Toxxic

I was thinking more of Spike really. (I think he wants to win) I know, but what I meant was that it doesn't matter who complains afterwards, because it's the markers that decide. You can do no more than write your best match, and if someone complains about it then someone complains.

I took issue with you totally misrepresenting my character in our World Title match. Thing is, once the markers have made their decision it doesn't matter. I'm glad you're showing though, as apart from the marking out I would do if Spike or Sean won, you would probably make the most 'sense' as the 'Fuck winner.

Maddix, for christ's sake man show. If no-one else shows you'll win be default, and if everyone else rushes theirs you could win despite being over the limit.

Our second meeting, and a rather more solid effort on my part I thought, but then again I had been in the fed more than 6 weeks by this point. Zed said it was a hard decision but in the end I won again. Sorry Dace... (surplus tags left in because I'm about to go to bed) The Smartmarks wrestling Federation presents... SWF STORM, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11TH, LIVE FROM THE DELTA CENTER IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH! (5:00pm PCT, 8:00pm EST; check local listings) Send marked matches, promos, etc. to 5_moves_of_doom MAIN EVENT WORLD TITLE MATCH Toxxic© vs Dace Night The challenge was thrown out, and here we go... not 10 days after Toxxic wins the world title, capping off a spectacular rookie career, he faces the hardcore Dace Night. Will the words they shared on Storm be shadowed by their actions in the ring? Rules: Standard singles match. Word Limit: 6500 Send To: realitycheck The moment Lockdown comes back from the commercial break the cameras focus on Funyon standing dead centre in the ring. In the crowd behind him someone desperately waves a ‘Spike = teh deadz’ sign, but the ring announcer has his attention firmly on the job in hand. “FUN-YON!” “FUN-YON!” “FUN-YON!” “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the SWF WORLD... HEAVYWEIGHT... CHAMPIONSHIP!” Funyon booms, and the crowd go wild. “Introducing first...” A drum solo kicks in and ‘Painkiller’ by Death blasts out over the PA while red and white lights flash in time to the beat. The black Smarktron screen shatters like glass to show red-filtered clips of Dace dropping people on their heads and slicing up Spike Jenkins before ‘DACE NIGHT’ comes up in spiky lettering. As the opening scream hits- *BAM!* -white pyro lights the length of the entrance ramp, and the White Night strides out through the smoke! The Delta Center erupts into a frenzy of cheers for the Hardcore Goth, the last surviving member of the Unholy Trinity. “...the challenger, from Birmingham, England!” Funyon continues. “He weighs in tonight at 252lbs and is the pioneer of ‘Horrorcore’... this is DACE...” “FUCKING!” the crowd roars in typically tasteful fashion. “...NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!” the ring announcer finishes as Dace climbs into the ring and brandishes the metal horns at the SWF faithful before stripping off his ‘Ultraviolent Christraper’ T-shirt and throwing it into the crowd. “Citizens, we are in the main event!” Comet says excitedly from the announce table. “Having won the World Title at Ground Zero Toxxic now has his first defence against a man whom he has crossed paths with several times before, the ‘White Night’ Dace Night.” “...and Toxxic won all of those times,” Riley reminds his partner. “Pish,” Comet declares, “in Dace’s case the fourth time will be the charm! With a convincing victory over Ace Lezaire and Jamie Drazon at the Pay-Per-View, Citizen Night is ready like never before to take the greatest prize in this business!” Even as Comet finishes speaking the Smarktron whites out, then starts to darken as the opening chord of ‘Rookie’ by Boy Sets Fire rings out over the arena. As the screen reaches black jagged white letters flash up a certain straight-edger’s opinion of the superhero’s last statement... ‘PREPARE TO BE PROVED WRONG’ “BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” The screen changes slightly as the jagged guitar riff kicks in and the black becomes the top of a spiky-haired head which raises to stare out of the Smarktron with two piercing grey eyes before the right side of Toxxic’s face creases up into his trademark lopsided grin. The screen changes and clips of the World Champion’s most notable matches flash up as the bass drum starts, alternating with the words ‘STRAIGHT-EDGE SENSATION’ and ‘REVOLUTION ZERO’ before footage of Toxxic taking Mike Van Siclen off a balcony and through a table, the devastating landing timed to coincide with the four blasts of red pyro that climb the sides of the entrance ramp and the final, stage-wide eruption- *BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM-BOOOM!!* -that signifies the arrival of the SWF’s premier straight-edger as the main riff starts! Toxxic emerges through the smoke with Jet at his side, the World Heavyweight Title slung over his right shoulder and a malicious grin on his face as he listens to the abuse raining down from the fans in attendance. “AND HIS OPPONENT,” Funyon bellows, straining to be heard over the chorus of boos, “accompanied to the ring by his girlfriend Jet; from Nottingham, England, he weighs in at 218lbs; he is the leader of Revolution Zero and is the reigning and defending SWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION... the ‘Straight-Edge Sensation’... TOXXXXXXXXXX-IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIC!!” “Here he is, Comet,” Riley exclaims in delight. “Can you think of anyone better to keep the belt warm for Tom?” “Indeed I can, Robert,” Comet responds, “and one man in particular is standing in the ring right now.” “...much as I like him, I really don’t think Funyon is fit enough for the job.” Toxxic and Jet roll under the bottom rope and rise to their feet, staring across the ring at the challenger. Dace glares right back as he moves away from his corner, disgust visible on his face but with enough self-control to restrain himself from attacking until the bell rings. Toxxic’s grin grows wider and he spreads his arms wide just as the first verse starts... *bap-bap* *BOOOM!!* ...causing each turnbuckle to explode with more red pyro! ‘I never thought this could be me I guess you never do until it’s happening to you Like all the fun turns into shame And all the ‘could-have-beens’ rearrange...’ The music fades out as Toxxic hands his title belt over to Anthony Michael Hall, kisses Jet on the cheek and strips off his T-shirt before throwing it to - or possibly at - a couple of heavily-eyelinered girls in the front row, who can’t seem to make up their minds whether to boo or cheer. Referee Hall shows the belt to all four corners of the arena before briefly patting each man down in a check for foreign objects and signalling for the opening bell. *DING-DING-DING!* Before the sound has even died away Dace explodes forward and aims a vicious running elbow smash at Toxxic’s head. The rookie easily evades the Brummie Goth’s charge by ducking and rolling to the side and comes to his feet smirking, but Dace simply turns to face him again and makes no further move except to nod thoughtfully, his expression blank. “Yeah, like you were ever going to hit him!” Riley snorts. “I don’t think that was Citizen Night’s intent, Robert,” Comet disagrees. “It has been a little while since Dace has faced Toxxic in any sort of competition, let alone one-on-one, and I believe he merely wished to remind himself how fast Toxxic can move when he needs to.” “Oh trust me, he’ll find out soon enough when Toxxic goes flying around the ring and takes him out without Dace being able to lay a finger on him!” Riley states confidently. Dace stands in the middle of the ring and watches Toxxic circling him, moving smoothly and looking for an opening. Dace feints forward and notes the speed with which Toxxic checks himself and backs off, unwilling to close with the High Priest of Horrorcore unless it’s on his own terms. Meanwhile Toxxic pays close attention to Dace’s stance and movements and watches the White Night carefully as he continues to circle around him. “Both men are feeling the other out here,” Comet states. “I-” ”-Robert!” “...sorry.” “As I was saying,” Comet starts again with a withering glance at the man beside him, “both men are testing their opponent, I presume to see whether the other man is carrying any damage from his match at Ground Zero. It should be noted that Toxxic went through an announce table, while Dace took some nasty blows to the head including a brutal modified Shining Black from Jamie Drazon!” “But both men have had ten days to shake those effects off,” Riley argues, “so don’t think Dace can pull an injury excuse when Toxxic beats him tonight!” Abruptly, Toxxic changes tactics. The rookie darts in towards his opponent, luring Dace into throwing an elbow and ducks underneath it - but Dace knows all about Toxxic’s tendency to duck the blows of bigger strikers, and only feinted! Instead, the White Night brings his right knee up to collide with Toxxic’s midsection and knock all the breath from the champion’s body, then slams his elbow down hard into the back of Toxxic’s skull. The rookie drops to all fours but not for long, as Dace links his powerful arms around Toxxic’s waist and arches backwards to bring the straight-edger over with a gutwrench suplex. The impact causes Toxxic to gasp for air again but Dace isn’t about to let his opponent out of his grip - even as the champion manages to roll over onto his front to prevent the pinning situation Dace drops down and applies a textbook front facelock to his adversary, squeezing tight to try and limit the oxygen supply to the Straight-Edge Sensation’s brain. “TOXX-IC SUCKS!” “TOXX-IC SUCKS!” “TOXX-IC SUCKS!” Toxxic wriggles for all he’s worth, but he is neither strong enough nor technically-minded enough to throw Dace off or escape from the hold, and Horrorcore keeps him firmly in the centre of the ring. Outside Jet pounds on the canvas to try and give her boyfriend some moral support, but all the percussion in the world is unlikely to help Toxxic get out of Dace’s grip. A tight smile starts to creep over Dace’s face - he knows that Toxxic can leave him standing, but also that he can win the match as long as he keeps the straight-edger grounded. “Toxxic may have made a mistake with his opening gambit,” Comet notes, “and that single mistake may end up costing him the title! His best chance against Citizen Night was to keep away from Horrorcore’s power moves and mat wrestling expertise, and he has singularly failed to do so!” “Come on Comet, you’re talking like this front facelock is going to end the match!” Riley snorts. “Well, since Toxxic couldn’t technically-wrestle his way out of a wet paper bag, it might just.” Toxxic is aiming to prove his detractors wrong on that count as the Straight-Edge Sensation tries to manoeuvre his way around the mat in his quest to find a ropebreak. Dace does his best to anchor his opponent still but despite his efforts Toxxic is starting to gradually claw his way across the mat. He’s not managing to move very fast at all, but his ability to use all four limbs to propel himself gives him a slight advantage over the High Priest of Horrorcore, who has to hold on with his arms. Dace eyes the slowly narrowing gap between Toxxic’s foot and the rope, sighs... and rolls sharply to his right, dragging Toxxic with him further away from safety and cranking the rookie’s neck as he does so! The crowd breaks into applause at the White Night’s ring savvy and a new chant starts up. “LET’S GO DA-ACE!” “LET’S GO DA-ACE!” “LET’S GO DA-ACE!” A close-up shot reveals the discomfort on Toxxic’s face - the little of it that can be seen between Dace’s bicep and his chest - but the champion is determined to get out of his current predicament, grits his teeth and starts to head for the ropes again. Dace again tries to prevent him but he can’t stop the movement entirely, so the White Night decides to change his tactics and pushes himself upwards, hauling Toxxic up with him to a standing position. Before Toxxic can take advantage of the additional mobility granted by this act Dace quickly throws the rookie’s right arm over his shoulders, then takes a firm grip on Toxxic’s baggy trousers and hoists him up for a vertical suplex - but Toxxic twists in midair! The straight-edger squirms out of Dace’s grasp and takes advantage of the momentum he already has to come down behind Horrorcore, but on the way to the mat he manages to wrap his hands around Dace’s forehead and sit out into the Underkill! *WHAM!