Earlier today...



Larry Grim: As you can see, earlier today, the EBW Champion and the challenger both arrived ahead of schedule, in preparation for their big fight tonight. Zyro Kurogane has already agreed to be on Team Mach at Hunter's Moon, but the question is, will he be walking into War Games as the EBW Champion? Only one way to find out, and that's by watching Xcite! IT STARTS NOW




Apple Kid: We're LIVE in the Battle Dome! Onett is the hot ticket for wrestling these days! Accept no substitutes! That would be absolute havoc...with a C...and NOOOT a K.

Larry Grim: That's an important distinction! It's been a wild ride, now that Xcite is back. EBW is firing on all cylinders again, and we are heading for war...WAR GAMES! Hunter's Moon will see the first War Games of the NEW EBW era, and Team Mach is already full, with EBW Champion Trevor Mach, Tack Angel, former X Champion Ness, and possible future EBW Champion Zyro Kurogane! On the other end, former EBW Champion Vargas Wargrave, Snakebite, Harrow, and a mystery partner.

Apple Kid: Tick and Tock said it was Boomtown. They recognized the silhouette.

Larry Grim: We're not supposed to just say it like that. We're supposed to have some fun with it!

Apple Kid: Oh...I mean I have NO IDEA who it is!

Larry Grim: Tonight, we have so much going on. We have a huge EBW Championship bout, but before that, we have the opening matches in a tournament to crown a Geistbook Women's Champion!



Backstage at the Onett Battle Dome, Tali Mach was seated with a smile on her face. Resting across her lap was the newly unveiled Geistbook Women's Championship, a beautiful white strapped title decorated with elaborate gold plates, purple gemstones, and pink accents.

Tali Mach: Hello, everybody! Tali Mach here, coming to you from backstage at the Onett Battle Dome! And as you can see, I've got something very special to show you today!

She carefully lifted the championship from her lap, holding it upright so the ornate center plate was clearly visible.

Tali Mach: Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce the brand new Geistbook Women's Championship! Isn't she gorgeous? I mean, look at this thing! White leather, gold plates, pink and purple gemstones! I actually had some input on the design, which explains why it doesn't look like something Trevor picked out at a garage sale! Hey, you like the meteor belt too right? That's ALSO me! I'm not bad at this!

Tali chuckled and adjusted the championship across her lap.

Tali Mach: Now, this championship represents something very important for EarthBound Wrestling. As everybody knows, we're expanding our programming onto Geistbook, and we wanted to celebrate that expansion by giving our incredible women's division another opportunity to shine. So we're holding a tournament to crown the very first Geistbook Women's Champion!

She gestured toward the championship.

Tali Mach: And personally, I can't wait to see who wins this beautiful—

A tremendous shout echoed from somewhere farther down the corridor.

Tack Angel: TAAAAAAAAAALIIIIIIIIIIII!

Tali stopped speaking. Her smile disappeared as she slowly closed her eyes.

Tali Mach: Oh, for the love of God.

Tack Angel came charging around the corner. He looked genuinely distressed, although the reason for his apparent emergency was anybody's guess. A startled production assistant barely managed to step aside before Tack came skidding to a halt behind Tali's wheelchair.

Tack Angel: TALI! WE NEED TO TALK! RIGHT NOW! THIS IS IMPORTANT!

Tali turned her head toward him.

Tali Mach: Tack, I'm in the middle of an interview.

Tack Angel: GOOD! THEN THE WHOLE WORLD CAN HEAR ABOUT THIS INJUSTICE!

He leaned forward, pointing indignantly toward the camera.

Tack Angel: I HAVE BEEN WRONGED, TALI MACH! WRONGED! AND I'M NOT GONNA STAND HERE AND PRETEND EVERYTHING IS OKAY!

Tali stared at him.

Tali Mach: Did somebody steal your lunch again?

Tack Angel: WORSE!

Tali Mach: Did you lose your feather boa?

Tack Angel: WORSE!

Tali Mach: Did Trevor use your toothbrush to clean the toilet again?

Tack hesitated.

Tack Angel: Wait, WHAT?!

Tali Mach: Never mind. What do you want, Tack?

Tack placed his hands on his hips and drew himself up to his full height.

Tack Angel: TALI, I THINK IT'S REALLY UNFAIR THAT YOUR HUSBAND HAS SEEN MAKOTO NAKED, AND I STILL HAVEN'T SEEN YOU NAKED!

Tali Mach: ...Excuse me? You're doing this again?

Tack Angel: YOU HEARD ME! TREVOR SAW MAKOTO NAKED! MY WIFE! MY BEAUTIFUL MAKOTO! AND YET HERE I AM, STILL WAITING FOR MY TURN! WHERE'S THE JUSTICE, TALI?! WHERE'S THE FAIRNESS?!

Tali stared at him with an expression usually reserved for people who attempted to microwave aluminum foil.

Tali Mach: Tack, what in the actual hell are you talking about?

Tack Angel: I'M TALKING ABOUT EQUALITY! I'M TALKING ABOUT FAIR PLAY! I'M TALKING ABOUT THE FACT THAT I WANT TO SEE YOUR BIG NAKED BOOTY!

Tali's mouth fell open.

Tali Mach: YOU WANT TO SEE MY WHAT?!

Tack Angel: YOUR BOOTY, TALI! YOUR BIG, BEAUTIFUL, NAKED BOOTY! I HEAR YOU HAVE A...GRRRREAT ASSSSS! I THINK I'VE EARNED IT!

Tali Mach: EARNED IT?! HOW THE HELL HAVE YOU EARNED IT?!

Tack Angel: BECAUSE I'M TACK ANGEL! THE STAR PRINCE! FORMER CHAMPION! MAIN EVENT SUPERSTAR! AND A MAN WHO BELIEVES VERY STRONGLY IN RECIPROCITY!

Tali slowly removed her glasses, pinched the bridge of her nose, and took several seconds to consider how she had arrived at this particular point in her life.

Tali Mach: Tack, you psychopath, I want you to listen very carefully to what I'm about to tell you.

Tack leaned forward eagerly.

Tack Angel: I'M LISTENING!

Tali Mach: You are never, ever going to see me naked. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Not at Hunter's Moon. Not if you win the EBW Championship. Not if you personally save the entire planet from Giygas. Is that clear?

Tack looked devastated.

Tack Angel: BUT TALI! THAT'S NOT FAIR!

Tali Mach: Life isn't fair, Tack! I wanted a peaceful afternoon showing everybody a championship belt, and instead I've got a grown man standing behind me demanding to see my ass!

Tack pointed toward the title.

Tack Angel: WAIT! WHAT IF WE MAKE IT A CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH?!

Tali stared at him.

Tali Mach: What?

Tack Angel: YOU PUT YOUR NUDITY ON THE LINE! I PUT MY PRIDE ON THE LINE! WINNER TAKES ALL!

Tali Mach: TACK!

Tack Angel: WE COULD CALL IT THE BOOTY BOWL!

Tali Mach: ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Tack Angel: BOOTYMANIA!

Tali Mach: NO!

Tack Angel: THE GREAT EAGLELAND BOOTY BASH!

Tali Mach: I AM GOING TO MURDER YOU!

Tack recoiled as Tali smacked the side of her wheelchair with her palm. He looked genuinely offended by her unwillingness to entertain what he apparently considered a perfectly reasonable business proposition.

Tack Angel: Tali, I think you're being very selfish right now.

Tali slowly turned her wheelchair to face him more directly.

Tali Mach: Selfish? Oh, I'M selfish? Tack, you've got a gorgeous wife, a successful wrestling career, and approximately six functioning brain cells, and you're spending your afternoon harassing me about my underwear!

Tack Angel: I NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT UNDERWEAR! I SAID NAKED!

Tali looked directly into the camera.

Tali Mach: Ladies and gentlemen, this man is one of our main event wrestlers. Please remember that when you're deciding whether to buy tickets.

A production assistant began laughing behind the camera.

Tack folded his arms.

Tack Angel: FINE! IF THAT'S HOW YOU FEEL, I'LL JUST GO ASK TREVOR!

Tali raised an eyebrow.

Tali Mach: Ask Trevor what?

Tack Angel: I'LL ASK HIM FOR PERMISSION! MAYBE HE'LL UNDERSTAND! WE'RE FRIENDS! WE'RE TEAMMATES! WE'RE GOING INTO WAR GAMES TOGETHER!

Tali stared at him in genuine astonishment.

Tali Mach: You think my husband is going to give you PERMISSION to see me naked?

Tack Angel: WELL, YEAH!

Tali Mach: Tack, if you walk up to Trevor Mach and tell him you want to see my big naked booty, he's going to kick you so hard in the face that you'll be able to taste colors.

Tack considered this.

Tack Angel: ...What colors?

Tali Mach: RED, MOSTLY!

The production assistant completely lost his composure, doubling over with laughter.

Tack frowned.

Tack Angel: You know what? I don't appreciate this hostility. I came here with a legitimate grievance, and everybody's treating me like some kind of pervert!

Tali Mach: THAT'S BECAUSE YOU'RE ACTING LIKE ONE!

Tack shook his head and began walking away.

Tack Angel: FINE! I'LL GO TALK TO MAKOTO! MAYBE SHE'LL UNDERSTAND MY SIDE OF THE STORY!

Tali's expression immediately changed from irritation to amusement.

Tali Mach: Oh, PLEASE do that. In fact, tell her EXACTLY what you just told me. Word for word. Don't leave anything out.

Tack stopped.

Tack Angel: ...Why are you smiling?

Tali Mach: No reason. Go ahead. Tell your wife you've been running around backstage demanding to see another woman's naked butt. I'm sure she'll be absolutely delighted.

Tack's confidence began to evaporate.

Tack Angel: ...You don't think she'll be mad, do you?

Tali's smile widened.

Tali Mach: Oh, not at all, Tack. I'm sure Makoto Angel, a woman perfectly capable of kicking your head into the fifth row, will be VERY understanding.

Tack looked down the hallway.

He looked back at Tali.

Then he looked down the hallway again.

Tack Angel: ...I think I'm gonna go train for War Games. Get my squats in.

Tali Mach: GOOD IDEA!

Tali watched him disappear before turning back toward the camera. She calmly replaced her glasses and straightened the Geistbook Women's Championship across her lap.

Tali Mach: Anyway, as I was saying before I was interrupted by the world's second horniest golden retriever, first being Trevor, the Geistbook Women's Championship tournament begins tonight! We've got some incredible competitors fighting for this beautiful title, and I can't wait to see who becomes our inaugural champion!

She gave the camera a pleasant smile.

Tali Mach: And remember, ladies, this championship represents strength, determination, athletic excellence, and the future of women's wrestling in EBW.

She raised the championship proudly.

Tali Mach: Thank you for watching, everybody! I'm Tali Mach, and I'll see you next time!

Tack Angel: HEY, TALI! WHAT IF I JUST GET A QUICK PEEK?!

Tali Mach: FUCK OFF, TACK!

