[Cut to a dark arena. Bill Curtis is apparently helping the EWC crew test-fit the cage for his cage match against Chris Monroe] [Curtis] (speaking to a roadie as he tightens something) You gotta make this bit really snug, otherwise it'll fly off and put someone's eye you, see? (looks up) Oh. Hi there. Hang on. [Curtis gives a mighty heave on the wrench, then grabs the cage wall and shakes it like a ferret on methamphetamines for a moment. The cage barely moves.] [Curtis] (to the roadie) Like that, see? (to camera, as he slowly climbs up the cage) Now, on to business... Chris Monroe... you made me go through fire to get to you... and now you're locking me in a cage... heh... I think you and I need to settle something right now. You're not loco. You're just stupid. See, you put on this big act tryin' to impress me with how nuts you are, but tonight, Dentist Boy, you walk into this house, and you get a first-hand look at crazy. (he grins bigtime) Me. Now, I know Ernie would say otherwise, (in measured tones) but you *are* looking at the craziest squirrel in the tree... and I'll show you why... again and again... till you get it. (Bill grins, having made it up to the top of the cage, then calls down) [Curtis] Hey y'all! Watch this! [the camera cuts away just as Bill leaps off the cage...] @%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@%@@% EWC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH: Bill Curtis vs. Chris Monroe ["Insane in the Brain" explodes onto the loudspeakers and within seconds the overwhelming majority of the fans have begun to jeer and hold up signs expressing their dislike for the challenger. A few brave fans are cheering wildly but the fans soon turn to face them and start a frenzied "you guys suck" chant to quiet them down. As a spotlight hits the curtains, they part on cue and Chris Monroe comes twirling out onto the entrance ramps extending his arms out as if he were Julie Andrews. He is flanked by a tired and bloodied, but still furious, looking Siouxnami. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse each carry a burlap sack and acknowledge nothing as they follow their leader, who has just broken into a fast-paced skip, toward the caged ringside area.] [IC] Listen to these fans, they do NOT like Chris Monroe. [GZ] Oh, you are so astute Cross. Big deal. Many an unpopular man has ruled in this sport--just look at our last match. This is only one more reason to really buy into Monroe's message--these freaks at ringside are the insane ones. [IC] Thank God I only have one more match to work with y--WAIT A SEC--What are those three doing!?! (the funs are standing straining to see what's going on as Monroe starts pulling chairs and tables out from under the ring and tosses them into the squared circle.) [IC] Look at all of this!!! Monroe has just pulled a table, three chairs, a wrench, and some sort of cable out from under the ring and Siouxnami have just produced a SAW and a SLEDGEHAMMER!!! C'mon, this is unnecessary!!! [GZ] Somebody needs to lay off the coffee...Why don't you stop and look at what they're doing before you flip out. This is ingenious! Monroe is having Siouxnami use those tools to break apart the table and ruin the chairs. (the fans catch on to what's happening and only grow angrier and louder) [IC] So he's breaking the stuff apart--big deal. So now he can try to stab Curtis--Monroe should be in a straight-jacket. [GZ] You are so wrong Cross--just think about it! Monroe is already dictating the tone of this match by preventing Lord Insano from being able to use the tools of his trade. With everything destroyed, Curtis has no choice but to face Monroe straight up in the ring. [IC] I guess, but I doubt this will make that big a difference to the champ. [GZ] Monroe likes to try and keep people off balance--it's all a bunch of very deliberate moves on his part. [IC] Now he's sending Siouxnami, and the remains of those weapons, to the back while he tests out the cage. [GZ] It's always a good idea to know your battlefield before you go to war. [IC] Zane getting zen, how clever. Fans, I have a feeling you're about to hear one thunderous ovation. [...Cross couldn't have been more right. As the opening strands