the.weej

As SWF Lockdown kicks off, a massive round of pyro explodes throughout the arena, sending the fans in Topeka’s Landon Arena into a frenzy. The screaming crowd only gets louder as “Godzilla” kicks up in the arena to start off the program. “Citizen Robert, the Boston Strangler is ready to start things off tonight with a speech!” “Comet, it’s REAL obvious what Strangler is gonna do tonight!” cries Riley. “Last time we saw the Boston Strangler, he had just walked out on Erek Taylor after Taylor pointed out Strangler’s indiscretions! Strangler’s gonna come out here, do the right thing, and admit Erek Taylor was right! He’s still a psychotic mess, no matter what he says about changing!” “Robert, I admit that Strangler made a mistake the other day, but he has obviously become a changed man! He has admirably pursued justice since his return to the SWF in April! He has been a steadying influence to Citizen Va’aiga in this hard time, he fought against the former tyranny of Thomas Flesher, and he has done everything possible to keep himself in control against Erek Taylor!” “Regardless, Comet, Strangler showed that the wild side of him still lives! He’s never gonna become the person he wants to be! Instead, he’s just gonna be an animal, someone who’s unworthy of keeping his job here!” Strangler climbs into the ring as Funyon hands him a microphone before exiting the ring. Strangler waits for a second as the crowd starts to die down, but a “T-B-S! T-B-S!” chant starts to echo through the arena. Strangler looks out over the crowd, and it appears that there’s a tear lodged in his right eye as he looks out over the screaming arena. “What the hell is the little girl crying about?” jabs Riley as Strangler readies himself, and starts to speak. “Hello…I’m really, really happy to be here in Topeka tonight” starts Strangler, drawing another big pop from the crowd. Strangler raises his hand, quieting down the fans. “However, I have some things that I need to talk about, so I asked for this time to get everything squared away. You see…” Suddenly, “Numb” by Linkin Park kicks up over the arena, and the arena EXPLODES into boos as Erek Taylor appears at the top of the stage, with the microphone in his hand. Erek immediately starts yelling into his microphone, forcing his voice throughout the 14,388 screaming fans in the Landon Center. “HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY!” screams Taylor into the mic, which kills the heat from the crowd enough for him to get a word in. “Strangler, there’s no way in HELL that you’re getting this started without me! You better listen up real good…” “No Erek, YOU better listen up real good!” shouts Strangler, which cuts Erek off to a huge pop from the crowd. “Erek, I have a damn good reason for this time, and I have a LOT to say. You’ll probably like what I have to say anyways, so I suggest you sit down, shut up, and listen to every goddamn word that I have to say!” The crowd is going nuts for Strangler, and Erek glares, starts to raise his mic, and then lowers it back down again without saying a word. Erek merely shoots evil glances at Strangler, giving the big Bostonian a chance to say his piece. “Well, I wanted to address the allegations that you made last Monday, Erek. On Monday, you came out in front of the crowd, and told me that I was still the same person I was in 2002, when I retired you. That was an incident I’m still ashamed about, and I changed my life afterwards. And when you made those allegations, I was angry as all hell. I just got out of the building as fast as possible, went home, and prepared to blow off some steam. But then, I figured something out: Erek…..you’re…..you’re….you’re right.” The crowd starts buzzing, with a few boos mixed in, and even Erek Taylor looks surprised by the words Strangler had just spoken. “Excuse me?” asks Erek, summing up the thoughts of everyone in the building. “Erek, I still have that person in me. What I did a few weeks ago proved that. I…I did everything I could to change, and I’ve almost always done the right thing. I’ve been looking out for people, and I’ve done the right goddamn thing. But then, I went and pulled that stunt. I got caught up in the rivalry again. I went too goddamn far. I threatened your family, Erek. You might not have a problem doing that to me, but I can’t do that. Last time I started crossing that line, I got fired, thrown into rehab for months, and my life fell apart. And so did yours, Erek. I can’t face this again. So, there’s only one thing for me to do. Effective as of now, I would like to retire from active competition in the Smartmarks Wrestling Federation.” The crowd is dead quiet as Strangler looks out at the crowds, looking absolutely miserable. However, ONE man isn’t silent at all: “YES! HE’S GONE! DING FUCKING DONG, THE WITCH IS DEAD!” screams Erek Taylor, jumping up and down on stage, which draws a HUGE round of boos from the crowd once again. “I did it! He’s GONE! My revenge is complete! How the hell does it feel to lose your job now, Strangler? How the fuck does it feel, you maggoty piece of shit?” “Hey, Erek, I’m not done here!” yells Strangler into the mic, which draws a small pop from the shell-shocked crowd. “You see, I wanted to add in one little condition to this retirement. I am retired from active competition, but only after I have one more match. You see, Erek, I want you. One last time. This is the way things have to be. I need to prove to myself on my way out the door that I can still beat you. I’ll beat you, even if I get pinned. I’m gonna go into the match, fight perfectly cleanly, and walk out a WINNER, Erek! If I get the pinfall, great. But even if you beat me, which you won’t, I’ll walk out knowing that I conquered my demons one last time, Erek. And that’s something you’ll never, EVER be able to feel. You won’t get the feeling of knowing that you’re the best damn person you can be, Erek. You won’t get to hear the fans cheering your name as you walk off into the sunset.” “What was that last bit, Strangler?” “That’s the other thing, Erek. I want this to be your last match too. I don’t want anyone else in this federation to have to go through the same thing I did. I don’t want them to be brought down by Erek Taylor. I care about the people backstage, and I see them give into their temptations. Well Erek, I’m not gonna let you do that to them! I’m not gonna let you corrupt the minds of people like Va’aiga! They’re good kids, and their minds just get poisoned. I’m living proof of what can happen to you when you get like that, Erek! The Clan, Chris Wilson….they did it to me, Erek. And I never, ever want you to be in a position where you’re able to turn these kids away from reaching their fullest potential! So, will you do it, Erek?” “Deal, Strangler. I get the feeling that after all we’ve been through, you still don’t quite understand me. You see, I don’t give a crap about all those dateless losers in the locker room! I don’t care if they’re good, they’re bad, or they’re ugly! I don’t care about the SWF Title, or having Grand Slam like me, or making millions of dollars. You see, Strangler, there’s only one goddamn reason that I bothered to come back to this dump. Not because I could make myself even richer, or to get even hotter women, or to become SWF Champion. I came back because I wanted to beat you, Strangler. I wanted to teach you a lesson that you still hadn’t learned. Now, I think you’ve learned it. You realized that you’re not a good person, Strangler. You realized you’re that same roided animal that you always have been, and that no matter how much you try, you CANNOT make yourself the person you dream of being. You’re always going to be that pawn, the man who retired me, the man who was weak and petty. You will always be that orphan from Boston, alone throughout life, never finding anyone, never finding happiness!” Strangler looks upset at the allegations, and raises his mic. “Hey, Erek, I beg to differ. I might still have that monster in me, but I’m at peace with that. I’d prefer not to leave this place. I love it here, and I love every day that I’ve been a part of the SWF, even the bad ones. But I’ve learned that my happiness, my success aren’t the only important things here. Other people’s safety is, and I’m doing what I need to do to protect that. So, you and me, one on one, at the PPV? Are you on, Erek?” “Hell yeah, we’re on! Last I checked, we’re 1-1 at PPV’s, Strangler. I beat you at Ground Zero in 2002, and you beat me at Apocalypse. And Strangler, I think we need a little stipulation to make this one more interesting.” “Fine. Erek, what stip do you want?” “Albert, there’s only one stip I want. I want a stip where you can’t run, you can’t hide, and you have to turn, face me, and prove that you are that animal, and that you can’t control it. I want you and me, Erek Taylor vs, The Boston Strangler, one on one, in a HELL IN A CELL MATCH!” The crowd explodes into cheers, popping for the stip’s name. Strangler takes a sharp intake of breath, closes his eyes briefly, and then opens them before staring Erek right in the face. “Deal. Hell in a Cell it is. I’ll see you at the PPV, Erek.” “And don’t forget, Albert. That monster lurks within you, whether you want it to or not. And even though you think you’re gonna get to go out with your little ‘moral victory’, you’re not going to. When push comes to shove, you aren’t strong enough to hold off. You’ll revert, Strangler, and then, and only then, will the people finally realize what I’ve said all along. I’ll see you at the PPV.” “Numb” hits over the speakers, and Erek Taylor disappears behind the curtain. Strangler remains in the ring with his microphone, looking out over the crowd. Surprisingly, he raises the microphone again, and begins to speak. “Well, it’s official. My run here in the SWF is over. And like I just said, I’ve loved each and every moment of being here in the SWF the SJL. I loved being the first man to win the SJL European Title for the first time after winning the SJL World Title for the first time. I loved being SWF Hardcore Gamer’s Champion for a then-record 61 days. I loved beating Munich twice on PPV. I loved that Street Fight with Erek, even though I lost. I loved beating Nekura and Thoth in a tag match that put me on the map. I loved coming THIS close to beating Tom Flesher in a 2 out of 3 falls match. And most importantly, I loved being SWF World Champion. It was the greatest moment of my career, and I’ll never, ever forget it.” The fans give Strangler a huge, HUGE pop, the loudest so far, for that little speech. Strangler pauses, then continues on: “And I have to say, I think I know why that title run was the highlight of my career…besides the obvious. Sure, it was great being on top, but there’s only one reason that the moment was as good as it was: Because you, the fans, were there cheering for me. There were a lot of good times, but these last 9 months, from April to December, have been the best, since the fans wanted to see me win. You all cheered for me, you supported me when I thought I didn’t have a chance, and you celebrated with me when I finally did make it to the top. Thank you SO much for this gift that you’ve given me.” The crowd gets a big “STRANG-LER! STRANG-LER! STRANG-LER! STRANG-LER!” chant going throughout the arena, and Strangler is obviously a bit weepy, allowing a couple of tears to roll down his cheek. “Thank you to each and every one of you. I’ll see you at the PPV in a week or two…and I promise, I won’t let you down. Thank you once again.” With that, Strangler drops the mic and walks out of the ring as “Godzilla” by Blue Oyster Cult ushers him out. The ‘STRANG-LER!” chant is still echoing through Landon Arena, mixing with cheers, as the Boston Strangler makes it to the top of the ramp. He turns around, looks out at the fans one last time, gives them a huge wave, and disappears behind the curtain. “Robert, I have to say that it has been a long time since I have felt as emotional as I do right now. That was a beautiful speech by the Boston Strangler, who is doing the good and honorable thing by stepping down to ensure the health and well-being of the rest of our roster.” “Strangler’s full of shit” retorts Riley. “He’s a whiny, do-gooding suck-up asshole, and he won’t make it through that match. He’s never held it together before, and he’s gonna end his career the same way he began it: Without anyone cheering for him.” “Robert, you are incapable of human emotion. We’ll be back here on Lockdown in just a moment, folks” Lockdown fades to commercial as the “STRANG-LER! STRANG-LER!” chant continues to echo throughout the arena… *fade to black*

The arena is abuzz as the camera fades in from a commercial for Disney-brand Band-Aids featuring Alan Clark. The fans are shown, some holding up signs such as “EJIRO: 2 FLESHER: EVERYTHING ELSE,” “THE GUY BEHIND ME CAN’T THROW HIS BEER AT EJIRO” and the ever-popular “I SLEPT WITH EJIRO’S SISTER AND ALL I GOT WAS HERPES.” As the camera pans the sea of blue-and-white “I Am Superior” shirts, offset by Justice and Rule football jerseys, Bobby Riley says, “I just don’t get it.” “What?” asks Comet. “Herpes?” “No, you tool. I don’t understand why so many of these idiots are backing Tom Flesher. He’s on his way down. Over the hill. Ejiro Fasaki is the wave of the future!” “Over the hill? The Superior Citizen is barely twenty-two years old!” Riley shrugs. “Is it my fault it’s a small hill?” “Ladies and Gentlemen… THIS is your main event!” roars Funyon as the crowd begins to buzz excitedly at the prospect of yet another hard-hitting contest from the SWF. “This next contest will be a non-title affair and scheduled for one fall… INTRODUCING FIRST!” JUSTICE! RULE! POPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOP! Through the curtain comes the more belligerent half of the World Tag Team champions, Ejiro Fasaki. Not even bothering to wear his tag team belt or a SWF Shopzone Exclusive Justice and Rule football jersey, Fasaki looks to be all business this evening as he stalks down the aisle. Not even looking at the crowd once this evening, Ejiro has all of his energy focused on the task at hand. The task of finally facing Tom Flesher in a singles contest, one-on-one. Sliding into the ring, Fasaki does not even bother performing his customary salute to the crowd as his eyes instead focus entirely on the spot on the ramp way where Tom Flesher will be coming in just a few moments. Simply placing his hands on his knees, Ejiro leans forward and appears almost serenely calm as Funyon calls out his information to the populace. “Introducing first, he is one half of the World Tag Team Champions, Justice and Rule. Hailing from Sarasota, Florida and weighing in tonight at 210 pounds. This is THE RULE … EEEEEEEEEEEEJIROOOOOOOO FASAKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!” Cyclone Comet speaks up, “you can tell just by looking at him just how important this match is going to be for Ejiro Fasaki. Despite the World Title not being on the line here, Fasaki is completely and totally focused on taking it to Tom Flesher right here and right now.” “That’s right,” adds Riley. “That’s absolutely right. This will be the first one-on-one contest between these two men and it is of extreme importance as far as Ejiro getting a title shot in the near future. Granted he’s already beaten Tom Flesher twice in tag team matches, he shouldn’t have to sing for his supper, but you know Mark Stevens… you have to prove yourself a billion times if he doesn’t like you. He goes out of his way to make your life miserable… he even made me take down my Suicide King Holy Water Font!” “It wasn’t so much the holy water font, Robert, but the fact that you kept trying to get him to take communion with you.” “What can I say? Taking the host in the name of the Suicide King gives me a warm feeling inside.” “That’s not communion, Robert. You just watch old matches and eat ’Nilla Wafers.” “And his opponent!” The SmarkTron sends out a blinding white light through out the arena as the crowd once more rises up to its collective feet in order to usher in the man of the hour. The guitars of The Philosopher Kings sing throughout the arena until familiar words begin to fly across the white screen. SUPERIOR ONE AWARD-WINNING MAIN ATTRACTION THE MAN BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! And with that a blue explosion blasts into the air in order to herald the arrival of the SWF World Heavyweight Champion Tom Flesher. Hopping from foot to foot from one side of the entrance way to the other, Flesher stops on both ends to extend a happy and hearty golf clap that the crowd happily return with close approximations of the champ’s expression. Finding his way back to the center of the staging area, Tom folds his arms across his chest in order to allow a number of flash bulbs to capture his immortal presence. Satisfied with that, Flesher makes his way down the aisle and up to the side of the ring. Wiping his feet across the ring apron, ‘The Superior One’ steps inside the ring… Funyon calls out, “Introducing… from Buffalo, New York. He weighs in tonight at 213 pounds and is the current and TWO TIME HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WOOOOOOOOORLD. He is ‘THE SUPERIOR ONE’ TOM FLESHERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!” Basking in the crowd’s adoration for a moment, Flesher holds the World Title high above his head while showing it off to each of the ring's four sides. Passing the strap off to referee Nick Soapdish, Tom casually pulls off his blue warm up suit to the rather embarrassing glee of some of the female members of the audience. Regardless of all the pageantry however, Ejiro Fasaki has refused to even blink as he focuses the entirety of his concentration on the World Champion. So razor sharp is his concentration that Ejiro barely even hears the referee’s last second instructions. But what he does hear is the bell that sounds to get this contest underway. DING! DING! Almost sprinting at the sound of the bell, Ejiro attempts to overwhelm the World Champion with a savage attack at the outset. Rather than meet Fasaki in a brawling capacity, though, Flesher calmly drops down to the canvas and takes the overly ambitious Ejiro down to the mat with a drop toehold. Floating over the top of the pile with his usual fluid movements, Flesher locks down on Ejiro with an amateur style mount. Trying to get off the mat as quickly as possible, Ejiro tries to fight up to his feet and get back to his vertical base. As he tries to explode off the canvas, though, Tom reaches low and grabs an ankle. Gaining purchase, Tom presses his body against that back of Fasaki’s leg and presses him flat against the canvas yet again. Keeping the leg in hold, Tom burrows his head down into the side of his former stablemate and drives him over onto his back as the referee scrambles into position. ONE! But one is all Flesher can get on this occasion before Fasaki rolls back onto his stomach in order to protect himself from another pinning combination. Flesher, well-versed in mat wrestling, simply knows just about every trick there is from the mat and easily maneuvers his body once again to the side of the defensive Fasaki. Popping a crossface across Fasaki’s nose, Tom reaches across and grips Ejiro’s far arm. Pulling it into his own body, Tom once again manages to turn Fasaki and attempt another cradle, only to have Fasaki successfully bridge up on his neck and avoid the pinning predicament. Popping up on his toes, Tom continues to keep the pressure on Ejiro’s neck while maneuvering his body around his downed foe and grab what would normally be a dragon sleeper if both men weren’t down on the canvas. Reaching up with his arms, Fasaki attempts to find a way to get out of this hold as Flesher continues to stay on his toes to press down with the maximum amount of pressure. Even that does not prove to be enough as Fasaki grabs Tom around the body and uses it to bridge all the way up! Still, once again calmly countering is the World Champion, who uses his grip in order to twist Ejiro into a front facelock. BOOM! A knee finds its home right in the middle of Fasaki’s face! BOOM! BOOM! Two more knees strike Ejiro’s mug as the Tag Team champion is locked down tightly by a ‘superior’ hold. Finally finished with the strikes, Flesher hops into Fasaki ever so slightly for momentum before tossing Ejiro overhead with a released Cement Mixer front headlock suplex! Rising to his feet and with his opponent on the canvas, Tom saunters over to Fasaki as the potential challenger struggles to pull himself up. He finds a harsh reception. SMACK! Slapping Ejiro HARD across the face, Tom knocks his opponent right back down to the canvas. Pointing down at the former member of the Magnificent Seven, Tom has only one thing to say to his opponent. “YOU AREN’T BETTER THAN ME!” STOMP! “YOU CAN’T PROVE IT!” Make that two. “Tom Flesher is in control and he knows it,” reports Cyclone Comet. “He’s heard every word that Ejiro has ever said and is about to feed every word right back to that little bastard.” “TAAMO! TAAMO! TAAMO!” the arena resonates as Flesher decided to take this match up a notch or two now that he has Fasaki in a compromised position. Pulling the stunned tag team specialist into the front facelock once again, Flesher locks down tightly once more before tossing another stunning knee into his opponent’s face. With Fasaki battered once again, Flesher takes the opportunity to pull Ejiro’s right arm over his head before lifting up high in position for a suplex. Holding Fasaki upside down five feet in the air, the deceptively powerful World Champion causes the blood to flow into the brain of his adversary as the entire arena looks on, awed by the display of power. Finally, after ten long seconds, Tom takes a step forward and simply drops Ejiro strait down on the top rope guts first! Hung out to dry, Ejiro hangs there suspended as Tom looks at his handiwork with a rather high amount of appreciation and a matching smug grin. “It’s going to be a real shame to ruin it,” he seems to think, before running to the far ropes for momentum. “But you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.” WHAM! “YAKUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZA KICK! Tom kicked him right in the FACE!” screams out Comet as Ejiro is knocked right over the top rope and all the way out to the arena floor! “That should be a disqualification! He purposely knocked Ejiro over the top rope!” whines Bobby Riley as he forgets that this is not the AWA, nor is Charlie Matthews competing. Stopping to take a look out at the crowd, Tom places his hands together for a golf clap as literally the whole arena returns the favor. But that reveille does not last long before Tom puts his attention right back where it belongs - on the stammering and wobbling Ejiro Fasaki, who has barely managed to pull himself up using the ringside skirting. Popping into the ropes, Tom looks to add to his offensive barrage as he breaks into a baseball slide and locks his legs around Fasaki’s head! Pushing his body to one side with the momentum of the slide behind it, Tom looks to turn the slide into a flying head scissors! WHAMMMMMMMMMMMMM! He’s had better plans. Nearly missing Tom as he swings around, Fasaki barely manages to move the pile a step too far back and swings Flesher out by his legs! He manages to crack Flesher right across the ringside barrier! His head crashing into the steel, Tom flops to the hard concrete as Fasaki once again finds himself clinging to the ringside apron in order to keep from falling to the canvas. “Flesher took a chance and it did NOT pay off here,” reports Comet as the crowd looks on in fear for their hero. “Those sort of moves are so dangerous,” notes Bobby Riley. “Especially for a ground wrestler like Tom Flesher, taking a risk like that where you only have a minute amount of room for error. Let’ s just say that it’s like trying to beat the house at Vegas. It very rarely pays enough to live on.” Shaking out his head trying to remove the mess of cobwebs that Tom placed there with the Yakuza kick, Ejiro sneaks a head underneath the bottom rope rather than risking the chance that a count out might occur while he had Flesher down outside of the ring. Staggering back over to grab Flesher by his short hair, Ejiro starts to drag the ‘Superior One’ around the ring and to the corner of the ring where the arena steps are placed. But instead of whipping Tom into them or dislodging the steps to use as a weapon, Ejiro has a much simpler and more dangerous tactic in mind. CLANG! “SWEET ZOMBIE JESUS!” calls out Comet as Tom collapses to the arena floor. “Ejiro just jammed Tom’s head into what appeared to be the EDGE of those steps! What the hell is that bastard thinking?” “He’s thinking that he needs to take Tom apart!” “Oh no,” mutters Comet as Tom pokes his head up on the side of the ring apron. “He took that shot just above the eye!” “He tapped a gusher!” blurts Bobby Riley with a sarcastic glee. “Ejiro just opened up a cut the size of Texas on Tom Flesher’s eye brow and the World Champion is bleeding like a pig that got stuck! … What do you stick a pig with anyway?” Sliding into the ring entirely now, Ejiro Fasaki takes center court as Flesher tries to pull himself onward despite the completely obvious injury that he took against the metal steps. But just as Tom puts his head into the ring, Fasaki is there to drive a kick into his face that causes ‘The Superior One’ to fall forward into the ring while tangling his legs in the ropes. And as he hits the canvas, Tom only has a moment before Fasaki is right back on him. Kneeling right in front of the bloody champion, Fasaki strikes away at the face with a number of short right hands to the head that all hope to widen the cut ever the more and make it totally impossible even for Tom to see, much less fight back. Finally it is the referee who is forced to step in and physically pull the ravenous Fasaki off his prey, at least for a moment. Immediately brushing past the referee, Ejiro collects the battered Flesher off the reddening canvas and pushes him back into a corner. “Holy Moses!” shouts Comet. “Look at the relentless assault being administered to Flesher by the vile Fasaki! It’s like he has no regard for his opponent’s well-being!” “He doesn’t give a damn about Flesher’s well-being! He doesn’t care about Flesher’s safety, or his ability to continue, or even whether he loses that eye! Fasaki knows he can beat Flesher right in the center of the ring, and that’s all he cares about right now.” BAM! BAM! BAM! Slowly and with complete precision, Ejiro sends his fist into Tom’s eye as little explosions of blood sprinkle into the air. But Fasaki pays his coloration virtually no mind as he simply continues to pound away time after time on the cut. Finally, the referee once again has to physically assert his authority in order to get Fasaki to break out of the corner. Calmly enough though, Fasaki barely even looks at Soapdish as his attention is squarely on the World Heavyweight Champion. Diving back into the fray, Ejiro starts to dig into the cut with his fingers as the crowd gasps at the sheer barbaric nature of the attack and begin to chant their displeasure. “F-U FASAKI! F-U FASAKI! F-U FASAKI!” Paying them about as much heed as he is the official, Rule continues to maul his opponent with an almost blank look across his face. Breaking off again, Fasaki looks down at his now red fingers and cracks the tiniest of grins as Tom finally pulls his body out of the corner and starts to walk his way across the ring with the help of the ring ropes. But Flesher does not get much farther than that before Ejiro clocks him in the back of the head with a haymaker punch in order to knock the World Champion down to a knee. Rule immediately stays on the champion and presses Tom’s neck down across the middle rope strand while simultaneously digging at the cut and causing the red fluid to continually roll down his face. Breaking once again at the urging of the referee, Ejiro leaves Tom laying on the ropes before running to the other side of the ring for momentum. Charging back at his target, Fasaki leaps into the air and crushes Flesher underneath every little bit of his 210 pounds. Allowing Tom to rebound back into the center of the ring, Fasaki calmly follows his prey there before reaching down to pull down a kneepad. Finally leaping as high as he can into the air, Ejiro crushes Tom right in the cut again with a measured knee as the crowd continues to try and rally behind their champion… “TAAMO! TAAMO! TAAMO!” Ejiro, however, pays no attention to the crowd, and simply hooks Flesher’s leg for ONE! TWO!!!!! KICKOUT! Flesher gets a shoulder up. Before Ejiro can cover him again, he bellies down, and Ejiro mounts him for control. “Flesher is still looking disoriented,” says Cyclone Comet. “He may be losing too much blood, and his wrestling will suffer.” “Yeah,” Bobby agrees. “It’ll also suffer because he’s in the ring with someone who owns him for free. I wonder what it’s like to experience a vision of your own mortality, especially when your own mortality is a shrimpy Japanese guy.” With Flesher bellied down on the mat, Fasaki takes the opportunity to straddle his back and grab his left arm. Flesher tries to resist, but the potential challenger fights him and manages to use his leverage advantage to wrestle the arm into his own control. Even so, Flesher continues trying to fight, but Ejiro responds by attempting to rip the arm right out of the socket. As Flesher tries to retract, Ejiro uses the poor position Flesher finds himself in to apply a Fujiwara armbar! Flesher grimaces, and the crowd starts cheering him on. “It might look inconsistent,” says Bobby Riley, “for Fasaki to apply an armbar here, since he hasn’t been attacking Flesher’s arm at all this match. Of course, Fasaki’s attacks to that limb are a big part of his strategy, but I think there’s a higher motive here. He’s trying to keep Flesher under stress for as long as possible, keep that heart rate and blood pressure up so that Flesher loses as much blood as possible. He wants to bleed the champion dry.” “Personally,” says Comet, “I find the idea of continual bleeding disturbing.” “I know,” Riley agrees. “I don’t want to get near anything that bleeds for five days straight and doesn’t die.” Flesher continues fighting, attempting to get to the ropes. The crowd continues chanting… “TAAMO! TAAMO! TAAMO!” Fasaki sags, dragging his hips along the mat to increase the amount of weight Flesher has to drag toward the ropes. The World Champion continues fighting, though, and gradually gets closer to the edge of the mat. “The crowd is really getting behind the Superior Citizen here,” says Cyclone Comet as the chant continues. “I can’t imagine the inspiration that a wrestler could draw from an entire crowd chanting his name! … Actually, I’m more than able to… but I’m sure you’re having trouble.” “Who hired you?” sighs Riley. “And why didn’t they keep NTD?” Flesher slowly moves toward the ropes, the crowd still chanting, and finally he hooks a boot over the bottom strand! The crowd bursts into applause as Nick Soapdish orders Fasaki to break the hold! Ejiro holds on for the full allowable four seconds before finally breaking the hold, and Flesher sits up, then gets to one knee, his eyes focused on Fasaki and burning with the fires of determination. “Look at the focus in Flesher’s eyes!” marvels the Masked Marvel. “He knows that Fasaki is, for lack of a better term, bringing it, and he’s starting to focus on his opponent despite the non-title nature of the match! What a fighter.” “Yeah, what a fighter,” says Riley with the audible equivalent of an eyeroll. “If Flesher was such a hardass, he would have been fighting right off the bat, but as it is he relaxed because it’s a non-title match, and Fasaki’s been running the show.” “I wouldn’t necessarily agree with that…” “There’s a lot you disagree with. That doesn’t mean your weekly show in Hong Kong deserved to stay on the air, boyo,” says Riley smugly. Flesher takes a moment on his knee to collect his thoughts, holding on to the middle rope to ensure that Nick Soapdish will protect him from Fasaki’s assault. He slowly makes his way back up to his feet, and as soon as he releases the ropes, Fasaki lunges at him! Flesher sidesteps, hooking Fasaki by the arm and shooting as if he were executing a single-leg takedown, then standing up with Fasaki’s arm threaded into a pumphandle! Before the would-be challenger for the title even knows what’s happening, Flesher grabs him by the head and executes a picture-perfect back arch, dumping Fasaki straight onto his head with a pumphandle exploder suplex! “LOGICAL DISCONNECT!” shouts Comet, clearly excited. “I ENJOY PASTA BECAUSE MY HOUSE IS MADE OF BRICKS, AND DON’T YOU FORGET IT!” “What the hell are you ON?” asks Riley, in utter disbelief that Comet can hold down a job. Fasaki hits on the crown of his head and crumbles into a heap on the canvas. Flesher slowly rolls over onto him, covering him for ONE!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!! SHOULDER UP! Fasaki lays on the mat, grimacing in pain, but manages to get a shoulder up before the three-count. “Flesher hits the Logical Disconnect, but is unable to secure the fall that would usually come off of such a devastating maneuver because of the lack of prior fatiguing maneuvers,” says Comet. “Perhaps, though, the move can provide a turning point of sorts for the World Champion.” “Yeah, or maybe he got lucky once and Ejiro’s gonna go back to hammering him from here to next week,” replies Riley. “Flesher can’t count on pulling big throws out of his ass whenever he gets into trouble, not against an athlete like Ejiro Fasaki. It’s just not going to work, because Fasaki’s too good to get caught consistently.” Flesher gets up, still a beat behind his usual speed as he grabs Fasaki by the hair and pulls him into a tight front headlock. Ejiro tries to resist, but Flesher tightens the hold, pressuring Fasaki’s windpipe as he grabs a breather. “I mean, look at that,” says Riley. “Flesher’s tired already.” “He IS losing large quantities of blood,” says Comet. “That would tire you out too.” After pausing to regain his breath, Flesher ducks down under Fasaki’s arm and quickly lifts him into position for a stalling vertical suplex. Instead of falling backwards, though, Flesher turns Fasaki around and then sits out, slamming Ejiro back-first to the mat with the Superiority Complex variation on the falcon arrow! As Ejiro hits, Flesher grabs his legs and cradles him into a pinning combination! ONE!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!! THRE- NO!!!!!!!!! Fasaki kicks out! Flesher lets out a huge sigh, looking down at Ejiro through bloodied eyes and seeing that the future challenger kicked out once again. He stands up, grabbing Ejiro by an arm, and starts to whip him to the corner, but Fasaki quickly regains his balance and reverses the whip! Flesher hits the corner hard and staggers forward, only to be met with a stiff elbow strike from Fasaki that homes in on the torn wound on his forehead! Blood sprays into the air as Flesher backpedals, stumbling into the corner! Ejiro steps back, then throws another elbow strike directly onto the cut! Flesher grimaces in the pain as the crowd lets out an “Ooooooh!” “And look at that sadism!” shouts Comet. “Can you believe the sheer disregard for Flesher that would bring Fasaki to continue assaulting him like this?” “Absolutely,” says Riley without missing a beat. “Fasaki is just better than Flesher. There’s no two ways about it. He’ll do what it takes to get that singles victory over him, but he won’t be denied. If he has to draw a little blood, so be it.” Of course, “a little” blood is a relative term. Flesher, wearing the crimson mask for the second time in three shows, stares blankly as Ejiro continues throwing a series of stiff elbows, nailing him with surgical precision each time, widening the cut further and further! Flesher, finally in too much pain, shoots his hands up, trying to block the shots. Ejiro continues the attack until finally Flesher throws a stiff palm strike that catches him off-guard! Fasaki staggers backwards, and Flesher follows up with another shotei to take him back down to the mat! “And look at the power of the World Champion!” says Comet. “He’s fighting through the pain and kicking Ejiro Fasaki out of the driver’s seat! Truly, this is JUSTICE IN ACTION~!” Flesher grabs Fasaki and yanks him to his feet, but once again leans on him for a front headlock instead of attempting a move. Clearly, he looks gassed and has lost enough blood to cause concern. Instead of giving up, though, Flesher tightens the headlock and grabs Fasaki, pulling him into position for a vertical suplex once again. Going for a brainbuster, he starts to lift Fasaki off his feet. Ejiro, however, grapevines his leg to avoid being lifted! Flesher tries again, once again attempting to get Fasaki off his feet in order to drop him on his head and buy a few precious seconds of recovery time. Still, Ejiro blocks the move, and Flesher finds himself with no way to finish his move! Fasaki, however, takes the opportunity to fall back and slam Flesher to the mat with a snap suplex! Before the disoriented Flesher can block it, Fasaki rolls through and lifts him up, slamming him down with another snap suplex! The crowd boos, but Fasaki continues the motion, rolling through once more. He lifts Flesher up, this time holding him upside down and stalling! The blood rushes to Flesher’s head and drips out as Fasaki holds him. “What on earth could Ejiro be doing?” “Possibly a brainbuster,” says Riley, “possibly something a little more…” Suddenly, Ejiro shoves Flesher forward and sits out, slamming him to the mat with an Orange Crush Powerbomb! “… crushing.” The crowd bursts into a chorus of boos as Nick Soapdish drops down and counts ONE!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 DING DING DING!!!! The crowd boos, almost in disbelief that Ejiro Fasaki has beaten Tom Flesher, cleanly! Fasaki jumps up, pumping his fists in excitement! Soapdish raises his arms as Flesher rolls to his stomach, holding his head. “The winner of this match… EJIRO FASAKI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” “Well,” says Riley, “you heard it! Ejiro Fasaki beat Tom Flesher in the middle of the ring, cleanly, no tricks. You can’t blame it on cheating, you can’t say there was anything fishy with the result…. Ejiro Fasaki is just… plain… better than Flesher!” Cyclone Comet simply sits silent. Fasaki, however, drags the stunned Flesher to the corner. As the crowd continues booing, he sits Flesher up in the corner and begins kicking him in the face! Finally, he plants a boot in Flesher’s throat and begins choking him! “F-U FASAKI! F-U FASAKI! F-U FASAKI!” Fasaki looks toward the entrance, and out comes William Hearford! The crowd continues booing as Hearford jogs down the aisle and slides into the ring! He charges at the corner, and Ejiro politely moves out of the way for the Judge to throw a dropkick into Flesher’s face! “This is disgusting!” says Comet. “This is simply unnecessary!” Hearford continues kicking Flesher as Fasaki slides out of the ring, grabbing Flesher’s title belt. He slides into the ring and holds the belt over his head, drawing boos and flying garbage from the crowd. Fasaki lays the belt down on the mat, and Hearford drags Flesher to the center. “No,” says Comet, “not again! Flesher took an Ejirocation on the belt just before Ashes 2 Ashes! Not again!” Ejiro grabs Flesher and cockily underhooks his arms, setting up the double underhook piledriver, but suddenly the crowd bursts into cheers! “MAK FRANCIS!” shouts Riley. “What the hell is he doing here?!” Francis quickly answers the question by grabbing Hearford from behind and escorting him out of the ring and onto the floor by way of the top rope! Ejiro drops Flesher, unable to finish the Ejirocation, but Francis strikes him preemptively with a pair of quick right hands! Ejiro tries to fight back, but the perfectly fresh Francis slams another fist into his face and then throws a dropkick that catches him in the chest and sends him over the top rope! Fasaki hits hard, but both he and Hearford are quickly on their feet and heading to the locker room, swearing revenge! Flesher, for his part, is shaking off the impact of his clean loss to Fasaki. The belt is covered with his blood after he was dropped onto it, but Mak Francis offers him a hand. Flesher stands up, still shaken, but clasps Mak’s hand. He pointedly looks down at Francis’ hand and pumps it, giving him a respectful handshake and mouthing, “Thanks.” The crowd cheers, and Flesher and Francis stay in the ring for a moment, but as SWF Lockdown fades out, the last thing we see is the SWF World Title belt… stained with the blood of Tom Flesher at the hands of Ejiro Fasaki. It is, it seems, only a matter of time. === SWF Lockdown. December 5, 2003. © White Apple Productions. All rights reserved. The Smarks Wrestling Federation: “Raising Workrate by Typing Faster.”