* The back of Dace’s skull bounces off the canvas but Toxxic is in no shape to immediately follow up; having taken the momentary opportunity presented to him the rookie shakes his head to try and dispel the dizziness that assails him as blood rushes back to his brain. Despite his efforts he is no quicker back to his feet than Dace, who is clutching the back of his skull. Horrorcore sees Toxxic out of the corner of his eye and leaves off nursing his head to swing an elbow, but the champion’s head has cleared enough for him to successfully duck this one (without catching a knee to the ribs this time) and he dodges past the pained Brummie. Dace turns to follow but the agile straight-edger jumps to the second rope and springs back with a spinning heelkick that catches Dace flush on the jaw and sends the challenger down to the mat again. “TOXX-IC SUCKS!” “TOXX-IC SUCKS!” “TOXX-IC SUCKS!” Toxxic uses the momentum of the move to roll smoothly up to his feet and heads straight for the far ropes, counting on Dace’s tenacity and mat skills to position his opponent. Sure enough, as he rebounds the White Night has instinctively turned over onto his front and is already rising to his hands and knees... just in time for Toxxic to slam a basement dropkick into the top of Dace’s head! Dace collapses backwards and Toxxic instantly scrambles on top of him, hoping against hope that he might have scored a freak knockout blow... ONE! TW- -but Dace fires a shoulder up before two! Toxxic shrugs and grabs Dace’s head to haul the bigger man up, but as he reaches one knee Dace wraps both arms around the backs of Toxxic’s legs and tugs to bring the rookie down to the mat again. The White Night quickly grabs his opponent’s left leg and looks to turn Toxxic over for a single-leg crab but Toxxic spreads his arms wide to prevent the move, and as Dace leans down to get better leverage the Straight-Edge Sensation sends his right boot crashing into the Hardcore Goth’s temple. Dace staggers but retains his grip, then as Toxxic kicks again he grabs the rookie’s other foot as well! “Citizen Night changes his plans and is looking for the Torture Crab already here,” Comet notes excitedly, “and that could be very bad news for the champion!” But Toxxic isn’t yet beaten up enough to allow himself to be turned over, and he thrashes his legs so furiously that even a man of Dace’s strength has trouble holding him. After a few seconds’ frenzied effort Toxxic manages to brace both feet against Dace’s stomach and pushes with all his might to send Dace stumbling backwards, then coils his legs under his chin and kips up explosively! Seeing his opponent back on his feet Dace regains his balance and charges forward, arm outstretched for a lariat... but Toxxic ducks under the blow and reaches up to wrap one arm around Horrorcore’s throat before taking him down with the Straight-Edge neckbreaker! “TOXX-IC SUCKS!” “TOXX-IC SUCKS!” “TOXX-IC SUCKS!” Dace grabs the back of his head and neck again as he lands and Toxxic scrambles to lock in a Dragon sleeper. Dace recognises the danger and twists around onto his front before Toxxic can get the hold tight, so the rookie merely applies a less dangerous front facelock. Dace then starts to use his greater strength to push himself up and forwards. Toxxic tries his best to squeeze Dace’s resistance down but the High Priest of Horrorcore is having none of it, and he continues to bull forwards until he has pushed Toxxic into the turnbuckles. Anthony Michael Hall begins counting, looking for a clean break, and Toxxic reluctantly complies before lashing out with a right hand! Dace takes the punch on the jaw but retaliates with a crunching elbow smash, then fires off a couple of knife-edge chops to the rookie’s chest as he’s trapped in the corner! *CRACK!* “WHOOO!” *CRACK!* “WHOOO!” Toxxic gasps in pain at the impact but Hall is warning Dace about striking an opponent on the ropes, so Horrorcore grabs the champion’s wrist before whipping him across the ring and following him in, looking to score a running elbow smash in the far corner... but Toxxic vaults up to the top rope and jerks backwards. Dace had half-expected a Role Reversal and hits the deck, but Toxxic pulls a Brian Pillman feint and holds onto the top rope, then turns around on the top buckle and waits for Dace to rise! The confused Brummie gets to his feet, looking around to where he expected Toxxic to land, and the straight-edger launches off to snare Dace with a hurricanrana as he turns on the spot! “Toxxic has completely out-thought Dace so far,” Riley asserts as the challenger’s skull bounces off the mat again, “and he’s focusing on his head and neck as well! If Dace does have any residual damage from that match at Ground Zero then Toxxic is capitalising!” “Citizen Night needs to keep his gameplan simple for the moment,” Comet says in a slightly worried tone. “Currently Toxxic has been able to use his superior speed to avoid the higher impact moves, and he’s not yet softened up enough for Dace to be able to lock on something like the Torture Crab.” “So what are you suggesting?” Riley snorts as Toxxic hauls on Dace to bring him vertical again, “do a Grappler and rely on restholds?” “Dace needs to strike a balance between mat wrestling, where he holds the advantage but will only receive low gains, and the faster-paced wrestling or high-impact moves which could win him the match but could also potentially be reversed with devastating consequences,” Comet replies huffily. “And speaking of Charlie Matthews, are you seriously telling me you didn’t enjoy seeing a large, hairy man hugging other men?” “...no comment.” Dace’s momentary wooziness after the rana means that Toxxic has a chance to do a bit of showboating, and the rookie fires off with a RIGHT! LEFT! RIGHT! LEFT! Windup... DISCUS CLOTHESLINE! ...but the stinging punches merely woke Dace up, and he ducks just as the hard-hitting lariat cuts through the air towards him. Toxxic staggers, trying to keep his balance, and Dace simply grabs his right leg and pushes the champion in the small of the back to send him toppling forwards to the canvas! Dace drops down to join his opponent and clamps a side headlock on. Toxxic fights it but Dace shifts his weight around and rolls his hips to bring Toxxic over onto his back. “Boring,” Riley sighs, “what happened to the head drops and the strikes?” “Citizen Night is playing it safe,” Comet answers. “His last World Title match resulted in him getting beaten down by the Unnamed, so I expect he wants to make absolutely sure of this opportunity. At the moment Toxxic is too mobile to fall victim to Dace’s big moves and is capable of avoiding too many strikes - Dace will wear him down first.” “And meanwhile Toxxic is hitting him with everything he’s got right from the start,” Riley counters. “Now there’s a man who’s interested in winning!” “And what happens when the villain has used up everything in his arsenal?” Comet asks. “Then he’ll hit him with it all again,” Riley replies, looking at the superhero like he’s a moron. “They’re not ‘one use only’, you know.” Toxxic wriggles for all he’s worth under Dace but the Brummie’s grip doesn’t give an inch, and Toxxic realises he’s faced with the unpleasant prospect of another protracted headlock. Gritting his teeth, Toxxic tries to shift Dace’s weight enough to roll him over into a pin but Dace alters his position in response... and this gives Toxxic just the right angle to snap his legs up and fasten them around the White Night’s head, trapping Dace in a headscissors. Dace releases his grip in order to pry Toxxic’s legs apart but the rookie just rolls backwards to try and buy himself some time for his throbbing head. Dace isn’t eager to give him that time though, and as Toxxic starts to rise he slams a knee into the straight-edger’s head! Toxxic’s eyes cross but Dace isn’t done yet - he seizes Toxxic bodily and lifts him up before bringing him down hard in an inverted atomic drop, then ducks his head underneath Toxxic’s arm and wraps his arms around the rookie’s waist in preparation for a Northern Lights Suplex. However, now it is Toxxic’s turn to use a knee as he drives one straight up into Dace’s chest to knock the wind from his opponent before taking Dace’s head in a front facelock, dropping to one knee and driving Dace’s face into the other. Before the Hardcore Goth has even registered that Toxxic falls backwards, spiking his head into the canvas with a DDT to complete the Sobering Thought! *CRUNCH-WHAM!* “Yet another blow to the head!” Riley yells in mock concern. “Comet, how much more punishment can Dace’s thick skull take?” “Toxxic doesn’t look in great shape either,” the masked man notes. And this is indeed the case, as the knee to the head and jarring of his coccyx has left Toxxic in pain and unable to follow up straightaway. After a few seconds the Straight-Edge Sensation hauls himself to his feet, looks down at Dace and then heads for the turnbuckles. “And here is the weak part of Toxxic’s game,” Comet notes as the rookie begins to climb while Dace starts to rise to his feet. “He isn’t the type of wrestler who can slap on a hold to wear down his opponent and regain his breath, and even if he was Dace can easily outwrestle him. The World Champion needs to keep letting fly with his high-impact moves and hope he can wear Citizen Night down that way, but that means he has to keep moving!” Toxxic balances on the top buckle, eyeing the Hardcore Goth as Dace rises to his full height. The straight-edger leaps off, twisting through the air to deliver a spinning heel kick- *WHAM!!* -but Dace takes one step sideways, catches Toxxic in midair and drives him down to the canvas with something that is half-powerbomb, half-spinebuster but wholly devastating! “FUCK HIM UP DACE! FUCK! FUCK!” “FUCK HIM UP DACE! FUCK! FUCK!” “Charming as ever,” Riley groans as the chants of the Utah fans echo around the Delta Center. “You’d think Mormons would be a bit more restrained...” Since he’s on his knees anyway Dace drops onto Toxxic’s body and hooks the far leg for Michael Hall to make the count... ONE! TWO!! ...but Toxxic gets a shoulder up, and the referee only holds up two fingers. Without wasting a second the White Night straddles the wheezing rookie in a mount position, and starts raining elbow smashes down on him! “YEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!” Salt Lake City roars it’s approval as the challenger sends shot after shot into the face of the Straight-Edge Sensation as Toxxic desperately tries to shield himself with his arms. Finally Michael Hall reaches his five-count and has to literally pull Night off the World Champion, who rolls away clutching his head! “DACE-DACE-DACE-DACE-DACE-DACE!” Dace rises back to his feet and throws the horns at Salt Lake City, who respond almost as one person by standing up in their seats and repeating the gesture back at him. The Brummie Goth grins and turns back to Toxxic, who has retreated to the far side of the ring and is pulling himself up on the ropes. Dace slaps his right elbow a couple of times, backs up a step and thunders across the ring towards the Straight-Edge Sensation. His acceleration is impressive - unfortunately it’s not quite enough to get the drop on Toxxic who instead of being elbow-smashed over the top rope drops and pulls it down with him, allowing Dace’s momentum to carry him over! The White Night desperately grabs at the rope with his left hand, manages to hold on and pulls himself back up to the apron, but Toxxic grabs Dace’s head in both hands and drops again to guillotine the challenger’s throat over the top rope! The whiplash of this action throws Dace backwards and the High Priest of Horrorcore lands backfirst on the thinly-padded concrete floor as Toxxic grabs his aching head in the ring. “Citizen Night thought he could land a telling blow there, but Toxxic again managed to gain the upper hand!” Comet says in frustration. “Surely Dace just needs one more big move to shift the momentum fully!” “Well it won’t be coming anytime soon,” Riley says confidently, “because it looks like British Airways is about to take off!” Toxxic pushes himself up in the ring, still with one hand holding his head. He looks out at the arena floor where Dace is also starting to rise painfully to his feet, turns, and runs for the far ropes. The straight-edger rebounds off with increased speed and tears across the ring, then goes hurtling clean over the top rope with a somersault senton onto the groggy Brummie! The force of the impact sends Dace back down again but Toxxic hasn’t shaken off the effects of the spinebuster he received a couple of minutes previously, and the rookie clutches his back in pain! ‘ONE!’ Hall bellows as a chant starts to build inside the Delta Center. “LET’S GO DA-ACE!” ‘TWO!’ “LET’S GO DA-ACE!” ‘THREE!’ Whether propelled by the Utah fans or by his own burning desire to win the title, Dace is starting to rise. Toxxic is up too, and the cruiserweight manages to land a European uppercut on Horrorcore before Dace has properly set himself, then grabs Dace’s wrist and looks to whip him towards the steel ring steps. Dace is in no mood to go for another unplanned trip however, and he reverses the momentum halfway through to send Toxxic crashing into them instead! *SSMMAASSSHH!!* “RRAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!” “Disqualify him!” Riley shouts. “Do your job, Hall!” ‘FOUR!’ Hall shouts over the rising noise of the crowd, but Dace doesn’t need telling that he can only win the title in the ring. He peels the straight-edger off the steps and rolls him underneath the ropes, then follows to make the cover. ONE! TWO!! TH- -but Toxxic kicks out to the despair of the Delta Center! Dace doesn’t waste time in arguing with the official; instead he grabs Toxxic and pulls him up off the mat, then scoops the defending champion up in a pendulum backbreaker and drops him over his knee. Toxxic spasms away from his agonising landing but Dace reaches down to prevent his pain-stricken adversary from escaping, then starts to raise the straight-edger to his feet. “FUCK HIM UP DACE! FUCK! FUCK!” “FUCK HIM UP DACE! FUCK! FUCK!” With one fluid motion Dace hoists Toxxic up into a Fireman’s carry. Jet looks on in horror from ringside as Horrorcore pauses for a moment to make sure he has his burden firmly secured... then throws Toxxic off and sends him crashing down to the mat in a Reverse DVD! “Citizen Night is really going to work on Toxxic’s back, and that is likely to mean only one thing,” Comet notes. The superhero’s suspicions are confirmed as Dace tucks one of Toxxic’s legs under each arm, raises his head and shouts out to the crowd “He’s gonna fucking tap!” “DACE-DACE-DACE-DACE-DACE-DACE!” Dace leans down to get the leverage necessary for turning the rookie over into the Torture Crab, but as he does so Toxxic manages to reach up and hook an arm around the White Night’s neck to bring him over in a small package! ONE! TWO! -but Toxxic’s weakened back is unable to contain Dace’s powerful form, and the challenger breaks free of the pinning cradle with relative ease once he recovers from the surprise. Both men rise at roughly the same time and Dace reaches out to grab the troublesome champion, but Toxxic clasps his opponent’s head between his hands and drops to his knees in a jawbreaker to send Dace stumbling backwards again. “And Toxxic goes right back to working the head!” Riley applauds. “Wonderful strategy!” “That was a desperation move,” Comet argues as Toxxic crawls backwards, his spine still hurting, “and you know it!” “No, because normally Toxxic sits out on jawbreakers,” Riley replies primly, “and there he dropped to his knees to cushion the blow to his back.” Dace turns back in pursuit of his quarry, still clutching his aching jaw, and finds Toxxic scrambling to his feet with his back to him. Seeing his opportunity the White Night moves in and locks both arms around the rookie’s waist, looking for a German suplex, but Toxxic fires off back elbows into the challenger’s face and Dace is forced to break the hold. “See?” Riley demands. “It’s because of Toxxic’s single-minded focus on Dace’s head that those elbows worked instead of the thick-skulled moron shaking them off as usual.” “Sweet zombie Jesus...” As Dace turns away to shield his head from any more blows it is Toxxic’s turn to attack from behind by seizing his opponent in a rear headlock and dropping to one knee, driving the other into the back of Dace’s neck. He pops up and twists around, looking to complete the Detoxx, but then points to the turnbuckle and charges forwards! Dace follows behind, apparently trapped in the three-quarter headlock... “NO!” yells Jet from the arena floor, and at the last moment Toxxic changes direction and dives through the ropes feetfirst, making an ungraceful landing on the outside but dropping Dace’s neck on the second rope and causing the White Night to bounce off back into the ring, clutching his throat! “What... why did Toxxic pull out of the Intoxxication?” Comet asks as Jet checks on her boyfriend, who grins weakly and pats her on the shoulder. “I don’t know whether it would have been enough to finish Citizen Night off, but it surely would have weakened the challenger tremendously!” “No doubt Jet had her reasons,” is all Riley says. “Personally, I suspect she thought Dace had some counter planned.” Dace is still down on the canvas, gasping for breath. Toxxic’s back is evidently hurting him but he climbs back up to the apron... and raises three fingers over his head. “BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” With his trademark lopsided grin in place Toxxic vaults up to the top rope- [“MONDO!” shout the few people in SLC who think it’s cool to cheer arseholes] -to the top buckle- [“AKIMBO!”] -and flies through the air- [“AG-huh...?”] -Dace Night raises his knees... but to no avail, as Toxxic forewent the moonsault in favour of a corkscrew 450 legdrop! Both men roll away, Dace clutching his head and Toxxic his back after the hard landing... but it’s Toxxic who recovers enough to grab Dace and turns him over for the pin! ONE! TWO!! THR- -but the White Night kicks out! “RRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!” “Both men pulled out a surprise there, but it was Toxxic’s that found its mark!” Comet says as the straight-edger looks up pleadingly at Anthony Michael Hall through his eyeliner. “Dace anticipated the moonsault, but in his bid to continue focusing on Citizen Night’s head Toxxic had already turned the Mondo Akimbo A-Go-Go into the Hangover!” “LET’S GO DA-ACE!” “LET’S GO DA-ACE!” The volume is rising in the Delta Center once more after Dace’s kickout, but Toxxic knows a way to quiet the fans. He pulls the woozy challenger to his feet... and mimes cracking open a can. “BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” “Well, it stopped them chanting at any rate,” Riley grumbles. Toxxic grabs his opponent in a front facelock and reaches down to hook Dace’s left leg from the inside. Then, as the assembled SWF faithful of Salt Lake City looks on in horror, he lifts. Well. He tries to, anyway. “Take that, villain!” Comet cries in delight as Toxxic ceases his efforts, clutching at his back. “Citizen Night’s strategy has paid off, as Toxxic is not only weakened for the Torture Crab but also cannot lift Dace up for the Caffeine Bomb!” “It’s a desperation move!” Riley shrieks “How can it be a desperation move when Dace isn’t doing anything?” Comet demands in exasperated tones. “See!? That’s how desperate he is!” Toxxic grits his teeth and prepares to try again, but Dace has had time to partially clear his head. He wrenches his leg free of the Straight-Edge Sensation’s grip and bridges backwards in one powerful surge... *WHAM!!* “Northern Lights Suplex!” Comet yells. “This could be it!” ONE! TWO!! THR- -but Toxxic squirms out, and the fans in the Delta Center sit back down in their seats! Dace rolls sideways, head still swimming slightly, and Toxxic turns onto his front whilst trying to catch his breath. Anthony Michael Hall watches them both for a second, then raises both hands. ‘ONE!’ “LET’S GO DA-ACE!” ‘TWO!’ “LET’S GO DA-ACE!” ‘THREE!’ The chants of the crowd seem to goad Dace into action, and the Brummie pushes himself up. Toxxic still hasn’t quite got to his feet but Dace doesn’t let that worry him - he simply grabs the straight-edger roughly from behind, tucks his head under Toxxic’s left arm and hoists him backwards in a backdrop suplex. However Toxxic pushes off the ground and manages to flip over Dace’s head, causing the White Night to land uncomfortably as he tries and fails to keep his feet in mid-move when he realises what’s going on. Dace scrambles up as quickly as he can but Toxxic has had time to measure him and- *SMACK!* -jabs a superkick straight into Horrocore’s head. The impact is more fast than hard but it’s enough to send Dace crumbling backwards to the canvas and gives Toxxic a couple more seconds to catch his breath and nurse his back. “DACE-DACE-DACE-DACE-DACE-DACE!” The object of the Salt Lake City’s exhortations is clutching his aching head but still struggling to rise, and on this occasion Toxxic is happy to help him. Before Dace really knows what’s going on the straight-edger grabs hold of his wrist and hauls him up, wincing at the pain in his back as he does so, then whips the groggy Brummie into the ropes. Dace rebounds off and Toxxic slides along the mat- *CRACK!* -to slice into Dace’s shins with a soccer tackle! The challenger goes tumbling head over heels onto the canvas, but this time Toxxic isn’t going to wait for Dace to start to climb back up on his own. With Jet cheering him on from outside the ring Toxxic does his best to get Dace upright before booting him in the gut and placing him in a vertical headscissors, then underhooks each of the White Night’s arms! “Toxxic Shock Syndrome!” Comet yells in fearful anticipation. “This could be all, Citizens!” Toxxic knows he won’t be able to lift Dace properly for the move - instead he jumps into the air, swinging around to plant the brummie facefirst into the mat that way. *WHAM!!* Salt Lake City starts yelling abuse as the Straight-Edge Sensation rolls Dace over onto his back and hooks the leg... ONE! TWO!! THHHHRRREEEEEE- -but Dace kicks out! “RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!” “What fighting spirit exists inside Dace Night!” Comet enthuses. “Toxxic is going to have to work harder than that for his first successful title defence!” And that seems to be exactly what Toxxic is thinking too, as the rookie doesn’t bother even querying the count but instead heads straight to the ring apron. Dace is still lying face-up in more or less the middle of the ring, and Toxxic can vividly recall how he beat Dace to retain the ICTV Title the last time they wrestled a singles match. Taking a deep breath, the Straight-Edge Sensation vaults to the middle of the top rope before flipping through the air in the Shooting Star Legdrop known as the Inglorious... *BANG!!* ...that misses as Dace rolls out of the way at the last second! “DACE-DACE-DACE-DACE-DACE-DACE!” Toxxic’s spine has taken a jolt from the landing but this time there is no corresponding impact on his opponent to make it worthwhile, and as Salt Lake City roars him on Dace focuses on the wincing straight-edger and sees only the World Title staring back at him. With a last desperate burst of energy the Hardcore Goth fights through the pain in his head and wraps his arms around Toxxic’s waist from behind. This time Toxxic isn’t quick enough to fight back, and Dace drags him up to his feet before arcing backwards- *WHAM!!* -to spike the World Champion down with a Dangerous German suplex! The impact of his own head on the mat prevents Dace from holding the bridge, but he hooks Toxxic’s leg and rolls into the cover... ONE! TWO!! THHHRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! -but Toxxic just manages to spasm a shoulder off the canvas! “THAT WAS THREE!” “THAT WAS THREE!” “THAT WAS THREE!” “The fans here in the Delta Center are firmly behind Dace Night, and justifiably so in my opinion,” Comet states. “Citizen Night is one of the most prominent emissaries of JUSTICE~ in the SWF, and it would be truly fitting if he vanquished Toxxic to become World Champion!” Dace looks out at the crowd, but he knows that he needs to do just a little bit more before he can finally rest and so he starts to push himself up. The White Night grabs Toxxic’s head to pull the rookie up after him, but as he reaches his feet Toxxic slams his head forwards into Dace’s face with a desperation headbutt! Dace staggers back, yet another shot to the head dazing him for a second, then swings with a retaliatory elbow smash... but his aim is a little off, and Toxxic still has enough mobility left to duck under the wild blow. Dace turns on the spot, looking for his evasive opponent, but as he does so Toxxic bends his knees and hoists Horrorcore’s weight up onto his shoulders! “That’s it!” Riley yells in delight. “First rule of manual lifting - bend your knees and let them take the weight, not your back!” Toxxic staggers momentarily under Dace’s weight, then steadies himself. He’s done this move to bigger people before, and he is not going to let himself go down in the SWF record books as just another transitional champion. Tonight, the SWF Title stays where it is. He’s only got enough left for one move, but as he hooks Dace’s left leg behind the knee and spins the Brummie off his shoulders to drop him headfirst to the mat, he reminds himself that no-one in the SWF has kicked out of the Caffeine Bomb yet. *WHAM!!* ONE! TWO!! THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!! And that isn’t going to change tonight. *DING-DING-DING!* “BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” “Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner and STILL~ SWF World Heavyweight Champion,” Funyon’s voice booms over the crashing opening chord of ‘Rookie’ and the combined vitriol of the Delta Center, “TOXXXXXXXXX-IIIIIIIIIIIIIIC!!” “YES!” Rile shouts joyously. “He brought the TOXXICITY~ Comet, and he’s retained the belt!” Cyclone Comet can only shake his head sadly as Jet grabs the World Title from Anthony Michael Hall and helps her boyfriend to his feet. Toxxic takes the belt and holds it high above his head for all the fans to see before rolling gingerly under the bottom rope and starting to make his way up the ramp. Once again, just like at Ground Zero, he is met at the top by the rest of Revolution Zero and the four men and one girl turn back to the Delta Center and raise their hands in unison as we FADE OUT Copyright SWF 2004

