---------------------------------------------------------------------
June 18th 2018 : Des Moines, IA : Facebook Live
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Renee Young, Aiden English and Raquel Diaz were standing in front of a black backdrop with the EBWF and King of the Ring logos adorning it. There was a significant amount of distance between the couple and Renee. Aiden was still in his ring gear from the night, while Raquel had changed into a gold, form fitting dress. Renee looked less than pleased to be interviewing the Drama King and his newly hired wife.

Renee : Aiden, tonight you beat Heath Slater in an intense match to secure your place in the semi finals of the King of the Ring tournament. How does it feel knowing that you’re walking into your first EBWF pay per view with such an amazing opportunity?

Aiden : It feels great to have fought through and triumphed over the adversaries who stood in my way to earn this opportunity for myself. It feels amazing to know that when I walk into my first EBWF pay per view my wife will be by my side to witness my ascension to the throne. It feels spectacular to prove so many people wrong about the trajectory of my career in EBWF. I think it’s clear to everyone that of all the competitors remaining I have had the toughest draw to fight my way out of. I had a first round brawl with former champion Randy Orton. People were looking past that match, predicting the outcome of a confrontation between Orton and Strowman. Those people were shocked that I usurped Orton’s opportunity for myself. The shock and the surprise at an upstart upsetting a veteran faded quickly and talk began of who in the tournament was going to stop Braun Strowman after he took me out. Surely Tommy End was plotting how to get through the monster among men and Rollins and Jericho had to be psyching themselves up to take on the unpinned and unsubmitted monster. Then I went out to that ring and I pinned Braun Strowman. I had accomplished the unthinkable, the undoable. I had done what no one else had done to date, when I PINNED the monster in the center of the ring. I proved to the naysayers that I don’t just talk a big game, I play ball. As a reward for my immaculate victory over Strowman I was given a week off to rest before the semi finals at King of the Ring. This light week is nice in the lead up to my first pay per view performance.

Renee : Speaking of your opponent last week. Braun Strowman came down to the ring after your match tonight. After weeks of telling the EBWF Universe you’re not afraid of Braun, you ran from him tonight.

Aiden : See, that’s the sort of short sighted and biased journalism I’ve come to expect from you Renee. If you favored Braun any more than you clearly do, I might start thinking there was something going on between the two of you! I’m not afraid of Braun Strowman, no matter what you may be trying to insinuate. You see Renee, no matter how disrespectfully or disdainfully you treat me, I would never raise a fist to you. I would never strike you. Because I’m a man and real men don’t hit women, not for any reason. Braun Strowman, he isn't a man. He’s a monster who lacks my class, lacks my sophistication, who lacks my morales and values. He’s uncultured and uncarring of anyone who isn’t named Braun Strowman. I couldn’t be sure that he wouldn’t attempt to bring harm to my beautiful wife and so I had to get her out of the situation regardless of the cost. Tonight it cost me a bit of pride, having to turn my back on Braun and run. Had there been no option but to go through Strowman, that’s the approach I would have taken. The way things went down tonight was the safest option for Raquel. She matters more than my pride.

Raquel leaned into Aiden as he answered the question. He had his arm wrapped around her waist.

Renee : Fleeing through the crowd does have the EBWF Universe wondering if you’ll eventually have to face Braun Strowman’s particular brand of justice.

Raquel : Didn’t he just say he wasn’t running from Braun? Now I understand why you’re always complaining about the professionalism of the people around here. It’s like she has rags in her ears everytime you answer one of her loaded questions!

Raquel had turned to Aiden in the middle of her rant. He kissed her on the top of the head and gave Renee a stern look.

Aiden : Thanks love. As to your question, Renee, it doesn’t matter if I have to face Strowman again. I welcome the challenge. It’s like I’ve said a hundred times now, there’s no point in fearing a man who’s already been beat and I beat Braun Strowman. I’m the monster mashing maestro of the EBWF! The issue with the “Universe” is that the want to see people get hurt. These heathens would cheer if Braun were to hurt my lovely bride. They want to see him rain down chaos and bloodshed. They are filthy disrespectful monsters just like Braun, only much smaller and more insignificant. I acted with chivalry and poise tonight. Don’t worry, one day you’ll meet a decent guy and you’ll learn about the concept first hand.

Renee : I can tell you from experience Braun Strowman is a sweet and gentle man.