"Superhero Francis has just laid out the H-Ville Thugg and I'm as surprised as anyone by these latest twists and turns." says Comet, clearly in shock. "I guess we won't have to wait till the commercial break to hear from him then..." mumbles Riley. Standing in the ring over the downed Thugg, Mak tilts his shades to the bridge of his nose, and tosses the chair he had, getting a mic instead. “Normally I wouldn’t do this, but hey some times you gotta break the rules… my bad people—but it was a really good chair shot wasn’t it?” The crowd pops in approval of the shot to the Angry Black Man’s head. “Thugg, I noticed that you were talking down to me last show, like I don’t even matter. I’m not good enough to beat the Hall of Fame H-Ville Thugg?” questions Francis, shaking his head in mock disgust. “Hey, I know I’m brash, and I’m cocky, but hell, that's why the people love me... cause I’m good enough to back it up and if you don’t believe me, when you actually get up off the mat, I may show you why.” Mak fakes a cough, and then continues. “I have to list the credentials, don’t I. A three time US champ; the longest reigning ICTV champion in the history of the SWF. Yeah, I beat out your record EASY Thugg.” The Franchise’s tone begins to get serious as he paces the ring, back and forth in front of the now, starting to move Thugg. “I’ve always been there, lurking… you know. Never quite getting that shot at the top. I worked my way up through the ranks. I spilled my guts in the ring, always just on the cusp. When I beat Danny Williams in that Ironman match, everyone finally saw me as something. I finally had the crowds respect, and Danny’s. So I defended the ICTV title with my heart and soul… to prove to people that I deserved that respect I had won!" A pause. “I thought I’d never have to worry about respect again, but then came Genesis… and we all know how that—” suddenly Mak stops and tilts his head to the side, looking into the eyes of the now rising H-Ville Thugg. “—Just give me a second folks. Thugg I don’t think you seem to understand. When you try to get up, I gotta knock you back down, cause you might up and wreck my shit, so do me a favor and— *Ding!* —stay down for a sec.” finishes Mak not skipping a beat. "Merciful Matlock, that was not very nice." The crowd attempts to suppress their laughs at the straight punt to the Thugg’s groin, “Now that’s gotta hurt…” says Mak as he hams it up, play to the crowd, by bringing his index finger to his lips. “Let’s just keep that between us folks.” "Oh come on," shouts Riley, "that was a blatant low blow, you boob! He's a cheat, and a scam artist--" "And if you didn't dislike him you be cheering right now." adds Comet, cutting in. "Even superheroes have kryptonite and Mak Francis' just happens to be cheating..." "I guess yours is speaking coherently, cause you avoid that like the plague." “Now, back to you.” starts Francis, remembering where he was going before being so rudely interrupted. “I just want your respect Thugg. Sacred, he didn’t respect me one bit. And the thing is; I didn’t just lose to Sacred at Genesis… I gave up. I’ve got something to prove at the X-mas pay per view. To you… the fans—no, to everybody! I can’t give up if I want respect. Not to another Hall of Famer that doesn’t want me to reach the top. I won’t be held back. The fans won't let me!" FRAN-CHISE! FRAN-CHISE! FRAN-CHISE! “These fans have been chanting my name too long, for me not to show them I have what it takes to beat the best. Clearly and decisively, without a shred of doubt.” FRAN-CHISE! FRAN-CHISE! FRAN-CHISE! “And you were the best Thugg…” OHHHHHHHHHHH "Francis, dropping the punk card on the H-Ville Thugg... what in the hell is this kid thinking?" "Yeah I said it!" spouts off the Franchise. "To paraphrase an old friend of mine that's been AWOL recently... maybe I'm good, maybe I'm drunk... maybe I'm good and drunk, but I said it and I mean it!" Mak continues to speak, as Thugg scowls. “Everyone saw that you got the pin me, and I definitely know that I can pin you, so why don’t we get rid of that option all together. It doesn’t prove a damn thing if we just pin each other again and I’m all about proving something. You’ve got something to prove too Thugg. That some upstart punk can’t take out the dominate, badass, and all around EVIIIIIL Thugg.” “But I know I can.” says the Franchise with a confident smirk. “Since both of us like to talk the talk during our most recent run-ins, let’s see just who can walk the walk, while a mic’s shoved into our faces… “And then the first person to get the other to say “I Quit” won’t have anything to prove anymore.” The audience cheers in anticipation of a match that’s sure to be one for the ages. Thugg, still on the ground, is cursing Francis out, while feverishly pushing himself up off the canvas, but he can't be hear over Mak's voice on the microphone. “I respect your career Thugg and everything you’ve done here in the SWF, but I’m going to beat you. It’s my time to shine. The Franchise, he’s breaking into the big time. And if I have to use you as a stepping stone, I’m sorry, but that’s the way it’s gotta be… I’m no legend killer, but when it’s all said and done I won’t be the person that says—” I Quit! Finishes the crowd, as Mak throws down the mic and quickly rolls out of the ring, so as not to incur the wrath of Thugg. "Well, hopefully things will settle down, after that interesting conflict." "I sincerely doubt that Comet... we still have more show left and Ejiro vs. Tom as our main event!" The last image seen is that of HVT getting to his feet livid, as Mak backpedals up the ramp and the SWF goes to commercial break.

Darkness... BOOOOOOO!!!! The fans hit the switch and begin to boo like crazy as the strobe lights start to pulse to the beat of Saliva's "King of My World". A pale blue light covers the arena and illuminates his figure when he steps onto the stage with no particular expression on his face. (Riley) - This should be interesting, huh Comet? Craven starts his descent towards the ring, turning backwards to stretch his arms out wide and soak up all the sneers and jeers of the crowd. He turns back towards the ring and continues on his path as Funyon prepares to announce him. BOOM!! (Funyon) - The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL! Introducing first, weighing in at 280 pounds...from Tampa, Florida...MIIIIICHAELLLLLLL CRAAAAAAAAVEEEEEEENNNNNN!!! The fans boo the Nightmare one more time as he casually walks through the ropes and scales the near right turnbuckle. At its apex, Craven opens his arms wide once again to a chorus of heavy boos and a white spotlight that isolates in the corner. (Comet) - You're right Bobby, this will be an interesting match here tonight on Lockdown. I'm not sure if anyone remembers, but at Genesis II, Craven was involved in the three-way match for the commissionership, representing Suicide King. Now, Thugg wasn't IN that match, but he was represented by his brother Bastion, who, as we all know, is no longer with us. (Riley) - Jesus...that's a lot to remember. (Comet) - I have little pad...see? (Riley) - Hmmm...interesting. Craven remains on the turnbuckle, watching the stage for... "Muwhahahaha!" ...the electric guitar hits, and the fans are relatively happy. The lights are still down, and as the words come in, the red hue fills the arena. "They don't know..." "Who we be!" "They don't know..." "Who we be!" "What they don't know is..." KA-BOOOOOOM!!! The trademark wall of fire erupts on the stage, illuminating the enormous man standing in the entranceway. (Comet) - And here comes the man himself...the SWF Hall of Famer... Through the hard beats of "Who We Be" by DMX, HVT steps into the path between the fire, and takes a moment to look around menacingly. Some fans cheer, while others make no noise at all, and HVT starts his slow stomp towards the ring. (Funyon) - And his opponent...weighing in at 386 pounds...from the nation's capitol, Washington, DC...H...V...T!!! (Riley) - Oh, did you hear what he told everyone in the back earlier this week? (Comet) - No, what? (Riley) - You're gonna love this...So, HVT no longer wants to be called Hville Thugg...he says that he's either HVT or Thugg, but preferably HVT. (Comet) - Are you serious? (Riley) - Yeah, serious. So, don't get your ass kicked by calling him Hville... (Comet) - You've done it twice. (Riley) - Wha? Huh? No, I was just saying...I mean...See, what had happened was... While Comet laughs heartedly at Riley, Thugg reaches the ring and stops at the apron, where he stares up at Craven who is still on turnbuckle. The two lock eyes, but before anything can come of it, Craven hops down backwards. As per referee Sexton Hardcastle's request, Craven backs up to the far side of the ring while Thugg steps over the top rope and into the ring. (Comet) - Ok, so HVT wants to be called...uhhh...HVT? I think I can do that. (Riley) - You better. (Comet) - Ok, well...here we go with this intense matchup. Craven didn't win that match at Genesis...Dace Night did, but I know for a fact there is no love lost between Craven and HVT, as they are two of the few superstars that have been here for over three years. Thugg and Craven meet in the center of the ring, and the staredown begins. Thugg cracks his neck, while Craven cracks his knuckles, and the fans prepare for violence. Craven starts to circle as Thugg follows him with his eyes, and after Craven has circled, HVT smirks and waves him in with his hand. Almost as if he was waiting for the invitation, Craven delivers a crushing blow to HVT that snaps the big man’s head. (Comet) – OH! A hard shot from Michael Craven that connects hard with Thugg’s face!! (Riley) – Doesn’t look like that fazed him much, and while you were babbling, Thugg just floored Michael Craven with a single punch! Meanwhile, inside the ring, Thugg is all over Michael Craven with hard stomps to the head and the fans pick up steam. He grabs Craven by the head and lifts the heel up to his feet before whipping him to the far ropes. Craven rebounds at fill tilt, but runs directly into Thugg’s huge boot, with his face! (Comet) – And HVT nearly takes Craven’s head off with that Big Boot. Craven goes down on his back easily, and Thugg stands over his body like it were a corpse. He looks out at the fans, who actually start to cheer him, and then he lifts Craven again. (Riley) – Sounds like that fans are behind HVT a bit more tonight. (Comet) – That’s probably because they hate Michael Craven so much. Thugg cockily lifts Craven again, but alertly, Michael jams his thumb in Thugg’s eye, forcing the big man to turn away and check his eye for damage. Hardcastle, who was conveniently blocked by HVT, darts over and issues Craven a warning, while Craven denies the illegal tactic, and then checks his face for blood before heading over to HVT. (Comet) – And gee, there’s a surprise. Craven with the illegal thumb to the eye. (Riley) – Didn’t HVT fall for that exact same move in his match with Mak Francis on Smarkdown? With Thugg’s back to him, Craven strolls over to take the offensive. Upon reaching HVT, Craven grabs his left arm and twists it twice, causing considerable pain for the giant from DC. (Comet) – You know…I think he did. And on top of that, Craven’s got that armbar on the same arm that Thugg hurt in that very match. Thugg takes a swing at Craven to break the hold, but the Nightmare ducks the blow, which causes Thugg to spin all the way around so his back is to Craven. Michael quickly locks on a waistlock from behind, but before he can even think about a German Suplex, Thugg throws an elbow backwards that connects with Craven’s head, sending him stumbling backwards and causing the crowd to pop ever so slightly. (Comet) – And an interesting exchange there. (Riley) – Craven was smart to know the punch was coming, but I think he went for too much to go for that German right there. (Comet) – He paid for it too cause Thugg is going after him. Thugg reaches Craven, pushes him against the near ropes, and whips him to the far ropes. Craven rebounds, ducks a huge clothesline from Thugg, and bounces off the near ropes. This time, on his rebound, the King of Nightmares leaves his feet, and as HVT turns, Craven delivers a diving forearm right to Thugg’s face!! (Comet) – But Craven counters the whip with a diving forearm, and I think that hurt Thugg right there. Thugg stumbles back, and Craven, who landed on his knees, jumps back up to immediately deliver hard punches that keep HVT at bay. After every right hand from Craven, his confidence rises, until he has Thugg backed all the way up to the far ropes, teetering as if he is ready to topple for the first time in this match. (Comet) – And it looks like we could see the big man go down for the first time tonight. (Riley) – Funny thing…we talk about Thugg because he’s freaking huge, but we haven’t mentioned that Craven is no small man himself. Craven, obviously looking to take Thugg over the top and to the outside, looks to his left and opens his arms. He follows that up be repeating the feat on the right side, causing all the fans in attendance to boo their heads off. Satisfied that he has thoroughly pissed everyone off, he darts towards HVT, his arm raised for the clothesline that will send Thugg over the top ropes and to the outside of the ring… …but Thugg, instead, dips his shoulder, and lifts craven up… up… up… and down… down… down… down… BAM!! …ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR ON THE OUTSIDE!! (Riley) – OH ME, OH MY!! Craven went sky high Comet!! (Comet) – He sure did Bobby! Thugg, with that Back Body Drop, sends Craven in the air and all the way down to this thinly padded floor in front of us! The fans pop significantly as they see Craven soaring through the air and down to the floor below. Thugg takes a look out at the crowd cheering for him, and then makes his way out of the ring as well by stepping over the top rope and hopping down off the apron. (Comet) – And now Thugg is coming out here to join Craven, and we could see some damage done here. Hardcastle tries to get Thugg to return to the ring, but his requests fall on deaf ears as Thugg finds Craven on the ground near the announce table. He lifts Craven up by the head, and before moving on, he gives Craven’s head a hard slam on the announce table, startling the two announcers. (Comet) – HEY!! Thugg walks with Craven across from the announce table, and then slams his head on the ring apron before turning the Nightmare around so his back is against the apron. With the crowd behind him, HVT raises his huge paw and… SMACK! “Oooo!” …pounds Craven’s chest with a hard, open-handed slap. (Riley) – AHHHHH! I could feel that from here Comet. SLAP! “Oooo!” Another slap makes Craven scream and cringe, and the Nightmare rolls away from Thugg, but remains on the apron. Thugg gives chase as Craven walks near the ring steps, and he slams Craven’s head hard on the steel ring steps. (Comet) – Ever since that illegal poke to the eye, Thugg has been not only dominant, but vicious even. After the headshot, Craven start to walk away from Thugg along the right side of the ring. Thugg chases him down and rolls him into the ring, much to the delight of referee Sexton Hardcastle. HVT slides in behind Craven, and gets to his feet just before Craven does. Although on his feet, Craven remains crouched as Thugg approaches, and when HVT goes in to grab the Nightmare, Craven launches upwards and smacks the absolute shit out of Thugg with a forearm! (Comet) – And back comes Craven with that High Power Forearm Smash!! (Riley) – What a shot Comet! That nearly floored the big man! Unlike most people, HVT does not go down, per say, from the blow, but he teeters WAY back as Craven gets back to his feet. Seeing his opportunity, Craven darts in and gives Thugg a quick boot to the midsection, and then bounces off the left side ropes, runs towards a hunched over Thugg, and delivers a Scissors Kick to the back of HVT’s head!! (Comet) – Craven Kick!!! Michael Craven is making is move now, scoring with that kick to the back of Thugg’s head! The kick to the head finally takes Thugg off his feet when he hits the canvas face down and bounces over onto his back, prompting Michael Craven to cover the big man and hook the leg… (Comet) – Nightmare with the cover!! ONE! TWO! (Comet) – NO! Thugg with the shoulder up! (Riley) – I think Craven surprised Thugg there. I don’t think he realized that Craven could come with that kind of power with that forearm, and then the Scissors Kick. Craven gets back to his feet, followed slowly by HVT, and he immediately throws a hard punch that stuns the big man. A second right hand staggers HVT once again, but Thugg shrugs it off and delivers a quick thigh to Craven’s stomach, doubling him. (Comet) – But just that quickly, Thugg is back in control. With Craven doubled, HVT slams his massive forearm right on his back, taking the Nightmare down to one knee. The fans start to get back into it as HVT gets Craven back up and places him in a Front Face Lock. He then heaves backwards, pulling him straight up in the air for a Suplex, but instead of falling backwards, Thugg holds his adversary in the air. (Comet) – And look at the strength from Thugg here! (Riley) – We’ve seen him do this move a million times Comet. (Comet) – Yep, and every time I see it, I’m still amazed. Thousands of flash bulbs flicker as Thugg holds Craven in the air for 5 seconds now… …10 seconds… …15 seconds… …20 seconds… …25 seconds… …30 seconds!!! BAM! (Comet) – Feel that impact!! Just before Craven passes out from having all the blood rush to his head, Thugg falls backwards, slamming him to the mad with a Supreme Stalling Suplex!! (Riley) – Still not so impressed. (Comet) – Don ‘t care Bobby. He had Craven in the air for an eternity, and that causes all the blood to rush to Michael’s head before dropping him with that Suplex. Craven lays near dead on the canvas as the fans pop for the move. HVT quickly drops down to his knees and then covers the Nightmare… (Comet) – Thugg with the cover! ONE! TWO! (Comet) – This could be it right here! THREEEEEEEEE!!!!!! (Riley) – NO!!! Michael Craven gets his shoulder up!!! The fans let out a huge sigh because Craven turns his shoulder up off the canvas milliseconds before the three count. Thugg gets to his knees and wipes his brow, obviously bothered that his move didn’t put Craven down for good. Craven, however, remains on his back, still in obvious pain. (Comet) – I think that was sheer pride that made Craven get his shoulder up there because he is obviously in some serious pain right now. Thugg gets back to his feet, and then quickly falls back down, dropping his elbow right across Michael Craven’s chest and neck, causing him to scream out in pain. HVT jumps back up, and delivers another elbow drop to the Nightmare, not giving him any chance at a comeback. (Comet) – Thugg with ALL the momentum now… (Riley) – Craven’s biding his time. (Comet) – Yeah, right… Thugg grabs Craven and lifts him to his feet. He takes the weary Nightmare, and whips him to the far ropes, and when Michael stumbles back, Thugg slams his boot into his face again, knocking his adversary to the canvas. HVT immediately bounces off the right side ropes, jumps in the air, and drops his gigantic leg right on Michael Craven’s throat! (Comet) – The big boot again…and right into a leg drop! (Riley) – That’s a huge leg to land on your throat like that. His leg alone has gotta weigh like 200 pounds. (Comet) – Probably more like 150, but it’s still a huge amount of weight to have dropped on your neck like that…WAIT! THUGG WITH THE COVER! ONE! TWO! (Comet) – It’s all over Bobby!! THREEEEEEEE!!!! (Riley) – NO IT’S NOT!! He kicked out again!! (Comet) – And what heart Michael Craven is showing out here tonight. He’s taking the best that HVT’s got to offer, and he won’t stay down. Beating a Hall of Famer like Thugg could do wonders for his career, and I think Craven wants this real bad! Thugg, on his knees again, looks up at referee Hardcastle for confirmation of the count, and Sexton holds up two fingers confidently. Thugg gives him a hard stare, and then turns back to Craven to lift him to his feet. Salivating, Thugg scoops Michael up, and then drops him hard, side-first, on his own knee with a vicious Rib Breaker! (Comet) – Thugg with the Rib Breakers, and with the power of Thugg, that might have cracked a few ribs. Thugg looks at Hardcastle again, still rather upset by the lack of a three count, and then grabs Craven up once more. Craven, standing only due to Thugg’s support, can do nothing by fall into place as Thugg whips him to the near ropes. Craven rebounds off said ropes, and when he returns he finds Thugg bent over…AND DELIVERS A DESTRUCTIVE KICK RIGHT TO THUGG’S CHEST! (Comet) – But back comes Craven!! Thugg set up too early for that Back Body Drop, and Craven took advantage with a kick to the chest. (Riley) – Told you…opportunistic Craven is. The kick to the chest stands Thugg straight up, and Craven, running on empty at this point, dips down like a shortstop, and throws his forearm up, straight at Thugg’s face…but Thugg steps to the side, and locks Craven’s right arm behind him in a Half Nelson. (Comet) – Craven going for that huge forearm again…but he misses! Thugg’s got him in a half nelson. Thugg quickly hooks Craven ‘s other arm to complete the Full Nelson, after which, he lifts Michael straight up, turns a bit, and throws Michael Craven hard to the canvas with a Full Nelson Slam, ala Test. (Riley) – Damn! (Comet) – Short lived comeback for Craven there, as Thugg hits the Full Nelson…ANOTHER COVER BY THUGG! ONE!! (Riley) – C’mon Michael…kick out! TWO!! (Comet) – He’s done! Here comes three! THREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! (Riley) – NOOOOOO! HE KICKED OUT!! HE KICKED OUT AT THE LAST SECOND!! THE MATCH CONTINUES! (Comet) – I can’t believe Michael Craven keeps kicking out! He’s gotta have nothing at all left in the tank against Thugg. How does he keep going? Thugg stares at Hardcastle with wide eyes, until he jumps up and gets in the face of the veteran official. Sexton backs up to towards the far left corner while holding up two fingers. The fans start to get juiced up as Thugg leaves Hardcastle and turns back to Craven who, courageously, gets to all fours. (Comet) – I think Thugg is fed up with Craven now… Obviously frustrated, Thugg gets a murderous look in his eyes and lifts Michael to his feet. Ready to finish this match, Thugg whips his opponent to the near side ropes, and up on Craven’s return, Thugg grabs him up in a Bearhug, and then throws him to the ground with a Bearhug Front Slam! (Comet) – The Bearhug Front Slam!! We know what comes next…WHAT’S THIS?!? RAAAAAAAAAA!!!! (Riley) – That’s Mak Francis!!! What the hell is he doing out here?!? Sure enough, Francis is standing on the stage as the fans cheer him. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Mak’s presence, Thugg runs his thumb across his neck, indicating the end for Michael Craven. (Comet) – I don’t know Bobby, but Thugg’s about to finish off Michael Craven right now! (Riley) – But Francis is a tad early for his promo, this match isn’t over yet. I just know he’s gonna get involved! Thugg grabs a limp Craven off the canvas, and only pauses for a short second before pressing Mike over his head. He stands in the center of the ring, absorbing the crowd’s cheers, until he hears… “FRAN-CIS!” “FRAN-CIS!” “FRAN-CIS!” “FRAN-CIS!” Upon hearing the name of a man he has serious beef with, it doesn’t take Thugg long to put two and two together and turn to the ramp. When his eyes reach the stage, he sees that Francis is already on his way down the ramp, walking however, not running. Thugg immediately drops Craven to the canvas and goes to the near side ropes to meet Mak Francis, but before either man reaches the ropes, Sexton Hardcastle jumps in front of HVT, causing the crowd to boo. Francis, however, keeps coming, and when he reaches the apron, Thugg tries to push past Hardcastle to get at The Franchise. (Riley) – They’re gonna tear each other apart Comet!!! (Comet) – Not if Hardcastle has anything to say about it. We’ve still got a match going here, and I’m going to agree with you and say that Francis’s presence here is unnecessary. “You want some bitch!” “Oh please, you washed up, fat, old geizer! Stop hiding behind that ref and step to me!” “Bring it…get your bitch ass in da ring fucker…I’ll straight wreck yo AAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!” (Comet) – LOW BLOW!!! LOW BLOW FROM MICHAEL CRAVEN!!! (Riley) – THERE’S HIS OPPORTUNITY!!! The boos rain down like a typhoon as Thugg keels over in excruciating pain from Michael Craven driving his arm right into his crotch. Hardcastle turns around, but all he manages to catch is Craven pulling Thugg down into a School Boy! (Comet) – School boy from Craven! He’s got Thugg rolled up! ONE!! (Comet) – SEXTON!!! CRAVEN’S GOT HIS FEET ON THE ROPES!!! TWO!!! (Riley) – This is it for Thugg! It’s over…Craven wins! THREEEEEEEEEEEE!!! (Comet) – NOOOOOOO!! HE KICKED OUT!!! THUGG KICKED OUT!! HE USED ALL THE POWER IN HIS BODY AND HE BROKE CRAVEN’S ROLLUP, EVEN WITH HIS FEET ON THE ROPES!! The fans cheer like crazy as Thugg’s kick out sends Craven flying awkwardly to the side. Meanwhile, Mak Francis walks slowly around the right side of the ring, his eyes only watching HVT in the ring. (Comet) – Thugg was distracted by Mak Francis, and Craven scored with the low blow and the rollup, but Thugg was able to kick out. What an exchange! (Riley) – I told you Francis had no business down here. He almost cost your boy Thugg the match. (Comet) – My boy!?! He’s NOT my boy, BUT, Francis did almost cost Thugg the match. Thugg jumps to his knees, and immediately scours the premise for the sneaky Craven, and he finds him getting to his feet near the right side ropes. HVT jumps to his feet with smoke coming out his ears, and he charges the standing, but near death, Michael Craven. Out of no where, however, Craven dips his head, and uses Thugg’s own momentum to lift HVT up into a Fireman’s Carry position, and quickly drive his head to the mat directly in front of him!!! (Riley) – CRAVEN DRIVER!!! OUT OF FREAKING NO WHERE! HE HIT IT! IT’S OVER GODDAMMIT! IT’S EFFING OVER! The boos really start to shakes the arena as Craven falls back to the canvas from the trademark Craven Driver. Thugg lay flat on his back near the far right corner, while Craven lay nearby, trying to gather up the energy to finish Thugg after his flurry. (Comet) – What a set of events we’ve seen unfold here Bobby! First Thugg goes for the Last Stand, but he’s interrupted by Mak Francis, opening the door for Craven to nearly get the pin with a School Boy. Now this huge Craven Driver! All Mike has to do is cover and this could be over! Before Hardcastle can administer his ten count, Craven gets to his knees, his eyes glazed over from the punishment. He staggers to his feet, while Francis looks on from the outside, and the fans begin throwing things at him. Ignoring them and gathering energy, Craven stumbles over to the far right corner, not far from where Thugg lays, and scales the turnbuckle to the top. (Riley) – YES!! YES!! FINISH THAT FAT BASTARD!! (Comet) – You were cheering that “fat bastard” last week…what gives? (Riley) – I gotta go with a winner…and Craven’s a freaking winner baby! Learn to love it! Michael Craven looks around at the seething crowd, and suddenly, their heat grows louder as they know it’s coming. (Riley) – He’s going for it Comet!! Craven bends at the knees, and suddenly takes flight. He soars high like a bird as he starts to flip his body backwards. In mid air, he moves towards the motionless Thugg as his body flips upside down and then right side up. He soars… …down… …down… …down… …down… …pointing his knee right at Thugg’s chest… BAM!!!! (Comet) – HE MISSED!! HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT?!? MICHAEL CRAVEN MISSED WITH THE KINGDOME COME!!! THUGG JUST SAT RIGHT UP!! HE SAT RIGHT UP LIKE HE WAS TOTALLY UNFAZED!! WHAT A HUGE MISS FOR CRAVEN!! (Riley) – NOOOOOOOOOO! The fans ex-freaking-splode when Michael Craven’s knee slams hard on the mat, with no Thugg to be found underneath it. Upon hitting his knee, Craven immediately pops back up and starts to hop around in severe pain. With the fans cheering, Craven hops nearly all over the ring, until he runs in to… SLAP!! (Comet) – THUGG’S GOT ‘EM!! HE’S GOT HIM SET UP! The fans explode even more than you might think they would for Thugg’s finisher, and there appears to be nothing that Craven can do to stop it. He flails his arms about as Thugg foams at the mouth, and then HVT raises him high into the air with one arm. (Comet) – Thugg’s freaking pissed! He’s gonna break Craven in half…OH MY GOD!!! SMACK!!! …and Thugg drops Craven! (Riley) – MAK FRANCIS!! MAK FREAKING FRANCIS!! (Comet) – Mak Francis just saved Michael Craven’s life! He just drilled HVT right in the back with a steel chair!! Now the fans are out of their seats and nearly at ringside with excitement as The Franchise stands over Thugg, who is on one knee, holding a slightly damaged steel chair. Watching the whole thing unfold, referee Sexton Hardcastle has no choice to call for the bell. DING DING DING (Comet) – That’s it! It’s over! Craven has been disqualified because of Mak’s interference!! (Riley) – NO! That’s wrong! With Craven in a heap not far away, HVT staggers up to his feet with all his might, but when he turns around… SMACK! …he is floored with a bone rattling, brain scrambling chair shot from Mak Francis. (Riley) – How can they cheer this fool! He just ruined a match against two great athletes! And most important, Craven suffers because of Mak Francis since Thugg wins the match by DQ! (Comet) – Forget that…Mak Francis just turned Thugg’s lights out with that chair shot! Craven, realizing what just happened, gets to his feet, but all his gets for his trouble is… SMACK! …a chair shot right to the head!!! (Comet) – And now Craven goes down! The Franchise is cleaning house!! DING DING DING DING DING DING DING The timekeeper rings the bell furiously, but the damage has been done as Mak now stands over a falled HVT and Michael Craven. With the fans screaming, stomping, and clapping for the Franchise, Mak tosses the chair aside, and puts both hands in the air, eliciting an even louder pop for his actions. He then strolls to the far edge of the ring and demands Funyon’s microphone just as he is about to announce Thugg as the winner. (Riley) – And now he’s going for a mic?? What’s he want with that? What’s Mak Francis up to here? (Comet) – I think he’s going to make his announcement about his match with Thugg right now! (Riley) – After all that?!? What a jackass! (Comet) – Mak Francis has just laid out HVT AND Michael Craven! The fans love it, and now he’s got a mic. Hopefully we can get some explanation for these actions here tonight, and he should make his match announcement. And we’ll find out what he’s got to say…right after this! Fade to commercial.

