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Aiden English and Raquel Diaz Meet and Greet Brunch
EBWF.net Exclusive
Friday 1/25/19
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The shot opened in the tight interior of a midsize SUV. The camera was in the front seat looking back at Aiden English and Raquel Dias in the rear row of seats. Aiden was wearing a powder blue jacket, jeans, a white button up shirt and a pair of mirrored sunglasses. Raquel was wearing a similarly blue flowing top and a pair of faded denim jeans. She also had a pair of dark tinted sunglasses but they were hanging from the strap of her small black leather messenger purse. The pair were holding hands and laughing as the sound came on.

Aiden English: Are you ready for this?

Raquel Diaz: Absolutely! We’ve got to keep an eye on the time. I have that conference in just a couple of hours.

Aiden English: I’ve set an alarm on both of our phones and told your mother to call and make sure we haven’t silenced them! I know how important this is to you and we will not miss it!

Raquel Diaz: You’re such a great husband!

Aiden English: It’s easy to be a great husband when you have the best wife.

The two shared a quick kiss before Aiden opened the door and stepped out onto the sidewalk. The camera followed out the front of the vehicle just in time to watch Aiden help Raquel out. He pointed toward the Guenther House Restaurant and the two headed toward the door with the camera following a few steps behind. At the door Aiden let go of Raquel’s hand and pulled the door open. He held the door behind his foot and put a hand on Raquel’s lower back as she stepped through the door. He followed behind her but gave the door enough of a push to keep it open long enough for the cameraman to follow them through. As they surveyed the nearly empty restaurant they spotted a few tables pushed together with thirteen or fourteen fans seated around them. At the front of the tables sat two empty chairs. Aiden led Raquel over to the table and pulled her chair out for her. She sat down and he pushed her back toward the table. He pulled the chair out next to her and sat down. He let out a deep breath.

Aiden English: Are you guys as nervous as I am?

The table laughed along with the couple.

Aiden English: Seriously, I’m glad to have the opportunity to sit down with all of you and enjoy a wonderful meal ahead of Royal Rumble this weekend. Has everyone looked over the menu? Waiting on us to order?

Raquel Diaz picked up her menu after flashing a smile at the fans. She opened the menu, blocking herself from nearly everyone’s sight. With her index finger she read over every item on the menu as Aiden continued.

Aiden English: No doubt everyone has a couple of questions loaded up for just this occasion. Don’t worry we’re going to go over all of that while we eat but I’m going to lay down one single ground rule. I don’t want to talk about Royal Rumble this morning. Later I’m going to sit down with Mauro Ranallo and he’s going to have a hundred questions about everyone in the Royal Rumble and I need to have all the energy possible for that form of torture.

Again the table laughed along with him. A few waiters and waitresses came to the table and started quietly taking orders from everyone. Aiden glanced at the menu and ordered an egg white omelette with spinach, onions and swiss cheese. Raquel continued looking at the menu before picking out a similar omelette with tomatoes instead of onions.

Raquel Diaz: I hate when you eat onions for breakfast. It ruins your breath and our kisses for the rest of the day!

Aiden English: We better get them in now then!

The couple kissed as the rest of the table finished up their orders. Aiden turned back toward the group with a smile.

Aiden English: Alright, who has the first question?

A man at the end of the table wearing a wrinkled and stained version of Aiden’s latest shirt sat up a bit in his chair. His stubble was starting to grow stubble of its own which distracted Raquel from his question.

Scruffy Fan: In some of your youtube videos and promotional material you’ve talked about the old world. We’re all assuming you’re talking about WWE. Are we right in making that assumption and how different is it being in EBWF?

Aiden English: I think different people have different perspectives and experiences in both companies. It was clear to me that THEY, that is the old world, were never going to use me to my potential. I didn’t fit the mold for what they consider to be a superstar. I was filling a place on the roster as a tag team act and eventually something like a manager. To me it was demeaning because I knew I was capable of so much more. Raquel has her own issues with that entire organization, their systems and practices. I’m not going to speak for her. The differences are DAY AND NIGHT. The management in EBWF has fresh and creative ideas. The fans and what the fans want is at the center of the choices made. EBWF is trying to put together a show you’re going to want to watch week in and week out in its entirety. Not something you’re going to watch the highlights of the day before the next big pay per view. With Wes, if you think you can do more or be a bigger star you just have to ask. Well you have to ask and then you have to bring your best to the plate and knock it out of the park. Honestly, I think if I hadn’t made the jump I would still be in the same place I was in or I’d have a lessened role. Here in EBWF I’m the Gateway Champion, I don’t think Vince would have ever greenlit a singles title for me.

