SWF Lockdown! - Jan 13, 2003

January 14, 2003

**Live**

Lockdown’s maiden broadcast is not quite ready to soar into television history, but outside the Gund Arena is live and bustling with last minute ticket scalpers. “SWF Lockdown! Sold Out” beams from the neon sign above and we are taken to the parking garage. Down the tunnel cruises a black 2003 Nissan Expedition with all the windows tinted to conceal its occupants. The camera crew chases the car until it comes to a halt outside the “talent” entrance of the arena, and the crew gets solid position near the door to the vehicle to get a good shot of whoever steps out.

The door opens slowly, and a large figure steps out. The person is dressed in all black below the waist, and the camera pans up to find out the identity of this superstar…

CRUNCH!

…but the camera only catches a glimpse of a fist hurling at it just before it goes flying back. The camera hits the ground and then…

**static**

January 14, 2003

The arena is dark...

A flash of light...

A boom...

The several searchlights start searching the crowd from the top of the entrance stage. After two sweeps an alarm rings and several red lights start flashing. Then a siren starts to wail.

The Lockdown music hits and the home feed cuts to flashing images of SWF superstars behind bars. They is black and white, gritty images. The music builds to a fever pitch and the SWF Lockdown logo explodes onto the screen!

The image cuts back to the set with suddenly illuminates! It is a massive set peice, two full SWFTrons, miles and miles of chain and steel bars. Suddenly, a prison cell door slides down from the ceiling and slams into the stage, setting off a massive pyro display!! The crowd cheers and as the pyro ends, the camera starts to sweep them, showing off their signs and costumes!

Grand Slam: Ladies and Gentlemen - Welcome to the very first SWF Lockdown, live from the beautiful Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio!

Riley: Home of the SJL!

Grand Slam: Right! But for one night only, the SWF is invading!! And we have one hell of a show lined up for you tonight!

Riley: Right you are Mark! Annie Eclectic takes on Xero for the Hardcore Gamer's Title Number One Contendership!!

Grand Slam: Stryke tests himself against a returning and rejuvinated Xstasy!

Riley: Nathan Kibi... Kaba... (listens to his headset for a moment) Kibigami meets Danny Williams for the Number One Contender's Slot for the prestigious Intercontinental-Television Title!

Grand Slam: And then one of the premiere matches of the night... Judge Mental tries to wrest the Hardcore Gamers Title away from the current champion, Michael Craven!

Riley: And then there's yet another ICTV Number One Contender Match between the massive Frost and slippery Alex Zenon!

Grand Slam: And then it is the Main Event - Current World Champion El Luchadore Magnifico teams up with the H-Ville Thugg to take on Ced Ordonez and Mak Francis for a shot at the Tag Team Titles!!

Riley: And here we go!!!

January 14, 2003

**Back from the opening credits, we first start off at the Gund's catering area which is reserved tonight for the SWF staff and crew. As a myriad of stagehands go in every directions, we see famed interviewer Kevin Cole resting on a table with a cellphone plugged to his ear; while his coffee was brewing ... Notable in the background is a large blackboard, with tonight's card scribbled on ...**

Cole: ... Yeah, I'm starting tonight ...... Who'm I gonna interview? ... Heck if I know ...... Well, we got so much stuff going on since the year started, so who knows what I'll be assigned to. With people coming and leaving, it's hard to keep track after a while ...... Yeah, hey listen, I gotta run. I'll catch you later. See ya ... (snaps his phone shut)

"Stand back, Kevin Cole!! ... Because GREATNESS ... is comin' through."

**Cole turns around to see the arrival of Tod deKindes, clad in street clothes and dragging his rolling suitcase behind him. Tod appears to be in an oddly jovial mood, while the interviewer actually appears quite indifferent.**

Cole: ... Tod.

Tod: My friend, did you even SEE last wednesday? Ohhh, it was a thing of beauty, my man!! Picture this! You got the ICTV champion Squishy, or whatever his name is ... going up against Nathaniel ... can't even pronounce his damn name; at the Christmas Pay per view ...

Cole: ... Right.

Tod: These two have a match ...... and Chacchi can't even defend his belt properly!! So this is what I did: I took Nathaniel Whatshisname and I did what the SO-CALLED ICTV champion couldn't do AND I BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF HIM!! Hey, I think Angel digs me, too ...

Cole: ... Uh-huh.

Tod: So tonight, they got NO CHOICE but to put me in a match against Squiggy for the belt. I mean, this title is SO mine!!

Cole: ... Right. Did you even see the line-up for tonight?

Tod: Who needs to see the damn line-up when EVERYBODY knows that I'm TOTALLY bringing the ICTV gold to XF9 tonight!! (throws his hand towards Cole in hopes for a high five)

Cole: Um, maybe you should go take a look.

Tod: (his demeanor turns to quizzical, though he does look quite stupid with his hand hanging in midair) All right, fine.

**Without no hesitation, Tod took his suitcase and walked over to the large blackboard; as Gus the cameraman duly followed him ...**

Tod: All right, what do we have here? ... "Annie vs Xero" (scoffs) Talk about Battle Of The Chumpwads ... "Stryke ..." I beat that guy "vs Xstasy". Dunno, don't care ... "Nathaniel vs Williams" ... Big deal, I beat both of 'em time and time again ... 'the hell? "#1 Contendership for the ICTV title" ?? ... "Judge vs Michael Craven" ... Different name, same dork ... (the next match really caught his attention this time) "Frost vs Zenon, #1 Contendership for the ICTV title" ??! What in the hell is this?? My name isn't even on there!! (yelling out to whoever will listen) I BEAT THIS DAMN NEAR ENTIRE ROSTER BY MYSELF!! Son of a BITCH!! This is EXACTLY the kind of disrespect I'm talking about!!

**In a fit of upset rage, he tipped over the black board and stormed off towards his dressing room.**

...

January 14, 2003

The Gund Arena explodes in cheers as the commercials, promos, and other assorted fluff end and the bell rings signifying the first match of the night! Signs fly by the screen as the camera spins towards the entrance ramp because we don't really care about any fan signs right now so meh. Cut to the announcer's table for the next match, with The Heavy Hitter, "Grand Slam" Mark Stevens and everyone's favorite closet dweller, Bobbi Riley!

Bobby: My name is spelled with a "Y"! Damn you narrator! DAMN YOUSE~!

Mark: Well, I see Riley's gone off the deep end early off tonight, so I don't have to work that hard to get him there! Bonus, plus one. Welcome back, Ladies and Gents, to our first edition of SWF LOCKDOWN!!! We're all excited to break the proverbial bottle of bubbly on the bow of our new ship, and we have a spectacular card to show it off with! Not one, but TWO ICTV number one contender matches, a match to decide the newly rechristend SWF Hardcore GAMERS Championship, number one contendership for the Tag Titles....

Bobby: Is there any matches tonight without a number one or title attached to it?

Mark: Let me check my notes.... YES! The returning Stryke versus the returning Xstacy! There was some considerable hullabaloo over X's return... is he in league with Thugg or against? What is he doing back? Where had he been?

Bobby: Will I vomit with rage when I gaze upon him again?

Mark: Vomit with rage?

Bobby: When he comes out, you watch.

Mark: ... right. Anyway, we start off with a number one contenders match...

Bobby: Not again.

Mark: to the Hardcore Gamers Championship! It's the "Hardcore Queen" Annie Eclectic versus the "King of the DDT", Xero!

Bobby: And if you have any sense of loyalty to this sport, you'll back Xero one hundred and ten percent.

Mark: Can't wait to hear why this is...

Bobby: Annie got this shot by whining and complaining about Judge Mental trying to clean up and make the HCG Title mean something again. Mean something more than bleeding like a stuck pig. Mean something more than trash cans and chainsaws. Xero could become a hero to all that is pure in pro wrestling and stop this bitch from completing her hell-bent mission to keep the garbage in "Garbage" wrestling.

Mark: Well, the returning Xero is no stranger to Ms. Eclectic. They've fought twice and split in those two decisions. Annie's been on a down streak of late and is still hurting from the rib injuries she incurred over two months ago, but Xero is returning from a long vacation and is fresh and ready to go. Will the guts and heart of Annie Eclectic...

Bobby: *gags*

Mark: ...prevail or will the fresh legs and unfettered mind of Xero be too much for her? We go ringside with our man with the mic: Funyon, to start of the festivities on S! W! F! LOCKDOWN!

Cut to the immaculatly dressed Funyon ready to start the introductions.

Funyon: Ladies and Gentlemen, our first match, scheduled for one fall and falls under Hardcore rules, is for the number one contendership to the Hardcore Gamers Championship!!!

The crowd predictably cheers for the renamed old title. But the cheers turn quickly to boos as a quiet drumbeat begins to pump inside the Gund Arena. The lights go pitch black, and the drumbeats get louder.. and louder... and louder... until BOOM! Red and White flares escape from each side of the entrance ramp as "Trust" by Megadeth blares to it's fullest.

Funyon: Introducing first, from Port Colburne, Ontario, Canada... weighing in at two hundred and ten pounds... he is the "King of the DDT".... XERO!

The bald, goateed man walks out from behind the curtain, flexing his toned muscles as he walks through the flames that match the ones on his black karate pants. With purpose, Xero walks towards the ring, ignoring the jeers and insults tossed towards him. Xero rolls under the bottom rope and pops to his feet, ready to take on his opponent....

...and then the trumpets sound.

Funyon: Now introducing her opponent, from Indianapolis Indiana and representing the Midnight Carnival..... she is the self professed...

Funyon and Crowd: HARD! CORE! QUEEN!

Funyon: ...right, weighing in at one hundred seventy five pounds.... Annniiiiiieeee Eeeecleeectiiiiiiiiiic!!!!

Guitars thrash along with the synthesized trumpets as Annie Eclectic bursts out from the curtain like a bat out of hell. With her Kendo Sword attached across her red leather-clad shoulder, Annie runs to the ring.... and around it, making a full and complete stop right in front of Funyon. She holds out her hand expectantly and Funyon hands over the microphone to her with a small bow. Annie smiles and turns towards the ring.

Bobby: The only thing worse than an Annie Eclectic match.... is an Annie Eclectic speech.

Mark: Hush, I want to hear.

Annie: Okay, time to turn off my snazzy music, guys, I need to say something.

The sound men happily oblige.

Annie: Okay Xero, you're back. YAY for you! Now, let's expound on your new lease on life. You're a roughneck that likes to use Kendo Swords and DDTs? Why does that sound vaguely familiar?

Bobby: Why do we care what hot air you got flapping out your mouth?

Annie: I heard that Riley.

Bobby: eep.

Annie: Is it because someone else seems to do that too? Why... that would be... CORRECT! Now... if you wanted to be like the Hardcore Queen... you only needed to have told me!

The crowd snickers a bit as Xero begins to show visible anger.

Annie: We could have gone shopping together! I mean, red flames and karate pants, yeah, fine, but why not a kimono? Or maybe a green suit with pink pinstripes, eh?

Annie walks up the stairs and enters the ring right next to a fuming Xero.

Annie: I know I'm not the greatest wrestler, but I'm possibly the prettiest. I know guys like you, that want to be all pretty and wear skirts and stuff.... you don't have to hide it anymore! We're your friends!

Full of rage and hatred, Xero rips the stick from Annie's hands and puts his face one centimeter away from the Hardcore Queen's....

Xero: LISTEN UP, you little c***

Mark: WHOA! Did we get that dumped out?

Xero: I... am NOT... a CROSSDRESSER!!! And you need to learn...

Annie non-chalantly rips the microphone out from Xero's hand.

Annie: Learn what, Xero? That you got married to a monkey on the happiest day of your life? Or that you prefer to be called "Transgendered"? I already know this crap, look, you wanna be all macho and be all rough and stuff, fine. Here...

With that Annie takes out her Kendo Sword, causing Xero to back up a couple of feet. Annie raises one eyebrow and tosses the weapon to her opponent, who deftly grabs it from mid-air. Eclectic makes a "bring it" motion with her hands as the angry Xero grips the weapon tighter. With a loud yell, Xero charges forward and makes a downward swipe at the Hardcore Queen but she is no longer there! Xero turns around only to see the fully coiled back Annie E spring forward and deliver a devastating stepping savate kick to the chin! Xero's head snaps back and his body crumples backwards to the mat, as the Kendo Sword is sent clattering away to the outside.

DING DING DING

Bobby: Did a match start? My, I thought that only happened in wrestling leagues, not in Annie's Magical Fairy Hour.

Mark: Hey, you have to admit it's incredibly funny.

Bobby: No, no I don't.

Annie grabs at Xero's legs and begins to drag him away from the corner towards the center of the ring. Keeping one leg underneath her arm, Eclectic pulls at Xero until he's on his side, then steps over, forcing her opponent to lie face first on the mat. Annie then squats down and leans back hard, sending pain down Xero's leg and back as the referee checks on Xero's condition.

Mark: An odd start to the match as Annie begins with a submission hold, the single leg Boston Crab. Not a difficult hold by any means but Annie is not too well known for her variety in submission holds.

Bobby: That's for sure, she's known for hammering tacks into people's foreheads and by breaking tables with her opponent's bodies.

Mark: Do I sense hatred of the stipulation on our first match?

Bobby: Please, if it weren't for Judge Mental's attempts to clean up this division I'd tell King himself that we should be rid of it once and for all.

Xero presses his hands against the mat and pushes upward, trying to get enough leverage to push against the lighter Eclectic... SPLAT! Causing her to land facefirst on the mat as Xero escapes the hold. Annie pops back to her feet rubbing her nose as Xero gets up to one knee, still attempting to shake the early cobwebs from his head. From behind, Annie takes a running start and then does a seated dropkick to the back of Xero's leg, sending it flying forward. With Xero offbalance, Annie pushes Xero on his back, sending his torso forward and causing him to do the largest splits of his life! Many men in the audience cough and cringe at the sight as Xero's own face shows a mix of surprise and pain.

Mark: Oh. Ow. Oh.

Bobby: Ah. Oh.. Ugh.

Mark: I dont... quite think Xero is that flexible normally.

Bobby: I don't think anyone is, Mark.

Xero gasps for a bit of air and then flops over onto his side, slowly trying to get his legs back next to each other. Annie takes the opportunity to drag Xero up to his knees and lock in a standing headscissors... which Xero immediatly pushes out of and rolls backwards. Annie runs up and attempts to get the headscissors on again but Xero deftly rolls out of it and drops to the outside.

Bobby: Please, no one is stupid enough to get hit with the Daybreak this early in a match!

Mark: True but how 'with it' would you be if you had just had a split inflicted...

Bobby: Don't. Bring. That. Up.

Annie steps through the ropes and drops to the outside to follow. She turns towards Xero.... CRACK! Xero swings a homerun with Annie's own Kendo Sword! Eclectic stumbles backwards and clutches instinctively at her forehead, checking for blood from the strike until... CRACK! Xero lands another hard swing right on Annie's side! Eclectic screams bloody murder with tears falling down her cheek as she crumples like a sack of potatoes to the concrete. Xero follows up with a hard boot to her side... and another one... and a third! The hard blows to her ribs forcing the Hardcore Queen to ball up on the ground with a puddle starting to form by her head from the tears of pain. The crowd becomes a tidal wave of jeers, angry at the unsportsmanlike attacks from Xero. Eclectic can feel herself being dragged upwards by her hair, as Xero tries to get her to stand up. The injuries inflicted cause her knees to buckle, and her weight to drop back to the concrete hard.

Mark: Wow, this is incredibly bad this early on in the match. Xero may have just re-injured Annie Eclectic, she isn't strong enough to stand...

Bobby: I love this match.

Mark: Weren't you the one earlier harping about the evils of 'garbage' wrestling?

Bobby: Yes, but it's great to see her own style turn on her and bite her in the ass!

Mark: Because you're no stranger to ass biting.

Bobby: HEY!

Xero passes on the attempt to drag Annie to her feet and simply covers her. The referee slides through the ropes and checks Eclectic's shoulders to see if they're flush on the ground...

ONE....

TWO...

THRE...NO!

Mark: Amazing heart on Annie's part to kickout but you have to wonder how long the officials can allow this to continue, it's obvious Annie doesn't have much of a chance of winning this match and may not have much better odds on survivng.

Bobby: Mark, just sit back and enjoy the carnage. Can I get some popcorn?

Xero gets up, yelling at the referee for what he thinks is a slow count. The official screams back "TWO" and offers two fingers for more emphasis. Grumbling, Xero turns back towards his opponent, grabbing her hair a second time and this time succeding in getting Annie in some semblance of a standing position. Xero lifts his arm up and begins to cinch on a front face lock but Annie pushes weakly away, just avoiding the hold. Judge lands another boot to the midsection, rolling Annie over as she elicits another yelp of pain. The crowd begins to become incredibly hostile, throwing beer bottles and cups at Xero to show their enhanced displeasure. Xero flips the crowd off and grabs at Annie's head again and twists his finger high up in the air...

Mark: Xero's looking for the Purgatory, but he should probably be thinking more of a safe escape from the Gund Arena! The Crowd is getting more hostile than hostile and... *splash* and I've just been hit with beer.....

Bobby: Have fun driving home, Mark!

Mark: Didn't they learn from the Browns game....

Xero tries to cinch in the front face lock but Annie finds a way to push away a second time. Xero lines up his foot for another kick to the fallen Annie... but Eclectic catches the foot in her hands. Snaking her hand up Xero's leg, she falls to the side and twists, causing Xero's leg to bend in an unnatural way before forcing the rest of his body to spin and fall to the concrete! The crowd explodes in a chorus of cheers as Annie gets up to one knee, clutching heavily at her ribs with one arm and giving Xero a stare of death through the tears in her eyes.

Mark: I don't believe it! Annie E is up! Annie Eclectic fights on, whether it's a smart move or not, I have to admire the tenacity and...

Bobby: Blah blah blah Blah BLAH!!!! After Xero takes this moaner out I hope he goes for the "double play" and takes you out too!

Mark: Don't ever use baseball terminology against me, Bobby.

Annie struggles but makes it up to her full height, and wipes the residual tears from her eyes. Shaking her head to clear her vision, she opens her eyes as she takes a step forward.... and walks right into a SPEAR! Xero raises himself up from his attack and looks down at a gasping, nearly silent Annie E. A smile creeps over Xero's face as he puts a single finger between Annie's breasts and looks over towards the referee....

Mark: That, may just be the cockiest pin ever from Xero.....

ONE...

TWO....

THR...KICKOUT!

Mark: NEVER pin that lazily! You never assume you've finished your opponent like that!

Bobby: I don't think he was finished, Mark, he probably just wanted an excuse for a cheap feel.

Mark: ... you might be right. That's possibly worse.

Xero looks over at the referee who is quick to flash two fingers again. Xero yells out a couple of expletives and then hooks a leg for another cover....

ONE..

TWO... NO!

Xero elbows Annie hard in the ribs, causing another loud scream of pain. Xero hooks the leg again....

ONE...

TWO... NO!

This time Xero gets up and screams right into the referee's face. The official doesn't back down as he screams back, enforcing that each pin was simply a two count. Xero takes a step back but suddenly feels something touch his stomach... as he falls backwards and is rolled into a quick pin! The referee takes a second before realizing and drops down to make the count....

ONE...

TWO...

NO!

Mark: What a flurry of near falls there, with Annie showing some life left in her as she tries to sneak a pin over her opponent and move on to the winner of tonight's Hardcore Gamer's title match!

Bobby: Does it matter at this point? Even if she wins, she'll have to face the new Hardcore god, Judge Mental! And he will be the one to bring our sport back to a point of respectability as he cleans up the division!

Mark: Aren't you putting the eggs before the chicken here?

Bobby: Exploding Chicken is here???? Where's the emergency exit? I'm outta here!

Mark: Bobby! Bobby... it's an expression.....

Annie rolls up to her knees and struggles a second but makes it to her feet. She catches Xero crouching down and coiling back onto his toes, so she instinctively grabs onto the middle rope... and pulls herself up to the apron, causing Xero to miss his second spear of the night! Xero goes flying forward and headfirst into the steel steps behind her! The crowd goes nuts as Annie turns around to see the fallen Xero groaning and lying face first on the concrete. Eclectic's face contorts into a mask of anger as she stalks her fallen opponent.

Mark: Momentum has shifted Annie's way again, can she make good on it this time though? Is Xero simply playing possum or is he really down? That was an awful shot to the head he just took....

Annie looks down and sees Xero's face... with his eyes closed. Still gasping for air, Annie takes a second to take a deep breath.... and unleashes a series of hard kicks to Xero's head! The crowd eggs Annie on after the first shot and begins to count with the blows....

Crowd: ...TWO! ....THREE! ....FOUR! ....FIVE!

Annie leans down to grab at Xero's neck and force him up, as a portion of the crowd with a bad view yell out "SIX!" before realizing the onslaught had stopped. Dragging Xero to his feet, Annie steps back and looks at her wobbly opponent. The Hardcore Queen steps into a boxer's pose and lashes out with a right jab... then another.... then another... hitting a left hook... then a right cross.... Xero is just about to fall, leaning back, his balance totally shot. Annie takes a couple steps back, looks over her opponent.... then coils back and explodes forward with another stepping savate kick! Xero flies backwards and lands belly up, completely out of it! The crowd is shaking and chanting "AN-NIE E! AN-NIE E!"

Mark: This audience is jam packed and going BONKERS! Annie E has the momentum swining completely her way right now and it looks like despite everything she could actually pull victory out of the jaws of defeat!

Bobby: Don't get too caught up in the peon's hopes and dreams! That woman is still heavily injured and one mistake could mean then end of the "Hardcore Queen".

Annie looks at her fallen foe, and his proximity to the ring post. Deciding he's just the right distance for her plans, Annie crawls up to the ring apron and gets back to her feet, and walks over to the corner of the ring. Slowly, she begins to climb upwards towards the top rope....