Comet: “Welcome back to SWF Sto… Ermm LOCKDOWN fans! Topeka Kansas is giving a great welcome and we’re already seen a massive contest between Judge Mental and Terrence Bailey.” Riley: “You just have to love the planning around this place don’t you Comet. Like the posters saying this show was on Monday the Fifth of December. Honestly.” Comet: “Well, yes Citizen Riley, these things slips through the net from time to time. But never mind, on with the show.” Riley: “Quite.” Funyon: “Ladies and Gentlemen, the following None Title contest will be held under ‘Classic Wrestling’ rules! In this match up, any attacks on the outside of the ring will result in a disqualification. Throwing your opponent over the top rope will result in a disqualification. Passing over the top rope on your own accord will result in a disqualification. Also, all Sleeper Holds and moves are illegal!” Comet: “This is a very interesting stipulation indeed and might be right up Citizen Matthews’ street.” Riley: “This reminds me of the bad parts of Watts’ Dubbya Cee Dubbya.” Funyon: “Introducing firstly, from Birmingham England, weighing two hundred and fifty two pounds, the SWF ICTV Champion …. DACE…” FUCKING! Funyon: “NIGHT!” YYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! Captor of Sin screams into life as the swirling red lights cover the entrance ramp. Standing at the top of the ramp, Dace looks around at the fans before striding down the ramp, followed by bursts of white pyro. Sliding under the bottom rope, Dace leans over the ropes, holding the title belt out to the cheering fans. Circling the ring and flashing the horns to the fans. Handing the ICTV belt over to the time keeper, Night leans back in the corner and tracks his neck from side to side as he awaits Charlie Matthews. Funyon: “And his opponent, from Kansas City Missouri, weighing in at two hundred and eighty seven pounds, accompanied to the ring by James Matheson, … CHARLIE ‘GRAPPLER’ MATTHEWS!” BBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Some Kind of Monster kicks into life as all put one spotlight on the entrance ramp goes out. Matheson walks out, taunting the booing fans with well trained southern style as Matthews plods slowly to the ring, focusing on Dace Night in the ring. Matheson hops under the ropes and immediately starts jaw jacking with Referee Nick Soapdish as The Grappler climbs over the ropes and into the ring. Matheson turns his attentions to hurling insults at Dace as he hides behind Charlie’s form. Comet: “Looks like James Matheson is up to his usual antics. While this match by be right up The Grappler’s street, with Sleeper moves banded, what will he do without him favourite finisher.” Riley: “Please, he’ll have a million other ways to beat Dace Night. I’d be more worried about Dace, seen as he only won the ICTV title by choking out Xstasy.” Almost having to push Matheson out of the ring, Soapdish finally waves his arms for the opening bell. DING, DING, DING! RRRRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! Both men rush forwards into a tie up, grappling for position in the centre of the ring. Matthews slugs in a quick knee to the ribs to surprised Dace and whip him off into the ropes, but Dace digs his heels into the mat and reverses the whip, launching The Grappler off instead. Measuring him for a moment, Night charges after Charlie and swings for a Lariat but the big man ducks under it and slips into a Rear Waistlock. Crashing a Back Elbow off the side of Charlie’s head, Dace breaks the Rear Waistlock, twisting around while still holding Charlie’s arm. Firing the Grappler off into the ropes but this time Matthews’ reverses and hauls Dace straight into a Short Arm Clothesline. Keeping his grip Matthews twists Dace around and latches on another Rear Waistlock, looking for a Backdrop Suplex. Dace counters by wrapping his arms tight around Charlie’s ducked head and forming a Side Headlock. YYYYYYAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! Shifting the weight on his legs, the Hardcore Goth drops down, taking Charlie Matthews to one knee while twisting on his head with the Side Headlock, arms firmly around the head and not the neck so as to be legal. The Grappler shoves both hands into Night’s back, trying to power his way back to his feet and break free of the hold. Looping his arms around Night’s mid section as best he can, almost trying to Suplex Dace from a kneeling position to escape. Finally digging his feet back into the mat, Matthews surges forwards, forcing Night up to his feet. Dace is sent staggering forwards to kicks his feet out and drops to the mat, splaying his legs out infront of him and dragging Charlie down with him. OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHH! Comet: “Quick Irish Whip exchange, Grappler scores a Clothesline and goes for a Backdrop but gets caught in a Side Headlock and can’t seem to get out of it.” Riley: “Hey Soapdish, keep checking on Dace, make sure he doesn’t turn that Headlock into some kind of Sleeper. Can’t trust a guy like him.” Thrashing his body around on the mat, Grappler hammers wildly thrown fists into Horrorcore’s ribs and back, trying to shake him off. Dace simple clamps down tighter on the Headlock, squeezing his powerful arms around the sides of Charlie’s skull. Tucking his legs underneath himself and pushing up with his arms, Matthews deadlifts the weight around his head as he pushes himself up. Quickly launching the off balance Dace Night into the ropes, Charlie ducks back down and stands up. Catching Dace with the motion of his body and flipping Night up and over head with a Backbody Drop. BBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOO! Shaking his head out for a moment, Matthews hauls Night back to his feet, slamming a boot into his mid section just to be safe. Raining down clubbing Forearm Blows to the back, Charlie leads Night slowly back towards the ropes. Grabbing the back of Night’s head and hauling him upright, Charlie bounds forwards and slams Dace throat first into the top rope. BBBBBBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOO! Comet: “What underhand tactics from The Grappler, slamming Dace’s throat into that top rope!” Soapdish levels as Matthews as he forces the spluttering Horrorcore across the second rope and pulls the rope up around his throat, choking him. Soapdish launches into a five count as Matheson circles around on the outside and starts to yell in Dace’s face. ONE! TWO! CHARLIE SUCKS! CHARLIE SUCKS! THREE! MATHESON SUCKS HIM! MATHESON SUCKS HIM! FOUR! FIV… At the last second The Grappler release the ropes and steps back, letting the gasping Dace drop to the mat, clutching at his throat. Stomping away with his heavy boots into Night’s chest, keeping the air out of his lungs, Charlie looks over to see Soapdish leaning through the ropes and arguing with Matheson. Dragging Dace to his feet, Charlie kicks him square in the groin, behind the ref’s back. Ducking his body under Dace’s and hauling Dace up across his shoulders, Torture Rack style. Holding him up for a few seconds before spinning around and planting Dace’s back into the ring with a Judgement Slam. Rolling over and cradling Horrorcore’s leg, the Old School Heel makes a cover as Matheson backs away from Soapdish, allowing him turn around to count the fall. BBBBOOOOOOOOOO! ……ONE! ……TWO! ……TWO AND A QUARTER! Kickout! RRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! Comet: “Even more cheating from Matthews and Matheson. James has the referee distracted while Matthews uses a low blow to set up the Judgement Slam.” Riley: “Well, if Soapdish didn’t see it, it didn’t happen. Besides in a match like this, with all these ways to be DQed, what’s one little low blow going to hurt?” Not letting Dace get away from him, Charlie grabs and leg and hauls him in along the mat. Clubbing his forearm into the back of Horrorcore’s head as he rolls him into a sitting position, facing out across the ring. Lacing his legs around Dace’s ribs in a Body Scissors, Charlie reaches his left arm under Dace’s left arm in a Chicken Wing. Reaching across Night’s back, Matthews Hammerlocks Dace’s arm with his left arm, trapping both arms in one move. With his free right hand, he pounds away with slaps and blows to the side and back of Dace’s head as he tries to struggle out. Hunching forwards, Night tries to roll his head away from the blows and break free of the Chicken Wing Hammerlock combo but Grappler holds his fast. CHARLIE SUCKS! CHARLIE SUCKS! CHARLIE SUCKS! As Soapdish slides in alongside, as Grappler pushes down on the back of Dace’s head, crunching on his neck, trying to wretch one bit of his neck and shoulders or another. SLAP! BBBBBOOOOOOOO! SLAP! BBBBBBBBBOOOOOOO! SLAP! BBBBBOOOOOOOO! Clinching up his left arm, wrenching back on both of Night’s arms, Grappler squeezes his legs, forcing the air out of Night’s body as he hammers away on his neck. Soapdish steps infront of Dace Night and asks him if he wants to give up, but gets a growled no of defiance back. As the ref is distracted by checking on Dace, Matthews leans back and with his free right hand, grabs the middle rope and pulls on it, unfairly using the ropes for leverage! Comet: “Damn it Soapdish, turn around and see what’s happening! Charlie’s getting an unfair advantage!” Riley: “Unfair? Bullspit, Comet. Dace is the one that claims to be ‘Horrorcore’ and all…if he can’t withstand this, what can he endure?” Matthews continues to both wrench in on the body scissors and on the rope, as Nick Soapdish remains oblivious, continuously asking Dace if he wants to quit. DACE F’N NIGHT! DACE F’N NIGHT! DACE F’N NIGHT! Dace growls yet another defiant ‘no’, but Soapdish keeps his attention on Dace, for god knows what reason. Grappler continues to squeeze tightly, and Soapdish checks Dace…but then quickly looks up, and sees Grappler clutching the ropes! Matthews’ eyes become saucers as he whips his hand away from the rope, causing it to shake madly as proof! Finally, Soapdish demands that Charlie break the hold, to the delight of the Topeka fans! Begrudgingly, Grappler releases Dace, only to continue to stomp down on the ICTV Champion. Finally, Matthews brings Night up to his feet and wraps his arms around his waist! The fans begin to jeer as they expect THE BEARHUG~, but instead, Grappler hoists Dace into the air and drops him back down across his knee with an inverted atomic drop! With Dace stunned, Matthews ducks behind him and hoists him at an angle into the air, before dropping him down again across his knee, this time with a regular atomic drop! As Night staggers forward, Charlie grabs him from behind and then drives his elbow into Dace’s back, and Dace collapses to the mat! Grappler quickly drops down and covers the High Priest of Horrorcore, as Nick Soapdish counts! ……ONE! ……TWO! …but Dace easily gets a shoulder up as the crowd lets out a cheer! Comet: “What a combo by Matthews, relentlessly attacking Dace’s…uh, what exactly do those moves focus on?” Riley: “Lower low back, duh. Anyway, no surprise that Dace kicked out, but hey, that just means more fun for Mr. Matthews.” Groaning, Charlie lifts Night off the canvas, but is met with a hard elbow to the gut for his troubles! Grappler doubles over, which allows Dace to knee him hard in the forehead, causing him to snap backward into standing position. Night grabs Matthews’ arm and tries to whip him into the ropes, but Matthews spins around, sending Dace to the other side. As Dace comes charging back, Grappler swings with his club-like arm for a clothesline, but Dace ducks under this and quickly wraps his arm around his head, sweeping his leg and driving him hard to the mat with an STO! Comet: “Merciful Kryptonite, Dace came out of NOWHERESVILLE with that STO! It could be over here!” Soapdish drops to the mat as the Landon Arena counts with every word uttered out of Soapdish’s mouth. ……ONE!. ……TWO! ……TWO AND A QUARTER! ……TWO AND A HALF! …….TWO AND THREE QUARTERS! NOOOOOOOOO! Soapdish waves off the count as Grappler barely gets the shoulder up, Matheson sweating bullets (as usual) at ringside. Dace stands but then drops three consecutive knees on the fallen body of Matthews, continuing to bring the pain. Finally, Matthews is able to pull himself up on his own accord, only to turn around right into a knife-edge chop by Dace! SMACK! WOOOOOOOOOO! SMACK! WOOOOOOOOOOO! Grappler reels, holding his chest, as the ICTV Champion sends a hard kick into his midsection. As Charlie doubles over, Dace places him in a Standing Headscissors and makes the international sign for the Piledriver. He reaches under the big man and hoists him up vertically upside down…but Grappler shifts his weight and lands back on his feet, before standing up and flipping Dace up and over down to the mat with a BIG back body drop! BBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOO! Dace hits the mat but quickly rises up to his feet again. However, Charlie is waiting for him, as he charges forward and leaps into the air, driving his knee right into Dace’s face! The impact of the blow sends the champion hard onto the mat, leaning against the second rope. From there, Matthews builds up steam and lowers his shoulder, tackling his opponent, causing both men to tumble through the bottom rope and spill on the outside of the ring! Comet: “This is an interesting predicament, Robert. Neither man is disqualified because they didn’t go over the top rope, but if either man throws a punch in this ringside area, they will be disqualified!” Riley: “Oh man, I hope Dace forgets that. It’ll be sweet victory for the deserving ICTV Champion, Charlie Matthews.” Comet: “…deserving?” Riley: “He beat The Boston Strangler last week! He deserves the WORLD Title…or at least a medal.” Matthews picks himself up and dusts himself off, just at the same time as Dace does. Seeing this, Grappler runs from the High Priest of Horrorcore, avoiding any conflict! Dace follows, trying to get into the head of Matthews. After running around the ring once, Grappler stops next to James Matheson and confers with him for a second. Confidently, Matthews turns around to Dace and spreads out his arms, as if to say “take your best shot.” Night looks at the crowd, then at Grappler, and pulls his arm back, swinging it forward! …but he stops himself just before connecting with an elbow to Grappler’s head! Remembering the rules, Dace pulls back, as the Topeka fans show their depreciation for the match’s stipulations! BBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Comet: “The fans can boo all they want, but Dace just stopped himself from getting disqualified!” Both men simultaneously slide back into the ring, and as they reach their feet, Dace charges at Matthews with malice in his eyes! However, Charlie is able to sidestep this charge, and when he stands behind him, he wraps his left arm around Night’s throat and begins to place his right hand over Dace’s forehead, but he too remembers the stipulations and pulls his arm back, refusing to lock in an illegal sleeper hold! Comet: “…and Citizen Charles does the smart thing as well, saving himself from being disqualified with that Sleeper…now he just has a choke hold on Dace. Come on, ref!” Riley: “Well, you know, this is kind of unfair to Matthews. The Sleeper Hold is one of his signature finishing manoeuvres…he beat The Boston Strangler with it last week!” Comet: “You’ll just keep reminding us all of that won’t you?” Riley: “Till I die, Comet, till I die.” Meanwhile, Matthews keeps a firm hold on the standing Chinlock, cutting off Dace’s oxygen supply. However, the master of Horrorcore is able to counter this by charging backwards, driving Grappler right into the turnbuckle! Freed, Dace turns around and charges, levelling Matthews right in the head with a hard elbow smash! Grappler staggers out of the corner, dazed, but the ICTV Champion turns him around and wraps in a tight Rear Waistlock. From there, Night showcases impressive strength, arching backwards and lifting Matthews up and over, right onto his neck with a German Suplex! The crowd roars as Dace holds onto the bridge, and Nick Soapdish begins to count the pin! ……ONE! ……TWO! …….TWO AND A QUARTER! ……TWO AND A HALF! ……TWO AND THREE QUARTERS! …….THREEEEEEEEENOOOOOOOOOOO! Matthews barely rolls off his shoulders and out of danger to avoid the pinning predicament. Dace walks back into the corner, yelling “YAKUZA!” to the Landon Arena fans. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! Sensing impending danger, James Matheson LEAPS onto the apron next to Dace, holding onto his arm to stop him from executing the deadly kick! As Dace easily manhandles the manager, shoving him off the apron and onto the floor below, Grappler is up and charges forward, sending his own boot right into Dace’s face, driving him hard against the turnbuckle! BBBBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Comet: “That damned James Matheson! Can’t he mind his own business?” Riley: “The real question is why can’t Dace just ignore it? Poor James Matheson might need medical assistance after that fall!” Matthews pulls Dace out of the corner and brings him right in the centre of the ring, before wrapping his arms tightly around his body and squeezing with all of his might in the deadliest move in pro wrestling history! Riley: “IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT’S BEARHUG TIME!” The fans groan with boredom as Matthews cinches the Bearhug in tight, squeezing every ounce of energy out of the Intercontinental Television Champion. The fans, as usual, grow restless with this hold, and let their thoughts be known. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORING! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORING! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORING! Night struggles to break free, unleashing a flurry of Elbow Smashes against the side of Charlie Matthews’ head… CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! …Rocking The Grappler’s head from side to side, Dace slams his knee into Grappler’s ribs as he shoves him off. Twisting on his feet, Night swings around launching his elbow through the air towards Charlie’s head, but Charlie ducks under the Rolling Elbow. Matthews lungs forwards to catch Dace from behind, but gets caught with a Back Elbow to the face. Spinning back around, Night slams a boot into Charlie’s mid section and doubles him over. Dragging Grappler into a Standing Headscissors. Leaning over and wrapping his arms around Grappler’s waist, Dace digs his heels back into the mat and drags all of Charlie Matthews two hundred and eighty plus pounds up into the air. Comet: “It’s Powerbomb time! This one could be over right here!” Riley: “Please, Dace can never do a Powerbomb like Charlie Matthews does!” Lifting Matthews all the way up over head, Dace lets him slide back down his shoulders, hooking his arms under Grappler’s into a Crucifix. Night spreads out his arms and raises Grappler up, looking for a Black Nova as Charlie desperately kicks his feet and wriggles his body, trying to escape the move before he gets dropped neck first onto Night’s shoulder. With one last kick, Grappler breaks free, sliding down Dace back and pushing his feet out, over the top rope and down on to the apron. Soapdish waves his arms in the air and calls for the bell. DING! DING! DING! Funyon: “Ladies and Gentlemen, here is your winner by Disqualification … CHARLIE MATTHEWS!” BBBBBBBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Comet: “What?! What’s going on!” Riley: “Dace sent Matthews over the top rope, so he got dqed. It’s plan to see, there no problem there!” Comet: “But Matthews slid out of the Black Nova and went over the top rope on his own!” Swinging around, Dace slides under the bottom rope to the outside after Charlie Matthews. As the Grappler plods away from the ring up the ramp, Dace charges past James Matheson, slamming a foot into his face with a Yakuza Kick… RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! Comet: “Dace just KOed James Matheson with a Yakuza Kick and now he’s going after The Grappler.” Riley: “Looks like we’ve got an old fashioned brawl on our hands!” Spinning Grappler around, Night hammers a fist into Charlie’s head as the Grappler sways with blow and fires back of his own. Staggering up the ramp as the go, the pair fire off crashing rights and lefts into each other as the bell rings again and again. DING, DING, DING! DING, DING, DING! Comet: “Looks like these two have just boiled over and are going all out right here on the stage!” Riley: “Damn in, where’s security when you need them? Someone needs to hold Dace Night down some Matthews can give him a real old school beatdown that he’s not going to forget for a long time!” At the top of the ramp, Dace and Grappler continue to trade blows back and forth as security and referees poor out of the entrance, jumping on both men, trying to drag them apart. Yelling and swearing each other as the teams of security staff and referees finally drags them apart, Horrorcore and Matthews lock eyes in a cold stare, burning holes in each other from across the as the image fades out….

“Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen,” says an excited Cyclone Comet, “to this Special Edition of Lockdown! Just before the break, we saw Terrance “Janus” Bailey taking on Judge William Hearford in a tremendous match!” “I’m still waiting for Janus to stop pretending to be normal,” says Bobby Riley, “and go back to his old self. I know that there’s still a monster in there, somewhere; I just KNOW it!” “Speaking of Citizen Bailey,” continues Comet, “just a few weeks ago at Ashes 2 Ashes, Terrance Bailey defeated the legendary Annie Onita in a match to determine the number one contender to the Hardcore Title.” “Since you bring it up,” interjects Riley, “I can’t help but notice that Wildchild has been ducking Janus since Ashes 2 Ashes. He doesn’t want any part of the big monster!” “I don’t know if I’d be so quick to assume that Wildchild is afraid of Citizen Bailey,” replies Comet. “After all, in the one head-to-head matchup the two have had, Wildchild defeated him cleanly in the middle of the ring.” “I also seem to recall something about a Dark Bomb and a ladder,” replies Riley. “At any rate,” continues Comet, “Wildchild was scheduled to make his highly-anticipated title defense against Citizen Bailey on this Special Edition of Lockdown here tonight, but he had a family emergency and had to return to the Bahamas.” “He probably made the whole thing up,” says Riley. “He’s goldbricking to get out of the match, just like he did against Charlie Matthews!” “Will you STOP,” barks Comet. “Wildchild’s grandmother had a heart attack! How DARE you insinuate that he would lie about something like that!” At Comet’s admonitions, Riley lowers his head sheepishly. “Well, ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to provide you a special phone interview with the SWF Hardcore Champion, the Wildchild, direct from the island of Andros in the Bahamas. Wildchild, thanks for joining us this evening, and let me start by asking how your grandmother is doing?” As Comet is awaiting a response, the screen shifts to a stock photo of Wildchild, accompanied by the words “on phone” in block letters near the bottom center of the screen. “Well, t’ank you very much, Comet,” says the Bahama Bomber. “My grandmother is recovering nicely. She had a mild heart attack, but she’s doin’ okay now. She’s jus’ at dat age when anything could be it, y’know?” “Glad to hear it,” says Comet. “So, you expect to be back in time for the next show?” “Oui,” responds Wildchild. “I know I owe Terrance a title shot, and de next show, I plan t’give it to him.” “Wildchild,” says Bobby, “This is Bobby Riley here. I want to ask you why you’ve been avoiding Janus since Ashes 2 Ashes?” “Well,” replies Wildchild, “first of all, I don’ make de cards for de show, so I don’ have nothin’ t’do with when I wressle, and against who.” “Well,” replies Riley, “I’ll say this; if you were going to lie, that’s probably the kind of lie you’d tell. Isn’t it true that you still have recurring nightmares from when he gave you that Dark Bomb several months ago?” “Dat’s absolutely ridiculous,” replies Wildchild. “I don’ have nightmares; I don’ fear any man in de SWF.” “Wildchild,” says Comet, “it’s Cyclone Comet again. Have you and Terrance Bailey ever spoken to each other since that attack all those months ago?” “We have not,” replies Wildchild. “I haven’ had a chance t’speak to him since he’s returned to de SWF. But, I’m still cool wit’ Dace, an’ if he’s cool wit’ Terrance, den I guess he’s cool wit’ me.” “So,” says Comet, “you’ve forgiven him for forcing you to forfeit your first Hardcore Title reign?” “Well,” replies the Bahama Bomber, “I didn’ exactly say DAT. De way I see it, if it weren’t for him, I might have never even lost dis title, so I kinda owe him for costing me a chance to make history de first time.” “Well, your current title reign is pretty historic in its own right,” says Comet. “No Hardcore Champion has ever held the title nearly as long as you have. What are you going to have to do to get by Terrance?” Wildchild chuckles over the phone. “Well, I can’t exactly give my strategy away, but expect to see some stuff from me dat you haven’ seen before.” “Alright then,” Comet says with a laugh. “Well, Wildchild, we won’t keep you any longer. Go ahead and get back to your family, and we’ll see you back here soon!” “Alright, then,” says Wildchild. “Later, guys.” *CLICK* The camera shifts permanently back to Comet and Riley. “That was Wildchild, the SWF’s reigning Hardcore Champion, from his home in the Bahamas. And we’ll be back right after this with Dace Night and Charlie Matthews. Don’t go away!” As we: FADE OUT

SWF Lockdown comes back on air to the ever-eager cheering of the fans, as the show is live in the Landon (Maddix?) Arena! The camera pivots around the ring, catching the sight of people packing the arena from ringside to rafters, clutching their precious signs! From "Yahnus The Ahhnus!" to "Craven's My Dream!" to "I Less-Than-Three The SWF", the cardboard is here in as much abundance as the people! Continuing their pivotal spin around the arena as the camera's focus comes down towards the announce table, the major sign of the evening so far is one of Tom Flesher - as an anthropomorphic weasel - holding the SWF World Title. And then we're in front of the announcers, "Ambiguously Gay" Bobby Riley and... "I'm CYCLOOOOOOOOOOOOONE COMET! Welcome fans and citizens to this show of SWF Lockdown! We have a great set of matches for you!" "Once we get past the boring stuff like Strangler..." Riley mutters. "Citizen Strangler has been working very hard, Robert. It's impolite of you to complain like that." "So sue me Comet, I'm bored. What's the first match?" The superhero takes a moment to use his powers of precognition - well, not really - to recall what the first match is, but he's interrupted as the lights dim down to a harsh red colour. A steady, slowly growing in volume drumbeat echoes across the arena and the fans begin throwing boos. Riley brightens up as he recognises the beat, which continues undaunted. The song continues to rise in volume, and as the drum hits the cymbal there's a split second of silence... "NOW TESTIFY!" *BOOM BOOM BOOM!* Three red pyrotechnics blast into the air as the song skips to midway through, and the figure of his eminence William Hearford III appears on the ramp. Striding down it with the focused and collected air of someone superior to those around him, the Judge sneers contemptuously at the fans as the consistently impressive announcing of Funyon rings through the air. "The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is a HARDCORE match! There are no disqualifications, no countouts, and victory can only be obtained in the ring! Introducing first, hailing from Royal Oak, Michigan! He weighs two hundred and fifty pounds and stands at six-foot-four-inches! Please welcome one half of Justice and Rule... The Judge, WILLIAM HEEAAAAAAAAARFOOOOOOORD!" As the old timer rolls under the rope and stands up in the ring, the crowd voraciously boos him. He simply sneers at them and stretches, limbering himself up for the upcoming match. He doesn't look too pleased at the rules, either, as the camera moves from the Judge back to the announcers. Comet is checking his notes and Riley is politely clapping for the Judge. "How you can applaud such a villainous person is beyond me, Citizen Riley." "Villainous? He's a Judge, Comet! The Judge stands up for what is right." "...Right for him, you mean. This man tried to 'clean up' the hardcore division!" "Nonsense! He just wanted to bring good and honest wrestling to the 'garbage' wrestlers who like the style!" "...Garbage...wrestlers...?" Comet sounds unnaturally annoyed with his co-announcer for several moments - maybe the heat of announcing is getting to him. But we cut away from the two announcers and back to the ring as Funyon lifts his microphone once more, and the lights drop out. The familiar sound of footsteps echoes through the arena, as a pair of black boots walk towards us on the Smarktron. The fans know the signs, and begin to cheer as green words flash into existence before the boots. [HEIGHT: 7'2"] The Smarktron camera pans back, revealing black pants and a long white trenchcoat. Gloved hands flex and tighten... then we're given the privy of seeing a muscular chest with three scars on it. We linger on this as again, green words flash up across the image on the Smarktron. [WEIGHT: 360lbs] And we pan back further still, revealing a mammoth figure walking towards camera, his face framed and hidden by long black and white hair. Words flash up in a deadly, ominous red as the figure lifts his head, the sound of Killswitch Engage's "When Darkness Falls" crashing across the arena.... [sTATUS: RELEASED] ...revealing the tiredly stern countenance of Terrence "Janus" Bailey! The crowd cheers as the riffs of Killswitch Engage's "When Darkness Falls" echoes out over the arena, and they even sing along with the music! I stand firm in my solidarity The path I walk (the path I walk) I walk in with my own resolve... "And his opponent, hailing from Sydney Australia... weighing three hundred and sixty pounds, standing at seven-foot-two..." The stage curtain is swept aside, and a muscular figure adorning a white trenchcoat strides from the backstage area and lifts his arms into the air! Black and white pyrotechnics explode from the stage, as Terrence "Janus" Bailey cracks his neck and lifts a familiar black and barbed-wire wrapped object into the air above his head. As the lights come back up fully after the pyrotechnic explosion, the Judge is clearly not too hot on the idea of the Equalizer. When darkness falls (when darkness falls) We are reborn A dream since the fall of man We are reborn... "...welcome the Anti-Heel Machine.....TERRRRRRRENCE 'JAAAAAAAANUS' BAIIIIIILEEEEEEEEY!" Hearford keeps his distance at the far side of the ring as the giant stalks calmly down the ramp, Equalizer clutched in his hand. Stopping only to discard his trenchcoat and lay it neatly across the steps, Terrence climbs up onto the apron and over the top rope. He's immediately accosted by referee Eddy Long, who indicates that although it's a hardcore match, it's an unfair advantage for Terrence to begin with a weapon. Nodding, the Anti-Heel Machine hands over the Equalizer, and Long throws the nasty weapon out of the ring. Terrence just continues staring at the Judge, who looks at him with an almost smirk. *DING DING DING* "I'd like to point out, to all our fans and citizens at home that Citizen Bailey and Citizen Hearford used to be part of the same dastardly evil group. Now Terrence fights for justice, and the villainous Judge shall be defeated!" "Read many comics, Comet? Evil will triumph because good is DUMB," Riley mutters dryly. "Tell me something, Robert, just how many moves does Citizen Hearford have in his repertoire that he can USE on Citizen Bailey?" "...." A loud series of *SMACK-SMACK-SMACK*s echo through the arena as the Judge begins firing off knife-edged chops into the chest of the Anti-Heel Machine. They have very little effect on the seven-footer however, and as Terrence begins to respond, Hearford slams a quick European uppercut into the giant's chin to stun him. He then wraps his arms around the giant's waist and grunts, before barely lifting the big man off the mat and slamming him down with a Shamrock-style belly-to-belly suplex! He grabs one foot to apply a submission, but Terrence's other boot finds its mark on the Judge's face, and Hearford stumbles back as the seven-footer sits up and begins to rise. Hearford charges in and extends his arm for a lariat... only to find himself scooped up in a powerslam and brought over into a brutal backbreaker across the Anti-Heel Machine's knee! The crowd whoops for the move, and Hearford arches his back in pain before rolling off Terrence's knee. Rising to his full height, the giant stomps on the Judge's back a few times to make him suffer and then looks about to the fans. "The Judge feels what it's like to Crash and Burn, and now what is Citizen Bailey doing?" Comet queries. "Playing to the crowd, of course..." Riley sneers as the giant lifts one arm, and points in the direction of the Equalizer, then down at the 'honourable' Judge. The crowd reaction is immensely positive as they let loose with a cheer and Terrence smiles before heading for the ropes, stepping over them to stand on the apron. Before he can drop to the floor, a rising Hearford charges the monster from behind and rams him solidly - and the crowd boos as the Anti-Heel Machine wavers and goes falling off the apron like a tree. The Judge smirks as Terrence's forehead connects with the guard railing, and as the monster kneels there, the wily old man slides out of the ring to keep the advantage. Kicking his opponent mercilessly in the back of the right knee, Justice grabs a handful of hair... only to have a huge elbow catch him in the side of the head! Stumbling back, the Royal Oak native soon stands face-to-chest with a vertical Terrence, who turns it face-to-face by cracking the Judge's skull with a huge headbutt! "Perhaps that wasn't a wise idea... he took two chair shots last show, and his head bounced off the barrier moments ago..." Comet muses. "Pfft. He's big, he's dumb, and he's got no style," Riley snickers. Terrence rubs his forehead after the headbutt, but the Judge is definitely worse off as he tries to clear the cobwebs - only to have them cleared for him with a big boot! After hobbling a little, Terrence notes the fallen Hearford between himself and the Equalizer. Stepping around the outside of the ring, the Anti-Heel Machine looks under the apron for something appropriate to use instead... and pulls out a good old steel chair. The crowd pops for this as the giant watches the Judge pull himself upright, holding the weapon much like he would hold the Equalizer when he's about to swing it. Grimacing, Hearford lifts himself upright just in time for Terrence to take a baseball-style swing that hits nothing but air! Ducking, the Judge lifts a forearm right into the Anti-Heel Machine's genitalia, forcing him to drop the chair and double over in pain! Wrapping an arm around the monster's head, the Judge mouths off to the crowd... ...hoists the giant off the ground by mere inches... ...and DROPS his face into the steel chair with the "Judicial Review" Implant DDT! The crowd boos Justice mightily as he struts around the fallen monster before looking down at his foe's legs. "I don't think he liked the Judge's Judicial Review," Riley cackles. "Oh, please, Robert, your fawning is cringe-worthy. NOW what is Citizen Hearford up to?" Grabbing the monster's right leg, the Judge lifts it up into the air and promptly straddles it, before leaning back and cranking on the half-crab! Terrence comes to life almost instantly, grimacing in pain and shaking his head wildly. Eddy Long tries to tell Hearford submissions don't count outside the ring, but Justice ignores him and continues cranking back on the half-crab! Pressing his arms against the mat, the Anti-Heel Machine elevates his body, taking some of the pressure off... ...only to drop again as the Judge lowers the giant's leg a little and jumps, dropping the knee back into the thin matting with Hearford SITTING on it! Terrence lets out a howl of pain at the brutal impact, and Justice smiles coldly as he begins to rise and reapply the half-crab. Unfortunately for him, the Anti-Heel Machine pulls his leg free and crawls away a little before trying to rise back up. The camera catches the blood running down the big man's face from that earlier Implant DDT, and it only serves to make him look extremely evil. "Look at Hearford. Like a shark waiting before going for the kill. Isn't it beautiful, Comet?" "It's dastardly, that's what it is. The only reason Citizen Hearford has the advantage was from that low blow earlier!" "Low blow?" Riley questions, a figurative halo above his head. Comet simply groans inwardly as the cameras reveal Terrence rising on one knee. As he shakily begins to stand, Hearford makes his move, charging in with his patented lariat! But for the second time, Terrence evades it by lowering his head and lifting Judge up, flipping him over in a back body drop... no! Hearford grabs the giant's waist and goes for a sunset flip! Stumbling on his bad leg, Terrence nearly goes over... but instead, he chooses to just SIT on Hearford's chest instead! Justice wheezes in pain as the giant keeps his mounted position, before firing off heavy punches into the face of the old timer. The fans count along, and by the time Terrence reaches ten and stands up, it seems all of the Judge's lights are out - and he doesn't look pretty. Groaning in pain, the dazed Hearford is scooped up over one shoulder... ...and viciously SLAMMED back down into the mat with a high-angle spinebuster! Hobbling away and leaving the brutalised Hearford on the mat, Terrence picks up the Equalizer and slides it into the ring before limping around his fallen foe and doing the same to the steel chair. Finally scooping up the dazed Justice, the seven foot Australian rolls him into the ring as well before following suit. As the Anti-Heel Machine lifts an arm in a familiar signal, Judge grimaces and begins to slowly rise to his feet. "Terrence looking for his patented chokeslam, Robert!" "Pfftt! Judge may look hammered but he's GOING to win this one, Comet!" "Don't be so sure." the superhero responds sagely as Terrence's hand CLAMPS around his opponent's throat. Hearford can only shake his head as he's lifted into the air...and he HOWLS in agony as the giant chokeslams him RIGHT ONTO THE EQUALIZER! The crowd alternately cheers and winces in sympathetic pain as the Judge rolls off the weapon to reveal a bloodied and torn back. Crying out in obvious pain, Hearford clutches at his spine as Terrence flings himself into the air... and drops a huge right leg across the back of Justice's head! Rolling away, the giant clutches at his battered knee, as Justice looks to be trying to escape the ring, senses and body both equally scrambled. Lifting himself back up, Terrence begins a quick limp towards Judge, as the old timer crawls towards the turnbuckles. As he lifts himself up and senses the Anti-Heel Machine approaching behind him, Hearford reaches into the top turnbuckle, grabbing something metallic and wrapping it around his hand, before taking a deep breath. "Wait! Citizen Terrence! That villain Hearford has the chain! He must've put it in there during Citizen Bailey's introduction!" Comet calls. "He can't hear you, Comet! And it's perfectly legal!" Riley giggles. The giant's hand grabs the Judge by the shoulder and turns him around - and Hearford lets loose with a stunning right hook with his chain-wrapped fist! Landing the blow right to the giant's jaw, Justice watches Terrence stumble back in surprise, and steps forward, lining up his fist and nailing the seven footer in the jaw AGAIN with it! Staggering drunkenly like a tree about to collapse, the Anti-Heel Machine finds Hearford wrapping an arm about his own in a reverse half-nelson, and a chain wrapped hand palming his face. And before the giant can do anything, the Judge takes a deep breath to gather his strength and promptly take the seven foot Trinity member DOWN with his Closing Arguments STO! The ring shakes as Terrence once again meets the canvas, and Hearford rises to his feet to boos from the crowd. Grimacing in pain and clutching his back for several moments, the Judge rolls Terrence onto his stomach and picks up his legs... ...stepping around them just so... ...before falling back and completing the Reverse Figure Four Leglock known as the Cross Examination! The Anti-Heel Machine roars to life, screaming in obvious pain as the knee that the Judge has so studiously picked out is wrenched by the submission hold. Pain etched across his features, the big man presses himself up, but Judge does as well, keeping the pressure applied until the giant collapses again to the mat, uttering another cry of pain. However, it's not just his knee that's hurting - the impact of Hearford's back upon the Equalizer has the Judge's back throbbing in pain as well. Finally, pain burning through every fibre of his being, the Anti-Heel Machine attempts to roll himself over and reverse the pressure of the Cross Examination. "LET'S GO TERRENCE! LET'S GO!" *clap clap* "LET'S GO TERRENCE! LET'S GO!" *clap clap* "LET'S GO TERRENCE! LET'S GO!" *clap clap* Teeth gritted, the Judge attempts to hold the Cross Examination in, but a combination of his own back pain and the giant's indomitable strength tell Hearford that it's a bad idea, and he unlaces his legs and rolls away! The pressure off him, Terrence grimaces in pain and rolls onto his back, sitting up and clutching at his much abused knee. Carefully, (read: trying not to put too much pressure on that leg) the giant once more starts rising to his feet. It's at this point the Judge pounces, wrapping his arms around the Anti-Heel Machine's waist and heaving back for a German suplex that just doesn't come - as William Hearford's own back cries out in pain. A nice back elbow from Terrence knocks the old timer away, and Terrence pivots on his good leg, grabbing the Judge and hoisting him up in a fireman's carry! Limping with his bad leg, the giant begins to rotate, spinning around once, twice, thrice...numerous times. "It's time for Judge's plans to become Thoughts In Chaos!" Comet calls. "I don't think so!" Riley calls as the wily Hearford slides off of Terrence's back, shaking his head to clear the dizziness. The Anti-Heel Machine turns around into a kick to the gut, and as he doubles over Hearford applies a 3/4 facelock and twists around. "Surprise Witness!" "Blocked!" Comet responds, as the giant's arms wrap around Hearford's waist to prevent the Diamond Cutter. His grip tightens and then the giant heaves back, throwing Hearford aaaaaaall the way over with a powerful released German suplex! But Hearford once again escapes certain death by barely managing to land on his feet! It only takes the Judge a moment to regain his balance, and he lunges forward! Leaping onto Terrence's back, the Judge wraps his arms around the giant's head, and his legs around the seven footer's waist to complete the Doushime Sleeper! "HEARFORD SUCKS! HEARFORD SUCKS!" roars one side of the arena. "WE WANT HARDCORE!" "WE WANT HARDCORE!" responds the other side. The crowd's chants don't affect the old timer in the least as he holds onto Terrence tightly. The giant refuses to fall to the mat, and so the Judge clings like a tenacious spider as the giant reels around, trying to shake Hearford off. Running backwards as fast as his hobbled knee can take him, the Anti-Heel Machine hopes for either the turnbuckles or the ropes - and gets the former! Judge cries out in pain as his battered spine collides with the corner, and releases the doushime sleeper! Justice slumps against the turnbuckle as Terrence drops to hands and knees, trying to get some air into his lungs and clearing his head. Spine aching, Hearford recovers first as he looks down and sees Terrence still before him...and more importantly, the giant's legs. Diving like a hyena on wounded prey, the Judge grabs one leg in hopes of being able to reapply the Cross Examination... ...*DING!*... "Low blow!" Riley whines. "Legal revenge!" responds Comet. ...but finds his expectations as shattered as his genitals as the giant's boot finds its mark! Clutching himself, the Judge slumps back in the turnbuckles as Terrence crawls away a little and grabs the steel chair, pulling it with him as he rises to unsteady feet. Pivoting on his good foot, the Anti-Heel Machine throws the unforgiving chair at Hearford, who reflexively catches the weapon out of the air... and has his head PULVERISED as it's sandwiched between the chair and the turnbuckle when Terrence delivers a Knuckle Bomb to the steel! Blood splashes across the chair as Hearford drops it and begins to fall out of the corner. But he slumps against the chest of the Anti-Heel Machine, who closes his arms like a vice around not only the Judge's torso but his own arms, before squeezing with all his might! Hearford SCREAMS in agony at the power of the arm-capture bearhug, brains scrambled and face bloodied from that brutal shot earlier, not to mention the pain burning like fire in his back. "It's Over and Out for you, my friend!" Comet calls almost cheerily. "And you said my lines were lame" Riley grumps. Were he of sounder mind, Hearford would have escaped by a blow to the groin or a kick to the giant's damaged knee. As it stood, with his torso burning in white-hot pain and his spine feeling like it's about to snap, the Judge only has one choice. And he screams it out loud as Terrence cinches the hold tighter, without remorse. "I GIVE UP!!" *DING DING DING* Terrence releases the body of William Hearford and lets it drop to the mat, before leaning on the ropes and lifting an arm to wave to the crowd, as Funyon's voice echoes over the arena. The crowd cheers at the victory. "The WINNER of this bout.....the ANTI-HEEL MACHINE....TERRRRRENCE 'JAAAAAAAAANUS' BAAAAAAAAILLLLEEEYYYY!" Picking up his Equalizer, the giant lets Long raise his hand in victory, before stepping over the top rope and carefully dropping to the floor. Almost using his cricket bat as a cane, the seven foot Anti-Heel Machine begins a slow hobble to the backstage area as Comet and Riley watch him go. "Citizen Bailey wins the match through the powers of justice, battling through against the 'anti-hardcore' villain Hearford!" "Judge had it! That low blow was unfair!" "It's called 'returning the favour', Robert! Now don't go away, fans and citizens - as next up, we have a Classic Wrestling match between Charlie 'Grappler' Matthews, and Citizen Bailey's fellow Trinity member Dace..." The crowd is as always, on cue. "FUCKING!" "...Night! It should promise to be intriguing!" "Grappler is going to OWN Dace - without his 'horrorcore', Night is just a pansy." "He's also ICTV champion, Citizen Riley." "Shaddup." The camera focuses on officials checking Hearford's ribs in the ring, and then the stage curtain, where Terrence "Janus" Bailey stands hobbling on one leg. The crowd cheers as the giant lifts the Equalizer up above his head, before turning and limping backstage as we cut to commercial.

Card: Hardcore Match "Judge Mental" William Hearford vs. Terrence "Janus" Bailey Well, Janus was all set to challenge for the HCG Title tonight... only to be sidelined as Wildchild was called back to the Bahamas for a family emergency. Janus had his heart just set on brutalizing someone. Commissioner Stevens suggested he try his hand at a former hardcore legend of the SWF, and Terrence thought that sounded neat. Judge Mental could not be reached for comment. Non-Title Singles "Classic Wrestling" Match Dace Night vs. Charlie "Grappler" Matthews Well, apparently Matthews has challenged our brand new ICTV Champ to a match! The commish is intrigued, but even with the stunning win over TBS last week he isn't quite sure that Charlie is ready for the ICTV title. So first he must face the new champ in a non-title bout... however, then Matthews came up with a really, really strange stip... Singles Match HVille Thugg vs. Michael Craven Well, Thugg beat Francis last week just as he said he would. It now falls to Mak to name the stip for the third and final match. To help Thugg stay frosty the commish has scheduled a match against the always formidable Craven! And if Michael has his way, let's just say that that third match won't be a problem for Thugg anymore. Mak Francis speaks! Well, Thugg won the rematch at the last show, which means that it falls to Francis to name the time, place, and stip for the rubber match in what will be the rubber match of this series. The Commish has mentioned to Francis that the Christmas PPV would be a delightful place to have such a... festive match, but the ultimate decision lays with Mak. Let's see what the Franchise has to offer! Non-Title Singles Match Tom Flesher vs. Ejiro Fasaki Flesher successfully defended his title against the always formidable Xstasy, but now the commissioner has to look forward, to the Christmas PPV. Quickly throwing together a short list of candidates, one name seemed to stick out. But Ejiro will need more than name recognition to win tonight! To say the least, Fasaki will need to be better than he has ever been before if he wants to headline a PPV!.

Damnit, what'd I tell you about Hell in a Pool? Ah well. Looks like a good card none-the-less. Drew would be proud, but probably express it with a witty, snide, back-handed compliment. -Z

SWF Lockdown, November 25th! Venue: The E Center, Salt Lake City, Utah! Due Date: Tuesday, 10pm EST. Send Stuff To: Grand Slam HARDCORE TITLE MATCH Wildchild© vs Charlie "Grappler" Matthews The return of the Grappler brings the return of the success that has followed Charlie Matthews his entire career in the SWF. Of course,even with a good start out of the gates against "Ichiban," Matthews may be derailed by Wildchild and his 100+ day title reign. It's worth noting that the commissioner has passed over Janus' shot at Wildchild (for the moment), due to Bailey being occupied tonight, in order to make sure Wildchild truly fights for his record reign. (translation: I was asked to book a title match.) Rules: Huh? Word Limit: 5000 Send To: chirs3 SINGLES MATCH Linchpin vs Stryke The fomer ICTV, tag-team and Hardcore champion makes a shock reappearance here on Lockdown, as he faces off against the ominous, brooding (yet smartly dressed) Linchpin in his sophmore SWF contest. Reeling off a debut defeat, can the man with the mafia ties make deja-vu? Rules: Standard singles match. Word Limit: 4750 Send To: Suicide King ICTV No.1 CONTENDERSHIP NO-DQ MATCH Annie "Ichiban" Onita vs Ejiro Fasaki "Ichiban" has not been ichiban lately. However, the former ICTV champion gets a chance to regain a title she last held under the mask of Beezel. The only thing in her way is one half of the SWF tag team champions, Ejiro Fasaki, who has failed in repeated efforts to get his own hands on the ICTV title. In a foresightful move, the Commissioner has elected to have this match as no-DQ, knowing it's always good to 'level the playing field' when Ejiro Fasaki is in any kind of important match. Rules: No disqualifications, pinfalls and submissions are the only way to win, but only apply in the ring. Word Limit: 5500 Send To: realitycheck SINGLES MATCH Mak Francis vs The HVille Thugg He's big, he's angry, he's black, and he's back in action. And with stuff like that, I should be making movie taglines for Paramount. Ahem. Anyway, SWF Hall of Famer and arguably the most dominant wrestler in SWF history, the HVille Thugg, has recuperated his injures... again. And looks to the SWF... again, after putting his wild younger brother Bastion firmly in his place. This is not the sort of thing Mark Stevens was really looking forward to, butputting his personal issues aside, he has given Thugg a formidable but fair opponent to try and soldify himself with a win over. Mak Francis, the Franchise, is yet another recently re-debuted SWF star. He fell off track with a chance to earn a shot at the big prize, but a victory over HVT would certainly go far to earn him another... Rules: Standard singles match. Word Limit: 5750 Send To: Grand Slam TAG MATCH Terrence "The Ferre... erm, Janus" Bailey and Dace Night vs Va'aiga and "The Sinner" John Duran Since his return a short while ago, it has been Terry Bailey, Janus, the only Trinity member capable of standing up to the viscious and blackened Va'aiga. Fighting fire with fire appears to be mildly effective, as Va'aiga has been hesitant to engage Janus... so far. On Lockdown, he'll team up with stablemate Dace Night to take on the Badass Maori... who, oddly enough, is not alone. What of this strange new relationship with John Duran? And will it be able to give Va'aiga yet another victory over his former allies? Rules: Standard tag match. Word Limit: 6000 Send To: Suicide King MAIN EVENT WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TABLES MATCH "The Superior One" Tom Flesher© vs Xstasy The Perfect Drug vs The Superior One. A match no doubt considered little more than a far-off dream contest a few months ago becomes a reality on Lockdown. Xstasy has hidden nothing about his one and only goal in the SWF: the world title. The climb to the top of the mountain has been long and arduous for X, and he has slipped several times, but now he is once again just inches from the goal that has eluded him for so long. However, it's not going to be easy, especially against the winningist superstar in SWF history... or considering the interesting stipulation. Rules: Tables match. First man to be put through one table by his opponent is declared the winner and champion. The match does NOT end, however, if a competitor goes through a table under their own power. Word Limit: 6000 Send To: Grand Slam

Eh, I'd take the box over all of 'em. Cutthroat, Outlett, Snake... honestly, I think they're all overmatched. -Z

I know I said 8.0 on the show thread, but decimials are more personal. Or something. And they don't give you more than 10 choices, so hey. And since we usually don't get a whole lotta' real comments, maybe this lazy way to voice your opinion will spur some. Or whatever. Anyway, solid all around, I'd give the show a 4.0 on this scale. Natch, I've only been able to read what I marked, but they were good matches. I continue to be impressed by the fact the third return really IS the charm for Xstasy, as his matches continue to be of high quality. As mentioned, card up... whenever. -Z

Ejiro, I could swear you had one or two against Danny a few months back. And Mark, I've replied about this in CC. -Z

Hush. Look, I said I wrote this tired. -Z

Edits, since I made this whilst really tired: Janus - Yes. Dace - Damnit, I knew I forgot something. Possibly; I thought there was a number 1 contender's vacancy. Duran - Mark forgot a show there, yeah. Tom - Yes, obviously. I'll clean that up. -Z

...but it IS the end of the show. RESULTS! Not on your life. Read the frigging thing. QUALITY! 8.0. A solidly above-average show, imo. CARDAGE! In an hour or two. Most of you who're waiting on it are in bed right now anyway, so it's not like I'm putting anyone off by taking my time...

BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOM!! And just like that, SWF Storm hits the airwaves, complete with huge pyrotechnics and theme music. The fans are completely and utterly amped for this first show following the Ashes II Ashes PPV, and the camera pans them to find many signs. (Comet) – Good citizens!! We are coming to you live from the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington…This is SWF STORM!!! Along side my shifty-eyed sidekick, Bobby Riley, I am your friendly neighborhood superhero turned announce, Cyclone Comet!! We are less than a week removed from an epic Ashes II Ashes PPV, and we should feel all the fallout from that historic evening tonight on Storm! (Riley) – You said it Comet! I mean, Wildchild, finally overcoming his situation with Ejiro Fasaki and scoring the win for his team in the survivor style main event last Sunday…you know he has to feel very good about that! (Comet) – No doubt about it…also, we saw the return of Annie Eclectic spoiled by the monster Janus, not to mention Xstasy’s triumph over the man-beast, Bastion. Speaking of Bastion and that matchup, what about the return of… Darkness silences Comet… (Riley) – What’s this? An electric guitar hits the arena speakers and the fans begin to cheer the familiar sound made famous so long ago. “They don’t know…” “Who we be!” (Comet) – Wait a minute!! “They don’t know…” “Who we be!” (Riley) – Speak of the devil!! “What they don’t know is…” KA-BOOOOOOOOM!!!! A wall of fire erupts on the stage, leaving a path at the entrance, as “Who We Be” by DMX blares over the speakers. The fans explode as the fire burning indicates one thing…he is back…and he’s ready to fight! (Comet) – I can’t believe it!! The Hville Thugg…back in the SWF! Last night, he shocked everyone by attacking his brother Bastion… (Riley) – The same brother that tried to put him out for good at Genesis, I might add. (Comet) – Right you are Bobby. But, he shocked all of us with that, and tonight, to kick things off, I think we’re going to find out everything behind those actions…and more. HVT strolls from behind the curtain to a tremendous pop from the crowd. He stands between the flame for a hot second, and the hikes purposefully towards the ring, a scowl on his face, rage in his blood, and hate in his heart. (Comet) – He did say that he’d be back, but who knew he’d be back this soon. (Riley) – I guess his surgery went well, but is he back to compete or did he just come back to dispose of his brother. And how come no one has mentioned that fact that he’s the one that unleashed that menace on the federation? (Comet) – I don’t think he meant it to turn out like that… Thugg reaches the ring and obtains a microphone from the ring attendant. The crowd silences and sits at attention as Thugg addresses them… (HVT) – YO!! “YO!” (HVT) – Yeah...so…I know y’all seen Ashes II Ashes last Sunday, right? I know y’all seen Wildchild get out on Ejiro Fasaki…that joint was phat. But, you know what was hotter…the return of the Hville Thugg! RAAAAAA!! (HVT) – Damn right! And that shit felt good too…I know ain’t nobody believe me when I said I’d be back to take care of my brother…but I did yo. I but that bitch down…for good. (Comet) – Does that mean no more Bastion? (HVT) – See yo, he forgot that if it weren’t for me…he wouldn’t never been here…he’d probably be up in da pen somewhere takin’ it up da ass from some cell mate named Bubba. (Riley) – I dunno…I think Bastion might have been the huge cell mate raping smaller prisoners. (Comet) – Ewwww! (HVT) – But, I proved to him that I brought him here…and can take him out…and that’s exactly what I did yo! So…what does this mean?? I know y’all been askin’…so now what? Is Thugg back? Will he fight Bastion at the Xmas PPV? RAAAAA!! (HVT) – Please…fuck no. Now, I’d gladly blast his shit all over again, like I done for so long, but I know my brother…and he ain’t comin’ round no more. Last I heard, he just dipped out…off somewhere doing something…so there’ll be no final brother to brother matchup. Besides, I did what I wanted to do…so fuck him. He’s done…finished…and as far as I’m concerned, after what he did to me at Genesis…I have no mutha fuckin’ brother. I got my revenge, and if he ever shows his face round here again, I’ll split his grill again! (Comet) – Wow! Thugg has totally disowned his brother! (Riley) – Well, he was kind of a jerk… (Comet) – But still, that’s his brother. (HVT) – But yo…I know people been askin’ if I’m back for good. (HVT) – Ya damn right yo! Da Thugg is back…the Angry Black Man is up in dis bitch again, and yo…it’s on! But for real, I’m kinda glad Bastion did what he did. He showed me exactly what I needed to see. I’d gone soft…I was being a pussy…hangin’ round with Mark Stevens…talkin’ bout political bullshit. That ain’t me…that ain’s the Hville Thugg. So…bump dat shit. I’m done wit all that. Fuck the stocks…fuck the politics…and fuck the commissioner! BOOOO! (HVT) – Fuck you…you ain’t gotta like it. Y’all mutha fuckas know I ain’t got no love for Mark Stevens…and as long as he stays outta my way, he won’t get his head busted open. You can be mad if you want, but everyone knows that I made this place what it is. I’m sittin’ round watchin’ bitches like Tom Flesher, The Boston Strangler, and TNT get what’s mine. Are you fuckin’ kidding me? What the fuck happened to this place? I know, I know…I was here being a bitch…but that shit’s over wit. And now, I want what’s mine…cause if it weren’t for me, there wouldn’t be no fuckin’ SWF. I carried this fuckin’ place. And now that I’m back…all y’all bitches is gonna lie down or get beat down. It’s just that fuckin’ simple. I don’t give a fuck no more…I’m bustin’ heads…I don’t care if you’re a fan favorite or the biggest bad ass around…you’re gonna get wrecked, plain and simple. Who gonna tell me different? Strangler? Fasaki? Fuckin’ Tom Flesher? Yeah, whatever…I eat chumps like them for breakfast. Back when I was active, couldn’t noboby round here touch me…and you know yo, ain’t shit changed! Can’t nobody in dis fuckin’ building touch me….nobody! Bring ‘em all…and watch dem all catch a beat down just like Bastion last Sunday. Y’all mutha fuckas forget…I retired Rane…I retired Chris Wilson the first time…and how many other bitches did I injure, totall destroy? Y’all mutha fucka’s forget…I started all the record breaking world title reigns. I started that shit. But you know what? Fuck that…I ain’t interested in breakin’ records…I’m interested in fuckin’ people up. All y’all that slept on Thugg…y’all besta wake the fuck up…cause I’m comin’ for ya. Cause ain’t nobody, nowhere, that can beat me…no one! (Comet) – Wow! Thugg’s pissed and very full of himself. (HVT) – For real yo…fuck it! I dare someone to come out here and step to me! Anybody! I dare someone to step out here and claim they can stop me… (Riley) – He’s callin’ out the whole locker room!! (HVT) – C’mon bitches…who thinks they can fuck wit me? Who thinks they can last in the ring wit Thugg? Who want some of Thugg? “STRANGLER” (Comet) – THERE’S YOUR ANSWER THUGG!!! The fans explode as “Godzilla” hits the speakers and The Boston Strangler steps onto the stage, a microphone in hand. (TBS) – What’s that you say Thugg? You say no one can beat you? I seem to remember quite a few people puttin’ your fat ass down. (HVT) – Oh…hell yeah. The Boston Strangler…looks like somebody’s got some balls back there. Glad to see you steppin’ up…too back you’re bout to get put back in your mutha fuckin’ place when I beat dat ass. (TBS) – Whoa, whoa…I got my own shit to worry about Thugg. I just came out here to get you to shut the hell up. You’re right…back in the day, you were the man. Nobody could beat you. But…BUT! This is a new day, and round here…you ain’ the man no more. And you’re gonna have to prove to these people…and to me…that you still got it old man. (HVT) – Old man? Old man? Bitch, I was puttin’ people in coffins before your bitch ass even knew what the hell a ring was. I can see in your face that you know you can’t beat me…hell, no one can. And since you stepped up, that means you gotta get beat down. (TBS) – Like I said…I ain’t come out here to fight you Thugg. I’ll even admit that I even looked up to you when I was comin’ up in the JL…you were the premier big man in the federation. And I still got nothin’ but respect for ya. But now…you just sound like a whiny bitch! It’s really sad. The crowd pops. (TBS) – And…since, according to you, Bastion is gone…that means I ain’t got shit to do tonight. And since by match with Bastion is canceled, I have no problem taking out my aggressions on the legend, Hville Thugg. But when all’s said and done…and you’re face up on the mat…and my hand is raised…you’ll know that I’m better than you…and maybe then…you’re shut the fuck up! (HVT) – OH…for real yo…shut me up! I beg you dogg…shut me up! Bring dat shit! Don’t bring some of it…bring all of it. Cause when we step in the ring, I’m gonna bend you over and rape you like you was my bitch…don’t think I’ll go easy on you cause you said some respect shit…you ain’t shit but another one of dem bitches from the back that’s turned my federation into bullshit. And I’m gonna make you pay. So, Strangler…say your mutha fuckin’ prayers…cause I’m gonna put you six feet deep when I…WRECK… YOUR… SHIT! (HVT) – Holla. “Who We Be” starts back up and the two hosses stare at each other, one on the stage and one in the ring. (Comet) – Looks like Bastion versus Strangler has just turned into Strangler versus the Hville Thugg! (Riley) – How about that! I can’t wait! (Comet) – Let’s look at the rest of the card…

The Key Arena is the center of excitement. All around the world, millions of die hard fans tune in to watch the latest edition of SWF quality entertainment. Storm has already gathered in many and as the scene returns from commercials, people are still in their seats. The sight of them on the giant screen sends chills down their spines as they leap in the air, up and down, up and down, waving their foam fingers, displaying their banners, and just cheering their hearts out in hopes for air time. "The excitement is contagious, Robert," resident superhero Cyclone Comet states, "I can just feel the energy in here. And why not? The next battle is a classic example of good versus evil." "Can we go through at least one match without you raving on about good versus evil?" "No." "Sorry folks for my partner's wild imagination. But he's right about one thing, it is exciting. The Champion Tom Flesher is set to take on the High Flying Prince himself, Erek Taylor. Erek earned the right to face him after he beat Tom, Michael Craven, and Wildchild in an elimination match two weeks ago. Now he's going to cash his shot in and see if he can win the most presitigious prize in the business." "After a brutal Ashes to Ashes performance, will both citizens be at their top game?" Funyon clears his throat and bellows out, "Ladies and gentlemen, the next and final contest of the evening is scheduled for one fall and is for the Smarks Wrestling Federation WoooooOOoorrrllllddd Championship!!!" With no time passed by, "Numb" begins to kick up over the speakers. Its soft and enticing beat ignites the fans into a frenzy of hatred. Chants begin to arise. Smoke begins to shroud the entrance way, and as the smoke clears, there stands the Wonder Kid, the High Flying Prince Erek Taylor in his now infamous stance. He takes a quick spin and pumps his arm in the air, igniting another deafening wave of boos. "Introducing first, the challenger, from Anaheim, California, he weighs in at 180 pounds...... EREK!!! TAAYLLOOOOORRRR!!!!!" Another expected reception. Erek walks down the ramp, using both hands and flipping the finger to everyone he passes by. He stops suddenly in the middle and blows a kiss to a beautiful girl.... ....before flipping the finger off to her boyfriend. Erek smirks and slides into the ring and heads over to where Funyon and referee Eddy Long stands. He pats Funyon hard on the back and rubs Eddy Long on his head. "Even before the match begins, citizen Taylor is already getting on the official's bad side." "Comet, he's on everyone's bad side. Well, except mine. Why? Because I seem to be the only one to identify greatness in this league." "Right...." Erek waits, hopping and shaking off the cobwebs, testing out the spring of the ropes. He bounces off one set and races across the ring as the lights change color. "I am the Man" begins to play, and like a flame to a candle, the music instantly erupts the Key Arena. Seattle hasn't heard this many cheers since the Sonics were in the Finals. Words describing the man begin to flash across the Smarkstron... "BOOOOM!!!!" ....while explosions rock the stage. Tom Flesher steps out from the back, with the title belt draped over his shoulder. He takes a pose, giving no recognition to the cocky Erek Taylor inside the ring. Tom walks towards the ring, and unlike his counterpart, he gives out high fives to the fans in the front row. "And his opponent, from Buffalo, New York, he weighs in at 213 pounds.... he is the SWF Champion of the WOOORRLLLLDDD!!! TOM!!! FLESHEERRRRRRR!!!!!!!" More cheers. Tom enters the ring and hands the title belt to the official, who holds it up high for the crowds to see. He displays it for Erek, who examines it before achknowledging that it's real. Long hands the belt to a ringside crew member as Funyon exits the ring and makes towards his usual seat beside the timekeeper. Eddy Long heads back to the center of the ring, where he immediately performs a judo chop in the center, signaling the bell to ring and the match to begin. Ding ding ding!!! "And here we go, two of the best fighters in the league right now competing over the most precious prize in the federation. Tom Flesher, ultimate technician, against Erek Taylor, daredevil extraordinaire," Riley says. "Both men circle the ring and immediately go in for the lockup. Tom easily turns it into a wristlock on Erek Taylor, who starts to battle out of the hold. He falls forward, rolls over, spins to the left before kicking back up to his feet, twisting his arm back into its right position. The momentum carries Erek forward, and he pulls Tom's arm down hard enough and floors the Champion. Erek stands up and quickly leaps up before dropping an elbow down on Tom's face. But the Champion rushes back to his feet and gets back into an offensive stance." "Robert, I thi-" "Not now Comet," Riley says, "as Tom lunges forward and tackles Erek down by the gut. He jumps over Erek's upper body and mounts himself on Erek's head. Clamping down hard on Erek's arms, Tom traps the High Flying Prince in a front facelock. He increases pressure, dropping down to his knees to take out Erek's legs. But Erek doesn't get held down that easily, as he pulls Tom closer to the ropes. Erek takes a leap up with his face still down and manages to get his feet on the top rope. Using that as a slingshot, Erek launces himself up, and the body weight is too much for Tom to handle and Erek forces Tom down to the ground. The hold is broken and Erek rushes to his feet, quickly delivering a kick as Tom starts to rise. He grabs hold of Tom's hair, drags the champion back up, and connects with a hard right. Erek grabs hold of Tom's wrist and hurls him across the ring. Tom rebounds and goes for a retaliation shotei, but Erek reads it and eludes it, allowing the momentum to carry Tom forward. Tom rebounds again, and this time, Erek catches Tom on the run, slinging his arm around the Champion's neck before trapping him with a sleeper hold." "Can I say something now, Robert?" "No." "But-" "I said no, Comet." "Robert, the Boston Strangler is on the Smarkstron." "What?" "The Boston Strangler is on the big screen." "Oh," Riley says, "I wonder what that's about." Erek spots Strangler as well, and he releases the hold. Flesher turns around and goes for the counter, but seeing Erek intently staring at the television screen causes him to turn around as well. Tom sees Strangler, and the Bostonian does not look happy. He clears his voice and speaks. "Erek, it's not like me to interrupt somebody's title match but since this was you, I decided to make some exceptions. I wanted to tell you how amazing it felt to finally throw a punch at you and find out that you are in fact, just another loud mouth whining bitch." The crowds instantly cheer, but Erek doesn't care. His eyes burn with fury as he sees his nemesis on the screen. "Erek, I told you time and time again that I did not want to fight you. But you made me realize that the only way I'll ever get truly better, is if I face my fears. I was afraid of my old self taking control again. I was afraid of my instincts kicking up and I was afraid of transforming back to that heartless monster. But I know who I am and you can't change me! You're the one who's paranoid!! You're the one who's dwelling in the past!! Why don't you grow up, Erek?! Let bygones be bygones!!!" Strangler takes a sigh before continuing, "But you wouldn't let it rest. You wanted a fight and now you got one! I'm not going to stand around and let you punk me around. I'm the fucking Strangler! A former World Champion!! And when you mess with the Strangler, you're risking your life.... or....... the life of loved ones. I'm sure that nobody has ever found this about you, but when you went around flirting with every girl you saw, you also had a loving fiancee back at Anaheim. Surprised? You're not the only one who can find out details about someone's past. I wonder what Emily is up to these days...." Back in the ring, Erek snatches a mic away from a crew member and shouts out. "Albert you fat bitch, you leave her out of this!" "Erek, you're the one who wanted a fight. Well now you're going to get one. Accept the consequences of your actions because when you face the Strangler, nobody gets off the hook that easily!" "Strangler, if you hurt her-" "I don't need to hurt her. I'm sure somebody has already done the job for me." "You son of a bitch, I'm going to kill you if she's hurt!! I'm going to kill and destroy anything and anyone you hold dear to your heart if you hurt her!!" "Erek, you're all talk. It's a long flight back to Anaheim." "Fuck you." Strangler disappears from the screen. Erek throws the mic at Tom and rolls out of the ring, quickly racing up the ramp as fast as he can. The cameramans in the back kick up their gear and follows Erek to the parking lot, where he hops on his Honda motorbike and speeds out of the arena. "I'm speechless, Comet," Riley says. "Strangler and Erek and their rivalry, their hatred for each other. It's only growing." "An awkward ending but I pray that no innocent person was hurt. What a dastardly act by Citizen Albert!" "Well I guess that's it for tonight. From Seattle, this is Bobby Riley with Cyclone Comet, signing off." This is certianly not the end.

