the.weej

“Alan Clark is getting a bit original in his scavenging for weaponry…going as far as to want to make everyone line up single file…or something.” Cyclone Comet is even having a little trouble figuring out the logic, but it seems to be working, as Alan brings the pole over his head and drives it down into the back of Thugg’s head… *DONG* “My God! Was that noise the pole or Thugg’s head?” “I don’t think it really matters at this point, Robert…” Comet remarks as Alan slams the pole down into Thugg’s head one last time before dropping it to the floor. Without even letting the big man get even close to a second wind, Alan drops down and pulls up a length of the velvet rope stuck to the pole, wrapping it around Thugg’s throat and pulling back, locking in a vicious choke. “CHOKE! CHOKE! REF!” Riley yells out as Thugg tries to reach around behind him, but Alan keeps far enough away to stay out of the big man’s reach but to still keep the choke held tight. Alan unclips the rope from the pole and ties it around the back of Thugg’s neck, tightening the choke even more as he tries to pull the big man up. Thugg stays doubled over and Alan jumps onto his back, screaming into Thugg’s ear. *THUD* BOOOOOOOO!!! Alan Clark’s body is flipping onto the floor by Thugg, who was able to get his hands over his back enough to catch Alan’s hair. Thugg falls down on top of Alan for a cover… ONE… TWO… THREEENOOOOOOOOO!!! Alan gets his shoulder up and Thugg can not believe it as he tries to loosen the hold the rope as around his neck. Turning his attention to the rope and taking it away from Alan buys the smaller superstar enough time to pull his body back between Thugg’s legs. As he does, he sends his right foot into the air… *DING* …and catching Thugg right in the crotch once more! “Ooooooo…that move should soooo go away…” Riley shudders… “Now Robert…you know that the Galatea Special will never go out of style!” Comet remarks as Alan gets to his feet and grabs Thugg by the neck once more, retightening the velvet rope around the neck of the big man in his current state of uncomfort. “That choke has got to be cutting off Thugg’s air supply by this point! Ordonez needs to put a stop to it this INSTANT!” Riley yells as Alan grabs Thugg by the rope and begins to pull him across the floor. Alan runs for the lobby doors of the Staples Center… *CRAAAAAASH* “BY ALL THAT IS SACRED AND HOLY!! ALAN CLARK JUST THREW THUGG THROUGH THAT GLASS DOOR FACE FIRST!” Comet explodes and Riley almost loses his mind in the seat next to him, as the crowd explodes in cheers and chants. HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! Even Ced is stunned as he peers through the broken glass door and down at Thugg, who lays on his stomach, unmoving. “Thugg could be knocked out!” Riley screams as Clark pulls the rope from Thugg’s neck and begins to grind Thugg’s face into the broken glass on the sidewalk, screaming in Thugg’s face the entire time… “HOW DOES THAT FEEL! WHO’S THE BITCH NOW?!” Alan screams as he uses what little strength he has left to pull Thugg up to his knees before jumping down on the big man’s back, slamming him back into the pavement once more. Alan’s twisted smile grows larger as he rolls Thugg over, showing the big man’s face to be sheer crimson. Clark tightens his fist and begins simply unloading into Thugg’s face, driving the glass into his hand in the process, but the psychotic look on his face shows that he does not care at all. “Come on Thugg! I don’t see you acting all FUCKING TOUGH NOW!” Alan lays in the punches, continually screaming and cursing up a storm as Ced tries to maintain order and the fans spill outside, but security pushes them back, barking at them to go inside and stay away from the two men laying on the sidewalk. “You have no idea what you are dealing with!” Alan yells out again and sends his fist into Thugg’s forehead one final time before he gets to his feet, leaving the cameraman to get a wonderful close-up of Thugg’s newly mangled face. “That is just disgusting…I can’t believe Alan Clark would stoop to this level.” Riley mutters as Alan wipes the blood from his own face and wipes it across his shirt… …and then he does the same to Thugg! “Ewww…Just…Ewwwwwww…” Riley says disgusted as Alan wipes the blood off of Thugg’s face and towels it off on his shirt, adding more blood to his current collection. “I can’t even put into words what I thought when he did that, Robert” Comet, too, seems grossed out as Alan pulls Thugg off the ground and throws the bloody velvet rope away. The cameraman and Ordonez follow behind as Alan begins to walk the big man across the parking lot, his right arm extending and pointing off into the distance. “Lookie where we are going!” Alan says in a matter that can only be described as what a five-year-old on acid would sound like. The camera turns away from the two men and sees Alan’s tour bus sitting a few hundred feet away. “Where is he taking him now?” Riley questions out loud, the same question also going through the minds of everyone else watching. “I have no idea…but it might not be good for either of these two men…” Comet answers as the two move closer and closer to the bus, Alan talking in Thugg’s ear, barely audible. As Alan gets close to the bus, he begins to move a bit faster, almost echoing himself from earlier as he tosses Thugg face-first into the side of the giant bus. Thugg bounces off… …and is PISSED~! “And He Awakens!” Riley exclaims as Thugg sends his boot into Alan’s midsection and lifts him up, and even in his slightly weakened state he is still able to place Alan onto his shoulder. The big man backs away from the bus and stops for a moment, using his free arm to hold Alan'’ head up, showing him what is going to be his fate. “Alan’s going to need some Tylenol…” Comet remarks as Thugg rushes the bus and DRIVES Alan face-first into the side, dropping the plucky cruiserweight six feet to the pavement. Oooooooooooo!! A crowd has gathered around the bus, but Thugg ignores them as he drags Alan to his feet and looks into his eyes. “I AIN’T NOBODY’S BITCH!” Thugg screams out and wraps his hand around Clark’s throat… “Chokeslam coming up!” Both announcers say together as Alan is lifted off his feet and held in the air, Thugg pausing to savor the moment. The big man goes to turn his body… …and is STUCK! “What the…” Riley starts as he stares at his monitor, as Thugg’s wrist is pinning against the side of the bus and Alan is wiggling his body free, his hands holding onto the sides of one of the bus’s open windows! “Alan Clark has got his hands on that open window and is desperately trying to get himself out of Thugg’s grip…” Comet says as Alan kicks his legs a few times to get the big man to back off… …and he pulls himself into the BUS! “Unbelievable!” Comet continues as Alan disappears through the window, leaving Thugg on the outside screaming in rage. “WHAT THE FUCK!!! YOU SON OF A BITCH!!” Thugg is completely against FCC regulations as he storms around, finally heading for the front door of the bus. “Oh man! Alan Clark can’t go anywhere now that he is in that bus…there is only ONE exit and a large angry roadblock is standing right in Clark’s way!” Riley chuckles at Alan’s impending doom. Thugg throws the door open… “YOU’RE FUCKED NOW!” he screams and steps up and into the dark bus… …and just as quickly comes falling back out, dropping from the steps and hitting the pavement, rolling down and onto his back, holding his face. “What just happened!?” Riley asks and Alan steps into view, answering his question by walking out of the bus, guitar in one hand and sledgehammer in the other! YAYYY!!! The crowd erupts as Alan drops his guitar to the ground and begins swinging the hammer above his head, moving in to where Thugg fell to. “Alan Clark just hit Thugg in the face with that hammer! He could have crushed his skull!” “But Robert…what about Thugg…That man has no concern for the lives of others and enjoys seeing the pain on their faces…what about that?” “THAT’S DIFFERENT!” Riley screams at his partner as Alan aims at Thugg and takes a huge swing at the big man… WHIIIIIIFFFFFF!! “Alan Clark misses his second swing!!” Comet exclaims as Thugg ducks out of the way, the momentum causing Alan to spin out of control and send the hammer flying out of his hands and skidding across the parking lot, barely missing a few people nearest to the bus. As Alan spins, Thugg gets to his feet and waits for his moment to strike. Alan’s spin slows to a stop, and the dizzied wrestler is suddenly wide awake as his throat is once again attacked by the large right hand of the big man. “Alan Clark won’t be able to sneak out of THIS ONE!” Riley laughs out loud, causing Comet to slap him across the back of the head as Alan sends his right foot right into Thugg’s crotch once more, falling back on a counter that always seems to work in the most desperate of situations. “Another lowblow! This is just insanity!” Comet remarks as Thugg recovers quicker than usual from the shot, but Alan is ready for him and kicks him in the stomach hard and then firing off a superkick that catches Thugg in the chin as he doubles over from the kick to his gut. “I don’t care what you say Comet…that was just wrong!” “There are no rights and wrongs in this match, Robert…it’s anything goes!!” Comet reiterates as Thugg reels back from the superkick. Alan rushes in and fires off a second superkick, sending the big man back even farther, causing him to fall backwards onto the hood of the car parked right behind the bus. Alan rushes to the side of the car and grabs Thugg by the top of his head, holding it up for a moment before using all his strength to slam it against the windshield! Alan laughs out loud himself as he pulls Thugg back up and slams his head down once more! Another and another…and the windshield is beginning to crack under the pressure of Thugg’s head! “My God! Alan Clark is trying to destroy that windshield…and Thugg’s face!” Riley yells as Alan slams Thugg’s head one last time off the glass, and the big man looks to be unconscious. “Thugg could be knocked out! Alan Clark should go for a cover here!” Comet exclaims, but Alan walks away, heading back toward the front of his bus and leaving Thugg behind. “He’s running away! HAHAHA!” Riley laughs again, but his laughter soon stops as the camera catches Alan reaching into his bus and pulling out a small metal can. Alan opens the can and begins to dump the contents of it out onto his guitar that still lays on the ground. “What is he doing?” Comet questions Alan’s actions, but Ordonez is the first to get it right, as his voice can be heard over the crowd… “IS THAT GASOLINE?!” “GASOLINE!!” Both announcers yell out as Alan simply looks up and smiles before pulling out a lighter from inside the bus door. Clark laughs once more and gets a small flame before tossing the lighter down onto the guitar, setting it on fire. “Alan Clark just set his guitar ON FIRE!” “We can see that, Robert! Now what’s he going to do!” Comet is even freaking out a little as Alan lifts the flaming guitar off the ground and holds it above his head, his twisted smirk seeming almost demonic in the firelight as he walks back toward Thugg, who is moving slightly, his hand rubbing his forehead. Alan sees that the big man has started to move and begins to run toward the car, swinging his fiery weapon down like a battle-ax in the night as he reaches the car…. *BOOOOOOOOOM* …HE MISSED!! “THANK GOD! THUGG MOVED!” Riley yells out in joy as Thugg is able to get out of the way just in time, causing the guitar to shatter against the glass, sending flaming debris in all directions. Clark instinctly throws what is left in his hand away, and security rushes in, trying to extinguish the flame as fast as possible, not knowing if any other explosive elements are in the area. “If Alan Clark would have hit that right there…we might have just entered an entirely new era…” “Yeah…of lawsuits and bankruptcy…what a psycho that Alan Clark is…trying to set another man on fire!” Riley seems shocked and appalled, but the distraction of the security is too much for Alan, and as he turns back toward Thugg he is caught, by the throat, once again! “UNTAMED!!!!” Both announcers scream as Alan tries to fight out of the choke, kicking his legs wildly, but before any of the kicks can connect he is lifted off the ground and into the air…. Thugg drops.….. …and Alan escapes AGAIN!! “HOUDINI DID IT AGAIN! IS HE GREASED OR SOMETHING?” “No Citizen Riley…just EXTREMELY …ewww… BLOODY!” Comet quips as Alan is able to grab the ladder to the roof on the back of his bus as he is in the air, barely pulling himself free as Thugg drops, his hand slipping away. Thugg’s eyes burn with anger as he turns back toward Clark, but the cruiserweight is ready, sending kicks into the big man’s face, causing even more pain after the vicious hammer shot from moments ago, coupled with all the other pain Thugg has taken thus far in the match. The kicks are enough to disorient the big man, causing him to turn away from the ladder, the pain proving to be a bigger distraction than anything else in Thugg’s brain at the moment. Alan seizes the moment and dives off the ladder… …And as he falls toward the car he catches Thugg by the back of his head, sending both men slamming into the car…the bulldog takedown taking a lot out of both of them, as Thugg’s face hits the glass and Alan holds his back from the unprotected landing. The camera catches Thugg as he rolls onto his back, his face looking as though it fell into a puddle of red paint, as it is completely covered by a crimson mask. “That’s it…That’s it!! He’s insane. Call the doctors…Alan Clark is a certified psycho. I don’t even think I can watch anymore of this.” Riley starts, but Comet seems trained on his monitor. “You can’t stop now…this is just awesome…” Comet is almost a fan himself as Alan slowly gets to his feet and climbs up onto the roof of the car. Clark looks down at Thugg and yells toward him… “REMEMBER THIS!” He screams, and with a loud unintelligible primal scream of rage, Alan leaps from the roof and looks to stomp both of his feet straight through Thugg’s skull… BUT HE MOVES~!! Thugg rolls out of the way of Alan’s feet in the nick of time, causing the smaller superstar’s body to buckle from the landing… *THUD* BOOOOOOOOO!! Alan is tripped backwards by Thugg, his head slamming against the roof of the car violently. The crowds boos return in full force and Thugg simply turns and smiles. “Alan Clark took a rough landing and that monster Thugg just pulled his legs right out from under him, causing him to just fall toward the roof! Did you see the way his head hit that metal, Robert?” “YES I DID!” Now Riley is fixated on his monitor as Thugg climbs up onto the hood of the car, his weight nearly denting it as he pulls Alan up and sends his fist into the cruiser’s gut. Thugg shoves Alan’s head down and between his legs, holding it there and looking out over the crowd once more and then back down at the prone Clark… “I’M GONNA WRECK… …YO…. …SHIT~!!” His scream sends chills through the crowd as Thugg pulls Alan’s feet off the hood of the car and flips him up and over… “Thugg is going to try and powerbomb Alan onto the roof! This could end Alan’s career! I CAN’T WATCH!” Comet hides his eyes as Alan tries valiantly to escape the hold, but the big man has nothing of it, just trying to hold him still… *THUUUUUUUUDDDDDDD* The shot echoes throughout the parking lot, and Comet can’t look… “BLOODMIST!” the scream comes from Bobby Riley and Comet opens his eyes to see Alan sitting on the roof of the car, Thugg’s body face-down between his legs. “What in Heaven’s name just happened, Robert?” Comet questions, and a replay shows Alan spray the bloodmist into Thugg’s eyes, causing the big man to be blinded and allowing Alan to get his legs free and pull down toward the roof of the car, bringing Thugg down with him and right into a facebuster that viciously dents the hood of the car. “I can’t believe I just saw that…I can NOT believe it…” Riley says over and over as Alan slowly gets back up to his feet and looks out over the parking lot crowd that is watching the two men. Alan looks between Ced, the camera, the crowd, and Thugg over and over…and finally pauses on Thugg before looking back at the camera, a bloody smirk showing through on his face. “I’m not sure I want to know what he is thinking, Robert…” Comet remarks as Alan uses the bit of strength remaining in his body to pull Thugg completely onto the roof of the car. Clark looks out toward the crowd and then points his finger out toward the roof of his bus, signaling for something as he walks toward the ladder and starts the climb up… “What did he just signal for…what was that?” Riley asks, but Comet knows exactly what is going to happen. “If he does what I think he is going to do…” Comet softly says as Clark gets to the top of the bus and looks down the 15 feet to Thugg’s prone body on the roof of the car. “What? WHAT IS HE GOING TO DO?” Riley screams for answers… “Citizens…if you have kids watching, you might want to turn their heads…” Comet remarks as Alan takes a few steps back and pauses momentarily before rushing toward the edge and leaping off…… *WHOOOOOOOOOOOOM* HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! “CANNNNNOOOOOONNNNNBALLLLLLL!!!” Both announcers and the crowd go completely nuclear as Alan rolls into a ball and crashes right through Thugg, causing the roof of the car to give and break down, the two men almost falling through to the inside. “I can’t believe I just saw that…” Riley repeats again as Ordonez notices the cover and counts… ONE…. TWO…… THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! *DING DING DING* The outside crowd is silent, as are Comet and Riley as Ordonez crawls up onto the wreckage and grabs Alan Clark’s bloody hand…raising it into the air, showing the world who won the fight. “ALAN CLARK WINS!” Comet breaks the silence as the arena and those outside begin to cheer and chant once more. Inside the wreck, neither man has moved since the roof gave way, and from behind the car comes a crew of EMTs as Funyon makes his announcement from inside the Staples Center… “Ladies and Gentlemen…the winner of the Street Fight…the SWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION… …ALANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN CLAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRKKK~!” Funyon shakes his head a bit as the scene heads back outside. As the medical personnel work on the two men, Comet and Riley’s voices return. “I still can’t believe I just saw that…” Riley says for the last time as the replay is shown over and over…the car breaking way as Alan hits it, the roof unnaturally caving down from the force of the fall. “Robert, and everyone watching around the world…I thought I had seen and been a part of everything until what I just witnessed here tonight. Alan Clark gave up over a foot in height and over 150 pounds in weight to Thugg…and he took a hellacious beating because of that…but after everything that monster put him through…he came back and won the match. No matter what he looks like right now…his name will go down in the books as the winner of Thugg’s final match in the SWF…unbelievable. Simply unbelievable.” Comet trails off as the EMTs pull Alan out of the wreck and onto a stretcher, his shirt and pants almost completely red from the last forty minutes of his life. As Alan is carted toward an ambulance, more workers pull Thugg’s body off the car and load his bloody body onto another stretcher, security surrounding it in quite the odd scene, almost as if Thugg is going to rise to his feet and run off down the street. “What the hell is security doing out there?!” “Security has arrived to escort Thugg to the hospital and out of the SWF forever! What an end for a man that could not have cared less if Alan Clark lived or died at his hands tonight, and look at him now! Laying on a stretcher, mangled beyond what any of us thought possible, and he is going for good!” Comet answers Riley’s question as the camera stays fixed on Thugg being loaded into another ambulance. As the doors of Thugg’s ambulance are slammed shut, a close-up shows a bloody smile burning into Alan’s face as he, too, is placed into a waiting ambulance. The last shot of Alan Clark before the doors close is his arm raising into the air in victory under it’s own power.

~~AN INTRODUCTION~~ LOCATION: Huron, South Dakota HVT is shown holding Landon Maddix high in the air, his large hand wrapped around the throat of the then SJL Unified Champion. In slow motion, Maddix is driven into the trunk of his car, leaving a large dent. Thugg walks away from his carnage and leaves Maddix alone to ponder what is future in the SWF will be. The scene fades over a few words from a small index card… “Welcome to the SWF…” ~~A REUNION~~ LOCATION: Hollywood, California In black and white, Thugg stands over his victim, Spike Jenkins, as - in slow-motion – Jenkins is punched, beaten, and finally thrown through a large plate glass window in the door of a McDonald’s restaurant. Thugg leaves Spike on the sidewalk and goes back to getting his order and a few people crowd around the battered Jenkins. The rest of the index card is shown… “…You Are Officially My Bitch.” The image freezes on the index card, and then burns away as if set on fire from behind, revealing the dark, ominous figure of Thugg behind it, a devilish smile on his face. His visage fades to the right side of the screen, as more lettering appears on the screen… ~~AN ATTACK~~ LOCATION: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania A black and white scene is shown once more, and Cyclone Comet’s voice echoes over the screen as Alan Clark is drilled into a hallway wall from behind. “OH MY GOD! SOMEONE JUST SPEARED ALAN CLARK RIGHT OUT OF HIS BOOTS!” The visage of Thugg smiles widely as the hallway scene fades out on a shot of Alan, nearly unconscious on the floor. Thugg’s smile fades quickly however… as another voice…this time of Commissioner Mark Stevens…is heard above a cheering crowd… “YOU ARE FIRED!” Steven’s voice echoes into nothingness, and Thugg slams his fists together as the visage looks away from the center of the screen…the Pittsburgh crowd chants and cheers wildly… “Na, Na, Na, Na…Hey, Hey, Hey…Goodbye!” ~~WANTS~~ The chanting fades away…and another image appears on the left side of the screen, staring straight at Thugg as his voice is heard… “I…Want…Thugg…Now!” Alan Clark’s voice fades away, but is soon replaced by the sounds of metal denting and glass shattering…followed by Alan and Thugg’s voice echoing out…. CRASH! “WHAT THE FUCK?!” SMASH “WHO’S THE BITCH NOW?!” Alan’s scream echoes as it fades, and Alan’s somber expression turns to a twisted smile. Suddenly, Mark Stevens’ voice can be heard once more… “…At From the Fire…it will be HVT…versus Alan Clark…in a STREET FIGHT~! The crowd explodes, but the two men’s voices return, taunting each other back and forth… YOU BETTA RECOGNIZE! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO! I WILL WRECK YO SHIT! PREPARE TO BE ROCKED! ~~NEEDS~~ The two visages fade away, as do the voices…but a new scene is shown…this time glowing in Technicolor to cheering crowds… “I have done NOTHING to receive these cheers…” --The cheers fade away, but Clark continues… “I have only interjected myself in places where I should have not…” --Black and white stills of Landon and Spike flash on the screen… “Landon…a man I have come to loathe… …Spike Jenkins…a man I have had pleasure in making tap out, leaving him laying in the middle of the ring. But then you make your way to me… …AND I CAN NOT TAKE IT ANYMORE!” --Alan Clark moves around the ring, growing erratic…his voice echoes out… “ALAN CLARK CHOKED!” “I CAME IN A LOSER!” “NO MATTER WHAT…AT THE END…THUGG IS GONE… ……FOREVER! --The video freezes on Alan…but his voice continues… “I AM NOT COMING ALONE!” ~~’FRIENDS’~~ “Bloodshed is coming, Thugg… Black and white video of Bloodshed bleeding profusely… “The Apostle…he’s coming too!” --More black and white…this time from the Genesis Tournament and the Apostle defeating Crow, Drazon, and Silent… “They fight with me!” --Alan Clark’s frozen color image gains two black and white images, one of Bloodshed to his left, and the Apostle to his right… “They are coming, Thugg…” The images fade together, leaving Alan Clark standing alone once more…but he soon fades out as well. ~~ENEMIES~~ CUE: “Touch The Fire” by Icehouse The song begins, and videos quickly fade in and out across the screen… Bloodshed battling in a steel cage… The Apostle gaining revenge in a Condemned House… Thugg defeating El Luchador Magnifico for his first championship… Clark diving off a production truck and crashing through Todd Royal en route to his JL World Championship victory… …and Thugg holding his second World Championship high in the air after defeating “Grand Slam” Mark Stevens… Alan Clark and Thugg’s championship images appear on screen together and the two visages from earlier return…the two men staring at each other. Thugg’s eyes show no remorse… Clark’s smile shows no fear… The music fades down and away to nothingness…leaving the two alone on the screen. Alan Clark’s voice is heard echoing out once more as behind them a blur of images of the two men strobe together… “IT’S ALL UP TO ME!” The echo continues, the images disappear, and the screen fades to black and white…then begins slowly burning away, enveloped in fire. All that is left…is darkness. …The final sound heard…is one explosive crack of thunder. The ideas of a career-ending match are something that no wrestler wants to put into their mind. But tonight two men will be doing just that as they step out in front of millions of people… …and fight. For Thugg, his career is over with no questions surrounding it whatsoever other than ‘what will he do now?’, but for Alan Clark…the ideas that going toe-to-toe with a man that thinks nothing of destroying another human being may be too much for him to handle. Alan Clark has told the world he knows exactly what he is doing, but tonight is the night. Tonight is something the world has been waiting for. The Staples Center seems almost a fitting place for the explosion of emotions, as the riots did twelve years prior, tonight everyone watching could very well learn what Alan Clark and Thugg have known for the past few weeks. …it only takes two men to create a war, and two men to put a stop to it. The arena seems cold and sterile, unknowingly the soon-to-be host of carnage, age, violence, and brutality. The crowd also seems a bit too jovial, possibly unprepared for what they are about to bare witness to. Cyclone Comet can be heard over the crowd… “This next match could very well be remembered forever as the match where Alan Clark’s head was ripped from his shoulders like some crazy Mortal Kombat finisher…” Comet pauses for the effect of it all. “Or it could remembered as the match where Alan Clark stood up to the largest man in the company’s history and took him down and ended his career in a blaze of losing.” Comet’s voice trails off, and Riley jumps right in. “…but I highly doubt that, Comet. We have medical staff standing by to pick up the pieces of the new Cruiserweight Champion at the end of his beating.” Riley continues. “Now now, Robert…Alan Clark shocked the world a few days ago against Wildchild…he could do it again.” “Yeah…and my father is Edwin MacPhisto!” “…” “MUWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA~!” The two bantering announcers are suddenly cut off… THEY DON’T KNOW… WHO WE BEEEEEE… “Here he comes…” Comet speaks over the explosive music… THEY DON’T KNOW… WHO WE BEEEEEE… “Yes he does! Let the countdown to Clark’s destruction begin!” WHAT THEY DON’T KNOW IS… BOOM! The entire stage is engulfed in high blazing fire as Thugg steps out from behind the curtain and right through the flames, walking down the ramp and toward the ring, his eyes glowing with an indescribable hate for every single person around him, as they boo incessantly. “Thugg is getting symbolic…coming from the fire for his match-up with Alan Clark. And as we look at these close-ups we can see that there is an entire world of hate and pain awaiting Clark when he comes out here in just a few moments.” Comet comments as Funyon makes the announcement from inside the ring… “Ladies and Gentlemen…the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL and is a STREEEEEEEEET FIGHT~! Introducing first…hailing from Washington D.C…he is the Angriest Black Man On The Face Of The Planet Earth…he is H…V…T… THUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGG~! BOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! “By Zeus…this crowd is going to be hoarse in about five minutes if they keep that up…” “These Los Angeles fans have absolutely no respect! This is Thugg’s last match! They should be standing up and applauding! He’s a two time World Champion!” Riley goes off in his chair, needing a bit of calming down as Thugg climbs up to the ring apron and pushes the top rope down a bit, lifting his right leg up and climbing over the top rope, showing off his massive size to everyone watching around the world. The lights return to normal, the music fades to silence, and the crowd even quiets down for a moment as Thugg looks up to the entranceway… …and the arena suddenly drops into complete and utter darkness. Everything is pitch-black. "What the hell? Where did everybody go? This can't be good…" Riley's voice can be heard through the crowd's murmurs as Funyon's voice can be heard - prerecorded... "Ladies and gentlemen...coming to the ring at this time... BLOODSHED!" As the intro is spoken, the SmarkTron comes to life, showing an old video of Bloodshed, sitting on a swing and slowly moving back and forth, hair in his eyes and a smile on his face. His voice can be heard… “I’m going to paint this town RED…” The image blurs out…and another pre-recorded intro is heard... "...and his partner...coming to the ring...THE APOSTLE!" The crowd pops a little as the blur on the SmarkTron becomes crystal clear, showing the Apostle standing in a burning field, his eyes seemingly fixated on the ring as heavenly lights hit the Tron and then slowly flicker away… WHOOOOOOOOOOSH! …Only to be replaced by huge waves of flame firing up the entranceway. The crowd pops even louder for the fire, but still not much in the arena can be seen. "This is just...I can't even describe it" Comet is heard as the indoor climate turns bad and it seems to be storming throughout the arena, the sounds of wind and rain attacking the senses and leading into a lone acoustic guitar solo - the opening notes of "Wanted Dead Or Alive" The lights come up slightly and the crowd gets to their feet as the scene turns to Clark's signature black and white. As the lyrics begin, Alan steps through the curtain, sporting a pure white T-shirt and baggy jeans, as well as his new championship around his waist. Above him on the SmarkTron both Bloodshed and the Apostle can be seen side by side, looking down over the scene below them. I walk these streets, a loaded six string on my back I play for keeps, 'cause I might not make it back Alan pulls the cruiserweight title from his waist and holds it in the air, pointing at Thugg, seemingly telling him “I’m a champion now”, but Thugg’s expression is unchanging. I’ve been everywhere, still I'm standing tall I've seen a million faces and I've rocked them all! Alan points to the ring and then at the heavens, the crowd getting more and more behind him as he gets closer to Thugg in the ring. Funyon is finally able to make his real introduction... "Ladies and Gentlemen...introducing his opponent...hailing from Long Beach, California...he is the NEW SWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION… ALAAAAAAAAAAAN CLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARK!" The crowd cheers, but Alan throws his hands up, quieting the arena after a moment. Alan stands at the end of the entranceway, looking toward the ring. He turns and faces the SmarkTron, looking up at the images of Bloodshed and The Apostle. Alan Clark suddenly appears between them on the screen and the three images meld together before Clark spins back around to face the ring, the music suddenly stopping after a final loud crack of thunder. The black and white fades back into color as Alan rolls into the ring, his twisted smile ever present. "Alan Clark is either showing no fear or no brains right now…or BOTH!" Riley quips as the two men prepare to start the fight. Funyon exits the ring and heads to his seat, leaving referee Ced Ordonez to stand between the two, wondering what the hell he did wrong to get stuck with reffing this match. He looks at both of them and sighs a bit before calling for the bell to start the match… *DING DING DING* “WOOO!” Riley seems more jovial than usual as he is no doubt waiting to see Alan Clark get mangled Thugg-style. Alan, on the other hand, seems up to the task as he bounces off the ropes and leaps at Thugg, striking him in the face with a hard forearm, but the big man doesn’t even move. HVT signals to Alan to try again, and he obliges, firing off another forearm, again not even phasing him. “Thugg is just toying with Alan. This is so wrong!” Comet remarks as Alan tries once more, throwing a dropkick into Thugg’s chest…and he steps back a bit, almost laughing from the cruiserweight’s feeble attempts at knocking him down. Alan shakes his head in frustration and comes off the ropes once more, leaping into the air… WHAM! …and being near decapitated by Thugg, who simply lets his huge right arm swing out and catch Clark right in the mush. Alan hits the mat and rolls to his stomach, holding his neck from the shot. Thugg looks down and simply smiles before reaching at Alan and lifting him back up to his feet. Thugg seems faux apologetic and asks Alan to try one more time. Alan nods and hits the ropes, getting a huge burst of speed and leaping into the air, colliding with the big man… …and putting him into the ropes… WHAM!! …and Thugg returns the shot, once again almost taking Clark’s head off with a huge clothesline, causing Alan to flip heels over head backwards and land on his face in the center of the ring. “Alan Clark is redefining the term ‘ragdoll’ in that ring right now!” Riley chuckles to himself as Alan crawls back up to his feet and looks up at the big man… …and smiles almost delightfully. “That’s disturbing…” Comet comments as Alan brushes himself off, almost trying to keep himself from laughing. “Alan’s lost his mind…he’s cracking up!” Riley exclaims as Alan doubles over, holding his sides. Thugg only watches, a little uneasy about the sudden burst of laughter from the smaller superstar. “Thugg has no idea what to do right now…” “Wreck His Shit, Thugg!” comes the call from Riley, and Thugg seems to hear as he grabs Alan’s shoulder and pulls him up from his chuckle-fest. Clark suddenly quickens his pace, popping up and sending his foot into Thugg’s right knee, causing the big man to get a little angered at the possum nature he just dealt with. Alan sends another kick in, but Thugg barely stumbles, and instead wraps his hand around Clark’s throat and shoves him one-handed into the corner. Alan hits with some force and drops down, his arms holding the rest of his body up on the top ropes, but as Thugg moves in, Alan drops to his hands and knees and crawls between the big man’s legs…barely escaping Thugg’s grasp. “There’s an innovative escape if I ever saw one, Citizens…” Comet almost laughs to himself as Thugg turns around, getting a little angered. Alan is prepared, however, and he nips up and jumps towards the big man, pushing his feet into Thugg’s chest and flipping backwards to land on his feet, but Thugg barely moved an inch from the push. As Alan hits the ground a massive foot, that happens to be connected to Thugg, meets him and almost takes his head clean off his shoulders. “Alan’s going to need corrective surgery after this match” “To repair his face, Robert?” “To repair his whole body…he’s going to need one of those suits like RoboCop at the end of this!” Riley’s joke doesn’t seem to trigger anything from his superhero counterpart as Alan falls back to the canvas, holding his face and rolling around from the pain of the big boot. Thugg pulls Clark up to his feet and whips him into the ropes, aiming for another stiff clothesline…but the quicker cruiserweight ducks under the arm and stops dead in his tracks, freezing in mid-step. Alan turns and leaps up onto Thugg’s back, wrapping his arms around the big man’s head and locking in a sleeper! “Sleeper applied!” Comet yells out… “…But Not For Long!” Riley exclaims as Thugg reaches over his back and grabs Alan by the collar of his shirt. Alan wrenches the hold harder, but Thugg simply leans forward and pulls, sending Alan over his head and flipping onto his back on the canvas. The crowd boos as Alan bounces off the mat. “Alan might be on his way to the lose column…as he has yet to have any kind of offense against Thugg in this match!” Comet speaks the obvious as Thugg literally drags Alan across the ring and up to his feet in the corner. Thugg reels back and sends a closed fist right into Alan’s forehead, causing his head to snap back violently. Thugg throws another punch and Alan’s head snaps once more, causing referee Ordonez to interject himself and try to stop Thugg, but the 185 pound ref can do nothing, and everyone seems to know that fact as the boos grow louder and louder. BOOOOOOOOO!!! “This crowd knows that this is Thugg’s last match no matter what…and he isn’t going to let anyone stop him from tearing Alan Clark apart right here in Los Angeles!” Comet exclaims as Thugg continues his barrage of punches, finally backing off as blood begins to appear on Alan’s face, busted open from Thugg’s soup bone of a right hand. “Blood! We’ve got Blood! WOOO!” Riley cheers, but Comet notices something else on his monitor… “…we might have blood, Citizen Riley…but look at Alan’s face…really look at it…” “…what? Oh my. Is he…” “…smiling! Yes he is! Alan Clark is staring up at Thugg with his own blood pouring down his face and he is smiling, just begging for the big man to keep it up!” Comet yells as Thugg looks at Alan, a little bit of shock on his face. The look quickly passes though, as Clark is knocked out of the corner and over the top rope by a huge right cross! “What a punch! HVT should take up boxing after tonight…he’d destroy everyone!” Riley comments as Alan hits the floor, across the ring, a camera focuses on Alan on the other side as he looks up from the floor, a clear shot of the blood seeping down his face. Alan puts his hand up to his forehead and wipes the blood away. Without thinking, Alan simply wipes the blood onto his shirt, leaving a red hand-print on his chest. “That’s just sick and disgusting…ruining that perfectly good shirt…” “What?!” Comet seems shocked by the sudden explosion of fashion sense from his partner as Clark goes to head back in the ring, but Thugg is right there waiting on the inside. As he reaches over the top rope to try and grab him, Alan seizes the moment and slides under the bottom rope and right between Thugg’s legs! Alan crawls up to his feet and rushes the ropes, bouncing back as Thugg turns around…and right into a dropkick! Thugg stumbles backwards and Alan takes another run at the big man…but as Alan leaps into the air, Thugg catches him in his arms! “That’s a clean catch!” Riley quips as Thugg lifts Alan into the air, holding him up over his head, pressing him military style a few times. Clark tries his best to wiggle free, but just before he can Thugg walks to the edge of the ring… …and throws Alan to the outside! THUD~! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! “By Merciful Zeus! Alan Clark was just thrown 12 feet to the outside and landed right on his chest!” Comet exclaims as Alan rolls around on the floor, holding his chest and stomach. In the ring, Thugg simply smiles and heads to the outside, but Ced interjects himself again…and this time is shoved backwards, hitting the mat on his back and immediately popping up to his feet, but does not make a move toward the angered Thugg. Ordonez backs away, not wanting to spend any time in the hospital. “Ha! Ordonez knows exactly what he is dealing with! He should mention that to Clark sometime!” Riley comments as Thugg climbs over the top rope to the apron and then hops down to the floor, but can not find Alan Clark anywhere! “Wait? What happened to Citizen Clark? Do we have a replay?” Comet asks…and a replay window pops up, showing the outside of the ring as Thugg is busy with Ordonez, and Alan can be seen rolling under the ring apron and out of view. A few fans point toward the apron, alerting Thugg to the whereabouts of Clark, making the big man smile. “Uh oh…Clark has nowhere to run now!” Riley remarks as Thugg throws up the apron and looks under the ring… FWHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSHHHHHH! Thugg is suddenly surrounded by a wall of white fog, causing him to step backwards and out of the area as the blast ceases from under the apron. With Clark still not in sight, a fire extinguisher rolls out from under the apron…. “Alan Clark just blinded Thugg with that fire extinguisher! But where is he?” Comet asks, but as Thugg stumbles around blindly Clark appears around the corner and hops up on the ringsteps. In one fluid motion, Alan dives off and clotheslines Thugg, but the big man still does not fall down. “Thugg will not go down! Clark is going to need to hit him with a car or set off an explosion or something…otherwise he is just prolonging the inevitable…his own DESTRUCTION!” Riley laughs as Alan looks a little shocked that Thugg didn’t fall down. Clark hops up to the apron and then to the top turnbuckle, poising himself to take a dive down onto the big man. As flashbulbs pop in the crowd, Alan leaps off the top and spreads his arms, going for a HUGE splash… …CAUGHT! “Thugg gets his vision back just in time and Alan Clark is in a world of trouble!” Comet exclaims as Thugg turns Alan sideways in his arms and rushes toward the ring post, seemingly trying to connect the steel pole to Alan’s spine. Thugg drops Alan as he hits the post, leaving the smaller superstar on the ground in a heap. The LA crowd explodes in a loud chorus of boos, and Thugg only barely acknowledges them, caring only to pull Alan off the floor and toss him into the ring. Thugg climbs up to the ring apron and steps over the top rope, taking his time to get to the battered Clark before falling onto his knees and going for a cover… ONE… TWO…. KICKOUT!! “Alan Clark gets his shoulder up just before the three…and that was a huge mistake by Thugg there! This is falls count anywhere!” “Thugg knows exactly what he is doing, Comet…he is prolonging the pain for Alan Clark…he wants that man to HURT!” Riley tries to think positive about the pin attempt as the fans continue displaying their negativity towards Thugg in the ring. HVT ignores them once more as he pulls Alan up to his feet and whips him into the ropes, trying for a clothesline as he flies back across the ring… DUCKED! *BOUNCE* ANOTHER CLOTHESLINE! DUCKED AGAIN! *BOUNCE* As Alan comes off the ropes for the third time, he leaps toward the big man with another forearm shot and connects with Thugg’s jaw! HVT reels a bit from the shot, giving Alan a chance to pop into the air once more… DROPKICK! AND ANOTHER! “Thugg is on the ropes!” Comet screams out as Alan gets to his feet and steps back turning his body sideways and moving in… SMACK~ YAHHHHHHH!!! “SUPERKICK!!” Both announcers yell in unison as Thugg is caught in the chest with the kick and flips toward the outside… …and lands on his feet! “By Zeus! Alan Clark still has yet to get Thugg off of his feet! He just struck with that blistering superkick, and the big man took it like a girlish slap!” “HAHA! Clark’s a girl!” “That’s not what I meant, Robert!” Comet seems irked by Riley’s comments as Thugg seems a bit shocked on the outside, shaking his head and regaining his balance that was lost by the backwards tumble he just took as a result of the kick. On the inside, Alan is making another run at the ropes, and as the big man looks toward the ring, Clark pops up and springboards off the top… …and right into Thugg’s arms once more!! “Thugg’s got him again!” Riley screams as Alan struggles to free himself from the massive arms around him, but just as he gets his arms free, Thugg lifts Alan into the air and tilts the smaller superstar upside down… THUD! “Alan Clark was just driven onto the entrance ramp! His back could be broken!” Comet exclaims as Thugg stays on top of Clark and goes for another cover, and Ordonez is ready… ONE… TWO… THRKICKOUT! Alan Clark barely gets his shoulder up, leaving an angered Thugg to get to his feet. The big man is only made more angry as he looks down at the bleeding Clark, only to see a wide smile on his face. “Oh you want some more?!” Thugg can be heard yelling as he leans down to pull his adversary up, but Alan is ready, sticking his hand up and catching the big man right in the eye with his thumb! “Unbelievable! Alan Clark just poked Thugg’s eyes!” Comet remarks as Alan rolls to his stomach and crawls toward the ring, leaving Thugg momentarily blinded, almost moaning from the pain of the poke from Alan. “That was uncalled for!” Riley responds, but Ced simply shrugs his shoulders to the camera as Alan crawls under the apron once more. “There he goes again…” Comet comments, but Alan reappears quickly…steel chair in hand! “He’s got a chair!” Both announcers yell as Alan winds up and BLASTS Thugg in the forehead with the chair, sending the big man into the barricade. Alan reels back once more and sends the chair into Thugg’s face again, causing a loud skull on steel echo to reverberate throughout the arena. Alan backs all the way across the ramp and holds the chair up once more and takes a run at the big man… *CLANG* The crowd almost gasps collectively as Alan brings the chair down and right onto Thugg’s forehead for a third time before dropping the chair, and now the cameras can see that blood is now flowing from the heads of both men. “Alan Clark has busted HVT open with those hideous chair shots!” Riley exclaims as Alan leaps up onto the barricade that Thugg is holding himself up on, balancing expertly on the tubing and sending in a barrage of fists, trying to open up the wound even more. As more blood appears, Alan takes a moment to show off his crimson hand to the crowd before wiping it across his shirt, adding another red hand-print to his collection. *DING* “Uggggghhh…” Alan moans as Thugg sends his left arm into Alan’s legs, causing the cruiserweight to lose his balance and fall onto the barricade in a way that sends a shiver through every male watching. “That…is…pain.” Comet remarks as Alan’s eyes wince and he falls off the barricade, landing on his side on the ramp. Thugg stands up off the barricade and pulls Alan’s legs apart, putting his huge shoe right where it shouldn’t be and then pulling up on his arms, causing a quick yelp of pain from Clark as 386 pounds of Thugg gets pressed into his twins. “I would think one man wouldn’t do that to another man…at least not with this many people watching.” Riley comments as Alan tries to free himself, but every movement he makes brings more pain. “How does that feel, punk?!” Thugg yells down at Clark, who simply smiles and gives quite the answer… “Fucking Great, You Big Piece of Shit!” The announcers both gasp as the words leave Alan’s mouth, and those in the crowd that hear cheer loudly as Thugg’s eyes widen and he lets Alan’s left arm go before throwing his big hand down and dishing out a hard bitch slap. *SLAAAP* OOOOOOOOOOOO!! The crowd can be heard as Alan hits the steel ramp once more, moving his hands between his face and his crotch, trying to defend himself from any more for the time being. “He should just give up…or he just might die right here in Los Angeles!” Riley exclaims as Thugg looks out over the crowd and then down at the balled up Clark. A devilish smile appears on the big man’s face as he places his thumb on his neck and slowly pulls his hand across… “Uh oh…Thugg is signalling that it could be the end of Alan Clark…” Comet remarks as HVT pulls Alan up by his hair and then lifts him off the ground, pressing him over his head once more. “LAST STAND! IT’S OVER BABY!” Riley screams as Thugg goes to rotate Alan’s body and fall foreward… …ALAN SLIPS OUT! “BY ZEUS! HE ESCAPED!” Comet yells out as Alan flips foreward and lands on his feet on the ramp… …and then collapses onto his back, grabbing his knee and screaming in pain. “Alan Clark got out of the Last Stand, but he might have just messed up his right knee in the process!” Comet says as Ced checks on the downed Clark, but Thugg can only laugh as he shoves Ordonez away and reaches down for Alan. OOOOMPH! YAHHHH! “That cheater! CHEATER!” Riley explodes as Thugg reaches down and Alan rolls up onto his shoulders, clutching his knees tightly to his chest before firing his legs upward and connecting squarely with Thugg’s forehead, knocking him backwards down the ramp...but the big man does not take a fall as he hits the ring apron. “Alan Clark just possumed his way into an advantage…for the moment anyway” Comet mentions as Alan rolls up and gets to his feet, seeing a chance to run toward the backstage curtain. “Now the scared little guy is running away! Go! Run! Loser!” Riley continues his quips as Thugg shakes off the kick and heads toward the curtain himself, pushing his way past Ordonez and pulling the curtain back… FWWWWHHHOOOOOOOOOSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! From backstage, another huge fire extinguisher blasts sends Thugg reeling back a few steps, and this time he almost completely dodges the fog. The big man lets out what can best be described as a primal scream, slamming his foot off the ground and rushing through the remaining fog and through the curtain. “Gorilla In The Mist!” Comet laughs to himself… “That’s not funny! I’ll call him back here!” “Whatever…” Comet replies at his partner’s threats as a camera switches behind the curtain, finding Thugg alone, looking around for Clark, who has seemingly disappeared. “What the…where did that little bastard go?” Riley asks. “Don’t say that, Robert…and I don’t know.” Comet answers and the camera moves around with Thugg. The camera moves in front of the big man and he screams up and down the hallway… “YOU CAN’T RUN, BOY!” Thugg screams out, unaware that over his shoulder, the camera has spotted Clark, perched above the curtain that Thugg just bolted through moments before. Alan places his finger up to his mouth, telling everyone to be quiet as he stays perched…but most of the crowd doesn’t seem to care, as they begin to cheer wildly as they finally see where he disappeared to. “Thugg! Behind you! LOOK!” Riley screams out as Thugg continues his search, and after a brief moment, he finally turns back around… …and is met by Clark, who dives off his perch and spins through the air, his foot meeting up with Thugg’s jaw, causing Thugg to fall backwards and end up sitting upright on a nearby table! Alan lands on his feet and heads towards the dazed Thugg, folding up a chair by the table and firing off a stiff shot… *CLANG* …causing more bloodshed from the big man. Alan laughs as he re-opens the chair, setting it on the floor in front of Thugg’s seat and stepping back a few feet. “You ready, big boy?” Alan asks as he rushes the chair, using it as a makeshift springboard to take a dive at Thugg…. …but Thugg ducks down! *SMACK* “My Heavens! Alan Clark just flew right over top of HVT and connected with nothing but the concrete floor! That had to sting like the dickens!” Comet says… “The dickens?” Riley looks over at his partner, wondering what the hell is going on inside the superheroic head of Comet, as Thugg rolls off the table and pushes Alan onto his back, going for another pin… ONE… TWO… THREEKICKOUT!! “Alan Clark got his shoulder up! How is he still doing it? He’s a psycho!” Riley exclaims as Clark’s shoulder barely gets up before the three, the crowd cheering like mad as the match continues. Thugg, unlike the crowd, is not exactly pleased with his opponent’s resiliency. As Alan tries to get back to his feet, he is kicked back down, getting Thugg’s huge foot rammed into his forehead, causing more blood to pour out and all over Alan’s face. Clark tries to wipe the blood away and clear his vision as Thugg lifts Alan off the floor and begins dragging him down the hall. Alan’s feet drag behind him as he is held up by his arms, and with each door the two men come to, Thugg uses his adversary as his own special key…slamming Alan off the doors and causing them to swing open. “HVT is just ramming Alan Clark’s head off those doors!” Comet yells as Thugg uses his human battering ram once more, hitting a door so hard it almost breaks away from the wall, causing a loud thud to echo down the hallway as Alan’s skull ricochets off the door. “I don’t even know what Thugg is doing, Comet…it seems like he is looking for something or someone…or maybe just a nice place to stash the body.” “That’s very lovely turn of phrase, Robert…” Comet sarcastically mutters as Alan begins to fight back, getting his feet underneath him and standing up a bit before swinging his legs out and connecting with the back of Thugg’s knees. This only serves to piss the big man off more, however, and the last door Thugg rams Alan into really does come off it’s frame and goes tumbling down the flight of stairs behind it. “Here we are!” Thugg seems a bit jovial at the finding of the stairwell as he stands Alan up and points down the steps. “What in the name of Zeus is Thugg pointing at?” Comet questions, but Thugg soon answers… “You want to relive your past, boy? How about I help you out a bit with that…” Thugg screams at Alan as he lifts him up and holds him over his head, walking closer to the stairs. “NO! NO! THUGG CAN’T DO THIS! He’s going to throw Alan Clark down those stairs! He could kill him!” Comet screams as Thugg gets a head of steam and goes for the toss… …but Alan slips away!! *DING* OOOOOOOOOOOOO… The male crowd once again cringes as Alan is able to fall behind Thugg and land on one knee. But before Thugg can turn around, he gets Alan Clark’s fist in the one place a man’s hands should never go. Thugg stumbles forward toward the steps and Alan pushes off the ground, shoving the big man hard… “Alan Clark is trying to knock Thugg down the stairs! He can’t do that!” Riley exclaims, but Thugg stays on his feet as he bounds down the stairs, a near 400 pound wrecking ball with no control heading toward a middle landing in the stairwell. Thugg catches himself on the landing, his hands hit the wall and he stops himself in his tracks. The big man shakes his head as if to say “Ha, you thought you could get me” as he turns around… WHAM~! …and is caught by a huge spear from Alan Clark as he dives off the middle of the stairs and drives his body into Thugg’s, both men slamming against the wall violently. Alan falls to the floor and Thugg bounces off the wall, walking forward a few steps before falling, but catching his body on the stair railing and staying on his feet as Alan tries to get back up behind him. “Thugg still has not been off his feet once in this match…Alan has hit him with everything and he just won’t stay down!” Comet remarks as the camera moves down the stairs with Ordonez and they check on Clark, who lays on his back, looking up at the stairwell lights…a crimson mask smiling up at them. “That. Is. Sick!” Riley comments as Alan wipes some more blood away, his hands tinted red even as the blood is wiped away on his shirt. “I would have to agree with you there, Robert…I’ve never seen anything like that. I didn’t ever want to see anything like that…” Comet mentions as Alan slowly gets to his feet and Thugg turns around… …and the two men begin firing off punches at each other! “Look at that! It’s almost like they haven’t even been through the last 20 minutes of hell!” Riley exclaims as Thugg catches Clark in the jaw with a right hand, but Alan takes it with relative ease and returns the shot, connecting with Thugg’s chin and then following up with a palm strike to his forehead… …but Thugg catches Alan’s wrist as the arm extends out, leaving Clark trapped and open to a huge blow to his forehead. Alan falls backwards, and if not for Thugg holding his arm, he would have certainly hit the ground. But Thugg pulls Alan back up to his feet and aims for another… …DUCKED! …Alan moves out of the way of the big man’s fist and brings his foot up, catching Thugg behind his left knee once more. The surprise kick catches Thugg off guard, causing him to release the hold to Alan’s arm, opening up a perfect opportunity for Alan to bring his hand down and send it firing up like a missile and NAILING him with a huge uppercut. “What an uppercut! These two are just going hand-to-hand on that landing, beating each other into bloody pieces of meat!” Comet remarks as the camera moves back on the two men, showing them both to be looked very bloody, and Alan’s shirt more resembling tie-dye than it’s original pure white color. The battle rages on in the stairwell as Alan tries to head back up the stairs, moving as quick as he can to get away from the angered Thugg. Alan hits the landing by the broken door and waits for the big man to make his way up toward him… …kicking him square in the jaw with a roundhouse that sends blood and spit flying. Thugg grabs his jaw as Alan rushes up the next flight of stairs toward another door, but the big man gains a sudden burst of speed and jumps out, grabbing Alan by the ankle and pulling him down near the top of the steps. Alan hits the steps and turns around, sitting and waiting until Thugg looks up, and Clark sends his feet out and into Thugg’s face once more, the force pushing him down a few stairs. Clark gets to his feet and goes to the door, throwing it open. As Alan sees where the doorway leads he turns around… WHAAAAAAAM~! …and is RAN OVER by Thugg, who spears him out through the doorway and onto the ground! “BY ZEUS! ALAN CLARK WAS JUST LIFTED OFF THE GROUND AND DROVE INTO THE FLOOR AN—“ Comet is suddenly cut off by his partner! “LOOK WHERE THEY ARE!” Riley screams as the camera moves up the stairs to catch the action, finding Thugg getting to his feet, and surrounded by fans! “They’re in the lobby!” Comet exclaims as security comes rushing to pull people away from the two battling superstars, creating a ring around them as more fans come from their seats, forming a huge pit behind the wall of security. Cheers and chants begin as Ordonez tries to keep order… AL-AN! AL-AN! H-VILLE! H-VILLE! The second chant comes only as an irritant to Thugg, who turns and begins loudly cursing toward where the chants are coming from. “SHUT THE FUCK UP OR I’LL WRECK ALL YO SHIT!” He screams towards them before turning back toward Clark, only to receive a stiff kick the midsection and another to the head, but Thugg takes them with relative ease and stands back to a vertical base, catching Alan as he rushes in and locking in a front facelock… THUD! …and drives him into the floor with a HUGE DDT! BOOOOOOOOOO!!!! The crowd screams and the chants return as Thugg rolls Alan over and goes for a pin in the middle of the lobby… ONE… TWO… THREEEEEKICKOUT! “He kicked out! Alan Clark kicked out! How is he even moving!” Riley yells as the crowd surrounding the two men cheer wildly for Alan, causing Thugg to get to his feet and move toward the edge of security, telling various fans exactly what they can do with the remains of Clark once the fight is over. “Oh…those words are a little too graphic for even pay-per-view!” Comet remarks as security and Ced Ordonez try to stay between Thugg and the fans, but the big man finally shrugs them off and goes back to Alan, who is on his knees wiping the blood from his face once more. Thugg yells at a few fans to move out of the way of a nearby brick wall as he pulls Clark up to his feet and grabs him by the hair. HVT rushes toward the wall with Clark in tow and… …HE ESCAPES! Alan slips away from Thugg’s grip before the big man can even realize it, and just as Thugg turns back around to see where Alan went…. WHAM! “ANOTHER SPEAR FROM ALAN CLARK!” THUD! YAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH~! AL-AN! AL-AN! AL-AN! AL-AN! AL-AN! AL-AN! “BY ZEUS!!!” Comet yells out as Thugg is slammed off the concrete wall, but Alan Clark manages to stay on his feet, catching the big man by his head as he bounces back and falling to the floor, taking Thugg with him for a NECKBREAKER ONTO THE FLOOR! “THUGG DROPS! UNBELIEVABLE!” Riley isn’t the only one stunned as both men are down in the lobby of the arena, both barely moving at all after the neckbreaker. “Alan Clark just GOT AMPED! But both men are down and the referee can do nothing but wait!” Comet exclaims as Ordonez looks at the two men, wondering exactly what to do. Surprisingly, Thugg is the first to get to his knees, but Clark is not too far behind. As Alan gets to his feet, he looks over at Thugg, his face nothing but a bloody mess of happiness and glee. The camera catches a close-up of Thugg, his mouth dropping open as he looks over at his opponent, who seems to be enjoying the pain he has suffered thus far. As Thugg watches Alan puts out his hand and raises it up signaling that he is ready to go. “Alan wants some more! That DDT must have knocked him completely out of Sanity Park!” Riley exclaims as Thugg answers Alan’s challenge… …by grabbing him by the throat! “Uh oh…” Comet remarks as Thugg squeezes his hand, the blood dripping down his face almost boiling from Clark’s current demeanor. Thugg tries to lift Alan off the ground, but the cruiserweight swings his foot out and catches the big man dead in the right knee, causing Thugg to squeeze harder. Two more stiff kicks finally break the choke and Alan is quick to move around behind Thugg and throw off a few more kicks to the back of his knees. “He escaped!” Riley yells as Alan continues with his kicks, dropping Thugg down onto his knees. Before the big man can get back to his feet, Alan leaps up and twists his body, sending his right foot seering through the air and CLOCKING Thugg in the back of the head, sending Thugg down face-first into the floor. “Thugg is DOWN!” Comet screams as the crowd that has formed in the lobby explodes in cheers for Clark, who heads toward the ticket counters, leaving Thugg alone to get to his feet. “NOW where is he going?!” Riley questions as Thugg stands back up, looking around for where Alan ran off to. “WHERE IS CLARK~?” Thugg screams at Ordonez, who shrugs and points off toward the ticket area. Thugg looks over and sees his prey, then takes off walking through the crowd. Alan disappears around a column and Thugg stops, chuckling a bit at the vain attempt of hide-and-seek. Thugg looks back and forth around the column, and then decides to head around the right side… *DING* “WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!” Riley exclaims as the cameraman rushes to check on exactly what happened, and finds Alan standing over Thugg, holding on to a metal queue pole.

