DISCLAIMER: I only own Jesse Alvarez, Joshua Garza, Carter Young, Stan Terra, Hannibal Ambrose, Erik Rollins, Damian Reigns, Luke Smith, Kurt Hudson, Kenji Matsuo, Zack Carver, Mike "The Mic" Martin, Clarissa Rivera, Alyssa Parker, and Maria Lopez. Anything else here (music and lyrics, fiction and non-fiction characters, other OCs, etc.), I own NONE of them.
Note: This chapter takes place before FUSION XXX and UWE Rumble Royale.
Enjoy.
ACW Saturday Night RAMPAGE: August 10th, Week 2
[TV-14]
I heard you've been looking for me
(The logo of RAMPAGE appears floating onscreen with multiple shattered glass, which were featuring multiple RAMPAGE roster members such as Sasuke Uchiha glowering from ringside with Sharingan eyes; The Domino City Machine Guns posing back to back with their "gun fingers" pointing at the ring; Jeremy Ellis looks around the whole arena with a smirk.)
But, you look for trouble (Trouble...)
(Tony Blake mouths off to the camera while Adrian Blake stand stoic with arms folded behind his brother; Kenshin Himura sheathes his Sakabatō with his eyes closed before opening to deadly amber eyes like the Hitokiri Battōsai he was before.)
You're gonna see that
(Alpha & Omega celebrate their ACW World Tag Team Championship victory with their embracing hug; Jason Krueger awaits in the corner for a measuring Gore with a very bloody face before fading to Ichigo Kurosaki doing the same thing for a Spear.)
Your words are dangerous (Words are dangerous...)
(RC Bane stands in the middle of the ring with a microphone in hand while scowling at the booing crowd; Ian Hecox crotch chops DX-style with his tongue hanging out as Anthony Padilla smirks widely with an arm around his friend and motioning the "bring it on" gesture to the camera.)
Your talk is cheap (Cheap...)
(Trish Warrington gestures "Come hither" to the camera before suddenly pounding her left fist into her right palm with an evil grin; Zeke Aries poses Miz style at the turnbuckles with sneering arrogant grin; a sitting Felix "PewDiePie" Kjellberg lifts his head up to glare at the camera.)
I'm standing here!
(Joan Rivera arrives onstage from the ACW Brand Extension with arms splayed and a smirk; "Edback" growls intensely while winding his right arm with Eddy pointing at the camera with an evil smirk.)
Still standing hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
(Saeko Busujima sides in the ring and whips her hair back Lita style; Duke Devlin leaps for the Five Star Frog Splash; Sasuke Uchiha forms a "Releasing the Doves" pose à la Randy Orton; PewDiePie nails a flying Bro Fist to James Griffin on the ladder.)
Don't question my heart!
(New Devastation performs ND Express on Alex Loredo; Edd removes his hood and poses à la A.J. Styles; Rei Miyamoto, Saeko Busujima and Saya Takagi leap over the top rope simultaneously to the outside.)
Still standing hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
(Sarah Ortiz points at the fans with a wink; Alpha & Omega hit a Double Spear to an unaware Takashi Komuro; Jeremy Ellis lets out a passionate roar.)
Don't question the fire that burns insiiiiiiiiiiiiide!
(Sasuke Uchiha cricks his neck and revs his right foot in the corner, ready for a gruesome Punt Kick; Ichigo Kurosaki spears Jason Krueger through the ropes and into the flaming table; Zeke Aries plants an off-guard Kenshin Himura with the Half Nelson Facebuster; Ashley Storm hits the Tough Luck on Saeko Busujima; Tommy Oliver appears onstage, Green Ranger helmet flashing over his head; PewDiePie strikes a Bro Fist into the camera, shattering the whole screen into glass pieces that an encrusted dark-purple fist breaks through as the RAMPAGE logo is literally punched in on impact.)
The glass pieces shatter down in transition to the stage set of RAMPAGE as "Don't Question My Heart" by Saliva featuring Brent Smith proceeds to the instrumental solo in full blast and fireworks in the color of violet and red shoot at the RAMPAGEtron, then violet pyros explode out all over the stage and shooting left to right repeatedly like a machine gun for a few seconds before one final blast out of crimson and violet pyrotechnics from the stage. The lights came on immediately in the arena, and the audience roared ferociously in fervor, absolutely thrilled as the camera went over them. The fans throughout the arena were holding signs such as: "Joan Rivera: Gamer Chump"; "Hardcore Foundation Sucks"; "Marry Me, Saeko!"; "#JusticeForPewds"; "Long Live Power Ranger Jesus!" as they chanted, "AC-DUB! AC-DUB! AC-DUB!"
"You're looking live at 8,935 attendance members standing from their seats and going wild for the sixth edition of RAMPAGE from the Landon Arena, better known as the Kansas ExpoCentre and formerly known as the Sunflower State ExpoCentre as we are in the capital of 'The Sunflower State' known as 'Top City' Topeka, Kansas!" Ted Mosby exclaims...as he takes a brief moment to catch his breath. "Good evening, everyone, I'm 'The Architect' Ted Mosby alongside with 'The Creator of the Guide' Ned Bigby and 'Gorgeous' Logan Reese at ringside in this very commentary table, ready to call the action!"
("Firewater" by Sinister Growley plays)
"Whoa! ...O-Okay, we didn't expect this," Ted says, the crowd receiving Jason Krueger with jeers, which Krueger scoffs off and marches down to the ring.
"Krueger opening the show...I can deal with that," Logan nods. "We can only guess what's in this guy's head."
"If it involves Ichigo, that's not surprising. Anything else...I rather not guess what else lurks deep in his psychotic mind," Ned states.
"...Fair point," Reese agrees.
"Anyway, in case you haven't caught up, ladies and gentlemen," Ted starts explaining as clips of last week's main event were replayed, "last week on RAMPAGE V, Ichigo Kurosaki defended his Hardcore Championship in an open challenge bout, which was answered by pro wrestling and Power Ranger legend, Tommy Oliver. Soon after retaining the belt successfully, Kurosaki was attacked by Krueger, the former champion assaulting him for one purpose: regaining what he believes to belong to him," Ted explains.
"It does belongs to Jason, Mosby," Logan retorts. "Rebellion was nothing more than a tragic night for Jason by the time he lost his title to Strawberry of all people! It won't be long before the transitional champion known as Strawberry Kurosaki gives the belt back to the REAL titleholder."
"With as much time as we have left before Jason Krueger starts explaining his reason for being out here, allow me to inform you guys what you can expect for tonight's episode; Saeko Busujima and Trish Warrington will be action as the former is on a mission to avenge Saya Takagi, then we have in-ring re-debut of Joan Rivera, and tonight is part two of the quarterfinal match-ups in the ACW World Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's Tournament, featuring Domino City Machine Guns versus Blake Bros. 2.0 and New Devastation versus the Second City Saints," Ned states. "The Wolves and The Naughty Dogs have advanced from Ignition VI last night, so we can only guess who will be moving on into the semifinals by next week."
"But as of right now, Bigby...screen time belongs to Krueger," Logan says.
{Fast-forward}
"You all know why I'm here, so I'm gonna cut to the chase," Jason says, now standing in the ring, turns his eyes on the stage set. "Kurosaki! Unless you want to be a little bitch and hide in the back after the beating I gave you last week, I suggest you get your ass in this ring right now."
Lowering the mic, the Gore Machine paces around the ring impatiently while his maniacal, hazel eyes focus heavily on the stage, waiting for the titleholder of Hardcore to make his appearance...
...
...
...
...and after a minute of waiting...
...
[You think you know me...]
("Metalingus" by Alter Bridge plays)
"Ah, guess someone's man enough to come out and face the man who rightfully deserves a rematch!" Logan says, raising his voice to match the pop from the crowd.
{Fast-forward}
"The Rated-R Reaper" Ichigo Kurosaki joins Jason in the ring with the Hardcore Championship on his shoulder, standing across from him as the two stare each other down. Soon enough, Ichigo raises a microphone he requested up to his lips to speak.
"Okay, I'm here like you've wanted, Krueger. Either get to what's going through your demented head before I go ahead to kicking your ass for wasting my time," Ichigo recommends.
Jason snorts at his warning and replies, "Cute. Honestly, I shouldn't have to answer to YOU because you should damn well know what I want, Kurosaki. And what I want...is what's resting on your shoulder—what has been taken away from me nearly two weeks back at Rebellion. I want what's already been unfortunately infected and ruined by your filthy, unwanted hands that cling onto my belt. I want back what's rightfully mine and that is the ACW Hardcore Championship! ...But here's the thing...I don't want at Summer Wars...and I don't want it any later...than now. I want my belt back and I will ensure your doom is inevitable by ridding the thorn in my side and becoming the first-ever two-time Hardcore Champion—better yet, I'd make so much history tonight by killing your reign so young and becoming the first-ever two-time champion in this company...and I'm going to enjoy all...of...that."
The Gore Machine growls in Ichigo's face, backing away from him to hear his answer as Ichigo then talks into his microphone.
"Now first of all, Krueger...it's called a 'mint', so be sure get yourself one once ya leave, all right?" Ichigo suggests, resulting audience members chuckling and Krueger sneer at him. "Second...I don't see anything wrong with us tearing each other apart one more time for this belt I carry on my shoulder. I doubt these fans and everyone worldwide mind us kicking the hell out of each other, huh?" The Landon Arena becomes filled with a loud anticipatory reaction from the spectators. "Yeah, that's what I thought... By the way, Jase...this belt you claimed to be 'infected and ruined' by my 'filthy, unwanted hands'...I already made it a hell of a lot better than you did in your entire first reign by last week when I fought Power Ranger Jesus."
That comment received an excessively loud positive reaction of cheers and whistles from the fans, a "Tommy!" chant breaking out...
...as Ichigo continues, "So...you can take what you said and shove it. But, in any case...you want a rematch? ...You got it. (crowd pops) Best to deal with you now if I'm to move on with my reign."
"Not if I end it first, Kurosaki," Jason responds, getting in the champion's face with a snarl. "I plan on getting my Hardcore Title back...one way or another."
Ichigo, unfazed and now going forehead-to-forehead, replies, "Better hope you bring all you got for later on then, Krueger."
With that, Ichigo backs away to leave the ring through the ropes...but not before Krueger gives note, "Actually, Kurosaki...who said anything about us fighting later?"
"Ooooooh..." the crowd goes, realizing his words...
...and this stops Ichigo halfway in the ropes...as he slowly brings one foot back inside and chuckles, "Heh...ya know...now you say that—"
[EVERYTHING'S FALLING APART!]
"Falling Apart" by Zebrahead plays in interruption to what could've been a thrilling clash between Ichigo and Jason, both who were caught off guard by the appearance of RAMPAGE General Manager Joshua Garza.
"Well, well...seems business is about to pick up," Ted perks both eyebrows in interest.
"We were about to be introduced to a massive collision, but Joshua Garza might have something to say," Ned says.
"Killjoy. We were close to see Krueger kick Strawberry's ass," Logan groans.
{Fast-forward}
"Excuse me for interrupting you boys, but as much as I love watching some good old fashioned hardcore matches," Josh pauses as the fans agree with him by their cheers, "I'm afraid that your rematch will actually have to wait for later as tonight's main event," now the fans boo, definitely impatient. "So yeah...sorry. You want the Hardcore Title back, Jason? I'll allow your rematch clause to happen, but I do suggest you wait to practically kill Ichigo in the main event. Understand?"
Jason, obviously irritated that he has to wait, reluctantly agrees, "Yeah, yeah, sure, Garza... Although, if I am allowed, I have the right to—" Krueger spikes his microphone against Ichigo's skull, provoking a trade of fists to each other's heads to the enjoyment of the crowd!
"OH, HERE WE GO! Jason nailing the first strike and Ichigo retaliating—both men giving a preview for what's to come tonight! And the fans in Topeka, Kansas highly agrees with it!" Ted shouts.