-

Larry Grim: Well...that's certainly a way to start the show.

Apple Kid: Let's get to the action, eh? Benjamin is taking on Daimon Kuro, now that BDSM have refocused on the Dan Club. Gang warfare on Xcite!

1. Singles: Benjamin vs. Daimon Kuro
-Benjamin entered the Onett Battle Dome carrying his familiar Masamune, which he carefully placed in his corner before stepping between the ropes. The Dan Club representative received an enthusiastic welcome, though he seemed particularly serious tonight. With Hunter's Moon approaching and Kinniku Mike having recently developed some extremely personal problems with Bashin Dan, Benjamin had made it clear that he wasn't particularly fond of anybody associated with the enormous wrestler.

Daimon Kuro emerged to a considerably less enthusiastic reception. Kuro had built his reputation around an unforgiving combination of powerful throws, stiff strikes, and an ability to exploit even the smallest opening. He approached the ring without acknowledging the boos, studying Benjamin as though calculating exactly how much punishment it would take to put him down.

The opening exchanges demonstrated that both competitors were capable of matching one another physically. Benjamin attempted to establish control through a series of collar-and-elbow tie-ups, using his strength to push Kuro toward the ropes. Kuro responded with a quick reversal into a hammerlock, forcing Benjamin to bend forward before delivering a short kick to the back of his thigh. Benjamin immediately countered with a standing switch, attempting a Hagen suplex, but Kuro hooked his leg around Benjamin's to prevent the lift.

Both men separated, earning applause from the audience.

Benjamin offered a brief nod of acknowledgment before advancing again. Kuro responded with a hard forearm to the jaw that knocked Benjamin backward, drawing an irritated expression from the Dan Club member. Benjamin fired back with a forearm of his own, and the two began exchanging increasingly powerful strikes in the center of the ring. Kuro eventually attempted a spinning backfist, but Benjamin ducked beneath it and caught him with a release Hagen suplex that sent the audience into an immediate roar.

Kuro rolled toward the corner, momentarily surprised by Benjamin's explosive strength. Benjamin refused to let him recover, delivering a running clothesline before lifting him onto his shoulders for a fireman's carry. Kuro escaped behind him and caught Benjamin with a sudden neckbreaker, immediately targeting the upper back and neck with a series of grounded attacks.

Kuro applied a tight front facelock, wrenching Benjamin's head downward while driving his knee against the back of his opponent's neck. Benjamin attempted to power free, but Kuro maintained control and converted the hold into a snap suplex. He followed with a running knee drop and covered Benjamin.

1-2-Benjamin kicked out!

Kuro remained composed, grabbing Benjamin by the wrist and pulling him upright. He attempted a second suplex, but Benjamin blocked it and drove several punches into his opponent's abdomen. Kuro retaliated with a knee strike, prompting Benjamin to break free and charge into the ropes.

Benjamin returned with a thunderous shoulder tackle that knocked Kuro flat onto his back.

The audience erupted as Benjamin immediately followed with a second shoulder tackle and a tremendous belly-to-belly suplex. Kuro rolled toward the ropes, but Benjamin caught him before he could escape and delivered a short-arm clothesline that turned him inside out.

Benjamin hooked the leg.

1-2-Kuro escaped again!

Benjamin rose and began preparing for the Spear, retreating toward the opposite corner while the audience cheered in anticipation. Kuro struggled upright, clutching his chest, apparently unaware that Benjamin was waiting to strike.

Benjamin charged, but Kuro managed to sidestep at the last moment. Benjamin caught himself against the turnbuckles, preventing a collision, though Kuro immediately attacked from behind with a chop block to the leg. Benjamin dropped onto one knee, allowing Kuro to connect with a sharp kick to the side of his head.

Kuro attempted the Blade Buster, hooking Benjamin into position for his twisting brainbuster. Benjamin recognized the danger and immediately fought against the lift, shifting his weight and driving his knee into Kuro's abdomen. He escaped the hold and delivered a powerful forearm that sent Kuro stumbling toward the ropes.

Benjamin followed with a running knee strike and immediately attempted another Spear.

This time he connected!

The impact folded Kuro backward, sending both men crashing onto the canvas. Benjamin scrambled into a cover, hooking the leg tightly.

1-2-Kuro barely managed to lift his shoulder!

Benjamin looked toward the referee in disbelief before sitting upright and rubbing his jaw. He had thrown everything into the Spear, and the fact that Kuro had survived it was clearly frustrating. Nevertheless, he forced himself upright and began dragging Kuro toward the center of the ring.

A commotion near the entrance interrupted him.

Kinniku Mike had arrived.

The enormous wrestler swaggered down the aisle wearing his familiar black leather jacket, grinning as the audience greeted him with boos. He stopped beside the ring and began shouting toward Benjamin, who immediately recognized him.

Kinniku Mike: HEY, BENJAMIN! HOW'S THAT LITTLE BITCH BASHIN DAN DOING? TELL HIM BIG MIKE SAYS HELLO!

Benjamin turned toward him, his expression darkening.

Benjamin: Get the hell out of here, Mike! This isn't your match!

Kinniku Mike: AW, WHAT'S THE MATTER? YOU GONNA CRY ABOUT IT? MAYBE YOU CAN GO GET DAN AND HIS LITTLE WIFE TO PROTECT YOU!

Benjamin stepped toward the ropes, pointing angrily at Mike.

Benjamin: Keep their names out of your mouth!

Mike laughed and climbed onto the apron, immediately attracting the referee's attention. The official hurried over and ordered him to leave, but Mike continued shouting insults, deliberately prolonging the distraction.

Behind the referee, Kuro had finally recovered.

Benjamin turned away from Mike just in time to see Kuro charging toward him. He caught Kuro with a sudden forearm and attempted to whip him across the ring, but Kuro reversed the maneuver and sent Benjamin stumbling toward the ropes.

As Benjamin approached, Mike reached beneath the bottom rope and caught his ankle.

Benjamin stumbled.

He recovered quickly enough to avoid falling, but the distraction gave Kuro precisely the opening he needed.

Kuro struck Benjamin with a vicious forearm to the back of the neck, hooked him into position, and lifted him vertically. He twisted through the motion before driving Benjamin down with the Blade Buster!

Benjamin landed hard and remained on the canvas as Kuro immediately covered him.

1-2-3!
Winner: Daimon Kuro via Blade Buster(Twisting Brainbuster) -> Pin

The bell rang, and the audience erupted in boos as Kuro rolled away from his fallen opponent. Mike climbed onto the apron and began laughing, clearly delighted with the result.

Kinniku Mike: THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MESS WITH BIG MIKE! TELL YOUR LITTLE CLUB I SAID SO!

Benjamin slowly recovered, clutching the back of his neck as Kuro departed. Mike continued taunting him from ringside until Benjamin suddenly rolled toward the ropes and attempted to grab him. Mike immediately retreated, laughing as he backed toward the entrance.

Benjamin shouted after him, furious that his match had been stolen through interference. Kuro, meanwhile, raised his hand on the ramp, apparently unconcerned with how he had secured the victory.

Larry Grim: It's official that BDSM are making themselves Dan Club's problem. I'm sure Bashin Dan will be happy to oblige after what Mike tried to do to Hope Mach. He's lucky the other Machs are very very busy right now.

Apple Kid: So are the Angels. Tack has Wargames AND trying to catch the Boss naked, and Christy Angel recently lost her boyfriend, and Alison Chains has been losing it. She needs to refocus, as the former Super Champion has a rematch against Morgan Le Fey in the first match for the Geistbook Championship Tournament. Here we go!

2. Geistbook Championship Tournament Round 1: Christy Angel vs. Morgan Le Fey
-The first tournament contest of the evening featured a rematch between Christy Angel and Morgan Le Fey, with considerable personal history hanging over the proceedings. Their previous encounter had ended with Morgan using her mysterious magical orb to catch Christy by surprise, and the incident clearly hadn't been forgotten. Christy approached the ring with an unusually intense expression, offering only a brief acknowledgment to the audience before climbing between the ropes.

Morgan Le Fey entered with her customary air of superiority, carrying herself as though the result were already inevitable. She approached the ring with an amused smile, deliberately raising one hand and allowing a faint purple glow to gather around her fingers. Christy watched without reacting, refusing to give her opponent the satisfaction of seeing her intimidated.

The bell rang, and Christy immediately charged forward, catching Morgan with a running forearm that knocked her backward into the corner. Morgan attempted to escape, but Christy maintained the pressure with a series of rapid strikes before catching her with an arm drag that sent her tumbling toward the center of the ring.

Morgan rolled outside to regroup, looking thoroughly irritated by the aggressive opening. Christy approached the ropes and challenged her to return, drawing cheers from the audience as Morgan circled the ring.

When Morgan finally stepped back inside, she attempted to slow the pace with a collar and elbow tie up. Christy accepted the challenge, quickly transitioning into a wristlock before sweeping Morgan's legs and applying a grounded armbar. Morgan struggled to escape, eventually reaching the ropes and forcing the referee to intervene.

Christy released the hold immediately, allowing Morgan to stand.

Morgan responded with a sharp slap across Christy's face.

Christy slowly turned her head back toward her opponent, her expression becoming considerably less pleasant.

Morgan smiled.

Christy answered with a thunderous forearm that knocked Morgan backward.

Morgan attempted to retaliate, but Christy ducked beneath the strike and caught her with a spinning back kick to the stomach. She followed with a snap suplex and immediately transitioned into a bridging pin.

1-2-Morgan escaped!

Christy continued attacking, attempting to prevent Morgan from establishing the slower, more calculating pace she preferred. Morgan eventually managed to reverse an Irish whip and caught Christy with a spinning heel kick, knocking her onto the canvas. She followed with a knee drop before applying a grounded headlock, pulling Christy's head backward while whispering insults.

Christy struggled toward the ropes, finally reaching them after several seconds. Morgan reluctantly released the hold, though she made a point of dragging her forearm across Christy's face as she stood.

The audience booed as Morgan began taking control, delivering several hard kicks before catching Christy with a backbreaker. She attempted another cover, but Christy kicked out at two.

Morgan grew increasingly frustrated as Christy continued fighting back. After avoiding a second backbreaker, Christy caught Morgan with a sudden neckbreaker and followed with a running clothesline that sent her crashing onto the canvas.

Christy climbed onto the middle rope and waited for Morgan to rise before launching herself into a diving crossbody.

1-2-Morgan escaped again!

Christy pushed herself upright and began preparing for Angel Wings, reaching for Morgan's arms as she struggled to stand. Morgan immediately recognized the danger and countered with a desperate knee strike to the midsection.

Christy staggered backward, allowing Morgan to create some distance.

A familiar purple glow began gathering around Morgan's hand.

The audience immediately recognized what was happening.

Morgan smiled and extended her arm, unleashing the same magical orb that had caused Christy so much trouble in their previous encounter.

But Christy had been waiting for it.

She ducked.