In a hotel room in Washington DC, Toxxic picks up the receiver of the phone. Jet is out checking out the nearby restaurants and the Straight-Edge Sensation has some time to himself. Time to think about his match tomorrow night against Dace Night, but also time to think about the future. And one match in particular. *beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep *click* *brrr-brrr* “Hello?” “Eh up, how’s it going?” Toxxic asks, absent-mindedly twisting the phone cord around his finger. “Toxx! I was wondering when I was going to hear from you!” “Well, now you know,” the straight-edger tells the person on the other end of the phone. “So what’s new?” “Nothing much. Some training, some working, the usual. But I’m guessing this isn’t just a social call, am I right?” “Yeah, you’re right,” Toxxic admits, grinning ruefully. “I’ve been thinking about some things. Namely, as much fun as it is bouncing around this ring hitting people with flying wadjamacallits and springboard oojamaflips, I need to adapt a bit. I think the time will come where I’m gonna need to be able to do more than slap a hammerlock on someone if I need to take them down on the mat.” “Well, you’ve come to the right place. But I’m not sure I can help you much in time for your match with Dace tomorrow-” “Oh, don’t worry about Dace,” Toxxic laughs. “I know what he can do, and even if he beats me tomorrow, so what? I mean, it’s not like I haven’t beaten him before, he leaves straight after, and I’m the guaranteed Number One Contender. No, I’m thinking about that World Title match.” “Go on.” “Either way, I’m getting Sacred or Francis,” Toxxic tells the other person, “and that means, either way I’m getting someone who does that nasty Narcosynthesis or Bittersweet or whatever each one calls it.” “Well, you saw how Landon got out of it, didn’t you?” “Yeah, I know that,” Toxxic says, slightly impatiently. “But I’m not Landon, as well you know. Also, Sacred isn’t quite as good at it as Mak. Plus, I want to know all the ways of getting out, not just one, and preferably how to block it without getting in it in the first place!” “OK, I can see that… look, I could give you advice over the phone but that just wouldn’t be the same. How about I head over and run you through some things after Clusterfuck? Then we’ll know exactly who you’ll be facing and how to prepare for them, plus I can show you stuff in person.” “If you could do that it’d be great,” Toxxic tells the other person, looking slightly surprised. “Won’t that upset your training schedule though?” “Huh, none of them are going to be making World Champion anytime soon. I know a couple of guys who can take over until I get back. Besides… you will be paying me for this, won’t you? I mean advice is one thing, a few training sessions is another.” “Yeah yeah, that’s no trouble,” Toxxic assures the other person. “So when will you be flying?” “It’ll be a couple of days, but no-one ever works the Storm after a Pay-Per-View do they? Especially not a World Title match. Don’t worry, we’ll have days to get stuff together. Just let me know where Storm is and we can meet up on the way.” “OK man, no problem,” Toxxic grins. “I’ll be in touch. Wish me luck against Dace tomorrow.” “Good luck. No offence Toxx, but you’re going to need it.” *click*