"I know I do! Get him, Krueger!" Logan endorses.
{Fast-forward}
The Gore Machine overpowers Ichigo with his hard hitting fists to the temple, then a knee to the midsection and takes him with an Irish whip to the opposite ringside. Ichigo stops himself by hooking his arms on the top rope, prompting Jason to charge straight forward...and Ichigo pulls down the ring rope that brings cause and effect to Jason tumbling over to the outside and crashing harshly on the thinly padded floor!
"Out goes Jason Krueger!" Ned exclaims.
"Now Ichigo has something else mind..."
As he measures Jason rising to his feet, Ichigo then makes a run for the ropes...
...
...and gives his challenger a Suicide Dive that sends them both landing near the ramps!
"...and that pays off with a Topé Suicida!" Ted calls.
"But Strawberry ain't through yet—he's searching for something dangerous under the ring!" Logan remarks.
Eventually, Ichigo finishes his rummage as he brings out a fresh table from under the ring and sets it up by ringside. After that, he grabs Kruger to lay him on the table, but he fights back, landing shots to the ribs and smashing his head straight into the wooden object. As Ichigo is down and dazed from the effects, Jason ambles to the steel steps and pops open the top half of the stairs...baring two items: a lighter and a small bottle of gasoline.
"Evil intentions in Krueger's twisted mind... I'm not liking what's to come for later tonight," Ned says.
"From the looks of things, Jason intends to confirm that Strawberry's in an absolute weak state before the main event!" Logan asserts.
The Newark, New Jersey native now douses the entire table top with oil and tosses aside for a lighter in hand, flickering it on...and lowering it to the table—kendo stick shot by Ichigo to the kidneys!
"And the table is—ooh, Ichigo attacking Jason with the kendo stick, preventing what could've been his fate!" Ted states. "And he's on the offense, nailing shot after shot—oh, Krueger with the low blow, now high-tailing out of there!"
"Can't really blame him when your plans are stopped," Logan muses.
"Jason Krueger escapes the Hardcore Champion's wrath for now...and we can only guess what they will do to each other by the end of this episode," Ned utters.
Jason staggers to the stage with a hand on his sides to nurse the bruises, glaring at Ichigo, who holds his lower regions and returns the scowl to his challenger. Krueger v. Kurosaki III is on the horizon for tonight's main event...and the audience of Topeka cannot wait for what the Gore Machine and the Substitute Shinigami have in store for each other.
[Commercial Break]
"The Gamer Champ" Joan Rivera vs. "The Queen of Water" Ashley Williams
– As this episode kicks off with an opening contest featuring the in-ring re-debut of Joan Rivera and the official in-ring debut of Ashley Williams (a young female adult with freckles at the age of 18 who has water blue wavy long hair at shoulder length, brown eyes, pale skin and a slender body; her in-ring attire includes a strapless wrestling sports bra in water blue, wrestling trunks measured at thigh length in water blue with water designs in white, black knee pads and black wrestling boots), both ladies are willing to make an important first impression for the Topeka audience and likewise worldwide to the millions watching from their screens, especially Ashley. From another point of view, one would mention the awkward fact that Josh is the one that rehired Joan (much to a certain Latino Kid's dismay), and is in a relationship with Ashley outside of ACW business. So one can only hope the Queen of Water doesn't become a simple victim of the Gamer Champ's plans to make a comeback.
– Both women started off the match nice and neat, careful to calculate and analyze each other with their back and forth trade of mat-based wrestling maneuvers. Sometimes, Joan overpowers Ashley and vice versa, impressing the mass with their knowledgeable usage reversals and holds. This eventually came to an end by Ashley's hands once she decided she had enough of Joan's arrogance demeaning her and takes her down via double leg takedown with a fury of fists thereafter. Joan sees how it is and changes up her game to fight the same style, countering Ashley's Clothesline into a DDT. Joan then takes Ashley to a corner, where she chops her right in the chest not once, not twice, but thrice, all taking her time in delivering those shots. Ashley holds her chest as she reaches center of the ropes and gets taken for an Irish whip...and takes a bent-over Joan Rivera down with a Swinging Neckbreaker! Ashley with the quick cover and Joan kicks out at 1.47.
– Two running forearm smashes in later, Ashley bounces off the ropes…and Joan shoves her midway off a Tilt-a-whirl Headscissors Takedown, hooks her swinging arm and traps her in a tight hammerlock. Ashley reaches around for Joan's head, but she kicks behind her knee to bring her down, eventually holding her at a prone position. Logan Reese notes that Joan is best suited for mat-based wrestling as she excels in it and like a gamer, she analyzes her matches and her opponents to get an understanding for what she has to do in order to win. During the hold, Joan rests her knee on the arm to pose in front of the booing crowd, conceitedly proclaiming to have won an achievement trophy for her posture and how she has Ashley, who's obviously upset at Joan's disparaging her again, on the ropes before putting her in a type of Reverse Chinlock to add extra pressure. Eventually, Ashley escapes that Chinlock and commences her rise to a vertical base quite quickly, elbowing Joan's head before hopping over her like a Shiranui attempt and transitions midway into an Arm Drag! Joan is on her feet and Ashley runs with an Enzuigiri shot to the skull that causes Joan to stumble into the middle row rope, then Ashley makes a run for the ropes...returns back to where Joan is...and hits a leapfrog body guillotine on NOTHING when Rivera catches her midair with a surprise Spinebuster, spine on the pine and one Joan never pulling off a power move like that, but had to do what he had to do to gain the upper hand!
– Now Ashley hits the ropes, ducks a Clothesline and comes back with her momentum used against her by Joan to get tossed out of the ring! Joan uses this chance to get a breather...but she has no clue that Ashley is actually standing on the apron, measuring her opponent, who sees her and sprints into a shoulder block targeted at her midsection...and hops over Joan with a Slingshot Sunset Flip Powerbomb...but Joan maintains her stance with Ashley's legs hooked under her armpits! She adjusts her up on her shoulders...and Alabama Slams her back center of the canvas! She attains the cover, hook of the leg...and Ashley kicks out at 2.41! Joan, staring a hole through Ashley for her constant kick-outs, tries to maintain her composure while watching her opponent slowly reach to her knees and thus begins a slow, agonizing series of shoot kicks to the chest. Each kick that struck Ashley earned a "No!" chant from the audience and that encourages Joan to keep going, picking up the pace. After nine shoot kicks, Joan reels her kicking leg back as the crowd raises their voices in anticipation...and Ashley ducks and rolls up Joan...and catches her with the Sleeping Hold! One comment in particular had Logan yelling Joan can't tap out to "some paper champion from Pitiful Crappy Unpleasant Wrestling"...and Ted said the following: "For anyone of Peach Creek Ultimate Wrestling watching this episode, let it be known that is Logan Reese's opinion. Take nothing personal from the all of us at ACW, who would like to apologize for his impulsive attitude and want no unnecessary backlash from this."
– Ashley hops onto Joan with her legs wrapped around her waist like a monkey on her back, the latter now having trouble breathing and reaching the ropes after the former preserved her position at the center of the ring. The Gamer Champ nearly drops to a knee as she grows woozy, appearing to faint at any moment...but grabs onto the Water Queen's hair and yanks at it, forcing her to lose her grip a bit...and that gives Joan a breather to nail a Backpack Jawbreaker! Shawn Yeager warns her about hair-pulling, but Joan couldn't give a crap as she was just happy to breathe freely. As of this moment, Ashley, holding her jaw, gets to one foot—and eats a Shining Wizard with vicious authority! The silently livid Joan sizes up her reviving opponent to her vertical base, then bounces off the violet ring ropes and—runs into a Superkick—BLOCKED! Joan swings the foot down and Superkicks—that gets blocked, too! She spins her out and into a Front Facelock, trying to lift her into a cradle...
...
...but Joan counters that into a Northern Lights Suplex, bridge included, Shawn Yeager quick to drop and count: 1...2...Ashley pops her shoulder up! Both roll to their feet, run into each other...and Joan tilt-a-whirls around on Ashley into the Headscissors Armbar, one she calls the 'Red Ring of Death'! From the looks of things, Ashley is close to surrendering as she struggles to stay in this contest and Joan is using all her strength to really tighten the Red Ring of Death, squeezing her thighs tight around the neck and yanking back at the arm! Ashley now stands on both knees, eyes glazing over and Shawn Yeager, keeping a close eye on the hold, watches Ashley's free hand trembling...and calls for the bell as Ashley is forced to tap out!
– "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid" by The Offspring plays, the crowd boos at the resulted winner, yet giving the deserved respect to the performance given by the two as Joan Rivera raises her fists with the referee holding up her right arm to signal her as the victor. Joan turns her attention to Ashley and referee Shawn Yeager steps in to make sure no post-match assault happens, but Joan raises her hands in defense as she has no reason to physically attack her...and yet, that didn't stop her from crudely commentating to Ashley that she may didn't get that much experience points like she expected, but they were better than nothing. To paraphrase, Ashley didn't impress Joan enough and the Queen of Water glares at the Gamer Champ on her way out.
– Ted Mosby goes on to give respect to Ashley that despite her loss via cap, she has nothing to be ashamed of. She did more than enough to impress us all on the main roster. The fans agree with the front-row seats giving her light praise while Ashley makes her way to the stage, passing stray high-fives.
Backstage Segment – Mike "The Mic" Martin interviews "The Cunning Wolf" Luke Smith
– Mike "The Mic" Martin introduces his guest, the inaugural ACW Phenomenal Champion, Luke Smith, and commences into his job by inquiring why he won't allow PewDiePie to have contendership shot at the title. Smith merely chuckles, asking if he was serious, in which he was and slightly confused right now.
– "Martin...just how forgetful are you, hm?" Luke probes rhetorically. "It's like as if I have to repeat myself in order to confirm how scatterbrained you really are. Nonetheless, I'll entertain your question. Felix is not the level where he deserves a title shot at this belt I carry proudly. See, he involved himself in the middle of this tournament when at the time, he was a backstage interviewer. Those in the International Title Tournament were there since the beginning while Felix inserted himself, complaining about feeling "left behind" when he's already in another company in Fiction Wrestling Entertainment and YouTube Wrestling Federation that apparently somehow exists, but that isn't going to count for any-damn-thing when the latter promotion is the TNA to Felix's Jeff Jarrett. He wants to run his damn ego so he can feel like he's top of the world like he has already on YouTube. He isn't the man to sympathize for; you support him, you're betting on the wrong horse.
"In this story, he thinks he's the underdog when he's already an established dynasty that's trying to reclaim his glory days. I'm the real underdog as I'm trying to make this title, the Phenomenal Title, something worth to fight for. Say what you will about the name, but at least it's better than the WWE Universal Championship, a name for a midcard belt, and you've seen how that belt is depicted. I'm on a mission to make this belt worth something special as many secondary titles with the rich history they have like the WWE Intercontinental Championship, the TNA X Division Championship, the Ring of Honor World Television Championship, the UWE Galaxy Championship, the CCW Universal Championship, and so on. To me, it should not the names that matter. It is how a champion presents himself with the title he carries, one should be doing so with pride. I will not stop to ensure my duties...and if Felix is gonna get in my way for his own selfish desires to get back on top, then that fluke of a human being has another thing coming. His humiliation by my hands at Rebellion...will be nothing compared to what I have in store for him if he tries anything to get his way. So I pledge to thy beautiful Lady Justice...to watch over her hound that holds this future prestigious title...and help me cleanse away the corrupted evil known as Felix Kjellberg aka PewDiePie—AAGH!"
– PEWDIEPIE BODY AVALANCHES LUKE DOWN! As Mike runs off to safety, Felix releases the hatred and anger towards Smith for his actions at Rebellion, going to town on Luke with his fists piling all over him—but The Wolves, Hannibal Ambrose, Erik Rollins and Damian Reigns, come into the scene to save their fellow brother as they stomp the hell out of an obviously outnumbered PewDiePie!