Mark: Ohhhhhh no! Annie! If you can hear me do NOT go this route! Do NOT use an Angel Dive! This is madness!

Bobby: YES~! If she's stupid enough to use that move in her condition, then by all means Mark, let her use it! Let her break her own ribs and put herself in traction!

The crowd begins to shout in protest to Annie's decision but the Hardcore Queen is not to be stopped. Reaching the top rope Eclectic allows herself to reach her full height. Annie takes a deep breath, clutches at her ribs from her lungs expanding too much... and then goes off the top rope... Xero catches the movement out of the corner of his eye and rolls away from the expected landing spot, stopping on his belly and lifting himself up to his knees. In the back of his mind he wonders why the crowd is still cheering loudly.

Mark: He doesn't realize Annie only stepped off the ropes to land back on the apron! The ruse apparently worked, I don't think he knows Annie's right behind him!!!

Shaking some of the cobwebs out of his head, Xero steps up and stands straight. Behind him, Annie Eclectic makes "bring it" motions with her hands and waits for her opponent to turn around. Xero obliges, turning to see where his opponent landed only to take a hard front kick to the stomach, knocking the wind from his body and doubling him over! Annie follows up with a standing headscissors and succeeds in double under-hooking Xero's arms! Annie screams out her pain and frustration at once, jumping high in the air and pulling Xero with her. Both land, but Xero takes the full force of the blow to his face on concrete, and bounces slightly, landing completely still as Annie takes another deep painful breath as she rises to her feet. Her face still shows the high amount of anger bubbling up inside her from the previous cheap shots to her ribs. Dragging Xero to his feet again, Annie swings her arm around above her head as the crowd rocks inside the Gund Arena...

Mark: That's Xero's own signal! Is she going to....

Annie snaps her whole body backwards, driving Xero's head hard onto the concrete floor! Xero's body arches upward, causing his body to be perfectly straight up in the air for a split second before crashing hard to the floor behind Annie. Eclectic hooks a leg and pins Xero's arms to the ground with her knees as the official drops to make the count....

ONE.....

TWO.....

THREE!!!!!

DING DING DING

The trumpets sound anew as the referee raises Annie Eclectic's hand in victory! The crowd explodes again as some of the more rabid fans sing along to Annie's theme song.

Funyon: Your winner, and new number one contender to the Hardcore Gamers Championship..... The...

Crowd and Funyon: HARD! CORE! QUEEN!

Funyon: Annnnniieeeeee Eeeeeecleeeeectiiiiiiic!!!!!

Mark: What a come from behind victory! Annie E goes on to face the winner of Judge Mental versus Michael Craven next week! What a start to the new show! If the rest of the card can top this then we're starting off on the right foot wouldn't you say Bobby?

Bobby: Only if that foot has gangrene and falls off.

Mark: Hey Bobby, isn't that Exploding Chicken over there?

Bobby: What? AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!

Bobby Riley runs from the announcer's table in stark terror.

Mark: That was fun! We got to force some advertisement down your throat right now but be strong and stay with us for MORE... S W F LOCKDOWN!!!!

Cut to a picture of Annie Eclectic, on one knee and still clutching at her hurt ribs, but smiling as her music continues to play in the arena....

January 14, 2003

“Welcome back fans, to SWF Lockdown, the inaugural edition of this program, and let me tell you, you fans have been great so far…… Wait, Bobby, why aren’t you arguing with me?”

The camera cuts to a shot of Bobby Riley, holding up his hand to silence Mark Stevens, listening intently to something in his headphones. “Sorry Mark, no time for one of my bitingly accurate insights about your mother being a whore, right now. I’m being informed that minutes ago, there was an incident backstage, involving Ced Ordonez, and it’s been caught on camera. We’re throwing to that footage now.”

Stevens, amazed, looks up towards the Smarktron, and the home viewer’s screen changes, cutting to a view of Ced Ordonez, backstage, body moving in a rhythmic, and slightly frightening way, positioned as he is on a DDR arcade machine, obviously back in his locker room. A whiny voice rings out, cutting through the cheery (And slightly frightening) Japanese pop music. “Aw, c’mon, Ced, Hardy’s gonna get mad at me again. Why do I have to be here?”

Ordonez sighs, but does not turn away from his game, instead moving his hand down to one of the arrows on the front of the colorful box, selecting another song. “Look, this is how I warm up for the show, but I’d never forgive myself if I got a double A or better on something, and there was noone here to document it. Besides, Gus, maybe you’ll get lucky and some fantastic news story will happen here, which you can take all the credit for. I mean, I AM in the main event tonight, and…”

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a figure comes flying forward, smashing a large object into the back of Ced’s skull, and driving him forward, falling face first into the DDR screen, glass cracking, and a large red spot remaining as the images onscreen crackle and jump, Ced’s body crumpling to the playmat.

Stevens seems shocked, for a moment, his voice tinged with worry as he speaks. “Bobby, who would do this to Ced Ordonez? What a brutal, uncalled for attack!”

“Yeah, but at least it stopped that GODAWFUL dancing. Ugh, that’s a terrifying sight if I’ve ever seen one.”

“Oh, you’re just jealous cause you have no rythym.”

The camera stays steady as the Dark figure reaches forward, taping a note to the cracked video screen, which the camera slowly zooms in on, revealing the words ‘Mak Francis. This is your brain on drugs. Danny Williams.’

As the fans let out a tumultuous rain of boos, the camera zooms out again, turning around to see the Magnificent Seven member strapping his U.S. title belt around his waist, the shiny gold surface marred by a red splotch, clearly the blood of the unconscious DDR Freak. Looking straight into the camera, Danny’s face does not change, remaining almost completely expressionless, until, finally, after a few moments, he turns and marches out of Ced’s locker room.

Angrily, Steven’s voice once again rings out. “That damn Danny Williams did all this to send a message to Mak Francis! Is Ordonez alright? Has someone helped him? And what does this mean for our Main Event?”

“I’ll tell you, Mark, the Magnificent Seven sure knows how to make an impact. Oh, wait, no, I suppose Ordonez’s head made the impact, not Danny.”

“Riley, that’s among the most disgusting things you’ve ever said.”

The camera swivels back around, focusing on the downed Ordonez, who is lit up by the flickering light of the broken machine. A loud, synthesized voice rings out, cutting through the silence of the room as the shot focuses in on Ced’s skull, a pool of blood slowly filling the arrow pad mashed beneath his forehead.

“Come on and dance with me!”

January 14, 2003

“Muwhahahahaha!”

An electric guitar sends the fans to their feet in anticipation of the big man extraordinaire. “Who We Be” by DMX blares through the speakers, and instead of the usual fire that ensues, HVT simply walks out to the stage and the fans lose it.

(Funyon) – Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the former 2-time SWF World Heavyweight Champion…THE H…VIIIIIILLLLLEEEEE…TTHHUUUUUUUGGGGGGG!!

HVT starts down the ramp with the fans showering him with cheers, and when he reaches the apron, he steps over the ropes and into the ring. Thugg is immediately handed a microphone, and his music cut much shorter than usual.

(Stevens) – Welcome back to Lockdown and it looks like we’re gonna have a few words from The Hville Thugg!

(Riley) – What’s he doing out here…he’s not scheduled to speak tonight. He’s got that match, but that’s it…

(Stevens) – Why don’t you go up there and tell him that he’s not welcome, huh?

Riley’s silence is enough for Mark as he gives way to Thugg, who is ready to address the masses now.

(HVT) – YO!

Thugg’s familiar greeting sends the crowd into a frenzied roar, forcing Thugg to wait a moment before continuing.

(HVT) – Yo! Aight, so now that I’ve got my contract, everyone’s been askin’ me what I’m gonna do next. But for real, I didn’t even know yo…I had no idea what to do next. I was thinkin’ about gettin’ in da Clusterfuck, tossin’ 19 other bamas over the top rope, and getting’ my world title back.

: cheers :

(HVT) – I COULD find Frost and straight blast HIM…

: cheers :

(HVT) – I COULD go after my man Magnifico and get my title back…

::Softer cheers::

(HVT) – I COULD just walk around backstage and pick a fight wit whoever steps up…

: cheers :

(HVT) – I could walk into King’s office and put two to his grill for what he did on Storm…

::Huge cheers::

(HVT) – But yo…I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and that’s real. I mean, I done almost everything in this fed, so what’s left? Why did I come back yo? Well, last week on Storm, the return of…XSTASY…

::Inordinate amounts of cheers, forcing Thugg to pause::

(HVT) – Xstasy’s return made me think yo. Me and him was talking backstage yo…and for real, he hit me to some shit yo. I hadn’t forgotten yo, but all this contract shit and King and Frost and all that stuff took my mind off of this. But X…X brought that shit back, and I wanna just get some shit out in the open. I’m gonna show y’all something, and this is the last time I’m showin’ this cause when I’m done, it will finally be over. Yo, roll that shit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“ALL ABOOOOOOOOOOARD!”

“WHAT? Haven’t ENOUGH people tried to ruin Edwin’s party already?”

The crowd’s boos are phenomenally loud, and the drown out “Crazy Train” as the deputy commissioner himself steps out onto the ramping, snarling at the confetti as the last of it falls down and gets caught in his hair. “Cut my music!” he sneers, spitting confetti aside. “Well, well, Edwin,” scoffs King, as “Crazy Train” fades out, “it looks like you finally did it. No thanks to that big dumb bitch standing next to you. Bo, Bo, Bo…why couldn’t you get the job done? I didn’t ask for anything fancy—just a simple crippling! I thought you of all people could have pulled it off, not this little fey pretender to my throne standing next to you!”

“What?” says Curry, dumbfounded as everyone else. “I don’t get it…”

“I guess,” continues King, sighing, “I’ll just have to come do it myself. But in the meanwhile, Bo, why don’t you take care of our other problem?” King grins, and Edwin turns towards Bo, a confused look on his face. Bo grins…AND LEVELS THE NEW WORLD CHAMPION WITH THE STEEL CHAIR! THE TITLE BELT GOES FLYING AWAY AND EDWIN DROPS LIKE A DEAD MAN AS THE ARENA BURSTS INTO RIOT! The Suicide King comes bolting down the ramp, and Bo raises his arms high into the air, roaring as he steps forward and bumps chests with Sacred and Jay Dawg!

“BO JUST TOOK OUT THE WORLD CHAMP—AND…no, no, I get it! I can’t believe we missed it!” In the corner, HVT has finally risen up from the Walk-Off, and as he sees Bo floor Edwin with the chair, he realizes the nature of the deception! With a bold shout, the battered Thugg lunges forward, and Bo swings his chair, but Thugg ducks! The Savvis Center explodes with cheers, and Thugg lunges forward…but Sacred and JD each grab and arm of his! He looks back to them dumbfounded, and—

CRAAAACK! Bo brings the chair down hard over Thugg’s head! He slumps –

CRAAAACK! Bo levels him with another chairshot! He passes the chair off to King and he –

CRAAAACK! King takes a swing of his own, and blood starts to pour out of HVT’s forehead as he collapses to the mat! The crowd is in a fury! “It was Bo! It was King! It was them all along! Bo’s got his revenge all right—but this was a setup? I can’t believe it!”

“I suddenly like Bo a lot whole more!” snickers NTD.

Sacred, JD, Bo, and King stomp away at Thugg, trading the chair off and leveling his head with shot after shot, when suddenly Sacred gets yanked out of the picture! A bloody-faced Edwin MacPhisto tears him away and swings a fist, but the Suicide King dashes towards him and wraps him up in a half-nelson before he can do anything! He floors Edwin with the Joker’s Wild, and as the bloody world champ hits the mat, King dumps him out of the ring and goes back to Thugg! “They’re tearing Thugg apart! He’s not going to survive if they keep this up! Listen to that crowd, NTD—I can’t believe, but these people are getting behind the Hville Thugg!” Through all the chairshots, Thugg is fighting through, sitting up, throwing punches, but he keeps getting put down! “He can’t last much longer, and Edwin’s taken out! Where’s the Carnival?” The Smarktron suddenly lights up on the Carnival locker room, thuds coming from inside, the door barred from the outside! “They’re walled in! There’s no one left! Someone has to do something--”

“LIGHTS OUT! GUERRILLA RADIO—TURN THAT SHIT UP!”

The crowd pops one more time—and the music cuts out immediately as Commissioner McWeed comes charging out the back! “KING! BO! You jackoffs! What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Another huge pop!

“The commish is finally coming around!” cries Curry!

“Who gave you the bright idea to beat Thugg down like that? Huh? Was it me? Was it King? You guys are in big trouble…” The crowd is behind the commish now, chanting “STUB-BY, STUB-BY” at the top of their lungs for the first time in ages. “You’re in big trouble, and you know why? I said I wanted Thugg taken care of! I said I wanted him out of my way. But I didn’t say I wanted Thugg beaten down—I wanted him CRIPPLED!”

“WHAT?” The shocks keep coming, and Stubby P. McWeed throws the microphone down as his chant suddenly dissolves! “The commissioner—the Pound—Bo—they were all in on this! I can’t—I can’t believe it!”

“You better, Curry, cause Thugg’s a dead man tonight!” Stubby dives into the ring and starts to stomp away, and Bo raises the chair high…and jams the edge down into the back of Thugg’s neck! Thugg convulses and stops fighting back, and Bo does it again!

.

Bo raises the chair high…and jams the edge down into the back of Thugg’s neck!

.

Bo raises the chair high…and jams the edge down into the back of Thugg’s neck!

.

Bo raises the chair high…and jams the edge down into the back of Thugg’s neck!

.

Bo raises the chair high…and jams the edge down into the back of Thugg’s neck!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(HVT) – Yo, for real…that’s the last time you’re gonna see that…cause, it’s time for me to end this! That son of a bitch broke my neck and almost ended my career, and now, I’m gonna do that and more to him! Now, I know he ain’t here…but for real, if he was…I’d be straight blastin’ him right now. But I know…I know for a fact that Perfect Bo is watchin’ yo…I know he’s watchin’…he’s been watchin’ every since I came back. Don’t front son…I know you…and I know you itchin’ to get back and finish the job. I got news for you playa…I’m waitin’ I been waitin’ for 8 months! I know y’all is sayin’ that Bo’s gone and he ain’t been here in months…but I know dat nigga, and he’ll come back. He’ll be back…I promise that shit. Maybe not on Smarkdown or Storm or whatever…but he’ll be back and when he does…I’m gonna…

“WRECK”

“HIS”

“SHIT!”

“They don’t know…”

“Who we be.”

“They don’t know…”

“Who we be.”

Thugg’s theme music returns to the speakers as the Angry Black Man throws the mic down and stomps away.

(Stevens) – What a statement by Thugg! Good God…he’s going to have his vengeance, and if I were Perfect Bo, I most certainly would stay far, far away from the SWF.

(Riley) – That’s one man’s opinion…but I am convinced that Thugg can’t touch Bo, and if Bo comes back, he’s going to finish what he started 9 months ago.

(Stevens) – Thugg is a hurting man…and he wants to eliminate the haunting memory of his broken neck from his memory! Well, if Bo shows up in the near future, we will find out who the better man is.

Thugg storms up the ramp with a rage in his step as Lockdown heads to commercial.

January 14, 2003

SWF Lockdown returns to the air, the ring just being cleared after the hardcore craziness of Annie Eclectic and Xero. The crowd are still hyped up from the opening match of the 1st edition of Lockdown, and the crowd’s cheers only pick up as the Jay Gordon remix of Linkin Park’s ”Points of Authority” blares over the sound system, and it doesn’t take long for Stryke to walk out onto the entranceway amidst a wall of orange and white pyrotechnics.

Stevens: “Welcome back to Lockdown fans, and it we’re wasting no time getting to our next matchup on this big night of SWF action, and what a match it should be.”

Riley: “I don’t know about that. Before the holiday break Stryke was in arguably the worst form he’s ever been in, and we’ll have to wait and see if his opponents latest return to SWF action is anymore inspiring than his last return, which lasted all of a week and a half.”

Stryke briefly stops on the ramp to soak up the cheers of the crowd, before making his way down the ramp as Funyon begins the introductions.

Funyon:“Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is set for one fall! Entering first, weighing 218lbs from Sydney, Australia, STRYKE!!!”

Stryke quickly slides into the ring, getting to his feet and preparing for the match at hand, doing a few quick stretches as he looks back at the entrance awaiting his opponent.

Stevens: “Having never faced each other before it may come down to who has the least ring rust, Xstasy making his in-ring return tonight and Stryke only having a few matches under his belt since returning. This is an important match for both men, Xstasy looking to return on a high note, and Stryke hoping to break out of his current losing streak.”

All of a sudden the lights go out, and the eruption from the fans is off the charts, massive cheers for Xstasy before he’s even made his way out.

Stevens:“Listen to the cheers for Xstasy! These fans certainly can’t get enough of the joy of X!”

Riley: “It’s obvious they’re cheering for me, they just want X out here so the match can start and they can get another dose of my in-depth commentary and razor-sharp wit.”

Stevens: “Please, your ‘wit’ is about as sharp as a sack of wet mice.”

Riley: “Bah, you’re just jealous, that’s all.”

The crowd noise only increases in volume as “Come With Me” by Puff Daddy begins, a BRILLIANT white light pouring from the entryway, projecting the silhouette of the kid, the upstart, Xstasy.

Funyon: “Now making his way to the ring, weighing in at 211lbs from Washington DC, XSTASY!!!

Xstasy quickly makes his way down the ramp, the light dissipating as he reaches the ring, X sliding in and climbing the nearest turnbuckle, displaying the sign of the X to an enormous roar from the packed Gund Arena. Xstasy then hops down and focuses his attention on his opponent, tying his flowing dreadlocks back ritualistically.

Riley: “Well the fancy entrances are out of the way, now we get down to business. Can Xstasy pick up where he left off and reassert himself as one of the SWF’s top stars, or will Stryke finally get back to the form he once had and start his year off with a big win.”

The fans start a huge “XSTASY!” chant as both men come together in the middle of the ring, though neither man pays attention to the crowd, focused entirely on their opponent.

Stevens: “While both men are fan favourites, there’s no doubt that X has the crowd support here, Xstasy one of the most popular superstars in SWF history.”

DING DING DING!

As Kivell signals for the bell both men lunge forward, immediately locking up to the cheers of the sold-out crowd, eager to see both men tear it up. Stryke and Xstasy struggle for position for a moment, but knowing he’s at a strength disadvantage X quickly slips around and cinches in a hammerlock.But before any real pressure can be applied Stryke moves back, forcing X onto the ropes and using the bounce to break free, X pushing Stryke away and sending him across the ring. Xstasy comes forward as Stryke, returns, only to be sent to the mat by a hard shoulderblock. Stryke quickly resumes his run, bouncing off the side ropes, but as he comes back Xstasy gets his feet up into Stryke’s chest, lifting him over in a monkeyflip-esque manuever. The still fresh Stryke reacts in time though, his agility allowing him to rotate over and land on his feet. He pivots on the spot, turning to go after Xstasy, only to see X hop up to his feet to a big pop and nail Stryke in the face with a Capoeira sidekick! Not wasting a second X drops on top for the cover.

ONE…

T… No, Stryke kicks out at only a one count. X is prepared for that though, and just as soon as Stryke kicks out he’s being pulled to his feet, Xstasy again sending him to the ropes. As Stryke comes back Xstasy hooks him by the arm looking for a hard hiptoss, but Stryke is ready, using his weight and leverage advantage to block the move, before using X’s hook of the arm against him, moving around behind Xstasy and hooking his other arm, meaning down and pinning X’s shoulders to the mat with a backslide!

ONE…

TWO… No, Xstasy’s able to twist his body and escape Stryke’s grasp. Both men are almost instantly back up to their feet, but it’s Stryke who goes on the offensive, lunging at Xstasy with a quick clothesline. With cat-like agility X ducks underneath at the last second, and as Stryke turns he’s on the receiving end of a swift Capoeira back roundhouse kick, flooring Stryke. The Australian’s predicament only worsens though, as X gracefully flips back, landing on top of Stryke with a standing moonsault! Huge cheers resonate for X’s dazzling offence as he lays on top for the pin.

ONE…

TWO…

T… No, Stryke kicks out, getting his shoulders off the mat.

Stevens:“Xstasy looks like he hasn’t lost a step, those capoeira kicks are as graceful as they are deadly, and right now he’s on top of this contest. Stryke will have to make sure he avoids X’s deadly feet, or he may be looking at his 5th straight loss.”

Stryke kicks out without much trouble, but Xstasy again keeps the pressure on, cinching a headlock as he brings Stryke up to his feet. Xstasy moves back into the ropes, using the spring to try and whip Stryke to the opposite ropes, but Stryke manages to hold on, reversing the whip and sending X to he ropes! As X rebounds Stryke ducks down, looking to back body drop his opponent, but Stryke telegraphs it and X responds, catching Stryke in the face with a sharp kick. The Aussie reels back from the impact, and Xstasy moves to capitalise, launching a big roundhouse kick. Stryke recovers in time though, ducking underneath almost on instinct and slipping around behind X, latching on a rear waistlock and looking for a German Suplex! A cheer goes up as Stryke snaps Xstasy over, but at the apex of the suplex X slips free of Stryke’s grasp, rotating over and landing back on his feet! X quickly turns and charges back, but Stryke is ready, ducking down and lifting Xstasy up into a Fireman’s Carry! Stryke swings X out, looking his hit his signature facebuster, but at the last second X grabs hold of Stryke’s arm, pulling the Australian over with an arm drag! The crowd all get to their feet in cheers for X’s incredible reversal as Stryke slams to the mat next to the ropes.

Riley: “Xstasy looks to have an answer for everything Stryke’s thrown at him so far, he’ll have to find the killer instinct the old Magnificent Seven Stryke had, otherwise his year will start as unspectacularly as last year ended for him.”