The glowing orb sailed harmlessly over her shoulder and dissipated beyond the ropes, leaving Morgan momentarily stunned.

Christy straightened and looked directly at her.

Christy Angel: NOT THIS TIME, BITCH!

Morgan attempted to retreat, but Christy charged forward and caught her with a powerful running forearm. She followed with a kick to the stomach before grabbing both of Morgan's arms and securing the hold.

Morgan desperately attempted to twist free, but Christy maintained her grip and delivered Angel Wings, driving Morgan face-first into the canvas!

Christy rolled her opponent over and hooked the leg tightly.

1-2-3!

The audience erupted as Christy Angel advanced to the next round of the Geistbook Women's Championship tournament!
Winners: Christy Angel via Angel Wings -> Pin

Christy Angel: You know, I've had a pretty shitty couple of weeks.

The crowd responded with sympathetic cheers.

Christy Angel: Everybody saw what happened with Alison Chains. Everybody saw her lose her temper, everybody saw her grab that chain, and everybody saw what happened afterward. And believe me, nobody was more pissed off about that than I was!

Christy paused, adjusting the microphone before continuing.

Christy Angel: But I want everybody to know something. Alison is going to be all right. She's my friend, and I'm not giving up on her just because she's having a rough time. Yeah, she screwed up. Yeah, she cost us a match. But she knows that, and I'm gonna be there to help her get her head straight.

The audience applauded as Christy nodded.

Christy Angel: And while we're talking about having a rough time, I've got something else I wanna get off my chest. You see, apparently my EX-boyfriend decided that our relationship wasn't worth an actual conversation. Oh, no! This asshole couldn't even be bothered to break up with me in person!

A few members of the audience began booing.

Christy Angel: You wanna know how he did it? He TEXTED ME! That's right! A text message! After everything we'd been through, that's what I got! No phone call, no face to face conversation, just a message on my phone telling me it was over!

Christy shook her head with a disgusted laugh.

Christy Angel: Well, you know what? Good riddance! Because I'm sick and tired of wasting my time on people who don't appreciate me. I'm sick of being disappointed, and I'm sick of having to pick myself back up because somebody else decided to be an asshole!

She looked toward the Geistbook Women's Championship tournament graphic above the entrance.

Christy Angel: So here's what's gonna happen. I'm gonna take all that anger, all that frustration, and every last bit of bullshit I've had to deal with lately, and I'm gonna put it to good use. Because this tournament means something to me. That championship means something to me. I'm going to win this thing! I'm Christy Angel...and I'm a proud wrestler, a proud Angel, and a proud gooner!

Apple Kid: Wow, that was really somethi-WHAT WAS THE LAST THING SHE JUST SAID!

Larry Grim: CHRISTY NO! YOU WERE SO CLOSE!

Backstage

Backstage at the Onett Battle Dome, Boomtown was standing in front of an EBW Xcite banner, holding his smartphone at arm's length while pinching a tiny lavalier microphone between his fingers. The newly crowned EBW X Champion had his championship fastened around his waist, although he had already adjusted it at least six times to make sure the faceplate was perfectly visible to his viewers. He flashed an obnoxiously enthusiastic smile, checked his reflection on his phone, and began broadcasting to his followers.



Boomtown: YOOOOOOOO! WHAT'S UP, BOOMERS?! IT'S YA BOY! THE MAIN CHARACTER! THE CONTENT KING! THE ALGORITHM ASSASSIN! THE MAN WHO IS LITERALLY CARRYING THIS ENTIRE COMPANY'S SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT ON HIS MASSIVE, BEAUTIFULLY SCULPTED SHOULDERS! BOOOOOOOMTOWN!

Boomtown pointed dramatically at the championship around his waist, nearly dropping his little microphone in the process.

Boomtown: FIRST OF ALL, EVERYBODY STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING! LIKE THIS VIDEO! SHARE THIS VIDEO! COMMENT BOOM IN THE CHAT! AND IF YOU'RE WATCHING THIS WITHOUT FOLLOWING ME, WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?! SERIOUSLY! THAT'S EMBARRASSING! THAT'S NPC BEHAVIOR!

He leaned closer to the phone, lowering his sunglasses just enough to wink at the camera.

Boomtown: BECAUSE YOUR BOY DID IT! YOUR BOY WALKED INTO THE ONETT BATTLE DOME, LOOKED LITTLE NESS RIGHT IN HIS STUPID LITTLE FACE, AND SAID, HEY, BRO! YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP? YEAH, I'M GONNA NEED THAT FOR MY BRAND!

Boomtown began laughing obnoxiously before pointing at his championship again.

Boomtown: AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENED?! I TOOK IT! I SNATCHED THAT TITLE LIKE A VIRAL TIKTAK TREND! I PACKAGED THAT LITTLE DORK UP, SENT HIM STRAIGHT TO THE SHADOW REALM, AND NOW YOU'RE LOOKING AT THE NEW! THE IMPROVED! THE BEAUTIFULLY MARKETABLE! EBW X CHAMPION!

He paused to admire himself on the phone screen.

Boomtown: You know what's actually CRAZY, though? Ness really thought he was gonna beat me! BRO! YOU'RE OLD NEWS! I'VE GOT OVER FORTY THOUSAND FOLLOWERS! DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE IN STAR POWER HERE?!

Boomtown raised his hand, pretending to count his accomplishments on his fingers.

Boomtown: Ness has PSI. BOOMTOWN HAS WIFI! Ness has a baseball bat. BOOMTOWN HAS BRAND DEALS AND A BIG ASS TANK! Ness has Paula, Jeff, and Poo. BOOMTOWN HAS A VERIFIED ACCOUNT AND A DISCOUNT CODE FOR PROTEIN POWDER! WE ARE NOT THE SAME, BRO!

He laughed again, throwing his head backward before immediately checking to make sure he was still properly framed.

Boomtown: Now that I'm the X Champion, we're making some CHANGES around here! No more boring wrestling interviews! No more stupid serious promos! Every title defense is getting a reaction video! Every opponent is getting a thumbnail with my mouth hanging open! And every time I win, you're all getting a brand new video titled I DESTROYED THIS WRESTLER AND HE CRIED! NOT CLICKBAIT!

He stopped and appeared to read something from his phone.

Boomtown: Oh, look at this! Some idiot in the comments says I only won because I got lucky! BRO! YOUR PROFILE PICTURE IS AN ANIME GIRL! YOUR OPINION HAS BEEN AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFIED!

Boomtown made an obnoxious buzzer noise into the tiny microphone.

Boomtown: BZZZZZT! NEXT! BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE! Because your boy isn't just the X Champion! OH NO! YOUR BOY IS GOING TO HUNTER'S MOON! AND WE'RE TALKING WAR GAMES, BABY! THAT'S RIGHT! I'M THE MYSTERY PARTNER FOR THE MONSTER SQUAD!

He turned the phone sideways.

Boomtown: TWO RINGS! ONE CAGE! EIGHT DUDES! AND ONE ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO CREATE THE MOST VIRAL MOMENT IN THE HISTORY OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!
 
3. Geistbook Championship Tournament Round 1: Hana Ironveil vs. Darkness Aoi
-The second tournament match promised an exceptionally physical confrontation between two women with very different approaches to professional wrestling. Hana Ironveil entered representing Velvet Riot's Hostess Club, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from the audience. Despite her association with the colorful nightclub faction, Hana had established herself as one of its most physically imposing competitors, relying on tremendous strength, powerful throws, and an increasingly polished understanding of Japanese professional wrestling.

Darkness Aoi approached the match with a noticeably colder demeanor. Her recent defeat to Ayame Nocturne on EBW on X had clearly left her dissatisfied, and the opportunity to advance in the Geistbook Women's Championship tournament offered an immediate chance to reestablish herself. Aoi entered without acknowledging the audience, stepping into the ring and immediately studying her opponent.

The bell rang, and the two women approached one another cautiously.

Hana extended her hand for a test of strength. Aoi accepted, and the two immediately began struggling for control, their shoulders and arms tightening as each attempted to force the other backward. Hana gradually gained the advantage, bending Aoi's wrists until she was forced onto one knee.

Aoi responded by kicking Hana's supporting leg, breaking the hold and immediately transitioning into a wristlock. Hana attempted to counter with a standing switch, but Aoi twisted away and caught her with a sharp forearm to the jaw.

Hana barely moved.

Aoi delivered another forearm, harder this time.

Hana responded with a brutal chop that echoed throughout the Battle Dome.

The crowd erupted as Aoi staggered backward, momentarily surprised by the force of the strike. Hana advanced and connected with another chop before attempting to whip her toward the ropes. Aoi reversed the maneuver and charged forward, but Hana caught her with a shoulder tackle that sent her crashing onto the canvas.

Aoi rolled toward the corner and recovered quickly, though her expression suggested that she had underestimated her opponent's physical strength.

Hana maintained the advantage with a series of powerful throws, catching Aoi with a snap suplex before transitioning into a grounded headlock. Aoi attempted to fight free, but Hana's strength allowed her to maintain control and force her opponent back onto the canvas.

Aoi finally escaped with a series of elbows before catching Hana with a sudden low dropkick to the knee. Hana stumbled, giving Aoi the opening she needed to attack the larger wrestler's legs.

Aoi immediately began targeting Hana's right knee, delivering several hard kicks before twisting her into a grounded leg submission. Hana struggled to escape, using her strength to drag herself toward the ropes. Aoi maintained the hold until the referee reached four, drawing boos from the audience.

When Hana finally stood, Aoi immediately struck her injured leg again, forcing her backward into the corner. She followed with a running forearm before attempting a bulldog, but Hana caught her around the waist and lifted her off the canvas.

Hana delivered a tremendous Hagen suplex!

The impact sent Aoi rolling across the ring, and Hana immediately attempted a cover.

1-2-Aoi kicked out!

Hana pulled her opponent upright and attempted another suplex, but Aoi countered by driving a knee into her abdomen. She followed with a spinning backfist that rocked Hana backward, allowing her to deliver a powerful neckbreaker.

Aoi covered her.

1-2-Hana escaped!

Both women struggled upright, and Aoi immediately began exchanging forearm strikes with her opponent. Hana initially gained the advantage, connecting with several heavy blows before attempting a lariat. Aoi ducked beneath it and retaliated with a sharp kick to the side of Hana's head, sending her stumbling toward the ropes.

Aoi attempted to capitalize with a running attack, but Hana caught her with a sudden powerslam!

The crowd roared as Hana rolled onto her opponent and hooked the leg.

1-2-Aoi barely kicked out!

Hana sat upright, breathing heavily as she tried to recover. The damage to her knee was clearly beginning to affect her ability to move, but she refused to abandon her aggressive approach.

She pulled Aoi upright and attempted to lift her into a powerbomb. Aoi immediately fought against the maneuver, driving several punches into Hana's head before slipping free. Hana attempted to turn around, but Aoi caught her with a running knee strike that knocked her backward into the corner.

Aoi charged forward with another forearm before attempting a second running attack.