– The Swedish YouTuber tries fighting back, but the numbers were still too strong for him to handle as Damian simply FLINGS him across into the light stands! Then, Erik grabs and drags him all the way to where he smashes his face repeatedly against a table. Hannibal takes his turn by tossing him FACE-FIRST INTO A GLASS WINDOW! Luke now joins in as Erik orders Hannibal and Damian to hold PewDiePie up. Ambrose clutches onto Felix's hair for him to face Luke, who says, "No matter what you do...no matter how hard you try...justice is there to make sure you suffer for your selfishness getting you here. This," he holds his belt near Pewds' face, "is as close as you can get to my title. By the time I'm through with you...you're gonna wish you were still performing your job as a pathetic backstage interviewer."
– And PewDie—SPITS AT LUKE'S FACE IN RESPONSE. Luke...cheek muscle slightly twitching under his closed eye...as he slowly wipes the saliva off his face...and Felix pants, "...You can take...your words of 'justice'...and shove it straight up your 'Lady Justice's' ass...before these f*ckboys that hold me back from kicking the sh*t out of you—" LUKE SMASHES PEWDS' FACE WITH THE PHENOMENAL TITLE! PewDie is knocked out cold...and the Sly Wolf is PISSED.
– Luke has wiped off the remaining spit off his face as Damian sets Felix up for a Powerbomb, aiming to smash him through the table, turns to Luke...who holds a thumbs up like a Roman emperor...before turning it upside-down. This signals and brings Reigns to DRIVE Felix through the table with the Powerbomb! What's left now is a YouTuber crumbled in broken wood and Smith declaring his own arrogance will be the fate of his own demise before The Wolves take their leave.
[Commercial Break]
Backstage Segment – The Water Queen's "warm welcome" to the main roster
– As this episode comes back on the air, Ashley Williams is found walking through backstage to find the trainer's room for treatment after her match early on. From her expression, Joan's words of discouragement surely have affected her mind a bit...but when she turned a corner, she didn't expect Carla Ramirez standing there with arms folded. The Water Queen felt uneasy at her appearance as she sought to walk past her, wanting nothing to do with Ramirez...and that's when Sara Verser and Roxanne Stone stepped in her way. Ashley turns her head to find Jessica Montoya by Ramirez's side.
– Ashley sees how cornered she is...and with a shrug, she knew she wasn't getting out of this...but that didn't stop her from trying to fight as she nails a kick to Stone's gut and swings a fist to Ramirez's skull, but the numbers game of the two-on-one assault by Verser and Montoya take her down! Roxanne and Carla join the vicious stomping on a defenseless Ashley, who Sara picks up to ram her into a wall. Then Jessica takes her turn to the same, causing a few cracks on the wall...then Carla as well, but with a Suplex toss as the cracks increase...and Roxanne was the last one to toss Ashley into the wall via Powerbomb as the wall crumbles with Ashley going through it!
– ...And they weren't even done yet. No, because Sara has wielded a steel chair in hand while Carla and Jessica pick up a limp and nearly unconscious Ashley Williams...who they fling into a HELLACIOUS STIFF STEEL CHAIR SHOT TO THE SKULL! Williams falls completely insentient at the feet of the Hardcore Foundation females and Verser squats beside her, picking her head up to talk to her bloody face. "...Welcome to the big leagues, little girl; don't expect special treatment just because you're from PCUW like Alvarez or that you're Garza's whore. After all, you wouldn't be on television without him, huh?" Sara sneers before slamming her head down and walking away with her stablemates, Jessica being the last one following them after spitting down at an unconscious, bleeding Ashley.
World Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Quarterfinals – The Second City Saints (Phil Hardy and Colt Anderson) vs. New Devastation (Jimmy Carmichael and Benjamin Strong III); feat. "The Black Mamba" Jeremy Ellis on commentary
– Both teams were rather even, but the Second City Saints candidly had a rough start due to Benjamin Strong III and his brute strength. Despite so, they manage. Jeremy Ellis is at ringside commentary for two reasons: one is to support his good friend, Colt Anderson, as they're actually a team called The Knights of Colt's Mom's Roundtable...yeah. The second reason is to "return the favor" for New Devastation from last week when they watched Jeremy wrestle RC Bane by watching them from the sidelines. After domination by BSIII, the Saints eventually find a loophole after Phil Hardy chop blocked the Submission Messiah down—and Strong tags out to Jimmy Carmichael just so Phil doesn't take advantage in injuring the leg further as Jeremy comments about that tag-in being a smart move on ND's part. Phillip and James engage each other mat-based technical wrestling, impressing the audience with their boundless knowledge of maneuvers move for move and counter for counter. Phil wins their exchange after reversing a Suplex attempt by Jimmy and knocking him outside with a Dropkick. He goes for the finishing touch by flying for a Suicide Dive—caught between the ropes from Jimmy Carmichael's European Uppercut! Jimmy arrogantly boasts precision to Jeremy, whose eyes are narrowed, before sliding back inside the ring.
– The match favors back to Carmichael and Strong, never letting up on Phil as they keep him as far away from Colt as possible while also never letting him take a moment to recover. A primary example from this is when Jimmy tagged in Benjamin and nails Stinger Splash-esque Forearm Smash followed by Benjamin connecting the stiff Trauma Trigger (Running European Uppercut to a cornered opponent) to a cornered Phil Hardy, completing Violent by Design. In due course, Phil was able to change things around as he was Irish whipped by Benjamin into New Devastation's corner and knocks Jimmy off the apron down to the floor with a Springboard Dropkick while landing on the apron; he then strikes a forearm to Benjamin's face, takes flight with a Springboard Clothesline in convincing CM Punk fashion...and rolls forward to make the tag to a pumped-up Colt Anderson, who wastes no time climbing and diving off the top turnbuckle with a Crossbody on Benjamin Strong III! Colt Anderson, the impulsive and unpredictable man of the Saints, cleans house all over New Devastation with a series of Forearm Smashes to Strong, then a Dropkick through the middle and bottom ropes to Jimmy that knocks him into the announcer's table, and skins the cat—to get his legs caught by Benjamin's grasp...but he yanks him over the top rope as Ben crashes on top of Jimmy, much to the Black Mamba's delight! One incoming Suicide Dive by the former Internet Champion later...and he definitely connects it into Jeremy Ellis after Benjamin forces his momentum to change course! Was that an accident or on purpose? Well, that's for you (yes, you, the reader) to decide...especially since Jimmy was honestly surprised by what transpired in front of him.
– Jimmy and Benjamin now ready Colt to seal his fate with the ND Express...had it not been for Jeremy stopping it by holding onto Carmichael's leg to prevent him from running and pulls him out, but only for the self-proclaimed Future Living Legend to strike him down with a Silent Killer! Meanwhile, Colt is squirming in Benjamin's grasp as he staggers back and Phil Hardy slaps onto his best friend's leg to tag himself in. The Submission Messiah is unaware of the tag until Colt escapes with an Arm Drag, then Ben rolls to his feet and meets a Diving Crossbody—CAUGHT! Strong pops him up and goes for the Coronation 2K1...when Phil flies out of it and Roundhouse Kicks Jimmy's head in when Ben ducked! Benjamin, shocked and then livid, charges for a Clothesline that fails and turns around into a Stereo Superkick by the Saints! Benjamin staggers onto Phil's shoulders...and Phil connects the TAN – Take a Nap, hooking the leg for the victory to advance into next week's semifinals!
– The Second City Saints leave this episode of Saturday Night RAMPAGE with a victory over their heads with Colt celebrating in excitement and Phil smirking while New Devastation are left in the ring with a loss over theirs...and the ever furious Benjamin Strong III speeds out of the ring and CLOBBERS Jeremy Ellis with a sickening Lariat! He mercilessly ground and pounds a defenseless Black Mamba, blaming him for ND being kicked out of the tournament in the FIRST ROUND whilst Jimmy is striving to remove his tag partner off of their rival and he does succeed by whispering in his ear off-mic that we obviously cannot hear, but it calmed him down.
– What was certainly surprising is how the Corporate Icon helped Jeremy up to his feet and rested him against the table. From the looks of things, Jeremy is quite out of it with his somewhat glazed eyes shown and Carmichael decides to leave him be, much to the astonishment of the commentators, the crowd and Ben. He gestures his friend to walk on and he DISCUS ELBOW SMASHES JEREMY ONTO THE TABLE! Now the boos fall into place with Ned Bigby finding that completely unnecessary and Logan Reese defending ND for their actions as the Future Living Legend runs his hands over his head to show signs of frustration and leaves, speaking to a nearby camera on his way out with Benjamin, "What I did was nobody's own fault but Jeremy Ellis; I stayed out of his way during his match last week, so he should've done the same. I repeat: Ellis has no one to blame but himself. Remember that."
Backstage Segment – Trouble for the World Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's Tournament
– Cameras rush inside a locker room with a few EMTs and an irate Joshua Garza questioning what happened...as the Domino City Machine Guns, Joey Wheeler and Tristan Taylor, are found unconscious and laid out with blood coating their foreheads. Duke Devlin comes into the scene, horrified from seeing two of his closest friends out cold and asked Josh what went down. However, Josh doesn't have a clue himself because one of the backstage members found these two like this.
– Two and two was put together in Duke's head the moment Mason Stone, Marcus King and Nolan Gates arrive on the scene, "innocently" querying what has happened to Joey and Tristan. Duke becomes provoked to attack the Hardcore Foundation, who remain their statures and composure with small sneers as Duke is held back by referees Nickolas Alba and John Benoit to prevent the situation from getting worse enough as it is. When accused by Duke for what happened to Joey and Tristan, the Dark Saint replied with a sneering grin, "And what if we did?" and that infuriates Devlin more. This brings Josh to step in between them to put this to a halt; the General Manager of RAMPAGE already put it together that the Hardcore Foundation are responsible for the Guns' condition...but seeing as no other tag team is available for the moment, he has no choice but to replace Joey and Tristan with Stone and King of the Hardcore Dynasty.
– With the off-screen boos flooding the arena, the Hardcore Foundation males leave satisfied, but not before Mason Stone gives words of advice to Garza about his booking his talents correctly this time so nothing like this can happen again, much to Joshua's annoyance and Duke's resentment.
[Commercial Break]
"The Heartbreak Chick" Ashley Storm vs. "The Empress of the Foundation" Sara Verser
– Plenty of eyes in the multiversal wrestling circuit have been put on The Hardcore Foundation since their recent villainous establishment from RAMPAGE V. The first HF member to display how they mean business in the squared circle was Sara Verser as she was set to go one-on-one with the recently established fan favorite ('cause of FTW and such), Ashley Storm. It was obvious Storm did not take too kindly to how Verser and her allies ganged up on Williams earlier in the episode, so she's looking to pay her back for that assault. It wasn't exactly going to be a cakewalk for Ashley and she knew this with how belligerently improved Verser has become in the ring, what with her strikes being more stiff than usual and not allowing Ashley to recover at all. Nonetheless, Ashley quickly changed the tides by pulling the top ring rope down for Sara to go over outside and the current FTW Women's Tag Team Champion decides to run across the canvas and back for a Suicide Somersault Senton right on her opponent! While the action began to take place outside the ring for now, Storm continued her assault on Verser by repeatedly slamming her head over the announce table and ramming her into the steel steps. Afterwards, she stalks her from on top of the table and strikes her with a Diving High Knee. With referee Corey Jackson summing at six, Ashley breaks up his count by entering and exiting the ring quickly so she can resume her work. She sets Verser up for a Running Powerbomb towards into the barricade corner...but she would find herself flinging into the barricade back-first from Verser's Hurricanrana counter!
