IFW Revolution 1

Dark Match - Mistico v Cage:
World's most dangerous man tournament, round one
- Winner: Mistico

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Cold open. We're in a dark, dingy office reminiscent of a 1950s noir detective film. Despite the run down look of the room, the legendary Kurt Angle is sat in front of a desk dressed in an immaculate suit and holding a well-polished IFW championship belt. He carries a sombre demeanour.

Angle: No, I get it. The young lion forces the old lion out. It's the way it's always been. I just have to admit, I never really thought I'd be in this position.
Mr Angle, this is most regretful for all of us.

The man sat opposite Kurt is shrowded in shadow, and speaks with a thick Spanish accent.

Nobody respects you more than I do. This is not what I had in mind for our first meeting.

Angle scoffs.

Angle: Why do I find that hard to believe? Don't worry, I'll play along. You'll get what you want.
Oh I know, Mr Angle.

The man sits forward in his chair, shedding light on the sinister smirk of Dario Cueto.

Cueto: I always do.

[Logo to go here] Revolution 1

We're taken to the main arena now, where a modest pyro display erupts. The building is smaller than we're used to, and not nearly as flashy. IFW has downgraded, this is closer to ECW than WWE. At ringside is the announce team of Matt Striker and JBL.

Striker: Welcome everyone to the return of IFW! I'm Matt Striker and alongside me is hall of famer John "Bradshaw" Layfield!
JBL: That's right! Matt, I wish I could say we have a heck of a show in store, but I honestly have no idea what to expect!
Striker: We know only that IFW's new owner, Dario Cueto, has opened up the doors to anyone and everyone in the world of combat sports in the interest of finding out exactly who is the world's most dangerous man.
JBL: I thought about entering myself, but after seeing a couple of the guys who have showed up here tonight, I must admit thought better of it.
Striker: Two men have already stepped into that ring earlier tonight before the cameras started rolling, we'll bring you full details of that contest and so much more.

In the ring is the beautiful Melissa Santos.

Melissa: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome IFW champion Kurt Angle!

Angle's music hits and the man himself heads out to the stage still dressed in his suit and shades. He carries the belt over his shoulder and wastes no time slapping hands on his way down to the ring. He takes the microphone from Melissa as she leaves.

Angle: It's good to be back!

JBL: What a suck up.

Angle: Or, at least it would be. There's nothing quite like being in this ring, competing at the highest level. A lot of people would say competing at the highest level for all of you, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't also for myself. All my life I've prided myself on being the best. I put myself through hell to win NCAA championships and the Olympics, and didn't let up when I entered the world of professional wrestling. If I was coming up now I would never make it to where I am. Some of the things I did, continuing to wrestle with a broken neck, just wouldn't fly in 2016. I shortened my career by pushing myself beyond my limits, which is why I'm out here today.

Before Angle can continue, Samoa Joe heads out to the stage.

Striker: What?! Samoa Joe is here?!
JBL: Like you said Striker, the doors are open to everybody! This is awesome!

Angle looks annoyed at the interruption, but allows Joe to enter the ring.

Joe: Am I hearing this right, Kurt? You're quitting?
Angle: Not quitting Joe. I just have to accept that my time-
Joe: No no no. You don't go out like this, Kurt. If there's one man in this world who I know doesn't quit, it's Kurt Angle.
Angle: Joe, listen to me. I'm not quitting, I'm retiring.

Joe shakes his head in disbelief.

Joe: This isn't you, Kurt. I know you're banged up, I know you're hurting, but this isn't you, Kurt. I've heard the doctors tell you to hang up the boots countless times over the years and you tell them the same thing every time, that as long as you're still breathing you will never leave this ring. What's really going on here, Kurt?
Angle: I don't know what to tell you, Joe. This is the right thing for me to do. I've talked with Dario and we've come to an agreement. The day I lose this title will be the day I retire from in-ring competition.
Joe: Dario? Is that what this is, Kurt? Dario is pulling the strings here?
Angle: Joe, this is happening, ok? This is the right thing to do.
Joe: The right...?

Joe slaps Angle. The two men face off, but the tension is broken by the appearance of Seth Rollins.

Rollins: Ho-hooo! Look at this! We got ourselves a little situation out here! Now, boys, I know this is an emotional moment for all of us, but let's not get carried away. If Kurt wants to step down then I say good riddance. I mean, good luck.