Stryke pulls himself up with the ropes, but X is right on him like a vulture, peppering Stryke with right hands, each hard blow sapping Stryke’s strength a little more. With his opponent weakened X sends him across the ring, and on the rebound Xstasy catches Stryke and presses him up I the air, but before X can continue his assault Stryke gets his feet around X’s head, falling back and snapping X to the mat with a desperation hurricanrana! X crashes to the mat holding his head, and with the crowd cheering for Stryke showing some resistance Stryke hops to his feet and runs at the ropes, jumping up and springing back of the middle rope with a lionsault! Stryke soars back through the air… only to smack hard onto the canvas! Xstasy rolls out of the way at the last possible moment, leaving Stryke to hit the mat.

Stevens: “Stryke went for the Meteor, but once again X is too quick. Xstasy looks as good as ever tonight, and that only spells trouble for Stryke.”

Stryke is on his knees holding his chest, but his pain is only amplified as X comes in with a savage Ridgehand Chop, sending Stryke stumbling back to the corner as a ‘WHOO!’ echoes around the arena. With Stryke in the turnbuckle X hooks him and lifts him up, sitting Stryke on the top turnbuckle. With Stryke in place Xstasy climbs up after, quickly raising his arm to the crowd drawing huge cheers of approval, before jumping up onto the shoulders of Stryke, falling back and taking Stryke down with a top rope Frankensteiner! But as they land the momentum continues to roll through, leaving Stryke holding X in a surprise pinning position!

ONE…

TWO…

THR… NO! Surprised from the move X barely rolls back out of the pin, but with Stryke still out of it from taking the hurricanrana X grabs his legs and bridges over, covering Stryke for a pin of his own!

ONE…

TWO…

THR… NO! Stryke is just able to shift his weight over and break the pin, to the disappointment of the crowd.

Riley: “Stryke nearly sneaking one out there, if he’s going to win he’ll have to take advantage of an Xstasy error, there’s bound to still be some ring rust from X.”

Xstasy is back to his feet first, dragging Stryke up before firing away with a barrage of Ridgehand Chops, the inside of his hand slicing away at Stryke’s chest as he yells out in pain at each painful blow. With ‘WHOO’s flying from the crowd X irish whips Stryke, but Stryke reverses the momentum and sends Xstasy across instead. On the rebound Stryke looks for a clothesline, but Xstasy avoids that and doubles Stryke over with a hard knee strike to the midsection. With Stryke doubled over X keeps the pressure on, taking him by the head and slamming Stryke face-first over his knee for a facebuster!A big pop sounds for X’s set up to the Soargasm, but knowing the trouble he’s in Stryke rolls along the mat to the topes, sliding out to the floor and trying to get a quick reprieve.

Stevens: “The knee facebuster is X’s set-up for his Soargasm finisher, but it looks as though Stryke had that scouted, quickly escaping the ring before X could finish him off.”

Riley:“Unless Stryke can mount a serious comeback it’s only a matter of time though, Xstasy is all over him like a bad rash.”

Not wanting to let Stryke recover X quickly slides out to the floor, the referee calling for them to get back inside. Grabbing Stryke from behind X turns him and whips him towards the ring apron, but just before colliding Stryke leaps up, in a show of agility landing on the ring apron! Before Xstasy can react Stryke flips back, catching X around the neck as he lands behind him, before dropping down, slamming X hard onto the concrete floor with a Reverse DDT! The crowd goes wild at Stryke’s incredible maneuver, Stryke slowly pulling himself up as Xstasy writhes in pain on the floor!

Stevens: “Amazing! A moonsault from the apron into an Inverted DDT, with the impact X’s back hit the concrete that could be the turning point of the match for Stryke!”

Riley: “Well we’ll have to wait and see if he can capitalise on it, Stryke’s had golden opportunities to win before but blown them, and that was against opponents not the calibre of the Upstart.”

Stryke is obviously sore from the match, but ignores the pain as he drags Xstasy up, but he’s not up for long as Stryke runs at the ring steps, whipping X with as much force as he can muster, X hitting backfirst in a huge collision, the steps being demolished out of the way as X flops to the floor, again holding his back in agony, the crowd ‘OOH’ing at the tremendous impact of X’s back on steel.

Stevens: “Ouch, if that is any indication Stryke may be going after X’s back, weakening that area would leave Xstasy a prime target for the Event Horizon.”

Not giving Xstasy a chance to rest Stryke drags the tired body of Xstasy up, pushing him under the ropes before climbing in after, hooking the far leg for a pin smartly keeping his body between X and the ropes as Kivell counts.

ONE…

TWO…

THRE… NOO! There’s still life in Xstasy, kicking out to the roars of the crowd.

Riley: “It’ll take more than that to put X down for the count, the former Hardcore, Tag, US and ICTV champ isn’t easy to keep down.”

Stryke gives a quick glance of frustration at Kivell, before pulling X towards the middle of the ring, pulling him to his knees before placing his leg over Xstasy’s head.

Stevens: “It looks like Stryke’s going for the Recoil! He’s put plenty of men down for the count with this move, if X can’t fight out he may be in trouble!”

Stryke pulls X up for the fameasser, but just as he’s jumps up to deliver the move Xstasy stands tall, causing Stryke to flip over backwards! Again showing his speed Stryke is just able to flip over and land on his feet, and eager not to let X get back in the match he lunges at X with a short clothesline. Xstasy sees it coming though, ducking under and continuing onto the ropes. X darts back off the rope with incredible speed, and as Stryke turns he eats a huge spear, Xstasy driving Stryke to the mat in a tremendous impact.

Stevens: “Spear! A huge spear, Xstasy may have him!”

The crowd is going nuts as Xstasy hooks the leg, counting along as Kivell makes the count!

ONE…

TWO…

THRE… NOO! Stryke thrusts his shoulder up with milliseconds to spare, and neither the crowd nor Xstasy can believe it!

Riley: “Close, but no cigar. As win-deficient as Stryke has been lately, he can still take quite a lot of punishment, X will have to bring out the big guns to finish this off.”

X stands back up, though favouring his back slightly. Bringing Stryke up X whips him to the ropes, on the rebound going for a clothesline, only for Stryke to just get underneath. Xstasy continues onto the opposite ropes and springs back, but as he charges back, Stryke catches him, lifting him up and spinning him into a nasty tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, the crowd reacting with big ‘OOH’s as X is bent across Stryke’s extended knee, Xstasy yelling out in pain as he flops to the mat, Stryke making the cover.

ONE…

TWO…

THRE… NO! Despite his spine rapidly being turned into jello X digs deep and finds the strength to kick out, drawing plenty of cheers from the pro-Xstasy crowd. Stryke isn’t satisfied there though, delivering a hard right hand to the small of X’s back, Xstasy arching his back in pain. Bringing him to his feet Stryke continues to aim the hard punches to the back of X, Xstasy’s face etched with obvious pain. With Xstasy growing wearier by the moment Stryke shoves X to the ropes, and as he slowly comes back Stryke lifts him up into a torture rack position, before dropping to his knees, the sharp halt of momentum leaving X to crash atop Stryke shoulders in an across the back backbreaker, X dropping off Stryke’s shoulders to the mat, grasping at his back as Stryke follows up with the quick cover.

ONE…

TWO…

THREE… NOO! Xstasy again finds the energy to get his shoulder up before the three, the fans cheering in approval and starting up a ‘LETS GO X!” chant, trying to encourage the returning superstar to fight back.

Riley: “It looks like Stryke might be getting some of that killer instinct back, he’s really punishing X’s back.”

Stryke slaps the mat, thinking that should have been it, but he doesn’t lose his cool, instead pulling Xstasy up by his dreadlocks and sending him to the ropes. On the rebound Stryke catches Xstasy in position for an STO, giving a quick smirk to the crowd before preparing to sweep his leg back and slam X onto his hurting back. Just as Stryke looks to sweep Xstasy’s legs out X get a surge of energy, and acting on instinct jumps up just as Stryke leg comes back! Completely unprepared to miss Stryke is doubled over forward, and X takes advantage, falling back and drilling Stryke into the mat with the X DDT, rolling back to his feet to huge cheers as Stryke lies in a puddle on the mat!

Stevens: “An incredible counter, Xstasy avoiding the STO and delivering a DDT, Stryke never saw it coming!”

Riley: “Bah, I could do better, it’s not that impressive.”

Xstasy takes a quick breather up against the ropes as ‘XSTASY!’ chants echo all around him, holding his sore back. But as Stryke slowly staggers back up X sets himself, and as Stryke turns to face him X charges and hops up onto Stryke’s shoulders, looking for a hurricanrana! X falls back, but Stryke doesn’t budge, instead holding onto his legs and looking to put Xstasy in a Walls of Jericho, the Event Horizon!

Stevens: “Event Horizon! With the damage X’s back has taken if he gets caught in this it could be all over!”

The crowd goes insane as Stryke tries to get the hold on, turning left, then turning right, but X blocks it at every turn. Stryke then leans down to get a better hold, but as he does X shoots up, catching Stryke by the head and rolling him up! Kivell counts!

ONE…

TWO…

THREE…. AAAHHHHHNOOOO!!! The decibel level of the crowd is off the charts as Stryke kicks out with literally no time to spare! Both men immediately get back to their feet, but it’s X up first, catching Stryke with a kick to the midsection, before applying a headlock and jumping off the near ropes, Stryke kissing the mat at the hands of a springboard bulldog! With Stryke down near the turnbuckles Xstasy wastes no time, looking to send this one to the bank as he scales the corner!

Riley: “Xstasy going up top, this could be the end of Stryke, X kicking off his return in the best possible fashion!”

On top Xstasy faces out into the rabid fans, setting himself for his amazing senton bomb, the Xclusion! Cameras flash all over the arena as Xstasy dives back, while flipping forward… only to crash and burn on the lifted knees of Stryke! Stryke knees drive into X’s back, Xstasy bouncing off and ending up face down on the mat, and that’s all the invitation Stryke needs! His knees hurting from the impact Stryke climbs the turnbuckle as fast as he can, and knowing every second his takes is working against him once he reaches the top he launches himself off with reckless abandon, flying through the air towards Xstasy with his All Time High Frogsplash, slamming right across the back of Xstasy with maximum impact!! Stryke flails in pain from the impact on his own body, but he grits his teeth and draws on whatever he can to crawl over, pushing Xstasy onto his back and draping himself over for the pin! Kivell counts as the fans go insane!

ONE…

TWO…

THREE!!!

DING DING DING!

Xstasy weakly gets his shoulder up, but it’s too late, Stryke pulls out the upset victory!

Stevens: “Stryke did it!!After working X’s back he hits the All Time High onto the hurt back, and that’s enough to score the pinfall! Stryke breaks through for a huge win, but you have to believe it’s only a matter of time before Xstasy is on the winning side himself. And as if this wasn’t enough action for you, we’ve got Williams and Kibagami coming up, NEXT!”

January 14, 2003

EARLIER TODAY....

Fade in on a small room in the back of the Gund Arena that's been turned into a de facto road office. A few chairs are scattered around the benches and lockers, and as the camera swings around, a sour-looking Tom Flesher is revealed. To his right, Judge Mental is in his ring gear getting ready to start his warmup routine.

"Well, Bill," he says, as Mental silently shudders at Flesher's choice of nicknames, "I've been doing some research and some thinking. King and I get along well, but I'm still not sure I can talk him into calling Ejiro and Fugue up for Clusterfuck."

"Ejiro's the current World Champion, and he won it from Fugue. Those two ARE the main event in the JL, Tom. If they both come up, the SJL might as well close down."

"What about Johnny Dangerous?"

Pause.

Both men burst out laughing, and Flesher takes a second to wipe a tear away. "Oh, wow. I can't even say that with a straight face."

"I know, I know. But seriously now."

Tom clears his throat and straightens back up. "Honestly, I've been making some.... calls. The SWF is full of talent, and it's just foolish not to capitalize on it. Don't get me wrong. I'm very happy with the way we've been performing lately. Danny's just been tearing the competition up, and you're about to start your cleanup of the Hardcore Gamers division."

"And Frost?"

"Passable tag partner. I can't very well waste you or Deathwish on worrying about the tag titles. I can't pay them the attention they need, so someone has to concentrate on them. That's all we really need Frost to do right now, and if he shows real aptitude as something other than meat, I'll pencil him in at the US level when Danny moves up."

Judge coughs, trying to properly sugarcoat a response to Flesher's total dismissal of Frost as a contender.

"So," Flesher continues, "we need one of you to win the Clusterfuck, and judging by the state of the league right now, we're going to need a few allies."

-KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK-

Flesher hears a rap at the door, looks up and shouts, "Come on in."

"Who's that?" asks Judge.

"Oh, nobody," says the visitor as he strides in, revealing himself to be.... Nathaniel Kibagami. Flesher rises up to shake his hand, which Kibagami meets with a cold stare, followed by a handshake which can be described as diplomatic at best. "Alright, Flesher. What's the story?"

Tom asks, "Have you seen the card for tonight?"

"I have. What do you want? Are you going to ask me to forfeit or take it easy on Williams or something?"

"Oh, by no means. If anything, I'd ask him to watch your neck. We don't want any trouble here. After all, I pulled some strings and arranged the match for a reason. I was telling Bill here that we might be needing some... allies for Clusterfuck."

Kibagami sneers and asks, "Allies? Do you mean allies, or do you mean meat to do the work for your boys and then get tossed at the last second?"

"Don't concern yourself with that right now," says Flesher politically. "You and I both know that you're more than capable of taking the whole thing. All I want is some... consideration, that's all. After all, Bill's a rookie, and Danny's never been in a battle royal before. He's an absolute specimen of technical ability, but this isn't exactly freestyle."

"So what do I get out of this?"

"Well..." Flesher taps his foot, pretending to think. "You know, there ARE only six of us right now...."

Kibagami raises his eyebrow. "So are you suggesting-"

Flesher raises his hands defensively. "No promises. But why not just consider this a... tryout?"

Kibagami smirks slightly, then nods.

"Nathaniel, it's a pleasure doing business with you."

Kibagami answers, "Nothing's in stone yet," before stepping back out of the locker room.

Pause.

"Hey Bill?" says Flesher, turning to Mental. "Is it just me, or am I a genius?"

FADE.

January 14, 2003

Stevens: Fans, welcome back to our grand premiere of SWF Lockdown! We are coming to you live from the sold out Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio! Coming up, we’ve got an ICTV number one contendership match between Danny Williams and Nathan Kibagami! The winner of which will take on the winner of the Frost/Zenon match for a shot at the ICTV title.

Riley: That’s right, Stevens. It’s about damn time we saw these two battle it out.

Stevens: Indeed, our internet fan base has been anticipating this match for quite some time, and with good reason. Both men share a background in Puro, and wrestle very similar styles.

Riley: It’s too bad this didn’t happen back when Kibagami was breaking necks as Silent, now he’s just another baby kissing pussy.

Stevens: I’d like to see you say that to his face, besides Kibagami still has a very dangerous move set.

Riley: Yeah, he’s got some good kicks, but they just can’t compare to Williams’ elbows.

Stevens: While that’s up for debate, there is still no question on how lethal Williams’ elbows can be. Just ask our current World Champion.

Riley: Yeah, I’ll never forget that. One of my all time favorite moments in SWF history. Just weeks before ELM was to be crowned the World Champion, Danny Williams gave him an ass kicking that still probably gives him night mares.

Stevens: Funyon’s in the ring, so it looks like this match is about to be underway.

The lights turn a deep shade of red as an unfamiliar beat begins to thump over the sound system. KMFDM’’s ““Adios”” increases in volume as the lights begin to flicker, and a burning ankh appears on the SmarksTron. A cloud of fog starts to roll out from behind the curtain at the top of the ramp as the chorus approaches……An explosion of red pyrotechnics at ringside and at the top of the ramp punctuates the chorus as Nathaniel Kibagami and Angel make their way through the curtains. Kibagami purposefully strides down to ringside, as oblivious as ever to the screaming crowd around him, and slides into the ring underneath the bottom rope. Angel assumes her customary cheerleading position by the stairs next to the Spanish announce table. Nathan leaps onto the second turnbuckle and extends his arms briefly in the familiar crucifix pose as the lights come up and ““Adios”” begins to fade out……

Stevens: Kibagami suffered a huge set back at SWF Holds Down Christmas, when he lost...well kind of lost to his brother, Orochi. Tonight, he will be looking to get back on the winning track, and hopefully gain another chance at the ICTV title.

Riley: Not if Danny Williams has anything to say about it. He is fresh off an upset over the two top ranked wrestlers in the business, Flesher and ELM. And I for one thing it’s about time that he moved up to ICTV level.

Just as Riley speaks, The gentle melodies of In Flame’’s ““Jester’’s Dance”” echoes through the arena, triggering a chorus of ““boos””. Williams pushes his way through the heavy curtains draping from the locker room entrance, and slowly makes his way out to the platform. With the object of their hatred now in clear sight, the fans taunts become even louder. Williams lets the negative reaction bounce right off of him, and slowly makes his way down to the ring like he has all the time in the world. With both men in the ring, Funyon starts the introductions.

Funyon: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is at a 30 minute time limit. Introducing first, weighing in at 238 pounds, hailing from Louisville, Kentucky......................HE IS YOUR UNITED STATES CHAMPION.................DANNY WILLIAMSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

Williams raises an arm, when suddenly, the ring is showered with empty beer cups. Soapdish scrambles to clear the ring, while Funyon continues the introductions.

Funyon: And his opponent, weighing in at 242 pounds, he hails from Phoenix, Arizona.........NATHANIEL KIBAGAMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!

The crowd’s mood does a complete flip flop, showering the ring with cheers for Kibagami and whistles for Angel. Kibagami acknowledges the positive reception, by doing his crucifix pose. Funyon hurries out of the ring, while the crowd grows restless.

Stevens: O.K., it looks like were underway.

Riley: Here we go!

DING! DING! DING! The audience gives a standing ovation as Williams and Kibagami cautiously leave their corners, making their way to the center of the ring. The two grapplers cautiously circle each, searching for an opening. Sensing a slow start the crowd quiets down, finding their way back to their seats. Neither man finds an opening, so they are forced to mutually lock up in a collar elbow tie up. With his superior power and leverage, Williams pushes Kibagami into the ropes. Soapdish steps in, and orders a break. Williams cautiously releases Kibagami, only to catch him off guard with a stiff Elbow Smash! Crack! “Booooooooooooooooo!” moans the fans.

Riley: God, what a shot! Nobody throws an elbow harder than Danny Williams!

Stevens: It doesn’t sound like the fans are too happy with Williams’ actions, though.

Riley: Williams doesn’t care what the fans think, he saw an opening so he took it. Nothing wrong with that.

Williams clobbers Kibagami’s jaw with two more elbows, before shooting him off the ropes with an Irishwhip. Williams rushes to the center of the ring, and clocks Kibagami in the temple with a brutal Elbow Smash as he ricochets off the ropes! Crack! Clutching his aching head, Kibagami wanders to the nearest corner. Showing no mercy, Williams lunges in, bashing Kibagami’s temple with sharp Running Back Elbow Smash! Crack! Before Kibagami can collapse, Williams grabs a front facelock to keep him on his feet. Williams drapes Kibagami’s arm over his shoulder, grabs a handful of tights, and walks him out of the corner.

Stevens: Vertical Suplex coming up! Williams is just squashing Kibagami.

Riley: To think none of this would be possible if Williams didn’t hit on the break.

Williams takes a few deep breaths, and lifts! “GAH!” grunts Williams as the lift is brought to an abrupt halt, thanks to a Kibagami leg grapevine. Determined not to give up control of the match, Williams takes Kibagami to the mat with a lighting quick Fujiwara Armbar! Acting fast, Kibagami rolls out of the feared submission hold, and traps the surprised Williams in a head scissors. But Williams escapes with a kip up, leaving Kibagami prone on the mat! Not wanting to get caught on his back, Kibagami desperately tries to scramble to his feet while Williams sling shots himself off the ropes at him! Kibagami sees him coming, and hits the deck, forcing Williams to hurdle over him! Kibagami rushes to his feet, while Williams hits the ropes once more, gaining even more speed! Still not having the time to catch him, Kibagami is forced to leap frog over the speeding U.S. Champ!

Stevens: What a fast and furious start to this match!

Riley: We expected the furious part, but I don’t think anybody expected the fast part.

Kibagami spins around, to find Williams charging him with his arm drawn back for the Running Elbow! With precise timing, Kibagami catches Williams with a Judo Throw as he fires his Elbow! Keeping his grip on Williams’ arm, Kibagami falls back, scissoring his head for the Triangle Choke! The crowd erupts making Williams’ uncharacteristic screams almost inaudible. With the fans on the edge of their seats, Soapdish kneels down, carefully watching Williams’ hand for the tap.

Riley: THE TRIANGLE CHOKE! Williams is literally gambling with his life, if he doesn’t tap out immediately.

Stevens: That’s right, the Triangle Choke cuts off the air and blood supply to the brain rather quickly. To stay in it for an extended period of time, can do some serious damage.

Riley: I don’t know Stevens, he’s awfully close to the ropes.

True to Riley’s words, Williams’ boots are just inches away from the ropes. Despite running low on air, Williams manages to find the strength to wiggle his way to the ropes! The crowd calms down, as Kibagami releases Williams’ from the dangerous submission hold. Once free, Williams rolls out of the ring, and collapses on the floor trying to catch his breath. After refilling his lungs with air, Williams approaches the apron to climb back in. Crack! With the aid of the ropes, Kibagami slaps his boots into Williams’ face with a modified Dropkick! With Williams clutching his face in agony, Kibagami climbs out after him. Soapdish has no choice but to start the count out, “One!”. Kibagami grabs his blinded opponent by the arm, and whips him into the guardrail! Clank! “Two!” Holding his back, Williams staggers off the guardrail at Kibagami! “Three!” Kibagami snatches Williams up with a front waistlock! “Four!” Kibagami tosses Williams’ high over head, slamming Williams on to the hard arena floor! Splat! “Five!” Acting quickly, Kibagami grabs Williams’ arm, and falls back into another Triangle Choke!