– Right now, Sara Verser is back in control, deciding to add a little more violence to this contest by catapulting Ashley Storm face-first into the steel steps...thus resulting blood leaking from Ashley's busted nose. The bloodlust continued with Sara, after dragging Ashley back inside the ring, focusing on shattering Ashley's nose further with a series of fists, forearms, knee strikes and drops, kicks and stomps. The more blood Ashley lost, the more likely she'll grow lightheaded and that is what Sara has been looking for to her satisfaction. One specific moment from this savagery was Sara scooping the blood with her hands and painting it over her cheek with a rather sadistic grin, much to the disgust of the audience and the ringside commentators. Thankfully, Verser's dominance did not last long as the cornered Ashley surprises her opponent with a Reverse STO into the middle row turnbuckle. This brings some space between the two for a short time until Ashley attacks her with a taut Corner Dropkick straight in her face! Sara staggers forward as Ashley is at the top turnbuckle...and nails the Diving High Knee across her skull! She rolls to her feet and Sara still stumbles to stay on her feet...so Ashley makes a break for the ropes and Shotgun Kicks her face in! Hook of the leg by Ashley and KICK OUT by Sara Verser at 2.88! Ashley shows dissatisfaction on her face and Sara is shown with blood running down from her nose, leaking like a faucet; once she sees her own blood in her hands, her eyes widen and looks up at a rising Ashley Storm...who smirks, "Now you know how it feels, don't ya, bitch? And if you're not down with that..." and then she crotch chops (crowd: SUCK IT!) right at Sara. The Empress of the Foundation...was NOT happy. Her eye twitched and she ran, missed a Clothesline and FELL victim to a Dose of Reality (Superkick)!
– By the end of his contest, Ashley and Sara were letting blood run down from their noses and over their mouths as a Superplex was being set up by Storm to a woozy Verser. Soon as she has it established...Verser fights back with multiple punches to the kidneys, and despite Ashley's best efforts to maintain this hold, Verser wrenches onto her nose that forces her to lose her grip and she drops Ashley with Front Suplex. Sara crouches on the turnbuckle...and Diving Hurricanranas—NOTHING because Ashley caught her! She makes the Buckle Bomb, but Sara slips over her, back kicks her gut and finishes her off quickly with her new finisher, Broken Dreams (Straitjacket Sitout Neckbreaker) for the 1-2-3!
– Victory is Sara Verser's. Her hand is raised by the referee, who then checks on Ashley as Sara is showered under the waves of jeers by the Topeka crowd without giving signs that she gives a damn about their reception. Soon after, "Cutie Pie" Marzia Bisognin arrived in the ring to have a post-match interview with Verser as she wants to get to know her thoughts on her victory.
– When she asked, Marzia receives an uneasy stare from Verser, causing the Italian YouTuber to softly quiver in fear. However, Sara obliges and says, "Oh, so now management decides to actually care to even give me a post-match interview after my long-awaited victory, hm? Even when I get the victory I rightfully deserve for so long that the faction I represent and with the Hardcore Dynasty rightfully earning their spot in the tournament as of tonight, they still continue to disrespect us by having you of all people interrogate me. You, the very same woman who was stupid enough to support her boyfriend, who forced himself into last month's tournament and into our roster that he infects. So I hope you're proud of yourself. But right now, I'll go ahead to give you want you want. This victory...while somewhat shallow considering who my opponent was," the audience boos at the disrespect, "has been rejuvenating. For these past five months, the Foundation has only been fodder... We're seen as complete wastes of time—we were seen as a PISS BREAK and the only matches we can ever have are in DARK MATCHES. We've done something about it...and as you can see after what our actions last week and tonight, that is not a lie. My boyfriend, Mason Stone...he'll explain all of our true, hidden frustrations we hold against people like you, this company and all those ignorant fans that never gave us a F*CKING CHANCE. THAT...is something all of you will learn to regret. Oh...and by the way," Sara turns straight into the camera, "if you can hear me right now...Gardner...Hart of Hyuga...Horsewomen...it wasn't matter who leaves Summer Wars as the champions of the Women's Division...because by the time that big summer event is over...you're looking at your next challengers that are hungry for gold...and thirsty for BLOOD."
– Sara Verser concludes her post-match address and, after pushing Marzia aside, leaves—to attack Ashley Storm with a Running Big Boot! She is on a mission to make a statement like her Hardcore Foundation brethren and is doing so by absolutely annihilating Ashley. The Heartbreak Chick does manage a few good shots in, but Verser does get the upper hand. Soon, she sought to put in the finishing touches with Storm sitting against the corner and a steel chair wedged between the middle and bottom row ropes; Sara is at the neighboring top turnbuckle, lining up her victim for the kill...
...but then had to evacuate when the Jeweled Felines, Coco Bandicoot and Sarah Ortiz arrived to make the save! Sara regroups with her incoming HF members as Lisa, Jessica, Coco and Sarah urge the group to come in the ring and fight. Verser shakes her head, gesturing to her comrades that there is no point wasting their time with these four and they leave to "My Last Breath" by Evanescence playing for their exit...
...
...and as she exits, Eddy and Ed(back) are seen walking through the hallways, the former smirking and rubbing his hands together as he anticipates what he has in store for his opponent, Anthony Padilla, tonight with a fuming Ed by his side...and the match between two degenerates are NEXT, as reminded by Ted Mosby.
[Commercial Break]
Pre-match Segment...
– After a nice live outside arena shot, "Turn Up the Trouble" by Airborne embarks Eddy McGee's arrival within the Landon Arena that is completely flooded with cheers. As shown before the break, Eddy was well ready to finally get his hands on Anthony as part of vengeance since their feud began back at the first episode of Ignition. The PCUW World Heavyweight Champion waits in the ring, eager for Anthony's entrance as Ed stays outside the make sure no sort of interference happens at all. Soon, "The Downfall of Us All" by A Day to Remember plays...and Ian Hecox enters the stage with Anthony following him...in a wheelchair with a cast on his left leg?
– Everyone from the audience to the commentators to the Eds was very confused to the impromptu revelation that Anthony seemed to have injured his leg during a rough session of training over the week, as explained by the creator of Smosh. "So, with great regret, I unfortunately must tell you all that I am in no condition to have my match with the shortest man on the planet tonight," Anthony states, stirring up boos from the disappointed crowd, but Eddy shakes his head as his face shows he doesn't believe a word he's saying. "Yes, Eddy, as unbelievable as this is like your 'chest hair' that 'clearly exists' or that any scams of yours can actually succeed without screw-ups and the Cul-de-Sac kids beating the crap out of you, it is sad that I am not medically cleared to kick your egotistical ass all over that ring that I know these fans would've enjoyed seeing, giving them for what their money's worth. But do not fret, ladies and gentlemen...for I have a backup plan! See, McGee, I always like to plan ahead and on this occasion, I'm certainly glad I did just that. For your opponent tonight, Eddy...he's a special one. We have just be eager to get him inside the ring, so let's not keep him waiting. Ian, be a dear and go get him, will you?"
– Ian enthusiastically enters the Gorilla Position to get Eddy's "special opponent." Anthony remains in his spot with a smirk as Eddy keeps his guard up for whatever tricks he has up his sleeve...until "Real American" by Rick Derringer plays aloud to a certain amount of confusion in the arena. Soon enough...a blond, pony-tailed, mustached man marches out to the stage in a Hulk Hogan manner, wearing a red bandana with the design of America's flag, a red sleeveless shirt with the word "MUSCLE FACE" written on it, black shorts and a pair of black sneakers, giving out Hulk Hogan esque poses to show off his "muscles." To the naked eye, he appears to be recognized as Ian Hecox dressed in this gimmick, but Anthony proudly addresses him on the mic as Randy "Muscle Face" Rogers. Randy marches his way down to the ring in an exasperated Hulk Hogan manner with most of the audience laughing to this while Eddy...is definitely unamused and Ed...well, he reforms back to his old self with his head bobbing side to side to the music and a big goofy grin on his face.
Randy "Muscle Face" Rogers (with Anthony Padilla) vs. Eddy (with Ed)
– Before the match began, Eddy berates referee Kenneth Luger to throw the match out the window, but there's nothing he can do about this sudden change as Joshua Garza allowed this match to happen by Smosh's request. The leader of the Eds groans in complete irritation while the referee signals the match to start and Randy shouts, "I'm gonna make you lose your carbs quicker than you can lose your quarters, ya short, fat f*ck!" Of course, Eddy hastily charges and Randy escapes the ring and starts making Eddy chase him all around the ring, much to Anthony's delight. "That's it, fat ass! Keep on chasing me! At least you're actually getting off your ass and doing something!" Randy mocks, to which Eddy reacts, "Oh, bite me!" Then Rogers would turn around and surprise Eddy with a hell of a Big Boot to the face before forcing him back inside the ring.
– Randy continues his offense with big powerhouse moves, but Eddy eventually some offense of his own with a Pigeon Snatch (Flapjack) into the ropes, catching the running Randy Rogers after ducking a Clothesline. Eddy keeps up the momentum with a Frog Splash afterwards, a Hangman's Neckbreaker, and three consecutive rolling German Suplexes in a row that dazes Rogers. Anthony does make a couple of distractions, but the referee keeps him at bay while Eddy continues the beat-down on Randy. After landing a Peach Creek Plunge (Standing Green Bay Plunge), Eddy appears to win this match when Anthony, despite the cast, stands on the apron, yelling at Kenneth Luger to divert him and Eddy takes him out with a right haymaker! The co-creator of Smosh uses his wheelchair to help himself up...and yells, "Oh, sh*t!" when Ed tackles him with a rancorous Gravy Ladle (Ryback's Meat Hook)! With interruptions out of the way, Eddy feels more confident enough to end this joke of a match...but then sees Ian Hecox standing on the other side of the apron, waving at him in a sardonic manner. Eddy, initially confused and surprised bearing in mind who he's fighting the lookalike, charges and Ian wisely drops down to the floor as he gets berated by the official, who orders him to leave right now while Eddy grabs Randy...but he strikes him with a Big Boot and follows with an Atomic Leg Drop, getting the pin off the diversion.
– "Real American" plays to Randy's victorious debut as he leaves to celebrate onward to the stage. Ian helps Anthony back on his wheelchair and joins Randy while Eddy wakes up extremely fuming with a death glare towards Smosh, feeling completely humiliated yet again on live television. Smosh stand together at the stage laughing exaggeratedly at Ed and Eddy for the latter's loss, but it's obvious Eddy's secretly plotting what to do to counterattack for this night as the degenerate civil war continues on between them.
[Commercial Break]
Backstage Segment – Clarissa Rivera interviews Saeko Busujima
– "Violet" Clarissa Rivera kindly introduces her interviewee for the night, Saeko Busujima, and talks to her about Trish Warrington and her treatment against her friends, Rei Miyamoto over the weeks since their feud began and Saya Takagi as of recent from last week's episode.
– Saeko answers her fellow purple-haired female, "If I can define a character like Trish Warrington...this would be the following: 'an utter, arrogant coward with no sense of honor...but still remains incredibly dangerous.' Since last month, Warrington has been doing what she can to make Rei's life hell. She just cannot accept the fact she lost to Rei that first night of RAMPAGE fair and square. Saya and I have seen how she works and partly experienced it during our Six-woman Tag Match from an episode of Ignition. She's conceited, brash...but there's no denying her intelligence in the ring. She has the aggressiveness and unpredictability that most women would likely fear and respect... It doesn't excuse her for what she attempted to do to Saya last week. She was this close to breaking her neck on purpose with her Foreign Glamour. Her actions, especially what could've ended Saya's career prematurely, have been unforgivable. I'm not one to stand by and watch my friends get hurt while someone like Warrington gets away with her crimes. I plan to make her pay tonight one way or another. It's no doubt she's can hit hard—and I mean, real hard...but she should know...I'm the kind of girl that hits much...much harder..."