Striker: Oh sure. Rollins knows he can't beat Kurt, retirement is the only way he's going to get close to that title!

Joe: Get out of here Seth, this doesn't concern you.
Rollins: Oh, I disagree. You heard what Kurt said, he's going to retire as soon as he loses that belt. That sounds like an excellent idea to me. Kurt, whenever you're ready I will gladly take both your title and your career.

Rollins slides into the ring and gets in Angle's face. Joe shoves him away and talks to Angle himself, only to be shoved back by Rollins. Angle steps between them to play peacemaker, but Rollins shoves Angle into Joe, who catches a flailing hand to the face. Joe reacts badly and the two square off again. Rollins how shoves Joe into Angle, who takes an inadvertant headbutt, and the brawl begins. Angle throws the first punch at Joe, who responds with some of his own. Before too long Rollins has jumped in and the two men are laying stomps into the prone champion in the corner.

JBL: It's all broken down out here!

Out to make the save is John Morrison, who slides into the ring and pulls Rollins away. He then spins Samoa Joe around and starts laying in some right hands. Rollins is back up but eats a superkick that sends him stumbling out of the ring, which gives Joe an opening to lock on a coquina clutch from behind. Angle is back up to make the save, clubbing Joe from behind and tossing him overhead with the German suplex. Joe rolls out of the ring and retreats up the ramp alongside Seth Rollins while Angle and Morrison regroup in the ring.

Striker: What an explosive opening to the first ever IFW Revolution! We've had the announcement of Kurt Angle's impending retirement, the beginnings of-
JBL: LOOK OUT KURT!

Angle is attacked from behind by Morrison, who hooks him and delivers the moonlight drive. Morrison rolls out of the ring and looks under the apron, pulling out his money in the bank briefcase.

Striker: No! Not like this!

Morrison shoves the case into the ringside referee's chest, demanding he ring the bell.

Match 1 - Kurt Angle v John Morrison
IFW championship, MITB cash-in
- Angle is starting to stir so Morrison lays in some stomps and them mounts Angle to give him some stiff punches. Angle is still in his formal suit and is clearly unprepared for action. Morrison backs off to set up for a big kick or something, but Angle nimbly dodges and hooks Morrison for a German suplex, then a second and a third. Angle takes his jacket off and loosens his shirt, then grabs Morrison's ankle. Morrison flips over and kicks Angle away, narrowly avoiding an embarrassing loss. Morrison lunges towards Angle who sidesteps to send Morrison into the turnbuckle, then hooks him with another rear waist lock. Morrison holds on and delivers a mule kick low blow to break the hold. Angle stumbles and turns around into a big superkick, then gets laid out a second time with the moonlight drive. Morrison covers for one, two, three.
- Winner and new IFW champion: John Morrison

Morrison scrambles out of the ring and grabs the belt, holding it in the air as he backs up the ramp. Angle takes a moment to work out what happened, but when he eventually does regain his senses he's furious. We head over to ringside.

Striker: Oh my god! What a start to this debut edition of IFW Revolution! And what a revolution it's been so far, the historic title reign of the Olympic hero Kurt Angle has been ended!
JBL: Look Striker, I've never seen eye to eye with Kurt, but that's no way to lose a championship.
Striker: Don't forget John, Kurt just announced that when he loses that belt, he's retiring! That is the last we'll see of Kurt Angle!
JBL: It's no way to lose a championship and it's sure as hell no way to end a spectacular career. One of the greatest of all time deserves better than this. John Morrison makes me sick.
Striker: Playing devil's advocate though, John, he had every right to cash in that money in the bank briefcase! It's not Morrison's fault Angle decided to link his retirement to losing the title.
JBL: No, but he didn't have to do it this way. Look, I'm not the biggest fan of Kurt Angle the man, but as a performer he is without a doubt one of the greatest of all time. We'll miss you, Kurt.

The lights fall and low, atmospheric music starts playing. A bearded man walks into a spotlight carrying an acoustic guitar with some dollar bills stuffed into the fretboard. He walks down to the ring slowly, perching himself on the top turnbuckle and looking all moody.

Striker: This is Elias Samson, John. Known as the Drifter.
JBL: The Drifter? Like a hitchhiker? What's the guitar for, is he like an open mic night act or what?
Striker: He makes his money performing at dingy bars and fighting in the ring. Whatever his deal is, Samson is a dangerous man.

Speaking of dangerous men, smoke covers the stage as a huge masked man appears being led by a seductive valet carrying some kind of rock.