Riley: After that hellaish Belly to Belly Suplex on the floor, Kibagami goes right back to the Triangle Choke!

Stevens: There is no rope break, and no tap out on the outside. Williams is literally at Kibagami’s mercy.

Kibagami waits for Soapdish to reach “Nine!” before releasing Williams, leaving him purple faced on the floor. Kibagami climbs on to the apron, stopping the count on time. But than he hops right back down on the floor, and reapplies the Triangle Choke on Williams! The crowd “Ahs” at his brilliant strategy, and a “KIB-A-GAMI!” chant starts to spread throughout the crowd.

Stevens: He’s got on him again! How much more can Williams stand?

Riley: This is just plain evil, and I like it. Good for Kibagami, he needs to do stuff like this more often.

Stevens: This is indeed one of the most unique strategies I’ve ever seen, and it’s damn good way to wear the United States Champion down.

His lungs deprived of oxygen, Williams’ starts kicking his legs like a dying animal. Scared that he might hit them accidently, the front rolls fans flinch each time one of Williams’ boots hits the guardrail during his death twitches. By the time Soapdish reaches “Eight!”, Williams has stopped moving. Kibagami predictably releases him, and climbs back on to the apron. Seeing that Williams is a limp corpse, Kibagami doesn’t see the need to trap him in the submission hold again. Instead, Kibagami forces him up with a front facelock, and rolls him into the ring with the aid of his tights. Kibagami rolls in after him, and promptly goes for the pin. Soapdish rolls out of the ring to make sure that none of Williams’ limbs are underneath the ropes before starting the count.

Stevens: Smart officiating by Nick Soapdish!

ONE!

TWO!

Williams escapes with a weak kick out! Kibagami pulls the drowsy U.S. Champ up, pops him with an elbow, and whips him off the ropes! But to his surprise, Williams just collapses face first in the center of the ring.

Stevens: Williams is in horrible shape, he must still be feeling the effects of that Triangle Choke.

Riley: How long was he in it, Ten maybe Fifteen seconds?

Stevens: About Fifteen, which is about Fifteen seconds too many.

Rather than pressing the attack, Kibagami waits by the ropes. The crowd rises to their feet as Nathan extends his arm to the side, rotating it a few times to signal the “Burning Lariat”! Kibagami helps Williams to his feet, steading him with his left arm, while drawing his right one. Swooooooosh! Kibagami fires the Lariat, but Williams ducks and catches him in a Sleeperhold! “Booooooooooo!”

Riley: Williams coming back with the ever popular Sleeperhold!

Stevens: A very wise choice for a come back move, because it can wear Kibagami down while giving Williams time to recover from The Triangle Choke.

With his legs slowly growing heavy, Kibagami uses his last bit of energy to spring for the ropes! Despite Williams’ best efforts, Kibagami manages to wrap his arms around the top rope. Soapdish orders a break up, and when Williams doesn’t comply, he starts to count. After mockingly counting along with Soapdish, Williams releases the hold on three. Feeling light headed, Kibagami is slow to turn around, allowing Williams to catch him off guard with a couple of elbows! Crack! Crack! Crack! Afer knocking Kibagami silly, Williams whips him off the ropes, and catches him on the rebound in a another Sleeperhold! “Boooooooooooo!” bitches the impatient crowd. Kibagami tries to make the ropes again, but he is far too weak this time. Sensing that Kibagami’s legs are about to give out, Williams wraps his legs around him, and pulls him to the mat!

Stevens: Williams, looking to wear Kibagami down with the Doushime Sleeper!

Riley: This is payback for the Triangle Choke, now it’s Kibagami’s turn to be put to sleep.

To show the fans and Soapdish that he is still awake, Kibagami raises his arm in the air. Angel tries to keep Kibagami awake, by leading the crowd in a loud “KIB-A-GAMI!” chant. Despite the crowd’s deafening chant, Kibagami starts to have difficulty keeping his eyes open. Giving in just for a second, Kibagami closes his eyes, only to find out that he can’t open them again. Kibagami’s body goes limp, and his arm lifelessly flops on the mat. To make sure he’s out, Soapdish raises Kibagami’s arm up, releases it, letting it hit the mat. With that in mind, Williams releases Kibagami, and hooks a leg for the pin.

ONE!

TWO!

Kibagami musters enough strength kick out from underneath Williams! Needing some time to wake himself up, Kibagami rolls out of the ring. Not wanting Kibagami to find enough time to wake up, Williams goes out after him. Ignoring the front roll fan’s taunts, Williams pulls Kibagami up by his wrist, and sends him into the guardrail with an Irishwhip! Clank! Not giving Kibagami enough time to register the pain in his back, Williams charges with a full head of steam, driving a brutal Elbow into his temple! CRACK! The impact sends Kibagami flipping over the guardrail, and into the laps of the front roll fans. Still not at full strength, Williams rolls into the ring, and rests on his back.

Riley: This might be Williams’ last chance to take a breath, so he might as well use it.

Stevens: He better, because I don’t think Kibagami will allow himself to lose by a count out. He wants to win this match and face Frost or Zenon for a chance to finally capture the ICTV Title!

With her hands covering her mouth, Angel rushes to the scene. Ignoring the cat calls of the front roll fans, she leans deep over the guardrail, shouting for Kibagami to get up and beat the count. With a pounding head ache and dilated pupils, Kibagami crawls over the guardrail, making his way towards the ring. Angel does her best to help him up, without breaking the rules. BOOM! BOOM! “KIBAGAMI!” BOOM! BOOM! “KIBAGAMI!” encourages the crowd as Kibagami pulls himself on to the apron. Taking notice, Williams sits up, and climbs back to his feet. His arms trembling, Kibagami pulls himself up with the ropes.....Crack! Williams ambushes Kibagami with a Running Elbow, that sends him fly off the apron, and down into the guardrail! Clank! Williams gets a crazy look in his eyes, having seen this before, the fans rise to their feet with cameras in hand. Running as fast he can, Williams darts across the ring, bounces off the ropes, and comes flying back towards Kibagami! Upon reaching the end of the ring, dives over the second rope like a human torpedo, driving his elbow into Kibagami’s temple! CRACK! Limp like a corpse, Kibagami lifelessly slides to the floor.

Riley: ELBOW SUICIDIA! ELBOW SUICIDIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Stevens: Kibagami looks like he’s out cold, perhaps those elbows are starting accumulate.

Williams tries to pull Kibagami up by his wrist, but finds that he is far to limp. Realizing that Soapdish is counting him out, Williams has to roll back into the ring. With a full ten seconds to get Kibagami back in the ring, Williams slides back out. Williams drags Kibagami up by his tights, and slides him back into the ring! With Kibagami down, Williams takes the opportunity to ascend the turnbuckles. By the time that Williams balances himself on the top rope, Kibagami some how finds his way back to a vertical base. Camera flashes illuminate the arena as Williams dives head first off the turnbuckles, slamming a brutal Elbow Smash into Kibagami’s face on the way down! CRACK! Kibagami just crumbles to the mat, holding his head like it’s going to explode. The crowd just watches on in silence as Williams covers Kibagami for the pin!

ONE!

TWO!

TWO1/2....

NO! Despite suffering from a head splitting migraine, Kibagami wiggles a shoulder up! The crowd applauds his fighting spirit.

Riley: Kibagami must be crazy, he’s eating more elbows in under ten minutes than Annie did in two matches.

Stevens: He wants the title, Riley. He came so close a

Snarling with rage and frustration, Williams backs up and lets Kibagami up so he can do more damage. Wincing in pain, Kibagami staggers to his feet. On cue, Williams performs a graceful 360 spin, firing the dreaded Rolling Elbow! But Kibagami ducks, and grabs a rear waistlock!

Stevens: Rolling Elbow..NO! German Suplex!

Kibagami tries to bridge back for the suplex, but Williams puts a stop to that, with three razor sharp Back Elbows! Crack! Crack! Crack! With Kibagami stunned, Williams spins around him, and grabs a rear waistlock of his own!

Riley: Now it’s Williams who’s going for the German!

Crack! Crack! Kibagami lays some elbows into his temple to make sure he doesn’t get the Suplex off! Kibagami pries Williams’ fingers apart, reversing the waistlock into a wristlock. Smack! Smack! Kibagami pops Williams with his signature double hook kicks! Williams wobbles, but to Kibagami’s surprise it’s not enough to put him down. Determined to take control of the match, Kibagami performs a beautiful somersault, slamming his boot into Williams’ mouth in the process! Both men are down, and the crowd gives a standing ovation. On the outside, Angel is hoping up and down with excitement while the front roll fans drool.

Stevens: THE KOPPO KICK! WILLIAMS IS OUT!

Riley: What an interesting turn of events! Just when it looked like Williams had Kibagami ready to go, he turns the tables with those trademark kicks of his.

His head still killing him, Kibagami is slow to his feet. With the crowd behind him, Kibagami helps Williams up, only to eat an Elbow Smash! Crack! Kibagami starts to go down, but he regains his balance long enough, to jump straight up in the air! He twists his body side ways, and blasts Williams’ face with a Roundhouse Kick in mid air! Again, both men hit the mat while the heated crowd remains standing and cheering.

Stevens: GAMENGIRI! Shades of the great Edwin Macphisto!

Riley: Oh God, please don’t bring him up.

The accompaniment of the crowd’s shouts and whistles, Kibagami crawls on top of Williams’ lifeless body for the pin! The pumped crowd counts along with Soapdish!

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THRE-Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” sighs the fans as Williams shoots a shoulder up! The adrenaline rush killing the pain in his head, Kibagami jumps to his feet, and lets out an emotional battle cry. The crowd damn near riots as Kibagami pulls Williams up, and positions him in a standing head scissors. One at a time, Kibagami confidently wraps his arms around Williams’ waist. A “KIB-A-GAMI” chant takes shape out of the sonic anarchy of the fans’ screams. Acting like a cheerleader, Angel keeps the chant in rhythm with hand claps.

Riley: This doesn’t look good.

Stevens: Kibagami appears to be setting Williams up for a Powerbomb! If he can pull this off, surely it will be enough to keep the U.S. Champ down!

Kibagami takes several deep breaths, bends his knees low to the mat, and lifts! “HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYA!” strains Nathan as rips the bulky U.S. Champ off the mat, and lifts him on to his shoulders! Kibagami stalls for a second, and than squats down, slamming Williams’ upper back violently into the mat! BOOM!

Stevens: HE HIT! HE HIT! POWERBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMB!

Keeping his grip on Williams’ thighs, Kibagami lunges forward from the squatted position, folding Williams completely in half for the pin! Soapdish hits the mat for the count, while Kibagami raises his boots off the mat to push his entire body weight down on Williams’ broken body!

Stevens: HE’S GOT WILLIAMS FOLDED UP WITH THE FULL VICTORY PIN! THIS IS IT!

Screaming at the top of their lungs, the fans count along with Soapdish!

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

NO! At the last possible microsecond, Williams rolls out from underneath Kibagami! Having thought the match was over, Angel slides into the ring, only to turn red and slide back out after realizing her mistake.

Riley: HE KICKED OUT! HE KICKED OUT!

Stevens: UNBELIEVABLE! Williams has taking nearly everything Kibagami has in his arsenal, but somehow has managed to hang on by a thread.

Kibagami sits Williams’ up, and pulls him upright with a rear waistlock. Williams’ eyes are closed, and his head is hanging down like he’s dead. Kibagami bends his knees, and bridges back, tossing Williams into the air! THUMP! Williams lands hard on the back of his neck, the momentum carrying him all the way over on his stomach! The first head drop of the night sends the all ready wild crowd into a frenzy.

Riley: OH GOD, HE LANDED RIGHT ON HIS HEAD!

Stevens: RELEASE GERMAN! DANGEROUS GERMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

With glassy eyes, Williams nervously twists his head from side to side, like he doesn’t know where he is. Before Kibagami can go for the pin, Williams rolls out of the ring.

Riley: Williams, saving himself the only way he can, by rolling out of the ring in hopes he can collect his senses and finish the match.

Stevens: If you ask me, he can lay out there all night and it won’t be enough time. I haven’t seen Williams take this much punishment since Francis handed him his ass last month.

Frustrated, Kibagami climbs out of the ring, finding Williams laying face down on the floor. Moving as swiftly as he can, Kibagami drags Williams up by his tights, and brings him back into the ring. Kibagami follows, eagerly watching Williams as he rolls towards the center of the ring. With shaking legs, Williams climbs to his feet while Kibagami waits by the ropes. Still pumped, the crowd holds their breath, waiting to see what else Kibagami has in store for Williams.

Stevens: What’s Kibagami got planned here?

As soon as Williams is upright, Kibagami launches himself off the ropes at him!

Riley: Oh no, not the.....

Once in range, Kibagami extends his leg for the High Kick!

Stevens: THE YAKUZA KICK!

Just as Williams is about to taste the bottom of Kibagami’s boot, Williams raises his arms, catching it! Williams drops the boot, and instinctively slams a Spinning Back Elbow Smash into Kibagami’s temple! Crack! All of the pain he had been trying to block out the entire fight, comes rushing back all at once into Kibagami’s head! In undescribable pain, Kibagami turns his back to Williams, an a vain attempt to stagger away. Barely having the strength to stand, Williams summons all his remaining power, and clubs Kibagami in the neck with his patent Enzui Lariat! Smack! Both men go down, and the crowd grows silent with worry.

Riley: BOTH MEN ARE DOWN! BOTH MEN ARE DOWN!

Stevens: I don’t think there’s a doubt any one’s mind that if that Yakuza Kick would have hit, Williams would have been finished!

Riley: But he didn’t hit, Stevens! Perhaps this offensive surge, can be enough to kill Kibagami’s momentum!

Realizing they have to do something, the fans start an encouraging “KI-BA-GAMI! chant. The chant starts to pick up steam with each passing second. Angel is damn near having a cardiac, screaming at the top of her lungs, for her man to get up. Suddenly, Kibagami opens his eyes and starts to crawl to his feet. The chant morphs into one large mass of cheers that can be heard for miles. Squinting his eyes like the light hurts them, Kibagami hobbles over to Williams, who is just starting to stir.

Stevens: KIBAGAMI’S UP! HE’S NOT GOING TO LET NOBODY STOP HIM FROM FACING HIS BROTHER FOR THE ICTV TITLE!

Riley: DAMMIT! COME ON, WILLIAMS! DON’T LET IT END LIKE THIS!

Kibagami helps Williams the rest of the way to his feet, only to get rewarded with a stiff Elbow to the temple! Crack! The pain is so unbearable that Kibagami’s knees buckle, but yet he somehow, finds the energy to fire a Gamengiri out of nowhere!

Riley: NOT AGAIN!

Williams gets his arms up, blocking the kick, letting Kibagami splat on the mat with a sick thud!

Stevens: WILLIAMS BLOCKED IT!

Riley: YES! YES!

Knowing that Kibagami will be vulnerable when he gets up, Williams takes a few steps back and waits. Slowly but surely, Kibagami staggers to his feet. SMACK! After getting a running start, Williams springs off one boot, and slams the other one into Kibagami’s face with a mega stiff Jumping High Kick! Kibagami hits the mat like a sack of bricks, his mouth bloody and his face contorted in agony. Some little kids turn away in horror, while the adults just stare blankly at the ring with their jaws hung open. Angel turns back to the ring, holding back tears.

Riley: THE DYNAMIC KICK! THE DYNAMIC KICK! GOD, I LOVE THAT MOVE!

Stevens: Kibagami went to the well too many times, and this time Williams caught him!

Williams loses his balance as he lands, having to catch himself with his hands to keep from falling. Pouring sweat and looking very fatigued, Williams chooses to rest on one knee instead of rushing back to his feet.

Stevens: Williams has taking a severe amount of punishment during this match, and to be honest, I don’t see him competing at 100% for a while.

Riley: I don’t think Williams is worried about the long run, he’s just worried about finishing this match. Worry about tomorrow when it comes.

After collecting himself, Williams takes one deep breath, and returns to a vertical base. A bit dizzy, Williams wobbles like a drunk when he walks. Williams grabs Kibagami by his chin, and guides him to his feet! But Kibagami shrugs his arms off, and uses his remaining strength to shoot off a wild Gamengiri! But Williams jumps back, letting Kibagami hit the mat like last time! Thump! Blood spewing from his mouth, Kibagami tries to climb back to his feet, but his legs give out, causing him to fall right on his BUTT. The crowd sighs in disappointment as the harsh reality finally sets in. Angel drops to her knees, with her face buried in her hands, crying her eyes out.

Riley: That was it, Stevens! That kick was Kibagami’s last hope!

Stevens: Sadly, I think your right. But Williams isn’t any condition to mount a high impact offense.

With zero emotion on his face, Williams grabs Kibagami by the head, and forces him up. Kibagami’s legs are as limp as noodles, making it difficult for Williams to keep him up. Williams palms the back of Kibagami’s head, and starts assaulting him with a flurry of stiff Elbows to the temple and jaw! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! With her eyes closed tightly, Angel covers her ears trying to block out the disturbing sound of Kibagami’s skull being bashed continuously.

Riley: Does that answer your question, Stevens. Williams’ elbows are the only high impact offense he needs!

Stevens: Dear god, this is sickening. How much more of this can Kibagami take!

Crack! Crack! Crack! Williams releases Kibagami, letting him wobble in place. With a graceful 360 spin, Williams hammers Kibagami with a vicious Rolling Elbow! CRACK! The impact nearly knocks Kibagami out of his boots, sending him soaring a good couple of feet into the air before crash landing on the mat! Soapdish turns away in horror, while most of the crowd watches on in a state of shock.

Riley: DID YOU SEE THAT? THAT HAD TO BE THE HARDEST ROLLING ELBOW I’VE EVER SEEN!

Stevens: THIS HAS TO BE IT!

Williams collapses to his knees, and falls on top of Kibagami’s motionless body for the pin. The shocked crowd remains standing, but are still eerily silent.

ONE!

TWO!

TWO1/2....

TWO3/4.....

THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

Williams rolls off Kibagami, clutching his arm and screaming for a doctor. Soapdish has a look at Williams’ striking elbow, which is blood red and swollen. Some ring side doctors rush into the ring, most of them surround Kibagami who still isn’t moving, while a few look at Williams’ arm. With tears in her eyes, Angel rushes into to the side of Kibagami.

Riley: IT’S OOOOOOOOOOOOVER!

Stevens: WHAT A BATTLE! These two incredible athletes put their bodies and health on the line just for an opportunity to be ICTV contention. It’s heart like that makes the SWF the number one wrestling promotion in the World Today!

Soapdish finally raises Williams’ good arm to make the win official.

Funyon: The winner of the match by pinfall at 14 minutes and 32 seconds...............DANNY WILLIAMsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!

“The Jester’s Dance” fades in over the loud speakers, but rather than “Boo”, the crowd chants for Kibagami who still hasn’t gained consciousness despite the doctor’s persistence. Meanwhile, Williams is still having trouble bending his arm.

Riley: I hope Williams’ arm injury isn’t serious, that could be a serious blow to his career.

Stevens: I am more worried about Kibagami, who looks like he got beat into a coma.

After some tense moments, Kibagami wakes up, prompting the fans to give a standing ovation. The doctors let Kibagami and Angel embrace, before forcing her out of the way so they can test Kibagami for brain damage.

Riley: See I told you he was fine, it’s Williams who I’m worried about.

Stevens: That’s a relief, I hope Kibagami is O.K. because he gave Williams one hell of a run. He threw everything he had at Williams, and than some. But by rolling out of the ring and using well timed counters, Williams was able to keep him from putting together a winning combination.

Riley: Oh no, it’s time for another commercial break isn’t it?

Stevens: I’m afraid so, Riley. Fans, we still have Frost vs. Zenon coming up shortly! So stay tuned, we’ll be right back!

January 14, 2003

Lockdown returns to the air with backstage footage, and the Hville Thugg strolling backstage on his cell phone. He walks casually down the hallway as the fans cheer for, yet another, appearance of the extremely large superstar.

(HVT) – NO! Look…I’m not doing anymore local advertising. You get me the big ones dammit! Nike…Pepsi…Coke…Reebok! I’m serious…I’m back now, and they should be crawling to get me on board. Do your damn job…

(Phone) - …

(HVT) – I don’t care what they’re willing to pay! It’s nothing compared to what Nike or Coke will pay for me…come on man. I think we’re both tryin’ to get paid here!

(Phone) - …

(HVT) – Exactly. I had a serious neck injury, which means I probably won’t be in this business much longer. I gotta get paid now…get the big advertising…the big movies…hell, I even want to get into music. And I need YOU to make that happen.

While he listens intently as he rounds the corner, but when he is fully rounded, his eyes grow large and his nostrils flare up.

(HVT) – I’m gonna call you back.

**click**

HVT flips his phone closed and stares out in front of him. The camera turns 180 degrees to find…

…Perfect Bo.

(Stevens) – BO! BO!! It’s Perfect Bo! Oh my god..all hell’s gonna break loose backstage with these two most hated of enemies.

HVT stares at Bo, who stands about 100 feet away down the hall, and after several very tense moments, both men start to walk slowly towards one another.

(HVT) – I been waitin’ for you…

(Bo) – Wait’s over…Bring it!

And with that, all hell does, in fact, break loose as the two large men meet face to face…or rather, faces to fists. HVT throws the first punch, as the crowd at ringside explodes, which connects hard against the side of Bo’s head. In retaliation, Bo throws a punch of his wn that lands square into Thugg’s chin.