Aecas drops to his hands and knees, blood pouring not only from his forehead, his arm and his temples but now from his mouth as well, mixing with shards of glass. The Black Angel is a terrifying sight, enough to inspire both fear and, in this situation, pity, in any heart. But Toxxic is so close to his goal now, has put so much into this match that the concept of stopping for the mere consideration of human decency is completely alien. So he takes Aecas’ head in both hands and drives it into his knee, wrenching a further sympathetic gasp from the crowd, then places Aecas in a front facelock, ready to drive his opponent’s head into the mat with the DDT half of the Sobering Thought and surely, surely finally get the win and end this match. But the mind of the Black Angel is a dark and dangerous place, and Aecas walks a tightrope over his pain. When he falls, he’ll lie down and admit defeat, but until then the screaming agony of his head and arm will only drive him on to even greater extremes. Toxxic knows nothing of this, and so it is a great surprise to the young rookie when Aecas, still in the front facelock, hoists him up bodily... and spinebusters him down through the light tube log cabin. *KERRRR-SSSMMMAAASSSSHHH!!!!* “HO-LY SHIT!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “TRI-NITY!” The two chants war with each other, but as the exhausted Aecas slumps back against the ropes they start to die down. Referee Ordonez bends down to attend to Aecas, concerned that the glass still in his mouth may inflict yet further damage, but the Black Angel pushes him away, leans his head through the ropes and spits blood and glass shards onto the mats of the ringside area. As the nearest portion of the crowd visibly shrinks back in disgust Aecas stirs again, slowly moving towards Toxxic as he lies in the ruins of the log cabin, blood now starting to seep through the ruined back of his t-shirt. “This is horrible,” Comet says quietly as the Black Angel reaches his opponent. “This match should never have been signed. This is rivalling the SJl’s ‘Damnation In A Box’ for sheer brutality, and I think it’s appalling that two of the SWF’s brightest new stars should have been forced to compete in such an environment. I don’t often criticise Mark Stevens, but this-” “And I don’t often defend him, but these two asked for this!” Riley points out. “Or at least, Aecas demanded the stipulation and Toxxic accepted. They only have themselves to blame!” “And now he’s not pinning him!” Comet snaps as Aecas starts to wearily raise Toxxic’s head. “No matter what he’s already done to you Aecas, just pin him and end this!” But the Black Angel has had too many near misses, and wants to make sure - really, REALLY sure - that Toxxic won’t get up again. With one last effort the champion lifts Toxxic’s body until the rookie is upright. Then Aecas squats down behind the challenger and places his head between Toxxic’s legs before slowly straightening, the straight-edger now balanced on the Black Angel’s broad shoulders like a drunk girl at a festival. “Aecas has Toxxic on his shoulders, Robert, and I can think of only one outcome to this!” Comet yells as the crowd rises in their seats. “The Assault Driver!” “Ah, but not just any Assault Driver, Comet,” Riley responds, apparently quite happy to see either man crippled for life. “Aecas appears to have a specific destination in mind...” Sure enough, Aecas has started to walk forwards... towards the other light tube log cabin. As the Black Angel’s intention becomes clear the Los Angeles crowd starts to chant once more in anticipation of the devastation to come. “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” Aecas raises his left hand and ensnares Toxxic’s left wrist as the battered rookie slowly starts to comprehend where he is. Gritting his teeth Aecas attempts to raise his right arm and grab Toxxic’s other hand prior to dropping the troublesome straight-edger onto his head, but the damage inflicted on it has rendered the limb virtually useless. As Aecas gropes for his opponent’s wrist Toxxic bunches up his fist and with the desperation of one who sees his life flashing in front of his eyes, nails the Black Angel as hard as he can in the temple. The blow staggers the Hardcore champion, and Toxxic punches again... and again... Aecas releases his grip on Toxxic’s left wrist, and seeing his only chance Toxxic shifts his legs and manages to slide off the Black Angel’s back - but on his way down he hooks his left arm around Aecas’ neck in a reverse headlock, pulling the giant down with him. Aecas lands uncomfortably on his knees, his centre of balance shifted and legs twisted under him awkwardly. Desperately the Black Angel tries to fight out, but his own blood is blinding him and he can’t free his legs as Toxxic alters his grip slightly and locks in the Dragon Sleeper. But Toxxic isn’t finished there either. He too has had too many near misses, and the burning pain of his back tells him that one more offensive move from Aecas will finish him. The Black Angel must NOT be allowed to escape. So he reaches out and grabs Aecas’ right wrist one last time, and starts to force it up behind the champion’s back. Aecas fights it with everything he has but that right arm has had glass driven into it, has been pummelled, kicked, dragged over ropes, crashed through barbed wire and been attacked with light tubes at every opportunity. Normally the Black Angel would overpower Toxxic in a matter of seconds, but that one limb can no longer resist, and Aecas’ hand is slowly forced ever more painfully upwards towards his own shoulder blades. Toxxic reaches down with his left hand, desperate to get the move locked in... and finally manages to clasp his left hand around Aecas’ right wrist. “Repeat To Fade!” Comet calls as Toxxic drops to one knee, putting everything he has into the hold. “Aecas is trapped in the middle of the ring and it looks bad for the champion!” “Don’t forget that jawbreaker!” Riley rejoins. “At the angle Aecas’ head is being tilted back he’s as much at risk of choking on his own blood as anything else!” But still the Black Angel refuses to give up. Left arm flailing he tries to grab hold of his tormentor, but Toxxic ducks back out of reach. Realising that there is only one option left, Toxxic takes a deep breath and kicks out with his legs. For one moment the two men are balanced where they were, and then all of Aecas’ weight comes crashing back down onto the rookie. But in that one moment Toxxic wrapped his legs around Aecas’ torso in a bodyscissors, and managed to trap the flailing left arm uselessly by its owner’s side. Now there seems to be no escape for the champion. Right arm captured in a hammerlock, the Dragon Sleeper threatening to cut off air and consciousness, blinded by his own blood and at danger of choking with his other arm trapped at his side and his legs pinned by his own weight, Aecas is barely even aware of Ced Ordonez desperately asking him if he wants to give up. It’s not even obvious if Aecas could make it known if he did. All that happens is Toxxic leans back as far as he can and screams “Just give up! Just fucking give up!” over and over again. ... ... ... ... ... And Aecas doesn’t give up. ... ... ... ... ... And Aecas doesn’t give up. ... ... ... ... ... And Aecas doesn’t give up... ... ... ... ... ... And Aecas goes limp. *DING! DING!* Ced Ordonez grabs Toxxic by the shoulder and starts shaking the rookie, but Toxxic still has the hold locked in, possibly not even aware of Ordonez telling him to release it. *DING! DING! DING! DING!* Finally Toxxic relaxes his grip and slumps back onto the canvas, dimly aware of the guitars of the Lostprophets thundering over the speakers, warring with the voice of Funyon: “Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner and NEW SWF Hardcore Gamer’s Champion... TOXXX-XXXIIIIIC!” “This has been a truly gruelling match,” Cyclone Comet states as the majority of the Los Angeles crowd boo and jeer their disapproval over the result, “and one that was very difficult to watch. These two men gave it their all, but it was the rookie who came out on top in the end. I do not condone the tactics Toxxic used - merciful Zeus, I don’t condone this match at all - but this was a hardcore match and when all’s said and done, everything was legal. It says something for the character of both men that they took such inhuman punishment, and for all the unpleasant things they did to each other I have to salute them both; Toxxic for pulling off the win in his first ever title match, and with such a hellish stipulation as well; and Aecas, who if nothing else can hold his head proudly and say that he did not quit - he passed out rather than submit.” Back in the ring the blood-soaked Toxxic receives the Hardcore Gamer’s belt from Ordonez. The rookie rolls under the ropes, wincing as his lacerated back comes into contact with the canvas, then bends down and picks up his black holdall. “And that just shows you the average intelligence of the Unholy Trinity, Comet,” Bobby Riley asserts. “Aecas was trapped with nowhere to go, but instead of simply submitting he braved it - for what?” “Because sometimes that’s what you have to do, Robert, and if you had any concept of honour you might know that,” Comet responds witheringly. At the base of the entrance ramp Toxxic throws the Hardcore title over his shoulder and looks back at the ring, the look in his eyes seeming to measure the pain and suffering inflicted in the ring against the belt now in his possession. Ignoring the fans packed either side of the ramp, the new Hardcore champion turns and limps away from the ring, as the cameras cut back to a direct shot of the SWF commentary team. “Don’t go away fans, we have another match-up coming next that may also break new grounds of taste and decency!” Comet states, switching from argumentative to shill mode in a heartbeat. “A true grudge match, this will be Alan Clark vs the HVille Thugg!”

“Well, SWF fans, this may well transpire to be the most violent match of the evening,” Cyclone Comet announces from his broadcast position. “The stage is set for the Hardcore Gamer’s Championship bout, but this is no ordinary match. The ring ropes, as you can see, are wrapped in barbed wire” the camera shot cuts to a close up of the deadly ropes “and scattered around the ring and even threaded between the ropes are 200 - yes, 200 - light tubes. It takes a sick mind to come up with this sort of brutality, and this came from the mind of the Hardcore Champion, Aecas - for all the respect I have for the members of the Unholy Trinity, they are not people you want to get on the wrong side of!” “Personally Comet, I can’t stand either man in this match tonight,” Bobby Riley says from beside his masked colleague, “and so I will be watching with interest and crossing my fingers that one or both of them suffers a serious injury!” Riley is cut off in his bloodthirsty but possibly quite prophetic tirade by the crunching guitars of Lostprophet’s “We Still Kill The Old Way”, and the fans come cheering to their feet as the suddenly-blacked out Smarktron flashes up the words “Prepare To Be Proved Wrong” before cutting to a shot of Toxxic taking Mike Van Siclen off a balcony and through a table with the Toxxic Shock Syndrome, the devastating landing timed to coincide with the... GO! ... explosion of red pyro that heralds the arrival of the SWF’s premier straight-edger! As the Smarktron shows further clips including Toxxic driving Jacob Helmsley through an open steel chair with the Caffeine Bomb the man himself emerges from behind the curtain, looking a little different on the night of his first title match. For one thing, he is wearing a black T-shirt bearing the Autobots logo and the words “Lostprophets: Heroic Rockstars”... and for another, he has an eight-foot steel ladder slung over one shoulder and a large black holdall over the other! “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!” Funyon booms over the pa system. “The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is a 200 LIGHT TUBE MATCH for the SWF Hardcore Gamer’s Championship! Introducing first; the challenger, from Nottingham, England, he weighs in tonight at 218lbs, this... is... TOXXXIIIIIIIIIC!!!” “This young man has made a big impact in the SWF since his arrival straight after the Clusterfudge,” Comet says as Toxxic leaves his ladder and bag at ringside and slides under the bottom rope, scaling a turnbuckle to salute the crowd. “In half a dozen matches he has suffered only one defeat, and that was to Alan Clark who faces Thugg later tonight in a Street Fight.” “And that match might even top this one for gruesomeness Comet,” Riley opines. “Certainly given the depth of hatred between the two men involved.” “Ah, but what this match lacks in malice, Robert, it makes up for in weapons,” Comet disagrees as Toxxic jumps back down to the mat and turns to face the entranceway. “Aecas and Toxxic have been respectful towards each other so far, but when there are 200 light tubes scattered around they won’t remain that way for long!” The arena goes dark for several long moments, a graveyard bell ringing ominously before a deep voice reverberates through the arena speakers. "Are you scared?" The voice echoes for a moment before several voices speak as one. "He's here..........." Dark Funeral's “Dead Skin Mask” blasts out from the arena speakers as a lighting flash highlights Aecas on the Smarktron, a sadistic grin on his face. Red lights begin to strobe around the arena, like an alarm system gone wrong - or a system that is warning of imminent carnage. Thick smoke boils up from the entranceway, filling the air and carpeting the floor, a blood red spotlight picking out Aecas as he stands deep in the depths of the smoke, an eerie silhouette with a large staff in one hand and the SWF Hardcore Title draped over one shoulder, a shopping trolley filled with assorted instruments of pain beside him. Aecas raises the staff high above his head, holding it high in both hands. A long wicked blade snaps forth from the staff as Aecas tips his head back spraying a mist of blood into the air, inciting a roar of approval from the crowd as he begins to stride down the aisle. As he walks the light flickers and his face alternates between an impassive visage and a mask of almost demonic glee. “And his opponent,” Funyon resumes, desperately trying to make himself heard over the huge crowd response, “from Shrewsbury, England; he weighs in at 315lbs; he is the reigning and defending SWF Hardcore Gamer’s Champion; he is the ‘Black Angel’... AAAAEEECAAAAASSSSSS!!!” “That is one truly intimidating physical specimen, Robert,” Comet notes as the Black Angel reaches the ring and stops, dead white eyes boring into Toxxic’s face. “It takes a lot to be the Hardcore Champion, not just wrestling ability: Endless determination, inhuman resilience and one hell of a mean streak are all vital components too, and at the moment I can think of no-one embodying those qualities better in the SWF than this man, Citizen Aecas.” “Duran never got his damn rematch,” is all Bobby Riley has to offer. Laying his flick scythe down at ringside Aecas peels the Hardcore Title off his shoulder and turns to face the crowd, who rise in response. However, as the giant turns away from the ring Toxxic bursts into action, hurtling towards his opponent and leaping into the air... but as Aecas catches the movement from the corner of his eye and whips back around he sees Toxxic kill his own momentum, balance on the top rope for a second and then backflip back into the ring, landing on one knee. Instead of going into the Catalogue Poses Toxxic merely straightens up again and points at Aecas, beckoning the champion and the title he carries into the ring whilst cracking his neck from side to side. A small smile appearing momentarily on his face Aecas obliges, stepping cautiously between the middle and top ropes, wary of the barbed wire, and approaching his opponent. “Toxxic had a chance to get the first shot of the match in there,” Comet comments, “but instead used the opportunity to show Aecas that he’s not intimidated!” “Stupid,” Riley denounces it. “First off, why not get the first shot in if you can? Second, why the hell isn’t he intimidated!?” Champion and challenger face each other, the size difference appearing almost comical. The two Englishmen stare at each other, partially obscured by the drifting smoke from Aecas’ entrance. Eyes never leaving his opponent’s face Aecas reaches out and hands referee Ced Ordonez the Hardcore Gamer’s Title belt, Ordonez taking the time to show the strap to all four corners of the arena before passing it over the ropes into the care of the timekeeper. Making his way back to the stationary wrestlers Ordonez is seen to look imploringly skywards, then instead of the usual referee spiel just mutters “OK guys, just try not to kill each other. Or me?” and signals for the bell. *DING! DING!* “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “Listen to that crowd!” Comet declares. “This is certainly a unique situation for Toxxic as this is not only his first pay-per-view, but for the first time the crowd are firmly behind his opponent! Meanwhile Aecas has been here before, and has to be considered the favourite simply on experience grounds if nothing else.” “Speaking of his opponent, Comet,” Riley interjects, “...why aren’t they moving?” Still Aecas and Toxxic stand facing each other, each apparently trying to outstare the other. Finally, without moving their gazes, both men extend their right hands... and shake. In recognition of this sporting gesture the crowd breaks into loud applause and both wrestlers finally relax their gazes and back off, settling into ready positions. Sensing the match is about to kick off, the crowd starts up their pro-Aecas chant again... “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” ...and it is the champion who makes the first move. Darting forwards with deceptive speed the giant lashes out with one huge boot, seeking to flatten his opponent’s face with a gigantic Yakuza kick in the first few seconds of the match, but Toxxic ducks under the champion’s attack and, as the bigger man turns, starts firing off right hands. The first two find their mark on the jaw but Aecas catches the third punch, his huge left hand enveloping Toxxic’s fist with almost casual ease. The giant’s right hand snakes out and grabs the challenger around the neck in a goozle... and then Aecas hoists Toxxic in the air before slamming him down across one knee, threatening to break the rookie’s back like a twig! “Chokebreaker!” Comet calls as Toxxic rolls away from Aecas, spasming in pain. “A devastating move even this early in a match, especially when the size difference is as great as we see here!” “Virtually any move can be devastating Comet,” Riley agrees, “it’s all a matter of how they are executed. When you’ve got the strength of someone like Aecas doing it, even a simple move is going to hurt like hell!” Still wincing at the pain in his back Toxxic pushes himself back to his feet, but as he turns to get his bearings Aecas simply scoops the rookie up with one massive arm across his chest and the other behind and beneath his legs, before again dropping him backfirst onto one mighty knee. Toxxic cries out in pain as his spine is traumatised once more by the pendulum backbreaker and with his opponent temporarily immobilised Aecas rises back to his monstrous seven-foot height and strolls almost casually to the ropes, where he liberates a light tube from its barbed wire resting place. Carefully, like a man selecting flowers to give to his beloved, the Black Angel pulls another of the lethal glass tubes free and then turns, both weapons clutched in one massive fist as he advances on his prey. The crowd starts to roar in anticipation as the champion prepares to “welcome” the rookie into the true hardcore environment of the SWF... “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” *SMASH!!!* ...with a devastating double-handed shot to Toxxic’s back that breaks the tubes into shards! “Aecas just lacerated the challenger’s back!” Comet yells on commentary. “Toxxic is still wearing that shirt, presumably to protect himself against just such an eventuality, but a thin layer of cotton will do very little to shield you from the Black Angel and two light tubes!” Toxxic crumples back to the canvas from the force and brutality of the attack, one hand reaching round in a vain attempt to hold his flesh together... but Aecas grabs that hand and hauls his opponent upright again. Using his sheer mass to back Toxxic almost into one corner Aecas then whiplashes his body, whipping Toxxic towards the far turnbuckle. Looking to follow the challenger in Aecas moves after him - but can only watch, startled, as Toxxic vaults to the top buckle in one fluid motion and then comes flying back at him with a diving leg lariat! “Role reversal!” Comet calls, “and an altered one at that! Toxxic realised that a clothesline would do little more than bounce off the big man so he adjusted his attack accordingly.” “Toxxic needs to keep with that style of attack if he’s to have any hope here Comet,” Riley asserts. “By the same token, Aecas needs to keep the pace of the match slow in order to bring his massively superior strength to bear.” Pushing himself up, Toxxic looks over at his opponent to see Aecas rising as well, the leg lariat having done little more than put him on his back momentarily. Rushing forward a few quick steps Toxxic nails his opponent with a basement dropkick to the face, putting the champion down again, before going to the ropes himself and grabbing a light tube. Waiting in an attitude similar to that of a baseball batter, Toxxic cautiously approaches his monstrous opponent as the behemoth starts to rise again... *CRASH!!!* ...before breaking the tube straight over the giant’s head! And Aecas just grins at him, and continues to rise. “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” Looking around desperately Toxxic decides he doesn’t have time to get another weapon and just lays in with right hands to Aecas’ jaw. The blows rock the big man slightly, but no more, and in desperation Toxxic switches to European uppercuts in an effort to keep the champion on one knee. The giant’s head is snapped back by the hard forearm shots but after the second one Aecas just unfolds his huge body and explodes outwards, slamming Toxxic back and down with an almighty GORE~! “What a devastating show of strength by the Black Angel,” Comet exclaims as Aecas raises his head and unleashes a roar of bestial delight at the rafters. “Even though he didn’t get a decent run-up on that Gore it still put Toxxic flat on his back!” “Toxxic made the mistake of trying to out-fight someone much bigger and stronger that him,” Riley replies, “and he paid the price. He won’t make that mistake again - if he gets a chance to make another mistake at all!” “He may not do Robert, as Aecas is going for the cover!” ONE!! ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... KICKOUT! “Toxxic’s not done yet, but this match has really gone the champion’s way so far,” Comet states as Aecas’ face slides back into the emotionless white mask so often seen in Bobby Riley’s nightmares. Reaching down the Black Angel pulls Toxxic to his feet with no apparent effort, then double-underhooks the rookie’s arms and hoists him up into a Canadian backbreaker-like position. Holding the challenger there for a moment the giant seems to be revelling in the impact to come... then spins round and sits out, driving Toxxic’s face into the canvas! “UUUNNN-HHHOOO-LLLYYY DRRRIII-VAAAHHH!” Comet roars as the cruiserweight crashes down. “That could be it right here folks! Thanks for coming Toxxic, but-” “Er, Comet?” Riley interrupts. “The big bastard’s doing something else...” Ignoring his prone opponent Aecas goes to the ropes again and harvests a couple more of the cables’ plentiful glass fruit. Rolling Toxxic onto his back with his foot Aecas bends down and places two light tubes over the challengers’ chest and face, parallel with the line of Toxxic’s body, then moves over to the turnbuckle and raises one arm into the air. As the crowd responds by raising the volume another notch the big man from Shrewsbury starts to climb until his seven-foot frame has ascended to the top rope, looking down on the fallen straight-edger in the ring. Cautiously standing upright the 315lb behemoth straightens, letting the tension build, and then in one fluid movement bends his knees and uncoils again, taking off into space with a HUGE elbowdrop aimed directly at Toxxic’s head. Toxxic, coming to his senses or perhaps playing possum, rolls out of the way... but one of the light tubes, rolling off his body and laying on the canvas exactly where his torso was a half-second previously, doesn’t go with him. And Aecas’ devastating Hard Rain elbow drop that misses the rolling Toxxic by a few scant centimetres connects with it instead. *SMASH!!!* The light tube shatters, the broken glass drives deep into the Black Angel’s right arm, and for the first time in the match an involuntary sound escapes the Hardcore champion’s lips. Still lying on his back where he landed Aecas half-rolls to his right, clutching his wounded arm with the uninjured left, but Toxxic is not about to let his opponent recover. With a speed borne of desperation the straight-edger gets back to his feet and starts stomping on the champion’s right arm, seeking to drive more glass into the wound if possible and to simply damage it further if not. Supporting himself briefly on the wounded limb Aecas reaches out with his left hand and pushes Toxxic away, the power in even that simple action sending the cruiserweight tumbling backwards, but as the Black Angel seeks to regain his vertical base Toxxic bounces to his feet and charges in again. This time the rookie seizes Aecas’ right wrist in both hands and twists it over his head into an arm-wringer, barely hesitating before unleashing kick after kick to the arm, kicks which target the wound that is now starting to drip blood onto the canvas below. Aecas grimaces in pain, but no matter how hard he tries Toxxic controls his arm, and can therefore dictate for the moment at least where the Black Angel can and can’t reach. “Superb strategy by Toxxic, Robert!” Comet states, “You know I hate to see any person injured in such as way as Aecas is now, but nevertheless the rookie has seen his opening and gone for it.” “We’ve seen him target the right arm before,” Riley replies, “and he’d have to be absolutely braindead to ignore a golden opportunity like that when Aecas presented it to him by taking such a stupid risk. Then again, Toxxic is braindead, so...” “But Robert,” Comet continues, cutting across Riley’s unfinished last comment, “if the Hard Rain had hit we could very well be watching Aecas celebrating his victory now, in spite of the fact that his arm would still have been damaged by the glass. In a war of attrition, the bigger man has the clear advantage here and can afford to take risks that might hurt him as well!” Toxxic still has his opponent’s wrist clamped tightly, but the rookie is now able to sense a certain change in the atmosphere around him. The crowd were definitely pro-Aecas before, but with his continued attack on their favourite’s injured arm they are now turning distinctively hostile towards the young man from Nottingham. Mentally shrugging and doing his best to ignore the scattered boos that are now starting to appear in the aural landscape Toxxic turns his attention back to the matter in hand, only to find himself staring into the Hardcore champion’s dead white eyes again. Now truly angry, Aecas wrenches on his own arm, ignoring the pain, and brings its attendant straight-edger hurtling in towards his body. Swinging his long left arm around the Black Angel seeks to separate Toxxic’s head from his body with a brutal short clothesline... but the rookie ducks and scoots underneath the blow, ending up behind the giant. Having involuntarily released the wounded right arm he was clutching Toxxic wastes no more time in jumping onto the champion’s broad back, hauling himself up and attempting to lock in a sleeperhold around Aecas’ neck! “Sleeper!” Comet calls as Toxxic gets it locked in. “A good tactic in theory Comet,” Riley says superciliously, “but he’s forgotten one important thing. What goes UP...” Aecas raises both hands above his head and grips the startled straight-edger by the neck... “...MUST COME DOWN!” Riley finishes as Aecas bends double and slams Toxxic over his shoulders and onto the mat. The action clearly hurts the champion’s arm, and the moment that Aecas takes to nurse the limb allows Toxxic to get his breath back and roll under the bottom rope to the outside. “Surely Toxxic isn’t running away?” Comet asks incredulously. “This young man has been a shining example of the SWF’s spirit in his short time here, but now he-” “Oh be quiet, Comet,” Riley interrupts as Aecas starts to follow his opponent to the floor. “Toxxic can move in and out of the ring quicker than the so-called Hardcore champion because being smaller he can avoid the barbed wire on the ropes easier. So it makes perfect sense for him to gain time by forcing Aecas to chase him-” Riley cuts himself off as Toxxic grabs the steel ladder in both hands, raises it to waist height and charges into Aecas as the Black Angel makes it to the floor, doubling the giant over with a thunderous shot to the stomach. “Or,” Riley concludes smugly, “he could just be going to get one of those ‘equalisers’ they talked about before this match. Like that ladder, Comet.” “You know, Robert, you’re unbearable when you’re right. Which is why I’m glad it happens so infrequently.” Dropping the ladder Toxxic takes his opponent’s long black hair by the roots and drives Aecas’ forehead into one of the steel ring posts - but this is a 200 light tubes match, and so the ringposts have light tubes duct-taped to the outside... *SMASH!!* The double impact of lacerating glass and solid steel sends even the giant Aecas reeling, and Toxxic grabs two more of the light tubes that litter the floor around the pair. Taking one in each hand the cruiserweight throws his arms apart as if guiding some monstrous aircraft in to land, then swings both weapons as hard as possible at his adversary’s temples! *KERR-SSSMASSSHH!!!* Holding the stubs of his weapons in each hand Toxxic turns on the spot to gaze out at the arena, ignores the shouts of disapproval and bellows “You know when you’ve been Tango’d!” before turning back to Aecas... and getting flattened by a huge boot to the face! “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “Unbelievable!” Comet exclaims. “Aecas just got hit in the head by two light tubes at once, and he’s not only still standing but has regained the momentum in this match!” “The big dumbass was just too stupid to duck,” Riley responds. “Besides, when you’re that big it probably takes half an hour for your synapses to get the pain signals to your brain.” Wiping away the blood that has started to slowly ooze from the grazes at the sides of his face Aecas returns his attention to the challenger, now prostrate on the arena floor. Deciding it evidently can’t hurt, the Black Angel drops and covers his opponent, forcing Ced Ordonez to hunker down in the glass shards that litter the ringside area and administer the count... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... KICKOUT! No flicker of emotion troubles the Black Angel’s white face as he pulls Toxxic to his feet again. Briefly Aecas appears to consider ramming Toxxic’s head into the same post that his own skull recently rebounded off, but at the other end of the ring a more immediately tempting target presents itself. Using all the might of his uninjured left arm Aecas propels Toxxic at full speed towards the steel steps... *CRASH!!* ...and the rookie arrives backfirst, the impact causing him to let out an agonised yell and his spine to arc in pain. Grimacing, Toxxic looks up, only to see the implacable form of the Black Angel bearing down on him. Forcing his battered body to move the challenger scrambles over the steps behind him and away from the approaching giant, but he’s now the other side of the ring from his ladder and the black bag he brought with him. Sliding back into the ring under the bottom rope Toxxic takes a shortcut towards his possessions; Aecas gets one knee on the apron and makes to follow at first, but seeing the straight-edger slide out of the ring again in the opposite corner the Hardcore champion drops back down to the floor and picks up his pace, cornering with remarkable agility for one so big travelling at speed, and looks to come up on his opponent from behind as Toxxic desperately rummages in his bag... ...but Toxxic has found what he was looking for, and empties the contents of a smaller brown cloth bag in the direction of the charging Aecas. A couple of hundred steel ball bearings spill out over the blue safety mats that surround the ring, Aecas can’t quite stop himself in time... *THUD!!* ...and the giant lands on his back as the small steel balls shoot out from under his huge foot, the impact jarring his skull and momentarily disorientating him. With his opponent temporarily immobilised Toxxic reaches into his bag again and slides a small, unseen object into one of his voluminous side pockets, then jumps up onto the apron. Grabbing another light tube from the ropes Toxxic takes careful aim at Aecas’ skull as the giant struggles to his feet once more, then jumps off and brings it sharply down. *SMASH!!* Toxxic staggers momentarily on landing as ball bearings shift treacherously underfoot, but the straight-edger had anticipated this and manages to retain his footing. This time the force of the blow drives the giant back to one knee and Toxxic seeks to follow up his advantage by jamming the splintered light tube end he still has in his grip into Aecas’ red and bloody right arm. This provokes another yell of pain from the giant but further boos from the Californian crowd, who start to become more vocal in their disapproval of the rookie’s actions. “TOX-XIC SUCKS!” “TOX-XIC SUCKS!” “TOX-XIC SUCKS!” Trying to ignore the chants of the people who cheered for him upon his entrance Toxxic grabs Aecas’ right arm and attempts to move the behemoth’s 315lb bulk. Unable to use his injured arm to resist Aecas has little option but to follow where it leads... and Toxxic causes it to lead right into the steel steps. *CRASH!!* Aecas hits at thigh-height and tumbles over, Toxxic quickly following. Both men have now returned to the side of the ring adjoining the entrance ramp, and Toxxic goes to work gaining some more weapons. Reaching under the ring he pulls out one... two... three steel chairs. Looking up to see Aecas starting to regain his feet again Toxxic takes aim and lets fly... *CRACK!!* ...putting the giant back down again. He then sets up one chair in a seated position near the base of the entrance ramp... then another facing it... and then grabs his steel ladder and lays it across the two chairs, forming a sort of bridge parallel to the nearest ring edge. Bringing Aecas to his feet again, not without some considerable effort, Toxxic starts to position the groggy giant near the “bridge”. “What on earth does Citizen Toxxic have in mind here?” Comet asks curiously. “The challenger is evidently building towards something with this spell of offence, but apart from that gruesome attack on Citizen Aecas’ injured arm it’s unclear exactly what.” “Well, it won’t be beneficial to Aecas’ health, I can tell you that much,” Riley responds. *CRACK!!* Toxxic fires off another chair shot at the head of the giant, and this one knocks Aecas back and down onto the raised ladder, the Hardcore champion’s huge frame sprawled along its length. With a couple of punches to the temple to make sure he stays down Toxxic returns to the ring and clambers up onto the apron before raising one hand over his head. “I think Toxxic is going for a springboard moonsault through the ladder!” Comet gasps. “He pulled this move off against Jacob Helmsley and it nearly ended the match there - what impact will it have against the Hardcore champion?” The crowd starts to jeer, but their disapproval turns into a tumultuous roar as Aecas rises off the ladder like a ghost rising from the grave and makes for his opponent! Carefully placing his hands so as not to catch himself on the barbed wire Toxxic takes a deep breath and prepares to vault up to the top rope prior to moonsaulting back onto Aecas’ prone form, but at the very moment that he leaves the apron a huge hand grabs his ankle, informing him that the Black Angel is not as prone as he thinks. Pulling downwards Aecas catches Toxxic completely unprepared, and although the rookie’s legs and body miss the apron his head is not so lucky, bouncing off with a sickening thud. Aecas wastes no time and hauls Toxxic back to his feet... then rams his head into the ringpost! *SMASH!!* Now it is the challenger’s forehead that tastes the unpleasant mix of glass and steel as another duct-taped light tubes shatters under the force of the attack, and as Toxxic starts to slump bonelessly to the ground trickles of blood start to appear. Blood seeping from his own temples, Aecas grabs Toxxic as he falls and rolls the rookie under the bottom rope before starting the painful clamber to the apron. However, Aecas’ right arm isn’t much use for pulling himself up and his legs still ache from their unexpected meeting with the steel steps so the giant takes a bit longer than planned to achieve his destination, giving the challenger a few more moments to clear his head. Wiping blood from his forehead Toxxic sees Aecas finally reach the apron, and with one last desperation move the rookie surges into action, sprinting to the turnbuckles and vaulting off the second rope before sailing clean over the top rope and snaring the Black Angel in a springboard hurricanrana to the outside... *KERRR-AAASSSSHHH!!!* ...that just so happens to take Aecas through the ladder bridge that had previously been set up with the springboard moonsault in mind. “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “YES!!” Bobby Riley erupts excitedly. “Toxxic just broke that pasty-faced freak’s back! That’s almost a reason to like the spiky-haired little whelp right there, Comet!” “I can’t deny the damage that must have caused to Aecas, Robert, but I think you’ll find that Toxxic is in no great shape himself.” “Even better! I did say ‘almost’ a reason.” As referee Ordonez stands looking on in horror at the devastation that has just unfolded it appears unclear who will be the first to rise, but after a long few seconds it is Toxxic who makes a move. Crawling over to the fallen giant he drapes one arm over the Black Angel’s massive chest, and Ced Ordonez swoops to make the count... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS!! ... ... ... ... ... KICKOUT! “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “How!?” Riley yells in disbelief. “How did Aecas kick out of that? Your back’s BROKEN you big oaf, just stay down for the three!” “Whether you like it or not, Robert, Citizen Aecas is still in this match!” Comet bellows in response. “The Unnamed are NOT going to be happy about this, Comet.” “...What have the Unnamed got to do with this?” “Simple. The Unnamed MUST have paid Toxxic to take Aecas out. It’s the only possible explanation for why he even showed up tonight.” Ignorant of the speculation about his mercenary services being bandied about by Robert Riley, Toxxic pushes himself wearily to his feet once more. Grabbing Aecas’ right wrist the straight-edger starts to haul his opponent back towards the ring, kicking the debris of the ladder bridge out of the way as he does so. With the Black Angel seemingly out on his feet Toxxic climbs up onto the apron, managing to pull Aecas more or less upright. Placing the Hardcore champion’s head between his legs, Toxxic reaches down and hooks up one arm... hooks up the other arm... the crowd starts to stand to get a better view in spite of themselves, knowing what must come next... ...and Toxxic jumps off the apron into space, pivoting 180 degrees around the virtual deadweight of Aecas... and lands HARD on the outside. “TOXXIC SHOCK SYNDROME TO THE OUTSIDE!” Comet screams as the Black Angel’s face is driven into the mats by a variation of the spinning sit-out Pedigree. “And if that doesn’t end this match then Aecas is not human!” “I’ve been arguing that for weeks, but would you listen?” Riley responds as Toxxic manages to roll Aecas onto his back. ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO AND NINE-TENTHS!! ... ... ... ... ... THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! “RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRR!!!!!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “Impossible,” Riley says blankly as the roof blasts off the Staples Centre with the crowd reaction. “I just don’t believe it, Comet.” “I’m not sure I believe it myself, Robert!” the masked superhero replies. “And for that matter, I don’t think Toxxic does either!” Gazing up at Ced Ordonez with a pleading expression on his face, the young man from Nottingham sees a mere two fingers being brandished. Reaching over, Toxxic hooks one of Aecas’ tree trunk-like legs and rolls into the cover again, hoping against hope that this time the big man will stay down... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS!! ... ... ... ... ... KICKOUT! “I think Aecas kicked out quicker that time!” Comet gasps in astonishment. “I’m not even sure if a direct missile hit will stop this man for long!” “Believe me, Comet, I’d be willing to test that theory,” Riley mutters darkly. As Aecas slowly starts to stir under his own power again Toxxic just sits and stares blankly, unable to comprehend what has just happened... but realising that his continued survival hinges on keeping the impossibly resilient Hardcore champion subdued, the straight-edger grabs his opponent’s head and starts to tug the Black Angel towards the ring. Using all his strength the challenger manages to roll Aecas into the ring as Ced Ordonez tentatively follows, but Toxxic doesn’t join them immediately, instead starting to clamber up onto the apron once more. “Now this is sensible strategy Comet,” Riley observes smugly. “Outside it would only be a matter of time before Aecas regained the advantage, but in the ring Toxxic can use the ropes to keep the momentum of the match up.” “Indeed, Robert, and I think I know what he’s going to pull out now...” Raising three fingers over his head Toxxic takes a deep breath once more, and vaults up to the top rope... [“MONDO!” shouts a small portion of the LA crowd who not only watched Toxxic beat Jimmy Liston on Smarkdown and who heard Comet’s singalong, but who also still care enough about the British punk to join in.] ...to the top turnbuckle... [“AKIMBO!”] ...MOONSAULT! [“A-GO-GO!”] “The Mondo Akimbo A-Go-Go moonsault!” Comet calls as Toxxic lands chest-first onto his opponent. “Will that do it?” ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-NINE-TENTHS!! ... ... ... ... ... THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” In spite of all Toxxic’s efforts, one shoulder of the Black Angel still leaves the canvas just before Ordonez’ hand hits the mat for the third and final time. Toxxic wearily slides off Aecas’ body and rolls under the ropes again, going to the floor where he procures the one undamaged chair he has left, the one that he used to knock Aecas onto the ladder bridge originally. Back in the ring the rookie finds Aecas where he left him and places the chair over the champion’s face before starting to climb the turnbuckles again. Reaching the top Toxxic twirls his two index fingers over his head for a moment, before coming off with the Hangover somersault legdrop, intent on crushing the Black Angel’s face flat... ...but Aecas rolls aside, and Toxxic lands hard on the canvas. Wincing at the pain in his hip the challenger tries to regain his feet in order to maintain his advantage, but Aecas grabs the chair that was resting atop his face a moment previously and rams it into Toxxic’s ribs, doubling the straight-edger over. Supporting himself on his newly-acquired weapon the Black Angel unfolds himself back to his full seven-foot height, raises the chair above his head and brings it down with sickening force onto the back of Toxxic’s skull! *CRACK!!* The force of delivering the blow staggers the unsteady giant, but as each second passes Aecas’ inhuman resilience comes flooding back, fuelled partly by the enormous crowd reaction but mainly by the Black Angel’s own internal bloodlust. A slow, sadistic grin starts to illuminate the black-and-white features of the Hardcore champion as he returns his attention to the rookie struggling to get back up again in front of him. Dropping the chair Aecas reaches down and locks Toxxic’s arms in a double underhook, then drops the challenger on his head in a brutal double-arm DDT... ...onto the chair. *WHAM!!* “That has to be lights out for Toxxic,” Comet calls as Aecas rolls into the cover. “How quickly the momentum shifted!” ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS!! ... ... ... ... ... KICKOUT! Now it is the Black Angel’s turn to look questioningly at Ced Ordonez, but the official steadfastly maintains his verdict, showing two fingers to the time keeper and an apologetic but determined visage to the Hardcore champion. Aecas remains where he is for a moment, white eyes seeming to memorise every feature of Ordonez’ face, and then the Black Angel moves again. Rolling cautiously under the bottom rope, and not without showing some after-effects of the beating he’s taken so far, Aecas heads for his trolley of toys. Reaching into the wire frame the champion’s hand closes around something, and he hauls out... a pot plant! Carefully placing the floral weapon on the ring apron, the Black Angel reaches in again and pulls out another which he sets down next to it. Once more Aecas reaches in, and this time he pulls out not just any pot plant, but one with a halo of barbed wire wrapped around the top. “It’s Reggie!” Comet calls in delight. “Reggie’s here, Robert!” “Reggie...?” Riley asks in despair. “Comet, our Hardcore champion has named his pot plant, and you still think it’s a good idea for him to be employed here?” A little confused by the Black Angel’s choice of herbaceous weaponry the LA crowd watch as Aecas dips into the trolley once more, but this time they start to cheer as he withdraws something that is truly hardcore - namely, a board wrapped in barbed wire! Pushing this last addition ahead of him under the bottom rope Aecas returns to the ring just in time to see Toxxic get back up to his knees. The challenger gamely fires off a right hand to the champion’s midsection but with little noticeable effect, and Aecas brings his own knee up sharply into the side of Toxxic’s head, causing his opponent to slump sideways against the ropes and making acquaintance with the barbed wire wrapped there. Reaching through the ropes to the apron Aecas brings up a pot plant... and brings it down hard on Toxxic’s skull, causing the pot to shatter and the challenger to fall back onto the canvas. “You know Comet, I’ve seen a lot of weird things in my time in the SWF,” Riley says as Aecas reaches for his second potted friend, “but this has to be right up there with Alan Clark actually asking for a match with Thugg...” Seizing Toxxic by the jaw Aecas pulls the dazed rookie back to his knees, only to deliver another stunning blow with a spider plant as Reggie “looks” on. Again Toxxic’s legs give way, but this time Aecas retains his hold on the challenger and hauls him all the way to his feet. Standing side on to his opponent Aecas wraps his right arm tightly under Toxxic’s throat, the blood still dripping from the wounded limb causing the straight-edger’s t-shirt to become a slightly darker black in places. Reaching down with his left hand Aecas seizes the waist of Toxxic’s trousers, then in one fluid motion he lifts the rookie up, spins him round and slams him down onto the barbed wire board! “Urinage suplex onto the barbed wire!” Comet gasps as Toxxic’s spine arcs in pain. “A truly devastating move from the champion, and one that could end the match right here!” The lifting and impact has hurt Aecas’ right arm again, but after wincing momentarily the Black Angel hooks Toxxic’s leg where the rookie has rolled off the board and goes for the pin... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-NINE-TENTHS!! ... ... ... ... ... KICKOUT! “Toxxic kicks out again!” Comet cries in shock. “Perhaps the brief delay forced on Aecas by the pain in his arm allowed that, but in any case the match continues!” “As long as your opponent is right-handed, targeting the right arm is always good strategy,” Riley states. “This has to be Todd Royal’s thinking at work here.” “Robert, I am SURE that Toxxic is not working for the Unnamed here,” Comet responds. “Why would he do a thing like that?” “Well, if Va’aiga threatened to LARIATOOOOO~! you, would YOU refuse?” As the count fails to reach three this time Aecas just nods solemnly, much to Ced Ordonez’ relief. With deliberate precision Aecas picks up the barbed wire board and rests it against the nearest turnbuckle, then seizes two more light tubes from the selection that grace the ring ropes and rests them against the board. Finally the Black Angel completes his merry Leaning Tower of Pain by picking Toxxic up bodily and resting him against the light tubes, which start to crack simply from the pressure of the rookie’s mere 218lbs. Turning his broad back on his adversary Aecas walks to the other side of the ring, then drops down into a crouch. The Hardcore champion remains stock still for a moment, then a sick smile flashes over his face - and he bursts into action. Powering across the ring Aecas’ long legs send him towards Toxxic’s slumped form with terrifying swiftness, and just before impact the Black Angel lowers his shoulder to GORE~ the straight-edger right through the light tubes and barbed wire, and possibly right to hell. *CRASH!!!* But Toxxic moved. “Aecas just shredded his own shoulder!” Comet yells as the Black Angel crashes back onto the canvas, glass shards embedded in his right shoulder and arm and a string of barbed wire still attached to his flesh. “Toxxic was too quick for him!” “Either that or he just fell over, Comet,” Riley responds. “It’s not like he looks capable of mounting a comeback right now!” Bobby Riley speaks the truth for once, as Toxxic is lying virtually motionless facedown on the canvas. Whether his movement was a result of genuine evasive action or a simple collapse, Toxxic nevertheless avoided the devastating move that would surely have ended the match. Aecas, meanwhile, manages to brush the worst of the glass off and pulls out the barbed wire, much to Ced Ordonez’ visible discomfort. The Black Angel’s right arm and shoulder is now a complete bloody mess after his latest failed attack, so Aecas pushes himself up on his left and grabs hold of Toxxic by the neck. However it appears that the challenger was playing possum after all, as Toxxic scoots through the giant’s huge legs and pops up behind him! Before Aecas can turn to face his opponent Toxxic leaps up onto the Black Angel’s back once more, locking his legs around the Hardcore champion’s abdomen and snaking his left arm around the neck. But instead of applying a sleeper as before, Toxxic reaches into his pocket... ...and pulls out a Stanley knife. *click-click-click* Sliding out the small but serviceably sharp blade, Toxxic reaches forward and in one swift motion draws it across Aecas’ forehead, right through the word “Death” inscribed there. The blade’s razor edge means that Aecas barely feels a thing, and the Black Angel wastes no time in reversing into the corner and driving the breath from the challenger’s body by sandwiching Toxxic against the turnbuckles. As the Hardcore champion turns, however, a strange trickling feeling on his forehead causes him to raise a hand... “Toxxic just sliced Aecas’ head open,” Comet gasps, “and the Black Angel has only just realised!” “The blade’s sharp, Comet,” Riley replies as Toxxic drops the Stanley knife to the outside. “He’s not trying to hurt Aecas with it, just blind him with his own blood!” “...And that’s good?” The blood that is now starting to sheet down over Aecas’ forehead is caking with the makeup applied to his face and thus being slowed in its descent, but it is still inexorably making its way towards the Hardcore champion’s eyes. Shaking his head Aecas sends crimson droplets flying, but as fast as he shakes and wipes the blood away more emerges from the cut. With blindness threatening at any second even a competitor as focused as the Black Angel can be distracted - which is just what Toxxic was banking on. Having regained his wind the challenger grabs Aecas’ right wrist again, twisting in another armwringer. The impact of Aecas’ recent offence has clearly taken its toll on the straight-edger, but he still manages to get to the top rope... and then drop down to the outside, whiplashing the giant’s right arm off the ropes and their attendant barbed wire wrapping. This renewed assault manages to penetrate even Aecas’ vaunted pain threshold and the Black Angel cradles the bloodied limb close to his chest, turning away from his antagonist even as Toxxic starts to haul himself back up to the apron again. Shaking blood from his right arm and wiping it from his forehead Aecas turns back to see Toxxic flying at him from the apron with a springboard spinning heelkick... ...and catches the challenger in mid-air before slamming him down in an ugly powerbomb! “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “TRI-NI-TY!” “Don’t let the size difference in the ring fool you folks,” Cyclone Comet advises the viewers at home, “Toxxic is no rag doll to be tossed around as you like, especially not when he’s arriving at chest height - but Aecas just did that, and with one bum arm to boot!” “But can he capitalise with a cover, Comet?” Riley asks. “He might have taken too long...” Aecas sprawls his 315lb bulk over his opponent’s chest, but the ability to hook the leg now seems to be beyond the battered Black Angel. Ordonez dives in for the count... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-NINE-TENTHS!! ... ... ... ... ... THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! “THAT WAS THREE!” “THAT WAS THREE!” “THAT WAS THREE!” The chants of the Los Angeles crowd ring loud in the Staples Centre, but not even the residents of the City of Angels can help the Black Angel keep Toxxic’s shoulders down. His legs unhindered, the straight-edger just managed to pump a shoulder off the mat in time but shows no further signs of life. Aecas blinks dully a couple of times, then starts to slowly roll out of the ring. “I think that Aecas might start to suffer from blood loss soon, Robert,” Comet worries as the Black Angel bends down to look under the ring apron. “That wound on his right arm has bleeding since near the beginning of the match, and now he has that forehead cut as well he could be in real trouble.” “You worry too much, Comet,” Riley responds. “A normal person can lose, what, a pint of blood before they’re in danger? So someone Aecas’ size probably has to lose at least a couple of litres.” “I’m not sure it works like that,” Comet mutters in response, but brightens up as Aecas pulls out a section of guardrail from underneath the ring. “Well, I guess if Aecas is breaking that out then he can’t feel too bad!” Further rummaging by the Black Angel procures three more chairs which the Hardcore champion slides into the ring and which are then followed by the guardrail and finally by Aecas himself. Ignoring the fallen Toxxic Aecas methodically goes to work, grabbing the chair he previously DDT’d the challenger onto and setting it up, followed by the other three to form a rectangle. He then lays the section of guardrail atop it to form a table-like structure as the crowd starts to buzz again. “This is reminiscent of the structure Aecas set up to superplex Sacred through, Robert,” Comet notes. “It wasn’t sufficient to put Citizen Blackwell away, but after the beating that Toxxic’s taken it might just do it if he can pull a similar move off here!” “This is delirium caused by loss of blood, Comet,” Riley argues. “So I guess you were right -on that count, anyway - after all. There’s no way Aecas would be able to pin Toxxic after putting himself through that as well!” “In a war of attrition the big man has the advantage, as I’ve said before,” Comet reminds his broadcast partner. “I still believe Aecas can do this and get the win.” But Aecas doesn’t stop there in his quest to finally stop the annoyingly resilient challenger. As Toxxic begins to stir, Aecas adds the finishing touches to his new construct - three more light tubes, taken from the increasingly sparse collection adorning the ring ropes. With chairs, guardrail and light tubes all ready for carnage the Black Angel seizes his opponent and half-drags Toxxic over to a turnbuckle before placing the cruiserweight in a seated position on the top rope. Aecas then starts to climb as well and gets to the first rope... the second... but Toxxic has now come to his senses and sees the construction prepared for him. Desperately the man from Nottingham fires off a right hand to the head of his opponent, and then another. For a moment it looks like Aecas will fall back and take a solitary trip through Guardrail Hell, but at the last moment the Black Angel fires back with a headbutt, leaving a bloody imprint on Toxxic’s forehead. Hooking his dazed opponent for the superplex Aecas lifts Toxxic off the top buckle and falls back... ...but Toxxic twists his body in mid-air, and as the two start to descend he manages to get into a crossbody position on his opponent... *KEEERRRR-RRRAAAASSSSSHHHHHH!!!!!* “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “Count, dammit Ordonez!” Riley screams at the stunned referee. “Count!” Sliding into position, Ced Ordonez starts to make the count as Toxxic lies motionless atop the equally still Aecas... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-NINE-TENTHS!! ... ... ... ... ... THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! The Staples Centre ERUPTS as Aecas kicks out of what really should have been the end of the match, but despite the fact that it is the champion who showed the first sign of life it is Toxxic who rises first. With his fallen opponent bleeding on the canvas Toxxic stares down in disbelief, unable to comprehend how Aecas kicked out... but kick out he did, and Toxxic knows of only one thing to do now. Get even crazier. “Aecas’ problem, Comet, is that he was taking too long,” Bobby Riley asserts as Toxxic slides out of the ring and goes hunting for more weapons. “You said at the start of that match that he needed to keep the pace slow, Robert,” Comet argues. “Slow, yes, but always in control,” Riley fires back pompously. “Even against someone with the ability of the Notorious John Duran Aecas would have been able to set up big moves like the Gore into the corner or the superplex through the guardrail. But Toxxic is too quick - if you give him time to recover he can either avoid those moves or actively turn them to his own advantage! Aecas should have just kept battering him with simple moves- are you listening to me Comet?” “Oh no...” Comet murmurs as Toxxic returns to the ring, having hunted down his desired pieces of hardware from by the timekeeper’s table. “I was hoping they weren’t going to notice them...” Pushing the new items of merry glass mayhem into the ring ahead of him Toxxic rolls under the ropes and then takes one in his hands, brandishing it above his head. Despite their support for the champion the more hardcore-minded section of the crowd can’t help but roar their approval at the item clutched in Toxxic’s black-nailed hands. A light tube log cabin. Placing one log cabin to the side for the moment Toxxic positions the other near his feet and moves over to the stirring Aecas. As Ced Ordonez tries to kick some of the debris from the guardrail crash site underneath the bottom rope Toxxic appears to be trying to help Aecas to his feet... but appearances can always be deceptive in the SWF. “The Toxxic Shock Syndrome has failed, a hurricanrana through a ladder has failed, a crossbody through a guardrail with light tubes has failed, what more can Toxxic actually do to Aecas?” Comet asks rhetorically. “What more can Aecas do to Toxxic? Why can’t they both just agree to stop? No-one wants to see lives lost here!” “You mean you don’t,” Riley replies. “Personally I suspect the Unnamed don’t care a jot. Oh, and as for what else can Toxxic do...” Having got Aecas upright, Toxxic allows the bigger man to slump over his shoulders and then lifts him up in a fireman’s carry. Slowly, shuffling small step after shuffling small step, the challenger carries nearly 100lbs over his bodyweight towards the nearest light tubes log cabin. Where he pauses... takes a deep breath... and hooks one of Aecas’ massive legs behind the knee. “...how about a Caffeine Bomb through a log cabin?” Riley finishes smugly. Shifting the weight on his shoulders, Toxxic jerks his knees, trying to throw Aecas’ enormous body upright in order to bring him down on his head in a modified Caffeine Bomb. But Aecas is just too big, and Toxxic has taken too much of a beating to pull it off. While a fresh man might have been able to perform the move, Toxxic’s back can’t take it and his legs buckle. And instead of landing on his head, Aecas lands on his feet behind his opponent. Staggering, the Black Angel manages to prevent himself from falling only to find Toxxic turning, desperate to put the big man down again. A new surge of adrenaline courses through the champion’s veins, and he raises one mighty knee into the straight-edger’s stomach, stopping him in his tracks. Reaching down Aecas pushes the winded Toxxic into a vertical headscissors, hooks both arms under his opponent’s stomach, and lifts. Bringing Toxxic up Aecas holds him high for a second, managing to ignore the burning pain in his right arm and the blood that threatens to obscure his vision once more, then slams him down hard onto his neck and shoulders. “The second powerbomb of the match from Aecas!” Comet calls, “but the Black Angel might not be done!” Only a foot or so away from Toxxic’s landing point is the log cabin, and Aecas’ dead white eyes light on it with something approaching glee. Taking a few moment to gather his strength once more, Aecas wrenches his opponent back up. His injured right arm screams in pain, but the moment he drops Toxxic this match will be done... ...but those few moments he allowed Toxxic on his back were a mistake. Looking around in desperation for something, anything to help him, the straight-edger’s eyes landed on a single, solitary light tube within arm’s reach. Possibly one of the two that had been laid across him earlier, the one that didn’t end up splintered in Aecas’ arm after the Hard Rain missed. Possibly a miraculously unbroken one from the guardrail superplex. Maybe one that just got shaken loose from the ropes and rolled within reach. No matter how it got there, Toxxic seized it. And, as he is hoisted up for the second powerbomb, he grabs one end in either hand and brings it down on Aecas’ head. The shot staggers the big man, but Toxxic is still in trouble. Using the broken end in his left hand he jabs it into Aecas’ blood-soaked right arm, causing a yell of pain and the waistlock to be broken, the violent reaction causing that broken end to be knocked from Toxxic’s grasp. Dropping to the ground feet-first as he is released, Toxxic has a half-second’s grace before Aecas is going to murder him. So he does, in the no-rules, no-holds-barred hardcore environment, exactly what he said he would do. Whatever it takes. *CHING!!* The crowd let out a collective gasp of sympathy as Toxxic simply kicks Aecas square between the legs. The big man staggers again, and his mouth opens in a soundless scream of pain so that it seems that the gasps coming from thousands of throats all emanate from that one bloody face with its distorted black and white makeup. And Toxxic sees that open mouth and takes what seems at the time to be the logical next step. Jamming the one remaining end of light tubes horizontally into Aecas’ open mouth like a bite bar in a Dace Night sex session, Toxxic grabs Aecas’ head in both hands, places the top of his skull beneath the Black Angel’s chin... ...and sits out in a jawbreaker. *KERRR-RRRUNNNCCCHH!!*