And we both beat Dace. So that's OK. *ducks*

Because King was marking, and he said the matches were very close and your ending got you the win. I gave you that ending, therefore your win was due to me and you owe me royalties. And if we're talking tag, then there's the Tag Match From Hell to figure in as well making it 3-2 to me, thank you very much!

SWF News and Notes for 1/29/05 from Wrestling Panda Newsletter A new month, and yet another new World Champion. After a seemingly massive win for Landon Maddix to take the title away from Toxxic the booking committee inexplicably pulled the plug on the young Dakotan and put the belt on Sacred. While the veteran Australian’s stints in the SWF have certainly earned him a second run as World Champion it seems a strange decision to kill Maddix’s momentum so early, especially as there was no injury reason for it (as demonstrated by Maddix taking the USJL belt from Sean Davis). Now we will have to see whether Sacred’s time at the top is going to last, or whether January will see its second new World Champion when Mak Francis (currently with one time-limit draw under his belt vs. Dace Night) faces him at Clusterfuck. Speaking of Dace Night, it seems that the High Priest of Horrorcore is definitely on his way out of the SWF. The Visa situation that Dace referred to on the last Smarkdown is genuine, and his Pure Wrestling match against Toxxic at Clusterfuck is scheduled to be his last with the company. There is still speculation as to the outcome since with Dace leaving it would make little sense to put him over the Number One Contender to the World Title, especially since Dace has already jobbed to Spike Jenkins and Todd Cortez. On the other hand the match is being billed as Dace’s last chance to beat Toxxic, and it would seem equally strange to let the Straight-Edge Sensation go over in a match stipulation that, kayfabe-wise, definitely favours his opponent. Wild & Dangerous have now made history as the first-ever three-time Tag Champions in the SWF, and especially with the current tag team division being rather under-strength compared to the glory days of the federation’s past there is no reason why Wildchild and Johnny Dangerous can’t remain on top for a long time. Revolution Zero, Martial Law and the Royal Order all seem to be more involved in singles competition than being actively pushed for the Tag Titles, which is a potential problem of having so many singles titles left over from a time when the roster was bigger. Wildchild has publicly stated that the only other belt he would be interested in competing for is the Cruiserweight Title currently held by Spike Jenkins, but Johnny Dangerous’ status outside of Wild & Dangerous is unclear. His Number One Contender’s match against Toxxic shows that Dangerous can still be used as an upper-midcard or main-event talent, but whether or not the SWF bookers will be willing to or interested in pushing Dangerous back to the main event on a permanent basis has yet to be seen. Tom Flesher’s influence with the SWF can still be clearly seen as the Superior One has already moved beyond his ‘consultant on call’ role and now has a presence on Smarkdown. Rumour has it that Flesher is actually booking the show, but either way he must certainly be one of the hardest-working law students around. ‘The Critic’ Scott Pretzler is set to debut in the SWF soon, a move that will be interesting, to say the least. Pretzler is indeed a wrestling critic for a small North-Eastern newsheet in his spare time, and his honest (but not always flattering) opinions of his fellow workers’ performances have caused tension in lockerooms before now, especially when new talent that he has ripped on has arrived in the federation. His opening tirade on SWF.net was evidently a work but although not the target of his greatest ire (presumably because he wanted to get a job there) he has not always been entirely complementary of the federation’s style and booking. If the Pretzler experiment fails right out of the gate then we will know why, in which case he can be expected to return to Ring of Respect where he is something of a cult figure. Finally, it’s Clusterfuck time again. With the small-sized roster available to the SWF bookers, not to mention Toxxic and Dace Night being sidelined in their singles match, the decision has been made to bring in a few old talents to bulk the numbers up to the requisite twenty. Word is that Charlie Matthews will be appearing, although there is no news on whether his neck is in a suitable condition to make a full-time return. Referee Ced Ordonez should have the night off officiating and it wouldn’t be out of the question to see an appearance by the Bernami Cross Wizard, and even the Boston Strangler is rumoured to be dusting off the shorts for the first time since the last Mall Brawl. Rumours that ‘The King of Nightmares’ Michael Craven would be recalled, a year after his very impressive run in the 2004 ‘Fuck, appear to have been unfounded after it was realised that no-one in the SWF office wanted anything to do with him. On further investigation it seems that the rumours may have been started by Craven himself at an indy show while drunk. Craven’s girlfriend Amy is currently making a living as a burlesque stripper doing live shows with Dita Von Teese up and down the West Coast.

*takes out Janus and himself in a self-destruct sequence featuring Ed the Duck, Trev & Simon, the Chuckle Brothers and Funhouse (featuring Pat Sharp's Mullet Of Doom)* Let this be an end to it.

You mean suffered a fluke upset against a guy who would have lost the World Title in his next match if I hadn't advised him how to end it, then no-showed the main event of the biggest show of all time? Yeah. That's the best, alright.

Is this where we all shit on him for using Mark's Seventh Inning Stretch?

Raggy Dolls! How can you remember more British kids TV shows than i can, you bloody Aussie? *thinks hard* Right. Grotbag should sort you out, and if that doesn't work then I have only one weapon left. SMELL THE RATINGS~!

Trap Door eh? Now that's playing dirty! *shoves Johnny Briggs and Razzle into the Trap Door* Choke on that.

*ducks Bananaman* You know what this needs? Some blood! *throws Count Duckula at Janus*

Tildebang Driver? Man, Tom would be sueing you already if you hadn't credited him so much! Nice promo, although you'll have to battle it out with Max King for top 'arrogant dickhead' status.

