me to hold it closer so you can read it?

Vargas scowled as Trevor adjusted the championship on his shoulder.

Vargas Wargrave: You can laugh all you want, but I'm not finished with you. I want another shot at the EBW Championship, and I'm going to get it. At Hunter's Moon, I've heard we're going to have War Games, and your little team is going to step inside War Games against mine. When we beat you, I'm going straight to the front of the line for that championship, and there won't be a damn thing you can do about it.

Ted looked between the two men, his expression brightening considerably at the announcement.

Ted Pettentool: Wait a minute! Did you just say War Games? Are we talking about two rings surrounded by a steel cage?! 
*looks directly at the screen as if to make sure the audience knows exactly what he's talking about*

Vargas Wargrave: That's exactly what I'm talking about. Four men on each side, locked inside a cage until one team can't take any more. And when it's over, Trevor Mach is going to understand that taking my championship was the biggest mistake of his miserable career.

Trevor considered the challenge for a moment before nodding.

Trevor Mach: You know what? I like that idea. I've already got Tack Angel and Ness ready to go, and I know those two would love another chance to beat the hell out of you. So yeah, Vargas, you've got yourself a War Games match. There's just one little problem with your plan.

Vargas Wargrave: And what's that?

Trevor Mach: Last time I checked, there were only three of you. War Games is four on four, buddy.

Vargas smiled, apparently having anticipated the question.

Vargas Wargrave: Don't concern yourself with my team, Mach. I've already got exactly who I need. And believe me, when you find out who our fourth man is, you're going to wish you'd never accepted this match.

Trevor Mach: Oh, mysterious! What, did you find somebody else who likes wearing black leather and being an asshole?

Vargas Wargrave: You should be worrying about your own team. Because unless my math is wrong, you've only got three men yourself. So tell me, Mach, who's stupid enough to join your little crusade?

Trevor opened his mouth to respond, but another voice interrupted before he could answer.

Zyro Kurogane: Perhaps I can help with that.

All three men turned to find Zyro Kurogane approaching, wearing a confident smirk. He glanced at Vargas before directing his attention toward Trevor and the championship resting on his shoulder.

Trevor Mach: Well, this is becoming a regular convention of people who want to kick my ass. What can I do for you, Zyro?

Zyro Kurogane: First of all, congratulations on becoming champion again, Trevor. It's quite an accomplishment. Of course, I wouldn't get too comfortable with that belt if I were you.

Trevor Mach: And why's that?

Zyro Kurogane: Because I'm next in line for a championship opportunity. I've earned my place. The next shot is mine.

Vargas immediately stepped toward him.

Vargas Wargrave: Watch yourself, Kurogane.

Zyro barely acknowledged the warning.

Zyro Kurogane: I didn't come here to talk to you, Vargas. I'm talking to the champion. And as I was saying, Trevor, I believe you've got a problem. You need a fourth man for Hunter's Moon, and I happen to be available.

Trevor raised an eyebrow.

Trevor Mach: You volunteering to join my team? That's awfully generous of you, Zyro. What's the catch?

Zyro Kurogane: There's no catch. Just a simple arrangement. I want my championship match next week, right here on Xcite. Give me that opportunity, and I'll be more than happy to stand alongside you, Tack Angel, and Ness inside War Games.

Ted Pettentool: Oh my goodness! Are you saying you'll join Trevor Mach's team in exchange for an EBW Championship match next week?! *staring at the audience to make sure they understand what is happening*

Zyro Kurogane: That is exactly what I said, Ted. I'm glad somebody here is paying attention.

Trevor studied Zyro for several seconds. He knew that Kurogane wasn't somebody he could simply trust without question, particularly when the EBW Championship was involved. But there was also no denying his ability in the ring, and War Games would require four men capable of surviving a brutal fight.

Trevor Mach: You know something, Zyro? I like your attitude. You're cocky, but you've earned your shot, and I'm not the kind of champion who's gonna hide behind excuses. You want me next week? You've got me. EBW Championship on the line, right here on Xcite!

Zyro's smirk widened.

Zyro Kurogane: Now that's what I'm talking about. Ready to let it RIP!

Trevor Mach: Yeah, well, don't start celebrating just yet. You've gotta beat me first. And win or lose next week, you're still showing up at Hunter's Moon to fight alongside us. We clear?