The crowd in the Staples Center is still buzzing from the violent Stairway to Hell match, but also as their eyes begin to take in the sight of the cage standing tall in the ring. Bobby Riley starts things off. “The time has come for one of the matches that will define this portion of the PPV that we have slapped a warning on to!” “That’s right, Robert,” Cyclone Comet begins, “all the little boys and girls should be put to bed, and if they have to be awake for this one, they need to realize that they should NOT try this at home.” “One look inside the cage and we all know that this is going to be a bloody match, Comet. There are chairs, tables, and other assorted instruments of destruction in that ring.” “And I wouldn’t be surprised to see our beloved Commissioner’s bat in the fray as well, since it has been ruthlessly stolen from its rightful place in Grand Slam’s office!” “It was bound to happen eventually, Comet. He just can’t parade those bats around everywhere he goes, especially with all these hardcore matches going on!” Funyon stands up from his seat at the timekeeper’s table with microphone and cards in hand. “Looks like Citizen Funyon is ready to introduce the two crazy men who will be coming down to this ring, so let’s throw it over to him!” There is silence for a moment, and then Funyon’s voice booms over the PA. “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, this next match is a cage match!” The crowd cheers at those words alone, the noise slowly dying down as Funyon continues. “The only way to win this match is by pinning your opponent for the three count! The door to the cage will be locked, and escaping out of the top of the cage will not result in victory!” After getting the specifics out of the way, the crowd is now prepared to meet the two men who will be fighting for their lives inside of the steel structure. And so with that, the lights in the arena dim! The glowing digital green text and the heavy, reverberating footsteps signal the presence of one man, and one man only. [HEIGHT: 7’2”] [WEIGHT: 360lbs] The image of the tall man in the white trenchcoat fills the screen, and the crowd explodes with joy! [sTATUS: RELEASED] I stand firm in my solidarity… The path I walk… (The path I walk)… I walk in with my own resolve… The spotlights swing around and focus on the curtain as Terrence ‘Janus’ Bailey emerges from the curtain in his trenchcoat…and then thrusts his arms into the air! BOOM! Thunderous blasts of white and black pyrotechnics shoot into the air, as the lights come back on, and it is revealed that Bailey is carrying his Equalizer! “Introducing first,” Funyon booms over Killswitch Engage’s “When Darkness Falls,” “weighing in at three hundred and sixty pounds, from Sydney, Australia…he is the ANTI-HEEL MACHINE…TERRENCE…JANUS…BAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!” When darkness falls… (When darkness falls)… We are reborn… A dream since the fall of man… We are reborn… “The Equalizer!” Comet screams as he notices the black cricket bat, “he’s bringing that weapon into a match like this?” “Well, he certainly won’t get disqualified for it, Comet, but if Bailey knew how to fight fair, he’d learn to fight without that stupid thing!” “Robert, you know if there were rules in this match, Duran would be the first to break them!” “BUT HE’S THE NOTORIOUS ONE!” Riley whines. Terrence reaches the base of the ramp and shucks off his trench coat, walking around the ring to the door, where Sexton Hardcastle is waiting, holding the steel cage door. Bailey tosses the coat to Sexton and then moves up the ring steps with Equalizer in hand, placing it in the ring first and then stepping through the ropes. No sooner than that is done that the lights go COMPLETELY out! NO~ NO~ NOTORIOUS~ Those syllables send the crowd into a frenzy of boos and hisses as “Synthetic” by Spineshank kicks into high gear, sending its riff rippling across the arena. The Los Angeles fans are whipped into a fervor as John Duran steps through the curtain, not even having to raise his middle fingers to get several hundred of them in return. “What is that in his hand, Robert?” Comet inquires. “And his opponent, from Champaign, Illinois and weighing in at two hundred and sixty-eight pounds, he is the NOTORIOUS…JOHN…DURAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!” “Oh no, I’ve got a better look of it now…” Comet groans. “It’s a bat!” Riley suddenly realizes. It’s not only a baseball bat, but a bat surrounded by fluorescent light tubes, the Notorious One’s weapon of choice. “Well, I think it’s obvious where Commissioner Slam’s prized bat has gone to.” “HA! This is excellent! Not only has Duran put another one over on the commish, but now he gets to inflict an awesome amount of pain on Janus!” “Once again, Robert, we do not see eye to eye on the definition of ‘awesome’…” Duran continues down to the ring, repeatedly getting middle fingers shoved into his face by the raucous fans. John can’t help to smile however, with his fluorescent light tube wrapped bat at his side. “You know, Comet, I think we can consider the weapon that Duran is holding now HIS Equalizer!” Riley gleefully points out before bursting into a fit of evil laughter. “Everyone knows that those light tubes won’t be permanent. The barbed wire will be.” “Alright, whatever you say, Comet.” Terrence is in the center of the ring by the time Duran reaches the base of the ramp, and the Anti-Heel Machine gives nothing but a passive glare at the weapon, perhaps thinking like Comet--the light tubes won’t last forever. “One last time before this match starts, we must remind everyone that this will be a very dangerous match,” Comet explains the disclaimer. “To say that we encourage no one to do this at home is a gross understatement.” “That’s right, Comet. These two men are likely going to tear each other apart both physically and mentally before it’s all over, but the fact of the matter is that both of these men are going into the match hungry for blood and looking to end what has been a long-running conflict between the men.” Duran reaches the ring steps--finally--and observes from the outside looking in. Referee Hardcastle encourages the Notorious One to enter the ring so that the match can be started. “Citizen Duran might be having second thoughts, Robert!” “No way! He’s biding his time, not wanting to charge into this match against a giant like Janus!” “Excuses, excuses.” After various calls of “Get in there!” and “Come on!” from the crowd, Duran finally begins to ascend the stairs, remaining focused on his opponent in the ring as he slides his “Equalizer” through the ropes, like Terrence. Bailey makes no attempt to sneak attack Duran, standing in the ring and watching as Duran steps through the ropes, grabbing his Equalizer and stepping towards the center of the ring. “This is going to be intense, Comet…” “We are prepared for this though, Robert. EMTs are waiting backstage in case any serious injury should happen to either man. We hope that it won’t come to that, but we are prepared SHOULD it happen.” The referee for the match is Anthony Michael Hall, and he steps to the center of the ring, looking at both men with intense looks on their faces and dangerous weapons in their hands. He turns to the timekeeper and then signals for the bell before LEAPING back, the crowd letting out a cheer! DING DING DING “Let the violence begin!” Riley declares. As soon as the bell rings, Sexton Hardcastle whips out the padlock and locks the cage door closed, enclosing both men in the cage to a small cheer from the crowd. “This is it, folks, there is no way out for either man through that cage door until they can score a pinfall! And both men are so big that it would not be recommended for them to try and escape over the top of the cage!” Comet finishes explaining the specifics about the match. Inside the ring, nothing happens for a moment. Duran and Terrence can only stand and glare at each other, with about 7 feet between them. John slowly draws his weapon up, and the Anti-Heel Machine follows suit, both of them keeping their eyes on each other. The crowd continues to buzz. …And then Duran charges to take a swing! WHIFF! The sound of the heavy baseball bat whistles through the air as Bailey is just able to duck the oncoming bat, to noises of surprise and shock from the crowd. Duran himself is surprised, and turns around at the same time that Janus does. “Citizen Bailey strikes first in this match, but he almost got a face full of glass from Citizen Duran!” Terrence beats Duran to the punch and boots him in the stomach, as Duran is forced to drop his weapon. The weapon doesn’t break, but Terrence drops his as well as John reaches an upright position again. Bailey simply grabs the head of Duran and there is a meeting of the heads as the headbutt connects and Duran goes right down to the mat, DANGEROUSLY close to his weapon which had been on the floor! “The crowd is loving this, Robert!” “What does the crowd know? This is awful!” Riley cries. Duran tries to stumble to his feet, but Terrence helps him up, calmly sending Duran into the near turnbuckle and avoiding the two stray weapons sitting close to the center of the ring. John hits the turnbuckle, still trying to shake the cobwebs out after the headbutt, but there’s no rest for the wicked as Bailey charges at his opponent, extending his arm out and crashing it into the chest of Duran with a clothesline into the corner! “Citizen Bailey is keeping it simple in the early going, Robert, perhaps we won’t even see his other side that has been featured lately!” Terrence begins to stomp away at Duran in the corner, burying his boot into the midsection of Duran multiple times as the Notorious One sinks and sinks into the corner, trying to stop the onslaught of the kicks coming from the Anti-Heel Machine! The crowd cheers the beating on and the referee is powerless to stop it as Terrence delivers one last hard stomp to a big cheer from the crowd! “Janus can’t avoid the violence for long, and he must know that, Comet. All the stray weapons…hell, there’s a table just waiting to be unfolded and destroyed right near that corner!” Terrence is able to resist the temptations, however, as he grabs Duran by his jet black hair and drags him back up into a standing position in the corner. Terrence pulls his right arm back and jabs it forward…but Duran ducks the Knuckle Bomb! “Ooh, that was a close one, Comet, but Duran had the ring presence to duck it and get the hell out of dodge!” After weaseling past Bailey and escaping the corner, Terrence is forced to turn around to find his enemy, but the enemy finds him first and delivers a kick to the midsection of Bailey, doubling him over…right into a front-facelock! Duran lifts up the meaty arms of the Anti-Heel Machine and then falls back, connecting with the double arm DDT as Bailey goes face-first into the canvas! “Finally, the tables have turned in the favor of Citizen Duran!” “It was only a matter of time, Comet.” The Notorious One flips Terrence over slowly onto his back and then drapes over him with a lateral press, making sure to hook the leg as the ref leaps over the weapons in the ring, falling into position and beginning the three count! ONE… T-KICKOUT! The crowd enjoys the early kickout from Duran, and John simply glares at the ref as he gets back to his feet. “Rest assured that the ref won’t get involved in this match often, Comet. The last thing he wants to do is get between these two monsters.” Sure enough, the ref steps aside and allows the two big men to continue going at it. While Terrence is beginning to reach his feet, Duran makes a beeline for one of the handful of chairs provided for this match. “Looks like Citizen Duran is about to introduce the hardcore element of this match, Robert.” The already folded chair is lifted up by the Notorious One, and he turns to his opponent as the crowd begins to boo, loathing the fact that Duran got to the chair before Terrence had a chance to use any of the weapons. Taking his time and looking for a good opportunity to take a swing, Terrence gets up on one knee and then brings himself up all the way, but he doesn’t see Duran coming up from behind! WHACK! The chair smashes into the back of the Anti-Heel Machine’s head, and he stumbles into the corner where he was once beating down his attacker. “What a wicked strike with the chair from Duran!” “But it didn’t seem to faze Citizen Bailey that much!” WHACK! Duran suddenly takes another swing, cracking it against the skull of Terrence once again as he still has not turned around to face the Notorious One. The crowd is incensed with hatred towards Duran at this point, and John is simply swallowing it all up as he rears back for a third chairshot! WHHHHACK! This one is the whopper of the free and almost sends Terrence to one knee, but he keeps himself steady on the ropes in the corner… …and whips around to face Duran with fire in his eyes! “…Uh-oh.” Riley mutters. Terrence grabs two handfuls of John’s shirt and tosses him into the corner, the chair clattering to the mat as Bailey brings back his right hand and sends it bulleting forward…right into the jaw of Duran! A collective “OHHH” escapes the mouths of the fans as Duran begins to slump in the corner, already looking worse for wear. Terrence isn’t done, bringing back the hand again and landing another Knuckle Bomb! “Citizen Bailey doesn’t need a chair to beat on his opponents! He’s got all the firepower in those fists!” Duran puts a hand up to his jaw, but Bailey grabs the jet black hair of Duran again and takes him over to the opposite side of the ring! With a push, he sends Duran hurdling through the air, sailing towards the side of the cage. CLATTERCLANK! Duran’s face slams into the cage and he stumbles backwards…right into the clutches of Terrence again! He turns John around and takes him to the other side of the ring again, and launches him towards that side of the cage as well! CLATTERCLANK! Once again, Duran’s kisser is sent right into the steel, and this time Duran just goes straight down on his back, the crowd eating up every minute of it and cheering on the Anti-Heel Machine! “The mere sound of Citizen Duran’s face slamming into that cage is enough to make any man cringe, Robert.” “What I’m wondering, Comet, is why Janus is choosing to use the cage as a weapon when there are about a dozen other weapons to be used inside that very ring, including his Equalizer!” “If it works, it works, Robert.” Duran rolls over onto his face, holding it tenderly as Terrence steps to the middle of the ring, grabbing his Equalizer off the ground and hoisting it into the sky for all of the fans to see! The crowd roars at the sight of the black cricket bat wrapped in barbed wire, as the Anti-Heel Machine--who is quickly returning back to Hell Machine form--approaches the downed body of Duran. “Unfortunately, I think Janus is going to be the one to show us why we wanted to send the kids to bed for these matches.” Terrence goes to one knee beside his opponent, and lifts up Duran by his hair again, as Bailey releases that Duran has began to bleed! A streak of blood is running down the middle of Duran’s face, and with the Equalizer in his other hand, Terrence raises it up to the sky again! “NO! NO! Citizen Bailey, don’t do this to Citizen Duran! This is not justice, this is brutality!” Instead of digging the barbs of wire into the bleeding forehead of Duran, Terrence takes the end of the cricket bat and slams it into the wound of the Notorious One, letting his hair go as Duran holds his face again and begins to flail his legs behind him, kicking the ground in frustration and pain. “Phew. Thankfully, common sense prevailed there and we didn’t have to see some gory stuff, Comet.” “You said it, Robert.” After that close call with the cricket bat, Terrence isn’t quite done terrorizing his opponent yet, as Duran doesn’t see Bailey slightly lifting the Equalizer into the air. “No, no, no, Citizen Bailey can’t be doing this…he’s going to hit Citizen Duran with the Equalizer!” “This can’t be happening! NO!” Janus comes down with the Equalizer…and it connects! Duran immediately arches up in pain as Terrence lifts the Equalizer up off Duran’s back…and the barbs snag on to Duran’s t-shirt! With a pull, Bailey rips a chunk out of Duran’s shirt, and the crowd cheers on Janus as he lifts the Equalizer up to his face and removes the chunk of t-shirt, with a sadistic smile on his face. “My God,” Comet says with astonishment, “if that t-shirt wasn’t on Citizen Duran’s back…” “His skin could’ve been ripped off his very back! What is wrong with this freak of nature! Someone get his ass in a straitjacket, and send a message to that quack Frood too!” “Now, Robert, calm down…” Satisfied with his work; and with puncture marks in Duran’s back, the Anti-Heel Machine brings the Notorious One to his feet, only to bend down and put Duran in a standing fireman’s carry! The crowd can sense what is coming, and begins to cheer as Terrence begins to spin around and around, sending Duran on a ride! “Come on, the man is already bleeding! Did Janus really need to put Duran in an airplane spin like this?” Finally, the spinning ends and the hold on Duran’s legs is relinquished, allowing the legs to swing out as Janus finishes off the Thoughts in Chaos with a big neckbreaker! As the Anti-Heel Machine gets back to his feet, he notices a smattering of blood on his shoulder, where the Notorious One’s head was once resting. Bailey then looks at Duran, turning him over on his back not to cover him, but to put a hand over Duran’s face! “What in the blue hell does Janus think he is doing, Comet?” “I think...he wants some of Citizen Duran’s blood!” Still carrying that sadistic smile, Terrence collects the blood off Duran’s face and smears it across his chest, turning his numerous scars an ominous red as the fans can’t help but cheer the primal behavior of the Australian. “Can’t someone put a stop to this, Comet? I think it’s official that Janus has completely lost his goddamn mind!” “Commissioner Slam has strict orders not to open that cage door unless it’s an absolute emergency--“ “And you don’t think a mentally unstable person threatening the life of one of our best superstars is an EMERGENCY?!!?” “If things get out of hand, Anthony Michael Hall knows what he is to do.” “Grand Slam has overstepped his bounds here, Comet…” Riley seems to want to say more, but simply cuts himself off. Perhaps to save him a chewing out or even a pink slip. Meanwhile, inside the cage, Duran is struggling to get to his feet, trying to lift himself up with the ropes, but Terrence is right on top of him and looking to inflict even more damage. Once again, Bailey grabs Duran by the hair, but this time the Notorious One lashes out and comes around with a right uppercut, scoring a hit between the legs of Janus. “OHHHHHHHHHH!” Janus falls to his knees but does not go down to the mat completely, and Duran works his way to his feet, new blood already begin to cover his face where Janus took some of his to smear on his chest. Duran grabs the back of Terrence’s head and comes forward with a right knee, slamming it into the face of Terrence as Bailey has no chance to defend himself from the first one or the second one, a left knee crushing the right side of The Anti-Heel Machine’s face. “Look at the ruthlessness being exercised here by Duran, Comet,” Riley points into the cage where the brutal knees continue to connect with Terrence’s face, a third and a fourth, “Janus is not the only man in there who knows how to be brutal.” “Maybe so, but Citizen Bailey is much stronger than Citizen Duran is, so he better go out of his way to take out the big man.” Duran keeps the knees coming, switching back to the right for the fifth knee and then to the left for the sixth knee. The crowd is in hysterics, booing with every inch of their body as Terrence finally releases the grip on the back of Terrence’s head and allows him to fall to the mat, which he finally does. “And down goes Terrence, for once!” “Citizen Bailey took a beating from those knees; you could say his face might have been rearranged from a pummeling like that. No way he’s out yet, though!” “You believe that, Comet. All I know is what I see in that ring, and what I see in that ring is Janus facedown.” Duran hovers over his opponent and then aims carefully before dropping a knee on the back of Janus’ head, the crowd booing as Terrence is kneed while he’s down. Duran reaches his feet again and then quickly brings down the knee again, crushing the skull of Bailey once again. “As most people know, Citizen Duran’s knees ARE his strongpoint, and he can use them to get his way in this match.” “Those knees are downright DEADLY, Comet!” Riley screams with glee. Not wanting to bother with a pinfall attempt, Duran turns back towards the center of the ring where his version of the Equalizer is still sitting intact. Duran goes over to his weapon and picks it up off the mat, as the crowd is once again loud in their dislike of the Notorious One. “You see, Comet? Terrence will be regretting not putting a shirt on this time!” “Citizen Bailey has NEVER put on a t-shirt to wrestle before, why would he start now?” “Because he’s about to get hit with fluorescent light tubes!!” Duran once again stands over his opponent, raising his bat into the air and not wasting any time, bringing it down across the back of Terrence! CRASH About half of the light tubes break over Terrence’s back, and Bailey puts his hand to his back, more in annoyance than in pain, trying to brush the glass shards away. “The worst part of it is, Robert, that there are glass tubes waiting in that ring as well, and these aren’t tied to baseball bats!” Duran flips the bat over, aiming the remaining whole light tubes carefully and then bringing the bat up over his head again! CRASH With a tomahawk chop, Duran brings the remaining light tubes across the already bleeding back of the Anti-Heel Machine, and this time Terrence appears to be in some pain, but he knows better than to roll over on his back into some of the glass shards that he’s brushed away. “This is awful, Robert!” “This is redemption for all the damage done to Duran’s face, Comet! The man is still bleeding!” With all of the light tubes broken, Duran tosses his Equalizer to the side for the moment, brushing the blood away from his eyes as his face becomes flooded with his own streaming blood. Duran grabs the white and black hair of his opponent, dragging the Anti-Heel Machine to his feet! “This is Duran’s match now, he’s just has to keep control of Terrence!” Duran quickly grabs the near arm of Janus and directs Terrence over to a turnbuckle, running with Bailey and kneeing him in the back as they both hit the turnbuckle! The knee aggravates the bleeding back of Terrence as he slumps in the corner, trying to regain his composure. Meanwhile, Duran goes over to another corner of the ring, finding a light tube and taking it in his grasp. “This crowd needs something to cheer about, Robert.” “No, they don’t! If they want to cheer, they can go somewhere else, because this is Duran’s night and no one else’s!” Boos and jeers continue to flood from the mouths of the fans as Duran approaches the dazed Janus from behind, lifting the light tube in the air and then bringing it down with a hard motion again. CRASH The light tube connects again, shattering over the head of Terrence! Bailey remains slumped in the corner, and Duran grabs Bailey’s hair again and this time rains down right hands onto the top of Janus’ head! “Citizen Duran is trying to beat the glass shards into Citizen Bailey’s head! This is more than brutal, this is…wrong!” Duran shoves Terrence’s face back into the corner and turns to set up another plan to destroy Terrence. “Duran promised that he was going to destroy Janus both mentally and physically, and I think he’s about to get the latter done right now!” Duran grabs a chair and a couple of light tubes from the aforementioned corner, placing the chair in the center of the ring and laying the light tubes down on the chair, keeping his eye on the Anti-Heel Machine as he checks his head to see if he is bleeding yet. Duran once again wipes the blood from his eyes as he returns to the corner. “This cannot be good for Terrence, it doesn’t matter what Duran has in store for him!” The Notorious One once again approaches from behind, wrapping his right hand around the throat of Bailey! Duran brings the big man out of the corner, and Terrence has no time to react. John makes sure that he is lined up well, and then lifts the Anti-Heel Machine in the air! “No! A chokeslam on the light tubes! This can’t be! Fight it Terrence, fight it!” But Duran gives his opponent no time to fight out of the chokehold and sends Terrence right back down! BOOM The two light tubes are smashed under the gigantic body of Terrence Bailey, and he immediately arches his back in obvious pain after the quick chokeslam from Duran! The fans emit a mixing of groans of sympathy and boos at Duran, and the Notorious One taunts the crowd from inside the cage! “I can’t believe what I just saw, Comet! A chokeslam from Duran right on those light tubes, and the chair, no less!” “It saddens me that the referee can provide no justice in this match until a pinfall is decided.” As Duran continues to taunt and give the middle finger to the crowd… …TERRENCE SITS UP! With fire running through his eyes, the crowd goes nuts and Duran turns to see Terrence steadily reaching an upright position! It is Duran’s turn to have a wicked smile on his face as Bailey backs into the opposite corner from where Duran is currently standing, watching his opponent. Bailey seems ready to charge, and Duran is all too happy to egg him on. “He’s going to try and gore Citizen Duran! And it seems that Duran wants that to happen!” “No way, he’ll move out of the line of the Gore, he wouldn’t do that, he just knows that Janus is pissed off enough to try it!” After a few moments, Terrence doesn’t make his move. Unsatisfied, Duran turns back to the crowd and points back at Bailey, calling him a pussy to a big round of boos from the fans in the Staples Center. But with his back turned, Terrence charges! When Bailey reaches halfway across the ring, Duran looks back and notices that he got the Anti-Heel Machine’s attention! Quickly, Duran grabs one of the many chairs in the ring, stepping to the side and bringing the chair back before sending it forward as Bailey has NO TIME TO STOP! CLUNK The wicked sound of skull against steel echoes through the arena, and the crowd is in shock as Duran absolutely nails Terrence right on the top of the head with the chair! “Oh my god!” Comet screams. Terrence falls in a heap short of the corner where Duran was once taunting the paying fans, and Duran tosses the chair aside and glares at the referee before turning Bailey over onto his back, his white hair already showing stains of blood as John hooks the leg. “This is it! There’s no way Janus can kick out from a brutal chairshot like that!” ONEEEE… TWOOOO…. THR-KICKOUT! Janus is able to shoot a shoulder up before the count of three, and the Notorious One is more than disappointed. He pounds the mat with his fists and almost sends one of the fists flying towards Anthony Michael Hall’s face. Cooler heads prevail and Duran stands up, looking at the downed Australian and then throwing up his arms in disgust. “FUCK IT!” Duran screams, and then he goes over to the near corner and begins climbing up the turnbuckles! “Citizen Duran is trying to escape! He can’t do that, can he?” “Duran can do that! He can escape out of the top of the cage, but it won’t mean victory! I think he’s seen enough of Terrence for one night, however!” The fans can’t believe that Duran is just going to up and walk out of this match, and various chants start up from the Los Angeles crowd. “BULL-SHIT!” “BULL-SHIT!” “DU-RAN’S A PUSSY!” (clap clap clapclapclap) “DU-RAN’S A PUSSY!” (clap clap clapclapclap) “LET’S GO JANUS!” (clap clap clapclapclap) All the clapping and chanting doesn’t distract Duran, as he begins to climb up the steel structure, trying to reach the steel scaffolding at the top of the cage! “This is sickening and reeking of injustice, Robert! How can Duran just leave?” “The fact is that any other man would’ve been down and out from that chairshot. Like I said, Duran has just plain had enough of hanging around Terrence!” Duran is almost halfway up the 15 foot structure… …and Terrence begins to stir again! No doubt having a severe headache, Bailey notices the Notorious One attempting to make an escape and begins to climb the turnbuckles himself! “No! Run, Duran, run!” “Citizen Bailey wants to hurt Citizen Duran, he doesn’t care what heights he has to go to accomplish that goal!” Duran doesn’t even bother to look back at his opponent hot on his trail, focusing only on the zenith of the cage and yet climbing methodically. The crowd is in a frenzy as Duran’s hand wraps around the structure of bars at the top of the cage, and he pulls himself up to them…when he feels a hand on his leg. “Janus caught him! This is an outrage!” Duran looks down in horror at Terrence, who refuses to be put down. Terrence tugs on Duran, but the Notorious One has a tight grip on the top of the cage, and is able to escape Bailey’s grasp to an explosive round of boos! Duran shimmies his way to the structure on top of the cage, sitting there and waiting for Janus, thrusting his feet down to thwart off his enemy, trying to bury a boot in his noggin! “Both men are high above the ring, higher than any man will go for the rest of the night, Robert!” John keeps on kicking, but Terrence keeps ticking. The Anti-Heel Machine climbs through the relentless kicks of the former Hardcore Champion, grasping on to the structure with one big meaty hand! The fans are uproarious with delight as Duran is powerless to stop Bailey from taking a seat next to Duran on the structure! “All the fans are on their feet!” Riley notes as the camera pans to the standing crowd, yelling and screaming at the top of their lungs! Comet is worried sick, though. “We might need to cash in an insurance policy after this one, Robert.” Duran wants Terrence off the structure and throws a hard right hand, clocking Bailey in the jaw…but it only makes Janus angrier! The Anti-Heel Machine fires off a left hand, crushing Duran’s blood-stained nose with a Knuckle Bomb as Duran reels back! “OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” “No, he’s going to fall!” Comet yells in a panic. “He’s got it, he’s steady!” Riley says with a shred of confidence. Duran rights himself…and catches another Knuckle Bomb with the opposite hand! “Citizen Duran’s face is being pulverized, Robert!” The Notorious One is lost in space, and he lets out one final right hand…but Terrence ducks and wraps a hand around Duran’s throat! “NO! Don’t do it, Janus! Don’t you dare! Matheson will sue your ass and have you put in jail!” Riley’s screaming cannot be heard from the top of the cage, however, as the deafening sound of the fans has reached a fevered pitch! Duran tries to get back down off the cage, suddenly wanting back into the ring, but Terrence does not let go! …Suddenly, Duran’s legs flail out from under the cage! “There’s nowhere to run for Citizen Duran! Someone get the EMTs, quick!” The light bulbs are already flashing, as Terrence, without a care in the world for the life he holds by the neck, shoves Duran off the structure, Duran’s grip failing. “OH MY GOD!” Both announcers scream in unison. Duran falls and falls, as 15 feet becomes nothing but solid mat. Down… Down… Down. BOOM “SOMEONE CALL 911!” Riley screams, and Comet is shocked into silence. “For the love of God, SOMEONE CALL 9-1-1!” Many fans in the Staples Center leap up into the air in shock as they watch the 260 pound plus Duran fall to the canvas and crash into the heap of mess that he tried to leave behind. Slamming into shards of glass—and hitting the leg of a dented steel chair—Duran does not move as the crowd roars with shock, horror, and happiness all at once. The chant is almost academic: “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” Referee Anthony Michael Hall immediately rushes to the aid of Duran, checking on him to make sure that he is still alive. The cameras show that he is breathing, but Duran is in obvious and excruciating pain. “That son of a bitch,” Riley yells, “he threw him off the cage! He could’ve killed him! What was that god damn Janus thinking?” Janus begins to climb down the cage, albeit slowly. Most of the rage that had been in his eyes when he choke tossed Duran off the cage is now faded into the background, replaced with the serene and peaceful green eyes. The Anti-Heel Machine was back to true form. “Citizen Bailey must get down from that cage right now,” Comet almost orders, “he has to end this match before it can go any further!” Janus continues to climb down the cage as fans begin a standing ovation for Terrence, Anthony Michael Hall keeping a close eye on Duran. Duran is showing some signs of movement, but not enough to convince the ref that he can continue this match. Meanwhile, Bailey reaches the turnbuckles and looks at his fallen opponent. There is a pang of remorse for the fallen Duran, but Terrence stows it away. Both Janus and the Anti-Heel Machine hate Duran. The Notorious One had it coming as far as they were concerned. “Terrence Bailey is sick! He is a sick man, and he needs professional help now!” Riley screams, as if he is about to pick up the phone and call Dr. Frood himself. “And he will get the help he needs, he just has to pin Duran for a three count!” “SCREW THE THREE COUNT! DURAN MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD!” However, Duran is not completely knocked out. He is stirring, placing a hand on his back as the pain floods through it. “Citizen Duran is moving! But that doesn’t mean he’ll be able to kick out of a three count by Citizen Bailey!” “Yes it does, yes it does!” Riley screams trying to convince himself as Terrence finally leaps off the turnbuckles, landing on his feet and approaching the squirming Duran. After a long wait, Terrence finally falls across the chest of Duran, leaving the leg unhooked as Anthony Michael Hall hits the mat. ONE… TWO… THREE! IT’S OVER! WAIT…NO, NO IT ISN’T! “WHAT?” Comet screams this time, in absolute disbelief that somehow, in some way, Duran managed to shoot a shoulder up before the three count! The crowd doesn’t believe the referee and thinks that Terrence had the match won, as the near fall gets a round of boos from the Californians. “He did it! Terrence took too long to get down to the ring! This is wonderful! Duran has lived to see another day!” While Riley is ecstatic over the survival of Duran from the long hard fall to the mat, Terrence is less than pleased, and as he reaches his feet, he calls for the end as the Notorious One is still recovering on the mat! “One ADF II coming up for Citizen Duran, and since that fall from the heavens didn’t end this match, let alone his career, this will certainly close the door on this long-running war of words and punches once and for all!” “No! There’s no way! This is Duran’s night, and the fact that he just kicked out of that PROVES IT!” Terrence bends down and latches on to Duran’s hair, bringing John up to his feet. All of a sudden, Duran pushes himself away from Bailey, pushing the Anti-Heel Machine off him in the process! Janus glares at Duran with an evil stare and approaches Duran again, closing the gap between them…but Duran gets a foot up!... …and it goes right between the legs of Terrence! “BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” “Another low blow?” Comet whines with a sigh. “YES! Duran is still in this match, Comet, what did I tell you?” After Bailey goes down momentarily from the low blow, Duran almost falls to his knees from the pain in his back, but he fights through it. Walking gingerly, he manages to grab one of the many chairs surrounding the ring, grimacing and likely mumbling curses as he wields the chair. “Once again, Citizen Duran is going back to the chair!” “Nothing else is working! Apparently Janus had a little bit too much crazy juice this morning!” Duran wastes no time and immediately holds the chair in the air before slamming it down across the back of Janus. This seems to jumpstart the Aussie into trying to get to his feet, but the Notorious One tries to put him right back down again as he swings with the chair again! CRACK This is a much louder shot this time, and Terrence is staggered down to the mat from the blow but immediately starts to get up again, the crowd rooting for the Anti-Heel Machine as Duran begins to get frustrated. “STAY DOWN!” CRACK ANOTHER shot with the chair! Seeing that Bailey was still stirring after the third one, Duran drops the chair in defeat and then goes to Terrence, dragging him up by his hair, which is already showing spots of red blood, staining the white in Janus’ hair. As he’s lifted up, Duran immediately puts him in a standing headscissors. “This could get ugly for Citizen Bailey unless he can fight out of it!” Duran judges his distance and then bends down to wrap his arms around the waist of the Anti-Heel Machine/Hell Machine! With a grunt he lifts the big man up in the air and then, with a leap into the air, Duran falls back with Janus in his clutches! CLUNK Bailey’s head takes a sickening bounce off the chair as the piledriver hits its mark, the crowd booing and yet gasping at the same time from the impact of that move. “Yes! What a piledriver from Duran! More moves like that and he’ll be winning this match in no time, Comet!” After hitting the move, Duran looks around the ring and spots what he’s looking for: The last 2 light tubes that have been provided for this match. He gets up from his seated position on the mat and grabs them, letting the fans boo him as he gets prepared to try and use yet ANOTHER weapon in this match. To help out Janus with his problems after having his skull ricochet off a chair, a loud chant begins to echo through the Staples Center: “LET’S GO JA-NUS!” (clap clap clapclapclap) “LET’S GO JA-NUS!” (clap clap clapclapclap) “LET’S GO JA-NUS!” (clap clap clapclapclap) Duran simply has a middle finger for the fans chanting Janus’ name, and the crowd boos the Notorious One for his showing of disrespect. After setting up the light tubes in the center of the ring, John goes over and brings Bailey to his feet! Keeping Terrence in check, he stands near the light tubes and then grabs the near arm of Terrence, throwing him into the ropes! “Irish whip by Citizen Duran, I shudder to think what will be coming up next…” Bailey rebounds off the ropes and comes hurdling at Duran, but Duran catches him around the waist and quickly does a 180-degree spin, hoisting Terrence in the air before slamming him right down into the center of the ring! BOOM! “Spinebuster slam! Duran with the spinebuster slam right onto the light tubes!” The last two light tubes in this match are extinguished all over the back of the Anti-Hell Machine as many fans in the audience cringe. “Citizen Bailey’s back has to be his weak point right now! So many weapons have been used on it; I must say that Citizen Duran is smart to use the spinebuster on him at this point in the match, especially against those unforgiving fluorescent light tubes!” The spinebuster slam does damage to Duran’s back too, and he holds it, trying to fight through the pain. Finally, he drapes his body over Terrence’s and hooks the leg, hoping that Anthony Michael Hall will count the three! ONE… TWO… THR-NO! SHOULDER UP! The fans erupt with joyful cheers as Terrence breaks the pinfall with little time to spare before he would’ve been counted down on the mat! Duran is livid at Anthony Michael Hall. “COUNT TO THREE, REF! ONE, TWO, THREE!” Duran yells at Referee Hall as he even throws up three fingers to help Anthony along in the process of counting the pinfall, getting boos from the crowd as he insults a poor, defenseless referee. “Citizen Duran can’t be mad at Anthony Michael Hall, Robert. He just needs to inflict more pain on Terrence if his goal is winning.” “He can blame whatever he wants to, Comet! He can have your ass sued for saying a comment like that!” Duran grabs two handfuls of hair and looks at the scene below him, and then signals to the fans that he’s done with this match once again! “Citizen Duran is a coward! He’s running from this match again!” “He’s no coward, Comet! Terrence is just so stubborn that he won’t stay down, even though Janus has been whipped like a schoolboy during most of this match!” Duran is still grimacing in pain, having lost that smug grin off his face as he slowly makes his way over to the nearest corner, his back problems keeping his pace methodical. As soon as he reaches the turnbuckles, Terrence begins to move again! The Staples Center audience has lost their mind, pointing at Duran and yelling at the Anti-Heel Machine to stop him before he can escape the cage! “This isn’t the soundest strategy now that Citizen Bailey is getting to his feet, Robert!” “By the time that big oaf gets to his feet, Duran will already be at the top of the cage!” Riley retorts with an evil chuckle. Bailey notices out of the corner of his eye that the Notorious One has reached the top turnbuckle and is trying to latch on to the cage! With a desperation lunge, Terrence reaches for the top rope. Duran looks back and notices this, trying to leap off the turnbuckles before Bailey can shake the ropes… …but it’s too late. The ropes shake and Duran’s legs give way… “OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Finally, John gets a taste of his own medicine as he is CROTCHED on the top turnbuckle! Everyone in the crowd lets out an uproarious cheer as the angry Anti-Heel Machine now has an opening. The serene green eyes are gone again as Janus walks over to the turnbuckles, where Duran is hanging precariously with his back facing the ring. The 7-footer begins to climb the turnbuckles, joining Duran on what is already crowded space with two walls of the cage surrounding the turnbuckles. “No, no, no, someone get that freak off the top turnbuckle! Comet, why can’t you use your superpowers to make a hole in the steel so I can jump in there and save the day?” “Robert, no offense, but even if I did still have my superpowers, they certainly wouldn’t be there to help your evil deeds!” On the top turnbuckle, Janus puts Duran in a front facelock…and signals for… “THE RAGE UNLEASHED?!?!” Riley screams, seeming about to faint right there at the announce table! “No, no! Someone stop him! Stripes, get your ass up there and stop this! He’ll kill him! Duran can’t take much more!” “Citizen Bailey just wants this match to be over, much like I do! I want this brutality to end!” “But not this way! This is awful, Comet!” With limited space to work with, Terrence lifts Duran up into the air, Duran’s feet touching the scaffolding on the top of the cage with the combined height of Duran and Terrence. “OH GOD, No! Stop this!” Duran tries to wriggle out of it, wanting any way out… …but he’s too far in. Janus leaps off the top rope and turns Duran’s body around to face Terrence, with the Notorious One’s head pointed straight down at the ground. BOOM “HOLY CRAP!” Comet screams, and Riley is in hysterics! “Duran is going to be paralyzed by that freak of nature!” Riley cries in horror. “Cover him, Citizen Bailey!” That is the general consensus of the crowd, along with the two words, once again making an appearance tonight: “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” The pin seems almost academic…but the Rage Unleashed did what it advertised. The serene green eyes have returned in place of the fire inside of him that led to his dropping Duran 6 feet up from the ground on his head. Terrence (perhaps now back to the Anti-Heel Machine?) holds his back in pain, having landed hard on his backbone and feeling the pain travel up into his spinal cord. “Pin him, Citizen Bailey!” Comet pleads, wanting the violence to end. “Stop this madness!” However, Bailey cannot find it in himself to take that few feet that it would take to drape his body over Duran’s. Precious seconds tick away, and after a LOOOONG 10 seconds, Terrence finally puts his body over Duran’s! Anthony Michael swings around, as the crowd counts along in a deafening tone. ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE… TWOOOOOOOOOOO… THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! DURAN GOT A SHOULDER UP! The crowd is utterly and completely disappointed as Duran gets a shoulder up and Anthony Michael Hall immediately leaps to his feet and signals to the timekeeper that it was a two count! The Anti-Heel Machine can’t believe it, and Duran shows no other sign of movement. Janus gets to his feet, looking for a chance to end this match. Finally, he grabs two chairs, the last two to have not been used in this match. He quickly sets them up facing each other, as if to form a makeshift table. “Oh no,” Riley moans. “How much more is that monster going to do to the defenseless Duran!” “Citizen Duran agreed to this match! He had no disagreements, if he did, he wouldn’t have shown up! He had this coming, Robert!” Terrence picks up the almost-limp body of Duran, and Janus once again signals for the DARK BOMB! The crowd can’t believe it, and prepares to watch the second move that they haven’t seen for quite a long time! “NOT THE DARK BOMB!” Riley cries again, sounding like a weak little schoolgirl! “This isn’t fair to Duran!” However, before Bailey has a chance to put Duran in a standing headscissors, Duran lashes out with a desperation kick to the midsection! It stuns Terrence, and Duran steps away. “What is Citizen Duran going to do now?” Comet wonders. Terrence is in prime position for any number of moves, but, while holding his neck…Duran realizes that he doesn’t know what he could possibly do to Terrence! Once Bailey gets back to an upright position, Duran goes for broke and throws a hard right hand, curving it up as it connects right on Bailey’s jaw! “Right hand from Duran!” Riley notes, a little surprised. Terrence is surprised too, but he simply comes back with a right hand Knuckle Bomb, crushing it against Duran’s temple! The crowd “OOH”s at the punch, and Duran staggers to his right, but he stops in his tracks and comes right back with another right hand, slamming it onto Bailey’s chin! “It’s a boxing match, Robert!” “They’ve simply run out of ideas for what to do to each other! It’s turned into a slugfest!” Bailey moves over a step to his right from the force of Duran’s punch to the chin, and this time Terrence comes around with a left hand, knocking Duran’s jaw sideways with another Knuckle Bomb! “He’s going to break Duran’s jaw, damnit!” The force of Duran’s head jerking over hurts the Notorious One’s neck, and he suddenly figures out how Terrence feels. “ARRRRRRRRRRGH!” With a frustrated scream, Duran slams forward with a left jab, catching Terrence right in the mouth as the stunned Aussie puts his hand to his mouth in pain, the blood from the top of his head beginning to streak down his face…while his back is practically hamburger after being slammed repeatedly into the light tubes and other instruments of destruction. Duran is bloodier than ever, likely bordering on a dangerous amount of blood loss. Terrence’s knuckles, smothered with the blood of Duran, come around again as another Knuckle Bomb, slams right into the cut that had formed when Duran was thrown into the cage! “They’re giving it their all right here! Neither man is going down, though Duran is certainly staggering a lot more than Terrence is! This proves how brave Duran is, how strong he is, no matter what the size, Comet!” Duran staggers back to face Terrence and brings up a left hand uppercut, slamming it into the chin of the Anti-Heel Machine! The crowd is booing and cheering with every punch, and a collective cheer seems to be forming in some areas of the arena for the hard effort that both men are putting forward. Terrence brings his right hand back, filled with anger again and looking to score the knockout punch on Duran’s face. He comes forward, his arm moving with the force of a locomotion train, on a collision course with the jaw of the Notorious One… … …BUT DURAN DUCKS! The crowd is in shock as Duran is the first to actually DUCK a punch, and John goes behind Bailey and catches him by surprise! With a grunt, he gets Terrence up in an inverted fireman’s carry, and the fans finally find their voice to boo! “BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA! He’s going to hit it! I don’t believe it! Duran’s really going to hit it!” “Can Citizen Duran’s back hold up against the awesome weight of Citizen Bailey, though?” Comet’s question is almost answered when Duran’s legs begin to wobble, but he keeps himself steady, trying not to fall… as he brings Terrence over to the two chairs in the center of the ring! One final push sends Terrence’s legs swinging out behind Duran, and the Notorious One’s legs finally give out as Duran falls to the mat with Terrence. CRASH “YES! BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA! IT’S OVER! COVER HIM, DURAN! COVERRRRRRRRRRRR!” Terrence’s back goes right through the chairs and they fold over his body, the back of the Anti-Heel Machine taking a big blow as the whole scene is a wreck, the boos reaching a deafening peak as Duran uses his elbows to drag himself over to Terrence’s body, his bloody face planted on Janus’ chest as he hooks the leg! The referee falls to the mat. “Not this way! Citizen Duran didn’t fight fair! This is an atrocity!” ONE… TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO… … THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! This time, the shoulders stay down and it is definitely a three count! Anthony leaps to his feet and signals to the timekeeper to call for the bell, and the fans are in a mix of emotions, from disgust to shock to just being absolutely pissed off that Duran won! Spineshank’s “Synthetic” hits, and Duran struggles to get to his feet to allow the referee to raise his hand in victory! “Here is your winner,” Funyon declares, “JOHN…DURAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!” Duran holds his neck and back in obvious pain, looking like a haggard man as he walks over to the cage door. “Open the door…” Duran says silently, and Sexton Hardcastle fumbles for the key to the padlock on the door. … “OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR! GET ME OUT OF THIS FUCKING CAGE!” The bloody face of Duran screaming at Sexton is a scary sight. Sexton finally gets the key and slams it into the padlock, opening it and allowing the cage door to open as Duran steps through the ropes and down the steps, piefacing the ref to the mat as he reaches the bottom of the steps. The Notorious One completely ignores the fan, going through various stages of pain as he hobbles towards the ramp. Terrence begins to get to his feet, and the Anti-Heel Machine pounds the mat in defeat. “This war isn’t over between the Unnamed and the Trinity, Robert.” “Definitely not, but Duran just scored a big victory for his group tonight!” “But I don’t think he’ll ever be the same, Robert. Everything that happened in the match…he will be mentally and physically drained.” “And Janus as well. Someone get Dr. Frood on the phone for that crazy man! We’ll need a couple of straitjackets for that loony bastard!” “Well, fans, after that match, I don’t know how we’re going to top it, but let’s just say that we have 200 reasons to believe that we can do better. The blood has already flowed tonight, but it will continue! Aecas and Toxxic! It’s a 200 light tube match for the Hardcore Title, and it’s NEXT!” “Oh, the humanity of it all,” Riley finally finishes, hoarse. The camera trails Duran to the back, ripped “SIN TO WIN” t-shirt and all, a man who was battered and broken but was able to take the victory. Meanwhile, inside the cage, a defeated Bailey holds his bloody back in pain. Fade to advertisements for the latest installment in the SWF DVD Superstar Series: El Luchador Magnifico.

Commissioner “Grand Slam” Mark Stevens has just returned from a person-to-person talk with some of the SWF roster. He strides up to his door (marked with a gold plate reading “Commissioner Stevens”), and opens it, followed by his assistant, a female who is familiar to SWF viewers. Stevens takes a step into his office as the camera follows the assistant and Mark. Suddenly, the Heavy Hitter comes to a stop. “Jen?” he asks out loud, assumingly to the assistant. “Yes?” “Have you seen my bats?” “No, I haven’t, sir.” “No one has come into this office that you’ve seen?” “No, sir.” Mark pauses for a moment, staring at his half-empty display case of his very expensive bats, two in total, and one is missing. “Hmm, I’ll get security on this right away. I have a good feeling about who’s behind this.” Stevens grabs his two-way communicator and calls up security as we cut back to the announcers at ringside, the hardcore cage being finished for the upcoming match.