Aiden : Can you Renee? Can you look the wives and children of the men he destroyed tonight in the eyes and tell them Braun Strowman is a sweet and gentle monster? It’s not a job I would want to have. These innocent, battered and beaten men who may never walk again. To look their families in the eyes and tell them that their attacker is just such a nice guy. No Renee. Tonight wasn’t an out of the ordinary performance for Braun Strowman, it was a return to form. An enraged monster lashed out at anything he could get his hands on because he got beat. It was truly a tragic sight.

Renee : Those men were at ringside because of your actions against Braun Strowman. Don’t you think some of the fault falls on you?

Aiden : I didn’t beat them up! They were down at ringside to interfere in my match, a poorly constructed ruse by the villain Heath Slater to steal a victory from me. These heartless hinds came to the ring in an attempt to steal my crown and place it on the head of their trailer park king and I was prepared to let them leave with impunity. Impunity from justice that was mine to deliver.

Renee : You just called them innocents and now you’re calling them henchmen to a big bad villain? Which is it?

Aiden flailed his hands and shook his head in a fit of frustration. He let out a long sigh before calming down and looking back at Renee.

Aiden : No! Listen Renee, Slater’s budget body guards aren’t the story here. Let’s move on. Braun Strowman isn’t nice and sweet. He’s a mindless monster and he proved that tonight. He got beat last week because he got outsmarted. Now he’s mad because he doesn’t understand that survival of the fittest doesn’t equate to survival of the biggest. That’s why mankind dominates the planet and all the great beasts are relegated to cages in our zoos. We’re smarter than the beasts and we know to use all the tools at our disposal. I used the tools at my disposal to fell this particular beast. But, enough about Strowman, he’s the past! I’m moving onto bigger and better things. The future is bright for the Drama King!

Renee : Okay, moving past how you got there, you are in the semi finals of the King of the Ring. This Sunday you will go one on one against Tommy End to decide who reaches the finals that same night. How do you go into such a big match knowing that you have to have energy left to beat either Chris Jericho or Seth Rollins later in the night?

Aiden : I go into it the same way I go into every other match. Knowing that I am going to come out on top and being prepared for my enemy as best I can. I don’t look past End, I look through him to what beating him will do for my career in EBWF. You are right about the immensity of the match Renee, I’ll give you that. Tommy End and Aiden English could have easily been the final in this tournament and the fans would have loved it. Honestly, it practically is the final. Whoever wins this match, which is me by the way, goes on to become King of the Ring.

Renee : Do you think it’s wise to be discounting Seth Rollins and Chris Jericho?

Aiden : Sure. I’m discounting Tommy End as well if that’s what you want to call it. What I call it is confidence and self awareness. I’m the future King of the Ring. It’s not something I say lightly. It’s planning and procedure. It’s work and effort. I’m here because I fought my way here, and I did it while maintaining my undefeated record. Seven. In eight weeks I’ve won seven matches and lost not a single one. Week in and week out I prove how great I am. And, week in and week out you stand here and attempt to discredit that!

Renee : You’re the only wrestler remaining in this tournament who hasn’t held a title.

Raquel gave Renee a very cross look and reached a hand back for Aiden’s chest. He seemed to be unphased by the statement.

Aiden : No, I’m the only superstar left in the tournament who isn’t a FORMER champion.

Renee : Seth Rollins is a current champion. He currently holds the Breakout Championship.

Aiden : He does? Remind me again, who’s the number one contender for that Breakout Championship he’s running around the locker room with?

Renee : You are.

Aiden : And, it’s a forgone conclusion that when he mans up and faces me for the title he’s going to lose it. Therefore he’s practically a former champion and I may as well be listed as the Breakout Champion in the record books already. I won my title when I beat Marty Scurll and RVD. Rollins is just babysitting it for me until Wes signs that match.

Renee : You talked about wanting to challenge for the title in the finals of the King of the Ring. Are you still open to that idea?

Raquel pulled Aiden’s head down and whispered something in his ear. He flashed a quick smirk to Renee and then whispered something back. Raquel pulled away and looked him in the eyes. They both smiled and Raquel turned back around to face the camera.

Aiden : I am.

Aiden looked at Renee. They both stood there in an awkward silence for several seconds.

Renee : That’s got to be the shortest resp…

Raquel Diaz put her hand up to Renee’s mouth and Renee’s eyes grew wide with shock.

Raquel : How dare you! Interrupt the King when he’s trying to answer your questions!

Aiden : Thank you my love!

Aiden kissed Raquel’s hand after she withdrew it from Renee’s face..