The Key Arena is chock full of native Washingtonians… from the state, not the city… ready to see some more live, man on man action… not the porn way, the wrestling way… as the Smartmark's Wrestling Federation returns from commercial, and goes once again to ringside! But not before a bevvy of colorful signs, including "Gimmee summa dat THUGG PASSION!," "The Maori Maonky," and of course, "I'd SNIP it off for ANNIE!," -Comet “We were overseas, but the tour is over, and there’s nothing like being back home in the good ole U.S. of A!” -Riley “Welcome back people! Here comes the HUGE matchup between four guys who all want to be world champ!” -Comet “That’s right, li’l buddy! Cyclone Comet alongside my sidekick, Bobby Riley!” -Riley “Look, for once and for all, you’re MY sidekick!” -Comet “HA HA HA HA! Citizen Riley is a Jester of Good Humor. Of course I am, my fine, four legged friend.” -Riley “I AM! You know it, I know it, and everybody else kno-… wait a second… I don’t have four legs!” “So do you wanna be a Franchise, and live large…“ “RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!” -Comet “Listen to this crowd come alive!” The Darkened arena comes alive as the newly returned Mak Francis steps onto the stage and looks over his sunglasses at the surrounding crowd… DING DING DING -Funyon “The Following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the Number One Contendership for the SWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE! Introducing first, from Philly… weighing in at 236 pounds… THE FRANCHISE… MAK… FRANNNNN-CISSSSSSSSSS!!” -Comet “It’s the return of the MAK!!” FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! Green Pyro shoots off of the sides of the stage as The Franchise smirks and moseys down the ramp to the ring. He walks up the steps, wipes his feet on the apron, and salutes to a HUGE cheer from the audience, and then climbs through the ropes. He scales the corner post, and lifts his fists to the sky, before dropping down and chilling in the corner. The arena immediately goes dark once more, and strobes flicker as new music starts up. -Comet “A much anticipated return, and here he is… the FRANCHISE! I must say, he doesn’t look primed to disappoint here, Bobby.” -Riley “What an overrated, overinjured LOSER!” -Comet “Jealousy doesn’t become you, my young apprentice! And this guy is well liked and respected by the people of Seattle! Truly, this is the return of a HERO!” “King of My World” really comes in, and the strobes give way to a saturating blue light as the next contestant enters the arena, walking backwards down the ramp with his arms outstretched. -Riley “Speaking of Heroes…” “BOOOOOOMMMMM!!!” Craven’s turn and arm swing ignites the white pyro, and the after-fog drifts lightly as he gets to the ring. -Funyon “His opponent, from Tampa, Florida… weighing in at 280 pounds… MICHAELLLLL… CRAAAA-VENNNNNNNNNN!!” -Comet “After a good showing at the Pay Per View…” -Riley “That’s Ashes 2 Ashes, which should be running on repeats all week. Call your local Cable or Pay Per View provider for details…” -Comet “Michael Craven might be next in line to get at the World Gold tonight…” -Riley “Wow, you didn’t insult my shameless plug.” -Comet “That’s because you interrupted me. I had to finish my thought before I could insult your COUGHshamelessplugCOUGH!” -Riley “I was waiting for that.” The Nightmare King gets into the ring and climbs the turnbuckle adjacent to a smirking Mak Francis. He glares at The Franchise, before climbing the post and holding his arms apart, illuminated by a single spotlight. He stares at Mak awhile, before dropping down and stretching on the ropes. -Comet “Uh oh, a little bit of anger in that glance…” “Sleep Now in the Fire” starts in now, with the crowd IMMEDIATELY booing like a ghost convention. When the red popcorn… errr… Machine Gun pyro goes off, the appropriate chant starts up… “F-U-FASAKI! F-U-FASAKI!” -Funyon “Their opponent… from Sarasota, Florida… weighing in at 210 pounds. He is one half of the SWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS… and is the SWF UNITED STATES CHAMPION… EJIRO… FAAAAAAAAAAAA-SA-KIIIIIIIII!!” -Comet “I gotta tell ya, this crowd does NOT like Ejiro Fasaki.” -Riley “What do they know? Nothing? It’s not enough that he’s the best US Champ ever… it’s not enough that he is one half of the greatest Tag Team to ever grace the earth!” -Comet “It’s not enough that he’s, as my good friend Captain Britain would say, a wanker.” -Riley “You know Captain Britain?” -Comet “Yes.” -Riley “I SOOOOO want his autograph!” The Rule gets in the ring, and eyes his opponents as the referee tries to keep them apart. But the rising tensions, fanned by a heel-irreverant Mak Francis, are too much for even Mr. Hardcastle to prevent. -Riley “Uh oh… they’re starting early!” -Comet “It’s impossible to control these three men… let alone FOUR!” Fasaki goes for the Franchise, attacking him with forearms, and getting Mike Craven involved with some corner stomps as the boos intensify, and Funyon dives out of the way! “…AND I WANT YOU!!!” BOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!! “YOU ARE THE PERFECT DRUG! THE PERFECT DRUG! THE PERFECT DRUG!!!” -Comet “Man, listen to these people!” The silhouette only stands for a minute, as the young Upstart rushes to the ring to a cacophony of cheers! He hops over the top rope, and immediately goes to work on the larger of Mak’s two assailants, hitting kicks to the inside of the knee from behind. DING DING DING -Riley “Match is officially underway, and everything seems to be back in control!” -Comet “Nobody knows how this match is gonna go tonight! Four men, one fall, and the chance to be a CHAMPION on the line!” As Craven sells, Francis begins to fight back by blocking Ejiro’s elbow, and countering with a HUGE right hand! Another right rocks Ejiro’s dome as Xstasy nails Mike behind the knee, rolls up to his feet, and then BLASTS the big man with a dropkick! Nearby, Mak whips Ejiro across the ring. Fasaki hops over Craven, and rebounds just as the Franchise steps onto Michael, rushes in, and flies forward with a Forearm to the dome! He covers! ONE -Riley “Shoulder is up, and the pinfall came WAY too early there.” -Comet “I agree, Civilian Riley. But an early victory is a true victory. Can’t hurt to try.” Referee Hardcastle holds up a finger as Francis picks Ejiro up by the hair. Meanwhile, Craven is rising to his feet, being peppered by the blows of Xstasy as he rises. The Drug launches a kick, which is caught, and as the Enzugiri flies, the King of Nightmares lets go and watches Xstasy go falling to the ground. Chuckling to himself, Craven gets X up by the dreads, nails a quick gut knee, and then slaps his back, planting him to the mat with a DDT! -Riley “GREAT MOVE there! That’ll take some of the addiction out of the drug!” -Comet “Addictiveness. He’s not addicted… he’s addicted… wait, COVER!” ONE TWO But a suddenly whipped Ejiro Fasaki runs into Craven, breaking up the pinfall. Michael rises, glaring at Fasaki as the smaller man turns to charge Francis, but just as he does, the big King of Nightmares grabs him by the hair and pulls him back down to the canvas! -Riley “Oh ho… hey now… let’s keep the team together!” -Comet “What team? It’s every man for himself out there, and Craven is taking advantage of that!” Xstasy rises now, as the Franchise approaches. The Drug takes to the second rope, and leaps off, getting his legs around Craven’s shoulders and neck from behind. But the Nightmare King shrugs off the blows that X hits, lifts the Upstart up, and brings him face first down to the canvas! WHAMMM!! -Comet “Electric Chair Drop! Michael Craven seems to be in firm control here!” -Riley “No dizzy, my nizzy!” But instantly, Mak Francis shifts behind Craven! He nails a hard fist to the kidneys, then hooks his leg around, and drops the two-eighty pounder to the mat backwards!! -Riley “Sweet Russian Legsweep from the returner!” -Comet “Citizen Franchise gets a nice move, and here’s the cover!” ONE TWO BREAKUP by Fasaki! Ejiro immediately rains down on both of them with kicks, before picking out Mak Francis and nailing some elbows! He rears back, rushes forward, and spins for the… -Riley “SCREAMING ELBOW!” -Comet “Must you yell so loud when you say that?” -Riley ‘It wouldn’t be screaming, if I wasn’t yelling.” In any case, the elbow misses a ducking Francis, who gets his arms around Ejiro from behind. Fasaki suddenly nails a hard elbow to the body, that releases the hold, then turns around, grabbing the hand of his opponent! He rolls the arm, locks the wrist, and then shoots a leg over the shoulder, dropping down on it and sending Mak to the mat! WHAMMM!! -Riley “A HARD Fasaki fuser there.” -Comet “Good moves by all, Fasaki breaking up that waistlock and nailing a hard technique of his own!" But Ejiro is not done. He lifts Francis up again, sending him to the far corner! Ejiro charges in, splashing in the corner, and waiting for his opponent to drop before nailing stomps! At the same time, Craven rises, and sees Xstasy on the ground. He gets to him, lifting him up by the head again, and pressing him up over his head! -Comet “Sheer two-hundred eighty pound power!” -Riley “It’s tough to beat a man that big head on.” But the Drug suddenly squirms free, getting his calves around the larger man’s head, and dropping down in a Hurricanrana! A big pop opens up as the X rises, and rushes towards a retreating Ejiro. He extends his hand, grabs the back of the head, and then plants Fasaki with a HARD Bulldog! -Comet “The Perfect Drug is all over this ring! First dropping down Michael Craven, now taking it to Fasaki with a Bulldog!” -Riley “Speed is a good asset in this kind of match. If X is smart, he’ll pick and choose his battles, let the action come to him, until he has a chance to put it away.” -Comet “Wow… well said Riley… you might be getting this commentary thing after all!” -Riley “I’ve been doing it longer than you, assmunch!” -Comet “We’ll have to work on your choice of words, though…” Xstasy now turns towards Mak Francis, who comes out of the corner groggily towards him! The Drug grabs him by the wrists, falls back, and kicks the Mak overhead and to the mat, rolling backwards and bridging the cover! -Riley “He’s got him…” ONE TWO TWOOOOOOOOO!! -Comet “Powerful kickout there by Mak Francis!” -Riley “X going after the returnee there!” A hard boot now hits Xstasy from Michael Craven as Ejiro rises to his feet! Craven gets X up, whips him to the far ropes, and as he rebounds, LAUNCHES a HUGE forearm towards the Drug… who DUCKS!! But even that is not enough to prevent Fasaki from tripping up his leg and causing him to fall headfirst INTO the Franchise still on the canvas! Both of them sell, as Ejiro drops down for a cover on X! -Comet “Fasaki taking advantage of those two going at it.” ONE… TWO… -Riley “OH!” WHAMM… broken up by Craven! Fasaki rises, staring up at the massive MC before getting up Xstasy and calling the Nightmare King over. Together, they whip the Drug to the ropes, he bounces back, and falls to a huge double shoulder charge! Ejiro now drops to X and nails a bunch of right hands, his victim trying desperately to cover himself. But now Mak Francis is up, and nailing arms to the back of Michael Craven, who spins around. The Franchise goes for a whip… REVERSED! Mak comes charging back in and ducks a clothesline, getting off of the opposite ropes and rushing in for a hard… -Comet “YAKUZA KICK!!” Instantaneously, Francis takes to the near second rope, slinging himself upwards, and dropping onto Craven’s neck with a hard Legdrop! -Comet “What a MOVE! Francis gets some air… and this could be a near fall, here!” ONE TWO TWOOOOOOOO! -Riley “Nope. The King of Nightmares has it under control!” Craven kicks out, just as, not far away, Xstasy suddenly flips backwards, positioning himself above Ejiro Fasaki. The US champ now finds himself the victim of pulverizing blows from the fists of X. The Drug helps Fasaki to his feet, and whips him to a corner, charging in, but eating turnbuckle as Fasaki rolls out of the way, then returns to BASH Xstasy’s face into the corner! -Crowd “OHHHHHHHH!” -Comet “A hard hit from Ejiro there, and X might be in trouble!” -Riley “Well, Rule can beat you with his environment. He’s a tough competitor to judge! And I like his jersey!” -Comet “You would turn play-by-play into fashion, wouldn’t you?” -Riley “GRRRRR…” Mak Francis suddenly goes for a whip, which gets reversed, and he approaches a retreating Ejiro! Francis hits the Bulldog… then hops up for a strut, and gets FLOORED by a huge… -Riley “FOREARRRRMMMMM!!!” -Comet “Great shades of Superman! Michael Craven just hit that HUGE, EVIL FOREARM and knocked the cocky Franchise right into next week!” -Riley “There sure are a lot of Forearms in this match! But THAT… was a Forearm! A dirty Forearm! A NASTY Forearm…” -Comet “Are you quoting George Clinton again?” -Riley “A-TOM-IC… AAAAAAAARRRRRMMM!” -Comet “Okay, that’s just scary.” Mak falls hard as Craven grabs him around the throat, and gets a five count. Meanwhile, Xstasy rushes out of the corner, springs off of the second rope, and NAILS Mike in the face with both feet! -Comet “WHEEL KICK! The new FOREARM of the SWF!” -Riley “I doubt it.” -Comet “Ehhh… yeah, you’re right.” Craven falls hard, and Ejiro rises, but is quickly downed by a hard side kick from the Drug! The crowd cheers as Xstasy feels the momentum shifting his way… and starts HULKING UP. Well, not really. Actually, he just climbs the turnbuckle, makes a quick signal, and flies off with a shooting star press! -Comet “The Drug FLIES!” … and hits hard on the CANVAS!! -Riley “Craven moved!” -Comet “And look at Fasaki!” Xstasy holds his now tender ribs as Ejiro stalks over and drops a hard knee onto them! As X growls in pain, the US Champ helps X up, locking in a wrist lock, and then sending a kick to the side! Fasaki then puts X down with a chop to the back of the knee! -Comet “Like a Jackal, Ejiro picks at the remains…” -Riley “Hey, you gotta give the guy credit for his smart moves! Besides, he doesn’t have the Judge out here to help him, so he’s got to rely on every move in the book to survive.” -Comet “The Drug looks hurt. I think he landed wrong on that missed SSP!” Mak Francis rises, but meets Michael Craven head on, and starts launching punches! Staggering Craven, Mak gets a whip, and on the rebound, doubles the big man with a knee… and then scoops him up from underneath, falling back HARD on the mat!! -Comet “GUTWRENCH SUPLEX! And we BOTH know what that means, Riley!!” -Riley “It means I can stop watching!” The Crowd begins to pop hard now, as Mak rises, pumping himself up during the walk to the turnbuckle! Meanwhile, Ejiro has an armbar locked in on Xstasy on the mat, but X uses the ropes to spring himself backwards, and get out of the wrench! He kicks Fasaki in the head, breaking the hold, then looks to Francis on the turnbuckle! -Comet “It’s time for…” The Franchise leaps off, catches a ridiculous amount of air, falls to the flashes of tons of cameras, and then gets… -Comet “… Brotherly LOVE!!” -Riley “SPEARED OUT OF THE AIR!!!” -Comet “Oh my god!!” The Perfect Drug rushes Mak, and Spears upwards, just as the Franchise is falling! The result is a collision that puts both men down, next to the fallen Michael Craven. And the co-tag champ slides over, dropping an arm across Mak Francis’ chest! ONE TWO -Riley “NO! Craven!” -Comet “And I’m glad!” MC lands a chop onto Fasaki, breaking up the count, before getting to his feet and bringing Ejiro with him! The winded Fasaki is hoisted up onto Michael’s shoulders, but somehow squirms out of the grasp and takes Craven down from behind, locking in his submission finisher! -Comet “Cobra Crossface! It’s locked in on Craven! This could do it for the double champion here!” -Riley “Come on there, Rule! Hang in!” Craven roars as the ref drops to ask for the tap… but quick as a cat, Mak Francis interrupts the submission by dropping onto Ejiro, and then lifting him up to his feet. Francis nails right hands on Fasaki, whips him, and on the rebound spins Fasaki into the air and drops him back first over his knee! Rule falls to the ground, and Mak takes a moment to catch his breath, a moment that the Perfect Drug takes full advantage of by rolling him up! ONE TWO TWOOOOOO! -Comet “Almost, but not quite! But a good strategy by X there!” Francis gets the shoulder up, but that doesn’t stop Xstasy from rising meeting him again, grabbing, and spinning Mak over in a backslide! ONE -Comet “AGAIN?” TWO -Riley “Close!” TWOOOOOO! -Comet “Great wrestling from the ICTV Champ! Ya have to be on your toes to get that guy!” Francis is able to escape that too, and now gets up quickly to meet the smaller threat! He launches a hand in a knife edge chop- WHACK!! WHOOOOOO! And X fires back with a ridgehand… WHAP!! OHHHHHHH! -Riley “A chop battle!” WHACK! WHOOOOOOOO! WHAP!! OHHHHHHHH! WHACK… NO! Xstasy bridges backwards, the chop missing his chest, and launches his feet up, kicking the Mak in the face, and landing in a walkover on his feet! X rises, backs up to hit the ropes, and charges right into a Drop toe hold!! He hits the mat, and then gets placed in a single leg crab from the newly returned Franchise! -Comet “Now this one looks good! Mak seems to be wearing down the lighter man!” -Riley “I’m surprised those two aren’t teaming together, ganging up on the other guys, or something else suspicious and despicable.” -Comet “I told you before, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, these guys aren’t gonna let it go to waste!” -Riley “At any rate, I think X might tap here…” -Comet “The Franchise, has the hold locked in…” But victory does not come so easily. Immediately, Michael Craven breaks up the submission, and begins wailing away on Francis. Ejiro rises nearby, and sees Craven whip the fan favorite to the corner, charging in and getting a hard splash! As Mak bounces out into the ring area, Ejiro approaches, and nails a KICK… WHAM… -Riley “STUNNER!!” Sending Francis to the mat, and standing, almost giddily, with a little spin. The arena is already booing, as Craven drops down for a cover. -Comet “The Rule gets his licks in there… but Craven’s got it!” ONE TWO -Fasaki “HEY!” Ejiro breaks up the pin and then pushes Michael Craven backwards, jawing with him angrily. Craven glares at Ejiro, then nods, before clotheslining him out of his boots with a hard right! Fasaki falls, and then Craven grabs him, scooping him to his feet, and then TOSSING him out of the ring to the outside! -Riley “Hey, that’s not very sportsmanlike…” -Comet “True… but it was FUNNY!” With the nuisance gone, The King of Nightmares turns towards Francis, but eats a hard kick from Xstasy to the gut! Immediately, X rolls over his back, bounces off of the ropes, and plants his right foot firmly on the ass end of Craven! Pushed forward, an embarrassed Michael meets a rising Mak, who locks on, and plants him in a hard DDT!! -Riley “Oh no…” -Comet “Great move there from the two, but X had better not get too cocky with moves like that!” -Riley “You mean like kicking him in the ass? That’s just not kosher!” Francis kicks Craven out of the ring, then turns to meet the Drug head on. No smiles are exchanged between them, only glares of purpose as they circle, and the crowd begins to stomp like madmen!! -Riley “Listen to these bloodthirsty wallabies!” -Comet “The crowd wants to see a contest between these two, and I can’t blame them. As talented as they are…” -Riley “SHHH! There they GO!” X makes the first jump, and the two lock up! Xstasy sends rising knees up, but Mak ends up getting the better with a hip toss! The Drug rises, but gets a knee to his rib, and winces. The Franchise notices, and ends up getting a right to the same spot! Now he whips X to the ropes, and nails a HARD dropkick to the mid section! Xstasy goes down, and Mak goes in for the kill! -Comet “Francis smells blood, and with X’s injured ribs, it’s a wonder he can go toe for toe with the Franchise.” He raises X up, and whips him again, but the ankle of the Drug is grabbed from the outside, and he falls to the mat! Fasaki then pulls him outside, and Francis goes angrily to the ropes as the Referee tries desperately to stop him! -Riley “Good move there!” -Comet “FASAKI ruined it! Somebody needs to get a can of Black Flag and exterminate that cock-a-roach!” -Riley “Yep. A Cockroach… because you can NEVER get rid of him!” As Mak shouts to Fasaki, Ejiro whips the one-pound heavier man into the steel steps… CLANNNGGGG!!!! X goes immediately down, and Fasaki goes to work, getting X up, and pushing him front first into the apron! Xstasy shouts audibly as his ribs are ground into the side of the ring! -Comet “Oh man… not good for the Drug.” -Riley “If Ejiro takes him out there, that’s one less man to worry about, and he can concentrate on getting the fall on the other two!” Suddenly, the Franchise hears thumping footsteps behind him, and drops down to narrowly avoid a harrowing elbow from the newly entered Michael Craven! Unfortunately, the referee wasn’t so lucky! Sexton Hardcastle bounces off of the ropes and goes down limp. The Nightmare King just stares, but soon gets Craven up, presses him up, and drops him to the canvas with a loud BAMMM!! -Riley “The ref! MY GOD! Did you see that shot, right to the head of the ref! What an incredible move by Michael Craven… he could have the match Won with that one…” -Comet “Ummm… Riley…” -Riley “Huh?” -Comet “You do know he’s not supposed to hit the Ref, right?” -Riley “Oh. A small technicality…” Ejiro is ready now, getting Xstasy up, and pulling a steel chain from his attire! -Comet “He has a chain in his tights!” -Riley “Please, Comet, no discussing anatomy during a match.” -Comet “No really! He’s pulling it out!” -Riley “Oh, god, Ejiro, nobody wants to see that…” -Comet “It’s made of solid steel!” -Riley “Disgusting. Tell me when its over!” As Bobby covers his eyes, Fasaki wraps the chain around his fist, and goes for Xstasy! But the Drug drops to the ground, tripping up Ejiro, and sending his chain-wrapped hand into the corner post! The metallic thud causes him to scream and hold his hand in pain, as Xstasy rises, and kicks the US Champ in the side! He then strips him of the chain, and takes it with him to the ring, sliding in, and rising just behind Michael Craven, now choking out the downed Mak Francis! -Comet “Now that’s just not right!” -Riley “Tell me about it! Pulling your chain out of your pants? What are we, animals?” -Comet “Open your eyes, Bobby… I’m talking about the blatant choke that Craven has on Mak Francis!” -Riley “Oh… yeah that too…” The Upstart comes behind Craven, and wraps the chain around his neck from behind! Craven rises, choking for air as X closes his windpipe from behind! The largest man in the match tries to turn around, but that only causes X to pull harder! -Comet “Xstasy is taking it to the big man… and he’s using a steel chain!” -Riley “Illegally, I might add!” -Comet “Hey, Craven was choking out the Franchise, its only right that he get the same treatment! And that’s just what the Drug has in mind here!” -Riley “I don’t think he can breathe! Xstasy… you ever hear of DQ?” Now the Drug goes to the near turnbuckle, climbing up while still reigning in Michael Craven! As he rises, Mak Francis begins to stand, and when X is at the top, he suddenly surges forward and pulls on the top rope! Xstasy falls, and is nearly crotched on the rope, but maintains his balance, instead, falling over and to the inside of the ring, letting go of the chain! -Comet “Mak gets a break up, and he might be able to take control here!” The King of Nightmares coughs, trying to reestablish his breath, while the Franchise gets the Drug up to his feet! A hard right to the belly sets Xstasy up for a double over! Mak hooks his leg up, places an arm over his own shoulder, and then lifts X up overhead, but a sudden KICK frees Xstasy’s leg! Instantly, the Drug spins around, and drops to the mat, hooking his free arm around Francis’ neck and snapping it back upon impact… BAMMMMMM!!!! -Comet “XCEPTION!! XCEPTION!! This one’s all over!” -Riley “Out of NOWHERE too!” The Drug immediately covers, but the referee is all but out of it! He turns to look at Hardcastle, and shouts at the striper! -X “Come on, Ref! COVER!!” -Comet “It looks like Referee Hardcastle has come to his senses… and we could have a winner here! No one else is up!” Barely looking, the ref lifts a hand and lets it drop! ONE -Riley “Is that it?” He drops it a second time! TWO -Comet “X is on his way to a title shot!” He drops it a third time! THREEEEEEE!! -Riley “WHAT?” -Comet “NO!” TWOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Hardcastle holds up two fingers, and slumps back down to the mat as the entire arena goes NUTSO!!! Xstasy shakes his head, sighs, and then stands up. -Riley “He kicked out!” -Crowd “RRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!” -Comet “Can you believe that? Mak Francis kicks out of the Xception! He dug deep, and got the shoulder up! But he’s in some trouble here!” As X scales the top rope, Fasaki slides into the ring, looking for his chain, and seeing a nearly dead Mak Francis instead! Immediately he goes over, nails a knee drop, and covers! -Comet “What a scavenger!” ONE -Riley “Yes…” TWOOOO -Riley “YESSS!!” WHAMMMMMM!!! -Riley “NOOOOO!” From out of nowhere, Xstasy dives down with a hard flip on top of both Ejiro and the Mak! The Impact sends both of them to La-La Land as X slowly gets to his feet, trying to get his bearings and decide which of the two victims should be decimated. Unfortunately, Michael Craven rushes forward and tackles him to the ground! MC rises to his feet, and stomps away at X, forcing him out of the ring, yet still trying to deal with the effects of the chain choke! -Comet “The power man takes control there! Xstasy almost had it, again!” -Riley “A pin of Mak could do it here! C’mon Craven… make me proud…” The King of Nightmares stalks back toward the center of the ring, just as Referee Hardcastle begins to rise to his feet, back turned. He grabs for Mak Francis, positioning him over the chain that lies in a coil nearby. Ejiro Fasaki crawls slowly to a nearby corner at the same time, almost completely out of it. Just then, Francis, still on his knees, shoots up an arm and catches the gonads of Michael Craven off guard! -Comet “LOW BLOW!” -Riley “SUNOVA…” -Comet “The Mak gets revenge, and a bit of leeway… and these fans LOVE IT!” -Riley “Well that makes them cheaters too! And cheaters never win! C’mon, Craven!” But Riley’s wishes are not to be! Immediately, Francis stands, hooks a leg up, and strains to lift up his opponent… which he does!! -Comet “He’s… he’s getting him up… he HAS IT!” -Riley “There’s no way…” -Comet “Mak Francis hoisting Michael Craven into the air… and… he’s gonna hit the FRANCHISE TAG…” After a short stall, Mak drops his opponent down, back first… -Comet “… right onto that STEEL CHAIN!!” WHAMMMMMMMM!!! Mak rises to his feet, but finds himself immediately and brutally turned around! He shoots out a slow punch, but to no avail as Ejiro Fasaki whips him to the corner… and Mak doubles over after hitting!! -Riley “Yes! Look at the strength and power of Ejiro Fasaki! The US Champion is in great condition…” -Comet “Wait a second… I think the corner guard was taken off!” Indeed, it was, when nobody was looking. Thus Fasaki gets the advantage, and wastes no time hooking the bent over Franchise’s arms, then driving his head to the mat with a loud SLAMMMM!! -Comet “A HARD EJIROCATION! The Scavenger gets the best cut of meat!” -Riley “EJIROCATION! It’s finisher City in there!” -Comet “But WAIT… I think its about to get even better!” The crowd is on their feet with boos… and then LOUD CHEERS, as the Perfect Drug slides back into the ring! He is visibly upset, spitting off to the side and saying something not quite audible as he unzips his wetsuit and approaches Cocky Fasaki from behind! Ejiro stands, looking with glee at Francis… and then finds himself hoisted into the air over X’s shoulders! The Upstart wrenches him, SLAMMING his foot into the mat before dropping back, and continuing to twist Fasaki’s body out of position! -Comet “SOARGASM!! SOARGASM!!” -Riley “Get to the ropes!” Ejiro flails around, with the referee seeing the entire machine, he tries to get a tap out! -Fasaki “GET HIM OFFA MEEEEE!!!” -Comet “This could be it for X…” Everyone cheers, everyone shouts, flashbulbs go off as Ejiro’s face contorts into funny, albeit not pretty, pictures for the many audience members with the benefit of flash photography. After a full twenty-five seconds of torture, a barely recovering Michael Craven crawls over to break it up! But by the time he gets his arm over to Xstasy to break up the submission, it is too late! Ejiro slaps the mat weakly, and the ref signals for the bell! DING DING DING -Riley “SO CLOSE!” -Comet “Close only counts in Hand Grenades and Horseshoes… and the SWF is NEITHER! He did it!” -Funyon “Here is your winner… and number one contender to the SWF WORLD TITLE… EXXXXXX-STASEEEEEEEEE” -Comet “What an ending there, as the Perfect Drug pulls out a gritty but hard fought victory!” -Riley “You can say that again, Comet! I can’t believe this one… there’s no excuse for a win like that!” -Comet “Well, what did you want? Somebody had to win, and it was chaos in there!” -Riley “Yeah, but I’d expect more from the Drug. Like more of that chain use! Or maybe a steel chair! Or he could have gotten a sledgehammer… or something!” -Comet “He did use the chain. I won’t say he used the best of tactics here, but we both heard him say he’s tired of playing by the rules… and I for one don’t blame him!” -Riley “Without rules… there can be no JUSTICE!” -Comet “But when rules don’t work… JUSTICE changes them!” -Riley “But when rules work for JUSTICE, change can… be… wrought for the justice… that rules… change?” -Comet “I don’t understand a word you just said.” -Riley “I’m not good at this whole superhero thing.” Xstasy stands up as his music plays, looking at the carnage around him. He kicks off a nearly dead Michael Craven, and heads past Mak Francis, who is using a nearby rope to stand. The Franchise looks at the Drug for awhile, with the crowd still cheering, as Mak grips the rope with one hand, and extends the other towards X! -Comet “A show of sportsmanship there, both of these guys understood what this match was about!” -Crowd “BACK THE MAK!! BACK THE MAK!! BACK THE MAK!!” -Riley “These dummies want him to shake the hand of a TRAITOR like Mak Francis?” -Comet “How is he a traitor?” -Riley “I’ll get back to you on that one… but still!” Xstasy glances at the crowd, looks at Mak Francis with his hand outstretched, and then merely turns and exits the ring, to a collective “AWWWWWWWW” from the audience. Mak shrugs, then makes his way to a nearby turnbuckle and climbs, raising his fists groggily into the air with a HUGE ovation! -Comet “A great cheer for the Mak, but man, what is up with Xstasy?” -Riley “I have no idea, Cyke! I think the guy’s not gettin’ his vitamins.” -Comet “More action coming soon, but tonight, these four guys gave it there all. One winner could emerge, and frankly, I’m glad that X will be getting at least A chance to prove himself.” -Riley “ICTV champ, that’s gotta count for something.” Xstasy walks up the ramp without looking back as Mak Francis soaks up the adoration of the arena, before the show fades to commercial. FIN

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK “Come in.” The place, is Grand Slam Mark Stevens’ Commissioner’s office. The person, is Xstasy. The mood is… in a word… tense. Mark looks over his friend, who enters with a solemn face. He doesn’t sit down, or prop his feet up on Stevens’ desk. The Drug just looks at the veteran and commish. -Grand Slam “X. Hey man, I wanted to see you…” -X “Look, Mark. I’m not gonna stay long, I’ve got a match tonight, and you’ve got your… commissioner stuff to do.” -Grand Slam “I know man, but about Sunday Night…” -X “No, buddy. You listen to me. I didn’t mean to come off like a jerk or anything like that. I didn’t mean to bring you out there like that, or cause any trouble for you. I guess I owe you an apology for that…” -Grand Slam “Well, that’s debatable.” Xstasy pauses as he looks at Stevens again, this time, with less ease, and even more somber eyes. He sighs. -X “But I came in here to tell you that I mean every word of what I said. It just had to happen out there, in front of everybody. I’m tired of keeping all of that inside, and behind closed doors.” -Grand Slam “I see.” -X “And I wanted to make sure you know… that whatever happens… I always have respected the hell outta you, man. And I still do. And I always will…” -Grand Slam “Hey, you gotta do, what you gotta do.” -X “Yeah.” -Grand Slam “And I gotta do, what I’ve gotta do.” X looks up at him, as if in response, but he stops, changes his mind, and looks down at the floor. -X “Yeah.” -Grand Slam “Now go get ready for that match.” -X “Yeah.” X exits, appropriately, while Stevens watches him go, and then looks down at his desk. -Grand Slam “How did it come to this?” Then, almost as if in answer to the question, he grits his teeth. -Grand Slam “Brian…” He opens a drawer, and rifles through it, getting to the back of a long line of files before lighting on a manila folder. At the top of the folder reads the wrestler’s name “Xstasy.” But inside it is another folder. A folder that reads “Phoenix.” -Grand Slam “There’s gotta be something in here…” Mark pulls the papers out, puts them on his desk, after sliding aside some papers, and opens to page one. -Grand Slam “There’s gotta be a reason…” TBC