Zyro Kurogane: Perfectly clear. I'll be there. Although I suspect that when Hunter's Moon arrives, you'll be standing beside the new EBW Champion rather than wearing that title yourself.

Trevor laughed and extended his hand. Zyro looked at it for a moment before accepting, the two men shaking hands while maintaining eye contact.

Vargas watched the exchange with obvious irritation.

Vargas Wargrave: How touching. You two can shake hands and congratulate each other all you want, but it won't save either of you inside that cage. And Zyro, if you somehow manage to take that championship next week, don't think that changes anything. Whoever walks into Hunter's Moon as champion is going to have me coming after them. You just made an enemy.

Zyro Kurogane: You should spend less time making threats and more time preparing. Cause you're dealing with ZYRO-K! BEY-BEEEEEY!

Dan Club Locker Room

Bashin Dan fastened his championship around his waist while Jammer bounced a basketball once against the locker room floor. Benjamin caught it on the second bounce and put it on a bench.

Benjamin: My comrade, we have three opponents, and two of them tried to put you through furniture last week. Focus.

Jammer: This is how I focus.

Bashin Dan: We beat them when there were no rules. We can beat them with rules.

Jammer: I appreciate the optimism.

4. 6-Man Tag: Bashin Dan/Benjamin/Jammer vs. Vargas Wargrave/Harrow/Snakebite
-Main event time, as Dan Club joined forces against the monsters managed by The Auditor, including former EBW Champion Vargas Wargrave. Vargas began against Benjamin and immediately forced him into a grinding contest for position. Benjamin used his speed to escape the first takedown, but Vargas caught him on the second attempt and drove a knee into his ribs. There was little wasted movement from the former champion. He wanted control, and Benjamin had to work hard to prevent him from settling into it.

A quick tag brought Dan inside, and the pace changed. Dan and Benjamin combined to send Vargas backward before Jammer entered with a springboard attack that earned the first near fall. Vargas escaped to his corner, where Harrow tagged himself in and met Jammer with a heavy forearm. Snakebite followed, and the challengers from Demon Boogie began cutting the ring in half.

Jammer absorbed the punishment while searching for openings rather than swinging wildly. Every time he reached toward his corner, Harrow shifted to block the route. Snakebite kept pulling him back by the ankle. Vargas entered only when Jammer had been softened up, driving him down and threatening the Crossface until Jammer scrambled to the ropes.

Jammer finally created space by ducking Snakebite’s charge and sending him into Harrow on the apron. He crawled beneath Vargas’s reaching arm and made the tag to Benjamin. Benjamin hit the ring with enough speed to knock Snakebite flat and force Vargas backward. Dan joined him to cut Harrow off, and the match broke open as all six men collided.

Dan drove Harrow outside. Jammer followed with a diving attack that kept him there, while Benjamin lined Snakebite up for the Spear. Before he could charge, Marco De Leon slid into the ring and struck him from behind. The referee called for the bell as Daimon Kuro and both Sharks followed. Mike entered from the opposite side, catching Dan before he could help his partner. 
Winners: Bashin Dan/Benjamin/Jammer via DQ

The disqualification did nothing to slow the attack. Mike drove Dan into the corner while Marco and Daimon stomped Benjamin down. The Sharks piled onto Jammer, taking considerable pleasure in finally having the numbers on their side. Vargas stood over the fallen champions.

Mimi shouted from the entrance, and Graveshift came down the aisle at a determined stride. Shark #2 turned to meet him and immediately regretted it. Graveshift caught him around the body and drove him down with a spinning side slam. Shark #1 rushed in after his partner and was thrown across the ring, giving Jammer the space to drag himself upright.

Apple Kid: Graveshift is clearing them out!? Graveshift is helping Dan Club?!

Larry Grim: The Sharks have discovered a larger predator.



Graveshift offered Jammer a hand and pulled him to his feet. Mimi climbed onto the apron, cheering her imposing companion before looking past him at Jammer. She gave Jammer a lingering smile and a suggestive little wink. Jammer looked behind himself, checked that she still meant him, and found Graveshift standing close enough to make any response feel dangerous.

Jammer: I’m going to need somebody to explain the situation before I accidentally die.

Benjamin leaned against the ropes beside him, holding his ribs.

Benjamin: For once, saying less might help.

Apple Kid: They came to take Dan Club apart, but they’ve given them some very dangerous backup! We’re out of time! So much to process tonight! What's going on?! We'll see you next time!