Dace hated this match. Looking back, I can see why. The Smartmark's Wrestling Federation Presents... SWF STORM, SATURDAY, MARCH 27th, *LIVE* FROM THE *SOLD OUT* KEY ARENA IN SEATTLE, WA! (5pm PST, 8pm EST; Check local listings) ICTV TITLE MATCH Toxxic vs Dace Night Special Guest Commentator: Aecas Speaking of people who are after other people, Aecas is most definitely interested in prizing one of the upstart Toxxic's, the SWF's most recent double champion, titles. Unfortunately for him, he must sit on his hands as his friend Dace Night does battle for the straight-edger's other gold belt. Not that Toxxic's going to be giving anything up without a hell of a fight--especially considering his last match was him getting swatted down by the SWF Commissioner himself! As much as Grand Slam may despise the double-talking, two-timing, uber cocky additude of Toxxic (something he's all too familiar with), Lockdown may only serve to fuel his fire even more. Dace Night might be one of the most proficient technical wrestlers in federation history, but Toxxic is determined to be here to stay... no matter what the commissioner, or the third man at the announcer's desk may have to say about it. Rules: Straight singles match. Aecas could write for this, but I don't know why he'd want to. Word Limit: 6000 Send To: realitycheck As we come back from commercials the Key Arena bursts into a frenzy of noise and action once more. The Seattle crowd knows what comes next - they get to see Dace Night take the ICTV belt away from Toxxic! Unholy Trinity signs and Team Horrorcore shirts are much in evidence in the first few rows of the Arena, with the Brummy Goth’s most dedicated and insane fans having fought diligently to get ringside seats in a bid to be close to their hero when he regains the second most prestigious title in the SWF. Pro-Toxxic signs are by contrast few and far between, although one foolhardy soul at the base of the entrance ramp is wearing a “Hardcore Punk” T-shirt and now looking like he wishes he wasn’t. “Well SWF fans, it’s time for the MAIN EVENT!” Comet yells, causing people across the viewing demographic to reach for the volume control. “The ICTV Title is up for grabs again, as Toxxic defends against Dace Night!” “And the seven-foot hardcore whackjob Aecas joins us on commentary,” Bobby Riley mutters. “I can’t wait.” Abruptly, ‘Hero’ by Nightrage kicks in over the speakers, hammering the crowd’s eardrums with shredding guitar hermonies and thumping blast beats. The black Smarktron screen shatters into red shards as footage of Dace demolishing various opponents is shown, including the devastating Damnation In A Cell match. “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall,” Funyon booms above the strains of Nightrage “and is for the SWF Intercontinental-Television Title! Introducing first, the challenger; from Birmingham, England, weighing in at 252lbs... DACE!” “FUCKING!” the crowd interjects. “...NIIIGGHHHT!!” Funyon finishes, looking mildly peeved at being so rudely interrupted (in every sense). A blast of white pyro goes off and out steps the High Priest of Horrocore to an ENORMOUS ovation! The Key Arena erupts as Dace throws the horns - then the volume increases exponentially as he pulls out a long metallic shape from behind his back and pulls the ignition cord! *VRRRMRRRRMRRRRMRRRRM!!* “Weedwhacker!” Comet yells in shock. “Dace is bringing the weedwhacker out to play!” Never has a gardening implement been greeted with such joy as Dace waves the weedwhacker above his head then starts down the ramp... only for two seven-foot shapes to step out behind him! Black/white hair and plain black, clear green eyes and dead white... Equalizer and Flick Scythe! “It’s the whole Trinity!” Comet gasps as Aecas and Terrence Bailey stalk down the ramp after Dace whilst the Key Arena gives the entire surrounding area cause to file a noise pollution complaint. “The Unholy Trinity is here, and they’re armed for battle!” “Why, Comet?” Riley yells. “What business has Janus being out here? Isn’t Mark Stevens’ biased decision to make Aecas guest commentator enough? And why are they bringing weapons? This isn’t a hardcore match!” “For effect, I suppose Robert,” Comet answers. “It’s certainly scaring me!” The Trinity ascend to the ring apron and enter the squared circle, the three men saluting the crowd. Referee Anthony Michael Hall looks just as intimidated as one might expect, but persistent badgering apparently persuades Dace to lay down his weapon, and he then manages to get Terrence to leave the ring. Acknowledging the referee, Bailey takes up station at the end of the entrance ramp, Equalizer still clutched in his fist. Meanwhile Aecas steps over the ropes and descends to join Comet and Riley at the announce table. Laying his Flick Scythe down Aecas puts on a pair of announcer headphones, looking rather incongruous next to the normal announce team. “So, Aecas...” Comet says nervously. “Any predictions on the upcoming match?” “I have no doubt it will be violent,” the giant replies, turning his dead-white gaze on Comet. “And that suits me fine. Toxxic is a tricky little bastard - but I’m confidence Dace will get him.” The mood in the arena abruptly changes as the crunching guitars of Lostprophets’ ‘We Still Kill The Old Way’ blasts through the PA for the second time this evening. The blacked-out Smarktron flashes up the words ‘Prepare To Be Proved Wrong’ as Dace waits in the ring for the... ‘GO!’ BOOOM!! ...explosion of red pyro that heralds the arrival of the SWF’s premier straight-edger! “And his opponent, from Nottingham, England; weighing in at 218lbs...” Funyon falters and stops. The ramp is empty. And remains empty. “The Invisible Man?” Riley quips before withering under Aecas’ gaze. In the ring, Dace Night remains focused on the bare entrance ramp... and fails to see a slim figure with spiky hair hurdle the guard rail and jump up onto the apron behind him. “Look out Dace!” Aecas yells, and the power of the giant’s lungs manages to carry the warning over the crowd noise to Horrorcore’s ears. Turning, Dace Night sees something flying through the air towards him a moment before Toxxic wraps his legs around Dace’s head and brings him over with a hurricanrana! *DING! DING!* “BOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” “HOR-ROR-CORE!” “HOR-ROR-CORE!” “HOR-ROR-CORE!” “A disgusting and cowardly tactic by the champion!” Comet calls as Anthony Michael Hall grabs Toxxic’s title belts from where he left them on the apron. “Attacking when Dace’s back was turned!” “That was not, it was- um... yeah... cowardly...” Riley mutters, conscious of the silently seething giant next to him. Dace rolls to his feet, slightly disorientated from the surprise rana, but Toxxic doesn’t give the challenger a chance to regroup. Piling in on his larger opponent the rookie starts unloading with European uppercuts, whiplashing Dace’s head and driving him backwards. Try as Dace might he can’t find an opening in the barrage, and much to the crowd’s displeasure the High Priest of Horrorcore is backed against the turnbuckles. With his opponent momentarily trapped Toxxic jumps up into a mount position, yelling “Little poser bitch, am I?” and punctuating each word with a stinging right hand. After a few seconds Dace’s instincts kick in and the challenger shoves Toxxic off. The champion lands on his back but rolls through the movement and comes smoothly up to his feet before dashing forwards once more, catching Dace as he tries to get out of the corner. Dace fires off an elbow smash which staggers the champion but Toxxic hits back with another European uppercut to knock his opponent back onto the ropes, then lays in with a: RIGHT! LEFT! RIGHT! LEFT! Windup... DISCUS CLOTHESLINE! “Merciful Zeus!” Comet yells as Dace somersaults backwards, landing hard on the protective mats in front of the announce desk. “Toxxic just discus-clotheslined Dace over the top rope! The challenger has hardly had a chance to get any offence in!” “And he won’t anytime soon,” Riley ventures, casting a worried glance to his right. “Toxxic is really fired up here!” Getting back to his feet, Dace shakes a slightly hazy head in an attempt to clear it. Hearing the crowd noise rise again Horrorcore looks back at the ring - but is unable to duck or dodge the 218lb human missile that comes tearing over the top rope at him, knocking him back and crushing him against the guard rail! Across the ring, Terrence has realised what is going on and starts to move, probably to get a better look, but a sharp command from Michael Hall stops the Anti-Heel Machine in his tracks. “Another high-impact move from the champion!” Comet calls. “Aecas: Is Toxxic trying to take Dace Night out before he can hit a move?” “Of course he’s trying to, Comet, that’s common sense!” Bobby Riley interjects. “The question you should be asking is; does he need to, or can he survive a counter-attack?” “Toxxic is a dangerous competitor,” Aecas answers as the double champion starts to get back to his feet, winded but evidently in better shape than Dace Night. “I can assure you of that. But I think he will underestimate exactly how much Dace can take - and how much he can dish out.” Grabbing his opponent by the head and ignoring Referee Hall’s shouts of protest from inside the ring, Toxxic drags the woozy Dace upright. With both hands twisted through his opponent’s hair Toxxic takes a couple of quick steps forward, then... *THUNK!!* ...rams Dace’s head right into the steel ringpost! The Key Arena jeers in derision as Toxxic flips the classic British v-sign at Aecas, before grabbing Dace’s wrist and whipping the Brummy Goth towards the guard rail... *CRASH!!* ...but Dace reverses, sending Toxxic’s back into an impromptu meeting with the steel instead! Hearing Hall’s count rising behind him Dace quickly rolls into the ring to break it and then returns to the outside, where Toxxic is clutching at his spine and Aecas is laughing. “How did Dace reverse that after taking so many shots to the head?” Comet asks in disbelief. “Virtually his first offensive move came right after a flurry of attacks from the champion!” “You can hit Dace in the head all day and he’ll still be fine,” Aecas comments. “I guess the horns cushion the impacts,” Riley jokes, then cringes... but Aecas’ movement was only to scratch his cheek. Grabbing the Straight-Edge Sensation by the neck Dace throws a quick MMMEEEEETTTAAAALLLL~! sign at the crowd, then bends down and hoists Toxxic over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry. Without any visible effort Dace straightens as the first few rows of the crowd stand up for a better view - then the High Priest of Horrocore flips Toxxic off his shoulders and sends him crashing onto the floor with a reverse DVD! “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “The crowd giving us their opinion of that move,” Comet declares, “and I have to say I agree with them! Dace Night has regained the advantage in this match in a BRUTAL way!” “That wasn’t brutal,” Aecas disagrees. “The brutality comes later.” Regardless of the Black Angel’s opinion however, Toxxic is feeling the effects of the move and the champion lies gasping on the floor. Dace goes to pick Toxxic up again... “SEVEN!” ...but hears Michael Hall counting, and dives back into the ring to break the count again. As Terrence Bailey takes up an interested observation point beside the steel steps at the far end of the ring Dace reasserts himself on the rookie by picking Toxxic up bodily once more and then dumping him back into the ring. Toxxic rolls, trying to get away from his tormentor, but Dace is having none of it and grabs the waist of Toxxic’s trousers to stop his escape. Lifting, Dace manages to hoist Toxxic up far enough to clamp on a rear waistlock - then arches backwards, driving Toxxic’s neck and shoulders into the mat with a Grman suplex! Dace retains the bridge for the pin... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... KICKOUT! “A two count already for the High Priest of Horrorcore!” Comet exclaims as Toxxic pops out of the pin. “Dace is quite capable of throwing super-heavyweights around, so it is no problem at all for him to suplex Toxxic whenever he pleases!” “Dace’s Germans are underrated,” Aecas observes. “Of course,” Comet nods. “He won against Sacred by stringing three of them together, after all.” “No, not the suplexes. Dace is training two Germans, but the so-called ‘experts’ don’t think they’ll amount to anything.” Bobby Riley buries his head in his hands and longs for the days of Grand Slam. On his knees, Toxxic fires off a right hand at Dace’s midsection. It barely slows the challenger however, who scoops Toxxic up and holds him across his chest before dropping the Straight-Edge Sensation sharply over one knee, traumatising the champion’s spine further with a backbreaker. Toxxic yells in pain at the impact, and writhes on the mat as his back sends urgent messages to his brain - but Dace cuts off communication by seizing his opponent’s left leg and starting to turn Toxxic over onto his stomach! “Single-Leg Crab coming up!” Comet calls as Toxxic tries to fight it. “This move will not only further work on the back, which appears to be Dace’s target, but will also damage Toxxic’s knee and prevent him from springing around so much!” “Toxxic couldn’t match Dace in a brawl outside the ring, and he can’t match him for technical work inside it,” Aecas claims. “He took you to the cleaners at the Pay-Per-View though,” Bobby Riley says without thinking. And the commentary team goes very quiet. “Dace applies the Crab!” Comet says, voice tinkling with nervousness. “He’s got Toxx- no, the champion has reached the ropes almost immediately! His struggles disguised the fact that he was moving across the ring, so that when Dace applied the hold the ropes were-” “Toxxic beat me at From The Fire,” Aecas acknowledges quietly. “But believe me, after Dace has finished with him here... I get what’s left.” Dace reluctantly breaks his grasp on Toxxic’s leg as Bobby Riley breathes an enormous sigh of relief and Terrence shouts “C’mon Dace!” in his thick Aussie accent from the floor. Flashing a momentary grin at his friend, Dace grabs Toxxic’s head with one hand and brings his knee sharply upwards, stunning the champion with a shot to the temple. Dazed, Toxxic tries to pull away - but Dace strikes again with the other knee, knocking his opponent back onto his arse. Fully in control now Dace brandishes the Horns at the Key Arena crowd, who almost universally respond in like kind whilst Less Than Jake shake their heads in despair. Grabbing Toxxic by the neck again Dace hauls him back up, then lifts his opponent and brings him to rest face down over the Brummy’s right shoulder. Taking a few steps into the corner to get a decent run-up Dace starts to pick up pace across the ring, looking to bring Toxic over and down with a devastating powerslam... ...but as they reach the middle of the ring Toxxic’s frantic kicking allows him to slip backwards out of Dace’s grasp, and just like against Aecas at From The Fire the double champion hooks in a rear headlock on the way down! The crowd hold their breath, expecting at any moment to see the Repeat To Fade applied - but Toxxic drops to one knee, driving the back of Dace’s neck into the other, before popping up and spinning round, planting Dace’s face into the mat with a picture-perfect Diamond Cutter! “Detoxx!” Comet calls as Toxxic rolls away from the momentarily-stunned Dace. “But why didn’t Toxxic apply the Repeat To Fade?” “He’s just taken a beating, Comet,” Riley answers, the menacing presence of Aecas for once forcing him to actually do his job as analyst, “and Dace is a lot stronger and has great stamina. Toxxic wouldn’t have been able to wrestle Dace into the move, so he went for an option that will give him some breathing room!” “He should treasure breathing,” Aecas says conversationally. “You never know when he might stop.” Apparently feeling a little better Toxxic rolls over to Dace and covers his opponent, making sure to hook the leg deep under the chin... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TW-KICKOUT! “Not even a two-count for Toxxic!” Comet exclaims in surprise as the champion looks up at Michael Hall in disbelief. “A vivid demonstration, if any were needed, of the difference in resilience between these two men!” “Yes, but Dace has to actually connect with moves,” Bobby Riley argues. “And now that Toxxic has got his breath back I don’t think that’ll be happening!” Clearly upset at his cover’s lack of success Toxxic straddles the Brummy’s chest (causing Bobby Riley to hyperventilate slightly) before pounding away at Dace with right hands whilst the challenger tries to shield himself with his arms. Michael Hall’s count reaches “five” far too quickly for Toxxic’s liking, but the Straight-Edge Sensation desists his assault and grabs Dace’s right wrist before dropping sideways into an armbar. Toxxic leans back in an attempt to hyper-extend Dace’s right elbow, but although the High Priest of Horrorcore is clearly in some discomfort there is no sign he is in immediate danger of tapping. Using the incredible strength in his arms and legs Dace starts to edge himself closer to the ropes whilst Janus starts to pound the canvas, leading the crowd in a chant. “LET’S GO DA-CE!” *clap-clap-clap* “LET’S GO DA-CE!” *clap-clap-clap* “LET’S GO DA-CE!” *clap-clap-clap* Despite Toxxic’s best efforts the Brummy Goth manages to gain ground until his foot finally manages to rest on the ropes. The challenger wrenches back on his hold, determined to squeeze the last bit of use out of it... but again Michael Hall’s count reaches “five” and Toxxic is forced to release a moment before disqualification. “Why, Toxxic?” Riley questions. “Why not just get DQ’d?” “Because he can’t gloat about being the best if he gets disqualified,” Cyclone Comet mutters darkly. “It’s also quite difficult to gloat when you’re not breathing,” Aecas remarks casually. Dace starts to use the ropes to pull himself up using his left arm, but Toxxic darts back in and delivers a kick to Horrorcore’s right appendage. Dace cradles the limb, and seeing this Toxxic attacks again with more kicks before grabbing Dace’s wrist again and twisting it into an armwringer. Again, the effect on the challenger is more discomfort than actual pain, but Toxxic knows how to remedy that. Running towards the nearest set of turnbuckles the double champion vaults to the top - then comes flying off, bringing Dace down and crushing his arm against the mat with a diving legdrop! The impact causes Dace to grunt in pain, and the reaction encourages Toxxic to go further. Retaining his hold the Straight-Edge Sensation starts to pull Dace up by his trapped limb, before unloading with more kicks. Each one brings a wince from the Brummy Goth until Toxxic turns and vaults to the top turnbuckle again - then jumps straight down to the floor, guillotining Dace’s arm across the taut top cable! Horrorcore staggers away from the ring ropes clutching his wounded arm as Toxxic turns around to taunt the crowd - only to find himself face-to-chest with Terrence Bailey! “Ooh, this could get interesting...” Comet murmurs as Toxxic’s grey eyes meet Bailey’s green ones, staring down at the ICTV champion from a height of over a foot. “Terrence Bailey is the only one of the Unholy Trinity not to have had any contact with Toxxic thus far, but the Australian looks like he might change that now!” “Go on, Janus, punch him!” Riley shouts. “Get Dace DQ’d, end this farce and get yourself... er... heh-heh...” “You were saying?” Aecas asks mildly from beside the suddenly recalcitrant commentator. Fired up on adrenaline Toxxic shows no sign of usual caution and seems to be egging Terrence on... but the giant Australian merely raises an eyebrow and then steps aside. Confused, Toxxic turns back to the ring - only to be flattened by a flying Dace Night! “ELLLLBOOOOWWWW SUICIDA!” Comet yells as Dace mashes Toxxic’s face with a devastating diving blow. “But wait a minute... Dace is hurt too!” Indeed, although Toxxic is writhing on the outside and clutching his face Dace is also in severe pain and cradling his right arm... the arm that he unthinkingly used to deliver his latest attack. “Don’t I always say it Comet?” Riley shouts as the crowd starts to attempt to cheer Dace back up again. “Take away a man’s strongest arm and you take away his most powerful weapon!” “Take away your strongest arm and you take away your social life...” Comet mutters. Pushing himself up on one arm, Dace Night casts a glance over at Toxxic. The champion is moving on the mats, but without any obvious purpose, and Dace still has a chance to regain the momentum. Regaining his feet Dace walks over to Toxxic and simply plants a massive kick into the straight-edger’s ribs. The impact blasts the air from Toxxic’s lungs and the champion rolls away, partly from the force of the blow and partly to try and escape. Dace lunges after him, grabs Toxxic by the hair and pulls him upright - then whips the champion towards the ring steps! *CLANG!!* But Toxxic reverses, and it is Dace who gets a harsh welcome at steel city! With his opponent in a seated position Toxxic takes a couple of quick steps forward - then smashes into Dace’s face with a basement dropkick! The crushing blow against the steps causes even Horrorcore’s notoriously thick skull severe pain, and as Dace tries to shake away the stars Toxxic grabs the Brummy’s right arm and drapes it over the top step. Balancing on his hands Toxxic raises himself into the air - then comes crashing down again, driving the point of his knee right into Dace’s arm! “Yaaaaarrrrrggghhh!” Even the High Priest of Horrorcore is going to be hurting after a move like that, and the sudden jarring pain brings Dace back to the here-and-now. Wrenching his arm away Dace desperately slides under the bottom rope in a dual bid to gain some time and avoid being counted out. As Michael Hall reaches “nine” Toxxic gets to the apron, then vaults to the top rope and springs across the ring, taking Dace off his feet with a spinning heel kick! Diving on top of his opponent, Toxxic hooks the leg... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... KICKOUT! “No joy as yet for the champion!” Comet calls. “Dace’s arm is hurting, but the rest of the challenger’s body is still fine for kicking out of pin attempts!” “You can’t fight back with only one arm though, Comet!” Riley asserts. “It’s only a matter of time now, I’m sure.” Despite the pain in his arm Dace still gets to his feet fast enough... but Toxxic fires off a couple of European uppercuts to back the bigger man into the ropes. Grabbing that right wrist again Toxxic attempts to whip Dace across the ring, but the High Priest of Horrorcore reverses, sending Toxxic into the cables instead! As the champion rebounds towards him Dace puts his head down for a back-bodydrop - but Toxxic kills his momentum and nails Dace with a facebuster to the knee! Seeking to complete the Sobering Thought combo Toxxic snares Dace in a front facelock prior to dropping him on his head with a DDT - but Dace hoists him up and over, bridging out into a Northern Lights Suplex for a pin! ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... KICKOUT! “Dace came close there!” Comet shouts. “Toxxic really needs to be wary of the challenger.” “Just because Dace can beat the living crap out of you, it doesn’t mean he can’t wrestle.” Aecas asserts. “People sometimes forget that... and then they lose to him.” Both men rise simultaneously from the pin, and Dace strikes first with a vicious knife-edge chop: *CRACK!!* “WHOOO!” The impact jars the Brummy’s arm, but the sickening smack seems to incite Dace and he swings again... only for Toxxic to raise both his forearms, blocking the shot! This result is less kind to Dace’s wounded limb and the challenger cradles his arm again, turning away from his opponent. Seeing his opportunity Toxxic reaches around Dace from behind, wraps his hands across Dace’s forehead and sits out, slamming the back of the Brummy’s head into the canvas with the Underkill! Reaching forward to cradle a leg, Toxxic shouts at referee Hall to count... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... KICKOUT! Annoyed at his opponent’s resilience Toxxic grabs Dace’s head and brings the challenger up before driving Dace’s face down into his knee and then dropping the Brummy on his head with a DDT, managing this time to hit the Sobering Thought without interruption. Dace lies stunned on his back, but Toxxic has greater aspirations and quickly ascends to the top turnbuckle. Twirling his fingers over his head in the universal symbol for “high risk” the Straight-Edge Sensation dives off, somersaulting forward to nail the Hangover legdrop! The crowd in the Key Arena groan as the move hits, and with his cocky lopsided grin back in place Toxxic hooks the leg for the cover... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS!! ... ... ... ... ... KICKOUT! “He’s getting closer!” Bobby Riley shouts, but there is still some fire left in Dace Night - the kickout had far too much authority for Toxxic’s liking. The champion reaches down to bring Dace up again, but this time as soon as he is vertical Dace drives his knee into Toxxic’s midsection! The crowd (and Terrence) come alive at the High Priest of Horrorcore’s apparent revival, and grabbing the back of Toxxic’s head with his left hand Dace drives the champion’s head into the top turnbuckle before hammering his face with a left-armed elbow smash. The impact is less than Dace could have summoned with his right arm, but still enough to stagger Toxxic back against the turnbuckles. Grabbing his opponent with his left hand again, Dace hauls on Toxxic’s arm and sends the rookie across the ring before turning and following... ...but as he reaches the other turnbuckle Toxxic suddenly vaults to the top, then comes diving back at Dace with the flying clothesline he calls the Role Reversal! Dace is taken down, but almost immediately Horrorcore begins to stir. Seeking to gain the advantage Toxxic slips out to the ring apron, then as Dace rises he vaults to the middle of the top rope and across the ring... *WHAM!!* ...BUT DACE NAILS HIM IN MIDAIR WITH A YAKUZA KICK!! “RRRAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRR!!!” “LET’S GO DA-CE!” *clap-clap-clap* “LET’S GO DA-CE!” *clap-clap-clap* “LET’S GO DA-CE!” *clap-clap-clap* Dropping back onto his opponent, Dace hooks the leg with his left arm and rolls into the pin... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-NINE-TENTHS!! ... ... ... ... ... KICKOUT! “No! The champion kicks out!” Comet cries as Toxxic’s shoulder spasms off the canvas at the last second. “But that devastating blow has certainly turned things back in the favour of the Unholy Trinity member!” “It’s just a matter of time now,” Aecas predicts softly. Dace looks up at Michael Hall but the referee stands firm, brandishing two fingers. The pragmatic Dace wastes no more time and starts to pull Toxxic back to his feet. As he reaches a vertical base the groggy champion lashes out with a right hand, but Dace ducks the blow and slips behind him - then clamps on a rear waistlock. “If Dace lands another German here, this one will be over!” Comet calls excitedly. “Who says he’s just going to land one?” Aecas asks. Spreading his legs wide, Dace prepares to arch backwards and drop Toxxic with another devastating German suplex, but the knowledge of what’s in store seems to galvanise the champion who desperately lashes backwards with elbows. The barrage connects and the momentary breathing space allows Toxxic to lunge forward and grab the ropes. Dace refuses to release the hold in spite of this, and Michael Hall steps in to do his job - but Toxxic abruptly jerks his head backwards, smashing the back of his own skull into Dace’s nose! The impact causes Dace to release his grip and sends him staggering backwards; turning, Toxxic measure his opponent for a second before darting in and snapping off a superkick... ...that Dace ducks! The High Priest of Horrorcore slips round behind Toxxic again, fastens both arms around his waist - and as the crowd in the Key Arena rise to their feet, arches backwards... “YEEEAAAAAAAA-OOOOHHHHHHH!!” ...but Toxxic flips out and lands on his feet as Dace falls backwards! “That right arm betrayed Dace again there,” Comet cries. “Toxxic had managed to weaken it to the point where Dace couldn’t hold the waistlock, allowing the champion to escape that move!” Desperate to retain his momentum Dace pushes himself up off the mat and turns to face Toxxic, but the champion has had half a second to regain his bearings, and lashes out with a boot to the midsection. Dace doubles over, and Toxxic places him in a vertical headscissors before reaching down and hooking Dace’s left arm up... his right arm up... and brings the High Priest of Horrorcore UP... AROUND... and... DOWN!! “TOXXIC SHOCK SYNDROME!” Comet yells as Dace’s face is driven into the canvas by the spinning Pedigree. “Against all the odds, Toxxic did it!” “Count, Hall!” Riley screams. “Dammit, count!” Rolling Dace over, Toxxic desperately hooks both legs and tries to pile all of Dace’s weight onto his shoulders... ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-NINE-TENTHS!! ... ... ... ... ... THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! “RRRRAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRR!!” Absolutely aghast, Toxxic stares up at Michael Hall. Despite the Straight-Edge Sensation’s vociferous protests however, the referee stands his ground and holds up only two fingers. Furious, Toxxic rises to his feet and starts to spit abuse at the SWF’s head ref, who first tries to calm the irate Brit and then starts to snap back himself. “Toxxic getting needlessly distracted here,” Comet says as the two men argue vociferously. “He needs to turn round and get back onto Dace if he’s going to win...” Finally Toxxic turns away from Michael Hall, only to see to his astonishment that Dace is struggling to his feet! With an angry yell Toxxic charges in... but Dace ducks the clothesline, and as Toxxic turns round, trying to keep tabs on his opponent, Dace fires off a kick to the stomach and then spikes the champion down with a DDT! “HOR-ROR-CORE!” “HOR-ROR-CORE!” “HOR-ROR-CORE!” “ONE!” Michael Hall counts as both men lie flat on their back, each a little too battered to get straight back up. “TWO!” “Toxxic’s lack of concentration may have lost him the ICTV Title,” Comet says as both men start to stir. “THREE!” “He’d lost it before he ever stepped into the ring,” Aecas returns, dead white eyes fixed on the two forms trying to push themselves upright. “FOUR!” “Toxxic should have won it after the Toxxic Shock Syndrome!” Riley argues. “Hall counted slowly! How else would Dace kick out?” “FIVE!” “Well - I have,” Aecas smirks. “SI-” Michael Hall’s count is cut off as Dace Night makes it to his feet. Moments later Toxxic rises too, but the challenger is already moving. Grabbing Toxxic’s left wrist in his right hand Dace spins his opponent around, then grabs Toxxic’s right wrist in his left - and pulls Toxxic’s own arms up around his throat, applying a Goku-Raku Choke!” “D.N.R!” Comet yells. “Dace going for the Do Not Resuscitate!” Toxxic desperately struggles against the force of his own limbs, but the harder he tries to get away the less air reaches his lungs. Dace tries to manoeuvre the slippery champion into a position to apply the body scissors part of the hold, but Toxxic’s constant wriggling makes this difficult. The crowd in the Key Arena come to their feet, convinced that Dace is going to do it... but Toxxic still has one card left. Ignoring his right arm and his escape attempts, Tosxxic wrenches his left arm with all his might. Dace’s greater strength would normally hold the Straight-Edge Sensation tight, but the weakened right arm hasn’t quite got the strength it once did. Dace tries to resist - but suddenly, Toxxic manages to free his arm and begins to twist away! Dace reaches forward, trying to recapture the escaping limb... ...and feeling Dace’s head resting above his own, Toxxic reaches up with his left hand, clamps Dace’s chin to the top of his head and sits out in a modified jawbreaker. “YES!” Bobby Riley shouts as the Key Arena boos in unison. “Come on, Tox- er... I’ll just be quiet, shall I?” “Good idea,” the Black Angel snarls. Dace clamps both hands to his chin as Toxxic scuttles away, and for a moment the high priest of Horrorcore isn’t looking at his opponent. Seizing his opportunity Toxxic runs in from sideways on, jumping in the air and hooking his arm around Dace’s neck before swinging round and bringing Dace crashing down with the Straight Edge neckbreaker! With Dace down on the mat Toxxic knows he has one last chance to get the victory, and the battered straight-edger staggers over to the ropes. Ducking between them he steps out onto the apron, midway between the two ring posts... then vaults to the middle of the top rope... ...springs off, flipping backwards as he jumps forward... ...and crashes down, one leg slamming into Dace’s windpipe! “IN-GLORRRR-IOUS!” Bobby Riley sings out. “Toxxic hits the Inglorious!” Comet yells at the same time. “Could that Shooting Star Legdrop be enough?” ONE! ... ... ... ... ... TWO!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-QUARTER!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-A-HALF!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS!! ... ... ... ... ... TWO-AND-NINE-TENTHS!! ... ... ... ... ... THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! *DING! DING!* Dace Night’s shoulder jerks off the canvas - but this time it’s half a second too late. The guitars of ‘We Still Kill The Old Way’ starts up in the Key Arena as Anthony Michael Hall presents Toxxic with the two title belts, and Funyon’s voice starts to boom out: “Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner, and STILL Intercontinental-Television Cham-” But Funyon is cut off by Toxxic desperately rolling out of the ring as the Straight-Edge Sensation flees the arrival of Aecas! The seven-footer hits the ring wielding his Flick Scythe and with bad intentions written on his black-and-white-painted face, but Toxxic manages to get out of the way... only to turn around into Terrence Bailey for the second time this evening! Smiling slightly, Bailey raises the Equalizer as Aecas watches from the ring and the one fan wearing a ‘Hardcore Punk’ T-shirt puts his hands over his eyes. Terrence opens his mouth to say something... ...and a stocky figure with a hooded sweatshirt hiding his face vaults over the guard rail! In the ring Aecas points past Terrence’s shoulder, desperately trying to get the giant Aussie to turn around - but the figure drops to one knee behind the Anti-Heel Machine and swings its arm up in a punishing blow to Terrence’s happy-happy-joy-joy area! The giant’s eyes bulge and his knees start to buckle - there is still enough left in Terrence to attempt a grab at Toxxic as he darts past but the straight-edger is too quick, and together with the hooded man Toxxic flees to the top of the ramp as Aecas starts to climb out of the ring, while Dace Night begins to pick himself up inside it. At the top of the entrance ramp Toxxic laughs at the Unholy Trinity, raising one title belt in each hand whilst beside him his accomplice pushes his hood back - to reveal the grinning face of Jimmy “The Demon” Liston! “Liston!?” Comet yells. “Are you telling me that Toxxic and his impromptu tag partner from Storm are actually in cahoots?” “I don’t know, Comet, but I love it!” Riley answers. “Janus looked like a nauseous goldfish!” “Join us next time, Citizens, for another fantastic SWF show!” Comet pimps as Toxxic and Liston disappear, leaving a battered Dace, an angry Aecas and an increasingly unstable looking Terrence - or possibly Janus. “Until then - be excellent to each other!” FADE OUT Smarks Wrestling Federation ©2004