Saeko Busujima vs. Trish Warrington
– Prior to the start of the contest, Trish Warrington gives Saeko a fair warning to leave the ring right now without sustaining any type of injury and save herself the embarrassment from "having her ass handed to her" by the hands of the self-proclaimed "Queen of Strong Style" herself on live television. "I already and practically took out the weak link [Saya Takagi] of your group, Busujima. Don't make me do the same to you, someone with so much potential in her future," says Trish. "You've gone through that Diamond in the Mine Ladder Match at Pride & Glory and have shown everyone all around the Multiverse what you were made of. You showed why you were someone to be seen as a future star in this business, perhaps even far better than little Miyamoto. ...So I repeat, you can save yourself the embarrassment by leaving the ring and giving me the win...and you can walk away knowing you've done the right thing by deserting the weak link and the same bitch that stole the man of your dreams right under your nose. Don't you agree...Saeko?"
– Those words drilled into swordswoman's head, remembering the moments she shared with Takashi and how they helped each other...especially her love for him...but ended up with someone else. So Busujima's response? ...She smiles...and blatantly slaps Trish right across the face, causing the Canadian to reel back in surprise! The violet-haired swordswoman glared down at her opponent, stating that she's not that easily swayed by the likes of her. Now Trish's response? As she holds her cheek that stings red...she raises the mic up to her lips...and chuckles with a small snarl, "That...was my only warning, Busujima...and your last mistake, you dumb f*ck!" and she drops the mic to swing a fist at Saeko, who blocks, shoves it away and counters with a Roundhouse Kick to the skull! Trish stumbles back towards the corner as Saeko is punching away at her and this provokes referee Nikolas Alba calls to Timekeeper Noah McQueen for the match to start!
– This match has been the stiffest and hard-hitting contest to date between Saeko Busujima and Trish Warrington. Not even five minutes in, Saeko and Trish are already busted open after simultaneously knocking each other down with Big Boots nailed straight to their faces. It's obvious neither woman has ever let up on their inflexible strikes on each other once. And during all this, Rei Miyamoto is seen backstage watching the contest with honest hope and worry. Right now, Saeko makes a run for Trish, who sidesteps and shoves her forward, but Saeko baseball slides under the bottom rope to make a safe landing. Trish attempts for a baseball slide of her own, but Saeko catches her by pulling at the ring apron and trapping her inside it. With Trish helplessly imprisoned and flailing to escape, Saeko casually stands on the apron and smirks at her opponent's position before running straight into her with a vicious football kick to the chest, the momentum swinging her back inside the ring with a backflip that impresses the applauding crowd.
– Saeko maintains her advantage with a Snap German Suplex later in the match and a high-speed shoot kick, this one targeted to the chest. Trish starts to receive some momentum going later by evading a Diving Double Foot Stomp, which Saeko was smart enough to roll through...but wasn't quick enough to avoid a Bicycle Knee Kick! This brings Saeko faltering to the ropes, appearing stunned...but not completely as she performs a perfect tilt in-between the ropes and hits the Pendulum Clothesline on Warrington, turning her inside out! Saeko covers for the count of 1...2...kick-out at 2.38. Quickly switching into mat-based wrestling, Saeko clutches herself around Trish's right arm in a Figure-four Armlock; however, Trish wouldn't stay in for too long after pulling at Saeko's hair enough to noose her legs around Saeko's neck, tightening her firm thighs enough to force Saeko's release on the Keylock. With the Figure-four Necklock, after transitioning from the headscissors, sealed tight, Saeko came close to passing out if she hadn't gotten a second wind that helped her break the hole with a single foot touching the bottom rope.
– Continuing their technical wrestling session, they had a Test of Strength to display who had better muscle over the other. Trish leisurely overpowers Saeko with a grin, but she suddenly twists her arms in counteraction. Saeko then trips up Trish on her back to pin her in a schoolgirl, but she pops her right shoulder up. The Fujimi Academy third-year student hoists herself onto Trish's risen feet, reel back to a vertical base with Trish landing her feet, hops on her shoulders for a Hurricanrana...which Trish stops midway...and sets her opponent up for the Foreign Glamour. She has her arms around the waist...but she can't hook her legs over Saeko's arms seeing as they're not hanging and reaching up to her head; in succession for sitting back on Trish's shoulders, Saeko punches her skull in before effectively performing the Hurricanrana, draping the self-proclaimed Queen of Strong Style over the middle rope. Busujima hits the ring ropes and back all across the ring...Tiger Feint Kick missed! Saeko comes back swinging into the ring and Trish nails the knee strike into her gut and follows with the Breathtaker (Scissors Stomp to a bent-over opponent's head followed by a Brainbuster)! She has the leg hooked tight...and Saeko just gets the kick-out at 2.57!
– Now that Trish has Saeko at the ropes (figuratively, of course), she wraps her arms around Saeko's waist and plants a German Suplex on her...but she rolls her hips to the side as the crowd pours out boos, realizing that Trish is giving a mocking variation of the Infecta Trifecta and she hits a second German. Before reaching her third German Suplex, the self-proclaimed Queen of Strong Style still has Saeko in her clasp as she's on her knees and ridicules her opponent, "Gotta say, it's no wonder Komuro forgot about you and went to Miyamoto! Probably smart considering how mentally unstable you are!" She tightens her grip and tosses Saeko right over with the Release German Suplex, landing the swordswoman right on the back of her neck!
...
...At least that's what Trish thinks as she performs a kip-up and flaunts herself to display her beauty and power with flexing...and she has no idea that Saeko is standing right behind her completely fine when she landed the three-point stance perfectly and gives a scary dark glare at the Canadian. Trish backs up without looking as she thinks to finish Saeko off when she bumps into her, frozen in her place with a frightened expression on her face, swallowing a hard gulp and slowly turning around. She looked like she crapped herself upon seeing Saeko with the fiction wrestling admirers enjoying this moment, and even referee Nikolas Alba was relishing the sight with folded arms and a small grin, which is rare from this stone cold ref. "So...Warrington...do you want to see how 'mentally unstable' I can really get?" Saeko asks, tilting her head in the most unsettling way possible and forming a sinister, unhinged grin. Trish holds her hands up in defense...and her left fist gets blocked and countered into a nasty headbutt by Busujima, the clack echoing in the arena!
– The tables have turned for Saeko's favor, the violet-haired swordswoman sitting nice and comfy in the driver's seat with a Corner Flying Forearm Smash, a Kitchen Sink, and a Pumphandle Side Slam. Soon after, Saeko sets Trish on her shoulders, but she squirms out of there and takes her down with an Inverted Exploder Suplex. Then, Saeko gets to her knees, Trish runs for Beauty and the Knee...and Saeko lies flat on her back to evade the running knee strike! She executes a kip-up, hits a Superkick straight into the jaw and lobs her right over with the Flipping Release Dragon Suplex! That sends Warrington all the way across the ring to the corner...which brings an idea in Saeko's head as she leaves through the ring and ascends to the top turnbuckle. Warrington rests in perfect position, lying on her back diagonally from the corner, as Saeko stands tall on the turnbuckle...and flawlessly hits the 450° Splash! Ned Bigby makes note that those two big moves were in paying respects to a certain Dragon Kid as Saeko covers Trish...for a disappointing near-fall after that!
– As this potential Match of the Night draws closer to the end, Saeko goes for the Straightjacket Neckbreaker when Trish slips one of her arms out, strikes an elbow to the back of her temple and pulls her into a Backslide Pin...but she kicks out. Saeko is on her knees again, and Trish—misses the Roundhouse Kick and Saeko springs at her with a Gamengiri...and a subsequent Double Knee Backbreaker! She glances at a nearby camera to genuine smile, "I never forgot..." Then she returned her focused attention on Warrington nursing her back...grabs her legs tightly to make her turn over, going for the Brains Over Brawn...
...
...
...and came so close to maintaining it as Trish uses the momentum to twist herself back onto her spine and grabs onto Saeko while she carries her up. Saeko changes the position to adjust Trish on her shoulders for a Buckle Bomb...but then Trish slides down on her back to—have her arms hooked into Saeko's! The psychotic swordswoman catches the blonde right in the Gory Special, thinking one step ahead of her opponent who howls in utter agony from her arms getting pulled back as Saeko forms a sadistic grin to show she's relishing in her misery! It is amazing Trish didn't give up right then and there! Busujima now has Warrington ready for her Psycho's Peak (Gory Neckbreaker)...and she hits right in the middle of the ring! Sadly, Trish is still conscious enough to move away to the apron and Saeko is not pleased; when she attempted to drag her back inside, she was rewarded with a hot shot across the top ring rope and then follows it with a Slingshot Spear.
– Trish seeks for the Foreign Glamour to end this contest now...but Saeko stays on her feet...hoists her up on her shoulders...swings her forward with a Spinning Double Leg Facebuster...and Trish executes the Victory Roll...into a count of 2.83! Saeko makes it to her feet and Trish blocks her swinging fist with a malicious Hair-pull Backbreaker. Now she brings herself sitting on the top turnbuckle—surprise Running Arched Big Boot from Saeko Busujima! Trish sits completely staggered and Saeko lays over the top rope from exhaustion, but finds enough energy to join her opponent on the middle ropes...and the two go down together from a Fisherman's Superplex! "This is awesome!" chants rang loud and clear in the Kansas ExpoCentre full of nearly 9,000 attendants that show clear respect for both women...one of which began to rise...which is Saeko Busujima.
– She is nearly spent. Saeko feels she's close to winning this match and avenging Saya from last week. How shall she close this match out? ...Why, by giving Trish a taste of her own medicine...as she stands by the corner...one hand hanging onto the rope...eagerly challenging Trish to stand up on her feet...and patting her left knee. The Topeka populaces now get even more excited with the tension rising, realizing Saeko is seeking a Bomaye as Trish eventually stirs and stumbles on her feet...
...
...
...Saeko charges like a wild animal...
...
...
...
...AND THE BOMAYE—DOESN'T CONNECT! TRISH COMPLETELY DODGES THE BOMAYE! Saeko, upset, turns around into a Jumping High Knee followed by an Inverted Exploder Suplex into the corner! By then, Trish is back sitting on the top turnbuckle with Saeko rolling away before she stands up to suffer a diving Beauty and the Knee to the back of her head! Trish returns to the same corner, yet this time stands against the turnbuckles, waits for Saeko to stir and reach to her vertical base...
...
...and hits her with another Beauty and the Knee straight into her face...and gets the full three-count. Trish Warrington dominates again.
– With the match concluded, Trish gets her hand raised by Nikolas Alba to "Power" by Cassie Steele and looks at Saeko as soon as Nikolas started checking on her...and says, "I gave you a great offer and you reject it, Busujima... Think hard on this loss and your decision to allow this; it's not worse than your pathetic tragedy at Diamond in the Mine, but it is close due to how much of a failure you really are. Takagi is smart enough to know that, right?" She exits the ring and takes her leave. Not long thereafter, Saeko gains consciousness with a definite major headache...and a round of applause from the respectful crowd, very proud of her performance. Saeko might have a concussion, but she hears the audience clearly...and smiles to their admiration. She receives help from Alba, but she humbly declines as she stands up and—GETS ATTACKED WITH BEAUTY AND THE KNEE FROM BEHIND BY WARRINGTON!
– The Queen of Strong Style stands over an utterly knocked out Saeko Busujima with Nikolas Alba and the audience hissing severely at the blatant disrespect. She showers in the heat with a smug grin, stating, "By the way...I'm the only one who can perfect that finisher. Not you, not Okumura, and certainly not Sh*tsuke Nakamura."
– The crowd's boos continue raving as she then turns to the nearest camera, "I'm only trying to prove that losers are losers and winners are winners. Simple as that. Hope you enjoyed me destroy your lackeys, Miyamoto...because you're the last victim I need to assert my dominance in this roster...despite the fact you and your girls are at the bottom of the barrel and that's where you're gonna stay." Trish leaves—AND REI MIYAMOTO STRIKES HER WITH A KENDO STICK TO THE GUT! She nails a shot to the back, unrelenting on her as Trish barely escapes the ring!
– Both girls share massive glares at each other from far distances, Rei shouting at her rival to fight her like a real woman and Trish shaking her head, retorting that she fights her when she's "good and ready for it." Once Trish leaves, Rei checks on Saeko with Nikolas while the EMTs arrive...and one can swear that she is heard saying with a guilty tone, "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry, Saeko..."