Hana intercepted her with a massive lariat!

Both women collapsed onto the canvas.

The referee began counting as the audience applauded the increasingly brutal contest. Hana reached her feet first, pulling herself upright with the ropes while Aoi struggled to recover near the center of the ring.

Hana approached and attempted to lift Aoi onto her shoulders, but her weakened knee buckled beneath the weight. Aoi immediately recognized the opening and slipped behind her, catching her with a sharp kick to the back of the leg.

Hana dropped onto one knee.

Aoi stepped backward, waiting for her opponent to rise.

Hana forced herself upright and attempted one final clothesline, but Aoi ducked beneath it and struck her with a vicious forearm to the back of the head.

Hana staggered forward.

Aoi hit the ropes and returned with the Darkness Bomber, a devastating running lariat that caught Hana across the chest and neck!

The impact sent Hana crashing onto her back.

Aoi immediately covered her, hooking both legs for the pin and the win!

The bell rang as Darkness Aoi advanced to the second round of the Geistbook Women's Championship tournament!

Aoi slowly rolled away from Hana, visibly exhausted by the contest. She sat on the canvas for several moments before accepting the referee's assistance and rising to her feet.

Hana eventually recovered near the ropes, holding her injured leg and looking disappointed. Aoi glanced toward her opponent and gave a brief nod, acknowledging the tremendous fight she had provided.

Hana returned the gesture.

Aoi departed without further celebration, leaving the audience applauding both women for an outstanding tournament match. Hana remained in the ring briefly before finally accepting another round of applause as she made her exit.

Darkness Aoi advances to the second round of the Geistbook Women's Championship Tournament.
Winner: Darkness Aoi via Darkness Bomber -> Pin

Larry Grim: Aoi avenged her loss to Ayame Nocturne, with a win over her ally Hana Ironveil, and advances in the tournament. We'll see more matches here and EBW on X, but right now, it's time. It's time for the main event. For once, Zyro Kurogane has nothing to say. They're both mouthy and brash, but tonight they're focused. It's Trevor Mach versus Zyro Kurogane. IT'S TIME! LET'S GO!



4. EBW Championship: Trevor Mach(c) vs. Zyro Kurogane
-The atmosphere inside the Onett Battle Dome had grown increasingly electric as the evening approached its main event. Trevor Mach was preparing to make his first championship defense since reclaiming the EBW Championship, and the challenger was a man who had already pushed him to his limits during their previous encounter in the E1 Climax. Zyro Kurogane had earned his opportunity through his performances in the ring, and despite agreeing to stand alongside Trevor at Hunter's Moon, he had made it abundantly clear that friendship and teamwork would mean absolutely nothing once the championship was at stake.

Zyro entered first, walking through the entrance curtain with the confidence of a man who genuinely believed he was about to become the next EBW Champion. His black and red entrance attire complemented the distinctive streak in his dark hair, and he paused near the entrance to look toward the ring before making his way down the aisle.

The opening words of Go Mach echoed throughout the building, bringing the audience to its feet.

Trevor Mach emerged wearing his familiar black sleeveless shirt with the flame across the chest, denim jorts, black kneepads, red wristbands, and red Chuck Taylors. His EBW Championship rested over his shoulder, and his sunglasses reflected the colorful lighting above the entrance. He stopped at the top of the aisle and looked toward the ring, where Zyro had stepped into the center and was watching him intently.

Trevor smiled and raised the championship, receiving an enormous reaction from the audience. He approached the ring without his usual playful interactions with the fans, climbing onto the apron and stepping between the ropes before removing his sunglasses. After handing his championship to the referee, he approached Zyro and extended his hand.

The referee displayed the EBW Championship to the audience before handing it to the timekeeper. Trevor and Zyro retreated to opposite corners, maintaining eye contact as the referee delivered his final instructions.

The bell rang, and the two men slowly approached one another.

Trevor extended his hand for a collar and elbow tie-up, which Zyro accepted. The initial struggle was remarkably even, with both competitors attempting to establish control without immediately committing to an attack. Trevor gradually forced Zyro backward, but the challenger shifted his weight and turned the champion into the ropes. The referee demanded a clean break, and Zyro complied, stepping backward with his hands raised.

Trevor nodded in acknowledgment.

They locked up again, with Trevor quickly transitioning into a side headlock. Zyro attempted to push him toward the ropes, but Trevor maintained his grip and forced him down onto one knee. Zyro eventually escaped by twisting Trevor's arm behind his back, applying a hammerlock that forced the champion to bend forward. Trevor reached over his shoulder and attempted to catch Zyro's head, but the challenger ducked beneath his arm and transitioned into a wristlock.

Trevor rolled forward, attempting to reverse the hold, but Zyro maintained control and twisted his right arm farther than he had anticipated. Trevor grimaced before dropping onto his back and rolling through another reversal, finally escaping with a quick arm drag that sent Zyro stumbling toward the ropes.

Both men returned to their feet.

Zyro smiled faintly.

Trevor returned the expression.

The audience applauded the opening exchange, appreciating the technical skill on display. Neither competitor had established a meaningful advantage, but the brief struggle had already demonstrated how familiar they were with one another's abilities.

Trevor approached again, attempting another tie up, but Zyro caught him with a quick kick to the abdomen before twisting his right arm into another wristlock. He forced Trevor toward the corner and drove his shoulder against the champion's upper arm, drawing an immediate warning from the referee.

Trevor shoved him backward and attempted a forearm strike, but Zyro ducked beneath it and caught him with a sharp kick to the shoulder.

The champion stumbled toward the ropes, rubbing his right arm.

Zyro had identified his target.

Their previous encounter had demonstrated how dangerous Trevor's Knee Trigger and Burning Machismo combination could be, and Zyro clearly intended to prevent the champion from executing his finishing maneuver. By weakening Trevor's right shoulder, he could interfere with the grip and lifting strength necessary to complete Burning Machismo.

Zyro immediately returned to the attack, catching Trevor in another wristlock before forcing him onto the canvas. He transitioned into a grounded armbar, wrenching backward while Trevor struggled to escape. The champion rolled onto his side and attempted to pull his arm free, but Zyro adjusted his grip and forced him back onto his stomach.

Trevor finally managed to reach the ropes with his left hand, forcing the referee to intervene.

Zyro released the hold cleanly.

Apple Kid: Kurogane has done his homework! He's going after Trevor's right shoulder, and that's absolutely going to make it harder for the champion to execute Burning Machismo!

Larry Grim: Trevor beat this guy in the E1 Climax, Apple Kid. Zyro hasn't forgotten what happened, and he's not about to make the same mistakes twice!

Trevor slowly returned to his feet, rotating his right shoulder before approaching Zyro again. The challenger attempted another wristlock, but Trevor countered with a sharp forearm to the jaw. Zyro staggered backward, allowing Trevor to deliver a second forearm before whipping him into the ropes.

Zyro returned with a shoulder tackle, but Trevor maintained his balance.

The two men stared at one another.

Trevor gestured for him to try again.

Zyro obliged, charging into the ropes and returning with another shoulder tackle. Trevor absorbed the impact and immediately retaliated with a forearm that rocked Zyro backward.

The challenger answered with one of his own.

Trevor struck again.

Zyro retaliated.

The exchange gradually became more aggressive as both men abandoned the careful technical wrestling of the opening minutes and began testing one another's ability to withstand punishment. Zyro eventually connected with a particularly sharp forearm that knocked Trevor backward, but the champion responded by driving a powerful chop across the challenger's chest.

Zyro's expression tightened.

Trevor delivered another chop.

Zyro answered with a forearm.

Trevor stepped forward and unleashed a third chop, this one striking with enough force to send Zyro stumbling toward the corner. The audience erupted as Trevor followed with a series of rapid chops, forcing Zyro to cover his chest while attempting to escape.

Zyro finally caught Trevor's right wrist and twisted it sharply, forcing the champion to abandon the attack.

The challenger delivered a kick to the injured shoulder before dragging Trevor into the center of the ring and connecting with a snap suplex.

Zyro covered him.

1-2-Trevor kicked out!

Zyro immediately applied another armbar, maintaining pressure on the champion's right shoulder while forcing him toward the ropes. Trevor attempted to escape through sheer strength, but Zyro adjusted his position and trapped the arm between his legs, preventing him from rolling free.

Trevor eventually managed to shift his weight and reverse the hold, catching Zyro in a grounded headlock. Zyro fought to escape, but the champion maintained control and forced him onto his side before driving several knees into his back.

Trevor released the hold and pulled Zyro upright, delivering a stiff forearm before attempting a vertical suplex.

The movement immediately aggravated his injured shoulder.

Trevor grimaced, and Zyro recognized the hesitation. He drove a knee into the champion's abdomen before slipping behind him and attempting a Hagen suplex.

Trevor blocked the maneuver by widening his stance and hooking his leg around Zyro's.

Zyro attempted the lift again.

Trevor delivered a backward elbow strike that caught him across the jaw, breaking the hold.

The champion turned and caught Zyro with a tremendous short-arm clothesline, knocking him onto the canvas. Rather than immediately attempting a cover, Trevor dropped onto one knee and rotated his injured shoulder, trying to restore some movement.

Zyro recovered near the ropes and attempted to attack, but Trevor caught him with a sudden back body drop that sent him crashing onto the canvas. The champion followed with a running leg drop before hooking the leg.

1-2-Zyro escaped!

Trevor maintained the advantage, pulling Zyro upright and delivering a series of powerful forearms before attempting a Hagen suplex. Zyro fought against the hold, delivering several elbows to Trevor's head, but the champion managed to maintain his grip and lift him off the canvas.

The Hagen suplex connected!

Trevor maintained the bridge.

1-2-Zyro kicked out!

The champion rolled away and sat upright, breathing heavily as the audience applauded the exchange. Zyro recovered more slowly, clutching the back of his neck while attempting to regain his footing.

Trevor approached and attempted to lift him onto his shoulders.

Zyro immediately recognized the positioning.

He drove several elbows into Trevor's injured shoulder, forcing the champion to release him before he could complete the lift. Zyro landed behind him and caught him with a sharp kick to the back of the arm.

Trevor staggered forward.

Zyro charged into the ropes and returned with a devastating lariat that sent the champion crashing onto his back.

Zyro covered him.

1-2-Trevor kicked out!

Zyro sat upright and glanced toward the referee before returning his attention to Trevor. He had finally managed to establish control, and the champion was beginning to show the effects of the sustained punishment to his right shoulder.

The challenger pulled Trevor upright and delivered a powerful forearm before whipping him toward the corner. Trevor attempted to reverse the maneuver, but Zyro maintained his grip and sent the champion crashing shoulder-first against the turnbuckles.

Trevor stumbled backward, clutching his right arm.

Zyro immediately caught him with a Hagen suplex.

The impact sent Trevor rolling toward the ropes, where he instinctively reached for his shoulder.