ANN ONITA vs JAY DAWG Two in a row? Not quite. DNS, as far as I know. Thank you, drive through... ::mutter::

With flames shooting into the air to signal to the populace of the Staples Center that the trials by combat are about to continue. And as with all ancient battles of blood and circus, it is always important for the warriors to be announced to the cheering masses. To provide that service meanders as the SWF’s answer to the trumpet blowers of yore, the man called Funyon. “This next contest is scheduled for ONE fall and is set for a thirty-minute time limit and is for the SWF United States Junior League Championship. Introducing first…” HONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNK! HONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNK! With the sounds of Sara Evans barely even audible over the sound of a roaring motor, the entrance to the arena is soon filled with a tractor trailer cab as it barrels down the ramp way. Adorned on the side with a colorful painting that records the name of the truck as the ‘Pork Chop Express’, it is clear that Coy West is catching a ride in the passenger seat of this mammoth diesel engine. With the truck coming to a stop outside the ring, West pops open the door of the cab and hangs out the side with an arm high in the air. Pulling off the baseball cap off his skull, The Coyote flings the hat deep into the tenth row before hopping off the truck and rolling into the ring. Rising up to his feet as the truck backs its way back the way it came, Coy waves back at the man who gave him a ride to the ring. Turning his face back into the center of the ring, the rampaging redneck bounces from toe to toe in preparation for the battle to come. But even as West moves about the ring, it is obvious that he does not come into this match unscathed as two small bandages are plastered to his face. Obviously having pliers attached to your face by Dace Night does not fade away in a matter of days. But there is a new battle today just like always. “He weighs in tonight at 240 pounds and three beers. Hailing from the S. S. General Lee Junior, this is the Coyote COYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY WESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSST!” Fluffing his mullet into the air for a moment, Coy puts his arms into the air and enjoys the cheers of the crowd. Pulling loose the white T-shirt up and over his head, West tosses the shirt over the top rope and to a ringside attendant as he waits patiently for the next man to head down to the ring. West does not have long to wait… With the SmarkTron screen firmly planted on the challenger’s face, West looks on as his virtual image begins to swirl back and forth as though someone had grabbed the television antenna and given it one heck of a swirl. But all is well within the parameters of The Experiment and its head scientist. "There is nothing wrong with your television set.“ “Do not attempt to adjust the picture." “I will control the horizontal.” “I will control the vertical.” “I am controlling transmission." The SmarkTron reception returning to normal, the crowd balks immediately at the sight of Andrew Blackwell walking through the aisle. Unflinching in the face of so much hatred being poured into his face by the Los Angeles crowd, Sacred simply stalks down the aisle. Walking right into the ring Andrew pulls loose his USJL Title and shoves it right into West’s face as if to tell the challenger that this will be as close as he comes to taking that belt home with him. Not blinking at the sign of intimidation West simply stares ahead into the Sacred One’s maw as Blackwell backs away and hands the strap over to referee Kivell. “Weighing in tonight at 215 pounds and hailing from Adelaide, Australia. He is the reigning SWF United States Junior League Champion. He is ‘THE SACRED ONNNNNNNNE’ ANNNNNNDREW BLACKWELLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!” The Cyclone Comet begins to speak as the two warriors back into their respective corners; “These two men have had only one encounter in the past during a two falls triple threat with Janus. During that contest, Sacred pinned West and then West did the same to Blackwell. But this contest will only go one fall so there is no point in holding anything back here." “You got that right,” notes Bobby Riley. “But these two have really been on a collision course ever since West won a number one contenders battle against Jimmy Liston a few weeks ago. Now that chip is going to be cashed in for the express purpose of having Blackwell kill that inbred bastard once and for all.” Having presented the belt to all four sides of the ring and given both men their last minute instructions, Matthew Kivell steps back into the middle of the ring and signals to the time keeper in order to start the match officially. DING! DING! At the sound of the bell both men come roaring out of their corners to meet in the middle of the ring with a collar-and-elbow tie up. Immediately pulling to one side with his weight advantage, West tosses Sacred to one side with a deep arm drag takeover. But as Blackwell rises up he rips his arm away from his opponent in order to avoid the armbar submission and closes the distance with his foe in a moment to hook in a headlock. Dropping down to a knee, Andrew pulls The Coyote over with the headlock but can only hold on for a moment before West wraps his legs around Andrew’s neck and reverses into a leg scissors. Kicking hard, The Sacred One tries to work his way out from the hold only to find West clinched down on his neck hard enough to keep Blackwell under wraps for the moment. But how long that moment will be proved to be an issue yet to be resolved as Andrew rolls over to his knees as West continues to work to keep him down. But as Blackwell gets up on his toes, he is able to burst his head loose from Coy’s grip and leap across West’s body in order to procure another headlock. “You know,” notes Bobby Riley, “what is really odd about this match is that Sacred is from Australia and West has never been a member of the Junior Leagues. They might as well rename it the completely non-descriptive title.” With the Cyclone Comet downing another Pepsi Max in order to dull the pain of his commentary partner, West holds onto Sacred with a tight waist and uses it to pull both men up to their feet. But as he get up to his feet, West feels the force of the headlock increase as Sacred moves the headlock up and down in rapid succession in order to drive The Coyote down to a knee. Popping his hips away from his challenger, The Sacred One works to pry West’s neck backward in order to create a weakness that Sacred could exploit later on in the contest. But a simple headlock can not keep even the simple Coy trapped for long as he pushes back up into Sacred and back up to his fullest height. West shoves Blackwell off in short order and into the ropes but in doing so elevates his center of gravity high enough that Andrew can get underneath him with a shoulder tackle and send the challenger down to the mat. Leaving West on the canvas for a moment, the USJL Champion heads off to the other side of the ring as West slides low at a position by his feet. Leaping over Coy with ease, Sacred hits the ropes on the far side and runs headlong into a second arm drag which transitions nicely into an armbar in short order. Controlling the arm tightly, West pushes into Sacred’s shoulder to hopefully pull forth a submission as Blackwell struggles to counter. But uses his surprisingly able grasp of ring positioning and mat tactics, West steps over his downed foe in order to latch on tightly with a pump handle armbar. Bobby Riley talks over the wrestling going on in the ring, “Both men still in the are in the process of feeling each other up here.” “You mean feeling each other OUT.” “What did I say?” The Comet sighs, “Never mind. You might be right though, as neither man seemingly wants to be the first to make a major mistake. Both men have to be a bit unsure of themselves knowing that each have already gotten pin falls over the other.” Pushing his way up to his knees, the master of the Experiment forces his way out from underneath his opponent as West moves over to the side while keeping the armbar locked down tightly. But that tight lock might not be as tight as West might hope as Sacred rises up to his feet with hand firmly placed in Coy’s face. Andrew then uses his free arm to collect a handful of belt loop and push West backward into the ropes. Freeing Blackwell’s arm at the insistence of the referee, West soon finds himself hurled across the ring with a whip as Sacred simply ignores the referee’s mild condemnation. But this time it is West who manages to lower his center of gravity and jam Andrew to the canvas with a hard shoulder tackle directly on the shoulder that West worked over only a moment before. Coy takes a moment to grin down at his battered opponent before hopping into the side ropes for a bit more momentum. But when The Coyote runs back into the USJL Champion he finds Blackwell waiting in the middle of the ring to send him over the top with a hip toss. However, West counters immediately by extending his base and blocks the toss just before whipping Sacred right back down to the mat with the third arm drag of the evening. Cranking back down on the arm bar, the rampaging redneck smiles his crooked smile as Blackwell groans in pain. “And Coy West comes out ahead in yet another minor exchange,” calls The Cyclone Comet. “Now fans some of you might think that West would have to hit something big to take this match away, but the fact is quite different. You pile up enough minor moves and string together into the right place and you are well on your way to winning a match regardless of whether or not you even ever leave your feet.” Holding onto the arm by the wrist, West tries to pile on some more minor victories as he hammers down across Sacred’s shoulder with a hard right hand. Dropping Blackwell darn near flat against the canvas with the blow, West steps over the shoulder and quickly hops into the air a few inches. Dropping down against the shoulder with his entire 240 pounds, West continues to apply pressure as he looks into the crowd. Stepping off the shoulder, The Coyote uses the arm to control Sacred up and to his feet before driving the USJL champion back and into a corner with a hammerlock. Shoving Blackwell forward, West jams the champion’s shoulder into the turnbuckle and watches for an opening as Sacred slowly turns back towards him. BAM! West slams a looping right hand into the jaw of his adversary as the fans continue to murmur at the action. Leaning back yet again, West punches Sacred right in the shoulder before once again controlling Andrew with an arm wringer. Leaning into Blackwell, The Coyote uses the arm to once again move Blackwell across the ring with an Irish whip. Andrew slams into the turnbuckle all the while protecting his shoulder by taking all the impact against his back as Coy comes charging across the middle of the ring and strikes home with a hard corner clothesline. Knocked loopy from the blow, Andrew staggers out of the corner a few steps before simply collapsing right on his face in the middle of the ring. Raising both his arms to the crowd, Coy calls on the cheers as the populace replies in kind. “WILD WESY! WILD WEST!” Winding up his right arm, West keeps a careful eye on his opponent as Sacred slowly pulls his body up and off the mat. Flinging his own body across the ring West looks to crash into Blackwell with a flying lariat only to find nothing there when he gets back. No Blackwell, no ropes, and nothing to keep West form soaring all the way out of the ring and to the arena floor! WHAM! “SWEET ZOMBIE JESUS!” Flying right over the top rope that had been pulled down by the USJL Champion only a moment before, Coy hits the hard asphalt floor hard and continues to roll so far that he actually rams his own body into the steel barricade! Hitting the metal with a sickening impact, the railing is knocked nearly into the stunt grandma sitting in the front row as Coy rolls back the other way before coming to a very complete stop. Clutching at the small of his back the rampaging redneck struggles to rise as soon as he can in the hopes that he can close the gaping opening that he just left for Sacred. But hopes are seemingly fleeting as Andrew Blackwell rolls out of the ring all the while rubbing out his shoulder from the extended stays in an armbar. But Sacred still has a perfectly good right arm to use in the meantime as he hammers West across the top of the head with a hard forearm blow that sends Coy flat against the arena floor once again. Collecting Coy off the arena floor with a handful of mullet, Sacred looks about for a moment before sending West across the floor and… CLANG! Face first into a ring post! Coy is knocked right off his feet as they go flying right out from underneath him. Rolling over onto his stomach immediately, West places a hand across his already tender forehead as Sacred moves in on his opponent once again. Blackwell plucks West off the arena floor and tosses him underneath the bottom rope before walking up to the apron himself in order to break the count that the referee had started as soon as West had hit the floor in the first place. With that count broken, Sacred drops right back tot he floor and reaches underneath the bottom rope in order to grab West and pull him back tot he apron so that West’s head dangles over the precipice of the ring apron. Sacred steps back a few feet to one side and then charges at West in order to drive a hard elbow right into the face of the exposed challenger. Leaping up to the apron itself is Sacred’s next move and that easily lends itself to another guillotine-type attack as Blackwell hops into the air and crushes West’s face underneath the weight of a hard legdrop. Crushed by the impact, Coy slides all the way down the apron before falling off the edge and to the arena floor yet again. Thankfully for him Sacred no longer seems interested in working him over on the outside and quickly deposits West back underneath the bottom rope and into the ring. “What a great series of moves by Andrew Blackwell,” calls out Bobby Riley, “and it is so damn smart of him to send West back inside the ring right now. All it takes is a minor error on the outside and you’ll end up hitting steel. Now Blackwell has a lot wider margin for error.” Heading into the middle of the ring on his hands and knees, West tries to get some distance only to find Andrew Blackwell right behind him and striking hard with a swift kick across the face. Grabbing West by the mullet once again, Sacred pulls his stunned opponent in between his legs with a standing head scissors as the crowd watches on with a look of worry for their favorite man with really bad teeth. Quickly rubbing his shoulder, Sacred reaches down and grabs West around the waist in preparation for what might be a piledriver. But as Sacred lifts West high onto his shoulders, we all know there is more at stake when Blackwell runs forward a few steps and dumps West right on the back of his head with the Lyger bomb! “For my Fallen Angel!” yells out The Cyclone Comet as Matthew Kivell slides into position for… ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNE! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THRENOTGONNAHAPPEN! Kicking wildly, West manages to catch Sacred right on the nose in order to force his way out of the pinning combination and keep his chance for the USJL Championship still alive but not well. Shaking off the kick to his face, Sacred is back on his feet in a moment and already attacking with a series of short forearms to the forehead. Knocking West flat against the canvas, Sacred drops down to his hands and knee and starts to grind his forearm into the face of the down challenger. Ripping the gauze away from Coy’s head with a savage deliberateness, Sacred exposes the cuts underneath in order to further his quest for a successful USJL Championship defense. Stomping West twice more in the face, Blackwell prowls across the ring as West wipes his hand across his head in order to check for any serious damage to the soft tissue that has only just begun to heal over. Collecting Coy off the canvas, Sacred pulls his opponent over towards the turnbuckles and once again strikes him hard in the face with a forearm blow followed immediately with a knife-edge chop across the chest. Andrew Blackwell pushes West across the ring with a hard Irish whip that sends West smashing into the turnbuckles at what must be a million miles per hour… literally! Unable to hold himself in the corner from the force of the impact, West stumbles out of the corner a few steps before Sacred grabs him by the head and drives his face into the canvas with a running diamond cutter! “RKO!” Not going for a cover, Sacred simply sits up on the canvas and begins to chuckle as a pool of red begins to form under the face of the downed challenger. The Cyclone Comet speaks, “That abrasion must have done it! Smashing Coyote against the canvas was enough to open up the cuts that Dace Night put there a few days ago!” Looking down at the bloody West with a look of complete satisfaction, Sacred boots his opponent across the face once more in order to have Coy completely laid out in the middle of the ring. Hopping into the air immediately, Sacred jams down on West with a legdrop that further serves to blur the features of the Christian soldier. Rolling on top of his opponent, Sacred makes a cover while jamming a forearm right into the cut in order to make it even harder for West to get off the canvas. ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNE! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THRNOOOOOWAYBROTHER! Sacred instantly collects West into a high rear chinlock as he begins to rant at the referee for allowing this match to continue. With his hands and forearms across West’s head, Blackwell grinds away at the cuts as West begins to visibly shake under the pressure and blood loss. Causing his own hands to be covered in red, Blackwell continues to rip his arms across the features of his opponent as referee Matthew Kivell checks in closely to see if West wants to continue this contest. West reports with a throaty yell that he won’t quit though as Sacred simply continues to maul him with this modified chinlock. Pulling West from one side and then the other, Sacred simply enjoys the pain he is causing as West struggles in the hold. But finally, West begins to move under his own power once again and pushes into Sacred in response. Shoving his way up to his feet, West turns into Sacred and starts to fire elbows into the breadbasket of the champion. Opening up enough room, West flings his way loose from Sacred and heads into the ropes. BUT GETS CAUGHT! SPANNNNNISH INQUISITION! Catching West underneath the shoulder, Sacred pulls the lanky West right off the canvas before jamming his head and shoulders right into the canvas with the modified rock bottom! ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNE! “That’s the move that got Sacred the pin against West last time!” TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THREEEEEMYGODNOOOO! “I thought that was it!” damns Bobby Riley. “Sacred had that hick down and out but the last spasms of life managed to get his shoulders off the canvas.” “I think Coy West is a whole lot farther away from death than you might admit,” replies The Cyclone Comet. “Sacred simply didn’t have Janus in the ring to squeeze the life out of his opponent for him this time.” “He’s not done yet,” replies Riley. “Sacred still has enough tricks to take down anyone!” Looking at the referee with a sneer, Sacred plunks right back down onto West with a claw firmly planted into the bloody forehead of the challenger. Unwilling to allow such a vile move to continue for long, Referee Kivell grabs a hold of the USJL Champion and starts to pull him away from his illegal choice of attack. Leaving West on the bloody canvas, Sacred gets up in the face of the referee for just a moment as West tries to crawl away from his obviously demented opponent. But West only manages to get to his knees before Blackwell grabs him by the back of the jeans and hurls him into a turnbuckle. Standing strait up in the corner for a moment only allows some more blood to flow into Coy’s eyes before Sacred cuts him across the chest with a chop. Rocking back on his heels for a moment, West obviously aches from the impact of the chop but at least knows for the moment just where Blackwell is standing. Throwing a punch through bloody eyes, West connects with all of his 240 pounds behind him and knocks the USJL Champion all the way down tot he canvas. Immediately rising up in a furry, Sacred virtually dives into Coy’s face and starts to maul at his opponent’s face. “Sacred is like some kind of animal in that ring,” notes The Cyclone Comet with a hint of worry in his voice. “He keeps up on that cut the way he is and he’s going to render West entirely unconscious.” “Sure when you get cut the first thing that happens is that you get a little surge of energy,” recalls Bobby Riley, “but after a few minutes, its like all f your energy is just seeping out of you.” Pulling out of the gouge at the count of four, Sacred proves to everyone that there is indeed a vile intellect behind all that animal rage. Cracking West across his bloody face yet again with a hard forearm, Sacred sends a red mist into the air as West withers in the corner. But once again, the strike lets West know just where Sacred is and he fires back with another right hook that catches Blackwell right underneath the jaw. Keeping his feet this time, Sacred nonetheless feels the effect of the blow as West once again fires a right into his opponent’s face. Placing a hand out to know where Blackwell is standing, Coy slams his fist his opponent yet again and again and again until finally Blackwell fights back with a hard knee to the stomach. Quickly snagging West by the back of the head, Sacred pulls him backward and hooks him position for a dragon sleeper before dropping strait to the canvas with a reverse diving DDT! “That might have done it!” ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNE! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THREEEEEEEENOOOOOO! “He kicked out again! How does West keep doing it?” Infuriated, Andrew Blackwell pulls West off the canvas by his bloody hair before depositing Coy in the middle of the ring with a standing body slam. Measuring West, Sacred takes tot he air slightly yet again before crushing him under another legdrop. Rolling up to his feet, Sacred jams down on his opponent with another leg in order to make sure that West is actually stuck in the place that Blackwell wants him. But as Sacred moves into position, the camera picks up one bloody eye of The Coyote sticking out through the blood alive and barely aware. But Blackwell simply doesn’t seem to give a damn about that as he runs towards a turnbuckle. Stepping onto the second rope on one side before springing to the op strand on the other side, Sacred springs backward with a picture perfect triple jump moonsault. The form accurate to the ultimate degree, Blackwell does everything exactly right… except hit the target. CRASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSH! “West moved! He moved!” Crashing into the canvas with his face, Blackwell lands in a heap on the mat as West rolls to the ropes. Using his hands to feel his way around, West pulls himself up to his feet as Sacred holds onto his busted insides as he also slowly begins to rise up to his full height. Looking about with a hand on his sternum, Sacred looks into a far corner and sees West there barely holding himself up. Knowing that he cannot allow his advantage to disappear, Blackwell charges in and manages to get a whole mouthful of a superkick! CRACK! Falling backward to the canvas Sacred keeps a hand on his jaw as he looks up at the exhausted West with something very close to shock. But Blackwell does not have long to worry about shock as Coy nearly dives across his foe and starts to pound away tie and again with a furious thunder of hard right hands tot he face. Hammering away as the crowd counts along in the background, a bloody continues to punch away as Andrew struggles to fight his way loose out from the seemingly crazy Coyote. Breaking off the mount, West hauls Sacred up to his feet by the hair and continues to batter away with punch after punch as the USJL Champion starts to falter back and forth under this sudden battery. Wiping the blood from his eyes, West sends Sacred into the ropes and crushes him on the rebound with the same flying lariat that caused the first major turnaround in the match. Floating on top of Sacred, West hooks the champion up as Kivell counts… ONNNNNNNNNNNNE! TWOOOOOOOOOOOO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Kicking out well in time to keep his championship, Sacred gets a shoulder off the mat only to have West pull him off the canvas yet again and punch away at Blackwell with more punches to the head. Again and again West’s knuckles crush Sacred in the face until Andrew finally drops to the canvas. Keeping a hold of Sacred the entire time, West pulls his opponent off the canvas before hauling him up and onto his shoulders. Keeping Sacred locked up, West begins to rotate faster and faster with the airplane spin! Nearly painting the ring with the blood dripping from his face, West continues to spin regardless of the cost to his own body until he has Blackwell right where he wants him. Dumping Sacred right over his shoulder with a fireman’s carry slam, West stumbles to the ropes and starts to head up the turnbuckle. “That’s a mistake!” calls out The Cyclone Comet. “As long as his vision is obscured, it is going to be really hard for him to do anything that creates distance between him and Sacred.” But West does indeed manage to find his way to the top buckle under the unsteady legs that he now possesses. Straitening his body out on the very top rope, West looks down at Blackwell before … falling off? CRASSSSSSSSSSH! Losing his balance entirely, West falls all the way down off the top rope and to the canvas as seemingly the blood loss coupled with the spin has effected his balance so much that he could no longer stand on the top rope strand. Holding onto the back of his head, Coy tries to stand only to find that he simply doesn’t have the ability to do so. And all of that only means that Andrew Blackwell now has this match in the palm of his hand. Comet says, “I think West used up every last cent of his energy to make that rally. I can’t begin to imagine that Coy has a single thing left here to fight Blackwell with anymore.” Pulling his own aching body over to West, Sacred pulls his opponent out towards the center of the ring and hooks him up in a front facelock. Pulling a rather limp West up, Sacred hooks him up and sends him overhead with a suplex only to allow West’s feet to fall down behind in preparation for the hangman’s noose neckbreaker. But using his last gasp of energy, Coy holds onto Sacred’s jaw and turns into him to get back to the starting suplex position! Grabbing Sacred by the tights, West hauls him up and off the canvas for the… SLINNNNNNNNNNNNG! SHOOOOOOOOOOOOOT! SUPLEXXXXXXXXXXX! “HE HAD SOMETHING LEFT AFTERALL!” ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNE! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! DING! DING! DING! Exhausted and bloody, West rolls off the now stunned Blackwell and rolls onto his still bleeding face. But this time a smile is plastered across his lips, knowing that even when he didn’t think he had anything left in tank that there was still something he could grab and hold onto. And now he has something else to hold onto as Matthew Kivell passes him the USJL Championship. The sweet sound of Funyon calls into the arena, “The winner of this contest… and NEWWWWWW SWF United States Junior League Champion… THE COYOTE COOOOOOOY WESSSSSSSST!” The crowd is on their feet as West slowly pulls his carcass off the mat. Smiling his little crooked smile, West raises the ten pounds of gold up and over his head and knowing that sometimes a little blood isn’t all that big a price to pay.

“Andros Drop,” cries Comet. “That could be good enough to end it!” Wildchild hooks the leg yet again, but before Kivell can drop down to cover, Megan leaps up onto the ring apron to get his attention. “Come on, ref,” mumbles Comet, as Wildchild climbs off of Todd in frustration. “How about paying attention to the action in the match!” “What’s the matter, Comet,” asks Riley, mocking Comet’s earlier words. “Is it only a bad thing when it doesn’t help your favorites? You certainly didn’t have a problem when the referee was allowing Wild and Dangerous to continuously hit illegal double-teams; if you were the upstanding superhero that you claim to be, you would applaud the referee for staying consistent!” Comet fumes beside his broadcast partner but, realizing that he has a point, remains silent. Wildchild pulls Todd to his feet and grabs him by the wrist, whipping him towards the edge of the ring, but Royal reverses, sending the Tropical Tumbler into the ropes instead. Wildchild leapfrogs Todd as he bounces off the ropes, and spring back into the air as he rebounds a second time, but the challenger catches him in a bearhug. “Nice job to stop the Champions’ momentum,” notes Comet, as Todd, still holding onto Wildchild, begins to walk backwards towards his half of the ring. Kivell is again distracted by Megan Skye, who diverts his attention from the ring as Todd falls backwards towards the ropes… THWACK! … Allowing Maddix to reach up and grab Wildchild by the head as he falls and drops off of the ring apron, using his weight to clothesline the Bahama Bomber across the top rope! “What a brilliant move by the House of Todd,” marvels Riley, as a weary Deity reaches towards his corner to make the tag. “You’ve gotta give it up for that one, Comet!” “Absolutely,” replies Comet, as Royal and Maddix pick Wildchild up off of the canvas. Johnny rushes in to protest, and Megan continues to agitate from outside the ring, as Todd and Landon each grab one of Wildchild’s arms… WHAM! … And slam him forcefully into their corner! “Tag is made,” continues Comet, “and Maddix is finally in the ring, but now it’s a double-team by the House of Todd, as they ram Wildchild into the corner! The Barracuda came into the ring and had a few choice words for the referee, but that just opened the door up for Maddix and Royal to do some damage!” “And Johnny has no one to blame but himself,” answers Riley, as Maddix snares Wildchild in a front facelock before twisting his body sharply, and driving the Caribbean Cruiser to the mat with a swinging neckbreaker. “Weren’t you just saying the same thing about Maddix a few minutes ago? Johnny needs to act like he’s been here before!” Maddix leaps onto the middle rope and springs off, turning back towards the ring as he somersaults forward… WHAM! … And lands on Wildchild’s throat with a legdrop! Maddix floats over to apply a lateral press, as Kivell drops to the mat to count the shoulders: ONE! TWO! THRE— KICKOUT! “Relatively easy kickout by the Wildchild,” notes Comet, as Maddix pulls Wildchild to his feet. The Disciple lifts his knee into the Bahama Bomber’s midsection a couple of times, before grabbing him by the hair and leading him towards the edge of the ring, tossing him over the top rope. Maddix turns his back on Wildchild and begins congratulating himself, not noticing that the Human Hurricane has managed to hold on to the top rope. “Maddix had better not take his mind off of Wildchild for to long,” warns Comet, as Wildchild begins to skin the cat back into the ring… WHAM! … But the Disciple turns around just in time to catch him, and races towards the edge of the ring and diving feet-first at the upside-down Wildchild, blasting him in the head with a baseball slide that sends him tumbling down to the arena floor! “Marvelous maneuver by Landon Maddix,” crows Riley, as Todd drops from the apron down to the arena floor. “He caught Wildchild going to the well, and made him pay for it!” As if practiced thousands of times, Megan prances around the ring, and Landon walks towards the hero’s corner… SMACK! … Slapping Wildchild across the face! Johnny rushes in to confront the Disciple as Wildchild gets to his feet outside the ring, but this time the tables have been turned on the Tag Team Champions, as Kivell forces the Barracuda to return to his corner. Back outside the ring, Wildchild stands up and looks around to recover his bearings… CRACK! … Only to turn into a superkick by the incoming Todd Royal! The Bahama Bomber collapses to the floor in a heap as the Messiah stands over him, a haughty expression on his face. “Todd Damn,” shouts Riley. “Now that’s a superkick!” Todd pulls Wildchild to his feet and lays his upper body across the ring barricade, as Megan climbs onto the apron on the other side of the ring, and begins to pester both Johnny and the referee. Todd picks Wildchild’s legs up, suspending him horizontally off the barricade, and turns back towards the ring, barking directions at Maddix. “Turn around, referee,” orders Comet, as Landon climbs to the top turnbuckle. “Try to pay attention to what’s going on with the match!” “Hey,” replies Bobby, “didn’t you say that all’s fair outside the ring? The referee can’t call it if he can’t see it, can he?” Landon turns towards his partner and leaps off the top turnbuckle down to the arena floor… SPLASH! … Crashing down into Wildchild’s unprotected back with a body splash! “By Zeus,” moans Comet. “What a tremendous maneuver!” “Maddix must have been up eighteen feet in the air, relative to where Wildchild was outside the ring; there’s no question that that had to do serious damage!” Maddix rolls off of Wildchild and leads him over to the ring, rolling him underneath the bottom rope, and climbs onto the ring apron as Royal returns to their corner. He uses the top rope to propel himself into the ring… SPLASH! … Smashing into Wildchild’s chest with a slingshot Senton Splash! He leans backwards to make a cover, and Kivell drops down to count the shoulders: ONE! TWO! THR— OOF! … But before the referee’s hand can strike a third time, Johnny runs in from across the ring, and kicks Maddix in the midsection to break up the count. As Kivell orders the Barracuda back to his corner, Todd sneaks back into the ring behind him, and assists his partner in some devious double-team activity. “Now you’re about to see a REAL tag team at work,” crows Riley, as the House of Todd each grab one of Wildchild’s arms and whip him towards the ropes… WHAM! … Locking their hands together and rushing at the Tropical Tumbler as he rebounds, sending him crashing to the mat with a double clothesline! Todd steps back onto the apron just as Kivell turns his attention back towards the action in the ring, and Maddix makes sure he sees the tag. “I love it,” says Riley. “We’re about to see some more fluid tag team action by the House of Todd!” “Wildchild’s in a bad way,” agrees Comet, as Landon whips Wildchild across the ring and trips him to the canvas as he rebounds off the ropes with a drop toehold… WHAM! … Holding him in place for the Savior, who comes off the ropes with an elbow drop to the back!” “Brilliant tag team wrestling by the House of Todd,” admires Riley, as Landon walks calmly back onto the apron. Royal rolls Wildchild onto his back and applies a lateral press as Kivell checks the shoulders: ONE! TWO! THREE— “Kickout,” shouts Comet. “That was close, but not quite three!” Todd pulls Wildchild to his feet and tosses him into his corner, before walking out towards the center of the ring and obstructing the referee’s vision, allowing Maddix to wrap the tag rope around the Caribbean’s throat and choke him out! Wildchild’s flailing causes Johnny to rush in to assist his partner, but Kivell gets in his way again, holding him in the corner, and Maddix uses the distraction to grab Wildchild around the head and drop down to the arena floor… THWACK! … Clotheslining the Bahama Bomber against the top rope! Todd walks over to pick up the mess as Kivell forces Johnny back onto the apron. “Johnny gets suckered back in,” reports Comet, “but he’s not helping partner out at all!” “Absolutely not,” agrees Riley. “And that’s brilliant tag team wrestling on the part of the House of Todd; if you’ve got a guy that’s as eager as Johnny Dangerous to get into the ring, then do things to DRAW him in! Because then, the referee’s going to have to chase him back out, and then you can do a lot of damage!” Todd pulls Wildchild to his feet and whips him towards the ropes… WHAM! … But the Human Hurricane leaps onto the top rope and curls up into a ball as he springs off, smashing into Todd’s chest with his patented Pinball attack! “Pinball,” shouts Comet, as both men roll around on the canvas. “Both men are down! Boy, Royal must really be hurting from the beating that he took earlier!” Nevertheless, the Messiah is the first to his feet, and he pulls Wildchild up as well, leading him over to a neutral corner. He presses Wildchild’s against the turnbuckles and draws his arm back… SMACK! … Blistering his chest with a reverse knife-edge chop! SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! Royal gets a few more licks in before grabbing Wildchild by the wrist and pulling him out of the corner, whipping him across the ring, but the Tropical Tumbler reverses, slamming the challenger into the corner a neutral corner instead! He charges across the ring and leaps into the air as he approaches the corner, and twists around in midair to crash into the challenger, but the Disciple runs across the apron and grabs Todd by the shoulder, pushing him safely out of Wildchild’s reach. “Quick thinking by Landon Maddix,” says Comet, as Wildchild lands on the middle turnbuckle, “He just saved Royal from a devastating maneuver!” SPLASH! … But he can’t save himself, as Wildchild springs seamlessly off of the turnbuckle and over the top rope, crashing into the Cockroach with a springboard moonsault that sends them both to the arena floor! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! “Tremendous moonsault by the Human Hurricane,” screams Comet, as Wildchild pulls Maddix up to his feet… SPLASH! … But Royal grabs onto the top rope and launches himself out of the ring, knocking both men back down with a slingshot plancha! OOOOOH! The crowd lets out a collective gasp as all three men end up in a heap on the floor. The referee leans over the edge of the ring and begins to deliver his ten-count. ONE! TWO! THREE! “We’ve got a car crash outside the ring,” says Comet, as Johnny steps inside the ring, “as three of the four competitors in the match all hit the floor with spectacular aerial moves!” FIVE! SIX! SPLASH! Unbeknownst to referee Kivell, Johnny Dangerous runs across the ring behind him and leaps over the top rope, sailing outside the ring and crashing into all three men with a corkscrew plancha! JOHN-NY! JOHN-NY! JOHN-NY! JOHN-NY! “And now Johnny Dangerous joins the action,” shouts Comet. “We’ve got a four-car pileup! Completely discombobulated, Kivell restarts his count as all four men roll around on the arena floor. Johnny recovers first and pulls Maddix to his feet, but the Cockroach surprises him with a rake of the eyes! He grabs Johnny by the wrist… CRACK! … But the Barracuda reverses, sending him into the ringpost! Meanwhile, Wildchild recovers and pulls Todd off of the floor, grabbing him by the wrist and whipping him towards the ring barricade, but the Savior reverses, sending Wildchild in instead. The Bahama Bomber leaps into the air as he draws near the barricade, and lands on top of it. Todd charges towards him in order to knock him down, but the Human Hurricane flips backwards off of the barricade, sailing over Royal and landing behind him. Todd puts his hands up to prevent himself from crashing into the barricade, and quickly spins around to locate his opponent. He runs towards Wildchild, but the Tropical Tumbler steps to the side, and Royal runs right past him… CRACK! … And right into the foot of the Barracuda! “Johnny Kick,” shouts Comet, as Todd falls to the floor like a sack of potatoes. “Todd ran right into that Johnny kick!” Megan runs around the ring to get Wildchild’s attention as Johnny bends down to pick up Todd… WHAM! And, unseen by the Tag Team Champions, Maddix runs up behind Johnny and knocks him to the floor with a double axe-handle! Wildchild chases Megan away and turns back towards his partner… CRACK! … Only to eat a superkick from the Cockroach! Megan heads in the opposite direction and begins to distract the referee. “Matthew Kivell has lost all control of this match,” sneers Riley, as Maddix pulls Johnny to his feet and dumps him unceremoniously over the barricade into the crowd. He then rips the protective padding off of the arena floor behind the referee’s line of sight. “Dammit, ref, pay attention to what’s going on,” shouts Comet. Maddix picks Wildchild up and rolls him underneath the bottom rope before climbing onto the apron. He uses the ropes to pull himself to his feet and then reaches over the top rope into the ring, grabbing Wildchild by the hair and pulling him back to his feet. “Todd Royal is a little slow to get back up after that Johnny Kick,” notes Comet, as Landon turns Wildchild around to face the inside of the ring. “But after the beating that he took earlier on in the match, who can blame him… By Zeus, is Maddix going to do what I think he’s going to do?” “If he does,” answers Riley, as Maddix reaches over the top rope to wrap his hands around Wildchild’s waist, “you can kiss Wildchild goodbye!” “Oh no,” shrieks Comet. “Suplex to the outside coming up!” Maddix tightens his grip and pops his hips to jerk Wildchild off of his feet and outside the ring, but the Bahama Bomber laces his feet around the bottom rope, preventing the suplex attempt. “Thank heaven,” sighs Comet, as Landon tries repeatedly to pull Wildchild out of the ring, to no avail. “Wildchild’s quick thinking may have saved him from permanent injury!” BAP! Wildchild thrusts his elbow back sharply, smashing the Disciple on the bridge of the nose, and snapping his head back with a wicked elbow smash! Maddix lurches his head back, and begins shaking it vigorously to clear the cobwebs as Johnny crawls back over the ring barricade. “Look out, Maddix,” warns Riley, as Johnny jumps up and smacks him in the small of the back with a forearm. The Disciple slumps backwards off the apron, allowing Johnny to step underneath him and position Landon in a seated position on his shoulders. “NO,” screams Riley, as Wildchild runs to the corner and climbs onto the top turnbuckle. “Don’t do it!” “Turnabout is fair play,” replies Comet, as Johnny turns to face the exposed concrete floor. “You didn’t have any problems with Maddix wanting to suplex Wildchild onto the concrete!” Wildchild runs across the top rope before diving off of it out of the ring. He snares Landon’s head in a side headlock as he flies through the air, and Johnny kicks his legs out from underneath him… WHAAAAM! … Sitting out into an Electric Chair Drop as Wildchild drives the Disciple’s head face first into the exposed concrete with a flying bulldog headlock! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! “Holy Shit,” exclaims Comet. “Dangerous Drop! By Zeus, a Dangerous Drop out onto the concrete!” Megan, realizing her folly all too late, tries desperately tries to divert the referee’s attention back towards the action as Johnny and Wildchild get back to their feet, leaving the Cockroach lying face down in a pool of his own blood, and turn their attention back to Todd Royal, who is just now starting to get up. WHAM! Wildchild and Johnny each thrust their feet towards the Messiah’s face, nearly decapitating him with a double-superkick! “Chicklet Buster,” shudders Comet, “By Thor’s Hammer, what a marvelous double-superkick! I think I felt my own teeth rattle on that one!” Wildchild rolls Todd underneath the bottom rope and slides in after him as Johnny walks around the ring back to their corner. The Human Hurricane pulls Todd to his feet and grabs him by the wrist, whipping him across the ring, leaping into the air as Royal bounces off the ropes and whipping his leg sharply through the air… SMACK! … And crushing his windpipe with a leg lariat! Wildchild rolls back to his feet and makes the crisp tag to Johnny and turns Todd around to face the ropes, lifting his legs off of the canvas and locking his hands underneath them. “More tag team action coming up,” warns Comet, as Johnny positions himself on the ring apron. Wildchild leans back, propelling the Deity through the air as Johnny leaps onto the top rope and springs into the ring… WHAM! … Leveling Todd as he’s catapulted into a flying lariat! Wildchild rolls onto the ring apron and Johnny applies a lateral press as Kivell drops down to count the shoulders: ONE! TWO! THRE— No! “Kickout,” sighs Riley. “Thank Todd, he kicked out!” the Barracuda pulls Todd back to his feet and leads him over to his corner, where he makes the quick tag back to Wildchild. The Champions each grab one of Royal’s arms and whips him across the ring, grabbing him as he rebounds and lifting him off the canvas… WHAM! … Slamming him back down with a shattering double-spinebuster! In one fluid motion, Wildchild and Johnny each grapevine one of the victim's legs with their near leg. They reach across their bodies with their far arms and lock hands, and then roll forward, pulling the victim off the mat and through the air… WHAM! … Before slamming them back down to the mat with a double leg-whip powerbomb! “Big time maneuver by the Tag Team Champions,” shouts Comet, as Kivell orders Johnny back to the apron. He then drops down to the canvas to deliver the three count: ONE! TWO! THR— But, before the referee’s hand can slap the mat for a third time, Megan leaps onto the ring apron, jumping around to get his attention. Johnny, having had enough of her antics, runs across the ring, scaring her off the apron and then climbs out of the ring to chase her up the ramp. He turns his attention back to the ring as Wildchild pulls Todd to his feet and lifts him up off the canvas, spinning around before falling back down… WHAM! … Planting the Savior in the center of the ring with a Corkscrew suplex! “Big time Corkscrew suplex by Wildchild,” exclaims Comet, as Johnny climbs back onto the ring apron. The Barracuda climbs onto the top turnbuckle against the referee’s advice, as Wildchild climbs the opposing corner. “Uh-oh,” moans Comet, as Wild and Dangerous measure the Messiah from the turnbuckles. “We could see the E.L.E coming up!” Wildchild leaps from one turnbuckle, rotating his body forward and pumping his arms and legs together to execute a shooting-star frog splash, as Johnny leaps from the opposite turnbuckle, twisting his body around and extending his leg… WHAM! … And smashes into Todd with a corkscrew legdrop precisely as Wildchild lands the shooting-star frog splash! “Extinction Level Event,” shrieks Comet, as Johnny rolls out of the ring. “By Zeus, they got him with the Extinction Level Event! That’s going to do it!” Wildchild hooks the leg as Kivell drops down to deliver the count: ONE! TWO! THREE! NO! “Kickout,” cries Riley. “Praise Todd, He kicked out! Wildchild pulls Todd to his feet yet again and leads him over to his corner, where he makes the tag to Johnny. The Barracuda leaps onto the top turnbuckle as Wildchild trips Royal with a double-leg takedown, before locking his arms underneath the challenger’s legs. The Tropical Tumbler falls backwards towards the corner, propelling Todd into it as Johnny leaps off of the top turnbuckle… WHAM! … Snaring the Deity’s head and pulling back in the other direction as he slams him into the mat with a blockbuster! Wildchild rolls out of the ring and Johnny applies a half-hearted cover as Landon finally begins to get back to his feet outside the ring. ONE! TWO! THRE— “No,” shrieks Riley, as Maddix uses the ropes to pull himself back onto he apron. “I told you, Comet! It Todd’s Will that He wins tonight!” “And luck at Landon Maddix just now getting back up on the ring apron,” notes Comet, as the Barracuda pulls Royal to his feet. “But what a golden opportunity by Wild and Dangerous; they had Landon out of commission, but couldn’t put Todd away!” WHAM! Johnny picks Todd up in a fireman’s carry and runs forward, diving towards the mat and grinding the Messiah against the ropes with a rolling Fireman’s carry! The Barracuda rolls easily to his feet and holds his forearm above his head, slapping it with his other hand as the fans begin to cheer loudly in anticipation. “Johnny just gave the sign for the Silver Bullet,” shouts Comet, as Johnny walks to the corner to make the tag. “If they hit this, it’s all over!” Wildchild climbs onto the top turnbuckle as Johnny pulls Royal to his feet, before grabbing him by the wrist and whipping him across the ring. Johnny lowers his head as Todd bounces off the ropes and lifts the victim high into the air with a big back body drop as the Human Hurricane explodes off the top turnbuckle… WHAM! … Blasting the Deity in the face with a flying forearm! Wildchild crashes to the canvas atop Royal as Johnny walks back to his corner, raising his arms in triumph. Kivell counts the shoulders as the fans begin to chant in time with the count: ONE! TWO! THR— WHAM! … But, unseen by anyone, Maddix climbs onto the top turnbuckle and leaps off fearlessly, smashing his head into Wildchild’s with a swandive headbutt to break up the count! “Disciple Dive,” sighs Riley, as Johnny runs back into the ring. “Landon does his duty, and makes the save!” Johnny pulls Landon to his feet… CHING! … But the Cockroach stuns him with a low blow! As he bends over in pain, Maddix grabs him by the wrist and whips him towards the ropes, but the Barracuda reverses, pulling Landon into a fireman’s carry takeover… CRASH! … And leaning backwards over the top rope, dumping Maddix down to the arena floor with a release Fallaway Slam! “MI Slam,” barks Comet. “By Zeus, MI Slam over the top! Maddix is back down! Royal is back down! This match is as good as over!” Kivell peers over the edge of the ring to check on Maddix as Johnny walks over to Royal and pulls him to his feet, trapping him in a front facelock as Wildchild gets back up. “There’s no telling what these two have planned here,” warns Comet, as Johnny lifts Todd into a delayed vertical suplex. “They’ve just about used the whole bag of tricks, but who knows if they’ve got something special planned for the House of Todd!” Wildchild steps out onto the ring apron and steadies himself as Johnny turns to face him, still holding Todd overhead, before leaping onto the top rope and springing into the ring wrapping his arms and legs around the suspended Messiah’s body and pushing him off of Johnny’s shoulders… WHAAAAAM! … Planting his head into the canvas with an elevated sitout piledriver! Johnny runs over to his corner and exits to the ring apron as Wildchild holds the motionless Todd Royal in place for the pin: ONE! TWO! THREE! DING! DING! DING! The Staples Center erupts as “Y.O.U.” begins to play again. Wildchild rolls to his feet as Johnny returns to the ring, embracing his partner as the referee walks to the edge of the ring to retrieve the Tag Team Titles. “What a gutsy display by Todd Royal,” marvels Comet. “He withstood just about everything that the Tag Team Champions threw at him, but he wasn’t able to get up after that last maneuver! I swear, Robert, I’ve never seen a piledriver variation like that before!” “Someone must have replaced my Book of Todd with a different translation,” grumbles Riley. “Damned Greeks always get the dates wrong… Just know this, Comet; Todd Royal proved tonight that He can withstand the measure of what Wild and Johnny Dangerous can bring; he can take everything that they can dish out, and I promise you that the next time these two teams meet, the House of Todd will emerge victorious!” Kivell hands the Championship belts to Wild and Dangerous and raises their hands in triumph, as Funyon rises from his seat and lifts the microphone to his lips to make the official announcement. “Here are your winners,” he says, “and… STIIIL SWF Tag Team Champions! WILD! AAAAAAAAND DANGEROUS!” “An outstanding performance by the best tag team in the business,” exclaims Comet. “As they hold on to the Tag Team Titles. We’ve still got some more great action coming up, so don’t get up!” As we: FADE OUT