of "Helter Skelter" begin to play and red lights and flames illuminate the runway, the crowd goes absolutely ballistic. They erupt even more as Bill Curtis steps onto the ramp and raises the EWC Light Heavyweight Title high into the air in one hand, pointing at Monroe, chiding him, with the other. A very aduible "CUR-TIS" chant has already broken out and it only picks up in intensity as Curtis drops the title mid-way to the ring and just charges towards Monroe.] [IC] And the champ isn't going to wait for any formal introductions he's running to the ring at full speed and dives into the ring!!! [GZ] Expending so much energy before the match even starts may be unwise. DING, DING, DING... [IC] Maybe not as Curtis blocks an attempted right by Monroe, blocks the left, now he ducks a wild haymaker. Boot to the leg by Curtis followed by a snap kick to the stomach--he goes for a DDT but Monroe shoves him off hard into the corner. [GZ] Look at Monroe shaking his head. He's letting Curtis know he's ready for another full fledged battle tonight. [IC] Curtis though just showed how ready he is here. Both men circle, knowing that getting the initial advantage is even more important than usual inside the steel. [GZ] There's our first lock up and Monroe with a go behind and he tries to lift Curtis but the champ hooks his foot around the bottom rope blocking it. [IC] Monroe releases, spins Curtis around and lunges with a clothesline. Curtis DUCKS!!! [GZ] Monroe finds himself on the ropes and Curtis just slapped him across the face!!! (that draws oooohs from the fans) [GZ] What a punk! There's psychological warfare and there's showing disrespect for a talented opponent. Monroe, the professional he is, just smirks... [IC] Professional? He's smiling because he's an escaped mental patient. They lock up again...Monroe backs Curtis into the ropes, referee Gerald Riley asks for the break, and he gets it with a knee to the gut. Cheap shot. [GZ] You do what you have to do to win--this is a title match Cross. Monroe with another knee to the stomach, now he twists Curtis' right arm and unloads with a stiff kick to the side of his head. [IC] Monroe won't let him fall though--he holds Curtis up--what a psychopath! [GZ] Try, what a smart wrestler. He's staying right on top of Curtis--he knows that the champ is most effective when he's given space to move. He picks Curtis up--inverted atomic drop and now a leg trip takedown drives Curtis to the mat. [IC] Monroe sticking to the basics early on. And now he's pummeling Curtis with closed fists right across the head. Make him open those up ref!!! [GZ] Get real, this is 1999 not 1950. Monroe flips Curtis over and slams his face into the mat again and again. Now he quickly drives a knee into the neck before Curtis can get up. Give the challenger credit, in the opening moments of the match he has survived a frenzied attack _and_ grounded the champion. [IC] Maybe those burns and cuts from their last encounter taught Monroe that he simply can't match Curtis if the tempo gets too fast. Monroe picks Curtis up and quickly drops him back down with a crisp snap suplex. [GZ] Listen to those mutants clap for Curtis--they just don't get it--inside that cage, only two people matter--neither of them are in the stands. [IC] Never underestimate the fans ability to get a wrestler's adrenaline flowing. [GZ] And you know this from wrestling when? [IC] *Sigh* Monroe coming off the ropes--powerdrive leg drop hits the mark. Now a second one. Even I am impressed with Monroe's focus in this match. He almost seems to be concentrating. [GZ] Monroe pauses, looks at the cage and smiles. I think we may soon see the introduction of the steel into this match. He turns back to see Curtis sturring. He runs back into the ropes... [IC] Corkscrew elbow drop but NOBODY HOME!!! Curtis was alert enough to roll over and Monroe crashes to the mat. Curtis staying down their with him and now he's exploding with rights and lefts!!! [GZ] I don't hear you complaining now. Curtis with a short-armed clothesline from his knees and as Monroe's head bounces back off the canvas Curtis meets it with a vicious elbow to the jaw. (the crowd is really loud, happy to have something to cheer