Zyro approached without hesitation, pulling the champion upright and attempting another Hagen suplex. Trevor resisted, but Zyro caught his injured arm and twisted it behind his back, using the leverage to force him into position.

The second Hagen suplex connected!

Trevor landed hard and rolled onto his stomach.

Zyro covered him.

1-2-Trevor escaped again!

The audience began chanting for the champion as Zyro rose, clearly growing frustrated with Trevor's refusal to stay down.

Trevor struggled toward the corner, using the ropes to pull himself upright. Zyro approached and delivered a sharp forearm that knocked him backward against the turnbuckles.

Trevor responded with a chop.

Zyro delivered another forearm.

Trevor answered with a second chop, this one noticeably weaker because of the damage to his shoulder.

Zyro smiled.

Zyro Kurogane: Come on, Trevor. Is that all you've got?

The champion looked up at him, breathing heavily.

Trevor Mach: You really wanna find out?

Trevor suddenly exploded forward with a powerful left-handed forearm, catching Zyro completely by surprise. The challenger staggered backward, allowing Trevor to deliver another forearm before catching him with a running shoulder tackle.

Zyro crashed onto the canvas.

Trevor followed with a powerful spinebuster that shook the ring, drawing an enormous reaction from the audience.

He hooked the leg.

1-2-Zyro kicked out!

Trevor remained on one knee, clutching his shoulder while watching Zyro recover. He knew that the challenger had successfully weakened his right arm, but the match was far from over, and he still had enough strength to continue fighting.

Zyro rose and attempted another forearm, but Trevor ducked beneath it and caught him with a powerful backdrop suplex.

The challenger landed hard and rolled toward the corner.

Trevor followed with a running clothesline before pulling Zyro upright and delivering a series of chops that echoed throughout the Battle Dome. He eventually caught Zyro around the waist and attempted another Hagen suplex, but the challenger grabbed the ropes to prevent the lift.

Trevor released him and stepped backward.

Zyro turned around.

Trevor charged forward with a running knee strike!

The impact caught Zyro across the chest and sent him stumbling backward.

Trevor immediately attempted to follow with another attack, but Zyro caught his arm and twisted it into a standing armbar. The champion grimaced as the pressure returned to his injured shoulder, and Zyro used the hold to force him toward the center of the ring.

The challenger delivered several short kicks to Trevor's arm before attempting to transition into a submission hold.

Trevor managed to escape by driving his left elbow into Zyro's abdomen.

He caught the challenger with another forearm before charging into the ropes.

Zyro intercepted him with a devastating spinning backfist!

Trevor staggered backward, barely remaining on his feet.

Zyro caught him with a second backfist before lifting him into a powerful suplex that left both men lying on the canvas.

The audience erupted as the referee began counting.

Both competitors struggled to recover, their earlier technical exchanges having gradually transformed into a brutal contest of endurance and determination. Trevor reached his feet first, though he was visibly favoring his injured shoulder.

Zyro recovered and approached him.

The two men began exchanging forearms again.

Trevor struck first, rocking Zyro backward.

Zyro responded with an equally powerful blow.

Trevor delivered another forearm.

Zyro answered.

The strikes continued until both men were visibly exhausted, their movements becoming slower but no less determined. Trevor eventually connected with a particularly brutal forearm that knocked Zyro backward into the ropes, but the challenger immediately returned with a lariat that sent the champion stumbling toward the opposite side of the ring.

Trevor bounced off the ropes and answered with a lariat of his own.

Both men remained standing.

The audience roared as they stared at one another, neither willing to surrender an inch.

Zyro delivered another lariat.

Trevor retaliated with a forearm.

Zyro answered with a spinning backfist.

Trevor staggered, dropped onto one knee, and immediately forced himself upright again.

The challenger charged.

Trevor caught him with a sudden snap powerslam!

Both men collapsed onto the canvas.

Apple Kid: I DON'T BELIEVE WHAT WE'RE SEEING! THESE TWO ARE ABSOLUTELY DESTROYING EACH OTHER!

Larry Grim: This is what the EBW Championship means, Apple Kid! Neither one of these guys is willing to give an inch, and I don't know how much more punishment either of them can take!

Trevor slowly rolled toward Zyro and attempted a cover.

1-2-Zyro kicked out!

The champion sat upright and looked toward the referee, clearly disappointed but understanding that he hadn't been able to secure the victory.

Zyro rolled toward the ropes, attempting to regain his footing. Trevor approached and attempted to lift him into position for Burning Machismo, but his injured shoulder prevented him from maintaining the necessary grip.

Zyro immediately capitalized, slipping behind Trevor and trapping both of his arms.

He crossed them tightly against the champion's chest.

The audience recognized the hold.

STRAIGHT JACKET HAGEN!

Zyro hauled Trevor backward into the suplex, maintaining control of both arms as he bridged into the pin!

1-2-TREVOR KICKED OUT!

The Battle Dome erupted!

Zyro remained in the bridging position for a moment, apparently unable to believe that the champion had escaped. Trevor had managed to drive through his legs and twist free of the trapped arms at the last possible instant, breaking the pin despite the tremendous pressure on his injured shoulder.

Both men rolled away from one another, exhausted.

Zyro sat upright and stared toward the referee, holding up three fingers.

The referee shook his head and insisted that Trevor had escaped before the count.

Zyro slapped the canvas in frustration.

Trevor struggled toward the ropes, his right arm hanging noticeably lower than his left. He had survived one of Zyro's most dangerous maneuvers, but the punishment had left him barely able to stand.

Zyro approached and pulled Trevor upright.

Zyro Kurogane: STAY DOWN!

Trevor responded by driving his forehead against Zyro's, refusing to retreat.

Trevor Mach: MAKE ME!

The challenger delivered a brutal forearm.

Trevor staggered backward.

Zyro delivered another forearm.

Trevor answered with a short left-handed strike that caught Zyro across the jaw.

The challenger responded with a spinning backfist that nearly knocked Trevor off his feet.

Trevor stumbled backward into the ropes, using them to remain upright.

Zyro charged forward, attempting another lariat.

Trevor ducked beneath it.

He caught Zyro with a sudden Hagen suplex!

The challenger landed hard, but somehow managed to roll through the impact and return to his feet.

Zyro charged again.

Trevor caught him with another Hagen suplex!

The audience erupted as the champion maintained his grip and rolled through, attempting to lift Zyro for a third.

His injured shoulder betrayed him.

Trevor's grip weakened, allowing Zyro to escape behind him.

The challenger immediately caught Trevor with a vicious forearm to the back of the head before charging into the ropes.

LET IT RIP!

Zyro's devastating lariat connected flush, turning Trevor inside out and sending him crashing onto the canvas.

The challenger immediately dropped into a cover.

1-2-TREVOR KICKED OUT!

Zyro rolled away and sat on the canvas, staring at the champion in complete disbelief.

The audience was on its feet.

Trevor remained motionless for several seconds before slowly turning onto his side, clutching his shoulder while attempting to recover. The challenger had hit him with almost everything in his arsenal, and the fact that Trevor was still fighting appeared to be pushing Zyro toward desperation.

Zyro slowly rose and approached the champion.

He grabbed Trevor's arms and attempted to secure another Straight Jacket Hagen.

Trevor immediately recognized the danger.

He struggled against the hold, refusing to allow Zyro to cross his arms. Zyro attempted to force the maneuver, driving his knee into Trevor's back, but the champion widened his stance and prevented the lift.

Zyro attempted another knee strike.

Trevor suddenly twisted free and caught him with a backward elbow!

Zyro staggered.

Trevor turned and connected with a powerful forearm!

Zyro answered with another spinning backfist!

Trevor stumbled backward, barely maintaining his balance.

The challenger charged toward him.

KNEE TRIGGER!

Trevor's knee caught Zyro directly across the jaw!

The impact stopped the challenger in his tracks, sending him stumbling backward before collapsing onto one knee.

The audience erupted as Trevor immediately attempted to capitalize, reaching for Zyro and pulling him toward his shoulders.

He tried to lift him for Burning Machismo.

His injured right shoulder gave way.

Trevor cried out in pain and was forced to release the hold before he could complete the maneuver. Zyro immediately slipped free and stumbled backward, desperately attempting to recover.

Trevor dropped onto one knee, clutching his shoulder.

Zyro staggered into the ropes and turned toward him.

The challenger recognized that the champion was vulnerable.

He charged forward with another lariat.

Trevor ducked.

Zyro stumbled past him, turned, and attempted a spinning backfist.

Trevor avoided the strike and caught him with a powerful left-handed forearm.

Zyro staggered backward.

Trevor followed with another forearm before catching him with a kick to the stomach.

The champion attempted another lift, but Zyro fought free and delivered several desperate elbows to his injured shoulder.

Trevor released him.

Zyro stumbled backward toward the corner, exhausted but still fighting.

The audience began chanting for both men, recognizing that they were witnessing something extraordinary.

Trevor approached slowly, breathing heavily as he looked toward his challenger.

Zyro stared back.

For several seconds, neither moved.

Trevor finally stepped forward and delivered a hard chop across Zyro's chest.

Zyro answered with a forearm.

Trevor delivered another chop.

Zyro retaliated.

The two men continued exchanging strikes, each blow requiring an increasingly visible effort. Trevor eventually managed to knock Zyro backward with a tremendous forearm, but the challenger immediately returned with a spinning backfist that caught him across the jaw.

Trevor staggered, stumbling backward toward the ropes.

Zyro charged.

Trevor suddenly stepped forward.

KNEE TRIGGER!

The knee connected directly against Zyro's jaw!

The challenger collapsed forward, his legs barely supporting him.

Trevor caught him before he could fall.

With the audience roaring, the champion forced his injured shoulder into position and pulled Zyro upward. Every movement was visibly agonizing, but he refused to release his grip.

He brought Zyro's weight across his shoulders, adjusted his footing, and secured the challenger's leg.

Zyro attempted one final desperate elbow, but he no longer possessed the strength to escape.

Trevor tightened his grip.

BURNING MACHISMO!

The champion drove Zyro into the canvas with tremendous force!

The impact shook the ring, and Trevor collapsed beside him, his injured shoulder finally giving out beneath the effort.

For a brief moment, neither man moved.

The audience roared for Trevor to make the cover.

Trevor slowly rolled onto his stomach and dragged himself toward Zyro, barely managing to position his body across the challenger's chest.

He hooked the leg with his left arm.

The referee dropped into position.

1-2-3!
Winner: Trevor Mach via Knee Trigger x Burning Machismo -> Pin -> Title Defense!

The Onett Battle Dome erupted as Go Mach began playing throughout the arena. Trevor remained lying across Zyro for several moments, too exhausted to immediately celebrate. The referee approached and gently tapped him on the shoulder, informing him that the match was over.

Trevor slowly rolled onto his back and stared toward the ceiling, breathing heavily.

The referee retrieved the EBW Championship and placed it beside him before raising his left hand.

Trevor had successfully defended his championship after one of the most physically demanding matches of his career.