Aiden : As I was saying. I’d love to take the Breakout Title from around Seth’s waist this weekend. I’d love to have that Breakout Championship around my waist when I take my King of the Ring victory and leverage it into a World Title reign! It’s going to be a big year for Aiden English no matter what happens!

Renee : I know you don’t think too highly of the other competitors in this tournament but who do you think is the biggest threat remaining?

Aiden : Clearly End has had the second toughest road to the semi finals. That makes him a threat, not to mention he’s a former tag team champion! Seth Rollins is also a former tag champion though, and that complicates things. Oh, but Chris. Chris Jericho has held twenty something titles. He’s a former King of the Ring and a former Royal Rumble winner. He earned an EBWF LIFETIME achievement award. I think that makes him the biggest threat. He has some experience performing at this level with people who are clearly better than he is. Such as myself.

Renee : You never miss a chance to brag do you?

Aiden : Sure I do. Everytime I open my mouth it’s a chance to brag. My voice is amazing, my smile is amazing, I have the most beautiful wife in the world. I think I’m rather reserved with my bragging for as blessed as my life is.

Renee : And, that’s all the time we have. Thank you for joining me on Facebook live alongside Aiden English and Raquel Diaz. Make sure you watch EBWF King of the Ring this Sunday live from Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio!

Renee had a massive smile on her face as a bewildered Aiden muttered to himself. He was clearly shook by the abrupt end to the segment. Raquel was yelling at Renee, who kept her composure, but the audio had already cut out. The shot finally faded to a black screen with the King of the Ring logo before ending.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
June 24th 2018 : Cleveland, OH : KotR Kickoff Show
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Corey Graves, Mauro Ranallo and Renee Young sat at a long metal topped desk adorned with EBWF logos. The King of the Ring banner dominated the backdrop of the small set. There was a spare seat between Renee and Corey with Mauro to Corey’s right. The King of the Ring Kickoff Show was well under way as the three hosts discussing all of the exciting matches that would be happening later that evening. Corey motioned to the empty seat beside him.

Corey : Joining us at this time is the future EBWF King of the Ring, Aiden English.

Mauro : I don’t think that’s been decided yet.

Aiden walked in from the left side of the screen and took the center seat. Aiden had on a black button up shirt and a gold crown atop his head. As he sat down he took the crown off and placed it in front of him. He adjusted the crown so that the large amber gemstone in the front faced the camera. Aiden stared across the desk at Mauro in awkward silence for several seconds. Mauro cleared his throat and adjusted his tie.

Aiden : You haven’t been paying attention have you Ranallo?

Mauro : You still have to fight through two matches tonight before you can claim the title King of the Ring.

Corey : He’s right you haven’t been paying attention to this tournament at all.

Aiden : It’s a foregone conclusion Mauro. I’m going to jump the last two hurdles that stand in the way of me becoming King of the Ring tonight with relative ease.

Renee : You know what we haven’t heard from you lately? Complaints about opening shows. Which you do tonight when you face Tommy End in the opening match.

Aiden : You’re right and there’s a reason you haven’t heard those complaints these last few weeks. See, I realized my complaints were falling on deaf ears and blind eyes. Instead of wasting my energy trying to get management to see what I could be, I decided to just become what I could be. I’ve been leaving a trail of destruction on my way to the top!

Corey : And that’s why King Aiden is also in tonight’s Main Event!

Aiden : Exactly! I made that happen, not Wes Ikeda.

Renee : You’ll have to beat Tommy End for that to be true and that’s no small task.

Corey : Am I the only one of us who understands what’s going on?

Aiden : It looks that way Corey. Don’t worry, when I am crowned King of the Ring your faith in me will be rewarded.

Mauro : Corey, he had to cheat to get to this point!

Corey : You have to be willing to do what it takes to get to the top!

Aiden : That’s so right. Say it with me Corey!

Corey and Aiden : A win is a win, is a win!

Mauro : Aren’t you two just the best of friends!

Corey : I just pay attention when my future King is talking!

Aiden : You and Renee should try it sometime, Mauro. You’ll get further in life treating the King with a little bit more respect than you have in the past. I think I talk to Renee on a weekly basis and it still hasn’t sunk in with her. I came out here and I promised I would beat Shane Douglas. Then I beat him. I came out here and I said I was going to end the Yes Movement. Then I beat Daniel Bryan so bad he hasn’t returned to action yet. Tyler Breeze, beat him. Marty Scurll and Rob Van Dam at the same time! Randy Orton, Braun Strowman and Heath Slater all on my way to this moment right here! When I say that I’m going to win a match, I come out here and I win the match! I don’t break my promises, I don’t exaggerate my abilities and I openly admit my shortcomings.