[MUZZ] NO-ONE CARES WHAT YOUR RINGTONE IS YOU LOSERS [/MUZZ]

My ringtone is a non-polyphonic rendition of the 'Dangermouse' themetune, and I wouldn't be surprised if only Dace and Landon know what that is. Then again, they might be too young...

I think Matt Hardy said that his current injury was the first time he'd been out with injury since debuting with the company. He and Christian were having a competition to see who could last longer (he won, as Xian had that back injury)

One sugar with mine please. Is it wrong that there's a holiday company called 'Hoseasons'? I keep expecting Charles White to pop up and start dancing.

I'm going with Spike's figures, but guessing 15 no-shows.

Underworld muscle are nothing as to the might of Revolution Zero. Prepare to be squashed. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Spike, lariat him will ya?

Tom, you say the nicest things

I am Toxxic, sign-in name MikeofEvil. I am now 23. MIKE is Chuck Woolery, fed God and yes, he is 16, he was the person I was saluting at the start of the thread. If people say Mike, they mean Chuck Woolery (his character was Mike Van Siclen). If people say Toxx, they mean me.

People who pay attention to stats tell me that it's been AGES since there has been anyone who can 'draw'. Can Batista be the unlikely man to break that? Probably not. But I don't see that there is any reason why he can't be a good champion. The main thing people have highlighted is that he won't be able to sustain momentum unless he's against Triple H. This might be true, but let's think about this - this is Raw. He will ALWAYS be against Triple H, because Triple H is top dog. So I don't think that worry is necessarily applicable. As for his moveset - he's limited, but does he need to change that much? His very character is based on his power, and the fact that he can do his moves to more or less anyone. He's put over as freakishly strong, so theoretically it won't take many moves to crush people. The point is that as he moves into the main event his opponents will either be that bit tougher, or that bit smarter and therefore able to avoid his moves for longer or work out a counter strategy. Despite the relatively small size difference, HHH is not put over as anywhere near as strong as Big Dave. So a title match could see Hunter getting in hit after hit, going after Batista's leg, avoiding the big moves and cheating his ass off, all the time trying to avoid getting taken out. Batista would be perceived as being in danger of losing due to Trip's smartness, but his monster character could be retained due to the fact that when he DOES land a move, it doesn't take many of them to win him the match. His charisma - Anyone remember after Batista took out Goldberg? All of Evolution went on the mic. Flair rambled in a Flair way, Triple H droned on and on, Orton stumbled over his words, and Batista said a few things in a very, VERY natural way. He was the only one who did not seem to be reading from a pre-memorised script. Does charisma mean that he has to make long speeches? Not really, it just means that he has to have a connection with the fans and know when and how to react. His verbal timing is good, his delivery is natural and convincing. In the ring, he is able to play off the fans without playing TO the fans, an important distinction for a non-cookie-cutter face/tweener. See above for when he roared at Kane and people went NUTS. People want to see him crush people, and he knows how to get them in the mood for it. As a champion he may not set the world on fire, but what has the WWE got to lose? It's not like there's an obvious choice instead of him who should be given the push. Jericho won't get the belt again, Benoit didn't succeed that well in the way they booked him before and there's no reason to assume they'd book him differently the next time, if there is one. I see Batista as being, if anything, the opposite of Triple H. A quietly confident face/tweener who's in it for himself but doesn't mind being cheered, although it's not vital to him. Whereas Trips always puts himself over as great, someone steps up to try and prove him wrong and usually fails, Batista is the target for mouthy heel after mouthy heel and this time it's the heels that are defeated. Think of it this way: when was the last time you saw a ring full of heels scatter in terror because the World Champ was on his way down the ramp to stop a beatdown, instead of them piling on him as well and him not making much difference? With Batista, you could get that.