The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California is alive and rocking as Icehouse's "Touch the Fire" blares throughout the sound system as more than nineteen thousand fans rise from their seats, roaring with cheers! Suddenly the scowling and snarling images of four men – Wildchild, Johnny Dangerous, Landon Maddix, and Todd Royal blast onto the screen with a scorched “VS.” separating the two teams, and coaxing a second roar of cheers from the crowd. “It looks like we are about ready for our second match and second title defense of the night!” exclaims our exuberant masked commentator, Cyclone Comet. “And this is one of those matches that I think everyone has been dying to see for quite a few weeks now!” “You got that right, Comet,” chimes Bobby, “Ever since the House of Todd won their number one contenders slot to the Tag Team Championship, Wild and Dangerous have done just about everything they possibly could to avoid defending those belts against the challengers. Well, it’s high time they faced up to the challenge and…” “Whoa, whoa, whoa,” interrupts Comet, shaking his head. “Just what on God’s green earth are you going on about there, Bobby? When exactly did Citizen Child and Dangerous ever refuse a fight, especially against Todd Royal and Landon Maddix?” “First off,” replies Bobby, “it’s Todd’s green earth, get it right, Spandex-Pants! Secondly, was it not Johnny Dangerous who stood in the ring at Lockdown and pushed this match back to tonight instead of Smarkdown, hmmm?” “Well, that was…” “Ah-ha! See,” asks Bobby, thinking he finally has one over on the Masked Crusader. “Plus, ever since Lockdown, Wildchild’s career has been on a downward spiral! He’s lost the Cruiserweight Championship to Alan Clark; his streak is over, his career… finished. And we all know that Wildchild was the one carrying Wild and Dangerous to success; without him in the driver’s seat, this team is destined to fall!” “I hardly think that one single loss all year constitutes a career downfall,” refutes Comet. “Wildchild still has what it takes, and I truly believe he’ll show you that tonight. Not to mention that you’re severely underrating the Barracuda! Your theory on Citizen Child carrying Operative Dangerous has already been proven incorrect on numerous occasions; this team is all about team work, double teams, and… ” “Cheating,” interjects Bobby, with a raised brow. “Wild and Dangerous have staked their claim to fame on double teams, which… by all accounts, is cheating.” “Oh please,” scoffs Comet. “Always in the allotted five seconds after a tag is made. And how is it that you’re going to sit there and label anyone a cheat when you cheer all day for the biggest cheating-scumbag-villains in the SWF?” “It’s only cheating if you get caught, and obviously none of the folks I enjoy get caught,” says Riley with an added “Hmph!” Suddenly the house lights drop. … … Then after several moments of some rather uncomfortable silence, a single spotlight shines down onto the stage, revealing a full choir with a full band on the sides of the stage. “What in the name of Ma Kent are those people doing out here,” wonders Comet aloud. “They look like a church choir!” “That’s because it IS a church choir,” Bobby answers. “Todd’s Angels, to be more precise, and I think they brought just about everything out here tonight except for the kitchen sink! We have a piano, drums, guitars, and even a bass player!” “Ladies and Gentlemen,” bellows Funyon, “please welcome at this time… Todd’s Angels with Michael M. Smith!” “Who’s Michael M. Smith,” asks Comet. “I’ve heard of Michael W. Smith, but who is this? His evil twin?” “Ahem,” begins Michael M. Smith, stepping up to the front and center microphone. “If everyone would so kindly rise, it is now time for Praise and Worship!” BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! “Praise and Worship… what the hell… ” “Come on, Comet,” beckons Bobby, pulling on his commentating partner’s arm. “Sing with me, my Brother.” “I will do no such thing,” snaps Comet, jerking his arm back. “Now,” continues Michael, paper balls whizzing past his head, “for those of us who do not know all the words to this Hymn, we have graciously placed them upon this rather large screen behind me. You can follow the little bouncing ball from word to word, and not even your closest friend will realize that you couldn’t remember the words.” As Michael’s trap finally closes, the SmarkTron™ lights up with a blue back ground and a little dove holding a clover in its mouth gently flapping it’s wings, with the title to the Hymn written a bold black letters. It reads: “AWESOME TODD”. “Oh,” Bobby shouts with glee, “this is one of my favorites!” Michael nods towards the pianist, and he begins to play the slow melodic opening notes to “Awesome Todd”. For a few measures he goes on, adding a few extra flares into the melody while the band begins to lightly sprinkle a few notes here and there. I’ll say,” says Comet, “this band is creating what would be a rather beautiful harmony of music if it weren’t used in the manner that it is about to be used in.” “Will you please hush, Comet,” pleads Bobby, his hands raised high into the air. “I’m trying to worship.” Finally a lead electric guitar blares through just as the drums drop in, bringing the song up to full tempo as the Choir begins to sing. “OUR TOOOODD IS AN AWESOME TODD, HE REEEEIGNS FROM HIGH ABOVE YOU! WITH WIIINING POWER AND WRATH, OUR TODD IS AN AWESOME TODD!” “OUR TOOOODD IS AN AWESOME TODD, HE REEEEIGNS FROM HIGH ABOVE YOU! WITH WIIINING POWER AND WRATH, OUR TODD IS AN AWESOME TODD!” “OUR TOOOODD IS AN AWESOME TODD, HE REEEEIGNS FROM HIGH ABOVE YOU! WITH WIIINING POWER AND WRATH, OUR TODD IS AN AWESOME TODD!” “When He rolls up a jobber He ain't just pulling on the tights,” sings Michael. (Choir) “Our Todd is an awesome Todd~!” (Smith) “There is thunder in His Boot-scrape and lightning in His Hammerlock!” (Choir) “Our Todd is an awesome Todd~!” (Smith) “Todd wasn't joking when He told ‘em off at Lockdown, it won’t be for no reason that, He’ll shed their blood, His entrance is very close and so you better be believing that!” (Choir) “Our Todd is an awesome Todd~!” (First group) “OUR TOOOODD-” (Second group) “Our Tooooooooooooodd!” (First group) “-IS AN AWESOME TODD, HE REEEEIGNS-” (Second group) “He reiiii-A-Un-iiiignns!” (Together) “-FROM HIGH ABOVE YOU! WITH WIIINING POWER AND WRATH OUR TODD IS AN AWESOME TODD!” (First group) “OUR TOOOODD-” (Second group) “Our Tooooooooooooodd!” (First group) “-IS AN AWESOME TODD HE REEEEIGNS-” (Second group) “He reiiii-A-Un-iiiignns!” (Together) “-FROM HIGH ABOVE YOU! WITH WIIINING POWER AND WRATH OUR TODD IS AN AWESOME TODD!” (Smith) “And when the House was title-less like the rest of the Unnamed!” (Choir) “Our Todd is an awesome Todd~!” (Smith) “He saw Wild and Dangerous and said those belts would be his!” (Choir) “Our Todd is an awesome Todd~!” (Smith) “Judgment and wrath He’ll bring it to the ring Mercy and grace He left at the table I hope that you have not too quickly forgotten that!” (Choir) “Our Todd is an awesome Todd~!” (First group) “OUR TOOOODD-” “Our Tooooooooooooodd!” (First group) “-IS AN AWESOME TODD HE REEEEIGNS-” “He reiiii-A-Un-iiiignns!” “-FROM HIGH ABOVE YOU! WITH WIIINING POWER AND WRATH OUR TODD IS AN AWESOME TODD!” (First group) “OUR TOOOODD-” (Second group) “Our Tooooooooooooodd!” (First group) “-IS AN AWESOME TODD HE REEEEIGNS-” (Second group) “He reiiii-A-Un-iiiignns!” (Together) “-FROM HIGH ABOVE YOU! WITH WIIINING POWER AND WRATH OUR TODD IS AN AWESOME TODD!” (First group) “OUR TOOOODD-” (Second group) “Our Tooooooooooooodd!” (First group) “-IS AN AWESOME TODD HE REEEEIGNS-” (Second group) “He reiiii-A-Un-iiiignns!” (Together) “-FROM HIGH ABOVE YOU! WITH WIIINING POWER AND WRATH OUR TODD IS AN AWESOME TODD!” (All) “OUR TOOOODD IS AN AWESOME TODD HE REEEEIGNS FROM HIGH ABOVE YOU! WITH WIIINING POWER AND WRATH OUR TODD IS AN AWESOME TODD!” “OUR TOOOODD IS AN AWESOME TODD HE REEEEIGNS FROM HIGH ABOVE YOU! WITH WIIINING POWER AND WRATH OUR TODD IS AN AWESOME TODD!” “OUR TODD IS AN AWESOME TODD!!” “ANNNNNND MEEEEEEEGAAAAAAAN AIIIIIIIN’T HAAAAAAALF BAAAAAAAD TOOOOOOoooooOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” (Crowd) - BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! “I don’t think these fans liked that too much,” notes Comet as Todd’s Angels all exit to backstage in a single-file line. “Gee,” replies Bobby, “would you expect any else out these Heathens?” Suddenly the lights drop out completely and AC/DC's "Shoot To Thrill" thunders through the arena, the volume pumped all the way up to fight against the surging boos. A single spotlight shining down onto the stage illuminates the figures of Megan Skye, Todd Royal and Landon Maddix as they emerge from the back. Megan steps forward pantomiming a belt around her waist then turns and extends her hands out to Todd Royal and Landon Maddix. “Megan Skye is already proclaiming the House of Todd as the winners of tonight’s match,” notes Comet, “a little presumptuous if you ask me.” “The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall,” begins Funyon, “and it is for the SWF World Tag Team Championships! Introducing first... the challengers! Being accompanied to the ring by 'The Toddess' Megan Skye, and representing the Unnamed… At a total combined weight of four hundred and thirty pounds... they are Landon 'La Cucaracha' Maddix and Todd Royal...THE HOUSE...OOOOOOOF...TOOOOODDD!” After paying absolutely no heed to the crowd, the threesome stops at the bottom of the ring. Landon jumps to the apron, extending his hand and helping Megan to the apron...only for Todd to jump to the apron, and wait for Megan to hold the ropes for him. She does, and goes to enter the ring... only for Maddix to stop her, and hold the ropes for her. “Could this possibly get any more ridiculous,” says Comet, but Bobby simply shakes his head in pity at his incredulous partner. Stopping at about a good three feet away from Funyon, Todd stops and extends his hand out. The Lightly-Salted Snack just looks on in bewilderment, not really sure what Royal is up to until Landon steps in and snatches Funyon’s microphone out of his hand. He admonishes Funyon for being so insolent, and then turns back towards his partner, Todd Royal, gently laying the microphone in his palm. “Greetings, Sheep,” Todd says as he brings the microphone to his lips, earning himself a gets a horrendous jeer from the crowd in reply. Megan and Landon each move to opposite sides of the ring, ordering the fans to cease with their ill-mannered booing, which only stirs up the crowd even more! “Oh man,” says Comet, “if these three came out here intending to start a riot, they are definitely on the right track.” “Now,” Todd continues, the crowd finally having settled down enough for him to speak, “tonight is a very special night indeed. Most of you came here to the Staples Center tonight for some intense wrestling action… which you shall receive, while also paying witness to two men coming into the light. Yes, those two are of course… ‘The Human Hurricane’ the Wildchild and ‘The Barracuda’ Johnny Dangerous… Wild and Dangerous.” A cheer ignites from the audience upon mention of the Tag Team Champion’s names, and once again, Landon and Megan are quick to rush to the sides and hush the crowd. “You see, since enlightening the Smartmarks Wrestling Federation with my presence I have seen these two perform. I have seen you people cheer for them, encourage them, push them to new levels of success. Unfortunately some of that success has gone to their heads, thus leaving themselves wide open for evil to overtake their souls, minds, and bodies!” “Two shows ago it was *I*, your Todd that stands before you now, that wrestled one half of the Tag Team Champions in Wildchild for his *then* Cruiserweight Championship. At that point in time I felt it a far better decision to allow him to keep his title… as it was *my* will for that title to be passed on down to Alan Clark. Many of you now know that THAT prophecy was fulfilled on Smarkdown as I said it would.” “What in the world is he talking about?” says Comet, “It was anything but his will to loose to Wildchild on Lockdown. He, quite simply, got his rear end kicked!” “As it was His will,” Bobby emphatically reiterates for Todd. “If you ever read the Book of Todd, you would know that! It clearly states in the chapter fourteen, verse nine that He allowed that title change to happen, and you yourself know that Alan Clark is now the Cruiserweight Champion, having finally ended Wildchild’s reign and streak! Todd prophesized the changing of titles, and it happened! Solid proof that He is truly that of a greater power, Comet!” “That’s no prophecy,” shouts an exasperated Comet! “Todd Royal just now said it, it was never even mentioned before!” “Now,” Todd begins anew, “as I said to Johnny Dangerous on Lockdown ‘At From the Fire the second phase of My will shall be completed’, it shall. Tonight, my Sheep, I will lay down Wild and Dangerous for you as I purge their souls of all shades of evil. It is but my passion that I give you…” But before another word can flow from Todd’s mouth the crowds chanting grows so loud, it drowns him out. “TODD! SUCKS!” “TODD! SUCKS!” “Are you trying to judge me?” “TODD! SUCKS!” “TODD! SUCKS!” “To you, my people, I say: Do not judge so that you will not be judged! For by the standard you judge you will be judged, and the measure you use will be the measure you receive!’ “TODD! SUCKS!” “TODD! SUCKS!” “This is getting uglier by the minute,” reports Comet. “This crowd is simply roasting Citizen Royal out there! He might want to put that microphone down before he gets sniped!” “If it happens it is His will, Comet,” reminds Bobby. “Remember the passion of Todd… For he so loved California that he…” “Oh, shut up already,” hisses Comet. “I’ve heard just about enough warped and twisted theology from you and Todd to last a life time!” “That’s it,” cries Todd, nearly having to shout as loud as he can to be heard over the crowd. “Let he who has not sucked cast the first chant! For the only way you will overcome this moment in your life is with- ” “WILD!” “DANGEROUS!” The name of the Tag Team Champions blast onto the SmarkTron™ just as the throbbing bass line of Method Man and Redman's "Y.O.U." pounds out over the speakers and the lights dim- “-And would you just listen to these fans,” exclaims Comet, as the crowd in the Staples Center completely erupts! “I think it’s clear that they aren’t buying into the House of Todd’s propaganda tonight!” “I don’t think they are going to have a choice,” adds Bobby. “All day everyday with this rap soufflé… say WHAAAAAAAT?” Lights of every color begin to circle the arena as the song plays on. Dozens of strobe lights… err… uhm… well, strobe… in perfect time with the music. Seconds later the curtain flies wide open and out steps the two-man team of Wildchild and Johnny Dangerous, dressed in their matching pattern Olympic styled singlets, and grabbing a second tremendous pop from the crowd! “ANNND their opponents,” continues Funyon, “at a total combined weight of four hundred thirty-one pounds, they are the Smartmarks Wrestling Federation’s Tag Team Champions! I give you Wildchild and Johnny Dangerous… WIIILLLD! AAAAAAAAAANND DANGEROUS!" As soon as Funyon lowers the microphone from his lips, the Kings of the Double-Team take off down the ramp way – Johnny on one side and Wildchild on the other - slapping hands with the fans gathered close to the crowd barricade as they close in on the ring, then slide in under the bottom rope! They each head towards a turnbuckle, climb up, and pump the glistening Tag Team Titles into the air as thousands of flashbulbs explode from those with the benefit of flash photography! “Wild and Dangerous seem to be pretty confident,” observes Comet, “and you can’t really blame them – they’ve had some pretty good success this year, each man only having one loss each in a SWF ring so far.” “Well that’s certainly about to change,” spits Riley, “Johnny Dangerous and Wildchild are about as cocky as they come, and that’s one of the *biggest* reasons the House of Todd has chosen the Tag Team Champions as their target – they need a serious lesson in humility, and they are about to get it!” Hopping down from the turnbuckles, Johnny and Wildchild step over towards Referee Matthew Kivell and hand him their belts. He graciously accepts them and hoists the belts over his head, displaying them to the crowd before stepping to the edge of the ring and handing the titles off to an assistant. The House of Todd finishes their last minute strategy meet and Landon climbs up to the outside apron as Todd slides into the ring, while Megan takes her place at ringside just below Landon. On the other side of the ring, Johnny and Wildchild have a brief chat before Johnny graciously steps out to the apron. DING! DING! DING! “This match is official,” says Comet, “and it looks like Wildchild and Todd Royal are going to start this one out!” With the crowds cheering on the opening of this match, the two men step into the middle of the ring then begin to make a few quick circles of each other, looking for an opening on their opponent. Wildchild brushes his finger across his nose while Todd hunkers down, twiddling his fingers and oozing with anxiousness to get a hold of this sinner! But… before any attack is made, a loud chant rises up from the crowd: “WILD-CHILD!” “WILD-CHILD!” “WILD-CHILD!” “WILD-CHILD!” “And just *listen* to that crowd,’ marvels Comet. “You may have doubts about the abilities of the Bahama Bomber, Citizen Robert, but I don’t think Los Angeles shares your sentiments.” “What the hell do they know anyway,” spits Bobby. “Todd could perform miracles before them and they would *still* burn him at the stake!” Wildchild smiles and nods as he extends his hand out to the fans then tap’s his thumb into his chest, making sure that all of the House of Todd knows that these fans are on his side. Todd turns to face the crowd, bickering at them as Wildchild sneaks up behind him. “Todd,” shouts Riley. “Look out behind you!” Todd turns around just as Wildchild loops his arm underneath the Savior’s and takes him over with a textbook armdrag. Todd rolls back to his feet immediately and rushes towards Wildchild, but the Bahama Bomber lifts his arm up quickly, locking it underneath that of his opponent, and arches backwards, taking Royal over with a Japanese-style armdrag! “Royal had better stop worrying about the crowd,” remarks Comet, “or he’s going to find himself looking up at the lights before he knows what’s happened to him!” Todd pounds the canvas in frustration before getting back to his feet. He walks right up to Wildchild, getting nose-to-nose with him. The two superstars exchange words, and the Deity pushes Wildchild away with distaste… SMACK! OOOOOOOOOOH! … But the Bahama Bomber reacts instantaneously, blistering Todd’s face with an open-handed slap! Enraged, the Messiah thrusts his foot into Wildchild’s midsection, doubling him over, and wraps his arm around his head, trapping him in a side headlock. Todd barks something unintelligible at the crowd as Wildchild leads him back towards the edge of the ring, where he uses the ropes to provide him with the momentum to launch him across the ring. Wildchild leaps into the air to leapfrog Royal as he bounces off the ropes, and springs back upwards the second his feet touch the canvas, successfully executing a blind leapfrog as the challenger rebounds a second time. WHAM! Before Todd can bounce off the ropes a third time, the Human Hurricane rushes towards him with determination, leaping into the air just as the Savior turns back towards the ring and crashing into him with a cross-body block that knocks them both over the top rope! “Wildchild getting the better of Todd Royal with his high-speed offense,” notes Comet, as the Tag Team Champion hangs on to the top rope and skins the cat, pulling himself back into the ring. He then gestures at his partner as Royal gets back to his feet outside the ring, beckoning loudly and repeatedly for him to “get ready,” before running towards the corner, leaping gracefully onto the top turnbuckle. The Messiah spots Wildchild from the side of his eye, and sprints in the opposite direction to get away… WHAM! … But he runs smack into the Barracuda, who dives off the ring apron and blasts him with a flying clothesline! Wildchild jumps down from the top turnbuckle back into the ring, walking backwards across the ring… SMACK! … Before wheeling around suddenly and sucker-punching Landon Maddix in the mouth! Enraged, the Disciple steps into the ring to confront his aggressor as Johnny pulls Todd to his feet outside the ring, and Wildchild immediately alerts the referee to his enemy’s intentions. As Kivell forces Maddix back to the corner, the Caribbean Cruiser walks towards the edge of the ring and steps through the ropes to the ring apron. “Damn it, Kivell,” roars Riley, as Johnny scoops Royal up off of his feet, “stop worrying about Maddix, and pay attention to what Wild and Dangerous are doing to Todd outside the ring!” The Barracuda slams Todd across the ring barricade and holds him in position as Wildchild leaps from the apron onto the middle rope… CRASH! … Springing backwards off of the second rope and flipping backwards through the air before crashing into the challenger with a death-defying Asai moonsault! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! “Impressive Asai moonsault by Wildchild,” notes Comet, “as Wild and Dangerous take full advantage of the referee’s distraction to put a whipping on Todd Royal!” “Which is illegal, I might add,” replies Bobby, as Wildchild crawls back over the barricade. “Those two are illegally double-teaming Todd outside the ring, and the referee isn’t even counting!” Johnny slides Todd underneath the bottom rope as Wildchild climbs onto the apron. He grabs onto the top rope and uses it to sling himself into the ring, landing on the opposing middle rope and springing backwards… SPLASH! … Landing onto the Savior’s unprotected chest with a springboard moonsault! He applies a lateral press as the referee turns his attention away from Maddix and dives into position to make the count: ONE! TWO! THR— “Foot on the ropes,” shouts Riley. “Todd has his foot on the ropes!” Surely enough, the referee realizes that the challenger has swung his foot onto the bottom rope at the last possible second, and stops the count. “Aren’t you going to admonish the referee for being distracted that time,” asks Comet with mock sweetness. “Or is it only a bad thing when it doesn’t help your favorites?” “Obviously it was Todd’s Will that Kivell be across the ring talking to Maddix,” counters Riley, as Wildchild pulls Royal to his feet. “And, like the good Disciple that he is, Maddix made sure that the referee was following Todd’s Will!” Wildchild reaches across the ring and makes the tag to Johnny Dangerous, who steps between the ropes to enter the ring as Wildchild scoops the challenger up off of the mat… WHAM! … And slams him down to the mat! “Scoop and a slam,” shouts Comet. “Rare power display by Wildchild!” Johnny turns to face Wildchild and grabs him by the hand. He whips his partner towards the edge of the ring, but the Bahama Bomber reverses, sending the Barracuda to the ropes instead. “What are these two up to,” wonders Comet, as Johnny bounces off the ropes. Wildchild ducks down to lift Johnny into the air with a backdrop, and the Barracuda sails HIGH overhead… WHAM! … Crashing into Todd with an elevated Senton Splash! “Big time senton by Johnny,” exclaims Comet, as Johnny rolls over and hooks the leg. “This match could be over right now!” ONE! TWO! CRACK! But Landon Maddix rushes into the ring to make the save! Landon walks backwards towards his corner, as the referee is admonishing him… SMACK! … And Johnny springs off of the canvas, rushing towards Maddix and belting him with a running forearm shiver! The Disciple scrambles to get his hands on Johnny as the referee holds him back, and the Barracuda uses the distraction to signal his partner. “Landon Maddix with another rookie mistake,” says Comet, as Wildchild leaps into the ring. “He’d stay on the apron, if he knew what was good for him!” “I can’t believe that you can sit here and defend these two,” growls Riley, as Johnny suspends Todd’s upper body on the top rope, while holding his lower body off the mat. “If they weren’t cheating so much, Landon wouldn’t have to come into the ring!” “Well, Wild and Dangerous have a five-count to get in and out of the ring,” replies Comet. “And, if Maddix wouldn’t spend so much time distracting the referee, he might actually be able to make a five count!” Wildchild runs behind his partner across the ring, and leaps into the air as he bounces off the ropes, sailing over Johnny’s back… WHAM! … And crashes into Royal’s back with the Slam Dance! “Slam Dance,” grumbles Riley, as Wildchild steps back onto the ring apron before Kivell can turn back around. “Illegal as hell, of course! And that idiot referee didn’t even see it!” “Well,” replies Comet, “you can blame Todd’s Disciple for that; if he’d just stand on the apron and shut up, Wild and Dangerous wouldn’t be able to get away with anything, now would they?” Johnny lays Todd flat in front of his corner and makes the tag to Wildchild just as Kivell turns back around. The Bahama Bomber leaps onto the top turnbuckle, and Johnny climbs up to greet him. The referee faithfully begins his five count. “Watch this maneuver,” warns Comet, as Johnny traps Wildchild’s head in a front facelock, before grabbing him by the leg with his free hand and falling backwards off of the turnbuckle… SPLASH! … Slamming Wildchild back-first onto Royal’s chest with a superplex! “Brilliant tag team continuity by the champions,” exclaims Comet, as Johnny rolls out onto the ring apron, “and Todd Royal is in a bad way, as the referee drops down for the count!” ONE! TWO! THRE— KICKOUT! “Kickout by Todd Royal,” says Comet. “And a little surprising; Todd’s showing me something by taking all of this punishment so far!” “Never mind that,” grumbles Riley, “the referee should never have even counted that! It was the result of an illegal double-team! He should not have gone down to count that!” “What are you talking about,” asks Comet. “They have a five-count get in and out of there, Robert.” “That’s right,” concedes Riley, “but it was still the result of a double-team, Comet, which is illegal!” Comet looks somewhat confused, as Wildchild pulls Todd to his feet. “You still have a five-count to get out of there,” he reiterates. Riley sighs with exasperation, as Wildchild traps the Deity in an inverted front facelock, and reaches into the corner to make another quick tag. “I know that; all I’m saying is that the referee shouldn’t have counted!” Comet grins through his mask, as Johnny ascends to the top turnbuckle. “I understand what you’re saying, Robert,” he replies with mock sweetness. Wildchild lowers his body into a crouch, extending Royal’s back across his knee, as Johnny prepares to leap from the top rope. “Quit arguing with me, Comet,” barks Riley. “It’s getting too late in the night to argue with you!” SPLASH! Johnny leaps from the top turnbuckle, landing on Royal with an elementary body splash that crushes the challenger’s body between his own and Wildchild’s knee. The Tropical Tumbler exits to the ring apron as the referee makes another pinfall count: ONE! TWO! THREE— … But Landon rushes from across the ring yet again to break up the count. “I suppose you condone that,” says Comet, as Landon returns to his corner. “Absolutely,” replies Bobby, as Johnny pulls Todd to his feet. “That move never should have been counted in the first place; Landon was just calling it to the referee’s attention, that’s all!” Johnny holds Todd’s left arm with his left hand while he reaches over Todd’s back to trap him in an unconventional side headlock with his right hand. With the left side of Royal’s body exposed, Johnny lifts his knee off the canvas… WHAM! … And buries it into the Savior’s chest! WHAM! WHAM! The Barracuda repeats this process a few more times, before allowing Todd to fall mercifully to the canvas. He then leans back into his corner to make another quick tag. “Wild and Dangerous are the unquestioned Tag Team Specialists of the SWF,” says Comet, as Wildchild steps back into the ring. “They’ve done a number on Todd Royal, working him over with a series of double-team maneuvers, and quick tags to keep the fresh man in!” Johnny picks Todd’s feet up and locks his hands underneath them as Wildchild runs past him to the opposite side of the ring. The Barracuda begins to fall backwards towards the mat just as his partner rebounds off the ropes and runs back across the ring. The Human Hurricane leaps off of the top rope and curls into a ball as he springs off… WHAM! … Smashing into Todd’s chest with his patented Pinball attack, as Johnny launches the challenger into him with a slingshot! “Another fluid double-team by the Tag Team Champions,” says Comet, as Johnny returns to the ring apron. Wildchild hooks the leg as he covers Todd, and the referee drops down to count once more: ONE! TWO! THREE! “No,” shouts Riley. “Todd lives, by Todd! He lives!” “Give all the credit in the world to Todd Royal,” agrees Comet. “I didn’t think that he had it in him to take a beating like this!” Wildchild pulls Todd to his feet and grabs him by wrist, whipping him into a neutral corner. He rushes at the challenger as he staggers out of the corner and leaps into the air, vaulting off of the back of the Messiah’s neck and forcing him down to canvas. The Human Hurricane land elegantly on the top turnbuckle as Royal rolls over onto his back and springs off immediately… SPLASH! … Twisting around in midair and extending his arms into a crucifix position as he crashes into Todd’s chest with his patented twisting body splash!

(The screen remains blank but slowly flames rise up. The height of the fire continues to grow and soon it engulfs the whole screen and from the fire shoots out the words- “From the Fire.” The fans are heard in the arena as the SmarkTron is being focused in on. The words fade back into the fire and a familiar match is shown. ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas -- The partridge goes nuts and Dace goes DOWN as Matthews drops the cage, proud of himself. Meanwhile, at ringside, Santa Matheson finally pulls himself up, clutching his arm tightly, just in time to see Matthews walk over to Dace’s legs and lift them up, turning around into a Boston Crab! “This is nuts!” screams Comet, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, actually, but just wacky and crazy! Matthews just used a partridge in a pear tree to take out Dace!” “And it’s about to get better!” replies Riley, cheerfully, “Because if Charlie’s going what I think he’s going for, it’s going to be curtains for the CURRENT ICTV Champion!” Matthews holds onto the Boston Crab for a second, but then cinches Dace up, until his head is dangling a few inches above the mat. With that, Matthews shouts, “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO DACE…” as he SITS OUT, DRIVING THE TOP OF DACE’S HEAD DIRECTLY INTO THE CANVAS! “…a GOOD NIGHT!” “SILENT SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “ON BROADWAY!” rejoices Riley, “That’s the move I was talking about! It’s a devastating piledriver that Grappler’s only used once before! Unbelievable!” Soapdish drops down to count as Grappler holds in a tight pin on Dace. “ONE!” “TWO!” “THREE!” *DING* BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! “Ladies and gentlemen, Charlie Matthews has pinned Dace Night!” James Matheson begins jumping for joy at ringside, despite the unbearable pain in his arm. Soapdish begins his count as the fans rally behind the champion. “ONE!” “TWO!” “DACE F’N NIGHT! DACE F’N NIGHT!” “THREE!” “FOUR!” Dace doesn’t budge, while Grappler slowly rises to his knees, and, using the ropes, he rises to his feet. “FIVE!” “DACE F’N NIGHT!” “SIX!” “DACE F’N NIGHT!” “SEVEN!” …and Dace rolls onto his stomach, and towards the ropes! The crowd EXPLODES as Night grabs onto the bottom rope, reaching up towards the middle rope! “EIGHT!” Grappler is in SHOCK as Dace grabs a hold of the middle rope… “NINE!” …and begins pulling himself up, until- *BOOM!* -James Matheson socks Dace with the loaded teddy bear from hell, which sends him right back down to the mat! … … “TEN!” The crowd, in absolute stupefaction, goes silent. The ring bell, on the other hand, doesn’t. *DING DING DING!* “LAAAAAAAADIES AND GENTLEMEN,” booms Funyon, “THE WINNER OF THIS CONTEST, AND NEWWWWWWWWWWWWWW S – W – F INTERCONTINENTAL TELEVISION CHAAAAAAMPION… CHAAAAAAAAAAAAARLIE ‘GRAPPLER’ MAAAAAAATTHEWSSSSSS!!!!!” BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Charlie Matthews drops to his knees, exulting in the glory of (tainted) victory. Soapdish retrieves the Championship belt, and hands it to the new Champion, as tears flow freely from his eyes. “This makes me sick!” screams Comet, “Dace was going to break the count, but James Matheson stopped him! This is a miscarriage of justice!” “We WISH you a Merry Christmas, we WISH you a Merry Christmas, we WISH you a Merry Christmas, and a HAPPY NEW CHAMPION!” sings Riley, enjoying this moment of victory. -- Comet’s voice is over the scene fading. “Since then Grappler has proved himself to be a fighting champion. But now tonight he has to show how fierce of a warrior he is, booked twice, defending his ICTV championship and getting a shot at the World title. The emotions run high and the stakes seem even higher.” Riley begins to say something but Cyclone swiftly cuts him off. “But before we can get to the World title match we have to see how Matthews can hold up against a veteran. Against a man who has taken more punishment in three years than most men take in their lifetimes.” But another scene kicks up. SWF Smarkdown, March 1st, 2004 -- Near the turnbuckle and the ropes Onita locks in a front headlock and grabs a handful of Mike’s black tights, but Siclen grapevines his foot around Ann’s leg and blocks it. Ann frees her leg and suddenly tugs up causing MVS to be held vertical into the air. The fans suddenly break into cheers as they see Spike charging! Ann panics and doesn’t know what to do but suddenly sees Jenkins bend down and leap high into the air, soaring with a dropkick! He nails Siclen right near the upper chest and the sudden weight change causes Onita to topple over! Mike Van Siclen finds himself released and free-falling back first from the ring onto the cold, hard cement! Ann hits the ropes awkwardly and nearly bails out but she holds onto the rope. “What an innovative way to deal with both competitors!” Comet proclaims with a complement. “He dropkicks Siclen in the chest and he goes flying to the outside and it sends Ann onto the ring apron!” (“Yes, it was an enduring four way match up to see who could be worthy enough to fight here tonight in this spot.”) On the outside Onita and Allison both battle Siclen, who is dodging kicks and throwing strikes as they approach the announcer’s table. “Oh Christ,” Riley says as Mike grabs a hold of Ann and simply chucks her over to the table where she hits and slides on the table, knocking over various items. The two commentators back away wearily as Ann in her rage rips up one of the monitors. Cords following the small television set like entrails. Allison occupies Siclen by throwing various kicks and elbow strike attempts, Siclen catching an arm and Irish Whipping Ann’s sister right into the turnbuckle post on the outside! Her head collides with the metal and she crumbles down as the sickening thud echoes. Even more pissed off Siclen turns his head to see Annie and flash- Comet can’t help but to turn his head right as the monitor’s corner nails Mike right in the corner of his head! Siclen clutches his forehead and reels back in pain. (“Blood was shed.”) The scene shot fades away to show a still frame of Siclen slightly bent down, blood dripping down from his chin coming from the gash in his forehead. Luchador turns around again, seeing Spike standing there and throwing out a super kick! Andrew ducks under and tackles Spike with a spear! He quickly sees his shot and grabs Jenkins’ legs, twisting them over in a Boston crab! Jenkins’ face shows the pain instantly and Kivell lowers and asks if he wants to quit. Jenkins shakes his head no and Luchador laughs. He holds up the hold, elevating it before hopping into the air and tugging back, landing bottom first onto Spike’s back! Jenkins cries out loud in pain but still refuses. He’s completely stuck in the middle of the ring, the fans split in who they are rallying against. Slowly yet surely Van Siclen is desperately crawling, wiping the fresh blood away… he gets to his feet. He then staggers forward but Spike’s hand slaps against the mat! DING! DING! DING! “AND NOW YOUR WINNER VIA SUBMISSION AND NUMBER ONE CONTENDERSHIP TO THE ICTV CHAMPIONSHIP… IIIINSSSAANNNNEEEE LLLUUUCCHHHHAADOOORR!” Funyon cries out to numerous cheers! (“But in the end, it was the Insane Luchador who used his skill and experience with knowledge to work the legs of Spike, getting him to tap out at the most opportune moment.”) -- The SmarkTron fades to black on that scene but suddenly cuts to Grappler hitting hard right hands! Short clips of Matthews hitting various moves or nailing the sleeper holds is shown before wrapping up with him holding his belt high into the air. Funyon’s voice is prerecorded and booms, “Charlie ‘The Grappler’ Matthews.” More clips are shown as they get more intense, showing more recent moments while the crowd pops loudly for him. Finally it fades to black after showing him nail the running Death Valley Driver. It ends with him hitting the On Broadway in slow motion on Dace. The scene’s mood changes instantly. “AHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Insane Luchador’s psycho laugh is shown. The short scenes are shown in violent and sudden flashes, such as IL laughing while the New Sound attacks him, and Luchador nailing a balconysault to Erek Taylor! It continues, showing IL run up and just clobber his opponent senseless with punches! “The Insanity Man, the Insane Luchador,” Funyon’s voice proclaims. A Brink of Insanity is shown and quickly there’s the flash of an Evenflow DDT. Finally in black and white and slower motion there’s the insane jump from the top of a balcony’s railing at the Ford factory. “Tonight one man will be victorious and one man has a shot to prove to the SWF he’s got what it takes to be a true man.” -- (The camera cuts right to Bobby Riley and Cyclone Comet. Both look ridiculous, Riley with his powder blue ruffled tuxedo and Comet in his usual costume get-up. The two give phony grins before Comet takes the cue). “Well I don’t think the loyal fans need any more hype for tonight! This show is going to be remembered long from now and this match should be no exception! It seems very shallow at the surface, but really Charlie has to go through two tough matches, and the Insane Luchador has to give it his all if he wants the big break! Many people who have grasped the ICTV belt have moved onto bigger and better things, becoming legends that we still talk about,” Comet says. “Such as Edwin MacPhisto,” Comet has to pause for the fans to die down. “Mark Stevens, Tom Flesher, Thugg, Neilsen of the Jungle, Danny Williams, Thoth, and Wilson,” Comet ends list on a sour note. “Well all I know is Grappler and I had something special and he turned on me!” Riley pouts, using very odd words to phrase it. Funyon cuts in, saving Bobby from any further harassment. “This match is scheduled for one fall and it is for the ICTV title!” “Well I got to admit that Luchador has quite the task in front of him. I think he needs to work the head and use his speed, but not be all over the place with his moves. Grappler’s neck will probably never be a hundred percent and the Evenflow DDT, one of IL’s finishers, is not friendly to the head at all,” Comet explains. “All Matthews needs to do is use up all his energy, mainly so he can get beat later tonight!” Riley exclaims. The drums kick in and the fans go absolutely insane for Dropkick Murphys’ “The Gauntlet!” There are the sudden explosions of multicolored pyro and as the smoke ascends slowly Andrew Rickmen comes leaping out from the entrance ramp! He does a quick spin, killing some extra energy, before throwing his arms up high into the air. He wears a black shirt with the Misfits posing looking pissed off on the front, his wild hair spiked up with those streaks of a dark green, the loose khaki cargoes, the same worn down black skate shoes, and a look in his eye that shows he’s truly ready for tonight. “Introducing your challenger… from Easton, Pennsylvania- weighing in at 201 pounds… IINNNSSSSAAANNNNEE LUUCCHHHAAADOOOR!” Funyon yells as it milks the cheers. Andrew takes a step down the aisle but pauses. He glances to each side and a smirk comes across his face. He then proceeds to sprint down the entrance ramp, slapping every fan’s hand that he can! He doesn’t stop his charge to the ring and he dives headfirst into it, before rolling up. The music fades away as he leaps onto the top turnbuckle and throws up his arms. He hops down to the mat and walks to the center of the ring where he nods to Matthew Kivell. Suddenly the lights go out and a small portion of the fans cheer! “Some Kind of Monster” by Metallica kicks up and that one, white spotlight shines on the entrance ramp. It’s a little wait before Charlie “Grappler” Matthews steps onto the ramp. He wears his usual black long trunks, black boots, black kneepads, and his hairy upper body is bare. “You’d think he’d at least have the courtesy to trim it, geez,” Riley comments. Charlie has a scowl on his face, the ICTV title securely fastened around his waist. “One has to wonder how focused Citizen Matthews could be for this match. I mean he’s double booked and he would be a fool to waste all his energy on this match up,” Comet says. “Now… YOUR SWF I-C-T-V CHAMPION! From Kansas City, Missouri, weighing in at 301 pounds…. CHHHHAARLLIIEEE ‘GRAPPLER’ MMMMAATHHHHEEEEWWWSSS!” Funyon’s voice booms. Grappler begins his walk down the aisle his eyes just having a “wandering” look. Rickmen is in the ring, crouched over and waiting patiently. Charlie picks up the pace and pauses right as he gets to ringside. He pauses again and then walks to the ring apron. He slowly climbs up it and enters through the middle rope. He keeps staring at IL while reaching behind him and unhooking the belt, handing it over to Kivell. Matthews raises it high into the air and Insane Luchador walks right up to Grappler and chests bumps into him like a high school bully. The two stare for a bit as they wait for the bell to ring, Luchador tilting his head up to look Matthews right in the eyes. DING! DING! DING! Matthews simply shoves the Insane Luchador back and nails him with a hard right hook! He then quickly scoops him up and over hitting the classic scoop slam. IL rolls right back up leaping into the air with a Crossbody! But only to get caught by Grappler and he simply falls to one knee, and dropping IL slightly, hitting the back breaker! He then places his hand over Luchador’s chin as he’s laid across the ICTV Champion’s knee. Grappler pushes back and he lets the pain keep going before letting Luchador roll off his knee. Charlie stands there near the corner and waits for Luchador to roll up to his feet. The second IL does Grappler charges at the challenger and knocks him down with a vicious short arm clothesline! “I think Grappler’s going to try to get the quickest win here. Not to cheat Insane Luchador but to help himself out for the main event,” Comet comments wisely. The jeers pick up as Andrew Rickmen rolls to his feet but only to get creamed with another short arm clothesline! Frustrated he rolls right back up and attempts to duck- “But Charlie hits him with a third short arm clothesline! IL is knocked to the ground and has to be out of it. Maybe I could get used to this,” Riley says. But the Luchador gets to his one knee and gets up. He throws a side kick but that only gets caught by Grappler, who uses the clutch on the leg to throw IL off balance then to the mat. Rickmen rolls back and he stands up giving a sigh. He cautiously approaches Matthews, who’s just standing there in a wrestling pose. Andrew gives a burst of energy and tries to nail Charlie with a straight hook but he jerks away. But as his upper body comes back it gives the chance for Rickmen to nail a toe kick to Charlie’s chin! He stumbles back and Luchador grabs one of the flailing arms by the wrist. But before IL can whip him into the ropes Matthews is able to reverse the momentum and move, sending his opponent to the ropes instead. He rockets back at Charlie who simply sends his knee to his gut! Then he steps to the side and wraps his massive arms around Luchador’s waist. Finally, with ease, he flips Andrew up into the air and then slamming IL back down with a gutwrench suplex! “Beautiful move done by our ICTV champion, it’s true he may not have the most exciting or flashy move set but he does hit everything with near perfection!” Comet complements. Riley nods in agreement. “Anybody who can take IL to school like this is okay at the moment in my book.” Grappler takes his time getting to his feet, grabbing at Luchador and tugging him up. Charlie, unable to resist, gets the fans very stirred as he shoves away the Luchador and slapping him in the chest with an open hand! Andrew clutches his chest and Grappler slightly slaps IL’s face for embarrassment, to throw IL off. It works as he just looks at Charlie oddly. The ICTV champion quickly takes advantage of this by locking in the front face lock and grabs a handful of his khaki cargoes, lifting him into the air. Within the blink of an eye he then quickly follows through to hit a snap suplex. Andrew rolls away from Matthews and he grabs the rope, pulling himself up. Dumbly he leans against the ropes with his head and chest heaving, back turned to Matthews. “Oh Citizen Rickmen, you should know better than doing that!” Comet cries out but it seems too late. Charlie’s already on the charge, arm up and locked for the clothesline! But a simple smirk crosses Luchador’s face and he ducks under the clothesline attempt. Charlie begins to flip over the ropes and Andrew has no problems with assisting the laws of psychics. He grabs Matthews’ legs and flips him over the ropes. That sends him headfirst onto the outside. Andrew Rickmen hops onto the apron and heads towards the turnbuckle. The ICTV champion gets to his feet somewhat quickly but obviously shaken. Kivell begins the count out- “ONE” Andrew Rickmen begins a charge towards Matthews, getting a massive pop from the crowd! “TWO” He leaps off and throws himself out at Charlie with the Crossbody! “THREE” The ICTV champion looks up and braces- “He catches Insane Luchador! He catches IL again!” Riley squeals in delight. “FOUR” The fans turn on Grappler quickly as he feels Luchador desperately pound punches into his back. “FIVE” He turns around and slams Andrew right in middle of his back right onto the steel barricade! He retains the hold though as Luchador goes limp in his clutches. “SIX” With a small grin he runs at the ring post and slams IL back first into it! “SEVEN” “Come on, back into the ring!” Riley commands at Matthews. “EIGHT” “I hate to say it but it seems like Matthews is just using IL as practice for later tonight,” Comet says. He shows mercy or brutality as he places IL onto the apron and shoves him into the ring. He then slides in himself; he immediately hooks the leg- “ONE!” The fans jeer but some chant along with the count. “TWO!” But Charlie never considered how close they were to the ropes as IL’s skate shoe clearly hangs over the bottom rope. “Maybe I was wrong, I know Matthews can’t go full force for this match up… but he seems to be distracted. Just wrestling out of instinct because he should have known to at least stay clear of those ropes,” Comet thinks out loud. “I’d be distracted due if I knew my annihilation was to be so soon too!” Riley chimes in. “That’s a bit extreme…” Cyclone says. “What can I say? I’m a bit fatalistic.” Riley shrugs. Charlie gets to his feet and backs into center of the ring, just allowing the Insane Luchador to slowly pick himself up. He stands up and looks at Grappler slowly rolling back his shoulders, trying to get into his groove. “I must say that Citizen Luchador hasn’t been that impressive tonight,” Comet admits. “He is the lesser wrestler of the two,” Riley insists as the crowd openly disagrees. Andrew leaps out and tries for a high kick but with a quick movement Grappler avoids it. But he’s able to nail Charlie with a knee to the gut! Quickly he wraps an arm around Matthews head and drops to the mat with the DDT! IL rolls right to his feet and Charlie Matthews isn’t too far behind. The two collide in a grapple and the ICTV champion gets in a front facelock. After grabbing a handful of khaki cargoes he hoists the Insane Luchador high into the air. There’s a mixed reaction as Grappler drops to the mat, taking IL down with him, and finishes the vertical suplex. Luchador tries to get up quickly but he gets attacked by Charlie, who’s already lifting him up. Matthews slings Andrew Rickmen onto his shoulders, looking like he’s ready to hit the torture rack! But then he begins to spin in center of the ring. “Airplane spin!” Comet cries. After the fifth spin Matthews stops and drops Luchador, then quickly lays across the disoriented Luchador for the pin- “ONE” “TWO” Luchador quickly kicks out. Grappler seems a bit shocked. “Well much as I want Grappler to win- IL has gone through more pain than just being spun around a lot,” Riley says. Andrew Rickmen scrambles away from Grappler and gets to his feet, waiting for Charlie to stand also. Grappler is barely to his feet before he gets nailed with a haymaker done in desperation! He is sent staggering backwards right as Insane Luchador leaps out and nails a super kick. The fans go nuts. “By golly, Luchador just nailed a super kick out of nowhere!” Comet yells. But the super kick doesn’t even make Charlie fall down! He just reels back from the power before hitting back first against the turnbuckle! He’s left vulnerable as Luchador charges and leaps out, hitting a flying clothesline! Grappler stumbles out of the corner and Luchador quickly hops onto the top turnbuckle. He leaps off and quickly nails an amazing bulldog! “There you go IL!” Comet cheers on. Andrew rolls right up and throws his arms into the air once he’s on his feet. He quickly turns around, elbow dropping his opponent right in the back of his head before turning him over and pinning him! “ONE!” The crowd chants. “TWO!” “Could IL have done it so quickly?” Comet asks. But milliseconds after that second Grappler’s shoulder pops off the canvas. Luchador shrugs and gets to his feet, watching the shaken Grappler get to one knee. He shows no mercy to his opponent and nails him with a vicious side kick to the temples that produces a loud smack! The ICTV champion crumbles back to the mat and IL begins to tug him up. But mid-way Grappler hits a right cross in defense and it sends his opponent reeling. Luchador charges back at Grappler who just lifts his leg into the air, IL colliding right into it! But Andrew doesn’t fall down. So Charlie lunges out with a clothesline attempt that Luchador ducks under! He steps behind Grappler and wraps one around him- “Jesus!” Riley yells as he watches inside the ring. “Luchador’s showing a rare display of strength, he’s lifting Charlie up with a backdrop!” The fans, once again, go insane as Luchador begins the drop- Comet comments right as the thud echoes across the arena. “Wow, just wow! Citizen IL is either really pissed off or focused because he just gave a devastating high angled backdrop suplex! That was ridiculously close to being a backdrop driver!” Grappler just lies there on the mat as Luchador sits on his back, feet in front of his shoulders, to a mixed reaction he grabs Charlie’s chin and tugs up tightly! “Chokehold!” Riley protests. “Oh stop it, Robert. You know very well that’s a perfectly legal camel clutch. Not to mention a smart move, IL has been taking a rather nasty beating but now he’s coming back, working that weakened neck.” “I think Luchador’s taking a liking to these submissions. He won his last match by submission too.” Riley adds. Luchador tugs up on Grappler’s neck viciously and asks if he’ll quit. “Hey Andrew, that’s Kivell’s job,” Riley jeers. Kivell also asks if Grappler quits and he still refuses. Luchador lets go and grabs the back of Matthews’ neck, smacking his face right into the mat! More jeers become evident as Luchador locks back in the Camel Clutch! Grappler moans softly and Andrew tugs even more harshly. “I-L! I-L!” “GRAPP-LER! GRAPP-LER!” “The fans don’t quite agree with Andrew’s viciousness apparently,” Comet mutters. Charlie still refuses to let go. “You know he has a good shot at the World Title tonight, I don’t know if he should be taking so much punishment,” Comet says. Luchador lets go again but that allows Grappler to arch his back up, sending IL to his back on the mat! Charlie looks pissed as he frees his lower body from Luchador and stands to his feet. Both pair of chants dies down as he grabs IL by his black shirt! He lifts him up to his feet yet he gets hit with a hard right hook! This frees Luchador who quickly tries for a tackle! But instead Grappler catches him with a headlock and hits the DDT! Both now in the heat of battle get up with their adrenaline flowing. The two begin to exchange punches and it is apparent IL’s fighting a losing battle. “Usually IL is a better brawler than most but I think Charlie’s strength is what comes into play,” Comet says. Grappler hits a monstrous right hand that sends Luchador nearly spinning! Before he can drop the canvas Charlie moves behind him, grabbing him just right and lifting him up- “The torture rack, Citizen IL’s taken a lot of abuse but a lot to the back, now he’s going to see if Citizen IL will quit!” Comet proclaims. Kivell asks Luchador but he refuses. Grappler pauses in the hold and realizes that this may be a lost battle so he just drops Luchador to the mat! Before he can even react Luchador has counted with a school boy! “ONE!” Grappler is quick to break the pin. The two opponents get to their feet and charge at one another! Luchador holds his arms in the air for a grapple which allows Grappler to throw his one knee up into the air. IL is blasted in the chin with Grappler’s knee and he reels back and flips over the ropes, spilling to the outside! “Here we go again,” Comet says as Grappler quickly goes to the outside, despite Kivell’s plea. ONE! Charlie picks up IL with no delay. With a quick knee he stands right near the doubled over Luchador. TWO! He wraps his two arms around Luchador’s chest. “He could be going for the Piledriver onto the cement!” Riley gasps as if death was looking him in the face. THREE! The fans all watch as IL is lifted and his head hovers above the cement. “This could do it, citizens,” Comet says. FOUR! But Luchador begins to his lift his lower body as Grappler’s arm lets go! FIVE! Luchador uses his legs to keep clutched onto Grappler as he curls up and wraps an arm around his neck- SIX! Andrew lets his clutched legs free which send the two cement! “Citizen Luchador reverses the attempted Piledriver into a DDT, brilliant!” Comet shrieks. SEVEN! Luchador grabs Grappler and hoists him up, rolling him into the ring. EIGHT! Andrew Rickmen hops onto the apron, stopping the count. He hops onto the top rope and bends his knees, leaping out and forward for a springboard shooting star press! The fans reunite to go crazy for this move as Luchador is able to get the pin in after colliding with Grappler! “ONE!” The fans chant. “TWO!” “IL has had a lot of close calls in his career at title shots,” Comet says. “THREE!” But Kivell stops the count as the fans finish the count. He points to Grappler’s leg that’s slung over. Luchador glares at Kivell as he stands up. “Your own fault for pinning so close to the ropes,” Riley comments. Luchador stands up and sighs before looking down at Grappler. He then leaps into the air, looking to go for the simple leg drop! But Charlie rolls away and onto the apron! He pulls himself up now standing on the apron still trying to shake off the massive DDT on the outside. But being a fighting champion and a smart wrestler he’s able to keep going at the same pace as before- watching Luchador charge right at him! Before he can do any harm he lifts his knee into the inside of the ring! Andrew runs straight into it and is stopped dead in his tracks. Charlie gives a smile as he reaches over the ropes and has IL caught in a front facelock! “He’s going to try to suplex IL out of the ring! It’d just work the back more and maybe put IL down for good!” Riley says excited. Grappler lifts IL into the air but suddenly Luchador slips away, falling to the outside but landing on both feet! He dodges a kick Charlie gives from behind. Before Grappler can even turn around he feels IL’s arms wrap around him! “Citizen Luchador slips away like a slippery eel and now he’s trying to give a backdrop suplex to our tough ICTV champ, Grappler!” Comet gives the play-by-play. But Grappler clutches onto the ropes and Luchador just can’t seem to finish up the move! He releases to readjust his hold but instead gets nailed with a mule kick! He shoots back with arms flailing and Matthew leaps off the apron, turning around in the air and hitting a flying clothesline! The two are beyond ringside, now in the narrower aisle! “It turns into ANOTHER brawl on the outside,” Riley says. ONE! Kivell starts the count late. TWO! Luchador tries to get to his feet but can’t. THREE! Charlie grabs Luchador and tugs him up to his feet, only to turn around- throwing Luchador back-first into the steel barricade! FOUR! Luchador fends Grappler off with punches but ultimately gets grabbed again! FIVE! This time his forehead is driven right into the guardrail! SIX! Grappler then grabs Luchador’s wrist and whips him chest first into the apron! Luchador’s forehead seems extremely red and looking like it’s ready to burst. EIGHT! Charlie walks down the aisle, catching his breath. NINE! Luchador tugs himself into the ring and Grappler rolls into the ring. “You know Comet, you always say how great IL is once he’s on the outside or in a brawl- he just got served!” Riley yells as his choice of words sends everybody groaning. Insane Luchador continues rolling away from Grappler and he gets to one knee. Charlie stands there and bends down, breathing heavily. Andrew finally gets to his feet and he staggers like a drunk, Grappler charging forward at him! He nails Luchador square in the forehead with an elbow! IL reels back and his already agitated forehead has split open! The crimson blood begins to flow freely going right down the bride of his nose and to the sides! He hits the mat and rolls back to his knees. He slowly stands up and puts his fists up, almost making Grappler laugh. “He acts like now he’s going to start fighting,” Riley says with an eye roll. Luchador moves up and quickly hits a left cross and a fierce uppercut! The fans go wild as his opponent reels back, bouncing into the ropes. He stumbles forwards and Insane Luchador locks in a front headlock! He drops to the mat and hits the first DDT then keeps the hold! “The rolling DDT!” Cyclone yells. The two get back to their feet and Luchador drops to the mat again! For the third he tugs them up again and then hits the final DDT! But Luchador pulls him up hitting a front facelock. He then grabs a handful of Charlie’s tights than tugs him into the air! Luchador’s smart enough to drop quickly to his BUTT, hitting the Brainbuster! He quickly hooks the leg as the fans go crazy! “ONE!” The hand raises- … “TWO!” But Grappler kicks out, determined to keep his ICTV title. Andrew, frustrated, grabs Charlie and tugs him right up. But before IL can do anything he gets a knee to the gut! He doubles over and gets locked in with a front face lock! “Christ! Charlie’s a true fighter. He’s going for the ‘Wake Up Call’ after nearly being beat! Much more worthy than that insane shmuck,” Riley says. But as he tugs Luchador up he slips away. Charlie turns around hits a hard right hook then uses the chance to get him into a fireman’s carry! He begins to run forward and his other finisher, The Time Machine seems inevitable! “The Time Machine! It’s over! It’s over!” Even Comet seems sure. The fan’s all stare and jeer, mixed with a few cheers. All eyes are on Grappler who’s ready to put IL away in middle of the ring. But suddenly Luchador swings out and behind, sloppily taking down Charlie Matthews with a reverse DDT! “BY ZEUS! IL HAS JUST REVERSED THE TIME MACHINE WITH SWINGING OUT AND HITTING AN ODD REVERSE DDT!” Comet screams as the cheers are deafening. Luchador lies there before getting to his knees. He stares over at Grappler who’s flopped onto his stomach and pushing himself to get up. The motivation of being champion carries Andrew Rickmen to both of his feet and he stumbles at Charlie Matthews. Quickly he goes over from behind, locking in the full nelson! He then tugs Charlie up and forces him with him as he runs towards the turnbuckle! He hops onto it but Matthews smacks both of his hands onto Luchador’s ears! He releases the full nelson and the hopes of hitting the Brink of Insanity. Grappler turns around. “Just when I thought the table had turned!” Comet says. But Luchador remains on the turnbuckle, ears ringing and all, but he still has the sense to nail Charlie straight in the face with a kick! He reels back and Luchador hops and leaps out- hitting a headlock! Luchador forces his strained body to leap into the air, tugging Charlie up with him and then crashing down in spiked and fierce DDT! The fans explode with a chorus of cheers “EVENFLOW DDT!” Riley wails in despair. IL hooks the leg, ONE! TWO! THREE! The bell chimes in which is barely heard over the fans. “IL HAS DONE IT! HE’S DETHRONED GRAPPLER! HE’S THE NEW I-C-T-V CHAMPION!” Cyclone Comet cries out. “NNNNOOOO!” Riley screams. “YOUR WINNER AND NEW I-C-T-V CHAMPION- IIINNNSSAAANNNEEEE LLLLLLUUCCCHHHAAADDOOOORR!” Funyon’s voice booms to the insane crowd. “Stay tuned!” Comet cries. -Fade to black-

Card: MAIN EVENT TWO STRAIGHT FALLS MATCH, WORLD TITLE Charlie "Grappler" Matthews vs Va'aiga So it all comes down... to this. So it all comes down... to the fact I couldn't think of a better line. Ahem. For the last six weeks, Charlie Matthews and Va'aiga have been trading barbs, beatdowns, and dramatic, steely staredowns. It all comes to a head at From the Fire, as the 2004 SWF Clusterfuck winner faces off agains the world champion, and man who EJECTED him from his stable upon his victory. The stage is set. But just like so many times in the past, Va'aiga has one decided advantage... he's not wrestling in the opening match of the PPV as well. Rules: The first man to score two consecuitive falls over his opponent is declared the winner and SWF World Champion. Regular DQ, countout, pinfall and submission rules apply. (If I've stuffed any of this, please correct) Dace Night vs ??? And as is a pre-requisite for all PPVs, the ???-man makes his contractually obligated appearance. Dace is a bit confused about this one... he knew he wasn't sure what he'd be doing for From the Fire, but he didn't think it'd be a mystery match. Rules: Standard singles match. _-_WARNING_-_ It's a selection of hardcore brutality so serious, it needs its own section cordoned off on the card! Mothers, put the kids to bed and have Katie bar the door, because good god there is more barbed wire in this part of the PPV than between the Manginot and Siegfreid lines. GRUDGE MATCH STREET FIGHT HVille Thugg vs Alan Clark For three weeks, Alan Clark has been running his mouth, and when taking a pause, letting a sledgehammer do the talking for him. He's aggrivated the HVille Thugg, instiaged a match, and now faces high odds of getting discombobulated by the former, two-time SWF world champion. But it's not just any match: It's a street fight, where no rules apply... and there's nothing to stop Thugg from ripping Alan's head off and parading it up and down the streets of Los Angeles. It's entierly possible that he's being underestimated, after dethroning the incomprable Wildchild for the crusierweight title last show... but can Clark's ass still cash the cheques he's been writing with his mouth? Or is this tender going to bounce higher than his head off the pavement? Rules: There aren't any. HARDCORE TITLE 200 LIGHT TUBES MATCH Aecas vs Toxxic Though Toxxic is an impressive rookie who's scored a few unlikely victories in his short tenure with the SWF, Aecas is a tenacious, frightening competitor, who just happens to be the hardcore champion, and is definitely his biggest challange yet. At From the Fire, they throw down in... in... well, shit, do I really need to describe this? The real question being posed here is "Will you respect me in the morning?" And the answer: Aye, lad... after I've picked up my limbs, anyway. Rules: There are 200 light tubes stacked outside the ring, and threaded through the ring ropes... which also happen to be wound around with barbed wire. Lovely. Two limb and/or major internal organ loss limit, please, and if there's a Va'aiga/Dace-esque swerve, the potential violence in this match will know no wrath like the death I will rain from the heavens. CAGE MATCH John Duran vs Janus Janus and Duran haven't exactly seen eye to eye... well... ever. 'Cept when Janus gives into his alternate personality, but that doesn't count. Either way, they've been notedly upset with each other since, after much hype and hoopla, Duran dethroned Janus as HGC champion. Tonight, retribution could well be at hand. Rules: Pinfall-only cage match rules. There will be weapons of Janus and Duran's choice inside the cage. Once both men are inside the cage, the door will be locked and there can be no escape. STAIRWAY TO HELL MATCH Ann "Ichiban" Onita vs Jamie "Jay Dawg" Drazon Some things just don't need long descriptions. This classic matchup, which is probably number IX in the series, has been one that's had no shortage of blood, kendo sticks and steel chairs. JD and Annie have fought for hardcore supremacy many times, and this time ain't no different, as they set the standard for the youngins' who follow. And what can I say? They're a cute couple! Rules: There is a roll of barbed wire hanging above the ring, in a kerosine soaked rag. There is a ladder at the entranceway, which can be used to retrieve the barbed wire. Using weapons besides the wire, the rag or the ladder is frowned upon, but is anyone REALLY going to enforce anything in a match like this? _-_WARNING_-_ USJL TITLE MATCH Sacred vs "Coyote" Coy West Coy, Blackwell, roud deux! I think. Either way, Sacred defends his USJL title for about the third time (Happy now?) against the Coyote, whose clubberin' ways have earned him a spot in the hearts of SWF fans the world over. And more than a few notches in the win column. A victory here for either man may indicate to things far beyond USJL gold... Rules: Standard singles match. TAG TEAM TITLES Wild and Dangerous vs The House of Todd Todd Royal and Landon Maddix have shown... shall we say... less than 'godliness' since their promotion to the SWF proper. Unless, of course, they've teamed up with each other. They get a chance to cash in on their shot at the tag titles, earned a few weeks ago, as they face off against defending champions Wildchild and Johnny Dangerous. This is the first time in a little while the champions have tagged up, so the match may be slightly in the House of Todd's favour... Rules: Standard tag match. ICTV TITLE MATCH Charlie "Grappler" Matthews vs Insane Luchador Charlie kicks off the PPV... in the opening match? Well, he needs all the time he can get to re-prepare himself for the main event. And the fact he's going to have to do double-duty is probably going to cloud his mindset, as well as the fact he faces off against the most unexpected challanger possible. The Insane Luchador Andrew Rickmen gets his BIG SWF break, shooting for the ICTV title on PPV. Whoda thunkit? Rules: Standard singles match.