Renee : What shortcoming have you admitted to?

Aiden : I used to have respect for Marty Scurll.

Renee : That’s not a shortcoming!

Aiden : Spoken like someone who’s never had respect for Marty Scurll!

Aiden and Corey laughed as Renee and Mauro stared at them in confusion. Aiden stopped and stared back at the two of them, letting a bit of anger flash on his face for a moment.

Aiden : You’re not laughing.

Mauro : I don’t think we get the joke.

Aiden : If you can’t get the joke, get a clue. Aiden English wins matches. I’m the only one in this tournament who hasn’t ever let you down. The only one who hasn’t been beat. I’m not a former champion, I’m a future champion Mauro!

Renee : Rollins has been on a winning streak since returning to EBWF.

Aiden : Yeah? Did he pin Braun Strowman? NOPE! I did that Renee. From now on when you tell people Strowman has never been submitted, remember I’m the reason you can’t say he’s never been pinned.

Renee : I am well aware you and Ciampa are the reason for that. You have reminded the Universe countless times since then.

Aiden : Rollins better hope he doesn’t end up in the finals with me. Then the EBWF Universe will see him for the fraud he is. I’ll beat him to become the King of the Ring and then he’ll give me the Breakout Title out of shame for how bad I beat him.

Mauro : That’s not how titles work!

Corey : Don’t disrespect the King of the Ring like that Mauro. Have you ever held a Championship?

Mauro : Neither has he and he’s not the King yet!

Aiden : But I will be, that’s the point.

Mauro : That’s not what I meant…

Aiden waved his hands at Mauro.

Aiden : Psh psh psh, shut your mouth Mauro.

Corey : Yeah, shut your mouth!

Aiden : You know what? I’m taking this show over! Clear this set! Get Mauro and Renee out of here. It’s time for the first ever King’s Court. I only want real professionals on my show! Corey, you’re welcome to stay obviously!

Some stage hands came in and started redressing the set. EBWF logos were replaced with little crown icons, the King of the Ring banner backdrop covered with a gold backdrop with “Drama King’s Court” written on it and Mauro was pushed off screen. Renee had a look of shock on her face.

Aiden : You cut me short in our interview Monday, Renee and now the King is canceling your show. Have a good evening!

Aiden winked as another stage hand rolled her and her chair away. Aiden stood and one took his chair away from him. The chair was quickly replaced by an eloquent gold and red throne. Aiden sat back down and motioned for more chairs to be brought in. Chairs were returned to were Mauro and Renee were sitting. Aiden smiled wide into the camera.

Aiden : Welcome to the King’s Court. At this time I’d like to welcome a very special guest, MY WIFE, Raquel Diaz to the show.

Both men stood as Raquel entered the set and sat down next to Aiden were Renee had been before. Aiden pushed her chair in slightly before returning to his throne. He nodded a thanks to Corey who also sat down.

Aiden : Welcome to the King’s Court my love. It’s good to have you by my side for the momentous occasion.

Raquel : Thank you for inviting me. Corey, it’s good to see you are on board. It’s nice to see someone in this company has sense enough to realize talent.

Corey : I’m just glad I could get in on the ground floor!

Aiden : As I said, your faith shall be rewarded in time Corey. I am a man of my word and that is a promise. But let’s stay focused on tonight’s show! Let’s stay focused on the other three men who are going out for the King of the Ring tonight. Let’s talk about all the men who are going to come so close to my crown and yet be so far from wearing it. Do you mind if I just kind of rant for a moment Corey?

Corey : By all means!

Aiden : Thanks.

Aiden started clapping slowly. With each clap the intensity and speed grew until he was clapping loud and fast. His expression had changed away from his usual devilish grin to a more menacing demeanor. The clapping stopped.

Aiden : Congratulations on making it this far. I’m sorry that for two of you the journey ends so early in the night. For the third, enjoy every extra second because your time is up too. I’m not here to put on a play for you or mask my comments behind a story like I’ve done in the past. No, today I’m taking Friar Lawrence’s words into my heart. Be plain good son and homely in thy drift. Riddling confession finds but riddling shrift. I’m not going to be dark and brooding like Tommy End. I’m not going to pretend I don’t know my opponents like Seth Rollins. I’m not going to live in the past like Chris Jericho. My eyes are fixed on the future, I know who and what is ahead of me and I’m optimistic about the outcome.

Aiden chuckled a bit but his facial expression held.