Another fan cut in. She was dressed better than everyone else and staring at the camera once in a while. Some people might have recognized her as a local independent wrestler trying to get a spot in EBWF.

Hopeful Fan: Not only are you the Gateway Champion, you’re also the former Breakout Champion. Did you ever expect to be a two time singles champion before your first anniversary with the company?

Aiden English: I didn’t. Everything I had heard about Wes and his management style was all the guarantee I needed to make the jump. I’m sure I was hoping the grass would be greener on the other side but it’s been more verdant than I could have ever imagined. Title reigns aside, I made it to the quarter finals of the King of the Ring in my first six months. I defended the Breakout Title successfully and was allowed to drop it without being beat for it. I’ve got to wrestle against and alongside some of the greatest athletes to ever grace the ring. And, I got a glowing introduction from a hero of mine, CM Punk! It’s been a great experience to say the least.

Raquel Diaz: He’s being modest. We knew from the day he signed the contract that he was going to do great things in EBWF. It just took finding a place, a staff and writers who would use Aiden to the best of his ability. That includes things like letting him loose without a script. It includes letting him plan matches with some great talent. They even gave him a lot of room to develop his character and unleash his natural charisma. He was always going to be a champion in EBWF, but we were both surprised out how quickly it came.

The scruffy fan coughed and everyone turned to him. Raquel raised an eyebrow while shooting him one of her patented death stares.

Scruffy Fan: Is there any merit to the rumor that you only won the Breakout Title because Seth Rollins was making a less than amicable split with the company?

Aiden English: No. I think the story goes the other way. Me winning the Breakout Title was one of the things that Colby couldn’t deal with. You know he came from the old world too. He was a big name their and he expected to be an icon here. He expected everything to be handed to him on a silver platter and from my view most things were. There were some interpersonal issues with him and a couple other members of the roster that I won’t get into. However, he had just won King of the Ring and was on his way to a title match and possibly even a World Title reign.I think in his mind dropping the Breakout Title to me was beneath him. He didn’t want to put me over and so he threw a fit. Wes stepped in and handled it but then Colby lost it backstage. To my understanding he said some less than polite things to people he shouldn’t have been so wordy with and Wes terminated him on the spot. Me winning the Breakout Championship was always part of the plan and it was for him to advance to a higher tier on the roster.

Across from the scruffy fan a couple was holding hands and taking everything in. The woman adjusted her napkin as Aiden finished up his response and then held her hand up. Aiden looked confused for a moment before pointing to her.

Polite Woman: As a couple on the road, how hard it to do all the normal couple things?

Raquel Diaz: Awfully difficult most of the time. Normally if we’re getting away to go out and eat it’s to an event like this or another company sponsored event. When we’re traveling from show to show we’re often eating fast food or meals we prepped in the previous hotel. Family functions are almost impossible for both of us to get off for. Now with Aiden holding the Gateway Title he has a lot more responsibility at house shows and so we’re on the road a lot more often than we were before. When we get downtime we head back to Chicago and lock ourselves in the house.

Aiden English: Yeah, I’ve had to miss out on a lot of the Guerrero Family get togethers and other important family events. When we’re close to any member of the family we try to get them out to the show. I try and fly my parents or Vickie out as often as we can. I think sometimes Wes gets irritated with how often we want a member of our family backstage or in the crowd. However, he can’t be too upset because it’s how he got Chavo to do some work for EBWF.

Polite Woman: Do the two of you plan on settling down and starting a family anytime soon?

Aiden turned slightly in his chair to face Raquel.

Aiden English: Do you mind if I take this one?

Raquel Diaz: Sure! I’m interested in hearing your answer too!