for) [IC] Curtis already showing some of his fabled resilience. Now we'll get a look at the champ's gameplan for tonight. [GZ] You think this loon really has one? Unlikely. Curtis picks up Monroe and hurls him into the ropes--he meets him with a high elevation running drop kick and catches Mornoe as he bounces off the ropes--overhead toss belly to belly. [IC] Monroe getting up quickly but he's obviously disoriented. Curtis runs right by him and as the challenger turns to follow him he sees Curtis coming right back at him--TWISTING SPRINGBOARD FLYING FOREARM!!! (roooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaar) [GZ] Monroe needs to slide out of the ring and stop Curtis before the momentum becomes uncontrollable. [IC] Curtis not giving him the chance. He grabs Monroe, helps him up, rattles him with a crescent kick to the jaw and follows that by leaping onto Monroe and tying him up in a victory roll!!! ONE.................TWO....................... [GZ] Not a CHANCE!!! Monroe easily escapes--way to early for a move like that to end things. [IC] Doesn't hurt to try. Curtis pointing to the fans--now he's pointing to that cage. He has Monroe by the hair--somebody's going for a RIIIIIDE!!! Curtis throws Monroe right over the top rope and back first into the cage!!! (BILL! BILL! BILL!) [GZ] Leave it to Curtis to ruin a perfectly good wrestling match. Monroe is in trouble here, look at him struggling to his feet. There are no countouts in there, he'd do better to take his time. [IC] Curtis is like a shark in there he smells a chance for blood. [GZ] Look at him shake his head in disappointment. I think you're actually right--he wanted to draw blood. [IC] Yep, and I think I know what he's going for now. If this hits, he is certainly going to see the red river flow. He charges--HEAD FIRST BASEBALL SLIDE!!! [GZ] MONROE SIDE STEPS AND CURTIS EATS THE CAGE AT FULL FORCE!!! If you live by the highspot, you'll die by it. (UUUUUGH!!!) [IC] Monroe must have had that move well scouted. [GZ] I bet if someone used a move to put your head through a flaming table you'd be on the lookout for it too. Rilely is looking down to see how both men are. Curtis is just beginning to stir, and Monroe is pulling himself up by the apron. [IC] Monroe lucky to avoid that swinging DDT attempt on the floor. That could have ended this one early. Monroe is back to his feet, he grabs Curtis by the hair and rams it into the cage. [GZ] This is the danger of being hurt on the outside. Monroe leans Curtis against the cage and steps back--running forearm to the back of the head slams Curtis right back into the cage. (booooooooooooo) [IC] And here is where the cage becomes the focal point of this match. Both men obviously had their sites on it from the get-go. [GZ] Monroe goes onto the apron. Curtis is on one knee resting against the cage--not a good spot to be. Monroe leaps!!! He grabs onto the cage and uses the momentum to swing his knees right into the back of Curtis' head!!! [IC] The champ is busted open!!! (the camera gets a great shot from outside the cage as we can see the blood just starting to flow from a fresh cut--Curtis' face has no expression at all) [GZ] Curtis is deranged--he's been cut open on steel and he's not screaming in pain. Monroe better help cure him as quick as possible. [IC] Right...Monroe ignoring the referee as he puts all his weight into just raking Curtis' face into the metal. Nothing fancy, but it is effective. [GZ] There comes a point where if there's too much blood, either Riley's going to have to call the match, you're going to black out, or you're not going to be able to see. Any of those things happen to Curtis and we've got a new champ. [IC] I think we're a far way from that Greg. FINALLY, Monroe pulls Curtis off of the cage and rolls him back into the ring. Monroe follows after him...headbutt now a knee lift. Again Monroe holds Curtis up--leaping DDT!!! [GZ] Monroe slithers over to Curtis and just smears that blood into his eyes before raking them viciously. [IC] Eeeew...Monroe just licked his fingers...that's disgusting!!! [GZ] To each their own, I guess. Monroe pins Curtis' head to the mat and propels his body into the air only to come crashing down with