JBL: Ok Striker, forget the Drifter, who is she?!
Striker: That's Catrina, she's the handler of Mil Muertes.
JBL: That's Mil Muertes?
Striker: You got it.
JBL: Any relation to Mil Mascaras?

Muertes steps over the ropes and stands stoic in the centre of the ring. The Drifter steps towards him and acts all mysteriously, sizing Muertes up.

Match 2 - Elias Samson v Mil Muertes:
World's most dangerous man tournament, round one
- Samson takes his time judging how to take on this beast, while Muertes stands still allowing Drifter to make his move. Samson flips his hair back and casually raises his arms to lock up, so Muertes grabs Samson's wrist in his hand and wrenches on it. Samson's demeanour completely changes, his face shows shock and agony as he drops to his knees. Samson claws with his free and to get out of Muertes' death grip, but there's nothing he can do. Muertes pulls Samson to his feet and short arms him into a flatliner.
- Winner: Mil Muertes

Catrina raises Muertes' arm, but he yanks it back down and goes after Samson. He pulls Drifter up by his hair and violently throws him into the corner. Samson stumbles out and is broken in half by a devastating spear.

Striker: Well, apparently Drifting doesn't fly around here.
JBL: I was going to say good riddance, but I'd actually love to see this guy again if it means watching Mil Muertes hit another spear! Holy mackerel!

We're taken to the back now, where Kurt Angle bursts into Dario Cueto's office. He slams his hands down on the desk and leans over towards the boss.

Angle: Cueto!
Cueto: Mr Angle. Before you say anything, it wasn't easy for me but I've decided to accept your retirement.
Angle: Is that supposed to be funny? I'm not going anywhere until I get my hands on John Morrison.
Cueto: Why? We had an understanding. You lose that title, you lose your career.
Angle: Understand this-

Dario has had enough. He gestures for security to come into the room as he stands face to face with Angle.

Cueto: No Kurt, you understand. I am in control around here so, whether you like it or not, what I say goes. You are done here. I suggest you leave with some dignity.

Angle can't believe what he's hearing. He grabs Cueto by the shirt and pulls him close.

Angle: I'm not going anywhere until-
Cueto: Security, arrest this man.

Two guards come over and, despite Angle's struggles, handcuff the former champion and drag him away.

Cueto: Oh, and Kurt?

The guards stop so Angle can hear what Cueto has to say.

Cueto: Thank you for your service.
Angle: This isn't over, Cueto! Let go of me!

Back in the arena, we're all set for our next first round match. For the second time tonight, out comes Seth Rollins with his signature cocky smirk.

Striker: John, this has been a crazy night so far and we're not even half way done.
JBL: That's right Matt! And here's Seth Rollins again, a former world champion and a strong contender to be named most dangerous man on the planet!

Sorry about your damn luck. Another surprise appearance, this time the Cowboy, James Storm. He heads down to the ring carrying a cardboard box of six beers, drinking one as he walks.

Striker: He's here! James Storm is here!
JBL: Another former world champion, Striker! Seth Rollins is one of the best I've ever seen, but I'm a sucker for the Cowboy's smash mouth style! What a match this is gonna be!

Match 3 - Seth Rollins v James Storm:
World's most dangerous man tournament, round one
- Rollins seems to be taking Storm lightly, getting a little too cocky for his own good, but that soon changes after Storm delivers a few hard right hands. He works Rollins over in the early goings, with Rollins dusking to the outside to buy himself a little breathing space. Storm follows him out but takes a kick to the midsection and a face to the ring steps. Rollins heads back in and tells the referee to count Storm out, but Storm gets back in before five so Rollins jumps him again. Storm counters an Irish whip and ducks down for the back body drop only to take a kick to the chest, Rollins hits the ropes for a big leg lariat but Storm catches him and drops him with a modified side slam.

Both men are hurting, getting to their feet together to trade some punches back and forth until Storm allows himself to be knocked down so he can fall into the corner where his beer bottle is waiting. He takes a big gulp as Rollins lunges in to pick him up, but Rollins sidesteps as Storm spits the beer, sending it into the referee's face. Rollins is distracted by the referee's stumbling, leaving him open to a schoolboy roll up for a long cover, but there's no referee to count what would have been at least a five count. Storm gets up to yell at the referee, giving Rollins a chance to drink some beer of his own. Rollins stalks Storm until he turns around, spitting beer into his face but only finds the referee a second time as Storm ducks out of the way. Rollins is distracted again as his plan goes awry, turning to look at the ref and eating a last call superkick as he turns his attention back to Storm. Rollins hits the deck and Storm covers for another long count, but the referee's beer blindness saves Rollins yet again.