Aiden English: Raquel and I have gone back and forth on this for a while now. I can’t imagine how hard it’s going to be to raise a family with one or both of us on the road for long stretches of time. We’re already incredibly busy ninety-nine percent of the time. Adding a little person into that mix is going to be chaos. We both want to have kids at some point but I don’t think either one of us is in a rush to have them right now. We’re happy focusing on our careers, our relationship and building a future that our eventual kids can enjoy!

Raquel Diaz: I haven’t done half bad training you!

Everyone laughed at Raquel’s joke, putting her slightly at ease with the situation.

Scruffy Fan: What went wrong between the two of you and Elias to cause your split from him?

Aiden English: So, I’m going to dip into some secrets to answer this one. Close your ears if you don’t want everything ruined. Elias and I are still friends. The decision to split Sights and Sounds Orchestra was purely to advance the stories in EBWF. I needed to make a change to join Team EBWF in the elimination match and Elias didn’t have everything in place for him to make the same switch. He’s a good guy, great wrestler and I look forward to working with him more in the future.

Raquel Diaz: Also, we’ve slowed down on riding with him as much because we’re doing more house shows than he is. That’s a natural rift in any relationship. We see him on Mondays and at Pay Per Views for the most part and the rest of the time he has other friends and rides with other people.

Hopeful Fan: Does your cousin Chavo ride with you now?

Raquel Diaz: He has a few times. He’s not had a lot of television time and so for a lot of his spots he’s been flying in. He stays incredibly busy with smaller companies which makes it hard for us to coordinate travel.

Aiden English: I think it’s three times now that he’s been on the road with us. It’s always so great having him on the ride. He’s funny, he’s got great stories and he’s forgotten more about the business than some people will learn in their career. I can’t express how grateful I am to have him around right now.

Raquel Diaz: Don’t let him hear you say that, his head is already big enough.

Aiden let out a chuckle that was followed up by all the fans. Food was starting to be served. Aiden sniffed at his plate with a deep and exaggerated gesture. Raquel laughed.

Raquel Diaz: I don’t bring him out in public because he’s such a nerd!

Aiden English: Hey!

Raquel Diaz: You should see him with a glass of liquor in his hands. He swears he can smell the difference in different bottelings and brands.

Aiden English: You’re the same way with wine, always swirling and sipping!

Raquel Diaz: Being a wine connoisseur is totally socially acceptable.

Aiden English: You can be a wino but I can’t appreciate good liquor?

Raquel Diaz: Hey, it’s like you’re getting the hang of this marriage thing finally!

Several fans covered their mouths to laugh. Aiden shook his head and took a big bite. A female fan at the far reaches of the table finally worked up the courage to talk. Her voice was barely loud enough to be heard over the scrape of forks and knives across plates.

Timid Fan: Now that you’ve been with the company for a while, have you made any friends in EBWF that you didn’t know before coming here?

Aiden English: Oh yeah! Lots of new friends in EBWF, everyone is great. Even some of the people I’m not supposed to like are great and helpful. Not people I would mention here because it might ruin their image and I’m not sure how open they are about their real selves. Jimmy Havoc and I got real close while working the storyline with LEGION. I had an opportunity to meet and work with some legendary talents in their final EBWF matches. I know Wes Ikeda is supposed to be the boss man but he’s one of the most open and friendly people in the company. Honestly, I think Wes is the kind of boss that could cut your pay and still make you feel like he’s one of your lifelong best friends.

Timid Fan: Does anyone stand out above the rest?

Aiden English: Well, I already brought up Havoc. He was a big one. I’ve also had interesting interaction with Ciampa and Scurll that were just amazing. Realistically the best relationship for me in EBWF is the one between Raquel and I. Before EBWF we were both doing our own things. I was on the road alone more often than not and she was doing a thousand different projects. I think being on the road together was the best thing for our marriage and our friendship.

Raquel Diaz: He’s taken ladies!

The shot faded on the fans laughing and Aiden kissing Raquel on the forehead.

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Sit Down Interview with Mauro Ranallo
EBWF.net Exclusive
Saturday 1/26/19
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EBWF.net posted an article and video with the headline ‘Mauro Ranallo Talks Rumble with Aiden English’. The article was an abridged transcription of the video interview that was pinned to the top. The video opened with a close shot of Mauro Ranallo sitting on a dark blue sofa style chair. Mauro was dressed in typical fashion, a light grey suit with a white undershirt and black tie. The closeness of the shot hid a lot of the set details from view.