[Commercial Break]
Backstage Segment – The Saints receive a clear message from The Blake Bros. 2.0
– The Second City Saints were elated to find themselves closer to the finals after their victory against New Devastation, especially Colt Anderson. After what felt like weeks of lacking screen time, this was their chance to bring the Saints back up in the top rankings. However, they would be confronted by Tony and Adrian Blake as the former proclaims Hardy and Anderson got lucky on their fluke victory thanks to Ellis. He tells them, "Look at you fools partying before you even won this whole tournament. If anybody is winning this thing, it ain't gonna be The Pups. It ain't gonna be the Old Dogs. It ain't gonna be the Hardcore Dipsh*ts. And it sure as hell ain't gonna be you pair of jackasses. The only ones worth challenging Alpha & Omega for the World Tag Team Titles are the same playas standing in front of you two, the next gen of the Blake Family, baby. So you can bet that by our match, we'll be seeing you two next week and finally evening the odds since we've last had our tag match. We'll make sure your victory against us...is proven to be nothing more than a fluke. Ya feel me?"
– "Well, we hear you. Not really sure about going into that 'feeling ya' territory, man," Phil jabs. "You call our win against you two a fluke? I don't think so. It was clean as a whistle, and it's pitifully obvious you and your ego can't accept that as a fact. Tell you what, if you do beat Stone and King tonight, we'll probably consider taking you guys more seriously as a threat considering your track record you're gonna need to look over again."
"Hey, it ain't like they're trying, Phil. After all, they lost to PewDiePie of all people," Colt snickers.
– Tony...did not appreciate the disrespect coming from the Saints, his glowering and scowling expression saying it all. The Hot Flash replies, "We lost to that overrated, hyperactive prick...because of you sore assholes running in and ruining Adrian's chance of entering the Battle Royale last month. How about you two think of looking in a mirror and guess who the hypocrites in this story are before you think of talking down on us, hm? We're winning this tournament...and after we beat Stone and King...we can't wait to put yo asses in ya place by next week. A, we out, bro." Tony walks past the Saints, shoulder bumping them on purpose as Adrian glares down at the two and follows his younger brother.
World Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Quarterfinals – The Hardcore Dynasty (Mason Stone Marcus King) vs. The Blake Bros. 2.0 (Tony and Adrian Blake)
– A new change in attitude means new gear and new music; the Hardcore Dynasty walked out garbed in Bullet Club-esque attire and to "Omen in the Sky" by CFO$ (wait, if we're in 2013, why is music from 2016 existing in the past—okay, know what, f*ck Father Time) playing loudly to the sound of heavy boos. They were much louder than before since Stone, King and Gates were the sole reason that Joey and Tristan aren't taking part of the tournament and replaced by the devious, smirking felons marching down to the ring. Soon afterwards, "Party Up (Up In Here)" by DMX played to a mixed reception as the Blake Bros. 2.0 arrived in fashion in their classic 1965 Impala with hydraulics. From there...well, the author should let Tony take it from here: "M'kay, m'kay, before we get to introducin' the future of this entire tag team division once we take out the competition in the tournament and rightfully challenge Alpha and Omega for their World Tag Team Titles, which we obviously deserve after beating little Yugi and broody Atem as our tag title opportunities are long overdue, at Summer Wars," Tony states as he and his brother amble their way to the ring, "we just wanna address that despite what I said 'bout ya boys backstage, I actually hold some amount of respect to you both for your change in attitude and bringin' matters into ya own hands by takin' out the obviously Motor City Machine Guns rip-off. However, though...it still doesn't make much of a difference against us when we walk all over you fools and within seconds, 'A' and I put you back in your place as the laughingstock of the entire Multiverse, back to being pure jobbers, baby.
"Now to finally give you fans what you've been waiting for...now standing across this very ring from a pair of returning Jobbers in the Sky~...is yours truly. We hail from the Capital of the United States of 'Murica...separate, I'm 225 pounds while 'A' is pure beefcake of 289 pounds...but together, we're unstoppable at a whopping mass of 514 pounds...every one of you lucky fans are looking at the mouthpiece of this team, the one and only 'Hot Flash' Tony Blake, baby! And the big man right next to me? Y'all know him as the silent powerhouse, the quiet, but deadly muscle, Adrian Blake! Representing the Blake Family proud, we are The Blake Bros. 2.0, who will come out as your future ACW World Tag Team Champions! Recognize, son," Tony drops the mic with a wide grin...
...to which where Mason Stone picked it up himself, wanting to add a few words of his own.
– "You never cease to overhype your team's entrances with your loudmouth attitude and arrogance, huh, Tony?" Mason queries. "It's funny you boast you will 'put us in our place' when...coming from your perspective, when has anybody taken you or your brother seriously? Hm? Sure, you defeated Yugi and Atem back in May while they were champions...but seeing as that was in May, more or less, and now Alpha & Omega are the current World Tag Team Champions...your little accomplishment doesn't seem to feel relevant as much today, now does it? Honestly, other than being part of The Blake Family...just what else is there about you to actually give a damn? The real difference between us, Blake, is that since our new change in attitude, people have actually been talking about us like we're a new trend. The same buffoons watching from their screens that found us 'boring' or 'uninteresting' changed their opinions about us the second we revealed our true frustrations against Wheeler, Taylor and Devlin...and I cannot help but laugh at their hypocrisy just like how I can't stop laughing at you two. Wanna know the punchline about you both? While the Foundation has been on the rise...you two are slowly back down into mediocrity as you're absolute fodder to the Second City Saints and just left with no direction... Ya know...I wonder if Terry Blake Sr. and the rest of the Blake Family is really proud of his nephews right now."
– As the Dark Saint finished his words with a smirk, Tony's usual arrogant expression faded out to an appearance that tries to maintain his composure with a small frown of the disrespect still firing towards him and his brother. He couldn't help but let those words drill into his head as he looked down and run a hand through his afro. After taking back the mic...he says, "Know what? ...F*ck this sh*t," and SMASHES the microphone over Mason's head, the Dynasty and the Blake Bros. breaking out in a brawl and forcing referee John Benoit to call for the match to begin! Getting the benefit of the fight between both teams, Tony takes advantage with a Spinning Sitout Sleeper Slam onto Mason for a pinfall count of two; as he kicked out, Tony takes him for an Irish whip off the ropes and Mason gets taken down from Adrian's vicious Lariat followed by a big Leaping Leg Drop off the ropes. During so, Marcus flings Tony straight out of the ring with a Biel Toss! Adrian confronts Marcus out of vengeance for his brother with a hard right, both muscles engaging in a slug fest; Adrian wins it out and goes for the Blake Drop, but King slowly, but surely fights out of it and strikes him down with a New Sound Breaker (Side Slam Backbreaker). Tony arrives back to action with a Missile Dropkick to King and he has his focus on the returning Mason Stone, whom he engages in another fist fight.
– Referee John Benoit brings control back in this quarterfinals match with Adrian and Marcus at their respective corners and Tony and Mason duking it out in the middle of the ring, whatnot with the Dark Saint reeling back by Hot Flash's punches. Mason counters Tony's Irish whip with his own and sets up for a back body drop, but he takes a knee lift to the face and gets planted with a Neckbreaker Slam. The Blake Bros. 2.0 were doing well for themselves with a few tag combos and quick tag-ins in keeping Mason held down, but nothing lasts forever as when the Dark Saint avoided a Fallaway Slam with multiple elbow shots to the head and takes him down with a Leg-hook Armbreaker, hurting Adrian's left arm with harsh velocity. Adrian does his best to recover from this, but the Hardcore Dynasty's tactics of weakening the limb with stomps, fist and elbow strikes, and armbar variants make that difficult. To top it all off, Mason came close to making Adrian tap out with a Fujiwara Armbar before powering through to reach his hand out to the bottom rope.
– The Hardcore Dynasty remain in control as Marcus, with his back facing a neutral corner, tries for a Fallaway Powerbomb...but Adrian stays on his feet, shoves Marcus into the turnbuckles and catches him on the rebound with an Overhead Belly-to-belly Suplex, distancing himself to shake the pain off his hurt left arm. Right now, both powerhouses drag themselves to their assigned corners with their respective tag team partners extending their hands out for a tag-in. The first to make the tag is Marcus to Mason...and he fails to stop Adrian from tagging out to Tony, who hops into the ring over the ropes like a house of fire with multiple clotheslines, a Running Back Elbow and a European Uppercut. After blocking a right hand and hooking both arms, Tony attempts the Tigerbomb...but instead, Stone hoists him right over his shoulder and cracks his skull over his knee with a Kryptonite Krunch! Mason takes advantage, standing on the middle row ropes after collecting himself...and misses the Shattered Light (Diving Double Knee Facebuster) as he takes a Lumbar Check from the Hot Flash, spine bouncing off his knees! Tony leaps high on the top turnbuckle...and hits the Kill Yo Self! on Mason Stone dead center of the canvas, which was enough to get the—near three count due to Marcus King stomping on Tony Blake's head and Adrian Blake comes to the rescue with a Clothesline!
– Chaos ensues yet again in the squared circle and the Dynasty were able to win it out over the Blake Bros., planting Tony with the Black Russian Legsweep (Forward Russian Legsweep (Stone) / Reverse STO (King) combination). They now are at the center of the ring, Stone forcing Tony to his feet as he pursues to conclude this match...when King calls to his friend and points at the big screen...and the two see Duke Devlin backstage attacking Nolan Gates! It appears the fight has been going on for a while as Duke seems to be winning against Nolan, especially after shoving him into a stacked pile of crates. Marcus is tempted to help, but Mason, being the Genre Savvy guy, tells him they'll help him as soon as they end this match and they start by Marcus engaging Tony in a Front Facelock...and Adrian takes down Mason with a massive Spear, saving his brother from certain doom! King pushes Tony away to charge, but he becomes a victim of the vintage Blake Drop...then soon after, Tony climbs the top turnbuckle, sizing up King...and hits him with Kill Yo Self!...and gets the three-count!
– The tournament quarterfinals are officially through for this weekend. By next week's episodes of Ignition and RAMPAGE, the semifinals can begin with The Naughty Dogs vs. The Wolves and The Second City Saints vs. The Blake Bros. 2.0., who leave to the stage with victory over their heads as Tony boasts the Tag Titles are coming to the Blake Brothers' hands...and Mason and Marcus are left in the ring seething over this loss, obviously not going to show any mercy to Duke Devlin or anyone else that dare to stand in their way.
Backstage Segment – Robin Scherbatsky interviews Alpha & Omega about their current thoughts on the tournament so far
– ACW World Tag Team Champions Carter Young and Stan Terra have been keeping a close eye on the entire tournament from the locker room, seeing the winners advance into the semifinals as of recent with The Blake Bros. 2.0 while they were discussing and studying over each tag team that have won. Robin Scherbatsky comes in to do her job in interviewing the champs, wanting to know what their thoughts are on the tourney and the tag team participants so far.
– "Robin, babe, the tournament so far has been fun and all...but you need to know that whoever wins this whole event will know they've only wasted their time after Carter and I have our way in defeating them and successfully defending our World Tag Team Championships," Stan smirks. "Honestly, we're already scheduled to defend our titles at the first-ever broadcasted house show, Tag Team Mayhem. Then again, it'd make one hell of pay-per-view debut for us to head into Summer Wars as the champs. Maybe I'm complaining for nothing."
– "If I may add, he is right about one thing," Carter says. "It's that no matter who wins the tournament to become our new challengers while Altered Egos and The Symbiotes, specifically Atem alone against Venom and Carnage, destroy each other, we will remain the ACW World Tag Team Champions in the end. We've come so far to win these belts we've chased after for so long, for ourselves and the Rookie Revolution, we don't plan on losing them ever. It also doesn't matter how many times we have to defend these belts because Alpha & Omega are on a mission to prove themselves as the true tag team champions—the kings of the tag team division. You can say we're being arrogant and while that may be true...there's also confidence seeping out of us, but if one is too damn foolish to realize that, then it will be a mistake they'll regret making after we prove to them why we earned these titles."