a knee to the head--now he does it again. (the crowd is growing restless, both because Curtis is in trouble and because Monroe is keeping things very simple) [IC] And just like that the pendulum has swung and it's Curtis who's in desperate need of some break, any mistake to capitalize on. Monroe grabs him and lifts him up...he's holding him there in a vertical suplex position... [GZ] That's going to help the blood rush to his head and out that cut. Slingshot off the middle ropes, now Monroe pivots and just PLANTS Curtis with a gordbuster. Monroe goes for his first cover... ONE.........................TWO.................... Curtis barely able to get out the back door!!! [IC] Had Monroe hooked a leg this could have been over. Things are NOT looking good for the champ right now. Monroe is impressing me here--he has an obvious strategy and he's sticking to it. [GZ] Only you seem surprised by this--he has been a champion before you know. Curtis tossed to the ropes and Monroe lifts him for a tilt-a-whirl... [IC] CURTIS WITH A HEADSCISSORS TOSS AND MONROE GOES OVER THE TOP!!! (a monstrous cheer is followed by a chant of "let's go Curtis, *Clap*Clap*, *clapclapclap*") [IC] Desperation move has sent Monroe over the top and hard to the floor. Curtis though has taken a hellacious beating and is stuggling to get to one knee. [GZ] Monroe is up and he slams his fist into the ring apron in frustration--he can't allow himself to get distracted here. Curtis is on his feet and he's using that Cut N' Shoot Academy t-shirt he had on to wipe the blood from his eyes. [IC] Since Curtis knows that tables and barbed wire won't be a part of this match, using his shirt that way is not a bad idea. [GZ] Monroe back onto the apron as Curtis approaches, the challenger goes to grab Curtis' head but...oh man...he's BITING MONROE!!! He's is 100% over the edge!!! (whoooooooo-hoooooooo!!!) [IC] You said it before Greg, anything to win inside of this cage. Curtis wants Monroe to play the bleeding game too and using those teeth is gonna go a long way to catch him up. Monroe is grimacing--he doesn't like things now. [GZ] I can't believe these sickos are cheering for this. Curtis with a european uppercut that staggers Monroe, a second makes him let go of the ropes--drop kick to the knee sends Monroe falling to the concrete. [IC] Curtis grabs the top rope and uses it to propel himself over the ropes and onto Monroe!!! Curtis raining down with fists and Monroe's arms are pinned so he can't protect himself. [GZ] Curtis is desperate--he grabs Monroe by the tights and falls back catapulting him face first into the cage!!! Monroe bounces out on one foot and pivots back towards Curtis... [IC] Right into a spinning heel kick that sends Monroe slumping against the cage. (BILL! BIIILL!! BIIIIILL!!!) [GZ] The champion looking to reclaim firm control of this match. He lifts up Monroe and drops him face first onto the ring stairs. Curtis pulls himself up onto the apron, he's noticeably slower than usual. [IC] That doesn't matter to Monroe who's barely moving. Curtis charges across the apron and he's airborn!!! Sommersault leg drop FLATTENS Monroe's head against the steel stairs!!! (the crowd loves this) [IC] Huge risk paid off this time and Curtis is howling in delight!!! (the fans roar back) [GZ] You mean like a rabid animal. Now look at him--he should be capitalizing on that last move but instead he's holding up Monroe's head and pointing at it. [IC] That's because he's caused the red river to run free Greg. [GZ] What!?! So he's got Monroe to bleed--big deal this isn't a first blood match. Curtis' hatred of Monroe has totally caused him to forget about winning so far. He needs a pinfall and he has to have Monroe back into the ring to get that. [IC] Well...I doubt it has anything to do with your comment, but Curtis is doing just that--he's shoving Monroe under the bottom rope and following him back into the ring. [GZ] The next minute or two is pivotal here--if Monroe doesn't get his bearings back he's about to lose the match. [IC] Curtis is waiting behind Monroe, waiting for him to get up and catching a quick breather at the same time. Now he synches in around the waste and snaps back--german