Mauro Ranallo: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me on EBWF dot net! I’m Mauro Ranallo and today I have the pleasure of sitting down with EBWF Gateway Champion and Royal Rumble entrant Aiden English! Welcome Aiden, thanks for being here.

The shot cut to a wide shot of both men sitting on opposite facing and matching sofas. Between them sat a small table with a generic plant on it. The backdrop of the set was a flat black wall and the flooring was a carpet that closely resembled the fabric on the chairs. Aiden shuffled a bit in the seat.

Aiden English: Thanks for having me Mauro. But, to be clear it’s Royal Rumble entrant number one, Aiden English!

Mauro Ranallo: Oh, I did not know that! You heard it here people Aiden English is the first entrant into the 2019 EBWF Royal Rumble! What a daunting task you have ahead of you Aiden. There are some huge names announced for the Royal Rumble this year.

Aiden English: Yeah, it’s going to be a long and gruelling match for sure. But, I’m used to having to struggle for everything I’ve earned in my life. The struggle is what makes it all worth it in the end. Besides, when I fight my way through twenty-nine other wrestlers, no one is going to be able to say I don’t belong in the Main Event at Wrestlemania.

The shot cut back to the tight shut on Mauro.

Mauro Ranallo: That sounds like a response to everyone who’s been saying that you don’t deserve a shot at the EBWF World Title after your loss to the Miz a couple weeks ago. Is there more you’d like to say about that?

A screen jumped to a reverse shot on Aiden but just as tightly framed.

Aiden English: You know, the Miz is one of the best wrestlers in the business today. That’s why he is walking around the World Title over his shoulder. He got the better of me in our match and I don’t feel like I need excuses for that. He’s good and anyone who says otherwise is underestimating him.

Back to the wide shot of both men.

Mauro Ranallo: With that out of the way, let’s run down the list of people announced for the the Royal Rumble and see if you don’t have a couple words for each of them. You’ve seen the list, is there anyone you think we should address first?

Aiden English: Yeah! I think there’s someone we need to talk about first. Someone we need to talk about the most. Someone that I’m more than just a little unhappy with. Someone that I didn’t expect to see in the Royal Rumble but that I’m glad I will. That’s our former EBWF World Champion and the leader of Team EBWF Jimmy Havoc!

Mauro Ranallo: You and Havoc had become good friends before he revealed himself to be a member of LEGION. You’ve said a lot about that night in the past. How does the Royal Rumble factor into your feelings for Jimmy Havoc?

Back to a close shot on Aiden as he inched forward to the edge of the seat and locked eyes with the camera.

Aiden English: Jimmy Havoc turned his back on the EBWF. Jimmy Havoc turned his back on the EBWF Universe. Jimmy Havoc… Turned his back on the fans. But, most importantly to me he turned his back on me. I put myself in the crosshairs to join Team EBWF. I did that because I considered Jimmy a friend and an ally. I joined up because he needed help. Then he shows his true colors and reveals it was all a rouse. He had been LEGION before it all started. And, there I was hanging in the breeze for someone I considered a friend who didn’t give a damn about me or my family. See, that’s the real thing Mauro. Not only did I put myself in the line of fire but I put my wife in the line of fire by extension. You think LEGION are the kind of people who wouldn’t hurt Raquel because she’s a woman? You think Tommy End, Michael Dante or even Jimmy Havoc are men of that kind of moral standing? I don’t! I think they’re the kind of people that would doing anything and hurt anyone to get what they wanted. And, Raquel and I talked it over and we took that risk for Jimmy. Honestly, I’m not sure he was a part of LEGION when he won the World Title. I think he turned to them to protect him and his reign from the Miz and anyone else who might come calling. He shielded himself from challengers by surrounding himself with lackeys and henchmen. Even worse, he mortified and traumatized the EBWF fans to get there. Kharma caught up with Jimmy Havoc when the Miz took the title but that’s not the end of it. There is more punishment coming for Jimmy Havoc when he shows up in the Royal Rumble tonight. And, Michael Dante can’t protect him from my wrath tomorrow night!

Mauro Ranallo looked a bit shocked as the camera cut back to the wide angle. There was a moment of silence as he collected himself.