The Smart Marks Wrestling Federation Presents... A PAY-PER-VIEW EXTRAVAGANZA! SWF FROM THE FIRE, LIVE, SUNDAY MARCH 7th, FROM THE SOLD OUT STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA! (7pm PST, 10pm EST; Featuring Icehouse's "Touch the Fire"... which I've never actually heard, but it's got a cool name and the only other song I could think of was "Firewoman.") PPV time rolls around once more for the SWF! At the last FTF, the greatest tag team in SWF history was born, and despite being Clusterfuck winner, the considered underdog came in and usurped the longest reigning SWF world champion from his throne. There are many similarities between this years From the Fire and 2003's... but no doubt Va'aiga, for one, is hoping that history does not repeat itself! But never the less, legends will be made and new heroes forged... as they step... FROM THE FIRE! MAIN EVENT TWO STRAIGHT FALLS MATCH, WORLD TITLE Charlie "Grappler" Matthews vs Va'aiga So it all comes down... to this. So it all comes down... to the fact I couldn't think of a better line. Ahem. For the last six weeks, Charlie Matthews and Va'aiga have been trading barbs, beatdowns, and dramatic, steely staredowns. It all comes to a head at From the Fire, as the 2004 SWF Clusterfuck winner faces off agains the world champion, and man who EJECTED him from his stable upon his victory. The stage is set. But just like so many times in the past, Va'aiga has one decided advantage... he's not wrestling in the opening match of the PPV as well. Rules: The first man to score two consecuitive falls over his opponent is declared the winner and SWF World Champion. Regular DQ, countout, pinfall and submission rules apply. (If I've stuffed any of this, please correct) Send To: realitycheck Dace Night vs ??? And as is a pre-requisite for all PPVs, the ???-man makes his contractually obligated appearance. Dace is a bit confused about this one... he knew he wasn't sure what he'd be doing for From the Fire, but he didn't think it'd be a mystery match. Rules: Standard singles match. Send To: Grand Slam _-_WARNING_-_ It's a selection of hardcore brutality so serious, it needs its own section cordoned off on the card! Mothers, put the kids to bed and have Katie bar the door, because good god there is more barbed wire in this part of the PPV than between the Manginot and Siegfreid lines. GRUDGE MATCH STREET FIGHT HVille Thugg vs Alan Clark For three weeks, Alan Clark has been running his mouth, and when taking a pause, letting a sledgehammer do the talking for him. He's aggrivated the HVille Thugg, instiaged a match, and now faces high odds of getting discombobulated by the former, two-time SWF world champion. But it's not just any match: It's a street fight, where no rules apply... and there's nothing to stop Thugg from ripping Alan's head off and parading it up and down the streets of Los Angeles. It's entierly possible that he's being underestimated, after dethroning the incomprable Wildchild for the crusierweight title last show... but can Clark's ass still cash the cheques he's been writing with his mouth? Or is this tender going to bounce higher than his head off the pavement? Rules: There aren't any. Send To: realitycheck HARDCORE TITLE 200 LIGHT TUBES MATCH Aecas vs Toxxic Though Toxxic is an impressive rookie who's scored a few unlikely victories in his short tenure with the SWF, Aecas is a tenacious, frightening competitor, who just happens to be the hardcore champion, and is definitely his biggest challange yet. At From the Fire, they throw down in... in... well, shit, do I really need to describe this? The real question being posed here is "Will you respect me in the morning?" And the answer: Aye, lad... after I've picked up my limbs, anyway. Rules: There are 200 light tubes stacked outside the ring, and threaded through the ring ropes... which also happen to be wound around with barbed wire. Lovely. Two limb and/or major internal organ loss limit, please, and if there's a Va'aiga/Dace-esque swerve, the potential violence in this match will know no wrath like the death I will rain from the heavens. Send To: Thoth CAGE MATCH John Duran vs Janus Janus and Duran haven't exactly seen eye to eye... well... ever. 'Cept when Janus gives into his alternate personality, but that doesn't count. Either way, they've been notedly upset with each other since, after much hype and hoopla, Duran dethroned Janus as HGC champion. Tonight, retribution could well be at hand. Rules: Pinfall-only cage match rules. There will be weapons of Janus and Duran's choice inside the cage. Once both men are inside the cage, the door will be locked and there can be no escape. Send To: Suicide King STAIRWAY TO HELL MATCH Ann "Ichiban" Onita vs Jamie "Jay Dawg" Drazon Some things just don't need long descriptions. This classic matchup, which is probably number IX in the series, has been one that's had no shortage of blood, kendo sticks and steel chairs. JD and Annie have fought for hardcore supremacy many times, and this time ain't no different, as they set the standard for the youngins' who follow. And what can I say? They're a cute couple! Rules: There is a roll of barbed wire hanging above the ring, in a kerosine soaked rag. There is a ladder at the entranceway, which can be used to retrieve the barbed wire. Using weapons besides the wire, the rag or the ladder is frowned upon, but is anyone REALLY going to enforce anything in a match like this? Send To: realitycheck _-_WARNING_-_ USJL TITLE MATCH Sacred vs "Coyote" Coy West Coy, Blackwell, roud deux! I think. Either way, Sacred defends his USJL title for about the third time (Happy now?) against the Coyote, whose clubberin' ways have earned him a spot in the hearts of SWF fans the world over. And more than a few notches in the win column. A victory here for either man may indicate to things far beyond USJL gold... Rules: Standard singles match. Send To: chirs3 TAG TEAM TITLES Wild and Dangerous vs The House of Todd Todd Royal and Landon Maddix have shown... shall we say... less than 'godliness' since their promotion to the SWF proper. Unless, of course, they've teamed up with each other. They get a chance to cash in on their shot at the tag titles, earned a few weeks ago, as they face off against defending champions Wildchild and Johnny Dangerous. This is the first time in a little while the champions have tagged up, so the match may be slightly in the House of Todd's favour... Rules: Standard tag match. Send To: Grand Slam ICTV TITLE MATCH Charlie "Grappler" Matthews vs Insane Luchador Charlie kicks off the PPV... in the opening match? Well, he needs all the time he can get to re-prepare himself for the main event. And the fact he's going to have to do double-duty is probably going to cloud his mindset, as well as the fact he faces off against the most unexpected challanger possible. The Insane Luchador Andrew Rickmen gets his BIG SWF break, shooting for the ICTV title on PPV. Whoda thunkit? Rules: Standard singles match. Send To: Suicide King (All stuffs go to moi, obviously)

Cutthroat's mark on the SWF in idellible, dude. And no amount of therapy can change that, so I couldn't just leave him out. And, uh, don't think you can get away with this insolence! I'm going put you back in your place the only way we both know how! ::challanges Ced to a game of KoF:: ::loses badly:: ...shit. Okay, next time, I stick to being tyrannical through means I'm actually good at. -Z

Yeah, I knew that much. Look, sue me, I don't have all my MP3's and couldn't find a better fire themed song. And any of the other suggestions on this thread suck. So bite me. Also bite me for any stuffed up descriptions/rules, which I'll edit now. Blah. -Z

I've always looked at the generations like this: 1st Gen: Rane, Jayson, GOAT, Cyclone Comet, Wilson, Neilsen, Sacred etc. The people who were at the very start of the IGNWF and IGNJL, from about Aug. 2000 (though the IGNWF didn't get its boards until October 2000, I don't think) - Jan 2001. 2nd Gen: KoH, Edwin MacPhisto, Raynor, Thoth, Ash, IL, etc. The era of the JL/ML split, and the single most active and talented time of the fed's history. Feb 2001 - Summer 2001. 3rd Generation: Munich, The Boston Strangler, LDP, Annie, Stryke, Sarah, Johnny(Brimstone), etc. The longest spanning generation, beginning after the ML/JL merged back together. Many of these people had unusually long JL careers. Late Summer 2001 - Jan. 2002 4th Generation: Z, Tom, CIA, Mak, Cutthroat, Thor, Spike Jenkins, etc. The first applicants after the IGN -> TSM move. You might be able to consider those who where in the JL at the time as 4th gen, but I do not. Extends from just before the end of the fed at IGN, Feb 2002 - Aug 2002. 5th Generation: Wildchild, Judge, Ejiro, Crowe, Janus, Dace, Va'aiga, etc. Extending from just after Genesis III - early 2003. We'll say Sept 2002 - Feb 2003. Another long lasting generation. 6th Generation: English Dragon, John Duran(sorta), Charlie "Grappler" Matthews, etc. A difficult generation to nail down, because it ebbed and flowed, and very few people ever really came out of it. Mar 2003 - Summer 2003. 7th Generation: Todd Royal, Alan Clark, Landon Maddix, Jimmy Liston... I think that's all I can think of. Recruits start appearing maybe one or two every month. An extremely thin generation. Extends to the end of the JL. Summer 2003 - Jan. 2004. Anyone who joins now could be considered an 8th generation writer. I know there's some gaps between generations, but they're generally marked when a large group of people join and are then all flushed out of the JL or go on to achieve things in the fed, or a generation ends because of some major event in the fed. It's not a perfect measurement, since some generations are significantly longer than others, but I think it's fairly accurate. -Z

Oh dear god my head is throbbing... ugh. For that reason, I'll keep these breif. Looked like a good show match wise, but I was surprised (and a little upset) at the lack of build for anything on the PPV. C'est la vie, I guess. Also, the reason this went up so late was entierly my fault, as I assumed King was marking for this show and kept waiting on him. I was also waiting on an extension request that I should've given up on a little earlier. I'd like to say huzzah for Rando, although it was WC's match I was waiting on so he won by no show. I felt the match was surprisingly good anyway, and that Wildchild would've had to meet a gold standard to keep his title regardless. He'll have a rematch somewhere down the line. Huzzah for IL as well, although I'm not very pleased with the amount of effort that went into the main event. I understand that some of the people who couldn't write had legitimate excuses, but... you never want to see only one match get submitted for the ME. PPV card up as soon as I put the two split parts of my head back together. Ow ow fucking ow. -Z

I really didn't want to give Clark the no-show win, but que sera sera. That said, I do understand your situation fully, but it doesn't make this any less disappointing to me. Of course, I knew you were getting shipped out of Hawaii before the end of the month anyway, and that would've ended Wildchild there, but still. I'm going to say this now: By far and large, you were my single favourite writer to ever grace the SWF. Ever. And I still believe, as I did when you got bumped, that you had more straight up writing ability than anyone else in the fed. I think the only real pity is that you never wanted a big-time, main event run, because at any point over the last six months, I think you could've just said the word. And it's for that I shed a single tear over your leaving, WC. I shed a single tear and then heave a sigh as I look at my roster. ::salutes:: -Z

(The camera hums back to life revealing the Alabama fans all rallied up for the main event! The Coleman Coliseum is simply electric as the SWF’s Smarkdown is winding down. The camera pans down through the throngs of fans until it finally settles down right by ringside). “Welcome back loyal SWF citizens! I am Cyclloonnne Comet and my side kick here is Bobby Riley-” Comet begins. But Riley cuts him off quickly and says, “We’ve been over this. I’m not your side kick; I’m your partner…” “…Partner in justice!” Comet cries out. “No, just your partner in an announcing job that does not pay enough,” Riley quips back. “Anyway this is Smarkdown, we’ve had an eventful show and now it’s time for the main event.” “That’s right we’re so close to From the Fire and such a big match here is definitely going to affect this federation! Citizen Charlie Matthews is going have to work double time, defending his ICTV title AND facing the Maori Badass. This four-way tonight will decide who he will defend that belt against. In a No DQ four-way first pin fall or submission wins match we have taken the Hardcore Queen, Ann Onita. Then we took the Insane Luchador, Andrew Rickmen. Next we added a little Hollywood with Spike Jenkins and finally we threw in a Spectacle- Mike Van Siclen! These four competitors will have to duke it out tonight for that chance to face Matthews!” Comet explains. “I really don’t see how Spike and Insane Luchador weaved their way in there. I mean, how does IL still have such a fan base? Man, losers must get the most fans,” Riley concludes. “That’s not true Robert, otherwise you’d have more fans than the ‘Fabulous Five’,” Comet quips back as the fans do a classic “OOohh.” Funyon’s voice cuts in. “Ladies and gentlemen… it is time for your main event- it is a four way, no disqualification, and first submission or pin fall wins the shot at the ICTV Championship at From the Fire!” A pleasing, melodic song begins to hit the speakers and fans all know it’s the entrance of Mike Van Siclen. But ten seconds into the song a guitar kicks in and two thunderous blasts of white pyro sets off! The third and longest blast starts. Mike walks through the pyro with a smug look on his face. “Introducing first… from Harrison, Illinois- weighing in at 231 pounds… he is the Spectacle, MIKE VAAANNN SICCCLLEEENNNN!” A mixed reaction responds to Funyon’s announcement. The blue eyed and long black haired Mike Van Siclen begins to walk down to the ring with his shirt off, black wristbands strapped on and long black tights that have maroon “MVS” interlocked. He slaps one fan’s hand before pausing at ringside, throwing up an arm, getting another mixed response. With that done he climbs up the steel steps and walks onto the apron before entering through the middle rope. He wanders off to the far corner and rolls his shoulder blades, ready for a fight. “The noble Matthew Kivell will be your referee and I feel somewhat bad for such an outstanding citizen because this is likely to get ugly,” Comet predicts. The fans don’t have to wait long before “Risky Gamble” begins to play and all attention is turned to the SmarkTron. Onita is sideways in her suit, arms out and making a “gun” out of her fingers. The angle whirls around as the song keeps going but finally the angle is straight on Ann. She “shoots” right as the song becomes harder and a dazzling blue pyro explodes on the entrance ramp. Within that second Onita and her sister step onto the entrance ramp. Ann’s black hair is down at her shoulder, the suit, the powder blue fedora, powder blue tie, and black button down tie make up her usual attire. Her sister is just a step behind her, wearing similar attire but with the suit being a dark blue with white pinstripes. “Isn’t that the same colors you wore at the Christmas party?” Cyclone asks Riley in reference to Ann. “No!” Riley looks, “Oh wait, yeah, that is pretty close…” “Introducing next from Tokyo, Japan… weighing in at 175 pounds… accompanied by her sister Allison… ANNNN ONNIITTAAA!” The fans cheer wildly. The two walk down as Ann holds up the cigar near her mouth with a smirk. “Odd she has a cigar… I mean I usually associate those with…” Riley instantly stops as Comet elbows him and clears his throat. The sisters hit ringside and Allison parts to one side as Ann turns around to the crowd, throwing her hat to the fans! She rolls into the ring and stands up, walking over to the far corner near Mike Van Siclen, and cautiously watches him. Within seconds after a drumbeat explodes and the fans go wild! “The Gauntlet” by Dropkick Murphys kicks up and a pyro orgy with red, black, white, and green explodes on the close sides! The song continues to play on as the smoke from the pyro wisps into the air. Finally the main chorus is hit and Insane Luchador leaps onto the stage! With his orient colored eyes, black spiked hair with those dark green streaks, the baggy khaki cargoes, and the rather tight fit black and red “Zero or Die”, with those worn down black skate shoes make up IL’s attire. “Next, hailing from Easton, Pennsylvania… weighing in at 201 pounds. INNNSSAAANNNEEE LLLUUCCHHHAADOOOOOR!" The fan’s cheers don’t cease as Insane Luchador sprints down the aisle, slapping fan’s hands! He dives right into the ring, rolling up and choosing the corner diagonal from Mike Van Siclen with an intimidating, psycho grin. Matthew Kivell stands in middle of the ring and wonders why he does what he does for a living. Siclen just talks trash to Luchador from across the ring. The lights dim down and tons of blue lights begin flashing all over the arena! “Not Today” by Hotwire explodes and Spike’s loyal fans scream with cheers. It is only a matter of seconds before Spike Jenkins steps onto the stage with his hood covering his face. White pyro explodes and he hops around getting every body part ready for this match. Well aware of everybody waiting he begins to walk down the entrance ramp, focusing his eyes on the ring. “From Hollywood, California… weighing in at 225 pounds… SPIKE JEENNNKKKIINNNNSS!” The fans go insane for “Hollywood.” Jenkins cuts his usual routine and quickly tugs down the hood and the jacket right at ringside. He tosses it to the side near the steel steps before he rolls into the ring. He stands up and leans against the corner diagonal from Onita. DING! DING! DING! The four wrestlers each charge towards the competitor diagonal towards them! Spike takes down Ann with a quick dropkick and Siclen throws out a clothesline! But Luchador is able to tuck under it and he hits a mini-spear, driving Mike back into the turnbuckle! Andrew quickly hops onto the second rope and he begins to drill Van Siclen with right hands! Ann and Spike both collide into a grapple which ends with Onita being whipped into the ropes. “Quick way to start this one off,” Comet says. Onita catches Spike off guard as she leaps into the air and tackles him with a Crossbody while Siclen clutches IL around the waist and walks out of the corner. He quickly takes Luchador down with a spinebuster and all four competitors find themselves scrambling back to their feet. Spike throws out a kick but Onita catches it, stepping over the raise leg, and leaping into the air with her own kick that nails him! Siclen and Insane Luchador exchange left and right hand punches in a flurry. Jenkins cripples to the mat and Ann quickly slides on her knees to Jenkins, hitting a textbook headlock. She tugs him up to his feet but Spike overpowers Ichiban, shoving her off and into the ropes! Andrew Rickmen misses a right hand punch and slips forwards, giving Siclen the chance to catch his wrist, tug him forward. He ends the attack with a clothesline that sends IL to the canvas. But he keeps the hold on the arm, violently jerking Luchador to his feet. Siclen wretches IL's arm into a hammerlock and Andrew throws back his free arm with an elbow! It connects and dazes Mike, allowing Luchador to follow through with an arm drag! Van Siclen hits the canvas but rolls forwards, springing to his feet- “He gets up but only to get nailed by Jenkins with a huge axe kick! Jenkins follows through with the grapple as Insane Luchador has seemed to target Ann now,” Comet says. Rickmen lunges out for the grapple but Onita ducks under it and comes up with a knee strike to IL’s gut! She quickly locks on a front headlock and falls for the DDT! It barely dazes Luchador who rebounds quickly and the two find themselves standing there again. Andrew throws a surprise karate kick to Ann’s ribs and then smacks her with a left hook on the opposite side to her cheek while she flinches from the kick! The force of the punch sends her teetering on one foot slightly bent over from the waist. He makes the best of this chance by lunging out and wrapping his arms around her petite waist- then hoists her up and over in a gutwrench suplex! He hooks the leg for a quick cover, ONE! But Jenkins is already there with an elbow drop to Insane Luchador. He quickly grabs Andrew by the back of his head and tugs him up. He tries to grab at his opponent but Rickmen by instinct throws an elbow strike from behind! Spike gets nailed in the ribs and he takes a step back, allowing Luchador to turn around and leap out, hitting a reverse bulldog! “Citizen IL seems very ‘on’ with his game today,” Comet says sounding impressed. “Well after not having a single win it’s about time,” Riley retorts. Siclen stalks over to Ann who’s on all fours. He grabs her and lifts her up to her feet, only to simply toss her across the ring towards the ropes! Ann hits and rolls right near to the ropes and to numerous boos Siclen follows. He charges and drops down, hitting a baseball slide to Onita’s back that sends the Hardcore Queen falling to the outside! Her sister is quick to stand over her, trying to pick Ann up. Mike grins cockily as he rolls out of the ring. He towers over the two sisters but only to get nailed with a kick to his chin by Allison! Comet chuckles and reminds everybody. “Allison knows something about self defense also.” Siclen reels back and Ann’s well enough and charge out and hit a dropkick! He smacks against the steel guardrail and hooks his arm over the other side, trying to pull himself up quickly. In the ring Insane Luchador ducks under a high spinning kick attempt by Jenkins and he responds with a straight punch to Spike’s face! The momentum and the punch send Spike flat onto his BUTT on the mat, where he gets nailed with a swift kick to the face! Andrew grins as he grabs Spike Jenkins by the leg and forces him to flop over. He quickly leaps into the air and puts one knee right on the back of Spike’s knee, driving it down brutally into the mat! The fans wince and even a few jeers are heard as Luchador gets to his feet, watching Jenkins flop over and clutch his knee. “It seems pretty extreme but Spike does rely on his speed with his legs to do a lot of his work, so maybe this is a smart move.” Comet throws out the idea. “Or perhaps it’s just more prove that IL is sadistic,” Riley quips back. But Spike is a trooper and rolls to his feet. The two collide into a grapple but Andrew Rickmen quickly locks in a front facelock before grabbing a handful of his pants then pulling him over in a snap suplex. The two get back to their feet, Jenkins getting up more slowly. On the outside Annie grabs Siclen by his hair and rolls him back into the ring, sliding in also. Onita grabs Siclen and whips him into the ropes as Andrew does the same to Spike- both opponents heading parallel on the same side. IL gets an idea as he watches Siclen charge, making him hop onto the top rope and leap off, turning around mid-air and nailing a flying clothesline! On the other side Ann Onita is able knee him in the gut and brings him down with an elbow smash to the face! Jenkins reels back and Ichiban charges at him, she leaps into the air and gracefully wraps her legs around her neck. Within the blink of the eye Spike finds himself on the mat, a victim of hurricanarana. Ann’s quick on getting back to her feet. Instantly she drops and hits a leg drop. She glances over at Insane Luchador who’s getting nailed with wicked chops from Siclen! Onita nimbly rushes over from behind Siclen and locks in a full nelson, the fans busting into cheers as IL takes the chance. He hits a roundhouse kick that nails Siclen square in the jaw! The cheers get even louder as Onita gives Andrew a face and he nods. “They freaking arranged to double team? That’s not fair!” Riley cries. Comet sighs. “Silly Robert, no, it’s not arranged. But it’s a good idea to really wear down two competitors together than have to fight the ‘partner.’ This is all wrestling 101 really,” Comet adds. Andrew grabs Mike’s torso as Ann lifts him from the full nelson lock and the two slam him down on the mat! The friendly alliance then turns their attention to Spike. He's clinging onto the middle rope, tugging himself up. Andrew gets there first and he tugs Spike up by his blonde hair. Jenkins throws punches and fends Rickmen away, but only to have Ann nail him in back of the head with an elbow strike! Spike reels around and the fans break into cheers with some jeers as Onita grabs the back of his head and leaps up- nailing him in the face with her knee! Jenkins simply reels back and Andrew stands there, slightly hunched over and waiting. Finally Spike is in reach which allows Rickmen to lunge out, wrapping his arm around Spike with the front headlock! He falls for the first DDT but holds on and tugs up for the second! He drops down again and tugs up, his one arm high into the air for cheers. Finally he points to the ropes at Onita who runs over, trusting Luchador as he falls, hitting a third DDT! Spike is just planted on the mat near the ropes and Ann has to hop over him straight onto the middle rope where she uses her aerial skills to hit the springboard lionsault! She quickly gets to her and points to the ropes again, making IL shrug with indifference. He kneels besides Spike and holds onto his head, lifting it into the air and then pounding it down! But right as IL glances over and notices Ann’s a bit off line to hit Spike- “Oh! That alliance crumbles quickly as Andrew Rickmen gets nailed with a spin kick from Onita!” Comet cries. Onita quickly covers Jenkins as Luchador grabs his head and rolls off to the side. Allison immediately grabs his ankles and tugs him out, making sure he won’t break the pin. “ONE” Some fans chant while the others hiss at Onita. “TWO” Siclen saves himself the match by charging over and tugging her off Spike by her wrestling boots. She quickly flops over to her back as Siclen’s still crouched down and he gets hit with a kick to the face! Onita gets to her feet quickly and charges at Siclen. But Siclen simply raises his feet up high and into Onita’s path, who smacks against the ground in pain from a desperate big boot! Meanwhile across the ring Insane Luchador is to his feet while Spike is barely to his knees. Andrew grabs his hair and jerks him up, only to have Jenkins begin to angrily drill him with punches in the abs! Rickmen lets go of Spike’s hair and Jenkins shoves his opponent away then leaps into the air nailing him with a dropkick. Andrew falls to the mat but rolls up very quickly now pissed off. The two collide into a grapple and Spike nails a knee to IL’s gut! Andrew bends over and Spike slides his arms to wrap around Rickmen’s waist! He quickly pulls IL into the air, his legs slung over Jenkins’ shoulders. “I smell powerbomb!” Riley proclaims with glee at the fact of Luchador potentially getting hurt. Spike takes a step forward before dropping Luchador onto his neck! Then Jenkins stomps away at IL who almost giggles while rolling away, clutching his neck. Near the turnbuckle and the ropes Onita locks in a front headlock and grabs a handful of Mike’s black tights, but Siclen grapevines his foot around Ann’s leg and blocks it. Ann frees her leg and suddenly tugs up causing MVS to be held vertical into the air. The fans suddenly break into cheers as they see Spike charging! Ann panics and doesn’t know what to do but suddenly sees Jenkins bend down and leap high into the air, soaring with a dropkick! He nails Siclen right near the upper chest and the sudden weight change causes Onita to topple over! Mike Van Siclen finds himself released and free-falling back first from the ring onto the cold, hard cement! Ann hits the ropes awkwardly and nearly bails out but she holds onto the rope. “What an innovative way to deal with both competitors!” Comet proclaims with a complement. “He dropkicks Siclen in the chest and he goes flying to the outside and it sends Ann onto the ring apron!” Small choruses of “HO-LY SHIT” chants break out but they die down quickly. Spike gets to his feet and jumps forward, hitting the Hardcore Queen with an axe kick that sends her falling to the outside also! Jenkins spins around feeling good but only to be inches away from the Insane Luchador! He moves back into the ropes and throws a side kick! But his leg gets caught and Luchador tugs on it, Jenkins hopping on one foot. Spike throws out punches that IL expertly dodges and soon the two have switched places. Andrew shows a rare side of technical thinking as he rolls forwards while grasping the leg, tackling his opponent to the mat and ends it with a toehold! “Rarely does Citizen IL actually focus on a body part- he must have it out for Citizen Spike, or wants to make sure to slow him down, or has more of a plan.” Comet thinks out loud. “Or he just needs to be banned from the federation. That would work.” Riley claims and the fans audibly don’t agree. During the submission on the outside Siclen knocks Allison to the ground with a high knee and tugs up her sister. Ann tries to throw a palm strike in defense but MVS is able to avoid it and he hits a spear! He continues to run with Annie with this shoulder barge and spear hybrid, smashing her violently against the stairs as they dislodge! Fans wince and jeer as Mike shows no mercy, pulling her up immediately. He pauses before lunging out which gives Ann the chance to hit a knee strike to the gut! She quickly locks in a headlock and points to the dislodged stairs, going for the bulldog! But Siclen plants his hands on her back and shoves her away and bit and when frees his head. Before Ann can react he has her in his clutches for the backdrop! But he does a spin just so he can fall out making Onita smash against the steel steps! Meanwhile in the ring Jenkins finally clutches the ropes and IL takes his sweet time letting go. Spike grabs his leg before rolling to his feet and nearly wobbling while approaching Luchador. The Insane Luchador lunges out after Spike and comes crashing down with a headlock but Jenkins is too resilient for the DDT to be hit! He grabs Luchador around the waist and barely picks him into the air before turning around, smashing his back against the turnbuckle and then turning back around, sliding his head free then dropping him to the ground. On the outside Onita and Allison both battle Siclen, who is dodging kicks and throwing strikes as they approach the announcer’s table. “Oh Christ,” Riley says as Mike grabs a hold of Ann and simply chucks her over to the table where she hits and slides on the table, knocking over various items. The two commentators back away wearily as Ann in her rage rips up one of the monitors. Cords following the small television set like entrails. Allison occupies Siclen by throwing various kicks and elbow strike attempts, Siclen catching an arm and Irish Whipping Ann’s sister right into the turnbuckle post on the outside! Her head collides with the metal and she crumbles down as the sickening thud echoes. Even more pissed off Siclen turns his head to see Annie and flash- Comet can’t help but to turn his head right as the monitor’s corner nails Mike right in the corner of his head! Siclen clutches his forehead and reels back in pain. “Jesus! What a hit! What a bitch!” Riley yells in response. Ann drops the monitor and hops onto the apron, charging towards Siclen- “But the wily Citizen Spike Jenkins out of nowhere throws out his arm and just knocks her head off with a clothesline!” Comet yells as the action increases. Kivell stares at the mess of the match and walks over towards the ropes, trying to convince them to get back into the ring. Siclen hits back first into the guardrail where it’s very clear where Ann hit- because the crimson blood gushes out of the gash in his head. He swoops down and to the disgust of the fans uses Allison’s tie to wipe off his blood! He then rolls into the ring where Andrew Rickmen is being thrown over in a belly-to-belly suplex! Rickmen nearly bounces off the mat and smacks against the turnbuckle diagonal from the competition. Mike takes advantage of the oblivious Spike by grabbing both his arms and crossing them then dropping to the mat in a sit-out, legs spread, and hitting the crossface halo! “One of Mike’s signature moves! This could actually do it!” Comet yells as Spike makes a face of shock and agony. Riley squints to the ring, unable to see without his monitor. “I hope so, being without a monitor sucks,” he whines. Siclen attempts to apply more pressure as Spike can’t find a proper reversal. “SPIKE! SPIKE! SPIKE!” The fans cry in a booming chant. Kivell asks Jenkins if he taps and Spike refuses. Spike’s leg shoots out by the ropes and Siclen’s aware of his terrible ring placement. He quickly shifts the hold so his back is near the ropes and Jenkins is even more stranded. But from behind Mike is oblivious to Ann who’s climbing onto the apron… “Uh-oh,” Comet simply says. Onita springs off the top rope and shifts her body weight to the side, nailing Mike with a side kick to his already bleeding side! His hold goes lax and Jenkins breaks rolling out towards the center of the ring. Only to notice the Insane Luchador smirking as he’s soaring through the air! His legs connect with Spike first and he hits a hurricanarana with such force and momentum that Spike is thrown off to the side at an insane speed! Unable to stop himself he continues to roll before he plops onto the outside! Insane Luchador charges at Ann, who’s got a grasp on Siclen’s chin and nailing him in the battered side with a punch, blood on her knuckles. “You know those bloodstains are a bitch to get out,” Riley advises. Onita releases Mike, who rolls out of IL’s charge, and she tries to hop backwards onto the turnbuckle… “But Citizen Luchador catches her with a rare gore that literally shakes the ring!” Comet proclaims. “He has been particularly brutal, but I guess it’s survival of the fittest.” “Exactly… but not insane, so I still think Mike will take this one.” Andrew backs away with his insane grin as he watches Onita just collapse to the mat. Rickmen turns around and sees Jenkins rolling back into the ring. He slowly paces up as the fans all anticipate. He puts his right leg slightly ahead and he lashes out before Spike can even look up! But his superkick attempt is ill fated as Jenkins ducks under! He then pops up and hits the right kick to Luchador, then he hits a quick left! Before Andrew can react he gets clobbered in the face with a kick and while stumbling back Spike completes his combination with a swinging sit-out neck breaker! The fans go insane as Spike makes the cover, “ONE!” “TWO!” Siclen is on his feet, droplets of blood leaving a trail… “THREE!” The fans cry but everybody groans as Siclen makes contact right before the hand hits the mat! Kivell calls for the two count and Spike rolls away, letting Mike nail IL with the second elbow drop that was intended for him! On a roll Jenkins stands up and uses the bionic elbow to send Siclen off guard! He takes a big step forward before leaping off his feet and throwing his leg straight up for an axe kick! But Siclen catches his wrestling boot and holds his leg up too far to keep his balance. He tries to retaliate by throwing his free leg out in a kick but Siclen jerks the leg back with a twist- making Spike fall flat on his face! Quickly he finds himself in a bad position! Siclen puts his foot between Spike’s legs and tugs both legs back violently, hitting his signature move- the Rectal Stretch! “It’s one of Siclen’s famous moves that Robert here’s no stranger to!” Comet snickers. “Wait, what is it called? Damn it, Ann knocked all of my papers off the desk…” Riley searches for his notes. Insane Luchador is at his knees, looking up at the blurred vision of what’s going on right in front of him. In fear of Spike tapping, as Kivell asks, Andrew scrambles to his feet, charging and nailing Siclen with a clothesline! Spike quickly crawls away and uses the corner to help get up. Rickmen pants as he stands in the corner watching Mike crawl towards center of the ring. Andrew runs up and nails a kick underneath into Siclen’s ribs that sends him flopping to the mat. To continue the streak he falls to his knees on his opponent’s chest and begins to pound him in the face! The blood splatters with each pound and flaking blood seemingly floats away as Jenkins simply watches in the corner. But his eyes catch Onita finally rolling into the ring and seeming refreshed diagonally. “Wasn’t a bad idea for her to basically play possum, now she’s more refreshed,” Comet says, placing his words between the pattern of the thuds of IL’s punches. But Siclen’s arm shoots out and clutch IL’s shoulders and forces him to flop over. Andrew rolls over onto all fours and MVS gets ready to hit his finisher! But Spike suddenly charges and hops onto IL’s back, using him as a springboard before he leaps out, nailing Ann with a flying leg lariat! Behind them Mike tries to get the move but IL quickly scrambles away. The two rush to their feet and charge with their last reserves of energy, colliding into a grapple like two elk. Back and forth it goes before Andrew hits a knee to the gut! The fans go insane as he tries for the headlock! But Mike slips away and nails him with a kick to the ribs! Luchador flinches and another kick makes him double over! The few dying cheers go into intense jeers as Siclen wraps his arms around Luchador! “He could be going for the Riot Act!” Riley squeals. Meanwhile Jenkins and Ann exchange blows and kicks until Onita dodges an overthrown punch. Spike reels towards the ropes and a powerful kick to the back of his head sends him tumbling to the outside! She then turns her attention to Siclen, knowing this could mean the win for him! She charges quickly and lunges out hitting a Crossbody that soars above Luchador! The two hit the mat and MVS rolls off to the side, his injured head nailing the canvas, leaving another bloodstain. “It would really suck to be the cleaners of that mat. Icky,” Riley comments. Andrew Rickmen stands tall, unaware of Jenkins charging after him behind him! But he glances back and sees Spike flying for the bulldog so Luchador ducks! Jenkins descends right at the feet of Rickmen, who delivers a vicious kick to Spike’s head! Luchador glances over at Ichiban who is sending stomps to MVS! Andrew slowly creeps behind Ann! He grabs her quickly with a full nelson hold and he forces her towards the turnbuckle! Fans everywhere go nuts as Luchador climbs up to the top turnbuckle and barely even lifts Onita before slamming her down with the Brink of Insanity! He rolls up and stumbles forward only facing Mike. “Siclen seems to be the only one left after Luchador’s just snapped and used his spurt of energy and movitation. It’s as if he drank a Pepsi MAX!” Comet cries. He watches Mike stumble to both knees, neck dumbly hung over the corner. But Andrew can even react; Allison grabs MVS’ neck from the outside and gets revenge by pulling his throat across the bottom rope! Luchador turns around again, seeing Spike standing there and throwing out a super kick! Andrew ducks under and tackles Spike with a spear! He quickly sees his shot and grabs Jenkins’ legs, twisting them over in a Boston crab! Jenkins’ face shows the pain instantly and Kivell lowers and asks if he wants to quit. Jenkins shakes his head no and Luchador laughs. He holds up the hold, elevating it before hopping into the air and tugging back, landing bottom first onto Spike’s back! Jenkins cries out loud in pain but still refuses. He’s completely stuck in the middle of the ring, the fans split in who they are rallying against. Slowly yet surely Van Siclen is desperately crawling, wiping the fresh blood away… he gets to his feet. He then staggers forward but Spike’s hand slaps against the mat! DING! DING! DING! “AND NOW YOUR WINNER VIA SUBMISSION AND NUMBER ONE CONTENDERSHIP TO THE ICTV CHAMPIONSHIP… IIIINSSSAANNNNEEEE LLLUUUCCHHHHAADOOORR!” Funyon cries out to numerous cheers! “Brutally done, but well done. Well faithful citizens, remain outstanding and we’ll see at From the Fire!” -Screen fades revealing everybody’s disappointment except for IL’s happiness as he rolls out of the ring while “The Gauntlet” plays.-

It’s outside the arena, the crowd is expectant and lively, the great SWF fans lining the way into the arena as a LOOOOOOOOONG black limousine pulls up. The chauffer, immaculately dressed, doffs his peaked cap to his charges after opening the door as the six characters of dubious virtue step out. Leading the way is the sharply dressed and briefcase wielding James Matheson, his glasses perched on his nose, his tie straight, his suit pressed. The consummate legal professional leads his well advised stable out. The leg comes next. It’s long. It’s smooth. It’s sexy. The leg is followed by the body, a figure to make the hearts of any red blooded male (and maybe a red blooded Annie) beat a little faster. The perfectly cute face, the blonde hair… The SWF’s Unnamed Diva Meagan Skye steps out. Book in hand, the bandana clad and permagrin wearing Landon Maddix pops out next. He gives the crowd a little hop as he leaps out of the NINE seater limousine and stands beside Meagan. Somehow the bandana just DOESN’T set off Maddix’s suit, but then… it’s Landon Maddix and he’s happy enough. Next out comes the man, the myth, the overwhelming presence of the SWF’s most charismatic dickwad Todd Royal. Landon flicks through the tome he’s wielding and whispers something to Meagan and the pair sort of half bow a little, then stop, then start again, then stop again and Todd imperiously waves them to stop. Royal smiles as he looks into the fans, who by now have started to boo a little, but Todd takes time out to sign an autograph for a young fan with a “Todd Bless You” shirt on. Penultimately, the massive figure of The Notorious One, John Duran strides out onto the asphalt. Duran sniffs the air disapprovingly and runs his hand back through his hair, his face contorting into a half sneer, disgusted by the crowd. Duran stand clear of the vehicle and soaks in the boos of the crowd, throwing a brief look of “WHAT?” out to them. Suit Clad, Duran looks more like a bouncer or mafia heavy than a wrestler, but a scary scary man either way. Last and by NO means least, filling the screen as he steps out of the vehicle is the 300lb plus, tattoo covered, mask wearing and set fair to bust free from his tailored suit, Va’aiga. The Maori takes the lead as his five suited (and one DAMN sexy dress wearing) compadres walk slowly towards the arena, only to be greeted by something that makes The Maori snort with disgust. Grand Slam: You can hold it RIGHT there Va’aiga. Grand Slam Mark Stevens stands, baseball bat held loosely over one shoulder. Flanking him is a whoel squadron of the US’s finest boys in blue and the officers all stand ready to restrain if needed. Grand Slam: Mr Tu’ipolotu. Would you mind stepping back into that limousine and getting yourself the hell out of my arena? Matheson: What on EARTH is this Mr. Stevens? Royal: Get your ass out of our way Grand Slam, otherwise we’re gonna give you a beating approved by Todd. Meagan: You tell him Todd! Maddix: Yeah! Grand Slam: What this is, Mr. Matheson, is that Va’aiga put in a request not to be booked tonight, and given the state of his injuries I agreed. Now I don’t know if his nose is going to heal properly before his match with Charlie Matthews at the Pay Per View, and to be honest I don’t care. In fact I’d prefer that it didn’t heal and that the Grappler kicked his sorry… Grand Slam stares RIGHT into Va’aiga’s eyes… Grand Slam: …Maori… …and gives him a glare that’s the visual equivalent of a big old gob of spit… Grand Slam: …ass ALL over the arena. One fall, two straight falls, seventeen straight falls, whatever. But as far as I’m concerned Va’aiga is without a match tonight. And that means he has no right to be here unless he has a ticket. Mr. Matheson, I think you’ll find I’m right on this. The Unnamed confer and Matheson nods solemnly. Va’aiga: Damn you Stevens. This isn’t the last you’ll hear of this… …Va’aiga turns and takes a slow walk away from the arena, turning back to add a brief… Va’aiga: BOO-YAH!

