The Blackout started as a stable in CZW with Ruckus, Sabian, Joker, and Robbie Mireno. In 2004, they began a feud with Chri$ Ca$h, which saw a number of tag team matches. During this feud, Ruckus and Sabian won the CZW World Tag Team Championship from the H8 Club. In June 2004, Joker left CZW and wrestling entirely to fight in the war in Iraq. Eddie Kingston joined Blackout and continued the feud with Cash. The feud ended in a Cage of Death match at "Cage of Death VI" on December 11, 2004 when Blackout lost the tag titles to Team Ca$h of Chri$ Ca$h, J.C. Bailey, Nate Webb, and Sexxxy Eddie. In February 2005, Ruckus defeated Messiah for the CZW World Heavyweight Championship.