– Robin concludes her interview with Alpha & Omega and thanks them for their time, proceeding to leave...and unintentionally bumping into someone on her way out. She was just about scold the person who bumped into her way...but stopped midsentence when she realized she actually bumped into Jason Krueger, the Gore Machine glaring down at the former teen pop star. He bares his teeth with a snarl, cornering Robin against the wall...and then says, "Watch where you are going next time..." Krueger snorts in her face and heads toward to the Gorilla Position for his main event match, leaving Robin to sigh in relief.
...
– And as that scene was finished, the camera transitions to find Ichigo Kurosaki in his locker room warming up for his second title defense against Krueger in their upcoming main event of the evening. Ichigo takes his ACW Hardcore Championship and gazes at the center plate, thinking what will unfold in his third battle against the original champion before smirking and walking away with his belt now around his waist. The main event for the ACW Hardcore Championship...is up next.
[Commercial Break]
Main Event: Hardcore Match – "The Rated-R Reaper" Ichigo Kurosaki [c] vs. "The Gore Machine" Jason Krueger for the ACW Hardcore Championship
– The Gore Machine preps himself in the middle of the canvas, ready for the ultimate fight while cracking his neck and knuckles...as The Rated-R Shinigami (after forming a Rated-R Superstar pose with red, white and black pyrotechnics going off behind him) unclips his Hardcore Title from his waist with a returning glare towards Krueger...and after placing his belt on the ring apron, he slides right inside under the bottom rope and engages his rival at the center of the ring with fists flying! Marshall Eriksen takes the title to quickly hold up high and show what is on the line for this bout, and then gestures Timekeeper Noah McQueen to ring the bell, starting the main event of the evening right here in Topeka, Kansas!
– Of course, Jason wins out the scuffle against Kurosaki, who he takes to the ropes for an Irish whip and his attempted back body drop is denied with a knee lift to the face followed by a Russian Legsweep and then a rebound off the ropes into a Leaping Elbow Drop to the sternum. Ichigo takes control for a bit until Krueger counters with a lifting boot in his face, proceeding to stand on the middle row ropes and attacking the champion with a Diving Double Axe Handle. One high-impact Double A Spinebuster off the ropes later...Jason Krueger rolls out of the ring to bring out the first weapon of this contest, which happens to be a steel chair...wrapped in barbwire. There was no doubt this match was going to end up violent between these two considering how long their feud has been going...
...and the moment Krueger swung his weapon, Ichigo barely ducks it—but then Jason tosses the chair over to him as he catches it...and Jason Bicycle Kicks the chair into Ichigo's face! Blood already begins flowing down from Ichigo's forehead while Jason takes the weapon to wedge between the top and middle turnbuckles...then he hoists Ichigo over his shoulder...stands at the corner direct opposite of where the chair is at...makes a dash for it...and Ichigo slips out of the attempted Lawn Dart, shoving Jason shoulder-first into the barbwire-clad weapon!
– The Rated-R Reaper has been beating on his challenger in a corner with hammering fists into his skull, then takes him to the ropes for an Irish whip, which Jason reverses...and when he went for the back body drop, Ichigo plants his face into the mat with a Forward Russian Legsweep! Ichigo staggers back to the ropes as Jason quickly shakes off the cobwebs from his head...then abruptly charges right at the champion...who pops him right over with a back body drop to the outside...and Jason Krueger lands his face and his upper body HARD on top of the announcer's table with the ringside commentators freaking out from how Jason's body bounced off their table like a rag doll! Ichigo soon goes out to pin Jason, but he barely manages a kick-out at 2.74.
– Another weapon is brought out by the Substitute Soul Reaper and that happens to be a 10-foot ladder that he places on the ring apron and the announcer's table, much to Logan Reese's disdain. He grabs Jason, brings him on the ring apron...sets him up for a Vertical Suplex on the ladder...but Jason moves his feet around to resist his fate...brings his feet on the apron...and powers the current Hardcore Champion with a Front Suplex, dropping him gut-first into the ladder! But he wasn't done just yet as he steps on the bottom rope...then to the middle rope...and guillotines Ichigo's head with a vast Leg Drop! Off that innovative maneuver, the outside leg is hooked...and Ichigo gets a shoulder up at 2.5! Now the insane Krueger has control over Kurosaki, mercilessly wrecking his body with multiple shots with a kendo stick he brought out not too long ago and mocking his agonized screams before nailing the weapon over his skull.
– After Jason tosses the weapon aside and places Ichigo against the barricade corner, he takes his time to line up his staggering prey, storming at a cornered Substitute Shinigami for the Gore...but Ichigo moves out of the way in time as Jason, while achieving to slow himself down, crashes against the barrier that creates a dent within it! Ichigo takes a moment to breathe and makes the pin...and Jason powers out at a near-fall. He pushes him back into the ring and walks around to pick up the bridged ladder, but what he didn't expect was Krueger attacking him with a baseball slide, the ladder striking his solar plexus as he lies on the table coughing.
– The Gore Machine and the Rated-R Shinigami are now back inside the ring with the former landing the latter with a Scoop Slam followed by a Running Low-angle Front Dropkick to the face. He brings back the barbwire-covered steel chair into the action to lay on his body, then leaves the ring to bring out another steel chair, this one not wrapped in barbwire, and unfolds it to set it down near Ichigo. From there, Jason succeeds with a Mad Kill Dive, costing his body hitting the weapon, but it seemed to be worth it to Krueger as Ichigo is thrashing around in pain from that maneuver with multiple cuts in his stomach. The Gore Machine rolls out of the ring to push the ladder in the ring, placing it beside his opponent, who he drags to his feet and hits a Sidewalk Slam to him onto the foreign object. He then climbs to the top turnbuckle...and executes a Diving Elbow Drop to the steel ladder as Ichigo rolled out of the way, practically breaking his arm! With Jason holding his arm and cursing in pain, Ichigo takes advantage of the situation to heal up for a moment as he ducks a Clothesline, hooks onto Jason and drills him with a Half Nelson Bulldog onto the barbwire-clad steel chair! From this point, the challenger is more busted open than the champion.
– In the corner, Ichigo stalks Jason in a very Edge esque manner as he readies himself for a Spear to finish all of this off and retain his title. He is practically foaming in his mouth for the insane Krueger to stand up and take a dosage of meeting his demise. The moment Jason rose to his feet, Ichigo bursts out for the Spear...and Jason Krueger nails a sickening headbutt, battering his own skull against Ichigo's in order to block the tackle! Both men go down with Ichigo's forehead bleeding worse than before. The inaugural and former Hardcore Champion takes the current titleholder into a corner, where he unrelentingly stomps and punches to no end while shouting in his face, "You're no champion, Kurosaki! You're just a transitional champion—just babysitting my title before I take it back tonight from you, you son of a whore!" Krueger stands him up against the corner, resuming to punch him down again when Ichigo blocks a fist to hit a forearm...
...then a slap across the face, shocking Jason at first...
...and another slap, this one much harder as it induces Jason to anger...
...and slaps him again, the third strike being much, much harder sending Jason staggering back! Ichigo quickly stands on the ropes—and Jason throws him off balance by pushing referee Marshall Eriksen into the ropes to save himself! Ignoring the berating from Eriksen, Jason punches Ichigo and then picks up the ladder to bridge it on the middle rope. He stands on the weapon and hangs onto Ichigo for what fans assume is either a Superplex or a Brainbuster...
...
...but as the ladder slightly shakes, Ichigo is retaliating with fists to the ribs...and Jason's foot slips through the step as he lands crotch-first into the metal, provoking reactions of winces and cringes from the male audience out of sympathy for the howling Jason Krueger! Deciding to be a dick to Jason for fun, Ichigo smirks and simply shoves him down as he falls back with legs still in the ladder. He steps down to grab the barbwire-arrayed chair to rest against Jason's face...then makes a run around the canvas to give himself a head start...
...
...and makes a full circle as he nails a Tree of Woe Dropkick, so to speak, into the weapon that smacks the face of the third-born Krueger, who thrashes around and screams in misery as he holds his crimson masked face!
– Ichigo goes on with a comeback sequence, nailing a Missile Dropkick, two Clotheslines, a Back Elbow here, a Flapjack there, and concluding the sequence with a Slaying Moon (Edgecution). The champ reels himself against a corner...and channels his inner Edge for an anticipating Spear...
The Substitute Soul Reaper lurks for the killing blow, drawing "Spear!" chants from the live Topeka attendance members as a completely unaware Krueger leisurely rises to his vertical base.
"The look in Ichigo Kurosaki's eyes...the way he's positioned himself...waiting for Jason Krueger to stand up entirely...everybody knows exactly what is coming with their echoing chants!" Ted calls.
"Yeah, well, I'm obviously sure I don't like it," Logan rolls his eyes. "I swear if Strawberry wins this, I'm calling absolute BS..."
"You call 'BS' on anything you don't like, anyway, Reese," Ned deadpans.
"And I am absolutely justified for my calls, Bigby," Logan retorts firmly.
Ichigo softly growls under his breath, urging and beseeching Jason to give him what he wants...and as soon as Jason stumbles on his feet...he turns around to see Ichigo sprinting at him for the incoming Spear...
...
...
...
...and clasps Ichigo rolling up onto his shoulder for an Awesome Bomb! He has Ichigo bridged on his shoulders for the pinfall: 1...2...kick-out at 2.867!
"And a near-fall for the challenger, who appears frustrated over that kick-out! He really thought he had Ichigo there!" Ted states.
"He damn well should've! That Awesome Bomb had Strawberry down for the count! I can't blame Jase for feeling like this; he came this close to make a lot of history tonight," Logan frowns.
Subsequently through with his head clenching and arguing with referee Marshall Eriksen over the pin count, Jason grabs Ichigo's head and the barbwire-enfolded chair that he sets at the center of the ring and sets Ichigo in a standing headscissors. "Time for me to kill this sh*t reign short..." Jason mutters off-mic before cracking his neck...wraps his arms around Ichigo's lower abdomen...
...
...but he stops, planning something else in his demented mind with a glance to his right at the ring ropes...
...
...and a sadistic smile traces his lips as he pushes Ichigo's face down into the barbwire...
...
...
...runs to the violet-colored ropes, bounces off them...
...
...
...
...and his eyes widen to a sudden incoming Spear striking him down from a pouncing Ichigo Kurosaki!
"INSANITY UNBROKEN DENIED! Krueger took too much time to let the champion recover! Ichigo fell victim to this devastating attack last week, but he's not letting a repeat of it happening here tonight!" Ned exclaims.
"And Strawberry's going for the pin! Goddamn it, Jase, save yourself from humiliation and kick out for all that is good!" Logan holds his head.
Ichigo immediately hooks the inside leg as he lies back on Jason and Marshall drops for the pinfall count: 1...
...
2...
...
...
...Jason gets his foot on the rope...
...
...
...
...but Marshall makes the count to 3, the bell ringing to conclude this title bout as "Metalingus" plays to Ichigo's second title retention!
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hang on a minute, ref, Jason's foot was on the rope! What the hell, man?!" Logan shouts.
"Here is your winner and still the ACW Hardcore Champion...'The Rated-R Reaper' Ichigo Kurosaki!" Maria announces.
"NO! Shut up, Maria! Jason's foot was on the bottom rope! His foot was on the goddamn rope! You saw it, I saw it, EVERYONE FREAKING SAW IT!" Logan rages.
An exhausted Ichigo kneels at the center of the canvas as Marshall returns the ACW Hardcore Championship to its rightful owner, who smirks and takes his title back to raise it high on his feet with the senior referee holding his arm and signaling him as the victor. Meanwhile, Jason sits against the turnbuckles in disbelief, completely certain that his foot was on the rope and a rope break should've been called, but all he's seeing is Ichigo celebrating his title defense with a cheering crowd behind him as he shakes his head with a heavy scowl and bared, sharp teeth.