Punch by Thugg!

Punch by Bo!

Punch by Thugg!

Punch by Bo!

Punch by Thugg!

(Riley) – Lord have mercy!

(Stevens) – Holy cow! We need some security of something backstage…these two are going to kill each other!

Thugg gets the upper hand, staggering his mortal enemy several steps towards an opening at the end of the hall. Thugg grabs Bo by the head, and throws him face first into the wall alongside the hallway. The blow sends Bo down to one knee, but when Thugg goes to grab him, Bo drives an elbow into Thugg’s gut, and then scores with a huge uppercut that drives the big man way back to the opposite wall. Bo jumps to his feet, grabs Thugg by the head, and slams him face first into the same wall.

(Bo) – Where you at yo!! Fight like a man you pussy!

Bo turns Thugg around in order to get a good look at the man whose career he nearly ended, and Thugg is actually smiling. This change in Thugg’s demeanor causes a slight hesitation in Bo, which allows Thugg to score with a crushing right hand to Bo’s temple. The blow drives Bo back to the opposite wall again, and HVT rushes up to him and drives a hard thigh into his abdomen, taking the wind out of the Perfect One. He then grabs Bo by the head and starts to drag him to the opening that connects two hallways. Once there, HVT throws Bo into a steel shelf resting against the wall. Bo hits the shelf with a crash, and bounces off holding his back. HVT grabs him by the head again, and then launches him through a door across the hall, knocking the door completely off its hinges. Inside the room, wrestlers scatter as Bo slides across the floor!

(Stevens) – Now they’re in the locker room!

HVT stalks Bo, who tries to scramble to his feet. Bo makes it upright as Thugg reaches him, and Bo throws a punch that lands against Thugg’s face. With Thugg stunned temporarily, Bo lands several more punches as the unrecognizable wrestlers dive across the room to get a good look at the action by stay out of the way. With HVT reeling, Bo charges THugg, tackling him against the wall, but Thugg starts to slam down on Bo with heavy forearms. Bo drops down to one knee, but continues to push Thugg against the wall and drive punch after punch to the big man’s kidneys. After several slow moments of this, both men slide down the wall to the ground, where they start to wrestle for position and throw an occasional punch or two.

(Stevens) – Good God…the hate between these two runs so deep! If Bo’s back, we can expect this thing to explode to levels never seen before here in the SWF.

With Thugg and Bo wreslting on the ground, about 10 large security guards rush into the room and grab at the two superstars, pulling them apart. Both men keep swinging in an attempt to land one final punch, but to no avail as the guards pry them away from one another.

(HVT) – You’re fuckin’ dead yo! DEAD!!

(Bo) – Bing it! I’m right here! And I ain’t goin’ anywhere!

One set of guards drags Thugg from the room, leaving everyone buzzing from the encounter.

(Riley) – Yeah…ok, we can’t have that kind of stuff here.

(Stevens) – Man, these two are going to tear each other apart before this is all said and done. Bo is back, and he wants to finish Thugg once and for all, but Thugg is looking for revenge for the months and months he had to spend in the hospital because of a broken neck at the hands of Perfect Bo! We’ll keep you updated on this volatile situation…and we’ll be back with more SWF action!

An image of Bo shrugging off the guards and standing fuming is shown as Lockdown fades to commercial.

January 14, 2003

And welcome back to the classic Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, for some more SWF Action! The crowd lets the people at home they’re there with a big pop as we get ready for our next bout. We zoom in to the announcer’s table to get some pre-match speculation.

“Welcome back to the exciting debut of the SWF’s newest primetime show, Lockdown! For all those new viewers out there, I’m ‘Grand Slam’ Mark Stevens, former SWF World Champion and lifetime member of the best stable in the Smartmarks Wrestling Federation today, the Midnight Carnival. And next to me is a former Light-Heavyweight Champ and U.S. Champ, Bobbie Riley.”

“Yeah, thought you would forget about me, Mark.”

“As much as I would like to, Bobbie, you are just too weird to ever forget about. Anyways, we are just about start a Hardcore Submissions Match for the Hardcore Gamers Title. Last week, Judge Mental won a #1 Contendership match against Zed for his shot, while Michael Craven has been solid in most Hardcore settings. But how will he do tonight in a Hardcore Submissions match?”

“It doesn’t matter how well he does, Mark, because Judge Mental will simply do better. The Judge’s whole style is based on submissions and setting them up. He’s got the experience and the talent, and there isn’t any way Ash is gonna keep up with him.”

“It’s Michael Craven, Bobbie, and I’m going to disagree with you. This isn’t just a normal Submissions match; this is a Hardcore Submissions match. That Hardcore element is enough to sway the balance in favor of Craven’s wilder style and less orthodox style.”

“Grand Slam, think about it: How the hell can you be ‘Hardcore’ if you are on the ground? The Judge just needs to keep it in the ring as much as possible and keep Ketchum on the ground as much as possible, where he’ll simply nail him into the ground.”

“We’ll just see if he can do that, Bobbie.” Remarks Grand Slam as Funyon takes the ring mic.

“The following is a Hardcore Submissions match for the HARDCORE GAMERS CHAMPIONSHIP!” A pop for the title itself, and Funyon continues. “There are no countouts or DQs. The only way someone can win is by submission.”

The lights dim down to a deep red, and a faint, familiar drumbeat plays. The steady beat floats into the arena, and soon it begins to crescendo, increasing in intensity. It gets even louder, the sound as harsh as the color blanketing the arena. As the drumbeat reaches it’s peak, the beat changes, and as the drummer finishes up there is a split second of silence before…

“NOW TESTIFY!”

BOOMBOOMBOOM!!!

“Now entering the arena is the challenger… Weighing in at 242 pounds and hailing from Royal Oak, Michigan… a former 2-time SJL World Champion and Current Magnificent 7 member….. JUDGE MENTAL!!!”

Three sets of red pyros shoot off as Rage Against the Machine’s “Testify” continues on in mid-song. The man himself steps out in his judicial robes and a chorus of boos come from the crowd. Walking down the ramp with his normal quickstep, he tosses his robes off quickly, and it’s quite obvious he wants to get down to business quickly.

The lights cut out, the crowd begins to cheer a little. Strobe lights pulse to the beat as Audioslave’s “Cochise” kicks in, smoke spewing from vents in front of the entrance as the drums cue in 24 seconds into the song. A pyro similar to Christian’s entrance begins flowing from the top of the SmarkTron.

“Now entering the ring is the SWF HARDCORE GAMERS CHAMPION…”

A huge pyro blast kicks up from the front of the stage at the guitar drop (about 50 seconds in). Flames simultaneously shoot high up into the air on the edges of the stage not touching the ramp. They shoot up Booker T style into the air in beat with the song following the initial blast, as a red tint covers the stage. Suddenly, as Chris Cornell begins to sing, a spotlight shines down on Mike Craven as he bursts through the smoke cloud in a half-sprint, looking just a tad bit on the intense side. He stops turning to look at the fans, and quickly begins to pound his chest, pump his fist into the air and do other things to pump the crowd up, running all over the stage as the strobes pulse in tempo with the song behind Mike. He continues to do this for a few moments as Funyon begins to announce his name.

“Weighing in at 260 pounds and hailing from Tampa, Florida….. He is also a former 2-time SJL World champion and a 3-time HARDCORE GAMERS CHAMPION… Mich-HEY!” Everyone suddenly turns away from the champ and looks at the ring, where Mental has stolen the mic away from Funyon.

“GET ON WITH IT ALREADY! I did not come here to see a light show, I came here to take that title and give it some dignity. Now get in this ring!” He bellows, and Craven is slightly shocked that someone actually interrupted his entrance.

“Finally! I hate long entrances like that.” Comments Riley as someone in the Gorilla position throws Michael a mic. “Play some music, have a pyro, but don’t make it look like the second coming of Christ is here.”

“Okay then,” Says Mike, walking down the ramp with mic in hand, “I’m going to show why I’m called the Nightmare…” A big pop from the crowd for that remark as the Hardcore champ enters the ring.

“The Nightmare…. Bahahahahaha!” Says Riley, nearly falling out of his chair with laughter. “I’ll honestly never be afraid of a guy who once had a Pokemon gimmick. I mean, could you fear Kane if he had a dentist gimmick before, Mark?”

“I’m not going to answer that for two reasons: Can’t mention the competition and you’re a complete idiot.” Grand Slam responds as Craven takes off his Hardcore belt and tosses his shirt out to the crowd.

*DING DING DING*

The Hardcore Champion doesn’t even have time for a wave to the crowd as Judge Mental immediately rushes in, getting Craven in a lock up. He tries to press the advantage while he can, but Craven recovers quickly from the initial shock, but the Judge is far fiercer on the attack, and is able to cinch a headlock. He drags Mike to the ground, keeping the headlock firmly on as he torques the neck

“Right to the ground! Mark, I think even you have to admit a tap out is inevitable here.”

“… Bobbie, it’s headlock and it’s only 10 seconds into the match. But it’s true that Judge Mental has a distinct advantage on the ground, and if Mike wants to have any chance in match he’s gonna have to stay on his feet and keep the match as hardcore as possible.”

Craven gets a knee on the ground and begins to raise himself, giving an elbow right to the stomach of Judge Mental. The older man grimaces but maintains the hold, wringing it once again to try and bring Mike to the ground. He fails, and Craven is able to get his other foot on the ground, and begins to try and stand up. Mental tries to wring the headlock again, but the Hardcore champ gets to his feet to the sound of growing cheers and fires off an elbow into the chest of the Judge. The hold stays on, though certainly loosened a little, and he shoots yet another elbow to the chest causing the crowd to cheer as the Judge’s arms fall away from Craven’s head! Mike takes no time waiting and instantly whips the stunned veteran at the ropes, and he fires off a high hook kick… that Mental ducks! The crowd gives an “Ohhh!” at the miss, and the Judge hits the other side and slams a big clothesline right into the chest and neck of Michael Craven, putting him right back on the ground again.

“Once again, Judge Mental puts Craven on the ground,” Remarks a happy Bobbie Riley. “Soon we are gonna have a respectable Hardcore Gamers Champion!”

“Bobby, you though Jay Dawg was a respectable Hardcore Champion. I mean, really, you flip-flop between people so often you put Olympic Gymnasts to shame.”

“Flip-flop? Didn’t you here me say respectable? Let’s look at who Jay Dawg was fighting at the time: ASH KETCHUM. He is NOT a respectable Hardcore Champion! Get with it!”

While the two announcers argue, the Judge continues his assault on the shoulder and neck of Craven with vicious stomps. Pulling Mike up by his arm, he whips him at the ropes again, and as Ash comes back, he grabs the arm of Craven for a Fujiwara Armbar! He begins to take him down, but Mike is able to spin out of the Armbar before it forms and gives a quick kick to Mental’s gut. The Judge involuntarily doubles over, and Craven grabs his head and flips over top of him to hit a flipping Neckbreaker! The crowd goes wild at the insane move, and the Judge clutches his neck as Mike gets back up to his feet.

“Great counter by Mike! If that Fujiwara Armbar got locked in, not even the ropes would have saved him. Plus, the Neckbreaker is setting up the Total Nightmare, that deadly Dragon Sleeper STF. Double the usefulness right there.”

With the Judge on the ground, Craven quickly runs at the ropes, and he dives to the ground, doing a roll to a massive crowd reaction, and…

“Rolling Frog Splash!”

“Aw damnit! Already?!”

Mental lies on the ground holding his chest as Craven gets himself off top of him, hyping the crowd up with wild gesticulations as he rises to his feet. The former Pokemaniac pulls the Judge off the ground and drags him to the ropes, where he promptly tosses the old man to the outside of the ring! As the Magnificent 7 member hits the mat on the outside, Craven begins to slide out… but he stops. Standing next to the ropes, Ash leaps over top, crushing the hapless Judge Mental with a suicide plancha! The crowd gives a big pop as Mike gets up after punishing the old man and begins looking around under the ring for things to use.

“Well, it looks like Mike is hitting all his high impact moves on the Judge, but he’s got to remember that this is a Submissions match. He’s eventually going to have to abandon those crowd pleasers for a more conservative plan.”

“Doubt that, Grand Slam. This guy is a crowd whore through and through. If he even REMEMBERS this is a Submissions match between all the standard Jeff Hardy crap, I’ll be surprised.”

Still rummaging under the ring, the first thing he pulls out is a pair of trashcan lids, which he tosses into the center. Next a metal folding chair, but he isn’t as keen to throw this into the ring immediately. Rather, he chooses to give the recuperating Judge a nice stiff whack on the back, laying him right back out on the mat to the delight of the crowd. After a few good whacks, he throws the chair into the middle of the ring. A trash can follows, as well as a kendo stick. Another few seconds of searching and he pulls out… a steel box?

“Well, it’s always good to have the right tools for the job. And once again, the more hardcore we get here, the more advantageous it is to Craven.”

Craven takes the steel box and bashes on the Judge’s head once, just to in keep within proper Hardcore wrestling standards, then opens the thing and begins to the contents out one by one. A miniature pain of glass (Which breaks on the Judge’s face), some small lightbulbs, a 6 inch chain with a Red Sox key chain at the end of it, a 1 ½ foot long kendo stick, a folding T.V. stand….

“It’s Baby’s First Hardcore Wrestling Kit!”

“Yeah, I’m guessing that Craven got nailed with a few of those toys as a toddler. It would certainly explain a few things…”

The last item is a nice little white rocking chair, which Craven immediately shatters on the back of the Judge, and forces him to the ground yet again. The crowd is absolutely pumped as the Freak continues to dominate the old-school submission master in the realm of Hardcore, and they are even more pumped up as he takes out a table and begins setting it up close to the turnbuckle. He tosses the Judge up onto the bigger table and climbs back into the ring, running to the other side. Swiping his feet against the ground like a readying bull, Craven suddenly rushes at the ropes and the table at a full sprint, leaping over the ropes….

*CRASH*

AND GOES THROUGH AN EMPTY TABLE!!

“And it looks like Mike went a table too far as Judge Mental rolls off to the side to save his own skin.”

“No, Judge was too far away. The table was in just the right spot there.”

As Craven lies in the splintered remains of the table, Judge Mental slowly begins to rise to his feet. He shakes his head a little, still feeling the effects of the beating he took. Wobbling a little he gives the heel of his boot to Mike’s shoulder, still concentrating on that single spot. He slowly picks up the Hardcore Champion and rolls him into the ring, following right behind. The Judge takes a few moments to catch his breath and Riley interjects his praise upon the man.

“Well, after seeing that horrible display of wrestling, it’s good to get back to someone who really knows what he’s doing.” Grand Slam rolls his eyes at the heel’s comments and makes a joke of his own.

“Yes, Bobbie, it really does take a lot of experience to get nailed with chairs and the like. I mean, when you got nailed last week…”

“HEY! If that stupid jobber did-Shoulderbreaker! Ha! At least one person in the match is actually thinking about the submissions rather than just being hardcore…”

The Freak lands his back, holding his shoulder after the painful move, but the Judge is quick to raise him up again, nailing him with a knife-edged chop right to the afflicted shoulder. Mike grimaces and in his momentary discomfort, the Judge grabs his arm and twists it around for a Wristlock. As Craven doubles over trying to lessen the torquing of his arm, the old veteran raises his elbow and nails it down on the Freak, causing him to go down on his knee. Mental maintains the wristlock, and once again gives a stiff elbow to the shoulder of Craven, forcing him to onto his stomach. When Mike hits the ground, the Judge steps over his arm and begins to pull it upwards for a painful step-over Armbar!

“And Mental continues to dominate on the ground and in the ring. And maybe if we are lucky, we’ll see the Judge pull off one of those new-fangled vertical suplexes.” Says Mark Stevens dryly as the Magnificent 7 member keeps his assault focused on the bad shoulder of Michael Craven. Suddenly, the Freak begins crawling and working his way over towards the ropes.

“The moron! There isn’t any rope break in a Hardcore match, just like there isn’t any crying in Baseball. By the by, Mark, how many times did you break that rule?”

“How many times did you win the World Title, Bobbie?”

“Um…. I’ve never won the World Title. So… zero?”

“That’s how many times I’ve cried in Baseball. And he’s going for something else, Bobbie…”

Craven continues his seemingly futile crawl towards the ropes, and the Judge doesn’t do anything to stop him; Why would he even try? There isn’t any rope break anyways. He continues to pull on the arm as Michael continues to flop closer to his objective, until finally, he reaches what he needs to with his free arm…

… the chair he threw in earlier. The fans roar to life as Michael holds out and shifts the chair around and takes a few moments to line it up…

*CLANG*

… right into the back of Judge Mental’s head! The Judge releases the Armbar to grasp the back of his head, and Craven is able to roll away to uproarious cheers. He gets up to his feet, holding his badly hurt shoulder in with his other arm. Looking around, he notices the kendo stick, and he picks it up quickly before the Judge can rise. Taking a big swing, he cracks Mental right in the back, causing the old man to arch his body and fall back down to the ground. The Hardcore Champion brings Judge Mental up to his feet and grabs his wrist to whip him at the ropes. The Judge moves quickly, and Craven lines up the kendo stick…

“He’s taking a page out of Mark McGuire!”

… and misses as the Judge ducks the huge baseball swing!

“Strike!”

The Judge comes in on the return bounce, and Michael turns around and gives another swing….

…nailing Mental right in the stomach. The old man’s breath is literally shot out of him, and his eyes seem like they are about to pop out of his head at any moment. Craven takes the kendo stick away from the midsection of Judge Mental, and the old man falls to his knees. The crowd is a little bit stunned at the force of the hit, but once Ash begins to lock in the foot for the Total Nightmare.

“Total Nightmare! Total Nightmare! It could be over right here!”

“No! The Judge is just faking it! He has to be!”

He’s not as Craven gets his arm across the neck of the Judge and pulls back, locking in the deadly submission hold. The crowd cheers as the Hardcore Champ pulls back, waiting for the older man to tap out.

“Well, Bobbie, it looks like real Hardcore won over-” Grand Slam begins, but just as he does, the Judge brings his free arm around and nails the bad shoulder of Michael Craven! The champ grimaces as the pain from the hurt area, and the Judge does it again, and again…

“I don’t think Craven can maintain the hold! He’s going to have to let go because of the shoulder!”

Judge Mental frantically keeps nailing the bad shoulder, trying to force him to release the hold before he runs out of air or is forced to tap before passing out. He keeps it up, and finally, with Michael’s arm throbbing in pain, he is forced to release the hold! The Judge gasps for air as he rolls quickly to the outside while Craven is left to hold his bad shoulder in pain.

“The shoulder work pays off for Judge, giving him an easy escape route exploit on both of Mike’s chosen submissions. It looks like he’s gonna have to find some other way to get the old man to tap out.”

“Pfft. He doesn’t have any more good submissions left. It’s not like he can make the Judge tap out to an Armbar…”

“Mike’s a resourceful one. That’s the reason he’s the hardcore champ right now. I don’t think he’ll have too much of a problem finding a way to make the Judge tap out.”

After a few moments, Judge Mental catches his breath, and rolls back into the ring to find a waiting Michael Craven holding a kendo stick. Craven goes on the attack, swinging the weapon around, but the Judge is able to duck under the blow, and he gives Craven sharp jab to the gut, forcing the younger man to double over. Mental rushes behind him, cinching a waistlock, but Mike refuses to be lifted up without a fight. He gives Mental a sharp elbow to the face, loosening the grip for a moment, but the Judge recovers and puts it on again. The old veteran finally pulls backwards, and Michael Craven travels up… up… And over into the ground with a big impact.

“Big Release German Suplex from Judge, and that’s the first Suplex of the night for him. It looks like he’s starting to go for some bigger moves now to wear Craven out for the ‘Held Without Bail’.”

Craven lies on the ground, still stunned and pained from the big impact of the Suplex, but as he tries to get to his feet the Judge reaches him, giving Mike a prickish kick to the stomach for his troubles. Mike goes back down onto his knees and Mental yanks him back up to his feet quickly. He starts with a waistlock, but Mike throws a harsh elbow backwards, enough to knock him off of him, and Mike tries for a waistlock of his own. Mental quickly breaks out of it and locks in a ¾ Headlock…

“Surprise Witness locked in!”

… but Craven gives a sharp elbow to his back, and the Judge gives enough space for Michael to sneak out of the headlock. He gives a forearm blow to the back of the old man’s head, and the Judge doubles over as Ash moves to the and lifts his leg and slams it down into the head for an Axe kick!

“Air Craven Deux! And Michael takes control back with that brutal kick.”

“Pfft. I hate sequels. The original is always better.”

With the Judge floored, the Chimera looks over at the chair on the ground and picks it up standing right behind Mental with it…

“Why isn’t he even touching him with it? What a moron!” Comments Riley as Judge Mental begins to rise up from the ground. He turns around and to his surprise, Craven actually gives him the chair! Well, not gives, he did toss it at-

*CLANG*

“Air Craven! Looks like we get the prequel here.”

“And it just goes to show how Craven sucks just as badly as Star Wars: Episode 1.”

With Mental grounded again, the Hardcore champ picks up the nearby metal trash can lids he threw in earlier and goes over to the Judge. He goes down to the ground and begins pummeling the old man with the lids, forcing him try and roll away. Unfortunately for him he doesn’t get far, and Michael is able to sandwich his head between the lids for a big cymbal crash! The crowd cheers and Judge Mental gets out of the way and slowly begins to stand again as Craven soaks up some of the praise from the fans. As the Judge gets up, Michael walks over and nails him with a knife-edged chop, sending him into the corner. He gives another (WHOO!), and the Judge goes limp in the turnbuckle as (WHOO!) Craven continues (WHOO!) to assail him (WHOO!) with numerous (WHOO!) knife-edged chops! As he lines up for yet another, the wily old man is able to block it with his forearm, and he proceeds to nail the bad shoulder of Craven, causing him to freeze up and wince with pain.