Aiden : First comes the End. Tommy End. The man who eliminated Jimmy Havoc from the tournament and in doing so robbed me of the first bit of friendly competition I could have had in this company. That act surprised me and in some regards impressed me. Your antics after the fact were nearly artistic. Unfortunately, like you will tonight, your attempt at art came up a bit short. You’ve taken to calling yourself Legion in an attempt to shroud yourself in some much needed mystique. Needed to cover up the fact that you’re wholly unprepared for the level of success you’ve achieved in this tournament. I’ve seen the show Legion and like you Tommy, I’m not sure what all the hype is about. You are in essence but a man who puts on an air of mystery and plays at being dark and brooding. In fact, the only difference I see between Tommy End and Matt Hardy is that Hardy plays at being insane better than you do. And now apparently I’ve come up against this Legion. Or rather this Legion has come up against me. Legion? Are you serious? Fine. Bring a dozen men to the ring like Heath Slater did. Bring a hundred, hell bring a thousand me to the ring with you tonight. It doesn’t matter to me because you have come up against a wall. This wall is not the walls of Jericho, so easily felled by simple shouting. This wall is not the walls of Troy which could be circumvented with simple tricks. No, this wall you come up against is insurmountable by even the largest of forces! You have reached the END of your line. Go ahead and speak of fate and destiny. Be ruled, as you have been thus far by fate. For fate is a fickle master and tonight she and luck have both abandoned you. Make no mistake, you will fail. You will be granted the honor of being beaten by KING Aiden English. But, it’s not because fate was on my side. No dear Brutus, the fault lies not in our stars but in ourselves. Some men, like myself, are born great. Others struggle to achieve their greatness. Still more have their greatness thrust upon them. You’ve had your greatness thrust upon you by the luck of making it this far while I am a born champion. I am a Rembrandt within those ropes, a masterpiece in motion and the very bardic benchmark of battles. I shall expose your inadequacies for all the world to see. Then fate as it were leads me to one of two men. Either I face down the Lionheart or I take on the Architect. For the Architect facing me is a fate worse than death. For once was his star so bright they called him the next great thing and yet he is here being beat by the number one contender for a title he clings to for dear life. The embarrassment. He’s supposed to be breaking out of the crowd, breaking onto the scene and stealing the show. Instead he’s being upstaged and surpassed. His time in the spotlight has come to a close. His last lines are spoken and he comes down to the ring for his final Curtain Call. No longer is he the up and coming future World Champion. No, he’s just another former Breakout Champion. A competitor in the two thousand eighteen King of the Ring who couldn’t go the distance. He’s nothing but another what could have been story in the making. A story that I’m putting the final lines on if I meet him in the ring tonight.

Aiden cleared his throat.

Aiden : Sorry, I’ve let myself slip back into my old ways. Let me speak more plainly so his simple Iowan mind might grasp my words. Last week he had the nerve to call me a loser and a nobody. I watched in the back and I laughed but the humor has faded. You see Rollins I’m not a former tag team champion. Jimmy Havoc didn’t have to pull me up by my bootstraps to get me to this level. No see the joke is that in being a former champion you by definition are the loser while I have never been beat. You said it last week, your battle with Finn was your moment to shine. Well, this isn’t Des Moines anymore and your moment is done and gone. No Seth, you’re no King. You’re not even worthy of being called prince. And Architect? I wouldn’t trust your designs for a bird house let alone your designs on beating EBWF’s best and brightest. I hope you’re in the back praying Jericho has it in him to put you away because that’s the only thing that is going to save you from what I have in store for the finals. Go ahead and give it your all. Give it your all against Jericho. Then if you win give it your all against the King himself. Your all, it will never be enough. That leaves only the Lionheart. Unsurprisingly he’s the only veteran to make it this far into the tournament. He’s a good wrestler, and at one time he was a great wrestler. But make no mistake, Jericho isn’t the best there is anymore. He’s not the best on the mic and he’s not the best in the ring. Regardless of what Renee Young may have people believe, I’m no underdog! I don’t play second fiddle to anyone in the semi finals. But if anyone comes close to my greatness it’s Chris Jericho. But he who flies closest to the sun is surely burnt. Chris feels that burning in his muscles as in his soul. He doesn’t hit as hard as used to anymore. He isn’t moving as fast as he once did. His vision is starting to get a bit Fozzy. Er, fuzzy. I know this because he still thinks he’s got one more title reign in him. I know this because his senility has him thinking he may just pull off the biggest upset of his career by beating me. It’s not going to happen. All the world’s a stage Jericho. And, all the men and women are merely players. They have their exits and their entrances. One man in his time plays many parts. My part in this is that of the victor and yours my conquest. This is your exit, by my hand if not Seth’s. Dreams to the contrary are not but vain fantasies of an idle brain. No, Lionheart. Sweet prince of cats. Tonight I come for but one of your nine lives. The rest you may keep.