"Apparently, Reese, it's not gonna matter, unfortunately for Jason. His foot laid on the bottom rope, but it seems Marshall couldn't see it," Ned states. "So with the official's call, Jason—"
"GOT SCREWED OVER!" Logan interrupts. "He got screwed over, Bigby! Plain and simple! This is nothing more than a conspiracy against Jason from regaining his title back and Marshall's part of it just like Garza with Alvarez leading the damn conspiracy!"
"Personal history between Mr. Alvarez and Jason Krueger aside, the rest of what you spoke is nonsense, Logan. I'm sorry, but what's done is done. Ichigo remains the current Hardcore Champion...and I can admit that Krueger is rightfully angry at this decision," Ted says, maintaining his neutral professionalism.
"Got that right..." Logan grimaces under his breath.
While the main protagonist of Bleach continues his post-match title retention victory, Jason confronts the senior official over the fact he had the rope break and Marshall completely missed it, but he defends himself by saying he was unaware of his foot reached the bottom rope and despite so, Ichigo is still the winner of this controversial finish. This brings Jason to lean into the ring ropes, hanging his clenched head over with a seething expression. He vowed there'd be no mistakes in terms of recapturing the Hardcore Title...but the result is as it stands as he runs his hands through his ashy hair and slowly leaves the ring. The Rated-R Reaper hoists his belt up high for another pop from the crowd as he stands on the middle row turnbuckle.
"In any case, we thank you fans for joining us on this episode of RAMPAGE—OH, LORD! JASON KRUEGER WITH THE SLEDGEHAMMER TO THE FACE OF ICHIGO'S FACE!" Ted yells to the exact transpiring event. "Krueger is perceptibly livid over this whole result and he's taking it out on the champion!"
"HA, YOU GOT THAT RIGHT! Did you really think Jase is going let this BS call slide, huh, Strawberry?! I don't think so! Now destroy him, Jase!" Logan commends.
The Gore Machine mounts on Kurosaki to give him a vicious series of fists to the face, each punch hammering down into Ichigo's bloodstained cranium and roaring in his face over a title that "doesn't belong to him." After that, Jason picks up the same chair to place over Ichigo's face and the sledgehammer as he hovers it over the chair...and despite Marshall's caveating, he shoves him aside and lifts the sledgehammer over...
...
...but Marshall stops him mid-swing as he grabs the sledgehammer and tries yanking it away!
"Marshall stops the worst from happening!" Ned shouts.
"That big idiot never learns to stay out of someone else's business, does he? Well, he's about to damn well pay for it!" Logan says...
...
...as Jason takes his sledgehammer back and rams it into Marshall's gut!
"MARSHALL, NO!" Ted screams.
"That was completely unnecessary by Krueger! Marshall was just doing his job!" Ned states.
"And where in the job description does it say that the referee can lay his hands on the competitors, Bigby? NOWHERE! Marshall brought this on himself and he deserved what's happened to him!" Logan scolds, unaware of the silent glare from Ted Mosby.
Jason Krueger is RAMPANT. He's smashing the sledgehammer all over the ring canvas and the turnbuckles, one of which he tears at the top turnbuckle with his feral teeth. Soon enough, he returns his concentration on a currently arising Ichigo Kurosaki, who uses the ropes to help himself...and Jason holds tight of his sledgehammer as he gets ready to attack him once more...
["It's Morphin Time!"]
("Go Go Power Rangers (Redux)" by Ron Wasserman plays)
Topeka EXPLODES when that nostalgic and famous theme song played in the loudspeakers, gaining Jason's attention...as Tommy Oliver walked out from backstage, eyes focused on a feral Krueger and starts running down to the squared circle!
"And a Ranger comes to the rescue! Tommy Oliver returns to prevent Krueger's rampage from continuing and wanting a bit of vengeance from last week!" Ned calls.
"Too bad what we'll see in just a second will be a repeat of Krueger making Oliver his bitch!" Logan ripostes.
"Tommy now in the ring, ducking a sledgehammer shot...and rebounding off the ropes with a Jumping Clothesline! And now he mounts him with a fury of forearm strikes!" Ted interprets.
Multiple forearm strikes in, Tommy then forces Jason to his feet as he scoops him up for an Inverted DDT...but Jason slips down behind and hits a stiff elbow strike to the back of his head. The Gore Machine attempts to live up to his nickname again as he lines the Mighty Morphin Green Ranger to his vertical base...
...
...and charges for The Gore...
...
...
...which gets blocked with a Red Lightning (Crooked Arm Lariat)! But he wasn't done as he then sets Jason Krueger up for a Black Thunder...and again, Jason fights out of it with a series of elbow strikes to the side of his head. He then sets him for a Krueger Driver, but Tommy spins out of it...
...kicking foot is caught by Jason as he shoves it aside...
...
...and Tommy comes to a full 360 degree with the Dragon Whip, nailing the skull of Ichigo, who was just finished regaining his senses and the first thing he sees is himself getting bumped into by Tommy Oliver and sent through the ropes to the outside! Jason had evaded the kick as Ichigo became the unintentional scapegoat for Tommy's Dragon Whip! Taking advantage of Oliver's surprised reaction, The Gore Machine aims for another Striking Spear...
...
...but with a drop toe hold counter into the middle rope by a quickly responding Red Zeo Ranger, he recoils and stumbles into a White Tiger Driver (Sitout Double Underhook Powerbomb)!
"White Tiger Driver! One of Tommy Oliver's classic finishing moves back in his rookie years displayed in an ACW ring!" Ted exclaims.
"Bullsh*t! JUST BULSH*T!" Logan growls.
Tommy stands tall over the horizontal Jason under the loud positive noise by the audience in the Landon Arena...but gets spun around by a returning Ichigo Kurosaki, who appears rather bitter over Tommy's unintentional strike to him. The Ranger tries to explain that it was only an accident, but the Soul Reaper was having none of it as he shoves him. Oliver maintains his composure as he continues defending himself...but again, Kurosaki doesn't listen as he pie faces him, provoking a twitch on his left eye. It's surprising how Tommy has the patience of a saint with how Ichigo is treating him...
...
...but their dispute would have to come to an abrupt end when a revived Jason Krueger blindsides both men with a Gore!
"GORE! GORE OUT OF NOWHERE! TAKING OUT ICHIGO AND TOMMY!" Ned shouts.
"OH, HELL YEAH! GORE! GORE! GOOOOOOORE! Even when the odds are against Krueger, he finds a way to bring himself back on top!" Logan grins.
Panting and growling heavily, Jason is as he kneels at the center of the ring with two recumbent wrestlers lying from both sides. He scans over the jeering audience from right to left slowly...and then lowers his head towards the fallen ACW Hardcore Championship in front of him. He reaches out to grab it and forces himself to stand up with the belt that helped him gain his fast rise at the start of his career, proceeding to hold it high in the air and proclaims with the following: "I'm the rightful owner of this Goddamn belt! I'm the original Hardcore Champion around here! I deserve this title! Not Kurosaki! Not anybody! DO ALL OF YOU HEAR ME?!" This brings more heated rain of boos pouring onto a sneering Jason who couldn't care less what the fans think.
"Feeling screwed over...Jason Krueger is not going stop until he gains back the title he holds in his hand..." Ted states.
The hard camera slowly zooms on Jason Krueger wielding the ACW Hardcore Championship in the skies...
...
...while the fans begin raise their vocals in exclaiming...
"What a sight to end this episo—WHOA, WHOA, WHAT THE HELL?!" Logan calls out.
...
...
...due to a mysterious hooded man slithering inside the ring and swiveling Krueger into a Jumping Cutter!
"OUT OF NOWHERE! THE...OH, MY GOD...! THAT FINISHER... THAT'S...!" Ned comes to realization...
...
...as the hooded man reveals himself as SASUKE UCHIHA!
"SASUKE! SASUKE UCHIHA IS HERE!" Ned exclaims.
"OH, NO WAY! HALLELUJAH! ...Oh, wait...SH*T," Logan now comprehends what really happened.
The crowd is taken aback at Sasuke's assault on Jason, completely divided as the stoic Uchiha cricks his neck around...and seeing as there are bodies lying around and no one to do anything at all...
...
...he simply takes the ACW Hardcore Championship and raises it up high for the crowd to understand what he's targeting at the moment.
"...Well...guess we know what Sasuke's after," Ned says. "This situation has just gotten a little messy."
"Got that right. This is just headache-inducing, man..." Logan groans, rubbing both sides of his temple.
"We can only wait and see what happens by next week's episode..." Ted implies.
RAMPAGE VI's final shot of the night features Sasuke Uchiha as the last man standing with the title in his hand and three bodies in pain as the cameras fade out to black...
Results for RAMPAGE VI:
Joan Rivera def. Ashley Williams via submission
World Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Quarterfinals – The Second City Saints (Phil Hardy and Colt Anderson) def. New Devastation (Jimmy Carmichael and Benjamin Strong III) via pinfall
Sara Verser def. Ashley Storm via pinfall
Randy "Muscle Face" Rogers (with Anthony Padilla) def. Eddy (with Ed) via pinfall
Trish Warrington def. Saeko Busujima via pinfall
World Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Quarterfinals – The Blake Bros. 2.0 (Tony and Adrian Blake) def. The Hardcore Dynasty (Mason Stone and Marcus King) via pinfall
Main Event: Hardcore Match – Ichigo Kurosaki [c] def. Jason Krueger to retain the ACW Hardcore Championship
Predetermined Card for Ignition VII:
Samantha Hart (with Hinata Hyuga) vs. Carly Shay (with Sam Puckett and Freddie Benson)
Téa Gardner and Christa Moxley vs. Mai Valentine and Aelita Schaeffer
James Griffin vs. Spin the Hedgehog
World Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Semifinals – The Naughty Dogs (Nathan Drake and Crash Bandicoot) vs. The Wolves (Erik Rollins and Damian Reigns)
Dante vs. Seto Kaiba
Pick Your Poison Match – Beowulf vs. Naruto Uzumaki's handpicked opponent
Pick Your Poison Match – Naruto Uzumaki vs. Beowulf's handpicked opponent
Predetermined Card for Summer Wars:
Naruto Uzumaki [c] vs. Beowulf for the ACW Undisputed Championship
Dante vs. Vergil (with Arkham)
Hart of Hyuga (Hinata Hyuga and Samantha Hart) [c] vs. iGeneration (Carly Shay and Sam Puckett) for the ACW Women's Tag Team Championship
Téa Gardner [c] vs. Mai Valentine for the ACW Women's Championship
Kenshin Himura vs. Zeke Aries
Alpha & Omega (Carter Young and Stan Terra) [c] vs. Tournament Contendership Finalists for the ACW World Tag Team Championship
Seto Kaiba vs. Ash Ketchum
Well...I'm not gonna lie...this took forever to get out. Seriously, inspiration to write is not easy to get for me these days, you guys. :/ Believe me... Nonetheless, I finally have this chapter out after over three long brutal months of little to no inspiration. :) From the way WWE is these days (mostly the bullshit on what used be my favorite show known as Raw) to my father struggling to make money through the last two weeks of December, me myself struggling to find a job (as I struggle internally to grow up) and so on, I'm not sure how long I can keep ACW going when I'm only four months in story-wise, not even close to my own Grandest Stage of Them All. I'll keep fighting. I just don't know when it'll be time for me end this story abruptly if something happens. Nonetheless, I have you grateful readers to help me keep writing for this promotion all the way through.
And in any case, hope y'all enjoyed this first ACW episode of 2017! :D Sorry it took so long. Be sure to leave a review by the time you're done reading. Whether it's praise, constructive criticism, advice, and so on—as long as they're not meaningless trolls or flames. Reviews are much appreciated and make me a happy, happy, happy author. X)
Until then, my awesome readers...LATER! :D