“Yes! Mental uses the shoulder to turn the tides yet again!”

All frozen up, Mental takes the chance to begin an assault of his own. He nails Craven with a chop right across the chest, giving the Judge some room to move back out of the turnbuckle. He gives chop after chop (Without the crowd going “Whoo!” along with the smacks) and as Craven back peddles, the Judge is able to move forward, grabbing Craven’s arm and putting him in a wristlock. He transitions the wristlock into a hammerlock, and lifts Ash up… and over top him for a big Hammerlock Suplex!

With Craven on the ground now, the Judge sets him in sitting position for the “Held Without Bail”, and he goes down to lock in the inverted facelock, Michael actually ducks it out of instinct! The Judge, who doesn’t normally need to look to lock in the move, becomes off balance, and Mike pulls his head down, flipping him over top for an improvised snap mare! The crowd roars to life, and Craven slowly begins to get up as the Judge holds his head and curses the younger man’s reaction time.

“Excellent reversal by Craven there! But can he capitalize on it?”

As the Judge begins to get up Craven wraps his arm around his head for and nails a Roll the Dice Neckbreaker on Mental, putting him down right beside the chair! Craven gets back up to his feet, and quickly grabs the nearest weapon, the Kendo stick. He mounts the back of the Judge and pulls the stick around the old man’s neck, pulling it back for a Camel Clutch like a maneuver! The crowd cheers as the Judge struggles to get out of the move, and Ash begins to pull back harder.

“This could be it! I don’t think the Judge can get out of this one!”

The Kendo stick lies right beneath Mental’s chin, and he tries to fight against the power of Craven on his back. He pushes it up a little more across his chin, and just as Craven pulls back harder, the Kendo stick rolls out from under Judge Mental’s chin, scrapping across his face and sending Mike reeling backwards. Craven gets up and scrambles to his feet, and as he watches Mental struggle up to his feet he gets an idea. As the Judge stumbles to his feet and lands on his knees near the steel chair, still in pain after having the Kendo stick rip across his face, Craven bounces himself off the ropes and comes back at the Judge with incredible velocity…

“He’s going for the Sonic Boom! If the Judge gets hit with this, he’ll be in prime position for another one of those Kendo Clutches.”

BOOM!

Actually, it was more like….

*CRRAAASSSHH*

Judge raises the chair near him just in time, sending Craven’s shoulder right into the thick metal at double the velocity of a normal spear! The crowd gives a stunned gasp as Mike howls in agony from the impact, and rolls around on the ground as the pain from his shoulder travels through his body like a lightning bolt. The Judge, nearly spent from the getting out of the Kendo clutch, but moves as fast as he can to the downed Hardcore Champion and quickly pulls him back into a sitting position with an inverted facelock and locks in the Held Without Bail! Craven fights as much as he can, but the shoulder is far too weak at this point, and the tap out is academic.

TAPTAPTAP

*DINGDINGDING*

“Your winner and NEW HARDCORE GAMERS CHAMPION….. JUDGE MENTAL!!!”

The Judge lays back on the ground, dead tired from the beating he took, but the Referee is able to lift him up off the mat and raise his hand in victory. The crowd boos like all get out as the old man is handed the Hardcore Gamers Title, and Grand Slam sighs a little.

“Well, this certainly won’t be good for the Hardcore Division to have someone as Anti-Hardcore as Judge Mental as the Champion.”

“It’s one hell of an improvement over Michael Craven, though. Whoo!”

“Well, stayed tuned, because up next we have a rousing contest between Magnificent 7 powerhouse Frost and the new and improved Midnight Carnival member Alex Zenon in what is sure to be a fantastic match.”

*FADE TO COMMERCIAL*

January 14, 2003

**Back from break, Kevin Cole once again stands with Tod deKindes; this time at the interview set.**

Cole: Kevin Cole here, with Tod deKindes. Tod, you've requested this time, what's up?

Tod: It's REAL simple, Cole, even the humanoids out there will comprehend. You've seen what happened earlier, I lost my cool for a while. But for that, I have a solution. When you want something around here, I've found out that all you gotta do is ask. So whoever's in charge back there ... (stares into the camera) I want ... no, I DEMAND ... a shot at the ICTV title! I've been denied for WAY too long now, which is why I'm doing something about it. Thank you!!!

**With that, the canadian one walks out of the shot ...**

Cole: ... Back to you, guys.

------------------

(I forgot a promo, here it is in the right place...) GSMS

------------------

Returning from commercial, SWF Lockdown fades in on TV screens worldwide with a shaky shot of Ben Hardy jogging down a hallway, trying to keep up with an enraged Mak Francis. ‘The Franchise’ seems to be ignoring Hardy, busy talking into a cellphone, causing the veteran interviewer to rush forward, marching backwards in front of Mak and quickly halting the large, angry wrestler. Francis ignores him for a few moments, trying to shove away the microphone in his face, but Hardy’s persistence finally wins, and Francis hangs up his cellphone, looking down at the much smaller man before him.

“Yeah, what the hell do you want?”

“Well, Mr. Francis, your tag team partner for tonight, Ced Ordonez, has been taken out of the main event after a brutal attack by…”

“Yo, yo, Hardy. Shut up. You’re the guy always asking questions, huh? Well let me ask you a couple questions. Are you a Franchise?”

“Well…. No, Mr Francis, I’m just trying…”

“Are the wrestling the world champ, El Luchadore Magnifico, and the Hville Thugg, two of the most dominant competitors in the business, in tonight’s main event?”

“No, but the fans want to know who your partner…”

“Hardy, I told you to keep quiet. If you’re not the Franchise, and you’re not wrestling in tonight’s main event, and it’s not you who Danny Williams is trying to send a message to, then what the hell makes you think it’s any of your business what I’m doing tonight, or who I choose to be my partner?”

A Flustered Hardy stops for a few moments, before stammering out a response. “N…no, but I just wanted to….”

“Are you done berating the poor idiot, so we can discuss the match tonight, Mak? Or are you just gonna kick him in the nuts literally to finish it all off, eh?”

The familiar voice causes Hardy to turn around, dropping his microphone to the ground with a loud clunk. Gus zooms the camera out, shot expanding till the fans can see CIA, smirk plastered on the visible part of his face, below his mask, his arms crossed in front of him as he stares at Mak over the head of Hardy. A large cheer erupts from the fans, and Hardy merely stares for a few moments, Mak flipping open his cellphone, walking past the reporter and out of the shot. Hardy quickly bends over to retrieve the fallen mic, but by the time he rises up again, CIA has turned to walk off as well, following Francis.

“CIA! Does this mean….?”

“YES!”

“But why would you two….?”

“Interview’s over, eh?”

With those words, Hardy actually ceases speaking, and Gus turns his camera to follow the two wrestlers as they march away down the hallway, side by side, and the shot slowly fades out.

January 14, 2003

The camera flickers back to life to reveal the outside of Cleveland’s Gund Arena. The dirty figure of a bum is standing in front of the auditorium with ragged blonde hair and the vague visage of Craig Ehlo, holding a sign that reads “Will Take Foul Shots for Food.” The scene does not linger and sharply cuts to the inside commentator’s table where Mark Stevens and Bobby Riley are holding court.

“Welcome back to the first ever episode of SWF Lockdown!” Stevens beams an electric smile. “What promises to be a crown jewel in the SWF empire has gotten off to a rolling start here this evening with plenty of action and high profile match ups.”

“Meet the new boss, same as the old boss,” Riley quotes with a trademark sneer. “This next match between Frost and Alex Zenon for a shot at the ICTV Title shouldn’t even be taking place. Zenon loses last week to junior Magnificent 7 member Judge Mental and he’s REWARDED with a chance to earn an ICTV title match by going against Frost who handed the champion’s ass to him last week? Stubby might be gone, but smoking his stash remains.”

“One has to remember that the former Z was cheated out of a couple ICTV title matches with Orochi shortly before the break and deserves a second chance just as much as Frost.” Stevens pleads.

“This isn’t the first time Frost has destroyed an SWF champion and then had to sit on the backburner. It’s a conspiracy so huge Oliver Stone is signing the movie rights.” Riley slams his fist to the table in emphasis.

“Will the supposed conspiracy weaken here tonight with a Frost win or strengthen with a Zenon victory.” Mark extends his hand toward the ring and the camera swings around to find the Funyon ready for his duties.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he begins “our following match up is scheduled for one fall under standard SWF rules for a shot at the ICTV Title.”

With that, the arena goes black with only the sounds of electrical distortion piercing the stillness. Two white spotlights follow from the heavens to shine on the entrance stage. “Temptation” by The Tea Party wafts over the speakers and mixes with the fans expectant hums. The guitars drop in with a BOOM! and the arena is suddenly filled with a kaleidoscope of colored light. Alex Zenon takes this as his cue to enter and emerges to a chorus of cheers. He surveys the loving crowd with and pulls up the lapels of his jacket in Fonzi like cool. The lights dance over the auditorium as the pride of the Midnight Carnival starts his slick strut to the ring.

Riley: “This damn entrance would give someone a seizure like a Pokemon cartoon.”

A blinding white light emanates from the center of the scene and fills the television screens across the country with a blank void. It slowly fades to reveal Zenon setting foot in the ring and Funyon continuing his introduction.

“Now in the ring from The Meadowlands. He weighs 229 pounds and is a member of the Midnight Carnival. This…is…ALEX… ZEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!”

Zenon climbs to the nearby second turnbuckle and raises a fist in the air to acknowledge the cheering fans. He removes his jacket and flutters it over the ropes to an attendant on the floor.

“And his opponent,” the boos erupt before Funyon has even finished the line. The howling guitar of Dweezil Zappa and the biting lyrics of “Frost Wants to Kill your Mama” drip from the speakers. A larger and harsher figure glides in from the back with his own fist raised. However, this is a fist of defiance and rage telling the crowd to ‘fuck off.’

Funyon booms to be heard over the rabid throng, “tipping the scales at 296 pounds and hailing from Reykjavik, Iceland. He is one half of the SWF Tag Team Champions and a member of the Magnificent 7, FRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSST!”

Stevens: “Frost has yet to face Alex Zenon since his return from a brief sabbatical and I think he’ll find a far different competitor than he remembers.”

Riley: “Same crap, same crapper, he just sprayed some Lysol to cover the stench. Frost has learned from his tiff with CIA to never underestimate anyone, especially when a title shot is on the line.”

Frost stands on the floor and looks up at Zenon, a half smile on his face. He waves the big man in and Frost unstraps his tag title to hand off to the attendant. He removes a smoldering cigar from his lips and holds it up for the young lady to take as well. She grips it between her thumb and forefinger at the extreme tip while turning her head away from the reek. Frost slides in under the bottom rope and smoothly up to his feet.

Stevens: “Referee Eddy Long calls for the bell and this one is underway.”

DING DING DING

Zenon raises his arms for an old school lockup and Frost moves in to oblige. As the two men are ready to tie arms, Alex leaps forward with a surprise headbutt! Frost stumbles back and Zenon takes his wrist for an Irish whip into the ropes.

Stevens: “The new Zenon shocks Frost early with an unexpected headbutt.”

Alex plants himself on his left leg and swings his right overhead for a spinning back kick. Frost just ducks his giant frame under the foot and rushes for the opposite ropes. Zenon lands off balance and turns to be floored by a charging clothesline!

Riley: “And the same old Frost quickly has him looking at the houselights with the Hell Freezes Over.”

Alex’s eyes are glassy and he holds a hand to the back of his head from where it struck the mat. Frost drops a knee to the throat for and then mounts his rival for a further choking out.

Riley: “You have to remember that Z, in all his forms, has never defeated Frost and won’t now.”

Long bellows at Frost to remove his hands from Zenon’s neck and begins a disqualification count. Frost relinquishes at four and rises off of Alex with his hands up to signify the clean break. He holds the pose for a second and then dives to continue his merciless strangling.

Stevens: “For your information, Bobby, Zenon does have one win over Frost from their SJL days.”

Riley: “That was a handicap match with the Suicide King on Zenon’s side. King won that match, he let Alex have the pinfall because he’s a humanitarian, but he won that match.”

Long reaches four on his count and makes a harsher threat of a dq. The crowd reigns down the jeers as Frost breaks and rises to his feet while dragging Zenon up by his stringy brown hair.

Stevens: “Still, I keep telling you that this is not the same old Z and his record and intensity since his return demonstrates that.”

Riley: “Frost is not going to let him show it. He’s pissed off at all the red tape and fat cat bureaucrats holding him down. This is a message match. Zenon might, MIGHT, have a small element of surprise over Frost, but it won’t factor in the long run.”

Frost tucks Zenon’s head under his arm in a front facelock and throws his near arm over his neck. The Icelander cinches a fistful of tights and snaps Alex off the canvas with gusto. He hangs vertically over the mat in the suplex position. With calm ease, Frost walks over to the near ropes and allows Zenon’s body to fall forward to lay across the top rope then rides the spring of the recoil back up and down with added force.

Stevens: “Slingshot suplex for the pin!”

ONE

TWO

Stevens: “Way too early yet.”

Riley: “The only reason you go for a pin that early is as a wear down move. Who wants a sweaty 300 pound man lying on top of them?”

Stevens: “I can think of one person.”

Frost rises to his knees, then his feet while dragging Alex up by another front facelock. Frost readies to crack back with a DDT, but Zenon pushes against the big man on sheer instinct to drive him into the corner. Long calls for the break and Frost lifts his arms to comply. Zenon steadies himself with both hands on the ropes and runs a shoulder into the breadbasket.

Stevens: “Zenon refuses to give a clean break.”

Riley: “HEY! He can’t do that. Frost can do that, but he can’t do that.”

Frost slumps in the turnbuckles as Zenon stands up and fires a chop to the chest! A hearty “whoo!” roars from the crowd and Alex fires another chop to elicit a second. A knee thrust follows and the Carnie turns to snapmare Frost to the mat on his rear.

Stevens: “Thrust kick to the back of the head puts Frost on his face. Zenon in control.”

Alex takes a step and skips into the air while cocking a leg back to expose the knob of his right knee. It plunges deep into the back of the neck. Frost bounces from the blow and Zenon maneuvers to lock in his crooked triangle hold.

Riley: “A couple wimpy hits and a wimpier submission is not taking control.”

Zenon lies off to the side with his legs hooked tight around Frost’s shoulder and neck. Every muscle in his legs flexes and strains as he squeezes the life out of the bulky brawler. Frost pushes himself up by his free arm. The slight elevation allows him to work his legs underneath and he starts to stand with Zenon hanging off to the side. Alex grips Frost’s wrist for leverage and kicks his legs off the top of the man’s back. He scissors his legs as he falls and nails Frost at the nape of the neck with a modified axe kick!

Stevens: “How about that for a wimpy strike.”

Riley: “No that was a fancy strike. Show some power, ya’ Boy Scout.”

Zenon readjusts his legs to relock the triangle choke to ground Frost fast. Long positions himself off to the other side to check Frost for a submission, but it’s readily clear that one will not be forthcoming.

Riley: “Frost is dazed, but he’s not hurt. This amateur submission stuff will not make Frost tap EVER! Zenon’s got a little more strength than he used to have, let’s see him use it on some high impact maneuvers.”

Frost lifts his head as best he can and drags himself by his free left arm. Zenon tries to hold him in place, but the ropes are too close and his opponent too strong.

Stevens: “The repercussions of breaking the hold into the axe kick is that they wound up closer to the ropes than they were before. Both men race up, but the Velvet Hammer is definitely favoring his neck and that one shoulder.”

Zenon stalls Frost with a chop to the worked on shoulder and makes with a wristlock. He wrenches on the arm a few times and pulls Frost to the upper left corner.

Stevens: “Zenon backs up the turnbuckles with the old school ropewalk presumably following.”

Riley: “It’s the Under-Zenon! Dead jackass walking!”

Alex walks out on the top rope as if it were a tightrope. He almost prances down the thin and bending strand. He pauses and turns toward the dazed Frost while soaking in the audience pops. Zenon hops off and spins his body as he releases the arm wrench to drive an elbow into the back of Frost’s neck. The giant’s right leg kicks out and he timbers like a fallen oak! Zenon drops to his knees and lateral presses for a cover.

ONE

TWO

Stevens: “Shoulder up! Frost has a lot of fight left.”

Zenon rolls down the length of Frost’s body and to his feet while grabbing the big man’s ankles. He drags Frost to the near corner and hangs him upside down with his legs crossed around the top turnbuckle.

Stevens: “Zenon hangs Frost in the Tree of Woe and starts working the stomps to the head and shoulders.”

Riley: “Since he wishes he was a New Kid on the Block it should be the Tree of Whoa…Whoa…Whoa…Whoaooooooooooooooooooooooo!”

The fans cheer on Alex’s beating of the despised heel, but he pays them no heed and focuses on delivering the pain to his longtime rival. Long begs Alex to pull Frost down, but he shoves him off and fervently stomps away.

Stevens: “That’s the best you could come up with?”

Riley: “Let’s say that being in Cleveland does not inspire me to creative brilliance.”

Zenon skips back to plant his back leg and shoots out his front with a thrust kick to the shoulder. Frost manages to put up a hand to grab the boot! He brings his other hand over and shoves Zenon off with all the force he can muster from his precarious perch. Alex rides the push off the canvas into a backflip, sticks the landing like an Olympic gymnast and deftly nails a baseball slide to the right shoulder! The crowd screams impressed. The blow knocks Frost loose and he rolls to the floor staggered.

Stevens: “Amazing agility and speed by Alex Zenon! He always brings something new to the ring we’ve never seen before.”

Riley: “And usually never want to see again.”

Frost trips down the ring area and plunges to one knee. Long looks to start a count out, but holds up as he eyes Zenon running to the far ropes. He flies across the ring with his legs churning as fast as they will go. As he nears the opposite side of the ring, he bounds into the air and clears the ropes heading for the floor! Frost feels the shadow move over him and looks up as he rises. Alex body presses into Frost, and although he puts his arms up at the last second to catch him, Zenon has too much power behind his soaring figure and the duo crashes into the guardrail!

Stevens: “SPACEMAN PLANCHA! Both men are down, but Frost took the brunt of that guardrail. Zenon struggles up as Long starts a ring out count.”

(ONE) Frost sits completely out of it against the guardrail while Zenon stumbles upright. (TWO) He throws out a back kick to the shoulder to keep Frost stunned as he heads for the ring apron. (THREE) The Carnie steps to the apron and Long breaks his count to yell at Alex to move it back inside. With a hint of the old Z, he looks at the crowd over his shoulder with a questioning gaze as to what he should do. He smirks at the answer of their frenzied yelling and leaps straight up to the second cord to springboard off. He turns head over heels in mid-air with the smooth practice of one of the favorite moves. His upside down eyes spy Frost lying across the guardrail, but they grow wide as he dodges to his right and out of range. Zenon curses himself in his mind for indulging the sense of humor he has tried hard to weed out of his wrestling.

Stevens: “FROST DODGES THE SHOTGUN MOONSAULT! Zenon splats against the rail! Frost lays on his side and Long starts another count!”

(ONE) Zenon rolls over to his back, holding his midsection where he hit the steel restraint. (TWO) Frost flips from his side to his knees and drags himself toward the ring. (THREE) He flops his sinewy arms on the lip of the canvas and slowly wrenches himself up. (FOUR) Zenon rolls over once more and puts a tortured hand on the apron skirt. (FIVE)

Riley: “Stupid old Z, not Zenon, burned himself again. (SIX) You say, Mark, that he’s a whole new wrestler, but that desire to entertain the peons is still there and still hurting him. (SEVEN)”

Frost looks down at his fallen foe then hears the number “EIGHT” ring in his ears. He sloppily throws his left leg onto the ring edge and rolls in to break the count at nine. Frost lies on his back and breathes heavily while staring at the ring lights.

Stevens: “Frost takes a much needed breather in the ring while Zenon continues to fight up on the outside. Long neglects to start a new ring out count for Alex as he checks on the fallen Iceman.”

Riley: “Long could have continued his count there if he wanted to or started a new one. More fuel for the conspiracy fire.”

Stevens: “But he didn’t have to, that’s referee’s discretion there. I’m sure he wants to see this battle continue as much as this excited Gund Arena audience.”

Zenon hauls his carcass back into the ring and the ref runs over to check on him. Zenon shakes his head as if he is refusing to give in and is more than game to continue. Frost hears his opponent and immediately uses the near ropes to lug his heavy frame up. Zenon spots this and follows suit.

Stevens: “Both competitors showing great heart and determination to continue. Frost is up first with Alex right behind…spinning back fist…Zenon ducks!”

Frost spins wobbly from the missed blow and Alex collars him from behind and drags him rearward with a reverse headlock. He cocks his free elbow and twirls around and down to spike the Icelander in the chest! They both fall with Zenon clumsily on top for a cover.

ONE!

TWO!

Stevens: “Only two for the Turn ‘n Burn as Frost kicks out!”

Riley: “Zenon has to name all his moves now. Who does he think he is Ash Ketchum?”

Zenon dives on top of Frost and fumbles to hook the leg to no avail.

ONE!

TWO!

TH-

Riley: “Zenon is desperate for the pinfall after that moronic moonsault from the apron missed.”

Stevens: “Actually, this is similar to what Frost did earlier. Throwing your weight on top of the man to wear him down while you try to catch your breath.”

Riley: “I seriously doubt that, being that Zenon is not that smart.”

Alex goes for another cover, but Frost pegs him with a thumb to the throat to keep him at bay. Frost rolls to his side, the sweat streaming while Alex clutches his throat and gags.