Mauro Ranallo: I knew there were issues there, but I didn’t expect them to be that big. You hinted at the fact that Michael Dante will also be taking part in the match. What do you think about one half of the Sumerian Death Squad and his chances at being the last man in the ring?

Aiden English: Mauro, there was a time when I called Michael Dante the weakest link in the LEGION chain. You might not remember that but I do and I’m sure he does too. I overlooked Michael Dante, cast him aside as a footnote to the rest of his buddies. I made a mistake and I paid for it. Michael Dante put one of the worst beatings on me that I’ve ever experienced here or anywhere else. Dante is a threat. A clear and present danger to everyone taking part in the Royal Rumble. I’m not going to make the same mistakes twice, I’ve got an eye out for Michael Dante and anyone who might show up at ringside to help secure his spot at Wrestlemania. Tonight I’m going to be prepared for Dante and I’m going to make sure that at least one member of LEGION isn’t main eventing the Greatest Show!

Mauro Ranallo cleared his throat before continuing the interview.

Mauro Ranallo: We all hope for a better outcome this Sunday at Royal Rumble than Team EBWF had in the elimination match. You have to know that you can’t focus solely on the two members of LEGION in the match because there are twenty-seven other men that are all looking for a shot at the EBWF World Title. A few of these men you have a close personal history with. The first that comes to mind is Elias Samson. Elias is your former partner and friend who refused to follow you to Team EBWF. What are your feelings about having to face Elias this weekend?

Aiden English: Honestly, Elias refusing to join me in taking on LEGION wouldn’t have been enough to end our friendship. I had a very deep respect for him and I understood that not everyone had the determination to stand up for what was right. No, my issues with Elias are all personal. Deep seeded and personal issues about the way he handled himself around my wife and myself. Had he shook my hand and wished me luck, we wouldn’t be in the place we are now! Do I think he should have come on this journey with me? Absolutely! Do I blame him for not having it in him? Not at all. No, I can see an alternate future where Elias joined Team EBWF and everything went better. We could have went on to pose a clear threat to the Sumerian Death Squad and their title reign. We could have turned the tide of that match and brought the victory back from the brink of darkness. Instead, Elias abandoned me. Then he decided that everything going wrong in his career was my fault. He started saying things to Raquel and I that are unforgivable. The days when Sights and Sounds Orchestra could have become the best team in the business are dead and buried. Through our personal interactions, Elias has turned himself from a friend into a bitter enemy. Last week when he put his hands on the love of my life, he sealed his fate in the match!

Mauro Ranallo: Continuing with people you have a personal connection to, there is also a chance that you will come face to face with Rey Mysterio in the Royal Rumble. What do you think of Rey?

The shot cut back to the close up of Aiden. He was smiling now.

Aiden English: I think my connection with Rey is about the loosest one on the list of people I have a connection with. He’s a close personal friend to the Guerrero Family, and possibly one of Raquel’s late father’s best friends. Chavo tells some great stories about working with and against Rey. I personally, I’ve had very limited interaction with Rey Mysterio. I don’t know him as well as Chavo, I wasn’t raised around him like Raquel and I didn’t see him regularly like my mother-in-law. All of my knowledge of Rey comes from being a fan of his work, watching him compete and catching a few stray words with him backstage at Warfare. He’s built a very impressive career for himself in professional wrestling. He may be one of the few wrestlers who can get recognized anywhere in the world by wrestling fans and non-fans alike. As far as opponents go he’s one of the men in the match that DEMANDS absolute respect. Don’t think for a moment that he’s going to go easy on me because I’m married to Raquel or because that makes me related to Eddie.

Mauro Ranallo (off screen): Another person announced for this match that you have a deep connection to is Hardcore Holly!

Aiden’s expression bottomed out. Suddenly he was a combination of annoyed and bored.