“Welcome back to SWF Storm, Citizens!” exclaims our euphoric masked announcer. “We are just moments away from one of the many highly anticipated matches tonight - Johnny Dangerous versus Va’aiga!” “Color me excited!” says Bobby. “Ever since the Maori Badass won his number one contender status, I have been foaming at the mouth to see this match take place!” “I’ll bet you have.” replies Comet, turning towards the camera he continues. “Both of these men are coming off Ashes To Ashes searing hot, and only Professor Xavier could predict the winner of this one!” “Oh please, Comet, this is Va’aiga’s match tonight.” says Bobby, matter of factly. “The Barracuda stands NO chance against him. Johnny CAN’T beat the Maori Badass, so he might as well not even try!” “I don’t know about all that,” replies Comet, “Johnny Dangerous has looked quite well in recent weeks. He successfully defeated Ejiro Fasaki for the U.S. Title, and has yet to loose a match yet!” “On the contrary, Comet.” counters Bobby. “Johnny was pinned at Ashes To Ashes. His team may have won, but Johnny himself fell, and fell hard to his Honor Judge William Hearford. On the other hand Va’aiga has been on one hell of a roller coaster ride since Genesis and has YET to dip down yet! The only loss he has is by a disqualification to Danny Williams, and you saw what the Maori Badass did to Danny at the Pay Per View!” “At any rate,” says Comet, “the outcome of this match could leave some lasting ripples into our space-time continuum for some time to come! Also, just to add a bit more spice into our life, this match will be a HANDCUFF match!” “Well Johnny needs all the help he can get.” says Bobby as the cameras pan across a pole attached to the corner of the ring. A pair of bright and shiny handcuffs hangs down from it, glistening in the lights. “These Smith and Wesson universal handcuffs feature a push pin double lock design. They open twenty-five percent larger for big wrists and close twenty-five percent smaller for thin wrists. Yes sir, this is about the best you will get when it comes to hand cuffs. I should know, they came from my bedroom.” “Well,” says Comet quite surprised. “lets take this to Funyon before it gets anymore out of hand.” Standing in the middle of the ring - impeccably dressed as usual - Funyon raises the microphone to his lips. “Ladies and Gentlemen,” he bellows, “the following contest is a Handcuff Match scheduled for one fall and is for the United States Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first... ” "WHAT'S MY NAME?!" The house lights suddenly drop as the bassline of "Bring The Pain" by Method Man fires up, and Va’aiga saunters out from behind the curtains wearing his usual hooded black boxer's robe, with silver trim and the silver fern of New Zealand on the back. The crowds boo heavily, but the ancient New Zealand war chant - the "Haka Te Ra" nearly drowns them out. “Hmm... that seems a little louder than usual today.” Ka mate, Ka mate! Ka ora, Ka ora! Ka mate, Ka mate! Ka ora, Ka ora! “... the Challenger!” Funyon continues, “weighing in at three hundred and nine pounds, and hailing from Rotorua, Aotearoa, he is the MaooOOOoori Badass, he is VA-UN-GUH!!” Va’aiga slides into the ring and flings off his robe, revealing his fearsome form to the arena. They awe at the sight of the Maori Badass, and fear for the massacre Johnny Dangeous will have to survive. Va’aiga heads over to the far side of the ring, where he leans against the ropes, and shouts out the final “Hi” in beat with the Haka. “Bring the Pain” fades into the background, a sexy female voice ever so charmingly whispers... “JOHNNY DANGEROUS!” Seattle lets out a joyous cheer as the eclectic beat of “After the Flesh” begins to pump through the speakers! Smoke pours onto the stage from all corners while dozens of strobes begin flashing, cutting through the smoke, and partially illuminating Johnny as he steps out from the curtains. He moves to the top of the ramp, taking a quick survey of the crowd through his high-tech Oakley shades, then reaches down and throws his sleek black trench coat open, revealing the prize of the forth coming battle strapped around his waist! “And the Champion! From Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at two hundred seventeen pounds, he is the SWF United States Heavyweight Champion, “The Barracuda”, JOHNNY DAAAAAAAAAANGEROUS!!” “... and here comes the hero of the next ten minutes that we have allotted for this match.” says Comet. “Ten minutes?!” says Bobby quite shockingly. “Johnny will be dead in three!” After blowing kisses and slapping all the open hands he could find, Johnny slides into the ring. He flings his shades out into the crowds, then sheds his coat, and unfastens the United States Title from his waist. Johnny mounts a corner turnbuckle and raises his title out to the crowds, as hundreds of flashbulbs explode! Johnny lowers his arms, and just as he is about to step down from the turnbuckle, Va’aiga rushes forward and SLAMS his fist into the Barracuda’s back, almost knocking him right off his perch!The Referee quickly signals for the bell as the lights suddenly crank on, and Va’aiga continues his assault! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! DING! DING! DING! The Maori heaves punch after punch into Johnny’s back, beating him down into the top of the turnbuckle! He grabs the Barracuda by his neck, tears him from the turnbuckle, and forcefully SLINGS him to the mat like a rag doll, causing the ring to tremble on Johnny’s impact! “... and this match is underway!” shouts Comet, “Va’aiga with some underhanded tactics to kick this one off before the bell even rang.” “Underhanded? Might I remind you, Comet, that THIS match is no disqualification?” say Bobby, quite condescendingly. Johnny arches his back up, howling in pain as Va’aiga storms over to him and begins ferociously stomping his foot into Johnny’s chest! Johnny tries to roll to safety, but the Maori follows him with his foot - stomping every inch of him! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! “It’s official,” says Riley, “the Maori Badass is having fish for dinner tonight!” “And what are you having, Citizen Robert?” “Sour kraut and weenies, of course.” replies Bobby, wiping the corner of his mouth. Satisfied for the time being, Va’aiga halts his assault and drops down onto Johnny, forcing his palms into Johnny’s chest. “Va’aiga with an early pin attempt.” says Comet as Hebner dives in for the count. ONE!!! T- NO!!! “Kick out just before two, Johnny isn’t going to fall this quickly.” Grunting, the Maori Badass grabs onto the Barracuda by his jet black mane and jerks him to his feet. Va’aiga pops his fist into Johnny’s mouth, sending him stumbling back, then grabs onto Johnny’s wrist and whips him across the ring. The Barracuda hits the ropes, bounces back, and the Maori Badass MIGHTILY swings out his massive arm for an early eye watering Lariat, but Johnny wisely ducks down under the blow, and tears off for the opposite ropes! He bounces back towards Va’aiga, preparing for a DDT, but the Big Bad Maori quickly spins around - leading with his arm - and slices a Lariat across Johnny’s throat! WHAM! “Ha!” snorts Riley, “he got it off anyway.” “But not nearly as powerful as that deadly Lariat he tried first.” adds Comet. Once again Johnny is sent home to the mat, but the Secret Agent rolls to his feet, determined to keep fighting! He wobbles for a second, but snaps to attention when he catches a glimpse of the Maori Badass charging across the ring like a raging bull! Va’aiga swings out his fist for his patented Ultra Punch Combo, but Johnny sidesteps the Maori’s tattooed fist, and thrust his knee into Va’aiga’s gut! The crowds explode as the Trinity Judas is stopped dead in his tracks, and another knee to the gut doubles him over! Johnny grabs onto his Maori head, pulls back, and slams it across his knee! Va’aiga’s head pops off Johnny’s knee like a well aired basketball, and it sends him stumbling back, but instead of the usual stunning effect Johnny has come to expect, it only seems to further the Maori’s rage! Va’aiga grits down on his teeth hard as he shakes his head of the blow, then growls angrily as he charges towards a jaw dropped Johnny Dangerous! Again Va’aiga swings his fist out for a punch, but the Barracuda ducks under the blow, swings his arm around Va’aiga’s back, and hikes his hind leg up with a Scorpion Kick to the Maori Badass’ forehead! WHACK! “Johnny Dangerous is mounting a comeback trail!” declares Comet. “Yeah, but Va’aiga’s got one thick skull.” adds Bobby, “those kicks will only slow the Maori down for a second, and do nothing more than piss him off even worse!” Va’aiga staggers backwards from the stinging blow, and Johnny closes in, spinning on one foot while swinging his other leg out and catching the Maori across the side of his jaw with a spinning heel kick! WHACK! The crowds let out another cheer as the sound of Johnny’s kick echoes through the arena, and Va’aiga goes stumbling to the side! Va’aiga reaches out and grabs onto the ropes with one hand, while gently massaging his jaw with the other and never noticing the stealthy Johnny sneaking in from behind. Johnny quickly hugs his arms around Va’aiga’s waist from behind, interlocks his fingers, and with an overly loud grunt he pulls the Maori off his feet and falls backwards, slamming him neck-first into the mat! Fans applaud as Johnny jumps to his feet and strikes a martial arts pose, but the Maori Badass sits up unscathed! “I bet Johnny is shitting a brick now.” says Bobby, smirking. “Citizen Tu'ipulotu has some hellacious vitality,” says Comet, “but his fuel will soon diminish. All Citizen Dangerous needs to do is concentrate on avoiding Va’aiga’s strikes and wear him down. If he could get those handcuffs down, they might prove to be of some usefulness.” “That’s about the ONLY way Johnny could possibly win.” says Riley. “As you can already see, Va’aiga is just doing fine with out them.” Johnny takes a step back, staring in astonishment at the resilience behind Va’aiga. Johnny glances towards the far corner where the handcuffs hang, then without a second thought tears off across the ring towards them! He lunges onto the second rope, and scrambles to try and get to the top and grab the cuffs- -Va’aiga rushes in from behind, and for the second time tonight slams his knuckles into Johnny’s back! The crowds let out an “Ooooooooooooh!” as a hollow THUNK sound rings out, and Johnny slumps forward. Va’aiga grabs at Johnny’s shirt, and Johnny fires back with a mule kick towards the Maori’s head, but Va’aiga ducks the foot and grabs onto the extended leg before Johnny can even reel it back in! Johnny reaches out for the pole holding the cuffs, and just as he can feel the metal against his fingertips, Va’aiga jerks the Secret Agent’s leg back, tearing him from the turnbuckle and sending him stomach-first into the mat! Johnny grimaces from the sharp pain in his stomach, then begins to push himself up- -Va’aiga slams his foot into the side of Johnny’s head, then scrapes the heel of his foot against the Barracuda’s jaw! The crowds boo heavily, and the Maori Badass turns to them and lets out a mighty growl and shouts; “WHAT’S MY NAME?!” which gets an even louder blasting of hate from the fans! “Va’aiga’s not going to win them over like that.” says Comet. “Pfft, Va’aiga don’t need them,” counters Bobby, “he’s the freakin’ Maori Badass for crying out loud!” Va’aiga dismisses them with a wave, then heads to the corner and climbs up for the handcuffs. After a slight hesitation between the second and third ropes, Va’aiga reaches up - holding to the pole with one hand - and grabs the handcuffs. He chuckles like a madman as he jumps down into the ring, nearly knocking the entire thing down, then saunters over towards Johnny. Va’aiga tightens one cuff down to let the clinking sound ring out, then flicks it back open again. “It looks like Va‘aiga will be the one to bring these cuffs into play.” says Comet, “I thought you said he didn’t need them, Citizen Robert?” “I didn’t say he didn’t need them,” growls Bobby, “I said he was doing just fine without them. Va’aiga’s just using them to teach Johnny here a lesson!” Va’aiga grabs Johnny’s ankle, and brings the handcuff forward, but Johnny kicks his leg back and forth, trying to free it from the Maori Monster’s evil grasp! With his other leg, Johnny kicks fist foot into the side of Va’aiga’s knee not once, or even twice, but three times, to bring him down long enough for Johnny to pull his foot away from Va’aiga’s clutches, and roll to his feet! Va’aiga begins to stand, and Johnny jumps up and plants both feet into the Maori’s back, dropping him back down to the canvas with a drop kick! The Barracuda reaches down and like Va’aiga before him, grabs onto the leg he was kicking, and places it onto the middle rope. Johnny jumps up and drops his knee into the pit of Va’aiga’s knee, which sends his kneecap slamming into the mat! Va’aiga lets out a cry of pain, and tries to pull his leg in, but Johnny grabs it again, places it on the rope, and drops his knee across Va’aiga’s for the second time! “Citizen Dangerous is wisely focusing his strikes on Va’aiga’s leg.” notes Comet, “proof that a good strategy can put this so called Maori Badass down!” “He hasn’t put anything down yet!” snaps Bobby, “besides those are some cheap attacks. If this wasn’t a no disqualification match using the ropes like that would be out of the question!” “How wise of Johnny to use the stipulations in his favor.” counters Comet. Johnny leaves his opponents side for a moment as he fetches the nearby handcuffs. He grabs them and as he turns back towards the Maori Badass, Va’aiga reaches up and grabs onto Johnny’s shirt with one hand, and slings his fist into Johnny‘s gut with the other. He starts to pull himself up farther with Johnny stunned, but the Secret Agent refuses to allow his target to escape! Johnny bats at the top of Va’aiga’s head with the palm of his hand, but the Maori seems unmoved as he continues clawing his way to his feet, but Johnny unsuccessfully tries again with another few bats of the Maori‘s head! Determined not to let the feeble punches sway him, Va’aiga finally pops up to his feet with a mighty swing of his fist! WHAM!! Johnny goes stumbling back as a hand shoots up to cover his face. Va’aiga steps in, and wraps his massive arms around the Barracuda’s waist! He jerks Johnny off his feet, and begins to squeeze the life out of Johnny with a Bear Hug! “This is it!” anticipates Bobby, “it’s about to be lights out for Johnny Dangerous! Nobody escapes the Maori Hug!” “I don’t believe I have ever seen him use it before.” replies Comet. Va’aiga squeezes as hard as he can while muttering; “What’s my name?” into Johnny’s ear and smirking evilly. The Barracuda can slowly feel his consciousness dipping in and out of reality, when he weakly looks down and realizes that he still has the handcuff clenched in his hand. Johnny brings both his arms up, and clamps both cuffs down onto his knuckles, then brings his fist down into Va’aiga’s face! “Johnny must have some hidden powers there.” says Comet, “he is able to turn a pair of handcuffs into a pair of brass knuckles!” “Anyone can do that!” snaps Bobby, “that’s being underhanded and cheap if you ask me!” Va’aiga still holds on, refusing to let such a petty strike sway him, and Johnny swings his fist down again, slamming the metal hinge of the handcuffs into the Maori’s cranium! The crowds begin to grow with excitement as Johnny brings his arm back again, and SLAMS the cuff into Va’aiga’s forehead! AND AGAIN! WHACK! AND AGAIN! WHACK! AND AGAIN! WHACK! AND AGAIN! WHACK! With each blow, Johnny can feel Va’aiga’s grip becoming looser and looser! He rears back one more time, just as far as he possibly can... and swings his cuffed fist into Va’aiag’s eye, which cuts a gash directly above his eye! Instantly he releases Johnny, as he back peddles holding his face, patting himself for blood! Johnny swoops in and swings his handcuff enhanced fist into Va’aiag’s head again, which knocks the Maori into the ropes! WHACK!! With the Maori Badass visibly stunned, Johnny throws the cuffs down, and shoves Va’aiga into the corner turnbuckle! He flings his knee into the Monster’s chest, then rotates himself and kicks his other knee into the Maori Badass, but suddenly Va’aiga lunges forward, grabs Johnny, spins around, and SLAMS the Barracuda back-first into the steel post with a sickening thud! “The Maori Badass is coming to life once again!” shouts Bobby. “He is proving that time and time again, nothing you do can put a stop to him!” “I’ll say,” says Comet, “Citizen Tu'ipulotu must have some unknown power behind him!” “Yeah, it’s called I want the United States Title.” says Bobby, rolling his eyes. Va’aiga swings a left cross punch into Johnny - socking him straight in the jaw, then another left cross, and another, then takes a step back, kisses his fist, and absolutely DECIMATES Johnny’s skull with a HUGE right hook! The crowds boo ever so heavily, but Va’aiga refuses to give them any attention. He hobbles across the ring then turns and pivots with his good leg, and hauls ass across the ring, DIVES forward leading with a shoulder- “No, it can’t end like this!” -Johnny dives out of the way, leaving the serrated metal post wide open to take the blunt of Va’aiga’s spear! CRACK!! The crowds gasp in horror as Va’aiga’s shoulder slams into the post with a sickening clang! Va’aiga stumbles backwards out of the turnbuckle howling in pain, none the wiser as Johnny steps in and quickly hooks onto Va’aiga’s leg as he grabs the Maori’s arm with his other hand, and hauls Va’aiga up and over while letting himself fall backwards! SLLAAAAAAMMM!!! “MI SLAM! MI SLAM!” cries Comet as the Maori Badass comes crashing down into the mat with a TREMENDOUS thud, and the crowds let out a huge cheer!! “This one is over!” Johnny drops down and hooks the leg, taking his pin. Hebner drops to make the count, and seal the victory for Johnny Dangerous! ONE!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!! “No!” cries Bobby, tears in his eye. “Not like this, not like this!” THRE-NOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! “BY ODIN’S BEARD!” cries Comet, his chin resting against the table as the Maori Badass THRUSTS his shoulder off the mat with not even a fraction of a second to spare! “Va’aiga just kicked out of the MI Slam!! What’s it going to take to put this sinister Beast down for good?!” Fans across the arena let out an exasperated sigh as the Maori rolls to his side after escaping doom, and Johnny bolts up to his knees! He pleads towards Hebner, holding up three fingers, but the Referee shakes his head no and holds up two fingers of his own. “Damn.” the Barracuda mumbles to himself, then slowly begins to stand to his feet. “Ha!” snorts Riley. “I was so right! Johnny has finally figured out what I said before this match even started, and that was Johnny Dangerous can’t beat the Maori Badass, and now Johnny himself knows it! Just look at him, Johnny is pulling his hair out!” “And That,” retorts Comet, “is exactly what you would like to make everyone THINK, Citizen Robert, but NOBODY is unbeatable! If Superman can beat Doomsday, and Adam Warlock can beat Thanos, then Johnny Dangerous can beat Va’aiga!” “Oh... Get the hell out of here!” shouts Bobby, “Admit it, Comet, I was right! Your just trying to conjure up some hair-brained excuse to cover up the fact that YOU were wrong! Johnny is going down hard, and there is nothing you can say that will change that fact!” Johnny steps backwards, shaking his head with an exasperated look as the Maori Badass rolls onto his stomach and begins to stand to his feet. A small chant of “JOHN-NY!” begins to stir up to try and keep Johnny’s spirits high, but most are too amazed at the will power of the Maori Badass! Johnny grits down hard on his teeth and rushes in towards Va’aiga with his fist drawn back! He swings, but the Maori Monster tosses his forearm up for the block, then THUNDERS his own fist into the Barracuda’s skull! Johnny stumbles back, stunned, and Va’aiga steps in! A second fist flies into Johnny, snapping his head back and knocking his entire body back along with it! “HERE IT COMES!” cries Bobby as the Maori Badass crouches down like a linebacker waiting for the ball to snap, and getting a heavy amount of boos from the fans! Johnny looks up, and Va’aiga lunges forward, screaming, as he swings his cannon out for THE GRIM REAPERS MOST BELOVED LAAARIIIIIIAAAAAT- -NOOOOOO!!! Johnny literally yet gracefully bends over backwards, and the Maori’s arm goes soaring just an inch over him! Johnny stands back up, turns towards Va’aiga, and as the Maori Badass spins back around, Johnny SLAMS the blunt of his foot into the Monster’s jaw with a Super Kick! KA-RAACK!! “The Barracuda just Johnny Kicked Va’aiga right out of his shoes!” shouts Comet, not even trying to conceal his excitement. Va’aiga is knocked back into the ropes, and bounces back off of them! Stunned completely out of his mind, the Maori Badass stumbles forward with two slow steps. “... but the Maori Badass is still standing!” says Bobby, looking for a sign of hope - his eyes wide open with his hands clasped together. “There is nothing Johnny Dangerous can do to stop Va’aiga from winning this match!” Johnny swoops in for the kill before the Maori can regain his senses. With the crowds cheering him on, he quickly hooks onto Va’aiga’s leg as he grabs the Trinity Judas’ arm and slings it over his shoulder. Johnny pauses for a second, then tears Va’aiga off his feet, and hauls him over while letting himself fall backwards! “MIIIIIIIIIIIIII-” -SLAAAAAAMM!!!! Va’aiga’s body bounces once after he is drilled neck first into the canvas, crumpling into the mat, and rolling into the corner! “This could be it!” cries Comet. “A Johnny Kick followed by an MI Slam! There’s no way Va’aiga could survive that! Wait... wait, what’s this? Johnny’s not done?” Disregarding the obvious pin attempt, Johnny stands back up to his feet. The toll this match has taken on his body really shows as the Barracuda sways for a mere second and stumbles a step. He thumps the side of his head with his palm to shake the cobwebs loose, then begins to march towards the corner where those shiny handcuffs lie. “The fool!” says Bobby. “He has Va’aiga down, and now he wants to handcuff him? Somebody tell me the logic in that!” To a loud cheer, Johnny grabs hold of the handcuffs then heads back over to Va’aiga and rolls the Maori onto his back. He leans down and through gritted teeth says, “WHAT’S... MY... NAME, VA’AIGA?!” RAAAAAARRRRRRGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! “OH MY GOD!” COMET AND BOBBY SHOUT IN UNISON WHEN VA’AIGA, LIKE JASON VORHEES HIMSELF, COMES TO LIFE AS HE REACHES OUT AND TIGHTLY WRAPS HIS HAND AROUND JOHNNY’S THROAT!! The crowds howl in absolute ASTONISHMENT, and Johnny nearly jumps out of his skin! Johnny grabs onto Va’aiga’s hand to try and peel his hand away from his neck, but the Maori just digs his nails in deep as a trail off blood begins to dribble down the Maori’s fingertips! Va’aiga gets to one knee, and pulls Johnny in close. He blows a stream of spit mixed with blood clear from his lips, and says, “No, Johnny, what’s MY name, Bitch!” Va’aiga keeps his hold, but pushes the Barracuda back enough so he can stand to his feet, but the second he lifts Johnny an inch off the mat, his knee gives out on him, and the Maori Badass buckles under the weight! “I told you the leg strategy would work, Bobby!” shouts Comet as Johnny quickly seizes his open opportunity, slapping one end of the handcuff around Va’aiga’s wrist, then sliding out of the ring, wringing the Maori’s arm backwards. Johnny reaches into the ring and grabs Va’aiga’s other arm, tightly cuffing his hands around the steel post of the turnbuckle! “There you go!” cheers Comet, “Johnny has Va’aiga pinned on his back, what a smart move by Citizen Dangerous!” Va’aiga bucks and flails - rolling from side to side - but the handcuffs keep him down between the first rope and the mat, and the more he resist the deeper they cut into his wrist. Johnny climbs up to the outside apron, then ascends the turnbuckle directly over the Maori Badass. The crowds cheer heavily, and ready their cameras as Johnny stands tall upon the turnbuckle facing the ring, raises his arms out... ... then vaults himself high into the air - back-flipping off the turnbuckle! Flashbulbs from every inch of the arena explode when Johnny flips in mid air, unravels himself, and brings his feet down! Va’aiga grits down on his teeth while arching his back up to try and dodge the attack, but the Barracuda comes down with both feet into the Maori Badass’ chest!! WHAAAAAAMMMM!!!!!!! “DEAR ZEUS, ODIN, AND THOR’S HAMMER! SHOOTING JOHNNY DOUBLE STOMP!” cries Comet alongside the crowds who simply explode. “There is no way Va’aiga’s getting up from that, and if he does let me be the first to call him Super Man!” “THAT’S GOT TO BE ILLEGAL!” screeches Bobby, “even if this is a no disqualification match! Just listen to that crowd, they can‘t believe it either!” HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT! With a look of madness across his face, Johnny stands on Va’aiga’s chest then pivots from side to side, sickly grinding the heel of his foot into the Maori’s chest as Mark Hebner drops down for the count! ONEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THREEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DING! DING! DING! The crowds erupt like Mt. Saint Helens as the last ding of the bell rings out, and “After The Flesh” THUNDERS out across the arena! The Barracuda steps off Va’aiga Hebner strolls over towards Johnny with the United States Heavyweight title in hand after fetching in from an attendant. He reaches down and grabs the Barracuda by the hand to help him to his feet, then raises Johnny’s arm up in bitter sweet victory! “The winner of this match,” bellows Funyon, “and STILLLL UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIOOOOOOON!!! JOHNNNNNNNY DANGEROUUSS!!!!” Hebner lets go of Johnny’s arm, then heads over to Va’aiga with a key to the handcuffs in hand. “What a BRUTAL match!” says Comet. “The treacherous Va’aiga gave everything he had to try and put away Johnny Dangerous, but it proved to not be enough! Though it pushed Johnny completely over the edge, someone has finally put up a block to the Maori Badass’ bloody path!” “Not enough?” says Riley, “If it weren’t for those handcuff’s Johnny would have never won! I’d like to see the Barracuda try and take Va’aiga on in a straight up regular match without using such cheap tactics!” “I didn’t hear you complaining about those handcuff’s earlier, Citizen Robert!” snaps Comet. “Besides it took more than those handcuffs to end Va’aiga’s trail of terror anyway! They just proved to be of an assistance at the end.” Johnny lowers his arm, and begins to head towards the ropes, when the Maori Badass begins to stand to his feet. Va’aiga clenches his chest, growling in pain and anger, then suddenly STORMS across the mat- Johnny spins around and his eyes shoot open like a deer caught in somebody’s headlights as Va’aiga sadistically SLAMS his forearm into Johnny’s neck with A RED HOT, BLOOD STAINED, DOUBLE EDGED, PROPELLED BY A RAGE THAT HE HASN’T FELT SINCE THE FAMILY GUY GOT CANCELLED LAAAAAAAAAAARIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! WHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!!! Johnny goes down hard, spinning a complete three hundred sixty degrees, then comes crashing into the mat and shatters like an egg! “Oh my God!” shouts an absolutely horrified Cyclone Comet. “What a terrible show of sportsmanship Va’aiga is displaying here, he lost fair and square to Johnny Dangerous!” “But he isn’t going to let Johnny Dangerous just waltz out of here under his own power!” adds Bobby. “The price of Johnny winning this match is about to be severe! Johnny is going to pay with his life for that stupid stomp!” The crowds react with a horrendously loud boo as the Maori stands tall, taking in heavy breaths as he stares down into the broken Johnny Dangerous...

“STRANGLER” The Smarktron lights up with the aforementioned name as the opening chords of “Godzilla” by Blue Oyster Cult begins to play. The fans also light up as well, with a huge pop for the music they know oh so well. The clap, stomp, shout, and possibly relieve firearms as a massive white pyro blast explodes on the stage. The pyro dies and he emerges through the curtain, standing tall as he stares out at the fans chanting his initials. “T B S!” “T B S!” “T B S!” “T B S!” (Comet) – We’re all set for our next match between The Boston Strangler and the Hville Thugg. In case you’re just joining us, this match was set as we opened Storm this evening when Thugg came out to challenge the world and Strangler answered his call. (Riley) – Are we sure Strangler accepted Thugg’s challenge? It seemed to me that he came out just to show his dissatisfaction at the fact that his match with Bastion was canceled. (Funyon) – Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL! Introducing first, making his way to the ring, weighing in at 303 pounds…from Boston, Massechussets…THE BOSTOOOON STRAAAAAAANGLERRRRRRRR!!! Strangler raises one fist to the air, causing the crowd to erupt again, and he slowly makes his descent towards the ring. Once at ringside, he slides into the ring, climbs to the second turnbuckle of the near right corner, and causes thousands of flash bulbs to flicker when he raises both fists to the air. Strangler stands in the center of the ring as the lights dim once again… “Muwhahahahaha!” The electric guitar hits the speakers and the fans, who have yet to sit down, become reenergized. “They don’t know…” “Who we be!”(2X) (Riley) – Hold your ears!! “What they don’t know is…” KA –BOOOOOOOOM!!! The wall of fire erupts on the stage, illuminating the entire arena, and the monster steps into the path made by the flames. (Comet) – And here comes one of the greatest superstars this fed has ever seen. He is responsible for making the federation and the business what it is today, and now he’s back…and I’m tellin’ you…he’s freaking pissed. (Funyon) – And his opponent…weighing in at 386 pounds…he is from the nation’s capitol, Washington, DC…THE H-VIIIIIIIILLE THUUUUUUUUGGGG!!! The fans pop significantly for him, but not nearly as much as they did for Strangler, and upon hearing his name, Thugg moves towards the ring. He reaches the apron, reaches up and pulls the top rope, and climbs over it and into the ring where Strangler waits in the center, never relinquishing his eye contact on the beast. (Comet) – Well, now we’re gonna see exactly what Thugg’s got after returning from a serious neck injury for the 3rd time. (Riley) – He had that experimental surgery this time, and if what he said in the opener is true, then it’s not a problem. DING DING DING With the bell, Strangler and Thugg step forward to the center of the ring, neither man backing down, flinching, or possibly even blinking. The fans cheer loudly as the two monsters stare at each other with a venom usually reserved for a King Cobra, with Thugg standing slightly taller and heavier. (Riley) – You can feel the heat between these two men... (Comet) – When Thugg was champ, he was the premier big man in the wrestling world, and now Strangler has that title, and I think Thugg might want it back. (Riley) – And I know first hand that Thugg used to tutor Strangler a bit a while back, so we could see that play into things a bit here as well. Much time passes with the two gigantic men staring into each other before the crowd erupts when Thugg and Strangler lock up for the first time. (Comet) – Collar and elbow tie up… Thugg pushes Strangler…Strangler pushes Thugg…the lockup continues… (Riley) – This looks like a scene from one of those nature shows where two elephants get their tusks tangled or something. (Comet) – There is certainly a lot of beef in the ring in this matchup. The fans let out a small pop when Thugg shoves Strangler towards the near ropes, causing the Boston native to take several steps backwards. However, it doesn’t take him long to jump back into a tie-up with Thugg and allow the crowd to pop even louder when he shoves Thugg back several steps. (Comet) – They’re pretty evenly matched here so far… Both Strangler and Thugg stare at each other, again standing in the center of the ring, both with a smirk on their face, which would indicate a sign of mutual respect for one another. Those smirks, however, are short lived as the two dive back into a tie-up, and after a moment of shaking the ring while they jockey for position, the two release once more and the fans give a small pop. (Riley) – Seeing as how neither of these men has been in the ring with one another, they might be trying to feel each other out. (Comet) – You WOULD want them to start feeling each other, wouldn’t you Riley? (Riley) – Shut up. After an eternity of staring each other down, Thugg looks to the sky, and then slowly raises his hand into the air. (Riley) – Test of strength!! Strangler looks up at Thugg’s hand, then back at Thugg’s eyes, and much to the crowd’s delight, he takes Thugg’s hand. Immediately, Strangler steps backwards with his left foot as Thugg leans in with the early advantage. Thugg leans in hard, and Strangler’s legs buckle a bit under the pressure from the former champion. (Comet) – And it looks like Thugg is the stronger of the two hear, but that’s not much of a surprise as he’s the larger of the two in both height and weight. The fans slow down their cheers as Thugg completely dominates the test of strength, and nearly on his knees, Strangler grunts while the veins in his head begin to show through. He pushes and pushes, but Thugg just leans on him…that is, until… RAAAAAAA!! (Comet) – And would you look at that?!? Strangler pushes up, while Thugg’s eyes bulge and his jaw drops. The fans pull behind Strangler as he stands back upright with he and Thugg’s hands at a stalemate above their heads. (Riley) – He looked down and out of that little mini contest, but I think it shows a lot of heart to come back. (Comet) – I think it shows integrity not to result to an un-gentlemen-like cheapshot… BOOOOOO!!!! (Riley) – You mean like that? (Comet) – Exactly like that...I can’t believe he’d do that. The fans let their heat flow as Strangler doubles over from a kick to the gut from Thugg. He quickly raises his right arm and drops a huge forearm onto the back of Strangler, who goes down to one knee from the strike. However, the blow does not put Strangler down as it would a smaller man, and the former world champion is quickly back up, where he throws Thugg’s arms aside and drills him with a hard right hand! (Comet) – Thugg with that huge club to the back, but Strangler getting back with that huge right hand. Talk about an even matchup…this could come down to who has the more endurance. The punch staggers Thugg a bit, but he quickly fires a right hand of his own that slams into Strangler’s jaw, sending him back a few steps. The fans are solidly behind Strangler as he connects with another right hand that makes Thugg stumble, who then fires a punch of his own. Right hand by Strangler…right hand by Thugg…right hand by Strangler…right hand by Strangler… (Comet) – Trading punch for punch here…wait…no…Strangler lands several in a row, and now he’s got the advantage! Referee Sexton Hardcastle makes a valiant effort to warn the two about closed fists, but neither man listens to him. The final punch by Strangler sends Thugg back to the far side ropes, where Strangler gives him a huge pull and whips…NO! REVERSED! Thugg sends Strangler to the near side ropes, where he appears to nearly fall over the top due to his weight, but instead, rebounds full speed at Thugg. Thugg waits for Strangler with a huge clothesline, but Strangler alertly ducks the blow, turns around behind Thugg, locks on a sleeper, and then takes Thugg down with a Sleeper Drop! (Riley) – I think we’re going to get our first look at whether Thugg’s neck can hold up in a match because that move puts a great deal of pressure on the neck. Without much hesitation, Thugg rolls over onto his stomach and onto all fours, while Strangler gets back to his feet as well. Strangler, seeing Thugg attempting to rise, drops an elbow right onto Thugg’s back, sending him back down to the ground. (Comet) – And now Strangler is going to look to stay all over Thugg now…not let the big man back into this matchup. Stranger gets up pretty quickly, and, again, drops an elbow onto Thugg as he tries to rise. With the fans firmly behind the Boston native, Strangler jumps to his feet and begins to drive boot after boot into Thugg’s back. (Riley) – That’s how you have to do it…I’ve been saying all along, if you wanna stop a guy like Thugg…or even Bastion for that matter. Strangler reaches down and gathers up the somewhat wearing Thugg, and with massive effort, he whips the big man into the far left corner, where Thugg’s back hits the turnbuckle with a THUD! (Comet) – Thugg, whipped into the corner… Strangler moves quickly over to the corner where Thugg seems to be resting, and… SMACK! “Ooooo!” …delivers a vicious chop to Thugg’s chest that causes him to wince in pain. SMACK! “Ooooo!” (Comet) – Strangler with those knife-edge chops! The fans, completely content with shouting “Oooo” for every chop, silence again as Thugg thrusts forward, grabs Strangler by the throat, turns around, and throws the Red Sox fan into the same corner… SLAP!! “Ooooo!” (Comet) – And now Thugg with those open-handed slaps! I, for one, think those hurt more than the chops… SLAP! “Ooooo!” Strangler screams out in pain as Thugg delivers the second of two slaps, and then Thugg grabs Strangler by the wrist and whips him across the ring to the near right corner, where Strangler slams in back first. Sensing the changing tide, Thugg takes a running start and slams into Strangler in the corner. (Comet) – Thugg starting to roll here… Thugg immediately grabs Strangler and whips him again, this time back to the far left corner, and again, Strangler lands back-first into the turnbuckle. Thugg, again, runs at, and once again, he lands with the big splash in the corner. (Comet) – Thugg with another splash in the corner… Thugg, really feeling full of himself, whips Strangler again, to the near left corner, and with the momentum completely against him, Strangler lands in the corner. Thugg, runs in one more time for the splash… (Comet) – Thugg going for another splash, but this time, Strangler was ready for him, giving Thugg that sharp elbow to the face. Upon receiving Strangler’s elbow, Thugg turns away holding his face, and Strangler looks to take advantage. When Thugg turns to face him again, Strangler delivers a boot to the gut that doubles the big man, and he quickly hooks in a Front Face Lock. Once the Face Lock is on, Strangler quickly twists and drops and elbow to the back of Thugg’s skull! (Comet) – LABOTOMY!!! Strangler with that huge elbow to the back of Thugg’s head, driving his face to the canvas! Thugg hits the canvas, bounces a bit, and conveniently flips onto his back, allowing Strangler to go for the first cover of the match… (Comet) – Strangler with the cover!! ONE! TWO!! (Comet) – NO! Thugg gets his shoulders up. (Riley) – Somewhat of a close call for Thugg there. Normally, you can’t wear Thugg down with that kind of stuff, but Strangler is over 300 pounds, and that’s a lot of weight to get up when kicking out. Both men get back to their feet, with Strangler rising a bit quicker and meeting Thugg with a right hand to the jaw that sends him stumbling back wards. Another right keeps Thugg at bay, and then Strangler pushes him against the near ropes and whips him to the far side of the ring. Thugg bends the ropes back, and then heads back to…NO! Instead, Thugg holds onto the ropes, and slips out of the ring under the bottom rope. (Comet) – Wise, veteran move from Thugg there, slipping out of the ring to both catch his breath and slow Strangler’s momentum. The fans boo slightly from this tactic, and Thugg starts to pace the area near the announce table. Strangler darts towards the far side of the ring, and slides out behind Thugg, while Hardcastle screams from inside the ring for the two monsters to get back into the ring. (Riley) – They’re bringing it over here Comet!! (Comet) – I see that Bobby…just calm down. I’ll tell you when it’s time to bail out. Thugg starts to walk towards the left side of the ringside area, with Strangler gaining. Before Thugg can turn the corner, Strangler is upon him…BUT…Thugg turns around quickly and fires a right hand that lands square on Strangler’s jaw! (Riley) – Suckered him right in!!! The fans seem unhappy with Thugg’s tactic, as Strangler teeters back from the blow. Without hesitation, Thugg darts in and drops Strangler on the thinly padded floor with a clothesline, after which, he lets out a primal scream of “Who da man!” (Comet) – Thugg’s full of himself now…and it looks like he’s going to take care of Strangler outside the ring. Thugg dips back in the ring to break Hardcastle’s count, and then goes back to Strangler, who is rising to his feet. He gives Strangler a hard boot to the gut to double him over, and then throws him into a Front Face Lock. Thugg plants his feet firmly, digs in, and uses all his strength to get Strangler into the air for a Suplex, where he holds him while thousands of fans take pictures of the amazing feat. (Riley) – Holy crap Comet!! Check out that strength from Thugg, getting over 300 pounds of the Boston Strangler up for a suplex! (Comet) – And what’s more…he’s holding him there! Thugg takes a few steps to compensate for Strangler’s wavering body, and then when he can’t hold the former champ up anymore, Thugg falls backwards, causing Strangler’s back to slam hard on the floor! (Comet) – What a Stalling Suplex from Thugg!!! SEVEN!! Thugg hears Hardcastle call out seven, and he dives back into the ring, and just as quicky slides back out, once again breaking the referee’s count. With Hardcastle shouting, Thugg shrugs him off and goes back to Strangler, who is writhing on the ground holding his back. (Riley) – Thugg nearly got counted out there. He just made it back into the ring in time. Thugg grabs Strangler up off the floor, grabs him by the wrist, and… CLANG!!! …whips him into the steel steps, totally dislodging them. (Comet) – OH!!! Strangler just went back first into those unforgiving steel steps!!! (Riley) – There just ain’t no good way to take those steps in the back. No matter how much you try to protect yourself, it’s just gonna be painful. The fans cringe from the shot while Strangler grabs at his back as he writhes on the ground. Thugg, feeling very good about himself, looks around at the crowd before going back to Strangler. He walks over to TBS, raises him, and rolls the equally large man back into the ring, much to the happiness of Sexton Hardcastle. (Comet) – And Thugg’s starting to roll, and he’s starting to get back to the Thugg of old…just plain brutal. (Riley) – That’s how you have to be if you wanna compete in this league. Strangler rests on all fours while Thugg climbs back in the ring, and once HVT has reached his victim, he drops a knee right into the small of Strangler’s back, sending him back to the ground. (Comet) – And a knee to the back from Thugg, and perhaps he’s looking to work the back of Strangler. (Riley) – To set up for what? (Comet) – Untamed I guess…not sure. The fans quiet again as Thugg begins to lay boot after boot into Strangler’s back before lifting him once again. Once he has Strangler to his weary feet, Thugg whips him to the near side ropes, and upon Strangler’s return, Thugg grabs him at the waist, steps to the side, pulls Strangler onto his hip, and plants him to the canvas with a tremendous Sidewalk Slam! (Comet) – And the punishment continues… (Riley) – How much can Strangler take? (Comet) – A ton, I’m sure…but Thugg should be careful because Strangler has a history of just snapping in matches, at which point, he’ll just try to hurt Thugg with no regard for the rules. With Strangler writhing, Thugg sees his opportunity, and he raises Strangler once more. Thugg dips his shoulder and uses his leverage to place Strangler up in a Fireman’s Carry. With Strangler on his shoulders facing towards the front of hid body, Thugg takes his right arm and places it back around Stangler’s neck and shoulders, while taking his left arm and placing it around Strangler’s legs. Then, with all the force left in his body, Thugg tries his hardest to brings his two arms towards the center of his own body, while bending and stretching Srangler’s body around his own neck and shoulders. (Comet) – The Torture Rack!!! I haven’t seen that move in ages!! It puts a ton of pressure on the victim’s back, and after the beating that Strangler’s taken so far, that’s gotta be even more painful. (Riley) – So THAT’S what he was setting up for… Strangler screams out in pain, and the crowd screams with him, while Hardcastle gets close to his face to ask for a submission. “What’ya say Strangler?” “NO!” (Comet) – Just look at Thugg’s face…it looks like he’s trying to break Strangler in half with this submission! “C’mon Strangler…whadd’ya say?” “NO!” (Riley) – I think this is the first submission I’ve ever seen Thugg use. “GIVE UP BITCH!!” “You give Strangler??” “FUCK YOU, NO!” The fans start to cheer, hoping to revive their hero… “T…B…S!” “T…B…S!” “T…B…S!” “T…B…S!” (Comet) – The crowd trying to rally Strangler here… Strangler, starting to feel the crowd in his own blood stream, reaches both his arms outwards, and the fans burst. He then, takes both hands, and rakes the face of Thugg, forcing the big man to release him from the rack of torture. RAAAAAAA!! (Riley) – He broke free! (Comet) – The crowd willed it, and Strangler is free again…but, I think he might that submission might have taken its toll. Strangler immediately collapses to the ground while Thugg turns away to tend to his eyes. Hardcastle, notices Thugg’s reaction, and chastises Strangler for the illegal move that he apparently did not see. Strangler starts to struggle to his feet, and just as he does, Thugg turns back around… POW!! …and takes a hard right hand from Strangler! (Comet) – And here comes The Boston Strangler!!! A second right hand staggers Thugg considerably, and with the fans fully behind him, Starngler whips Thugg to the…NO…reversed by Thugg, and Strangler is sent to the far ropes. Thugg leans in for a huge clothesline, but Stranger ducks, hooks Thugg’s extended arm in the process, turns around behind Thugg, hooks his other arm, lifts Thugg up, and slams him to the canvas ass first with a Full Nelson Drop!! (Comet) – Full Nelson Atomic Drop!! The momentum has switched! Strangler, adrenalin flowing freely, pops back to his feet, but touches his back a bit before grabbing Thugg. When Thugg is standing and the crowd is cheering, Strangler gives him a boot to the gut, hooks both his arms, and looks out at the crowd. (Riley) – Here’s the set up!! He pulls Thugg into a Front Facelock, and with his arms still hooked, falls backwards and slams Thugg’s head on the canvas with a Double Arm DDT!!! (Comet) – LIGHTS OUT!!! You know what it’s time for now!!! Totally pumped up, Strangler gets back up once again, and once again, he touches his back. He grabs Thugg up, and while Thugg seems dead on his feet, Strangler looks out at the all sides of the screaming crowd. He puts one fist in the air, sending the fans into a frenzy, and then he sends Thugg to the near ropes. No reverse this time, and when Thugg is back to Strangler, TBS dips down, and using the leverage he’s created and every ounce of strength he has in his body… (Riley) – HOW IN THE HELL!?! (Comet) – What strength!! We all knew he was going for it, but I don’t think any of us thought he could do it!! That’s nearly 400 pounds he’s got up there!! …to put Thugg up in a GORILLA PRESS!! RAAAAAA!!! (Riley) – That is one sickly strong human being!! Now the flash bulbs start to flicker as Strangler holds Thugg up to show his feat off to the fans. The fans oblige by cheering their heads off and taking thousands of pictures. The building is rocking from end to end as Strangler prepares to… *GASP* …and that’s when it happens. (Comet) – NO! (Riley) – NO! Just as Strangler was about to put the Massacre to Thugg, Thugg starts to wiggle, and Strangler drops him. He immediately goes down to one knee and starts to hold his back, and the pain is etched all over his face! (Comet) – Thugg started moving, and Strangler’s back gave out!! (Riley) – Looks like working that back earlier turned out to be a good tactic from Thugg. Thugg, smiles as he picks himself up off the floor, and as Strangler gets to his feet, he turns to Thugg. Strangler is immediately picked up, almost like a bearhug, but is thrown quickly to the canvas with a Bearhug Front Slam! (Comet) – OH! Bearhug Front Slam! The crowd has a mixed reaction to Thugg taking his thumb and slashing it across his own throat. Their reaction is even worse when Thugg lifts Strangler, whips him to the near ropes, and lifts him up into a front press position upon his return. However, upset they are, the fans take picture regardless, but they go quite as Thugg turns Strangler so that his head is pointing towards the front of Thugg’s body, and then slams him neck first to the canvas with a Michinochu Driver, while Thugg sits out! (Comet) – LAST STAND!!! LAST STAND!! STRANGLER’S DONE…IT’S ALL OVER!! (Riley) – Hey…don’t forget to mention the massive strength from Thugg there to get Strangler up for that Last Stand!! Some fans cheer, others boo, while some are just quiet as Thugg quickly crawls over the lifeless Strangler and Hardcastle slides into position… (Comet) – THUGG WITH THE COVER!!! ONE!! TWO!! THREE!!! DING DING DING (Comet) – AND THAT’S IT!! WHAT A RETURN FOR THE HVILLE THUGG!! HE HAS JUST DEFEATED THE BOSTON STRANGLER IN ONE HELL OF A MATCH BY BOTH MEN!! (Riley) – I guess Thugg’s neck is fine… (Comet) – But what about Strangler’s back…Thugg went to town on it tonight, allowing him to pick up the win after a botched Boston Massacre. (Funyon) – The winner of the match…The Angry Black Man…THE HVIIIIIILE THUUUUUUUUGGGGGG!! Again, a mixed reaction from the crowd as Thugg’s arm is raised and his music hits. Strangler lays on the canvas still as Thugg exits the ring. (Comet) – Hell of a win for Thugg…huge even. His neck seems to be fine, and now no one is safe…The angry black man is back…we’ll be right back as well. Fade to commercial.