The logo for SWF Smarkdown flashes on the screen and then fades out to an aerial shot of the Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Fans are milling about… …and then shrouded in darkness! "We're back on Smarkdown," Bobby Riley announces, "and we're ready to continue tonight's action with an explosive tag match!" The faces of John Duran, Va'aiga, Landon Maddix, and Todd Royal fill the SmarkTron to a steady round of boos, as a cloud of smoke fills the entrance area, illuminated only by the blue lights on the entranceway. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAH! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAH! The boos only get louder as Sepultura's "Bullet The Blue Sky" kicks into gear and bursts of white pyro shoot off from either side of the entranceway. The lights come back on, and John Duran and Landon Maddix emerge from the smoke, Duran immediately raising his middle fingers in the air towards the Alabama fans, and Landon Maddix is accompanied by Megan Skye and James Matheson to the ring. "And of course," Cyclone Comet begins, "the Unnamed are lining up for what will hopefully be their last appearance tonight." "We can never get enough of the Unnamed," Bobby Riley counters, "the more we see them, the closer they are to getting their goal realized as the TRUE stars of the SWF!" "Ladies and gentlemen," Funyon booms over the hard guitar riff, "this match is a tag team match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, weighing in at a combined weight of 478 pounds…accompanied by Megan Skye and James Matheson and representing the Unnamed, they are Landon 'La Cucaracha' Maddix and THE NOTORIOUS JOHN DURAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!" The shot cuts to a fan's sign reading, "I Believe in Todd," and then switches back to Duran and Maddix. Maddix leaps up to the apron as Duran steps up to it, and Landon turns around to offer Megan a helping hand, which she takes gratefully as Maddix holds the ropes for Megan, letting the lady go first and then going through the middle rope with Duran and Matheson once Megan goes to the center of the ring. "This is the first time that Citizen Maddix and Citizen Duran have gone together as a team," Comet points out, "and I'm curious to see how they'll work together as a team! Mr. Maddix is used to working with Todd and Mr. Duran with the current SWF World Champion, no doubt. This is likely why Commissioner Stevens set the match like this! It will be a true test to see if these two will have the same chemistry separated from their usual partners!" "The Unnamed, in any form, will definitely be able to fell their opponents," Riley speaks confidently on behalf of the Va'aiga-headed stable. The lights dim as the crowd once again is buzzing, looking towards the entranceway. The digital green words on the SmarkTron say it all. [sTATUS: RELEASED] The crowd explodes on those two words alone as "When Darkness Falls" by Killswitch Engage hits, and Janus walks through the curtain in his white trenchcoat. With a thrust of his arms-- BOOM Black and white pyros shoot high into the air, the lights returning to full blast! "And their opponents…introducing first, weighing in at 360 pounds and hailing from Sydney, Australia…he is the Anti-Heel Machine…TERRENCE 'JANUS' BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILEY!" The crowd stretches their hands out to slap hands with the white-haired giant, and Terrence answers the prayers of a few die-hard Janus fans as the moves down the ramp. Duran's eyes are locked onto Bailey and John has an emotionless look as he watches Terrence move down the ramp. "This could be a big showdown tonight," Comet hypes, "as both Citizen Bailey and Citizen Duran are scheduled to face off in less than a week at From The Fire!" "I know Duran though, Comet," Riley boasts, "and he'll make sure that he doesn't get into any sticky situations with that freak of nature in the ring." Once he reaches the foot of the ramp, Terrence whips his white trenchcoat off and throws it over to the ring steps. On that note, Duran, Maddix, Megan and Matheson all leave the ring and watch from the outside of the ring as Terrence rolls under the bottom rope. The Anti-Heel Machine rises to his feet and gives a thumb up to the crowd but then turns his attention to Duran, focusing on him as a flare seems to jump in Bailey's eyes. The lights go out, once AGAIN, as the crowd is once again lost. However, the first riff of "Some Kind of Monster" plays and the crowds cheers surpass that of Terrence's and are explosive as a single spotlight shines down on the entranceway as Charlie Matthews makes his entrance! "And his tag team partner, weighing in at 301 pounds, from Kansas City, Missouri... CHARLIE... GRAPPLER... MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTHHHHHH- HHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWS!" The ovation for Matthews is amazing as Duran and his tag partner Maddix can once again only glare at the 2004 Clusterfuck winner as he makes his way down the ramp, accompanied by the spotlight. Once he reaches the base of the ramp, the lights come back on and the spotlight fades away, the crowd generating a loud buzz as Charlie enters the ring, standing tall with Janus as they discuss how to go about starting the match while also keeping an eye on Duran and Maddix. "This is a big tag match for both sides, Robert," Comet mentions in the idle time between Matthews' entrance and the beginning of the match. "Most definitely, Comet, they'll both be looking for momentum going into the huge From The Fire PPV, especially Matthews! Grand Slam, in all his genius, has scheduled an Intercontinental Television Title match on the same night that Grappler will be wrestling for the World Heavyweight Title!" Matthews and Terrence have seemed to reach an agreement as Matthews goes to his corner, leaving Bailey standing tall in the ring. Seeing that the Anti-Heel Machine will be starting this match, Duran immediately nominates Maddix to start off the match. The crowd doesn't like it, but Maddix enters the ring against the much taller Janus anyway as Duran cautiously steps up onto the apron, not wanting to awaken the beast inside of Janus--not yet, anyway. Once Maddix enters the ring, the referee for tonight’s tag contest turns to the timekeeper and calls for the bell. *DING DING DING* “And we’re underway here on Smarkdown!” However, things don’t get off to a blistering start. Maddix sizes up Terrence, looking very formidable as Terrence has barely moved since entering the ring. La Cucaracha circles around the big man, Terrence remaining face to face with Landon and turning his body to keep up with the speedy Maddix. Finally, Landon gets a confident smile on his face and reaches his arms up to lock up with the big man. “Ooh, big mistake,” Comet notes, stating the obvious. Janus puts an end to the whole lockup idea with a hard push of Maddix into the nearest turnbuckle, as Landon hits with gusto and automatically arches up, holding his back in pain! Terrence slowly plods over to Maddix, bringing his right hand back and then crashing it into Landon’s skull as the Knuckle Bomb connects! The referee immediately goes to interfere, however, trying to get Terrence out of the corner before he destroys the Unnamed member any further. “That’s right, ref!” Riley shouts, “Get in there before Terrence rips poor Landon’s head off!” “Citizen Maddix is quite a bit smaller than Citizen Bailey, so it’s no surprise that he’s in trouble this early in the match.” The referee is able to get between Bailey and Maddix as “Stripes” holds back the Anti-Heel Machine. Maddix holds his face and shakes out the cobwebs, suddenly seeing his opportunity and taking it immediately, running up and catching Terrence off guard with a flying forearm! Maddix is able to land on his feet, but Terrence doesn’t fall down. Landon quickly turns around and backs away from the Anti-Heel Machine. “It’s going to take a lot more than that to take this big man down,” Comet points out, “especially from the much smaller Landon Maddix!” “Will you quit focusing on the size of the competitors in the ring, Comet?” “Why?” “Because your girlfriend wasn’t complaining last night.” “...I don’t have a girlfriend, Robert. That was probably just my sidekick wearing a wig.” “...Oh. Well, he was still pretty good.” “That’s pretty disgusting there, Robert, but back to the action!” While Comet and Riley are chattering on the outside, Landon ducks down and comes up with a hard European uppercut, connecting against the chest and chin of Janus! Bailey is only staggered, however, and the crowd’s cheers for the Anti-Heel Machine as a frustrated La Cucaracha leaps into the air, getting some serious hang time as he extends his legs out and catches Terrence with a standing dropkick! Matthews is getting a bang out of it in the corner but Megan and Matheson are worried on the outside as the standing dropkick has no effect! “Come on, Janus, you big bastard!” Riley yells at the big man, “go down!” Maddix gets up to his feet and still sees the giant Terrence towering over him, but Janus does nothing as Maddix backs into the ropes and then comes charging at Terrence, once again leaping up into the air and rebounding of Terrence’s body, flipping himself over in a moonsault and landing on his stomach. There is a smattering of applause for the Dropsault, but Maddix once again gets up to find that the Anti-Heel Machine is still on his feet! However, Maddix doesn’t have time to get off another move, as Bailey latches on to La Cucaracha’s blonde hair! “Uh-oh,” Comet warns of the impending offence from Terrence, “this could get really ugly for Citizen Maddix.” And it does, as Terrence rears back and then comes forward with a crushing headbutt, sending Maddix right down to the mat as he once again holds onto his face in pain! Maddix immediately has the ring presence to go to the corner for a tag, as the crowd boos Maddix’s cowardly manoeuvres to get away from the huge Aussie. Terrence simply allows Maddix to go into the Unnamed corner, not wanting to impede his progress and simply staring a hole right through Duran--who is holding the tag rope. “No, no Maddix!” Riley yells, trying to correct Landon, “you don’t want to tag Duran in, it’s not supposed to work that way!” However, La Cucaracha reaches the corner and the referee is ready to make the call that the tag was made...but as Maddix lunges for the tag, Duran steps off the apron! The boos are even louder now for Duran’s refusal to get into the ring, and Megan is in shock as Landon’s manager glares at the Notorious One. However, Matheson defends Duran, calming John down. “Phew,” Riley sighs out, likely needing some comfort himself, “Duran was almost stuck in the ring with that...monster!” “But what a terrible thing to do to a fellow stablemate, Robert!” “Those are the rigors of the job, Comet,” Riley explains in a simple tone, “Landon should’ve known that this would happen before he got into this match.” The crowd has a nice little chant for Duran’s actions: DURAN’S A PUS-SY! *clap clap clapclapclap* DURAN’S A PUS-SY! *clap clap clapclapclap* DURAN’S A PUS-SY! *clap clap clapclapclap* Maddix’s mouth is agape as he looks at Duran, and Duran firmly stares back and then glances at Terrence. Landon doesn’t get time to do anything else, as Terrence comes up from behind Maddix and brings him up by his hair, dragging the last SJL champion to the other side of the ring where Matthews hand is firmly gripped around the tag rope, and he doesn’t back down from a tag by the Anti-Heel Machine as Terrence leaves the ring and Grappler enters to the roaring cheers of the fans! “And here comes Citizen Grappler,” proclaims Comet. “Oh shoot,” Riley curses, “I forgot my pillow!” Maddix is defenceless to stop the Grappler, as the #1 contender to the SWF World Heavyweight Title goes on the offensive. Maddix remains on one knee as Matthews brings his meaty arm down and slams it against the back of Landon, keeping his opponent down on the mat. Maddix tries to find the power to lift himself back up, but Charlie smites him again with another clubbing blow to the back as the crowd roots the Grappler on. “The funny thing about this, Robert,” Comet begins, “is that Duran probably doesn’t want a piece of Grappler either!” “...That’s not funny! Look at poor Landon!” Riley whines. Landon gets to his feet and stumbles backwards a bit, but Grappler keeps Maddix within range and grabs La Cucaracha by the arm, sending him into the far ropes! Maddix rebounds off the ropes, and Grappler lifts a big boot up, catching Maddix right in the face and sending him straight down to the mat, much to the delight of this Tuscaloosa crowd! With Maddix down on the mat, Grappler falls down into a lateral press on Landon and hooks the leg as the referee counts the pinfall! ONE... TWO-KICKOUT! Landon is able to kick out just before the count of two. The crowd doesn’t like it, but Megan and Matheson applaud. “Well, at least Landon was able to get that boring idiot off of him,” Riley says bitterly. “He won’t last much longer against the strong style of Citizen Grappler, Robert.” Grappler rises to his feet and brings Maddix up by his hair with him. The referee warns Grappler about pulling on the hair, but Grappler releases it soon enough and grabs La Cucaracha by the arm again, once again sending him into the ropes. On the rebound, Grappler goes for a clothesline...but Maddix ducks under it! Landon is able to stop his momentum and turn around, only to crouch down and charge forward, taking out the legs of Grappler! “Yes!” Riley exclaims with joy, “finally, it’s time to see Landon actually get to wrestle!” With Grappler on the ground, Landon turns him over onto his back and then stands tall over Matthews, for once. Charlie is prone on the ground as Landon leaps up into the air, falling backwards and spinning through the air as he lands with a standing shooting star press, right onto the hairy chest of his opponent! The referee hits the mat to count the pinfall, but Landon isn’t going for the pinfall. “That might be a crucial mistake by Citizen Maddix,” Comet analyses, “he has to keep Citizen Matthews on the ground for as long as possible if he wants to keep on his feet in this match.” “I think he’s finally going to go for the tag, Comet!” Sure enough, Maddix heads over to the Unnamed corner, and with Grappler on his back in the ring, Duran is more than happy to latch onto the tag rope and extend his hand out to La Cucaracha. As the two slap hands, the referee acknowledges the tag and Duran enters the ring after receiving a few choice words from Maddix. Duran glares at Landon for a moment and then goes over to the Grappler, who is beginning to stir himself back to his feet as the crowd boos the tactics of the Unnamed team. “Now the playing fields are evened, Comet!” “I don’t know about that...” Duran taunts the crowd for a moment with a middle finger or two, getting around 5,000 middle fingers back in return as he slams his right boot into the back of Grappler, putting him right back down on the mat as he delivers another stomp to the back of Duran’s most-hated enemy. Duran looks at the crowd with a smug grin on his face and then leaps into the air, extending his right leg out and draping it over the back of Grappler’s head as the legdrop connects with booming success! “Woo woo! Go Duran go!” John quickly works his way to his feet and lifts his arm into the air in a confident pose, walking around the ring as Matheson rants and raves about Duran while Megan only politely applauds the Notorious One. Duran’s line of vision turns to the Anti-Heel Machine in the corner, and his outstretched arms turn into middle fingers towards Terrence! The crowd boos harshly until Terrence tries to enter the ring! The referee runs over right away and restrains Bailey as the crowd’s boos only get louder! “That’s right, referee,” Riley comments, “keep order in this match and keep that lunatic out of the ring!” “Oh, come on, he was provoked, Robert!” Duran turns his back on Bailey and laughs at his opponent for From The Fire, turning back to Grappler as he returns to his feet. Grappler is still doubled over, however, and Duran comes out of nowhere, bringing his right knee up and crushing it into the face of Matthews, sending the big man into the ropes. John is right there, however, grabbing Grappler’s arm and sending him into the opposite ropes with an Irish whip. Grappler rebounds off the ropes, and Duran lumbers towards the center of the ring and catches the big man, stopping Matthews’ momentum and lifting Grappler up in the air, slamming him right back down with a hard belly-to-belly suplex! “Listen to that crowd, Comet, they are loving every bit of this action!” Riley proclaims, hard to hear over the rousing round of boos from the Alabama crowd. “You must certainly be delusional.” “It’s the drugs I must’ve been taking before I had sex with your girlfriend--” “--sidekick--” “--don’t remind me.” Seeing the current Clusterfuck champion laid out in the middle of the ring, Duran backs off the ropes and drops a callous knee across the forehead of Matthews on his way back. Rather than capitalise on this, Duran decides to once again taunt Janus, holding out his arms in a 'come and get me' kind of motion. Unsurprisingly Janus responds by attempting to enter the ring, getting held back by the referee once more. "Janus needs to realise this is a tag..team..match" Riley says in irritation. "Grappler's the legal man, so Janus should be keeping his 'Anti-Heel' ass on the apron where it belongs..." Whilst Janus is being restrained, Grappler has gotten to his feet. Duran catches sight of the hairy chested one, charging quickly to tackle Matthews into the Unnamed corner...where Maddix quickly takes the tag rope, and begins to wrap it around Matthews' neck! “BOOOOOOO!!!” "This is two on one for crying out loud!" yells Cyclone over the jeering crowd. "Landon's doing nothing wrong Comet. He's on the apron where he should be." "He's choking Matthews with the tag rope!!! Last time I checked that's not in the rules of professional wrestling." "If Janus stayed out of the ring, this wouldn't be happening. Blame him." Resigned to defeat, Janus decides to go back to the apron...at which point Landon quickly unravels the tag rope, and puts on his best look of innocence. Duran meanwhile has Grappler right where he wants him, balling up his fists and driving a series of punches to the body of the number one contender. As each strike connects gusto, Grappler's face begins to contort in a mix of anger and pain. Eventually Duran backs off...turning back to Janus, and balling up his fist deliberately...Matthews unable to get out of the corner, due to Maddix grabbing a sneaky hold of his trunks. Duran nods to Janus before coming back...and nailing Grappler with a big right hand to the face! "YEAH!" Riley beams. "A Knuckle Bomb by Duran!" "Oh please Robert...Citizen Duran could NEVER hit a Knuckle Bomb like Janus." "Ooh, mehmehemehme...shut up Comet." Landon now extends his hand to his Unnamed tag partner, but The Notorious One ignores it...busy dragging Matthews out of the corner. With another impressive show of strength Duran scoops Charlie off his feet, and slams him down to the canvas. Now Duran tags out to Maddix, the kid coming in cockily as he sees Matthews in trouble. "LANDON SUCKS!!! LANDON SUCKS!!! LANDON SUCKS!!!" Undeterred by the chanting ringing out around him, Maddix begins to use some 'fancy footwork', waiting for Matthews to get up. Slowly the number one contender does, getting met by a right hand from Landon on his knees. Another jab connects, followed by a left cross...neither having any effect, as Matthews continues getting to his feet, to the upmost shock of Maddix! More out of desperation than anything, Landon swings with a right, catching Grappler well, but again not phasing him! "Oh...god." mumbles Riley. "Landon! RUN!" Rather than run, Landon hits another right hand, obviously not learning his lesson properly. Just as Matthews prepares to fight back, Duran manoeuvres around the apron towards Grappler...prompting him to turn around smartly, and knock Duran flying off the apron with a right hand! "RAAAAAHHH!!!" Matheson quickly runs over to check on the Notorious One, as Grappler turns around... ...and gets poked in the eye by Landon! "BOOOOOOO!!!" "A desperate move by a desperate man Bobbo!" "Hey...you do what you have to do when you're in the SWF. If Matthews can't take a thumb in the eye maybe he should find another job...like selling beds." "That was pathetic even for you." With that one jab in the eye connecting, all the cockiness seems to flood back into Landon's body instantly. Landon gets the footwork back, and starts to mock the slightly lumbering Grappler...even giving the number one contender a cocky slap around the head! Quickly Maddix sprints away from the big man and into the ropes, coming back with an attempted leaping clothesline. However, Landon finds himself caught in the bear like grip of Grappler...and DRIVEN to the mat with a vicious STO!!! "This is it for Grappler! His chance to make it to Janus!" Matthews begins to crawl towards the corner, looking to tag in Janus. Duran is now up on the outside...but, as he looks into the ring to see the Anti Heel Machine ready to come in, and Maddix looking for a tag himself, Duran conveniently has a 'relapse', and falls back down! Maddix can only look on despairingly, as there's no-one to tag... ...AND JANUS... ...TAGS... ...IIIIINNN!!! "Janus is in. And is Landon Maddix is trouble now!!!" yells Comet. "This isn't good..." "...too right it isn't good Robert. Maddix is in Janus's sights...and Janus is in no mood to play tonight!" The Anti-Heel Machine strolls across the ring, in no unnecessary hurry. Landon pulls himself up in the corner, but subsequently finds himself trapped in it, with Janus blocking him in. Megan can't watch, as Janus reels back and hits a Knuckle Bomb, the force propelling Landon into the air, and causing him to land laying across the top rope. Quickly Janus scoops his hands under Landon's body, and with frightening ease lifts the two hundred and ten pounder off the ropes, and presses him HIGH into the air. There's no escape for Landon, as he gets press slammed to the mat, and hard. Janus drops to his knees, and pulls one of Landon's legs up to make a cover... ONE... TWO... ...Duran finally jumps to the apron, which Janus reacts to...jumping off the cover, and charging towards his arch-rival. Quickly Duran jumps back from the apron to avoid the on-coming Janus, and flips him off again! The now angered big man starts to exit the ring, only to be jumped from behind by Maddix...still not looking too healthy. He manages to back Janus into the corner though, and stomp away at him as Megan is vocal in her support from the outside. "It seems nothing will get Duran into the ring with Janus tonight..." Grabbing the arm of Janus, Maddix un-successfully tries to irish whip the big man across the ring. Trying again, this time he surprisingly moves the three hundred plus pounder...but, it seems Janus has other ideas, reversing the whip and sending Landon across the ring. By now Grappler is up, and standing in Landon's way with a big boot to the jaw, which Maddix runs straight into! Now Janus walks over, as Maddix finds himself looking up at two angry three hundred pound men, both ready to tear his head off. The only thing Landon can think to do is drop to his knees and beg off...which doesn't work, as Matthews boots him hard in the chest. "Poor Citizen Maddix...he looks like a child in there with Citizens Janus and Matthews." "But he's not a child. He beat Annie Onita!" "Yes...well, only because of a ridiculous stipulation." Dragging 'La Cucaracha' up to his feet, Janus and Matthews pull him towards the centre of the ring. Matthews quickly drops down to one knee, leaving his other exposed...as Janus grabs a hold of poor, defenseless Landon by the throat. The crowd roar their approval, as Landon is hoisted seven feet in the air...and chokeslammed onto Grappler's knee!!! "OOOOOOHHHHHH!!!" The crowd gasp in shock, as Landon is left squealing out in pain in the middle of the ring. To pass the time Matthews quickly locks his legs around Maddix's waist with a body scissors, as Janus meanwhile implores Duran to get into the ring. It seems however the Notorious One has picked up a rather 'sudden' knee injury, and doesn't want to. Maddix is being checked for a submission in the meantime, which still doesn't bring Duran in. "Citizen Duran would rather lose this match than face up to Janus!" Comet points out. "You can't tell me Robert that John Duran doesn't fear Janus!" "I can and I will!" "Then why doesn't he get into the ring to save his partner." "His knee hurts. Can you not SEE that...he's standing right in front of you!" Duran continues to favor the knee...so a frustrated Janus turns around, and tells Grappler to release the body scissors. Usually he wouldn't...but knowing Janus wants to deliver some pain, Matthews is more than happy to play his part. The helpless Maddix is effortlessly thrown into the corner, and nailed with a knee by Janus. One from Grappler follows, as Janus quickly backtracks across the ring, glaring down at the 'injured' Duran as he gets to the opposite corner. Just incase, Grappler holds Landon in place...as Janus charges across the ring... ...but Landon dives out of the way of an avalanche attempt, and Janus crashes up and over the top rope, hitting hard on the concrete floor! Matthews looks down on him in shock, as Maddix starts to fire away with right hand to the back. Just as Matthews begins to fight back, he's then suddenly joined by John Duran...his knee seemingly fine now! "Oh...and NOW Duran comes into the ring!" "What a model professional that man is! Fighting through the excruciating pain for the good of his tag team partner." Grappler finds himself on the end of punches and knees from both Unnamed members, before being thrown across the ring with a double irish whip. Duran and Maddix join hands in preparation for Matthews' return, but Grappler sees the double clothesline attempt coming and ducks under...catching Duran in the gut with his arm as he goes. Maddix turns around and is immediately hoisted onto Grappler's shoulders, as Duran slowly starts to turn as well. Adjusting himself Matthews then starts to spin around with an airplane spin...his position perfect, as in mid-swing Maddix's legs catch the turning Duran flush in the face! The Notorious One stumbles backwards, and falls out of the ring as a result. Matthews drops Landon from the airplane spin moments after and pulls him in... ...TO THE BEARHUG~! "BEARHUG!!!" Comet screams out. "This match is over!!!" "BOOO - RIIING BOOO - RIIING BOOO - RIIING!!!" The crowd start up their sarcastic chanting, as Matthews gradually tightens his grip around The Disciple's already weakened waist. Landon tries to reach out for some sort of escape, but it's a futile attempt as he's far, FAR away from the ropes. Grappler again tightens the grip he has on Landon, who is still being checked by the referee for signs of life... ...as in desperation, James Matheson jumps up to the apron. Matthews sees his former manager yelling abuse his way, and dumps Landon to the side to try and extract a little revenge on him. Freezing on the spot, Matheson suddenly is unable to move, as Matthews closes in, but luckily for him Megan Skye scuttles over, and pulls him out of harms way. Still, Grappler is momentarily distracted, allowing Duran to sneak back in and clobber Matthews from behind. "This is ridiculous Bobbo. It's four on two!" "No, that's where you wrong my spandex loving friend. It's four on one...Janus is still seeing stars on the outside." Duran spins Matthews around and whips him into the ropes, waiting for the number one contender to come back before crouching down...lifting Matthews off the mat with a spinebuster attempt. However, he catches wind of a Maddix shout and holds Grappler in mid-move, whilst The Disciple runs off the ropes. He leaves his feet majestically, hooking his arm around Matthews' throat as Duran falls forward...the duo driving Matthews to the mat with the old 'Hart Attack'. Quickly Duran rolls over with a hook of the leg... ONE... TWO... KICKOUT!!! Angrily Duran slams his hands down on the mat, as Janus tries to pull himself back into the ring, but receives a baseball slide dropkick to the face from Landon. Behind him Duran pulls Matthews up off the mat...but Matthews shrugs away Duran's arms, and tackles Duran forward, sending both The Notorious One and himself crashing through the ropes to the outside. “Woah…both men go crashing to the floor…and all manners of hell are breaking loose Robert.” “Just the way it should be Comet…good, clean, chaotic fun!” As Matthews and Duran exchange right hands on the outside, Maddix sprints towards Janus and goes for a cross-body…but the big man catches him, and hits a front powerslam! Janus quickly hooks the leg… ONE... TWO... ...DURAN NAILS JANUS!!! "YEAH! Now who's scared Comet!?!" "Well, Duran had to hit Janus from behind..." "Ah, just meaningless details." Duran cockily smiles down at Janus, until the bigman begins to angrily clamber to his feet. This causes Duran to bail from the ring, but Janus is in hot pursuit. Landon meanwhile is getting chance to recover in the ring, but not for long as Charlie Matthews is beginning to roll in. Back on the outside, and Duran is still retreating from Janus, who looks ready to maim judging from the scathing look on his face. In an attempt to buy himself some time Duran unlocks the top half of the steel steps and throws them in Janus' way, but the big man just grunts and throws them aside. Whilst this is going on, Matthews is now closing in on a clueless Maddix, who has just reached his feet. Breathing a sigh of seeming relief, Maddix brushes himself off and slowly turns around...and receives a big boot to the jaw, which flattens him in an instant. Now, with Landon down and Duran out of the way, Grappler calls for the end, to widespread cheers from the Alabamans. "It seems the Grapmeister is ready to deliver Landon an abrupt Wake-Up Call!" Comet beams. Suddenly, as if on cue, James Matheson jumps up onto the apron to distract Matthews. Quickly Landon tries to capitalize by charging at Matthews from behind, the wily veteran fails to fall for the trap…sidestepping the on-rushing Disciple, and pushing him on in Matheson's direction. Maddix JUST manages to put the brakes on before colliding with Matheson, but Matthews is already charging... ...Maddix moves... ...GRAPPLER WIPES OUT MATHESON!!! "RRRAAAAAAHHH!!!" The crowd explode as Matheson goes flying off apron and to the floor. Megan scuttles over to check on the fallen manager, as Duran stops nearby to check on his fallen manager too...which allows Janus close enough to grab a handful of Duran's hair! "YYYYYEEEAAAAAHHH!!!" The crowd erupt, as Janus finally gets his hands on a fearful Duran...The Notorious One left with no place to go. The bigman is relishing his chance, slowly curling his hand up into a very angry fist. Behind him in the ring, Landon Maddix is climbing up to the top rope looking to dive out on the big man. Janus turns to see him, but as Landon reaches the top strand, Matthews is back to pull Landon off and send him crashing to the canvas. "Duran is caught...and there's nobody to help him Robert!" "This isn't fair...this isn't right. They're supposed to fight at From The Fire...and...this isn't fair damn it!" Now with no-one to bother him, Janus begins to reel back with his right hand... ...DURAN GOES LOW!!! "BOOOOOOOO!!!" "Yes...right in the J-hole!" shouts Riley. "The what!?!" "He's Janus...you know...like anus." "That's not funny. That's almost as despicable as that lowblow Duran had to use to escape from Janus' clutches." "Hey, if Janus can't cope with the Notorious Tactics, he should keep his nose out of the Notorious One's business!" As Janus slowly crumples to the concrete floor holding his nether regions, Duran begins to get his breath back from the near-maiming experience. Back inside the ring, Matthews is busy firing right hands at Maddix in the corner. The weakened Disciple can find no answer to the blows...taking about five or six before Matthews finally allows him to stagger out from the turnbuckles. Charging forward Grappler tries to clothesline Landon out of his boots, but only succeeds in hitting thin air as Maddix ducks. Quick as a flash Landon hits a swift backhand blow to the back of Grappler's dodgy neck, before turning him around and booting the hairy chested one hard in the gut. A front facelock follows, but Matthews immediately spins out behind Landon and shoves him against the buckles again. Landon rebounds onto Matthews' waiting shoulders...and in one swift movement finds himself Judgment Slammed to the mat! "Judgment Slam by Matthews, and Maddix has GOT to be on his last legs." "Comet, I said earlier, don't count Landon out because he's o...WUH-UH!" Grappler again signals for the Wake-Up Call, as he scoops Maddix up from the mat and locks in a quick front facelock. Maddix tries to squirm free, but the grip is too tight and a knee to the gut helps neutralize Landon. Quickly Grappler throws Landon’s arm over, and grabs a hold of the tights…giving a quick look towards the crowd before hoisting Maddix high in the air. Suddenly, Matthews stumbles slightly…as Duran has a grip of his foot from the outside! Matthews tries to kick away, but in the end Duran tugs his feet away causing Maddix to fall on top…The Disciple quickly placing all his weight on Matthews’ broad shoulders… ONE… TWO… …Matthews goes for a kickout… …but Duran grabs the legs from the outside, holding them down… THREEEEE!!! “NO!” yells Comet in shock, as the final count is administered. “BOOOOOOOOOO!!!” “Here are your winners…the team of LANDON MADDIX…AND JOOOHHHN DUUURRRAAAN!!!” The crowd are in total shock, as Maddix leaps off Grappler and gleefully jumps to his feet. Duran, Megan and Matthews are already scuttling up the ramp…and we soon see why, as Janus has rolled into the ring with a steel chair… CRRRAAACCCK!!! RRRAAAAAAAHHH!!! Janus nails Maddix in the back with a VILE chair shot! “The Anti-Heel Machine has snapped!” Comet shouts. Maddix drops to the mat, as Janus stands pointing up at Duran threateningly as he retreats up the ramp. Janus is meanwhile left standing over the writhing Maddix, as Matthews is left complaining to the referee at the cheap nature of his shock defeat. “The Unnamed have stolen the victory tonight…but Janus damn sure got the last laugh. Will it be the same story at From The Fire…when Janus and John Duran engage in war!” Duran and the two Unnamed associates continue their retreat from the ring, leaving their fallen ally for fear of the vengeful Janus…as Smarkdown cuts to a commercial break.

The crowd of the Coleman Coliseum is electric as Smarkdown returns from a commercial break, the camera’s immediately settling on Cyclone Comet and Bobby Riley. “We have had a SUPER night so far and it’s looking to get that much more super as we head toward the main event Fatal Four Way match to determine who Charlie Matthews will have to face at From The Fire before even stepping into the ring with the World Champion…” Comet is going full force, but is suddenly cut off by Riley… “It’s going to be great! Charlie Matthews will have to deal with some punk that’s going to take his title…then he is going to get DESTROYED by the Maori in the main event! It’s going to be simply spectacular!” “Now now, Robert…I’m sure Citizen Matthews is well prepared to take on all comers at From the Fire, as he did recently defeat nineteen other men in the Clusterfudge match. And speaking of those nineteen other men…” “Nineteen men! Where? Where?” Riley gets riled up, but Comet is quick to rain on his pride parade. “I was just saying, Riley, that up next one of the men from that match, Alan Clark, is going to be getting another shot at the Cruiserweight Championship, that is currently being held by the Bahama Bomber, Wildchild. If you recall, Citizen Clark almost took home a victory two weeks ago in Washington DC, but Thugg’s music came from out of nowhere, distracting Alan into a Freefall from the champion that eventually led to his downfall.” “So how come he is getting another shot tonight?” “Commissioner Stevens felt that with Thugg on the horizon for Clark to deal with, at his request mind you, that maybe while he is in the hospital recuperating he might want to have some gold to stare at, and since the distraction left the ending of the match a little foggy, it felt it was only his duty as a fair and abiding Commissioner to put on a rematch here tonight for all these Alabama fans!” Comet goes for the cheap pop as a rainstorm erupts throughout the arena, the sounds of thunder meaning that only one man can be making his entrance. The screen fades to black and white, and as the opening lyrics of Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive” pipe through the loudspeakers, Alan Clark steps out from behind the curtain, looking a bit more somber and determined than usual…but that smile is still present. Above him, on the SmarkTron, two dark figures watch down on the entrance, one cast in a deep red shadow…the other cast in white. The crowd cheers for Clark as Funyon makes the introduction… “Ladies and Gentlemen…the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL and is for the SWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP… …Introducing first…coming down the aisle…hailing from Long Beach, California…he is… ALAN CLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARK~!” “Citizen Clark has been on a bit of a downward spiral as of late, and with those ominous words the world heard on Lockdown, today just may be the day that Lady Luck shines down on him.” Comet says as Funyon wraps his entrance. Clark stops at the base of the entranceway and turns around for a moment, looking up at the two dark shadows on the SmarkTron. A close-up of his face shows a soft smirk and the images fade away. Alan turns and rolls into the ring, getting to his feet and looking back at the curtain as the color returns to the screen. “He may need more than luck on Sunday when he steps into a street fight with the monster Thugg!” Riley speaks the obvious as the arena is suddenly overcome by light blue and gold lights strobing viciously, signaling the entrance of the champion as “Let’s Get Dirty” explodes over the crowd, causing them to cheer and chant wildly. “DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE!” Wildchild steps out from behind the curtain and stands at beginning of the entranceway, looking toward Alan in the ring, who only smirks. Funyon notices Wildchild waiting… “And his opponent…coming to the ring at this time…he hails from the Bahamas and is the SWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WOOOOOOOORLD… WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILDCHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILD~!” “Funyon’s got some pipes on him…” Comet casually mentions as Wildchild sprints toward the ring, a shining Caribbean Blur, and slides under the bottom rope… …and all the way out the other side!” “What a ride that was! He could have killed himself!” Riley chuckles, but Wildchild spins as he exits the ring and lands perfectly on his feet, spinning in circles as he rips the Cruiserweight Title from around his waist and raises it above his head. The champion stops after a moment and rolls back into the ring, getting to his feet and handing his title over to referee Nick Soapdish, who can only stare at the human whirling dervish in awe. Alan stands across from Wildchild as Soapdish raises the title above his head and shows it to both competitors, who no doubt know all too well what is at stake. Soapdish calls for the bell as Wildchild runs at the ropes full speed, leaping off… *DING DING DING* …and he curls up into a small Caribbean ball and fires himself toward Clark, who was barely paying attention as the bell rang. Wildchild crashes into Alan and the two men fall to the canvas, causing massive cheers throughout the arena. “And the human pinball launches himself and gets a good 1000 point shot right into Alan Clark at the opening bell!” Comet exclaims as Alan gets back to his feet, looking somewhat confused and wondering if he can get the number of the truck that just hit him. As he turns around to look, Wildchild comes off the ropes once more and spins his body around, bringing his leg up into the air and taking Clark down to the mat once more with a spine-tingling leg lariat! Wildchild wastes little time as he pops over the downed challenger and leaps off the ropes once more, springing up and flipping backwards through the air and comes crashing down on Alan Clark’s chest! “Asai Moonsault from the Champion…and a COVER!” ONE… TWO… Alan Clark quickly kicks out and rolls up to his feet, and the two men immediately go into a collar-and-elbow tie up. Alan goes for an irish whip, only for Wildchild to reverse, putting the challenger into the ropes. As Clark comes back, he aims for a clothesline….but the champ ducks, and Alan hits the ropes once more. As Alan comes back for a second time, Wildchild spins and whips his leg into the air…but Alan dodges the leg lariat with ease and once again hits the ropes. As Clark comes back for a third shot at the champ, Wildchild ducks down and sends Alan up and over his head with an armdrag takedown! Alan bounces off the mat and pops back up to his feet before taking another run in, only to be armdragged down once more. Alan shows a bit of frustration and his bare feet almost burn across the canvas as he runs in once more…but Wildchild drops down and aims for another armdrag… …but Alan Clark leaps up and over top of the champion, completing a perfect somersault and landing on his feet, spinning around and facing the champion, who also rolled up to his feet. The two men stare across the ring at each other, taking a moment to catch their breath after the acrobatic explosion that just occurred The crowd shows their love, applauding wildly, leaving Riley a bit puzzled… “What the bloody hell are they cheering for…they didn’t even do anything!” “These fans just love the competition Robert!” “Sure…whatever you say…” Riley still doesn’t get the point, but Wildchild and Alan Clark don’t seem to notice as they lock-up once more, with Clark spinning around the champion and locking in a wristlock, wrenching it back and causing Wildchild to squirm a bit in the pain. But all the squirming causes Alan to loosen his grip enough for the champ to reverse the hold, putting his own wristlock on Clark. Alan reverses the hold once more, and heads toward the ropes with the lock held tight, but Wildchild is prepared, whipping his body around and putting Alan into the ropes… …and he flips to the outside! “Alan Clark thought he was in control there, only for the champion to turn the tables and put him on the outside!” Comet exclaims as Alan hits the floor, a little dazed and dizzy from the reversals. Alan holds himself up on the ring apron… …and is suddenly struck square in the face with a Bahamian baseball slide! Alan flies back and into the entranceway and tries to steady himself on an outside barricade, shaking off the kick that just met his jaw. YAAAAHHHHH! Alan Clark hears a yell from over his shoulder, and as he turns to look…Wildchild rushes up and walks on the barricade like a tightrope expert before diving off and toward the challenger, spinning through the air and almost decapitating Alan Clark with a HUGE leg lariat! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! “Alan Clark could have been knocked out by that crazy move by Wildchild…and these fans are loving every second of it! What a bunch of freaks!” Riley yells as the champion pulls Alan off the mat and tosses him back in the ring, following quickly and going for a cover… ONE… TWO… KICKOUT! “Alan Clark barely gets a shoulder up after that high-risk move on the outside from the champion!” Comet remarks as Clark gets to his feet with a bit of spring in his step and the two men go into another lock-up near the edge of the ring. Alan gets a slight advantage with his strength and goes for an irish whip… REVERSED! REVERSED AGAIN! “Wildchild tries to reverse the whip attempt…but Alan reverses it right back and here we go!” Comet says as Wildchild hits the ropes and comes ricocheting off, gaining speed with every step…. LEG LARIAT! BOOOOOOOOO! “This crowd did NOT like that!” Riley chuckles as Alan Clark spins through the air and catches Wildchild with a leg lariat of his own, putting Wildchild down on his back in the center of the ring. Alan wastes no time in following up, coming in and flipping backwards through the air, coming down on the champion with a standing Shooter Star Press! “Alan Clark hits Wildchild’s signature leg lariat and then follows up with the Rolling Stone and into a pin!” ONE… TWO… KICKOUT! Alan does not screw around as the champion kicks out, pulling him up and whipping him into the corner. Wildchild hits the corner with a bit of force, looking a little dazed. Alan rushes in and tries for a spear, but as he does Wildchild hops up and somersaults over Alan’s back and goes down, hooking the challenger’s legs and rolling him into a pin with a perfect sunset flip… Soapdish is ready for the count… ONE… TWO… THR-KICKOUT! “Wildchild almost stole a win with that cheap pin!” Riley fumes at the announce table. “Now now, Robert…there was nothing cheap about that! It was an impeccable counter!” Comet replies as Alan pops out of the pin and spins around, his face gleaming with frustration. Wildchild is ready as well, and quickly fires off a few swift kicks to Alan’s ribs. Clark steps back and drops down, spinning a full circle and trying for a Kombat-esque legsweep, but the champ is too quick on his feet, leaping up and flipping backwards, landing on his hands and springing up and back to his feet. “By Zeus! What a sensational dodge that was!” Comet exclaims as Clark comes up from the sweet and is caught in the mush with another leg lariat from the champ, putting him down on the mat in the corner. Alan crawls back up and goes toward the center of the ring, trying to get back to his feet as Wildchild heads to the top rope… “Wildchild is gonna fly!” Riley screams out as Alan gets to his feet and turns around just as Wildchild leaps from the top rope, spreading his arms and spinning a full 360 degrees in the air, crashing down on top of Alan in the middle of the ring! “ANDROS DROP! COVER!” ONE… TWO… THREENOOOOOO! “Clark barely got out of that! What amazing athleticism!” Comet continues as Clark rolls to the outside, trying to recover from the beating he has taken thus far in the match. “If Clark can’t take this much pain from the Cruiserweight Champion…he may be royally screwed on Sunday when he has to step toe-to-toe with Thugg!” “You may be right Riley…but LOOKOUT!!” Comet explodes out as Alan lays against the barricade recovering, only for Wildchild to rush across the top rope with acrobatic skill and perfection before diving off the top and heading to the floor… …only for Alan Clark to MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! The crowd chants as Wildchild lays on the floor after his body struck the barricade after a near 10-foot fall. In the ring, even Soapdish can’t help but cringe in between his counting… …4… Alan gets back to his feet slowly and moves over to the dazed champ, pulling him up and grabbing him near his left shoulder, whipping him out and toward the ring post before quickly turning direction and sending Wildchild back into the barricade. Wildchild’s back strikes the cold steel and a small yelp of Caribbean pain sounds out as he slumps over to the floor once more… …6… “That was sick! I like it!” Riley laughs as Alan pulls Wildchild off the mat and throws him back into the ring, following behind and shoving the champion down on his stomach before locking in a full nelson. Alan wrenches the hold back, causing Wildchild to scream out a little, as the pain in his neck from barricade shots has yet to go away. Before the torture can continue much further, the champ is able to reach his right foot out and catch it on the bottom rope, forcing the challenger to break the hold. “Alan Clark seems to have zeroed in on the shoulders and neck of the champ after that high risk dive to the outside…” Comet mentions as Clark pulls Wildchild toward the center of the ring, keeping him down on his stomach. Alan leaps up and comes down hard onto Wildchild’s neck and shoulders with a knee drop, rolling through and coming up near the ropes. With the champion still down, Alan hops up and bounces off the ropes and flips backward toward the center of the ring… …and catches nothing but mat! “Wildchild moved out of the way from the Asai Moonsault from Alan Clark…and he paid for it!” Riley exclaims as Alan holds his stomach in pain, as Wildchild gets up a head of steam and rushes in, looking for another leg lariat…but as he does, Alan grabs the outstretched leg and rolls his body down, sending Wildchild flailing wildly and striking the mat chest first. Alan releases the leg and quickly mounts the back of the champion, shoving his knee between Wildchild’s shoulderblades and pulls his wrists behind his back. Alan pulls back, putting all of his weight into the center of Wildchild’s spine, forcing his arms to be bent in ways mother nature never intended them to be. The champion moans a bit in pain as his body is stretched out, and Soapdish stands over him asking for submission… NO! NO! NO! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! “This crowd is really getting behind their champion now!” Comet yells out as Alan finally releases the hold and falls forward, turning his body and dropping an elbow into the same area where his knee just was. Wildchild slumps onto the mat and Alan rolls him over, going for a cover… ONE… TWO… KICKOUT! “Wildchild almost lost his gold there…” Riley points out as Nick’s hand was only centimeters off the mat as the champion kicked out, much to the delight of the audience. Alan does not seem to pleased as he drags Wildchild up and spins him around, hooking in a waistlock. Clark pulls up with all his might and rolls his body backwards, sending the champion down onto his shoulders and neck with a hard German suplex. WHAM! Alan keeps his wrists locked and spins his body around, lifting Wildchild up and repeating the move, putting even more pressure onto the champ’s neck. WHAM! “By Zeus! Two hard Germans! And he’s going for a Third!” Comet exclaims as Alan repeats the suplex for a third time… WHAM! …and bridges into a pin! ONE… TWO… “WILDCHILD KICKS OUT!” Both announcers scream as Wildchild pops out of the bridge and rolls to his knees, then suddenly goes for a pin of his own! ONE… TWO… THREEKICKOUT! “Alan Clark was almost surprised into defeat!” Riley exclaims as Alan kicks out and gets up to his feet, immediately throwing a kick into the gut of the champ and bringing a forearm down across his back, causing him to drop down to his knees. Alan rushes toward the ropes and springs off, coming back across the ring and leaping into the air, bringing his right foot smacking into the back of Wildchild’s head, causing him to slam face-first into the canvas. “Running Enziguri! That could have knocked the champions lights out!” Comet yells as Wildchild rolls on his back, holding his neck in pain from the kick as Alan rushes toward the corner and leaps up, landing on the top turnbuckle and looking out toward the crowd. With a good bounce, Alan pops off the top and spins like a top…a full 540 degrees, crouching his body into a ball before spreading out…and crashing down on top of Wildchild with a HUGE Frog Splash! “JOY TO THE WORLD ON THE CHAMPION!” Both announcers are in unison once more as Alan stays on top for a cover… ONE… TWO… THREEEEEENOOOOOOOOOO!!! “Alan Clark is STUNNED in the ring right now! He can’t believe it!” Comet comments as Alan looks at Soapdish, making sure it was really a two count. Soapdish confirms what the entire world knows…and the crowd starts up their chanting once more… DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! The chanting does little to help the champ however, as Alan pops to his feet and drops another knee down across Wildchild’s neck and shoulders, keeping all the pressure placed on those two areas any chance he can. Alan drags Wildchild to his feet and shoves him into the corner, hitting a few stiff chops before backing away and leaping up, aiming for a rana out of the corner… …BLOCKED! THUD! “BY MERCIFUL ZEUS! Wildchild just powerbombed Alan Clark straight into the mat!” Comet explodes as Wildchild stays on top of Alan, looking for a pin… ONE… TWO… THREE!!! NOOOOOOOOOO!!! “Alan Clark gets his foot on the ropes just before three count!” Riley comments as Wildchild looks a little stunned, still holding his head from the barrage of offense he has taken in the last few moments of the match. Clark’s foot falls off the ropes, and he rolls over to the them, using them as a makeshift ladder to get back to his feet. Wildchild gets to his feet and pulls Alan up as well, flipping his body over and looking for a Inverted DDT. Alan tries to fight out, but the champion goes to the corner and climbs up to the second turnbuckle, keeping the inverted facelock hooked in as he leaps off and spins around, falling into a sitting position and driving Alan right into the canvas on the back of his head for the second time in about a minute and a half. “Clark could be unconscious by the end of this match” Comet starts, and Riley interrupts… “He could be unconscious now…if it wasn’t for the fact that he is moving…” Riley is right, Alan is moving a bit, but Wildchild quickly goes for another cover… ONE…. TWO… THREENOOOO!! Clark barely gets his shoulder up, leaving the crowd to continue their chants for the champion. Even Comet can see Alan’s reaction to the chants as he gets pulled back to his feet. “Alan Clark…even dazed as he is…can’t be enjoying how much the crowd is staying behind Wildchild right now, especially since he feels he is doing the fans a great service this Sunday against Thugg.” “He is doing them a service, Comet…he’s going into a war and getting DESTROYED! BWAHAHAHAHA…” Riley laughs maniacally as Wildchild whips Alan into the ropes, catching him with a stiff forearm as he comes back into the center of the ring. Alan’s head deflects of the forearm and he stumbles into the corner, his arms holding himself up on the top ropes. Wildchild turns and faces Alan and sees a gold opportunity for mayhem as he rushes the other direction and builds up a good deal of steam before firing his body into the corner, leaping up and spinning a full 360 degrees and splashing down, sandwiching Alan between the turnbuckle and his chest. “BLUE CRUSH!” Comet exclaims as Wildchild backs out of the corner and Alan stumbles foreward before falling flat on his face. The champion stays on the attack, dropping to the mat and driving his elbow into the back of the challenger’s head before going for another cover near the corner… ONE… TWO… THREEEEEEENOOOOO!!! “Alan Clark is staying alive! And he doesn’t even like disco!” Riley quips as Alan rolls to the outside, trying to regain his bearings. Alan leans against the barricade for a moment and then turns to get back into the ring… WHOOOOOOSH! THUD! …Only to be hit by a Caribbean Cruise Missile as Wildchild dives through the ropes and crashes down on top of Alan, sending both men into the barricade! Alan’s back strikes the steel and he falls down, and Wildchild seems hurt as well! “The champion may have hurt himself with that suicide dive! He’s holding his head and just writhing in pain! This could be the turning point Alan needs right now!” Comet comments on the scene as Soapdish looks on in the ring, the only thing he can do is count… …3… The crowd begins their chants once more, but Alan is the quicker of the two making it up to a vertical base… …4…. Alan gets to his feet and shakes his head, trying to release some of the cobwebs. Alan smirks toward the chanting crowd as he pulls Wildchild up to his feet and gives him a cold punch right in the mouth, causing a verbal warning from Soapdish, who stops the count just as Alan whips Wildchild into the ring. Clark pops up to the ring apron and grabs the top rope with both hands. Alan waits until Wildchild is in perfect position before jumping up and springboarding off the top rope, somersaulting through the air and bringing his left leg down across the back of the champ’s neck with a crazy legdrop. “Springboard Somersault Legdrop! What amazing agility from Alan!” “Another amusing alitteration from the superhero simply known as Cyclone Comet” The joke runs its course half way through Riley’s spiel, but he finishes it because he’s a stubborn bastard as Alan makes the cover… ONE… TWO… THREEE!!! NO!!! “Wildchild barely gets his shoulder up and all this flying around seems to have taken something out of both men this late in the contest…” Comet remarks as Alan lifts Wildchild off the mat and tries for an irish whip… REVERSED! …Alan is sent into the ropes from the reversal and as he comes flying back across the ring, Wildchild leg lariats him down and then immediately fires off a standing moonsault, doing anything he can to pull out a win against the do-or-die Clark… ONE… TWOOOOOOO… THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! “Alan Clark won’t stay down!” Comet yells as Wildchild drags Alan up and tries for another irish whip, only for the challenger to reverse it mid-stream and send the Bahama Bomber into the ropes instead. The champ rushes back and Alan tries for a clothesline, but the speed of Wildchild isn’t diminished enough, and he ducks below, hitting the ropes once more. Wildchild comes off the ropes and goes for a big cross body in the middle of the ring, but Alan catches the champion in mid-air! Wildchild fights to break free from the waistlock Clark has hooked on, but before he can he is draped over Alan’s shoulder and then whipped down, his body striking the mat with sheer brute force! “SOUTHERN ROCK! Alan Clark could have just broken Wildchild’s back right in two!” Riley comments as Alan stands to his feet and rubs his head, waking himself up a bit. “What is he going to do now?” Comet asks, but the answer comes quick as Alan heads to the corner and he climbs the turnbuckle slowly, trying to keep his balance nice and perfect. Alan gets to the top and perches himself, getting prepared to fly. He looks to his feet and makes sure they are in the correct position, his movements slow and deliberate as his head is pounding from the abuse it has taken. DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! DUB-CEE! Alan hears the chants and turns to acknowledge them, his face nothing more than a twisted smirk as he is in complete control. Alan turns back to face the ring and is suddenly met by the champion bounding up to the top rope, springing up and shoving his feet into Alan’s chest…looking for a Freefall… “Wildchild is channeling himself from two weeks ago, when a distraction from Thugg put Alan down for a three count…but WAIT…” Comet says, and Riley yells out… “BLOCKED!” He screams as Alan maintains his balance and grabs Wildchild by the ankles, causing the champion to flail and hang upside down, Alan using all of his strength to keep the champion from falling four feet head-first into the canvas. “Alan Clark could have just saved Wildchild’s career right there after almost ending it…but what is he doing now?” Comet questions as Alan’s face is showing signs of his body struggling to pull Wildchild back up. Alan drapes Wildchild’s knees across his shoulders and brings his arms down, hooking his own arms around the waist of the champion… “If he does what I think he is going to do…” “By Zeus if he does!” THUD!!!!! The sound of Wildchild’s body being driven into the canvas echoes out through the arena, as Alan Clark pulled the champion into position and leaped off the top, using what strength he had left to spike Wildchild into the mat with a Super Powerbomb~! “That was the craziest sight I may have ever seen! Alan Clark almost took another freefall off the top…only to block the move and then almost drop the champion into paralysis…but then Alan stopped that…only to THEN SLAM WILDCHILD OFF THE TOP WITH A POWERBOMB!” “HOLY (BLEEP)” comes the call from Riley, which is censored from him, but not from the rest of the sold-out crowd, as they can be heard chanting over the count by Nick Soapdish… HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! ONEEEEEEE… TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO… THRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE….. *DING DING DING* “Unbelievable!” Both Riley and Comet exclaim as “Wanted Dead or Alive” explodes over the PA System and Alan Clark rolls off of Wildchild, his body also in pain from the top rope powerbomb. The entire arena is stunned as Funyon makes the announcement… “The winner of this bout…and NEEEEEEEW ESS DUUUUUUUBYA EFF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON… ALAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN CLAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRKKKKK~!” Alan can’t even get to his feet as Soapdish raises his hand and gives him the Cruiserweight Title. Wildchild has not moved an inch since hitting the mat and the referee turns his attention back to him as Alan is able to roll out of the ring, clutching the belt in his hands. “We just witnessed some of the most insane things I’ve ever seen in a regular match! Could this be a sign of things to come at From The Fire when Alan Clark squares off against Thugg in the big man’s final match of his career? Could we be seeing the dawn of the Clark Age in the cruiserweight division of the SWF! BY ZEUS WHAT A MATCH!” “Damn, Comet…calm down…” is all Riley can say as Alan makes his way toward the back, giving out a few high-fives as he goes, and as Smarkdown heads to commercial, replays are shown of the match, ending with the gigantic super powerbomb that crowned a new champion…