Aiden English: I don’t think anyone wants to admit to having any kind of connection to Hardcord Holly, let alone a “deep one”! Really, what is our connection other than words on social media? I’ve beat him at every turn. Dashed every opportunity he’s ever had to face me in the ring. And, proven time and time again that Hardcore Holly isn’t on the same level as the Drama King. I do my best in the ring and out to be better than I was when I first started in EBWF. I try and talk a little better about everyone on the roster. I try and show everyone the respect they deserve. I even tried to show Holly a little respect by putting him in the tournament for the Breakout Title. I didn’t have to do that, I made the decision to do that. I made the choice to let him earn a third shot at the Breakout Title even though I had so thoroughly and convincingly beat him the first two times he tried to take the belt. And, he spat that in my face. So, I have no nice words for Bob Holly. He’s a waste of space in my book. I took the Breakout Title and elevated it to a new place in EBWF mythos. I made the Breakout Title mean something again after it had been on Seth Rollins. I made the Breakout Title a title to be desired. I elevated it and then Hardcore Holly wraps it around his waist and makes it look like a damn consolation prize! He’s not happy to be the EBWF Breakout Champion. He’s not giving back to the fans. He’s only here, as he says, to beat people up and honestly Mauro, he’s not that great at it.

The wide shot returned with Mauro nodding.

Mauro Ranallo: Noted. Do not speak of you and Holly as having a connection of any kind! You’re also going to be competing against Chris Jericho, Marty Scurll and Tommaso Ciampa. You’ve had the pleasure of working alongside all three men. Care to share anything about them?

Aiden English: You know, Jericho and I had that one match against LEGION and we really didn’t get to talk that much surrounding the match. Jericho is a legend in this industry and this company. He’s one of the best wrestlers to ever grace a ring, a top notch athlete and a world class entertainer. Jericho has earned his spot at the top of professional wrestling through hard work and perseverance. He’s going to put all of that on display at the Royal Rumble. I have no doubt he will spend a lot of time in the match and eliminate his fair share of superstars. Jericho is going to be someone to keep an eye on. Someone that is going to force me and everyone else competing to keep our heads on swivels. Marty also commands a lot of respect from me because of that same match. He didn’t have to step up and get involved but he decided to do so anyways. He even ignored his hatred of Jimmy Havoc to come to the side of the EBWF Universe and try to help us cure it of the cancer that is LEGION! Sometime soon Marty is going to make a name for himself in EBWF because he comes at every match with that same courage, tenacity and strength of will. Then there was Ciampa! Another man to keep an eye out on in the Royal Rumble. He’s willing to do anything and everything it takes to get what he wants. So, if he wants to win the Royal Rumble there is nothing he won’t do to try and make it a reality. Ciampa is cunning and dangerous to say the least but he has a weakness and his weakness is going to be present in the Royal Rumble just as well.

Mauro Ranallo: What weakness is that?

Aiden English: BRAUN STROWMAN! The Monster Among Men has long been a thorn in the side of Tommaso, or is it the other way around? I’m not sure anymore which one is the problem and which one of them has the problem. I do know that they are as likely to expend all their energy trying to take one another out as they are to climb over the top rope just to get at the other. With Strowman in the ring, Ciampa is going to be focused. He’s going to be attempting to get revenge or whatever it is at this point on Strowman. That’s going to lead him to making mistakes, not noticing the other people in the ring and turning his back on people he shouldn’t be turning his back on. That’s going to lead him to getting eliminated. Better still is that Ciampa is going to have the same effect on Braun. Thereby making one of the most physically intimidating men in this match that much easier to toss over the top rope!

Another jump cut to Mauro but the camera had pulled out slightly. Mauro shifted in the chair to get comfortable.

Mauro Ranallo: How about FORMER Gateway Champion and self proclaimed Royalty, Andrade Cien Almas? What is going through your mind being back in the ring with the man you took the title from. Surely he has to hold a grudge against you?

Aiden English smiled as the camera came back to him. He hauled the Gateway Title up onto his shoulder and gave it a long look.

Aiden English: Remember when I was talking about people who have failed multiple times against me in championship matches? Andrade is just like Holly in that regard. He’s had two chances, once when I took this belt and another when he was handed a shot to win it back. He didn’t fair well in either attempt. If he had, you’d be sitting here with a different Gateway Champion giving a completely different interview. One thing I will say about Almas is that he has a history of sudden surges! He’ll come out and put on a good show for a couple of weeks. He put together a good enough match to beat Dalton Castle to claim the Gateway Title in the first place. The issue with Almas is in his staying power. Because, he doesn’t have any. Unfortunately, the Royal Rumble is all about your staying power. Your ability to stay in the moment, in the running and in the ring is all being tested in one of the most trying matches ever conceived. Almas winning the Royal Rumble isn’t impossible if he’s having a GREAT night. However it would be a huge disservice to the Universe, to the show, every other wrestler on the roster and Wrestlemania. You’re talking about putting together one of the most upsetting and disappointing Wrestlemania Main Events in history! The kind of match that the EBWF tries to write out of highlight reels and bury under some massive celebrity moment. Nothing good can come of Almas winning the Rumble unless you’re the World Champion who gets to retain against him at the end of his journey to Wrestlemania!