Stevens: “Frost pulls himself up by the ropes again, while Alex struggles to recover from the cheap shot.”

Riley: “Frost needs to hit a couple big power moves right here to finish things off.”

The Velvet Hammer lurches over to snag Zenon by the hair and rips him to his feet. Frost takes the man between the legs and one shoulder to lift him horizontally against his chest. Frost juts out a knee and rams Zenon back first against the appendage while still holding onto his body. Alex fidgets as Frost picks him up again and slings his legs over his shoulder. He readjusts to grip him around the upper torso and takes a deep breath before charging at the far corner. He pulls up short and tosses Zenon in the air like the proverbial rag doll. He hangs in the air for a brief instant, a dying duck yearning to fly south, the clangs down face first on the top turnbuckle! The recoil sends his head whip lashing back and into the waiting arms of the Icelandic monster. He follows the arc of Zenon’s momentum as he tucks his face under his arms and jackhammers him into the canvas!

Steven: “Beautiful sequence from Frost as he transitions from the back breaker, to a Snake Eye, to an inverted DDT. He takes a second and covers.”

ONE!

TWO!

THRE-

Riley: “GOD DAMN IT! He got the shoulder up at the last moment. That split second rest cost Frost there.”

Frost sits up and holds three fingers up to Long, who replies by laying his left hand flat and swiping his right hand over it to signify that Zenon did indeed get his shoulder off the mat. Frost shakes his head and starts his way up with a fistful of Alex’s hair. He gruffly shoves him under his armpit in a front facelock and cinches the waistband of his pants. He picks Zenon straight up, appearing to be lining up a brainbuster from the extreme vertical angle. However, a wave of pain washes over his face and he drops Alex to land squarely on his feet.

Stevens: “It’s the shoulder! He couldn’t complete the move. Zenon capitalizes with a double leg takedown! Diving elbow smash! THE COVER!”

ONE!

TWO!

THRE-

Riley: “Shoulder up! Shoulder up! Let’s be fair here Long…”

Stevens: “’Long’ and ‘fair,’ that’s like saying ‘Bobby Riley’ and ‘chick magnet’ in the same sentence.”

Riley: “Or ‘long’ and ‘Mark Stevens’ in the same sentence from what your wife tells me.”

Zenon springs to his feet with the adrenaline flowing and the taste of victory in his mouth. He hits the opposite ropes with precision timing as Frost shakily makes his knees. Alex pulls up and grabs the back of the man’s head as he approaches and crams a forceful knee lift to the face! A crunch of cartilage is heard on impact and Frost wilts to the mat! Alex goes down with him and hooks the leg.

Stevens: “SHINING WIZARD KNEE! Frost could have a broken nose and a loss if he doesn’t kick out!”

ONE!

TWO!

THRE-

Riley: “Kick out! Whew! Zenon is not stringing enough high impact moves together at once. This ticky tacky stuff is not going to beat Frost.”

Stevens: “Frost tried a high impact series a few minutes ago and it failed to put Zenon on the job train.”

Riley: “Your negativity is seriously cramping my mojo.”

Zenon slides off of Frost and twists to the side. He grapevines the man’s near leg and uses his other leg to wrap Frost around the neck and force his face into his chest. He applies an armbar for good measure and pours on the pressure.

Stevens: “Grounded octopus stretch or, as Zenon calls his variation, the Ikari Shinkan.”

Riley: “Which is Japanese for ‘just as worthless as the Nelbina was.’”

Frost pounds the mat with his free left arm in frustration, not submission. He grunts and strains to unfold himself from this human pretzel Zenon has locked on, but is hard pressed to devise a way. Alex cranks on the armbar and vice grips his legs while pleading with Long to ask for the submission.

Stevens: “This move works the whole right side, but pressure is also being put on that bad right shoulder that foiled the brainbuster earlier.”

Riley: “Frost is trying to roll into the move, but with his head pegged to his chest like that he lacks the angle or leverage.”

Frost throws his body into the hold in trying to roll up Zenon’s body, but the strategy is in vain. Frost brings his left arm over and fires repeated short jabs to the knee across his throat.

Riley: “Frost is a trained boxer with a long reach. He can throw a left hand just as stiff as a right even form this position. Even though that knee really hasn’t been worked on, he could get a break here.”

Stevens: “Or a broken neck if Alex pinches tighter around the throat.”

Zenon grumbles and groans from the repeated fists to the knee. One can see the leg loosening and Frost finally senses the moment. He puts a hand on the leg and lifts it slightly, ducking out from under its iron grip. Frost is now able to roll into his opponent, which causes Alex to lose his hold on the arm and grapevine on the right leg. Frost lies with his back across Zenon’s chest and reaches down to hook the leg for a reverse pin!

ONE!

TWO!

THRE-

Zenon brings his other leg over to scissor Frost’s arm and then makes with a crude armlock on the other. He throws his weight back and sways Frost over on his shoulders with a pin of his own!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE-

Stevens: “FROST FLIPS OUT TO HIS FEET! ALEX KIPS UP! DIVING CLOTHESLINE BY FROST!”

Riley: “HELL FREEZES OVER! THE COVER!”

ONE!

TWO!

THREE-

Stevens: “FOOT ON THE ROPES! ZENON JUST SAVES HIMSELF! I thought that makeshift crucifix pin was going to catch Frost off guard enough for the win.”

Riley: “You also see think that the Flobee and Whitesnake will make comebacks.”

Frost wastes no time in standing up and yanks Zenon to his feet by the shoulder. He takes him by the wrist and sends him for the ride into the far ropes. Frost catches him between the legs as he rushes toward him and flips him up. He steadies him with a hand on the shoulder. The Icelandic Iceman spins the Jersey native around, but Zenon has the presence of mind to wind his right arm under his opponents and palms the back of his head like a basketball. Zenon takes over control of the move by snatching Frost’s other wrist and spinning him to the side. He cuts the spin off with his feet still hanging in the air and throws his weight back to face jam Frost into the canvas!

Stevens: “Zenon counters the tilt-a-whirl slam off the ropes into the Crossout! He uses the little strength he can muster to flip his hated adversary over…hooks the leg…COVER!”

ONE!

TWO!

THREE-

Frost kicks out to an audible grown from the fans! Zenon rises to his knees and shakes his head in disbelief. He sighs and looks up at Long with hangdog eyes who can do nothing but return his headshake and hold up two fingers.

Riley: “Too bad this isn’t a hardcore match so he can hit Frost with the kitchen sink, because that’s all Zenon has left to use against him.”

Stevens: “I believe he’s got one trick left, Bobby, and this should bring down the curtain.”

Frost goes to sit up, but Zenon smacks him in the shoulder and then hauls him up by that bruised part. He turns to be back to back with Frost and reaches to lock his chin with both hands. However, Frost throws his head back and the rear of their skulls collide with a jarring crack. Alex twirls from the blow and comes around to face Frost, or more precisely his ramming knuckles!

Stevens: “FROST FIGHTS OFF THE G.L.E.! That following left jab was so hard, even Frost went down on it. Truly he is the new Hands of Stone.”

Frost places a limp arm on Zenon’s chest and Long counts.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE-

Zenon lifts a shoulder and rolls out from under the arm to gasps of relief from the fans!

Riley: “I’ve always said Z was on crack, but he HAS to be on some kind of drugs to keep kicking out like this!”

The two tired warriors make their feet at the same time. Frost attempts to score with another punch, but Zenon ducks under and pops back up with a Kawada kick to the bad shoulder. Frost cringes and Alex spins him around with a hand on his waist. He reaches back for the G.L.E. once more, but Frost reaches back to collar Alex around the throat with his good left arm and forcibly drags him over his shoulder in an awesome display of his trademark strength!

Stevens: “MY GOD! Frost just pulls Zenon over his back and into a powerbomb position. He bounces him off the ropes and spins!”

SLAM!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE-

Zenon kicks to his left and falls out of the pin from the slingshot powerbomb!

Riley: “I WANT THAT SON OF A BITCH TESTED FOR PCP RIGHT NOW!”

Zenon follows the roll to his feet, but he’s glassy eyed and pale like a zombie. Frost jumps to one knee and fires a battering ram right hand into the side of Zenon’s chest!

Stevens: “TOUCH OF FROST!”

Frost grits his teeth to shut out the shooting pain in his shoulder and stands. He tucks Zenon’s head between his legs and underhooks the arms. He spins him up against his chest and leaps into the air for that extra bit of power. If Zenon was capable of feeling pain at this moment through his shocked system, this would be a level to tell the grandkids about.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING DING DING

Funyon: “Here is your winner by pinfall and the NEW number one contender for the ICTV Title…FRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSST!”

Stevens: “The Touch of Frost does its job by stunning Zenon long enough for him to hit the Early Winter!”

Frost lets go and slides to the floor. Long follows to raise his arm in victory, but Frost shakes him off and puts a right hand to that bad shoulder. Mysteriously, the fans’ boos morph to cheers and Frost’s face blanches at what he can’t believe to be true.

Stevens: “Zenon takes to the floor! They’re fighting anew!”

Riley: “Two powerbombs! Zenon took two powerbombs! You should need his dental records to identify the corpse at this point.”

The two hated rivals trade a flurry of punches as they back up the ramp as the crowd madly pops. Zenon’s eyes have gone from that of a zombie to one possessed. His body just wants to drop, but his fevered mind drives it on.

Stevens: “Unbelievable! Alex Zenon took all Frost had to give, loses, but comes back asking for more!”

Riley: “When, not if, Frost wins the ICTV title, I know who his first victim, not challenger, will be!”

Stevens: “They disappear behind the curtain, locked in bloody battle. We have to cut to commercial, but if there are any more developments we will have them when we return to LOCKDOWN!”

January 14, 2003

The SmarkTron flickers to life, portraying a Canadian flag, flowing in the wind, and the instrumental accompaniment to 'O Canada' playing.

“Midnight Carnival”

*BOOM!*

A bright red rush of pyro shoots up along the stage, glittering points of red light slowly drifting down from above, and a voice rings out, accompanied by the opening riff to 'Secret Agent Man', and the emergence of a masked figure, microphone in hand.

Stevens: And welcome back to SWF Lockdown, everyone! If you’re just joining us, you’re here just in time to see Lockdown’s very first main event, pitting the team of CIA and Mak Francis against El Luchadore Magnifico and the Hville Thugg!

Riley: Originally, it was the much more boring contest of Mak and Ced against ELM and Thugg, but now that CIA is in there, we get to see some Carnie-on-Carnie violence! Whooo!

As CIA approaches the ring, he takes the mike to his lips, immediately quieting the crowd, who want to hear what the Canadian has to say.

“Greetings from Canada, Cleveland!” bellows CIA. The Canadian pauses for obligatory pop to die down before continuing, climbing up onto the ring apron as he does so. “Y’know, I’d be lying if told you I’m not thrilled with the idea of fighting my Carnie brethren,” CIA begins, “But it’ll be a cold day in hell before I give up a shot like this, eh! So Mag, get yourself ready, because I’m not gonna go easy on you!”

CIA tosses the microphone aside as the crowd releases an excited pop in response the Canadian’s moving speech. As CIA climbs into the ring, his music slowly fades out, leaving an eerie silence within the Gund Arena.

** Are you ready? **

** Are You Ready?! **

** CAUSE THE FRANCHISE IS HERE!!!! **

“Down With the Sickness” hits the speakers, signaling the entrance for “The Franchise”, Mak Francis. The Smarktron flashes the words 'The Franchise”, which is followed by a blue and white photonegative image of Mak Francis. As the lights come back up, Mak walks out onto the stage, greeted by a hearty amount of cheers from the delighted audience.

Funyon: The following is a Tag Team Contest scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, at a combined weight of four hundred and sixty-two pounds...”The Franchise”, Mak Francis, and C.....I.....A!!!

Francis slowly strolls down to ringside, climbs up onto the apron, and enters through the middle ropes. Mak, ignoring CIA, steps into the center of the ring and strikes a dramatic pose, driving his fists into the air as the Canadian looks on. Francis finally breaks his pose and begins his pre-match warmup, stretching a bit and limbering up as his music slowly fades away. The eerie silence returns…

UNO!

BOOM!

DOS!

BOOM!

TRES!

BOOM!

CUATRO!

BOOM!

As the combination of counting in Spanish and pyro shooting from the turnbuckles ends, “Mission Trip to Mexico” by Bunch of Believers hits the speakers, signaling the entrance for El Luchadore Magnifico. The fans immediately begin cheering like mad, and only grow louder when the man himself bursts out from behind the curtain, waving his Mexican Flag proudly with one hand and gripping the World Title with the other. Grinning wildly, ELM pauses at the top of the ramp and slowly raises his arms to a forty-five degree angle, creating a primo photo opportunity that those with the benefit of flash photography immediately take advantage of. After a few seconds, Magnifico breaks his pose and quickly heads down the ramp, slapping fans hands’ as he goes.

Stevens: This certainly must be an awkward situation for both ELM and CIA; on one hand, they’re teammates, and fighting between them might weaken the structure of the Carnival. On the other-

Riley: On the other, they’ve got the chance to win tonight and then be squashed by Flesher and Frost soon afterwards! Hmmm, decisions, decisions.

As Magnifico approaches the ring, he suddenly comes to a halt, cautious not to enter a ring occupied by both of his opponents. ELM and CIA lock eyes, glaring blankly at each other as Magnifico’s music fades out, leaving the crowd’s cheering as the only noise in the arena. That cheering only intensifies as the lights in the arena black out, covering all crevices of the place with a cloud of complete and utter darkness.

“MUWHAHAHAHA!”

An electric guitar blares of the speakers, starting the introduction to DMX’s “Who We Be”, as the entire arena explodes into a frenzy of cheers. The fans leap from their seats and make as much noise as humanly possible, despite the fact that no human form has been seen on the stage as of yet.

"They don't know..."

"Who we be."

"They don't know..."

"Who we be."

“What they don’t know is…”

BOOM!

A huge explosion on the stage leaves a wall of fire across the stage in its wake, leaving only a small path in the center, as the fans lose their minds and the first verse of the song begins. In the path left by the wall of fire, a dark figure creeps forward, a black towel over his head, and as the figure makes his way to the part of the path where the fire is on both sides of him, Funyon makes his announcement.

Funyon: And now, their opponents, at a combined weight of five hundred and seventy-six pounds...The Hville Thugg and El Luchadooooooorre Magnificooooooo!!

Upon hearing the announcement, HVT begins his slow descent to the ring, removing the towel from his head on his way down the ramp. The fire on the stage ceases as HVT approaches the ring, where he pauses, stopping right next to Magnifico. The Thugg looks down on the luchadore for a second, his face blank and emotionless...before extending his fist towards Magnifico, a slow grin creeping across HVT’s face. ELM, returning the grin, knocks Thugg’s fist with his own, showing a bit of team unity before the match begins.

Stevens: It looks like Thugg and Magnifico will have no problems getting along, but what about CIA and Mak? They have no experience tagging together, not to mention the fact that they shared a bitter, violent rivalry back in the SJL.

ELM breaks from his stance and slides into the ring, popping to his feet as Thugg climbs up onto the apron. HVT steps over the top rope and into the ring, staring a hole into CIA and Mak as Magnifico hands the ref his personal belongings. Seeing that everything is squared away, the ref signals for the bell, officially beginning the match to the delight of the crowd.

DING DING DING

Upon hearing the bell, both teams begin to debate as to who will begin the match. After a round of gesturing and arguing from both sides, ELM and Mak emerge from the corners, as they will be the two men to begin the match.

Riley: Hmph. Looks like we won’t be able to see CIA and ELM rip each other apart just yet. Oh well, there’s plenty of time left for that.

Stevens: What makes you so sure that CIA and Magnifico are so willing to betray their friendship and camaraderie just to beat the crap out of each other?

Riley: Frrriend...ship? Don’t use big words that nobody knows just to confuse people, Stevens.

As Thugg and CIA climb out to the apron, ELM and Mak begin circling each other around the ring, each man keeping his eyes locked on the other. Once both men are in arm’s reach of each other, they simultaneously lunge forward, locking up in the center of the ring. Magnifico and Francis push each other back and forth for a few moments before Mak takes control, pulling ELM into a headlock. Francis wrenches on Mag’s neck for a second, but the luchadore immediately pushes Mak from behind, forcing him out of the headlock and sending Mak rushing towards the nearby ropes. Francis bounces off of the ropes and charges back towards Magnifico, driving his shoulder forward as he does so and driving it into ELM’s chest with a Shoulderblock! Magnifico falls flat onto his back as Mak turns around and makes a break for the ropes behind him. As Francis bounces off of the ropes, Magnifico quickly rolls towards him, forcing Mak to leap over the rolling luchadore! Francis lands on his feet and continues running, bouncing off of the ropes once again as Magnifico pops back to his feet. Mak rushes back towards ELM, and as he approaches, the luchadore leaps into the air and extends his legs, looking to wrap them around Francis’ head for a Hurricanarana! However, Mak manages to duck beneath Magnifico’s legs and skid to a halt just as ELM is landing on his feet! Both men spin around to face each other, but Francis moves a little quicker, as he immediately delivers a stiff kick to Magnifico’s gut, doubling him over in the center of the ring! Mak then pulls ELM into a Suplex hold, before lifting the luchadore high into the air, looking to slam him into the mat with a Vertical Suplex! However, as Francis lifts, Magnifico twists out of his grip, spinning around in mid-air and landing behind Mak, facing the same direction as him! Wasting no time, ELM immediately traps Mak in a Waistlock before charging forward, pushing Francis in front of him like a cattle herder! Magnifico pushes Francis chest-first into the ropes, using the bounce-back to help him roll backwards, pulling Mak down with him and rolling him up into a pin! The crowd cheers the first pin of the match as the ref slides into position and begins counting...

ONE...

TWO-No! Francis forcefully escapes the pin, rolling away from Magnifico and springing to his feet as ELM does the same. As both men stand, they quickly assume tense fighting stances, ready for anything the other might throw at them. After a few seconds, they break the poses, receiving appreciative applause from the crowd for the preceding exhibition as they do so.

Stevens: Impressive display to start from Mak and Magnifico. Many people only see Francis as a mat wrestler and forget how agile he can be.

Riley: Well, maybe he oughta stick to the mat wrestling! Let Mag bounce around for a little while or whatever, then take his illegal immigrant ass down to the canvas and make him tap!

ELM and Mak once again begin circling each other around the ring, slowly moving closer and closer to one another as they approach the center. Magnifico lunges out to lock up, but Francis takes him by surprise by throwing his foot out, driving it into ELM’s gut! A few boos rise from the stands as a stunned Magnifico doubles over slightly, allowing Mak to pull his arm back, drive it forward, and...

SMACK!

WHOOO!

Mak rears back once more, drives his arm forward, and...

SMACK!

WHOOO!

Francis lands a second Chop, this time backing Magnifico up several steps and into the corner. Once ELM is leaning up against the turnbuckles, Mak grabs him by the arm, pulls him out of the corner, and whips the luchadore across the ring. Francis charges, tailing only a foot or two behind Magnifico as he approaches the corner. Unfortunately for Mak, ELM manages to leap onto the second turnbuckle as he approaches it, turns around and while jumping right back off, extends his arms and legs in mid-air and flys towards Mak with a Flying Cross-Body! Magnifico makes perfect contact with the Cross-Body, but as Mak and Mag fall to the ground, Francis manages to roll through, ending up on top as both men come to a halt! Francis immediately grabs Magnifico by the leg and stands up, trying to twist it around for some sort of submission! However, ELM lifts his other foot and plants it in Mak’s gut, before pushing outwards with both feet, sending Francis stumbling backwards across the ring and into the ropes! Magnifico pops up to one knee as Francis bounces off of the ropes and stumbles back towards the luchadore. As Mak approaches, ELM reaches up, grabs Francis, and pulls downward, grabbing Mak’s leg in the process and rolling him up with a Small Package Pin! The ref slides into position and begins counting as Mak struggles wildly to escape...

ONE...

TWO-No! Francis breaks out of the rollup and quickly pops back to his feet. Magnifico gets to his feet a second later, and Mak decides to greet him by slamming his fist into the luchadore’s side with a devastating Kidney Punch! Stunned and temporarily dehabilitated, Magnifico offers no resistance as Mak steps to the luchadore’s side and wraps his right foot around Magnifico’s left! Mak then grabs Magnifico by the shoulder and suddenly falls backwards, driving ELM’s back into the canvas with a Side Russian Leg Sweep! Francis immediately floats onto Magnifico for the pin, drawing a few boos from the crowd as the ref slides into position and begins counting...

ONE...

TWO...No! Magnifico kicks out at two and a half, drawing a small pop from the luchadore’s fans.

Stevens: Ouch! ELM gets off two quick rollups, only to fall prey to Mak’s Kidney Punch slash Side Russian Leg Sweep combo!

Riley: Ugh, I enjoy the combo itself, but can’t you shorten the name a bit? Try an acronym or something.

Stevens: Um, KPSRLS combo?

Riley: How do you pronounce that?

Stevens: The way it’s spelled.

Riley: Oh.

Mak rolls off of the luchadore and quickly climbs back to his feet, booting away at Magnifico’s side the seconds he stands. Magnifico fights through the boots to his kidney and begins struggling to his feet, only to have Mak grab him by the arm and jerk the luchadore upwards when he reaches one knee. Gripping Mag’s arm, Francis whips the luchadore across the ring, sending him rushing towards the far ropes. ELM bounces off of said ropes and dashes back towards Mak, and as he approaches, Francis takes a few steps towards the luchadore and drives his knee forward, slamming it into the side of Magnifico’s gut! ELM flips over Mak’s knee and crashes to the mat, holding his side and grimacing in pain. Francis delivers a few more stomps to Magnifico’s kidney for good measure, and then stomps over to his corner, tagging in CIA to a small pop from the crowd.