Backstage sitting on a bench in the dressing rooms, Va’aiga, the Maori Badass broods. His head is wrapped in a towel and his massive tattooed forearms are down by his sides. Lost deep in his own mind, the Maori lets a little thought slip out publicly. Va’aiga: Maybe Strangler is right. Va’aiga’s meditations are disturbed by a voice drifting across the room. The Voice: Maybe Strangler isn’t. Va’aiga looks up and the caerma follows his gaze as leaning confidently against the wall and smiling a little smile is The Sinner himself, John Duran. Duran: You've got a handcuff match tonight. Don't lose already by letting Strangler handcuff you, Va'aiga, don't let him limit you, don't allow him to push that anger down. Damnit, you’re the Maori Badass! You’re DRIVEN by your anger. Pride? Envy? These are your fuels. Stay on the right path. Sin to Win. Go crush Johnny Dangerous. The Maori Badass breathes in deeply and throws the towel off his head, walking powerfully towards the door. Va’aiga: Yeah... YEAH! I’m gonna kick his ass so bad his intestines end up working BACKWARDS. Va’aiga walks out of the door and closes it behind him. Three seconds pass before it slams open again for one final… Va’aiga: BOO-YAH!

BOOM~! Fans in the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington go absolutely nunannas as SWF Storm EXPLODES back onto the airwaves! The camera quickly pans over the crowd fresh after the commercial break, and the capacity crowd collectively jumps up and down trying to get their faces and hand-crafted signs on camera. “OH, EJIRO? MORE LIKE OH, ASSHOLE!” “GET WILD WITH MY CHILD!” “I – C – H – I – B – A – N!” Finally, the camera zooms back to the announce table, with your usual geniuses. “Ladies and gents, welcome back to SWF Storm. I’m Bobby Riley, along with… oh god, if you do it again-“ “CYCLOOOOOOONE COMET!” the superhero proudly shouts. “I swear, that got old months ago.” Riley buries his face in his hands as Comet gives a cheesy thumbs-up to the camera. “And citizens, what a night we have in store for you! Last night at Ashes 2 Ashes, we saw the surprising return of none other than Charlie ‘Grappler’ Matthews! Yes, he ditched the game show image, but he picked up something else.” “JAMES MATHESON!” interrupts an exuberant Riley, “The man that led Grappler to glory in the SJL is back, and better than ever!” “Charlie’s first match after his neck injury will be against none other than Annie ‘Ichiban’ Onita, who, as we saw last night, put up a hell of a fight against the Anti-Heel machine.” “It was useless. The bitch got what she deserved, that AT&T II or whatever the hell you called it. Plus, she got her ribs and back worked on HELLA good. Anyway, let’s get onto the match. I’m feeling awfully bloodthirsty.” Riley points to the ring, where Funyon stands with his microphone. “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!” With Funyon’s last word, the lights in the arena go out as Metallica’s “Some Kind of Monster” kicks in. The fans who witnessed Ashes 2 Ashes last night break out into jeers, while the unfortunate few who didn’t see it fold to peer pressure and join in. A single spotlight appears on the stage as the chorus begins, and the figure of James Matheson sprints out of the entryway. As Matheson breaks into a round of applause on the ramp, the enormous figure of Charlie Matthews appears in the spotlight, and he begins his slow walk to the ring. “Introducing first, being accompanied by James Matheson, from Kansas City, Missouri, weighing in at 287 pounds, this is CHAAAAAAAAARLIE ‘GRAPPLER’ MAAAAAAATTHEWSSSSS!!!!” Grappler and Matheson ignore the boos of the fans and continue their walk, Matheson shooting off last-minute advice to his client. Charlie nods and walks up the steps, entering the ring as Matheson takes his spot on the outside. Grappler simply stands in a corner, awaiting his opponent. “And his opponent!” *BOOM!* As really blue pyro explodes out of the entryway, “Risky Gamble” by Megumi Hayashibara plays, and the female phenom appears on the stage, along with her twin sister! The crowd ROARS at the sight, as Annie begins walking down to the ring. “Accompanied by Allison Onita, from Tokyo, Japan, weighing in at 175 pounds, she is the one and only AAAAAAAAAAANNIE ‘IIIIIIIICHIBAN’ OOOOOOONITAAAAAA!!!” Annie walks right to the ring, rolling under the bottom rope as Allison slaps some fans’ hands, taking a position at ringside. The house lights in the arena come on, and before Nick Soapdish can even call for the bell, Matthews rushes at Annie, surprising her by lifting his knee right into Onita’s gut! *DING DING DING* With Ichiban doubled over, Grappler immediately begins laying in hard forearm shots to the back, forcing the former Eclectic into the corner. With Ann against the turnbuckle, Charlie sizes her up and sends one HARD fist to her face…but it’s blocked! The Seattle crowd lets out a cheer as Onita holds onto Grappler’s hand and lifts her leg, sending a hard kick into his abdomen! With the big man doubled over, Ann leaps up, introducing her left knee to Matthews’ face! Charlie staggers backward, and Annie leaps forward, her arm outward, catching him under the jaw with a clothesline…but Grappler doesn’t go down! Ann charges at her foe again, aiming for another clothesline, but this time Matthews ducks, and wraps his arms around Onita’s waist from behind, and then lifts her with ease into the air, dropping her down onto her stomach with an amateur takedown! “Well,” begins Comet, “it looks like Citizen Matthews got a bit more than he bargained for with Miss Onita! She fought fire with fire, so Charles had to resort to something he’s admittedly better at – wrestling.” “And that’s what it’s ALL about,” chimes in Riley, “because that bitch can’t do a damn thing on the mat.” At Matheson’s screaming of “REMEMBER THE RIBS!” on the outside, Grappler keeps the waistlock in tight, squeezing the life out of Onita in the match’s early stages. Seeing how close Ann is to the ropes, Charlie wraps his own leg over hers, to keep her from getting a rope break. After seemingly getting bored, Charlie shifts his weight around, moving his body to Annie’s head, now executing a gutwrench on the mat. The Seattle crowd rings in with an “OH – NEE – TAH!” chant, but the Queen doesn’t need it. With Grappler off of her legs, Onita simply inches her body back, and drapes her left foot over the bottom rope, causing Soapdish to call for the break! Disappointed at his mistake, Matthews lets go and stands in the corner, letting Annie get to her feet in the corner. “Almost a rookie mistake there by Matthews!” adds Comet, “He may have lost his sense of ring presence in the months he was out of action!” “Oh, that’s utter and complete bullnuts, Comet,” scoffs Riley, “Grappler did that on purpose. EVERYTHING Charlie does is for a reason.” As soon as she’s up, Grappler charges with a full head of steam into the corner…and Annie moves! Charlie, however, stops himself with his arms out, and quickly spins his body around with a lariat…but Annie dodges this, as well! Ichiban sprints to the ropes and pushes off of them, gaining momentum as she approaches the confused Matthews and leaps into the air, nailing Charlie in the chin with a side kick! Grappler staggers into the corner, and Annie doesn’t let up. From the center of the ring, Onita runs and jumps, landing a kick right into Charlie’s chest before vaulting off of his chest and arching backward, executing a beautiful moonsault kick! With the crowd’s applause, Charlie shuffles out of the corner and drops to his knees, as Ichiban winds up one more time, spinning her leg around and delivering a vicious buzzsaw kick to Matthews’ temple! *CRACK!* “ITCH – EE – BAN!” “ITCH – EE – BAN!” The crowd gets behind the hardcore queen as Matthews finally falls flat on his face! Annie waves to the crowd and rolls Charlie over, covering him as Soapdish counts! “ONE!” …and Grappler kicks out WITH AUTHORITY! James Matheson wipes the perspiration off of his brow as Charlie easily escapes the predicament, and Allison pounds on the mat, encouraging her sister. Annie stalks her prey, but Charlie begs off, commanding Soapdish to separate them. “What a cowardly act!” accuses Comet, “after a beautiful trifecta of kicks by Ms. Onita, Citizen Charles is forced to run off like a scalded Luthor!” “You bumbling fool,” begins Riley, ironically, “it’s all about mind games! Chuck is simply getting into Annie’s head, and I bet my sperm bank account that it’ll work!” With Soapdish holding Annie back, Matheson leaps onto the apron next to Grappler and begins whispering words of strategy into his client’s ear. The only words the camera picks up are “focus” and “ribs”. The vibrant manager drops down to ringside, leaving a seemingly more confident Grappler in the ring. He walks to the center of the ring, motioning for Onita to do the same. Coolly, Annie obliges, and Matthews signals for a lock up. Both wrestlers move in, but Onita quickly lifts her leg up for a kick…Charlie catches it! Holding onto her leg, Matthews shoves Annie down, and then jumps into the air, dropping his extended left leg across her midsection! With his leg still in position, Matthews slides his right leg under Annie and locks his feet together, squeezing the queen’s midsection with a devastating body scissors! With Ichiban in pain, Allison leads the ringside fans into a wild clapping and stomping frenzy, trying to help her sister feed off of the adrenaline! Matheson, on the other side of the ring, tries to quiet down the fans, to no avail. “And Charles continues the pain with a body scissors,” adds Comet, “and that, by the way, is an ambiguous statement.” “Did someone say ‘ambiguous’?” Riley perks up. “Oh, that. Comet, you need to realize that Mr. Matthews is a submission MASTER. All of these holds he’s putting Annie in weaken her ribs more and more. Just wait till we get to the best one.” As Charlie continues to squeeze, Ichiban continues to fight, struggling to inch closer…and closer…and closer to the ropes. With the Washington crowd like GANGBUSTERS behind her, Annie reaches… Reaches… Reaches… …AND GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE! The crowd lets out a cry of delight, Soapdish calls for Matthews to release the body scissors, and he obliges. Immediately after he gets up, however, Charlie doesn’t hold back, and he drops and elbow right down on Annie’s prone body…but she moves! Onita uses the ropes to pull herself up, and waits for the big man to get up as well. When he does, Ichiban lifts her leg up and swings…connecting a BIG roundhouse kick right on the side of Grappler’s head! Matthews begins teetering, but instead of letting him fall, Onita ducks behind him and grabs a tight waistlock. Using all of the strength she can muster, Annie HEAVES Grappler UP and OVER with a RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX! The crowd roars as Charlie hits the mat with ring-shaking impact. “And Annie-san FINALLY regains the advantage!” rejoices Comet, “and this match has become WATCHABLE again!” “You did NOT just say that!” shoots Riley, “how DARE you say that in the presence of a great champion like Mr. Matthews?” Ichiban waves to the crowd, albeit in pain as she clutches her ribs, and they respond with resounding cheers. She bends down to lift Charlie up by his head. However, Matthews springs up and drives his head RIGHT into Annie’s abdomen, stunning her! Matthews reaches his feet and grabs Annie by the arm, whipping her right into the corner. Wait! As Annie reaches the turnbuckle, she uses her momentum to climb up to the top rope, and she launches off, arching backwards for a moonsault…NO! Grappler catches Annie in mid-air, positioning her stomach-down right on his shoulder, before squeezing and pressing down with all of his might! “Good lord!” begins Comet, “almost an inverted shoulder rack there by Matthews! He’s doing everything he can to focus on those ribs!” “GENIUS! Charlie Matthews is an absolute GENIUS in that squared circle!” praises Riley, “And I love every minute of it! Break her ribs, Grap!” Matthews continues to bend and unbend his knees, racking Annie’s ribs with evil intent! The Seattle crowd does everything they can to get behind Ichiban, clapping and stomping as an “ANN – E!” chant breaks out. Annie desperately tries to wriggle out of the predicament, but it seems as though Charlie is just too strong. However, with her arms in front of her, Ichiban is able to send punches right into the upper body of Matthews! While this only serves to pester the Grappler, Annie is able to get her right arm around Matthews’ neck, in almost an inverted facelock! Charlie tries to fight out of it by backing into the corner, but this only helps matters, as Annie uses the turnbuckle to push off of, and then flip forward, dropping down and hitting a DIAMOND DUST! “You have to be kidding!” scoffs Riley, “I can’t believe that was actually…innovative!” “And Annie is BACK in this match!” adds Comet, “Her ribs may be battered, bruised, and possibly broken-“ “DEFINITELY broken,” interjects Riley. “…but that’s not stopping her from mounting a comeback. Thank you, Bobby.” After taking the Diamond Dust, Charlie remains on his knees, stunned by the blow. Seeing this, and after catching her breath, Annie runs to the ropes, and as she comes back, she steps on Charlie’s knee and vaults up, swinging her leg around and connecting her knee with the side of Matthews’ head, executing the SHINING WIZARD! The crowd roars as Ichiban quickly drops on top of the fallen Grappler, hooking a leg as Soapdish drops to count! “ONE!” “TWOOO!” KICKOUT!! James Matheson has a heart attack at ringside, and is now using a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off of his brow. Meanwhile, Onita clutches her ribs as she rises to her feet and decides to kick this match up a notch. She ducks under the ropes and begins climbing, all the way to the top turnbuckle! The crowd buzzes in anticipation, as Grappler reaches his feet. When he does, Annie launches off, anticipating a flying clothesline. …BUT GRAPPLER CATCHES HER! Matthews wraps his arms around Annie and squeezes as tightly as he can, sucking the life out of her (and the crowd!) “IIIIIIIIIIIIT’S BEARHUG TIME~!” rejoices Riley, gleefully. “Everyone’s FAVORITE submission hold of Charlie Matthews makes its SWF return, and I love it!” Comet yawns before adding, “well, the crowd certainly seems to be…uh, into this.” “BOOOOOOORING!” “BOOOOOOORING!” “BOOOOOOORING!” As the chant resounds through the arena, James Matheson covers his ears and yells at everyone in sight to shut up. Allison, meanwhile, encourages the fans, clapping and cheering for her sister. Finally, Matthews drops to a knee, exerting more pressure on the hurt ribs. Annie’s activity becomes less and less, as she slowly but surely succumbs to the pain and suffering (in more ways than one) of THE BEARHUG. Matheson clamors at Soapdish, yelling “Check her! Check her!” Soapdish obliges. He lifts her arm once… …and it falls! The arm goes up a second time… …and it drops again! The arm goes up a third and final time, as the crowd reaches a fever pitch… …and it falls! …NO! Annie gets her arm up at the last possible second! The crowd roars as Annie begins to shake, desperately trying to escape the bearhug! Charlie, meanwhile, is in shock, and he tries to apply even more pressure than before. However, Ichiban fights it, sending right and left hands raining down on Grappler’s head! After sufficient weakening, Annie does the one move that ALWAYS escapes the bearhug, and boxes Charlie’s ears! As Matthews lets go to regain his equilibrium, Onita charges to the ropes, and as she rebounds back, leaps into the air for a flying forearm! …but this time, Grappler uses her momentum against her, grabbing her around the neck and DRIVING HER back down into the canvas with an STO!!! “YES!” exults Riley, “You want to talk about momentum stoppers? That was mo-sto numero uno!” “Well, it certainly was an innovative counter,” admits Comet, “but both citizens are now on their backs! This match has done a number on both of them!” With both Charlie and Annie down, Soapdish begins the ten count! “ONE!” “TWO!” “THREE!” With that, James Matheson leaps onto the apron, and begins to fiddle with a turnbuckle pad! “FOUR!” Charlie recovers, however, and to divert Soapdish’s attention away, he rolls on top of Annie, hooking a leg and commanding the referee to count! “ONE!” “TWO!” “TH – NO!” Annie shoots her shoulder up, but Matthews is hardly disappointed, as that pin was merely a diversionary tactic. Indeed, Matheson finishes the dirty deed, taking the turnbuckle pad down with him…getting right into the face of Allison Onita! The two share a scuffle, and after some words by Matheson, Allison rears back… *CRACK!* …and slaps him across the face! The crowd roars as Matheson collapses to the mat, scurrying away to create as much distance as possible. “And that -excuse my Klingon- bitch gets it!” says Comet with joy. “Yeah, Grappler’s giving her a pretty damn good beating!” replies Riley. “Well, anyway, it looks like Matthews has Annie right where he wants her! He’s signaling for the end!” Indeed, Charlie picks Annie off the mat and positions her in a standing headscissors, before hoisting her up into the air. Instead of the usual position, though, Grappler keeps her across his shoulder, and holding her with one hand, he points to the exposed turnbuckle! “Oh no,” begins Comet, “he’s going to Powerbomb her onto that steel bolt! Good god, don’t do it, Charles!” Matthews begins running, but using her last ounce of momentum, Annie shifts her weight forward, rolling off of Charlie’s shoulder and dropping down behind him, grabbing his legs and pulling him over with a SUNSET FLIP! The crowd roars as Soapdish counts this surprise pin! “ONE!” “TWO!” “THREEEENOOOO!” “Good god!” shouts Comet, “Citizen Onita almost had Charles pinned with that one move! That’s proof that Anything Can Happen in the SWF™!” “Oh, poppycock!” shoots Riley, nervously, “It’s her damn ribs! Her ribs MUST be giving out sometime soon! I mean, it’s all part of the game plan!” Matthews shoots his shoulder up, but rolls away in absolute SHOCK that Annie had anything left in her tank. He pulls himself up, yelling at Annie. “GET UP, BITCH! GET UP!” Ichiban reaches her feet, and the crowd begins chanting her name yet again! She turns around to face her opponent…who CHARGES out of the corner, swinging his left arm out wildly for a lariat…BUT ANNIE DUCKS! As Charlie spins around on the rebound, Ichiban sends a HARD kick into his gut, doubling over, as she puts him into a standing headscissors! The crowd reaches a fevered pitch as she hooks both of his arms together! “IT’S DAYBREAK!” shouts Comet, “WE’RE ON PACIFIC STANDARD TIME HERE IN SEATTLE, BUT IT’S DAYBREAK AT SWF STORM!” “…well, that was an interesting way to look at it,” muses Riley, “but look, my man Charlie is fighting out of it!” As Bobby pointed out, Matthews drops to a knee, struggling to avoid Annie’s signature finishing maneuver! Onita tries to pull Charlie up to a standing base, but this time Grappler is able to snake his arms free, and he uses them to grab Annie’s legs, lifting her into the air! He turns around, aligning her with the exposed turnbuckle bolt, and charges! “OH MY GOD, NO!” admonishes Comet, “HE’S GOING TO KILL HER!” “And that’s the point, baby!” Riley says, rubbing it in. “Annie’s ribs are DUST!” And Charlie runs forward, SLAMMING Annie into the steel bolt! *BOOM!* The crowd groans at the sound and the sight, as Annie lets out a cry of pain! Charlie doesn’t stop, though, as he backs up, and charges again! *BOOM!* This one is with more velocity than the first, but Charlie backs up with malice in his eyes, and looks to Matheson, who simply nods and claps. *BOOM!* Annie goes in a THIRD time, as Annie is practically motionless. She uses her last amount of strength to throw some punches at Grappler, but they’re ignored as he backs up and charges… *BOOM!* …into the turnbuckle AGAIN! Even Nick Soapdish tries to stop this, but Charlie ignores this as he goes in AGAIN. Allison jumps on the apron to try and stop this, but she is promptly pulled down by James Matheson! The weasel quickly moves away from Allison before anything else can happen, however. *BOOM!* “Make it stop, MAKE IT STOP!” pleads Comet. “Charles, what are you trying to prove?!” ”That he’s UNSTOPPABLE, Comet! By shattering each and EVERY one of Annie’s ribs, Grappler is sending a message to EVERYONE in the SWF!” After the FIFTH brutal spear, Charlie only backs up a few steps, and CHARGES FORWARD, repeating the process in rapid succession! *BOOM!* *BOOM!* *BOOM!* *BOOM!* After NINE spears into the steel, Charlie backs up, to the opposite turnbuckle, and then CHARGES at FULL SPEED, SLAMMING ANNIE RIGHT INTO THE BOLT A TENTH AND FINAL TIME!!! As Grappler lets go, Annie collapses out of the corner, blood seeping out of her mouth. “That’s just SICK,” says Comet, “and it makes my blood boil. Annie’s ribs are absolutely demolished, she has internal bleeding, and Matthews just does not care!” “And did you expect anything else, Comet?” asks Riley, “no. This is Charlie Matthews, back after two months off with a neck injury, and severely pissed off. Annie’s just in the way, and now it’s time to finish her off.” Taking heed to Riley’s words, Charlie literally peels Annie off of the mat and positions her in a standing headscissors. After nodding to a cheering Matheson, Grappler hoists her into the air, and then SLAMS HER DOWN TO THE MAT WITH THE POWERBOMB! Grappler stands for a minute, looking at the Seattle fans, Allison Onita, James Matheson, and finally, the bloody, beaten Annie ‘Ichiban’ Onita. And a sadistic smile forms on his face. Matthews drops down, pushing Annie’s legs over her shoulders as Soapdish drops to count the pin. The Seattle crowd is almost hushed at what has occurred. “ONE!” “TWO!” “THREE!” “RING THE BELL!” *DING DING DING* “Some Kind of Monster” kicks in again as overwhelming boos fill the Key Arena, and Funyon rises to make the official announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner of the match, CHARLIE ‘GRAPPLER’ MAAAATTHEWSSSS!!!!!!” Matheson leaps into the ring, and begins cheering on his meal ticket. Charlie rises up off of Annie, eyes transfixed on her beaten form for a second, before turning to his manager. Matheson’s smile is irreplaceable, as he continues to congratulate Charlie. “He did it, and I told you so!” boasts Riley, “Charlie Matthews returns and makes that bitch his…uh, bitch!” “But did you see how he won it?” asks Comet, disgusted, “That absolutely sickens me to no end!” “Oh, come on. A win’s a win, Superhero, and it doesn’t matter how you do it! Grappler just showed a new side of himself tonight, and I love it!” Allison, meanwhile, slides into the ring, concern painted on her face as she checks on her fallen sister. Soapdish signals for more referees to come down to help. “Well, I’m just hoping all the best for Citizen Onita,” adds Comet, sadly, “but we still have more of SWF Storm to go.” “Damn right, Comet! Get your mind off the bitch; we still have a whole show to go!”

Walking towards his dressing room, the Maori Badass has arrived! Riley: Look who’s here! It’s Va’aiga. Va’aiga walks down the mazelike corridors that exist in EVERY arena in the world, until his progress is briefly impeded by the scarred, but built arm of Boston Strangler. Strangler: What’s WITH you? Tonight you’re out there against Johnny Dangerous, US title. You might kick his ass. You might snap again, but no disrespect to Johnny you’re better than that. You get a little focus in your life and you could be ICTV, maybe even world champion. You gotta learn to control that anger. Va’aiga: I AM the anger. I am a MONSTER. Strangler: You ain’t a monster. You’re just a damn good pro wrestler. And this isn’t a bitch, a guy you hate. Va’aiga and the Strangler, 611lbs of muscle, undefeated when teaming. You said before you respect me. Now trust me. Va’aiga just waves Strangler out of the way and continues off towards the dressing rooms.