Zyro remained on the canvas nearby, clutching the back of his neck while attempting to recover. The challenger had come within a fraction of a second of capturing the championship, but Trevor's incredible determination had allowed him to survive the Straight Jacket Hagen and finally connect with the combination that had defeated Zyro during the E1 Climax.

After several moments, Trevor managed to sit upright.

He reached for the championship and pulled it across his lap, examining the golden faceplate before looking toward Zyro.

The challenger slowly sat up against the ropes, breathing heavily.

The two men stared at one another.

Neither spoke.

Trevor eventually rose with assistance from the referee and approached Zyro, who was still struggling to stand.

The champion extended his hand.

Zyro looked at it.

For a moment, the audience wondered whether the challenger would accept the gesture.

Zyro finally reached out and took Trevor's hand, allowing the champion to help him upright.

The audience applauded as the two exhausted competitors stood facing one another.

Trevor Mach: Hell of a match, brother.

Zyro managed a faint smile.

Zyro Kurogane: You got me again, dammit.

Trevor Mach: Yeah. But you almost had it.

Zyro glanced toward Trevor's injured shoulder.

Zyro Kurogane: I knew what I needed to do. I just couldn't finish it.

Trevor Mach: You'll get there. But you're gonna have to get past me first.

Zyro chuckled before glancing toward the championship.

Zyro Kurogane: Don't get too comfortable with that belt, Trevor. I'm not finished chasing it.

Trevor smiled.

Trevor Mach: Good. I'd be disappointed if you were.

The two men shook hands again, drawing another enthusiastic reaction from the crowd.

Trevor began to turn away, but Zyro caught his attention.

Zyro Kurogane: One more thing.

Trevor looked back.

Zyro Kurogane: Hunter's Moon. War Games. I'm still in.

Trevor's expression softened into a genuine smile.

Trevor Mach: I was hoping you'd say that.

The two men raised their arms together, receiving another thunderous ovation from the Battle Dome audience. Zyro eventually stepped away and allowed Trevor his moment, climbing through the ropes before pausing on the apron to look back at the champion.

Trevor raised the EBW Championship high above his head.

As Zyro departed, Trevor climbed onto the middle turnbuckle and displayed the championship to the audience. He was visibly exhausted, his right shoulder already beginning to swell, but the expression on his face made it clear that he considered the punishment worthwhile.

The champion had survived.

And now, with Hunter's Moon approaching, he knew that an entirely different kind of fight awaited him.

At the entrance, the large screen displayed the upcoming War Games match, featuring Trevor Mach, Tack Angel, Ness, and Zyro Kurogane opposite Vargas Wargrave's team.

Trevor glanced toward the screen before lifting his championship once again.

Whatever awaited him inside the steel cage, he intended to face it as the EBW Champion.

The Battle Dome was already shaking by the time Apple Kid finished welcoming everyone to Xcite. Fans crowded the railings around the entrance, waving signs for Trevor Mach and Dan Club beneath the orange, green, and red lights. Above the ring, the EBW Tag Team Championships hung from a steel rig. Four ladders stood along the entrance aisle, giving everyone arriving for work a reminder of how unpleasant the end of the evening might become.

Apple Kid: Welcome Xciters, to another thrilling installment of Xcite on X and Geistbook! Blake Faust himself is watching from the VIP Booth, so let's make sure he's happy with his investments! We have two tournament matches, Zyro Kurogane against Boomtown, and four teams fighting over the Tag Team Championships in a ladder match! Larry, we could see somebody’s career change tonight!

Larry Grim: We could also see somebody discover a sudden fear of heights.

Apple Kid: You ever fallen off a ladder?

Larry Grim: If I were to fall, you'd know. Large pile of bones. Takes a while to put myself back together.

Trevor walked out with the EBW Championship around his waist, followed by Zyro Kurogane, Ness, Tack Angel, and the three members of Dan Club. Bashin Dan stopped to look at the suspended belts before entering the ring, while Jammer inspected the nearest ladder.

Jammer: They couldn’t hang these things at regulation basket height?

Benjamin: My comrade, I have watched your basketball that you do. You would still have to climb.

Jammer: Yeah, but I’d feel qualified.

Trevor took a microphone and waited for the crowd to settle. Zyro stood a few feet away from him, his attention briefly resting on the championship before returning to the entrance.

Trevor Mach: Vargas, I know you’re watching. You’ve probably got everybody standing around a monitor. I know you and the monster squad are buddy buddy with the Boomer and BDSM now. Move Mike. Let the little guys see.

The crowd laughed, and Trevor rested a hand on his title.

Trevor Mach: You want Hunter’s Moon to be the night you put me down. Fine. You’ve been trying long enough that I appreciate you finally making an appointment. You've taken your shorts, but like a poor marksman, you KEEP MISSING MY HEART! Even Mike knows where to strike, but he's going to be a test for my so- for Dan.

Dan accepted the microphone when Trevor offered it. He looked up at the belts again, taking a moment before speaking.

Bashin Dan: Harrow and Snakebite had their chance at Demon Boogie. Tonight, they get another one. So do Java and Grind. So do the Legal Limit. Jammer and I know what we agreed to, and we’re going to defend those championships. Trevor is right. I have my eyes on you, Mike. I won't forget what you tried to do to my wife. MY WIFE!!! You can beat me up. You can tear up my cards. You can do anything you want to me, but leave her out of it. That's outside the playing field, but you're not. I will open the gate, and I will make you PAY!

Jammer: I’m afraid of one thing tonight. It’s landing on a ladder and hearing Larry tell everybody I died doing what I loved. I have no intention of shatting my balls on one these ladders, so let's just win the damn thing instead.

Zyro took the microphone next, turning slightly toward Trevor.

Zyro Kurogane: Being on your side doesn’t mean I’ve stopped wanting that championship. But Vargas doesn’t get to decide who belongs here. Boomtown doesn’t get to edit me into a joke, either. Tonight, he can try saying it to my face. I've had your number time and time again, you little bitch! You call yourself an Influencer? Tonight, I'll influence you to get a new career. I'm going to let it RIP, and I'll take your damn head off!

Ness was handed the microphone.

Ness: ...I've got nothing. You know me. Less talk, more action.

Finally, Tack Angel grabbed the microphone.

Tack Angel: Trevor! You and I need to have a talk about what you did, what you saw, and what I am OWED FOR-

Trevor quickly reclaimed the microphone.

Trevor Mach: That’s Team Mach and the Dan Club. We're united in embarrassing you clowns. You don’t have to like my jokes. You don’t have to like me. When somebody comes after the guy beside you, you get off your ass and help him. Vargas, bring whoever you trust. Just make sure they understand what happens when the door closes in WAR GAMES! BOOSH!.

Benjamin leaned toward the microphone.

Benjamin: We fight together.

Trevor Mach: Exactly. See? He did the whole speech in three words. I’ve got to start bringing notes.

Backstage

Christy Angel was waiting near the entrance curtain when Alison Chains arrived carrying a small bag. Alison pulled out a fitted metal guard and secured it over her mouth with straps around the back of her head. Christy stared at her as she tightened the last buckle.

Christy Angel: Is that medically approved?

Alison answered through the guard. Most of the sentence disappeared behind the metal.

Christy Angel: I heard Jane and something that sounded expensive.

Alison lifted the guard long enough to speak clearly.

Alison Chains: She wants to stick her hand in my mouth again, she can break her fingers trying.

Christy Angel: That part I like.

Ted Pettentool approached with a microphone, noticed Alison, and immediately slowed down. Alison gave him a small wave before replacing the guard.

Ted Pettentool: Well, that certainly changes the interview process.

Christy Angel: You can stand closer. She can’t kiss you through that.

Ted Pettentool: That wasn’t what I was worried about.

Alison raised an eyebrow.

Ted Pettentool: It was one of the things.



1. Geistbook Championship Tournament Round 1: Alison Chains vs. Ripper Jane
-Jane stopped halfway through the ropes when she saw Alison’s mask. Her surprise became a grin as Alison stepped toward her, inviting her to try the Hell Claw. Jane flexed her fingers, inspected the guard without touching it, and gave Alison an exaggerated nod of approval.

Apple Kid: Alison Chains has finally found an answer to the Hell Claw!

Larry Grim: She found an answer to one move. Ripper Jane is reminding everyone how scary she can be. I still want to know what set her off again. Hope was here. We should have asked her!

Alison attacked before Jane could turn the inspection into another insult. She drove her into the corner with forearms, pulled her out by the wrist, and caught her with a short clothesline. Jane rolled toward the ropes, but Alison stayed close, dragging her back into a grounded headlock and making her carry the weight. There was purpose behind everything Alison did. She wasn’t rushing toward a big moment or stopping to shout at Jane. She was keeping her down and making her work.

Jane escaped by driving a knee into Alison’s ribs, only to find herself caught again when she tried to rise. Alison slammed her and followed with a running elbow for two. At ringside, Christy slapped the apron and urged her to stay on her. Jane reached toward Alison’s mouth on instinct, struck the metal with her fingertips, and recoiled with an angry shake of her hand. Alison laughed through the guard and landed another forearm.

That laugh cost her. Jane backed toward the ropes, waited for Alison to follow, and pulled her throat first across the top strand. The referee forced Jane away, but the damage gave her time to change her approach. She stopped reaching for the mouth and started working on the neck, driving elbows into the base of Alison’s skull before wrenching her head sideways in a tight hold.

Alison fought upright with the crowd behind her. She broke Jane’s grip, hit the ropes, and flattened her with a shoulder tackle. A second clothesline sent Jane sprawling, and Alison followed with a hard side slam that nearly ended the match. Jane got a shoulder up just before three. Alison remained on her knees for a moment, frustrated but resisting the urge to abandon what had worked.

Jane rose unsteadily and reached toward the mask again. Alison caught her wrist with both hands, ready to wrench the fingers backward. This time the Hell Claw had only been a distraction. Jane stepped inside, hooked Alison’s head, and spun sharply into the Spinning Flatliner DDT. Alison hit hard and rolled onto her back. Jane hooked both legs, holding her down through the three count.
Winner: Ripper Jane via Spinning Flatliner DDT -> Pin

Larry Grim: Whoa! I don't believe it! Ripper Jane STILL has Alison's number!

Apple Kid: That psycho is advancing in the tournament!

Larry Grim: Careful! She heard you!

Apple Kid: AH!

Ripper Jane came up to Apple Kid, leaned in, and licked his face before wandering off.

Larry Grim: ...The heck?

Apple Kid: Did I pee? I think I peed.

Backstage

Vargas Wargrave watched the result on a backstage monitor before turning toward Ted Pettentool. Harrow and Snakebite stood behind him with the Auditor, while Kinniku Mike leaned against a nearby equipment case. Nobody had bothered to provide Ted with much room.

Ted Pettentool: We heard from Trevor Mach earlier tonight. What is Team Wargrave’s response?

Vargas Wargrave: Trevor makes promises because people like hearing him make them. He tells them he’ll stand beside them. He tells them they’ll fight together. Listen carefully to what he never promises. He never promises they’ll leave in one piece.