Raquel coughed and caught Aiden’s attention. He tilted his head to the side while she talked.

Raquel : Remember King, speak plainly so that the peasantry can understand.

Aiden : Ah yes, again I apologize. I know you still have gas in the tank, Jericho. I am aware that you may well wrestle for another five or ten years. I think that the chances of that are very likely. Of course, we’ve all heard your band play. We know you have nothing to fall back on when this career is done. We see that you have to do everything you can to hold onto your glory days. And maybe in those intervening years you’ll win that tenth World Title. That road does not start here tonight. You know what can start after King of the Ring? We can start working to get the other old timers back in the business. The guys you competed with in your glory days! Wes can get Helmsley, Michaels, Flair and a hand full of other OLD TIMERS back in the company. And, then you can be a STAR again in EBWF’s brand new over fifty division!

Aiden stood up from the throne and leaned over the table at the camera. He stuck a finger in his chest to drive home the things he would say about himself.

Aiden : I’m building a reputation around here for burying people who have sat on the shelf and outlived their expiration dates. You may not know it yet, but you are the past. You are the past and I am the FUTURE of this company! I’m going to bring this company to new heights, I’m going to elevate the level of competition in that ring. I’m going to force everyone to give their best each and every night just to keep up with me. Honestly Jericho, I don’t know if you have it in you to perform at the level that’s going to be required to survive around here from now on. You’ve faced some of the best in the business, you’ve been one of the best in the business. You came along and put the old generation out to pasture by being new and exciting and better. Now, you’re the old generation and I’m the new, exciting and better model.


Aiden sat down and took a deep breath. He had barely stopped during that last rant. He gave a glance to the other two people on the set one at a time.

Aiden : That’s my rant. Anyone else got anything to say?

Raquel : What if we take a moment and talk about the rest of the show? We know that you’re going to be the King of the Ring after tonight but there is someone else walking out of here with a crown. Who is going to be the Queen of the Ring?

Corey : It’s going to be a tough match for both women. I for one am looking forward to it!

Aiden : I like Morgan’s chances tonight, but I wouldn’t be surprised either way. You’re looking at two of the most talented women wrestling for this company. Honestly, I’d put either one of them over Rollins any day of the week!

Raquel : I’m glad you made that distinction.

Corey : Distinction? What did I miss?

Aiden : I know who the most talented woman in EBWF is. She is just choosing to focus on out of ring work right now!

Corey’s eyes lit up as he caught on to the banter between the couple.

Corey : Oh!

Aiden : I wasn’t married yesterday!

Raquel : Some days I’m not sure!

Corey : I’m going to stay out of this one!

Aiden : It’s okay, let’s move on! Jimmy Havoc and Marty Scurll.

Corey : These two are as likely to murder each other as they are to try and pin one another!

Aiden : Scurll is outclassed in this match. He went on record and ran his mouth six or seven too many times and now Havoc is going to shut him up for good. I just wish I wasn’t so busy so I could be at ringside to see it happen.

Raquel : I’m not sure I’m comfortable with you spending time with Jimmy Havoc. He has a tendency to threaten to stab people.

Aiden : He means well.

Corey and Raquel both stared at Aiden in amazement but Aiden just carried on like nothing had happened.

Aiden : What we should really be discussing when it comes to Scurll and Havoc is how many bones Scurll breaks!

Corey : You think Marty is going to break Havoc’s fingers?

Aiden : No, I think Scurll is going to have his bones broken.

Aiden laughed alone for a few seconds. Then he flashed a grimace at Corey who followed suit. Corey’s laughter was obviously forced. Raquel just sat there quietly.

Raquel : Can we carry on?

Aiden : Sorry, tickled my funny bone.

Raquel : Castle and EC3? Who do you have in this one?

Corey : Castle all the way!

Aiden : I’m going to have to go the other way on this one.

Raquel : Really?

Aiden : Don’t get me wrong, EC3 is yuppie scum. When it comes to talent he’s as penniless as the percentage of the population he pretends to not be a part of. I just don’t think Castle has it in him to retain and for all I know he’s going to get paid to throw the match for Wes’s wealthy buddy.