suplex. ONE.............................TWO.......................................... Monroe able to get his shoulder up!!! [GZ] If Curtis really wants to end things he better chain together a series of big moves--these "one offs and then resting" spots aren't going to cut it. [IC] Monroe is backed into the corner. Curtis is mercilessly pounding away at that cut and blood is everywhere. Parents, you may want to put the kids to bed. [GZ] Isn't it a little late for that? The champ sits Monroe on the top rope and now he climbs up after him--CURTIS LEAPS!!! [IC] WHAT A MOVE!!! Curtis grabbed Monroe's head on the way down and just rocked him with Diamond Cutter from above. Monroe's body just bounced off of the mat. (the crowd is loving it) [GZ] He's not covering though--big mistake!!! [IC] Maybe not, Curtis showing a lot of spring in his step again. He is quickly onto the apron, he grabs the top rope and slingshots himself into the ring--BIG TIME LEG DROP!!! He hooks the leg and covers!!! ONE!!!............................. TWO!!!.............................................this could be it....................... NOOOO!!! Monroe _somehow_ manages to escape just before Riley's hand came down for the final count!!! (it's just getting louder and louder) [GZ] Give Monroe credit--he's surviving one hell of a beating in there. Even I don't think he can last much longer though. [IC] Curtis's going for a piledriver, he's got Monroe up...he's trying to bleed him dry...he's going to drop him right onto that bloody head... [GZ] Think again Cross! Monroe is struggling in desperation and he's forcing Curtis to put him down. He's too weak to keep going though so Curtis escapes unharmed too. [IC] Close call for Monroe as Curtis scales the ropes--Monroe is doubled-over really trying to regain his composure...Curtis sees the opportunity and goes for it--ROUND UP--TWISTING SOMMERSAULT MUDSLIDE!!! [GZ] SPLAT!!! Monroe was too dizzy and couldn't regain his balance. When he fell back down Curtis sailed right over him and crashed into the canvas--now _he's_ not moving. [IC] Monroe crawling over to Curtis--he drapes an arm over his body... ONE... TWO....................this was smart thinking by Monroe............... TH--CURTIS OUT!!! CURTIS KICKS OUT!!! (yeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!) [GZ] Monroe suddenly looking around in a very bizarre manner...now he's talking to himself in there. He is finally back to his feet and he comes off the ropes kick to Curtis' head right on target. [IC] Surprisingly, that had quite a bit behind it--Monroe is really going to the reserve tanks. Curtis, that crazy bastard, is getting back to his feet. [GZ] Only to get drilled by a sacrifice clothesline by Monroe. The champ is picked up--could we be seeing a tear-drop suplex? No--Monroe just crotched Curtis in the middle of the top rope. (big collective groan) [IC] That's gonna hurt tomorrow. Monroe charges up the turnbuckles... He LEAPS and CATCHES CURTIS IN A FRANKENSTEINER!!! [GZ] That just sent Curtis' head right into the cage on the way down and now it hits the floor with a sickening THUD! [IC] And Monroe is cackling now--BOTH of these men seemingly fighting on instinct right now and both are just drenched in blood. I sure hope we have doctors in the back ready to sew. [GZ] With these two? They'll probably do it themselves. Monroe just rising to his feet, he grabs Curtis-he's looking right at that cage again. FORWARD SIDE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP INTO THE STEEL!!! (BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!) [IC] Monroe tossing Curtis back into the ring--right in the corner, now he's going up top. BOUNCE MOONSAULT!!! ONE.................. TWO.................................Curtis fought a great fight..................... NEW CHA--YEEEEEEEEESSSS!!! Bill Curtis has kicked out AGAIN!!! (POP OF THE CENTURY!!!) [GZ] Are we being just a little bit partial here? Way to embarass the profession...Monroe cannot believe that Curtis just kicked out he is beginning to look pretty frustrated. [IC] Of course he is! Monroe has thrown everything but the kitchen sink at Curtis and he's still fighting. [GZ] Monroe grabs Curtis drives an elbow back into that