Storm grabs the referee by the shirt while he's towelling his face off, threatening that if he misses another count he's going to kick his head off. Rollins takes this opportunity to take another swig of beer, but finds the bottle is now empty. Instead he swings the bottle at Storm's head, but the referee intercepts before contact, leaving Rollins open to another last call superkick. Storm covers Rollins but the referee is now distracted with the bottle, handing it off to someone at ringside! Storm is pissed. He gets up and stalks the referee, squatting down and measuring him, then pow! Storm lays out the ref with the superkick. Storm stands over the official, yelling at him that "I told you!" A second referee has to head out to the ring to make the call.
- Winner: Seth Rollins by disqualification.

Melissa Santos makes the announcement, Seth Rollins wins by DQ, and Storm realises what's happened. He turns his attention to the second referee, arguing that this decision was bullshit. The ref argues his case, he had no choice, but Storm is already this deep so he cracks the replacement ref with a superkick too. He rolls out of the ring, grabs the rest of his beers and heads on out of here.

Shelton Benjamin is backstage, frantically hammering on the door of Dario Cueto's office. He's getting no answer, but something else catches his attention anyway.

Benjamin: Hey! Hey, Morrison!

He chases after John Morrison who is on his way out of the building with his bags and his new title belt. He addresses Shelton without breaking his stride or turning his head.

Morrison: No autographs.

Shelton catches up to Morrison, grabbing his arm and spinning him around. Morrison yanks his arm away and aggressively squares off with Benjamin.

Benjamin: What you did out there was an asshole move.

JoMo looks at Shelton with a confused expression.

Morrison: So? Who are you, anyway? What would you know about being a world champion?
Benjamin: About as much as you. I know a true champion doesn't go back on his word.

Morrison laughs at Benjamin's naivete.

Morrison: I'll tell you what, you keep your word and I'll keep this shiny new championship belt. How's that?
Benjamin: Let's see if you can keep it after Kurt gets his rematch.
Morrison: His rematch? What rematch? Haven't you heard? Kurt's done.
Benjamin: Not until you do the right thing and agree to give him his rematch.
Morrison: And why would I do that?
Benjamin: Because if you don't, I'm going to have to convince you myself.
Morrison: As much as I've enjoyed our little chat, I think you should leave the important business to the important people. I have a championship celebration to plan for next week. And anyway, it looks like you have your own business to mind.

Morrison gestures behind Benjamin, to where Devon Dudley is lurking. Shelton turns back to Morrison, but he's already gone. Devon approaches, hoisting his IFW tag title belt higher up onto his shoulder.

Benjamin: Keeping my belt warm, I see.
Devon: I ain't here for small talk. I just got two things to say to you.
Benjamin: Well don't keep me waiting Devon. I'm about to go main event the show.
Devon: That's number one. Your match tonight, it's a first round match against me.
Benjamin: Fine with me. What's number two?
Devon: If you don't win tonight, you don't get your rematch for these tag titles.
Benjamin: Wait a minute, I have a rematch clause. It's guaranteed.
Devon: You got a problem with it, take it up with Cueto. See you in the ring.

Devon leaves. Shelton isn't happy with the way his night is going.

We head back to ringside now, where Striker and JBL have something to say.

Striker: What a night so far, so unpredictable.
JBL: This new era of IFW is out of control, Stiker. I don't know what's going to happen next but I like it! Enjoy it while it lasts, 'cos it might not be around for long!
Striker: One thing is for sure, we have a main event tonight featuring one half of the longest-reigning, most successful tag team champions in history against one half of the team that beat them. Shelton Benjamin takes on Devon Dudley right here, tonight.
JBL: But first, as promised, we have details of tonight's preshow match.

Video footage plays, the highlights of the dark match between Mistico and Brian Cage.

Striker: IFW debutants Cage and Mistico went one on one. Needless to say, this one was a styles clash.
JBL: It wasn't pretty, Striker! At least not when the big man got his hands on that little Mexican jumping bean!
Striker: Cage exerted his physical will on Mistico, but he couldn't keep the legendary luchador down.
JBL: A good big man almost always beats a good little man, but this was one of those rare exeptions.
Striker: It can happen John, just like Rey Mysterio used to have your number, Mistico had Cage's number.
JBL: I don't appreciate that reference, Matt. But you're right, Mistico was able to not just beat the big man but made him tap out!
Striker: La mistica right in the middle of the ring earned Mistico the win to progress in the world's most dangerous man tournament.