Raquel : That makes sense. You’ve been thinking about this haven’t you?

Aiden : I’m always thinking, always planning and always preparing. You have to know all the players if you want to be the best in the game.

Corey : You seem to be doing well so far.

Aiden nodded. There was something weighing his mind down and he sat there sort of detached from the conversation for a few seconds.

Raquel : Yes well, he’s the most gifted wrestler on this roster. He’s got the sense to do what has to be done. Not to mention he’s married into one of the most storied families in professional wrestling history. Ain’t that right honey?

Raquel gave Aiden time to respond but he was still lost in his thoughts. She looked back at Corey and continued.

Raquel : We’re also going to find out who is going to become the number one contender for the tag titles tonight in what has to be one of the most insane pairings in EBWF history! Mankind and Matt Hardy?

Corey : I know. Who signed off on making this match happen?

Raquel : What about Mysterio and Almas together in the ring? Almas didn’t have the best debut performance in the King of the Ring when he got eliminated by Heath Slater. I am hopeful for this team though because I have a certain place in my heart for masked wrestlers.

Corey : That makes sense with the family you have. In fact I’d suspect you’ve met Mysterio more than a few times.

Raquel : Yeah, he and my father were great friends. I’ve spent more than a few hours listening to he and my father talk.

Corey : The stories you must have.

Raquel : Oh yes, we will have to do lunch one day and talk about it. Now is not the time or the place for those kinds of stories!

Corey : What are your thoughts on this match, Aiden?

They both turned and looked at him but he hadn’t moved an inch and his eyes were glazed over.

Raquel : I’m sure he’s just getting into the fighting mood. His match with Tommy End is coming up real soon.

Corey : That has to be it!

Raquel : I’m going to hope Mysterio can carry Almas to victory tonight and they go on to achieve success against the Death Squad!

Corey : I guess that brings us to one last match on the show. Ciampa goes one on one against Braun Strowman in a Street Fight. Do you think a no disqualification match favors Strowman or Ciampa?

Raquel : I think if this match were being contested under normal rules Tommaso has more to be worried about.

Corey : Without rules, Strowman can use anything he wants to injure Ciampa.

Raquel : And Ciampa can use anything he wants to level the playing field and take away the size advantage Braun Strowman is known for.

Corey : I’m not sure I’d want to be Tommaso Ciampa facing down an angry Braun Strowman.

Raquel : There’s one more thing Braun Strowman has to worry about while fighting Ciampa tonight. Right baby? RIGHT BABY??

Aiden snapped out of his thoughts and looked at his wife with wide eyes. He shook his head to clear it and try and make out what conversation was being had.

Aiden : Yes love?

Raquel : Strowman has to keep something else in the back of his mind while fighting Ciampa in the Street Fight tonight.

Aiden : Oh yes. He has lots to consider. He’s going to need to keep one eye laser focused on Ciampa who is going to use everything and anything he can get his hands on to break him down. But he’s going to keep the other eye trained behind him. Because, I owe Ciampa a favor and a man pays his debts. Strowman needs to understand that at anytime I could pop in and end his night.

Corey : You’ve already got a busy night ahead of you. Do you think it’s a good idea to be getting involved in this match?

Aiden : It’s the price of doing business sometimes. To be clear I don’t have anything worked out with Ciampa yet. Still waiting to talk to him later in the night. If he needs the favor returned tonight, I will make it happen.

Raquel : I don’t want to cut this short, but you need to go get ready for your match!

Aiden looked down at his wrist as if expecting to see a watch but he hadn’t been wearing one. He looked over to Raquel and gave her a nod. He reached out a hand and shook Corey’s.

Aiden : Thanks for being here tonight Graves.

Corey : Are you kidding me, this has been the best kickoff show to date!

Aiden : I appreciate it.

Corey : Go out there and win, King!

Aiden stood up and walked over to Raquel. He bent down and kissed her on the forehead before walking off screen. From off camera he could be heard whistling and one of the stage hands came in and hauled the throne back off the set. Another rolled up the King’s Court banner. After a few moments Renee Young and Mauro Ranallo were rolled back in. They both had confused looks on their faces.

Corey : Snap out of it Mauro, we’ve still got a job to do!

Mauro : Is he allowed to do that?

Raquel : When you’re royalty you can do as you please.

Renee : I just want to clarify that Aiden English hasn’t won the King of the Ring yet.

Raquel : I hear your concerns Renee. Don’t worry the King will receive his crown tonight.