Vargas looked directly into the lens, his white eye plainly visible.

Vargas Wargrave: He knows what I can do to him. That’s why he’s surrounding himself with people who still believe being brave is enough. At Hunter’s Moon, they’ll learn what it costs to follow him.

The Auditor: They’re already making excuses for each other. They will suffer, and I will find great enjoyment in that suffering. Mr. Mach has offered courage as protection. A touching misunderstanding. Courage merely allows a man to remain conscious of his obligations while they are collected.

Snakebite reached past Ted and took hold of the microphone.

Snakebite: Tell Dan and Jammer to enjoy looking at those belts. After tonight, that’s all they get to do.

Ted waited until Snakebite released the microphone before moving quickly backing away.

2. Singles: Marco De Leon vs. Arsense St. Marvelous
-Arsene entered with none of his usual theatrics or patience for Marco’s bravado. Marco was still spreading his arms to invite the crowd’s disapproval when Arsene grabbed him around the waist and dragged him into a pinning combination. Marco escaped at two, scrambled upright, and immediately found himself caught in another. By the third near fall, his smile was gone.

Marco tried to slow things down with a headlock, but Arsene slipped free and struck him with a dropkick. He chased Marco outside with a sliding kick, climbed onto the apron, and sent him into the barricade with a flying attack. The crowd finally had a reason to believe this might be the night Arsene made Marco pay for the repeated cheating.

Arsene rolled him back inside rather than waste time celebrating. That decision nearly earned him the match when he followed with a crossbody for two. Marco escaped to the corner and raised a hand toward the referee, complaining about his eye. Arsene hesitated just long enough for Marco to pull him forward into the turnbuckles.

Marco went after the neck immediately. He drove Arsene down with a neckbreaker, pulled him up for another, and used the ropes to force his upper body backward until the referee’s count reached four. Arsene fought him off with elbows, but Marco struck him across the back of the head and covered with a forearm pressed beneath his jaw. Arsene kicked out, angrier now, and that was exactly what Marco wanted.

Arsene’s next comeback was fast and desperate. He landed a pair of running strikes, ducked a clothesline, and nearly stole the match with a tight cradle. Marco escaped and retreated, drawing Arsene after him. When Arsene reached to pull him away from the ropes, Marco caught the arm, twisted behind him, and dragged him down into Lion Untamed.

Arsene’s boots scraped the mat as he tried to turn toward the ropes. He managed to shift his weight once, forcing Marco to adjust, but Marco rolled him back toward the center and tightened the hold. The crowd shouted for Arsene to keep moving. He reached again, fingers opening and closing, before his arm dropped.

The referee checked him and called for the bell.
Winner: Marco De Leon via Lion Untamed -> Referee Stoppage!

Larry Grim: Arsene steals hearts, and he's great in the ring, but he can't steal a win from Marco De Leon, no matter how hard he tries.

Apple Kid: That Lion Untamed is brutal! To his credit he never submits, but that's got to be doing so much more damage!

Larry Grim: A big win for Marco and BDSM, who are still recovering from recent losses, but the fighting between Mike and Marco seemed to be a big ruse of sorts to trick Dan Club for that big beat down.

Backstage

Boomtown had arranged a ring light, a phone stand, and the EBW X Championship in a backstage interview area. A handwritten sign on the wall read BOOMTOWN UNIVERSITY. Beneath it, he had added TUITION NONREFUNDABLE.

Boomtown: What’s up, chat? Today we’re talking about a dangerous condition affecting young wrestlers everywhere. Main Character Syndrome.

He tapped his phone, bringing up a still image of Zyro Kurogane.

Boomtown: Symptoms include dramatic hair, pointing at cameras, and assuming every championship opportunity is the beginning of your inspirational documentary. It's "YOUR STORY" after all, right? Give me a break! Chat, these clowns don't have the drip. They don't have the rizz. They don't have the STROKE!

An edited clip played of Zyro approaching the ring.

Boomtown: Now, Zyro has talent. I’m generous enough to admit that. But talent is only part of success. You also need branding, audience engagement, and the ability to understand that tonight is NON-title because I already have a championship and he doesn’t. I AM THE CHAMPION OF X! HIT THOSE LIKES, CHAT!

Zyro walked into the interview area and looked from the phone to the handwritten sign.



Zyro Kurogane: You made a school?

Boomtown: An educational platform.

Zyro Kurogane: Got your phone streaming? Good. Keep this running. Your followers should get to see what happens next.

Boomtown: The match is on X and Geistbook. I’m not giving away premium engagement!

Zyro Kurogane: You’re about to give away teeth.

Zyro left. Boomtown watched him go, waited until he was out of earshot, and faced the phone again.

Boomtown: See? Hostile toward educators.

Marco kept the hold for another second before releasing it with a satisfied grin. Dante Ward appeared at the entrance and marched toward the ring, prompting Marco to leave through the opposite side. Dante knelt beside Arsene while Marco backed up the aisle, pointing at his own head.
Winner: Marco De Leon via Lion Untamed -> Referee Stoppage!

Backstage

Tack Angel found Makoto near the dressing rooms and immediately resumed a conversation she had clearly hoped was finished.

Tack Angel: I’ve thought about it, and I still believe there’s an imbalance.

Makoto Angel: There’s certainly something wrong.

Tack Angel: Trevor saw you naked. I haven’t seen Tali naked. That leaves one side of this situation unresolved.

Makoto stared at him while he waited for her to acknowledge the strength of his argument.

Makoto Angel: Tali said no.

Tack Angel: I know what she said. I’m talking about the principle.

Makoto Angel: The principle is that Tali said no.

Tack Angel: You’re making it sound very simple.

Makoto rolled her eyes, adjusted the bag over her shoulder, and walked away. Tack watched her go before noticing Usagi Tsukino standing beside a vending machine.



Usagi Tsukino: You need to let it go.

Tack Angel: Usagi, I am the most stubborn person on Earth.

Usagi Tsukino: I’m beginning to believe that.

Tack Angel: But also the most humble. And a really nice guy.

Usagi stopped chewing.

Usagi Tsukino: You can’t announce that you’re the most humble person on Earth.

Tack Angel: I'm not making myself clear, and that's very frustrating. If people don't believe exactly what I feel about myself...well then we just have a HUGE problem!

Usagi Tsukino: Tali doesn’t owe you anything. This stuff happens! I mean, you know how many times we've actually been naked? I mean sure, we were bathed in this weird prismatic color, but one time I literally sprouted wings and was FULLY NUDE when I had to beat up someone who had it coming. Speaking of which, that Nimbus Tenebrae is trouble. I think this is exactly what she wanted, even though she lost to Makoto. I think it's about implanting some serious nega vibes into your heart! Listen, Trevor having an awkward day at work isn’t a coupon.

Tack looked down at the folded paper in his hand. Usagi noticed.

Usagi Tsukino: Please tell me you didn’t make a coupon.

Tack quietly put it in his pocket.

Tack Angel: It was more of a formal request.

Usagi Tsukino: Let it gooooooo.

She walked after Makoto, leaving Tack alone.

Tack Angel: ...No one knows how hard it is to be Tack Angel!

3. Geistbook Championship Tournament Round 1: Ayame Nocturne vs. Roxy Dux
-Roxy Dux stepped into the ring and began warming up her legs against the ropes. Apple Kid briefly lost his place in his notes.

Larry Grim: Her name is on the first line.

Apple Kid: I know her name.

Larry Grim: You’re drooling.

Apple Kid: I’m studying her kickboxing. It's very VERY impressive.

Ayame had clearly done more useful studying. She stayed outside Roxy’s kicking range, drawing her forward with small feints before catching a leg and sweeping the other out from under her. Roxy landed on her hip, annoyed, and Ayame immediately attacked the ankle rather than allowing her a clean restart.

Roxy used her free boot to push Ayame away and returned to her feet, but she had already learned that this wouldn’t be a simple striking contest. Ayame crowded her whenever she tried to set her stance, forcing her toward the corners and landing short attacks to the body. When Roxy attempted a roundhouse, Ayame ducked beneath it and pulled her into a quick pin for two.

The Chickboxer answered with a stiff kick to the thigh that stopped Ayame’s next advance. Another followed, and Ayame’s footwork began to lose its smoothness. Roxy didn’t chase her. She held the center, made Ayame come back within range, and punished each entry with a kick or a straight punch to the body.

Ayame found one more opening by slipping behind a high kick and driving Roxy face first into the middle turnbuckle. She pulled her away from the corner and covered, pressing down with everything she had, but Roxy powered a shoulder free. Ayame immediately tried to keep her grounded. Roxy fought onto one knee, broke the grip, and shoved her backward.

Ayame stepped in again, expecting another low kick. Roxy’s eyes dropped toward her leg, but the kick came high. Her shin caught Ayame across the side of the head, dropping her before she could raise her guard. Roxy covered immediately.
Winner: Roxy Dux via Head Kick -> Pin

Apple Kid: Wooooooow.

Larry Grim: Roxy Dux is VERY VERY impressive! We're getting some impressive talent in EBW!

Apple Kid: Her thighs are very impressive!

Larry Grim: We have another newcomer on her way!

Apple Kid: ...Oh yeah? I bet she can't be as impressive as Roxy Dux!

Larry Grim: She's a...character alright.

Backstage

A strange sound echoed through the hallway, followed by a cheerful giggle. The lights began flickering between pink and red as a small circus melody played over the speakers.



Cherry Chuckles: Hiiiiiiii, everybody! Heeheehee!

Cherry Chuckles skipped into view, flashing an enormous smile. Her bright pigtails and...clown assets bounced beneath her little checkered top hat, and her colorful wrestling gear sparkled beneath the fluorescent lights. She leaned toward the camera, waving enthusiastically.

Cherry Chuckles: My name is Cherry! Cherry Chuckles! And guess what? Your favorite little circus sweetheart has officially arrived in EARTHBOUND WRESTLING! YAAAAAY!

She clapped excitedly before twirling around and striking a playful pose.

Cherry Chuckles: Ooooh, I've been watching you girls! And let me tell you something, EBW has some REALLY interesting people! You've got princesses, witches, tough girls, scary girls, and even a girl who thinks she's a shark! Heehee! That's adorable!

Cherry placed a finger against her cheek, pretending to think.

Cherry Chuckles: But you know what this place is missing? A little FUN! A little LAUGHTER! A little bit of good old fashioned CIRCUS CHAOS!

She produced a bright red cherry from behind her ear and popped it into her mouth.

Cherry Chuckles: Mmmm! Delicious!

Her smile widened.

Cherry Chuckles: Now, don't let this cute little face fool you, sweethearts! I might wear pretty bows and tell silly jokes, but I've also spent years learning how to make people FLIP! And TUMBLE! And FALL RIGHT ON THEIR LITTLE....BUTTS!

She giggled.