... The commercial break ends abruptly, as the television pictures begins to flutter, filling with static, and this continues while Andrew Blackwell’s voice is heard… … "There is nothing wrong with your television set.“ “Do not attempt to adjust the picture." “I will control the horizontal.” “I will control the vertical.” “I am controlling transmission…." ... The picture returns too normal shortly after. Before Andrew Blackwell makes his entrance, the lights recede, not into complete darkness, but very near to, as “Tainted” by Lycia begins to play, very softly, at the same time. Spotlights situated to the side of the ramp way, all along the side turn on Blackwell and follow him like he were the second coming of Christ as he walks slowly, glaring at the fans and shaking his head at their disrespectful boos that reign down, before he finally reaches the ringside area… “And here he is…” Begins Bobby Riley, admiring the Australian from afar. “The SWF United States Junior League Champion, ready to do battle once again against an old friend, and foe.” “Darn tootin’, Bobbo!” Comes Cyclone’s cheery reply. “Two of the longest serving wrestlers ever in this federation will square off not for titles, not for contendership, no no… only pride is at stake here tonight, and knowing these two men, we are set for a terrific fight!” Unhooking his precious title from around his waist and handing it to the referee, Sacred begins his pre-match warm up, also preparing, or at least trying to prepare himself mentally as he gets ready to face his former friend in combat. Funyon suddenly snaps hi back to reality as he booms to the capacity crowd… “The following match is a LEGENDS match!” The crowd begin to cheer, liking the sound of the match at hand, but then their cheers slowly but surely turn to jeers as Sacred raises his arms, waving to them all and giving them a cheery smile. “… And it is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first! From Adelaide, Australia. Standing six foot one inches tall and weighing in at approximately two hundred and sixteen pounds… he is the S W F United States Junior League Champion… he is… SSSSAAAACCCRREEEEDDDDDD!” The Australian’s reception is less than cheery as the fans direct their utter contempt for the convict, booing him relentlessly. “Hey! I’m supposed to call him a filthy convict! Who’s this narrator fellow anyway!?” “… Who are you talking to man?” The jeers, somehow, begin to recede as “Tainted” fades out and the lights return to their usual bright brilliance. Suddenly and without warning, “Creatures for a While” by 311 begins to play through the house speakers, giving the fans something to cheer about! Almost instantly, Jay Dawg makes his appearance, looking dead ahead at Sacred, not bothering to acknowledge the fans. “Jamie Drazon…” Bobby Riley mutters under his breath. “A name I thought I’d never see again, at least, not this soon. But here he is, in only his second match since returning, and he has to face a man he used to be close with, who he used to put his trust in.” “Ah, but there’s the key word there Robert, used to. Now, I sense its just business for Citizen Drazon, and Mr. Blackwell is simply another stepping stone on his way to climbing to the top once again!” “It may very well be his night, Comet. He’s already trounced once established and experienced star in Mike Van Scilen, but can he overcome Sacred? I know this for sure though; Sacred has to be feeling the affects of last weeks brutal hardcore encounter with Aecas, and he’ll be hurting. I say that the SWF made this match for a reason. They’re purposely trying to make Sacred’s life a living hell in this federation, and I won’t stand for it!” “Oh, sit back down Robert! What’s done is done, and this match is set in stone, and can’t be changed! Citizen Sacred will have to confront his long time adversary in that ring, and he better have his working boots on, because Drazon is not in a good mood, in fact, he wants to start already!” Funyon quickly gets on the mic after a stone cold glare from Jay Dawg, who prepares himself for the encounter. “And… his opponent! From Vancouver, B.C. Standing six feet four inches tall, and weighing in at two hundred and forty three pounds… please welcome back to the SWF, the Hardcore Maniac… JAAAAMMMIIIIEEEEEEE DRRRRAAAAZZZZZZOOOOONNNN!” As soon as his name is read out, and the fans begin to cheer much to Blackwell’s dismay, the bell is rung to start this match! DING! DING! DING! “Well, what can be said about these two that hasn’t been said a million times before?” Comet asks, watching both men’s reactions as they approach. “Size difference, weight difference, none of that matters. They know each other like the back of their hand, and have a roadmap of their tactics, of each move in their mind, and will be watching each other like hawk’s!” Staring across the ring, Jay Dawg grins at his former Tag Team Partner, letting it known clearly to him in his eyes and his clenched fists that he can't expect him to hold back one bit. This doesn’t phase Blackwell one iota. In fact, the Australian strides across the ring, brimming with intent, and simply rears back… SLAP! Nailing Drazon across the chest with a sharp knife-edge chop! The crowd cringes at the painful blow delivered by the Sacred One, but Drazon remains in one spot, hardly wavered by the blow, and remaining toe-to-toe with his foe! “Drazon is simply a freak!” cries Cyclone. “Blackwell’s chops are amongst the stiffest, most painful chops in the business, and he hardly even flinched!” “His tolerance for pain is extreme, Comet, I know as you do from personal experience. We’ve seen Blackwell be dominated by his opponents recently, but if he lets Drazon over power him and subdue him early, then it’s game over!” Not stopping to chat, Blackwell goes down low as he nails Jamie with a knee to the midsection. He then pulls Drazon close, almost face-to-face as he delivers a few more rising knee strikes. With Dawg off-guard, at least for the moment, Blackwell sends him into the strands with an Irish Whip. Giving his opponent little time to counter, Blackwell snaps Drazon over with an ankle scissors, sending him rolling across the mat, but he recovers and soon regains his footing. Depriving Drazon of any time to set himself, Sacred springs from the mat and plants two feet into Jamie's chest. Blackwell uses this to back flip and land back on two feet as Drazon stumbles into the ropes behind him. He comes stumbling back from the strands toward the centre of the ring where Sacred is waiting, as the Australian reaches down and lifts up Jaime's left leg, leaving him hoping on the other while he attempts to snap him over with a Dragon Screw! Drazon, all too weary of being in this predicament, steps over Sacred's leg and nails him with a spinning kick to the jaw! Sacred is utterly surprised as he hits the canvas but rolls right back onto his feet, but he leaves himself wide open for Jamie, who traps him in his clutches, lifting him high into the air, completely vertical. Drazon lets Sacred slowly fall like a tree trunk, finally nailing him with a Suplex! Kivell, ready to pounce on the cover like a tiger, slides over with his hand raised, but Jamie forgoes the cover, instead he rolls his hips and springs onto his feet, ready for another vertical Suplex! Drazon lifts his long-time friend up into a vertical base, but this time... ... Sacred floats over and lands behind Drazon! Regaining his footing quickly, Sacred attempts to lock his arms around Jamie's waist, and lift him into the air with a German Suplex! The Hardcore Maniac shakes his head and whispers "Predictable" to his former partner. He easily counters by rushing forward and grabbing onto the top rope, causing Blackwell to lose his grip and roll backwards across the mat! “Such a hot and intense opening to this match!” Comet says, wiping sweat from his brow. “These two won’t want to give each other a single inch, a single opening to gather some momentum in this match. It’ll come down to who can control their emotions and who can keep a clear head long enough to prevail, and judging from citizen Drazon’s history, that isn’t too likely…” Redoubling his efforts, Sacred charges once again, only to have Dawg lower his head and throw him over the top rope! The crowd are just about ready to let out a loud cheer, until Sacred somehow holds onto the top rope and lands on the apron! The fans sigh in disappointment, as Drazon turns around, also disappointed, and Sacred fires a forearm his way. The Aussie is only playing possum however, as he feigns the strike, and actually goes low, driving his knee into Jamie's rib cage! Drazon is distracted for only a second, but that's long enough for Sacred to vault over the top rope and grab him around the waist, pulling him down in a Sunset Flip! Kivell is on the spot again, but groans as Jamie avoids the pinning predicament by rolling through and back onto his feet! Blackwell meets him with a smile, swirling back to his feet in an instant to face Dawg. The Sacred One makes a simple mistake as he fires off a forearm shot, only to have Drazon catch his wrist and pull him into a knee strike! Drazon's patented combo is finished with a front face lock, but Sacred is ready for it, and he reverses, lifting Drazon off the mat and throwing him over his shoulder with a Northern Lights! Kivell's attempts to count are again thwarted as Drazon lifts his shoulders off the mat, along with Sacred! The two remain bridged, locked together, before Drazon spins himself and Sacred around, putting him in a Standing Headscissors! The crowd pops for the cunning reversal as Jamie lifts Sacred off the mat and up onto his shoulders, ready to decimate him with a Powerbomb! “Beautiful chain wrestling from these two, as we expected!” Notes Riley, pleased with what he sees in front of him. “But this maybe the first break in this match as Drazon hoists Sacred up for a Powerbomb!” Jay Dawg suddenly loses his grip as Blackwell pounds into the top of his skull with deadly forearms, before arching his back and dragging Jamie down, rolling him up with a Hurricanrana! “It’s countered! A quick rollup may just surprise Drazon enough to keep him down for the three!” shouts Cyclone. O N E ! …But how wrong he is as Drazon pushes the Australian away effortlessly, breaking the count after only ONE! Blackwell is stunned, so much so that he lets Dawg slip away and climb back to his feet. Sacred spins around, trying to track his former partner... WHAM! ... And pays the price for his mistake as Drazon surprises him with a Thai Roundhouse kick right to the jaw! The Aussie flies backward, thumping into the turnbuckles as Dawg approaches, a sadistic gleam in his eye that Sacred has rarely seen before. Drazon grins as he delivers headbutt after headbutt, hitting Sacred just above the eye and opening up a cut! The headbutts seem to leave Drazon unphased as he elbows Blackwell right in the face before taking him by the hand and sending him into the opposite corner with an Irish Whip. The Hardcore Maniac sets his sights on his former friend, aiming to make him bleed even further. Sacred realizes the desperate situation, and as Drazon charges with a full head of steam, Sacred dives out of the way, and Dawg misses with his Yazuka Kick! Drazon cries out as his knee hyper extends and his dominant leg drapes across the top rope! This time, Sacred is the one to smile with glee, watching Dawg hang precariously with one leg over the top rope, ripe for the picking. Blackwell sets himself to take full advantage of the situation, sending a high kick underneath Drazon's knee and knocking his leg off the top rope! “OH MAN!” Both Riley and Comet shout, before Robert continues, cringing as Drazon cries out. “That did not look pretty! Drazon took a big risk, knowing Blackwell could easily counter, but he continued on anyway, and payed the price! That was a NASTY looking miss, and he may have done something to his leg…” Jaime cries out again as he grabs at his leg, grimacing in pain. Sacred looks on, worried, knowing Jay Dawg is one of the only links to the past left in the entire federation. He takes his time as he sets Dawg up in the corner, straightening him up before sending Dawg across the ring with an Irish Whip... But it's reversed! Dawg spins around whips Sacred in close, connecting with a rising knee lift! Drazon lowers his head; whispering in Sacred's ear, "Don't think I'll go easy on you. You're no friend of mine anymore." The crowd clamour to hear the words exchanged, but Dawg puts a clamp on any more dialogue, and Sacred's neck! Drazon holds Sacred in a front face lock, tightening his grip and choking the life out of him! “JD DDT!” Cyclone shouts. “This alone can totally decimate opponents, but surely that crude, callous and cunning Sacred knows what to do!” Drazon attempts to pull his former partner down with a DDT, but Cyclone is correct, and Sacred holds on! Again, Jamie yanks on his neck and tries to drive his head into the canvas, but Sacred puts his front foot forward, halting Drazon's momentum! Dawg growls, angered by Sacred's stubborn refusal to be decapitated, sending a swift kick into Sacred's breadbasket to 'loosen' him up... ... But Sacred catches his leg! Drazon's eyes grow wide, ready to tear Sacred a new one, but before he can, Sacred drags him down with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip! Drazon cringes as Sacred takes the injured leg and spins around, looking for that Upright Figure four of his! “As soon as Drazon injures his leg…” Riley begins. “Sacred sets to take advantage of it! And he’s attempting to lock on the DEPROGRAMMER early on tonight! Maybe he fears even with JD’s leg incapacitated, he still can’t keep up with him?” …Drazon counters the move! Recalling the training sessions the two had where Sacred showed him this exact move, Dawg plants his foot into Sacred's back and pushes him away, breaking the hold before Sacred can lock it on! Blackwell is shocked to say the very least, and even more so as Drazon basically no sells the pain shooting through his leg and climbs to his feet! Sacred runs forward, desperately trying to keep Dawg grounded on the canvas… As he tries to clobber him in the face with a flying forearm, Drazon grabs his arm and spins around him with a standing switch! Sacred is suddenly caught in a Full Nelson, unable to escape no matter how hard he tries! Drazon lifts him up off one leg, taking him up and over… WHAM! “OH MY! A beautiful Dragon Suplex!” Comet must admit. “And he’s held on with a bridge! And look at poor, deprived Kivell snap into action!” O N E! T W O! T H RRRRRRRRREEEEE… … Sacred rolls his shoulder off the mat after a two count! Blackwell breaks JD’s hold of his arms and crawls towards the corner, recovering as best he can after being dropped on his head. Drazon favours his left leg as he climbs to his feet, but tries to block the pain as he sees Sacred propped up in the corner, ready to be set upon! And set upon he is as Drazon attacks like a rabid wolf, rearing back slowly and… CRACK! … Rifling off a stiff Knife-Edge Chop across Sacred’s chest! CRACK! “Jay Dawg has been gone WAY too long I say!” Riley cries, cringing after every brutal chop. “He’s back, and he wants a clean slate, as he’s showing as he absolutely MURDERS Sacred with those chops!” CRACK! “I just don’t know how he does it!” Cyclone wonders in amazement. “Citizen Drazon is able to block out the pain in his mind, and continue on as if nothing has happened! And continue taking it to poor Mr. Blackwell, who can’t believe his eyes!” Drazon takes hold of Sacred and sends him across the ring with an Irish Whip, slamming him into the turnbuckles so hard he hits and rebounds back into the centre of the ring! Just to add insult to injury, Dawg falls onto one knee and… DING! … Hits Sacred right in the crown jewels! “Now come ON!” Riley shouts in an outrage. “I know I’ve missed the guy, and I’m glad he’s back representin’ us vets, but that was a blatant Low Blow! That’s just not cricket!” “Holy Zombie Jesus!” Comet cries in reply. “Citizen Blackwell may very be missing his meat and two veg after that… that… blow for justice!” “For justice!? JUSTICE? Surely you cannot support Drazon’s actions against that poor, defenceless Australian boy!” Matty Kivell suddenly sparks to life, ready to call for the bell, but Drazon snaps his vengeful glare in his direction, climbing to his feet and stalking the young referee. Kivell backs away slowly, stuttering out his promise that he won’t call for the bell. Drazon cracks a smile, turning back to Sacred who remains frozen on the spot, clutching his nether regions with a pained, deeply pained expression. Drazon greedily steps forth, directing a kick into Sacred’s midsection and doubling him over. The crowd suddenly rise from their seats, sensing something will happen. Drazon doesn’t disappoint as he shoves Blackwell between his legs and locks him in a cross-armed position! “It’s time for JD’s REVENGE!” Shouts Cyclone over the thousands on thousands of screaming fans, totally marking out like little kids. “He’s dusting it off after to so long to FINISH Citizen Sacred off right here!” But it’s not to be, because if anyone knows this move best, it’s Sacred! The Aussie unhooks his arms quickly and reaches underneath Drazon, taking his feet out under him with a double leg takedown. Taking a tighter hold of Drazon’s legs, Blackwell positions himself accordingly, holding Jamie’s legs underneath his arms as he stands up tall. The Australian then suddenly rolls onto his back, catapulting JD into the turnbuckles face first! Instead of letting the Hardcore Maniac go however, Blackwell keeps hold of his legs, letting Jamie fall back into his original position. The Aussie suddenly springs to his feet, taking Jamie’s injured leg and spinning around, taking hold of the second leg! Drazon knows what Blackwell is trying to do and will have none of it, simply fighting through the pain and shoving Blackwell into the turnbuckle with legs! Sacred loses his grip as he thumps into the turnbuckle pads, but is determined to keep Drazon down, and strides out towards Dawg once again. But Dawg is ready for him, planting his hands on the canvas to lift himself up, and using his right leg to spin around and take Sacred down with a Leg Sweep! Sacred falls on the flat of his back, at Drazon’s will as the Hardcore Maniac backs into the ropes, limping back towards Blackwell and dropping his knee across Sacred’s eye to open up the cut even further! “Drazon wants to see red, and he does!” Comet yells, watching blood trickle from the wound. “Seeing Sacred getting cut up and bleed like that can only spur him on further!” Not satisfied the first time, Drazon drops the point of his knee on Sacred’s handsome features, causing the blood flow to steadily increase and roll down Sacred’s face. The Australian tries to escape JD’s fury, but the Hardcore Maniac catches him as he attempts to crawl away, bringing him to his feet to meet him face-to-face. Drazon lowers his body to easily lift Sacred up onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry position. The crowd stand to attention, beginning to cheer Drazon on as he places his hands underneath Sacred’s waist and chest, audibly groaning and visibly straining as he attempts to lift Sacred into the air with a Military Press… The Australian counters as Drazon’s leg begins to buckle! Sacred swings around, taking Drazon’s neck underneath his arm and spinning around, ready to drop him with a Tornado DDT! The Hardcore Maniac is wise to Sacred’s highflying capabilities and shucks him away, forcing he Australian to land back on his feet! Sacred backs into the ropes to gather momentum and makes another pass at Drazon, leaping onto his shoulders, trying to flip him over with an Ankle Scissors! … But Drazon somehow holds on! The Hardcore Maniac digs in and grabs hold of Blackwell, letting him dangle precariously towards the mat! Sacred tries to swing himself back up onto Drazon’s shoulders, but, sensing his leg beginning to buckle, Drazon takes hold of Andrew and falls onto his back, throwing Sacred across the top rope throat first! The crowd pops wildly for Drazon’s stout resistance to the Australian menace, and pop even more when Drazon climbs to his feet and hooks Sacred in a front face lock, and tightens his grip around Sacred’s throat, choking him without mercy before pulling Sacred down… “NO!” Shouts Riley, fearing the move about to be hit… BAM! … And flooring him with an EVENFLOW DDT, grounding him face first into the mat! As blood trickles onto the mat from Sacred’s massive gash across his eye, JD crawls over and hooks him by the leg for the pin! Kivell is somewhat apprehensive about counting for Drazon, and takes his sweet time before dropping his hand on the canvas for the… O N E! T W O! T H R EEEEEEEEEEEEE… ... NNNNNNOOOOOOO! Sacred’s pushes Drazon off his chest and breaks the count just in the nick of time! Jamie’s looks up at the fans that shower their hate for the Australian down on the ring. Drazon’s eyes grow wider and wider as his expression grows ever more menacing, just as he turns his head towards the referee, tired of his games. Getting to his feet, Drazon hobbles across the ring, towering over Kivell who looks left and right for support, but none is forthcoming. The attendants at ringside shake their heads furiously; leaving Kivell to try and calm Drazon down, but the Hardcore Maniac has been set off… “RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAA!” The fans rise as one and cheer as Drazon puts his hands on the shifty Mr. Kivell, holding him up by his collar, his fist raised ready to strike the defenceless official! Before he can cause any bodily harm, Sacred makes the diving save, mercilessly taking out Drazon’s leg with a chop block! “What a downright dastardly and deplorable deed by Mr. Blackwell!” Comet cries foully. “He doesn’t care how much damage he causes to that leg, he’ll just take advantage of Dawg’s injury to steal a victory away!” “Are you still upset by this? It’s a legitimate tactic! And maybe if Dawg had kept his rage in check, he wouldn’t even be in this predicament. He’s dug this hole for himself, and will pay the price!” Waiting and watching like a greedy vulture circling it’s fallen prey, Sacred grins, head down, ready to strike. The fans are in an uproar, calling for Drazon to do anything to put the evil Australian in his place. They watch on helplessly though as Drazon climbs back to his feet, only to have Sacred swoop on him and take him down from behind with another chop block to the knee! “It’s utterly reprehensible behaviour, Robert! Citizen Drazon, in only his second match since his return, is being taken advantage of like an altar boy in a…” “I thought I told you not to mention my childhood!” Riley says, putting his hand over Comet’s mouth in a muzzle. The fans boo louder and louder after every blow, angered by the Australians actions, but they can’t do anything about it, and he knows it. Grinning form ear to ear, Sacred sets himself for one final run, simply waiting for JD to climb onto his feet… The Hardcore Maniac soldiers on, stamping his foot, trying to get some feeling back into his leg, some blood flowing. Finally, he crawls towards the turnbuckles and employs their aid to stand on two feet, and Sacred makes his charge… … WHAM! … That sound is not Drazon falling to the mat in a crumpled heap, but Sacred, ramming himself face first into the turnbuckles! The crowd are suddenly brought back to life as Sacred puts a hand over his eye, blood trickling into his eye and flowing down his face. The Australian stumbles about, losing sight of Drazon as he tries to wipes the crimson red from his eye… Suddenly, as he trips forward unaware of his surroundings, JD lowers his head and lifts Blackwell onto his shoulders, bringing him into the air! “It’s… it’s the GANJA FILES!” Comet suddenly and happily cries. “Tough I condone the use of drugs, I have never been happier to see Ganja brought out for the fans!” “This could be it! Sacred didn’t know where the hell he was, and stumbled right into Drazon’s clutches! But this can’t be it! Blackwell can’t fall to another hardcore menace!” The fans watch on in awe, seeing Drazon slide inward, bringing Sacred over his shoulder, and trying to flip him over… Drazon tries to bear the pain attacking his leg, ripping it apart, but all his weight is placed on the injured leg, and it suddenly tweaks, buckling under immense pressure… … Allowing Sacred to land back on his feet safely! The crowd gasp as they watch Drazon drop to one knee, keeping is pride intact and hiding the absolute gripping pain. Sacred takes the injured leg and lifts it into the air, dropping it across his own knee, prompting one single cry of pain from Drazon as he falls onto the canvas, at Sacred’s will as he takes the injured leg once again and spins around it, grabbing the second leg and… “THE DEPROGRAMMER! Sacred has that devastating Figure Four locked on, but will Drazon tap!?” “He HAS to!” Comes Riley’s cry in reply. “This move tore Mak Francis’ leg apart, and where is he NOW? Drazon can hide his pain all he wants, but Sacred knows that the damage has been done, and it’s only a matter of time before…” … “Before…” … … He taps… … DING! DING! DING! The bell finally rings as Drazon’s hand taps the canvas, and Kivell calls for the bell! The fans CANNOT believe what they just witnessed, and cry out in protest! Funyon squashes those protests as he gets on the mic and announces… “The winner of this match via submission… SACRED!” The Australian doesn’t even give anyone time to ponder the outcome before escaping with his USJL title and scampering back up the ramp way, leaving Drazon in his wake, but only just...

“This next match is scheduled for one fall and it shall be contested under hardcore rules to a finish,” begins the dapper Funyon as the crowd once again stirs at the prospect of some lovely carnage to come. “This will indeed be a real clash of personal philosophies if I have ever seen one,” calls out The Cyclone Comet as a particular country song begins to play through the arena. “On one side of the ring we’re going to see a complete bible thumper take on the king of Satanists in what should only be called Passion II: God Gets Even.” Bobby Riley adds on, “Or on the other hand it might be just be on eof those sequels that are just like the original. You know like the twenty-seven different versions of The Land before Time.” “You’ve watched all those movies about the little dinosaurs?” “… Littlefoot owns your face.” As the sounds of Sara Evans continues to play away in the background, Coy West makes his way down the aisle with a different look then what we are accustomed to seeing on his face. Not smiling or waving to the populace, West simply walks down the aisle and into the ring as the crowd nonetheless gives the rampaging redneck a bit of a cheer. Sliding underneath the bottom rope, West stands tall in the center of the ring and allows his newest T-shirt to be seen by one and all. Emblazoned across the white shirt is none other than the simple phrase that ‘Jesus = Hardcore’ with a silhouette of the crucifixion on the back in black. Bounding into the ropes in order to warm himself up for the battle to come, West gets his mind together as he only barely hears his ring announcement. “Introducing first, wrestler number one comes to us from the S. S. General Lee Jr. and weighs in tonight at 240 pounds. He is the ‘The Coyote’ COYYYYY WESSSSSSSSSST!” Putting a hand in the air to acknowledge the cheers, Coy places his eyes firmly at the ring entrance as the sounds of “Hero” begin to play loudly over the speakers. Through the shredding metal charges the hard form of the man protected by Satan known as Dace Night. With white fireworks blasting into the air, Dace steps up to the ring apron and throws the Devil’s horns into the air much to the delight of the crowd and the annoyance of the Christian standing across from him on the other side of the ring. Parting the ropes with his shoulders, Night dips his head in between the ropes and enters the squared circle as the crowd starts to chant his name in appreciation. “DACE F’N NIGHT! DACE F’N NIGHT! DACE F’N NIGHT!” “Weighing in tonight at 252 pounds, he is the High Priest of Horrorcore! From Birmingham, England this is DACE EFFFFFFFFFFFFFF’NNNNNNNNN NIGHT!” DING! DING! With no pauses both men come walking into the center of the ring, Dace looks across at the fuming West with a raised eyebrow as the shaking redneck closes in on the Brummie warrior. Taking the first move, West tosses a right hand directly at Dace’s face only to have the hardcore veteran almost casually slide beneath the blow. Popping right back up to his full height, Night rocks West right down to the canvas with a hard elbow strike right across the face. But just as he hits the canvas, West springs right back up to his feet and tackles Night across the chest. Surprised by the ferocity of the move, Dace provides very little defense as West simply drives the Satanist back against a corner. Coming out of the tackle immediately West simply crushes Dace with a hard right hand across the jaw line. Stunned by the blow, Night does nothing to defend against the next two shots that come fast and furious from the obviously incensed redneck warrior. Finally a fourth shot across the face knocks the High Priest of Horrorcore down to the canvas. “I don’t think I have ever seen Coy West this angry,” calls out the Cyclone Comet. “But I guess when you’re in a hardcore match that there is no reason to be try and be delicate about this sort of thing.” Rolling all the way out of the ring, Dace Night stumbles into the ringside barrier as West steps between the ropes and to the outside. Not having to worry about a count out, West immediately goes on the chase and slides out of the ring. Grabbing Night by the back of his head, West hurls the member of the Unholy Trinity into the guardrail. Smashing his head into the top of the railing, Dace nearly topples to the arena floor yet again. Only by holding on tightly to the top of the railing does Night manage to keep his feet. This proves to not be much of a problem for the furious West though as he pulls Dace off the steel and once again hurls the master of Horrorcore across the ring towards the ringside steps! CLANG! RAAAAAAAAAAAR! WHAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! Whipping across the ringside area, Dace slams his back into the steps as well as the ring post. But rather than accept the pain like a normal mortal, Night explodes right back out of the metal corner and smashes West across the face with a Yakuza kick! Landing high on his shoulders, Coy flips over entirely onto his stomach before coming to a very still conclusion. Shaking his head free of the damage placed there by the shot against the guardrail, Dace almost instantly gets his hands on the body of the rampaging redneck and hauls him up to his feet. Taking West a few steps towards the crowd, Dace almost casually tosses Coy right over the railing and into the front row! Immediately stepping over the metal, Night steps into the roaring crowd as West only just barely uses a fan to pull himself vertical. Turning into Horrorcore, West once again feels the sting of a hard elbow to the side of the head and is knocked backward so that he ends up sitting in the lap of two very excited members of the crowd. Reaching out to another fan, Night plucks away a cup of beer. Proving that he isn’t one of those Strait Edge freaks, Night swallows a gulp of the sweet nectar of the gods before ramming the cup strait into the face of his opponent and sending beer splashing all over the crowds close to the battling pair. “And $7.35 worth of refreshment is knocked into the air,” calls out The Cyclone Comet as Dace tosses the devil’s horns high into the air yet again. Collecting West off the two screaming fans, Dace flings Coy over the top of the railing and allows ‘The Coyote’ to plunge off the metaphorical cliff and create the metaphorical BAMF that we all know and love. Rolling over the railing in order to return to the ringside area, Dace slowly stalks after his foe. Bending low as he moves, Night scoops up a handful of the cables used to power the electronic equipment about the ring and moves in behind the stunned Coy. Wrapping the wire around the red neck of … the redneck, Dace starts to thrash West back and forth with the cable. Cutting into the flesh of West’s windpipe, Dace wrangles Coy about before finally simply using it to send West spiraling into the side of the railing with a hard crash. Letting the wire loose from his grip, Dace starts to stalk about the ring for a moment as if he was looking for something while West uses this chance to pull himself free from the wire. But soon West will have much larger issues than a simple wire as Dace reaches underneath the ring skirting and pulls forth the most feared bingo staple in all the world. “Here comes the folding table!” yells out Bobby Riley as Dace displays the implement to the populace to the joy of the entire arena. “DACE F’N NIGHT! DACE F’N NIGHT! DACE F’N NIGHT!” Pulling the table up perpendicular to the floor, Dace extends one set of the legs of the table and sticks them in between the bottom and middle ropes. Leaving the table as though it were a perverse doorway to pain, Night moves back over to the moonshine making machine and gives him a swift kick to the chest. Grabbing Coy by the mullet, Dace drags him over to the table and sets about using it just as nature intended. Pulling back on Coy’s head, Dace sends it flying right at the wood… BLOCKED! Sticking out his arms as strait as he can, Coy manages to avoid having his face bashed off the treated lumber. Tossing an elbow behind him, Coy manages to catch Dace in the ribs before turning the literal tables on him. Grabbing Night around the head and chin, Coy desperately jams the High Priest of Horrorcore into the wooden surface as hard as he can. BAM! His eyes crossed from the impact, Night staggers back a step or three as West leans against the apron in order to get bast the beating he took in the crowd a few moments ago. Moving back in on the still standing Brummie, West meets him with a strait kick to the chest before jamming the side of Night’s head into the table once again! Walking away from the table, Dace tries to get some distance but instead falls right down on his face on the cold arena floor. Kicking at the mat absently is the only sign that Dace still breathes as West continues to try and get his head back in order. Finally moving back after Dace, West pulls the Unholy Trinity member off the floor and tosses him back inside the squared circle for the first time since the start of the contest. Right into the ring after his opponent, West collects the stunned Dace off the canvas and lifts him up from around the waist. Carrying Night over to a corner, West drops the master of Horrorcore hard on the top turnbuckle as the crowd starts to buzz a bit in anticipation. Moving up after Night West immediately grabs his opponent around the head before finally getting his feet all the way up on the very top turnbuckle. Holding Dace in the facelock for a moment, West allows the moment to sink into Night’s head before finally flinging himself backward into the mat with a monstrous… SUUUUUUUUUUUUUPERPLEX! Hitting the mat back first, Dace groans in pain immediately as West floats right over the top and lands on Night’s battered body. Hooking up a leg, West holds on so that referee Matthew Kivell can make his presence known for the first pinning attempt of this hardcore battle… ONNNNNNNNNNNNE! TWOOOOOOOOOOOO! THRENOOOOOOOOOO! Kicking right out of the high impact suplex, Night gets a shoulder up and off the canvas. But rather than immediately going back to the high impact, West simply stays on his knees and slams fist after fist right into the mouth of the stunned master of Horrorcore. Finally Dace pulls up his arms in order to block the attack only to have West step off him and head into the ropes. Springing into the air, West lands across his foe for the evening and crushes him underneath a hard legdrop that causes Night to once again spasm in the face of an overwhelming amount of damage. But West seemingly has no interest in going for another cover and instead picks Night off the canvas. Pressing Dace into ropes, Coy sends his opponent across the ring with a whip. Rebounding back at his foe, Dace feels his body being pulled up and off the canvas before having it jammed into the mat with a powerslam that manages to shake the very foundations of the ring. West however does not seem very interested in making a cover and once again pulls off Dace before the referee can even move into position to make a three count. Instead, West reaches down to his waist and pulls loose the belt that had been absently tied around his waist since the match began. “I didn’t even notice West had a belt on tonight,” admits The Cyclone Comet. “We have obviously seen West in the ring wearing jeans in the past but this has been the first time they have actually come into place.” “As long as those pants stay up,” shivers Bobby Riley. “Please god let those pants stay up.” Holding the strap of leather loose in his hand, West still uses his arms to pull the stunned Night off the canvas and push him into the ropes with his back towards the center of the ring. Sticking his other hand into Night’s ‘Protected by Satan’ shirt, West pulls down on the T-shirt and tears it right off the already scarred back of the master of Horrorcore. I think we can all connect the dots in order to figure out just what exactly is next on The Coyote’s agenda. Whip… SNNNNNNNNAP! Raising an ugly red welt on the tattooed back of Dace Night, the leather strap cuts deep as Dace almost instinctively reaches for his own back as West simply cracks the strap against his flesh once again. The pain of the whipping drops Dace right down to a knee as West looks wildly about the arena as though he expected a much different reaction than the stunned silence that seems to be permeating the crowd. But no reaction would seemingly stop West this evening as he works the strap around his opponent’s throat and begins to pull backward with all of his weight. Cutting off all of Dace’s air West actually pulls his opponent up to his feet with the force of the choking. But Dace is not the kind of man to ever give up unless his life was in mortal peril and he immediately turns into West and starts to throw elbows into the midsection of his fanatical opponent. But being a fanatic seems to have given West a bit more strength than usual as he continues to throttle away. That is until Dace creates enough room to grab West around the waist and shuck him backward with a… BACKDROPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Crushing Coy against the mat neck first, Dace jars his opponent’s choking tactics loose and sends West shaking to the mat as though his head been actually removed from his shoulders. Both men ground into the canvas; Dace is the first to move as he coughs a stream of fresh air into his lungs after finally freeing himself from the leather belt of his opponent. Keeping a hand at what is obviously a damaged throat, Dace is still riding a wave of anger hot enough to burn just about all of the unbelievers as he starts to shake while rising up to his feet. Dace grabs Coy right as the redneck gets up to his feet and begins to jam elbow after elbow right into his opponent’s face as West just continues to waver back and forth as though out on his feet. Finally pushing West’s head loose, Dace Night leaves his opponent standing in the middle of the ring so addled that it seems that even a stiff breeze could knock him to the canvas. Of course, Night has more than a breeze up his sleeves as he pulls Coy up and onto his shoulders with a fireman’s carry. Roaring out in rage, Night quickly whips West right back to the canvas the same way that he came up with a reverse Death Valley driver slam! Immediately dropping onto West, Dace hooks the near leg as Kivell counts away once again… ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNE! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THRENOSCOREONEFORJESUS! Kicking loose hard and strong, West manages to get a shoulder off the canvas but no more as Night immediately pulls his opponent off the canvas. Controlling West’s head, Dace pulls it downward and starts to jam knees right into the face of his opponent as Coy struggles to even keep his feet as he drops down to a knee. Leaning back into the ropes, Dace gains a head of steam before cutting West off at the shoulders with a charging lariat that sends Coy right back down to the canvas in a heap of humanity. Testing his throat once again with a hand, Dace shakes his head at his downed opponent and heads out of the ring. Grabbing the end of the table that has been hanging vertical on the outside of the ring this entire time, Dace lifts the wooden appliance the rest of the way and slides it into the ring proper. But this was not the entire point of heading out of the ring as Night once again goes fishing underneath the ring skirting. And this time Night pulls out something a little more serious than even a wooden table. “My god, it that a … toolbox?” Holding the kit by the handle, Dace flicks open the door of the toolbox and allows the entire contents of the box to spill out onto the floor. Dropping down to a knee, Night fetches an object off the arena floor before rolling back into the ring with the item still in hand. Dace stalks West from behind and raises the object into the air, showing it to the crowd for the first time clearly. “Pliers?” “Pliers.” “PLIERS!” Taking the pliers in hand, Night jams them right into the forehead of the moonshine machine and sends Coy West retching to the canvas with a trickle of blood already starting to etch its way down his forehead. But West does not have long to worry about that before Dace is on top of his foe with the pliers pried wide open. Tearing into Coy with the makeshift weapon, Night tries to close the metal grip around the flesh around his eyebrow. Shredding into the skin in a moment, another cut is made wide as Night grins at the sight of the red fluid making its way into the face of The Coyote. Releasing the pliers, Dace stands in the middle of the ring while the pliers simply hang off the meat that used to be the face of Coy West. “You know Bobby,” calls out The Cyclone Comet, “I don’t know what these two have against each other but they simply seem to be pulling out all the stops here for almost no reason.” “Don’t be thick,” replies Bobby Riley, “One is a Christian and the other is a Satanist. Did you think that they would be sharing cookie recipes? Evidently both of these guys have some fundamentalist disagreements that have taken this match beyond even a hardcore contest.” With Coy down and trying to remove the pliers from around his head, Dace collects the table off the canvas and sets it up fully on its legs. Grabbing at West, Dace squeezes the pliers yet again and uses them to pull the struggling West back up to his feet. With no defense apparent, West soon finds himself pulled into a standing head scissors right next to the table. But being next to a table is nothing compared to actually being lifted up into the air. It is nothing that compares to being held in the middle of a powerbomb position and knowing that it is only a moment away from impact. An impact that sends Coy screeching through the wooden table and cutting in half with his body! CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! “SWEET ZOMBIE JESUS!” Apparently unconscious from the blow, West lies in between the tow halves of the table as Dace looks around the ring to the crowd that still hasn’t been able to decide what exactly is going on and who exactly they should be cheering in this contest. Although it seems clear that Dace has this match won as the bleeding West lies in the rubble. But it seems as though this match has gone beyond pin falls and nothing other than an admission of who the better man is will suffice as Dace grabs West by the legs and uses them to turn Coy over with a Boston crab! His face now deep in the wood of the table, a bleeding West simply shudders under the weight of his opponent. While on the other hand, Dace Night uses his weight to push down on Coy’s spine in order to force his opponent to quit, to admit just who is the better man, and to admit just who has the more faith. “GRAHHHH DEAR GOD!” screams Coy West as he feels about with his hands for something that could get him to the ropes. Scrambling across the ring on the points of his elbows, West drags his body over to the ropes and grabs a hold. Unfortunately however that means … nothing. In a hardcore match obviously, the rope break has no bearing on the actions of a competitor. And so with Dace still latched onto his legs, West can do nothing but continue to pull himself along in the hopes that he can pull his way out from under Night. But that seems completely unlikely as Dace walks out from the ropes and pulls West along back into the center of the ring where nothing can help the cause of the rampaging redneck. Unless, of course, you count the sick little plot that is no hatching in his mind. Reaching for his own forehead, West finally pulls the pliers loose from his forehead and holds them in his hands. Turning his back painfully into an angle reach he can make the appropriate contact, West clamps the pliers down across the calf of his opponent so hard that Dace immediately releases his grip on West’s legs. Calling out in pain, Dace turns quickly enough to pull his leg free from the pliers and immediately slams into West with a series of short forearms to the top of West’s head. “These two are sinking mighty low to win this thing,” calls out The Cyclone Comet. “This has gotten pretty damn ugly.” “And these two were pretty ugly to start with,” jibes Riley as he looks on completely unconcerned about the welfare of these two warriors. Kicking away at Coy’s bloody head, Dace causes red specks of liquid to burst into the air with the force of the strikes. Battering West over onto his back, Dace drops a measured knee into his opponent’s forehead and causes him to spasm once more uncontrollably at the point of the impact. Struggling immediately to rise, West finds that his body will no longer allow him the movement that he requires as Dace simply kicks him across the chest once again so hard that it sends West rolling all the way out of the ring and to the hard arena floor below. “That won’t save him in this match,” laments The Cyclone Comet. “I can’t believe these two great athletes would go so far to brutalize each other when … I don’t think they’ve ever even met before!” “Yeah they are really mixing just like gay people and California state law,” adds the stoic Bobby Riley as he looks around for something to eat. “Do you think I could get a soda?” Wandering out to the arena floor, Dace Night actually moves away from West to a section of the ringside padding not covered by tools or by West’s bloody body. Peeling the padding loose, Dace exposes the completely unforgiving concrete below. Pointing to the concrete Dace cuts a finger across his throat as if to say that there will be a sacrifice made right here in a few moments that will make The Passion look like Pokemon the Movie. Moving back over to the form of West that has been biting and scraping for inches as he heads around the other side of the ring. But he does not get all that much farther until Dace grabs him by the back of the jeans and uses them to pull West up to his feet. Pulling the redneck along, Dace makes his way back over to the spot of concrete he had exposed a moment later. Seeing the oncoming wreck, West falls down to his knees and becomes a complete piece of deadweight in order to buy himself maybe another second. But Dace will have none of it and he quickly responds by once more kicking West right in his blood soaked face. “This will be a massacre,” says The Cyclone Comet. “Yep,” replies Riley. “Soda would be so good right now.” Motioning to the crowd that it is time to take this match home, Dace brings his arms up and down in order to telegraph that a piledriver on the concrete is only a few moments away. Grabbing West by the mullet, Dace pulls Coy’s face upward and shows him the horns about an inch away from his eyes. But as Dace holds his signal of the beast so close, it ignites the last little bit of energy still in the broken body of the rampaging redneck! BAMMMMMMMMMMMM! Taking a wild swing, West catching Dace right across the forehead with a punch that sends the High Priest of Horrorcore strait down to the concrete floor! Wobbling back on his heels, West falls forward onto Dace Night as a metal object glances off the concrete! “He hit him with a hammer! While Night was exposing the concrete, West must have grabbed the hammer off the apron. And boy did he use it! I think Night might be unconscious!” West barely moves an arm over his fallen opponent… ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNE! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! DING! DING! DING! “The winner of the match… COY WESSSSST!” Having used the last of his energy to move onto Dace in the first place, Coy remains across his opponent as the referee checks in on both men. The blood seeping from West continues to flow across the body of Dace Night that has now developed a large red impression in the middle of Night’s forehead. And as the SWF takes a commercial break, we are left to ask just how far faith can drive two men willing to do damn near anything.

“This... is... SMARKDOWN~” Cyclone Comet bellows, “and this is the first match of the evening! Featuring the new Number One Contender to the Hardcore Gamer’s Championship against a very competent opponent, this will be Toxxic’s chance to loosen up prior to his match with Aecas at From The Fire whilst Jimmy Liston will be seeking to make his own mark in the SWF following his recent loss to Coy West.” “Personally Comet, I just can’t wait,” Bobby Riley begins, causing his co-commentator to look at him in surprise. “Can’t wait to see The Demon destroy Toxxic, that is!” Riley continues. “Honestly, the fact that he’s challenging for the Hardcore Title is ludicrous - what happened to Duran’s rematch? The only consolation is that even if Toxxic survives Liston tonight, one or hopefully both of him and Aecas will suffer severe injuries at the Pay-Per-View.” As Riley’s tirade comes to a close the lights in the arena suddenly cut out, plunging the Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama into darkness. A string orchestra can be heard playing a sweetly disturbing tune. The Smarktron comes to life, simply displaying a white ankh. Pyros flash as they climb the ramp, from ringside to entrance. The screen flashes as drums and guitar join in Cradle of Filth's "Born in a Burial Gown". A burst of flame announces the arrival of Liston as the crowd starts to boo and jeer; on the Smarktron, a collection of clips of The Demon’s previous matches starts up, culminating with a shot of Liston on the turnbuckle, jumping and landing a Demon Headbutt on Craig McLennan. Red lights accompany Liston as he walks down the ramp to ringside, his eyes seemingly focused on some invisible object floating in front of his face. “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall,” Funyon booms over the pa system. “Introducing first, from Boston, Mass, he weighs 228lbs... JIMMMYYY... ‘THE DEMON’... LIIIIISSSTONNNN!!!” “I tell you Comet, this man is the future of the SWF,” Riley proclaims. “He may have been cheated out of a win by that redneck Coy West but he’ll show his true nature tonight!” Liston slides into the ring, climbs the near turnbuckle, and, just as the tempo picks up, he thrusts his fist into the air in time with the music. He jumps from the top turnbuckle, and walks to the far side of the ring as the house lights are brought up, and the music fades. “I certainly respect Jimmy Liston’s abilities,” Comet begins, “but the man he’s facing tonight is on something of a roll at present-” Comet is cut off by the brutal crunching guitars of Lostprophets’ “We Still Kill The Old Way”, and the crowd starts to cheer as the blacked-out Smarktron flashes up the words “Prepare To Be Proved Wrong” before cutting to a clip of Toxxic taking Mike Van Siclen off a balcony and through a table with the Toxxic Shock Syndrome, the devastating landing timed to coincide with... GO! ...two red pyros going off either side of the entrance way and the straight-edger emerging from behind the curtain. Black shirt unbuttoned and hanging loosely Toxxic cracks his neck from side to side, limbering up for the match as he makes his way to the ring. “And his opponent,” Funyon continues, “from Nottingham, England, weighing in at 218lbs... TOXXXIIIIIIC!!!” Pausing for a moment to psyche himself up the British punk charges the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and across the canvas before scaling a ringpost and sweeping his arms wide, palms down as he acknowledges the Alabama crowd. Flashing his trademark lopsided grin Toxxic drops back to the canvas and turns to face The Demon, shrugging off his shirt. “Well, Toxxic is here and showing no sign of that uncharacteristic fit of temper that ended his match against Jake Helmsley on Lockdown,” Comet notes. “Rumour has it that he was in low spirits during the week, but he seems OK now.” “He’ll need everything he can muster to have a hope of beating Liston,” Riley responds, “and he’s lucky to be here. That sickening display of violence against Helmsley should have resulted in a suspension, hardcore rules or not.” *DING! DING!* Advancing confidently into the middle of the ring Liston motions Toxxic to approach him, red eyes locking with grey ones. Toxxic cautiously obliges, and the two wrestlers lock in a collar-and-elbow tie-up - only for Liston to demonstrate his phenomenal power by casually throwing Toxxic off, the rookie rolling backwards to end up against a turnbuckle. Toxxic nods thoughtfully and returns to the middle of the ring and the two wrestlers go to lock up once more, but this time the moment Liston’s right arm comes within range Toxxic grabs it, drops and spins, pulling the Demon over with a textbook armdrag and slapping on a cross armbreaker. Unwilling to give his opponent even a momentary advantage Liston pivots his body with all three free limbs and reaches the ropes in a matter of seconds, forcing the break. Toxxic rolls away from the hold, but the moment the British punk reaches his feet Liston barrels into him, driving the straight-edger back into the turnbuckle with a spear! *WHAM!* “The Demon’s on the Hunt, Comet!” Riley cries as Liston buries his shoulder deep into his opponent’s midsection. “The Hunt certainly is a devastating move,” Comet agrees. “But Liston will need to stay on his man to maintain his advantage...” Backing away to the centre of the ring, Liston raises his arms in search of adulation but gets only boos from the Alabama audience. Snarling in displeasure the Demon sets his red-eyed sights on Toxxic once more and charges - but simply runs into a foot to the face. Staggering in a circle Liston attempts to shake loose the cobwebs and then turns back to his opponent, but Toxxic manages to grab the Demon’s right wrist and locks in an arm-wringer. Liston’s face shows more discomfort than pain, but he is unable to reach his adversary in order to break the hold. Backing into the turnbuckle Toxxic climbs to the top and then simply drops to the floor outside! Liston’s captured arm whiplashes off the ropes, and now the Demon’s face does show pain as he clutches the wounded limb tightly to his chest. Seeing his opponent momentarily facing the other way Toxxic quickly climbs back up to the apron, then vaults to the top rope and comes off with a springboard spinning heelkick that catches the turning Liston square in the jaw. Diving atop his prone opponent, Toxxic hooks the leg for the first cover of the match... ONE! TW- ...but Liston kicks out just after one with enough force to throw Toxxic a good three foot! “Covering an opponent early in the match is usually a good way to get a psychological advantage, not to mention wearing them down through repeated kickouts,” Comet notes, “but Liston’s strength renders that tactic virtually useless!” “And forget psychological advantages with this guy Comet,” Riley concurs, “because Liston is The Demon! He’ll take all you have to throw and then drop you with one shot!” Despite the force of his opponent’s kickout Toxxic wastes no time in closing with Liston once again, this time grabbing the Demon’s right arm, clamping it across his chest and simply falling backwards in an armbreaker. The impact jars up Liston’s arm causing the Demon to grunt in pain, but Toxxic gets to his feet again, straddles the arm whilst facing away from Liston’s body and then simply rolls forward. The momentum and leverage means Liston’s body has to follow his arm - but not before wrenching the entire limb in an agonising manner. As the Demon comes to rest on his back he again finds himself locked in a cross armbreaker, and this time Toxxic has the time to lean back and really start applying pressure. With his elbow being hyper-extended Liston searches for the ropes again - and finds them just out reach. Again the Demon uses the phenomenal power in his three other limbs to simply muscle his way across the mat and manages to rest his left ankle on the bottom cable, but this time Toxxic seems less eager to release his grip... “One!” referee Nick Soapdish begins the count. “Two!” and Toxxic leans further back. “Three!” “Let go, dammit!” Bobby Riley shouts. “FOUR!” Soapdish waves his fingers in Toxxic’s face “FI-” ...but the straight-edger releases the hold just before the disqualification, again rolling backwards to put distance between himself and Liston. This time, however, Liston doesn’t close the gap with the Hunt because he’s too busy clutching his right arm. “Toxxic showing a definite strategy here Robert,” Comet comments. “He’s really going after that right arm of Citizen Liston; not only to perhaps set up the Repeat To Fade, but also because it will counteract Liston’s significant strength advantage.” “If Toxxic can maintain the pressure for long enough, yes,” Riley concedes. “But I strongly suspect The Demon will have the match wrapped up well before then.” Shaking his arm Liston advances on his opponent, then lunges - only for the quicker Brit to slide out of the way and grab his right wrist again, twisting in another arm-wringer. However, this time Liston rolls with the move, releasing the tension on his arm - then reverses into an arm-wringer of his own! “Brilliant!” Riley laughs. “Liston suckered Toxxic in and beat him at his own game! That’s the weakness of a single-minded attack, Comet!” “Excellent ring sense by the Demon,” Comet concedes. “And he’s caught Toxxic off-balance - his feet are in the wrong position to roll out like Liston did, and Liston is keeping the pressure on!” Circling slightly to keep Toxxic caught in the move, Liston finds himself in the centre of the ring. With one swift motion the man from Boston hauls on the captured limb, pulling Toxxic into his body, then locks him in a double underhook before taking him up and over with a devastating suplex! “Underhook suplex!” Comet calls. “You won’t find one delivered with more power and pace anywhere in the SWF!” The effort required to budge his opponent’s 218lbs has had its effect on Liston’s injured arm, and the Demon spends a moment clutching at his elbow before advancing on Toxxic and hoisting him to his feet. But that moment gives Toxxic just enough time to recover, and he locks his hands over the Demon’s head, places the top of his skull under Liston’s chin and sits out with a jawbreaker. Staggering backwards Liston automatically bends over in pain - and finds his face driven into Toxxic’s knee before being dropped on his head with a DDT! “Sobering Thought!” Comet cries, “And Toxxic is back on the offensive here!” With the Demon laid out on the mat Toxxic steps through the ropes to the ring apron and raises three finger above his head. Recognising the symbol from the match with Jacob Helmsley, the crowd starts to pop... and Toxxic jumps from the apron to the top rope... “Mondo!” Comet shouts. ...to the turnbuckle... “Akimbo!” ...MOONSAULT! “A-GO-GO!” Comet finishes as Toxxic lands flush on his opponent. Hooking the leg, Toxxic leans into the cover... ONE! TWO! TH- Kickout! “What in hell were you just bawling about?” Riley asks his co-commentator incredulously. “That’s the ‘Mondo Akimbo A-Go-Go’ triple-jump moonsault, Robert,” Comet responds innocently. “Well, at least that abysmally-named move didn’t pin the Demon,” Riley mutters. Seeing that his attempt at the direct approach failed, Toxxic grabs Liston’s right arm once more as the Demon pushes himself upright. Twisting it over his head Toxxic again climbs to the top turnbuckle, and then comes off with a huge flying legdrop that lands rights on the trapped limb. This time Jimmy Liston yells out in pain, and with his renewed assault on the right arm seemingly working Toxxic hauls the Demon back to his feet and sets off for another turnbuckle. However as captor and captured pass Nick Soapdish Liston reaches out and claws at the referee’s shirt, desperate to find any way out of his predicament. Soapdish slaps Liston’s hand away, and with Toxxic momentarily forgotten Liston uses his free left hand to shove the referee in the chest as hard as he can! Soapdish falls and rolls... and Liston’s tactic quickly becomes obvious as he uses that one moment to lash out with his right leg. *CHING!* “BOOOOOOO!!” As Toxxic doubles over Liston grabs his opponent in a rear waistlock and heaves backwards, sending Toxxic flying through the air and flipping over completely in a release German suplex! The Brit crashes down on his face just as Soapdish gets to his feet and begins threatening Liston with disqualification if he reacts that violently to an official again. “What despicable behaviour!” Comet shouts over the heckling of the crowd. “Jimmy Liston shamelessly assaulted the referee to get enough time to lowblow Toxxic!” “But the beauty of it, Comet, is that he followed up so quickly,” Riley chortles. “Nick Soapdish can warn Liston all he wants - after the Demon hit that suplex the ref has no clue the lowblow ever took place!” Ignoring Soapdish’s tirade Liston smirks his way over to the fallen Brit and rolls him over for the cover. Hooking the far leg, Liston seeks to put his opponent away and the ref stops his ranting to dive in and count... ONE! TWO! THR-kickout! “Not enough, Liston!” Comet shouts jubilantly. “It’ll take more than a lowblow and a German suplex to put that Citizen away!” “He’s right, Jimmy,” Riley agrees morosely. “Ballshot him again and then hit him with the Descent, that should do it...” Liston, however, has other ideas. Raising Toxxic to his feet the Demon stands behind the woozy Brit and grabs his head in both hands, then brings his own skull sharply forwards to connect with a devastating headbutt! *CRACK!* Toxxic stumbles forward but Liston keeps hold of one shoulder, pulling his opponent around and back to him before locking his arms under Toxxic’s and raining repeated blows into his opponent’s unprotected face! *CRACK-CRACK-CRACK-CRACK-CRACK!* “Bloodlust, Comet!” Riley shouts. “And it’s found its mark!” Indeed, the last shot appears to have caught the straight-edger across the bridge of the nose and blood starts to gush across Toxxic’s upper lip, but the sight of his opponent’s injury only drives the Demon on. Picking the Brit up, struggling slightly from the pain in his right arm but still able to bring his fearsome strength to bear, Liston positions Toxxic’s body at chest height and at right-angles to his own and then simply falls backwards, driving his opponent over and back into the canvas. “Fallaway slam!” Comet calls. “And that could be lights out for Toxxic!” ONE! TWO THRE- Kickout! The Brit manages to get one shoulder off the canvas, much to Liston’s annoyance. Exchanging unpleasantries with Soapdish over the speed of the count the Demon brings Toxxic back to his feet, then whips him to the far corner. The action wrenches his right arm and causes Liston to wince, but he nevertheless follows Toxxic in - only to see the straight-edger vault to the top turnbuckle and come flying back at him with a diving clothesline! “Role Reversal!” Comet cries as both men hit the mat, “and Toxxic has got himself some time to breathe, if nothing else!” Wiping away blood from his face Toxxic wearily pushes himself to his feet only to find Liston rising at the same time. Stepping in, the Brit ducks a swing from his powerful adversary and places the Demon in a rear headlock before dropping to one knee and driving the other into the back of Liston’s neck. Popping straight back up again, Toxxic twists round and drives Liston’s head into the mat with a Diamond Cutter! “Detoxx!” Comet shouts. “And now Toxxic has a chance to capitalise!” Instead of going for the pin, however, Toxxic heads once more to the turnbuckle. Climbing to the top as quickly as he is able the man from Nottingham twirls his fingers over his head and then jumps off, somersaulting forwards in the Hangover legdrop... ...but Liston moves! “TOX-XIC!” “TOX-XIC!” “TOX-XIC!” The chants from the Alabama crowd drive Toxxic to his feet, but this time it is Liston who has risen first and it is Liston who traps Toxxic in a rear headlock. Grabbing the waist of his opponent’s trousers Liston attempts to bring the rookie up and over with an inverted suplex... but his injured right arm, attempting to lift his man up, can’t get the job done! Again Liston tries, and again Toxxic’s boots leave the floor... but only for a second, and as he touches down this time Toxxic swivels in the headlock and then bridges backwards, taking the Demon over with a Northern Lights suplex! ONE! TWO! THREEE- Kickout! “Citizen Liston JUST got a shoulder up there!” Comet calls, “but it’s still anybody’s match!” “Stay on him, Demon!” Riley yells, personifying the impartial commentator. Both men get up together and the Demon instinctively seeks to regain the advantage by swinging a wild right hand - but Toxxic raises both his forearms to block the shot, and Liston yells in pain as his own great strength drives his injured arm into his opponent’s. Clutching the limb again, Liston’s head is wide open for a... RIGHT! LEFT! RIGHT! LEFT! windup... DISCUS CLOTHESLINE... but Liston ducks! Grabbing his spinning opponent around the waist the Demon raises him high and then drives Toxxic down with a vicious high-angle backdrop. As the crowd start to boo once more the Demon yells aloud, sensing victory, grabs Toxxic... and places him in a vertical headscissors. “Here we go, Comet,” Riley cackles, “it’s time for the Descent!” Locking both arms around Toxxic’s waist Liston lifts his opponent high... but that right arm doesn’t quite give him the control he wants, and as he tries to steady the Brit, preparing to bring him down into the facecrusher finish, Toxxic starts to pepper the Demon’s face with right hands. Attempting to shield himself Liston breaks his grip and Toxxic flips backwards into a hurricanrana, taking Liston over with him for the pin! ONE! TWO! THREEEEEEEEEE- Kickout! Toxxic wastes no time pleading with the heavens or berating the referee; instead the man from Nottingham grabs the momentarily disorientated Liston and whips him into the ropes, then goes to ground with the sliding soccer tackle that should crush his opponent’s ankle... ...but Liston hurdles it. Toxxic desperately tries to get back to his feet in time to rectify his mistake, but Liston sidesteps his charging opponent and hooks in another rear headlock. This time it is the right arm that holds the head, and the uninjured left that grabs Toxxic’s trousers, ready to hoist him over. Liston glares around at the crowd, red eyes sweeping his detractors... and lifts. And Toxxic’s body goes up, up and over, comes down... ...and lands on it’s feet, with a rear headlock now applied to Liston. A rear headlock that quickly shifts and tightens into a Dragon Sleeper! “Repeat To Fade!” Comet shouts, almost leaving his seat in excitement. “We could be about the see the Repeat To Fade here, Robert!” “Come on, Liston, you can get out of this!” Riley shouts in reply. But Liston’s body doesn’t seem to agree. Caught off balance, all his weight is pushing back into the hold. With his right arm Toxxic grabs the Demon’s right wrist and starts to push it up behind his opponent’s back. Normally Liston would overwhelm the weaker rookie in such a test of strength but the earlier arm work means Liston is unable to prevent his arm being bent into a hammerlock, and Toxxic’s left hand reaches back from the Dragon Sleeper to lock in around the Demon’s right wrist. Holding his adversary there for a moment, Toxxic takes a deep breath... and then falls back, wrapping his legs around Liston’s body and trapping the Demon’s left arm uselessly by his side. “It’s locked in!” Comet screams. “There’s nowhere for Jimmy Liston to go!” “That’s an illegal chokehold, Comet!” Riley replies... but his heart isn’t in it. Arms trapped, Liston’s legs flail at the canvas, but to no avail. Without even the ability to tap out, the Demon has to force the words out through the Dragon Sleeper... “I quit! I quit!” *DING! DING!* “Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner,” Funyon booms over the guitars of Lostprophets as the straight-edger releases the hold and salutes the Alabama crowd, “TOOOXXXXXIIIIIIIIC!” “What a match-up!” Comet yells over the roar of the crowd, “and what a way to start off Smarkdown! The Demon gave it his all, but it was Toxxic who emerges triumphant. Now, can he capitalise on this winning streak when he faces Aecas at From The Fire? More top-notch action up next, after this commercial break.” FADE OUT