Corey’s gaze shifted to the crown Aiden left sitting on the center of the desk. He picked it up and rolled it over in his hands.

Corey : This thing weighs a ton!

Raquel : You know what they say Corey, heavy is the head that wears the crown. Aiden is just getting himself prepared for the weight that comes with his new title.

Corey passed the crown around the table until Raquel had it in her hands. She sat it down in her lap.

Raquel : Thank you!

Corey : He’s going to need that in the coming weeks.

Renee : Aiden seemed a bit more distracted tonight than usual. Any insight into that Mrs. Diaz?

Raquel : Why wouldn’t he have more on his mind tonight than any other night? Usually he’s making plans and getting prepared for one match. Tonight he’s trying to get himself into the right frame of mind to fight Tommy End and then take on one of two men. It’s a lot of work to prepare for three possible opponents.

Renee : I’m not sure he’d ever admit to having to work at it.

Raquel : I think if you’d listen that you’d know otherwise. Aiden is very open with how hard he works around here. Ikeda isn’t handing him title matches like he is EC3.

Mauro : There is a lot of controversy around Aiden’s undefeated streak. The way he’s winning matches can’t be rewarded by management or they’re basically telling the rest of the roster you don’t have to follow the rules.

Raquel : My father espoused certain virtues Ranallo. Do you know what those virtues were?

Corey’s hand shot up.

Corey : Oh, I DO!

Raquel : Lie. Cheat. Steal.

Mauro : But you have to understand that it’s still cheating.

Raquel : It’s only against the rules if you get caught.

Corey : The lady has a point Mauro!

Renee : That’s not a point, it’s an excuse for her husband’s horrendous behavior in the ring.

Raquel : I don’t need to excuse my husband’s behavior. My husband wins matches. If anything, the two of you owe him an apology. The only two people out here right now who have been in that ring and competed are myself and Graves. We know that you have to do whatever it takes to win matches. No one cares about you if you don’t win matches. You don’t have to like it Renee, but you do have to show the respect Aiden is owed.

Corey : All good points!

Mauro : No they’re not! Have you listened to the EBWF Universe? They HATE Aiden English.

Corey : He’s not here to make friends.

Raquel : Yeah! He gets paid to win matches!

Renee : Some would argue that he gets paid to entertain the fans.

Raquel : And each week these people show up hoping someone is going to pin my husband. They show up and he wins, they come back the next week and he wins. They’re going to keep coming back because he’s going to keep winning.

Mauro : And what if he doesn’t keep winning? What does loosing do to his value to EBWF?

Raquel : I’m not going to sit here and listen to the two of you cut down my husband and try to belittle his career here in EBWF.

Corey : And you shouldn’t have to.

Renee : We’re not going to pretend that Aiden English doesn’t cheat.

Corey : No one is asking you to.

Raquel : Aiden doesn’t hide the fact that Ciampa helped him beat Strowman. He does take pride in the fact that he was the first one to pull it off. And he should take pride in that win. That win is the reason he has the opportunity he does tonight. Aiden knows it, I know it, Corey Graves knows it. Aiden is going to do whatever it takes to win matches and he doesn’t care what anyone thinks about it. Except myself of course.

Mauro : He has to care what management thinks of him, they’re not going to hand opportunities over to him if he keeps up this sort of behaviour.

Corey : If you would pay attention Mauro, you’d know that Aiden English doesn’t want to be handed opportunities. He wasn’t handed a bye into the semi finals of the King of the Ring. He fought his way here tonight.

Raquel : And when he wins tonight the company will have no choice but to give him a shot at the World Title and Miz. He has earned this and you should all be happy for him!

Corey : I’m very happy for him!

Renee : We’re running short on time. Final thoughts for tonight?

Mauro : I’m looking forward to seeing who gets crowned King and Queen of the Ring tonight.

Corey : I can’t wait to see the carnage of the Ciampa and Strowman match!

Renee : Two of the best women in the business go one on one tonight for a shot at our current Women’s Champion. I for one am excited to see the outcome of that match.

Raquel : I’ll be at ringside when my husband wins the King of the Ring tournament at his first ever EBWF pay per view. Then I’m going to be tableside when two of you have to eat crow.

Corey : We’re just seconds away from EBWF KING OF THE RING! I’d like to thank our guests Aiden English and the lovely Raquel Diaz for joining us tonight!

Raquel : Thank you Corey!

The Kickoff show came to a close and faded out. As the shot faded Corey went back to arguing with Renee and Mauro while Raquel stood up and walked away with the crown in her hands.