Aiden put his hand on the title and continued to smile.

Mauro Ranallo (off screen): Okay, history. A man you have a little history with is Randy Orton. Some people said that had you fought Randy in a fair match, you would have never made it to the Quarter Finals of the King of the Ring Tournament last year. What are your thoughts?

Aiden English: Oddly, I’ve been hearing that a lot this past week too. And, you know I can’t comment as to whether or not I would have made it to the quarter finals without taking certain liberties in my match against Orton. It’s all in the past, a past in which the EBWF Universe said that I was easy prey for the Viper to consume on his path to becoming King of the Ring. And, I’m not proud at how I put him away. But, let’s not forget that I did put him away! And, that was the weaker Aiden English when I had to resort to those sort of tactics. The new and improved Aiden is head and shoulders above the man Orton faced almost a year ago. The Viper may strike so quick that it seems to come from out of nowhere but I think I’ve already proven I’ve got the anti-venom needed to deal with him.

The wide shot revealed Mauro Ranallo with a huge grin on his face. Aiden moved forward and glanced sideways at him.

Aiden English: Is everything okay?

Mauro Ranallo: It’s been killing me to keep this one in, but we’re about out of time and I have to know what your thoughts are on being in the ring with CM Punk!

Aiden English smiled.

Aiden English: I can’t wait. It’s been a long time dream of mine to be inside the ring with CM Punk in more than just an introduction like the last time. I’ve got a lot of respect for Punk and everything he’s done to put wrestling and the Windy City on the map! He deserves as much praise as I could muster and then some. I think with Punk back and active the two of us could make Chicago the Capital City of Professional Wrestling, the Mount Olympus of EBWF. And, while I hate that we have to meet as rivals in this match I hope one day that I will get to stand beside him as a partner and friend!

Mauro Ranallo: Well spoken!

Aiden English: Thank you!

Mauro stood up and Aiden followed his lead. The two men met at the table and shook hands.

Mauro Ranallo: I’d like to thank you again for coming by and sharing your time with us. I know that you’re a busy man and this weekend is a trying time for everyone.

Aiden English: I’m more than happy to be here.

Mauro Ranallo: EBWF Royal Rumble is LIVE on the EBWF Network tomorrow night and as always the Network is Free for New Subscribers!

Aiden hugged Mauro as the video ended.

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Curtain Call Pre-Show
EBWF Network Special
Sunday 1/27/19
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The EBWF logo lead into a shot of Aiden English, Renee Young and Corey Graves sitting at a large metal desk. Behind them was a screen with the Royal Rumble logo, the EBWF Logo and a newly designed Curtain Call logo all side by side. Aiden was already in his ring gear, white denim vest with blue stars and red stripes and matching pants. He had the Gateway Title on a little stand in front of him. Corey Graves was wearing a very trendy suit as usual and Renee was wearing a sleek dress. Each one of them had a microphone in front of them.

Aiden English: EBWF Universe, I’m your host and Gateway Champion, Aiden English and I’m here with masterful announcer Corey Graves and the best interviewer to live Renee Young. I’m glad to have both of you on this inaugural Network edition of Curtain Call Pre-Show! Are you guys as pumped for Royal Rumble as I am?

Renee Young: The air is electric with excitement. I was just walking backstage and everyone is on edge ready to get this show underway!

Corey Graves: That’s absolutely right Renee and we’re sitting here with one of the contestants in the Men’s Royal Rumble. I think out of everyone on this stage you have the most right to be excited Aiden.

Aiden English: Excited for sure but also very nervous. I’m not going to lie to you and say that I don’t have any nerves going into this event. There are a lot of great wrestlers already announced for this match and there are still several spots that have yet to be announced!