gash and lifts him back into the air for another suplex. [IC] Curtis is able to slip out the back and he catches Monroe with a reverse DDT on the way DOWN!!! ONE.............. TWO.......................that was out of nowhere...................... Monroe with _another_ kick out. Neither man willing to quit. [GZ] I'd say there's a good shot that if Riley doesn't step in to stop this match then the loser is going to be out cold when he counts three. Curtis is just choking Monroe now--he has lost any semblance of civility. [IC] He is looking a bit intense, even for him. Curtis grabs Monroe by the hair and throws him into the corner--OW. Monroe's head is being bashed into the buckle time and time again. [GZ] And look at the buckle pad it's just covered in blood. Now Curtis stands Monroe on the top turnbuckle and goes right up after him. He grabs Monroe by the head... [IC] UNBELIEEEEEEEVAAAAAABLE!!! TORNADO DDT BY CURTIS OFF THE TOP AND INTO THE CAGE!!! (_everyone_ is on their feet screaming!!!) [GZ] That was a tremendous risk for the champion and this time it pays off. Now let's see if he can capitalize on it. He heads into the ring first and just drags Monroe in by the arm. [IC] Simple elbow drop... ONE.................. TWO........................this should be academic........................... MONROE GETS A FOOT UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE!!! (booooooooooo!!!) [GZ] And the wily one again able to save this match for himself. I don't see how you cannot be impressed by Monroe after this match. [IC] I am, but you'd have to say the same for Curtis. [GZ] Agreed. Curtis slowly getting to his feet and now he just stomps on Monroe's head. With every one of these big moves that doesn't end the match the other man seems to lose a little more composure. [IC] I don't even know how they can see right now. Curtis takes a running start--senton back splash!!! ONE............ TWO.....................................Monroe's at center ring........................ TH--PALM TO THE THROAT BY MONROE!!! (BILL BILL BILL BILL...) [GZ] Incredible. Curtis was temporarily stunned but he's still the first man up. Irish whip sends Monroe to the corner and he follows up with a clothesline. Not much on it though. [IC] What can you expect? AGAIN Monroe is being placed onto the top buckle and AGAIN Curtis is going up after him---what is he thinking this time...HOLD ON... (the crowd goes nuts) [GZ] CURTIS CLIMBING TO THE TOP OF THE CAGE!!! This is going to END this match if not Monroe's career!!! [IC] Here comes Curtis from the top of the cage!!! SUNSET SMASH!!! [GZ] MONROE HOOKED THE ROPES WITH HIS FEET AND GRABBED THE CAGE!!! HE DIDN'T BUDGE!!! [IC] What a counter!!! Curtis is not moving. Monroe seems almost in shock that he's still on the top turnbuckle...he's staring at his hands and cackling. This can't be good. [GZ] REVERSE SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!! ONE........ TWO................................that hit the mark............................ THREE!!! WE'VE GOT A NEW CHAMPION!!! DING...DING...DING... (some boo in disgust but most of the crowd is silent...unhappy and exhausted) [IC] What an incredible match between these two rivals!!! [GZ] Gerald Riley is trying to give Chris Monroe the EWC Light Heavyweight Title but neither man is moving. Both have lost tremendous amounts of blood and here come the EMTS. [IC] Bill Curtis went up one too many times and it cost him the title. But I have a feeling we'll be seeing him again really soon. [GZ] Now that Monroe's champ I have a feeling thngs may be changing around here in a hurry. Hopefully, there'll finally be some sanity in this federation. [IC] Siouxnami is now back out there and they're checking on their mentor as Jay Gillette is in there to check on Curtis. [GZ] Notice his good friend Ernie Grendel is nowhere to be found...ingrate... [IC] On that note let me thank Gregory Zane for joining us tonight it's been a real.... [GZ] ...TREAT, PLEASURE, but of course. Ladies and Gentlemen and I do use that term EVER so loosely, the next time you here form MISTER Gregory Zane, you can count on it being his own show. Good night!!! [IC] Fans, we'll be back with "The Revolution" vs.......who?