Cherry Chuckles: That's right! I'm an acrobat! I'm a daredevil! And when that bell rings, I'm gonna turn that wrestling ring into my very own BIG TOP!

Cherry performed a quick cartwheel, landing perfectly before blowing a kiss toward the camera.

Cherry Chuckles: When I hit that ring, the joke is going to be on YOU!

-

Apple Kid: .....Clussy.

Larry Grim: What?!

Apple Kid: HUH?! WHAT LARRY?! WHAT?!

Larry Grim: Let's...get to the next match. Generational rivals collide in non-title action.

Apple Kid: What?!

4. Non-Title Singles: Zyro Kurogane vs. Boomtown
-Boomtown insisted on taking one last photograph with his championship before handing it to the timekeeper. Zyro waited in the opposite corner, unimpressed. When the bell rang, Boomtown offered a handshake and immediately tried to kick him in the stomach. Zyro caught the boot, turned him around, and sent him scrambling with a dropkick.

The opening minutes belonged to Zyro. He moved too quickly for Boomtown to set up his usual distractions, keeping him off balance with sharp changes of direction and driving him out of the ring after a fast exchange. Boomtown landed beside the commentary desk and held up both hands.

Zyro followed him outside, and Boomtown finally found an opening by circling the desk and catching him as he came around the corner. He drove Zyro into the apron, rolled him inside, and followed with a slingshot attack for a near fall. His expression changed once he had control. Beneath the constant performance, he was still dangerous, and he began cutting off the ring with the confidence of a champion.

Boomtown worked Zyro’s ribs, forcing him to spend energy escaping holds instead of building speed. He caught a springboard attempt and dropped him across a knee, then covered with a handful of tights until the referee spotted it. Boomtown released the grip and acted offended by the accusation.

Zyro fought back with a series of strikes, but Boomtown cut him off again and nearly landed Here Comes the Boom! Zyro slipped free at the last instant, struck him across the jaw, and sent both men down with a desperate counter. The crowd rose as they struggled upright.

Boomtown swung first. Zyro ducked, struck twice, and began moving with the speed that had troubled Boomtown from the opening bell. Let it Rip caught the X Champion cleanly. Zyro followed him down and reached to secure the Straight Jacket Hagen, prompting Boomtown to scramble toward the ropes and spill onto the floor.

Zyro waited for him to stand, ready to finish what he had started. Boomtown looked at him, looked at his championship on the timekeeper’s table, and made his decision. He snatched up the belt, returned to the apron, and drove the faceplate into Zyro’s head as he approached.

The referee immediately called for the bell.
Winner: Zyro Kurogane via DQ

Larry Grim: Oh come on! The Influencer couldn't handle the heat, so he brought the belt into the equation and took the cheap way out.

Apple Kid: He didn't really bring the BOOM on that one. Zyro Kurogane might still have his eyes on the EBW Championship, but I say he's got a claim to a rematch with Boomtown for the X Championship.

Larry Grim: Well we'll see how that all plays out following Hunter's Moon, and speaking of that, we're about to find out who will be the EBW Tag Team Champions at Hunter's Moon, as the main event is up next!

Backstage

Bashin Dan was tightening his wrist tape and shuffling his deck when Kinniku Mike hit him from behind.

Dan struck the edge of an equipment case shoulder first and barely had time to turn before Mike drove him into the concrete wall. Hope Mach, standing near the dressing room door, rushed forward and shouted at Mike to stop. He dismissed her with a glance and grabbed Dan again.

Dan fought back with a forearm, forcing Mike to give ground. For a moment he created enough space to get clear, but Mike caught him by the arm and slammed him down across a folded ladder leaning beside the wall. The metal crashed onto the floor beneath him. Dan tried to rise and folded around his ribs.

Kinniku Mike: Still think you’re everybody’s hero?

Hope struck Mike across the shoulder to get his attention, furious now. Mike turned toward her just as Benjamin and Jammer came running around the corner. Benjamin drove into him, forcing him away from Dan, while Jammer pulled Hope back and knelt beside his partner. Officials arrived between Mike and Benjamin before the fight could spread farther.

Jammer: Dan, stay down. Don’t try to prove anything.

Bashin Dan: The match—

Jammer: I know what the match is!

Mike backed away with a grin.

Kinniku Mike: Better find somebody who can climb.

Little Mac arrived as the medical staff began checking Dan. Dan insisted he could wrestle, but the attempt to sit upright left him struggling for breath. Mac shook his head.

Little Mac: You’re not going out there.

Benjamin stood beside Jammer, looking down at their injured friend.

Benjamin: I am.

Mac considered him, then looked toward Jammer.

Little Mac: I’ll authorize the substitution. Benjamin and Jammer defend for Dan Club. Get ready.

Dan caught Benjamin’s wrist before he could leave.

Bashin Dan: Bring them back.

Benjamin: We will.

5. EBW Tag Team Championship Ladder: Bashin Dan(c)/Jammer(c) vs. Harrow/Snakebite vs. Java Coffington/Grind vs. Preston Payne/Barry Dockett
-Main event time, with the EBW Tag Team Championships on the line. Bashin Dan had been attacked before the match, but Jammer didn't let that stop the team, as Benjamin joined him for the big match. The match began with Harrow and Snakebite charging Dan Club before the other teams had fully entered. Benjamin met Harrow head-on, while Jammer dragged Snakebite through the ropes with him. Java and Grind used the opening to bring the first ladder inside, only for the Legal Limit to attack them from behind.

With eight men and no reason to wait for a tag, the ring quickly became a fight over who could create enough space to climb. Preston and Barry worked together efficiently, using a folded ladder to force Java into the corner before turning it toward Grind. Grind jumped onto the middle ropes and vaulted over the ladder, landing behind them. Java kicked it back into their chests, and both members of the Legal Limit went down.

Grind tried the first serious climb. He made it halfway before Snakebite tipped the ladder, forcing him to jump toward the ropes. Harrow caught him as he landed and threw him into the corner. Java rushed to help and was flattened by Snakebite. For the first time, the monsters had control of the ring.

Benjamin entered with a running strike that staggered Harrow, but it took a second to move him and a third to send him into the ropes. Snakebite caught Benjamin from behind before he could finish the job. Together, they drove him down onto the folded ladder.

Jammer saw Benjamin’s body hit the metal and abandoned his own fight with Barry. He rushed across the ring, catching Snakebite with a jumping knee before Harrow stopped him with a heavy blow. Jammer dropped to one knee, tried to rise, and took another. The Auditor watched from outside without offering a word.

Harrow opened the ladder under the belts while Snakebite held Jammer back. Benjamin crawled toward them, still trying to recover his breath. Java reached Harrow first, climbing the opposite side and throwing punches across the top. Harrow absorbed them and grabbed him by the throat, but Grind springboarded onto the ladder’s side, adding his weight and forcing Harrow to release the grip.

All three men struggled above the ring. Preston and Barry solved the problem by shoving the ladder over.

Java and Grind landed badly near the ropes. Harrow came down on his feet but stumbled into Benjamin, who drove him backward and over the top rope with a desperate clothesline. Benjamin fell to his knees afterward, holding his back.

Apple Kid: There isn’t a man in this match who hasn’t taken something out of that ladder!

Larry Grim: And we still haven’t had anybody use it for its intended purpose.

The Legal Limit nearly changed that. Barry set up the ladder while Preston pulled Benjamin away by an ankle. Jammer tried to intervene, but Whitaker reached beneath the ropes and caught his foot. Jammer kicked free, turned toward him, and missed Barry beginning the climb.

Java tackled Preston through the ropes. Grind slid back inside and caught Barry just below the top, pulling him down into a frantic exchange. Barry shoved him away and reached upward. Grind climbed again, this time hooking Barry and dragging both of them down from the ladder.

Whitaker covered his face. Jammer looked at him through the ropes and smiled despite the blood at his lip.

Jammer: File that one.

Snakebite returned before Jammer could turn around, striking him from behind and dragging him toward the ladder. Harrow followed, but Java and Grind met him at the ropes, refusing to let the monsters take advantage of their work. The three spilled outside, where Harrow drove Java into the barricade before Grind sent himself into both men with a dive.

Inside, Snakebite climbed. Jammer caught his boot and hauled himself up behind him, refusing to let go even when Snakebite stamped down at his hands. Benjamin pulled himself upright on the opposite side of the ring. He saw Jammer losing his grip, saw Snakebite reaching toward the belts, and forced his aching body to move.

Benjamin struck Snakebite with a Spear as he came down from the lower rungs, driving him clear of the ladder. Both men hit the mat hard. Jammer fell beside them, rolled onto his stomach, and shouted for Benjamin to get up.

Preston slid inside and grabbed Benjamin before he could climb. Jammer intercepted him and drove him down with Slam Jam. Barry reached through the ropes, but Java pulled him back to the floor. Grind threw himself into the fight to keep both men occupied, still trying to give his own team a way back into contention.

Benjamin climbed slowly. Each step hurt, and his right hand slipped once before he caught the next rung. Jammer braced the ladder beneath him, watching Harrow drag himself toward the apron.

Harrow reached the ropes. Jammer left the ladder just long enough to knock him back down, then returned as Benjamin reached the top. The belts swung away from Benjamin’s fingers. He waited rather than lunging, steadied himself, and reached again.

This time he caught them.

Benjamin worked the fastening loose and pulled both championships down against his chest.
Winners: Benjamin[o]/Jammer via Title Grab -> Title Defense!

Jammer leaned against the ladder and laughed in relief. Benjamin remained at the top for another moment, holding the belts tightly while the crowd chanted for Dan Club.

Their celebration lasted until Kinniku Mike appeared at the entrance.

Jammer saw him first and straightened up despite the pain in his back. Benjamin began climbing down, refusing to leave him alone. Mike started toward the ring, but Tack Angel came out from the side of the entrance and struck him before he reached the aisle.

The crowd erupted as Tack drove Mike into the barricade. Vargas Wargrave emerged behind them with Boomtown, and the fight threatened to overwhelm Tack until Trevor Mach and Zyro Kurogane arrived. Trevor went straight for Vargas. Zyro chased Boomtown away from Tack, catching him with a strike before Boomtown could use the X Championship again.

Harrow and Snakebite recovered at ringside, but Benjamin and Jammer met them with the belts still in their hands. Officials poured into the aisle as the Auditor watched the growing fight with visible interest. Trevor and Vargas exchanged punches against the railing, neither willing to give ground until security forced bodies between them.

Apple Kid: This is what we’re heading toward at Hunter’s Moon! There won’t be enough officials to separate them once they’re locked inside!

Larry Grim: Mike tried to leave Dan Club without a partner. They’re still leaving with their championships.

Hope appeared near the entrance with Dan and a member of the medical staff. Dan held his ribs, as he tried to get into the fight to get a piece of Kinniku Mike.

Larry Grim: Bedlam is breaking out in EBW! We're out of time...even though we don't have time limits on X and Geistbook! Still, I hope Blake Faust enjoyed the show! Goodnight everybody!