Renee Young: Not to mention Aiden that your wife is making her EBWF in ring debut tonight in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. A match that won’t just earn someone a shot at the EBWF Women’s Championship, it will award it to the winner.

Corey Graves: What a game changing move by Angelina Love to make the Rumble itself a title match and ban all members of LEGION from ringside. You know they say someone has the deck stacked against them, but this has to be an entire card factory stacked against the champion tonight.

Aiden English: I couldn’t even imagine if my title was on the line in the Rumble tonight. I wouldn’t be here right now, I’d be in the back thinking how I’m going to hold onto my title against so many great wrestlers!

Renee Young: Rumble season is one of the times of year that we see EBWF legends return to the ring and this year is shaping up to be more of the same!

Corey Graves: CM Punk is going to be here!

Renee Young: Torrie Wilson is in the house!

Aiden English: And CM Punk!

Corey Graves: I just said that Aiden.

Aiden English: I know, I’m just excited!

Corey Graves: And, it’s not just the Royal Rumbles that the EBWF Universe has to look forward to guys. There is also an EBWF Breakout Title match between Almas, Holly and Scurll. Then to cap off the night The Miz defends his title against LEGION’s own Tommy End!

Aiden English: Uck! Don’t remind me.

Renee Young: I think a lot of people are nauseated by the idea of having Tommy End and another member of LEGION headlining Wrestlemania.

Aiden English: Well, I’m here to make sure that sort of thing doesn’t happen.

Corey Graves: And, how exactly are you planning on doing that?

Aiden English: By winning the Royal Rumble and becoming the other half of that Wrestlemania main event whether it’s against the Miz or End!

Renee Young: You’re talking about a long road to make it to Mania considering you’ve drawn the number one spot in the match.

Corey Graves: You’re talking about having to outlast twenty-nine other men in a match that could go on for hours!

Renee Young: At the least your going to have to make it twenty-eight minutes just to get everyone else in the ring with you.

Aiden English: I know that it’s going to be an uphill battle, it’s going to challenge my stamina, it’s going to require all of my talent and I’m going to have to put everything on the line. But, I put everything on the line every time I go out to the ring. I’m in a constant state of giving it my best shot and that’s all I can do.

Corey Graves: I think we should be looking to number thirty to see who is going to go on for a shot at the World Title.

Renee Young: There is a significant advantage to being the last man in the match. All of your opponents have had time to wear themselves and each other down. You’re coming into a match fresh.

Aiden English: You’re coming into the match with a target on your back. I think being number thirty is a signed death certificate.

Corey Graves: Maybe but that just makes number twenty-nine the spot to hope for.

Aiden English: Maybe you’re right Graves!

Renee Young: A big story here tonight is the number of former champions that are going to grace this ring but even bigger is that we still have SEVEN unannounced spots in the Men’s Royal Rumble. What are your best guesses for who we’ll see tonight.

Corey Graves: What about former World Champion, the GAME TRIPLE H?

Renee Young: Anything is possible here tonight! I’m going to go out on a limb and say we might see the return of another former World Champion, John Cena! What about you Aiden? You have anyone in mind?

Aiden English: If I had to pick one name not on the list that I think is going to show their face in that ring tonight, I’m going with Wes Ikeda! I think the boss is going to give it a shot.

Corey Graves: He does have a history of getting involved in matches.

Renee Young: And with Jimmy Havoc in the match, there is no telling what could happen if he does decide to compete.

Aiden English: Well, if you’re listening boss, you don’t need to worry about Havoc and his LEGION thugs!

Corey Graves: Dangerous words from our Gateway Champion!

Renee Young: It looks like we’re running out of time before the Royal Rumble gets underway. Guys, I’m glad I got to spend this time with you. Aiden, good luck tonight.

Aiden English: Thank you Renee, I appreciate it. I’ve had a blast!

Corey Graves: Kicking off Royal Rumble is going to be the Breakout Title match where Hardcore Holly defends against Andrade Almas and Marty Scurll.

Aiden English: Thanks again for tuning into the EBWF Network Premiere of Curtain Call Kick-Off. I’m Aiden English and I hope everyone has an amazing ROYAL RUMBLE.

The show ended with a short title card just before the intro video for Royal Rumble started playing.