Team 3D's music hits, bringing Devon Dudley out to the ring. He poses with his title belt.

JBL: One half of the absolute best tag team in history right there! Devon Dudley.
Striker: Even better than the APA?
JBL: I never say any team is better than the APA Matt, but I make an exception for the Dudley Boyz. Those guys have perfected the smash mouth style, and they have a mean streak a mile wide. You just can't argue with success.
Striker: I have to agree, although their one weakness has been singles competition. They Dudleyz are tag team wrestlers at heart, and Bubba isn't here!
JBL: No doubt it will serve Devon well to try to put this one away quickly, but keep in mind his opponent has also found most of his success as part of a tag team.

Next out is Shelton "X" Benjamin, who looks all business as he makes his way down the ramp, staring a hole into Devon. Melissa Santos gets the introductions done and we're underway!

Match 4 - Devon Dudley v Shelton Benjamin:
World's most dangerous man tournament, round one
- True enough, Devon tries to use his power advantage to get the match finished as early as possible. Unfortunately, as hard as he tries to pin Shelton by force, Benjamin's amateur skills are just too good and he seems to have a counter or reversal for everything. Devon's frustration quickly builds and the brawling begins. Dudley has more luck here, catching Benjamin with a few shots that put him on the back foot. Devon applies a rear sleeper to squeeze the life out of the quicker man, making him more manageable. Benjamin fights out the classic way, with the refusal to drop the arm and the elbows to the midsection to buy space, but Devon cuts his comeback off with a knee lift. He heads to the top, yelling a 'wazzup' to himself as he leaps off for a diving headbutt. Benjamin rolls away and backs into a corner, waiting for Devon to pull himself up in the opposite corner, the charges into the big Stinger splash. Devon avoids contact and Shelton hits hard, falling back into the saving grace DDT. One, two, kick out.

Devon stays on Shelton, trying to wear him down with more holds. Shelton wrestles his way free and fires off a superkick that Devon catches, then foolishly spins into the dragon whip. Benjamin starts to mount a comeback, catching Devon with various suplexes including a T-bone for a near fall. Devon pulls himself up against the ropes and is crushed with the Stinger splash, Benjamin pulls him out to hit paydirt, but Dudley elbows his way out just in time. Devon backs Shelton into the ropes with some right hands and shoots him off to the far side, hoisting him up for a flapjack on the rebound, but Benjamin counters in mid-air, coming back down to Earth with a supersized paydirt.
Winner: Shelton Benjamin.

Shelton's arm is raised in victory, he poses in a corner.

Striker: And there it is! IFW mainstay Shelton Benjamin is victorious on the first edition of Revolution!
JBL: Not only does Benjamin progress in the world's most dangerous man tournament, but he has also just secured himself a tag team title match against the legendary Dudley Boyz!
Striker: The question is, with Charlie Haas retired, who will Shelton choose as his partner?
JBL: You never know who is going to show up! It could be anybody-hey! Devon!

Benjamin has been knocked off the turnbuckle by a big clubbing forearm from Devon. Devon throws his challenger to the ground and stomps a mudhole into him. Devon rolls to the outside and grabs a chair from the timekeeper, then heads back in. Benjamin slowly gets to his knees as Devon waits with the chair held up, but before he can take a swing James Storm sprints down the aisle. Dudley swings the chair at Storm instead, who ducks and fires off a superkick that Devon only barely avoids as he drops to his back and rolls under the bottom rope to safety. Storm helps Benjamin up, the two men forging some kind of alliance as Devon heads back up the ramp with his single tag title belt.

JBL: I think we may have found our tag team partner!
Striker: Shelton Benjamin has just recruited another tag team specialist, the 18-time tag team champion James Storm!
JBL: But none of those reigns has been alongside Shelton Benjamin, and they're going up against the greatest tag team in wrestling history.
Striker: Next week we find out if two great tag team wrestlers can upset the greatest unit in tag wrestling. We'll also have more action from the world's most dangerous man tournament, and who knows what else? I've been Matt Striker, alongside JBL, thank you all for joining us for IFW Revolution.