Riley: Yes!! Here it is, the moment that this “friendship” Stevens speaks of is destroyed in the favor of competition!

CIA turns to Mak, an unsure look on his face. Francis, annoyed, simply glares at CIA as he climbs out onto the apron. Finally, the Canadian turns towards Magnifico and climbs into the ring, making a beeline for the luchadore. As CIA approaches, he grabs Magnifico by the hair and slowly pulls him to his feet, the luchadore offering little resistance to the abuse. CIA then leads Magnifico over to the nearest corner before driving his head forward, slamming it directly into the top turnbuckle. ELM turns around and collapses against the corner as CIA grabs both of the top ropes and backs up a few steps. The Canadian then charges forward, slamming his head into Magnifico’s gut with a Mini-Spear! CIA repeats this process over and over, using the ropes to pull himself in and out! After landing about five spears, CIA backs off, allowing Magnifico to stumble drunkenly out of the corner. As ELM approaches, CIA grabs him around the waist and lifts the luchadore into the air, before flipping him over and slamming him into the ground with a Gutbuster! The fans cringe and boo a little as CIA immediately covers the luchadore, hooking the leg for effect as the ref slides into position and begins counting...

ONE...

TWO...No! Magnifico gets a shoulder up at two and a half, drawing relieved cheering from the crowd.

Stevens: Well, it appears that CIA won’t have any trepidation in competing with Magnifico.

Riley: Competing with? More like beating the crap out of, bub! It does my heart good to see goofy Carnies ripping each other apart!

CIA pushes himself off of the luchadore and quickly gets back to his feet, before turning towards his corner and heading over to it. CIA nonchalantly slaps Mak on the shoulder, tagging him in as the Canadian climbs out onto the apron. Francis looks at CIA disbelievingly and mumbles something under his breath as he climbs into the ring, where Magnifico is slowly climbing back to his feet, holding his side in pain. As Mak approaches, however, the luchadore suddenly lunges forward, slamming his fist into Francis’ gut! The stunned Francis doubles over slightly as Magnifico begins pounding away at his gut, desperately trying to fight back!

Stevens: And back comes the world champ!

Lunge after lunge, punch after punch, ELM makes his way back, pushing Mak closer and closer to the near right corner. With the crowd behind him, ELM jumps to his feet, pushes Mak against the corner, and whips him across the ring to the far left corner. Mak hits the turnbuckle with a thud, and ELM turns to run towards him. CIA considers grabbing Magnifico from the outside, but thinking twice about it gives the kooky luchadore time to sprint across the ring towards Francis.

Stevens: Here comes Magnifico!! He’s rolling!

Riley: CIA should have grabbed him! What kind of partner is he?!?

As he approaches, ELM leaps into the air for some sort of cross body, but at the last minute, Mak alertly dives out of the way, leaving Magnifico to crash head first into the turnbuckle.

Stevens: No! Francis moves…

ELM bounces straight up from the impact and turns around right into Francis’s grasp, who wraps the champ around the waist, lifts him up, and throws the luchador overhead with a Belly to Belly Suplex!!

Stevens: …and just that quickly Magnifico loses his advantage. It’s been tough going for the champion thus far in the match, and could really use a tag from Thugg right now.

Riley: And if I were Mak Francis, I’d do whatever it takes to keep the big lug there.

HVT begins slapping the turnbuckle to rev up the crowd as Francis floats over for the pin once again…

Stevens: This could be it right here!

ONE!

TWO!

THR….

Stevens: No! Magnifico gets the shoulder up! He really needs to get a tag very soon.

Francis slides off of the world champion confidently, grabbing him by the hair on his way up. He holds the champion for a second as he looks around to the rallying crowd, who has started up a “E-L-M” chant.

“E-L-M”

Mak Francis gives the crowd an arrogant glance as they cheer for their hero, and then grabs the exhausted world champion into a front face lock. A few choice words from the crowd only make them cheer louder for Magnifico, but Francis grabs ELM’s left leg anyway…

Riley: Ooo! Setting up for the Franchise Tag!!

Stevens: The Franchise Tag would be devastating right here! ELM would most certainly be finished!

With the fans screaming at the top of their lungs, Francis lifts ELM up in Suplex fashion, but as soon as Mak has him at the apex, ELM slides out of the hold, giving the fans a reason to explode. ELM flips his body so his feet hit the ground first, and the world champ hits the ground running. He bounces off the near ropes, and runs straight at Francis. Francis turns to find ELM upon him, but thinks quickly and tries to wrap up the former LHW champion. However, ELM is just too damn fast for him, and the Carnie jumps up, swings around the Franchise’s body, and drives his head to the canvas with a Tornado DDT that sends the crowd into a frenzy!

Stevens: What a counter by Magnifico!! He countered the Franchise Tag into a Tornado DDT!!

The DDT puts the Franchise down, but the beating his has received thus far has also left without a leg to stand on.

Stevens: But now both men are down, and both in desperate need of a tag.

Riley: Even though he just took that DDT, I have to think that Francis is in the better of the shape of the two.

The crowd really gets behind ELM once again, hoping their superface will arise first, and after a few seconds, they are rewarded, as ELM gets to all fours. Over in the far right corner, Thugg lunges over the ropes with his hand, hoping his partner can get the tag. ELM begins to slowly crawl towards the corner, while HVT steps on the bottom rope and start to clap his hands together, which in turn, causes the crowd to reach an un-fevered pitch.

Stevens: Magnifico is up!! And he’s real close…listen to this crowd get behind ELM! A tag here would be monumental right here!

ELM crawls closer and closer, and the fans are ready to erupt the second he makes the tag. One final lunge is all Magnifico needs to make the crucial tag…

Stevens: Here we go…

He lunges…

Stevens: NO!!! Francis grabs Magnifico from behind!!!!

Riley: NOW THAT’S FRANCHISABLE! What an alert play from Francis!

The fans let out a most disappointed “Ohhh” as Francis grabs ELM’s leg just before he makes contact with Thugg’s outstretched hand. ELM turns over onto his back as Francis drags him away from the corner. Quickly, Francis twists around ELM’s outstretched leg…

Stevens: Francis looking to lock on that Figure Four!

…but ELM takes his free leg before Francis can grab hold of it, and when Francis turns back to face the world champ, ELM drives his leg hard into Mak’s midsection!

Stevens: OH! OH!

The first boot stops the Franchise, a second boot stuns him, and a third boot knocks Mak Francis off! And then, with a final burst of energy…

SLAP!

Stevens: TAG!! TAG!! HE MADE THE TAG!!

Riley: Wow…what a mistake by Francis…going for the submission there.

The fans lose their minds as HVT steps over the top rope and into the ring, leaving ELM to rest in his own corner. HVT stomps over towards the rising Francis with the fans cheers at his back, and when Francis rises, HVT lands a hard right hand that knocks Francis off balance. Another right hands keeps Mak reeling, and a third knocks him into the near ropes.

Stevens: And here comes The Hville Thugg!!

Thugg whips Francis across the ring to the far ropes, where he bounces off, and head back for the waiting Thugg, where he is caught with a very stiff Powerslam!

Stevens: BOOM!! Powerslam by Thugg!!

CIA, seeing his chance at the tag title slip away, dives into the ring and takes a run at Thugg…not a smart move. CIA gets a full head of steam, and runs smack dab into HVT’s huge size 18 boot!!

SMACK!

Wasting no time, Thugg bounces off the left side ropes, rebounds, leaps in the air, and drops his huge thigh right on the neck of CIA!

Stevens: THUGG IS ROLLING! BIG BOOT…LEGDROP!! CIA AND MAK FRANCIS ARE IN BIG TROUBLE RIGHT NOW!

Thugg quickly gets to his feet and heads over to Francis, who makes it to his feet. He grabs the Franchise up, and quickly drives a thigh into his gut. Then, in a weird twist, Thugg ducks his head between Mak’s legs, and stands straight up, forcing Francis onto his shoulders. Thugg then walks over to the far right corner, where ELM stands atop the turnbuckle.

Stevens: Magnifico’s ready to fly!!!

ELM leaps from the turnbuckle and turns his body, meanwhile, HVT pushes Mak upwards and forwards. As Thugg ducks out of the way, ELM slams torso to torso into Mak Francis, causing Mak to fold and then both men crash to the mat, with ELM landing on top of Francis.

Riley: HOLY CRAP!

Stevens: What a move!! I don’t know what that’s called, but Thugg tosses Francis right into that hard Cross Body!! Francis got folded like an accordion!

ELM rolls on the mat holding his torso, and crawls out of the ring, landing on the floor with a deadening thud. Thugg uses this chance to score the victory, and he lies confidently on Francis, hooking the leg…

Stevens: THIS IS IT!! THUGG WITH THE COVER…

ONE!

TWO!

THREEEEEEEEE…

Stevens: THUGG GETS IT…NO! CIA BREAKS IT UP!!

Riley: Just in time too! That was damn close.

CIA’s axe handle to Thugg’s back may have broken the count, but it did nothing to slow Thugg down, who quickly leaps to his feet and stares angrily at the “other” Carnie. CIA backs up towards the near right corner as Thugg slowly walks towards him with a taste of venom in his mouth.

Stevens: He may have broken the count, but CIA is about to be in a world of hurt.

With his back against the turnbuckle, CIA desperately tries to keep Thugg from pounding him by throwing a hard right hand that lands square against the big man’s chin. Thugg’s head snaps to the side, but quickly snaps back, drawing a gasp from the crowd. Thugg grins in sinister fashion, shaking his head, and CIA knows his mistake immediately. HVT takes both hands and wraps them around CIA’s throat, and Canada’s favorite SWF superstar begins to turn beat red and gaps for air.

Riley: Oh come on!! That’s a blatant choke! Ref!

Riley’s wish is granted as the referee comes over and begins slapping Thugg’s arm, screaming for the big man to release the chokehold. Thugg releases the hold, but quickly takes a swipe at the ref…as swipe that misses, thank goodness. Thugg then grabs CIA and whips him across the ring to the far left corner, where CIA slams back first into the turnbuckle. HVT runs in quickly behind CIA, looking for the huge splash, but CIA alertly throws both of his feet in the air, and HVT unwisely runs face first into them.

Stevens: But be careful…CIA is a crafty character!

Slightly revived from his earlier punishment, Mak Francis decides it best for him to take a backseat for a moment, so he seeks solace in his own corner, while HVT turns his back to CIA and holds his chin from the blow. CIA, looking for anything to go on, takes off towards the near ropes, bounces off, and runs back towards Thugg. As Thugg is still shrugging of the boot to the face, he does not see CIA coming, so he is introduced to CIA’s forearm as the Carnie executes a Flying Forearm!

Stevens: Flying forearm from CIA, and back HE comes!

HVT staggers back from the blow, and the crowd actually starts to cheer CIA slightly as he attempts to topple the giant. CIA looks around for a moment, thinking about how to take the big man off his feet, and then runs back to the near ropes. He rebounds, runs at Thugg, and dives feet first at Thugg’s legs, landing a Low Dropkick to Thugg’s right knee! HVT grabs his knee and starts to hop around, which gives CIA the window he’s looking for. CIA bounces off the far ropes, jumps in the air, grabs on a rear facelock, and then drives HVT face first to the canvas with a huge bulldog that gets a serious pop from the crowd!!

Stevens: And he’s down!! CIA takes down the giant Thugg with a bulldog!! AND THE COVER!! COULD CIA ACTUALLY SCORE A PIN AGAINST THE HVILLE THUGG?!?

ONE!!

TWO…

Stevens: NO! Not even close…

Sure enough, the still relatively fresh Thugg shoots CIA into the air with a strong kick out, and quickly gets to his feet. CIA rises at the same time, and moves towards Thugg, but his quick punch is blocked and he is drilled with a hard right hand that sends him straight down to the mat. CIA jumps back up, but is drilled once more with another hard right from Thugg. And, for a third time, CIA jumps up, but goes back down from another right hand from Thugg. Thugg grabs CIA up and goes to whip the Canadian Intelligence Agent, but instead, pulls him back and drops him to the mat with a hard Shortarm Clothesline!

Riley: Well, looks like CIA’s run was shortlived…

Stevens: He better get something going soon…

Thugg grabs CIA up one more time, drags him over to the far right corner, and gives ELM, who made his way back over there several minutes ago, a slap on the hand. The crowd gives a good cheer as ELM slides back into the ring, and gives CIA a hard kick to the kidneys while Thugg holds them exposed.

Stevens: And Magnifico comes back in, and straight to work he goes.

Thugg steps back out of the ring, and ELM goes to work on his Carnie brethren. ELM delivers a few chops to CIA’s chest before pushing him against the far ropes and whipping him across the ring to the near left corner. CIA slams hard against his home corner and comes stumbling out. ELM takes a running start, bounces off the near ropes…but Mak Francis underhandedly grabs ELM by the hair and yanks him to the mat, where Mag’s head slams hard!

Stevens: OH! Francis! What a dirty move!

Riley: Hey…it’s tag team. He’s just doing whatever it takes to win…

CIA comes to his senses when ELM hits the canvas, and quickly goes to his tag partner wondering why he did such an underhanded move. Mak throws his hands up as if to say, “Hey, I’m just trying to win.”

Stevens: CIA does not look happy with his partner’s actions there, and he’s letting him hear it.

Riley: What an ungrateful partner…he should be happy.

While CIA reads Mak the riot act, ELM shakes the cobwebs loose, reaches up and grabs CIA by the waist. As he pulls CIA down for a School Boy roll up, CIA reaches his arms out to try and regain his balance. Francis seizes the chance and slaps CIA’s lower arm as he goes down.

Stevens: ELM with the roll up…NO! Francis made the tag! I don’t think Magnifico knows!

Riley: Now that’s smarts.

Instead of dropping down for the pin, the referee stands up and slaps his hands together to indicate a tag, however, ELM is unaware, which gives Francis the chance to jump in the ring and drive a hard boot to ELM’s head, forcing him to break the hold.

Stevens: Francis with a heads up move there! And now his team has the advantage because I still don’t think ELM knows about the tag.

Francis begins driving boots into ELM when HVT climbs in and makes a B-line for the Franchise. HVT reaches the action and drives a hard right into the side of Francis’s head…

Stevens: And now all hell is breaking loose in the ring!

Thugg scores with punch after punch on Francis, who accepts each one graciously. As CIA stands looking confused about what to do, HVT whips Francis to the left ropes, and upon return, HVT reaches down and presses him over his head. The crowd pops, thinking they will see the Last Stand, but instead, HVT walks over to the left side ropes and launches Francis over. Mak sails over the ropes and lands face first into the crowd barrier, causing a “HOLY SHIT” chant from the crowd.

Stevens: OH MY GOD! Thugg just threw Francis over the ropes all the way to the crowd barrier!! What strength! But, this match has just turned into a chaotic mess, and it looks like CIA doesn’t know whether to help his partner or go after ELM or what!

HVT slides to the outside after Francis, looking to inflict more damage, while ELM starts to get to his feet. As CIA watches on the outside, HVT drives boot after boot to the already damaged Mak Francis. The veteran ELM knows exactly what to do, so he jumps to his feet, turns back to back with CIA. The crowd goes nuts as ELM turns to the near left corner and drags CIA with him in that direction, which isn’t hard since he was already near it anyway.

Stevens: MAGNIFICO!! He could hit this!

ELM runs up the ropes, and as thousands of flashbulbs go off, ELM flips over CIA and drives his head to the canvas!!

Stevens: BAJA CALIFORNIA CRUSHER!! OH MY GOD, MAGINFICO HIT THE BAJA CALIFORNIA CRUSHER ON CIA…HIS FRIEND AND CARNIVAL MEMBER!!

Riley: Sadly, CIA isn’t even the legal man, so CIA just took that finisher in vain. I’m willing to bet he won’t be too happy with this in the morning.

The crowd goes semi-nuts as ELM turns CIA over onto his back, and shakes his head as if to say, “I’m sorry”. The cheers in the arena turn to unbelievable boos as ELM crawls atop his Carnie teammate for the cover, still unaware that CIA is not the legal man. The referee tries to tell ELM that CIA isn’t the legal man, but is interrupted when…

Stevens: GODDAMMIT!! IT’S TOM FLESHER!! WHAT’S HE DOING HERE?!?

The referee immediately goes to Flesher, who has jumped up on the apron, and starts to scream for him to get the hell out of there. Meanwhile, ELM, wondering why he hasn’t won, breaks his pin and scrambles to his feet. He sees Flesher and is immediately enraged. He goes after Flesher, but is blocked by the referee who is trying to restore order to the ringside area.

Stevens: Magnifico wants a piece of Flesher in a big way…

Riley: Yeah, he thinks Flesher just cost him the match, when, in fact, he didn’t…dumb immigrants.

It only gets worse for Magnifico, because as he tries to get to Flesher through the referee…

Stevens: JESUS CHRIST!! IT’S FROST!!!

Sure enough, Frost slides in from the other side of the ring, causing even more boos from the crowd. He runs straight at ELM, runs him into the referee, who ends up butting heads with Flesher. Flesher holds onto the top rope to keep from falling, but before the ref can gather himself, Tom grabs him by the head and jumps down to the floor, causing the ref’s throat to choke on the top rope!

Stevens: THAT DIRTY ROTTEN TOM! SON OF A BITCH!

Meanwhile, Frost stomps and stomps at ELM, and Tom soon enters and joins in. M7’s joy is short-lived as Frost goes flying aside from a hard punch from…

Stevens: THUGG!! IT’S THUGG…COMING TO HELP HIS PARTNER!

HVT slams a punch, knocking Frost away, and then does the same to Tom, who goes flying back into the ropes, which gives ELM the chance to get to his feet. The fans are at peek level as both HVT and ELM deliver punch after punch to their respective adversaries. They look at each other, and then grab their enemies, whip them towards the center of the ring, and Tom and Frost slam into each other!

Stevens: AND THIS CROWD IS GOING BONKERS!! THUGG AND MAGNIFICO WORKING TOGETHER TO DISPOSE OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN!!

HVT and ELM then look at each other once more, giving a nod of approval. Then, in the uproar of the crowd and flashbulbs going off everywhere, ELM stands back to back with Flesher while HVT slaps on a one-handed choke!

Stevens: YES! YES! YES!

Riley: THIS IS RIDICULOUS!! CONTROL! WE NEED SOME CONTROL!

The stage is set for double finishers and the fans are tearing the roof off the arena…

WHACK!!

Stevens: NO!! NO!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, NO!! IT’S PERFECT BO!!

Riley: YES!! JUSTICE!!

The sound of metal on bone has a ringing effect that is left marinating in the ears of everyone present, as Bo just nailed HVT square in the head with that steel chair! ELM stops in the middle of his run to the turnbuckle and heads straight at Bo to stop him…

WHACK!

Stevens: NO!! AND NOW MAGNIFICO!! THIS ISN’T RIGHT…THIS JUST ISN’T RIGHT!

Bo stands in the ring with the chair still in his hand, staring at the laid out Thugg and ELM. Tom and Frost bail out of the ring, followed closely by Bo just as both the referee and Francis are climbing in.

Stevens: OH COME ON!! PERFECT BO AND HIS STEEL CHAIR…

Riley: Too bad there’s no instant replay in wrestling…hahahahaha!

Mak seems confused as to who is the legal man, so in a ditch effort to win the match, Francis places one arm on both men…

Stevens: This is absurd!! No way! Uh uh! This isn’t happening!

ONE!!!

TWO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Riley: YES!!

DING DING DING

Funyon: Your winners…C-I-A AND MAK FRAAAAANNNNCCCCIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSS!!

“Down With The Sickness” hits the speakers and the fans scream for the blood the three men who caused this injustice. Tom and Frost backpedal up the ramp with their hands raised in victory, but Bo however, slides back into the ring just as Mak slides out.

Stevens: SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE AROUND HERE?!? THIS CANNOT STAND! CIA AND FRANCIS HAVE THE TAG TITLE SHOTS, BUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON SMARKDOWN?!? WILL MAGINIFICO SEEK REVENGE ON M7?? WILL THUGG GET HIS VENGEANCE AGAINST PERFECT BO?!? OH MY GOD…SO MUCH TO TAKE IN! WE’LL SEE YOU ALL ON SMARKDOWN!

A final image of Bo standing tall over Thugg and Magnifico is left to marinate in the viewers’ minds as Lockdown fades off the air.

January 14, 2003

SWF Lockdown Recap 1-13-2003...

Everybody read the whole show... right? RIGHT?

Start off with a mysterious promo... who is this ticked off guy?

New opening for a new show. Wow, whoever wrote that went all out.

Promo from a very annoyed Tod deKindes. Hey, you think he wants a title shot?

Annie E. over Xero to become the Hardcore Gamers Title #1 Contender (default)

Now a promo where Danny Williams beats the beejeebus out of a DDR machine! Oh, yeah, and Ced...

Thugg comes down to the ring and cuts a promo threatening Bo. Good thing Bo retired...

Stryke over X in X's return match (default)

Promo from the M7. Is Kibigami joining up? If he does, will he be Silent?

Danny Williams over Nathanial Kibigami to become #1 Contender to the ICTV Title. DDR machines beware. (default)

Another promo. This time, Thugg is talking on the phone, then runs into BO!!! Guess I was wrong about the retired thing.

Judge Mental over Michael Craven to become the Hardcore Gamers Champion. (Judge's match)

Tod is on the stick again, and he is really, really mad.

Mak announces his partner for the night (replacing Ced) is...

Frost over Alex Zenon to become the #1 Contender to the ICTV Title (default)

Mak Francis & CIA over El Luchadore Magnifico & H-Ville Thugg to become #1 Contenders to the Tag Team Titles. (Mak & CIA's match)

Now, Comment!!!!

SWF Lockdown! - Jan 13, 2003

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